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Ha, happy birthday, Jeremy. Good to see I'm not the youngest of the young bunch

A G19 was going to be my first buy, but last minute I changed to the XD40SC (which I regret). G19 ergonomics and capacity are far better, though I will hold on to my SC for when I move to a free state (which was my original intention).

I'm obsessive with planning any type of purchase. Same question 5-6 years ago, and definitely would have been 100% compulsive/impulsive. There is a point though in my planning though when I realize I should have listened to my initial gut reaction as it usually ends up being right (whether its a good or bad thing).

I'll go with whatever the consensus is-- hopefully it won't be pouring this time around

I think we can all agree that both a shotgun and rifle can stop the threat in a home defense situation if need be. As kenw always points out, and I along with others agree with, its not the 'arrow' that matters in the end. I just feel like a lot of these HD ammo questions (regardless of the type of firearms in question) all melt into the same topics of discussion-- and wouldn't it just be better if we stayed on point here? The topic being specifically about which shotgun ammunition is better? I think there is merit for a ballistics thread in application of home defense rounds and the possible collateral-- but if we're going to generalize the discussion, let's put that in the 'Ammunition and Reloading' thread (and I think we should start a thread to centralize the discussion as there is/has been A LOT of good info across a number of threads already). As for this thread, even if we discuss ballistics (which is a totally legitimate aspect), lets keep it relevant to shotguns.

That's pretty sweet. I'm almost positive that a Glock will be my next pistol purchase-- so, thanks for whetting my appetite

Ha, UCP is great in a conventional warfare setting... against advanced targeting systems (not binos used by a goat herder-- though, can't say its not effective). Sats, IR/Thermals, and optical from a distance are oft disoriented by UCP. I would've they rather gone with UCP-Delta off the bat, and while MC is nice-- I don't know how it'll hold up in the long, long run (when wars become conventional again). Can't believe I'm going to say this... but I think the Marines got it right with their MARPATs. I'll put up another post as soon as I take a picture of my plain Jane chest rig.

Are you talking about the original link for the zombie targets that Jeremy was talking about? http://www.zombietargets.net/ Or maybe some other options? http://letargets.com/estylez_ps.aspx?searchmode=category&searchcatcontext=~010000~010106

Aside from my overt 'ninja' reference, I will contribute more then a smiley... The thing about gear is that a person has to figure out what is best for them. As Pete pointed out, vests and chest rigs don't work for him-- so, he goes with a belt. Others prefer a first responder-type bag (http://www.511tactical.com/browse/Home/All-Products/Accessories/Bags-Backpacks/Bail-Out-Bag/D/30100/P/1:100:50000:50800:50805/I/56026 [this is that range bag, Pete]), and others have no real choice and use/train with what they must (like LEO/MIL). Personally, I have a chest rig and PC. Of the two, I prefer the chest rig because its a light system that does everything except have a hydration carrier (which is an easy fix). If ever needed, I can just throw it on in a matter of seconds (no straps or buckles, etc)-- as well as ditching it in a matter of seconds. Its also lo-pro, but sufficiently carries enough materials. Generally speaking, its a hell of a force multiplier.

Disregard post---

Good call, Ray-- I was about to say the same thing (in regards to the politics). If anything, it gives the outward appearance of the wrong message. Personally, I hope that we can police each other and keep politics out of this subforum that Maks has so kindly granted us. The last thing I want to happen is the anti's declare that NJ ZED is some extremists/separatists group by stretching facts and taking whatever we may say out of context (doubtful, but I don't put anything past political-types). As for the targets, JEEZ, that's expensive, haha. I've seen them before though (the exact pack you got), and they do look pretty flippin' sweet. Range 14 wouldn't have an issue with those

:ph34r:

I don't trust my shotgun, even if it shot nuclear-tyrannosaurus-rainbow farts ammunition. I don't trust myself with my pistol, yet. But I do trust myself with my rifle, so it works for me. Back to OP though, consider your surroundings. If you believe the possible over penetration of 00 buckshot would be an issue, then look at other shot alternatives. I do believe that 00 is the standard though-- and go from there.

I have an MBUS installed for the time being... considering a fixed BUIS like Pete, though, I am also considering one from Troy Ind. w/ Tritium (and then adhocing the FSB with some means of night sight capabilities).

What if you wake up in the middle of the night in a daze, and think you see a zombie looming over you?!

Just make sure the upper is ban compliant (pinned muzzle device if need be, shaved bayo lug, and the barrel being over 16.1''). You can always buy an upper that is not ban compliant, and send it to a place for the aftermarket work (too often do people get hung up on this fact and buy compliant uppers that usually run for more or are from companies I'd rather not buy from). To name a few, PK90, one of our vendors, does aftermarket work, as do some other entities in NJ (I don't remember the name off the top of my head, though I'm sure someone can bring it up). Out of state, I trust ADCO myself.

Not to be the downer, but this thread really is bordering on some serious OPSEC (if you guys haven't noticed already ). Not that I think any of us have anything to hide or anything of the sort, but its a pretty baited question...

Oh, no doubt-- if this happened to me personally I couldn't even imagine how I would feel about those rabid dogs. And its a luxury, and gift, I have to only be an observer in this situation; which I am grateful for. As for my quote, yea, ha. A portion of it was actually a saying my buddies and I always said, "If not me then who?" I mentioned it briefly to one of my professors, and she gave me the full quote-- and its made a lot of sense to me since.

I strongly believe that justice is about equal and just punishment. I hope to God that the state of CT deems capital punishment necessary for the two individuals (as I don't think there could be any type of reasoning for them not to receive this punishment). But all this stuff about torture and whatnot, really? What will torture ultimately do for the man grieving and/or society? Crime is an irrational item to began with, and torturing people isn't going to even began to rationalize it. Torture in the application of enhanced interrogations is different as it is a means of reaching an end (whether its justifiable is a different debate); torturing someone as a punishment is just cruel-- and yes, that is keeping in mind the monstrosities that these men committed (I won't even say 'accused'). There is no punishment harsh enough for these men... but still, no matter what happens, I could imagine it won't heal the father/husband. Torture/stoning/public executions/etc would mean what for our society? We claim to be a civilized society, and yet we are blood frenzy.

Thanks for sharing, Maks, as tragic as it is. I'm the type that believes in deterrence and avoiding the fight for as long as possible. Whether its having auto lights by the driveway or in the house; an aggressive alarm system (insert: dog); or having a back-up plan for the backup plan's backup plan to get out of a bad situation. Having a firearm doesn't really mean much if you get caught with your proverbial pants around the proverbial ankles. I also believe strongly to invest heavily into your community. Of course everyone's situations are different. People who live somewhat remotely can't honestly believe that their nearest neighbor a few miles away (or even a few hundred feet away through heavy brush/forest) will be available for assistance. But people who have neighbors literally next door, or within spitting distance could use the tactic. Not to give away too much, but my neighbors and I know which vehicles and/or people are familiar. We know (without intruding or being nosey) if something is out of context, and take concerted efforts to help each other out if need be. As terrible as this event was, there will be some good to come out of it I believe. Still, prayers to that man and his family.

If you want an accurate AR15-variant upper, go with a 16'' recce-type (mid-length), 18'' SPR, or the classic 20'' rifle length upper. If you're looking for absolute precision though, I'd recommend a bolt action (which I can't really help you as bolt actions are way beyond my knowledge ) ETA: Along with the AR-types I mentioned, the 14.5'' mid-length systems will do the job just as effectively. The other options mentioned though can come in SS variations. And while I'm not a big fan of comp triggers, it'd be something worth thinking about if precision is the name of your game (as well as free floating the barrel).

Last year I attended a brief seminar with Dean Raymond (Mercer County OEM coordinator). It actually wasn't a seminar on OEM, but the current and emerging threats to soft and hard targets here in NJ (both natural and man-made). Point being without getting into the specifics that I hardly remember and would bore probably everyone, New Jersey, and really everywhere, is far more vulnerable then imagined. As its been said, we're [society] is three meals away from chaos-- regardless of the cause. A physical invasion is highly unlikely (conventional warfare is a moot point until the technology levels the playing field... which at the current rate won't happen any time soon). But whether its power going out (which happens so often), massive flash floods (note the crazy storm that rolled through just yesterday, and the mini-mayhem it caused in parts of NJ), and/or even something like the H1N1 scares... mayhem is mayhem, and in a society as dependent as ours, it doesn't bode well for the average citizen who doesn't consider the alternatives. Personally, I believe the mayhem will be caused because of the faltering economy (a man can be kicked so many times when he's down), and/or a "cyber-attack" on government and corporate infrastructure. But I also do believe that in these events, society can and will persevere. Whether it takes a year or a few more handfuls, I do strongly believe that society could come out better. And because of this, I cater my BOB, BIB, and INCH for that following. I need a waterproof/nearly pack with materials and consumables that either are waterproofed or don't mind getting a bit wet. Regarding consumables, its light/high energy foods (powder, bars, peanut butter, etc). As for water, I keep a Camel Bak in my BOB/BIB, and Nalgene on my INCH-- with tablets for both. Other things are like 550, two ponchos (low/hi-vis), matches/lighters, batteries, extra socks and loose threads. And of course ammunition... which I am part of the mobility over firepower. Lets face it, if I am in a situation where I need to fire more then 100 rounds in one sitting, I'm probably toast anyway. So, being able to carry 1000+, to me, is overkill as I wouldn't depend on any buddies to mule for me. As for my sanctuary if I had to bug-out... well, while I wont disclose it, it'd be a hell of a journey west

I have the Peltor 6S, and they've held up OK. Just this past Sunday, with the rain coming down, they held up fine even though the microphones (for hearing) are far from waterproof. I even left one of the sides on by accident, and battery life is still good (though I imagine I should swap it out before my next trip out). I am considering upgrading though to Sordins... seem more accessible, durable, and efficient. ETA: I shoot primarily outdoors now. If I were to shoot indoors, I too would run my ear muffs w/ plugs.

Wow. I guess we're making a splash?

Speaking of... I got a Cold Steel Kukri awhile back (the cheap version... like $20). I don't know if anyone else has one, but gosh, I really don't trust that thing with my life. It has decent balance, but the blade is terrible. Does anybody have one that they've used? Just curious what type of feedback. [For reference: http://www.coldsteel.com/kukrimachetes.html ]