Three to the Range

[GaryS]

The weather has finally broken, I had some time, so it was off to the range.

Along for trip were my late production 457, CS9, and a very early (1989) ANIB 3914.

I hadn't fired the 457 or the 3914 yet, and wanted to test out the CS9 after replacing the ambi safety with a single side safety.

First up was the 457. I put a box of 230gr RNL (or hardball if you prefer) through it. For a "Value Line" gun, it sure is accurate. Well, as long as I did my part, that is. Stock grip with a Pachmyar grip adapter and pretty comfortable to shoot overall.

Then the CS9. 124gr FMJ. Fifty flawless rounds and very good accuracy at 21 feet. I've been using B29 reduced size targets. Rounds hit to point of aim and I was drilling the X ring pretty regularly. The last magazine full was seven pretty well placed head shots.

I still have the original Hogue grips on and don't think I'm going to change. The grips feel comfortable in my hand and I shoot well with them, so I can't think of a reason to change them.

Also, two of the magazines had the wedge shaped pre rail TSW base plates. I had no problem holding the gun with them, so I'll probably use those and not the finger rest version.

Last up was the 3914 firing 147gr FMJ. What a nice firing hand gun that is. Again, very accurate as long as I did my part.

I spent some time, as always, concentrating on grip, sight placement, stance, and breathing. When I did that all correctly, the rounds went right where I wanted to.

All three are keepers, and after cleaning, the CS9 goes into the carry rotation.

I don't know who those long ago engineers were, but they did a darn good job designing those hand guns.

[cherrypointmarine]

I also have all three of those . I would be willing to bet that if they started making some of these again , they wouldn't be able to make them fast enough . Why would you buy a plastic gun when you could buy something like the CS9,40 or 45 just to name a few . I know they don't carry 15-20 rounds , but what did we do 30 years ago before these mega-mags came along ?

[GaryS]

Cost. And the time utilization on the CNC machines takes away from time that can be used to make 1911 frames, revolver frames, and slides for M&P, AR, and 1911 frames.

Those have much higher profit margins than would an all metal framed gun like the 3rd Gens.

Originally Posted by cherrypointmarine

I also have all three of those . I would be willing to bet that if they started making some of these again , they wouldn't be able to make them fast enough . Why would you buy a plastic gun when you could buy something like the CS9,40 or 45 just to name a few . I know they don't carry 15-20 rounds , but what did we do 30 years ago before these mega-mags came along ?