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Tuesday, 07 June 2011 14:46

Steyr C9-A1 (midsize kind of like a Commanding Officer)

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Oops..I am a big fan of the Steyr pistols (including the pyramid sights) but somehow I missed that they came out with a new model the C9-A1. It is a full size grip from the M's with the shorter slide of the S's.
Here is a link to Steyr's website: Steyr C9-A1 pistols

I think they look sharp!

Click on pic for fullsize:

Published in Firearms General
Monday, 06 June 2011 16:48

Leupold Custom Shop BDC (bullet drop compensator)

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So, a lot of the "tactical" scopes come caliberated for a 223 BDC. Usually 55gr. Now you can use it with any caliber/weight but you will need to compensate for your compensator.

A couple of the scope companies will make a custom one for you that you can swap out. Much easier, especially if you have a favorite load. Leupold and Vortex come to mind.

I am considering an MK AR (1.5-4 or 3-9) and was curious how much it would. Not finding the price on the website I emailed them. The next day I received a price quote of $59.99 + tax. Not bad!

In case you were wondering it would be for a SSA (Silver State Armory) 6.8 SPC 110gr Sierra Pro SP load.

Published in 6.8 SPC
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Sunday, 05 June 2011 05:14

Rob Pincus at FAS, J-frames, and tiger-striped HiPowers

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Well, Rob Pincus was at FAS this weekend. We didn't find out until late and his classes were all booked. Bummed, he is a good instructor and we enjoy his shows. He is a non-snobby firearms guy.

Here is an article that he wrote: "Choosing a defensive handgun" that has been getting some chatter on firearms forums. In particular, smith-wessonforum.com because of his recommendation of a J-frame 38 (or two) as a practical self-defense tool. It is an opinion that I happen to share.

I have to wonder though, with his statement: "As long as you can shoot it well...let your friends snicker at your tiger-striped stainless/blued Browning High Power if they want"
Has he been to our blog?

After all, I am big fan of the tiger-stripe HiPower!

Tiger HiPowers in captivity:

OK, 'fess up who has been snickering?
:)

Published in Firearms General
Tuesday, 31 May 2011 15:03

New Colt Delta Elite review

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LINK [Combat Handguns Reviews new Colt Delta Elite 10mm] - August 2011 article titled "Return of a powerhouse 1911 that combines classic appeal with cutting-edge performance!"

Nice pics too:

Published in Firearms General
Sunday, 29 May 2011 12:20

Spent the afternoon swapping AR15 barrels (what does it take you ask?)

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I swore that I wouldn't be one those guys with the 10lb AR15 with Cuisinart attachments (food processor, popcorn maker, etc) but somehow my AR feels almost as heavy as my Garand.

Now, my wife has been complaining that her rifle (a lightweight aka pencil barrel AR15) needs an optic. For that classic A1 look hers is a traditional carry handle with A1 1/2 rear sight (it has a knob for windage). She is very jealous of my EOTech 556. I can't blame her, the reticle (A65) is awesome!

So, I began to price out a new stripped upper, EOTech XPS, Magpul flip rear sight and thought...hmm...Wouldn't it be easier to swap barrels on my tank of an AR15, give her the new lightweight with the EOTech and buy myself a new scope for my 6.8? (yes, a completely different AR15). Maybe not easier but less expensive, especially considering I was planning on getting a scope any way and with the $ saved (that's new math) I can get a Magpul ACS stock and a padded sling. Hey, the padded sling is for her, not me.

People always ask me what is involved with swapping an AR15 barrel and what is needed. I thought I would share since it is fresh on my mind.

1. Upper block/armorer's tool: Basically a buffer goes inside your upper to keep it from deforming and an outside clam shell goes around the outside to keep it from being squished. I got mine locally from Olympic Arms, but Brownells has them as well as any AR parts company/mfg.
2. vice: I already have one bolted to my work bench
3. barrel nut wrench (AR15 specific). preferrably one that can attach to a wrench/breaker bar because sometimes it is a PITA to remove the nut. I got mine from Brownells.
4. set up punches and ball peen hammer (or any hammer)
5. handguard removal tool (optional-but sometimes they are a PITA to remove). Mine is from Brownells but it sucks. After a few uses the rubber/plastic has cracked.
6. antiseize: I got mine from an auto parts store

MAKE SURE IT IS UNLOADED!!
Field strip the rifle (including remove the bolt carrier group)
Remove handguards
Tap out the gas tube pin (be careful it's short!)
Pull the gas tube towards the front site, it will twist out
Put the upper in your Armorer's block (with insert)
Put it in your vice
Use your barrel wrench to unscrew the barrel nut (this can be hard)
Pull barrel off
Install is the reverse; I would go into more detail but there are countless internet write ups that are far more detailed than I could do and with pics (I am lazy this Sunday).

I warn you though, lining up the barrel nut through the delta ring assembly to the bolt key is ... interesting. One barrel popped off no problem, while the other...well, took all of my weight to get it to budge. How tight they are really varies.

Now here is something critical, unless it is a brand new bolt or you want to check head space-- KEEP THE BOLT TOGETHER WITH THE BARREL IT CAME FROM!!!

Almost forgot--I have had an A2 rear site aperture for a long time to replace the A1's. Even the large peep of the A1 is simply too small for my tastes. I did that at the same time. I also swapped the front site posts. The pencil barrel (designed for an A2) needs a slightly higher post. I got mine from Bushmaster.

So, the result? A much lighter rifle even with all my kitchen accessories (flashlight, EOTech, EMOD stock with batteries, etc) and another heavy barrel carbine A1 1/2 that is now more manageable. And a happy wife.....I see a scope for my 6.8 in the near future.

Happy Memorial Day!

Published in AR15
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Friday, 27 May 2011 16:59

Scope for Mega 6.8 AR (Leupold Mark AR?)

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I have an AR15 in 6.8SPC that I put together a while back. I can't remember if it is on the blog or my Flickr site. It is a Mega upper/lower with a KoTonics 1:11 SPC II barrel. But it is a flat top with flip up sights.

I have been thinking that since it was built as a deer hunting rig that a primary optic would be nice. Since red dot/holo's increase with magnification (which I want) I should get an actual scope.

I am not a big fan of variables, but in the case of an AR it would be nice to have something with near zero magnification in case you wanted to use it for defense, but also be able to crank up the magnification for hunting. Something like 1.5 - 4x.

The Leupold Mark AR seems to fit that bill. I have long been a fan and regret selling my MK4. (I needed the cash). This particular scope has the multicoat4 lens and Leupold ruggedness/waterproofing.

Here is the link to the Leupold site: Leupold MK AR
What do you think?

Leupold MKAR

Published in Firearms General
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