June 2012

Practical Match Pistols: Pro9, P30L, and G34 Gen4 Compete
In the February 2012 issue, we tested five high-capacity semi-automatic 9mm handguns that were aimed at the Practical Shooting competitor. Practical Shooting evolved from experimentation with handguns used for self-defense. One characteristic that separates Practical Shooting from other organized pistol competition is that the scoring takes into account the amount of time it takes to deliver the required number of shots for each course of fire. So, fast-action gun handling, as well as quick, precise shots becomes an integral part of the shooter’s score. In this test, we’ll pay particular attention to features and components that make the guns faster and easier to operate, as well as more accurate.

9mm Carbine Matchup: Kel-Tec, Thureon, MechTech, & Norinco
When it comes to personal defense, competition, and recreational shooting, the most popular rifle in America is likely the AR-15 chambered for .223 Remington. But there are still plenty of shooters who prefer the light recoil and low expense of 9mm Luger ammunition. Whereas caliber .223 is strictly the staple of rifle shooters, 9mm carbines are often used by pistol shooters who sometimes use a long gun. There are three basic types of 9mm carbine. They are the 9mm AR-15, semi-automatic versions of submachineguns such as the UZI, and purpose-built 9mm carbines that more or less follow their own rules of design. In this test we’ll fire the $409 Kel-Tec Sub 2000 9mm, the $700 Thureon Defense 9mm, and Norinco’s $800 UZI 9mm carbines. In addition we will also evaluate a 9mm conversion unit, the $505 MechTech Systems Carbine Conversion Unit for Glock. Our goal was to evaluate each carbine on its own merits and then compare the three types of design for personal defense.

Interchangeable Choke Tubes: We Pattern Seven Head to Head
Interchangeable choke tubes have been a feature for smokepole enthusiasts since Winchester Firearms created the system in 1959. The first experiment ended in 1965 because of functioning problems, but the Winchoke system introduced in 1970 took hold and is considered the grandfather of choke development. Today, it is hard to find a shotgun that does not feature some kind of interchangeable choke system. Perhaps a little trip back to the physics classroom is necessary at this time. For those who still remember the days of Shotgun Chokes and Ballistics 101, we request a little indulgence.

Barrel Firelapping Revisited: Beartooth Bullets Kit Examined
Also, the collective information as to the internal dimensions of revolvers, i.e., their dynamics, has been expanded to areas not many shooters have investigated, either because they didn’t know about them, or they just didn’t care. As long as most of the shots hit where they were supposed to things were left alone. But what if they could be improved? What if a somewhat faulty set of dimensions or a rough bore of a revolver or auto pistol could be altered by the shooter to improve accuracy? To that end we acquired a kit from Beartooth Bullets, P.O. Box 491, Dover, Idaho 83825, (208) 437-1865 (or at beartoothbullets.com, $49 plus shipping & handling).

Another State with Suppressors
Just a note regarding the test on the GSG M1911 22. I purchased one about a year ago and had the same problem with the slide action. I disassembled the handgun and put a little Flitz metal polish along the rail. I then reassembled and worked the slide back and forth about 20 times. Then disassembled and cleaned both the slide and frame. This little gem now works slick as butter. It never jams no matter what I feed it. Just wanted to share some tips with your readers. Great magazine, by the way.