Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Alright fellas, I need some advice from fellow CHL holders. I am about to apply for my CHL as soon as my birthday hits and will be buying a pistol to carry concealed. I have been debating which pistol to carry for probably near a year now. I have been stuck on a 1911 since forever because I love the look, feel, slimness, and shooting abilities of it. I was recently introduced to the H&K USP .45 ACP 12 round and loved the hell out of it. I know that pistol shopping and carrying all comes down to preference, but I want to hear from folks who carry large frame and wide pistols. Is it really that much of a burden to carry a large frame pistol such as this? My father carries an XD 9mm, which from my gathering, appears to be about the same size as the USP and he seems to have no complaints about it. I am a big guy and tend to think that I can handle concealing a large frame pistol fairly easily. This issue also comes down to DA vs. SA. I know that a cocked and locked gun is safe if handled properly. I have been around and using guns since a very young age and am extremely comfortable using nearly all types of firearms. For some reason carrying a cocked and locked 1911 still just scares the bejesus out of me and I would rather carry a loaded and decocked DA USP. Anyways, any thoughts on these issues/questions fellas?

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I rotate in and out of Glock 19, and 27. Both chunky guns but certainly not a steel frame behemoth.

I carry with one in the pipe its not an issue the double action trigger pull doesnt bother me. With all things train with what you are going to carry.

Not a whole lot on insight but its what works for me.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I am a huge 1911 fan. I carry my full size 38 oz "government" model. No matter what firearm you carry, get a good belt. Get a gun belt, or at least a two piece leather belt. They cut the pieces differently, one with and one against the grain. That way, when worn, the belt won't stretch. It will also be much more rigid and help support whatever gun you carry. "Gun belts" are almost always two piece and sometimes even have plastic inserts for even more rigidity.

As far as your concerns, do not be worried about carrying a 1911 cocked & locked. My Kimber has a fireing pin block that won't let it move until the grip safety is depressed. Then I still have to switch the thumb safety into position and pull the trigger to make it fire. It is not un-safe. That said, if you can't get over the mental hurdle, look for a different design. Many DAO type pistols have no real safety. IMO a cocked and locked 1911 is much safer.

If you haven't already shot both finalists, do so. If you have, it's really up to you. If I was going to get another pistol soon, it would be the Kimber CDP Pro-Carry. It is the 4 inch barrel with the full size grip, but it also has an aluminum alloy frame, trigicon 3-dot night sites, and an ambi thumb safety. I too am a big guy, and I can't stand my pinky hanging off of the grip of a firearm. Otherwise I'd move to the smaller "Ultra Carry" 3.5 inch barrel models.

Like cigars and our opinons of them, your advice will vary. Good luck.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

^^^ Agreed.

I highly recommend a 1911. Carry it for a few days unloaded (triple check) in condition 1 and try your hardest to get the hammer to fall. I was surprised that all the abuse I put mine through, the hammer never dropped. Solved my mental concerns about carrying that way.

Now, my primary CCW is a Dan Wesson Vbob. Conceals great, comfortable (its amazing how much width matters), reliable and shoots like a dream.

Good luck with whatever you choose, shoot everything and pick your favorite.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Should be badass. If feels fantastic. Only complaint I have is that the grips are VERY VERY slippery. They will need to be replaced asap. No problem to me. I'd like to have some mahogany colored curly maple.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Just introduced in January. Cannot even really get them yet. Any that the dealers have are display models and they will not sell them.
Pretty rad..
-9mm (obviously)
-made for deep conceal
-Carry melt is fantastic

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Who could buy a Kimber and leave it stock ;) Im sure I will end up with 10 sets of grips. Mammoth Ivory anyone :dr

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Looks nicer than my PM9.. I was never much one for looks, though. :) I've never seen a mirror that wasn't ugly.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

That Kimber looks sweet!

Pertaining to Drew's question about concealed carry, I am really jealous of you guys that live in a state that has concealed carry. Unfortunately for me, I am in one of the last two remaining states where concealed carry is still not allowed. Sucks!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I went from this
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...9/DSCN0441.jpg
to this on my Kimber Raptor 4"
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z...9/DSCN0475.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I saw these grips and had to order them for my Dan Wesson Valor. They should be here hopefully this weekend.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Cool looking gun, Alex!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

those grips came from "esmeralda grips"............and thanks, the wife says it looks pretty:r
http://www.esmeralda.cc/

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Im tired of all these damn slopes! When will I get to take a break from falling??

http://alum.mit.edu/news/QuickTake/A...rry-Thomas.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Esmereldas grips rock. Wish I had a 1911 to put em on.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Pete, she makes other grips as well.......Beretta 9mm, Ruger Single Six to name a few

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

this is my "retirement gift" from the Mrs:D (ok not this one pictured but close, all the same fixings)
Rem 700 Sniper Rifle in .308
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z20/CSMMH07/700.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Drew,

I carry a Springfield XD 45C in a Crossbreed Supertuck just about everyday. Whatever gun you decide is right for you I would look into a Crossbreed holster, it is the most comfortable holster I have carried. :2

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Ok gun guys, here goes.

I'll be buying my first house in a few months. I already have a 12 gauge that is kept locked up at my parent's house. I'd like to get a supplemental handgun, and will be taking the course in a month or two. Since money is always a bit tight, I'd like to make a decision on the firearm, so I can save up.

I have my eye on a Sig P239, or a Ruger LC9. I plan on getting the CCW, if the state of CT allows it, so carry size would be of slight concern.

What are your opinions on these? I'm a pretty decent shot with a rifle and shotgun, but I've yet to fire a handgun. I realize the 9mm would be cheaper for me to practice with, should that be weighted heavily?

As you can tell, I'm not much into guns. I'd just like to have the ability, should I really need it, to protect my family. FWIW, I've been plenty exposed to firearms, and used to shoot somewhat regularly when active in the Boy Scouts.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Not in my opinion.
Ease of use and ability to save your life should weigh the heaviest.
That's why I will never carry anything besides my Smith 38 snubbie.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

The way i figure it: if I am on a limited budget. Would it be better to have more experience with the gun (9mm), or more stopping power?

The sig is available in 9mm, .357, .40S&W

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

My only advice there would be avoid the .357 Sig round. It is not easy to find and rather expensive.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

See if you can find some place to try out a few different handguns. Some ranges have guns that you can rent/try. See what you can shoot most accurately.
I like all handguns but I'm not very good with revolvers. You may be just the opposite, don't buy until you know..:2

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

The above! ! ! There is nothing wrong with 9mm especially with the choice of today's ammo.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Got my first can in about a month ago, the Pac lite & Ruger a week ago, and just yesterday got a chance to shoot it.

http://gregpugliese.com/rugermark3/1.jpg
http://gregpugliese.com/rugermark3/2.jpg

Looks like I've got a new addiction. Later this summer I'll probably start papers on a 9mm or 45acp can.

I'm leaning towards 9mm due to round cost, but 9mm subsonic isn't as common as .45acp subsonic and I'd need to buy a 9mm host gun, whereas if I went .45, I'd just have to get a threaded barrel for my 1911.

I've heard of people shooting 9mm with their .45acp rated can, but I'd be curious about the noise report.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Suppressors.....sweet. :dr

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Thats a great looking setup Greg. I am really diggin the rail on top too! Very cool

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Nice Ruger Greg :tu

I'm going to look to get my first can on a 45 I purchase this year.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

very nice 22 setup

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Thats a great looking gun, haven't seen one around, but this might be the only thing that can give my PM9 a run for the money, I love that little gun

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

And a little show and tell from me...

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c8...s/DSCN2126.jpg

1943 Remington Rand M1911A1, holster is dated 1943 as well

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c8...v/DSCN3181.jpg

A pair of Makarov's, an Imez and Baikal

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c8...U/81cb619e.jpg

Rock River AR-15 with lots of goodies

Have a few others stowed away as well...

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Nice Brian! :tu

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Thats a nice 1911 Brian, cool to see a matching holster with it too!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Taking the wife to the gun store today to buy her M&P 9mm for her trip to Gunsite in May. Pics tomorrow, I hope.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Good stuff guys, keep it coming.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

OK I've posted a few comments in this thread. Time to share a picture.
My Para-Ordnance P-14.
The slide on the gun in the picture is a Les Baer, with Bo-Mar adj. sight, full length guide rod, NM bushing, Para stock barrel. The grip safety, main spring housing, safety are Ed Brown products. Can't remember what brand the hammer or Carbon Fiber trigger I used in this build.

The slide not on the gun is the original, but with a few mods too. I also installed a full length guide rod, buffer and removed the series 80 parts. The slide was also machined for the install of the Novak rear sight and dovetail front sight.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...DSCN1156-1.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Great choice on the M&P Ryan. I love mine. I have shot/used a Glock on duty for 10 years now and it has never failed me, I switched to the M&P with a little trepidation as I know my Glock, but after putting a few thousand rounds through it I have had no problems and it goes bang every time just like my Glock.

The M&P is much nicer to shoot as the angle of the grip is much better than the Glock (no trouble finding my front sight) it's a great choice for your wife.

The 1911 is sweet and I love the way they feel and shoot, I would never carry one if my life depended on it though as I have seen way to many of my co-workers 1911's go to **** at the range, I could only imagine if they did that during a gun battle, but it is a sweet gun.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

ordered an EOTECH 552 today. My gun should arrive Tuesday, sight on Friday. Cant wait for this week :D

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Glad to hear it. Unfortunately they were sold out at the store the other night, so we had to order one. But they said it will only be a few weeks.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Thanks Sean, for a 68 year old gun that saw action in WWII, it still shoots accurately and handles current ammo without a problem. Not bad for a gun built by a typewriter company!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Well here's my contribution to the thread...All Smiths, all .38 special except for the .357 mag on the right.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I never liked the series 80 trigger. Colt ruined a beautiful thing. I love the Swartz Safety now used in Kimbers and many others where the firing-pin block is deactivated by the grip safety. Much better alternative that doesn't ruin the crisp clean SAO 1911 trigger.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

My BIL Micah is looking to sell some 223/556 ammo. Some 2000 rounds of it. He recently sold his LMT AR-15 and he's looking to dump all or most of the ammo. PM me for prices if you're interested. We are looking for a local buyer, shipping prices tend to kill ammo transactions.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Great video, thanks Jeff.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Very cool video. Thanks for posting.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Just picked up my Spikes Tactical M4 and I must say its exactly as advertised. They included a hard case and black Magpul magazine which is pretty badass. My only gripe is the selector switch feels a little loose, it doesn't crisply snap into position. Other than that it looks great and everything fits well together. Will post pics tomorrow as I am on my way to work.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Congrats! Magpul mags are awesome and ultra-reliable, I've put a few thousand rounds through mine with no issues at all. If you keep your eyes out they can be had for a good price too. I bought 5 at one time for $100 total at a gun show

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Here are the pics of my Spikes Tactical LE M4. I'm really happy with it minus the fact they forgot to put on the upgraded trigger system that I ordered and instead put on the standard trigger. They are sending it to me and now I have to pay a gunsmith to put it on. Hopefully going to shoot it tomorrow.

http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/4688/044r.th.jpg
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/2184/045ua.th.jpg
http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/3077/046xz.th.jpg
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/3540/049ck.th.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I posted this picture earlier, but I wanted to ask about finishes. I've always wanted to have the frame hard chromed, but don't want to spend the $220.00 to get it done.
There are a lot of good things said about Cerakote.clicky
Just wondering if anyone has used it, or had a firearm finished with this product? Its going to to be a DIY project..How hard can it be..? (Famous last words.)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...DSCN1156-1.jpg