I’ve been shooting the IDPA classifier a lot lately, and just had this thread pointed out to me, which contains some great tips on shooting this particular course.
Thoughts on the Ruger SR9c
I received a PM from a friend at the Indiana Gun Owners forum about how I’m liking the Ruger SR9c that I’ve been shooting in the Quest for Master Class at DownRange.TV (latest episode here). So far, I really like the Ruger SR9c – as I’ve said in all my pieces on DRtv, it’s easy to shoot, easy to conceal, and generally a good gun. But let’s look at some specifics about the little 9mm. 
First off, it’s not really a little gun, but it’s not a big gun either. In terms of size, it’s smaller than a Glock 19, but bigger than a Glock 26. That’s nice, because it has a little bit more gun to hold on to than a Glock 26 when you’re actually shooting the thing.
In terms of breakdown and cleaning, the Ruger comes apart very easily, except for one step – you have to push a little lever doohicky (that is a technical term) down with a pencil eraser or your finger, although I don’t recommend your finger. The Ruger SR9c has a slide that’s under a lot of pressure when held to the rear, and can create its own little version of M1-thumb if you use a digit to press the lever-doohicky down. Once that’s done, it’s a snap to field strip and clean the Ruger SR9c, which I’ve only done once so far. The gun has 556 rounds through it after 1 match and several runs through the classifier, and by the end of the month we’ll be over 1000 through the Ruger.
But you guys want to know how it shoots, don’t you? It shoots very well. I have not tested the gun’s mechanical accuracy by shooting groups from a rest, because this is a defensive pistol. I don’t honestly care if it shoots 1.5 inches at 25 yards using match ammo, because it’s obviously accurate enough to hit the 8 inch “-0” zone of an IDPA target at 20 yards. Speaking of accuracy, the sights are actually really good. While I’m not a fan of 3-dot sights in general, the actual sight picture that you get from the SR9c allows a lot of light to shine around the front sight post, which means making those hits on 20 yard targets is a lot easier.
I have had some problems though – on the last run through the IDPA classifier, I had several failures to feed with Remington 115gr FMJ ammo. Seeing as I have no problems with other types of ammo in the gun, and the Remy stuff seemed a little anemic, I’m going to call those ammo related for now. If I see malfunctions with other brands (once I shoot up the 750 rounds of Remy I have left) then we’ll get in to looking at the gun’s function. Overall, I’m very pleased with the gun. Sure, I’ve not shot it a whole heck of a lot, but we’re just getting started on this test. I’ve got lots and lots of bullets to run through this gun, and hopefully we’ll be able to put 5k rounds through it before October!
HK45 review
One of ToddG’s students has a review of the HK45 at Pistol-Training.Com. At the upcoming Aim Fast Hit Fast in Indy, I’ll also be shooting the HK45 instead of my usual heaters, which I’m pretty excited to do. I like guns in .45 ACP, and I’ve been looking for a good gun to shoot CDP and L10 with.
Gun Nuts Last Night: My Top Shot farewell
Don’t forget to check out last night’s episode of Gun Nuts Media, where we talked about my exit from Top Shot, the HAVA Charity Auction, and the fact that History is now casting for Top Shot Season 2! The episode is also available in portable .mp3 format or for our iPhone/iPod users it can be found on 
for your downloading ease! It was a great episode, and again I’d like to thank everyone for their support after my elimination and for listening and reading here at Gun Nuts. We have a lot of good things coming, so keep it here!
Links:
Quest for Master Class – Speed Classifier
Last week, we shot the IDPA classifier for accuracy, and finished with a respectable score of 114 seconds and change. This week, we’re going for pure speed. Watch the video and check out the article at Downrange.TV’s Quest for Master Class!
History Channel now casting for Top Shot Season 2
So, internet – do you have what it takes to hang with the best marksmen (and women) in American in Season 2 of Top Shot? The show has been such a success that History has given the greenlight for a second season – and now it’s your turn to try out. Here are the details:
HISTORY CHANNEL SEEKING MARKSMEN FOR SEASON 2 OF TOP SHOT!
If you are skilled with a pistol, rifle or any other firearm, you could win $100,000 in prizes on season 2 of History Channel’s hit competition show TOP SHOT. Producers are looking for anyone with mind-blowing shooting skills and a big personality to take on exciting physical challenges with multiple guns and mystery projectile weapons.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a professionally trained shooter or a self-taught, average Joe (or Jane!). As long as you’re in good physical shape, have mastered a firearm and can adapt to new weapons and demanding physical situations, you could be America’s next “Top Shot.”
APPLY TODAY!
To apply, email [email protected] with your name, city/state, phone number, a recent photo of yourself and a brief explanation of why you should be on the show. Deadline to apply is August 12, 2010. For more information, visit www.pilgrimfilms.tv and click on “CASTING” or call 818-478-4570 for more information.
* Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, a resident or citizen of the United States and reasonably proficient with shooting and marksmanship
This is your chance! I had a blast filming Top Shot, and I believe that anyone that has seen the first season and is interested in taking a run at the show should try out for it. It was a tremendous experience, and you should give it a try!
Youth education summit kicks off!
At NRA Headquaters, the Youth Education Summit – getting the real next generation of gun nuts involved in the fight – has kicked off. NRA Blog has details and photos!
I am truly at a loss for words
Thank you to everyone for the words of support and encouragement yesterday after my elimination from Top Shot! I wish I had the words to express how touched I am. Thank you all, very much.
I do have a request though – let’s ease up on the personal attacks on Adam Benson. Regardless of how you may or may not feel about his actions, Gun Nuts is not a place for name calling and insults. I didn’t want to do it on the show, and I certainly don’t want to see it happen here.
Thanks again everyone for your support!
2nd HAVA Charity Auction item available!
The 2nd auction in the HAVA Charity auction is officially up and running! Click here to bid on the Mossberg 590A1 12 gauge shotgun!
