JPS

That S&W is a nice looking gun - let us know how it shoots.

Welcome! I know how you feel - I bought my first handgun right after the last presidential election... You'll probably find though that it's more fun and addictive than you thought it wouls be. (Like a lot of people on TGO.)

Excellent! How hard was the basket-weave?

Back to the original post.... - I like the looks of this, and want to see one when they are available.

"Spyridon and Kane declined to point to specific examples" Wonder why.....?

I buff mine with an old t-shirt after they dry, and I haven't had any problems with black (or any color) coming off once thats done.

Great post - welcome aboard. I think the Walmart walk is a rite of passage - after going with me, my son informed me that he can't wait to do the same. (In about 10 years...)

Wow - me too... Has the number of permits requested dropped that much?

How do you get the color to come out so even? That's a problem for me... Black works great, but browns just don't look as good.

I have a CZ RAMI 9mm - the all-alloy version. It's a great shooter. Recoil is minimal, and it's the most accurate compact pistol I have. (It's for sale - PM me if you're interested. I bought a Glock and probably won't carry the CZ much.. This one has the manual safety, not the de-cocker.)

Nice looking 'stealth' handgun. I find I'm also partial to the Commander sized 1911s. Be sure to let us know how it does at the range.

Nice - I see some great days at the range in your future!

I hesitated to spend the $60 for a belt from Crossbreed, but finally did and found it to be worth every penney. It's amazing how much better any holster works if you put it on the right belt.

Glad to have-ya here!

I gotta say that I think my Benefactor status has paid for itself several times already, and I think it's money well-spent for all the info and entertainment I get from the site. As long as you can afford it, don't change a thing!

I have boys aged 10 and 11 - their first shooting experience was with a Henry 22 lever-action, then a Walther P22. They practice extremely safe habits, love to shoot, and are much better shots than their old man. They also disassemble and clean each weapon they shoot each time they shoot it. I trust that they will know how to respond if they or their friends come across an unsecured weapon some day - that was a big concern for me. I think it's critical to teach them about firearms early on, and it's been a great experience for everyone involved.

I bought a used PT1911 from a great old guy at a gun show a while back, and its one of my favorite guns. Nothing fancy, but accurate and dependable as can be. As for going for just one caliber - I agree with other posters that having several to choose from at any given time keeps you from being at the mercy of the current flavor of ammo shortage when you want to get out and shoot.

Nice! I considered OD recently when I bought my 26 - I was afraid I would reconsider and regret it down the road....

I had a similar issue with a PT145 - after 100 or so rounds through the magazine, the problem went away.

Nice - I'd be curious to hear how you like the lazer grips after you shoot it.

Nice! Definitely want to hear a range report 'post-fireball'.

I'd really like to try one of those........

That's really pretty.

gregintenn suggested that I post instructions for the leather press here in case others were interested - so here you are: I tried but was unable to find the web-site suggesting this, but it’s really easy to make a press that you can use to help shape leather to the gun. You need some half-inch plywood, a cheap foam camping pad for a sleeping bag (about $6 at Wal-Mart) and either some furniture makers clamps or something heavy to put on top. I cut two pieces of half-inch plywood about a foot square, then cut 8 pieces of the foam the same-size and glued (I used the same contact cement I use for the leather) 4 each to a side of a piece of plywood and let it dry for a day. You should end up with a two-part ‘sandwich’ of plywood and foam. To press/mold the leather - I oil the gun well, then wrap it in a layer of plastic wrap and put it into a freezer bag, making sure to get all the air out before sealing it. I get the leather wet (run water over both sides in the sink) and let it dry for 10-15 minutes, then fold it over the gun and place it between the foam press halves. Here’s where the furniture clamps come in – it is much easier to put a clamp on each side and gradually tighten it down than it would be to put something on top to weigh it down. I usually crank it down pretty good – so the foam molds around the gun well. I let it sit for an hour or so, then unclamp and let it dry. If you want more detail you can lightly re-wet the leather and bone it with a spoon or tool at this point, but I usually don’t. (I always check and wipe down the gun, just in case some of the water got to it, but it hasn’t happened yet.) Once it’s dry, you can cut and stitch just like you would without molding it, except that it’s much easier to get a tight fit for the gun. I’ve found that this method works great, and the holsters usually end up holding the gun really well. I’ve also tried pressing it over a curved piece of wood, to form the holster to my hip – that works too. Pretty simple and inexpensive, but it works great.

Looks great! I went the same route a couple of months ago, and have made 5-6 holsters since. My first attempts didn't look anywhere near as good as yours..! I found directions online somewhere to make a boning/molding press from plywood and a foam camping pad that makes it easier to get a tight fit - pm me if you're interested in instructions.