chaim
Member
So, I went to the range last night. It was my first time out with my used SIG 229 (its about time since I've had it a while now) and my used NAA Guardian .32ACP. I also took out my Ruger KP345 to see if I finally got it working. I didn't shoot a lot of rounds because I didn't get there until 8pm and the staff made it clear that before I got there they were thinking of closing up early (I decided to be nice so they could leave before their 9pm closing time).
My SIG 229 in .40S&W is a dream to shoot. The gun is accurate, it is incredibly comfortable to shoot, it balances great, the trigger is one of the best DA/SA triggers I've ever experienced, and it just feels solid. I brought 2 12 round mags and one 10 rounder. Both 12 rounders are supposed to be SIG mags, but there are definate differences. One has a matte blue or parkarized finish and the other mag has a nice glossy finish. Both are tight and it isn't easy to get the last round in (the 10 rounder was the same but not as bad) but with the mag with the glossy finish it was noticably easier to get that last round in the mag. Groups were pretty decent, and I'm starting to really like the SIG "dot the i" style sights. It performed flawlessly with 180gr MC UMC rounds and the 180 gr Federal JHP I brought. I only put just under 2 boxes through it due to time, but so far so good.
The Ruger KP345 is working again. I only shot a box, but on other range trips when it gives me trouble it usually starts after one or no more than two mags. It isn't the first time it has worked though, only to become a POC the next range trip, so the jury is still out. If it works I don't know if I'll keep it as a range toy (I don't trust it for what I bought it for- home defense and occasional carry) or sell it. I have already put its replacement (a S&W 1911SC Commander) on layaway and with a reliable Charles Daly 1911 as well I don't really need the Ruger. Still, if after all that effort and annoyance it is finally working it may be a shame to get rid of it. We'll see.
Anyway, on this trip it felt like it always does. It transmits a rather odd recoil to your hand- you can feel every movement of the slide (almost like it is in slow motion) and it doesn't feel very solid. It was fun to shoot though, it was pretty accurate, and again- this time there were no hiccups.
I also shot my NAA Guardian for the first time. I didn't know what to expect since I've read a lot about how punishing they are to shoot. Also, the sights are very rudimentary and may as well not exist and the trigger is pretty heavy. The range where I shot does not allow any shots under 25 feet and a small pocket gun with very poor sights isn't going to be very accurate at 25 feet. So I only shot 2 mags to function check the gun. In those 2 mags it was 100% (as I hoped/expected). It wasn't uncomfortable to shoot, though you do feel it- I'd compare it to the felt recoil of an all steel .38spl J-frame. As for accuracy- my first time shooting this gun, a pocket gun with some pretty bad sights and a heavy trigger, I wasn't expecting much. I was pretty happy that all my shots were on the target at 25 feet. I may just invest in the NAA Custom Shop's carry package (they do a "melt" treatment and remove the sights) or buy one of their sight packages like the "Gutter Snipe" or XS sight packages (http://www.naaminis.com/cshop1.html) and give up on the factory sights. Anyway, so far I'm pretty happy with it and it just might be a keeper (I definately think I'd like to dress it up with some wood grips- probably either Pau Ferro or Cocobolo).
My SIG 229 in .40S&W is a dream to shoot. The gun is accurate, it is incredibly comfortable to shoot, it balances great, the trigger is one of the best DA/SA triggers I've ever experienced, and it just feels solid. I brought 2 12 round mags and one 10 rounder. Both 12 rounders are supposed to be SIG mags, but there are definate differences. One has a matte blue or parkarized finish and the other mag has a nice glossy finish. Both are tight and it isn't easy to get the last round in (the 10 rounder was the same but not as bad) but with the mag with the glossy finish it was noticably easier to get that last round in the mag. Groups were pretty decent, and I'm starting to really like the SIG "dot the i" style sights. It performed flawlessly with 180gr MC UMC rounds and the 180 gr Federal JHP I brought. I only put just under 2 boxes through it due to time, but so far so good.
The Ruger KP345 is working again. I only shot a box, but on other range trips when it gives me trouble it usually starts after one or no more than two mags. It isn't the first time it has worked though, only to become a POC the next range trip, so the jury is still out. If it works I don't know if I'll keep it as a range toy (I don't trust it for what I bought it for- home defense and occasional carry) or sell it. I have already put its replacement (a S&W 1911SC Commander) on layaway and with a reliable Charles Daly 1911 as well I don't really need the Ruger. Still, if after all that effort and annoyance it is finally working it may be a shame to get rid of it. We'll see.
Anyway, on this trip it felt like it always does. It transmits a rather odd recoil to your hand- you can feel every movement of the slide (almost like it is in slow motion) and it doesn't feel very solid. It was fun to shoot though, it was pretty accurate, and again- this time there were no hiccups.
I also shot my NAA Guardian for the first time. I didn't know what to expect since I've read a lot about how punishing they are to shoot. Also, the sights are very rudimentary and may as well not exist and the trigger is pretty heavy. The range where I shot does not allow any shots under 25 feet and a small pocket gun with very poor sights isn't going to be very accurate at 25 feet. So I only shot 2 mags to function check the gun. In those 2 mags it was 100% (as I hoped/expected). It wasn't uncomfortable to shoot, though you do feel it- I'd compare it to the felt recoil of an all steel .38spl J-frame. As for accuracy- my first time shooting this gun, a pocket gun with some pretty bad sights and a heavy trigger, I wasn't expecting much. I was pretty happy that all my shots were on the target at 25 feet. I may just invest in the NAA Custom Shop's carry package (they do a "melt" treatment and remove the sights) or buy one of their sight packages like the "Gutter Snipe" or XS sight packages (http://www.naaminis.com/cshop1.html) and give up on the factory sights. Anyway, so far I'm pretty happy with it and it just might be a keeper (I definately think I'd like to dress it up with some wood grips- probably either Pau Ferro or Cocobolo).
