Returning to my roots, now with 9mm Range Report

[keithherrington]

At 63 and with over 50 years of shooting experience under my belt, I find myself returning to my roots WRT what I prefer to shoot. Revolvers have always been part of my life. I carry a pre-lock L-Comp, love my custom Model 28 and favor the 25-5 over most other recreational handguns.





For over 40 years I've shot the 1911 in IPSC, IDPA and a variety of other competitions such as Bullseye. But about 10 years ago I started an experiment with M&P9s and M&P45s. I gave it my best. Tried hard to make the transition, but ultimately could not get used to both the barely adequate accuracy, and Ginzu Knife like utilitarianism. They were just not the types of guns you want to cherish and pass on. They almost struck me as disposable. So last year I bought myself a Les Baer Thunder Ranch in 45 ACP.




And this week I bought myself one of Les Baer's new for 2016 Black Baers in 9mm. Just got the Black Baer today and have not shot it yet, but so far I'm very impressed with its fit and finish.






So far, I could not be happier. Range report to follow.

Keith

 

[ken158]

You have good taste as many of us "older" guys do... I have a few plastic guns but bought my first STI last week.

 

[SilentKnight]

I have carried revolvers more than anything the last 40 years. I have never been moved by the "plastic guns" I have owned in an "I love them" kinda way. They are like an ugly very efficient and effective partner that you can never fall for. There is something so aesthetically beautiful about a revolver, Browning HP, or 1911 that just hits all the bells and whistles including efficient and effective. I really appreciate my air conditioner... but it is not ever going to be something I enjoy staring at.

 

[petepeterson]

You sure figured out how to reward yourself for the misery of your "plastic pistol" attempts...

 

[loc n load]

Return to roots

Keith, look forward to the range report for the 9mm 1911. I am your age and began my shooting career in the mid 60's, competing in small bore rifle in the Boy Scouts. I have hunted, shot sompetitively with rifle and handguns, carried and instructed firearms all of my adult life.
I have always shared your affinity for well made, precision fitted steel and wooden firearms. But I have also worked with, shot and instructed extensively with the "black" guns and the Glocks.
I carried and instructed revolvers for 15 years of my 35 year career, and carried/ instructed hi cap pistols, smg's, and M- 16's for the remaining 20 years. I have an appreciation for both "sides of the fence".
In 2013 I started Hanging around this forum, and it nenewed my interest in my revolvers, which I had packed away for years. I shoot every week now that I am retired, and my old blued and stainless revolvers are always part of that range time. Somebody once wrote " you can never go back home". I understand the context of that message, but for me I have gone back home in my own way. Enjoy your new Black Baer.

 

[DWalt]

" I have never been moved by the "plastic guns" I have owned in an "I love them" kinda way. They are like an ugly very efficient and effective partner that you can never fall for."

I once had a girlfriend like that.

 

[sodacan]

My favorites are generally revolvers of pre-model number vintage, but I mistakenly own a couple of polymer framed pistols. I gave one a try and found that it was not for me. The other one came as part of a trade and has never been fired. They do an excellent job of taking up space in my safe.

 

[BUFF]

cprher, I have said it before but the grips on your Model 25-5 are gorgeous, fantastic, to die for.

Well, maybe not die for, but certainly able to cause drooling and heart palpitations.

 

[keithherrington]

cprher, I have said it before but the grips on your Model 25-5 are gorgeous, fantastic, to die for.

Well, maybe not die for, but certainly able to cause drooling and heart palpitations.

Buff,
Thanks. I'm soon to get my next pair from Culina, for my other 25-5. The grain is not as fancy but they should be every bit as comfortable as the ones I now have. Makes shooting the 25-5 a real joy.
Keith

 

[keithherrington]

Range Report

I took the 9mm Black Baer to the range today and could not be more pleased. Initially the trigger was very inconsistent, but after about 30 rounds, it settled into a very clean break. I think some of the dispersion on the first three targets are due to the trigger. Here are the targets with each ammo identified, shown in order they were shot. All shooting was done at 25 yards from a rest using a 6 o'clock hold.

115 Nosler JRN match bullet, 5.2 of Vit N340, Rem 5.5 primer, with new Starline cases, OAL 1.100". I think the three out of group were all me. This is normally a very accurate ball load and fliers are not the ammo's fault.


115 Nosler JHP match bullet, 5.2 of Vit N340, Rem 5.5 primer, with new Starline cases, OAL 1.080".


115 Hornady XTP, 5.2 of Vit N340, Rem 5.5 primer, with new Starline cases, OAL 1.095"


Federal 115 Hi-Shok JHP (9BP). The two shots low and right were called out. This ammo is the old silver box stuff that had a very good reputation for accuracy and terminal performance.


American Eagle 115 JRN (AE9DP). Not real tight but good practice ammo while I break the gun in.

 

[loc n load]

You have every reason to be pleased. Especially with the Nosler JRN's, the XTP's and the Hi Shok's. Looks like you have a winner to me.

 

[ridewv]

Nice post cprher, most of my favorite guns happen to be 9mm (or .22).