hipower

Now this I can agree with! But seriously, as others have said, it can be a good "trainig ground" for you to get used to the idea of being publicly and lawfully armed. It will probably feel awkward, at least it did to me about 16 years ago, but it's a good first place to go. You might have the tendancy to always be patting your hip to be sure it's still there, or checking every mirror you go by to see if the "bulge" can be seen. And probably feel like everyone in the store is watching you, waiting to yell out "He's got a GUN" But if you're just calm, normal and act like you always do, you'll be fine.

Congratulations on your retirement. I hope it is all you hope it to be. An many thanks for your service. Please don't forget us here when the big move takes place. After all, the internet does reach into the Florida retirement communities doesn't it?

I'm too old, fat, and slow to be running in this heat, but I have started walking every morning. But this morning was absolutely miserable. Hot and humid. And the air was so thick it's like trying to breathe under water.

I'm not so ure I qualify as someone with good common sense; but I have found myself more and more attracted to wheel guns in the last several years. I seem to shoot a little better with them, at least with 3in or longer barrels. And at least for me, carry is much easier with a j-frame or similar gun. The safety and relaibility issues also enter into the equation as well. I've bought several Smith's lately, and just picked up a couple of Ruger SP101's chambered in 357 mag, one with a CTC grip. Don't think I'll ever give up completely on autoloaders, but the wheel guns are definitely making a comeback.

Good thing for Mila to be doing for the Sgt, and for herself. How many B-list actresses can say they've been to the Marine Corp Ball for their resume?

Had an original IMI Desert Eagle in 44 Mag for probably 14 years. In that time, I probably shot300 rounds thru it. It's a fun range toy, and viable as a hunting gun; but contrary to Hollywood hype and Mall Ninja nabobs, it's really not a practical handgun. Great to look at, fun to shoot the occasionaly mag or two, but you can't carry the thing without a good tanker holster and strong back or a thigh holster and belt with suspenders. No, I'm not dissing the gun. I enjoyed it for a while, then put it in the safe. Finally traded it 2 years ago for a Springfield Loaded Champion Operator and haven't really regretted it. Sure, I'll see one and remeber how cool it looks and how everyone wants to hold and fire it when I went to the range with it. But it's not really practical for 90%+ of us. As far as reliablility, I never had a single issue with it. Cambered and ate everthing from stock Rem loads to some really hot custom loads I got from a guy who hunted with his. Probably wouldn't turn down a steal on one, but doubt I'd go activiely searching for one these days. From my experience, the 357/41/44 models all are the same frame and slide combo, just different barrels. I believe the 50 had a heavier frame and slide. Now if you want one, go for it. No scarcasm implied here.

I've heard quite a bit of talk about the .338. Seeing this, I believe that it really is a viable replacement for the 556. Now that means another upper, doesn't it?

Beautiful pistol, sir. I love the looks of the 92/92, especially in stainless. Your choice of grip insert is great. Really complements the gun.

Mouse, God Bless and Keep you. We know He watches over you as He does for all sheperds. I will keep you in my prayers. I can relate all too well with you. My journey with leukemia and lymphatic cancer occupied my time and thoughts for about 3 years. If you should wish and/or feel the need, pm me.

[quote Not yet, but I hope to. Meant to hook up with him before tonight as he has a guy heading my way tomorrow, but have been to busy to call him. Great price on the ammo, hope to get some! I think he's out of the first shipment and waiting for the next to arrive; taking orders for that now I think. I have myself in line for more as well. When good ammo can be had locally for the same or less than from Ammoman.com; which is my usual internet source, I'll take advantage to the point of hurting my pocket.

Man, you're taking all the fun out of this...that could have been fabulous. Did you get with david on the ammo? I'm trying to scrounge up some more cash and get a few more cases.

^^^^Yeah, but does it work? Thanks, David.

Right! Wait...did I just agree with that?

If he's a "dear friend" of steel's, he probably goes both ways! Sorry, steel. I just couldn't resist. I guess I've been hanging around Eastside too long.

My first Springfield XD was a 4in in 357 sig. I bought it because I got a super low price on it during one of the up/down phases the cartridge seems to go thru. I shot it quite a bit and got accustomed to the noise, stiff recoil, and the muzzle blast. Not really any worse than a lot of 40's I've shot. Found it to be a very accurate gun/cartridge for me. And the round has an awesome muzzle flash at night. But that's what finally relagated the gun to range status for me. I figured if I every shot in a defensive situation, I'd be destroying what little night vision I still have. Like the gun and the round, but think I'm better served with something else for home or ccw. JMO

WOW! I went thru a dust storm that blew in from the NW some years back during a trip to Phoenix. Was out driving around in a ragtop and watching the clouds come up, all the while thinking it was a pretty sight. When all the traffic on the roads started pulling off to the side; it dawned on me as to what was happening. You should have seen me tryng to put up a top in the blowing wind and sand as it hit. Not a pretty sight. And the rental company wasn't any too happy with me either. There must have been 5 pounds of sand in the carpet, in the seats and in the space behind the top cover. But I don't think it looked as wicked as that video.

I understand your comments. I just think worth is a subjective point, with value being created by the desire to possess an item. Said value being interpreted by one or many. Anyway, as G. Gordon Liddy said; " Let's just agree to disagree" on the term of worth.

I see and think I undestand your rationale here, but I disagree. We do set the worth of an item, at least to ourselves, by what we are willing to invest in it to call it "mine". Whether that figure is agreaable with commonly accepted standards in the community is irrelevant. Case point, I recently acquired a pistol I desired. I believed it to be overpriced by the "community of gun buyer standards," but I was willing to pay the premium to get it. Not wishing to start a rumble, just my 2 cents.

But, as usual, your work is amazing. You really push the boundaries of firearms conventional look and form. I do admire that.

I think you've gone of the deep end of the pool with this one. But...it sure is different.

I fully agree with Lumber_Jack. Gun/mag tolerances vary heavily from manufactures to guns. I've had Colt, S&W, Taurus, Springfield, and Kimber 1911's in different barrel lengths, and the one constant is that mags that work in one won't necessarily function in the others. I've had the best success with mags from Colt and Springfield; and the worst with those from Kimber. I got 3 kimber mags with my Ultra Carry II and had issues with them all. Bought some Wilson 47D mags and not had a problem, at least mag related. I will say for me that the 47D is my mag of choice. I try to get a couple regularily, and as long as they continue to work for me, I'll keep using them.

Just getting into the AR rifles, but that does really sound interesting. I'll do some looking around myself. Please keep us in the loop if you should get one, or find a source we could check.

Spook, I was nearby there on a return trip from Pennslyvania a few years ago, saw the signs and managed a short stop. It is an awesome experience. One that I hope to repeat someday. I've always been fascinated by the SR-71, and seeing the Enola Gay just sent chills thru me.

Sorta like a lot of the people you meet...but the Labs sure have more personality.

FWIW barewoolf, I've looked at the three you mentioned, and my preference would be the GSG, followed by the sig. Just liked the fit, and feel of the GSG better. Considered asking Bill to bring me one in, but I keep finding other things ahead of it.