MandM

How much weight are you saving with the slide machined like that? Significant?

+1 for Otis. I have an Otis Tactical. (Usually can find it for like $35 - $40) Buy 1 kit... use it for everything. They're a bit more $$ than say a Hoppe's or Remington etc kit or something... but they're worth it. High quality parts, everything you need from .17 to .50 (and shotguns) and all in a small package about the size of 2 skoal tins.

Don't think you need too many specialized tools, maybe just the AR armerors wrench/tool (can be found for $20-$40). Go check the DIY/Build-your-own Stickies at ar15.com There's a couple step by step posts with pictures. FWIW... I'm just buying a complete upper (w/ BCG) from AccessoryArms for my build. They will pin/weld the brake before they ship it to me. I was going to build my entire AR from scratch... but decided to save some time for this build. The next one I'll build complete. (Maybe. )

I'm watching this thread with great interest. (Since I started building my AR, I'm now hooked on the idea of building my own handgun too.)

This is exactly what I'm doing. Stripped lower has been ordered (but it's not here yet), LPK and MIAD grip in my possession, stock is pinned and ready. Once the lower arrives and I get it assembled, I'll buy a complete upper from one of the places like BCM or Accessory Arms that pins/welds the brake before it ships.

Kimber has a few right now. They partnered with Crimson Trace to offer a couple models with the built-in CT grips. One of the rental 1911s at RTSP is a CT version. (Though the battery was dead when my buddy and I were there last.)

I'm thinking Wyoming, Montana or Colorado. Big sky, 100 acres or so, maybe a pond or stream or 5 on my property, and plenty of prime space for at least a 300 yd rifle pit. Build one of those "general steel" barn looking things and make my own indoor range too. (It's gonna be one hell of a man cave.)

They're gigantic pistols.... and the original tac light/laser package that went with it was huge too. When all kitted out, it looks and feels like a cinder block. (H&K has made vast strides in ergos and weight in tactical pistols since the Mk23. I love my HK45c.) The heavy price tag seems about right... they're pretty much collector's items at this point. (Same with a PSG-1, if you can find one, they're worth more now used than they were priced new.)

Expensive cutlery... I use it just like my cheap cutlery. (I don't own any safe queens, either I use it/carry it, or I sell it.)

Layers is KEY! I like TAD Gear (tadgear.com) stuff. It's expensive, sometimes hard to get... but it's tough as hell. I have a 4 year old Stealth hoodie that still looks brand new and it's my daily wear. Spring and fall, no layers, it works. In winter, I layer with a high quality fleece or wool sweater in the winter, and if it's really bad out... underarmour coldgear as the base layer. But if you're active... it really keeps the heat in, so depending on what you're doing, you can skip a heavy base layer, or the sweater depending. Beyond that... the new Columbia 3-n-1s with the reflective liner is good too. My GF has one and she loves it. And I really like some of the new Arc'teryx stuff. (Can't really go wrong with the premium brands... Sometimes you do get what you pay for.)

This is exactly what I'm doing. I ordered my lower through a local FFL and then started reading and ordering all the other stuff online. In the "Build your Own" section there's 2 stickies right at the top that basically describe everything you need to do to build an AR (with pictures!). FWIW and a disclaimer of sorts... remember that you're responsible for NJ compliancy and that isn't always spelled out on AR15.com... but that information can usually be found somewhere on that site or on this one.

I just started mag hoarding, but considering I just spent a big chuck of cashola on stockpiling ammo and buying/building guns I'm off to a slow start. Only 4 for the HK45c and 5 15/20 PMAGS for the in-progress AR build.

This is very good news indeed! That's much closer to home than my current options!

The store was nice. Still had that freshly painted smell. David was very very helpful getting my order together. The shelves were kinda empty. They had a bunch of magpul stuff, some Rothco Apparel and some duty belt things.... but it looks like a lot of stuff will need to be ordered from them for a little while yet while they build up inventory. Back to the OP's original question.... I think I'm gonna order my upper from Accessory Arms (with comp pinned/welded) but not for a few months yet. (I'm building over time, and I've already spent my first 4 month's budget! Ha!)

Just went there yesterday and ordered my stripped lower from them. They didn't seem to have any in stock... but they order from their supplier (DSG I believe) with no extra fees. My Spikes lower should be in in a week. (All other parts except the MIAD grip, Geissele SSA and LPK, have been or will be ordered online.)

Hi All... just want to put in my $.02 on RTSP. I went yesterday for the first time with 2 buddies and had a blast. It's not the closest range to me, but in my opinion it's the best choice. I'll most certainly be going back and am considering membership. (Yep... after 1 visit... it left that good of an impression on me.) It's bright, spacious and didn't feel the least bit crowded (granted it was 2pm on Friday afternoon, but still). Even the range didn't feel cluttered or cramped. And it's nice with the shelves to lay out your stuff... wish more places were neat and orderly like that. It almost still has that "new car" smell. The staff was pleasant, the RO was a great source of info and was great to talk (shout?) with while I was letting my buddies blast away. Ammo isn't the cheapest, but I've got a good size stockpile anyway... so it's not an issue for me. Oh... and we met NY Jet Nick Mangold there! He was a nice guy, took pictures with the people that asked and didn't shoo anyone away. Dunno what he was shootin', but I can tell you that he's a HUGE dude. And, to everyone else's credit, after shaking hands and a few nice words and a picture or 2, everyone left him alone to shoot. I had a great time! Can't wait to do it again.

I only go there for range time and haven't really had any problems. The worst experience was the one time I went on a Saturday morning... crowded as hell. I simply never made that mistake again. (I'm lucky to work from home, so now weekday mornings or afternoons is the only time I go.) Matter of fact I was there Monday afternoon. Me, my buddy, 1 NJ Trooper and someone getting a basic instructional course until just before I left... then it started filling up. The old guy was the RO. He cracked some jokes with me when I walked in, came to my port while I was unpacking to check out what I had with me, marveled at the Viridian C5L I was mounting up to the HK45c for the first time and commented on the green laser, and then went about his business. Didn't even give me the center-mass/no rapid fire song and dance. Sometimes I've had an issue with surly customer service, however again it was one of those crowded days and the only person behind the counter was being pulled in 400 directions at once. I can understand. (I'm not saying it's right, but I can understand.) Other than that... it's close, it's indoors, and I only go for the range time anyway so until I can find a private club that I like.... it'll do for now.

Plenty of smaller fixed blades out there that I have no problems/worries about EDCing: One's I own or have owned at one point (favorites are starred): RAT Izula Hinderer Flashpoint * Dervish Silverfish * Krein Dogfish TK-1, TK-2, and a few more Strider ED Bark River Knife and Tool PSK * Graham Wee Razel *, Pocket Leaf, etc. (or the budget option CRKT Stubby Razel, which is Graham designed, CRKT built.) Most of those are pretty easy to find and are small enough to carry comfortably without offending any delicate sensibilities.

Pro-Line in Elmwood Park does great work. All aspects, not just body work... Not the cheapest, but certainly not the most expensive either.

Was there yesterday... when I walked over to the rifle counter/area when I got there at 10am, they were only helping #81... and there were literally HUNDREDS of people waiting in line. The line never got any shorter when I left at 3pm either.

I know you said you don't want to buy in bulk or online... but those are some of the best deals. My buddy and I just split a case of 1,000 230gr Federal Champion... for $325. (Can't beat $0.33 /rd.) cheaperthandirt.com has 250 rd Remington UMC 230gr FMJ for $86... which is $0.34 per round which is pretty good too.

+1 for Hatch when it's colder out. In a pinch, Mechanix gloves aren't bad (and you can usually find 'em locally pretty easily). I prefer the Hatch... better dexterity, though much shorter life. I like the NS430 Specialist gloves, but the synthetic palm doesn't hold up to real abuse. I'm going to try the "Elite Winter Specialist" or the Special Warfare gloves see if they last any longer, different palm materials.

Just got my C5L yesterday. Haven't had time to get to the range, or even take decent pics, but I'll start with a quick "unboxing"/ run-down for now and then update with pics and range report later. 1 - It's easier to get it from Amazon (or something like that) that to get it from Viridian. They're claiming a wait. 2 - Packaging is nicely done. Sturdy cardboard. Foam insert that holds EVERYTHING securely; the unit, the extra rail parts, the extra screws, the 2 pair Allen keys for install and adjusting, and the CR2 battery. 3 - It's small. My HK45c has a standard Picatinny rail (though it's a bit short) so I have to use the largest of the rail adapters, and it still does not overhang the end of the barrel. Maybe a 1/4 inch shy. 4 - Plastic on/off push buttons, one on each side. I like that it's ambidextrious, and I like that it's a simple as push button for on, push again for off. However... I doubt that anyone will be changing modes on the fly. (laser only, pulsing laser only,laser/light, strobe/laser, light and pulsing laser, light only, and a DEEP SET mode, but I don't know what that does yet. Custom program maybe?) Set it and forget it. Oh... the buttons seems a little flimsy. The unit itself seems to be nice quality though. 5 - The laser is BRIGHT! Easily daylight visible. The light... 100 lumens (allegedly), is only so-so. However... I feel that for ID-ing a target in a home at night... it's probably adequate. 6 - Tiny allen screws for windage/elavation. Ideally I won't be mucking around with those too often. They're tiny. But, FWIW, they're easy to adjust with the included tiny allen keys (they give you a pair... if you lose one, or to keep with another piece... more likely if you lose it.) So far, it's easy to install, it's nice and low profile, and should work great for nightstand duty. I should be getting to the range in a day or two, so I'll get pics and a better idea on this thing. I've heard of a couple people complaining about it not holding zero... so I'll see after it gets some use. More to come in a few days....

I'm counting. It's not really that hard or time consuming. Allows me to keep a good record in case of failure, resale whatever. It's like selling a used car. Takes me a few minutes after I get home from the range usually while or just before/after cleaning my guns and putting them away. Sure... I probably don't NEED to do it... but it's just another part of the hobby, and a learning tool.

No, no, not a light LEM... it's the standard V1 (DA/SA w/ manual safety/decocker.) Was my first choice, exactly the way I wanted it. So far I don't think I'm going to send it out. After a little bit of work, I figured out where the trigger resets and basically bypass the slack. (Plus... I just got it, so there's no way I'm sending it away for a few weeks to get work done just yet. ) Short Range report here. I'll post up more as I put more rounds through it.