BigK

That's what I was thinking too, especially if you use a leather belt. It'd have to be a size or 2 too big at least. On the upside, it looks like it'd give you a little more clearance to get your thumb in behind the grip when drawing.

I've been looking at these since we talked. There are pics online of them on several different CZs and they look great. The black ones I have on my Shadow have the tactical diamond pattern, but I'm really liking the look of the tiger stripe with the frag pattern.

I have VZ grips on my CZ 75 Shadow and they really are awesome. They have an aggressive looking texture, but they are very comfy and super lightweight. I wish I were closer, I'd be glad to let you see how you like them. I couldn't find any for my EDC gun (P-01) either, so I ended up going with the ultra-thin aluminum grips. I'm glad I did, they really make the gun look/feel thinner. I can actually shoot it better, now that I can get a better grip on it.

That was the 1st thing I noticed. The shooter clearly knew who his threat was. A more realistic scenario would have been to have one of the students who went through the training come in with directions to see how many "unarmed" fellow students he could shoot before they got away. An unexpected gun on someone in the back of the room (where I'd sit, if armed) may have resulted in the outcome many of us would expect.

My wife will run from a plastic spider ring, even if she KNOWS it's fake. So, for her, the only tolerable spider is a dead spider. In fact, she'd likely vote for wholesale spider genocide, if given a choice. My half-hearted attempt to kill one in our bedroom one night resulted in an escapee. My wife was convinced it'd get confused about whom to exact revenge on while we slept and opted to sleep in the guest room until the critter was dead. After 2 peaceful nights of sprawling in the king-sized bed all to myself, I got lonely and told her I killed it. Just as we are dozing off, I asked her how many eggs she'd guess a grown spider could lay in 48 hours. I was rewarded with a fierce ninja elbow to the back for my wonderings.

I think buying the equipment to do things right would make it a good thing to keep me busy when I retire. Until then, I need to stave off arthritis as long as I can, so I can still work a keyboard/mouse for work. Plus, making something stuff for myself is a lot less pressure. I've never had to ask myself for my money back, b/c I screwed up a project, LOL. Nonetheless, thanks a ton for the encouragement.

I used a hand tool called an edge groover to set a sewing channel evenly around the edges and another hand tool called a stitching wheel to mark off the thread distance. Usually I would use a punch, but this was 4 layers of 9oz leather, so I actually had to use really small drill bit to make holes for the needle/thread. I REALLY wish it were a hobby I could justify buying a machine for, but it's just more of a 3-4 times a year kind of thing.

His hunting story will trump what his classmates did on FaceBook and Xbox any time!

Thanks, guys. I think I'll like having my front pocket empty for a change.

I've had my eye on a this holster for a Kel-Tec w/ Crimson Trace laser for a long time now, but I'm just too cheap to shell out the $65. I looked for a cheaper alternative at the gun show yesterday, but saw nothing I liked under $50. While my wife was hogging the TV last night, I decided to make my own. The flap in the back breaks up the outline of the gun completely. It's only attached to the holster by Chicago screws, so it kind of hinges, allowing you to get your hand in there on the grip easily. Here's how it turned out: I know it's rough in a few places, being hand-sewn and cut with a box cutter and all. To make matters worse, I buy clearance/blemished leather from Tandy, since I'm neither talented nor fast enough to ever sell any of my little projects. Plus, it's just gonna get scuffed up with use anyway. I made the sewn part 4-ply, so it's easy to "push off" with with my middle finger when I draw. If I ever make another, I think I'll do the holster part inside out. That way the backing and the front will grip the inside of a pocket, making draws even easier. BTW...these Internet holster guys make it hard to rip off a design when they don't post good pics from alternate angles, LOL. Actually, since I'm not selling them, I'd guess it's legal to make copy somebody's work like this. Any thoughts on that?

Darn right that's ridiculous! I paid MSRP for a gun (SR1911) once and swore I'd never do it again, let alone 33% over MSRP. I asked the guy about the price. He seemed to think they were such a hot ticket item that he could easily sell them for $150 over MSRP. Sadly, somebody will probably want one bad enough to pay his price.

Y'all got me wondering if you're wearing skinny jeans or something. I used to pocket carry a Ruger SP101 in Wrangler jeans. Of course I'm a pretty big guy and I like my jeans loose (not sagging, mind you, but roomy). I never thought about pockets being bigger on bigger size pants, but I guess they are, huh?

I saw several really good deals, but not on what's hot. I only saw 2 M&P Shields, one in 9mm and one in .40 and they were at the same table...$599. There were a lot of good prices on XDs and Rugers, though. In fact I saw a LC9 w/ laser for only $300. I couldn't afford a new gun this time, but I did leave w/ some jerky and some trinkets. Still had a ton of fun too.

I'd pick the Kel-Tec, because of size and weight. I think rumors of reliablity issues with the brand are overstated. Like any semi auto there's a break-in period, but that can be shortened dramatically by polishing some contact points inside the gun. It's so easy, even a caveman could do it. I love revolvers, used to carry a Ruger SP101. They are awesome, but unless it's small and polymer, I just can't put up with the weight and bulk any more. However, if you aren't willing to fluff 'n buff the KT and spend the time to get used to the trigger pull...go with the Rossi. If you do, I'd wager that eventually you'll want to get a compact light pistol to replace it within a year or less.

I've been searching the searching the Internet for an ideal vehicle holster. I didn't want anything permanent or I would've copied how willis68 did it in his Raptor (which is pretty cool, BTW). I settled on a Gum Creek Vehicle Handgun Mount. I placed the order late Sunday night and it arrived Wednesday morning (3 days, even from GA is pretty fast if you ask me). This thing feels pretty sturdy, since the part the holster mounts to has metal inside it. I test mounted it without a holster and it feels pretty darn solid. There's practically no wiggle or sag. Plus, I don't see how it could possibly damage the trim panel under the steering wheel. The hooks are coated with thick plastic. I didn't like the holsters they sell with it, so I didn't add one. I'm gonna use a Versacarry to mount to it instead. I know, the thing is ridiculous, but I'd NEVER, EVER try to carry a gun IWB with one. Using like this may be the only semi-reasonable use for the thing. I'm hoping it'll allow the grip of my pistol to hang downward instead of sideways, but we'll see. I'll post some pics when the Versacarry arrives. Until then, go ahead and make fun of me for buying one. I can take it.

I picked up one of these a couple of weeks ago. I had a little trouble keeping my blade flat against it at first, but using it while your're standing up and a little practice fixed that. This thing really gets a clean edge and it's much quicker than the clamps/rods I used to use.

Nice truck! I love the holster mount idea, but I'm confused. Is there enough clearance to get your fingers between the gun and the dash? How do you release the retention?

Luger/Parabellum are MUCH more potent than Makarov rounds. That being said, the popularity of .380 is high right now and it's not as good as 9X18. So, at least there's that and the fact that the Soviet Union issued that round for their main sidearm from '51 to '91. I used to carry my CZ 82 in 9X18 all the time.

I was at Bass Pro 2 days ago, no SR1911s. Last weekend Outpost Armory had one in the case (they keep extras in the back), but they sell so well that they won't budge off of MSRP. Also, their selection of RIA is slim to none.

I have a 4 year old Uncle Mike's kydex reinforced rigger's belt that shows no indications of wear/sag whatsoever, but lately I've been wanting a kydex reinforced leather dress belt (maybe 1.25"). I'll have to check this guy out and see if he has anything like that.

I love stories like this, especially when it's a female. I taught my daughter, wife, both sisters, a few co-workers, and several friends to shoot. The privilege was all mine every time, especially when you see their face light up. When they've listened and put some effort into it, it shows and I LOVE to see the pride on their face when they roll up a couple of good targets to take home and brag about. ...you just can't beat it!

Good stuff. @ the OP, with all this info and expert opinion, I'm curious to hear what you settle on.

Interesting

I think anyone looking for a 1911 is pretty lucky to have so many choices in so many price ranges and most seem to be pretty good. The only one I've owne is my current one, a Ruger SR1911, so I'm no 1911 expert. I've seen a lot of shows and read a lot of articles about them in the past year (100th anniversary and all), though. Something that I keep hearing over and over is how the cheap ones and the old ones that have loose tolerances are more reliable, but the tighter ones that are typically hand-fitted are much much more accurate. I can't confirm this, so I'd love to hear someone with experience with both ends of the price tag range about this. It's just south of Old Hickory Blvd on Dickerson Pike. Good fella and great prices. Last time I was there he had nearly half a dozen very fairly priced RIAs and ATIs. 3837 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207

@ OP, if you were closer, I'd be happy to let you meet me at the range with a box of ammo and let you shoot mine. I doubt you'll find a range rental P-32 anywhere to try, which is too bad. It's a shame there's not always a way to "test drive" a gun to to see if you like it.