Zak Smith

Why would someone choose a short-dustcover frame over a long-dustcover frame, or vice versa? Most of the people around here have the long frame. In general, what characteristics make one gun shoot "flatter" than another? I shot eerw's 9x23 single-stack a while back, and I loved how quick and flat it shot. Which SV/STI frame/slide/barrel setup would be closest to that? -z

I don't really care about the small primer vs. large primer. I already have presses set up for 9x19 and .45ACP. -z

At least for West Coast, the prices go down pretty significantly when you order something like 278lbs of bullets and have them shipped as freight. That's only 10,000 180gr .40 bullets.. -z

Chuck D, That was my original thought. The "long" .40SW loads aren't qute as long as the standard OAL for 10mm, which would make making PF at lower pressure easier. -z

Well, maybe when I finally get a .40 SV built, I'll get a second barrel for 10mm - for fun. -z

Does 10mm have any utility? It should be a little more flexible for ballistics than "long 40", but will cost more for brass. -z

Tom, I would like to try out your STI and also that IDPA load. I'm moving into a new house in a couple weeks so I'm not sure if I can make PP3G on the 19th, but I'll try. Kelly, So a second "Limited" gun in 38S would be ideal, but it sounds like some people just load .40 down to minor. How many rounds do you gain from 40 to 38? thanks Zak

So it would be the same as it was, except for minor two-D's would not neutralize the target, but C+D would?

dirtypool40, With what ammo? Out of my 16": Black Hills 68gr is about 180PF; South African "M193" 55gr is about 168PF, IMI M855 62gr is about 184PF. Black Hills 55gr was only 155PF, however. The concensus is that any "real" M193 will make minor out of a 16". All factory loads for 68gr or heavier will make minor. So with 18", it'll be even easier. -z

West Coast 200gr RN is all I use in my single-stack .45 these days. Load it to 1.260" and it never misfeeds. -z

How many of the "big" 3Gun matches use the IMGA target scoring rules in which Power Factor doesn't matter? I am asking because it would seem that a normal high-capacity 9x19 would be just as good to shoot, and a high-cap S_I would be even better than a "real" IPSC Limited .40 gun, for those matches. Of the ones I've looked up, I think RM3G, SMM3G, and MGM all don't care about caliber/PF besides being at least 9x19. Besides the USPSA 3Gun matches, are there any other large 3Gun matches which do care about PF? thanks Zak

The 18 LW/Med is only about 5oz lighter than the 20 LW/Med, right?

Next IDPA match, I'll bring video from the last month showing me wearing BDUs and combat boots to work. -z

Thanks for the info, Kurt and George. That's two votes for the 20". Does anyone prefer the 18" barrel, and why? Anyone have some direct data on typical loads from 20" vs. 18" barrels? How about twist? If 1-in-9 is good for the SMK69's, is that good enough, or is 1-in-8 really better (so >= 75's can be used)? thanks Zak

I'll hopefully have the wampum on hand in a month or two to order a JP CTR-02, so I'm trying to figure out exactly what I want. This will be in .223, and I'm not yet sure if I want the .223 chamber or 5.56 chamber. The rifle will be used for local 3Gun matches in Colorado, RM3G, SMM3G, the ITRC in Gilette (if I can find a partner), and maybe NA3Gun or MGM if I can get the time off. It will be set up for "Modified/Tactical" class most often, using a TA11, will have the BC comp installed, and the low-mass bolt carrier assembly. My question is primarily in regard to the barrel profile. JP offers three barrel choices appropriate for a 3Gun rifle: the Ultralight 18" (.500 under handguard, .750 at gas block to muzzle, about 6lbs), the Lightweight "Medium" 18 and 20" (.750 under handguard, .936 at gas block, .875 to muzzle, about 7.5-8lbs). I think you can only get the 1-in-8" twist on the 20" barrels. Which would be the best choice for a 3Gun AR to shoot those matches? I don't mind length necessarily; I am probably more sensitive to mass. I would prefer to be able to shoot the 75/77gr bullets if the need arises. Those of you with experience with the JP barrels, which length/contour do you prefer and why? How about experience mounting a TA11 on a CTR? I'm currently using an ARMS #19S on my Rock River. thanks much, Zak Smith

Monster, It's just a matter of time. I need something hi-capacity for 3Gun. -z

PistolPete, I am doing research so I can make a well-informed purchase in 2-3 months. regards Zak

I've currently got a pair of SDB's. Really, you should get the 650. I know it wasn't asked. -z

I've only been to Raton so far. Next year I plan to go to SMM3G, Raton, and ITRC (providing I can find a partner). Those are relatively vacation-friendly. For WC3Gun you have to basically take the entire week off. -z

Can anyone tell me what the practical difference is between SVI's 3, 5, and 7-sided slides? Anyone have pictures of any of those? I see the different pictures on their Gunbuilder, but it's not very illuminating. thanks Zak

tightloop, Not mandatory, but it helps. -z

TDean, And we've got a meadery in Boulder. -z

The classroom scene with "S.A.F.E." was classic.

I recently "converted" to Taran Butler's technique as described in the latest Front Sight magazine, but I do three at a time instead of four 'cause my hands a bit smaller. -z

That doesn't look like a bushing barrel to me...