iswope

4 right now outside. Windchill is -18. Chicago sucks in general but this is yet another reason to move.

Welcome!

I agree. Hot Shots has always been a great show for the same reasons that 3GN used to be better. I liked 3GN a little more when they tried to get into the shooter's mindsets a little more. It's a little dry these days with just non-stop stage after stage coverage. I love PK's segments as he as great insight but outside of that it's not nearly as interesting as it used to be. I recently went back and watched the 1st couple 3GN episodes on Season 1 again where they were at the MGM Iron Man and it was way more interesting than the episodes now. If anyone who produces the show actually reads these forums I would recommend doing exactly that. Watch Season 1 Episode 1 and then watch whatever the latest episode this past season was and ask yourself which one was more enjoyable to watch.

Like Zoomy said, there is a ton of stuff to do in Chicago but not much that's shooting related. I actually end up in Northwest Indiana for matches, ranges, etc... as it's close and relatively hassle free and inexpensive compared to Illinois. If you have a car then you have options, however, without one then there's essentially zilch that's shooting related in the city.

^^ This in a nutshell. Invictus quality and price made me ditch my other dual and quad loaders.

Just my $0.02 - Using a carbine length buffer tube with a rifle length gas system is no problem at all as it's what I use now. You'll need to retune the gas block as there will be some difference in going from a carbine length gas system to a rifle length but you'd have to do that anyway regardless of buffer tube.

Even with all of the extras on my M3000 (sights, bolt handle, bolt release button, extension tube, low drag follower, safety, extended lifter and loading port work) I'm still in for under $650 for a gun that kicks ass on the range. I'm glad I didn't wait to save up for a tricked out M2.

Ha, yeah, especially considering I about took half of mine off without realizing it at first.

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Oh man, finally the serial number is moved! Nice one! Now I want to get a couple more and shape 'em up nicely.

I made the jump this year. Went from my G35 to an M&P Pro 5". Everyone is different but to me I find enough improvement that it suits me well. M&P Pros Grip angle more natural (subjective, sure, but I don't think I'm alone in this opinion) Interchangeable backstraps have a bit more grip to them (no need for the grip tape I used on my Glock) Better stock sights (Mine came with the Novak fiber optic front sight and black notch rear) M&P Cons Stock trigger blows (but, honestly, who doesn't swap out the trigger on any competition gun?) Parts harder to find and often more expensive Glock Pros Ubiquitous (parts and aftermarket accessories very easy to find) Proven reliability Glock Cons Sights suck (but, again, who doesn't change this on a competition gun?) Trigger needs work but is salvageable Like everything else it's very personal but I do find myself much more comfortable with my M&P which translates into shooting better. The only mods I've done have been to put an Apex FSS trigger in, an SSS magwell and TTI +5 base pads on the mags. First gun I haven't felt the need to change sights out, too! Glocks rock, for sure, but for me the M&P definitely gets my vote.

Yeah, I'm a fan of driving the rice-mobile onto the lot and getting the crazy stares.

Nice job on your 3000! Which Hi-Viz did you use? Do you recall which thread pitch works? I don't recall. I ordered this one off of Amazon and it came with about 4 or 5 different threads so I just messed with each one until I found a winner.

^^ this in a nutshell. You can buy a Stag and all you need is an optic and/or some iron sights. The Colt will still need a trigger at the very least.

Thanks for the kind words, fellas. I'm the king of redneck gunsmithing. I picked up a roll of 3M carbon fiber contact tape off of Ebay for about $4 or so a while back. Don't remember what for but seemed like the perfect way to cover up my Dremel adventures. I was a little hesitant at first but then I remembered what JT said "It's not supposed to look pretty, it's supposed to kick ass and take names". Yeah, I think this is doing the trick.