Firearms General (235)
Lots of folks have expressed doubt of W. VA's intention to purchase new S&W 4566TSW's to replace their current 4566's. A copy of the PO is attached at the bottom of this post.
A lot of us are hopeful because:
- It means that S&W will have to make a run of 3rd Gen's (which they have promised to do if someone orders a large enough batch).
- It means that not all agencies are jumping on the polymer striker bandwagon (GLOCK and S&W M&P's were evaluated)
- Hopefully, the current 4566 sidearms will be traded in and become available on the secondhand market.
People like to criticize the S&W 3rd Gen's but unless you have actually shot one, especially a 4566 (not even necessarily a TSW) you have little room to talk. The majority of people that express shock at how the Glock 21 and M&P45 were rejected vs the 4566TSW have no experience with one.
I like M&Ps and Glocks as much as anyone else (I own several of each) but there is something special about a 4566 (and its much more rare sibling the 1066).
pre-TSW:
I have had one for a while. Actually, this is my second one. The first one had its snaps pop off and after a couple of washes the nice dark black looked grayish.
Sig gave me an RMA to return it and they swapped it out. This one is much higher quality (snaps held, better threading, and dye). My coworker recently bought one and it is too is more improved -- better color, more pockets, longer -- so they are improving the product.
The draw of the jacket is that it has built in holsters on both sides so that you can carry a pistol and magazines without requiring any type of additional holster or rig.
It does this by having two HUGE caverns of pouches on the left and right side. They run the entire length of the jacket and are secured by a full run of velcro. Internally stitched are stretch loops that will hold anything from a pistol magazine to a full size pistol. My P220 fits into the holster!
The jackets are visually appealing. I like the wrist snaps (vs elastic), and the fact that the waist is also non-elastic. These are both reasons I chose it over a comparable 5.11 jacket. Additionally, I really like the look of the collar.
The jacket is very subdued looking. Nothing about it screams "CCW" and there is no visible "SIG" logo to give it away. It is very tasteful. Family members thought it was just another Carhart jacket.
How HUGE is the pouch?
I was able to carry a P220 on one side, and two 5lb bags of beef jerky in the other! It actually makes the 5.11 Vest pouches (which are quite large) seem small! (Link to my 5.11 vest review)
Does it conceal?
Heck yes. Big grip pistols do leave a small bulge (more like a small lump). It doesn't look like a pistol and is in a spot not normally associated with where a pistol would be. In fact, I think it looks more like you have a pack of cigarettes (or politically correct equivalent) in your jacket pocket. Thinner pistols seem to work better. My P225 was almost perfect (as would a P239 also).
Heavy pistols do weigh down one side significantly! You need to offset this with something like a 5lb bag of beef jerky, or you will feel it drag on your neck. It does distribute better than a vest (well, there is simply more material to distribute the weight). My P220 was very doable, however, a 5" 1911 was uncomfortable. Adding weight to the other side to counter balance caused more pressure to be pressed against the back of the neck. Best to keep the 1911 strapped to the waist if you are going to carry it for any length of time.
J-frame BUG (backup gun)!
I don't know if they did it on purpose but the outside pockets (one on each side for your hand) is PERFECT for S&W J-frame snub nosed revolver. I mean ridiculously perfect. Other owners (ok, 2) have remarked the same thing to me independently.
The bad that has been corrected?
Some features, that mine doesn't have (that I complained about previously) have been corrected! My friend's has them now...
Longer. Concealing a full 5" 1911 and bending over is now possible.
More pockets, mine only has the two caverns and two outside. The new ones have at least one more, and you can now actually carry that pack of cigarettes.
Each generation seems to have better dye to retain color.
Things I would still like to see..
A pull tab, or some quick way to access your pistol. Currently it requires some coordination to separate the velcro to gain access. It is also LOUD to hear the entire length of velcro unhook.
Maybe it is just because I am in the Pacific Northwest, but I would like to see a hood, whether it be a snap/button on or a roll up kind.
The weight/thickness. It is not really a good cold weather jacket, but it is too heavy/thick for a warm weather jacket. Not too bad for out here where it is always damp and dark but otherwise limited seasonally. I would like to see something lighter and either a vest liner, or a separate heavier version.
Conclusion:
I really like this jacket and Sig continues to improve it.
I have had a 5.11 Vest for quite some time. I got an extraordinarily good deal from Botach Tactical on it a while back ($30 or $40 bucks!)
I got it because I wanted a quick way to carry gear for walking the dog. Coming home from work I wanted a quick and easy way to grab my normal dog walking gear. I usually carry a pistol, spare mag, flashlight, extra leash, dog treats, poop bags, water, etc. For urbanites I should mention that seeing coyotes and other animals is common.
The vest was a good option because I didn't want a "duty belt" which still requires a cover garment. The 5.11 Vest is pocket happy. I don't even use half of them!
Some highlights...
Did I mention the thing has a ridiculous amount of pockets?
The front is great, two M4 double mag pouches on the bottom left (which can hold a lot), and a big dump pouch which has elastic magazine holsters on the bottom right.
The back left and right side has elastic topped pouches, big enough to hold a Nalgene bottle or 32oz Gatorade bottles.
It has a zipper but I really like the front center snap. It keeps the vest fairly closed and most importantly from flapping around in the wind.
It is VERY lightweight. I have some friends that swear by the Woolrich Elite Vest. I really am impressed by them - the quality and durability is top notch. However, it is very thick and that makes it heavier and hot. It also gives it a very streamlined look whereas the 5.11 looks kind of ... well ... frumpy.
Frumpy is not all bad however. Being loose and bulky makes it look less "tactical." The Woolrich Elite Vest looks very SWAT'ish to me (not that I don't think it looks good). I recently wore my 5.11 to work where there is a wide spectrum of folks. The only comments I got were people asking me if I was "goin' fishing?" after work. Since I live in the Pacific Northwest it fits right in. If you live in an ultra-urban area, that might not go over so well. For me, unless I pack every pocket full, including 4 AR15 in the front I think it is fine. I keep reading reviews where people say it screams "CCW" -- for here, and that includes trekking around department stores and malls, I simply do not agree.
The internal pouches (left and right side are huge). You can pretty much put anything you want in there. They are lined with velcro to carry accessories, like a pistol. Well, supposedly anyway.
The bad?
The "B.B.S." system is supposed to allow accessories to be attached easily. The big one is the internal gun holster. Well, first of all you have to BUY the holster attachment. Ok, I did.
The holster is TINY. The only things I own that fit it are my S&W J-frame snub revolvers and 380's. Small pistols like the Kahr P9 or Ruger LC9 will probably fit but ones like the Glock 27 or S&W M&P 9c do not. Unless you cut the holster...
So, cut the holster I did. The Glock now fits physically. However, I was very disappointed with the way it carries. Unless you offset the other side it drapes to one side uncomfortably.
Which brings me to the "load distribution" of the vest. This consists of two narrow snap straps on the inside at the waste level that work as tie downs. Well, this severely restricts your movement and if you move to much it becomes unsnapped. Additionally, with it cinched down it causes an OWB pistol to print.
On 5.11's site I saw folks wanted to carry full size pistols like a 5" 1911 or Beretta 92FS in the internal holster/pocked. I think that the pistols will fit in the pouch either without the holster, or with a holster like Maxpedition's (basically a velcro loop) but it is not going to carry well.
A couple of notes...
The vest could be a little longer for folks that carry a 5" 1911 OWB. Bending over causes the bottom of your holster to show. Anything shorter seems to be fine.
The sizes run kind of weird. I have read online that they run large. This was not the case for me. I normally run a medium jacket. The medium 5.11 vest fit, but it was snug. Forget about trying to conceal a pistol (in the pouch or the hip). I got a large. It is roomy.
Overall...
A well-built product that works and has a LOT of pockets. I like and use it during the summer.
Musings about bail out bags - pt1: From the nightstand to grab bag (i.e. grab it during bump in the night or when the FD makes you evacuate your house)
Written by reg mathuszMusings about bail out bags - pt1: From the nightstand to grab bag (i.e. grab it during bump in the night or when the FD makes you leave because of fire)
Lots of folks have a "night stand" gun. I do. But what happens when you need to be mobile with the pistol? Do you go around/out with it in hand? Depending on where you live that may not be such a good idea.
I usually have a holster nearby but pajamas don't make a good platform. A possible solution? The "man bag"....I have posted about my Maxpedition Fatboy Jumbo a few times now and maybe I am just trying to justify its expense, but I am finding that it comes in more handy than just as a quick way to pack a pistol while walking the dog in the summer (and carry dog treats and water). It makes a great "grab bag."
Think of this scenario--there is loud knocking at your door in the morning. A voice says: "This is the Fire Department, you need to evacuate your house immediately!" -- Glancing out the window you see a fire truck hooking up houses to your nearby hydrant.
I give you this example because it happened to us. Our next door house was on fire and the fireman said that we were potentially only a minute or two away from our "flashing" and being in flames too!
We literally grabbed pants, jackets, shoes and anything important into the safe on the way out. My Glock 23 on the night stand came with me in my Maxpedition. Along with a couple spare mags (and dog treats and poop bags).
Luckily, the FD came in time to put out the fire and save our house from "flashing." The neighbor's house was not so lucky. It was condemned from fire/smoke/water damage.
But what if our house had caught on fire? Scary thought but it could happened through no action of our own. As much I like my Maxpedition it would not make a good bag if we had to stay in a hotel overnight (or longer).
Thus, IMO the next step is the 24hr bag (or variation like the 72hour bag). So, that's next...
Man Bag II: What fits in a Maxpedition Versipack Fat Boy?
Written by reg mathuszSomebody asked what will fit in the Maxpedition Fat Boy. I always keep a Glock 23 in it, so I decided to retry to see what fits.
Glock 23? Yes, you don't even need the holster strap (I have a velcro strap that I use, not the official Maxpedition one).
S&W M&P fullsize? Yes
Colt 1911/Government? Yes, although I didn't think it did. I seem to remember the zipper catching on the hammer/beavertail. I wonder if when the bag was new it was stiffer and didn't work. One thing to note is that my Colt is series 80 style with a classic round ring hammer and stock (pre-duckbill) grip safety. Big grip safety tangs or fancy hammer? That may not work.
S&W 1006/4506? Nope.
S&W 1066/4566? Yes (5900's should fit too)
Sig P225? Yes
Sig P220? Yes, I thought not, but it seems to. Doesn't extract well with Hogue rubber panels (duh).
FN FNX? Nope, hammer catches zipper
Browning HiPower? Yes, suprisingly with ease
3" K/L frame? Yes
4" K/L? Nope, well, at least not with fullsize Hogues, or wood presentations
Smaller pistols will, of course, fit but you definitely will want the optional "holster" which is a velcro loop (or similiar) to angle the pistol so it can be withdrawn easily.
Hope that helps!
Galco leather belt vs Blade-Tech hybrid belt (gun belt as a dress belt?)
Written by reg mathuszYou have probably heard that a key component of carrying a pistol (at least on the hip or the waist band) depends on your belt.
I don't care if you buy the belt at Wal-Mart or Macys -- their belts stink. They are not thick enough or rigid enough to support any serious weight. Heck, I have even bought a couple belts, including a Bianchi "gun belt" that wasn't good enough.
Years I have sucked it up and bought Galco. In fact, my primary 1.5" leather belt is a Galco. It is over 10 years old! It cost, what I thought was a fortune at the time (I think it was $60) for a belt. It was worth every penny.
For dress belts I have used various department store 1.25" belts. Despite not carrying a pistol (ok, maybe a J-frame Airweight a couple of times) these belts never last. I ended up buying one or two a year from just daily wear.
I thought, although expensive I should get a good belt and not worry about for a long time and possibly be able to carry a pistol with it too.
I went and bought a black Galco. It was $80!
Ah, but it did not disappoint.
I wanted a brown one also, but was balking at spending another $80. I happened to be looking for a Blade-Tech holster locally when I found their line of hybrid belts. These are leather with a kydex insert/backing. Interesting--it was also about half the price. In brown. Sold!
Both belts make excellent dress belts. Well, for that they are certainly over-built. But, I do find myself now snapping on a multi-tool, cell phone, flashlight to it.
Carrying a pistol? Amazing. Both belts easily support a pistol! I have strapped fullsize 1911's and my big S&W's (1006) to it without a problem. The rigidity of a 1.5" is definitely missed though. I wouldn't want to carry the big items for an extendeed amount of time. However, I was pleasantly surprised that either belt comfortably carries a Glock 23 or a fullsize S&W M&P with ease. I wouldn't hesitate to carry either all day.
The differences between the two? (leather vs hybrid leather/kydex)?
Well, to be honest glancing it is hard to tell the difference. Both belts look like quality products. The Galco is finished on both sides including the threads, while the Blade-Tech is finished on one side-- The underside is a light tan.
Wearing the two does have a different feel. The Galco, being a traditional leather breaks in and stretches. The more you wear it the more it molds and fits to you. After you have it a while you can actual see it take shape. Commonly it will bend at the buckle notch you frequently use. One thing that is nice (about leather) is as you put more weight on it the belt will actually slightly give. Wearing heavy pistols like the 1006 is very comfortable. An alternative way to read into that is that the belt is very forgiving if you gain/lose a little weight. You can flucuate, say from summer to winter weight (lol) and still remain on the same belt notch.
The Blade-Tech hybrid is stiffer. It does not give. If it is tight it will always be tight. If you gain ....winter weight.... you are going to have to move to the next notch on the belt. This also comes into play with a heavier pistol. It doesn't give so it pulls the pistol in towards you, regardless of weight, or your body.
The advantage? Man, carrying the pistol is SNUG and in close--great for concealment! Disadvantage? Not necessarily the most comfy.
The end result? BOTH are great belts, and I wouldn't hesitate highly recommending either one!
Ok, so in part II (click here: part I was the 357SIG) of my continuing defense of misunderstood cartridges is the 45GAP. Now, here is a cartridge designed to duplicate the 45ACP. Yet another unquestionably effective round with over 75 years of military service. Glock wanted to put it into their standard platform (read smaller frame). Currently, GLOCK is currently the only major manufacturer to offer a pistol in it.
It is common to see it poked fun at unfairly. The most common things I see are:
1. Serves no purpose
It does if you can't fit your hands around a Glock 21/30. It does if you want a big bore round but want to squeeze it into a Glock 17/19/26 sized pistol and not to mention weight class.
2. Hard to get ammo for
Harder than 9mm, 40, 45, but far from impossible. Prices seem to be in the same range as the 45ACP. Unless 45 is on sale.
3. Limited capacity
No more so than a standard 45ACP.
4. Doesn't have the +P capability of the 45ACP.
This is somewhat true, although there is a large contingency of folks that claim a 45ACP +P is not needed. I wouldn't sneeze at a 185gr or 230gr coming at me at any speed. I do like +P personally though. But then again, I like 45Super.
5. It is on its way out.
This argument is used for everything non-9mm, 40, 45ACP. Lots of state agencies carry it, and GLOCK is known for NOT discontinuing support for a product. Have no fear.
6. Only Glock makes a pistol for it.
Not a problem if you are ok with Glock. If not, you will need to consider something else. There are lots of 9's, 40's and 45's available. LOL
So, it duplicates (exactly) 18gr and 230gr ballistics of a 45ACP? What's not to like!
The one big advantage I don't hear people talking about that the 45GAP has a CLEAR advantage over the 45ACP is in SHORT BARREL BALLISTICS.
Because of the shorter case and higher pressure it will have little velocity loss when moving to short barrels such as a subcompact GLOCK. This is not the case with 3" 45ACP's. Folks like to read 45ACP ballistics, often forgetting that the most of them are for a 5" barrel!
Yes, 4" ballistics are similar but drop to a 3" Colt Defender (a great pistol btw) and you may be surprised at how slow that round may be coming out! Still think you don't want a +P round? Some common 45ACP rounds are going a little over 750 fps. Again, not that I could dodge it, but ballistics show the 45GAP fares much better losing only 30-50fps! (the #'s are out on GlockTalk).
For someone looking at a Glock platform pistol, big bore, and wanting a subcompact also the Glock 37/38/39 make a good choice. A lot less expensive than a set of 1911's too.
I get tired of the caliber wars on the internet. Shoot what you like!
Anyhoo...the 357 Sig seems to take its unfair share of criticism. It was originally designed to duplicate the performance of the police favorite 357magnum 125gr load. Unarguably, an effective round.
Oversimplified (and slightly incorrect), it is a 40S&W necked down to accept a 9mm bullet. The extra case room gives it increased case capacity (velocity) and the bottle-neck increases feeding and reliability -- although I have seen contradictory info on whether or not it 357Sig actually headspaces on the case mouth or neck.
Here are some of the arguments you hear against the 357Sig:
1. It doesn't do anything that a 9mm can't do.
Then why does everyone seem to need +P and +P+?
2. 9mm +P and +P+ can do the same thing.
Similar, but not exact. Make sure your pistol is +P rated, you shoot +P+ at your own risk, there are very few rated for it.
3. 357Sig ammo is expensive and hard to get
This is somewhat true, at least compared to standard 9mm and 40. However, shot much of that +P+ ammo? Not cheap or easy to find.
4. 357Sig is not a 357magnum.
Well, true. It does not have the flexibility of the magnum (bullet weight ranges). However, it does closely replicate the 125gr and 147gr (vs 158gr) ballistics. Now it is true that the upper range of 357magnum does blow 357Sig out of the water. But, remember the focus was 125gr bullets.
5. 357Sig is dying out!
LOL! People have been saying that about 10mm and 41magnum for years and years. Yet, I can readily find several brands on the shelves. There are quite a few law enforcement agencies (including State Patrols) that have standardized it. I don't think it is going anywhere for a while.
Early on, I read a law enforcement agency's review of the 357Sig (I want to say Henrico, but I forget). They wanted to duplicate their previous 357magnum performance. They tested 9mm, 40S&W, 357Sig, and 45ACP. I don't think 45GAP was out at this point.
It concluded that for barrier penetration (especially windshield) the 357 Sig 125gr performed the best. It was followed by 40S&W 155gr.
A few years after adoption they evaluated the wound ballistics from actual shootings. They found that the 357Sig actually did not reproduce the 357magnum 125gr. They had VERY different wound patterns. However, the end result (dead assailant) was the same.
But, I can tell you that a 3" 357Sig pistol (like a sub-compact Glock) is a lot more pleasant to shoot than a 2" J-frame revolver with full power 357 magnum loads! And at least in my hands, that results in better accuracy. I haven't clocked any loads but I suspect the 357Sig is more efficient velocity-wise also.
An additional advantage is that you can easily (depending on pistol brand) purchase a 40S&W barrel for your 357Sig and have two calibers in one! (usually mags are the same).
Shoot it. If you like it, then that is good enough for me. Better? Well, that depends on perspective. A Glock 32 is much more manageable and has more capacity than a S&W 686, but I wouldn't necessarily trade mine in for one. But that's just me. I am thinking about a 357Sig barrel for my Glock 23 though :)
Glock 19/23/32 vs S&W M&P 9/40 Fullsize (FS) part II
Written by reg mathuszThis is a follow up to:
"GLOCK 23 vs S&W M&P 9 FS"
which was a pic comparison request of the midsize GLOCK (19/23/32/etc) VS S&W M&P 9/40 FS (fullsize).
I have long said that the midsize GLOCK is one of the best ALL AROUND sized pistols. It is good for carry, target shooting, nightstand, etc. (notice I did not say it is the best in each category), but overall the best.
The M&P FS is designed primarily as duty pistol. It is longer and taller than the Glock 19/23. You can look up the specs but the pics show the differences. It is noticeable. But how noticeable?
Let's take a look at some common carry methods:
- Outside the waist band (OWB): Comfort is the same, concealability is close if you cant the M&P. The slide is longer so a longer, looser cover garment is required. This becomes much more important for IWB carry (see below). One thing related is that that if you carrying spare mags on the hip on your belt, the Glock polymer mag is more forgiving (it digs less noticeably into your side) than M&P which has a pretty big bottom lip.
- Shoulder holster: Equal
- Ankle: HA! Just kidding
- Inside the waistband: Read on...
I have been carrying my GLOCK 23 in a Comp-Tac CTAC holster. I decided to try my M&P 9FS in the most similar holster I have for it - Crossbreed SuperTuck Deluxe. The holsters themselves are different (hmm...another post idea) but accomplish the same thing.
The carry difference between the two (concealability, comfort) was almost identical despite the M&P's longer slide and height. The BIG difference is in the shirt or cover garment. You cannot wear a tight shirt with the M&P. The 23 was more forgiving (duh...shorter grip).
Both these holsters are supposed to be tuckable, meaning that you can tuck your shirt into the holster for concealment not requiring a jacket. To me, you are making your pistol harder to access, but a pistol is better than no pistol.
I have tried it with both and find that the M&P works but you can't hardly move. The Glock is slightly more doable but you can't sit or bend over. I, personally, would not recommend either for tucked if you are going to moving. The compact M&P's and subcompact Glocks are a perfect choice for that. Of course, one of each is your best choice.
As (if) things warm up out here in the Pacific Northwest I will be doing a 9c vs Glock 27 (SuperTuck vs CTAC) comparison too. I want to see how the Crossbreed does in HOT weather (so far only mid-80's).
But, overall the Glock midsize vs the M&P FS is not that a big of a difference in size and carry comfort/concealment. Well, depending on how/what/when you want to do with it.
Wisconsin becomes 49th state with concealed carry (CCW)!
Written by reg mathuszMore...
Passed both Houses awaiting Governor's signatureb who has indicated he will sign it (unlike his predecessor).
Congrats Wisconsin! Being in a state that has allowed it since the '70s we welcome you! (Yes that is a plug for my home state of WA) :)
NV Sheriff's vote for CCW reciprocity of 15 states
Written by reg mathuszSheriffs vote to recognize concealed weapons permits
Published: Friday, June 10, 2011 11:35 AM PDT
The members of the Nevada Sheriffs' and Chiefs' Association voted on May 5 to recognize the carry concealed weapon permits of 15 states as being valid in Nevada effective July 1.
The states are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee and West Virginia.
Nevada Revised Statute 202.3689 requires the Nevada Department of Public Safety (NVDPS) to review each states statutes that are used to issue a carrying concealed weapon permit. NVDPS is directed to do the following:
1. Determine which states have an electronic database which is accessible 24 hours a day that identifies each individual who holds a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon issued by the State.
2. Determine which states have requirements for the issuance of a permit to carry a concealed weapon that are substantially similar to or more stringent than Nevada's requirements.
3. These results and recommendations are to be reported to the membership of the Nevada Sheriffs' and Chiefs' Association for review and vote on these recommendations.
The list of qualifying States will be posted on the Nevada Department of Public Safety website www.dps.state.nv.us by July 1.
Oregon House sends CCW license holder privacy bill to Senate again
Written by reg mathuszThe battle continues to keep CCW license holders' identity, address, contacts, references (everything on the app) private.
Last year an OR Appellate Court ruled that a local Sheriff disclose this info to a NEWSPAPER!
Steyr C9-A1 (midsize kind of like a Commanding Officer)
Written by reg mathuszOops..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:
