3953 to the range and back to 147 grain?

[GaryS]

I finally got my 3953 to the range. It functioned perfectly, but I was using 115gr Tuleammo Brass Max and was shooting way low.

My first forary was to our plinking range because the two station hand gun range (long story) that we now have was occupied. I was aiming at various steel targets and noticed that I was missing a lot more than I was hitting. Oh oh.

The handgun range cleared and I moved over there and put up a 9" paper plate. That's what I use as a standard 21 or so foot target. Nothing fancy, I consider anything on the paper a hit.

Out of four magazines, I think I got five hits on target. Now, I was very concerned. A bit more adjustment, and I determined that the gun was shooting way low.

I didn't think it was the gun, so it was either me or the ammunition. Or both. I also had some Winchester 147 JHP, so I tried that. Much better. Actually much, much better.

I also put a few magazines through my pre rail 3913TSW. That shoots low with 115gr or 124gr for that matter. For which I've been blaming the Meprolight night sights. It shot much closer to point of aim with the 147 grain ammo.

I'm going to do a bit more formal testing with both 3913TSWs and the 3953. That's if I can find some 115gr JHP or maybe even a different brand of 115gr FMJ.

I plan to do 115 gr vs 124 gr vs 147 gr. If the preliminary results hold up, I plan to switch over to 147gr JHP for carry purposes.

Oh, the 3953 functioned flawlessly no matter what I put through it. It might take a bit to get used to the DA pull for every shot, but it's certainly a credible self defense firearm.

[18DAI]

I use Winchester Ranger 147 grain 9mm bonded, RA9B, in all my 9mm carry guns. They shoot it like lasers and the round has a VERY good track record on the street. Try it. You will be glad you did!

If the RA9B is not available Id use the Federal 147 grain HST round. It also performs very well in the jello tests. I have not read of any street use yet of that particular round. Good luck! Hope this helps! Regards 18DAI

[Barrie]

I had a Berretta 922FS for a while and it also liked the 147's much better. I tried the exact same test versus the 115 and 124 slugs as I was hand loading at the time. The 147 is the ammo for best results in a ninemm in my view as well.

[GaryS]

It certainly seems to be. As I wrote, I'm going to do a more comprehensive test with different ammo.

I also have to scrounge around in my ammo locker, as I seem to have more 147 JHP, including some "Hydro Shock" than I remembered.

I just found a random box of Speer Gold Dot JHP 147 in my desk. And I'm going out to meet a guy to buy 500 rounds of AE 147gr range ammo.

Originally Posted by Barrie

I had a Berretta 922FS for a while and it also liked the 147's much better. I tried the exact same test versus the 115 and 124 slugs as I was hand loading at the time. The 147 is the ammo for best results in a ninemm in my view as well.

[patrickd]

Heavier bullets will print higher on the target than lighter ones. I know this sounds nuts, but there's ordinary physics behind it. Heavier bullets cause more recoil and because of that recoil, the muzzle is pointing higher as the bullets exits the gun.

[m1gunner]

Originally Posted by patrickd

Heavier bullets will print higher on the target than lighter ones. I know this sounds nuts, but there's ordinary physics behind it. Heavier bullets cause more recoil and because of that recoil, the muzzle is pointing higher as the bullets exits the gun.

In a handgun. Opposite in a rifle

[patrickd]

Originally Posted by m1gunner

In a handgun. Opposite in a rifle

The same physics apply regardless of weapon. It just depends on how your rifle is held, but the same physics apply.

[lhump1961]

I shoot 124g in my 3rd gen 9's and get good results but some have a different POA. My 6904 is high center but my 6906 is more low center. My 6946 is right on center. Going back to one of my 39-2's it is a 6 o'clock POA. I haven't shot a 3913 for a while and can't remember the particulars on some of those. I've no doubt that some of the variable is me and the way I see the sights but they all do their job.

They will all group well if I'm having a good day! If i find them being a bit wild then I know it's me. Keep going to the range and you will find your comfort zone. I have fewer "fliers" with my DAO 6946 so I'm sure you'll be happy with the 3953.

[GaryS]

This makes as much sense as any of my thoughts. No, it makes more sense.

I don't know when I'll get to do the range test, but I'll try to report back when I do.

Originally Posted by patrickd

Heavier bullets will print higher on the target than lighter ones. I know this sounds nuts, but there's ordinary physics behind it. Heavier bullets cause more recoil and because of that recoil, the muzzle is pointing higher as the bullets exits the gun.

[TercGen]

I'm no bulls-eye shooter, but I've found that both the 124's and 147's shoot to a defensive POI in my 3rd Gens. When I've shot AE or Speer Law 115gr in the past, they have seemed to print a bit higher for me, but not by much. I've got factory sights, Trijicons, and XS 24/7 sights on all my Smiths.

Originally Posted by patrickd

Heavier bullets will print higher on the target than lighter ones. I know this sounds nuts, but there's ordinary physics behind it. Heavier bullets cause more recoil and because of that recoil, the muzzle is pointing higher as the bullets exits the gun.

I've heard this mentioned before, but for me the lighter, faster 124's give the most felt recoil and muzzle flip with 9mm. 147's are a softer push and have the least amount of muzzle flip out of the 3 weights for me. I think it has something to do with the velocity of the felt recoil, where the faster bullets have a sharper 'spike,' as opposed to the longer pulse of the 147's. I love Federal 147 +P HST's for the fast follow-up shots in my 39xx guns (and CS9).

[Jaymo]

Lighter, higher velocity bullets exit the muzzle earlier in the recoil cycle.
Heavier, slower bullets exit later.

[petepeterson]

147s hit closest to POA in my 3913 and 14. I still have to cover the target to hit it, as opposed to using a 6 o'clock hold.

115s are substantially lower. If I used a 115 load for CCW, I would install a different front sight.