Real Guns

[Zenith]

Okay. I ask because a lot of people plan to have their first firearm or defensive firearm be a 1911. I consider that to be a pretty poor choice. It's a 100 year old design no matter how you sling it. 7 rounds, the weight, and things like a break-in period or tuning are simply indefensible features compared to things like the Glock for carry or defensive use.

I like 1911's far more than any other pistol.

 

[a6m5]

I've read online about break-in period for 1911, but mine was well-used by the time I acquired it, so I have no experience in that. It is very true that so many younger guys want 1911. I think the weight actually helps with the recoil of .45 though. That, and also the narrow grip, and its' angle. It's a sweet shooting gun.

 

[Zenith]

The first two handguns I ever familiarized myself with were .40 S&W's. A Glock and Beretta (neither of which were mine). I noticed my split times were higher than what most other people at the range where capable of with 9mm so I just assumed that I sucked.

When I shot a 1911 I was surprised by how mild the recoil was. I attributed to the weight. That was until I fired a .45 Glock 30 Subcompact and realized that it was the .40S&W that was kicking hard. I don't plan on ever buying a .40 S&W or .357 Sig. The recoil is snappy and harder to handle than .45 and much harder to handle than 9mm. I don't think the ballistics of the .40 S&W make up for it, especially when modern defensive bullets are used.

Anyway, back to the 1911. The gun that I fired was a Springfield Loaded. I've lusted after one ever since.

 

[a6m5]

My other coworker has a Glock 30. Same one that gave me the scopes, Arisaka and other cool stuff. He doesn't care for Glocks too much, but he likes that one. Only .45 ACP I think he owns.

I love Glocks. My Glock 17 never jammed. It had perfect record, except for one dead bullet that wouldn't go "bang". My Kimber Custom Target II on the other hand, one spent shell get caught, every range day. I still love the frigging gun, but maybe it's the same magazine that's doing it(I have three). I should monitor that.

No offense to .40 owners, but I also have heard about their harsh recoil, and I'm sticking with the .45, maybe opt for 9mm. If I want superior penetration, I can always grab my .308 rifle, or buy a .357 Magnum.

For now, I'm considering a Glock 36(slim line .45ACP), but god, so many sweet handguns out there......

 

[cggorman]

My other coworker has a Glock 30. Same one that gave me the scopes, Arisaka and other cool stuff. He doesn't care for Glocks too much, but he likes that one. Only .45 ACP I think he owns.

I love Glocks. My Glock 17 never jammed. It had perfect record, except for one dead bullet that wouldn't go "bang". My Kimber Custom Target II on the other hand, one spent shell get caught, every range day. I still love the frigging gun, but maybe it's the same magazine that's doing it(I have three). I should monitor that.

No offense to .40 owners, but I also have heard about their harsh recoil, and I'm sticking with the .45, maybe opt for 9mm. If I want superior penetration, I can always grab my .308 rifle, or buy a .357 Magnum.

For now, I'm considering a Glock 36(slim line .45ACP), but god, so many sweet handguns out there......

Agreed given any opportunity I would snatch my dream handgun (XDm tactical .45) without so much as a blink.

 

[Brett]

While I admire Glock's reputation for reliability, I cannot stand the ergonomics. The grip angle does not bother me. Though, the grip is just too much of a block. The slide release is much too small and the magazine release is much too far forward for easy engagement with my thumb. However, it should be said that I my thumbs are on the short side and for nearly any "traditional" type magazine release, I have to alter my grip on the pistol to trigger the magazine release.

The above problems are one of the many reason I really like the ergonomics on nearly all of recent H&K products. The magazine release can easily be triggered with the trigger finger. The slide release is easily within reach of the thumb. My Walther PPQ takes both one step further and makes both even more user friendly.

Speaking of which, now that I will be having a bit more spare time, I should be making a trip to the range soon. I have not been in over two months. It is well past due to make a trip.

 

[Zenith]

They make extended slide stops and mag releases. They're the only modifications I would make to a Glock. The grip never really worked for me either. Some people run little rubber slide-ons. I've never used them.

 

[a6m5]

This has come up before(more than once!). I LOVE Glocks, don't like the grip. As for slide or mag release though, I thought they were good.

If I could change couple of things about the Glock, I'd want steel frame option, and probably also adjustable sights.

Still though, we know their reputation, and the one I had, only time it failed to perform is because the "Federal" bullet was defective, that's pretty impressive. Near 100% reliability is a pretty nice feature to have in a defensive weapon!

Agreed given any opportunity I would snatch my dream handgun (XDm tactical .45) without so much as a blink.

Go buy it, online, or at a gun show if you have to! If Obama get's re-elected, it's gonna be available only with a single shot magazine!!!! j/k

 

[a6m5]

B.A.D. Lever

I'd be interested in what Z-Man or maybe Solid has to say about this one. Is BAD lever really worth your while on a AR?

 

[Solid Lifters]

B.A.D. Lever

I'd be interested in what Z-Man or maybe Solid has to say about this one. Is BAD lever really worth your while on a AR?

For me, the less 'gadgets' on a firearm, the better.

 

[a6m5]

For me, the less 'gadgets' on a firearm, the better.

I agree with you, even if my rifle doesn't show it.

What brought this to my attention was this video:



After my AR pulled the double feed on the very first magazine, I don't know how this BAD lever work, exactly, but I'd be interested in anything that might help resolve this issue, should it happen again!

 

[Zenith]

It came out a few years ago. It was designed to let you lock or release the bolt with your right hand. It does this by hooking onto the bolt catch and extending through the trigger guard. For instance on reload you could insert the magazine with your left hand, and hit the BAD lever with your trigger finger instead of having to use the left hand again to hit the bolt release.

An issue that many people get from adding rotational inertia to the bolt catch is that the gun will no longer reliably lock the bolt to rear. The catch is supposed to be pushed up by the empty magazine's follower to catch the bolt and keep it held back. With the BAD lever adding inertia, the magazine's spring may not be able to push the bolt catch up in time.

I don't know of any "professionals" out there that run one. I don't plan to. I've used one on a gun that a friend of mine has. He only has the use of his right hand, so the BAD lever lets him reload easier. I didn't find it speeding up my reloads drastically and I didn't really like the piece of plastic hanging around.

Double feeds are always magazine problems. Get some magazines with anti-tilt followers and you'll probably never run into them.

For dealing with a double feed, look into the ejection port to identify the problem, move your left hand to the front of the magazine, pull the charging handle back with your right hand, lock the bolt back. Yank the magazine out, check the port again to see if the rounds fell out, if not slide your fingers into the magazine well and jiggle them until they fall out.

Also the guy in the video has what looks to be about 5 pounds of optics, grips, and kitchen sinks hanging off his gun. He also has KNS anti-rotational pins (proven to do jack squat) and a Punisher engraved on his gun.

I'd say he might not be the best source of advice.

 

[a6m5]

Did you see the kitchen sink, too!? I thought that was just me! j/k

Yeah, other commentors were also taking shots at that guy, but you know, it's something with enough support that they actually came up with a product from a reputable manufacturer, so I just had to ask.

On couple other youtube videos I caught, they were talking about that "dry bolt" that I heard about at the shooting range. Do you think that plays a role at all, or pretty much just have to do with tilting followers?

When I had that one double feed at the range, it was a Bushmaster(stock) mag. One that I determined it did not have anti-tilt follower(also DPMS, which looks identical). I almost wish trying that out again, with dry bolt, but with a PMAG(anti-tilt).

Thanks for your help, Z-Man.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Thanks for the video. It supports what I suspected. This item is completely unnecessary. Just more 'junk' to add to your rifle.

If I were you, follow what Zenith suggested. Don't use this product. You're better off avoiding this problem from ever happening by being selective about the magazines you use.

 

[a6m5]

Yeah, I'm still learning the beginner stuff about this rifle, and it sure doesn't look like something I need.

When I got the double feed, and the second ammo was seated in the chamber, and wouldn't come out, I didn't even know how to lock the bolt open. I didn't know that bolt catch was there for that?

That reminds me: When I have used the bolt-catch to lock the bolt in the open position, is it safe to stick your finger in there to clear the jam?

It looks safe, but man, that bolt slams shut like nobody's bidness, it's scary!

P.S. I have two PMAGs(anti-tilt), along with a DPMS and Bushmaster(tilting). I might invest in more PMAGs.

 

[Zenith]

You'll be holding the rifle in your hands so unless someone comes along and presses the paddle, you should be fine. I don't know how much it would hurt to have your finger in there, it's never happened to me. I do understand what you're talking about though. I'm not about to go test it out The bolt wouldn't be able to close until after you've cleared the jam anyways, so the window for that to actually happen is pretty small.

 

[Eric.]

I've had that same thought when I was manually loading a round in the chamber of the Makarov...

 

[a6m5]

OK, somebody has to find a video of that, because when the AR bolt closes, and it might be even scarier since mine's a .308, I can damn near visualize my finger getting blown up by that bolt closing.

 

[Zenith]

Here's a result after someone did that on an AR15 bolt. It won't injure you, but you won't be making the mistake often.

 

[a6m5]

You are the man! And it didn't explode!

Alright. If it ever double feed again, and won't shake loose, I'm just gonna lock the bolt open, use my finger(s) to clear out the jam. Unless one of my buddies' willing to stick his finger in there for a dollar!(sorry, that sounds totally wrong!)

 

[Zenith]

Oh no, that's not my finger, I just googled it.

 

[a6m5]

Oh no, that's not my finger, I just googled it.

I know that! I just didn't realize someone would find a pic of it so fast. 👍

P.S. Bing it, Z-Man! B-I-N-G! I'm not gonna lie, I still use google from time to time, but I start with Bing(but it does suck).

 

[Michael88]

Well, with an M1 Garand you can an get the famous ''Garand thumb'' if you fail to hold the bolt open while loading a new en-bloc clip into the rifle.

Though I think the FN-FAL would totally break your thumb if you were unlucky enough to leave it in there while closing the bolt.
The Bolt is powered by a 7'' double spring and weighs ~ 10 ounces, it slams home like a freakin' hammer.

 

[Solid Lifters]

I'll stick with bolt action, lever action and pump action rifles, for now, thank you very much!

Only semi-auto rifles I have are in .22lr. The damage is minimal if something happens to my fingers.

I do want to get a centerfire semi-auto rifle, though. I can't decide what I want or what caliber to choose. So, I'm content right now with what I have. 👍

 

[Michael88]

I'll stick with bolt action, lever action and pump action rifles, for now, thank you very much! :

As if bolt actions were any safer!
A year ago I shot a Lee Enfield No4 and while I was trying to make the famous Enfield ''mad minute'' I pinched the ball of my thumb between bolt knob and stock so hard I had to cut it open with my pocket knife to get all the blood out.

I was cussing ten minutes straight without repeating myself.

 

[Solid Lifters]

As if bolt actions were any safer!
A year ago I shot a Lee Enfield No4 and while I was trying to make the famous Enfield ''mad minute'' I pinched the ball of my thumb between bolt knob and stock so hard I had to cut it open with my pocket knife to get all the blood out.

I was cussing ten minutes straight without repeating myself.

I've never hurt myself badly with any of my rifles. I do get 'hurt' a little. Like my lever actions, I have to push the rounds deeply into the feed tune and that 'door' to the loading port always catches the edges of my thumb nail and chews it up to hell. And let me tell you, the 8th, 9th and 10th round are not going in easy!

 

[a6m5]

I'm sorry, I want to ask what this Enfield mad minute is, but I have first laugh..... HARD at the swearing for ten minutes without repeating. That is the funniest thing I ever heard.

And Solid, didn't you own a tactical AR? Maybe I got mixed up with the tactical 870 you own.

Edit: My coworker wanted me to order 500 rounds of Wolf .308, so I can split it with him. I did a quick research on Wolf ammo(Wiki has a interesting article on it), and decided to pull the trigger(no pun intended!). $257.50 with the shipping, insurance and everything. At $10.30 a box, it's not as good of a deal as the Walmart's Tulammo($8.97 a box), but Walmart can't keep anything good in stock!

The shop is from Brett's Oklahoma state and called Executive Gun Runners. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

 

[Michael88]

I'm sorry, I want to ask what this Enfield mad minute is, but I have first laugh..... HARD at the swearing for ten minutes without repeating. That is the funniest thing I ever heard.

You are welcome.

The original Enfield Mad Minute means shooting the Enfield rifle scoring 15 hits at a 12'' target which is set up at 300yds in under one minute.
Though the modern version of it is more like hitting a 10'' 100 yd target as many times as possible in 60 seconds. (Using stripper clips)
The Enfield action is pretty slick and cocks on closing so you can get off quite a few shots in that time frame. If you know what you are doing you're almost as fast as with a semi auto rifle - with a bolt action gun! Fun!

By the way, I just loaded my first smokeless cartridges using a LEE set. .44 Magnum for my Lever Action, 21 grains of Alliant 2400, 240 grain Hornady SP. According to my calculator its near max pressure and the bullet is going to leave the barrel with whopping 1700 fps.
Its a HOT load and I'm afraid of shooting it, I definitely should have stepped down a grain for my first time load.
Its absolutely safe to shoot...unless I have screwed up with measuring the powder.

I have measured each load at least three times with a mechanical scale which is so accurate it can measure tenths of a grain - but I'm still afraid of shooting it.

I'm SO going to wear a bomb suit when shooting the gun with my reloads.....

 

[a6m5]

My mad minute scoring should be interesting. At the traditional 300 yards, I probably wouldn't get a single point. I can totally understand about the swearing now. You got your motor revving in a tight competition, then "bam!", excruciating pain. That'll do it!

As for your "hot" load, good luck. Don't you go dying on us. You are a wealth of knowledge on the subject.

 

[Michael88]

I just shot one of my reloads using a rope for the trigger and some pillows to catch the recoiling gun. I hid behind a wooden wall several meters away. The gun didn't blow up and no signs of overpressure on the brass!
And the 240 grain bullet did 1900 fp/s! That. Is. Hot. Remember, a commercial 44 does about 1300 out of a pistol and 1700 out of a rifle.

As for your "hot" load, good luck. Don't you go dying on us. You are a wealth of knowledge on the subject.

Don't worry, ''if you're gonna be dumb you gotta be tough.'' I'm very tough.