The Gun Owner’s thread

[TexasEd 8030]

For most people controlling their breathing is enough to improve accuracy but the farther the shot the more every little thing matters 

[Armybrat 40561]

2 hours ago, TexasEd said:

For most people controlling their breathing is enough to improve accuracy but the farther the shot the more every little thing matters 

Well, I can’t see diddly shit anyway, in spite of cataract surgery.
Have the far sighted lens implanted, so using readers to look through the sights doesn’t work very well.

Any shooting I do is just at handgun range - 25 yards max.

[YGIFS 19445]

Yards?  How did you kill so many French on Bastille Day?  

[Handcruser 2802]

I always wanted a .260 rem platform.  I never really got into the high-end, long distance rigs, but I did some training with a good friend in AL that is the sniper for the SWAT team.  In no time he had me knocking the caps off water bottles at 360yds.  We had a 700 and a Tikka (that he much preferred).  Both in .308.  Those guys that compete have such control.  They just lock in, everything slows down, heart rate/breathing, everything. 

260 rem is a great round.

[59 Burst 434]

12 hours ago, Armybrat said:

Yoga?

I know it sounds far fetched. But I started doing yoga and practicing meditation because other guys who shot better scores were doing it. I have no data to support the impact of incorporating the practice into my shooting, but I believe it made a difference. Especially on really hot humid days where my concentration waned when I would get uncomfortable.

That said, if a guy was consistently beating me, and he chewed tobacco while wearing an eyepatch, I would probably have done that too.

[59 Burst 434]

13 hours ago, BabaYaga said:

I always wanted a .260 rem platform.  I never really got into the high-end, long distance rigs, but I did some training with a good friend in AL that is the sniper for the SWAT team.  In no time he had me knocking the caps off water bottles at 360yds.  We had a 700 and a Tikka (that he much preferred).  Both in .308.  Those guys that compete have such control.  They just lock in, everything slows down, heart rate/breathing, everything. 

Tikka is an under appreciated platform. One could argue it’s basically a Sako.

Though like a HOWA the barrels are reverse threaded, which requires a smith who has the correct setup to re-barrel one.

[BabaYaga 15184]

9 hours ago, 59 Burst said:

Tikka is an under appreciated platform. One could argue it’s basically a Sako.

Though like a HOWA the barrels are reverse threaded, which requires a smith who has the correct setup to re-barrel one.

To be fair, SWAT guys train at shorter distances as most shots are in an urban setting, they still have to be capable of making longer shots.  His frustration with the Rem 700 is it's lack of consistency.  There's always (his words) a "flyer".  You'll have a cloverleaf cluster, then there's that one MFing hanger outside the group.  The Tikka isn't quite as surgical, but the groups are consistent day in and day out.  

*HOWA is such an underappreciated line.  Big fan.  

[GottaB 588]

A newer hi power, made in Belgium, but assembled in Portugal. But, I’m a big fan of the platform. I absolutely love how it sets up in your hand. 

My next purchase will be the Springfield SA-35.

I regret selling my surplus hi power every time I look at the safe.

[Handcruser 2802]

My next purchase will be the Springfield SA-35.

I regret selling my surplus hi power every time I look at the safe.

Thumbs down.

[Gil Bang 25689]

On 9/25/2023 at 3:53 PM, CHIEF said:

Yep, Mrs. CHIEF carries that five shot .38 S&W Airweight. She can hit a pie plate all five times at 5-10 feet, that is really all women need to be proficient. Bad guys are trying to rape, assault, rob women, not immediately kill them.  Mrs. CHIEF is in a pretty rough part of Houston for work, occasionally. She keeps the pistol in her purse and her finger close to the trigger while walking into the hotel. She has enough nerve to let someone get within a couple of feet, and calm enough to make sure she is going to hit her target and shoot through the front of her purse. 

A close family friend that teaches CCL classes said the statistics bear this scenario out an overwhelming amount of the times of crimes against women.   He recommended a revolver, as it is easier to operate, load, and unload more safely without causing an unintentional discharge.

CHIEF

so, if I understand you correctly; she keeps her hand on the jammie keeps her finger near the trigger?

[59 Burst 434]

23 hours ago, BabaYaga said:

To be fair, SWAT guys train at shorter distances as most shots are in an urban setting, they still have to be capable of making longer shots.  His frustration with the Rem 700 is it's lack of consistency.  There's always (his words) a "flyer".  You'll have a cloverleaf cluster, then there's that one MFing hanger outside the group.  The Tikka isn't quite as surgical, but the groups are consistent day in and day out.  

*HOWA is such an underappreciated line.  Big fan.  

Back some years ago Dicks sporting goods was selling Howa barreled actions for around $450. I bought a .223, .22-250 and a .204. I Bought three Houge stocks off of eBay for next to nothing. Ended up with three great rifles at a great price. I love the brand. The fact they were also making barreled actions for Weatherby and Smith and Wesson rifle's just confirmed to me they were legit. Affordability, accurate and great fit and finish. 

[BabaYaga 15184]

2 minutes ago, 59 Burst said:

Back some years ago Dicks sporting goods was selling Howa barreled actions for around $450. I bought a .223, .22-250 and a .204. I Bought three Houge stocks off of eBay for next to nothing. Ended up with three great rifles at a great price. I love the brand. The fact they were also making barreled actions for Weatherby and Smith and Wesson rifle's just confirmed to me they were legit. Affordability, accurate and great fit and finish. 

What twist rate are they?  

[83Horn 1637]

15 hours ago, Handcruser said:

Thumbs down.

It's okay...there are also people out there who actually believe the 1911 is an antiquated, unreliable POS.

[Handcruser 2802]

It's okay...there are also people out there who actually believe the 1911 is an antiquated, unreliable POS.

SA-35 has had major issues. Most have been fixed but if I was buying a hi-power it wouldn’t be that one. That’s why I did thumbs down - not because of the platform.

[83Horn 1637]

4 minutes ago, Handcruser said:

SA-35 has had major issues. Most have been fixed but if I was buying a hi-power it wouldn’t be that one. That’s why I did thumbs down - not because of the platform.

Ahhh...I misunderstood.  I thought I recalled that you had said upthread that you disliked these guns...speaking of the BHP.

[Handcruser 2802]

Ahhh...I misunderstood.  I thought I recalled that you had said upthread that you disliked these guns...speaking of the BHP.

You read that correctly. I don’t like them but others do and that’s totally fine. It’s a great gun - just doesn’t work for me.

I’m not a “I don’t like it so you shouldn’t either” guy.

[59 Burst 434]

6 hours ago, BabaYaga said:

What twist rate are they?  

The .223 is 1:8, but it has been re-barreled. The .22.250 and the .204 are both 1:12. 
I was looking on gunbroker and I noticed much has changed from Howa. Their line is far more extensive than I remember. But these three are blue 1500’s, all with heavy barrels. I love em, and because of the price point I don’t mind taking them in the field.

[Reagan1k 3002]

6 hours ago, 59 Burst said:

Back some years ago Dicks sporting goods was selling Howa barreled actions for around $450. I bought a .223, .22-250 and a .204. I Bought three Houge stocks off of eBay for next to nothing. Ended up with three great rifles at a great price. I love the brand. The fact they were also making barreled actions for Weatherby and Smith and Wesson rifle's just confirmed to me they were legit. Affordability, accurate and great fit and finish. 

I've done the same.  HOWA action and Houge overmolded stock and created lights out accurate hunting rifles for next to nothing.

Their Mini-Action in 6.5 Grendel is a fantastic TX ranch rifle or truck gun.

I got a 22-250 HOWA Axiom years back and it'll shoot the eyelashes off a coyote if you wanted to.

 

[59 Burst 434]

One of my safe queens. 1965 Python.

[59 Burst 434]

29 minutes ago, Reagan1k said:

I've done the same.  HOWA action and Houge overmolded stock and created lights out accurate hunting rifles for next to nothing.

Their Mini-Action in 6.5 Grendel is a fantastic TX ranch rifle or truck gun.

I got a 22-250 HOWA Axiom years back and it'll shoot the eyelashes off a coyote if you wanted to.

 

I love them. Here is one I bought as a complete rifle new (this one is in .308) that I have never fired. Still has the Howa sticker on the stock. This was probably 10 years ago? When the stainless thing was big.

 

 

[BabaYaga 15184]

1 hour ago, 59 Burst said:

The .223 is 1:8, but it has been re-barreled. The .22.250 and the .204 are both 1:12. 
I was looking on gunbroker and I noticed much has changed from Howa. Their line is far more extensive than I remember. But these three are blue 1500’s, all with heavy barrels. I love em, and because of the price point I don’t mind taking them in the field.

My 22-250 is 1:12 also.   Wish it was tighter so it could stabilize heavier grain pills.   I top out at 55gr.  I’d like a .223 with the 1:8 to push out 72gr black hills.   Those are great for Texas deer.   With mine I’ve killed dozens over the years with neck shots.  Never had one clear the feeder pin.   

[GottaB 588]

Thumbs down.

I’m not offended. You have a point.

By the time my gun funds grow enough to buy, my interest may shift.

Till then, it’s on my list.

[59 Burst 434]

On 10/3/2023 at 5:33 PM, Armybrat said:

Well, I can’t see diddly shit anyway, in spite of cataract surgery.
Have the far sighted lens implanted, so using readers to look through the sights doesn’t work very well.

Any shooting I do is just at handgun range - 25 yards max.

Hell Brat, I don’t believe I even stand 25 yards when shooting a pistol? I have a couple of scoped pistols like a T/C Super 14 I may shoot at 50 yards. But, that’s on a bench using bags. Iron sights? Hell no. 

[Heisenberg 161]

The Queen of my safe - a ~1993 Colt Python Elite .357 Magnum, 6” barrel, satin blue.  The Python Elites were built in the Colt Custom Shop and include target sights and a beaver tail hammer.  I decided I had to get one someday after seeing Al Lettieri, “Rudy”, use one in Sam Peckinpah’s “The Getaway”.

Edited October 6, 2023 by Heisenberg

[Heisenberg 161]

All Lettieri and Sally Struthers

Al Lettieri  as Frank Renda also used a Colt Python 6" barrel in Mr. Majestyk.

[Heisenberg 161]

The vigilante motorcycle cops in Clint Eastwood's Magnum Force packed Colt Pythons.

Pimpin' ain't easy.

Edited October 6, 2023 by Heisenberg

[Handcruser 2802]

I’m not offended. You have a point.

By the time my gun funds grow enough to buy, my interest may shift.

Till then, it’s on my list.

Sweet. FN’s version ain’t bad - but I am not the biggest fan of their stuff. I really like their 502 - that’s a great 22.

509 triggers are trash.

[BabaYaga 15184]

9 hours ago, Heisenberg said:

The vigilante motorcycle cops in Clint Eastwood's Magnum Force packed Colt Pythons.

Pimpin' ain't easy.

Don't forget Rick Grimes

[Reagan1k 3002]

2 hours ago, BabaYaga said:

Don't forget Rick Grimes

One of the auction houses did a study on Python pricing and they could demonstrate on the graph when that show came out.  The bump in interest and therefore value of vintage pythons spiked above the historic trend line and has remained there.

Similar movements have happened in the mil-surp market when certain vintage weapons were featured in the shooter games.

[Carl Spackler 3458]

12 hours ago, Heisenberg said:

The vigilante motorcycle cops in Clint Eastwood's Magnum Force packed Colt Pythons.

Pimpin' ain't easy.

David Soul must have liked Colt Pythons.  Not only did he carry one in Magnum Force, he packed one in Starsky & Hutch.  

[59 Burst 434]

13 hours ago, Heisenberg said:

The Queen of my safe - a ~1993 Colt Python Elite .357 Magnum, 6” barrel, satin blue.  The Python Elites were built in the Colt Custom Shop and include target sights and a beaver tail hammer.  I decided I had to get one someday after seeing Al Lettieri, “Rudy”, use one in Sam Peckinpah’s “The Getaway”.

Did you have any interest in getting the letter from Colt? Admittedly it can get a little expensive the older/higher value firearm you submit. But, it is a neat document to have around when sharing good bourbon with friends. 

[Heisenberg 161]

1 hour ago, 59 Burst said:

Did you have any interest in getting the letter from Colt? Admittedly it can get a little expensive the older/higher value firearm you submit. But, it is a neat document to have around when sharing good bourbon with friends. 

Not interested.

[Heisenberg 161]

Robert Blake packed a Colt Python pinto (blue frame, polished steel barrel and cylinder) 4" barrel as Arizona Highway Patrol Officer "Big John" Wintergreen in Electra Glide in Blue.

https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Colt_Python  shows which movies had Colt Pythons.

Edited October 6, 2023 by Heisenberg

[Heisenberg 161]

In Brian de Palma's Scarface, Angel Salazar as Chi Chi picks up a wounded Manny while holding his Colt Python blue 4" barrel.

Edited October 6, 2023 by Heisenberg

[Mighty fine 169]

Anyone have any opinions on the second generation Pythons? Have been debating between one of these or a lever action 357.

[Armybrat 40561]

17 hours ago, Mighty fine said:

Anyone have any opinions on the second generation Pythons? Have been debating between one of these or a lever action 357.

You will find more info & feedback at the Python forum on the Colt board:

https://www.coltforum.com/forums/python.55/

[Gil Bang 25689]

On 10/7/2023 at 2:54 PM, Mighty fine said:

Anyone have any opinions on the second generation Pythons? Have been debating between one of these or a lever action 357.

are lever 357's widely available?  Who's making them because that sounds fucking awesome.

[Bozo_Casanova 25911]

4 minutes ago, Gil Bang said:

are lever 357's widely available?  Who's making them because that sounds fucking awesome.

Yep- Henry and Rossi both do, and I think also  Ruger/Marlin. 

Edited October 11, 2023 by Bozo_Casanova

[Gil Bang 25689]

2 hours ago, Bozo_Casanova said:

Yep- Henry and Rossi both do, and I think also  Ruger/Marlin. 

WTF, Rossi still exists?  I've got a Rossi .38 revolver.  I thought they were long gone. 

[Gil Bang 25689]

[Bozo_Casanova 25911]

8 hours ago, Gil Bang said:

WTF, Rossi still exists?  I've got a Rossi .38 revolver.  I thought they were long gone. 

Sure does.

[Handcruser 2802]

WTF, Rossi still exists?  I've got a Rossi .38 revolver.  I thought they were long gone. 

Yes the R92’s are actually pretty nice. I have sold a good number of them with no issues known to me.

For the value they are great.

[Handcruser 2802]

Yes the R92’s are actually pretty nice. I have sold a good number of them with no issues known to me.

For the value they are great.

16” is preferred fyi

[Bozo_Casanova 25911]

I think I want a Ruger #1 because I like the elegance of the action. Any thoughts on the current models or buying new or used?

[BabaYaga 15184]

13 hours ago, Gil Bang said:

are lever 357's widely available?  Who's making them because that sounds fucking awesome.

There are a crap-ton of modern and older models out there.  There are older Winnie's such as the 1873 and 1892 or newer options such as the Taylor's Alaska Take-down or Marlin 1894 CSBL.  I have a Henry .22lr Golden Boy.  They also have a .357 option

Thing about a .357 out of a longer barrel, you get a significant amount of performance upgrade.  With handloads, you can get "close" to a 30-30 in terms or velocity and terminal, kinetic energy.  It's easily a great Texas deer/hog gun under 100yds

Alaskan Take down

[NotActuallyALonghorn 4962]

IThere isn't a smoother gun than a 73 Winchester. 

[Armybrat 40561]

Yes there is…. a 9422XTR….

[NotActuallyALonghorn 4962]

No 94 is going to be smoother than a 73. The brass carrier  block and toggle line action made it feel like it wants you to work the action. 

[Handcruser 2802]

That’s how it feels when I go from shooting my HK to this Staccato.  I really, really like that HK and the way it fits and shoots.  Then…whole other world with that P. 

Ahem……….

[tomahawk dunk 313]

2 hours ago, Handcruser said:

Ahem……….

What is this pistol?