Posted: 11/6/2002 5:11:56 AM EDT
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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 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. |
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!... |
I can see the removal of sharp edges. Okay.
Bzzztt!!! Take your eyes off a potential threat to check your ammo? No, thanks!
No big deal there. That's the old "Bill Jordan" shaved triggerguard trick.
Now THAT I can understand. 
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