I like them all from (shudder) hipoints to high end customs it is to bad I have a mid range budget. LOL

I took some much needed time off this week (which meant I only had to field 20+ texts & calls and several job site visits ... ). I spent my mornings at the range.

All told I fired about 900 rounds of centerfire ammo. The guns I used:

BCM MidLength
Colt 6720
Colt Defender
Daniel Defense DDM4V5LW
FN Scar-16S
HK P30L
HK P2000SK
Les Baer UTC
Ruger Gunsite

I basically shot my entire gun collection. No real revelations. For example: the Les Baer shoots better than the Colt (no surprise). The Scar's recoil impulse is different than an AR (no surprise). The HK handguns operate differently than a 1911 (again, no surprise).

Interesting Data Points:

1) I like shooting the Colt and DD more than the BCM. For whatever reason, I simply could not shoot the BCM as well as the other two guns. The DD was the most accurate (has free float handguard).

2) I absolutely love shooting my Les Baer. No other handgun fits my hand better than a 1911, and for some reason LB feels better than anyone else's. My LB is capable of much better accuracy than I am.

3) The Colt Defender's recoil isn't really that bag. You'd expect more from a 3" barrel and aluminum frame.

4) A Scar's recoil is basically non-existent.

5) I prefer really lightweight / Simple ARs. I think the reason I wasn't shooting the BCM as well is I had too much "stuff" on it. First range trip it was outfitted with a MagPul ACS stock (weighs roughly 923 pounds). Second trip I switched to a CTR. This helped, but the Centurion Mid Length "Cut Out" (extends past the front sight) rail is a real pig. The BCM is the only AR I have with a "standard weight" barrel. The Colt and DD both are "lightweight". These items contributed to the overall "feel" destinctions. I liked the simple / lightweight of my 6720 with an Aimpoint T-1. Everything it needs / nothing it doesn't.

6) I had forgotten how much fun it is to shoot a bolt action centerfire. I fired 50 rounds of surplus 1985 Radway Green on Wednesday morning. I bought my Scout (stainless with 18" barrel and laminate stock) used to see if I would really like it. I liked shooting it so much I ordered a new one the moment I walked into my house. I only have $625 in the used gun (total round count stands at 200) so I should be fine. I plan on taking the used gun to the next gun show and trying to get $600-625 out of it. The new gun was $839 + shipping.

I had a chance to take my new FN 509 to the range for function firing. Fired 100 rounds each of the Blazer aluminum cased 115 and 124 grain FMJ. No malfunctions or problems to report. After about 500 rounds, I will start some tests to find a round that works best as far as accuracy and functionality goes.

Got my new Ruger American 7.63x39 out today and am awfully pleased...this is after about 50 rounds at 100 yards. Tula 124sp!



It didn't like the heavier 154 sp as much today, but who knows as it's just breaking in. But I'll take this group all day any day!

Put an inexpensive Vortex 2x7 on it. I view this as a fun/plinker with cheap ammo that can double as a 100 yard deer gun. It looks to be full of win.

Having trouble with the target pic for some reason???

Forgot to add anyway...super soft shooter. Much softer than my old CZ 527.

Ray,
Keep us informed about the 509. FN's poly guns have become very popular, but I have no personal experience with them.

That's great shooting Rich. I wouldn't expect any x39 to print groups like that!

Be sure to keep posting your results with that rifle. I'm seriously impressed.

Just heard back from Weatherby. They said I should be good to go with the Light Load Piston in my shotgun using 00 buck and slugs. They DID say that if I use a steady diet of 1500 plus FPS ammo that I should consider changing up to the heavy load piston. I don't plan on doing that so I should be all set. I just want to get another one or two piston O rings as spares though.

I left the range smiling today Gary! It's a cool, small, light rifle and l like that it will take higher capacity magazines...even if they are Ruger made and a bit expensive. Guy at the store where I got it has had one for a couple months and said his groups improved after about 400 rounds.

Trigger is unimpressive out of the box and action isn't overly smooth are my only complaints.

I think we are living in a fine time with inexpensive rifles like this that are great shooters. My Savage.308 is even less expensive and shoots 1.5-2" groups with whatever ammo I have.