Just had to make it mine!

I just had to try making some custom grips for my new 1911. Bought the whitest piece of craft wood I could find and cut, carved and sanded them to fit me. They feel great and I also did some filing on the left side safety. After initial issues I now have 450 problem free rounds down range. I am finally going to get to shoot it for accuracy.

Oh no!!!! Not another one.

I have been wanting a metal semi automatic pistol that is hammer fired. My S&W M&P is a plastic bodied striker fired semi automatic and is a great gun. A hammer fired pistol usually comes with a much better trigger. After a bunch of internet research and talking to the guys at the range I decided on a 1911 model. The design of this pistol was first put into service in 1911, hence the name. Well, you can pay thousands of $ for a 1911 or you can go the cheap route and buy a imported model from the Philippines. I did some research and decided to go the cheap route. I also needed to decide on a caliber as the original was 45 ACP. I have shot a 45 1911 at the range and because of the design the gun was very comfortable to shoot, just expensive. Since 9mm is what my S&W is I decided on a 9mm 1911. This limited my choices significantly. I ended up with a Rock Island Armory 1911 9mm tactical version. The tactical version is more expensive but comes with things I would want to add anyhow (trigger and sights). So here it is"

 I added the second picture to show the sights I painted as it came with black front and rear sights. Also I add some finger grove grips. They are put on under the stock wood grips. Trigger needs a little work.

Well, the first 400 rounds was a pain in the ass. I kept having extraction issues. Since I had broken the gun down way past the normal field strip to get all the shipping grease out of it, I was confident enough to attempt a fix for the problems I was having. I purchased a new extractor, installed it and properly tensioned it and headed to the range. Well everything worked great and I shot 100 rounds without 1 issue. Gun is fun to shoot and very accurate. 

Final Update

Bluing and grips done. Shot it yesterday and still very heavy trigger. But was a fun project.

After

Before

You might be able to see all the rounding of the sharp edges that I did. Most noticeable is in front of trigger guard.

Project Update Two

Finally stripped off all the paint. Polished it up some more and decided to attempt bluing it. The best bluing process is 'hot' bluing and takes several different nasty chemicals, I am not doing that. I bought a 2 oz tube of Birchwood Casey bluing paste. This process is called 'cold' bluing and is not ad deep and strong a finish. This is not a problem as this was, and is, a POS hand gun. I also did a bit more work on the grips and they are really close to being complete. Here it is now:

The bluing will take another coat and I am not showing the other side. The other side include the side plate that you remove to get to the internals. It is made of a different metal and did not come out like I wanted. I'll have to figure out what to do about it.

I shot it on Thursday and still had some FTF. They all fired the second time around. So I just keep pulling the trigger until I get 7 bangs. Hopefully it's due to old ammo. I did polish up the hammer and spring rod and it smoothed out the trigger pull a lot. I have found another spring that will fit and it is lighter so I am going to try that out after I fine some 22LR ammo.

Project Update

The gun needs to be refinished. I made an attempt at painting it with high temp black paint. I didn't like the way it looked so I stripped it all off and ended up with what you see below. I also decided to make some grips for it as the plastic ones make a cheap gun look even cheaper. 

So here is what I have done so far:

With a file I rounded all the sharp edges. All edges were sharp.

Stripped off old finish and paint, haven't done the cylinder yet and I probably will strip it soon. Polished everything.

While cleaning it up I broke off one of the screw attachments that goes through the hammer and acts as hammer pivot. I fixed that with a 5/32 drill bit and taper roll pin. I need to clean that up.

Started on the wood grips. They still need some work for final fit. 

Here is where we are now:

New Project

The pistol pictured below is an ARMSCO  59 22 caliber revolver. It was made in Nashville TN somewhere between late 1940's and  1950's by Freidmans Army Navy Store. They originally sold for anywhere between $12 and $25. The revolver is strange because you pull out the pin that the cylinder is on and remove the cylinder to load/unload the gun. The pin on mine is just held in by a small clip. Later models had a threaded pin. I guess the pin could fall out. I bought it from a guy at the range and got the pistol, a holster and some ammo for $45. There is a screw missing and one grip is broken but other than that it's all there. I did not buy it to shoot it, I bought it to see if I can fix it up.I'll shoot it a couple of times and put it away.

The gun was very cheaply made. I am not sure but the barrel is not rifled. This thing probably is as accurate as throwing bricks at someone. The trigger pull almost took two hands but after I took it apart and cleaned and oiled it it is better but still very stiff. The gun was sold to me as a working gun so I am gong to the range and shoot it before I really start working on it. I have actually found a place to get parts.

This is the gun as purchased. Note missing screw.

This shows how to load/unload.

This is it apart. There was a lot of rust and gunk on the inside.

Here it is back together with the holster and ammo.

I have found a place to buy parts and will replace all screws and springs. Possibly a new hammer in case I screw up the old one trying to get the trigger pull down to a manageable level.

UPDATE (3/27/14) - Took it to range today and it worked fine. Tough to figure out how to aim it but it shoots straight. It is now completely broken down again and sanding/polishing has started.

More changes to the Ruger Blackhawk

First off I love the gun. I can shoot it very accurately and even in 357 it is loads of fun to shoot. I have this problem of not being able to leave things alone so I have taken the gun completely apart, which is fairly easy compared to a Smith & Wesson, and made some changes. First I replaced the existing hammer with one from a Super Blackhawk. That hammer is a bit lower and eaiser to reach for cocking the gun. It was a pain holding everything together to get it back in the gun but it went in eventually.

Next is some trigger and hammer shims. Rugers are well built, strong and dependable and at $150 less than a comparable Smith & Wesson there are corners cut. The fitting of moving parts, while servicable, could use some work. A couple of .003 or .005 inch shims and some lube smooths everything out. While the gun is apart some minor polishing also helps.

Next are the trigger and hammer springs. I haven't done this yet but I am for sure going to lighten up the trigger spring. The hammer spring is another story. The experts say a lighter hammer spring adds to the time between the trigger being pulled and the hammer striking the firing pin. This could make the gun less accurate.

Since I am getting a thrill out of working on the gum I will reduce the hammer spring and if it hurts accuracy I will put the old one back in.

Here is a pic with the new hammer. Hopefully you can see the difference from the picture from previous post. This pic also shows the grips I made. The originals were a bit short and slippery. This was my first attempt at making grips. I have bought a set of Hogue grips and usually have them on the gun as they are really comfortable and absorb most of the recoil.

Becoming Addicted

About a year ago I took up shooting as a hobby to cover golf on rainy days. My first purchase was a semi automatic 9mm Smith and Wesson M&P. I love the gun and have made it mine with a few changes. While at the range I usually also rent a revolver. I tried a bunch and didn't like the small ones. I zeroed in on a Ruger GP100 357 with a 4 inch barrel.

After a lot of research I decided to buy a revolver and bought a Ruger Blackhawk 357 with a 4.6 inch barrel and made in stainless steel. This is single action revolvers with modern upgrades. One reason for single action is that it takes more time to load and unload. And shooting in single action is, at least for me, much more accurate than double action.

After several range trips I decided it needed different grips as while the original grips are great looking they were to small. It was a great up grade. I also painted the front sight red and outlined the rear sight in white.

9/11 Museum

Just saw a story on CBS 60 minutes and have to vent. They were discussing what to put in and what to hold back because it was too horrific.

In my opinion they should take a walk through the OKC bombing museum.

I feel that at the 9/11 museum 20% of the visitors can't make it through it and 100% of the people coming out should be crying.

WE WILL NOT FORGET!!!!!!!!!!!

M&P Update

My Smith & Wesson 9mm is a tad over 6 months old. I love the gun but you have to customize it to make it your own.

When I was looking at what to buy I really liked the finger grips and trigger on the Glocks but they just didn't feel right in my hand. I have added a Hogue hybrid grip that has finger grooves and it is really comfortable. I bought it on eBay for $11 delivered. I figured if I didn't like them I was only out $11. Turns out it was the best $11 I've spent (recently).

Now for the trigger. M&P are known for long trigger pull that is 'gritty' as the trigger bar slides up the striker block. Also the articulated trigger makes it sloppy. I had learned to shoot it fairly well and wanted some help in being more consistent. APEX has come out with a trigger kit that solves all the inherent trigger quirks and makes the M&P trigger shoot like a 1911. A much shorter pull with less weight required.

While I would have loved to install it myself I decided to have a pro do the work. I picked it up today and went straight to the range. WOW, I wish I had pictures of my target. With careful aim, 10 ring was no problem. Rapid fire and I was shooting 4 inch groups.

More to follow.

Smith & Wesson M&P 9

Well, I needed something to help lower my blood pressure after the election and I needed something to do when the weather was so bad I couldn't play golf. I have always had an interest in shooting but never found a place to shoot that was convenient.

I went on a search and found a place called Range USA not to far from home. I did some research and they had an indoor range and rental guns. I thought I'd give them a try. I am glad I did.

You need to know the following happened between the November election and the shooting in Connecticut on December 14th.

I walk into the store, find a guy and say I haven't shot a pistol in 45 years and I think I want to take up shooting pistols as a hobby and I asked 'What would you do?" He asks if I will be shooting more the 4 or 5 times a month and I respond yes.  He then recommended a monthly membership that for $50 will get me unlimited range time and rental gun. Since range fee is $10 and rental gun is $10 it sounded like a deal. He then says to shoot the rentals and decide what I want to buy. Fortunately they have over 50 rental pistols in both revolvers and semiautomatics. The only stipulation was you had to use the house ammo in the houses guns. No problem as the ammo was cheap.

I asked the shop guys about availability of handguns so I'll know if I will have to wait after I order something. They say they have good stock on most popular semi autos and can get anything else, within reason, from the distributor in 3 days. They said they are having a mini run but that's not unusual after a democrat is elected president and things should settle down in a month or so.

Well I start shooting the most popular 9mm semiautomatics, Glocks, Rugers, SW, Baretta, Taurus, Khar and Springfield. 9mm because that's cheap and  shooting 22's doesn't do anything for me. I am becoming a regular and they guys say I have shot everything in the case except the revolvers. So instead of buying what I decided on, a Smith andWesson MP9L, I wanted to buy American and it was between that and a Ruger SR9. I start shooting the revolvers they have and I fell in love with a Ruger GP100 357. I didn't like the snub-nose revolvers and did like the 4 inch barrel. 357 because its not a 22 and can shoot cheaper 38 ammo.

While I was still trying to make up my mind, the tragedy in Newton Ct took place.

Within a week the only new guns left in stock were $1000 1911's. I tell them what I am looking for and they would let me know when something becomes available. I am in the store on Dec 20th and they just got in a SW 9mm. I wanted a L version but bought the regular full size on the spot. Glad I did because I love the gun. Only issue is that is was a Massachusetts version with 2 10 round magazines and a 10 pound trigger pull. I spend $20 on the internet for a new trigger spring and they install it for nothing. Range USA rocks!!!

On December 20th I place an order for 2 17 round magazines that cost $23 each. Two days later I get a back order notice. They are impossible to find and if I wanted to I could get some 10 rounders on eBay for $75 each.

I guess I picked the wrong time to pick up a new hobby. I guess I'll have to wait a few months to buy the revolver.

I have over 1000 rounds through the gun and I can hit what I am aiming at and find shooting strangely relaxing. It helps that Range USA is a great place to shoot with a great staff. The people who shoot there are white, black, brown and yellow. They are young and old, male and female. They range from white collar to redneck. If the rest of this country got along like the people at the range we'd all be better for it.

Susan Rice

The GOP isn't against Susan Rice simply because of her role in the Benghazi cover up. Google 'susan rice gives the finger' and read up on what a hot head this women is.

To paraphrase a DC insider, the Benghazi cover up is the least of the reasons to disqualify her for this important role.

Wait...... maybe we need a Secretary of State who gives the finger. She can start at the UN and go from there.

PS.. couldn't get to the range today so I had to vent.

Post Election

It has been awhile since I have posted. I am trying to recover from the election results. I have turned to a new phase in my life. I will NOT let anything bother me, no FOX News, no Rush, no Sean, no talk radio, no editorial page. It has probably lowered my blood pressure 50 points, but since I already have low blood pressure I have to increase my caffeine and nicotine intake. I have even taken this new philosophy to the golf course, score...what score, who cares. but......

Latest headline says, the White House says "Obamacare reduces the deficit". If it reduces the deficit then it must increase revenues (taxes) to cover the cost to cover the uninsured. I mean, that only makes sense. So.......... Oh, never mind, I don't give a crap anymore. Since this country is being run by a bunch a people with their hand out and a bunch of people who think that is OK, WTF should I care.


Oh yeah, I have a new hobby for when the weather is bad and I cannot play golf. I have taken up handgun shooting. 2 boxes of 9mm down range and all is well.

NFL Replacement Refs

What a joke, forget about the debacle during the Monday Night Football game where the refs cost the Packers a victory, the product the NFL is putting on the field is unwatchable. The NFL commissioners office keeps referring to 'maintaining the integrity of the game', well if the integrity of the game is so important why were the players, from both sides, brought back out on the field for an extra point that didn't mean anything? The answer is Las Vegas and betting. Come on Mr Goodell, shut the fuck up!!!!!!!!!

Epic Failure

Folks, the recent attacks on the American embassy in Egypt and Libya have nothing to do with some stupid movie. That movie, albeit in English, has been on YouTube    since July. So, what was the reason for the well orchestrated attacks? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know the date had a lot to do with it, if you didn't know the date of the attacks was September 11th.

So, why is the press and the administration pushing this movie theory? This was an epic failure for both the State Department and the intelligence community. Why weren't the embassies on high alert on Sept 11th? Why were the US Marines guarding the embassy in Egypt forbidden to even have any live ammunition? Why didn't we have any advanced warning as to what's going on? Apparently one of the officials killed in Egypt posted to his friends that the day before he saw strange people hanging around taking pictures and hoped he lived through the night.

Just as President Obama shouldn't get (but the libs are taking) all the credit for finally getting bin Laden, he personally shouldn't get much blame for this failure, unless he sits on his ass and does nothing. So start blaming him now 'cause you know he ain't going to do shit. By 'doing something' I mean some heads in the administration should roll, while going after the perpetrators.

So the mainstream media will continue to carry on as part of the reelection of Obama.

Wisconsin recall elections

First of all these so called recall elections were a farce. You do not have recalls based on policy. You need to have the recall option if your elected official does something really stupid like getting blow jobs from an intern, or paying for his mistress with government money, or abandoning your job as a state legislator and running to Illinois to stop the will of the people from being implemented. You don't get recalled for passing new laws.

Second, people (libs) will say Walker bought the election because he out spent the libs my a huge margin and that a lot of that money came from outside the state. I really don't think that TV ads etc have that big an impact on an election. If you are going to change a voters mind with a TV ad, then that person shouldn't be voting in the first place. As far as out of state money is concerned, were any of the protesters at the state capitol bussed in from out of state?

The numbers are not final but it appears that voter turnout was up by 6% or 350,000 voters. Of that Walker got 209,000 and 'whats his face' got 141,000. Of the total vote Walker got 52% in 2010 and 53% in 2012. Basically nothing changed.

The libs just need to suck it up and next time try to change things at the 'regular' voting box and not one of these special elections. If they want to know how to do that just watch the upcoming presidential election.

Romney and Bain Capital

Dems are having fun criticizing Mitt Romney and Bain Capital. For every example of one of the investments going bad there are 10 that have worked. People forget that any distressed business has to have new investment and that investment has a cost.

Yet, no one wants to bring up GM. How many jobs did GM lose during the government bailout? 20,000 is close and that doesn't include the GM dealerships that were closed nor GM parts suppliers. See my earlier post on screwing the bondholders. If Mitt Romney had orchestrated the GM bankruptcy the MSM wouldn't let him get elected as a dog catcher. But, the golden boy, his minions and union cronies pulled it off without any criticism.

Every time a lib says Bain I say Solyndra. I cannot wait until the GOP takes off the kid gloves and tells the public what is really going on. November cannot get here soon enough.

Obama and Romney

So the Washington Post can dig up stuff on Mitt from 1965. How come they cannot dig up stuff on President Obama from 1965? Just asking.

Social Security

Just released, Social Security is go broke even faster than before. Why is this news, anyone with half a brain knows that a 2% reduction in the 'payroll tax' is really a 2% reduction in social security contributions and the result would be less incoming funds, hence the current headline. When are we going to wake up and fix the mess in Washington? November cannot get here fast enough.

Silver Spoon

President Obama stated that he wasn't born with a silver spoon. HE stated "someone gave us an education".

I am not a birther but I do think his history is important. I normally would say its none of my business but since he brought it up...... who paid for Obama's college education. Occidental, Columbia, Harvard? That's expensive and who paid for it?

Just asking since he brought it up.