Author: r2kba.patriot

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1911 45ACP 9mm extractor FTE FTF HTP light strikes Remington

Metro Arms 1911 Fixed, 1911 Trigger Pull Issue

I went to the range for a quick visit today. I brought two 1911s this time:  my RIA midsized 1911 in 9mm and the Metro Arms AC Commander 45.

The first thing I did was fire 50 rounds from the 1911 that was a solid shooter (the 9mm)…it ate all the ammo without issue, but at first I was shooting very low left with it as well.  See the picture’s captioning.

I started at the left corner, then went to the right corner, then stopped because I wasn’t hitting point of aim (the red).  When I did very slow trigger pulls when aiming at the center target, I hit point of aim.  I’m having issues with the 1911 trigger…it wasn’t the Metro Arms that was the issue.  That was at 7 yards.

I then began to focus on my trigger pull. I still had trouble trying to figure out which part of the finger to use, but I found that if I shot slowly, I was dead-on. I went through most of a box of ammo pretty much hitting point of aim. It’s an issue of me not being used to the trigger mechanics of a 1911.

I also had two light strikes, which was weird…I’ve not had such issues before.  They both fired when I reloaded them into the mags.

Ammo was Remington UMC 115-grain FMJ.

I then went to my trouble-maker 1911. I had no issues aiming after my 50-round session with the 9mm 1911, although my hands were sweaty and I ended up using gloves.

This is MUCH better than my last range visit, when I was hitting very low left and not being even close to center target.

I also shot 49 rounds of Geco 230-grain FMJ without ANY feed/extract issues. There was 50 in the box…yeah, I had one issue where the round didn’t extract (this is a first…this gun has an exclusive history of not feeding properly). But one in 50 is NOT bad, especially when I was having feed issues several times (ie, 2-3) with each magazine. I think the extractor needs to be replaced, but the tuning I did on it helped a LOT!

So, I’m glad I sorted these issues out.  I think I’ll put the 1911s away for a while, because they don’t shoot like my other guns and I don’t want my muscle memory getting mucked up.

Oh yeah, I decided to shoot some extra ammo I had sitting around (Remington HTP 147-grain JHP subsonic).  I shot 50 rounds of it through my Grand Power P11.  The P11 did NOT like that ammo at all.  There were lots of failures to return to battery, so much that I was hitting the back of the slide almost as much as I was pulling the trigger.  I thought that HTP wouldn’t be as bad as UMC…I was wrong.  I need to remind myself to not shoot Remington out of the Grand Power.  EVERY time I do, I’m disappointed.

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1911 extractor fail to feed feed ramp range visit recoil spring SP2022

Bersa Thunder 380 Plus Listings; Metro Arm 1911 Woes

I’ve had several people reach out to me asking about where to find good-priced Bersa Thunder 380 Plus models.  Here are some:

All of those are listed on Gun Broker.  There were at least 7-10 of them listed, but most were over-priced.  I only listed those that were under MSRP, but I did list the Combat Plus because many people are asking where to find those models and supply is scarce.

Also, a few weeks ago, I ended up taking my Metro Arms 1911 (the American Classic Commander, specifically) and my Sig SP2022 9mm to the local range.

I also ended up putting 50 rounds of American Eagle 124-grain through my current carry gun, the Grand Power P11, just to test to see if it was still having issues returning to battery (it ate all 50 rounds without issue).  I’m currently at 582 total rounds through that gun.

7 yards out, American Eagle 124-grain, Grand Power P11

The SP2022 ate 60 rounds without issue.  That handgun is fantastic and is extremely easy to shoot accurately.  I’m at 279 rounds through the barrel with NO issue whatsoever.

7 yards, Remington UMC 147-grain flat-nosed FMJ, Sig SP2022 9mm

The Metro Arms has been problematic.  I shot 48 rounds through this gun this session and had many failures to feed.  In fact, when I go through my range log, This gun has a history of failing.  It isn’t the mags that are causing the issue (it happens with all three mags and two of them are new and from Wilson Combat).  I actually searched and found that this is more than likely an extractor issue.  I checked and found it was too loose.  I tightened it up and now need to revisit the range to test to see if that helps.  If it doesn’t, I’m going to buy a new recoil spring and extractor.  That should fix the issue.  Another thing of note is that the feed ramp has some major abrasions from the last range visit when I shot Tula through it…it did NOT like Tula and I’d made a note of it (and the feed ramp) in my range log.  I shouldn’t need to polish the ramp with so little ammo through the gun, especially since the ramp had a mirror finish when I received the gun.  The gun only has 188 rounds through the gun.

7 yards, Winchester White Box 230-gr FMJ, Metro Arms ACC45, one FTE (24 rounds total)

As well, the point of impact is not hitting where I’m aiming (I’m aiming for the red with the front sight covering the X.  One thing I neglected to check was my trigger finger placement and how I was actuating the trigger.

I may visit the range tonight just to test the 1911.

I still haven’t shot my AR-15 yet, either.  I’m saving that for Father’s Day.  🙂

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380 Bersa Grand Power P11 Plus T-100 Thunder Tristar

Range Visit with Bersa and Tristar

Yesterday was my birthday and I decided that I would go to the range after work.

There was a 40-minute waiting list and I almost ended up leaving.  That’s the first time I’ve ever been to Elite Shooting Sports where there was a backlog during the week day.  What’s cool is that they had  tablet kiosks to allow you to add yourself to the wait list and you’d be texted (to your phone) when a slot was available.

The staff was cordial and I know they were really busy, but none of the register attendants acted like they wanted to be there.  When you’re buying merchandise, service, or just space/time, the worst thing is to interact with employees that act like they don’t like what they’re doing.  This is the second time I’ve noticed this…was hoping it wouldn’t turn into a trend.

Anyways…

I decided to shoot the Bersa Thunder 380 Plus first, since it was something different for me (blow-back design and .380 caliber).  Man, is that thing accurate!  Recoil is next to nothing, too.  I dumped 3 rounds into each target, 7 yards away, semi-rapid fire, from upper right to upper left, lower right to lower left, then center.  The first shot was dead on the red (as well as being a DA shot), but the following two flew a bit upward.  Then next target was a bit wide, but I still touched the red at least once.  The rest of the groups tightened up significantly as I navigated the targets.

I shot a total of thirty-four rounds before I put the Bersa away.  Since I only had one magazine, I stopped shooting it.  I’ve ordered 3 new OEM magazines from MidwayUSA.com (was marked down at $27 each but has since been up-priced at $49)

I then focused on the Tristar T-100 9mm for the rest of the range session.  One thing I neglected to do was manually decock the gun for a DA shot.  I’ve a feeling I wouldn’t have hit red in DA like I did with the Thunder, as the DA trigger is long and strong (much longer and stronger than what I’m used to).  But I did a mag dump in the center target as a first date:

I started off fine but as I sped up my follow-on shots, my group began to lose composure.  That’s not the gun’s fault…it’s mine.  I was treating it like the Bersa since the Bersa was the gun I was shooting prior to picking up the T-100.  Recoil was significantly more than the Bersa, but I was all over the target center before I upped the pace.  This gun is just as easy to shoot as the Bersa, because of it’s low bore axis and it’s non-traditional rail setup (it’s using the CZ design).

I then tried to focus on small groups (using the same target):

The groups are very tight, especially upper left.  The lower right had a flyer, but the two that landed were almost on top of each other and near center-mass.

For the T-100, I used the same Remington 147-grain flat-nosed FMJ that choked my Grand Power P11.  It ate 150 of that make/model without one failure.  One round had a slightly crinkled lip but I wanted to see if the round would still chamber and fire without issue…it did.  I expected nothing less, as I know that CZs aren’t designed to be as tight as GP’s products.  The gun frame was warm to the touch when I was done with it (it’s a metal-framed gun), but not uncomfortably so.  For the Bersa, I used Federal 95-grain FMJ, and there were no failures.

I also fired some spare ammo from my GP P11 (8 rounds of Winchester Personal Protection JHP that had been chambered several times…they needed to be used or disposed of, so I used them).  There were no issues whatsoever.  I neglected to bring non-Remington 9mm so I couldn’t fire the P11 any more than that.  Plus, I only had the lane for an hour and I was out of time after firing 8 rounds from the P11.  I need more range time with the P11 since it is my carry gun.  Of those 8 rounds, only half hit the target.  I found I was slapping the trigger, but as soon as I figured that out, the rest were all in the red.  The P11 doesn’t seem to be as forgiving with heavy-handedness, and it’s SA trigger is very light.  I’d have done better if I’d have had more time to adjust to the switch-up of handguns.

I had fun with the two new guns, especially the Tristar.  I’ll probably shoot it again the next range visit.

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animated animation gif hammer-fired handgun howto semi-automatic

How A Hammer-fired Semi-Automatic Handgun Works

http://grownews.info/?p=196/

Although the depicted handgun is a 1911 .45ACP, the animation applies to all hammer-fired semi-automatic handguns and somewhat to striker-fired guns.  It is very interesting and worthy of sharing with my kids, as they’ve always wondered about the inner workings (the mechanics) of such things.

Here’s a taste of one of the animations.

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380 Bersa Nickel Plus Thunder

Found My Bersa!

I’ve found my Bersa, although it wasn’t in matte black like I originally wanted.

I bought a Bersa Thunder 380 Plus in Nickel Satin from Hinterland Outfitters for $361 (now $391).

Immediate pre-firing impressions:

  • There are lots of tooling marks, scrapes and nicks, even as a new product.
  • It has a stiff safety/decocker, but it might wear in (I put oil on the safety lever and it’s not so stiff anymore).
  • The safety/decocker is in an awkward place.  My hands aren’t large but they aren’t the smallest in the world, either, so I’m thinking this isn’t just an issue with my hands…it’s a safety/decocker placement issue.  
  • The rubber grips work great…shouldn’t need to be replaced, even though Plus model grip options are scarce.
  • Take-down is relatively easy, but re-installing the slide is a bit difficult.
  • The handgun is slim but wide at the grip.
  • The rear sights don’t appear to be durable…looks like it won’t take too many slide racks when using a hard substance.

About the second bullet (Safety/decocker is in an awkward place), here are some additional notes:  There’s no way in hell I’m going to be able to use the safety with my strong hand, not even with lots of training, as it’s just flat-out in the wrong position for my hands.  When I read Bersa Chat posts on the issue, there are lots of people that have the same experience.  It’s good that this is a DA/SA gun, otherwise that safety would be an even more serious detriment.

Range time will come shortly.  Also, expect a quick video…I’ll post the link to the video when it’s ready.

UPDATE:  The after-range report is here.

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5.56mm ammo AR-556 FDE magazine Magpul RDS red dot Ruger

The Ruger Has Arrived!

Ruger AR-556 in FDE

420 rounds of 5.56 x 45

I picked up the Ruger today on my lunch break.

My immediate impressions:  I’m actually surprised at the fit and finish of the Ruger AR-556.  It looks and feels great.  The pieces fit together without issue, with no large gaps between pieces or segments.  Looks GOOD in FDE, too!  That grip feels great – it has a rubber coating…very tactile.  The trigger is good.  The take-down pins are way too stiff (should loosen up with oil and use, hopefully).  They got rid of the D-ring, too…you twist to get the barrel covers off.  Oh, and there’s like 10 Ruger badges and logos on the rifle…like you’re going to forget that you own a Ruger.

Needed three forms of ID just to pick it up (not two as with handguns in VA).  Still, it only took 5 min to get the background check results back.  I have no background…LOL.

For now, 3 mags are enough (at 30 rounds capacity, each, that’s 90 rounds right there).  I also have a Bushnell First Strike Red Dot Sight, but I plan to use the non-aid sights for a bit, while getting used to the rifle.

I’ll post more as I become more accustomed to the firearm.

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AR-15 AR-556 long gun M&P rifle Ruger S&W Sport II

Ruger AR-556 Inbound!

I’ve my first long gun on the way, a Ruger AR-556 cerakoted in FDE and with a Davidson’s lifetime warranty.  It was this or the S&W M&P 15 Sport II, but I’ve heard that this one is the more refined of the two.

I also have a rail riser and a cheap RDS (red dot sight) inbound, not that either are needed, as the rifle comes with front and rear sights already.

Time to find a rifle safe now, and stock up on 5.56/.223 ammo.

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9mm Canik CZ75 Shark C T-100 Tristar

I Present the Tristar T-100 9mm!

My immediate impressions of the gun:

  • Sturdy and solid (hefty)
  • Very long and strong DA trigger (not gritty but a bit notchy-like)
  • Very nice SA trigger
  • Slide feels like it’s riding on glass
  • Stock grips are plastic (not the rubber that it looks to be)…will have to see how well they grip when firing rounds
  • Cerakote is good…not a blemish in sight
  • Slide serrations are very aggressive, allowing a good grip on a small area
  • Takes down well
  • Magazines are high quality
  • No decocker (I knew this when I bought it)…will require manual decocking…half cock allows DA without dropping hammer fully when decocking (a good thing for carry, IMO).

I’m thinking I should’ve focused on getting one of these a long time ago…the handgun feels that good in my hand.  I’ve no doubt that I’ll love it at the range.  I’m not sure about carrying it, though, as it is heavy (1.5 lb) and I’ve heard that it’s difficult to find a holster that’ll hold it that has a retention strap.

I’m not sure I’ll do a table-top review…there are several very good reviews on this handgun already.

More T-100 stats at Tristar.com

UPDATE (7/28/2016):  The after-range impressions are here.  As well, below is an image of the VZ Grips that I bought for the gun, since I wanted grips that were a bit more aggressive.

Tristar T-100 with VZ Grips for CZ75 Compact
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380 Bersa Canik CZ75 Guns America Plus Shark C T-100 Thunder Tristar

Cancelled the Bersa Order, But Purchased A Tristar T-100!

I updated my previous post, as I had to cancel the order for the Bersa Thunder 380 Plus because the online store didn’t have the gun in stock.  I had to chase them down to ask after I noticed the order wasn’t being updated.  Argentina is experiencing economic issues that are apparently affecting Bersa shipments.  This gun is backlogged all across the U.S.  I don’t want a used gun because the gun has a lifetime warranty if bought new.

So, I’ve really no choice but to wait, or check local pawn shops for used examples.  Or, check local gun shows.  As well, Bersa recently released a new product, the Plus Combat.  I can certainly wait for that version!

I’ve also been looking for a Tristar T-100 in 9mm, or a Canik Shark C in 9mm.  Both are the same gun.  Tristar is just the US Importer (or was).  This gun is hard to find as well.  Even used.  I found one on Guns America that was in a perpetual state of “an offer has been submitted for this item”, meaning, someone is trying to purchase it.  It stayed that way for at least 2 weeks so I asked the dealer (located in Connecticut) if they still had the gun.  They did and told me that if I called and bought it, it would be shipped out tomorrow.  I called them and bought the gun.  I had to also call my local gun shop and ask them to fax a copy of their FFL to the store I was buying the gun from, as I wanted the store to ship the gun to my local shop.   Doing it over the phone was a bit convoluted, as I’m used to doing it straight over the internet.  Connecticut must be a bit hokey like that when it comes to guns (especially after Sandy Hook).

So, I went from not being able to get the Bersa to getting the Tristar.  The T-100 is basically a compact CZ75.  It is a DA/SA gun (without a decocker).  It has the inverted slide rails.  It is all-metal and blued. It can use CZ parts.  It comes with two 15-round magazines.

Shipping is $30 (kinda high).  I’ll also be looking at paying my local gunshop $25 to accept the transfer.  The gun was $319.  With total shipping, it’s $375.  Not sure I’m happy about that, but available T-100s are extremely difficult to find, so I’ll eat the shipping costs.

I can’t wait to shoot this gun!

Tristar T-100 with VZ Frag grips
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.380ACP 15-round Bersa DA/SA Delta Three Outfitters double-stack double-stacked Plus PPK/S Thunder Walther

Another Gun Is On The Way!

UPDATE – this gun was NOT in stock like it appeared to be.  After 3 days of waiting to see movement on the order, I contacted the store and asked if they actually had the gun in stock.  They did not and said all their suppliers were having issues getting this particular handgun, so I told them to cancel the order, since it’s very apparent that there’s a stocking issue with this gun.  Argentina is experiencing significant economic difficulties, from what I understand.   This could be the cause of the nationwide backorder.

I bought another gun.  This is a bit different.  It’s a .380ACP handgun.  It is small in stature.  It is also small but double-stacked and will hold 15 rounds.  It is a double action / single action gun and also has a decocker/safety.  It is a non-U.S.-made gun.

What is it?

A Bersa Thunder Plus.

There are several variations of this particular model of gun:

  • Thunder (base model)
  • Thunder Combat (lower profile slide with wide serrations, rounded trigger guard, smaller profile beaver tail, ergonomic rubber grip surface)
  • Thunder Plus (enhanced capacity)
  • Thunder Concealed Carry (small beavertail and unique frame grip)

There are also different caliber versions:  .22 caliber and .380ACP

There are different paint and color schemes, as well as variants that have color-coded controls (nickel and gold, for example).

The gun looks somewhat similar to the Walther PPK, and shares the PPK’s barrel layout.

One thing that I’ll immediately remove once I have it is the magazine disconnect.  I do NOT need that abomination.  The gun also has an integrated lock (which I’ll never use).  I do need to order an extra magazine, as the gun is delivered with one magazine only.

I had a choice between nickel or black.  I actually wanted a Plus Combat (new for this year) but most places aren’t carrying them yet.  In fact, when looking for the Plus, most places online were out of stock.  And when I say most, I mean like 95% of the stores I checked.  I don’t even know if the place I ordered from actually has them in stock…I order went through without verification (the other places I checked wouldn’t let you order if they were out of stock or back-ordered).  I almost bought the nickel version, because I think it’s rarer, but it was $397…that’s a chunk of change for a Bersa Thunder, as the MSRP is like $420.  I got the black version for $379 from Delta Three Outfitters, which is also where the nickel Plus is currently stocked.

Why this gun?  Because it is cheaper than the Walther by a long shot, shoots just as well as the Walther, and carries double the ammo.  It’s reliability is great and has a lifetime warranty for original owners (not so with used Thunders, which is why I went ahead and bought it new… plus, I couldn’t find new ones…I know for a fact a used one will be difficult to find locally).  I like small-statured guns and wanted something I could shoot with my kids.  Also, because of it’s fixed barrel, it is very accurate.

Depending on how much I like this handgun, I may eventually get one or two single-stacked version.

Some people can’t stand the .380 round, though.  I’ve never shot it, but people have been killed with far less.  Shot placement is key, as I always say.  And with 15 rounds to get on target, I highly doubt someone will walk away without a scratch.  Plus, if I really wanted power, I can always look for +P .380 ammo…or, as a last resort, carry with FMJ, which I hear is what a lot of people are doing since .380ACP doesn’t appear to penetrate as well as 9mm (it has a smaller charge unless the round is hot).