Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Another great organization to join is the SAF (Second Amendment Foundation)

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I went with a Glock 19 for my first. Compact, 9mm. Always goes bang. I love it.

As far as firearm info, I'm really not an ar15.com fan. ar15armory.com on the other hand is a great place that I highly recommend. A lot less political in my opinion.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I've only owned glocks and sigs. Glocks are indestrucable, but I'll never own another. I fell in love with sig at first trigger pull.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I highly recommend Springfield XD's and XDM, S&W M&P, Ruger SR-9, Ruger 24/7, almost any 1911 from Springfield, S&W, Kimber, Ruger, etc.

You can get a nice, full sized home defense weapon for less than $600.

I highly recommend a small, powerful, preferably an LED flashlight. Surefire makes the G2 and G3 LED's very inexpensively and are very easy to use and will damb near melt the wallpaper of your hallway illuminating the area.

If funds allow, you may want to look into a light / laser combo from Lasermax or the X2 from Insight. That's another $300 or so. If you go that option, you'll have to make sure you get a gun with an accessory rail.

I also recommend you visit a website called http://www.guntalk.tv/site.php. Tom Gresham, the host of guntalk radio and Personal Defense TV has put together a massive collection of short videos that are very entertaining and extremely educational, especially for a n00b wishing to gain some base level of knowledge before going to a range or a gun shop/ show and asking questions.

There is a small membership fee for that website. If you are on a budget and can't pay for it, please feel free to PM me and we can work something out, I'm sure.

I also recommend against teaching your significant other unless

A: You wish to no longer be significantly others
B: You are a very good at instructing people.

I'd be more than happy to share my experiences with instructing. :D

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I just saw this link on another site. It looks like the NRA is doing a membership drive and offering a free one year membership.

http://www.nrahq.org/nrabonus/

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I just put a KiD trigger into my 10/22. Holy cats! If you breath on that thing it goes off. It's amazing.

From the KiD website

http://coolguyguns.com/webstore/imag...iggers_LRG.jpg

-Mark.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Thanks for the information Catfish. I certainly understand where you are coming from in advising me against teaching my fiancee how to shoot. Teaching anyone something like this can lend itself pretty difficult. (Teaching her how to snowboard was just as much fun! :tu)

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I have the S&W M&P in 40. It is a great gun, but it has to be taken care of. I bought it to keep in the truck, and sit in the floor next to my console. After about two weeks I picked it up and noticed a little rust on the slide release and the rear sight. I really like the feel of the S&W over the Springfield, but if you don't stay on top of the S&W you will have problems.

Take a good look at the Sig Sauer SP2022. It is the polymer framed Sig. I have a SP2340 which is an older version, and really like it. It comes with 2 different grip sizes so you can change it out to fit your hand. Also check out CDNN sports Inc you will have to click on the link to download the catalog. Online they usually have some good deals on there stuff.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Taurus???

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Never owned a gun, but am thinking of getting one soon. Was told that a .45 (XDM?) is probably a better choice than 9MM. Any thoughts on this?

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

well the XDM is out of the question because we live in California, and i don't think the XDM comes in 45 yet. However I have shot the XD-45 i love the the whole feel it has, but i just couldn't get used to the trigger. As i tell everyone, shoot one first, then you'll know if YOU like it.

I am a fan of the .45 in general. why because i shoot it better. with all the ammunition developments you can't go wrong with either. granted, the bigger the whole you make the better. the only thing 9mm offers is that the ammunition is cheaper.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I tend to agree. The research shows that the bigger the whole the more effective the round. Muzzle energy plays in, but not at much as caliber.

I also agree with your advice to shoot before you buy. Do a little research and narrow it to 2-3 models, then try them out at a range that rents handguns. It's really worth it if you find a gun doesn't fit your hand or is hard for you to operate because you'll save a lot of time and money. You may find you like SAO 1911s, or that you prefer DAO XD/Glock/etc, or even DA/SA like Sig Sauer. I tried 3-4 before I settled on the 1911 design in .45ACP. Then I did more reaserch before choosing Kimber. My avatar is the stock photo of my Kimber.

BTW:
SAO = Single Action Only. This means the trigger does not **** the gun, only fires it. Most SAO handguns are carried cocked and locked (safety)
DAO = Double Action Only. This means the trigger cocks and fires the gun each time you pull the trigger. Most DAO handguns lack a real safety.
DA/SA = Double Action (first shot) then Single Action there after. These handguns usually have a de-cocking lever and a safety.

Many even prefer revolvers for their simplicity. They too come in DAO or DA/SA. The difference being to get SA on a revolver you have to manually **** back the hammer each time. There are SAO revolvers too. With them you have to manually **** the hammer each time before you can fire.

Edited to mention that the word *** out is not meant in a profane manner. LOL

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/sout...ry/966133.html

Always be prepared.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

http://www.nraila.org/legislation/fe...d.aspx?id=3047

Theory Of Gun Control Meets Reality Of Crime

Friday, May 25, 2007

A May 15 story in The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) serves as a good reminder of how a person’s support for gun control often changes after a personal experience with crime.

State Representative Michael DeBose (D-12) of Cleveland was an opponent of Right-to-Carry, having voted against the measure twice. All that changed on the night of May 1, when he was confronted by two men, one of whom was wielding a gun. On that night, Rep. DeBose’s sense of security in his neighborhood changed, as did his view on lawful citizens being able to defend themselves.

Rep. DeBose was lucky—this time—that his running, screaming, and summons for help prevented him from being harmed. When asked how this recent experience may change the prism through which he views Right-to-Carry, Rep. DeBose was crystal clear: "I was wrong. I'm going to get a permit and so is my wife. I've changed my mind. You need a way to protect yourself and your family. I don't want to hurt anyone. But I never again want to be in the position where I'm approached by someone with a gun and I don't have one. There are too many people who are just evil and mean-spirited. They will hurt you for no reason. If more people were packing guns, it might serve as a deterrent.”

We welcome Rep. DeBose to the growing list of Right-to-Carry converts. While it is too bad it took a life-threatening situation to convert him, we hope he will share his experience, and his newfound respect for the right to self-defense, with his other colleagues who still don’t get it. It is our hope they won’t have to endure a similar experience to do so.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

research on this can go either way actually. if you take the size of the round and the hole it makes, then sure the 45 is better.

but if you take into account the speed (potential energy) of the round plus the grain of the bullet, then the 9mm is the better to have in your hand.


me personally, i like to shoot a nice 45, but when it comes to my carry and protection piece, then i use the SA XD40 subcompact. in my house, i use a nice 12 ga shotgun with lead shot.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Good shoot. One less piece of scum walking the streets and the taxpayers don't have to pay for him sitting in jail. I hope the hero is ok.

I hear people say "Why do you feel it is necessary to carry a gun all the time. You don't need to carry in a restaurant or a grocery store"

This just goes to show why you need to carry whenever possible.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

amen. only thing that sucks here is that you can't carry in a place that has a "no weapons" sign posted or a place that serves alcohol by the glass.

now, you tell me how a "no weapons" sign is going to keep me safe as we all know the criminal will follow that sign just like us law abiding citizens.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

It is the same way here. I can't carry in a place with a No Guns sign. When I see a business with that sign, I simply don't support them. I hope they go out of business. I don't know why they wouldn't want my business in these tough economic times. Screw them. United Dairy Farmers is a huge convenince store monopoly here in Cincinnati. They have the No Guns sign posted. Guess what, they don't get my business. I loved their ice cream too. The funny thing is that the criminals target these businesses specifically b/c they know no one will be armed. One of their stores got robbed twice in the same day :r Stupid idiots.

Ohio is currently working on a bill that would allow you to carry in an establishment that serves alcohol as long as you aren't consuming alcohol. I don't remember the specific details b/c it was just introduced. It would be similar to the law in Texas, if I recall correctly.

I would love for the law to be passed b/c I hate going to the local pizza joint to pick up my carryout order and having to disarm and then re-arm.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

What type of holsters do you guys use. I have been looking at the one below. What do you think? Do you think it would conceal the firearm with the shirt untucked? BTW i already have a IWB holster. Thanks

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.as...1085&GunID=108

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I have a Don Hume holster similar to that one, but can't use it much unless I am in a sweatshirt or jacket, which isn't often in Florida.

So far, the best holster I have found is made by Mika, a fulltime LA Police Captain. He does each one personally by hand and the turnaround is about 2 months. Not fancy, just great and also inexpensive.
http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/

I have also found that no matter what holster you chose, a good thick gunbelt is absolutely a must.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Michigan law is a little different. I can legally carry in a business who has a No Guns or No Concealed Carry sign. They do have the right to ask me to leave, since it's private property they can enforce my removal. However, how are they going to know I'm carrying concealed? So, basically it's a moot point. I can carry regardless of their stupid sign.

I can carry into a resteraunt/bowling alley that servers alcohol, but the law states I cannot carry if the establishment makes over 50% of their earnings from the sale of served alcohol. So basically no bars, casinos, entertainment facility that seats over 2500, schools, dormitory, college/university, hospital, day care center, or place of worship unless you have explicit permission.

Kind of a lot of "criminal zones" now that I think about it.

Oh yeah, I carry with an IWB holster by Wild Bill Concealment.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I will double check today, but a friend of mine just got an XDM .45 and the reasons he gave me were that he wanted a more compact gun (for his smaller hand, similar to mine) and good stopping power. But from all the comments here looks like a 9MM is good enough as well.

Looking at the SA XDM via their online info and tech sheets the gun offers plenty of safety features where you can easily figure out everything by touch in the dark, I really like that. Its American made, which is also important to me right now, and the price seems to be OK.

In that same frame size, any other guns that I should be looking at?

TIA.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Unfortunately, even though Springfield Arms is an American company, the XD line is produced in Croatia :(

As for something similar, I would look at a Glock 19 if you haven't already. I've got a G26 and have been very happy.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

As far as 9mm vs 45. I prefer 45’s to shoot.
There is a difference in recoil to me. The 45 is a shove where the 9mm is more zippy. I have shot many different calibers over the years, and have stayed with a 40&W that I carry most every day. It is a happy medium for me. I really like 45’s but the magazine capacity is what got me. I can carry 13 in my sig 16 in the S&W or 8 in my 45. I don’t carry an extra magazine with me. I know I should, but just am too lazy.

On the Glock side.
You are either a big fan or hate them. I don’t think there is a middle ground on this one. I would suggest holding one, and pointing it at something before making up your mind. I personally hate them, but it is because they don’t fit my hands. This is my personal belief and backed by no fact, but I think that the Glocks were built as a replacement weapon for the PD’s so they have a grip angle closer to a revolver.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I couldn't disagree more that this was a good shoot.

1: The perp. had his gun drawn. Statistically speaking, a law abiding citizen who pulls their weapon against a drawn weapon stands an exponentially higher chance of being shot and dying than by keeping their cool until the situation requires their weapon be drawn.

2: The law abiding citizen is now in Jackson Memorial with multiple gun shot wounds and could still succomb to the myriad infections and complications arising from being shot and just being in a hospital.

3: The story says nothing about anyone's life being directly threatened. The gunman wanted money. He didn't grab anyone, use them as collateral or in other direct manner threaten any life. I would think in hindsight, the law abiding citizen should have maintained a low-profile, be a good observer, get a good description as they could of the perp and assist law enforcement with all of that info.

Food for thought for you all, I hope.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

The perp had his gun drawn and was making threatening demands. Anyone who tries to rob a store with a gun has the intent to kill. The perp got what he deserved. The law abiding citizen should have maintained a low profile and reacted with deadly force when the perp was not expecting it.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I'd like to throw in my :2 on this one. I also am a big fan of the .45, and for those who have a problem with Glocks for whatever reason I would recommend checking out the G36. It's a .45, but it uses a a single-stack mag, and is basically a slimmer version of of the G30 (10+1 capacity). The single stack brings the capacity down to 6+1, but when you're dealing with a .45 I'm of the opinion that's generally going to be 5 or 6 more than you would need.

The slimmer design makes a big difference for me when holding/firing it, and it's also great as a CCW. I know I sound like a commercial, but I just like this one and the first time firing it I put all 6 rounds through the target's head at about 20, 25 feet. But, to each his own. :tu If you have the money, I've also heard and read great things about the Sigs, Kimbers, etc. But like many of these good people have already said, holding it and firing it at a range is the best thing you can do to make up your mind.
Just my humble :2

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Extremely well built products, I had to wait a bit for them to build it, I forget exactly how long it took. Their not cheap either!!
Thats one of the smoothest shooting rifles I have, I could shoot that thing all day, of course the barrel is heavy and absorbs much of the punch.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

[quote=Cigarcop;303921]Extremely well built products, I had to wait a bit for them to build it, I forget exactly how long it took. Their not cheap either!!
Thats one of the smoothest shooting rifles I have, I could shoot that thing all day, of course the barrel is heavy and absorbs much of the punch.[/QUOTE

I bought a magazine conversion kit for my Rem 700. I just got it Tuesday. After sanding the stock and such down I inserted one mag and she didnt fit or feed right. Most of the time one round would barely feed but the rest wouldnt. The messed up mag would wiggle around and also the front of the mag would fit correctly but the rear would hang down about 1/16" not allowing the cartridge to sit high enough to chamber. The extra mag I ordered fit like a glove and fed all the rounds correctly. Im pissed cause I spent 80 bucks on a mag that doesnt feed right :mad:

If you look at a round in both mags. One primer is higher than the other in turn causing the bolt to just ride over the cartridge :mad::mad::mad:




----------------
Now playing: The Lonely Island - I'm On A Boat (Feat. T-Pain)
via FoxyTunes

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I would send it back, and ask for a replacement or refund.

A buddy of mine has the same rifle that I have only in 338 Lapua.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I sent them both emails and will give H-S Precision and territorial supplies (where I bought them from) a call tomorrow and raise hell

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I have a Remington 870 super-mag shotgun. Does anyone know where i can order a shorter barrel for it? Thanks

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Cabelas or Bass Pro might have em. Im not really sure

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...O-8859-1#chart

That might help..or



http://www.remington.com/products/fi...ry_barrels.asp




You could always just saw it off lol

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Here is one on Gunbroker. It is used, but he has two of them both 20".

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Ability, maybe, but intent? How does one determine that?

With 23 years in law enforcement, I can safely say that not everyone who robs a store with a gun has the intent to kill. :2

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

My apologies. Yes, I meant the Taurus 24/7. From what I understand, it's a great weapon for a great price.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Point granted. That is a bad situation. Unfortunately, he has the initiative thus far in this engagement. A very bad start for an armed bystander.

Icehog stole my thunder and made my point on that particular aspect of this situation.

Do you really think so? I think that could be a fabulous philosophical discussion if we ever get the opportunity to HERF. Even though I am a staunch supporter of the 2nd ammendment and completely agree that any educated, trained, law-abiding citizen has the right to defend themself and their family, I also have a hard time with someone losing their life when it's not absolutely necessary to preserve the lives of others.

Unfortunately, I wasn't there, didn't see what the armed bystander saw and can't negatively judge him for taking action. I don't want that statement to make me sound hypocritical in regards to my previous comments here, I want to make a clarification on that. IMPO, any armed bystander who chooses to enter into an armed dispute and comes away shot ( multiple times just enforces the point ) isn't in a good shoot. I wouldn't doubt it was a righteous kill.

Couldn't agree more.

Again, hard to speculate on. Depending on what the grand jury decides, it could be determined that when the armed bystander took action, noone's lives were being threatened anymore and that would thereby make the bystander's action criminal.

Florida law states that deadly force can only be used when it can be proven the person using deaedly force was defending themself or another in the face of an immediate life threatening situation. The moment that immediate threat has passed, the armed person may no longer use deadly force. An example of my point would be: If you walk up to your home and you come face to face with someone who has just walked out of your home after killing a loved one inside, you can not use deadly force on them.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I'm not a big Glock fan primarily because to me they have the ergonomics of a brick. If I was going to buy one it would probably be the G36 due to the single stack design. High-capacity is nice, but usually not required. Statistics show that usually 1-2 rounds is all the shots fired most every time. My Kimber magazine holds 8 and I get 1 in the chamber since SAO are carried cocked and locked. So, I don't see too many situations where I'll need more than 9 rounds of .45ACP. It could happen but not likely.

That said my next holster purchase will be a shoulder rig with a dual mag pouch on the opposite side. This is primarily for balancing the weight of the pistol but, the extra capacity doesn't hurt.

Again I agree with the statements above. Shoot first, buy second. It's the only way you can know you'll be happy with an investment of $400-$1000.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I agree.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Catfish,

While I think most are on the same side in this debate. I think many disagree on the issue of whether or not the CCW holder should have shot.

I believe that as soon as the perp brandishes their firearm, they are threatening the lives of everyone in the room/building. Nobody knows what the perp will do next so the best course of action is to wait until you have the opportunity to draw and fire safely; safely for the CCW holder and anyone in the path of his shot.

Michigan had a story hit the news a few years ago where a woman was being beaten with a metal pipe on the side of some side street. She was within moments of being beaten to death. Someone drove up, stopped, shot the assailant in the head, and drove away. The reason the person was believe to have drove away was because they were either carrying a gun illegally or they were a legal CCW holder who didn't want to be charged with a crime. What crime you ask? Failing to flee the scene. Until July 1, 2004 any CCW holder was required to flee the scene if at all possible before resorting to using their firearm. Sounds logical, except in the case above a CCW holder would have been guilty of a felony. So, the law was changed to a "stand your ground" position. Now as a CCW holder I do not have to flee. If I am in no violation of the law when I am presented with a commission of a felony or life threatening bodily harm to me/others, I have the right to defend myself/others.

Just my :2

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

The perp was holding someone at gunpoint making demands this constitutes an immediate life threatening situation. The perp should have been killed. Rant over. Catfish i respect your views but they are just different than mine.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Thank you for your service.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

:tpd: Quoted for truth.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

:tpd: Thank you Tom!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I echo the above, thanks Tom.


Catfish, I just remembered that the Michigan law I spoke of (stand your ground) was lifted almost word for word from a Florida law passed a year or two earlier. I think we should both double-check our state laws. Neither of us want to be unsure in a situation like that.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Indeed. :tu

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Glad Tom said it. I'm also reluctant to risk my life to save a bank or store's cash register, and didn't become a freelance policeman when I got a license to carry a concealed weapon.

I like to think if I saw someone at risk of losing their life in the act of a felony, I would help, but until I am in such a high stress situation, it's easy to type away about what a hero I would be.

I have no doubt at all that if a bad guy entered my house, I would rack the Mossberg 500 at blast him to hell though.....:fu

I've gone through a lot of scenarios in my head and read books on self defense and am under the impression that situational awareness and avoidance come first.

Also, you're normally looking at a long and expensive trial if you are involved in a shooting, so I like to think I pick my fights carefully with the best chance to win.

Firing off a shot at a guy robbing a store might sound noble, but you better make damn sure you're a perfect shot.

Lately, I've been spending most of my forum time in a gun forum and some of the guys are pretty gung ho. One guy's signature line really sticks with me...

"It's better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6".

Interesting.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I just wanted to say that I am not making any judgements on any opinions in here, I believe that a suspect with a gun has the ability to kill and creates a "deadly force" situation by having the weapon. I was just pointing out that not everyone who commits a crime with a gun has an intent to kill, but they have certainly put themselves in a position to be justifiyably killed by creating the deadly force situation. The suspect's intent is no longer relevant when he points a gun at anyone....he has made his bed.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

This is a great example of the possible ramifications of pulling your weapon and / using it. There have been times I've been reading / researching case history, etc. and seriously contemplated not being armed for self defense in public. :bh