NavyDMO

Model19 you are not kidding, these Blackhawk rigs are te cat's meow here. When we are inside the wire and the flak is not needed its more comfortable to wear them on the strong hip so I emailed Blackhawk and they sent me the adpter for free. Those adapters for the MOLLE are very popular as well but if you have to hit the deck face down wearing the pistol on your chest it becomes painfull and awkward.

Thanks guys, glad to serve. Geoff, right about the book. I knew a SEAL from the SDV Team 2 in Little Creek, VA some years back (mid 90's) who was down in Puerto Rico training. I was supporting their training and went along on one of their shoots. He showed me all their weapons and claimed his favorite was a wooden gripped 6" 686 6-shot variant (I don't think the 686+ was out yet). I was quite surprised but he claimed it was popular among the SDV mini-sub crew due to their extended periods underwater. Their most popular sidearm was still the Sig P226, the HK .45 had just been introduced but for the SEALs that spent most time in the water it was the shiny 686. He told me all who went through BUDs had to qualify with it, no exceptions. I find this interesting and it goes with the logic that being familiar with all weapon systems is a wise move. In foreign soil (or even at home) you never know when you are going to have to use what you find on the ground to defend yourself if your own weapon fails. A 125gr Federal JHP .357 mag has 96% one shot stops. The only other thing that compares is the .45 ACP Hydra Shock. Knowing this wouldn't it make more sense to carry an 8 shot 327 over a 6 shot 325? I've seen some Army guys out here carry Glocks, the Canadians carry a Browning HiPower and the Britts carry a Sig P226. They all have similar magazine problems. I guess I'm biased given my passion for revos. Heck next time I deploy I'll figure out a way to bring my .475 Linebaugh Stainless Ruger Vaquero. I'm sure one shot stops will be at 100% and penetration through towels or sheets will be excellent. I include (shamelessly) a self portrait under typical conditions. Luis

Fellows, Thanks for the input, I just wondered if I was alone in my frustration, obviously I'm not. I do have original Beretta magazines made in Italy and they suffer the same ailment. There are some newer beretta magazines I've seen here that have a deep copper brown finish to them and are reportes as better but I can't say they are problem free. The 24th MEU being special operations capable (SOC) I considered the .45 ACP but when I went to the armory to discuss it the reaction was pure laughter. They haven't even seen an issued .45 in years. Being field grade officer rank I took it up with the CWO5 Gunner, it took him about an hour to stop laughing. I'm sure the revolver would also take its fair share of abuse but I strongly believe that all you'll experience is a trigger that is a little heavier and grittier but will go bang at every pull without fail. By the way hollow point bullets here are unauthorized and strictly forbidden. I did see a Marine sniper who carried them but unfortunately, despite my best efforts to revive him he died from wound suffered. I take solace in the statistic that puts us at over 400 bad guys to the one friendly. Hoorah!! Luis

Does anyone here know of anyone that has deployed recently either with the Marines or the Army equipped with a revolver as a sidearm? I know its a longshot but I've been thinking hard about this. I'm currently deployed with the 24 MEU(SOC) in the Helmand province of Afghanistan and my issued sidearm is the as always the M9 Beretta 92F. The dust wreaks havoc on these things, especially the cheap contract magazines that must be cleaned about every other day otherwise failing to feed. Heck I would think a 327 TRR8 with four 8 round moon clips that fit inside 2 grenade pouches would be better than the 30 round 9mm combat load you are given. It could even be chambered in 9mm if we must not offend NATO/ISAF. No safety, no magazines, just pull and let her breathe her fire upon the enemy. Actually I was surprised to find out that handguns are employed out here in combat more than previously thought. Unfortunately the only guy I saw wounded with an M9 shot himself in the foot as he ran with the cocked M9 in his right hand. He had his finger in the trigger as he tried to grab the M249 SAW that was falling off his left shoulder when the sling slipped. I wonder if the same thing would have happened with a revo with a standard double action pull. By the way the Marine is fine and fully healed now. What are your thoughts or experiences on this? Luis

I payed 589.99 plus tax at the Sportsman's Warehouse 1-2 months ago. I can't imagine they would be much higher now. The larger chain stores (Cabela's, etc.) buy them in greater numbers and get good pricing that can be passed down to you. I think between $600.00 - $650.00 is a fair price if new.