Equipment & Gear (34)
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)
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Their customer service is much improved! But first I will describe my early skepticism...
A few years ago I have mentioned that I have had several instances of bad luck in dealing with American Security (safes). I tried to buy a spare shelf a while back with frustrating "they will call you back" and countless voicemails. After describing my problems to the place I purchased it they said that they had the same problem and they gave me a shelf from their inventory! Definitely a life customer there.
I had also bought a little S&W-branded (AmSec made) travel safe for carrying a handgun. It was finger pattern activated (or key) and could be bolted to an included plate that I was thinking of bolting in the trunk. My first clue of its quality should have been all of the S&W phone #'s covered with a basically "don't call us (S&W) call the maker AmSec" stickers on it. One day the safe just locked open...with the key in it. I guess I should have been happy it wasn't locked closed. I pulled the warranty card to find that it had looooong expired (I don't even think it was 90 days). It's now a paperweight.
These experiences led me to use my AmSec for only storing paperwork (the AmSec that worked), but to be honest I needed a bigger safe anyway. AmSec was not on the list of brands I looked at. But I digress...
Anyway, in all of AmSec's documentation I can't find the bottom bolt hole sizes. So the other day I called AmSec and was routed to customer service. It said that there was one person ahead of me -- and within a couple of minutes a live person answered!
She looked up up the bolt size (1/2") and even emailed me a pdf! Excellent customer service! Weird that their anchoring document shows a bolt with a PLASTIC expansion sleeve, but really the size is all I wanted to know. I include it here now. For my next safe (running out of room again) I will reconsider AmSec.
Looking for a good deal on Colt 6920s? They are still out there
Written by reg mathuszSeems like a lot of folks are marking these up quite a bit due to supply & demand. I am pleased that there a still some folks keeping prices down even though they could easily raise their prices. My local dealer Federal Way Guns is one such place and I just got an email from DSGArms: http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/CO6920.aspx that they now have Colt 6920s in stock for $995!
There are still good deals out there if you look and are willing to wait.
p.s. I am not affiliated in any way with either place but respect their business models, and really like my 6920 :)
Wife took my carbine...so a new Colt LE6920 / SP6920 on the way :)
Written by reg mathuszWell, I my wife has claimed my 'go to' rifle is now hers. It was a lightweight RRA that I put together. I can't complain, it replaces her past favorite - an Inland M1Carbine from CMP. It is a great rifle, but ammo is a little spendy (looked at the price of Speer Gold Dot 30 Carbine?)
I have other AR15s but nothing that I want to use as my 'go to' rifle. I started pricing out what I wanted, and those quickly rose to more than I wanted to spend or simply was too long of a wait to get. At the top of my list was a Noveske or BCM. Surprise! My budget (less than $1000) is less than my want list. I need to compromise want vs need.
Putting together a BCM seemed to be in the same ballpark as an assembled LMT or Colt. My local shop is a big Colt dealer (I think they are direct) and have good prices. Very few people will say bad things about the quality (and QC) of a Colt. Sure, sure, there is that whole name/price thing but they have come down dramatically over the years to be competitive. And yes, I have seen a few 6920's that shouldn't have been shipped out. Overall, however, they build a great product. Incidentally, this will not be my first Colt (I had an HBAR previously).
To reduce cost I will forgo free floated barrel and 6' of rail. This means I will not be able to attach my tactical Cuisinart for making margaritas. Again need vs want. I joke, but the $300'ish price difference between a 6920 and 6940 goes a great distance to paying for an EOTech and BUIS.
Time is also a consideration. While I don't need it this week, I want to get it well before November. There is that whole election AND end-of-the-world thing. lol. Despite what happens with either prices and availability will (excuse the pun) shoot up.
Colt especially sells everything they build. My shop had 4 come in this week. Two were pre-sold and the other two sold within a couple of hours. I apparently missed them by a day. I see them in stock online, if I want to pay $200 - $400 more. I will wait and support my local shop too. BCMs are hard to get also.
Before anyone gets upset about getting a Colt, I do own several other brands of AR rifles and I have staked my share of castle nuts and keys. The price spent upgrading parts (BCGs, stocks, buffer springs) can be put towards a new rifle and I still have my range rifles. I just want a low frills goto rifle where I don't have to do anything. Except for a place to put my batteries, an EOTech with BUIS and SureFire flashlight, the rifle will stay stock.
Will it be worth the extra $ vs a 'tier 2' rifle? I think so, but I will let you know.
Here is Colt's spec page: Colt Carbines
Safety Notice: Hornady recalls 500mag 300gr FTX
Written by reg mathuszPretty rare Hornady has an ammo recall.
Link: Hornady Press Release
Hornady Manufacturing Company is recalling seven (7) lots of Item#9249, 500 S&W 300gr. FTX Custom Pistol Ammunition. These lots were shipped between September 9, 2010, and October 17, 2011.
Item number 9249, Lot Numbers:
- 3101327
- 3110256
- 3110683
- 3110695
- 3110945
- 3111388
- 3111885
ornady Manufacturing Company ballisticians have determined that some cartridges from Lot #’s 3101327, 3110256, 3110683, 3110695, 3110945, 3111388, 3111885, may exhibit excessive chamber pressures. Use of this product may result in firearm damage and or personal injury.
DO NOT USE HORNADY CUSTOM PISTOL AMMUNITION
ITEM #9249, 500 S&W 300gr. FTX, FROM THE ABOVE LISTED LOT NUMBERS.
The lot number can be found printed on the lower portion of the box label.
THIS NOTICE ONLY APPLIES TO LOT #’s 3101327, 3110256, 3110683, 3110695, 3110945, 3111388, 3111885. If you own any one of these Lot #’s or have any questions regarding this recall, please call 800-338-1242. Hornady Mfg Company will make all arrangements associated with this return and replacement of the product.
ANY OTHER LOT NUMBERS OR ITEM NUMBERS ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL AND REQUIRE NO ACTION.
Thank you for your attention. We apologize for this inconvenience.
Review: Wilderness 5 stitch belt (and thoughts vs leather)
Written by reg mathuszI am a big proponent for using a quality belt (meaning durable, well-stitched and stiff) for CCW. In fact, I think that belt selection comes second to only the pistol itself (assuming proper, proficient, and safe usage). A holster and a pistol will tear up cheap belts and a non-stiff belt will not hold and distribute the weight of a pistol. It doesn't matter if it is a generic belt from Wal-Mart or a Kenneth Cole from Macy's -- for CCW you need a "gun" belt.
I would rather have a good belt and a $20 holster than a $20 belt with a $200 custom holster.
Traditionally, to me, this has meant a good thick 1.5" width leather belt. There are several good brands and Galco is a personal favorite because of quality, durability and immediate availability to me locally. I have had the same one worn daily for over 10 years! A little spendy at about $75 but after going through countless "dress" belts, well worth the money.
More recently folks seem to be recommending "instructor belts" made originally and famous by Wilderness. Recently, at a Armorers' Course I felt like a fish out of water being 1 (or 2) there NOT wearing one. That reminds me I need to order some tactical pants too..
I chose a Wilderness because they are reputed high quality (I have seen no complaints about their stitching), they offer exact sizing, and they are made in the U.S.. There are several other brands but they were not any less expensive. I chose 5-stitch since the 3-stitch doesn't seem stiff enough for a pistol. They offer an even stiffer "CSM" model which adds a layer of polycarbon in between the belt layers. I own a similar leather/carbon hybrid belt. It is VERY stiff. I think this has disadvantages too (see # 4 below).
It is basically a nylon-web belt that is double-layered except for the end portion that goes through buckle. This model has 5-stitches that run along the length of the belt to add stiffness. One side has a metal buckle finished in RoGuard black. The buckle is pointed so that a carabiner can be attached if using with a rappelling rig. The loops through the buckle and back through a "floating lock bar" that is inside the buckle. That lock bar basically pivots back and forth and has one size with teeth so that it grab onto the the belt locking it in place. This allows the belt to be cinched down at any point. The extra belt (after going through the buckle) goes to the side and attaches to the belt via velcro. No more flopping around! (disadvantage below) I didn't do any picture because there a million of them on the web and mine looks like every other one.
To me there are some other advantages to this type of belt:
- Price: they are available for about $40
- More impervious to wet weather (hello, Seattle!) and also dry quickly (vs. leather)
- Incredibly thin and lightweight
- Stiff (5-stitch) but still able to be rolled up compactly for transport (like in a pack)
- Buckle design allows infinite adjustment! no more having to choose between the belt hole that is either loose or too tight. This is great for carrying different loads, switching from no CCW to OWB or IWB. You could also use it in a pinch as a cinching strap.
- Slim buckle with RoGuard finish. You can also use it with a rappelling harness (I haven't done that in years)
I immediately put fullsize S&W M&P pistol in a BladeTech belt holster onto the belt. The pistol hung without any problem and was comfortable.
I then put on one of my heaviest pistols on it to see how it fared -- a S&W 1006 (about 42oz) also in a Hume OWB leather holster holster. There was noticeable drag in the holster from the heavier pistol (duh). I cinched it tighter to mitigate the extra weight. It carried well although slightly snug. Usable but not a comfortable as a good leather belt. My opinion is that if you are going to carry something heavy a lot you should get the CSM option (or a leather belt).
I had heard that looping the belt through holsters because of its double-thickness might be a problem. Not so. In fact, it was easier to thread through than my super-buff thick Galco belt.
One thing that is odd, at least to leather belt wearers, is that for most people the extra length of belt goes towards your strong side. Depending where you wear your holster this means that the length may run into your holster. In the couple of holsters I tried this was not an issue but I don't carry 3 o'clock. If you do, you will want to get a belt that is measured exactly (each manufacturer has instructions on how to do this) so that you don't get a belt with excessive length. Wilderness offers them in your exact size while others offer them in even sizes and some only S-M-L, etc.
Disadvantages? Not many and questionable importance, but..
- Slower to put on and take off, and noisy due to velcro
- I did notice that if you have a lot of pet hair in your hose it does also seem that the velcro on the belt attracts it.
- It is not very dressy, I couldn't get away with it at my work, although I am going to try.
- Extra belt length goes to the strong size
- Seems like they are "tacti-cool." Function over form for me, but not low key. You can wear a thick leather belt and no one will think anything of it.
- Thinness makes it harder to do the "one handed pistol rack" if that is desired. It is actually doable with the 5-stitch depending on the pistol but I suspect the CSM is better, but it is hard to beat a good thick leather belt for this.
I will see how well it holds up, but great quality and usability for the price!
ETA 2/19: added post on IWB carry available: HERE
Ok, Colt's new gatling gun SEE HERE is awesome, but with Dillon it has already been brought'd (I know, really bad movie reference).
It is not exactly new but defines awesome. If you are unfamiliar check youtube for videos.
Available for your armored car, Suburban, watch tower, or turret -- perfect for zombies, aliens, and just about anything else -- the almighty Dillon Aero mini-gun..
From http://www.itstactical.com/centcom/news/shot-show-2012-day-4-live-coverage/#more-11727
Eagle K9 Vest from SHOT - a different sort of awesome
Written by reg mathuszPerhaps I just like obscure things but here is an item that I haven't seen much about from SHOTSHOW 2012. Awesome in its own way. From Outdoor Channel:
I, of course, assume that it is a plate carrier and has hydration bladder attachments? :)
A solution to AR gas key staking and S&W dares to make an AR with 1:8 twist - both risk angering the internet!
Written by reg mathuszA lot of bandwidth is spent debating the 'proper' staking of an AR15 gas key. Additionally, some on the internet stress that having 1 in 7 twist is the best. I guess that this is because twist isn't optimized for different applications/rifles/bullet weights/etc. Reading some posts on internet forums you would think that any other twist simply won't fire a bullet.
Anyway, back to gas key staking. For some reason some folks are unwilling (or unable) to re-stake it themselves. DSARMS has come up with a non-traditional solution ds-arms-looks-to-end-gas-key-staking-with-thier-new-keyloc that is quickly visible to verify and requires no additional work. It is nice for the folks that simply don't like the look of the traditional hammer & punch method.
I don't know anything about their BCG's but it is very clean looking.
Oh, and on the second topic of twist did I mention that S&W is releasing an AR15 with 1 in 8 twist! http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_786006_-1_757785_757784_757784_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
Why do I mention it? Because they feel that it is the best all around twist for those wanting to shoot the range of 55gr - 77gr bullets. This is something that companies like Olympic Arms, Rock River Arms, LaRue have been saying for awhile.
Twist is always a compromise that I don't think that 1:7 is necessarily the best for a 16" bbl semi-auto civilian rifle.
From S&W:
the reasoning for the barrel twist change to 1-8 vs. 1-7 is to allow shooters with bullet weights in the 70-77 grain have optimum accuracy as well as shoot great with the 55-69 grainers.
Here is a nice little Shooting Times article about handloading the AR that talks briefly about twist: http://www.shootingtimes.com/2011/01/04/ammunition_st223_120606/
He is someone that agrees:
A twist rate of 1:8 inches is the best compromise for those who wish to shoot reasonably light and reasonably heavy bullets in the .223 Remington, and it is what I prefer for all-around use.
Some folks on the internet will be angry. :)
More...
So, it is the first full day of Shot Show 2012 and I have seen little that is truly exciting. So far, gunblast.com has the best pics @ GUNBLAST SHOTSHOW 2012. I am actually having a hard time finding out what is new. Are they clamping down on photos this year?
Here, so far, is my favorite new pic/item - a skull pattern stock - and from Weatherby! Yeah, I know, strictly aesthetic but definitely on the "I haven't seen that before" list!
Mossberg has a drum fed shotgun, and Hazard4 has some neat new sling bags. Hopefully there is more to come (it is only the first full day of SHOT).
Elle Magazine article: 'Should I buy a Gun' from a non-owner a suprisingly good read
Written by reg mathuszElle Magazine Article: After falling victim to a string of traumatic crimes, Amanda Fortini considers a controversial means of protection
This is an article by a lady who was a non-firearm owner who had never held or fired a pistol before. It is really well-written which is a pleasant surprise. Kudos to the author and Elle.
If you are wondering why I was reading Elle Magazine Online it is because the article was "recommended" by my local newspaper website due to whatever I was reading at the time.
Give it a read or have your wife/girlfriend/mother/etc read it if they are unsure about firearms.
Got some questions about the grips that I previously on my HiPower. They were the Herrett Grips that I got from CDNN for about $30. They actually fit pretty well. Since I had them off I put them on a stock FN HiPower and took a few pics. CDNN is out of them, but check around, I thought I saw them for sale from C&S.
I think that they look better on the flat black pistol. Sorry for pic quality, still haven't put my light box back together.
(Click on pic to enlarge)
Since I know folks are going to ask about fit on this modern cast frame pistol (mid 2000's) I thought I would snap a pic. The grip feels like it fits, but after examining it, it does need some fitting. The current fit does not impact functionality but I will fit them if I am going to leave them on this pistol. In fact, if I hadn't snapped the pic I would have never noticed.
(Click on pic to enlarge)
Hello all,
Here is a pic of my HiPower with a new set of VZ Grips' Pro Slims on them. First, their service was great, I got the grips in 3 days after receiving a confirmation email and a tracking #.
But, before you run out and buy a set for your HiPower you should know that they didn't quite fit either of my mid-2000's FN HP40. I assume that the current generation frames for the 9mm are the same. :(
Strangely, it did fit my 1968 T-series. I say strange because according to VZ's website it should fit late 80s+ pistols. Anyway, as for my intended target my mid-2000s MkIII--
The left panel front (towards front strap) does not sit flush against the frame. The right side is pretty close, but the stop of the tang (rear of grip) doesn't quite line up. You can't really tell in the pic though.
I am disappointed because the grips are clearly VERY high quality. The material is strong and thin. The texture is not very aggressive or sharp. They would have been perfect. Well, Per VZ they cannot be fit, I am to send them back for a refund. Too bad -- they looked great. Sorry for the pic quality, my light box is disassembled.
update 12/7/11 -- I had some questions about the fit, and I actually did take some pics. Here is the one that shows the gap the best.