James,
In the late 1990s I bought a Para Ordnance P-14 [double column magazine M1911 variant], without first test shooting one. I never could get it to shoot well, the sights sucked and the grip turned out to be too fat (this was before somebody invented the slimming grip panels.) Anyway I sold it after about 1,000 rounds. The good news was I sold it just before the California magazine ban went in[to effect in January, 2000) and I just about tripled my money on that gun and all the magazines that I had.
There is not really any group standard at my place save for S&W .357 and .44 Magnum revolvers. I have various M1911s, a SIG, and a Browning–in .22, 9mm, 10mm and .45 ACP. A lot of my friends shoot Glocks but the .45 [Model 21] and 10[mm Model 20] seem too fat, much like the Para Ord and the 9mm seems interesting but in California I can no longer legally buy 11+ round magazines. So I’m back to single stack .45 or a slightly curtailed 10 rd mag .40 mid-size (SIG 229?) I’d like to get a .40 but can’t seem to bring myself to [logistically] supporting one more caliber.
I don’t think I’ll be moving before the ’08 elections (assuming [that they will mean] the worst for gun rights) so I’m kinda stuck. – Tim. L. in California
Mr. Rawles,
I’ll be brief. I think the Glock 21 is the best fighting pistol ever made. I used to feel that way about my [Model] 1911, but it is no where near as dependable. Glocks in general set the standard. Yes, they are ugly and have polymer parts, but dependability is my criteria. They wear out eventually, but not as quickly as anything else I have ever owned. Natchez Shooters Supply (great people to buy from) has Glock factory magazines for less than $16. I ordered your new expanded edition of “Patriots”, and look forward to reading it again. – Clark G.
Hey Jim:
I forwarded the [Springfield Armory] XD post to a fellow instructor who has developed an affinity for the XD series. He had concerns about the parts issue and addressed the concern with Springfield. Here is the reply he got back:
“Our certified armorers with law enforcement agencies can purchase any part without delay except the frame and slide.”
She referred me to their training provider, who offers a three-day class which includes the [Colt Model 1911], M1A [rifle], and XD pistols. You can choose to attend all three days or any combination you need for the weapons you work on.
She understands how civilians are frustrated about the parts issue, but it is not a concern for cops. I was impressed with her knowledge of the weapon–she is an armorer instructor. She also mentioned that they expedite law enforcement guns in for repair or replacement.”
This actually falls in line with Glock and their ordering process. In Glock armorer courses I have attended, they stressed that liability drove the limiting of the parts (non-armorers installing parts, gun fails, Glock gets sued for defective parts, etc.). However, places like Lone Wolf Distributors, Glockmeister, etc. buy in batches and are willing to sell to [non-law enforcement/non-gunsmith] folks. And good for them!
I am annoyed with the use of the word “civilian” and that cops can get parts faster than the “lowly” citizen can. Despite being a cop, I find the use of the term “civilian” to refer to my employers annoying.
Sorry, Springfield [Armory], I’ll stay with Glock for now until you improve things. – MP in Seattle