Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Semi autos for outdoors defense

I much prefer threads that Evolve vs. DEvolve. Thanks for good information.

I haven’t played in real cold temperatures for a while but I’d like to comment on revolver reliability. I learned the hard way when I hip carried a S&W out riding ATVs - I hit just a bit of dust/dirt in it and it froze up. I had to disassemble and clean it. Not a lot of fun. For that reason, I bought a Ruger Redhawk when I was in AK. Far fewer moving (delicate) pieces gave me better reliability.

And as far as lube goes, I would turn to very thin synthetic. Another AK lesson learned.

Bob

Two weeks into a three week canoe trip 25 years ago (Noatak River) my buddy and I both had grit lock up our Blackhawks. Easier to fix than removing a side plate, but still vexing. Since, I've continued to carry Blackhawks (and a few Smiths) for fun, but if at all serious it's either a plastic bottom feeder or a Ruger DA. If I should wash up on a gravel bar with every orifice packed I can toollessly break down either and flush. Currently alternate between an HK45 and a 4" Service Six, both with Lost River ammo.

I've had my XD-40 for about 20 years. That thing has been on my hip for miles and miles of hiking and hunting in Arizona. I have put down several wounded deer, killed coyotes, rabbits, even a bobcat with it. It gets carried far more than it gets shot, but never fails to answer the call when I do squeeze the trigger.

I have shot at a match or two that Miculek was at, and trust me, we are not in the same league. I am not sure he is even human. A lot of guys can shoot as fast (and much faster) than I can. Jerry Miculek can run a double action revolver trigger at speeds that should not be possible. Plus he can run a semi auto like nobody's business too.

I don't even rate anywhere close. My DA revolver six shot speeds are substantially slower as compared to my semi auto speeds. While I have no issue using one for defense, it takes a LOT more concentration/focus to do so, and it is simply easier to get fast and accurate hits (for me) with a 1911 or a Glock.

But between the 1911 and the Glock, I find the Glock to be a better outdoors tool for austere environments where the elements may play a factor. Plus they are lighter, require less maintenance and carry a lot more ammo. I still carry a 1911 frequently in the woods, and especially when it may be a trip that is combined with going into town (such as to dinner) as the 1911 conceals better for me than a big Glock 21 .45.

It simply depends on what I am doing. Tools in a toolbox.

For those 10mm fans,

I just finished up a run of 200 grain Poly Coat flat point. These are a bit faster than the traditional hardcast load previously offered. These (the Poly Coat) run 1180 FPS from a Glock 20, versus 1150 for the hard cast. That is where the reliability and accuracy sweet spot was in testing.





They are listed in the classifieds. Not on the website yet.

Thank you for sharing this company.
They are better priced than Buffalo Bore, Underwood, etc.

Just a shout out to Mackay and a big thumbs up to his ammo. Was out this afternoon to sight in a rifle for an acquaintance and took a couple pistols along. Was short on time so pretty limited number of rounds, but my Tanfoglio really liked the 200 gr 10mm loads. A brand new P320 45 compact also did very well with his +P 250 gr 45 ammo.

8 rounds benched at 25 yds with 1st round going a little high:

Looks well within minute of bear to me. Good shooting.

very nice shooting with good ammo!

I love semiautomatic pistols, but the ones I have are very high end and are made to tight tolerances for accuracy. That’s why I don’t carry them in the field. They’re all too tight and likely to pick up dirt or debris and not function. Most revolvers can function with some level of dirt and grime.

There is a reason the 1911 is made very loose. That’s why I couldn’t carry any of mine in the field. They are “too” accurate if that is possible.

No Less Bauer 1911s are not loose and they run and are exceptionally accurate.

Revolvers are not less prone to function in a dirty environment, infact they will not run with semi autos in those conditions

Great shooting and thanks for sharing!

For my finger length, I like the size and power of the Glock 22/23 for an outdoors gun. I could see a 20/21 being a great rough-country gun for those who they fit well.

If the 22/23 is your "Goldilocks" then a hot poly coated 170 SWC at 1200 FPS is just the ticket!




This one is a tackdriver too!

Sage: Why did you not load your 10mm with a larger meplat?

I am inclined to agree with this. Less openings / and exposed areas on movement to collect debris, fine powdery dirt/sand, freezing water / snow / ice.

I am definitely a revolver and exposed hammer semi auto guy, but begrudgingly I agree. The packed off fine powdery dust/dirt has personally giving me some noticeable sluggish operation on a couple of S&W wheel guns.

A few hours with a very dusty trail on a 4-wheeler and or Argo created the issues for me. I have never carried a Glock type in the same conditions, but suspect it would fair a bit better.

The revolvers, I also try keep a conscious and regular check on leaf and spruce needle / bark collection when pushing through those areas.

That should definitely work. Your ammo is getting great accuracy, especially for a .40! Is that with a factory Glock barrel?

Yep,

That is a stock Glock 22, Gen 3.

That load absolutely drives tacks. Love it. And with it being a poly coat, the velocity is right there on the edge of 10mm. Actually it beat some jacketed 10mm loads when I did some chrono testing.

This is definitely a powerhouse load and a great one for outdoors/all around use, if you don't want to step up to the .45/10mm frame size.

Various projectiles were tested. The one chosen was by far the best choice.

Reliability across multiple platforms is of far greater importance than meplat. If I was only loading for my own personal gun, then I might choose something different, but for a load that is going to be potentially used in 1911s, FN-10, Glocks, XDs, S&W M&Ps, CZs, etc, then other factors come into play.

Commercial loading is not the same as loading for personal use.

Reliability, accuracy and velocity. I want the ammo to work in a wide variety of handguns. One may find a single specific projectile type that works better, or perhaps drive it slower or faster to suit their gun or needs, but for a wide variety the load chosen was developed carefully.

I'm really liking the current poly coatings. I had some .475 bullets from a few years ago when it was first being used and it wouldn't stay on, sort of like paint. The new stuff stays on and seems like a game changer for cast bullets.

Feeding reliability. Thanks for the explanation.