IAI Javelina 10mm - Test Run

Evening fellas  >>  Went and got the gun off layaway yesterday.  After work today, I had some time to give it a test run so I ran up to the hill to see what was what.

I didn't have all that much expectation, with some of the reports that I'd been getting about IAI quality and with the reasonable $335 cost, I had thoughts of the good ole "you get what you pay for" kind of thing running through my head.

Anyway, impressions :

On looks, I like it.  Feels solidly built.  Heavy, but not overly so.  Comfortable in my long fingered hands.  Might look for something make the grip a little larger, but will worry about that later.  SS gives an interesting look.  7" barrel should offer the MAX that this cartridge has to offer once reloading starts.  A couple marks of use here and there, but being a used gun, I'd say it's been kept in darn good shape.

On performance, I picked up a 20-count box of factory Federal Classic ammo loaded with a 180 gr. Hi-Shok hollow point.  Don't have all my components yet for the bench so had to settle.  Not much selection for the 10mm, as far as factory stuff goes up here.

Anyway, my first concern, above all else, was feeding problems that were said to be notorious with these handguns.  I leaned it over a bag at 15 - 20 yds (did not measure exactly) and let the first one fly.  Quick check     ...     all seemed to feed fine.  Minor sigh of relief.  I let three more go.  All fed smoothly.  The trigger plain stinks.  It did group into about 2 1/2" or so.  Not great but I guess I'd be able to clock a chargeing rock chuck at close range.  Had my little (say that just cause he's younger than me) brother with me and he let a group of four go.  No feeding problems and a group of about 1 3/4".  Stinker always could shoot better than me    .  I let one more group go without a hitch in the feeding.  Now, I know that 12 shots don't make a very large test base to make conclusions from, but all in all, I think this handgun whats to shoot and, at least early on, I'm encouraged with the feeding issue.  Recoil is almost to comfortable.  I'd imagine these factory loads are mild, but still think a full tilt reload will be a pleasure.  Might break out the chrony on the last couple factory's to see where they are.  Brother says he can take care of the trigger problem simple as can be.  That's my only grip right now, so I am one happy little 10mm owner.  Later.  >>  klallen 

Klallen;

Congrats on the gun.  Looks like you got one of the decent ones, although as you said, 1 box doesn't make for a history.  Hope it continues to behave itself.

900F

Korey - Congrats on the Javelina. Makes sense to have a 7" barrel to take advantage of the extra horsepower in the full house 10mm loads. No doubt you will squeeze as much outta that pistol cartridge as possible.

Personally, I like the 10mm. I had one of the first Colt Delta Elite's in B.C. in the mid-late '80's back when brass and cast bullets for loading were kinda scarce. Then along came the .40 S&W and the rest is history [as they say]. Sadly, sold off the Delta in '99 under different circumstances but kept my other 10mm, the S&W 1066 stainless as it shot better and was way more accurate than the Colt.

These days I shoot Glock .40 S&W more than anything else [for obvious reasons!]

Anyway, you'll have fun with the Javelina for sure!

Regards, Marcus.