The gun that surprised you the most
- Thread starter Stainless44
- Start date
Two guns have surprised, one positive, one negative...
The negative was when the wife and I went to a range and rented their Walther PPK/S in .380. We were looking for a small gun that would be comfortable for her, and figured this might do it, plus she wanted "cool looking." Well, getting slide bit tends to take away the "nice gun" factor...
The positive gun was one I bought mostly because it fell into the category of "cool looking and impressive." A Magnum Research Desert Eagle in .50AE. First time to the range, I figured I was going to get bopped in the head by the recoil, possibly losing control of the gun, so I put one round in. Surprisingly (to me) it actually has significantly less recoil / muzzle climb than you would think (especially from Youtube videos...)
Not a gun to take to the range on a regular basis, not at almost $2/rd, but fun sometimes.
The negative was when the wife and I went to a range and rented their Walther PPK/S in .380. We were looking for a small gun that would be comfortable for her, and figured this might do it, plus she wanted "cool looking." Well, getting slide bit tends to take away the "nice gun" factor...
The positive gun was one I bought mostly because it fell into the category of "cool looking and impressive." A Magnum Research Desert Eagle in .50AE. First time to the range, I figured I was going to get bopped in the head by the recoil, possibly losing control of the gun, so I put one round in. Surprisingly (to me) it actually has significantly less recoil / muzzle climb than you would think (especially from Youtube videos...)
Not a gun to take to the range on a regular basis, not at almost $2/rd, but fun sometimes.
My Mod 66 no dash snubby, didn't have a clue how desirable a gun it was when I bought it, just thought the price was right. I'd never shot anything shorter than 4 inch before so figured I'd have trouble hitting paper of any kind. With just a little range time I shoot it better up to 10 yards than anything else I own.,
My 65 Ladysmith and I don't seem to like each other. Need to work on that.
My 65 Ladysmith and I don't seem to like each other. Need to work on that.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
About 25 years ago I picked up one of the Russian Makarov service pistols for the price of $75, which included 2 magazines and 2 boxes of 9X18 ammo. Thought that it would be a spare piece to keep locked up in the truck.
Took it to the range and ran through 100 rounds of Russian ball ammo. Functioning was 100%. Accuracy was excellent. Natural "pointer", and out to 10 yards or so I could ventilate multiple silhouette targets easily and repeatedly.
DA trigger pull is quite heavy with some "stacking" as you approach the let-off, but easily mastered with minimal practice. SA trigger pull is not too bad, with longer take-up than we might like. But it is a military pistol intended for combat, not a target gun.
Took it home, stripped it down (very easy to do), and gave everything a good cleaning. I was very impressed with the design and robust qualities of this pistol. With a supply of good CCI or Hornady HP ammo I would not hesitate to use the Makarov as a primary defensive handgun.
I have others I prefer, but the Makarov made a very positive impression. Probably the best $75 gun purchase I ever made.
Took it to the range and ran through 100 rounds of Russian ball ammo. Functioning was 100%. Accuracy was excellent. Natural "pointer", and out to 10 yards or so I could ventilate multiple silhouette targets easily and repeatedly.
DA trigger pull is quite heavy with some "stacking" as you approach the let-off, but easily mastered with minimal practice. SA trigger pull is not too bad, with longer take-up than we might like. But it is a military pistol intended for combat, not a target gun.
Took it home, stripped it down (very easy to do), and gave everything a good cleaning. I was very impressed with the design and robust qualities of this pistol. With a supply of good CCI or Hornady HP ammo I would not hesitate to use the Makarov as a primary defensive handgun.
I have others I prefer, but the Makarov made a very positive impression. Probably the best $75 gun purchase I ever made.
I was most surprised with my first Model 12 Winchester. It was well used and would blow itself open when fired. I got on the internet and started asking about it because it didn't seem right. The only thing {I thought, haha} I knew about Model 12's was just what I had heard from the old timers repeatedly when I was growing up..."you can hold the trigger in and pump the action and it will keep on firing", and "you cant wear that gun out, the more you shoot it the tighter it gets."
That last one was what confused me. On the web I got 26 replies to the question...13 said "no, they aren't supposed to do that." and 13 said "yep, they all do that."
So, I inquired about those AGI dvd's and was told,"yeah, they are good if you want to strip a gun down and clean it, beyond that don't waste your money." So I called the place and asked if the dvd about the Model 12 addressed that issue and she told me that there was a small blurb in there that talked about it. I ordered the dvd and sure enough he did talk a little about how to tell if the gun is worn out and just mentioned that "when they blow their self open you have to get in there and weld up a part..." It did at least answer the question...no, the Model 12 is absolutely not supposed to blow itself open when fired.
Needless to say, I figured out that the action bar was the culprit and now own quite a collection of Model 12's.
That last one was what confused me. On the web I got 26 replies to the question...13 said "no, they aren't supposed to do that." and 13 said "yep, they all do that."
So, I inquired about those AGI dvd's and was told,"yeah, they are good if you want to strip a gun down and clean it, beyond that don't waste your money." So I called the place and asked if the dvd about the Model 12 addressed that issue and she told me that there was a small blurb in there that talked about it. I ordered the dvd and sure enough he did talk a little about how to tell if the gun is worn out and just mentioned that "when they blow their self open you have to get in there and weld up a part..." It did at least answer the question...no, the Model 12 is absolutely not supposed to blow itself open when fired.
Needless to say, I figured out that the action bar was the culprit and now own quite a collection of Model 12's.
Charter Arms Police Bulldog 2", .38 special, bought sometime in the early 80's. Saw one on the cover of Massad Ayoob's 'In Gravest Extreme'. Learned a lot from the book that is still applicable, and even more from the CA.
Put a set of Pachmayer compacts on it, and from snake shot to 158 lead SWCHP covered everything I needed. Still does, and has never failed to do what I asked of it.
Winchester 101 20 ga., field grade, bought in 1971. Shooting left handed, the tang safety was a godsend, and used it for many years on Texas quail, doves, and rattlesnakes with my Dad,, Ca. quail and chukar, S.D. pheasants, as I moved around chasing construction, it served well in many states. Son now uses it on pheasants and grouse in Mn., pheasants in S.D. Hopefully someday, by my grandson, completing my cycle of life.
Put a set of Pachmayer compacts on it, and from snake shot to 158 lead SWCHP covered everything I needed. Still does, and has never failed to do what I asked of it.
Winchester 101 20 ga., field grade, bought in 1971. Shooting left handed, the tang safety was a godsend, and used it for many years on Texas quail, doves, and rattlesnakes with my Dad,, Ca. quail and chukar, S.D. pheasants, as I moved around chasing construction, it served well in many states. Son now uses it on pheasants and grouse in Mn., pheasants in S.D. Hopefully someday, by my grandson, completing my cycle of life.
Last edited:
tomtheturner
Member
This is kinda like Cmort666's story. Many moons ago I decided that I wanted an accurate center fire rifle, a "sniper" rifle, so to say.
I really wasn't absolutely sure what I wanted, but was thinking the traditional Remington, or Winchester in .308, or maybe 30/06.
I went to my LGS where I had been doing business regularly. They had a CZ 550 American HB in .308 with a beautiful curly Turkish walnut stock. This was before CZ was really known, and they didn't even have an office in the US yet. It had been on display for a long time, covered with dust, and he couldn't sell it. I started asking about him ordering me a Remington, and an old guy, probably younger than my age now, started telling me about the CZ. He had a stable of Rems & Winchesters, and told me he had bought a .308 CZ about a year earlier, and that out of the box it was a tack driver. Didn't need a Timney trigger, or anything else. I was really hesitant to go with a brand I didn't know. Then the LGS owner made me a deal on the rifle that I just couldn't refuse. Less than half the price of a Remington at that time. I bought it.
Up until recently I have not had a place to shoot over 100 yds, but the first time out I worked up three different loads with three different bullets. First two loads made about 1", or so groups at 100yds from a sandbag. The third load with BLC-2 powder, and Nosler's Ballistic Silvertip bullet, put all three bullets through the same hole leaving a tiny little cloverleaf. It continued to do it over and over. I was real lucky to find a load that it liked the first time out.
Boy, talk about one happy camper!! I have another CZ 550 in .243 now with a matching curly Turkish walnut stock. It is just as accurate as the .308. I should mention that I do have decent optics on both rifles. Spent much more than the rifle for the .308, but on the .243 I really have a pretty modest scope.
They are both a pure joy to shoot, and with the set trigger that CZ puts on these they can make an average shooter look pretty good. I sure am glad that the "old guy" hanging around the store took the time to fill me in.
It is sighted in at two hundred yds now, and the last time that I got to go hunting with it I nailed a wild hog "way out there" not sure of the range, first shot right where it counted.
Yep, there is just nothing like being "pleasantly surprised."
I really wasn't absolutely sure what I wanted, but was thinking the traditional Remington, or Winchester in .308, or maybe 30/06.
I went to my LGS where I had been doing business regularly. They had a CZ 550 American HB in .308 with a beautiful curly Turkish walnut stock. This was before CZ was really known, and they didn't even have an office in the US yet. It had been on display for a long time, covered with dust, and he couldn't sell it. I started asking about him ordering me a Remington, and an old guy, probably younger than my age now, started telling me about the CZ. He had a stable of Rems & Winchesters, and told me he had bought a .308 CZ about a year earlier, and that out of the box it was a tack driver. Didn't need a Timney trigger, or anything else. I was really hesitant to go with a brand I didn't know. Then the LGS owner made me a deal on the rifle that I just couldn't refuse. Less than half the price of a Remington at that time. I bought it.
Up until recently I have not had a place to shoot over 100 yds, but the first time out I worked up three different loads with three different bullets. First two loads made about 1", or so groups at 100yds from a sandbag. The third load with BLC-2 powder, and Nosler's Ballistic Silvertip bullet, put all three bullets through the same hole leaving a tiny little cloverleaf. It continued to do it over and over. I was real lucky to find a load that it liked the first time out.
Boy, talk about one happy camper!! I have another CZ 550 in .243 now with a matching curly Turkish walnut stock. It is just as accurate as the .308. I should mention that I do have decent optics on both rifles. Spent much more than the rifle for the .308, but on the .243 I really have a pretty modest scope.
They are both a pure joy to shoot, and with the set trigger that CZ puts on these they can make an average shooter look pretty good. I sure am glad that the "old guy" hanging around the store took the time to fill me in.
It is sighted in at two hundred yds now, and the last time that I got to go hunting with it I nailed a wild hog "way out there" not sure of the range, first shot right where it counted.
Yep, there is just nothing like being "pleasantly surprised."
Grayfox
US Veteran
About 15 years ago I picked up a Rossi 62A .22 pump dirt cheap. The plan was to take it to the next gun show and use it for trading material. But then I shot it. Not only is it extremely accurate, but its down right fun! I still have it.
I'll also echo the comments on the Norinco 1911. I bought one of these cheap a year or so back with the intention of reselling it. It looks plumb awful, but will shoot right up there with my Colts and Springfields.
I'll also echo the comments on the Norinco 1911. I bought one of these cheap a year or so back with the intention of reselling it. It looks plumb awful, but will shoot right up there with my Colts and Springfields.
Arik
Member
The one that surprised me the most was a used Sig P220. Bought it about 6 months ago. It was an old police gun, heavy finish wear, which I really don't care about as long as the price is right. ...and it was. Under $400 OTD. I take it to the range and at 10 yards this thing is like a sniper rifle. Just shooting the X with boring consistency regardless of ammo. Wolf, Winchester, Gold Dots, Remington, whatever. ...all in the X and to the point where I wasn't even trying. I think if I shoot it with my back to the target I'll still hit the X. It out shot my Springfield TRP 1911 and my S&W 4566 to a noticeable degree. The only issue, which is not a problem for me, is that with Wolf ammo the mag will only hold 4 rounds. Not sure why, maybe the steel case is a little too thick. Either way I only use that ammo at the range.
I was the most surprised by my 9mm Shield. It's not a unique gun but I was surprised by the accuracy the first times took it to the range was to qualify to carry it for security.
Out of 30 shots 27 were hits and the 3 "misses" still would have been COM just barely out side the scoring ring
Out of 30 shots 27 were hits and the 3 "misses" still would have been COM just barely out side the scoring ring
Bill Bates
Member
The firearm that surprised me most, and maybe shouldn't have, is my Washington State Patrol 1926 Transition 3rd.Model .44 Special. It holds its own with my pre 24. This old revolver shoots much better than I can. It is the second revolver down in the photo.
I'll also give a nod to my Makorov. This little cheap in cost and build pistol flat works. It doesn't matter the ammo, it all feeds. The darn thing goes bang overtime, no matter what.
I'll also give a nod to my Makorov. This little cheap in cost and build pistol flat works. It doesn't matter the ammo, it all feeds. The darn thing goes bang overtime, no matter what.
Last edited:
cmort666
Member
I had to sell mine Christmas before last to make the rent.
I bought it from a friend who got it from his brother.
I had to gut out the execrable internal parts (the leaf spring was made with NO finish whatever and was bright red with rust), but once my smith had put in a decent trigger group, it was amazingly reliable and accurate, with everything from 117gr. Aguila "IQ" to 230gr. ball. I carried it frequently.
I was hoping to replace it with a Springfield Micro-Compact (also a real surprise in terms or reliability and controllability), but Springfield has stopped making them. I'm probably going to have to settle for a Rock Island compact.
I would love to have a Smith revolver in .45 acp. Now you've done it. Time to start looking.
Brian41
Member
Two guns really. First was a Kimber Ultra CDP I bought to carry as it was a 1911 and small. What I didn't expect was how well it fit my hand and how accurate it was for a gun with a 3 inch barrel.
Second was a S&W Model 24 3 inch Lew Horton gun. Traded with a guy here for it and found it must have had an action job done on it as it has a real nice trigger. Lots of fun to shoot and a keeper too.
Maybe I should have said three as I bought those cheap Makarovs too and have been impressed with them as well. Might be my best buy ever guns too.
Second was a S&W Model 24 3 inch Lew Horton gun. Traded with a guy here for it and found it must have had an action job done on it as it has a real nice trigger. Lots of fun to shoot and a keeper too.
Maybe I should have said three as I bought those cheap Makarovs too and have been impressed with them as well. Might be my best buy ever guns too.
Viss
Member
My son brought home a sigma in 40 S&W, I could not believe he bought a polymer frame gun. I shoot that pistol better than any other I own.
Another is a CZ 452, an absolute tack driver.
Another is a CZ 452, an absolute tack driver.
the ringo kid
Member
- Joined
- May 12, 2013
- Messages
- 20,895
- Reaction score
- 22,823
The one that really surprised me was my 1st 3rd Gen S&W, a 4506.
I believe everyone needs a full sized combat .45 acp pistol in their stable and have tried 1911s, Glocks and the M&P line but none of them really worked for me.
I had read all the hoopla about 3rd gens and figured it was just fan boy love, turns out all the hoopla is true. While the 4506 is a beast of a pistol weighing in at 41oz empty, it fits my hand, has a very good trigger with a smooth DA pull and a crisp SA pull. This duty pistol is accurate enough to be a target gun, and very reliable, it really does feed empty cases. I am a convert and will now be keeping an eye out for more 3rd gen single stacks.
That sir,is a real beaut.I like,I want.
the ringo kid
Member
- Joined
- May 12, 2013
- Messages
- 20,895
- Reaction score
- 22,823
Here are four I had that surprised me. I bought my first Walther P-thirty eight,took him to the range and fired two hundred rounds through him.He worked perfectly and ive loved Walthers ever since.
Next,I acquired one of those German ""Black Widow"" Lugers.I took him out--and he functioned perfectly but--he was very accurate --not as near as the P-thirty eight was. So--I was disappointed.
Next--a Walther PP--he worked fine but--I had no use for him and traded him away.
Last one--I got one of those NIB Pawn shop Makarovs--for just under one hundred.It worked perfectly but--after a few months--I stupidly sold it off and now regret doing so.
Next,I acquired one of those German ""Black Widow"" Lugers.I took him out--and he functioned perfectly but--he was very accurate --not as near as the P-thirty eight was. So--I was disappointed.
Next--a Walther PP--he worked fine but--I had no use for him and traded him away.
Last one--I got one of those NIB Pawn shop Makarovs--for just under one hundred.It worked perfectly but--after a few months--I stupidly sold it off and now regret doing so.
Felt the same way - found a company that makes a trigger on the KelTec forum...WOW what a difference!!! If you can spare the $53 I can tell you that you won't regret spending it. I'm not at all sorry I spent the money.
Northwood Aluminum Trigger Conversion
Pete
This surprises me.....
Was it a normal DA trigger (long and hard) or was there something really wrong with it.? Usually if they mess up something they happily fix it, as long as it's not 'in spec', which can be a little liberal sometimes. If there's something wrong with it they should fix it for free. Are there any extraneous circumstances that would cause S&W to refuse????
Was it a normal DA trigger (long and hard) or was there something really wrong with it.? Usually if they mess up something they happily fix it, as long as it's not 'in spec', which can be a little liberal sometimes. If there's something wrong with it they should fix it for free. Are there any extraneous circumstances that would cause S&W to refuse????
Similar threads
- Locked
