reg mathusz
RIA releases full featured 1911 in 10mm for $600!
Hey guys, check out this new 10mm 1911 that is being sold for $600! Here is the link on the CTD website!
It looks very nice.
BladeTech Revolution Paddle with S&W M&P 9c - perfect for car travel
Well, I got my High Noon holster for my S&W 1066 to attach to my Galco Miami Classic II shoulder holster. It is absolutely perfect and I even wore it a couple of days to break it in.
But, I got to thinking about it...1066s are a bit hard to find, not to mention a bit heavy. Adjusting the holster for driving in a car I found that even a full size 5" (like the 1006 or a 1911) pistol is quite comfortable. I think that a pistol like the Sig P220 (alloy frame) would have been ideal for a driving shoulder rig.
I also reconsidered my previous selection of only a single stack. The pistol gets triple-locked into a hard case locked in the trunk for the duration of CA. If it was to come out of the case it would be in an emergency. If a life/death situation were to occur I would have much bigger concerns than being in possession of the "nuisance items" (as defined by CA Penal Code) high-cap mags. In fact, I am pretty sure the pistol would be confiscated regardless.
So after all that I decided to go the complete opposite route - something very small, easily worn, and that could be replaced by my local gun shop. I picked my S&W M&P 9mm compact.
I chose my BladeTech Revolution with the paddle attachment. I used 0 degree cant with the thought that I could wear it as a cross-draw to avoid seat belt entanglement. As it happens I wore it strong side. Its short length was quite comfortable even sitting 10-14 hours in a car. The paddle attachment was perfect for quick removal when stopping at the OR/CA border to lock the pistol up.
Sub-compact pistol + paddle holster for me is a perfect combo with a comfortable shoulder holster with a lightweight framed pistol as a good alternative.
Fed HST 9mm 147gr +p review
I like this load conceptually. Back in the 90s I tried some CorBon 147gr +P which used Hornady XTP bullets. It was accurate in my HiPower. I wish they still loaded it. Anyway, this appears to be an excellent similar load. thegunwire® (@thegunwire) tweeted at 7:01 PM on Sun, Nov 18, 2012:
Short and Long Barrel Clear Gel Test 9mm +P Federal HST 147 Grain
Fed HST 9mm 147gr +p review
I like this load conceptually. Back in the 90s I tried some CorBon 147gr +P which used Hornady XTP bullets. It was accurate in my HiPower. I wish they still loaded it. Anyway, this appears to be an excellent similar load. thegunwire® (@thegunwire) tweeted at 7:01 PM on Sun, Nov 18, 2012:
Short and Long Barrel Clear Gel Test 9mm +P Federal HST 147 Grain
Conn. state police getting new .45-caliber pistols
CSP switching from P229s to P220s. Just interesting.
Dutch Police adopt P99QA
thegunwire (@thegunwire) tweeted at 8:37 PM on Tue, Oct 30, 2012:
Dutch Police Adopt Walther P99Q http://t.co/R53yVbze
(https://twitter.com/thegunwire/status/263484864425254912)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download
5 stitch belt vs thick leather belt vs heavy pistol, part II
Previously, I had blogged that I didn't think that my Wilderness 5-stitch belt was as good balancing the weight of a heavy pistol as a heavy-duty leather belt. I few people questioned that statement pointing out that they regularly carry a 1911 with one. I don't doubt that, in fact I have also, so I decided to do a followup test.
The setup:
S&W 1066 10mm pistol (39.5oz unloaded)
Crossbreed IWB holster (actually for an M&P)
With and without a loaded spare mag in a Galco OWB mag pouch
Jeans
Wilderness 5-stitch vs Galco SB2 belt (both 1.5" width)
The scenarios:
Walking the dog along trails, not heavy trekking but up and down hills quite a bit
Driving
I started with Wilderness because that is what I was wearing. The weight of the pistol quickly was noticeable. Within 10 mins my back began to hurt. I took the spare mag off and moved it to my jacket. It was marginally better. Not something I want to try again purposefully.
The next day I switched to the Galco belt and did the same trek. Much more comfortable. I was able to do the entire trek (about an hour) before feeling back pain. I did not have to remove the spare mag. However, again not my favorite carry method - far from comfortable.
Now the driving test was pretty much a wash. They both were comfortable (as much as driving with an IWB holster can be) up until they weren't. I didn't particularly like either after about 1/2 hour. I can't imagine having to draw IWB while seated in a car but it was a convenient comfort test.
I have not yet gotten a reinforced Wilderness Belt but I suspect that would fare much better. Again the 1066 is a pretty heavy pistol so your mileage may vary, but I think an all steel pistol is better served comfort-wise with a good thick leather belt. However, I don't hesitate carrying a Glock or M&P on the Wilderness.
Anyway, I stand by my initial evaluation.
What states don't honor non-resident CCW licenses? (or explaining multi-state CCW)
Someone yesterday asked me what states honor what CCW licenses. I had to add the caveat that some states only honor licenses issued to their own residents. For example, I live in Washington but I have a Utah CFP, obviously as a non-resident. Florida honors a Utah CFP -- BUT only for Utah residents. Now, as luck has it Florida does honor Washington's CPL.
So, what states honor what is not always a quick and easy answer. To make matters worse it is not always the same. Some states add or remove other states. For example, New Mexico and Florida. First they were reciprocal. Then they were not. And now they are again. Best to check right before your trip!
The best two sites, IMO, for looking up reciprocity is Florida's site: http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/news/concealed_carry.html
and
Utah's BCI:
http://publicsafety.utah.gov/bci/FAQother.html
Both have a lot of information and links to the other states. They are also the two most common CCW licenses used for interstate carry.
To answer the original question of what states don't honor out of state (non-resident) CCW licenses I extract the info from the FL site (so you don't have to) they are:
Rethinking the single stack for travelling to mag restricted states
Well, it is time again to travel to California and I will be darned that I will not travel legally armed through my first two states because I cannot in the third (California).
Traditionally, what I have done is--before the border I disarm--unload, lock my firearm up in a lock box separately from the ammo which is then locked in the trunk.
There is much debate on possession of "high capacity" (meaning >10) magazines vs import into CA (the latter of which is illegal). This is now kind of moot, however--researching CA penal code shows that they have recently revised (or reorganized) the PC so that "high capacity" magazines are now considered a "public nuisance" and as such are subject to confiscation!
The easiest option it to buy ban compliant (10 round) magazines. Well, that quite frankly just seems wrong. In fact, it made me order a couple extra "high capacity" (in CA) mags. Not for CA that is.
So, it made me think...I have a few single stacks that fit the bill! I may get some flack but I think that a 5" 1911 is uncomfortable for driving long periods of time, however a Commander length is perfect.
I am actually thinking of traveling with my S&W 1066. Why? Mainly because it is awesome and for some reason I don't have a holster for it (I do for my 1006). In case you didn't know I am a big 10mm fan. I happen to have an unused Galco Miami Classic II holster which I just ordered a High Noon Holster body for. I will let you know how it works out (driving that is).
My backup choice if that doesn't work is a Glock 27 in a paddle holster. The sub-compacts just seem strange in a should rig. Close second was my P220, but I haven't had any range time with it in years. But, it would be nice in a should rig due to its lighter weight.
Beretta: $50 rebate on Storm and 90series pistols
I just recently heard about this offer:
http://www.berettausa.com/2012rebate-pistols.aspx