Kimber SIS Ultra Initial Impressions and first 1000 rounds
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Semi Auto Reviews on March 3, 2010
Why I chose it:
I’ve been wanting a 3″ 1911 for a while to serve as a quasi-replacement for my PPK/s as a backup and as a primary on the rare occasions that I couldn’t dress around my fullsize 1911. I also prefer SAO guns and want to move that direction with all my SD firearms. I also like the small 1911 as a backup because I’ve found that the 1911 ergonomics and controls are perfect for me, and it would be great to have my SD platform based around, and the mag interchangeability between primary and backup is a plus.
I like heavy guns, so I wanted a steel-frame 3″. As far as I could tell, that left me with 4 options: Springfield GI Compact, Citadel Compact, Kimber Eclipse Ultra and the Kimber SIS Ultra. Front strap checkering is a must, so I was left to choose between the two Kimbers. The SIS won out because I really like the raises sights for belt cocking, the slightly bobbed MSH, (I also prefer serrated MSHs), the Series I safety, the memory bump safety, the stippled grips (stippling or Nill Rhomlas are by far my favorite grip textures), and the solid trigger. The fugly SIS serrations are a downside, but I’m not buying this to be pretty.
Ordering the gun:
This was an adventure all on its own. For those not aware, the SIS line was discontinued for 2010, so whatever was on dealer shelves when I was looking for the gun would be all that’s out there. The first site I found it on required FFL info before you could order. By the time my FFL got his info faxed in, it was out of stock. The second site showed in stock, but when they recieved the FFL info and went to ship it, they didn’t have one, and neither did any of their distributers. I finally scored one on a third site, and for a decent price to boot.
The Gun
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Les Baer Premier II – 10,000 round report
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Semi Auto Reviews on March 1, 2010
The Gun:
Les Baer Premier II
1.5″ Guarantee
Adjustable night sights
Bead-blasted hard chrome
Solid trigger
Ordered February 2009, received August 2009
Ammo
200 230gr. Gold Dot
200 230gr. +p HST
9000 230gr cast LRN reloads, loaded with mostly 4.8gr. Bullseye or 6.0 gr. Unique (excluding load development, also one or two thousand were loaded with 6.3 or 6.5gr Unique. 1000 Mastercast bullets, 8000 Missouri)
600 200gr cast SWC reloads, 3.6gr. Bullseye (Lasercast bullets)
Magazines:
Metalform 8 round, traditional metal follower
Metalform 10 round, rounded metal follower
Shooting Star 8 round, traditional metal follower
Baer 8 round, plastic follower
Tripp 8 round, hybrid follower
Tripp 10 round, hybrid follower
Kimber 7 round, traditional metal follower
Maintenance, etc:
18.5# recoil spring changed every 3000 rounds
Firing pin spring changed with every recoil spring (hey, they come with the Wolff recoil springs, so why not?)
Cleaned after every firing (ranging from 200 – 1000 rounds in one session)
Lubed with CLP initially, switched to FP-10
Detail stripped and detail cleaned every 2000 rounds
Mainspring replaced at 10,000 rounds
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S&W 952 Performance Center Range Review
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Semi Auto Reviews on February 28, 2010
In the year 2000 when S&W released the 952 through the performance center it was billed as the most accurate 9mm in the world. This may have been a true statement if nothing more it is a very bold statement from S&W.
My shooting partner has a keen eye for great deals and great pistols. Having spotted this 952 for way less than the asking price of a new one at $2400.00 it followed him home.
The specs on the 952 are as follows from S&W website.
Model: 952
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 9+1 Rounds
Barrel Length: 5″
Front Sight: Black Post Sight
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Grip: Wood Grips
External Safety: Slide Mounted
Frame: Large
Finish: Satin Stainless with Matte Accents
Overall Length: 8 3/4″
Material: Stainless Steel
Weight Empty: 41 oz.
Of course by this picture you can see that this one is blued and the finish is very nice.
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Taurus 738 TCP Range Report
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Semi Auto Reviews on February 14, 2010
My tax returns were deposited this week so after putting a few grand towards some lingering debt, my wife and I decided to share the remaining $400 for purchases. I choose to get a Ruger LCP with my half, but when I showed up at my FFL he didn’t have any LCP’s. Instead had a nice stainless slide Taurus TCP for $5 less! I’d looked at this gun when I was trying to pick out a pocket gun and liked everything but the brand. Come to find out, Taurus is now making some of their guns completely in the USA, so I gave them a try. I walked out with the little .380, 2 mags, a nifty belt case, and 2 boxes of Prvi Partizan ammo (the guy at the shop said it was decent stuff made by Winchester in Europe).
I went to the range today to shoot the TCP for the first time. The tempature was around 25 degrees Farenheit with low wind. I shot 50 rounds at the 7 yard range. 1 magazine from a rest, and the rest free hand.
My expectations were of many misfires and misses as many have reported from these new .380 minis when they are new. To my dismay, the first shot resulted in a failure to feed! I was very bummed and as I began to rack the slide, I noticed a large amount of blood running down my thumb . Turns out when I tried to take my first shot from a rest, I placed my left thumb over my right thumb and it was severely cut by the slide. I obviously normally don’t hold a pistol this way, but because it was so small I accidentally placed my thumb in a completely wrong spot. After correcting my grip, it was smooth sailing (except for a failure to feed when I limp wristed, but the shot surprised me and I blame myself).
GSG 5 Under Constant Attack BATF Says Fake Can Illegal
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Industry News on February 14, 2010
In October of 2009 ATI came under attack from H&K now they are under attack from the BATF for the fake Suppressor.
Announcement about the H&K Lawsuit
October 12, 2009
Re: Heckler and Koch, Inc. vs. German Sport Guns GmbH, American Tactical Imports,
Inc. Civil Action No. 1 : 09-cv-00039-WTL-JMS (S.D. Indiana)
For immediate release,
We are very pleased to report that the litigation filed by Heckler & Koch, Inc. against
German Sport Guns GmbH and its U.S. distributor, American Tactical Imports, Inc.,
together with all counterclaims, has been settled.
Announcement from ATI about the Fake Can.
To all retail customers:
On January 2010 American Tactical Imports Inc received official notification from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives that the original barrel shroud (aka: fake suppressor) supplied with your GSG 5 SD model must be replaced. It has been determined that this shroud is regulated under the National Firearms Act. American Tactical will provide a replacement shroud at no charge for each GSG 5 SD model sold or currently in inventory.
Consumers in possession of a GSG 5 SD model with the original shroud in place on the firearm are now in violation of the NFA. To avoid continued violation of the NFA, ATI asks that all persons in possession obtain a replacement shroud as soon as possible. We anticipate arrival of the new shrouds to begin by the middle of February 2010.
IMPORTANT: THE ORIGINAL SD MODEL SHROUD MUST BE RETURNED ACOMPANIED BY THE FIREARM SERIAL NUMBER BEFORE A REPLACEMENT SHROUD IS ISSUED. THE DIAMETER OF THE SD SHROUD IS 1-9/16”. DO NOT RETURN THE SMALLER CARBINE SHROUD.
WHAT TO DO:
If possible return your old shroud to the dealer where purchased and show him this notice. The shroud will be returned to ATI along with a list of serial numbers from the guns that the shrouds were removed. ATI will send replacements to the dealer for pick up at your convenience; ATI will be sending replacements as fast as logistics allow. If your dealer is out of business or difficult to reach, or you purchased your gun used, from a consumer, return the shroud directly by US mail or UPS to American Tactical Imports Inc. 100 Airpark Drive Rochester, NY 14624.
PLEASE TRY NOT TO CALL US. We will provide comprehensive information on our web site www.americantactical.us , and www.ar15.com or by e-mail to atiexchange@americantactical.us
REMEMBER, INCLUDE THE FIREARM SERIAL NUMBER WITH EACH SHROUD OR A REPLACEMENT WILL NOT BE ISSUED.
This action IS NOT being instituted through any fault and is strictly due to NFA compliance. American Tactical will assume the responsibility to satisfy the requirements in an effort to minimize the impact on our customers and protect your investment.
We at American Tactical Imports Inc. sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this unfortunate situation.
Sincerely,
Anthony DiChario
President C.E.O. retailcandoc.021210
S&W M&P Fullsize 9mm Range Report
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Semi Auto Reviews on January 24, 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 10, 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 26, 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 Center Recall 329-1
Posted by Mr. RevolverGuy in Industry News on November 26, 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 26, 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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