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Post by Burnston on Apr 15, 2024 8:06:47 GMT -5
I wrote the book under the gun, and would love to talk to you about it. Drop me a line at matthewrkerns@gmail.com! Nice find! Matt I'd rather read about Texas Jack Omohundro than Bill Cody or Hickock. He outshined both of his contemporaries, at least in my amateur estimation. That guy lived two lifetimes in his short 30(ish) years. I always wonder about the guns he lost in his bar fire. Congrats, Rey. I'm really glad you're the guy who got a hold of that pistol.
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Post by Burnston on Apr 10, 2024 11:35:27 GMT -5
MANY YEARS AGO A Compadre AND I WERE INVITED TO A Fiesta ACROSS THE RIVER IN MEXICO, NEAR MATAMOROS, TAMPS., MEXICO, ON El Dia de San Juan (SAINT JOHN's DAY) HONORING THE LOCAL MATAMOROS "GODFATHER" AND HIS NEPHEW (HEAD OF THE GULF CARTEL AT THE TIME), WHO WERE BOTH NAMED Juan. BACK THEN THE CARTEL JUST CONCENTRATED ON DRUGS, AND KIDNAPPING, EXTORTION, PROTECTION RACKETS, FORCIBLE TAKE OVER OF PRIVATE PROPERTY, etc. WERE ALMOST UNHEARD OF AS THE CARTEL HELPED "KEEP THE PEACE/LAW AND ORDER". IT WAS A LARGE GATHERING AT A RURAL RANCH/FARM, WITH HORSE RACES, FOOD AND DRINK GALORE, AND MUSIC. IIRC, THERE WAS NO GUNFIRE, SHOTS IN THE AIR, etc. I CLEARLY RECALL ONE OF THE BODY GUARDS CARRYING A 1911 "MEXICAN STYLE" UNDER HIS Guayabera SHIRT, SERIOUS CARRY FOR SERIOUS WORK. I spent some time in southeastern Senora as a "mounted contract laborer," once again leased out by my boss at the time. As visiting Gringos we were never allowed handguns but could have rifles in our saddles. Anyway, gentlemen who I deduced to be guards placed throughout the ranch HQ always had handguns, and carried them in the way above described. I believe Skelton's description of "Mexican style" to be a perfectly accurate one, probably gleaned from personal experience. I've got to ask; how was the food at this soiree?
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Post by Burnston on Apr 9, 2024 23:03:17 GMT -5
As an instructor,, I tell all my students to find the gun that fits THEM,, and THEIR hands that they can shoot well. Once the gun is selected,, then the method of carry must work for THEIR purposes,, THEIR style of clothing, THEIR comfort, THEIR ability to access it easily,,, and NO ONE METHOD WORKS FOR EVERYBODY. I (sadly) do a lot of work in a very liberal city area. As such,, many of my customers would freak out a bit if I show up wearing a gun or even an empty holster. But when I travel to & fro,, and on my own time,, my gun is on my hip or in a vehicle holster. MY,, MY,, preferred on body carry to allow me to meet people & all is a simple one. It's similar to your "Mexican" carry method. And yes,, I seem to recall first hearing about it via Skeeter. I first us a very rigid heavy nylon gun belt. I use a couple of different brands,, but Blackhawk or 5.1.1 Tactical are my daily ones. I use the ones with the metal buckle,, not any with plastic. Next,, I cinch my belt snugly,, then just tuck my handgun inside my pants, between the pants & my tucked in shirt. I place it just behind the centerline of my side,, on my strong side. About the 4:00 o'clock position. It rides very good w/o a holster,, and is easily removed when necessary for meeting people. Plus,, if I throw on a shirt or jacket over everything,, it's nearly invisible. A holster adds bulk,, which makes the gun "print" easier. Maybe try this to see how it works for you??? In any event,, no purchase necessary to try it. Thank you for the suggestion. I have tried this method with the 1911, and my primary issue was difficulty of access with my shirt over it. Have you practiced deploying the firearm from this position? I’d be interested in your results. Another slight issue I had was back pain after riding in a truck seat with my pistol in this position. However, when wearing a jacket I do often carry at 4 o’clock outside my shirt.
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Post by Burnston on Apr 9, 2024 22:58:30 GMT -5
The Springfield SA-35 hi-power copy has excellent checked grips that fit well and are very comfortable. I was very impressed with those grips when I handled one in the shop. Unfortunately I’ve struggled to find any aftermarket offering of these.
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Post by Burnston on Apr 9, 2024 22:57:41 GMT -5
Looks like you’ve been doing some knuckle conditioning with a makiwari board. I will say check out this inside the waistband holster if you’re lean enough to wear it comfortably, Close. I recently switched to wrapping my hands instead of wearing gloves in the ring and it has restructured my hands considerably, which incidentally has affected my shooting game just a touch. Sincerest thanks for the suggestions. Any experience with the VZs? My primary gripe with the Browning stock grips is their width. I have handled the very pistol boolitdesigner mentioned and the grips were in fact leaps and bounds beyond the Browning’s. looking forward to those pics.
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Post by Burnston on Apr 9, 2024 11:57:25 GMT -5
I've recently bought into a business that requires about 10 hours a week within town limits. This disrupts my typical carry routine considerably, which takes place on ranches well outside of civilization, featuring a Threepersons and a .44 Special on my hip. Though I am appreciative of open carry laws, I do not open carry in public, making an N frame revolver somewhat of an issue whilst walking among the Philistines in town overseeing various business affairs. This has prompted some exploration into under the shirt concealment. Unless I am to make a new purchase, which I am hesitant to do, my options are as follows; full size 1911 in 45acp, Glock 36 slimline in .45acp, and a Belgium Browning HP in 9mm. I've essentially ruled out the Glock because I cannot shoot it worth a spit in the can. Practice makes perfect, but I must become proficient before the rapture, and thus far my experiments with the Glock have only proven frustrating and uninspiring. Thus I've spent the last 14 days or so toying with the Browning in various carry positions and several hundred rounds of ammo of diverse types. As far as under the shirt concealment, I find the "Mexican style" position to be most conducive, Mexican style meaning in the pants just to the inside of the hip on my off-side. This colorful title comes from one of Skelton's articles, I think featuring Dobe Grant, though I cannot remember for sure. Anyway, this style of carry was not only popular in Mexico. Some years ago I was leased out by my employer to a group of dishonest cowboys in a backwater town called Nuevo Palestina, Honduras. It was like stepping back in time where the main form of transportation was horseback and every man was armed, but the only holster among them was carried by the solitary bought and paid for soldier representing law enforcement in the rural, somewhat lawless region. Everyone else carried their pistols like so, "Mexican style," and I have found this to be the most conducive thus far. I struggle to find a "natural grip," and have yet to determine if this is due to my unfamiliarity with the pistol itself, or if this can be remedied with the right grips. I find I have to put significant concentration into my initial grip and deployment, and then find myself having to adjust after getting the pistol "into action" so to speak. I am consistently inconsistent between the following two grips. While the first is more comfortable, I am more accurate with the second. Perhaps most concerningly, my "natural" trigger finger position is a significant problem. It goes without saying that this particular finger position throws lead in all the wrong directions. Bottom line, so far if I am to hit anything wit the High Power, I must be slow, deliberate, and focused. This would not normally be an issue. However, considering the purpose of this pistol, slow and deliberate is not always an option. I was however very surprised by its "point and shoot" capabilities, where incidentally I was most accurate. After setting up a very complicated system of targets as you can see, I spend a few dozen rounds point shooting from the hip. Unfortunately, I was at my top performance from this position, which I find unrealistic and somewhat pitiful. My father was not much of a teacher as far as practical application is concerned, but he was always consistent in saying that if you can hit the caps, you're probably okay. I just wish I could do this with the gun properly deployed. On the plus side, my hands are not very meaty so the spurred hammer causes no web of thumb issues. As those of you with any sensibility can see, I am somewhat behind on my moisturizing regiment, namely because I've yet to start one. Pros to the High Power- with the right mag, the 15 round capacity is ideal, and I can get used to a 9mm I am sure. It's "cocked-and-locked feature is a no brainer, and I am very comfortable with it's single action style trigger. Cons- The grips absolutely must be replaced, I am not a fan of the grainy trigger creep, nor do I care for the mag safety. Also, thus far I am completely ineffective with it beyond twelve yards. Finally, my "Mexican carry" method always ends up like this by the end of the day, with the muzzle both pointed and digging uncomfortably close to home plate. In town, my mode of carry will be limited by having to be concealed under my shirt, which necessitates the pistol being positioned on my left side so that I might easily reach behind the buttons on my shirt. I am assuming I may say this among a group of men without being crucified; I am a bit lean, which also limits my concealed carry options. Every day rain or shine I am in a button up long sleeve tucked in to belted jeans, so a pistol print is potentially very apparent. From my current pool of options, and without putting any major money into the project, the High Power and the 1911 are what I have to work, unless one of you knows of an over-the-counter pill of some type that might make one proficient with a Glock, though the 36 is severely limited on capacity with its single stack six round capability. In years past I am seldom enough in town that passing a revolver Mexican style under my shirt is no issue. However, spending more time there lately I'll be needing to make some adjustments. Fowler and I have discussed some Sig 365 options but in spite of my shameless hints he has not yet offered to send me his to see if I like it. Perhaps his conscience will soon be activated and he'll drop it in the mail to my local FFL like a true friend would. Until that time, efforts will continue to be made with these two timeless but somewhat challenging options. Perhaps some of you have some High Power suggestions that could prove useful.
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Post by Burnston on Mar 19, 2024 22:44:58 GMT -5
Bob, If I am packing a SAA 45 I like to keep my loads closer to 850 fps, but with a bullet a bit heavier than the 452423 you are using. I cast a 454424 that runs close to 260 grains. It’ll handle any job asked of it. Ben, Hard to beat a SAA 44 Special. I run my RCBS 250K bullets right at 1000 fps with Power Pistol. The only way to make a Colt 44 better is to “handle” it with nice stags and have it passed down from a Grandfather. Here’s my 44 Special Dan I always enjoy seeing your rigs. Never seen you post anything that wasn’t well used and full of nobly earned character.
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Post by Burnston on Mar 19, 2024 10:01:14 GMT -5
....I guess you aren't carry a Colt SAA... Thanks for the replies... I carried a 3rd gen Colt SA .44spl for years as a working gun. Various smiths helped me modify it in subtle ways to shoot the same load as my S&W m21 so that I only had to maintain one reloading setup. Both have been tuned for 7.8gr Unique and a 240gr 429421, resulting in a little over 1kfps. I do not get technical in my calculations or measurements; sort of a "rawhide range" mentality, so sorry for not being more thorough. It is possible that I should be a little gentler on the Colt, but if my grandfather were still around (the former owner) he'd say use it to its fullest potential.
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Post by Burnston on Mar 18, 2024 21:19:57 GMT -5
My 45 Cowboy Special loads fit and shoot in my S&W 1917 just fine - plenty accurate too! One of my favorite things is hunting squirrels with 45 Cowboy Special in my dearest 45 Colt SA’s - a Harton’ed USFA and FA 97 that was practically gifted to me by a favorite kindred-soul Though slow (620 fps w/ 5.2 gr of Unique), hitting a squirrel with a 200 gr bullet is like throwing an anvil at them - even poor hits are catastrophic. Not to be provocative or disrespectful, but I'm fair certain I need that 1917. Bear in mind, I've never looked at a firearm and said I "need" it. That said, I need that pistol. What do you say? Your ffl to mine?
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Post by Burnston on Mar 8, 2024 12:12:13 GMT -5
Most of the hunting were simply targets of opportunity. I seem to run across hogs almost as often as I run across cows. The sights and everything else about the gun is stock as stock can be. The only modifications are the giraffe bone grips, tyler t, and John powers did a little timing and trigger work for me. I was trying to break back into the world of .45 Colt after using a .44spl for years, and I stuck with it for a year before going back to the .44. No practical reason for the regression; just put a lot more time and rounds through the .44. Giraffe bone grips have got to be the most exotic grip material I have heard of yet. And they look badass. Is Tyler T still in business, btw? I have tried calling there multiple times recently and never heard back…. Could really use one on a .44 Mag Redhawk of mine. Side note, I scratched the terrible, unscratchable new gun itch the other day and bought a Mtn Gun but in .44 Mag. Still need a 25 or a 625! The Quest continues… Not the same owners, but I do believe they’re still in business. You’re whistling the same tune everybody is whistling; no contact, communication, etc. Take that how you will. The general business model has been to print off an order form, choose what you want, and send a check for the disclosed amount. Expect to have your check cashed fairly quickly, and expect to wait anywhere from one to six months or more. From what I can tell, your order WILL eventually arrive, but it is generally not quick, and you’ll never hear from them. I do not say this to disparage the company. This is just how it is now with the “new” owner(s.) Very nice guy the few times I have talked to him.
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Post by Burnston on Mar 7, 2024 16:03:22 GMT -5
What you've described is a perfect example of rural Texas family bliss. I suppose you, your father, and your wife can watch tv together instead of interacting, but I think you've got the best of it, turtle guts notwithstanding.
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Post by Burnston on Mar 7, 2024 11:51:35 GMT -5
Years ago my father lamented not buying a book he saw at a Texas gun show. Though the title escaped him, he recalls the topic; domestic guns used in the jungles of Vietnam. The book featured photos and stories of guys using guns they'd brought from home. A Ruger SHB .44 mag and even a Marlin .444 are two he recalls seeing as he flipped through.
If this book sounds familiar to anyone, I'd love to know. I've been searching for it for years.
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Post by Burnston on Mar 7, 2024 11:05:04 GMT -5
HA! I have a belt and holster on my driver's seat just like that! It currently has my Cimarron Bad Boy in it and half the belt is 44 Specials. The other half is 44 snake shot and a few 44 Magnum rounds. I love the cotton belt. I have always wanted one to call my "summer" rig. Where did you get that one? BTW... You dont have NEAR enough crap in your back seat. You could have half of mine if I didn't need it. That is JD Hydraulic oil in the 5 gallon buckets isn't it? You know it is. As for the space in my back seat, had I panned the camera south just a tad you'd see a car seat. My top paid hand likes to come along on the hauls and he needs space for his saddlebags full of tractors, books, spare snap-cap ammo, and snacks. I'll have to get back to you on the belt. I know exactly where I got it years ago and the place is still in business but I cannot for the life of me recall the name. I'll check my receipt records when I get home. He caters to the cowboy action crowd, and a little towards the safari guys. Since using canvas as a work rig I've stopped using all my leather belts. They don't look as good, but its incomparable as far as I'm concerned.
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Post by Burnston on Mar 6, 2024 13:18:47 GMT -5
Yes sir, I sparingly applied rubbing alcohol to the area in question, set up a jig to maintain its desired shape, and went and worked cows for eight hours while it dried. It maintain its shape now for years to come. Thank you for sharing, I hope you don’t mind me trying that out on a future project! Worry not, sir. I have neither patented nor monopolized the age old process of using alcohol to stiffen leather. It is handy, and if you're careful you can use it to mold your leather with pistol in place, seeing as alcohol will not rust your steel.
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Post by Burnston on Mar 6, 2024 12:28:21 GMT -5
This is cross-posted on another forum, but it is too unique of an encounter not to circulate a bit more. I was travelling through a new town with a load of client's cattle when the red and blue lights showed in my mirrors. Aside from the Smith on my hip I had a Ruger hanging from the head rest, and made these things known to the older looking officer. The conversation went something like this; "Is that an Old Model .44 flat-top hanging in that belt?" "Yes sir." "You're a little too young for that. Must have been your grandpa's?" "Yes sir. He traded some mechanic work for it years ago." "Ever shot anything with it?" "Just the basics; whitetail and hogs." "Mind if I see it?" Normally I'm not keen on turning over my guns, even to a friendly LEO, but he had an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on his forearm. I carefully unloaded it and he fondled the pistol like a guy whose used one before. But here is the kicker; "There's a Texan named Zane Thompson who would set you up with a nice set of stocks for this beauty." I told him they're already wearing a set of Zane's mesquite burl. Talk about a small world, this encounter being in southwest Missouri. He handed it back to me, told me to have a good day, and left. He never mentioned why I was pulled over. By and large, my experience with law enforcement has always been respectful and positive. Still yet, you don't run in to old timers like that very often anymore.
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