Underdog

I found this interesting site by Grant Cunningham, a gunsmith that specializes in revolvers, and thought you might enjoy this essay: http://www.grantcunn...od_trigger.html http://www.grantcunn...om/library.html

Check out this sight: http://www.grantcunn...unsmithing.html

I have the Sig 1911-22, which is essentially the same as the GSG 1911-22 and I have to say it is a really fun handgun to shoot. It handles just like a 1911 but without the recoil. It is a little finicky on ammuntion and prefers higher velocity rounds, but as others have stated, it works nicely with the Federal, and others that it likes. I have gotten additional GSG mags for it that are cheaper than the SIGs and they appear to be the same quality as the SIG magazines that came with it. The magazines are metal and you can load them easily with your by thumb pulling the spring down, however, I don't like the plastic piece on the bottom of the magazine and think it could break if you dropped the magazine out of the gun. <BR><BR>My favorite thing about this gun is the trigger; It has an awesome trigger! My least favorite part is the grip safety. I don't really like them, so I am biased anyway. And, although there is nothing wrong with the sights, I am not crazy about them and would like to upgrade them to all metal or maybe fiber optic. I wonder if it will take standard 1911 sights. And, of course the 1911-22 works just fine in 1911 holsters. I think it is nicely made with the beautiful wood grips, etc., but it strikes me as being a little on the delicate side, especially side by side with a Ruger. But, I don't plan on throwing the gun around, etc. Overall, I am very pleased with it and it is one of the most enjoyable guns to take to the range. <BR><BR>I strongly recommend it. Out of the OP's list, I would say that the GSG 1911-22 is hands down, the best value. The only reason I got the SIG over the GSG was because I got it at a very good price and I like the grips. Additionally, now I can say I own a "SIG". If the SIG/GSG came in a 9mm, I would probably get that one, too. If anybody has upgraded the sights, please let me know.

http://www.guns.com/gallup-poll-gun-ownership-soars-in-us.html

My brother asked me my opinion on these two models. Please tell me about your experiences with either of these rifles and possibly why the 93 is more pricey.

I am interested in getting an all-steel Ruger Mark III (not the .22/45). I would like to get the TALO version with the 5.5" fluted barrel, however, I like the sights on the Target model, better, except I would like a fiber optic front sight. I think the Target Model w/ the 5 1/2" barrel is about 5 ounces heavier than the fluted-barrel version. The fluted one with the V-notch sights and Cocobolo grips is also $70.00 more expensive. Does anybody have any thoughts or experience with these? Is there really any reason that I should consider a used Mark II instead? What would the accuracy and ballistics be for the 5.5" barrel as opposed ot the 4.5" barrel or the 6 plus version? If anybody has a strong reason why they would prefer the 22/45 version with the composite frame over the stainless version, please advise. Weight isn't that important to me, as I like the heft of a heavy gun. and the all-steel construction. Are there any other all-steel ones .22s that I should consider that are currently marketed and available. I like the CZ Kadet, but I could practically have two Mark IIs instead, and the Mark II is probably just as sweet.

It is beneficial to keep our local shops in business. But I have to tell you, when you know what you want, the ones I have dealt with really don't seem that interested in getting something in for me when they don't have it in stock. And, if they do, they will make you pay for it. In many cases, it seems that it actually would be better to buy online and have it shipped because of this. When I spend a lot of money in a local shop and I find something I want that is not in stock and the guy doesn't seem to be that interested in getting it for me (perhaps he would not make that much on the deal? Maybe he things its not worth his time, etc.? ), he is sadly mistaken, because I am less likely to go back there and support him. Additionally, when he cannot get it, but would PREFER I bought something in stock, and when I find it and have it sent, I don't want to be gouged. Just recently, a dealer couldn't get it or didn't want to bother and when I asked about having one I found shipped, he wanted $40and NICS and tax on top of that. I know there are others cheaper, locally, that would do it for me. But that is not the point. I have already contributed to his bottom line on a number of occasions and he should accomodate me. The item is already with tax and shipping and NICs going to be $100 above its price.

For me, the .22LR is what I shoot the most, so I want the one that feels the best in my hand. That is what I want. I think it is human nature to think that one would not want to pay as much for his or her "toy" gun as for a defensive handgun in a larger caliber, even though it might have more steel, etc.. Again, the .22 is probably the most used gun in many people's collections, if for nothing else, just because they can afford to shoot it more often and it would be the goto gun for teaching a new person to shooting how to handle a gun. That said, if you were trying to put together a versatile battery of firearms, a defensive gun would probably be higher on most people's list than a .22, and a .22 rifle would probably be more valuable than a pistol or revolver. I only shot one once, but I loved it and will spend the money on it some day... I really want a CZ Kadet, but I cannot justify getting it when there are so many things to get before it. I would also like to get an M1A, but if I did, I would hardly have the opportunity and finances to really practice with it. Now why is the CZ Kadet more than the larger caliber siblings?

I would not buy if it magazines were not available.[ quote name=67gtonut' timestamp='1320624588' post='376575] Really not an issue for me...... I never load more then 1 anyway.....

Thank you for the advice. I'd be happy if they would take CZ 75 mags.

Is the older Baby Eagle trigger different than the trigger in the Mark II version, particularly in the 9mm version? Does anybody have information concerning holsters, grips, additional magazines, and swapping out the sights?

I don't think you can get the 5 1/2 barrel on the Hunter. It only comes in 4 1/2" and 6 5/8", unless you get the TALO edition. I am not that interested in the grip, as I will probably replace with a Pachmayr grip, anyway, and I know I can get the sight replaced, that is why I want the Mark III instead of the Mark II. What I want is the stainless non-22/45 version with the 5 1/2 fluted barrel. The Target bull barrel comes in 5 1/2 inch version, but it is not fluted.

Did you have the target model, first? Was it easy to switch out the barrel?

Please provide feedback on this one if you have one. I want to buy a 5 1/2 stainless version with the fluted barrel and fiber optic sights. I seem to only be able to find them on line.

Full-size Baby Eagle II and Glock 23

I really want a Ruger SR9, but won't purchase until/unless Ruger or some quality after-market company sells a 15-rounder. I'll stick w/ the Glock 19 or something else with the 15, or get a .40 instead.

I must be missing something to this story. I thought I read somewhere that it is illegal to destroy a firearm. Obviously, it would probably be so if it were evidence in a crime. Can't he take them to an FFL dealer to sell for him?

Maybe somebody from the clothing department was covering.

The SR9 would be a good choice, but you would be limited to 10-round magazines. You may want to consider the Ruger P89 or P95. The FNH FNP 9M might be a very nice choice for you if you can find one. It is double stack and 15-rounds, but it feels good in hand. Also check into a Taurus PT809

The FNX 9 is a really good choice, and you may find a dealer that will fix the magazines for you. There are NO 10-rounders for it. You would have to get and FNH FNP-9 for the 10-rounders, and if you do that, look for the USG version. FNH has no plans to make FNX 10 or 15-rounders to replace the 17 rounders. Additionally, if you go with either, those magazines will NOT work with each other. FNX and FNP are not interchangeable, and they won't work with the "to be released" FNS 9 striker fired pistol. Additionally, the FNH pistols cannot be fully broken down and must be serviced at the factory if that is EVER required. Other than that, I think they are awesome pistols and I believe now you can get alternate sights for them and holsters which used to be a concern. I am particularly interested in the FNS line when it comes out, especially with the thumb safety variety and if it has a really sweet trigger, but IF FN doesn't provide usable magazines, then I will have to look elsewhere. They certainly won't have them when it is finally released. And, when it is released it will be to law enforcement only, initially. I would have at least one FNX-9 if I could get it with 15-rounders, even if I had to get them pinned. But ONLY if I could also get additional magazines of the 10-round variety (which I cannot). Quite frankly in this state, I would rather have a Glock 19 with the thumb safety installed and lots of parts and cheap magazines than the FN. Or, an M&P. At least you can get 15-rounders for it. If I move out of this unconstitutional state then I would probably get an FN in a heartbeat. I actually like having a hammer and the ability to carry "cocked and locked". In 9mm, you really are limited to "compact" size 9mms or stuck with 10-round limitation, unless you get a few pistols, such as the Beretta 92FS or the CZ75B that actually have 15-rounder variety. As a side note, you won't have a magazine limitation with the FNX 40, and I believe that although the FNP 40 and FNX 40 magazines are not interchangeable, the FNX 40 magazines will be interchangeable with the FNS 40. If you have to have full-size and you don't mind striker fired, I would choose the M&P full size. If you want a DA/SA, then I would go with the Beretta 92A1 (if it fits your hands). On a budget, check out the Ruger SR9 (limited to 10-rounders) or the Ruger P89. If you want to spend a lot of money, checkout a SIG 229. However, if you want value, stick with the M&P or get the Glock 19. Check out a Witness as well, or maybe an AR24, or, an STI Spartan 1911 in 9mm.

Has anybody seen or shot one of the new Ruger 1911s? What was your impression? I wish Ruger had these available, especially if a 9mm existed.

The Glock is a natural pointer for me as well. Without drinking the Glock Koolaid (I prefer TEA anyway), there probably is no better more durable, utilarian piece of metal and plastic with a trigger. There are nicer handling and better looking guns, and there are certainly more expensive ones, but nothing is better than a Glock on a variety of levels: value (price vs. what you get), reliability, ease of use, dependability, durability, available armorer's, parts and user-friendly work, sight and holster availability, lightness, capacity, color , and the list goes on and on. As a range gun, I might prefer something else. For aestetics there are better things, including revolvers, but for SHTF on a relative budget, I'll sip that TEA. My ONLY complaints are that it is that it doesn't come with the OPTION of installing/removing a thumb safety and that Glock doesn't make a steel-framed one, or a red, white and blue one!

And I wanted to go to the range today.

I have been told that you would not want to leave it in your car on "public property" if it is left in a car such as parked on the street at the curb. It is better to have it parked on private property or a driveway. And, you have to make sure that you don't take it where it is not allowed. For example, one day while traveling to the range, they were doing construction in front of a local school on the roadway. There was a detour through the school parking lot and it would be unlawful to drive on the school property. In fact, the carrying officers that were there might have been breaking the law if they didn't get permission. But, I would still check with an attorney on any gun-related matters. It's best to move to somewhere that is actually part of the United States and still under the US Constitution.

1911s are awesome guns, but I personally would not use for home defense. I would find something else because I do not like the grip safety for a defensive handgun. That is why I would not consider the XD, either. For the range or competition, yes, but for home defense, no. There are better choices with higher capacity and less attorney-riddled problems if ever needed.