Category Archives: Weapons

Armchair Quarterbacking: FNH Part 1.

09/11/2015 MadOgre 15 Comments

This is a long time coming. I’ve wanted to Armchair Quarterback FNH for a good long time – but have always put it off because I knew this was going to be a massive AQB Session. Because I’ve got a lot of notes to go through here. Buckle Up.

The only question here is how do we go about this one? Let’s make it easy for you guys to follow along. Go grab a 2015 FNH Catalog from your stack/file of manufacturer’s catalogs… or stop by your local dealer to get one. Let’s just go through this page by page.

Page 13… Notice that it takes you 13 pages in their product catalog to get to their catalog. The prior 12 pages establish that, yes, FNH is awesome. They’ve take the Banner of the Builders of Badass away from Colt and away from HK. Impressive feat. You should change your logo now. Gloss Black background with gold lettering. Where was I? Ah – Page 13. We see a great photo of an FNS-9C. That’s an outstanding pistol. Recently there came the addition of the .40 caliber version – which is outstanding. But where is the FNS-45C? That’s a hole right in the middle of the lineup. There are a lot of shooters that still like .45 Auto. I myself would rather a .45 than a 9mm.
Another hole in this line up of Compacts – is a compact FNX. A hammer fired version. I know Strikers are all the Rage, and coming out with a Striker compact first was a good move, yes. However I’m waiting on the X version. I want a hammer. Not only that, I want that compact hammer-fired pistol in .45. I’m a traditionalist… I have gray in my beard… I’ve earned my opinion.
Now let’s talk about the FNS-C pistols specifically. Making them a straight up chopped version of the full sized guns is good – but you kind of missed the point on this. Compacts like these are meant for covert carry. Concealed carry. Under Cover, close to the body, under the shirt and inside the waistband carry. The problem is that the FNS-C’s have some bloody sharp edges on it where there shouldn’t be.
Give the “Little C” pistols a melt job. Just have a guy hit them with a belt sander a little bit before sending the slide to get finished. Hit some of that grip frame as well. In fact, if you could… Take that grip frame and just sand that frame rail right off the bottom. No rails.

The idea here is to keep the FNS-9C as small as possible and as comfortable as possible for concealed carry. Don’t think that would work? Look at the SIG M-11, it has no rails and SIG is selling the hell out of them. Oh, would you look at that – it also has a hammer. Just sayin.

Pages 15-17. The FNS and FNX series as shown. Solid guns. I really like them. But turn real quick to page 18. What do you see? The FNX-45 Tactical.
Are you following me here? Yeah… I’m going to say it. Where are the FNX-9 Tacticals? And the FNX-40 Tacticals? With the extended threaded barrels, suppressor sights, and slides cut for Micro-Red Dots? S&W has this with the CORE pistols – hugely popular. In fact, when I was with a certain tactical holster company – that was one of the #1 questions about the M&P holsters – would they fit the CORE. Glock has the MOS series of pistols out now – all pre-cut for RMR sights. What – does FNH think only guys wanting that are shooting .45 Autos?
While we are talking Tactical editions… Where is an FNS Tactical? Because the CORE and the MOS pistols just happen to be strikers. FNH, you need to bring balance to these forces.

Let’s talk colors. Page 18 and page 19, I’m seeing Tan frames. Where are the Tan frames on the other pistols? I mean, obviously, you guys have the capability to do tan frames… but you’ve chosen not to. Let me tell ya something. Glock pistols in the alternate Tan color – always sell out before the regular black pistols do. And a Tan gun in the Compact lines actually make a lot more sense as they will be less noticeable than a black gun. That and folks just like different color options. I’m not saying pull out a rainbow… But FDE and ODG would not go amiss here.

Speaking of a miss here… The long slide guns… Some factory installed adjustable sights with a high-vis front sight post would be ideal.

Know what would also be idea? An FNX Tactical in 10mm. Yes, I’m suggesting that. Interest in 10mm is on the upswing and more options in 10mm would really help. Working with dealers who sell FNH – I have heard many many times “If this was in 10mm…”
Come on – just a special edition run of them at least. That would be legendary.

Page 19. The Five-Seven. You know what else I’ve heard a lot of wishes about? A Compact version of the Five-Seven for concealed carry. Guys that are into it wish they could pack these concealed.
Shorter mags down to 20 rounds – chop the barrel a 3/4 an inch, melt job, and no rails. The 57C. Seriously… that would be awesome. Also, it needs the Tactical Treatment as well. Extended threaded, RMR cut. Do it. People ask for it. FNH FN57C

FNH FN57C. Compact package with a 15 round magazine. Threaded Barrel Available.

I’m not even all that much of a Five-Seven Fan – but that’s hot. I’d buy that. A 15 round Compact? Hell yeah I would. That’s awesome.

One last thing on the FN Handguns:
PLEASE BRING BACK THE HI-POWER.
Do so with modern sights, contoured controls, and without the magazine disconnect safety. Thank you.

To Be Continued.

Weapons

Carolina Arms Group

08/30/2015 MadOgre 14 Comments

The new 1911 Maker in North Carolina is Carolina Arms Group. These guns are legit. I’d put them right up there with Les Baer and Ed Brown.

The actions, triggers, overall fitment – flawless. Very smooth. Great triggers… These are everything you want in a 1911.

Now, CAG is a new company so they don’t have that name and reputation. But if you know 1911’s and how they should be built – and not just Name Dropping and Marketing Buzzwords… and you examine a CAG 1911… You’ll know these are exquisite 1911’s.I took the opportunity to test fire their new Commander Length pistol. It was flawless. Cycled perfectly, and it didn’t just shoot point of aim – point of impact…. It was like it shot to “Point of Will”. It was telekinetic… Exactly like a fine 1911 should be. I wanted to put a round “THERE” and the round went there. You are not just hitting your target… you are placing your shots on the target where you want them to go.

These guns are built with all premium level parts… Everything is forged billet. Nothing even remotely MIM or Cast like how some high level 1911 makers are sneaking into their production… These are true custom built 1911’s.
The Price does reflect that… Around 3 Large. But you really do get what you pay for here. These guns are right up there with the very best.

Gear, Weapons

Adams Holsters Texas Rig

07/30/2015 MadOgre 7 Comments

I’ve now spent 24 hours with my new Texas rig from Adams Holsters. I wore it last night, and I’ve been wearing it since I put on my pants this morning. What a great rig. Simple. I like that. I don’t need or want a complicated holster. I don’t want a system. I want a simple scabbard. This IWB rig is just that. The leather is beautifully finished and well formed. My Ruger SP101 pops into place and pops out like this was Kydex or something. Retention is not an issue because of that fit. The Clips are made of a spring-steel and are quite solid. I’m not worried about bending them like I am on other holsters. Comfort? Yeah, it’s comfortable. Concealable? Extremely. Last night I wore this rig and my gun with just a T-Shirt over it and I asked my wife if she could see it.
“No, I can’t… even knowing what to look for, there’s no bulge even.”
I’ll not tell you the rest of the conversation about her looking at my bulge… But the fact remains this rig keeps the gun very concealed. It holds the gun very tight against the body.
Comfortable… Concealable…
This is everything you want in a concealment rig.
http://adamsholsters.com/

Weapons

The Match Champion.

07/24/2015 MadOgre 15 Comments

This is one of the very best firearms purchases I’ve ever made in my entire life. As far as revolvers go, the Match Champion is the pinnacle of the wheelgun genre. Designed to be a competitor to S&W’s SSR revolver… it is… but it’s more than that.

The sights, the chamfered cylinder, the trigger work… This is beyond something for mere gun games. Ruger just made the most serious production fighting revolver they have ever put out. The only thing that could make this better as a combat weapon, would be to subdue the stainless. And really for most purposes and situations, that’s not an issue.

In making this gun, Ruger certainly put a shot over S&W’s bow… or actually… a full Broadsides. This is beyond Smith’s SSR. I’d even say it’s going head to head against Smith’s R8/TRR8. Advantage to the Smith with 8 rounds in the cylinder… But the Smith can’t handle the loads that the GP100 can load. In the long run, the MC will still be shooting full throttle loads while the Smith is laid up, crippled, and begging for a merciful end.

And the Ruger is hands down a better looking gun. It’s lines are gorgeous. That Grip is just sexy. It feels good in a way S&W will never understand. Power and Glory. The MC has it. The MC is made of it. If you have been thinking about getting a Revolver. This is the one to get.

Weapons

Which one?

07/12/2015 MadOgre 21 Comments

The FNH FNX 45 is one of the top contenders in the debate about what the new military pistol should be. It’s big, accurate, has a high capacity, and as reliable as the sunrise. It would be a great sidearm for any of our nation’s warriors.

Unless that warrior had small hands. Even with the replaceable backstraps… it’s still a large pistol to hold on to for a lot of people. Many would not be able to operate it as efficiently as would be ideal.

The HK HK45 on the other hand, is far more ergonomic and doesn’t feel as large. It’s as accurate and reliable as the FNX, but it doesn’t have the capacity. 12 instead of 15. So it’s a trade of. A few less rounds, but more comfortable and more people can shoot it easier. And… it’s a sexier looking pistol. Given the pros and cons… it’s a touch choice. What do you guys think? Pick one.
(My normal response of “Both” is of course already noted. But if you had to pick just one… pick one.)

Weapons

The Kriss Vector

07/08/2015 MadOgre 10 Comments

I have an irrational hatred of this gun.

Yes, I hate this gun, and I know it’s irrational. It’s a fine gun… shoots well enough and from my experience is reliable and easy to make accurate hits with. But I still hate it. Let me tell you why.

First time I really examined one was at Crusader Weaponry’s old Utah facility. Gundoc had one in for some custom work. He had it broken down to the smallest of pins, every single piece was disassembled from every other piece. In this state, I concluded from my observation that the Vector is a complicated firearm. I didn’t really favor it for that reason… I’m an Ogre and I prefer more robust, simpler designs. It’s not that it befuddles me or that I don’t understand the function of all the tiny bits… It’s just too complicated for my comfort.

Some time later, while I was still at Basin Sports, a customer ordered one in. On the day he came to pick it up and take it home, this proud Vector Papa asked me my opinion of it. I said basically what I just said here. “They seem to be fine guns, but they are too complicated for my personal tastes.”

Well, the sad customer actually went and cried about that to my Boss. Said he was so angry he wanted to jump over the counter and physically assault me. Which would have been very entertaining for about the 1.5 seconds before I broke his face and one of his arms. Trust me, that would have happened. You know how a Lion looks all tired and slow, yet can totally fuck up a whole pack of hyenas all the sudden when the situation requires? Still… this man’s Pee-Pee was so deep into that Vector that his feelings were ravaged by my comment that the gun was “Complicated“.

I was actually reprimanded about this. Me giving my opinions to customers… Even when directly asked… My opinion was a Basin Sports Hot Topic while I was there. Even though EVERYONE ELSE behind the Gun Counter always toss out their opinions like Rip Taylor tosses Confetti… and Salads, I was to keep my opinion in check. I actually had to apologize to the customer – for giving him the opinion that he asked for. Unreal. “I’m sorry I said your gun was complicated. I should have used smaller words.” Evidently my opinion causes violent reactions in those who have never lived outside of Vernal, Utah. This was also the moment when I realized that I needed to live outside of Vernal, Utah. Hence my response to people who asked why I moved. “It’s complicated.”

I’ve just never really cared for the Vector since that time. I’ve shot them several times since then. Never had a problem. But for the life of me – I still just can’t get over my irrationally hard feelings against the Vector.

See, this is the problem. I want to like this gun. I like the fact that it’s a new design that came from not just thinking outside of the box… but inventing a whole new box to think in. That makes it cool.

Weapons

Packing a Magnum

06/25/2015 MadOgre 8 Comments

It’s been fun packing the SP101. Having a .357 Magnum on you is… what’s the right word? Liberating. There’s a certain feeling of confidence I’m getting with this SP101 that I’ve not felt since… Since I first starting packing.

As you can see from the above image, I’ve changed the grips from the factory squared grips – which honestly I didn’t really care for – to these nice Hogue Monogrips. The difference in feel is night and day. This is almost a completely different gun now. Not only does it feel so much better, but it actually carries better because the butt of the gun is not squared off, but tapers down nicely. It hides better too. It’s just – better. In firing, it dampens the recoil a bit better than stock too. Not a whole lot, but it’s there.
If you are still running factory – I seriously recommend the change. Unless of course, these just don’t fit your evidently Sasquatch-Like Paws.

Typically I’m packing the gun with 10 rounds standing by for reloading. I do not feel like I’m at any disadvantage. 15 rounds of .357 Magnum is plenty for normal concealed carry. If I need more, I’ll get my backup gun… which is an 870 Street Howitzer. If I need more than that – I’m calling the Cavalry.
The load I’m carrying remains the Federal 158 grain SJHP. With which I am satisfied. For the time being. Until I am convinced something else is tangibly better in this application. Normally I’m a Hornady fan or a PDX1… but .357 Magnum is a different animal altogether. The bullets do not need to be so fancy. Just heavy and fast.
When I get my holsters from Adams Holsters, I’ll be packing the GP100 Match Champion as my main gun, and the SP101 will become the secondary. As intended. But for now… This little Magnum is serving admirably.

Weapons

The Ruger SP101.

06/14/2015 MadOgre 13 Comments

The Ruger SP101 just impresses the hell out of me. I love it. A friend of mine let me borrow one a long time ago for an article in Concealed Carry Magazine. (Read That Here) Ever since I shot Norse’s little Magnum, I’ve wanted one.

And finally, after all these years I finally have one of my own. I’m quite happy with it. Probably the most satisfying of gun purchases I’ve ever made. Should have got one Eons ago.

Some things I want to do with it. Gold Bead front sight post. Nice wood grips. Trigger job. Deep target crown. All in due time. I’m in no rush. Like a few other guns – this one is going to be with me forever. It’s going to be my main concealment gun.

Now, the platform is one thing. The carry ammo is another. .357 magnum has a lot of great options out there. Everyone that makes ammo, makes .357. And I do like heavy for caliber… so I’m thinking at least 158 grains, and it’s gotta be loaded hot.

Weapons

The Ruger Twins

06/12/2015 MadOgre 15 Comments

Brought home a set of Ruger twins. Two guns I’ve wanted for years and today I just said “Screw it… I’m getting them.” So I did. Full power .357 Magnum Goodness Gracious.
I’ve not shot them yet. First, I have some work to do on them. They need some smoothing. Out of the box Rugers are not the slickest of actions or triggers.

The SP101 needs a new set of grips, or inserts. Not digging them. The Match Champion is awesome. Still needs to be slicked up, but I love it.
I will also need a couple good holsters. And when I say I need holsters, I only look to one source. My exclusive holster maker. I will not carry them in anything less.

There’s something just… Honest about revolvers. With Autos there is so much BS when it comes to “Reliability” and chest pounding when it comes to what Elite Unit uses your gun. Revolvers just ARE. They are inherently accurate and as reliable as any gun can possibly be. They are easy to shoot well with. And dang if they don’t look good.

Weapons

Tired of Tantos.

06/07/2015 MadOgre 20 Comments

I’m tired of Tantos. Once again the Tanto Rage is in full swing and all the new blades I’ve been seeing… the ones other guys are all “Look at this” all about… They are all Tantos. The Tanto design is completely over rated. While it has it’s Pro’s, I’ve found over time that the Cons are out-weighting them. I’m not going to go into a Nut’n Fancy detailed breakdown of all the points and elements. These should be apparent to you… you’re a big boy and Google is your friend.

I use my knives a lot. My “Tactical” knives – most guys keep them well oiled and unused in their “Kit”. Totally razor sharp. In case of Zombies, or a call from SECDEF requesting the use of their particular sets of skills. I’m not that guy anymore. So all my throat slitting, 4/5 rib punchers get used for other things. Like what they are designed to actually do – cut things. Not “Testing” by chopping tree limbs, bending the blade sideways or all the other “Torture” tests people do. No, I used them to cut things. Like food. My Combat Bowie? That’s become my favorite BBQ knife. I don’t care if a blade is forged by Hephaestus himself out of meteorite and the souls of fallen Samurai. It’s pulling KP over here. It’s going to open packages. It’s going to slice sheets of vinyl. It’s going to do the every day menial tasks that is of the peasant class, not the warrior class.

I’ve found that Tanto knives are cool looking, but they don’t like to really work. For the most part, much of the cutting ends up happening at the point of the blade where there should be a wide curve. Instead there is a sharp angle. This is an exaggeration of the original design and is a modern invention from fantasy. And it puts all the cutting in real world use at that point. Which will dull easily and quickly regardless of how elite the steel is. Now, I’m not talking about swords or sword length blades. I’m talking about knives. One handed, and generally under 18 inches of blade length.

I feel no sense of history or belonging with a Tanto. It’s not culturally connected to my heritage. Of course, the blade that does connect with me culturally is of little actual field use either… but I know it’s a part of my family history in early times before they came to America. These are actually good for deboning and slicing baked goods. But that’s not entirely the point either. When I pick up a Tanto, there is no connection to my past in any way. They feel hollow to me these days. There is no feeling patriotism. I have one tanto bladed knife left. It was a gift from friends… I will never part with it. All my other Tantos have been given away or just lost and I’ve not bothered searching for them.

My favorite blade, that touches on my American Heritage, and makes me feel that sense of “this belongs here”… are the Bowie Knives.

Bowies can be big and beautiful. They can be elegant and refined. They speak of our Frontier History as a razor sharp national icon. The Bowie is as American as the 1911 pistol and a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The actual history of the Bowie has some questions as to the design. The first Bowie Knife designed by Jim Bowie, carried and used famously by Jim Bowie… we don’t know what that knife looks like. Or the actual size. It was just reported to be a big freaking knife. But the modern style of what we call a Bowie fills the void of details just fine. The style is unique in a large blade, and translates well into smaller blades. It’s beautiful and it’s effective… and best yet it actually works.

Now, I’m not about high polished elegance and all that. I like working blades. Just like my guns. They need to speak of their use and capability. They need to tell you just by their appearance that they will do horrible things to you. They need to tell you to be careful with them… and that they don’t care if they have to hurt. That’s a real Bowie to me. One of my favorites that says all that is from ZOMBIE TOOLS. These guys got the Bowie just right. And added some serious DGAF attitude.

I think that’s probably the #1 thing that Tantos just don’t have. Attitude. They don’t don’t have that machismo. CHARACTER. The most interesting man in the world wouldn’t carry or use a Tanto. Most importantly… a Tanto is unfit for use in preparing and serving BBQ and spending the day Grilling.

Go get yourself a damn Bowie Knife.

Mad Ogre

Category Archives: Weapons

Armchair Quarterbacking: FNH Part 1.

Carolina Arms Group

Adams Holsters Texas Rig

The Match Champion.

Which one?

The Kriss Vector

Packing a Magnum

The Ruger SP101.

The Ruger Twins

Tired of Tantos.

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