DocZombie

One other thing I suggest is buying a good quality holster and walking around with the pistol on your hip for a while. My challenge has not been finding one that I am comfortable shooting but instead one that feels comfortable on my side. That said, you probably won't carry if it's uncomfortable so the what's the point??? Right now I am trying a Glock 27 w/ pinky ext. I think one key will be finding the right holster and don't forget the right belt. Most store bought belts on average are too flimsy to handle the weight of even the subcompacts.

I also like the 1911s and have a couple. However, they are expensive to buy, expensive to shoot, and too big and heavy to carry, at least for me. I do appreciate, though, the comments and opinions on reliability.

As long as your giving away Gen 2's..................... I am a Glock guy, mostly, AND mostly stick with the Gen 2's. I have literally never had any problems............ As with most products, eventually "new and improved" will bite you in the posterior.......

I like Glocks, M&Ps and XDs. I have shot them all and usually fall back to my ugly Gen 2 19c and 22. I DO like the 1911s but for me too big and cumbersome for practicing or carrying plus they are darn complicated. I can't explain it and I do agree you have to find what fits and works best for you. There are tons of choices. At the range I go to they offer a class to help determine this and try different hand guns.

Doing what research I can. Blue Book has some good information but the Gun Digest Book of Guns and Prices does not. I'll try the S&W forum as well.

This is the first I have heard of this one so I may check it out. The ones at the Ag Center haven't been bad lately but have been pretty crowded and I haven't seen many "good" deals unless you wait until the last 2 hours! Anyone know what they are charging for tables? If it looks good, I may do a future one.

I have a Beretta 92F (9mm) that I got probably 15 years ago from my dad who bought it probably in the late 80's/early 90's (either because it became the new military side arm OR it was the pistol used by Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon! I don't know which!!). It has been nothing but reliable with no failures or jams of any kind - until recently. The last time I took it to the range I couldn't squeeze off more than 2-4 rounds without it jamming or failing to load. It was suggested that it might be the magazines but they seem fine to me (factory Beretta). Although they are old, the gun and the magazines have no more than between 300-500 hundred rounds through them. The gun itself is in great condition and these are not known for these types of issues. Any thoughts?

When in doubt, buy 'em all - good quality used work well for any of these high quality hip friends.

Yes, I have seen them on expresspolicesupply.com and they are good quality and reliable as anything.

I got them from the Blue Book of Gun Values, which I have been told is not that great of a source.

Anyone knows what he charges? New or used?

Can't really add much to what's already been stated and I do agree on the training. At Range USA in Memphis they offer a bunch of different classes. The classes are good and help to build "proper skills" and improve confidence. I had been shooting for years before I took a class and still learned so much - especially what I had been doing wrong for years. So check out the ranges in your area.

I have bought over the internet but not from either of these. I usually try to be sure I don't get ripped off on shipping and find myself a FFL with a reasonable transfer fee.

Unfortunately, I am in Memphis and a couple of the shops I have dealt with will charge $25+10 for a used firearm and 40 or 50 + 10 for a new one!!!! It's obscene but I also understand they would rather sell you that new weapon so they get the profit, so they are "protecting" their business. I have used a pawn shop (20+10) but sometimes not as comfortable with that. So, does anyone know any FFLs with reasonable transfer fees in the Memphis area????

So many opinions so I'll give mine anyway. If absolute reliability is the issue then the revolver (the S&W 642 .38 +P is a solid hammerless choice) is the choice assuming you are not involved in a protracted gun fight!!! I have become a big fan of the Glock 9s and 40s. I have never had a single jam or stove pipe with any, except the ones set up by the instructor of one of our handgun classes. I have found they are a little big and heavy for CC, but I do it (I am 5'11" and 185). I also love the S&W M&P .40 compact, because of its reliability and better size and weight for carrying. I would suggest getting and practicing with the gun/caliber you plan to carry and I also suggest taking various classes offered by most ranges. They are inexpensive and help you build your skills and confidence with your weapon. Price: if you want a solid used gun, especially Glocks, go to expresspolicesupply.com where you can find the best prices on new and police trade-ins. I have bought a few and they are great quality and value. They also don't rip you off on shipping which runs around $24 for FedEx Ground. Then just find a FFL that charges no more than $20-$25 for the transfer and you have a good deal! Last note: I also have an older Beretta 92F which was 100% reliable until the last year or so. I keep it clean but sometimes can't squeeze off 2 rounds before it jams up. I suspect the magazines but haven't figured that out yet. The point is: you can have a great and reliable gun that becomes a POS with crappy magazines so stick with solid factory versions. Aimsurplus.com will frequently receive shipments of new and used Glock Mags for $25 and $15, respectively. Never a single issue with these. (They also get some great deals on ammo.) Have fun and be safe..................

Okay everyone who may still be interested, I received the letter from Roy Jinks, the historian at S & W. I won't bother scanning both pages but here is the last paragraph: "We have researched your Smith & Wesson .22/32 Kit Gun Pre-Model 34, Flat Latch, Four Screw Side Plate Variation, caliber .22 Long Rifle revolver in company records which indicate that your handgun, with serial number 4140 was shipped from our factory on May 5, 1955, and delivered to Cabot & Webster Co., Yonkers, NY. The records indicate that this revolver was shipped with a 2 inch barrel, two tone blue and nickel finish, and smooth rosewood round butt grips." As far as the value goes there is a version that is valued at $2,675 at 98% and then there is mine which is valued at $675 AT 98% (just for comparison as I grade mine at between 70%-80% and a value of $300-$350). It figures although I would never sell it but one of my rotten kids might after I am gone!!!!! Oh yeah, I still owe gregintenn pictures of the holster so I'll have to get it out of the safe.

I've only seen the videos but am thinking of getting one as well. Just looks like fun.

Thanks for the info. I am definitely getting the letter on this. I have no idea where or when he got the gun and no chance on a box. This was his carry gun and it's been stored in a box in his leather belly holster for 40 years. Incidentally, no markings of any kind on the holster.

Thanks, since it is essentially a family "heirloom", I will hold on to it. I have a memory of it in "lower" upstate NY in the area where my grandfather lived in the late 60's. There was a coyote hiding in the rocks that was terrorizing the area and he shot it with this gun. I remember watching and thinking, "that thing is going to richochet and kill him!" Enough of that sentimental crap!! Anybody else? It does sound a bit like a modified 34.

Pictures: such as they are and sorry for the yellow paper - it was handy. Could be the kit gun............

When you open the cylinder - that is where 23 366 is stamped. No letter in front of 4140 and cylinder swings out.

This gun belonged to my grandfather, who passed nearly 40 years ago and my father recently gave it to me. It has S/N (?) 4140 at base of grip. On the frame under the cylinder is stamped 23 366. Also has 4140 stamped on the cylinder. It has smooth wood grips with adjustable rear sight and two screws on the top. The frame appears to be blued with stainless or nickel cylinder and barrel (1.5 or 2.0 in. bbl), I think. I can't find info on this in blue book or online. The model 23 in the books is .38 spl. If anyone has any knowledge of this gun, it would be appreciated.

From "Guns and Patriots" "I Have A Gun!" - Things Not To Say To A Cop by Richard Johnson 03/22/2011 Prior to riding a desk and writing about guns, I was a cop. I worked for more than a decade in uniform patrol as a beat cop, supervisor and trainer. In that time, I saw and heard just about anything you can imagine. One of the nicest groups of citizens I got to meet were armed citizens. Generally, people that carry guns are polite and friendly. Sometimes, however, a few of these friendly folks were a bit too eager to share their state of being armed with me. “I have a gun!” Traffic stops are one of the more dangerous things a police officer can engage in. Never mind the passing motorists whipping by at high speed while you stand there with nothing more than a pair of polyester pants to protect your butt from their bumper. Sometimes there are bad guys in the car you just pulled over. Unfortunately, a lot of law enforcement officers have been killed or injured during a seemingly “routine” traffic stop. So cops are a little wary when approaching a citizen’s car. Imagine my surprise when I once walked up to a driver, he turned to face me and announced, “I have a gun!” Fortunately for all parties, his hands were still on the steering wheel and it wasn’t my first day on the job. Of course, causing my late-30-something heartbeat to roughly triple in rate probably pushed me closer to a heart attack than I care think about. The driver was a mix of excited to talk about the fact he just bought his first pistol 15 minutes prior, and his desire to let me know there was a gun in the car. Blurting “I have a gun!” could have gotten him a distinctly poor response to his intended message, though. Tip: If you have a firearm in your car and you get stopped by a police officer, think about what you will say before you say it. Probably my best encounter with an armed citizen started with him keeping his hands on the steering wheel and saying “Hi officer. I have a concealed carry permit and my gun with me. What would you like me to do?” “Let me show you this!” I know from where you are currently sitting this will sound really odd, but there are some otherwise rational people who are so proud of their handgun they want to pull it out to show a police officer. Strangely, most cops don’t really respond well to walking up to someone who suddenly pulls out a pistol. Case in point: another veteran officer and I are at an elderly gentleman’s home talking with him about a minor criminal complaint. He’s riled up over people stealing his garden gnomes but seems friendly enough to us. We’re standing in his living room listening to him rant, when suddenly he loudly stated, “Let me show you this,” and pulls a pistol from his pants pocket. Again, thankfully, my heart was up to the task and I did not require any hospitalization. He meant us no harm. He just wanted to show us that he could take care of himself. Tip: If you’ve invited the local constabulary to your home, and during the course of the conversation you decide you would like to show them one of your guns try “Officer, I’ve got this really neat pistol that my grandfather passed down to me. Would you like to see it?” Only if the cop wants to see it should you then whip it out. What should you do? Different states have different requirements on citizens carrying concealed firearms. Some states require the citizen to tell a police officer they are armed if they are stopped. Some states do not. If your laws require it, definitely tell the officer. Generally, I preferred for a citizen to tell me he or she is armed. It helps prevent any misunderstandings should I spot a gun tucked in a waistband later on. However, use a little common sense. If you are stopped for a traffic infraction and there is a pistol in your trunk, there is no need to bring it up (unless required by your state’s laws). Likewise, if you are standing on the front porch talking to a deputy about a suspicious person complaint you called in, why bring up you have a shotgun in the living room? If you do tell an officer that you are armed, take a deep breath, and do so in a calm manner. Excited people tend not to say things very clearly. If an officer approaches you, and you are excited, blurting out something about having a gun, could create a dangerous misunderstanding. Calmly tell the officer something like “Hi, I’ve got my concealed weapon permit and handgun with me. It’s in a holster at my waist.” By leading your statement with the fact you have a concealed carry permit, you indicate to the officer you’re one of the “good guys.” Also, don’t make any movements toward the weapon, or your waistband. You may be reaching for your wallet, but to a cop who doesn’t know you, it may appear you are trying to draw a firearm. Keep in mind that cops are people from your own town and neighborhood. Most cops are very pro-Second Amendment. But, if your community has an anti-gun stance, the officer is likely to reflect that, as he or she is just a human being from that population. All cops have a keen desire to not get shot. So think before you speak. Please, don’t blurt out “I’ve got a gun!” if you are pulled over. Editor’s Note: Thanks to Richard Johnson for this article. I encourage you to visit his website www.gunsforsale.com and explore all the guns, ammo and gear. ~Mike P.

Hopefully, we can kind of tell the rookie! Thanks for the feedback. I like the proactive approach and handing it over with the DL. That is what one of our instructors suggested. It was a lawyer who suggested only if asked, which I think is typical of the profession - offer as little info as possible. No offense to any of our lawyer friends who are just looking out for our best interests.