Duds and zeros

J

Jerry11826

New member
You know, or I hope you know, that not all pistols / revolvers that were not commercially successful, were actually good guns.

My example is the Beretta 9000s in .40 S&W. I bought one when they first were marketed. I even got a free holster from Beretta, as a part of their original promotion!

Nobody seems to have liked this pistol, but I sure like mine! This pistol was discontinued by Beretta after about five years.

The “gun writers” really “ripped” this pistol. It was reportedly too heavy and was subject to “jamming”.

Mine works great! I first reloaded 50, 165 gr. SWC’s over 6.3 grains of Alliant Bullseye. Man, that was hot! Not very pleasant to shoot. Thought the front sight was going to hit me in the forehead. However, the pistol “ate” them without complaint.

Then tried 4.0 gr. of Bullseye. Much more pleasant to shoot and still functioned reliably.

My little pistol club has a monthly “concealed carry match”. I first started shooting this match with a S&W 669, 9mm. Then tried an S&W Mdl. 36. Then the Beretta. Must admit we usually only have 8 - 10 shooters at most matches. I usually finish third - there are two shooters that are just better than me. But, it is not the fault of the pistol! My pistol, the Beretta, will shoot 10 ring groups at 15 yards, offhand. It will shoot 10 ring groups at 25 yards off sandbags. Function is not a problem and I only clean my pistols when they quit working.

Anyway - just because your pistol / revolver is not popular - that doesn’t mean it is not a fine handgun.

Does anyone else have a “dud” they really like?

Keep ‘em in the X ring,

Jerry
 
Does anyone else have a “dud” they really like?

Well I still love my HD DVDs no matter what the world says. :D

Oh... as far as a gun, my AR-7/Charter Arms Explorer (though picky with ammo) isn't as bad as people say.
 
I own an H&K VP70z. Nobody wanted a plastic gun with a high capacity magazine that was striker fired and had a long trigger pull.....
 
I had a vp70z I loved it but it was rather useless because my ex couldn't shoot it so i sold it and used some of the money for a p95
 
Jerry I also have a 'heavy' Taurus PT100 in .40. It's over 20 years old. It also is a ten ringer at 25yds. I love to outshoot the cops and young guys at the range. Some have the $1500 Kimbers and Colts. Some have the little pocket plastic guns in .40 and .45.

With your large frame .40 you should try some 200 gr jhp's with 4.4 gr of Bullseye. I've found my PT100 likes this best for 25yd groups.
 
I had a Star model 30M 9mm that was, without question, the nicest shooting service 9mm I have ever fired. Solid steel, well made, and functioned perfectly.

I also had an Astra A80 in 9mm (and my pal had one in .45) that was absolutely a fine gun. Not as slick as the Star but it went bang every time and worked just fine. If I run across one in .45 locally (they're on Gunbreaker pretty regularly) for a song I'll buy it real quick like.

Now interestingly I also had an A80 in .38 Super and it was a dud - a real dud. Failed to function properly with alarming regularity and in fact Interarms and Astra recalled them and stopped selling the A80 in .38 Super if I recall.

I've got a Virginian Dragoon .44 Mag that is very similar to a stainless Super Blackhawk (arguably a bit nicer) but never caught on and are still available used for a song. Nothing wrong with it at all and its' lovely to boot.

Lastly, the oft maligned Ruger P85! Mine is now just wonderful to shoot (after some thousand rounds or so), still functions perfectly, goes bang every time, and is wearing like cast iron. Not a match pistol but "good enough" and very very reliable.

That's my list!

Regards,
Oly
 
Thanks Oly!

I have always wondered if the Ruger was as bad as all the folks at the range said - My experiance with ruger revolvers and the 22 auto has been good.

Didn't think the Ruger center fire pistols could be that bad.

Keep 'em in the X ring,

Jerry
 
I bought a P85 shortly after they first came out.
It was a fine gun, but I am more of a revolver guy so I sold it. Many times wished I hadn't let it go.

Myron
 
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