Favorite Pistol Brand

Cruise the internet boards and you’ll find rabid supporters of just about every brand of handgun available. While every make (and model) has its fans, the highest levels of support I observe by brand are Glock, Sig, H&K, and CZ (in no particular order).  Of note is that while CZ is very popular online in forums, I don’t observe nearly as many in my local shops or at the range.  They appear to enjoy more of an “enthusiast’s” following vs. the mass market following of other brands such as Glock.

Someone asked me awhile back if I have a favorite brand.  Well, my answer is not necessarily.  I have favorite models that span many brands, but I’m not necessarily “loyal” to any one brand for my semi-autos.  I currently own Beretta, Glock, Walther, CZ, Sig, Browning/FN, Springfield Armory, Kimber, and STI.  I have owned EAA, Taurus, Llama, and some others.  Now, if you’re talking revolvers, I am pretty much a S&W guy (but note that I prefer 70′s and early 80′s manufactured Smiths and refuse to buy one with the safety hole).

If I had to pick a favorite semi-auto brand overall, I believe it would be Beretta.  While the Beretta 92 enjoys a large following, I find that Beretta itself isn’t quite as large of a following online as some other brands.  I believe this is because Beretta doesn’t offer the sheer volume of different models as some other manufacturers.  When you get down to it, Beretta mainly pushes the 92fs and PX4 models as their two primary offerings.  Both are fine pistols, and I own both.

I enjoy Beretta because their pistols just feel smooth to me, like very well engineered machines with components and slide and click into place like they should.  It’s hard to describe, but next time you’re in a shop work the slide on a 92fs and you might see what I mean.

Glocks: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em

Glocks seem to be some of the most polarizing firearms in today’s world.  When they first hit the market in the mid 80′s, they caused a panic due to their polymer construction.  The movie “Die Hard 2″ didn’t help, referencing the “Glock 7″ which was supposedly made of porcelain and could escape metal detection at airports.  For the record, the “Glock 7″ doesn’t, and never did, exist.  But people believed it because isn’t Hollywood always right?  I mean, they wouldn’t talk about it in a movie if it wasn’t true!

Anyway, fast forward to 2012.  Glocks are some of the most prolific firearms on the planet. Since their initial introduction, other designs have come along that are likely just as capable and, some would argue, superior in design and function (and, many excellent designs pre-date the Glock that some feel are superior as well).  However, the Glock still maintains a large following and base of users for many reasons.  Some of these include the Glock’s inherent dependability and simple manual of arms.  Some are due to Glock’s marketing and distribution channels.  Others are due to the Glock mystique.  And, of course, many people just like them more than other handguns.

My personal opinion is this:  Glocks are great pistols that admirably perform the function for which they were designed.  They are durable, reliable, easy to operate, and reasonably accurate in relation to other modern handgun designs.  However, they are not the only pistols that will work for the individual user looking for a polymer framed, striker fired pistol.  Other just as capable, if not possibly superior, designs exist.  Some of these include the Walther PPQ, Smith & Wesson M&P, Springfield Armory XD, Ruger SR series, etc.  Open it up to include DA/SA pistols, and suddenly you’re also talking about the Beretta 92fs, Sig P226, FN FNX, CZ-75, etc.  And what about the 1911, a SA design that dates back to over 100 years ago?  Many feel it is still a superior combat arm that takes a back seat to no one.

Realize that I am NOT saying one is “better” than the other.  But what I am saying is that an individual Glock is not necessarily superior to an individual sample of another pistol.  However, many people get caught up in “Glock Perfection,” the company’s tagline that has taken hold with fans of Glock pistols.  And, due to the Glock’s iconic history, many people new to shooting flock to the Glock simply because of the brand name.  The fact that so many law enforcement agencies use Glock is a testament to their reliability and outstanding reputation.  But, understand that while it demonstrates that Glocks are great weapons chosen by many who rely on them for their lives, they may not necessarily be superior weapons to designs not as prolific.  An agency’s adoption of a sidearm involves more than just “this gun is better than that gun.”  Factors such as budget, distribution channels, parts  support, trade in/upgrade  programs, ease of training, sales relationships, etc. all come into play as well.

I own a Glock and enjoy shooting it.  I do not enjoy it as much as some other pistols I own, and it is not my favorite by any stretch of the imagination.  It is a capable handgun that admirably performs the function for which it was designed, and for that reason I appreciate  having it as part of my collection.

If you’re willing to enjoy some offbeat humor at the expense of Glock, check out the link below:

Every Game Not a Win

Went to the range to do some pistol shooting on Friday after what felt like an eternity.  In actuality, it had only been around three weeks, but as I’ve been shooting more this year three weeks seems like a long time.

For this trip, I decided to make good on my idea of getting some more time behind the XD-40.  I had recently spent some trigger time behind the Glock 22, my other .40, and wanted to refresh my memory on the XD.  Also, as “control” guns, I brought along the Beretta 92fs and the Walther PPQ.  These pistols have both received a fair amount of trigger time this year, so I can tell what kind of a day I’m having by how I shoot these two.

In short, Friday wasn’t a raving success.  It started off “okay,” with some groups at 10 yards a little wider than I would have expected.  Moving to 50 ft, groups were off.  I shot low with both the Beretta and PPQ, a sign that I’m anticipating the trigger release.  And, while the XD-40 felt good, I know I pulled a couple shots.

My issues on Friday weren’t related to guns, ammo, or environment; they were all “me.”  I felt rushed, scurrying around to find my brass as quickly as possible, reload mags, and shoot. I only had 30 minutes which thew me off.  I also didn’t feel comfortable.  Looking back, I’m wasn’t focused enough on trigger mechanics and comfortable shooting technique; I was focused on getting in and out in 1/2 hour.

So, no real conclusive insights from my time with the XD besides the fact that I was rusty and rushed.  I did manage to squeak out a decent 10 yard group with the XD as shown below.  It’s not conclusive evidence of this pistol’s performance vs the others, but I did shoot better with the XD than the other pistols.  But, again, not indicative of anything really.  More to come when I have at least 31 minutes at the range.

XD-40, 5 shots, 10 yards.  Unsupported Weaver stance.  .75″ group.  I’m confident I’ll turn in a .30″ group from this pistol soon.

Garands: Get Them While You Can

One of my earlier blog entries (around Jan. 29, I believe) was on the subject of my M1 Garand.  A wonderful rifle, my M1 was purchased through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) for a little more than $600.  At a retail shop, this same Garand in this condition would have a price close to or even over $1,000.

Gunsamerica had a great blog post in the CMP, Garands, and how these guns will not be around forever.  If you have ever wanted to own one, now is the time to get it done.  Wait even 6 – 8 months and you may not be able to take advantage of the CMP’s great program for getting Garands to the public.  Here’s a link to the article:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/buying-m1-garands-from-the-us-government-cmp/

There are many ways to fulfill the CMP’s requirements.  For example, I fulfilled mine by having a C&R FFL license (available to just about anyone for $30 for 3 years) and by joining the Illinois State Rifle Association online.  Not much effort, and the C&R pays for itself in discounts through major distributors such as Graf & Sons and Brownells.

Here’s a link to the CMP’s M1 Garand sales page.  Don’t wait, click on it now and put the wheels in motion.  You will NOT regret owning a genuine M1!

http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/m1garand.htm

New Trap Gun: Smoke ‘Em if You Got ‘Em

It’s trap season again.  I enjoy the informal league I’m in; we have a lot of fun, none of us are that great, but we do get a little competitive once in awhile.  I’ve been shooting trap with my 28″ Charles Daly (by Marocchi) Diamond III.  While it’s a great gun, I’ve been wanting something with a longer barrel in more of a trap configuration.

Initially, I thought I wanted a single shot trap gun.  But, those are expensive.  And, if I show up with some fancy single shot people will expect great results…. which I am not prepared to deliver.  However, I did get to shoot a round last year with a friend’s 30″ 870 Wingmaster and seemed to do fairly well.  While most trap enthusiasts gravitate toward other action styles, a good pump gun with the proper configuration will shoot just as well as any other gun in the right hands.  Well, the past week or so I’ve been thinking of picking one up so I’ve researched different models, prices, etc., and found that the 12 gauge Remington 870 TC Trap from the late 80′s/early 90′s seemed to be what I was looking for.  It has some unique features:  ”C” grade fancy wood, a straight comb buttstock, raised rib, extended long forearm, and overbored target barrel.  Plus, I’ve heard the triggers on these guns received special attention from the Remington factory 20 years ago.

I found one of these guns for auction and, for a very, very reasonable price, picked one up as the auction winner only minutes ago.  The gun has all the features noted above, and comes with the original factory Remchoke tubes that were designed specifically with this gun’s overbore and tapered constriction in mind.  Plus, this gun already has the white front bead that I prefer on shotguns.  Pics of the actual gun are shown above.

I don’t have the gun yet.  In fact, I just won the auction a few minutes ago.  It won’t even be here in time for my trap shoot this weekend.  However, I’m pretty excited about having a “new to me” dedicated trap gun that will show everyone else that when I miss my clays,  I miss them in style!

Gimmie Two Forties!

At another point in my life, this would have meant something entirely different.  Let’s just say that college students will drink just about anything as long as it’s cheap and, well, cheap.  However, these days I’m talking about my XD-40 and my G22.  This is not a range report, but I will spend some trigger time with both soon.  This is a Sunday “feel like making a post” evening, so figured I’d do a little write-up of these two pistols.

First, the XD-40.  I’ve had this for around five years and it’s an outstanding pistol.  At the time, I wanted a polymer .40 as an all-around defensive weapon.  I looked at the Glock 22, the XD-40, the Beretta PX4 Storm, and the FN FNP.  The XD, at least the particular specimen I saw, had an incredibly smooth pull with 100% even pressure throughout, leading to a crisp break after 4.25 lbs. of pressure. Of course, that’s the one you see in the image above.  Surprisingly, this pistol has been one of the most consistently accurate handguns I own.  I attribute that to the smooth trigger that gives me no clue as to when it’s about to break.  It has a great ergonomics and is a joy to shoot as well.

The Glock 22 is a pistol that followers of my blog know I picked up around a month ago.  It’s a Glock, which means that it has a little more aggressive of a grip angle and the ergonomics are, in my hands, a little blocker than the XD.  Trigger isn’t bad, but the pull becomes a little stiffer before it breaks after around 5.5 lbs. of pressure.  I’ve only had it out once to the range, and it was a fun pistol to shoot.  However, I’ll be interested to see how it does against the XD.  My guess is it won’t be quite as accurate, but will hold its own.

The XD has been my “nightstand” gun for quite awhile.  However, the G22 is going to make its rotation for a bit.  The G22 has night sights whereas my XD does not.  And, the G22′s stiffer trigger isn’t a bad thing in my mind for a defensive weapon.

Stay tuned for a range report where both go head to head.  Not sure what I’ll title that… maybe “Tupperware Showdown?”

New Tech vs. Old Tech: PPQ and Blackhawk Face Off

As many of you who follow my blog are well aware, I’ve developed a severe case of “PPQitis” as of late.  I seem to take this gun to the range with me on every trip, and am now convinced that it really will make my whites whiter and my teeth cleaner.

The PPQ is, at this point in time, the most consistently accurate autoloading pistol in my collection.  However, I have always felt I shoot better with a revolver than any self-shucker.  A fellow poster on the Walther forum got me thinking of a fun little test:  why not run the PPQ head to head with one of my wheelguns and see which is truly the best in my hands?

The PPQ was a given because, well, it’s the first up and best dressed of the slide guns.  But, which revolver?  I own three: a S&W 6″ 686, a S&W 4″ 67, and a Ruger Blackhawk 50th Anniversary .357.  While all are accurate, the Ruger has a trigger that can’t be beat (with a common little spring modification the pull is down to 2.5 pounds and crisp as a November morning).  And, it’s showed some remarkable accuracy during a couple range trips last year.  So, I figure, why not pick the old single action and pit it against the new polymer wonder?

I only had 30 minutes at the range today, so I had to move somewhat quickly through the session.  Mind you, I never claim to be a great shot.  Many are better than I.  But, I will say that when I look at the average range shooter’s targets next to mine, I usually don’t have a lot to be ashamed of.  My overall message is that better shooters will get more out of these guns than I.  However, my intent is to not show what a gun can do in a mechanical rest, but rather what they do in my hands.  All shooting was conducted unsupported using a two-hand grip (isosceles stance was the name of the game today).

Here’s what the Ruger and the PPQ did from 10 yards.  All groups were 5 shots each.  The Ruger’s will be easy to spot; I was using wadcutters (.38 special) so they look as if they were hit with a paper punch.

The Ruger delivered an average of 1.56″ groups, and the PPQ was an average 1.84″.  I will say the PPQ was definitely thrown off with one flyer I made in the upper right group; the flyer actually ended up on the top of the lower right target.  Regardless, the Ruger’s groups were consistently tighter… but not by much.

Next, I shot each handgun a total of 10 times at a single target from 50 feet.  Here’s what happened.

Both pistols performed admirably.  10 shots from the Ruger landed in a 5″ space.  10 shots from the Walther delivered an 8.25″ group.  But, remember… 10 shots, not five.  And You’ll notice I had a couple fliers with the Walther.  Not the gun’s fault, but they were there expanded the size of the group.

Finally, I shot each handgun five times at 25 yards.

The Ruger once again came out on top.  Well, in this case, it dominated.  4″ group at 25 yards vs. the PPQ’s 8″ group.  Of course, with the PPQ, I had a flyer but it still counts as part of the group size.  Notice that, just for fun, the Ruger decided to punch a couple holes in the center X… just to prove a point (“How ya like them apples, Walther?”).

Both of these pistols are spectacular and a blast to shoot.  The Ruger is a 50th Anniversary Blackhawk, meaning it has a frame size more similar to the original Blackhawks vs. the current production models.  The PPQ is, of course, one of my favorites.  But the results were clear:  in my hands, if I had to put the money on one shot in the “X” ring, I would open the loading gate, put one round in the Blackhawk, and hope for a steady hand and a little (well, a lot of) luck.

Shooting is so fun.  Thanks for reading!