General handgun thread: tech, pictures, questions, whatever...

[andrewb70]

In the last six months, or so, my girlfriend and I have been getting into guns, mostly for sport, but also for self-defense. I live in Memphis, and well, nuff said...

My girlfriend took a carry class and really enjoyed the whole experience. I think what she really enjoyed was beating all the men at the actual shooting part. Since then she has taken a gun evaluation course, and intermediate and advanced handgun courses. The gun evaluation course got her settled on a Beretta PX4 storm which is a great gun. She has very small hands and is quite petite, but the PX4 works perfectly for her. The trigger placement was just right and in a 9mm it is a sweet and accurate shooter.

I on the other hand can't pass up a gun case that has shiny stuff in it. I have the obligatory tupperware gun, a Springfield XDm 40, but that gun is purely utilitarian, which is not to say it isn't a fine firearm. So before Christmas I was doing some research on various 9mm. I wanted something that I could take to the range and enjoy shooting, without having to spend a fortune on ammunition. I considered a Beretta 92F, a Browning Hi-Power, and a host of others. At the end of the day I settled on the CZ 75B in stainless. I like the unique construction of the CZ, the overall looks, the way it feels in the hand, and the accuracy. The CZ 75 also has a great history and a bit of that East European mystique. Plus it is sexy as hell...

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/guns/CZ-75B.jpg

Then last week I was at the range and I wandered over to the consignment case, as I often do, and I spot a new gun. Yes, it was stainless...LOL I had the them take it out for me and it turned out to be a 3rd generation S&W pistol, a 4516-2. The 4516 is a short barrel version of the 4506 and there is also a mid-length model called the 4566. The 4566 is still being used by many police departments, mostly various state police. I went home, did some reading, and decided to make an offer, since I have wanted a 45 ACP pistol for a while, but I wasn't necessarily interested in a 1911, not that there is anything wrong with 1911s...

I think I got a pretty sweet deal on it and here it is:

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/guns/SW4516-2.jpg

The 4516 is a very nice gun. The trigger is excellent, with a fairly firm DA pull, but a very crisp SA release. Due to the weight, the felt recoil on it is very manageable and it is quite accurate for its intended range, less than 25 yards.

There have been other handgun thread in the Outhouse, but hopefully we can keep this one going. So please feel free to post your pictures, questions, comments, whatever. Let's keep it informative and fun.

Andrew

[critter]

Only one handgun in the house. I bought a Ruger .380 LCP for the wife. She has tiny hands. Me, I'll rely on my Remington 870 pump for home protection and some hunting if I ever get back to it. I miss duck hunting.

[hud697]

A few of mine
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/2f9dd8ed-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/c6db3976-1.jpg

[cheapthrillz]

I think I started the other handgun thread lol...

I have to say that I love my Glock 19c. It is my favorite gun. Accurate. Concealable. Reliable. Accurate. Reliable. Reliable. And did I say reliable? When I carry, I carry it or my Kel-Tec P3AT.

I've found that if you put more than about 50 rounds through the kel-tec, you need to clean it. It is reliable if you keep it very clean.

Wife carries an airweight S&W 642 in .38 special.

Hand guns are so much fun! Good thread Andrew!

[andrewb70]

I think I started the other handgun thread lol...

I have to say that I love my Glock 19c. It is my favorite gun. Accurate. Concealable. Reliable. Accurate. Reliable. Reliable. And did I say reliable? When I carry, I carry it or my Kel-Tec P3AT.

I've found that if you put more than about 50 rounds through the kel-tec, you need to clean it. It is reliable if you keep it very clean.

Wife carries an airweight S&W 642 in .38 special.

Hand guns are so much fun! Good thread Andrew!

It is hard to argue with the Glock reputation for reliability etc...They are just so...so...lacking in any sort of passion. They are like a Toyota, but deep down we all want a hotrod. I rented a Glock at the range and it was very similar to my Springfield XDm. This of course makes sense because every polymer gun is trying to emulate Glock. My GF and I also rented a Ruger LCR in .38 Special. She was considering it for her carry gun because it is very small, reliable, and can definitely get the job done. Unfortunately, she is like me, she wants a gun that has a little more character. Something a little unique about it. One of my friends has a gun that her ex-husband got for her and she has never shot it. She let us take it to the range and break it in for her. It is a S&W 3913 Lady Smith. Compact 9mm with a single stack magazine, an alloy frame and stainless slide. My GF really enjoyed that gun.

Andrew

[John S]

I had two handguns for years, A custom built .45acp with a Para Ordinance P14 lower with a Detonics Combat Master upper and a Ruger MK II 22 auto. Then I finally got my CCW a couple of years ago and my wife not long after. Now the Wife's daily carry is a Ruger LCP, and Mine is still the PA/Detonics. I will switxh from the .45 to a Ruger LC9 or SR9 on occasion or depending on where I am going and what I am wearing. The other handgun is a Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Casull with a 9.5" barrel and Vortex red dot.
I've never taken and posted any pictures of my firearms online.... maybe I will....

[Chevelle598bb]

Andrew, very nice choice with the CZ. I love the way those shoot. I know you said your not big on 1911s but I highly recommend shooting some. Although if you shoot the wrong 1911 you will hate it, shoot a good one and you will want to throw all your other guns in the trash.

I carry a Glock 21SF .45 with a surefire tac lite on duty. I carry a para ordinance Tac-s .45 commander size 1911 off duty. For home defense I have a savage model 10 .308 with a nice big scope and a commie sks. LOL.

[MyFriendScott]

Don't post pictures of all your guns in forums, the Feds are watching don't you know. When we finally lose our 2nd amendment right, they'll know who's houses to visit first.

[cheapthrillz]

It is hard to argue with the Glock reputation for reliability etc...They are just so...so...lacking in any sort of passion. They are like a Toyota, but deep down we all want a hotrod. I rented a Glock at the range and it was very similar to my Springfield XDm. This of course makes sense because every polymer gun is trying to emulate Glock. My GF and I also rented a Ruger LCR in .38 Special. She was considering it for her carry gun because it is very small, reliable, and can definitely get the job done. Unfortunately, she is like me, she wants a gun that has a little more character. Something a little unique about it. One of my friends has a gun that her ex-husband got for her and she has never shot it. She let us take it to the range and break it in for her. It is a S&W 3913 Lady Smith. Compact 9mm with a single stack magazine, an alloy frame and stainless slide. My GF really enjoyed that gun.

Andrew

I hated the "plain janeness" of glocks, but I bought one as my very first handgun when I turned 21..... I always thought that they feel like holding a brick. I have since put about 2500 rounds through the gun with out a single malfunction of any sort (other than cheapo ammo that don't go bang everynow and then). Now it is the most comfortable gun I own. The "point&shootability" of them is just awesome. You really don't even have to look down the sights to put rounds on target at closer ranges.

[cheapthrillz]

Don't post pictures of all your guns in forums, the Feds are watching don't you know. When we finally lose our 2nd amendment right, they'll know who's houses to visit first.

If that happens, then they can come to my house at their own risk....

[jy211]

Don't post pictures of all your guns in forums, the Feds are watching don't you know. When we finally lose our 2nd amendment right, they'll know who's houses to visit first.

I sold all of mine just yesterday officer....LOL

[andrewb70]

Andrew, very nice choice with the CZ. I love the way those shoot. I know you said your not big on 1911s but I highly recommend shooting some. Although if you shoot the wrong 1911 you will hate it, shoot a good one and you will want to throw all your other guns in the trash.

I carry a Glock 21SF .45 with a surefire tac lite on duty. I carry a para ordinance Tac-s .45 commander size 1911 off duty. For home defense I have a savage model 10 .308 with a nice big scope and a commie sks. LOL.

I have shot a several 1911s: two Wilson Combats (9mm and 45acp), a Taurus, and a Sig Commander frame. You are right, they shoot very well. What worries me about 1911s is that many of them seem to be a little finicky as to the ammo they will take. The 1911s were originally designed as military guns and thus are meant to take FMJ ammo. Most people have very few problems with FMJ even if they are inexpensive reloads. Where I see people having issues is when hollow point ammo is used. The most common failure seems to be proper feeding into the chamber. This is especially true for hollow points that have a squared off nose and a lead bullet. For those that are familiar with the 1911 barrel design you know that there is no ramp and the frame and the front of the magazine are designed to be part of the loading system. With some hollow points the bullet can catch on the edge of the barrel and not feed into the chamber. That's why many companies are making hollow points in 45acp that are fully jacketed and have a pointed nose, like this:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I personally don't want to have to worry about what kind of ammo my gun "likes" or doesn't "like." I want to be able to grab whatever is available and have it go bang when I pull the trigger.

I also don't like that the 1911s are single action only. For carry, this means that you have it "cocked and locked" or there is no bullet in the chamber and you rack before use. The other issue with single action only is that if there is a failure to ignite on the first strike, you are forced to rack the slide and try again. With a double action pistol you can pull the trigger again to see if the bullet might fire. Many times a second strike will do the trick.

So for all the reasons listed above, I prefer the S&W design, which is DA/SA and the barrel has a feeding ramp incorporated into the barrel. I have shot FMJ and non-jacketed hollow point ammo without issues. So if I was looking into a full size .45 pistol, I would definitely look at the 4506 or even a 4566.

Here is a 4506:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S_W4506-1.jpg

We all have our subjective preferences and it is fun to discuss them. Like I said, I have nothing conceptually against them, but I think there definitely have been advancements in design over the last 100 years that make other pistols better in certain situations.

Andrew

[cheapthrillz]

.....or there is no bullet in the chamber and you rack before use.

This is not an option if you are carrying!

[andrewb70]

This is not an option if you are carrying!

Exactly...LOL

So with a 1911 the only option is to carry "cocked and locked," which I personally would prefer not to do, but many people have no issues with it.

Andrew

[cheapthrillz]

Exactly...LOL

So with a 1911 the only option is to carry "cocked and locked," which I personally would prefer not to do, but many people have no issues with it.

Andrew

I have a Mil-Spec Springfield 1911.... It is a great shooter... which is all I think they're good for. No offense to the 1911 advocates, but there are much more practical .45acp's to use as a carry gun or duty weapon. Preferrably one with more than a 9 shot capacity. My 1911 sits on the nightstand with 8 FMJs in the mag though....

[EFI69Cam]

I appreciate the history and design of the 1911s and will add one to the collection one day. I read post by a guy who had a ccw and needed to protect himself. In the shootout he was shot in the arm and found it difficult to operate the grip safety due to his injury. Just something to consider.

[Cobra 498]

I just started shooting hand guns a few years ago and liked it so much I attended GunSite in Arizona. I highly recommend training of this type if you are going to carry. I got my carry permit about 9 years ago and have found that carrying anything big is a pain in the you know what. I have (2) Kimbers an ultracarry and a tuned Super Match in .45 ACP, a Colt single six in .22 mag, a .22 auto target pistol, a S&W .22 rev, a .460 S&W and a .357 S&W Airlite that weighs 11 OZ.
What I have found is that I can carry my S&W .357 all the time and not even know it is there, it is light, small and reliable and I carry it everyday all day. The .45's were heavy enough that they were a pain to carry so I found myself leaving them at home, although the .357 has a pretty good kick to it, I find that it is very accurate and will get the job done if you do your part.
I know, only 5 shots but 5 is better than none if you don't have your gun with you.

[Chevelle598bb]

I have shot a several 1911s: two Wilson Combats (9mm and 45acp), a Taurus, and a Sig Commander frame. You are right, they shoot very well. What worries me about 1911s is that many of them seem to be a little finicky as to the ammo they will take. The 1911s were originally designed as military guns and thus are meant to take FMJ ammo. Most people have very few problems with FMJ even if they are inexpensive reloads. Where I see people having issues is when hollow point ammo is used. The most common failure seems to be proper feeding into the chamber. This is especially true for hollow points that have a squared off nose and a lead bullet. For those that are familiar with the 1911 barrel design you know that there is no ramp and the frame and the front of the magazine are designed to be part of the loading system. With some hollow points the bullet can catch on the edge of the barrel and not feed into the chamber. That's why many companies are making hollow points in 45acp that are fully jacketed and have a pointed nose, like this:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I personally don't want to have to worry about what kind of ammo my gun "likes" or doesn't "like." I want to be able to grab whatever is available and have it go bang when I pull the trigger.

I also don't like that the 1911s are single action only. For carry, this means that you have it "cocked and locked" or there is no bullet in the chamber and you rack before use. The other issue with single action only is that if there is a failure to ignite on the first strike, you are forced to rack the slide and try again. With a double action pistol you can pull the trigger again to see if the bullet might fire. Many times a second strike will do the trick.

So for all the reasons listed above, I prefer the S&W design, which is DA/SA and the barrel has a feeding ramp incorporated into the barrel. I have shot FMJ and non-jacketed hollow point ammo without issues. So if I was looking into a full size .45 pistol, I would definitely look at the 4506 or even a 4566.

Here is a 4506:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S_W4506-1.jpg

We all have our subjective preferences and it is fun to discuss them. Like I said, I have nothing conceptually against them, but I think there definitely have been advancements in design over the last 100 years that make other pistols better in certain situations.

Andrew

Andrew you have shot some nice 1911s. I love the sig 1911s. You make a great point about ammo selection with a 1911. I had a Springfield Operator a while back before I got my Para. I never had any issues with hollow points with the Operator but I only shot Hornaday TAP with it. I also use Hornaday TAP HP in the Para without issue but it is appels and oranges comparison because the Para is very different. My Para is a single stack LDA so it has a ton of differences from a standard 1911. The Para is double action, has a ramped barrel and some other cool stuff. So needless to say it is a 1911 look-a-like but different on the inside. Kind of like pro-touring, old car with new model performance. Ofcourse being a double action the trigger is different (pivot versus straight pull) than a 1911 but it is a great shooting pistol.

I have never been one to worry about carrying cocked and locked but being double action does put some people's minds at rest since it is not cocked. I will leave the discussion at that because we could have a hundred pages on this thread discussing if the 1911 cocked and locked is safer or more dangerous than a glock with one in the chamber with no safety. Ultimately it comes down to how you carry, what type of holster you use, how comfortable you are with your pistol of choice and training, training, training.

As far as being able to grab a pistol and it shoot everytime, that is why I carry the glock 21sf on duty. My department does issue the 21sf but I am allowed to carry any pistol I want as long as it is approved by our rangemaster. That gun has been through mud, creeks, rain, blood, sweat, pounded on the ground, dropped, 5000 rounds shot through it and just keeps on ticking. I cannot get that gun to misfire or jam. That being said I hate glock pistols with a passion. They have no character and if I shoot more than a 100 rounds at the range, I get a blister on my middle finger from rubbing on the trigger guard. Cheapthrillz is right about holding a glock is like holding a brick. They do shoot great and I shoot very well with it, I just don't like it. Plus I rather beat up a gun that I didn't pay for than my Para.

[dropit69]

i have a "few" handguns myself..and like you Andrew i love stainless guns..but did just get a m&p 40 with a black stainless slide..its all black then with a laser also and a rail for a light ..the light also has strobe feature witch makes it a great home defense item...also just got some home defense ammo made to penetrate heavy clothing better..hope i never have to use them but have them just in case..

[andrewb70]

Andrew you have shot some nice 1911s. I love the sig 1911s. You make a great point about ammo selection with a 1911. I had a Springfield Operator a while back before I got my Para. I never had any issues with hollow points with the Operator but I only shot Hornaday TAP with it. I also use Hornaday TAP HP in the Para without issue but it is appels and oranges comparison because the Para is very different. My Para is a single stack LDA so it has a ton of differences from a standard 1911. The Para is double action, has a ramped barrel and some other cool stuff. So needless to say it is a 1911 look-a-like but different on the inside. Kind of like pro-touring, old car with new model performance. Ofcourse being a double action the trigger is different (pivot versus straight pull) than a 1911 but it is a great shooting pistol.

I have never been one to worry about carrying cocked and locked but being double action does put some people's minds at rest since it is not cocked. I will leave the discussion at that because we could have a hundred pages on this thread discussing if the 1911 cocked and locked is safer or more dangerous than a glock with one in the chamber with no safety. Ultimately it comes down to how you carry, what type of holster you use, how comfortable you are with your pistol of choice and training, training, training.

As far as being able to grab a pistol and it shoot everytime, that is why I carry the glock 21sf on duty. My department does issue the 21sf but I am allowed to carry any pistol I want as long as it is approved by our rangemaster. That gun has been through mud, creeks, rain, blood, sweat, pounded on the ground, dropped, 5000 rounds shot through it and just keeps on ticking. I cannot get that gun to misfire or jam. That being said I hate glock pistols with a passion. They have no character and if I shoot more than a 100 rounds at the range, I get a blister on my middle finger from rubbing on the trigger guard. Cheapthrillz is right about holding a glock is like holding a brick. They do shoot great and I shoot very well with it, I just don't like it. Plus I rather beat up a gun that I didn't pay for than my Para.

You are right about the fact that different people have a different tolerance for their carry style. As you said, some people have no problem having their 1911's "cocked and locked" with a holster that has a strap between the hammer and slide. I see that all the time. This thread is not about the merits of one carry style vs. another. As you said, we can go one for a hundred pages and not have a definitive answer.

I looked at the Para website because I was intrigued by your LDA. From what I can gather the LDA is very similar to the 3rd generation S&Ws, like my 4516, but with 1911 styling. The DA/SA mechanism, the ramped barrel, the spurless hammer, all like the S&W. Para retained the dovetail safety, and presumably the regular thumb safety, like a 1911, whereas the S&W has a decocker.

I guess just like in the P-T world, at what point does something become something different? The LDA is clearly not a pure 1911, but it certainly has the styling and some of the 1911 features. Good stuff.

Andrew

P.S. Looking more at the Para website, I see that the LDA is double action only, is that right?

[hud697]

Don't post pictures of all your guns in forums, the Feds are watching don't you know. When we finally lose our 2nd amendment right, they'll know who's houses to visit first.

Yep, that's every single one of mine. :twothumbs

[cheapthrillz]

Guys with concealed carry permits need to check out crossbreed holsters.... I carry my G19 in one and it is sooooooo comfortable. They aren't inexpensive by any means, but compared to my Milt Sparks IWB holster it is the shiz.

Here's mine (3.5 lb trigger and night sights woot woot!)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Chevelle598bb]

You are right about the fact that different people have a different tolerance for their carry style. As you said, some people have no problem having their 1911's "cocked and locked" with a holster that has a strap between the hammer and slide. I see that all the time. This thread is not about the merits of one carry style vs. another. As you said, we can go one for a hundred pages and not have a definitive answer.

I looked at the Para website because I was intrigued by your LDA. From what I can gather the LDA is very similar to the 3rd generation S&Ws, like my 4516, but with 1911 styling. The DA/SA mechanism, the ramped barrel, the spurless hammer, all like the S&W. Para retained the dovetail safety, and presumably the regular thumb safety, like a 1911, whereas the S&W has a decocker.

I guess just like in the P-T world, at what point does something become something different? The LDA is clearly not a pure 1911, but it certainly has the styling and some of the 1911 features. Good stuff.

Andrew

P.S. Looking more at the Para website, I see that the LDA is double action only, is that right?

It is classified as a double action pistol but it is really a semi-cocked action like a glock pistol. Meaning if there was not a round in the camber and you pulled the trigger, you would have to rack the slide back to recock the internal hammer. So the para lda is similar to some of the striker fired polymer pistols but it is still hammer fired due to two hammers (internal which is cocked with a round in the chamber and external which goes back when the trigger is pulled). As far as the ramped barrel and some other features it is similar to your 4516. But it is different in the way it is not a DA/SA pistol or even a true DA only. It does have a sweet trigger pull. The sear reset is pretty long (longer than the glock) but after shooting the pistol quite a bit it was easy to get use too. So in short the Para LDA has the styling of a 1911 (which I love) and the performance/saftey of a modern polymer pistol (which I love too).

[Chevelle598bb]

Guys with concealed carry permits need to check out crossbreed holsters.... I carry my G19 in one and it is sooooooo comfortable. They aren't inexpensive by any means, but compared to my Milt Sparks IWB holster it is the shiz.

Here's mine (3.5 lb trigger and night sights woot woot!)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Yes, I love my Crossbreed holster. They are not the cheapest but, you get a custom made IWB holster that will last you for life. I highly recommend them!

[showa]

2" 357
2" 38
Glock 23 (carry for many many years)
Thunder Ranch Commemorative 44 spl

Now, anyone have experience with the Keltec PMR30 (22 mag semi auto) ?

[MrQuick]

Nice collection there Andrew, never thought you would come around.

Love the .45's. Had 2 1911's then got my self into rifles. You gotta jump through hoops to get the new models in CA.

Heres a pair of pistols I own now. Too bad I can only fit one in the case.

[79-TA]

2" 357
2" 38
Glock 23 (carry for many many years)
Thunder Ranch Commemorative 44 spl

Now, anyone have experience with the Keltec PMR30 (22 mag semi auto) ?

Ditto! I've wanted something like that since I heard about the original Grendels. Sigh, too bad I live in CA. I need to see if there's some way to get a clip that makes it a legitimate PMR10 :/

[Taylor1969]

Anyone have an opinion on the SR9c? I have been eyeing one for some time. Seems like a great carry/range gun with the different options delivered out of the box.

Chris

[andrewb70]

Nice collection there Andrew, never thought you would come around.

....

"Come around?" Where was I? LOL

Andrew

[Hartz]

I have been a fan of the XD/XDM for quite a while now. I just picked up a new XDM 5.25 this week, and have been very impressed - only about 300 rounds, but so far, so good.

I've also just lately started to get in to the 1911s. I picked up a used Para 18.9. Yeah, purists, 9mm, blah blah blah. It's a very nice shooting gun, but does tend to be a bit more fiddly than the XDs. But it's something different with which to play.

Sort of like how I love my Camaro, but every now and then feel the need to run hard in a small two seat sports car. Variety keeps it interesting.

[zombiekiller]

It is hard to argue with the Glock reputation for reliability etc...They are just so...so...lacking in any sort of passion. They are like a Toyota, but deep down we all want a hotrod. I rented a Glock at the range and it was very similar to my Springfield XDm. This of course makes sense because every polymer gun is trying to emulate Glock. My GF and I also rented a Ruger LCR in .38 Special. She was considering it for her carry gun because it is very small, reliable, and can definitely get the job done. Unfortunately, she is like me, she wants a gun that has a little more character. Something a little unique about it. One of my friends has a gun that her ex-husband got for her and she has never shot it. She let us take it to the range and break it in for her. It is a S&W 3913 Lady Smith. Compact 9mm with a single stack magazine, an alloy frame and stainless slide. My GF really enjoyed that gun.

Andrew

Glocks can have character too!

This is a g20 that i've modified highly.

54010

long slide, full 6 inch barrel, titanium firing pin, smoothed trigger pull, heine straight 8s, hogue grip sleeve, magwell adapter/counterbalance, titanium guide rod, heavier recoil spring.

It is a serious tack driver now. I trapped almost 1750 fps using 125 gr hand loads!

I built it as a bear/hog hunting sidearm. it is still dead reliable.

I also have a kimber made right after the clackamas stamps stopped that is an incredible shooter. I had it back to kimber for a check up ( it being a 6/98 production weapon) recently. Its got a special serial number that ends in 1911 as well. I'm on the fence as to whether i want to sell it or not. When i lived up north, it was completely possible to carry a full size 1911 in the winter. now that we live in nashville, I really want an H&K .357 sig carry piece as the only other handgun that I own currently is also too big. decisions decisions!

It is tennessee, so maybe i'll just sling my s12 on my back and haul that around, should be a nice deterrent! :)

[TheJDMan]

I'm a big fan of the Colt model 1911, a design that is now over 100 years old. I have bought and sold a number of them over the years. I currently have a store bought Colt XSE SS 45acp Govt. that I have modified slighlty. Also, here are a couple of pics of my carry pistol a 1911 45acp that I hand built several years ago. I started with a Caspian slide and frame and built the pistol from there.

The first picture is when it was completed and had been test fired but had not been finished yet, no it is not stainless.

54023

The same pistiol after it was finished.

54024

[Chevelle598bb]

Very nice 1911 JDman.

[Uneek68]

your all so lucky, City of chicago prohibits owning guns...

[andrewb70]

your all so lucky, City of chicago prohibits owning guns...

No they don't, you just have to jump through a bunch of hoops. The Chicago prohibition was overturned after the DC one was overturned. Owning is one thing. Being able to carry loaded is something else...LOL

Andrew

[MrQuick]

"Come around?" Where was I? LOL

Andrew I thought your were anti from a few years back. Its all good, hobbies are hobbies no matter what you enjoy.




Ditto! I've wanted something like that since I heard about the original Grendels. Sigh, too bad I live in CA. I need to see if there's some way to get a clip that makes it a legitimate PMR10 :/
I read that they had key holing issues but not sure if they fixed it or not.
you can buy mags from CA friendly out of state vendors and have them disassembled and shipped to you as rebuild kits, then modify them to use 10 rounds. pm me if you need any help with this.

[sittingonacouch]

I carry a Glock 22 Gen IV for work and I love it. I also have a S&W 642 Airweight but usually just grab the Glock if I'm going out. I have a Colt Cobra .38 that I got from my grandfather. I'm not a big fan of shooting revolvers so I hardly ever shoot the 642 or the Colt.

I fell in love with the 1911s when I shot my bosses Para. My next gun purchase will be the Kimber stainless TLE II or the para 1911 black ops

[cheapthrillz]

I carry a Glock 22 Gen IV for work and I love it. I also have a S&W 642 Airweight but usually just grab the Glock if I'm going out. I have a Colt Cobra .38 that I got from my grandfather. I'm not a big fan of shooting revolvers so I hardly ever shoot the 642 or the Colt.

I fell in love with the 1911s when I shot my bosses Para. My next gun purchase will be the Kimber stainless TLE II or the para 1911 black ops

Shoot at Candy Branch any lol

[EFI69Cam]

I'm a big fan of the Colt model 1911, a design that is now over 100 years old. I have bought and sold a number of them over the years. I currently have a store bought Colt XSE SS 45acp Govt. that I have modified slighlty. Also, here are a couple of pics of my carry pistol a 1911 45acp that I hand built several years ago. I started with a Caspian slide and frame and built the pistol from there.

The first picture is when it was completed and had been test fired but had not been finished yet, no it is not stainless.

54023

The same pistiol after it was finished.

54024

This is a total newb question...

Is there anything tricky about assembling a 1911?

[sittingonacouch]

Shoot at Candy Branch any lol

I've been a few times since I moved here. Haven't been in a while though. I heard they have shelters now.

[zombiekiller]

This is a total newb question...

Is there anything tricky about assembling a 1911?
yes. :)

Getting the fit and finish right on a hammer/grip safety can be a little tricky depending on how well the parts are machined.

[Hartz]

This is a total newb question...

Is there anything tricky about assembling a 1911?

If you mean just physical assembly - it's slightly more complex than say a Glock or XD, but it's nothing that requires rocket science. If you have a full length guide rod, you might need tools to field strip it, but again - it's nothing that someone familiar with hand guns can't accomplish.

Now if you're talking about assembling a high quality 1911 that will run reliably - yeah, that involves voodoo, curse words, and wads of disposable cash. :)

[EFI69Cam]

If you mean just physical assembly - it's slightly more complex than say a Glock or XD, but it's nothing that requires rocket science. If you have a full length guide rod, you might need tools to field strip it, but again - it's nothing that someone familiar with hand guns can't accomplish.

Now if you're talking about assembling a high quality 1911 that will run reliably - yeah, that involves voodoo, curse words, and wads of disposable cash. :)

That's the part I'm a bit attracted to. Not the wads of cash part, but building a reliable gun from parts, even if it takes some tweaking. I did some internet digging last night and what I'll probably do is buy one of the base model 1911 clones and start modifying it to become familiar with the platform.

The 1911 is like the SBC of the handgun world, tons of parts from stock to full out race parts.

[*ryno*]

my thoughts are simple
what kind of carrier are you?
meaning do you simple carry to your office and sit inside all day, maybe even remove your arms after inside in to your desk, or do you carry out in the field, maybe welder, mechanic work, contruction worker etc.
i personally build cars everyday. weird positions welding, etc. i carry a glock. it gets dirty,sweaty,and never leaves my side. goes bang every time i need it to.im not worried about it if i bang it up against something or have to lay on it on the concrete. most of the 1911 lovers, would never think of of dong this to their $1400 + polished gun.

there's an ass for every seat.
im not saying anything bad about anyone's choices of carry hardware,if your carring and defending your self, your doing it right in my eyes.

[andrewb70]

That's the part I'm a bit attracted to. Not the wads of cash part, but building a reliable gun from parts, even if it takes some tweaking. I did some internet digging last night and what I'll probably do is buy one of the base model 1911 clones and start modifying it to become familiar with the platform.

The 1911 is like the SBC of the handgun world, tons of parts from stock to full out race parts.

With respect to 1911s I found the attached video, and it's part II, very informative. It is not a "how to" but it does give you a good example of what is involved in doing work and modifications to a 1911. There is definitely more to it than taking stock parts off and bolting on new parts.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCF2u3K743A

Andrew

[sittingonacouch]

my thoughts are simple
what kind of carrier are you?
meaning do you simple carry to your office and sit inside all day, maybe even remove your arms after inside in to your desk, or do you carry out in the field, maybe welder, mechanic work, contruction worker etc.
i personally build cars everyday. weird positions welding, etc. i carry a glock. it gets dirty,sweaty,and never leaves my side. goes bang every time i need it to.im not worried about it if i bang it up against something or have to lay on it on the concrete. most of the 1911 lovers, would never think of of dong this to their $1400 + polished gun.

there's an ass for every seat.
im not saying anything bad about anyone's choices of carry hardware,if your carring and defending your self, your doing it right in my eyes.


Thats why I carry my Glock instead of my smaller guns. I know its going to go bang everytime I pull the trigger. Unless I'm out at a bar or around the house I've got it on me or within reach.

[Damn True]

This is a total newb question...

Is there anything tricky about assembling a 1911?


No. Combat handguns are meant to be field-stripped, cleaned and assembled in the dark, in a foxhole.

http://youtu.be/8wh2_M9-gRc

http://youtu.be/-GLeP28IdPA

Easy as pie.

[MrQuick]

in the rain....under fire....on an election year.

[toofun]

Well I live in the land of high taxes, Democrats, and repressed gun owners... Massachusetts..... Wanna Colt? Not in Mass, Wanna Kimber? Not in Mass, want hi cap mags? NOT IN MASS! Unless you are lucky enough to get your hands on pre ban stuff your shart out of luck!!! Anyways.... I havent heard anyone mention the SIGS? I have the Sig P220(45 Takedown) and the Sig P226(9MM range gun) I also have the Kar pm40(40mm small conceal) which is very hard to come by in Mass.. The Sigs shoot like butter are balls on accurate and very very reliable.. I love them but still your best HOME DEFENSE weapon is a 12 gauge shotgun... easy to shoot, stops your target forgiving on aim and depending on the shot you use wont go through walls on a missed shot and possibly injure someone else in the house or next house over... JUST MY Northern yankee .02 CENTS!! LOL!!

[MrQuick]

best HOME DEFENSE weapon is a 12 gauge shotgun... easy to shoot, stops your target forgiving on aim and depending on the shot you use wont go through walls on a missed shot and possibly injure someone else in the house or next house over... JUST MY Northern yankee .02 CENTS!! LOL!!

yep, cheap too....mossburg defender 12's @ big 5 for $189, great throw away gun.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/tdayweekend07004-1.jpg
in order of usage... lol

you guys have castle doctrine in MASS?

[toofun]

For now we do... but that could change at anytime. Yes that Mossberg is exactly what I am talking about. The pistol grip is useless outside of the home(IMO) But in close quarters it is perfect for home defense. Some will argue that they would rather have the stock to use as a weapon but if I pull that bad boy out I aint using it to "hit" someone with!! Also, I heard that the ban on assault rifles with collapsible stocks has died in just about all the states but MASS still has not recognized that yet...... And here is the funny thing about Mass.

Want to know why gun makers like Kimber and Colt are not Mass Compliant????? MONEY!! You see Mass wants these gun makers to hand over 100's of guns for Mass to "TEST" AND KEEP FOR FREE!!! S&W does it no problem... so does SIG BUT they BOTH also get law enforcement contracts so it is not a problem for them... You tell me why a COLT 1911 is not mass compliant but a S&W 1911 IS??? Bull!! One of the many reasons I hate MASS...

[nicks67camaro]

I own a few. Each one is TOTALLY different from each other. Not just in appearance but function, shooting accuracy, quality, and concealment.

My 1911 in .45acp. has a full length guide rod, adjustable trigger, BOMAR adjustable sights, and has been sandblasted and finished in Gun Kote Flat Black. I want a high rise beaver tail eventually but it works for now. I love shooting this since it is powerful and accurate but i don't carry it. I am not comfortable with single action only as a conceal carry weapon.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/2gv9cuq-1.jpg

My Ruger Mark I. I purchased this as a learning tool for my wife. I actually fell in love shooting it. Its accurate, cheap to shoot (.22Cal) and has zero recoil.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/n2bm6v-1.jpg

My Astra a100 is the fist handgun i purchased. It was cheap, had a good reputation, and was .9mm. The gun is DA / SA with a decocker which i liked for a carry pistol. This gun was heavy, not very accurate from past 10-15ft but served the purpose of my everyday carry piece.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/9zlnxd-1.jpg

I then purchased a Kel-tec P11 in .9mm which i used during the summer months since it was lighter and could be easily worn with shorts and a tshirt. This is a DA only and has a very heavy trigger pull. Again this was not as accurate as my others but served the purpose of an everyday carry piece.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/2ytqi3t-1.jpg

My latest Pistol is a Walther PPS in .40cal. This has a similar trigger like a glock (trigger safety, and one action only) it is crazy slim and is great for concealment. It is the most comfortable pistol I have carried. It is also accurate even with a short barrel, very wide sights, and noticeable recoil. I have transitioned to carrying this pistol exclusively.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/8xj5u1-1.jpg

I also have a variety of long guns for the same reasons above but its a handgun thread!:machine::machine:

[MrQuick]

For now we do... but that could change at anytime. Yes that Mossberg is exactly what I am talking about. The pistol grip is useless outside of the home(IMO) But in close quarters it is perfect for home defense. Some will argue that they would rather have the stock to use as a weapon but if I pull that bad boy out I aint using it to "hit" someone with!! Also, I heard that the ban on assault rifles with collapsible stocks has died in just about all the states but MASS still has not recognized that yet...... And here is the funny thing about Mass.

Want to know why gun makers like Kimber and Colt are not Mass Compliant????? MONEY!! You see Mass wants these gun makers to hand over 100's of guns for Mass to "TEST" AND KEEP FOR FREE!!! S&W does it no problem... so does SIG BUT they BOTH also get law enforcement contracts so it is not a problem for them... You tell me why a COLT 1911 is not mass compliant but a S&W 1911 IS??? Bull!! One of the many reasons I hate MASS...

Its all about the money, the law makers what to restrict a firearm unless its on a list. Gun makers have to jump through hoops to get a gun on the list so most manufacturers are just "screw that state". Not sure about MA but CA is this way.
You can use the laws and by importing them as single shots then once it is registered you bring back to normal. You just have to find a gun dealer to go through the trouble.
Its legal but its only time before legislation brings another bill to the table to close the doors.

[sokoloka]

Not quite a handgun but put this together this summer off Tacticalmachining.com

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Would like to build a 1911 in the near future. Possibly get a glock just for plinking in the desert as well.

[MrQuick]

nice, did that start from an 80%?

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Not quite a handgun but put this together this summer off Tacticalmachining.com

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Would like to build a 1911 in the near future. Possibly get a glock just for plinking in the desert as well.

Very cool Eric. Thx for the site info!

[68camotion]

Love the punisher grips, awesome.

[68camotion]

Nothing like building your own looks good.

[68camotion]

the foam cutout idea is a good one I will have to try that.

[68camotion]

Love the Ruger .22 timeless.

[sokoloka]

nice, did that start from an 80%?
Yessir. I did their 80% lower & assembly kit, and added their assembled upper with a flip up sight in the rear. Purchased the complete jig kit so if I get the urge I can bang out another one in no time.


Very cool Eric. Thx for the site info!
No problem! Great customer service as well.

[JJEH]

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/guns/SW4516-2.jpg

The 4516 is a very nice gun. The trigger is excellent, with a fairly firm DA pull, but a very crisp SA release. Due to the weight, the felt recoil on it is very manageable and it is quite accurate for its intended range, less than 25 yards.



This one looks really nice. We also have some guns at home, but focus on S&W semi autos.

You might wanna join the S&WCA as well? Great guys, great infos and resources.

[andrewb70]

Here is my latest purchase...

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/guns/4536.jpg

Andrew

[dropit69]

nice Buy Andrew ...ill have to get mine out see if they all fit in 1 picture..lol

[NiteOwlNY]

Here is my latest purchase...

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/guns/4536.jpg

Andrew

Looks like a little version of my 5946, I'm assuming the safety is that little lever as opposed to the back of the slide where it is on the full size guns. Mine has no safety and will fire with no magazine... I only use it once a year when I have to qualify otherwise I have a little Keltec 380 I carry. If I ever have to use it I figure I'm gonna be face to face with the person anyway.

[andrewb70]

Looks like a little version of my 5946, I'm assuming the safety is that little lever as opposed to the back of the slide where it is on the full size guns. Mine has no safety and will fire with no magazine... I only use it once a year when I have to qualify otherwise I have a little Keltec 380 I carry. If I ever have to use it I figure I'm gonna be face to face with the person anyway.

You're close. Your 5946 I believe is a double stack, full size 9mm with a double action only mechanism. This is a 4536, single stack, compact frame .45, with a frame mounted decocker. It's still DA/SA. This particular configuration is fairly rare with about 600 being produced.

Andrew

[ProTouring442]

Nice... I had a 4506 (full size, single stack, .45). Guys at the range called it an "artillery piece." Sold it to get my Kimber though.

And for those who think a shotgun won't go through drywall, better think again. Fire a 12 gauge at a piece of drywall at 10' sometime. :o

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[Slick68]

Nice hardware, guys! How did I miss this thread? Of all the S&Ws mentioned, noone has mentioned the M&P line.

I've been carrying my M&P40 for about 3 years now. I've installed an APEX DCAEK(Duty/Carry Action Enhancement Kit) and done some grip enhancements. This pistol is just as dependable as any Glock, but looks better doing it. LOL I'm just messin with ya Glock guys.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSCF6526-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSC_0242-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/DSC_01671-1.jpg

My wife has a M&P9c. She also has a permit, but doesn't carry on her person. She usually keeps it in her car, though.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/0021-1.jpg

[class67]

I've just gotten started with guns over the last year or so, starting with an inherited Remington 7mm rifle, the .22 I've had since I was a kid. The most recent additions have been a Para Ordnance P14 and a Glock 22.