I use the Winchester also but not the silvertips, I will have to try them out. Once you get the Canik decked out, show us a picture. This might be my next purchase, whenever that will be.
I think I’ll buy the Vortex Venom 3 MOA red dot (RDO) tomorrow. I’ll probably order a Streamlight light with green laser in the next few days as well, unless we have one at work, in which case I’ll bring it home. I was thinking of putting both on the Canik but now I’m thinking that the Streamlight should go on the Glock 17 instead. My Glock isn’t an MOS (optic ready), and to be honest I prefer iron sights, so the RDO will be an experiment for the fairly inexpensive Canik.
Speaking of which, I’ll probably impulse buy either the Glock 45 MOS or the Smith & Wesson Equalizer this week. I guess I’m in the Christmas spirit in a greedy Grinch sort of way. Buying all the guns now but eventually the kids will get them and probably sell them for pennies on the dollar.
I gave one of the Chiappa Little Badgers I bought last week to my 14-year-old. She and one or both of her sisters may get some trigger time in the back yard later today. If so, I might toss in a few centerfire rounds, either shotgun or pistol, as I have a new Winchester shotgun and the PC Carbine to break in. They’ll have fun regardless of the noise level. The archery target stays up and the BB guns are always available for them to shoot, there’s the volleyball net, a tree to use the hatchets and axe on, and a lot of open space, so they have plenty of outdoors activities to partake in. Obviously, firearms are much more restricted to them and only handled under my supervision, though I usually have 2-3 on or near me at all times.
Glock 45 MOS and Vortex Viper it was today. I started the form and had everything ready to go by the time I clocked out. New DeSantis IWB holster, three more boxes of Silvertips, and just got done mounting the red dot optic.
I’m enjoying the new job and realizing that maybe I don’t need or even want to put on another uniform full time. That said, I spoke to the Sheriff a couple of weeks ago when he came to pick up a gun and found out that his office is working to get volunteer reservists into a part-time academy. East Baton Rouge has a lot of info online, and I fairly certain their academy will be used by my parish and others. I have no idea what service weapon they issue here, but over the river, EBRSO issues revolvers to Reserve Deputies. I liked my S&W 19, but since most departments allow volunteers to buy their own, I’ll probably carry the G45 with optic or maybe the G17. If I do go that route, a G26 is on the short list as a backup.
I went ahead and reversed the mag releases on rhe Glocks just now before field stripping the LCP Max and noting it has a near identical mag release. So, i went ahead and reversed it as well. Ive gotten used to using my middle finger to drop a mag on right handed pistols, but my old primary carry gun, the Beretta 92F, has had the mag release reversed for over twenty years, so with some dry fire drills and a little range time hopefully I burn the reversals into muscle memory.
Here in all their glory are the new lefty pistols, and a random Seagrams 7 bottle for good measure. 🙈
Closing out the year with a bang.
Got delayed on the Paratrooper SKS, so I figured I’d experiment and buy another Canik SP9. Got the “Proceed” on that one, so NICS seems to just randomly delay some things. It sucks I have to wait until next year to get my SKS, though.
Next year I’ll slow down a little. Maybe 2-3 a month. Home improvements and more secure storage is priority.
No more guns, but I bought and installed TruGlo TFX Pro fiber optic night sights on the G17 and added a Streamlight TLR-8A laser/flashlight today. The G45 with the optic may get a light soon, but the G17 is fairly well kitted for home defense now. I’m thinking of getting a Galco shoulder holster to carry both. Not for practical concealed carry or anything but because…well it’s America and I can (for now).
Though I bought the Security-9 when I got the PC Carbine, I think I’ll put the Glock magazine well in it and eventually pick up a few more 33 round mags. We also got a G26 Gen 4 in used a few days ago which I may look into getting.
Every time I sign on you have something new, I am jealous but it’s awesome. I really have to get my butt in gear.
Eric – TIA wrote:
21 hours ago, Eric – TIA said:Every time I sign on you have something new, I am jealous but it’s awesome. I really have to get my butt in gear.
Well, I need to slow down on the gun buying and focus on training. I’m scheduled for 9 hour days but my start time fluctuates between 7am and 1pm and our range closes at 6pm, so I’m going to start identifying a couple of days a week to shoot after work.
I’ve boresighted the Streamlight laser and night sights on the G17 but need to dial them in, along with the optic on the G45. I also need to do some research before choosing an optic for the Canik TP9SFx. The Canik seems to be very popular, with some calling it a “Glock killer”; a customer was gushing about it a few days ago and is planning to buy the one we currently have. I recognized his name when asked to pull a gun he ordered…seems he’s been buying like I have. We have a few customers like him, and working in the vault I’m amazed at how after years of getting physically and mentally beat down I’m able to instantly recognize a name and the gun they ordered. When time permits I don’t mind interacting with customers, and more than a few have purchased guns I’ve recommended. When customers get impatient or mouthy, though, I have to go back to the vault.
I try to be proactive, keeping our two computer systems up (one for 4473 forms and the other for tracking what guns we have on hand and have physically disposed of) and when my other duties are accomplished, heading to the gun line for a final check as the customer is checking out. We have the federally mandated 1st and 2nd check, then a Lead, Manager, or I do one last look at the paperwork before releasing the firearm. It’s redundant, but I’ve caught quite a few errors, from misspelled names to birth dates or expiration dates being wrong. For better or worse, we have a new critical error list that makes it even more important to be methodical and thorough in my position, though if I screw up and lose this job I’m still good to go.
That’s crazy when customer get mouthy, can’t stand when people act like that.
Taurus Model 605 for today. Five rounds of .357 Magnum. I miss my S&W Model 19, but it was a K-frame six shot with a 4″ barrel. The 605 is very similar to my first revolver, the Model 85, as well as the 856 I currently own. The 856 is simply a very slightly larger 85 that has a six round cylinder instead of five rounds.
I still have some jacketed hollowpoints (JHP) but grabbed a box of jacketed soft points (JSP) along with two speedloaders. I should still have the speedloaders from my older revolvers somewhere, but for now I’ve got six total–two each for the 605, 856, and S&W Model 29.
Went to the NRA Range Safety Officer Course today, compliments of my job. I’m not going to be expected to run the range often, but may have to cover down on occasion if someone has to go on break.
The facility was nice and the instructor knowledgeable and effective. I’m already looking at other classes to take, as well as getting various NRA Instructor certifications. They’ll be a good fallback or side gig if I want to get out more.
Yes, that would be cool to have that experience and certificate for range officer. Heck, even down the road when you retire if you get board or wants a couple of extra bucks, it’s something you can always do.
Eric – TIA wrote:
12 hours ago, Eric – TIA said:Yes, that would be cool to have that experience and certificate for range officer. Heck, even down the road when you retire if you get board or wants a couple of extra bucks, it’s something you can always do.
Very true. I view this as adding to my resume. The retirement and disability pay the mortgage, utilities, and for food, so my current job is kind of gun and resume enhancing money. Buy guns, get training and certifications, and maybe continue my formal education. If I’m still here in 20 years, there’s no reason why I can’t be a part-time college professor and an occasional firearms instructor. I plan to build rapport with the local LEO agencies and training facilities, to ensure that I’m at least employable even if I decide to finally take a break from the daily grind.
Sweet, sounds like a good plan. You have built a nice road map.
I’ve resisted the urge to buy any guns recently, but did get an iProtec RM230 light and RM230LSG light with green laser. Though the G17 was my first pistol with a rail, I’ve since gotten the G45, the Security-9, and the two Caniks, so I’m accessorizing them to make them a bit better in low light situations. Next up is a bit of homework for some decent light and optic equipped pistol holsters. I’ll have to order online, since my store carries relatively few concealed carry holsters.
Are you a fan of Streamlight?
Eric – TIA wrote:
On 2/6/2023 at 8:59 AM, Eric – TIA said:Are you a fan of Streamlight?
I own one or two weapons lights that were acquired over my previous career but never mounted, so the TLR-8A is my first real experience with the brand. I think my flexible light is also a Streamlight. I’ve always heard great things and so far I like the TLR-8A on my G17, so I’ll probably get one or two more.
Speaking of Glocks, we got a few guns in today, including a G17 Gen 1 and a G47. The Gen 1 was new to me. I saw the cardboard outer box and Glock label on the presentation box, then saw that it was a classic model. Interesting throwback to Glock’s origins, but it’s a little pricier than the Gen 5. The G47 may come home with me soon. Only thing is, I’ll probably want to buy a G19 for full interchangeability, which will effectively make my G45 redundant. You could argue that the G47 itself would make my G17 redundant. Basically, you can put a G47 slide on a G19 frame for a shorter handle and longer barrel, or a G19 slide on the G47 frame and effectively have the G45.
I picked up my early production (1894 by the serial number) Winchester 1892 in .38 Winchester Center Fire (WCF, or .38-40), early Winchester 1897 Riot shotgun (1899 by the serial number, based on markings and condition I think this is an original and extremely rare civilian “trench gun” riot model and not a cut down hunting model as is popular with Cowboy Action shooters), and Inland M1 Carbine (made in late 1942 or early 1943 based in serial number). I guess that technically I now have two GMCs, as Inland was a division of the company at the time.
The M1 Carbine has a rare Bob Owen stock from the 1960s. It’s black plastic with a telescoping steel stock and unfortunately is missing the left side pistol grip panel. Even so, at under $350 the gun was a steal. It appears to be original USGI configuration, so if i invest in an original stock it’s worth over $1000. The Bob Owen stock on it sells for a couple hundred online but I plan to keep it as it is.
All three hold places in history. The two Winchesters could very well have seen some use in the Old West or in the hands of a law enforcement officer 120+ years ago. The M1 Carbine with its aftermarket stock appears similar to one I saw in a picture of a Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) radical in the 1970s. The picture is too grainy to confirm, but it also looks like the same stock on the M1 Carbine used by Patty Hearst (kidnapped by the SLA and considered to be a victim of “Stockholm Syndrome”) herself in the infamous bank robbery picture.
Gun nerd mode over. I need to start buying reloading tools next. Got a gun vise a few weeks ago and also bought some basic gunsmithing tools. I’m casually exploring whether or not my veterans’ benefits will cover gunsmith and locksmith courses. I think my days of automotive and material handling equipment repair are behind me.
Wow, that sounds like a good deal. Nice grab on that one.
GUN TIME! Okay, maybe not. I haven’t added anything recently due to an upcoming family vacation and the need for gun safes. Fortunately, my job provides a 50% discount, so a $3200 Liberty-made safe and eventually one or two smaller $800 safes (should be about $2400 total) will be securing the guns while I figure out what to do with my current gun storage.
Once the gun storage and security is updated I’ll be looking at some tool organization and storage. It’s always something…
That is something I need also. I just haven’t bought one yet. I see them at Bass Pro and always wait for a sale but then it’s one of those things, out of sight, out of mind.
I picked up the Heritage Barkeep with 2.75″ barrel a while back. It’s a nifty little single action .22 that can take Long Rifle or Winchester Magnum Rimfire cylinders. Being on a bit of a .22 kick, I picked up my Rossi Rio Bravo lever action and a Barkeep Burnt Snake earlier. The latter will be tucked away somewhere near at hand in case of, you guessed it, a poisonous snake in the yard. Unfortunately, we ran out of rat shot, but I’ll check the ammo backstock daily until we get more.
My rough estimate is that my rimfire collection (almost exclusively .22 Long Rifle) is probably up to about 20 or so guns. On the flip side, I might have about twelve 9mms and only I know what else. 😉
Wow, that is nice looking, looks classic.
Eric – TIA wrote:
On 5/4/2023 at 9:12 AM, Eric – TIA said:Wow, that is nice looking, looks classic.
The Heritage .22 rimfire revolvers (I think that’s all they make, to include a rifle version, it seems) are nice budget guns and have a big following. You can accessorize them quite a bit, and they come with special offers for leather and nylon holsters as well as magnum cylinders. The only real competition I can think is the Ruger Wrangler, which retails for about $60 more depending on model. For scaled down “cowboy gun” lookalikes, the Heritage and the Ruger are both fun little plinkers and have some practical use. As stated above, I plan to use one or both of my Barkeeps for snake and varmint deterrence. The 6-1/2″ barreled Rough Rider will be used mostly for shooting cans of Bud Light.🙂
If I had to complain about the Barkeep, it’d be that it’s too short for an integrated ejector, so they come with a dowel instead. No problem really, though, as the cylinders are interchangeable. If I wanted to carry either of my Barkeeps I could keep a couple spare .22 LR cylinders and a .22 Magnum one. Swapping cylinders is probably the fastest way to reload anyway.
We have one model as cheap as $109 for the .22 LR and $129 for the two-cylinder version. Around Black Friday they had a $30 off promo, so they were $79 and $99 respectively. Needless to say, we had some customers buying a half dozen or more back then.
[External image (heritagemfg.com), not copied]
OH wow, that is a sweet looking gun.
Eric – TIA wrote:
On 5/10/2023 at 7:46 AM, Eric – TIA said:OH wow, that is a sweet looking gun.
It looks good but I’d say is probably best suited for its namesake: snakes. A coworker had some extra pest control shot shells, so he gave me a box. I’ll check the shelves and back stock later to see if we got more in.
Eric – TIA wrote:
On 5/10/2023 at 7:46 AM, Eric – TIA said:OH wow, that is a sweet looking gun.
Carried it in my overalls chest pocket yesterday, while doing yard work. My wife showed me a picture of a 4-5′ long snake that was on the property a few days ago. I don’t enjoy killing things and have a basic knowledge of poisonous snakes, but am no herpetologist, so the revolver was on me for its namesake, just in case I crossed paths with it and deemed it a threat.
A coworker gave me some .22 Long Rifle varmint shot since we have yet to be restocked. We did have some .38 Special and .45 ACP shotshells, so I picked up a box of the former. I’m not sure how well the shotshells will run in my Para Ordnance so I’ll stick to revolver calibers.
The other Barkeep I picked up a while back is this one:
I am with you and don’t like killing things, well unless I am going to eat it or it is a threat, like a snake. That’s a great-looking gun.
No new guns…I’m taking a brief hiatus from gun buying to afford the 64-gun Cabelas by Liberty safe. One of the perks of my job is a 50% discount, so with tax and delivery it should come in under $2k. In the next year I’ll probably add a couple of smaller 33 or 48 gun safes. I learned from my first gun safe that they are mostly useful as deterrents and for fire protection. The electronic lock failed, and it took about 15 minutes with a breaker bar, pry bar, and 4lb hammer to get into the approximately 550lb 36-gun safe.
I recently joined both Gun Owners of America and the Firearms Policy Coalition. I know that some of the TIA Crew probably doesn’t see eye-to-eye with me on firearms ownership, especially those from outside of the States, but I’m of the firm opinion that guns in the hands of trained, knowledgeable, and law-abiding Americans are the answer to increasing crime and are key to protecting our loved ones and ourselves.
Anyway, just an update, hope everyone is doing well!
I see eye to eye with you on gun ownership. I don’t always have a lot of feedback when you post hear but only because I am such a novice and need to learn a ton more, but time is tight. One day I will have the time to get more into guns as it’s going to be a passion. Always happy when you post to this thread.
I started this thread because guns are considered tools by many. Law enforcement and security guards carry them to protect others, military personnel carry them in defense of our nation, hunters carry them to procure food and for sport, etc. They’re also amazingly precise machines when you get into design and function. I used to go out of my way to break down M240B and M249 machineguns in order to show young Soldiers how open-bolt systems work, and what happens if the sear is damaged or disengaged (runaway gun).
My 129-year-old Winchester 1892 and my 121-year-old (IIRC) Mosin-Nagant M1891 are both excellent pieces of design and function for their respective purposes. The 1892 worked well as a complement to the Colt 1873 and other revolvers during the waning years of the Old West. Kind of like my Ruger PC Carbine with its Glock magazine well coupled with one of my Glock pistols, interchangeable cartridges (and magazines for semiautomatic arms) between a sidearm and carbine are nice.
Time is tight, and the little knowledge I’ve gained is from decades of reading about, researching, handling, and of course, owning guns. If I had to share one regret, it’s not shooting more while I was in the Army. Ammunition gets expensive, and belt-fed machineguns are a little pricey to own or even rent and require regular maintenance.
Agree 100% on they are tools by many. Wish I had a 1/10 o the knowledge you have but eventually, I will get there.
Christmas time! I got into work this morning and had a price change on a shotgun. Instead of printing a new tag, I figured I’d just buy it and have it for a few months before gifting it to one of my kids. I also went ahead and started paperwork on a Walther P22 for my 15-year-old to train with. Now, I guess I need to get something for my son so he isn’t jealous come holiday season.
We’ll see if I get a Delay. It happens at least 50% of the time; not a big deal since I work there, but it’s funny that I’m the ATF compliance guy and still get delayed buying firearms.
Agree, much easier buying the shotgun than changing tags, that’s awesome. Crazy that there is a delay for you.
Eric – TIA wrote:
4 hours ago, Eric – TIA said:Agree, much easier buying the shotgun than changing tags, that’s awesome. Crazy that there is a delay for you.
Got a Proceed pretty quickly. From what I understand, it’s pretty common for veterans who hold or held a security clearance to be hit or miss when it comes to the FBI NICS (background check) system.
The shotgun is a Stevens 320 and ended up being $167 plus tax. Made in China, like so many of our power tools are, but it’s a name brand and being a pump action, shouldn’t be too bad. I was looking at the same model in 20 gauge for my soon-to-be 25-year-old, and liked the $250 or so price, so getting it for under $200 with tax was a no-brainer.
I did finally bring a few handguns in today, so in a few hours I’ll be at the range shooting .38 SPL, .357 MAG, and .44 MAG.
Pump action is awesome. I do not know why, but I have to get myself a pump-action shotgun. Something about them is very cool, just like the old-style lever load for riffles.
Eric – TIA wrote:
On 8/24/2023 at 10:03 AM, Eric – TIA said:Pump action is awesome. I do not know why, but I have to get myself a pump-action shotgun. Something about them is very cool, just like the old-style lever load for riffles.
Pump guns are reliable and can digest nearly any ammunition suitable for them. Most home defense 12 gauge guns will come with a 3″ chamber that can use those or 2-3/4″ shells, while a lot of hunting guns have the option of 3-1/2″ chambers for magnum loads packing a bit more power. Then there’s the Aguila 1-3/4″ Minishells that have a lot less felt recoil and allow a few more shells in the magazine.
I have a few, from the Mossberg 590A1 to my go-to police surplus Winchester 1200 Riot, the Winchester SXP I bought on a whim earlier this year, and the Winchester 1897 Riot. They are popular for home defense due to a relative lack of penetration through drywall and other materials combined with stopping power. Honestly, the 20 gauge with modern ammo may be even more suitable than 12 gauge for most, especially smaller statured people or those who can’t handle recoil or who have disabilities.
I’ve nearly won the internet, with 2/5ths of the kids fully on-board with guns and the oldest acknowledging that she could use one in her high-crime apartment complex (she’s getting the aforementioned Stevens shotgun for home defense). My 15-year-old starts shooting with 4-H later this month, and my sister’s kid, whom I’ve temporarily taken custody of, is interested in shooting despite her insisting that he’s scared of guns (he’s only four and has a lot of growing to do to become a man…wait, am I allowed to say that in 2023?).
I found that the training facility I took my NRA Range Safety Officer courses at offers a combined training package called the “Sentinel Program” for $1150. I’m thinking about enrolling myself and the 15-year-old in it before long, as it’s self-paced and we can complete it at our leisure. The NRA Instructor courses and other certifications can come later.
LOL, I hope we can still say that, but probably not for much longer. That’s awesome you have that by you for training. I know we have some stuff by us. I am just in a catch 22. I need to do this with my 15 yr old but finding the time and money is hard, but I need to get my kids out there and be trained.
I got another cheap shotgun, a Tristar Cobra in 12 gauge for my son. It was around $80 out the door, so despite it being a Tristar, I think I got a deal. Besides, it’s a pump gun. I wouldn’t necessarily trust any of the cheaper Turkish semi-autos (Tristar, Citadel, etc.), but so long as it goes through the cycles of function, you can generally force it to feed, chamber, and fire. I have no idea if the extractor is up to snuff… that could be a problem.
A couple of weeks ago I was back to work after the previous day’s 4-H, where I let my daughter shoot her P22Q. That worked less than stellar, though I think it was her grip. We each dumped a mag into the burn pit when we got home, and it worked fine. Regardless, she shoots the loaner Ruger Mark IIIs great, so I might buy her a Mark IV, or if she takes it serious enough and want to try for the Nationals, a Volquartsen Black Mamba. I was itching to buy something, then I stumbled across this practical monstrosity in the Vault: Mossberg 464 SPX.
The thing takes some getting used to, but it met one key criteria for me: it’s a .30-30. My Winchester 94 .30-30 was stolen over 11 years ago now, leaving me with only the 94 in .45 Colt. Since retiring, I’ve added the aforementioned 1892 and a .22 LR Rossi Rio Bravo lever gun, and I think one of my Dad’s old guns is a single shot lever action 12 gauge. Anyway, I figured that for under $400, I’d give the Mossberg a new home. To be extra funny, I bought a iProtec RM230LSG. I’ve got one of the red versions for other weapon’s systems, and like having some illumination. The laser is an afterthought, but probably not too impractical for a short-range cartridge like the .30-30.
As for “practical monstrosity”, this is one of those guns that traditional gun owners quickly look away from in fear of being overtaken by some evil force. It’s a “tactical lever gun”, only if you look beyond the AR-style furniture, it makes some sense. As the above article mentions, it’s pretty practical for the modern hunter. Why risk taking granddad’s old pre-’64 Model 94 into the swamps when you can take this plastic furniture and all? It’s relatively inexpensive, seems rugged, and has some good sights and mounting options. All told, I think it’s a decent addition to the safes.
All I know is that you have one of the best collections I have seen. I am jelous.
Eric – TIA wrote:
On 1/29/2024 at 1:08 PM, Eric – TIA said:All I know is that you have one of the best collections I have seen. I am jelous.
Well, it keeps growing for some reason. I pulled my transfer records a couple of days ago, and in 15 months of working here, I’ve bought 21 guns. Right now, I need to stop buying, pay off a little debt, and then get another vehicle. But, if something is the right price or unique enough, I’m calling it for myself and doing paperwork ASAP! 😄
15? that is awesome. I hear you about the debt. I have to get going on paying some debt off also.
Since the last update, I’ve been kind of slacking. I bought an antique Marlin Ballard rifle a few months back, and took advantage of CLUB Mondays (this month, Bass Pro/Cabela’s CLUB Mastercard holders get 10% off firearms on Mondays) last week, doing the paperwork on two handguns yesterday. Total cost was $150 with tax: original prices were $50 for one and $125 for the other.
No need to be envious, but the guns I just got are two of the finest to ever see the inside of a police evidence locker. To clarify, I don’t think mine have, but they are common “street guns” given their price and availability. The Iberia (Hi-Point) JCP-40 is a gun I’d already owned over 25 years ago and got rid of as quickly as I could. The Lorcin .380 is something I never thought I’d own but do now. In the realm of cheap pistols, these take the cake, though the Jennings J-22 I owned for a few months or the .25 (I think it’s a Raven Arms) I supposedly have from my dad’s stuff (I swear my sister took it, but she insists it’s in a tote somewhere around here) are close competitors.
Next up is a nearly new S&W M&P-15. An older lady sold us some of her husband’s guns last week and is supposed to be coming back with the other half; included were a Mini-14, Century Arms M70 Kalashnikov, and the aforementioned M&P-15. The Kalashnikov has been claimed already, and with a selling price of $300 it’s not a bad deal, while I claimed the AR. With tax, it should be a hair over $600. Given the $800 price tag of a new M&P-15, it’s a good price, but this one also has a $600 or so EOTech on it, so it’s a no-brainer. Granted, I’ve got my Ruger AR-556 MPR with a SIG Romeo 7 red dot, but I could use another AR-15 at that price.
We’ve been getting a lot of Palmetto State Armory guns in over the past year or so. Their prices are outstanding, and they make new AR and AK platform rifles that seem to be of increasing quality. We got an AK-103 in for a customer this week, and while I can’t justify the $1k price tag at the moment, it piqued my interest. Maybe I’ll start with one of the @$500 blemish AKs before spending that much. The Norinco NHM-90 I had over 20 years ago was fun to shoot, and the Kalashnikov design has proven itself reliable to an extreme, so it’s almost time to add another. Then again, I haven’t even looked at the SKS Sporter I bought over a year ago that takes AK mags.
I have the M&P and like it. The inexpensive guns, how are they, the aim, trigger, etc.
Eric – TIA wrote:
8 hours ago, Eric – TIA said:I have the M&P and like it. The inexpensive guns, how are they, the aim, trigger, etc.
S&W seems to have done well with their modern M&P line of pistols and rifles. Of course, the Military and Police moniker goes back to their M&P revolvers starting in 1899 or so, but when they came up with the modern semi-auto pistols in the mid-2000s, they looked promising for service use. Despite being probably the most prolific service revolver manufacturer, and having the Illinois State Police adopt the Model 39 in 1967 (one of the first major police agencies to adopt a semi-auto pistol), S&W became known for reliable but kind of clunky designs in the interim.
I’ve heard little ill about the M&P-15, and the M&P pistols seem to be pretty solid guns that are in use by some agencies. Of course, Glock, and to a lesser extent SIG Sauer, have all but cornered the market on police service pistols, but the M&P has proved reliable and popular. Like FN’s, Beretta’s, CZ’s, and Glock’s offerings (now the G19X with Army-mandated manual safety eliminated), the S&W XM17 trial pistols lost the contract to SIG Sauer.
Just a heads up, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ Semi-Auto Pistol without Thumb Safety | Bass Pro Shops is currently on sale for $250 (regularly $500) and going fast. We had two of each (with and without thumb safety) a couple of weeks ago and they sold quickly. There are only five of the thumb safety versions available for in-store purchase company-wide, and just over 100 of the ones in the link (two in Chicago, if Eric is in the market), which can still be ordered online.
Oh, and the icing on the cake is a $50 S&W rebate. With my military discount and the rebate, the gun I just ordered will cost $198.49. I still need to buy that M&P-15 and am also considering a Winchester 1300 Defender pistol grip firearm.
Edited to add: the discount also applies to law enforcement and other first responders with proper ID. A veteran status on your license suffices, as will any credentials showing your status–it doesn’t only apply to current and retired personnel. The discount on firearms and ammo is 5%, and 10%v on everything else.
That’s an awesome deal. I will be by a Bass Pro shop tomorrow, and will check it out. Thanks
The Shield EZ came in while I had off during the holiday. It’s a good thing I didn’t hedge my bets for one of the two we had in transit to our store; when I got in yesterday morning both of those were already pegged to get sent out as customer orders. Just over 50 remained in national inventory as of yesterday. Now, I just need to get another magazine or two (it comes with two), as well as a decent holster. I’m tempted to just order a second gun. Mags will be about $40 each with shipping, so for another $120 I can just get a backup.
I splurged and bought the Winchester 1300 Defender I’d purchased used a while back as well (similar gun in picture). It was part of the same collection as the M&P-15 I have yet to buy. Did I need it? No, I have at least 20 12-gauge shotguns. But I didn’t have a pistol grip firearm, and the Model 1300 marked the last US-produced Winchester shotgun, being a refinement of the Model 1200, of which I have a police surplus Riot version. The SXP is made in Turkey and is based on the 1300. I bought a woodland camouflage home defense version last year. That original 1897 Riot rounds out my 18″-barrel Winchester 12-gauge collection for now.
The shotgun fits perfectly in the Cabela’s Discreet MSR Case | Cabela’s (cabelas.com), making it a potential new road trip gun. The 1200 Riot has been outstanding over the years, but with a full stock it’s not exactly easy to get in and out of a room without drawing notice. Some areas I really don’t care. Park in front of the room and let all of the local perma-residents (usually druggies) watch as I unload tools and gun-shaped bags from my truck before locking it and barricading myself in the room. Other times (at slightly nicer hotels or areas), I don’t want people wondering why I’m making multiple trips and then bringing in long guns. There’s a Side Saddle on the gun, providing another six rounds to top off the seven-round magazine… that’s one less round than my Mossberg 590A1 but two more than the 1200 or SXP.
Thanks for the info. What shotgun is that in the picture? When I look up the ones you mentioned above, it just shows full size shotguns