So, what to do? I had purchased a holster from Tucker Gun Leather for my HK USP Compact. That gun and I have long since parted company, and the holster went with it. But, I thought I’d give Tucker around run. I had great service from them before, and my experience this time around was no different.

I purchased the Texas Heritage.

I chose this model because it received favorable reviews, even though the most common complaint is that it is difficult to re-holster. There is no extra leather on the mouth of the holster. This makes it very thin, but it doesn’t provide any rigidity to keep the mouth open. Very rarely do I have a need to remove my gun from its holster, unless I’m taking it off for the day. I do plan on shooting this gun in some local IDPA tournaments, but I typically don’t wear IWB holsters for that particular application.

Since I’ve received the holster (after a shorter than expect wait), I’ve had the opportunity to carry this fine gun in a variety of situations.  Summer in St. Louis means that it’s sweltering. T-shirt weather for sure. In the past that would have meant that I was carrying my snub-nosed .38. I had no issues carrying under a t-shirt. When paired with a good belt (I buy mine from The Belt Man), it pulls the gun in tight.

I’m sure it helps that there is about 80 pounds less of me inside that waistband, but I don’t feel like there is a bulge off my right side. The clips, and the rough side of the hide help keep this holster in place. It stays rock solid on my belt with no noticeable shifting.

I couldn’t be more pleased with this holster. It makes me anxious to try the VM II when it comes, but honestly, I don’t see how it will improve on what I have now, other than aesthetics. But it’s an IWB holster, who cares??? Either way, I’ll continue to wear this holster, and we’ll see how it wears over the coming months. If I find anything negative, I’ll let you know. I’ll be sure to do a side-by-side when the VMII arrives.

Happy Birthday America!

May God save these American states!

This is a test of the emergency phone blogging system. This is only a test.

At this point I am essentially a “new” gun person, even though I owned a shotgun (and no, I didn’t vote on the democratic ticket). I knew that I wanted a .45 for my first handgun, so I looked at handguns from all the well known high volume manufacturers, like Ruger, Sig, and Glock. I was easily distracted by the glitz and glitter of the gun mags, so much so that for my first handgun, I eventually succumbed to the XD marketing campaign. 13 rounds had to be better than 7 or 8, AND it was 1911-like (the grip safety), AND it was the NRA 2006 Gun of the Year. Well hell, what was I supposed to do?? I bought it.

Now, don’t mistake, this is a decent gun. It fits my hands nicely, and shoots well too. I never understood why Springfield touted the match-grade barrel in the the XDm, because my XD would easily punch ragged holes out to 15 yards if I was doing my job. I do like this gun.

But I never was completely “wowed” by it.

I still wanted a “metal” gun.

For the record…I have owned several “all metal” guns. I have a Smith & Wesson snub nose revolver, and a Browning Buckmark. But I think I still get harassed about it because I was also distracted by an H&K USP Compact, and there’s that Glock 19 that I bought for a song that Matt is still bitter about.

I decided a couple years ago that I would fix this problem. It was time for a 1911. I knew I wanted a Colt, but the new prices are just stupid, and finding a used one…forget about. When Ruger announced their new 1911, I was intrigued (don’t forget how I ended up with the XD). I figured if the gun was “good enough” I was going to jump on it. I always said that my next gun purchase was going to be the confluence of being at the right place at the right time with the right gun for the right amount of money, provided I didn’t get distracted.

Well, I kept my eye on the prize, and found “The One” on Saturday, during a chance visit to a gun store that I rarely frequent.

Clean, no evidence of being shot a lot, and a couple minor scratches, for about the same price as the new Ruger 1911.

I put about 150 rounds through it yesterday, and it was every bit as accurate and reliable as my XD, chewing up everything I fed it, factory ball ammo, hollow points, even my reloads.

Yin & yang. The top Commander is the first handgun I ever shot. The bottom is mine.

Right place, at the right time, with the right gun, for the right amount of money.

Now I have to find a good IWB holster. Any suggestions?

Range report hopefully tomorrow, or I might have to call in sick to work on Monday…….

I never thought I’d see the day when I can’t say who I hate more, Osama Bin Laden, or the Westboro Baptist Church.

You could ALMOST respect OBL’s minions for fighting for something they think they believe in (even if it is hating and killing us). The WBCer’s are spreading hate and venom on people during a time when they need help and support (you know, those things that Christians are supposed to do) while hiding behind rights secured by the blood of their own countrymen.

And while we’re on the topic of the President’s visit. Is it really necessary? I’m sure the folks in Joplin have more important problems to tend to rather than making sure the President’s photo-op goes off without a hitch.

Rest in peace. Our boys got him.

As you can see from some of the pictures, there were hanging chairs, moving platforms, and fake helicopters to shoot from. I have to hand it to the match directors, they really know how to run a match. It’s always very well organized, they show lots of creativity when setting up the stages. There always seem to be a good mix of stages ranging between fast and furious, to slow the hell down and make the shot.

Lot’s of prizes were given out, 6 1911′s we given away, including one that was raffled to raise funds for the club’s kid program. I didn’t win one, so I guess I’m back to saving my pennies and nickels for that Colt I’ve been lusting after.

I’m not getting to shoot as much these days as I’d like, too many other competing priorities. My final score is evidence of that. But it’s still a good time for me and the boy to hang out. One of these days I’m going to get a pistol in his hand and let him have a go at this stuff….

Also, a big thanks to the guy who lent me a 1911 to shoot at this match. It’s a sweet shooting old gun, and since I haven’t come up with any good blackmail photo’s of you, I’ll be returning it to you shortly.

The past two years I’ve brought my son, who is now 8. I like bringing him because this group of guys reinforce what I’ve been teaching him. This year was no different. The big highlight for him was graduating from his .22 to something a bit more….. stout.

Last July, I gave him a single shot H&R .243 rifle. He wanted to go deer hunting last year, but just was too intimidated by the recoil of the rifle, and so, he never shot it. Our agreement was, and still is, that he couldn’t shoot at deer until he had gained my confidence with his gun handling and accuracy. I let him carry it in the woods, but, no bullet, and definitely, no shot on a deer (not that we saw any, but that’s a different issue).

Matt’s dad brought an M1 Carbine, and we managed to convince my son that he needed to shoot it. But fear of the recoil got the best of him. So we talked him into holding the gun to his side and pulling the trigger. I held on to the gun as well, but mostly to help him be more confident. Bang…. Bang…. BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG *Big grin* I think we got him! 75 rounds later, we were out of ammo.

Now that he managed the M1 Carbine, we talked him into trying his .243. Same routine.

Notice the smile:

It wasn’t long before he was whacking away at targets with my AR 15

and later busting water bottles sitting in a tree with his .243

I’m proud of that little bugger for conquering a fear. He hasn’t stopped asking me when we’re going back to the range, and I can’t wait to take him.