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From: jkh@jade.UUCP
Newsgroups: mod.rec.guns
Subject: Re: Ruger XG1 as Vaporware?
Message-ID: <1461@jade.BERKELEY.EDU>
Date: Thu, 16-Oct-86 17:24:34 EDT
Article-I.D.: jade.1461
Posted: Thu Oct 16 17:24:34 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 17-Oct-86 20:59:45 EDT
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Lines: 41
Approved: jkh@ucbjade
Author: cbosgd!erc3ba!jfka@ucbvax.Berkeley.Edu
In-Reply-To: your article <1410@jade.BERKELEY.EDU>

Article: 10:31

As I understand it, the XGI was discontinued
due to design and production problems.  I was also
interested in it, as it seemed to be the answer to 
the semi-auto .308 rifle void.  The HK 91 remains 
the only game in town.

Regarding the semi-auto M14s, I have seen ads by both
Sherwood and Armsport.  They apparently are getting their
receivers from the same supplier and they both
mention a waiting period of 4 to 6 weeks before
shipment.  The dealer price for the completely
assembled gun is over $600, less if you purchase
kits and build it yourself.

My only opinion of these M14s is that I would not
trust the Springfield Armory gun.  There was a
time when the gas tap hole in the barrel was too large,
causing an occasional pre-mature bolt unlocking.
To the unknowning, a pre-mature unlocking of 
the bolt in a semi-auto gun can ruin your whole
day.  Fortunately, the unfortunate shooters
were not permanently injured.

The cardinal rule about buying a new gun from any source
is to wait a year and see whether it undergoes
any recalls or modifications.  The 180 series
Ruger Mini-14 is a good example.  I broke this rule
when I bought the Hungarian Browning copy, but the
P-35 design has been around long enough to have
shown itself to be reliable.  I would also put Spanish
copies of the .45 ACP in this special category.

As a rule of thumb, don't be the first kid on the block
to buy the latest model.  Chances are that you will have
paid top dollar and gotten a gun subject to an overlooked
defect.

Jon Kaplowitz
cbosgd!erc3ba!jfka