Big day at the range yesterday

[Smaug]

Yesterday, I:

• Tried a new local range/gun shop
• Tried my new 38 LCR for the first time
• Tried my new XD-45 Tactical for the first time
• Tried some new hand loads

For those in the area, the range I tried is called Five Star, in Zion, IL, which is about 40 miles north of Chicago. It is also a well stocked gun shop. They are indoors and have 15-20 lanes, with state of the art ventilation and computerized Target retrievers going out to 25 yards. They give military and police discounts on some things. Nice place; I’ll definitely go back.

The loads I tried in the LCR were 105 gr. Hard cast flat point bullets over 5.3 gr. of Win 231. I tried them first in my 357 SP-101 and they weren’t too stout, so into the LCR they went. They wound up feeling like a mild +P, as I had some factory +P on hand against which to compare.

I’m not a great DA revolver shot, but I’d be deadly at seven yards. Here are the first shots:



More in awhile; it’s time for breakfast with the Mrs.

 

[Smaug]

Next, I shot two cylinders of 38 +P JHP 125 gr. through my home defense gun, the SP-101. It’s perfect. Stout enough that I have confidence, but not so hot that half the powder is burning outside the barrel.

I shot one cylinder off that through the LCR also. It’s hot, but not abusive.

After that, I broke out the new XD-45 Tactical and shoot that at seven yards.

This target shows one cylinder of the factory +P loads out of the LCR at the upper left. They shoot pretty far off of the sights. I could then reuse that target for the XD’s first shots, thrifty SOB that I am:


That gun, as you’d expect, is easier to shoot well, despite being a 45. These were shot maybe at one per second.

 

[Smaug]

Here’s the practice target with the SP-101 with some gun show reloads I bought maybe ten years ago.

I know, “Never shoot anyone else’s reloads”, but I trusted the guy after talking to him. They shoot great, and I wish I knew his formula:


Next, I moved a target out at 25 yards with the XD. Yikes, I need to practice more and slow down. Granted, this is one of those reduced size silhouette targets, but I’d like to do better:


Finally, here’s a shot of the guns together, along with my new Lyman reloading manual, which was waiting for me when I got home:

 

[Spats McGee]

That actually sounds like a pretty good day at the range. Maybe you didn't shoot them all as well as you'd have liked, but you did learn what you need to practice. That has value, too.

Oh, and please give Mrs. Smaug our best.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Im happy with my new Lyman book. It has some data the 50th does not have.

 

[buck460XVR]

but I would be deadly at yards.

Kinda where most folks are with short barreled SD-type weapons. While I shoot my hunting revolvers well at distances of 50 yards and more, get past 15 with my EDCs, and it looks more like a shotgun.

As for gun show reloads from someone licensed to sell ammo, they are different than what the average "guy at work" pumps out.

 

[Smaug]

Im happy with my new Lyman book. It has some data the 50th does not have.

I like the history they give of each cartridge before the data; I find it fascinating and I wish there was more of it!

 

[Pat Riot]

Looks like a great way to spend the day @Smaug

 

[Ks5shooter]

Well done.

 

[Tallball]

Glad you had a good day.

I carry my LCR in 38 special more than anything else. The trigger is SO nice. I'm glad it worked for you.

 

[Riomouse911]

For the first time out shooting two completely different handguns, you did not bad at all . And the best part is you had fun doing it. That makes for a good range day to me as well .

Keep it up! Focus on grip, front sight, trigger press and follow through, and even with that tiny LCR you will start to surprise yourself in short order.

Stay safe.

 

[Smaug]

For the first time out shooting two completely different handguns, you did not bad at all . And the best part is you had fun doing it. That makes for a good range day to me as well .

Keep it up! Focus on grip, front sight, trigger press and follow through, and even with that tiny LCR you will start to surprise yourself in short order.

Stay safe.

Thanks for the tips!