What a Smith 442 looks like after running the FBI handgun qualification

[eb07]

This was not done officially. This is my own personal training group

This is what we used: Shooting the FBI Pistol Qualification Course | Rifleshooter.com



Passing to the FBI standard is 48 out of 60

Everything is from concealment and I wore it just how I do in real life, no photog vests

In one of the 3 yard stages requires 3 then hand swap 3 shots in 8 seconds.... so with the 5 shot revolvers, you lose a shot working with achieving 48 out of 59. Unless you are jerry and can do a reload

When I ran my KLCR 357 last month with the same hand loads I scored a 34 and missed the par times on 4 of the stages.

All short distance 3,5 and 7 yard stages.

I attribute this directly to the length of pull and reset on the LCR as compared to the J. I just work the short pull and reset faster regardless of weight difference.

I also missed the time on the reload at 7 yards.

I missed zero par times with the 442. I have also been training hard on my reloads to beat this time and I got a 4.01 second reload from concealment as compared to 7.41 with the LCR prior to me really working at it.

My ammo: 158gr LSWC loaded with 4.9gr of unique so they are +P -- oh and they are dirty check out my off hand and the revolver










My results:

Ruger KLCR: 34 out of 60 missed times on 4 stages
Smith 442: 48 out of 60 missed no times

and just to compare a bottom feeder:
Glock 26: 50 out of 60 missed no times

I'm really happy with my post hand surgery performance and love this 442

The new grips worked great!

Just thought I would share

 

[JAREDSHS]

Nice work and thank you for posting this good stuff---just confirms what I have always believed--that the 442 can save your bacon if called on.

 

[eb07]

I thought after my hand injury I was going to have to relearn with my weak hand. Haven't shot a match since July 2014. First training I did in over a year was a few months back. While I was rehabbing I couldn't hit anything with the LCR. Let alone hold it right. Hence the Glock 26. I'm slowly progressing but will never be the same. But at least I didn't lose my snubbies.

 

[Cal44]

Excellent post, eb07.

You make a good point about trigger reset on LCRs.

I took my LCR 9mm out to the range and tried to shoot as fast as possible.

I was short stroking the trigger too much and it didn't reset and I pulled the trigger once and nothing happened. Pulled again, and nothing happened again.

It took a few seconds for me to get it reset properly and back into service. From then on it worked fine, but I was definitely babying it to be sure it reset.

Had that happened in a real situation, I might have been toast.

I also made it happen deliberately with my LCR 357, but it seems less prone to the problem for some reason.

Looking forward to getting my new (old) M49 on my license and probably will make it my most frequent carry gun because of this problem.

 

[JAREDSHS]

I forgot to ask---was your hand tired when you got done?? lol

 

[APS]

Wait, you're doing real shootin' with your J frame? I thought they were just for pocket-totin' Good shooting man. My strong side thumb knuckle would be bloody and palm sore if I shot that with wooden boot grips. The CT LG-405 and polished cylinder latch on my 642 help a bit.
I also would occasionally short-stroke my LCR38 but never one of my J frames.

 

[eb07]

A little numbness here and there but surprisingly, did not tear it up bad




Just a small wear spot

 

[sac-gunslinger]

I am sold on the 442/642 guns. I have read them condescendingly described as "beginner's guns" as though you need one of the pro models to be able to shoot it. The effectiveness is in the shooter, not the appliances on your gun.

 

[Cal44]

A little numbness here and there but surprisingly, did not tear it up bad




Just a small wear spot

Ouch -- that looks painful.

 

[Pete from Perth]

Well done Mate, Back in the 80's i shot IPSC with a 5 shot 2in M36 and got some funny looks and comments!

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

This is a very informative and inspiring post. I think I need to work on something similar for next time I go to the range. Certainly more interesting than just punchin' paper and trying to impress myself with the occasional doubletap. Thanks.

 

[Skeptic 9c]

I wonder what would happen if you ran the course with one of the 3" "FBI" revolvers from the 1980s? M-65 3" round butt with +P 158s anyone?
Geoff
Who is revolving more lately.

 

[eb07]

I wonder what would happen if you ran the course with one of the 3" "FBI" revolvers from the 1980s? M-65 3" round butt with +P 158s anyone?
Geoff
Who is revolving more lately.

I was able to duplicate velocities of the FBI load with 5.5gr of unique (.1gr over modern book max)

When my 4" 19 gets back from Nelson Ford I'll do it. But it is a tack driver so in sure I'm going to do way better score wise.

 

[BigBill]

Your trained in every type of fire arm and must qualify right?

 

[Palmetto Sharpshooter]

Thank you for posting this. It was very informative.

 

[Rick_A]

Thanks for the link. I'll have to try it someday.

 

[eb07]

Your trained in every type of fire arm and must qualify right?

I only train with what I carry on a daily basis. The FBI qual is just one of many things I use as a baseline. Like Bill Wilsons 5x5x5 and Larry Vickers 10x10 or 5x5 and the Kansas POST qual to name a few.

Helps me gauge my performance and proficiency.

 

[Palmetto Sharpshooter]

The FBI has really lowered their standards over the years. 50 yards was once a firing point.

 

[Palmetto Sharpshooter]

Ephraim Zembalist Jr. Could shoot a perp from a 100 yds. Away while jumping over a fence.

 

[bronco45]

Thanks for the stats about the three yard line and the FBI qual. Inspires me to take my 442 to the range and run that course a couple of times! The course is pretty much the same as the old Idaho POST course except Idaho shot 18rds at 25. Like the FBI better, seems to be more applicable to civilian confrontations. Thanks for posting!