Spent the morning at my local range. Today's purpose was multi-fold. First, it's the initial opportunity to shoot two of the inventory items acquired as C & R from my family (see the "
Inventory Project" thread). I got to test fire the two 6-shoot S & W 38 Spl. revolvers... a Model 15 K frame chrome short barrel, and a #10 black long (items #1 and #2 in that thread). Unfortunately, I also wanted to use up some of the old 38 Spl ammo my Uncle had kept with the two revolvers. The result being, there were a total of four duds (F2Fs) out of 24 rounds fired. Upon inspection, the primers are all dented, so they were definitely duds. Well, so much for 50 year old ammo. Otherwise, both weapons fired like a charm. The kick wasn't bad at all. Of course, the trigger pull was pretty long/hard, but expected for a DAO wheel gun.
But, now, the main event, and my latest "purchased" acquisition - The SIG Sauer P320 Sub Compact -
It arrived yesterday! I am looking to make this now my EDC, with my current Shield 9mm becoming my BUG. I do like my Shield, but I find that I was getting much better groups with my SIG Sauer P226, and I was hoping that this would translate over to the smaller, striker-fired P320 SC. I was a little concerned because I wasn't able to find a P320 SC to "try before I buy," but I have faith in the brand, and I went ahead and bought it.
My Review - I couldn't be happier. It's slightly larger and heavier than the Shield. It has a greater Mag Capacity than the Shield (12 + 1 double stack for 9mm). It comes with two mags and an mini OWB paddle holster. If you use that holster, you might want to adjust it slightly or make sure that you can draw from it easily, as it does take a little "umphf" to get it out. It does click (not lock) into place when inserted. I have an Ailen Gear IWB on it's way to me, so I'll have that by this Thrs.
The grip is, still, just a tad short, even with a mag loaded. I can't get my pinky around it. So I rest it directly underneath the grip up against the mag plate. With the "extended" 8 rnd mags for the Shield, I could get all my fingers around the grip. Hopefully, they might make extension rings for the P320 15 rnd mag, and I can use those. That may make the grip a little longer and less comfortable at 4:00, but we'll see.
Firing - Quite the improvement over the Shield. A very smooth trigger pull and fire. The pull is less than the DA side of a P226. Totally manageable recoil! I got far better groups with it. Not perfect yet (i.e. not as good as the P226), but that will come with time, and perhaps extended mags. In fact it pulls and fires almost as smoothly as a good 1911.
One addendum - Be advised this gun has no safety, whatsoever. No thumb safety, no decocker, no trigger safety, nothing! Take care when drawing/holstering it!
Carrying - It seems to fit OK at 4:00 with the OWB paddle holster. I can sit in my std. desk chair and not notice it. But the tale will be told when I get the Ailen Gear IWB for it. I also discovered I can use the same mag pouches as I have with the P226 on my comp belt. So I need to get a couple more of those. But I will have to check that I don't have to use as much "umphf" to draw it as with the OWB.
Overall - A solid choice. I lucked out "buying before trying." The P320 SC is now officially my EDC.
