I saw a thread on TFL about one of these pistols, and decided I would like to have one. Looked up the website, and my desire grew more expensive, as I then decided I would also like a GP100. The GP is in work, but the SP arrived last week.
I did not opt for the hybraporting. I did opt for the following:
Basic tuning package;
Removal of warning label from left side of barrel;
Cut for moon clips;
Custom wood grips.
The pistol is beautiful. Bead blasted frame and barrel, mirror polished hammer, radiused trigger, carry beveled and chamfered cylinder... it really looks great. The grips are Bolivian rosewood, and are very nice both in look and feel. DA trigger is smooth, comparable to that on my S&W Model 13-3, but the SA is unbelievable - smooth, short, and light.
The grips, aesthetics aside, do just what Marc Morganti claims they will do - their shape and angle minimize perceived recoil. Magnum loads don't even sting in this SP. I did not like shooting Magnums in my previous pair of SP101s, which is one reason I no longer have either. This pistol is comfortable with Magnums, and feels like a toy with Specials.
The XS sight works well for quick acquisition in close. At 20+ yards, I was hitting low, so I will have to figure out the correct hold for that sight at a later time.
Between the grips and the XS sight, I noticed that it was easier to shoot for both speed and accuracy using one hand, instead of my normal Chapman. This is unique, in my experience, but none the less it's true - at least it is for me.
10 rounds of .38 158gr at 7 yards, RH unsupported:
One negative thing I noted, and this is not a dig on Gemini Customs but on the implacability of geometry - moon clips may not be the best idea with .357 cases. The extractor throw is too short, so the cases don't clear the chambers, and the tension of the empty cases against the clip makes the last bit of removal a pain. I will have to load some .38 rounds in the clips, and see if they work better. Otherwise, this gun will be used with speed loaders or strips...
I did not opt for the hybraporting. I did opt for the following:
Basic tuning package;
Removal of warning label from left side of barrel;
Cut for moon clips;
Custom wood grips.
The pistol is beautiful. Bead blasted frame and barrel, mirror polished hammer, radiused trigger, carry beveled and chamfered cylinder... it really looks great. The grips are Bolivian rosewood, and are very nice both in look and feel. DA trigger is smooth, comparable to that on my S&W Model 13-3, but the SA is unbelievable - smooth, short, and light.
The grips, aesthetics aside, do just what Marc Morganti claims they will do - their shape and angle minimize perceived recoil. Magnum loads don't even sting in this SP. I did not like shooting Magnums in my previous pair of SP101s, which is one reason I no longer have either. This pistol is comfortable with Magnums, and feels like a toy with Specials.
The XS sight works well for quick acquisition in close. At 20+ yards, I was hitting low, so I will have to figure out the correct hold for that sight at a later time.
Between the grips and the XS sight, I noticed that it was easier to shoot for both speed and accuracy using one hand, instead of my normal Chapman. This is unique, in my experience, but none the less it's true - at least it is for me.
10 rounds of .38 158gr at 7 yards, RH unsupported:
One negative thing I noted, and this is not a dig on Gemini Customs but on the implacability of geometry - moon clips may not be the best idea with .357 cases. The extractor throw is too short, so the cases don't clear the chambers, and the tension of the empty cases against the clip makes the last bit of removal a pain. I will have to load some .38 rounds in the clips, and see if they work better. Otherwise, this gun will be used with speed loaders or strips...
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