Sunday, May 10, 2015

HK VP9

Introducing the Heckler & Koch VP9 striker-fired 9mm semi-auto handgun, building on the highly successful single action/double action hammer-fired P30, summarized here back in 2010, but the VP9 "breaks new ground with its integration of a unique striker firing system with an enhanced HK “light pull” trigger. The net result is trigger quality unequaled in any production striker fired handgun." http://hk-usa.com/hk-models/vp9/

Featuring multiple interchangeable backstraps and side plate choices for the handgun grips, the ergonomics of this 9mm should be superior to your basic Glock or Ruger offering.

HK VP9 $630.00



Specs:
  • Locked Breech DAO Semi-Auto
  • 7.25" Length
  • 5.5" Height
  • 1.14 Max. Width
  • 26.5 oz. unloaded
  • 32.6 oz. loaded
  • 4.1" barrel length
  • Barrel Material: Steel
  • Magazine: 15 rd. detachable
  • Slide Material: Steel
  • Frame Material: Polymer
  • Grips: Textured Polymer
  • Sights: Steel 3-dot
  • Trigger Pull Wt: 6 lbs
  • Trigger Span: 2.63"
  • Safety: No manual safety
Notables:
  • "Even more accurate than the HK P30"
  • "The VP9 is a good personal-defense choice and deserves a solid A rating."
  • Allows excellent hand fitting.
  • Takes HK P30 Magazines.
  • Striker-fired action breaks smoothly.
  • Forward and rear cocking serrations allow for solid grip on the slide.
  • Due to removable blocks at the rear of the slide, slide can be racked with one hand.
  • Red cocking indicator.
  • Good combat sights; excellent contrast.
  • Comes with two magazines.
  • Paddle-type magazine release is easy to get used to.
  • Low bore axis results in little muzzle flip.
Overheard on other forums and review sights: "The PPQ has a better trigger","built to last","trigger has minimal reset", "extractor is a solid block of steel", "Glock 17 bore axis is lower", "magazine release may be a problem for those with smaller hands", "magazine changes are fast", "Very reliable"


Friday, May 8, 2015

S&W Model 627 High Capacity .357 Magnum

This is the Performance Center version of the S&W 8-shot, short-barreled .357 magnum, featuring a ball-detent cylinder lockup, for better accuracy and reliability, chamfered cartridge chambers, for aid in speed-loading, and excellent sights.

S&W Model 627 170133, $1,079


Normally, I like a longer barrel on my .357 magnum, at least a 4 incher, which adds 200-300 fps, compared to the snubnose .357, but that's just me, because these shorty .357's are very popular, especially in the N frame S&W.

Specs:
  • Double Action/Single Action
  • 7.6" length
  • 5.5" height
  • 1.7" max. width
  • 37.6 oz. empty weight
  • 40.8 oz. loaded weight
  • 2.6" barrel
  • 8 round capacity
  • N-frame stainless
  • Stainless cylinder, non-fluted
  • Grips: checkered walnut
  • 5.3" grip circumference
  • Serrated ramp front sight
  • Adjustable white outline rear sight
  • 4.1 lb trigger pull weight-single action
  • 11.5 lb trigger pull double action
  • Trigger span single action, 2.8"
  • Trigger span double action, 3.3"
Notables:
  •  Performance Center quality-tight fit, clean metalwork, smooth woodwork
  • Slab-sided barrel, for weight reduction
  • Crowned muzzle
  • Ejector shroud cutout drops some weight
  • Unfluted cylinder adds extra weight
  • Easily swappable dovetailed front sight.
  • Fully adjustable rear sight
  • Small grips make for concealability
  • "Even shooters with small hands could easily fire the 627..."
  • Full-length guide rod ejects all 8 rounds
  • Extra weight makes for pleasant shooting
  • "A bit heavy for concealed carry, comparable in weight to a loaded 1911..."
  • Proper holster and belt required for secure carry options

Colt Commander 04012XSE

Colt Commander XSE $1,104



Forged as opposed to cast parts, that's what separates this fine carry piece from the cheaper 1911's flooding the market. Features a forged receiver, slide, barrel and slide-stop, all in maintenance-free stainless. Comes standard with front and rear slide serrations, Novak sights and full-length guide rod.

Specs:
  • .45 ACP
  • 4.25" Barrel
  • Capacity 8+1
  • Rosewood Grips
  • 3-dot sights
  • Aluminum 3-hole trigger
  • Lightweight Skeletonized Hammer
  • 6 lb trigger pull
  • 36 oz.
  • 7.75" length
  • 5.4" height
  • Ambi-safety
Notables:
  • Colt's Top-End Commander
  • "Super Accurate"
  • Enhanced cut-out under the trigger guard, for lower bore axis