Anathoth

Sure. It's a matter of preference on positioning of the rear ghost ring in relation to the shooter- some like them in the standard AK location, such as with the Krebs, etc, and some like them closer to the rear of the receiver, more like what one might find on certain other non-Kalashnikov rifles/shotguns. If positioning isn't a concern, then there are certainly other ghost ring options besides the HK/XS that are cheaper....

Don't forget the XS ghost ring rear for HK sights- I wouldn't like a HK diopter rear on a Saiga, but the XS can work out nicely.

I'm not certain what these images are intended to show. That birdshot can seriously maim or kill? I don't think that is in question, at least not by most. But I think the danger is that the average person may look at these wounds in photographs, terrible as they are, and not have the context to realize the narrow set of circumstances under which such a result is likely to occur. GunFun pretty much covered it. There are a lot of very knowledgeable, objective people with the FBI, IWBA, etc who have made careers out of determining effective loadings. A little research into their reasoning and

That is a nasty wound, Corbin. Glad it didn't hit somewhere worse. What was the long-term prognosis from the injury, if I may ask? I kind of have that feeling whenever I see someone rest the muzzle of their shotgun or rifle on top of their foot..

If overpenetration/endangerment of nearby civilians is a primary concern, a shotgun may not be the best choice. 4" of penetration through flesh is all well and good, but if the 4" you penetrate is the attacker's shoulder when shot from an angle, or part of an outstretched arm that is holding a gun that he is shooting at you with, it may result in a wound that does nothing to STOP him and take him out of the fight. If a loading won't penetrate sufficiently to hit vitals when shot from weird angles, or through the bad guy's arm, or thick muscle, or through the heavy clothing he may be wearing,

I'll keep birdshot in mind.. next time I'm accosted by little birds.

In depends in part on your grip. I have a US Palm grip on mine, which moves the hand closer to the receiver; the V2 could possibly interfere with one's thumb on this setup. The V3 does not. Position near center of gravity wasn't a consideration for me in not choosing the V1. It was largely a concern of the rear downward shape of the V1, and it becoming a possible obstruction to quick acquisition of the grip under stress. Probably a lot less likely than the issue that gave me pause with the V2, but enough to make me try the V3. Echo93 offers additional versions of their plate now, and f

Looks good. Let us know how it works out for you long term.

Have you noticed if this occurs when using shells left in the magazine vs fresh?

Something like these may be of use to you as well, if you go the receiver hole route- IWC QD sling mount Noveske QD sling mount

The V3 can work with the US Palm; it depends largely on your individual grip style/thumb position. Looking at pics of the V2 got me thinking about it, originally. Most rifles I found pictured with it had the traditional AK grips, which don't position your hand as close to the receiver, but the design of the V2 and other versions of their mounts made me suspect that the knuckle of one's thumb might rub on it when using the US Palm. There were a few user pics I found around online with rifles using the US Palm and the V2, which confirmed my suspicion, and I didn't want the rear-facing mount of t

Have you taken a look at the products offered by Echo93? They manufacture sling mount plates that are installed between the pistol grip and receiver, so no permanent alteration to the gun is required. Basically results in a steel loop for use with mash hooks, HK hooks, etc. Though the high hand position with a US Palm grip (I have one myself) makes choices of the E93 products more limited. The style of buttstock can influence workable options as well. I'm trying out a V3 at present; haven't decided if I like it yet.

Look up the thread DistalRadius did on xrays he performed on factory Izhmash mags. Note the internal steel reinforcements embedded in the polymer, on critical points on the magazine. Think of possible scenarios in which magazine failure might result from breakage at those points, on SGMs, AGPs, etc- striking the bottom of the mag on the corner of a wall or furniture while moving quickly under stress, for example. Mike Davidson has similar reinforcement in his drums, but as of yet, none of the available US-made polymer stick magazines do. Don't get me wrong, I love me some AGPs too, but the

I'll have to go find one of these to fondle. I'll be interested to see a wider sample of reported reliability on these. I had a "good" PM9, none of the issues that some are plagued with, it's been flawless with the 6 round magazine. I guess I'm still somewhat hesitant on purchases of new models until I know what I may be dealing with.. Shoot yours a bunch, and let us know how it goes.

Gunfun, have you taken a look at the Rohrbaugh R9? Probably the smallest 9mm in production, similar dimensions to the .380s such as the LCP, etc. Price is relatively high, however. JCP, it may have been their determination of a best balance of compact size weighed against shootability.. I haven't yet shot a Shield, but from reports of others who have, it appears to be an exceptionally well-handling pistol for its size. I've carried a PM9 for years, but I have no illusions about the ease of shooting it under stress compared to something like a Glock 26. The Shield may be one of the few sing