Underdog

Are standard Mossberg 500 12 gauge barrels interchangeable with the Mossberg 500 Persuader 8-shot one?

It seems to be one of the next best things to being able to carry. Are there better alternatives to the Kimber? I saw cheap ones at Harbor Freight store in North Bergen for about 8 dollars each. Are they any good?

I tried a box of this once and when it ejected out of my Glock it consistently hit me in the face on my safety glasses. It cycled through the gun no problems, though, but I didn't like its ejection pattern at all. Other brass rounds don't do this.

It wouldn't be that pocketable with a larger cylinder and its current 4" barrel if that is specifically what was wanted.

You may want to consider a Mossberg SA-20 Tactical. It can take both 2 3/4" and 3" shells and has a 20" barrel. It is light at 6 pounds and handy and has plenty of stopping power in a 20 gauge; and it would have about 40% less recoil than a 12 gauge (not to mention that the automatic action dampens the recoil even more than with the pump). The recoil pad also aids quite nicely with recoil management. This 20 gauge semi-automatic can be used to make some quick follow-up shots. The tactical version has a red fiber optic front site, Picatinny rail, and rear ghost sight. It wouldn't have the potential to short stroke it with a pump as pointed out above in the thread, and if kept clean (as a home defense gun used sparingly would be), it would be quite reliable and easy to operate with home defense 20 gauge shells. For someone that won't be practicing too much and wants a foolproof weapon, it might be just the ticket if you get some decent 20 gauge 2 3/4" shells to use in it and test them first. The only minor things I don't like is that it is that it is made out of the country, it doesn't have the tang safety which I really like on the Mossberg 500, and the barrels are not interchangeable with the 500. And, I am not that crazy about the tactical version with pistol grip, either. However, the one SA-20 I handled worked quite well and I want one. And, it would be better for someone that was recoil sensitive and your wife would probably like it better. http://www.mossberg.com/images/Mossberg_Guns/930/New/75779.jpg Better yet, get that and a 12 gauge pump. Some other thoughts would be... An older Ithaca Model 37 in a 12 or 20 gauge would also be nice, especially for a lefty because it is loaded and ejects from the bottom. Ithaca is making the Model 37, again, and I believe there is a nice looking, but pricey, defense/tactical version that would probably work pretty well for you. An 8-shot version can be had in the versatile 12 gauge platform. As long as you practice a little, though, you cannot go wrong with a Mossberg pump. A Mossberg 590 would be awesome, too, but it would be overkill in most situations and heavy, and I think it can be had only in 12 gauge. The marine version Mossbergs are also very nice and resistant to the elements. However, for a defensive gun, I might not want a shiny gun, and would probably rather have a black one. If budget is a concern, you cannot go wrong with a standard pump Mossberg 500 and extra barrels. That might free up some funds for you to supplement it with a nice 9mm semi-automatic, especially if you pickup a used one.

Either one would be a fine choice. I would lean toward the Glock 22 (or a 23), and get a 9mm conversion barrel for it. It's hard to tell when you don't indicate what you want it for. I know ou want a full size one, but for defense and versatility, I would get a Glock 23 and some extra Glock 22 magazines (and a 9mm conversion barrel for kicks). For a range gun, I would look at a CZ 75B or variant in .40 S&W. As Maxim suggests, checkout a Witness steel, OR, a Baby Eagle II in .40 S&W. If I was going to get a .40 and didn't want a Glock, I would personally look at an FNH FNX 40. I do not like the grip safety on the XD40 and it has a higher bore axis.

For my money, I would rather get the SP101 in 22LR with the 8-shot cylinder and the 4" barrel. An SP101 with a 3" barrel might be really nice, too, if it comes out. The reissued S&W Model 63 would also be a nice choice.

Is pepper spray legal in New Jersey, and more specifically, is the Kimber Pepper Blaster legal. Are there any other legal ramifications that should be known about... traveling to NYC, PA, etc. Has anybody had experience with one of the Kimbers?

Not to go off topic a little, but can you modify a standard Saiga magazine 7.62x39 so that it will hold the slide open?

What I meant to say is that I would buy the M&P if it had 15-round magazines because I already have a Glock 19. Get the Glock first, and since it's NJ, get the 19 in whatever flavor.

The NEOS appears to be a popular gun and relatively cheap at the range I shoot at. However, I cannot get over the looks of it. It is just not my thing.

I'd probably get an M&P if it came with 15 round magazines.

If you get a newer model of the GEN 4 w/ the newer spring and ejector, then you shouldn't have any problems. It is more ergonomic and has a rougher texture than the GEN 3 and probably would be a better bet for you if you have either really small or larger hands. If you have small to medium hands, then it is probably a toss up. I am in that boat and the medium grip on the GEN 4 is roughly the same size as the GEN 3 grip, except the GEN 3 is just ever so slightly smaller and feels better in my hand. I actually prefer the feeling of the GEN 4 in the smallest grip size, but I shoot better with the medium. As for recoil, I really haven't noticed much of a difference between the GEN 3 and GEN 4. So, it really depends on what will fit your hands better and the price and availability. The GEN 3 is most likely cheaper than the GEN 4. If you already have other GEN 3s, then there might be parts similarity, however, if you don't then that would not matter too much. As for me, I would be more happy with the standard GEN 3. It has been more tested and proven and it fits a little better. The rough texture is a toss up on the GEN 4. If I was shooting a lot, it might be a little rough on the hands, however, if it was a "duty" gun to be carried, the extra texture might help out in a pinch. You probably can't go wrong with either and it would depend mostly on the slight size differences of the grips. And, I am sure that Glock would support either fully. Still with medium or slightly smaller hand size, the GEN 3 would probably be the best best. As for resale value... I would say they are about the same. You might be able to save some money getting a used GEN 3 in good condition, though.

Wishing you all the best this year to come and many more!

Give Bob Bajor a call in the Easton area: http://www.gunskills.com/ 610-554-4581

I really like the Ruger LC9 or the Ruger SR9C and an Ruger SP101 would also be nice. The CZ Rami might also fit the ticket.

Unless you know exactly what you want, I would suggest that you get something in good to almost-new condition that can be had for a good price in the used department. Then if you don't like it and decide to sell it, you won't be out too much and could even make a small profit. Guns depreciate a lot from new to just owned in new unfired condition.

Rich, I think it really depends on what you want to do and what your goal is. I would definitely consider something in 9mm, .38/.357, or even .22LR. These are all common calibers. You cannot go wrong with any of the ideas you have. A GP100 is an awesome gun and it allows you to shoot .38s as well, which will save some money. It is also a little heavier and will be nice to shoot with recoil, especially if you get a 6 inch barrel version. I would prefer, and recommend that you check out a 4 inch barrel stainless model, though, as I think it is more versatile, and you might want to get one with changeable sights (If all of the GP100s) aren't that way. I am also quite fond of the older Ruger Speed Sixes, if you can find one. The nice thing about a revolver is that it will teach you trigger control and how to really shoot if you shoot in double action. A S&W 686 is also very nice (but more expensive), but the Ruger is more of a tank, cheaper, and for those reasons appeals more to me. The Smith will probably have a better trigger, at least a stock one would over another stock one. 9mm is cheaper to shoot than your .45 and .357 and has less recoil, and still quite a formidable defensive gun, so I would definitely think about one. A CZ 75B or variants or a clone might also be a nice option in 9mm. The Baby Eagle is also an awesome gun and could actually be my favorite amidst your list. My hangup with it is that it might be hard to get parts, magazines, etc. (even though it apparently takes CZ magazines), and it might no longer be imported again in the near future. Also, it is supposedly not recommended for higher pressure loaded ammo, although I think it would most likely handle it anyway. And just how much of it would be shot anyway? Yet, it still bothers me a little that it has that limitation. I think you will find that the newer ones have an absolutely awesome double-action trigger. It is the nicest double action trigger that I have found on a 9mm semi-automatic and its weight really enables it to be very good for double taps, etc. You should definitely like the sights and the grips, as I don't know if you can upgrade them at a later point and time. I like the semi-compact all-steel version of the Baby Eagle II the best. Spare magazines might be costly and hard to find. An alternative might be the original, the CZ 75B, and there are probably lots more options for upgrading, etc. In particular, the matte or brushed stainless versions are AWESOME, and I would welcome one if it had a decocker. As long as you're in the neighborhood, check out another sibling, the Witness in all steel, or the CZ 75 Compact or SP-01. The CZ 75B (cast steel) and Beretta 92 are beautiful pistols. The Beretta 92 (forged aluminum frame) is awesome as well, but just make sure that the grip size is comfortable in your hands; they are large. If you have larger hands you should be just fine, and there are probably a lot of cheap and plentiful parts for it such as holsters and magazines. I would suggest you look into one with an upgradable front sight, though. If that is the route you are considering, then I would look at the PX4 (awesome trigger) and the 92A1 (upgradable sight), also. You might want to check out an SIG 229, as well. Something to think about might also be a 22LR. As for a .22, these are cheap to shoot and can be a lot of fun. I would definitely consider one, and you might want to check out the forums for a used one. If it is still available, you could never go wrong with a Smith and Wesson 617 that was recently listed, and it should hold its used value quite well. I find a revolver has a lot of benefits at the range, some of them being trigger control and it easy to load and cleanup (as the shells aren't all over all around you), and lastly they tend to be quite accurate. If I had a permit that was ready and the cash, I would definitely consider the used one for sale in stainless with the 10-round cylinder. You could also consider a Ruger Mark II or III, a Ruger SP101 22LR, or a GSG 1911-22 (Sig 1911-22). All of these would be fine choices and fun to shoot. If it was me, I would get the 617 on the forum (if still available), and get another permit for either a CZ 75B or a Beretta 92A1 in the relative near future.

I am thinking about trading in my Glock 19 GEN 4 for a Glock 19 GEN 3. The reason being is that I thought I liked the smallest setting on the GEN 4 w/ out backstrap (and I do). But, I shoot it better with the medium backstrap, which makes it about the same size as the standard GEN 3 grip. However, the GEN 3 grip feels slightly (ever so slightly) smaller than the GEN 4 medium grip and is more comfortable for me. It is a toss up for me whether or not I like the increased rough texture on the GEN 4. I like it, but I am fine with the GEN 3 grip as well, and with a lot of shooting it is not as abrasive as the GEN 4. Additionally, I like the idea that I would have GEN 3 parts commonality with a 23 GEN 3 that would be lost in having the different generations. So, although the GEN 4 shoots very nicely, I am thinking about trading it in for a GEN 3. Any thoughts and/or similar experiences? It might just be more cost-effective to keep the GEN 4 and get a used GEN 3 to compliment it. Also, has anybody had experiences with the 9mm conversion barrel in the Glock 23? If I had a permit that was ready and the extra holiday cash, I would definitely consider that green one that Old School has listed. That looks pretty sharp.

Tell Ruger to make an SR1911 in 9mm.

I might be interested as well.

I saw a pistol in Hackettstown G&A, but I don't think it was the stainless model, just nickel. Please double-check. The SB in Rockaway has a stainless one. IF you are going to spend the money, see if you can get the matte stainless version or the Limited w/ the brushed stainless. I would like to get a CZ 75B Compact in brushed stainless w/ a decocker. That would be something.

Unquestionably, I would consider a Ruger 10/22 as my first rifle and spend the extra money (Or a Marlin 60, or 70PSS "Papoose"). If you are really not that comfortable with an automatic, perhaps someone here on the forum could let you try one and familiarize yourself with one. Although I prefer the aesthetics of a wood stock, my preference would be for a stainless model with a synthetic stock. If you don't want that, then I would look at a Savage Mark II rimfire bolt-action with the Accu-Trigger on it or one of the other guns suggested in the thread above. After that, I would get a defensive handgun in 9mm. But, based on what you have said, next, I would probably get either a Mossberg 500 or a Remington 870 pump action shotgun in 12 gauge (but 20 gauge would be much less recoil and acceptable for most things including home defense). Beyond that, I would get as others on the forum have suggested, a 22 handgun of some kind. I would consider one of the following: A Ruger Mark II or III semi-automatic handgun, a double-action revolver such as a Ruger SP101 (you may want to get a longer grip for more purchase) or a Smith and Wesson 617 or even a Taurus 990/992. A revolver is a good way to learn to shoot and get trigger control and probably easier to load at the range and easier to clean up because all the spent shells will be in one place. For your defensive gun in 9mm, there are many good ones out there. And, your decision should be based on what feels good in your hands and with what you can shoot well. I would consider any one of the following: Glock 19, S&W M&P 9, Springfield Armory XD9, Ruger SR9, Beretta PX4, 92FS/92A1, but there are others as well. The best way to figure that out would be to shoot as many possible as you can before buying. A .357 revolver would also be a nice thing to have around for home defense. And, don't overlook quality used guns. You might have wanted to or might still be able to ask them if you can get an additional pistol permit to get both the defensive and 22 handguns.

I am interested as well.

Are the sights changeable on a Mark II?