GACAites...if anyone (particularly those of you, new) wants to find out my views and opinions on a wide variety of firearms subjects, you only need to read this (most interesting, I think) thread, between Glenn, and I.
This is taken from GACA group/Facebook:
Glenn Horowitz
Hey, you never know when a goblin will see a target of opportunity. One day in the 90s in the decent Nashville suburb where I lived, a POS car came screeching up while I was unloading laundry.
The driver jumped out saying "gimme money, I need gas money" while his partners sat tensed to spring inside the car. Some might scoff, but I KNOW predator vibes when I feel them.
Fortunately I had my Ruger P91 .40 in my trunk next to my laundry, and the guy saw my arm shift to put my hand on it. I told him there was nothing he wanted there, and he exited cussing me out. Never had to present the weapon, but he knew what was up. The mere presence of the firearm saved me at the least from a 5-on-1 mugging.
Don Beau White
I believe it, Glenn. Glad you had your good friend, Mr. Ruger! I've never had that exact situation occur, but I do believe being armed and with a prepared mindset has more than likely saved me, in situations that never played themselves out enough to know. I had an incident in San Antonio a couple of years back where I was (potentially) up against 7 thugs?, (fortunately for all 8 of us, they didn't 'go for' it) and remember worrying about 'only' having my 10 rounds. So much for the dumb philosophy some have of 'why do you need to carry a large-capacity handgun'?!
Don Beau White
My plan to avoid a repeat of that terrible feeling is to be packing a backup, or (at minimum) another magazine, in future. Both would be best, because your primary can go down, for accidental (like having your gun slip from your hand) or mechanical reasons.
Glenn Horowitz
Yep. You know I've decided that with my stubbornness and some practice I can run a semiauto's slide and am getting serious about getting another SIG in the house. Much as I love that SP101 for EDC to ensure I'm not a target in my power wheelchair, if the balloon goes up even in a limited way I suspect I'll want some capacity if the gimme-gimme sorts come out of the woodwork after a shortage or outage.
Don't blame ya...I'm not too shabby at one handed reloads with Safariland speedloaders, but a double stack magazine would be even quicker.
Don Beau White
Did you see that Walther is touting their new line as being the easiest to slide rack, to the point of mentioning folks with disabilities and females in their ad copy?
Walther Arms
www.waltherarms.comWalther Arms is the U.S. based part of Walther, a global leader in handgun innovation and quality.
Glenn Horowitz
No, but I'll take a look. Hope they offer whatever it is comes in .40, I started collecting brass and lead in that flavor back in the 90s and it's still about
Glenn Horowitz
Lotta good stuff there, got a model in mind?
Glenn Horowitz
Never mind, I'm looking at that CCP. it only comes in 9mm though...
Don Beau White
Yeah, saw that. I doubt they'll make it in .40, due to snappy recoil.
What you may want to do is try to find a model (not necessarily a Walther) where you have an easy slide rack capability in 9, but that you can get a .40 barrel for, too.
Don Beau White
Storm Lake is one good example, among others:
StormLake - Performance Pistol Barrels
www.storm-lake.comGlenn Horowitz
Sure...the recoil isn't a worry, I think you saw my vid of me shooting full power .357 Magnum loads in my Ruger with total comfort. Being able to manipulate the slide with my dead fish of a left hand's the problem. I traded my SIG P239 because of that...but the more I handle these the more I'm sure I can do it. I have zero regrets, the SP101 is lovely, and the 239 was a single stack magazine anyway. I WAS thinking that a P224 was the thing, but my new gunsmith who I drove to see last week pointed out that its tiny slide would probably require a hellacious recoil spring...I'm starting to look hard at the P226 or P229. Not like I'm worried about being stealthy in a power wheelchair in any event.
Don Beau White
Right, my reference to snappy recoil was in regard to the average shooter, disabled (such as yourself) and females the Walther is targeted towards, not to you, personally. I don't even like the snap a .40 brings (though I like that round, for other reasons) and neither would most, who tried it.
Glenn Horowitz
I LOVED shooting .40 in the P239, actually. Like the SP101 it's brilliantly designed so every angle in its geometry is optimal for comfy shooting.
Granted, the Hogue Monogrip on my Ruger softens the muzzle flip a bit, but I was not only comfortable shooting .357 Magnum through it, but I wasn't a bit fatigued or sore even after a couple hundred rounds of mixed .38+P and .357 that day...even I was surprised.Shooting .40, especially in a decently sized SIG, will be cake, I'm sure..
Don Beau White
Should be, yes-I've got tendonitis in my right wrist from an old army injury, and I got a sore wrist out of a box of .357 SIG (was a rented Glock 33) once. That being a 'close cousin' to .40, but probably a bit worse, in the recoil aspect.
Glenn Horowitz
Also, checking Storm Lake they don't make Walther barrels.
Don Beau White
No, the Walthers are way too new, for them to. I passed that along just as an example of a company that makes aftermarket barrels, among many.
Glenn Horowitz
Ah so. I'm an unashamed SIG snob too, I confess. When I first got serious about shopping for a sidearm in the mid 90s, I looked at lots of beautiful guns, but kept coming back to the SIGs. Like Porsche, there really IS no substitute
Don Beau White
I would think you may possibly be able to rig up some SIG model with easier springs in a 9, that Storm (or another, similar, company) also makes a .40 barrel for, for the best of both worlds.
Glenn Horowitz
Heck, with a good store of .40 HP on hand, not too likely. I think the odds are better that I'd get another barrel and explore .357 SIG rather than go towards a 9.
Glenn Horowitz
I do kinda regret throwing in some Black Talons as lagniappe for the fellow who I traded with, but he in turn gave me even more 110gr Winchester .357s as a bonus. No shortage of my favorite Cor-Bon 135gr rounds around here, I'm pleased to say.
Don Beau White
Now I'm a bit confused. You already have a .40, or just a revolver? I understand you have .40 bullets in good supply, but I thought you lacked an auto handgun, right now, correct? What I'm suggesting is that you buy a 9mm (of whatever make/model has a 'softer' spring available, or comes that way, already) and then get an extra barrel for it aftermarket, so you can shoot your ammo stock in it, too.
Glenn Horowitz
As I recall, in either the P226 or P229 all that's needed is a barrel swap, too. Unless I'm mistaken the same mag and recoil spring is used. That's a reason I never tried .357 SIG in my P239, you need appropriate magazines as well.
Don Beau White
Any 9mm should be convertible to .40, (and should use the same mags) if an aftermarket barrel exists, with the caveat that some guns would not do well with the extra pressure that .40 S&W would bring, with it. I would not try to convert my SCCY to .40 (for one easy example) even if someone made a barrel, because I don't think its designed 'strong' enough for that caliber.
Glenn Horowitz
I have plenty of ammo, I'm looking at getting another semiauto to put it in. As I mentioned, I got soured on them when I found the slide difficult to manipulate with my crappy hand, but over the past several months I've been handling my guns a LOT more...See More
Don Beau White
I found ways to rack guns (not for myself, but for my wife, and others) like inverting it (try that one, next time you range with an auto) and using the edge of a table, between the barrel and slide. There's probably others I haven't heard of or tried too, I'm sure.
Glenn Horowitz
Okay in a relaxed setting, I wanted to be sure I could do it under stress. Pretty darn sure at this point that I can.
Don Beau White
Yes, and .40 is the one type that never seems to completely disappear, even in Oby created shortages. That's the main reason I like it, actually.
Don Beau White
Right, but how often do you ever really 'unrack' an auto, unless you've just been to the range? In fact, it's not recommended that you do so, due to potential bullet damage, caused by exposure to the feed ramp, (or even being thrown out on the floor/ground) during ejection or chambering.
Mentioning that, I think a lot of ftf's are blamed on the gun, when in reality it is caused by the owner's practice of jacking that first round in and out, unnecessarily. A bullet that is damaged is not going to chamber correctly, 9x/10.
Glenn Horowitz
I had failure to feed or a stovepipe in mind. Of course, with a SIG...another reason for my bias...those are incredibly unlikely. As I recall, I never had such a failure with my P239, and that's with many kinds of ammo, including bulk gun show reloads.
Don Beau White
I see what you're saying. Hope for the best but plan for the worst thinking there, which I would never oppose.
Hard to beat a revolver, for that. You could probably keep a loaded cylinder in one for 20 years and still have it fire, as long as the gun wasn't rusted or hadn't been exposed to moisture, in the case of the ammo.
^The above is why I favor stainless steel in both revolvers and autos, and nickle plated, sealed primer ammo, as well.
Glenn Horowitz
Absolutely, which is why at worst I have zero concerns about reliability with the SP101. It is a fantastic weapon. The single action trigger is perfect...something I'll enjoy when my Bearcat's done at the gunsmith, who I'm also planning to work with to accurize my Mark II and install a Volquartsen trigger in. I'm spoiled by good mechanical tools.
Sure, along with proper ammo cans whose rubber seals I treat with marine grade 303 protectant from time to time. A tiny bit of effort goes a long way, and as I said, I have stuff from the 90s that I know I don't have to worry about.
Don Beau White
What worries me about mainstream revolvers is that they've gotten so ____ expensive, since the chief occupier slithered into 'office', like most everything else!
I wish Ruger would take the best qualities of the SP you own, and put that .327 round into a 6-shot (lightweight) LCR!
Glenn Horowitz
Meh, he's bad, but just another tool in a long line of tools. I have my rimfire Bearcat, and if things don't deteriorate I wouldn't mind adding older stuff like a Security-Six, GP100 or an S&W K-22 Masterpiece I've lusted after forever...maybe a Single-Six Bisley rimfire and maybe a Taurus Judge, but a lot of the newer stuff doesn't grab me so hard.
Surprised they haven't. it's an interesting round. And even that LCR is a bit light...I really like the all steel SP101, and weight doesn't bother me since anything I carry's in the shoulder bag that rests on my leg when I'm out.
Don Beau White
I don't know what it is about me, but I'm just the opposite. I LIKE the latest, and greatest. Good thing I do, since one of my main functions as 'GACA guy' is to keep folks informed about such. I know the older stuff, too, (when I need to reference it), but that really is not something that gets my heart thumping.
Glenn Horowitz
Nothing wrong with differing tastes. I hope it's someone like you that's hot to buy something new when I go for one of those older guns I like.
Don Beau White
Did you see those 20 gauge shotties I've been posting, lately? I've been advocating for that round (over 12) for years (and caught a good bit of ridicule and derision for it, too) and finally I'm being vindicated by some of the more forward thinking gun companies!
www.americanrifleman.org/.../mossberg-sa20-tactical.../Mossberg SA-20 Tactical Shotgun - American Rifleman
www.americanrifleman.orgThe SA-20 is a practical reduced-recoil defensive semi-auto shotgun with features that often cost twice as much. I'm more of a pump guy, but you could definitely put some shells downrange quickly, with that one!
Glenn Horowitz
I know how engineers can make complexity a part of novel designs, too...I prefer simpler. I looked at that Walther, and that gas mechanism adds a layer I'm a bit leery of, not to mention being a pain to clean. I also looked into those DAK triggers. Nope, conventional DA/SA for me. I'll give up the convenience for a light SA pull, my 239's was superb.
Don Beau White
Yeah, I recall us having had this convo (or similar) before. I can't agree on that trigger/hammer system (I HATE DA/SA's, actually) but to each, his own. Doesn't mean I don't see or understand your point, though.
Don Beau White
My SCCY will never qualify as a 'high level' gun, but what I do like is its reliability, and consistent trigger pull, each time.
Glenn Horowitz
I really don't even look at long arms any more since I just can't wield them. In fact, scaring up the funds to buy a SIG will be largely taken care of by selling my 12ga Winchester Defender 1300 (with a PILE of ammo) and the neat left handed bolt Savage rimfire I set up with a scope years ago for fun but never really used. They'll easily sell since they're like new, but since I can't use them, they need new homes.
Don Beau White
To me, it's brilliant that SCCY and a select few other gun companies figured out a way to make an automatic that has a trigger that is very similar to a revolver, with the added bonus of the safe gun aspect that implies.
Glenn Horowitz
Understood, I took to conventional DA/SA almost instinctively and internalized the discipline nearly reflexively. My mind at work, I don't feel right unless I can see a decocked hammer. Striker fired guns just make my skin crawl
Don Beau White
"I really don't even look at long arms any more since I just can't wield them."
Yes, most sorry to hear of that, Glenn. It's understandable. Wish you the best on that upcoming sale, too. I don't own any long guns right now, and probably won't, until I get back in a house.
Yessir, you know how I feel about strikers, like Glocks. Funny thing is, both the SCCY and Kel-Tec have visible hammers, (never protruding past the frame) though I know that can be somewhat of an issue, if dirt gets in there. That's one of the few 'advantages' the strikers have, over those two designs.
Glenn Horowitz
Glock trigger is a vile thing. Sure, no question they're well made, but I shall never own one.
Dirt? Never a prob even in my healthy days, and us cripples don't tend to get dirty
Don Beau White
The only strikers I'd consider carrying/owning would be the S&W M&P types, Ruger, or the FN FNS. They've (FN's) never brought out the promised compact version, though, and with Odumbass running around, probably won't, anytime soon.
Glenn Horowitz
I got close to Kahrs when shopping, really nicely made and the striker wasn't too Rube Goldberg. The S&Ws are nice, but I don't like their sellout attitude to FedGov gun haters that goes back decades. I'm just a Ruger and SIG guy with a few exceptions.
Don Beau White
I like the Kahrs, but puzzled that they've always stuck to single-columns. They've lowered the prices on many of their models in recent years, and that's always a good thing for we gun owners.
Glenn Horowitz
Oh, and if ever I get a Walther, it'll likely be a PPK just because I love their lines. I liked my .380 Makarov but i've never had much faith in the .380 as a stopper.
Don Beau White
Yeah, I think so, too, but will throw in the added doubt line that the newer designs in .380 ammo can be a big factor. The thing about certain models of .380 (like P3AT) is that they're so darn small and light you can just drop it in your pocket, and it creates so little bulk and weight. Great qualities, for a backup.
Glenn Horowitz
People with small hands like single stack mags...my P239 was a bit skinny for my taste.
Don Beau White
Yes, that's one of the (supposed) attractions. Yet, I have very small hands for a guy, and my SCCY has fine grips for me, though it be d.c., in design. Again, modern computer design and manufacture strikes a blow, for liberty!
I don't know if you're familiar with Buffalo Bore, but they make some great ammo. I tried it out about 2 years ago, and was most impressed.
www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=29Buffalo Bore Ammunition | Strictly Big Bore - Strictly Business
www.buffalobore.comBuffalo Bore Manufactures the finest high powered pistol,handgun, and rifle ammunition available.
Glenn Horowitz
Sure...but another non issue for me, in my healthy days I was dumb enough to get an Intratec CAT9 for its light and small specs. What a godawful piece of crap. I was more confident lugging the Makarov around. If I were in good shape today, I'd probably have a SIG P938 1911 style though.
Glenn Horowitz
Not me, I read complaints about the Monogrip being too bulky...not for my hand.
Don Beau White
I haven't found it so, and haven't had any of the females who've bought one mention it, either.
Yeah, they (Intratec) did make some junkers, but I think they also made some winners. Had a CAT-45, and loved that little thing.
www.imfdb.org/wiki/Intratec_CAT_Series_of_PistolsIntratec CAT Series of Pistols - Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video...
www.imfdb.orgThe Intratec CAT series of pistols was a line of small lightweight handguns developed by Intratec in the early 1990s. Due to increasing pressure from gun control advocates and commonly the target of a hostile media and politicians due to its' aggressive looking TEC-9 Series of pistols, the company a…
Don Beau White
Well, this convo has been very good. Haven't had such an exchange in a long while. Appreciate your input, and (as you said) we don't have to be in agreement on everything. People are people, guns are guns, and there are no cookie cutter solutions, to everything. You have a great night, my friend!
Glenn Horowitz
Seeya, thanks!
Don Beau White
I'm admiring that CAT, once again. It still looks like something out of Robocop, 20+ years, hence. It was only 20 oz. and about an inch thick, too!
Glenn Horowitz
It's utter and complete crap. The first one's welded slide broke the first time out. Sent it back, got a new one, the barrel was warped and out of round. Sent it back. The third one's barrel still looked wrong, so I sold it back to the dealer at a loss when he wouldn't refund me. I wrote Intratec a letter describing the problemS at length, they replied with a brochure urging me to buy more Intratec guns. Never, never, never again. Dropped the dealer too for refusing to refund my dough, but at that point the whole affair was nauseating me and I wanted to be done with it.
The Armslist guy who got my P239 stayed in touch for a few days making sure I was happy with the Ruger and letting me know how pleased he was with the SIG. If he was a stockist he'd be getting my trade.
Likewise, the fellow who sold me the Smith 642 my mom wanted and paid for was an Armslist person and couldn't have been nicer too. I'll probably go through them to sell my stuff, in TN at least they seem to attract decent people.
Don Beau White
Sounds a lot like my experience with Nissan, back in the early 80's. I had bought a brand new Sentra, and it started giving me troubles, right off the lot. The dealer kept bringing it back in and then telling me it was fixed, to no avail. I contacted their American offices, and got the stonewall. Got so frustrated that I finally sent a letter of complaint to the President of Nissan, in JAPAN. Cost me something like $20 bucks to send. I never even got a reply, and I've not driven any Nissans, since.
It's truly amazing how far some companies have their heads inverted into their posteriors, concerning customer service. They act like the government, as in 'not my car, not my issue'. Ended up trading the brick in on a USED Toyota, and got good service out of that car. Oh, and found out that the Sentra didn't have a thermostat installed in the factory, which is the main reason it ran like crap. How was that possible? It was a diesel, and they can run (like crap, because it throws the computer off kilter) without one. By that time I didn't much care, but it did run better, after the install/fix, by an INDEPENDENT mech.
Glenn Horowitz
LOl...for me it's a simple postulate: AVOID ANYTHING made by Intratec like the plague.
Don Beau White
I never had a moments trouble with my CAT, Glenn, but I've heard many such stories about the model you bought, so I think the two types of guns came from (in a sense) different designs, or maybe even sources?
Glenn Horowitz
Could be. For me it was abundantly clear in short order. The head of Ruger's Mark II production line in Prescott was mortified when mine had to be returned TWICE, he made certain to recheck it and wrote a sincere letter of apology. I suspect the SIG customer service folks would commit hare-kiri if I had an experience with one of their guns like I did with Intratec.