Jeffro

Alan550, I don't reload yet, probably will be "forced" into it by financial constraints by the time this is over!!!!! Jeff

Benny, Sounds great. I have heard absolutely nothing but great feedback about you and your work. I will be getting in touch with you soon to talk some serious business!!! Thanks for your patience. Jeff

Benny, In the guns you build that use 9x23 and .38 Super, do you use a "standard" type extractor or an Aftec? Jeff (Edited by Jeffro at 10:57 am on Jan. 31, 2003)

EERW, Thanks so much for the info. I now must sit down and DECIDE just what I am doing. Now that I am aware of the "interchangeability" of the two cartridges, it makes it a "no brainer". I don't have to decide BETWEEN 9x23 or .38 Super!! Is this a great life, or what!!!!! Thanks again. If there is anything else I should know about interchanging these two cartridges in the same gun, please post it.......... I really ENJOY having TEN fingers and TWO hands, and don't want to loose any of them!! Jeff

DPETERS, If I were you, I would call and speak to Ed Brown personally. I have found him to be a very reasonable guy who likes to make/keep a customer satisfied. Be sure to let him know that you already have an Ed Brown gun and that you like it so well you want this other configuration. He will then know that you are a serious customer who is willing to spend $2,xxx on a gun. I think you might be pleasantly surprised. What have you to loose except the $.20 for the call? If you do, please report back, as I would like to know if I am correct in my assessment. After being married for 29 years, I LOVE to hear it when I am right, not ONLY when I am wrong........... Jeff

EERW, Thank you for the expedient reply. That does give a "foundation" to build on. Generally, what is the difference in the power factor between the two in factory loadings? Thanks again, Jeff

I am not sure I am in the correct area of the forum......... if not, I apologize, but figured you folks would know. I have been communicating with Benny Hill about building me a STI. I love .38 Super, but have been told by many that 9x22 is the way to go. Benny says he can build a gun that will handle either cartridge with NO CHANGES. I have absolute faith in him, and if he says it is so, I am sure it is. That is not my problem, I am just ignorant of the facts. Are the .38 Super and 9x22 the same external dimensions? They both seat on the case mouth, so if someone could educate me, I would be appreciative. Thank you in advance. Jeff

What about home storage of factory loaded ammo? Anybody have idea (insurance-wise) as to rules, limitations or restrictions? If so, what are they (generally)? Thanks in advance for any input. Jeff

TO BENNY HILL: Just want to say that it is folks like you that make this shooting discipline such a great persuit. That offer you extended to Anthony was truly magnanamous. I am truly touched that one would "put themself out there" for a stranger, especially someone as talanted (and no doubt busy) as your reputation indicates. My hat goes off to you. Thank you for being one of those people that make it worthwhile to get up and go each morning. Jeff

Hey all, Thanks for all the illuminating feedback. I will explore all the options you folks presented. I DON'T take for granted the aggregate expertise of all you folks here on this site, nor do I take it for granted how freely you share your wisdom and expertise. Thanks again, Jeff

Warpspeed, I mean the MAINSPRING, which is the spring which actuates/powers the hammer and is located in the MAINSPRING HOUSING, as opposed to the recoil spring which tempers the recoil of the slide. Jeff

Eric, I feel that the safe is ONLY to slow down a thief. I have a rather sophisticated security system, with satellite backup/dispatch (for the smart ones who think cutting the phone lines helps!), if they cut the phone lines, it dispatches by satellite. I have security TO and IN my safes, so the safe is just ONE of my security safeguards. However, you are 100% correct. Burglars rarely go in the door of a safe. They go in via the sides or back. As you wisely observed, all the relockers, locking lugs, double locks, reinforced door frames, etc., are only as good as the wall of the safe is strong! Remember guys (and ladies), that no matter how good your safe, it should only be ONE component to your security plan, NOT the entire plan. Sorry about the "lecture". As you gathered, I feel strongly about security. Jeff

Just a warning. Ordered a safe from "Sportsman Steel Safe Co." The specs of the unit were posted on their web page, and I spoke to a salesman to confirm them (with the webpage up during the conversation). Placed the order and they hit my credit card for the deposit THAT DAY. The safe was delivered weeks later. BIG SAFE (well over 1000 pounds). Had it put in my basement. When I got it off the pallet and unwraped (after the safe movers left), the wall and door thickness was not what I ordered. I called them and they said they changed the specs on the website and that model to thinner walls and door, AFTER my order. They made mine to the new specs, and ignored the specs that we agreed to. They gave me a bunch of crap doubletalk, but wouldn't discuss remedy. Luckly it was put on my VISA, and they are interceeding, and the Attorney General of the State was contacted. BE FOREWARNED about them, THEY ARE NOT FOLKS OF THEIR WORD. Jeff

Victor, Someone mentioned RoBar in an earlier post, and that would be my FIRST suggestion. Robbie Barrkman (owner of RoBar) is really good to work with and does first rate work. He could most likely repair your damage and at the same time, reshape the grip to your liking. Only difference is that HE will probably not leave a big hole in the grip when he is done!! Take heart though, Victor. I can't speak for anyone else, but if you don't make any mistakes, you are probably not doing anything. The important thing is that we learn from each mistake....... that's how we get better. I have made plenty of mistakes that I would be too ashamed to admit on the board!!!! Happy Trails and safe shooting, Jeff

Thanks for the responses. The pistol feels fine to fire, and doesn't seem to "nose dive" upon return of the slide to battery, but I am 6'3" tall, 220 pounds, at least average strength for my size, and have been firing 1911s for over 40 years (yes, I am an old fart), but it takes two men and a small mule train to cycle the slide by hand! I can do it, but it takes far more strength to cycle by hand than any 1911 I have EVER owned or handled, and that includes a number of .38 Supers. When asked, my 'smith (who has built numerous 1911s for me and done GREAT work) says I CAN go with a lighter mainspring, but the gun will last a lot longer with the heavy spring. He seems to feel that the aluminum framed (older) Commander is not as strong as the newer aluminum and aluminum alloys used in more modern gun frames. He feels that the old (lightweight) Commanders are good guns to "carry a lot and shoot a little". Thanks again, Jeff

Have a .38 Super Commander which just came back from my gunsmith. I bought it YEARS ago in "garbage condition" and put it away in the safe for "future project". Took it out recently and had my 'smith go through the whole thing and he really did a great job. HOWEVER, I have a question. the mainspring (poundage) is REALLY STOUT. He says it has to be in a .38 Super. I don't question his expertise, but later wondered, "Why does it have to be so stout?" I'm sure many of you folks know the answer. Will you share it with me???? Best to all........ Jeff

Riden, Warpspeed makes a lot of sense........ I should have thought to tell you that in my response. His response superseeds mine and makes great sense. Jeff

Riden, What type of work on what type of firearm? A competition gun? Defense gun? Please clarify. Jeff

The BEST way to acquire batteries is to get a medium size box, wedge a stick under one side of it with a string tied to the stick. Place a carrot in the box, and hide behind a tree with the other end of the string in hand. When the Energizer Bunny comes for the carrot, jerk the string to trap him under the box, then take his batteries from him........... works for me EVERY time!!!!! <:-) Jeff

300 pound gorilla: Thanks for the thought, but those are aluminum, not silver............ To those who insist on making fun of my taste..... I'm gonna tell my mom and she will whip All of you!!!!!!!!! But that's O.K., I have broad shoulders and can take a ribbin'........ jeff

Brian H, The opening of your post sounds like my wife!!!!!! Thanks for the feedback. I will check out your leads. I already tried Ajax and they only have pewter, and those are REALLY HEAVY. I am looking for the ones made of formed nickel-silver (German silver, Mexican silver) sheet stock. You know the kind........ the ones you used to be able to buy in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, for $20 a pair but nobody wanted them 'cause they were so damn gaudy!!!!! I will try your other suggestions. Thanks again, Jeff

Don't make fun........ we ALL have idiosyncrasies, and this is (one of) mine! I, years ago, had a great Colt Commander with "German Silver" grips. They were scroll engraved, and not solid , but hollow, being constructed of thick silver sheetstock. They were not heavy like the solid silver or pewter ones are now. They were also not costly, being made in Mexico. The gun was stolen in a break-in, and has long been replaced (with MANY 1911s). However, I always wanted another set of the gaudy nickel-silver grips. I have searched shows, searched the net, and cannot find any except the really "upscale" ones for $300 and up. Does anyone have an idea who might carry these? I KNOW they are not practical, and I wouldn't use them for "serious" work, just a nagging need to keep alive a vestige of my youth!!!! CAN ANYONE HELP?? Thanks in advance for any responses......... by the way, feel free to make fun........ I can take it!! <:-) Jeff

Greetings to all. Does anyone have any experience with the (relatively) new ISMI "chrome/silicone) recoil springs for the .45 1911? Have a friend who is SOLD on them and then I saw an article in American Handgunner on them. My friend says they are the best thing since sliced bread!!! Anyone have any info pro or con? Thankyou in advance for any input.