|
Post by Horsie on Jan 20, 2015 0:00:02 GMT
I think the ban only covers one or two pistol-calibre cartridges other than .25cal pistol cartridges. There's also a general ban on small pistols based on barrel length, regardless of calibre.
|
|
|
Post by wordweaver3 on Jan 20, 2015 0:08:14 GMT
I think the ban only covers one or two pistol-calibre cartridges other than .25cal pistol cartridges. Let me guess... .32 ACP and .380 ACP? Odd thing is that in most South American countries that allow their citizens to buy pistols the opposite is true. Typically .380 ACP is the most deadly they can possess, and mag capacity is usually limited to 8 or less. Which is why Bersa is such a big name down there.
|
|
|
Post by Horsie on Jan 20, 2015 0:12:47 GMT
Those are probably the ones.
Of all the centre-fire pistol cartridges I could get shot by, I'd rather any of those three to most of the legal cartridges. I guess the idea is that they're lower-pressure cartridges, so they can be used in cheap, crappy disposable guns.
I think there's some exceptions for a handful of single-shot target pistols, but factory ammunition (and probably reloading components) would be like hen's teeth.
|
|
|
Post by wordweaver3 on Jan 20, 2015 0:38:13 GMT
50-60 years ago the .32 ACP was the most popular centerfire handgun cartridge in the world, hands down. That was doubly true in Europe. That's why Ian Fleming chose it for James Bond's PPK. There are two different .32s I'd really like to get my hands on (aside from the PPK, of course). The Colt 1903 and the CZ 83
|
|
|
Post by Horsie on Jan 20, 2015 0:46:34 GMT
Those are nice-looking pistols. The Colt was pretty common in it's day, what's it like finding them now?
I think the next pistol I'll get will be a semi, probably a High Standard, although I might see if I can find a used Hi-Power.
|
|
|
Post by wordweaver3 on Jan 20, 2015 1:05:10 GMT
I saw a beautiful example of a 1903 at a gun show several years ago (much better than the picture I put up) for around 800 bucks. I was impressed with the heft and how slender it was for such an old firearm design. It seemed like it would be a wonderful little carry gun. Not surprising since it was designed for pocket carry.
But I didn't have 800 bucks and I haven't seen another one for sale since.
The CZ 83s come up for sale from time to time, usually in the 250 to 300 range. I told myself next time I see one I'm buying it no matter what.
Personally I'd prefer the Browning I think.
|
|
|
Post by Horsie on Jan 20, 2015 1:18:12 GMT
The Colts aren't that wide, but then again most pistols with that general shape from that time period were pretty thin.
I'd prefer the Browning too, they're nice guns.
|
|
|
Post by wordweaver3 on Jan 20, 2015 1:28:30 GMT
Yeah, the old Colts are all nice and thin, but the 1903 was razor thin. It makes my Bersa BP9 (which is super slim) look chunky.
|
|
|
Post by Horsie on Jan 20, 2015 1:32:50 GMT
Yeah, they are really thin, you'd probably reduce the width by a 1/5th if you just took the grip scales off.
|
|
|
Post by wordweaver3 on Jan 20, 2015 2:04:14 GMT
Yeah, if you took those grips off the thing would disappear.
I've always wondered why nobody ever bothered to make a more powerful .32 (really, it's closer to a .30). A suped up rimless .30 cal pistol cartridge that delivers energy around the same level as the 9mm would have all sorts of advantages in the market. Slimmer double stack magazines, higher overall capacity, a sub 9mm with stopping power that was unquestionable, easier to handle in small frame firearms, lighter weight, etc.
|
|
|
Post by wordweaver3 on Jan 21, 2015 21:05:49 GMT
So I ended up buying that gladius/machete. First impression is the molded grip is super solid, there's no hint of looseness when you shake it. The hilt is a little longer than a traditional gladius, but not quite hand and a half size. Easy enough to use with one hand but enough there to get both hands on if you need to. The point of balance is about 3 and a half inches forward, which is probably a bit much for a sword with a 17 inch blade, but it is technically a machete. There's a large lanyard hole in the pommel and it occurred to me that the balance could be altered by driving a lead or brass pin into it if someone were so inclined. The blade came sharp, but it could be sharper. A little work with a stone can fix that. The sheath is not as bad as I feared. It's not great, but it is serviceable. For 25 bucks plus shipping and handling I'm happy with it.
|
|
|
Post by Canuovea on Jan 21, 2015 21:07:38 GMT
The point of balance may partially be a result of the waisting. It does have a rather thick part further up, so what can you do? Besides, some hacking is to be expected.
|
|
|
Post by Horsie on Jan 21, 2015 21:10:26 GMT
That's great, I'm always wary of anything with moulded handles; done right they're great, done poorly I worry that the machete blade might come off mid-swing. Just proof that you can get some good stuff without paying a lot.
What's with the little spike on the pommel? Just there for looks, or does it serve a purpose?
|
|
|
Post by wordweaver3 on Jan 21, 2015 21:39:27 GMT
The spike is probably just to give you something hard on the pommel, maybe if you need to break glass or something.
I don't think I should have any trouble with the hilt coming off. As added security against that you can see the hole in the center of the handle has a brass insert. I'd probably have to burn the grip to get it off.
|
|
|
Post by Horsie on Jan 21, 2015 21:41:07 GMT
That's true.
|
|