Wlfman13
05-06-2018, 01:59 AM
Well, I have some data and photos to report with regard to my CT9, and CT380, each of which/whom have presented different personalities at the range. But, each has demonstrated the ability to complete the “job” at the same level of proficiency.
First, I bought a CT9, followed all of Jocko’s break-in advice, racked it 400 times during the cleaning process, and took it to the range with 400 rounds of eight different brands of ammo. All 400 rounds went bang without a hitch. Not a single hiccup. AND, it was my most accurate pistol, at that time (vs a Glock 33, and a Kahr P380 that I already owned.)
Last year, I bought a CT380 after my wife determined that she liked the recoil of my P380 better than the CT9, but wished the grip was longer. Never one to (inadvertently) misunderstand the need(s) of my best friend and wonderful wife (seriously, she’s awesome), I saw that as a plea (and justification) to purchase a CT380 for her. I bought the Tungsten ceracote model with three-dot “combat sights”. (Spoiler Alert: I want to switch my P380 to those sights).
Well, I broke the CT380 in a little differently, due to neck/spine surgery recovery. I didn’t clean the “goo” out of it. I didn’t clean it at all. I went to the range with three types of ammo, and it hated one, and kinda put up with two of them.
It hated Perfecta. Remember the low price on Perfecta last year? So did I. I bought 500 rounds (over time) without testing it in my P380 or CT380. Both couldn’t even chamber it. This is not a discussion on extractor polishing, or extractor tension. But, Perfecta ammo has a really thick rim (.015mm more than “average”). My 380’s did not like that.
My P380 has LOVED everything else. The CT380 put up with PPU and Federal the first time out. By “put up with”, I mean every round chambered, but every round had to be slammed home the last 1/8”. I chalked it up to “tight tolerances, ceracote binding, etc.”, because it LOVED Hornady Critical Defense. However, if it had been life-or-death, I woulda died. But, we had not yet gotten close to the 200-round break-in MINIMUM that Kahr recommends.
Fast-Forward to now. I cleaned the gun. Very dirty. PPU is dirty. But, it shoots really well in my P380. I bought a box of Winchester White Box, expecting a “jam” every round due to the flat nose, and I took another 50 rounds of PPU, plus Ruger ARX, Speer Gold Dot, and Glaser Safety Slug (not the cheapest range/break-in ammo).
I now have the CT9 & CT380 ten-yard shot data (photos) to post, which should make any CT owners happy re. accuracy, given the correct ammo:
(Spoiler Alert:
CT9: 10yd ZQI 9mm while “zeroing new laser sight”, and Perfecta 9mm @ 10 yds while zeroing new laser sight, vs a 5-shot “Iron Sight” group of Perfecta at 10yds.
CT 380: WWB 50 rds @ 7 yards, and PPU 40rds @ 7 yards, vs Speer Gold Dot (5 rds @ 10 yds), Ruger ARX (5rds @ 10yds), and Glaser Safety Slug 5rds @ 10 yds).
Post your bets, now!
Which ammo does each gun like the best?
(The CT380 still needs 150 rounds through it to be ready...)
Please take some time to review the photos. I could add more info, but it is late, and I can answer any questions.
-Wlf
First, I bought a CT9, followed all of Jocko’s break-in advice, racked it 400 times during the cleaning process, and took it to the range with 400 rounds of eight different brands of ammo. All 400 rounds went bang without a hitch. Not a single hiccup. AND, it was my most accurate pistol, at that time (vs a Glock 33, and a Kahr P380 that I already owned.)
Last year, I bought a CT380 after my wife determined that she liked the recoil of my P380 better than the CT9, but wished the grip was longer. Never one to (inadvertently) misunderstand the need(s) of my best friend and wonderful wife (seriously, she’s awesome), I saw that as a plea (and justification) to purchase a CT380 for her. I bought the Tungsten ceracote model with three-dot “combat sights”. (Spoiler Alert: I want to switch my P380 to those sights).
Well, I broke the CT380 in a little differently, due to neck/spine surgery recovery. I didn’t clean the “goo” out of it. I didn’t clean it at all. I went to the range with three types of ammo, and it hated one, and kinda put up with two of them.
It hated Perfecta. Remember the low price on Perfecta last year? So did I. I bought 500 rounds (over time) without testing it in my P380 or CT380. Both couldn’t even chamber it. This is not a discussion on extractor polishing, or extractor tension. But, Perfecta ammo has a really thick rim (.015mm more than “average”). My 380’s did not like that.
My P380 has LOVED everything else. The CT380 put up with PPU and Federal the first time out. By “put up with”, I mean every round chambered, but every round had to be slammed home the last 1/8”. I chalked it up to “tight tolerances, ceracote binding, etc.”, because it LOVED Hornady Critical Defense. However, if it had been life-or-death, I woulda died. But, we had not yet gotten close to the 200-round break-in MINIMUM that Kahr recommends.
Fast-Forward to now. I cleaned the gun. Very dirty. PPU is dirty. But, it shoots really well in my P380. I bought a box of Winchester White Box, expecting a “jam” every round due to the flat nose, and I took another 50 rounds of PPU, plus Ruger ARX, Speer Gold Dot, and Glaser Safety Slug (not the cheapest range/break-in ammo).
I now have the CT9 & CT380 ten-yard shot data (photos) to post, which should make any CT owners happy re. accuracy, given the correct ammo:
(Spoiler Alert:
CT9: 10yd ZQI 9mm while “zeroing new laser sight”, and Perfecta 9mm @ 10 yds while zeroing new laser sight, vs a 5-shot “Iron Sight” group of Perfecta at 10yds.
CT 380: WWB 50 rds @ 7 yards, and PPU 40rds @ 7 yards, vs Speer Gold Dot (5 rds @ 10 yds), Ruger ARX (5rds @ 10yds), and Glaser Safety Slug 5rds @ 10 yds).
Post your bets, now!
Which ammo does each gun like the best?
(The CT380 still needs 150 rounds through it to be ready...)
Please take some time to review the photos. I could add more info, but it is late, and I can answer any questions.
-Wlf