I’ve been busy at the range.

I had the urge to lighten my ammo boxes.  The best way to do it is to shoot some targets!  Over the past few weeks I did just that.  Here are some of the results.

I have been having a lot of fun with my new Ruger 10/22.  I converted it to a “Ruger Taptical 22” using the Tapco 10/22 Intrafuse stock and a few other goodies.  This has transformed it into a great little shooter.  I will do a review on it in the near future.  Until then, here are a few targets.

Ruger Taptical 22 – 25-Yards – 4x Scope

(Click for full size target)

I was using a 2x-6x variable scope.  I bought it many years ago for my SKS, but, never used it.  It is a compact scope and looks good on the Ruger.  The black circle is 1-inch in diameter.  This is just about a 1/2-inch group.  This is the final group after adjusting the scope.  Wow, I am very happy with that.

Ruger Taptical 22 – 10-Yards – 2x Scope

(Click for full size target)

Next, I set the target at 10-yards and used the steel lip version of the Butler Creek 25-round magazines.  I was shooting semi-rapid fire.  I fired just under a second per round.  A good substitute for a red-dot scope is a low power scope.  I set the variable scope to 2x.  You don’t have the low light capabilities of a red-dot, but, it is just about as quick to acquire the target.  With a few exceptions, the 25-rounds made a one hole group.  I love this rifle!

I had some 9mm ammo screaming to fly so I brought out the Taurus 92SS pistol.  This is a sweet shooting handgun.  I had a Beretta 92F several years ago, but, I like the Taurus better.  One reason is the Taurus has the safety on the frame, not the slide.  It just feels more natural there.

 Taurus 92SS – 7-Yards – 5-Shot group

(Click for full size target)

The Taurus 92SS is a double-action pistol.  The first pull of the trigger is heavy and subsequent trigger pulls are single action.  The first shot on this target landed low-left.  This is typical for me with a double action trigger.  The rest are in the 9 and 10 ring.  By the way…If you need a magazine for your Taurus 92, buy the Mec-Gar magazines.  They are the best!

Finally, I had to shoot my IO AK47-C rifle.  I decided to use the iron sights and went to Shooters Express to adjust the front sight.

IO AK47-C – 25-Yards – Iron sights

(Click for full size target)

I recently shot the AK with iron sights at 100-yards with fantastic results.  More on that later.  The IO AK keeps impressing me.

I hope you enjoyed sharing my target shooting activities.  I have several projects in the works and will document them later.  Until then…Lock and load!

Taurus PT-22 magazine modification

(Click on any image to enlarge)

I have had a Taurus PT-22 “pocket pistol” for many years.  It has served me well, but I have noticed a certain “quark” that I have finally fixed.

The factory magazine for the PT-22 has a finger grip extension.  For those with smaller hands, I guess this would work well, but, my pinky finger puts pressure on it skewing the alignment ever so slightly.  This sometimes causes misfeeds.  To solve this problem I would drop my pinky finger below the extension relieving the pressure.   I was afraid that if I ever had to use the pistol for its intended purpose, I may be under enough stress to forget this “solution”. 

The picture above depicts the Taurus PT-22 and magazine as it originally came from the factory with the exception of the fine Pearce wrap-around rubber grip.  Notice the grip extension on the bottom of the magazine.  I never did like it.  Now I have solved the problem.

Use an Allen wrench or punch to disassemble the magazine.  I think most of you know how to do this so I will not go into great detail.

Use caution when removing the floor plate from the magazine.  The spring will shoot across the room if you don’t retain it with you finger.  You now have the magazine disassembled enough to make this minor modification.

Take a flat head screwdriver to remove the screw holding the plastic magazine extension to the metal floor plate.  Now separate the floor plate from the magazine extension.  Keep the screw and magazine extension as you may want to put it back the way it was later.

Now reassemble the magazine.  There will be a “dimple” protruding from the bottom of the metal floor plate that is only cosmetic and causes no functioning problems.  Here is the finished project.

The removal of the magazine extension makes the gun more comfortable for me.  The overall size is reduced, a little, which only helps it to be a more effective concealed-carry weapon.

I really enjoy the Taurus PT-22 pistol.  It makes a good “summer” carry gun.  Some think that .22 LR rounds are underpowered.  They are right!  Most pistol ammunition are underpowered.  This pocket rocket is very accurate up to 7-yards.  I can routinely get all nine rounds in a 3-inch group at 7-yards.  And this is handheld and semi-rapid firing.  I feel safe with my little friend!

Food for thought on your next handgun purchase.

(Click on any image to enlarge)
When I make a firearm purchase I look for long term value. I don't have unlimited funds so I try to find a bargain. I have a couple Taurus handguns. I find that the Taurus line of handguns are very good quality for a good price. One more thing. They come with a lifetime warranty!

If you use a handgun long enough you may need some repairs. This can be pretty expensive if the gun is out of warranty. Not to worry with Taurus! They have a lifetime warranty on the firearm. This is not a warranty for the original purchaser, but for the firearm, no matter who owns it! If you purchase a used Taurus handgun, you also have the lifetime warranty. Something to consider when purchasing used firearms.

I have a Taurus PT-22. I have had it for around 12-years. This is a sub-compact semi-auto handgun that looks like a miniature PT92. This is a good handgun for concealed carry if you have the permit to do so. I'm sure it was never intended for heavy usage, but I have shot a few thousand rounds through it.

There is a "U" shaped steel strap that connects the front left and right slide. This fits under the barrel. It is a weak point and it did break. No worry! I just sent it to Taurus for a free repair. Now it's like new again.

Taurus and Kel-Tec both offer lifetime warranties. I think Kel-Tec's warranty is for the original purchaser only, but that's still better than most warranties. Something to consider on your next firearm purchase.