Gun shows

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: JeffreyLebowski
Another vote for the 1911.
If you want a fancy gee look at my I'm a trendy Mac lover, buy a Glock or an XD, M&P or HK. If you want a reliable gun that will never let you down, get a 1911.

a 1911 was by my grandfathers side through WW2 and Korea and it served him well.

I already said on the 1st page that i have a 1911, an SA Mil-Spec...
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I have that exact gun.

 

[pontifex]

well, called the shop again today to get the prices (guy I talked to last night never called back, apparently he had to leave early today).

they want $359 for the 24/7 pro 9mm and $461 for the CZ p-01

now I just need to decide which one to get. I need to hold them before i decide so i'll probably check at gander mtn tomorrow or this weekend.

 

[TallBill]

You can find a used 24/7 in 95%+ condition for under $300. Personally I'd spend $500 on a used Sig P226. Amazing gun, my favorite by far. Its inspired me to buy more Sigs.

 

[msi1337]

Just my opinion..but the 24/7 is garbage. Taurus makes average guns..just average..they are not great shooters..do not have great reliability..just about mediocre... I hated the two 24/7's I tried..because they felt very boring to me. However, I loved both the 38 and 357 taurus revolvers I owned..so hard to say. The PT99 you have is alright for the price.

the CZ is decent but smaller and kicks a little hard due to its

Whoever said that 45 is the only true carry weapon must have a large build..if you are a smaller guy, you will have a hard time carrying a 45. The 1911 usually works because they are so flat. But its like carrying a ball pein hammer at your side its so heavy.

Personally I am a huge XD9 fanboy..but that aside. The SW M&P is nice..but expensive. Sig makes awesome guns and always has. Kimber makes amazing .45's..the 1911 Compact is awesome!!

The best carry gun is the one you feel comfortable pulling on an assailant! I personally like the Bersa Thunder 380, the hamerless 38 (smith and wesson), and the XD-9 Subcompact

 

[pontifex]

Stopped at Gander Mountain today to look at guns.

First I looked at the CZ P-01 9mm. Wow, this gun is NICE! It fits like a glove, seems pretty light, very slick looking. I'm heavily leaning towards this as the next gun I purchase. GM wanted $499.99 + tax for a new one in Duo-Tone. My local shop can get me a new one solid blued for about $461 plus shipping and tax. they don't carry them in the store so they have to order one.

Second, I looked at the Taurus 24/7 Pro in .40 (they didn't have a 9mm). I hate the grip. Every review I've read has just had nothing but positive things about the grip but I just didn't like the way it felt. The guy behind the counter said that most people who bought one said they liked it but later on said the grip was a problem. Because it was so soft, they had to keep readjusting their grip on it. This one is now out of the running.

Third, looked at a S&W M&P compact. Looks nice but the grip is too small for me (big hands). Not a contender.

Fourth, looked at a regular sized S&W M&P. Nice gun. Decent grip, not as comfortable as the CZ though. The M&P has the adjustable grip thingers so that may help, i dunno. This has taken the place of the 24/7 pro. Local gun shop wants $472 + tax and shipping.

Fifth was a CZ 75 RAMI, the compact CZ 75 model. Very similar to the P-01. Has a nice grip extension that makes it feel like a full size grip. Not quite as comfortable as the P-01 though. The gun is made for concealed carry so a lot of the features like the safety and slide release are really slimmed down. its not much smaller than the p-01 though. I don't know if it was that particular gun or if its indicative of the whole model line, bit the slide release is really hard to manipulate. I had to really push down hard on it to release. i'm not interested in this one.

So right now, my decision is either a CZ P-01 or a S&W M&P, but leaning heavily towards the CZ.

 

[edro]

Buying from a private seller means:
1. No Tax
2. No waiting period, instant gun in hand
3. No name / serial number tracking

Buy it from a gun show. Keep them alive! They are dwindling and need support to stay afloat.

 

[CallMeJoe]

Originally posted by: pontifex
Fifth was a CZ 75 RAMI, the compact CZ 75 model. Very similar to the P-01. Has a nice grip extension that makes it feel like a full size grip. Not quite as comfortable as the P-01 though. The gun is made for concealed carry so a lot of the features like the safety and slide release are really slimmed down. its not much smaller than the p-01 though. I don't know if it was that particular gun or if its indicative of the whole model line, bit the slide release is really hard to manipulate. I had to really push down hard on it to release. I'm not interested in this one.

Don't let this one detail sour you on the RAMI if you otherwise like it. I almost never use the slide release. After inserting a new mag, pull the slide back slightly and release to load your next round. Slide release not needed.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: CallMeJoe

Originally posted by: pontifex
Fifth was a CZ 75 RAMI, the compact CZ 75 model. Very similar to the P-01. Has a nice grip extension that makes it feel like a full size grip. Not quite as comfortable as the P-01 though. The gun is made for concealed carry so a lot of the features like the safety and slide release are really slimmed down. its not much smaller than the p-01 though. I don't know if it was that particular gun or if its indicative of the whole model line, bit the slide release is really hard to manipulate. I had to really push down hard on it to release. I'm not interested in this one.

Don't let this one detail sour you on the RAMI if you otherwise like it. I almost never use the slide release. After inserting a new mag, pull the slide back slightly and release to load your next round. Slide release not needed.

its not just that, the grip didn't feel as good as the P-01

 

[shortylickens]

I feel sorry for you guys. Up in the farming country of Minnesota gun shows are usually pretty sweet. Genuine variety and very good prices. Most sellers will haggle quite a bit too.

 

[pontifex]

Well, went to the gun show on Saturday. $5 to park and $8 per person to get in.

I was looking for Crimson Trace grips for my CZ P-01 but only 2 places were selling Crimson Trace grips but neither had the model I needed. They were cheaper online anyway.

Prices for other things weren't that great either. Same as online or even more expensive.
Was going to pick up some mags and ammo but they were all more expensive than what you can get online. Can get ammo at Dick's cheaper than the show.
I figured prices would be cheaper since they brought it there and wanted to get rid of it.

If you wanted AR-15s or parts for one, this was heaven. I swear 50% of the stands were selling AR-15s or parts for them. Must be a lucrative business.

Lots of Mosin Nagants for sale. One place had them for $75. Wouldn't mind getting one but I don't know anything about buying old surplus guns so I didn't know what to look for.

I think I only saw 1 or 2 stands that had SKSs.

Lots of M1 Garands and Enfields of varying conditions. Garands are just way too expensive, even for the ones in crappy condition.

Got to see lots of cool stuff though. Tons of military gear and weapons. We spent about an hour and a half there, just looking at everything.

 

[lozina]

I'm jealous of you guys who live in states that do not infringe upon your right to buy handguns. I'm just starting the long process in my county of obtaining a handgun license (NOT concealed carry, just a license to buy them). It will cost alot of money and take a long time.

Vermont has it the best

 

[deerslayer]

Originally posted by: pontifex
well, i shot my dad's XD. I didn't do very well with it, but neither did he.

i didn't really see anything that special about it. maybe i won't be getting one of these after all.

Originally posted by: pontifex
already have a springfield mil-spec 1911. i suck horribly with it though.

I'm not trying to be an ass or start a flame war, but are you good with any of your guns?

When I first started shooting hand guns I couldn't hit anything. As I started shooting more people started pointing out mistakes I was making and I progressively got better.

I picked up an XD .45 about a year ago, and I've always been accurate with it. My gf's father also has the XD .45 and he's never had any issues with accuracy with his. I was actually pleasantly surprised with the gun.

 

[lozina]

Originally posted by: deerslayer

Originally posted by: pontifex
well, i shot my dad's XD. I didn't do very well with it, but neither did he.

i didn't really see anything that special about it. maybe i won't be getting one of these after all.

Originally posted by: pontifex
already have a springfield mil-spec 1911. i suck horribly with it though.

I'm not trying to be an ass or start a flame war, but are you good with any of your guns?

When I first started shooting hand guns I couldn't hit anything. As I started shooting more people started pointing out mistakes I was making and I progressively got better.

I picked up an XD .45 about a year ago, and I've always been accurate with it. My gf's father also has the XD .45 and he's never had any issues with accuracy with his. I was actually pleasantly surprised with the gun.

Yeah I noticed that too... a good gun wont suddenly make you a good shooter.

It's no coincidence that the XD is so popular recently, winning many awards. It's a great firearm.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: deerslayer

Originally posted by: pontifex
well, i shot my dad's XD. I didn't do very well with it, but neither did he.

i didn't really see anything that special about it. maybe i won't be getting one of these after all.

Originally posted by: pontifex
already have a springfield mil-spec 1911. i suck horribly with it though.

I'm not trying to be an ass or start a flame war, but are you good with any of your guns?

When I first started shooting hand guns I couldn't hit anything. As I started shooting more people started pointing out mistakes I was making and I progressively got better.

I picked up an XD .45 about a year ago, and I've always been accurate with it. My gf's father also has the XD .45 and he's never had any issues with accuracy with his. I was actually pleasantly surprised with the gun.

I'm ok with my 9mms and my .380. not perfect, but better than the .45

 

[deerslayer]

Originally posted by: pontifex
I'm ok with my 9mms and my .380. not perfect, but better than the .45

I'm the exact opposite. I seem to do better with the .45, and I'm usually off with the 9mm.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: deerslayer

Originally posted by: pontifex
I'm ok with my 9mms and my .380. not perfect, but better than the .45

I'm the exact opposite. I seem to do better with the .45, and I'm usually off with the 9mm.

i don't know if its the recoil of the .45 or what, but i'm just terrible at it.
i really need to get with someone who is good at shooting handguns so they can give me pointers but i don't know anyone or even where to go. all the ranges around here are just a wooden table or 2 at 100 yards and 1 table at 25 yards and a plywood board on posts to hang your targets on.

there's no store, no employees or anything like that.

 

[deerslayer]

Originally posted by: pontifex

i don't know if its the recoil of the .45 or what, but i'm just terrible at it.
i really need to get with someone who is good at shooting handguns so they can give me pointers but i don't know anyone or even where to go. all the ranges around here are just a wooden table or 2 at 100 yards and 1 table at 25 yards and a plywood board on posts to hang your targets on.

there's no store, no employees or anything like that.

I've noticed I do better with the .45 when I don't try to stop the gun from moving due to recoil. I seem to have much better results when I loosen up and let the gun come up a bit.

When I try to stop the recoil I think I anticipate it and end up leaning into the shot, making them go all over the place.

I think the most important thing is to be comfortable with whatever gun you have. Everyone has different tastes.

Personally I like the way the XD feels and shoots. I also like the Colt Commander my gf's dad has. My gf likes my brother's S&W 9mm and I'm terrible with it.

 

[TallBill]

I like my XD 45, but I LOVE my sig P226. I'm trying to sell/trade the XD 45 to get a P220. I might end up just getting it and keeping everything though

 

[deerslayer]

Originally posted by: TallBill
I like my XD 45, but I LOVE my sig P226. I'm trying to sell/trade the XD 45 to get a P220. I might end up just getting it and keeping everything though

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: deerslayer

Originally posted by: TallBill
I like my XD 45, but I LOVE my sig P226. I'm trying to sell/trade the XD 45 to get a P220. I might end up just getting it and keeping everything though

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

I agree, nothing worse than getting rid of a gun and wishing you hadn't.

 

[JBarr]

Best luck I've had at a gun show is getting 2 vendors willing to price match, usually good for a minimum of 10%.

& as far as the difference between a 9mm & a 40, give me a goddamn break, you want a Hatcher rating over 50 in a defense handgun.

Handgun Cartridge Type ..................... Hatcher Rating

.45 ACP full metal jacket 230 grain .......... 49.1

.45 ACP jacketed hollow point 230 grain ...... 60.7

.44 Magnum full metal jacket 240 grain ....... 92.3

*.44 Magnum lead wad cutter 240 grain ......... 136.8

.44 Special full metal jacket 240 grain ...... 51.6

*.44 Special lead wad cutter 240 grain ............. 76.5

.41 Magnum full metal jacket 230 grain ............. 54

*.41 Magnum lead wad cutter 230 grain .............. 80

10 millimeter full metal jacket 180 grain .......... 50.3

10 millimeter jacketed hollow point 180 grain ..62.1

.40 S&W full metal jacket flat nose 180 grain ...... 53.4

.40 S&W jacketed hollow point 180 grain ....... 59.4

.38 Special full metal jacket 158 grain ...... 26.7

*.38 Special lead wad cutter 158 grain ............. 39.7

**.357 Magnum full metal jacket 158 grain ..... 32.7

**.357 Magnum lead wad cutter 158 grain ............ 48.5

.357 SIG full metal jacket 147 grain ................ 36.6

.357 SIG jacketed hollow point 147 grain ..... 45.2

9 millimeter full metal jacket 147 grain ............ 32.3

9 millimeter jacketed hollow point 147 grain ... 39.9

.380 Auto jacketed hollow point 95 grain ..... 18.3

.32 Auto jacketed hollow point 71 grain ...... 11.1

.25 Auto jacketed hollow point 50 grain ...... 3.7

.22 Long Rifle jacketed hollow point 40 grain ... 4.2

* Jacketed hollow points will have the same rating as wad cutter bullets if the bullet hollow tip is greater than 1/2 of the caliber of the bullet.

* .357 Magnum ratings are taken from a firearm with a 3 inch barrel. Longer barrels will raise the rating of the round.

 

[TallBill]

I've never heard of a "hatcher" rating.... The rating on all of the rounds will be different from different barrel lengths, regardless of the round size.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: TallBill
I've never heard of a "hatcher" rating.... The rating on all of the rounds will be different from different barrel lengths, regardless of the round size.

new to me also...

 

[CallMeJoe]

I went to a Gun & Knife show myself this weekend. Every new handgun I saw I could have bought for less locally not on sale. A lot of firearm parts for sale, a lot of overpriced ammunition, and a lot of very well worn rifles and revolvers. The only good point was that I saw and handled a Beretta PX4 Storm. A beautiful chunk of polymer pistol, really fits my hand nicely - a grip very reminiscent of the Smith & Wesson M&P autoloader. Also has various backstrap inserts and even different sizes of magazine release button. The downside is that the backstraps and buttons are not supplied with the pistol and must be ordered separately. I'm still leaning towards the M&P, but the PX4 has my attention.

Originally posted by: JBarr
& as far as the difference between a 9mm & a 40, give me a goddamn break, you want a Hatcher rating over 50 in a defense handgun.

As far as the "Hatcher Rating", give me a goddamn break. I see no value in the formulations of an early 20th century ordnance officer who tells me a .357 Magnum JHP is not a good self defense round.

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: TallBill
I've never heard of a "hatcher" rating.... The rating on all of the rounds will be different from different barrel lengths, regardless of the round size.

new to me also...

I've never heard of it, though I'm no expert. I wouldn't trust a generic rating considering different loads, bullet types and all that good stuff. Whats with such loow ratings on the 357's anyway.