Firearms Section

[blake-b]

Me shooting a friend's rifle with a battle comp on it... If they weren't so darn expensive ($155 new)

[Bumble Bee '77]

These are my toys. Mossberg 30-30 Rifle, Ruger New Vaquero .45 Colt, and Sig Sauer .45 Auto

[aldaron327]

I'll have to post pics later, but here's my list (so far):

Pistols:

Springfield XD45 5" Tactical
Springfield XD40 4" (Wife's)
Springfield XDm40 3.8" soon to be my carry pistol once I complete my CCW

All three are fun to shoot and fit our hands perfect (she's a 6'+gal) and are pretty damn accurate out of the box.

Rifles:

S&W M&P15 M.O.E. edition 5.56NATO (Wife's Rifle. It has flip ups and a red-dot/laser)
Armalite AR-10 A4 7.62NATO(I have a Leupold MKII 3-9X40mm scope and iron sights for it)
Springfield M1A 7.62NATO(Leupold MKIV LRT4.5-14X50mm mounted and a GG&G heavy duty bipod)
Savage .30-06 bolt action.

Shotguns: Only one right now: A Remington 887M Nitromag. Works good, lasts long time.

Pics will come soon!

-Tim

[Milk 1027]

Thinking of buying my first handgun.
Any tips or suggestions.

I know everyone is going to have their own preferance, but I just want to hear opinions.

[helmincamaro]

Originally Posted by Milk 1027

Thinking of buying my first handgun.
Any tips or suggestions.

I know everyone is going to have their own preferance, but I just want to hear opinions.

First suggestion..... move out of CA


on a serious note, CA does have a lot of restrictions, so check into it (I know you can't have more than a 10 round magazine capacity).


What is your primary use for it? I'm a big fan of the Smith & Wesson M&P series (comes in 9mm, .357 auto, .40S&W and .45ACP). Very accurate and reliable, and made in the USA .


One of the arguements between 9mm, 40, 45 etc is magazine capacity.... even the M&P .45 holds 10... so it really doesn't matter in your case, although the price of ammo makes a huge difference between them.


If you want a defense gun that you can also use for target practice/plinking.... I'd say go with a Glock. I'm not the biggest Glock fan, but they're great weapons and you can get a barrel conversion for them. Basically, in a few minutes you can switch from a 9mm/40 etc into a .22LR..... huge money saver there .


I also like the FNP line (check out FN Herstal). I like them because they're fully ambi (for those lefties out there) and its also got an external hammer on it. I've shot the FNP45 and its one of the most accurate semi-auto's I've ever laid my hands on. Its got a stainless steel slide and polymer frame (just like the Glock and S&W) so its lighter.


If your looking for something smaller (like for concealed carry), I picked up a new S&W Bodyguard .380 a few weeks ago. Very cool little gun, its even got a laser built into the frame.... although a bit small for my hands.


lots of good choices out there in revolvers too.... I'll wait til I hear what your main intentions are before I ramble on anymore

[Milk 1027]

Originally Posted by helmincamaro

First suggestion..... move out of CA


on a serious note, CA does have a lot of restrictions, so check into it (I know you can't have more than a 10 round magazine capacity).


What is your primary use for it? I'm a big fan of the Smith & Wesson M&P series (comes in 9mm, .357 auto, .40S&W and .45ACP). Very accurate and reliable, and made in the USA .


One of the arguements between 9mm, 40, 45 etc is magazine capacity.... even the M&P .45 holds 10... so it really doesn't matter in your case, although the price of ammo makes a huge difference between them.


If you want a defense gun that you can also use for target practice/plinking.... I'd say go with a Glock. I'm not the biggest Glock fan, but they're great weapons and you can get a barrel conversion for them. Basically, in a few minutes you can switch from a 9mm/40 etc into a .22LR..... huge money saver there .


I also like the FNP line (check out FN Herstal). I like them because they're fully ambi (for those lefties out there) and its also got an external hammer on it. I've shot the FNP45 and its one of the most accurate semi-auto's I've ever laid my hands on. Its got a stainless steel slide and polymer frame (just like the Glock and S&W) so its lighter.


If your looking for something smaller (like for concealed carry), I picked up a new S&W Bodyguard .380 a few weeks ago. Very cool little gun, its even got a laser built into the frame.... although a bit small for my hands.


lots of good choices out there in revolvers too.... I'll wait til I hear what your main intentions are before I ramble on anymore

This is what I "want"


but realisticaly that's not going to happen. At least not for a first gun, and I'm pretty sure .50 is banned in Cali. + price is way out there for what I'm looking for.

The reason for getting one is just to learn to shoot, and I'll most likely be doing lots of target practice.
I've also been looking at M&P and glock.
My goal is something inexpensive that will be good to learn with. This isn;t something I plan on doing soon, I just want opinions so I can think about it some more. The goal is to purchase in the next 6-8 months.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by Milk 1027

This is what I "want"

Save yourself a wrist and a wallet, and get something in .45 ACP.

The DE is like a Veyron....looks fantastic, puts out good numbers, and everyone loves it...but it's pretty useless in the real world.

[Milk 1027]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

Save yourself a wrist and a wallet, and get something in .45 ACP.

The DE is like a Veyron....looks fantastic, puts out good numbers, and everyone loves it...but it's pretty useless in the real world.

Oh, I know.
that's why I said "want" and realisticly its way out of my price range.

[MaRoFreK]

I have a S&W 40 and 45. I'm looking in to the FN FNX-40 anybody know anything about the FNX? And how it compares to the S&W

[helmincamaro]

Originally Posted by MaRoFreK

I have a S&W 40 and 45. I'm looking in to the FN FNX-40 anybody know anything about the FNX? And how it compares to the S&W

I don't have any trigger time on the FNX, but I have shot the FNP45.... which is basically identical to the FNX9/40.... I actually prefer the FNP40 over the FNX40.... the FNX9/40 and FNP45 have that really aggressive checkering on the sides (molded in) and its really sharp on the hands. I know they designed it to not slip when wearing gloves.... but if felt really uncomfortable in my hands (especially on a .45 where your holding on tight to it). If I ever pick up a FNP45... some fine grit sandpaper is in its future... its getting smooth(er) . To me, the FNP9/40 grip feels a lot like the M&P's.... smooth, comfortable, yet won't slip out. I personally like the 3 position safety (Safe-fire-decock) on the FN's. I'd almost wish they'd opt for a no safety, just a decocker, and carry with the hammer down (its both Double and single action). Double Action on the FN is heavy and smooth (as it should be), single action is pretty light and crisp for a duty/carry gun. The FNP9/40 with the 4" barrel was the most accurate in that size last time I checked. I pulled one apart once, very nicely built inside. Everything locks up nice and tight and if I remember right, the internal rails are full length. Out of the box, I'd say the FN has a better trigger pull than the M&P (some I've shot are kinda gritty til broken in.... or in my case, a trigger job). I used to shoot competitively (look to start up again soon), take a FNP, swap out for a lighter trigger spring and deburr it inside.... you'll have a top notch target weapon that's still suitable for carry. And one last good point for the FN.... they're all made in VA..... Owned overseas, but made here.... I call that a win

[MaRoFreK]

Originally Posted by helmincamaro

I don't have any trigger time on the FNX, but I have shot the FNP45.... which is basically identical to the FNX9/40.... I actually prefer the FNP40 over the FNX40.... the FNX9/40 and FNP45 have that really aggressive checkering on the sides (molded in) and its really sharp on the hands. I know they designed it to not slip when wearing gloves.... but if felt really uncomfortable in my hands (especially on a .45 where your holding on tight to it). If I ever pick up a FNP45... some fine grit sandpaper is in its future... its getting smooth(er) . To me, the FNP9/40 grip feels a lot like the M&P's.... smooth, comfortable, yet won't slip out. I personally like the 3 position safety (Safe-fire-decock) on the FN's. I'd almost wish they'd opt for a no safety, just a decocker, and carry with the hammer down (its both Double and single action). Double Action on the FN is heavy and smooth (as it should be), single action is pretty light and crisp for a duty/carry gun. The FNP9/40 with the 4" barrel was the most accurate in that size last time I checked. I pulled one apart once, very nicely built inside. Everything locks up nice and tight and if I remember right, the internal rails are full length. Out of the box, I'd say the FN has a better trigger pull than the M&P (some I've shot are kinda gritty til broken in.... or in my case, a trigger job). I used to shoot competitively (look to start up again soon), take a FNP, swap out for a lighter trigger spring and deburr it inside.... you'll have a top notch target weapon that's still suitable for carry. And one last good point for the FN.... they're all made in VA..... Owned overseas, but made here.... I call that a win

That pretty much sums it up thanks for the info man! An yea i kinda figured since they made the M4 I'm using right now and it has not jammed once! I figured I'd give there pistol a shot when I got home.

Now do you think that would be a good conceal pistol also? Cause my main purpose would be for conceal carry.

Do you have any you prefer for conceal carry wether it be revolver or a semi?

Thanks

[Zabo]

Browsed the local Cabelas and wound up finding, of all things.. a Mauser, Enfeld, Mosin (late war), and a s**t ton of ex-chinese SKS rifles.

Mosin was worse for wear but for 70 bucks and safe to shoot until the barrel banana'd I was thinking that and an SKS.

Anyone ever shoot, deal with an SKS in person? Just wondering how they feel when put up to something like domestic build semi-auto rifles. Not expecting much as far as refinement per se.. it's a Warsaw gun.

[helmincamaro]

Originally Posted by MaRoFreK

That pretty much sums it up thanks for the info man! An yea i kinda figured since they made the M4 I'm using right now and it has not jammed once! I figured I'd give there pistol a shot when I got home.

Now do you think that would be a good conceal pistol also? Cause my main purpose would be for conceal carry.

Do you have any you prefer for conceal carry wether it be revolver or a semi?

Thanks

The FNP/FNX40 is a stretch as a CCW.... Its roughly the same size (according to my hands and eyes) as the full size M&P 40. Depends on where you carry it at and how big you are. I got a Galco shoulder hoster I picked up at a yard sale for $6.... not sure what its made for, but the M&P 40 full size fits great in it (and has 2 spare mags). My only issue with that holster is its made for someone a bit smaller than me, the X piece (don't think thats the technical term) in the back tends to ride high up near my neck.... and if carrying it all day, starts to get uncomfortable (sore on the upper back and neck). I need to play around with it a bit and see if I can make it any bigger/fit better. I got a little under 2 months til I'm 21, so no CCW yet... once I get it, I might look for a better holster. I only use it now when hiking or hunting as a backup weapon. The FNP45..... I'd say absolutely no for just about anybody for CCW.... that thing is THICK! a 15 round magazine in .45ACP.... that takes up a lot of space. I'm thinking about picking up a M&P .40 compact for CCW, just makes it a bit easier to hide than the full size... and the full size mags do fit in the compact... so short in the gun, full size as backups..... sounds like a plan to me. Another good holster option I like is the Galco "summer comfort" holster.... its an IWB (inside the waist-band) holster, has 2 fasteners that clip over the belt and can mount anywhere around you (side, back etc). Comes in both left and right handed, and has a good forward cant to it for a faster draw.


The new Bodyguard series from S&W looks promising to me. The .380 is small for me... hides well, but probably not real comfortable to shoot much (my ring and little finger has to fit under the butt). They also make a 5 shot .38 Special in that series.... both have a laser sight built into the frame with ambi 3 position switches mounted right where your finger rest when its off the trigger (I like it because it helps teach proper trigger control, IE off the trigger til ready to fire). It has ON, Flash, and Off positions, and I can't remember off the top of my head how long it last on a charge, but that sucker is BRIGHT! Fairly cheap too, just wish they'd chamber it in something bigger than .380

[helmincamaro]

Originally Posted by Zabo

Browsed the local Cabelas and wound up finding, of all things.. a Mauser, Enfeld, Mosin (late war), and a s**t ton of ex-chinese SKS rifles.

Mosin was worse for wear but for 70 bucks and safe to shoot until the barrel banana'd I was thinking that and an SKS.

Anyone ever shoot, deal with an SKS in person? Just wondering how they feel when put up to something like domestic build semi-auto rifles. Not expecting much as far as refinement per se.. it's a Warsaw gun.

The SKS is a lot like the AK47's, there's good ones, and there's bad ones.... all depends on when and where it was made. I've shot 2 of them, maybe 75 rounds or so combined. Its a very "dumb" gun as I call it, simple, not really anything that can go wrong with it. Its chambered same as the AK (7.62x39mm).... not the most accurate round ever made, but sure does damage when it hits. The rifle itself is very robust... not the most ergonomic, but you could slam it into a tree all day long and your just gonna hurt the tree. They (for the most part) have solid iron sights, one had flip-up adjustable sights on the rear with the distances marked out (Although in chinese) . I shot it with the iron sights at about 115-120 yards and was fairly consistent. Back then, ammo was cheap, but the 7.62's rising just like the rest. For the money.... they're a great bargan.... and sure make a lot of noise! They sound a lot like an AK, have a very distinctive "crack" when you fire it. One bit of advice on a SKS... get some good quality stripper clips... make reloading much faster and easier, just takes a bit of training and practice to get good at it.