guns

[dimlight65]

2 hours ago, datsunfreak said:

Also doesn't hurt that it's USA-made (to me).

And almost Texas made!

[dimlight65]

I never was a fan of the fake suppressor/barrel shroud on my Panzer BP-12...

 

 

So I took it to the chop saw, then Datsunfreak made it into a nut by filing some castellations in it...

 

 

 

We then hit the new nut with some wrinkle black paint...

 

 

and "baked" it with a heat gun ...

 

 

to get a nice wrinkle going...

 

 

Back on the gun...

 

 

and I think it looks a lot better...

 

 

A T.H.O.T from the Instant Grams asked me what I plan to use it for.  I told her, "I plan to use it for 'having a cool-ass gun!'"

[frankendat]

1 hour ago, dimlight65 said:

I never was a fan of the fake suppressor/barrel shroud on my Panzer BP-12...

 

 

So I took it to the chop saw, then Datsunfreak made it into a nut by filing some castellations in it...

 

 

 

We then hit the new nut with some wrinkle black paint...

 

 

and "baked" it with a heat gun ...

 

 

to get a nice wrinkle going...

 

 

Back on the gun...

 

 

and I think it looks a lot better...

 

 

A T.H.O.T from the Instant Grams asked me what I plan to use it for.  I told her, "I plan to use it for 'having a cool-ass gun!'"

You successfully executed your plan

[frankendat]

2 hours ago, dimlight65 said:

I never was a fan of the fake suppressor/barrel shroud on my Panzer BP-12...

 

 

So I took it to the chop saw, then Datsunfreak made it into a nut by filing some castellations in it...

 

 

 

We then hit the new nut with some wrinkle black paint...

 

 

and "baked" it with a heat gun ...

 

 

to get a nice wrinkle going...

 

 

Back on the gun...

 

 

and I think it looks a lot better...

 

 

A T.H.O.T from the Instant Grams asked me what I plan to use it for.  I told her, "I plan to use it for 'having a cool-ass gun!'"

My father built a rifle for me that has the same velocity with a greater weight bullet and the knock down power of a .308 shooting a 200 gr at 100 yards at over 1000 yards. When asked if I thought it sporting to hunt big game over 1000 yards, I said "no". I believe that a .308 is light for Elk.I know everyone has stories of Elk being taken with .308 or less, but I have never left an animal wounded and I am not about to start. Yeah, Yeah, eagle eye, it is all about shot placement. I can shoot, but I understand that facing the dying sun, as that royal bull walks away in the distance, shot placement might not be perfect. Truthfully, being older I don't get "buck fever" and can pass on the shot, but if I decided to take a less than perfect shot, I enjoy confidence the "land cannon" will put him down.

I mention this here, because admitting to not "needing" a hunting rifle capable of better than 1000 yard kills, often begs the question "what I plan to use it for?"

 

Elk can be one thousand pounds on the hoof, they have hearts bigger than softballs and they cross mountain ranges, at a high elevation "fast walk", like you or I cross the street. I once chased an Elk down a near vertical canyon and back up the other side. It took me hours, it took her minutes. When dressing her out, I discovered the hole, of my bullet, through her heart.

 

Most people do not break 300 pounds in the shoe, their hearts are not impressive and their hide is thin. Any solid hit on a person with my 300 gr bullets at 1000 yards or even  2000 yards will either kill them or take them out of the fight. And that, is why I have such a rifle. 

 

[Soundline]

The elk we have in Eastern WA are that size. I hunted with a Weatherby Mark V in .300 Weatherby Mag, which was the largest caliber I could effectively shoot when I was 155 lbs. I used the best gun I could afford, and bought it used back in 2000 or 01.  
 

I’ve seen guys fill an elk tag with a .270 Win, but I’m not that consistently good with a rifle.  I like my harvest to be quick on the elk.  I don’t think I’ve taken a shot over 400 yds.  We have big, wide open scrub land so you can see them at a mile, but I’m no Chris Kyle.

 

My deer rifle is a Remington 700 in .308.  Great rifle.

 

I’ve shot the .454 Casull in a short barrel in low light and it’s a flame thrower.  For bear defense I picked up a S&W 500.  I have a buddy in Fairbanks, AK.  Black bears down here would get jacked up by a .45 ACP out of a 5” 1911.  The Alaska bears can be at a much shorter distance so I applied that “highest caliber you can effectively shoot” metric.

[frankendat]

1 hour ago, Soundline said:

The elk we have in Eastern WA are that size. I hunted with a Weatherby Mark V in .300 Weatherby Mag, which was the largest caliber I could effectively shoot when I was 155 lbs. I used the best gun I could afford, and bought it used back in 2000 or 01.  
 

I’ve seen guys fill an elk tag with a .270 Win, but I’m not that consistently good with a rifle.  I like my harvest to be quick on the elk.  I don’t think I’ve taken a shot over 400 yds.  We have big, wide open scrub land so you can see them at a mile, but I’m no Chris Kyle.

 

My deer rifle is a Remington 700 in .308.  Great rifle.

 

I’ve shot the .454 Casull in a short barrel in low light and it’s a flame thrower.  For bear defense I picked up a S&W 500.  I have a buddy in Fairbanks, AK.  Black bears down here would get jacked up by a .45 ACP out of a 5” 1911.  The Alaska bears can be at a much shorter distance so I applied that “highest caliber you can effectively shoot” metric.

Not that it matters, but I endorse your rationale and decisions. The 300 Weatherby Mag is a fine Elk gun and keeping it within 400 yards doubly so. "Controlling the rifle" isn't a problem, controlling it and wanting to shoot it again, can be. For my 16th birthday (about 135lbs I was under 200 into my 30's) I received a  model  70 in 35 whelen. The same model 70 my father received from my grandfather in 30-06 when he was 16. It shoots 225 gr for antelope and deer 250 for Elk with powder increase. At the range a few shots and your sore, half a box and it hurts, a whole box a purple shoulder blossom the next day. I took a big cow elk at around 420, bullet drop is sever, I wouldn't go past 500 with the Whelen, but it is light and easy to carry. I carried my fathers 300 Win Mag, Ruger #1 for a while without problems. The Win Mag is flatter shooting that the Whelen. I didn't take anything with it past 500, but would be confident out to 600 for Elk.The land cannon is heavy, but I have taken it up over many mountains. It has a huge muzzle break and if you shoot it without ear protection, even once, you will have hearing damage, but I could shoot it all day. I don't because it is easy to overheat the barrel and I want the throat to last as long as possible. (The throat in the Whelen is almost 70 years old with minimal wear, the throat in the land cannon is showing noticeable wear at 10 years. The land cannon is easy to shoot, it is impossible to get a quick second shot, because it "pushes" you completely out of your former position, not 180 degrees but depending on your position 45 up to 90. There is no doubt that you are holding on to power, but it is easy.

As mentioned in the earlier post the land cannon .338 Rem Ultra Mag on a Model 70 platform shooting 300gr Sierras (similar performance to a Lapua)  "could" take Elk past 1000, but I would  not shoot past 800 without ideal conditions. Ideal, being an area that I have previously shot and ranged (off season) relaxed Elk, upwind, early morning, cool and clear, sun at my back etc. I am pretty set on my limits and have pissed off hunting partners refusing to engage without the right conditions. It is not worth wounding an animal (bad hit and they are not found), not worth a black stain on my 40 year record.

If Chris Kyle came up here to do some charity shoot off kind of deal, then I would throw my hat in the ring. A good day a little luck, who knows. What makes Mr. Kyle impressive is he performed at that level in life threatening arenas. I have a hard time if a hunting partner shoots before I shoot, to put the needle through the hole I need quiet. I need time. No way would I take even a 400 shot at a walking target, unless walking directly toward or away. I can squeeze the trigger of a (my) 1911 under pressure and keep hits center mass at close distance, but calm 1000 yard sniper shots while there are shots and noises around, while enemy might be firing--that's some voodoo I don't do.

 

Pistols for bear country-- .460 Rowland on a 1911 platform or a Single Action Ruger loaded spicy. Your short barrel Cat hurts my hand and my ears just looking at it. Probably, make ya deaf, break your trigger finger and burn off your eyebrows first time you had to use it. 

[Soundline]

All great work Frank.

 

I’ve hit steel at 3/4 mi with a Barret .50 on a closed military range with a spotter, and wind calculations.  Prone that rifle shifted my position a good 30 degrees laying in sand.  Follow-up shots were impossible but I had the trigger and breathing discipline to do it.  What I learned shooting past 1,000m was that there’s too many variables for me to factor them all in quickly.  I’d never had made it through sniper training.  I’m good for an average hunter, but I’m nothing special.

 

Shooting people is a whole other thing.  Most of my experience was close, real close.  Being shot and powering through is an even larger obstacle.  I’ve had the misfortune of being struck hard 4 times. The worst was stopped by my helmet by a Dragonov that was across the street from me.  It knocked me unconscious and left me with a headache for more than a month.  Next was taking a .44 mag at less than 18” to the left knee. Hit at a weird angle so I kept the leg, but fuck.  I’ve had a bunch of plate strikes over the years, they suck, but nothing like those two.  Had my back plate penetrated once, it broke my shoulder blade, cracked two ribs, and burned the fuck out of my back.  I tattooed over the wound because I pick what is on me.  The fourth, I was hit with a 12 ga 18” barrel, number 9 birdshot in my level three soft vest as a cop.  It stopped most of them, but I still scratch out a piece of shot from time to time.  It knocked me and the woman I was shielding to the ground and REALLY pissed me off.  Got some nasty bruises but no broken bones.  If you believe in divine protection, fate, or luck that’s how I attribute my surviving those encounters.  Not my “skill” although I did train constantly back then.  I give being shot zero stars on Yelp.  If I never have to be in another gunfight, I’ll be eternally grateful.

 

As for that S&W .500, it’s interesting to shoot.  Wear ear protection or you’ll get to hear that ringing for hours.  Honestly, I carry it because I’d rather be deaf than be bear scat.  Prowling around the woods here in WA I have a .357 mag Colt 6”.  Much easier to shoot, and it’ll handle what I deal with.  The only thing that could get me would be an ambush predator like a cougar or a human.  
 

For human threats, I suggest a semi-auto platform.  Handguns suck at stopping human threats, there are a lot of videos on Funker that show this.  I suggest carrying as many bullets as possible. Another suggestion, don’t reholster immediately.  Pulling it out quick is necessary, but it’s never a race to put it away.

[dimlight65]

We geeze fellas.  After those last four posts, I kinda don't want to show y'all the latest thing that "followed me home."

 

I mean, I am going to, but I feel a little embarrassed. 

 

*Deep breath

OK, here goes.  I was thinking that I "needed" a .22lr revolver.  I couldn't find a modern one, and had just about decided on a Heritage Rough Rider for $150 (6 shot but with the caveat "Always leave an empty chamber under the hammer").  So when I found a 9 shot Diamondback .22lr/.22mag...

 

 

 

 

I went ahead and paid twice as much for it. 

 

I was pleasantly surprised when I got home and discovered it was double action as well!

[Soundline]

That’s a nice little revolver, have you had a chance to shoot it?

[frankendat]

On 3/16/2024 at 8:06 PM, Soundline said:

All great work Frank.

 

I’ve hit steel at 3/4 mi with a Barret .50 on a closed military range with a spotter, and wind calculations.  Prone that rifle shifted my position a good 30 degrees laying in sand.  Follow-up shots were impossible but I had the trigger and breathing discipline to do it.  What I learned shooting past 1,000m was that there’s too many variables for me to factor them all in quickly.  I’d never had made it through sniper training.  I’m good for an average hunter, but I’m nothing special.

 

Shooting people is a whole other thing.  Most of my experience was close, real close.  Being shot and powering through is an even larger obstacle.  I’ve had the misfortune of being struck hard 4 times. The worst was stopped by my helmet by a Dragonov that was across the street from me.  It knocked me unconscious and left me with a headache for more than a month.  Next was taking a .44 mag at less than 18” to the left knee. Hit at a weird angle so I kept the leg, but fuck.  I’ve had a bunch of plate strikes over the years, they suck, but nothing like those two.  Had my back plate penetrated once, it broke my shoulder blade, cracked two ribs, and burned the fuck out of my back.  I tattooed over the wound because I pick what is on me.  The fourth, I was hit with a 12 ga 18” barrel, number 9 birdshot in my level three soft vest as a cop.  It stopped most of them, but I still scratch out a piece of shot from time to time.  It knocked me and the woman I was shielding to the ground and REALLY pissed me off.  Got some nasty bruises but no broken bones.  If you believe in divine protection, fate, or luck that’s how I attribute my surviving those encounters.  Not my “skill” although I did train constantly back then.  I give being shot zero stars on Yelp.  If I never have to be in another gunfight, I’ll be eternally grateful.

 

As for that S&W .500, it’s interesting to shoot.  Wear ear protection or you’ll get to hear that ringing for hours.  Honestly, I carry it because I’d rather be deaf than be bear scat.  Prowling around the woods here in WA I have a .357 mag Colt 6”.  Much easier to shoot, and it’ll handle what I deal with.  The only thing that could get me would be an ambush predator like a cougar or a human.  
 

For human threats, I suggest a semi-auto platform.  Handguns suck at stopping human threats, there are a lot of videos on Funker that show this.  I suggest carrying as many bullets as possible. Another suggestion, don’t reholster immediately.  Pulling it out quick is necessary, but it’s never a race to put it away.

We can continue to talk range, bullet and load specifications, but you have more actual engagement experience than I have theoretical. I hope that training would see me through, if ever unfortunate enough to be tested, but it is only hope, there is an equal chance I will shit myself. The strongest steel is tested by fire and you have been tested more than anyone I have ever met. 

 

When challenged about long range shooting, I will talk smack, but I know your assessment is correct. There are an insane amount of variables at 1000+yards and most successful, at that distance are "walked" in and/or luck. (Which is why I get frustrated with those who hunt big animals at long range with low weight bullets) Like you, I focus on the fundamentals, my edge is my equipment. It is not the most expensive or the big name, but my father was a master gunsmith and my weapons, especially 1911's and bolt action long guns...shoot. It is sad (to me) with the popularity of long distance shooting and the refinements in manufacturing, high end rifles match the performance of mine and that performance will likely continue to be found at a lower and lower price point. When I was younger, consistent sub moa performance with a large bore was reserved to the hand made double barrel English safari rifle and came at extreme cost. My father studied the techniques of those builders, because acquiring such a rifle was a "lottery win" dream. Cheytac has a range in Idaho and their rifles out perform mine. I don't count the .50 as competition because you can't hunt with it and the weight of the bullets makes them fly too straight --cheating 

 

 

[datsunfreak]

11 hours ago, Soundline said:

That’s a nice little revolver, have you had a chance to shoot it?

 

I might try to convince/force him to tomorrow. 😋

[Soundline]

4 hours ago, frankendat said:

We can continue to talk range, bullet and load specifications, but you have more actual engagement experience than I have theoretical. I hope that training would see me through, if ever unfortunate enough to be tested, but it is only hope, there is an equal chance I will shit myself. The strongest steel is tested by fire and you have been tested more than anyone I have ever met. 

 

When challenged about long range shooting, I will talk smack, but I know your assessment is correct. There are an insane amount of variables at 1000+yards and most successful, at that distance are "walked" in and/or luck. (Which is why I get frustrated with those who hunt big animals at long range with low weight bullets) Like you, I focus on the fundamentals, my edge is my equipment. It is not the most expensive or the big name, but my father was a master gunsmith and my weapons, especially 1911's and bolt action long guns...shoot. It is sad (to me) with the popularity of long distance shooting and the refinements in manufacturing, high end rifles match the performance of mine and that performance will likely continue to be found at a lower and lower price point. When I was younger, consistent sub moa performance with a large bore was reserved to the hand made double barrel English safari rifle and came at extreme cost. My father studied the techniques of those builders, because acquiring such a rifle was a "lottery win" dream. Cheytac has a range in Idaho and their rifles out perform mine. I don't count the .50 as competition because you can't hunt with it and the weight of the bullets makes them fly too straight --cheating 

 

 

I didn’t think it would go this way, but it’s how my cards played in life.  I’m nothing special from the people I’ve worked with.  I just believe I’m either unusually lucky or blessed.  Perhaps both to still be kicking around.  I met my goals and retired really young.  Now I just need to find a nice place to rent for a few years while I figure out which less commie state to live in after I abandon Washington. 

Cheytac makes some incredible precision rifles, and they price them accordingly.  I really enjoy precision shooting with that little .308.  It’s nothing special but it’s cheap to run.    What do you think of your 338 Lapua?  Is that too heavy of a caliber for hunting?

 

3 hours ago, datsunfreak said:

 

I might try to convince/force him to tomorrow. 😋

I’m really interested in how it shoots.  When you get a chance I’d be interested to read what you think of it.

[IZRL]

 

[dimlight65]

20 hours ago, Soundline said:

That’s a nice little revolver, have you had a chance to shoot it?

 

9 hours ago, datsunfreak said:

 

I might try to convince/force him to tomorrow. 😋

 

I just packed up the Diamondback, the Ruger MkIII, the Kel-Tec P-17, and the North American Arms...

 

 

as well as a buttload of .22 ammo so we can go do a little plinking instead of working on cars tomorrow evening.

 

Edited March 20 by dimlight65

[frankendat]

7 hours ago, Soundline said:

Cheytac makes some incredible precision rifles, and they price them accordingly.  I really enjoy precision shooting with that little .308.  It’s nothing special but it’s cheap to run.    What do you think of your 338 Lapua?  Is that too heavy of a caliber for hunting?

I know it isn't important but mine is a "poor man's" Lapua, the same ballistics as the Lapua, but not. Anyway, I love it. It's heavy and my Dad said it was silly to pack it around, but I love it because at a minimum if I can see the deer/elk/antelope or bear with my naked eye, then I can kill it.

Like I said, I am proud that I have never wounded one that got away, part of that is using big bore rifles. The supergrade Model 70's are known as the rifleman's rifle and the 35 Whelen is....twist my arm, a better all around rifle for North American game. When I started to get into long range shooting my father would remind me that it is called "hunting" not "shooting". But, he came  around when the wolves got bad. Big game in Idaho look like they have been hitting the gym, they're spooky, and stay on the move. The old ways "better" ways of quiet moving and following tracks and sign are rarely successful, I still do the old ways and catch hell because my success rate isn't great.

So, too heavy a caliber for hunting? For elk no, for deer and antelope yes, for bear it is not too heavy but it is the wrong gun for the job. On deer and antelope a lung shot and it is easy and clean. I hit an inch or two forward on a deer a few years back and hit the shoulder. It took out the heart, when the bullet hit the shoulder bone and most of one of front quarters was not salvageable, that's only happened once. I also had one running straight away and I centered the cross hairs on the ass and the bullet ran the length of the animal. It dropped like hit with a hellfire. Even the Whelen can't do that. My father was an old ways hunter and I am thankful we lived in a time where we could do it. I love to be ghillied up creeping deep in the wilderness and then you smell the elk and you know in seconds they are going to smell you. Trying to move slow and scan out of every orifice of your body to see the Elk, before the rumble of defeat. And that's not even hunting in the rut, when it gets really intense. 

The new way to be a successful elk hunter requires motorized movement (or horse but I traded in horses many years ago because they are majestic stupid creatures who will get you killed) It requires covering ground because the wolves keep the animals moving. 

[Soundline]

I spent two seasons hunting up my Priest River, since my hunting grounds are up near mt Abercrombie in the top right corner of WA.  Both seasons in ID I got my deer and had a wonderful time.  That land up there is dense so they were short shots, under 200 yards for one and then about 80 for the second one.  I’ve also never wounded an animal, the Weatherby is dialed in and I’d rather have an empty tag than to take a questionable shot.  I’m not subsistence hunting anymore.  
 

I’ve shot the pre-64’ Winchester 70 in the .30-06, but never the Whelen.  Those old Winchester’s are great rifles.
 

I really do like your state, that area around Boise is cool, but it’s gotten so big. I was there two years ago and hardly recognized it. If I were to relocate there I think I’d do Fruitland.  It seems to be just high enough it wouldn’t get that smoke that settles in the Nampa Valley during Fire season.

[datsunfreak]

Raided Tim's collection for a bit of a 22LR shooting spree at the range...

 

 

 

 

 

 

His Kel-Tec is awesome, and the Ruger MK3 is even better! The revolver is... not my thing...  😁

 

I also put 120ish rounds through my new Taurus G3C. It's okay, but I don't love it, and I don't think I'm going to keep it. 

 

It fed ball nose Blazer brass just fine, 100 rounds with no misfeeds, no stovepipes, only one "light strike" around round #40, which may have been my fault as the trigger take up is loooong. It fed Hornady Critical Defense hollow points like a champ, but those are effectively ball nose. I tried some Federal Hydra-Shok rounds in it and it would not feed those at all.  

 

I stuck those Hydra-Shoks in my 1911 and it did not care one whit. It eats up and spits out any ammo you can get in 9mm. 

 

Shooting all these guns made me realize how much more comfortable I am shooting my 1911. 👍

 

I had two epiphanies today. Don't carry a gun because it's comfortable to wear (G3C), carry a gun that is comfortable and easy to shoot (1911). So fuck it, going back to daily driving the 1911. 

 

What was epiphanhy #2? I really need a 22LR pistol. Think I might sell my G3C and go get one of those Kel-Tecs...   😄

 

 

Edited March 21 by datsunfreak

[datsunfreak]

On 3/19/2024 at 3:56 PM, Soundline said:

I’m really interested in how it shoots.  When you get a chance I’d be interested to read what you think of it.

 

To clarify a bit more, It seemed to have two issues. 

 

1. It's great that it is DAO or SAO. But the shape of the hammer is such that the "tail" complete blocked out the rear sight making it almost impossible (for me) to aim in DAO mode. Once you cock the hammer and go SAO, it is fairly accurate and easy to shoot. The rear sight is still a bit too small for me in SAO mode. 

 

2. I noticed when Tim was shooting it DAO, you cannot afford to move slowly with the trigger. If you don't pull it back relatively quick, the hammer drags and it will "light strike" and not fire. This happened several times, again making it only really shootable in SAO. I did shoot some lube in the hammer and not sure if it helped or not. 

 

Problem #2 may get better with time. Problem #1 is not going away without some new parts/gunsmithing. 

 

Edited March 21 by datsunfreak

[Soundline]

I’m a huge fan of carrying what you’re comfortable shooting and that you find reliable.  Revolvers are an acquired taste, and if they’re not what you like, shoot what’s fun.

 

What brand of 1911?  I’ve had some great experiences with older Kimber’s and the Colt’s.  
 

Making a good gun is a complicated endeavor that requires strict tolerances. But at least you didn’t have this kinda day.

[flatcat19]

Maybe check out the Kimber Micro 9? 

 

If you have a range that rents guns see if you can test it out. I know buying a Kimber on a whim is far from normal. 

 

Gives you a comfortable to carry piece, with something that you're also familiar with. 

[flatcat19]

Or...

 

 

https://gallowayprecision.com/operis-trigger-for-taurus-g3-g3c-pistols

[datsunfreak]

8 hours ago, flatcat19 said:

Or...

 

 

https://gallowayprecision.com/operis-trigger-for-taurus-g3-g3c-pistols

 

This intrigues, but...

 

I don't know if this is every car guy, or just me and Tim, but sometimes you reach a point with a car where it's just dead to you and you want it gone.

 

Guns are really no different. 😄

 

I also have a seperate issue with this gun I did not mention. See this spot I have highlighted in the photo? My finger rubs on this "ramp" on every shot. Causing me to drag the trigger, and after 120+ rounds, was on the verge of giving me a blister. 

 

 

 

If it ain't a fun range gun, I don't want to carry it. If it is not fun to shoot, and I don't want to carry it, I don't want to own it. Ergo, it is dead to me. 🤚

 

 

[datsunfreak]

9 hours ago, flatcat19 said:

Maybe check out the Kimber Micro 9? 

 

I have. They are hella cute (and priced nice), just too small for my hands (see above).

 

9 hours ago, flatcat19 said:

If you have a range that rents guns see if you can test it out. 

 

This is good plan. I have shot a Colt Mustang before, but it was 20+ years ago and in .380 as I recall. 

 

9 hours ago, flatcat19 said:

I know buying a Kimber on a whim is far from normal. 

 

Funny you say this, as I have actually done it. 😄

 

I bought my blacked out Kimber Ultra Carry II on a whim, and liked it. Officer sized 1911s are a little too short in the grip area, but they are acceptable. I just don't know if I'd be replacing one I "love" with one I "like", ya know? That short handle may be a fair bit more manageable in 9mm, than in 45ACP.

 

And the new stainless Ultra Carry II in 9mm is kinda sexy...  😁

[datsunfreak]

12 hours ago, Soundline said:

I’m a huge fan of carrying what you’re comfortable shooting and that you find reliable.  

 

Same. 👍

 

12 hours ago, Soundline said:

Revolvers are an acquired taste, and if they’re not what you like, shoot what’s fun.

 

I actually enjoy most modern revolvers (but would not carry one). Have owned a few Rugers and enjoyed shooting them, as well as some of Tim's I have shot. This was my first crack at a "cowboy" revolver, and it's true what they say. Don't meet your heroes. 😁 

 

12 hours ago, Soundline said:

What brand of 1911?  I’ve had some great experiences with older Kimber’s and the Colt’s.  

 

My current one is a Tisas Aviator 9. I have owned two Kimber 1911s, two Springfield 1911s, and two Rock Island 1911s, all of various sizes but all 45ACP. This is my first 1911 chambered in 9mm, and I must say it is a game changer as far as shootability goes. The smaller round makes it much more accurate and flatter shooting at the range. 

 

I have shot a few Colts but never owned one. I am now very curious to try one of the Colts chambered in .380 Super, though. 

 

This one is aluminum frame, holds 10+1, and is very light for a 1911. It can't compete with polymer frames for weight, but is still only 2 pounds. 

 

It doesn't hurt that it's a dead ringer for Arnold's custom Colt/Detonics 9mm in Terminator 2, either.  😄

 

As it comes...

 

 

Day 2 mods were a Pearce finger groove thingy, Wilson Combat stainless mag well, and some flush fitting pads for my magazines. 

 

 

Tisas are a relative newcomer to the 1911 scene, but every review I saw of them raved about how good they are. Not just "good for the price" (around $525 for this one), but just good all around. After a thorough inspection of this one, and multiple range sessions, I love it. 

 

I can see myself making a few more mods, though. Thinking a site upgrade is in order (probably tritium), and leaning towards a slightly longer "skeletonized" trigger to make the ergonomics 100% perfect for me. Most out of the box 1911s are 80% there, fingers grooves take it to about 95%, longer trigger usually gets it just perfect (for me). This was the set up on my stainless Springfield and it was a dream to shoot. 

 

 

Edited March 21 by datsunfreak

[datsunfreak]

Oh, and I did just order an extended slide release for it. Just for better range ergonomics. 😁