SmittyFL

Most gun smiths/shops don't like WM because they are putting the little guy out of business. Mom and Pop grocery stores, clothing stores, etc. I don't really care about other stores, but I do try to support local gun shops. The guy at WM doesn't know anything about guns anyway.

I had a new problem last night. I was shooting my new STI edge when it quit working, I looked down and the hammer was down. But it didn't double. I tried to thumb the hammer back and it wouldn't stay, there was no sear engagement. Then I noticed the trigger was locked up, wouldn't move forward or back. I took the gun grip safety off and the finger of the sear spring that sits on the sear (left finger) was wedged between the sear and the frame preventing anything from moving. Upon further inspection the sear spring has a lot of slop (room to wiggle side to side in the grip). I put it back together ensuring the spring was on the sear and put the main spring housing back. The round that was in the chamber at the time had a VERY light strike. The lightest strike I've ever seen. I shot the rest of the night and had two more light strikes. The gun didn't freeze up anymore. But I don't think it was the ammo. I think somehow the hammer was riding the slide forward because of this sear spring issue. But it didn't lock up like it did the first time. Any ideas? Has anyone experienced problems with STI's sear spring? I've talked to other people with different problems recently with STI's, I wonder if their quality control is slipping. I haven't compared the sear spring with others yet, but I'm willing to bet it is not wide enough. There was way too much play in the grip. This is a link to STI's site with a pic of the sear spring I have. http://www.stiguns.com/cgi-bin/miva?Mercha...tegory_Code=SPR Thanks for the help.

Just a thought, but try it without the slide racker. I think they were needed in the early days of big ass red dot tube sights. Now with the Cmore and similar setups, I don't think you need it. It's just something else to get in the way around barricades and ports and the like. But if you want it, SS is right, they are no big deal to take off.

Where else would any self respecting man get his hairs cut.

I have been working up a new .40 load and I tried 165's and the recoil and gun felt great. But before I ordered a bunch I did some group shooting. The 165's didn't group well at all. I was all excited with how the gun felt until I discovered that. I know it could have been the bullet or powder or crimp and all that and it may have grouped better. But I don't have the time or patience to experiment that much. So I pretty much decided on the 180's. I was wondering if any of you that have gone to a lighter (than 180) bullet have experienced this?

Limited M 106pts @ 14.47 = 7.3255 HF To many Delta's!!!

I had that happen on the very first match I ever shot. It was a classifer no less (mini mart). Ever since I have adopted the "scoop draw" when drawing from a table. I lift the rear of the gun by reaching under the slide at the rear sight w/ my weak hand and raising it up to meet my strong hand. I even do it with my Open gun which has a kickstand so it's really not needed, but I think it helps you get a good initial grip on the gun. Also I think it is just as fast as your support hand is already there and in position for your grip.

This damn thing killed me today. I couldn't get any work done. Thanks to you guys, I think I fixed. This forum is good for more than shootin' stuff. I saw this link after I fixed it. It may help. It's on the MSN web site. http://msn.com.com/4520-6600_16-5062407.ht...ns&tag=msn_home

If you use gun scrubber/carb cleaner to clean your gun and get it on the fiber optic, it will wear it down/weaken it faster.

L2S, I agree 100% with your post, my bone stock Kimber can shoot much better than I can. But as I said in my previous post, if there were a SS division the guns would be "as similar as possible". I think, or at least I get the feeling of an even playing field when I shoot a single stack match. I just think its kinda fun.

Ok, here we go. Chuck: For the record, I would be fine if they didn't change any of the divisions. But if they do, I would like to see a single stack division and L-10 would be MY choice division to change. I'm not trying to bust your chops, I'm just trying to back up my opinion. In your sarcastic response you didn't comment on my other reasons, the other guns have a place to go, and having the SS division would be a true "non equipment race" division. Also since you are so quick to point out your class and number, I did look at your scores. Just for the heck of it I'm going to throw this out. I'm not busting on you so don't get all pissed off. Just take what I'm saying into consideration, we'll probably still dissagree anyway. Of the 4 classifers you have on record that are master class scores one of them has 1 standing reload. One of them has 1 standing reload in a 4 string stage. Of the other two; one doesn't have a reload at all and one has 1 reload while moving to another box. Point is the reload didn't come much into play on these specific stages. Maybe that means nothing, maybe you still beat all the fat guns in L-10 at the matches you go to. BerettaRacer: I'm not eliminating the other "modern" guns. They could go to production. Those are the specific guns the division was made for. Look, I and some others on this board prefer 1911's; Beretta and some other shooters don't. Obviously we're not going to agree on this. I guess that's why we have rule committee's. Shoot Safe DVC Smitty

All right, this is going to be long, but myself and a shooting buddy have talked extensively about it, so I think there are some good points. Make L-10 a "Single Stack" division. Much along the lines of the Single Stack Classic rules, but allow 10 round mags. Here is why: I'm not sure of the main reason for starting the L-10 division. I've heard its to allow other countries like Canada and California to shoot our sport. I've also heard it was to bring new shooters into the sport without the expence of equipment. It doesn't really matter, my theory solves both. 1) There is really no place now for a single stack gun. Chuck, I know you are going to dissagree with this point but I think most people would agree that a fat gun is better than a single stack. Not only from the reload stand point, but also recoil control, and general ergonomics. (this point has been argued enough) 2) The main reason is the other guns in L-10 division, other than a 1911 type, can compete in other divisions. They can go to production and stay at 10 rounds or they can go to limited and do whatever they want. For example Glocks have been competitive in both Production and Limited. But a single stack can't go to production, and I don't care how fast you reload, you can't keep up with a 20 rd. limited gun. 3) A "Single Stack" division would, I think, be a true test of shooting ability. I think our sport is a true test now but with that type of division there would be NO equipment advantages. The guns would be as similar as is possible. 4) It will still bring new shooters into the sport, just as much as it currently does. 5) The poor folks that live in a state or country that doesn't allow high cap mags can shoot limited if they want fancy STI type guns. Their whole state or country is L-10 so it doesn't matter. If they want to shoot that type of gun at a national they can have mags waiting for them or borrow some from someone else. 6) I think this sport can be compared to drag racing. Open and Limited is like Top Fuel and Funny car. It is the very top of the sport, it is where the best times and scores are. Other people can compete in other divisions, be very competitive in their division, and have a great time doing it. But the top of the line in equipment and scores are Open and Limited. I love this game as it is, I don't shoot L-10 much and don't shoot production at all. I enjoy shooting revolver when I want to just have fun. I would shoot a lot more L-10 if it were a single stack division. In fact that is what it should be.....I'm sure you all agree. Smitty

No way should we get rid of limited, that is the backbone of our sport. There are more compititors in limited division at every match I can recall. One thing I personally would like to see, and would be interested in peoples' opinions is to make L-10 a "single stack" division. Almost for the same reason Vince is talking about getting rid of limited. Many competitiors do use the their limited gun for L-10, so they could easily shoot limited. L-10 has gotten to the point where single stacks cannot compete. What do you think? Hope this isn't to far off topic.

I think it is a very slippery slope we are walking on here. This is a game and the officials are "part of the field". I have recently started filming a lot of matches for training/entertainment purposes, but I don't think it should be allowed to dispute calls made by the RO. And if you allow witnesses in on the arbitrations they are probably going to have seen whatever video is available, so they are going to be swayed anyway. Leave the video alone. I think it has ruined the NFL officials credibility and would do the same to our RO's.

Although I agree with most of the posts here and understand where everybody is coming from, let me add another twist. I was in the military a few years back, this was before I started shooting competitions. It was in a special operaitons unit, so we did a lot of shooting, and a lot of tatics training. I was just learning about IPSC and steel matches when the higher ups at our unit said they were bringing a professional shooter (civilian no less) to teach us for a week. A small group of us were selected to attend the training. Many in the group weren't to excited to have some guy we didn't know try to teach US how to shoot. When the time came, we learned this guy's name was Jerry Barnhart. I had vaguely heard of him, and I was looking forward to it, but as I said many of the guys were skeptical. He may of sensed this, or just knew it because of his training experience with tactical type units. But his opening introduction I think put all of our guys at ease and is my definition of practical shooting. He said "I have no background in the military, I've never been in law enforcement, I will not try to teach you anything about tactics. What I do do is shoot guns fast and accurate, and I'm one of the best in the world at it. Do you guys think learning to shoot faster and more accruate will aid to your training?" It was a great week, and everybody was all ears. We learned a lot and became better marksman because of it. Being able to hit what you're shooting at extremely fast.....is practical. So if you look at it from that angle, our sport is practical. Sure I understand and agree with what everybody is saying about scenario's and the guns, and all that. But the bottom line is we shoot fast and accurate. That's more than most people can say. If I was going to a gun fight, I'd take an A class or above IPSC shooter over your average cop any day of the week. My opinion.

I don't care about or have an opinion on the LDA. I'm not even sure why I was reading this post. But the comment about not sweating had me sitting here by myself laughing out loud. Thanks for an amusing start to my day. I'm going to steal that quote, hope you don't mind. Smitty

phara, Here is the info on those 200gr Moly's Precision Bullets, Dave Long, 903-498-8451 or precisionbullets.com

My load is close to Dave's. 200gr LRN 4.4 clays @ 1.255OAL W/ federal primers 860 fps for a 172PF was my average (cold weather)

Since I switched to Rainer's a couple years ago. I don't shoot lead anymore, I just had the old data. I got them from a guy in Tacoma, WA. The brand was Redline, but I don't know anywhere to get them except from that guy, and I haven't talked to him since I left. Sorry. A buddy of mine here in FL shoots moly 200 LRN's. I think they are Precision something or other. Not sure. I think he pays $50 per K. He is on this board, I'll send him an email and have him reply to this post. I know he is happy with them. Later.

200gr. LRN / 3.4 clays @ 1.25 OAL = 650 fps / 130 PF 200gr. Rainer / 3.7 clays @ 1.25 OAL = 650 fps / 130 PF I've used these loads for steel matches. Very light out of my 625. The PF's listed are average of 10 rounds fired. I get a pretty high spread, as much as 60 fps, I guess because of all the space left in the case. But the loads shoot great and are fun to shoot. I haven't shot ICORE, I'm not sure what distances they go out to. I used this load at the steel challange and only had to adjust point of aim a couple inches on the outer limits stage. I think that one is 40 yds. Not sure. Hope this helps. Smitty

We're talking about production and L-10 right. Nobody brought up the easiest solution. Or if they did I missed it. You can only use 10 round mags. Period. These classes were brought about to bring in new shooters anyway, right? Current production guns and L-10 (single stacks) can only be purchased with 10 round mags, right? So there is an easy fix. You can only use 10 round mags! If you're shooting a full house limited STI with 18 rd. mags, why are you shooting in L-10 anyway? Or if you're shooting a Glock, Sig or some other production gun, then there are plenty of 10 round mags available at a low cost. I don't shoot either class very often, but this was such a hot topic, I had to chime in. Have a nice day. Smitty

Tokarev, I used to agree with you. I did the same thing; shot a 200gr .45 and .40. I still use the 200 in .45. Bul is correct, I used to shoot a Para for 3 or so years with a 200 gr .40 and it does give a push more so than a snap. I was very happy with the felt recoil. Maybe the heavy frame Para had something to do with it, I don't know. But most shooters are using 180's, there has to be a reason for it. I think as I have gotten better, at shooting, and controling recoil, I need/want a faster return to target. That seems to be what you get with a light/fast vs. a heavy/slow setup. And as we all know, the quicker you can get the gun back on target, the quicker you can fire your next shot. So, in theory, this should increase my speed about half. Sooooo.... I should be in Super Duper Grand Master class by next Friday. OK maybe not, but I'll keep you posted on the progress. Smitty

Crazy is probably right. That portion of many 1911's is chamfered to avoid binding the recoil spring w/ a short guide rod. Without the fulllength guide rod the spring basically bends in all directions to fill the space available. So the slide area was relieved to give the spring clearance. I don't know if there is anything you can do. I guess you could micro-weld it up and ground it flat or maybe just ground it flat but I'm not sure how, if at all, that would affect the functioning of the gun. Just run it without a buff, or put a buff behind your guiderod and see if you like that.

Thanks for the info. That gives me a good jumping off point. I think I'll try the N320, I've been happy with Vit in the past. Looking forward to shootin limited again. P.S.-Kevin, where the heck have you been?

I know this has been asked and responded to 100 times, and I've looked at the old posts. Most of them thread drift a bit, so I'm asking again. If we could, lets keep this specific to IPSC major .40 loads. I've been away from limited for a little while, now I'm getting a new blaster and looking for a new load. In the past I shot big and slow. 200 gr. with VV350. I know, I know. I'm wanting to go lighter and faster. I guess a 180 gr. or maybe lighter, I want to shoot jacketed, not lead. The powders seem to be Clays, TG, or VV 320. I've watched Blake Miguez shoot, and his load sure seems to shoot well, light recoil and the gun returns to target fast. (I'm sure that has nothing to do with the shooter) Anybody know what he shoots? I'm not one who enjoys tinkering with stuff, I like to find or steal something that works, and stick with it. I like concentrating on the shooting, not the unimportant stuff like expermenting with loads, reloading, cleaning guns, etc. I guess my question is this: What is your favorite .40 load? Bullet weight and brand Powder charge and brand OAL and Velocity Pistol or Rifle primers And Why? Sorry to make this sound like an essay question. Thanks in advance for the info and for making the life of this lazy shooter a bit easier. Smitty