Handgun Range Day

The AUSTRIA ARMS Action Days not only impress with a variety of offers and various exhibitors – they also provide the opportunity for Range Day tickets. The Handgun Range Day Ticket advertises a test firing of over 20 different models as well as training. We definitely don't want to miss out on that.

On-site, you can register quickly and before you know it, you're handed a goodie bag and headed to the shuttle bus.

The goodie bag itself is a stylish little bag from Austria Arms, and it contains a water bottle, a snack that we’ve already devoured, as well as patches, a pen, a cap, and also a GLOCK cleaning mat. Very practical!

After a short ride, we arrive at the Halevi shooting range in Vienna and are welcomed. On-site, we are divided into two groups, each accompanied to one of the two shooting halls.

Once again this year, we start off with training from GREYGROUND. They specialize in WALTHER pistols and compatible Aimpoint optics, but the basic knowledge of how to shoot a pistol is universal. The program “50:50” aims to improve your skills by up to 50 percent in 50 minutes with 50 shots. Therefore, at the beginning, we shoot at a target with 5 shots as a reference and then again at the end for verification.

For this, different WALTHER models are available: Full Size, Compact, and Full Steel – there’s a suitable piece for everyone. Switching between them is hassle-free.

From series to series, the level of knowledge builds up. Starting from the proper stance to the correct trigger pull. Stefan and Mike are actively there to assist with further tips and techniques to optimize everything.

Already after the first explanations, some improvements are noticeable: The hit group gets tighter, the grip becomes more stable.

Time flies just as quickly as you shoot. And then you’re already firing the last 5 shots on the second control target. You get to take this home at the end as a souvenir. There’s also a flyer and additional information about the courses. GREYGROUND is currently active in Germany as well as Austria. Courses are regularly held at various ranges. Highly recommended!

After training, we are picked up and allowed into the next hall. Upon arrival, there’s already a mound of brass on the floor, and on the tables, there are various weapons we are allowed to handle.

We immediately move to one of the highlights – the Gucci department. From left to right: ALPIN ARMS Reptile (handfitted by Club30), LAUGO ARMS Alien, M-ARMS AION. All very high-end pieces, the most expensive is probably the AION for about €8000.

Shooting these weapons is a real treat. Each one is better than the other. Each has its own charm, but if we had to choose between the three, we would go for the Alien.

New this year are the STEYR-ARMS pistols from the AREX plant. The MP5k is already known from last year, but who would complain about an MP5? A timeless classic, always fun to shoot. The STEYR pistols are, in our opinion, also an upgrade over their previous models.

Next to them on the table are pistols from SIG SAUER – one of them in a Flux-Defense chassis. This chassis turns a pistol into a Personal Defense Weapon (PDW), which can be shot very solidly thanks to the stock. The operation of the safety and magazine release may take some getting used to, but the shooting experience is very pleasant.

Of course, there’s the new GLOCK Gen 6 in direct comparison to the Gen 5. You can directly feel the new grip. The undercut, the new thickness, and the aggressive surface of the grip make it hold more firmly in your hand. It shoots better compared to the Gen 5. If we didn’t already have a Gen 5, upgrading would certainly be worthwhile.

There are also suppressed pistols this year. Here we have a GLOCK in .22 caliber as well as a RUGER. Zero recoil, zero noise. Perfect for some casual plinking in between.

Next to it is a WALTHER with a suppressor. This was not available during the GREYGROUND training, so it’s quickly grabbed and 10 shots are fired through it. It does throw back quite a bit of gas. The sights are also not high enough to clear the suppressor, but that doesn’t matter. All shots still hit the target and we are satisfied.

What should not be missed are pistols from CZ. The TS3 Orange is also a highlight this year. An absolute machine for the IPSC sport. Heavy, super grip with thumb rests. Hammer pistol!

To finish, we have revolvers. The one on the right is again one from Club30 and in .30 Special caliber. While we are not big revolver shooters, this thing has captivated us. Incredibly fine trigger when the hammer is cocked. Excellent manufacturing and a true precision monster, if you know how to use it. The trigger certainly helps a bit. Unfortunately, not exactly cheap.

Almost 150 shots later, we head back towards the shuttle bus, where we will be taken back to the Action Days. While some are still looking for money for their Porsche, we are already contemplating which pistol our next vacation money will flow into.

At this point, we would also like to express our thanks to the Range Officers who always ensure safety on-site and provide knowledge about the respective weapons. We are already looking forward to the next Range Day!

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