Photo Of The Day: Smith & Wesson Model 15-2

During a recent Women’s Only Handgun Selection Seminar, I allowed the students to shoot my S&W Model 15-2. I decided to shoot it after the class, as I don’t often get the chance since I usually shoot and teach with semi auto pistols. It was a walk down memory lane so to speak, and also good to see that I could still run a wheel gun pretty well.

My introduction to the Model 15 was in 1977 upon entering the USAF Security Police. As it was the policy to issue a different weapon at each duty assignment, I had eight different Model 15’s over the years.  I was again issued a Model 15 when I joined my current department in 1988, carrying it until 1989 when we converted to semi auto pistols.

My fiance bought this one as a Christmas gift after I talked about having one as my first duty weapon. (She’s A Keeper).

Mine has the narrow grooved trigger and hammer spur. As I recall my Air Force issues had the wide target trigger and hammer spur. They had seen a lot of ammunition and some hard usage, but they always shot and were accurate, despite the appearance.

I installed a Wolff spring kit and polished the internals, as well as adding the Ahrends Cocobolo Retro Combat Stocks. I wish my duty guns had those modifications back in the day. It has some holster wear, but other than the spring kit and stocks, it’s original and in great shape.

I would compare the S&W Model 15 to the Glock 19 of today. Both fit the niche of a very effective fighting handgun without unnecessary weight or complication, and will get the job done as long as the user does his or her part. There was something about being armed with a revolver named “Combat Masterpiece”.

 

 

 

Photo of the Day: Hornady Match 308 Ammo

Finally getting ready to do some accuracy testing on the S&W M&P 10.

Not long ago, I purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P10 .308 rifle and my initial impressions of the gun were extremely positive. It features quite a few nice features, and the aggressive price point makes it an attractive addition to the market. Most importantly, the gun actually works well. I’ve been meaning to get to the range and do some accuracy testing, but other commitments got in the way (and I really hate zeroing optics.) Hornady was generous enough to send out a few boxes of their excellent 308 for the test, so look forward to an accuracy report here.

Pic of the Day- The Tactically Practical

The Glock 34/35 series of pistols are ideal for just about any role an end user may require.  They work well out of the box, with only a few minor changes needed to make them a little better.  Shown is one of my G34’s with one of the early Apex FRE prototypes, and a most excellent set of 10-8 tritium sights.  A man (or lady) can about rule the world with that setup.  It is no wonder why this series of pistols have became favorites of police officers and competitors alike.

Photo of the Day: Meet Elle

We got a lot of positive feedback on our Facebook page so we thought I’d share this pic with all of our website readers. The beautiful Elle is from the South and is not a stranger to shooting or firearms. She joined us on the range last week and is wearing the 10-8 Performance SSV t-shirt. Here she is checking out the new Centurion Arms lightweight CMR 12-inch hand guard system on a Colt 6920. It looks like she’ll be shooting guns with us a bunch more, soon!

Photo of the Day: Centurion Arms CMR 12-inch Rail

Tim checks out Centurion Arms’ brand new, lightweight and narrow diameter CMR 12-inch tubular rail.

Centurion Arms has developed its latest hand guard system for the AR platform for 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifles. Boasting an extremely narrow diameter, it is approximately .120″ narrower in diameter (side to side) than a Troy Industries VTAC rail. The lightweight, custom barrel nut can be installed with a standard adjustable pin spanner wrench. Rather than attach sections of picatinny rail to the hand guard, Centurion Arms will be releasing mounts that will screw directly into the hand guard eliminating the need for an intermediate interface. The mount system is a hybrid design. It borrows the concept of the locking cross bolt system found in the H&K 416 and combines it with a clamp to the barrel nut. The tolerances are held tight and the hand guard is about a slip fit on the barrel nut prior to tightening. The mount mechanism is rock solid. As with all Centurion Arms hand guards, there are integral sling swivel attachment points at the front and rear at 9 and 3 o’clock. The entire rail is cleanly machined, extremely ergonomic, and attractive to boot. They should be hitting the market at any moment so look for it at your favorite dealer.

SOURCE: http://www.centurionarms.com

Edited to add weights:

CMR 12-inch with barrel nut and screws: 10.7 ounces

CMR 14-inch with barrel nut and screws: 11.6 ounces

Photo of the Day: Shooting the LaRue PredatAR 7.62

Here’s one from a while back when I was testing the LaRue PredatAR 7.62 for an article I wrote for Soldier of Fortune. Weighing in at under 8 pounds unloaded, this handy big bore rifle is extremely pointable and easy to shoot. I later added a BattleComp BABC muzzle device which does an amazing job of keeping the muzzle level between shots. The only downside to the PredatAR is the insane demand. Get your name on the list and own one of the finest lightweight, modern battle rifles available.

SOURCE: http://www.larue.com

Photo of the Day: TangoDown iOCover

A few years ago, Aimpoint introduced a smaller, lightweight version of their proven red dot sighting system. Called the T-1, it was designed to be just as durable and reliable as its bigger brothers, with just as impressive battery life to boot. The only thing missing was some bump protection. Former 10-8 Forum Member Joe Chen had the brilliant idea to develop a cover similar to the Aimpoint Factory Rubber Cover for the Comp M series sights. Originally a Kickstarter project, it grew legs and the bright minds at TangoDown were charged with production. Today, the iOCover is cheap insurance to protect your already tough T-1 from bumps and bruises.

SOURCE: http://www.tangodown.com

Photo of the Day: 1911 Main Spring Housing Checkering

 

Here’s some progress on my latest project. After fitting the grip safety, I chased the very crude machine cut checkering by hand with a checkering file. The key to good cosmetics and functional checkering is to ensure each diamond comes to a point. This MSH was blasted and cold blued after the hand work to prevent corrosion during the build process.

Photo Of The Day: S&W M&P Shields

We recently acquired two 9mm M&P Shields for carry/backup and as student loaner guns. (For when a student shows up at class with what a Gunshop Commando told them they needed, rather than what is the best gun for them.)

These were my first foray into the world of the M&P and so far I’m impressed. While I’ve seen M&P’s in class and competition and shot a few rounds through them, I had not owned/carried one until now.

The pistols come with flush fit 7 round and extended 8 round magazines. The extended magazine actually extends the grip in a useable manner, rather than the pinky hook found on the front of many magazines.

While larger that some other pocket pistols, I have found they work very well in a pocket holster or an ankle holster. I’ve also carried AIWB with the holster in the photo.

So far each pistol has shot 100 rounds in testing and proved completely reliable. While certainly not a complete break in, it is encouraging. The group in the photo was 15 rounds at 7 yards.

More testing and student evaluations to follow.