leroy

I second this advice. The short barrel 1911's are evidently very sensitive to both hold and ammo. This results if failures to feed. In the "old days" it was thought that the commander length (4.25") barrel was as short as you should go for reliable cycling and feeding. I believe that this is right; as i've seen several 3 inch guns for sale due to their owners not being able to get them to shoot reliably. The biggest selling feature for concealing a 1911 type pistol is its slender and flat profile. Take the time to play around with a full size (5 inch) 1911. You will be amazed at the ease with which it can be concealed. If you dont want to give an arm and a leg for a pistol, try out the full size or commander length 1911's made by Taurus or look at some of the mil-spec Springfields. They are great shooters. The longer barrel will help with the velocity issue. A three inch gun turns a 850 fps load into about a 750 fps load if you shoot hardball. If you use the lighter weight "defensive" ammo; the velocity loss will be greater. Hope this helps. LEROY

I heartily second the J frame smith advice. Translates to a small frame 5 shot 38 special revolver made by Smith and Wesson (I've never owned one; but is suspect that Taurus would work as well; but i dont know the appropriate model numbers). Everything from the old time smith model 36 steel frame gun (which you can find pretty reasonably every now and then) up to the new "magic" alloys like scandium. J frames are great guns; and the 2 inch barrel will work well in an inside the pocket holster or inside the belt. There are some who will tell you that the 38 special is not powerful enough for personal defense -- not so --- there are plenty of bad guys in the graveyard who were dispatched with the 38 special by men who could shoot straight. I have one in a kydex pocket holster made by Allen Miller in Greenville, TN. He makes a great product at a very reasonable price. Website is : Welcome to Aholster. Kind regards, LEROY

I heartily agree; every gun lover owes it to theirselves to own at least on Colt Single Action Army (or U S Firearms SAA). They are the greatest handgun ever made. An old N-Frame Smith Model 27 is also great!! Have fun! LEROY

My son and I spent quite a bit of time shooting with the Cowboy Action guys. The Stoeger SxS coachgun is a staple with them -- probably the most used shotgun in cowboy action shooting. They burn lots of powder thru them and they hold up very well. Stoeger is a great shotgun; especially for the money. You can certainly buy a more expensive side by; or over and under; but I doubt you can find one more durable at 3 or 4 times the price. Hope this helps. Kind regards, LEROY

Matt:_________ Two things to watch out for in military 223 brass. The first is crimped primers. Make sure when you deprime the case, you check to see that the primer wasn't crimped in. If it was; just take your case chamfering tool and ream the primer pocket. The second is in regard to your concern for the 10% reduction for military cases. If you have a load you like or one that a friend uses; say for an AR; either reduce the load 10% and try it (a chronograph helps here); or simply weigh the 223 cases. Weigh the mil-spec case and a case of the same brand as the load you like and check the difference. If it's close -- say within 10%; I wouldnt worry about loading to the values they use. If the mil-spec case is heavier; I would do the reduction in powder charge and work back up. The weight of the case will give you some indication of internal volume (the "correct" way to measure internal case volume is to fill each case with water, with the water, and convert it to a volume -- it's messy and lots of work for a little bit of info). If you havent bought a sizer die as yet; make sure you buy a small base sizer if you shoot in an AR. The small base sizer sizes the brass to the minimum size for the round and will ensure proper chambering. Hope this helps, LEROY

I second this advice. I front or hip pocket carry a Glock 33 (same size as a 27, different caliber) in a kydex pocket holster made by Allen Miller in Greenville TN. The holsters are the best ive found and extremely reasonable in price. His website address is: Welcome to Aholster. Ive found the glock easy to carry and easy to hold on to when you need to shoot. Kind regards, LEROY

A very wise observation. The Dems on a national level have finally gotten smart enough (i believe) to not stir up the hornets nest about further gun restrictions at the national level during this first Oboma term. They are willing to have their underlings (Attorney General Eric Holder) go out and make anti-gun pronouncements while giving the appearance of restraining his totalitarianist beliefs -- therefore, appearing to be pro Second Ammendment. This move appeases (in a twisted way) both sides of the gun issue -- the gun toting union guys in the rust belt; and the nuts in San Francisco. The fact of the matter is that they are elitists and elitists for the most part are anti-gun rights because they know whats best for everyone. Some of us are old enough to remember the passage of the gun control act of 1968, which was passed on the heels of the hysteria caused by shooting some of the political class. It is important to understand that there always have been plenty of laws of the books that address murder and sedition -- we didn't need anymore. But the political class and the anti-gun crowd knew what was best for all americans; so the gun control act of 1968 was passed; banning the import of all kinds of guns, and restricting gun-rights everywhere -- all of which had no bearing on the shootings of the Kennedys and MLK -- it just made the elite class feel better. There is a noted Tennessee Senator who lost his thirty year tenure in congress over that disgraceful vote; his name is Albert Gore Senior. Tennessee used to be a pretty reliable southern Democrat State (read that as New Deal gun toting). It is now a reliably Republican State because the southern Democrats have turned into Republicans. Tennesseeans for the most part believe in the Second Amendment and are showing that support thru their locally elected officials. That's why pro-gun legislation is passing in the Tennessee State House. I intend to continue my support of those who are working so hard to bring gun rights at the state level to where they were envisioned by the framers of the Constitution. I also intend to watch the elected officials (Read that US Congress and Senators) we send to Washington, and to monitor how they vote. If their positions and votes don't suit me; I intend to work hard with both my energy and dollars to defeat them. The recent accomplishments by those in the Tennessee State House in restoring gun rights to law abiding Tennesseeans makes me proud to be a Tennesseean and sends a great message to thugs, politiclal bosses, and inner city ghetto rats -- be careful who you try to push around -- that old codger, granny, or young person may be armed. ---HEHEHE In summary, Tennessee State Reps -- keep up the good work. Congressmen and Senators -- watch what you do; you may end up like the "Great old White Haired Sage from Carthage, TN (read Al Gore, Sr.)"-- you may find yourself suddenly unemployed. LEROY

Know what ya mean by not wanting to cut one down. We've got a fluid steel Remington side hammer double that we bought to cut down three or four years ago -- cant bear to cut it down either. We load brass shells and shoot black powder in it; it's great. You do owe it to yourself to find a model 97 riot (they are out there) and a model 37 ithaca riot (they're out there too). They are a great thing. The model 97 is the greatest riot gun ever; and the ithaca is the best slide action shotgun; period!! Have fun!! LEROY

I agree. It is hard to think in terms of using the term "engraved" and "glock" in the same sentence. Engraving should be reserved for "real" works of art like Single Action Army Colts (and USFA; occasionally), N frame smiths, 1911 Colt Goverment Models (only) and high grade shotguns. I can't imagine spending money to engrave a glock; they are great (i own just one); but they are like a hammer -- they are a tool.

If the upper hole is the first shot; you are well on your way. It is not uncommon for the first shot out of a rifle to be the flier because of the fact that the barrel is clean. Always shoot a couple of fouling shots and allow a few minutes between each individual shot if the barrel is a sporter or standard barrel. It wont make much difference with a heavy or varmint barrel. My guess is that the 204 will easily shoot into a "dime sized" three shot group if the barrel is fouled. We used to shoot dime sized groups regularly with either a 222 or 223 in a bolt action gun using a 12 to 20 power scope. Be sure to rest the fore end of the rifle on shotbags and use a rear bag if you have one. We always cleaned the barrel after about 5 shots plus 2 foulers to get the best groups. The comments about a constant cheek weld and repeatable look thru the scope are also important. Always make sure that you are looking straight thru the center of the scope; that fixes any parallax problem that the scope may have. You may want to check around your gun club for a real oldtime benchrest shooting guy and talk to him. They are a great source of tricks and techniques for shooting extra small groups. Outside of technique; the greatest help in shrinking groups is careful handloading with precision bullets. Hope this helps, Kind Regards, LEROY

The real answer to the dilemma that most pro-gun Tennesseeans find themselves in with regard to Alexander is that he is a great polititian who has friends on both sides of the gun spectrum all over Tennessee. He is a "home-boy" here in East Tennessee who has very sucessfully patterned his political career after Howard Baker. On the darker side; he is politically very ruthless when the is able to be, and has no quams about crushing his opposition using whatever methods are at his disposal to do so -- he decimated the highway construction contractors in Tennessee (who were for the most part Democrat) while not bothering to prosecute the Republican contractors in East Tennessee who were doing the same thing as the Dems. in the early eighties when he was governor. This was done for two reasons; first, it was popular to bash contractors; secondly, it was a political payback to the Dems. for backing this opponent in the Gubanatorial race. In summary, Lamar Alexander brought political payback to a height in Tennessee that I had never seen before -- he is a very serious and vindictive man. Alexander is a master of playing to the audience he is courting. He is tied to the political movers and shakers in Tennessee, the educational lobby, the tree-hugging lobby, the real conservationists lobby; and it would appear to the insurance lobby. Lamar Alexander is a polititian and an elitist first. That means he, and he alone, is qualifited to determine what the constitution says (read that "should say") and He has made the calculation that the gun owner will swallow hard and still vote for him because of his passed voting record; and he is right for the most part. Sadly, Lamar Alexander is not the only duly elected official sent to Washington by the people that feels that way. Always remember, Washington is made up of about 90% polititians and crooks, and about 10% real people. The best way to beat Lamar Alexander, or at least make him mind, is to back a highly qualified real republican who is pro freedom and pro constitution in the Republican Primaries. I'm convinced that there are some out there. When they appear; we need to back them with both talk and MONEY. Lamar Alexander worships the god of power and money; that means he will be responsive to those who can furnish that to him. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Good_Steward is exactly right about both Ford and Alexander. The real answer to the dilemma that most pro-gun Tennesseeans find themselves in with regard to Alexander is that he is a great polititian who has friends on both sides of the gun spectrum all over Tennessee. He is a "home-boy" here in East Tennessee who has very sucessfully patterned his political career after Howard Baker. On the darker side; he is politically very ruthless when the is able to be, and has no quams about crushing his opposition using whatever methods are at his disposal to do so -- he decimated the highway construction contractors in Tennessee (who were for the most part Democrat) while not bothering to prosecute the Republican contractors in East Tennessee who were doing the same thing as the Dems. in the early eighties when he was governor. This was done for two reasons; first, it was popular to bash contractors; secondly, it was a political payback to the Dems. for backing this opponent in the Gubanatorial race. In summary, Lamar Alexander brought political payback to a height in Tennessee that I had never seen before -- he is a very serious and vindictive man. Alexander is a master of playing to the audience he is courting. He is tied to the political movers and shakers in Tennessee, the educational lobby, the tree-hugging lobby, and the real conservationists lobby. Lamar Alexander is a polititian and an elitist first. That means he, and he alone, is qualifited to determine what the constitution says (read that "should say") and He has made the calculation that the gun owner will swallow hard and still vote for him because of his passed voting record; and he is right for the most part. Sadly, Lamar Alexander is not the only duly elected official sent to Washington by the people that feels that way. Always remember, Washington is made up of about 90% polititians and crooks, and about 10% real people. The best way to beat Lamar Alexander, or at least make him mind, is to back a highly qualified real republican who is pro freedom and pro constitution in the Republican Primaries. I'm convinced that there are some out there. When they appear; we need to back them with both talk and MONEY. Lamar Alexander worships the god of power and money; that means he will be responsive to those who can furnish that to him.

Dont worry, they will work like a charm. The load sounds like an old target load for the special. If you want to do more research, Google Taffin Loads for the 44 Special. Kind Regards,

I never make it a practice to argue with such logic. Buy them wherever you like.

This is a great bit of information. It parallels my experience with magnum primers. As i remember, magnum primers were developed to help ignition of very slow powders and to help with ignition in extremely cold regions for hunters (both rifle and pistol). I have interchanged primers (magnum for standard) for both rifle and pistol with no real problems. It is a wise precaution to drop the powder charges 5 to 10% then go back up slowly, watching for pressure signs (if you are close to a max load). Hard extraction or severely cratered primers are a pretty good indication that the load is too hot. For revolvers it's easy to tell how you are doing on easy extraction. You shuld always be able to work the ejector rod with normal finger pressure. With autos, I always look closely at the rimers and case headstamp. If the primers are cratered and the headstamp battered on the auto; you might want to tone em down a little bit. Hope this helps. Kind Regards.

They are not "simply reflecting the supplier's price increase". Take the time to look at the Midway Website. There has been no increase in primer wholesale prices. They run $25 to $30 per thousand.

Just loaded and chronographed and old time plus + load of 5.1 grains of Alliant Unique with 158 grain lead hornady hollowpoints. Was 922 fps out of a 2 inch smith model 36. I really like Unique and 231 for short and 4 inch barrel guns.

Amen. This is all temporary!

Stopped by at Benton Shooter's Supply today. Noticed that there were several sleeves of primers in the shelves in the reloading department. They were priced at $250.00 for 5000. That is $50.00 per thousand. I didn't bother to price them per 1000; as I thought the sleeve price was ridiculous. I understand that adults are to be as responsible (or irresponsible) as they care to be; and that nobody makes anybody else buy anything that they dont want. I also understand the "Buyer Beware" buying philosophy, and picking the "low hanging fruit" selling philosophy. Sooner or later this primer shortage will be over; and prices will drop to the real market price level. Many responsible retailers understand this fact. Midway recently had primers (which they promptly sold out of) for $30.00/thousand -- that figures to $150.00 per sleeve before adding HAZMAT and shipping. You shooters that trade with Benton Shooters Supply for reloading stuff need to remember what you have seen. Many responsible retailers simply choose to sell out of an "in demand" item and keep the price where it should be and to treat their customers as they should be treated; that is, fairly. Others choose to take advantage of the shortage. There is simply no reason outside of price gouging that primers should be priced at $50/thousand. I suspect that there are many area shooters who helped to make this company a success who regularly read this forum that need to consider just how foolish these folks must think you are and adjust their buying habits and sources of supply accordingly.

Thanks for reminding us of the great truth that many times those with political aspirations aspire to be tyrants.

I am an old guy that started shooting over 50+ years ago. I was raised on revolvers and 1911's. I still love them. I recently bought a Glock 33 for concealed carry. The Glock 33 fits in my front (or back) dungaree pocket. It will fit in the front pocket of my sunday khakis. I am a handloader and shoot regularly. The Glock is as reliable as anything I have ever handled. They are ugly when compared to "real guns" --N Frame Smiths, Colt 1911's, and other great things like Single Action Armies -- what they bring to the party is reasonable cost (about $500 vs 1200), great reliability, concealability, and a stupendous punch (357 sig) that you just can't get anywhere else for the money. Gaston Glock is a genius who did something that very few inventors have ever done. He designed and built a completely new pistol that is superbly accurate, cheap to build, easy to take apart, and is easy to shoot. All you need to to with a Glock is to know how to pull the trigger. All in all; they are ugly; but a great thing. Try one out sometime and it will make you a believer. Kind Regards, LEROY

In the old days we always used "small base" dies to resize any semi-auto or slide action rifle brass. They will full length resize the case to the minimum dimensions for the cartridge. This extra few thousands of resizing ensures reliable functioning in semi-auto and slide action rifles. Hope this helps. Kind Regards, LEROY

It is laughable to presume that Arlen Specter is a friend to Republicans. He simply is not one. Specter's "Defection" is simply a self-preservation move. He does not want to face Toomey in a Republican Primary this fall. The Republicans in Pennsylvania (there are some, about 50% in western PA) were outraged at Specter's vote for the Oboma stimulus bill, and decided it was time for Arlen to go. Don't be sad that Specter is gone; good riddance. He has done nothing but vote to further his own despicable adgenda (himself). Arlen Specter may well be voted out of office in his next election bid. I say it is high time Republicans get rid of some of these politicians who have made their career by voting and promoting themselves. Arlen Specter is a disgrace to the people of Pennsylvania and this country as a whole. He is now at home in the Democrat Party; which has changed from the party of FDR and your fathers who worked in the 50's to the party of socialists, communists, deviants, anti-capitalists; and anti-guners who would make us all slaves and wards of the state. It is my hope that more like him will target themselves by switching sides. At this juncture in American History; I simply do not believe you can align yourselves with the Democrat party and honestly believe you are for the principles that this country was founded on. Let the purge begin!! LEROY

Add Unique to the list. It and 231 are great for all pistol calibers.

The Meadowview gunshow was great!! Went saturday. Travelled from knoxville to kingsport. Great venue, courteous people. Highly recommend that you find time to go today. LEROY