The official, what’s your favourite and my wife won’t let me get this

[Guest Derek L]

Boo! Boo!

So the mall commando guys like guns that look like they're from Call of Duty, and I like guns that have some classy beauty.

Well ok, maybe I'm helping confirm the stereotype after all... but I promise that at least I will never buy the Pink Ruger!

I think he is mistaken.

However, I don't think I will wear a scoop-neck top while firing a semi-automatic!

-k

My wife got the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm, breast cancer awareness edition, with a portion of the purchase donated to research......To add the gun is a tweaked outed version of the regular, designed by the best markswomen in the world.....

http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/details/1634/Smith-and-Wesson-Model-MandP9-JG-9mm-Pink.aspx

[kimmy]

For some people, walking and chewing gum at the same time is a challenge.

For others, riding a horse full speed while shooting a single-action pistol is a breeze!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVzRRDZY-8M

-k

[Guest Derek L]

For some people, walking and chewing gum at the same time is a challenge.

For others, riding a horse full speed while shooting a single-action pistol is a breeze!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVzRRDZY-8M

-k

That’s a lot of training, practice and discipline (Both her and the Horse) and really quite impressive………Something you’re going to give a “shot” at perhaps?

If so……who was it that badgered yeah into getting your RPAL?

Any news yet?

[Guest Derek L]

Talk about coming full circle:

Sticking to their guns: Marines place $22.5M order for the Colt .45 M1911 Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/28/marines-pay-22m-to-go-back-to-their-old-guns-colt-45-caliber-pistols/#ixzz21zLB20LC

Some reports suggest Marines are not happy with their main Beretta M9s for their lack of accuracy and stopping power. With M1911's now supplying Special Ops, growing interest may lead to a better solution.

"To have the 1911 selected again for U. S. Forces 101 years after its initial introduction is just an incredible testament to the timeless design and effectiveness of the Colt 1911," Dinkel said. "This is truly a gratifying contract award."

As I stated in the OP of this thread, my 1911s are my favourite semi-auto handguns (1-Colt, 1-Kimber, 1- S&W and 1- Browning 1911 .22lr) followed by it’s “little brother” the Browning Hi-Power. (Just bought my daughter a Hi-Power on Getting her RPAL, coupled with it still being the primary pistol assigned to RCAF aircrew) They truly are Well designed, well built, long lasting, powerful handguns that have stood the test of time……….

I don't want to slag the Beretta 92/M9s , my wife and I both own and shoot Variants of the 92 and after my 1911/Hi-Powers, would be my third favourite semi auto pistol….They’re all metal (Not plastic like a Glock), hence heavier and less felt recoil and very reliable………My only personal critic, the ones made in Italy, if replacement parts are warranty work become a requirement, it is a longer wait……..As for their US service, by and large, I think they receive unfair criticism for being heavy and firing a “undersized cartridge” when contrasted with the 1911s………Both guns are apples and oranges, and as such, each better suited to different uses and users when issued as a service sidearm……

My only gripe about the announcement, is that they didn’t do it last year on the 1911’s centennial birthday....

Ball stops them all

Edited July 29, 2012 by Derek L

[kimmy]

That’s a lot of training, practice and discipline (Both her and the Horse) and really quite impressive………Something you’re going to give a “shot” at perhaps?

If so……who was it that badgered yeah into getting your RPAL?

I will send you a cut of all my pistol-shooting winnings.

She makes it look glorious, but I can't imagine myself doing something like that. I've got no riding experience at all. As I understand it, horses are about the most expensive hobby you can get into. Maybe some day.

I could picture myself trying the non-mounted version...

These two run a shooting range in my hometown of Awesometon Alberta.

Any news yet?

My instructor said that they take about a month and a half, so I have a couple of weeks to go.

-k

[Guest Derek L]

I will send you a cut of all my pistol-shooting winnings.

She makes it look glorious, but I can't imagine myself doing something like that. I've got no riding experience at all. As I understand it, horses are about the most expensive hobby you can get into. Maybe some day.

I could picture myself trying the non-mounted version...

These two run a shooting range in my hometown of Awesometon Alberta.

My instructor said that they take about a month and a half, so I have a couple of weeks to go.

-k

I never got into the Cowboy action shooting personally, but one of the clubs I use to belong to had a semi-serious following……….And quite understandably, it’s huge in Texas. When we lived down there we’d go to some of the events, and like the lady riding the horse from the video you posted, there are certainly some people with real talent that have spent years training…………Myself, I got into Canadian IPSC shooting, Police Pistol Combat and Law Enforcement Action Pistol shooting back in the late 90s and it like cowboy action shooting, is very demanding in both time and money if one wishes to excel……..But fun regardless.

[kimmy]

Any news yet?

They interviewed me and my references last week! Hopefully that means that my license is on the way!

So as I've been waiting for my license and doing all this window-shopping, I've come up with a wish-list that looks something like this:

-a .22LR semi-auto for practice(Ruger 10/22 or Remington 597 probably)

-Mosin-Nagant 91/30

-a 12ga shotgun (I would like to find one that comes with both short and long barrel as well as both full and pistol stock. That would give the versatility of both a real hunting shotgun as well as a really portable "wilderness defense" gun to take on an adventure.)

-a cheap to buy, cheap to fire semi-auto pistol for practice (there are a lot of 1911-style pistols chambered in .22LR that would probably be a good choice, but a Tokarev TT-33 would be an interesting option as well.)

-an SKS

-a classic-style case-hardened single-action revolver in .357, maybe a Uberti.

-a lever gun (had been looking at Marlin, but after reading about their quality control problems, I'm now looking at a Henry Big-Boy in .357)

That should give me the chance to try different kinds of guns and different kinds of shooting. Only the lever action and the revolver are expensive.

-k

[Guest Derek L]

They interviewed me and my references last week! Hopefully that means that my license is on the way!

That a girl!!!

Just enter your info here to check your status:

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/online_en-ligne/app_dem-eng.htm

As soon as you get your licence, join a gun club right away and try and purchase your first handgun so you can apply for your ATT………..The BC CFO is really backed up right now and saying for first time buyers waiting to get their long term ATT processed to be prepared to wait weeks, if not months………My Daughter got her RPAL last month and we bought her a Browning Hi-Power, but it’s been sitting in the gun shop waiting for her ATT to be processed…………So it’s not a bad idea to purchase a cheapo little handgun to get the ball rolling….

So as I've been waiting for my license and doing all this window-shopping, I've come up with a wish-list that looks something like this:

-a .22LR semi-auto for practice(Ruger 10/22 or Remington 597 probably)

http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/details/1178/Ruger-1022-Carbine-22LR-Black-Synthetic.aspx

Wolverine is one of the better gun shops in Canada IMHO and have fair prices....granted you'd have to pay shipping, but if your local gun store is charging 50-75 bucks more, they might be worth looking at......With the Ruger, you can purchase 25 round Butler Creek mags for about $30 (get the "steel lips" not plastic)

-Mosin-Nagant 91/30

One of the better gun shops in BC and they just got a bunch in stock:

http://www.wanstallsonline.com/mosin-nagant-model-1891-7.62x54mm-sku423.html

-a 12ga shotgun (I would like to find one that comes with both short and long barrel as well as both full and pistol stock. That would give the versatility of both a real hunting shotgun as well as a really portable "wilderness defense" gun to take on an adventure.)

That can get expensive, but it’s a worthwhile investment to fork out a little extra and get a Remington 870 Wingmaster…………After market pistol stocks, shorter barrels, mag extensions, upgrades, sights etc are plentiful for 870s…..Like I said earlier, stay away from their Express line……….A quality Wingmaster will last longer then you

http://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?pageID=71&&section=1187&section2=1727&section3=1954&ID=4670

-a cheap to buy, cheap to fire semi-auto pistol for practice (there are a lot of 1911-style pistols chambered in .22LR that would probably be a good choice, but a Tokarev TT-33 would be an interesting option as well.)

Again, one of the better BC (and Canada wide) stores:

http://www.wanstallsonline.com/sig-sauer-1911-22-b-.22lr.html

Has the Sig Sauer 1911-22 on sale for $449.99 right now......They’re made in Germany (not by, but for) Sig by either GSG or Walther…….Sig wouldn’t allow their name to be put on junk…….Might be something to look at….Another one is (what I have)the Browning 1911-22 a great little gun, thats fun for plinkers or regular 1911 shooters....

They also have this "Colt" 1911-22 made by Walther.....I don't know much about this, by like Sig, I doubt Colt would let their name be put on junk.

I could go on like Bubba does about shrimp dishes when it comes to 1911s, but I'll spare you (for now)

-an SKS

Like I was saying, they're great fun......If you can, pay a little extra and get one with the Cosmoline already removed....It's a dirty process that's worthy only of teenage boys

-a classic-style case-hardened single-action revolver in .357, maybe a Uberti.

Those Italians can sure make guns

-a lever gun (had been looking at Marlin, but after reading about their quality control problems, I'm now looking at a Henry Big-Boy in .357)

The Henry will be worth the extra money for sure.

That should give me the chance to try different kinds of guns and different kinds of shooting. Only the lever action and the revolver are expensive.

-k

Like I was saying, sometimes paying a little extra for a gun you want is worth it in the long run and keeping them clean (even when not in use) will ensure they last a lifetime

[kimmy]

Just enter your info here to check your status:

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/online_en-ligne/app_dem-eng.htm

Initial processing completed... I guess there's more processing to go.

As soon as you get your licence, join a gun club right away and try and purchase your first handgun so you can apply for your ATT………..The BC CFO is really backed up right now and saying for first time buyers waiting to get their long term ATT processed to be prepared to wait weeks, if not months………My Daughter got her RPAL last month and we bought her a Browning Hi-Power, but it’s been sitting in the gun shop waiting for her ATT to be processed…………So it’s not a bad idea to purchase a cheapo little handgun to get the ball rolling….

It's still at the shop? They at least give you a temporary ATT to get your pistol home, don't they?

If buying a cheap pistol right off the bat is the way to get the ball rolling, then I think the TT-33 is the one I'll get.

Wolverine is one of the better gun shops in Canada IMHO and have fair prices....granted you'd have to pay shipping, but if your local gun store is charging 50-75 bucks more, they might be worth looking at......With the Ruger, you can purchase 25 round Butler Creek mags for about $30 (get the "steel lips" not plastic)

I've been thinking I would buy the .22 and the shotgun locally, just to support my local shops (who I am sure will be my main source of ammo at the very least) and leave online stores for my harder-to-find purchases.

Like I was saying, they're great fun......If you can, pay a little extra and get one with the Cosmoline already removed....It's a dirty process that's worthy only of teenage boys

With my interest in Russian surplus junk, I'm expecting to deal with cosmoline.

One site I looked at suggested that WD-40 is good at breaking down cosmoline. However, my firearms instructor strongly advised against getting WD-40 anywhere near your guns because it can penetrate into primers and cause misfires, and you can never completely get rid of it no matter how much you clean. He basically said "don't even use WD-40 in the same room as your guns and ammo."

Any suggestions on the best way to clean cosmoline?

-k

[Guest Derek L]

Initial processing completed... I guess there's more processing to go.

That’s good news!!!! Check the date that they received it and add 28 days……I’d check again mid week (If it’s been over 28 days) and you’ll find it approved……They print on Fridays, so if it’s approved by prior to the end of this week, you should have it by the end of next week.

It's still at the shop? They at least give you a temporary ATT to get your pistol home, don't they?

If buying a cheap pistol right off the bat is the way to get the ball rolling, then I think the TT-33 is the one I'll get.

Not for your first purchase, which you’ll require to already posses a long-term ATT……It’s kinda chicken and the egg, but as you’ll find out many of the gun laws are ridiculous (Like the ATTs in general)………Once you get your first long term ATT, then you’ll get temp ATTs to take the guns home……..Even then, the CFC still has to approve the transfer of restricted firearms and that still takes a couple of days……..I could go into a gun store, purchase a handgun, and I’ll still have to wait for the transfer…..And it use to be that way with long guns…….Thankfully, when you want to purchase your Nagant, all you’ll have to do is go into the store, present your RPAL, pay your money and Kimmy goes home with a Nagant………

It should be that way for restricted firearms, since in my opinion, you’ve already been approved to purchase and possess them with your RPAL, so why the need for an ATT? In my view and most other restricted owners, the ATT should be rolled into the RPAL.

The one thing I’d advise against the Tokarev, is the ammo isn’t always cheap and you’ll experience “droughts” from time to time, and when it does come available (usually in big surplus cases), buy as much as you can afford……….The Russian rifle calibers are still cheap (with surplus) but you couldn’t go wrong with buying a couple of the 1000+ rounds cases, since the price of surplus commie ammo is starting to climb down south and will eventually hit here……….That’s usual during a Presidential election year though.

I've been thinking I would buy the .22 and the shotgun locally, just to support my local shops (who I am sure will be my main source of ammo at the very least) and leave online stores for my harder-to-find purchases.

I tend to purchase my guns/ammo locally too (Wanstalls and Reliable are both in the lower mainland) and like I was saying earlier, it’s always worth it to pay a little bit extra at a local store, then one of the big box giants……..The returns in tech support are priceless………..If you do go “big box” or online, Wolverine , Epps and the two BC ones Wanstalls and Reliable are good......Cabelas is good for a box giant.......But stay away from Wholesale Sports online service (They're hit or miss in store)

With my interest in Russian surplus junk, I'm expecting to deal with cosmoline.

One site I looked at suggested that WD-40 is good at breaking down cosmoline. However, my firearms instructor strongly advised against getting WD-40 anywhere near your guns because it can penetrate into primers and cause misfires, and you can never completely get rid of it no matter how much you clean. He basically said "don't even use WD-40 in the same room as your guns and ammo."

Any suggestions on the best way to clean cosmoline?

-k

Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner and elbow grease....Followed by a real good cleaning with a standard gun cleaner…………….And from the don’t tell your wife file, all the metal bits in a old Dutch Oven/pot (Never cook with again) in boiling water over the stove with a very healthy dose of commercial oil/lube after the fact…….The stocks (if real wood not laminate), if it’s really hot out, wrap them in tin-foil, and put them on a metal tray out in the sun………From the really don’t tell your wife file, bake them wrapped in tin-foil for about 15 minutes at 250c on a cookie tray, then treat them with a quality wood oil (The wood pores will open and ooze most of the crap out and suck in the oil)…..

Even then, after the first couple of times shooting, you’ll still get some Cosmoline leaking from the wood stocks…….just make sure you clean all the metal parts very well before shooting though

As to WD-40, I don’t use it( I’ll stick with Remington cleaning products), but some old timers will use it to prevent rust out in the field, followed by a proper cleaning………….With the Russian (And older western battle rifles, sans wood or rubber parts), if the Zombies were upon us, and I was out of store bought products, I’d use diesel and a boot lace with a series of knots to clean, then transmission fluid to lubricate

Edited August 5, 2012 by Derek L

[kimmy]

That’s good news!!!! Check the date that they received it and add 28 days……I’d check again mid week (If it’s been over 28 days) and you’ll find it approved……They print on Fridays, so if it’s approved by prior to the end of this week, you should have it by the end of next week.

Tomorrow is day 28!

Not for your first purchase, which you’ll require to already posses a long-term ATT……

Ok, so if I understand correctly, it goes like this:

I go to www.GunBarn.com (or so on) and send in photocopies of my RPAL and order my TT-33. And they check my paperwork with the RCMP and everything seems legit, so they call the CFO to ask for a temporary ATT so that they can send it to me, but the CFO says "wait a minute, not so fast. Kimmy has never had an ATT before, so before you can ship her the gun, we are going to have to process a long-term ATT for her."

Is that how it breaks down? Because if so, then yeah, that's kind of bogus.

I tend to purchase my guns/ammo locally too (Wanstalls and Reliable are both in the lower mainland) and like I was saying earlier, it’s always worth it to pay a little bit extra at a local store, then one of the big box giants……..The returns in tech support are priceless………..If you do go “big box” or online, Wolverine , Epps and the two BC ones Wanstalls and Reliable are good......Cabelas is good for a box giant.......But stay away from Wholesale Sports online service (They're hit or miss in store)

Ever had any trouble buying online? What you get is what you expected, and so-on? I'm a little leery of ordering a case-hardened revolver and getting a blued one, that sort of thing. Or getting a Nagant with a stock that's really beat up. That sort of thing. Is there ever a hassle with shipping?

And, thanks for the cleaning tips.

-k

[Guest Derek L]

Tomorrow is day 28!

Check Wednesday, if your status hasn’t changed by the end of the week, give them a call and politely ask if everything is in order.

Ok, so if I understand correctly, it goes like this:

I go to www.GunBarn.com (or so on) and send in photocopies of my RPAL and order my TT-33. And they check my paperwork with the RCMP and everything seems legit, so they call the CFO to ask for a temporary ATT so that they can send it to me, but the CFO says "wait a minute, not so fast. Kimmy has never had an ATT before, so before you can ship her the gun, we are going to have to process a long-term ATT for her."

Is that how it breaks down? Because if so, then yeah, that's kind of bogus.

That’s pretty much it………..I’d suggest for your first restricted firearms purchase, try and stay within BC……..BC gun dealers have a “direct line” to the BC CFO and it might help speed up the process a bit……..And as I said, once you get your licence, even if you plan to join a local club, join these guys:

http://www.silvercore.ca/memberships

They help "fill out" the ATT form for you, and leverage several perfectly legal loopholes that will allow your long term ATT to cover any and all future restricted firearms purchases, from 1 to zillion guns, and allow you to travel (on route) with your firearm(s) within the Province to any and all licensed gun ranges.

Silvercore’s gun club is the best $30 bucks you could spend (annually) on the shooting sports.

Welcome to the club (legal gun owners), be prepared for a very addictive and fun hobby, but also all the utterly stupid laws and regulations (I don’t advise breaking them obviously), coupled with the pure idiocy spewed by the uneducated, anti-gun folk………..It is worth it though

Ever had any trouble buying online? What you get is what you expected, and so-on? I'm a little leery of ordering a case-hardened revolver and getting a blued one, that sort of thing. Or getting a Nagant with a stock that's really beat up. That sort of thing. Is there ever a hassle with shipping?

And, thanks for the cleaning tips.

-k

Generally, when buying a new item (I include arsenal refinished Soviet guns too) from the stores I linked to (and there’s lots others) no, no problem at all. (Ammunition can be really expensive to ship though) . A good practice is to phone first and talk to someone prior to ordering online though………

As to private sales, unless I either know the person directly or through “a friend of a friend”, I wouldn’t buy the gun without seeing it in person (Like everything, there’s lots of scams online)………Obviously don’t purchase a gun from a guy out the back of a van etc……….Gun shows put on by local clubs are generally safe bets, since those selling said firearms are members of the club, and you’ll find with these small gun shows, they’re usually old farts selling the same deer rifle they bought at Simpson Sears 40 years ago….Their pricing on used guns is generally 120% of retail though (20% extra value for sentimentality)…….But you can find deals from time to time though…….

Another option, if there’s a new gun you like, but the local store doesn’t have it, but you like the folks down at the local store, you can usually try and get them to order it for you (It will cost a bit more though)……..For instance, I’m on a backordered list for a Ruger Mini-14 & Mini-30, and have been for a number of months, but feel comfortable will the dealer.

*Did I mention Once you’ve paired down your wish list, seriously consider picking up a Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle:

Loads of fun, would be great for the zombies, non-restricted and eats surplus NATO 5.56/.223 REM

[kimmy]

Loads of fun, would be great for the zombies, non-restricted and eats surplus NATO 5.56/.223 REM

A Mini-14 has some appeal. A Mini-30 as well, since I already plan to have 7.62x39 ammo. They're both pretty expensive and I don't picture it happening any time soon.

If I was going to buy a gun just for the sake of being able to use .223 Rem, I would give serious thought to one of these:

http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/details/1590/Kel-Tec-SU-16F-Rifle-223-Rem.aspx

As I've mentioned before, portability has strong appeal for me, and this looks pretty darned portable. It's non-restricted, but compatible with AR-15 magazines, which I gather is a plus. It has a built-in rail for mounting sights, and the fore-end can fold out into a bi-pod.

-k

[Guest Derek L]

A Mini-14 has some appeal. A Mini-30 as well, since I already plan to have 7.62x39 ammo. They're both pretty expensive and I don't picture it happening any time soon.

As I said earlier, I got both (A Mini-14 that I got back in the 80s and Mini-30 that’s only a couple of years old) and am getting another one of each…………great, non restricted guns……………really dependable, and I’m sure would be great guns for hunting (I don’t use mine for hunting mind you), plinking and zombie defence in a pinch………

My only gripe, as mentioned by Hickok45, is they are limited to Ruger (or aftermarket Ruger) magazines, which can be hard to find at times………If they came out with a STANAG/AR-15 mag-well adaptor, they would sell even better………I doubt it will ever happen though……..

Basically, their main market, like the AR-15 clones, are the United States………In the States, you can get mid range (bottom range here) AR-15 clones for what you’d pay for a mini-14, so most (younger mall ninjas) will just buy an adaptable AR-15.……………..With that said, a lot of the appeal and benefits of the Mini-14 over a AR clone are that they are so reliable, simple to maintain and last forever………There certainly are millions of parts sources for a AR-15 in North America, but in my opinion, they will be needed……

No doubt about it, the M-16/M-4/AR-15 family isn’t as durable as an AK-47, SKS or the M-14/M-1A/Mini family…………

If I was going to buy a gun just for the sake of being able to use .223 Rem, I would give serious thought to one of these:

http://www.wolverine...le-223-Rem.aspx

As I've mentioned before, portability has strong appeal for me, and this looks pretty darned portable. It's non-restricted, but compatible with AR-15 magazines, which I gather is a plus. It has a built-in rail for mounting sights, and the fore-end can fold out into a bi-pod.

-k

A few friends Have had the SU-16, hence I’ve had the opportunity to “play with it”………IMHO, I think it’s about as accurate as a Mini-14, but I’d question how they would stand-up to long-term use, this is hard to gauge since they haven’t been out that long (Compared to it’s competitors)………..I’d suggest to fork out the extra ~ $50 and get a Mini-14 Ranch Rifle

http://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?pageID=71&&section=1187&section2=1724&section3=1732&ID=11797

They're a known quantity.

With that said, I just spent $2500 on a Benelli MR1 and optics.........In my opinion again, for a SHTF gun, if you’re budget limited, buy a second SKS (keeping it in the Cosmoline) and a couple of crates of ammo…………The best tactical accessory for any shooter is lots of practice.

If you can swing a semi-auto rifle in $800-$1200 range, get a Mini-14, a handful of factory Ruger mags and a crate of 5.56/223.………

When you get into the $1500+ range, for effectiveness, I’d get an ArmaLite M15, with a bunch of mags, optics and spare parts.........I personally almost went this way, but went the MR-1 root because they’re non-restricted, hence not registered, hence if the anti-gun folks get in during the next election………….You see my point

[kimmy]

The Benelli looks interesting. Have seen those on online stores and just assumed they'd be restricted due to looking too much like an AR-15.

-k

[Guest Derek L]

The Benelli looks interesting. Have seen those on online stores and just assumed they'd be restricted due to looking too much like an AR-15.

-k

I’ve taken it out twice since I’ve got it a few weeks ago, and have put ~ 400 rounds through the pipe, right out of the box, then another 100 sighting the new optics………..Not a single problem and more accurate then I can shoot out of the box…………Though it’s a relatively “new gun design”, the gas system (ARGO) is from their M4 semi-auto combat shotgun, which is used by the Marines and Navy Seals. It’s a great gun and well worth the money……….My only complaint was it took a little bit of getting use to field stripping it to clean (practice makes perfect)…………It’s even got me considering an M4 shotgun, which I’ve always been reluctant to consider due to price, as such, the finance minister has told me if I want the M4, I’ve got to sell some guns first.

Edited August 6, 2012 by Derek L

[Guest Derek L]

I’ve taken it out twice since I’ve got it a few weeks ago, and have put ~ 400 rounds through the pipe, right out of the box, then another 100 sighting the new optics………..Not a single problem and more accurate then I can shoot out of the box…………Though it’s a relatively “new gun design”, the gas system (ARGO) is from their M4 semi-auto combat shotgun, which is used by the Marines and Navy Seals. It’s a great gun and well worth the money……….My only complaint was it took a little bit of getting use to field stripping it to clean (practice makes perfect)…………It’s even got me considering an M4 shotgun, which I’ve always be reluctant to consider due to price, as such, the finance minister has told me if I want the M4, I’ve got to sell some guns first.

And no, mine's got a 20" barrel so non-restricted (They do sell ones with a shorter barrel that are restricted though)

[kimmy]

I called the RCMP firearms office yesterday and they said they were done with it and that it's been forwarded on to the BC CFO for final approval, but because the BC CFO is backlogged right now, it will probably take a while. She said it may take more than the usual 45 days.

-k

[Guest Derek L]

I called the RCMP firearms office yesterday and they said they were done with it and that it's been forwarded on to the BC CFO for final approval, but because the BC CFO is backlogged right now, it will probably take a while. She said it may take more than the usual 45 days.

-k

I still wouldn’t sweat it though, the “45” days includes typically receiving it in the mail………It was a short work week from the long weekend, since it didn’t get printed today, I bet it get’s printed next Friday, and you receive it Wednesday or Thursday the following week

Hang in there

Edited August 11, 2012 by Derek L

[Guest Derek L]

Go buy the less exciting things (that add up in price) that you’ll need……

My advice for a beginner:

.30 calibre, .22lr and 12 gauge bore snakes (about $20-30 each), don’t waste your time with rods, brushes and patches………

Get a can of aerosol cleaner and oil, plus a small bottle each of Hoppes penetrating oil and solvent……and the break cleaner (about $50 bucks for the lot)

Buy a three pack of either Master or Remington trigger locks (Much cheaper buying in bulk then one at a time ~$20-30) Don’t buy cable locks.

Since you wont be buying really expensive rifles initially, buy a couple of cheapo nylon, fleece lined gun cases……..make sure you get one or two of each sizes (Shotgun (and most .22s and carbines like a SKS) and rifle sizes)……..that should run you about $20 per

If you don’t have any, buy a couple of good quality, of various sizes, screwdrivers (Don’t use multi bits)

A rubber mallet

A 1/8, 1/4 and 3/16 PIN (Not center) punch.

Silicone cleaning cloth

As for storage, and obviously it’s not the greatest idea to convoy it over the internet what you plan to do, initially with just non restricted rifles (as I’m sure you learned in your course) with a cheapo case and trigger lock you’ll be perfectly legal both transporting and putting your guns in the closet…….

But ammo (especially big crates of surplus) is a different kettle of fish………My advice, buy a cheapo “Stack On” gun cabinet from Crappy Tire (probably about ~$100-150), they’re basically a high school locker and could be pried open with a crowbar, but would be perfectly suitable and legal for storing ammo………Don’t worry about bolting it to the floor/wall, ammo is heavy.

Now when you decide to purchase your first restricted, legally with a trigger lock, you could keep it inside said cabinet, but my advice would be to save up and purchase a gun safe, then you can keep your non-restricted guns (sans trigger lock) inside and with a trigger lock, your restricted(s) inside as well………Don’t spend thousands of dollars on “fire proof” safes (like me) that weigh a ton (If your place is burning down, you’ll likely have greater problems and that’s what insurance is for), but you’d be more then fine with a safe from Costco (Your money would go further than Crappy tire) in the $500-700 range…..they weigh a couple hundred pounds, are carpet lined and could still be broken into, but doing so would require a big grinder/chop saw/torch, things a common thief wouldn’t usually have on them……

Bolt them to the floor/wall and put a couple of hundred rounds of ammo in the bottom…..they’d need a dolly to move it…….One rule of thumb for sizing of safes, when the manufacture says “8 gun safe”, it’s actually about a 4-5 gun safe. Also, from experience, figure out how many guns you plan to purchase in the near term, and buy the next size or two up

[kimmy]

Thanks for the shopping list.

I already have a gun locker and a safe installed in my apartment. Did it last month as part of my project to remodel the shelves in the storage room. Had planned on waiting, but found the 14-gun Stack-On locker at Cajun Tire at 50% off and jumped on it. I have a real actual safe installed as well, bolted to the wall and rock solid. Should be fine for pistols, as well as all the other things I don't want to get stolen. I also noticed 3-packs of trigger-locks at Cajun Tire for $25. I forget which brand they were.

A couple of questions:

-protective eyewear: I understand it's mandatory at a range. Do they need to be specifically designed for shooting? I've got several pairs of protective polycarbonate glasses that I wear while I operate powertools. Would these be considered adequate?

-ear protection: basically same question. Do I need something specifically designed for firearms, or would the stuff I use while I'm operating machinery be adequate?

Saw this Kel-Tec shotgun...

http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/shotguns/ksg/

12-gage pump-action with 2 seven-round tubular magazines that are selectable with lever, so you could have one side loaded with 00-buck shot for bears, and the other with bird-shot in case you spot a tasty-looking grouse. It's in a bull-pup configuration, with an 18.5" barrel and a 26" overall length... it's almost like these guys set out thinking "What is the absolute most bad-ass gun we could build and still be non-restricted in Canada?" Obviously, the compact size, large magazine capacity, selectable ammo source, and 12-gage firepower make this tremendously appealing. The downside is Kel-Tec's reputation for less-than-rugged products, and the "gamer-dork" look of the gun.

-k

[Guest Derek L]

Thanks for the shopping list.

I already have a gun locker and a safe installed in my apartment. Did it last month as part of my project to remodel the shelves in the storage room. Had planned on waiting, but found the 14-gun Stack-On locker at Cajun Tire at 50% off and jumped on it. I have a real actual safe installed as well, bolted to the wall and rock solid. Should be fine for pistols, as well as all the other things I don't want to get stolen. I also noticed 3-packs of trigger-locks at Cajun Tire for $25. I forget which brand they were.

Hey, can't go wrong with 50% off!!!

Since their safes (I do believe) aren’t carpet lined (mine are and I still use them on most of mine), I’d pick up some Gun socks.....As advertised, they do help with humidity, and most importantly, the ever unpopular “oh shit” scratches……..FYI, guns, especially those with slings, have a life of their own well inside a safe……They sometimes fall over on their own, and those rifles with slings tend to wrap said sling around another rifle with expensive optics leading to the creation of new swear words when one goes to remove said rifle with said sling……

As to the trigger locks, if at Crappy Tire, they’re likely Master brand……..I just picked up a pack yesterday….Get ones with keys (said keys are interchangeable amongst locks) and stay away from the ones with combinations……..If you forget it, it really sucks drilling out a lock on a gun…..And it usually only happens on really expensive guns, with custom triggers mind you.

A couple of questions:

-protective eyewear: I understand it's mandatory at a range. Do they need to be specifically designed for shooting? I've got several pairs of protective polycarbonate glasses that I wear while I operate powertools. Would these be considered adequate?

-ear protection: basically same question. Do I need something specifically designed for firearms, or would the stuff I use while I'm operating machinery be adequate?

Both are fine...I normally wear my regular glasses or sunglasses, with disposable foam ear plugs.

Saw this Kel-Tec shotgun...

http://www.keltecwea...s/shotguns/ksg/

12-gage pump-action with 2 seven-round tubular magazines that are selectable with lever, so you could have one side loaded with 00-buck shot for bears, and the other with bird-shot in case you spot a tasty-looking grouse. It's in a bull-pup configuration, with an 18.5" barrel and a 26" overall length... it's almost like these guys set out thinking "What is the absolute most bad-ass gun we could build and still be non-restricted in Canada?" Obviously, the compact size, large magazine capacity, selectable ammo source, and 12-gage firepower make this tremendously appealing. The downside is Kel-Tec's reputation for less-than-rugged products, and the "gamer-dork" look of the gun.

It looks like quite the mall ninja/Star Trek gun…………All those extra moving parts, as stated by the law of Murphy, would malfunction when you really needed them……….I would bet it goes the way of the dual Pump/Semi-Auto

...scary looking, but heavy and unreliable.......For that type of money, buy a good 870 pump.

As to the question on what type of shots to load…..A couple of options:

Alternate between 00 and bird shot…keep 00 in the pipe with bird shot next in line….You see a bird, slowly cycle the action (without pulling the trigger), thus unloading the 00 onto the ground well loading the bird shot…..

Or keep a bird shell in the pipe, followed by another bird shot, then the remainder 00.…If you’re worried about predators well out in the bush, bird shot (even not aimed at them) still has a better than fair chance to scare them off…..If not, you have 00 after two “warning shots”…..

A safer option, would be to keep nothing in the pipe and short load the magazine with 00 by one shell…….keep a couple of rounds of bird shot in your pocket, you see a bird, load into the mag, rack it, then shoot. Remember though, if you’re hunting birds with a shotgun, you’re only allowed three live rounds in the gun.

Now in a Zombie combat situation, I’d say practice doing what the military/police train to do: If you’re able to safely, after firing a single shot, rack, reload one, then shoot the next…With practice, you‘ll get good at this very quick….Then you’ll always have a “reserve” of shells loaded, coupled with the fully loaded Colt 1911 .45ACP on your hip

45 Ball stops them all

[kimmy]

Both are fine...I normally wear my regular glasses or sunglasses, with disposable foam ear plugs.

Awesome

I hope I never have to kill an animal in self-defense. I've been hiking in increasingly remote areas, and the closest I've come to a bear is a black bear that was probably 200 yards away, and I was able to avoid a situation before he even saw me. And I'd hope that a warning shot would be adequate if I do ever find myself in a situation. I love animals, and animals love me. Someday, when my dream of having my own hillbilly haven is a reality, I anticipate that guns are going to be a daily part of my life. As I mentioned before, I often think of seeing my great-grandma heading off to her garden with her bucket and trowel in one hand and a rifle in the other, because she was more likely to meet coyotes and blackbears in her garden than slugs or weevils. But also, it's likely that when I do finally have my hillbilly haven, my nearest neighbors are going to be drug growers, bikers, neo-Nazis, and deranged loners. The idea that I might need to protect myself from humans is in the back of my mind, even without an SHTF situation.

I think the Kel-Tec shotgun retails for about $900 in Canada, so I really can't picture buying it any time soon (probably, a Mossberg 500 with interchangeable stocks and barrels will be my first shotgun). Still, it's a neat idea. Kel-Tec seem like their business model is basically "design stuff that Kimmy things would be neat". They have neat 5.56mm folding rifles that accept AR-15 mags, and folding 9mm pistol-chambered carbines that accept Beretta 92 mags (and another model that accepts Glock 17 mags).

Someday, something chambered in 9mm is probably on the list. That could be a lot of different things. On the one hand there are Norinco-made Chinese police pistols, or Norinco versions of established guns in 9mm. Then there's the Ruger 9mm/357 combo revolver, which kind of appeals because I definitely plan on having a revolver and a lever-gun in 357.

But someday, if heaven forbid an SHTF scenario became a reality, a 9mm auto pistol and a 9mm pistol-chambered carbine would probably be pretty valuable. And if the pistol and the carbine had interchangeable magazines, that would be very handy.

-k

[Guest Derek L]

Awesome

I hope I never have to kill an animal in self-defense. I've been hiking in increasingly remote areas, and the closest I've come to a bear is a black bear that was probably 200 yards away, and I was able to avoid a situation before he even saw me. And I'd hope that a warning shot would be adequate if I do ever find myself in a situation. I love animals, and animals love me. Someday, when my dream of having my own hillbilly haven is a reality, I anticipate that guns are going to be a daily part of my life. As I mentioned before, I often think of seeing my great-grandma heading off to her garden with her bucket and trowel in one hand and a rifle in the other, because she was more likely to meet coyotes and blackbears in her garden than slugs or weevils. But also, it's likely that when I do finally have my hillbilly haven, my nearest neighbors are going to be drug growers, bikers, neo-Nazis, and deranged loners. The idea that I might need to protect myself from humans is in the back of my mind, even without an SHTF situation.

Like they say, animals tend to be more afraid of humans……I tend to agree, most likely you’ll never need a gun for defence from both two or four legged predators. I first went hunting with my Dad when I was 6 or 7 and in the 40 plus years since, have never needed to defend myself…..With that said, it’s still a nice reassurance, and a couple of grand spent on a few guns, ammo and all the bits would be more valuable then any insurance policy if such SHTF scenario came about………..And besides, shooting is fun

I think the Kel-Tec shotgun retails for about $900 in Canada, so I really can't picture buying it any time soon (probably, a Mossberg 500 with interchangeable stocks and barrels will be my first shotgun). Still, it's a neat idea. Kel-Tec seem like their business model is basically "design stuff that Kimmy things would be neat". They have neat 5.56mm folding rifles that accept AR-15 mags, and folding 9mm pistol-chambered carbines that accept Beretta 92 mags (and another model that accepts Glock 17 mags).

As I’ve said before, I don’t have much experience with Kel-Tec, but they’re obviously popular and American made……..There’s nothing wrong with buying a gun, whoever makes it, if you just plain like it……Like I was saying earlier, I’ve got a bunch of old battle & cowboy rifles/handguns that I take great pleasure in not only shooting, but also restoring/repairing……..My son, nephew and their friend are developing into semi mall ninjas with their taste for all things “tactical“ , though I tease them, in the big scheme of things, they’re not hurting anyone, and I’d much rather them having a hobby then sitting in front of a video game all day or worse, in a “teen gang”……….Like I’ve said, whatever blows your hair back

With that being said, if you’re looking for a gun(s) that one day you might need to save your life, the easiest criteria to follow in selection, is if it’s a combat proven design used by police or military……..Though I liken the debate between a Mossberg 500 and a Remington 870 as akin to Chevy vs. Ford (It’s Chevy by the way), both are used by police and law enforcement………In fairness to what you might read in reviews or comparisons to the two brands, when compared, Mossberg’s higher end 500/590A1 is usually compared against Remington’s value brand 870 Express models, and for a shotgun in the $400-500 range, I’d say take the Mossberg with the knowledge that Remington’s police and Wingmaster models in the $700-1000 range are the better gun.

Someday, something chambered in 9mm is probably on the list. That could be a lot of different things. On the one hand there are Norinco-made Chinese police pistols, or Norinco versions of established guns in 9mm. Then there's the Ruger 9mm/357 combo revolver, which kind of appeals because I definitely plan on having a revolver and a lever-gun in 357.

Sorry Kimmy, I have to draw the line in the sand here……Norinco’s are junk……Poor QC, made by slave labour, pirating designs from giants like Colt, Remington, Springfield etc…….Don’t waste your money, especially on their ammo, which has the potential to hang fire, squib and to say nothing of gamming up your gun….

But someday, if heaven forbid an SHTF scenario became a reality, a 9mm auto pistol and a 9mm pistol-chambered carbine would probably be pretty valuable. And if the pistol and the carbine had interchangeable magazines, that would be very handy.

Like I was saying before, there is a utility to having a pistol calibre carbine that shares mags with a pistol……..From old cowboy guns to modern Beretta’s………..As to Glock itself, I won’t argue with their record since the 80s, I’m not a huge fan for personal reasons (I don’t like the feel or fit to my hands), and I just sold my last one. Police have been using them for decades, but due in part to issues with then Gen 4 Glock coupled with the very well designed and manufactured Smith & Wesson M&P lines, Police forces are switching to the Smith’s.

For a modern service pistol, I’d say either get a Glock Gen 3 (or older), a Beretta 92 or the S&W M&P 9mm………My wife and I both love our M&P’s and Beretta's........All three makers have good records.

With that said, I doubt either three will still be in major use 100 years from now when the 1911 is celebrating it’s bicentennial of service

[kimmy]

For a modern service pistol, I’d say either get a Glock Gen 3 (or older), a Beretta 92 or the S&W M&P 9mm………My wife and I both love our M&P’s and Beretta's........All three makers have good records.

With that said, I doubt either three will still be in major use 100 years from now when the 1911 is celebrating it’s bicentennial of service

What about the 1911 variants that are chambered in 9mm? Is that a good compromise? It looks a good way of not having to choose between the ultra-rugged design and the more popular/affordable ammo. Or is the 45ACP a major part of what makes the 1911 special?

Also, why an older glock? Are the newer ones crappy?

A couple of questions: as I'm interested in all this Commie surplus stuff, chances are pretty good I'm going to be shooting corrosive ammo at some point. I have read that it's very important to clean your gun right after shooting with that stuff. I've also read that in addition to oil, you need to pre-clean with water, Windex, or some blend of water and Windex, or ... well, I've seen several different stories. Do you have any corrosive ammo advice?

On a similar note: it might be hard (or at least expensive) to buy anything other than FMJ for my Soviet guns. That's fine for my purposes for the time being... but supposing I want to shoot a deer or a zombie some day... is it possible to turn an FMJ into a JSP using a Dremel, file, knife, etc? Or would that just be asking for a face full of shrapnel?

-k