Categories
2011 9mm Bul Armory SAS II Ultralight

The Saga of the Non-functional Grip Safety, Part V

I’d posted about my non-functioning (or intermittently functioning) grip safety on my Bul Armory Ultralight.

I wanted to provide some updates.

I was previously a Patreon member of Graham Baates’ YouTube channel. Not all that long ago, he was touting that Bul Armory’s customer support was great. I then mentioned to him that I’ve little faith in Bul Armory. I explained everything that occurred with my Ultralight’s grip safety.

He asked if he could reach out to them and ask questions, hoping to see if they’d resolve the issue. I should’ve refused, but didn’t want to pass up the opportunity.

He reached out to them, providing my point of contact information so that they could reference the support case. When they replied back, I was more than a bit put-off.

Here’s what he forwarded to me:

I heard back and what was reported was that you must have removed the mainspring housing pin (maybe to remove the magazine well?) while the hammer was backand so the internals jettisoned, and it appears they were sort of forced back in place without proper alignment. Is that accurate?

I got hot, quick-fast. I’d communicated with them in the past regarding this issue and they didn’t reply back in such a fashion.

This is all but blaming the customer regarding a non-functional safety! Think about it for a second.

They implied that I didn’t reassemble the gun properly, which stopped the grip safety from working. That’s all but impossible to cause by disassembling and reassembling the firearm.

When I grip safety stops working properly, it’s almost certainly due to the part not being fit properly. To be clear, it’s usually due to the part being over-fit, by a gunsmith. I’m sure they may wear down over time, but I’ve only owned the gun maybe 3-4 years. It only has 2300 rounds through it.

There’s no way this could occur by a misalignment when reassembling a detail-stripped 1911.

I’ve 8-9 other 1911s and 2011s besides the Ultralight. I’ve detail stripped all of them, more than a few times, as well. None of them have that particular issue. Only the Ultralight has that issue.

If I were to believe them, that would mean that the tolerances on the internal parts of that gun are either very malleable, or it has some unwanted tolerances that would allow the grip safety to move. If that’s what they’re saying, that’s crazy to admit.

Detail-stripping and reassembling a 1911 isn’t rocket science or a black art. It’s super easy to both disassemble and reassemble. There’s no other order/method of reassembling a 1911. When reassembling, you can’t get it so wrong that a grip safety drops the hammer without the grip safety being touched. That is a fitment and/or metallurgy issue.

Basically, if too much material was removed from the grip safety’s internal arm (or lug), it might not reliably block the trigger bow even when the safety is fully released.

Additionally, a tight fit between the bottom of the grip safety and the top of the mainspring housing can cause the safety to bind or stick, preventing it from moving freely regardless of the gun’s round count.

There are other things that can cause the grip safety to malfunction, too – sear spring tension, trigger bow interference, debris, bad pre-travel adjustment, and changes of grip technique (that last item isn’t a mechanical part issue, though).

None of the issues are due to mis-assembling. And yes, I checked pre-travel (Bul Armory probably did, too).

I apologized to Graham the next day but never took the time to explain how to Graham how I explained it up above.

I will never buy another gun from Bul Armory. Even before Graham tried to assist, I was unlikely to purchase another gun from Bul Armory, but they’re reply pretty much solidified my decision.

What’s funny is that I asked them to replace the grip safety twice when I sent the gun back to them for repair. They never replaced the grip safety. I’m almost certain they only bent the right leg of the sear spring to add tension, which is a temporary fix – that tension will eventually loosen, which is why the issue keeps recurring. They applied the lazy fix, twice, and then had the gall to tell me that I was reassembling the gun wrong.

Research tells me that the grip safety needs to be replaced. I’ve also asked other 1911 owners and got the same feedback.

As I stated in the past, I eventually plan to either block the grip safety and only use the gun as a range gun, OR, hire a local gunsmith to install a new grip safety.

Categories
9mm Springfield Armory

Kuna + Faux 4-Piece Brake?

Awhile back, I bought a faux 4-piece muzzle device from PSA for use with my AK-V, which I’d discussed in this post.

I didn’t like the look, so it didn’t stay on the AK-V long – I restored the OEM flash hider.

The 4-piece brake isn’t really 4-piece It is one solid piece, meant to mimic the Bulgarian 4-piece flash hider.

It had been sitting on top of my safe up until tonight. I was wondering if it would fit on the Kuna, so I attempted a test fit.

First of all, whoever installed the OEM brake on the Kuna went Hulk-mode, because it took a huge effort to remove it!

The PSA brake fits, though. Not only does it fit, it looks better on the Kuna than it does on the AK-V. As well, it extends the muzzle outward a few inches, which means I don’t have to worry as much about getting my hand too close to the muzzle. The faux brake doesn’t have ports, so I don’t have to worry about plating hitting my hands.

Here’s how it looks:

I also noticed that the safety has started to loosen…it’s much more loose than when I first got the gun. I’d already been lubricating the rotating areas around the safety, under the receiver. I added a tad more oil so that it can continue to feel fluid.

So, it appears that I need to visit the range again, but I need more ammo. I will probably buy more from Cabelas to keep me busy through Thanksgiving.

Categories
AK-V carbine pistol caliber carbine PSA

My PSA AK-V Has Crossed the 1000-round Threshold!

I bought the Palmetto State Armory AK-V, an AK pistol chambered in 9mm, back in October 2019. I’ve been shooting it sporadically over the past seven years, but we’ve finally crossed over 1000 rounds.

This particular gun doesn’t have a folding brace (it has the SBA3 brace). It has black Magpul furniture. I originally planned to order the red wood furniture, but I now prefer the Magpul furniture, as it has heat shielding.

This is the day I received the gun.

The gun has never had any ammo-related issues. It feeds and extracts without issue. The only issue I ever had with it was related to a Manticore CZ Scorpion mag – I’ve two of those and one of them has feed issues (I’ve marked it but have since not been shooting from those two mags).

I’ve not ever shot JHP from this gun (I’ve no plans to use it for self defense). I’ve only ever shot FMJ from it.

This gun has always been a nice gun to shoot. Although the AK-V uses a blow-back operation, it maintains manageable recoil. The trigger is not an ALG trigger, but it is very nice for a standard OEM trigger. The trigger is nice enough that the gun can accidentally be bump-fired. In fact, I had several unintentional bump-fires the last few range visits.

The mounted optic is satisfactory, as well. I’m using the Vortex Sparc II red dot, which is an older optic with sub-par battery longevity, but it works.

The gun’s internals are OK, as well. I also have a spare extractor and firing pin (with replacement roll pins) that I’ve stored in the Magpul grip storage compartment.

This gun is a dream to shoot and I’ll probably keep shooting it, as I’ve a need to compare it with my Springfield Armory Kuna. Although one uses a roller-delay system and the other uses a blow-back operating system, both are 9mm PCCs—so I know they’re very different, but they’re also similar.

I’ve a BUNCH of AK-V mags, as well (probably 12-15).

Again, this is a very fun gun to shoot. I’m extremely glad I bought it. It is one of my favorite guns!

Categories
Fusion Firearms Optic XP Pro

Viridian RFX45 Mounted To XP Pro – An Update

I reported that I’d mounted the Viridian RFX45 to the Fusion Firearms XP Pro.

I experienced issues keeping the adapter plate secured to the optic mounting plate. Being unhappy about it, I ordered a Holosun 407C as a replacement.

While I was waiting for the 407C to ship, I removed the RFX45, then redid the threads with another type of blue thread locker. I let the thread locker cure for 3-4 days, after using an inch-lb torque wrench to tighten the screws.

I took it to the range yesterday and shot a box of ammo through it. The adapter plate and optic did not move. I believe I’ve solved the issue.

HAH! Now I’ve a 407C that will sit in a box for a while as a hot spare. Yes, I could remove the RFX45 and swap in the 407C, but why remove the RFX45 when it’s now solidly mounted? If/when the optic loosens, I’ll switch out the optic.

Highlight data regarding mounting this optic:

  1. To use the RFX45, you’ve to use an RMR-to-Acro adapter plate.
  2. As you’ve to use an adapter plate, this means you’ll be playing the plate-stacking game, stacking the Acro adapter place to the Fusion RMR optic plate.
  3. Even though there are two plates, I can still get bare minimum co-witness of the irons.
  4. Don’t forget to apply thread locker to the side-screw of the optic, otherwise it will loosen.
Categories
firearms gear

Let’s Talk About Ear Protection

Over the years, I’ve been using rubber ear plugs that I insert into my ear canal. I was using such ear protection as a service member, as well, going back to 1986.

Sometimes, rubber ear protection isn’t enough, especially if you’re shooting rifles/pistols indoors. The past 6 or so years, I’ve been doubling up with ear protection. While using the internal ear plugs, I’ve also been using electronic ear cups. Both work well, but they’re two products I’ve to continue to monitor (the lanyard for the ear plugs keep coming loose; the electronic cups sometimes needs a battery change).

As I’m a veteran, I’m always worried about my hearing – I already have mild tinnitus, and it’s only going to worsen as I age.

So, yesterday, I bought: Axil XCOR Pro Sig Sauer In Ear Blutetooth Hearing Protection, Black – XCOR-ESIG

I’m excited about these. They’re both of what I’ve been using – internal ear protection and electronic ear protection.

These were on sale at PSA and they are normally priced at $299. These were $79.99. With shipping and tax, they were just under $100. The extra for shipping and tax is a necessary evil, especially when considering the discount for these, so I’m not complaining.

They should arrive sometime next week.

Note: These are not firearms, but I just received an email notification from UPS that I’ve to pick them up at a UPS hub/store instead of UPS shipping straight to my door. WTF. These are not firearms.

I wish online stores gave customers the choice of shipping companies to use – I’d straight-up always use FedEx because FedEx isn’t quite as woke as UPS is.

I’ll report back on my experiences with the ear bud protection.

UPDATE (11/4/2026): I received the XCOR Pro earbuds yesterday evening. I do not like the case. It is super flimsy – feels as if the lid will come off in your hand when opening it. For as much as these cost, Axil could’ve done better. As well, after reading tons of negative reviews, I’m wondering if I should’ve left these alont, but keep in mind that I got these for $79. I’ve not tested them at the range yet, but have them properly set up. They’re not bad. I like that you have like 5-6 different ear cushions to use (and that you can fit aftermarket cushions to them – yeah, I’ve tried and it works). There is sometimes a decent amount of crackling and noise, but I might not even hear it when visiting the range. The majority of folks that had issues with the XCOR Pros were probably not using the proper ear cushions (half of them are gels, which the XCOR instructions state are not recommended for range use. As well, to insert them properly, the user/owner should pinch the cushions to mush them down enough to fit in the ear canal…most folks probably skipped over that – I know I initially missed it, but re-read the instructions and saw that tidbit of information. I think some people are thinking these should be akin to AirPod Pros, as folks complain about the Bluetooth audio not being load/clear/satisfactory, and several mentioned that they expect the audio to be AirPod-like. Some people also complained of one or both buds becoming non-functional. If I get a year’s worth of use from these, I would be worth the $79, I think.

Categories
rifle

Savior 36″ Urban Warfare Rifle Bag

I bought a new range bag. It’s the Urban Warfare dual rifle case, from Savior. Yes, it will hold two rifles, up to 36″ in length.

I bought it for my PDWs (my AK pistols and Springfield Armory Kuna), but it should fit my other rifles, as well (the AR-556 and SAM7-UF).

I was trying to cut down on the bags that I usually drag to the range.

I thought this case would aid me, but it will not accept my handguns. It has a pocket for handguns but the two pockets are very tight. I doubt they’ll stretch. The spacing gets worse if I have other things in the bag, too, so I may use it to ferry one rifle/pistol instead of trying to carry two of them. Granted, I tried to test-fit full-sized 2011s in the pockets…

I also didn’t really care for the desert camo pattern, but my range didn’t have any other color in stock. I’d preferred OD green.

A bonus is that this bag was priced at $90 at my range’s store, but on Savior’s website, it’s double the price I paid!

I can carry it on my shoulder or as a backpack (it has backpack straps). I can also hand-carry it but it is large and will be heavy with two rifles and other things.

I’ll post up if I’ve issues with the case.

Categories
Uncategorized

Post System Upgrade Test

TEST?

TEST!

Categories
1911 2011 Fusion Firearms Optic XP Pro

So, I was bored and did this —

I’ve a Viridian RFX45 that I bought a few years ago. I’d tried to fit it to the XP Pro back then but there were issues. To install it, I’ve to stack a plate upon a plate. Luckily, the irons will still co-witnesses through the glass (only just — I can even see the dot on the front iron sight). Oh, and I had a devil of a time finding screws to secure the Acro plate to the Fusion plate.

This particular optic is a closed emitter unit. I haven’t been using it, and it’s better than not using an optic, in my opinion. I do like the 407C’s view port size better, though.

UPDATE (10/19/2026): I went to the range yesterday evening and shot just under 100 rounds through the XP Pro. The Acro plate came loose twice (yeah, it had blue threadlocker applied to it 24 hrs before), so I stopped shooting it. I’ll try Vibratite next – hoping that works, but if not, I’ll look into getting some different screws to secure it (the screws are very small and have very little threading – I’d actually anticipated that they would loosen). Better yet, I may just purchase another optic. The RFX45 did extremely well, though, which is a pity that the plate won’t stay secured to the Fusion Firearms RMR plate.

UPDATE (10/24/2026): Instead of continuing to attempt to make this optic work with the Fusion Firearms 2011s, I decided to just get a Holosun. I was thinking on getting another Cyelee Chameleon but those are a bit more than I’m willing to pay (they are $199). Now, I’ve not tried to fit a Holosun to this, but I’m thinking it’ll work better than trying to fit the Viridian. As well, the Holosun I bought is the 407C (I already have one of them on my carry gun). I bought one earlier in the year, at The Gunshop USA for around $160 (before shipping). I checked to see if they still had them at the same price and they did, so I bought another one a few minutes ago. The link for the 407C is here – you’ve to ask for a price via email and they send it to you within five minutes of asking. The total price with shipping is $188, which still undercuts the Cyelee Chameleon price.

UPDATE (10/30/2026): So, I removed the RFX45, then redid the threads with another type of blue threadlocker instead of the cheap threadlocker that I initially used. I let it cure for 3-4 days, and also ensure the screws were tightened using an inch-lb torque wrench. I also used threadlocker on the side-screw of the optic. I then took it to the range yesterday and shot a box of ammo through it. The adapter plate and optic did not move. I believe I’ve solved the issue. HAH! Now I’ve a 407C that will sit in a box for a while as a hot spare. Yes, I could remove the RFX45 and swap in the 407C, but why remove the RFX45 when it’s now solidly mounted? If/when the optic loosens, I’ll switch out the optic.

Categories
forums

Gun Forum Weirdness

I usually haunt firearms forums. Back in March/April, I joined a forum I hadn’t seen before – Springfield Armory Forums.

Between March and now I’d posted only once, in which a moderator welcomed me (I didn’t comment back). That was my only post. I usually just read the comments.

Early October, I tried to visit and couldn’t – the website wasn’t allowing me to log in. I reached out to the admins and they informed me that I’d been banned. There was no real indication that I was banned when attempting to log into the site, other than the fact that I couldn’t log in. It was really weird.

When the admins replied back, they asked me to provide some information for a ban appeal. I told them that I wasn’t going to appeal anything, as I didn’t initially know I was banned and had no idea why. I informed them that I didn’t like that at all. They removed the ban and told me to not post anything but text for a few weeks so that the system could “learn”. It appears they may be using some type of machine learning. Maybe the ML logic screwed up?

I haven’t been to the site since then, until today – I asked that they delete my account. I don’t trust anything about that site or their admins at this point.

As well, I only just now remembered that I’ve been using a VPN when browsing the internet. I’m thinking that may be why they banned me. There are many folks that think VPN usage is suspect activity. I don’t understand this line of thinking – a VPN is a network tool. It’s only malicious when you abuse it by using it to dodge a ban or hide your identity when doing something bad. I’ve not been doing anything malicious or been dodging bans.

When I first started using the VPN, Reddit also locked my account. When I asked them why, they didn’t provide an answer but I suspect they saw the different IPs my systems were using to connect to Reddit and thought it was suspicious. Also, many sites outright block IPs that VPN pools use, even if a person is not violating terms of service. Reputation-based monitoring by itself is bad, IMO, because an IP that was banned/blocked 3 years ago is more than likely OK to use in present times.

Categories
1911 2011 ammo Fusion Firearms Remington XP Comp XP Pro

XP Comp Has Crossed 1000 Rounds!

The 1000 round review video is here:

Last week, I was able to cross the 1000 round goal line with the Fusion Firearms XP Comp.

As well, the last 149 rounds were Remington 124-gr FMJ (green/white box), which I’ve discussed here. There were no failures to fire/feed/extract, nor were there any failures to return to battery.

The gun is very nice to shoot. I believe it’s the finest of all my 2011s. Yes, it’s even better than my Bul Armory, but, of course, it’s going to shoot better than my other 2011s since all of them are smaller in size (and are not compensated).

Now that I’ve reached the 1000 round goal, my next task is to remove the firing pin retaining pin. I’m not currently able to remove it. I had the same issue with the XP Pro but was able to remove it with some effort. I refitted it once I removed it. I’ll be doing the same with the XP Comp. The firing pin stop plate can be more easily removed by removing the optic or optic plate – you can tap the top of the stop plate to remove it.

I still need to decide on which gun to focus on next. I’m not really caring to put 1000 rounds through the Kuna. I’m probably going to chose a gun that is close to the 1000 round goal. The Bersa Thunder Plus currently has 773 rounds through it. The PSA AK-V has 740 rounds through it. My Glock 19 Gen 4 has 679 rounds. The Beretta PX4 has 621 rounds.

I’m leaning toward choosing the Beretta, but it would be nice to have the AK-V cross the 1000-round threshold, and it’s not far from that goal.

On another note, I’ve found that the Alpha Foxtrot Attila, while it will shoot the Remington 124-gr ammo, it hits maybe 2″ higher than other ammo (at 10 yards). I was curious about that, so I shot 15 rounds of Federal SD ammo (which is 124-gr). That ammo hit where I was aiming. That is annoying, as I just bought 1000 rounds of that ammo. I do not want to purchase a second set of 9mm ammo for use with the Attila, so I may just shoot it regardless of the issue.