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Happy Holidays, my friends! I spent the Christmas holiday with my family in Mexico. My family has a home that is perked up on a mountain overlooking the largest freshwater lake in the country. It was the first time that my siblings and I have spent Christmas in Mexico and it has been well over 40 years for my parents. In the spirit of the forum, I have included photographs of my grandfather's Pre 70 Series Colt 38 Super Automatic that was produced in 1966. He gave it to my father prior to his passing in 2006 and my father gave it to me on Christmas Day.

I had a friend that was handy with a welder, make this for mine. Might not stop a 30-06, but will keep all the pistol rounds from ventilating it. http://

Hello everyone, I'm brand new to the forum, and pretty new to the state. My family and I just moved up to Knoxville from the metro Atlanta area back in October, and we love East Tennessee so far! Work has been too busy for me to set aside time for the concealed carry permit class, but I'm hoping to get that taken care of in the next few weeks. I'm also hoping to try out some IDPA matches pretty soon as well.

I agree. The criteria is quite limited, and would seem only to affect those who I probably wouldn't want to be around if they had a gun period, much less provide them with one. The alarm is of course just due the general mistrust for abuse many most have regarding the fed's potential for abuse -- and the fact that so much is determined by a "rule" rather than enacted law. - OS

I wrestled with the idea of reloading for over 20+ years, trying to justify cost vs. what I can buy new ammo for. The only way I could justify the cost was to look at the variable cost only (powder, bullets, primers) vs. new ammo cost. I even lumped my brass into my fixed cost (press, dies, cleaning), this would finally yield a positive return (very minimal), then Sandy Hook happened in late 2012. All of the factory ammo dried up, and it changed my reload model from a cost savings model to a necessity model. Then I made all of my investments to reload every center fire ammo I shoot approx. 8 calibers. Having done heavy research at the time, it seemed that most reloaders always had a single stage press in their shop, either as a carry over from their first press, or something to handle one off calibers or simply to push out spent primers. So I read and listened, and purchased the Lee Breech Lock Classic Cast Press. Its large, and can handle up to 50 caliber reloading (I don't have a 50, but may have a 338 Lapua on the distant horizon). So why share my story? Looking back after reloading 5000+ (total) in varying calibers using my single press, I have no regrets, I have learned so much, very easy to setup, easy to change calibers, but yet I still do not feel I can justify a Dillon yet. Besides, I very much like my little setup. I like working in my shop, painstaking going through each step. It feels more like careful craftsmanship, vs. a mass production line in my own weird way. However, if I shot just one caliber exclusively, and shot in the 1000s per year, a Dillon would make sense to me. BTW, make sure you get a good reloading book, read, read, and read some more. Its good that you have buddies that can help you. I am self taught by reading and Youtube is my friend! For what it is worth, my 2 cents!

The chronograph probably mistook it for a small import driving by.

Got mine but unfortunately haven't been able to use it yet. Just so happened I had to move the day it came, still getting unpacked and haven't had the chance to use it yet. It sure does look good though!

If your loading for a lever rifle, you will need to crimp your bullets in place, and the cases will need to be the same or pretty close to the same length. Its not as hard as it sounds. I've done it a lot of times. I used to load a lot of .30-30 ammo.

You're welcome! You guys didn't have to be patient with me but you did and that helped me spend some extra time with the family during the holidays and I appreciate that!

I received mine yesterday, so it is on it's maiden voyage this morning. 3 1/2 hours in, and my coffee is still warm. David, you didn't need to include the extra goodies, but they are appreciated.

I have seen it in several articles over the last few years that the reason Colt doesn't make DA revolvers anymore is because they don't even own the machinery the old ones were made on anymore and the hand fitting craftsmen have all retired. If they do make they again, they will not be the same. CNC machining can't match hand fitting. To get old school quality, you have to use old school methods. If they make them it won't affect the original snake guns at all.

There is some wisdom in having multiples and the reasons are well covered above. But like hlb14 mentioned above, having a (trusted and proven) duplicate of your carry gun for training and practice makes sense to me. I want another G19, but own a 17 & a 26 as well. Functional transition, magazine, ammo, and holster interchangeability and compatibility make sense to me. I reread this thread and don't recall reading that, if, God Forbid, you are involved in a self defense shooting...your gun will more likely than not, be taken into evidence and for a long time. Badguys have friends and family that may well wish to seek retribution. After all, you just smoked their source of income or drugs, perhaps a member of the gang they recently been jumped into, their "baby daddy" or "baby momma" ( criminals come in all shapes, sexes, and sizes). Being able to remain armed with a reliable handgun whose format you are intimately familiar with (same trigger pull, manual of arms, sights etc.) just makes sense to me. Just food for thought and the opinion of an old fart.

Finally, with the end in sight, you chamfer, burnish, and paint the edge. The goal of the chamfer tool is to take the corner off the piece you're working on so that you can create a nice smooth edge when you burnish. Just run the tool along all the edges and take just a little off. Next take a paintbrush and start painting on the Gum Tragacanth on the exposed edges. Once you've coated the edges take your burnishing tool and run it back and forth until everything smooths out and takes on a glossy sheen. You have two options. Leave it as is or paint it with Edge Kote. Either way is completely fine and just depends on what look you like. Personally I'll paint holster and sheath edges but leave wallet and covers as naturally burnished.

Well, a lot of the nurses look real young to me too. It ain't all bad

I thought you guys might get a little chuckle out of this like I did. Here is one of my wifes Christmas presents to me... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I shot the M&P 9c for the first time last weekend. I was not expecting to like it (looks Taurus-ey to me) but I REALLY liked it.

Simply showing up is such an underrated virtue these days. You've definitely put the time in. I hope that mountain lease pays off for you.

I went to the Nashville armory looking for a can and seen they had a few M9A3's stamped Gallatin. $999.00,first I've seen in any of the local shops.

Agreed. I never liked that they started throwing all mass murderers into the "mentally ill" category. For the reasons you state and because I never understood why the NRA felt the need to give these people an excuse. Some people are just evil and full of hate. I know several people with mental illnesses, but they are not cold blooded killers. More on point, this move will affect social security recipients who have a "representative payee." In my experience, those who need a representative payee have a mental disability and do not have the capacity to manage their own affairs. I act as a representative payee for a mentally handicapped relative, and she doesn't even understand what a gun really is. I think this is generally the case for these individuals. Not that I agree with anything pushed by Obama, but I don't see this as becoming an issue for someone who needs to have access to a gun.

Don't worry, I'll always be a dawg!

If you have never fired a 38 Super before, you're going to love it! That is a beautiful handgun and words almost fail me for the scenery. Amazing!

Went out Wednesday and Thursday with no luck. Saw a total of one doe and one coyote. Both were moving fast and did not offer a shot. Still a little time left.

Got mine today and cant wait to use it tomorrow A.M. Thanks for the extra goodies inside.

My congestion is lingering, but I finally feel like getting out of the house. First time since Christmas eve. Hope ya'll feel better!

Bourbon! If it doesn't make you feel better, at least it'll make you feel better about it.

I agree if it's teotwawki or similar. I like hiding from the twisters though .

For new construction with a basement I would work with the builder to either have them partition off a section with rebar reinforced cinder blocks after the concrete was poured, or have them add on a separate room to the basement that is made/tied in at the same time. Those will minimize some of the leak or structural issues involved with adding on later. Depending on ones needs you don't necessarily need a big square room. I have seen a few that were 4-5ft wide but ran the entire length of the home. The narrow size also made it much easier/cheaper to use a steel roof for the safe room. One option for secure attachment of a steel plate roof is to weld a small "foot" onto the bottom ends of the rebar that go in the bottom row of cinder blocks. As you build up your rows fill the cinder block pockets with concrete as you go. You want to have the rebar a minimum of 6" taller than you want your roof. This will allow you to set your 3/8" or 1/2" steel plate on top to mark where to drill your pass through holes. once your holes are cut, drop the plate in place and weld the plate to the rebar, cutting of the excess end pieces. Then seam weld your plates together and coat with a subterranean protectant (like builders us on the outside of your cinderblock before backfilling. The "feet" at the bottom of the rebar prevent prying your roof off with a spreader breaching tool (think mini jaws of life) that would normally break the rebar free from the concrete. With the foot added the are pulling against the entire mass of the wall. This also makes an excellent storm shelter, exceeding the FEMA specs that I've seen.

Most people don't replace their single stage, they just supplement it. When you load bottleneck rounds you will have to size/trim before you can load the cases. With the pistol rounds I just clean mine and run them through the press. Since your shooting IDPA then yea go for the 650. I would suggest a case feeder in additional base kit. I chose not to buy the powder checks as I do visual while I'm running the press. Make sure you go slow while you're learning. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think I am one of the lucky ones (with good hematologists). Platelets have been in the normal range for 4 weeks without meds. I'm hoping that's over for good.

I'll be doing 9MM to start, but will move into .45 and .223 soon. I'd really hate to buy something I'm just going to end up replacing down the road. I've been shooting IDPA and I do shoot a lot of ammo. I'd rather not invest in a press that is not very productive. I'll enjoy reloading, I just won't have a ton of time to do it so I'm looking for a long term do it all solution.

It looks like the ones going to folks close to Nashville arrived yesterday and the others going to the two ends of the state will arrive today and tomorrow! For those of you who already received yours, how do you like them? I'm using mine at the moment and am still very happy with how long they keep coffee warm!

Great tutorial! I use a deer antler as a burnishing tool. I've also found a shoe brush to be a great polishing/finishing tool. After applying Resolene, I like to apply neutral shoe polish and buff with this brush. I don't have the chisels for the stitching holes. I may have to try them sometime. With an overstitch wheel and an awl, something like a double layer belt is quite tedious. These look like they might make it go a bit faster. I'd add a rawhide maul, or hard rubber hammer to your list of tools. I also find a freehand groover very useful in addition to the groover pictured above. Tandy Leather is your one stop shop for leather and accessories. Their staff is also helpful and knowledgeable. Make sure to use vegetable tanned leather for sheaths and holsters, as chrome tanned leather can be corrosive to steel. I like to use shoulders, but other parts, such as sides would work also. 4/5 oz for small sheaths and mag pouches, 6/7 oz for larger sheaths, and 7/8 oz for holsters.

Yeah...they are remarkably communicable! I was awakened last night with my throat on fire, headache and fever. I probably wash my hands 50-60 times a day and wear gloves with patient contact...but some adults still cough right in your face! With viral illnesses, such as this crap I caught, all you can do is treat the symptoms, stay hydrated, isolate yourself from others and ride it out. In my case ibuprofen or naproxen, OTC sinus meds and good old Berkey water and lots of it! If a person takes blood pressure meds (I don't) make sure if you use OTC meds they are "HBP" friendly...they should be labeled so. And be patient, and Good Luck! Any specific questions just ask. I'll help as I can.

I have had this idea too. Maybe a 18" tile/culvert, maybe in a total length of 100'.

I would love to see Colt produce a quality revolver. I'm very skeptical about their willingness to produce a top quality gun.

When we built I considered adding some large concrete sewer pipe perpendicular to the basement, 4 ft. or so in diameter or possible one of the oval styles sit on its side. Was going to extend it out to the edge of the hill and make a door of some sort. Was also going to set it up for an indoor shooting tube of sorts with a movable target mechanism. But didn't do it. I figured the pipe itself could be installed water tight, but didn't really feel confident the connection inside the basement would be. We were using block. If you used poured walls you could probably make it work. Still, probably not a cheap addition and most builders are not going to want to fool with it.

If Colt actually is going to start producing DA revolvers again it's probably because they want to cash in based on the ridiculous prices their old snake guns now command. S&W has done the same with their "classic" line that I do not approve of. Regardless, Colt does not rev my engine. Never has. I am an Smith and Wesson man.

Maybe I should start stockpiling Playboy and Huster mags as trade items. lol

Starting my thread in the General Chat. It will be updated as I go tonight making this sheath.

Since we moved out into the sticks, we've learned the hard way that we can't mail or count on receiving important things like bills. Our mailman is a nice enough fellow, and our neighbor, but I don't know if it is him in specific or that post office location as a whole, I just know our mail service put here is super unreliable.

You are too young to be jaded by some old guys with bad attitudes against cops. So here is some advice from an old guy that is a former cop and proud of it. First off you will be dealing with two separate sets of laws and two different types of cops. Police Officers should (and probably do) know the laws about you carrying a gun. They are who you will probably deal with if you are stopped on the street. TWRA Wildlife Officers are who you would likely be dealing with while out hunting. It doesn’t appear to me Midtown has a Police Department? So I would assume you are covered by Roane County Sheriff’s Office. If you have the time; don’t make phone calls; go there. Ask to speak with a Command Officer (or Deputy if that doesn’t work). Desk clerks and dispatchers aren’t cops and don’t work the street. (My department wouldn’t let them answer your questions; but we had an “inside” Officer all the time.) Don’t read the criminal law on LexisNexis and start making assumptions about what it says. We don’t have access to case law or other court rulings. (At least I don’t) Even law makers ask for AG opinions on some laws. Reading the law is a good start, and AG opinions are a good source; but the courts are not bound by AG opinions. There are good cops and bad cops out there. A good cop will answer your questions and treat you with respect (even if they are arresting you). If you are ever stopped and you think you are talking to a bad cop; don’t be stupid. There will be a time to straighten things out; but it won’t be on the street with a bad cop. After you go talk to the cops let us know what happened. Heck you might even see something that interests you and you might become one of the cops your community can be proud of. Then you can help people out.

Those bullets significantly increase the range of the 30/30. Definately needs to be kept in mind. You don't have to save money on every round to save money

I wouldn't trust a shipping container to be waterproof

I would rethink that carefully, have read around on the interwebs that shipping containers should never be used as underground shelters because the roofs aren't designed to support the weight.

Yes, side of the road or middle of the forest are equally poor places to have a legal debate with a LEO. - OS

No, it doesn't. I'd say it actually makes things easier since you're not dealing with a welt.

Update: so basically I have called everyone under the sun trying to get a yes or no answer on this topic. I started with twra, then Tennessee department of safety, then the sheriffs office. And like some of u said....I got a different answer every time. A man at the dep. of homeland security said I can't have a handgun at all except at home which I know is incorrect. Also another lady from there said I can have a handgun in my truck loaded or unloaded as long as it's not on my person. I also got numerous yes and no answers on the hunting topic. Eventually I asked my papaw and he seems to think for a weapon to be used for hunting it has to have a 4 inch barrel. So that rules that out since my xd has a 3.3" barrel. Also a police officer told me that I can have a pistol in my truck if I'm 21 and I can legally target shoot. Also that I would have to contact twra about the hunting thing. So I'm getting the run-around and I'm being led in circles. It's pretty bad that my papaw knows more than the TENNESSEE GOVERNMENT does about handgun laws. So in conclusion....what can I do with a handgun?....I DONT KNOW. NOBODY KNOWS, ESPECIALLY THE GOVERNMENT

I've got a spare carry gun that is functionally identical to what I carry everyday. I like having a backup of the gun I rely on everyday.

I'm with Garufa. Look around at most people.....If something that catastrophic happens lack of meds and medical care will kill more Americans than lack of food will. Then disease outbreaks and loss of sanitation will take a whole lot more.

If you find yourself in a position that you need food with that kind of shelf-life you won't be around long enough to eat it.