msg73

I know Federals are the softest but they're nowhere to be found.

Well, I ordered the 4lb Wolff spring and had some light primer strikes (about 1 out of 20) using CCI 550 primers. Needless to say, I put the stock striker spring back and haven't had any issues since.

124gr MG CMJ with 4.0gr N320 or 3.8gr Titegroup both @ 1.16" gave around 130pf out of a 5" 9mm 1911

What primers are you using?

You should post this in the 'Zen' sub-forum as it seems like you've found it. Question is, can you hold onto it???

Practice is not the same as competition. Nerves and adrenaline are not as much of a factor during practice. Try reversing the scenario...go fast at a match and slow it down during practice and see if you get the same results.

I have a 13lb recoil spring for my 40 Pro and wanted to try a lighter striker spring to make sure the slide stays in battery. Has anyone tried a Wolff 4lb reduced power striker spring? If so, have you had issues with light primer strikes? Also, please state what type of primers you're using. Thanks

I have some lighter recoil springs on the way for my M&P that I'm converting to an open gun. Too light of a recoil spring and the gun may not go into battery consistently as it's fighting the striker spring. To offset that, I could go with a lighter weight striker spring (4lbs vs 5lbs) but that may cause light primer strikes. So, I was thinking about cutting the stock striker spring a little. The idea is that by cutting the spring, I retain most of the heavier weight spring tension when compressed to minimize light strikes but lessen the pre-load when in battery so I can use a lighter recoil spring. Does this make sense?

You should start around 4.0-4.1gr and work your way up. In my 5" M&P pro, I use 4.35gr @ 1.13" for ~169pf (180gr Ibejiheads)

Thanks Reshoot for helping a fellow shooter out!

I'm looking to test out some loads in a new 40 open gun. Does anyone have any 135gr Rainier FP or 155gr Montana Gold HP? I'm just looking for around a 50 or so of each. Let me what you have any how much you want for them. Edit: I got some 155gr MGHP thanks to Reshoot. Now looking for some 135gr Rainiers.

Thanks for the replies. I should mention that my 5" slide has been lightened and is a little bit lighter than the stock 4.25" slide. I've read many posts from people shooting S_I open guns stating that the 'shorty' versions are more violent and prefer the 5" versions. Would this logic not apply to an open M&P? What makes the 4.25" version better than the 5"?

Thinking of converting my M&P to an open gun. I have both the 4.25" fullsize and 5" pro. Which would be a better length for an open polymer gun? Planning to use the Carver 4-port comp shooting major pf. I use the 5" for USPSA and the 4.25" doesn't get used much, so I was thinking it would be easier to turn the 4.25" into an open gun and keep the 5" as is. However, if it's generally better to use the 5", I'll do so. Lastly, if I got the barrel/comp for the 5" would I be able to use it in the 4.25" as well? I know that the comp would be extended 3/4" past the end of the slide but that may give me options to use either gun. Not really concerned about the look (although it would look unique). I'm thinking that this would give me the barrel length of the 5" with the lighter weight of the 4.25" slide.

Have any of you tried either the 140gr TC or 155gr RN Bayou bullets in your open gun? Does it smoke too much or foul the comp more? Also, if you happen to be using AutoComp, could you let me know what load you're using. Thanks

Assuming that the OP is not a professional or sponsored shooter, is it really that big of a deal? Yes, technically it may not be legal but it's identical to a true 'legal' gun so there's no shooting advantage. Aren't we all trying to have some fun without breaking the bank? I say go ahead and have fun. If you ever turn pro, get yourself a new gun

I have the SSS ESP magwell and use two M&P compact base plates glued together. You have to trim a little bit of the plastic from the base plates to fit but they work great and are only $2 each.

Most likely a c-more slideride on the Carver frame mount, Still debating on whether I should build a 2011 open gun. As you know, in NJ we need a permit for each pistol and I don't have any left. So, I would have to go through the entire application and waiting process

Yes, I reload. Generally, factory ammo doesn't work the comp that well. You really need to use a slower powder to get more gas flowing through the comp. I have some AutoComp powder that I plan to reload with with a 135 or 155gr bullet. I was looking for some feedback on the 4 port Carver comp and how it works with major loads.

Now that there are more frame mounted optic options, I'm looking to convert my M&P 40 to an open gun. I live in a restricted state so there's no mag capacity benefit of going with 9mm. I was wondering how the Carver 4 port comp works in 40 vs 9mm? Also, does it shoot a flat as a 2011 open gun?

You can glue two m&p compact basepads and use them for the SSS ESP magwell. However, you do have to trim the basepads a bit to make them work.

Will everybody be shooting all 3 days (9/6-9/8)? Or is the event held over 3 days where different squads go on different days? If so, anyway to request a preference on which day to shoot? I'm asking because I can't take Friday (9/6) off.

I've tried the Wilson ETM and Tripp Cobra mags in my 9mm Spartan V. The Wilsons have a plastic follower and are harder to seat a full mag with a round in the chamber. The Cobra mags have a metal follower and have performed flawlessly.

Are you using factory or aftermarket barrels? The two main places for fit issues would be the barrel hood width/length and the front/top of the ejection port. If they are a little too tight to fit correctly, it may not be a bad thing. If you're willing to work on them, you can have more of a 'gunsmith fit' barrel/slide versus a drop-in that's a hair on the loose side.

Looks nice. I was really thinking about doing something similar but just found out that the 5" 40 Pro is now on the USPSA Production approved list...may have to hold off and see if I want to use mine for prod as well.

Ricky - could you please post a pic from the top view when you get a chance?