AirGuardianC141747

^^^^^This^^^^^ Totally agree for myself specifically. Hours upon hours wasted cleaning in the early nineties especially when the AR type wasn’t so “prolific/Lego Gun” for the civilian masses. I absolutely despised it and was able to shoot a few other piston driven weapons from Team guys and I was easily swayed to instant jealousy (I am not a Team Guy by any means, but they took pity on me thankfully). Most piston’s weapons have at least a folder variant unless it’s an IWI Tavor, Bullpup types, etc. It’s been a known factor for a long time hence AKs, FALs, AUG, etc and understand their environment of use which is unrelenting. Even my poor attempted copy (Sig 556) of the Swiss SG 551 series still chugged on past a couple thousand rounds before I rotated it too the adverse conditions exit port. Everyone has a choice with great strides in ammunition tech these past couple of decades which is fantastic and the AR has come so far from its original self. So much better now if you’re into them. *I shuttered a bit when you mentioned after blank shooting cleaning parties.

Good point and on any DI folder it’s just a better way to stash them and nothing much more. Have a few DI types, but definitely prefer the piston for the true ability to continuously fire while folded, easier to clean, less issues if your lazy like myself at times cleaning wise and doesn’t really crap where it eats. Maybe a little weight up front, but during stressful times my guess is you won’t notice it. My cleaning schedule is twice a year at best normally once diligently doing them all for a few days. As many have mentioned before get a can no matter what you decide to use if able - I still suffer from hearing loss from mock clearing rooms at a couple of shoot houses with some Army folks in the early nineties. Multiple flash bangs being thrown around recklessly wasn’t a good thing. Did learn a few things though. *Earlier last year my foolish self didn’t secure my headset quick enough prior to my bud popping off the 308 shooting out from inside cover. Trust me, within confined spaces get a can regardless of the ear attempting to block the shock and/or at least some good headsets by your bedside. Still have some impact from that stupidity.

Great video. So many types of ammunition whether it’s in 9mm, 45ACP, etc I definitely don’t want be hit by any of it. If you can shoot well with it go for it. Useless to carry something you suck shooting with comparatively speaking like the 40 and myself specifically many moons ago. Several of my friends shoot it extremely well and I already have too many calibers to reach for despite attempting to keep my stash variety controllable which was a false hope… *I enjoyed shooting my friends 1911s, 2011s, etc and wanted one so bad until “Honest Outlaw” on YouTube went over the considerations on having one. I am rather stupid hard/excessively mean to my CCW inventory and do not have the willpower to soften my manual of arms to be trusted (Stupid me needs Stupid Simple to survive). Still will end up with one, but it will be a tight tolerance showcase fun gun to drool over 😉

Agreed, never stated 5.7 was applicable to normal self defense situations as it was derived for military use hence body armor not a normal civil state thought process. Most of the current CCW models are geared towards civilian defense measures and not duty criteria. While several sub-compacts have been derived from full size military versions these concealment versions definitely cater to the civilian defense market. Despite having a 5.7 from the original manufacturer many moons ago it hasn’t been a CCW for myself. With the major improvements with 9mm well over a decade ago I have stayed with it. Round count is your choice and during winter heavy clothing I prefer the compact types with 17/18 rds and my summer carry runs 13/15 rds among my rotations. Either way whatever you choose train with it. Better to have something vs nothing, better to be familiar and capable with it than anything. I always need to train more, unfortunately I get caught up with shooting the latest and greatest addition even though I do bring the carry options and shoot at least a few mags at my neighbors farm. Definitely not enough. Side note only: Not many events on the blotter of those encountering body armor during a self defense encounter like Lord Ratner said, but if you want to defeat armor speed is king caliber wise. Rifles bring on a whole new level of penetration. 5.7 definitely is pricey, but there was a time when some could be had for $20/50 rds when FN overloaded the market with some now banned steel core. ATF put a stop to that real quick unfortunately. SS190 (restricted) or more likely the SS192 was controversial. Current lots are just sporting rounds for the most part.

5.7 originally designed to meet NATO specs as we know to include the body armor parameters. Makes sense when those caught behind enemy lines could have a better chance of slowing down/keeping the heads down of the advancing party with AKs perhaps while their air chariot egg beater arrived. It was a decent theory and a good choice, but as said before there are so many choices of home defense, etc rounds it’s mind boggling. *If you have access to the premier rounds to defeat body armor than it is undeniably a game changer if required. Extremely accurate, light weight, high round count, extended range and velocity have their merits and many have mentioned situation dependent. Fun is up there as well.

Niiiice!

When the PSA JAKL 308 version is released count me in. That will be quite solid based on the baby brother version. I just appreciate the all ambi controls and side charging handle hardware as it becomes very intuitive and you don’t lose your line of sight so abruptly on most other platforms. It should be fun being a Elephant Seal Team Sofa Warrior.

ClearedHot mentioned/displayed pic earlier of the Beretta a300 ultima patrol. Definitely a fantastic piece of work manufactured here in TN and for the right price. Yesterday my dealer mentioned to me in passing would you like another Beretta 1301 we have a few left? Reason - ATF just banned the import of the 1301 for 922r compliance and production is on hold. If you had your eye on one it’s probably a good idea to snag any left on the shelf. I believe they are rehashing it to a 5 round system which is saddening. There probably will be a US mod to reincarnate the original capacity if they go thru with it. I absolutely dig the 1301 although a bit pricey to start with to include some other mods I have done. The a300 is more than adequate and even has a couple other features my 1301 didn’t have initially; therefore, no true reason to add another to the inventory especially after nabbing the younger brother a300 for under $800. No worries if you own a 1301 - just lucky I guess.

I considered the earlier 9mm version of the Stribog a few years ago and the feeding issues due to the straight mag (theirs specifically) was a concern for me. No feed, No fight! They did make improvements since then so hopefully that transferred over to the .45 ACP.

Yup, I agree. I did modify 357 version and it works well.

Also, I’m screwed in the old western movie reach back memorabilia watching these lever action movie heroes go to town. Even the opening of the series “The Rifleman” starts out just daring you to not buy one of these lever actions to include a live cocking plus stare down at the end. Unsure why he does it as he’s out of ammo, but undeniably cool. I dare you Lord Ratner to watch 30 secs of the opening scene. You will hunt me down with one. Definitely placed a time stamp on myself and it was worth it.

Ruger is a great manufacturer. May have been discussed, but now that the rejuvenated Marlins by Ruger are going strong I can highly recommend them - well at least two of the series so far. Had enough of my standard AR types a decade ago, then moved on to 308/7.62 black rifles, some long range hammers as well as an AK variant = Arsenal. Turns out I’m stuck on these Marlins now. Initially brought on board the 1895 SBL 45/70 to modify it closely to a Mad Pig Thumper. Darn thing was an amazing piece of work in natural form and I just couldn’t do it; however, when the Marlin 1894 - 357 version showed up BAM!!! the Ranger Point Precision hand guard materialized along with the new Magpul stock/internal storage/side quiver, Inforce light and Red dot. Staying away from chaps, but I need a horse as these lever actions are crazy fun to shoot. 45/70 doesn’t kick as much as it’s a push and it’s a blast. Definitely legal in 48 states maybe 49 if the boogie man comes. That 357 rifle puts up some velocity numbers vs a wheel gun and twice as much impact power when relating to ft/lbs. Might over penetrate, but you can adjust with the correct ammunition for home defense. Would I trust it - yes, is it my first choice - not with what’s already in the stable.

Well done! That is pure reality and thank you for sharing. No one knows when your times up so enjoy everyday as much as possible. Too many ways to unknowingly depart the fix which is an absolute. Fortunately I myself have been blessed beyond what I deserve and know it. Went thru a normally inconsequential surgical procedure last summer which turned into a debacle (not the medical teams fault, things go awry at times.) Although it was a bit disturbing, my transition to a strong OneLife viewpoint nearly a decade ago stayed the course afterwards. Airline wise it will be different for me than most as I will most likely miss this job as I enjoy most of the attributes that it brings as it fits like a glove beyond the so called work itself. Having two to three weeks off in between or more and wanting to jump back in says a lot. Rather be lucky than good especially when you might be no good 😉 *May you find your sweet spot and relish the time you have. Not everything needs to be rushed. “Live Like You Were Dying” - Tim McGraw song makes sense.

Late to ask… Pump the numbers up even more into BNA, heck why not. I got bumped out of employee parking when they were bringing in 4-500+ crew members this past Spring. It was definitely more convenient despite paying more than I do now finding my own parking.

Springer had mentioned earlier at some point he hated DH’s and when it’s tight in the back somewhere amongst the cattle especially on long haul I definitely agree. Sometimes I prefer whale riding especially on our -8s and navigating around the security zones, customs/immigration garbage. On the other hand these past two months it has been a nice break being up front Delta One from Korea to Detroit on their A350 as they were both home runs literally (sent home early as my scheduled flights to operate were significantly delayed). 13 hours is 13 hours no doubt, but chilling on a ride home accumulating points on company time isn’t half bad. Service and comfort wasn’t half bad either, but still half as good as KAL, JAL, ANA, QF, SQ, etc. and then there’s EK and QR which not many come close too but oil brings you an unfair advantage as well as strict catering and attendant standards. *Chilling with the Delta crew up front looking at all the wizardry of the A350 before departure the Capt was curious if we were allowed to beverage up on our DH’s… Out of uniform I thought it was a no brainer, but he stated they were no longer allowed when moving on their metal. I contemplated that there might have been an unruly crew member at some point, but he mentioned that because multiple crew members on the same flight had drank all the libations thereby leaving the customers with zero balance that benefit was scratched. Is this true…?