Prodigy: Affordable race gun.

[Bongo Lewi]

When you are a prodigy there is really no sense in pretending to be normal.

Today, I took a break from challenging the quality and ethics of buying punches made by child slaves in Shandong to a couple of hours at the range with these. Before I clean and put them to bed tonight I thought I'd share a few comments.

Springfield has really outdone themselves in the so-called 2011 realm with the Prodigy. They suffered the usual fake expert reviews on YouTube when first released - the "Yea, but it's not a Staccato" crowd and of course the Springfield haters included.

The five inch barrel (top) was the first I acquired. The 4.25 inch a few months later.

The grip and texturing is awesome. 1911 fanboys and other single stackers might find the thicker grip awkward at first. You get over it. The trigger on both is consistent four pounds. Shooting fast - but not what I would describe as rapid fire - I had no problem with 3-3.5 inch groups at 50 yards. The red dot helped. Those groups were the tightest. Considering I have not shot either of these pistols all summer. I consider that a good testament to the performance and the forgiving nature of the Prodigy and its suitability for match shooting.

I mentioned the red dot, which came with the 5 inch pistol. The other as you can see has only irons. The Springfield OEM HEX is not known for being top shelf in the red dot hierarchy, but I have to say it works fine. No bells and whistles. It doesn't talk, remind you of your wife's birthday or have GPS. You put the dot on the target and pull the trigger. I put 150 rounds thru each gun today. The optic held zero. As they all should. I zeroed it when I bought it. I didn't check it again today. I probably should have, but the results speak for themselves.

The Springfield Prodigy is an incredibly smooth-shooting pistol for it's price point. It's less refined than the Nighthawks, Staccato, or the popular CZ TS, but it doesn't cost anywhere near what they do. If you are not an expert pistoleer who has enjoyed shooting those expensive guns, you won't know what you are missing. The Prodigy is the perfect gun for someone who wants to begin competing in pistol competition without taking out a second mortgage.

I must add that the Prodigy is a bit large for carry, but many people do carry 4.5 inch 1911s. I prefer smaller and lighter carry guns.

Some may recall that I recently posted similar comments about the BUL TAC 4.25 I just bought. It's similar to the Prodigy and I openly admit I like the BUL better. It also cost more than the Prodigy. The differences are mostly fit and finish related. Then again, the Springfield is far easier to get serviced if you ever need that and accessories, parts or upgrades are far more plentiful for the Prodigy than the Israeli-made BUL.

 

[Racer88]

I had no problem with 3-3.5 inch groups at 50 yards.

That's pretty impressive shooting for a pistol at 50 yards!

It looks like a nice gun! Enjoy in good health!

 

[Bongo Lewi]

That's pretty impressive shooting for a pistol at 50 yards!

It looks like a nice gun! Enjoy in good health!

I have a hard time doing that with any striker gun at 50 yds. Unless I'm shooting off a bag. 1911... different story. Heavier gun, premium barrels, better balanced. And the trigger on a modest 1911 is better than any factory striker gun.

 

[Racer88]

I have a hard time doing that with any striker gun at 50 yds. Unless I'm shooting off a bag. 1911... different story. Heavier gun, premium barrels, better balanced. And the trigger on a modest 1911 is better than any factory striker gun.

Some day I'll have to get a 1911 or 2011 type pistol.

 

[Racer88]

Are these .45-ACP? Or 9mm?

 

[Bongo Lewi]

Some day I'll have to get a 1911 or 2011 type pistol.

You just have to open your wallet and let the moths out!

As much range shooting as you do, I know you would find the 1911 or so-called 2011 (double stack 1911) to your liking. Christmas is right around the corner!

 

[Bongo Lewi]

Are these .45-ACP? Or 9mm?

9mm.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I guarantee if you buy one and shoot it, next you will be building one. And another. And another.

 

[Racer88]

You just have to open your wallet and let the moths out!

Ha! My wallet has been screaming for the past 2 years since I discovered this blasted 80% hobby! And I've been through more ammo in the last 2 years than ever before.

As much range shooting as you do, I know you would find the 1911 or so-called 2011 (double stack 1911) to your liking. Christmas is right around the corner!

Oh, I'm sure you're right that I'd like one. On my shorter list is the Colt Python (new version). I've just GOT to have one of those. I've got a (big) birthday coming soon... and Christmas after that.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I don't have any Colt wheel guns. A gap in my collection. Every gun enthusiast should have at least one of the seven serpents. I have a few nice S&Ws though: 44, 357, 38.

 

[Alex]

On my shorter list is the Colt Python (new version). I've just GOT to have one of those. I've got a (big) birthday coming soon... and Christmas after that.

I don't have any Colt wheel guns. A gap in my collection. Every gun enthusiast should have at least one of the seven serpents. I have a few nice S&Ws though: 44, 357, 38.

You adz holes should see if you can shoot one before you buy. A friend splurged on 3 of the new snake guns. I was really disappointed in them. Especially on the heels of shooting revolvers exclusively in the past 3 month's matches.

For $1500, the Colt double action trigger is not great. My LCR and K6S both have better triggers and my warmed over S&W revolvers are waaay better. The rear sight flaps around on its adjusting screw. If it flaps to the same point each time you press the trigger then it should be good. And the cylinder release is a pull rather than push to reload. Not the best ergonomics there. They seemed to to be intended as wall hangers or BBQ guns. I think Colt is doing some laurel resting with their new offerings. But they sure look good in a Galco holster with matching belt. You guys ahould get Pythons for your wives and make them wear them around the house.

I have a hard time doing that with any striker gun at 50 yds. Unless I'm shooting off a bag. 1911... different story. Heavier gun, premium barrels, better balanced. And the trigger on a modest 1911 is better than any factory striker gun.

I was mind blown when you shared your groups! But all of my pistol experience is with Glock clones or DAO revolvers. Muuuuuust noooot trrrrrry shooooting aaaaaa haaaaaaamer fiiiiiiired guuuuun.

 

[Racer88]

You adz holes should see if you can shoot one before you buy. A friend splurged on 3 of the new snake guns. I was really disappointed in them. Especially on the heels of shooting revolvers exclusively in the past 3 month's matches.

For $1500, the Colt double action trigger is not great. My LCR and K6S both have better triggers and my warmed over S&W revolvers are waaay better. The rear sight flaps around on its adjusting screw. If it flaps to the same point each time you press the trigger then it should be good. And the cylinder release is a pull rather than push to reload. Not the best ergonomics there. They seemed to to be intended as wall hangers or BBQ guns. I think Colt is doing some laurel resting with their new offerings. But they sure look good in a Galco holster with matching belt. You guys ahould get Pythons for your wives and make them wear them around the house.


I was mind blown when you shared your groups! But all of my pistol experience is with Glock clones or DAO revolvers. Muuuuuust noooot trrrrrry shooooting aaaaaa haaaaaaamer fiiiiiiired guuuuun.

I've read good things about the new Colt... though they had some issues early on... since fixed.

I've also heard that THE mod for the Colt is the Wilson sights.

 

[Alex]

1972 was known for the Chevy Vega GT and the Colt Python. The Vegas have all been melted down and turned into Hi Point pistols. But there are still OG Pythons around...

Colt Python 357 Magnum – Vintage 1972 for sale

Colt Python 357 Magnum – Vintage 1972 for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I can't speak for the revolvers but the 1911 Colts have seen a vast improvement in build quality since Walther took over. Like Ruger and Marlin. Marlin had fallen hard on quality. The new Marlins made by Ruger live up to a standard of quality that had been long lost.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I was mind blown when you shared your groups!

I'll post the targets. I was too lazy to go out in the rain and fetch them out of the truck last night.

It's like playing an instrument. Years of practice. It's also important to note that a practiced shooter with a gun that is not designed for 'bullseye' shooting is more likely to produce 6 inch groups at 50 yards - a.k.a. holding the 9 ring. That's very good. I've seen competitors do that one-handed. Manage 8 inches and you are doing really good. In defensive shooting, eight is the center mass. Under duress, if you have a 10 inch spread you are pretty good and will likely live to fight another day.

My drill routine is six inch paper plates. Mozambique, 15 yards off the draw, no flyers I'm happy. More controlled, weaver stance, at 50 two hands and in no hurry, you have to shoot 3-4 inch groups to win matches. Some bullseye or old school pin shooters match rules require one hand shooting. Others not.

Shooting skill is like golf. If you aren't playing 3 times a week you never get any better. When I was carrying a gun for a living and competing I would routinely shoot 500 rounds a week. Range time and ammo was also a business expense.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

Couple of flyers with the 4.25 inch. Excluding those two rounds outside the 8 ring the spread is under 4 inches. The grouping with the 5 inch Prodigy with the optic was a little better, which I attribute to the help of the optic. These targets are not really meant for 50 yards. But as long as you can see them it really doesn't matter. Note that I erroneously marked them 50 feet - not yards. My bad. If I shot this grouping at 15 yards (50 feet) I would go home a flagellate myself as penance.

I feel pretty good that if you use match quality ammo and sufficiently compensate for the drop, you could ring steel with the Prodigy at 100 yards. Especially the 5 inch. A high quality optic would be essential. I would never take a 100 yard shot with a pistol anywhere except a range. A lot of ranges don't allow pistols in their 100 yard lanes anyway. For obvious reasons most of those are outdoor ranges.

Yesterday was overcast and the sun and heat were not a factor. When it's hot and humid I've occasionally noticed the mirage effect when shooting long guns. It can definitely affect your accuracy on longer shots. Not so much at 50 yards but at 100 it's noticeable. I was also not sweating bullets in 90+ degree weather, which also helped.

My first and last targets not shown. The first target was a lazy point and shoot on my part. Just getting acclimated to the guns and muzzle flip. The two below I was aiming a bit more seriously to gauge how well the Prodigy twins shoot. The last target ... Aiming for the X, I dumped one mag from each gun rapid fire before calling it a day - pulling the trigger as quick as I could feel the reset. There were 3-4 flyers outside the silhouette around the head, most within the 7 ring. Three were low - in the groin. No worries. When shooting that fast, if you are inside the silhouette you are doing good.

 

[Alex]

If I shot this grouping at 15 yards (50 feet) I would go home a flagellate myself as penance.

Yikes, I would be pleased with myself doing that at 15 yards!
The bay I use for most of my testing is 30 yards and I can barely see the target at that berm. I think none of the targets in our matches are past 15 yards either. I miiiiight be able to do that kind of grouping shooting off a bag at 50 yards, maybe it calls for a visit to the rifle range just to find out. Just out of curiosity what do your targets look like when doing that same drill with one of your Glock clones?

 

[Bongo Lewi]

Just out of curiosity what do your targets look like when doing that same drill with one of your Glock clones?

I can't remember the last time I shot an OEM Glock or one of my 80%ers at 50 yards. It wouldn't be close. I'd bet a cheeseburger and fries I could do an 8 inch group. That's not a criticism of the Glock or its derivatives. Long shots - 150 feet and beyond - are really not what they are designed for. Is the gun effective at 50 yards? Yes. At 100 yards, no. The trick is hitting the target not so much is the 9mm or 45 round effective at 50 yards. Note: At 100 yards, the average 9mm round drops about 20 inches.

Like I mentioned, if you can make an 8 inch group at 50 yds with an unremarkable OEM gun, you are doing really, really well. Pro's... better. Newbs or twice a year range warriors...... lucky if they hit paper at 50 yards. The sweet spot among most striker fired pistols in the recreation or duty gun realm is 25 yards or less. Most self defense situations occur at 7 yards or less.

Thankfully, my eyesight is still pretty good, but it definitely is not what it used to be. I don't need glasses - yet. But occasionally I will use drug store cheaters when I need to read a lot. I was able to reliably ring steel with a factory rifle, a modest scope and match grade ammo at 600 yards about a year ago. Eyesight is definitely a factor with pistols too. Not meaning to be snarky at all, and I'm not an optician, but at 30 yards if you are having trouble and haven't had your eyes (or current prescription) checked it may be worth a visit to the eye doc. None of us are getting younger. Or it could be the shitty lighting in a lot of indoor ranges. I've seen that a lot.

Regarding Glock clones... I've noticed no difference in how well they shoot vs. Glock OEM. Pretty much the same. Although I do shoot a tiny bit better with my PSA and GST-9 than I do the P80. I think it's that the grip is more agreeable to my hand.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that about ten years ago I was competing and doing well with a Glock 35. The longslide Glocks are underrated as an affordable match gun. I briefly switched to 9mm G34 and it also performed well. The lesson being if you want to give match shooting a try, you don't need to spend a fortune on a race gun. You could build a longslide on a P80 platform. I dont know if it would be any cheaper, but you could have some fun experimenting with triggers and barrels. Maybe a comp.

 

[Alex]

Eyesight is definitely a factor with pistols too. Not meaning to be snarky at all, and I'm not an optician, but at 30 yards if you are having trouble and haven't had your eyes (or current prescription) checked it may be worth a visit to the eye doc. None of us are getting younger. Or it could be the shitty lighting in a lot of indoor ranges. I've seen that a lot.

I think you nailed it right there! I have worn glasses since high school for nearsightedness. About 10 years ago I started having issues up close, to the point where I need reading glasses. I ended up wearing bifocals as the solution. My current RX is about 3 years old and the reading portion does not work anymore. I have been putting off getting new glasses because the cost of bifocals can get pretty high. Especially when it involves 4 pairs: a wraparound set of bifocals as eye protection at work, a normal pair of everyday bifocals, a pair of sunglasses and a non-bifocal pair for driving at night. I could buy a Prodigy and a bunch of magazines to go with it for what it will cost me for new glasses. It is always fun to bring home a new gun but I think you poked me right where I can improve my shooting the most.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that about ten years ago I was competing and doing well with a Glock 35. The longslide Glocks are underrated as an affordable match gun. I briefly switched to 9mm G34 and it also performed well. The lesson being if you want to give match shooting a try, you don't need to spend a fortune on a race gun. You could build a longslide on a P80 platform. I dont know if it would be any cheaper, but you could have some fun experimenting with triggers and barrels. Maybe a comp.

I've been home with the Rona the past 3 days, lucky me, today the FedEd guy dropped off a G34 barrel to break my boredom. A little fitting and now this thing is ready for the range! I know you hate the Holosun but their chevron reticle works really well with my lousy eyesight. AFAIK nobody else does anything with a chevron.

There is a match tomorrow, if I can drag my carcass out of the house and down to the range and survive the match without sparking a superspreader amongst the old folks I'll sight this one in and see what I can do at 50 yards.

If I can get up early enough and sight that one in maybe I will compete with it. But I really want to finish the month with revolvers. I want to shoot aaAAallll of my guns but I have seen great improvement shooting the same one regularly. A compromise is to shoot something for 3 months before switching to something else so maybe it will be October... although a natural progression would be to shoot the G41 clone I finally worked all of the bugs out of. The big auto class is limited to 8 rounds per magazine which would be a natural progression from the 8 round 627 I am currently competing with.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

@Alex a few years ago I had a nice pair of glasses that were blended. Fancy frame. No correction on the top half just magnifiers on the lower half to help me read. I preferred wearing them all the time vs. taking the cheap readers on and off my face 400 times a day. Since I had never worn glasses, when being examined and fitted I picked out three frames I liked and told the person helping me I'll take all three. She was ecstatic. The blood ran out of my head when she told me what the frames I picked and the lenses were going to cost. No idea they cost that much. So I get what you are saying. I ended up taking home one, not three. I can see why lenses are pricey but for two bucks worth of plastic and hinges the frames cost $300+ each? Total ripoff.

That pic looks a lot like my G34/35setup. I still have both. Good luck if you make that match. Or the next one. The G34 wont let you down. I'll dig mine out and post a pic