The Wish List

Well, I've almost assembled everything I need for a good foundation. I need to add a few accessories, but I really need more time at the range and a good supply of ammo. I've done away with a "B-List" since I'm just focusing on what I need right now.

Next on the "Buy list"
• Kel-tec Sub-2000 - 9mm Glock compatible model; for the car; companion for the Glock 17 to be kept in the car as well

Accessories
• optics
• M1A optics mount
• slings
  
• holsters

Looking for a Cap-n-Ball Revolver

I've just started looking into picking up some history for my collection. I'm looking into picking up a Civil War era piece.

I'm very interested in an 1858 Remington Army, but I have to look into the different replica manufacturers.

EMF Company

More to come...

Glock 30SF

Figures. I have a Glock 30 that I picked up a couple of months ago. I love it. It's compact, .45 ACP, and the handgun I'm going to get licensed to carry first.

Then I noticed that TopGlock.com has begun to take pre-orders for a new SF model, but with some significant differences. I haven't found official information on the new SF model on Glock's website. Apparently there's no ambi-mag relase (that's a shame) and no Picatinny rail (no surprise).

I'm going to have to check one of these out now as well. I won't part with my Glock 30. I put a lot of thought into buying a weapon and I don't believe in selling them.

Advantage Arms Glock 30 Conversion

I've been having a hard time finding a 19/23 LE kit. I was on TopGlock.com's backorder list for over a month and a half. I found 29/30 kits were more available so I picked one up. I only have one magazine for it, so I can't properly use it to train for my CCW, but that's just a matter of time.

I was very nicely impressed with the quality. Even the translucent case is very nice. It even has two locking holes next to the handle. I had some problems getting the slide to lock on assembly, but there's probably a little trick to doing it smoothly. I should probably read the instructions fully. My bad.

It comes with some pretty clear warnings about ammo to stay away from. So, I started of with a 100 rounds of CCI Mini Mags. I couldn't get through a single mag with out a FTF, FTI, or some other strange malfunction. I'm really hoping that it was due to a lack of cleaning or a faulty mag (which I wouldn't be so psyched about).

I've only been to the range once with it and had quite a lot of problems with it. I didn't clean it before I used the kit, so that probably played a huge factor in it's reliability. I've cleaned it pretty well and intend on oiling it up for my next range session. I was happy with the accuracy. I was getting about 2" at 7 yards. Yeah, I know, I suck. That's what this kit is for, practice baby.

I really believe in this kit, even though I had so many problems with it. I went ahead and bought a 19/23 model through GunBroker and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. It'll be a great way for my wife and sister-in-law to shoot. They won't have to worry about recoil or excessive noise.

Here's some other reviews (in no particular order):
From shooter2-indy
From Owen
YouTube Video on Assembly

(original 12/14/07)

UPDATED: I just got my 19/23 LE kit. I was on TopGlock.com and almost every other Internet retailer's waiting list for one of these and I got sick of waiting. If you're waiting, check out the GunBroker.com - I got mine for $238 plus nominal shipping.

My wife and I went out yesterday and shot about 150 rds of CCI Mini-Mags and Remington Golds both in 40 grains. This time I thoroughly cleaned the kit and lubed it with Wilson's gun grease - great stuff by the way. I didn't have any oil on hand, but hoped the grease would suffice. The only problems we had were a few FTE's that were due to the wax-lube build-up from the Mini-Mags. Otherwise, we were able to burn through the 10-rd mags without much trouble. I'm fairly confident that with enough lubrication, the Advantage Arms kits will run great.

I'll have to adjust the sights a little. The 19/23 kit was shooting a couple inches high and a little to the right at around 15-20 yards. I'm really happy that I'll be able to improve my trigger control and general handling at a fraction of the price of 9mm FMJ.

Holster Resources

Pocket Holsters for the Kahr PM9
JS Pocket Holster
Galco Holsters
Universal Clipdraw

IWB Holsters for the Glock 30
DeSantis Cozy Partner
Masters of Concealment

General CCW
RM Holsters
Fal Gal Concealment Leather
Maxpedition

(original 9/17/07)
UPDATED

Cashman Gunshow Dec 15-16th

This weekend is another "Crossroads of the West" gun show here in Las Vegas. I went to the same show in October. From their website, it looks as though they have four shows here a year.

I'd never been to a gun show before the one in October. I've been to a few trade shows before. Two Macworld conventions - one in Boston and one in NYC and an Outdoor Retailer show in Utah. Those trade shows had glitz and glamor, but it wasn't really the scene where you could really buy something for yourself. You could get a lot of free products, but it was more about showing off the stuff for the upcoming year.

This gun show is more a massive flea market, with the coolest toys you can ever imagine. There's a lot of silly junk as well, but you know what they say about "one man's junk..." Not much glitz or glamor here, but that's alright with me.

I went by myself the first time. I found an online coupon that saved me a buck on the entry cost. When I got there I was buzzing with excitement. There were folks in the parking lot returning to their cars with rifles, pistols, gun cases, and ammo pulled in heavy duty carts. It was awesome and I hadn't even been inside yet. There were families, old folks, young folks, almost anyone you could imagine.

Unfortunately, inside I wasn't able to take any pictures. It was mayhem. I set up my cruising path and drooled over the tables and tables of guns and accessories. I bought some really good beef jerky, some ammo, a mag or two and then I finally decided to pick up my Glock 30. I'd been dreaming of getting one ever since I decided to relegate my Kahr PM9 to "pocket-backup".

There was a huge line since the national background check system had been off-line. I stood in line behind a guy that was buying an XD40 and another who was buying his first Colt AR-15. I can't remember off hand, but I got a pretty good deal. I was given a special option to pay with a personal check rather than have to pay an additional surcharge to use my credit card.

The gentleman buying the XD40 was in his 50's and was buying his first handgun. He had his son and grandson visit him in line and they were off looking for different ammo, so perhaps his son had guns and turned him into a proud gun owner. I said he'd be very happy with his XD40. I told him I had an XD45ACP. I said that the only thing I've heard that comes remotely close to criticism is that they aren't "from" America. Thinking that Springfield Armory made them, he thought they were American. I didn't push it. He'll be happy.

This weekend, my wife is coming with me. We'll probably buy more jerky, some ammo, perhaps a mag or two, and maybe a few odds and ends. I'd really like her to be less mystified with gun culture. I'd really like to see her a shooter as well. I might bring my brother-in-law as well. He's been out shooting with me as well and might enjoy the scene.

I'd really like to buy some stuff off my wish list, but that'll have to wait.

New additions to the gun locker

In the last month or so I've picked up three new additions that nicely round out my arsenal.
Mossberg 590 with a Speedfeed stock (50668)
I was literally talked into this one and if a gun purchase could ever fall into the impulse-buy catagory, this one would be it. We needed a shotgun and I've been thinking about getting one since I began buying guns. I almost immediately upgraded it with a Surefire 623FA.
I had problems installing the fore end because the light hit the bayonet lug attached to the barrel band. The place I bought it from didn't tell me that I might have problems even though the salesman said afterwards that he knew there might be problems. What the hell is that? What a prick. I probably would have bought the fore end anyhow, but it would have been nice to know about potential problems before making the purchase. Surefire didn't have anything about it on their sight either. After two sessions with the store's gunsmith, I had the bayonet lug milled off and I was back in business. I need the light more than a bayonet, I just hate to change a gun unless absolutely necessary - it was necessary. I have to say that I was pretty concerned about the recoil. My .308 Springfield Armory M1A kicked me pretty hard to the point I needed a shooting pad. I'm about 140lbs and don't have a lot of bulk. I've read that with the right recoil I should be able to handle larger caliber firearms. I found a cool article on shooting a shotgun using an alternative stance and it's worked wonders. I'm anxious to try it out with my M1A as well. I'm more bothered by the noise of a heavy OO Buckshot load than its recoil. I still need lots of practice and training.
Glock 19
I am a fan of Glocks. I like their reliability, handling, and range of accessories. I have another 9mm model, the 17. I bought that one a few years ago. The model 19 is a wonderful sized pistol, something that my wife can shoot comfortably. Ultimately, I'm planning on keeping the 17 in the car and the 19 around the house for that bump-in-the-night. I'll have to look into getting a good light for it as well, whether it be hand-held or a weapon-light.
Glock 30
I had bought a Kahr PM9 for CCW. I had barrel-peening problems and still have to have that fixed. I'm confident that Kahr will take care of me, but I ultimately decided that I want to carry a .45ACP. I think I'll need a considerable amount of training to pass the CCW qualification, but that won't have as much to do with the caliber as my trigger skills. I bought a Thunderwear holster for it since there's no way I could conceal a 30 on my hip, not with my build. I'm planning on carrying it with a 9 rd magazine with a 13 rd back up. I still plan on carrying the PM9 in a pocket holster, just in case.

A look at SIGarms

I took my brother-in-law to a local gun shop yesterday and began shopping around for something he can keep around the house. We actually looked at a few automatics and an 870 Tactical for first-line home defense.

The initial handgun line up was a G21SF, an XD45ACP, and a SA 1911 Operator. He immediately chose the heft of the 1911. I didn't think to show him a SIG until we were just about to leave. He really liked the SIG and I did too. I never held one before and really liked it, even more so than the 1911.

I've chosen Glock for its dependability and cost-effectiveness. My XD45ACP holds more than a P220, but the SIG merits a closer look. There's so much I still don't know about firearms, but that's the fun.

I just hope we can get to the range soon to rent one out and run it through the paces. I'm still going to pick up a G21SF for myself, but I'll be looking closely into the SIG for sure.

Great advice for taking out a beginning shooter

This was a response on a forum I frequent and I thought it was excellent advice. I wish I knew better the first time I took some friends out to shoot. I look back on pictures from the day and realize that not everyone was always wearing eye protection!

For beginners, I always try to have a classroom session to introduce new shooters to the 4 basic safety rules, and to show them how to align the sights with the target, stance, grip, and trigger press, and the basics of how the handgun functions mechanically (easier than trying to show someone how to load magazines or operate a safety lever or open the cylinder while other people are shooting and making noise around you). The classroom session can be in your home or at a range's classroom (some ranges will let you use the room for free if you are a regular customer and tell the manager that you are introducing a newbie to shooting) if it is not already reserved for a class. Call before you go.

Be sure that the ear plugs or muffs fit properly and actually block the sound before entering the firing line. Lots of beginners don't know how much sound is supposed to be blocked, so they may initially accept incomplete fitting, then get annoyed or scared by the muzzle blast. I tell beginners that the plug or muff should block 90% of the sound, and then snap my fingers next to their ears, before and after fitting the ear protection, so they can experience the difference before going to the firing line. Glasses can cause poor seal of ear muffs, unless the glasses are worn over the muffs.

Naturally, eye protection is a requirement.

The neckline of the shirt/blouse should be fairly high and closely fitted, to prevent hot brass from getting inside. As you may guess, this can be a bigger problem for women, since they are more likely to wear loose or low-necklines than men.

I find that .22 LR is the way to start most people, although people who are seriously hypersensitive can benefit from starting with an air pistol (I have a Daisy Powerline 717 that is inexpensive, has a decent trigger pull and sights, and is far more accurate than even the average experienced shooter), since it has essentially no recoil or noise. It's drawback is that it is a single shot handgun and must be pumped once for each shot.

As for the type of .22, I differ from most people who prefer to start with a revolver. I find that a nice full-size .22 semi-auto is quite suitable for beginners as long as you show them how it works, start them out with only 1 round in the mag, and watch them carefully while they shoot (which you should do anyway, with any beginner). After they have tried a couple of cycles of "one round in the mag", I let them load 2 or 3. If they do fine with that, 5 or 10 is ok. Watch for slide lock to determine empty gun.

It is not "cheating" for a beginner to use a rest at first.

I emphasize that if anything (ANYTHING) does not go according to instructions, the student should keep holding the handgun with finger off trigger, pointing it downrange, and ask for help. I will be right there watching them, so it isn't hard to get my attention. Naturally, I am also watching constantly, so I may see any problem immediately and they may not even have to ask for help. I am always at their shoulder and prepared to block or grab the handgun if they inadvertently turn around.

Other calibers:

.25--not a good choice for beginners, since it is usually only available in tiny handguns that are too small, too fiddly, and have more recoil than the student is expecting.

.32 ACP--again, often available in small handguns with more recoil than expected (i.e. Seecamp .32 or Beretta Tomcat). If you have a nice medium size handgun in this caliber, it can be quite pleasant (Walther PP or Beretta 70S).

.32 Long or .32 H&R Magnum--pretty easy-going caliber in the usual medium size revolver, or target semi-auto.

.380 ACP--Can generate an unpleasant level of recoil for beginners, especially when fired in blowback semi-autos (which is to say, most guns available in this caliber). Fired in a locked-breech gun, the recoil is very mild (Colt .380 Govt. or Mustang, and very old versions of the Llama .380 Government)

.38 Special--Easy- going caliber with the right loads in full-size revolvers (i.e., S&W Model 10 with 4 or 6 inch barrel). Target wadcutters are loaded lighter than the duty rounds, so start with target wadcutters. Duty or self-defense rounds are loaded hotter, and +P loads are quite hot. Short barrels make everything worse (noise, muzzle backblast, recoil).

9mm Luger/Parabellum- -Standard loads have noticeable noise and recoil. +P loads can be fairly sharp.

.40 S&W, .357 Magnum, .45 ACP--all of these can be intimidating to beginners. .40 S&W normal load is practically a +P, the .357 Magnum is very high intensity, and the .45 has long been over-rated in terms of recoil. Choose wisely. Under no circumstances should a beginner shoot a snub .357!

However, some students are quite recoil and noise tolerant, so they may easily adapt to anything you throw at them. Might as well have one or two larger calibers with you, just in case your student is adventurous and wants to try the "big bores" like .357 Mag or .45. Or the student may want you to shoot it just to demonstrate what larger calibers do. No sense making them bored!

.44 Magnum, .454 Casull, .480 Ruger, .500 Magnum, etc.--Just don't! These are only for shooters with some experience.

If you wish to start with a .22 or .38 revolver, I'd suggest shooting in the single-action mode for beginners. The trigger pull is lighter and smoother, and the student is more likely to be able to hit the target. Double action can be frustrating and discouraging. Self-defense revolver training should almost always be double-action, but that can come later.

I commend you on your efforts to teach new shooters and I hope you and your student have fun!

Randall N. Herrst
The Center For The Study Of Crime
"Join now! Learn how to become a more effective activist!"
www.StudyCrime. org
310 213-4709

SafePacker: outback CCW

One of these would be perfect for a day out or on an extended trip. Wonder if they have one for my AR-15? Or another option from Uncle Mike's.

A possible goodie for my CCW Glock?

I've seen some positive reviews about mounting a small red dot to a CCW pistol. I'm impressed with the battery life and I believe it'll still keep a G27 pretty compact.

Justify your spending

"I got interests, not hobbies... you don't have to pay for things your interested in." - George Carlin

I wish I could be content with only interests, but alas I've had a number of hobbies - all of which get to be expensive over time. My long standing hobby has been computers. Sure, at times they've been my profession or at least a significant part of it. I've even been able to write them off for tax purposes. But, I use them a lot in my spare time as well. I don't play computer games often, but I'm usually tweaking my server, etc. It's crazy how much money I've spent on computers over my life time. I've got a network at home that out numbers the family members 2:1 - four of them, looking at a soon to be five.

The reason I'm writing is because I was just looking into the Mac OS X Leopard server that's due to come out next year for around $1000. "Not bad", I think - for what it will do. I can't justify buying it, but I'd definitely consider it. Having my own server kicks ass, even if I'm not using it to commercially host websites.

But then hold on. That's a new Glock, or XD45ACP, with a few extra mags and a half dozen boxes of premium ammo. Now my server will rock for another 5, 10, perhaps even 12 years, since computers age like dog years if not faster.

10.5 dog years per human year for the first 2 years, then 4 dog years per human year for each year after. (from Online Conversions)

But my new handgun or rifle will likely out last me. Especially the way I like to anally clean my weapons. As long as the S doesn't hit the fan... they'll be around a long time. Now that's what I call a value.

At the beginning, my new wife didn't mind my arsenal. Now she's complaining about why I need so many, that's 8 right now. I think we need a couple more to cover our bases and that's just what I'm going to do.

I think I'm going to keep my hobbies as well, but they'll probably get a smaller piece of the pie. :-)

I wonder how others balance their interests?

Kahr PM9 Peened Barrel

After I bought my PM9 last summer, I've had feelings of dread every single time I think about it. I first noticed a problem with the pistol at the range while I was trying to field strip it. Then it would fail to return to battery after a shot. I'm not a very experienced gunner so I didn't realize that the barrel was getting peened after about 30 rounds. I ended the session at about 200 rounds and realized that I need to get this problem fixed.

I've finally done some searching and have realized that I'm not the only one with the same problem. A simple Google search "kahr pm9 peened barrel" yielded a number of valid forum posts addressing the same problem. Thankfully it sounds like Kahr is quick to fix the problems.

I love this gun and desperately want it back in the game. At least I'm not betting my life on it just yet.

Handgun Wounding Factors

The selection of effective handgun ammunition for law enforcement is a critical and complex issue. It is critical because of that which is at stake when an officer is required to use his handgun to protect his own life or that of another. It is complex because of the target, a human being, is amazingly endurable and capable of sustaining phenomenal punishment while persisting in a determined course of action. The issue is made even more complex by the dearth of credible research and the wealth of uninformed opinion regarding what is commonly referred to as "stopping power."

In reality, few people have conducted relevant research in this area, and fewer still have produced credible information that is useful for law enforcement agencies in making informed decisions.

This article brings together what is believed to be the most credible information regarding wound ballistics. It cuts through the haze and confusion, and provides common-sense, scientifically supportable, principles by which the effectiveness of law enforcement ammunition may be measured. It is written clearly and concisely. The content is credible and practical. The information contained in this article is not offered as the final word on wound ballistics. It is, however, an important contribution to what should be an ongoing discussion of this most important of issues.

Glock animation

The freakin' coolest animations if you're curious how your Glock really works.

N Range Indoor Shooting

I found this product from the Glocktalk.com forum. Looks interesting, but the ammunition is expensive and non-reloadable. A person would probably need about $2000 to get started.

$5000 Shopping Spree

Starting with what I already have (in black) I'm looking to add some essentials to get me going before I have to start saving again. Additions in blue.

• Springfield Armory M1a Loaded
• 4 x 20rd magazines
• 6 x 20rd magazines $240
  
• cleaning kit $15
• ?? sling
• ?? spare parts

• P.O.F. Piston .308 Rifle $2300
• ?? magazines
• ?? sling

• Remington 870 Tactical w/ Surefire forend $1000
• ?? sling
  
• Bushmaster Modular Carbine
• 6 x 30rd magazines
• 14 x 30rd magazines $280
  
• tactical cleaning kit
• ?? sling
  
• full replacement parts kit $150

• Rock River AR-15 complete lower with a 6-pos. stock
• P.O.F. Piston 5.56 Upper $1000
  
• Remington 700 VSF $1150
  

• Ruger 10/22
• 3 x 10rd rotary magazines
• ?? sling
• Springfield Armory XD45ACP
• 2 x 13rd magazines
• 6 x 13rd magazines $150
  
• ?? holster $40
  
• Glock 27
• 3 x 9rd magazines
• 1 x 15rd magazine
• 5 x 15rd magazines $125
• ?? CCW holster
  
• Glock 17
• 4 x 17rd magazines
• 6 x 17rd magazines $150
• .22LR Conversion Kit & 3 mags $325
  
• ?? holster
  
• Kahr PM9
• 1 x 6rd magazine
• 2 x 7rd magazines
• 3 x 7rd magazines $100
• ?? pocket holster
  
• Browning Buckmaster
• 4 x 10rd magazines
• 6 x 10rd magazines $100
  
• Rifle/Pistol cleaning kits
• Glock Complete Replacement Parts Kit
• AR-15 Field Repair Kit
  
• Ammo
• .308
• .223
• .45
• .40
• 9mm
• .22

Priorities are:

1. 12ga Home Defense Shotgun
2. POF 556 Piston Upper
3. POF 762 Piston Rifle

A hypothetical order from Bushmaster
Another from Natchez
And another from Topglock
I'm not doing such a great job staying within my budget, but this is what it is all about. Start big and work down from there.

Collecting Calibers?

I now have firearms in a few different calibers:

• .22 LR
• 9mm
• .40 SW
• .45 ACP
• 5.56 x 45 mm
• 7.62 x 51mm

And I'm feeling like the list is rapidly growing, especially since I'll probably soon be adding:

• 12 ga.
• .22 mag

In addition, I'd love to add a .357 mag revolver at some point. I don't think I can go wrong with any of the above mentioned, except with the .40 SW and .22 mag when times get tough.

I'm having difficulting choosing a weapon that my wife can handle, and yet will be something I can confidently carry. I'm well aware that the both of us will need more training and that's something I'm personally looking foward to. I have a feeling that the .22 LR, 9mm, and 5.56mm will be the greatest investments since I'm confident that my wife can handle weapons in those calibers. Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and find that she loves the 7.62mm and .45 ACP!

Ammo to Grab
1st Connect: Survial Rifles and Calibers
Survival Bill: Survival Guns
Outdoor Life: Survival Guns

New toys

Well, I came back from the summer with:

1. Kahr PM9
2. Springfield Armory M1A Loaded
3. Rock River Arms AR-15 Complete Lower w/6-position Stock (unknown trigger)
   
4. Springfield Armory XD45ACP

My first impressions about the PM9 were:

• god this thing is small
• it is very controllable
• love the trigger
• a little rough on the finishing, especially on the polymer frame
• a pain in the ass to take-down (it did get much easier)
• gonna have to spend some time to learn how to shoot this thing accurately
• and did I mention that it was small? gonna be a great carry gun

Ultimately I had some real problems with the PM9 and I'm going to have to speak with Kahr about taking a look at the barrel and the slide. I can't even describe what happened, but I'll try. The top edge of the barrel that is between the square, chamber-end and the cylindrical barrel section has gotten "mashed" for lack of a better term. The slide now catches on the top of the deformed "detent" and the weapon fails to automatically cycle between EVERY shot. This happened soon after the 200 round break-in period. I'm really anxious about this problem. I hope Kahr will help me out here.

The M1A is a hoot to shoot. I went through about 40 round of Spanish surplus with great results. I sorta forgot that I was supposed to break-in the barrel and clean it more often, but I hope that shouldn't effect the accuracy down the road. Let me stress that I'm a new shooter and new to rifles... my third string of three-rounds was 1MOA at a 100 yards! This rifle kicks butt.

I didn't get to spend a lot of time with my XD45, but here were my first impressions with this lovely piece:

• as polymer-frames go, this thing is beautiful
• it fit my hand very well, though the grip seemed a bit long
• it points well
• great features
• accurate
• controllable
• and a hell of a lot of fun to shoot

So, I'm just dreaming about my next summer of fun, when I'll be able to get back and shoot some more. Lots to learn!

Handguns—reporting multiple sales

If you sell or dispose of more than one handgun to any non-licensee during a period of 5 consecutive business days, the sale must be reported on ATF Form 3310.4, Report of Multiple Sale or Other Disposition of Pistols and Revolvers, not later than the close of the business day on which you sold or disposed of the second handgun. The licensee must forward a copy of the Form 3310.4 to the ATF office specified thereon, and another copy must be forwarded to the State police or local law enforcement agency where the sale occurred. A copy of the Form 3310.4 also must be attached to the firearms transaction record, ATF Form 4473, documenting the sale or disposition of the second handgun.

A business day for purposes of re-porting multiple sales of pistols or revolvers is a day that a licensee conducts business pursuant to the license, regardless of whether State offices are open. The application of the term “business day” is, therefore, distinguishable from the term “business day” as used in the NICS con-text. Example: A licensee conducts business only on Saturdays and Sun-days, days on which State offices are not open. The licensee sells a pistol to an unlicensed person on a Saturday. If that same unlicensed person acquires another handgun the next day (Sunday), the following Saturday or Sunday, or the Saturday after the reporting requirement would be triggered, the subsequent acquisition of a handgun would have to be reported on a Form 3310.4 by the close of the day upon which the second or subsequent handgun was sold.