Well a follow up.
1..I'm going to HAVE to have a mag loader for the 40. That thing is ROUGH loading
2...Still have not fully resolved the hard to actuate safety. If no one makes an extended one (I have not determined if I could modify an ambi dex one) I think I'll silver braze an extension on the present one
3...I found out there are aftermarket barrels, and I now have one, that allow you to shoot 9mm through the weapon and you can even use the 40 mag
4...Ordered and received an extra 7 round mag, as it only came with one (used)
BUT HERE IS THE BIG NEWS
A neighbor was talking about the Shield "EZ" so I did some research and bought a Shield 9MM "EZ." I can operate the slide with two fingers!! The mag is way easier to load and has finger tabs on each side. The safety is MUCH more extended towards the front, giving my thumb not only better purchase, but easier to operate.
I think I'm going to like that thing!!!
We have an unsupervised outdoor range in the area, but it's a "few miles." I hope as soon as the wx warms back up to trek up there and blow off a few rounds in both the new pistols as well as the Model 12 / 12 gauge I bought
AND AFTER ALL THESE YEARS I (literally) day-dreamed up an idea for an effective brass catcher. (outdoors). I'm thinking pick up a small used tent at the thrift stores, one of those with a spring tension support outfit, cut or modify the opening as needed and set it up beside you. A gigantic SCOOP. "We'll see"--need to figure out a way to make it some taller Maybe one of those "pop up" toilet / changing stalls.
