7 Shot vs. 8 Shot

[Dr.J]

Good evening -
I want to begin shooting ICORE and Steel Challenge matches and want to get one gun, for the time being, that will let me be competitive in both. I am setup to load 9mm and .45acp on my Dillon 550 and don't want to purchase the dies, components to load another caliber at this time. I want to purchase one of the new S&W 9mm revolvers when they become available in my area. I believe that the 8-shot, 61/2" barrel 929 would be the best, but was wondering if the 7-shot 5 " 986 would work as well. Bottom line does the extra 11/2" inch of barrel and one additional shot make a significant of a difference. I'd appreciate your comments. Dr. J

 

[S&WIowegan]

I've got mine on order too....at several dealers. If I end up with extra guns I'll give you a call.

I shoot ICORE and Steel and yes...the 8th shot is worth it...when you need it.....and you only need it when you don't have it.

The 8th shot enables you to go faster on steel with the confidence of having rounds to pick up misses. I almost never use all 8 but I sure do like it being there.

 

[imashooter2]

Shooting Steel Challenge type events, 7 shots lets you keep pushing if you have a miss and that is all you need. In ICORE, 2 shots on paper is the common requirement. The 8 shot gives you the possibility of skipping a reload, while the 7 shot is only good for making up a miss on steel...

 

[m657]

The absolute most FUN revolver I shoot in both ICORE and Steel Challenge is the 10 shot 617 in 4".

Our local club strives to make '6-shot neutral' stages and only my own miss makes my 627 of much real value, although it's a very accurate and competitive design. It does take a few seconds longer for me to reload even with a moon clip.

My actual 'best times' center fire revolver for those events is a 3 9/16" 6 shot 610, a combo of perfect balance, rapid handling and minimal recoil with 165gr 40S&W reloads.

A 5" 625 works well for me, as I can reload faster with less bobbles, yet the entire package, pleasant as it is, is notably slower thru the corners even giving the faster reload time, as I can just about toss a moon clip from across the room & it will load.

Not that I'm 'competitive'...but as a satisfied 'participant' it's a hard choice between any of them. The S&W lock work is so compliant with any tune you want to impart on it, and that being largely clonable on any other Smith you own, is an advantage.

I prefer the LGA sights as well.

Watching the fastest guys gives some of their secrets; most practice & shoot a LOT or have done so for decades. Their equipment is standardized for their own best use; each sets up their gear the same from match to match. Reloads are always in the same spot; they use the same belt gear in & year out....and they don't really seem to go fast....they just leave out anything that isn't putting lead down range.

Misses/reloads are not such a big part of my score; now it's more the penalties as PLACEMENT has been imprecise....whether I'm useing 6-8- or 10 shot revolver.

Good luck in your sport.

Tomorrow the 617 is going for a little exercise.....

 

[Dr.J]

Good Morning And Yet Another Question -
While waiting, and I understand it may be a long wait, for a 929 would purchasing a holster and speed loaders for my 6-shot 617 be a good way of practicing shooting ICORE and Steeel Challenge events? If so, what equipment would I need, e.g., holsters, speed loaders, etc. Thanks,
Tom

 

[m657]

Many of the movements are the same, if you believe in the 'muscle memory' and 'hand/eye coordination' theories.

And the joy of shooting a well tuned 617 is reward in itself.

There are several varieties of speed loaders and loading blocks for the 617 class.

I don't have the name handy, but one of the makers is a forum member here. I got 5 of his 10-shot loaders & a 100-shot loading block.....perhaps a bit excessive for actual need, as it gives me not just a 'stage' worth but nearly a whole MATCH worth of pre-staged ammo for immediate use.

Personally I prefer the old leather cowboy style holsters, and use one that was built for the N-frames I also use at times. This equipment choice is really a personal thing depending on what you want. Since I have a chronic shoulder problem, usually I start the stage with gun in hand anyway. Local club Steel Challenge is based on table-accessed ammo rather than necessarily belt.

I prefer a belt pouch for moon clips in the ICORE events, but there's a raft of other choices too. Since ICORE stages are typically a matter of just a few reloads, the various belt-holder devices are largely optional IMHO.

Get that 617 ready for action!!!!

 

[S&WIowegan]

The 617 -10 shot came into it's own as a lower cost option for shooting steel. Then the ammo panic hit which coincides with lots of new shooters who shoot live ammo as if they're playing a video game. So, 22 ammo is hard to find unless you cut a deal with your local WalMart gun clerk.

Steel Challenge does NOT require a holster for 22s...the start is "low ready" which means gun loaded and in your hands pointed at the ground a few yards away from your feet. Many people use shotgun ammo pouches on their belt to carry reloads to the line.

A shameless plug for Bob Perdue at North Mountain who makes gear for shooting revolvers. He can sell you speedloaders, loading blocks and belt carriers.

I know people who prefer steel shooting over USPSA, IDPA or ICORE.