Reviews of "Saturday Night Specials" needed

O

Oleg Volk

Staff Alumnus
Ihave two requests:

One, for info on California and other "junk gun laws and bills" that affect guns like Kahrs, Glocks and the like. This one is more important than reviews even.

Two: the join effort with some friends could use reviews of supposed junk guns. Here's an example, other reviews would be helpful:

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
Subject: Hi-point "SNS" reviews

.380 pistol:
I fired about fifty rounds of .380 through this gun. Because of its relatively large size, the recoil was very mild. The trip was
comfortable, the trigger crisp and consistent. High visibility red sights and good trigger yielded very good accuracy even though I was unfamiliar with the gun: ten round group at 21ft was under 2". The
gun had no failures to function during my 50-round test with 95-grain ball ammunition. Its controls are intuitive, with safety
lever also working as a slide lock.
The pistol cost $95 new, with one ten-round magazine. Although
fairly bulky for its caliber, it works well for its purpose which is
affordable self-defense. (I will send you a scan of the target)
9mm carbine:
I fired twenty rounds through it and observed the carbine's owner fire about 250 rounds of +P hollow point and ball ammunition. My first try with this ungainly looking carbine revealed that it is very accurate: all ten rounds went through same hole at 21ft, off-hand! Neither I nor the carbine's owner had any failures to function. The aperture sight is very easy on the eyes and helps accuracy. Controls mimic Hi-points other products so no re-learning is necessary. The gun sells for about $180 with one magazine, additional ten-round magazines are $17. While more unilitarian-looking that its more expensive competitors, the Hi-point carbine is reliable, easy to use and inexpensive. It even has less recoil that other guns of the same caliber. The only disadvantage is that the take-down for cleaning is very complicated. Fortunately, it is possible to maintain it without disassembly. This carbine is a good alternative to defensive shotgun for people who are sensitive to recoil.
Now that we know that politicians lied about "saturday night specials" being shoddy and dangerous to the users, let's do something about those scoundrels!
[/quote]

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Oleg "cornered rat" Volk (JPFO,NRA)

http://dd-b.net/RKBA
 
Fundamentaly Oleg, a "Saturday night special" is any hangun a pliticain doesn't like.
Locally for exaple a politician declared that all revolvers with two inch barrels are "Saturday night special"
Another came up with a definition that incuded all Mpdel 1911s and Browning Highpowers.
Still another demanded that all Glocks be bnnned because "they fire so fast they are like macnine guns."
Since they do not have the slightest idea what they ware talking about, it is all spin and hype to promote their gun control adgenda.
 
there is alot to learn in this report... http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/guns/

here is the transcript: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/guns/etc/script.html

here are some reviews: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/guns/more/rating.html
A rundown of how Gun Tests magazine rated handguns manufactured by companies in southern California. (Gun Tests calls itself "the consumer resource for the serious shooter" and is considered the Consumer Reports of firearms products. The magazine is published monthly by Belvoir Publications, Inc., Greenwich, CT.)


Bryco Arms J-22:

"Considering this Bryco Arms' low price, we weren't expecting the
J-22 to be much of a performer. However, we did expect it to
function much better than it did. Due to the large number of
malfunctions we encountered with this pistol, we cannot recommend
it."
May 1996


Lorcin L-22:

"Some of our shooters liked the way the Lorcin L-22 felt in the
hand, but we wouldn't pay any amount of money for a gun that
self-destructs in a couple of hundred rounds. Stay away from this
one."
May 1996


Phoenix Arms HP-22:

"Our shooters didn't like that Phoenix Arms HP-22's magazine
interlock, and it was a pain in the butt to reassemble. But, due to its
steel construction and reliable functioning, we do think it is worth
considering as an inexpensive plinker."
May 1996


Jennings Bryco Model 59:

"Lackluster accuracy is not exactly unexpected from a pistol that
barely costs $100, so we won't quibble about the Jennings/Bryco
pistol's performance in that area. A somewhat reliable performance
isn't too much to ask, however, and we didn't get that. Jennings
needs to refine its magazines before we would even consider
recommending this 9mm."
September 1994


Lorcin L-9mm:

"A marginal finish isn't enough to disqualify a $160 gun. A
magazine that doesn't work correctly from the start and a sear that
breaks after 37 rounds is more than enough. Stay away from this
one."
September 1994

Lorcin L-25:

"The Lorcin L-25's best attribute was that it didn't bite the shooter's
hand. Though adequate in most areas, feeding problems and inferior
accuracy prevents us from recommending it."
June 1993


Phoenix Arms Raven:

"For a gun of this type, the Phoenix Arms Raven isn't bad. The
malfunctions we encountered were well within a pistol's normal
break-in period, and its overall performance was acceptable for its
intended use. Its durability will be limited due to its alloy
construction, but for less than $75 that's to be expected."
February 1993


Sundance Model A-25:

"The Model A-25 was comparatively accurate and we like the
location of its magazine release. However, we don't think those are
enough to offset such an inconsistent trigger and blood-letting
ergonomics."
June 1993


Sundance BOA:

"From a practical standpoint, the BOA had far too many
malfunctions, a trigger that needed considerable improvement and
only marginal ergonomics. From a theoretical standpoint, the grip
safety could lead the uninitiated in the wrong direction. Sundance
should take this one back to the drawing board."
June 1993

Davis P-380:

"Discriminating shooters won't like the Davis P-380's alloy
construction and rudimentary features. However, it met our
number-one requirement -- it functioned reliably. If you're on a tight
budget, this pistol should meet your basic shooting needs."
May 1993


Lorcin L-22:

"Lorcin's L-22 has the makings of a decent pocket plinker.
However, until the slide bite and functioning problems are fixed, we
aren't going to recommend it."
December 1993


Bryco .32:

"The Bryco performed as well, and is made as well, as anyone could
expect of a gun in this price range, and we were pleasantly surprised
to note that it digested hollowpoint ammunition reliably. If we were
going to choose an inexpensive .32 ACP pocket pistol, we'd pick the
Bryco."
March 1992


Davis.32:

"The Davis .32 is reliable to the extent that the manufacturer says it
will be. They recommend using Federal ammunition, and if you are
in a state that has good distribution of that brand (not all of us are;
even Federal admits that), then the gun will serve its purpose. If
you're in a location where Federal ammo is hard to buy, don't buy
this gun."
March 1992


Bryco Model 48:

"Removing a sharp edge or two and improving the trigger would go
a long way toward making the Jennings/Bryco Model 48 pistol
better. As it is, we find it just acceptable, primarily because of its low
price."
November 1992


Lorcin L-380:

"The failures to feed a couple of rounds per magazine of
hollowpoints defeats the purpose of a gun made for personal
defense. Some internal smoothing is in order before we can
recommend the Lorcin L380, despite its accuracy and low price."
November 1992

Jennings Model 25:

"Magazine problems are often the only things we find wrong with
some of the budget guns, and here, the Jennings Model 25 is no
exception. Some improvements in this area would eliminate the
feeding difficulties and probably wouldn't add that much to the cost.
In any event, the price is low enough to make us consider
purchasing this pistol."
July 1990


Lorcin L-25:

"If the primary reason for purchasing a .25 is security, and the
buyer does not expect to do much serious shooting; the price,
appearance, and manufacturer's warranty may be attractive. Those
factors aside, there are enough reasons (the trigger, ejection, and
accuracy) to warrant shopping around a little before coming back to
the Lorcin L-25."
July 1990
 
First of all I don't think any gun should be banned. What makes a gun a Saturday Night Special? Is it the quality or the price. Would a Makarov or a PA63 or any used reliable firearm under $150 be a SNS? I know there are a lot of knowledgable shooters here that swear by Mak's and many other guns. My $.02. To hell with S&W.
 
Please let me wade on in. A PA-63 in 9x18 is a good hand full of pistol! I have no idea of what the "stopping power" formulas have to say but it has to be very close to the 9mm Para. I bought one with fixed sights and it is a SHOOTER it cost me less than a hundred bucks with extra mag. It is a fun pistol and very handy!

I am a fan of the bigger pistols but....
Where does the Constitution of The United States of America say that you must spend at least X to be part of the militia?

I even smoothed up a Loricin for one of my
"co workers" I'm the plant manager but some folks say that I'm the company gunsmith.

Off my box, Hank
 
The Sundance Point Blank Derringer:
A 2 shot .22lr caliber tip up barrel o/u derringer shaped like the famed High Standard Derringer.
Constructed of polymer and alloy, the accuracy of such a handgun is hard to measure. Used for up-close defense, the Point Blank fires it's rounds in an alternating manner as the firing mechanism self indexes after each shot. The safety is a cross bolt type.

Accuracy- good for the purpose

Reliability- Excellent due to the simple double action trigger.

Ergonomics- ok. The gun is rounded in the palm, and it may be hard to get used to the grip. It is very light, and it's unusual shape lends itself to discreet pocket carry.
Disadvantages- Only two shots of .22lr. I use Stingers in mine for the extra velocity.

Notes- This gun retailed for 75.00 in 1997 and came with a lifetime warranty. The problem is, if I understand right, the warranty cannot be honored 'cause the
anti-gun folks bankrupted the Sundance company.

Is this what you wanted Oleg?

------------------
Knock twice. Rap with your cane. Feels nice. You're out of the rain. We got your skinny girls. Here at the Western World
from Steely Dan's "Western World"
 
raven in .25acp. functioned every time even after being fully loaded in a relative's closet for +5 years. removed the safety and carried it chamber empty for about a year before selling it at a 'desperate' time.
 
Boy, I just have to chime in on the side of the compact double action revolver; pick your favorite manufacturer (except Small & Weak).

Just about as perfect and idiot-proof a piece of real-world machinery as we're ever likely to see.

Plus, with the new big push to "fingerprint" bullets and brass from newly manufactured handguns, it's nice to thumb your nose at 'em with a firearm that brings your empties home.
 
The 1999 Gun Digest has an article "Are .22 pocket pistols practical?" in which they review, briefly, the Wilkinson Sherry, FLT Auto Nine, Sterling 302, Jennings J-22, Beretta 21A, Galesi Mod. 9, North American Arms revolver (not an sns), and the Lorcin L22.

They also have a more in-depth review of the Phoenix HP 22, which they seemed to like. If you are interested, and can't get ahold of the book, I'll get you the info (mail: benrogers@hotmail.com).

[This message has been edited by BTR (edited March 25, 2000).]
 
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