Gun Thread: Second November Edition!

Howdy, Y'all! Welcome to the wondrously fabulous Gun Thread! As always, I want to thank all of our regulars for being here week in and week out, and also offer a bigly Gun Thread welcome to any newcomers who may be joining us tonight. Howdy and thank you for stopping by! I hope you find our wacky conversation on the subject of guns 'n shooting both enjoyable and informative. You are always welcome to lurk in the shadows of shame, but I'd like to invite you to jump into the conversation, say howdy, and tell us what kind of shooting you like to do!

Holy Shitballs! How in the ever-loving Hell did it get to be the Second November Edition? Just look at the calendar!

Breaking: Looks like we are striking Iran tonight. Feel free to discuss in the comments, just please don't go bananas and get into a fracas with your fellow commenters. Thanks.

With that, step into the dojo and let's get to the gun stuff below, shall we?

******
FUNdamentals

Optics fundamentals. FFP vs SFP.

Fall is in the air, and soon the misery of winter will be upon us. Are you an indoor shooter, an outdoor shooter, or both?

******
.223 vs 5.56

***

******
More Shiny Guns

Honestly, not a fan. How about you?

******
Buying Used Guns

I like old guns which means I have purchased a lot of used guns. Stick with established sellers and you are unlikely to have a problem.

******
Comando!

We surrender! We surrender!

******
Titan II

It's a big 'un!

******
Our Pal Steam

******
Highway Patrol!

This week's episode: Double Copter!

******
Giant From The Unknown!

Title checks out.

******
Cigar of the Week

This week our pal rhomboid scores again with this excellent review of the Esteban Carreras Chupacabra Hellcat.

Any relatively new cigar smoker and certainly any newbies is understandably amazed at the enormous numbers of brands and selections available today. Industry veterans can confirm that it's a golden age in this respect. Well one of the many brands I've never tried - wasn't even on my radar - is Esteban Carreras. My favorite local shop had an event with the Carreras rep, so I snapped up a few of their wares.
Among the brand's main lines is the Chupacabra, which is available in a habano, natural, and MSA (Mexican San Andres) version, the last one being the kind I tried. Nice looking dark brown, light in the hand, neatly box-pressed, in this case the toro (6.5 X 54). Mine had a normal finished cap, not the pigtail mentioned in online descriptions, but the foot was indeed a shaggy closed foot as those sources mention. The burn was fairly well behaved, requiring occasional touch-ups. The smoke production was impressive, and the smoke was rich and thick. Draw was perfect. This stick reminded me of a few of my favorite broadleaf or MSA cigars. A distinct sweetness, and notes of chocolate, coffee, earth. Smooth throughout, and with the luxuriant smoke made for an indulgent relaxing experience. Very enjoyable, a good first impression for a new-to-me brand. The Chupacabra Hellcat is available online for $7.25 and up.

Excellent as always, rhomboid! Thank you!

***

Here are some different online cigar vendors. You will find they not only carry different brands and different lines from those brands, but also varying selections of vitolas (sizes/shapes) of given lines. It's good to have options, especially if you're looking for a specific cigar.

Cigarsinternational.com
Cigarpage.com
Famous-smoke.com
Cigarsdaily.com
Neptunecigar.com
Smallbatchcigar.com
Bobalu Cigar Company
Cigarbid.com
Nicks Cigar World New!

A note about sources. The brick & mortar/online divide exists with cigars, as with guns, and most consumer products, with respect to price. As with guns - since both are "persecuted industries", basically - I make a conscious effort to source at least some of my cigars from my local store(s). It's a small thing, but the brick & mortar segment for both guns and tobacco are precious, and worth supporting where you can. And if you're lucky enough to have a good cigar store/lounge available, they're often a good social event with many dangerous people of the sort who own scary gunz, or read smart military blogs like this one. -rhomboid

Anyone have others to include? Perhaps a small local roller who makes a cigar you like? Send me your recommendation and a link to the site!

******

Ammo Link-O-Rama
I'm really very seriously not kidding around anymore. Buy Ammo
AmmoSeek - online ammo search tool
GunBot - online ammo search tool
SG Ammo
Palmetto State Armory
Georgia Arms
AmmoMan
Target Sports USA
Bud's Gun Shop
American Elite Ammo
Lucky Gunner Ammo NEW!

******

Please note the new and improved protonmail account gunthread at protonmail dot com. An informal Gun Thread archive can be found HERE. Future expansion plans are in the works for the site Weasel Gun Thread. If you have a question you would like to ask Gun Thread Staff offline, just send us a note and we'll do our best to answer. If you care to share the story of your favorite firearm, send a picture with your nic and tell us what you sadly lost in the tragic canoe accident. If you would like to remain completely anonymous, just say so. Lurkers are always welcome!

That's it for this week - have you been to the range?

Posted by: Weasel at 07:00 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Good evening everyone

Posted by: Skip at November 08, 2026 07:00 PM (Ia/+0)

2 Yay! Gubs!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 08, 2026 07:00 PM (9YDB8)

3 Bang

Posted by: Kratwurst at November 08, 2026 07:01 PM (9gKa/)

4 Thank you Weasel.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at November 08, 2026 07:02 PM (CHHv1)

5 Hello, Weasel!

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 07:04 PM (iXzAN)

6 Anyone ever have a sear break on a striker fired pistol? Snapped in half with maybe 10,000 rounds through it.

Posted by: Kratwurst at November 08, 2026 07:05 PM (9gKa/)

7 Never underestimate a Chihuahua.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at November 08, 2026 07:05 PM (0sNs1)

8
You gun nuts held Her Majesty prisoner today. She was parked at a hookup for the dog show at the Humble arena near the Civic Center, where a gun show was being held. Two trucks parked next to her, boxing her in. They delayed her departure for several hours.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at November 08, 2026 07:07 PM (eRlcH)

9
>>Looks like we are striking Iran tonight.

================

How hard? If it's going to be like our previous strikes, I'll wait for the last-minute suspension followed by an announcement of a possible deal.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at November 08, 2026 07:07 PM (XJ22o)

10 I'm almost entirely an indoor shooter. The last time I shot outdoors was last year's TX MoMe.

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 07:07 PM (iXzAN)

11 Looks like we are striking Iran tonight.

If Trump finally hits IRGC/Iranian elite neighborhoods I'll wonder why he didn't do it months ago...

Posted by: 18-1 at November 08, 2026 07:09 PM (sKqQm)

12 Kratwurst, no, but I did have the recoil stop pin (or whatever it's called) on my XD9 break after a zillion rounds. Easy replacement, Springfield sent me the tiny roll pin gratis.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:09 PM (U/Byj)

13 Ĥave to do it before the Socialists take over andxstat shoveling money their way again

Posted by: Skip at November 08, 2026 07:10 PM (Ia/+0)

14
Breaking: Looks like we are striking Iran tonight.

Send in the chihuahuas!

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 08, 2026 07:10 PM (Cqx++)

15 One of the things we wanted to come out with was a channel on the Iranian side, which we did. They were like, ‘OK, fine, we’ll send somebody from the IRGC to go hang out in Doha with somebody from CENTCOM,’ and that’s how we’re going to settle a lot of these disputes.

Posted by: Jaydee at November 08, 2026 07:11 PM (4QjQj)

16 One has to work up to a fracas.

You don't just go barging in.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at November 08, 2026 07:12 PM (lbtIB)

17 Rhomboid,
Great review.
My Xmas list grows. I hope Santa is paying attention.

Posted by: Diogenes at November 08, 2026 07:13 PM (2WIwB)

18 Qeshm strikes apparently confirmed, but pretty sure we had some unacknowledged ones recently. CENTCOM set a debatable standard of anodyne releases after strikes in the first two phases of this. But pretty sure they just kept mum on recent ones, perhaps yet another bit of hand-holding for the public that doesn't deserve their service.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:14 PM (U/Byj)

19 One has to work up to a fracas.

You don't just go barging in.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at November 08, 2026 07:12 PM

Indeed. Never go straight to triple-dog dare.

Posted by: Ralphie at November 08, 2026 07:14 PM (0sNs1)

20 Indoor/Outdoor?

Yes.

Amirite, Red?

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 08, 2026 07:14 PM (V7nuf)

21 Springfield sent me the tiny roll pin gratis.
Posted by: rhomboid

I just ordered a new one. Sig P365xl. I didn’t think these get much punishment in normal operation.

Posted by: Kratwurst at November 08, 2026 07:15 PM (9gKa/)

22 Range report

Went with son #1 MAE and LazyMessenger to our usual haunt. I got hugs.

Focused on trigger pull, fast (for me) and rhythmic. 3 shots per 2 seconds, so not fast but getting there.

Went to breakfast with son. Got home and talked to Marine.

My heart had a very happy day.

Posted by: nurse ratched. at November 08, 2026 07:15 PM (yEz+x)

23 "Breaking: Looks like we are striking Iran tonight."

Last I saw in the Post was PDT said it was unlikely as long as negotiations were ongoing. Did negotiations break down again?

Posted by: Tuna at November 08, 2026 07:15 PM (lJ0H4)

24 Diogenes this stick really was nice. Simple. My palate is famously pedestrian, and "complexity" means nothing to me, though it is a highly desired trait for most aficionados. This cigar was more what I'm always seeking - a pleasant smooth stick with great construction and smoke.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:15 PM (U/Byj)

25 Well, I'll ask that question ... "How hard do you think the communists are going to go after firearms in the next Congress Weasle?"

Posted by: Gmac-WTF did you think was going to happen at November 08, 2026 07:17 PM (Q/FnY)

26 My heart had a very happy day.
Posted by: nurse ratched. at November 08, 2026 07:15 PM

{{{nurse}}}

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 08, 2026 07:17 PM (V7nuf)

27 Diogenes this stick really was nice. Simple. My palate is famously pedestrian, and "complexity" means nothing to me, though it is a highly desired trait for most aficionados. This cigar was more what I'm always seeking - a pleasant smooth stick with great construction and smoke.
Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:15 PM

Pro tip: Buy more.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at November 08, 2026 07:17 PM (0sNs1)

28 Re: the noise dialogue discussion that I mostly missed from the other day and cigars

From 'Cast a Deadly Spell'

'That's great but I got better things to do than listen to you sound off and suck on a smouldering chair leg.'

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at November 08, 2026 07:19 PM (lbtIB)

29 Indoor/Outdoor?

Yes.

Amirite, Red?
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 08, 2026 07:14 PM (V7nuf)

Yes. However, very much weighted on outdoor. The wx up here has been extremely cooperative for November. I’ve recently shot .308, 6.5, .45 and .22.
And reloaded a metric sh*t-ton when I should have been outdoors enjoying the wx.

Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 07:19 PM (zYph5)

30 Noise=noir

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at November 08, 2026 07:19 PM (lbtIB)

31 Diogenes this stick really was nice. Simple. My palate is famously pedestrian, and "complexity" means nothing to me, though it is a highly desired trait for most aficionados. This cigar was more what I'm always seeking - a pleasant smooth stick with great construction and smoke.
Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:15 PM
***

I look forward to trying one.

Posted by: Diogenes at November 08, 2026 07:20 PM (2WIwB)

32 Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 07:19 PM

It has been remarkably clement for November up here. Might even get some shooting in over Thanksgiving week.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 08, 2026 07:21 PM (V7nuf)

33 Good evening gubthreaders and all the ships at sea!

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 08, 2026 07:22 PM (NlEaG)

34 Rhomboid,
I just discovered a new cigar store on the local reservation. Nice lounge too.
More interesting reviews to come.

Posted by: Diogenes at November 08, 2026 07:23 PM (2WIwB)

35 Things keep getting in the way of getting to the range with the DMV MGC. This will go down on our permanent record, I am sure.

I have at least purchased ammo.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 08, 2026 07:24 PM (NlEaG)

36 Next Congress should not have veto-override numbers, would think further 2A abuse will be performative DOA stuff.

And of course there's still SCOTUS to slap down egregious infringements.

I crack myself up! Try the veal.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:24 PM (U/Byj)

37 Diogenes does the res have tax advantages? Dunno your state excise tax (some are outrageous), but that would be nice too.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:25 PM (U/Byj)

38 Pro-tip: if you buy a .357 you have just added 2 calibers to your stack. The creep is real.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 08, 2026 07:25 PM (NlEaG)

39 Had another good (well, for me) group range time (some may recall our occasional group outings...)
This was 9MM day - and what a mix! Kuna, FPC, Echelon, two different Legions, Canick Rival, Kimber Micro 9 Rapide, and two different Walthers.

Usual setup, everyone shot their primaries with focus on grip, stance, etc., then switch off. It's fascinating how different such "similar" firearms can feel.

Best new thing for me was the FPC w/Romeo MSR. The FPC was kinda neat, but the Romeo was impressive.

Of course, as we finished up, I took the time to demonstrate the superiority of JMB (PBUH) 1911 in .45...

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 07:26 PM (pfXMo)

40 Diogenes does the res have tax advantages? Dunno your state excise tax (some are outrageous), but that would be nice too.
Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026

It's a wash.
Fewer taxes (there are several) but they charge a dash more. But just to have some place to go and enjoy a cigar is worth the difference.
The smoke nazis here are true scum.

Posted by: Diogenes at November 08, 2026 07:29 PM (2WIwB)

41 I aired out the Glock 21 last week. I try to always start with a cold draw and several shots at 7-15 yards with no prep. 2 hand, 1 hand, weak hand.
Just simulating real need and use.
After, I drill on fundamentals. And inhale the smell of freedom.
.45 ACP is an awesome cartridge.

Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 07:30 PM (zYph5)

42 Hi weasel, hope you’re doing well. I’m still in mourning over the untimely demise of my state.
I don’t have a range report but went to the local gun club Saturday to look at a SW Bodyguard and SW EZ Shield 380. It was pretty crowded and I asked the guy if they’ve been busier than usual. He said yes, beginning on Wed and expects it to keep ramping up. We exchanged other unpleasantries about the electorate which I won’t repeat.

Posted by: TxAnn at November 08, 2026 07:30 PM (itAg7)

43 Range report from a100% outdoors shooter. If it ain't raining you ain't training.
My first love is the 12 gauge but time got away on me and it has been so many months with just the rifle. It took me 4 missed rabbits before getting back into proper form.
Did i mention that i like shotguns three most? So much more simple. So much more fun.
Howdy, weasel. Thanks for the thread every week. It's my aoshq highlight for sure.

Posted by: Nato at November 08, 2026 07:31 PM (/gRsd)

44 And inhale the smell of freedom.
.45 ACP is an awesome cartridge.
Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 07:30 PM

Must be nice to live in a free-ish state. I need to get up there once the real estate market doesn't suck.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 08, 2026 07:33 PM (V7nuf)

45 TxAnn I was about to mention that as we go through the next 2 years, there might be another gun/ammo panic (or several), to some degree. Fall of '28 I'd expect one, almost certainly.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:34 PM (U/Byj)

46 there might be another gun/ammo panic"

Thus the constant admonition - buy more ammo.

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 07:35 PM (pfXMo)

47 In their absence this week, I hope you won't mind, given the possible consequences of the probable electoral shenanigans this week, if I repeat his mantras for our edification and immediate implementation:

1. Exercise and hone your foundational abilities.
2. Procure additional cartridges, stat.
3. Eschew suboptimal objects and actions, particularly if they oscillate randomly.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at November 08, 2026 07:36 PM (0sNs1)

48 Howdy!

Posted by: Puddleglum, drive by pew pew at November 08, 2026 07:36 PM (sAmhv)

49 If you do as weasel says - buy ammo at all times - then you aren't worried about ammo panics.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 08, 2026 07:37 PM (NlEaG)

50 if I repeat his mantras for our edification and immediate implementation:..."

Especially since the solid waste seems to be on the verge of impacting the rotating vanes.

Or something.

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 07:38 PM (pfXMo)

51 If you do as weasel says - buy ammo at all times - then you aren't worried about ammo panics.
Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 08, 2026 07:37 PM

This guy gets it.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 08, 2026 07:38 PM (V7nuf)

52 If you do as weasel says - buy ammo at all times - then you aren't worried about ammo panics.
Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 08, 2026 07:37 PM (NlEaG)

I'd do the same thing when it comes to magazines, too. Especially standard AR-15 magazines or your long guns of choice.

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 07:40 PM (iXzAN)

53 I did my part to participate in the upcoming ammo panic by ordering a bunch of large rifle and large pistol primers.

SGammo.com has been sending me daily emails claiming the demand for ammunition has skyrocketed. I see no reason to doubt them.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at November 08, 2026 07:40 PM (FZzOq)

54 The left intends to go all the way with this cake, the steal was just the first layer. The firearm registration and confiscation will not even be the top layer, much less the icing on their demonic cake. The icing will be the boxcars.

Posted by: Eromero at November 08, 2026 07:41 PM (LHPAg)

55 45 TxAnn I was about to mention that as we go through the next 2 years, there might be another gun/ammo panic (or several), to some degree. Fall of '28 I'd expect one, almost certainly.
Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:34 PM (U/Byj)

Was talking to my next door neighbor this afternoon about how they were unusually silent on anything gun related in all of their ads. But on Dday +1, one of the commies mentioned a universal gun registration. I will heeding Weasel’s sage advice to load up.

Posted by: TxAnn at November 08, 2026 07:42 PM (itAg7)

56 I'm really in a position where unloading some ammo would be helpful (storage space, no chance I'm ever going to use that much), but I might wait a bit and see if we start to get Panic Premiums showing up with ammo. Mostly 54R in spam cans. I'll shoot a bunch more but not close to the pile I have. I describe my stocks as probably equal to those of a Red Army rifle platoon on the northern shoulder of the Kursk salient in 1943.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:42 PM (U/Byj)

57 Beautiful sunny autumn weather here this weekend. Saturday I took kids #1 & #4 (17yo & 11yo) to the rock bit for shooting. I forgot the shotgun shells, but we still shot the AR-15, 10/22, 30-06, and Glock 19. The 30-06 you all helped me zero shot great. I was knocking down cans and boxes on my first try at least 150 yards away. My 11yo had only shot once before. I was proud of how well she followed safety rules. For four hours she hardly set the Ruger down. Since we had orange clay pigeons, I let her strew those about, and she blasted them to bits.

Posted by: frammish at November 08, 2026 07:42 PM (rcENI)

58 Eschew suboptimal objects and actions, particularly if they oscillate randomly.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at November 08, 2026 07:36 PM (0sNs1)

Unplanned lateral excursions, too.

Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 07:43 PM (HdjQ+)

59 Posted by: frammish at November 08, 2026 07:42 PM

Outstanding!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 08, 2026 07:44 PM (V7nuf)

60 Pretty good on primers, should check. That's always the worst component during panics. Thus I have laid in substantial quantities over the years.

Not sure there will be full-blown panics next 2 years, but in run-up to next presidential, some, and if the wrong side prevails that November - yowzah.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:44 PM (U/Byj)

61 I expect that mail order cigar and pipe tobacco sales will soon be prohibited, too. For the children! After all, if it isn't shut down we will continue to see gangs of teenagers puffing on $20 Cohibas and $200 meerscham pipes on every street corner!

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at November 08, 2026 07:46 PM (FZzOq)

62 Evening, Weasel, and Gun Thread folks. Gun stuff to report! I got my buddy's ancient Browning Auto 5 to cycle properly. Cleaned old gunk out of the action, and off the exterior of the magazine tube. Lubed it with Seafoam Deep Creep, which claims on its label to be suitable for firearms. Put it all back together, and tried to fire 3 rounds of Winchester Xpert 1 1/8 oz. target loads. Bang! Soft recoil, failure to eject. Twice in succession. Not optimal. Consulted Browning manual on Internet. Hmmm... Friction rings not assembled in sequence that Browning recommends for light loads. Shuffle rings around, reassemble. Load three rounds. Bang, bang, bang. Just like that. The three hulls fell within a foot of each other. My caragana hedge took a beating. The recoil was more like one would expect from a 12 gauge.

Buddy has his humpback back. It's an oldie, too, pre-1951.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 08, 2026 07:46 PM (yky4J)

63 Anybody here tried to renew Texas CC since OCT 2026?

Posted by: Eromero at November 08, 2026 07:47 PM (LHPAg)

64 Yep, rhomboid. Walmart is carrying some reloading components now. Just grabbed a 1k box of Winchester Large Rifle primers.

Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 07:47 PM (HdjQ+)

65 Good evening Horde. Thanks Weasel!

Posted by: TRex - ammo hoarder dino at November 08, 2026 07:47 PM (XfIK1)

66 The left intends to go all the way with this cake, the steal was just the first layer. The firearm registration and confiscation will not even be the top layer, much less the icing on their demonic cake. The icing will be the boxcars.
Posted by: Eromero at November 08, 2026 07:41 PM

Iron ... words ... Eromero ... for all Morons to see.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at November 08, 2026 07:48 PM (0sNs1)

67 Wow Weasel. What great content tonight!

Range day for function check on my Glock 19. Trigger gritty enough to mess with finding the break. Better but still not right. Must be hidden grime somewhere.

Posted by: YellowBird at November 08, 2026 07:48 PM (MEbkQ)

68

With the demons wanting to have a gun registrey, how will they know who has guns.

We have guns we bought decades ago. Do the evil people have access to records from years ago?

Posted by: four seasons at November 08, 2026 07:51 PM (/QHx4)

69 Idaho Spud, wish you were joking (and hope to gawd nothing like this happens). But -

A few years back, when the FDA (spit) was trying to gut the premium cigar industry, they had commissioned a study on precisely the subject of minors and cigars. Surprise! Minors are no part of the premium cigar market, and the industry doesn't acknowledge their existence. Of course.

Nonetheless they persisted with their idiotic effort. In a blessing that passeth understanding, an Obama-appointed judge who of course is pretty useless overall ruled in the industry's favor. Note: even though *their own study* completely vitiated their purported reason for regulation, they didn't change their approach at all.

Similar to CDC publishing (having funded) the Nth meta-study showing no efficacy for masks in preventing transmission of airborne viruses - the same month (May '20) they changed their official guidance from no masks to oh hell yeah masks. In many ways a clownshow country any more.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:52 PM (U/Byj)

70 We have guns we bought decades ago. Do the evil people have access to records from years ago?

Posted by: four seasons at November 08, 2026 07:51 PM
Did you fill out a form?

Posted by: Eromero at November 08, 2026 07:52 PM (LHPAg)

71 60 Not sure there will be full-blown panics next 2 years, but in run-up to next presidential, some, and if the wrong side prevails that November - yowzah.
Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:44 PM (U/Byj)

I can’t even go there yet mentally. It’s times like these I remember what 9th Circuit Judge Alex Kozinski wrote in a dissenting opinion in 2003:

“The Second Amendment is a doomsday provision, one designed for those exceptionally rare circumstances where all other rights have failed - where the government refuses to stand for reelection and silences those who protest; where courts have lost the courage to oppose, or can find no one to enforce their decrees. However improbable these contingencies may seem today, facing them unprepared is a mistake a free people get to make only once.”

Posted by: TxAnn at November 08, 2026 07:53 PM (itAg7)

72 YellowBird, have you swapped out for a 3.5 lb. trigger bar? Extremely easy and cures a lot.

Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 07:54 PM (zYph5)

73
Husband wants to know if background checks will play into the records of gun purchases.

Who knows.

Posted by: four seasons at November 08, 2026 07:55 PM (/QHx4)

74 Gun registries are so useful. Canada dumped their rifle registry after a few decades when a non-insane government was in power and asked the RCMP - how many cases has the registry helped solve or prosecute?

I believe the answer was Zero (AOP can correct me).

After 30+ years of the idiocy.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:56 PM (U/Byj)

75 how will they know who has guns."

There's going to be a rash of unfortunate canoe and kayak accidents...

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 07:57 PM (pfXMo)

76 I'm pretty well stocked but bought 1500 rnds the day after. Felt a little better after that. I don't know know why. Unless I get a machine gun I'll never use it all up.

Posted by: fd at November 08, 2026 07:57 PM (MWfyi)

77 when the FDA (spit) was trying to gut the premium cigar industry,"

No one ever understood what those idiots wanted to accomplish...

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 07:59 PM (pfXMo)

78 Unless I get a machine gun I'll never use it all up.
Posted by: fd at November 08, 2026 07:57 PM

Stoner 63s are fun.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at November 08, 2026 07:59 PM (0sNs1)

79 With the likely upcoming panics/shortages/etc after the elections I'll add this to weasel's admonition to buy ammo. LEARN TO HAND LOAD. And emphasize getting primers. Primers are the one component with no work around. Regular powder charges, not atomic level, let brass get used several times if not a lot more. Cast bullets can be made that will do for many if not most shooting needs. An 8 pound cask of powder should cover your needs for years and maybe three powders will cover most shooting needs. The idea is to be able to shoot for fun and hunting. (Specialized purposes, like long range competition, is another matter.) The tools for handloading don't have to be expensive and should last a lifetime. This applies to metallic cartridges and shotgun shells.

I'll heroically refrain from bringing traditional muzzleloading into the discussion.

Posted by: JTB at November 08, 2026 08:00 PM (yTvNw)

80 With the demons wanting to have a gun registrey, how will they know who has guns.

We have guns we bought decades ago. Do the evil people have access to records from years ago?

Posted by: four seasons at November 08, 2026 07:51 PM (/QHx4)

Well, if our experience in Canada is any guide, they don't. When the Liberal filth brought in their long gun registry years ago, the compliance rate was very tiny; basically only new purchases got registered. And prosecutions for non-registered firearms basically only occurred when the party involved came to the notice of cops for some other reason, often of their own making.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 08, 2026 08:01 PM (yky4J)

81 I believe the answer was Zero (AOP can correct me).

After 30+ years of the idiocy.
Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 07:56 PM (U/Byj)

About right. And I do not trust the political hacks in RCMP management to have properly destroyed the registry records, either. Some slime has kept a copy squirreled away. Irony is, most of those compliant ones would have been on the Left.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 08, 2026 08:04 PM (yky4J)

82 "Stoner 63s are fun.
Posted by: Duncanthrax"

I would like a BAR for thinning trees.

Posted by: fd at November 08, 2026 08:05 PM (MWfyi)

83 We have guns we bought decades ago. Do the evil people have access to records from years ago?

They'll get a magistrate judge to sign a search warrant to enter your house and inventory every firearm. Nah, I'm kidding, no judge would ever do something like that.

Posted by: Oddbob at November 08, 2026 08:05 PM (vTZFs)

84 Buddy has his humpback back. It's an oldie, too, pre-1951.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 08, 2026 07:46 PM

Got a couple of those in 16 and 20. Lovely guns.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 08, 2026 08:06 PM (V7nuf)

85 Ordered a S&W Model 27 Classic should come in this week. Been enjoying shooting the Mdoel 52 a lot. Just at an indoor range, but it's really fun shooting.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at November 08, 2026 08:09 PM (P4bJX)

86 *types*
*deletes*

Posted by: nurse ratched. at November 08, 2026 08:09 PM (wuYg+)

87 I would like a BAR for thinning trees.
Posted by: fd at November 08, 2026 08:05 PM (MWfyi)

Why not go belt-fed? You might even be able to get an M1919A4 for less than that of a BAR.

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 08:10 PM (iXzAN)

88 Sniffy my former SEAL buddy has a Mod 27 (4 inch barrel) he got from his dad. Beautiful piece.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:11 PM (U/Byj)

89 Got a couple of those in 16 and 20. Lovely guns.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 08, 2026 08:06 PM (V7nuf)

I think that friction ring system could be amenable to some fine tuning. Possibly different sets of bronze and steel rings with different bevel angles, and recoil springs in different strengths.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 08, 2026 08:11 PM (yky4J)

90 If the left treats us like this, knowing we are armed, how much more badly will they treat us once we are disarmed?

Buy ammo!

Posted by: Diogenes at November 08, 2026 08:14 PM (2WIwB)

91 I need to stock up on .38spl and a lesser amount of .357mag for my lever gun.

Also just ordered a Gigliotti trigger for the B&T TP9 and finally get that thing sorted. Super cool gun with an absolute garbage trigger due to it being an automatic-first platform.

Posted by: ballistic at November 08, 2026 08:14 PM (oqH4h)

92 M1919 is my grail (machine) gun. Actually know a guy who's got a semi-auto version.

Sub-machine gun: PPsh-41 (or -40, for the forged metal and nicer stock).

LightMG: DP-27 (something about the pan magazine).

Large-caliber toy: 16-inch/50cal Mark 7. Kinda spendy to feed, though.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:14 PM (U/Byj)

93 Why not go belt-fed? You might even be able to get an M1919A4 for less than that of a BAR.
Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 08:10 PM (iXzAN)

A Lima Six or a Red Right Hand upper with an FRT/ARSE make for a very nice belt fed option in 5.56. Lima Six is working on a 7.62 NATO version as well.

Posted by: AZHiDesert (Gringo fuertemente armado) at November 08, 2026 08:15 PM (qsQlt)

94 "Why not go belt-fed? "

Shoot and scoot back into the swamp. 1 mag dump ought to scare em off.

Posted by: fd at November 08, 2026 08:15 PM (MWfyi)

95 I got the 4 inch too. Ihope the new ones are as good as the old ones.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at November 08, 2026 08:17 PM (P4bJX)

96 91 I need to stock up on .38spl and a lesser amount of .357mag for my lever gun....

Posted by: ballistic at November 08, 2026 08:14 PM (oqH4h)

Grok tells me go with 158 grain v 130 if you are running a suppressor.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 08, 2026 08:17 PM (NlEaG)

97 How serious am I about buying ammo? I just let myself be outbid on Gunbroker for a sporting revolver (I placed my bid two weeks ago) so I can spend the money on ammo instead.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at November 08, 2026 08:18 PM (FZzOq)

98 B&T TP9 and finally get that thing sorted. Super cool gun"

That seems to be the consensus on these PDWs...

Somehow, not for me, tho...

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 08:18 PM (pfXMo)

99 Good Sunday evening, gub 'ettes and 'rons, and a special hope-that-hearing-has-returned-on-the-starboard-side greeting to our host Weasel!

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at November 08, 2026 08:18 PM (xVpNO)

100 100!

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at November 08, 2026 08:18 PM (xVpNO)

101 Uh oh, pre-markets open down. There may be more blood in the street when the markets open.

Posted by: toby928(c) at November 08, 2026 08:19 PM (4NO2D)

102 (as they say in comedy, timing is everything...)

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at November 08, 2026 08:19 PM (xVpNO)

103 Grok tells me go with 158 grain v 130 if you are running a suppressor.
Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 08, 2026 08:17 PM (NlEaG)
---
Definitely, and yes it's got a Silencerco Spectre 9 can on the business end.

Posted by: ballistic at November 08, 2026 08:19 PM (oqH4h)

104 1 mag dump ought to scare em off."

PSA has a deal on 60 round mags...

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 08:19 PM (pfXMo)

105 Iran responds by hitting Iraq lol gas fields

Posted by: Paul at November 08, 2026 08:19 PM (3Ckv0)

106 toby you think the zipper-control shenanigans of the CEO will hit NVDA tomorrow, providing an entry point? I mean if it drops 80% it's P/E will only be 178 (I keed, I keed).

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:20 PM (U/Byj)

107 That sounds like a really good day, Nurse!

Posted by: Advo at November 08, 2026 08:20 PM (jO4mz)

108 76 I'm pretty well stocked but bought 1500 rnds the day after. Felt a little better after that. I don't know know why. Unless I get a machine gun I'll never use it all up.
Posted by: fd at November 08, 2026 07:57 PM (MWfyi)

Horde I am disappoint.

Noone has recommended how to resolve this firearm-ammo mismatch....

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 08, 2026 08:21 PM (NlEaG)

109 Uh oh, pre-markets open down. There may be more blood in the street when the markets open.
Posted by: toby928(c) at November 08, 2026 08:19 PM (4NO2D)

Considering that part of the D's platform was to stop data centers, and that the tech sector has been the primary driver of stocks going up for the last couple of years, I'd expect the markets to continue their swan dive into next year.

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 08:22 PM (iXzAN)

110 >>> 68

With the demons wanting to have a gun registrey, how will they know who has guns.

We have guns we bought decades ago. Do the evil people have access to records from years ago?

Posted by: four seasons at November 08, 2026 07:51 PM (/QHx4)

The filth have access to information about ammo purchases.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 08, 2026 08:22 PM (PgV1+)

111 Definitely, and yes it's got a Silencerco Spectre 9 can on the business end.
Posted by: ballistic at November 08, 2026 08:19 PM (oqH4h)

Have a YHM r9 that I have yet to try out on the lever.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 08, 2026 08:22 PM (NlEaG)

112
Large-caliber toy: 16-inch/50cal Mark 7. Kinda spendy to feed, though.
Posted by: rhomboid

And you need a crew to fire it.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 08, 2026 08:22 PM (Cqx++)

113 I think the realistic position to take is that the feds/batf/whomever have a pretty good idea of law-abiding persons’ guns. ATF has millions of records that they should not have. And with AI, searching is hardly a problem.
Assume that every 4473 you filled out is known. Assume that the Feds closely monitor sites like this.
The point is, you better make up your mind now what you are willing to do about it.
I suspect that the question is no longer theoretical.

Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 08:23 PM (HdjQ+)

114 Well Ed L, I guess that could be portrayed as addressing "affordability".

Drop the NASDAQ 30%, its listed stocks will definitely be more affordable.

Voila!

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:23 PM (U/Byj)

115 Considering that part of the D's platform was to stop data centers, and that the tech sector has been the primary driver of stocks"

And the tech bros are all...what happened?

I laugh

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 08:23 PM (pfXMo)

116 Definitely, and yes it's got a Silencerco Spectre 9 can on the business end.
Posted by: ballistic at November 08, 2026 08:19 PM (oqH4h)

That can works very well on an H&K SP5 that's fed 150 grain Federal Syntech subsonic ammo. Hollywood quiet.

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 08:23 PM (iXzAN)

117 100 100!
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at November 08, 2026 08:18 PM

I C what you've done.

Posted by: Gaius Kilroynius at November 08, 2026 08:25 PM (0sNs1)

118 People could have guns from great great pappy

Posted by: NCKate at November 08, 2026 08:25 PM (enNUy)

119 The original ghost gun

Posted by: NCKate at November 08, 2026 08:25 PM (enNUy)

120 toby you think the zipper-control shenanigans of the CEO will hit NVDA tomorrow, providing an entry point? I mean if it drops 80% it's P/E will only be 178 (I keed, I keed).

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:20 PM

I went hard short on NVDA using the leveraged NVDQ Friday afternoon. I had about 2/3 of my trading money in it. Basis was about 11.40. It's at 12.40 now. Me +3.6% in the last 20 minutes and about half out.

I was worried all weekend but I kept thinking that there is nothing happening to make the markets happy, so I guessed right.

In answer to your question though, I would have figured 180 as a good entry point in the stocks lifecycle and then figured to top at about 240.

I am not sure any more. I think I am going to keep shorting into any rally since I am very much playing with house money now.

Posted by: toby928(c) at November 08, 2026 08:26 PM (4NO2D)

121 A guy at my range a few years ago had a Sharps rifle he said his great grand-dad had used in the Civil War (WI unit). I imagine that one's not in the records.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:26 PM (U/Byj)

122 Bullets go right through a ghost.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 08, 2026 08:27 PM (Cqx++)

123 Noone has recommended how to resolve this firearm-ammo mismatch....
Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at November 08, 2026 08:21 PM

As has been noted here in the past, there are only two circumstances when one can have too much ammo.

1. You're drowning.
2. You're on fire.

Posted by: Gaius Kilroynius at November 08, 2026 08:27 PM (0sNs1)

124 I've picked up 5 cans on 4473 so far. And put some vert grips on some things too. Haven't changed anything over to stocks yet. Braces do okay and I spent a lot on braces. I did get some 3 printed plugs to reinforce them. If i have to go back I can just pull out the plugs.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at November 08, 2026 08:28 PM (P4bJX)

125 Thanks toby. Unlikely to nibble on any of the Mag 7/whatever they're called at this time, more a question of my plans resources and and timing.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:28 PM (U/Byj)

126 Considering that part of the D's platform was to stop data centers, and that the tech sector has been the primary driver of stocks"

And the tech bros are all...what happened?

Two factions in the D party.

The pols American oligarchs like Bezos control want data centers

The pols Chinese oligarchs control don't want American/European data centers - they want this to be a Chinese thing.

I think the Chinese ones are more associated with the DSA side and are in ascendance right now.

The question is how much money are the American oligarchs willing to lose before they fight their inparty rivals?

Posted by: 18-1 at November 08, 2026 08:29 PM (sKqQm)

127 Greatly doubt any anti-AI stuff of importance will be done on the national level. Veto pen. Plus the idiocy of it all vs. the $$ and competitive considerations. Prediction: toothless compromise bill requiring crap equivalent to an environmental impact statement. In any case, states and municipalities are bigger players on things like this.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:32 PM (U/Byj)

128 The Dems will lie and say they don't want data centers while taking money from people who do. They don't give a crap about people.

Posted by: fd at November 08, 2026 08:33 PM (MWfyi)

129 If NVDQ hits $13.00 I might get completely out. I'll be awake for a couple of more hours but after than, I'd rather take my winnings and sleep well, even if it means I wake up and go 'dammit'.

Posted by: toby928(c) at November 08, 2026 08:33 PM (4NO2D)

130 Still agog at Ruger's announced discontinuation of a huge portion of their trademark line.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:33 PM (U/Byj)

131 Kara Swisher (a podcaster, and no relation to any of the Swishers of The Horde's beloved Swisher Sweets, AFAIK) asked Hillary Clinton “So Madam Secretary, has the pussy finally grabbed back?”

Clinton chuckled, “With all claws!”

“This is a total rebuke of Donald Trump and his cult and the many wrongheaded evil policies that he’s inflicted on us and the world, but it’s also a real tribute to Democratic candidates and the campaigns they ran and how strong they were on the main issues of affordability and corruption. We had to finally lift the poisonous cloud that Trump has put over our heads for the last ten long years, but we also have a new crop of very exciting public servants.”

Posted by: Duncanthrax at November 08, 2026 08:35 PM (0sNs1)

132 The Titan II CEP sucked. Just sayin.

Posted by: Cow Demon at November 08, 2026 08:37 PM (XTrBf)

133 I miss the Gun Thread.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 08, 2026 08:37 PM (yky4J)

134 Cow Demon that's why 5 megatons came in handy.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:37 PM (U/Byj)

135 Still agog at Ruger's announced discontinuation of a huge portion of their trademark line.
Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:33 PM (U/Byj)

Poison pill against a hostile Beretta takeover?

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 08:37 PM (iXzAN)

136 I miss the Gun Thread.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 08, 2026 08:37 PM (yky4J)
-----
Me too.

Posted by: Weasel at November 08, 2026 08:38 PM (WoNrM)

137 Headline from local news: "Voters demanded economic relief. Trump and democrats face tough choices on how to deliver." Walking back shit already for the dems. Trump doesn't have to do fuck all now. It's all you, dems.

Posted by: NCKate at November 08, 2026 08:39 PM (enNUy)

138 Ed L, that's what whig speculated, as I recall. I haven't tracked that whole story, so don't know where things stand.

Would the poison pill consist of the hit to market share, earnings, or brand value? If they succeeded in buying Ruger, Beretta could just revive the models, no? It's not like the F-22 where some insane move will be made to destroy key production tools.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:39 PM (U/Byj)

139 I miss the Gun Thread.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 08, 2026 08:37 PM (yky4J)
-----
Me too.
Posted by: Weasel at November 08, 2026 08:38 PM

Sorry. I didn't mean to derail the thread.

Posted by: toby928(c) at November 08, 2026 08:41 PM (4NO2D)

140 toby I am equally guilty here. For our penance, let us do 3 readings from Col. Hatcher's Notebook, and clean two revolvers.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:41 PM (U/Byj)

141 Greatly doubt any anti-AI stuff of importance will be done on the national level. Veto pen. Plus the idiocy of it all vs. the $$ and competitive considerations. Prediction: toothless compromise bill requiring crap equivalent to an environmental impact statement. In any case, states and municipalities are bigger players on things like this.
Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:32 PM (U/Byj)

Rhomboid, up until now, I’d have agreed with you. But we are now getting into “normalcy bias” times. I don’t think we can assume that the Left will care about constitutional niceties. They are not about to give up the rings of power.

Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 08:42 PM (HdjQ+)

142 Still agog"

Magog?

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 08:43 PM (pfXMo)

143
California has its own parallel background check in addition to the Federal one. In 2014 the state of CA
started requiring registration of long guns. You can't buy ammunition in the state unless you have a gun of that caliber registered to you. It's outrageous, and it's obvious that it's not intended to solve or reduce crime.

And, any background check information that was requured to be discarded once the check was finished -- I believe the information was kept to this day in an 'unofficial' database. They won't let it go. Who's going to stop them?

Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at November 08, 2026 08:43 PM (VWtfl)

144 It's not like the F-22 where some insane move will be made to destroy key production tools.
Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:39 PM (U/Byj)

I understand what they were thinking regarding espionage but I think I would just put all the tooling and blue prints in giant poured concrete blocks and kept them on some Air Force base.

Posted by: toby928(c) at November 08, 2026 08:43 PM (4NO2D)

145 I've also heard the theory that the Great Discontinuance was a move by Ruger to force Beretta to fund machinery upgrades at the existing Ruger plants.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at November 08, 2026 08:43 PM (FZzOq)

146 Hey, it's all "precious metals", rite?

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 08:44 PM (pfXMo)

147 Would the poison pill consist of the hit to market share, earnings, or brand value? If they succeeded in buying Ruger, Beretta could just revive the models, no? It's not like the F-22 where some insane move will be made to destroy key production tools.
Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:39 PM (U/Byj)

Because some sort of legal action would almost certainly follow any attempt at a hostile takeover attempt, anything not in production at the time court filings get made would likely go into limbo until after it's all over in court. Sure, Beretta would be able to revive models after (if they win, of course), but how much $$ would they have to commit to restart production? If the Ruger workforce decides to leave for better opportunities elsewhere while the court case plays out, replacing the human element might be even harder to replace than the hardware.

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 08:45 PM (iXzAN)

148 Hey, it's all "precious metals", rite?
Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 08:44 PM (pfXMo)

"We deal in lead, friend." -The Magnificent Seven

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at November 08, 2026 08:45 PM (FZzOq)

149 Here's an off the wall question, apropos of nothing:

Could you make a pistol barrel out of Nikasil alloy, as was used in Chevy Vega (and some Porsche models) engine blocks? The cast alloy contains a mesh latticework of hard silicon crystals in a matrix of aluminum. I expect the wear rate might be quite high, but if the barrels could be made cheap enough to be "disposables", that might not matter.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 08, 2026 08:46 PM (yky4J)

150 Thanks Ed L. Have not pondered the dynamics of hostile takeovers much. Sounds logical. So perhaps if Ruger fights them off we can look forward to the rather weird but welcome future announcement from Ruger that "oh wait, no, we're NOT discontinuing most of these best-sellers from the last 50 years!".

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:47 PM (U/Byj)

151 I normally lurk here but I have a question. I am interested in getting a PCC and have been looking at both the Kel-Tec Sub2000 and the S&W FCP. Both in 9mm. I haven’t shot either, but am wondering if anyone here has an opinion on the rifles. Thanks.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at November 08, 2026 08:48 PM (uj9Hl)

152 Rufus I've shot neither, but have shot the Ruger PCC and the CZ Scorpion (?) and both were nice.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:49 PM (U/Byj)

153 Walking back shit already for the dems. Trump doesn't have to do fuck all now. It's all you, dems.

Go to Dem forums and right now their argument is that the economic stuff they promised isn't really what they are going to focus on - they have to get Trump first.

So expect the economy to be worse then now for the next 2 years with every media organ arguing its Trump's fault.

The first CR should be interested the Dems want to bring back Bidenflation - does Trump say hell no and "let the government shut down" or negotiate with them and print enough dollars for 10% inflation compared to Biden's 20%+?

Posted by: 18-1 at November 08, 2026 08:49 PM (sKqQm)

154 Not really. Nikasil isn’t an alloy you can make a barrel from. It’s a thin plated coating of nickel with silicon carbide particles, applied to the inside of aluminum cylinders. Porsche used it on cylinders in its air-cooled engines, and some later Porsche engines use different aluminum-silicon cylinder designs instead.

Posted by: ballistic at November 08, 2026 08:53 PM (oqH4h)

155 Could you make a pistol barrel out of Nikasil alloy, as was used in Chevy Vega (and some Porsche models) engine blocks? The cast alloy contains a mesh latticework of hard silicon crystals in a matrix of aluminum. I expect the wear rate might be quite high, but if the barrels could be made cheap enough to be "disposables", that might not matter.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 08, 2026 08:46 PM (yky4J)

Wouldn't the barrels have to be thicker in order to compensate for the reduced strength of the materials compared to steel? If so, that would be a big problem for a handgun, where size considerations are important compared to rifles.
IIRC, barrels have to withstand the high pressures resulting from the controlled detonation that results when smokeless powder gets ignited. Substituting weaker metals for this key component's manufacture doesn't seem like a good way to cut costs.

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 08:54 PM (iXzAN)

156 Speaking of inflation just checked ammoseek and 9mm looks like it hasn't gone up a bit. It's been pretty reasonable for a long time (I don't buy factory any more so I only know by checking shopping engines like that).

As I have no historical sense of "normal" 223/5.56 prices didn't check those.

Again I think panicky stuff is more likely to appear a year or more hence.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:54 PM (U/Byj)

157 Both my sons are shooters as is my DiL.

Son#1 started out a little rough, but is prett darn good now.

Marine rocks, but I still can outshoot him on occasion.

DiL wants a RI 1911. She shot mine very very well. Her parents are both Sig fans. I am not. All good.

Posted by: nurse ratched. at November 08, 2026 08:54 PM (yEz+x)

158 and the S&W FCP. Both in 9mm. I haven’t shot either, but am wondering if anyone here has an opinion on the rifles. Thanks."

Mentioned that earlier.

Seemed quite nice, especially with the Romeo MSR...

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 08:55 PM (pfXMo)

159 Nurse it's nice to have extended/marriage family of gun nuts. Lucky!

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:55 PM (U/Byj)

160 Rufus, the SW FPC folds sideways allowing an optic to stay mounted. Also has much better ammo capacity - two 23 round mags in the stock and one 17 in the mag well. Compatible with SW pistol mags.

Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 08:56 PM (HdjQ+)

161 Seemed quite nice, especially with the Romeo MSR...
Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 08:55 PM (pfXMo)
---

I've had a couple of Sig's optics and have been impressed with neither. I'd rather Holosun for the price point or upgrade to Aimpoint or EOTech.

Posted by: ballistic at November 08, 2026 08:58 PM (oqH4h)

162 two 23 round mags in the stock and one 17 in the mag well. Compatible with SW pistol mags"

It's a bit heavy at the back end with fully loaded mags...

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 08:58 PM (pfXMo)

163 Thanks Ed L. Have not pondered the dynamics of hostile takeovers much. Sounds logical. So perhaps if Ruger fights them off we can look forward to the rather weird but welcome future announcement from Ruger that "oh wait, no, we're NOT discontinuing most of these best-sellers from the last 50 years!".
Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 08:47 PM (U/Byj)

Assuming that Ruger can hang on to the majority of the workforce with the know how required, yes. People with skills in firearms manufacturing are in high demand right now, especially if a firm has military contracts to fill.

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 08:59 PM (iXzAN)

164 Thanks rhomboid!

She’s a good egg. And carrying my granddaughter due in Feb.

Her dad is a Marine. Her mom is based. All good.

I have a picture of my DiL shooting an M1. No wonder my son fell for her.

Posted by: nurse ratched. at November 08, 2026 08:59 PM (yEz+x)

165 FWIW, try the Kuna as well...

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 09:00 PM (pfXMo)

166 132 The Titan II CEP sucked. Just sayin.

Posted by: Cow Demon at November 08, 2026 08:37 PM (XTrBf)

9 megatons makes up for a considerable lack of accuracy, if you're aiming for a soft target like a city.

Posted by: a.moron at November 08, 2026 09:04 PM (X5Jzz)

167 Spay and neuter your Democrats, people. See what happens when you don't?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 08, 2026 09:05 PM (yky4J)

168 Signing off early.

Thanks for a great Gun Thread, Weasel. See y'all in the Morning Report.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 08, 2026 09:06 PM (9YDB8)

169 Marine told me that magazines have a date stamp on them. WA and CA both have 10 round mag limits. Does this mean I can get in trouble for purchasing magazines out of state, legally, and bring them home?

Posted by: nurse ratched. at November 08, 2026 09:07 PM (yEz+x)

170 FWIW, the MSR's shape seemed to give a very user friendly sight picture... made it very easy to quickly aquire the target...

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 09:07 PM (pfXMo)

171 >>>>two 23 round mags in the stock and one 17 in the mag well. Compatible with SW pistol mags"

It's a bit heavy at the back end with fully loaded mags...
Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 08:58 PM (pfXMo)
*****
When looking at the S&W the magazine storage in the stock appeared to be a nice feature; hadn’t thought about the weight in the back.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at November 08, 2026 09:07 PM (uj9Hl)

172 Because, in WA as I understand, it is ok for me to own the magazines I already have, but I cannot get more.

Posted by: nurse ratched. at November 08, 2026 09:08 PM (yEz+x)

173 9 megatons makes up for a considerable lack of accuracy, if you're aiming for a soft target like a city.

Posted by: a.moron at November 08, 2026 09:04 PM (X5Jzz)

I remember one of my fellow Army officers telling me about a CP computer aided wargame about the Fulda Gap where the Warsaw Pact hit the US V Corps sector with massive force. Someone decided that the only thing that could stop Ivan was a Titan II missile strike. He called it in right behind the lead Pact elements and watched as the resulting fireball vaporized not just the enemy, but half of his own troops as well. His only reaction after a minute of silence was to say, "Wow, that was a big one."

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 09:10 PM (iXzAN)

174 When looking at the S&W the magazine storage in the stock appeared to be a nice feature...

Regardless, it's a good firearm. Trigger is surprisingly good, and had no issues, and handled recoil well.

Also quite accurate.

Posted by: man at November 08, 2026 09:12 PM (pfXMo)

175 Marine told me that magazines have a date stamp on them. WA and CA both have 10 round mag limits. Does this mean I can get in trouble for purchasing magazines out of state, legally, and bring them home?
Posted by: nurse ratched. at November 08, 2026 09:07 PM (yEz+x)

Nurse, I know Magpul's AR magazines do (look on the left side about 1/3 of the way down from the feed lips for the date code). But others (Wilson Combat 1911 magazines, current H&K MP5 magazines, etc.) don't have exterior markings I can see. If there are no date codes or other identifying marks, how can anyone trace them without going through the trouble of taking things apart?

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 09:17 PM (iXzAN)

176 When looking at the S&W the magazine storage in the stock appeared to be a nice feature; hadn’t thought about the weight in the back.
Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at November 08, 2026 09:07 PM (uj9Hl)

Not a deal-killer. It’s just like adding weight to any rifle stock making it more stable.
Plus, more ammo!
And it shoots well. 100 yards with a red dot all day long. Shot it in IDPA and it was consistently deadly under 25 yards.

Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 09:24 PM (tWXP5)

177 Nurse, congrats all around.

As Ed L says, I think the date stamp/mag thing varies quite a bit. Undated mags should be good in states recently adopting the idiotic mag limits. I got my standard mags during "freedom week" in CA which was a short period created by "St. Benitez" as the federal judge who struck down the mag limit is know among gun nuts. Shoulda got more. Won't hesitate to do so in AZ/NV if needed.

Posted by: rhomboid at November 08, 2026 09:26 PM (U/Byj)

178 Are you compensating for something?

Yes. I have a small duck. I named him Quackers.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at November 08, 2026 09:30 PM (FZzOq)

179 Only downside on FPC mags in the stock is the mag release. Poorly designed for grabbing one of the mags with the carbine shouldered.
I can live with it. If I’ve gone through 17 plus 23, I might want to take a quick breather.

Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 09:30 PM (tWXP5)

180 Real quick on Texas CC renewal. Go online to RSD
connect, create an account, answer a buttload of stuff Texas already knows, wait 24 hours, go back and log in and you can click on renewal. You can then finish up pretty easy. Be sure you have your current valid DL with Gold Star.

Posted by: Eromero at November 08, 2026 09:31 PM (LHPAg)

181 resident autist is off his meds

Posted by: ballistic at November 08, 2026 09:33 PM (oqH4h)

182 Time for me to sign off. Thanks for hosting (and cleaning up messes), Weasel!

Posted by: Ed L at November 08, 2026 09:35 PM (iXzAN)

183 Yo, Weasel!
Cleanup on Anal Observation Scope?

Posted by: RI Red at November 08, 2026 09:35 PM (tWXP5)

184 Man and RI Red, thanks for your input. I appreciate it. I’m going to take a closer look at the S&W FPC. Wishing a good evening to all and thanks for the thread Weasel.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at November 08, 2026 09:36 PM (uj9Hl)

Processing 0.03, elapsed 0.0357 seconds.
14 queries taking 0.0103 seconds, 192 records returned.
Page size 113 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.