whistlepig

I suggest a bit more investigation. The factory load GM match has no dent? If you have access to a chrono, chrono the factory GM match and some of your loads. The dents probably come from the case striking the outside of the upper receiver...... It would be interesting to see if your load is very diff in velocity, but even more interesting what is the SD of your loads? Do the empties go to the basic same place on ejection or are they all ove the place? If your loads are cycling well and are in the middle of the suggested loads ( I don't use that powder in this appliacation, so I don't know) It may come down to how does it shoot and is it worth a bit shorter brass life.........

Your not screwed......... Buy a new gun to add to the collection

I have found them to be tough. Seem to be as tough as any other and run really good. +1 on above. Poo happens and it caught you at the 2nd worse possible moment.

Processing time depends GREATLY on the local ATF office. Time is spent in the office prior to the papers going to DC, time is spent when the tax stamp/papers return. How much time is open to guesstimation

+1 This. A PEPR is a good alternative for the money and works well. The diff is noticeable when you remove/replace scopes. The higher end units (like LaRue) hold very close to zero in my experience.

+1 on this. If you can shoot them at your place, they would fit under plinking and general shooting. Other bullets avail that do much better in the accuracy department for not much more money.

Lots of info on other threads here, but I have found that the flex of the top is key. If you build a top try a torsion box style of construction. It is more work up front, but tons stiffer. Well worth the build time.

Let me say that you sound qualified to be a co-worker. Maybe try a traditional rubber bikini cover that is tied or rubber banded to the scope body. As you flip it off to use, it won't get lost in the shuffle. Rubber banded is good for snug fit, but degrades rather quick in the weather if it gets lots of direct sun.

Should also be considered mandatory gear for Zombie Apocalypse

If you want leather IWB, I vote Milt Sparks.

My boy works cheaper...... He pays for his .22 ammo habit by picking up and sorting brass. He does contract out to shooting friends who don't have their own brass picker uppers I should own stock in CCI

This doesn't answer your question, but I can't help myself.......... How the hell are they breaking? Are they getting broken off while open? I am curious as I have seen the Butler Creek covers survive RIGOROUS and some would say abusive treatment. I have seen scopes destroyed and the scope covers just moved over to the new scope. As to bikini covers, they have a place, but I have never seen a see through model that doesn't get dirty and/or damaged with use to the point of being no good in the see-through department.

I haven't tried it as far as to really pinning it down like benchresting it, but I found the settings to be "close" as in on the 25/200 setting it would strike an IPSC size metal plate at 200 and hit (close) on the 300 setting at 300. As a BUIS Back Up Iron Sight I think it accomplishes the goal. More precise irons are avail. The concept of that 25/200 is that when the front post is "zeroed" in that window for a shooter, he/she can hit a human size target from muzzle to 200. The hit would be considered acceptable from the waist to the head in that regard.

One of the best responses ever....................

Tip: make sure it is deaf and not just sleeping........ I'm just sayin

Not to add to the back and forth, but an interesting issue (dont ask how we found out) is that if you put the handgun in backwards...... a technique taught for one handed reload operation, as if incapacited in the primary arm..... is that the gun is locked....and I mean LOCKED in there. You have to take to whole thing apart to free the hadgun. Not a deal breaker, but a real need to know issue.

What fits is a function of bladder size, not brand. A pack that holds a 100 oz bladder will hold any brand bladder that is of similar size or smaller. They all come out to be filled or cleaned. In my experience, older Blackhawk gear was tough and well made but my last few experiences were bad. Gear not holding up, especially the stitching. I much prefer Camelback and a few other makers (kifaru and eagle come to mind). I have a medium size Kifaru ruck and it makes all the others look like wasted money. Its like scopes, buy the right one the first time and only cry once.

+1 on the Krieger...... I have an older one in 1:9 twist on a service match style AR, 20 inch barrel. Still a smoking hot shooter with eveything from 52 gr to 69 grain. TONS of rds down range. It is a 5.56 chamber. About 2 years ago, I built a free floated heavy barrel Krieger 24 inch in 1:8 ( I believe it is actually 1:7.75 twist) to shoot 77 gr SMKs....... It makes me smile It has a true .223 cahmber that is on the minimum end of SAAMI spec dimensions. I get absurdly good performance every time I use it. Krieger is a premium buy, but in this case I believe that you are getting what you payed for.

If you want it dark, Black T by Birdsong is a fine choice. Tough tough stuff. No rust. It's been years since I had one done, back then choices were black and olive drab. I don't know the current price. You send your gun to them.

Feel better now? Yes...................... Yes I do

ref not being expensive, figure out what you want to carry and buy the smallest sized pelican (or otter) box that will hold them. waterproof, crushproof and will outlast you. if the tools rattle and that bugs you, a bit of foam can be cut to fit very easy.

+1 on the Birdsong finish...... I have a Colt 1911 finished in 1992 or '93 that has been RUN HARD. Finish is tuff stuff and no rust. Mine shows scratches but is well worth having. Working gun that works everytime. And ref the fobus holster................... The number to Milt Sparks Holsters is 208-377-5577

While I don't have much experience with the STI, drag marks on primers like the ones pictured are not that rare. Most SIG's do it too.

Check Lyman 47 and 48. I'm pretty sure there is some data in there on this subject.

get friend with stick to stand behind you and smack you everytime you do it. It worked for me..... Really, in my experience one the best training tricks here is dummy round drills where you have several dummy rds at mixed random among the live rds in your magazines. You will see the front sight moving when you "fire" a dummy rd. It is an effective tool for lots of folks. Good luck.