M2

Here's a visual to explain the above post... .45 ACP JHPs...

p.s.s. You do realize that a shortie shottie would be a better home defense weapon (18.5" is the minimum length by law); but even tougher to shoot. I have a Mossy, but I won't even let the wife shoot it at the range. I don't want her to be scared of it if she ever has to use it, and it is our primary HD weapon.

OK, JHB, I will fess up here...if I had to own only one handgun, it would be...(drumroll here)....the XD-45! Yes, I do love my 1911s, and I think every American male needs to own at least one. But the lighter, higher capacity and more reliable XD gets the nod. It is easier to carry and once you get the hang of the trigger (the safety throws people off, but it doesn't take long to get used to it), it is an extremely accurate handgun! And that's a good price, if it is in good shape. You aren't missing anything not getting the case, mag holder or holster; as long as you are getting the gun and two magazines, you have what is important. And honestly, if you call Springfield they might even send you those items (their customer service is excellent, and the gun is guaranteed for life, no matter who the owner is). But there are loads of better holsters out there, and even the cheapo Uncle Mikes IWB neoprene one I used for conceal carry (size 15) works well with it. That said, once you get it and buy some ammo (get Winchester White Box from WalMart, 100 rounds for ~$30, for the range; and whatever self-defense ammo you like for every other time); start saving your money for a 1911. You will have to buy one eventually, but get the XD first. And post pics once you get it! Cheers! M2 p.s. My wife likes shooting my 1911s better than my XD, but she is OK with it. Obviously, it is easier to grasp the single-stack 1911s than the double-stacked XD; but to be honest the XD is probably the thinnest double-stock grip I've ever held. Makes the crappy M9 feel like it's wrapped in 20 feet of duct tape! There are compact 1911s out there, but they are only 6-7 rounds capable and to be honest their reliability is questionable to me. I've shot a Para-Ordnance PDA a few weeks ago and it had several FTF/FTEs. Granted, it was nearly brand new; but my XD ate every round that it failed to shoot. I am sure that grated on my bud's nerves; but I told him to buy an XD. But being Canadian, he wanted a Para-Ordnance...

Notice for any Zune 30 owners out there. You've probably noticed that it has locked up/frozen with the Zune emblem and you can't reset it. Well, worry not as it is a leap year bug that will resolve itself tomorrow... This has been freaking me out since I leave Saturday for a ten-day TDY to Europe (Germany and the UK). I use my Zune to listen to music and podcasts on the flight over, and without it the trans-Atlantic leg seems considerably longer! Cheers! M2 p.s. One more question got left out...

Exactly! Is stating a person's color now considered racist? As the Godfather of Soul so aptly proclaimed, "Say it loud! I'm black, and I'm proud!" Cheers! M2

Yeah, and if you've got any more spare "cans" around; send 'em my way! Cheers! M2

TRICARE will pay once an offbase referral has been given. So you'll have to make an appointment to see the flight doc or whoever you and your wife (I believe both have to go) want to talk to about it first. And note, TRICARE will NOT pay for any vasectomy reversals! Cheers! M2

Yep, that's a great plan; but it's Bernkastel-Kues. It's on the Mosel and that town knows how to throw a fest! But they should, they've been doing it for over 700 years now... Cheers! M2

New? If so, and you don't buy it, I will! That's a Loaded Combat, which is one down from the Loaded Target (PX9152LP) I have...mine has fully adjustable Tritium 3-dot night sights front and back and an ambidextrous safety; but otherwise I don't think there is much difference. I paid $875 + tax before the election, and prices have gone up about $100 or more since then. I just bought a stainless Loaded Combat, basically the same gun with a different finish and grips, for $825 and that was still a decent deal. I saw one for around $785 but it has some nasty scratches on the frame despite being new. If it's used, that's still and OK deal; but for new I would grab it! Cheers! M2 p.s. MSRP is $979.00, according to Springfield. p.s.s. Here's the link for the MSRP. p.s.s.s. I just checked the MSRP on my black stainless Loaded Target that I paid $875 for in November, and it is now $1,219.00!

Dicty! Dat ain't no bring down, brother! You gots to collar da jive, cousin! Solid! M2

Mac There are a few of us on here who feel the same... By the way, were you a 111X0, or did you work the defensive systems on the BUFF? Cheers! M2

If ROTC DG shows up on someone's PRF then they don't deserve to be promoted in the first place! Seriously, anyone who would dig up shit that old for a promotion recommendation is one of those people who shouldn't make it past captain...

Ace Call me a purist or a dinosaur, but I firmly believe that the 1911 should only come in the caliber in which JMB designed it for...the .45 auto! But the .38 Super is an interesting round. I've only shot it once or twice (if I recall correctly), but I've read a few things and from what I recall, with the right ammo (Cor-Bon 125-grain JHPs) it can be close to a .357 Magnum in terms of take-down velocity and therefore a good self-defense round. But if I am not mistaken, most .38 Super is no faster than 9mm. But I still prefer the .45, and the extra money for a .38 Super M1911 isn't worth it to me. My 1911s are not self-defense guns, I have my XD for that! Which one are you looking at?

Some Springfield dealers offer military/LE discounts, but I know of no formal program from the factory... And, while "working" today, I came across this. It's a good read... Why the M1911 Pistol? Cheers! M2

OK, for one, legally owning firearms will have no impact on a person's security clearance. Everyone knows I have a decent collection of guns, and most of the people I work with do as well; and we all have TS/SCI clearances. Secondly, are you sure that the little incident in question was actually against the law? That would obviously depend on where you are; but here in Texas it is quite legal to carry an unloaded rifle or shotgun in public. Just because your roommate's guests freaked out about it doesn't mean it needs to be addressed by your PAS. Is there more to this story? Otherwise, you really shouldn't be receiving the Form 16 unless there is more to it. Lastly, whoever this FGO is that is targeting you because of some crap that goes on in an Internet forum is, he needs to be called out as well. Unless you have violated some law/reg, it is none of his fucking business and he shouldn't be sending anonymous emails to a Colonel. I hope your PAS has a little chat with him about this inappropriate behavior. But, all this is based on what you are telling us is the absolute and complete truth. I am not calling you out, but I have long learned from experience that there is always at least two sides to every story (if not more)... Cheers! M2

Fogo Which model? Sounds like a compact because of the extended magazines, but which caliber? If it is one of the odd ones (.45 GAP or .357), then it is not a good deal and to be honest, you may want to steer clear of the deal. If it is any of the others (.45 ACP, .40 or 9mm), then it is about average for a used XD. Most of the stuff you listed (2 magazines, holster, mag holder, mag loader and lock) came with the gun; the only things he added were the two extra magazines (about $25-30 each). Heck, offer him $350 and see what he says! By the way, I don't like the compacts as the extended rounds (13 vs 10) tend to pinch during reloading. Also, with the compact magazines, I find the grip too short for my tastes. But I do have a finger extender that will fit a .45 magazine if you buy the gun and want it. It was free because it was a prototype for me to test (but production version is exactly the same) and I have no use for it. Cheers! M2

Damn, those are impressive pics! I am amazed at how clear and sharp they are, considering they were taken 65 years ago! Thanks, Steve! Cheers! M2

Actually, it was AFR 30-1 (4 May 1983) and it was called Air Force Standards. In this small, 40-page document, the Air Force environment, conduct and appearance were aptly spelled out in plain English that was easily understood by even the dumbest of airmen. Basically, it said get your shit straight and keep it there. There was a second document that I also hung on to titled Leadership (AFP 35-49 dated 1 September 1985). It too contains infinite wisdom in a mere 29 pages, most of which seems to have been lost on today's brass. These two little booklets provide more insight than sixteen AFIs combined. Maybe the USAF screwed the pooch by getting rid of such outstanding publications, and instead started worrying about what kind of socks people were wearing... I highly recommend snagging a copy of either or both, if you can. Trust me, you will be amazed at how simple things were back then...and how well it worked! Cheers! M2

Well, I was enlisted... Anyhow, one of my all-time favorite chiefs went by 'Jimbo;' and there was no disrespect involved and I had the utmost respect for the man! For some reason there always seems to be a biggest Johnson contest going on between lieutenants and chiefs. Both sides are guilty of it, I've had to call out a few chiefs (yes, chiefs can be called out) about what I considered to be a disrespectful attitude towards lieutenants, and I've also had to talk with a few butter bars over their condescending tones. It seems to be one of the most contentious relationships going between officers and enlisted. And since someone brought up avoiding saluting, I’ve seen both sides guilty of that as well. Back in my two-striper days, anytime we saw an officer blatantly avoiding us just to get out of saluting (it is obvious), we’d chase his ass down and make him salute anyway! I’ve also been the victim of “enlisted spacing,” where troops space themselves out so you have to salute each and every one of them instead of one gaggle salute. I knew what was going on and would always smile about it, but the truth of the matter is that both sides play their little games… Cheers! M2

Hoss/Schokie Are either of you guys still planning to drive over to shoot this afternoon? The weather's shit today, but I still plan to go out as I've got a couple of buds from work who may also go. But I also broke a tooth on Friday so if no one is going, I can go get that fixed... Let me know... Cheers! M2

Wow, what an entertaining thread! I can see the Major's point, but I gotta agree that it would be much more effective it he got out from behind his desk and implemented his "policy change" instead of transmitting it via email. In the words of the great Sheriff Bud Boomer, "There's a time to think, and a time to act; and this, gentlemen, is no time to think!" But it has always been policy that higher ranking individuals can call you by your first name or whatever they want, but that doesn't give you the right to address them similarly. If you are close buds, and no one's around, then fine; but in general the person of higher rank determines that privilege, not the subordinate. Hell, I never really liked to be called ‘sir,’ but I damn well expected it from lower ranking individuals who I did not tell otherwise. One day you’ll achieve rank and expect the same, so don’t be a hypocrite now. And back in the early 80s we did have a customs and courtesy guide. I still have a copy somewhere at the house, it was signed out by Gen Gabriel if I recall correctly and it was pretty clear about how people were expected to act. I think most of it has been rolled up into the PME guide, so most officers don’t see it anymore. Honestly, there should be a similar document for officer accessions, it there isn’t already… Cheers! M2

Hey Toro, I'll vote for ya! Or is that ClearedHot? If so, I'll vote for you as well! But not Bendy, we've got enough drunks in Congress! Cheers! M2

Don't you see it? The problem isn't the morale patch, it's the morale! The tragedy is that some commanders/senior officers think that the patches are the source of the problem, and miss the real problem altogether. San Antonio just banned hotel rooms being sold by the hour in an attempt to curb prostitution; but it won't have any effect because it doesn't directly affect the problem! Banning morale patches has that some effect, if not the opposite. Banning them only pisses off people who are already pissed off; it doesn't improve their morale, it only worsens it and it also makes it visibly obvious that leadership is clueless to the real problems out there! Morale/Friday patches are an Air Force tradition much like nose art, ones that grew from building comradery even if they appear to mock/buck the system. Why that very simple lesson is lost on some of today’s Air Force leaders is beyond me, but to tell the truth I know the answer…some people would rather look good than actually be good! Cheers! M2

Looks good for me, I ordered a gun rug for my new 1911 that hopefully will be here tomorrow. Nothing special, just couldn't find the same kind I have for my other ones from Bass Pro; so I ordered one. I want to make sure I can transport them safely. But 4:00pm at the Bullethole on Monday, 15 December it is! Be there! Aloha! Cheers! M2

Hoss I mainly shoot .45s (4 x 1911s and an XD-45), and the best place to pick up some ammo is Walmart. Winchester White Box is only $29.97 for 100 rounds, and you can't beat that price even at gun shows! Just bring enough for yourself, I'm good. Early next week is probably best for me, as my Mom arrives on Wednesday for Christmas. I may be able to come out after that, but the chances are less likely. If you and schokie want to drive over and meet at the Bullethole, that works for me. I can usually be there by 3:30-4:00pm, as I have to drive all the way home and get my gear as I can't bring it on base (it is a 10-minute drive from where I work to the Bullethole, but a half hour away from where I live; so it takes me about an hour to get home then get to the range). Oh, and "rapid fire" is usually considered more than one round fired every 1-3 seconds. The Bullethole has a 'no rapid fire' rule, but they don't strictly enforce it as long as you aren't being a jackass about it! Cheers! M2