BobS761

I have the first 2012 post in this thread! Hard to list individual books, I read 2 or 3 a week sometimes, but here goes: Vince Flynn books. Lee Child's Reacher series Day by day Armageddon 30 Seconds After The Joe Ledger series. LL westerns.

Thanks for all the info. I think I'm getting that I should load to minor PF for what we are shooting. We are ramping up this week to start loading. B

I like doing stuff with my 15 year old son, I like doing stuff with my 76 year old dad. I'm really going to love all three of us shooting in a match in 2 weeks!!!!

Silver lining, mine crapped out 3 years ago, got a higher efficiency unit, gov rebates almost paid for it, (of course my cash up front), and my electric bill is cut in half! So, more cash for guns!

I know, another noob question. But never seen one or had one. Can it be cleared at the range or does it require a gunsmith? Is there a tool one should have, like a brass drift? Thanks, B

Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure I reed to try to load minor loads at my level of experience. Perhaps lighter, but I know I need lots more research and experience to experiment from the start. What I'm looking at is a manual, with lots of different powder choices, for lots of different bullets. To be specific, i need a solid, safe, starting point, including specific powder, charge weight, and bullet. I know there is more than 1 answer, and I'll probably try several. I'm really just trying to avoid looking at my choices and going eeny meeny miney moe, and doing the same if my LGS doesn't have it anyway. Thank you all again for the replies. B Sorry for my ignorance.. If I load to minor pf, is there a risk of cycling malfunctions? Remember, this is my first attempt at reloading, and my dad's second.

My dad and I are relative newcomers to loading in general, having just experimented with some .45LC. Just ordered dies for .40 SW. Loading manuals are great, but we suffer from information and choice overload. Pap is going to load for my son and me shooting an XD and XDm 40 in production. What we would like to know is a good starting point, powder, charge, and bullet, to begin with. Eventually, I think we are going to cast bullets. Maybe some comments there as well. Thanks, B

Sometimes I think my whole life is a hobby! For most of mine, I try to involve my kids. So, there's horse camping and shows, RC truck racing, used to motocross with my son until The Great Crash of 2008, Taekwondo, and, I'm really thinking of building a sailboat. I wanted to try hang gliding but sadly 20 poubds too fat. LOL! B Of, and one guilty pleasure, I cannot seem to let go of reading Zombie fiction. I know if I keep reading, at least one book will end well.

I bought a couple of boxes of .40SW, one blazer and one TRU, and the brass is kinda grey. My first thought was aluminum, but I'm not sure that would even be safe. Maybe steel? Now, I'm not stupid, just never been exposed to this kind of "brass". I assume you cannot reload it. So, what is it? Thanks, B

So, I was heading out to the range this morning, and the sky just opened up. What a deluge! I get to thinking, I'll just stop at the girlfriend's house and get a cup of coffee or something. When I turn on her road, I see a strange truck in her drive. I pull over about a block away, about to go investigate what the heck is going on when she and a "friend" come out the door in an obvious embrace. I dive down in my cab on top of my range bag as not to be seen. Mags are poking me in the ribs, so I pull it out and notice the bottom plate thingy is broken. So, what do I do? Do I need a totally new mag, or can I get parts to fix this one?

Not really a hate, but some folks scare the bejesus out of me!

Malanoma...... Took my kids mom, and now I look at every mole they have like I'm some kind of freak.

Eventhough we shot Limited our first match, we are shooting bone stock pistols, and very likely to remain bone stock for some time. At our level it wouldn't matter which division we shoot in, as the results will be the same anyway. So we're going to settle in Production, learn, improve, and see where we go from there. With so much to work on, my feeling is settling on a division will take away a variable. BTW, if there are any local shooters seeing this, PLEASE do not show my son one of those super tricked out fancy open guns! Contrary to his belief, I am not made of money! B

Just a quick question. Shooting an XDm 40 and son has XD 40. Since both pistol's magazines hold more than 10 rounds, do I need to get different mags or simply only load 10 rounds? Not an immediate issue, as the next few matches are dedicated to learning and fun, and get an idea of where we want to go. Thanks, B

Just getting excited, starting to practice, looking forward to my second match, and now I may have broke my hand sparring in Taekwondo. I'm getting too old for this stuff!

Thanks for all the advice! Turns out I bought the used XD. Nice piece in good shape for $419. We are taking advantage of coaching from the local shooters and practice mag changes and moving safely in the house. As for sharing, we still do, next match will feature papaw, me, and the little feller. I think pap is thinking of trading that SA Blackhawk. Now is the time to be thinking about a progressive reloader! Thanks all, B

I think the local shop has a used XD in .40. Going to look this afternoon. Like I said, caliber or even some recoil isn't going to be a issue, he's 6'5" and 220. Got hands like a bear. Sometimes I miss the days when I could hold his little hand and go for a walk. LOL! Last time was when he was about 6.

Today my son turns 15. He is all into USPSA now and I'm going to get him his own pistol. I like my XDm 40 as it shoots well, and seems uncomplicated, so I'm considering another one for him. But, could there be a better choice for a new shooter? Size is not so important as he is a monster himself. Mostly looking for ease of operation. We will probably wind up in production or limited using a stock gun. Any thoughts? Thanks, B

If I may add something, if someone in this situation has young kids at home, it helps to find something new to do as a family. Of course you might find yourself with a yard full of horses, but it helped my kids. My son was a second grader and daughter in 5th. Now she is graduating next month and he is starting shooting with me. Did I ask if anyone wanted to buy a horse? LOL! Anyway, the original post is so true. Even when things are good, and that's most of the time for me, the grief monster can rear its ugly head. B

Wow, I see! This is going to be an adjustment for a former high power shooter where the 10 ring was the end all be all. And explains why I'm so slow! But This is going to be a fun ride! B

Ok, my son and I shot our first USPSA match and the scores are posted. Now I'm smart enough to figure out where we fell in the final results. (Not going there, because I still think we won because we had the most fun.) But what do all those numbers mean? I understand PF, has to do with load and caliber. No clue on hit factor, points are self explanitory as well as penalty, time is self explanitory, the percentage thing, no clue, and how does it all come together for a final result? Really at this point, I'm not so concerned with results, but more on safety habits and developing good technical habits. But, I'm sure at some point the numbers are going to tell me areas I can improve. For instance, I racked up lots of points, no misses, and very few penalties, but I'm as slow as next Christmas. Thanks, B

Looking for advice on cleaning my new XDm 40. Now, I know how to clean firearms, particularly rifles, but just fishing for what needs more attention and what to watch out for. Thanks, B

Greetings! Today my 14 year old son and I shot our first pistol match! We had a great time, especially for rank beginners. The match was held near Lewisport, KY. Here is a special thanks to all that took time out to answer questions, keep us safe, and ease us into a great new sport! As for how we did? We had so much fun we must have won!!