Firearms Friday: Going Silent

Those of you hoping to read all about silencers are going to be highly disappointed. While they are legal in my state and I do plan on purchasing in the future, this post has nothing to do with those over regulated and wonderfully useful devices. I am actually talking about something completely different and a little beyond the norm for this series of rambling posts. This is an opportunity for me to talk about my first experiences with target shooting and the hope to return to that much simpler time.

While I was first introduced to firearms while in college thanks to my former ex-Navy Seal roommate, the majority of our time spend shooting targets wasn’t at the range… and it wasn’t with firearms. We did climb up the old ski slope every now and again with our 7mm Savage rifle and Beretta M9 but the majority of our time peering down the sights was on that of a few air pellet rifles and BB guns that we picked up at Wal-Mart. We decided to save a few pennies so that we could use those pennies for target practice… literally.

Most of those early moments pulling a trigger were along the rural highways of Vermont with pennies perched atop and embedded in a snow bank. It was hours of relaxing, and sometimes frustrating fun, taking aim, splitting copper, swapping out CO2 cartridges and generally having a good time with some interesting conversations in-between shots. There have been several moments over the years when I would pass a Wal-Mart and hesitate for just a second before continuing down the road.

Now that my wife and I have some space to enjoy the outdoors and we live in an area were people respect the right to so whatever you want on your property so long that its legal, I have been tempted to partake in some of the quieter alternatives to firearms. While there are a few neighbors that, from time to time, will take their rifles into the back yard, I want to at least be considerate should I find this to be a regular routine. It is with this in mind that I have been thinking about picking up an inexpensive air rifle or crossbow.

It would be nice to head out the back door, set up a target, and send a few quiet rounds across the property. After all, I can’t always get to the range despite several options located within 10 minutes of our house so that might be a means to keep my limited skills from becoming completely dull. Not to mention that it would simply be nice to return to a simpler time and enjoy not just being in front of a target again but, at the same time, remembering those first few shots that got me hooked into this hobby.

Firearms Friday: Second Looks

Anyone who frequents gun shops or shows comes across some interesting firearms during those periods of browsing. It is one of the reasons why I enjoy browsing through the used case and why it is the first place I look when I walk into the store (Tanner’s Sports Center has a phenomenal used selection). During my many trips over the years I have come across a variety of firearms that have piqued my interest that many simply pass by for one reason or another.

It is with this in mind that I decided to go over some of the firearms that caught my attention. Sometimes the reason why people look the other way is because of appearances or because they don’t recognize the name on the side of the slide. Each of the following firearms had me taking a second (sometimes third and fourth) look for one reason or another.

Beretta 9000s

Commonly known as “that gun” from the movie Minority Report, this firearm looks like a 92FS that had an unfortunate encounter with Wayne Szalinski or Willy Wonka. It is an interesting little firearm which was originally conceived by Beretta as a concealed carry option although the bulk of the firearm leaves little to be desired when compared to modern firearms designed for the same market. While no longer produced (in favor of the subcompact PX4 Storm), it is an interesting firearm and one that shows the modern evolution of the old world manufacturer.

Tressitu TZ99

Even those with little exposure to firearms are familiar with the Sig Sauer P226. Even if they don’t know it by name they have seen it countless times on the big and small screens (NCIS comes to mind). However, the clones that can be found are rather interesting as well. While the most common and familiar is the Zastava CZ999, there are other companies and countries that have offered their interpretation over the years including the South African made Tressitu TZ99. While price and built quality are common points of comparison, the TZ99 is a solid piece of craftsmanship if you can find one. The only real difference being in the mechanical functionality is the fact that the decocker also serves as the slide stop. These firearms are seldom seen as there was limited quantities produced and imported (by Mitchell Arms) before the South African company declared bankruptcy. However, if you are interested in seeing it in action you can always watch episode four of the first season of Top Shot.

Heizer Defense PAR1

Unlike the aforementioned two above, the Heizer Defense PAR1 is a new firearm that pretty much defines the concept of “because we can”. Despite no real practical use, the single shot pocket firearm is a rather interesting sight to behold. And that is pretty much as far as I would go as I have no desire to fire a rifle round from a barrel barely extending beyond the tip of the bullet. I imagine the sound from this noisy cricket wouldn’t be very pleasant either even with ear protection. If you really want one by all means go ahead but I think there are better options for under the $499 MSRP.

Chiappa Rhino

Revolvers are simple. Easy to maintain and easy to use (even though some of us can’t shoot them well). Chiappa decided to change us “grandpa’s pistol” and while the design is slightly (despite the looks) more complicated, it is a great improvement on a proven design allowing for a much lower bore axis (allowing for greater accuracy and faster follow up shots). While the prices are still way too high (MSRP of $800+) for firearm from Total Recall, it is something a little different for those who enjoy a good revolver. However, I am not one of those people (at least not at the moment).

1911 Alternatives

I added this section to the post because depending on with whom you speak, these can be seen as unique firearms. While the traditional size 1911’s have been chambered in other calibers, the recent popularity of the Sig Sauer P238 and P938 have sparked greater interest in the pocket 1911 market beyond that which was seen when the Colt Mustang was introduced two decades prior. These are great options for those who prefer the 1911 platform either as a small primary or a backup. Despite the small size I can attest to the high degree of accuracy hitting the red consistently at 25 yards at a medium rate of fire. None of the aforementioned models are cheap but are well worth the investment if you looking for a high quality, 1911 style, pocket option.

As you can see, it is a mix of some new and some that can only be found in the used case. Each has their merits and each has a few things holding them back. However, if you see any of them in the case I recommend taking a look. Maybe you will be surprised. Maybe you might have to spend a little more time in the store filling out some paperwork. Of course, you may look at all of them and wonder what the heck I was thinking when I wrote this. You won’t know until you take a look.

Firearms Friday: The Virtues Of The 1911

No matter what range you go to, forum you visit, or magazine you read there is always the debate going back and forth between those who see the 1911 as the be all end all of firearms and those who are of the striker fired persuasion. This has been especially true with the new Army sidearm trials to replace the Beretta M9 (which replaced the 1911 in 1985 at the Army’s service pistol). There are those caught in the middle but there are always people that you can find on either side of the spectrum. It makes you wonder what John Browning would think of these exchanges.

Personally, I like to enjoy a variety of firearms so I was never one to participate in the back and forth. However, it was more due to my lack of experience with the platform. It was basically for the same reasons that you may have heard over and over… limited magazine capacity and a caliber that didn’t have a tremendous appeal to me. I have always been a proponent of accuracy over power.

Over the last couple of months I have come to appreciate the 1911 platform. I have become more familiar with the caliber (largely due to the recent drop in ammunition prices that have been seeing) and I have seen the prices of the firearms come down as well. While there is certainly a big difference between the entry level 1911’s (under $1000), mid-range ($1000-1500), and high end (well over $1500) there have been great deals from quality manufacturers. This was particularly true when Para Ordinance was offering a $100 rebate at the same time that my local shop, Tanner’s Sports Center, was running a special on all stainless steel expert models for just under $450. This is a firearm that is easily on the upper end of the entry level category with an MSRP north of $700.

Once I had gotten a handle on the manual of arms and really started enjoying the firearm itself I started looking at the other options out there. While I did have some familiarity with the market and I was aware that the 1911 is currently manufactured in a variety of calibers, I didn’t realize how much the capacity had increased on some models. I knew that the round count was higher but I wasn’t aware of the fact that it was 14+1 of .45ACP, 16+1 of .40S&W, or 18+1 of 9mm.

Weight and size have also been noted as downsides to the Browning design but even that is changing with barrel lengths ranging from 3-5 inches and frames being made from various materials other than steel including polymer, titanium, and aluminum. While still not light it is perfectly manageable for many who prefer carrying the classic. Weight and size shouldn’t be more of a factor beyond any consideration they are given with regard to any other type of firearm.

In the end, with my experience, many of the arguments against the 1911 have been made moot in recent years. There is a choice in caliber, capacity, and weight as well as a variety of manufacturers across the entire pricing spectrum offering a wide array of options to the shooter. It really has become a truly customizable firearm beyond the confines of the serious competitive shooting market. If you just want something for the range I highly recommend picking one up and if you are comfortable with carry cocked and locked there really isn’t a better concealed carry option available.

Firearms Friday: Army Sidearm Competition

Every once in a while, the United States Army makes it known that they are opening up competition to see if the current designs and technology are what they are looking for to replace the Beretta M9. Essentially, every time the Beretta contract begins winding down, there is new talk as to what will be the next sidearm issued to soldiers in the Army. While talks are frequent, it doesn’t mean that a change will be made as since 1911 the Army has only had 2 pistols, the aforementioned M9 adopted in 1985 and the M1911A1 adopted in 1911.

There are numerous factors that will be considered this time around that weren’t really part of the equation 30 years ago. Polymer frames have become an industry standard and preferred material for modern shooters, modularity is both readily available and cost effective as modern materials make for the faster and easier production of such parts, and manufacturing costs have gone down considerably with the advent of new processes and materials.

So what criteria will hold over from the last trial?

While there are some forces that prefer the larger .45ACP round, the Army is still set on issuing 9mm NATO rounds which provide greater round count, better recoil management, and less wear and tear on firearms in comparison to higher pressure rounds such as .40 S&W and .357 Sig. Parts interchangeability will be essential as servicing the sidearm will require readily available and standard sized parts… they want the armorer to be able to drop in a new barrel rather than have to fit it to the individual gun. Cost will be a major consideration as well especially given the history of Sig Sauer previously falling short to Beretta based on this criteria. Also, all firearms must be manufactured in the US.

Of course, the biggest requirements of them all are durability and combat accuracy. As was outlined in a recent Guns America article on the subject:

Whichever guns get entered will have to average 2,000 rounds between stoppages. The guns will have to run an average of 10,000 rounds before a true failure. And the guns will need a service life of 35,000 rounds. They will need to put 90% of rounds within a 4″ circle at 50 meters, which breaks down to about 7MOA. And they’ll need to be able to handle hot loads (at least 20% over SAAMI specs for their caliber).

While there are hundreds of potential participants, and even more opinions in the community as to what should be selected, there will no doubt be designs that we have seen previously and ones that will be a complete surprise. Those mystery entries are what is going to really make this competition interesting as there are always designs or features that will be developed for this competition that will eventually make it to the civilian market. I guess, in the end, the real question is how the previous finalists will fair against newer and younger competition?