<%@LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> Firearms First Impressions

First Impressions


Owning a gun shop is a lot like putting a kid in a candy store and telling them they can "only look". There are lots of guns and fun things in my shop but I don't get to play with all of it.

Some of it however, I cannot resist.

While all of us should be able to walk into a gun shop and handle a gun we might be interested in, I get to handle everything in the store. Over and over and over.

For instance a little Henry Golden Boy 22 LR. I bought one of those to put in the rack. While not all of us have an interest in owning such a rifle, I can certainly see the draw to them. Very neat guns ! Beautifully crafted, well balanced, smooth operating and they come right into place at your shoulder.

I thought since I handle all kinds of guns everyday, maybe I could share with you just First Impressions of them. Not complete product reviews just a general opinion unless otherwise noted.

So without further delay, here we go.

PISTOLS

Beretta 9000S 40S&W
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Handling
Function

Own one and love it ! Product Review


Bersa Thunder 380
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Handling
Function

Nothing to dislike here.


Cobra Derringer 22LR Chrome or Black
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Handling
Function Un-tested

With a 40 pound trigger, I'm not sure how well these would serve as a backup/conceal gun but you have to admire the quality and appearance. For the price, you expect it to feel like a disposable gun but they really are pretty slick. The design is good and solid. I suppose as a last resort, having one stashed would still beat a pocket knife.


Cobra Freedom 380 Chrome
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Handling
Function Un-tested

I probably should go shoot one of these before I comment on them but you would have to look hard to find a heavier gun. It even rivals Hi-Point Pistols but is smaller. I only see one market for these and it is price. If you absolutely can't come up with another $100 for a Bersa this is your gun.


CZ 40 P 40S&W
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Handling
Function

I had to take one of these out and try it. Just an incredible gun ! I wrote a product review on this one.


CZ P-01 9MM
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Handling
Function Un-Tested

Very cool ! Nice size and Balance with excellent fit to hand.


Glock
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Handling
Function

Fugly gun but you can't argue with success. I have shot 3 or 4 variations of the Glock including a model 36. The 36 being compact if not sub-compact in 45 ACP. It's a handfull of power no doubt. At least for my hand, the trigger guard mashed my middle finger on each and every shot. Not pleasant to shoot but accurate and perfect operation.


Kahr CW-40 40 S&W
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Handling
Function

Feels and looks like th CW-9 but it is a little thicker. It was more comfortable to shoot but the one I shot also had a Hogue rubber grip sleeve.

If I were looking for a conceal gun, this would be my choice. I really like the size and feel of these guns and function is pefect. The grip frame is a little thin but for conceal, it doesn't get any better.


Kahr CW-9 9mm
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Handling
Function

I wanted to shoot this one so I ran 2 magazines through it. 1 at a slow "accurate" pace and 1 quickly. I did not have a nice fresh target hanging up to shoot at so I can't tell you much on accuracy but it functioned flawlessly. Then I rushed through the 2nd mag and it did not break stride until the slide locked open on the empty mag. Just what I expected, smooth clean operation. Very nice trigger ! The slide is a little blocky looking and the grip is a little shy for my hand but overall, a very nice compact that I would have no problem carrying.


Kel-Tec P3-AT 380
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Handling
Function

Not fun to shoot but a great conceal gun.


Kel-Tec P11 9MM 6/1/2007
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Handling
Function

Looks like the P3-AT on steroids. Shoots about the same. Mean to hang on to but it functions fine which for all intents and purposes, it should do the job as a conceal gun.


Kel-Tec PF-9 9MM 8/29/2007
Appearance
Handling
Function Un-Tested

Finally got one of these into the shop. A little nicer than I expected. I like the grip pattern better than what is on the 380 and P11, it just looks better. The grip size is a better fit, short of course but the gun feels ok in your hand. The slide is more streamline than the P11 Kel-Tec. The magazine release button could have protruded a little farther. You have to press it down flush with or a little below the surface of the grip to release the mag. I have not read the manual yet so maybe I am doing something wrong but it appears that you have to press the mag release to re-insert the mag, which make no sense at all to me. Haven't shot the gun and probably won't but I can't feature it being any more fun than a P3-AT or P11. Just not much to hang on to but I am sure that it will function fine.


Ruger SR9 9MM 3/20/2008
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Handling
Function

Like all the reviews that I have read on this gun, Ruger did their homework on this one. Excellent feel and quality. Shot one of these last weekend and it functioned very well and was very accurate. I like the smooth lines and rounded edges. If you need or want a lot of firepower, this is a slick gun.


Springfield XD Sub 40S&W 3/20/2008
Appearance
Handling
Function Un-Tested

I have not shot one of these but I really like the size of this gun. Very concealable, nice weight and balance. With "The Gear" it's quite a combo. Extended mag, mag pouch, holster & loader. To be included with the gun is quite a savings if it is that you want. The gun looks tall and blocky to me from the bottom of the rail to the top of the slide so I dropped 1 "star" on appearance. However, I'm sure Springfield has their reasons.


Taurus PT140 40S&W
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Handling
Function Un-tested

Like the price, don't like the grip or the balance.


Taurus 24/7 -PRO
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Handling
Function Un-tested

I have had all calibers and sizes of this one through my shop. I really like the feel of the fullsize better than the compact but either size is a bargain price.

There is very little difference in size between the different calibers and appearance doesn't change. Since I prefer 40S&W, that would be my choice.

I like the Heinie Sight system though I have not fired a gun with them. The compact comes with an extended mag which gives the gun a completely different feel and balance. Not a new concept but one I hope we will continue to see.

My only concern is the rubber grip overlay. Yes today it supplies a soft grip that is easy to hang on to but it may be a mess if the rubber hardens.


Taurus PT917 9MM
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Handling
Function

Ordered one of these for a customer and then was invited to go shoot it with him. Very nice gun. Clean crisp appearance, smooth function and accurate. A little heavy for a 9 but it is a large gun.


Taurus 1911B 45ACP
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Handling
Function Un-Tested

Great looking gun. Taurus did their homework on this one.


Taurus 92 9MM
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Handling
Function

Very nice gun. Well balanced with a good hand fit. Functions flawlessly.


Taurus 24/7 9MM or 40 S&W
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Handling
Function Un-Tested

I am impressed with the fit and feel of the gun but have not had the opportunity to shoot one of them. They look to be a lot of gun for the money especially with the included extended mag.


Walther P22 22LR
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Handling
Function

I was asked to "re-assemble" one of these for a customer who had damaged the trigger on his and could not get the gun put back together. While that task is not one for the faint hearted, it can be done. However, in spending so much intiment time with the P22, I decided I had to have one in the display case. Very neat little gun with a grown up gun appearance.
Shot one of these May 11, 07. The gun functioned flawlessly and was very accurate.

 

REVOLVERS

Heritage Rough Rider 22LR/22WMR
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Handling
Function Un-tested
Not a bad looking entry level revolver. If you need a cheap plinker, probably can't beat it.

Ruger Single Six 22LR/22WMR
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Handling
Function Un-tested
Very Nice Gun, a Ruger "mainstay".

Taurus Ultra Light 38 SP
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Handling
Function

Ran a cylinder full through this one. Worked perfect and was comfortable to shoot.

 

RIFLES

CZ 452 American 22LR
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Handling
Function Un-tested

Very nicely made with great finish work on the wood and metal.


CZ 527 American 204 Ruger
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Handling
Function Un-tested

Bought one of these to hang in the rack at the shop. Very beautiful craftsamanship. With CZ's record, it should be a tack driver.


Henry Golden Boy 22LR
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Handling
Function Un-tested

Just a really neat gun !


Hi-Point 995 Carbine 9MM
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Handling
Function

I had to take one of these out and try it. It's kind of like a car accident, you just have to look. Well, in this case judging the book by the cover is a mistake. Shooting it was as much fun as shooting a semi-auto rimfire but this is like a rimfire with an attitude. I ran about 70 rounds through it and was wishing I had brought more shells. For plinking, practicing or just plain blasting bottles and pumpkins, it's a no brainer.


Savage 93R17 Heavy Barrel Laminated Thumbhole
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Handling
Function Un-Tested

Almost don't need to shoot it. It's a Savage, You know it will shoot. Incredible looking and feeling HMR


Reminton 700 VTR
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Handling
Function Un-tested

The old standard with a new flare. 3 large flat sides on the barrel and a muzzle break. The barrel design is supposed to be super strong and cool rapidly.


Stevens Model 200 Bolt Action
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Handling
Function

Probably one of the most overlooked rifle bargains out there. Not a real pretty gun but Savage quality and accuracy are built in.

 

SHOTGUNS

Stevens 512 O/U 12 Gauge
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Handling
Function Un-Tested

Always thought I needed a double. I don't shoot shotguns much but think this one would be a pleasure. It's not a Red Label but it's a good looking gun.