Underdog

I would consider a Ruger Mark II Target Stainless w/ 5" barrel or an older used Browning Buckmark OR another 9mm, something like a CZ 75B or a Berettta 92A1.

This is fun... My ultimate would be an M1A of some sorts and lots of ammo and somewhere to use it, some nice 1911s in .45 ACP, 9mm, and 22LR; and of course some kind of AR-15, a custom Ruger 10/22, oh, and a custom Glock of my specs. But here is a more specific list... This should cover most of my immediate needs: 1. Fulton Armory M14 Service Rifle or Scout Rifle (.308) 2. Ruger Gunsite Scout bolt-action rifle or a Savage 10 FCM Scout (.308) 3. SIG 229 DAK with night sights (9mm) 4. CZ 75B Stainless "Limited Edition" w/ night sights (9mm) 5. Savage 16 "Weather Warrior" stainless bolt-action or Savage 10 FP Tactical (.308) 6. Magnum Research Baby Eagle Semi-compact or compact all steel (9mm) 7. STI "Executive" 1911 (.45 ACP) 8. Ruger LCR (.357) 9. Ruger LCR (.22LR) 10. Ruger Speed Six stainless revolver (9mm) 11. Custom AR-15 or Ruger Mini-14 Tactical (.223) 12. Ithaca 37 Defense Gun (12 gauge) 13. Ruger SR1911 (.45 ACP) 14. Ruger PC9 carbine (9mm) 15. FNH FNS-9 (9mm) 16. Mossberg SA-20 Tactical (20 gauge) 17. Kimber Eclipse Custom II (.45 ACP) 18. CZ 75 Kadet (.22LR) 19. Colt Woodsman (.22LR) 20. S&W Model 617 (.22LR) 21. Ruger Speed Six "Postal Inspector" stainless w/ a 3" barrel and modified night sights (.357) 22. Charter Arms CARR (9mm or 40 S&W) Nonexistent Wishlist: Ruger SR1911 (9mm) Saiga Stainless (7.62x39) Ruger GP100 (9mm) Glock 17 slide w/ Glock 19 grip GEN4 Glock 19 grip w/ Glock 26 slide GEN4 Beretta 92A1 Compact Inox Ruger LCR (.22WMR) BHP stainless (9mm)

Has anybody been to the shotgun course at the Pocono Manor? It's a lot of fun! http://www.sportingc...fm?StoryID=2020

I like the SIG 1911-22 as well (same as the GSG), but the The Browning 1911-22 might also be an option in that direction. For me, though, I prefer the steel Ruger Mark III (or really the better Mark II) any day w/ a 5.5" bull barrel. As you have said, It's been around, and probably will be for some time. It isn't modern, but it is a classic. It is heavy, though, and quite fun to clean. And, if that isn't the ticket, then the 22/45 which is a little lighter would be quite nice. I would have liked it if Ruger had made basically an SR9 in 22LR, but that didn't happen with this new gun. And, I hope Ruger doesn't abandon the Marks for these polymer pieces, as the Marks are probably more costly to make. Another option would be the amazing CZ 75 Kadet. However, I think you should consider the ancient 22LR revolver. If you consider a revolver, I would get a double action with a 4-6" barrel and the ability to swap out the sights, especially If you haven't experienced the joy of holding a nice revolver. It is easy to load, easier than a magazine, anyway, and it doesn't throw the spent cartridge cases all over creation for you to clean up. It can be quite accurate and its quite durable. For the value, there is the awesome S&W Model 617 and then there is the new Ruger SP101 8-shot. Put a Hogue grip on the Ruger and break in that gun and you have your plinker. I probably wouldn't get it, as there are other things I would rather have, but the new Ruger .22LR LCR might be fun, too. And, I haven't tried it, but the new S&W 22LR kit gun Model 317? might also be a very nice option. If you really want a plinker and the SR-22 feels good in your hand, then get it for the newness factor. If you have a Glock or an M&P already, then consider the M&P 22, or consider an Advantage Arms conversion kit.

Glock does have a great design, but it should have had a real upgrade to its system with many more options available instead of seemingly dropping the ball with the GEN4. The marketing is good but only works because it is backed up by a solid product. I really like the GEN4 and believe it is an improvement, but it could have been better, especially with Glock's resources to get it done. Glock's may be awesome, but there is always room for the improvement of perfection. Maybe it would be very hard to do it with the limitations of the first platform. Also, if you are on top, you don't want to change too much and ruin your product or alienate your customers. Actually, I think the platform should be left relatively alone, and Glock should be working on its next model platform.... Perhaps the Gaston. Why can't an American company compete?

One of these caught my eye at a show this past weekend and I really liked it with the 3" barrel: Ruger GP100 3" Wiley Clapp Talo Edition Ruger GP100 "Wiley Clapp" 357 Magnum Revolver

Wild Gorilla Encounter

I didn't realize that it had two reset points. I am definitely going to try one before I get one based on that. I would still like to try the compact Kahr and I am intriqued with the PPQ, now. I have a love/hate relationship with the G19. I won't get rid of it, but, I might relegate it to somewhere...

Simple function, legal ramifications, heavier, all-metal gun, hammer, magazines instead of cylinders, ability to learn trigger control, etc.

For the price, I would rather have the greater round capacity of the double stack SIG 229, which is 12 rounds.

I actually like having a hammer if it is smooth. I would have gotten a FNH FNX-9 if FNH had bothered to make 15-rounders for it (or even 10-rounders) and if the FNX-9 would have shared the same magazines as the to-be-released striker fired FNS-9. I could have gotten an FNX-40, as the magazine size would be OK and it will have magazine commonality with the FNS-40 (supposedly), but I would rather purchase the cheaper shooting 9mm.

Are you locked in to only getting 3 permits? Does Bayonne not allow you to renew?

Thank you all for your advice. After looking into your suggestions, I think I am most interested in a SIG DAK. My next step will be to track a SIG DAK down to try, and if its trigger really handles like a nice S&W revolver, then I will probably get a 229 DAK. I think more and more companies are going to make double-action-only because there will be more demand, especially since government agencies and police departments are adopting the DAK system, and because of the liability factor.

I am going to the show on Sunday and leaving about 11:30 from Newton. It goes on until 3.

There are lots of options for a 22LR. Try and find a used in great shape Ruger Mark II Target w/ a 5.5" barrel in stainless. The 1911-22 is also an awesome gun, and you cannot go wrong with a nice 22LR revolver... Smith 617, Ruger SP101, Taurus 990/992, or I heard there is a new smith "kit" 22 available. Just make sure it is double action.

My advice to you is to get a used gun for your first gun at a good price. That way if it isn't right, you won't be out too much if you resell it. Since you liked the Glock, consider looking for a Glock 23 and then get a 9mm conversion barrel for it and some magazines. For your second gun, I would think about getting a nice 22LR revolver. It will help you learn trigger control if you practice shooting it in double action and it will build your skills.

Sorry about that... 12 gauge.

I would suggest you get your PC up and running, especially if you have a laptop and go to Youtube and type in Ruger Mark III disassembly, then search for cleaning, and then Ruger Mark III assembly. Ruger has its videos on there. At least watch them before you do it, and/or watch them and pause them, etc. as you do it. That goes for other products as well such as the 10/22, etc. The Mark II and III break down the same. There are lots of videos on youtube for much firearm maintenance and some of them are actually one pretty well. I love the Mark II. For me, it is the most accurate handgun. I just picked up a Ruger Mark III Hunter and would probably trade it in a heartbeat for a Ruger Mark II Stainless Target in perfect condition.

Looking for a synthetic stock and grip for a Mossberg 500 in 12 gauge.

Does anybody have any opinions on a P345?

Charter Arms is finally suppose to release their 9mm revolver CARR in February. If it is like the .40 that was released this past year, it should be pretty sweet and cheaper to shoot than a .38 and yet, with defensive rounds it will probably fall somewhere between a .38 and .357. I'd like one. I would also like to get the .40.

If you get a shotgun and use for hunting, I believe that there is a limitation as to how m any rounds you can carry in it and a plug would be necessary, but for HD, range, etc. there should be no limitation.

I am sure that that equation has to do somewhat with the policies that our state has toward them and gun owner's in general. Or, maybe the current setup only attracts a certain personality type.

When I got out of college and my parents used to go out of town, I used to stay at their house and take care of the dog. If I came over, he would not come downstairs to see me if he knew my parents weren't there. So, I used to pretend that I was me and then change my voice and pretend that I was a stranger and that we were having a conversation and he would bolt downstairs to see who else was in his house. Then I could feed him and let him out.

I don't believe that Mike's agenda is to really sell to the general public-at-large. He has a dedicated customer base.