Range Report - Something Old - Something New

[FfNJGTFO]

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.

[sdmc530]

Nice write up. Love to read range reports!!!

[GD2A]

In terms of size, what in the Glock family does your new Sig match up with?

[FfNJGTFO]

Originally Posted by GD2A

In terms of size, what in the Glock family does your new Sig match up with?

I don't know Glocks very well at all but, (without checking), I think we might be talking about something slightly larger than a Glock 43.

Here are the P320 SC dimensions -

LOA: 6.7in
HOA: 4.7in
Barrel Length: 3.6in
Sight Radius: 5.5in
Weight w/mag: 25oz.
Mag Capacity: 12 (9mm).
Trigger pull: 5.5 - 6.5lb

Hope this helps.

[pitor]

Nice looking pistola. What, no pictures of a target full of holes and a dirty gun next to it? Then it never happened...

[FfNJGTFO]

Originally Posted by pitor

Nice looking pistola. What, no pictures of a target full of holes and a dirty gun next to it? Then it never happened...

I have the targets, but they're small AP-2 targets. I didn't think to take smartphone pics of them. I will shoot pics tomorrow and post.

[Caleb]

Great report and glad you were able to shoot those Smiths!

[FfNJGTFO]

OK Target Pics as promissed. All are Bianchi Cup Series "AP-2" targets, set at 7 yards.



Target 1 - Initial firing of the P320 SC - Fighitng my astigmatism. (Right handed, left eye dominant). 24 rounds total.



Target 2 - Second firing of the P320 SC (after I warmed up a bit) - 13 rounds total.



Target 3 - Firing both the S & W Model 10 and Model 15. Also, dealing with the duds being fired. Total of 18 rounds .



Target 4 - Firing the SW Model 15 38 special Short barrel. 6 rounds total, no duds.



Target 5 - As a control, I fired my P226 for a few rounds, but you can see I'm starting to get a bit tired. This would be about 30min into a 45 minute session.


Target 6 - P320 SC, Target #3 of 4, 24 rounds total.


Target 7 - P320 SC, Target #4 of 4. 24 rounds. Ok, a little better, but I'm getting tired. now at 45 min. Time to call it a day.

[FfNJGTFO]

Yet another update. The Alien Gear Tuck IWB holster just arrived today.

I gotta be honest. This will take some getting used to. What I really think it will require is a couple of inches of my waistline... Where I can fasten a given pair of pants now, the addition of the IWB and holstered P320 adds just enough to make it difficult (if not impossible) to fasten my pants... Ugghh.

I like that I can adjust the positioning of the clips on it and will probably do so. I did get the metal clips (since It will, more than likely be on my Uncle Mike's EDC belt), but I'll have to flush down inside when I put the belt on. But, yes, the gun holsters much better than the supplied OWB holster from SIG Sauer.

Time to get on that Elliptical again!

[Caleb]

Nice shooting Tex..... You did well!