Monday, August 23, 2010

Must…Shoot…Something…Soon

A few weeks ago, I was at a mediation with one of the attorneys I work with on a regular basis. Somehow, the subject of guns came up. That’s not all that surprising given the fact that this is Texas. I’m pretty sure the subject arose when the attorney mentioned that he was in the market for a “coyote gun” for use at the little piece of property where he and his wife keep a couple of horses. Coyote guns are probably second only to zombie guns for eliciting strong opinions from those who have little to no experience with either varmint.

Anywho, the attorney mentioned that he was eyeing the Henry lever action .22Mag offered by Cabela’s. I suggested that he go to a gun show, see what was available and make a more informed decision from there. When he mentioned that he had never been to a gun show, I offered to go with him. He thought that was a splendid idea, and a plan was set in motion.

So, yesterday, after a lunch of muy bueno Tex Mex food at Chuy’s and despite our server’s attempts to be as surly as possible, the attorney, Number 1 Follower and I headed off to Dallas Market Hall to drool over some guns. Much fun was had by all, and I came away with a new addition to the arsenal:




This is the Ruger MkIII 22/45 Replaceable Panels model. The Ruger 22/45 has been around since at least the 1980s (I remember fondling a few back in the day when I worked at Walmart, and Wally World still carried pistols), and its primary selling point over the regular Ruger .22 pistols is that the grip angle is same as the legendary 1911 style pistol of which I am an unabashed fan. However, the replaceable panels model is a relatively new addition to the Ruger lineup. The main differences between the standard 22/45 and the replaceable panels model being that the polymer frame has front and back strap checkering and you can swap out grip panels just like on a regular 1911 style pistol.

Astute readers will note that this particular pistol is not the Ruger Stainless MkIII Hunter model that I had been eyeing. There two main reasons for this: 1) I found the 22/45 RP for about $150-$200 less than the MkIII Hunter (I paid $277.50 plus tax to be exact), and 2) did I mention that I LOVE the 1911 and the 22/45 RP just feels right? In fact, the 22/45 RP feels so much more like the 1911 than the standard 22/45 that they should almost be put in different categories. The standard 22/45 has a fairly thin, slick polymer frame which don’t really fit my hands very well at all and would get slippery in a hurry for those of the sweaty palmed persuasion. Then there’s the aesthetics…they are about as pleasing to the eye as a set of Tupperware.

But the 22/45 RP, that’s another story. Do you like wood and metal together? This puppy has very finely checkered cocobolo wood grip panels setting off the blue steel very nicely. Don’t like wood? No problem. Insert favorite grip panels here.

I haven’t had a chance to fire it yet; however, dry firing seems to suggest a smooth trigger pull at about 3 or 4 pounds with a crisp break. The trigger is wide, grooved and very comfortable to my fingers. The front sight is a non-adjustable black blade which I am almost certainly going to replace with the Hiviz fiber optic option offered by Ruger as soon as possible. The rear sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation. It too is all black; however, there is a small groove around the notch which could easily be painted with a fine brush and a bright color for greater clarity.

Needless to say, I can’t wait to take it out and play.

P.S. For the curious, the attorney didn't make a purchase, but he did indicate he had narrowed down the coyote gun selection to the Marlin and Rossi lever actions in .357/.38.

6 comments:

  1. It's beautiful!

    Had a chance to shoot Tara's cowboy guns and - WOW - did I fall in love. I'm a big fan of semi-autos, but there's something so basic about a nice revolver that is soothing to shoot. Her triggers break so cleanly it's amazing - no take up, no travel - just a nice clean break at just under three pounds.

    I'm by no means going to give up my semi-autos, but may consider adding an old-school revolver just for relaxation purposes :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. GunDiva, it's sitting right next to me on my desk reading over my shoulder. I think it blushed at your comment.

    I know what yo mean about those cowboy guns. I had the pleasure of shooting a pair of 3rd generation Colt Peacemakers owned by a friend in Utah. He had them tuned up real nice and smooth. If I thought I could have gotten away with it, I would have stashed them in my luggage coming home.

    I definitely recommend a revolver for relaxation purposes. Smith & Wesson makes some real fine examples of modern revolvers. Pick up the Scandium framed/Titanium cylindered Model 329 sometime if you want something light weight, comfortable and powerful. Of course, Ruger and several others are making Peacemaker knock offs, and Colt is still making a current generation of the venerable SAA.

    All of them are loads of fun...no pun intended.

    ReplyDelete
  3. K,

    I know the urge to shoot a new gun --- I've had my a week longer and I'm starting to break out into hives.

    Of course, that could just be the 159 degree temperature we've been having.

    Looking at the forecast, it seems to be moderating for the weekend. Might be bearable to get out Saturday morning and break in the new guns.

    Up to traveling back to your old neighborhood?

    Guest fees at the Un-named Club are only $5.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bob, I'm up to traveling back to the old neighborhood. Unfortunately, it would have to be Sunday instead of Saturday. The Queen and I attend Church on Saturdays. Not sure what the forecast looks like for Sunday, yet.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Now that's my kind of shopping trip, go to help somebody out and end up buying a piece....LOL

    You just gotta love it.....

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mr. Daddy, He was a gunshow noob. I just HAD to show him how it was done. I mean, someone's got to take one for the team, and I'm just considerate that way.

    ReplyDelete

I am not easily offended. Please feel free to express your opinions: good, bad or indifferent. Basically, the "Golden Rule" applies. You get what you give. Treat others like trash here, and your comments will be trashed accordingly. Rudeness and vulgarity will not be tolerated.