Annual Offseason Thread of Firearms

[oldhorn2]

new gun owner?....consider the Defender. I dont remember who makes it, but it is a wheel gun that has alternating .45 cal and special loaded 410 loads...the 410 loads have 3 metal disks and maybe BB or buckshot in the same case. It is like shooting shrapnel...That makes it easier to hit something.

I would bet that almost all home invasions where the home owner defended his ground did not last over one or two shots, and accuracy by either party would be ....uh...crappy at best. Ask Fresh. I think he would tell you that shooting at someone who is shooting back takes that "aim and squeeze" to a whole different level. You have to have rigorous training to do that well. It is a proven military fact that only about 10% of soldiers on either side are actually aiming at what they are shooting at.....in other words....I doubt magzine capacity ever comes into question.

 

[Oldmanastro]

Ok Astro--

Few things we need to know.
1. Are you OK?
2. What happened?
3. How's your hand and wrist strength? Can you still open pickle jars with ease? If not, you need to go with something that is easy to chamber.... unless you're going to walk around with a round chambered.
The S&W 380 EZ is the easiest weapon to charge that I've ever picked up. You can rack that thing on your cheek. Literally. Plus, 380 bullet tech has become VERY nasty. Those rounds will fvck someone up regardless of where you hit them.

You need to consider a few things:
A. Weapon size.
B. Ease of use.
C. Safety or no safety.
D. Stopping power.
E. Accuracy (should be #1)

The catch all is the Glock 26. 10 rounds and 1 in the pipe.

Thanks Clob-To answer your questions first-
Yes, we are good. It was scary. Adrenaline didn't come down for a couple hours.

What happened? Here is the text I sent to neighbors right after it happened:

"Hey guys there is an African American going door to door and he handed my a plastic flyer. I asked if he was selling magazines. He said no, it's a contest. I said no thank you and tried to hand it back to him, he wouldn't take it. I tried 2 more times and he refused to take it back. I then placed it at his feet. My dogs are barking crazy. I then tried to close my door. He then put his foot in my door and wouldn't allow me to close it. I said I would call the police and he called me and my dog a bitch and still didn't remove his foot. I opened the door wide and said get him Bruce. Bruce cowards because he thought I was yelling at him. Heads up. Don't answer your door."

We got a picture of him down the street getting into a suv, it had no front plate and back plate was out of state. Another neighbor said he saw an suv dropping off two guys at the front of the neighborhood. It was a scam they were running. We called 911 and reported it. My wife went to a retired APD house and he said to call 911 back and tell them the make of the car. They said they had been receiving multiple calls about it and sending a squad car out. The neighborhood FB page also was getting hit with others experiencing the same.

Question #3: My wrist are good. Left hand good, because, well, you know, years of experience . Right wrist is good as I was a state high school tennis player. I'm not as old as you may think (turn 60 this year).

I have a brother in law who lives 2 miles from me and he is a gun enthusiast. He's got an arsenal. Single doctor, never been married so has income to collect. I went to Academy and reviewed their product. I was somewhat overwhelmed so went by his house for a lesson on what I should get. He showed me a .45 and I asked about just a .22. He said that would hurt a person, but not stop them unless a shot to basically the head. He recommended a 45 or a 9mm.

Next weekend we are going back to Academy to find something both the wife and me can handle and start shooting lessons at a local range.

Like Etlong mentioned, he also said it comes down to "muscle memory", so there will be much time on that.

 

[Etlonghorn]

Damn Astro. I’m sure glad it turned out ok. My everyday carry is a Colt Defender in 45 ACP so I understand your BIL’s recommendation but I would add a couple of caveats. First, a 22 Mag can get nasty pretty quick. As Clob mentioned, the 380 has some bullet options that make it a heavy hitter now as well. The bottom line is that whatever you pick caliber wise, it needs to be something you and the wife are comfortable with handling and shooting. That might actually end up being 2 different weapons due to hand size, recoil aversion, etc.

 

[2300 Nueces]

Dude, a simple pump shotgun with buckshot. It's my go to when answering the door. It's a cheap Remington 870 Express. I use it for hunting but when it's not being used for hunting the plug is removed. I answer the door with it in hand.

I find that from politicians to door to door salesmen, when they see the gun they are anxious to end the conversation. I have a glass storm door. I leave it closed. If they go for the handle of the glass door, the muzzle goes in their direction.

 

[GuaranteedFresh!]

Although I do like the idea of .410 bore handgun for home defense, I highly recommend going the .380 or 9mm route to start. Ammo can reasonably be bought anywhere that has an ammo section, recoil is minimal, & whatever you hit is going to know it immediately.

In close quarters home invasion scenarios, you will not get the spread benefit of a shotgun and if the distance is actually great enough for a .410 to spread, you have little more stopping power than a pump bb gun. Shoot slugs you say? Not worth the hassle of a GIANT .410 handgun.

Get your brother to take you shooting multiple calibers and styles. Whichever feels comfortable in your hands is what you should consider.

Practice how you'd have to shoot with no prep time. Both eyes open, front + rear sights blended at center mass, 2 pull & reset. There is no taking time to line up perfectly for a pretty shot group.

Once you find something you decide to use, I HIGHLY recommend to purchase a https://mantisx.com/ so you can practice in home. I promise it will make you a substantially better shooter and save you time & money.

 

[Etlonghorn]

Good call Fresh on the MantisX system. I didn’t even think about that for him.

 

[clob94]

Good call Fresh on the MantisX system. I didn’t even think about that for him.

I had completely forgotten about that. Placing my order tonight.

You should ask Fresh if he ever wants to play paintball with simunition. Bring your checkbook and hydrocodone.

 

[Etlonghorn]

Man, I’m not sure I want to play simulation games with a guy like Fresh. It’s a small step from simulator to flash back. It’s all fun and games until the SpecOps guy goes off the reservation.

 

[GuaranteedFresh!]

I had completely forgotten about that. Placing my order tonight.

You should ask Fresh if he ever wants to play paintball with simunition. Bring your checkbook and hydrocodone.

Man I don't care what anyone says, those suckers huuuuuurt.
Imagine showing up to an actual paintball course and busting out your m4 with a mounted m203 and pouch full simunition mags. Straight to the clink, do not pass go or collect $200.

 

[GuaranteedFresh!]

Man, I’m not sure I want to play simulation games with a guy like Fresh. It’s a small step from simulator to flash back. It’s all fun and games until the SpecOps guy goes off the reservation.

 

[DHHorn]

The debate about what caliber to use in close quarters is overblown and is personal preference like others have said. Realistically, if someone breaks into your house and you start firing off ANY gun at them the average robber is going to jump through his skin trying to get out of there as fast as they can. I guarantee you they won't want to hang around and see what caliber gun you have. If the shots are placed well it won't matter either way, if you miss or wound they're going to be hauling butt out of there and you still defended your home.

 

[TX1972]

Ok Astro--

Few things we need to know.
1. Are you OK?
2. What happened?
3. How's your hand and wrist strength? Can you still open pickle jars with ease? If not, you need to go with something that is easy to chamber.... unless you're going to walk around with a round chambered.
The S&W 380 EZ is the easiest weapon to charge that I've ever picked up. You can rack that thing on your cheek. Literally. Plus, 380 bullet tech has become VERY nasty. Those rounds will fvck someone up regardless of where you hit them.

You need to consider a few things:
A. Weapon size.
B. Ease of use.
C. Safety or no safety.
D. Stopping power.
E. Accuracy (should be #1)

The catch all is the Glock 26. 10 rounds and 1 in the pipe.

I got a 380 EZ for my wife. It's larger than my M&P compact, shooting a smaller cartridge. But she can work it. For you, I'd look at the SIG 365 if I was starting from scratch. I like modifying, I put night sights and an after market trigger on mine. I can put 7 into a dinner plate at 25 yards.

 

[GuaranteedFresh!]

I got a 380 EZ for my wife. It's larger than my M&P compact, shooting a smaller cartridge. But she can work it. For you, I'd look at the SIG 365 if I was starting from scratch. I like modifying, I put night sights and an after market trigger on mine. I can put 7 into a dinner plate at 25 yards.

I've heard a lot of good things about the 365 as well as a few cons. Have you had a broken firing pin or any issue with striker drag with yours?
I want one but am wondering if they've worked out the kinks yet.

 

[clob94]

Man I don't care what anyone says, those suckers huuuuuurt.
Imagine showing up to an actual paintball course and busting out your m4 with a mounted m203 and pouch full simunition mags. Straight to the clink, do not pass go or collect $200.

I never told you about my experience.... or maybe I posted it here.... I've forgotten.
Anyway-- back in the day-- I was on a board of a small but well manned outfit. Being by far the youngest board member, I begged and begged those guysbfor months to let me shoot with them. After I passed their initial scrutiny and they realized I wasn't a barrel down at all times tard, I got to start hanging with them. Someone on the board suggested we put them through a wax bullet CQB session and one of the crew said "F that- let's do simunition". Not realizing the cost associated or the fact we needed special adapters for each weapon, the board voted yes-- and away we went.
Needless to say I got to go and during a fvck around session, I found out. Turns out, as a righty who switched to left handed, when you pie a corner to your right, you SHOULD not let your left thigh stick out from the shelter of the corner itself. Because when you do, the tango at the end of the hallway will shoot you right in the meaty part of your inner left thigh...... and it will make a smacking sound like a wet hand on a side of beef. And it will hurt, VERY badly. And you will get laughed at for being stupid. And you will feel stupid. And it will swell up. And it will make a bruise the size of a cantaloupe. And you'll hear about it every time you come in contact with the witnesses of the event-- for ever.

 

[freeper]

Yeah.....I do not miss the annual simunition training.....took plenty of rounds over the years. Definitely made your situational awareness improve.....

 

[clob94]

Yeah.....I do not miss the annual simunition training.....took plenty of rounds over the years. Definitely made your situational awareness improve.....

Prior to my session, I quietly asked one of the guys what being hit by one felt like.

His response- "Awww it's a good tingle".

 

[TX1972]

I've heard a lot of good things about the 365 as well as a few cons. Have you had a broken firing pin or any issue with striker drag with yours?
I want one but am wondering if they've worked out the kinks yet.

My carry is a M&P compact. My local gunsmith says that he has NEVER seen one for repair. I suggested the SIG because it seems to be widely available and well thought of.

 

[clob94]

My carry is a M&P compact. My local gunsmith says that he has NEVER seen one for repair. I suggested the SIG because it seems to be widely available and well thought of.

This pretty much sums it up.....

Glock 26 vs P365: Which is Best for Concealed Carry?

The Glock 26 vs Sig Sauer P365: Discover the strengths and differences of each firearm, make an informed decision on the best choice for your protection.

www.vedderholsters.com

 

[TX1972]

This pretty much sums it up.....

Glock 26 vs P365: Which is Best for Concealed Carry?

The Glock 26 vs Sig Sauer P365: Discover the strengths and differences of each firearm, make an informed decision on the best choice for your protection.

www.vedderholsters.com

The M&P fits my hand better. Have you found the new magnetic holsters? JM4,works really well.

 

[clob94]

The M&P fits my hand better. Have you found the new magnetic holsters? JM4,works really well.

I get it. Personal preference. I feel bad for guys like @freeper that used to be cops and had to carry around those unwieldy single action walker colt wheel revolvers back in the day. Must have been difficult reloading one ball at a time.
He didn't have a choice what he got to carry.

 

[Etlonghorn]

I get it. Personal preference. I feel bad for guys like @freeper that used to be cops and had to carry around those unwieldy single action walker colt wheel revolvers back in the day. Must have been difficult reloading one ball at a time.
He didn't have a choice what he got to carry.

at least he had 6 shots with it. That Springfield 1903 must have really sucked in a riot.

 

[2300 Nueces]

My 12 yo son brought home the flu a couple days ago. Guess who has it now. I hate the flu. Temp went to 104, ughh

 

[GuaranteedFresh!]

This pretty much sums it up.....

Glock 26 vs P365: Which is Best for Concealed Carry?

The Glock 26 vs Sig Sauer P365: Discover the strengths and differences of each firearm, make an informed decision on the best choice for your protection.

www.vedderholsters.com

Cliff notes:
Like finger grooves, buy the glock.
Like optional thumb safety, buy the Sig.

All else being even.

 

[clob94]

My 12 yo son brought home the flu a couple days ago. Guess who has it now. I hate the flu. Temp went to 104, ughh

104? That means you killed about 2 billion brain cells.
Now you have to be an aggy fan.

 

[2300 Nueces]

104? That means you killed about 2 billion brain cells.
Now you have to be an aggy fan.

Still in a fog but I have to work.

 

[freeper]

He didn't have a choice what he got to carry.

Jeez @clob94, I don't know how old you think I am, but you aren't far off. When I got hired, shortly after "Lone Wolf Gonzales retired, I had a buddy who had already been a cop for 5 years and had his FFL. He tells me I can borrow his S&W 686 for my first year on, since he knew money would be short. (I was in my 20s and all spare money was invested in booze and broads). I had also fired his 686, was comfortable with it and thought it was mighty nice of him since I could then save for a year and then decide what I wanted to pack on a more permanent basis.

So there I was, minding my own bidness, fat, dumb and happy, sitting in my academy class on Day 1. We get the welcome aboard speech from the Chief and then a Captain, and then....in walks the department range officer who promptly announces that we all need to cut him a check for $500. The department had decided, with my academy class, to begin the switchover to .45 cal semi-automatic handguns and we were required to purchase them. The weapon we would be buying was the S&W 4506. There was no choice involved. I spent most of my first paycheck just getting equipped.

Sure I was pissed at first, but man I came to love that gun. I shot lights out with it and it definitely got someone's attention when you pointed it in their direction. Sadly my ex-wife has it somewhere in Nevada now.

 

[clob94]

S&W 686.......
Kurt Russell- Tequila Sunrise

 

[oldhorn2]

my son was just telling me about his latest rifle. He said it was something from an AR-15 frame, but with a Necked up to 30 cal bullet. .....sub sonic. he said with the "suppresser" it had a barrel length of around 16 inches. He said it was no louder than a pellet gun and was very accurate at short range. I cant wait to see it. He called it something like a Dark 30 or black 30....something like that. I suspect Fresh might have an idea what I am talking about.

 

[clob94]

my son was just telling me about his latest rifle. He said it was something from an AR-15 frame, but with a Necked up to 30 cal bullet. .....sub sonic. he said with the "suppresser" it had a barrel length of around 16 inches. He said it was no louder than a pellet gun and was very accurate at short range. I cant wait to see it. He called it something like a Dark 30 or black 30....something like that. I suspect Fresh might have an idea what I am talking about.

300 blackout.

Imagine a 223 casing necked up to a 30 cal bullet. Fresh and his guys were shooting dudes with 5.56 rounds and the skinny camel humpers weren't stopping the rounds from passing through them. They'd go through the baddies, then through the mud hut walls, then through the innocent bystander in the adjacent room. So the 300 blackout was brought in because it had better knockdown power and slower bullet speed and wouldn't zip through guys and cause casualties behind them.
Problem with the 300 blackout is that once you get out about a hundred yards, those subsonic rounds start falling REALLY fast. Definitely don't want to be using them for distance shooting.

But they're HELL on piggies.

 

[oldhorn2]

yeah he says he is shooting it at 40 yds from a bow blind.

as for that 5.56 passing through guys....when the M-16 first hit the battle field, the bullet had a wobble. when it hit anything it did so much damage (like completely ripping off arms and such) that it was not deemed proper for combat.

 

[GuaranteedFresh!]

my son was just telling me about his latest rifle. He said it was something from an AR-15 frame, but with a Necked up to 30 cal bullet. .....sub sonic. he said with the "suppresser" it had a barrel length of around 16 inches. He said it was no louder than a pellet gun and was very accurate at short range. I cant wait to see it. He called it something like a Dark 30 or black 30....something like that. I suspect Fresh might have an idea what I am talking about.

@clob94 nailed it. For $100-$200 you can buy a .30 upper (no registration required) and shoot .300 using the same mags as 5.56/223. Just be sure to plainly mark mags loaded with .300 so you dont accidently try to send one down the original pipe...it happens.
.300blk has very similar ballistics as 7.62x39. They are made up to 220 grain with has them around 1000fps at muzzle. Slap on a hush can and you're hearing your bolt carrier cycle.
The ammo is fairly pricey and you'll go through a box trying to sight it in. 220 grain drops 17.8" @ 100yds.

 

[Etlonghorn]

Fresh, I’m sure you meant that you COULD buy one without registration but being the good citizen that you are, you make sure to register everything you have with the Feds…

 

[Etlonghorn]

We use the 300 for pig patrol on both our places. We've got pig lights on all our feed stations and since we’re pretty much bow only during hunting season, we’re inside 50 yards for pigs.

 

[GuaranteedFresh!]

Fresh, I’m sure you meant that you COULD buy one without registration but being the good citizen that you are, you make sure to register everything you have with the Feds…

Nope. ATF does not consider an ar15 upper (barrel) to be a firearm so no background check needed. Order online and it ships directly to your home.

Now if you want a short barrel rifle (less than 16" barrel or 26" overall length) that requires $200 ATF tax stamp & up to a year wait.

 

[DHHorn]

Thoughts on 6.5 grendel vs .223 Wylde for multi purpose gun. Deer hunting, hog hunting, predator hunting, recreational shooting, home defense etc.

I know the 6.5 has more power for hunting but I don't like the price per bullet if I want to go shoot a few mags at the range. Is the 223 enough for deer hunting? I have bigger deer rifles but I like the low recoil and collapsible stock for my 8 year old to shoot. He can't really shoulder an adult size rifle yet but once he gets bigger he'll use one of my deer rifles and I don't want to buy a youth model for one or two years.