[evolution80]

Originally Posted by LateBraking

Damn, tough in Austria huh? How many spots do you guys get on your FA license, and what do you have already?

I don't know anyone with the Aug platform so no comment, but among those I know, the AR platform is super popular because of the interchangeability of parts and the wide range of things you can do with it/aftermarket support, etc.

My question would basically be: Even if you are limited to the Oberland Arms AR, are you also prohibited from purchasing firearms components? If not, you could basically have your choice of components and only be stuck with the Oberland lower, unless there's some other law against modification? Not sure how it's handled over there, but here it's only the lower that's considered the firearm (and registered) and the rest of the firearm can be changed freely so long as state laws are followed.

However, in your shoes, if I could only use it a maximum of 3 times per year, and had to plan my events out in advance (since I'm guessing you have to figure out when you can use it, etc.) then I would personally pass on it and get the handgun, out of your 3 choices. There's an indoor range 10 minutes away from where I live, so I go once a week to blow off steam and stress, and getting to go whenever I want is more important to me personally than having something cool that I could never use.

Just my 2 cents.

theoretically you could get as many spots as you need - you got to proof youre competing in different disciplines - in real life most people are limited to about 8 tough at the moment i only compete in some local ipsc standard division matches so i only have a STI edge

i already have some accesories for the ar - 10"LaRue tactical handguard, magpul ctr stock, troy buis... here the upper is the registered part - it is always the barrel/bolt assembly that carries the serial number - lowers can be bought i was quite surprised when i found out it is the opposite in the US

thats what i thought - it is sad we dont have more outdoor ranges - thanks for your input

[LateBraking]

Originally Posted by evolution80

theoretically you could get as many spots as you need - you got to proof youre competing in different disciplines - in real life most people are limited to about 8 tough at the moment i only compete in some local ipsc standard division matches so i only have a STI edge

i already have some accesories for the ar - 10"LaRue tactical handguard, magpul ctr stock, troy buis... here the upper is the registered part - it is always the barrel/bolt assembly that carries the serial number - lowers can be bought i was quite surprised when i found out it is the opposite in the US

thats what i thought - it is sad we dont have more outdoor ranges - thanks for your input

Make sure to post pics of your new handgun....

[MP0WER]

Originally Posted by Joekerr

Does anyone have any thoughts on 9mm vs .45, assuming both calibers were in a 1911 (I've only recently discovered that certain 1911's come in 9mm, while certainly they seem predominantly in .45).

I don't think I'll be getting one soon, but I've always wanted one...currently have a rifle I still haven't been able to shoot...been sitting in the safe all winter and my scope should be coming in in the next week or two and I'll finally be able to use it.

But if your new - wouldn't 9mm be better; less recoil, helps you learn good habits? I've been using my friends S&W 9mm and its pretty good. I just figure .45 probably isn't a good starter gun...am I correct? Or is a 1911 heavier and tames the recoil a bit?

Loving all the pics of some really great 1911's in this thread. Though I handled a CZ 75 recently and really liked the grip and how it felt in my hand.

Right now I just can't wait to get the rifle all set up and get to the range.

As stated the .45 ACP is easily managed in a 1911. You'll likely find that a 1911 in 45 is only as or less snappy than your buddies 9mm. I have an H&K P30 in 9mm and it kicks as much as my 1911s. My wife says more so.

[CJ421]

Originally Posted by Joekerr

Does anyone have any thoughts on 9mm vs .45, assuming both calibers were in a 1911 (I've only recently discovered that certain 1911's come in 9mm, while certainly they seem predominantly in .45).

But if your new - wouldn't 9mm be better; less recoil, helps you learn good habits? I've been using my friends S&W 9mm and its pretty good. I just figure .45 probably isn't a good starter gun...am I correct? Or is a 1911 heavier and tames the recoil a bit?

The 1911 doesn't necessarily have less recoil as MP0WER noted. I took the opportunity to shoot a Remington 1911 in 45 ACP two weeks ago; I thought it had slightly less recoil than my Beretta 92 9mm. I found that 1911 easy and fun to shoot; the smooth trigger action is really something. I think it'd be a great gun to start/learn with.

[evolution80]

M1911... what else?

only pic i have at the moment

[MisterSkiMask]

very nice

[Hawkeye]

This is my new carry setup. I would not start with this .45. Lots of kick.

[freempimping]

start with a .22

[upstatedoc]

So we're heading to the north country for memorial day and I'm already fretting about what to bring. It's the Adirondacks so there is black bear and we're going hiking one of the days. I'm thinking the scandium S&W .357 with 158gr soft points for concealed carry and Glock 20 with laser and tactical light for car/hotel. Thoughts.

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

So we're heading to the north country for memorial day and I'm already fretting about what to bring. It's the Adirondacks so there is black bear and we're going hiking one of the days. I'm thinking the scandium S&W .357 with 158gr soft points for concealed carry and Glock 20 with laser and tactical light for car/hotel. Thoughts.

not bad choices, I'm not sure how big those bears get, but I would be happy with my .357 in the Sierras

[CJ421]

I'm wondering what you guys thoughts are on polymer pistols. I held an FNX-45 and wow, that was like tupperware ...I could not get over the plasticky feel. I then held an HK45 which was still polymer but seemed to pull it off a lot better feel-wise.

Anyways I'm in the market for a .45 and haven't been thrilled with what my research turned up. FNX-45 would be a tough sell for me; the HK45 seems promising and I love the sights (still, polymer for $1150). I would really like a Sig 227 (10 + 1) but it may be an eternity before it actually goes on sale. There is the P220 I suppose. Input/recommendations appreciated. I haven't really considered the 1911's yet though I may be headed in that direction.

[SilverII]

I got the HK45 Tactical - I absolute love it. Fantastic shooter. Getting a suppressor down the line next

[MP0WER]

They feel of a pistol is totally personal. Don't worry about the quality of a polymer firearm. I personally haven't held a FN pistol but HK could be argued as the gold standard of polymer pistols.

From the looks, FN followed the same design philosophy as Glock with function before form. HK, in my opinion has the best ergonomics from the polymer group. I haven't heard of anyone that was disappointed with a HK45 purchase. I recently acquired a HK P30 in 9mm and it's one of my favorite handguns.

1911s are a different breed all together. And if you're only going to own one .45 you owe it to your self to check out the 1911 variants before you buy anything.

Good luck and report back!

[CJ421]

Thanks. I can't find anything negative about the HK's ...then again I shot a 1911 before and liked that a lot. I'm afraid I'll get addicted to 1911s.

I'm going to see what I can rent at my LGS before buying.

[SAM135iAM]

Originally Posted by CJ421

I'm wondering what you guys thoughts are on polymer pistols. I held an FNX-45 and wow, that was like tupperware ...I could not get over the plasticky feel. I then held an HK45 which was still polymer but seemed to pull it off a lot better feel-wise.

Anyways I'm in the market for a .45 and haven't been thrilled with what my research turned up. FNX-45 would be a tough sell for me; the HK45 seems promising and I love the sights (still, polymer for $1150). I would really like a Sig 227 (10 + 1) but it may be an eternity before it actually goes on sale. There is the P220 I suppose. Input/recommendations appreciated. I haven't really considered the 1911's yet though I may be headed in that direction.

Thought about Springfield XD?

[Rotorocious]

I've shot a FNX45. I did like it. Felt pretty light and loved the huge mag capacity. I still prefer a nice metal gun though.
I've never liked any of the HK pistols. I've shot a few different Hk45/USP's , never cared for any of them. Just personal preference.


Teaching my first ccw class this weekend, should be fuuuun.

[MP0WER]

Originally Posted by Rotorocious

I've shot a FNX45. I did like it. Felt pretty light and loved the huge mag capacity. I still prefer a nice metal gun though.
I've never liked any of the HK pistols. I've shot a few different Hk45/USP's , never cared for any of them. Just personal preference.


Teaching my first ccw class this weekend, should be fuuuun.

You have to do something to freak them out. Everyone is sooo nervous in those classes. Maybe a firecracker or something to get their attention! (Probably not a good idea, but it would be fun)

[CJ421]

Originally Posted by SAM135iAM

Thought about Springfield XD?

Good suggestion and yes - the XD45 is on my short list, my LGS didn't have one for me to try though.

This is the short list:
-HK45/HK45 compact
-Sig P220
-XD45
-Beretta PX4 .45
-(MAYBE) 1911 - Springfield or Sig Sauer

The goal is to try/hold all of them before making a decision ... and to only buy one of them.

[Rotorocious]

Originally Posted by MP0WER

You have to do something to freak them out. Everyone is sooo nervous in those classes. Maybe a firecracker or something to get their attention! (Probably not a good idea, but it would be fun)

Ha. These are work friends and their wives. That would be hilarious, maybe pretend to shoot myself in the foot.

[SAM135iAM]

Originally Posted by CJ421

Good suggestion and yes - the XD45 is on my short list, my LGS didn't have one for me to try though.

This is the short list:
-HK45/HK45 compact
-Sig P220
-XD45
-Beretta PX4 .45
-(MAYBE) 1911 - Springfield or Sig Sauer

The goal is to try/hold all of them before making a decision ... and to only buy one of them.

Yes. I believe someone already pointed out it's all about personal preference. Just like buying an exhaust system. Your list looks really good. I personally own an XD40 service model. I shot many different pistols before I purchased my Springfield. What sold me was simply how it felt in my hands while firing. It also helped that the pricing was a bit less than the comparative Sig's and HK's.

[twin fed]

I just bought the Sig P220 .45ACP and my buddy just got the Springfield XD45 and side by side I like mine way better.

[MP0WER]

Originally Posted by SAM135iAM

Yes. I believe someone already pointed out it's all about personal preference. Just like buying an exhaust system. Your list looks really good. I personally own an XD40 service model. I shot many different pistols before I purchased my Springfield. What sold me was simply how it felt in my hands while firing. It also helped that the pricing was a bit less than the comparative Sig's and HK's.

Yeah, there is no substitute for life fire test. You can get a feel for them in the showroom, but shooting it will let you know what you like. I have a IMI Baby Eagle that my wife shoots extremely well. I can't hit crap with it. Yet, she can't hit crap with my other pistols which i'm dead on with. Then there is my Glock 23 which hits everything i point at, even without aiming down the sights. It's like an extension of my arm. Surprisingly, this doesn't hold true with a full size .40 Glock.

Long story short, shoot as many as you can prior to buying.