Quick update on what's going on as of late

Alright, time for an update.  Been busy at work, lots of projects going on that require my full attention, and I'm also dedicating a lot of my off-duty time to self improvement.  I'm studying for my Security+ certification, as well as getting my MGIB benefits lined up through the VA.  Once the MGIB is squared away, I'll get enrolled in classes to get my bachelor's in Information System Security.  Not as much fun as firearms, but it is what it is.

On the firearm front, I've got some bad news.  Seems my new Ruger GSR is afflicted by an inability to feed cartridges from the new Ruger polymer magazines.  While reading through one of my new favorite gun-related forums (a shout-out to Andy, who runs http://www.scoutrifle.org), I've noticed I'm not the only one afflicted with this horrible disease.  What's worse is I've already sunk in a few extra hundred into this rifle in accessories (one of Andy's sweet Ching Slings, two 10rd poly mags and an XS Sight Systems Ruger GSR rail).  Not sure if I want to continue holding out and waiting for Ruger to provide a solid solution to the FTF issue, or if I should cut my losses and sell the GSR for something else.

Keep in mind that this FTF issue seems to only affect a small minority of GSRs, so it's just my uncanny "luck" that landed me in this position.  All hope is not lost, as Ruger's customer service is still some of the best in the industry.

That said, I have been eyeballing the new Springfield Armory XD-S pistol that was just unveiled at the 2012 SHOT show.  21.5oz (confirmed by SA and Rob Leatham, 29oz was a typo) with an unloaded single-stack magazine, 1" wide at its widest point (located at the slide stop), 5+1 rounds of .45ACP, external extractor and a 3.3" barrel.  Sounds good!  What I'm not thrilled with is the fiberoptic insert in the front site.  Too many issues with durability and snagging, in my opinion.  I'll probably change it out for a tritium site of the proper height.

While I'm highly interested in purchasing one for a new EDC solution, I think I'll let some other folks "beta test" this pistol to make sure I don't buy something with a lot of bugs to iron out.  Maybe if I wait long enough, they'll release a version of this pistol with a 4 or 4.25" barrel.  If you're interested in checking out the new pistol, check out this Guns & Ammo video hosted by Mr. Leatham himself: