I've thought about buying a gas piston AR so that it would be easier to convert to suppressed later on. I'm leaning towards the Ruger SR556, but I'd like to see them be on the market a little bit longer before I go ahead with buying one.

3/12/2010 8:40:02 PM

Joined the club and bought a Marlin Model 60 today. I love it. No FTFs or FTEs, but when the bolt comes forward it scratches the fuck out of the round below it. I'm not too worried about it now, but we'll see if it causes issues.

3/14/2010 8:04:21 PM

You can lightly chamfer the leading edge of the bolt face with file and sand paper where it scratches the next case. Emphasis on lightly. Chamfer it too much and it won't strip the next round.

3/15/2010 12:43:49 PM

picked up my gun today. The moron Friday sold me a PM9 instead of a P9. I wondered why the pricing seemed a little higher, but wasn't exactly sure because I couldn't see the gun until today. Went in and they had a PM9, Black slide, with Night Sights. I had specified P9, two-tone, NS. Anyways, they didn't have that one, but had one with standard sights. It was quite a bit less so i went with it. Looks great regardless.

Kahr P9
Two-tone slide
standard white dot sights.

3/15/2010 1:53:37 PM

I don't think night sights are all that worth it anyways

3/15/2010 6:09:23 PM

can anyone recommend a quality leather gun holster maker? Was going to order a Little Bear holster but the guy has shut his doors again, no idea when he'll open again.

3/15/2010 9:33:19 PM

I love my crossbreed. a little pricey, but well worth it IMHO. I really like their belts - I wear mine everyday now.

[Edited on March 15, 2010 at 10:41 PM. Reason : .]

3/15/2010 10:39:58 PM

I'll second the crossbreed

3/15/2010 10:44:48 PM

Picked up a Citadel 1911 today for 475 at PDHSC, price was better than anywhere else I could find it and no bad reviews I could find. Anyone had experience with Citadel?

It has an ambi safety which I don't really care for, but it's not in the way of my grip so it doesn't bother me.

Blurry cell phone pic with my 22/45:

3/16/2010 12:02:09 AM

The Citadel is the same as the Rock Island Armory 1911. Both, as well as High Standard and Charles Daly (no longer produced), are made made by Armscor of the Philippines.

I had two RIA 1911 Tactical that looks exactly like your Citadel.
I sent the first one back because the grip safety pin hole in the frame was out of round. It took a little smoothing out of the barrel throat and some extractor tweaking to feed well. It was a fine gun for the $380 (IIRC) I paid for.
People realized they're decent 1911s so the price has skyrocketed.

The replacement gun I got back from Rock Island...well...honestly if I could do it again I would have kept the first one. The trigger on the second had tons of creep and the trigger bow would push on the grip safety...doesn't sound like a big deal, but that leads to inconsistent trigger pulls because the pressure from the grip safety would cause the trigger pull weight to change (they were counteracting one another). Grip hard enough and you'd have a 15 lb trigger.
Also, they had ground and buffed out the internals to make it slicker. I didn't like that. I'd rather take metal off myself than have anyone else do it.
That's not to say it was a bad gun. It worked and for most people had a perfectly useable trigger.

I got tired of messing with it, so I sold it (the replacement) almost right after I got it. It was gonna be a project gun to customize myself, but I just couldn't deal with the issues I would have had trying to fit parts to a gun that had tolerances that were too loose.

If you ask me an Armscor is a fine gun with pretty good features at the price, but only if you don't plan on any mods.
There's simply not enough metal leftover to fit parts or minor things are out of spec (ie sloppy barrel bushing lug recess).
If you can save up a tiny bit then a basic Springfield would be better.

[Edited on March 16, 2010 at 12:42 AM. Reason : The first one shot well. Didn't keep the second one long enough to find out how it shot.]

3/16/2010 12:41:27 AM

I plan on taking it to the range tomorrow to try it out, definitely not intended as a project gun so I should find out pretty soon if I like it enough to keep it. So far the only thing that's felt funny is the slide release, it sticks about every other time I try it, I'll have to see if breaking it in solves that problem...

3/16/2010 1:45:48 AM

Sticks? Like it won't engage on an empty mag or like it's tough to push it down to release the slide?

If it won't engage on an empty mag then check to make sure the mag spring is good and the followers are making contact with the slide stop. Then, check to see if the detent on the slide stop is too deep making it difficult to move the slide stop. A tiny bit of file work can fix that problem.

If it's tough to push it down to release the slide then there may not be a problem. It's a slide stop, not a slide release. To release the slide you should rack the slide. If it's on an empty gun then you'd have to hold the slide stop as you do it.
But...if it really bugs you then I'll go ahead and tell you that if you use it as a slide release then the problem will go away after a little bit of break in. Don't worry about it.

3/16/2010 9:17:38 AM

Picking up my concealed carry permit today. Now off to Lawmens to go gun shopping....

3/16/2010 1:38:51 PM

Ok people...I'm looking for a concealed carry piece.

I'm 5'10, 175lbs..looking for something I can carry ITB or IWB.

I really want to keep it under $350..new or used. I'm open to all calibers/autos/revolvers.

[Edited on March 18, 2010 at 11:09 AM. Reason : .]

3/18/2010 11:04:14 AM

ITB? I've heard of this, but normally in prison, and it is called a skin holster.

IWB (in waistband) or OWB (out of waistband)



Your are going to have trouble finding a quality firearm that you will practice with and become competent with for just $350.

3/18/2010 1:01:19 PM

Yeah, I mean I can go a little higher...but want to keep it fairly budget friendly.

Also considering the Ruger LCP for pocket carry...what do you guys think about the LCP?

3/18/2010 1:31:23 PM

all these manufacturers have semiauto options in that price range:

keltec
bersa
taurus
Ruger
berreta

It's true that with this budget & these pistols that you're sacrificing bells & whistles, comfort, etc., but all of these are pretty reliable; I'd put the Bersa on the bottom of the list, but I carry one and it's been reliable for me. Obviously, if you (or I) had a higher budget, I'd recommend something better. With my limited carrying and budget, I decided it's not worth it to step up to a higher level pistol, thus the Bersa works out just fine for me.

3/18/2010 2:00:55 PM

my first gun which I used for CC was a Taurus 24/7 in 9mm and I love it





it is a little big for some people, but it might fit you well. As for the LCP, I like it (I also reeeeally like the taurus version of it as well)



Now my primary carry is a S&W 642 that I switched grips on (hogue) and I pocket carry it fine. Again, I'm a fair bit bigger than you, but not so much that I don't think that it couldn't be an option (but in that price range you are gonna have to go used)

3/18/2010 6:07:29 PM

is this a good deal? it's exactly what I'm looking for

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=411538439

3/18/2010 10:32:00 PM

Tim- I didn't know you were interested in guns...


That being said, I'm not a huge glock fan (more so against all the hype, not really the gun), but I'm in the minority. As for that model, have fun finding/buying ammo for it...$texas!

3/18/2010 11:36:11 PM

i want one to keep in my nightstand. this isn't an unsafe neighborhood by any means, but i've heard of enough break-ins to make me wary. i like that model and i like the price.

slickdeals always has good deals on handguns and ammo, so i'll keep shopping around

3/18/2010 11:43:11 PM

If you just want it for home defense, get a 12-gauge shotgun instead. It's a cheaper and better solution.

3/18/2010 11:44:40 PM

i wont be able to keep that in my sock drawer

3/18/2010 11:50:22 PM

Yeah you can pick up a mossberg or Remington pretty cheap and it will do the job fine, and you don't need to mess around with a purchase permit

you can lock it to your bed or I could show you a real cheap way to securely lock it up to a wall closet when you are away, and keep it under your bed when you are home.

[Edited on March 18, 2010 at 11:53 PM. Reason : U]

3/18/2010 11:50:41 PM

i've never owned a gun, but shot plenty....i just don't know if I want to go the shotgun route.

this whole gun ownership thing is probably just a phase i'm going through anyways. i probably won't end up pulling the trigger, but I've been thinking a lot about it, nonetheless.

3/18/2010 11:55:33 PM

Well the beauty of buying a gun is that as long as you take good care if it, resale on them is really good so you could sell it off later for not much of a loss

3/19/2010 12:11:45 AM

especially if you buy it used to begin with

3/19/2010 12:12:57 AM

Tim, just pony up and get this bad boy. You'll never think twice.


Brett, if i'm not mistaken wasn't this the gun CA had in his night stand when we had to force those hookers out of the house?

3/19/2010 8:02:13 AM

nope- he had a smith and wesson- it did have a laser sight on it, but it wasn't a crimson trace grip sight... lemme see if I can find a picture of it for ya

well I can't remember exactly what it was, but it was a S&W and it was a medium frame (not a J frame)

but i'm 99% sure he had an under-rail attachement for it like this:



that he added a laser sight too


and I'll second that ruger suggestion- I like everything they make (even my pain in the ass 22/45- which is only a p.i.t.a. to take apart and put back together)

[Edited on March 19, 2010 at 11:18 AM. Reason : except it definitely wasn't a judge ]

3/19/2010 11:09:35 AM

yeah you're right, his was pretty damn big.

I think I may get the SP101 in a few months.

3/19/2010 12:31:59 PM

i've heard nothing but good things about them


you should also look at the LCR - I really like that too (especially the trigger pull)

3/19/2010 12:50:44 PM

yeah a pocket gun does interest me also

3/19/2010 1:00:24 PM

the LCR is almost the exact same size as my jframe (might be a little slimmer)


and doesn't feel much different in weight (mine is an airweight)


here is an interesting read comparing the 2 (as well as some other pocket pistols):

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=361335

3/19/2010 4:53:52 PM

I kinda like the idea of another 9mm for a concealed piece. I already have a Sig P226 9mm, and have TONS of practice/defense rounds.....and I'm reading that 9mm is generally a better round than .380/38spl.

http://hunting.about.com/od/guns/l/aast9mmv380a.htm

What's a good small 9mm for under $400?

[Edited on March 19, 2010 at 7:50 PM. Reason : .]

3/19/2010 7:40:13 PM

the MP subcompact in 9mm is nice... you'd have to get it used, but that could be done



is one of the only subcompacts I can shoot more than 20 rounds out of and still enjoy it, and it was also really accurate/consistent

3/19/2010 8:20:01 PM

The M&Ps are very nice. If I didn't love my glocks so much, that would probably be what I carry.

3/19/2010 9:01:47 PM

Yeah, I just cant decide where I want to carry....small of the back or back/front pocket?

If I do the pocket thing, I'm definitely leaning towards a LCP.

If I carry small of the back, I'm looking at the MP 9mm or maybe even something like a LCR or S&W 642.


While I'd like to keep it relatively budget friendly, I have a known history of just breaking down and getting what I want

3/19/2010 9:07:30 PM

i found small of back to be uncomfortable, especially when sitting


I do from time to time carry IWB on my strong side, and with the holster I have, it is perfectly comfortable


majority of the time now, though, I just carry the 642 in the pocket just because it is so easy (does get a little crowded though in the summer with keys, phone, cigs, lighter, knife, etc...)

3/19/2010 9:25:16 PM

I have a SOB holster, but I find myself wearing it more as kidney carry, or 5 o'clock.
I've found that I prefer a 4 o'clock position for most of my carry.

3/19/2010 9:40:21 PM

Anyone going to/been to the C&E show this weekend? Is it worth it?

3/20/2010 2:09:57 AM

I hadn't planned on going since I'm good on reloading junk for a while, but it's not a bad show. Not as big as the Dixie, but all the essentials are there if you just want to browse or pick up a thing or two.

3/20/2010 8:32:39 AM

^^I just got back from there.

Some pretty decent deals on ammo...nothing spectacular, but not overpriced either.

I had my eye on a few handguns....Keltec P11 9mm, Ruger LCP...and....Ruger LCR.

I like the idea of carrying a 9mm, but the doublestacks are bulky (M&P, Glock), more expensive, and honestly not as comfortable in my hand.

If I go the .380 or .38 route, I've got my eye on the LCP or LCR. The LCP is super small, but its almost TOO small I think. It doesnt feel good in my hand at all. The LCR on the other hand, feels AMAZING. I want one soooo bad, but I cant decide if i'd carry something that big.

Best deals I saw today:
LCP - $289+tax
LCR - $350+tax
P11 (solid black)- $250+tax
P11 (2 tone) - $260+tax
P11 (blue handle) - $280+tax

[Edited on March 20, 2010 at 5:03 PM. Reason : .]

3/20/2010 5:01:06 PM

for only 29 more bucks, I would go for the LCP over the keltec


just personal preference though- the keltec always feels like it is about to fly out of my hand... not to say that the LCP is easy to hold on to, I just feel like I have a little better grip on it

[Edited on March 20, 2010 at 6:26 PM. Reason : nveiwve]

3/20/2010 6:25:18 PM

Well, I still feel like I like 9mm over .380....It's not necessarily a price issue.

I guess I'm really deciding between the Keltec P11 or the LCR .38

I just REALLY like the way the LCR feels in my hand.

3/20/2010 11:08:34 PM

there are some 9mm single stack options. Check out the Kahrs. The P9 and PM9 are both incredibly thin and easy to carry. And if you want to save some cash, get the CW9. It's essentially the same thing as the P9, kinda like a Honda compared to the Acura. Toned down details, few minor internal differences, different barrel.


I looked at tons of 9mm, and was the same way. Double stacks were just too bulky that i knew i wouldn't carry as much as i wanted to. I went with the Kahr P9, but there were a few others out there.


Just remember .380 ammo is $texas and harder to come by these days. But if its purely for carry, and you won't be taking it to the range each week it may not be that big of a deal.

3/21/2010 11:28:34 AM

Cleaned my 22/45 and my 1911 for the first time each today. I did the 22/45 first since I've heard they were a pain, and its true. Took about 45 minutes of tinkering on the reassembly, and I couldn't even get the receiver off of the grip frame. I may go back with a plastic hammer or something, it was on there tight. Anyone who is taking one down for the first time, make sure you follow the directions in the manual about when to pull the trigger and put the mag in and out etc. EXACTLY.

After that adventure, field stripping my Citadel 1911 was obviously a cakewalk. It was rewarding to finally clean the 22/45 though, I waited till I put about 2000 rounds through to do it, that may have helped firmly stick the receiver to the frame...

3/21/2010 10:59:41 PM

For anyone else who has that ruger, there are some good YouTube videos that can show you how to do it

it really is a pain in the ass the first couple of times- I end up relying on my bore snake way more than I should

3/22/2010 12:09:32 AM

Put a 15# recoil spring and some hogue grips on my CZ 75 SP-01 today and went through 300 rounds, the recoil spring solved all my FTF problems! PMC Bronze dirtied up the gun a bit so I had fun doing a thorough cleaning tonight

3/22/2010 12:59:43 AM

Where'd you get the 15 lb spring? Is it factory CZ or a Wolff? Is it flat?
I'm curious because I have an SP-01 Tactical and was going to swap to a lighter spring, but I don't believe CZ offers a 15 lb factory spring, only lighter.

Quote :

"I may go back with a plastic hammer or something, it was on there tight."

I had the same problem. It's a tiny bit easier every time you take it apart, but mine still requires a mallet.
To take mine apart I tape a block of wood across the back of the receiver that fits the bolt cut outs, then whack with a rubber mallet. The back of the reciever would otherwise chew up the mallet.

How did you like shooting the Citadel?

3/22/2010 10:25:08 AM

got to shoot a AR-15 in .223 that was decked out for target shooting (had like 24-26" barrel) and an old single-shot rifle in .45-70 gov't (don't remember the rifle). Those things were damn fun.

3/22/2010 10:28:51 AM