BigK

Not sure what their policy still is, but On Target in Murfreesboro was pretty fair last time I was there. They rented you a pistol for the day for around $25 and if you wanted to trade it in to try another, you just had to buy a box of ammo from them. Their ammo wasn't too high either (at least it's cheaper than gun store prices, but not cheap as WWB at Walmart). They use Atlanta Arms Ammo.

Holy crap! And to think, I was feeling sorry for bajabuc and his misfortunes.

I was too busy Saturday to make it out. I didn't get to go until Sunday. I'm reluctant to try that M&P now, anyway. I might like it and have to go buy one.

Me too! I like every gun I own. There's something special about each of the 9 handguns I have that none of the other 8 can fulfill. I know they're just "stuff", but they make me happy. What can I say? I like guns and unlike women, one just won't do it for me.

I just changed employers and can't make it on Friday. Is that gonna be a issue for me helping out Saturday and Sunday? I've read through the GSSF range officer rules/directions several times already. Plus, I'm only shooting one division, anyway.

I grew up in the boro, so glad to see you here.

I couldn't agree more with gregintenn about getting a revolver, if "no hassles" is high on the priority list. It doesn't get any simpler to operate, but fast reloads take a LOT more practice. If you're leaning toward pistols instead of revolvers, I love Lester's CZ recommendation. They are every bit as reliable as the ones mentioned and have nearly perfect ergonomics. There are several compact versions of the legendary CZ 75. The most popular are the PCR (manual safety) and P-01 (decocker), both have alloy frames and are the size of a Glock 19. They also make the RAMI, which is a subcompact about the size of a Glock 26. I carry the P-01 daily and wouldn't hesitate to vouch for its reliability and highly respectable accuracy. Check out this link regarding their NATO classification.

I was under the impression (from HCP class video, IIRC) that there is no such thing as immunity from civil liability. Perhaps I misuderstood.

The sad part is that even if you have to defend yourself and it's 100% justified as self-defense, your assailant or their survivors can still sue you for civil damages. Although in those cases you'd hopefully win, you'd still be out legal fees and time from work. They likely had a lawyer on contingency and are out nothing but their time. We need TORT REFORM!

I rented some range guns over at OnTarget in Murfreesboro when I was having the same debate in my head. I know they had Glocks and XDs, b/c I shot both there. As everyone says, they functioned flawlessly and were acceptably accurate (I shot the XD better, but that's just me). Unfortunately for me, they didn't have any M&Ps. I'd love to have been able to compare all 3 head-to-head like you are doing. I'd be very interested to hear what your observations are and what differences you see/feel between the different brands in the same caliber. FWIW, after my limited evaluation there and with other borrowed guns, I went a totally different route and got a CZ P-01 (superb ergonomics, much better accuracy in my hands, not plastic).

A lot of folks buy lowered power springs to achieve the same affect, just be careful. There's a balance between what you want to achieve and what you hope doesn't happen. For instance, lower power springs increase recoil, since there is less tension in the spring to absorb the force of the slide coming rearward. Additionally, there can be excessive wear and tear to other parts (polymer frame, slide stop, etc.) when a heavy piece of metal (the slide) slams against other parts when it comes all the way back, if the spring is too under-powered. If compressing the spring like that for only a couple of days makes a noticeable difference, I'd have some serious questions for the manufacturer about the quality of materials in their springs. Seems like this means that the factory recoil spring will wear out prematurely. All that being said, I've been eyeing one of these for quite a while. Glad to hear you like yours...gives me more confidence to get one too. They are fine looking guns.

Absolutely does! And it speaks volumes about where they got their values from too.

I've heard this argument before and to some degree can appreciate the sentiment behind it. However, some things are bigger than you, me, and our possessions. Some things represent way more than that and deserve more consideration than just being an object. I'm not saying you have to agree, just saying that not acknowledging it as truth is putting your head in the sand.

You aren't suggesting that Ruger makes a semi-auto pistol that is difficult to assemble and disassemble are you? </sarcasm> sorry, couldn't resist since I have a Mark II that drove me nuts first several times I had to break it down

Ditto on the WWB...unless..it isn't what you'd expect to be shooting most often if you already owned whichever gun you decide on.

Very fun! I got 40 out of 48. There was an old Studebaker restoration shop off the square in Shelbyville where I grew up, so they're distinctive. I also had uncles that restored old chevys and dodges, so I felt like I was cheating. The Mercs and Fords are tough, though. They all look alike.

I've actually seen something similar, but it was round on Stones River just above Walter Hill Dam. Admittedly, the one I saw wasn't made of duct tape and it did have a trolling motor with a foot pedal attached. He could get in/out of places other boats couldn't get to and had a several big catfish on his stringer. It looked a lot like this (LILIPAD BOATS). Still funny!

I recently bought a gun from someone in GA. To make matters worse, his FFL was a seedy looking pawn shop. All the way to the post office to send my payment via registered mail with delivery confirmations, etc., I was telling myself what an idiot I am for even thinking of doing business like this. It all worked out, but I still feel dumb for taking the risk.

You gave me the same advice, but I had already bought both. I only started using the hand primer this weekend. Not only is it portable, like you mentioned, but it also seats the primers more consistently.

With some help, I just got started reloading myself. I don't have everything I want, but I have everything I need. I saved brass for a long time, so I wouldn't have to buy any then I got: $125 - Lee Deluxe Reloading Kit (Turret Press with Auto Index, Auto Disk Powder Measure, Safety Scale, shell holder, primer pocket cleaner & other case tools) $ 35 - Lee 3-Die set for 9mm $ 17 - Lee factory crimp die (optional) $ 23 - Lee Saftety Prime System (press mounter primer feeer) $ 63 - Frankford Arsenal Master Kit (tumber, media, media seperatory, and brash polish) $ 7 - Powder measure riser (keeps powder measure from bumping primer system) $270 Total for equipment I wish I had looked around for used equipment, but I got too impatient. I could have gotten used progressive outfit cheaper.

Finally got to hold one myself yesterday at Outpost Armory. Their price was considerably higher than the ones mentioned above. I want one too, now, but will have to buy elsewhere.

+1 on this! My hand takes a beating with 20 or so standard .357 loads from my SP101 even with the Hogue grip. I can't imagine shooting more than a dozen rounds from one of those LCRs in .357.

Try Pack 'n Heat. It's run by Officer Jeff Eady. He's a good guy, it's real close to you and the price is $65. Course Registration

This is sooooo going to be my desktop background now!!

I'm sure nobody wishes they were driving this particular bus either.