Indecision and the Zen of Gun collecting
 

This mornings mission: decide which of the following would be best to carry on "additional capacity day" in rotation with the 1911's.

The candidates: H&K USP compact in .357 sig, kinda rare since discontinued. Sig P239, great old shooter with superb rep and many followers. Newer P224, smallest, kinda blocky looking.

Last night was the obligatory cleaning festival. I got to examine every square millimeter of each, I washed off the gooey sticky froglube I once thought was cool stuff and lubed all with something appropriate.

Range bag loaded and ready to roll. Reported to the range and was certain I would be able to make the call as to which one. I already have holsters ready.

First, the H&K.... the first shot from the DA/SA is seldom a ten ring. At 21 feet, the H&K did very well as the rust disappeared from my capabilities since I haven't shot in a while. Pretty impressive pistol indeed.

Next, the P224, the smallest of the group. It barked a bit and they all are loud with the .357sig. Surprisingly the recoil was tolerable, I've always preached that in an emergency encounter you won't feel it anyway.

Next, the P239. It was a tackdriver. With the rubber Hogue grips, it may have shot the easiest of the three.

Back to the H&K, it shot a lot better because the rust had left me, then the P224 shot better, then the 239, then the H&K again.

I lined them up side by side and longingly examined them for comparison. I picked up each and considered the weight. I shot them again and they all did remarkably well.

My mission complete, I left the range more confused than when I arrived. They all did the job nicely, each had a tiny quirk or difference. They all are nice and dirty again, ready for tonight's clean-fest. I'm no further along in the decision process, probably never will decide based on the shoot out and I'm wondering if I bring out the Glocks in .357sig.

After deep contemplation at home, review of internet research, I just don't know.

Yes I do, I'll carry the H&K because it looks scarier.

I post because I know you guys understand and I'm thankful for the group. My wife's eyes would glaze over within seconds if I shared this with her.

Next, the carry 1911's.

Next, the P239. It was a tackdriver. With the rubber Hogue grips, it may have shot the easiest of the three


of the three my opinion

I feel your pain...I can never figure out which of 88 1911's I should carry. What model? What barrel length? Commander? Officer? Parkerized?

So I give up and spill 40+ Glock 17s out of a tote.....Should I carry Gen1's, 3's or 4's


Then I grab a friggin pistol, find two spare mags for it, holster up and go about my day. I never shoulda quit drinkin'.


Hehehehe

See, we afflicted souls understand.

Yes, we should have only three pistols. A primary, a BUG, and a matching primary in case one needs repairs. But that wouldn't be any fun.:p

Wilson 1911
Kimber 1911
J frame.


I'm good

Oh yeah, a coach gun in the soft rifle rack hanging behind my seat for anti social occasions

Well, contemplating whether to go to ER or just pill up and stay in bed. Note to self, don't shoot till after surgery.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. Maybe I will learn some day. First range trip in almost a year and just not too smart.

Damn....feel better......can this be repaired permanently?

You got all that is really necessary.

Partner, I am really hopeful it can be fixed. I'm worn out. I have a 52 Hatteras, a 34 Hatteras and a big center console fishing boat and I haven't even seen them in months.

The surgeon in California I'm seeing next month is a big hitter with a great rep.

It's just the irony of life, you're livin the dream and the light at the end of the tunnel is a train headed your way. We all get our turn. I'm not letting this whip me.

TRUST ME!!! The ER is NOT something to contemplate. Take it from someone who just spent four days in the hospital! ROFL.
Michael

Glad you escaped the ER alive and congrats, I agree it's not a place to be.

Shark, best of luck to you. We've trained together and I know you weren't feeling well then either, but you push forward not letting it whip you.

I applaud the determination to move forward.

The greatest fear I have is to have something happen where I can't protect the wife or family. That's why I keep coming back and I'm an insufferable hard head.

Thanks for the kind words.

I like boats. My dad gave his away right before I moved here from Texas. Hope you get back on your feet and can enjoy yours, my friend

When I get better, I will have a Florida COTEP member offshore trip.

I used to take people offshore when I lived in Jersey. I miss the old days.

I should have such problems . I have 3 pistols . :o

That's all anyone needs, the rest is "wants"...pretty useless actually. Until I start to sell and use the money for fun

Hope you're able to get out on the boats soon!

I think I may have seen some of your :stuff " here . Very nice collection and I'm sure some are worth much more now .That is an upside for sure .

I would have alot more but my Wife will not allow it . We are trying to get the house payed for . Getting to old to still have house payments .

Have a good day .

Arley

I'd trade all my guns for the ability to have one fun day offshore fishing or to be able to walk around for more than 15 minutes. It's all relative, when I was leo, I spent 110% of what I made. Same for the Army pay. When I started practicing law after getting shot in the Army and the V.A. educated me, I spent the same ratio. I guess that's the American way.

milkmanjoe hit the nail on the head, 3 is all you need. More than three makes it harder to decide which three..

Now I'm forced into the downsize mode, trying to unload some things and escape the house payment too. I've been flush and I've been broke, I do like flush better.

The common thing we all have is something you can't buy... mutual respect, an appreciation of the second amendment and friends from all over with like interests that "get it"

I'd trade all my guns for the ability to have one fun day offshore fishing or to be able to walk around for more than 15 minutes. It's all relative, when I was leo, I spent 110% of what I made. Same for the Army pay. When I started practicing law after getting shot in the Army and the V.A. educated me, I spent the same ratio. I guess that's the American way.

milkmanjoe hit the nail on the head, 3 is all you need. More than three makes it harder to decide which three..

Now I'm forced into the downsize mode, trying to unload some things and escape the house payment too. I've been flush and I've been broke, I do like flush better.

The common thing we all have is something you can't buy... mutual respect, an appreciation of the second amendment and friends from all over with like interests that "get it"

I'm going to appoint Brownie, if I kick off anytime unexpectedly to quickly tell the wife I really didn't pay $299.99 for the Lightweight Kobra Carry Ed Brown. (see, ordinary people wouldn't get the joke)

I appreciate all of you.

You mean you didn't fully advise the wife as to the amount of a gun purchase?

I'v never heard of such a thing! :faint:

:D

My wise Uncle Ed, a self employed lawyer, a multi millionaire, a collector of vast hunting properties, a cigar aficionado, a lover of the finest Cognac, a collector of the finest cars, a womanizer who had the tallest top heavy blondes on his arm and a man who had a firearm collection that took up two rooms in his hunting lodge......said to me just a week before he died suddenly.....


"Joey, all the stuff is crap. When you get old if you can wake up in the morning, take a good sh*t and a good p*ss, you consider yourself a success"

And that is how I live...I have stuff, but don't worship it. Excuse me, the head is calling.

My "toys" are just that, toys. I play with them, maintain them and so forth.
I also allow and like when my friends play with them. They're also an investment. If I were to drop dead tomorrow, my wife could sell them, bury me with the money she makes, and have some left over.
For safety or EDC I depend on two or three of them.

Uncle Ed was a wise man indeed. As you age or have unexpected medical issues, "stuff" is just "stuff" and you realize all your life a good bowel movement was unappreciated.

In all seriousness, gun collections are entertaining to look and show friends and it gives you something to do (maintaining) but, after the three or so you really need for protection it all becomes something for the wife to sell some day when you are gone.

The girls just outlive us, it you don't believe it, go to a nursing home and look around.

When the doctor told me I had cancer I divided up my financial stuff to my kids.
When my heart went berserk my vehicles got dispersed, as well as properties.
When I got my diabetes confirmation I went over the gun distribution with my kids and we made a specific list.

Now I'm piss broke, I have to ask my wife which car I can use to drive to which property I USED to own, and my kids keep telling me to clean what were my guns.

Go figure.

Life has a wonderful way of working out, eh?

Darned glad you're here!

Happy we are all here! First order every single day, no matter how I feel. I look towards sunrise and say Thanks.

And right after that, remind yourself "send Pig one of those 88 1911's" :p

LOL......see my kids when I crap out....double:p

funny