COTEP.org - Greetings from Michigan

Hello my fellows, my name is Brendan, and I am an addict.

I have become permanently enamored of single-action crispness and ergonomics embodied in the designs of JMB.

As a portion of my therapy, I must make amends to those I have wronged... So I come, hat in hand, to you, my fellows.

My story: I didn't grow up shooting at all. I always wanted to, but it was something I had to discover on my own, as it wasn't my father's interest. I joined the Navy and had to learn how to handle a standard Beretta M9. At our first duty station, in VA, I took my wife, and despite her reservations, she loved it. Loved it enough that I bought her a .22 pistol (Buckmark - great gun!). I grew from a HP-DA to a '72 C-series Hi Power, which is my first love. That blossomed. I found one of the 1911 forums, where I noticed this weird "COTEP" signature on some people's tags. So, curiosity got the better of me, and I found this place.

I lurked a little, but it seems that the enlightenment herein is primarily derived from ownership of these "Dan Wesson" things (subsequent metamorphoses are beyond the ken of this epistle). Not having heard of them, I looked into them further, and I liked what I saw.

Eventually, the time was right: I saw a beautiful Valor in the Ionbond finish on FunBroker, and whilst I'd hitherto been pining after a Colt Wiley Clapp Gov't model, this was cheaper! So I compared the two, virtually, as much as I could. The general assessment seemed to be that I would be better served by opting for the Valor.

And then, my sin!

I walked into my LGS, whose case is usually well stocked. They've had multiple Wilson's, several Baers, a few STIs, the occasional Colt. Today, the pickings were a little slimmer. The STIs were there, there was a Baer PII, a Kimber, sundry others - and they had another one of these "Dan Wesson" things that I'd been reading about. But it was a 9mm, and that didn't interest me. Ne'ertheless, I fondled; and boy, was I impressed with the workmanship! I've got a nice bonus coming with my upcoming PCS, so I took the plunge and bid on the Valor online.

But I had neglected to look out for my fellows. I had seen a PM-9 in the flesh, and failed to report it in the appropriate "search" thread. Oh my brothers and sisters, can you find it in your hearts to harden them not, and to forgive me!?! I decided I must make good; I must redeem myself!

Dilemma: I was faced with two options. Either report my findings to the appropriate authorities and watch this find piece be snatched into the ether of someone's happiness, or dive on that grenade myself.

So, what is any good sailor to do, but dive on the offending agent, but of course.

I have to admit, seeing that many of the senior members here had military service records, made this pill only that much easier to swallow. It was decided when I noted that one was a Chief Corpsman. I joined.

Well, stainless ain't my bag baby. Neither is 9mm in a 1911 (both of my BHPs are), as is the wife's PPQ. And I don't really like front cocking serrations ...but... I had a Valor. It was smooth, with a nearly clean slide, no FCS, and came in .45.

What a terrible husband was I! I had neglected my wife in my avarice. Woe is me! The sins compound, and I am deeper in than ever!

Ah, but there is a solution - such a simple, elegant solution.

I bought the PM9 for my wife. 9mm in such a solid platform is gentle on her lithe figure. The target sights are perfect for her intended use, since her PPQ performs purse duty. The stainless is shiny, and we all know women love shiny things!

Redemption!

So once again, I beg your forgiveness and implore that in your kindness you admit me to your congress, now that I have become enlightened and seen the error of my ways!

I am now rejoicing in the crisp triggers, smooth slide actions, excellent sights, impeccable finishes that rival my one friend's Wilsons, and surpass my other's custom Kimber.

I desist now, 'ere I cause more offense with my verbosity.

Hooyah!
-b

p.s. In the last photo, my Alloy BHP is missing - it's off getting re-skinned at Robar.
p.p.s. My photographic skills leave something to be desired. Sorry, not a talent I possess to much of an extent.
p.p.p.s. Translation of entire thread in plain English: "Hey, I'm happy to be here. Saw your stuff online, and found two DWs that I really like: a PM9 for my wife and a Valor for me. Nice to meet you."