Gun of the day (or gun envy?)

[WiredWrong]

Smith and Wesson; model 642, 5 shot, chambered in .38 Special, rated for +P. This revolver has a shrouded hammer, which aids in a smooth draw, since there is no exposed hammer to snag on clothing or other material. The absence of an exposed hammer will allow it to be fired from the inside of a pocket or covered by garment - something a semi automatic has a harder time to perform, due to a reciprocating slide. This is another great secondary or back up option. For times when dealing with a hand or wrist injury, or for shooting with your non dominant hand, a revolver will not jam due to "limp wristing" (not holding the gun secure enough that is induces a malfunction) as a semi automatic could. Despite DAO (double action only) revolvers typically having long and heavy trigger pulls, low capacity, and being slow to reload, the major perk of this type of gun is in its simplicity. This lends itself to having a high probably of the gun functioning as it should, guaranteeing you 5 rounds without issue (typically). I have two options for carry; 1. Darryl Bolke "Force Option" pocket holster. The design has a small pocket on each side of the holster. One side is meant to hold some spare cash and "dummy" cards which resemble the contents of a wallet. The other side pocket is meant to carry a reload of extra cartridges on a speed strip. The idea behind this is; the cash and cards is Option #1 for dealing with a robbery. You can access the cash/cards without drawing the holster out of your pocket. Hopefully showing compliance will not escalate the situation, they move on, and you go home without having to use force. However, if needed, hand goes back into "wallet" pocket and out comes the tool - with the extra speed strip available if follow up is required. Next carry option is the Renegade Ankle Holster. It's a niche option. Carry load is Buffalo Bore; 158 grain, Lead Semi-Wad Cutter Hollow Cavity. Which is meant to replicate the old school FBI load. Videos here and here show ballistics gel tests. Otherwise for range practice, I'm shooting Federal Gold Medal Match 148gr Wadcutters. I have Wilson Combat springs inside, which help to lighten and smooth out the trigger pull. Grips are by Hogue.

 

[Sanguinary]

Smith and Wesson; model 642, 5 shot, chambered in .38 Special, rated for +P. This revolver has a shrouded hammer, which aids in a smooth draw, since there is no exposed hammer to snag on clothing or other material. The absence of an exposed hammer will allow it to be fired from the inside of a pocket or covered by garment - something a semi automatic has a harder time to perform, due to a reciprocating slide. This is another great secondary or back up option. For times when dealing with a hand or wrist injury, or for shooting with your non dominant hand, a revolver will not jam due to "limp wristing" (not holding the gun secure enough that is induces a malfunction) as a semi automatic could. Despite DAO (double action only) revolvers typically having long and heavy trigger pulls, low capacity, and being slow to reload, the major perk of this type of gun is in its simplicity. This lends itself to having a high probably of the gun functioning as it should, guaranteeing you 5 rounds without issue (typically). I have two options for carry; 1. Darryl Bolke "Force Option" pocket holster. The design has a small pocket on each side of the holster. One side is meant to hold some spare cash and "dummy" cards which resemble the contents of a wallet. The other side pocket is meant to carry a reload of extra cartridges on a speed strip. The idea behind this is; the cash and cards is Option #1 for dealing with a robbery. You can access the cash/cards without drawing the holster out of your pocket. Hopefully showing compliance will not escalate the situation, they move on, and you go home without having to use force. However, if needed, hand goes back into "wallet" pocket and out comes the tool - with the extra speed strip available if follow up is required. Next carry option is the Renegade Ankle Holster. It's a niche option. Carry load is Buffalo Bore; 158 grain, Lead Semi-Wad Cutter Hollow Cavity. Which is meant to replicate the old school FBI load. Videos here and here show ballistics gel tests. Otherwise for range practice, I'm shooting Federal Gold Medal Match 148gr Wadcutters. I have Wilson Combat springs inside, which help to lighten and smooth out the trigger pull. Grips are by Hogue.

What a nice piece and great set up. Between your write up and the test videos, I may have to look at getting me one of these. It seems like a great carry piece. I like the idea of being able to fire from a pocket or poor grip. Nice post Wired!

 

[Sanguinary]

Todays gun is the SIG MKMO. It is a limited production SMG with two action designs and various cailbers fired. Neat gun, not many around.

 

[Sanguinary]

Todays gun is the Cheytac M200 Intervention. It is a sub-moa long action, firing .408 or .75 cheytac out of a 29" barrel. High dollar, high accuracy.

 

[Sanguinary]

Todays gun is one of the most prolific weapons of all time, the M91 Mosin Nagant. Usually chambered in 7.62x54, it served in both world wars and countless other wars. It was produced in the many, many millions and saw duty in much of the world. Similar designs are still seen in many modern rifles. The only other gun that I can think of that even comes close in its history is the AK.

 

[WiredWrong]

Todays gun is one of the most prolific weapons of all time, the M91 Mosin Nagant. Usually chambered in 7.62x54, it served in both world wars and countless other wars. It was produced in the many, many millions and saw duty in much of the world. Similar designs are still seen in many modern rifles. The only other gun that I can think of that even comes close in its history is the AK.

I really wanted one of these, particularly an M44 variant. Always imagined trenching through the snow covered woods with one slung over the shoulder. Something about the heartiness of the design makes me confident it would handle any large game hunting task. I feel the same way about an SKS, but for a different environment. Held many 91/30s, but could never find one in person that was in still in excellent shape and for a fair price. But I guess that's half the charm of these old guns, especially one used hard by grunts. They're going to be treated like the hardy tools they are, where form and preservation is secondary to function. I don't like taking chances purchasing sight unseen surplus firearms online. You'll never exactly know what you're receiving until it arrives. You might be lucky, or you might not! These were suuuper cheap to buy a decade or two ago, (I think they were $89 -$159 for the full size) as was the ammo too. Spam cans of sealed corrosive ammo for pennies on the dollar, sure! Kind of glad I didn't get into these, as now the price to shoot is upwards of .60 or .70cents per round - that's like plinking with .308 or 30-06 nowadays! Too rich for my blood! As with most surplus, what was once cheap to own and operate, now costs more than what's abundantly available today. However, you can't replace the history and pedigree of some of these iconic firearms that served their men and their countries for decades.
(Not mine. Just a photo to show the setup. M44, sling, 5rd clips, pouches, oil can, crate of ammunition.)

 

[Sanguinary]

I really wanted one of these, particularly an M44 variant. Always imagined trenching through the snow covered woods with one slung over the shoulder. Something about the heartiness of the design makes me confident it would handle any large game hunting task. I feel the same way about an SKS, but for a different environment. Held many 91/30s, but could never find one in person that was in still in excellent shape and for a fair price. But I guess that's half the charm of these old guns, especially one used hard by grunts. They're going to be treated like the hardy tools they are, where form and preservation is secondary to function. I don't like taking chances purchasing sight unseen surplus firearms online. You'll never exactly know what you're receiving until it arrives. You might be lucky, or you might not! These were suuuper cheap to buy a decade or two ago, (I think they were $89 -$159 for the full size) as was the ammo too. Spam cans of sealed corrosive ammo for pennies on the dollar, sure! Kind of glad I didn't get into these, as now the price to shoot is upwards of .60 or .70cents per round - that's like plinking with .308 or 30-06 nowadays! Too rich for my blood! As with most surplus, what was once cheap to own and operate, now costs more than what's abundantly available today. However, you can't replace the history and pedigree of some of these iconic firearms that served their men and their countries for decades.
(Not mine. Just a photo to show the setup. M44, sling, 5rd clips, pouches, oil can, crate of ammunition.)

Another one where I'm not so sure why the price jumped to what it has. Alas, I may still pick one up one of these days. I think thats one of the main things for me behind collecting older guns is being able to appreciate the history of the previous users and putting myself in their shoes.

 

[Sanguinary]

Todays gun is the 1874 Sharps Rifle. It is just one of the models of succession of Sharps design. This one includes .40-.50 caliber metallic cased ammo. Interesting guns.

 

[Sanguinary]

Todays gun is the Keltec KSG. It is a US designed, 12Ga bullpup style shotgun. It is pump action and fed by dual mag tubes posting an impressive 14 rounds total. It features downward ejection, a critical change for ambi use.

 

[Sanguinary]

Todays gun is the ASP. It is a sub compact, semi auto 9mm based off the S&W 39. It was highly modified for concealed carry and led to many of the advancements of concealed carry guns today.

 

[WiredWrong]

Been an exhausting week.... So instead of only posting 1 gun, I figure this picture will catch me up until next week when I hope to have more time to write something more in depth for yall. Please forgive me.

Starting from the top left, moving down, then the top right and moving down.

Smith & Wesson model 686 .357 Magnum 4" (6 rounder, not the 7 round + version)
Glock model 23, .40 S&W, Gen 4, with a Lone Wolf 40 to 9mm conversion barrel. Streamlight TLR1 light.
Glock model 19, 9mm, Gen 3, an old model with the super slick tennifer coating.
Glock model 26, 9mm, Gen 4, Trijicon HD night sights.
Ruger model LCP, .380 acp
Magnum Research 1911 C, .45 ACP, 4.25" bull barrel.
Kimber Micro 9, 9mm, satin stainless, rosewood grips.
Smith & Wesson Shield, 45 ACP, 3.3" barrel.

 

[Sanguinary]

Been an exhausting week.... So instead of only posting 1 gun, I figure this picture will catch me up until next week when I hope to have more time to write something more in depth for yall. Please forgive me.

Starting from the top left, moving down, then the top right and moving down.

Smith & Wesson model 686 .357 Magnum 4" (6 rounder, not the 7 round + version)
Glock model 23, .40 S&W, Gen 4, with a Lone Wolf 40 to 9mm conversion barrel. Streamlight TLR1 light.
Glock model 19, 9mm, Gen 3, an old model with the super slick tennifer coating.
Glock model 26, 9mm, Gen 4, Trijicon HD night sights.
Ruger model LCP, .380 acp
Magnum Research 1911 C, .45 ACP, 4.25" bull barrel.
Kimber Micro 9, 9mm, satin stainless, rosewood grips.
Smith & Wesson Shield, 45 ACP, 3.3" barrel.

What do you think of that conversion barrel? Nice collection!


The gun of the day is a L85 from the SA80 group produced by Enfield and others. It is a bullpup rifle firing 5.56 NATO that is in service in the UK. Original production units had many issues do to being stamped metal and not being able to keep tight tolerances for a design that required it.

 

[DigitalDJ]

I'm partial to my own, lol.

10.3in SBR - Geissele upper / Aero lower, XPS3 EOTech, Huxwrx suppressor, Cloud Defensive Rein light, Steiner DBAL-A3, magpul MOE grip, B5 Sopmod stock.
Glock 34.5 - Trijicon RMR, Surefire X300.
Glock 17.5 - Trijicon RMR, Surefire X300.

 

[WiredWrong]

I'm partial to my own, lol.

10.3in SBR - Geissele upper / Aero lower, XPS3 EOTech, Huxwrx suppressor, Cloud Defensive Rein light, Steiner DBAL-A3, magpul MOE grip, B5 Sopmod stock.
Glock 34.5 - Trijicon RMR, Surefire X300.
Glock 17.5 - Trijicon RMR, Surefire X300.

Very professional and legit setup!
I run their SSA-E triggers and Super/Airborne charging handles in most of my ARs. Tried out their Super 42 braided spring and buffer too, and it's real smooth.
Looks like Radian Talon ambi safety too. I was debating between that and Forward Control Designs 50 degree offset. Ever had a problem with the detent not feeling real clicky or feeling mushy on the left side safety lever?
What's your duty or preferred carry load?

Thanks for contributing!

 

[WiredWrong]

What do you think of that conversion barrel? Nice collection!


The gun of the day is a L85 from the SA80 group produced by Enfield and others. It is a bullpup rifle firing 5.56 NATO that is in service in the UK. Original production units had many issues do to being stamped metal and not being able to keep tight tolerances for a design that required it.

I haven't had any problems with it. Must have owned it for almost 13 years at this point. I'm not even sure if they make them anymore, but I know other companies do. Read that in order for it to be super reliable to change the ejector and extractor, but mine never had any problems - so I didn't change those out. Even if I did switch those parts out, I wouldn't take the chance carrying it converted.

 

[DigitalDJ]

Very professional and legit setup!
I run their SSA-E triggers and Super/Airborne charging handles in most of my ARs. Tried out their Super 42 braided spring and buffer too, and it's real smooth.
Looks like Radian Talon ambi safety too. I was debating between that and Forward Control Designs 50 degree offset. Ever had a problem with the detent not feeling real clicky or feeling mushy on the left side safety lever?
What's your duty or preferred carry load?

Thanks for contributing!

I run an SSAE in that particular rifle as well, best triggers IMO. It is a radian safety, I actually prefer the 45 degree throw switches over 90's, it has a very positive detent and click every time, no issues ever. As for my duty loads, I run 124gr critical duty 9mm's in all my pistols that are carried and 77gr SMK 556 in my truck AR. As for the flat range, its just FMJ ball ammo or m855 GT's.

 

[Sanguinary]

I'm partial to Larue trigs, but its mostly personal preference once you get to that level. I have heard there was some problems with the radians and the SSAE when in the 45 throw on some rifles. I think that is few and far between, but a known issue. I have not tried the FCD safety, but have heard extremely good things about them. I figured my next build might get one.

Those conversion barrels seem like a good idea, but I've never spent the money on one. I might have to when my stash of .40 drops some more. I probably wouldn't carry that either. I'm fine with changes to duty/carry stuff, but not sure that type of change would be up my alley for that.

Suppressors are peaking my interest right now. I still haven't pulled the trigger per say, but its getting closer. I have 2 decent manufacturers in my backyard, so that may push me there lol. I have heard nothing but good about the Huxwurx stuff.

I like those X300s, but I think the new Streamlight stuff might surpass them.

 

[Sanguinary]

Todays gun is the Vickers machine gun. Orginally chambered in .303 Brit, it is a water cooled machine gun that saw service from pre WW1 to sometime after WW2. It was sold to many countries and chambered for many different rounds. One of the most interesting parts is that it is a toggle lock like a luger, but all internal. Very interesting, but super solid design.

 

[WiredWrong]

I've heard great things about the LaRue MBT-2S triggers and have thought about giving them a try. They're certainly cheaper than Geissele, and from what I hear; about 90% of the performance. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the wider trigger face they come with, but after recently picking up a set of HK pistols that have wider triggers and dry firing those a bunch -until I can get to the range, it's something I actually think I prefer. Really want to upgrade all my ARs to the FCD offset safeties... shit is just pricey! One at a time - when on sale! Same goes for a light and suppressors, in time. I'm partial to Fed HST for service caliber pistol rounds, second would be Speer Gold Dot. Although The Critical Duty does perform extremely consistent for duty purposes, I just wish it opened up a little bit more. Wish it was available in the cheaper 50rd boxes. I think the 135gr CD would do well in a 9mm PCC, even better than a 147gr Gold Dot, not the G2 version. Bonded rounds are my preference, even in rifles. I get why 77gr otm (tmk or smk) are popular and glad to now have a lot more manufactures making their own variety, but I like to stick to the 75gr GD, 62gr TBBC, or the new 64gr Fed Tac Bonded (some great deals of those going around right now). Surefire does make great stuff. As usual, the good stuff costs more. For me, Streamlight has been a good value and performance for my needs. Had a TLR1-S that after a handful of years the strobe option shorted out, but the light still works to this day about 10ish years later. I could have sent it in to be fixed, but found myself never using the strobe, even in practice.

Every time I see the Vickers machine gun I always think of the rumors of dudes pissing in the water jacket to keep it cool - or in down time using it to make tea. Mhm!

 

[WiredWrong]

That is really cool, I almost got my hands on a Type 56. Crazy that they used to go for $100 lol

Saw this posted today in one of my Telegram channels. Thought I should post it for yall to see what the prices were circa 2005.