No thanks. A 10 Pound Shotgun, with a Safety that can’t go back on if only one barrel is fired, and has two barrels regulated like Marty Feldman’s eye balls. Maybe it’s well made, like LV says. But maybe it’s not well made enough and needs a little more Well Made to get it right. Even if it was flawless… 10 pounds. It’s also huge and bulky and I don’t see the need for a double barrel pump. This is less Serious Use Shotgun and more Novelty “because we can” Shotgun.
I’d rather have a KSG than this. Heck, I’d rather have a UTAS UTS-12 than this. And of course, I’d rather have a good old 870 than this.
This Speed test. Firing only enough rounds to make it look like it has a serious advantage over the 870? Laughable. Instead of testing which shoots X # rounds faster – so the Durp-12 doesn’t have to reload – how about a test where the Guns are fired until empty, fully reloaded and fired again. Let’s see that test. Because the number of rounds in the gun is only temporary. All guns will run dry.
And those Angled shots? Not much of an angle from the looks of it. Slightly up and slightly down? Not much of a test. Larry Vicker’s “Tests” seem to lose credibility every time.
His camera crew though, freaking bananas on those slow mo’s. But it’s almost becoming too much. They are over doing it. And no matter how cool it looks – LV doesn’t need to talk so much giving a SITREP for every new shooting position… judas priest the man talks too much! He’s going to give Nutinfancy a run for his mouth money. Maybe Nutinfancy needs to do more Slow-Mo. Anyways, back to the Durp-12…
You can aim POA-POI on one barrel and then you have to hold completely different for the other barrel at 100 yards. That’s a fail. It just is. ESPECIALLY since you can’t put the weapon on safe with just 1 barrel fired. FAIL FAIL FAIL! That’s just unsafe.
No… I don’t like the Durp-12. LV can keep it.
The FN SLP is one of the very best Self Loading shotguns on the market. It plays second fiddle only the Benelli M4, only because the Marines selected the M4. For those of us who have to buy our own guns – 2,000 dollars on a Shotgun is just not wise. The SLP can be hand from 1,000 to 1,200 at retail which makes it far more realistic. But are you really giving anything up from not having an M4? No, not really. You have a rugged and reliable action. You have awesome sights which are similar to the M4’s. And you even have a greater capacity. So when it comes to a serious use shotgun – the SLP is every bit as awesome.
The Benelli M4 has something the SLP Tactical doesn’t have… I’ll get to that in a moment. Working the gun counter at the best gun store in the region, I sold a lot of shotguns…. A lot of those shotguns came through my Tactical Shotgun Courses. So I saw those guns get used. Used hard like a fresh faced redhead girl just off the bus in LA looking to become the next hollywood star. In selling these guns, a lot of them were to Law Enforcement. And their choices came down to the M4 or the SLP Tactical. One or the other. They most often picked the M4. Why? Because that one thing the SLP doesn’t have. A good pistol griped stock. FNH’s Pistol Grip Stock is a little lacking. The stock its self is great. I like the modules that allow changes in the stock’s length of pull and comb… but it’s the pistol grip its self.
The pistol grip on the M4 is spectacular. It’s thick and meaty… cushioning… It’s the best on the market, now or ever. It’s the best the Industry has ever created for shotguns. Take a good hard look at the M4’s pistol grip – and do that. Just do that. Don’t argue about it. Don’t point fingers… just do it. The SLP Tactical’s grip doesn’t compare. It just doesn’t. And when you go Side by Side with the Benelli M4 – you’ll see what I mean.
One more thing. Give me the option of a factory Cerakote. I’m big on color options because colors sell. But only coat the metal. None of the furniture. FDE, OD, and give me a Burnt Bronze option – because I want that and it would be the tits. Nothing else. No special markings or titles or logos… simple. Understated. But bronzed out.
The SLP MK I / MK I Tactical
Now the MK1 is really intended for an optic… but they mostly never get any optics mounted on them. Which leaves you with a set of iron sighs and an empty rail that looks a bit daft. If this rail could be removed – that would be great. But my beef with the MK1 is in one small detail. That rear sight. This small, cheap blade that looks like you took if off a Ruger 10/22. This rear sight needs to be adjustable. This gun is perfect for launching slugs. Different slugs have different points of impact and the gun needs to be zeroed POA-POI for max effectiveness – something FNH is all about. To do that, I need an adjustable rear sight. Sure, I could just put on a Red Dot and zero that – but why? When the gun could have a good rear sight from the factory? Come on. This gun is world class, but that rear sight is a wort. I can’t be the only guy that’s ever said this. This shouldn’t be a new idea to you. Someone at FNH has to have said that to you guys before. You guys should have listened. I actually had the chance to buy one of these real cheap. I passed. Why? The Rear Sight. Where was this at? Last Tuesday at your new brand new Pro-Shop in Columbia. I wanted to like it – but the rear sight just killed it for me.
So for the MKI – Adjustable Rear Sight. That’s all I’m asking.
The SLP Competition.
Good to Go.
SC1
I really have no comment about Over-Unders. O-U’s are for a richer man’s sport than what I play in… But from the guns I’ve tried they all shoot very well and do exactly what they are supposed to. And they cool cool. Now – I know you guys have some close relations with Browning. Browning had an Over Under that I almost bought. Came very close I liked it that much…
FN doesn’t have this type of O-U. A light weight synthetic. Maybe you don’t need it in your line up. But – just saying – I did sell a lot of Bownings and that Sporting Composite, we couldn’t keep on the shelf. Think about it.
The FN P-12
Understand something. Pump Shotguns are my THING. I have a passion for them. I really want to like the P-12. But something is holding me back. I think that something is the same issue I have with the SLP MK1. That Rear Right. And that Cantilever Rail. So two things. See… I like pump shotguns for their simplicity and purity of purpose… and their violence of action. And the P-12 is almost there. I don’t need my pump action shotgun to have a Railed Comb-Over. But I do like the OPTION of being able to easily add a rail if I want to. Ditch the Comb over and drill and tap the receiver for rail attachment, and give me a short rail section in the box. Give me that adjustable rear sight. And one more thing. Push that Magazine Feed Tube out to the length of the muzzle for just 1 more round of capacity – but just flat out better looking results. Because the P-12 is looking like a murdered out Ithaca, with a comb-over.
You guys fix that – and I’d do something I can’t even believe I’m saying… You fix that P-12 like I said… and I’ll trade you one of my favorite and most beloved Remington 870’s for it. Yeah. I would.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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/
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
