Gun of the day (or gun envy?)

[WiredWrong]

My first purchased handgun when I turned 21 years old. Glock, model 26, Generation 3, subcompact, chambered in 9mm. At that time, Glock had been around for about 25-30 years. If you wanted something reliable, affordable, had the option to be "high capacity", and offered the most aftermarket support, Glock did it all. How can you argue with "GlOcK PeRfEcTiOn"?! Youtuber "Nutnfancy" made detailed videos explaining why the model 26 was THE Glock to have. The 26 smallest gun Glock made at that time. Therefore, it was the lightest in weight, the most concealable in size, but still allowed you to use any of the other larger size Glock magazines for increased capacity. So you could use everything from the flush fit 10rd, to the Glock 19's 15rd mag, the Glock 17's 17rd mag, and even the Glock 18's 33rd mag. Back then this was a huge deal to have this ability option to scale up to larger mags. Nowadays it's pretty standard amongst most manufactures, as long as the models are in the same family. I only owned this gun for about a year, but shot it a lot. Mind you, this gun in stock form came with a 10 round flush fit magazine, which only allows you to fit 2 fingers around the grip. I didn't mind much at the time because I thought it aided in concealment, and it did, but I would later learn how important a full size grip would be when shooting handguns, especially as I moved up in caliber. Over my course of ownership, I did some young and dumb mods to it. I polished the barrel to a shiny chrome like finish with "Mother's". Added a shiny tungsten guide rod and a gunmetal finished extended slide lock lever. And because it was a cool and a trendy mod at the time, a Crimson Trace red laser grip stock to it. All of which were unnecessary and expensive... I thought I shot so well with it, I sold it to my father's friend so I could "upgrade' to a Glock model 27, in .40 S&W... and then a Glock model 23.... another story for another time. The best thing about owning a Glock, especially as a first handgun, was I learned how to 100% take the gun apart and reassemble it with extreme ease. That aids in feeling confident about your gear, knowing you can work on the thing if there's ever any problem. Here's the only two photos I have of these guns.

 

[Sanguinary]

Guess who bought a Glock 23 as their first? Oh, the things I know now. The great thing about Glocks is they are like Toyotas. They are completely reliable in their basic form, but totally upgradable. They are great guns for new and old alike. Agreed on being a good learning gun. Understanding what you own is such a valuable asset.

 

[mary]

My first shotgun when I was about 11 years old. Remington 870 Express, chambered in 20 gauge, youth model; so I think the barrel length was 21" or 22" instead of the normal length of 26". Smaller shotguns chambered in .410 were too expensive to shoot, and damn hard to hit with due to the smaller shot size. Full size 12ga guns were far too heavy, too long, and too much recoil for a young kid to be putting a ton of shells through. This shotgun struck a balance between being lightweight enough that I could hold it up and swing it out without much fatigue, but not too light that it couldn't handle the recoil. Despite being a good fit, I would still bruise the hell out of my shoulder, often shooting 200+ target shells on the weekends shooting clays, trap, skeet, with my father. I estimate I probably put close to 5k to 6k rounds down the gun without any breakage, but would have issues with the extractor sticking. Three years after owning, I would regrettably pawn the gun off to help fund my travels to my first Counter Strike LAN tournament, traveling from Michigan to Louisiana, to the LA Mercenaries CS tournament, co-hosted with [C.O.P.S.] Clan. I considerably overestimated the travel expenses, so upon returning flush with cash, I went back to the store to see if they still had it, and unfortunately it was sold...oh well. Fond memories still remain.

View attachment 22314
(LA Merc "Armageddon" LAN Event, I think this was... June 2002. From Left to right; Ninja, MillerTime, Me (age 14, drinking a BAWLS, my CS name at the time was Colt.45_9/11), and TexasLawDogg. Most folks attending were from the LE/Mil community and combined the LAN event with a fundraiser for the family of a recent fallen Deputy out of Georgia. Notice Lawdogg's pager on his left side? lol, man how time flys. He had a 1911 on the right side. He asked me when we first met, "Son, which colt .45 do you prefer? (45 Long Colt SAA or .45 ACP 1911) Answer me truthfully now or I'll lock you up!" Nervously, I said "both!" He smiled and said "Good answer! You're free to go!"

I loved reading this thank you!!!! Wonderful story

 

[Sanguinary]

Colt 1911 .45 ACP. 2 World Wars. Enough said.

 

[WiredWrong]

Colt 1911 .45 ACP. 2 World Wars. Enough said.

View attachment 22366

Amen. God Bless.

 

[Sanguinary]

Browning designs themselves are so iconic and important, let alone all the guns that came from them. Quite incredible.

Todays gun is the Lefaucheux M1858/M1854. This was a French designed revolver firing a 12mm Pinfire cartridge. The French navy adopted the M1858 and was the first government to adopt a platform that used metal cased ammo.

 

[WiredWrong]

It didn't occur to me until I was in the moment that I could share some of these photos as 'gun content for the day'. Knowing this, I'll do better next time with the timing and the angles of the photos.

Spent Thursday evening at a non sanctioned USPSA 3 stage event, more akin to a "skills challenge". You started seated at a table, with your unloaded firearm and fully loaded magazine sitting atop. After confirming you understood the instructions of the course, and confirming that you were ready, the timer would beep, signifying the start of the round. Immediately, you would insert your magazine and either rack the slide or push down on the slide release, your choice, to load the firearm. 1st stage had you looking through a simulated window/windshield, with 2 enemy targets (brown cardboard) on each side of a hostage (white cardboard with painted hands showing) positioned in the center. Shoot both enemy targets twice, in the center A zone, preferably without hitting the hostage. Next, while keeping your finger off the trigger and pointed down range in a safe direction, get up out of the chair and move quickly to the right side, between the 4 blue barrels and 'down the hallway' to the second stage.

The concept of 2nd stage; after entering through the barrels and making a hard right turn, about 15 feet forward there was an 'open door' on your left, signified by the wooden marker taped to the ground. Here you were challenged with a total of 4 targets (brown cardboard) and 2 hostages (white cardboard, painted hands). Pay close attention to how the hostages are presented. They were strategically placed diagonal across the two outside targets, making the 'center zone' of the enemy targets very small to hit, without 'accidently' shooting the hostage. Instructions were to shoot each target twice and follow up with a 'tactical reload' (removing the current magazine out of the firearm and inserting a fresh, fully loaded magazine into the firearm, while there is still a round in the chamber). While keeping your finger off the trigger and pointed down range, you would quickly move right, to the third and final stage.

Upon reaching the 3rd stage, you again had to turn towards your left and off in the distance to the right side of the double stacked blue barrels were 3 staggered enemy targets. The instruction was to do a "Mozambique drill" or "failure drill"; 2 shots to the center body, following with 1 shot to the head, on each target as quickly and as accurately as you could. Upon finishing these shots, you were to unload your firearm; first by removing the magazine, then pulling back on the slide and showing a clear chamber to the instructor, and finally to finish off with 'hammer down' - pulling the trigger to signify a totally empty firearm. Depending on the speed of the shooter, this entire course could be done in as little as 18 seconds, or as long as 35 seconds for some. Points were calculated and based upon your total time and shot placement. Points were deducted if you missed or if you didn't land the amount of shots on target required, or worse, if you hit a hostage! I wasn't the fastest, nor the slowest. But each week I attend and train, allows me to improve my skills, both physically and mentally. Stay ready.

To circle back on your prior 1911 post, here is one of my favorite 1911s to shoot.
Bul Armory, Commander, 4.25" bull barrel, steel frame, chambered in 9mm. About a 2 1/2 lb. trigger pull.
Novak style Trijicon HD night sights. Super thin and aggressive LOK grips with extra recessed thumb cut.
Wilson Combat magazines. Loaded with either Federal HST 147gr or Speer Gold Dot 124 gr +P.
Everyone that has tried it wants to buy it because it racks and shoots so buttery smooth.

 

[Sanguinary]

....
Bul Armory, Commander, 4.25" bull barrel, steel frame, chambered in 9mm. About a 2 1/2 lb. trigger pull.
Novak style Trijicon HD night sights. Super thin and aggressive LOK grips with extra recessed thumb cut.
Wilson Combat magazines. Loaded with either Federal HST 147gr or Speer Gold Dot 124 gr +P.
Everyone that has tried it wants to buy it because it racks and shoots so buttery smooth.

Beautiful gun. Looks like a great shooter. There is just something about a gun that shoot well, that just really scratches an itch.

That match or challenge looks like a good time. Wish we had a weekly match or some sort of practice here. Most people think they are good shooters, until they shoot a match. It is a very particular set of skills that allow you to do well though and is something you have to specifically train for,

On your USPSA style match, we lost our indoor range some years ago, so matches have been held outdoors. That really puts a damper on it for a chunk of the year. The closest one that shoots USPSA is about an hour away and only does matches once a month or so. We are supposed to be getting an indoor range again, so that should be nice. Whats really nice, is there is a new outdoor range going in very close to me that will host USPSA matches, including the region championship. That will be super nice to have more opportunities close by.

What guns have you been shooting at these matches?

Lastly, I don't know if you are into VR stuff, but the ACE VR game is a great time and tons of fun for practicing fundamentals. The game includes plinking, drills(aka stages), and series(aka short matches). The initial cost was a little much, but I have quickly put a lot of digital rounds down range. The aftermarket for handsets(aka the gun) is coming around and you can get almost anything you want to shoot, even PCC. The game includes different real world guns and sights built in. My closest shooting areas, public land or ranges are an hour away. I can fire this bad boy up at home and put a few thousand rounds down range in less time that the drive would take me. Does it have recoil? No, but it provides a simulated sight picture of recoil. It is just a really solid practice tool.

 

[Sanguinary]

Todays gun is the Norinco designed, Chinese military issued QBZ-191. It is fairly new and chambered in 5.8x42. Don't know much about it other than it shoots LOL.

 

[WiredWrong]

Cheers to the addition of the new outdoor range that will be closer to you! And I do hope you still get the indoor range too! Having a place to train at year round is much appreciated when the weather is inclement or only nice about half of the year! A big part of any hobby is accessibility. If the investment of time, cost, travel, is too much hassle, most people won't stick with it. Now I can see more of the perks of that ACE VR game you mentioned. For about the cost of a new gaming console or an average priced, double stack, polymer wonder 9, you have something that allows you to get limitless reps in at the convenience of your own home! You get to practice target acquisitions and dry fire all in one! No pants required! Even compared to practicing with a 22LR, that's a hefty savings on range time, travel, and ammunition. That's something I'll look into more. Thanks for the suggestion!

The rules for this USPSA skills challenge require an OWB holster and 2 belt mounted magazine pouches. I don't automatically purchase OWB holsters and mag carriers for each gun, since I don't OWB carry often, as I prefer to stay concealed. So my current options for this class are limited until I get a few more OWB (having one coming in from Red Hill Tactical in a few weeks). Some mag carriers I own can host similar size mags, so I just adjust them to fit to what I need. I do purchase IWB for each gun, but usually toss the extra mag in my pocket or in a pocket pouch that sits beside a SOF Tourniquet. Most of my training is geared towards EDC or the 'practical tactical' mindset - 'train with and how you carry'. So I've been running a Sig P365 XL or a Glock 45 since I had both IWB and OWB for them. Most guys are running something full size; Glock 17's or 47's, CZ Shadow, Sig 320's, Staccato, etc. Last match everyone was gearing up, some with battle belts, drop leg holsters, etc. RSO walked over making sure each person was clear and ready. He looks at me and says "c'mon, gear up, let's go!". I raised up the sides of my button up shirt and he looked and said "Wow, I didn't even notice. You came in here like this?". Yes, sir!

Also brought this to Sunday's Defensive Shooting Fundamentals 2 class.

 

[Sanguinary]

A big part of any hobby is accessibility. If the investment of time, cost, travel, is too much hassle, most people won't stick with it. Now I can see more of the perks of that ACE VR game you mentioned. For about the cost of a new gaming console or an average priced, double stack, polymer wonder 9, you have something that allows you to get limitless reps in at the convenience of your own home! You get to practice target acquisitions and dry fire all in one! No pants required! Even compared to practicing with a 22LR, that's a hefty savings on range time, travel, and ammunition. That's something I'll look into more. Thanks for the suggestion!

The rules for this USPSA skills challenge require an OWB holster and 2 belt mounted magazine pouches. I don't automatically purchase OWB holsters and mag carriers for each gun, since I don't OWB carry often, as I prefer to stay concealed. So my current options for this class are limited until I get a few more OWB (having one coming in from Red Hill Tactical in a few weeks). Some mag carriers I own can host similar size mags, so I just adjust them to fit to what I need. I do purchase IWB for each gun, but usually toss the extra mag in my pocket or in a pocket pouch that sits beside a SOF Tourniquet. Most of my training is geared towards EDC or the 'practical tactical' mindset - 'train with and how you carry'. So I've been running a Sig P365 XL or a Glock 45 since I had both IWB and OWB for them. Most guys are running something full size; Glock 17's or 47's, CZ Shadow, Sig 320's, Staccato, etc. Last match everyone was gearing up, some with battle belts, drop leg holsters, etc. RSO walked over making sure each person was clear and ready. He looks at me and says "c'mon, gear up, let's go!". I raised up the sides of my button up shirt and he looked and said "Wow, I didn't even notice. You came in here like this?". Yes, sir!

For sure on the the hobby part. Shooting is already a cost prohibitive hobby for many. Its not like other hobbies where one piece of equipment can get you up and going with minimal other costs. The cost of the ammo for a single range day, could be as much as a basic piece of equipment. I was pretty skeptical of the ACE stuff before I bought it. I already had a Quest, so half the cost was already done. Otherwise, it might have been harder for me to pull the trigger as I didn't know anyone with it yet. My wife who loves to shoot, but not really a video gamer, has played it almost as much as me. This seems like a great way to introduce someone to the hobby/sport as well. You can teach fundamentals and safety without noise, risk, recoil, or even really, cost. Seems like a great way for a hobby thats under attack, to get more eyes behind sights.

Totally get it. I have way, way too many holsters already and adding more for limited use isn't necessary. I like the way you think on the "practical tactical". IDPA matches would be right up your alley then. Both those guns are really solid choices as all around good guns. Have you thought about putting a Radian Ramjet or other comp on the 45 or are you trying to keep it that small? My comp gun that I have been slowly upgrading is for USPSA carry optics and is a 5" MP2.0 with everything you can do in that class done to it. I know those comp guys want their guns heavy and its hard to get an MP very heavy. There is stuff you can do, but not compared to guys with legions or shadows. It does put you at a disadvantage, but nothing that can't be overcome. I feel I could shoot a 3.6" with the same set up pretty similarly. My 4" shoots pretty much the same. If I didn't have the 5" I would probably just shoot the 4", but go to production class or something.

Thats a nice feeling when you can conceal that well, even amongst gun guys.

 

[Sanguinary]

Todays gun is the Smith and Wesson 1940, a semi auto PCC 9mm. It was considered a failure as is was often broken due to being designed for weaker powder loads than the British threw at it. It was beefed up, but it was too late. Another interesting war time gun.

 

[WiredWrong]

I think back years ago, when ammunition was certainly cheaper than it is now. Even at that time, I was conscious of the associated costs. I remember specially tallying up how much it would cost to go out with some friends or family and let everyone plink for an hour or two, on my dime. As you know, political and societal changes can sway prices severely and quickly. So usually the price paid of your current stock is less than what you will be paying to replace it! To offset some of those costs, I purchased a PCC in 9mm to supplement shooting 5.56 & 7.62x39. Also purchased a couple 22LR trainers (a Glock 44 & Ruger SR22) to supplement the handgun side of things. So if I were to add up the costs of the 'supplemental trainers', that ACE VR game is the most affordable and convenient tool, for sure!

I have considered the ramjet & afterburner comp, for both my G45 and 365XL. I'm actually thinking about adding that comp, along with a Macro grip (full size grip length compared to the XL which is mid size at best), which will make it the same size as the Fuse model and fit into its holsters. Been looking around for a good deal and a weak moment to purchase one! Unlike a comp that I'll consider, I do own a few guns that you could order ported. But I chose against it because of the potential jacket shedding when shooting close to my body or face. Blazer brass is rumored to do this, and I have a lot of that set back to shoot. The risk of any spalling being sent into my eyes or face is unwelcomed, even if I'm wearing glasses. Currently all of my Glocks are "old" enough that they didn't come MOS cut (even my Gen 5s, bought them when they were just coming out), and I haven't sent any out for direct milling. Dots are something I've only been running for only about 2 years now. Since then, I've bought a few new handguns (not Glocks) that came milled, and those have received dots. Just another added expense on top of the firearm, extra mags, and holster(s). uugghhh!

Recently, I've been contemplating a lot about what I own, and of each firearms "philosophy of use" - shoutout Nutnfancy circa 2010 lol. A lot of this training has exposed me to notice how perceived small differences or changes can often times lead to major differences. Each topic can be as simple or as complex as you want to make it, how deep do you want to dive into something to see the contrasts. I'm learning what I like (single action triggers #1, or a nice striker... something consistent) and what I don't like (DA/SA or DA/SA with safety - too much going on). Trying to find a balance seems like a logical approach, but sometimes it's the vast differences that make a specific tool the best for the task at hand. Pacing myself with the photos so content doesn't run out in the next month or two! Since I hinted in the previous post of a new OWB holster coming, and also about finding something that excites me to want to shoot, here's what I intend to be running soon.

Bul Armory Tac, 4.25" bull barrel. Holosun EPS - Green 6 MOA. 20+1 9mm.
Decently weighted gun, large field of view, short and light trigger.... gun doesn't move at all. It's cheating!

 

[Sanguinary]

....So if I were to add up the costs of the 'supplemental trainers', that ACE VR game is the most affordable and convenient tool, for sure!...
I have considered the ramjet & afterburner comp, for both my G45 and 365XL. I'm actually thinking about adding that comp, along with a Macro grip (full size grip length compared to the XL which is mid size at best), which will make it the same size as the Fuse model and fit into its holsters. Been looking around for a good deal and a weak moment to purchase one! Unlike a comp that I'll consider, I do own a few guns that you could order ported. But I chose against it because of the potential jacket shedding when shooting close to my body or face. Blazer brass is rumored to do this, and I have a lot of that set back to shoot. The risk of any spalling being sent into my eyes or face is unwelcomed, even if I'm wearing glasses. Currently all of my Glocks are "old" enough that they didn't come MOS cut (even my Gen 5s, bought them when they were just coming out), and I haven't sent any out for direct milling. Dots are something I've only been running for only about 2 years now. Since then, I've bought a few new handguns (not Glocks) that came milled, and those have received dots. Just another added expense on top of the firearm, extra mags, and holster(s). uugghhh!
...Bul Armory Tac, 4.25" bull barrel. Holosun EPS - Green 6 MOA. 20+1 9mm.
Decently weighted gun, large field of view, short and light trigger.... gun doesn't move at all. It's cheating!

Yeah, I definitely get the cost of trainers. I have a pile of .22 guns for friends and family to run and those alone easily cover that cost.

There are several other approaches to comps out there, but I have heard nothing but good about the Radian stuff. I'd like to do a Glock 19 with one. That will come one of these days I'm sure. My 5" MP was a factory Performance Center ported gun. I never had any problems with it, even running blazer, but I may have been lucky. I have Blazer 124s stacked deep as my usual go to. I know some guys are adding ports to the new comp carry Smith and Wessons. I haven't heard anything out of those yet to see if thats a route I would like to try. My Glocks are all irons only as well. I figure down the road I'll change some of them over, but I kinda enjoy running the plain jane Glock with irons now and then. A tleast upgraded high end hand guns are still cheaper than high end rifles!

What do you think of that EPS? I haven't tried one, but have been interested in the idea.

 

[Sanguinary]

Todays gun is the Berreta 92FS, also known as the M9. This is an Italian designed, 9mm semi auto pistol. A few long term wars... Enough said. Really. It is nothing to talk about.

 

[Sanguinary]

Todays gun is the Soviet designed SVT-40. It is a semi automatic, 7.62 chambered rifle that was used heavily by the Soviets during WW2.

 

[WiredWrong]

It is nothing to talk about.

Shots fired Sanguinary !

The second handgun I'd ever shoot would be my uncles 92. It does has it's faults for sure though. His model was an older variety, where it lacked a front sight dovetail, so the front sight was integral with the slide and couldn't be switched out. This would became an issue for him with ageing eyes. In my hands, the gun was too thick to comfortably reach and pull back the mile long, but hella smooth, double action trigger. After that long chore was done, the single action, while not impeccable like a slicked up 70 series single action trigger, it was certainly lighter and cleaner than the striker fired guns my limited knowledge compared it to. The awkward thumb safety / decocker was slide mounted, and for me, not in a great spot for consistent manipulation. However, due to it's design and construction, the gun operated very smooth and was pleasant to shoot pertaining to recoil management. Beretta failed to innovate enough with the gun to make it compete with newer designs. Like Colt, thinking Government contracts will sail their ship forever, until it stops. A lesson of too little too late. I do not think the Sig M18 or M17 were the best choice to upgrade to, but I can objectively concur with the reasons as to why the military chose it. ugh, not touching this topic today. I do prefer and like the new design implements of the 92x, specifically the adoption of a SAO frame mounted safety, changes to the grip, and now allowing for attachments of optics. Seeing the gun in all the movies as a kid has left a soft spot in my heart for the 90 series.

 

[Sanguinary]

I don't fault your soft spot for the 92. I shot the m9 in the military. Lets just say, I was less than impressed by it. Maybe it was because it was wore out, who knows though. I too understand why the military chose the Sig, but I really wish they would have adopted the Glock or S&W. The Glock had already proved itself over and over. That truly is a whole different topic we could go on about.

It truly did get a lot of mileage out of being in movies though...

 

[Sanguinary]

After meandering through a gun show this weekend, I bring you todays gun. It is the Remington Model 14. It is a pump action rifle firing various .30ish caliber Remington rounds. It features a distinct spiral magazine tube and is of a takedown style. It was meant to compete with the lever actions of the day, as Remington's previous semi auto failed to produce sales. It is loaded via the mag tube, which also moves with the pump. A very interesting gun from an operating and visual perspective.

 

[Sanguinary]

Todays gun is the Glisenti Model 1910. It is a WW1 and 2 era Italian designed and Italian military adopted pistol. Originally designed for 7.65, it was changed to a low velocity 9mm.