JHP45

February 22

I'm a huge fan of police trade pistols and accessories.

They are some of the best deals around and leave room in the budget for accessories/ammo.

Below is my latest setup from products mostly purchased through end of the year and during New Year's sale promotions on various websites.

The Gun - A 9mm P320 C police trade in with 3 magazines ended up in my cart on sale for $299.98 at Botach. At that price, I figured give it a shot. I don't know where it came from but, I don't think this thing was ever used. With surplus trades, you usually get a few scratches and scuffs but this thing came pretty clean.

Wilson Combat Grip - $60 delivered with an opticsplanet coupon code. The cool thing about P320 surplus guns is you're likely to change the grip out anyway and that might be the only part that actually shows much wear.

Sights - Ended up getting a set of Warren Tactical Fiber Optic Sights for half price and free shipping during their end of the year sale. Came out to about $23.

Weapon Light - TLR7X - Amazon - $130

Holster - Safariland Basket Weave ALS P320 C TLR-7 from Kings Firearms in Columbia. - $14.99 https://www.kingsfirearmsonline.com/products/safariland-528

All in - After shipping, taxes and fees - Came in at about $640 OTD.

How'd I do?

March 21, 2023

On 3/2/2023 at 12:05 PM, JustEd said:

Favor the Sig Elite V-Crown bullets. 124 gr 9mm and 125 gr 38 spl +P compact handgun are two I carry.

Appreciate that both perform well in tests and that they are affordable.

Affordable means I can cycle a mag or cylinder without worrying about going broke, If I carry 9mm ammo so expensive am afraid to shoot it, albeit sparingly, it may or may not function in the gun when needed,

JMO, you asked for opinions and I have a LOT OF THEM!

p.s. Not in favor of the 147 gr in a micro compact. In a duty pistol, yeah.

I've been a big fan of V-crown lately too. Sierra and Sig made a winner at a good price point. Good call.

On 3/4/2023 at 3:23 PM, RED333 said:

Just a quick question, what does "Premium Gas" have to do with "What are your favorite loadings in 2023?"?

I use my cast, powder coated, and reloaded ammo for SD.

Made you click?

Wanted to see if there were any new brands/product lines I should check out other than the mainstays I'm familiar with for handguns.

March 2, 2023

What are your favorite loadings in 2023?

I've been a longtime fan of Corbon, Federal HST, Gold Dot, Underwood and Hornady Critical Defense for JHPs.

I also like Lehigh Defense's Xtreme Defense and Penetrator rounds for woods/wheelguns.

Do you like certain brands for certain calibers? Certain projectiles?

March 1, 2023

P220 Carry. It's similar to a commander 1911 size version of the P220. Mine has been super reliable with all types of projectile profiles and types. P229 sized slide with P220 lower. Fits P229 holsters. DA/SA has become far less popular in recent years but I still like them. It's similar to having a stick shift car. If you know how to drive, it's good. I like 45s.

The original Springfield XDS 45 post recall is another I still like. Before the GRIP ZONE.

This is another 45 that's been an absolute omnivore when it comes to ammo. I got it back in the G43 days when the 9mm capacity advantage was only 1 more round and the XDS was similar in size to the G43. XDS came with decent sights stock.

Both of the P220 carry and XDS above run reliably dirty.

45 ACP isn't popular anymore because of projectile tech advancements. The question I always ask everyone who preaches 9mm is: how many cases of premium JHP rounds do you have on hand? If the answer is one 20 round box, I'd take the 45.

FMJ to FMJ the 45 will be the winner for me. For the record, I like all calibers but I feel like this unpopular opinion is often overlooked in the echo chamber.

Also, +1 for the Ruger P series, cool workhorse guns.

April 25, 2022

Me not caring for grip sleeve designs is looking at my own purchase history and use as well. I have plenty of these designs and accessories myself. But I also remember the years I bought those setups and not having a flush fit option. With all the new models out, now we have choices and I notice myself looking for the non-sleeve options.

Also, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Total respect for that opinion. There isn't a right or wrong answer.

I didn't think about adding more length to some of the larger micro models like the P365xl for the purpose of grip since the XL is already the larger model. That makes total sense though.

For you guys who have bigger hands, do the newer shorter compact designs interest you?

Like the P320 X Compact and M&P 2.0 3.6 Compact. Similar to the size of G26 slide with a G19 frame.

Seems like you'd get the best of both worlds especially carrying OWB. Similar overall footprint and an easier reload. Same mag in some cases.

Picture found searching G26 Slide with G19 Frame. If Glock made that, I'd be interested.

April 22, 2022

Admittedly this is a bit of a rant.

Before I get going with this question I want to expressly say: This is not a knock whatsoever if these products or concepts work for you.

I'd like to start a discussion on grip extensions in 2022

Question:

How many of you run small pistols with grip extensions, grip sleeves and pinky extensions etc?

Follow up:

If you had the option for a slightly higher capacity flush fit model from day one and got to hold them side by side in the store, would you have picked the smaller model?

Examples: P365, Hellcat vs P365XL, P365X, Hellcat Pro

Opinion:

In 2022 I think grip sleeve extensions make otherwise awesome expensive looking guns, look and feel cheap. Also, If you can't get your whole hand on it, you're at a disadvantage with current options. I know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm happy that in this day and age that we have many stock options out there now to fit different needs.

The question is, why design the 10+1 variant first with weird grip sleeve solutions, just to release the normal version after the fact? Wondering if we'll get a Shield Plus Plus or a More Max 9 in the future.

All of the guns in question look cool to me with the flush fit form factor and conversely look retrofitted and cheap with their grip sleeves. It's similar to having a direct mount optic vs some gnarly bolt on metal adapter/mounting plate.

Example:

If you carry this mag setup,

wouldn't you rather have this? Same overall footprint, same magazine.

The Angles:

When I see pictures on social media, retail sites and print magazines of these guns that have grip extensions built into the design, I can't help but notice some obvious, make it look better with the angle photography. Which, hey I get it, make it look as appealing as possible. It reminds me of profile pictures on dating apps.

Examples:

Reality: Notice the overall footprints and aesthetic when look at it straight on. (pictures of these angles were harder for me to find online.)

Function:

I understand the idea of having a small magazine in the gun for concealment and a higher capacity backup reload. If this works for you, I completely get it, but do you actually carry an extra full size reload with you daily?

Wouldn't it make sense to upgrade to a compact if you thought your chances of running into that much trouble were high?

Background:

I like the Glock 26/27 form factor. I suspect that the the G26 influences grip sleeve designs on OEMs to this day. The G26 was ahead of its time IMHO at 10+1 with minimal printing.

This is the only firearm I've shot in the last 10 years that I thought made sense to me to have the pinky dangling. I shoot these guns well and feel right at home because I shoot mid and full size Glocks regularly. The G26/27 are also cross compatible with most of the parts from their larger counterparts, this is a huge advantage in a pinch. Example: G26 fits G19/G17/G34 Holsters. (This cross compatibility with the larger counterparts is not the case for the modern micros.)

Having said that, if I was going to do something like this to myself, I'd rather just run a G19 100% of the time.

To each his own. Just food for thought.

Rant complete.

April 22, 2022

On 4/19/2022 at 8:06 PM, TGO David said:

90's - I started with a Ruger P85 which was a gigantic turd, and sold that to buy a Smith & Wesson 3913. The 3913 is one that I absolutely should have kept. It was way ahead of its time and a lot of the slimline guns that we have now aren't near as good as that gun was. We ended up finding another in the 2010's and bought it for my wife.

During this time I also owned an HK USP 40 and a Sig P226 .40SW. Those were both really nice guns but heavy and not great for carry. No one was making good carry holsters back then, as we know them now.

00's - This is around the time that my love affair with Glocks began. I started with a G23 and then traded to a G27. I quickly saw the error of that decision as the G26/27 trade away the best parts of their 19/23 brothers and aren't even really any better at concealment... so I bought G19 and that was that. I still have my first Gen 3 G19.

My favorite gun from this era is my Wilson Combat Professional. It's a bob-tailed Commander-sized 1911. I still have that one and my kids will fight over who inherits it one of these days. I wore this gun to my wedding.

10's - Hard to say. My wife and I were a dual-income, no-kids family for the first half of this decade and were able to buy whatever we wanted. I have a lot of favorites from the 2010s but the best is probably my Staccato C2 that I bought right at the tail end of the decade.

20's - Also hard to say. Walther PDP is great. I love my P365 XL so far. The one that has surprised me the most is probably the one sitting next to me right now: My Sig P320 X-Carry. I never really expected to be a "Sig Guy" and I did not like the first P320 Compact that I owned, or the second one. Third time was a charm, I guess.

Thanks for breaking it down. I've been reading your write ups and appreciate the sharing of experience.

Ah man, now I want a S&W 3913! That's a cool piece. I started warming up more to some of the double action stuff lately. A good, metal, DA/SA is becoming more of an acquired taste in the sea of budget striker fired plastic (which I love too).

April 19, 2022

On 4/14/2022 at 11:44 AM, ken_mays said:

I like .40 pretty well and have shot a boatload of it through 2011s and polymer guns. However, I find the Glock 23 and 22 are quite uncomfortable to shoot, especially with factory ammo. The greater recoil seems to magnify all the ergonomic problems that I have with the Glock frame.

Service pistols like the M&P for example are just about as easy to find in the $350 range and are far more comfortable to shoot for me.

M&P surplus is a solid option too following the same philosophy and looks like it comes in a little cheaper today. Good call.

https://aimsurplus.com/le-trade-in-dept-marked-smith-wesson-m-p40-40s-w-handgun/

My preference is the Glock because of aftermarket support. With the hotter rounds, I found the dual recoil spring assembly in the Gen 4 makes a difference, your mileage may vary. I noticed it more with the G20 than the G22.

April 19, 2022

On 4/9/2022 at 12:52 PM, TGO David said:

Oh geez. I started carrying back around 1993 or 1994 when I lived in Kentucky and could probably fill a small gun store with the things I've owned and carried since then.

Any standouts for the time periods if you had to pick one per decade?

90's -

00's -

10's -

20's -

I feel like capacity was king, then the trend was slim, then the 365 came out and now it's why not both.

On 4/8/2022 at 12:55 PM, Grayfox54 said:

Way back when I started carrying, permits were issued by the Sheriff and you had to qualify with the gun you carried. My first carry gun was a 3rd Issue Colt Detective Special. It still resides in my safe, but these days its too valuable for daily carry. Its since been replaced in the line-up by a S&W 642 5 shot .38 Special.

When Tennessee went to state wide concealed carry (1996?) I started carrying my Colt Commander .45acp. I has been my primary carry ever since.

However, over the years I have experimented with all sorts of guns for carry. Everything from a tiny .25acp up to a big bore N-frame S&W revolver. Sometimes I carry something completely different for a few days just because I'm in the mood for something new. Often if I feel like wheel gunnin', I'll carry my 3" S&W Model 13. To me that's the perfect carry revolver. The last year or so I've been experimenting with my Sig P-239. Its a very nice compact 9mm, but to be honest, my .45acp Commander isn't much bigger at all.

While there are several guns that I might carry due to circumstances, perceived needs, weather, dress or mood; most of the time I only carry one of two guns. Either my Colt Commander or the S&W 642 revolver. And to be honest, I'm gettin' old, fat and lazy. So mostly, the 642 gets the nod.

(i) edit to add:(/i) I almost forgot this one. Another gun I carry quite often is my Colt Mustang XSP. This mini 1911 is the only polymer framed gun I own and it serves a specific purpose. This is what I carry on my exercise walks. Its small, light and easy to carry. I believe the .380 cartridge is quite adequate for self defense. With its stainless slide and poly frame, its about as sweat proof as a gun can get. That's why I have it.

J Frame will always be cool and useful. I find myself going back to it especially in the summer.

April 8, 2022

Cool evolutions in carry history.

The G43X with the S15 mags and mag catch interest me lately but I can't justify the full switch from the 365X form factor. Might still end up doing that just because someday.

Never had a Kahr but I liked the ones I shot. I always wanted a Kahr K9 in blackened stainless but the planets never aligned to make that one happen. I'm also one of those people who can't leave well enough alone and would have paid extra to put wood grips and tried putting the MK9 metal floor plates on the magazines. When pricing it out it became expensive quickly.

April 7, 2022

Curious what carry choices people have made over the years and feelings about them. What did you start with and what did you grow into? Was it worth switching models?

Here's my carry history by model over the last 10 years. Trading, upgrading, downgrading, trend following etc.

G19 > P938 > XDS 45 > 442 > G27 > P365 w/XL grip

The P938 ended up being my preference for the longest time. I thought it was the winner in the G43/Shield era. I bought it before the G43 came out and didn't see a need to change. Surprisingly, I ended up liking the G27 way more than I thought I would and ran that for a long time before changing to the P365X.

April 4, 2022

Could be one or a combination of many things on the 1911. But you can eliminate some variables before having to go to the smith (if needed). Also pictures of the stoppages if it continues to have issues will help identify the failure and speed things up for the smith. As others have said, it could just need a break-in period.

I'd start with these two variables.

Magazine

Try different magazines if possible, especially if you can easily borrow them from your other pistols. 1911s can be picky with mags both brands and designs. Sometimes people ditch the 7 rounders that come with many of the more classic design 1911s for the 8 round versions right from the get go. Try both and check results. I'd try every mag I had available but that might be obsessive. If you use a mag each from the big mag manufactures like CMC, Wilson Combat or Tripp Research and it's still failing, it's likely not the mag.

Ammo

The first thing the smith/warranty always asks when troubleshooting is what ammo. Then they ask if you tried other brands, lots, case material, projectile etc. I like to get ahead of that so I have the information before taking anything in to a smith.

I also like to check OAL variance between the brands. I usually just put them on a table top to eyeball if one is longer than the other side by side. I had one that was really picky years back and running my ammo (even factory) through a Lee Factory Crimp die remedied the issue through the break-in and then it cleared up.

Once these two issues are ruled out, we can then move to type of jam and each solution. FTF, FTE, Stovepipe, Three Point etc.

1911s can be picky but they really are cool pistols. Labor of love.

April 3, 2022

A 4" 38 is just a cool gun.

It's hard to justify that size gun for EDC or even open carry with the availability/capacity/reliability/weight/size/ballistics of modern automatics.

There is one use for the wheelguns that I think is often overlooked: exotic ammo delivery platform. ...and not just snake shot. Take feeding issues out of the equation and it makes a few newer rounds more viable and more interesting.

The examples that comes to mind specifically are the Leigh Defense xtreme penetrator or xtreme defense because they push the limit with modern ammo technology. I normally stick with the more traditional bullet designs for ammo HST, Ranger, Gold Dot, XTP, Corbon etc., but the Lehigh stuff, scratches some weird steampunk sci-fi itch, especially in a wheelgun.

I really like rounds loaded with the xtreme defense projectiles for my 442. This one's different because the traditional, "reliable expansion" doesn't need to be achieved to be effective. Another thing to note with these projectiles is that reputable ammo companies are developing loads with these.

http://www.black-hills.com/shop/honeybadger/38-special-honeybadgerp/

https://www.underwoodammo.com/38-special-p-100-grain-xtreme-defender.html

April 2, 2022

On 3/30/2022 at 8:08 AM, Erik88 said:

Great post. I had no idea one could still find a used Glock for around $350. Years ago my older brother didn't own a handgun. I came across a Gen2 Glock 22 in decent condition and gifted it to my brother. He hasn't shot it much but still has it. Even though .40 can be snappy, that gun has little recoil and was easy to shoot.

That Gen4 22 you linked is a great value. If I still had any .40S&W ammo I would be tempted to buy one.

I'm sure the G22 serves your brother well and will for years to come with very minimal maintenance. That's the exact type of situation I was thinking with this post.

The trade-in G22 and a box of premium name hollow points, like federal HST/winchester ranger/underwood/corbon/doubletap/black hills/hornady/buffalo bore etc., is a great value these days.

We all wish we could practice with a case of ammo a month and some of us do. But, the reality is majority of gun owners don't shoot at that volume. If that's the truth for the individual situation, the G22 trade-ins feel like a solid value right now for defense.

March 30, 2022

In my normal site and promotional email browsing for ammo prices I've been seeing 40 s&w coming in at comparable prices with 9mm depending on the brand, bullet, steel cased vs brass etc. Usually the 40 I'm seeing for sale lately is made from better components when factoring in the cost per round. Yes I know this is due to demand/supply chain/politics/trends and will change in the future but it's been like this since 2020 and still now in 2022. When 9mm was $7/box for brass cased fmj, I was 9mm all day but things are always subject to change.

The unpopular opinion

I'm starting to think the surplus Glock 22 might be the best all around value for a workhorse pistol right now, coming in at $349. Especially if the person buying is planning on using it as a defensive piece.

Examples:

https://aimsurplus.com/leo-trade-in-glock-22-gen-3-40s-w-handgun/

https://aimsurplus.com/leo-trade-in-glock-22-gen-4-40s-w-handgun/

https://aimsurplus.com/glock-model-22-15rd-40cal-magazine-used/

Ammo:

https://www.targetsportsusa.com/40-sw-ammo-c-59.aspx

Reasoning

For starters, I just like guns, so I don't really have a caliber preference. I own and shoot a variety. If I can hit with it and I have ammo for it, awesome. If the argument against the 40 is recoil, I'd venture to say my G22 kicks less than my P365 (neither of which I find an issue). Full size helps eat that snappiness up.

The gun

The G22, while it has fallen out of popularity in recent years, used to be a reference standard duty gun. It's a proven design. The surplus piece might come with night sights that still have some life and it has a rail to mount a light. It's crazy to me seeing them valued at around the same price as a M91/30 Mosin rifle in the current market. I remember when the G22 was $600 and the Mosin was $60.

The ammo

I've noticed that decent JHP rounds for 40 s&w run about the same price as range ammo in 9mm when the panic buying sets in (2012, potential assault weapons bans, pandemic, I'm sure there will be something else in the future). If it costs the about same to buy brass cased JHP in 40 as it does to buy syntec or steel cased 9mm, I'm going to go with the 40.

If/when pricing changes and 9mm becomes close to where it was pre 2020, convert the thing (or put it in the safe and shoot your other 9mm guns). - https://aimsurplus.com/aimsurplus-ss-9mm-conversion-barrel-for-glock-22/

For the gun guy

With the newer ammo technology, and I'd speculate with a bit of renewed popularity of the 10mm, there are some 40 rounds that might make this budget blaster a fun range trip and a different defensive piece than years past (just like the 9mm tech advanced). Some of the 40 stuff from Underwood, Double Tap, Buffalo Bore has some zap to it and it's fun to shoot.

Examples:

https://www.underwoodammo.com/40-s-w-165-grain-bonded-jacketed-hollow-point.html - Muzzle Velocity (fps) : 1,200
https://www.underwoodammo.com/40-s-w-135-grain-jacketed-hollow-point.html - Muzzle Velocity (fps) : 1,400

March 28, 2022

My first 1911 was a RIA GI in 45 ACP. It served me very well but I ended up selling it and regretting that later. I actually ended up loving the crude sights and the classic lines.

If you're going to get one in 45, like 1911's are supposed to be IMO, it's worth taking into consideration that 45 ACP isn't a budget caliber. This is less of a factor if you reload but still a factor. It might be worth paying more up front to buy a better piece if ammo is $30+ for 50 rounds every time you hit the range.

It's also good to honestly ask yourself what the purpose of the gun is to you. If it's to fill a defensive role, 8 rounds, no light mounting capability and a heritage of reliability issues might not be the best choice.

Having said that, that's not what 1911's are for to me circa 2022. They are great range guns with a rich history and an iconic look. If you plan on upgrading it, the Rock FS Ultra guns might have most of the features you're looking for out of the box and are worth a look.

January 25, 2022

6 hours ago, FrankD said:

trying to decide if this is worth changing out my grayguns laser sculpted module for. Seems like a bit higher beavertail and trigger undercut from the factory frames?

It feels a little thicker than the OEM in addition to the more aggressive texture. Also less flex. The backstrap angle is more 1911 without the hump. I dig it.

January 24, 2022

Grip upgrade on the EDC.

The P365 XL grip was pretty much perfect for me as it is but, I like the Wilson Combat P320 model so much more than the OEM. I figured it would be worth the 65 dollars to try it on the P365 too.

First impressions, this thing points great and the front and back strap texture is more aggressive (more positive).

Holster fit is still just as positive for me which is a plus.

August 3, 2021

If it's for home defense, I'm assuming something has gone bump in the night and raised enough concern that you are reaching for your HD go to. I'm guessing we're probably past the normal, let's check it out, phase of a situation at that moment. If you didn't feel it was serious, you probably wouldn't be reaching for your firearm.

Odds are, half asleep and a full adrenaline dump being jolted awake by sound or a loved one. If you are in this state of mind, you probably won't want to be fumbling with a handheld in one hand and your gun in the other.

Assuming there is a threat in that situation, then you have to ID the threat, pray you can present fast enough one handed and connect after activating your handheld light. Also assuming if you have to shoot that you'll be able to maintain whatever handheld technique you're using to keep light on target throughout shooting. Especially if there are multiple threats.

I agree that using a weapon light for normal flashlight use like working on your car is a bad idea.

Just offering a viewpoint, no animosity in this response. I appreciate the conversation.

August 2, 2021

2 hours ago, chances R said:

Yes, but handheld should be primary light.

I respectfully disagree. Rail mounted is where it's at. But, to each his own.

For the record I have plenty of handhelds as well just not my first choice. I'm much more accurate, deliberate and consistent with a 2 handed grip. Might also want your support hand free for tasks like opening doors if necessary. My $0.02.

August 2, 2021

G30 with a Streamlight TLR7. A light is a must.

July 19, 2021

1 hour ago, Thursty said:

I’m a staunch hater of PCCs. If I am going to carry something the size of a rifle, I want the advantage of a rifle caliber. To me PCCs are the worst of both worlds, too big and too underpowered.

Then I got a Ruger PC Charger.

I know that is different from the standard Ruger PC9. But holy cow, the ability to share mags with Glocks, the super light recoil, the takedown option, I can really burn through some ammo. Add to that, the Charger has the folding stock and short barrel, it’s just loads of fun.

Practically, I still can’t see much of an advantage, but we don’t always need to be practical.

The Charger is a fun gun to shoot. It's hard to pick between the two of them for me on range days.

You might like the standard PC9 more if you're running the lighter gr 9mm ammo. You can push some higher velocity out of the longer barrel. Rounds like these 68 GR from Underwood https://www.underwoodammo.com/9mm-luger-p-65-grain-xtreme-defender.html

They make the full sized PC Carbine more fun. Mine has been a champ when it comes to feeding reloads. Hot 90 gr JHP have been fun to shoot out of the thing.

July 19, 2021

Mine in 9mm has run great with OEM and Magpul mags. The tungsten weight system in the bolt works pretty well in the recoil impulse department for a PCC.

April 18, 2021

G21SF or the G21 Gen 4 with a grip reduction stipple job is one of my favorite 45 platforms. I shoot the crap out of mine. Closest thing to a Glock 1911 for my money. It costs a bit more but the end result is worth it IMHO. The Gen 4 and SF frame fits my hand well as is but, the reduced and textured grip is where it's at. Any good stipple shop should be able to reduce the Glock hump, delete the finger grooves and undercut the trigger guard.

If you go with the compact, the 30s also accepts the 21 magazines. Don't know if that's an advantage to you or not but a data point worth taking into account.

G36 felt too much like a G19 to me. In which case I'd rather have a G19. Good visual on that comparison here https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/glock-g19-vs-glock-g36.

January 9, 2021

Holosun is awesome on the Charger. I have a 407C on mine. For the cost, I was impressed. The new models with the battery door on the side would probably be the best bet. Lets you keep your zero.

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