bdavison

Yes. I keep it spotlessly clean. Its in MINT condition with flawless bluing, and I intend to keep it that way. It gets the first class treatment all the way. Its the best shooting, most accurate pistol I own, and Ive yet to see any gun with a trigger as perfect as it has. It will never be sold...ever. I got it on my 18th birthday, took 1st place in 8 competitions with it, and cleaned it after every shooting round for the past 14 years. I have a cleaning rod/brush just specifically for that gun only. It will still print same hole groups at 25yds and Ive put well over 10,000 rounds through it. Out of all the guns I own, that one is by far my favorite.

Browning is releasing a "commemorative" issue .22 1911. Its blue with gold inlay. and it comes with a Ka-Bar knife. Wait till you see what they want for it. Academy sports is listing them at $1299 bucks. :o

Even shooting .45 now will run you nearly $200 bucks for 500 rounds. Makes .22 more awesome everyday.

I keep most of my targets in a file, so that I can refer back to them for reference materials. Went back and looked through a few of my "first" time groups for a wide variety of defensive guns. The XD throws down compared to just about any of them. When you consider, that with the exception of the flyer that was my fault, that thing was printing a 1 1/2" group...out of a 4" barrel shooting .45 in a gun that only weighs around 27oz at 30ft, first time out with it ..its freakin sweet. As I shoot it more, Im sure I can tighten that up a lot. I wouldnt be surprised if you could get a full magazine 10 rounds all in 1" with it. The gun certainly seems capable. Its amazing how far they've come with these defensive guns. I remember when you used to need a Gold Cup to get accuracy like that out of .45 Its a keeper for sure. Cant wait to put it in a bit of friendly competition with my buddies and there glock/sig counterparts.

I wouldnt recommend doing that....its mail fraud. But, Im sure if you asked Springfield Armory nicely, they would let you participate in the special deal. Cant hurt to ask.

Here is what the Sig Sauer 522 can do with 25 rounds of cheapo Federal Bulk ammo at 50 yds. Each of those squares is 1 square inch for size comparison

I was really curious about the recoil. Being as it is a .45, and rather compact I was really expecting a kicking mule recoil. It's not. Its just a tad over 9mm in recoil. Very controllable, and not uncomfortable to fire at all. On a scale of 1-10...10 being a cherrybomb in your hand, 1 being a bag of marshmellows....Id rate the recoil about a 5. In comparison, Id rate the 9mm around a 4, and the .22 Mosquito around a 2, and a Derringer in .45-70 around a 10 As for reliability. Absolutely NO hickups. It fired, ejected and chambered a round everytime. I wouldnt hesitate to rely on it for self defense/carry.

Ok, here is the accuracy report. I loaded up three 10 round magazines with 8 rounds each. Ammo was PMJ .45ACP brass with 230gr. Precision Cartridge TCJ bullets. All rounds were fired from 10 yards. Ive included one of the rounds in the photos for size comparison. First grouping. Not real tight, I was getting used to the gun and the recoil. [img width=800 height=537]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294166_2084505511941_1224218575_32035950_421681252_n.jpg Second grouping. Starting to get the feel of it now... [img width=800 height=537]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/318591_2084505991953_1224218575_32035951_836858454_n.jpg Third grouping. Im dialed in. I did have one flyer which you can see to the left at 8:30 on the 6 ring, which was ENTIRELY my fault, not the gun. It occured on my 6th shot of the 8 shot string when I adjusted my grip. Round 7 and 8 are in the bullseye. [img width=800 height=537]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312059_2084506231959_1224218575_32035952_1980763363_n.jpg

The Sig Sauer 522 is hands down the best on in my opinion. The accuracy is superb, but thats not the reason it gets my vote. Many of the tactical .22's have low grade construction. Plastic recievers, modified "airsoft" internals, barrel shrouds, low grade metallurgy, stamped sheet metal parts, etc. The Sig however is built extremely well. Aluminum upper reciever, solid milled bolt, real firing pin (not stamped sheet metal). AR style breakdown with no tools needed, solid one piece barrel, big beefy extractor, ability to work with aftermarket magazines, super smooth action, pre-threaded 1/2 x28 barrel for suppressors.... All this combined puts it in the top of my list, and it continues to do so against not only the current guns, but new ones that come out. Ive just not seen anything that comes close to its construction, reliability and accuracy.

Im not seeing the simularity..however....it is manufactured by Walther for S&W.

Im really impressed with it. Its like a glock perfected. Im planning on putting the first few rounds through it in the morning....Accuracy/Function report coming soon.

It will as soon as I can get some ammo and head to the range. Hopefully be able to swing by there this weekend and dump some rounds out of it. Im really curious as to how accurate it will be.

This is the XD gear that comes with the pistol. [img width=800 height=537]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299845_2081721882352_1224218575_32033980_624891148_n.jpg The pistol with the compact 10 round magazine [img width=800 height=537]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316508_2081722242361_1224218575_32033981_603792799_n.jpg The extended 13 round magazine with the speedloader. [img width=800 height=537]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312675_2081722722373_1224218575_32033983_429069018_n.jpg The magazine holster with the 13 and 10 round magazine [img width=800 height=537]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/314376_2081723282387_1224218575_32033984_355112257_n.jpg The pistol in the holster. [img width=800 height=537]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307514_2081723682397_1224218575_32033985_456618360_n.jpg The reverse side of the gun/holster [img width=800 height=537]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/300332_2081723962404_1224218575_32033986_1995192019_n.jpg The holster and magazine holster has rails on it. The speedloader is equipped so that it can attach to the rails. [img width=800 height=537]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/306737_2081724442416_1224218575_32033988_561697243_n.jpg The gun fieldstripped. [img width=800 height=537]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313592_2081724762424_1224218575_32033989_248155085_n.jpg

I've been on a pistol purchasing qwest of sorts lately. I've been looking for something to use as a concealed carry gun, but still have a little fun with it at the range. After looking around at nearly every sub-compact/compact on the market. I went with the XD Compact .45ACP. I chose this gun because it has a lot to offer, for very little price. While normally I am glued to the 1911 genre of pistols, I was willing to try out new designs as well. The XD Compact has some superb options in my opinion for anyone that is considering transitioning from a 1911 type pistol to a polymer frame compact. Well, actually superb options for anyone purchasing a new pistol period. Here are some of the biggest reasons that I went with the XD. 1. The XD has a grip safety. While this might not be important to some, It is very important to me. Ive had a friend who managed to send a .40 round into his thigh from a glock that fired in the holster. Now many can argue about how safe or unsafe a glock is. But the way I look at it...if there is NO way to prevent the gun from firing if the trigger is pulled. I will never carry it. The XD has the glock type "safety"...where basically the striker cannot fall unless the trigger disengages a striker block. And, it also has the glock type, mini-trigger that wont allow the trigger to be pulled unless you finger is doing the pulling. But unlike the glock, in addition to these "safeties", it also has the grip safety. Now many glock fanboys will tell you that XD just relocated the trigger actuated striker block from the trigger to the grip safety. THIS IS NOT TRUE. The striker block still works exactly the same way as the glock, by the trigger. The grip safety is an added measure, and it works by blocking the sear from dropping by putting a stop in the way. I prefer the XD's safeties mainly because, no finger, belt loop, holster, cord from your jacket, shell casing (all things that have caused misfires with glocks) is going to cause it to fire accidentally. If you dont agree...I dont care. That's the way it is. 2. The XD has a upright grip. Coming from a 1911 background, I have a hard time using memory/point shooting techniques with some non-1911 pistols. Many of the non-1911 pistols have dramatically different grip angles which usually cause me to shoot high. Sure I could re-learn the technique...but I dont want to. If I spend time relearning my positioning to suit one gun...I dissolve my already learned position on the other guns. I want the gun to fit me, not me to learn to fit the gun. Since the grip angle and fit is nearly identical to a 1911, my natural point of aim remains the same with the XD. 3. Reliability. There are many XD shooters that have gone through thousands of rounds, with not a single malfunction. Since I plan to use the XD as a defensive carry gun, It must function everytime. No exceptions. A gun that jams, is a death sentence for anyone that depends on it. 4. Cost The XD is one of the best bang for the buck deals on the market right now. Springfield Armory is packing every XD with 2 magazines, a retention holster, speedloader, dual magazine holster, lock, cleaning rod/brush, and case...all for around $500 bucks. Show me one other manufacture that is even coming close to that deal. On top of that...they are running a "GearUP" special between Sep 1 and Nov 30 that gives you an additional 3 magazines, and another dual magazine holster for FREE. Just send them a copy of your reciept, and in 8-12 weeks you get your free gear. This kinda deal is just unheard of in regards to a high quality pistol. 5. Caliber Im a big 9mm fan. I've always like 9mm because I think it offers a good balance between recoil and power. Its easy to control, accurate and still packs a punch. However, I just couldnt find a 9mm XD that I really liked. They have the 3.8" XDm in 9mm...but its pricy compared to the XD series. One of the big things about the XD Compact .45 that really made me choose it over the 9mm varients of the XD was the combination of a 4" barrel, with a shortened compact grip, which unfortunatly wasnt available in 9mm. So....I went with .45 which is also a good defensive caliber. 6. Capacity. HOLY COW...ok...even the compact mag holds 10 rounds. 10 rounds of .45ACP...in a compact! Oh, but it gets even better. The gun also comes with a 13 round extended mag. No, Im not excited about an extra 3 round capacity. What I'm excited about is that when you insert the extended mag, it transforms the pistol from a compact short gripped pistol, into a full service length gripped pistol. And thats a nice feature to have. Short and compact for daily carry, and full size and comfortable for those extended days at the range. Combine that with all the magazines they give you, and you've got the potential to be loaded out with 54 rounds of .45ACP.....um...what more do you need. Ok, so now on to the good stuff... The pictures. Now bear in mind that I already modified my XD slightly. I painted in the logos with white. I think it looks good like that. Just remember, if you purchase one, the logos will be black like the slide.

Ditto on the BSA. You can see a pic of my 522 with the BSA Contender scope on it on the home page. If you're into marksmanship vs fast-aquisition plinking...the BSA is tops. Its a zoomy, and I can see each hole in the target. Its like having a scope and a spotting scope in one.

.22 Revolvers are great. Ive got a Dan Wesson with a 8" barrel. It is a Tack driver...no joke...same hole shots easily with it. Ive even been able to hit coffee cans at 150yds with the thing. It outshoots rifles. The only bad thing about them...they are a BIXOTCH to clean. Its like cleaning 7 barrels with all the cylinder chambers, and the top strap/frame gets pretty dirty too.

Well, I did it.. Went and bought a brand spankin' new Springfield Armory XD Compact in .45 today....and promptly sent off my paperwork for the "GearUP" promotion. So basically for $500 bucks I just scored a .45 XD Compact, with 5 magazines, two magazine holsters, gun holster, speedloader, case, lock, cleaning brush. HECK OF A DEAL!!! Gotta shoot some pics...

I wanna know where the trigger is?

On the M4 Carbine, Yes...it is removable. There are two thumb screws on the left side, that you can loosen and it comes off the top rail for the handle. The front sight can be removed too, but its more difficult, and you will need some sort of replacement to hold the handguard. You probably want the M16 SPR....which already has the handle removed, and a flipdown front sight. Bear in mind that they make 3 other AR style versions too. M4 OPS, M16, M16SPR

Is it just me or does it drive you crazy that they call those bags "discreet"...um everyone in the universe is going to know what's in there if you walk someplace with that thing. You want discreet.... SBR in a Jansport. Now thats "discreet". Dont get me wrong, I like those bags for range time, but I just wish they would call it what it is.

I really want to see what it can do against the Glock 17, and a Sig Sauer 9mm. Shot a 138 out of 140 last weekend with those two...so... Bring it springfield, lets throw down and see what you can do.

Im planning on picking up a XD tommorow. Cant decide whether I want the XD9 in 9mm, or the XD Compact in .45 Also...go get one now if you are considering it. Springfield Armory is giving away 3 extra magazines, and an extra magazine holster for free if you buy between Sept 1 and Nov 30. You get two magazines with the gun....so thats 5 magazines with the special offer, two magazine holsters, a belt holster for the gun, the gun itself, a speedloader, a case, and a lock.....all for around $500 You'd be crazy not go go buy one. Im thinking Im going to get the compact .45 as I could use a new concealment gun. I promise, Ill do a full review on here with pics and range report after I get it.

First off, there are two things you need to consider. Federal Law, and State Law. Federal law doesnt prevent you from attaching a muzzle brake or fake can to your .22 provided that it in NO way reduces sound levels (like a suppressor will). If you are interested in doing this, I highly recommend purchasing a fake suppressor from a suppressor vendor such as Gemtech. The gemtech fake suppressors are already BATFE certified as legal to the masses with out any paperwork necessary. Making one yourself could be misconstrued as "manufacturing"...and dives into a whole other realm of legality. Bear in mind that you need to check state/county laws as well. Some state laws might prohibit this depending on what state you live in. Also, some states have individual county laws in place regarding these things. As far as shortening your barrel. This will get you in trouble. Shortening the barrel even by a little bit can put it into NFA catagory as a SBR (short barrelled rifle). To do this legally, you need to fill out the BATFE forms, and submit $200 to them for a tax stamp to allow you to have a short barreled rifle. The rifle then becomes a NFA firearm. There are things you can do to the trigger, and to make it run smoother/faster. However, they are far too detailed for the forum and require gunsmithing skills to accomplish. Also, making mistakes in this area can cause the gun to become dangerous, or illegal as well. If you need custom gunsmith work, I'd recommend contacting a qualified gunsmith and having them do the work for you. In all reality, the M&P 15-22 is already well suited for tactical matches. Its extremely lightweight, and lends itself pretty well to rapid target aquisition perticularly when combined with a tactical sight such as a holosight or red dot. If you are serious about competing. Id recommend leaving the rifle alone...and spending lots of time at the range practicing. All the trick gunsmithing in the world wont help you win matches if you dont practice. Gunsmithing for competition really only comes into play when your skills have exceeded the gun, and it needs tweaks to bring it up to your level of shooting. Otherwise its either gimmicky or a waste of money.

ROFL...nothing like having a dummy grenade land next to you in a humvee. Nice work with the spoon flipping off too. Im sure someone got some wicked payback for that...where's the followup vid.

Nope, does nothing for sound and flash, but it does add a little weight to the end of the barrel...nicely balances rifles in my opinion.