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Man Guns!
- Thread starter CUBoulder
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Well, then ....... enjoy. (disclaimer: I was going to include a "picture" --- always worth a thousand words for those of you who care --- but the upload of images does not seem to be working as I type -- we'll see)
The Ruger Mini-14 rifle was developed in early 1970s and introduced near 1974. As I stated above, the Mini-14 is an M-14 "clone"; scaled down to use what was then the "new" 5.56mm/.223 Rem cartridge.
Mini-14 is somewhat similar in design to M1 Garand and M-14 rifles, utilizing the same gas action with an underbarrel gas piston, rotating bolt, a positive safety with the safety switch located at the forward part of the triggerguard. Mini-14s initially were manufactured in both semi-auto only "civilian" versions and in select-fire "military" versions, featuring flash hiders and bayonet mounts. However, these "military" style rifles weren't adopted by any military, and were only used to a limited degree by some police departments and law enforcement agencies across the USofA. Those select-fire versions, known as AC-556 or Mini-14GB, were manufactured with a one piece wooden stock or with pistol grip and side-folding metal buttstock (very desireable and almost collectible). In 1987, Ruger developed the Mini-30 version of the semi-auto Mini-14, chambered in 7.62x39mm Russian cartridge -- aparently for no other reason than the cartridge was becoming plentiful and was inexpensive in its corrosive, imported form.
All Mini-14s and Mini-30s are known as sturdy, reliable rifles, but their accuracy is inferior when compared to the M16/AR-15 series -- which have their own distinctive set of problems.
The Ruger Mini-14 rifle was developed in early 1970s and introduced near 1974. As I stated above, the Mini-14 is an M-14 "clone"; scaled down to use what was then the "new" 5.56mm/.223 Rem cartridge.
Mini-14 is somewhat similar in design to M1 Garand and M-14 rifles, utilizing the same gas action with an underbarrel gas piston, rotating bolt, a positive safety with the safety switch located at the forward part of the triggerguard. Mini-14s initially were manufactured in both semi-auto only "civilian" versions and in select-fire "military" versions, featuring flash hiders and bayonet mounts. However, these "military" style rifles weren't adopted by any military, and were only used to a limited degree by some police departments and law enforcement agencies across the USofA. Those select-fire versions, known as AC-556 or Mini-14GB, were manufactured with a one piece wooden stock or with pistol grip and side-folding metal buttstock (very desireable and almost collectible). In 1987, Ruger developed the Mini-30 version of the semi-auto Mini-14, chambered in 7.62x39mm Russian cartridge -- aparently for no other reason than the cartridge was becoming plentiful and was inexpensive in its corrosive, imported form.
All Mini-14s and Mini-30s are known as sturdy, reliable rifles, but their accuracy is inferior when compared to the M16/AR-15 series -- which have their own distinctive set of problems.
To A4s and any other .45 owners:
What's the difference between the Springfield 1911 and the Colt 1911 replicas? I'm looking into getting one and I can't decide. I've fired both (unfortunately not on the same day) and I don't notice much difference. From my casual shopping (still saving up the money) it seems the Springfield is slightly cheaper.
What's the difference between the Springfield 1911 and the Colt 1911 replicas? I'm looking into getting one and I can't decide. I've fired both (unfortunately not on the same day) and I don't notice much difference. From my casual shopping (still saving up the money) it seems the Springfield is slightly cheaper.
COLT vs Springfield 1911's ??
In my opinion --- price, mostly. I like Colts because I am a traditionalist when it comes to firearms. I stick with the basics and try to get good with the tools I use.
I assume you are talking about commercial, Government Models, not GI, 1911/1911A1's, .... soooooo ....
The commercial Colts of this design are known as Government models. In 1929, Colt introduced the Government pistol in a new chambering, the .38 Super Automatic, a "hotter" version of the earlier .38 Automatic cartridge. New pistol had bigger magazine capacity (9 rounds vs 7 rounds for .45 ACP) and sold well on the police market. The .38 Super versions are still manufactured and used mostly as competition guns due to extreme accuracy (and extreme-er cost).
During 1970 - 1983, Colt manufactured Mk.IV series 70 Government model pistols, which closely resembled the original M1911A1s, but with accurized barrel bushings. Since 1983, Colt manufactured Mk.IV Series 80 Government model pistols that featured an added firing pin safety --- making the trigger pull not to my liking, but they did not ask me. The latest Colt commercial product, the M1991A1, also featured Series 80 slide with firing pin safety. The Colt has the Series 80 firing pin safety and the Springfield uses an ILS (integrated locking system) which is located in the mainspring housing.
The Springfield's major parts are made in Brazil from castings; unless that has changed in the past year. Colt used to be milled, but now, most are CNC made. The Springfield also has a little thicker dust cover and front strap than the Colt --- you can tell the difference in feel. It uses a .38 Super firing pin, which was changed to make the pistol more California drop test-friendly.
This comparison is incomplete --- you could write books on the subject of the 1911 and clone differences, and many have .... but not to worry. Either one will give you excellent service if you do your part.
In my opinion --- price, mostly. I like Colts because I am a traditionalist when it comes to firearms. I stick with the basics and try to get good with the tools I use.
I assume you are talking about commercial, Government Models, not GI, 1911/1911A1's, .... soooooo ....
The commercial Colts of this design are known as Government models. In 1929, Colt introduced the Government pistol in a new chambering, the .38 Super Automatic, a "hotter" version of the earlier .38 Automatic cartridge. New pistol had bigger magazine capacity (9 rounds vs 7 rounds for .45 ACP) and sold well on the police market. The .38 Super versions are still manufactured and used mostly as competition guns due to extreme accuracy (and extreme-er cost).
During 1970 - 1983, Colt manufactured Mk.IV series 70 Government model pistols, which closely resembled the original M1911A1s, but with accurized barrel bushings. Since 1983, Colt manufactured Mk.IV Series 80 Government model pistols that featured an added firing pin safety --- making the trigger pull not to my liking, but they did not ask me. The latest Colt commercial product, the M1991A1, also featured Series 80 slide with firing pin safety. The Colt has the Series 80 firing pin safety and the Springfield uses an ILS (integrated locking system) which is located in the mainspring housing.
The Springfield's major parts are made in Brazil from castings; unless that has changed in the past year. Colt used to be milled, but now, most are CNC made. The Springfield also has a little thicker dust cover and front strap than the Colt --- you can tell the difference in feel. It uses a .38 Super firing pin, which was changed to make the pistol more California drop test-friendly.
This comparison is incomplete --- you could write books on the subject of the 1911 and clone differences, and many have .... but not to worry. Either one will give you excellent service if you do your part.
CUBoulder
Milk Is For Babies...I Drink Beer
As the origniator of this topic I will now give my .02...After numerous hours of research I have found that the springfield 1911 GI or Mil-Spec is the way to go for a .45. I just read a solid review in Handgunner Mag this week for the GI model. From what I have heard, springfield has one of the best cust service departments. Kimber's service has the shottiest reviews I have ever read. If you got an $200 extra drop it on the mil-spec which has a better trigger ($500 v $700).
Turning 21 this coming sunday (Milk is for babies, I drink beer! - Ahh-nold) my decision is between the springfield GI .45, springfield xd .40 or a glock 17. If I get the .45, I plan on tricking it out, yo. Remember all newbies considering a handgun.....get some lessons or take a NRA course and look into a small gun safe (wal-mart.com sells some for under $50. That way you won't shoot like a limp wristed girly man. Anyways, I think that .45 GI parkarized would coordinate very nicely with my mossberg 12ga at this years NRA fashion show.
Turning 21 this coming sunday (Milk is for babies, I drink beer! - Ahh-nold) my decision is between the springfield GI .45, springfield xd .40 or a glock 17. If I get the .45, I plan on tricking it out, yo. Remember all newbies considering a handgun.....get some lessons or take a NRA course and look into a small gun safe (wal-mart.com sells some for under $50. That way you won't shoot like a limp wristed girly man. Anyways, I think that .45 GI parkarized would coordinate very nicely with my mossberg 12ga at this years NRA fashion show.
Customer service? Never had to call customer service for any gun yet ... 
Agreed: and I will add ..... guys who use phrases like "Yo-Yo" --- when mixed with guns --- always scares me-me.Fly Navy said:
Keep "Yo"(ur) powder dry ....
CUBoulder
Milk Is For Babies...I Drink Beer
I finally got it!!! A Springfield XD-9 4inch model. The all black, parkerized one w/2 15 rd clips. I put 220 rounds through it today and I love it. My shot needs some work but when the shooter is on, the gun is on. The only problem was user error when I didn't pull the slide back far enough when I was cocking it. It was only $410. The gun seems half the weight of the beretta but the recoil was nothing. I was doing double taps with a 1 inch gap.
CUBoulder said:
Most LEOs can't shoot for **** and/or don't know their weapons for ****. Before any of you freak out, read that sentence. MOST. Not all. There are CERTAINLY some very skilled and very knowledgable cops out there.
Don't worry about 25 yards, you'll get better. Training, training, training. I haven't shot in months, so I wouldn't expect myself to be that good. It's very much a perishable skill.
Fly Navy said:
That's for sure. If I shoot all the time I get pretty good, but don't shoot for several months and I really suck a$$.
Something To Think About Before "packin'"
The last time I instructed LEO training was in 2000, and the course was patterned after what was then the FBI qualification course. It was run in four stages, starting at 25 yards, then moving in to 15 and 7 yards, respectively. It included fast and slow stages and reloading. Qualification also required strong and weak hand shooting, as well as movement. 50 rounds: Hits in or touching "the bottle" count 2 points; misses and hits outside bottle count zero points, and qualification required: 85% to qualify; 90% for instructors (i.e., me). Note: FFDO is all shot @ 7 yards -- easy if you do your part and concentrate.
The FBI standard has also been copied by a number of other law enforcement agencies and security firms. All for good reason since this makes it easy to prove a level of competence if there is ever any question about it laid in court.
This should also be a consideration for anyone who obtains a concealed weapon permit or similar license even though your local jurisdiction may not require any competence testing to get the permit. Even if you happen to carry a pistol without "authorization" it is important if the issue ever gets to court, to dismiss any questions about your competence by demonstrating a level of competence and familiarity with a government recognized combat pistol testing standard.
"THE "BOTTLE" ------ THE FASTEST RELOAD IS A SECOND GUN
If you cannot or do not meet a competency standard, then it can become rather easy for a litigator to argue that you carrying or using a gun can be considered a public menace. The fact that many law enforcement and military personnel historically routinely fail these standards is another point in support of a "dedicated citizen" who acts to maintain a level of competence consistent with that required by the FBI.
Watch out for those lawyers .... know your local & state law(s) regarding firearms -- especially if you carry -- and be proficient and responsible. Otherwise .... don't carry!
The last time I instructed LEO training was in 2000, and the course was patterned after what was then the FBI qualification course. It was run in four stages, starting at 25 yards, then moving in to 15 and 7 yards, respectively. It included fast and slow stages and reloading. Qualification also required strong and weak hand shooting, as well as movement. 50 rounds: Hits in or touching "the bottle" count 2 points; misses and hits outside bottle count zero points, and qualification required: 85% to qualify; 90% for instructors (i.e., me). Note: FFDO is all shot @ 7 yards -- easy if you do your part and concentrate.
The FBI standard has also been copied by a number of other law enforcement agencies and security firms. All for good reason since this makes it easy to prove a level of competence if there is ever any question about it laid in court.
This should also be a consideration for anyone who obtains a concealed weapon permit or similar license even though your local jurisdiction may not require any competence testing to get the permit. Even if you happen to carry a pistol without "authorization" it is important if the issue ever gets to court, to dismiss any questions about your competence by demonstrating a level of competence and familiarity with a government recognized combat pistol testing standard.
"THE "BOTTLE" ------ THE FASTEST RELOAD IS A SECOND GUN
If you cannot or do not meet a competency standard, then it can become rather easy for a litigator to argue that you carrying or using a gun can be considered a public menace. The fact that many law enforcement and military personnel historically routinely fail these standards is another point in support of a "dedicated citizen" who acts to maintain a level of competence consistent with that required by the FBI.
Watch out for those lawyers .... know your local & state law(s) regarding firearms -- especially if you carry -- and be proficient and responsible. Otherwise .... don't carry!
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