Gun Thread: Third March 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 Third March Edition? Seems like just last week was the second Gun Thread of March edition, and now it's the third Gun Thread of March edition! I sense a pattern emerging here. Do you?

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

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FUNdamentals

Halp! I go to the range and I shoot and I suck!

Okey-Dokey. We have talked a bunch about shooting fundamentals, because I think a healthy focus on them is important. Focusing on fundamentals is how you first create good marksmanship habits and then reinforce those good habits over time. I have yet to meet a person who decides to go out and spend money so they can truly suck at something. It just doesn't make sense. With me so far?

And yet, that is precisely what the Non-Fundamentals-Focuser Community achieves. They buy guns, and ammo, and pay for range time, then waste the opportunity for improvement they have just purchased. It's like taking one lick of an ice cream cone and throwing the rest away, or eating one piece of pie instead of all of the pie, or putting beans in chili, or buying a new car and driving it from the dealership into a river. Again, it just doesn't make sense.

When I am working with a new (or new to me) shooter, range time always begins with a discussion of objectives. When evaluating rifle team shooters, the answer is easy. With casual or recreational shooters, the answer can sometimes be less straightforward, because oftentimes the shooters themselves haven't really thought it through. Some include a vague mention self-defense, or maybe they went shooting with a pal and it seemed like fun, or simply to attract range babes and to make new pals and enjoy social interactions. Whatever the reasoning or lack thereof, I have never once had someone tell me their goal was to waste money and to perform poorly in the process.

And yet, here we are.

If all someone wants to do is become proficient and have a good time, then a very basic level of instruction and practice makes sense. For the more performance focused shooter, more in-depth instruction and consistent practice is key. For those who enjoy the basics and want to go all nutty with precision and accuracy, an even greater level of commitment is required. For those who are not primarily focused on improving as an objective, then there isn't much beyond general range safety and a few pointers they need to learn. Go blast away, do it safely, and have a good time but don't expect a lot in terms of consistency and improvement over time. You cannot go to the range once a year, shoot 50 rounds, and expect to maintain any level of proficiency, much less actually become a better shooter.

Want to become better? Just become an adherent of WeaselDoctrine, and yes, it is a Cult.

Instead of watching a bunch of videos or reading articles on proper technique then trying to remember it all three weeks later at the range, break the information into manageable parts and take notes in the form of a few bullet (ha!) points on the highlights. For example, when practicing trigger pull/squeeze/whatever the highlights might be - smooth pull, - pad of index finger, - do not anticipate recoil, etc... Just the highlights. Study your notes just before you go to the range. These become the items you will focus on during the range session. Once you are at the range and all set up on and ready to fire, look at your notes on the elements of trigger work again, and then immediately practice those items. You can take in a lot of information on proper technique, but in order to retain the information and develop muscle memory you must practice it immediately after review. Make whatever gave you problems the last time the first thing you concentrate on the next time.

It ain't rocket surgery people. You need to practice and practice with a purpose to see improvement. Fortunately, this isn't very difficult. Start with a focus on solid fundamentals, practice them, and you will see results.

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Guns of the Horde

Once again our pal Ed L brings the guns with a Colt Official Police revolver!

US Coast Guard Colt Official Police Revolver
Originally produced as the Colt Army Special in 1908, the Colt Official Police remained in production with little change until 1969. Colt simply renamed the Army Special as the Colt Official Police when it became obvious that sales of this revolver to police agencies far outstripped those to the military. The NYPD, Boston PD, numerous other police departments, and federal agencies like the FBI and Treasury Department all made the Colt Official Police revolver their standard issue handgun.

What makes this revolver interesting is that it's one of a handful of firearms that can be directly traced to the US Coast Guard as the purchasing agency. "U.S. COAST GUARD" is roll marked into the revolver's backstrap. The mention of this marking in the Colt letter indicates that this was done at the Colt factory. Colt's letter also provides additional details which match up to the revolver in hand.
The Colt letter states that this revolver has a ramp front sight. This revolver has a serrated ramp. The standard Colt Official Police in the interwar period had a "half-moon" rounded front sight. Deliveries with features varying from the standard were usually noted in Colt's shipping records.

The serial number shown in the letter and the revolver match.
The Colt letter states that this revolver was part of a 25-gun shipment to Joseph A. Lorch of Washington, DC on December 7, 1937. Joseph A. Lorch was Colt's sales representative in Washington DC over three decades (1920s through the 1950s). As such, he was heavily involved in promoting Colt products with government agencies. During this period, Mr. Lorch would receive shipments from Colt before delivering them personally to the purchaser. In this case, it's likely that Mr. Lorch simply drove from Washington to Baltimore to deliver the revolvers to the US Coast Guard's Curtis Bay Yard.
This revolver's service with the USCG after delivery remains unknown.

Nice Ed L! Very cool. Everyone, please join me in thanking Ed L for his contributions!

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Hikok45
Last week we looked at the last bolt gun our pal Hikok45 would give up, so how about single-action revolvers this week?!

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S&B Ammo Plant Tour
One of the better of these factory tour videos I have seen.

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$6 Machine Guns!

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Laplace Transform and You!

Q: Weasel, can you please help us understand what the Laplace Transform tells us?
A: Sure.

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Our Pal Flourine

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Highway Patrol
Hypo Bandit!

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Cat Women of the Moon!

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FSJ and Gertie Update

Here are Fun Size Joe and Gertie waiting for their most favorite treat in the entire universe, Snap Sticks from The Farmer's Dog , where we also get their food. Highly recommended!

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Cigar of the Week

031625 Diogenes particulares cremas scaled.jpg

This week our pal Diogenes scores again with this excellent review of the Particulares Cremas

Particulares Cremas
While there are conflicting thoughts on this, Freud is generally credited with the saying that "sometimes a cigar is just a cigar." This cigar, the Particulares Cremas, is just that. It is a cigar. Nothing fancy, nothing dramatic. Just a good smoke.
But it taught me something.
Yesterday was clear, sunny, and cold. I turned the computer off, left the phone in the house, fired this stick up, and sat in the sun to enjoy a very peaceful 45 minutes to myself.
This is what cigars allow us to do.
The Particulares Cremas delivered a variety of flavor sensations via a medium body of creamy smoke. There was fruit, cocoa, and blast of pepper at the start. Basic tobacco throughout and the tannic highlighted each flavor if one was thoughtful enough to dwell on them. It provided a long ash that once removed, revealed a well centered burn cone.
So. Nothing surprising.
What I learned, and shame on me for not remembering, is that you can absolutely enhance an average cigar with an above average drink. In this case I paired the cigar with a generous dram of Aberlour A'bunadh Speyside single malt. This is a very good Speyside with a dramatic scotch flavor but without the brackishness of the lowland scotches. I cut mine with a dash of water and ice. Together, this pairing of cigar and drink made both better. I recommend it and I will, in future reviews, include a few lines on what pairings I create.
This could be fun!

Most excellent, Diogenes! Thank you!

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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!

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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 NEW!

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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 Bang

Posted by: Eromero at March 16, 2025 07:01 PM (LHPAg)

2 #2?

Posted by: Coelacanth at March 16, 2025 07:03 PM (KLKSV)

3 Yay! Gubs!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at March 16, 2025 07:03 PM (Wnv9h)

4 frist!

Posted by: MAxIE at March 16, 2025 07:04 PM (p0Y4o)

5 Howdy, pew pew peeps!

Posted by: Matthew Kant Cipher at March 16, 2025 07:04 PM (kOluj)

6 Good evening.

Or afternoon, depending on time zone of residence.

Thanks again for the thread, Weasel!

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 07:05 PM (tT6L1)

7 Semi-read while scrolling down to discover ...

1 Bang
Posted by: Eromero at March 16, 2025 07:01 PM

I coulda been a contendah, I tells, yeah.

Posted by: andycanuck (/tzYP) at March 16, 2025 07:05 PM (/tzYP)

8 Hello, Weasel!

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 07:05 PM (AiJK3)

9 Ed L....seriously, is there any cool gub you don't own?

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at March 16, 2025 07:06 PM (Wnv9h)

10 Whoa, Gun Thread!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar - THIS Year in Corsicana - again at March 16, 2025 07:08 PM (hOUT3)

11 Good evening Horde. Thanks Weasel! Congrats Eromero on nailing first.

I love factory tours, so off to watch the ammunition making video.

Posted by: TRex at March 16, 2025 07:10 PM (IQ6Gq)

12 Eromero threw me off stride with that loud noise at #1

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar - THIS Year in Corsicana - again at March 16, 2025 07:10 PM (hOUT3)

13 Sad news for the gun world. John Taffin, the long time gun writer passed away last week, age 85. I have been reading his columns for years and have several of his books on revolvers. He will be missed.

Posted by: JTB at March 16, 2025 07:11 PM (yTvNw)

14 Not First!!!!!

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at March 16, 2025 07:11 PM (0XVad)

15 Hi Horde! Hope you are all doing well and not caught up in the storms north of Texas!

Posted by: Lurking in Garland at March 16, 2025 07:14 PM (rJt05)

16 I acquired a semi-grail gun this week, a Smith & Wesson 25-2 in .45 ACP. In and of itself, nothing all that special but I've been wanting one since I lost a nearly identical one in a home burglary in 2008. I tried to find an online serial number lookup without success. If one of y'all happen to have Stinky's Daddy's book handy, I would appreciate a date for serial N689xxx. Thanks.

Posted by: Oddbob at March 16, 2025 07:14 PM (/y8xj)

17 Here, Boss! Just cleaned up our early St. Paddy’s day dinner - yes, I am 29% Irish, according to the Experts.
Then I logged in and got bogged down in the Fundamentals. The “enjoy social relationships” is the antithesis of my self-defense goals.
But, other than that, life is good.
And I went to the range. Twice. With my M1 Garand.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 07:15 PM (YFsmb)

18 Posted by: Lurking in Garland at March 16, 2025 07:14 PM (rJt05)
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Howdy and welcome!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 07:15 PM (b++6H)

19 Whatever the reasoning or lack thereof, I have never once had someone tell me their goal was to waste money and to perform poorly in the process.
===
So Capitol Hill does not have a gun range in its basement??

Posted by: andycanuck (/tzYP) at March 16, 2025 07:16 PM (/tzYP)

20 That is a good looking revolver, Ed L. Thank you for the write up.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 07:16 PM (tT6L1)

21 Not only is that a good looking piece of iron, Ed, your photography is great.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 07:18 PM (YFsmb)

22 Ed L....seriously, is there any cool gub you don't own?
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at March 16, 2025 07:06 PM (Wnv9h)

There's always something new to hunt for, RMBS. I don't have a 1st Generation Colt SAA, for example.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 07:18 PM (AiJK3)

23 ...break the information into manageable parts and take notes in the form of a few bullet (ha!) points on the highlights.
----
On cartridge paper.

Posted by: andycanuck (/tzYP) at March 16, 2025 07:19 PM (/tzYP)

24 Hmm, Ed L. What are your thoughts on the Randall 1911?

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 07:20 PM (tT6L1)

25 Greetings everyone. Happy green beer to all.
You are the man Weasel!

Posted by: Rancherbob at March 16, 2025 07:23 PM (hV3cQ)

26 Howdy!

Posted by: Puddleglum, drive by pew pew at March 16, 2025 07:23 PM (sAmhv)

27 Firearms funny...

Booker @RealBookerScott
Um...

https://tinyurl.com/2dxbjba2
photo

Posted by: andycanuck (/tzYP) at March 16, 2025 07:23 PM (/tzYP)

28 Speaking of Single Action Army revolvers, does anyone have experience with Standard Manufacturing? https://tinyurl.com/4wb3ex7s
They look like they're really nicely made - of course, they out to be for the price.

Posted by: That SOB Van Owen at March 16, 2025 07:23 PM (Hdixl)

29 Posted by: Rancherbob at March 16, 2025 07:23 PM (hV3cQ)
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Howdy Amigo!!!!!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 07:23 PM (b++6H)

30 out=ought

Posted by: That SOB Van Owen at March 16, 2025 07:25 PM (Hdixl)

31 That Mattel clip was interesting. In the late 60s (circa 66) I had a Mattel M-16 that used the same sort of action except no cap capability. You pulled the charging handle and it made the noise until the handle went forward all the way and then you pulled it again. No batteries and the only detriment I guess is it taught you NOT how a full auto works. I always thought that was a new toy gun idea but apparently not according to this ad

Posted by: azjaeger at March 16, 2025 07:25 PM (3/XaG)

32 Posted by: azjaeger at March 16, 2025 07:25 PM (3/XaG)
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I think I had the same one!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 07:27 PM (b++6H)

33 If your Congresscritters are 2A friendly, give them a reminder to contact the State Department.. As far as I know, there are still many thousands of Garands in Korea, awaiting State Department approval for export to the US. Marco has always been 2A friendly.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at March 16, 2025 07:28 PM (gm9Sb)

34 Hoo boy! I can't imagine having to go with just one single action revolver. Best I can come up with is by ammo type.

- Rimfire - Ruger Single-Ten (which I shoot a bit better than the Single-Six)
- Centerfire - toss up between the Ruger Blackhawk in 41 magnum and the Super Blackhawk in 44 magnum. I prefer the 41 mag cartridge but the Super Blackhawk can go from powder puff loads to anti tank power.
- Black Powder - No question, a stainless Ruger Old Army cap and ball, accurate and pretty much indestructible. If I wanted more historical accuracy, it would be a Colt 1860 clone.

Even just thinking about this is painful.

Posted by: JTB at March 16, 2025 07:28 PM (yTvNw)

35 One of the signs of a Cult is that it makes high demands on its members.

Mandating watches of <= 43mm diameter, for example.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at March 16, 2025 07:28 PM (a3Q+t)

36 Thanks for the S&B tour video, Weasel!

Always interesting to see how *the other guys* do it.

Posted by: JQ at March 16, 2025 07:28 PM (rdVOm)

37 “ or simply to attract range babes”

Wait? Is that a thing? That sounds as successful a strategy as joining chess club to get the chess babes. I mean, it’s probably golden when it happens, but when it happens is kind of theoretical.

Posted by: Kratwurst at March 16, 2025 07:29 PM (fcDpY)

38 If one of y'all happen to have Stinky's Daddy's book handy, I would appreciate a date for serial N689xxx. Thanks.
Posted by: Oddbob at March 16, 2025 07:14 PM (/y8xj)

The 5th Edition of Stinky Daddy's book says that your SN# is from 1979-80. Your 25-2 is one of the last ones made. Production ended in 1979-80.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 07:30 PM (AiJK3)

39 Good Sunday evening, gub 'ettes and 'rons, and a special WeaselCult Insider greeting to our fearless leader, to whom I am grateful (but not Grateful) for the thread each week.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy - OT but harmless at March 16, 2025 07:30 PM (v23vE)

40 Good evening gubthreaders and all the ships at sea!

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at March 16, 2025 07:31 PM (QfvaV)

41 Wait, we're cult members? Is there Kool-Aid involved?

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 07:31 PM (tT6L1)

42 OK, I’m back. Had to brush up on my Fourier and Laplace transforms.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 07:31 PM (YFsmb)

43 S&B Ammo tour, Flourine, and a gorgeous piece of revolver history. Wow. Nice gun thread, Weasel!

I'm down with the flu, so I had to miss my weekly range trip. Side effect: grumpiness!

Posted by: Splunge at March 16, 2025 07:32 PM (ju/6W)

44 Hmm, Ed L. What are your thoughts on the Randall 1911?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 07:20 PM (tT6L1)

As long as it's in good condition, is operational, and isn't too heavily modified, there's probably a collector somewhere out there who would be interested. Customization by users is usually a red flag to the purist collector community.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 07:33 PM (AiJK3)

45 Thank you, Ed L!

Posted by: Oddbob at March 16, 2025 07:33 PM (/y8xj)

46 This week has been very light on gun stuff. Today's DMV MGC did not happen for the second postponement in 2 weeks and sharon(willow's apprentice) has threatened that if we miss the mandatory DMV MGC next week she's going to have weasel put it on our permanent record.

In my defense, I would like to say: I ran out of gas. I had a flat tire. I didn't have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn't come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake, a terrible flood, locusts. It wasn't my fault!

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at March 16, 2025 07:33 PM (QfvaV)

47 Folks, in case your appreciation of Weasel has been slipping lately, perhaps along the line of 'what have you done for me recently?', not only does Weasel focus on focus today, but he provides a pertinent example of Fun Size Joe and Gertie exhibiting a focus that you hopefully can aspire to!

Posted by: Duncanthrax at March 16, 2025 07:35 PM (a3Q+t)

48 Guns!

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo, food, water at March 16, 2025 07:36 PM (xcxpd)

49 “or simply to attract range babes”
------
Do you camo here often?

Posted by: andycanuck (/tzYP) at March 16, 2025 07:37 PM (/tzYP)

50 Thanks, Ed L.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 07:37 PM (tT6L1)

51 And, look, not much on guns this, week, but this SOUNDS like it should count:

Hammer knives.

They slice like a effing hammer, to coin a phrase.

Hammer knives.

A gas powered (notionally - the engine has yet to fire) tow behind flail mower that is like a small scale forestry mulcher. Except you can pull it behind a quad.

Anyway, such a thing has entered the blaster inventory.

Anyone know anything about Wisconsin TJD engines?

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at March 16, 2025 07:38 PM (QfvaV)

52 Want to chime in to thank EdL and praise his photography, history, and awe at his collection.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 07:38 PM (1m82a)

53 BTW, I just saw my first robin of the year just now in the backyard so spring is definitely here.

Posted by: andycanuck (/tzYP) at March 16, 2025 07:38 PM (/tzYP)

54 The Laplace Transform video gave me PTSD dating back to my calculus and electrical engineering days -- but seeing the doggos on my way down to the comments eased my worried mind.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy - OT but harmless at March 16, 2025 07:39 PM (v23vE)

55 36 Thanks for the S&B tour video, Weasel!
Always interesting to see how *the other guys* do it.

Posted by: JQ at March 16, 2025 07:28 PM
***
Really interesting. Love seeing bespoke automation design.
Surprised at the number that got kicked out for quality control reasons at the 8:00 mark though.

Posted by: TRex at March 16, 2025 07:39 PM (IQ6Gq)

56 A puzzle for the experts. I purchased a 1911 made in 2017. It's 9mm, but came with a .38 Super barrel, which appears to have been fitted to the gun, as one would expect.

The gun runs great in 9mm. When I dropped in the .38 Super barrel, I got two FTFs at the range and gave it up. Once home, I thought to try it with a different mag, and actually got a round to feed. But when I pulled the slide back to eject the unfired round, it seemed to bind up. Stuck to the extractor? It almost looked as though the ejection port was not long enough for the longer .38 Super round. I finally got it out of there by sticking a squib rod up through the magwell.

I figure I need a stronger recoil spring to address the FTF, and a bit of research suggests 16lb as a good size. But that binding up when trying to eject a full round gives me pause. It doesn't make sense to me that the maker would expect me to switch ejectors or extractors just to use the second barrel, but I don't know enough for that to be a confident judgment.

Any thoughts?

Posted by: Splunge at March 16, 2025 07:40 PM (ju/6W)

57 So, this month is the 80th birthday of my M1 - it’s actually a little older than I am. To celebrate, we went to the range and put 1970s Greek .30-‘06 and 2010s American Eagle 150 grain FMJ through her.
The Greek stuff was about 50 FPS faster, but the AE grouped better.
She got a tender cleaning thereafter.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 07:40 PM (YFsmb)

58 For those of you who are interested in how they're made, the 1911 Syndicate put out videos on 1) How $50k Custom Rifles Are Made and 2) a look at Alchemy Custom Weaponry's process of making custom 1911s.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 07:40 PM (AiJK3)

59 So two quick reports and I'll come back when I can for more...

First, no, you cannot shoot .380 rounds out of a stock Glock gen 3. The rounds do not extract/eject. So I will have to buy a damn new slide for this project. G19 mags seem to work fine with .380 though, so far.

Second, King Harv's coffee is pretty tasty. I say that as a non-coffee drinker. Thank you to Lazy Messenger.

Third, I can draw and double tap pretty well with a PSA Dagger or Micro Dagger at 7 yards. At 10 yards, hit % drops. Grip that bad boy like a teenager with his first boner and that helps.

Fourth....I like guns.

Fifth, weight matters for carry now that I'm about to be the same age as she speed limit. The Micro Dagger and PSA Dagger weight less than the CZ P-07....but the P07 is more fun to shoot at the range.

Sixth....boobs.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo, food, water at March 16, 2025 07:40 PM (xcxpd)

60 Weasel,
Thanks for including the photo of FSJ and Gertie. Every thread needs adorable and they certainly qualify.

Posted by: JTB at March 16, 2025 07:41 PM (yTvNw)

61 56 A puzzle for the experts. I purchased a 1911 made in 2017. It's 9mm, but came with a .38 Super barrel, which appears to have been fitted to the gun, as one would expect.

The gun runs great in 9mm. When I dropped in the .38 Super barrel, I got two FTFs at the range and gave it up. Once home, I thought to try it with a different mag, and actually got a round to feed. But when I pulled the slide back to eject the unfired round, it seemed to bind up. Stuck to the extractor? It almost looked as though the ejection port was not long enough for the longer .38 Super round. I finally got it out of there by sticking a squib rod up through the magwell.

I figure I need a stronger recoil spring to address the FTF, and a bit of research suggests 16lb as a good size. But that binding up when trying to eject a full round gives me pause. It doesn't make sense to me that the maker would expect me to switch ejectors or extractors just to use the second barrel, but I don't know enough for that to be a confident judgment.

Any thoughts?
Posted by: Splunge at March 16, 2025 07:40 PM (ju/6W)

I have a .38 super RIA 1911. No FTFs at all so I expect you've got more to do than just swap barrels.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo, food, water at March 16, 2025 07:42 PM (xcxpd)

62 @Splunge

Look at the recoil spring AND the extractor/ejector. You may need a whole new slide. Hopefully not but the barrel swap alone doesn't seem to be cutting it.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo, food, water at March 16, 2025 07:42 PM (xcxpd)

63 example of Fun Size Joe and Gertie exhibiting a focus that you hopefully can aspire to!
Posted by: Duncanthrax at March 16, 2025 07:35 PM (a3Q+t)

So if I eat Snap Stix at the range, I’ll focus better?
I’ll give a try and report back.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 07:43 PM (YFsmb)

64
I figure I need a stronger recoil spring to address the FTF, and a bit of research suggests 16lb as a good size. But that binding up when trying to eject a full round gives me pause. It doesn't make sense to me that the maker would expect me to switch ejectors or extractors just to use the second barrel, but I don't know enough for that to be a confident judgment.

Any thoughts?
Posted by: Splunge at March 16, 2025 07:40 PM (ju/6W)

Since .38 Super doesn't have the same dimensions as 9mm Parabellum, I think you need a slide for .38 Super in addition to the .38 Super barrel. Specifically, an ejection port for .38 Super.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 07:45 PM (AiJK3)

65 Now for the range report: 1,000 yard match edition. I headed out the day before to make sure things were working. The thousand yard range has AR set up, roughly 12x22 @ 1033 yards for those of us who like to do a bit of advance work. I checked the wind and it seemed to be moving right to left just slightly. I held just off the edge of the plate and, shocker, caught the plate on the right side with my first shot, Second shot was also on the plate, little lower, not quite as close to the edge as i wasn't holding quite as much wind. Third shot was even better if a little higher. I figured three shoots on steel inside 10" was enough and packed it in for the day.

To be continue.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 07:46 PM (tT6L1)

66 Good evening everyone
Started feeling not well just after Food thread started but just had some chicken rice soup and feeling better.
A indoor range very close to where I am working so should one day pack along a handgun and go right after work.

Posted by: Skip at March 16, 2025 07:47 PM (fwDg9)

67 just saw my first robin of the year just now in the backyard

SHOOT IT!!!

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle for festive little hats at March 16, 2025 07:48 PM (9SIre)

68 Any thoughts?
Posted by: Splunge at March 16, 2025 07:40 PM (ju/6W)

Splurge, are the bullets the same shape and seated at the same depth?
147 g flat tip 9mms would bind in my FPC, because the leade distance from chamber to rifling was way too short. The 147s would jam in the rifling and not be able to be ejected if unfired.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 07:48 PM (YFsmb)

69 Then, the day of the match rolled around. Naturally, I drew the 4th and last group...and everyone else got to shoot under pretty much idea conditions.

By the time I hit the firing line, the wind had picked up, and, even worse, it was gusting down range while things were relatively calm at the line.

My initial wind holds were decent, but, with the way things were gusting, I couldn't really get the wind figured. I did okay, still managed to beat some shooters, which surprised me, because I'm still using the 06 and they're shooting 6.5 Creedmoor and have a bit more experience with the wind than I do. So, I'll take it as a minor win on my part. Really would like to have shot in the first or second group though, because conditions were aching for someone to hit a 98 or better. Alas, it wasn't to be.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 07:50 PM (tT6L1)

70 Surprised at the number that got kicked out for quality control reasons at the 8:00 mark though.
Posted by: TRex
-------

Vision systems are tricky, LOL. Likely those rejects were human-inspected later, to determine whether the problem(s) were recurrent and machine-related & adjustment(s) necessary at some step of the process OR vision-system needed adjustment OR just a matter of dust/dirty lens...

Posted by: JQ at March 16, 2025 07:50 PM (rdVOm)

71 Posted by: JQ at March 16, 2025 07:50 PM (rdVOm)
-----
Makes sense. I was thinking the same thing regarding the number of rejects.

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 07:52 PM (b++6H)

72 Shot an action rifle match this morning with Mosin-Nagants (“carbine” version, M38, for the pistol pit stages). 91/30 I used on the main range is 100 years old. Ammo was only 50ish and 40 years old (Yugo and Bulgarian surplus, respectively).

60-second par times made for limited success, as I have to fully tweak the rifles to make loading easier/faster. Still not too bad, and now I will get to that task (mostly weakening resistance from the interrupter so rounds feed down from the stripper clip more easily).

As always some laughs when the 100-yd steel plate was swinging wildly after the hit with 182g @2200ish fps, spotters called “hit”, and I asked “you sure?”.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 07:52 PM (1m82a)

73 Thanks for all the advice.

Mark Andrew Edwards, Ed L, I get the recommendation for a new slide to run the .38 Super barrel, and you may well be right, but it seems odd to me that there'd be a second fitted barrel with the gun, but that it would be unusable without a second slide. I guess I will need to consult the maker about that. I thought maybe there'd be something obvious.

RI Red, the .38 Super round is not hanging up in the rifling of the .38 Super barrel. It fully comes out of the chamber when the slide is pulled back, but won't eject or drop through the magwell.

Posted by: Splunge at March 16, 2025 07:53 PM (ju/6W)

74 So if I eat Snap Stix at the range, I’ll focus better?
I’ll give a try and report back.
Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 07:43 PM

Perhaps cut a piece of Snap Stix the size of the X-Ring, and tape it there. Give it a good sniff before deploying the target downrange, and see if that helps your focus?

Posted by: Duncanthrax at March 16, 2025 07:53 PM (a3Q+t)

75
Fun Size Joe and Gertie exhibiting a focus that you hopefully can aspire to!
Posted by: Duncanthrax

They appear to be HYP-no-tized!

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at March 16, 2025 07:53 PM (63Dwl)

76 Want to chime in to thank EdL and praise his photography, history, and awe at his collection.
Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 07:38 PM (1m82a)

Rhomboid, the lightbox I use for my photography cost $65 from Amazon. It folds up nicely into a carrying case when not in use. The camera is a Canon Powershot 420 I picked up from Office Depot on post-Christmas clearance for $129 in 2019. I think most people can use their phone cameras to do the same thing today with a little practice. Natural sunlight is the best to show off the old school finishes, but that only works if Mother Nature cooperates.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 07:53 PM (AiJK3)

77 To be continue.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 07:46 PM

blake, you inspired me last week. I dredged up my Savage Axis and started reviewing my old .30-‘06 reloading notes. I had been starting to get some decent loads, but then got seduced by 6.5 Creed and didn’t look back.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 07:54 PM (YFsmb)

78 to attract range babes
------
I'm just looking for the ghillie of my dreams. [sigh]

Posted by: andycanuck (/tzYP) at March 16, 2025 07:56 PM (/tzYP)

79 Thanks Weasel, you always deliver tasty diverse interesting content to your cult.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 07:56 PM (1m82a)

80 I took a newly purchased Tisas 1911, in this case a "Stingray" lightweight Bobtail Commander-type in 9mm, to the local gravel pit and performed the highly scientific test of blazing away at some tin cans.
I'm pleased to report that it functioned flawlessly and I could keep the cans bouncing at a surprising distance.
I continue to urge everyone to grab up these Turkish-made clones before world events ends their importation.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at March 16, 2025 07:58 PM (KfFMd)

81 Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 07:56 PM (1m82a)
----
Aw shucks. Thanks man.

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 07:59 PM (b++6H)

82 RI Red, happy birthday to your M1. Mine are all youngsters - post-war HRAs. Favorite firearms I have (though such things I believe are described as like“choosing your favorite child”

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 07:59 PM (1m82a)

83 76 Natural sunlight. When I had the bluing tanks, a friend came over when I was doing a heat. Just a 10/22 barrel. Finished the three customers' guns, and gave the barrel a polish with the wheels, all the way down to jeweler's rouge. Degreased, dipped, rinsed, oiled and I and friend were most pleased. Then we took it outside. Boy were we pleased, friend saying "fuckin' Weatherby bluing".

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at March 16, 2025 08:00 PM (gm9Sb)

84 Splunge, did you buy the gun new or used? If you got it used, it's all too common for used guns to get "parted out" when they're sold. I think the gun originally had a .38 Super slide and barrel, but the slide got parted out before you got the gun. Also, even though .38 Super and 9mm magazines can be interchanged in a pinch, you might want to get some .38 Super magazines. Wilson Combat has its black 10 round fluoro-polymer magazines on sale for 50% off ($27 vs. the normal $54) right now if you're looking.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 08:00 PM (AiJK3)

85 No. I have not been to the range. Injury has made it difficult. And even when I thought I could, work (then personal life) threw a monkey wrench into the works.

I might assuage my self-pity by buying a gun in a couple of weeks, though. Because caliber creep will definitely help me get to the range more.

Posted by: GWB at March 16, 2025 08:00 PM (A3DGA)

86 Andycannuk. LOL.

Posted by: Kratwurst at March 16, 2025 08:01 PM (fcDpY)

87 Oh, and thanks, once again, EdL, for a great gun presentation.

Posted by: GWB at March 16, 2025 08:01 PM (A3DGA)

88 Had a good range day on Saturday morning. Yes, worked on fundamentals with the handgun.

Good news is that results are consistent enough to meet the need if it comes to that. Some clusters are tighter than others and most are near the middle of the target (ish). Bad news is that small differences matter. I thought I would have intuitive muscle memory embedded in a good grip by now but here we are...

Posted by: TRex at March 16, 2025 08:01 PM (IQ6Gq)

89 DThrax, I’ll glue an aspirin on the Snap Stix. That should do it.
And, thank goodness, the Aspirin Shoots start up at the end of April. I’m jonesing to shoot up the pharmaceuticals. So to speak.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 08:02 PM (YFsmb)

90 blake, you inspired me last week. I dredged up my Savage Axis and started reviewing my old .30-‘06 reloading notes. I had been starting to get some decent loads, but then got seduced by 6.5 Creed and didn’t look back.
Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 07:54 PM (YFsmb)
--------------

Very cool. Which Axis long action do you have? Do you have the target port version? From what I can tell, the Savage Axis action comes in two versions, one of which has a lot more metal on the receiver, which I sort of assume adds a lot of stiffness even though it's magazine fed from the bottom.

By the way, I'm getting good to excellent results with the Hornady 174 grain ELD VT bullet. (I probably mentioned it in the past but, aging memory and all)

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 08:02 PM (tT6L1)

91 EdL gracias for the photo info.

A lightbox would improve the cigar pics I submit for reviews.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:03 PM (1m82a)

92 86 Andycannuk. LOL.
---------
As long as we're well-suited.

Posted by: andycanuck (/tzYP) at March 16, 2025 08:04 PM (/tzYP)

93 Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:03 PM (1m82a)
----
You do a great job now! Cannot thank you enough.

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 08:05 PM (b++6H)

94 Re: single action cowboy guns

I don't think they're under $200 any longer, but I can't speak highly enough about the Uberti pistols. I picked up a plain-jane (iirc) Cattleman years ago and it always infuriates my friend with a pricey Colt. I remind him that he has an authentic Colt that will likely only increase in value and I've just got a $180 Uberti, but he always replies that his Colt should be the equal of a $180 Uberti.

Anyway, if you're in the market and just want a shooter, they're hard to beat for the money.

Related to the video: Eventually that crappy little $180 Uberti will be as valuable to the child as an unassociated Colt just because it was dad's and the memories associated with it

Posted by: Boron Cobbie - Feminism moved women back to unregulated polygamy, forming harems among themselves at March 16, 2025 08:05 PM (rzFRb)

95 .38 Super woes: The extractor may have been tweaked to work with .38 Super Comp brass, which is a rimless case designed for better feeding in fancy competition guns.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at March 16, 2025 08:07 PM (KfFMd)

96 I see asterisks!

Posted by: Aetius451AD at March 16, 2025 08:07 PM (bss/y)

97 TRex, are you seeing the variation in clusters using cheap range ammo? Have you tried shooting defense ammo? Defense rounds have a higher QC level on their manufacture than cheap range ammo and should be more consistent in performance. Or, you can upgrade to a higher quality practice ammo (EX: Federal Syntech) and see whether it's the ammo you're using, or you that's causing the variations in performance.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 08:08 PM (AiJK3)

98 blake, I’ll have to look. I suspect it’s the plain vanilla stock Axis. I did do a pretty good bedding job that stiffened things up nicely.
And thanks for repeating the bullet info. I was going to ask again. You know, aging memory.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 08:08 PM (YFsmb)

99 84 Splunge, did you buy the gun new or used? If you got it used, it's all too common for used guns to get "parted out" when they're sold. I think the gun originally had a .38 Super slide and barrel, but the slide got parted out before you got the gun. Also, even though .38 Super and 9mm magazines can be interchanged in a pinch, you might want to get some .38 Super magazines. Wilson Combat has its black 10 round fluoro-polymer magazines on sale for 50% off ($27 vs. the normal $54) right now if you're looking.
Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 08:00 PM (AiJK3)

Interesting. Yes, I bought it used. So maybe there's a slide out there...hadn't thought of that.

I have been using real .38 Super mags with the .38 Super barrel, ones I bought from Wilson in the very same sale you're referencing. Then I had to buy different base plates for them, because the ones I bought had a thing sticking up way too far in front.

Posted by: Splunge at March 16, 2025 08:08 PM (ju/6W)

100 100

Posted by: rhennigantx at March 16, 2025 08:08 PM (gbOdA)

101 If memory serves - and this goes a ways back, ahemm - fluorine was one of the fuels for rocket engines back in the day. In 5th grade I had an “enrichment” after hours class taught by a Convair or GD rocket engineer (I think Atlas was made here then) and that factoid somehow leaps out in my memory.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:08 PM (1m82a)

102 I continue to urge everyone to grab up these Turkish-made clones before world events ends their importation.
-

+1 on this if you're 1911 curious. I got one of the GI clones (also around $200) and it has been dead-on reliable through 1000 rounds or so and quickly became a "hide that one over here" gun. Outstanding deal.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie - Feminism moved women back to unregulated polygamy, forming harems among themselves at March 16, 2025 08:08 PM (rzFRb)

103 Oh, and thanks, once again, EdL, for a great gun presentation.
Posted by: GWB at March 16, 2025 08:01 PM (A3DGA)

You're welcome, GWB. And everyone else.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 08:09 PM (AiJK3)

104 95 .38 Super woes: The extractor may have been tweaked to work with .38 Super Comp brass, which is a rimless case designed for better feeding in fancy competition guns.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at March 16, 2025 08:07 PM (KfFMd)

Oh that's interesting. Would such an extractor be better suited to interchange with 9mm Luger with a barrel switch?

Posted by: Splunge at March 16, 2025 08:10 PM (ju/6W)

105 Everyone, please join me in thanking Ed L for his contributions!

Hear Hear!!!!

Thanks Ed!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at March 16, 2025 08:10 PM (9CenS)

106 105 Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at March 16, 2025 08:10 PM
***
AZ! Hope you're well.

Posted by: TRex at March 16, 2025 08:11 PM (IQ6Gq)

107 Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at March 16, 2025 08:10 PM (9CenS)
-----
Good to see you!!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 08:12 PM (b++6H)

108 Another takeaway from the match yesterday was: vertical. My shots on target were pretty much on a line, just moved left to right, depending on the wind at the time the bullet was traveling down range. Which I wasn't unhappy with, either.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 08:13 PM (tT6L1)

109 Boron Cobbie, I always expect I will some day pick up an Uberti SAA repro to go with my Uberti Model 1866 repro, which is very purty (and doubles as a workout weight or boat anchor, weighs a ton). Them eye-talians do a nice job on repros,

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:13 PM (1m82a)

110 Interesting. Yes, I bought it used. So maybe there's a slide out there...hadn't thought of that.

The thought occurs to me that just because it came with the Super barrel doesn't necessarily mean that it ever worked with it. Maybe you have the tail end of someone else's failed experiment.

Posted by: Oddbob at March 16, 2025 08:13 PM (/y8xj)

111 102 I have a Chiappa import 1911, marketed under the Charles Daly name, made by Brixia in Italy. Brixia makes some upper to high grade shotguns and this 1911 is real good quality for the buck. Previous Charles Daly/Chiappa 1911s were Filipino or Balkan made, and not too bad either.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at March 16, 2025 08:13 PM (gm9Sb)

112 Speaking of Tisas, I saw that they're making a reproduction of the old Beretta Cheetah. I need one like I need a hole in my head, but that's a really tempting little pistol.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie - Feminism moved women back to unregulated polygamy, forming harems among themselves at March 16, 2025 08:13 PM (rzFRb)

113 Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 08:13 PM (tT6L1)
----
Nice!!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 08:14 PM (b++6H)

114 Re: single action cowboy guns

I remind him that he has an authentic Colt that will likely only increase in value and I've just got a $180 Uberti, but he always replies that his Colt should be the equal of a $180 Uberti.

Anyway, if you're in the market and just want a shooter, they're hard to beat for the money.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie - Feminism moved women back to unregulated polygamy, forming harems among themselves at March 16, 2025 08:05 PM (rzFRb)

Keep in mind that most SAA clones have installed modern improvements like transfer bar safeties which make them safer to handle than the original. Colt still makes its SAA like they did when they first started in 1873.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 08:15 PM (AiJK3)

115 Thanks Ed!
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at March 16, 2025 08:10 PM (9CenS)

You're welcome!

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 08:16 PM (AiJK3)

116 AZ! Hope you're well.
Posted by: TRex at March 16, 2025 08:11 PM (IQ6Gq)
107 Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at March 16, 2025 08:10 PM (9CenS)
-----
Good to see you!!
Posted by: Weasel
-----

Thank you both. I'm progressing slowly as expected.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at March 16, 2025 08:17 PM (9CenS)

117 Weasel, is the cigar tent in action tonight, or do you have the wind from that front? We’re gusting around 33 knots, so no shooting or drone work today.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 08:18 PM (YFsmb)

118 Hello all and thanks for the thread Weasel.

and yes, Spring must be here. In addition to the robin sighting, the ice cream truck is making its rounds again [and no, I'm not going to shoot it].

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 16, 2025 08:19 PM (IQ6Gq)

119 And thanks to Diogenes for the great cigar review. Have never heard of that brand (the to-try list grows even longer).

Possibly because I always burn in the afternoon, rarely pair with booze. Usually coffee. As our weather warms up, maybe some post-dinner burns will happen.

Weasel - what’s burning tonight? Here I am enjoying an Artisan Tabak bundle barber-pole (Atlantic Cigar, under $3/each if you get the bundle of 20). Simple but tasty and well-constructed for a bundle stick).

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:19 PM (1m82a)

120 114 Single Actions. I have two Heritage Rough Rider .22s, the first one bought because it was dirt cheap and the second because it was used and ridiculously cheap. I wish Heritage would beef up the frame just a skosh and offer it in .32 H&R Magnum. I've never had trouble with either, and I've put maybe 2K rounds through the first one.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at March 16, 2025 08:20 PM (gm9Sb)

121 Uranium hexafluoride.

That's some nasty stuff

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at March 16, 2025 08:20 PM (QfvaV)

122 Oh that's interesting. Would such an extractor be better suited to interchange with 9mm Luger with a barrel switch?
Posted by: Splunge at March 16, 2025 08:10 PM (ju/6W)

I don't have examples in front of me right now. But doesn't the .38 ACP/.38 Super cartridge have a different rim than 9mm Parabellum? I think .38 ACP/.38 Super is closer to a semi-rimmed case. 9mm Parabellum is definitely a fully rimmed case. I think you'd need a completely different extractor to switch between the two.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 08:21 PM (AiJK3)

123 Hello AZ Deplorable...great to see you here...and slow progress is progress none the less (e.g., my range times)

And hello to Jim NSD if you are reading.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 16, 2025 08:21 PM (IQ6Gq)

124 Thanks Weasel. S&B vid is pretty cool.

Posted by: scampydog at March 16, 2025 08:23 PM (41CYW)

125 Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 08:18 PM (YFsmb)
----
Blowing like a mo-fo here but it's warm. I had to tie down the hut with bungee cords earlier!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 08:23 PM (b++6H)

126 Speaking of Tisas, I saw that they're making a reproduction of the old Beretta Cheetah. I need one like I need a hole in my head, but that's a really tempting little pistol.
Posted by: Boron Cobbie - Feminism moved women back to unregulated polygamy, forming harems among themselves at March 16, 2025 08:13 PM (rzFRb)

Berreta itself has reintroduced the Cheetah in both .380 ACP (last year) and .32 ACP (this year). The .380 ACP version doesn't use the same magazines as before, but the .32 ACP version does use the old Model 81 magazines.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 08:24 PM (AiJK3)

127 Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:19 PM (1m82a)
-----
Just finishing the ol' standby Factory Smokes!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 08:25 PM (b++6H)

128 But doesn't the .38 ACP/.38 Super cartridge have a different rim than 9mm Parabellum?

I was pretty sure it was different but not how different so I went downstairs and checked the reloading data book. Super has a .406 rim diameter v. .394 for the Para.

Posted by: Oddbob at March 16, 2025 08:25 PM (/y8xj)

129 Posted by: scampydog at March 16, 2025 08:23 PM (41CYW)
----
Glad you liked it! I thought so too.

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 08:26 PM (b++6H)

130 Well, time to wander.

Thanks again, Weasel!

Later!

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at March 16, 2025 08:26 PM (tT6L1)

131 The section of the thread on Fundamentals must be addressed to me. Started out well at the range, and then things started falling apart. I stopped, did some gub diagnosis, and started making adjustments. Results were very satisfying. Now, to convert this to muscle memory...

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 16, 2025 08:27 PM (IQ6Gq)

132 Adios blake!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 08:28 PM (b++6H)

133 And Weasel, those pups need to be in a commercial for those treats. Absolutely adorable.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 16, 2025 08:28 PM (IQ6Gq)

134 FWIW, I've never seen or heard of a 9mm/.38 Super switch-barrel gun so I'm really leaning more to my failed experiment hypothesis.

Posted by: Oddbob at March 16, 2025 08:29 PM (/y8xj)

135 Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 16, 2025 08:27 PM (IQ6Gq)
----
Good job! I always encourage shooters to slow down or stop when things aren't going well in order to analyze the problem. Doing the wrong thing faster rarely results in improvement..

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 08:30 PM (b++6H)

136 Weasel these Artisan Tabaks are worth trying if you ever look to add to your bundle choices. Nice long-filler barber poles with excellent construction and great flavor.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:30 PM (1m82a)

137 Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 16, 2025 08:28 PM (IQ6Gq)
----
Thank you!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 08:31 PM (b++6H)

138 131 The section of the thread on Fundamentals must be addressed to me. Started out well at the range, and then things started falling apart. I stopped, did some gub diagnosis, and started making adjustments. Results were very satisfying. Now, to convert this to muscle memory...
Posted by: Grateful
--------
Dryfire using snap caps over and over again using the fundamentals. If needed, there are specific dryfire accessories such as ones that send a laser out when the striker/hammer causes the firing pin to hit the cartridge. Considerably cheaper than live fire and if a new gun, tends to smooth out the inevitably roughness of most actions.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 08:31 PM (ctrM5)

139 122 I don't have examples in front of me right now. But doesn't the .38 ACP/.38 Super cartridge have a different rim than 9mm Parabellum? I think .38 ACP/.38 Super is closer to a semi-rimmed case. 9mm Parabellum is definitely a fully rimmed case. I think you'd need a completely different extractor to switch between the two.
Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 08:21 PM (AiJK3)

Yup, just pulled out two to compare, and you're exactly right. Wider rim on the .38 Super Auto, not the same width as the rest of the case. Maybe this .38 Super Comp competition ammo, if I can find it in Minor power factor, would be just the ticket. I guess it's not implausible that a 1911 buyer in 2017 might have ordered a second barrel for competition purposes. I think people were competing much more with 1911s then, before the 2011s swept in.

Posted by: Splunge at March 16, 2025 08:31 PM (ju/6W)

140 .38 Super and 9mm extractors are the same part. Actually getting one to work with both cartridges is not guaranteed.

It isn't unusual for 1911 extractors to need to be "tuned." A lot of 1911s have been made, and a lot of spare parts have been made too. Sometimes the tolerances in manufacturing add up and some hand fitting is required.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at March 16, 2025 08:32 PM (KfFMd)

141 Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:30 PM (1m82a)
----
Will check them out! Thanks!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 08:32 PM (b++6H)

142 I don't have examples in front of me right now. But doesn't the .38 ACP/.38 Super cartridge have a different rim than 9mm Parabellum? I think .38 ACP/.38 Super is closer to a semi-rimmed case. 9mm Parabellum is definitely a fully rimmed case. I think you'd need a completely different extractor to switch between the two.
Posted by: Ed L

The .38 Super Comp is a heavy duty rimless 38 Super with similar internal capacity to 38 Super. Designed to enhance feeding reliability in high capacity magazines of competition race-guns chambered for 38 Super. May require minor extractor tuning in some firearms. When using Dillon press .223 shell plate works best where applicable.
- Starline Brass

FWIW.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 16, 2025 08:34 PM (/lPRQ)

143 Just as well that I don’t keep up with new gunz on the market - love the Cheetah and almost bought one as they went out of production. Worse, I reload .380 (for my CZ83s) and thus there’s no “caliber creep” rule to restrain me ….

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:34 PM (1m82a)

144 gosh, EdL, another gorgeous revolver! Thanks!

turkish 1911 clones? I must investigate ...

Weasel, give that pair of cute lil' dogs a treat from Unca Sock!
Thank you for the update!

I'm just in from a long hike, schlepping the radio pack, without actually activating a park ... finish this bowl of soup, finish this beer (New Glarus Uff-Da), go to bed is the current plan.

Thanks for the thread, Weasel!

G'night everyone!

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at March 16, 2025 08:34 PM (bh/mF)

145 128 The rim size on various 9mm cartridges came up when Astra 400s made an entrance in the surplus market. Some importers claimed they would function with nearly everything. Yes they would, but it got a bit dicey and downright dangerous. As a kid, I had a couple of them, Hunter's Lodge, $19.95, and would regularly shoot 9mm Parabellum. This was no bueno, with no headspacing and just the extractor holding on for dear life. The only good round is 9mm Largo or .38 ACP (please not .38 Super). Fortunately, Astra made a pretty stout pistol.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at March 16, 2025 08:36 PM (gm9Sb)

146 134 FWIW, I've never seen or heard of a 9mm/.38 Super switch-barrel gun so I'm really leaning more to my failed experiment hypothesis.
Posted by: Oddbob

1911's were chambered by Colt itself back in the 30's for 38 Super so they actually worked way back when for that cartridge. Takes a bit more tweaking though to work with a shorter cartridge like the 9mm which has a different power level. 38 Super is closer, depending on loads, to a 357 magnum or a 40 S&W which is a step above the normal 9mm or even +p 9mm.

You get a different energy input to the slide from going back and forth between 9 and 38 Super which can and does affect function without tweaking. It is also possible that the 38 Super barrel was never quite fitted (or the 9 depending on which came first) to the slide which can lead to functioning problems.

Run into some of those issues going back and forth between certain 40S&W pistols and 9mm conversion barrels.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 08:36 PM (ctrM5)

147 Nite sock!!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 08:37 PM (b++6H)

148 Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at March 16, 2025 07:58 PM (KfFMd)

I've had my Tisas Stingray for a couple of years now, and it's one of my favorite shooters. Excellent, excellent trigger.

Posted by: That SOB Van Owen at March 16, 2025 08:37 PM (Hdixl)

149 Love love love factory tours. Only gun-related tour I can recall was back when I was working on the Hill, toured the Accoceek, MD factory where Beretta made the M9 for the US military.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:38 PM (1m82a)

150 1911's were chambered by Colt itself back in the 30's for 38 Super so they actually worked way back when for that cartridge.

Agreed but not with the same frame and slide as a 9mm. That's the part that I'm saying I never heard of.

Posted by: Oddbob at March 16, 2025 08:40 PM (/y8xj)

151 Mentioned here before, I wish Tisas, and you know they can do it, would bring out an exact MILSPEC M1 carbine for under $600.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at March 16, 2025 08:40 PM (gm9Sb)

152 142 I don't have examples in front of me right now. But doesn't the .38 ACP/.38 Super cartridge have a different rim than 9mm Parabellum? I think .38 ACP/.38 Super is closer to a semi-rimmed case. 9mm Parabellum is definitely a fully rimmed case. I think you'd need a completely different extractor to switch between the two.
Posted by: Ed L
=======
Reverse. 9mmx19 is a rimless case. 38 Super used to headspace (inconsistently) when Colt originally made them and they used basically the old 38ACP case upcharged to 38 Super. (which is why some of those old 38 ACP pistols got blownup as you can chamber a 38 Super in a 38 ACP.

Nowadays, most 38 Super barrels have the cartridge headspace on the case mouth like the 9x19 always did rather than deal with a dinky semi rim giving inconsistent accuracy.

For semi auto pistols, headspacing on the case mouth is far superior to semi rimmed cartridge headspacing because chambers in a barrel are more consistent in mfg than is rim thickness and proper dimension are in brass.

There were a few semi auto pistols that used full rimmed cases but those are specialty pistols and quirky.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 08:43 PM (ctrM5)

153 Yep, I’ll watch any and every ammo manufacturing video. Tres cool.
But it makes me appreciate handcrafting loads, trying to out-do modern manufacturing.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 08:43 PM (YFsmb)

154 66 Good evening everyone
Started feeling not well just after Food thread started but just had some chicken rice soup and feeling better.
A indoor range very close to where I am working so should one day pack along a handgun and go right after work.
Posted by: Skip at March 16, 2025 07:47 PM (fwDg9)

Hope you recover quickly from whatever it was, Skip.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy - OT but harmless at March 16, 2025 08:44 PM (v23vE)

155 Love love love factory tours...
Posted by: rhomboid

You might enjoy this vid:
youtube.com/watch?v=_rCZHG_eEak

Posted by: JQ at March 16, 2025 08:44 PM (rdVOm)

156 Ok, back.
Tisas makes good pistols, so does Canik. Frankly Turkish handguns are really good for the price.

Turkish shotguns...well...they may LOOK great but QC ain't there. And I do love my Turkish O/U but it needed warranty support.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 16, 2025 08:45 PM (xcxpd)

157 Evening all. Yay me. The Ruger Vaquero in 357 was finally delivered! Been waiting two years for Bud's to get them back in stock.

Posted by: rickb223 at March 16, 2025 08:48 PM (BLpWt)

158 Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 08:43 PM (ctrM5)

Thanks for the correction, whig. I've got a couple of vintage Colts in .38 Super, but I've never fired live rounds through anything chambered .38 Super.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 08:49 PM (AiJK3)

159 150 1911's were chambered by Colt itself back in the 30's for 38 Super so they actually worked way back when for that cartridge.

Agreed but not with the same frame and slide as a 9mm. That's the part that I'm saying I never heard of.
Posted by: Oddbob
======
Not so much an issue in a full sized 1911 to do that except to match slide velocities and different mags/recoil springs. If done as a project, you used to be able to buy Kart barrels to fit to your existing slide (sure other shade tree gunsmiths have done something similar) but for conversion barrels to work, dealing with keeping the slide velocity within the working range is critical for feeding from the mag. Sometimes mags can be an issue if you have a kludged fix. A few such pistolas like the Sig P226/229 40 S&W were designed from the start to use conversion barrels which Sig sold among others so you could choose a 40 S&W, 9x19, or a 357 Sig in the same pistol albeit changing the recoil spring and magazines.

The Coonan 357 started out as a gunsmithed 1911 for example and fired a fully rimmed std. 357 cartridge. Smith and Wesson made a semi auto for target use that fired 38 Special wadcutters. Lotta work there.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 08:49 PM (ctrM5)

160 Berreta itself has reintroduced the Cheetah in both .380 ACP (last year) and .32 ACP (this year). The .380 ACP version doesn't use the same magazines as before, but the .32 ACP version does use the old Model 81 magazines.
Posted by: Ed L

-

Interesting, and that's good. The last I saw was some sort of Glock-ish Model 84X (80X?) or something similar.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie - Feminism moved women back to unregulated polygamy, forming harems among themselves at March 16, 2025 08:52 PM (rzFRb)

161 OT Chuck Norris tells a Chuck Norris joke

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/eA6D0svvUDI

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at March 16, 2025 08:52 PM (VNX3d)

162 Thanks for the correction, whig. I've got a couple of vintage Colts in .38 Super, but I've never fired live rounds through anything chambered .38 Super.
Posted by: Ed L
-----
Expect spotty accuracy if you do. A few people that like to shoot vintage Colts in taht cartridge usually get a modern barrel where the headspace is set to the case mouth rather than the old rim.

Back when IPSA became a big thing, competitors tried to get as much gas through their comps but as light of recoil as they could get to make Major Power Factor (bullet, velocity, etc. ) and settled on the 38 Super. They are the ones that fixed the original design mistake by Colt to make those super accurate raceguns using 38 Super.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 08:52 PM (ctrM5)

163 Mentioned here before, I wish Tisas, and you know they can do it, would bring out an exact MILSPEC M1 carbine for under $600.
Posted by: bill in arkansas

-

Yep. They'd sell every single one they'd ship over and people like me would happily snatch them up.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie - Feminism moved women back to unregulated polygamy, forming harems among themselves at March 16, 2025 08:53 PM (rzFRb)

164 Have always wondered what the recoil was like on a Coonan 357, given the weight and 1911 design.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:54 PM (1m82a)

165 No shooting - it was the day of the local Cowboy Action Club but the wifely unit was preaching at her church so….
Did a bit of dry practice last week and that’s it.
Good to hear from everyone and your shewtin and thanks for the Gun Thread Weasel. The doggos are cute

Posted by: Coelacanth at March 16, 2025 08:55 PM (OyOhQ)

166 I have yet to meet a person who decides to go out and spend money so they can truly suck at something.
Posted by: Weasel

You've never been on a golf course?

Posted by: mikeski at March 16, 2025 08:55 PM (DgGvY)

167 Anyone here have direct or indirect experience with the “Inland” M1 carbines? I mean of course the new repros made by the company that bought the Inland name.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:56 PM (1m82a)

168 161 OT Chuck Norris tells a Chuck Norris joke

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/eA6D0svvUDI
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at March 16, 2025 08:52 PM (VNX3d)

Too funny! Thanks for sharing.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy - OT but harmless at March 16, 2025 08:57 PM (v23vE)

169 mikeski, excellent point!

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:57 PM (0pOPf)

170 166 I have yet to meet a person who decides to go out and spend money so they can truly suck at something.
Posted by: Weasel

You've never been on a golf course?
Posted by: mikeski at March 16, 2025 08:55 PM (DgGvY)

Oh, so you've seen me golf?

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy - OT but harmless at March 16, 2025 08:58 PM (v23vE)

171 You've never been on a golf course?
Posted by: mikeski at March 16, 2025 08:55 PM (DgGvY)
---
Good point!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 08:59 PM (b++6H)

172 One of the important things that I did not mention about conversion barrels in 1911's. One of the challenges in fitting a 1911 barrel is making sure that the locking lugs fit the locking recesses

In a Browning tilt action, you have the easier task of fitting the barrel chamber hood to the slide opening for extraction.

Use marking fluid, lampblack, or even magic marker on a degreased barrel to fit it. Work the action and the marking fluid/lampblack/etc tells you where the barrel slide relationship is hanging or rubbing where it should not or otherwise improperly fitted. Then you stone those marks carefully, put the marking fluid etc on it again and repeat over and over again until the fit between barrel and slide is perfect. Even if the barrel/slide combo drags just a bit where it shouldn't, you get inconsistent function as the slide speed varies.

Marking fluid, etc. can also tell you if someone got too happy with their stoning, etc. or Lord forbid, broke out a Dremel. That generally means a trashed barrel as you cannot put back what was wrongfully removed in the first place.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:00 PM (ctrM5)

173 166 I have yet to meet a person who decides to go out and spend money so they can truly suck at something.
Posted by: Weasel

You've never been on a golf course?
Posted by: mikeski at March 16, 2025 08:55 PM (DgGvY)

Oh, so you've seen me golf?
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy - OT but harmless at March 16, 2025 08:58 PM (v23vE)

I gave up golf when I realized that I would always suck at it. I then concentrated on Gubs, where the odds of improvement were somewhat better.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 09:00 PM (YFsmb)

174 Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 08:52 PM (ctrM5)

Given what you've said, I don't think I'll be shooting those .38 Super vintage Colts anytime soon. One is a 1930 Government Model in with most of the original finish still intact. The other is a 1966 Lightweight Commander possibly unfired, in its original box w/ documentation. If accuracy is iffy with them, it's not worth beating them up. I'll get a modern Colt in .38 Super to scratch that itch.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 09:01 PM (AiJK3)

175 You've never been on a golf course?
Posted by: mikeski at March 16, 2025 08:55 PM (DgGvY)
---
Good point!

See also: boat dock videos on Youtube.

Posted by: Oddbob at March 16, 2025 09:01 PM (/y8xj)

176 So, this month is the 80th birthday of my M1 - it’s actually a little older than I am. To celebrate, we went to the range and put 1970s Greek .30-‘06 and 2010s American Eagle 150 grain FMJ through her.
The Greek stuff was about 50 FPS faster, but the AE grouped better.
She got a tender cleaning thereafter.
Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 07:40 PM

About next month for mine!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at March 16, 2025 09:03 PM (Wnv9h)

177 LaPlace Transforms are used to diagnose and cure misbehavior in many types of automatic firearms springs, especially machine gun drive springs.

Posted by: 10x25mm at March 16, 2025 09:05 PM (EMZht)

178 167 Anyone here have direct or indirect experience with the “Inland” M1 carbines? I mean of course the new repros made by the company that bought the Inland name.
Posted by: rhomboid

Kahr apparently makes the receiver castings for Inland but I think Inland makes or sources most of the rest of it and they have tried to make repos of some famous variants of teh M1.

Want a rock solid M1, consider Fulton Armory as they used to use forged receivers and mil spec on parts just like the original M1, not castings.

Cast receivers cause some spec differences between real M1 parts and some of the parts for those cast receivers (cast receivers started with Universal carbines when the surplus forged receivers ran out). Dimensional differences cause the cast to be bulkier requiring different stocks, etc.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:05 PM (ctrM5)

179 Anyone here have direct or indirect experience with the “Inland” M1 carbines? I mean of course the new repros made by the company that bought the Inland name.
Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:56 PM (1m82a)

Considering what the originals (even in re-arsenaled, rough condition) go for now, go w/ a modern Inland if you want to shoot an M1 Carbine. Especially if you want a M1A1 Paratrooper model.

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 09:06 PM (AiJK3)

180 Given what you've said, I don't think I'll be shooting those .38 Super vintage Colts anytime soon. One is a 1930 Government Model in with most of the original finish still intact. The other is a 1966 Lightweight Commander possibly unfired, in its original box w/ documentation. If accuracy is iffy with them, it's not worth beating them up. I'll get a modern Colt in .38 Super to scratch that itch.
Posted by: Ed L
----------
A lightweight Commander would not be that fun to shoot in 38 Super as loaded today. Unfortunately, if not competing, 38 Super is a cartridge that the market forgot and I think there are only one or two defensive loads (if one can find them) loaded for it anymore.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:07 PM (ctrM5)

181 About next month for mine!
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at March 16, 2025 09:03 PM (Wnv9h)

RMBS, I suspect both were made in anticipation of the Invasion of Japan.
Thank you, Pres. Truman.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 09:09 PM (YFsmb)

182 Chuck Norris tells a Chuck Norris joke

Awesome.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at March 16, 2025 09:10 PM (mH6SG)

183 83 76 Natural sunlight. When I had the bluing tanks, a friend came over when I was doing a heat. Just a 10/22 barrel. Finished the three customers' guns, and gave the barrel a polish with the wheels, all the way down to jeweler's rouge. Degreased, dipped, rinsed, oiled and I and friend were most pleased. Then we took it outside. Boy were we pleased, friend saying "fuckin' Weatherby bluing".
Posted by: bill in arkansas
======
Polishing barrels is an art just like lapping. Kudos to you for doing a good job. Takes a steady hand and toleration for a mess.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:10 PM (ctrM5)

184 Posted by: 10x25mm at March 16, 2025 09:05 PM (EMZht)
----
I wondered (a little) about that sort of application!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:11 PM (b++6H)

185 Considering what the originals (even in re-arsenaled, rough condition) go for now, go w/ a modern Inland if you want to shoot an M1 Carbine. Especially if you want a M1A1 Paratrooper model.
Posted by: Ed L

-

This, sadly, is what I've accepted. I've got an IBM that I love to shoot and I love to take to the range to let young people shoot (and a few old people), kids that have never seen one or even really know what they're holding except for their dads and grandfathers telling them about it after they're done.

But I'm more and more beginning to accept that it's not the smartest thing to do, because there are all sorts of things that could happen with just me an mine shooting it.

I sure do enjoy seeing the smiles, though. But I know I could never replace it, so I do it less and less and look at the reproductions more and more.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie - Feminism moved women back to unregulated polygamy, forming harems among themselves at March 16, 2025 09:12 PM (rzFRb)

186 164 Have always wondered what the recoil was like on a Coonan 357, given the weight and 1911 design.
Posted by: rhomboid
--------
Dunno, that design has come and gone at least twice that I am aware of by companies as it was extremely niche in market.

Think the Desert Eagle in 44 Magnum has had an easier time of it in the market.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:13 PM (ctrM5)

187 FSJ and Gertie Update

Always appreciated, as is this thread and its host!

Posted by: Notorious BFD at March 16, 2025 09:13 PM (mH6SG)

188 Weasel, it's time for me to sign off. Thanks for hosting tonight's thread!

Posted by: Ed L at March 16, 2025 09:13 PM (AiJK3)

189 example of Fun Size Joe and Gertie exhibiting a focus that you hopefully can aspire to!
Posted by: Duncanthrax at March 16, 2025 07:35 PM (a3Q+t)

So if I eat Snap Stix at the range, I’ll focus better?
I’ll give a try and report back.
Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 07:43 PM (YFsmb)
***

*Note To Self*
Self, do NOT do a cigar/liquor review if Fun Size Joe and Gertie are present and the Snap Stix bag is empty.

Posted by: Diogenes at March 16, 2025 09:14 PM (W/lyH)

190 "...But when I pulled the slide back to eject the unfired round, it seemed to bind up. Stuck to the extractor? It almost looked as though the ejection port was not long enough for the longer .38 Super round. I finally got it out of there by sticking a squib rod up through the magwell...."

The Model 1911 is a controlled round feed gun, just like the later Mauser rifles. The breech face has an abutment opposite the extractor which positions the cartridge rim. Too large a cartridge rim and the the cartridge is presented off center to the chamber, which is probably why your pistol is seizing up.

Try one of the rimless 9x23mm cartridges, such as the Bergmann, Largo, or Steyr. Your barrel may have been intended for the rimless 9x23mm Winchester, but be very careful about this because it is a much hotter loading than .38 Super (even +P). The 9mm Bergmann, Largo, and Star are milder and a good starting point to see if the .38 Super semi rim is your problem.

Posted by: 10x25mm at March 16, 2025 09:14 PM (EMZht)

191 whig@146, well, yeah ... as I understood it, back in the day, the fundamental difference (a big one) was :
- 9mm seats on a taper
-.45 seats on the front corner of the case
so yeah, 9mm is (imho) always sorta floating in the air, in a dimensional-analysis sorta way.

o, also, @172, yes, very much yes, Dykem Steel Red is your friend! for all sorts of layout & fitting.

& now rly g'night!

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at March 16, 2025 09:15 PM (bh/mF)

192 Thanks Notorious and Ed L!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:15 PM (b++6H)

193 S&B Ammo Plant Tour

That was cool to watch. I've had nothing but positive experiences with their ammo.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at March 16, 2025 09:15 PM (mH6SG)

194 Posted by: Diogenes at March 16, 2025 09:14 PM (W/lyH)
----
That's for sure!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:17 PM (b++6H)

195 Being only slightly younger than my M1, I’m winding down on Gub purchases (“Yeah, right!”, I hear).
But an M1A carbine I might make an exception for.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 09:18 PM (YFsmb)

196 But I'm more and more beginning to accept that it's not the smartest thing to do, because there are all sorts of things that could happen with just me an mine shooting it.
Posted by: Boron Cobbie
========
Unless you fail to check load your ammo, the GI-milspec M1 Carbine is extremely resistant to a sudden unscheduled disassembly. If of a shooter grade, go ahead. Just be careful if reloading as the 30 Carbine reloading is something that takes reasonable care and I would recommend check gauging ammo for your rifle before you shoot it.

Buy an extra stripped bolt, some extractors, and springs, should be good to go. The carbine is overbuilt for the puny cartridge. Not as true for the M1 rifle as you have to stay within its original ammo spec (pressure etc) or retrofit with an adjustable gas device if you want to fire a wider variety of 30-06.

Those with the 308 version have it easier if you don't ramrod hot bolt action only loads through it.

The biggest threat to a M1 Carbine is not keeping the parts up to spec (springs, etc. as those are wear items) and an oob (out of battery) situation caused by poor ammo quality.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:19 PM (ctrM5)

197 Thanks as always, Weasel

Posted by: Boron Cobbie - Feminism moved women back to unregulated polygamy, forming harems among themselves at March 16, 2025 09:20 PM (rzFRb)

198 &@185,oh gosh the Rock-Ola carbine I passed up back in the 80's ... IBM, Inland, they had 'em all ....

shoulda, coulda, woulda; the three imps that torment us ...

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at March 16, 2025 09:20 PM (bh/mF)

199 OK, 9:20 thank you time!

Thank you!

Sure do appreciate all y'all being here tonight and participating. Hope to see you again next Sunday!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:20 PM (b++6H)

200 Thanks to you too, Whig. And Ed.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie - Feminism moved women back to unregulated polygamy, forming harems among themselves at March 16, 2025 09:21 PM (rzFRb)

201 RMBS, I suspect both were made in anticipation of the Invasion of Japan.
Thank you, Pres. Truman.
Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 09:09 PM

Most likely.

Thanks for another great Gub Thread, Weasel.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at March 16, 2025 09:22 PM (Wnv9h)

202 Being only slightly younger than my M1, I’m winding down on Gub purchases (“Yeah, right!”, I hear).
But an M1A carbine I might make an exception for.
Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 09:18 PM (YFsmb)

Same here.
Now the extra cash goes to other necessities like more ammo, and...well...more ammo.

Posted by: Diogenes at March 16, 2025 09:23 PM (W/lyH)

203 seems superfluous to say "& now rly g'night" again ...

but here goes anyway ...

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at March 16, 2025 09:23 PM (bh/mF)

204 49 “or simply to attract range babes”
------
Do you camo here often?
Posted by: andycanuck (/tzYP) at March 16, 2025 07:37 PM (/tzYP)

One of my favorite things about being a range safety officer at Scottsdale Gun Club was watching a Scottsdale trophy wife or Barrett-Jackson arm candy gal doing what we called "the hot brass dance".

Posted by: The Osprey at March 16, 2025 09:23 PM (MqtqS)

205 My pleasure RMBS. Always a pleasure to see you here.

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:24 PM (b++6H)

206 191 whig@146, well, yeah ... as I understood it, back in the day, the fundamental difference (a big one) was :
- 9mm seats on a taper
-.45 seats on the front corner of the case
so yeah, 9mm is (imho) always sorta floating in the air, in a dimensional-analysis sorta way.
=====
Yep, 9mm has a taper which makes it a bit trickier sometimes to reload. I use a tiny smear of imperial sizing on about every 10th case of so when resizing 9mm due to that taper.

I think 45 ACP and 38 Special are ideal for beginners to start reloading when dealing with brass. Neither are high pressure cartridges, straight walls, and wide variety of bullets and bullet weights to reload.

9mm, a bit more difficult (not impossible) and care regarding the brass as you can get some really crappy 9mm import brass if not careful. Some 9x19 pistols (especially older imported ones) can have trouble with certain bullet profiles when reloading.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:25 PM (ctrM5)

207 Weasel, even after all this time, it never ceases to amaze me at the width and depth of Gub knowledge gathered here.

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 09:25 PM (YFsmb)

208 Gateway Pundit sez "Houthis Retaliate with Massive Attack on US Aircraft Carrier USS Harry Truman with 18 Ballistic Missiles and Drone." Sounds serious to me.

Posted by: Ides Of gp at March 16, 2025 09:26 PM (5ACBR)

209 198 &@185,oh gosh the Rock-Ola carbine I passed up back in the 80's ... IBM, Inland, they had 'em all ....

shoulda, coulda, woulda; the three imps that torment us ...
Posted by: sock_rat_eez
======
It's hard when you consider someone else is having fun with a firearm that should have been yours. Follow Satchel Paige's advice, "don't look back, something might be gaining on ya".

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:26 PM (ctrM5)

210 Thanks as always, Weasel. See y'all next week.

Posted by: That SOB Van Owen at March 16, 2025 09:26 PM (Hdixl)

211 Thanks Weasel, been dealing with memory care facility and my mom off and on this week so this thread is a useful break from that.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:27 PM (ctrM5)

212 My pleasure RMBS. Always a pleasure to see you here.
Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:24 PM

Punching out for tonight. See you next week.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at March 16, 2025 09:27 PM (Wnv9h)

213 Tonight's Highway Patrol was slightly depressing. Marshall resolves the situation (avoiding spoiler territory here), gets a radio call to haul arse back to HQ, sighs, and heads out with a very "here we go again" attitude. It's like police work is a job or something.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy - OT but harmless at March 16, 2025 09:28 PM (v23vE)

214 101 If memory serves - and this goes a ways back, ahemm - fluorine was one of the fuels for rocket engines back in the day. In 5th grade I had an “enrichment” after hours class taught by a Convair or GD rocket engineer (I think Atlas was made here then) and that factoid somehow leaps out in my memory.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 08:08 PM (1m82a)
----
I've used F2 for organic synthesis and I cannot imagine using it as the oxidizer in a rocket, considering the quantities required.

Posted by: Ciampino - food puns are cheesy yet grate at March 16, 2025 09:28 PM (KjLnc)

215 Looking at Ed L's Colt, I think it has the perfect amount of wear and patina. Nice to see it was used and cared for.

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:28 PM (b++6H)

216 Punching out for tonight. See you next week.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at March 16, 2025 09:27 PM (Wnv9h)

Have a good evening, RMBS!

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy - OT but harmless at March 16, 2025 09:29 PM (v23vE)

217 Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:27 PM (ctrM5)
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I'm glad it provides a diversion. Thanks for being here!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:30 PM (b++6H)

218 I don't have a single single action revolver. I did at one time have a Ruger Blackhawk in .357 mag with a switchable 9mm parabellum cylinder. I had traded a Ruger GP-100 that had a flakey adjustable rear sight for the Blackhawk only to discover the Blackhawk had the same issue. Apparently there are aftermarket adjustable sights for Ruger revolvers that resolve this problem but I ended trading the Blackhawk for a CZ-75D PCR (I'm a CZ-aholic) that is my most often carried pistol.

Posted by: The Osprey at March 16, 2025 09:30 PM (MqtqS)

219 Howdy gang!

No range time this weekend, but Marine is in town this week and I’m going to be shooting with BOTH of my boys!

It’s a great mother/son bonding experience.

Posted by: nurse ratched at March 16, 2025 09:31 PM (tAfvS)

220 Posted by: nurse ratched at March 16, 2025 09:31 PM (tAfvS)
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Hey! Have fun!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:32 PM (b++6H)

221 I have a Kahr/Auto Ordnance M1 carbine repro that I picked up like-new for half price years ago, has always performed perfectly. As I recall when I contacted them years ago the company said the parts are not USGI-compatible/Milspec, but casual comparisons with my 1943 Quality Hardware M1 don't confirm that. Haven't tried to swap parts to see. I have spares for a few high-wear parts on my big M1s, but have not laid in reserves for the carbine, which I probably should. Of course need to resolve this USGI/or not issue with the repro as well.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 09:32 PM (1m82a)

222 Punching out as well. Thanks, Weasel, for the yeoman’s work here every week.
And thanks all you big-brained commenters!

Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 09:33 PM (YFsmb)

223 If memory serves - and this goes a ways back, ahemm - fluorine was one of the fuels for rocket engines back in the day.

-

I think some moron posted it, but

Sand Won't Save You This Time

"If, however, this coat is melted or scrubbed off, and has no chance to reform, the operator is confronted with the problem of coping with a metal-fluorine fire. For dealing with this situation, I have always recommended a good pair of running shoes.”

https://tinyurl.com/3ubnvmrv

is a fun read. Well, depending on your definition of fun, I guess.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie - Feminism moved women back to unregulated polygamy, forming harems among themselves at March 16, 2025 09:33 PM (rzFRb)

224 Posted by: RI Red at March 16, 2025 09:33 PM (YFsmb)
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Adios, amigo!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:35 PM (b++6H)

225 Ciampino might be a memory error, but for some reason I recall fluorine in the discussion of rocket fuels. Possibly another compound with fluorine?

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 09:35 PM (1m82a)

226 219 Howdy gang!

No range time this weekend, but Marine is in town this week and I’m going to be shooting with BOTH of my boys!

It’s a great mother/son bonding experience.
Posted by: nurse ratched at March 16, 2025 09:31 PM (tAfvS)

Reinforcing the fact that you're one of the cool moms, Nurse.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy - OT but harmless at March 16, 2025 09:37 PM (v23vE)

227 Not sure where FSJ ran off to (probably our bed) but Gertie is perched atop a CC and eating peanuts with me.

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:38 PM (b++6H)

228 Thank you Horde and thank you Weasel. The gub thread is always a highlight of each week.

Posted by: TRex at March 16, 2025 09:38 PM (IQ6Gq)

229 Posted by: TRex at March 16, 2025 09:38 PM (IQ6Gq)
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My pleasure! Thank you!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:39 PM (b++6H)

230 225 Ciampino might be a memory error, but for some reason I recall fluorine in the discussion of rocket fuels. Possibly another compound with fluorine?

Posted by: rhomboid at March 16, 2025 09:35 PM (1m82a)
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No no, I wasn't implying you were wrong, I was just awed that someone would use it as the oxidizer. The handling of the presumed liquid F2 !! Mine came in a steel cylinder about half the size of a normal N2 cylinder. I used Monel lines and valves.
Argon as the carrier/dilutant gas. Solvent was usually Freon. Reactions usually carried out at acetone-dry ice temperatures.

Posted by: Ciampino - food puns are cheesy yet grate at March 16, 2025 09:42 PM (KjLnc)

231 Mr. Scary and I are enjoying the "How Ammo is Made" video. Thank you for your hard work, Weasel.

Posted by: ScaryMary at March 16, 2025 09:43 PM (xo3W8)

232 In addition to the robin sighting, the ice cream truck is making its rounds again [and no, I'm not going to shoot it].
Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 16, 2025 08:19 PM (IQ6Gq)

Just the speaker....

Posted by: GWB at March 16, 2025 09:44 PM (1AmIa)

233 Posted by: ScaryMary at March 16, 2025 09:43 PM (xo3W

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Happy to do it!

Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:44 PM (b++6H)

234 BTW, I just saw my first robin of the year just now in the backyard so spring is definitely here.
Posted by: andycanuck

I have had robins for awhile. For us, the true sign of spring is the turkey buzzards. I've had one so far (within last 3 days) but have seen others circling aloft.
I try to chum them with coons.

Posted by: MkY at March 16, 2025 09:46 PM (cPGH3)

235 Rhomboid,
Kahr uses cast receivers which are physically bigger than forged so from memory, bolt is different, receiver is different, stocks have to be different to fit the physically larger cast receiver and perhaps the slide is different. There is an online website for just repro M1 Carbines

www dot m1carbinesinc dot com

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:47 PM (ctrM5)

236 Monday is impending, so time to prepare for it. Thanks everyone and see you next week...only 31 weeks until Corsicana...in the meantime, Happy St Patrick's Day!

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 16, 2025 09:49 PM (IQ6Gq)

237 So passed the Food Thread comment number ..... again.

Posted by: Ciampino - food puns are cheesy yet grate at March 16, 2025 09:50 PM (KjLnc)

238 Weasel,
This was in my Gunboards feed.

Ammo loaded Pakistani style. Watch for some reloading tips!!!

https://youtu.be/LfB-vuYMQKE

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:50 PM (ctrM5)

239 fwiw, lots of tankers in the air tonight over the US. Most have a GOLD call sign. Moving fighters around? I see eight now but think there were more earlier.

Posted by: TRex at March 16, 2025 09:51 PM (IQ6Gq)

240 Wish everyone a good night.

Posted by: whig at March 16, 2025 09:52 PM (ctrM5)

241 I try to chum them with coons.

Posted by: MkY at March 16, 2025 09:46 PM (cPGH3)

Cut, jib, newsletter.

Posted by: ScaryMary at March 16, 2025 09:52 PM (xo3W8)

242 239 fwiw, lots of tankers in the air tonight over the US. Most have a GOLD call sign. Moving fighters around? I see eight now but think there were more earlier.

Posted by: TRex at March 16, 2025 09:51 PM (IQ6Gq)
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8 fighters or 8 tankers?

Posted by: Ciampino - food puns are cheesy yet grate at March 16, 2025 09:52 PM (KjLnc)

243 Gertie is perched atop a CC and eating peanuts with me.
Posted by: Weasel at March 16, 2025 09:38 PM

Hah! Don't get much better than that, amigo.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at March 16, 2025 09:53 PM (mH6SG)

244 242 8 fighters or 8 tankers?

Posted by: Ciampino - food puns are cheesy yet grate at March 16, 2025 09:52 PM
***
Tankers. The fighters usually don't show up on the trackers.

Posted by: TRex at March 16, 2025 09:56 PM (IQ6Gq)

245 236 Monday is impending, so time to prepare for it. Thanks everyone and see you next week...only 31 weeks until Corsicana...in the meantime, Happy St Patrick's Day!
Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 16, 2025 09:49 PM (IQ6Gq)

And to you, ma'am.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy - OT but harmless at March 16, 2025 09:56 PM (v23vE)

246 "101 If memory serves - and this goes a ways back, ahemm - fluorine was one of the fuels for rocket engines back in the day. In 5th grade I had an “enrichment” after hours class taught by a Convair or GD rocket engineer (I think Atlas was made here then) and that factoid somehow leaps out in my memory."

I am a retired oil refinery chemical engineer who spent several years working with HF catalyst Alkylation process units used to make high octane gasoline. HF acid (89% pure) boils at 68 degrees and leaks result in a highly corrosive and toxic cloud. The highest energy of any chemical reaction is between liquid fluorine and liquid hydrogen. HF acid vapor at normal temperatures is bad enough, at over two thousand degrees it would be an extremely dangerous rocket engine exhaust. Rocket engine efficiency is measured by specific impulse and using liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen is much safer than fluorine and hydrogen. The SpaceX Raptor engines burn liquid oxygen and liquid methane which is more practical. The best rocket propellent for travel to Mars and beyond would be liquid hydrogen heated by a fission reactor but methane/oxygen is good enough.

Thanks Weasel

Posted by: Bond in Michigan at March 16, 2025 10:02 PM (JLgPI)

247 ONT nood. Thanks all!

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy - OT but harmless at March 16, 2025 10:02 PM (v23vE)

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