M2

Ace Call me a purist or a dinosaur, but I firmly believe that the 1911 should only come in the caliber in which JMB designed it for...the .45 auto! But the .38 Super is an interesting round. I've only shot it once or twice (if I recall correctly), but I've read a few things and from what I recall, with the right ammo (Cor-Bon 125-grain JHPs) it can be close to a .357 Magnum in terms of take-down velocity and therefore a good self-defense round. But if I am not mistaken, most .38 Super is no faster than 9mm. But I still prefer the .45, and the extra money for a .38 Super M1911 isn't worth it to me. My 1911s are not self-defense guns, I have my XD for that! Which one are you looking at?

Some Springfield dealers offer military/LE discounts, but I know of no formal program from the factory... And, while "working" today, I came across this. It's a good read... Why the M1911 Pistol? Cheers! M2

OK, for one, legally owning firearms will have no impact on a person's security clearance. Everyone knows I have a decent collection of guns, and most of the people I work with do as well; and we all have TS/SCI clearances. Secondly, are you sure that the little incident in question was actually against the law? That would obviously depend on where you are; but here in Texas it is quite legal to carry an unloaded rifle or shotgun in public. Just because your roommate's guests freaked out about it doesn't mean it needs to be addressed by your PAS. Is there more to this story? Otherwise, you really shouldn't be receiving the Form 16 unless there is more to it. Lastly, whoever this FGO is that is targeting you because of some crap that goes on in an Internet forum is, he needs to be called out as well. Unless you have violated some law/reg, it is none of his fucking business and he shouldn't be sending anonymous emails to a Colonel. I hope your PAS has a little chat with him about this inappropriate behavior. But, all this is based on what you are telling us is the absolute and complete truth. I am not calling you out, but I have long learned from experience that there is always at least two sides to every story (if not more)... Cheers! M2

Fogo Which model? Sounds like a compact because of the extended magazines, but which caliber? If it is one of the odd ones (.45 GAP or .357), then it is not a good deal and to be honest, you may want to steer clear of the deal. If it is any of the others (.45 ACP, .40 or 9mm), then it is about average for a used XD. Most of the stuff you listed (2 magazines, holster, mag holder, mag loader and lock) came with the gun; the only things he added were the two extra magazines (about $25-30 each). Heck, offer him $350 and see what he says! By the way, I don't like the compacts as the extended rounds (13 vs 10) tend to pinch during reloading. Also, with the compact magazines, I find the grip too short for my tastes. But I do have a finger extender that will fit a .45 magazine if you buy the gun and want it. It was free because it was a prototype for me to test (but production version is exactly the same) and I have no use for it. Cheers! M2

Damn, those are impressive pics! I am amazed at how clear and sharp they are, considering they were taken 65 years ago! Thanks, Steve! Cheers! M2

Actually, it was AFR 30-1 (4 May 1983) and it was called Air Force Standards. In this small, 40-page document, the Air Force environment, conduct and appearance were aptly spelled out in plain English that was easily understood by even the dumbest of airmen. Basically, it said get your shit straight and keep it there. There was a second document that I also hung on to titled Leadership (AFP 35-49 dated 1 September 1985). It too contains infinite wisdom in a mere 29 pages, most of which seems to have been lost on today's brass. These two little booklets provide more insight than sixteen AFIs combined. Maybe the USAF screwed the pooch by getting rid of such outstanding publications, and instead started worrying about what kind of socks people were wearing... I highly recommend snagging a copy of either or both, if you can. Trust me, you will be amazed at how simple things were back then...and how well it worked! Cheers! M2

Well, I was enlisted... Anyhow, one of my all-time favorite chiefs went by 'Jimbo;' and there was no disrespect involved and I had the utmost respect for the man! For some reason there always seems to be a biggest Johnson contest going on between lieutenants and chiefs. Both sides are guilty of it, I've had to call out a few chiefs (yes, chiefs can be called out) about what I considered to be a disrespectful attitude towards lieutenants, and I've also had to talk with a few butter bars over their condescending tones. It seems to be one of the most contentious relationships going between officers and enlisted. And since someone brought up avoiding saluting, I’ve seen both sides guilty of that as well. Back in my two-striper days, anytime we saw an officer blatantly avoiding us just to get out of saluting (it is obvious), we’d chase his ass down and make him salute anyway! I’ve also been the victim of “enlisted spacing,” where troops space themselves out so you have to salute each and every one of them instead of one gaggle salute. I knew what was going on and would always smile about it, but the truth of the matter is that both sides play their little games… Cheers! M2

Hoss/Schokie Are either of you guys still planning to drive over to shoot this afternoon? The weather's shit today, but I still plan to go out as I've got a couple of buds from work who may also go. But I also broke a tooth on Friday so if no one is going, I can go get that fixed... Let me know... Cheers! M2

Wow, what an entertaining thread! I can see the Major's point, but I gotta agree that it would be much more effective it he got out from behind his desk and implemented his "policy change" instead of transmitting it via email. In the words of the great Sheriff Bud Boomer, "There's a time to think, and a time to act; and this, gentlemen, is no time to think!" But it has always been policy that higher ranking individuals can call you by your first name or whatever they want, but that doesn't give you the right to address them similarly. If you are close buds, and no one's around, then fine; but in general the person of higher rank determines that privilege, not the subordinate. Hell, I never really liked to be called ‘sir,’ but I damn well expected it from lower ranking individuals who I did not tell otherwise. One day you’ll achieve rank and expect the same, so don’t be a hypocrite now. And back in the early 80s we did have a customs and courtesy guide. I still have a copy somewhere at the house, it was signed out by Gen Gabriel if I recall correctly and it was pretty clear about how people were expected to act. I think most of it has been rolled up into the PME guide, so most officers don’t see it anymore. Honestly, there should be a similar document for officer accessions, it there isn’t already… Cheers! M2

Hey Toro, I'll vote for ya! Or is that ClearedHot? If so, I'll vote for you as well! But not Bendy, we've got enough drunks in Congress! Cheers! M2

Don't you see it? The problem isn't the morale patch, it's the morale! The tragedy is that some commanders/senior officers think that the patches are the source of the problem, and miss the real problem altogether. San Antonio just banned hotel rooms being sold by the hour in an attempt to curb prostitution; but it won't have any effect because it doesn't directly affect the problem! Banning morale patches has that some effect, if not the opposite. Banning them only pisses off people who are already pissed off; it doesn't improve their morale, it only worsens it and it also makes it visibly obvious that leadership is clueless to the real problems out there! Morale/Friday patches are an Air Force tradition much like nose art, ones that grew from building comradery even if they appear to mock/buck the system. Why that very simple lesson is lost on some of today’s Air Force leaders is beyond me, but to tell the truth I know the answer…some people would rather look good than actually be good! Cheers! M2

Looks good for me, I ordered a gun rug for my new 1911 that hopefully will be here tomorrow. Nothing special, just couldn't find the same kind I have for my other ones from Bass Pro; so I ordered one. I want to make sure I can transport them safely. But 4:00pm at the Bullethole on Monday, 15 December it is! Be there! Aloha! Cheers! M2

Hoss I mainly shoot .45s (4 x 1911s and an XD-45), and the best place to pick up some ammo is Walmart. Winchester White Box is only $29.97 for 100 rounds, and you can't beat that price even at gun shows! Just bring enough for yourself, I'm good. Early next week is probably best for me, as my Mom arrives on Wednesday for Christmas. I may be able to come out after that, but the chances are less likely. If you and schokie want to drive over and meet at the Bullethole, that works for me. I can usually be there by 3:30-4:00pm, as I have to drive all the way home and get my gear as I can't bring it on base (it is a 10-minute drive from where I work to the Bullethole, but a half hour away from where I live; so it takes me about an hour to get home then get to the range). Oh, and "rapid fire" is usually considered more than one round fired every 1-3 seconds. The Bullethole has a 'no rapid fire' rule, but they don't strictly enforce it as long as you aren't being a jackass about it! Cheers! M2

Hoss I got your PM, and will get in touch. Bracken is much closer to you than the Bullethole on the SW side of town, but it is like $7/gun to shoot whereas the Bullethole is only $7 no matter how many guns you shoot. I like that better, plus it is a more relaxed range. It is only a 45 minute drive from Randolph, just go to IH10 and point your nose west. Once you past 1604 on the western side of town, the next right turn is Grosenbacher. Follow it for a couple of miles and you'll see the Bullethole on your left. In the mean time, here is a good thread on The High Road forum concerning San Antonio gun shops and ranges. Cheers! M2

Hoss Where are you, Brooks, Randolph or Lackland? You just missed the big monthly gun show, but there are a few large shops out there. If you are near Brooks, check out Dury's (819 Hot Wells, 210-533-5431). Closer to Lackland, there is Nagel's (6201 San Pedro Ave, 210-342-5420), The Powerhorn (2412 SW Loop 410, 210-674-5220) or Texas Guns (7122 Bandera Rd, 210-509-4752). But my favorite is Ho Gun's (7914 Culebra Rd, 210-521-2288). Wayne's selection is not as big as those previously mentioned shops, but he's a lot friendlier and get can you better deals. By the way, do you have a Texas drivers license? I am not sure if you can buy a gun here unless you are a resident or on PCS orders...but you said browsing so if that's all you're doing, then obviously it's not an issue. And, for ranges, I know the Bullethole does rent. They also have some full-auto rifles that you pay per magazine. But if you are going to be in town for a while, PM me as I need to get to the range in the next week or so and if you want to meet up, maybe we can work something out. Cheers! M2

I thought this horse was schnitzeled, but apparantly the debate rages on. This is the latest issue of Airman magazine...at least it is well-written and makes the right points! Cheers! M2

Yeah, sorry but my AR expertise is very limited. I am an AK buff myself... But keep us updated as you build this, I am always interested in projects such as these! Cheers! M2

Pitt Are you talking about something like this? If so, you'll wanna check out this web site: Federal Firearms Laws Cheers! M2

It's due to the trigger safety. Once you get used to it, and don't anticipate it (which doesn't take long); it is quite easy to get very tight groups. The XD has little recoil for a .45 (at least the Service model, I expect the Tactical is even less) and the 1911-style grip angle and narrow (for a double-stack) grip make it a very comfortable handgun. For me it felt natural from the get-go... Oh, and no commission from Springfield (although it would be nice to get some free stuff if they'd send it!); and I even get hassled for not buying anything but Springfield 1911s; but I have had nothing but great experiences with Springfields and their customer service is unparalleled. And I like to try and steer buds to the best guns their money can buy, and it is great hearing when someone is very pleased with their new pistol. I was grateful to have a bud steer me towards the XD (actually, he wanted one really bad but I got one first), and I just want to 'pass it on'... Actually, there are a lot of 'gun nuts' where I work (not surprisingly, considering this is Texas) and some kid me about not trying other brands. I know there are a lot of sweet pistols out there, but I am the kind of guy who when he finds something that works, he sticks with it! Cheers! M2

Toasty Nice! My XD45 is my favorite carry gun! Once you get used to the trigger (most new righthand XD shooters will shoot low and to the left), you can get nice, tight little groups with it! Cheers! M2

Honestly, if the BCS did match up the two best teams in the country, it would be an all-SEC national championship game...and a replay of last Saturday's SEC championship! And before you get too excited, tell me again what league has won the last two national championships, and is about to win its third straight?!? Cheers! M2

Day-yum! An early Christmas at the Tomato Company! I was lucky to bring home two 1911s from the same show, if I showed up with this haul I would definitely be out on my ass! I hope you survive the spousal backlash! Cheers! M2

Went to the big monthly gun show here in San Antonio. Wasn't expecting much as Saturdays are when the hords hit and all the good deals get lapped up. But, was out wheeling with the Jeep club yesterday, so we couldn't make it until today. Got there early, and the place was vacant; about one-third of the vendors weren't there at opening. I guess the good people were at church! Still, walked around just to see what was there. Most assault rifles were overpriced, the Yugo underfold I bought a year ago is now 50% more. Even crappy Romanian WASR-10s, which were running $300-350 a few months ago were close to $700! And people were snagging them left and right. It was pathetic. The dealers are capitalizing on Obama fears, and I lost count of the number of times I heard them pitching how much prices were gonna go up in January. It's BS profiteering, and I am not falling for it. But, I was contemplating another Springfield 1911, this time a Mil-Spec in stainless steel, to round out my collection. I have a black stainless Loaded Target, a Lightweight Operator in Armory Coat, a Parkerized GI, and felt a stainless would go well with that crowd. Unfortunately, all I could find was another Loaded with combat sights (but not night sights). It was sweet looking, so I grabbed it... And here's the gang of four... Sorry for the crap pictures but they were quickly taken before the wife dragged us all out grocery shopping. I haven't even broken it down and cleaned out the excess oil; but I hope I can get out to the range this week and shoot 'em all. A word of caution, having open spaces in your gun safe will drive you to purchases like this. That, and a wife that gives you the 'cleared hot' everytime you ask about buying a new gun (God bless her!). But that's it for a while, prices are too crazy and I think I am going to focus on storing up some ammo just in case there are more taxes imposed on it. However, I did see a nice Webley 455 chambered in .45 Colt that was only $500... Cheers! M2

Sounds like the same frontier jibberish Ohio State was spewing a couple of years ago... Seriously, are you actually saying that the SEC, which has won the last two national championships, doesn't provide tough match-ups? I think someone tipped a cow on your cranium! But, we'll let the national championship game decide! Cheers! M2

Inasmuch as I'm no fan of the BCS, I do believe Florida deserves to be playing for the national championship this year. Beating 'Bama gives them the right to the title... As for the Oklahoma/Texas debate, it'll only decide who is going to lose to UF... Cheers! M2