Range Report: Mech Tech 45 ACP Carbine Conversion

[iamkris]

I shoot in a local 3-gun match that is a modern corallary to the cowboy shooting I do a lot of http://www.bristolcowboyaction.com/ ...5 stages, pistol, shotgun and pistol-caliber carbine. To date, I've been pairing my 45 ACP Witness or 1911 with a Winchester 92 in 45 Colt and Mossy 500 12 ga. Been doing fine (love that little Rossi) but have been thirsting for a 45 ACP carbine.

While there are a few choices (Thompson, HK USC, Marlin Camp or wait for the Beretta Storm) most are a bit spendy for this father of 3 with a big mortgage. Then I ran across the Mech-Tech CCU, I thought...why not? The BBT came on Wednesday and I took a few hours off work this afternoon to run out to the range for a quick session.

I ordered the base unit, the poly stock insert (recommended by a couple of sources) and ghost ring fixed sight system.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

When I unpacked the unit, I was neutral after first inspection...

* Good fit and finish overall...nothing rattled and powder coating on metal was even
* Fit to my 1911 frame was easy and good
* Welded flat bar for the butt stock gave a cheap feel and cut into my cheek when mounting the carbine...once I mounted the poly stock insert the cheek weld was tight and comfortable (NOTE: do not order or use the CCU without this $20 add-on!)
* Barrel and bolt had good finish and crisp articulation
* "Barrel extension" is a thin walled piece of metal that looks like a muzzle brake but I doubt acts as one...kind of wish I'd ordered it without
* Sighting system has a great adjustable front post, good protective ears, good rail system but cheesy rear adjustable aperature

RANGE IMPRESSIONS

At the range, I fired about 100 rounds through some newly acquired Chip McCormick Shooting Star 10 round mags (I've used the 8 round mags in my 1911 and highly recommend them) in addition to some standard 7 round GI mags. I shot only one load...my standard 230 gr FMJ over 5.3 gr 231 and CCI 300 primer. After minor sight adjustment the CCU held 2" offhand rapid-fire (5 shots in 5 seconds) groups at 25 yards (only range tested this go around...no benchrest results yet).

The unit has a peculiar "SPROING!" vibration that you don't really hear but rather feel through your cheek. It was unnerving at first but after about 50 rounds it didn't bother me...at least no more than the peculiar ka-chunk-ka-chunk of the HK USC when it cycles. The sights were easy to pick up and the front post is excellent. This unit however SCREAMS for a reasonably priced red dot sight. I'll look into that next.

Functioning was flawless when multiple rounds were in the mag, however, a few mags were loaded with only one round. About 50% of the time there was a failure to eject when only one round was loaded. Happened with all mags so not clear if it is the unit, my 1911 lower or the particular load. This never happened on maqgs that were loaded with more than one round.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

I feel this was an excellent buy for $260 for the base unit and $60 for the fixed sight rail. The KelTec Sub 2000 is a good price but doesn't (yet) come in 45. I'm too impatient to wait for the Beretta. Marlin's are kinda spendy around here. Forget the HK and Thompson...baby's gotta eat. Lotsa fun and I can't wait for the next match in 3 weeks to try her out. Happy man with new gun.

 

[Atticus]

They are fun toys. The looks you get at the range are nearly worth the cost of the CCU. I sold mine, but wouldn't mind getting another someday in .460 Rowland. And you're right about the red dot-a perfect match.

 

[NapAttack]

I have one of the early MechTechs in .45 before they came out with the big rail on top. Mine only has a small weaver type mount on top for a scope. I rather like it that way.

I also disliked the cheesy looking barrel extension. I very carefully measured my bbl and found it to be just a fraction over 16" without it so I removed it. I don't know if this would hold true with the newer MechTechs but mine is legal without the extension.

I agree about the plastic inserts in the stock. Wouldn't shoot mine without it. I have however been considering ways to replace the stock entirely. Possibly with an AR-15 style stock.

The sproing comes from the recoil spring. It looks like a long old timey wooden screen door spring. After getting used to it I don't even notice it anymore. It is kind of fun though. Sorta reminds me of how an old wooden screen door sounded when you'd let it slam shut.