Firing Line: 05/07

After thinking it over, I really do think that that the old grading system was much better. Though I enjoy reading each issue cover-to-cover, the old system was much more “to the point” and simpler to understand than the current letter-based grades. I plan on sticking around either way, but do give some thought to going back to the other set of grades “Our Pick, Best Buy, Conditional Buy,” et cetera.

Although the letter grade is an excellent and familiar system for determining the quality and accuracy of the firearm tested, I still want to know, “Would you buy it?”

I rely on you “gun guys” to level with me on performance and give me your honest assessment so I can spend my hard-earned rubles wisely. I also want to know what you would put in your gun safe.

Re: Pricey .22 Plinkers: We Favor Brownings

Buck Mark Sporter,” February 2007

Let me start by saying that I really enjoy Gun Tests, even when I dont agree with some points. I remember when Browning introduced the Buck Mark that you put the Walther G22 up against. I was intrigued with it too, but the price everywhere I found one was prohibitive.

Last winter, I purchased a Walther G22. Id had my eye on them since they were introduced. I managed to get one that came with a “factory” hard carrying case and a “factory” 3×9-40 scope already attached. I had to order the sling swivels from Walther America. I have had a lot of fun with this gun plinking, ground hog, and squirrel hunting this past year.

Late last spring or early summer, Gun Tests started teasing my interest with the mention of an upcoming review of the G22. Once the review came in, I was a bit let down after reading the comparison, and I think the G22 (shown nearby) didnt get its fair due.

Heres one fact overlooked by the testers, with no mention in the article, and it ties into Mr. Morschs lament on the lack of lefty guns in the April 2007 Firing Line. The G22 can be configured for the left-handed shooter. If everyone will pull out their G22 owners manual and turn to page 6, at the top, it clearly states that the gun can be configured for left-hand use.

Also, on page 13, it states, “Conversion from right-hand to left-hand operation: The rifle may be adapted from right-hand to left-hand operation. Only an authorized gunsmith should carry out this adaptation. So, Mr. Morsch, that is why the G22 has the ambidextrous safety. Everything is already there to turn it into a “lefty.”

The G22 is a unique little rifle, and Im happy with mine. Thanks for a great magazine that provides a excellent forum. By the way, my subscription renewal is in the mail tonight.

Re: “Firing Line,” April 2007

Im jumping in with a couple of comments on Taurus .45 ACPs. I have two friends who have purchased the PT-1911 and are thoroughly pleased with them. Neither had any of the shortcomings that your team experienced. Apparently, you must have picked up one which slipped by Taurus QA people.

On to the PT-145 SS Millennium Pro. I picked up one of these on Gun Tests evaluation (January 2007), and could not be more pleased.

This gun shoots straight and has super-controllable recoil. It appears that they have really engineered the spring system to dampen the recoil. I have medium-size hands, and the grip fits me with the same feel as my Kimbers. One word of caution when slamming a magazine home, watch where the palm of the strong hand is. The base of the magazine can leave a pinch line on your palms that will last a week

Finally, the next time you are looking at concealment holsters, take a look at the ClipDraw (www.clipdraw.com). I put one on my PT-145 and find it about the best inside-the-pants holster. No bulk, super light weight, and removable for “real” holster use. Keep up the great magazine!

Re “Inexpensive .30-06 Bolt-Action Rifles:

Stevens or Mossberg?”, October 2006

After reading your article on the Stevens Model 200 .30-06, I decided to purchase one. Your article said that it came with scope mounts. My rifle did not come with the mounts. When I called Savage Arms, customer service said that this model does not come with mounts. You may want to correct this.

Re “12-Gauge Semi-Auto Shotguns:

Dont Buy the Franchi I-12,” October 2006

I would like to request to be placed on the inventory e-mail list. Keep up the excellent reviews.

I recently purchased a Stoeger M2000 based on your reviews. I have yet to take it to the range, but have taken it apart. The one nice innovation on the Stoeger that was not mentioned in your articles was the placement of the bolt carrier spring. The spring is forward and around the magazine tube instead of inside the stock, where it often corrodes unseen. With this forward location, it becomes part of the basic breakdown and is much easier to keep clean.

Re “Four .22s for Fun and Practice:

We Praise One Walther P22,” February 2006

Regarding my Walther WAP22005: The false brake rotates due to heating and cooling of the barrel, the front of the slide cracked off, and it dumped the slide during firing. The press-in front sight loosens. It is extremely difficult to re-assemble due to the problem of aligning the recoil spring. I give it a definite “Dont Buy.”

Bruce McKay
Hayden, Idaho

Re FNH 5.7 X 28 Test?

Do you plan test on the FNH 5.7 X 28 sometime soon? I am thinking of getting one.

Check gun-tests.com and look for the “Range Bag” segment in March 2005, page 27. We gave the gun generally good marks. -Roger Eckstine

Re “The Grand Old P38: How Good Is It?

What About the P1?”, July 2005

I attended a local gun show last month and came across a dealer with a supply of surplus Walther P1s and P38s. I immediately recalled the tests you did in the July 2005 issue and began inspecting the pistols. They were all in great shape, having been manufactured around 1972.

The dealer claimed they were all NIB and had never been fired. Not remembering all the specifics in your test, I decided to return home and reread the test article, which further convinced me that I needed to own at least one of these pistols. The next day I returned to the show and purchased a P1 based on your test assessment. The cost of the pistol was $299 plus tax.

This was probably the best bargain Ive ever gotten at a show. The pistol has all matching serial numbers, was packed in the original box and packaging. Included a manual, two new magazines, a new (never used) black holster that has a compartment for carrying an extra magazine and a never used cleaning kit.

You guys do a great job. Thanks for turning me on to a gun I may have never thought of buying on my own. I expect many hours of fun shooting the P1.

Phil Serra
Glenshaw, Pennsylvania

Re “A Trio of Pocket .380 ACPs:

Steer Clear of NAAs Guardian,” April 2006

You did a test on the Walther PPK .380 auto, and on page 15 of that issue, your last comment on the PPK was, “Well let you know what S&W has to say about it.” This was in reference to the malfunctions you had with the test gun.

Have you ever had any further contact with S&W about the problems with this gun? Reason for asking is that I purchased one new and it jammed every single time out of the box. S&W was very good about taking it back, and it now doesnt jam, but the ejector does not function correctly and all my efforts to contact S&W further have resulted in talking to answering machines and not getting any call back.

I love the little gun, but have relegated it to collector-only status as it is unsafe for a carry gun with the malfunctioning ejector. And I have not been able to find anyone who is trained/experienced in working on PPKs.

Lake Crystal, Minnesota

Our malfunctions were in the DA mode only. S&W promptly fixed the problem by installing a stronger hammer spring. On further testing, the gun has worked perfectly in DA mode since the factory worked on it. Our PPK is a winner. – Ray Ordorica.