cheers623

Sorry to beat a dead horse but big +1 on give the STI more time. I started shooting pistols right after my 21st b-day and my first purchase was a Glock. I dry-fired and "played with it" all of the time. My first few years shooting USPSA was with a Glock. Then, because I loved the sex-appeal of the 1911 platform I bought a few. Same thing happened to me, could not shoot them for crap and they did not feel right to me AT ALL. So much so that I only kept Glocks in my house and on my person for self defense. Finally, a few years back I made the decision to shoot only 1911/2011 pistols in competition and dry-fire practice for 1 season of competition. The rest is history as they say. I now feel totally comfortable on both platforms. I keep a 2011 Tactical next to the bed and a Glock in my truck. Because I have given enough time to both platforms they both feel natural to me now. I am sure that if you keep your Glock around for self defense but leave it in the range bag and ONLY play with the STI for a few months you will notice the same thing. Either way, congrats on getting an STI! Cheers623 DVC

I have looked at Shooters connection and Speedshooters and neither have them in stock. Anybody know where this company is located or if they are still in business? I tried google and had no luck. I just installed a grip on my STI and love it! I like it more than the SV Scott grip I had on it before. And, the best part is when the grit wears off just replace the grip tape panel. Gotta get more!!!! Thanks for any help, Cheers623 DVC

Hey guys. As the title says, I have an Infinity Modular trigger with the long, curved insert. I love this setup for my Limited Gun and have put many rounds thru the gun with this thing. Well, I was tearing it down tonight and noticed that the base has become very loose from the trigger stirrup. Now this is not the insert mind you, but the base that the inserts fit into. I have never had this problem with other one-piece triggers and was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. I am turning this gun into my nightstand gun and don't like the idea of a loose, wobbly trigger in a defensive gun. However, I love the way this setup feels. Is this a common problem with SVI modular triggers? If so, I will drop the factory plastic STI back into the gun and call it good. But, if this is not common I will call SVI and talk to Brandon and see what he recommends. Anyway, please chime in if you have experience with this issue. Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas!!!!! Cheers623 DVC

Hey guys, thanks for the input. I think that I will keep my eyes open for an M1 if I can find one used at a good price. I have seen a few on gunbroker that look promising. I was not sure of the differences. The M2 is attractive for the pistol grip and one hand reloading but it sounds like the M1 is a little more reliable? Anyway, thanks again for the help. On a side note, I also looked at the Mossberg 930 models but other than a few threads on this forum have not seen a consensus on them. Too bad though, they are a lot of gun for the money. I suppose the Benelli is akin to the notion of spend the money now rather than spend more later. Thanks and happy holidays, cheers623 DVC

So, I have been looking on the various forums alot and have decided to go with a Benelli auto-loader for my shotgun. I have found a ream of information about opinions on Brand A versus Brand B....i.e. Remington vs Benelli vs FN etc, etc. But, I have not found a consensus from Benelli owners about which model. I have found thus far the M1, M2, and M4 configurations. My question is: which one should I get and why? I am a lefty who has shot my Mossberg 590 alot and am very comfortable with it but want an autoloader now. Is one of these Benelli models more reliable than another? More left hand friendly, etc, etc? Benelli owners, please chime in and give some advice. Have a great holiday season and thanks in advance for the info! Cheers623 DVC

I was in your situation a few years back, shooting Glocks alot but owning an EDGE and wanting to shoot it. Well, I bought a Bladetech DOH for the STI and never looked back. Once you start competing with the 2011 platform in Limited, you will become addicted. In production there are quite a few different platforms that all do well competing in the mix. However, in Limited and Open, the vast majority of us are using some kind of 1911/2011 setup. And while there are an infinite number of accessories and modification you can do to the 1911/2011 most of the fat has been trimmed from the that platform. What that ultimately means is that once you start shooting your Edge in Limited division, you have stepped onto a MORE level playing field where shooting skill is ultimately what decides the match results. And, while there are other platforms (CZ, Glocks, etc.,etc.) being used in Open and Limited divisions, they all end up getting modified to handle, feel, balance, shoot, like a 1911/2011. I am not meaning to say that the 1911/2011 is the best platform. Everybody has to find what is best FOR THEM. However, because it has been around for so long and has been used in competition SO MUCH it does not take long for a shooter to realize that they really just need to focus on trigger control, sight picture, transitions, eye speed, and mind set. I got started in USPSA shooting at the same time as a couple of other shooters in my area. For the most part we all went through a similar progression like this: Owned a Glock/XD/Beretta and shot it in Production division. Saw other shooters with 1911/2011 in Limited and Open and thought they looked really cool. Tried making their Glock/XD/Beretta work in Limited Division. Spent money on twinkie gear and worthless mods that sounded good but still did not make a big difference. Bought a 1911/2011 and experienced a slight interim period where they could not shoot either their new or old gun very well. Those that stayed with the 1911/2011 became incurable addicts and students of everything 1911. Experimented with: reloading recipes, Magwells, mainspring housings, guide rods, sights, triggers, etc, etc, etc. Finally, ending up with a 5" or 6" 1911/2011 that is not too heavy and not too light but JUST RIGHT that has tuned mags, a fast burning powder under a relatively heavy bullet, a 1.5-3 lb trigger, and 1 or 2 personal touches on their gun. Now, while we all went about this on our own, when we show up to the range and gun-up it is surprising how similar our gear ends up being!!! So, that is my way of saying GET A BLADETECH DOH, PUT THAT EDGE IN IT AND START SHOOTING IT!!!!! Open comes next.....don't fight it.......you WILL end up buying an OPEN gun.....just one more step in the logical progression listed above....... Cheers623 DVC

So, I have asked a similar question before but for different reasons. I have an STI Tactical .40 that is drop-dead reliable I bought from Dave Dawson. At the time I was looking for a limited division gun that could also work as a home defense gun. Well, 15,000 rounds later I have it set-up as my limited division gun and want to keep it that way. I love the pistol and would now like to get a .45 STI Tactical exclusively for home defense. My question is for the gunsmith gurus that have had experience with both .40 and .45 in the STI platform. Are the .45s more or less reliable than their .40 counterparts? I know that the magazines swell a little bit when loaded fully. This is not a concern of mine as I have no problem downloading the mags a round or two. I am just wondering if there any other issues that would make buying this gun in .45 a mistake. I do not want to get into .40 vs .45 for self defense discussion. I have always preferred the .45 for self defense and have always carried one. As much as I like the .40 Tactical I have I would love to have one in .45 for the house, BUT, only if it is as reliable as the .40. Any insight or first hand experience would be greatly appreciated!!!!!! Thanks for looking guys.... cheers623 DVC

I hear you. But, to answer your question....to fit in the holster I use. Bladetech DOH with closed bottom...... Cheers623 DVC

Rich, thanks for posting the pic of your setup. That is a very good angle to see this unit from. I wondered what the combo rail looked like from the top of the gun. Now I know. Does anyone know if the barrel on this unit can be swapped out for a threaded one? In other words, could I buy one top end and then another barrel that was threaded instead of buying 2 top ends, one threaded and one not? Just wondering. I must say, I shot another 300 rounds thru my Kimber conversion tonight and it was some of the most productive trigger time I have gotten in a LONG time. Thanks again for the replies, Cheers623 DVC

Thanks guys. This kind of feedback helps alot. Keep it coming. So far I am leaning toward the TacSol unit. Cheers623

Hey guys, hope you are recovered from turkey coma..I mean thanksgiving. I am looking for input regarding 22lr conversion for a 2011 frame gun. Anyone try or own both? I like the options for the Tactical solutions kit, threaded barrel, different top ribs, fiber optic front sights, etc,etc, etc. The Marvel kit has gotten good reviews but I don't like the looks. I know, I know, big deal. If anyone has experience with either please lay it on me. I tried the search function and did not find a thread comparing the 2 kits. Anyway, I was at the range today with my Kimber 22 conversion on a Springer and also had my new GSG-5 rat killer and can't remember the last time I had so much fun(basically shooting AS MUCH AMMO AS I WANTED TOO!!!). So, it got me thinking about a 2011 conversion for some quality trigger time on the cheap. Any feedback is always appreciated. Cheers623 DVC

Hey guys, thanks for the feedback. I did check the USPSA club finder and it did not list this range which is why I posted. From the posts it sounds like this range is going to be great for her. I am jealous. I grew up in Titusville and went shooting with my high school buddies back in the day but never had a place like this to go!! We would have been in heaven. It almost makes me want to visit her just to get out of the rain and cold weather up here in WA state. I love the clubs here. We shoot at a different club every Sunday and all the matches are well run. the problem is the weather during this time of year. I remember Christmas days of 70 degrees and sunny down in Titusville. Sure would be a nice break from taping underneath plastic covers with cold wet fingers!!! Anyway, if I can convince her to get out there, when do they do safety checks for new shooters? She is not a member of USPSA yet but would like to try it out a few times before she joins. I have set her up with a G-34, 4 spare mags, a good solid belt, 2 double mag pouches, and a set of Peltor Tactical electronic ears. She is geared up, now she just needs a safety check and the match fee. It says the matches start at 9am. When should she be there for a safety check. Also, is there a match contact email address? Sorry for all of the questions, just want to cover my bases to make it smooth sailing for her. Thanks for all of your help guys, Chris cheers623 DVC

Got some .40 200gr bullets from these guys for my Limited Blaster. I used to shoot MG 180gr on top of 5.2 gr of VV N320. I now shoot these 200gr slugs on top of 4.5gr of VV N320 for a gentle consistent, nearly smoke-free load that makes 176pf EASILY!!! I could probably drop the charge to 4.3 and still be at Major PF but am too lazy right now shooting in Open division to change the powder drop. These guys make GREAT BULLETS. They are clean shooting and made a believer out of me in shooting lead bullets. I hope they stay in business!!! cheers623

That is EXACTLY what I was looking for!!! Thanks very much and Happy Thanksgiving!! cheers623

Hey guys, I am from Titisuville, FL. I now live in Seattle and have been shooting USPSA for 4 years or so out here. My mom visited a while back and came to a few matches to watch my wife and me compete. Now she is hooked and wants to get in on the action. I have seen somewhere a mention of a top notch range in Titusville, FL where she lives still. Does anybody know anything about this range. I moved away over 10 years ago and don't know anyone there anymore. ANy help from the Florida contingent would be greatly appreciated. My mom is a total newbie but actually quite a good shot. She grew up on a farm like I did shooting for fun. You know, back in the good ol' days when EVERYONE had a gun and shot for fun, long before guns were only used for "EVIL" purposes. Well, enough ranting, any info would help me set her up and get her out on the range and I would be eternally grateful. Happy thanksgiving, Chris Olka cheers623

Hey man, I think I saw you in the shop the other day? Is this the gun you told me about? Looks like a great pistol!!! Are you interested in selling the POS red dot on it? I will take it off your hands for $25. I am looking for a cheap red dot for a kel-tec I bought my wife for plinking. My email address is: cheers623@aol.com Anyway, have fun shooting that bad boy and drop me a line. BTW, welcome to the dark side........ Chris Olka cheers623

So, I have started shooting local tactical rifle matches recently. I have been shooting my Bushmaster M4 for a while and have it set up and running great. I decided to impulse buy a S&W Tactical in light of recent political events and noticed that even though both rifles are supposedly Mil-spec, and both have 6 position collapsible stocks, the S&W is about an inch shorter fully extended. I looked at the buffer tubes and the S&W is shorter than the Bushmaster. I purchased the S&W as a backup to my Bushmaster and would like them to be identical for the length of pull. I have long arms and notice this small difference alot. I looked all over this sight and found only info on buffer tube diameter but not length differences between collapsible stocks. Does anyone have any info or a link or suggestions? My bushmaster is dead reliable with 1000s of rounds down the tube and I would like to keep it as my SHTF factory configured iron sight gun. The Smith and Wesson tactical is going to be my competition gun. The shorter length of pull on the S&W is an issue though. I do not want to change from a collapsible M4 style stock. I like the simplicity of this style stock and have gotten used to it. I just want them to be the same length when fully extended. Do I need to buy a Bushmaster buffer tube and stock and install it on the S&W? Is there any other option? Sorry for the whinning.....help... Thanks again, Chris

Perfect!!!! THis is the stuff I am looking for. Thanks guys and keep it coming. I have loaded up a batch of The 200gr molys with 4.6gr of the n320 at an OAL of 1.185" and it seems pretty torquey if that makes any sense. I won't be able to shoot over a chrono for a while and these loads you all listed look a bit less than where I am at now. So, may drop it a few tenths of a grain and try again. So far, it looks like shooting moly coated heavy lead may be the way to go.... cheers!!

Thanks guys for the input. This is what I need to hear. I like the idea and looks of the Bushy but have always been a little skeptical of the carbon receivers. I remember many problems friends had with the carbon 15 before Bushmaster bought them out and wondered how much they improved after that. It seems that the 9mm AR can be problematic and maybe the carbon receiver could complicate things more? I have a Bushy .223 that is great with regards to fit, finish, and reliability, that is why I have looked at their 9mm rifles. However, a traditional aluminum upper seems to be a more robust platform. One thing though, I hate to admit but I have been looking on the AR15.com site and there has been mention of many problems with earlier RRA 9mms. Is this still the case. I am always a little wary of someone complaining OR raving about a guns reliability when they usually have only shot a few hundred rounds thru it and make a judgement i.e. "it's great!!! or it's crap!!!" The people on this board, myself included, usually shoot more in one practice session than most other shooters fire in a 6 months of range trips!!! I appreciate the input and please keep it coming if there is any more wisdom on the 9mm AR 15 subject. Best, Chris DVC

Hey guys and gals, I am looking at both the Rock River Arms and Bushmaster 9mm Ar-15 Carbines. They are close enough in price that it is not a deciding factor for me. Instead I am looking for input about reliability, overall quality of construction, and finally, magazine design and reliability. I am not interested in the Olympic arms stuff as i have had MANY bad experiences in the past and so won't consider giving them any more of my hard earned cash. Has anyone had first hand experience with both? Either? I have read most of the posts about 9mm AR-15s on this forum and this has helped but looking for specifics about these 2 rifles. I am going to use this rifle for indoor practice and plinking, the occasional local tac-rifle match etc.... Input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!! Chris DVC

Hey guys and gals, I have been shooting 180gr Montana golds over 5.1 gr of VV N320 for about 3 years. I suppose I like the load but recently decided to buy some of the new moly coated 200gr lead bullets from Black Bullets International to try. These guys bought out Materblasters and I have been itching to try the moly coated lead bullets. I would really like to use the VV N320 I have on hand because I love this powder. My goal is to try and get a nice soft shooting 40s&w load that replicates the feel of the 200gr swc .45 ACP loads I have used in the past. I have tried the search on this forum as well as the Jeff Maas load data but it is pretty scarce on 200gr lead and VV N320. It seems that most people shooting lead are also trying to save a buck with the powder and so don't usually use the VV powders. On the other hand, the people that are shooting VV powders usually also use plated bullets or FMJs. I am not trying to save money but am looking for a moly coated 200gr lead recipe that uses N320. I am shooting it out of a 5" STI widebody limited gun and usually load at 1.185" COAL. Any suggestions or actual recipes would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Chris Olka

Thanks, keep it coming.... cheers623

Hey guys, I have done the search button thing on using Vit. n350 as a powder for .38 super/supercomp. I am developing a load for my gun using this powder and have found a lot of great info BUT.....most people's post don't list the case overall length. Right now I am using Starline .38 supercomp brass, Federal small rifle primers, Montana gold 124 gr. CMJ, 7.8 gr of n350, and loading at 1.260". My question is: I am having problems with live ejecting at this length and was wondering if anyone tries this recipe at 1.240"? Would this cause too much pressure? The case looks pretty full with 7.8gr of n350. Also, can I use winchester small pistol primers instead of rifle primers? Please share your n350 recipe in .38 supercomp. Thanks a million.......cheers623 DVC

Dave, wish I could shoot tomorrow period....I have to work. I won't even be able to make a match until the next Custer match in July!!! Can't wait to get the the open gun back though!!! See you Dave, cheers....

Well, I sent my new purchase of an older used like new SVI open gun to SV for a breechface swap and some other work. I just got a call from Brandon Strayer today (SATURDAY!!!) about 4 days after I sent it off and the work is done and ready to ship!!!! I can't believe it. What a great turn around time and he called me letting me know the work was done on a weekend no less. Then he proceeded to answer a few questions about loads and technical issues and spent another 15 minutes on the phone. All for a gun that I bought used on the internet and sent in. I must admit I am overwhelmed by this level of service and can't thank him and the guys at SVI enough. I'll have the gun by Monday and hit the range. Anyway, hat's off to these cats and just wanted to let everyone know. Cheers623 DVC