Playing Devil's advocate here. How would be asking to see permits, or laying down your arms while he conversed with you be any different than asking to see your license and registration if he pulled you over? If you're obeying the law and legally own everything, whats the harm?

8/8/2010 12:34:05 PM

Good to hear that about the sheriff -- have you considered writing a letter to his superiors at the department to let them know how well he responded?

8/8/2010 2:13:03 PM

^^Well if he is courteous about it, then I really don't think there is much of a problem. But most of the stories you hear are of cops that act like you are doing something wrong, make a big stink about it, and threaten you with bogus charges. It most of the time will get sorted out, but some cops just don't like the idea of citizens carrying pistols and have misconstrued ideas of the actual laws

8/8/2010 2:21:11 PM

^^Yeah, this is a great idea.

8/8/2010 5:43:36 PM

Quote :

"Playing Devil's advocate here. How would be asking to see permits, or laying down your arms while he conversed with you be any different than asking to see your license and registration if he pulled you over? If you're obeying the law and legally own everything, whats the harm?"

Well, first, there was no reasonable suspicion of a law being broken. As much as I liked the guy, the response from the department should be that the 911 caller will need more than just a report of "hours of gunfire" to get a LEO response.

I might as well call 911 and say "There are cars driving on the highway, can you send a cop to make sure everything is ok?"

How busy will this deputy be when hunting season gets in full swing?

If this cop had been interrogative or in the least bit anything but super-friendly, we all would have shut our mouths and not talked to him at all. He knew he shouldn't have even come by, and that's why I liked him so much.

Disarming, checking permits, etc. - there's a huge problem there because, unlike speeding, there is no action that even appears to break the law that would require him to investigate. This would be equivalent to a random ID check just for open carrying, not an ID check after being pulled for speeding.

^^^Yep. It felt like I was applauding a child for surprising me by not wrecking my house, but I tried to keep it more professional than that

Neuservrrat is right. The overall situation has made it such that nice encounters like this are in the minority, and are newsworthy and worthy of a good email to the dept. That's kind of sad. But I'm glad to send that email.

[Edited on August 8, 2010 at 5:50 PM. Reason : a]

8/8/2010 5:49:29 PM

Picked up a USP compact in 9mm.

I'd been debating one for years and finally took the plunge.

8/8/2010 7:29:23 PM

What's the consensus on flashlights on handguns for home defense?

I don't want to shoot at shadows, but I can think of a couple scenarios in which I wouldn't want the attention that a light would bring.

8/9/2010 12:25:40 AM

i don't have lights on any of my guns. That said, there's nothing that says you have to turn the light on if prudence and good judgement dictate otherwise.

8/9/2010 12:54:38 AM

^^ I'm a big believer in having a flashlight, just not on my weapon. If you have it on your weapon then you have to break one of the big safety rules of guns to illuminate something (don't point your gun at anything you don't want to kill/destroy, for anyone who couldn't figure it out).

But of course I'm married with 3 kids, so I definitely want to make sure of my target before pointing my gun at something. If I was a bachelor and lived by myself and wasn't affraid of damaging any of my property, then I might consider it.

8/9/2010 1:49:17 AM

^^^You don't roll with it on all the time. Using the pressure switch you flash light where you want to see, and release it.

Additionally in terms of safety, I would think Target ID is more important than accidental muzzle sweep, but then I was using that bit of kit in an offensive environment.

I do have a light on my pistol at home though.

8/9/2010 8:18:59 AM

i have one for my shotgun, but not one for my pistols (I wouldn't mind getting one though)

8/9/2010 9:32:03 AM

It's really shooter preference. There's no right answer.

8/9/2010 9:38:12 AM

sure there is, and you said it- it is whatever you are comfortable with. When it comes to personal protection and firearms, you want to be as comfortable as possible with your gun. If that means being able to see in at night, don't let someone tell you that a flashlight is a bad thing.


I personally could go either way on it. I have one, but I can also flip the hall light, and I wouldn't try to clear my house either

8/9/2010 9:48:24 AM

True and it sure beats trying to use the Harries Technique and all that jazz.

8/9/2010 10:26:10 AM

I used to not like weapon lights until I got a really good deal on a Streamlight TLR-1 to go on my CZ SP-01.
It's nice knowing that there's always a light on that gun because sometimes i forget where i put my edc light or I'm not right next to one of the lights I store in the house.
Most lights have enough spill that you don't have to point the weapon at something to light it up enough to identify it.

8/9/2010 11:28:04 AM

I own a laser, its not on a gun, it was a freebie with a used gun. I have owned mountable lights, they have all stayed handheld. I cary enough variety of guns that it is good training for me to rely on always having my EDC light I use for work, or the stashed ones around the house,, or the one that is on the paddle with the spare mag. All of them are Surefire 6P led or clones thereof, all with a back button. I use the same rational as I have for using the same brand, cant, and model holster for all of my normal OC guns. If its the same drill, in the same place, with EVERY gun, then its harder to have you muscle memory trip you up.

8/9/2010 6:06:46 PM

Bought one of these yesterday at Dick's in Cary. Really looking forward to bow season and Sunday huntin'

8/9/2010 8:07:08 PM

How much does one of those run?

8/10/2010 10:47:47 AM

^

8/10/2010 2:28:41 PM

Paid 449 but it came with a crank that builds into the stock, 3x scope, 4 bolts and a quiver.
Taking it out this weekend to get some corn put down, check cameras and sight it in

Make sure you have your CCW or pistol permit though if you decide to buy one.

[Edited on August 10, 2010 at 3:26 PM. Reason : .]

8/10/2010 3:26:23 PM

what kind of range does a modern hunting crossbow like that have?

[Edited on August 10, 2010 at 5:56 PM. Reason : to kill a deer]

8/10/2010 5:55:53 PM

^effective range is up to 60 yards. I'll let you know this weekend though. I'm heading out to sight it in

8/10/2010 9:09:21 PM

i ended up ordering the RCBS RC supreme kit from cabela's. it was on sale and cabela's has a $20 off deal right now. RCBS also has a $10 mail in rebate if you buy $50 of their stuff. so after all that it ended up costing $287 shipped to my door. i'm sure the lee press would've done the job, but i think it'll be worth the extra money for a nicer scale and powder thrower.

[Edited on August 11, 2010 at 4:53 PM. Reason : suggestions for a smaller gun safe? needs to hold long guns.]

8/11/2010 4:51:09 PM

my order came today from Midway for my RIA 1911:

-hogue grips
-serpa CQC holster
-Chip McCormick 10rd power mag
-Ciener 22 conversion kit w/ 15rd mag

Pretty pumped, everything looks good together and the hogue grips make it feel like a completely different gun. Probably test everything in a few weeks when I can get to the range.

Haven't seen MaximaDrvr in a while, anyone know whats up with SCCC? Waiting til classes start again?

8/11/2010 5:51:42 PM

I'm pretty sure he handed over the reigns to someone else- can't remember the guys name (it is in the facebook group though so I'm sure you could look it up)

8/11/2010 8:22:25 PM

CCW Question: Being a student, I have an apartment in Raleigh. However, I still consider my "Address" to be parent's place back home in stokes county. Since that is more of a permanent residence (My dad still claims me to live there, I spend a lot of time there, etc) than my place in raleigh, is there any problem with me getting a ccw in stokes rather than wake county? Basically, I guess I'm trying to determine what defines one's "place of residence." My drivers license still has my stokes county address on it, if that matters.

8/11/2010 10:56:43 PM

stokes county is your place of residence. you'll apply for and pick up your permit there. you can't get your CCH permit in WACO since you're not a resident. has to be stokes. though you can take the class anywhere.

other than that, it doesn't matter. it's a statewide permit so you living in raleigh is meaningless since your permanent address is in stokes county

AND I'M FROM ROCKINGHAM COUNTY! WOOT!

[Edited on August 11, 2010 at 11:16 PM. Reason : .]

[Edited on August 11, 2010 at 11:16 PM. Reason : .]

8/11/2010 11:15:19 PM

Hellz yes. I've got a pretty solid hunch that it's a shit ton more ccw-friendly process here than it would be in wake county anyway.

In related news, my GF's parents asked me the other night if I was excited about being able to drink (I turn 21 next week). Obviously, this is quite the loaded question, but I really threw them for a (ignorance-derived) loop when I told them I was more excited about being able to get my CCW.

8/11/2010 11:21:21 PM

^haha, yeh, it will throw people. my roomie was the same way. people were all like, are you ready to drink? he's like, fuck that, I'm getting a pistol!

and in actuality, I've heard WACO isn't all that bad for CCHs. My roomie had no issues getting his from here and got it within 2-3 weeks I think which is awesome for a large county... as some push the legal, 90 day limit.

8/11/2010 11:25:23 PM

Wake county isn't bad. I believe Durham county is the worst. If you already have yours then you should be golden, if you don't, be prepared to be treated like a criminal.

8/12/2010 12:03:14 AM

Durham Co is the worst. They will make you wait the 90 days and they will treat you as a criminal. Other counties, for the most part, just do what they legally have to... but being fingerprinted is a bit much, IMHO.

I don't like the government having my prints on file...and for the same reason I'll never consent to a random DNA test without a warrant. I don't need the government with so much information due to the completely off chance my DNA/finger prints end up near/at a crime scene, by complete coincidence... the government's information about you should be limited...

I don't mind the CB & MHS checks... but that should be all.

[Edited on August 12, 2010 at 12:14 AM. Reason : .]

8/12/2010 12:14:10 AM

Quote :

"i ended up ordering the RCBS RC supreme kit from cabela's. it was on sale and cabela's has a $20 off deal right now. RCBS also has a $10 mail in rebate if you buy $50 of their stuff. so after all that it ended up costing $287 shipped to my door. i'm sure the lee press would've done the job, but i think it'll be worth the extra money for a nicer scale and powder thrower."

Grats on getting into a new and addictive hobby. You will really like the 'chucker, it's probably the most solid press on the market. The Uniflow thrower in that kit is great for volume loading once you get it dialed in. Just check it every couple dozen rounds and be sure to keep it topped off, as the volume in the hopper will affect how it throws.

If you didn't already, be sure and get some sort of trimmer - it's absolutely mandatory for any bottleneck cartridge. The Lee one is a cheap and effective entry-level tool, while one of the Lyman or RCBS benchtop units are much more accurate, albeit expensive. After your first batch you will also experience the joy of cleaning brass - from experience I'd recommend getting the Frankford Arsenal Tumbler/Separator combo. Best $50 I spent in my whole setup ,and saves untold time and headache cleaning up dingy, fired brass. Don't waste money on expensive media if you can help it - just get walnut birdcage litter from a pet store. Exact same stuff, just cheaper.

Welcome to the addiction.

8/12/2010 9:03:28 AM

yeah, i'm planning on getting the lee trimmers and stealing my dad's dial caliper to start with. i was looking at that tumbler, but wasn't sure if it'd last. i guess i'll go with it. thanks for the advice.

8/12/2010 10:59:44 AM

Where would I be able to find good quality ammo cans for less than $15 each?

8/12/2010 10:05:25 PM

Are there any similar but less-expensive alternatives to the ACOG?

Most of my M16 trigger-time in the USMC has actually been with iron (peep) sights; the time I've spent with the ACOG has left me extremely impressed, though. The only other sort of sight I've used on an M16/M4 is the Eotech sight, and I can kinda take it or leave it.

I'm interested in building an AR (probably M4, probably when I return from this deployment if it doesn't look like I'll be deploying again soon), and would like to put optics on it, but I don't know if I can bring myself to pay what an ACOG costs.

8/15/2010 1:36:54 PM

Sightmark makes ACOG clones. I have an Aimpoint clone of theirs. You pay a fraction of the cost as you would for the real deal, but quality seems to be similar. My clone works just as well in fit and function as the CCO I run at work.

8/15/2010 2:03:23 PM

i found a sweet workbench near winston-salem on craigslist for $75. picked that up today. it's really heavy and sturdy and will be perfect for reloading. since i was out that way, i decided to stop by harbor freight for a caliper. got a digital one for $20. was browsing around and decided to go ahead and get their vibratory tumbler. it was $50, but i went ahead and paid the $10 extra for the lifetime warranty. got some walnut shells at a pet store (good tip, i appreciate it).

gunguy hooked me up with some 30-06 brass at a good price and i got some primers in goldsboro. all i need is powder and some dies now.

[Edited on August 15, 2010 at 9:49 PM. Reason : aadsf]

8/15/2010 9:46:48 PM

Plain walnut from the pet store cleans brass well. It won't shine it though. That doesn't matter to some people, but shiny reloads sure do look good. You can throw in a tiny bit of brasso or car paint scratch remover into the walnut to make shiny brass. Just make sure you put the polish into the walnut without the brass and let it coat the walnut first...or else you'll end up with brass that's been clogged up with polish.




[Edited on August 15, 2010 at 10:09 PM. Reason : car wax makes it really shiny but doesnt clean as well. use the liquid kind, not the paste]

8/15/2010 10:07:07 PM

i guess i also need a powder trickler.

^thanks for the advice. shiny doesn't really mean that much to me, but if it's that easy, i guess i might as well toss some in. it won't have negative effects on the powder inside the case? i'm sure it's gotta leave some film behind...

8/15/2010 10:11:37 PM

Nope. Don't put a lot in, just like a tablespoon.

if you do find residue just tumble it for a minute in some clean walnut. I make it a practice to do that anyway to get all the dust out of the older walnut.

[Edited on August 16, 2010 at 12:14 AM. Reason : ]

8/16/2010 12:14:00 AM

any specific car polish you prefer? will the cheapest thing walmart has work?

8/16/2010 12:16:43 AM

Nu-finish is pretty popular. Also cut up dryer sheets (used ones work fine) and add them to the mix to pull dust and crap out of your media. I clean my media every once in a while by running a cap full of mineral spirits and some cut dryer sheets in it, cover off.

Another thing, since you have the harbor freight tumbler, is to get a media separator. I still recommend the Frankford Arsenal one - it's the cheapest decent separator I've seen, and believe me, it makes separating brass and media soooooo much easier than any other method I've tried.

[Edited on August 16, 2010 at 9:48 AM. Reason : .]

8/16/2010 9:45:34 AM

Can anyone reccomend a good local AK builder? Got a couple kits I'd like to get put together and refinished.

8/16/2010 10:48:42 AM

^^are you talking about the rotary one that goes on a bucket? a strainer out of the kitchen worked fine last night. still had to dump each case out individually, but i figure that's a good way to inspect each case for splits and stuff. with the small batches i'm gonna be doing, i'll probably just stick with that for now.

8/16/2010 11:36:20 AM

^^ What type of kits do you have and how are you planning to build them? I did a Yugo M70 underfolder milled to stamped build last year. Building an ak, particularly on a stamped receiver, is fairly easy if you are in the least bit mechanically inclined.

8/16/2010 11:40:08 AM

^^Yeah the rotary one with a bucket. If you're doing really small batches, stick with whatever works for you. Additional inspection is never a bad thing, I just found that device to be very fast compared to several screen and sift methods I'd tried.

I usually put all my spent brass into a big ziploc bag and clean it at once, 200-300 cases at a time. I guess volume is where it makes the most difference, when you've got all sorts of mixed pistol and rifle cases together. The sorting and inspection comes after - the clean lot goes into a big bin, then I pick through the bin, sort each case into a small bin by caliber, and inspect as I go there.

I have a bunch of these - http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200343385_200343385 and little tabs for them on my bench, so I can hang them off the front while I work. I put projectiles, brass, whatever needs to be handy while I load in there. I just pull those off and use them to sort brass.
Like this:

That's an older picture, and I have more+bigger bins in addition to those now. They're handy with the single stage because I can work from empty brass on left to processed on right, etc. Just another helpful thing I found to increase organization.

[Edited on August 16, 2010 at 1:38 PM. Reason : .]

8/16/2010 1:37:25 PM

Just picked up a Franchi I-12 Diamond yesterday...can't wait for dove season! Anybody know of any good game lands in or near Cumberland county?

8/17/2010 6:25:16 AM

I've looking at building an AR from Del-Ton components:

Complete lower with ergo pistol grip and JP 2-stage adjustable trigger: $321

14.5" pre-ban barrel kit (w/ A2 Flash Hider, standard A2 gas block, and YHM lightweight FF tube/4 picatinny rails) $268

AR bolt/carrier group, $110

Magpul A-frame collapsible stock (w/ buffer, tube, and spring), $100

Charging handle, $17

Magpul 30-rd PMAG, $15

Flat-top/picatinny complete upper, M4 feed ramps, forward assist. $95


All of the above totals up to $925. Anything I'm forgetting? Anything I should consider adding/deleting/changing? Anything I can do better on price-wise?


As far as optics go, I'm generally a believer in spending money and getting good stuff...however, a light AR carbine isn't going to be drilling .5 MOA patterns at 800m targets, and my intent on this one is to build a fairly good quality, all-around tactical rifle at a reasonable price. With that in mind, does anyone have any experience with this scope/red-dot combo or anything similar?

http://www.valhallaarmory.com/3_9X42_Ultimate_AR_15_Scope_p/st3942g-ult.htm

[Edited on August 18, 2010 at 7:57 AM. Reason : uhh, what're the legalities on a 14.5" barrel? ]

8/18/2010 7:30:29 AM

never mind on that last question...<16 is the cutoff for SBR. I'll go up a size on the barrel.

8/18/2010 8:04:53 AM

The 14.5 is fine if you pin and weld the flash hider on. The only perceivable reason to do that though is if you want to maintain compatibility with a bayonet, and/or keep mil-spec barrel dimensions.

Everything else looks good, btw. Maybe grab another mag or few and some irons/BUIS in case the optic craps out or you just don't need it.

8/18/2010 8:38:15 AM