ChristopherG

Ah--exactly the kind of experience-based insight I knew I'd overlook--'cause the magwell makes the opening basically recessed, right, so you need the extension as more-or-less a HANDLE on the mag? Brilliant.

I've just joined USPSA after shooting IDPA for a couple of years--mostly revolver. I don't wanna stop shooting the wheelgun. But I've got a Glock 17 that I bought when I started competition (before I figured out the fun of wheels), and it's just gathering dust. Shooting production (or SSP) doesn't really appeal to me, 'cause it's too fun to beat those guys with a six-shooter; and if you're gonna shoot an autoloader, why not go all the way with it? So I'd like to make this gun a blaster. I don't have a ton of money for this project, however, and I'm a big believer in the law of diminishing returns. So I'm trying to figure out what the lowest-end method would be for outfitting my Glock to shoot 9mm major safely and funly ;-). Here are the elements/components I've been cogitating over, and my thoughts on them: PLEASE offer any feedback or responses that come to mind. 1) JPoint and mount ($280). I know it's not a docter; but remember the project. I like the idea of the low-profile/iron-like sight acquisition, and the fact that it would enable me to adapt a holster I already have (rather than spend a hundred bucks on something to accomodate a frame mounted optic) 2) KKM barrel w/comp ($250). Having no experience with comps, I don't know anything about the relative effectiveness of the KKM comp or its competitors. If it would be just as good, I could save some dough with an EFK ported barrel for $170. Or, perhaps there's a better way that one of you will share. 3) THE brass magwell ($60). A few added ounces down low sounds like a good idea, even if an open gun won't be using its magwell but once a stage. 4) Taylor Freelance 170mm Baseplate ($40). You only really need one of these, right? I mean, if you can't finish a stage with one of these and a standard 17 rounder, I figure something's gone awry. 5) Stainless rod and (lighter) ISMI recoil spring ($20). Or Tungsten, for another 30 bucks, if it matters that much; but I'm not sure how much weight you want in the front end of a comped gun (see: my ignorance, under #2). I've already done trigger work to the point I'm happy with right now. So that means $650 stand between me and my 9mm open budget-blaster. Am I missing anything? Would you do anything differently, or skip any of this, and why? Thanks for your experience and opinions. PS--I understand that 9x19 major is basically a red-line project, and know how to attend to pressure signs; I have and use numerous manuals and a chrono, and have read everything I can find on this site on loading 9x19 major. Just looking for the feasibility of the proposed equipment at this point. If your advice on a particular comp includes loading suggestions, though, then fire away!

On a K or L frame, I really like the Miculeks. On an N-frame, I find the gun feels top- and/or front-heavy with such a skinny grip, and prefer the Pachmayr Presentations (which may be twisted, since he developed them on an N-frame; but he can clearly do things we mortals can't). In any event, I'd say you're doing yourself a favor getting away from finger grooves (which look like a better idea than they are, in most cases).

Actually, swaged lead bullets are generally softer, if I understand the theory--since cast bullets usually are alloyed with some portion of tin or somesuch to harden them up. The swaged ones are pretty much pure, soft lead. As far as leading, I've shot thousands of their .45 230 rn and .357 158 rn without any leading that couldn't be cleaned out with a boresnake and a tight patch. I just started loading major with the .45, though, and am getting just a bit up by the forcing cone. I think it's cause I'm shooting it from a 625 and am more or less forced to use a very clean--i.e., very fast--powder (Hodgdon Clays). With something a mite slower, I doubt I'd be getting anything at all. In any event, if you push a swaged bullet over 900 or so, it's gonna smear things up pretty quickly, IME (for instance, with a .357 LSWCHP). So the answer is (as it usually is): depends .