Erich

those 3 words about sum up the highs and lows. Thru a good of 2017 after semi- retirement to sell a house and prep a move out here, I was at 4,000 rounds per month. After moving here in 2018, with my wife gone to take care of the furry kid, about 2,000 found per month. She went back to work, and by 2019 it was maybe 2,000 rounds per year, mostly in GA when dealt with estate issues. Later in 2019, like a tool, I sold off about 20,000 - 25,000 rounds of what I thought to be excess ammo in case we had to move with buying a house here. If I had only waited a year..... In 2020. I've only been shooting 3 times. The last 2 of those this month. One to sight in a new AK, only 60 rounds. Then last week to teach my 58 year old brother how to shoot (first time!). Only 26 rounds for me they day. Around 500 total rounds this year. Life definitely happens

Huh, I didn't know you could have a sear without a registered receiver. Thought they were constructive possession and why alot of surplus kits leave it out.

Oh there is no way i would buy that, it's what got me thinking about getting an SOT and wondering what others don't get them to be able to legally do conversions. That's really what I was asking, the link was due giggles. So what about getting a SOT am I not seeing?

Let's say you are off the mind that an MP5 or M16 would be fun, but 20k to 40k is just a little much. One could get their FFL7 with SOT 2, and then get all those at the sample prices, or turn your run of the mill AR into one. The cost to get these licenses is relatively cheap, so there must be something I'm missing, else many would get them. I appreciate the government colonoscopy is a big detractor, along with being ok with your friendly neighborhood ATF agent being able to drop in at any time. Let's say your not completely opposed to the scrutiny, any other large cost issues? Such as having to get a business license with a storefront? This got me thinking: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/879864410 Its either an ATF sting or there are guys that are converting their $79 receivers for fun or occasional sample sale.

For those that may not follow the CA stuff, the CA AG filed for an en banc review toward the end of August, keeping the CA crowd at bay and allowing a bit more window before the obvious political future catalyst. Lucky. Still some good options out there. Funny thing is this thread reminds me how fickle some folks are. The same prognostication and springboard event was posted 2 day prior, but at that time it's suggestion to buy soon had quite a different reception. Specifically that suggesting buying mags or doing so ahead of the run creates the problem, and anyone here should already have all those that they need. Big swing in just 2 days! Or the meds kicked in

You arent required to get anything from your FFL, he will record it in his book and save you on shipping if you are concerned about compliance with stated shipping requirements. If this is a rifle, I found better to ship yourself as you can use USPS in that case. You will want to have that FFL send you a license copy and validate on ATF's EZcheck here https://fflezcheck.atf.gov/fflezcheck/

Reminds me I need to buy a wet suit and start doing some diving around the various docks around the bay. Would you guys please start boating with more ammo to go with the guns, I'm running low on 9mm.

I am fully onboard with that. I would be more of the mind that this tale grew as it was passed on. It was easy enough to test anyway. FWIW, I ran a zip in Knoxville and my old zip in CA (waaaaay overpriced area) just out of curiosity. All within $300 of this area, with all taking around 2k deductions. The thing that pops to me is the offers are under trade value. That suggests they don't really want them over a traditional dealer. The retail price is higher at 35k vs the 32k retail was last year. Stands to reason one would do better on a trade these days. But the rumors of being handed a bag of cash and a new car....have em tell me where, I'm ready to go for a drive! Heck, as long as its not Hawaii, it'd totally be worth it. My new car smells is almost gone. Its sad.

Not selling it, just wanted to check the notion of used cars selling over original price. Maybe ammo.... not Toyotas

I found it hard to believe that a place is paying more than new for 2017 Tacoma. Turns out I have exactly that and went to test. Its 17 Tacoma TRD sport 4x4 loaded to the gills with only 10k miles on it. After plugging it into Carvana, and as of today it is no where near new price in this area, so the generalization does not appear to hold. Its about what KBB was on it last year. Not sure where the reports are coming from, but its either BS or it was an anomaly from an overpopulated high cost of living metro area with zero cars to sell. Chattanooga gave it a 2k hit on the price....apparently no one wants them here.

Thats kinda like saying a filet and hamburger are the same since they both are mostly cow Whiskey is the catchall. Bourbon and Scotch are both whiskey, As is Rye. But pretty different. Bourbon is primarily corn mash and Scotch is mostly barley. Generalizations, some mixing there. And of course how they are made. I personally dont get the heavy peet in some Scotch, but some Bourbon they scorch the barrels for a bit of smoke.

I started my wife drinking bourbon by using something decent (makers) and mixing it lower power with 7-up. Its hard not to like bourbon seven. I have to hide the good stuff from her now. If you ever feel inclined for a bit of self loathing some evening and happen to find it in your booze cabinet Totally with you on the IPA. Not sure what the draw is for a pine sol & urine flavored beverage.

I need to verify if my new Manson Headspace GO gauge is not to spec or if my chamber is actually short. Not closing on a go gauge using 2 different bolts. Bolts spaces good in my 308 barrel. 1 bolt closes on round (but tight) while other does not. I am leaning 70% short chamber on a new Balllistic Advantage barrel, but would like to confirm. Appreciate any help.

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.