I have long been an advocate of a J frame revolver as a carry gun. Revolvers are simple and reliable to operate , and I tend to shoot revolvers better than semi-auto pistols. Over the course of time , however , I arrived at the conclusion that 5 rounds is not prudent or sufficient in some situations. (I will not expand on that ; that is a whole separate discussion.)
So , after most of a decade of carrying a small revolver I did something I never thought I would do - I acquired a striker fired polymer compact pistol - a Walter PPS M2 LE. I am very satisfied with the function of the Walther ; I am not seeking a discussion of it vs other pistols.
For me , a revolver seems to point much more easily and naturally compared to a semi-auto. I believe that is because of the sight picture looking down a barrel vs a square section slide. I have had good results from a couple of pistols with longer barrels and contoured slides , namely Beretta 92 and Browning High Power.
I have been practicing with the Walther in preparation for using it for concealed carry. The practice thus far has spanned about 4 months and approx. 450 rounds. By comparison , and in fairness , my J frame experience spans most of a decade and who knows how many rounds - lots of rounds.
Yesterday I did a comparison exercise. The target was a steel torso silhouette about 2/3 life size (approx 18x20"), the range 50 ft. At about 1 shot per second , unsupported , my hit rate with the pistol was about 65% , with the S&W m.60 J frame (da) 90% .
Given the fact that I have been shooting the Walther much more than the revolver of late , the 3.2" vs 1 7/8" barrel length advantage of the Walther , and the superior sights of the pistol , I'm still markedly better at putting rounds on target with the J frame than with the semi-auto. I am not satisfied with the results ; I feel I need to close that gap. At this point I have essentially the same number of shots on target with a 5 shot J frame as with an 8 shot mag from the pistol. I have improved , but not enough.
So , as to expectations .....
Given my long term experience with revolvers vs semi-auto pistols I have to wonder if I will ever achieve the success rate I have with the J frame revolver. I feel as though I can point and shoot with the revolver , but I need to visually access the front sight with the pistol. I think it's the barrel vs square section slide factor as previously mentioned. I really want to reap the benefits of higher round count (8+1) and light weight of the Walther. In addition , I want to get off the schneid , so to speak , and expand my shooting skills.
Commentary and advice is welcome.
So , after most of a decade of carrying a small revolver I did something I never thought I would do - I acquired a striker fired polymer compact pistol - a Walter PPS M2 LE. I am very satisfied with the function of the Walther ; I am not seeking a discussion of it vs other pistols.
For me , a revolver seems to point much more easily and naturally compared to a semi-auto. I believe that is because of the sight picture looking down a barrel vs a square section slide. I have had good results from a couple of pistols with longer barrels and contoured slides , namely Beretta 92 and Browning High Power.
I have been practicing with the Walther in preparation for using it for concealed carry. The practice thus far has spanned about 4 months and approx. 450 rounds. By comparison , and in fairness , my J frame experience spans most of a decade and who knows how many rounds - lots of rounds.
Yesterday I did a comparison exercise. The target was a steel torso silhouette about 2/3 life size (approx 18x20"), the range 50 ft. At about 1 shot per second , unsupported , my hit rate with the pistol was about 65% , with the S&W m.60 J frame (da) 90% .
Given the fact that I have been shooting the Walther much more than the revolver of late , the 3.2" vs 1 7/8" barrel length advantage of the Walther , and the superior sights of the pistol , I'm still markedly better at putting rounds on target with the J frame than with the semi-auto. I am not satisfied with the results ; I feel I need to close that gap. At this point I have essentially the same number of shots on target with a 5 shot J frame as with an 8 shot mag from the pistol. I have improved , but not enough.
So , as to expectations .....
Given my long term experience with revolvers vs semi-auto pistols I have to wonder if I will ever achieve the success rate I have with the J frame revolver. I feel as though I can point and shoot with the revolver , but I need to visually access the front sight with the pistol. I think it's the barrel vs square section slide factor as previously mentioned. I really want to reap the benefits of higher round count (8+1) and light weight of the Walther. In addition , I want to get off the schneid , so to speak , and expand my shooting skills.
Commentary and advice is welcome.