CZ 83 and CZ 82. Double your fun!

 Czech video here!

Seeing double? you should be, we tested two classic Czech pistols. One in .380 ACP and the other in 9mm Makarov. both are extremely well built pistols and ambi to boot!

From CZ firearms site:

History

The story of Czeska Zbrojovka (CZ) is one of high quality gun manufacturing in spite of invasion by Nazi Germany in World War II and occupation by the Soviet Union through the Cold War.
CZ originated in 1936 when Czechoslovakian arms production was moved away from the German border due to fears of invasion.  Initially, the factory produced anti-aircraft guns, but later began manufacturing small arms.
Even though CZ was born in world war, and spent much of its history behind the Iron Curtain, the majority of the firearms produced are sporting guns.  Each year about 125,000 guns are made by CZ with most staying in Europe and about 30% going to the United States.
In addition to being a prolific firearms manufacturer, CZ is also a major producer of gears, gearboxes and air conditioning manifolds for auto companies like Ford and Jaguar.  During the cold war, the CZ factory also made gears and gearboxes for light aircraft.
CZ makes some of the finest handguns, shotguns and rifles in the world.  After touring the state of the art Uhersky Brod factory and speaking with their employees it is easy to understand why CZ is one of the top firearms makers in the world.

And I concur, They do make some fantastic firearms!

The cost of refinishing may just be more than money.

The real question is; should you or shouldn't you restore. The honest answer in my opinion is, it depends. My guidelines on this subject are as follows: age, monetary value both in current condition and mint and manufacture.

Take for example an early Remington model 512 in 22lr from 1941. It was brought to me in pretty rough shape. I discussed with the customer his plans for the firearm. He wanted it in shooting condition. I agreed to clean, inspect and repair worn and used parts. though not an extremely valuable piece, I felt the age of the rifle was enough to warrant not refinish the firearm itself. I delicately removed surface rust but left the patina intact and replaced the few parts that were needed. The stock itself had a few dents, which of course were left alone. The trigger guard, bolt and buttplate had seen their fair share of abuse. none of it a detriment to the function of the firearm.

The day came to return the piece. To my surprise, the owner was not very happy with the work that I had performed. He expressed that he thought I was going to refinish the rifle. I explained that due to the age and rarity of the rifle I was not going to ruin the value of such a firearm by doing such work. Needless to say he was more interested in having it for his grandchildren to enjoy for many years as a good looking firearm. I reiterated the fact that doing so would drop the value of the firearm. When it was all said and done, the man walked away with a bright shiny new looking rifle.

Now before you pass judgement, hear me out. Short of begging the customer to leave the firearm alone and enjoy a great piece of history. I did manage to get him thinking. Instructing him on value of "as is" being more than refinished. Sadly, he expressed it did not matter to him because he was not going to sell (famous last words). He expressed as well if I was unwilling to do the work he would just do it himself. I felt at that point I was backed into a corner. Either I did it the right way or the customer would ruin an otherwise functioning historical firearm.

There has been a craze going around for the last few years of coloring firearms. We at Color Country Firearms do quite a few ourselves. Cerakote being our go to coating. We have coated Taurus, Keltec, Ruger, Sccy, Glock, Sig and many others. Most of newer manufacture and valuing less than $600.00. Which to us is within the realm of possibility. Yet there is a few newer manufacturers we would not do. Kimber being one, unless that Kimber was in rough shape and the work would not devalue the firearm more than already has been. Korth being another brand left well enough alone. But if you have the cash to drop on a fine made firearm you are more than likely to keep it looking as best you can. To say the least, the opinions on this subject run the gamut. Some would have no qualms about spraying any newer firearm, regardless of cost/value and make.

Older firearms are a class all their own. Usually anything 15 or so years old, of course depending on manufacture, I will not refinish. For example, a first Generation Glock is out of the question. Though a second generation is not. Even though a first gen is not overly valuable, I will not based on my own principles. Military surplus is another I have no problems makin' pretty, albeit it is not rare or extremely valuable. M1 Garand, Russian made Mosins, Early model M1a etc. are off the list. Though AK's and even newer high dollar AR pattern rifles are well within scope to be done.

When it comes to refinishing your firearm, do your homework. The internet is full of values for almost every firearm out there. If you can't find much information on the firearm you own I would hazard a bet it is worth more than money. Candidacy for refinishing must be scrutinized thoroughly before proceeding. There are plenty of Gunsmiths and good people that do refinishing and coating. Find them and ask questions. Not that a firearm forum on the Net is not a good place to find good opinions, but there are many who would lead you astray. In the firearm comunity it is hard to get across to some folks that not all rust is bad. A firearm is nothing like a 1969 Chevy Camaro, once restored it can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.  Sometimes it's just better to leave well enough alone.

Taurus PT 99 the Beretta 92FS clone

Taurus PT99 video here!

I must admit right off the bat there has been some Taurus pistols on the market that have not been up to snuff. But since certain information has come to light I believe we are about to see some interesting changes in Taurus. Now not to say all Taurus pistols are sub par, I will say there has been a few that really have caught my eye. The PT738 .380acp pistol is simple in design and functions quite well. The older manufactured PT99's fit in this same category. When Beretta left Brazil in the 80's they sold the factory and the tooling to Taurus, who still manufacture the Beretta 92 clones using the same tools. All without a license from Beretta. since the design is based on the original Beretta 92, of which the patents are now expired.

Not much should surprise us from Taurus. They have always been on, for a lack of a better term, the cutting edge of the firearm Industry. They have designed and produced many interesting firearms over the years. With the advent of the new American made and engineered Spectrum line of pistols, Taurus is at it again.

To mount or not to mount that light or laser.

Another topic of heated debate. To add a firearm mounted light and also to an extent laser aim assist devices. But before we get started I will give you some of the pros and cons and then just like everyone else out there, *TRIGGER WARNING* I will be giving my opinion.

Lets start with the laser, they come in a variety of colors and sizes. price and quality to match any budget. Three most common colors are red, green and blue. red does well in low light and indoors but is at a disadvantage in bright sunlight. Green lasers are easier seen during bright sunlight but are more expensive than red. Blue, I must admit is fairly new to the market and I have yet to test the limits of the blue laser.

The pistol mounted laser, has honestly become a phenomenon. The idea that one would not "need" to concentrate on making sure they are on target during a confrontation, would be a huge advantage. The assistance in target acquisition has been proven to a degree of certainty. But only at a certain a distance. If one decides on a specific zero of 25 feet anything before or after that distance will be off. Depending on the actual distance, one could truly miss their target. Where the slogan is, "aim small, miss small." This just won't do. On a psychological level, does the shooter become more dependent on the laser for aiming at their target? Training to include shooting at distances other than the zeroed distance or utilizing the sights that are on the gun are a must.

Personally, I do not utilize a laser on any of my firearms. In my opinion, the use of a laser is a moot point. I have decent eye sight and train with my EDC quite often. There are good reasons for people to use them. I am not one. If the decision is right for you please be advised, effectiveness in using a laser does take additional training. Knowing the limitations of the laser and how to overcome them will be beneficial. The laser is not the end all, be all. To this point I have yet to find an enhancement in target acquisition that did not need active training to use them effectively.

This next section refers to PISTOL MOUNTED FLASHLIGHTS. Discussion of rifles and shotguns will be done at a later date.

Flashlights, another great tool in your EDC bag. Whether you carry it on your person or as a firearm mounted system. The flashlight is a must have tool. Dark driveways, power outages or even as a defensive tool. It can both be used for physical confrontation and for sensory deprivation. The argument hotly debated is to mount or not mount. This debate, in my eyes, has equal pros and cons to both sides.

A mounted light system aids the user in keeping both hands on their firearm. Retention of your defense system is paramount. During training courses many trainers will talk about how a correct grip will significantly change your accuracy and retention of your firearm during a confrontation. To that, using a firearm mounted light assists greatly in pursuit of this goal. But this can come with it's own set of downfalls. In the Proverbial rules of gun safety #2 states do not point your firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. With a firearm mounted system this poses a conflict to rule #2. If you are lucky enough to have a quick detach system it may be of no issue. Most pistol systems are not this way.

Now using a non mounted or hand held light offers much more flexibility in identification and keeping the light away from the core of your person it can deceive the perpetrator as to your actual location. That being said some trainers teach to keep the light away from your body to create that diversion of your body being elsewhere. But running a hand held flashlight does create it's own set of complications. one being correct grip and retention of a firearm. Firing one handed is known to be inherently less accurate than using both hands. We can say the same for firearm retention with one hand. Though removing the possibility of breaking a cardinal rule of basic firearm safety is crucial. Even if you are the best trained shooter in the world those firearm basics still apply, period.

I do not run a mounted light on my pistol. In my line of work I use my flashlight quite a bit and I am not sure using a pistol mounted light would go over well. I have decided that a mounted light creates too much bulk to carry comfortably. It is in my best interest not to carry 2 lights.

On a side note for hand held lights, I suggest a good quality light with at least 2 functions, on/off and strobe. Strobe is a great for sensory deprivation. The lights I run have switches at the rear of the tube rather than on the length of the tube. That way if I decide to mount them to my shotgun or rifle, operating them is as easy as pushing forward with the thumb rather than to break grip to actuate a switch. 200 lumen is about the lowest I would go as far as output.

examples of the flashlights I use:

Eastern Bloc gem, Radom 'Wanad" P83

Radom video here!
I must apologize for the video, for some reason this one was a bear to get through. Anyway, the Radom P83 is an inexpensive fun to shoot piece of history. The idea that the Polish wanted to do their own thing under communist rule was quite the snub to the U.S.S.R.

Designed by Ryszard Chełmicki and Marian Gryszkiewicz of the state research institute Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy. The P-83 succeeded the P64 as the sidearm for the Polish Army and police.

 In the 70s, Radom began to develop a replacement pistol design that would be cheaper to manufacture than the P64. Their fruits bore the Wanad P83 pistol. Chambered for the standard U.S.S.R.cartridge,  9x18mm (Makarov) it was adopted in 1984 as the 9mm pistolet wz.1983, or  P-83.

are you tactical or tacticool?

the American soldier uses certain equipment to aid him in his quest for victory on the field of battle. Trained extensively in it uses to the point that it becomes apart of them. They are trained to think in a certain manner as to show dominance over their adversary. But to those of us not faced with a known enemy in different uniform on a field dedicated to battle, do we truly understand how to be tactical?

As a civilian, in our daily lives we have no practical purpose for the ballistic helmet. Nor, do we see the use for 60 plus pound kit to aid in getting home at night to the ones we love. Though is being tactical just the appearance? Or is there a deeper meaning to the word?

In the world of the soldier, the equipment and kit they carry is as much apart of their being tactical as the training they receive. As a civilian we too can be tactical, but in a much different frame and scope.

Does the clothing truly make the man? In our day to day we put on pants, shorts, or skirt. A tee shirt, polo, blouse or dress shirt. All in the name of decency and respect not only for ourselves but for others around us. These items themselves can aid a civilian in being tactical. In most States we have the ability to be concealed carriers of potential life saving tools. Lets call it as it is, depending on the tools we decide to carry our clothes must fit around said tools. This is of course a topic of great debate.

There is a quote out there that states, "fight as you train, train as you fight." With that in mind, if you head to the range consistantly in BDU style diggs, but you wear a suit and tie in daily life, are you truly reaping the benefits of your training? Training with a OWB holster more than the IWB holster you use on a daily basis does pose a risk when it comes to your draw step.

Knowledge is key. I think we can all agree to that, yes? Training in using our tools, just as in any prefession, is paramount to getting the job done efficiently and effectively. You may find that during continued training that certain portions of the wardrobe and gear may change. That is according to what you decide to carry and the social engagements we find ourselves in. Now we find ourselves having to change wardrobe and tactics in how to best carry and use the tools according to that specific engagement. We must be flexible, and countless hours of different styles of training must be learned to keep ourselves at the top of our game.

learning some type of martial art may be of use. Some feel that specific styles should be learned. But what if it was more about the discipline and understanding the body language of your advesary? The argument is vast and rightly so. Yet we must keep in mind, opinions are like armpits, everyone has a couple and they all stink. The health benefits of the martial education and Lord willing if you have a good instructor, it will be less about destruction and more about awarness and execution.

lets drop any macho attitudes and learn a few life saving tactics. Humility and evasion. If we find ourselves caught in  an vocal altercation is it not wise to bow out and save ourselves having to employ a potentially fatal tool? for what? pride or a material item? the tool we carry for all practical purposes should be a last resort to a situation. Now granted, we may not get to employ verbal kung fu and it may be that we must first reach for said tool. But these tactics come with training body and mind. Watching SHTF in front of you? look for that escape route. you may not be seeing all participants in play. Using a tactical approach keeps you alive.

So, to answer our question. Can a civilian be tactical? We better be. We just don't need the helmet and military uniform to do it.

Taurus PT58 too big for CCW? That depends.

 

Taurus PT58 video here!

 We are back from SHOT Show!!

I love the Beretta 92 style of handguns. I don't know why, just enamored with them. To have a smaller framed 92 type in my eyes is cool. Again, running a hammer and manual safety for concealed is not my cup of tea. I believe simple is better and faster when needed. 

cited from the Taurus website:

The History of Forjas Taurus in the Firearms Industry

Based in Porto Alegre, Brasil, Forjas Taurus (translation: Taurus Forge) is a diversified, international company and one of the largest small arms manufacturers in the world. The company produced its first revolver in 1941. In 1970, Bangor Punta, which owned Smith & Wesson, purchased a controlling interest in Forjas Taurus. During the next seven years, a great deal of technology and methodology was passed between the two companies.
In 1974 Beretta had won a contract to produce small arms for the Brazilian Army. The contract required Beretta to build a Brazilian factory and use Brazilian labor. When the contract ran out in 1980, Beretta sold the plant to Forjas Taurus. By that time, Forjas Taurus had new Brazilian controlling owners that had purchased Forjas Taurus from Bangor Punta in 1977. Forjas Taurus now owned everything that once belonged to Beretta, including drawings, tooling, machinery, and employed a very experienced work force. Forjas Taurus was in the pistol business, and immediately sought to improve on the Beretta design, resulting in the popular and acclaimed Taurus PT-92 and PT-99 9mm pistols.
The next milestone for Forjas Taurus came in 1982. Forjas Taurus formed Taurus Holdings, Inc., in Miami, Florida. Taurus Holdings, in turn formed Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc. The Taurus brand was unknown in the United States at that time. This situation was to change dramatically in the next few years.
In 1984, Taurus Holdings made an announcement that had a tremendous impact on the entire industry. Taurus Holdings became the first company to offer its customers an unqualified LIFETIME REPAIR POLICY. This changed the course of the company in the U.S. market. Only recently has this policy been matched. It has never been exceeded. This innovative policy made everyone sit up and take notice of Taurus brand firearms.