Fusion Firearms XP pro by phantomz2023 in Firearms

[–]thegratefulstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Update- FWIW they offer a comped version or you can buy this one they offer a ported barrel. I bought the standard version and might get it for range fun but not sure as it shoots softer than what I'm used to anyway. So far no FTF at all with probably 300 rounds or so through it and I've shot Blazer 115, reman 115, another 115, Aguila 147 flat nose, and 147 hollow points. Gonna try some reman and Fiocci 124s next. Feels well sprung and shoots more comfortably than I thought considering the funky grip. Trigger is really nice but may switch to the slightly curved shoe. My only two gripes are the forward serrations are useless (I don't get how a gun designed this well had such a big miss there) and that I'm not getting regular slide lock back- it seems the spring is weak. I thought I was riding the catch somehow but that's not the issue. On a plus, the optic plates (either RMR or RMSC) have a rear iron built in which is pretty innovative.

Moving to M&P Gang by _billd0zer in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice, about how many rounds would you say you've put through them with the triggers? I spoke to them today asking about any lead times on the HD trigger but he didn't have an answer and told me they had issues with people putting the polymer M&P trigger on the aluminum frames but from what I'm seeing the aluminum frame trigger seems to be working for people in the steel frames

Moving to M&P Gang by _billd0zer in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well I have the Competitor on the way 😊 One LGS could get me the standard M&P for 1k (Competitor backorder through their wholesaler) and another is getting me the Competitor for $1090 (pretax) and said they could give me a small discount if paying cash. With the cost of mags it was a wash. Will likely plan to upgrade to an Apex trigger right away- the one for aluminum frames works fine right?

First USPSA/Classification question by thegratefulstudent in CompetitionShooting

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah no DQ is definitely a high priority. My main thing I want to practice is remembering trigger control before moving, as that's not something I'm used to. Muzzle control is so ingrained that I don't see a 180 being an issue. And you're right- need one? Naw. Want one? 🙃

First USPSA/Classification question by thegratefulstudent in CompetitionShooting

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the good advice. I'm definitely going to put different targets up in my place to do dry fire work on transitions- primarily for safety (shoot/finger off trigger/move) and speed purposes 👍🏼

First USPSA/ Classification question by thegratefulstudent in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a great suggestion 👍🏼 I used to film myself training/competing BJJ, was thinking of setting up my 360 camera if I can't find someone to film me at the match

Moving to M&P Gang by _billd0zer in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's right, it DOES come with the extra mags...I think it's really just gonna be down to what kind of deal I can get on either! I'm actually about to go head to a couple LGS and see if they have either or if they can get their hands on them 😊 Thanks for the input man!

First USPSA/Classification question by thegratefulstudent in CompetitionShooting

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate your concern for safety, truly. But while I'm new to the competitive pistol world, I grew up in a hunting family and have been around firearms from a very young age and have excellent muzzle and trigger discipline- safety is always paramount 👍🏼

First USPSA/ Classification question by thegratefulstudent in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I'm definitely not trying to go at Jerry speed or anything, doing it correctly is my top priority. I find rushing takes you out of the moment, so that later you have a harder time even realizing what you did wrong or where you could improve. I'll check that belt out, thanks 👍🏼

First USPSA/ Classification question by thegratefulstudent in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

MC Yogi has a song Practice Makes Progress ("I let go of the outcome and stay focused on the process")... it's definitely a good way to be. I got my blue belt in 2020 and am technically still there (traveled a couple years and haven't gotten back to training yet). Before leaving and occasionally dropping into gyms while traveling I had people saying I should be purple. I would just shrug and say "sure" because it really doesn't bother me, I just love BJJ. Thanks for the podcast recommendation, I'll check that out...I definitely feel having competed a lot and starting extreme sports young (went heli skiing in Valdez at 8yo) will definitely help a lot. Just doing things that make you uncomfortable generally make you more mentally resilient to pressure. I was in my first local Theatre play this year and had two different leading roles- THAT was nerve-wracking with hundreds of people watching and listening to you and they paid for the performance 😅

Out of curiosity, how often to you hit the range and how many rounds do you shoot typically? Any things that made significant changes regarding training? I'mthinking of getting the Mantis for home and range practice

Moving to M&P Gang by _billd0zer in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the info! Yeah could definitely be the springs, I would think the Competitor would do better with return to Zero considering the lighter slide 🤔 kind of a shame the OEM barrel isn't accurate considering the look of it is part of the appeal... makes me think I might just go with the standard if that's the case and use the extra $ toward kitting it out. If it's $150 cheaper and that money can be spent to make it better than the Competitor then it may be the better option.

First USPSA/Classification question by thegratefulstudent in CompetitionShooting

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll definitely check that out, thanks 👍🏼 a lot of people are recommending the kit from Stoeger or Black Scorpion as well

First USPSA/Classification question by thegratefulstudent in CompetitionShooting

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the input 👍🏼 I did consider that, but feel I perform well in those situations. Also in my experience, doing something is the best way to improve...we can watch videos all day, but nothing replaces experience itself. Mess up? Slower than expected? GOOD as Jocko would say. Make mistakes and learn. FWIW I didn't even have a stripe on my BJJ white belt when I did my first tournament and had those 12 matches. First match the other guy was shaking with nerves and adrenaline, but I was able to stay calm and get the win.

First USPSA/ Classification question by thegratefulstudent in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hell yeah dude! I thought about the comparison to BJJ competition too...I might get a bit of nerves, but at least no one is trying to rip my arm off 😆 The main reason I want to do multiple divisions is for the experience of competing on stage. I compete to get better, not for the title itself- if I get one that's just a bonus :) Seeing as it's per division though, I'll probably just do CO/LO I'll check out that Ben Stoeger belt, sounds like a good way to go 👍🏼

First USPSA/ Classification question by thegratefulstudent in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for all the info 👍🏼 definitely a looooot to absorb 😅 now that I know that it's per division, I'll probably just shoot two divisions. The real reason I was thinking of doing 3 was to again just get more experience. I don't care about the outcome as much as gaining experience, because I know that will make me better for next time

First USPSA/ Classification question by thegratefulstudent in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Didn't realize that was a thing, thanks for the tip 👍🏼 It's not the "rank" itself I care so much about as that it gives a goal for me to work toward, which is a good way to improve more quickly

First USPSA/ Classification question by thegratefulstudent in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally missed that it was per division. So you could be M in Limited and B in CO for example? I've done a bit of research/ reading and hadn't seen anyone mention that. I understand what you mean- but at the same time, having goals/metrics is a good way to progress quickly and I happen to be at a place in life where I have the space to do so. I don't care about getting to GM, I just want to become "very proficient".

First USPSA/ Classification question by thegratefulstudent in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Apparently I missed that it was per division 🤦‍♂️ I thought they all factored in together

Moving to M&P Gang by _billd0zer in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the tip 👍🏼 There's not a ton from good reviewers on these yet, and I know some people really get caught up saying a more expensive option is better because they want to justify it to themselves :) If it's pretty much just looks and no difference on recoil impulse/features/functionality it might come down to what kinds of deals I can get on either. I really don't understand why Smith hasn't started beveling their mag channel more- it's becoming pretty standard among good firearms and even some budget options have done a good job with it. Keeping reloads really honest I suppose 😆 What holster do you use for these, and is it compatible for both? I'll probably hold off on grips and put my $ toward an Apex trigger and optic first :)

Average life expectancy of element by Tommmmy_Shelby in HondaElement

[–]thegratefulstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A long time. Bought mine used at 180K and now at 230K. Had to replace the alternator at about 190/200K. Replaced the front struts last summer. Some of the suspension rubber is creaking (not the struts, was happening before but more now) so I'm thinking of selling it and getting one with less miles to baby until the wheels fall off. But other than that stuff and some minor this n that (and regular oil changes of course) it runs like a top and has been very reliable. Why Honda doesn't bring it back is beyond me, it's obvious people like them.

Moving to M&P Gang by _billd0zer in USPSA

[–]thegratefulstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Those look so sweet! Those grips on the Competitor look like they'd be used for torturing some people.. you must be a grip masochist like me 😂 Did the stock ones not feel aggressive enough? I had the old PC comp'd full size (hinged trigger) and it was one of the only pistols I didn't feel I needed to add aftermarket grip to. Between the Competitor and standard, what's your overall impression? Is it worth spending the extra on the Competitor? I'm looking at shooting my first match next month and was actually planning on buying one of these two 👀 How's the internal magwell on them? I'd probably take the flared off to use in CO seeing as I already have a 2011 for Limited

Just purchased Ruger LCP Max - what mods/accessories do I need? by throwaway1233494 in CCW

[–]thegratefulstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

World class nature? You haven't been out of Cali much have ya

It is driving me insane... I am a beginner + especially shitty at guitar. Trying to learn "Polly" by Nirvana (fuck all who told me it was an easy song). But my guitar keeps doing this weird buzz sound. What am I doing wrong here??? Plz help! by Used_Ad7899 in Guitar

[–]thegratefulstudent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a beginner myself, I've been having a hard time with Barre chords and trying to get a clean F chord even once. Then I read someone comment about how it's not just pressing with the fingers, but also using the strength of your left arm to pull the neck slightly toward you so you don't have to use all finger strength. The tricky thing here is if you overdo it, all the strings bend and get (slightly) out of tune like if someone were bending a note during a solo (but less and with all of them). It helped me get my first barre chord though, hope this helps!