The OFFICIAL Guns/Firearms/Knives Thread!

[Trauma1]

alright. I havent bought a new firearm in a minute. The urge is coming on strong. its going to happen sooner than later. Looking at Kimber and Springfield right now. Either the Kimber pro raptor or springfield xdm. both in the 4 inch models.

I've owned Kimber before, theyre spectacular firearms. I know virtually nothing of the springfield xdm line. for being a gun nut i've really let my self down, but i've never even considered something not in a 1911 or revolver. i do plan to carry. Anyone got anything good to say about the springfields?

I've owned Kimber myself and agree they are very good firearms; but also horribly overpriced imho, which is why many denounce Kimber in general. I traded in my Kimber Pro Covert 2 last month. I do miss the thing, but there are plenty of 1911's that are half the price and shoot just as good.

I love the 1911 platform myself; there is nothing else like it in a handgun. However, I've fallen in love with Glock over the years. The accuracy and reliability is just hard to beat for the price.

Are you looking for just a shooter, or more something along the lines of a carry gun/HD?



-T1

[Trauma1]

Random question: Any of you guys have an ammo stockpile? If so, how much you keepin?

I think I have about 1000 rounds of 9mm. lol

I have quite a stockpile going, haha! You never know when the prices are going to go nuts or limited availability.

I would venture to say somewhere around 7-8000 rounds assorted. Granted, this took years to accumulate. When the shtf, I'm ready.



-T1

[Trauma1]

what is the shelf life for ammo stored properly? at least 30+ right?

I have 8mm Mauser ammo that was made in 1942. It still fires without a hitch. Most of my 7.62x54R for my Mosin Nagants' was made anywhere from the 1950's-1970's. It's as accurate and reliable as some of the modern stuff I've fired out of them.

Most military surplus ammo (and current loads) have sealed primers; which greatly enhances the shelf life. The bottom line: as long as you keep the ammo dry, it'll last longer than you will.



-T1

[Trauma1]

7.62x39 - 6.5-7k, i shoot alot and i was pissed last time the ammo shortage hit, so i buy 500 rnds every month
12ga - 200 rnds of 00 buck and slug, and i dont really stock birdshot since its all over the place
.45acp - 1k on hand and i can reload about 6k worth if i need to.

The beauty of 7.62x39 is how economical it is. You can't beat 500 rounds for $100. I need to stock up a bit more before this election. The ammo prices at wally world here have already started to climb...

[Trauma1]

Long post here, but worth it... Did a cop fundraiser last night to make thin blue line paracord bracelets. In 3 hours, walked out with over $160. 25% went to my girl for helping, $30 to the wife today for gas, and the rest is split between profit, lunch, and restocking cord. But the REALLY good part was the leads. One guy will be wanting a sling for his AK. $50+ in my pocket. A good buddy of mine - K9 and SERT - talked to me about MANY projects. The entire SWAT team will be wanting $10 bracelets, and there's 50 of them. $500, boom. A few of them also want something special - single point sling with bungee. Must have the bungee. He's going to GIVE me one of theirs for me to model after and to keep. (He's also going to give me a Streamlight for the shottie and an expandable baton, since I can't legally have one in PA as a citizen!!!) The single points will NOT be easy, but I know I can do it. And they are willing to pay... BIG time. From what's in my head right now, we're looking at about $100 each, as high quality as I can possibly muster. Atleast 3 of them want one. And SWAT guys love their toys, so... yeah... I'm hoping to put an XDM 45 in my collection in a month or two!!



If properly sealed and stored, I don't see why it won't last a VERY long time. Look at Nagant ammo. You can get stuff that's what, like 100 years old that's sealed in a "tuna can"? I have a simple plastic ammo box right now, and plan on picking up a few more. Double lock hinge and watertight O-ring in the lid. Why not, right???


Ok, reason I'm here. I FINALLY shot the BOOMSTICK!!!! Wife and kiddo left this morning to see inlaws over night. They took the van. So, I hopped on the bike, with the shottie strapped behind me, and took off towards my office. I printed out some targets and used the company Escape to go about 100yds up behind to the county-owned fields. Set up some targets, and started to play. The verdict?

wow. Just wow. It's a 12ga, and I expected it to hit like a mule. I wore a tank top today. The recoil with 2 3/4" target loads was like twice that of a .22 rifle and that's it. Incredible!!! Almost no loss of target whatsoever in my amateur hands. No muzzle rise, just straight back and stayed on target. The TruGlo red dot performed well, too. No breakage, as I read had happened to a few people. I dialed it in a bit, just good enough for my needs but probably not good enough if I want to hunt with it beyond 30yds, and it stayed put. I ran a box of 25 shells through it and it was flawless. Because they're rather expensive, I only ran 2 higher loads through - 2 3/4 hi brass military buckshot rounds. (Olin, made by winchester) The recoil on those was more, but still incredibly manageable! I'd have NO fear of letting my wife shoot this, and I could shoot it all day long!!

I'm impressed, and I'm extremely happy with what I've built. To me, the ergos are great. The weight is heavy, but it's all up front and keeps the muzzle down. The recoil absorbing ATI Talon stock was just amazing. I can not believe I own this thing!!!!!!!

Glad to hear you got to get out and blast, buddy!



-T1

[T-AD]

DECISION TIME!!! Weigh in, folks!!!


I've decided to sell my Taurus PT-99 and use the money towards a Springfield 45. I REALLY like the XDM competition with the 5.5" bbl. It goes for between $7-800. But, I can also find the XD 45 in tactical model for about $450 (used one for sale, nice shape). Difference? Newer model vs old, a bit different frames, comp barrel vs not, fiber optic front site vs 3-dot.

If you were me, what would you go with here? I'm a bit patient, and if I do sell the 9mm I should have the money next month for the XDM. Or, I'll have the money for that XD sooner, and have a bit left over for whatever else.

AAAAAAHH!!!! HELP!!!

[WarcraftJJS]

DECISION TIME!!! Weigh in, folks!!!


I've decided to sell my Taurus PT-99 and use the money towards a Springfield 45. I REALLY like the XDM competition with the 5.5" bbl. It goes for between $7-800. But, I can also find the XD 45 in tactical model for about $450 (used one for sale, nice shape). Difference? Newer model vs old, a bit different frames, comp barrel vs not, fiber optic front site vs 3-dot.

If you were me, what would you go with here? I'm a bit patient, and if I do sell the 9mm I should have the money next month for the XDM. Or, I'll have the money for that XD sooner, and have a bit left over for whatever else.

AAAAAAHH!!!! HELP!!!

First question:
Are you going .45 in both the XDM and the XD?

Second: Do the Differences between the two really matter that much? Could you buy the lesser one and upgrade it later?

Third: Whats your motivation on going to a .45? ei. Competition, Home Defense, Just Cool Factor.


Because if your going Competition then do the XDM. Tho difference of .25" is not that much. XDM Barrel=5.25 XD Barrel=5"
Now with the XD you can buy it cheaper then do, because with the saved money you can buy better sites, After market barrel (ei. longer, tho may stick out from the slide), more ammo, trigger jobs the list could go on forever.

Remember when a company puts National Match or Competition barrel in their gun who is the person that says it is a National Match or Competition barrel. (There is NO outside company that test to "Certify" that it is a National Match or Competition barrel.)
Its just the Gun manufacturer that says it is a special barrel. Tho most are better barrels the the normal, you can get after market barrels that are better. Also remember most guns can shoot better then the person behind the gun.

If I were buying I would get the XDM 45. Because I could buy the gun then go straight to a Competition and Compete. But I also upgrade all my Competition guns. Because I'm a Gear Whore.

Tho only gun I have never upgraded is my Glock 34 because I have to keep that bone stock to shoot in the GSSF Competitions.

[T-AD]

First question:
Are you going .45 in both the XDM and the XD?

Second: Do the Differences between the two really matter that much? Could you buy the lesser one and upgrade it later?

Third: Whats your motivation on going to a .45? ei. Competition, Home Defense, Just Cool Factor.


Because if your going Competition then do the XDM. Tho difference of .25" is not that much. XDM Barrel=5.25 XD Barrel=5"
Now with the XD you can buy it cheaper then do, because with the saved money you can buy better sites, After market barrel (ei. longer, tho may stick out from the slide), more ammo, trigger jobs the list could go on forever.

Remember when a company puts National Match or Competition barrel in their gun who is the person that says it is a National Match or Competition barrel. (There is NO outside company that test to "Certify" that it is a National Match or Competition barrel.)
Its just the Gun manufacturer that says it is a special barrel. Tho most are better barrels the the normal, you can get after market barrels that are better. Also remember most guns can shoot better then the person behind the gun.

If I were buying I would get the XDM 45. Because I could buy the gun then go straight to a Competition and Compete. But I also upgrade all my Competition guns. Because I'm a Gear Whore.

Tho only gun I have never upgraded is my Glock 34 because I have to keep that bone stock to shoot in the GSSF Competitions.

As much as I'd like to be a gear whore, my budget simply never allows it. I'm selling one gun to put towards another here, if that tells ya anything. Momma doesn't like it when I hog the loot, eventhough it's mine to hog!

I'm going 45 because I want something bigger. Do I need it? No, but I want it. I don't need anything, and my 9mm would suffice for whatever I want it for. But I would like to have something bigger that is more accurate. My Taurus is decent, but even when on a bench, I can't get very tight groups with it. It's great for defense, but not competition.

No, I'm not going to compete. I'm pretty much a non-competitive individual. But I would rather have something that's capable of competing as well as getting the job done rather than something that's just mediocre. I can get a silly Hi Point cheap that'll shoot big bullets, but I'm not going to.

For me, the difference is kinda in the bells and whistles. I would LIKE to have the better sights, the longer "match grade" barrel, and the better frame. I've held both an XD and XDM recently and though I liked them both, I liked the XDM better. It wasn't even the name on it, though - one that I held first was an XD with an XDM tag on it - mistake at the gun shop, so pretty much it was a blind holding test for me.

As for price, I don't know. I could go out today and get that used XD and be fine with it, then send more money later on whatever else. If they were closer in price, it wouldn't be so much of a decision. If only $150 separated the two, I'd just opt for the XDM. Here, it's $450 used or $750 new.

[WarcraftJJS]

As much as I'd like to be a gear whore, my budget simply never allows it. I'm selling one gun to put towards another here, if that tells ya anything. Momma doesn't like it when I hog the loot, eventhough it's mine to hog!

I'm going 45 because I want something bigger. Do I need it? No, but I want it. I don't need anything, and my 9mm would suffice for whatever I want it for. But I would like to have something bigger that is more accurate. My Taurus is decent, but even when on a bench, I can't get very tight groups with it. It's great for defense, but not competition.

No, I'm not going to compete. I'm pretty much a non-competitive individual. But I would rather have something that's capable of competing as well as getting the job done rather than something that's just mediocre. I can get a silly Hi Point cheap that'll shoot big bullets, but I'm not going to.

For me, the difference is kinda in the bells and whistles. I would LIKE to have the better sights, the longer "match grade" barrel, and the better frame. I've held both an XD and XDM recently and though I liked them both, I liked the XDM better. It wasn't even the name on it, though - one that I held first was an XD with an XDM tag on it - mistake at the gun shop, so pretty much it was a blind holding test for me.

As for price, I don't know. I could go out today and get that used XD and be fine with it, then send more money later on whatever else. If they were closer in price, it wouldn't be so much of a decision. If only $150 separated the two, I'd just opt for the XDM. Here, it's $450 used or $750 new.

Ya that's why I was asking. I think you would be happy with either one.

But in the end both will do what you want. The XD is a prefect gun for upgrades later. New Sites are not that much.
I like the look of both of them. I love the cut out of the XDM alot more tho.

Tho you could always look for a used XDM during the time you want to buy the new one.
Also gunbroker.com, or slickguns.com could have a nice used XDM if you don't mind the transfer. (Not hard at all and most of the time you can get free shipping.)
Here is one on gunbroker: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=303792771
Just remember to ask about the transfer fee at your Gun shop.
I've seen used XDMs go for $425-$650 depending on what comes with it.

I love used guns, most of the time its a great deal. And most of the time very low shot count.

[T-AD]

Ya that's why I was asking. I think you would be happy with either one.

But in the end both will do what you want. The XD is a prefect gun for upgrades later. New Sites are not that much.
I like the look of both of them. I love the cut out of the XDM alot more tho.

Tho you could always look for a used XDM during the time you want to buy the new one.
Also gunbroker.com, or slickguns.com could have a nice used XDM if you don't mind the transfer. (Not hard at all and most of the time you can get free shipping.)
Here is one on gunbroker: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=303792771
Just remember to ask about the transfer fee at your Gun shop.
I've seen used XDMs go for $425-$650 depending on what comes with it.

I love used guns, most of the time its a great deal. And most of the time very low shot count.

Thanks. I do keep an eye on gunbroker atleast once a week just for kicks. I have a guy who is an independent FFL that will do a transfer for like $25, which is really good around here. I'm not really afraid to go that route. Nor am I afraid to go used. Thing is, the XDM comp is actually newer, so not many used ones out there.

After looking and reading yesterday on what it takes to do the sights, I'm pretty sure that I'll just opt for the XDM that I want. I found it online for $713 already, free ship, so that beats anything I've found locally - or is atleast a jumping point for those that price match. Sitting on $350 in my pocket at the moment for it (only because I just committed to a SOG Trident from another small business guy from FB), and have my Taurus listed for sale.

And on that note, woke up to an email about the Taurus. Some guy trying to lowball me! Said he did his research online and at some gun dealers.... uh, you did all of that last night, cause the ad only went up around 5pm, buddy. He said the price new is $400 and a good trade in price is $200, so he offered me $300. Sorry, bub. My dad just bought one like mine a few weeks ago and paid over $500 for it from a good friend who owns a gun shop with the best prices around (where I bought my Mossy). I did my own digging - bargain basement price for fair condition is $300 on this. I want $400. It's got Hogue grips, adjustable sights, 2 mags, kydex holster, soft in-the-pants holster, some ammo and some ammo boxes. I think that's fair. I wrote back and said $375, and any lower and it's just the gun and no goodies. Can't bite on the first worm, and this one was really just too small!

[T-AD]

Eh, screw it. Made up my mind. I can't the comp series for my needs. I have my eyes set on the XDM 45 with 4.5" barrel. Still has the "match grade" barrel with it, and that's the one I read reviews on that were so stellar. If I don't like the stock sights, I'll have them swapped out at some point. In the meantime, I'll save over a hundred clams and put it towards an ammo stockpile and more magazines. Regardless, I know I'm still in for a hell of an upgraded firearm!

[Bolanrox]

don't the xd / xdm's come with several sight choices (red / green)? or is that front sight only?

enjoy man, one day i will get one.. unless DE's come in .454 or .500 before then. I joke I joke

[T-AD]

don't the xd / xdm's come with several sight choices (red / green)? or is that front sight only?

enjoy man, one day i will get one.. unless DE's come in .454 or .500 before then. I joke I joke

To my knowledge, only the XDM comp comes with both fibers. Cut and install whichever one you choose. Ultimately, this is what I'd like to get in mine, but in time. Either that or tritium night sights!

[T-AD]

Ya know it's gotta be something good if I'm in here posting on a weekend. LOL

Got a buyer for the Taurus 9mm. He's not even arguing over my price. Yes!!!! That XDM will be MINE!!!!!

[WarcraftJJS]

Ya know it's gotta be something good if I'm in here posting on a weekend. LOL

Got a buyer for the Taurus 9mm. He's not even arguing over my price. Yes!!!! That XDM will be MINE!!!!!

you get it yet?

[T-AD]

you get it yet?

Not yet. I'm meeting the guy at 4:30 today to sell mine. I had one on hold at a gunshop about an hour away and was going to pick it up on Friday. When I called the shop I'm going to tonight (much closer), I inquired about the XDM. They didn't have one in stock, but could get it in 1-2 days and the price was the same as the other shop. So... By tomorrow evening, I will have it as long as this guy tonight doesn't back out on me.

[Trauma1]

I caved....and bought one.

This damn C&R license is seriously going to get me in trouble. I also bought (3) of the Chinese Type 54 M44's when AIMSurplus just had them on sale and in stock. A few are project guns.

I don't know if you guys watch "Iraqveteran8888" on youtube, but I really like his videos. He does a lot of milsurp stuff and gunsmithing/educational vids.

[Trauma1]

Not yet. I'm meeting the guy at 4:30 today to sell mine. I had one on hold at a gunshop about an hour away and was going to pick it up on Friday. When I called the shop I'm going to tonight (much closer), I inquired about the XDM. They didn't have one in stock, but could get it in 1-2 days and the price was the same as the other shop. So... By tomorrow evening, I will have it as long as this guy tonight doesn't back out on me.

Yeah, buddy!

So the Meprolight M21 reflex sight that I sold on ebay this week is looking to be a deadbeat buyer. No response and a zero feedback rating. This reminds me why I hate selling sh*t on ebay; but it's still a great place to buy. The process is freakin' ridiculous before I can relist it. This sucks, because this money is going towards and 59/66 Yugo SKS.




-T1

[T-AD]

Yeah, buddy!

So the Meprolight M21 reflex sight that I sold on ebay this week is looking to be a deadbeat buyer. No response and a zero feedback rating. This reminds me why I hate selling sh*t on ebay; but it's still a great place to buy. The process is freakin' ridiculous before I can relist it. This sucks, because this money is going towards and 59/66 Yugo SKS.




-T1

Well that sucks! I took a look at the auction. Too rich for my blood, but it looked like a nice sight! Sucks that the buyer was deadbeat, though. Hopefully everything goes smoothly with the cancel and relist.

As I said, sold the Taurus yesterday. The guy who bought it couldn't have been nicer. He has a few of them and is pretty much buying them up for his kids in the future. How nice!! Paid cash, so I handed it right back to the guy at the counter. My 45 is paid for en totale. Now all I have to do is wait for IT TO ARRIVE!!!! AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!! Dude said it'd be here by today, and it better be. I can't wait any longer!!!

Only downside is that I thought the price the guy gave me on the phone was everything out the door. Then at the store, I got charged for the paperwork, tax and whatever. $45 less than what I thought I'd have in my pocket today, which was to go towards ammo so I can shoot this bastard. So, in true TiM fashion, I finished a belt for a guy last night. $50 in my pocket there. Plus delivering a bracelet order to a cop tonight, $30 there, and he wants me to make a dog collar - another $20-$25 for that one. WOO HOOO!!!! I'll start off with a box of Hydra Shocks just so I have my carry ammo, and probably a small box of something decent for plinking. Maybe after payday I'll snag a 250rd box of Remington FMJ ammo from Walmart for a tad under a C-bill. That'd do me fine for a while.

[Trauma1]

you get it yet?

If you're looking for a p38 at a great price AIM has a great deal right now only for 01/03 FFL holders:

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...P38+9mm+Pistol