New gun range report

[kenw 293]

So, we got the Springfield XD9 SC and the Taurus yesterday. At the range today to break them in and see what's what. First of all, let me say that now I understand why people own and bring more than one gun to the range. Having the variety is much more fun, no boredom, and you can share and still be shooting. I get it now.

 

First, the Springfield. All I can say about it is OUTSTANDING!! The gun worked flawlessly. We put about 400 rounds through it, assorted brands and types, without so much as a hiccup, Zero issues, noting, zip, nada, At the range that Lynn shoots (about 10 yards) even she was able to make a large ragged hole, and at 50 feet or so, Jordan and I were shooting 3 or 4" groups of 5 from a kneel, resting on the bench. Accurate out of the box, easy to shoot and very manageable recoil.

 

The Taurus is a whole 'nother issue. Don't get me wrong, the gun is a great shooter when it shoots. The thing is so well balanced that I forgot how long and heavy the barrel really is. The thing shoots beautifully... .357, 38, 38+, hollow piont, FMJ, lead, wadcutters, new, old, didn't matter. Recoil was non-existent with the .38's and mostly non-existent with the magnums. The grip conforms to the hand like a gel-filled glove, and the thing feels half the size and weight that it really is. On to the bad news. The gun is so tight that the space in the back of the cylinder is just narrow enough that there isn't enough space for the loaded cylinder to rotate consistently. The result was that the cylinder would lock up as the head of the cartridge got jammed between the cylinder and the frame. It wouldn't happen all the time, or even at the same spot each time, but it seemed completely random. Once I managed to swing the jammed cylinder open and rearrange or switch out the ammo, it might or might not go through the whole cylinder without a problem, but just as likely to jam right back up.

 

When the gun worked, it's a tack driver. Stable, with 6+" sight radius, recoil sucking ported barrel and great balance, we were making 2 and 3" groups at 25 or 30' shooting SA resting on the bench. I'll be calling Taurus tomorrow to make arrangements to send it in for repair or replacement. Gotta love a lifetime warranty.

 

Ken

[djg0770 481]

Sorry I missed you Ken - I went up late this afternoon with the wife and kids so that wifey could see the range and the reason I sprung for that membership fee. She saw the 300yd range and her reaction was priceless. WTF - who shoots at that distance!?!?!? And sure enough, there's a guy, with his shooting rug/pad, shooting jacket, spotting scope on tripod and scoped bolt action.

[Guest]

Those XD 9 SC's are fantastic. I have one also and was stunned by the accuracy of it out of the box. That is what I use primarily for my carry piece (backup is a Sig 232. I live in Pa.). That is my most accurate 9mm that I own. I have an XD40 SC with night sights that I am selling if anyone is interested. Where did you go shooting.

[kenw 293]

Reese,

 

Lynn is quickly falling in love with her new gun. If only she could rack it a bit more easily, I'd be happy. But, she manages.

 

It must be nice to live in America. I'll have to visit there sometime.

 

I shoot at Cherry Ridge in Highland Lakes. It's the nicest facility I've seen in Northern NJ. There's a place to shoot anything legal except buckshot. They have a handgun range, a couple of rifle ranges out to 300 yds., a trap range, rimfire silo range, and archery.

 

Dan,

 

Sorry we missed each other. We were at the handgun range for a couple of hours, and then I spent another couple at the silo range trying to vent my frustrations at the Taurus. I put 500 rounds of .22 through my single shot/iron sights beater. I felt better afterwards, but today is the first time ever with a sore shoulder from the .22.

 

K

[Malsua 1,422]

If only she could rack it a bit more easily, I'd be happy.

 

Lube the rails and rack it a few hundred times. Spring is probably still stiff. They don't usually get loosened up so well until 1000+.

[djg0770 481]

There's a good article online about how to position your body in order to rack the slide easily. Lemme dig and see what I find - I know I saw it on XDtalk.