S&W M&P Fullsize 9mm Range Report
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Semi Auto Reviews on January 24th, 2010
Smith and Wesson M&P Fullsize 9mm Review
SN: MPJ (left factory around 10/26)
All photos taken on my LG 8300 Camera Phone (sorry for poor quality)
Well, on the recommendations of those on various forums, I purchased an M&P Full Size 9mm without magazine disconnect or internal lock. For $369 from Bud’s Gun Shop, how could I go wrong?
Box and Package
First thought when I saw the box was how big it was. The box is a standard two clasp big plastic box with foam inside. A nice touch was the foam was cut out for the gun, magazines, and different backstraps.
Aesthetics
The gun isn’t the prettiest gun, but I find it more attractive than a Glock. The fishscale slide serrations are nice and have more grip than straight cut serrations. I like the contoured nose of the slide which makes holstering smoother.
Feel and Ergonomics
If you thought 1911s feel awesome in the hand, you have to try an M&P. The interchangeable backstraps are very well thought out. The gun has the medium on it when you take it out of the box. The small backstrap is very small with the large filling out my hand very nicely. The frontstrap is curved (not squareish like a Glock) so it does not have a 2×4 feel to it. Bravo to S&W to realizing people’s hands are different sizes. This gun allows mass adoption by large organizations and the ability to tailor the firearm to different hands.
The only complaint I have is I wish that the trigger guard was undercut more. After hundreds of draws and shooting the gun, it starts to rub my middle finger raw. This may be due to using the Medium grips instead of larger for my hands however. I keep the medium ones on since it is thinner and seems to help it conceal better.
One major complaint you will hear about Glocks is the grip angle. It is good news to many (including myself) that the M&P points like a 1911. I find myself faster, more comfortable, and more accurate with this grip angle.
Sights
Thankfully, S&W put Novak type sights on the gun. They give a clear sight picture compared to the Glock stock sights. However, the sight picture is not as crisp as a set of Heinie sights of the Warren Tactical Sights. Both companies plan on making M&P sights and the sights are in the prototype stages currently. I am not a fan of dots on the rear so I used the only thing I had near me and tried to black it out. I have found I shoot faster and more accurately with a front dot only set up.
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EAA Safety Recall
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Industry News on January 10th, 2010
1) SAFETY UPGRADE NOTICE
If you own an EAA Witness style semi-automatic pistol bearing a serial number between AE00000 to AE70000, please read this Notice.
Owners of the above designated Witness pistols should immediately field strip the pistol and send the slide assembly to European American Armory Corp., 411 Hawk Street, Rockledge, Florida 32955. Upon receipt, European American Armory Corp. will replace the original firing pin with an upgraded firing pin for your pistol.
Please follow the instructions and warnings in the Owners’ Manual and do not disassemble your pistol beyond a field strip. Any disassembly beyond a field strip should only be performed by a qualified gunsmith. In particular, the firing pin should never be removed by you. If the firing pin is removed, it must be re-installed correctly by a qualified gunsmith or the EAA Corp. service center. If the firing pin is installed incorrectly in an upside down position, it may adversely affect the operation of your pistol and its safeties. If your pistol is not operating properly, discontinue using it and take it to a qualified gunsmith or send it to the European American Armory Corp. service center immediately.
Thank you for your attention to this Notice. Please call European American Armory Corp. at (800) 536-4442 if you have any questions regarding this Notice.
Smith and Wesson 460PC Recall
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Industry News on November 26th, 2009
Smith & Wesson has received four (4) reports of barrel failures involving its Performance Center Model 460 revolvers. These barrels were manufactured by an outside supplier. Our investigation has revealed that the quality of steel in some of these barrels did not meet the performance requirements for these firearms and may have contributed to failure of the barrel.
You should stop using the revolver and return it immediately to Smith & Wesson so that your barrel can be inspected and replaced, if necessary.
S&W Performance Center is having it’s fair share of issues this year.
S&W Performance Cetner Recall 329-1
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Industry News on November 26th, 2009
This safety recall notice applies to the limited edition model 329 revolver manufactured at the Smith & Wesson performance center. This safety recall notice applies to 270 revolvers manufactured at the performance center bearing serial numbers – ranging from BVA0004 to BVA0210 and DEW0001 to DEW0099.
Official Recall Notice
327 Magnum — What’s All The Hype About?
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Revolver Reviews on November 26th, 2009
I have always been a fan of the .32 Caliber. If you do not hand load for it, You would not understand the concept. It is and always has been a super accurate round with little recoil. I carry The S&W Model 431 PD revolver chambered in the Infamous .32 H&R Magnum round. I have enhanced the round through hand loading and it exceeds the velocity of the .38 Plus-P round and closely matches the .357 Magnum round when I Load it for my Model 16-4 K-Frame revolver. Sadly, the .32 H&R Magnum was chosen for a weaker revolver design so factory loads are at or just below the more famous .38 Special round leaving the public without need for it. The New Federal .327 Magnum to me, is a caliber that has been expanded on like the .357 Magnum was using the Old .38 Special cases by lengthening them 1/8″.
Like so many, I too yearned for this .327 Magnum round in a S&W K-Frame sized revolver, But S&W dropped the ball by only offering it in a Performance Center-J-frame configuration. I heard Hamilton Bowen the famous Gun Maker of Bowen Classicarms was offering the .327 Magnum in a Conversion if you could provide him with a Model 16-4 S&W revolver chambered in .32 H&R Magnum. I kicked the idea around awhile and called him three weeks ago to inquire about this caliber modification. He shared with me that he takes the K-Frame .32 H&R magnum cylinder and lengthens the cylinder throat by using a custom made reamer. I set up an appointment to speak with him as he lives 20 minutes from my home and I wanted to speak one on one about this conversion and possibly get a look at the infamous Bowen shop. Since he said to do the job he would only Need my 16-4 cylinder and crane assembly so I took it along. He explained that he made sure the cylinder was heat treated enough to withstand the Higher Pressures of the .327 Magnum round. According to him the .327 magnum round has Twice The SAAMI Pressure of the standard factory loaded .32 H&R Magnum. Bowen concurred with me that a hand loaded the .327 Magnum round could and would exceed the .357 Magnum velocities. After our conversation I was convinced and decided to leave my cylinder with him for it to be converted. I felt it was more than a fair price at $95.00. A couple of weeks passed and on Thursday I received word he was done with my cylinder so I can drive out and pick it up. I no longer have to wait for S&W to build one in a K-Frame or pay over $1000.00 for a performance Center-J-Frame as I now will have a Hamilton Bowen Conversion.
I drove out to his Shop and Picked my cylinder up in person then I came home & Put it together Late Thursday evening and here is the finished product.
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FNP/FNP-45 USG IN-DEPTH RANGE & PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Semi Auto Reviews on November 20th, 2009
I finally got over to the indoor range with my new FNP-45 USG. It’s a two-tone black polymer with matte stainless steel slide. I write this report for all the regular Joes out there trying to find out what another “Joe” (or Art, in this case) may think about this new handgun from Fabrique Nationale USA. Since, as far as I can tell, the only differences between the FNP-45 and the FNP-45 USG are the extra serrations on the USG’s slide front end and the fact it has a safety in addition to the decock positions on the selector switch (allowing for carrying the weapon “cocked & locked,” if chosen) this should apply well to both models.
Photo Above: FNP-45 USG Matte 2-Tone Stainless Steel Slide & Black Polymer Receiver, Curved Backstrap, Extended 15rd Magazine and Streamlight TLR1 Tactical Light.
NOTE: The only real difference between the regular FNP-45 and the FNP-USG (US Govt) is that the USG has the added serrations on the slide front, a SAFE position on the Selector Switch (intead of just a Decocker) and comes with one 15 rd magazines plus the two 14 rd mags, instead of just the three 14 rd mags, which is STILL one more magazine than you’ll find offered by other manufacturers as standard issue!
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Marlin 25MN Updated 100 Yard Range Report
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Rifle Reviews on November 15th, 2009
Every time I head to the range this old fella ends up in a rifle carrying case going along. I just have so much fun with this Marlin that it’s hard for me to leave it behind. This is an update to the report where the Marlin was tested at 7, 15 and 25 yards Marlin25MN Range Report
Me and a couple of friends were planning a day to get out to the rifle range they all were planning on bringing AR15’s, all I could think about was my Marlin 25MN and my 44 Magnum Winchester 94 Trapper. Though I do enjoy shooting and own a AR15, having carried one (M16) for 11 years while on Active Duty for the Marine Corps the magic and excitement has worn off or is not as high as it once was. This was a nice sunny day with about 3 to 5 mph winds. The Marlin 25MN performed very well with Dynapoint 22magnum ammo. The Winchester Lever also performed very well with my handloads.
Here are both rifles on the table.
This is the first 100yard target with the Marlin 25MN
Though I would never try to take any small game at this distance I am happy to see how the Marlin performed. For a rifle that’s over 30 years old its still capable of good groups and providing losts of enjoyment.
Glock 34 Review and Range Report
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Semi Auto Reviews on November 15th, 2009
In my quest to simplify my current conceal carry guns it has been difficult if not a chore to not notice the benefits of the Glock platform. My first GLock I purchased was the G26. Then I went to the 1911 platform. For sake of simplicity and ease of use coupled with the ability to change all parts inhouse and more affordable than the previously mentioned platform I made up my mind to commit to the Glock platform and take advantage of what it has to offer. There are plenty of info about that so I’ll move on to the G34’s maiden voyage out and what I thought of it.
My main carry combination is the G26/G19.
Glock 26
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S&W K38 Model 14 Range Report
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Revolver Reviews on November 1st, 2009
Firearm Tested K38 Target Masterpiece AKA Model 14
One of my favorite revolvers occupying space in my safe happens to be a .38 special K38 Target Masterpiece. For those that have read some of my previous reviews know that I have a thing for long barreled handguns. This K38 has a 8 3/8in barrel and was in mint condition when I got it. A good friend of mine had an uncle pass away and the aunt wanted to part with some of his collection. This K38 was made in 1972 according to it’s serial number and by the condition of the bore I would say had never been shot. This old timer came with matching box and tools. 
As you can see from the picture it has the original deep S&W bluing on it from the factory, and a very faint turn line. These were made to shoot and I just couldn’t put it away in the safe without having shot it first. At my first available opportunity I headed to the range with it.
Ammo Used
Specifically for this I loaded up some 38spl
148gr WC
158gr FP
Form
As many of you know I am a huge revolver lover to begin with and when this opportunity came along to add another legend to my collection I jumped at the chance. This K38 Target Masterpiece now resides next to another old legend Combat Magnum S&W Model 66 reviewed Here. The traditional look of the older K frame has always been very attractive to me, the 8inch barrel is surely a plus. I am usually not a fan of the serrated target trigger, but the edges on this one doesn’t seem as sharp as some I have tried in the past. Even with the longer barrel the balance still feels very good and centered to me.
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Marlin 25MN Repair and Range Report
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Rifle Reviews on October 31st, 2009
Lately I have been very busy and have not had many opportunities to make it to the range. Some of this is a good thing as I am blessed to have a job in this economy. I also have a number of different projects I am trying to complete along with a very long honey due list around the house that has proven to be very time consuming. Though I love my weapons and range times I hate acquiring weapons due to a lost family member. I have recently acquired a number of different weapons because of this and some were in very bad shape as they had been stored for a very long time (12 years) without any attention.
List of Projects
Ruger MkII Target Restoration (Article soon to follow with detailed pictures)
Ruger MKI Restoration (Article soon to follow with detailed pictures)
Remington 550-1 Restoration
And of course last but not least a Marlin 25MN restoration. This happened to be the easiest of them all. For some reason this particular weapon had no rust or damage to the metal or internals. But the stock was not in good shape. Right now the stock is in the process of being restored and unfortunately I did not take a before picture (wasn’t thinking). With a heavy desire to get to the range and very little patience to wait for me to refinish the wood stock, I purchased a synthetic stock from midwayusa.com, I also decided to get a few extra magazines from budsgunshop.com they were in stock and the cheapest priced. The stock was a perfect fit, now all I needed was to find 22magnum ammunition. The Marlin 25MN is a microgroove 22 magnum rifle with a 7 round magazine.
