MDW

As for actual dry fire, you could consider another training gun with functional trigger (and/ or recoil and/ or laser) for pretty cheap. An airsoft replica (if allowed), with our without slide recoil/ gas blow back (search m&p gas blow back). There are some airsoft laser inserts on the market as well. A BB gun (if allowed), might work as well (just firing CO2 and no BB). Smith & Wesson sells a branded (by Umarex USA) one that claims to have a realistic trigger. idryfire (under Products) sells a trainer that has a functioning trigger and accepts a laser insert. iMarksman (under Products -> Civilian -> iMarksman Simulators) sells an M&P trainer with or without a laser insert.

I'm very interested in this app as well, as I've been considering the iMarksman system. Mark

Freedom Gunworks also has done this.

My vote would be a dedicated Tactical Solutions upper on a 1911/ 2011. Otherwise, I'd vote for the Ruger Mk type pistol. As for the Ruger takedown, the first few times can be tough, but the gun breaks down easier once it becomes worn and you also become more familiar with it. It's been said that the most common "box o' gun" to show up at a gun shop for re-assembly is by far, the Ruger Mk. A new tight one and/ or heavily fowled one can be a challenge. In addition to Ruger made guns, Tactical Solutions makes nice barreled uppers (the registered receiver of the Ruger). As well, Volquartsen makes some really nice barreled uppers and complete lowers (with nice triggers). They also make complete guns, although pricey, they are really nice. Also, they make a "Competition Bolt" that gives a nice extension off the back of the gun for easier loading, clearing, etc. One option not mentioned that specifically addresses the Ruger Mk take down issues is the Majestic Arms, "The Speed Strip Kit." Once installed, it allows you to remove the bolt from the upper very easily (you have to take it completely apart to get it out otherwise). With the Speed Strip Kit, you can remove the bolt without taking down the lower (or removing the upper from the lower). You have to do it to install it, which means taking the gun apart at least once (you can easily have a gunsmith do it for you), but it makes cleaning much easier and faster with the complete bolt out. You can then access the upper, lower and barrel (back to front). Check out their web site and video.

CZ PARROT and a NEW SP-01 SHADOW 2012 Pretty cool looking guns. At czub.cz they show the new Czechmate and detail the few changes over the "standard" Czechmate (I can't link to it without enough post - Google "cz czechmate parrot") Also, they show a new CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW, with a similar color scheme. However, this pistol has a number of other NEW features/ changes over the standard SP-01 SHADOW and they are calling it "CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW 2012" (again, can't link - Google "CZ 75 SP-01 SHADOW 2012") Hopefully they will be a NA guns.

Did you get your CTS? If so, how do you like it? Pics still coming? Thanks Mark

Just to add... CZ makes the 455 Varmint Precision Trainer and it comes with a Manners tactical stock, though I'm unfamiliar with this gun. Also, DIP (Diversified Innovative Products) makes tactical bolt knobs, scope rails, and bottom metal for the above. DIP also makes an adjustable universal cheek piece/ rest out of kydex.

I too would recommend the Anzchutz 64 MP-R. You can get a new one from Champion for $1175. I guess you could paint the stock (and gun) if you wanted it more tactical in appearance. As a repeater, it would my preference for an accurate and really nice rifle. The Sako Quad with an aftermarket stock. Even a used Finnfire p94s Varmint with heavy barrel and aftermarket stock; or a p94s Range with heavy barrel (has an adjustable wood stock like a TRG - and could also be painted like the Anzchutz) are all very nice accurate guns. All these guns are going to be $1000+ The Savage MkII TR (or MkII TRR-SR) would be a good option (it certainly looks more similar to your rifle). The action isn't as silky smooth, but certainly fine). Many of the TR's I've seen don't come with a threaded barrel. However, there are versions of the TR that have a full length and threaded barrel (come with a threaded cap/ protector (like the FV-SR)). If you'd prefer something other than black, Cabelas sells the gun in a green (it also the threaded barrel, but instead has a flash hider threaded on). The CZ 452 Varmint is a option that many love (although discontinued last year). Some I've seen are very nice and superior to the Savage, although I've seen a couple of brand new ones with rather rough actions and poor fitting stocks (considerable barrel contact). This is without a doubt not the norm, but I'd want to handle the particular one I was buying. Probably the best bang for the buck and the closest to a tactical rifle from the factory, I'd say the Savage.

I'm in Baton Rouge, LA. I'm new to this forum and new to USPSA/ IPSC / IDPA. I'm looking to possibly start USPSA and/ or IDPA shooting and I'm here trying to learn from this awesome site and from its many very knowledgeable members. I'm planning on getting out to some matches in this area very shortly so that I can meet the local groups and hopefully get involved in this wonderful sport. Mark

As you've been looking at SH and it seems you want the tactical aspect, here is what I'd throw out as a rifle can be had for much less than the $5k customs. Plus, it can be purchased immediately, without a long wait for a custom build. Specifically, a straight, factory built precision/ sniper rifle (in use as a sniper platform in many countries). I'd say consider a Sako (that's sock-O, not Seiko (which is also mispronounce in the US)). The TRG platform is less expensive and far more ergonomic (than the other main competitor (AIC)). However, it's extremely well built. Plus, it's an extremely accurate rifle (as good as many customs). It has an aluminum chassis system which the stock attaches to (like AIC but more comfortable and adjustable) so there is never a bedding issue. The trigger is simply amazing in it's degree of adjustment (download TRG manual and you can read up on the gun and trigger if you like). You'll note that many people on SH have TRG's (I have two of them) and they are fantastic rifles. Some do complain about expensive accessories, but that's relative. How many mags do you need (they are $175 ea (can get AIC conversion (Kenetic Research Group)). I have five and consider that enough for me. If you needed a lot, then AIC option might be better. The factory dove tail scope base/ three ring mount is expensive ($500), although a nice piece of kit. If you add up a nice rail and nice rings, it not a huge amount more. However, I used a rail and Seekins Precion rings on one rifle for much cheaper option. The factory bipod is fantastic, but expensive at $500. However, you can use others (check SH for specifics, as I use the factory one). The factory folder (which I have the newer model on one gun is awesome (but heavy)), and VERY expensive. Kenetic Research Group is now making a similar (and much cheaper) aftermarket folding stock (see their site and SH reviews/ pics). TRG's come with with treaded barrels (18x1) so take this into account with a suppressor or break (Sako break is nice, but pricey at around $200). TRG-22's are available in .260 Rem or .308; TRG-42's are available in .300 WM and .338 LM. As you ask for other alternatives to be thrown out... A considerably less expensive, but very similar rifle to the TRG is the Tikka T3 Sporter (it has a cool laminate stock near identical to the TRG) and a similar action, bolt and barrel (also threaded). They are short action calibers only. Some also use/ love the T3 Tactical (more tacticool in appearance than the Sporter, but less like the TRG style stock which I, and many others, absolute love). FNH also makes some really nice factory rifles you might consider. Money wise, something to keep in mind... optics. They will (or should be) of the same quality as your rifle. That usually means as pricey, if not more so, as the rifle. On the tactical side, the only consideration is a FFP Mil/ Mil (reticle/ knob) scope; S&B (my choice), Hensholdt (my second choice) or Premier Heritage on the higher end and NF, Vortex, Leupold, SS, Bushnell on the cheaper end. You might need/ want a good spotting scope as well. On the tactical side, preferably a FFP mil reticle; Vortex Razor HD makes a nice scope, but the reticle eyepiece is fixed 30x; Zeiss Spotter 60 has a FFP zoom mil reticle and is awesome, but very pricey (should last a lifetime (at least I hope it does)). On the cheaper end; Leupold and Bushnell make FFP zoom mil reticle scopes. However, if you are just target shooting and don't need/ want mil grade optics and don't need/ want ranging optics then you could go with different and/ or less expensive alternatives for the scope and spotting scope. Mark