Ruger

The Truth about the Ruger SR40

Posted on by Caleb

Is that it just plain works.  This past weekend I ran the brand new SR40 through Insight Training Center’s Intensive Handgun Skills class, where I fired exactly 1402 rounds of BVAC .40 S&W ammo.  The basics of the gun are pretty simple – it’s an SR9 upgraded to fire .40 S&W ammo.  The sights, trigger, safety, and all the other features are exactly what you’d expect to see on an SR pistol, but the hole at the business end is a bit bigger.  The SR40 ships with 2 15 round magazines; initially loading the 15th round in the magazine was a bit problematic, but after several loadings and reloadings it’s since broken in to where it’s easy.  For me it’s not really a problem since I plan on running this gun in Limited-10 and ESP, which limit my mags to 10 rounds anyway.

Like the rest of the SR series, the SR40 has great ergonomics.  It sits easily in the hand, and the low bore axis makes soaking up .40 S&W a generally comfortable experience.  It has the same factory sights as the SR9 and SR9c, which feature 3-dots and that unusual rounded profile.  Honestly, since I use the drive the dot technique when I’m shooting 3-dot sights it’s not really a big deal; and it is nice to have a fully adjustable sight on a pistol.  That being said, I am likely going to order a set of the Novak SR sights for this gun just to see how they compare to what I’m currently running.  The other features are the same, the magazine disconnect is still there as well as the thumb safety that’s also on the SR9c and the SR9.  More on the thumb safety in a bit.

The biggest difference is that the SR40 is just a hair wider than the SR9.  I ordered a Comp-Tac paddle holster designed for the SR9 for my SR40, and I had to open up the retention screws as loose as they’d go to get the SR40 to slide smoothly in and out of the holster the same way my SR9c does in its Comp-Tac paddle.  Make sure you check the fit of your holster if possible before ordering SR9 sized holsters for the SR40.

The most important feature in a competition gun is the trigger – and after running the trigger for over 1400 rounds and several hundred dry-fire reps I can objectively say that it’s a fine trigger.  I don’t expect the triggers on polymer pistols to feel like a tuned 1911 trigger out of the box, and the SR40 trigger, much like the SR9c trigger is about 6 lbs with a bit of pre-travel and a superbly positive reset.  I was running .19 splits during class on 7 yard drills to the A-zone, and that’s in part due to the short and positive reset on the SR40.  This was with USPSA Major loads – 180 grain JHPs at around 950 FPS, nothing to laugh at.  I’m considering building one of the SR40 pistols I have in to a dedicate Limited-10 gun, and while I’d remove the magazine disconnect I wouldn’t do anything to the trigger other than that.  I did have the chance to compare the SR40’s trigger to a Gen4 Glock 17, and the SR40 was lighter, smoother, and had a more positive reset.

There is one feature I don’t like about the SR40 however, and that’s the safety.  On the SR9/c, the safety isn’t bothersome.  I did notice after high round count practice sessions with the 9mm that the safety would raise a small blister on my strong hand thumb.  It wasn’t that big a deal, as 9mm even in the compact gun doesn’t have enough snap in the recoil impulse to really dig in.  On a .40 however, even one as lightly recoiling as the SR40 there is enough recoil impulse for that safety to bite.  After about 500 rounds on the first day, I had a cut on my hand which necessitated wearing a bandage for the duration of the class.  After 1400 rounds…well let’s just say that I’m not a huge fan of the location of the safety.  For my Limited-10 build, I’ll probably see if I can’t have the left side of the safety lever removed from the gun.  The fact is though that the safety probably won’t be an issue for most people; even 200 rounds with this gun isn’t going to bother you significantly.

Bottom line?  I like the SR40.  I like it as much as I like my SR9c, which I quite honestly really like.  I came to these tests with Ruger’s SR guns not knowing what to expect, and as someone that shoots a lot of rounds, I’m actually quite happy to say that I’m really pleased with how these guns have been performing.  They’ve gone through major matches, serious classes, and a lot of rounds without encountering any significant issues that weren’t ammo or user related.

At the price point the Ruger series sells for, it’s a great bargain for someone looking for a defensive, carry, or even as we’re showing on the Quest for Master Class a competition firearm.

Uncategorized

What is the world coming to?

Posted on by Caleb

THEN, after practice he tells the kids (10 to 12 year olds playing in a recreation league the parents pay for) they would have to choose between basketball and deer hunting.

I’m not a hunter, which is something to bear in mind as I write this, but at the same time I have a deep respect for the American Hunting Tradition. When I lived in Indiana, the first day of deer season was a big deal for a lot of local families, with kids taking the day off from school in many cases to hunt with their fathers. I’m certain that it’s the same in many other states, especially West Virginia where Richard is from – to say to kids playing in a rec league that they have to choose between basketball and hunting with their fathers is culturally insensitive and borderline stupid.

We’re taught now to respect people’s traditions and cultural values – but I guess for some people a practice that predates the existence of our nation isn’t a cultural value that’s worthy of respect, and that’s just too bad. This is why even though I’m not a hunter I support NRA, NSSF, and other organization’s efforts to continue the hunting tradition. Even as the number of hunting licenses decreases in the country as we get more urbanized, I believe that the outdoor experience and the familial bonding activity of hunting is tremendously valuable and something that’s worth preserving.

Colt/Crimson Trace/Gunsite

Colt Match Target Rifle

Posted on by Caleb

The main rifle that I shot while I was at Gunsite a couple of weeks ago was the Colt Match Target rifle.  The Match Target comes in a variety of flavors, the one I shot is the Match Target M4, the model number is MT6400R.  The MT M4 comes from the factory with the following features:

  • 16 inch barrel
  • flat top monolithic upper
  • pinned compensator (although future models will lose this feature)
  • fixed M4 style stock (which can be unpinned and changed to a collapsible stock)

The gun had an excellent trigger, and was generally quite pleasant to shoot.  One thing I noticed was the compensator was really effective in rapid shots, despite the relative light weight of the rifle.  Here’s the Colt Match Target in action at Gunsite – in the video, one of the guys from Crimson Trace is running the rifle with the iron sights flipped down, using only the new green AR laser that Crimson Trace.  The laser was easily visible even in broad daylight.

Colt is very serious about getting back in to the civilian market in a big way. You’ll soon see their rifles that used to only be available to Colt Defense made available to the general public and distributors again, which I think is a huge step in the right direction. The Match Target is currently available, and I personally liked the one I ran that I’ll definitely be buying one from Colt.

Also, check out friends at Crimson Trace for more info on the MVF-515 in green.

Sig Sauer

Sig E2 Promotion

Posted on by Caleb

Do you have a Sig Sauer P226 or P229?  Sig is now offering a special promotion to upgrade your existing Sig 226 or 229 to the new E2 enhanced grip for only $99.  Also, if you’d like to upgrade your pistol with Sig’s SRT (Short Reset Trigger) that can be done for an additional $49.  So for less than $150, you can have your Sig P226 upgraded to the new ergonomic grip and have one of the best DA triggers on the market put in the gun.

Sig is only accepting orders for the upgrade via the phone, so you’ll need to call their customer service line at (603) 772-2302 to set up getting your gun shipped to them for the custom work.  I’ve not personally shot one of the E2 guns, but just holding one at NRAAM 2010 made me want to head out and buy one; so being able to upgrade an existing gun is actually a pretty good deal.

Smith & Wesson

Nevada DPS and Nebraska State Troopers adopt M&P-15

Posted on by Caleb

From the S&W press release:

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 22, 2010) — Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: SWHC), parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 158-year old company in the global business of safety, security, protection and sport, announced today the Nevada Department of Public Safety (DPS) has chosen to equip its officers with new patrol rifles from Smith & Wesson. The Nevada DPS has received 500 M&P15X tactical rifles to complete the agency’s full conversion to the new Smith & Wesson firearms. Nevada DPS joins a number of law enforcement agencies that have converted to Smith & Wesson tactical rifles, including the Nebraska State Patrol, which also recently selected duty rifles from the Company’s M&P Series.

Nevada DPS

During the department’s selection process for a new patrol rifle, the Nevada DPS made a decision to change from the individual authorized carry program to a single operating system and platform for all of its officers. The Nevada DPS tested several manufacturers’ rifles during the evaluation period and ultimately selected the Smith & Wesson M&P15X tactical rifle. Officials indicated that the M&P15X was standard with several of their preferred features including a quad-rail forend for multiple accessory attachment points, a folding battle sight and a gas operated system.

Along with the 500 M&P15X rifles, Smith & Wesson provided the Nevada DPS with a training and armorers course package. As the department continues its full conversion over to the new Smith & Wesson rifles, officers will complete a certification course before being issued the new patrol rifle.

Nebraska State Patrol

After an extensive testing and evaluation period that involved eight different firearm manufacturers and 17 different submissions, the Nebraska State Patrol decided to equip its officers with M&P15 tactical rifles. During the review period, the Nebraska State Patrol acknowledged the M&P15 rifle for its accuracy, high quality components, and ability to operate reliably throughout frequent firing. The department also noted that the semi-automatic rifle was fully supported with training and attentive customer service from Smith & Wesson.

Smith & Wesson recently completed shipments of 475 M&P15 rifles to the Nebraska State Patrol. Officers have completed certification courses and the M&P15 rifle is currently in service.

“The decision by both the Nevada DPS and the Nebraska State Patrol to convert to our M&P15 rifles continues to reinforce the positive reputation that these firearms have earned with police forces throughout the United States,” said Leland Nichols, Vice President of Global Sales for Smith & Wesson. “Today, we offer over 16 variants of the M&P15 rifle, each designed with a specific set of features needed to address different military and law enforcement requirements. Much like the success that the M&P pistol has achieved, the M&P Rifle Series is clearly winning the confidence of law enforcement officers.”

Uncategorized

Free Ammo Black Friday

Posted on by Caleb

Black Friday at Norpoint Range is now set up on Facebook.  Check out the event page for info on the free ammo event at Norpoint Range in Arlington, Washington.  We’re going to have free 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP ammo for people that decide they’d rather shoot than shop on Black Friday.

Personally, I can’t think of a better day to hit the range, so if you’re up by the outlet mall near the Tulalip Casino, head up I-5 just a little bit to get to Norpoint Shooting Center, drop a couple of bucks on a lane fee and then shoot ammo provided by Cheaper than Dirt!  I’ll personally be on hand as well to hand out ammo, shoot a little bit myself, and provide basic firearms instruction to anyone that’s interested.

So some out this Friday!  I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Colt/Gunsite

Over 80,000

Posted on by Caleb

Speaking of round count, have you ever wanted to see what the slide and frame of a Colt 1911 look like after they’ve had more than 80,000 rounds fired through it?  So did I, then 2 weeks ago when I was Gunsite, they took one of their rental guns apart to mount some Crimson Trace laser grips on it; and I got to see for the first time.

Colt has made a special Gunsite 1911 for some time now, which is essentially a 1911 built to what I’d imagine Jeff Cooper would like to see (with the possible exception of the extended thumb safety).  Gunsite has used these guns as rentals for people taking their classes, and this particular specimen was getting ready for retirement after 80,000 rounds.

As you can see, it’s in pretty good shape.  80,000 rounds of .45 ACP is a serious number, and the gun while showing obvious signs of wear and hard use was still perfectly functional.  Keeping up on regular maintenance over it’s career prevented excessive wear and tear on the pistol, and the finish has simply worn to what I like to refer as a “well-used shade of awesome”.

Countless reps in and out of a holster have worn the slide’s finish as well, although you can still read the Colt marks, and the Gunsite logo stands out on the slide just fine.  The Novak sights are in good shape, and in general other than being dirty there isn’t anything about this gun that’s “bad”.  Change the springs out, and I’d take it out and shoot it.

ammo

Over 10,000!

Posted on by Caleb

That was close!  With all the downtime I’ve had this year, I was worried that I wasn’t going to crack the 10k round count mark; but here it is the week before Thanksgiving, and thanks to the two classes I took back to back this past two weekends I’m finally over 10,000 rounds for the year.  Sure, that’s not a lot compared to what some of the top pros shoot, but it feels good to make it over that hill, especially since I shot considerably more than that last year.

The gun that has absorbed the largest portion of that round count has been the Ruger SR9c; which continues to tick on and on, although I might need to order a new recoil spring for it as it’s now over the 5,000 round mark.