Range experience

[Kirkmcpaterson]

After a long hiatus, i have gone to the range. I went to granite state range in NH. My purpose was to find my next handgun and have some fun.

The range: great place with nice selection of firearms. Very helpful staff and patient (they had to deal with me trying out 4 different handguns). Good prices

XDS: felt good in the hand, fiber optic seemed old, did not hold light very well. I did not mind the "grip safety"

LC9s: did not like it very much for me, seems good for carry. Slide release was very hard and needed a lot of force to release. Staff member says this is common in rugers.

S&W M&P shield and 9c: awesome awesome awesome. Shot very well with both. First time learning about the 9c and didnt mind the bulk compared to the shield. I do not understand the price difference between the 2, is the 9c $100 more? 3 extra rounds are good (i am sure there are more differences including a rail) but not sure if it $100+ good. I think it will come down to which one i can get a better deal on.

Just wanted to share my experience

 

[NHCraigT]

Just an FYI: I own some standard XD models, and 1911's (= grip safeties). I really like both.

That being said....
I had a Self Defense and Police/Tactical Instructor (at a class during a casual 1/1 discussion) mention something that had not occurred to me:

If you are injured, such as some sort of hand injury (whether it be your primary shooting hand, or, your off-hand), OR, are forced to shoot in a position that simply makes it hard for you to bury the web of your hand into the grip (to depress the grip safety), then you could be = SOL.

Just something to think about while considering your Carry firearm options...

 

[fencer]

May I ask.. were these rentals? What did today's range trip cost?

 

[Glockster30]

Just an FYI: I own some standard XD models, and 1911's (= grip safeties). I really like both.

That being said....
I had a Self Defense and Police/Tactical Instructor (at a class during a casual 1/1 discussion) mention something that had not occurred to me:

If you are injured, such as some sort of hand injury (whether it be your primary shooting hand, or, your off-hand), OR, are forced to shoot in a position that simply makes it hard for you to bury the web of your hand into the grip (to depress the grip safety), then you could be = SOL.

Just something to think about while considering your Carry firearm options...

I'm not a fan of grip safeties, and I understand what the instructor is talking about, but why would this be any different for people that carry a 1911?

 

[Kirkmcpaterson]

One was helpful but a little misinformed... One guy told me that glocks are illegal in Massachusetts. There are a bunch of glocks on the firearms list

And about the grip safety, he said it was personal preference, i think he is just one of those guys who does not like safeties. I will feel more comfortable carrying with one in the chamber if i have a safety

 

[BigMoby]

If you dont mind the extra bulk the 9c is a sweet gun. I have both carry the shield religously being a fatter guy the 9c was little uncomfortable compared to the shield. If you told me I could have one and one only than the 9c would probably win.

 

[bottle-cap]

I have the Shield. Really like how it feels and carries.

 

[Kirkmcpaterson]

May I ask.. were these rentals? What did today's range trip cost?

About $90. 150 rounds, 3 boxes of 50 for $17 each. Hand gun rental was $20 for all the handguns. I think there was a range fee and probably about $10 for targets

 

[Steelitall]

Range fee is $20 all day (want to leave for lunch and come back? still only $20). Their rentals are $20/caliber (any and all guns in the same caliber), but you do have to use their ammo.

 

[sweed]

I think I'm going to swing by there with my wife to try out a few 9's for her to carry. I like the fact it's a flat fee/ caliber. I don't like I have to buy their own ammo, when I can by it for $5/ box less. However, I think they will discount that $20 you pay for the use of their guns if you buy one. So it kind of makes up for that extra cost.

 

[Steelitall]

Just a heads up, saturdays and sundays tend to be pretty busy - I think you can call ahead and reserve a lane now though

 

[Kirkmcpaterson]

To reserve a lane i think you have to be a member. The flat rate fee for rentals is the main reason i went. I was on a search for my future 9mm handgun.

 

[AyeR15]

One was helpful but a little misinformed... One guy told me that glocks are illegal in Massachusetts. There are a bunch of glocks on the firearms list

He is partially correct. The Glocks on the list are for LEO only. Any Glock you want to purchase must be Pre 1994 dated. So technically he is correct about any new Glocks being illegal

 

[fencer]

About $90. 150 rounds, 3 boxes of 50 for $17 each. Hand gun rental was $20 for all the handguns. I think there was a range fee and probably about $10 for targets

That is not a bad deal. Sound investment.

 

[Retired-LEO]

I highly recommend the Shield in 9mm w/ Apex kit "from FS for $100 installed" and Talon Grips!



and NOW StreamLight offers a light laser combo for the Shield for $104

 

[fencer]

He is partially correct. The Glocks on the list are for LEO only. Any Glock you want to purchase must be Pre 1994 dated. So technically he is correct about any new Glocks being illegal

This is not accurate. You can buy a brand new Gen 4 Glock in Mass. face to face from another Mass resident, but you will pay a premium for it.

 

[Retired-LEO]

This is not accurate. You can buy a brand new Gen 4 Glock in Mass. face to face from another Mass resident, but you will pay a premium for it.

GLOCKS are a "great" guns, but not worth the inflated price for NON-L.E.O.'s

 

[AyeR15]

This is not accurate. You can buy a brand new Gen 4 Glock in Mass. face to face from another Mass resident, but you will pay a premium for it.

The point is, you cant walk into a LGS and by one.

 

[Cabin Fever]

He is partially correct. The Glocks on the list are for LEO only. Any Glock you want to purchase must be Pre 1994 dated. So technically he is correct about any new Glocks being illegal

pre 10/21/98 to buy from a dealer

 

[free]

Good point thx.