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Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: alfsauve on November 13, 2010, 07:44:44 PM

Title: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: alfsauve on November 13, 2010, 07:44:44 PM: Take a gander. You're looking at a $500 target!

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_udyXWMnOGhI/TN89G_TMh6I/AAAAAAAAgqY/0cmyKh_P-LM/Target20101113.jpg)

The new indoor gun range had their "official" open house today. Free pizza. Several vendors had tables (I got custom molded ear plugs for $50). They had a drawing for 3 guns (XD9, Sig 226 & KelTec 32ACP).

BUT THEY ALSO: had a contest for a S&W Bodyguard .380! $7 entry fee, use their gun and their ammo. The open house was 11am till 6pm. I shot the target about noon. After 3 or 4 large cups of coffee that morning. Scored just okay, 44/50. Went back at 5:30 just in case I needed to re-shoot. Only one other person came close, 42, and when the contest ended at 6, I won!

ALLRIGHT!

To make it even sweeter, after pictures and congratulations all around, I asked if instead of the gun, I could get credit towards another purchase. No problem, I got $500 store credit. I don't know what I want, though PROBLEMS PROBLEMS PROBLEMS. Don't need another .380. Don't want another 1911. Thinking a sub-compact, like a PPS or an XD. Maybe I could bundle a good red-dot scope in with a compact Ruger? I could just get another XD9 Tactical as a backup competition gun. Or should I go for a Glock, then I could shoot in Glock league. Maybe that's the ticket.

SO...you guys are now looking at a "pro" shooter.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: twyacht on November 13, 2010, 08:07:55 PM: Right place at the right time.

Right shooter at the right time.

Priceless.

Congratulations!!! Mr. Alfsuave, aka Pro Shooter....you still won't look as good as the female shooters in your category, but all the same;

YOU DA' MAN & GOOD SHOOTIN'
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 13, 2010, 08:15:52 PM: BUY THAT.22 ! ;D
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: MikeBjerum on November 13, 2010, 08:45:40 PM: Congrats on the shootin and the prize!

Enjoy the shoppin!
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 13, 2010, 09:13:04 PM: Look. I will wipe the Kool Aide from my face and say this. A Browning Challenger II .22 is the most accurate pistol you'll ever own. I sold mine on this board and the buyer sent me back a range report. No offence Alf, but he made you look like a punk. 10 in the 10 ring at 25 yards, and you could probably have covered the spread with a silver dollar. It was more than that gun ever did for me and I'm glad it found a good home (I also have added his name to my list of people I never want to piss off ;D).

That being said. Unless you like punching paper and just want a target pistol, I would take that $400 and buy one of the following. Either a Glock 26 or 27 (depending on whether you like 9mm or .40) or a Bond derringer in the Texas Defender model. Choose your caliber with the Bond. The barrels are interchangeable. Just buy from the facorty and have the (lighter) competition spring and extended grips installed. $70 extra and worth twice every penny if you have big hands like me.
The thing is, both guns are "drop it in your front pocket, clean it once a year, and it will still go bang and kill a man across the room" guns. Too me, those are worth ten paper punchers. YMMV.
FQ13
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: Hazcat on November 14, 2010, 07:23:50 AM: ALL RIGHT MR SAUVE!

Ya dun good! BUT, don't go to the dark side! ;) Maybe some optics?
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: jaybet on November 14, 2010, 07:31:07 AM: NICE!!! All that hard work finally pays off!
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: sledgemeister on November 14, 2010, 08:57:12 AM: Quote from: alfsauve on November 13, 2010, 07:44:44 PM
Take a gander. You're looking at a $500 target!

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_udyXWMnOGhI/TN89G_TMh6I/AAAAAAAAgqY/0cmyKh_P-LM/Target20101113.jpg)

The new indoor gun range had their "official" open house today. Free pizza. Several vendors had tables (I got custom molded ear plugs for $50). They had a drawing for 3 guns (XD9, Sig 226 & KelTec 32ACP).

BUT THEY ALSO: had a contest for a S&W Bodyguard .380! $7 entry fee, use their gun and their ammo. The open house was 11am till 6pm. I shot the target about noon. After 3 or 4 large cups of coffee that morning. Scored just okay, 44/50. Went back at 5:30 just in case I needed to re-shoot. Only one other person came close, 42, and when the contest ended at 6, I won!

ALLRIGHT!

To make it even sweeter, after pictures and congratulations all around, I asked if instead of the gun, I could get credit towards another purchase. No problem, I got $500 store credit. I don't know what I want, though PROBLEMS PROBLEMS PROBLEMS. Don't need another .380. Don't want another 1911. Thinking a sub-compact, like a PPS or an XD. Maybe I could bundle a good red-dot scope in with a compact Ruger? I could just get another XD9 Tactical as a backup competition gun. Or should I go for a Glock, then I could shoot in Glock league. Maybe that's the ticket.

SO...you guys are now looking at a "pro" shooter.

You had me until you mentioned buying a glock. Damn whats next a democrat membership? :'(
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: Timothy on November 14, 2010, 10:06:09 AM: Well done Alf!

It's blurry but it looks like a B-16 target, Yes?
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: MikeBjerum on November 14, 2010, 10:27:57 AM: Quote from: Timothy on November 14, 2010, 10:06:09 AM
Well done Alf!

It's blurry but it looks like a B-16 target, Yes?

B-16 is the 25 yard slow fire target, and the one in the photo looks identical to my stack except for the nice holes ;)

Alf, I am becoming a politically correct kind of a guy, so if you want a Glock you just go for it. Our friends of NRA is holding a raffle for a Glock, and I had to answer a lot of questions about it last weekend. You know what I found out? I have never shot a Glock :-\ But, like I told the guys buying tickets "If you win anyone is willing to take a Glock in trade."

Congrats again, and I will most likely drool over any banger you buy with the prize certificate ;D
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: Timothy on November 14, 2010, 11:11:56 AM: So we're looking at a 5-5/16" black and about a 2-1/2" group at 25 yards?

I'll take that, any day of the week!
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: ellis4538 on November 14, 2010, 12:36:16 PM: Buy a Glock and shoot in the GSSF matches and maybe win another Glock.

Good shooting

Richard
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: alfsauve on November 14, 2010, 01:16:23 PM: Replies:

FQ: No offense. I know it's only a so-so target. Right place, right time.

FQ and Tom: It was a Challanger! The range rental gun. But I don't think I'll buy it. I've got a Buckmark which I can shoot as well or better.

Timothy: Yes a B-16. (I didn't want to use too much bandwidth, is why the picture is small)

HazCat: I'm thinking of the optics route.

Everyone: Having a Glock would allow me into the GSSF match. For goodness sakes they're a local company. (same county even). And as M58 said, you can always trade a Glock.

My real priority is two fold, an FN FAL and a 6.5mm bolt action capable of sub-moa. Both of these purchases required more $ than my gift certificate, which I don't have right now.

I inquired about using the money for "instructor" training, but the range doesn't offer "instructor" classes.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 14, 2010, 01:23:51 PM: Quote from: alfsauve on November 14, 2010, 01:16:23 PM
Replies:

FQ: No offense. I know it's only a so-so target. Right place, right time.

FQ and Tom: It was a Challanger! The range rental gun. But I don't think I'll buy it. I've got a Buckmark which I can shoot as well or better.

Timothy: Yes a B-16. (I didn't want to use too much bandwidth, is why the picture is small)

HazCat: I'm thinking of the optics route.

Everyone: Having a Glock would allow me into the GSSF match. For goodness sakes they're a local company. (same county even). And as M58 said, you can always trade a Glock.

My real priority is two fold, an FN FAL and a 6.5mm bolt action capable of sub-moa. Both of these purchases required more $ than my gift certificate, which I don't have right now.

I inquired about using the money for "instructor" training, but the range doesn't offer "instructor" classes.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Have you tried a Shmidt - Rubin K-31 ? It's 7.5 Swiss but uberaccurate.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: alfsauve on November 14, 2010, 04:01:41 PM: Quote from: tombogan03884 on November 14, 2010, 01:23:51 PM
Have you tried a Shmidt - Rubin K-31 ? It's 7.5 Swiss but uberaccurate.

I looked at the K31. One of the TV shows ran a piece on it recently. You know, I'm tempted with all the various "old" rifles that we talk about on here. Tempted. But that's really not in the plans. They're all neat and I could get any number of them, such as a Nagant with ammo real cheap....but....I got other things. There are all sorts of EOTWAWKI purchases I could make, but I'm into "what-do-I-really-need-and-would-use-right-now" mode.

For rifles, my priority is a 6.5mm - varmint.......very accurate with suppressor. Second but way down the list would be a 308, an FN FAL over an M1A. Trouble is I have no extra money, so I have to stay close to $500 for now.

I'm happy with my current crop of pistols though I might like to trade my P99AS for a QA.

On one hand, I hate to waste the "windfall" and not get a gun, but on the other hand my need for optics and "leather" and other accessories is far greater.

Maybe a shotgun! Maybe a real tactical shotgun! Or maybe a really good trap/skeet one. I'll call my friend Bob, who's really "into" trap/skeet and see what he says.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: Dakotaranger on November 14, 2010, 04:09:29 PM: Congradulations
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: Big Frank on November 14, 2010, 05:47:09 PM: Maybe you can get more bullets and brass.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: twyacht on November 14, 2010, 05:53:46 PM: Swedish Mausers are 6.5, and extremely accurate, ask m25... If bolt's not the game, the 6.5's AR's are a pricey item. Perhaps layaway? with your winnings?

Optics and accessories to use with what you have is always a viable option.

Soon, being a pro and all, you'll get sponsors, than have all the stuff you want... 8)

At least ammo, for what you already have. ;)
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: Timothy on November 14, 2010, 06:13:44 PM: All 500 bucks will buy you is an entry level skeet/trap gun at best. Stoeger maybe, Hungarian or Turkish made I think, kinda heavy for target work. There might be a few others.

I've been interested for a while but the price of a good skeet gun rises sharply when you look at American made guns. I'm interested in nothing else at this point.

I use my 870 Wingmaster Pump for trap and skeet, it has a short barrel and I do alright with it.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 14, 2010, 07:00:28 PM: I don't mean to hijack the thread but I need to ask Tim "How short is short on his shotgun barrel"
Is 18 1/2 inches long enough to get the (2 3/4 ) shot out to the clay ?
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 14, 2010, 07:40:22 PM: Tough calls indeed Alf, but nice problems to have. Believe me, I wasn't dissing your target. You'd beat me with that group. I was just remarking on how accurate the Challenger frame could be in the hands of someone scary good, when I thought you might be looking at one. It really is a sweet shooter. As to your trap/skeet gun? $500 won't get you in the door. Trap shooters tend to like long barreled single shots which are very high dollar as demand is low. Skeet, most prefer over/unders and again, not cheap. Autos like Benelli are popuar as well, but cheap they ain't. I still think you should be able to buy a nice gun for $500-$600. Its a free toy, I'd use it on a gun you'll remember, rather than just on "stuff".Thr only exception would be if I could get 2-3 hours of high end defensive shooting instruction. Thats also something that will stick will you.
FQ13 Good luck.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: Timothy on November 14, 2010, 09:11:05 PM: Quote from: tombogan03884 on November 14, 2010, 07:00:28 PM
I don't mean to hijack the thread but I need to ask Tim "How short is short on his shotgun barrel"
Is 18 1/2 inches long enough to get the (2 3/4 ) shot out to the clay ?

26" Vented Rib........improved cylinder also a 2-3/4 chamber. It's a forty one year old gun...

Skeet and trap have shot restrictions as well, #9 for skeet and 8 to 8-1/2 for 16 yard trap.

You'd have to pattern the gun to see what it can do. Skeet ranges have an out of bounds as well, 44 yards from the trap houses. Normally you're busting the clays well within that range.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 14, 2010, 09:55:35 PM: Thanks,
I've got more questions, I'll start another thread.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 14, 2010, 10:01:49 PM: Quote from: tombogan03884 on November 14, 2010, 09:55:35 PM
Thanks,
I've got more questions, I'll start another thread.
Tom, shotguns and time to think.Does this combination scare anyone else? ;D
FQ13
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 14, 2010, 10:03:59 PM: YES !!!!!! ;D
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: alfsauve on November 15, 2010, 05:19:31 PM: One last post. One last bask in the glory.

Here are pictures of the "big" event.

First there's Ron, store manager, myself and Arlene, range manager, with my target and my gun.

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_udyXWMnOGhI/TOG-LPeIfHI/AAAAAAAAgq8/DNUP8LacH_s/IMG_7926Small.jpg)
How vain can we get. Arlene and I were both wearing glasses that day and took them off for the picture!

And there's a picture of me with the big event "grand opening" poster.

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_udyXWMnOGhI/TOG-Ue75wYI/AAAAAAAAgrs/TqACP4Zm8VI/IMG_7932small.jpg)

For those who care (or not), I'm going to get a Glock 17. Two reasons. This is a bonus. It doesn't affect my "planned" acquisitions. I'm going to enjoy this. Secondly, I don't have any extra money right now so I've got to stay close to $500. And lastly, with a Glock I can then participate in GSSF. Also in the back of my mind, is that a friend's son now works for Glock. If, a long shot, he recommends me for a job there, I want to be able to look the interviewer in the eye and truthfully say, "Why yes, I shoot a Glock in competition." (Sorry XD but a job is a job.)

Alf
(okay shoot me that was 4 reasons)
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: twyacht on November 15, 2010, 05:49:34 PM: "Why yes, I shoot a Glock in competition." (Sorry XD but a job is a job.)

Welcome to The Dark Side..... ::)
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: mkm on November 15, 2010, 06:13:36 PM: Congratulations! Someone get the man his Kool-Aid and cookies. ;D
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: alfsauve on November 15, 2010, 07:10:02 PM: Quote from: mkm on November 15, 2010, 06:13:36 PM
Congratulations! Someone get the man his Kool-Aid and cookies. ;D

It comes with cookies? I'll post pictures of that
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: MikeBjerum on November 15, 2010, 07:49:39 PM: Hey, it is a gun, it goes bang, and we are addicts - Are we really going to hate you for taking a gun of any kind?

Congrats again on the good shooting!

Congrats on the new toy!

Now go out and shoot it!
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 15, 2010, 09:56:39 PM: I haven't drank the Kool ade yet, but from the few Glocks I've tried, and things said by people who own them, both on the forum and around town, it seems like the only 2 semi auto center fire pistols worth owning are 1911 or Glock.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: alfsauve on November 16, 2010, 03:43:12 PM: MONEY IS BURNING A HOLE IN MY POCKET.

Went to the range. Shot a little....could not equal my score from Saturday. :-\

Got serious with the retail sales guy. We tried to work out some things, like have them order my progressive press......wouldn't work cause they don't deal in reloading and they'd have to charge MSRP.... Looked at maybe the Diamonback .380. Maybe a Marlin 336. Finally, I said that this is "found" money. I should just enjoy it and not worry about it.

Looked at the Glocks. Just wanted a stock G17 (9mm), but they were $559. Finally he reached down on the bottom shelf and pulled out a G23 (mid-sized .40S&W) they were hiding. "Nah." say I, " 'cause I'll shoot a little IPSC production and GSSF and I want 9mm. A 40 would be a handicap."

He smiles at me and says, "Oh, but it comes with the 40/9mm conversion barrel from Wolfe, PLUS 2 9mm mags along with 2 .40 mags and it has the Trijicon glow in the dark sites already installed. And the Wolfe barrel is true rifling so you can shoot lead bullets."

$489 (plus tax)

I couldn't get the paper work filled out fast enough.

S W E E T ..... I'm swimin' in the kolaid.

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_udyXWMnOGhI/TOL4Q1uQoHI/AAAAAAAAgsM/qhvgEb9CXVU/IMG_3276small.jpg)
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 16, 2010, 03:45:32 PM: Enjoy ;D
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: PegLeg45 on November 16, 2010, 03:46:51 PM: Very nice pitcher of kool-aide Alf, very nice indeed.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: MikeBjerum on November 16, 2010, 03:57:17 PM: So what flavor is the Kool Aid these days ;)

Good deal Alf!

Some day I see myself breaking down and getting one myself ... just not today.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: tt11758 on November 16, 2010, 04:07:21 PM: Quote from: m58 on November 16, 2010, 03:57:17 PM
So what flavor is the Kool Aid these days ;)

Good deal Alf!

Some day I see myself breaking down and getting one myself ... just not today.

What he said.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: Big Frank on November 16, 2010, 04:50:30 PM: Nice tupperware Alf. You're making me jealous.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: Solus on November 16, 2010, 08:05:25 PM: Great buy, Afl!!!...

I have one G23 and would like another. I'd have jumped on that deal also. Have a first year production G17 also....now I have to look into that conversion kit.

Alf, you might want to check out AGI. They have some very good DVDs on the Glock. You will learn how they work from experts, find out what changes and modifications might be useful, learn how to make the trigger pull very smooth and what options are available for adjusting the trigger weight to what you prefer.

Check them out here http://www.americangunsmith.com/

Here is a link to what they offer for Glock pistols http://www.americangunsmith.com/app/categories/view/69&previous=15/Glock

You also will want to check out Lone Wolf. About everything you will ever need for your Glock....and a nice interactive schematic on the home page.

http://www.lonewolfdist.com/

You are gonna enjoy this.

Take care.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: Majer on November 16, 2010, 09:23:13 PM: WAIT A COTTON PICKIN MINUTE...

How is the 9mm cartridge going to work with a .40S&W slide even if you change the barrel? There is a rather large difference in the size of the bases.I doubt the extractor/ ejector for a .40 will work with a 9mm, Confused minds want to know

Now if it's a .357 Sig barrel, as Emily Littella used to say..."Never Mind"
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: alfsauve on November 17, 2010, 06:32:44 AM: Quote from: Majer on November 16, 2010, 09:23:13 PM
WAIT A COTTON PICKIN MINUTE...

How is the 9mm cartridge going to work with a .40S&W slide even if you change the barrel? There is a rather large difference in the size of the bases.I doubt the extractor/ ejector for a .40 will work with a 9mm, Confused minds want to know

Now if it's a .357 Sig barrel, as Emily Littella used to say..."Never Mind"

Actually there isn't much of a difference at all. Remember the 9mm is a tapered case not a true straight wall. So the spec difference between the diameter of of the base of a 9mm and a .40 is only 3/100's of an inch. Fairly insignificant as far as the extractor is concerned. There's probably that much variation in base size between manufacturers. If I measured all the brass I have, I probably could find a 9mm round with a base bigger than one of the smaller bases of .40. Some of the reloading companies use the same base for 9mm and .40S&W.

.357 Sig? No Problem,
http://www.lonewolfdist.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=948&CAT=241 (http://www.lonewolfdist.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=948&CAT=241)

Also note that I called it Wolfe when actually the manufacturer of the conversion barrel is Lone Wolf

http://www.lonewolfdist.com/ (http://www.lonewolfdist.com/)

I'll start a different thread on my G23 review. Some things I'm liking and some not so much.
Title: Re: Just Turned Pro --- Sort of
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 17, 2010, 12:00:25 PM: Hey man, at a bare minimum you got a nice forty for a great price. If the 9mm conversion works? You beyond win. You will always find one or the other. That is one hell of deal, and don't ever think otherwise. I gotta ask though? Did the Kool Aide dealer offer you a free box of ammo? Over on the darkside, its traditional to say "The first one's free". You lose style points if you don't. ;D
FQ13