BassCliff
Professional
Hey gang,
I'm back again with a brand new show, full of excellent mediocrity and superior solecisms. For this range trip we will compare, head to head, one of my carry guns, the H&K VP9 (with freshly upgraded sights) and my newest SA Echelon 4.5F Comp. We begin this comparison on a nice spring afternoon here in Wisconsin.
I travel two exits down the interstate to the newer facility and procure my favorite lane, #4.
The plan today is to shoot 75 rounds of Blazer Brass 124 grain through both pistols. I'll shoot 10-shot strings on five B-8 targets with each, then add the scores. We'll end the session with a couple of reactive silhouettes at 15 yards and put 25 rounds on each.
I hope you don't mind that I use a B-8 center with a yellow dot in the 'X' ring. It helps these old eyes focus a little better. I'll tape this center on the B-8 and send it out to 30 feet. I flipped a coin before I arrived and the VP9 won the toss. I'll shoot it first, then alternate between the two.
For round 1, starting with the VP9 and its new tritium Speed Sights (the first time I've shot this since the new sights were installed), it came back with a score of 93. I threw one low right, riding the reset too tightly.
Here's target #1 with the Echelon. It came back with a score of 85. I'm still getting used to the sight picture and hold for this pistol.
Target #2 with the VP9, score of 95.
Target #2 with the E4.5, score of 92.
Target #3 with the VP9, score of 97.
Target #3 with the E4.5, score of 84.
Target #4 with the VP9, score of 94.
Target #4 with the E4.5, score of 77. Let's get it together Cliff!
Here we go, the final round on the B-8 portion of our head-to-head marksmanship comparison. (I use the term "marksmanship" loosely.) Target #5 with the VP9, score of 96.
OK, let's see if I can turn around with the newest pistol in the safe. Here's target #5 with the Echelon 4.5F Comp, score of 95. (It's 96 if you give me a line break.)
OK, let's add up the scores.
Then, for the finale I put 25 rounds on a couple of 12x18 reactive silhouettes at 15 yards.
Here's the first using the VP9.
Here is the second 25 rounds using the E4.5.
How about a side-by-side comparison?
OK, here's my takeaways:
I really like the new Speed Sights on the VP9. I seem to be getting pretty consistent after only a few magazines using the new sights. In the darkness these sights are really bright as well. I know they'll start to fade after a few years (10 years?) but for now they really help these old eyes.
The Echelon also has a tritium front sight but the rear U-notch is taking some getting used to. I think I finally figured out my hold with that last B-8 center. I'm looking forward to our next practice session.
Comparing those last two silhouettes, it seems the Echelon had an overall tighter group (not that either group was all that "tight") but the VP9 group was more centered. The Echelon's group was a little left. Maybe that's my hold, maybe that's just my trigger press pull the muzzle. I'll work on it. Maybe I'll think about Speed Sights for the Echelon, if they're available.
I have an advanced defensive pistol class next week. I haven't decided which pistol to use. I don't know if I'll want to carry the E4.5, but it could be fun. I'll let you know.
Before I go, I must clean up after myself.
As I make my way home, I'm reminded that Spring sometimes comes and goes here in the Wild Wild Upper Midwest.
I'll see y'all again real soon. Thanks for being kind, or mean, whatever. You're a good hang.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
I'm back again with a brand new show, full of excellent mediocrity and superior solecisms. For this range trip we will compare, head to head, one of my carry guns, the H&K VP9 (with freshly upgraded sights) and my newest SA Echelon 4.5F Comp. We begin this comparison on a nice spring afternoon here in Wisconsin.
I travel two exits down the interstate to the newer facility and procure my favorite lane, #4.
The plan today is to shoot 75 rounds of Blazer Brass 124 grain through both pistols. I'll shoot 10-shot strings on five B-8 targets with each, then add the scores. We'll end the session with a couple of reactive silhouettes at 15 yards and put 25 rounds on each.
I hope you don't mind that I use a B-8 center with a yellow dot in the 'X' ring. It helps these old eyes focus a little better. I'll tape this center on the B-8 and send it out to 30 feet. I flipped a coin before I arrived and the VP9 won the toss. I'll shoot it first, then alternate between the two.
For round 1, starting with the VP9 and its new tritium Speed Sights (the first time I've shot this since the new sights were installed), it came back with a score of 93. I threw one low right, riding the reset too tightly.
Here's target #1 with the Echelon. It came back with a score of 85. I'm still getting used to the sight picture and hold for this pistol.
Target #2 with the VP9, score of 95.
Target #2 with the E4.5, score of 92.
Target #3 with the VP9, score of 97.
Target #3 with the E4.5, score of 84.
Target #4 with the VP9, score of 94.
Target #4 with the E4.5, score of 77. Let's get it together Cliff!
Here we go, the final round on the B-8 portion of our head-to-head marksmanship comparison. (I use the term "marksmanship" loosely.) Target #5 with the VP9, score of 96.
OK, let's see if I can turn around with the newest pistol in the safe. Here's target #5 with the Echelon 4.5F Comp, score of 95. (It's 96 if you give me a line break.)
OK, let's add up the scores.
| Pistol | H&K VP9 | SA Echelon 4.5F Comp |
| String 1 | 93 | 85 |
| String 2 | 95 | 92 |
| String 3 | 97 | 84 |
| String 4 | 94 | 77 |
| String 5 | 96 | 95 |
| Total | 475 | 433 |
Then, for the finale I put 25 rounds on a couple of 12x18 reactive silhouettes at 15 yards.
Here's the first using the VP9.
Here is the second 25 rounds using the E4.5.
How about a side-by-side comparison?
OK, here's my takeaways:
I really like the new Speed Sights on the VP9. I seem to be getting pretty consistent after only a few magazines using the new sights. In the darkness these sights are really bright as well. I know they'll start to fade after a few years (10 years?) but for now they really help these old eyes.
The Echelon also has a tritium front sight but the rear U-notch is taking some getting used to. I think I finally figured out my hold with that last B-8 center. I'm looking forward to our next practice session.
Comparing those last two silhouettes, it seems the Echelon had an overall tighter group (not that either group was all that "tight") but the VP9 group was more centered. The Echelon's group was a little left. Maybe that's my hold, maybe that's just my trigger press pull the muzzle. I'll work on it. Maybe I'll think about Speed Sights for the Echelon, if they're available.
I have an advanced defensive pistol class next week. I haven't decided which pistol to use. I don't know if I'll want to carry the E4.5, but it could be fun. I'll let you know.
Before I go, I must clean up after myself.
As I make my way home, I'm reminded that Spring sometimes comes and goes here in the Wild Wild Upper Midwest.
I'll see y'all again real soon. Thanks for being kind, or mean, whatever. You're a good hang.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
i'm pretty sure that's how 
