Target and Defensive Handguns

["DoubleAction"]

.....Whether or not, certain handguns can be applied for both purposes; What do you look for, in each intended application ?

[TMan]

For Defensive I want something that is absolutely reliable and not prone to user errors.

There are actually two types of defensive situations as I see it. One is home invasion and the other when I'm away from home.

When I'm home alone, I have loaded guns in multiple rooms. They range from a Mossberg 930 with 8 rounds of 12 GA to guns that I carry outside.

For concealed carry I want something powerful and light. I prefer the S&W 360 loaded with Personal Protection 357 Magnum rounds. However, because of the increase in the size of my fat a$$, I now have some jean that make it uncomfortable to carry so I end up with the IO Hellcat in 380 ACP.

The Hellcat is aptly named. It is a nasty little thing to shoot for being only a 380 ACP.

I'm toying with the idea of carrying the Sig Sauer 938, but one of the guys at the range today had the Sig Sauer 290, which is roughly the same size, but lighter because of the polymer frame.

Since I don't shoot in competition, I don't care so much about reliability in a target gun. What I want is something that I can shoot accurately, which generally means a long sight radius.

Also, over the years I've learned that to be accurate that I need to be shooting either 45 ACP or 22LR Match Grade Standard Velocity.

Although I have some "high dollar" 9mm pistols like the X-Five and X-Six, P210, etc. I'm not as accurate with them as I am with way less expensive pistols in 45 ACP. Others have told me the same thing. However, Ken told me that he has 9mm that he shoots in competition because he can get them back on target faster so he gets higher scores from being able to shoot more rapidly.

However, for target shooting, you can't beat some of the Swiss, and German made PCP pistols in .177 pellets.

["DoubleAction"]

However, Ken told me that he has 9mm that he shoots in competition because he can get them back on target faster so he gets higher scores from being able to shoot more rapidly.

......Isn't this called "Fudging", if he shoot against the pistols chambered for .45 acp, the 38 super, the 357 sig, or the .40 S&W cartridges ?

["DoubleAction"]

......This was probably the most powerful carry defensive handgun that I ever owned and fired at the range. A custom Weigand Combat S&W 29, 44 magnum. The tolerances, between the cylinder the barrel's forcing cone (gap) was so tight that, the trigger would start to drag at 50 rds. This revolver began it's life has a S&W 629 Deluxe Classic (DX), with a six inch barrel. The front sight was interchangeable and the rear sight was a one piece rear. The wide .500" inch trigger had a smooth double action stroke with a non-stacking 8 lbs. weight.

......I loved this revolver, but, My Brother and I began working on a trade for his Wilson Combat pistols...so, I had to see it go.

[TMan]

......Isn't this called "Fudging", if he shoot against the pistols chambered for .45 acp, the 38 super, the 357 sig, or the .40 S&W cartridges ?

Well, what about having a compensator, or a heavy weight like on my P226 Sport?

How about shooting 38 Super vs 45 ACP. Perhaps it is just the ammo that I bought, but I didn't notice the muzzle flip with 38 Super that I did with 45 ACP. My daughter liked shooting 38 Super better than she did 45 ACP.

["DoubleAction"]

Ruger MK II .22 LR

....Grip Angle, and the caliber, made this pistol a ideal choice for Training and Target practice for the Military.

.....I have the Browning Buckmark .22 LR, and the grip angle also mimic that of the 1911 pistol.

["DoubleAction"]

Oct 14, 2012 14:36:33 GMT -5 TMan said:

......Isn't this called "Fudging", if he shoot against the pistols chambered for .45 acp, the 38 super, the 357 sig, or the .40 S&W cartridges ?

Well, what about having a compensator, or a heavy weight like on my P226 Sport?

How about shooting 38 Super vs 45 ACP. Perhaps it is just the ammo that I bought, but I didn't notice the muzzle flip with 38 Super that I did with 45 ACP. My daughter liked shooting 38 Super better than she did 45 ACP.

The Power Factor

.....If you're looking a formula, you can use the power factor formula which has been used by the USPSA and IPSC. If your friend is shooting in competition with others, he should already know how it works.

Multiply the bullet weight ( in grains) times the muzzle velocity (fps) and divide that number by 1,000. That will give you the power factor number of a particular cartridge.

"Well, what about having a compensator "

.......TMan; I'm glad that you mentioned this. One day, at The Range, I was testing one of my 1911 projects. Before going into the Range, I was talking to a senior range guy about my 1911, and there was another Range customer listening. When I went into the range, the other Range customer had the stall next to mine. I also wear a expedition vest to cover up my pistols at the Range, and usually take the vest off when enter the shooting booth. The Project 1911 was having malfunctions with the magazine ( this in the reasons why I decided to go with the Wilson Magazine ).

.....Cut to the chase : The Range customer was still hanging with me, but he couldn't see what I was shooting. I put down the 1911 and pulled my Sig 229 Sport / 357 sig from it's holster. I placed the Target to the 25 yard range ( all the way ), and began my bulleyes.

......After it was over, The Range customer was praising my 1911 Project.....He never laid his eyes on my Sig Sport ;D

....I like shooting the 38 super too.