Ok, the free webhost that I was using lost its mySQL server. The data is coming back but I don't know when. I was able to create a new site and import my last backup. Unfortunately, it is a few months old so some content is missing.

Site is also a little slow since I had converted the flikr links to local storage to increase speed. Also, some of the old links still reference the old site, which of course, don't work :(

But it is good to be back!

There has been some confusion on the forms.
If you are viewing the summary page (i.e. if there is more than one on screen) you need to click on the title (usually brand like Aimpoint) to read the entire article. You will then be able to click on the link to download the form.

02/26/11: I have changed the post format to be a little clearer.

So,
Kudos to CDNN Investments!
CDNN agreed to exchange the magazine for another one. All I had to do (after contacting them) was send it back with a copy of the invoice and note. I had a replacement mag (at no charge) in a few days!

This one locked back 2 out of 3 1911's I tried it in. Unfortunately, the one it didn't lock back (ever) was the Colt in 40 which I need it to.

I switched out the Greider 10mm slide stop from my Dan Wesson and viola it locks back in the Colt. Hmm..
Looks pretty good on the Delta too. Actually the Colt #4 slide stop looks pretty good on the DW CBOB.

So, some thoughts.
-Try to find some full follower 40 mags. Maybe Colt, Mec-Gar, Kimber, Wilson?
-Replace the Colt #4 with a Greider or other 9/38Super/40/10mm stop
-Tweak the MTM and try to gets it to work (they were only $12.99)
-Just use 10mm mags.

If you haven't read it, I had a 40 barrel fit to my Colt Delta Elite: http://reg7.site90.net/?p=129
I have been using my 10mm mags in the 40 conversion with excellent results. However, the difference of in the COAL of 10mm vs 40S&W made me think that getting 40 mags would be better and allow me to keep the ammo separate. No problems yet, but safety first.

I got three at CDNN for $12.99. They are blued 8shot. I figured they were a good deal even if I just used them at the range. I have a mixed review.

Here are a couple of pics. Again, sorry for the low quality, they are from a camera phone:

MTM follower. Surprised at this design. It is not super stable, allowing a lot of tilt/pivot. One of the three mags didn't lock the slide back when empty. The mags are only a 8 shot. It is almost as if they should be 9 but couldn't get it to work.

MTM feed lips. While the short feed lips seem to work well with the 10mm, adding the spacer for 40 means that the round is pushed further forward. Simply inserting and removing the mag causes it to shift forward/back. The lips are also not very tight, the round pops up slightly--can't be good for the mag (stretching the lips) and making mag ejection hard.

MTM baseplate we are used to.

This is kind of a mixed review. One mag didn't lock back the slide manually in 3 1911's I tried. Strangely, 2 of the 3 mags did not eject clean out of my Delta Elite (they drag in the well), although the eject fine when empty so it is not actually a problem.

I got these on sale at CDNN for $10 (regularly $12.99). They are not cutting edge as they are blued 8shot. I figured they were a good deal even if I just used them at the range -- I was pleasantly surprised by these mags.

Here are a couple of pics (along with my stock Colt mag). Sorry for the low quality, they are from a camera phone:

MTM

Colt for contrast. Similiar, no?

MTM. Holds the rounds surprisingly well.

MTM baseplate...odd that it is not marked, all my other MTM's are

The MTM 10mm's lock back in the three 1911's I tried them in. Insert and eject fine (loaded or empty). Have a non-tilt follower that feeds rounds at a good angle. All in all a pretty good deal.

Ok, I have been remiss as one of first kids in the neighborhood to get an FNX I haven't posted any pics here or done a proper review. You may have already seen these pics on internet forms like fnforum or glocktalk. I will be adding more and doing a full review/range report shortly.

Who is FN? They are the folks that John Browning designed many firearms for them to make. The most famous pistol is probably the Browning HiPower which FN made (yes, all Browning HiPowers are actually made by FN). Additionally, FN makes a lot of military firearms including the M249 SAW and the SCAR (check out their website FNHUSA.com if you are curious). They have a long tradition in making high quality firearms.

For those that are unfamiliar with the pistol it replaces the FN FNP and is a double/single action pistol. In 9mm it has a 17shot capacity and is extremely light. It features all ambidextrous controls (mag release, safety, slide lock). The safety allows cocked and locked carry which was a big selling feature to me. It is a polymer frame that comes with 4-interchangeable backstraps and 3 mags. The rest you can see in the pics and/or read about a little later.

Left side - tasteful markings

Right side - Made entirely in the U.S.!

The FN Shooter's Pack

Backside of the above BladeTech paddle holster, light years better than BT's previous paddle designs

A few freebies from "FN Days" at my local shop

More coming soon...

EPA Surrenders to NRA on Gun Control Issue - US News and World Report.

You should check out C5Leather.com. The product is handmade with good turn-around and prices.
You can also customize your options, colors, etc.

I bought a Montana IWB for my DW Commander (CBOB). I highly recommend getting a holster that has the clips/straps off of the holster (to minimize width) and offset weight. Some of the other features I liked: reinforced mouth, sweat guard, single direction snaps (only come off in one direction), duotone.

I felt like carrying my Colt Delta Elite yesterday. It didn't feel heavy and despite the 5" barrel was comfortable. CCW "comfort" really depends on what you are used to and what you are willing to put up with. One thing I have noticed is that if I don't position the pistol just right I get a little leg pain. However, yesterday it was perfect. I didn't even notice the weight/size until today when I switched to a smaller pistol.

Concealing a fullsize 1911 pistol IWB is definitely doable. Is is as concealable as a pocket pistol? Well, duh, obviously not. Wearing a shorts and t-shirt? Yes, concealable, but not if you are going to sit down, bend over, make a lot of motions with your arms. Or at least not as much as say an M&P 9c, a mini-Glock or one of the even smaller new super mini-pistols.

But, here is a pic of my Delta in my Crossbreed SuperTuck Deluxe. Great holster. Very concealable, and the open bottom design means it will work with other 1911 pistol sizes too.

It has been a long time but Steyr Arms is importing a limited # of pistols this year!
Link here: Steyr Newsletter

So, in honor of this, I think this a Steyr picture post is called for!

The Steyr S40 is a 10 shot compact pistol. The trigger is amazingly crisp (close to a SA break). Size is in between a Glock 23 and 27. Or like an M&P 9c but with a longer grip. Fits the hand VERY well.

Sites are "trapezoid." Front site is like a pyramid with a triangle. Rear is like the Glock "U" bracket except angled to match the pyramid. I was going to replace them with 3-dots, but found they work amazingly well.

The pistol was tight from the factory which was a bit of a surprise from a polymer framed pistol. After a couple of 100 rounds it broke in nicely. The wife loves to shoot it, which is a surprise because she does not like 40's in general. Perhaps it is because the bore axis on the pistol is very low to the hand which makes it pleasant to shoot. I have seen some new polymer framed pistols advertise "low bore axis" but the Steyr really does.

All in all, a highly under-rated pistol.

Some comparison pics.
Steyr S40 vs Glock 23

Steyr S40 vs Glock 27

Here's a pic of the famous trapazoid/pyramid/triangle sites

Hope the street price of the new Steyrs is fair. If so, I will be adding adding a S40A1 to match.