M2

Yes, under he-whose-name-shall-not-be-mentioned there was a change to the Dress and Appearance AFI that allowed "all, some or none" when it came to ribbons. It was mentioned earlier, and was a great option as it allowed us not to look like the aforementioned Mexican generals... Most went with the "top 3" option, some went NATO approach and only wore one (most countries aren't as medal-happy and don't hand them out like candy like the US). Cheers! M2

Fogo Most semi-autos from the major manufacturers (SA, Glock, etc) come with at least a case, sometimes an extra mag. Those other items that come with the XD usually stay in the case, as the holster isn't that great and the only time I use the mag holder is during IDPA. Go for the right pistol, and if any of that stuff comes along with it, then it's gravy; but don't let the extras determine which gun to buy... Cheers! M2

Vulgarity? Who? Me? No way! Cheers! M2 Yes YOU!!!

Exactly, and notice it is always the 9mm fans that show it. But the truth is that the larger caliber has a much greater chance of hitting a vital internal organ, not only due to size but also due to 'tumble' and the fact that a .45 JHP expands a lot larger than a 9mm JHP. Plus, the larger, slower round is less likely to overpenetrate then the smaller, faster 9mm. Just read the FBI report if you want the truth. Cheers! M2

Fogo Y'know I was gonna chime in here, didn't ya? As I've said, I've got a Mossy Persuader which is basically the same thing as the Cruiser....6 shots, 18.5" barrel, I think the only difference is the stocks. Great HD weapon, load it up right and add on a light and laser and you've got one helluva blunderbuss! But don't buy one and leave it in the box. Most ranges will let you fire them, go run a few shots through it to make sure you know what kind of kick and accuracy you are going to get out of the thing. Shooting a pistol-grip shotgun takes some technique, and it isn't as easy as the movies make it out to be. The 'Just In Case' packaging is a marketing gimmick, why anyone would need a "waterproof, floating impact-resistant tude with strap" for is beyond me! Go out and find a Mossberg at a local gun shop or show, and save yourself a few bucks; but they are great HD shotties! Here's a quick pic of my baby... She's a little banged up, but it is a utility weapon not some safe queen! Look at the end of the barrel and you'll see the SureFire 6P I have mounted with the 120-lumen bulb in it. Makes nighttime turn into daytime! And the BSA laser (a cheapo) shines a nice, red dot right in the center of the bright light, so I can still aim it. And they are a blast to shoot slugs through! Be sure to pick up a box and try them at the range. Cheers! M2

For about the same price you can get the XD45, and load it up with some JHPs and you've got a much better self-defense weapon. The 9mm is more likely to overpenetrate being a smaller round and therefore faster, and it does punch a smaller hole through the target, meaning there is less chance of hitting vital organs. The .45 is slower and "tumbles," thus causing more damage and decreasing the chance of going through the target and through the wall behind him. And this isn't just my opinion, I've got the offical FBI study that says all things being equal with the shooter (shot placement is the most important factor), it is best to to have the largest caliber possible. But if he's only looking for a HD weapon, then a Mossberg pistol-gripped 12-gauge is a much better choice, and cheaper. Mine's loaded up with 3" 00-buckshot Magnum shells and even at close range (10-15'), it is still the best choice. Cheers! M2

Smoke, My bad, was too late last night to be posting (but I wasn't drunk, unfortunately). Funny thing is, I saw the Hap Arnold-wearing Service dress GO at MacDill a couple months back. He doesn't look that happy in real life, I think because these photos of him were leaked and sent across the globe. I'm sure he gets the "Hey, aren't you that dude..." several times daily! And, to add to stoleit2x's list of reasons that uniformed sucked, considering that so many "warfighters" in the Air Force appear to be overweight; that belt will only make it more obvious. It was the reason it got rid of the cool Ike jacket... Cheers! M2

Sorry Smoke, but if you search on here you'll find the previous CSAF envisioned a Hap Arnold-style Service Dress. He-whose-name-shall-not-be-mentioned (nor should his picture appear) was the one who put us all in airline pilot uniforms... Cheers! M2

I use them, but only for a quick clean after shooting. I don't recommend using them in lieu of doing a thorough cleaning of the weapon; but they are better than nothing... Oh, and I don't recommend using solvents and/or oil with them, because it gets really messy real quick! They are washable, but even then run them through dry... Cheers! M2

An interesting article from Gabe Suarez… Cheers! M²

Uh-oh, anyone seeing a trend here? Selling a car these days... Just with ya, stoleit2x! Cheers! M2

AMF Glad to help, and I'm also happy to hear your bud liked the XD. They are really great guns, and pretty much sell themselves... Cheers! M2

Fogo This is what I got from the Civil War re-enactor that I work with... Hope that helps! And I gotta add, that's a helluva cool gift you guys are getting for your grandpa! Cheers! M2

Had to do some cleaning up in here, too much info on what and where. Keep it to information that is already on the Internet (jrobe's link is a perfect example), and no FOUO! And sure as hell NO CLASSIFIED OR ANYTHING THAT COULD BE EVEN REMOTELY CONSTRUED AS CLASSIFIED!!! Thanks! M2

In today's AFA Update... Here's the full story... Nicely done, Class 08-08! Cheers! M2

Fogo I work with a guy who is a Civil War re-enactor, I will see if he has any info... But this would be a great place to start, and here is a site to get an idea on how much you may have to spend! Just a thought, but if your grandpa still likes to shoot, then get a functioning replica. Non-functioning ones are much cheaper, but not nearly as fun. If it were me, I would like to know what it felt like to shoot such a weapon; not just look at it! I have shot a musket before, and it was fun! Cheers! M2

Fogo Y'knew I was going to pipe in here, didn't ya? Anyhow, if you are eligible to own a gun, then there is no problem with the private sale. Just have your uncle make sure he doesn't everything legal under Illinois law during the sale, to keep his own ass out of hot water; but it should be a simple transfer. Now, you didn’t say if you were flying or driving there, so getting it back to Georgia will depend on which method of transportation you are taking. If you are driving and don’t have a concealed carry license that is recognized in every state that you drive through, the safest thing to do is leave it unloaded and locked up in the trunk/back of your car (out of reach while driving). You can legally possess and transport a handgun in every state in the manner I described; but the rules for carrying it loaded and in reach differs by each state and usually requires a CHL recognized by that state. If you are flying, it really isn’t that tough either. First, check the website of the airline that you are flying with to see what their rules are. Most require the weapon to be unloaded and locked up. I would recommend both a locked container and a cable lock through the weapon. Also, plan to get to the airport a little earlier than usual, as you will have to process the weapon when you check it in. That just means a little paperwork and most likely showing to the airline folks that it is unloaded and locked in your check-on luggage. They should be used to doing this, but if you get a newbie who hasn’t done this before just ask for a supervisor. The funny thing is that the latter was how I bought back my Dad’s two revolvers after he passed away, one of which was a snubby Taurus .38 Special. It was his ‘throw-away’ gun as he didn’t like carrying his 1952 Colt .357 Magnum (the other revolver I now have). The .38 is an easy gun to shoot but too small for my tastes for everyday carry. I prefer the 13+1 of .45 ACP that the XD provides. Cheers! M2

We are the best kept secret in the galaxy. We monitor, licence and police all alien activity on the Earth. We're your first, last, and only line of defense. We live in secret, we exist in shadow.

Mike It is pretty much like that in most states (at least the gun-friendly ones, so not California or New York!). As long as the recipient would be eligible to purchase the weapon themselves, they can receive it as a gift. A straw/strawman (I've heard both terms used) purchase is when the recipient would not be eligible to purchase the weapons themselves. Inasmuch as I would steer clear of anything that resembled a strawman purchase, I wouldn't allow it to stop me from buying a gun for a friend that could own one themselves. But as Big Freddie points out, the only real way to know that for sure is to take the person to the dealer and have them complete the paperwork. Cheers! M2 JF I go to Academy and toss a 1000 rounds of 7.62x39 into the shopping cart like I am buying milk and eggs. No one even gives me a first look, much less a second one. A thousand rounds is just a couple of fun days at the range! Getting good deals on ammo is a challenge. Believe it or not, WalMart seems to have the best prices on .45 ACP; but for the AKs I have to watch for sales. There are some online distributors, such as Cheaper Than Dirt; but once you factor in shipping they don't always save you that much. But to make it worthwhile the minimum is probably 500 rounds, so 1000 rounds isn't really that much. Instead, I monitor the forums and when someone finds a good deal or sale at the local shops or chains, they will usually post about it! Cheers! M2

AMF Not sure what the Louisiana laws are; but in most cases as long as the recipient would be eligible to buy the weapon himself, it should be legal for him to receive it as a gift. Of course you want to do your homework, and the shop where you are purchasing the gun would be a good place to start. Another good source is LouisianaCarry.org. If the person is in another state, then it starts getting complicated... Speaking of which, that's one helluva nice gift to be giving! Cheers! M2

The Blue Angel's Monika Lewinsky! Cheers! M2

Damn, and I could use a good laugh! Cheers! M2

MD From what I understand, the M1991 is basically no different than a M1911. Colt just decided to market an economy version of their basic Series 80 Government Model and other than a few cosmetic changes, mechanically it is the same as any other Colt Series 80, 1911-type pistol, and even Colt 70 Series. That said, I have never shot one...but I don't think there is anything substantially different between it and a M1911. Cheers! M2

Stretch Nice rifle, if you want to drop it off in San Antonio I will take really good care of it! As for the XDm, the looks have changed a little but the original is such a sweet gun that the only way I will ever part with it will be the day my son inherits it! But if you want a XD45 and can wait, see if the price drops when the XDm comes out because right now is the worst time to buy a new gun. Prices and ammo have risen dramtically since last Tuesday. Things have gotten real crazy and I would wait if I were in your shoes. You still might be able to find a deal, I know a good dealer near Corpus who I bought my last two M1911s from; but I don't know if his prices have gone up like everyone else's. So, if you can be patient and can take your time, you will be better off. It took me several months to find the Springfield M1911s I wanted at the right price, but it was well worth the wait! Cheers! M2

Brick (et al) I don't think the intent was to stymie boisterous discussions on here—far from it—but to ensure that the known boundaries are not crossed. We retirees are more free to speak our minds than our active duty buds, and whereas there may be mechanisms to track down offenders I would think it would have to be a very serious remark that would generate that level of response. No, we only ask that the criticism be constructive and none of the bashing we saw when the incoming administration were simply candidates. It was a gentle reminder of the restrictions that officers face (and I am not sure what article enlisted personnel would be charged under, as Art 88 specifically applies to officers only; but I am sure they’d find one if the need warranted!). The best approach is to attack the issues and not the individuals. That has already started in my beloved gun thread, as those of us who exercise our Second Amendment rights to the fullest are fearful that another Clinton-like Assault Weapons Ban is on its way. Allow me to define contemptuous… con•temp•tu•ous [kuh n-temp-choo-uh s] adj. Manifesting or feeling contempt; scornful Obviously this translates to angry and/or disrespectful comments towards our elected officials, down to “the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he (the officer) is on duty or present” (I guess ‘he’ applies to females as well!). So if we stick to the topics and issues at hand, and leave the individual bashings to other venues, we will all be A-OK! Cheers! M2