Category: Prodigy DS

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AK-P AK-V CNC Warrior Palmetto State Armory Prodigy DS PSA Springfield Armory

I’ve Revisited the PSA AK-V and AK-P

Last week, I decided to take the PSA AK-P to the range, as I’ve plenty of 7.62 x 39 ammo.

I shot 30 rounds before I quit (LOL)…the gun is loud AF! Even with the 4-pc flash hider installed, it is still loud. Yeah, it’s a flash hider, but it’s also redirecting the bang down range.

As well, the flash hider was generating sparks that I thought would be an issue, and I was waiting for the RSOs to say something. When I got home I looked at the footage and didn’t see the sparks in the footage. I also checked the flash hider to see if there were strikes within it’s internals – I didn’t see any damage.

I researched and saw that this is sometimes common and also saw video footage where many hiders/brakes generated sparks. This is probably a normal thing.

Also, after taking a shower, I was applying deodorant and and was surprised to have a bit of pain near my armpit. I looked in the mirror and there was a large bruise where I’d placed the brace of the AK-P. I may need to change the brace to something less damaging, but it could be the flash hider that’s making the pistol shoot more harshly (the hider also generate more recoil and back pressure).

A few days later, I was going to take the AK-P to the range again, but kept shuddering when thinking about shooting that gun indoors, so I switched to the AK-V.

I loaded up 4 mags of 9mm (those mags hold 35 rounds, so that was 140 rounds of Blazer 124-gr FMJ) and headed to the range.

I had fun!

I ended up having to zero the optic that was mounted on the AK-V. I thought I’d zeroed it a long time ago, but the zero was WAY off – at 25 yards, I was at the top of the man-sized target and many rounds were off-paper. The optic is a Vortex Sparc II red dot.

I zeroed at 10 yards (as I do my handguns) using the range’s bench rest and then, once I had a good zero, tested it at 25 yards. I was still shooting high, but was on the man-sized silhouette and only 2-3″ higher than where I was aiming. I may revisit the zeroing and do it at 25 yards instead – this means I’ll have to remember to aim a bit high when shooting at around 10 yards. I tested at 12 yards and was satisfied with the zero.

The 140 rounds disappeared quickly, as I expected. The only thing I don’t like about the AK-V is that the ammo goes quickly. I was shooting semi-rapidly and practiced quick pairs of rounds.

I’m at 710 rounds through the gun now. I like this gun so much, it got me thinking of purchasing the PSA Jakl (MP5-like 9mm blow-back PCC), especially since it uses AK-V mags, and I’ve maybe 10 of those. But the Jakl is like $1000 and I already have a $1000 blow-back PCC (the AK-V). If I’m going to get another PCC, it’ll be the Springfield Armory Kuna in 9mm – and the mags for that gun are cheap, at approximately $25 each. Plus, the Kuna is the same price as the Jakl, and is roller-delayed (less recoil).

As with most range visits, I also shoot my carry gun, so I shot two mags through the Prodigy DS Compact, which isn’t a huge deal, but I spent time zeroing the gun again, as I had problems with the optic (Viridian RFX45 closed emitter green dot) the last visit. In fact, I’d forgotten that I’d removed the optic to work on the adapter plate (doing this messed up my zero, which is what caused all my issues the last range visit). As well, the optic was loose, too. I re-tightened it, and then quickly got it zero’d again…was super easy and quick, especially with the bench rest. I had it surpremely zeroed within 15 rounds and then validated the zero at 15 yards. It was good. I’ve 300+ rounds through the gun with that optic now. The optic hasn’t died and is playing nice with the Prodigy DS.

The adapter plate that I’m using with the optic and Prodigy is the Springfield Armory Aimpoint Acro plate. When installing the optic, the optic is loose enough that it rattles. I’m not sure if it’s the optic that’s the issue or the plate. I used two layers of electrical tape on the adapter plate and then mounted the optic – the optic is now snug on the gun. It’s definitely wierd that I have to do that and I can’t place full blame (yet) on either part.

The optic is blocky and big but carries (and conceals) well. This is more of an experiment than anything else, but since I’m having no issues, I’ll continue to use it on the Prodigy DS Compact.

The DS Compact now has 1226 rounds through it.

Life is good!

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1911 2011 9mm Prodigy DS Springfield Armory

I Now Have 1000 Rounds Through the Prodigy DS Compact!

I’ve now 1072 rounds through the Prodigy DS Compact 3.5″

The 1000-round review is below.

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1911 2011 double-stack double-stacked Prodigy DS Springfield Armory

Shooting Self Defense Ammo From The Prodigy DS Compact

I visited the range yesterday with several goals in mind.

I wanted to test other self defense (SD) ammo from the Prodigy DS Compact so that I can know of other JHP options.

I also wanted to zero the Holosun 507K that is now attached to the gun (removed it from the Ultralight since I’ve stopped carrying it).

I also wanted to shoot the gun with the Streamlight TLR-7X attached.

As well, I wanted to see if I could finaly use the SIG Connect OHD training app at the range.

For ammo, I brought

  • 25 rounds of Barnes Vor-TX 115-gr JHP
  • 25 rounds of Federal Premium HST 124-gr JHP
  • 50 rounds of Speer Gold Dot 124-gr JHP (I only shot 15 rounds of this)
  • I also shot 50 rounds of Blazer 124-gr FMJ.

I ended up shooting more SD ammo than I did range ammo.

There were no failures to feed or extract.

I can’t remember the last time I’ve cleaned the gun (I usually run a bore snake through the barrel, though). I’ll maybe clean the gun tomorrow.

I’m currently at 771 rounds.

I spent half the range session zeroing the 507K optic to the Prodigy DS Compact. I think I like the Cyelee optic better – I’ve grown used to the green dot. If I end up not adjusting well to the 507K, I can always switch to something else…I’ve been eyeing the Cyelee Wolf EDG. I’ve also been thinking of the Viridian RFX-44 (which is an RMSc-footprinted and closed emitter optic). We’ll see.

I finally got the OHD training app to work. I’ve been trying to get it to work the past 6 or so months. It’s been requiring a network connection to work, but the firing line at the range doesn’t have Wifi or network connectivity. After testing a week ago, I decided to let the app developers know of the issue. At first, they insisted that there was an issue on my end, but after showing them that I could reproduce the issue and that it was an app issue, they backtracked and said it was a bug within the app. They said they’re fixing the bug.

They gave me free 30 days of premium access to the app. I’m not sure I’m going to continue to use it, as it has limitations. One limitation is that it won’t register impacts when the impact lands on a prior impact point. As well, the targets I printed are 8.5 x 11 and at 15+ yards, those are difficult to use if firing quickly – I’m used to shooting at man-sized targets when shooting afar. I suppose I can try to shoot printer paper up close, but even then, that’s rather small when shooting quickly, no matter the distance.

My next goal is to research how to easily carry an extra magazine. I’d recently bought the QVO Tactical Flex Connector, which is a side car for use with their More Discreet holster. The side car contains a mag holder. I tried to carry using that holster and didn’t like the side car at all…it’s extra bulky, which I don’t like. It makes me feel pregnant, as the attachment portion of the side car pushes out further than the actual holster itself. So, for now, I’m back to carrying an extra mag in my cargo pocket.

I’ll need to order more range ammo soon, as I’m quickly burning through the 1000 rounds I recently bought. One thing: I’m not sure if I like the Blazer 124-gr ammo that I recently purchased – it doesn’t seem to be as accurate as the Magtech 115-gr ammo I’d used prior to the last purchase. Yes, I know that the point of impact will change between the two weights of ammo, but I think I prefer the Magtech better, as it generally hits where I’m aiming (which isn’t always the case with this batch of Blazer).

I’ll continue to post updates.

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1911 2011 Bul Armory Prodigy DS SAS II Ultralight Springfield Armory

I’m now 100% carrying the Prodigy DS Compact now!

I installed the Streamlight WML to the Prodigy DS tonight, then removed the 507K from the Ultralight and installed it on the Prodigy too.

I’m now carrying the Prodigy DS, in the QVO Tactical More Discreet holster. I haven’t left the house with it yet, though…I’ll do that tomorrow.

I’ve installed the irons back on the Ultralight. I might start looking for a place that can fix the grip safety. It is now a safe queen until I get the gun fixed – it’s a pity.

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1911 2011 Bul Armory double-stack Prodigy DS SAS II Ultralight Springfield Armory

Current Status of Assessing The Prodigy DS Compact

I believe I’m ready to switch over to carrying the Prodigy DS Compact. Right now, I’ve begun to use the Tenicor Certum to carry the gun, but will eventually remove the Streamlight from the Ultralight so that I can install it onto the Prodigy DS – I’ll need to do that to use the More Discreet holster.

I might remove the HS507K from the Ultralight, as well, and install it onto the Prodigy DS, but that would mean that I’d have to re-zero the optic for use on the Prodigy.

I also tested more Hornady Custom XTP 124-gr ammo with the gun. The gun has shot 49 rounds of that ammo. One round of that ammo didn’t feed. I unsuccessfully tried 3 times to get it to feed. When I looked at the round (I still have it), it appears that the projectile has a defect that is making the round out of spec. There are also barbs on the case lip. This is not an issue with the gun. This is also not an issue with that particular box of ammo. Sometimes things aren’t perfect, manufacturing-wise – shit happens. As long as the whole box of ammo wasn’t flawed, it’s OK.

I also bought another box of Speer Gold Dot 124-gr (we now have 2 boxes of that) and a box of Federal HST 124-gr – we’d been using Federal Hydra-Shok but my ammo store was out of that model of ammo. I have not yet tested the Speer GD and the Federal (Hydra-Shok OR HST) through the Prodigy DS, but at least we know that the Hornady Custom XTP works.

I now have 656 rounds thorugh the gun. There have been no feed or extraction issues. The gun is accurate. The trigger has lightened but I also slightly tuned the sear spring (although I did that after the trigger felt that it lightented a bit). Still, the trigger is nowhere as good as the trigger on the Ultralight. The springs are heavier in the Prodigy than the Ultralight, too. I’ll address that after I’ve reached 1000 rounds (will probably add lighter springs, although this is probably a mainspring issue).

Once I’ve begun to carry the Prodigy, I’ll begin the process of finding a gunsmith that can fix the grip safety issue on my Ultralight. I think I might have to send it somewhere reputable, though…there aren’t all that many 1911 gunsmiths around here, and I’m not willing to muck with the gun since I don’t know where to begin.

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Fusion Firearms holster Prodigy DS Springfield Armory XP Pro

I’ve Ordered the QVO Flex Connector and Magazine Carrier!

Yeah, I’ve been ordering a lot of holster equipment from QVO Tactical – Today, I ordered their flex connector and magazine carrier, too.

I’ve never tried a side car holster and this will bolt onto my More Discreet holster.

I ordered it in carbon fiber OD green, to match my holster. The connector is black, though (there weren’t a lot of color options for this piece).

For those that are interested, the flex connector product page is here.

On another note, I’ve actually tested fitment of my More Discreet holster with the XP Pro and Prodigy DS Compact. They both fit without issue, although I had to install the TLR-7X to both guns when testing fitment (the holster is light-bearing).

As well, the XP Pro will fit in the Secondary OWB holster (it is a tight fit, though, and I had to loosen the retention screws quite a bit).

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1911 2011 Cyelee Optic Prodigy DS Springfield Armory

I Wanted To Share A Video of the Prodigy DS Compact

Check this out:

I took the Prodigy DS Compact to the range today and brought 150 rounds. The Prodigy ate all of it without issue – no fails (was Magtech 115gr FMJ). There are now 270 flawless rounds through the gun.

A Cyelee CAT is mounted to the DS. These are two mags of some good groups (for me and this particular gun).

I still don’t like the trigger, but I may have adapted to it (or learned to ignore what I don’t like about it). I’ve also been working on my support hand grip. Yeah, my support thumb isn’t glued to the gun – I’m fine with that, as THM says that doesn’t matter…what matters is that other portions of the support hand being glued to the grip. I noticed that I didn’t figet with my support hand as I normally do. Also, my strong side thumb isn’t resting on the thumb safety. My thumb does not like sitting up there (I’ve developing arthritis)., so I let it sit wherever it’s comfortable…I’m OK with that.

I’m shooting at orange 1″ pasties at 10 yards. My goal was to try to stack the rounds. I also challenged myself by trying to shoot at a decent pace. The first mag, I was shooting at the top orange pasty. The second mag, I was shooting at the left-side pasty. I was quite surprised, especially as it was toward the end of the range session, when I typically tire and start shooting badly.

UPDATE (4/25/2025): I did a detail strip of the Prodigy DS Compact yesterday, to check which parts were MIM, but also compared the sear spring with an EGW sear spring for Commander-size 1911s. The EGW was a tad taller and would not fit in the gun – I know, I tried – it didn’t work. I then looked at and very slightly tweaked the middle tine of the sear spring and then put the gun back together. When I did a function check, I immediately noticed that the weight of the trigger was less – the trigger wall didn’t see as bad as before. I checked the trigger weight via Lyman’s gauge…it’s at 3 lb 2 oz now. It dropped a full pound. It feels GOOD! I’ll be visiting the range tomorrow (at 10 PM) to test it and put more rounds through the Prodigy. I want to be at 500 within the next 7 days (I’m at 260 now).

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1911 2011 Fusion Firearms Prodigy DS Springfield Armory XP Pro

A Few Things About the XP Pro…

I was able to detail strip the gun. The only things I didn’t remove were the frame from the grip (couldn’t determine how to get them apart).

I was also not able to remove the firing pin stop from the slide, so I couldn’t remove the extractor or firing pin.

I detail stripped the gun because I wanted to see the internals and verify the parts were bar stock.

I found no MIM in the gun…that was no surprise but some folks think Fusion Firearms is lying when they say the gun has no MIM. Nah, they’re not lying. A video of the internals is below.

I also attempted to mount the Viridian RFX45 to the XP Pro. I was unable to. That optic is not compatible with the adapter plates that Fusion Firearms provides. The RFX45 also uses the Acro footprint, which means that I’d have to stack the Viridian Acro-to-RMR adapter onto the XP Pro adapter…I’m not wanting to stack adapters (and both of them are thick adapters).

This means that I’ve to find a compatible optic. I was initially contemplating buying the 507C, 507 Comp, or 508T, but was thinking I could just settle for the 407C. I then watched TheHumbleMarksman’s XP Pro video and saw that he’d mounted a Cyelee Wolf X Pro to his XP Pro. I think I’m going to buy either that optic or the Wolf EDG. A sub of my YT channel also recommended the Cyelee Chameleon, which has a WIDE viewport — I like that a lot and it’s cheaper than the above-mentioned optics. I’m still not sure on which, but I’m actually leaning toward the Wolf EDG, but I’m just not looking forward to spending close to $300 for another optic. UPDATE (4/15/2025): I went ahead and bought the Cyelee Chameleon. A viewer of my channel left a comment sharing some optics that fit on his XP Pro. He recommended quite a few (the Cyelee Wolf EDG (for duty) & Chameleon (for the range); the Swampfox Justice II (for competition). I ended up pinning his comment so that it could better help other viewers. The Chameleon should arrive in 2 days. I’ll mount it Thursday night and let the thread locker set for a visit to the range this weekend (maybe).

I’ll visit the range tomorrow after work so I can get some rounds through either the Prodigy DS or the XP Pro, although I should probably focus more on shooting the Prodigy since I eventually plan to EDC it. I do have the Cyelee CAT mounted onto the Prodigy, as well, so shooting it should be a bit less of a chore – we’ll see.

I also have ordered more ammo…I blew through 1000 rounds of Magtech pretty quickly. I bought 1000 more from Bereli again, although they raised their prices by $25-30 (the gun community is getting spooked again by politics and folks are predicting shortages soon). I bought more Magtech, although I bought 124-gr this go-around.