BigK

The sad part is that even if you have to defend yourself and it's 100% justified as self-defense, your assailant or their survivors can still sue you for civil damages. Although in those cases you'd hopefully win, you'd still be out legal fees and time from work. They likely had a lawyer on contingency and are out nothing but their time. We need TORT REFORM!

I rented some range guns over at OnTarget in Murfreesboro when I was having the same debate in my head. I know they had Glocks and XDs, b/c I shot both there. As everyone says, they functioned flawlessly and were acceptably accurate (I shot the XD better, but that's just me). Unfortunately for me, they didn't have any M&Ps. I'd love to have been able to compare all 3 head-to-head like you are doing. I'd be very interested to hear what your observations are and what differences you see/feel between the different brands in the same caliber. FWIW, after my limited evaluation there and with other borrowed guns, I went a totally different route and got a CZ P-01 (superb ergonomics, much better accuracy in my hands, not plastic).

A lot of folks buy lowered power springs to achieve the same affect, just be careful. There's a balance between what you want to achieve and what you hope doesn't happen. For instance, lower power springs increase recoil, since there is less tension in the spring to absorb the force of the slide coming rearward. Additionally, there can be excessive wear and tear to other parts (polymer frame, slide stop, etc.) when a heavy piece of metal (the slide) slams against other parts when it comes all the way back, if the spring is too under-powered. If compressing the spring like that for only a couple of days makes a noticeable difference, I'd have some serious questions for the manufacturer about the quality of materials in their springs. Seems like this means that the factory recoil spring will wear out prematurely. All that being said, I've been eyeing one of these for quite a while. Glad to hear you like yours...gives me more confidence to get one too. They are fine looking guns.

Absolutely does! And it speaks volumes about where they got their values from too.

I've heard this argument before and to some degree can appreciate the sentiment behind it. However, some things are bigger than you, me, and our possessions. Some things represent way more than that and deserve more consideration than just being an object. I'm not saying you have to agree, just saying that not acknowledging it as truth is putting your head in the sand.

You aren't suggesting that Ruger makes a semi-auto pistol that is difficult to assemble and disassemble are you? </sarcasm> sorry, couldn't resist since I have a Mark II that drove me nuts first several times I had to break it down

Ditto on the WWB...unless..it isn't what you'd expect to be shooting most often if you already owned whichever gun you decide on.

Very fun! I got 40 out of 48. There was an old Studebaker restoration shop off the square in Shelbyville where I grew up, so they're distinctive. I also had uncles that restored old chevys and dodges, so I felt like I was cheating. The Mercs and Fords are tough, though. They all look alike.

I've actually seen something similar, but it was round on Stones River just above Walter Hill Dam. Admittedly, the one I saw wasn't made of duct tape and it did have a trolling motor with a foot pedal attached. He could get in/out of places other boats couldn't get to and had a several big catfish on his stringer. It looked a lot like this (LILIPAD BOATS). Still funny!

I recently bought a gun from someone in GA. To make matters worse, his FFL was a seedy looking pawn shop. All the way to the post office to send my payment via registered mail with delivery confirmations, etc., I was telling myself what an idiot I am for even thinking of doing business like this. It all worked out, but I still feel dumb for taking the risk.

You gave me the same advice, but I had already bought both. I only started using the hand primer this weekend. Not only is it portable, like you mentioned, but it also seats the primers more consistently.

With some help, I just got started reloading myself. I don't have everything I want, but I have everything I need. I saved brass for a long time, so I wouldn't have to buy any then I got: $125 - Lee Deluxe Reloading Kit (Turret Press with Auto Index, Auto Disk Powder Measure, Safety Scale, shell holder, primer pocket cleaner & other case tools) $ 35 - Lee 3-Die set for 9mm $ 17 - Lee factory crimp die (optional) $ 23 - Lee Saftety Prime System (press mounter primer feeer) $ 63 - Frankford Arsenal Master Kit (tumber, media, media seperatory, and brash polish) $ 7 - Powder measure riser (keeps powder measure from bumping primer system) $270 Total for equipment I wish I had looked around for used equipment, but I got too impatient. I could have gotten used progressive outfit cheaper.

Finally got to hold one myself yesterday at Outpost Armory. Their price was considerably higher than the ones mentioned above. I want one too, now, but will have to buy elsewhere.

+1 on this! My hand takes a beating with 20 or so standard .357 loads from my SP101 even with the Hogue grip. I can't imagine shooting more than a dozen rounds from one of those LCRs in .357.

Try Pack 'n Heat. It's run by Officer Jeff Eady. He's a good guy, it's real close to you and the price is $65. Course Registration

This is sooooo going to be my desktop background now!!

I'm sure nobody wishes they were driving this particular bus either.

I REALLY wish I had bought the mag pouch at the same time. Now I'm too cheap to pay for shipping on a single item. There's more than enough room for one, maybe even a double (like this one). In fact, I can put my Glock 34 in there and still have room for 3 mags beside it, but they are loose, not in pouches. It's a little tighter fit top to bottom with that big ol long G34, but it still zips. Hope that helps.

I usually carry mine in a DeSantis pocket holster, but my favorite is this rig below: The holster is an Alaskan by Hunter. It was made for the strap to go behind the hammer, but I shortened it and rotated it behind the grip to use the trigger guard for retention. The speed strip holder I copied from a pic I saw on SimplyRugged.com and the speedloader holder is something I came up with. The holster needs to be refinished, so it ain't pretty, but it's REAL comfy and I can work it pretty quick. A baggy tshirt comes down low enough to hide the bottom of the holster.

I think I heard one of them say during the "after show" that the Sharps they shot felt like it had a half pound trigger. Allowing for exaggeration, are they all like that?

Too bad you're so far away, Outpost Armory near Murfreesboro has a surprisingly large number of Maxped items in stock. Before I bought the el cheapo UTG bag, I looked at the EDC and KISS and compared them to the others...HUGE difference in quality and extras. The fabric is thin and plastic-like. I couldn't find the Maxped holster in stock at the time, so I got this instead. I think the 5.11 is better made and it was less than $8. Here's a couple of pics:

I liked Chris and the cop (Daryll?) and hated George and "golf boy" from the start. Hated the way they treated Jamie. I'm still on the fence about George giving up. Part of me wonders if he was protecting his ego, expecting to lose to Gunny or maybe I just dislike him so much I can't give him credit for doing something selfless.

I got the UTG bag and LOVE it. I carry it to work daily and it's handy. I was torn b/w the 5.11, Maxpedition, and UTG regular size bags despite the big price differences. It came down to the first 2 being too small to haul reading material like magazines and the small catalogs we all get in the mail. The UTG is big enough. It's as tall as the Jumbo, but not quite as wide.

Well, if it ain't my 2 favorite reloaders! Hey Dolomite, what are you shooting the 9mm's out of? If I understand correctly, some guns are more prone to leading than others, right? I shoot a Glock and a bunch of CZ's. I've never heard of an issue with the CZ's, but I have heard that Glocks are a problem. I'm quickly using up the first 500 bullets (Ranier 124 gr fmj) I got and wanting to try some HBWC or LRN bullets next. With shipping these come up to exactly half the price each as what I'm using!

Yep, too late now, sorry.