anyone know a gunsmith you'd trust to mount a scope on an old mosin nagant with no provisions for a scope?

I'd like to see what the ole girl can do with some decent optics.

3/14/2012 3:56:57 PM

Finally got my concealed carry permit today! Time to go shopping.

3/14/2012 9:43:33 PM

Just got home from vacation and our house was burglarized. Fucking fuming mad right now. They only got one of my guns, my Kahr PM9 and I gave the serial number to the cop so hopefully they trace it down and get that fucker. I don't even care about the gun, I am more pissed about my wife's jewelry. Not even the expensive stuff, there was some real sentimental pieces in there.

Time to go tin foil hat now and rig this place with an alarm with all the bells and whistles, security cameras, safe, etc. Any suggestions? They broke in through our bedroom window so I know glass break alarms are crucial since they never touched a door. Have dogs but they were gone while we were on vacation.

3/14/2012 10:09:37 PM

Sorry for your loss. Did they leave out one of the doors, or did they exit the same way they entered?

3/14/2012 10:32:48 PM

Same way, right out the window. I feel fortunate that they missed my more valuable guns and hopefully the serial number will catch them.

It is crazy how much time and energy I put into making sure doors are locked properly, use proper locks but in the end they just broke an old window. Can't believe they left all out laptops and TVs though.

3/14/2012 10:36:49 PM

same shit happened to me. guns and jewelry, nothing else. 4 of the 5 long guns were found in a pawn shop in another town. they got 1 handgun, but it never turned up. get a quality safe.

3/14/2012 11:14:28 PM

For the record, Lawmen's doesn't carry cardboard IPSC/IPDA-type targets. They don't carry any cardboard targets for that matter.

Anyone know another potential local source (Raleigh) for cardboard IPSC/IPDA-type targets?

3/15/2012 11:29:51 AM

Also, in case you haven't done this already, make a list of all your firearms and their serial numbers in case you have something stolen. I just email myself a list so that way even if my computer is stolen and house burns down I have the list.

3/15/2012 12:11:18 PM

Honestly, the cheapest way to protect your house, if you don't have really large pets, is motion sensors. I have only door sensors and a handful of motions, but every entry point is covered. With a wireless system, it's really easy too - stick one one the corners of rooms that have an entry and call it a day. I got mine after my in-laws got broken into just like you - kids smashed a window, walked off with all their jewelry and small electronics, went right back out and never alerted anybody.

I don't personally believe in having your house covered in cameras and wiring every window with a sensor like the security companies want you to do. That shit gets expensive, fast. There's really very little that motion sensors won't do for you, and it's so easy to set up that it's a no brainer for anyone that can afford the monitoring.

3/15/2012 1:44:11 PM

I would add a hole glass break sensors as well. An opening trigger won't do anything if the glass gets broken out.
I don't have window trigger, just motion and glass break.

3/15/2012 1:51:07 PM

Quote :

"Also, in case you haven't done this already, make a list of all your firearms and their serial numbers in case you have something stolen. I just email myself a list so that way even if my computer is stolen and house burns down I have the list."

or have piezoelectric gps beacons added to all of your firearms

3/15/2012 2:15:15 PM

Anything to look for as far as gun safes go? Looking to get one soon and I am not in NC so it can't be a local company there. Just looking for a basic idea of things to look for/avoid. I am not trying to prevent a professional safe cracker here, just something to protect my guns/valuables from your average criminal. Going to be in a rental house so can't bolt it down, will put it in the corner of a closet so it can't be tipped easily.

3/15/2012 2:16:06 PM

I think this video is really informative when choosing a good safe, talks about what to look for and what to avoid - cutting through all the marketing BS

http://youtu.be/qasqZXdQKpg

3/15/2012 2:19:24 PM

^^ Are you concerned about fire or just theft?

If just theft, all you really need to worry about is that it can't be moved by a single person and that it can't be pried open. I suppose something that couldn't be defeated in 5 minutes with an angle grinder would be good as well.

[Edited on March 15, 2012 at 2:21 PM. Reason : not enough ^s]

3/15/2012 2:21:13 PM

Fire as well, mainly for our important documents and whatnot. Not trying to break the bank with fire protection because that can get pricey but something decent. As far as it from being pried open, suggestions on what to look for in that regard?

3/15/2012 2:25:04 PM

best way to protect documents and such from fire is one of those small fire safes inside the big gun safe.

3/15/2012 2:40:00 PM

In my research I ran across that idea as well...definitely plan on that.

3/15/2012 2:50:44 PM

not to derail the current discussion, but i have a question.

im in the process of converting my saiga rifle and i happened to think of SBR laws.

my 223 saiga has a 20 inch barrel and the overall length is 29.5 inches. this makes my gun not a SBR, but it has no stock at all. its just sitting there with the pistol grip.

it has a whole bunch of US made parts so im not concerned with 922r, but is this a legal configuration for the gun as it sits? i dont really see the difference between it and a gun with its stock folded?

anyway, thanks.

3/15/2012 2:59:30 PM

OAL on rifles is 26", IIRC, so moot point regardless. Folding stocks are measured with the stock locked in the firing position for the purpose of NFA.

3/15/2012 3:31:05 PM

Also, I thought if it didn't have a stock at all it was considered a pistol?

3/15/2012 4:03:48 PM

I don't think so since you can have a pistol grip shotgun and it is still considered a shotgun. I think the distinction is you cannot have a pistol with a stock without it being an SBR.

3/15/2012 4:13:17 PM

Nope. It's just a rifle without a stock. One can never, under any circumstances, turn a rifle into a pistol. The converse is that merely adding a stock to a pistol instantly and irrevocably makes it a rifle. Yay retarded gun laws.

3/15/2012 4:13:39 PM

so legally its just a rifle; regardless of stock configuration it's long enough in every way.

right?

[Edited on March 15, 2012 at 8:00 PM. Reason : ;]

3/15/2012 7:59:22 PM

rifle with no stock, still a rifle.
rifle with barrel under 16'' is a SBR
Pistol with a stock is a SBR



Made this over the last few days. I'm going to drop it on the firing line at my rifle class.
In testing, the lexan took multiple .223 hits before breaking. So, if I or anyone misses, I won't shoot my camcorder. I will report back next week on its function.

3/15/2012 8:06:53 PM

Did a little smith work to my 1911. Installed a new hammer and beaver tail grip safety.
The notch in the grip safety wasn't properly sized, and was keeping the trigger from being pulled. Ended up having to file down and smooth two surfaces to make it fit.
Supposedly was a "drop in" that may require minor fitting. 34 of 35 reviews said they just dropped theirs in and it worked. I'm just lucky that way I guess, in that my gun thought that I needed some problem solving practice.

3/16/2012 3:49:06 AM

^ lol. I too had fitment issues with a "drop in" KKM Barrel and my Glock. Fortunately, KKM paid for shipping and fitted the barrel to my slide at no cost. I just had to be that 1 percenter

[Edited on March 16, 2012 at 4:08 AM. Reason : .]

3/16/2012 4:06:16 AM

^^it's generally understood that you're going to have to adjust the engagement surfaces on a drop in 1911 grip safety. "drop in" for this part means you don't have to cut the frame around the safety's pivot. Believe me, you'd much rather have the part you got vs one that's too short. It seems like I'm always cursed with having too little metal regardless of the project I'm working on.

Those are nice grips. Are the micarta? Who made them? They look almost like they'd be made by busse combat or swamp rat knife works.

[Edited on March 16, 2012 at 5:06 PM. Reason : ]

3/16/2012 5:04:02 PM

^The grips: Micarta
1911 AUTO VZ OPERATOR'S GRIPS
Aggressive Texture For Improved Pistol Control
Durable, tactical style grips provide improved pistol control during peak shooting action. Dimensionally stable, CNC machined, square bottom panels feature moderately coarse checkering and diagonal grooving for improved grip traction. Ball-cut grooves increase the available surface area to help you resist grip rotation during recoil. Hard G10 fiberglass composite is non-reflective and meets select military requirements. Paper Micarta has a semi-gloss finish. Both models available in black only and are not relieved for ambidexdrous safety.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=24549/sku=100-003-190/Product/Paper-Micarta-Operator-s-Grips-Black

3/16/2012 6:24:56 PM

Nice. I thought about doing that type of pattern in some canvas micarta for a knife but hand filing round grooves is a bitch.

3/17/2012 10:50:11 AM

They've got several grip choices that are pretty great if you don't mind straying from the traditional look, especially if you're looking for some aggressive textures. They do a lot more than just 1911 grips too. I had some Aliens on an old Kimber and they were great. I'd really like to try out some Operators like the ones above.

http://vzgrips.com/gun-grips/1911-pistol-grips-1

3/17/2012 12:37:32 PM

Just got done buying a safe, got a Liberty Revere 20. Looks like it will be the perfect size for our closets, can't wait to have it delivered.

Also bought a home security system. Went with FrontPoint Security, it is a self install wireless system with all the bells and whistles. One of the best parts about it is if we move we can just take it with us.

3/17/2012 4:11:44 PM

i finally got around to ordering a scope mount for my AR. i went with this DNZ mount for about $110 on optics planet: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/350466/dnz-products-freedom-reaper-forward-ring-1-piece-scope-base-with-1-integral-rings-ar-15-flattop-matte

i still can't decide on a scope, though. i've looked at the Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40 and 4-12x40 and the Vortex Viper series. any other ideas? i'd like to keep it under ~$400.

3/18/2012 2:33:47 PM

Looking to get a new carry piece since my PM9 was stolen. Not sure if I want to get another, it was a great gun and all but I found that I don't really like pocket carrying since I keep so much stuff in my pockets to begin with. Thinking of getting a Glock 26, I have a 19 and my IWB holster will work for the 26 as well. The other option I am thinking about is the SA XD-S whenever that comes out but 5+1 rounds isn't many.

Ideas?

3/18/2012 8:25:13 PM

The XD-S would be nice, but if you already shoot a Glock 19 why not get the 26? That's assuming you can handle the thickness of a Glock in a concealed carry gun.

3/18/2012 8:43:52 PM

Yeah that's my only concern. It doesn't seem like the 26 really is that much more concealable but then again I have never had one in a holster.

3/18/2012 8:55:00 PM

Can you conceal the 19?
If you can conceal a 19 then a 26 will be a tiny bit better with its shorter grip and a tiny bit more comfortable with its shorter slide.
If you can't decently conceal a 19 then you probably can't conceal a 26 much better because width is often the problem. There are a lot of people who conceal Glock 19s/23s because they say a 26/27 isn't much easier to conceal.
It would be cool if the 26 would work for you. I've always though it'd be neat if I could standardize cartridges, magazines, and holsters, but most subcompact autos don't work for me.

Why not get another PM9 or a CW9 and carry IWB? Are you looking for higher capacity or bigger bullets since it'll be IWB anyway?

I can relate to your pocket carry comment. I got a j frame because it doesn't print as bad as a subcompact in your pocket and it's easier to draw, but I ended up carrying IWB because I keep too much junk in my pockets. It's faster IWB and is more accessible while sitting too.

3/18/2012 9:21:31 PM

^ I've never owned a 19 but had a couple of 26s and I find them to be easier to conceal than a 4" XD.

3/18/2012 9:23:07 PM

Walther PPS?

3/18/2012 9:29:56 PM

eww, the PPS is ugly.
That's how I pick my guns. lol,jk. Well, maybe not kidding. I used to own a Glock but don't own it any more and that was the ugliest thing I had.

3/18/2012 9:53:39 PM

I conceal my g32 ("compact" according to glock) daily pretty easily in the 1:00 position but I'm also 6'3" with a spot o' gut. I'd be wary of carrying a low-cap 9mm pistol for concealed where you likely aren't going to have a backup mag (even though I imagine the chances of using more than a few rounds an any situation is unlikely). While talking about it again, I picked up one of those hogue slide-on (and i use that term very loosely, haha) grips and holy shit, what an improvement. My groups were immediately cut in half because the thing actually fits my hand properly now. My shirt doesn't ride up on it either, which was the main objection I read online.

Where do you carry yours, and is it open for adjustment?



Side note, what is the real benefit of non-magnifying red/green-dot sights? is it just for fast target acquisition in close-range scenarios? if so, is it really that much better than iron sights? seems to me that on a mid-range rifle you'd be better off with open sights because they don't obstruct your periphery. Reason for asking is that the AR I bought came pretty decked, but I'm just not sold on the dot sight...seems more tacticool than functional. It's cool for sure and fun for plinking but seems to me that in any real combat scenario that sucker would get popped off so I could slide on a rear iron sight or scope


[Edited on March 18, 2012 at 10:01 PM. Reason : asdf]

3/18/2012 9:58:50 PM

You probably weren't asking me, but I also carry at 1-1:30. That's a great position and it's the only one that works for me.I think a lot of guys don't consider it because it seems thugish or they don't like guns pointing at their crotches.

Like you guessed, red dots are super fast. They're faster than iron sights because you can focus on the target rather than the front sight. IMO they're better than irons at any distance when speed is factored in at any amount. If you're splitting hairs, irons can still be more accurate if you have good eyesight because there's absolutely no parallax in irons. They don't obstruct your view any more than iron sights. Holographic sights (EOTech & Bushnell holosight) obstruct your view even less than reflex sights (typical red dot tubes) because they've got big windows.
You can have iron sights with a red dot. I have my regular AR front sight with a flip up ARMS rear iron in addition to my EOTech.
Here's my AR:

The EOTech is co-witnessed, meaning they're zeroed at the same point and the center dot is in line with the irons. Some people like to get risers so the red dot is above the irons' line of sight because the front sight distracts them. I don't think it's distracting when you see the big EOTech circle and dot.

[Edited on March 18, 2012 at 10:58 PM. Reason : ]

3/18/2012 10:57:07 PM

^ The advantage with the dot sights is that you can keep both eyes open and focus on your target and not your front sight.

3/18/2012 10:58:00 PM

ah okay, that all makes sense. I suppose my misgivings just come from a lack of real use of the thing. I had a dot sight on one of my BB guns as a kid and I still preferred the "iron" sights, but that was when I had the use of my right eye (it's all fun and games...). Amazing what having to learn to shoot lefty will do to your confidence after becoming humbly sharp on the right

i do like the flip-up rear, mind me asking what that ran you, as well as your eotech? I want to trim the profile of my AR, maybe even get a smooth or angled forend
[Edited on March 19, 2012 at 1:11 AM. Reason : -->

3/19/2012 1:08:30 AM

My rear is an ARMS #40 that I got off of a forum for $70 like new
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/ARMS-40-p/rear%20sight%20arms%2040.htm
It also comes in a lower profile version that would make it a little easier to access the controls on an EOTech. Mine works fine but a little more room for the EOTech buttons would be nice.
Check different gun forums. The secondary AR parts market is plentiful.
You can buy all sorts of flip up front sights too if you install a railed gas block or if you get a forearm with a rail on top.

My EOTech is a 512, which is the basic model that uses AA batteries.
http://www.amazon.com/EOTech-512-A65-Tactical-HOLOgraphic-Batteries/dp/B000KKFVRC
I paid $380 new shipped on ebay iirc.
If I had more money I would've bought the EOTech XPS2-0 which is more compact and lighter and uses one CR123.
If you buy a used one then make sure it's a Revision F. If it's brand new it may not say revision F but you can assume it is.

I looked at the various Aimpoints. You can get a basic model for about the same cost or maybe a few dollars cheaper. The EOTech is a holographic sight while an Aimpoint is your typical reflex sight. Aimpoint battery life is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better. You can basically turn an Aimpoint on and leave it on and it'll still last twice as long as an EOTech without even turning the dang EOTech on.
I still went with the EOTech just because I like the reticle so much more. EOTechs have a 65MOA circle with a 0.75 MOA dot in the middle. The big circle makes it super easy to aim up close. It's easy to find the middle dot too because you know it's in the middle of the circle (duh). With an Aimpoint and other red dots it can take a second to find the dot if you get one with a small dot. A small dot on aim Aimpoint may be 2MOA. That's potentially not as accurate as the EOTech's tiny 0.75MOA middle dot (they market it as 1MOA but it's actually smaller). In reality it probably doesn't make a big difference accuracy wise but I like the idea.

3/19/2012 2:06:42 AM

Quote :

"Can you conceal the 19? If you can conceal a 19 then a 26 will be a tiny bit better with its shorter grip and a tiny bit more comfortable with its shorter slide. If you can't decently conceal a 19 then you probably can't conceal a 26 much better because width is often the problem. There are a lot of people who conceal Glock 19s/23s because they say a 26/27 isn't much easier to conceal. It would be cool if the 26 would work for you. I've always though it'd be neat if I could standardize cartridges, magazines, and holsters, but most subcompact autos don't work for me. Why not get another PM9 or a CW9 and carry IWB? Are you looking for higher capacity or bigger bullets since it'll be IWB anyway? I can relate to your pocket carry comment. I got a j frame because it doesn't print as bad as a subcompact in your pocket and it's easier to draw, but I ended up carrying IWB because I keep too much junk in my pockets. It's faster IWB and is more accessible while sitting too."

I can conceal the 19 but I don't like it, the thickness makes me really have to dress around it and that is something that keeps me from carrying most of the time. I am not going to go around wearing really baggy shirts just so I can carry, I would rather find something that works for how I typically dress.

I carry in the 4 to 5 o'clock position typically because that is what is most comfortable for sitting down and allowing me to draw easily. In the 1 o'clock position I could conceal it without too much trouble at all, I just don't find it to be comfortable. I am not a huge fan of small of the back either but that might be my best option if I stick with a Glock, otherwise I might just get another PM9 and try an IWB holster for it.

3/19/2012 1:29:48 PM

so i have a question about the CC permit. I have taken the safety course and was going to submit my application to CC BUT I may be moving to Texas in the next month or so. Sooooo....

1. Should I go forward with the permitting and just use my NC CC permit in Texas?
2. What do I do about change of address? If NC sees that I have moved to Texas will they revoke my CC permit?
3. If not, and if I have moved to Texas, will NC mail the permit to me in Texas?
4. Should I just wait and see what happens and if I do move to Texas just go through the CC process there?

3/19/2012 3:59:49 PM

If you do end up moving down here (Texas) you can at least carry in your car if you have a CHL or not. Your vehicle is considered an extension of your "castle" under the castle doctrine. Also, you will just be required to take a class, pass a shooting and written test (if you can't pass you need to reevaluate things) and wait.

3/19/2012 4:44:31 PM

I really need to buy an EOTech but I got my money saved for a new pistol. The irons are great for precision shooting but in the real world, optics are king. For example, I was out last night prone for a about an hour at work, and it was so dark that I couldn't even see my aperture - didn't realize I was looking around it to see my front sight.

3/19/2012 4:53:50 PM

^^ thanks. not worried about the test. took the class here a couple weeks ago and passed with flying colors. 100% on shooting and written exam.

3/19/2012 5:33:12 PM

Yeah you shouldn't have any worries then. Only weird thing is when you take the shooting test be sure to use a semi-auto. You can take the test with a revolver but then you are only allowed to carry a revolver, take it with a SA and you can carry either. Not sure what sense that makes but whatever.

Speaking of, I need to take my renewal class soon. You have to take a class to renew every 5 years, it is like the original class but I don't think there is any shooting (not sure).

3/19/2012 5:38:04 PM