bwit

Hey, I'm with Jasonub. I'll even pay TWO grand If I can be a GM with no practice - - maybe more. Heck, I'll probably save that much in bullets alone.

There are lots of good teachers and they don't need to be a GM for most of us. Some of the NRA Instructors can help you also. It makes more sense to me to get training a time or two or three from a local person first as you, at this point, do not need the skills of the GM and many of the finer points he has, you are not ready for anyway. It's sort of like going to a Surgeon to learn how to clean a pheasant, if you catch my parallel. The GM is capable of so much more than the more basic instruction you may need now. So you save some money now on training to buy more ammo/guns. Later, when you are an A shooter, or so go with the more professional instructor. My 2 cents

I agree, powder cost is much less but for a given power factor the faster powder has a snappier, faster recoil vs a slower, longer lasting push of the slower powder. Less powder also makes it easier to fit a double charge in the cartridge without realizing it. It seems as though most use the faster powders.

and knowlegeable and an overall nice person. But don't tell him I said that.

Don't believe what Howard tells you - - He's a much better shooter than I am but then again that isn't saying a lot. He's good!

Great contributions by all. I'd re-purchase a few STI parts to see if it works that way. If not - -make it Texas bound for repair. That hook angle is at least part of the problem.

I totally agree, schedule further in advance. We don't need more rules, lets just do it. I've never seen a National event not scheduled further out so all can plan and try to get the time off. We probably will have an even better turnout.

Unique but looks like a good way to get slide bite - - - OUCH!

My seals were opened too and the same doberman got mine. An envelope is a few cents compared to the $$ it cost to print bind and mail the book. I guess the mailman read it. I sure hope it doen't ruin my joke with him -- -With all those heavy packages I get he really thinks I collect rocks (a few misleading clues I gave him) but always has a quizzical look on his face when he makes a delivery now.

I assume barrel, bushing and slide are well lubed. I have a Les Baer that after 5K+ rounds of .45 still is very tight, needs the bushing wrench for removal and is EXTREMELY accurate and like Howard said you use the barrel as a ram to tap the bushing out of the slide - - That's all good as long as it's not causing other problems. Hey, what's wrong with tight ?? Everybody likes tight [wink, wink].

Jim, considering the pressure, all the variables and with the tension involved I think you did a great job of handling the situation. I see you are rethinking the situation and second guessing yourself but that is a good thing. That's how we all learn and get better at whatever we do. I wish more people were as conscientious as you. Bruce

Ok, I'm going to end all this silliness and let the cat out of the bag !! But if I tell ya, I'm gonna have to kill ya.

Ditto on the service. Also love the part of the holster that clamps on your belt [tech something or other], it is easier to get it on or off your belt, like if you need to remove a mag pouch to adjust it-- especially if you have one of the fat velcro types of belt.

Been using one or another electric for 40 years. They do a much better [thorough] job than you can and as someone mentioned they brush the proper way, up and down so you don't get tooth erosion at the gum line from jamming the brush back and forth. When I go to the dentist for a cleaning they are amazed at what little plaque is in the crevices. Brauns are good but you can burn your gums easily with that small diameter high-speed brush ripping back and forth. Currently using a Phillips Sonicare. Works well but it and brushes are really pricey and it has a timer that tells you when to move to a different part of your mouth then shuts off when it thinks you are done. I hate this feature and ignore it, since I run it on my own schedule and according to how it is cleaning. I also hate automatic driver's side windows that think you always want to go all the way down when you touch the button, when what you really want is to just crack the window.

Ditto on Powder Valley - - fast service, great pricing, reasonable shipping and nice people. I've been buying bullets from Montana, Precision Delta and Zero. Has anyone seen any decent prices on .40 cal FMJ - - everywhere I look they're .10 plus. BW

Does the Arredono Fire Extinguisher Bracket mount right to the grip ???

I use a small cordura bag on my rig at the left behind the last mag pouch. It resembles the brass bags that come with some range bags except it hangs from the belt better [doesn't swing a lot] and is closeable if you wish. It normally stays round and open by itself and is for any partially filled mags and extra ammo so I can load mags while watching the next shooter or whatever I may be doing. I-shot makes them and they are reasonable. They are also great for putting mags in rather than dropping them if the stages are muddy.

The discussion touched on this but a very good alternative to full custom, and less costly, is Les Baer products. I have one. They are extremely well made, available with any variety of features and I have never seen a more accurate 1911. The barrel to slide and slide to frame fit is unbelievably tight. Comes with an excellent trigger, though you may later want to lighten it up. After 150,000?? or so rounds and you wear it out, send it to the factory and they'll rebuild it for you. They are also nice people to work with if you ever need parts or to deal with the factory. You will never be sorry and unhappy with one of these down the road. My best suggestion is to go to a range/gunstore that has rentals guns. Shoot a Kimber, Springfield [or something else] and a Baer Premier II ($1600. Loaded), one of the less expensive but fabulous models. This exercise will cost a few bucks but also be fun and a great experience. It may keep you from making a bad, costly decision. Then you will be able to make a wise decision and know the difference and what you are talking about. Let that comparison and experience tell you which one you should buy. Oh yes, also the resale value.