Kevo

I count on having an extremely small area to defend while the police and ambulances are on the way. I believe those gentlemen aren't taking ANYTHING for granted.

I figured quoting Dirty Harry would scare anybody. (yet another lame joke by yours truly:) )

I have a very large friend who carries a massive S&W 500 Magnum revolver in a shoulder rig under his business attire occasionally. He usually carries a Glock22. I know one other person who carries a 6 inch Ruger GP100 in a man purse when he goes hiking... I'm a city boy who has a few country friends, perhaps in Alaska big revolvers are much more popular:)

Do you have the oppurtunity to shoot before you buy? I like it, but as a hardball shooter as is. Also you might want to field strip beforehand and check the slide stop pin, barrel and link for cracks. Actually I'd check the frame and slide also. If you like the grips, the fact that it's a Colt, and don't mind spending time and money to ensure it's a shooter, I say go for it. But I'd consider it to be an affordable old shooter Colt. Not a good investment per se, but I'd be proud to own it. Price?????? After I'd spent all night researching 1911 specific forums for potential problems. And felt confident the remaining nickel plating wasn't all that held the frame or slide together. I'd happily pay $400 for an old abused Pony.

Alas my poor K-frame sized paws ruined my Dirty Harry fantasies. However, shooting a gentleman's "tuned" N-frame 357, SAO was an enticing experience. Have you had an oppurtunity to shoot one ?

Honestly I have to say that if a BG feels he has "the jump" on you that only a muzzle blast will change their intentions. Being aware of your surroundings, especially a potential threat, and being obviously prepared to draw and defend may deter.... But in the spirit of this thread, I will suggest that any duty grade weapon is superior to a miniscule weapon. But if you pull out your NAA 22 Magnum and ask them if they feel lucky, they'll flee before the well do ya, punk.

I was hoping for a slightly beefed up 9mm P238 type. But I can see how this might be really attractive to a Sig fan currently toting a P239. Of course I also hope for a Glock to make a 9mm single stack & a 5 inch barreled 45ACP single stack... The more pistols available the better:)

Sweat, holster wear, and scratches will take their toll on any gun. Regardless of finish or make, I recommend vigilant maintenance of all your firearms. Especially the one you hope that you never have to use.

At 6' 160 lbs my pockets range from small to medium size. My Kel-Tec 32 fits anywhere and had been 100% reliable. My 640PD will fit in all my pockets depending on which grip I have installed. My G26 fits in a couple of my pockets but is too heavy and sticks out like a brick. Might not be an issue for non-skinny people. I prefer it in my Crossbreed IWB. If I only had one pistol, and it had to be in my pocket, I'd want my 640PD. Only 5 shots, but 357 or even 38+P, beats any other option IMHO. Having said that, I can "hug" people all day long with my Kel-Tec32 and no one would ever notice. No matter what choice you make, either power, comfort or price will have to be compromised.

Thanks for the pic. I was thinking that she sold it to you for what she paid for it when they were a steal. The rear sight looks like it may be a little sharp/obtrusive for IWB carry. Still MUCH easier to carry than a G21. Best carry gun ever? No. A good size, dependable, quality sidearm. Yes. A Makarov and a Chinese 9mmTokarev are still on my list of regrets. I had no idea that American companies offered 9X18mm HP's. However, I'm not sure I'd want to carry any pistol with HP's, if I'd only put a few through. Maybe a HP in the chamber folowed by FMJs until it's proved itself. Beautiful pistol. Made for fighting(slightly modified for importation). Will outlast all of us. Gotta respect Russian arms:)

Great advice. Please grace those of us, married(divorced) with kids, with some pictures of what we should have bought before. Don't rule out the Bushmaster ACR. But any AR platform can switch between 5.56 & 6.8SPC. Good Luck:)

I have the basic 5+1 synthetic stocked Mossberg 500. Paid $275 for it with a sock shell holder on the buttstock. Spent about $25 on a sling and studs. I'd love to have tritium sights, a tacticool light and a BlackHawk stock. But as is, when my tacticool assault rifle is locked away, my Mossberg is ready to send 15 30cal lead balls with a simple rack and trigger pull. I like the tang mounted safety. Would I rather have a Benelli M4? Yes. But a basic plain Jane 500 will suffice.

I would say that in it's price range, your Russian Makarov kicks everything else's butzky. I know I'd love to see some pics.....

Are you gonna use the flap holster?

I read that a poor man's ballistic gelatin can be made by soaking phone books in water for a few days, drying them out a little, and then shooting into a stack of them. Sure wish I lived outside the city limits...

Found this TGO thread while googling KCI drum. Anybody actually use one yet?

I own 4 Glocks and they are all dead on. Could be that you are pushing the shots left. I'd try some dry-firing before your next session and see what happens. Been there, done that, just so you know

Please post range reports on the 19. I have a 2nd & 3rd gen, and want either a RTF2 or 4th gen. Thanks and congrats on your trade.

Sweet find at a great price, Congratulations. I'd shoot the crud out of it and see how it does. New sights and magazines would be what I'd do when possible. Maybe a different length trigger if you don't like the short one. Or leave it bone stock, and buy more ammo.

"It's easier to beg for forgiveness, then to get permission." famous quote from a former coworker. Enjoy BOTH your pistols!

Inversion therapy, look into it!

Looks Awesome. Please update with a range report ASAP

15 + 1 rounds of 40S&W, in a lightweight durable platform. Safely dry fire ALOT, if you can before you take it to the range, and you will enjoy your first session immensely.

A clay pigeon @ 50 yards with my old trusty G19 shooting seated from a picnic table. And I used to be so proud of it. I hate TGO.

I want to say the WWB was still $33 at a local Chattanooga Wal-Mart last weekend. The shelves were full EXCEPT for 380, 38 Special, 32 ACP, and I bought the last box of Federal 9mm.