Passed (for now) on WC GP100 - got a 442 NL

[echo5charlie]

I'd like to thank all those who gave input on my Wiley Clapp GP100 thread. I found the responses to be excellent and on point.

After several days of reflection I decided that the GP100 route would end with a few range trips and then relegation to the safe. In my studies I did find myself coming across pocket carry and what many here choose for it. I DO have a requirement and need for a pocket carry gun, my Ruger LCP not fulfilling this role in the almost 10 years I have owned it due to "auto cursed draw". My G42, while accurate as hell, was far too bulky for the task and the LCP was a better draw, which was a no-go. Time to give a J-frame a try!

Conveniently, we had a 442 no lock in the display case. I papered it out this past Saturday and picked up a DeSantis Nemesis until my Aholster arrives. I've spent a few hours with dry practice, reloads from a speed strip, and pocket draw. I like it.

I did get to the range today. I fired 50 rounds of AE 130 FMJ, 50 Winchester125+P JHP, and 20 Speer Gold Dot 125+P. No failures, as expected. I did learn, rather quickly, that a near death grip is required for any sort of rapid firing without reacquiring my grip. Once I had that down I lost some skin just below the first joint of my thumb. That was the only discomfort I had, no throbbing hands or the like.

My last 10 shots on two targets. Distance was 7 yards. Ammo was Speer GD 125 +P. From first shot (for each target) I then fired the remaining four as quickly as I could reset the trigger. I am pleased with the results given my lack of familiarity of the platform.


Much practice to do, especially with consistency in regards to my grip. BTW - the targets are not upside down (well, they are but this is how they were shot - I am tall enough that I must raise the target at close distances to avoid shooing into the ground vs the backstop). When I burn the upper targets I fold and flip for the lower targets.

Any input on anything would be most appreciated!

[BN]

Once I had that down I lost some skin just below the first joint of my thumb. That was the only discomfort I had, no throbbing hands or the like.

Congratulations. Whenever I am going to spend much time with a J-Frame, I put a band aid on the joint of my thumb. You now know where to put it.

[leathermaneod]

Looks like excellent shooting :-) I am just getting into j frames myself and really enjoying my 642 :-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[echo5charlie]

Congratulations. Whenever I am going to spend much time with a J-Frame, I put a band aid on the joint of my thumb. You now know where to put it.

Band Aids are now in the j-frame range list!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[echo5charlie]

Looks like excellent shooting :-) I am just getting into j frames myself and really enjoying my 642 :-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Thanks! I don’t think I’d be doing as well as I did if I hadn’t gone to Ernest Langdon’s class and the Glock Operator Course. More classes are on the horizon.

And more 442 shooting!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[L-2]

I haven't needed a bandage for my thumb since I smoothed out the bottom edge of that "thumbpiece" (aka cylinder release). That sharp edge was very annoying.

[Rex G]

Good move! Everyone should have a 442 or 642. (Mine is not stamped “642,” but is a Performance Center snub-gun that started life as a 642, in the days when every variant was given its own model number.)

The desire for the GP100, however, may well return.

[deputyG23]

My 442-2 has been very useful for those times when a belt gun cannot be carried. Nearly 700 rounds through it and no issues, despite the lock. I just got permission from my command staff to qualify with it as an authorized off-duty firearm. It, along with an authorized off-duty G26, will accompany the Bride and I when we periodically travel to Baltimore to visit my son. She has enough residual hand strength, post stroke, to cycle the 442 five times in a dire emergency. I have not, so far, been able to convince her to try any sort of bottom feeding pistol.

[echo5charlie]

I'm now at a total of 267 rounds. Yesterday I tried some S&B 148gr LWC versus my Ruger LCP using CCI Blazer 95gr FMJ. I used a 8.5x11 sheet of paper for a target at a distance of 7 yards. From the low ready I proceeded to do a mag/cylinder dump. Each target has 50 rounds total. I have six magazines for the LCP two of each with flat, extended rest, and +1 extended. For the 442 the thrown shots are from my trigger finger hitting my support hand, I scored a set of UM combat grips that I am cutting down to boot length to address the length of pull.



Some personal observations:

LCP: My grip was more consistent, but the grip was smooth enough that, without a extended rest or the +1 extension, control became a significant issue towards the end of the magazine. I have a Gen1 and the sights really suck. I was also surprised at the discomfort felt towards the end of the 50 rounds. I later fired some Remington Golden Sabers and the recoil was much greater than the CCI. I also had three failures to eject during my time on the LCP. In order of shootability: +1, extended, flat.

442: Wadcutters. Wow. I was seriously having fun shooting the 442 and, while FAR from the accuracy of my G17, I was very happy with the results. I was also sad that I only had 50 rounds of the wadcutters. I then shot 50 rounds of Winchester 130gr FMJ (pissed as I did not get a pic, the grouping size was between the LWC and LCP). While not horrible, I would still pick the 442 over the LCP for extended shooting sessions (.38 +P would be a different story). The sights, while better than the LCP, still suck. I am tempted to get a 340PD for the additional weight savings and the front sight options or a M&P 340 for the night sight, however, I may start thinking that a pocket J may be a viable alternative to a more proper solution...we will see.

Overall: The 442 reigns supreme for my pocket pistol choice. The LCP, had I shot it as well as the 442 would have been a serious contender given the extra rounds over cartridge performance. My accuracy with the 442 trumped that.

[echo5charlie]

Now at 417 rounds. This past session I fired 50 Speer Lawman 158gr FMJ +P, 20 CorBon 125gr JHP +P, 25 Hornady American Gunner 125gr JHP, and 50 Federal Gold Medal 148 LWC.

The 158 +P were rough. The recoil quickly turned my groups to horrible. This was the target at 10 yards:



My initial “grouping” was in the upper 10 and 9 ring. That was for about 15 or 20 rounds. It went south from there.

I then used the CorBon and Hornady loads to attempt sight tracking. That was a waste. Even with 100% concentration on simply finding the sight at the end of the recoil arc I was unable to do so in any way I would call quick. I didn’t bother getting a pic of the target as I used the same one. I then moved on to the wadcutters.

Starting with +Ps was not a good idea, my anticipation was off the charts. This grouping was at 7 yards using a first round with proper sight picture then the following four rounds point shooting. Again, the +Ps took their toll on my anticipation.



I realized that I was simply throwing lead and decided to try SHO shots. I won’t embarrass myself with those targets.

I did find a new spot for a band-aid:



The upper part of the grip did this.

Take away from this past session:

Extended shooting with high energy ammo is counter productive. Not only did I waste ammo, I created a short-lasting issue that is annoying. Wadcutters are awesome to shoot but do no good if you’ve created an excessive anticipation situation. Sights....maybe a M&P340 would be better.

Next week will be with 130 FMJ, standard pressure, only. Also with a bit more of a regimen on marksmanship and not falling back to point shooting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk