Pulled the Trigger... (New Firearms Thread)

[fm2176]

24 minutes ago, ChrisK said:

Hey Will. Sorry for the absence but life sometimes takes us on new adventures. Anyways just retired from sp as a Sgt and task force commander. Being newly retired with a 2 year old, a 5 year old and my Wife and not having a cruiser armory in my drive I now carry with credentials ( I never did before but due to unprecedented social and political events my Opinion and Attitude has changed) and my home is as well defended as it was when I had my cruiser at home.  I am not a gun nut and I do not get into politics but like most American Cops I fully support and encourage Citizens to own and TRAIN with firearms. Great topic starter! Also I am sure you know about Palmetto State Armory but if not check them out. Very pleased with their service.

 

Thanks for sharing this, and for your service.  I've been back and forth on applying for a local department and applying for the State Police and have already contacted both.  I'm also considering careers outside of law enforcement, since it is probably as dangerous a profession now as it ever has been.  Louisiana State Police offers better training and pay than many municipalities, but I like the thought of serving the local community.  Also, LSP has had some issues both in the Academy and on the force, but I think that new Troopers can help to continue changing the culture in that agency.  Honestly, I'd apply to the Sheriff's Office in my parish, but most SOs down there require rookie Deputies to serve in the Parish Prison.  I have no desire to be a CO, so if anything I'd apply as a patrol officer in the city and eventually consider transferring if I wasn't fully attached to being a city cop.  The city (and especially the unincorporated areas covered by the parish's Sheriff's Office) can be a rough place, but the parish I'm moving back to is mostly rural, with the two largest towns having their own Police Departments. 

 

I think that training and education are everything, be it dry fire drills with a cleared weapon or dummy gun (or even one of the lookalike BB guns they make nowadays), range time with both target and carry ammo, or even just reading up on self defense or police use-of-force incidents.  Situational awareness is also key to avoiding the need to use a weapon, and to surviving if that need is unavoidable.  One does not need to be a gun nut to be able to defend themselves or loved ones, and having a little revolver in the pocket is much better than having a tricked out AR15 in the gun safe miles away.

 

I've heard of Palmetto State Armory but haven't purchased anything from them.  I'll definitely check them out, as I plan to eventually replace the sights on my G17 and maybe make a few other upgrades.  Congratulations on the recent retirement and best of luck in your future endeavors.  It seems like a lot of retired cops continue serving in other departments or agencies despite the inherent danger of the profession.  We just lost two career cops here in Virginia, Campus Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson and Officer John Painter, both of whom had long careers with other departments.  The social and political environment of today, fueled by the media, has essentially created a war on cops, with the NYPD losing two recently as well, and too many more being ambushed or targeted simply for wearing a uniform and doing their jobs.  I've been monitoring the status of East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Deputy Nick Tullier for almost six years now.  He was one of the wounded Officers and Deputies, with three others being murdered by a guy who drove over 700 miles to target Baton Rouge LEOs in 2016.  

 

 

[ChrisK]

Yuppers. Got a slick AR pistol in .223/.556 which almost is on par with my patrol rifle that I carried for years in both SWAT and as cruiser carry. I bought factory blemished for $449 plus FFA of $25 for transfer. Had it within a week, looks brand new. Also…AR pistol is a laughable description by the feds. It’s a .556 rifle barrel. Amazing what they pass off because of a stock. Great rifle…I mean pistol 😉. Great price too. Check out there Dagger gen III Glock too. Nice pistol. And yes. It’s a pistol.

 

Also…thank YOU for your service Will. Good luck on the job hunt. I would like to say…be a cellar saver. Those guys are for the most part loved and can have a second job while they work to save lives! My Dad always questioned me for getting out of rescue and going with the blue canaries…

[fm2176]

The Dagger pistols must be popular, as they are all currently out of stock.  The AR pistols, along with other rifle or submachinegun based pistols, are slowly growing on me.  I recently saw an ad for an MP5, have thought about getting a Krinkov-style pistol, and of course have been keeping an eye on the AR pistols.  It seems that there was a scare last year about the legality of pistol braces, with the ATF (or is it AFT?) flip-flopping on their definition.  I've known a number of people who've done the paperwork to register short-barreled rifles (SBRs), but it seems that the basic intent of an SBR can be met with a legal pistol these days.  I was looking at the MCK Micro conversion kits last week.

 

For the majority of my career, I've been assigned an M4.  When I first joined, a lot of the Army still issued the M16A2, and my Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) class was issued brand new A4s back in 2001.  My first unit was part of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and as Light Infantry we had the M4 Modular Weapons System (MWS), while the 3d Infantry Division (3ID) Soldiers we served with in Baghdad had A2s.  I qualified for my Expert Infantryman's Badge with an M16A2 while assigned to The Old Guard, then was the Company Armorer when we picked up brand new A4s.  The Old Guard, being the face of the Army and stationed near DC, got all of the latest and greatest gear for the three companies that deployed in support of the War on Terror (B Co to Djibouti in 2003, D Co to Djibouti in 2007, and C Co to Iraq in 2009).  When B Co got back, their M4s were distributed throughout the Regiment, so I was assigned one of those.  By the time C Co deployed, they got brand new factory M4A1s, while the rest of the Army gradually upgraded their M4s to the A1 configuration (full auto instead of three-round burst and an ambidextrous safety, among other modifications).  We had ours converted in 3ID around 2015, and by the time I became a Drill Sergeant a year later, the Fort Benning Weapons Pool issued the M4A1 (I was yet again a Company Armorer in addition to being a Senior Drill Sergeant...fun times).  We had at least one Trainee experience a "malfunction" and fire a couple of bursts once--needless to say the Drill Sergeants closest to him made him regret the safety violation.  As for me, I've only fired burst or auto with blanks (besides the SAW Gunner days, of course), usually either as Opposing Forces (OPFOR) or when I'd catch Privates on guard duty sleeping, while serving as a Drill.

 

As I sit at home typing this, maybe I just miss being the "trigger puller" I enlisted to be.  I carried the M249 SAW the bulk of my time in Iraq, but also served as a Grenadier with an M4MWS and M203 later on during that tour, being given back the SAW before most patrols, as I was considered one of the better SAW Gunners in the battalion.  I also carried a M4 for a while after rolling an ankle and being unable to go on patrols, eventually receiving the then-new AN/PAS-13B(v)2 thermal sight issued to the Platoon.  That became a bit of a problem later as the Platoon considered me the thermal guy, and when we ran out of PAS-13 batteries I found myself carrying the Command Launch Unit (CLU) for the Javelin.  No Javelin rounds (fortunately), as I wasn't a qualified gunner and there was no armor threat by then, but my status as the "gun guy" became kind of a curse as I had to have the CLU ready at all times.  Probably the coolest AR-style firearm I've had custody of was the XM177E2 we had in one of the four Arms Rooms I've been in.  The guy I replaced claimed to have taken it to the zeroing range once, where it key-holed at 25 meters, but I never fired it or most of the other weapons in there besides my M4, Brown Bess musket (powder only, for better or worse), and the M9 I was issued when escorting weapons through DC and Northern Virginia.  

 

I'll end this wall of text shortly, but I'm really looking forward to moving to the next career.  Becoming a Firefighter hasn't necessarily been at the top of my list, but those who serve as such are definitely to be admired.  Being the nostalgic sort, I rate Emergency! up there with Adam-12 and wish our society was still so simple, despite the turbulent times our nation experienced in the '60s and '70s.  I've also been thinking of going through EMT training, especially if I decide to go into law enforcement.  I've been through the Combat Lifesaver (CLS) course a few times and can treat basic wounds, but I want to gain the skills to be able to better serve others and to feel fully equipped for such a career.  Regardless of whether there's a paying First Responder job in my future (I might just as easily work at Home Depot or even go back to my pre-Army days as a mechanic), I'll likely eventually volunteer for some department, agency, station, etc.  

[Eric - TIA]

Sounds like a cool experience and background.  When you carried the M249 SAW, if you were on foot, did you have to carry all the ammo or how did that work.  I am sure that would be heavy as hell.  Sorry maybe a dumb question but just don't know how that works.

 

In regards to your EMT, I took mine a while back.  It's not bad at all especially if you all ready have experience.

[fm2176]

Definitely not a dumb question; there's a lot of things I don't know about the Army.  Usually, SAW Gunners carry their own ammo, with 600 rounds being a basic load.  I carried 1200 rounds in Baghdad, and two hundred rounds of linked 5.56mm weighs roughly seven pounds, so it adds up.  Each unit has a different Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), and small unit leaders usually have some flexibility, so some squads would see a drum or two of ammo carried by the Team Leader.

 

The SAW Gunner is usually considered an Automatic Rifleman and most SAW Gunners receive virtually no training on machine gun tactics.  Perhaps worse is the tendency a lot of junior leaders have of assigning the weapon to the newest Private instead of the senior or most experienced Private First Class or Specialist.  The "new guy" gets told to draw the M249, qualifies at the range, then is somehow expected to be effective while carrying the most casualty producing weapon in the Infantry squad.  The Machine Gunner, assigned an M240, has a team ideally consisting of an Ammo Bearer and Assistant Gunner.  The Gunners are often the senior personnel in the Weapons Squad behind the Weapons Squad Leader (who is usually the senior NCO in the platoon behind the Platoon Sergeant).  Also, the M240 ammo is often distributed across the platoon, meaning the Gunner only carries a 100-round belt in the gun with maybe a spare belt or two on their person.  A well trained gun crew does crew drills together regularly and can effectively employ the M240 quickly, though they usually have time to set up a support by fire line.  The SAW Gunner, on the other hand, carries the heaviest weapon and the most ammo in the maneuver elements and is expected to keep up with the Riflemen and Grenadiers.  

 

What a lot of junior leaders and Soldiers don't realize, however, is that the M249 is also a light machine gun when mounted to a tripod or pintle.  Despite the fact that there are plenty of mounted M249s on vehicles, their gunners still receive minimal instruction on how to properly employ them.  Initially, my battalion was tasked with setting up a static defensive position on a ridge and blocking one of the Republican Guard divisions.  We had been training with platoon and even company sized formations (typically, the Light Infantry squad and platoon are the largest formations used while moving) and the SAW Gunners were told that we'd be issued tripods for our mission.  Senior NCOs were throwing out terms like enfilade and defilade, and I realized I didn't know the difference between those two or any other machine gun concepts.  They must be the same, they sound similar!  I'd been trained on clearing rooms, patrolling and reacting to contact, and even entering a trench to secure a foothold, all Automatic Rifleman tasks.  Long story short, I started reading and eventually memorized the Characteristics of Fire chapter of Field Manual 23-68, learning what a cone of fire is and how the beaten zone and enfilade fire are intertwined.  All boring stuff to most civilians or those who don't have access to automatic weapons, but beyond valuable when engaging enemies in combat.  I essentially taught myself how to be an effective machine gunner despite never even serving in a Weapons Squad.  

 

One final thing, it does seem as though doctrine and/or unit SOPs have determined the SAW is a light machine gun.  Being left-handed, I always carried my M249 like I do my carbine or other weapons.  Low ready as a left-handed firer.  I even had the Fastex clip on my left shoulder in lieu of a sling, like I did with my M4.  When we got back I was training another left-handed firer on the M249 only to be corrected that it was incorrect to train Soldiers on the SAW left-handed.  Later that year, when earning my Expert Infantryman's Badge, I had to train and test as a right-hander on everything besides the M4 and M9.  You learn something new every day, but my time as a SAW Gunner (and range time with the M240) showed me that both can be employed left-handed.  Then again, maybe it was the fact that I've always had to adapt to right-handed guns, from magazine releases, to cylinder catches, to bolt-actions.  

 

Another day of telework, another lunch over, and another long-winded post about Army stuff with far too much handedness in that last paragraph.  

[Eric - TIA]

Sweet, thanks for the overview on how it works.  I can't imagine how much you were carrying around out there.  Not just the weapons but with everything else.  

[fm2176]

5 hours ago, Eric - TIA said:

Sweet, thanks for the overview on how it works.  I can't imagine how much you were carrying around out there.  Not just the weapons but with everything else.  

 

"Light" Infantry is anything but.  I read S.L.A. Marshall's book The Soldier's Load and the Mobility of a Nation a long time ago, but have taken away the fact that as even as we get better and lighter gear our load will stay the same or continue to grow.  I've often stated that the Infantry stopped being fun when we started wearing body armor all of the time.  "Train how you fight", even if it results in heat casualties and injuries.  We wore stripped down Interceptors (they have removeable groin, neck, and throat protectors) with ballistic plates in Iraq in 2003.  By 2014, my battalion was doing forced marches in full body armor with plates and attachments, along with full combat loads.  They did one training mission that culminated in an 18-mile march in 100-degree heat, with most Soldiers carrying at least 100 pounds between weapons, armor, and equipment.  Fortunately, I was gone by then.  

 

I'll keep this short, but we do typically kit up for the mission.  Heavy rucksacks aren't normally worn on patrols, and the Army has made our gear more modular and adaptable.  In 2001, we used the ALICE rucksack, which is still a favorite, and my unit procured commercial assault packs.  When we got MOLLE II in 2002 it came with a large rucksack and an assault pack which was in need of much improvement.  Now, our issued MOLLE systems have improved large rucksacks and assault packs, along with a very nice medium rucksack.  The load bearing equipment, mounted to a Tactical Assault Panel (TAP), is much better than than the old LCE-II gear (think Vietnam or the Gulf War) or even the Fighting Load Carrier (FLC) issued before the TAP was adopted.  Special mission units often use different gear, including commercial of-the-shelf items (COTS), that we regular guys and gals don't get.  Some Soldiers also like spending their own money ("geardos" is one word for them), but I'm happy with the issued items.  Fortunately, over the years I've accumulated a basic issue-plus, so I'll have plenty of kit for when I go on Atchafalaya Basin excursions or if I take up airsoft.  I've also never missed the chance for a footwear or clothing issue, which we typically get to keep after exiting the service, so I guess my retirement reward will be a lifetime supply of boots and camouflage clothing in five different patterns.  😀

[Eric - TIA]

Thanks for the info.  Amazing on how it has changed.  That is a heck of a day, 18mile hike with 100 lbs. and 100 degrees outside.  Never realized how big Atchafalaya Basin was until I just looked it up, crazy.

[fm2176]

2 hours ago, Eric - TIA said:

Thanks for the info.  Amazing on how it has changed.  That is a heck of a day, 18mile hike with 100 lbs. and 100 degrees outside.  Never realized how big Atchafalaya Basin was until I just looked it up, crazy.

 

It's crazy to think about how much the military has changed since 2001.  The ALICE system was essentially just an upgrade from the canvas M1956 pattern gear, and our other equipment was mostly similar to that issued in the Korean and Vietnam wars.  In fact, the equipment was still largely compatible with pre-WWI load bearing gear, with hooks and eyelet attachment points along with the newer ALICE clips.  Early MOLLE II kits even provided ALICE adapters for legacy gear to continue being used.  It's quite different now, with the average rear-echelon Soldier being issued better equipment than even Special Forces received in the 1990s.

 

We used to conduct a 25-mile march every three months when I served in the 101st, albeit without body armor and heavy rucksacks.  Most of us probably carried no more than 50 pounds during those, and the time standard was relaxed somewhat from the 15 minute/mile Infantry standard for 12-mile marches.  

 

As for the Atchafalaya Basin, it is massive.  I haven't ventured into the Basin itself, having merely passed over it on I-10 or state highways.  My neighbor, on the other hand, is an avid outdoor sportsman and regularly takes his boat out there.  I'll probably be a bit cautious until and if I become familiar with the area, as it's easy to get lost and has plenty of fun creatures like snakes and alligators.

[fm2176]

We made a trip to the flipper home yesterday, renting a metal brake to knock out the trim.  Siding is starting to go up, most windows are installed, and we have a front door to hang when we go back next week, if the hired help doesn't install it before then.  I did take advantage of the opportunity to fire a few rounds through the Glock and Taurus, since the house is in a rural area.  Of course, I confirmed that I wasn't violating any laws prior to shooting in the back yard, and ensured that I had a decent backstop.  The property isn't really suitable for setting up a range--and the wife might be less than happy if I regularly used this investment property as such.

 

It's been years since I fired a handgun outside, and I was surprised by how subdued the sound was compared to rifle/machine gun fire or firing at an indoor range.  As a Drill Sergeant, I regularly wore double ear pro, with disposable ear plugs covered by Peltor ear muffs.  One thing I always avoided was being near an M240B machine gun when it was firing blanks.  For some reason, those are unusually loud; the M4 and M249 are relatively quiet with blanks, but the M240B seems louder with blanks than it does firing live ammo.

 

It's time to clean the guns here in a bit, probably while a lot of people are watching today's sporting event.  I've used Otis cleaning kits for a couple of decades now, and more recently started using Rem Oil instead of military-grade CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Preservative) for lubrication of my firearms.  I joined the Army shortly before a lot of units started buying Otis kits for Soldiers to use in lieu of the USGI issued cleaning kits.  Otis has a pull through system with a coated cable instead of steel cleaning rods, and over the years I've amassed quite a number of kits and individual components.  From the tactical kits that were issued in my earlier units to the Defender Series a lot of units have issued more recently, and even a 7.62mm machine gun kit I got from the Otis rep at an Infantry Warfighters' Conference years ago, I'm pretty set.  I also lucked out and found a couple of FG-1000 Elite kits for about $20 at an Exchange years ago.  

 

So, it's about time to break out the new Glock cleaning mat, and a 9mm/.38 caliber bore brush.  Hopefully everyone has enjoyed their weekends.

[Eric - TIA]

The FG-1000 Elite kit looks pretty intense and might get that one.  I have cleaning supplies all over and just need a good kit where it's all together and can just lay it out on a table and have everything right there.  

 

Nice you got to fire a couple of round with you Glock and Taurus.

[fm2176]

Well, I have my newest pocket pistol, a Ruger LCP Max.  It's chambered in .380 ACP (aka 9x17 kurz) with a ten round capacity, and 12 round mags are available (the LCP II has a seven round capacity).  The pistol cost $385 and came with one magazine, an extended floor plate, cleared chamber device, cable lock, and a nifty little pocket holster.  It's been a long day, so I haven't done a side-by-side, but it seems to be roughly the same size as my Kel-Tec P32.  

 

I have some old ammo somewhere but plan to buy a box or two along with at least one spare magazine.  I was tempted by a 3" barreled Taurus 856 for a little less, but decided to fill the niche of a .380 pocket pistol.  

 

They also had the G45 in stock.  I was considering one a few weeks ago and may still get one eventually, but I don't think it will offer anything over the G17 when carrying.  The barrel and slide are a bit shorter, but I may look into a G19 and/or G26 first.

 

The LCP Max will probably be my mailbox gun, something to toss in my pocket when I go outside.  Granted, the likelihood of needing a firearm is slim to none, but it's always better to have and not need.

[Eric - TIA]

I think my next buy is the Ruger LCP Max.  Looks like a great gun and would like to get this.  

[fm2176]

I found this comparison of the LCP Max and P-32.  Basically, the LCP Max is about 1/4" thicker, over 1/2' taller and weighs 4 ounces more than the P-32.  My other pocket pistol the Beretta 3032 Tomcat weighs more than the LCP Max but is smaller in most dimensions.  When it comes to self-defense, though, I think the Ruger is worth the slightly larger footprint.  Both the Beretta and Kel-Tec are .32 ACP with a 7+1 capacity.  If I need to defend myself or others, I wouldn't feel unarmed with either of those, but would prefer 10+1 .380 ACP rounds.  

 

This is the first Ruger I've owned, though I'm sure I'll get another.  I've long considered a 10/22 and wouldn't mind a Mini-14 or Mini-Thirty.  

[Eric - TIA]

Thanks for sharing and good to know about both pistols.  

[fyrfytr998]

A thread right up my alley………

 

I love guns and shooting. My EDC is a Glock 26 which I had customized. I also built a Poverty Pony AR, lol. Only issue is I live in a blue state that’s constantly oppressing my 2A rights. My wife’s EDC is a G42.

 

I’m more into buying power tools until the latest round of gun legislation gets resolved, but I’m looking forward to buying a G43x MOS and retiring the 26. Might look into getting an AR9 at some point if they are still legal here, or wherever I move to after retirement.

[Eric - TIA]

Nice looking side arm.  I am in a blue state also and it's crazy how these politicians are towards the 2nd.

[fm2176]

Nice looking Glock.  I've yet to get into customized firearms, but very well may one of these days.  I guess I'm more of the quantity over specialization sort...can't really say quantity over quality because most modern firearms are of inherently good quality.  I put some Farrar rubber grips on my Beretta in the '90s, and the Ruger Vaquero I inherited from my father-in-law (meaning the LCP is not the first Ruger I've owned, after all) has some faux pearl grips on it (fortunately the original wood grips are in the box), but otherwise my handguns are stock.  

 

I wouldn't want to live in a Blue state.  Anti-gun politicians, celebrities, and gun control advocates feel good doing something to attempt to curb gun violence, despite it being next to impossible to truly take guns off the streets in the US.  Most of the most crime-ridden areas are those with the strictest gun laws, proving that criminals are just that--criminals.  A drug dealer or burglar isn't going to be worried about whether they can legally own a gun.  Heck, it's usually an additional or upgraded charge if you use a firearm in commission of a felony, but that seems to be hardly a deterrent for a lot of people.  

 

I have a fair number of magazines that would be illegal if I lived in a state like New York or California.  Hell, I'd probably go away for the rest of my life for the scores of 30-round AR15 mags, dozens of 15-round Beretta M92 magazines, and other "high capacity" mags I have spread out between here, Georgia, and Louisiana.  Magazine capacity laws, "assault weapon" bans, and other "feel good" legislation is ineffective, in my opinion, and serves only to garner votes.  It would be much more effective to prosecute those who commit the crimes and to utilize existing laws to ensure they are unable to reoffend.  Since at least 2020, however, it seems that a lot of prosecutors and judges have become enablers, employing a catch and release philosophy that allows even violent offenders to walk free.  

 

[fm2176]

Another day of carry...still have to order one or two spare LCP Max mags, so it's going to be that and the tried and true P32 with a spare mag.  The Para-Ordnance with three mags is the car gun of choice for the day. 

 

I need to get some good holsters.  Still thinking of a shoulder rig for the Model 29 and need to find my old M1911 and Beretta IWB holsters.

[fm2176]

On 3/26/2022 at 9:40 AM, fm2176 said:

Another day of carry...still have to order one or two spare LCP Max mags, so it's going to be that and the tried and true P32 with a spare mag.  The Para-Ordnance with three mags is the car gun of choice for the day. 

 

I need to get some good holsters.  Still thinking of a shoulder rig for the Model 29 and need to find my old M1911 and Beretta IWB holsters.

After I shared this I realized that it was an ACP day, with .32ACP, .38ACP, and .45ACP being the order of the day.  Went out earlier with the LCP Max and the Model 29 for a backup.  

[fm2176]

Pulled the trigger on a...okay, maybe not.  I went to the local military installation today in hopes of coming home with a G26 (or maybe an AR15), only to find their gun counter is closed on Mondays.  I'm fairly certain I saw the G26 Gen 5 price set at $555 at the installation I'm assigned to, but priced at well below $500 where I went today.  

 

I'm still tempted by the G45 but realize that I should have really done more research before buying the G17.  I honestly like the size of the 17, probably due to my carrying of full sized pistols like the Beretta since I was 18.  Then again, if for some reason they have a S&W Model 19, I might have to pay an AR15 price for the revolver.  I need to take the time to stop into the police supply stores I used to frequent.  Surplus service revolvers are much rarer now than they used to be, but perfectly serviceable Glocks, SIGs, S&Ws, and other service pistols can be found for cheap, as can shotguns and maybe even the odd AR15 (but of course, not the military surplus M4s some departments receive).

 

Unbeknownst to me, my sister's property has plenty of space to do some short range shooting.  We went there for Easter and, despite being next to a major interstate, the property stretches back to a river with a nice embankment on the other side that makes for a great backstop.  I had the Ruger LCP Max (still haven't ordered a spare mag) and the Taurus on me, so I decided to let the kids do a bit of shooting after an impromptu gun safety and handling session.  Of course, no one was going to cross the river to place a target, so I designated a fallen tree near the waterline and let them shoot.  I allocated four rounds per, with the exception of my 13-year-old daughter who was going to get two rounds.  My sister's sons (16 and 20) took their turns, then my son and his girlfriend (both 21).  All handled the little revolver well, especially the teenagers, considering they were first-time shooters.  Next time, I'll bring a few boxes of ammo and more guns, and maybe even cross the river to emplace a proper target.  Regardless my son is setting up a proper range day for me to teach a little more and do some shooting of various long and hand guns.  

[fm2176]

Well, I think I'm almost set for retirement now.  Rugers were 10% off if purchased with the Military Star care, so I picked up a couple.  First was an EC9s, a neat little single stack 9mm with a manual safety (which I won't use most of the time) and a 7 round capacity.  It's basically an alternative to the LCP Max for those who prefer 9mm to .380 ACP.  Those interested should check out this comparison with the LCP Max.

 

When I left this morning I planned to pick up another 9mm Glock, either the 26 or 45.  Then I thought about the G20 they had in stock a few weeks ago and, since I've never owned a 10mm, I thought I'd check it out.  It was gone, and the 10mm G29 they had didn't appeal to me due to the lack of a full grip or magazine finger rest.  Though I wanted two handguns, I decided to look at long arms instead.  I ended up picking up an AR-556, which officially brings my semi-auto rifle collection to two.

 

While there I bought two spare mags for each firearm, and later I picked up a little ammo along with an LCP Max mag.  Also Magpul MBus backup sights for the rifle, as it didn't come with any and I think I'll do a bit of research before deciding on an optic.

 

Time to sneak the rifle in, set it up, and battle zero the sights.  Besides the three mags I got today, I probably have close to a hundred in storage, so when I move south it's time to order some ammo and find a good range!

[fm2176]

 

I think the above video offers decent advice, but I may eventually get around to sharing a couple of select photos.  With the AR, I now have a moderately modern three gun combo (AR-556, Mossberg 590, and a variety of pistols) along with a Cowboy Action setup (Winchester 94, Stoeger coach gun, and Ruger Vaquero).  Now I think I need to complete the classic police package.  My much lamented Model 19 complemented the Winchester 1200 riot gun rather well, and I found a Combat Masterpiece for sale earlier today, along with a Colt King Cobra.  

 

Oh, and thinking like this is what's going to find me searching for a Webley revolver for the No.4 Mk1*, a Model 1917 revolver for the Enfield M1917, a P38 for the Mausers, and so on.  Eventually, I may find myself looking for a transferable M60 and M16A1 to go with the 1911.  🤣

 

 

[fyrfytr998]

Here's a question......

 

How many of you home carry? I do sometimes, but either way, I have something always safely stored within arms reach.

[fm2176]

9 hours ago, fyrfytr998 said:

Here's a question......

 

How many of you home carry? I do sometimes, but either way, I have something always safely stored within arms reach.

 

I usually do, albeit without a chambered round if carrying a semiautomatic, just in case I leave it downstairs.  If something isn't on my person it's within a few feet of me.  

 

My son gets home from work late at night and the front door doesn't close smoothly.  I don't know how many times I've gone downstairs to find the door unlocked if not cracked open.  While I live in a low crime neighborhood I like having the deadbolts locked at all times, whether I'm awake, carrying, not carrying, or sleeping.