| Author | Message | ||
     Thumper74 |
Gun Review! Per a previous post about a budget oriented 1911 build. I wasn’t able to find anything that fit what I wanted. I ended buying a Springfield XD subcompact 9mm a few weeks ago. A few days later, I bought a Taurus Tracker .357 Magnum, 6.5” barrel. The XD is a pleasure to shoot. So far, it’s my favorite semi auto anything. It’s single action semi auto with a super crisp 4lb trigger pull. The slide was pretty hard to rack, but everything fit together well. After a few hundred rounds, it still fit well, but the slide was super smooth after cleaning and oiling it up. I experience no misfires, jams or stove pipes. It took every ammo I had with stride. Recoil was sharp, but not un-controllable. A limp wrist may result in a second shot on accident. At combat distances, it was extremely accurate and the paperman assailant didn't make it. I shot my wife’s S&W Sigma 9mm in comparison, it has a longer barrel, but the trigger pull is an excessive 11 pounds and it made shooting accurately pretty difficult. It was reliable, but I only fed two, 10 round magazines through it. I also recently bought a Taurus Tracker .357 Magnum for a fair price. I also picked up a box of .38 Special ammo and a box of .357 Magnum ammo. It’s the stainless version, 6.5” barrel (weighted and compensated), 7 rounds in the cylinder, adjustable sights, single action was smooth and accurate, double action firing was a heavy with a slightly gritty trigger pull, and rubber grips that fit me perfectly. The .38 Special had recoil that was less than the XD. I assume that it was due to the weight of the barrel and the compensation. I really liked it with the .38 Special in there. I was able to get a 3” group at 50 yards (the end of the range) without adjusting the sights. I had some 148 Grain .357 Magnums I ran through it as well. Holy. Crap. I’ve never shot anything more powerful than a .45 ACP (1911 GI) through a handgun. The first shot with the .357 caught me off guard. Not as much recoil as I thought it would have (but more than anything I’ve fired), but WAY louder and it will light up the room. The .357 Magnum had fire/sparks coming from the cylinder to barrel joint, the compensator ports, and a 6” fire ball from the muzzle. It was fun, but I think my target practice will be made with .38 Specials unless I’m practicing for deer season (found some 240 Grain(!) for deer hunting). I only had two issues with the gun: hard extraction of the spent .357 casings and the cylinder timing ‘may’ be off some. I suspect that the extraction concern is linked to the fact that I ran .38 Specials through the gun first causing carbon fouling in the cylinder since the case is shorter. Since this is my first large revolver (have an H&R 949 .22 LR), I’m not used to the gun’s quirks. I had my XD unloaded on the bench and there were white/light grey specs all over it. I don’t feel it was lead as I was using FMJ ammo. I suppose it could be unburnt powder, but I’m not convinced it isn’t shaving bullets… Overall, I’m VERY happy with both purchases. They each do well for their intended purpose and are pretty accurate. I’m 100% comfortable with the XD and will be trusting my life to it. The Tracker is an awesome gun and has me convinced that revolvers are not archaic weapons in a world full of semi auto weapons. Any suggestions for a long gun? I currently own a Stevens 94F break open 12guage and a Enfield .303 bolt action rifle. I’d be interested in something for a varmint gun, long range accuracy, maybe the capabilities to hunt deer. Long barreled AR10 chambered for a .308? | ||
| Madduck |
Get something in the DPMS line with a bull barrel in 308. Truely remarkable firearms but getting into unobtainable category with the last election. | ||
| Rfischer |
Long guns: I've have had a Remington model 70, 30-06, SS with composite stock for years. Not fancy but accurate out to 1500+ yds. with a Leupold scope, and versatile. Good for deer, boar, antelope, etc. Bit over-the-top for gophers tho'..... At the other end of the intended-purpose spectrum, my home defense weapon is a Remington 870 12G. Police Magnum modified by Vang Comp Systems and fitted with 2 shot magazine extension, IBD ghost ring trinium sights, SureFire LED tactical light, and a Tac-Star 6 reserve round stock accessory. For varmint plinking only of course....in case any varmints appear at the doorstep. And remember, it isn't paranoia if they really are trying to get you. | ||
| Thumper74 |
No paranoia. I just like to shoot stuff. | ||
| Nukeblue |
i have an xd-40 and LOVE it! i bet i have 5,000 rounds through the thing and have NEVER had a malfunction of any kind. no kidding. best gun i have ever had & will never get rid of it for sure. i liked the natural point of aim compared to the glock. for a long gun i say give savage a look. i have a 110 in .223 that i grouped 3/4" at 200 yds with hand loads. got a coyote at 300 yds once. for $400 they are in my opinion the best out there (that was a few years ago) | ||
| Rfischer |
Yeah, Savage used to make some very good guns. Haven't shot one since I was a kid tho' and I don't know if they have become just a front for Chinese firearm manufacturers as so many others have. | ||
| Slaughter |
I've owned an HK91 and a Ruger 77 Heavy Barrel (varmint grade). Found that I really ENJOYED shooting the bolt gun since it was SUPERBLY accurate. The H&K was great but just couldn't group (duuuuhhhh) like the bolt gun. Had the Leupold 3x9 variable on the Ruger - a good practical scope. Varmint barrel wasn't too heavy to hump around hunting. The HK91 was a great shooting gun but the fluted chamber was really hard on the brass - though I did reload, I tended to only reload a couple times for the HK. 308 is an extremely versatile caliber for most any North American beastie up to Elk and Moose. If I didn't want to have common calibers, I'd think the 7mm08 might work better for most game. | ||
| Slowride |
Just picked up these.... Mossberg 500 12g. Tactical STAG-15 AR15 5.56 XDm 40 Long gun is what I like to call a social encounter alternative ( New England Arms 30.06 ) with a 9x40 zero'd in at 200 yards. The whole rifle is roughly 24inches long. Perfect to fit in the scabard back pack I have. My carry gun is a Mag. Research 9mm 3.5inch. and my last ditch is a Kel tec 32 the boot. (Message edited by slowride on March 27, 2009) | ||
| Johnnymceldoo |
I knew youd be happy with the XD  For a long gun an AK variant in 5.45x39 might be a decent choice with ammo costs the way hey are. Of course no safe is complete without an AR so consider bushmaster or any of the quality mfr's. Also consider robinson arms XCR. Its like an AR, takes AR mags but has a piston recoil system, ambidextrous mag release, picatinny rail system and some other nice features. The caliber can be swapped from 5.56 to 7.62x39 in a matter of minutes if you have the other caliber kit. Nice rifle and made in America. | ||
| Ferris_von_bueller |
These can't be beat..... http://current.com/items/87302871/machine_gun_shoo tout.htm | ||
| Mayerhd |
For a long gun take a look at the Browning X bolt, and the Sakos/Tikkas are very nice, for versatility I'd get it chambered in .270WSM. One of the best rounds out there, IMO. | ||
| Gunut75 |
Glad you found a pistol that suits you. Seemed like you were on a mission. As far as the long guns are concerned, it depends if you want semi auto, bolt, or lever action. Now days, great accuracy can be obtained from just about any style action that uses modern mfg. methods. If you are going the semi auto route, the .308 DPMS AR-15 is an excellent choice. I have an accurized Mini-14 that I like better than the AR. For a bolt action I have a Remington 700, with peep sights on it. For long range tapping, I have a 45-70. My guess, is that your gonna have to do the same research for a long gun as you did with the pistol. Shoot a bunch of em, ad figure out what you like best.  | ||
| Gunut75 |
Oh yeah. 5 rounds of .38, and one round of .357 goes.............bang..........bang..........bang. .........bang............bang............BOOM! Its an awesome surprise to yer shootin buddies. | ||
| Jstfrfun |
For Christmas I bought my own present in a XD-45 silver over black (not a gift you trust the wife to get), and a 4 day defensive handgun course at Frontsite weapons school. 700 rounds later the XD is probably the best personal defense weapon currently available. As far as a long varmint gun I like the Puma line for quality and economy of ammo, they are chambered for pistol ammo which brings the cost down considerably, the lever action is always smooth and they carry very nicely. I own the 357/38sp, and the 44mag, both are very nice, with flat strait trajectory, not recommended for home defense but the Mossburg and the Winchester 1300 do nicely in that respect. (Message edited by jstfrfun on March 27, 2009) | ||
| Aesquire |
Savage rifles are better than ever, and still made by Americans. It makes it harder when you want to hunt varmit & deer. I think a .223 ( or 22-250 even ) is marginal at best for deer. Not legal in many states. Same for the Russian 5.45x39. A .308 will take any practical game in N. America ( though some will want a .338 or bigger for Bear...or some of the African Imports & I won't argue. ) but will be overkill ( splash & kick ) on smaller rodents. Maybe .260 or .243 or one of the many 6-7 mm's? Or a 6.8SPC in an AR platform. An SKS or AK variant in 7.62x39 is good for deer, plinking, and home defense. ( the SKS will get you less crap from ignorant LE officers, since it doesn't look as eeeevil. ) In a bolt action .25-06 is good for everything from rats to Antelope, though a bit overkill. 6.5x55 Swede in a surplus Swedish Mauser would be classic on deer. Consider a big game gun AND a .223 varmit gun. Because it's all good. | ||
| Thumper74 |
I'm not opposed to any action. I liked the fact that I can get a lever action in a .357 Magnum and eliminated the need to have multiple ammunition types on hand. My Enfield .303 isn't a bad shooter, but the ammo isn't really that common. I guess a large portion of my decision will be based on versatility of the weapon (Can I use it for hunting deer (or bigger)? Can I used it for home defense? Can I convert it to use a less expensive round like 9mm or .22?), availability of aftermarket parts and ammunition, etc Though I think I would prefer a .308, a .223 chambered AR15 with a bull barrel seems like it would do everything I need it to do with the ability to convert it to .22 for plinking. | ||
| Court |
>>>>Oh yeah. 5 rounds of .38, and one round of .357 goes.............bang..........bang..........bang. .........bang............bang............BOOM! Man does that bring back memories . . . my youngest (now 28) loved to shoot when he was a little tyke. One day he, at the age of about 5, is begging to shoot my favorite "L" frame S&W. I keep warning him, he keeps asking. So I load it with 5 .38Spl reloads and on very hot 158gr. .357 . . . . he starts firing and about the 3rd round smirks at me and says something smart like "this is nothing" . . . . I'll never forget when he hit that 6th round , . . . he and the gun both reeled back, the sound was deafening and the muzzle flash impressive. I'm an old fashioned roll gun lovin' guy . . . don't leave home without it. | ||
| Ourdee |
I used to like the autos a lot. Now I think of .45 acp as my backup. My 1st line choice is my Ruger super redhawk 7.5" bbl. in .454 Casull. 5 .45 long colts and one .454 Casull goes.............bang..........bang..........bang. .........bang............bang............KABOOM! I just don't like the way the trigger guard smacks the knuckle on my middle finger when I shoot it one handed. I'm still looking for a good shoulder rig. | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
?Well on the subject of firearms, anybody shot a Ruger SR9? | ||
| Gunut75 |
Hell yeah Ourdee. I have a standard redhawk (no ring mounts) in 44 mag with a factory trigger job. The 454 Casull is a fabulous round, some serious power there. I got the 44 because I could'nt pass up the deal. Yes.......KABOOM! My ex was a cop, and she used to make fun of me for keeping a SA 45 colt under the matress, (she had a Baretta) because it holds 6 rounds. My reply was, "If someone breaks into the house, and I have to shoot more than 6 rounds, we're in deep sh1t anyway!" | ||
| Lost_in_ohio |
Home defense. Tarus Judge. chambered for 45 colt long and 410 3" magnum. A face full of birdshot at 10 or 15 feet will turn the most determined bad guy around. Of course when the fluid that was in your eyes is running thru your hands it is hard to continue your attack. | ||
| Court |
I load 2 birdshot .357 and 4 - 158gr JHP. By the way . . . does anyone need a 7+ 7 Shot Speedloader for a "L" Frame S&W? I got 4 by mistake. | ||
| Gunut75 |
for a 686+ ? | ||
| Court |
Yes. For a S&W 686 "L" Frame 7 shot. I have 4 brand spanking new . . . . 2 of them still in the packaging. | ||
| Jstfrfun |
Anyone notice a shortage of ammunition lately? I have'nt been able to find more than a couple hundred rounds of 45 ACP for a few months now, Wal-Mart, gun shops, everywhere, whats up with that? I've heard it's a stumbling block to the 2nd ammendment...not sure, but not good. Any body got a line on a couple thousand rounds? | ||
| Court |
I found a place on line . . . . you may have read my story about my recent trip to Kansas. Everywhere I went . . . "sorry, you need to be here before noon if you want ammo . . . we sell most of it in the mornings". I finally went to the High Plains Gun Shop and got what I needed. By the way . . . . if anybody needs them I ended up with 2 boxes of 12 gauge 3-1/2" BB . . . . I meant to get 3". | ||
| Thumper74 |
Everyone's freaking out about the current administration's anti gun tendencies. It's damn near impossible to find ammo any place that's not a specific gun shop. I found some Blazer 9mm at Wal-Mart and another customer and I bought them out because the local gun shops are 50% more. Court, what brand and model number are the speed loaders? My Taurus uses S&W speedloaders, but I'm not sure which models. If they fit, I'll buy some. Birdshot .357? Who makes it? | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Just a thought. Do you think the ammo shortage has anything to do with the war, and not just the regime change? Or is it a combination of both? Please no political diatribes. | ||
| Court |
 Says it fits a Taurus Model 66 or S&W 686.  They are marked "NCC/R" . . .no idea who makes them . . . kids in Brooklyn sell them as a fund raiser for their school. Welcome to New York City. Entirely the new administrations perceived possible actions toward infringing 2nd Amendment RIGHTS. We have, since the election, created the best armed nation on the planet. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
For you folks with XD's, do NOT test drive an XDm. You probably won't be happy with your XD any more. Both XDm 9mm and .40 are REALLY nice. This is an interesting thread. Since I started shooting again last year I've found TONS of folks at work that are also shooters. Folks you would NEVER suspect, many have their C&C or will have it soon. I'm talking folks from the custodian ranks all they way to the window offices. Even in my neighborhood, the numbers are impressive. I'd say that better than 60 - 70% are armed and know how to shoot straight. Most don't have their C&C but that doesn't really matter in your own home. On the ammo front, it's really bad around here too. Wally World hasn't had 9mm for months. Even gun shops are very low and over priced. A near by Cabella's is usually out too. I talked to a ammo sales rep a while back and ask him why the shortage. He cited a couple of reasons. One - Demand is through the roof since Nov of last year. Both for ammo and hand guns. Two - Rummors and inside info on the current administrations intent re the 2nd ammendment. If you were paying attention, there was a proposal on the table to serialize every piece of ammo. This would have require huge changes for the ammo manufactures not only in the manufacturing process but in the record keeping BS the new laws would require. Because of the uncertainty the ammo manufactures backed off their production. I can't say for certain that all the above is completely accurate but it's very plausable. Brad |
