The Colt XSP .380 on the line today for a quick 100 rounds of generic Winchester white box 95 grain ammo. As usual, the safety is well, a Colt one. No faults noted today. It is a really soft shooting pistol compared to some pocket .380's around here.
Next week the original Mustang, same ammo and perhaps some chrono work. I apologize in advance if this post looks wonky, trying to figure out the iThingy blogger app before the NRAAM!
After being motivated by a noted gun blogger and conversations tonight I have been motivated to do the 2000 round test that Tam has been doing.
I'm doing it with a twist though. A brand new Colt Mustang XSP with less than 100 rounds through it head to head with a first generation Colt Mustang (1987 or so) with less than 500 rounds through it.
I'll field strip both, clean and lube them. Lets see how this goes!
Dang it Tam! Like I need another hobby right now! Like figuring this camera out =)
Yea! One of the problems with "ahem" riding a dead horse is the lack of accessories for them. I turn to Dragon Leatherworks for a pocket holster for this Colt XSP.
Now I have an excuse to travel to Oak Ridge TN and see the shop and meet some other great people!
A long time friend scored a "new" for 2016 Colt competition 1911 in 9mm yesterday. He has run 120 rounds through it and compares it favorably to the Colt M45 1911.
I'm gonna try to see him tomorrow and shoot this thing!
Here we see a Walther PPK, Browning and new Colt XSP, all in .380 ACP. They got a workout last weekend. Oh, and here is a M&P 9 with a Lightguard. I know that guy running it =)
Just busy lately. So I got a line on a Python and went to it. Like a moth to a flame. I blame this guy.
The thing is I cannot take pictures of shiny stuff it seems. I can make a small aperture, crank up the ISO setting, putz with the lights, but for now this is the best I can do for these.
The 4" Python has a friend now! Oh, and a new little sister!
Colt Mustang XSP. I'm impressed. The Bodyguard and P3AT have been retired! They should have come out with thing 10 years ago!
So I actually had some quality time with some 1911's. Two Commanders pushing 30 years old and a new M45. The 1911 has detractors, but IMHO, they are hard to beat.
As a bonus they are fun to shoot as well! Even more so with good friends.
So I wander up to Concord, NC today and whip out my tricked out name badge to see what is going on. It has been three years or so since this event was here.
Your humble host! I suck at selfies it seems =)
We get to it. There was a sign prohibiting concealed carry and so I went back to the car and dumped the Bodyguard. There were many CMPD and other LEO there.
I always choose times when the event is open to the public instead of members only. It gives me a feel for how relevant the Colt name is to the public. They did advertise on at least WRFX in Charlotte NC for some weeks, but a classic rock FM station? Perhaps clever in targeting that (me) age demographic or money wasted.
There were exhibits and vendor tables. There seemed to be less than the last time of both. Exhibits there were impressive. I apologize for the craptacular iThingy photos.
Everything is expensive. RIA is there of course and there was an auction tonight for members. I vacillated on staying and going to the dinner and auction, but. There were NO younger people there. That is saying something as I am no spring chicken. What I bought 3 years ago for 300 or so was going for 900. I came with a mission though. Find grips for my Python.
Score!
Of course they cost WAY too much, but look much nicer that the aftermarket things that were on it.
Before
After
A young friend of mine asked me over a year ago what will happen to Colt when all us old dudes die off. He sorta asked it in jest and he owns and appreciates them too. That is a profound question. The Historian was not there this time that I could see. Historian letters take SIX months and that is after your check cleared? There is little to no retail presence here for new Colt's.
I seem to be in an abusive relationship. They always meet me with disdain and ask more of me. Yet I come back. I really have no answer to someone that asks why they should pay the premium price new Colt's demand except that they have that rampant pony on them. I hope this is not a dead horse.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the convention and the vendors and exhibitors were really pleasant.
I found the first book an interesting mix of personal relationships, determination, and the shooting hardware descriptions fascinating. I was hooked! I had an emotional connection to these fictional constructs. That is impressive work IMHO. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book!
In honor of two constants in the first book I humbly present this photo.
A Colt Python and grey pants. If you don't get what that photo means, go get the first book first! Go to his Blog for the link to buy the books. You will not be disappointed!
According to really good revolver shooters including Jerry Miculek, I hold a revolver wrong. I will not debate the wisdom behind such shooters that are WAY better than I.
I will say this though. I have small hands. As long as my thumbs do not get into the area around the trigger on a DA I am fine. I have also been taught to do the same thing every time you pick up a Handgun. Semi-Automatic or Revolver.
I do not put my left thumb across the backstrap, nor do I hook it over my right thumb. So I ask you as Mr. Curmudgeon and I shot yesterday the range took a video. I am at his home range and I am not an instructor there.
I can see my right thumb moving between shots. I am shooting .357 Magnums not .38 SPL. I know I need to work on that, but your opnion would be appreciated and I now know that video can be a great training tool.
Sorry, I meant the Colt Python. I have shot others and listened to all the praise lauded on this storied revolver.
So one night a couple of weeks ago one is on auction and about to close. I call a friend and he says "looks good don't go over X dollars." I realize that the guy whips out hardware that amazes me when I actually get to shoot with him and I should have run away then.
We watch the auction and I ended up at X + 180 dollars. After some delays (USPS sucks and why are you sending this hardware in this method anyway.) I end up with this today.
4" barrel Colt Python. To me in really good shape and my friend sent the short version of the Colt Revolver Shop Manual for checking timing. The one thing that has to go is this:
The craptacular aftermarket grips. We try these repos.
They suck out loud and off key. Some fitting will be needed to get them where they need to be if that is possible at all. I rummage around and find these:
I have no idea where they came from or why they are here. I do not have the correct hardware to attach them to the revolver and the right side grip has some damage. Sigh.... This revolver needs the correct grips for such a storied handgun. Anybody got grips with the gold medallions for a Colt I frame?
Shoot it tomorrow and a joke for ya. There are only certain people I can talk to on a Friday night and tell them "I'm rubbing my Python" and they don't think I'm a sick perverted person! Thanks for talking tonight my friends and for the advise.
So why do these objects attract people? Or me specifically? There are many modern firearms that have advantages over this Python. They are lighter, cheaper, and have more capacity than this revolver. Easier to drive too I might add. Much like the 50 year old cars here. Still. It is a siren song I cannot ignore. The cars just as the Firearms are machines. I do appreciate the skill and talent in creating these relics as opposed to hitting "play" on the CNC machines.
This is why I find all the background noise about "my gun vs. this gun" so much noise.
And I blame this guy =) That is my story and I am sticking with it. A Colt Python in royal blue with a 4" barrel. The grips are not correct, but hopefully that will be rectified shortly after the revolver gets here. The Python has been called the "Lamborghini" of revolvers. Too expensive to manufacture now. We shall see.
My friend Murphy's Law went to a car show today. Nice looking Mustangs on display to be sure! Thanks ML for the post.
My first car was a Mustang. A 1971 Fastback my Father bought new. It's still here. The original left side fender emblems are here on my desk.
On the other side of my office is this ad.
I even tried "Brand X" back in 1982 (Hi Karen! It's been a long time =).
Know what? I always came back to the Mustang. I am fortunate in that with a lot of help I have been able to still have these time machines. They have always got me home, sometimes despite my best efforts to prevent that from happening.
So now they live in semi retirement. All but one is road ready, tagged, insured, and ready to go.
My garage:
Although these vehicles give the illusion of freedom, it is just that. They require care and a support infrastructure much as a seafaring ship or an airplane. For a moment in time though, when your right foot goes to the floor that freedom is addictive and hard to ignore. It is a siren call that hopefully I can answer for some time to come. Things come and go.
Here is the 1994 GT in front of a building that is long gone in the mountains of Southwest VA. The Courthouse and church in Independence VA. are still there.
Thanks Murph for kicking the muse in tonight!
Another friend Old NFO went to the range today with some ponies as well. My favorite is the Colt Woodsman. Hey NFO! Need the instructions for it =)
I guess I'm a sucker for stuff with a pony on it =)
Even though some believe that Colt's turn the wrong way, some have asked via email and the book of face about the particulars for this years convention. Link here. Yeah, I'm going! I sorta have to ya know. Its close and I only get to use this thing at the convention.
Tricked out name badge, 1 ea.!
Yeah there are a couple of pedestrian Colt's around here.
