M2

Probably just me, but I consider all of that stuff marketing hype. For the vast majority of shooters, it won't make a difference; but they think it will because the have a "match barrel, match trigger and match grade slide." And I am not the only one who thinks this way... I shoot as well with my 1911s that have matched barrels as I do the ones without, and I am more accurate with my XD than all of them (probably due to the fact that I have a thousand or more rounds through it than any of my 1911s). My XD is a nail driver, and as dependable as a hammer. It makes for a better handgun than anything the USAF ever issued to me! Cheers! M2

Grab it, that's the best price you are going to find on a new XD45. There's been rumors of the XDm in .45 since the XDms first appeared. I think it may be out in the next year, but other than it being narrower at the top of the grip, and the fact that the grips are replaceable; there really isn’t that much difference from the original XD other than cosmetics. With the .40, there was a considerable increase in capacity; but I don’t think they will be able to squeeze more than a round or two if any into a XDm 45. And of course there is the additional $100 in price… Cheers! M2

To use an old axiom, it's not the rank boys, it's the man! If you let some enlisted puke challenge your rank, they will do so and you deserve the embarrassment. Instead, get it in your fucking head right now that you are an officer in the USAF, and the days of the AFROTC or OTS bullshit are over! Man up and grow a pair! Maybe it's because I was prior, but I would not take any bullshit like that when I was a butter bar. Neither should anyone else. Don't be afraid to use your rank and/or authority, it is why you were given a commission. Cheers! M2

Good grab then, and proof that there is ammo out there! Cheers! M2

Sounds like something you get when you win a wrestling title... (I was looking for a pic of some WWF bozo with a belt, but saw this one and had to use it!) Cheers! M2

It's the same all over. But the last gun show I went to there was a vendor who had ammo at WalMart prices. By the way, were the WWB 50 or 100 count boxes? Cheers! M2

Go JSTARS; because if this decision isn't fucking obvious, then you don't belong in the Herc.... Cheers! M2 p.s. Oh, and no offense to the E-8 bubbas out there...

Dang, who does this belong to? Cheers! M2

Damn, that's nice! I hope to find one similar. Can you take a closeup of the markings? Also, if you haven't found it yet, the British Gun Pub forum is a good source of info. There are a lot of Webley experts on there. Cheers! M2

The story needs a few pics... And to SSgt Rhyner! Cheers! M2

OK, don't over-analyze this video, just watch it and smile...

M2 to the rescue! Cheers! M2

More news... Cheers! M2

Oddly enough, we were just discussing George Friedman this morning...and as most long-time users of this forum know, I am a big fan of STRATFOR... Cheers! M2

This is a bit old but I just found a hardcopy of this and thought it was worth sharing... On 10 July 2000, General Michael Davison, Director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, opened the Second Annual Security Cooperation Conference in Crystal City, where he presented the theme "Perspective Is Everything" as an appropriate motto for the security cooperation community which finds itself confronted by a myriad of changes resulting from this new era of a global strategy accompanied by rapid changes in technology and new missions. Former Ambassador Edward L. Peck, the opening day speaker, seized on the conference theme on perspective to deliver a primer on the verities and vagaries of international relations. He delivered a powerful, insightful, thought-provoking and humorous lesson, using his "Peck's Postulates" to explain the four basic points that make every aspect of foreign affairs easily understandable. Consider yourself educated on foreign affairs! Cheers! M2

Wrong emphasis... I never said I would never get another 1911, I hope to but for the time being my priority is to find a Webley .455. And Timbonez, inasmuch as I would like to see the Webley you got, I know I am just gonna MF you for getting one before me! Cheers! M2

An 80's cover band... Cheers! M2

Right now I am kicking myself for not grabbing the Mk III I saw at a gun show last month, we have another one this weekend and I am hoping it will still be there. The average Webley .455 revolver is running between $600-800, depending on condition, markings, etc. Those that have a known history to them or that are in pristine condition are running up to $1200-1400. The newer ones, in .38 from WWII, are running a bit cheaper, $400 or so. I am not even bothering with looking at a shaved .455 as I am not interested in using moon clips and .45 ACP in it. I usually see one or two Webleys per show, but the small show I went to last weekend didn't have any. There were some decent deals on used M1911s, but I have four of those already and that's enough for now. Maybe after this weekend I will have a Webley in my collection as well! By the way, I am not restricting myself to the Mk VIs, I've learned that most all models are fairly reliable so I will grab whatever I can find that's in the right condition and at the right price. Cheers! M2

That varies by state, as does how you have to carry the weapon (locked, unloaded, etc). In Texas, "the officer is required by law to have what is known as 'reasonable suspicion' to delve further into the situation which presents itself after the officer has 'made contact' with the driver of the automobile." But the driver does not have to give consent to search their vehicle. Lawyers here recommend you do not give it! If you are searched anyway, there will be a video of the stop. The lawyers also tell you not to reply to questions, and to refuse to do any roadside sobriety tests or blow into any breath devices. Their reasoning is since you are going to be arrested anyway, it makes their job easier to defend you! I know the above may make you look guilty, but it is for your protection and your right. Just because a cop pulls you over doesn't mean you will be treated fairly, especially if you are found with a legal weapon in your car. I was pulled over once for speeding, and gave the officer my CHL but informed him I didn't have any weapons in the vehicle. That was a courtesy, as in Texas you are only required to inform the police if you do have weapons; and they will know you have a CHL when they run your license. Still, the cop got all excited when I said the word "weapons," even though I was informing him I didn't have any (I was on my way home from work, so no guns on base). It scares me to think of what he might have done had I had some (in Texas law enforcement officers have the right to disarm you at any time). And I will go ahead and state the obvious, and strongly recommend anyone who plans to carry a weapon through any state know what the laws are before doing so. Cheers! M2

There is now a BaseOps Wiki page on SIPRNET... https://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/BaseOps ...for any detailed discussions that may be sensitive or classified. From here on out, reference that site here and post the info there. It appears that the "powers that be" are allowing that site to exist, as it has already been edited by one of the moderators on there and it still exists. This is a test case to allow more information to be distributed to those who are cleared for and have the need to know the info, but also keeping this site within established OPSEC and DoD security guidelines. I appreciate everyone's cooperation and understanding... Cheers! M2

Nope, wrong-o Jenkspaz. It is your first salute as a commissioned officer by an enlisted person, and commissioning ceremonies have been followed up by a first salute ceremony for years. The coin symbolically acknowledges the receipt of respect due the new rank and position. It's origins are unknown, but the Air Force adopted it from the Army, and some reports say it dates back to the 19th century. Others hold that the tradition came from the British during the Colonial Period. The Navy also does it as do the Marines. Note that the coin of choice is a American Eagle pure silver dollar, which costs about $15-20. No SBA's, Sacagawea's or Presidential, quarter sized alloy dollar coins. Most people like to get the coin from the year of commission, but that is not a requirement. We had a SSgt at my AFROTC det who was well-liked, and the guy cleared numerous silver dollars at every commissioning. It is a tradition worth continuing. Don't fuck it up! Cheers! M2 p.s. KState_Poke22, as long as your friend can still legally wear his uniform (i.e. he was honorably discharged and he is within USMC standards of appearance), he can be in uniform as the recipient of your first salute. I confirmed that with the retired Marine Gunny Sergeant I work with. And let me be one of the first to offer my congratulations...

Yes, despite the 30 additional pounds and funny mustache, I still hold my commission despite being retired. "Separated" officers most likely resigned their commissions when the separated, so as far as I know they cannot administer the oath of office. Cheers! M2

Fogo I flew from Florida to Texas with guns before I even had my license. It is exactly as you stated, unloaded and locked in a solid container within your luggage. Just tell them when you check in, they will inspect the weapon(s) to ensure they are in compliance, then you get a little card that goes in on top of the container and that's it. It is really easy but allot for an additional 20-30 minutes at the airport. It probably won't take that long, but it is better just in case. Oh, and I carried ammo within the container but I believe that may not always be the case. As for transporting without a license, I think it is the same in most states that a locked, unloaded weapon is legal. Back before Texas had reciprocity with Alabama, whenever we drove to Florida I would have to stop before we crossed the state line, unload and lock my handgun in the trunk of the car. Then once we got to into Florida, I dug it out and reloaded it again. Just check the law in Illinois, this looks like a good place to start. This is what the state police say... I know there's be discussion on the FOID card previously, and that same web site has more info such as non-residents and what to do when you pass through a community with an ordinance that prohibits firearms or handguns. Hope that helps, and don't stay in Illinois too long! Cheers! M2

Figuring they were $150 or less a few months ago, that sounds about right... Cheers! M2