A.J. Holst

Prag, thanks for the kind words, it was a pleasure meeting you and Jericho.   This was my 4th and 5th training sessions with Randy, so any review I add will appeared biased, but here it goes:   What's in it for me: as the host of any SI training event, your fee is waived. That's it. No kick backs, no free ammo, no free t-shirt.   The instructor: Randy is very much a low-key, non Type-A kind of guy. Best way to describe his style: teaches doesn't preach, shows doesn't tell. He uses just enough humor to create a fun and relaxed training environment. I will say  Randy doesn't need to brag about skill, he can "do" but is not a showoff! Randy also shared with us the instructors he seeks out for continuing ed so he can be a better teacher today than yesterday.   The venue: my in-laws had the shooting area perfect for us and the weather was great. I always provide a pop-up shelter and table - it makes a difference to have some shade.   Shotgun day. I am more practical than tactical. I ran my 870 Tactical with a front bead sight, $14 Gander Mtn sling and pants with big pockets for extra ammo. I also have a good belt (leather 5.11 Tactical) I was a little jealous as the other students had much cooler shotguns with accessories - side saddles, improved sights/optics,  etc. harness systems for dump / shell bags, fancier slings, etc. Did I feel out of place - not at all. Did my bare bones Remington do the job - yes and flawlessly. I did learn the pull of my shotgun is too long, especially when transitioning from a ready position to my shoulder. Need to cut it down to 12.5" - 13" from the factory 14" - 14.5". I handled Randy's pump with a 13" pull and it was easier to get consistent placement when brought to my shoulder. Am I more comfortable and confident with my shotgun - yes, do I better understand how to utilize a shotgun in a fight, either from a static position or moving - yes. We also learned how to transition from shotgun to handgun and started the habit of automatically working the slide immediately after firing and topping off.   Handgun day. Only 3 students, not good for Randy's pocket, good for us as we got more personal attention. Once again, I'm not tactical, same 5.11 belt, N82 Tactical holster for my P-01 SDP and a High Noon Hidden Ally for my MK9. Started out with PESTS EAT FAST or how to avoid and if it goes bad how to win a fight. Excellent refresher during dry work, grip, sight picture, trigger control and reset. Moved onto draw stroke, all the while, slow is smooth, smooth becomes fast. Live fire exercises were awesome, Prag brought some steels which added a neat dimension to the experience - paper is static, steel falls down. Never though I could hit a target 3 times before it hit the ground. A few things I learned: the sweat protection offered by the N82 Tactical holster is perfect, 2 eight hour days and the back of the holster was soaking wet - no transfer to my pistol. The sweat shield does make it more difficult to get a consistent, good grip on my pistol, so you do have to concessions. I need to work on my transition from DA to SA on the SDP for consistent first shot placement. I will also give a strong endorsement to the MK9 for shootability, it eats up the recoil, is fun to shoot, flawless operation and accurate. The downside are the 6 / 7 round mags which are NOT drop free. With multiple BGs and a low-cap handgun you may have some big pucker action...   We also did some alternative sight indexing, meaning you are aware of the sights, but at 3 - 7 yards, a perfect sight picture is desired but not necessarily critical for getting rounds on target --- no we did not learn "point shooting"!!!   The last thing to mention is SI teaches "explode off the X" or simply move from your original zip code while drawing and be in a new zip code when you fire.  They give the building blocks from a static position so when you do move, you have the confidence and are able to get rounds on target.   As always, I enjoyed the sessions and feel I am better equipped today than before to handle a close encounter of the bad kind, I strongly endorse Randy Harris as my "go to guy" and lastly if you do carry a handgun please seek out continuing ed / ongoing training from a top tier professional expert in the field!

You should also check out Cajon gun works and automatic accuracy. Both shops have a strong CZ focus. Matt Mink runs automatic accuracy and shoots for the CZ team.

Just ran 200 rounds through mine this weekend. Flawless operation running different shooting drills. My on going challenge is consistent first shot placement from DA. Once I'm in SA, let the good times roll. for me it's a combination of the weight, balance and near perfect overall feel in my hand. I'm a huge CZ fan, I edc'd a 75B Omega for years and never "needed" another primary handgun. This thing could do it all, edc, hi cap, compete, range, etc. Then I had the chance to trade my M1 carbine for a P01 SDP. 2 less rounds, easier to carry, will accept the 75B mags, plus all the aforementioned benefits - it's how you end up with two like hipower or 4 like the guy I traded with...

I missed the "a" and yes the carbine...

I have a Kahr MK9 and would urge you to check one out. No safeties other finger off the trigger but you could carry and store chamber empty.

1200 - 1400 should get you a pristine piece, if you want a shooter shop around and wait my best guess is under 1000. Gunbroker would be another good lace to search. As a rule shy away from "Universal" as their parts are not compatible with WW2 milsurp. Also be aware is someone is selling "all matching" it's not likely to be all original parts. All the subcontractors shared parts during the final assembly process so most M1 s were issued as "mix masters" It's a great platform, effective caliber at 100 yards or less and is big fun to shoot. Good luck on your quest!

I've used the response, "it's a very low probability to be the victim of a violent crime, I'm just being pro-active and increasing my odds a little bit more to survive and win."   The  question of "could/would you really shoot somebody," is ridiculous. Every gun owner I know does not want to shoot anybody. They don't walk around in condition red, paranoid and jumpy waiting for the opportunity to be a victim so they can use their gun.   I'll bet LEOs didn't join up to be issued a gun so they could shoot somebody.   From the legal and sane, would and could are will and can WHEN it's NEEDED.

For attendees, aside from the recommended and suggested gear, I strongly advise:   bring a folding camp chair, it's worth it. don't forget plenty water / sports drinks along with lunch / snacks Hat maybe a little muddy, so appropriate foot gear feel free to scavenge brass on Sunday we will need to pick up the shotgun hulls on Saturday beautiful sunny weather in the mid to high 70s both days, be aware of dehydration!!!   Feel free to call my cell 865-919-3909 with any questions

DS - you don't get to pick your family, but you did get to pick all your friends on TGO!!!   Here's my standard answer when asked...   "are you walking heavy?"   "only when wearing pants (or shorts)."

Once sh e was arrested and cuffed she could not have had the opportunity to conceal the pistol which means it was holstered long before the stop? Yikes

Come on guys, pretty obvious it's SAFETY orange

For home defense I would steer you towards any brand name .38+p jacketed hollow point. .357 is loud and will produce a good bit of flash, not necessarily the best choice if you have to use your handgun in a dark room at 2am. For plinking and target I look for the cheapest 130gr. .38 special metal case/full metal jacket. I also like the mag tech 158gr .38spl lead round nose which has a comparable price point.

If those are the only 2 choices, based on "home defense and sometimes carry" assuming equivalent reliability, I'd go with the Smith.   For HD it doesn't need to be small and compact and with a good belt and holster, the Smith is as easy to carry as any other similarly sized handgun.   I personally prefer a full-size / duty size pistol for HD.

Don't own a GP, but have a pair of SPs, I think you made a great choice!   I like the dude that says to himself, "first gun, it's got a be .357" since that was how I did it...with a Colt King Cobra...it was love at first sight.   Remember, you can shoot .38 special which will be more fun and economical than a day at the range blazing away with .357   Of course, blazing away with .357 is pretty awesome...

I checked out their website for a dealer locator - defaulted to "contact us for more information"   Concur on a quality Pawn Shop, I've also seen a few at the gun shows at similar prices to in-store/on-line sales.   Good looking pistol, made in USA? They seem to have very inconsistent quality control, which is probably more important when using non-steel / non-high end polymer parts. I wonder if they have high turn-over in the fab / mfg process.   Craig - you've had good success with the brand in the past, how much tinkerin' and fiddlin' did you do to get it run smoothly and consistently? Since we are on tpoic, If you've still got it, re-post your pic of your "mouse" collection.

Lol!!!

  I would have been suprised if they WEREN'T C&L...

Craig,   In east Knoxville, they ain't Glocks, they be G - Locks.   My wife loves her G3 17...

I had the option to "slab-side" my SP with Marc @ Gemini Custom.   Since I didn't know if it made a difference, I opted-out and just had the "bill board" removed   What benefit comes from a slab sided barrel?

  I didn't want to stare, but at least 3 of the officers were cocked and locked.   Unable to tell if SIG 1911 platforms.

I saw the WIng Suit on Modern Marvels; some "pilots" are getting up to a 3:1 glide ratio.   Pretty cool stuff, not hard to imagine our specialized military paratroopers using it.

I have the option to get a company issued cell, the national account/carrier is with Sprint.   How is your overall quality and consistency of service?   Thanks!

  Defeated in the FINANCE sub-committee per the letter OS posted.   Steel is right, it is all about the money.   Tax revenues, the crack and meth addiction of guv'mint...

1000 yards with iron sights - how big / small would a human size target be at that range?

  You are definitely taking term "walking heavy" very literally!