I bought a CORE 9L, 5" a while back and have been basically ignoring it in the gun safe. I took it to the range a number of times just to break it in with some Win White Box, but couldn't handle the gritty trigger. I decided to get it out of the safe and maybe mount a Vortex Venom on it, play with cleaning up the trigger or going to the Apex trigger. My question is what number plate do I use if I buy the Vortex (it came with type 1 thru 5) or do you recommend another reflex sight, excluding the Triijicon, for general playing around on the paper targets. This terrible trigger ensures that I will continue to carry my 9mm ported PC shield. It has become a project since I think I know its potential. Thanks in advance.

-=BDD=-

Got one on mine .... like it fine...

I think the Vortex comes with the plate for that particular weapon... I had the gun-shop put it on and I am pretty sure it was with the gun.... now that I think about it... I will check but it didn't seem to be a problem... bolted right up...

I think I'll have a trigger job done on it... if I can find a decent smith in my area... might see if S&W would smooth it out for me???

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Bill M.
Southside Virginia

It would be the same plate as for the Burris Fastfire III or a Doctor.
I put a Doctor plate on my M&P (rear sight replacement) and mounted a Venom. It works great! Makes my "aging eyes" issue a lot less likely to screw up my shooting...





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Love my Viper!

I need some clarification for this old fart. I just went to the Vortex website and the Viper is a riflescope in 3.5-9 up to 6.5-20. Please explain the recommendation for the viper over the venom. Also, any other recommendations for a reflex sight on the CORE.

-=BDD=-

Any (I think?) Vortex optical has their actual VIP (LIFETIME!) GUARANTEE and that was a big factor for me... Viper (6moa) red dot is a bit lower profile, as I recall. Venom works as well, mine has a 3moa dot but a 6moa is also available.

Then there's the RAZOR...

You'll probably just love it!

Cheers!

Look here:
Vortex Optics - Viper Red Dot



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I just installed a 6 MOA Vortex Viper. Very easy using a plate that came with the CORE. I can't recall which number, but it is the only one for which the holes line up. Runs great...just getting used to finding the dot quickly.

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Two comments, one on your trigger, and one on the Vortex:

1) I have an M&P 40c. Like most M&Ps, it had a gritty trigger out of the box. By 500 rounds, it had smoothed out considerably, and by 1000 rounds it was very smooth. I was perfectly happy with it, but I eventually developed some arthritis in my hand. This compelled me to put in an Apex DCAEK (at 6000 rounds) to lower the pull by a pound or so. My gunsmith, a certified S&W armorer, said it was too bad I had to spend the money, because the original trigger was so smooth. So, first shoot the heck out of your CORE 9L (and don't develop arthritis). You might end up very pleased with how good your trigger has become. However, if you still don't like it after 1000 rounds, then do the Apex thing. I am very happy with my Apex kit.

2) I think you were on the right track with your preference for the Vortex Venom red dot. I have one on my FN FNX-45T, and it is great. When I ordered it, I was concerned that the 3 MOA dot might be too small. After using it for just a short period, I was glad I hadn't ordered the Viper with its larger 6 MOA dot. The Venom's dot is so bright, I have no problem seeing it, and because it covers a smaller portion of the target than a 6 MOA dot would, it doesn't obscure the bullseye at longer ranges. The Venom was easy to install on my FNX (which is pre-milled like the CORE), as it perfectly fit one of the adapter plates that came with FNX. According to the Vortex website, it should fit the #5 plate for the CORE, so I assume installation will be equally easy for you. Sight-in was straightforward, and the Venom has so far held zero through 1100 rounds of .45 ACP recoil. My accuracy has significantly improved since I installed it, and it's hard to imagine going back to iron sights. The only problem I've had with the Venom is that the battery cap tends to unscrew itself during the course of a range session. Tightening it down with a small screwdriver before and after each session eliminates the problem.

Enjoy your new CORE!

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What, me worry?

First, I'd like to thank everyone for the info. I just sat down to take a break from the never ending outside yard work and decided to start the disassembly process on the core. Looking at the set screw on the rear sight, I saw the little hint of red loctite peeping thru. A 1/16" allen wrench and some slow pressure on it and the set screw broke loose without the usual blow torch and burning every thing in my garage before the red loctite breaks down. It's going to be a great day. It doesn't take much to make this old-fart smile these days.

-=BDD=-

Here is a thread with some pics/vids of red dots on M&P

Optic for C.O.R.E. Pistols With Best Co-Witness, Optimal Diameter Dot?