Sunday Range Day Part Two - The Other Guns

The Kahr PM9 was feeling rather unloved. Being a very concealable and convenient pocket pistol, it does tend to get the nod to be carried whenever I heading out the door. Very much a nice small gun for when you can't easily carry a compact or full size gun, it's been carried a lot and not shot all that much recently.

So I decided to give it a go after shooting the P30SK.

Right out of the pocket holster and just changing over to some FMJ for practice, it fired all 50 rounds of FMJ I fired through it without a hitch.

Recoil was definitely felt more in the smaller pistol.

After shooting the P30SK the trigger on the PM9 also felt rather different and inferior.

The PM9 has a very long almost rolling feel to the trigger - you squeeze it back, and squeeze it back, and keep squeezing it back and finally it goes off and hits the target. Basically it is a safety to stop you from prematurely firing and it is rather good at that. It is smooth with no hitches but really long.

It's so long it feels like a trigger you pull on Monday and it finally goes off on Sunday. By itself, it really is not bad. But, when compared immediately to a trigger like that on the P30SK or a Glock, it is a noticeably long, long, pull.

Accuracy was not bad at all. After the range trip I brought it home, cleaned, lubed, and reloaded it, and got all the pocket lint out of the spare magazine that rides along in my offhand front pocket. If you carry a mag in a pocket, expect that it will pickup pocket lint.

Next up was a nice new out of the box Glock 17 Gen4.

I managed to pick it up for a very good price and I'm rather happy with it. It's a Glock so nothing much to say about it really, but the grip texture does seem better than the prior versions. I did not add any back-straps as it fits my hand fine as is.

I did install some Trijicon HD XR Orange Front Outline night sights to it, replacing the stock factory plastic sights with a much more durable and usable set. Installation was easy using a sight pusher and it was no big deal. The orange outline on the front sight is very easy to pickup and accuracy was very nice.

I fired 100 rounds of the 9MM Nato FMJ through the Glock 17 with no issues, which is to be expected.

Accuracy was excellent, I had installed the sights on just right and they were right on. The stock trigger was the best of the three pistols I had with me at the range. Considering it was the largest pistol there, it was indeed the easiest to shoot fast and accurately. For whatever reason, it felt

It was a darn good range trip and very badly needed practice session. I need to get out to the range more often and will make it a resolution for 2019.

I figure I will get out more often to complete the P30SK 2,000 round test, and then do a 2,000 round test on the Glock 17 Gen 4. This should get me out to the range more often to work on shooting better.

Quite Impressive There Crimson Trace

So the battery that's been in the Crimson Trace Lasergrips on my Kahr PM9 since January 10, 2013 has finally given up the glow and lost enough power to be faded beyond usefulness.

So I hopped onto Amazon and picked up a Duracell DL1/3N  3V Lithium Battery, which arrived today.

Uninstalling the laser was very simple, first unloading the firearm and I'd recommend locking the slide back so there's no question that the firearm is empty while you work on it. Then, using the provided Allen key from Crimson Trace which I had carefully left, along with the original instructions, in the box the sight came in, it was simple to take the sight off the gun.

I took out the old battery, installed the new one and snapped the laser sight back onto the Kahr and screwed the two sides together locking it onto the trigger guard.  The whole process took maybe three minutes tops and the sight now works and shines bright as new.

Impressively, there was absolutely no loss of zero and the dot is exactly where it was prior to the removal of the sight.

Crimson Trace makes a darn nice product and this one has withstood regular carry and use (but not abuse) for over two years as a pocket gun and being used at the range on a regular basis, as well as being on a firearm as it is being cleaned. These grips certainly hold up well over time as well as provide a nice red dot right where you want it.

Kahr And Crimson Trace = Perfect Pocket Pistol Package

I just received my purchased Crimson Trace LG-437 Laserguard for my Kahr PM9.

I'm quite impressed.

The LG-437 fits over the trigger guard, keeping the grip nice and slim and uncluttered.

Installing the Laserguard was simpicity itself.

Before you begin, make sure the firearm is unloaded, then make sure its unloaded again.

I'd suggest removing the magazine and ammunition (don't forget the one in the chamber) and then taking the twice-inspected empty gun to a different room to do the install, and keep the slide locked open during the install process.

First you put the battery, + side up, into the Laserguard on the laser side.

Next, place the laser side of the Laserguard onto the trigger guard and have it click in over the trigger guard.

Next, click the other side into place on the other side of the trigger guard, press into place and lock into place with the two supplied screws and supplied Allen key.

And you're done!

Total install time: about 3 minutes tops including reading the manual.

The gun fits back nicely into the DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster. It doesn't fit quite as deeply as before, as the laser does protrude a bit into the holster outline stitching, but it is only slightly raised in the holster. That actually improves the draw as the holster is now less likely to come out with the Kahr as a result.

The laser light lines up perfectly with the sights when the pressure pad on the front of the grip is depressed and there is no felt weight increase, and the grip feel and balance of the firearm is unchanged. Now I'll need to take it to the range.

Having had a Crimson Trace laser on the Glock 23 for quite a few years now, I can appreciate the usefulness of the laser for carry and look forward to carrying the Kahr with the Laserguard mounted on it.

Impressively, Crimson Trace is now offering lifetime free batteries (one set every year) with purchase of their lasers. Kinda cool. I also appreciate that they supply the right sized allen key with the product, making installation hassle-free and easy.

I'd certainly recommend the Laserguard as a useful addition to your pocket carry pistol.

A Fun Sunday Morning Range Trip

Got up this morning at a reasonable hour and went to the Range with Robert.
Snow was on the ground and the weather was cold but with no wind it was quite tolerable and rather pleasant. No one else was around so we had the range to ourselves.
It was a very bright and sunny day so the sun bouncing off the snow was giving the camera fits.

That's a picture of a plate rack, a popper and some paper targets.
We set up three poppers and the plate rack and proceeded to blast the snow off of them quite handily.

 Robert also liked trying my .45 and once again, the reloads were flawless.

Rob also shot his Kahr PM9, and considering it is his carry gun he keeps in practice with it and does very well indeed.  I shot it as well, The PM9 is also my go-to carry gun for most occasions as it is so very conveniently carried in a pocket, I try to practice with it a lot.

Then Rob shot my Glock 19, which he likes so much that he's going to buy one for himself, as it fits his hand like a glove and he's notably accurate with it.

I then took my M&P9 out for a shoot.

It worked perfectly, which is both a blessing and a curse.

I'm very happy that it now works without any more issues.  Had it choked on me yet again, or given me any other malfunction, I would have sold it in a heartbeat.

However, between the new trigger spring and whatever else that was installed/fixed by S&W under warranty, the new recoil spring I put in and my moving the rear sight back to center and tightening it down, it functioned without a single problem.

 Even worse, I'm reasonably accurate with it, it fits the hand superbly, and it was a joy to shoot.  I very possibly shoot it better than my Glock 17, which raises some questions as to what pistol I should now use for USPSA competition and indeed for carry at times, and if I'm ready to trust it again for carry and competition:

 So, do I keep it now?

Sunday Rainin' Range Trip

I planned to go to the range today with Rob.

Of course that means that after a beautiful clear day yesterday it has to be cold with some consistent drizzling rain today.

The rain was insufficient to stop me from going, and I even convinced Rob to come along with the refrain that "If it isn't raining, it isn't training".

So we arrived at the range set some targets up and got some shooting in.

First I shot my Glock 23. This is the home defense pistol that lives in the Gun Vault in the bedroom, complete with a Crimson Trace laser grip and it had been feeling neglected recently. I had just changed the trigger from the standard serrated version to a smooth one and I wanted to make sure it would function.

First I shot through its standard load of 14 180-grain hydra-shocks, as it was time to rotate the ammo - and the best way to do so is to shoot the older stuff up. Functioning and accuracy was perfect, and the shift to the smooth trigger made it feel a lot nicer to shoot. No longer did it rub against the trigger finger while shooting. I really recommend switching to the smooth trigger as you'll see quite a difference in feel. Using the laser I could transition to targets a lot quicker than using the iron sights and all 6 plates on the rack and three poppers dropped quickly, as did two paper targets which both received A-zone hits.

I shot fifty more rounds through it and then switched to the Glock 17, which as usual functioned perfectly without complaint.

I also brought out the M&P and it functioned without any trigger problems this time. But, the rear sight shifted badly rightward as it was being shot, making accurate fire rather difficult. Once I was home I unscrewed the set screw and tapped it back to center and tightened down the screw again. Sheesh, am I cursed with the M&P or what? I really want to like the M&P but it just keeps giving me reasons not to trust it.

Then I switched to the Kahr and all was right with the world again. Considering I carry this handy little pocket 9mm more than any other I decided to get some focused practice in with it. Functioning was perfect.

Rob also had brought his Kahr out so we traded off and then did some dueling Kahrs. We I started from the left and he from the right of the six plate rack, and the object was to knock them down faster than the other person from the draw. This was good practice drawing from my pocket holster and quickly lining up and hitting the targets. Lots of fun was had and a little friendly competition made for some good practice.

After becoming thoroughly soaked and having shot lots of ammunition, we declared we had had enough so we packed up and headed out and grabbed some coffee to warm up. After the coffee stop we went to Gander Mountain where they were sadly completely out of both the primers I wanted and the reloading powders I was looking for, so I was skunked. Rob picked up some useful items however, so it wasn't a complete waste of time.

It was a wet but fun range trip. I returned home and then had a serious pistol cleaning session. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon rain and all.

Zen And The Art Of Carry Gun Maintenance

Last night I decided it was time to do some preventative maintenance on my Kahr PM9.

Even though I haven't shot it in a few months, I felt it was time to give it some TLC, considering it is a continual choice as a carry piece.

So I disassembled it and gave it a cleaning. Even having cleaned it well after its last range outing, some fouling still emerged from the barrel after a brush was run through it.

The real fun part was the magazines, or more particularly the 7 round magazine that I would carry as the spare mag in my pocket while the 6 rounder was in the pistol.

The 6 round mag was very clean. The 7 rounder, not so much.

In taking it apart, it was apparent that every bit of lint in a one mile area had decided to occupy my magazine.

The lint was actually below the top round , on the lower rounds in the magazine and lots had worked its way under the magazine follower and well within the mag body.

Cleaning with a dry Soft Tip Brush got rid of the lint and each round was wiped down with a dry cloth. I really recommend using this kind of brush for cleaning small magazines. The brushes easily fit and do a great job getting all the lint and gunk out of the magazine body.

Magazine reassembled, it was then reloaded and no gritty sounds occurred during the loading process. I lubed the frame rails and barrel hood and reassembled the Kahr and then wiped down the outside of the firearm with some CLP to help protect the metal.

Even if you don't shoot your carry gun on every outing, its a good idea to do some maintenance and ensure it is still clean and lubricated.

Don't forget that pocket carry spare magazine - it will most likely be even dirtier than the gun!

Sunday At The Range

So this afternoon I went with Rob to the range.

The temperature had certainly dropped since our last outing, and there was snow on the ground but that didn't keep us away, but it did deter most other people.

I practiced drawing from under my winter coat with and without gloves on, both articles of clothing have an impact on your draw and shooting.

I also practiced drawing and shooting my Kahr PM9 from its pocket holster and engaging targets from around 7 to 25 yards away.

The Kahr would accurately hit the targets and would knock down Pepper Poppers reasonably enough. All poppers fell quickly, except for one pepper popper that apparently had taken PCP before standing in the target array. Mr. PCP Popper took multiple rapid and consecutive rounds to drop.

I shot up my 14 rounds of usual carry ammo for the Kahr PM9 all with good hits, in addition to 100 rounds of FMJ for practice.

Rob also shot his Kahr and his Beretta 96 and did quite well.

I also shot 100 rounds through my Glock 17 and hit targets with it well and practiced a few FAST drills. The nice and free shooting times for the Android phone are pretty useful but wickedly unreliable, crashing often and making me veer towards buying a proper timer soon.

After the timed course of fire with the 17, I then brought out the Glock 22 as well for practice. Mr. PCP Pepper Popper dropped to both the 17 and the 22, showing that there is some real loss of effective velocity when a 9mm is fired through the 3 inch barrel of the PM9.

After shooting, we stopped for some good burgers and headed homeward.

Once I got home I cleaned the Kahr, the Glocks and my Ruger MKII, the cleaning of which is a subject deserving of a post all its own, which will follow this one.

I have now rotated my Kahr carry ammo to some fresh 124gr Speer Gold Dot Hollow Points after shooting up the last of my Remington Golden Sabres that were in the gun for practice. I figured I should get some practice with the full power self defense ammo and can report that it really doesn't feel very different at all from FMJ and the hits were just as accurate with either ammunition.

As usual, the Kahr did impressively well and it continues to serve as a practically perfect pocket portable protection device.

A fine sunny if chilly afternoon at the range.

The M&P Returns And A New Shooter Goes To The Range

Today Rob and his lovely wife Sumiko came to the range with me.  Rob has come to two USPSA matches with me and it looks like he's enjoying and going to keep competing in USPSA, so we wanted to get an opportunity to do some informal practice.

Sumiko had never been shooting before, so with some coaching and instruction from Rob and myself we loaded up the trusty Ruger MKII .22 and let her do some shooting with it.

I strongly advise starting all new shooters with a .22. New shooters are apprehensive enough about shooting that there is no need to add louder noise and recoil than a .22 to start them off. Remember, you want them to have fun and come back.

Do note that there is a special place in hell for the idiots that give the "little woman" a .44 magnum with heavy loads to shoot for a first time experience.

We set the target up about 7 yards away, and her first target ended up looking like this.

Sumiko was great, had a good time, lost the apprehension quickly and had excellent safety and accuracy.  She consistently hit the targets and had fun doing it.

In between 20 rounds we would rotate.  I shot my M&P9 and Rob his Kahr PM-9.  In addition to Sumiko's target, we had set up 7 poppers and a couple IPSC targets and worked on speedily clearing the steel and getting hits on the two targets quickly.  I had a free shot timer on my phone and in between it crashing we manged to get a neat look at our overall time for the course and shot splits.  Eventually I need to buy a real timer.

After shooting about 80 rounds of .22, Sumiko agreed to try Rob's Kahr PM-9 and my S&W M&P9.

Soon she was hitting steel with the Kahr and M&P with aplomb and enjoyed knocking down the reactive targets.

In short, Sumiko had a blast at the range.

It then started getting colder so we packed up and headed over to my house for a great dinner with Natasha and the kids.  A fine dinner, with a tasty Sangria/Lambrusco combo brought by our guests was had by all, except for the kids who got water or milk with their meals.  A great Saturday afternoon and evening.

M&P Notes:  The M&P functioned perfectly at the range with this being its first time out since returning from S&W for repair.  I still have a few concerns about it, but it handled 100 rounds today without a single failure.

However, if someone happens to have an M&P9 and a dummy round handy and is willing to try something for me, I'd appreciate it so I can tell if a certain action is normal for M&Ps or if only mine is doing it.  If you've got one and are willing to give it a try and duplicate the event, let me know, I'd appreciate it.