Handgun Review Thread

[JRock10]

I think this could be a useful tool for anyone interested in a new gun or just to get the opinion of a gun they've wondered about. It could also generate some more traffic here, which in turn will lead to more interest!

Let's keep this thread to handguns, as I'm going to create a long gun thread as well.

Try to be consistent in your reviews. If you are shooting a stock gun, please indicate. If you are shooting a modded gun, add that info as well. Also, as much as possible, try to be consistent in the type of ammo you are shooting. Such as: if you shoot Winchester White Box in 9mm and you want to review a .40, try to use the same WWB for the .40. Now, of course I'm not saying everyone needs to shoot WWB, just asking you to be consistent in brand choices. If you shoot multiple brands, that would be good info too. If you shoot indoor or outdoor, let us know. Distance would also be helpful.

Some other key info: capacity, action type, safety, recoil

Another thing, be honest. If you think the gun is a piece of shit, tell us why. If you love it, tell us why. If it's a Glock, no need, because you will love it anyway :mamoru:.



Cliffs: shoot a gun. tell us about it.

[geekierthanyou]

Sig P220 (.45)

I own a Sig P220 which I purchased used for a cop in Texas. The cop told me it probably had about 5k rounds through it at the time I purchased it. I immediately changed the checkered grips for Hogue grips and never looked back, those things are amazing. The firearm has a hammer (not pin like the XD or Glock), has no safeties just a decock lever, and in my opinion is very well balanced.

I have 6 mags for this firearm. 2 stock 8 rounders (sig), 2 10 round promags (crap), 2 10 round sigs (amazing).

Just recently, probably after about 10k rounds total through it I started getting light strikes. The hammer would hit the round, dent the primer, but not penetrate enough for ignition. I sent it into sig (after I took it completely apart to figure out what was wrong on my own.. it was the hammer reset spring) for repair and for 70 dollars they replaced 3 springs, gave it a full workthrough, and installed trjicon nightsites. Since the rework I've but about 500 rounds through it and it has never jammed, never misfired, never lightstriked. It's an amazing and reliable weapon. I went shooting in the desert with it while it was absolutely pouring with mud everywhere even coming up off the ground if was raining so hard. I had no problems that day and that night I field stripped it to find that there was just crap everywhere, mud, dirt, grime in all the mags, the trigger mechanism, the chamber, everywhere and the thing just kept on shooting all day. I may get another gun, but I'll never get rid of my sig.

[geekierthanyou]

Springfield XD-40 4" All Black

This is a fun gun to shoot, really light (lighter than my sig at least). I love all the safeties for home use, if your hand isn't the right size it just won't fire. Accessories are CHEAP! I'm not a huge fan of .40 cal, but I got a deal on the gun. For a first time gun I would highly recommend this, not because it can't be used by advanced shooters or as a concealed carry (3" model) but because it's so friendly and forgiving... plus the safeties will probably save a new shooters ass at least once. This isn't quite as accurate as my Sig (at least, in my experience with it) but if you aren't in California or New York you can get some really crazy mods and huge mags for these.

[el capitan]

"the greatest gun of all"

Smith and Wesson model 686-6 plus.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/382/img2696ta3.jpg




i bought this new in dec,07 from a place called fin, feather, and fur in ashland ohio. the purchase price was 609.00, and i was happy to pay it. i had looked online and this price seemed reasonable especially since i was walking OTD with it. when i was originally looking to buy my inspiration was my father in laws S&W model 27

http://www.theothersideofkim.com/images/uploads/2005files/SW_27-357.jpg

i loved shooting the 27, and i wanted one of my own. LNIB model 27's were hard to find, so the 686 fit my bill, plus it was stainless so mine could be different from his. having shot the 27 i already knew that i liked the .357 round and being able to shoot .38's is nice too. the 27 was accurate, and i mean dead nuts accurate. my glock on the other hand...... not so much.... probably more me than the gun.

First range trip:


so first off the balance on this thing is amazing. you'd think that with a 6 inch barrel it would be a little nose heavy but its not at all. Now this being the first time i had shot a 7 shot revolver, it was kinda odd. so i loaded up some .357's and went to town. first target, first seven shots, at 20 feet no shot fell outside the second ring and i had 2 hit the bullseye. i was pumped! second seven same thing. the 686 has a hi-viz front blade, and i find it really easy to use. it literally is point and shoot. the trigger is amazing as well. DA pull is nice and deliberate but not too hard, in SA however is where the trigger really shines. i had read before that in SA you don't actually have to pull the trigger, all you have to do is think it. they weren't kidding.

some people will bitch that mine has the "lock" on it, or that it has MIM parts...... whatever. the lock doesn't bother me in the least as i don't carry it anyways. hell i even like it, its a nice secondary lock for when the lil ones are around. when its engaged you cannot pull the trigger. so i guess someone could steal your ammo if they wanted.

Cleaning :

Now this is the not so nice part. It is a total bitch to clean. the stainless shows everything, every little nook and cranny of the gun has either powder residue, or is discolored from heat. so 1 hour of shooting equals 2 hours of cleaning. i'm really picky about keeping it nice and shiny so i came up with an easy solution. Steel wool and a lil metal polish, and the thing shines like the day i bought it.


Pros: accurate, nicely balanced, and its sessy
Cons: hard to conceal, shows dirt, and i wanna shoot it all the time















cliffs: go buy one.

[JRock10]

Glock G19

This is the compact 9x19 model. Mine has been outfitted with Trijjicon Night Sights and a "SK2" Spring Kit (I don't know the make of the springs, says it fits 19, 23, 32, and 38). I bought the gun for $500 with 5 mags, case, speed loader (yes I use mine) and lock, as well as the sights and springs. To my prior knowledge, the gun had been fired twice. I've put about 1500 rds thru it and it gets better every time I shoot.

yeah, i'm gonna finish this one. i've got to sit down and focus on what i'm going to say, b/c i'm going blank right now and if i try to finish, it will read like this: "durr i gots a gun it goes bang."

[el capitan]

Glock 23 - .40 cal. compact

Are you Professional enough???


http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/915/glockez1.jpg



I got this as my first handgun, kinda like a present to myself for turning 30. i had shot one before, and really like the recoil, grip, and size. to be totally honest i should have got the 9mm. .40 is getting pricey. i went to the range religiously once every 2 weeks for like 7-8 months and saw my accuracy improve greatly. while still not the most accurate gun i have shot it will still get the job done. i think my accuracy problems more than likely stem from too firm of a grip. its something that i try not to do, it just kinda happens over 150-200 rounds. i would guess that it might have something to do with my hand getting tired maybe? i'll stick to my dry firing techniques and i'm sure it will get better not worse.

On the shooting note, mine hates WWB for some reason. everyone says i'm limp wristing it, but it shoots every other brand of ammo fine. i haven't had a FTF with any other ammo, but as soon as i load up a mag with WWB i have one FTF every three or four mags...... unacceptable. Now everyone will tell you that their glock shoots WWB just fine, and i'm sure it does. Mine however hates it. i should probably send it in.....

One of the things i didn't care for on the gun was the sights. Mine has fixed sights, and like every glock, i think they are crap. they are probably just fine, but i don't care for the size and shapes that make up the sight picture. Another thing that i didn't care for was the open backstrap. it seems people either love or hate the grip plugs, but its mine so fuck off if you hate them. range snack FTW

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8493/img2668yk1.jpg
http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/7447/img2669xx7.jpg
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/6425/img2672kb3.jpg
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7750/img2675te8.jpg
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/7486/img2677xi3.jpg



next on my upgrade list was the pinky extension.

my hand just fits the stock grip frame with my pinky falling right at the end of the grip. so to give me a lil more room i purchased the grip extensions for my mags. they add no capacity to the mags, they just all length. easy, cheap, and they gave me a lil bit more room for my grip.

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/9459/img2678cv5.jpg

Next up: the sights.

Like i stated before i have never really liked the stock sights. for me they seem to blend in with my targets, and i don't really care for the sight picture. So going on some advice i received from an experienced glock shooter i purchased some new ones. I went with the dawson precision fiber optic front blade, and the heinie slant pro rear. they were easy to install (did myself) and have a sight picture that is crisp and clear. all in all it was 83 bucks shipped to my door. Much better IMO.

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8936/img2708ds9.jpg

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/6306/img2706av8.jpg






Pros: easy to conceal, shoots well, its a glock
Cons: Stock sights suck, since its a glock everyone has an opinion on it.





EDIT*** i just returned from the range, and with the new sights the gun is very accurate. maybe its just me, but with the new sights it feels like a different gun.

[Roshambo]

Ok, well for those who don't know, I am a Military Policeman in the United States Marines. I have been on the road now for almost 2 years, as well as done the field side of the job.

I had fired many a rifle growing up, but the first time I shot a handgun was the Beretta M9 at MP school in Ft. Leonard Wood.

I fire left handed and the ambi safety and having a friend who is an armorer who could switch the magazine release over to the other side is nice. The only other weapon I have fired that you arent automatically hindered being a lefty is the Benelli M1014 combat shotgun. But that's another review. ;)

The sights are not adjustable, but provide a pretty good picture, and I have no serious complaints there. Carrying the thing all night long does get a bit tedious/bulky as it's not exactly the lightest handgun.

My only complaint isn't even Beretta's fault. It's the poor quality "Checkmate Industries" magazines we use. After a full day at the range people will end up getting every kind of stoppage known to man. Just today at the range only firing one string of 40 rounds we had 5 different Marines who had different stoppages. Not exactly a way to inspire confidence eh?

On a semi related note, like I said earlier, I was at the range today. I didnt need to qual, but shot anyways. There are 3 stages of fire. 15 rounds from the 25 yard line fired single action, 8 rounds from the 7 yard line in a controlled pair, so 2 rounds fired off at time limit of 5 seconds. And two strings of 6 rounds (3 per magazine) fired in 15 seconds, so fire 3 rounds, drop the mag, load new mag of 3, send the slide home and fire the remaining 3.

I normally kill the black and only drop a couple rounds from the 7 yard line and the 15, but the 25 has always given me trouble. I figured out I was jerking the trigger, rearranged my thumbs and hit black every time after that.

Cleaning is a snap. It's very easy to field strip, and you can put many many rounds through it and it never seems to care. And it's just an easy weapon to clean. Easiest of any in my experience anyways.

So, in closing, I like the Beretta M9, and would consider owning one as a personal weapon. It has a nice feel in the hand, pretty well balanced, and the 9mm adds pretty good stopping power.

Oh.. and since I can't exactly take pics of my own personal pistol. Here are a couple. :)

http://www.beretta.com/dati/ImmaginiProdottiBeretta%5C2%5C44_elenco.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/M9_DA-SN-91-11017.jpg/480px-M9_DA-SN-91-11017.jpg

[el capitan]

http://www.theotbtimes.com/savage.JPG

[el capitan]

http://www.theotbtimes.com/savage.JPG


hahaha. excellent editing jrock :h5:

[JRock10]

hahaha. excellent editing jrock :h5:
i had to leave this one. it's too funny

[Dash]

Upcoming Full Sig Sauer P226-DAK and SCT and P239-SAS review. (Do I need to do each firearm as a separate review?)

I will include targets from 7 and 15 yards, full break down of parts and magazines. Detail review of the pistols, one having 30k in 9mm through it. I have to take some pictures and I'll post a in depth review.

[el capitan]

Upcoming Full Sig Sauer P226-DAK and SCT and P239-SAS review. (Do I need to do each firearm as a separate review?)

I will include targets from 7 and 15 yards, full break down of parts and magazines. Detail review of the pistols, one having 30k in 9mm through it. I have to take some pictures and I'll post a in depth review.

2 separate reviews to avoid confusion for the newbs. this thread is intended to give new buyers an idea what they can expect. target shots are great but not really necessary. and please give pros and cons cause everything has a downside.

as far as the parts breakdown that might be a good thing to do for a seperate thread. maybe a cleaning edu. i'm sure it would get a sticky.


and as always, Jrock can you delete these posts upon completion :wavey:

[JRock10]

2 separate reviews to avoid confusion for the newbs. this thread is intended to give new buyers an idea what they can expect. target shots are great but not really necessary. and please give pros and cons cause everything has a downside.

as far as the parts breakdown that might be a good thing to do for a seperate thread. maybe a cleaning edu. i'm sure it would get a sticky.


and as always, Jrock can you delete these posts upon completion :wavey:you know it! I'll edit after the reviews are done so dash can refer to your post. actually, I'm thinking i may add this to the first post to add clarification.

[Dash]

This is a complete review/assembly/disassembly of the :

Sig Sauer GSR w/rail 1911 .45ACP

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/Sig%20GSR%201911.JPG

Review:

To start, I bought this firearm new. As with all 1911 I've owned, I don't consider them to be 'broken in' until around 1000 rounds. Through the first few hundred rounds is where you'll experience most of your failure to feed issues because the parts aren't fully worn in. This is to be expected of any 1911, from a Para-Ordinance to a Wilson.

That being said, when choosing a 1911 for Duty Carry I had several requirements I needed filled and it had to meet those standards.

First and foremost was reliability. I need the gun to go bang every single time I pull the trigger. With my past experience with Sig Sauer, I've had no problems with that whatsoever. I doubt Sig Sauer would put a product out on the market that wasn't fully tested and up to standard.

At the Range I put 150 rounds through the GSR and it went bang almost* every time, which left a satisfactory smirk on my face. The slide got very hot during this time, as stainless steel tends to do that. The gun is weighted perfectly and feels like a 9MM when shot. The recoil is very light.

* I had 2 failure to feeds during this period, which is to be expected.

Secondly, it needed to be accurate. Sig Sauer has earned its reputation for out of the box accuracy. At the range (8 round groups) I as able to put each round into a clover at 7 yards and a little larger then a quarter at 15 yards. 25 yard standing shots all grouped within 2.75 inches. After the first hundred rounds the gun started to settle a little bit in its parts and started shooting 0.5 inches higher. I will test this at the range next week to see if this is a permanent new point of impact or a predictable occurrence with heat. Accuracy is lost as a gun gets hot and 0.5 is within tolerance but can be improved. The sights on the 1911 are Novak and are decent. I'd replace them with TruGlo ones as soon as that company comes out with their Fiber Sights for it.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR%20Sights.JPG

Third, Fit and Finish. The finish of this gun is very good. The stainless isn't polished so it won't glare into your eyes in day light. The Slide to Frame fit is as snug as you could possible get it. There is no rattle. None. The gun feels balanced and literally holds itself. Another big perk is that it requires no tools to take apart (see below). Normally a wrench or other tool is required to take the gun down to its slide/frame for cleaning, which can be a pain on the field or even at home.

Over all, this 1911 so far has proven to earn the name it has engraved along its side. Sig Sauer has come into the 1911 market with an excellent weapon and is my recommendation to any shooters looking for a first time 1911. It's got a $1150 retail price tag ($940 LEO) and is worth every single penny.

Disassembly for cleaning/repair:

First, make sure you're cleaning the firearm on a clean surface.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-1.JPG

Unload the Magazine from the Magazine-well by hitting the Magazine release on the frame, located near your natural thumb resting point.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-2.JPG

Make sure the Firearm is safe, clear and empty by visually examining the chamber to make sure there is no round seated in the pipe.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-4.JPG

Place the Thumb Safety in the ON position and face the firearm in a manner where you can PUSH on the front of the GUIDE ROD CAP.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-5.JPG

In the below image I have pushed the GUIDE ROD CAP down and turned the BARREL BUSHING 45 degrees to the right (my left).

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-6.JPG

Continue to push the BARREL BUSHING to the right until it clears the tension of the GUIDE ROD CAP. WARNING, THE GUIDE ROD CAP IS UNDER PRESSURE AND WILL POP OUT AND REMOVE YOU FAVORITE EYE FROM YOUR HEAD IF YOU DO NOT KEEP TENSION WITH A FINGER/THUMB ON IT!!!

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-7.JPG

Gently release the pressure of the GUIDE ROD CAP and it will come out easily.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-8.JPG

Now the spring tension on the slide is gone. Maneuver the slide on the frame until the second notch on the slide lines up with the pointed right end of the slide catch.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-9.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-10.JPG

Once lined up properly, the Slide Catch will be able to be removed. This isn't too easy as the Slide Catch is held under pressure by a spring loaded item which holds it in place on the frame. On the opposite end of the Slide Catch is a little nub (right side of firearm) that you need to push which causes the entire Catch to come out. Jiggle it around and it'll work its way out.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-11.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-12.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-13.JPG

Once that piece is out you can now remove the Slide from the Frame.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-15.JPG

First thing to remove from the Slide is the Guide Rod and Spring. Simply pull it towards the rear of the Slide and place it somewhere to be cleaned.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-16.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-17.JPG

Next on the list is to remove the BARREL BUSHING. Right now it should be completely turned to the LEFT side. Turn it to the RIGHT side around 45 degrees and it'll hit a groove that'll allow it to come off the front of the firearm.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-18.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-19.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-20.JPG


http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-21.JPG


The BARREL should come out now. It'll go straight out the front of the gun, simply lift it a little to unseat it from the Slide and pull that bad boy out. It'll be dirty, as with every other part of the 1911.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-22.JPG

You should now have a totally dirty and fully disassembled (for cleaning) 1911.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-23.JPG


Assembly after cleaning/repair:

Okay, so now you've cleaned your 1911 with the best of the best. Wasted 20 Q-tips, 10 patches and some Hoppes barrel solvent. Time to put this baby back together!

Start with the clean parts. :run:

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-24.JPG

Use some good GREASE on the Slide. Do not use normal Oil/Lube. 1911's get hot and with the tight tolerances and metal on metal usage GREASE is required for proper function. Until proven otherwise, please use GREASE. I use Tetra Grease.

Line the Slides rails as best you can, these are probably the most important items to have Greased. Also, Grease the BARREL BUSHING anywhere it will be touching metal.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-25.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-27.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-28.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-28-2.JPG

Once its all Greased like a Pig at the Summer festival, we can put her back together.

We'll start by first reinserting the Slide and Barrel, which goes in through the front of the Slide, the same way we removed it. Then toss the BARREL BUSHING back in at the right 45 degree angle so that it fits into the groove and smoothly pushes back into the Slide.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-29.JPG

Rotate the Bushing once it's in the Slide all the way to the LEFT (your RIGHT).

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-30.JPG

Once its in place, grab the GUIDE ROD AND SPRING assembly and push it through the back of the Slide so that it exits through the front of the Slide. Make sure that the U shape is the part touching the BARREL.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-31.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-32.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-33.JPG

Now, attach the Slide back to the Frame via the rails. It'll be loose, the GUIDE ROD AND SPRING aren't held in yet. This is on purpose. Line up the Slide Catch with the hole on the Barrel's pivoting catch and push the Slide catch as best you can into the hole.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-34.JPG


http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-38.JPG

The Barrel should move now in the slide. You may have to use a finger nail or a funny angle to push the Slide Catch back in now. There is that Spring plunger we talked about earlier that is under pressure and it takes some finesse to get it to push back into the Frame to get the Slide Catch to sit flush on the Frame.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-35.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-36.JPG

If done right, you'll see the nub sticking out from the opposite side of the Frame.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-37.JPG


What you have should now look something similar to this :

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-39.JPG

Toss the GUIDE ROD CAP back onto the end of the GUIDE ROD SPRING.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-40.JPG

Push the GUIDE ROD CAP in and when it gets behind the BARREL BUSHING, turn the BARREL BUSHING until it CLICKS around the GUIDE ROD CAP.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/siggsr/Sig%20GSR-41.JPG

Function check the gun, rack it a few times and enjoy!

If you have any questions, please instant message me at AIM : Veltrox, or shoot me an email : Dash@tempestoflight.org, or PM me.

- Dash
:run:

[Dash]

This is a complete review/assembly/disassembly of the :

Sig Sauer P226-SCT 9MM

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-1.JPG

A Sig Sauer is the definition of reliable. The Companies motto of "Reliability to Hell and Back" is exactly what it means. When I first heard that motto I was taken back to an old Video Game, DOOM. The last chapter of one of the DOOM games was named, "To Hell and Back". After carrying a Sig Sauer P226 on Duty for the last several years, if the time came where Hell was upon us, a Sig Sauer would be the gun I picked up to fight any foe. I've owned 2 P226's in my Career so far. The first had in excess of 30k rounds through it and never malfunctioned outside of a magazine failure. Not once, no light primer strikes or broken barrels. No stove pipes or jams, double feeds, nothing. As long as I kept my P226 lubed, it was good to go as long as I needed it, as many rounds as I needed it.

When I purchased the P226-SCT it was at the beginning of this year. There was nothing wrong with my older P226-DAK, but I needed a Rail and figured the upgraded TruGlo sights and the 4 20 round magazines on the new SCT model couldn't hurt.

Well friends, I have to say that its even better then my first P226.

Now, I'm not going to claim I'm the best shooter in the world, state or forum, but I am a good shot.

Standing at 7 yards I am able to group a clover with 10 rounds, just under a quarter at 15 yards and at 25 yards (resting) around 2.5-3 inches, depending on ammunition and 3-5 inches standing unsupported.

This gun is dead on accurate. I've put as of today, 8,000 rounds of 9MM down its barrel and not a single malfunction. 4,000 of those rounds were during a 40 hour (5 day) training for my unit and I did not clean or re-lube the firearm once to test its limits, functioned flawlessly.

The Fit is seemly, with no rattle or play between the Slide and Frame.

The Finish is my only complaint with Sig Sauer Firearms, as the Bluing works but after Duty Holster usage shows signs of wear. I've never had any rust on my Sigs so I can tell you that anyone who tells you modern day Sigs Rust are full of it or got a defective one, which would be covered under Warranty anyway.

The TruGlo Front post is sharp, clear and bright in any and all lighting conditions. I can't begin to explain how excellent this Fiber Optic Sight really is. Even with this crappy photo, you can see that with dim lighting the Front post is still strong enough to be solid bright green.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-Sights.JPG
For a retail price around $980 ($840 LEO) you can purchase this tiny piece of Heaven. It's worth every penny and I trust my life with it on Duty 70 hours a week.

Disassembly for Cleaning or Repair:

First, remove the Magazine and round in the Chamber. Lock the Slide to the rear by pulling it back and using the Magazine Catch (pushing it upwards) until it locks into the Slide.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-2.JPG

Visually inspect the Chamber, making sure that a round is not seated in barrel. If there is a round in the barrel at this point you have an issue and need to have an armor smith look at your firearm.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-3.JPG

The first square bar on the Frame near the middle is the Slide Taken Down Level. By pushing the back end of it downward, it'll pivot to face down.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-4.JPG

With one hand holding the Slide firmly, use the other and hit the Slide Catch Release (Pulling the Slide catch down) and allow the Slide to pull off the front of the Frame.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-5.JPG

Now that we've removed the Slide from the Frame we can start the basic field stripping to begin cleaning.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-6.JPG

First we'll need to remove the GUIDE ROD AND SPRING assembly. To do this, grab the GUIDE ROD near the middle of the Slide where it comes into contact with a Notch on the bottom side of the Barrel. Push (compress) it towards the front of the Slide and it'll come out. BE CAREFUL, THIS PIECE IS UNDER TENSION AND IF YOU LET IT FLY AWAY IF MAY KILL A SMALL ANIMAL OR MAME A LCD MONITOR. ASK ME HOW I KNOW!

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-7.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-8.JPG

Now that the GUIDE ROD AND SPRING assembly are removed, time to take out the BARREL. This will be dirty. It'll come out in basically the same way the GUIDE ROD AND SPRING assembly did. Simply pull it a little up and slide it a little forward, towards the front of the Slide. Then angle it up and pull is straight out towards the REAR of the Slide.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-9.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-10.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-11.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-12.JPG

Now the Sig P226 is fully stripped for Field Cleaning or Basic Repair.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-13.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig226/Sig%20P226-14.JPG

I normally use Hoppes #9 Oil and Lubricant and have nothing but praise for those two products. Make sure to use a lot of Q-Tips and Patches and keep that Sig clean. In order to obtain full consistent function on your weapon it'll need to be lubed at least once a month.

Function check the gun, rack it a few times and enjoy!

If you have any questions, please instant message me at AIM : Veltrox, or shoot me an email : Dash@tempestoflight.org, or PM me.

- Dash
:run:

[Dash]

This is a complete review/assembly/disassembly of the :

Sig Sauer P239-SAS 9MM (8+1)

Before this Quality Firearm I carried either a Smith and Wesson 60-14 (.357) or a Glock 26. After several failures on the Glock 26 up and to including catastrophic failure, I needed to pick out a new backup weapon.

Sig Sauer has always treated me well in the past. Having used the Full size Duty P226-DAK and P226-SCT I know first hand Sig Sauer's reliability in the field with serious Duty Use.

The P239-SAS (Sig Anti Snag) is a special Sig Sauer Factory Model that has been 'dehorned' and is made to be easier to conceal or pull out of clothing as things that would normally catch on clothing are shaved down. Plus, it comes with a sexy set of custom wood grips. The grips are smooth, sleek and have a beautiful finish.

The Stainless Steel Slide will resist rust a more then normal blued steel which is another advantage point towards this particular model.

As far as dimensions and size, its practically the same size as the Glock 26.

Accuracy wise, it is hands down the most accurate out of the box Sub-Compact Firearm I have ever handled. I can group 1.5 inches with 115 grain American Eagle ball ammo at 7 yards, 3-4 inches at 15 yards and 4-6 inches at 25 yards (standing). The sights could be better in my opinion and will be replaced with TruGlo sights very soon.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-Sights.JPG

Reliability with 2,500 rounds through it as of the time of this posting has been outstanding, with ZERO malfunctions. None.

Priced around $980 ($850 LEO) its an expensive item but worth your life.

Disassembly for cleaning/repair:

First, make sure you're cleaning the firearm on a clean surface.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-1.JPG

Make sure that you remove the Magazine from the Magazine well by hitting the Magazine Release located near your Thumbs natural resting position. Lock the Slide to the rear using the Slide Catch level, which is just above your natural Thumb rest (last item on the frame).

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-2.JPG

Inspect the Chamber to make sure a round is not in the Barrel of the gun. If there is then your firearm may have a broken ejector and will need to be taken to a gun smith or sent back to Sig Sauer Factory.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-3.JPG

Now, to take the Slide off.

Towards the middle of the Slide is a Square item, this is called the Slide Take Down Latch. Simply push the back end of it (closest to the rear) straight downward and it'll pivot to face down.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-4.JPG

Next, with one hand on the Slide and the other on the Frame, push the Slide Catch Level downward and gently follow the Slide off the Frame.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-5.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-6.JPG

Now to focus on the Slide. The first part to remove is the GUIDE ROD AND SPRING assembly. To do this, grab the GUIDE ROD SPRING assembly where it touches the Notch on the bottom of the BARREL and pushing it towards the front of the Slide, compressing the spring. Then, lift the GUIDE ROD AND SPRING assembly upwards and out.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-7.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-8.JPG

Next, time to remove the BARREL. Holding the Notch on the bottom of the BARREL, lift it a little bit upwards and push it forward towards the front of the Slide. Then, pull it back towards the rear, angle it upwards so that it comes out.

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-9.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-10.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-11.JPG

http://www.tempestoflight.org/images/firearms/howto/sig239/Sig%20P239-12.JPG

I normally use Hoppes #9 Oil and Lubricant and have nothing but praise for those two products. Make sure to use a lot of Q-Tips and Patches and keep that Sig clean. In order to obtain full consistent function on your weapon it'll need to be lubed at least once a month.

Reassemble by doing these easy steps backwards.

Function check the gun, rack it a few times and enjoy!

If you have any questions, please instant message me at AIM : Veltrox, or shoot me an email : Dash@tempestoflight.org, or PM me.

- Dash

[Dash]

I think I messed up in my sleepy state. I added the Review and Disassembly/Assembly to the same post! Sorry mate. If you could somehow slice them up and put them where they need to be, I'd appreciate it!

[upparoom]

I can put up a few in a little while

[el capitan]

I think I messed up in my sleepy state. I added the Review and Disassembly/Assembly to the same post! Sorry mate. If you could somehow slice them up and put them where they need to be, I'd appreciate it!


nice and detailed. i'm sure jrock will be on it. great reviews by BTW :h5:

[Dash]

nice and detailed. i'm sure jrock will be on it. great reviews by BTW :h5:

Next week I'll do my M1A and AR15.

:run:

[Dash]

I think there should be a Sub-Forum with each individual Firearm model/make in its own sticky so that people won't have to search through this thread in a few years for the one gun they want to look at. Can't be to hard to make a small sub forum, add the Gun in the Thread title and whatnot.

Just a thought!

:run:

[JRock10]

I'll work on it later. great write-ups though! very detailed.

[el capitan]

I think there should be a Sub-Forum with each individual Firearm model/make in its own sticky so that people won't have to search through this thread in a few years for the one gun they want to look at. Can't be to hard to make a small sub forum, add the Gun in the Thread title and whatnot.

Just a thought!

:run:

have you not noticed that there are only 5-6 people at best that post here? i don't know if a subforum is really necessary

[Dash]

have you not noticed that there are only 5-6 people at best that post here? i don't know if a subforum is really necessary

If you build it, they will come.

:wavey:

Also, remember search engines will pick up those threads for sure and it'll attract more posters if its laid out easily.

[Werm]

Totaly stock: CZ 75 Compact (9mm) Black Polycoat

Specs:

Price (MSRP)..........................US$ 575.00 (paid I think $525 NIB)
Product number (SKU)..............01190

Ammunition
Ammo...................................9 mm LUGER
Magazine capacity..................14+1
Rate of twist.........................1:9.7 in

Dimensions
Weight.................................2.1 lbs
Overall Length.......................7.3 in
Barrel Length........................3.9 in
Height..................................5 in
Width..................................1.4 in

Features
Frame.................................steel
Grips...................................plastic
Trigger mech........................SA/DA
Sights.................................fixed
Safety elements, safety.........Manual Safety, Safety Stop on Hammer, Firing Pin Safety

Website link: http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=36

Thoughts:
What can I say about this pistol? It's not only been my FAVORITE pistol but my favorite firearm. I've owned a few poly guns and nothing compares to a steel one in terms of shooting. With this gun I've shot all sorts of ammo... from WWB to Ranger T's to Hydroshocks to gold dots. I've shot probably around 1,200 rounds through this particular gun so far, mostly outdoor but 1/4 or so of indoor.

I bought this gun brand new after saving money in a financially stressful part of my life... I ate hungry man dinners for lunch 3 weeks straight and it was worth every horrible bite to afford this pistol (now that I own it).

Range tips:
I have no range tips for this beast... you point and shoot, it even hasn't jammed/had problems as much asmy Glock 23 (all ammo's, one less per 500 or so) I used this for my carry permit test and scored the best in the class (even above the guy who used a .22). That's not saying much though... the test was easy as hell. But I DID shoot a 6 inch spin target twice in one magazine (just 14 rounds) at about 150-180 yards aiming about 4 feet above it (bench rest).

Cleaning:
It's your typical semi-auto pistol... doesn't have that many parts, cleaning is a breeze.

Pros:
Pretty much EVERYTHING, can't ask for much more.
Cons:
Not DAO for carry and harder to rack slide because it's smaller (no biggy)


The pictures make it look larger then it is (it's a compact, obviously)
http://uploader.ws/upload/200805/main036.png
http://uploader.ws/upload/200805/CZ.jpg
http://uploader.ws/upload/200805/cz1.jpg
http://uploader.ws/upload/200805/CZmag.jpg
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Totaly stock:Bersa Thunder 380 (.380) Nickel

Specs:

Caliber........................380
Length.........................6.61 inches
Height.........................4.92 inches
Width..........................1.34 inches
Barrel length..................3.5 inches
Weight.........................20 ounces (1 1/4 lbs)
Rear Sight.....................Notched bar, dovetailed
Front sight....................Blade, integral of slide
Mag. Cap.......................7+1
Safety.........................Firing pin and Magazine
Grip...........................Polymer

Thoughts:

It's a decent pistol... but I've had a few issues with it. I haven't owned this long (maybe 6 months or so) and had trouble cycling gold dot ammo through it. WWB FMJ seems to shoot fine, only other ammo I've tried is the gold dot (which jams every other round). This is probably an easy fix... but since I'm not carrying it (meaning shooting FMJ only really) I haven't looked into it yet. I like how it feels in your hand... but the price of .380 is high for the thrills. It also has a snappy feeling... although expected from a subcompact. I wish I would have gotten the carry model (DAO) over this one, because of it's profile (and fixing the JHP issue).

Range tips:
If you can afford it... but extra mags because of the capacity. It's easier to load mags while watching TV then out "in the field". The WWB FMJ's shoot pretty accurate... while the gold dots (when it didn't jam) seem to shoot pretty erratic. Some day I'll look into this issue...

Cleaning:
Typical again... except the barrel isn't removable. Doesn't cause any issues really.

Pros:
It's small and concealable, feels good in your hand.
Cons:
Not DAO for carry... has jammed with JHP's and shown to be inaccurate.

http://uploader.ws/upload/200805/thunder.jpg
http://uploader.ws/upload/200805/Thuner2.jpg
http://uploader.ws/upload/200805/thunder1.jpg
http://uploader.ws/upload/200805/Thungermag.jpg

(more to come when I have time)

[kendog]

mmm guns

[Dash]

mmm guns

I say that same exact thing every time I open my Safe.

:beer:

[flappy188]

in