A Budget Friendly Competition Gun

The Taurus TX22 Competition is a specialized variant of the popular TX22 model, tailored for competitive shooting. Let’s explore its features in detail and compare it to other competitive handguns on the market.

Specifications:

  • Weight: The TX22 Competition maintains a lightweight design, similar to the standard TX22, weighing around 17.3 ounces.
  • Height: Its height remains around 5.44 inches, providing a comfortable grip and control during competitions.
  • Length: The overall length of the TX22 Competition is approximately 7.06 inches, offering a balanced feel and easy handling on the range.
  • Trigger Pull: One of the key improvements in the TX22 Competition is its enhanced trigger pull. It features a lighter and crisper trigger with a weight of around 3.5-4 pounds, contributing to improved accuracy and faster follow-up shots.

Optics Compatibility: The TX22 Competition comes with an optics-ready slide, allowing shooters to easily mount red dot sights or other optical accessories. This feature enhances target acquisition speed and precision, making it ideal for competitive shooters who rely on quick and accurate aiming.

Comparison with Other Models:

  1. Ruger Mark IV: The Ruger Mark IV is a strong competitor in the competitive shooting scene. It weighs slightly more than the TX22 Competition, around 25 ounces, and has a longer overall length of approximately 9.75 inches. Its trigger pull can vary but is generally in the range of 4.5-5.5 pounds. This gun sells online starting at around $400.00.
  2. Smith & Wesson Victory: The S&W Victory is comparable to the TX22 Competition in weight and length, with a similar trigger pull weight of around 4 pounds. However, it may require aftermarket modifications for optics mounting. This gun sells online starting at around $380.00.
  3. Browning Buck Mark: The Browning Buck Mark is another contender with a weight of around 34 ounces and a longer overall length of about 9.5 inches. Its trigger pull is typically in the range of 4-5 pounds, similar to the TX22 Competition. This gun sells online starting at around $410.00.

Price: As of my last update, the Taurus TX22 Competition is competitively priced in the market for competition-grade handguns. You can find it online for around $335 to $450, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.

In conclusion, the Taurus TX22 Competition offers competitive shooters a lightweight, optics-ready platform with an improved trigger for enhanced performance on the range. Its features make it a strong contender against other popular models like the Ruger Mark IV, Smith & Wesson Victory, and Browning Buck Mark, providing a cost-effective option for those seeking a reliable and accurate competition handgun.

John Wick’s First Handgun!

The HK P30L V3 is a hammer fired handgun that has gained significant attention and popularity, partly due to its appearance in the first John Wick movie. This pistol has become a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike, thanks to its exceptional performance and innovative design features.

See our full video review of this gun @ Youtube https://youtu.be/k1d5YitdgoY?si=q3mZbFPJv-bMsxhD

Let’s delve into some statistical information about the HK P30L V3:

  1. Caliber: The HK P30L V3 is available in multiple calibers, including 9mm and .40 S&W, offering versatility to shooters based on their preferences and needs.
  2. Capacity: This pistol typically comes with a magazine capacity of 15 rounds for 9mm and 13 rounds for .40 S&W, providing ample firepower for various shooting scenarios.
  3. Barrel Length: The P30L variant features a longer barrel compared to the standard P30 model, measuring approximately 4.45 inches. This extended barrel enhances accuracy and ensures better control during shooting.
  4. Trigger System: The V3 variant of the HK P30L utilizes a unique trigger system that combines a light single-action trigger pull with a short reset, enabling quick and precise follow-up shots. This feature is highly valued by competitive shooters and those who prioritize speed and accuracy.
  5. Safety Features: HK is known for its stringent safety standards, and the P30L V3 is no exception. It includes multiple safety mechanisms such as a firing pin block, manual safety lever, and a decocking button, ensuring safe handling and operation.

For those who prefer a striker fire gun, HK has come out with the HK VP9.

Let’s dive into the comparison between the HK P30L V3 and the HK VP9, highlighting their key differences and similarities, as well as explaining the distinction between striker-fired and hammer-fired handguns.

HK P30L V3 vs. HK VP9:

  1. Action Type:
    • HK P30L V3: The P30L V3 is a hammer-fired handgun, meaning it utilizes a hammer mechanism to strike the firing pin and ignite the cartridge.
    • HK VP9: The VP9, on the other hand, is a striker-fired handgun. This means it uses a striker mechanism directly linked to the trigger to ignite the cartridge.
      • Striker-Fired:
        • Striker-fired handguns have a simpler internal mechanism where the trigger directly activates a striker (a firing pin) to ignite the cartridge.
        • They often feature consistent trigger pulls and are known for their reliability and ease of use.
        • Examples include the HK VP9, Glock pistols, and many modern semi-automatic handguns.
      • Hammer-Fired:
        • Hammer-fired handguns have a more complex mechanism where the trigger interacts with a hammer, which in turn strikes the firing pin to fire the round.
        • They may offer both double-action and single-action trigger modes, providing versatility in shooting styles.
        • Examples include the HK P30 series, CZ 75, and Beretta 92 series.

In summary, the HK P30L V3 and HK VP9 represent two excellent options from Heckler & Koch, each with its unique action type and features. Understanding the differences between striker-fired and hammer-fired handguns can help shooters choose the firearm that best suits their preferences, shooting style, and intended use.

The Walther PPK: A Modern CCW Weapon for Concealed Carry

Introduction: When it comes to choosing a reliable and effective concealed carry weapon (CCW), the Walther PPK has earned its place in the spotlight. With its compact design, renowned reliability, and iconic status, the Walther PPK is a popular choice among those seeking a discreet and powerful self-defense option. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind its reputation as a modern CCW weapon.

  1. Compact Size and Comfort: One of the primary considerations for a concealed carry weapon is its size, and the Walther PPK excels in this aspect. With its slim profile and shorter barrel length, it offers a comfortable and discreet fit when concealed on your person. This compactness allows for easy concealment, be it in an inside-the-waistband holster or an ankle carry setup.
  2. Reliability and Performance: The Walther PPK is known for its outstanding reliability and performance. Originally designed for law enforcement and civilian use, this semi-automatic pistol has a proven track record of dependability. Its robust construction and quality materials ensure smooth functioning, providing peace of mind knowing that it will operate reliably in critical situations.
  3. Ergonomics and Handling: The PPK’s ergonomic design and intuitive controls make it an excellent choice for concealed carry. With its comfortable grip and well-placed controls, including a manual safety and decocker, it offers a user-friendly experience. This means easier operation, quick target acquisition, and a reduced learning curve for both experienced shooters and those new to concealed carry.
  4. Chambering and Caliber Options: The Walther PPK is available in various chamberings to suit personal preferences and local regulations. Originally chambered in .32 ACP, it is also available in .380 ACP (9mm Kurz in Europe) for those desiring added stopping power. The availability of different chamberings allows individuals to select the appropriate caliber based on their comfort, proficiency, and specific self-defense needs.
  5. A Legacy of Excellence: The Walther PPK’s legacy dates back to its introduction in the 1930s, and its reputation has only grown stronger over time. Its association with James Bond has heightened its allure, capturing the imagination of gun enthusiasts and casual fans alike. This legacy of excellence ensures the Walther PPK remains a sought-after CCW weapon.

Conclusion: When it comes to concealed carry weapons, the Walther PPK, while not as updated as many new carry guns, stands as a reliable, compact, and effective choice. Its compact size, reliable performance, ergonomics, and caliber options make it a popular selection for those who prioritize discreet self-defense. As always, responsible ownership, regular training, and adherence to the law are crucial factors to consider when carrying any firearm.

My 1st CCW: Ruger’s SR22

So many years ago, I wanted to get my conceal carry license. I hadn’t shot a gun in a long long time. I had several large caliber guns but was worried about the qualifying portion of the CCW test. My understanding was we’d have to have a 90% accuracy with a time limit. The thought of acquiring my target 9 out of 10 times with a stopwatch clicking after my gun kicked every shot seemed nerve wrecking.

The answer: why not qualify with a .22? I shot those as a kid and if the 8 year old me could handle it, the “38” year old me should have no problem. So, I started looking at semi-automatic 22s. Hands down, the Ruger SR-22 jumped out.

There were several reasons (and these reasons usually always apply when I’m looking at a new gun for my collection):

Price: I believe I paid somewhere in the neighborhood of $350.00 for the gun – fair enough.

Capacity: 10 + 1. More than enough so I wasn’t reloading under pressure to qualify (We had to center mass 27 out of 30) – so 3 mags and I’m good. HUGE PLUS – the gun came with two 10 round magazines.

Sights: Very visible adjustable 3-dot sights.

Action: Super smooth. Light double action with a nice crisp SA trigger pull.

Hammer: External hammer (I really like an external hammer as opposed to not having one or striker fire – more on this in future posts!)

Safety: I like having a safety on my guns. This gun has an ambidextrous thumb safety AND a de-cocking lever (also one of my favorite add-ons).

Recoil: Practically non-existent!

Lastly, the gun is pretty small and lightweight. It weighs 17.5 oz (unloaded) and had and overall length of 6.4″; height of 4.9″; and, width of .97″. A wee bit too big for a pocket carry but easy enough for other ways to carry. (Yes, I realize 22LR is not really anybody’s choice caliber to carry – but hey, if you had to …)

Needless to say, I bought this gun, used it to qualify and LOVE to take it out and plink at the range every once and awhile. It’s a great overall gun. This is the gun I let friends who have never shot use. It llets them get used to the mechanics of firing a weapon without the jolt of a .357 or .45. It’s the gun I use to teach my daughter with and HIGHLY recommend getting one if you’re looking at 22s.