So just came back from the local range, an indoor hole-in-the-wall that became the testing grounds for two newly acquired items. Went with my brother as for second opinions and just to blast holes in various targets, so here's how it went:
First on the bench was a S&W 17-4 I bought from Fugate Arms, swapped the original carry grips with target configuration, used a box of CCI Mini-Max HV. Trigger pull was reliable but disappointing in SA, gritty and requiring a hint of strain. A complete failure in DA though; not one rim was even dented even after multiple trigger pulls. Accuracy was decent, though I'm sure with some work with it'll become a great plinker/introduction weapon.
Next came the S&W 28-2 in 6" I acquired from High Mountain Hunting Supply. Only came with Hogue Mono-grips but they felt nice in my small hands. Though accuracy was superb, felt recoil was minimal, and trigger pull was butter-smooth, the cylinder would lock up temporarily in some instances and only once did I have to swing out the cylinder. Blasted .38 Spec WC and CCI Blazer 158gr, for a total of 60 rounds.
Finally had fun with my favorite carry, the S&W 19-4 in 4". Tried the Magnum loads for the first time in this weapon, service grips don't lend much help to recoil. As usual, it never failed my expectations as I recently had a trigger job done, so scores an A+ in handling, accuracy, and reliability, though putting Magnums through it will happen only on special occasions.
So at the end of the session, my brother and I agreed that the first two guns seriously needed some smith-work, but it was loads of fun, comparing our experience to test-driving used, mulscle cars that needed a tune-up. As I usually fire .38 Special though my Model 19, I'm starting to get addicted to the Magnum roar, perhaps even roll the dice with a .44 someday...
First on the bench was a S&W 17-4 I bought from Fugate Arms, swapped the original carry grips with target configuration, used a box of CCI Mini-Max HV. Trigger pull was reliable but disappointing in SA, gritty and requiring a hint of strain. A complete failure in DA though; not one rim was even dented even after multiple trigger pulls. Accuracy was decent, though I'm sure with some work with it'll become a great plinker/introduction weapon.
Next came the S&W 28-2 in 6" I acquired from High Mountain Hunting Supply. Only came with Hogue Mono-grips but they felt nice in my small hands. Though accuracy was superb, felt recoil was minimal, and trigger pull was butter-smooth, the cylinder would lock up temporarily in some instances and only once did I have to swing out the cylinder. Blasted .38 Spec WC and CCI Blazer 158gr, for a total of 60 rounds.
Finally had fun with my favorite carry, the S&W 19-4 in 4". Tried the Magnum loads for the first time in this weapon, service grips don't lend much help to recoil. As usual, it never failed my expectations as I recently had a trigger job done, so scores an A+ in handling, accuracy, and reliability, though putting Magnums through it will happen only on special occasions.
So at the end of the session, my brother and I agreed that the first two guns seriously needed some smith-work, but it was loads of fun, comparing our experience to test-driving used, mulscle cars that needed a tune-up. As I usually fire .38 Special though my Model 19, I'm starting to get addicted to the Magnum roar, perhaps even roll the dice with a .44 someday...
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