http://www.gunbytes.com/ Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:38:13 -0500 MyBB http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=43 Wed, 20 May 2009 15:42:45 -0500 MDPuckett84 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=43
Let's go over what I was looking for in a all-round carry weapon. Remember this is what worked for me. If you ask 15 people their all-round carry choice you'll probably get 15 different answers. However none of those 15 people will be there to help should you be involved in a self-defense scenario, So I encourage you to make a list of your own requirements and start searching. Anyways, on to the list.

The gun has to be big and heavy enough to be comfortable shooting at the range. A carry gun I can't practice with is pretty useless in my opinion. This is of course subjective, but I find the Defender comfortable to shoot. Many attribute this to the design of its “duckbill” grip safety. My last range trip consisted of 100 rounds of 230gr hardball and 20 various carry loads with no discomfort. I also have a Government sized 1911 in the safe already that could help with practice.

The gun has to be small enough I can carry it nearly all the time. In my case, this also meant it had to be small enough to fit in a pocket of my motorcycle jacket or to wear on the belt when dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. The Defender is compact and lightweight due to its aluminum frame. While I could not carry it in jeans pockets, it carries just fine in a jacket pocket.

It had to be suitable for backpacking and camping use. To clarify, I do NOT mean this to represent a gun that can stop a bear or large animal. Instead I am looking for something that will survive water, mud and being dropped with no ill effects. Therefore blued and other delicate finishes need not apply. I also wanted a gun I could easily detail strip for a good cleaning after such a trip. The stainless steel and aluminum construction of the Defender, as well as the familiar 1911 design fill both of these roles.

The gun needed to be reasonably safe if not under my control. While I try to always keep a gun holstered if its not in my hand, things happen. I specifically had concern if it were to come unholstered while in a backpack where other gear could then enter the trigger guard. For me this meant a drop safety and either a double action trigger such as a revolver or a manual safety. I'm not here to bash Glocks/XD style trigger safety mechanisms, but I did not feel comfortable with them in this case. The low profile manual safety, grip safety, and drop safety of the Defender satisfied this for me.

The gun needed to have adequate power and capacity (6 or more). The Defender offers 7+1 rounds of 45. While the gun didn't have to be 45, it helps that I already have reloading supplies for it.

The gun needed to have good “after market” support. I have owned guns in the past that were next to impossible to find holsters for. My needs mainly dealt with a good selection of holsters, as I like to have a OWB, IWB and paddle holster for all my guns. But it is also nice to be able to order any part of the gun from someone other than the factory. The 1911 has all of this covered of course.

Any carry gun has to be reliable. This isn't at the bottom of the list because I consider least important, I just figured it didn't need to be said. While many advise avoiding sub 4 inch 1911's I found very few complaints from any Defender owners.

There was actually another gun I considered very hard for this role, the Ruger Security Six. A snub nose .357 would handle all of these roles perfectly. If not for the sole fact I was unable to find one locally to inspect I probably would of purchased the Ruger instead. Although the SP101 is close, I would prefer the 6th shot as well as the added weight given by the Security Six. Unfortunately, the Six is no loner made and seems to be difficult to find in my area. If I came across a Six for sale, I would consider purchasing it and selling the Defender but soley for financial gain. The Six should cost less than my Defender would sell for and I have more reloading supplies for 357/38.

But back to the Defender. I've owned several 1911's in the past so I already had a supply of accessories and experience with the operation before my purchase. The reliability of it has been perfect for the 300 rounds I've been able to put through it and I will report back should this change. The Novak-style sights and crisp trigger make for amazing accuracy. My only modification has been to replace the factory supplied Hogue rubber grips with a set of rubber checkered grips off a Kimber Ultra Carry.

]]>
Let's go over what I was looking for in a all-round carry weapon. Remember this is what worked for me. If you ask 15 people their all-round carry choice you'll probably get 15 different answers. However none of those 15 people will be there to help should you be involved in a self-defense scenario, So I encourage you to make a list of your own requirements and start searching. Anyways, on to the list.

The gun has to be big and heavy enough to be comfortable shooting at the range. A carry gun I can't practice with is pretty useless in my opinion. This is of course subjective, but I find the Defender comfortable to shoot. Many attribute this to the design of its “duckbill” grip safety. My last range trip consisted of 100 rounds of 230gr hardball and 20 various carry loads with no discomfort. I also have a Government sized 1911 in the safe already that could help with practice.

The gun has to be small enough I can carry it nearly all the time. In my case, this also meant it had to be small enough to fit in a pocket of my motorcycle jacket or to wear on the belt when dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. The Defender is compact and lightweight due to its aluminum frame. While I could not carry it in jeans pockets, it carries just fine in a jacket pocket.

It had to be suitable for backpacking and camping use. To clarify, I do NOT mean this to represent a gun that can stop a bear or large animal. Instead I am looking for something that will survive water, mud and being dropped with no ill effects. Therefore blued and other delicate finishes need not apply. I also wanted a gun I could easily detail strip for a good cleaning after such a trip. The stainless steel and aluminum construction of the Defender, as well as the familiar 1911 design fill both of these roles.

The gun needed to be reasonably safe if not under my control. While I try to always keep a gun holstered if its not in my hand, things happen. I specifically had concern if it were to come unholstered while in a backpack where other gear could then enter the trigger guard. For me this meant a drop safety and either a double action trigger such as a revolver or a manual safety. I'm not here to bash Glocks/XD style trigger safety mechanisms, but I did not feel comfortable with them in this case. The low profile manual safety, grip safety, and drop safety of the Defender satisfied this for me.

The gun needed to have adequate power and capacity (6 or more). The Defender offers 7+1 rounds of 45. While the gun didn't have to be 45, it helps that I already have reloading supplies for it.

The gun needed to have good “after market” support. I have owned guns in the past that were next to impossible to find holsters for. My needs mainly dealt with a good selection of holsters, as I like to have a OWB, IWB and paddle holster for all my guns. But it is also nice to be able to order any part of the gun from someone other than the factory. The 1911 has all of this covered of course.

Any carry gun has to be reliable. This isn't at the bottom of the list because I consider least important, I just figured it didn't need to be said. While many advise avoiding sub 4 inch 1911's I found very few complaints from any Defender owners.

There was actually another gun I considered very hard for this role, the Ruger Security Six. A snub nose .357 would handle all of these roles perfectly. If not for the sole fact I was unable to find one locally to inspect I probably would of purchased the Ruger instead. Although the SP101 is close, I would prefer the 6th shot as well as the added weight given by the Security Six. Unfortunately, the Six is no loner made and seems to be difficult to find in my area. If I came across a Six for sale, I would consider purchasing it and selling the Defender but soley for financial gain. The Six should cost less than my Defender would sell for and I have more reloading supplies for 357/38.

But back to the Defender. I've owned several 1911's in the past so I already had a supply of accessories and experience with the operation before my purchase. The reliability of it has been perfect for the 300 rounds I've been able to put through it and I will report back should this change. The Novak-style sights and crisp trigger make for amazing accuracy. My only modification has been to replace the factory supplied Hogue rubber grips with a set of rubber checkered grips off a Kimber Ultra Carry.

]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=42 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:00:46 -0500 MDPuckett84 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=42
Here are my justifications:

I consider 6 shots to be adequate for a self defense scenario if of a decent caliber. I like high capacity as much as anyone else but in reality when reading about self defense scenarios capacity rarely seems an issue.

Reliability of course doesn't need mentioning. I wouldnt do this, but you'd probably be ok never shooting a revolver of decent manufacture before carrying it. Again, I always shoot a gun before carrying though. But it helps that the revolver is an all enclosed system that rarely changes, no wondering if your new mag/springs/bullet will cause problems.

Ability to shoot .38's.The ability to carry a great round such as .357, yet practice cheaply with .38's shouldn't be taken for granted. This ability also comes free with all .357 revolvers :-P No conversion kits or barrels needed

Stainless finish, durable and low maintenance, whats not to love?

.357/.38 - massive spectrum of loads to choose from, light weight targets, full power magnums, snake shot, and everything in between. I can carry with magnums or switch it to .38+P if the girlfriend borrows it.

Simplicity - If i ever wanted to loan a gun to someone (it happens), most people know how a revolver works, and those that don't can be shown very quickly.

Compact - The snub nose Security Six and SP101 are reasonably compact

Durability - Ruger revolvers are built like tanks. I love my Smith and Wesson 19 but I worry about abusing it with a lot of magnum loads.

At a very close second would be the same guns with a 3 inch barrel. Depending on your carry style it might be worth it to lose a little bit of concealment, but gain a full length ejector rod.

So what are your thoughts? Lets keep it to guns that are in production, or were at sometime. Modifications to said guns are allowed, but don't fabricate a gun out of thin air. The concept I'm looking for is if you were a gunshop owner and someone comes in and asks for 1 gun to last a life time, what would you recomend? And lets assume you're giving a answer with only their best interests in mind, not your bottom line. And defend your answer! I've seen similar posts on other boards where people just say something like "Glock 19 - Perfection.", lets try harder :-P]]>
Here are my justifications:

I consider 6 shots to be adequate for a self defense scenario if of a decent caliber. I like high capacity as much as anyone else but in reality when reading about self defense scenarios capacity rarely seems an issue.

Reliability of course doesn't need mentioning. I wouldnt do this, but you'd probably be ok never shooting a revolver of decent manufacture before carrying it. Again, I always shoot a gun before carrying though. But it helps that the revolver is an all enclosed system that rarely changes, no wondering if your new mag/springs/bullet will cause problems.

Ability to shoot .38's.The ability to carry a great round such as .357, yet practice cheaply with .38's shouldn't be taken for granted. This ability also comes free with all .357 revolvers :-P No conversion kits or barrels needed

Stainless finish, durable and low maintenance, whats not to love?

.357/.38 - massive spectrum of loads to choose from, light weight targets, full power magnums, snake shot, and everything in between. I can carry with magnums or switch it to .38+P if the girlfriend borrows it.

Simplicity - If i ever wanted to loan a gun to someone (it happens), most people know how a revolver works, and those that don't can be shown very quickly.

Compact - The snub nose Security Six and SP101 are reasonably compact

Durability - Ruger revolvers are built like tanks. I love my Smith and Wesson 19 but I worry about abusing it with a lot of magnum loads.

At a very close second would be the same guns with a 3 inch barrel. Depending on your carry style it might be worth it to lose a little bit of concealment, but gain a full length ejector rod.

So what are your thoughts? Lets keep it to guns that are in production, or were at sometime. Modifications to said guns are allowed, but don't fabricate a gun out of thin air. The concept I'm looking for is if you were a gunshop owner and someone comes in and asks for 1 gun to last a life time, what would you recomend? And lets assume you're giving a answer with only their best interests in mind, not your bottom line. And defend your answer! I've seen similar posts on other boards where people just say something like "Glock 19 - Perfection.", lets try harder :-P]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=41 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:25:36 -0500 MDPuckett84 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=41 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=40 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:37:14 -0600 MDPuckett84 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=40




New slim width:



With the the siblings, Springfield Loaded (top) and Springfield EMP 9mm (bottom)

]]>




New slim width:



With the the siblings, Springfield Loaded (top) and Springfield EMP 9mm (bottom)

]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=39 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:33:21 -0600 Cutaway http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=39







Man-portable nordenfelt gun of the Soviet era that apparently provided 'near minigun' performance by combining the ROF but to be suitable for a soldier to handle. It uses the 7.62x39mm round but the ammo supply was limited as the weapon is magazine fed.

The Pribor-3B assault rifle still worked but was also quite hard to control due to the recoil force, Cartridge ejection is downwards BEHIND the magazine area as the weapon uses a gas/recoil operaton similar to that used in the AN94 Abakan assault rifle currently used by Russian special forces. Another variant of the Pribor-3B was made from AKM smilar parts to ease production. The Pribor-3B would be more practical as a tripod mounted machine gun if its possible to make a belt feed device for it.]]>







Man-portable nordenfelt gun of the Soviet era that apparently provided 'near minigun' performance by combining the ROF but to be suitable for a soldier to handle. It uses the 7.62x39mm round but the ammo supply was limited as the weapon is magazine fed.

The Pribor-3B assault rifle still worked but was also quite hard to control due to the recoil force, Cartridge ejection is downwards BEHIND the magazine area as the weapon uses a gas/recoil operaton similar to that used in the AN94 Abakan assault rifle currently used by Russian special forces. Another variant of the Pribor-3B was made from AKM smilar parts to ease production. The Pribor-3B would be more practical as a tripod mounted machine gun if its possible to make a belt feed device for it.]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=38 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:55:05 -0600 hecate http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=38
Thanks.]]>
Thanks.]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=37 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:02:19 -0600 MDPuckett84 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=37 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=36 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:01:34 -0600 MDPuckett84 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=36 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=35 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:00:33 -0600 MDPuckett84 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=35 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=34 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 10:57:22 -0600 kristen http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=34







]]>







]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=33 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:24:41 -0600 MDPuckett84 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=33 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=32 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:32:54 -0600 MDPuckett84 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=32
Ruger LCP .380 Pocket Pistol
Why consider a revolver for CCW ?



LCP on top of the Smith and Wesson



Side by side



In their respective DeSantis Nemesis holsters.]]>
Ruger LCP .380 Pocket Pistol
Why consider a revolver for CCW ?



LCP on top of the Smith and Wesson



Side by side



In their respective DeSantis Nemesis holsters.]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=31 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:06:28 -0600 MDPuckett84 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=31
I had heard of the new Ruger LCP through other gun forums a few months before so I started looking in this direction. I owned a KelTec P3AT before my J Frame and enjoyed it, and the Ruger is obviously very similar. In my opinion the grip on the LCP is a significant advantage between the two, although the KelTec is smaller. Although the slide stop is only useful for inspection and does not engage when the magazine is empty, it is a nice addition as well.

The Ruger has a capacity of 6+1 in .380. While I consider .380 a marginal cartridge, especially in a barrel this short it is definitely better than nothing at all. I carry my LCP with Hornady’s 90gr XTP round which has been accurate and actually very comfortable to shoot in this little gun.

While the sights are typical for this gun (almost non-existent) I found it to be decently accurate once I adjusted to the trigger. I did not have any trouble keeping the shots in the center of a target at 7 yards, which I would consider the maximum practical distance to shoot with this gun. As I mentioned before the Hornady XTP proved very accurate, more so than the Remington practice rounds I was shooting before.

As always with a gun this small there is a valid concern for reliability. Thus far my Ruger has fired 200 FMJ and a box of the Hornady with no problems at all. However, to keep this reliability I encourage regular cleaning of the weapon if it is carried, more so than with a J frame or other small revolver. The pocket is a dirty place for a gun and lint or debris in the wrong location could cause a jam at a really bad time.

In conclusion this is an excellent addition to my collection. While it doesn’t offer the power of the J frame, its size allows it to come along anywhere. It is almost much more comfortable to shoot with carry loads than the J frame is. If not for a “primary” carry, it also makes an excellent back up gun. I encourage anyone who carries to take a look at the LCP.

*Note* This article would be incomplete with out mentioning that there is now a safety recall on the earlier model Ruger LCPs. Although it is always disapointing to have a recall on a new weapon it appears that Ruger's well known excellent customer service is at work again. They are covering shipping both ways, installing other upgrades (details unknown to me), and returning the pistol with a free magazine with pinky extension. Claimed turn around time is slightly longer than 1 week. You can find out more about the recall at Ruger's website.



The Ruger LCP holds 6 rounds of .380 in the magazine and 1 in the chamber.



The LCP is pictured here with the cloth carrying case that comes with it, as well as the DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. The carrying case works well for keeping the LCP in a car console or carry bag.



Close up of the gun only. Note the slide release and grip, the two characteristics that distinguish the LCP from the P3AT.



My carry load, the Hornady XTP is both accurate and soft shooting. It shoots a 90gr bullet at 1000fps.

More pictures can be found here:

Ruger LCP vs Smith and Wesson J frame]]>
I had heard of the new Ruger LCP through other gun forums a few months before so I started looking in this direction. I owned a KelTec P3AT before my J Frame and enjoyed it, and the Ruger is obviously very similar. In my opinion the grip on the LCP is a significant advantage between the two, although the KelTec is smaller. Although the slide stop is only useful for inspection and does not engage when the magazine is empty, it is a nice addition as well.

The Ruger has a capacity of 6+1 in .380. While I consider .380 a marginal cartridge, especially in a barrel this short it is definitely better than nothing at all. I carry my LCP with Hornady’s 90gr XTP round which has been accurate and actually very comfortable to shoot in this little gun.

While the sights are typical for this gun (almost non-existent) I found it to be decently accurate once I adjusted to the trigger. I did not have any trouble keeping the shots in the center of a target at 7 yards, which I would consider the maximum practical distance to shoot with this gun. As I mentioned before the Hornady XTP proved very accurate, more so than the Remington practice rounds I was shooting before.

As always with a gun this small there is a valid concern for reliability. Thus far my Ruger has fired 200 FMJ and a box of the Hornady with no problems at all. However, to keep this reliability I encourage regular cleaning of the weapon if it is carried, more so than with a J frame or other small revolver. The pocket is a dirty place for a gun and lint or debris in the wrong location could cause a jam at a really bad time.

In conclusion this is an excellent addition to my collection. While it doesn’t offer the power of the J frame, its size allows it to come along anywhere. It is almost much more comfortable to shoot with carry loads than the J frame is. If not for a “primary” carry, it also makes an excellent back up gun. I encourage anyone who carries to take a look at the LCP.

*Note* This article would be incomplete with out mentioning that there is now a safety recall on the earlier model Ruger LCPs. Although it is always disapointing to have a recall on a new weapon it appears that Ruger's well known excellent customer service is at work again. They are covering shipping both ways, installing other upgrades (details unknown to me), and returning the pistol with a free magazine with pinky extension. Claimed turn around time is slightly longer than 1 week. You can find out more about the recall at Ruger's website.



The Ruger LCP holds 6 rounds of .380 in the magazine and 1 in the chamber.



The LCP is pictured here with the cloth carrying case that comes with it, as well as the DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. The carrying case works well for keeping the LCP in a car console or carry bag.



Close up of the gun only. Note the slide release and grip, the two characteristics that distinguish the LCP from the P3AT.



My carry load, the Hornady XTP is both accurate and soft shooting. It shoots a 90gr bullet at 1000fps.

More pictures can be found here:

Ruger LCP vs Smith and Wesson J frame]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=30 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:55:09 -0600 Astynax http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=30


Holds 8+1.

Record-breaking weapon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7wL2QuFTLQ]]>


Holds 8+1.

Record-breaking weapon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7wL2QuFTLQ]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=29 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:16:36 -0600 kristen http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=29

Here's the gun:


Beautiful, huh? But wait! that's not all! I'm gonna make it pink! Here's an example with an EMP.

And last of all here's the holster I want!


October 5th can't come fast enough 10 1/2 months left.]]>

Here's the gun:


Beautiful, huh? But wait! that's not all! I'm gonna make it pink! Here's an example with an EMP.

And last of all here's the holster I want!


October 5th can't come fast enough 10 1/2 months left.]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=28 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:43:51 -0600 Sydney http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=28 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=27 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:28:43 -0600 Sydney http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=27

[attachment=16]]]>

[attachment=16]]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=26 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:24:42 -0600 Sydney http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=26
Sydney]]>
Sydney]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=25 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:33:01 -0600 MDPuckett84 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=25
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/LCPRecall/index.html

Ruger has recently received a small number of reports from the field indicating that LCP pistols can discharge when dropped onto a hard surface with a round in the chamber. We are firmly committed to safety and would like to retrofit all older LCP Pistols. The retrofit involves installation of an upgraded hammer mechanism at no charge to the customer.
Retrofitted LCP

We want to remind gun users that, for maximum safety when carrying any pistol with a loaded magazine in place, the chamber should be empty, and the slide should be closed. Any gun may fire if dropped or struck.

How to determine if your pistol needs the retrofit: All LCP pistols bearing prefix “370” (that is, serial number 370-xxxxx) may be affected. Newly manufactured and retrofitted “370” prefix LCP pistols with the new hammer mechanism installed have been marked with a diamond in the flat portion of the slot just behind and below the hammer as shown to the right. Going forward, new pistols will be marked with the serial number prefix “371” (serial number 371-xxxxx). Pistols with the “371” prefix are not affected.

Visit the link above to find out about sending your LCP in to be fixed]]>
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/LCPRecall/index.html

Ruger has recently received a small number of reports from the field indicating that LCP pistols can discharge when dropped onto a hard surface with a round in the chamber. We are firmly committed to safety and would like to retrofit all older LCP Pistols. The retrofit involves installation of an upgraded hammer mechanism at no charge to the customer.
Retrofitted LCP

We want to remind gun users that, for maximum safety when carrying any pistol with a loaded magazine in place, the chamber should be empty, and the slide should be closed. Any gun may fire if dropped or struck.

How to determine if your pistol needs the retrofit: All LCP pistols bearing prefix “370” (that is, serial number 370-xxxxx) may be affected. Newly manufactured and retrofitted “370” prefix LCP pistols with the new hammer mechanism installed have been marked with a diamond in the flat portion of the slot just behind and below the hammer as shown to the right. Going forward, new pistols will be marked with the serial number prefix “371” (serial number 371-xxxxx). Pistols with the “371” prefix are not affected.

Visit the link above to find out about sending your LCP in to be fixed]]> http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=24 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:54:21 -0600 MDPuckett84 http://www.gunbytes.com/showthread.php?tid=24