graycrait

As odd as it may sound to Glockophiles I had two fellas, both ex-Army, ask me to modify their Glocks for them. One is a 2nd Gen G17 with a minor mod to improve grip and the othe ris a 3rd Gen G26 with the "Full Monty." After doing 3 of these G26 "Full Monty" grip mods I still can't understand Glocks inability to form their pistol grips to a more ergonomic useful shape.

I should not say anything but after having a bucket load of .22 pistols I put the P22 and Sig Mosquito in the same class of plinkers as I do Lorcin, Jennings, Bryco, Phoenix - well - I actually classify Phoenix a step above the Mosquito and P22. If you want accuracy and reliability in a relatively inexpensive package then Ruger, Browning and S&W offer pistols that fit that profile. If you want a tacticool plinker that will take a suppressor then the P22 and Mosquito are fine range toys. I've got enough range toys myself to know what that classification means.

Think About It, Email me at: charrg19@charter.net and I will send you some pics of Glocks that I have done for others that aren't as extreme as some of mine. I can tell you how to do it yourself. I don't mind doing it for a few others, but it is not a business for me - just a hobby. The more folks that know and want to make their gun fit themselves and their intended use the better - It makes me feel better knowing that such interested shooters are rubbing elbows out there on the streets with me. In the last two days I did a very conservative job on a friend's 2nd Gen G17 and gave a Full Monty to another friend's G26, both of these fellas are folks who carry a gun for work and as a citizen. This ain't rocket science. I approach knife sheath making, cane making, hiking staff making or most anything I am interested in the same way - lets look at what works efficiently for the task at hand. I try and live by: "let's do it faster, cheaper, safer, better and don't waste anyone's time." What I find fascinating are the folks who tell me "Glocks are perfect from the factory," or "1911s are the best gun ever made," or "M-4s are better than AK74s," etc. Gimme a break, they are all tools for a purpose and as such can be "improved or tweaked" to fit each unique user a little better than what the factory mass produces for the average user. I'm not real big on custom guns except in circumstances where specific need arises or where the buyer just has so much cash that custom makes him or her feel better. No right or wrong, just the way it is sometimes. However, I believe many mass produced guns can relatively cheaply be made to work a tad batter than they came out of the factory. Craig

I don't love Glocks, I love S&W K-frame revolvers, but Glocks are better tools. Like an addict staying away from cigs, alcohol, meth or heroin, I stay away from shooting S&W revolvers. Why? Although they are fine for defense up to a point I want as much potential kinetic energy easy at hand. Glock gives me more reliably with enough accuracy. S&W K-frames to me are like the "Precious" to Gollum. Bronkers, my Avatar G19 is ugly but oh so efficient. No gun is easier to point shoot than this G19, not even the HKP7. Flat, fast and "sticky" in the hand (either hand) is all I ask, it may give me an "edge" (remember Lone Watie in Outlaw Josey Wales). If you saw how many Glocks I have modified for folks at Ft Campbell or here in Clarksville, you would begin to wonder why doesn't Glock do this themselves? Take care and good shooting. Craig

Glock knuckle can be cured with a Dremel in about 10 seconds. Just radius up where the guard meets the grip. For those that look aghast at modified plastic, remember it is a Glock, a tool, not an heirloom. It is like a favorite hammer or cane, each can be made to fit your hand a little better, if you want and take the time, than what comes from the factory in many cases. Also, when shooting two handed you can guide the barrel with your support hand thumb by pressing against the frame. Once in a while I have Zen moments with my Glocks and they can feel like they are firing themselves, most times it is not quite like that. Best thing to do is take a few mags and 250 rds or so to the range and shoot the thing until you find a rythm and feel for the gun - this applies to any pistol. You may need to do this a few times. That is why I like and recommend 9mm and .22s. You only get better by shooting more. It is like pounding nails, you need to pound a lot to become efficient with your hammer. Then play games with yourself and the gun. I like to take a manilla folder and draw 8 or 9 gooseeggs on it and number them. Staple it up. Then at the low ready, look down, tell myself which ones I am going to shoot and then do it, over and over. Or have someone call out the numbers of the goose eggs and shoot them. That is one simple safe game at an RSO controlled range. I try to shoot 25% of my shots weak-hand, cause yo never know. Sights are a crapshoot, try as many as you can afford. 10-8s, Ameriglo, XS, stock Glock, Warren, Sevigny, etc. I'm going to start not using a front or rear sight on one of my Glocks at 15 yards and in. At that distance with practical targets I'm not convinced that sights are necessary, just good fundamentals may suffice. Something new to me to try.

I've tuned up the trigger's on both MKIIs and MKIIIs. There are some differences, but MKIIs make great training pistols, plinkers and in some cases with some action and trigger work, a pretty decent target pistol. If you have a friend who will drill and tap the MKII cheap then I would opt for a MK II anytime over the MKIII because I think the MKII is a bit easier to slick up the action and trigger over the MKIII. MKIIIs have slightly more "fiddley" innards with Loaded Chamber Indicator and mag disconnect safety. But the plus with the MKIII is that it is already drilled and tapped. In a pistol like this mag release position really doesn't matter to me. Last shot hold open is nice, but again with this pistol design I have not found it to be cause for overwhelmingly placing the MKIII ahead of the MKII. I replaced my MKIII trigger assembly with MKII spare parts I had on hand so that I could do away with the mag disconnect aparratus. I still may cut the tab off the LCI which intrudes into the receiver.

The $0.25 Glock trigger job The link is to the 25 cent trigger job which you might find usefull on the 34. I've tried a lot of aftermarket internals and now advocate stock, just polish friction points. Several adequate grip tapes out there. I've got a set of BoMar sights on my 17L. The Glock adjustable "target" sights work but likely you can find better. not I've had a couple of 34's but got talked out of them here and there. Great model and hope to get another one. With a Dremel and wood burning pen you can alter the grip and frame quite a bit. I got a fair pile of those Korean KCI mags for the range and they work well for me. You can see that my Glocks sport everything from nothing (1st Gen 17) to grip tape (17L) to the full monty (G26) with regards to stiplling and everything in between including cutting a 17 grip to 19 length, and pertty dramatic narrowing the grip of my 19. I'm always on the hunt for a good front sight.

I owned the Zastava M88 for a time. It is basically a small Tokarev but with these high rear sights and a pretty tough trigger to do much with. I even took the trigger mechanism apart and worked on each part, but not to much affect. It is what it is and it worked. I like the discontinued Star BM a lot more. I've had two PF9s. I got the second one when I thought I may have acted in haste getting rid of the first one. I was right the first time. I like to call them "The Little Dragon." Snatching that pistol weak-hand one-hand and rapid fire with any accuracy is challenging. I've shot the tar out of a HiPoint C9 and the gun amazed me with its reliability in that non-stop 500 rd drill; its weight also amazed me. I'm not a fan of the big Ruger semi-autos but in my experience they always work. The P11 makes good sense but I am not crazy about that trigger pull.

Another good thing besides size, reliability, durability, parts everywhere in the rare case you need one is that the 19, or any Glock, can have its frame altered to pllease you instead of you having to adapt to the factory profile.

L-R TOP Row: Keltec P32 .32 8.1oz, Lorcin L22 .22LR 15.1 oz, Phoenix Arms HP22 .22 20.2oz L-R BOT Row: Keltec P32 .32 8.1oz, Jennings J-22 .22LR 13.3oz, Phoenix Arms HP22 .22 20.2oz Looking for the following mousegun pistols in .22lr (but not looking hard): Davis, Bryco, Jimenez, Sterling

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/handguns/50980-chart-9mm-sub-compact-semi-auto-guns.html

Two handguns I don't waiver from Keltec P32 and Glock 19. You didn't specify caliber but indicated 9mm CZ 75 or .40 HK would be OK. It would be an embarrassment to tell you how many guns I have owned in my search for the "holy grail." I also have access to a boatload to shoot which belong to several gun "accumulators." Finding a low travel trigger, especially if you want a trigger as nice as a decent 1911 trigger, for 400.00 in a reliable pistol might be interesting. Depending what 1911 you are talking about your accuracy requirements can be met by quite a few pistols. I've shot but not owned a Single Action CZ75, but have owned 4 "75s" and a PO1. If you can find a used SA 75 that approached 400.00 you would have a nice find in the requirements you want.

You can get a 9mm conversion barrel for the G23 and shoot it like a G19 also. My experience is that police Glocks haven't been shot that much. I have owned 20 Glocks, and have worked on about 50 others conservatively, besides the ones we had at work. 380 OTD wouldn't be bad for a 3rd Gen G23. Lone Wolf Distributors - Products - Conversion I like the Blue Duck ref to Larry McMurty books. Also I have been to FT Leavenworth for an extended TDY but retired at Ft Campbell. Craig

I was reading on the Bryco/Jennings forum about how some wouldn't work with a full mag load. Apparently there is a fix for that of some sort. Not looking for a world beater CCW or target gun on this project or avenue of interest. Just want to fool around with one. I've got a Rossi 2" SS snubbie that works great without the hammer block that I would trade for one or another Rossi .357 unfluted cyclinder with sight insert missing that also works great without the hammer block I would trade for one or a Charter Undercover .38 Special that needs a hand I would trade for one. All FTF of course. Craig

Thanks Marshall, I had looked on your website but I didn't see anything very definitive on the Jimenez JA 22 itself. After a couple of snips with my tin snips the offending extra safeties on the Phoenix are history, leaving only the hammer block safety. I had so much fun shooting this this little Phoenix HP22 the other day I got a hankering for the Jimenez to see how it does. Craig

Anyone else using this? A friend who makes his living with a gun told me to try it. I started using this and I really like it compared to all the toxic stuff I have been using. Also it seems to clean crud really well. I started to use it on some of my .22s and think it is great. Time will tell. Not smelly and makes the gun action slick as snot - literally. FrogLube HomePage - It Just Works!

I've had some fun with the my new to me Phoenix Arms .22 so I was wondering what people think, if anything, from personal experience with the Jimenez .22? I realize the Jimenez is simply a reprisal of the Bryco/Jennings .22, but wondered specifically about the Jimenez J.A. .22LR. Years ago I had a Bryco .25 that after I gave it a fluff and buff it worked remarkably well. Just wondering if the Jimenez has the same potential. (And yes I have had Beretta Bobcats and other smallish .22s &.32, as well as NAAs, etc.). After my recent experience with the Phoenix I think I might like to give the Jimenez .22, the latest incarnation of the Bryco/Jennings .22, a try.

I had a bunch of centerfire handguns in different calibers from a variety of 1911s, to revolvers, FNs, M&Ps, etc. A few months ago I consolidated except for my project guns: the Stars, Less Beer, the HP22 and 3 beater steel revolvers that if I would get them running I could sell them for ammo money. I even consolidated my long guns and short and long .22s. But if I have to pick up a handgun that I know that will work every time these are what I reach for:

I like Star pistols, especially the BM sized ones. A Critical Look at the Star Model BM I have 2 out of 3 that make decent carry guns right now 'cause they are "dehorned" slim and work. I'll get the 3rd one working, just some minor stuff. If you have a Star BKM you don't want I am especially interested. Never see those things for sale on the used shelves. Daniel, I love your place and the range, but I had to adapt to the lights, which I have through my optometrist who tolerates my notions concerning fishing glasses, shooting glasses and other specialty glasses. You have a good problem in your store, even on a Thursday, you guys are busy as hell. No time for jawing with you fellas any longer and it has been that way for some time. No, my no name 1911 was given to me as a project gun. I named it "Less Beer" because the guy who put together this Franken Gun should have been drinking less beer when he put it together. I expected it was going to have some issues, but was keeping my fingers crossed. Now I'll just change out some parts and give it another whirl - that is over half the fun in having guns for me. I have my old dependables but I do like to fiddle with stuff. Craig in Clarksville

I had a lively hour today while shooting on one of the 10 lanes of Guns and Leather's indoor range. I needed to test out a few guns that I hadn't really test prior and check some magazines. I've been accused that I gravitate away from expensive firearms so I need to generally "tune up" what guns I get. My presbyopic eyes do not let me see the front sight at all down there under their lighting system. I don't know if it is because there is no over head light in the booth or the oscillations of the fluorescent tubes, but I can't see the front sight of a pistol. Thankfully, I had my custom made shooting glasses that have my bifocals center of the lens. No I can't see the target so well this way but I can see the front sight clearly. 1. Success! (Free Gun) My silver Phoenix Arms HP22 runs like a top with the two magazines I have. I ran a few mags of Standard Velocity CCI 40 grain and they ran fine. I also ran some HV CCI just to see how it felt, although the HP22 is supposed to be a SV gun. That little gun is smooth and runs like a top. I will have to fix the other HP22 (Free Gun) I have cannibalized springs off of to get the "pretty" one working. I need to get a few new mags and new springs from Phoenix. I wish they made this gun out of something other than Zamak (pot metal) because it is a joy to shoot. Reasonably accurate- rapid fire you can keep the rounds in a 3" circle at 15 yards. OK, it ain't a S&W 41, but it was Free!! 2. Failure! "Free Gun" The Less Beer 1911 has to be refitted with a new extractor, hammer and sear. First off the hammer follows when you slingshot or release the slide with the slide lock lever. It doesn't follow all the way. It will not extract at all even though the casings could be shaken out by tilting the gun. So, new hammer/sear, recoil spring, extractor (parts I have collected along the way) and at least one new mag. 3. Success! ($275.00) My new to me 1988 1st Gen Glock 17 works like, well, a Glock! I put in new recoil, striker and trigger springs, took it to the range and blasted 4 x 17 rds through it lickety split. 4. Failure! (175.00) My black custom Star BM's front sight came off even after I used 2000lb 2-part epoxy it into its dovetail. It also failed to extract every few rds and it didn't matter which mag was in it. I need a new extractor and spring and will have to stake that front sight in 5. Success! (175.00) My Star BKM (aluminum) frame ran like gangbusters with all 6 magazines. For some reason this gun is easier to shoot than the two all steel versions. My OD steel Star BM (250.00 w/box and mags)is boringly reliable. 6. Success! I ran a few mags through my Rayskin G19 (mismarked police dept slide so got it NIB a few years ago for 375.). That is a good feeling gun in the hand. For carry it is great. The new Ameriglo tritium surrounded by the orangish/red ring help out in that light with my eyes.

I understand, or at least I think I do, that a decent combat 1911 or pistol won't be a 50M Slowfire pistol that will allow you to win against good shooters. What I really can't wrap my arms around is the differences in prices vice durability, reliability, accuracy. Is a Taurus 1911 a waste of money or is the Springfield Professional a waste of money. What are the shortcomings in specifica areas of an RIA 1911 vice the SA Pro? Is it hype and marketing or something else, both use a mix of forge and MIM I suspect. ... Is the HK MK23 a quantum leap ahead of the 1911 and how would it do head to head against the Sprinfgfield Pro or are the missions so different? I have a retired bullseye shooting friend who gave his Les Baer bullseye gun to his son, sold his Pardini or was it Benelli or Walther .22LR and Air Pistol and now has fun shooting a Ruger MKII. But I have another friend who is required to carry a Springfield Pro, but swears by a G19. Encyclopedia of Bullseye Pistol MEU(SOC) pistol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia A Brief Review of the Springfield Professional Operator - Page 3 - M4Carbine.net Forums Heckler & Koch Mark 23 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia I have friends tell me that I am just cheap, and maybe I am. I am going to stick with Glock 9mms and tinker with my range toys.

Don't forget that Sig will be coming out with a 7.62x39 in their 556 platform, which is essentially AK in design. Craig

Has anyone seen any objective test results comparing .45ACP pistols or even various makes of 1911s tested against each other using the same test environment and criteria? I'm interested in reliability, durability and accuracy comparative tests so that I can see where the cut line is from poor, good, excellent and the best in terms of price and materials. If you have seen a link please post it. Craig in Clarksville

Questions I have: 1. Limp wristing? 2. Ammo choice? 3. Over lubing? 4. Squib? 5. Lackadaisical shooting technique due to holiday "spirits?" Now to serious stuff: 1. Extractor broke? 2. Old or cheap aftermarket magazine? 3. Old magazine with worn spring? I've owned between 12 and 20 Glocks, have 6 now, shot many more and have never had a problem with a 9mm Glock except when I was using some Pakistani ammo. Craig

My latest JMB crowning achievement: "Less Beer - Presentation Grade" 1911 purchased through judicious negotiation with the owner of TN Gun Country, Clarksville, TN: Essex frame polished to a haphazard brilliance, scratched up '50's Brazilian Army slide, WWII era "P" slightly pitted government barrel: small parts from who knows where. Maker unknown but likely as good as JMB intended, more is simply "gilding the lilly." Craig in Clarksville, TN