Gear Review-Hornady Lock and Load AP Reloading Press

I'm an avid shooter. I usually hit the range weekly. In turn, I shoot ALOT of ammo. Ammo costs have continued to rise over the years. For the past few years I've been wanting to reload my own ammo, but the time commitment was too much for me, or so I thought. I'm a father of 3 and I value my time with my family. One hobby seemed like all I could squeeze in. Enter the Hornady Lock and Load.

A buddy of mine is a similar situation showed my just how fast and cheap you can load your own ammo. He also has the Hornady press. I was sold after watching him load a few rounds of .45acp.Cabela's just happened to have the LNL on sale, so I took the plunge.

The Hornady Lock N Load is a progressive press. There are single stage presses, turret presses, and progressive presses. Progressive presses tend to be the most expensive, but are by far the quickest way to load as they give you "stations" so to speak for your various types of dies. For example, my 9mm dies are RCBS carbide dies. There is a decapper/sizer die, a case flare die, and a bullet seater. On a single stage press, you would have to insert a die, resize/decap, the prime, the insert your case flare die, etc. The progressive press rotates to each station with a pull of the handle, which activates the ram. The Lock N Load has a priming station as well as a case activated powder drop. These two features are some of my favorite on the press. The primer station automatically inserts a fresh primer after one pull on the ram. The case activated powder measure let's you calibrate the amount of powder you want on each pull. I've found this to be very consistent on the amount of powder it drops on each case.

I've been very happy with Hornady's customer service. I've had a few parts break(my fault), and they replaced them free of charge. No questions asked. The press is very quick to reload pistol ammo. I have not yet reloaded rifle ammo, but I have a ton of .223 brass prepped and ready to load. I imagine the process will be just as smooth as the 9mm I've been loading.

Overall I'm very glad I took the reloading plunge, as I've already seen the savings. I also find if very relaxing and a great escape from everyday life. I would highly recommend the Hornady Lock N Load press to anyone looking for a progressive press that doesn't want to fork out the money for a Dillon.

Gear Review-Kaluban Cloak Holster for Walther PPQ w/Streamlight TLR-4

The Walther PPQ has quickly become one of the hottest pistols on the market today. The rave reviews found on Youtube and various gun forums have created a "cult" following of sorts for the pistol. While not as well known as say a Glock 19 or Smith and Wesson M&P, it outshines both pistols in many ways(see my review).

The only downfall of a relatively unknown pistol is the lack of aftermarket support for holsters and other accessories. I stumbled up this company, http://www.calsentllc.com/KalubanCloak.html while perusing google for holster makers for my PPQ. After reading a few reviews on some of my favorite gun forums I decided to take the plunge! A small caveat. I am cheap. I don't like spending a ton of money on gear, but I will spend the money when it comes to something like a good holster, especially one that is custom made. I wanted a weapon light on my PPQ. It's main duty is home defense. I grew fond of the Streamlight TLR-4(review to come).When I found that there was an option for the PPQ with the TLR-4 on their website, I was sold.

Most custom holtsers can take weeks and even months to receive. I've never been known as a patient man, especially when it comes to my gear. I want it and a I want it now! I had heard Kaluban Cloak had a quick turnaround, but I was simply floored when my holster arrived 5 days later. Yes, that's correct. 5 days for a custom holster!

The quality of this holster is amazing. Very well done. Rentention is great with or without the light attached. I wanted this holster for range duty and when I take pistol courses such as Front Sight. The Holster rides close to the body and I find it very comfortable. Would I wear it to conceal? Well first I find the PPQ too large for concealed carry. I prefer my Smith and Wesson Shield. However, the Kaluban Cloak keeps the hoslter close to the body allowing one to easily conceal if desired.

Overall I'm very satisfied with my purchase. It wasn't cheap($85), but well worth the money. You get what you pay for and this is no exception to the rule. They have holsters for pretty much any make and model and are fully customizable. Check them out on here http://www.calsentllc.com/KalubanCloak.html  H Overall I give the holster an enthusiastic 10/10!

Gun Review-Ruger SR22 Pistol

I recently picked up a Ruger SR22 pistol. I have owned a plethora of 22 pistols in my day. Everything from a Ruger Standard to a Smith and Wesson M&P22. My 7 year old son has started to become my regular range buddy. His first gun I got him was the Smith and Wesson M&P15-22(review to come). I decided I wanted to teach him the basics of pistol shooting as well. Unfortunately, the M&P22 was too large for his hands. I had heard good things about the new Ruger SR22 pistol, so I put the M&P up for sale locally. I ended up selling the M&P to someone at a local gun show, and picked up the SR22 the same day!

I really like this little pistol. It's much smaller than the M&P22 but is fits in my hand surprisingly well! Not to mention, my 7 year old can get a good grip on the gun! I figured this would be a better teaching tool than the larger sized 22's out there.

So far, we have over 500 rounds or more out of this little gun with no malfunctions. Shooting bulk ammo like Federal, CCI Blazer, Winchester, etc. One negative mark on alot of 22 pistols is that they are ammo picky. I can tell you right now that the SR22 is NOT!

The gun is very accurate. I really like the ergonomics of the gun. My only negative really is the magazine disconnect safety, and the thumb safety. Most guns I shoot have no external safeties. However, for teaching a new shooter how to shoot, I like that it has them.

Overall I would highly recommend the Ruger SR22 pistol to anyone who is looking to teach a new shooter the fundamentals of pistol shooting, as well as too anyone looking for a reliable plinker. The Ruger SR22 scores an 8/10 in my book. 

Gun Review-Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm

I recently picked up a M&P shield this weekend. Here are a few initial thoughts.

I've now got about 500 rounds through my Shield. All but 50 rounds have been my HP reloads.Not one malfunction. Here are a few thoughts.


Shooting
-Very soft recoil. Literally feels like shooting a full size 9. I shot the shield and my PPQ and I couldn't tell a difference. In comparision, the Kahr CM9 I own is alot more snappy.  The kel tec pf9 I owned was even snappier than the Kahr.
-Great trigger! It's about time. The M&P trigger needed work, and man this is a totally different trigger than the other M&P models I've owned. Much Improved. Has a very quick reset, almost as good as my PPQ, and that is saying alot!
-Accurate. 12 yds it was almost as accurate as my PPQ, which is known for being very accurate, and a full size gun!


Carrying


I've been carrying this gun since I bought it. It fits perfectly in the Remora holster I had for my CM9. It is apparent there is more weight than the CM9, but it still basically disappears in your waistband. I am average size too(5'9,185). Very nice to carry. Much more comfortable than a double stack 9 like the G26 and M&P9c(carried both).
-I actually think you can pocket this thing! I didn't think it possible, until I did it in Walmart wearing a pair of dockers! I normally carry IWB these days but when I have to tuck in a shirt I like to be able to pocket carry. 

The pocket holster I was using(uncle mike's size 3) worked, but it's too small. I picked up a Desantis Nemesis holster for a Walther PPS at Cabela's. Fit's the Shield perfectly. Much better than the Uncle Mike's Holster.


Overall I'm really glad I bought it. Sold my CM9 to my uncle today so I broke even! If your in the market for a sub-compact or pocket 9, you have to look at the Shield. I've owned 3 "pocket" 9's. The PF9, CM9, and now the Shield. I've also owned sub-compacts(g26, M&P9c). The Shield shoots like a double stack or even full size 9, but carries like the pf9 and cm9. IMO it's the best of both worlds! S&W really hit a home run with this one!

Gun Review-Walther PPQ 9mm

 I wrestled over it and decided to pick up the PPQ. Too many rave reviews to pass up! It really is the best feeling pistol in my hand that I've ever held. The trigger is just awesome from my dry fire experience. I am taking to the range today hopefully so a range report with follow.
[b]Ok Mini Range Report Time![/b]

Just took the PPQ to an indoor range close to my work. Put 130 rounds through it.

Not one malfunction of any kind.

This trigger is unreal for a striker fired pistol. Close to the 1911's I've shot. Much better than my Glock 19, M&P's,etc. It has a VERY short reset, making follow up shots easy and accurate. Double taps are cake!

The magazine release, which is on the trigger guard, not your typical push button, is actually very useful. I can drop a mag without releasing my grip using my trigger finger. Very nice

Sights are your typical 3 dot. The rear sight is kind of wide but I like that, helps me focus on the front site.

Accuracy-this gun is VERY accurate. For never having shot it before, I did very well. It's certainly more accurate than me. I consider myself to be a mediocre pistol shot.(Target to come after work)

It's got a very natural point of aim. Grip angle similar to the 1911 and my M&P's. I think I had the medium backstrap on and it seemed to be perfect.

Honestly I can' think of one negative thing to say about this gun, it's that good.
Ok one negative, it eats ammo to fast!! Good thing I started reloading! :)
Test target from the factory.15 meters

My first 15 rounds-7 yds

One of my better targets, minus the flyer!

[img width=640 height=425]http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd301/wrxty/Guns/003-16.jpg[/img]



As of this post I have shot another 200 rounds or so with zero failures. The pistol is just get's more accurate with every range outing! If your in the market for a new 9mm, I HIGHLY recommend this gun. I give it a 9/10!

New Name and Web Address

Updated the blog with a new name and web address. I'm going to link my youtube channel to the blog and post gun and gear reviews here that I would also post on the forums I frequent. I know I like to do alot of research before I buy guns and gear so I hope to help educate those looking for something similar. I will be updating the blog over the next few days with previous reviews I may have done.

New AK's! Ak74 and Draco Pistol projects

It's been forever since I've used this blog. Sometimes life gets crazy. I've bought, sold, traded alot of guns over the past few months. My latest aquisitions where a Romanian Draganov/PSL, Romanian SAR2(AK74) and a Draco pistol. I finished the PSL by adding a cheekrest and bipod along with the proper optics-POSP 8x scope from kalinkaoptics.com. She's a blast to shoot and sticking to my true form cheap to shoot at about .20 cents a round! For that kind of power, it's the best value out there.



I recently picked up the SAR of KSL with a bunch of ammo.
 It's a blast to shoot and really quite accurate even with irons. This led me to want to test the true potential of this gun by adding a better optic. Ak's are limited in their options unless you want a side mount rail like the PSL. A company called texas weapons systems has a new product that replaces the dust cover with a 1913 picatinny rail so you can actually mount modern optics and have a good cheek weld. https://www.onesourcetactical.com/cart.aspx. Plans here are to move the 3-9x scope from my Sig 522(also newer) to the AK once I purchase the rail. I may change the furnitue but I really dig the wood on AK's so maybe not.

The Draco is a much larger project. It was purchased with the intent of making it an SBR(short barreled rifle). Pay the $200 tax stamp to the ATF and your good to go! The Draco pistol is a very popular choice for an SBR AK. They are inexpensive($350), take any AK47 mag, and have known to be just as reliable. I had a chance to shoot one at my recent desert shootout with High Energy Arms. It was a blast and made me REALLY want to buy one. Well it will be here Wednesday. I'm going to have High Energy Arms due the work of adding and ACE sidefolder stock.http://riflestocks.com/store/product2.html and adapter http://riflestocks.com/store/product63.html. It takes drilling and tapping the existing trunion which I'm sure they can handle with ease. I'm also going to add the MI/US Palm handguards with the Primary Arms Micro Dot. I have on my Hungarian AK and love it. http://primaryarms.com/product.sc?productId=1461&categoryId=675. This will be a pricey project but IMO will be the ultimate AK. Due to cost the Hungarian Underfolder may be on the selling block soon. I may decide to keep the pistol as is and still upgrade the handguards and optics. I have a sling adapter and sling on the way for the DRACO. If it shoots good in that configuration I may leave it alone. Only time will tell. Until next time.