Shooters Magazine

Obviously the answers to the questions above, but also to other themes of interest for the shooting sports fans involve the approach of multiple multidisciplinary and high complexity issues. We make no claim to have solutions. Not even recommendations. But we will organize some tests (comparative sometimes), based on objective criteria which will be a starting point for future discussions and analyses. We do not claim that we will reinvent the wheel. This is the reason why for the establishment of the testing criteria and the way the testing will develop, we were inspired by the experience of specialized magazines in the USA and Germany. However we have adapted these criteria and procedures to the local particularities. You can see the result bellow. We will obviously enjoy any feedback.

Testing procedure for high caliber pistols

1. What we analyze

The semi-automatic pistols with calibers ranging between 7.65 mm and .45 ACP (a) from the series production or (b) belonging to some pistols series tuned by the manufacturers themselves or by a tuner, on condition there is at least a number of 200 such tuned pistols.

It is widely known that there are major differences between two pistols of different calibers, even between two pistols of the same caliber, starting from

(i) barrel length,

(ii) the trigger type (here are just a few examples: single action (SA), SA and double action (SA/DA), double action only (DAO), safe-action (SAA) and any combination between these previously mentioned or any other types of triggers),

(iii) magazine capacity,

(iv) the material the body and other components of the pistol are made of ,

(v) the main purpose for which the pistol was made: service pistol, self-defense pistol, sports pistol or mixed purposes pistol,

(vi) other different criteria.

This is why we will do our best to test only the pistols comparable as far as the above mentioned aspects are concerned.

2. Which are the testing criteria

We basically have two testing criteria: the gun’s precision (using different types of ammunition) and its functionality.

Each pistol can obtain a maximum score of 100 points: 50 for precision and 50 for functionality.

2.1 Precision

Precision is a very important element for any fire arm. This is why we must standardize the testing procedure.

Basically, the testing involves the firing of 10 shots for each type of ammunition tested at a 25 meters range.

Our experience shows us that the 25 meters firing range has a limited relevance for certain types of pistols, especially for the ones with the barrel length (measured on its upper side) of up to 4 zoll/ inch (101.6 mm). Generally, these pistols (compact and sub-compact format) have been designed to be used at smaller distances. This is why we will test these pistols at a 15 meters firing range.

The firing will be performed as a rule using a special device of the Ransom Rest type.

Our experience shows us that since the pistols have a polymer body, they are not fit for being tested with the Ransom Rest – the results obtained having limited relevance and involving a quite large margin of error. This is why we will test the pistols with a polymer body from a sand bag which will provide maximum stability to the pistol.

It is clear that testing the precision from a little bag involves a higher margin of human error (of the shooter) than the one in the Ransom Rest. In order to minimize this margin, the test will be performed by two shooters.

Obviously, the precision of the weapon involves a third factor as well: ammunition. It is well known that a pistol can have radically different results from the point of view of precision using different ammunitions. This is why we will test each pistol with at least four types of ammunition, from the ones widely sold in the specialized shops.

The precision test supposes the measurement of the grouping of the ten fires shot. The grouping represents the distance between the farthest two holes apart made in the target by the ten fires, measured from the middle of each of these holes.

For the pistols up to 9 mm caliber included, a grouping of up to 30 mm brings a maximum score of 50 points. For each extra 3 mm, we will take out a point.

For the pistols up to the .40 (10 mm) caliber included, the maximum score of 50 points will be given for a maximum 35 mm grouping. For each extra 3 mm, we will take out a point.

The pistols up to the .45 caliber included will get the maximum score for a grouping of maximum 40 mm. For each extra 4 mm, we will take out a point.

In order to measure the grouping, we will consider the best grouping obtained out of 10 shots with any of the tested ammunitions.

We will publish the grouping obtained by the tested pistol with each type of ammunition.

Because it could be interesting from the practical perspective, we will also measure the muzzle speed of the cartridge (the average of five fires shot) for each type of tested ammunition.

2.2 Functionality

2.2.1 Trigger

2.2.1.1 Resistance

The SA or SA/DA triggers in SA mode get 10 points if they release between 1000 and 1500 g. If they exceed 1500 g we will take out a point for each 200 g added. If they release at less than 1000 g we will take out a point for each 100 g started.

The DAO or SAA triggers (or any other type of trigger with the same functionality: for instance SA/DA in the DA mode) receive a maximum score of 7 points, on condition they release at maximum 3500 g. For each extra 200 g started, we will take out a point.

For the pistols which can be included in both categories (for example SA/DA) the manufacturer, the importer or the distributor of the tested pistol will have the right to choose the firearm category in which it can be included.

2.2.1.2 Characteristic

The trigger can get up to 5 points on condition it does not clench, scratch or have intermediary thresholds.

2.2.2 Operations, control and aiming devices

2.2.2.1 Operations

For the ease with which the slide-release, the safety, the magazine release button and respectively the sabot can be operated, the pistol can get up to 10 points. The ease of operation is a complex made up of:

(a) placing the first three elements mentioned both on the right side and on the left side of the trigger (3 points)

(b) the ease with which these elements can be reached with the trigger hand (2 points) and

(c) the resistance met by these elements in operation (5 points).

2.2.2.2 Control

For the control the trigger releasing hand can perform on the butt, the pistol can get up to 5 points according to the butt adherence and its dimensions.

2.2.2.3 Aiming devices

For the ease with which the aiming devices allow the image forming, the pistol can get up to 5 points.

2.2.3 Functioning and finish

2.2.3.1 Functioning

The pistol can get up to 10 points unless it causes incidents during testing.

2.2.3.2 Finish

The pistol can get up to 5 points if it does not display finishing flaws: sharp or unrounded edges (which can injure the shooter), cutting tracks, too large distances between the elements, loose elements etc.

The criteria from point 2.2 are very important because we believe that the functionality of a pistol is as important as its precision.

It is however true that some of these criteria imply a higher or lower degree of subjectivity. In order to balance this aspect, the shooters who will perform the test will be experienced in handling and using firearms. Also, the manufacturer, the importer or the distributor of the tested pistol will have the right to name one of the shooters and to make certain choices as far as the categories mentioned above are concerned, as we previously specified.

Notes

As we said before, the purpose of the tests is to generate a discussion, ideas exchange and even debates platform.

There will not be winners or losers: we test the firearms in ideal conditions, those of a target range. We will not be able to appreciate the influence that certain factors might have such as excessive humidity, dust and other conditions in which the firearm could be used in real life conditions over the precision and the functionality of the firearm.

Also, the ammunitions tested are the ones available in the specialized shops on the date of test performance. Certainly the results with other types of ammunitions can be different.