CSEMARTIN

I don't look at my scores until the match is over. I sign my sheet, fold it and put it in my pocket. One stage doesn't really matter. I think everyone tanks a stage at a major match.

You guys are all-right! I'm still kicking myself......... Anyway, hopefully there will be a happy ending to this entire ordeal!!!!! On one hand, it's kind of funny, but it's irritating nonetheless. Hey, if you can't laugh at yourself...... Chris

Carmoney and everyone who has tried to help me, I meant no disrespect. In fact, I do respect everyone that has taken their time to help. Sincerely, I greatly appreciate everyones help. I didn't decide to drill after the fact. I drilled before reading the responses. Had I not been such an impatient moron, I would have waited. Certainly, I would be better off....... I think my choice of words, "Well guys, thanks for the information" has been taken the wrong way. After reading the last two posts, I see now how my choice of words could be taken as flippant/disrespectful. Honestly, I meant nothing by it! On a side note, I went to Randy Lee's website. I was greatly impessed by something I found on his site. For the first time, I saw a gunsmith require some kind of standard of the shooter before performing a trigger job on a 1911. That's incredibly responsible and to be commended. Chris

Well guys, thanks for the information. I'm afraid my problem may have gotten worse. I drilled through the screw very carefully (so I didn't injur any of the threads). Then I used a screw extractor (supposedly made from tempered steel) to remove the strain screw. Everything seemed to be going well until the screw extractor snapped in half. I gave up after two hours. I asked my wife to take it to a local gunsmith for me. She said the guys there were making fun of me when they saw what I had done. I called them yesterday to see how things were going. They didn't seem to be in any big hurry. I guess I don't blame them.

I picked up a revolver a few months back, and the strain screw kept working its way out. To remedy this, I applied some Permatex High Strength Threadlocker Red to the threads. Now I can't get the strain screw out. In fact, I bent (or torqued I should say) a brand new screwdriver trying to get it out. You wouldn't believe how pitiful the strain screw looks now. How in the heck am I going to get this screw out? I really need and appreciate someones help.

I thought I would pop this one up again. I'm getting ready to buy a jig, but can't decide which one to get. I only plan to do 1911's. Does anyone else have anything to add? Thanks, chris

My wife and I were home today when the mail arrived. Brownell's sent us a Christmas gift ideas catalog. I got excited and immediately gave it to my wife. Then she proceeds to tell me, "No way! Not after what happened last year". Then it all came back to me........ Last year, my wife ordered me a Pocket Pro timer through Brownell's for X-mas. Apparently, since I've ordered from them before, they decided to send an itemized bill to me via e-mail. The surprise was ruined, and now she won't order anything for me. That sucks!!

CEP, You made some interesting points. I couldn't agree with you more concerning a dog. In fact, I used to train police dogs years ago- I used to have a level III Schutzhund trained Rottweiler. But now that I have small children, I don't want one around. I have seen several kids bitten by their family pet whose owners would have sworn their dog would never bite. My boy is three and thinks it is great fun to tease our cats and grandpa's dog. Why take the chance? My father is a retired Illinois State Trooper. I've spoken to him at length regarding this topic, and I have come to the conclusion that I am much more comfortable with a 40 or 45 stopping somebody compared to a 9mm. There are countless examples of 'bad guys' not being stopped with a 9mm. In fact, my father was in an episode of Real Stories of the Highway Patrol which discussed a case in which the Illinois State Police were unable to stop a motorcycle gang member with a 9mm. Because of my profession, I see a lot of gunshot victims. I rarely see anyone that was hit with a large caliber round. Most of what I see are lower caliber bullet wounds like the 9mm. I think the S&W revolver idea may be a great idea. We're still trying to decided what we're going to do. Your point about the flashlight is interesting. I hadn't though of it that way. Chris

Bob, I'm sorry the socket idea didn't work out for you. I don't load for rifle. Is it possible that the rifle dies are taller than pistol dies? I wasn't sure exactly what you meant by not enough space. Again, I'm really sorry the socket idea didn't work. Anyhow, taking a couple trips to Sears isn't such a bad thing is it? Chris

I started using Meguiars car polish recently. It comes in a 16 oz maroon bottle at Auto Zone or Wal Mart for about $5 bucks a bottle. It works great. I just ran out and tried the Meguiars car wax/cleaner. It works too, but I think the polish does a nicer job.

I've used both as a CDP gun. I think the G21 reloads are faster. Retention reloads are nice because the magazine seats easier since it should only have 8 rounds in it. If you have big enough hands to handle the 21, it is a viable option.

WOW!!!!!!!!! I guess I won't be buying any used equipment from you Jake.

D 4 Ever, I respect your intellectual honesty.

A few years ago, I was at the range practicing my draw. I was shooting a glock 21 with an Uncle Mike's kydex holster. I loaded my weapon and began to holster it. My finger was outside of the trigger gaurd. However, my index finger caught the edge of the holster and as I was holstering my weapon, my finger slid inside the trigger gaurd onto the trigger! As soon as I felt my finger touch the trigger, I immediately stopped and pulled my pistol out of the holster. It was a really freaky feeling. I came extremely close to touching one off. How is that for spooky? This could happen to anyone.

I just recently went through the whole ordeal of travelling with firearms. I spent an enormous amount of time reading the 'rules'. I found it interesting that most of the people (including TSA) working in the airport have no idea what the 'rules' are. Lucky for me, I brought printed copies of the 'rules' with me. Surprisingly, I had more trouble in Texas..... While getting ready to go through security at MBS in Michigan, one of the TSA guys saw my Dillon Precision shirt and replied, "He's a shooter, he's o.k.! Come on through". Coming back from San Antonio was a different story. My luggage was searched, and the lock was cut off my bag when I received it back at MBS. Incidentally, it is illegal for TSA to cut a lock off of a bag with a declared firearm in it without making an attempt to contact you so you can be present during the bag search. They had my home phone, cell phone, pager number, e-mail address, flight and seat number, etc... The next time I fly with my boys, I'm going to pay extra for insurance. One of these days, those retards are going to screw me up.

I love my Baer.

Call it like you see it. If you have to stare and study the target, give the benefit of the doubt to the shooter.

Thanks everyone. I am surprised to see a unanimous response. In fact, I used to have a G17 with a ciener .22 cal conversion. I sold the conversion to Nik Habicht, and I sold all of my glocks. I should have kept the 17. I was planning on getting a laser/light combo, but I am hearing that lasers are illegal in Michigan. I'm looking into the Surefire X200. I like Paperkiller's idea about the shotgun, but I want something smaller/easier to lock up with kids in the house. Thanks again, everyone.

I want to purchase a glock for my wife. Her experience shooting is very limited. My gut feeling was to go with the 9mm, but since this will eventually become a home defense pistol, I've been thinking of going with the 40 caliber. My concern is her ability to handle the 40 cal. What do you guys think? Also, does SUREFIRE make a laser/light combo. I know that Streamlight does, and it has been recommended by someone whose opinoin I trust-it's just that I've had such phenomenal experience with Surefire....... I appreciate the input.

My brother has been using a flowbee for years. His hair looks ridiculous, but he doesn't care. I started cutting my own hair with a Wahl clipper and a 3/8 inch gaurd from Wal-Mart. It cost twenty bucks I think. It's paid for itself so I don't care if I have to junk it. My wife hates my new haircut, but I love it. No comb, no gel, no dryer, etc.

I'll second Carmoney. MY FO front is an SDM, rear is a Millet- same sizes as previously mentioned.

I suspect the application process would go smoother if we were shooting a Smith.

A group of us sent our applications overnight on Saturday October 1st- the earliest date possible. S&W signed for the package on Monday at 3 p.m. The match was full, and we're on the waiting list.

I went to the OH IDPA State Championship last month and ran into a shooter using Jerry Barnhart 1911 grips. I bought a pair and love them. The grip has the same texture as grip tape, but the material is permanently impregnanted on the grip. He has two sizes, and they are only $40.00. I did have to do some significant fitting though. Website is JerryBarnhart.com Phone number is: (248) 628-6557 or fax: (248) 628-6029

tlshores and mda, Thanks for the response. I am starting to wish I hadn't bought 8#'s of 310!! I love the load though.