No, a guy I work with dabbles in duracoat.

2/7/2016 9:26:54 AM

Placed my order on a Rugged Obsidian 45 can. Now I get to play the waiting game again, which this time isn't too bad because I need to save up for some threaded barrels and pistons.

2/10/2016 7:58:45 AM

Does anyone have experience using a scope on 1X for close in rapid target acquisition? Is it anywhere close to using a red dot?

I'd like to build a rifle with something like a 1-6X scope so that I have something that's flexible between short and medium range. I have doubts about the system where a red dot is mounted above a scope where it's really high above the bore axis. I can't imagine have a red dot mounted that high is ideal. There's also the minor concern of the added weight of two optics.

Of course, if having a red dot up high isn't really a big deal, a dot plus a 3-12X seems like it would be awesome. I just don't have experience using a scope on 1X for anything up close nor do I have the experience with a red dot mounted high up.

2/11/2016 1:24:53 PM

You could always get an offset mount. I don't have direct experience with that but a SF buddy of mine used to use that config when he was deployed.

2/11/2016 1:31:27 PM

I've talked to a few folks who have used an offset mount and the general consensus was that while it works, having to turn the rifle takes a lot of getting used to and the primary optic blocks a lot of your vision when you do turn the rifle. No one was really a fan of the experience.

I have a little bit of trigger time behind and 4X fixed ACOG and I could never pick up targets very quickly. I was never able to get my brain to quickly shift focus from the eye not looking through the optic and the one that was.

2/11/2016 1:45:57 PM

Quote :

"Does anyone have experience using a scope on 1X for close in rapid target acquisition? Is it anywhere close to using a red dot?"

I can only answer part of this question. I have recently purchased and practiced with a 1-6x scope, but not used it in any dynamic or tactical acquisition scenarios; nor have I previously used a red dot. So, fwiw ...

What I can say is that I can shoot better at 100-yards through the 1x setting than through BUIS. Presumably, this is age/eyesight related: as I use progressive lenses, I find it difficult to focus on the front iron sight even with no time pressure. On the other hand, having the ability to focus the reticle of the scope to fit my corrective eyeglasses - even with the light off - makes it significantly easier to put the sight on target compared to the fuzzy front iron post. To be quantitative about it (and possibly admit my newbie shooting skills ), last week, using a standard NRA 100-yard small bore rifle target, sitting but holding the rifle with elbow on the table (no stand/bipod), I averaged 7.8 with the irons, but 9.0 with the 1x (9.4 with 4x) based on twenty shots each. The wind was over the right shoulder ~ 12-15 mph gusting and temp ~ 40F or so last Friday morning.

The weapon is certainly heavier bearing the scope + mount - top heavy - compared to the MBUS's alone and, I think, the added fore-and-aft area makes the weapon more vulnerable to wind (acts like a sail). I should concede, however, to limited upper body strength so you young bucks may not find this so much an issue.

So hope this helps address your question, albeit in a limited fashion.

2/11/2016 2:24:12 PM

I use a Trijicon TR24 1-4x with green triangle reticle.
I have no problems treating it as a red dot when on 1x.
Both eyes open and put the 'dot' on the target.
It is not 100% as easy as a true red dot, but 90-95% as easy.
There is a little peripheral ghosting.

I have used it in 2-two day tactical carbine classes with this setup.

2/11/2016 5:12:15 PM

Anyone got range finder advice? Don't want to cheap out but don't want to spend unnecessary sums of money either. Would like it to be a one time purchase so out to 1000 yds is preferable. Right now it is going to be used for shorter distances but learning how to dial in my dope appropriately without having to guess on distance.

2/14/2016 4:41:08 PM

I've got a Leupold RX-600 that does great for me. It only goes to 600 yds, though. I mainly got it for bowhunting. Don't really have to worry about ranges beyond 600 yds around here.

2/14/2016 6:31:58 PM

Right now I don't really have a good shot that far but there is a chance I'll have access to some land with at least a 1000 yard shot. I need to learn a lot more about dialing in my shots before I worry about longer distances. My parents ranch used to be five hours away but now it's about 75 minutes so I'll be doing a lot more shooting.

2/14/2016 7:40:37 PM

Does anyone know of a gunsmith that does AK work?

I have a Yugo M70 parts kit that I'd like to get work done on. Looking to get the old barrel removed, virgin barrel pressed and setup, headspaced, etc.

I would do all of this myself but I don't have access to the right tools anymore.

3/6/2016 10:40:09 PM

^ Post here if you find someone good. I have a little AK work as well.

3/7/2016 4:26:33 PM

Hey guys,

Looking to get an AR-15 sometime in the near future. After doing a little bit of research, I think my gameplan is to get a flattop base model like a DPMS sportical or a Bushmaster/windham weaponry/psa set up between 500-750 dollars and just get around a cheap red dot or short range scope for 200-300 yards max. This is mainly going to be for plinking and maybe hunting. Here are a couple of the models i'm looking at

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/dpms-sportical-223-semiautomatic-centerfire-rifle?repChildCatid=1562503

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/windham-weaponry-carbon-fiber-src-223-rem556mm-nato-semiautomatic-rifle?repChildCatid=951206

Does anyone have any experience with the Windham carbon fiber? I've read nothing but good things but the thing kind of feels like a plastic toy in my hands. I haven't shot one yet.

Here are a few of the optics I saw while I was at Academy as well, they seem to have the best pricing compared to other stores and gun shows i've been to recently.

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/firefield-25---10-x-40-riflescope-with-laser?repChildCatid=1259610&cm_vc=DCTPZ1&cm_cr=No+Campaign-_-Web+Activity-_-Academy_Desktop_Sub_Category_Field+-+Slot+7_0-_-Widget_DAProductRecommendationWidget_3074457345618308416-_-Firefield+2.5+-+10+x+40+Riflescope+with+Laser-productImageLink

http://shop.opticsplanet.com/bushnell-ar-optics-1x25mm-trs-25-hirise-3-moa-red-dot-sight.html?_iv_code=BU-RD-ARTRS25HR-AR731306C&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=plusbox-beta&gclid=CjwKEAiAmY-3BRDh7pjvg46p1iYSJADQ78gNktXkxjYENLq-Ch22QH-D-TYMOoa1YaODVkMNitBVaxoCLATw_wcB

Do you guys have any experience with any of these products? I'm open to plenty of other suggestions I just really think I want to go base and get the cheaper end model and build it from there.

3/12/2016 11:36:06 AM

If you want cheap get an M&P or PSA. Personally I would get a PSA blem lower and a BCM upper. I haven't priced it out in a while but I remember getting a basic one for under $1k and BCM makes damn good stuff.

3/12/2016 12:04:03 PM

If I were to get a factory entry AR it would be the M&P Sport.
Then I would put a Primary Arms micro dot on it and call it a day. Total $ is easily under $750.
PSA is fine as well, but I would wait till one of their non heavy contour barrel guns is on sale.

3/12/2016 6:27:47 PM

^ great idea as well. Those PA red dots are sweet for the price

3/12/2016 7:16:27 PM

Which model site in particular are u referencing?

3/13/2016 3:53:46 PM

Depends on what you are looking for, I'd probably go with this one if it were me although I honestly haven't researched them enough to know the different models and the pluses/minuses. Personally, I prefer Aimpoint but they are $$$ and I just happened to get mine at a really good deal.

http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-advanced-micro-dot-with-push-buttons-and-up-to-50k-hour-battery-life/p/kt-md-ads/

3/13/2016 4:14:16 PM

I wanted a cheap AR, so I got a PSA PTAC kit for $360 shipped and a PSA blemished lower for $60 shipped. I paid $20 for the transfer and a couple months before I found a Bushnell TRS-25 on clearance at Walmart for $52. The riser for the TRS-25 was lower 1/3 height, which I don't like, so I spent like $8 on a UTG absolute co witness riser.

For $500 I have a decent lightweight set up that hasn't jammed in the 200 rounds I've shot so far.
I was actually surprised when the kit arrived. The description on the site said it was a phosphate barrel and didn't specify a barrel lining. I assumed it wouldn't be lined, but the one I got is nitride inside and out. The bolt wasn't supposed to be MPI tested, but the one I got was marked as tested. I couldn't find any blemishes on the lower. Everything about the PSA kit is at least as good as the Del-Ton kit I previously had (which cost over $100 more). The Del-Ton was more accurate, but it had an unlined HBAR so it's not a fair comparison.

Accuracy as tested with a cheap Simmons scope has been 1.7moa with Fed gold medal to 3.5moa with cheap Perfecta. I haven't shot any mil-spec ammo but I'm guessing it's going to print better than the Perfecta (Perfecta shoots 2.5MOA out of my Sig M400, the same gun shoots Winchester Q3131 at 0.8MOA). That accuracy is alright considering the price. I could add a free float forend gaining a little accuracy and come in at the same cost of an M&P Sport.

If all you want is a plinker then you can save a bunch by waiting for sales and putting it together yourself. Hell, you can say that about all levels of ARs.

As far as the TRS-25 goes, it's pretty good. It's light, the control is a simple analogue rheostat, and so far it's held zero. I really only have two gripes, the first is that the image has a blue tint. The glass is otherwise comparable to anything in its class. The second, and more annoying gripe is the dot is not visible in the upper 1/3 of the viewing area; the upper 1/3 is basically useless. On a long gun it's really not a big deal, but it kinda sucks on a pistol where you don't have a stock to index your head. The dot isn't as well defined as my EOTech, but it's not bad either considering it was 1/7 the price. I got mine for real cheap just by keeping an eye out. I do think it's worth the street price of $90-100, but if I was going to pay full price I'd probably get the Primary Arms advanced microdot. That PA battery life is waaaay better than the TRS-25.

[Edited on March 15, 2016 at 2:21 PM. Reason : ]

3/15/2016 2:18:21 PM

Perhaps this Delton kit (sans the lower receiver) for $450.00? https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/del-ton-ar-15-mid-length-rifle-kit-flat-top-mid-length-16-hbar-barrel-19-twist-556-nato-m4-stock-848456000959.do?utm_source=eblast&utm_medium=email&utm_content=PB032116_ARR-706&utm_campaign=PB032116&sc_src=email_225658&sc_lid=7039308&sc_uid=l7rVfgVVCj&sc_llid=26898&sc_eh=7a60805895daa0d81

[Edited on March 21, 2016 at 11:19 AM. Reason : ..]

3/21/2016 11:16:11 AM

Nothing wrong with Del-Ton, but it's been my experience that HBARs suck. They're unnecessarily heavy and throw off the balance of a carbine.

3/21/2016 2:57:26 PM

^ Just to clarify, I wasn't warranting that Del-Ton kit as a panacea or that barrel profile as particularly desireable, but just passed it on as I saw that low price in a Cheaper than Dirt email ad.

The weight vs. balance issue is an interesting one and in my limited experience isn't manifested quite the same when carrying/manipulating vs. firing. For example, my son's M&P Sport and my DDM4V4 weigh almost the same, but the center-of-mass is somewhat different (the DD is farther forward) so it affects the perception of weight and recoil.

I'd certainly suggest that dgspencer physically try out whatever he would intend on buying and not go merely by numbers on paper.

3/21/2016 5:35:40 PM

What's the etiquette for online gun sales and having things shipped to your local FFL? Do you need to give your FFL a heads up before? After? Do they do enough business that you just wait for a call that your stuff came in?

This is all assuming that I'd be purchasing from some big online shop that already has my local FFL's info on file.

4/1/2016 2:53:50 PM

You need to make sure the shipper has the receiving FFL on file, or that will need to be sent first.
I would make sure the receiving FFL knows a package is being sent for you, and leave your name, contact info, and what you are waiting on.

Some FFL are great, and others aren't.

I have had stuff sent where I received a call a day later and I hadn't even left a number.
I have also had to call 6 times, been told nothing arrived, gone down in person and the gun was stuck in a corner and forgotten.

4/1/2016 11:14:24 PM

I was able to take home my Gemtech Halo today.
Put it on my 11.5"
[image]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/JDriver18t/06891d657538e0e23b00510e1ea00e27_zpslfcrluph.jpg[/image]

[Edited on April 2, 2016 at 7:35 PM. Reason : .]

4/2/2016 7:31:04 PM

^ When and where are you passing out the cigars in celebration?

4/2/2016 7:37:40 PM

I really fucked up and bought an MCX

4/12/2016 9:41:37 AM

Looking to add a new pistol to the group, and was curious what you guys would consider the best (most reliable) bed-side pistol. I already ha a kahr CW9 for my CC, and swairweight for pocket carry, so Im looking for a full size pistol. I like 9mm, but am open to .45 suggestions (that are not 1911's... i want one but not for this purpose). Cheers!

4/23/2016 10:02:53 PM

Glock 34
Probably with a TLR-1

[Edited on April 23, 2016 at 10:08 PM. Reason : .]

4/23/2016 10:07:27 PM

If you are amenable to or prefer DA/SA,

The Gen 2 CZ P09 for full size or P07 for compact.

Have heard good things about the Sig Sauer P320 (full and compact), but have never fired one.

4/23/2016 10:33:37 PM

I'd second that one and also throw out a Glock 19 just because it is my favorite all around pistol and 15+1 is hopefully plenty. Not the best for pure bedside use (not the worst either), I just like it for my total go to pistol.

4/23/2016 10:34:05 PM

AR-15 is a better bedside weapon than any pistol

[Edited on April 24, 2016 at 9:42 AM. Reason : but it really like my Sig P226]

4/24/2016 9:33:19 AM

It's kind of hard to childproof an AR-15; otherwise it would be my recommendation for home defense to most people.

4/24/2016 10:15:40 AM

it's easy to childproof the magazine, though

4/24/2016 10:26:50 AM

If I could secure mine while still providing quick access it would be my choice as well. It stays in the safe though because it cost way too much money to let a would be thief have access to it. My SBR with the can on it would be my go to any day of the week but that's a lot of $$ and waiting time to leave out of the safe.

4/24/2016 10:41:19 AM

my thoughts exactly - my suppressed SBR in 300 blackout loaded up with 110gr Lehigh Defense rounds would be my preferred weapon out of everything I own for home defense, but I have over three grand and 2 NFA stamps sunk into that build. There is no chance I would leave the gun sitting out where a burglar could grab it.

4/24/2016 4:01:32 PM

anybody think prices on naughty guns will go ape-shit this fall when Hillary Clinton gets elected, or early next year after she assumes office?

I have a couple of things in my safe that I've never even shot and want to sell (took them in trade for an old beater truck from a guy who didn't have quite enough cash), but I figure that another spasm of panic buying is inevitable and just a matter of when.

4/24/2016 8:02:56 PM

If you don't need the cash I would wait. It's a real down market right now so couldn't hurt to wait.

4/24/2016 9:12:58 PM

Prices are near the absolute bottom right now, so they can only go up over the next year or two. I highly doubt this run of low pricing is sustainable.

4/25/2016 12:22:58 PM

I'm really a big fan of the SIG P320

4/26/2016 3:05:33 PM

**Follow up**: I think I am going to go for my first glock. Right now I am inbetween a G17 and G34. Reliabilty is my first concern, and I dont plan on ever doing any "competition" shooting, so I'm leaning towards the g17. Anyone have any experience with both that could convince me otherwise (keep in mind, any saved money could go towards light/lazer/night sights).

Also, they talk about gen 3 vs gen 4- gen 4 has all its kinks worked out now, wouldn't it? Id like the metal guide rod

4/30/2016 7:41:25 AM

^
I suggest that the differences in "reliability" - in terms of avoidance of one of the modes of failure to load; fire; extract - are so negligible on any of the firearms mentioned (using quality ammunition and assuming reasonable care of the weapon) as to be a non-issue in terms of selection. Choose based on preference for action type or trigger pull; get the gun in your hands; fire it if possible. My experience, limited as it is, was that the firearm (the CZ P07 in my case) picked me not the other way around in the sense of that was the weapon that best fit my hand and for which the controls (not many, of course, on a Glock) and trigger pull were most naturally accessible and operative. I preferred the decocker and DA/SA mode vs. striker fired or a safety.

I think updates sometime tinker with things better left alone, though I don't know about the case for the Glock (MaximaDrvr might offer an informed opinion). For the CZ P07/09's, it seems the Gen2 changes were all for the good vs. the Gen1 "Duty" variant.

4/30/2016 12:05:50 PM

I would say that all of the links are worked out of the gen4, and they are a slight improvement over the third gen because of the interchangeable back straps and guide rod upgrade.
There will be no reliability difference between the 17 or 34. The big difference in the two is the balance.
I greatly prefer the 35 over the 22, so much so that I sold the 22 I owned.

4/30/2016 12:33:36 PM

Has anyone here carried in a belly band holster? If so, any recommendations?

I'll be running a lot this summer while armed and am considering going the belly band route. I have a fanny pack holster but it sucks to run with and I'd prefer something more low profile. It'll need to hold a sig229r if that makes a difference.

4/30/2016 5:31:31 PM

I have one.
I have used it twice, and both times were more for very discreet carry.
They are best utilized for smaller, lighter guns.
You will want one with a retention strap over the grip.
In my (limited) experience, they are best worn on the hips/ low waist/ belt line, not higher on the waist/ under the ribs.

4/30/2016 8:09:58 PM

^awesome, thanks for the breakdown. I wish I were able to carry my secondary on runs but it has to be the sig. It's certainly not an ideal, or even good, option, but I figure it has to be better than running with the fanny pack (both for comfort and being discreet)

While on holsters, I have to give a big thumbs up to Garrett industries for the silent thunder gt. Recently got one for iwb and it is great. Leather lined like all garretts but with thinner kydex for a super low profile.

5/1/2016 10:08:46 AM

Just cut some shorts w/ belt loops into running shorts and wear a belt with a holster.

5/2/2016 11:55:05 AM

Dixie Gun & Knife Show this weekend 7/8 May: http://dixiegunandknifeshow.com/raleigh-show/

5/7/2016 9:39:53 AM

hell yeah, time to buy some jerky and tasers

5/7/2016 9:46:31 AM

Quote :

"hell yeah, time to buy some jerky and tasers"

Now I understand!

5/8/2016 12:04:00 AM