JR2ATN

I have the Target RP (Replaceable Panels) model and I like it alot.  It's a tackdriver.  I felt compelled to make a few mods though.  First, even on the RP model it felt like the grip was too thin so I added a Pearce rubber finger groove insert which fits under the existing panels.  (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002INNYU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2DIGQF3E9XV5Q&coliid=I1BMUJ3HBDI8IH )  That helped a lot for me.  FWIW, I don't use the finger grooves on my 1911 single stacks, so the 22/45 definitely feels slimmer without modification.   I swapped out the magazine disconnect for an aftermarket hammer bushing.  All of my other pistols will fire without a mag inserted, so I wanted to make the 22/45 the same.  The aftermarket hammer bushing also has the added benefit of simplifying the notoriously complex field strip of the 22/45 and takes out a small but noticeable hitch in the trigger pull.  Here's a good 411 on the aftermarket hammer bushings...http://rugerforum.net/ruger-rimfires/63221-hammer-bushings-101-review-mark-iii-rimfires.html   Lastly, I have not yet done it, but I think I will swap out the front sight for a Truglo fiber optic.  http://rugerforum.net/ruger-rimfires/63221-hammer-bushings-101-review-mark-iii-rimfires.html  The factory front sight post is kinda big and not that great for fine target shooting IMO.

  1.  Yes, but sometimes a grip bushing will be staked which would make the change tricky or even unwise to attempt.  It's probably not, but I'd email/call Springfield and ask them if you're not sure.  Brownells even sells a specific tool for the job...http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/power-tools-accessories/drill-bits/grip-bushing-staker-sku080644000-696-2869.aspx   2. Pretty easy if it's not staked.  Be careful if you use a screwdriver to loosen/tighten the bushings.  Some bushing notches are shallow and it's easy for a screwdriver to slip off.  Again, Brownells sells a specific tool for the job...http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/screwdrivers-sets/magna-tip-bits/magna-tip-reg-1911-auto-bushing-driver-trade-bits-prod493.aspx   Be careful not to over tighten and use blue loctite.  Good luck!   3.  Beats me.   :shrug:

  An ESEE 4 is my go-to backpacking knife.  It's just long enough and thick enough to baton wood and it holds an edge very well after doing so.  Only drawback is needing to make sure you keep some kind of rust preventive on the non-coated bevel and laser etching.

If it comes to fruition I'll be curious to see how they're priced.  Unlike Garands, M1 Carbines, and 03's we are awash in currently manufactured 1911 options, including GI copies.  If they want $$$$$ for some beat up Remington Rand, I'd rather put that money toward a Dan Wesson.   :shrug:

This is the setup I have on my 590A1, a CDM mount and Streamlight Polytac. It's easy to do a quick on/off with my thumb. I also swapped out the stock, which had a 14.25" LOP for the stock Mossberg puts on their Thunder Ranch model. They say it's 13" LOP but I measure 12.75"

  I should warn that those panels were not a perfect fit on my gun.  There was a slight bit of wiggle which annoyed me.  I put a little silicone around the inside of the panels, doused the frame with gun oil then assembled the panels to let the silicone cure, then removed and trimmed off the excess silicone....a poor man's glass bedding, I guess.

  Yes.  Here they are... http://czcustom.com/CZ_75-CZ_85-Thin-Coco-Bolo-Grips.aspx   I also replaced the factory magazine break with this one, http://czcustom.com/CZ_75-CZ_85-SP01Solid-Mag-Break.aspx  which allows the mags to drop free.   And I use the 11.5# hammer spring and extended firing pin needed to go with the lighter spring, both offered by Cajun Gun Works.

Congrats! A CZ-75b was my first handgun. Here it is, manufactured in '96. Once you get familiar with it you might wish to check out http://czcustom.com/ and http://cajungunworks.com/ . Lots of goodies that will turn an already fine handgun into an excellent range gun / competition ready pistola.

Thanks! 8 boxes left as of right now (6pm) in MJ, limit of 1 per customer. Perfecta all gone at MJ Wally, but plenty of ZQI .308

  I remember being pissed off about paying $7 for a box of 9mm as it had been $6 forever ($5.50 if you bought in bulk).  A few months later I wished I had bought every $7 box on the shelf!

ICYMI, Para is being integrated under the Remington umbrella.  http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/02/09/breaking-news-remington-announces-para-integration/   I have two newer (Charlotte, NC made) Govt. model Paras, a S/S Elite and S/S Expert.  Fit and finish are good (Elite is tighter, but also more $$).  Reliability and accuracy have been great, though I haven't put many rounds through either one thus far.  My brother also bought a new S/S Elite and his trigger is not as smooth as mine, so it's worthwhile to look it over in person before purchasing.  

  I keep looking for Perfecta .45 but all I can find is 9mm so I buy several boxes of it at a time so as not to waste a trip (yes I do have 9mm pistols, I'm not buying it to sell or for trading fodder).  I have a pretty nice stash of cheap 9mm built up now.  I'm thinking about piling it all on the bed and rolling around in it.   :rofl:

  Depends on how "correct" it is, and as you state, condition.  I have a CMP Service Grade I got several yrs. ago manufactured in December of '43 but about the only thing on it of WWII vintage is the receiver.   If you go the CMP route, you'll have better luck of getting a WWII rifle if you opt for a Field Grade.  Most of the Service Grades or higher nowadays are post-war.

Perfecta at Mt. Juliet Walmart is all gone.  :(

  Thanks!  I have bought the Federal 100ct. there before, but the last three times I stopped in they only had Winchester 100 ct. for ~$38.  I was worried maybe they stopped carrying it.   Still, I wouldn't mind finding and trying out the perFecta .45 at ~$18 per 100.

Mt. Juliet had a good amount of 9mm and loads of .308 earlier this evening.  The guy 2 ahead of me got the last of the .223.  I'd appreciate a heads-up if anybody spots .45   :wave:

As others have stated, for a carry gun I'd definitely go with a poly frame.  I have not shot the M&P in .45, but I have shot the M&P 9mm Compact and it has the WORST stock trigger of any poly framed pistol I've fired (which only includes Glock, HK, M&P and XD).  My brother owns a Springfield XDm .45 compact and I have been really impressed with it.  It's very accurate and such a soft shooting pistol.  

They missed the SP101 Jesse carried in season 2 when he went to take back the meth and cash from the two thieves who robbed Skinny Pete (the episode where the wife/gf crushes dude's head with an ATM for calling her a 'skank')

The Remington 1911 lineup is about to expand.  Freedom Group owns both Remington and Para (among others) and it appears Para is being absorbed by Remington.    " We will start seeing new Remington 1911’s but they will look more like a Para. The new Remington 1911’s will be available in various sizes from 3 and ½” barreled compacts to full size double stacked frames."   http://carolinagunrunners.net/para-pistols-to-be-discontinued-in-2015/

I think Para's issues have mainly been with their doublestacks...singlestacks seem to enjoy a better reputation.  They were bought up by Remington a couple of years ago and are currently in the process of moving from Charlotte to the new monster Remington plant in Hunstville, AL.  Speculation is rampant about whether their product line will survive, be folded under the Remington name or anything in between.

Bud's briefly had the Elite on sale for $600 and rebate takes it down to $500. I couldn't resist. Both are a steal with the rebate. FWIW, Para was manufactured in Canada but moved to Pineville/Charlotte North Carolina ~4-5 years ago. They were bought by Freedom Group and are currently in the midst of a move to the new monster facility in Huntsville, AL where I believe Remington, Bushmaster, Para will be manufactured.

Hard to go wrong with a Ruger or S&W. For a range gun, I'd stick with a "service revolver" (GP100, or S&W K or L maybe even an N frame) with a 4" barrel. There have been lots of former Dept. of Corrections model 10's and 64's on the market recently.

FYI...Police trade-in Model 10's at Bud's.  http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/654_910/products_id/411545791

Robertson Trading Post in Henderson, TN has several S&W 681's repatriated from Australia.   http://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.htm?ltid-all=1&t=&as=365&mn=0&mx=0&ffl=&ca=&co=&f=&sort=&numberperpage=50&cid=645&lid=87270&dn=Robertson%20Trading%20Post&ns=0&zipcode=&distance=0&limittostate=&

 A couple of years ago my Dad bought a gun for me as a Christmas gift.  It was bought online and transferred in to BassPro.  As he knows little about guns I went with him to examine it.  He made the mistake of mentioning that the gun was for me for Christmas at which point the BassPro guy became adamant that I should be the one to fill out the 4473.   I was equally adamant that, by the letter of the law, my Dad was the actual purchaser as he was using his money and then giving the gun to me.  And I didn't want to break the law by filling out the form.  This went back and forth and the guy was only mollified when I produced my HCP to show that I could pass a background check.   We were each equally sure of ourselves, I following the letter of the law and he the spirit of the law.  Confusion reigns.