17 Dec 00

This from a friend who is park ranger in Southern California:

"I recently completed the PC832 Reserve Academy Refresher Program through our local community college. We used our city police department range and firearms. Those who didn't bring their own pistol had a choice of completing the course with the Beretta 92-F in 9mm, the S&W 5906 in 9mm, or the S&W 6906, also in 9mm.

Ninety rounds into the live-fire portion of the Program, two of the Berettas broke locking blocks, and one other broke its trigger return spring/pin. All three had to be removed from service.

Toward the end of the Program, two of the Smith & Wesson pistols broke the trigger bow in the corner. They still functioned, but the trigger acquired a mushy and inconsistent press. They were also pulled from service.

One student brought a HK USP pistol in 40S&W. No problems noted.

I used my own SIG P220 in 45ACP. With 30,000 rounds already through it, it went through the Program without a hiccup."

Lesson: In my experience: If you have a Glock or SIG, your pistol probably won't break no matter how much you shoot it. If you have a S&W, Kahr, or a USP, your pistol probably won't break either, but there is a greater chance than with the first two listed. If you have a Beretta, your pistol probably will break within 15,000 rounds, much sooner if it is in 40S&W caliber.

/John

17 Dec 00

With regard to my last posting. From a friend at a large PD training academy:

"Not my experience! Glocks are nearly indestructible, as you noted. However, I have owned four SIGs, two 9mms and two 45s. None of them have gone more than two hundred rounds without needing to be cleaned and lubricated, heavily. Same at the Academy. We all qualify with a SIG 226 each month, and it typically won't go through three, fifty-two rounds qualification courses without needing to be serviced.

I can really do without the gun. Give me a Glock every time!

Lesson: We are all victims/beneficiaries of our own experiences.

/John