Is that a gold-ish hue on the metal or just from the light?

I haven't. I built one during a factory tour, but have never started with a parts kit. It's been tempting though.

Sorry for the delay. I got a notification of a reply but don't see it here. Pistol sight zeroing is as simple as drifting the rear sight in the direction you want your impacts to go. As far as AR and AK pistols for home defense, whether or not that's a good idea depends greatly on where/how you live as you're throwing a lot of energy a short distance, they're also very loud and create a lot of flash. I'm not sure how to make a video about it, but an article is worth considering.

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We know the Thunder XT and had a chance to borrow one years ago. Great gun. The Thunder series was replaced by the TPR series, but I never saw a TPR XT come to the US. Maybe that will change with the new Bersa USA forming.

Storage is up to what you're comfortable with. We store a couple loaded and ready for home defense, others are locked away, but it really comes down to what your preferences are and local laws. As far as protecting the guns, a light coat of oil on the metal helps a lot, remember humidity is the enemy. For this reason many either include some sort of dehumidifier in their safe (if stored in the garage) of keep the guns in the house where presumably your A/C should keep the air dry. Check on them every couple of months.

@Ron S. I do, but can't say as it's not public knowledge yet. I can say you'll know soon. Those Metro guns are great guns, some of the highest value 1911s out there.

Unfortunately I do not know. The XCals used to come with multiple springs (I don't know if they still do), nor do I know if Global stocks any of the other springs.

That was an OLD article they dug up again. I haven't written for AmmoLand in over a year.

I know Front Sight holds some classes there in the Summer, but it's oriented more towards the "armed citizen" type so no battle-belt set ups. I learned how by just doing it. I started out way to geared up and paired things down as I gained experience.

Ahhh, no, that is not rust, just some sort of metal treatment. I wouldn't worry about it.

That's an odd one. I've not heard of that before, but also not had a Walther rust despite lots of use in the Oregon rain. You've got me stumped.

Stephanie, I might be able to help with some of the "insurance" companies, and I know Teya has some opinions as well. I joined USCCA a few years ago when there weren't many other options. Their policies have changed a bit, and they seem to be trying to be more of a lifestyle company than their original mission. They have their drawbacks for sure. Teya went with US Law Shield because it also protects her children. I think CCW Safe offers the best and most protection, and has a staff made up of former law enforcement and current attorneys who have actually dealt with shootings and the court cases that follow.

For me it started with my grandfather's Winchester 69A .22lr. I found shooting incredibly rewarding. When I wanted more I was gifted a Mosin Nagant for Christmas (back when they retailed for under $100 and ammo was something like $10/200 rounds). I fell in love with the crude machining and utilitarian design, then went after other surplus guns noting how WWII pieces sort of told the story of their nation's culture at the time; why and how the guns were built. I enjoyed shooting in the Army, but it wasn't until after my second deployment that I realized how therapeutic shooting was for me. After a Saturday of shooting with my friends in the woods I would have the best naps, best sleep. I came to reason that the physical acts of shooting, clearing the mind and taking control of breathing to land a good shot was meditative. I also appreciated the need and right to self defense and how firearms provide a chance for true equality. Post Army I spent a year teaching defensive shooting full time and really enjoyed watching the transformation of my students as they gained confidence and a real chance at being able to defend themselves regardless of age or physique. I also saw firsthand how some shops push certain products for profit rather than try to give the customer the best solution. Combine all of the above and it's why I do what I do! This might make for a good video.

Kimball we always appreciate your in-depth responses and analysis. I freely admit sometimes they're longer than we read, but always worth the read when we do.

@Dave M You started off well with the Grand Power. Reassembly can be tricky, but the shooting experience is worth it in my opinion. Have you been able to get any more training since?

Where are you stuck?