1650 replies to this topic

[Mad Cow]

So I only recently got into the whole firearms thing, which is surprising given my father was a staff sgt on Parris Island. I inherited his collection, which included a few handguns and rifles, including a mint M1 Garand.

Earlier this year, I decided to jump in with a lot of my friends and grabbed an AR15, and quickly outfitted it with a quad rail, foregrip, M4 RDS and 3X magnifier. Awesome.

A month or 2 later, it seems I just had to have a handgun. After extensive research and looking around, I ended up grabbing a Walther P99 .40. That is a lot of fun and I keep it bedside now in a safe as personal defense and am trying to shoot it as much as possible to become as proficient as I can. I sold one of the rifles I inherited that I would have never used and pretty much converted it straight across.

So now I see all these prices for 9mm plummeting, and I say to myself, Wouldn't it be cool to get a 9mm as well for shooting? Of course it would!

So I sell the .38 special revolver I already had and then turn those funds into an FNP-9 which I get from a private seller for about $100 under internet prices.

While I am selling guns to get guns, I somehow get the feeling that at some point, I might eventually have a net positive firearms count in my home.

Is this normal? It is just so fun to take some guns out and fire away with some friends.

FWIW I bought 200 rounds of M1 food recently and am also very excited to try that bad boy out. . .

Edited by Mad Cow, 02 May 2011 - 06:58 PM.

[McJose]

You never know when "they" are going to come over that hill.

[Doctor Detroit]

I'll be over when "they" come.

[Mad Cow]

I can't even imagine how nice of a high-end gaming rig I could have purchased or upgraded with the I have spent on the guns and ammo, and yet somehow, I don't care. . .

[Elbow Truck Driver]

Is this normal? It is just so fun to take some guns out and fire away with some friends.

Explain this to somebody that's never fired a gun before. You guys just sit around shooting at targets? Is there like some sort of competition? How long does this go on for?

[Mad Cow]

Is this normal? It is just so fun to take some guns out and fire away with some friends.

Explain this to somebody that's never fired a gun before. You guys just sit around shooting at targets? Is there like some sort of competition? How long does this go on for?

Well, we generally get 3-8 guys up to the foothills of the nearby mountain. We all have AR15's and multiple handguns. We set out a number of targets and shoot out own/try each other's firearms. Generally we are there for maybe 2 hours. Where we go is maybe 5 minutes up a gravel road from our subdivision, so it is easy to throw together an "outing".

If you have never done it before, it is hard to describe. There is just SOMETHING awesome about firing a few mags out of an AR15.

Take home message to all of this is, of course, if you are gonna home invade at Mad Cow's, you better be wearing body armor. Of course, after I knock you on your butt with my .40 I am going for my AR which will rip on through it anyway, so just go ahead and keep your distance.

[Andy Dufresne]

Is this normal? It is just so fun to take some guns out and fire away with some friends.

Explain this to somebody that's never fired a gun before. You guys just sit around shooting at targets? Is there like some sort of competition? How long does this go on for?

Ever played golf? It's sorta like that. Except with gunpowder.

[Elbow Truck Driver]

Is this normal? It is just so fun to take some guns out and fire away with some friends.

Explain this to somebody that's never fired a gun before. You guys just sit around shooting at targets? Is there like some sort of competition? How long does this go on for?

Ever played golf? It's sorta like that. Except with gunpowder.

I don't get it.

[Leroy Hoard]

Ever played golf? It's sorta like that. Except with gunpowder.

That would make golf a lot more interesting to watch.

[jonessed]

I don't own a gun, but I do go shooting at least a few times a year near Tahoe and occasionally trap/skeet. I love it. Time (kids) and money (bullets) prevent me from going more often, but I definitely would if I could.

[Andy Dufresne]

Is this normal? It is just so fun to take some guns out and fire away with some friends.

Explain this to somebody that's never fired a gun before. You guys just sit around shooting at targets? Is there like some sort of competition? How long does this go on for?

Ever played golf? It's sorta like that. Except with gunpowder.

I don't get it.

Never been to a driving range either, eh?

[Andy Dufresne]

Ever played golf? It's sorta like that. Except with gunpowder.

That would make golf a lot more interesting to watch.

They should do something like that. -1 stroke if you hit the fat lady in the sundress.

[K8!]

Glock not only makes a wonderfully reliable handgun, they make conversion kits so that you can turn your .40 into a .22. This makes plinking very affordable and it does provide some utility in use as a tool.

[mr. furley]

Take home message to all of this is, of course, if you are gonna home invade at Mad Cow's, you better be wearing body armor. Of course, after I knock you on your butt with my .40 I am going for my AR which will rip on through it anyway, so just go ahead and keep your distance.

this is after you wake up, find the safe, open it and sight the target, right?

[mr. furley]

that said.. i've been considering getting one for target shooting

[Andy Dufresne]

Take home message to all of this is, of course, if you are gonna home invade at Mad Cow's, you better be wearing body armor. Of course, after I knock you on your butt with my .40 I am going for my AR which will rip on through it anyway, so just go ahead and keep your distance.

this is after you wake up, find the safe, open it and sight the target, right?

The best thing for home defense is the sound of a pump shotgun. That and a big german shepherd.

[Elbow Truck Driver]

Never been to a driving range either, eh?

I'm not much of a golf guy either, but I don't want to hijack here.

[Schlzm]

Never been to a driving range either, eh?

I'm not much of a golf guy either, but I don't want to hijack here.

You know that thing you really enjoy doing? It's similar to that.


Schlzm


I'm on a horse.

[Andy Dufresne]

Never been to a driving range either, eh?

I'm not much of a golf guy either, but I don't want to hijack here.

You know that thing you really enjoy doing? It's similar to that.

Schlzm

I'm on a horse.

[mr. furley]

Never been to a driving range either, eh?

I'm not much of a golf guy either, but I don't want to hijack here.

You know that thing you really enjoy doing? It's similar to that.

Schlzm

I'm on a horse.

[ichris]

Hah, I discovered the same thing, buying guns and shooting them is addictive. I've mostly stuck to handguns, but I'm planning on bringing an AR-15 into my life in the next few months.

Have you ever looked at a 1911? .45 ACPs make 9mm bullets seem tiny.

[Nightly Mistake]

Ever played golf? It's sorta like that. Except with gunpowder.

That would make golf a lot more interesting to watch.

Only if Cigar Guy is there.

[Mad Cow]

Take home message to all of this is, of course, if you are gonna home invade at Mad Cow's, you better be wearing body armor. Of course, after I knock you on your butt with my .40 I am going for my AR which will rip on through it anyway, so just go ahead and keep your distance.

this is after you wake up, find the safe, open it and sight the target, right?

The best thing for home defense is the sound of a pump shotgun. That and a big german shepherd.

I won't dispute either of those. I will say I have my pistol at bedside, and it is one of those electronic safes that you open with a 4-digit combination. I would have it out in about 3 seconds, and it is already loaded with an additional loaded mag right there with it. Push comes to shove, I have my entire family upstairs in our home. I hear anything downstairs, I set up camp at the top of the stairs and let nothing make it to the top. Sure, it will likely never happen, but it is nice to have there, if for no other reason that to take it out and shoot with some good friends.

Edited by Mad Cow, 05 October 2010 - 11:47 AM.

[Nightly Mistake]

I shot your boyfriend that thing you like.

[Andy Dufresne]

I won't dispute either of those. I will say I have my pistol at bedside, and it is one of those electronic safes that you open with a 4-digit combination. I would have it out in about 3 seconds, and it is already loaded with a loaded mag right there with it. Push comes to shove, I have my entire family upstairs in our home. I hear anything downstairs, I set up camp at the top of the stairs and let nothing make it to the top. Sure, it will likely never happen, but it is nice to have there, if for no other reason that to take it out and shoot with some good friends.

That works.

Of course, I'm the guy that thinks it should be mandatory to own a gun...

[Mad Cow]

Hah, I discovered the same thing, buying guns and shooting them is addictive. I've mostly stuck to handguns, but I'm planning on bringing an AR-15 into my life in the next few months.

Have you ever looked at a 1911? .45 ACPs make 9mm bullets seem tiny.

I have no doubt. The .40 makes a 9mm look small, as well. There are a number of 1911 manufacturers that are making affordable 1911's, in the $400-600 range, including one by Magnum Research (makers of the Desert Eagle). At some point, one might make its way to my home, but not today. . .

I look forward to hearing about your AR. I got mine barely used (Rock River Arms Entry Tactical) and it has been so fun to shoot. The fact that that weapon is so reliable and can be so accurate for such great distances is amazing. I have a friend that has spent 2 tours in Afghanistan in special forces, and while he doesn't go into too many specifics, when he learned about my AR acquisition, he sat down and talked about how much he loved that rifle. He told me that while they were given all the greatest optics in his position, he had a couple of instances where he had to take down a couple of live targets with iron sights from 400 yards. I don't even question him either. If he was a 25 yr old, I might say he was being brash, but this is the most humble, unassuming 45 yr old I have ever met. I would have assumed he was a librarian if I didn't know what he really did.

[Mad Cow]

I won't dispute either of those. I will say I have my pistol at bedside, and it is one of those electronic safes that you open with a 4-digit combination. I would have it out in about 3 seconds, and it is already loaded with a loaded mag right there with it. Push comes to shove, I have my entire family upstairs in our home. I hear anything downstairs, I set up camp at the top of the stairs and let nothing make it to the top. Sure, it will likely never happen, but it is nice to have there, if for no other reason that to take it out and shoot with some good friends.

That works.

Of course, I'm the guy that thinks it should be mandatory to own a gun...

Well to you then, my friend.

[Exit 1]

You could say the same thing about masturbation.

[Andy Dufresne]

You could say the same thing about masturbation.

Not quite as fun going to the masturbation range.

[Schlzm]

You could say the same thing about masturbation.

It doesn't matter if you have a .22 plinker, .380ppk, 12ga combat, or a man-portable protein cannon. Squeezing off a few rounds is always excellent stress relief.


Schlzm

[Schlzm]

You could say the same thing about masturbation.

Not quite as fun going to the masturbation range.

[tommyGunZ]

I won't dispute either of those. I will say I have my pistol at bedside, and it is one of those electronic safes that you open with a 4-digit combination. I would have it out in about 3 seconds, and it is already loaded with a loaded mag right there with it. Push comes to shove, I have my entire family upstairs in our home. I hear anything downstairs, I set up camp at the top of the stairs and let nothing make it to the top. Sure, it will likely never happen, but it is nice to have there, if for no other reason that to take it out and shoot with some good friends.

That works.

Of course, I'm the guy that thinks it should be mandatory to own a gun...

Andy pushing for bigger gov't.

[Mad Cow]

I do know what I would like my next gun purchase to be. . .

H&K SL8 converted to G36

[WhatDoIKnow]

Glock not only makes a wonderfully reliable handgun, they make conversion kits so that you can turn your .40 into a .22. This makes plinking very affordable and it does provide some utility in use as a tool.

I have been interested in a Glock 17 for quite a while now. Seems pretty reliable and very easy to maintain. I was wondering what the boards opinion was of this weapon? Seems to be quite a few 9mm choices in the $450 to $550 range.

[coyote5]

[kentric]

I still have a box of 2160 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm bullets I bought ca. 15 years ago for my SKS. Anyone know how long that will stay?

[Mad Cow]

Glock not only makes a wonderfully reliable handgun, they make conversion kits so that you can turn your .40 into a .22. This makes plinking very affordable and it does provide some utility in use as a tool.

I have been interested in a Glock 17 for quite a while now. Seems pretty reliable and very easy to maintain. I was wondering what the boards opinion was of this weapon? Seems to be quite a few 9mm choices in the $450 to $550 range.

Choosing a handgun really depends so much on why you want one and your budget, let alone how they feel in your hands. What is the purpose of the pistol and your budget?

[Mad Cow]

I still have a box of 2160 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm bullets I bought ca. 15 years ago for my SKS. Anyone know how long that will stay?

I don't know, I see craploads of people trying to offload their AK food here in Utah on the local classifieds. AK's were pretty darn popular for so long, but AR and .223 prices have come down to the point where it makes more sense to use the more accurate and incredibly fun to mod gun.

[Mad Cow]

I see you in here S.K.A. Let's hear your collection.

[WhatDoIKnow]

Glock not only makes a wonderfully reliable handgun, they make conversion kits so that you can turn your .40 into a .22. This makes plinking very affordable and it does provide some utility in use as a tool.

I have been interested in a Glock 17 for quite a while now. Seems pretty reliable and very easy to maintain. I was wondering what the boards opinion was of this weapon? Seems to be quite a few 9mm choices in the $450 to $550 range.

Choosing a handgun really depends so much on why you want one and your budget, let alone how they feel in your hands. What is the purpose of the pistol and your budget?

Honestly, mostly just for fun, nothing serious. I don't live in an area where personal protection is a concern. I have free access to a pretty nice (outdoor) range. That $550 number would be the upper end of my budget.

[pigskinliquors]

I have quite a few neighbors who are great friends who have extensive gun collections. We shoot them approx. every two weeks and have a blast. First time they asked me to go with them, I thought WTF, but have learned it's a great stress release. I'm also looking for my first handgun, so all advice given here will be appreciated. I'll want it somewhat for protection (I'll take my CHL with it), but mostly for shooting rounds on weekends. From what I've shot, I so far prefer the .40 Standard (full) Glock. I like the idea of the compact and don't have overly large hands, but don't shoot as well with them.

[Mad Cow]

Glock not only makes a wonderfully reliable handgun, they make conversion kits so that you can turn your .40 into a .22. This makes plinking very affordable and it does provide some utility in use as a tool.

I have been interested in a Glock 17 for quite a while now. Seems pretty reliable and very easy to maintain. I was wondering what the boards opinion was of this weapon? Seems to be quite a few 9mm choices in the $450 to $550 range.

Choosing a handgun really depends so much on why you want one and your budget, let alone how they feel in your hands. What is the purpose of the pistol and your budget?

Honestly, mostly just for fun, nothing serious. I don't live in an area where personal protection is a concern. I have free access to a pretty nice (outdoor) range. That $550 number would be the upper end of my budget.

I have quite a few neighbors who are great friends who have extensive gun collections. We shoot them approx. every two weeks and have a blast. First time they asked me to go with them, I thought WTF, but have learned it's a great stress release. I'm also looking for my first handgun, so all advice given here will be appreciated. I'll want it somewhat for protection (I'll take my CHL with it), but mostly for shooting rounds on weekends. From what I've shot, I so far prefer the .40 Standard (full) Glock. I like the idea of the compact and don't have overly large hands, but don't shoot as well with them.

I am far from an expert, but I am learning in a hurry. The big thing for me was finding a handgun that felt comfortable to hold. I tried a bunch, and I gotta say, that Walther P99 felt amazing in the hands. Don't even mention the fact that you are shooting James Freaking Bond's gun from the last few movies, it feels so very comfortable. I got the .40 version and the recoil was surprisingly low. Sure, it is a little more than a friend's Glock 9mm, but not bad, and while you get lower mag capacity in .40 vs 9mm (generally 10-12 vs 15-17) there is a lot more stopping power.

I would say if you want it for fun, to shoot and are not too concerned about stopping power or maybe an occasional jab from a buddy using a .40 or .45, then 9mm is the way to go. Ammo is cheap and the gun is still great. If you do want the stopping power, or to feel it a bit more, .40 is great, and it's not like ammo is that much more (generally you can get 9mm for about 20 cents a round. I have gotten .40 for about 25 cents a round brass).

As for a good budget 9mm, then a few to look at are the FNP-9 and the Beretta Px4 Storm. I would have gotten the Px4 is I had not gotten such an amazing steal on the FNP-9. The Px4 feels good, controls recoil very well and just looks cool. The FNP-9 is American made, comes with 3 mags (a big plus) and is supposed to be both amazingly accurate and have one of the best triggers out there (another wonderful thing about the P99 if you get the AS version vs QA is that trigger is so smooth).

There are a few words from a learning enthusiast.

Edited by Mad Cow, 05 October 2010 - 01:59 PM.

[Leviathan]

I amassed an arsenal during the Clinton Administration, now I'm thinking about downsizing. I have too many handguns that just sit around and collect dust. I do love my ARs, though. I've got a full size H-BAR and a carbine with a free-floating barrel. Quite the tack driver, if I do say so myself. That being said, if the excrement ever hit the fan and we were in some sort of a quasi Red Dawn situation, I'd sell my soul for an AK-47.

[Mad Cow]

I amassed an arsenal during the Clinton Administration, now I'm thinking about downsizing. I have too many handguns that just sit around and collect dust. I do love my ARs, though. I've got a full size H-BAR and a carbine with a free-floating barrel. Quite the tack driver, if I do say so myself. That being said, if the excrement ever hit the fan and we were in some sort of a quasi Red Dawn situation, I'd sell my soul for an AK-47.

They are so flipping cheap why not sell a handgun and grab one? You can get an AK for $400-500 easily.

[Tecumseh]

Never been to a driving range either, eh?

I'm not much of a golf guy either, but I don't want to hijack here.

You know that thing you really enjoy doing? It's similar to that.

Schlzm

I'm on a horse.

[Leviathan]

I amassed an arsenal during the Clinton Administration, now I'm thinking about downsizing. I have too many handguns that just sit around and collect dust. I do love my ARs, though. I've got a full size H-BAR and a carbine with a free-floating barrel. Quite the tack driver, if I do say so myself. That being said, if the excrement ever hit the fan and we were in some sort of a quasi Red Dawn situation, I'd sell my soul for an AK-47.

They are so flipping cheap why not sell a handgun and grab one? You can get an AK for $400-500 easily.

Unless you already owned one and were grandfathered in, they are no longer legal in my state. Damn hippies!

[Chadstroma]

Must be nice not living in a communist city.

[Mad Cow]

I amassed an arsenal during the Clinton Administration, now I'm thinking about downsizing. I have too many handguns that just sit around and collect dust. I do love my ARs, though. I've got a full size H-BAR and a carbine with a free-floating barrel. Quite the tack driver, if I do say so myself. That being said, if the excrement ever hit the fan and we were in some sort of a quasi Red Dawn situation, I'd sell my soul for an AK-47.

They are so flipping cheap why not sell a handgun and grab one? You can get an AK for $400-500 easily.

Unless you already owned one and were grandfathered in, they are no longer legal in my state. Damn hippies!

CA?

Must be nice not living in a communist city.

I have to think that next to Texas, Utah has the highest percent of carrying citizens in the US. I am pretty close to getting my CCW permit because all my buddies that I shoot with do, as well.

[Leviathan]

I amassed an arsenal during the Clinton Administration, now I'm thinking about downsizing. I have too many handguns that just sit around and collect dust. I do love my ARs, though. I've got a full size H-BAR and a carbine with a free-floating barrel. Quite the tack driver, if I do say so myself. That being said, if the excrement ever hit the fan and we were in some sort of a quasi Red Dawn situation, I'd sell my soul for an AK-47.

They are so flipping cheap why not sell a handgun and grab one? You can get an AK for $400-500 easily.

Unless you already owned one and were grandfathered in, they are no longer legal in my state. Damn hippies!

CA?

However, I do live in rural CA, where the Sheriff hands out CCWs like candy.

[The Z Machine]

I am pretty close to getting my CCW permit because all my buddies that I shoot with do, as well.

Why?