Erich

Windham builds a solid rifle, one of the better price to quality ratios. They were the former Bushmaster crew but with improved quality over Bushmaster. In the sub 1k range for a ready to go, that is your best bet. Hydra-matics were one of the original contract builds only for the military. You can occasionally buy them today, but since they have go fast switches and NFA, you're gonna have to up your budget a bit. Or sell your house I dont think you have to question the why. Heck, probably more of a why not. IMO no collection is complete without one. The modern carbines are all good, but if you are limiting it for nostalgia, it has to be one of the most iconic rifle version if not the most iconic.

Yes sir, was aware and not surprised since that how I read their release back in September. I was referring to rifle supply and the general effect of killing secondary market parts supply driving current cost of that supply up for those looking to put one together or buy one. The small amount they recently released shouldn't have any material impact. FWIW, their retro A1 was not actually put together by them, which may be one of the reason they were a bit nicer. It would be great if they fully licensed that vendor to make more to get the price realistic. Though the market for the full size rifle is more niche to have that happen. Unlike their M4A1 Socom which they could sell by the truckload even if its a subpar clone. If they were smart, since they have that line up and running, they'd start knocking more of those out since they are obviously chasing the panic dollars.

The only real older rifle version all wear the pony, and anything pony is out of line with them stopping commercial civilian production. Even before that, SP1 Colts were on the way up with the interest in retro's. They are expensive at 1500 to 2000 for not so great ones, so likely preclude that route. Good news is, like some have alluded to, just about everyone jumped into the retro market the last 2 to 3 years and makes their version. Question is really what is your limit, and how "close" to the real thing do you want it. The hanguards and fixed carry handle look, or era and model correct down to colors, correlated furnture, and/or markings. For example, do you want the early 67 version with the 3 prong brush catcher and D (swivel) buttsock, or later birdcage fixed trapdoor. Many of the current market offerings are a mashup, if you care. Most folks that just want the 10 feet away look really like the Brownells offering, with the most recent Colt branded retro (arguably the best correct replica) rollmarked Propery of US version that clocked in at 2500 retail. They were going on GB for 1500 last year because everyone thought they were overpriced, but now....yeah....its got a pony on it making it over the 2k mark. Couple good reviews out there. The guy who worked for Colt did a comparo of the BRNM16A1 versus the Colt CRM16A1 and tried to make the Brownells offering look better while contradicting himself due to his disdain of Colt. So factor some of that. Best bet for authenticy, may be to source a NOS or lightly used genuine A1 upper and use a repro lower, like the Nodak Spud. That is what my retro is made up of and it looks pretty on point. If they had the Colt offering I would have gotten that, its like the real deal with out the go fast switch.

The problem there is assuming everyone who lives here has always lived here, and that's glazing over your edit to pile on after Smith made the point. As someone who had to buy real mags over the last two years after escaping CA, I can say your thought is not valid for all. I can appreciate why so may have a limited perspective, but all good if it helps anyone who it was intended for.

Ha. Different....but on the surface.... Not quite the same as 100 million+ folks in all states driven by mass media educed panic and thinking they need a lifetime supply. That was selfish people buying more than their needs, or with the intent of reselling. A few 10's of thousands of CA gun owners though feel that way right now. Intended for those that may not follow the politics or care about CA. If you can wait, you just don't need em anyway. But if you just bought a gun and need a couple mags, good to know. Unless one thinks a few here may be stacking mags to the ceiling to go with their TP collection

Some may have noticed that Brownell's has been down or very slow to respond. The reason is CA gun owners are hammering their server with a run on standard cap magazines. If you have been putting off an order or were in need in the near future, now is the time to do this to avoid a supply problem down the road. Same occurred March 2019 and these freedom hungry CA gun owners bought out the US supply of high cap mags in within a couple days. Before COVID limited production, it only took a few weeks to replenish stock, but the wait will be longer this time around. And if the Dems win, a secondary run on ban scare will ensue. Dont get caught with your pants down like those that were not stocked up on ammo. Details here:

I've had several items over the years on back order thru B's, and have not known them to post the estimated dates (like Midway or OP). However, if you call, their CS will tell you what they expected in their system. Their chat reps don't tend to provide that, the phone folks usually. Most of that time that date has been good or its been a bit quicker. Times based on the supplier and of course, how far down the list you can be. Optics planet, as noted, can be sketchy, though they come thru most of the time. I have had them cancel or try to cancel a few times. But B's has never done that with any of my orders.

I hope they never do a study of how many brain cells the average kid sacrificed to Tester's model glue. I think I could rank pretty darn high. And I dont mean just on fumes. I think I put over 100 models together back then. My favorite Spitfire was the Cox glow plug plane. Remember those. Wish I still had it.

That is really cool. Great project. But where do you put the firecrackers??

That's a great little pickup and a nice price. I have the 92 affliction too, so glad to see folks buy these. When I got mine early last year before the hoarding and insanity, mid to low 400's was about as good as they got. To get one thru a local shop and be at a great price after the TN 10% resident penalty....damn. It may have been a mistake, but hey, right time right place.... Take a look at the locking block and barrel rails to make sure they were finish machined. Being Italian it probably is fine. But a couple of the compacts I had looked at where rough and gouged up the frame channels that the rails ride in. Generally you'll see some small AL chips or flakes in the slide or top of the frame to tip you. I stoned mine to clean them up to mitigate the damage. Great little shooter.

I love to hear experiences like this. If you haven't already considered or done it, I would suggest seeing if you can contact the store owner and share that exact story. They should know what they are doing right and how good an employee they have. Everyone seems to go that route when they have a problem, and it may be underappreciated in the other direction. Have fun with the new toy.

Nice looking out. Great item for the deals section. Good on RK !! They are making money at 220 per 1k. The big thing this tells us, contrary to what many retailers use to justify their current sky high prices, is that distributor prices are not thru the roof to where they have to pass it on to the consumer.

You looking to do a 320 or classic P series, both come in 80% flavors?

Second time is the charm? Since they did bankruptcy in 2018, it will be curious to see how this time differs. Would the Nation inherit any Sandy Hook payout if that occurs when its decided?

That is a good thought. I recall when we put our equity from our CA home sale into money markets at Suntrust when we first moved here and they offered to set up with one of those folks, which I did not take advantage of as I was managing our Fidelity accounts at the time. Had some in Merrill Lynch before I we moved our real money away from BofA (they deposited a 40k check into the wrong account and would not explain it!). We've moved our real funds to Cap1 for now, its an internet deal, but may just check out what services they have to offer It occurs to me as you put that out there, that USAA offers similar services. Thanks, great reminder to take advantage of what current relationships have ahead of brokerages. That last bit was the initial goal that started this. We are in multiple 401 and 403's with cash balance pensions. The bulk being Fidelity, but overall feel onorous to stay on top of. I have managed both of ours over the last several years as well, and am trying to encourage my wife to take ownership of hers as our risk tolerances diverge. In as graceful a way as possible! Having her move thru consolidating multiple accounts and talking strategy with someone (that she would listen to) seemed a good start. End of the day, I realize moving to self management most likely is the way to go, I would love to get her to do it as well. The thing I appreciate in this thread is folks reiterating to take advantage of what may be available to me which I previously forgot about or put out of my mind, or pay for it as needed. Thanks for the comments guys.

I had that problem with my Yahoo account, was fine for a while then kaboom. The admins tried what they could, but the interwebs won that round No probs after switching to my gmail

Which size are you looking for?

I can relate to advisor have seemingly conflicted calls. When they dont follow the fund return data that they are showing, you can see who pays the most backend commission bonus. I'm sorry to see my concerns baring out. I also ran into a class action against EJ around what is being covered here. We have not gone down the road, admittedly I was being a bit lazy, but more contending with the different risk tolerances we have in our household. I am sure the married folks can relate to how a spouse may not listen to you, but will listen to a stranger who has a perceived expertise. Following a different path which may be more beneficial for just myself, could lead to its own set of problems. Lessor of evils choices maybe. Thanks gents

Appreciate it guys. I guess I realized trying to avoid managing it myself means having to pay... just a bit caught out by some sticker shock. I think the factor I was mostly avoiding was having to manage my wifes. Two different strategies was not playing for her, using someone got me out of that pickle.

Was going to combine some 401 / 403s to IRA. Looking at using Edward Jones. But the fee basis seems a bit high. I understand the intention is its full services vs limited services of online self managed. I haven't evaluated all the brokerages fees, initial comparisons seem to put them on the higher side. Would be curious to see if folks using them here thought about the fees, if you felt it was worth it, or any other thoughts. I have an Ameritrade account for playing around, but in current market conditions and limited experience, I don't know I want to manage my IRA there at this time. Thanks for any input

Score 1 for the good guys! Sadly the mass media skip the good endings with responsible shoots supporting law abiding gun ownership since its not the narrative they prefer.

Welcome. Sounds like a fun project. Do share when you have it done.

Was I the only one expecting something like this?

Just a thought. Are you coming due for a new cell phone? If so, your carrier may offer a deal with a throw in tablet, or heavily discounted.

Welcome sir.