Long Ridge Deer Camp, 2019

We only had two camps this year and one deer was taken. We saw 25 but doe season was closed, and the bucks seen were chasing phase big time. But a good time was had by all! Below was a picture sent out of the bar, so that adequate thirst killers could be procured!

Above and below are several pictures of what we see from our stands, generally twenty feet high.

We come out at dark, and while the potatoes bake on the grill, cocktail hour prevails.

It is then time to prepare a venison meal with salads and baked russets.

All are pleased with the results!

Our resident sauce expert frying up his best.

...and it is suppertime!

LRDC Short and Sweet Springfield Armory XDM 10 MM Review

OK folks, you know I have been a 10 mm fan for many years, and have read my takes on the caliber and guns. As for the caliber, I love it. It is powerful, flat shooting to 200 yards, and will put down about anything you need to protect yourself from. In bear country, it is a staple with hard cast 200 grainers. In deer country, a staple with 180 grainers. Generally it is accurate, and reasonable to shoot. This is my third one, and the one I will lose with no regrets. 

My first 10 mm was a Dan Wesson 1911 platform that was probably the most accurate pistol I have ever shot. It was spectacular in that respect, but totally unreliable. When after factory and gunsmith efforts to make it reliable failed, I sold it, and bought a Ruger 1911 in 10 mm.

XD-M® 4.5″ 10mm

Specs

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Caliber 10mm

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Recoil System One Piece Full Length Guide Rod

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Sights Fiber Optic Front & Low Profile Combat Rear

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Weight 31.2 oz

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Height 5.75"

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Slide Forged Steel, Melonite®

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Barrel 4.5" Steel, Melonite®, Hammer Forged, 1:16 RH Twist

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Length 7.7"

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Grip Width 1.2"

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Frame Black Polymer w/ Interchangeable Backstraps

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Magazines (2) 15-Round

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MSRP $652.00

That failed right out of the box, but Ruger came through and fixed it, fast service, and no charge to me.  I fired about 2000 rounds through that gun and was pleased with the accuracy (not on the Dan Wesson level mind you) and after factory repair, it was flawless. But it is heavy, and I am a striker fired guy who met polymer in the mid-eighties, I was waiting for a striker fired 10mm to come along. BAM!

Springfield Armory does it, and as I have reviewed their 9mm and 45 XDs, and liked them, I just had to have this one, and got it. 

Off to the range. No pictures and here is why. It was about 80 degrees out when I hit Ferry Brook. I set up a target at 12 yards and settled in to see where this pistol would hit. After a magazine or two I concluded that the pistol was accurate enough, but the grip on it was ridiculous, Grip Zone baloney. It was hot, and the gun spun in my hand to the point where it was pointless to shoot any more. Zero control. Now, this was not an issue with 9mm, but we know the power of a 10! So, I pack it up and go home to order a talon grip for it. Talon grip comes in, I put it on, and am ready to do serious business.

Back to the range. Nope! The gun is too slippery, and even as I hold it in a death grip, it shimmers and waves beyond my control. OK We settle down and sand bag rest at 25 yards with Underwood 200 grain deer killers. Five rounds. 12 inch group. Do it again. 14 inch group. Call it quits, go home and order a few boxes of federal 180 grain Bonded soft point, a great hunting round. Maybe the 200's are just not for the XD's twist. Back to the range. 

So, back to the range with hope! We warm up with Armscor 180 grain fmj fodder, and fire a 12 range target that is respectable.  OK, Back to the 25 yard target. Sand bag. Federal bonded 180 soft point, my hunting round. First five round group, 12 inches. Second five round group. Never worked harder. 10 inches. 

And I've got it. It ain't the gun in and of itself. It's the weight. The gun is accurate enough, but it is way too light for this powerful a load. It bounces like a beach ball when shot, and is difficult to control. While I did want to get away from the 1911 platform, I have to accept that they are so much heavier thus accurate and controllable than the polymer striker fireds. I'll trade this for a 1911 once again for hunting use only, and regain the stellar 10 mm accuracy I was accustomed to. Whether another Ruger, or a Colt Delta Elite I don't know. But this one has to go.

Conclusion: Do not buy one. 

Some Summer/Fall Shots leading Up To...

A somewhat surprised look from this beautiful doe.

 One of many recruited and healthy fawns on the farm.

 An absolutely beautiful buck below!

 Mom's with two babes are ALWAYS worth saving.

 A few fall walks with the pup to check the fields.

 Our coyote population remains well under control, but we do occasionally see them.

 Bucks prefer their apple picking at night!

 Bears do not care!

 Not very clear but these bucks are sparring in the East Plot.

 You are not part of my immediate family. Move away!

 And more sparring.

I love the porkies, and we do not bother them. Fisher and bobcat do...

 Two shots of the same skinny little fox.

Yearling buck, feeding with the ladies.

 Another great buck.

Life wouldn't be the same without the turks.

A better shot of a fight.

 Early on shot of a fawn and mom.

Below IS a taker.

These were a few of the thousands of shots taken to get us excited for the upcoming seasons. The cameras produce approximately 1500 good pictures a week and I cannot keep up with posting. I am trying to go back to a post per month minimum. We'll see how that works out. Enjoy your winter everyone, we manage to, and the days are already becoming palpably longer. Neat! 2020, bring it on...

Comments, critiques and insults welcomed.

jackzeller@myfairpoint.net