TALON FIELD TEST: THE H&K 9MM P30 SK SUB COMPACT & THE H&K VP9 SK SUB COMPACT

talon April 5, 2021 Uncategorized No Comments

Allow me to begin this article by stating that to date, I have NEVER experienced a stoppage or a malfunction of ANY KIND with any of the 17 different variants of Heckler and Koch Pistols in 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W and .45 ACP caliber that I have field tested, trained with and carried. This includes various HK pistols with a DA/SA, Light LEM and a Striker Fired trigger system. I have also never experienced a stoppage, or a malfunction of any kind, with any of the 9mm HK MP 5 submachine gun variants that I have tested and trained with.

In this T&E Review for the Talon Gun Grips On Line Blog and Newsletter we will be discussing my findings, after field testing the 9mm HK P30 SK (Sub Compact) Pistol with a Light LEM Trigger and the Striker Fired HK VP9 SK (Sub Compact). Both of these pistols were evaluated before and after Talon Rubber Grips were installed on these firearms. This evaluation was conducted in this fashion to determine if the installation of Talon Rubber Grips improved ergonomics and if it did, to what extent were ergonomics improved.

THE HK LIGHT LEM TRIGGER & THE HK STRIKER FIRED TRIGGER

For those of you who are unfamiliar with HK trigger options, the Light LEM or Law Enforcement Module has a super smooth and very light Double Action style of trigger travel, that transitions to a striker fired style trigger just before the pistol is discharged. Another way to put this, is to say, the HK Light LEM Trigger produces a very user friendly cadence that enables the operator to set up the shot, while the trigger is being cycled to the rear. At the end of this short, smooth and very consistent Double Action style trigger pull, the operator will engage a striker fired style trigger to fire the pistol.

The trick to shooting any HK pistol with a Light LEM trigger is to hold your sights on the target, as you transition from the DA style trigger to the more striker fired style part of this system. Simply put, the HK Light LEM combines the finer points of a light weight Double Action trigger with the shorter travel style crispness of a well made Striker Fired trigger system.While the 9mm HK P30 SK model that was included in this review was fitted with a Light LEM Trigger, the VP9 SK Sub Compact was fitted with a striker fired trigger. Because I already own a 9mm HK P30 with a Light LEM Trigger, I opted to purchase the 9mm P30 SK Sub Compact with a Light LEM Trigger, so both my P30 variants would have compatible trigger systems. That said, after testing the HK VP9 SK with the striker fired trigger, I tried in vain to get my buddy Rick Batory to sell me his pistol. In fact, I rate the HK Light LEM Trigger and the HK Striker Fired Trigger to be two of the absolute best triggers in the firearms industry. Part of the reason for this is because both the P30 and the VP9 series have excellent ergonomics. Just like the full size HK P30 and the VP9, the SK or Sub Compact Models include different size backstraps, as well as add on side panels that are designed to provide subtle changes in ergonomics. It’s the combination of excellent ergonomics, a superb trigger system and an outstanding set of night sights that makes a pistol perform to the highest standards possible.

NIGHTS SIGHTS

When the 9mm HK P30 SK Law Enforcement Model was unavailable, HK sent me a standard HK P30 SK that did not come with night sights. I rectified this situation by ordering a set of three dot Trijicon Bright and Tough Model Night Sights (HK10) that has the Front Sight fitted with a white outline and green Tritium insert and a Rear Sight fitted with a white outline and green Tritium insert. I selected this particular set because whenever I install Trijicon night sights on any of my pistols, I use the type that has a white outline with a green Tritium insert. Operating in this fashion enables me to have the same sight picture when I engage targets. Unfortunately, due to the unprecedented demand on all firearms related products, I wasn’t able to take delivery of a set of my favorite Trijicon Night Sights for my P30 SK before finishing this article. That said, once these night sights arrive, my 9mm P30 SK will be equipped with a set of Trijicon HK10s. (The HK VP9 SK that is featured in this T&E review was equipped with a set of Meprolight Tru-Dot Night Sights.)

DO TALON GUN GRIPS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

As someone who has written a number of articles for the Talon Gun Grips Blog and Newsletter, it is no secret that I am a huge fan of Talon Rubber Grips. The reason this is the case, is because I have noticed a marked improvement in ergonomics, when I field test a pistol that is fitted with a set of (add on) Talon rubber grips, as opposed to shooting a pistol with a standard factory grip. This became evident when I fired my 9mm P30 and my 9mm P30 SK before and after a set of Talon Rubber Grips were installed on these pistols. This is quite a compliment to Talon, because the HK P30, the P30 SK, the HK VP9 and the VP9 SK come from the factory with excellent ergonomics.

Installing a set of Talon Rubber Grips improves on perfection and provides a more secure gripping surface that also softens the recoil impulse that is generated into the shooter’s hand. I wasn’t the only person who noticed this. According to Retired School District Patrol Sergeant Rick Batory, he noticed this as well, especially when conducting rapid fire drills with his VP9 SK Sub Compact. I confirmed this to be true after I tested Rick’s VP9 SK that was equipped with a set of Talon Rubber Grips and when I tested a 9mm P30 SK model, while using a standard factory grip and after a set of Talon Rubber Grips were installed on this pistol.

ACCURACY

The 9mm P30 SK and the VP9 SK are clearly capable of delivering precision shot placement as long as the shooter holds up their end. Two of the best ways to determine the accuracy of a particular firearm is to engage paper targets at different distances from a standing unsupported position and engaging one or more metal plates at a faster pace. During testing, both of these pistols proved to be very easy to shoot accurately while using 124 and 147 grain 9mm Federal, Speer and Aguila FMJ ammunition, as well as 124 grain 9mm Federal HST HP ammo and 124 grain 9mm Speer Gold Dot HP ammo.

For all of the reasons listed in this test and evaluation, I consider the 9mm HK P30 SK Sub Compact Pistol with a Light LEM Trigger and the striker fired 9mm HK VP9 SK Sub Compact to be two Top Guns for concealed carry. Did one HK SK Model impress me more than the other? The simple truth is, I liked them both and will likely end up buying a 9mm VP9 SK at some point. In fact, if I could only own one pistol it would be an HK.

CLOSING REMARKS

While all types of Talon Grips improve ergonomics, applying a pair of Talon PRO Grips and Talon Granulate style Grips provides a more aggressive gripping surface on your pistol. Having this capability can enable you to hold onto your firearm with wet, sweaty or bloody hands. You can also soften the impact of recoil by installing a set of Talon Rubber Grips on a handgun. This is something that I have had to deal with, after decades of shooting all types and calibers of firearms. (Getting older hasn’t helped.) As a result, I know from experience, that installing a set of Talon Rubber Grips on a handgun can make shooting a more comfortable experience.

The author is a Medically Retired U.S. Customs Agent and a former NY Police Officer who was physically disabled in the line of duty while working undercover as a federal agent. To date, the author has published over 180 magazine articles and nine books.

Shoot Your Pistol Like a Pro

talon March 29, 2021March 30, 2021 Guest Writer No Comments

Whether you just purchased your first pistol or you are a seasoned shooter, this article will have some useful nuggets that can make you a better pistoleer, even before you start thinking about accessories.

Pistols require skill to shoot, more than a rifle with a nice LPVO scope. I’ll help you develop some of those skills.

The Rules of Gun Safety

First thing is first, preventing accidental or negligent discharges, which nobody wants.

By following the “big four,” you can make firearm safety second nature.

Treat every firearm as if it were loaded, even when you know it isn’t.
Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire (you can rest your trigger finger against the frame while taking aim or holstering/unholstering).
Be certain of your target and what is behind it.

These apply to any firearm, whether it’s a pistol or a tricked out ruger 10/22.

I’ll add my own favorite safety rule here as well. Always clear every weapon you pick up. Drop the magazine, lock the action open, and ensure there isn’t a round in the chamber.

It’s also not a bad idea to use hearing protection, because pistols are loud.

Stance

Always be squared up to the target.

This comes naturally for a lot of people, but some like to angle their body to the side. Twist at the hips instead to plant your feet, but your shoulders should be squared off in the direction you intend to shoot.

Your arms should be firmly out but not locked.

Point your leading toe at the target and your other to the side.

You also want your knees bent.

Pretty simple right. Give it a try.

Another important note. Lean into the shot, not back. For some reason this tends to happen with women more than men, so if you are female then pay special attention to this point.

Your shoulders should be rolled forward. If you are leaning back then you will be off balance, causing more muzzle flip when shooting and generally being less accurate and slower on follow-up shots.

Grip

The way people shoot in movies is not the way to shoot.

Grip the pistol in your dominant hand, as high up on the grip as possible.

Many pistols have a little beaver tail above the grip where you should slide the webbing between your thumb and first finger.

Grasp the weapon firmly, but not so tight that it causes your hand to shake.

Your off-hand (non-dominant hand) should wrap around your shooting hand. Specifically, the outer three fingers should grip around those same fingers on your other hand. Thumbs forward, and find a comfortable place for your pointer finger.

I rest mine on the front of the trigger guard, but there are many places to put it, so long as it won’t be cut by the slide on firing.

You can also grip your dominant thumb with the other over the top if it feels more natural.

Having two hands on the weapon will help you manage recoil and steady your shot.

Sight Alignment

Place the front sight in the groove of the rear sight.

If you have a three dot sight picture, the dots should line up. If not, make sure that the tops line up vertically.

The top of the front sight will be placed directly on the target, typically. Some people prefer to place it a little under the target, but this will be more difficult to shoot accurately.

It can make your shot trajectories seem a little flatter at different ranges, but it’s an advanced technique and not useful for most people.

Some people will also put the front dot directly over the target. This obscures the target and makes it a little harder to shoot well at longer distances.

Wherever you place the aim, focus on the front sight. The front post should be razor sharp, which will cause the target to look a little blurry, but this is the most accurate way to focus your eyes.

Trigger Control

Simple to learn, yet impossible to master.

The art of squeezing the trigger is perhaps the most difficult part of shooting for a novice.

The trigger should be squeezed. The first thing you will feel is take-up, where the trigger moves freely without doing anything else. Then there will be a wall of resistance, this is where the magic happens.

With the pad of your finger on the center of the trigger, squeeze straight back while keeping your sights on the target.

That’s it. Simple right? It does take some practice, and controlling your breathing can help as well. Whether at the top or bottom of a breath, hold it for just a moment as you squeeze.

One way to get really good at this is to practice dry firing while balancing a dime on the front sight. Repeat until you can drop the hammer without the coin falling. You might think it’s impossible at first, but keep trying till you get it.

Then go to the range and watch your groups shrink.

Recap

Hopefully, this article taught you some cool tips that you didn’t know or didn’t think about before, and it will make you a better shooter.

Just follow the simple recipe:

Square up to the target
Use a firm but steady grip
Align the sights, focusing on the front sight
Squeeze the trigger straight back without disturbing the point of aim

By following the advice here, you will go from novice to good shooting very quickly, but it is important to practice. Shooting a pistol well isn’t easy, and it’s a good idea to return frequently to the range until you can produce a decent group at 10 yards.

Then you’ll know that you are a shooter. For more advanced techniques, read this article on 5 Tips to Improve Your Accuracy. Have fun.

Author Bio:

Richard Douglas writes on firearms, defense and security issues. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at The National Interest, 1945, Daily Caller and other publications.

The 9MM CZ 75BD by Nick Jacobellis

talon January 12, 2021 Uncategorized No Comments

Ceska Zbrojovka Uhersky Brod or CZUB is the firearms company located in the Uhersky Brod, Czech Republic, that is working in concert with CZ USA to bring the CZ line up products to U.S.
customers. In this article we will be examining a CZ pistol, that is one of the most reliable, rugged, accurate, ergonomic and soft shooting 9mm service pistols ever made.

The original CZ 75 is a DA/SA (Double Action/Single Action) Pistol that was first developed in 1975. The CZ 75BD is as an upgraded model that was designed in the early 1990s. The B designation
signifies the presence of a firing pin block safety and the D designation is given to identify the hammer decocking mechanism. The CZ 75BD also has a phosphate finish that is coated with a baked
on black Polycoat finish. Phosphate and Polycoat has been applied to CZ military and police pistols for decades and provides the protection that enables the CZ 75 to hold up to adverse operating
conditions.

Regardless of the specific model, all CZ 75s are short recoil operated pistols that use a linkless breech locking mechanism that is similar to the one used in the Browning Hi Power. While the compact model CZ 75 is manufactured with an alloy frame, the full size CZ 75s have a steel frame.

However, I should point out that even though the all steel CZ 75BD weighs 35.3 ounces unloaded, this pistol is very well balanced. The CZ 75 also has excellent ergonomics, which is the result of a well contoured grip and the addition of a built in beavertail on top portion of the frame.

The 9mm CZ 75BD is a full size service pistol with a 4.6 inch barrel, that can accommodate 10, 16, 17 and 19 round magazines. In addition to the unmarked 16 round magazines that came with the new CZ 75BD, I also tested this pistol with high capacity Mec-Gar magazines. The CZ 75 is also famous for having an incredibly super smooth DA/SA trigger. In fact, I personally believe that the CZ 75 has one of the best DA/SA trigger systems on any pistol that I have trained with, tested and evaluated to date. To be even more specific, the Single Action portion of the CZ 75 BD’s DA/SA trigger is the smoothest S/A trigger I have ever evaluated.

It is also important to note, that the CZ 75 is designed to have the slide assembly ride on rails fitted to the inside of the frame. This design feature provides a very low bore axis, which translates to
reduced felt recoil and low muzzle rise. When you combine the reduction of felt recoil, with the weight of all steel construction, the low muzzle rise, a superb DA/SA trigger, excellent ergonomics and a set of very user friendly three dot sights, you end up with a pistol that is capable of delivering precision shot placement in trained hands.

Even though the CZ 75BD is an all steel pistol, I personally find this particular CZ to be comfortable to carry concealed. I suspect the reason for this, is because I have carried all steel 1911s and 9mm Browning Hi Powers at various times during my LE career and since I retired. As a result, I am no stranger to the heft of an all steel pistol. If for any reason you find the CZ 75BD to be a tad too heavy when this pistol if fully loaded, one suggestion is to download your high capacity magazines by a few rounds of ammunition. Using 10 round magazines is another option. I mention this
because some end users could find the CZ 75BD to be a tad too heavy, when fully loaded with 17 or more rounds. Since I believe that there is no reason to throw out the baby with the bath water, the concept of downloading magazines is a realistic solution for some folks.

SHOTS FIRED

Both the surplus CZ 75BD Police Model that I evaluated last year and the brand new CZ 75BD that I just finished testing, proved to be flawlessly reliable with a variety of Federal and Speer 9mm
FMJ and hollow-point ammunition. Just as when I tested the surplus European police service pistol, the brand new CZ 75BD test pistol performed like a premium brand pistol should.

TALON GRIPS

When I tested the European police surplus CZ 75BD last year I did so with the factory grips installed on this pistol. Even though the CZ 75BD has superb ergonomics I wanted to see if I could improve on perfection by installing a set of Talon Rubber Grips on the test pistol that was provided by CZ. Just as I have found while testing other semi autos, the installation of a set of Talon
Rubber Grips improved ergonomics in two ways. In addition to making it possible to apply a more positive grip to the grip potion of the frame, the installation of Talon Rubber Grips made the CZ 75BD feel like an even softer shooting pistol.

CLOSING REMARKS

One of the firearms that I regret not buying many years ago is the CZ 75BD. After coming very close to buying the surplus European police pistol that I tested last year, I rectified this mistake by purchasing the CZ 75BD test pistol from CZ. My decision to do so proves that is never too late to learn. SIDEBAR: In order to turn my newly acquired CZ 75BD into a true 21 st Century Personal
Defense Weapon I plan on replacing the standard factory three dot white sights with a set of three dot Trijicon Night Sights.

About the Author

Nick Jacobellis is a Medically Retired Senior Special Agent of the U.S. Customs Service who was physically disabled in the line of duty while working in undercover operations. Prior to joining the U.S. Customs Service the author served as a police officer and investigator for various law enforcement agencies in New York. To date, the author has published over 180 magazine articles and eight books.

The author has a Bachelor of Science Degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, is married and has two sons and two grandsons.

Nick’s books include:

Buck Banderas U.S. Marshal Book Two Back Cover

The Frontline Fugitives Book II Back Cover

The Frontline Fugitives Book III Back Cover

The Frontline Fugitives Book IV Back Cover

Sig Sauer P220 Factory Grips. Which TALON Grip Do I Need?

talon October 6, 2020 Uncategorized No Comments

There are so many makes, models, generations, and options out there that it is often hard to keep them all straight. The purpose of this post is to help you get the correct grip for your Sig P220. TALON Grips offers grips that fit perfectly as long as you order the correct part for your particular model. TALON offers grips for P220 models that Sig Sauers named:

P220 Factory-Polymer (pictured above – click images to enlarge)

This grip will have a cutout on each side of the grip for the P220 and Sig Sauer logos
The back of this firearm has an opening at the bottom (see images to the right)
This handgun will have 2 screws on each side (one above and one below the logo)
This grip has a full wrap design and a small TALON “T” on the right-hand side

P220 Nitron (pictured above – click images to enlarge)

This grip will not have a logo cutout on either side
The back of this firearm has a small rectangular lanyard hole at the bottom
This firearm has a one-piece ergonomic grip with the vertical Sig Sauer logo
This grip has a full wrap design and a small TALON “T” on the right-hand side

P220 Combat Full Size California Compliant (pictured above – click images to enlarge)

This grip will not have a logo cutout on either side
The back of this firearm has solid polymer across the bottom
This handgun will have 2 screws on each side (one above and one below the logo)

Hopefully this helps answer questions about different models that are available and the grips that fit each. If you have additional questions please email our customer service info@talongrips.com

From Manufacturer to Model: How to Choose a Gun

talon September 28, 2020October 1, 2020 Guest Writer 1 Comment

From Manufacturer to Model:
How to Choose a Gun

By: Jay Chambers

Becoming a gun owner is an important step in someone’s life. When you decide to buy a gun, you accept the responsibility that comes with it and understand the safety measures you should take to protect yourself and those around you.

But apart from that, you should also be aware of the importance of choosing a new gun, as you have to pick a gun not only based on budget, but also on needs and functions. Unless you’re accustomed to buying guns, knowing how to select one may be difficult. Still, we’re here to help – so, below you’ll find some tips on how to choose your new gun.

What Are Your Needs?

The first thing you have to determine is why you need to buy a gun in the first place. If it’s for hunting, for instance, you will have to decide on a stronger firearm that can deal with shooting from a larger distance. For home defense, a larger and heavier gun will be perfect. On the other hand, if you need concealed carry, you will require a smaller, shorter, and lighter weapon.

Think about the reasons why you are deciding to become a gun owner – this will help you get a better image of the gun you need in your life. After all, it’s best to have a model that has the most important functions to ensure it will serve you properly.

Picking the Right Caliber

An important part of any gun is the caliber. This refers to the cartridge the gun needs in order to fire. Keep in mind that what you choose will determine how effective the gun will be in a defensive situation. It will also determine the recoil you will deal with. The caliber will also have an effect on the size of the gun, so keep that in mind.

Revolver or Semi-Automatic
So many options when it comes to picking the right firearm.

If you’re looking for a self-defense weapon, then you have two options to choose from: revolvers and semi-automatics. That being said, you need to know which one is more suitable for what you need.

Semi-automatics tend to be the most common ones. When a cartridge is fired, gas pressure is being generated, which then helps cycle the loading mechanism of the weapon. When you move the slide rearward, the empty case of the gun will be ejected. Not to mention that it will also cock the firing mechanism.

When the spring returns the slide forward, a new cartridge is sent into the chamber of the gun from a detachable magazine.

Overall, semi-automatics are great because they are much faster, being perfect in a defensive situation when you don’t have too much time to waste and every second matters. Furthermore, they are much thinner and more concealable, which is even better when you don’t want a burglar to know you’re armed.

But despite their advantages, they also come with more complexity in the way they are operated. So, as a beginner, you will need to practice a lot.

Revolvers come with a cylinder that can swing out to the side, and they will have around 5-6 chambers where the cartridges will be loaded. With every shot, the cylinder will rotate and thus bring another cartridge to line with the barrel.

When you fire the gun, it can either happen through single-action or double-action mode. For defensive situations, double-action mode is the preferred option.

Manufacturer

Picking the right manufacturer is important too. Many people would want to go with a lower price when they see how big manufacturers are pricing their items but settling for something cheap is not the best idea.

Cheaper guns may not have the quality and safety you are looking for, so you shouldn’t go with the cheapest weapon you find. Go with a well-known, trusted brand. Especially if you’re new in the world of guns and don’t know all the details necessary, going with a big gun company is the best thing to do.

Some of the most famous gun brands are SIG Sauer, Remington Outdoor, Sturm, Ruger &Co, and Smith & Wesson.

Ease of Use

You also have to consider if the gun is easy to use before you decide to buy it. After all, you can’t go with something that will be difficult to use when you’re in a risky situation. To begin with, you need something that allows for easy access to the trigger. Also, choose something that fits your hand and doesn’t require all the knowledge in the world to fire. A Springfield XD-S may be a suitable model in this regard, as it was designed for concealed carry and it is easy to use. It allows someone with a smaller hand to grip it and can hold 8 rounds in the magazine. High visibility front sight is also included.

Therefore, make sure that when you pick a gun model, you go for something that will make it easy to fire when you’re in a life-threatening situation.

Safety

Guns usually come with their own safety mechanisms, and you need to consider this if you want to use them safely. For example, there are such things as trigger safeties, thumb safeties, and grip safeties.

If you’re a beginner, you may want to go for something with a thumb safety, since it may be difficult to properly use your thumb at first.

Maintenance

It’s also crucial to consider how much you need to care for the gun. Some weapons need more maintenance compared to others – so, if you are not experienced, you’d better go with something much easier to maintain. Firearms that require high maintenance would be a pain since you’re not accustomed to how all parts of the weapon work.

Final Thoughts

You have to do your best to find a suitable gun for your needs, and for that to be possible, you must take into account certain aspects. Hopefully, with this guide, you will have an easier time getting the right gun model.

The Kahr Arms Auto Ordnance 9MM 1911 by Nick Jacobellis

talon September 28, 2020 Uncategorized No Comments

In this T&E for Talon Gun Grips we will be reviewing the Made in the USA Government Model style 9mm Auto Ordnance 1911. For the record, Auto Ordnance is no stranger to the firearms industry. My familiarity with Auto Ordnance goes back many years, when I adopted their .30 caliber Paratrooper Model M1 Carbine; a rifle that has been flawlessly reliable. As many of you also
know, the 9mm Kahr Arms P9 (Polymer) Pistol that I own and evaluated for Talon Gun Grips is also a proven design, that has been flawlessly reliable.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OUT OF THE BOX

The first thing that you notice when you examine the Auto Ordnance 9mm 1911, is the high quality of the fit and finish of this firearm. Your impression of the Auto Ordnance 9mm 1911 will soar even higher, when you rack the slide for the first time. This pistol is so easy to operate, I actually wondered if the recoil spring was strong enough to cycle the slide, when this firearm was fired. I mention this, because anyone who has test fired various pistols knows from experience, that some makes and models have noticeably heavy recoil springs. This is not the case with the Auto Ordnance 9mm 1911.

Before I began field testing the Auto Ordnance 9mm 1911 I disassembled this pistol for two reasons. First and foremost, I wanted to inspect the internal components, to see how this pistol compared to other 1911s, including more expensive firearms. My internal inspection of this pistol revealed, that the Auto Ordnance 1911 is a very well made firearm, with superb fit and finish for a
base model. Second, I always clean and lubricate a new firearm before sending rounds downrange.

SHOTS FIRED

The second I pulled the trigger and I began to field test the Kahr Arms Auto Ordnance Government Model 9mm 1911, I was very impressed with the performance of this firearm. In fact, the first thing you notice, is that the all steel construction of this 9mm 1911 absorbs recoil like a sponge.

In addition to testing this pistol with the 9 round Checkmate magazines that came with this firearm, the Auto Ordnance 9mm 1911 was also tested with two 9 round 9mm Mec-Gar 1911 magazines that worked well in this pistol. However, I did experience problems with two new 10 round flush fit MecGar 9mm 1911 magazines. This surprised me to no end, because over the years I have found
MecGar magazines to be flawlessly reliable when used in various SIGs, a Walther/ Manhurin PP, two different 9mm Browning Hi Powers, two different CZ 75s, as well as in an IWI 9mm Jericho pistol. I plan to file a T&E report on the use of MecGar 9mm 1911 magazines in a future article.

During the first range session, the all steel Auto Ordnance 9mm 1911 functioned reliably with 124 and 147 grain Speer FMJ ammunition, 124 and 147 grain Federal hollow-point ammunition and some old 147 grain BVAC hollow-point ammunition. When I conducted a second range session I tested this pistol with some additional Speer 147 grain FMJ ammo, as well as with 9mm 135 grain
Federal Personal Protection HP ammo and 9mm 124 grain Speer Gold Dot hollow-point ammunition.

As far as accuracy goes, the Auto Ordnance 9mm 1911 delivered sub-one inch groups at 7 yards from a standing unsupported position. This is pretty impressive when you consider that the Auto Ordnance 9mm 1911 is equipped with the lowest profile fixed sights imaginable. These sights are the same sights used on every “plain Jane” Government Issue (G.I.) 1911 that saw widespread service with armed professionals for a large portion of the 20 th Century. I can only assume,
that my familiarization with G.I. model 1911s, made it possible for me to effectively engage targets, with the small fixed sights that are installed on the Auto Ordnance pistol.

During the second range session I effectively engaged a TQ19 Law Enforcement Qualification Target at various distances out to 25 yards. This included making head shots and center mass torso shots, at extended distances with the Auto Ordnance 9mm 1911.

CLOSING REMARKS

The Auto Ordnance 9mm 1911 is a pleasure to shoot on a sustained basis and is ideally suited for use by anyone, who is challenged by using a pistol fitted with a heavy recoil spring. The soft shooting nature of this pistol also makes the 9mm 1911 an excellent training pistol for novice shooters.

As far as features go, the Auto Ordnance 1911 has a 5 inch barrel, a drift adjustable rear sight, military style brown plastic grip panels, a thumb safety, a grip safety and a firing pin block to prevent this firearm from accidentally discharging if dropped. The Auto Ordnance 9mm 1911 weighs 38.4 ounces unloaded. While this pistol is currently made in Massachusetts, production of Auto Ordnance 1911s is in the process of being relocated to a facility in Greeley, Pennsylvania. The retail price for the Kahr Arms Auto Ordnance 9mm 1911 is $766. The next 9mm 1911 that I will be evaluating for the Talon Gun Grips Blog and Newsletter is a 9mm Ruger SR1911 (Lightweight) Commander Model.

About the Author

The author has a Bachelor of Science Degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, is married and has two sons and two grandsons.

Nick’s books include:

The 9MM IWI Masada By Nick Jacobellis

talon September 1, 2020September 1, 2020 Guest Writer No Comments

The 9MM IWI Masada

When I initially field tested the 9mm IWI Masada for Police One, this pistol was configured in its factory format and was not equipped with Talon Rubber Grips. Even so, the Masada proved to be very comfortable to operate and shoot. Other members of my test team were also very impressed with this pistol when it was initially evaluated.

As I continued to field test the Masada, I had a set of Talon Rubber Grips installed on this pistol. Installing a set of Talon Rubber Grips on the Masada improved ergonomics even more, by adding a more positive gripping surface to the frame of this pistol. In addition to increasing the level of comfort when drawing and handling this pistol, the installation of Talon Rubber Grips also made the Masada more comfortable to shoot. This was especially the case during rapid fire drills. I should also mention, that I improved the capabilities of the test pistol even more, when I had a set of three dot Meprolight Night Sights installed on the Masada.

The 9mm IWI Masada is an outstanding high capacity striker fired 9mm pistol, that is considerably more ergonomic than some other makes and models. (Both 10 and 17 round magazines are available for the Masada.) Hopefully, a subcompact version of the 9mm Masada will be made available in the near future.

About the Author

The author has a Bachelor of Science Degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, is married and has two sons and two grandsons.

Nick’s books include:

Heckler and Koch Pistols- A Law Enforcement Officer’s Perspective

talon June 10, 2020June 10, 2020 Guest Writer No Comments

By Nick Jacobellis

Over the years I have trained with, carried and or field tested the following Heckler & Koch firearms: a DA/SA HK Mark 23 .45 ACP (suppressed & un-suppressed) pistol, a DA/SA HK USP 45, a 9mm DA/SA HK USP, a 9mm HK USP Compact LEM trigger, a 9mm DA/SA HK P30, a 9mm HK P30 with a Light LEM Trigger, a 9mm HK P30 SK Sub Compact with a Light LEM Trigger, a 9mm DA/SA HK P2000, a DA/SA HK P2000 in .40 S&W, a DA/SA HK P2000 in .357 SIG, a HK P2000 SK Sub Compact with a Light LEM Trigger in .357 SIG, a 9mm HK P2000 SK Sub Compact with a Light LEM Trigger, a HK VP9, a HK 45 with a Light LEM Trigger and a DA/SA HK45.

For the record, to date, I have NEVER experienced a stoppage or a malfunction of any kind with any of the Heckler and Koch Pistols that I have field tested, trained with and carried. I have also never experienced a stoppage, or a malfunction of any kind, with any of the 9mm HK MP 5 submachine gun variants that I have tested and trained with.

THE HK LIGHT LEM TRIGGER SYSTEM

Heckler & Koch VP9SK With TALON Grip and Olight

For those of you who are unfamiliar with HK trigger options, the Light LEM has a super smooth and very light Double Action style of trigger travel, that transitions to a striker fired style of trigger to discharge the pistol. Another way to put this, is to say, the HK Light LEM Trigger system produces a very user friendly cadence, that enables the operator to set up the shot, while the trigger is being cycled to the rear. At the end of this short, smooth and very consistent DA trigger pull, the operator will engage a striker fired style trigger to fire the pistol. Simply put, the Light LEM combines the finer points of a DA trigger with a Striker Fired style trigger system.

ERGONOMICS

Heckler & Koch entered the so called modern era of firearms production, when they began developing pistols that incorporated the use of different size back straps to “improve” ergonomics. H&K began offering different size back straps on the HK P2000 series of pistols. HK improved on this technology even more, when they designed the P30 series of pistols. Every HK P30 includes different size back straps, as well as add on side panels, that are designed to provide subtle changes in ergonomics. The striker fired HK VP9 and VP9 Sub Compact also offers options, when it comes to the use of interchangeable back straps.

Even though my 9mm DA/SA USP pistol fits my hand like a glove, the USP is an older design that offers no interchangeable back straps or side panel options. Installing a set Talon Rubber Grips on my USP improved the ergonomics and also provided a more secure grip on the pistol, especially under recoil. This comment was echoed by a buddy of mine, who ran the firearms training program for the agency that he worked for before he retired. According to Retired School District Patrol Sergeant Rick Batory, he noticed these improvements even more, when conducting rapid fire drills with his VP9SK Sub Compact. Even though I find my 9mm P30 with the Light LEM Trigger to be a very soft shooting pistol, a set of Talon Pro Grips were installed on this HK to improve the gripping surface on this pistol.

One of the author’s favorite Heckler & Koch pistols, a 9mm USP with a TALON Grip

TOP GUN HECKLER & KOCH PISTOLS

My personal favorite HK Pistols are the 9mm DA/SA HK USP, the HK 45 with a Light LEM Trigger, the 9mm P30 with a Light LEM Trigger, the 9mm P30 SK Sub Compact with a Light LEM Trigger and the 9mm HK P2000 SK Sub Compact with the Light LEM trigger. While my DA/SA 9mm USP is an excellent “go to war gun” and is very well suited for survival situations and home defense, this pistol is a tad too large for concealed carry during most of the year. The same is true of the HK45.

As a result, I consider my 9mm HK P30 Light LEM, the 9mm HK P30 Light LEM SK Sub Compact and the 9mm HK P2000 SK Sub Compact Light LEM to be three Top Guns for concealed carry. I am also in the process of evaluating a 9mm HK VP9 Sub Compact and will let you know how this pistol compares to other sub compact semi autos.

CLOSING REMARKS

In addition to improving overall ergonomics, applying a pair of Talon Grips to the gripping surface of a firearm, will also add just enough rubber material to enable you to hold onto your firearm with wet, bloody, or sweaty hands. You can also soften the impact of recoil by installing a set of Talon Rubber Grips on a handgun. This is something that I have to deal with, after decades of shooting all types and calibers of handguns. (Getting older hasn’t helped.) As a result, I know from experience, that installing the right set of rubber grips on a handgun can make shooting a more comfortable experience.

About the Author

The author has a Bachelor of Science Degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, is married and has two sons and two grandsons.

Nick’s books include:

The Evolution of Duty Weapons- The Polymer Kahr Arms Pistol

talon June 3, 2020June 3, 2020 Guest Writer No Comments

By Nick Jacobellis

Throughout my law enforcement career, the most compact firearms for on and off duty use, as well as for undercover applications, were short barreled .38 special revolvers, or Walther PPK/PP pistols in .380 ACP caliber. Later on in my career, the available options expanded a bit, to include a number of compact and sub compact handguns that were manufactured in stainless steel. However, none of the most concealable handguns for super concealed carry were chambered in more substantial calibers. I mention all this, because throughout the bulk of my law enforcement career, I wondered when and if the day would come, when the firearms industry would be able to manufacture, a flawlessly reliable semi automatic 9mm pistol, that was as compact as a Walther PP/PPK. One of the first companies to do so was Kahr Arms.

The first Kahr Arms Pistol I ever handled belonged to a police officer on Cape Cod. The day I compared my friend’s all steel 9mm Kahr 9 to my (French) Manhurin/Walther PP Pistol, I knew that the firearms industry, in particular Kahr Arms, just took a giant leap into the future. Bear in mind, that Kahr Arms began manufacturing their now famous line of pistols in the mid 1990s. This was a few years shy of the 21st Century and I was finally holding a very compact 9mm pistol, that had a super smooth DAO trigger, that was a dramatic improvement over the PPK/PP pistols, that I carried when I worked undercover.

Before I go any further, you have to understand, that during my LE career when I worked undercover, I would have preferred to carry a sub compact handgun that was chambered in 9mm I felt this way, because when I worked undercover, I usually met one or more major violators while alone, with an unarmed source of information/informant, or with another UC agent who was armed. When I took three trips to the coast of Colombia on a 100 foot UC vessel in 1990, the most compact handgun I carried was a stainless steel Walther PPK .380 with several spare six round magazines.

Even though my fellow U.S. Customs Agents and I kept 9mm service pistols, an M16, several Colt CAR 15s and Parkerized Remington 870 shotguns hidden all over our vessel, my government issued stainless steel Walther PPK was the firearm that would likely be deployed first, if the you know what hit the fan. This was a serious concern, because we lived in cramped quarters with two major violators on one of the return trips from Colombia.

THE POLYMER KAHR 9

Kahr P9 Polymer with TALON Grips PRO Texture

As innovative as the all steel Kahr 9 was at the time, the pistol that I really wanted, was the model that would become known as the Polymer Kahr 9, or the P9. I felt this way, because the P9 was lighter to carry, especially in an ankle holster. The question that I was especially interested in answering, was would the lighter Polymer Kahr 9 be just as comfortable to shoot as the all steel Kahr 9.

SHOTS FIRED

The first time I fired the P9 that I currently own, I immediately knew that this pistol was a keeper. I felt this way, because after decades of training and field testing a wide variety of firearms, I developed arthritis, which is made worse by age. Having arthritis has made me more sensitive to recoil than ever before. The good news is, that I was pleasantly surprised when I pulled the trigger for the first time and I found the lightweight P9 to be pleasant to shoot. The fact that my Kahr P9 has been flawlessly reliable, also gives me the confidence to use this pistol as a Personal Defense Weapon.

IMPROVING ON PERFECTION

As someone who has utilized Talon Grips on various pistols, I decided to install a set of the new Talon Pro Grips on my Polymer Kahr 9. I decided to do so, because even though Talon grips are relatively thin, they improve on the original design in two critical areas. The first improvement involves increasing the overall circumference of the grip, just enough to improve ergonomics. When I say “just enough,” I am specifically referring to the noticeable increase in the ability to grip a pistol with more confidence. This is accomplished by wrapping the original polymer grip with the relatively thin set of Talon rubber grip material. The texture of a thin set of Talon rubber grips also helps the operator to hold onto a pistol, especially when the firearm is discharged or when your hand is wet. This capability can also prove to be very helpful when shooting with your weak hand under stress.

CLOSING REMARKS

The Talon Pro Grip provides increased texturing, that is aggressive enough to improve your ability to grasp and securely hold onto your pistol. Quite frankly, I wasn’t sure if I would like this level of texturing, but once I handled and fired my Polymer Kahr 9 I became a fan. As far as my P9 is concerned, this pistol delivers in all categories and is definitely worth owning.

About the Author

The author has a Bachelor of Science Degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, is married and has two sons and two grandsons.

Nick’s books include:

Classic Sig Sauer Pistols By Nick Jacobellis

talon May 27, 2020May 29, 2020 Guest Writer 2 Comments

As you will read in a number of my articles, during my law enforcement career, I was fortunate to work for agencies that allowed varying degrees of flexibility, when it came to agency firearms policies. This was especially the case, when I served as a U.S. Customs Service Patrol Officer, Air Officer, Special Agent and Senior Special Agent. Having this level of flexibility enabled me to carry various government issued and personally owned firearms in different calibers. In federal service, this level of flexibility authorized the carrying of handguns chambered in 9mm, .45 ACP, .38 Special, .357 Magnum and .380 ACP caliber.

THE 9MM SIG 226

Shortly, after I transferred to Miami in 1985, SIG Sauer established a company based in Virginia called SIGARMS. SIGARMS was the entity that imported SIG Sauer firearms into the U.S. Initially, the DA/SA SIG 220 was the first SIG pistol imported into the United States. As a point of information, the Swiss adopted the P226 in 9mm, also known as the P75, as their military service pistol in 1975. Unlike the more modern design, the original DA/SA SIG 220 was a 9mm pistol that utilized a single column magazine and the European “heel mounted” magazine release, that was located at the bottom of the grip. Because the 1980s was the era when high capacity 9mm pistols were coming into widespread law enforcement service, SIGARMS reacted to this trend by creating the 9mm SIG 226. In essence, the P226 was a SIG 220 with a redesigned aluminum frame, that accommodated a 15 round magazine and a more traditional frame mounted magazine release button. The early SIGs were also manufactured with a carbon steel slide assembly.

As soon as the now famous 9mm SIG 226 became available, a buddy of mine put me in contact with a senior gunsmith at SIGARMS. One thing led to another and before long I became the proud owner of a P226. When I mentioned my concern about corrosion, due to being stationed in Miami, my new contact at SIG sent me an un-cataloged Parkerized 9mm SIG 226. Bear in mind, that during this period of time, night sights were initially unavailable.

I took a brief vacation from carrying my 9mm SIG 226 when I transferred to U.S. Customs Air Operations and I was issued a .45 ACP caliber S/A Colt Series 70 Government Model 1911 and a S/A 9mm Browning Hi Power. When I was promoted again and I became a Special Agent assigned to the Miami Air Smuggling Investigations Group 7, I adopted the 9mm SIG 228 as soon as this pistol became available. The compact P228 was adopted because this pistol was better suited to my new duties as a criminal investigator.

Sig Sauer P226 with Factory Polymer grips covered with Granulate TALON Grips

The 9mm SIG 225 was also available at that time. The P225 was a SIG 228 size compact pistol that utilized a lightweight alloy frame, that accommodated a single column 8 round magazine. The original P225 also carried the designation of P6 when used by the West German Police. (The SIG 228 is basically a high capacity SIG 225. The 228 was designed to appeal to a market that was gravitating toward the use of higher capacity 9mm pistols.)

Even though I had one of my 9mm SIG 226 pistols Parkerized to aid in corrosion resistance, at no time have I ever owned a firearm that became damaged, or inoperable due to corrosion. In fact, when I worked in NYC as a uniformed police officer, I carried an issued blue steel Smith & Wesson Model 10 .38 Special service revolver in a duty holster in all four seasons. I also carried a number of other revolvers and pistols that were constructed in “blued steel.” None of these handguns ever failed to work as designed, despite being constantly exposed to the elements. This included my carbon steel 9mm SIG 226 and my carbon steel 9mm SIG 228, both pistols that were carried in torrential rain storms, in and around salt water, throughout the Caribbean, in harsh winter blizzard conditions, as well as in desert terrain.

I mention this because you should be concerned about the impact of corrosion and the use of firearms in harsh operating conditions. The simple truth is, that even firearms that have a reputation for holding up after exposure to the elements and extensive use, need to be properly maintained. As a result, I maintain all of my firearms the same way, regardless of how they are constructed and whether they have a corrosive resistant finish.

SIGS EVOLVE

In order to accommodate being chambered in .40 S&W and .357 SIG calibers, SIG developed the SIG 229, a compact pistol on par with the 228, only the 229 was manufactured with a blackened stainless steel slide assembly and a lightweight alloy frame. This also resulted in the development of a “new” P226, the P226 MK25 Navy, the 220, 220 Carry, the 220 Compact, the SP2022, the 239, the M11A1, the 225A1 and the 224 models with the same type of stainless steel slide construction. To aid in corrosion resistance, a Nitron coating was applied to the stainless slide assembly.

The DAK trigger system also came into service as SIG’s version of a Double Action Only style operating mechanism. Personally, I always believed that the DAK trigger was underrated and deserved more attention. The DAK trigger system was especially easy to transition to, for end users who were revolver shooters. In fact, one of THE MOST accurate SIGs I ever owned and trained with, was a P220 Carry Model in .45 ACP, that was fitted with a super smooth DAK trigger. I also evaluated a SIG 224 with a DAK trigger that was also very easy to shoot with precision.”

Personally, I never cared much for the Single Action Trigger that SIG offers on some of their Classic Series of pistols. I felt this way, because the SIG S/A trigger on a Classic Pistol like the 220, isn’t really the same S/A trigger that you find on a 1911 style pistol. Instead, the S/A trigger that is offered on Classic SIGs feels like the same S/A trigger that is used on a DA/SA pistol.

RELIABILITY

In all of the years that I have owned and evaluated SIG pistols, I have never experienced a malfunction or a stoppage of any kind, with any carbon steel made 9mm SIG 226, 9mm SIG 228, 9mm 225, or with a blackened stainless steel made 9mm SIG 226 MK25 Navy Model, a 9mm SIG 226 DAK, a DA/SA SIG 226 in .40 S&W, a DA/SA SIG 226 in ,357 SIG, a 9mm DA/SA SIG 239, a 9mm SIG 239 DAK, a 9mm 239 SAS, a 9mm DA/SA 229, a 9mm 229 DAK, a 229 in .357 SIG with a DAK trigger, a 9mm DA/SA SP 2022, a DA/SA sig pro 2340 in .40 S&W, a DA/SA SIG 220 Carry Model 45 ACP, a SIG 220 DAK in .45 ACP, two different S/A SIG 220s in .45 ACP, an all stainless DA/SA SIG 220 .45, two different DA/SA 220 Compacts in .45 ACP (one two tone and one black Nitron finished), a 9mm SIG M11 (228), a 9mm SIG M11A1 (228), a SIG 224 DAK in .40, a 9mm DA/SA 224, or a DA/SA SIG 232 in .380.

SIg Sauer P220 Nitron Full Size with Rubber-Black TALON Grips

Of the four full size DA/SA SIG 220s in .45 ACP that I have owned and or evaluated, three were flawlessly reliable. This includes the SIG 220 in .45 ACP that I carried during my career as a U.S. Customs Agent. One of the four full size black Nitron coated 220s experienced one malfunction that was my fault. In this instance, I took this 220 to the range after storing this pistol in my safe for a number of months. Due to a complete lack of lubrication this pistol experienced one stoppage. Once this 220 was lubricated in the field, it returned to performing without any problems. This same pistol also experienced a malfunction that was ammunition related.

In addition, one of the DA/SA SIG 229s in 40 S&W that I owned experienced one malfunction due to a defective magazine. Once the magazine was replaced the pistol functioned flawlessly. This is why you should NEVER carry any magazine fed firearm before you field test your magazines, to insure that they function reliably at all times, with all kinds of ammunition. I also experienced a feeding problem with a DA/SA SIG 229 in 40 S&W, while using an early interchangeable .357 SIG barrel Once this pistol was sent to the factory forinspection, it returned in fine working order. As stated above, all of the other 229s that I have owned and field tested were flawlessly reliable.

I also tried field testing a new in the box 9mm SIG 226 Enhanced Elite that had to be a factory lemon, because this pistol was horribly unreliable, so much so it wasn’t worth continuing the test. As you can see from the rather detailed data provided above, encountering a reliability problem with Classic Series SIG Pistols is a very rare occurrence. The fact that it can happen is the main reason why you must test fire and periodically train with the firearms that you rely on for personal protection and home defense.

TALON TO THE RESCUE

Now that I am older and have arthritis, I noticed that I was beginning to feel the effects of recoil, even though my Classic SIG pistols were equipped with after market screw on rubber grips. At this point I had two choices. One was to stop carrying my Classic SIG pistols. The other option, was to see if installing a set of Talon Rubber Grips on a SIG 228 would provide improved ergonomics, while also serving to tame the effects of recoil. Much to my surprise, the Talon Grips provided just enough textured rubber material covering the surface of the factory SIG grips, to make my P228 comfortable to grip and shoot with a wide variety of ammunition. Where I’m from they call this a “good deal.”

After conducting this side by side comparison, I also decided to replace the screw on rubber grips that are currently on my SIG 226, with a set of Talon Rubber Grips. However, be advised that if you intend to remove the original screw on factory SIG grips, once they are covered with Talon Rubber Grips, you need to remove some additional material. This is necessary to expose the original side panel screws and allow for the removable of the grips.

CLOSING REMARKS

In a day and age when all kinds of new and improved striker fired pistols are being manufactured, I still find my DA/SA Classic Series carbon steel 9mm SIG Pistols to be just as capable and effective, as any of the more modern designs. This doesn’t mean that I don’t own and carry more “modern” Personal Defense Weapons. I use what works for me, because in the end, that’s all that matters.

About the Author

The author has a Bachelor of Science Degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, is married and has two sons and two grandsons.

Nick’s books include: