Djay3

It is good to learn that Jeff is still in the area! I met him at Specialty Arms years ago. A very talented gunsmith and very nice fellow. He would be worth a few extra miles to get to.

GS455, there are a couple of you tube videos by Hickok45 that drove home to me the effectiveness of a muzzle brake on the more powerful cartridges. On one video he is shooting the full size M1A from a standing position. On another video he is firing the 16" M1A Socom while standing. The quick recovery for the next shot on the short Socom appears day and night compared to the jumping of the full size M1A. Both are in .308 caliber. The trade off is much louder muzzle blast from the Socom due to both barrel length and muzzle brake factors. Just google Hickok45 for both videos.

[quote name='monkeylizard' timestamp='1354848221' post='856234'] That depends on if you need a good art forger or a good iron forger. [/quote] Now that's funny and too damned clever!

[quote name='RichardR' timestamp='1354841818' post='856143'] CZ does make some darn fine bolt action rifles, sorry to hear about your problems with the owner of Franklin Gun shop though, I'll make it a point never to do any business there, as I wouldn't have handled that situation very well, I don't take very kindly to being defrauded and selling a used rifle as "new" is most definately fraud in my book. [/quote] Thanks to all for your supportive comments. Brian's explanation made no sense and when he suddenly turned on me I thought of the Shakespearian phrase "Me thinks he doth protest too much"; he seemed to have decided a good defense is a "sh#*@ty" offense. The CZ is very clean so the "past warranty" will forever be a mystery; his response will be an even bigger mystery. I'll stop this broken record babbling and get to sampling some of those gun shops that you good folks on TGO have recommended to me.

That is a jaw dropper accumulation of hardware. Wonder about insuring and protecting all that! Thanks for posting this. I'm gonna run show this to my wife ... "See hun I'm just small potatoes."

CZ has restored my faith that good customer support does exist at times. After explaining that my Franklin Gun Shop purchase of a "new" CZ 527 included a warranty card already filled out month's ago, CZ checked and rechecked their files to assure that their records were clear of that warranty claim. They now have me on record as the owner of that "new" rifle. They followed up with several calls from a couple of different departments to give me reassurances. Thank you CZ-USA . ps - the little carbine is very well built and may prove to be my most accurate rifle (.223 cal). For any unfamiliar with the background of this FGS fiasco ... 11-29-12: Speaking of Franklin Gun Shop, I have just had an interesting purchase. Purchased a "new" CZ rifle a couple of days ago. This evening I pulled out the manual and warranty information. But, I found the warranty card (owner's stub) was already filled out with a date of this past April. The filled out card also had my CZ's serial number! FGS represented and sold the firearm to me as new. This finding suggests otherwise (perhaps). I will check with CZ to see if they already have the firearm under registered warranty. Then I will address the findings with FGS. I will post a followup post when resolved (hopefully in a satisfactory manner). 11-30-12: I waited for Brian and told him the CZ did great at the range but when I went to register the firearm the card was already filled out per above. He looked at the card and said he remembered that customer and that while that customer was looking at the rifle he must have filled in the card (despite the fact he had never purchased the rifle per Brian. Brian quickly took the filled in card and tore it up. I said I needed to keep it until I heard from CZ. I was perplexed but polite and said in view of the stuation I would like an adjustment. He said "sure maybe a box of ammo". We finally agreed on a modest $ in the form of a store credit. I thought we were finalized but I asked that he initial the store credit for me just in case I needed to give it to another clerk later. He grabbed the store credit from me; tore the credit up and said "you're telling me how to run my business and we are through".

Costas' inspiration Fox sports writer Jason Whitlock post "Costas stumble" interview ... NRA is the new KKK WHITLOCK: "Sports gets so much attention, and people tune out the real world, that I try to take advantage of the opportunity to talk about the real world when sports lends itself to that and try to open people’s eyes. You know, I did not go as far as I’d like to go because my thoughts on the NRA and America’s gun culture – I believe the NRA is the new KKK. And that the arming of so many black youths, uh, and loading up our community with drugs, and then just having an open shooting gallery, is the work of people who obviously don’t have our best interests [at heart]." "A gun turns some kids listening to music into a murder scene. And uh, you know, if you don’t have a gun, you drive home. You know, kids listening to some loud music, you don’t like it, you go home and complain to your wife. But when you have a gun, you open fire, potentially, and take the life of a child." Giant Head Slap Icon goes here.

[quote name='LINKS2K' timestamp='1354728922' post='855281'] Like most of you older guys, I grew up at the end of the hard working farming days. ... I don't recall anyone enjoying the work (especially my grandfathers) or the racial tentions. The past is over rated. [/quote] I think we do look at the past with rose colored glasses. I've been reading a biographical trilogy of Teddy Roosevelt's life. One fact struck me hard. In the early 1900's the lynching rate in the South averaged 3000 per year! Just one facet of life then compared to now. In the early 60's in Memphis, my Dad took me with him to bail a black employee out of jail. Turns out the fellow had the tar beaten out of him by the cops during his brief sequester. Just one side of the "Then and Now Coin". The last example, of course, still is known to happen.

Here is a "left field" "tongue in cheek" suggestion. Some hard core genealogy fans are using Gene Sampling scan services (mouth swab) from sites such as Genealogy.com. They then get a report mapping their genetic heritage mix based upon world regions. Ex: British isles - 37% Scandinavia - 37% Asia - 16% Related note to that. A few years ago there was a small English village where the genetic material was taken from a prehistoric caveman's remains found in a nearby cave close to the village. The villagers submitted swabs and amazingly a teacher living in the village proved to be a direct "genetic descendant" to the caveman! Often wondered if that teacher had a long arms and very bushy eye brows. ; )

[quote name='Jasongar8' timestamp='1354645589' post='854806'] Found these last week. [IMG]http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii290/jasongar8/6839984A-91CB-442F-B412-86B00DBEF98A-1358-000001927DF7F8A0.jpg[/IMG] [/quote] Oh my! All found last week! You sir are my hero. Damn!

[quote name='Raoul' timestamp='1326576335' post='695889'] Here's one. [IMG]http://naws.com/pvw.jpg[/IMG] [/quote] Old Rip Van Winkle has gotten so rare and so $$$! I had to win a lottery last December just for the privilege of buying the basic 90 proof 10 year old. I have a small stash of 107 proof 15 year old bottles but will sob when it is gone. The Lot B is also stashed but not as appealing to me.

I sure can vouch for treasures to found via [i][b]Ancestry.com[/b][/i]! Just be careful about the type of subscription you might select for her. If not canceled proactively you'll get billed anew asap when your trial period or subscription ends (voice of experience) : ( Also suggest her googling various Military and Civil War genealogy sites. Thanks to such sites, I now have treasured photocopies of my great grandfather's signed "expense voucher" for ferry crossing fees and horse fodder while rounding up Confederate deserters in Arkansas. My grandmother had simply told me he had served as a Confederate Hospital Steward when she showed me his "saw bones" kit. My late father likely never knew of that family nugget. Your Mom is in for a fascinating adventure. I hope she is comfortable with internet searches since it has expanded the wealth of genealogical data literally at our fingertips!

I had a chuckle that goes back to the early days at Franklin Gun Shop (when they were in the strip mall across from their current location). Jerry Hassler, the present owner's father, was asked what they do to keep customers from piling into the store at closing time. Jerry said, "I just do this when I see 'um coming" (throws both arms up in the "Hold Up" position). "It works every time; they just turn right around". : )

Sorry, coulldn't resist one more find on another forum ... "Woman came into a gun shop once with a small wheeled cart full of various types of ammunition. Dead serious, she told the guy behind the counter that she'd heard this shop was an "official bullet disposal center" and she wanted to dispose of these bullets. Guy behind the counter was looking at her kinda funny but said "well, okay we can dispose of them for you". Woman says "Good, my husband won't get rid of his damn guns so I'm getting rid of this stuff (the ammo) before somebody gets hurt". (Seriously, she's saying this right in the middle of a gun shop!) Shop keep takes possession of the ammo and asks if she want's a receipt. Woman looks at him like he offered her a dead rat and then walks out the door in a huff, didn't even take the cart. Me n' the store owner just kinda look at each other and he says "well, I think I'm just gonna lock this cart in the back for when the husband shows up". We had a pretty good laugh over that one. (Don't know if the husband showed up. There must have been about $650 in ammo in that cart.)"

Found this one on another forum ... "One of my favorites happened while visiting a gun store in Houston several years ago. One of the salesmen was showing a customer several used single action Colts. Well, during the discussion things started leaning towards some of the old timey "B" westerns. At this point the BS was getting deep! Now , one thing I have to say at this point in the story is that all weapons involved had been cleared and checked by both parties. Well, sales clerk is in the process of 'twirling' the SAA and the thing unwinds off his finger and takes out the glass counter top and the two glass shelves beneath it. I don't know what happened to the salesman as I figured it was time for me to leave...before I got thrown out for laughing my butt off.....me and a few other people!" Insert trembling icon here!!!

Inspired by the explosive growth of the Franklin Gun Shop thread due to negative experiences, I googled and found an enlightening and, at times, funny thread of "gun shop experiences". Here is one sad, dangerously funny example ... "Anyway, my friend goes to a very large gunshop, and the ammo shelves are empty. Hea asks thekid behind the counter, "Got any .270?" "Nope, all sold out." At this point the manager comes over and chastises the kid for knowing nothing about guns and being generally stupid. The manager tells my buddy, ".270 is based on the .30-06. You can fire .30-06 through a .270. My friend starts to laugh at the joke, and the guy says, "No, really! You have to slam the bolt really hard to get it closed, but when you fire it, the .30-06 squeezes down to .270 and the accuracy is better 'cause it fits the barrel tighter." Here's the link if interested ... http://www.militaryarmschannel.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=256

That is good news! I just joined last month and read about the DVD in my first mailed issue. I suspect we newer members might not get the mailing til a bit later. Joined while at the CMP South Store. A great day, a slow thursday, and got some nice "pointing in the right direction" from Leon. Sprang for a Springfield Service Grade Special. Circa 1955, ME 1 TE 2. Thanks again for the notice.

[quote name='TrickyNicky' timestamp='1354494793' post='853962'] Am I the only noticing a trend in the behavior here?[b] It's pretty sad when an employee displays this kind of behavior, its very telling when an owner/manager does it.[/b] I'm going to leave this dead horse alone but my parting thoughts are :[b] if you need to rationalize treatment you receive at your LGS, odds are your shopping in the wrong place.[/b] [/quote] [b]Great insights![/b] I was guilty of overlooking some shafting episodes. All episodes surrounded Brian, the primary owner. His brother, Mike, and a number of the employees had a much "cleaner record" in terms of professionalism. Brian seems to think his average customer is either dimwitted and/or lost all rationality when holding their sought after firearm; then he puts on a big smile and applies the [i]"lubricant"[/i]. He is wise in the sense of keeping a humongous inventory. For some of us, me included, when one is holding their sought after firearm prize it is much easier to gloss over the degree of being shafted.[b] Brian knows that fact VERY WELL![/b] Sorry, I couldn't resist beating the "dead horse" because of still smarting from this past week. I'm just relieved that I kept my cool during the incident and wasn't at my maturity level of 35 years ago. My wife wouldn't bail me out and that's a fact! [b] : ) [/b]

My ban era Colt 20" Hbar 1/9 (no flash hider) non-floated barrel is capable of 1.5 moa. Not exceptional but acceptable for my standards. I cobbled together a Sabre Defence 16" 1/7 twist floated upper c flash hider with a LMT lower c 2 stage trigger. Using Hornady .62 gr TAP it has recorded 1 moa! This specific Sabre barrel is chrome lined yet exceptional in my opinion. In good stable weather conditions and a quality brand AR barrel's favorite commercial load, I suspect 100 yard groups of 1.5" to 2" 5 shot groups are fairly representative using a good stable bench setup. For small group shooting a quality stainless non-lined AR barrel might prove more accurate in general. For tiny sub moa groups something like a nice bolt action CZ American would be the ticket. Apples to Oranges of course. : )

[quote name='glowdotGlock' timestamp='1354316511' post='853100'] I have had some nice chats with the older bald guy with the galco shoulder rig though. [/quote] Over the years I also had pleasant experiences; that is what made my experience and treatment from the owner this week especially surprising. Oh well, Franklin Gun Shop will likely continue to thrive and I will happily continue on my way with my hobby. And so it goes. ; )

If you should have to resort to out of town work, I can attest to fine work with prompt turn around from Walter Birdsong's sons "Birdsong's Black T finish". Located in Florence, MS. Mr. Birdsong passed away in 2009 but his sons are continuing the business.

When it comes to the classic line (ex. 226 model), etc. a lot of folks lean towards the German proofed versions of the earlier years. They often get better resale versus the mixed breeds or all USA. For some folks (me included) the older folded steel slides are preferred over the more recent milled slides simply due to the way the older firearms balance. A prime example is the folded 228 versus the milled slide 229. No experience with the 2022s.

CZ75B close 2nd is commander size 1911 with smooth wooden grips. This would be an interesting poll graphic.

The shorter barrel versions are very handy. The only plus I've found with the 24 inch octagonal Rossi is the forward weight keeps it steadier when firing off hand. No significant ballistic advantage in .44 magnum that I am aware of.

If anyone could find use for an AK set up in a hunting configuration you might want to check into the Vepr's being sold by K-Var out of Los Vegas. These are heavy duty and all russian out of the highly regarded Molot Arsenal. I ordered one a few months ago and VERY impressed with the build qualty. See K-Var.com for details and photos of the various setups. Ten round mags only as received.