Handgun Upgrades

[alamo5000]

I have been trying out various things on my carry gun (365XL). Basically I wanted to update what has been done so far and my general impression of the changes.

In no order:

1. A long time ago I swapped the stock trigger out for a Grayguns flat, adjustable trigger. While doing this I also replaced the springs with a set from MCarbo. I know that changing ANYTHING on the guts of especially a carry gun is a big risk. That said, it was a great improvement. I also have at least 2-3K rounds on it since that upgrade, and maybe more. Needless to say it's been reliable, but also a big improvement. I think I had two stoppages in that entire time and both were definitely ammo related (IE solid primer strike but no bang).

Installing the trigger and especially the springs was probably a 6/10 on the difficulty scale. In other words it was a moderate pain in the ass but not horrible by any means.

2. Quite a while ago I bought a threaded Griffin barrel for the 365XL that included the micro comp. I tested it and liked it, but I didn't have a holster for it at the time so I put it aside with the intent to revisit it at a later date. That later date got here and I can say with certainty that it is far superior to the factory barrel. I don't really measure groups for handguns especially, but the difference between the factory barrel and that one was huge. Same day, same shooter, same ammo, multiple tests and re-tests and it was like 1/3 or less the 'group size' at 15 yards. Honestly I was starting to think that either I was not 'as good of a shot' with that gun...but a heads up, side by side comparison gave me massively different results. Also having a comp is just a bonus. It does work. I was skeptical at first about comps in general, but I tested the comp aspect repeatedly over time and yes it works and I am liking it more and more. Also with the Griffin barrel I have had 100% reliability with various ammo including Federal 124gr HST.

Side note, this also allows me to shoot suppressed if I want to. The other day I went to just see if it would work as a suppressor host and it worked great. Not that I will shoot that pistol all the time with a suppressor, but it's definitely nice to have options. Plus if I want to plink around in the back yard I can get a lot more trigger time on that gun, which is a good thing.

3. When I first got my 365XL there was quite a learning curve. Getting used to the gun--and a red dot-- took time and effort. One thing that I didn't like about the gun though was the grip was TOO skinny. I solved that problem using a Hogue grip sleeve. It was a big improvement and helped a lot. Flash forward and I was hearing about after market grip modules and particularly the one from Wilson Combat.

Long story short--this is one thing that is hands down a 10/10. Absolutely get a Wilson Combat grip module. The texture onto simply everything about it is just about perfect. This grip module also has the option to add some tungsten weights in the grip portion. I bought my set from Armory Craft. I can't say one way or another about the weights yet, but overall they do seem to help in a subtle kind of way. If I decide I don't want them I can always take them out, but I don't think it will happen.

4. When I was buying the grip module and tungsten weights I threw and extended mag release in the cart too. I was just curious about it so why not try? Anyway this is actually a surprisingly good upgrade. It's not some ridiculously oversized mag release, but it really does feel better and aid in better gun manipulations. The one I got is textured, but also taller. I would recommend that as well. It was quite surprising that one little part made that kind of impression on me.

5. The next thing I did was swap my Holosun 507K-X2 over to a different gun and replaced it with the new EPS Carry from Holosun. At least to me there were never any problems with the 507K-X2, with the exception of over time it does get dirtier especially on the inside of the lens. Overall I am glad I switched.

6. I ran a Surefire XSC since they were pretty much introduced, but after trying the Sig specific option from Streamlight I switched. I never had a problem with the Surefire, but I like the Streamlight better for a few reasons, including I like that the battery isn't some proprietary thing. One 'issue' that did irritate me about the Surefire is if you just plug the battery into the light it will have battery drain in not a long time even if you are not using the light. Those CR123 batteries just have a lot more juice and they last quite a long time. There are some other things I like better too.

Anyway I got a new holster (again), but I guess it's worth it because I am more than pleased with what I am running as a package.