Basic Handgun 2 Class

I had the chance to take the Basic Handgun 2 Class with Greg Block on Sunday afternoon. Per the class description:

This is a great class if you have the basics and want to improve your accuracy and confidence to shoot well in a pressure situation. Emphasis is placed on improving the shooter's ability to make rapid multiple shots on both single and multiple targets at varying distances.

We spent the entire afternoon doing double taps on various targets. We started off on large silhouette targets then gradually moved onto smaller and smaller targets. When we were able to group our shots adequately, we were challenged with multiple 4"x6" targets (numbered 1 through 4) where we first had to identify the correct target (based on what the instructor yelled out), align our sights, then double tap that target.

Honestly, it was quite a challenge. Not only was I using the P99 for the very first time, but I was also using the Big Dot sights mentioned in the previous post. I shot fairly well, but noticed that I was shooting low. "Dotting the I" on the Big Dots can be tricky at first as I was trying to shoot too quickly without having truly "dotted the I." I'll need more practice, but once I get accustomed to targeting with the Big Dot sights, I should be fine.

As for the P99, it performed like a champ. The recoil was slight, the slide was smooth and the AS trigger is unlike any other that I've shot with. I think the P99 is one of the best semi-automatic handguns out there.

Near the end of the class, I was able to get side-by-side double taps - a first for me. The key was to keep my firing hand/arm fairly straight and to lean into my shot; by doing both, I was able to keep the gun steady in my hand and could fire the follow-up shot rapidly and accurately.

I have a few months to practice before I take Greg Block's Intermediate Handgun Class. I can't wait to hit the indoor range and improve my skills with both the P99 and P22.

XS Sight Systems' Big Dot Sights

The primary reason I got the Walther P99 is for self/home defense, especially when things go 'bump' in the night. With that said, the stock Walther sights are not night sights. If something was to happen, I would have a hard time properly aiming the P99 in low/no light situations. As such, I started looking for night sights for the P99.

I quickly found out that there are many brands available - such as Trijicon and Meprolight. While searching the Walther forums for night sight info, I stumbled on a sight called the Big Dot by XS Sight Systems. These were billed as combat sights that also happened to work in low light situations. I was intrigued by the 'combat sight' billing and eventually stumbled onto this YouTube clip:



After watching it, I was sold - a set of sights that can work in low light situations and help me with faster target acquisition during high stress situations (i.e., someone is possibly breaking into my home and I have to confront the individual). Unfortunately, the Big Dots (hell, almost all night sights) run over $100 and it was more than I wanted to spend. I spent the next few weeks monitoring the 'for sale' posts of one of the Walther forums and found someone selling the Big Dot sights!

I got quite the deal on the Big Dots - less than $30 shipped! The sights actually arrived earlier this week, but I haven't the chance to install them until today. Here are a few pics:



One thing I highly recommend when installing sights is to have the right tools. After I received the sights, I found out that I needed a very small & thin 3/16" nut driver to properly install the front sight. In addition, some thread lock is required to keep the nut from loosening up (from the vibration caused when firing the gun).

For the hex nut driver, I purchased a Hiviz Installation Tool; and for the thread lock, I purchased a small tube of Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 (the kind that is removable with hand tools).



The installation tool was just perfect and made installing the sights a breeze. I did 2 drops of Loctite and that should be more than enough to keep the nut secure and in place. Now I just have to wait 24 hours for the Loctite to fully cure and I'm set.

Not a moment to soon either! I have my second handgun course on Sunday afternoon and I can't wait to try these Big Dot sights out.