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Wife and I have been shooting steel challenge for less than a year. We're determined super seniors, no world records in this life, but are practicing twice a week and working to improve. I'm a former geek and probably too mindful of plotting scores and looking at data. Unlike other action...

I've been able to track down some WST powder and have found a Lyman listing for Berry's FP plated/180gr with WST. I have Xtreme 180gr plated FP bullets. I don't have the bullet dimensions off hand, but if I take seating depth and OAL into account is it reasonable to do such a substitution...

I've started to shoot handguns following retirement and find that I really enjoy local IDPA matches (shooting SSP with my M&P40). While I've been competitive my entire life, I'm more interested in simply improving and enjoying the company of like-minded folks. I don't have much opportunity...

I'm considering starting my handgun ammo reloading "career" with a progressive press. I don't have any qualms related to learning curve; my entire (engineering) career has produced a measure twice, cut once mentality. I'm very time limited and between my wife and I we would be shooting perhaps...

I'm just starting to acquire reloading equipment. The cartridges will be used for IDPA and related range work so I'd like to find a newbie-tolerant powder that I can use to load both 9 and 40. 231 and N340 seem like good choices based on what I've read, but it's very difficult for someone...

I've got a set of these sights for my M&P22 with Al slide. The instructions say to use this Loctite as the adhesive, not for the set screw, but between the surfaces. I'll contact Dawson, but this doesn't make a lot of sense since 271 sets in about 5 minutes. Even with a boresight laser I...

I've decided to get into reloading for our 9mm and 40 cal handguns so I've begun saving cases. We generally shoot Freedom Munitions new (9mm) or reman (40 cal) ammo at the range. I understand in these calibers the cases can be reloaded quite a number of times, but should I avoid saving the...

I have a new 1.5" belt for IDPA. My BladeTech double mag pouch doesn't adjust down to 1.5" and I'll certainly investigate shimming the adjustment bar, but I'd like to hear recommendations for a Kydex double mag pouch for my M&P40 that fits a 15" belt. I believe BladeTech's Revolution pouch...

My wife and I own 4 centerfire M&Ps between us, two 9mm (hers) and two 40 cal (his). My two 40s have somewhat different triggers; although both guns are recent vintage, one is a California gun, the other a free state gun. I've already put an Apex DCAEK kit in the CA 40 cal. and like the way...

Following my first IDPA match last week I've been thinking about trigger reset and trigger control when engaging multiple targets from the same position. I didn't think about any of this during the stages, but I'm assuming that following the last shot on a target the best approach is to hold...

Based on what I see in the S&W/M&P forums there is a significant increase in purchase of handguns intended for HD/SD (e.g., M&P Shield). I don't CCW, but even in California the required skill level isn't great and certainly doesn't relate to a self defense situation. Any concerns that CCW or...

New to handguns (1000 rounds), but I thought I would give IDPA a try with a local club. The turnout was smaller than usual, about 20 folks. My goals: safety, no DQ, hit the targets and don't worry about time. The folks, all of whom were club members, were very friendly; I had a great time and...

I'm going to start shooting IDPA this weekend with my M&P 40fs. I'm just curious about the rationale against changing barrel caliber given that you can put any same-caliber barrel in the slide as long as it's the same length. For example, using a "match barrel" doesn't seem to be in the spirit...

Took an excellent all day tactical pistol class from two LEO trainers. Safety, safety, safety were numbers 1,2,3 of course. During drills on clearing malfunctions they emphasized avoiding slingshotting the slide (versus full-hand grasp), the theory being (to which I ascribe complete) that the...

I'm going to give IDPA a try a week from Saturday. I'm in California so my max. magazine capacity is 10 rounds. What's the procedure for topping off the magazine prior to the start? Do I eject the mag after loading the chamber, holster my M&P, top off the mag with a round from my pocket...

My wife and I have entered into handgun ownership with both home defense and recreation in mind. We both believe in the value of instruction and practice. Some training venues do provide an opportunity for certain tactical skills (e.g., rapid fire) while others do not. I'm in California (San...

Wife and I took a lesson yesterday and the instructor had me shoot one-handed with both my strong (right) hand and weak hand. I wasn't as steady with my left arm/hand, but my trigger pull was definitely better. The instructor said this wasn't unusual in his experience, something about...

We're "exercising" our handguns at ranges from 7 to 15 yards. Especially with our M&P 22s it can be difficult to see shot placement. My wife, in particular, could really use help in this area. We don't need a 10X hand-held for this sort of distance. Anyone out there have a suggestion...

During my range session today with my M&P 40 I experienced a "soft" round. Immediately dropped the mag and ejected the case. I wasn't about to look down the barrel from the muzzle end so I broke the slide down and took the barrel in hand and found, fortunately, nothing. Absent a flexible...

My wife have currently have four semi-auto handguns, 2 M&P 22, M&P 9mm and M&P .40. Wife really likes her M&P 22, but due to a left hand injury she may not be able to operate the slide on the 9mm. Were not done working this issue, but I'm looking for revolver suggestions as a possible next...