AStone
Member
Loving the LCI.
Visual & tactile.
Especially valuable after
fresh hops ipa at the tavern .
..
...
Visual & tactile.
Especially valuable after
fresh hops ipa at the tavern .
..
...
Ruger SR9c
- Thread starter AStone
- Start date
- Status
LiveLife
Member
Congrats!
So it looks like you got to shoot it, yes? If so, please give us a little more of a complete run-down. I don't have one of these, nor the budget to go get one, so I have to live vicariously through you, AStone!
AStone
Member
Haven't shot it yet, Spats. That happens today. I'll be at the range most of the afternoon with this one and my new Remington 597 HB, also not yet shot. I'll post a full report with pics tonight. 
Ah. You fooled me with this:
Looking forward to the report.
AStone said:
Looking forward to the report.
JeffsJeep04
Member
I won one at a gun banquet. Great trigger, and I shoot it well. The wife finds it too snappy, but she's new to shooting and built small. It doesn't conceal as well as my shield or home defend as well as the suppressed 300 blackout AR pistol, so it's a safe queen. I have a hard time getting rid of any firearm that is functionally sound, so it'll stick around. If a guy could only swing one pistol, this would be an excellent choice. Concealable, but throw some 17 round mags in it and you could have fun at a 3 gun match. I might be the odd man out, but I prefer my guns to have a safety and pistols must have a "sweep down" 1911 style for me. That's what I learned on, what I train with, and what my brain reverts to when the pressure is on.
AStone
Member
Jeep, good words. Congrats on winning one. Wow. Lucky guy. I have a few other thoughts in response, but I'm tired --- long a** day, haven't eaten dinner ...
Spats, it was a very interesting day at the range. Shorter by an hour than I wanted (transportation issues), but I still had a good day with SR9c and 597 HB. I took pics of all targets, with some interesting results. I'll post them tomorrow with a full report -- just too tired tonight. I'll probably study the images more, and maybe write a few notes for the report ... before my brain shuts down and I fall into a film (I've become a major fan and student of Fury -- the tank) or youtube surfing for the night.
Short report now. I love this pistol. Best of the three 9's I've had by a long shot [no pun intended]. I like its weight, size, and fit. I favor the 10-rnd mag. 115 rnds, not a single hickup -- good start. Still need more work on my grip -- it's not second nature yet -- that'll take a while. Yet recoil is very manageable -- less than my former .38 spl (sale is in progress), and qualitatively different in a good way: less wrist twisting, more sharp flip. I'm gaining on the right level of control.
I'm going to need to work on anticipation and even some flinching. Already have since I became aware of it on my first series. Got some great tips from a guy at the range, and it helped a lot. I'll share those tips in the report. And I found that I shoot better if I take faster shots, squeezing faster -- which of course is what I need to do anyway, so good.
The other factor that needs work: I'm shooting left by an inch or two. Not sure if it's me or the sights need adjusting. I suspect me, and the fact that I'm not used to these sights yet -- but I totally dig them.
AND, for the first time in my life, I'm shooting using a sight picture from my left eye -- I'm left eye dominant, so I thought I'd try using it. That's going to take a bit of time.
OK, that's it for now. More on Saturday ...
Spats, it was a very interesting day at the range. Shorter by an hour than I wanted (transportation issues), but I still had a good day with SR9c and 597 HB. I took pics of all targets, with some interesting results. I'll post them tomorrow with a full report -- just too tired tonight. I'll probably study the images more, and maybe write a few notes for the report ... before my brain shuts down and I fall into a film (I've become a major fan and student of Fury -- the tank) or youtube surfing for the night.
Short report now. I love this pistol. Best of the three 9's I've had by a long shot [no pun intended]. I like its weight, size, and fit. I favor the 10-rnd mag. 115 rnds, not a single hickup -- good start. Still need more work on my grip -- it's not second nature yet -- that'll take a while. Yet recoil is very manageable -- less than my former .38 spl (sale is in progress), and qualitatively different in a good way: less wrist twisting, more sharp flip. I'm gaining on the right level of control.
I'm going to need to work on anticipation and even some flinching. Already have since I became aware of it on my first series. Got some great tips from a guy at the range, and it helped a lot. I'll share those tips in the report. And I found that I shoot better if I take faster shots, squeezing faster -- which of course is what I need to do anyway, so good.
The other factor that needs work: I'm shooting left by an inch or two. Not sure if it's me or the sights need adjusting. I suspect me, and the fact that I'm not used to these sights yet -- but I totally dig them.
AND, for the first time in my life, I'm shooting using a sight picture from my left eye -- I'm left eye dominant, so I thought I'd try using it. That's going to take a bit of time.
OK, that's it for now. More on Saturday ...
Last edited:
AStone
Member
Here's just one image, call it a teaser. I'm sure experienced pistol shooters will read some things from it, as I did.
This was after my first 50 rounds on a different target, and I was trying to address the anticipation/flinch issue.
(PS: part of that is that I've been away from handgun shooting for five years until now --- I'm out of practice.)
This was at 7 yds.
PS: What is "thumbing"? It appears that I'm not doing that.
This was after my first 50 rounds on a different target, and I was trying to address the anticipation/flinch issue.
(PS: part of that is that I've been away from handgun shooting for five years until now --- I'm out of practice.)
This was at 7 yds.
PS: What is "thumbing"? It appears that I'm not doing that.
Attachments
AStone
Member
Finally completed viewing the videos that bds posted up stream about point shooting.
This guy DR Middlebrook has some interesting and compelling ideas.
They seem to parallel Kelly McCann's ideas about combatives.
This is the video that really got my attention -- at least the first half.
While I agree that sighted firing at full extension at 7 or 10 yds is valuable,
and we should do it, I also agree with this person that alternative strategies
need to be available in more CQC scenarios.
This guy DR Middlebrook has some interesting and compelling ideas.
They seem to parallel Kelly McCann's ideas about combatives.
This is the video that really got my attention -- at least the first half.
While I agree that sighted firing at full extension at 7 or 10 yds is valuable,
and we should do it, I also agree with this person that alternative strategies
need to be available in more CQC scenarios.
LiveLife
Member
It's good to have options.
Before I read too much into shot groups, I would fire several hundred rounds to allow the pistol to break in and trigger surfaces to smooth out.
Between range trips, I would dry fire as much as I could.
Before I read too much into shot groups, I would fire several hundred rounds to allow the pistol to break in and trigger surfaces to smooth out.
Between range trips, I would dry fire as much as I could.
AStone
Member
Snap caps or no?
AStone
Member
AStone
Member
JeffsJeep04
Member
My only comment on the "what you are doing wrong" target is that it assumes the sights are adjusted. I read a few comments in reviews after I got mine of shooting to the left. At 25 yards, I was shooting ~2-3" left which would extrapolate to a very similar group to what you posted there at 7.
AStone
Member
Good to know that, JJeep. Maybe it's not just me after all.
I'll have to dig up a small punch and see if I can shift it a hair. I'm searching pages on how to sight in a pistol with adjustable sights -- never done it before.
Found this thread on THR. And there are several videos.
Problem for me is, how to know if it's really out of sighting, or if it's me. Allegedly, one is supposed to not do sighting from a bench -- so I read so far -- but that seems most logical since it would reduce flinching, etc.
Suggestions appreciated.
I'll have to dig up a small punch and see if I can shift it a hair. I'm searching pages on how to sight in a pistol with adjustable sights -- never done it before.
Found this thread on THR. And there are several videos.
Problem for me is, how to know if it's really out of sighting, or if it's me. Allegedly, one is supposed to not do sighting from a bench -- so I read so far -- but that seems most logical since it would reduce flinching, etc.
Suggestions appreciated.
AStone
Member
Cleaning
I just finished cleaning it. Second time, first right out of the box -- had far more factory grease in it than I expected -- and after shooting it yesterday. It's really a pleasure cleaning it; I've always loved taking care of guns that way; makes it a more personal tool somehow.
But this is my first time cleaning a semi-auto in many years -- over ten -- so I wasn't entirely clear on the best way to do it. I mean the non-barrel part. Got that. But the action, especially the lower, the trigger group, etc.
I wiped everything down with a damp (with Hoppes) swab, then wiped that dry, then wiped again with a 'damp' clean swab with cleaner/conditioner inside the slide, outside of the barrel (not inside, which I left dry), and even down in the lower as best I could reach (skinny fingers).
Would like to read tips about what other SR owners do.
I just finished cleaning it. Second time, first right out of the box -- had far more factory grease in it than I expected -- and after shooting it yesterday. It's really a pleasure cleaning it; I've always loved taking care of guns that way; makes it a more personal tool somehow.
But this is my first time cleaning a semi-auto in many years -- over ten -- so I wasn't entirely clear on the best way to do it. I mean the non-barrel part. Got that. But the action, especially the lower, the trigger group, etc.
I wiped everything down with a damp (with Hoppes) swab, then wiped that dry, then wiped again with a 'damp' clean swab with cleaner/conditioner inside the slide, outside of the barrel (not inside, which I left dry), and even down in the lower as best I could reach (skinny fingers).
Would like to read tips about what other SR owners do.
AStone
Member
Range report: part 2
Ok, so to finish this up.
I posted most of the pics last night, so, I'll just add some comments.
As one can see from the targets, and as I said upstream, I seem to be hitting left more often than not. Still not sure if it's me or the sights, but time will tell.
Also as I said upstream, my new issue is flinching. I had gotten over than in the .38 spl, and its larger brother, a SW 65 in .357 mag. But my absence from shooting for five years allowed it to creep in again. I have no doubt it'll go away with practice, which I'll be able to do more after mid November (moving to Florida, and will have more money there == more ammo and time to shoot it).
But here's what helped yesterday. After shooting 50 rnds, and noticing the tendency to flinch, I asked one of the employees at the shop/range for advice. (I really like them there; very helpful, non-judgmental , kind.)
His two tips: 1) focus hard on squeezing the trigger, almost like a meditation. That helped. 2) His grip technique results in 85% of the work being done by his off hand (left for him and me). His right hand just keeps the gun from falling over, and provides trigger service. The squeeze comes mainly from his off-hand. (In some video I watched, the instructor suggested it should be more like 60/40.)
I tried it, and it worked. Previously, I was squeezing pretty hard with both hands, but it resulted in some shaking, and I found myself less effective at a smooth trigger pull. Tensing one's hand to grip while trying to relax a bit with the trigger finger seemed at odds. So I tried a more relaxed right hand, firm recoil/flip grip provided by my left hand. I noticed a difference immediately.
Would appreciate comments about that.
I'm also going to move past the slow shot with easy trigger pull, like I use on my .22. That leaves too much time for anticipation, and the flinch follows. I'm going to practice a smooth but fast trigger pull. That's easier after the first shot of the magazine, of course, so I'll make the first shot extra fast, and get to number two quickly for follow up. I mean, this is not a target pistol, but a SD gun, so I need to get past that slowness.
And, post range, last night and today, I've been trying something new. I'm starting to practice left hand shooting (or pointing, with some dry firing).
As I mentioned above, I'm left-eye dominant. I'm not ambidextrous, but do not shy from doing things, including tool use with my left hand. I'm finding the grip is almost as intuitive with my left hand, and it's almost easier to squeeze with my right hand than my left. So, I'm actually going to practice this, and try left-hand shooting at the range next time.
Finally, I just gotta add something. Having been a revolver guy for ten years (even though I was without them for five -- they were in storage) -- it's hard to communicate the respect I have for this pistol. I find myself just staring at it, handling it, looking closely at the detail. It's just an engineering marvel ... at least for me. Having access to the inside -- unlike a revolver -- and getting to see the working parts is so interesting. It's a marvel that it works, in a sense. (I'm a biologist by training, and have great respect for the intricate, complicated inner workings of organisms -- from organisms down to biochemistry -- and find myself fascinated in a similar way by this human designed tool.
Ok, so to finish this up.
I posted most of the pics last night, so, I'll just add some comments.
As one can see from the targets, and as I said upstream, I seem to be hitting left more often than not. Still not sure if it's me or the sights, but time will tell.
Also as I said upstream, my new issue is flinching. I had gotten over than in the .38 spl, and its larger brother, a SW 65 in .357 mag. But my absence from shooting for five years allowed it to creep in again. I have no doubt it'll go away with practice, which I'll be able to do more after mid November (moving to Florida, and will have more money there == more ammo and time to shoot it).
But here's what helped yesterday. After shooting 50 rnds, and noticing the tendency to flinch, I asked one of the employees at the shop/range for advice. (I really like them there; very helpful, non-judgmental , kind.)
His two tips: 1) focus hard on squeezing the trigger, almost like a meditation. That helped. 2) His grip technique results in 85% of the work being done by his off hand (left for him and me). His right hand just keeps the gun from falling over, and provides trigger service. The squeeze comes mainly from his off-hand. (In some video I watched, the instructor suggested it should be more like 60/40.)
I tried it, and it worked. Previously, I was squeezing pretty hard with both hands, but it resulted in some shaking, and I found myself less effective at a smooth trigger pull. Tensing one's hand to grip while trying to relax a bit with the trigger finger seemed at odds. So I tried a more relaxed right hand, firm recoil/flip grip provided by my left hand. I noticed a difference immediately.
Would appreciate comments about that.
I'm also going to move past the slow shot with easy trigger pull, like I use on my .22. That leaves too much time for anticipation, and the flinch follows. I'm going to practice a smooth but fast trigger pull. That's easier after the first shot of the magazine, of course, so I'll make the first shot extra fast, and get to number two quickly for follow up. I mean, this is not a target pistol, but a SD gun, so I need to get past that slowness.
And, post range, last night and today, I've been trying something new. I'm starting to practice left hand shooting (or pointing, with some dry firing).
As I mentioned above, I'm left-eye dominant. I'm not ambidextrous, but do not shy from doing things, including tool use with my left hand. I'm finding the grip is almost as intuitive with my left hand, and it's almost easier to squeeze with my right hand than my left. So, I'm actually going to practice this, and try left-hand shooting at the range next time.
Finally, I just gotta add something. Having been a revolver guy for ten years (even though I was without them for five -- they were in storage) -- it's hard to communicate the respect I have for this pistol. I find myself just staring at it, handling it, looking closely at the detail. It's just an engineering marvel ... at least for me. Having access to the inside -- unlike a revolver -- and getting to see the working parts is so interesting. It's a marvel that it works, in a sense. (I'm a biologist by training, and have great respect for the intricate, complicated inner workings of organisms -- from organisms down to biochemistry -- and find myself fascinated in a similar way by this human designed tool.
LiveLife
Member
Maybe this will better illustrate what I explained on post #104.
I don't go by the 60/40 or other percent split but rather how solid the grip is on the pistol. Keep in mind even with the pull/push with the hands, you are trying to form a vise with your hands around the pistol to apply even pressure to keep the pistol steady.
Next, to reduce trigger input on your target, dry fire while watching the front sight. Does the front sight move/jump when the striker is released? If it does, practice until it doesn't. On your next range trip, try shooting while focusing on the front sight so it doesn't move/jump. It should help with the flinch and your shot groups should get smaller.
If you look at the pictures below, imagine you are forming an upside down "J" hook with your supporting hand and forming a "V" with the shooting hand - as you pull back with the supporting hand fingers, squeeze firmer against the shooting hand fingers while pushing with the shooting hand "V". Pushing with the "V" allows relaxing of the trigger finger.
I don't go by the 60/40 or other percent split but rather how solid the grip is on the pistol. Keep in mind even with the pull/push with the hands, you are trying to form a vise with your hands around the pistol to apply even pressure to keep the pistol steady.
Next, to reduce trigger input on your target, dry fire while watching the front sight. Does the front sight move/jump when the striker is released? If it does, practice until it doesn't. On your next range trip, try shooting while focusing on the front sight so it doesn't move/jump. It should help with the flinch and your shot groups should get smaller.
ColoradoShooter77
Member
As far as cleaning goes, I field strip it and blast it with a can of gun scrubber. I'll wipe off all the excess grit, then I'll use breakfree CLP and wipe it all down. This works great for me.
AStone
Member
CoSho, Breakfree makes good sense.
Bds, that's awesome. I just tested it.
-->> Total stability. No shake. Flip control.
Makes so much sense. Isaac would be proud.
Bds, that's awesome. I just tested it.
-->> Total stability. No shake. Flip control.
Makes so much sense. Isaac would be proud.
LiveLife
Member
Great.
BTW, that's what Hickok45 does with his modified weaver/chapman. While his shooting arm is locked, support hand/arm is pulling back to form a tight and steady platform - works good for long range slow fire.
Looking forward to your next range report.
BTW, that's what Hickok45 does with his modified weaver/chapman. While his shooting arm is locked, support hand/arm is pulling back to form a tight and steady platform - works good for long range slow fire.
Looking forward to your next range report.
AStone
Member
^<like>
Just a heads up.. I'm likely to trade a 17-rnd mag for another 10.
The different mags turn this into a different gun.
I want to train with the same gun.
If I can't do it with 10, then ..
Just a heads up.. I'm likely to trade a 17-rnd mag for another 10.
The different mags turn this into a different gun.
I want to train with the same gun.
If I can't do it with 10, then ..
On the center fire SR guns (don't really know about the SR22), the firing pin/striker hits the firing pin block if no magazine is inserted and the trigger is pulled. For this reason, dry firing without a magazine inserted is discouraged. On page 17 of the manual, Ruger warns of possible striker damage when dry firing with no magazine inserted.
You can, of course, remove the firing pin block and eliminate that particular issue.
I've always used snap caps to mitigate the possibility of damage, but Ruger also comments as long as a magazine is inserted dry firing will not damage the striker or other components.
Except for the tavern part, that's almost exactly what my wife said. I told her I could replace it with a dummy and her comment was she could do the same thing with me but didn't see the point ... yet. I dropped the matter.Loving the LCI.
Visual & tactile.
Especially valuable after
fresh hops ipa at the tavern .
..
JeffsJeep04
Member
I'd be more than happy to trade a 10 round for a 17 seeing as how I'm not likely to carry this concealed, it's more of a stubby range toy for me.
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