Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Don't worry about the $100+ prices on the website, his prices are actually quite reasonable - for the basic slimline that I got my two holsters in, I think I paid ~$60 each at the show. And he stands behind his work, if it's not comfortable or working for you, take it back and he'll fix it on the spot.

(NOTE: this post ended up being a little longer than intended, but I think you'll see from my story why I think it's worth saying!)

Before that, I had tried a Remora holster for my Diamondback DB9 (tiny 9mm, just a hair bigger than your S&W). It was inexpensive, and fit in my waist fantastic, infinitely adjustable, could be put anywhere, held the gun well, etc etc... I loved it.

There was just one problem - it held the gun TOO WELL. Yeah, under controlled draw and presentation practice, it wasn't an issue. BUT I discovered that in a "frenetic" draw, quick, unexpected, with my heart rate up, there was a significant chance of me pulling the trigger while drawing it. Fortunately this was practice, and no round in the chamber. But it happened on more than one occasion. And that was the last time I used that holster!

The reason being that most inexpensive holsters holds the gun in by simple pressure of your belt, and since the size of the grip on a compact .380 is relatively small, it is held in so tight so that you just naturally grab for "a little too much" in your effort to get it out. I grew up around guns, owned them all of my life, I am NOT in the habit of putting my finger on the trigger before I'm ready to fire. BUT IT STILL HAPPENED TO ME!!!

So what am I trying to say? eh, just a point of first hand advice learned the hard way really, whatever holster you choose, practice the hell out of it. Do it under simulated stressful conditions. Sprint 10 feet, then quickly try to present your gun. Don't "pre-think" the presentation beforehand, just do it. Do it a few hundred times, see what happens.

Do it while the gun is cocked, so you know if you $#^$@ it up. And do it WITHOUT a round in the chamber, so you don't shoot your kneecap off if you do @#$#@ it up! I'm glad I figured it out with an unloaded gun in practice, and not a loaded gun when my life depended on it.

and that's the really long version of why I recommend spending AT LEAST $50+ on your holster. Whether it be kydex or leather or a hybrid, and where it's purchased, doesn't really matter, just that it's GOOD, and you practice a lot with it under stress. I think it's even more important for the smaller guns due to the firing problem outlined above, and because it is an often overlooked and superbly critical part of the effectiveness (or complete failure) of your gun should you ever need it

Just my :2

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Excellent post. Thanks for sharing that insight. It is very good advice. One of the reasons I chose this .380 was the click safety. As Im sure you know, a lot of these weapons don't have the dedicated safety, but being relatively new to firearms I wanted the extra safety mechanism.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Is that a Krink with a happy switch?

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Safety vs. No Safety is a personal pref. If you dont put your finger on the trigger it wont go bang when you dont want it to.

Personally i prefer no manual safety as it's one extra step to worry about if you ever have to pull it and use it, fine motor-skill loss and all. Now I just have to wait for my Kahr to ship and get here :tu:tu

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I understand where you are coming from there. I used to have the choice of carrying a 1911 or a Glock, and I unquestionably chose the 1911 because it had the safety (and I just love to shoot 1911's). I wasn't new to firearms, but I was new to carrying them concealed, and the idea of carrying a cocked and ready to go gun, without a safety, was... concerning, to say the very least. :) (such a heavy gun though, hard to carry in many situations)

In hindsight, the safety has the potential to be LESS helpful for beginners, because it's "one more thing" to remember to do in a panicked moment. And sometimes while you're learning fundamentals with a gun that has a safety, it can instill a misguided sense of confidence in the safety "being there for you", which can lead to the development of some bad shooting and handling habits if you're not mindful of that while learning (I wasn't!).

And that's not to say that safety's are bad. just, be aware of their limitations. Any habits and methods of handling and using a gun that work with a safety should work with a gun that doesn't have one. And if it doesn't, that's a red flag! And I totally understand wanting to carry one with a safety, I did it for years for that exact reason!

Now I'm NOT a firearms instructor, nor am I very knowledgeable. I'm just a guy that's learned a few things the hard way and has had to kick a few of those bad habits I picked up early on :)

dammit, THIS is why I don't have a twitter account. I am flat out incapable of typing out an idea in less than 1000 characters. 140? hah! I can't do it!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I really want to find a place out here where I can try setting up a basic "Run n Gun", just to practice shooting with an elevated heartrate, changing situation, etc.

In OTHER news, just saw this guy over at Bud's. For $200, looks like a good way to enjoy the feel of a 1911 without the ammo price tag... I'm temped! I'm also eying an M&P 15-22 for the same reason....

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...red+Wood+Grips

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Francis your best bet would be to start shooting IDPA or ISPC or 3-gun. You could do excercise and then shoot and then exercise but physical stress isnt quite as good as psychological stress when it comes to that. But the shooting sports would be good cuz you would experience psychological stress. :2

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Yeah, I'll probably get into whichever is closest to me when I get back from Venezuela next year.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

No post 86

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

It was originally a kit from a factiry 5.56

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

mmmm... just found a Hungarian AK clone for $599.... with things they way they are these days, that might be hard to pass up........

(always figured I'd get an AK "someday", give me an excuse to sell the SKS)

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I think I've decided on getting a 40 S&W and want to get something with a manual safety as well. Wanting to stay under $500...can you think of any particular makes/models that I should look into?

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Can't really offer any advice in that department. The only 40 I've shot was my old Glock 23. It was a good gun, but not quite my speed. Ended up selling it. Still got the ammo for it, but have yet to pick up another 40 cal pistol. Seems like a good round though.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Similar here.
I shot the 22, 23, 27 and 35 before decided on 21.
I too have .40 cal ammo for a gun I don't have anticipating I will.

When purchasing a gun, aside from shooting it to see if what cut out to be, one also has to consider availability of ammo at times of anarchy, or high demand as now. A .40 won't be easy as a 9 or 45.

I went to a gun show a few months ago looking at the Berretta Storm, XD, Glock 27 and forget what two others, all in .40. Swore that is what I wanted. Ended up walking out with a S&W Shield in 9 mm.

That said, if .40 is a must, for $449, if you are patient and lucky enough to find one, there will be no finer gun for concealed carry in that caliber than the S&W Shield.

Any big boy quality .40 is over that price. I'll probably end up with a Sig. 40 and a Shield.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

This is my dream .40.
It will set one back a grand but boy ain't she purty.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...ducts_id/50921

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I have heard good things about those Shields..

Same here on the caliber considerations. I guess that's why I don't have a 40 gun right now. I tried to streamline the ammo stocks. 9mm was a given. .45 was a given (for me)... and .40 became the completely competent but odd man out...

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

yep, that sure is a pretty looking gun. :tu

Want to see the single most gorgeous rifle I think I've ever laid eyes on? I'm just a little short on the cash or I'd buy it up in a heartbeat :rolleyes:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=322196026

http://www.huntingheritagetrust.org/...030/tar105.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

WOW!!!!!!!

That is amazing work.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Here is the Shield in 9.
The .40 is identical with difference being one less round in mag capacity.
As you can see, manual safety, engaged, just above the back part of my thumb, easily deactivated as you draw.
Best part, less than an inch thick.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...o/f44c40e6.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Looking into this and maybe I'm getting more $ than I anticipated, but I guess I'd rather be spending more money up front to get something I know I'll be happy with from the get go than buying something I know I'll regret and need to sell to buy another. If that exceeds the $500 figure, so be it.

I'm wanting something that isn't compact and will fit nicely in my entire hand with the grip. Obviously that rules out a compact and most likely a subcompact I believe. I'm also thinking I'd like a 4" barrel for improved accuracy. Then again, I may find out that what I think I want isn't possible to conceal and may far exceed what I was hoping to spend.

I know the thing to do is get my butt in a shop and get a feel for them myself, but I want to at least have some sort of idea of what to ask for in terms of makes/models that will fit what I'm looking for.

Seems like the Springfield XD's offer some stuff I can find on armslist available in .40S&W that has a 4" barrel and has a grip safety that can be had in my desired price range.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

That to me is a really nice looking weapon, especially the cherry colored grips.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Not really sure what you mean regarding grip.
These are not .380 weapons. They are large.
I think lack of knowledge/experience with them may have you confused.
Here is a photo with the 8 round mag (extended mag as with the XD) as opposed to dpstandard one of 7.
I have larger than average hands overall and the grip is fine.
I really think you need to see them in person, feel them, shoot them, and only then will you really know what suits you.
As for accuracy, it is false to think longer barrel guarantees that.
I can shoot a shorter barrel but heavier weapon and probably be as accurate as with any long barrel that may be lighter. The weight of the gun has a major effect on recoil, along with your choice of ammo.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...036910F12C.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Here is the grip on a full size Glock 21 (.45).
As you can see, minimal difference between a monster as guns go and a compact.
In fact, while I enjoy shooting both, the Shield feels better as I have a better grip on it than the larger 45.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...0588D00A52.jpg

Hope that back to back comparison helps.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Latest addition to family.
Wife's Sig P238 HD in .380.
The HD is for heavy duty, which is a heavier version of the P238.
Amazingly accurate and minimal to nil recoil as result of the added weight to frame.
Basically a mini 1911 that wants to someday grow up. Awesome weapon for anyone use to carrying with the hammer cocked like 1911 users.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...06CCFE0DF6.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

This chick is off her rocker
http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/publ...ssault-weapons

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Crazy!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Thanks for the pics for reference. Gives me a better idea of the sizes as I was thinking the grip was smaller for some reason. I'm hoping to do some looking at one of the local sporting goods stores Friday afternoon.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Yes she is a complete anti gun nut job. Soon I fear we will have a ban on many weapons based on the vague wording in the draft of the bill. Terms like "military like, detachable magazine, and others will make it very easy to outlaw at later dates anything that isnt a revolver or black powder. They could even make an argument for a revolver since they have speed loaders for those that could be termed as magazines. The term "detachable magazine" is used numerous times in the pdf bill and only 2 times I think in conjunction with "more than 10 rounds."

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

That bill passes, I am the tooth fairy.
I can see changes to the laws coming but she is on the extreme side of view and won't make it through the House.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

mmm, probably not this time...

Unfortunately, gun owners are starting to lose the media war. After so many mass shootings, and so many talking heads telling us its the hi capacity mags and assault weapons, and so many people NOT talking about the societal changes that sparked this rash of shootings ONLY in the last few decades, a portion of gun owners themselves are beginning to drink the coolaid... regardless of whether this one passes, the next one will IMO.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

No doubt, specially should the balance in the House change.
There is no doubt some change is coming in the immediate future.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

My favorite statistic that people can't seem to "jive" with their fantasy is that gun ownership in the USA has been declining over the last 30 years. At least when measured on a per house basis. Gun sales are up, but that's because more folks that do own guns, own more of them, but actual number of people that own guns appears to be declining, and certainly the culture that permits and accepts guns (and trains kids in their use) has been declining steadily...

AND YET we have an marked uptick in violence only in the last ~15 years.
Riddle me that one. Please.

Without fail... crickets is all I get.
Might just be time to find a different scapegoat, it clearly isn't the guns!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

What kind of ammo are you guys using for HD (specifically in 9mm)?

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I have ranger-T not sure if its the best but its suppose to be the modern black talon from what I have seen on the net.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I have Gold Dot, Remington Golden Saber, Hornady Critical Defense and Ranger-T.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I carry Hornady - is it the best? I don't know! But I'm confident it will do it's job if I do mine.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

This article is long, but somewhat well written. The kind of thing you can send to open minded friends to educate them in advance of the media storm already raging.

http://1389blog.com/2012/12/23/larry...e-and-for-all/

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

No offense guys but lets keep the politics out of here for the most part so Peter doesn't walk in here and shut this thread down. :2

As far as ammo goes, go watch tnoutdoors9 on youtube. He's done alot of ammo tests on various SD rounds.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Sorry Justin (and Peter ;)), you are absolutely right, back to the hardware :tu

*laughs* and with most very store in the country cleaned out and stripped bare, and I think a lot of people had a very good Christmas with regards to hardware. :dance:

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

:r no worries man.

Well I managed to pick up 2 possibly 4 hundred round of .223 online today :D

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

In my rotation 124gr +p goldot and 147gr federal hst

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Other than the extra round with the 9, any additional reason you chose this over the 40? I have been half looking for a shield and xds .45 but no one can keep them in. The largest retailer around me says the 9mm shields are all spoken for on the next couple orders at the rate their going. Just wondering what's making the 9 that much more desirable

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Andrew, I bet ammo price and recoil play a factor.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

And availability

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I just added a bunch of plinker ammo to my cart that was showing in stock. When to check out and I got this message :r

We're sorry, Product is not currently in stock. It's expected in our warehouse on August 12, 2013 and will be shipped to you within 24 hours after its arrival.



This.
And this.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Eh 9, 40, and 45 can all be found pretty readily, at least online

:r you need to find somewhere else to buy ammo...

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

:r prettymuch everywhere is sold out at this point. But that will improve in a few months.

Wont stop me from picking some up now on deal if I see it though! Can you ever have too much? :)

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

This has nothing to do with me.

It is the ToE that would deal with any violation of the rules and guidelines the ToE has established and expects the membership to abide by. The ToE thanks all of you for your cooperation and understanding.

Oh. And Justin. :fu2

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

:r
I know Peter but you came in here not too long ago and issued a warning to the people in the thread, so I mentioned you and Peter... :pn

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Nope. What kind of ammo you looking for?