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16,414 rounds |
0 stoppages | 0 malfunctions | 0 parts breakages |
Just over 200 rounds this week, but an interesting 200. They were all fired during Saturday’s Judgment Day class, which was all about shooting standards.
One thing I definitely learned: the green paint on the front sight isn’t working for me. Especially at range with cardboard targets against a dirt backstop, the sight just washed out and it was all but impossible to find the top edge. For example, on the Hackathorn Standards I scored a 262… far worse than previous runs. I had a 290 going into the last two strings, which have very generous times and usually result in no points down for me. Instead, I dropped a ridiculous 28 points between the two.
The same problem plagued me on Triple Six, where I spent an unacceptable 5.26 seconds at the 25yd line and still dropped three points, for a final score of 12.68.
At closer ranges things weren’t as bad. We ran Catch-22 where I turned in a 33.78. I was close to turning in a 30-second run until the very last WHO draw, when I was thinking too much about turning in a 30-second run and not thinking enough about the last WHO draw!
Finally, here’s video of a 7.31 El Presidente. Click the image to see it on YouTube.
While I’m happy with the run overall, you can see in the video that I pause on the first shot and on the shot after the reload. My press out suffered because it was hard to get on the sight precisely.
So, goes without saying… the green paint is off and the orange is back. I’ll try to run the Hackathorn again next month.
Next week, the update will be coming from Abbotsford, British Columbia where I’ll be teaching two classes. Thanks to its long barrel length and 10rd magazines, the HK45 is completely legal in Canada… they call it the HK11.43, though. Joking…
Train hard & stay safe! ToddG
Previous HK45 Endurance Test posts at pistol-training.com:
- Week Eight
- Week Seven
- Week Six
- Week Five
- Week Four
- Week Three
- Week Two
- Week One
- Announcement
Wow, you mean you actually *tried* the green sight out in various drills on a timer before declaring it “the best” sight “system” that you “run” on your “rig”?
Weirdo!
Thanks for your thoughts on the green front sight. I was thinking about trying yellow paint on my front.
I remembered a story on Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fluery ditching his yellow pads because an optometrist said yellow is one of the easiest colors for the eye to pick up.
In your experience, what is the best way to travel with your pistols?
As someone that travels for business, I would love to be able to take my pistols and join the local IDPA/IPSC competitions, local laws withstanding, of course. But I’m not sure the best/safest means of firearms transport.
GS — Depends completely on whether you’re flying, driving, etc. If flying, check the airline’s website for specifics. If driving and you don’t have a permit to carry through every state, keep the gun(s) locked in a container separate from the ammunition, all in the trunk of your vehicle; and, check with state and local laws to be sure you don’t run afoul of the local authorities.
Thanks, Todd!
Have you had any trouble with baggage/baggage personal when flying with firearms? Is there any merit to concerns of baggage handlers stealing firearms?
I’ve had plenty of problems, but none involved stuff getting stolen. Security around firearms in baggage is very tight and while I’m sure it happens, it’s not common in my experience.
While the green painted sites may not have worked well, you may have been close. The chartreuse color safety garments mandated by OSHA and worn by countless cyclists, road workers, firemen, and decorating more recent emergency vehicles was selected because that color was highly visible and readily discerned against a variety of backgrounds. I would try that fluorescent yellow green color rather than red. Marc-Andre Fleury may have had right all along.
The issue with any fluorescent color is that it needs a white background for the light to penetrate through and reflect back from. (or at least that is what the guy in the craft store told me who sold me the paint). I paint the front site white, let it dry for an hour and then paint it fluorescent yellow – same color as construction high vis vest, school zone signs, etc. It has chipped off once already – so I may have to find a clear coat to cover the entire site minus the tritium so it lasts longer.
ST-I’m not sure what it’s called, but would the clear coat for nail polish work?
ST-
I took a class with Claude a few months back and that’s basically exactly what he does with his sights. He paints them with a white appliance paint, then paints the flourescent color over that, and then a clear coat over both.
That’s a lot of work. I just buy the Ameriglo front that’s already done. That’s only a Glock option though. I don’t think they make that front sight for other guns and I know they don’t make that many heights for the Glock. So, sort of limited, but a good lazy man’s solution.
Awesome video. Fast shooting and smooth reload!
bring it on dude! 4 days to go.
I’ve spent this week on an MP5 course putting between 2000 and 2500 rounds down range, and can’t wait for next week in Abbotsford!!!
Gonna bring my Gen4 G17 and a spare Gen3 G17 for backup.
I’m debating whether to bring one of my test guns as well…..
Bring the MP% damnit!!! I’m sure Todd could work that into the course somehow.
This is going to be an awesome 4 days.
Nice shooting Todd! What’s up with being quick to holster with no scan:)