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I made a very dumb mistake last week at my wife and son's expense. We had a CC class scheduled for yesterday, July 1st. I ordered some ammo for the class last week from MidwayUSA. They were sold out of my normal ammunition that I favor to run through my Beretta.

So I clicked on another type of ammo, without fully reading the details on it. Turns out, it was for small frame 9mm semi-autos. My poor wife, I wasn't concerned about my son, had multiple cycling issues while shooting her qualifying rounds. Myself and my son had the same issues. But my wife isn't very experienced and she already had some nervousness prior to the class that was agitated by the malfunctions.

Part of her problem was her grip. She was allowing her thumb to interfere with the slide of the pistol. But when my son and I had the same issues, it became apparent that something else was going on. So I walked over and took a close look at one of the ammunition containers. That's when I discovered that it was for small framed semi-autos.

Bad mistake on my part. I wasn't paying enough attention when I ordered it. My wife, son, and I all passed the class, but I learned a valuable lesson in the process: Pay close attention to what you're purchasing online before hitting the "Checkout" tab.:)
 
Good thread and topic Dave. And the lesson learned was in a training type venue that allowed for some error.

Just a friendly reminder to add one point here if you don't mind. When ordering defense and carry ammo, we absolutely cannot allow room for error when ordering or loading up our firearms and extra mags.

Knowing from shooting experience which type ammo cycles and performs well in our firearms is a must prior to purchasing or loading for carry.
 
Just a friendly reminder to add one point here if you don't mind. When ordering defense and carry ammo, we absolutely cannot allow room for error when ordering or loading up our firearms and extra mags.

Knowing from shooting experience which type ammo cycles and performs well in our firearms is a must prior to purchasing or loading for carry.


Absolutely sir. Great point to add. This ammunition could have been worthless in a self-defense scenario had one manifested. It was a mistake I will not repeat, that is certain.
 
Absolutely sir. Great point to add. This ammunition could have been worthless in a self-defense scenario had one manifested. It was a mistake I will not repeat, that is certain.

Many times in life when we struggle finding out the right thing to do we find out very easily what not to do. This was a great teachable moment for all of us to learn something from Dave. Again, I thank you for posting this as we may never know who may be helped by this information in a life or death situation.
 
I wonder if it was because of the amount of powder. 150 grain seems like more than the usual amounts. Glad it was a learning situation...
 
Wasn't aware of special.ammo for small frame 9mm. Thanks for the heads up and glad to hear it wasn't a major issue.
 
I wonder if it was because of the amount of powder. 150 grain seems like more than the usual amounts. Glad it was a learning situation...

Yes. This ammunition was "low recoil" designed for small frame 9mm semi-auto carry pistols. I didn't read the description when I purchased it online and didn't notice the very small "Micro" print on the upper left corner of the box when I received it. I assumed, since it was 150 grain hollow point, that it would be good to run through my 92FS. My assumption was wrong. The caliber and cartridge size was fine. The powder charge was not. All my fault and no excuses to fall back on.
 
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I'm learning too. I didn't realize there was such a thing.

Yep............another reason to always function test every firearm with each type of ammo until you're convinced it has acceptable levels of performance before you use it as carry ammo. Practice, practice, practice.........test, test, test.

It really helps us all to stay alive and be there to protect our loved ones.
 
I think most of us have learned something from your mistake. But I wonder why you weren't ordering FMJ's for target practice.

By the way, I think most CHP instructors want their students to pass. When I took the course, there was a girl with a new Hi Point and nobody (not the instructor nor his RSO) could make the thing cycle properly. She passed anyway.

My dad taught me one lesson that I've carried with me all my life...

"There's nothing wrong with making a mistake. Try to make each one only once."
 
But I wonder why you weren't ordering FMJ's for target practice.

I always shoot the round that I carry in my firearm regardless of why or where I'm shooting. I normally shoot and carry Remington 147 grain Golden Sabre rounds in my Beretta. Midway was sold out of that round so I ordered what I thought was the best option for it. But I made a mistake and learned a valuable lesson.
 
Might have been easier on the new trainee's if you had gone with FMJ practice ammo instead of full power. I would consider doing that to lessen the intimidation, bolster confidence and reduce expense as they are developing their skills, since they will need to shoot many, many rounds.
 
Might have been easier on the new trainee's if you had gone with FMJ practice ammo instead of full power. I would consider doing that to lessen the intimidation, bolster confidence and reduce expense as they are developing their skills, since they will need to shoot many, many rounds.

My son certainly isn't a "new trainee" since he's been shooting several firearms since he was 8 years old that many adults have never touched. I'm not following your "FMJ practice ammo instead of full power" comment.
 
I mistakenly purchased low power/low recoil ammunition because the normal ammunition I use wasn't available from my supplier. I absolutely hate low recoil ammunition in anything I shoot. I made a mistake that I won't repeat.
 
...By the way, I think most CHP instructors want their students to pass. When I took the course, there was a girl with a new Hi Point and nobody (not the instructor nor his RSO) could make the thing cycle properly. She passed anyway....

You are correct, partly. Yes, instructors want their students to pass, but none with whom I'm familiar will pass a student just because they like that particular student or want them to pass. If the handgun they brought won't run, loan them one that will. I hope the girl in your class didn't slide just because her gun wouldn't run.

Each student has to meet or exceed the basic standards for safety, weapon manipulation, and marksmanship. If they can't do these tasks, some remedial education may be required. If that fails to bring the student up to standards, then the student fails the class. In my 9 years as an NC instructor, I've never had a student that could not be taught the skills necessary to pass this simple test.

Having said that, the events that caused Dave to start this thread had nothing whatsoever to do with the ability of the students to pass this class. Each is a very capable shooter and scored perfect/near perfect scores on the shooting test while demonstrating safe weapon handling skills. This was purely an issue of underpowered ammo causing the gun to fail to run, which is not something on which the students would be measured. It did have an unplanned benefit of providing an opportunity for practicing malfunction clearances, tho, something that is usually outside the scope of a CCH class.
 
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Thanks for the explanation. I was too busy worrying about hitting my own target to pay more than passing attention to the problems they were all having with her gun. After the trip to the range, the instructor convinced her (and her husband) to replace the gun. They mentioned that it took months in their county to receive a PPP or CHP so there would be nothing they could do about it until then.

I also second the mention of Outdoor Limited. Since I discovered them, I don't think I've bought any ammo elsewhere. They're local (I like supporting "local), have prices that are at or very close to the lowest anywhere and they don't accept orders for items they can't ship immediately.

At this moment, they have 81 boxes of your preferred ammo in stock, priced @ $18.95.
https://www.outdoorlimited.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=gs9mmcb
 
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I got my wife a Bodyguard because she wanted something smaller to carry than what she had. I then promptly got some carry ammo her her and I picked up some low recoil HST's. I got it for a reason, she is very recoil sensitive. It was teztfired then given to her with nary a problem or worry. I'm glad you realized your mistake and the problem was rectified while in a training situation.
 
That " small frame auto" is a kinda vague. Especially for a personal defense round. ( this has nothing to do with Dave) just a general comment. I get the reasoning behind it, low Recoil, but this thread just shows you the importance of not sticking ammo in your gun without training with it first, as much as we don't wanna " waste" that $30.00 box of ammo at the range. And how pulling a bullet out of a box and going " yes, that looks mean, it'll work" isn't our best policy.

I had no idea that they made ammo for small frame autos. " federal personal defense in 9mm....sure, buy it!". Haha.
 
That sucks! Glad it was practice and not something serious. I use Hornady xtp for my ting carry 9mm ( db9). My other 9s run Hornady critical duty 135gr. I practice with the real thing as often as I can afford it :)
 
This right here. I don't know what in the world I was thinking when I ordered it. It's all on me. My mistake.

View attachment 14446

This is just perfect. I just bought some of this from Walmart for my G19. I haven't had a chance to try it, but you can guess what I'll be doing today.
 
You are correct, partly. Yes, instructors want their students to pass, but none with whom I'm familiar will pass a student just because they like that particular student or want them to pass. If the handgun they brought won't run, loan them one that will. I hope the girl in your class didn't slide just because her gun wouldn't run.

Each student has to meet or exceed the basic standards for safety, weapon manipulation, and marksmanship. If they can't do these tasks, some remedial education may be required. If that fails to bring the student up to standards, then the student fails the class. In my 9 years as an NC instructor, I've never had a student that could not be taught the skills necessary to pass this simple test.

Having said that, the events that caused Dave to start this thread had nothing whatsoever to do with the ability of the students to pass this class. Each is a very capable shooter and scored perfect/near perfect scores on the shooting test while demonstrating safe weapon handling skills. This was purely an issue of underpowered ammo causing the gun to fail to run, which is not something on which the students would be measured. It did have an unplanned benefit of providing an opportunity for practicing malfunction clearances, tho, something that is usually outside the scope of a CCH class.

And it didn't prevent her from continuing her shoot. I've seen veteran shooters throw their hands up at that many malfunctions, she persisted and it paid off.
 
My son certainly isn't a "new trainee" since he's been shooting several firearms since he was 8 years old that many adults have never touched. I'm not following your "FMJ practice ammo instead of full power" comment.
Just saying most practice ammo is not at peak pressures, less recoil and muzzle blast, especially if you carry ammo is +P.
But it just occurred to me...

I'll have to call a MCC (Man Card Challenge)
If that's the only ammo you shoot, why didn't you have more on hand? Shouldn't you have at least a few boxes in reserve??
;)
 
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Just saying most practice ammo is not at peak pressures, less recoil and muzzle blast, especially if you carry ammo is +P.
But it just occurred to me...

I'll have to call a MCC (Man Card Challenge)
If that's the only ammo you shoot, why didn't you have more on hand? Shouldn't you have at least a few boxes in reserve??
;)


Gotcha. Sorry I misinterpreted your point. I normally do keep 500 to 1000 rounds of 9mm in my cabinet. I just made the mistake of not ordering more to replenish my inventory prior to the class. Thanks.
 
And it didn't prevent her from continuing her shoot. I've seen veteran shooters throw their hands up at that many malfunctions, she persisted and it paid off.

I'll tell ya what else it didn't prevent her from doing. After we discussed it and I told her it was all my fault, she proceeded to blast away at me for causing her uneasiness at an already stressful situation for her. I sat there and took it and didn't say a word just like a good husband should do.:D
 
I'll tell ya what else it didn't prevent her from doing. After we discussed it and I told her it was all my fault, she proceeded to blast away at me for causing her uneasiness at an already stressful situation for her. I sat there and took it and didn't say a word just like a good husband should do.:D

Lucky for you she was "blasting away" at you with low power ammo!!!!

:D
 
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I'll tell ya what else it didn't prevent her from doing. After we discussed it and I told her it was all my fault, she proceeded to blast away at me for causing her uneasiness at an already stressful situation for her. I sat there and took it and didn't say a word just like a good husband should do.:D

Probably a good plan. I was never a good husband ;)

Oh and the beans thickened up, finally.
 
Not returning it, unfortunately... ;)

I hate it when this happens with my .40S&W... oh, wait.

I only shot one mag, but it worked fine. I'll try another in a little while. I'm still recovering from a brake job on my wife's BMW.
 
I'll tell ya what else it didn't prevent her from doing. After we discussed it and I told her it was all my fault, she proceeded to blast away at me for causing her uneasiness at an already stressful situation for her. I sat there and took it and didn't say a word just like a good husband should do.:D
But, she got to practice stoppage drills. ;)
 
I'll tell ya what else it didn't prevent her from doing. After we discussed it and I told her it was all my fault, she proceeded to blast away at me for causing her uneasiness at an already stressful situation for her. I sat there and took it and didn't say a word just like a SMART husband should do.:D

FIFY;)
 
This right here. I don't know what in the world I was thinking when I ordered it. It's all on me. My mistake.

View attachment 14446

Not sure if it is intentional or not but manufacturers of all types of products do a horrible job of differentiating their offerings. I probably grab the wrong thing once a month at the grocery store. Pisses me off. You almost need a long inspection with a magnifying glass these days.
 
Not sure if it is intentional or not but manufacturers of all types of products do a horrible job of differentiating their offerings. I probably grab the wrong thing once a month at the grocery store. Pisses me off. You almost need a long inspection with a magnifying glass these days.

Yes. As a matter of fact, your post here just reminded me. I'm certainly not using this as an excuse as I should have put my dang reading glasses on and zoomed in on my phone. But I think I ordered this ammunition from my stupid phone.

That's another lesson worth learning. When ordering ammo from your phone, and you're near vision went to Fred Sanford hell, you would do yourself a great favor by putting on your reading glasses or, at least, magnifying what is on the screen by doing the "one finger & thumb" spread to the screen.:)
 
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