u/fredeee

No idea why but picked this up today to go with our WWI family. Manufactured in the US under contract by the French for 200,000 rifles, only 20,000 were made before the French canceled the contract due to delays and quality issues. This sample doesn’t seem to have been fired and never received a serial number which is an indication that it never went into circulation. Interesting history of a storied French infantry rifle with some local heritage.

M1917 and Krag (I know, pre-WWI, but pretty cool). 2 more to go. What do I get next?

Just took our “new” 1955 Russian SKS to the range and it was surprisingly pleasant to shoot. Put mostly new range ammo (some Chinese surplus) and no issues. Unfortunately came late to the game and prices have gone up but I think this is a rifle worth considering if you can get it for a decent price. Band state compliant as well.

Finished my non American collection: Russian SKS (comes this weekend), Finnish Mosin, German Mauser, Gew98, Kar98AZ, and a British Enfield Jungle Carbine.

Have room on another rack for 4 rifles which has a 1853 Enfield. Was thinking Springfield 1898 Krag-Jorgensen, M1917, M1903A3 and an M1 or M14/M1A.

And suggestions? Not interested in a Garand. We do shoot these things.

LBT has a sale on their 22L Day Pack ($149+$33 shipping), link below. Didn't know much about this brand so did some research and decided to pick one up. Like many in this sub, I have a lot of bags. But I keep going back to my USA made GR1 every time. I love the GR1, but the price is kinda crazy, it's heavy and while it's simplicity is its strength, it's also its biggest weakness. So, here's my impressions for those that want a USA made "tactical" EDC bag but don't want to spend 400 bucks.

LBT Pros (as in on par or slightly better than the GR1):

• It's much lighter (1.5lbs vs. 3lbs) but thinner materials (500D Cordura on the LBT vs 1000D on the GR1), see cons
• A little more organization than the GR1
• Has two compression bottle holders
• Esthetically, it's more "tactical" but that can be seen as a con as well depending on your esthetics
• It's A LOT cheaper, especially on sale
• Pretty much the same capacity as the GR1, clamshell format is awesome on both
• The LBT has a full interior velcro backing leaning into its military heritage. I attached a holster and organizer from LBT which adds to its usefulness for EDC. GORUCK GR1 has molle backing for pretty much the same purpose, but more difficult to add/remove things.
• Similar "Made In USA" military heritage

LBT Cons:

• Less durable (500D vs. 1000D)
• The GoRuck seems far better made, bulletproof as they say and I think it's probably true. The one in the pic is about 7 years old and has been used extensively and it's pretty much the way it was the day I got it, just softer as Cordura typically breaks in with use.
• More tactical look (again, depending on your preference), may be a pro.
• Lots of straps, like a lot of them. They do give you plenty of ways to tuck things away, but it's far more fussy than the GR1
• Zippers feel cheap
• Less water protection than the GR1

If you don't see yourself spending $400 on a GR1, I'd seriously consider the LBT as a great alternative. Upon quick tryout, I prefer the GR1's simplicity and build quality. But for $150, I'd say the LBT is a deal and "close enough" to the GR1 to be considered.

https://lbtinc.com/products/8007a

Took my new Colt Combat Commander 9mm (top black) to the range for the 1st time today. Few observations. Punch line, both are awesome shooters.

The Stainless version is .45. Was an amazingly shit shooter out of the box. Tons of FTEs. After about $150 bucks of tweaking at my gunsmith, it's solid as a rock. Shoots like a laser beam and let's be honest, it's a Colt .45, doesn't get any more classic than that. Love it.

The new 9mm is awesome too. Very soft shooter in 9mm compared to the .45. Full steel frame helps in that department. No problems after about 200 rounds of crap range ammo. Few observations:

- Compared to my decade old .45, the 9mm Colt frame to slide rattles far more.

- On the 9mm, you can "feel" the round being chambered every time. I attribute that to it being new. Worth noting it never caused a FTF at the range.

- Not sure when they started to remove the front serrations from their Combat Commanders, but I noticed that right away when I purchased the 9mm the other week. Less rear serrations as well. Not a big deal, but it is probably the most noticeable visual difference other than color and grips.

- 9mm seems to be shooting a tad low. I'll put my laser on it and see if it's me or the sights, but the .45 shoots straight as an arrow in comparison so I think it's a little of both.

- Trigger on the new 9mm is "looser", may have been the same on the .45 before I took it to my gun smith but there's definitely noticeable play in the trigger on the 9mm. Both are just fine, not like my Dan Wesson fine, but good enough.

I've always wanted a 1911 Gov't or Commander in 9mm and my experience so far confirms, 9mm 1911 in a fullish size, full steel pistol is a joy to shoot.

Just picked her up yesterday. Think I got a good sample. Seems pretty tight and after a quick clean feeling confident it’ll be a great shooter. Questions for those that know a thing or two about 9mm 1911s as this is my first. Other than the barrel, the guide rod and spring are different from my .45 1911s, everything else seems pretty run of the mill 1911. The guide rod is about 1/3 the length and the recoil spring is actually two springs, one inner and one outer. Curious. Are all 9mm 1911s like this? Can I use standard single recoil springs for the guide rod. I typically swop out my springs for Wolff and was planning to do so down the line with this one. Thanks!

Shout out to this community. Never understood appendix, a few videos on YT and following this sub has turned me onto what is by far the most comfortable and concealable way to carry. As I mentioning in another post, still a little freaked by a gun pointing at my goodies and femoral artery, but trusting my setup more and more. Once you get over that, it’s such a great way to conceal. Even with tight fitting cloths it just disappears. In my current rotation is my Tenicor holster and HK CC9, both of which I’m very happy with. Thought I’d share for those that may be considering the same.