Went to the gun range today

[jdandy]

I had an interesting and fun time today at the gun range. I drove out early so that I could spend some time shooting my new Smith & Wesson 9mm Shield pistol. I also took my Ruger GP100 .357 magnum and my Smith & Wesson M&P15 rifle. I was on the range at 9:30 AM and didn't leave until 1:30 PM.

The new S&W 9mm Shield pistol is a jewel. I am replacing my concealed carry Sig Sauer P232 stainless .380 with the new polymer frame S&W 9mm Shield. It is considerably lighter and thinner than the Sig Sauer, is more comfortable in its BladeTech inside-the-waistband holster, and the 9mm Hornady Critical Defense rounds pack a lot more energy than do the .380 rounds. Shooting targets at 25 feet saw the gun punching 3" groups slightly right of dead center. Fortunately I brought my brass punch and drift hammer in my range bag so I was able to make a slight adjustment on the front sight to bring the groups dead center. I fired 120 rounds through the pistol today without a single issue. The Shield has a very nice trigger, probably five and a half pound pull, and it also has a good three-dot sight system, although I am already thinking of replacing the sights with Trijicon three-dot tritium night sights.

The Ruger .357 magnum is a sweet revolver. I have owned this one about 20 years. I had the trigger smoothed many years ago and in single action it only takes a four pound pull to send a round down range. The Ruger has an adjustable rear sight which has been dialed in for years. It was lots of fun to put 60 rounds through it today. It shoots very well.

The Smith & Wesson M&P15 black rifle is always fun to shoot. The 5.56 round is serious and moves at near 3300 feet per second. I spent nearly two hours shooting military 25 yard and 50 yard targets, doing some fine tuning to the iron sights and the EOTech red dot sight. That new EOTech G33.STS 3x magnifier is a real treasure. It sure helps me see those 50 yard targets. I ran 200 rounds through the M&P15 today without a single hitch. It is a fine personal defense weapon.

Beside the fun I was having with my guns, I met three interesting people. The first gentleman to show up on the pistol range after I arrived was an 82 year old fellow named Ben. He had just purchased an old Ruger .45 revolver and a great looking dark brown leather holster from a neighbor. He told me he needed a gun in his home for protection since he lived by himself. This was his first time at the range and the first time shooting this gun but he told me he was an Army vet and had plenty of experience with guns in his day. I helped him get his target setup at 25 feet and explained the range rules to him. It didn't take him long to fire 18 rounds through the old Ruger. I was surprised to see him do six inch groups both times he reloaded the revolver. Once he was satisfied he could shoot the gun and hit the target he went home.

Shortly after that two older gentlemen around my age arrived on the pistol range and began chatting. Both had several different pistols and rifles with them. What I found most interesting was learning how they met and became friends. They both belong to the same online gun forum, TaurusArmed.net. After becoming online friends and discovering they lived relatively close to each other they started shooting together. It was fun to talk guns with them. What was even more fun is they allowed me to shoot several of the pistols they brought, among them was a Taurus .44 magnum with scope, a Colt 1911 Gold Cup .45, and a Colt .45 Defender. I let them each run through eight round magazines in my S&W 9mm Shield. It was great fun sharing our experiences and weapons with one another. It was clear that these two fellows had become good friends. It made me think of Audio Aficionado and I told them about this forum. Neither had much interest in audio but they sure enjoyed their guns.

That's how my day went. I really had a great time at the range today. Naturally, when I got home I spent a couple more hours out in my shop cleaning the pistols and rifle, keeping them ready for duty. On top of everything, the new Smith and Wesson 9mm Shield is turning out to be a remarkably accurate and easily concealed carry gun. I am liking it a lot.

[chessman]

Dan, sounds like great fun .... all except the cleaning part, which is what keeps me out of the hobby. I hate cleaning guns. Silly, but true.

[jdandy]

Randy.......Cleaning the weapons is all part of the sport. I don't mind it at all. I never let any of my pistols, revolvers, or rifles get seriously dirty so keeping them in great condition is not difficult. I have a nice shop with a good sized work bench, a stereo to listen to out there and it's peaceful to just work through each gun. I like seeing them spotless and knowing they are all ready to use at any time.

[chessman]

Clean is certainly crucial. I would never put a dirty gun away. If I had the tools, bench, stereo and solitude maybe I would feel differently.

[AudioNut]

Originally Posted by jdandy

The new S&W 9mm Shield pistol is a jewel. I am replacing my concealed carry Sig Sauer P232 stainless .380 with the new polymer frame S&W 9mm Shield. It is considerably lighter and thinner than the Sig Sauer, is more comfortable in its BladeTech inside-the-waistband holster,

On top of everything, the new Smith and Wesson 9mm Shield is turning out to be a remarkably accurate and easily concealed carry gun. I am liking it a lot.

Maybe so, Dan, but you've got to admit that the good old Sig is still prettier!

[Mikado463]

Great day at the range is a great day indeed ! My S&W M&P Shield (.40 cal) is also an accurate shooter.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by AudioNut

Maybe so, Dan, but you've got to admit that the good old Sig is still prettier!

Julian.......I agree the Sig Sauer P232 looks elegant next to the S&W Shield. It has that classic Walther PPK look. I don't plan to part with my Sig Sauer. I may continue to carry it from time to time but the S&W Shield has some advantages that make it an appealing concealed carry gun.

[Yamaki]

Sounds like an excellent day out, Dan!

I enjoy firing my Ruger KGP100 .357 and have for years. With a 4" barrel and a full on magnum load (158 gr. SJHP) it can be a bit of a handful but the stock Santoprene grips featuring the goncalo alves wood work very well. I tried several different grips over the years, including the upgraded Hogue system now sold as standard for the unit but the originals worked best for my grip.

[jdandy]

Michael.......For a second there I thought I was looking at my Ruger .357 magnum. Mine is identical to yours. You are right, the stock grips are comfortable and allow a secure grip. The Ruger .357 magnum with the 4 inch barrel is a respected revolver. It is built like a tank and will last several lifetimes as do most well engineered guns. I just ordered a new Bianchi Model 7000 AccuMold Sporting Holster for mine. It hasn't arrived yet but I am looking forward to getting it.

[Yamaki]

Sweet holster, Dan!

I have an over the shoulder rig made by Bianchi, the 4620, that has the firearm holster plus the integral case that holds two speedloaders. I added a second case..."just in case"...

I like Ruger handguns...I have several.