Posted by Boomer on June 9, 2009
CZ82 in 9 x 18 Makarov
While they are still available, y’all might consider takin’ a closer look at the CZ82 semiauto pistol that’s becoming more and more popular. I can’t seem to keep them in stock.
Why? Because it is a great shooting mid size pistol with a nice, easy trigger squeeze in both double and single action, it has a good capacity (12 +1), it’s an all-metal frame and slide, it’s designed so it fits both large and small hands with a web friendly grip high on the backstrap, ammunition is inexpensive and readily available, it’s a good caliber with plenty of stopping power without over-penetration, and personal defense (jhp) bullets are available.
Boy, that was a mouthful, wasn’t it?
The pistol has enough weight to absorb a good portion of the felt recoil and these fine handguns are extremely accurate.
Looking down the bore will be a little concerning, though. The lands and grooves are almost invisible. I’ve had several folks tell me “Boomer, this thing’s all shot out!! I can’t even see the rifling!!”
Well, no, it isn’t. It has what’s called a polygonal bore and the rifling is hard to see unless it gets really dirty. Believe me, it’s there.
Many of these surplus guns will show some honest wear from holster carry, but inside, where it counts, they are in great shape. So don’t be afraid of buying one that’s graded average to good.
Take down for cleaning is real easy, using the trigger guard slide release. So, it’s easy to maintain.
I’m trying to keep several in stock, but it seems like I’m ordering these just about every other week. Who’s buying them, you ask? Everyone from the gals & small frame guys to the big guys who want an inexpensive backup piece. They’re a great CCW handgun.
The 9×18 Makarov round lies just in between the .380 acp (9×17) and the 9mm Luger (9×19), so I’ve found it to be a great fit for high capacity, good power and little risk of over penetration.
Come out to Chigger Ridge and we’ll put a few rounds through one on the range. I’d bet you’ll be surprised.
Posted by Boomer on November 23, 2008
What makes Chigger Ridge Firearms different from all the other gun dealers in Southwest Missouri?
I was asked that question the other day, and I got to thinkin’ about it some. Here’s what I came up with:
Chigger Ridge Firearms is a one-man operation, which means that I’m responsible for what I stock, how I price my items, and how I treat my customers. I take a personal interest in each and every customer, their wants and needs, and then add a few special things to that level of service.
I test each and every firearm I get in here. New ones, too. I’ve found that sometimes the manufacturers don’t catch everything, and I can usually diagnose a problem with a firearm relatively quickly. If a customer wants a new scope and rings, I’ll mount it to his weapon, and ask if he wants me to “dial it in”. That means that I’ll zero it as close as I can at 100 yards, and then the customer can adjust their range from that point. I managed to get a 5/16” group of three rounds in the center of the target for a customer’s Savage Mako .17HMR just last week. He did ask me to zero it for him.
I have new customers who have never used handguns, and due to some recent episode have discovered a need for both a handgun and some training. I’m an NRA certified trainer, and after 24 years in the military, several years of competitive handgun competitions, and several years as a police officer, I believe I can provide them some insight into the current laws regarding armed confrontation, as well as make a recommendation as to the type of handgun to use, and provide some preliminary training in that firearm.
I had a customer yesterday who was asking about a recommendation for a large-game rifle that could be handled by his wife. I’d really like to visit with her before we make a specific recommendation, but I did learn that she’d never fired anything larger than a .223. Now a .223 might do the job, but you’d better really be good at shot placement to drop an elk with a small caliber like that. I told him we really need to go a lot larger in caliber, and she needs to practice with a bigger gun and bigger bullet.
I look for bargains where I can pass on the savings to my customers. I have several who shoot military surplus ammo, and even that is getting expensive, so I’m always searching to those items.
My Spartan little one-man shop is in a converted milk barn, constructed of thick stone and mortar walls. It was built back in October, 1953 & I actually met the gentleman who built it. He was complimentary in the manner that I’d done the remodel, with the security systems and window bars, as well as the 300 lb. “blast door” on the front.
I work weekends, when my customers can come by and shop, or talk, or just get a cup of coffee and see what’s new in the firearms world. We talk about rights and freedom and the 2nd amendment, which guarantees all the rest of the bill of rights. We talk about cops and soldiers and sheepdogs; hunting, fishing and Cardinals baseball.
All in all it’s a relaxed place where you feel welcome, kind of like a warm country kitchen with a big oak table where everyone takes part in the conversation and talk through the issues of the day.
Come and see me.
- JD
Posted by Boomer on October 12, 2008
Savage R17
I have several personal favorites in rifles and calibers, but the 93R17 is just plain fun to shoot.
The .17HMR was developed by Hornady. The “HMR” stands for Hornady Magnum Rimfire. It is basically a .22 magnum casing with the neck of the brass sized down to accept a 17 grain .17 caliber ballistic tip bullet. The .17HM2 is a .22 long rifle casing necked down to accept the same bullet. The advantage is amazing velocity (2550 feet per second on the HMR, and over 2000 fps on the HM2) and deadly accuracy.
My first one was a Savage 93R17-GV with the nice walnut stock. It didn’t have the Accu-trigger, but was a dream to shoot, and was instrumental in the demise of numerous varmints here at Chigger Ridge, as well as an unforgettable Prairie Dog hunt in western Kansas.
When I sold that rifle, I replaced it with the new Savage GV model that included the new Accu-trigger. That trigger changed the whole concept of the rifle. The trigger pull is now adjustable to just a couple of pounds of pressure, and makes the rifle just that much more accurate. I’ve been able to put 3 round groups of 5/16” together at 100 yards. Yep, that’s smaller than a dime. I’ve also recorded, and laser verified with a witness, a one-shot-pop of a prairie dog at 249 yards with a Savage 93R17.
I prefer the bull barrel (HB) on the .17 rifles, because it dissipates the heat more quickly than with the standard barrel. A bullet that travels that quickly creates friction and heat and the heavy barrel loses that heat quicker.
Savage manufactures these rifles with the scope rails already attached. There are no iron sights on the rifle. I paired my latest with a BSA 3 – 12 x 40mm “Sweet 17” scope that comes with the bullet drop compensator. The compensator allows the shooter to dial in the range, and then hold the cross hair directly on the target. No more “hold-over” to allow for additional range is necessary.
My oldest granddaughter (age 10) loves to shoot the 17, and is capable of hitting a 1” target at 100 yards with it.
Savage, y’all created a real winner with the 93R17 series. I’m a big fan.
Posted by Boomer on
How ’bout a review on a handgun that I’m now carrying?
Yep. I read about this little gem in Gun Tests magazine. Gun Tests accepts no advertising, so they’re not influenced by the manufacturers who could potentially alter their advertising budget should they get a bad review.
The Taurus PT145 is a polymer frame, high capacity, compact .45 acp automatic that was compared with the Springfield XD45, which is also a really nice piece of hardware.
What got me in Gun Tests’ review was a statement from them that said “if I’m gonna be in a street fight, I want the PT145″. That sure got my attention, along with the price of the gun.
I’m now on my second PT145. The first one was bought right off my hip during a busy Saturday sale that I had here at Chigger Ridge Firearms. The gun comes with two (2) 10 round magazines, and nice hard plastic case (lockable) and a loader assist device for loading the magazines. It has Taurus’ integral key lock safety system and those really neat Heinie sights.
Right out of the box, the first 10 rounds at 10 yards grouped at 1 1/2″. Yep. It was a big gaping hole. Sure this was from a supported rest position, but that, to me, was really accurate.
The gun has fired and cycled everything I’ve put through it, including the Wolf 230 grain full metal jacket rounds. No problem. Feed the gun, it eats what you feed it.
The Fobus paddle holster I have fits snugly at my right hip and most of the time I can barely feel that it’s there on my hip.
And, for about $400.00 (about $125.00 less than the Springfield XD45) I think I’ve found a real bargain. We’ll see how long Taurus can keep the price down on this jewel.
Posted by Boomer on October 11, 2008
OK, OK. All of you will think I’ve finally gone off the deep end. Maybe I have. We’ll see.
Chigger Ridge Firearms, a division of Chigger Ridge Enterprises, LLC is now open. Yup, I’ve taken a hobby for which I have a great passion, and turned it into a business.
The local newspaper publisher asked me what was going to be my specialty. That’s a hard question to answer since I have fondness for just about all firearms. I suppose my specialty is going to be my customers. I want to be sure that they have the right firearm for the intended purpose. I also want to be sure that the customer, whether experienced or novice is confident with their choice, and the choice is right for them.
I love the old military weapons. The 1911A1 has to be my favorite handgun. I have several in stock, and even suffered through selling my personal 1911 to a close friend. I know he’ll treat it well, as it will treat him well.
I also favor the M1 Garand, M14(M1A), and the AR-15 variants. Somewhere along the line I’ll have a 1903 Springfield, too.
I’ll feature small, concealable handguns for those who have, or are acquiring the concealed carry license, and I’ll have available the standard pump shotguns for home defense. There’s nothing like a 12 gauge pump gun for facing down a burglar in your home at 2 a.m.
Just FYI, I am a member of the NRA, the USCCA, and even the local Chamber of Commerce.
I currently have a good stock of surplus .308 milspec ammunition, including some Lake City Match rounds.
I can acquire just about anything that the hunter/sportsman requires in new firearms in 24 – 72 hours.
So, have I gone off the deep end? Perhaps I have. But it’s sure a fun business to be in.
