Author: r2kba.patriot

Categories
AK AK-47 Reddit

r/AK47 Reddit Page

In the past, I frequented the r/AK47 page, but there are a few things that are hardcore turnoffs regarding r/AK47.

First, the elitism is heavy on that page. You’ll see folks focusing on trash-talking domestic AKs. They’re tracking US-made AK pattern rifles in a document, highlighting each reported issue. I don’t have an issue with tracking in this fashion, if it’s tracked across all makes. If ALL issues aren’t being tracked, then that’s 100% bias.

I say this because I’ve noticed issues being reported by Zastava owners, yet that make’s issues aren’t being tracked. As well, I’ve seen quite a few issues with WASRs and those issues also go unreported. I’m not the only person noticing the bias. Folks ask about the bias all the time, but their questions are ignored.

Secondly, it’s all frat-boy attitude at r/AK47. If you’ve an issue and asking for help, you’ll get assistance but you’ll have to wait for folks to stop laughing at your issue or your questions/concerns. And if you’ve a US-made AK and are asking for assistance, you’ll be ridiculed to death before someone comes along that’s willing to assist (those folks will more than likely own the same gun). Even simple questions that a new person might ask get laughed at. It’s probably best to not mention that it’s a US-made gun unless it’s absolutely necessary.

To be honest, it’s the same at the AK Files forum, too. That doesn’t excuse the behavior, though.

So, if you own an AK and have questions, you should develop thick skin before asking at r/AK47 and AK Files. Or, search through old posts and send folks that had similar issues a private message in Reddit (or in the case of AK Files, a forum private message).

Categories
action camera Cube+ Polaroid

The Polaroid Cube+ Action Camera – Update and Final Review

I posted about action cameras awhile back, as I think they make viable training aids – you can record yourself while you train and then watch your footage at a later time to critique yourself.

During the month of February 2019, I bought a Polaroid Cube+ action camera as a replacement for my Mobuis action camera that died.

The Cube+ died today. I hadn’t been using it all that much the past year, because I hated that when I used it with it’s associated phone app, it would never show what the camera was seeing when I was recording. This is key, since I need to be able to see that I’m properly framing the object I’m recording. I thought that I’d get more than 3 years of use from it.

Well, the camera didn’t die but it may as well have died. The internal battery died. The battery isn’t made to be readily replaceable. Also, as I conducted research, I found that several folks experienced the same issue with new cameras, out of the box, and when they requested replacements, the replacements had the same issue. At least with the Mobius, you could swap out a dead battery for a new one, but with the Cube+, the battery connections are soldered into place. I’m all about saving a few bucks but not when it comes to such a cheap product. The Cube+ is also end of life.

It’s a pity, as this camera wasn’t all that bad. It was small enough to throw into a range bag, small enough to forget that it was attached to your head, and simple to operate. Cons are, again, the integrated nature of the battery, as well as spotty support and questionably useful phone app.

This is the second time I’ve lost a camera because it’s battery was non-removable.

So, I’m in the market for a new camera. Yes, I’m still primarily using my GoPro Hero 4 Silver as a range camera, but I want a second camera as backup. I will no longer purchase cameras with non-removable batteries.

I also still have my Astak CM-7500 action camera, but batteries are becoming difficult to find for that camera and it’s features aren’t as good as my Hero 4’s features. The batteries I have are struggling to hold a decent charge and one is starting to swell. I ordered two new ones but really had to hunt for them, as many places no longer stock them.

I do not want to purchase a new GoPro, as they’re too expensive for what I need. Not that I didn’t consider it, but after researching, even a no-longer-supported refurbished GoPro Hero 7 on Amazon.com is well over $200. I also noticed that they’ve stopped making their Cube-like camera, probably due to batteries not being able to be replaced by the owner.

My next camera will be a cheap but good Chinese brand. I’m not afraid of buying foreign products, as they all have their place…the more, the better, as that’s what drives competition.

I’m currently looking at the SJCam SJ8K, as it has many similar features to the GoPro cameras, and I’m not looking to spend over $150.

I’ll post when I’ve decided and received the action camera, whatever brand it may be.

Categories
1911 1911A1 45ACP 9mm American Classic Commander Metro Arms RIA Rock Island Armory

New YouTube Video – 1911 Range Day!

I tried a new format in this video, using my GoPro hat-clip. What I didnt’ account for was the volume isn’t crisp, as the hat-clip requires usage of the GoPro case, which is apparently covering the camera’s mic. 🙁

There were issues with the Metro Arms 1911. I’ve been suspecting as much the past 1-2 years, but my handgun experience is expanding and I’m confident to say that this handgun has issues with it’s sights. I’ll be looking into obtaining a new set of sights for this handgun (I wouldn’t mind having the sights that are on my RIA Tac Ultra installed on this handgun).

Also, I finally installed the 9mm barrel into my RIA Tac Ultra (I have always shot it with the 22TCM barrel installed). I shot 140 rounds of 9mm from the gun. The gun now has a total of 746 rounds through it. It’s my third most-fired handgun (the Grand Power P11 and Bersa Thunder Plus are 1st and 2nd).

There were some fails to feed when firing the Tac Ultra, but the feed issues only occurred with the OEM mags. I’ve Wilson Combat 9mm ETM mags, which didn’t have any feed issues. I also used the 38 Super mag that came with the Tac Ultra. I also used the 9mm mag that came with my RIA Rock Ultra. The latter two mag are the mags that had inconsistent issues. The feed issues were occurring mid-mag.

Lastly, I need to research who is the new US importer for Metro Arms. Eagle Imports was the importer, but they went out of business earlier this year.

Categories
Canik subcompact TP9 Elite

Alert! Found some TP9 Sub-compact mags!

I’ve found a website that currently have the TP9 Elite SC mags in stock.

Note that they’re 10-round mags, though, but you can easily alter those mags to accept 12 rounds. They have the pink extension base plate.

I just ordered two of them. I’ve also checked the reputation of the website. They’re legit.

UPDATE (11/15/2021): I’ve a tracking number and they should ship either today or tomorrow!

UPDATE (11/18/2021): Wow! They’ve arrived! 2 days ahead of schedule!

Categories
Canik subcompact TP9 Elite

Was Finally Able to Obtain a TP9 Elite SC Magazine

Three weeks ago, I got a notice that Grabagun had TP9 Elite SC magazines back in stock, but I didn’t see the notice until 3 hours after it was posted – when I logged in to purchase some, they were again no longer in stock.

Last week, I got another notice and saw it within 20 minutes of receiving the e-mail. When I logged in to purchase, I saw they were still in stock, but when I tried to purchase two of them, the system would error out with an obscure message. After investigating and testing, I found that Grabagun only had one magazine left. Either all but one had sold within 20 minutes or Grabagun only got a few restocked. I ended up purchasing that one magazine.

A few things:

The mag was $37.69. Shipping was $5.42. With tax, the order was $44 and some change. That’s quite a bit for one magazine.

Also, the mag was a 10-round magazine with a flush mag plate. I’d wanted 12- or 15-round mags, but since I hadn’t seen any in stock going on six months, a 10-round magazine is better than no mag at all.

I also saw a post on the Canik reddit page that someone had bought a 10-round mag and had ground down the nubs that limit it, regaining the 2 extra rounds. I’d planned to do the same if I had to buy 10-round mags.

I received the magazine today.

Pictures are below. The 12-round mag with the pinky extension is depicted on the left, while the 10-round mag with the flat base plate is on the right. Notice the indented areas on the 10-round mag. That is what is limiting the magazine to a maximum of 10 rounds.

I was able to use a dremel to grind down the bumps that limit the capacity of the magazine. I then tested the magazine by loading it with snap caps. I was able to load 12 of them (max).

For those that might shun such a modification, the magazine already has ammo witness holes, as well at mag catch holes, as well as two round holes along it’s spine. Grinding the limiters isn’t going to cause any type of feed issue if you’ve not left irregularities after you’ve removed those bumps. I also really just wanted extra mags for range use. As I use the mag at the range, if I’ve not noticed any issues with using it after I’ve modified it, I’ll probably decide to use it for carry as well.

Categories
Canik TP9 Elite

Where Can I Find Canik TP9 Elite SC Magazines?

Where the hell are they? I need a few.

No, I don’t want extended mags from other Caniks, as I’m not going to be trying to carry 20-round mag sticks for this handgun.

I need to train with the 12- and 15 round mags. The mags that came with the firearm are holding SD ammo at the moment. I require more of those size mags so that I can train with them without having to empty my only two mags when I’m at the range.

Every day, I’ve been looking for mags online and can’t see any. Well, I’m lying. While 98% of the places that normally carry them are out of stock, the 2% that have them in stock are priced at $45-$50 (or may be showing as in stock but actually aren’t in stock).

I’m also looking for 10-round Canik TP9 Elite SC mags, as I’ve heard that you can alter them to hold 12 rounds – these are also out of stock at all the sites I’ve seen thus far.

I’m about to try Canik TP9 Elite Compact mags (they typically hold 15 rounds), but I’d also need to be able to find mag sleeves for them, or base plates that act similar to sleeves.

Categories
technical issues

TEST

test of post aggregate system

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Uncategorized

Hello world!

Wow! Already, it feels GREAT to be on WordPress with my own hosting company instead of relying upon Blogger (and being limited).

Still, I’ve a ton of work to do to get this site on the same level as my Blogger site, plus I’ve to enable backup automation, as well as configuring things to run properly (as well as enabling some safeguards to prevent this site from being hacked). The difficult part of the move is over, though.

I’ll have to also ensure that any posts that I make here are automatically posted to Twitter (I had that automated with the Blogger site).

Stay tuned!

Categories
100-gr 2.0 9mm Alien Gear Canik Cloak Tuck frangible Hevi Shot holster N8 Tactical subcompact TP9 Elite

More Testing – holsters for the TP9 Elite Subcompact

So, I received the holster shell for the Canik TP9 Elite SC on Saturday.  

I installed it on my Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0 holster base, although I hat to mess around with the mounting screws and bushings to customize the fit.  As well, I used blue thread locker on the screws.  I’ve been carrying the handgun in this holster half the day.  It carries well with this holster.  It doesn’t protect from the grip texture, though, but I installed rubber Talon Grip tape on the grips on Saturday, as well, so the texture doesn’t beat up my skin.

I’ve yet to give the N8 Tactical holster a try.  Maybe soon.

Also, I want to give the holster that came with the handgun another try, soon, too.

I found that I’ve another box of Hevi Shot 100-gr frangible 9mm ammo.  I shot most of a box (of 50) from the TP9 SC.  I think I may attempt to use this ammo as SD/HD ammo.  It shoots flat and doesn’t jam the handgun.

UPDATE:

I’ve been giving the Alien Gear holster a try, carrying it around the house.  It carries well but the included Canik holster works surprisingly well.  I still do not know which I’ll use.  I suppose I can use all three over a long time span and report on my findings.  So, with that being said, I’ll be carrying with the Alien Gear first!

Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0 with TP9 Elite SC shell
TP9 Elite SC in the included holster provided by Canik
TP9 Elite SC in the N8 Tactical OT2 holster
Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0 with TP9 Elite, IWB
Categories
Alien Gear Canik N8 Tactical subcompact TP9 Elite XD45 XD9

Canik TP9 Elite SC – Several items on the way

I revisited the range a few weeks ago with the Canik TP9 Elite SC again, using different ammo.  I used some light for caliber ammo (90-grain 9mm), as well as some 124- and 147-grain, hoping that one of those would lessen the recoil.

While I love the handgun, it is snappy as hell.  Keep in mind, I’ve been carrying a Springfield Armory XD45 Mod 2 subcompact the past 2 years, so when I say the TP9 SC is snappy, I’m not joking. And, prior to carrying that handgun, I was carrying the XD9 Mod 2 subcompact, which I also shoot well.

I’m not sure why I can shoot the XD45 without worrying about snap while I can shoot the XD9 and XD45 without issue.  It could be that the XDs have great grip texturing while the TP9 SC’s grip texturing isn’t quite as robust.

I’m going to attempt to carry the TP9 SC.  I’ve ordered some rubber Talon Grips for it.  I’ve also swapped out the backstrap for the large one.  I’m hoping that the backstrap alone will help me get a better purchase on the grip so that I can better control the muzzle flip.  The Talon Grips will certainly help with that, too.  I’m not sure when the Talon Grips will be delivered but hopefully I’ll have them within the next 7 days.  While I’m waiting for them to arrive, I’ll visit the range and work on grip control with this handgun.

I also ordered a N8 Tactical OT2 IWB holster.  I didn’t purchase a kydex holster, as I wanted a holster that would protect me from the grip’s texturing…it was rubbing me raw when I was test-carrying the handgun around the house.  I can also order an Alien Gear shell for the TP9 SC (I’ve several Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0 holsters), but I’ll do that if I find I don’t like the N8 Tactical holster.

Update (12/27/2021): I’ve been using the N8 Tactical holster as my primary holster, mainly because it keeps the grip texture from my skin.  I sometimes use the OEM holster and sometimes use the Alien Gear hybrid holster, as well, but the go-to holster is the N8 Tactical holster.