Firearms General (235)
I have been silent on the Springfield XDS recall mainly because it is all over the internet and I have nothing new to say. In general, I find SA's support to be superb. While this may be there first recall (and learning experience) it is not their first XD problem. People have forgotten but the early XD's were plagued with striker breakage (hmm..they were not the only ones with this striker problem) and they had a policy that they would not send out replacements (you had to send the pistol in). This caused me to choose another brand of striker pistol, the S&W M&P (both registered trademarks which I am not affiliated with) which ironically also suffered striker breakage problems. However, S&W (tm) did just send me a replacement striker. SA XD's also had finish problems which led to them using the Melonite process to treat the metal. The date that this occurred is actually somewhere in a post on this blog.
None of this is to detract from Springfield Armory. I am still a huge fan, own their pistols, and find their customer service excellent. In fact, in a blog post here recently the XDS was on my potential buy list. I ended up not getting one because, well, I think they are a little spendy for what they are, and (ironically) too new. Although I haven't gotten it yet the Glock 30 won out for me. Springfield can survive this. Lots of recalls lately- S&W (tm) Shield (tm), Ruger SR9, Walther PPK, etc. Even almighty Glock has had its share of factory "upgrades." I remember sending in my Glock 21, although quite a few years ago. They all have survived.
However, this isn't to say that they handled this recall optimumly. The blog post below is from a current owner and I agree. The blog is also a neighbor :)
http://clarkcountypolitics.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-springfield-armory-is-screwing-up.html
P.S. It is also noteworthy that SA doesn't actually make the pistol. They import them from Croatia. For some reason folks seem to not know this. They are actually made by IM Metal and were originally imported under the name of HS2000. This fact only exacerbates the complexity of coordinating a recall.
Oct is time for another handgun! (rambling) Thoughts on the Beretta 92FS and other things...
Written by reg mathuszWell, it is October and that means that I should buy another handgun. I know that should please Piers Anthony and Jim Carrey immensely. Oh well!
I was recently impressed with Beretta USA's statement that they may move from restrictive Maryland. That ended up not coming to fruition, but they did state that any future expansion would be elsewhere. That is at least a start and is more than some other big East Coast gun companies. It is noteworthy to mention that Magpul & PTR have moved, Kahr & Ruger have moved some operations, and Colt has expanded in Florida.
But I digress. Why the Beretta 92FS/M9? This is prior to blogging but back in 1985-6 I was not a fan. I couldn't believe that the venerable M1911A1 which had served for 75 years and was being replaced by a pistol with undesirable features (my list of cons at the time):
- big
- fat
- 9mm
- looong heavy double-action
- slide mounted safety
- integral front sight
- open top design
- complicated (# of parts) design
-
I wasn't a big fan of the 9mm, but if I had to have a 9mm it should be a High Power. I still love the HP, but 9mm ammo has come a long away and a lot of my early criticisms are not a concern to me any longer.
Well, almost 30 years later I have come to admire the pistol. One has to admit that despite the controversy and "problems" it has served the United States well. When I say problems I mean specifically the Italian metallurgy issues (that brought about the 92F to 92FS) and broken locking blocks. Both these issues appear to be very limited in scope. Compare to other folks recalls lately (hmm...that sounds like another blog post in itself).
Other "issues" like the effectiveness of 9mm FMJ in combat or bad contract magazines can't really be blamed on the pistol.
What else changed my mind about the Beretta 92FS? Actually spending some range time with one! First time out with one I was able to qualify marksman with it. I was amazed at how straight shooting they are. The craftsmanship on this particular one was exemplary (it was a 90's Italian if that makes any difference). The pistol operated liked butter - the trigger/hammer although ridiculously long and heavy were superb and everything about it was smooth without grittiness. Pull the action back on one, cock the hammer - no break in required!
You may have noticed that I am not a big fan of the looong and heavy double-action trigger. At the time I was coming exclusively from the world of 1911s and HiPowers. I didn't like any DA but the Beretta in particular was stood out as excessive. Since then I have a lot more shooting experience with DA pistols and well, have become more proficient with them.
Ironically, DA-pistols once claimed the pistol thrown and were all the rage, are now out of vogue. In fact, try and find one. There are few made in the world of single-actions and strikers. Take a look at Ruger's offering. Ruger pistols were once dominated with double-action pistols in just about any caliber. Now there are none. The P95 (under-rated IMO) was on there the last time I looked, but must have been recently removed.
My, how times have changed. When the U.S. Military announced M9 adoption everyone rushed out to buy one - at inflated prices. Now, I called around to find one and the youngster who answered the phone at one shop didn't even know what one was! Forced to looked it up he said that they were discontinued and that all I could get was a compact, INOX (which he had no idea meant stainless slide with silver frame), and M9A1. The 92FS is still in the Beretta catalog, so I hope that they are made. I was bummed that I did not see the Brigadier offered any longer. I don't think the slide beefing up is needed any longer, but I don't see it as a detriment.
The Beretta 92 was designed in 1972 so it is not that old of a design, at least when compared to the 1911 or the HiPower (adopted in 1911 by the U.S. and 1935 by Belgium respectively). I pick these two pistols because they are were designed by John Browning and influenced almost all small arms pistols that have come since. If it has a tilt barrel, it is based on Browning's designs. Did you know that one of the HiPowr prototypes was a striker pistol? The Beretta 92FS however is completely different and to me that makes it stand out.
So, what about that list of negatives? Well, they are still there but keep in mind that it is a duty pistol. For me, it will be a range and a nightstand bump in the night pistol and will be perfect. I also suspect that its smooth functioning and non-existent recoil will make it a hit for training new shooters. I still wouldn't considered it as a primary CCW pistol.
Sometimes, things are worth taking a second look.
High Noon Undertaker Shoulder Holster Review
Written by reg mathuszI have been wanting to get a new shoulder rig for driving. I currently have a couple, but they are for full-size all-steel pistols and I think that something a little more weight would be more comfortable. I have also been wanting to get another holster for my FNX. I only have the stock (BladeTech) OWB currently.
So, when I saw a close out sale from High Noon with an Undertaker for $70 I jumped at it. Actually, they had Glock 19/23 Under Armor too but I didn't call fast enough the next day. I would have bought that too :) The difference between the two holsters is all leather with hard molded holster vs a synthetic leather like material which is unmolded. I have an Under Armor holster for my S&W (tm)* 1066. It is very leather-like and nice.
*I am not affiliated with the company known as "Smith & Wesson" in any way. It's trademarks are held by whoever they are held by.
Anyway, the Underarmor was a left hand, but they were able to flip the holster portion inside out to make it a right hand. The only difference is that traditionally the smooth side of the leather faces out, while the rough is on inside. In this case it is flipped. This is strictly cosmetic and makes no difference functionally.
I have to say that I am VERY impressed! The holster is very simple in design and quite frankly very well put together. I have only tried a handful of shoulder rigs, with the Galco Miami Classic II being my favorite - at least up until now. The High Noon Under Taker is by far the most comfortable I have worn yet.
I like to wear my holster and mag carrier to ride fairly high up. Galco seems to think that it should ride much lower than I would like and I run out of adjustment. Maybe I am shorter than the average shoulder rig wearer (I am 5'7").
Some observations follow:
High Noon leather quality is very nice, in fact nicer than some other holsters I own. I don't know if it makes any difference but Galco feels like it is sealed or laminated. The High Noon does not and that makes it feel less stiff. Maybe that is why it is more comfortable?
-The High Noon comes with very simple hardware--I like that. The only bulk is from the leather itself.
-The High Noon comes with keepers. VERY VERY nice touch! Since I like the holster/mag carrier to ride up high, there is a lot of extra material.
-The High Noon comes with a lot of notches for adjustment. One pair almost goes up to the top. I found putting that side in the back worked best for me.
-The High Noon's straps are all the same size. Depending on the Galco rig you get this may or may not be true (MC's are the same while the SSII has larger front straps).
-The High Noon mag carrier is drop down. This is similar to the Miami Classic. The Maimi Classic II holds the mags horizontally. I really like (and have gotten use to) this. The horizontal mags are very fast to access. However, the drop down are very secure with the flap. Dual snaps also allow multiple magazine sizes - I tried Glock 23 mags without any problem. Note: Both the MC and MCII can also accomodate mutiple sizes.
Driving with the High Noon was great. Success!
And now some pics. I apologize for the pic quality, my light box accidentally got destroyed in my garage and I have to make a new one. Camera is is my Nokia Lumia cell phone -- I am lazy tonight.
Click on any pic to view the full-size.
Cocked & locked! High Noon gears their holster for hammer down but it works fine.
Simple hardware works great. They do pivot.
Straps pivot on the center diamond. Note the keepers - there are four, although only two are visible in the pic.
Mag crrier
Mag carrier
"Selfie" (haha) just to show how I like to position the holster and mag carrier
Holy cow! These inexpensive mini-safes are not so safe...
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2012/07/28/researchers-show-how-easy-it-is-for-toddlers-to-open-a-gun-safe/
Last year, before the mad rush, finances required that I let go my BushMaster Govt (profile) 20" AR15A4. This was a pre-Cerebus rifle and beautifully finished. It went to a good home to someone who appreciates it. I had always intended on replacing it with a BCM. But then the hysteria hit. I also forgot that one of my first rifles (a while ago) was a Colt Sporter Match HBAR. Regret selling it, but at the time I never used it.
BCMs are still impossible to get but I am happy to see that Colt will be returning to the market! You may have noticed that they have lacked a 20" rifle, well, except for the neutered CA legal versions.
Here is the listing from Clyde Armory: http://clydearmory.com/colt-ar15a4.html. Google them if you are not familiar. They are legit.
For me this is a must have! In fact, I am going to put $ down tomorrow! :)
Pic from Clyde Armory (click on pic to enlarge):
Here is a pic of the roll marks from ARFCOM (thread).
Click on pic to enlarge:
Ever want to drop your favorite AR stock and see if breaks?
Written by reg mathuszNow that AR parts are somewhat more available I am able to replace some stock stocks (haha). The M4 stocks work, but there are definitely better in terms of durability (or so I think) and especially storage. For my 6.8 I even would like to replace an M4 stock with a full A2.
So who builds the "best" one? Everyone has their opinion and favorite brand. Ever want to drop-test all of them and see which comes out ahead?
Well, GearScout.com did and it makes for a good read: http://blogs.militarytimes.com/gearscout/2012/02/01/buttstock-bashfest-gearscout-finds-out-just-how-far-tough-talk-goes/
The good news? It seems like they all did comparably. The bad news? The all broke.
Oh well, I still need some place to put extra batteries.
Multnomah County Sheriff suspends concealed weapons permits to out-of-state (WA) residents
Written by reg mathuszSource: opb.org
"So the sheriff made the decision to go ahead and focus on Multnomah County resident applications, try and reduce that backlog, and then we'll re-open the process for Washington State residents who have business here in Oregon."
Oregon is a little different than most states in that while resident CCW licenses are required by law (shall issue) if the person meets the requirements, non-resident CCW licenses (contiguous states only) are completely discretionary (may issue). This means that the it can (and does) vary from county to county. I know of at least one county that simply does not issue to non-Oregon residents.
It would appear that the Multnomah County is currently inundated by applications. We can assume that since they get a lot of WA applications because of Portland. They state that they will reopen the applications at least from WA in the future. What about the other states, I wonder?
Is it coincidental to the fact that Multinomah County just passed some interesting new firearm restrictions? New restrictions include the open carrying of a firearm while hiking and making it illegal to have a loaded magazine in "public" even if you don't have a firearm! See source: Oregonian
I guess we will find out what happens in the future.
Glock Gen4 goodness (with pic) and good news - Blue Labels shipping now!
Written by reg mathuszMy local gunshop called to let me know that my Glock 23 and 27 Gen4s had come in! They said that Glock was definitely shipping now and that they had received more Glocks in the last two weeks than they have all year. Blue Labels, even for law enforcement were running almost two months. My pistols took 2 1/2 months.
Initial impressions?
Build quality is very good. Finish looks like it has changed again. It is more dull and a little greyer. It looks like it will scratch easier than previous iterations, but it is too early to tell. Frame is still stamped made in Austria - folks had been telling me that the all U.S. made models had replaced the Austrian made ones. While the U.S. made models do exist, it appears that they are not in U.S. distribution yet (at least for the models I bought).
The trigger?
It also seems that Glock has been doing some work here. The original Gen4 triggers felt gritty, heavy and stiff (IMO), at least when compared with Gen3s. This pair have great triggers. It is clean with a crisp break. In fact, I think that the reset it better than the Gen3. The break itself seems to have less of the "sproing" found in Gen3s.
The feel?
I really like the "cuboid" grip texture. The small grip of the 23 fits my hand even better than the Gen3. The 27 small grip may be a bit too small. Range time will tell. I didn't like the mag release in pics but it does feel pretty good. I found nothing wrong with the Gen3 release so I would have preferred that they didn't change it.
That's all I can think of at the moment. I am glad to have some Gen4 to gain some experience on. Even the Glock Armorers Course was very light on them. I will report back when I get some range time on them. Unfortunately, I didn't expect both to come in at the same time, so I ran out of $ to buy ammmo :)
Eventually these will replace my other non-Glock brand polymer pistols as my daily CCW.
Obligatory camera phone pic below (click pic to enlarge):
All chambers loaded (revolver cylinder) and the pioneering Charter Arms firing pin safety
Written by reg mathuszI was talking to someone that is very firearm knowledgeable and I was surprised to hear him say that he carries his backup (a J-frame revolver) on an empty chamber.
I know that this was common in older revolvers, however most modern brand name revolvers have some sort of firing pin block. In fact, most of them are based on the Charter Arms design back in (I believe) the 60's. A lot of folks do not realize that Charter Arms released their design to the rest of the gun manufacturers - royalty free!
There are several variations of the revolver firing pin block system: S&W (tm - owned by its respective company) previously used a pivoting firing pin on its hammer and its more recent firing pin block and Ruger uses a transfer-bar safety.
In a nutshell, I have no hesitation carrying a modern quality revolver all chambers loaded. A J-frame only has 5-shots to begin with! Strange that a person would carry a J-frame with the hammer on an empty chamber, but have no problem carrying a striker-fired pistol chambered. But you need to do what you feel comfortable with.
In fact, I think I will also buy a couple of Charter Arms revolvers. I saw a southpaw lightweight at my LGS and the quality was very good, although a little rougher than the other two brands. I think it would smooth out nicely.
If you have recent experience with Charter Arms, please drop me a line. I am interested to know how it has worked out. Their new moon-clipless revolvers intrigue me.
Pelosi "I know the Consitution": Speaks of 1st Amendment (!) Right to Keep & Bear Arms and workplace recreation/hunting
Written by reg mathuszShe is one of our Senators. She represents CA. She writes and votes on legislation (although by her own admission doesn't read it first). And as she says:
I know the Constitution.
Well. She doesn't. And she doesn't even know she doesn't.
From http://michellemalkin.com/2013/02/10/constitutional-scholar-nancy-pelosi/ which has video:
“We avow the First Amendment. We stand with that and say that people have a right to have a gun to protect themselves. in their homes and their jobs, whatever, and that they — and the workplace and that they, for recreation and hunting and the rest,” Pelosi inarticulately told Wallace."
Apparently we have the right of workplace recreation and hunting.
If you haven't contacted your legislators yet, I urge you to do so immediately. I have posted the letter I wrote as a sample, as well as links to finding and contacting your legislators.
My sample letter: http://fortreg.com/firearms/?p=2715
More...
Feinstein & Boxer in lala land: Asks CA civilians & police to lay down arms ushering in peace
Written by reg mathuszThis illustrates that Senators Feinstein and Boxer live in LA LA LAND. They are asking as a sign of how the people want gun control for civilians AND law enfocement to lay down their arms!
“The Senators feel the best course of action is to remove all weapons from law enforcement and private citizens so no one else gets hurt,” said a Senate communications intern. “When the gunman realizes that nobody else is armed, he will lay down his weapons and turn himself in…. that’s just human nature.”
Throughout the day, Senators Feinstein and Boxer made desperate pleas for their California constituents to turn in their guns and not confront the crazed gunman because this would be a perfect test of their anti-gun proposals.
Here is a great article/source: http://cleowaller.blogspot.com/2013/02/feinstein-and-boxer-ask-californians-to.html?spref=tw
SeeCamp's wonderful captive dual-spring recoil system & how everyone copied it...
Written by reg mathuszGlock Gen4s get a lot of flack for using a captive dual-recoil spring.
Ironically, Gen3s used them also but they were limited to their subcompact line: 26/27/etc. and also the much larger (although still called sub-compact) 29/30, etc. Other companies have quietly adopted them too, including S&W. I wonder how long until other companies adopt them for their full size pistols?
Now there have been some problems with the Gen4s dual-springs when used in the full-size pistols. It appears it has more to do with trying to use the same spring for multiple calibers. Something that Glock is famous for - instead of another part they slightly vary the mass/weight of their slides and use the same Recoil Spring Assembly (I will use Glock's acronym "RSA" here out).
The fix? A new recoil spring. According to Glock this was to reduce perceived/transmitted recoil to the shooter but also to reduce "battering" to their pistols. During their Armorer's course they specifically listed the 40 S&W as hard on pistols. They didn't say it but they implied that law enforcement guns had to be replaced/rebuilt mroe frequently than they would like.
You may have seen me refer to this captive system as the SeeCamp recoil system. SeeCamp was a pioneer in sub-compact pistols. They built a pistol and the dual-recoil system that actually works. I have attached their patent 4201113 from 1980. LINK to PDF: US4201113. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any actual pics.
The Glock 26 RSA from http://www.southernoutdoorlife.com/mouseguns/glockall/stripped.jpg:
But Glock isn't the only one. Let's take a look at a few others in no particular order...
Colt Defender from: http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc177/DoubleAction77/Defender/000_0005.jpg
Kimber (Aeigis, CDP, etc): http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i160/thegerk/Colt%20Automatics/Colt3inchDefenderRecoilsAssemblytopKimber3inchRecoilAssemblybottom.jpg
STI: http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i64/tideclean/DSC00842.jpg
S&W 659: http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/zz62/prsabordo/smith%20and%20wesson/102_6394.jpg
Rohrbough: http://gunsgunsguns.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/4-Rohrbaugh-disassembled-300x176.jpg
S&W Shield: http://gunsgunsguns.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/8-disassembled-step-4.jpg
Springfield XDS: http://gunsgunsguns.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/10-disassembled-passive-safety-300x181.jpg
I include the S&W 3rd non-captive but still dual spring because it is similar (secondary spring is used as a buffer): http://www.vintagepistols.com/images/4506-4.jpg
Along somewhat similar notes Colt has been using dual springs for a while. Both the Delta Elite, Officers, and Mustang use dual springs of different weights and circumference so that one fits inside the other.
Colt Delta Elite: http://www.gunblast.com/images/Colt-DeltaElite/DSC05149.JPG
Colt Mustang: http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQjUzH8knvW6eFf7seTPqfZ1VtZjAvwOKWfuwbrVjzQIZI3VZG9uA
ParaOrdnance P10: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/sv1cec/reviews/POcarry9/IMG_1139.jpg
So you can see that Glock is not alone in using the SeeCamp as "inspiration." All from a design and a sub-compact pistol made over 30 years ago! Glock, AFAIK is one of the few to put them into a mass production full size pistol. One has to wonder too...the S&W M&P Compact uses a standard single spring RSA. However, the Shield as we can see uses a dual-spring. hmm..
CA introduces semi-auto ban & confiscation - can't be outdone by NY
Written by reg mathuszNot to be outdone by NY as the most restrictive state regarding firearms CA has introduced a new draconian bill:
The 10-bill package constitutes the single largest gun control push in decades in the Golden State, which already boasts some of the nation's strictest gun laws. It joins equally controversial proposals from Assembly Democrats that would regulate and tax ammunition sales and consider taking the state's 166,000 registered assault weapons from their owners.
I heard that next for consideration was a complete ban on birthday candles to follow (and expand) on Australia's model: http://world.time.com/2013/02/07/australian-kids-face-birthday-candle-ban-to-prevent-spreading-germs/
CA "high capacity" (actually std cap) Mags = Public Nuisance and confiscatable already
Written by reg mathuszSomebody asked me for details on my earlier blog post about travelling through CA that high capacity mags (normal mags to most people) are classified by California Penal Code (recently) as a "public nuisance" and subject to confiscation. These are changes for 2012.
Here are a couple of sources:
and
and
and you might be surprised what else is on the list:
California Penal Code Section 18010
Legal Research Home > California Laws > Penal Code > California Penal Code Section 18010
(a) The Attorney General, district attorney, or city
attorney may bring an action to enjoin the manufacture of,
importation of, keeping for sale of, offering or exposing for sale,
giving, lending, or possession of, any item that constitutes a
nuisance under any of the following provisions:
(1) Section 19290, relating to metal handgrenades.
(2) Section 20390, relating to an air gauge knife.
(3) Section 20490, relating to a belt buckle knife.
(4) Section 20590, relating to a cane sword.
(5) Section 20690, relating to a lipstick case knife.
(6) Section 20790, relating to a shobi-zue.
(7) Section 20990, relating to a writing pen knife.
(8) Section 21190, relating to a ballistic knife.
(9) Section 21890, relating to metal knuckles.
(10) Section 22090, relating to a nunchaku.
(11) Section 22290, relating to a leaded cane or an instrument or
weapon of the kind commonly known as a billy, blackjack, sandbag,
sandclub, sap, or slungshot.
(12) Section 22490, relating to a shuriken.
(13) Section 24390, relating to a camouflaging firearm container.
(14) Section 24490, relating to a cane gun.
(15) Section 24590, relating to a firearm not immediately
recognizable as a firearm.
(16) Section 24690, relating to an undetectable firearm.
(17) Section 24790, relating to a wallet gun.
(18) Section 30290, relating to flechette dart ammunition and to a
bullet with an explosive agent.
(19) Section 31590, relating to an unconventional pistol.
(20) Section 32390, relating to a large-capacity magazine.
(21) Section 32990, relating to a multiburst trigger activator.
(22) Section 33290, relating to a short-barreled rifle or a
short-barreled shotgun.
(23) Section 33690, relating to a zip gun.
(b) These weapons shall be subject to confiscation and summary
destruction whenever found within the state.
(c) These weapons shall be destroyed in the same manner described
in Section 18005, except that upon the certification of a judge or of
the district attorney that the ends of justice will be served
thereby, the weapon shall be preserved until the necessity for its
use ceases.
and here is what Section 32390 says (just a circular reference):
Except as provided in Article 2 (commencing with Section
32400) of this chapter and in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section
17700) of Division 2 of Title 2, any large-capacity magazine is a
nuisance and is subject to Section 18010.
