On another board on the net, a gun writer and a pistolsmith are discussing reviving the ASP concept, but using a modern design, easily available handgun for the base.  One that is a strong contender is the Kahr K9.  I was fortunate enough to own to ASP's in the past.  1st was built on a 39-2 and the 2nd on a 439 (I was also foolish enough to sell them [whacks self in head repeatedly], before they became the collectors items they are today).

I think the K9 would be a GREAT base gun, following the ASP concept, but omitting the Guttersnipe sight (never got used to them!) and the lexan grips (every set I had cracked around the grip escusions, within 100 rounds).

So, what would you think of such a customised K9/New ASP??  You thoughts and observations, please.

I think it's an unnecessary, expensive concept, especially since the Kahr K9, unmodified, meets almost every design criteria for the ASP.  The P9 is even closer due to its lighter weight.  I just don't see the utility.

I think the ASP concept is dated.  It has been made obsolete by the current crop of compact autos.  I did and still do like the guttersnipe sighting system....always intrigued me.  What was it about the sights you didn't like, beachboy?  I don't own a firearm with the system, but thought about converting an NAA guardian at one point.  Also saw a Glock in Combat Handguns a couple of years back that had a guttersnipe.

Quoted: I think the ASP concept is dated.  It has been made obsolete by the current crop of compact autos.  I did and still do like the guttersnipe sighting system....always intrigued me.  What was it about the sights you didn't like, beachboy?  I don't own a firearm with the system, but thought about converting an NAA guardian at one point.  Also saw a Glock in Combat Handguns a couple of years back that had a guttersnipe.

I think you can trace a developmental line from the ASP to the boxy 469 and 669 and then the 3913/3914 single stack 9mm's by S&W.  I had a customised 3913 built by Kurt Wickmann and Ken Novak that was a near replacement.
For me the Guttersnipe sights were a struggle to use, for 2 reasons.  One due to years of using conventional front and rear sights, I had a tendancy to elevate the front of the slide when sighting, looking for a non-exsisting front sight.  And due to the fact that I carried conventionally sighted handguns as a LEO at the time I could not dedicate myself to the Guttersnipe concept.  Also I am cross dominate, right handed and left master eye. This too, caused me to have to slow down and concentrate on using and balancing the Guttersnipe sight plane.

Quoted: I think it's an unnecessary, expensive concept, especially since the Kahr K9, unmodified, meets almost every design criteria for the ASP.  The P9 is even closer due to its lighter weight.  I just don't see the utility.

There are several features that would be a plus on the K9.  Such as an extensive "dehorning"  like the ASP's had, there were no sharp edges on those guns.  Truly felt like a "well used bar of soap"  The grips and magazines modified to allow an easy ammo capacity check at a glance.  The trigger guard modified to allow the tip of the dominant index finger to slip by with out resistance, are just a few that come to mind.
Besides, owning a true custom handgun isn't always about utility...sometimes it's about wanting something unique.  Can't always point to justifiable reasons as much as just...because I want it!...

Quoted: There are several features that would be a plus on the K9.  Such as an extensive "dehorning"  like the ASP's had, there were no sharp edges on those guns.  Truly felt like a "well used bar of soap"

I can see the removal of sharp edges.  Okay.

The grips and magazines modified to allow an easy ammo capacity check at a glance.

Bzzztt!!!  Take your eyes off a potential threat to check your ammo?  No, thanks!

The trigger guard modified to allow the tip of the dominant index finger to slip by with out resistance, are just a few that come to mind.

No big deal there.  That's the old "Bill Jordan" shaved triggerguard trick.

Besides, owning a true custom handgun isn't always about utility...sometimes it's about wanting something unique.  Can't always point to justifiable reasons as much as just...because I want it!...

Now THAT I can understand.