MG 42

http://czcustom.com/LPA-TTF-CZ-75-FO.aspx I purchased the LPA fiber optic front/rear sights several years ago and love them, very easy for your eyes to pick up.

CZ all the way! I have never been happy with any Taurii I have owned, save one - a model 85 snubbie. On the other hand my first pistol was a CZ 75 which I own to this day. Everyone loves that gun, you won't regret the purchase.

Thermold magazines work well, after you file down the tab in the rear of the magazine body to fit the saiga mag catch. They come in 10 and 30 round varieties, and are inexpensive to boot. Quality is good, but the 10 rounders do not come apart for cleaning - the floorplates are permanently riveted on so you must soak them when and if they get really dirty. These are made for an AK, but aside from some careful filing, are plug and play - no bullet guide required. TAPCO mags are also good and come in 10 round varieties, but a bullet guide is required. Thermolds are worth the $11 for decent range mags, IMO. http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=TTAK47107623 http://www.pistolandpawn.com/store/thermold-10-round-black-mag-for-ak47-50833.html http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=thermold+ak+10+rnd&cp=11&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=9152945786299466596&ei=DlpYTf3iOsOBlAeI7-DxBw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&sqi=2&ved=0CCEQ8wIwAg#

I think this is going to be my plan for the forseeable future

I realize this is an old post, but in case anyone is still wondering... I've been using a Spike's Tactical coversion kit (just the bolt & Black Dog magazines) for about a year+ now. It has definitely paid for itself in ammo costs within a short period of time. Just couldn't see spending the money on a dedicated upper, when for that price I could buy at least 2 great rimfire rifles of a more traditional nature. I have also had the problem of empty cases being pinched up into the hollow recess on the underside of the charging handle which is a real PITA to clear, but this seems to be happening less and less. The conversiona are definitely ammo sensitive, I have tried many, many brands of ammo and wouldn't even think of using ammo that is not copper plated, as everything else fails to feed on every shot. With the right kinds of ammo (federal bulk, BVAC HP's, Winchester) there is good reliabilty, for plinking standards. POA v. POI concerns within 50 yards or so are nil for elevation. IMO, the best brands of kit would be spikes or cmmg - just my .02

I guess I'll be twiddling my thumbs a while.... Any updates as to how long it ended up taking anyone to receive their purchase permits within the last few months?

I can't say enough good about CZ products, they're top notch. I'd still choose a 75SA model over the Shadow model though, especially for competition.

I voted for the XD's becuase they fit my smallish hands better and have a grip safety, which I prefer. Glocks have the advantage of a much more readily available supply of replacement and aftermarket parts. Lastly, I've been looking forward to trying out an M&P. First post!