alp-257,
(This just came to me, after I finsihed all of this, is it a Tec 9/AB10 'assult pistol' or their Cat 9 pistol)...If it's the cat 9 (a pocket pistol)....I have no idea.
Well, I'll try to answer your questions, but I'll also be asking some questions of my own. First of all, I own a post ban version by Intratec called the AB-10. It has a 3" barrel.
Now, is this Tec 9 an actually pre ban with the threaded barrel? Tec 9's (aka TEC DC 9) came in two barrel lengths, to my knowledge, 3" (or 3.5" as some sources count the chamber) and 5". Both had threaded barrels, only 5" had the "hand guard". If it's a pre ban, I've seen those going for 300-500.
reliability:
The manual suggests using FMJ ammo and no reloads (I reload..so it's reliable.). My 3" AB10 likes certain factory ammo and this varies from one to another. It likes 'hot' loads, to cycle the action. If the ammo isn't 'hot' enough, it won't cycle and reliability will bad. Mag feeding, the facotry mags work very well. Remember to slap the mag in and pull down after it locks (the manual says to do this). USA mags....well, they need some work. Nothing a file can't solve.
accuracy:
This is a mixed area. Sources online (good ones too I add), say that with any weopon, practice is needed. The sights well....this pistol was a "spray and pray". The sighs are basic....well, if they qualify as sights. Once you find ammo that it liks, practice w/ it. You'll know how it fires. May be a little hammerig or filing you can adjust it for you. No joke. There is a laser that can be mounted on it (have one..helps).
and quality:
They came in stainless and some kind of special finish from Intratec.
My AB10 looks like it was painted. The sights, as mentioned are not worth the name sights. You can see machine work on the bolt and in the barrel. Now, my Tec AB10, has barrel problems. Either the barrel wasn't machined correctly, or its become shot out (hard to beleive since I bought it new). Any how, a regular 9mm bullet (.355") can be pushed down the barrel w/ a pencil!!!! So, with mine, there is no spin to stabilize the bullets...was key holing at 20 feet!! Makes me wonder what quality of steel used to make it. But this is just my experiance. I've heard people shooting 3" groups w/ their Tec's (preban that is).
I'm in the process of fixing the barrel problem. Some who will read this will say, waist of money, well, it's my money (not to be harsh or hard headed)....beleive in improving something when it's not good. (And other's will say start w/ something better..true).
My AB10 cost me $200 and I'v seen prices from $80-250. Some were listed in Shotgun News. (And then you have to factor in the next day for UPS....)
I hope your questions were answered. As a collecor, part of history, go for it if the price is right. As a shooter, it depends on ability, patiance and luck.
So far I'm the first to reply to this. I purchased mine when I was young and dumb (only a few years ago).
Happy Holidays
Kaliburz
