A.J. Holst

My first 1911 was a MetroArms AC Commander. Sub 500 Philippine-made. For your budget, why not support an American manufacturer?

In my house, diamonds set in 18kt is the best way for me to get new gun stuff.

Randy, Thanks for the feedback, I will shoot you a pm to discuss options. A one day on a Sun may work; may be able to get some buddies to go to make it worth your while. Horse, do you know if Tactical offers one day sunday sessions?

Stumbled across this org while surfing today. Other than supports the Guard, would this be considered our state militia?

I want to take a pistol class, but not sure which one. Reside in Knoxville area. I would place my skill level at average, though after my first humbling IDPA Event, well below average comes to mind. Been pistol shooting for 20 years, 16 casually, last 4 years more active as that is when I obtained my hcp. Shoot typically 2 times a month. Here is my biggest challenge, I work 6 days a week at Whassup Dog and we close at 8pm, so my only day off is Sunday. Any suggestions? If it helps, I have access to a great shooting "range" on private property, but fear the cost of an instructor making a house call could be prohibitive. Thanks in advance!

I have a chance to pick up a px4 sc for cheap. Before I take the plunge anyone have experience with it? Thanks AJ

Nothing too glam for me... a CZ82 and a CZ52

I have a hand-me-down (free to me) which my buddy had on his M-4. Rugged and well made. I have it mounted on my HiPoint 995 carbine. I really like the disco-strobe option on the flashlight. Definitely tacti-cool mall ninja-esque.

The Metro Arms (AC Commader) was my first (and only) 1911, so there is my vote.

Craig, From following your "new to me" posts, you must have 4 safes chock full of handguns! My buddy has a pair of .45 M&Ps with the Apex triggers, he can't say enough good things about the improved action. I have always like the "camel hump" S&Ws. Love your custom work, keep those pics coming.

but after reading the 2011 Annual Glock Report, wish I was. I know the Annual is mostly an info-mercial for the brand, but can 65% of US Law Enforcement be wrong? Shame the US manufacturers can't be a little more competitive to capture the LE biz...

Another question: will I need a sling for my rifle and hump it through the course? The shooter in the vid obviously uses a sling due to the crutches.

Craig, Where did you purchase the Aguilla ammo and what was the cost? I am curious how it will cycle through my wife's P22. Thx AJ BTW, swapping out the main / trigger return spring and polishing the internals of the SP along with a lot of dry firing will smooth out the trigger action.

DaG, Is this a typical 3-gun course / scenario I could expect at an ORSA Event?

My EDC is a 75B Omega, can't say enough good things about it. Outshootin' a Glock? Well, I can shoot it better than I shoot a Glock, but I am sure there are many Glock owners that could definitely outshoot me! For my hand, it has about the best feel of any handgun I have handled / shot and a natural pointer for me; I think because it is so comfortable in my hand I shoot it well.

Anybody willing to give a un down of the stages / scenarios for the event? Having competed in one, I am somewhat familiar with pistols stages for IDPA , but curious about the shotgun / rifle portion. Thanks, AJ

After checking out their (ORSA) website, they host all kinds of events throughout the month. The only one I could participate in would be the 3-gun Event, as it falls on a Sunday and I work 6 days / week. I was going to check it out, but I haven't had the time to sight in my rifle AND am waiting on a new recoil spring, hence the "was" I would encourage any considering to go not just observe, but be prepared to participate. What have to you got to lose? NOTHING. Thus far it's the most fun I have shooting my pistol! While it is competition shooting, as a newbie, I figure I am competing against my self for my first few times out so I am not concerned where I place in competition. Even if I am dead last, I have a starting point to improve from. Best I can tell from the ORSA website, you don't need to be a member, you can "pay-as-you-go" with slightly increased non-member event fees. Wish we had something like this in Seymour...

Since I work 6 days a week, I wasn't able to renew in person, so I tried the mail option. Renewal package received from the DOS stated (I believe) up to 8 - 12 week processing time. Sent in my stuff via priority mail with the delivery confirmation option for $5.35 Would have spent more in time and gas going to the DMV in person. Received by DOS following day, next day check cleared my bank. HCP arrived 12 days (including Sat / Sun) later. Kudos to the clerks handling HCP renewals in Nashville, job well done!

I have been consider ankle carry for a weak side BUG. Before I do it, I need to do way more practice with my off hand shooting! When I get ready to take the plunge, I am going to try a Renegade. Hopefully it won't end in the the box o' holsters...

REally like the grips on the top model!

Regarding carry, I am 5'8", 160# - 165# and have carried a Commander-style and currently carry a CZ 75B with extra mags. The weight doesn't bother me. With the right belt, holster, cover shirt and carry position, you can (reasonably) comfortably carry about anything. BTW - Dolomite is 100% serious about his offer - take him up on it if possible. He did a little tuning on my AC Commander and has an AWESOME on-property (like right off the front porch) shooting range. G - we need to get together soon!

Regarding carry, I am 5'8", 160# - 165# and have carried a Commander-style and currently carry a CZ 75B with extra mags. The weight doesn't bother me. With the right belt, holster, cover shirt and carry position, you can (reasonably) comfortably carry about anything. BTW - Dolomite is 100% serious about his offer - take him up on it if possible. He did a little tuning on my AC Commander and has an AWESOME on-property (like right off the front porch) shooting range. G - we need to get together soon!

I don't like the ergos of the pistol at all. The biggest drawback is weighing in at 29oz loaded with only 10 rounds. Getting ready to use the warranty on my 995...put a kink in the recoil spring...entirely operator error...HP is shipping out a new one with no questions asked... Thus my review of the TS stock modification is on hold, stayed tuned

I too was a skeptic about the brand during my research. I read from the "bestest gun ever" Kool-aid drinkers to the "its a cheap piece of pot-metal exploding crap" crowd and everything in between. Thus far, pretty impressed with mine

Ok, it may be a little biased since I own one. I was looking for a plinker, the Ruger 10/22 #1 on the list. Then my buddy bought a HiPoint 995 Carbine. After I did as much internet research I could on the brand and model, this too was a viable option as a plinker with the potential as a HD carbine if proved safe and reliable. On the HiPoint website, there is a pic posted of a deer slain by the hunter with a 995 carbine, so it MAY also be acceptable as a short range hunting rifle with the right optics and ammo. I paid $175 for the carbine from above mentioned buddy, unfired condition. It is a older "B" model with the planet-of-the-apes stock. Never shot with that stock, upgraded to the $40 ATI Beretta-clone stock. I like the look MUCH better. Sighted in at 50 yards, 1" - 4" groups depending on who is shooting it. Found out from additional internet research that ATI stock can void the lifetime warranty, but damage only seems to occur from heavy use and I am in the light use category. Bought a $40 bi-pod, really getting the mall ninja tacti-cool look and way fun to shoot! Then 3 weeks ago, another buddy gave me a Crimson Trace MVF-515 foregrip. So now I've got a foregrip that probably costs more than the weapon... 2 Options: by a rail system from ATI for $40+ OR Spend another $40 to purchase the TS style stock from HP. Went with this option: needed rails to mount the cool new grip plus with a factory-designed stock so no warranty issues if I have a problem. The TS stock is a well made piece of molded polymer-stuff. Good design for easy field-stripping. It has good ergos for me. I find it more comfortable than the ATI stock, The TS stock is advertised with pictinnany rails but the foregrip has wider locking lugs. The rails are made from another type of hard polymer material and since I had nothing to loose, I widened the rails with a file and the grip fits properly. Upsides of my first EBR "build": low investment, free parts, simple mechanicals, versatile and affordable caliber. Fit and finish are pretty good. Acceptable machine chatter marks. Been pretty fun to work on with basic tools. With the TS stock, if I have a malfunction in the field, I can dis-assemble in a pinch if all I have is a pair of pliers. Downsides of the product: 10 round magazines, apparently pro-mag put out a 15 but everything I have read indicated it was not reliable. The mags are only $10 and you get what you pay for. Meaning you have to break-in the mags may have to adjust the mag lips to ensure reliable feeding. The trigger action is OK, but you'll have to judge for yourself. I haven't shot it enough to review the comleted package with the TS stock but will post an update for those interested.