Maine has had a hard century. The population in 1900 was larger than it was in 2000, and there were industries back then that don’t exist anymore (ice production) or those have changed a great deal (shoemaking). Houlton, Maine is in the north, in the largest county Aroostock County, and it’s the county seat. There’s not a whole lot in Houlton, there are potatoes, of course, and a Wal-Mart, and there used to be a POW camp, but that closed in 1946.
But, at the NRA convention recently, I found out that Houlton has another industry now. Smith and Wesson is making Walther pistols under license there, along with some very, very nice 1911’s. Did I mention that I liked their 1911s? Just sayin’.
William The Coroner's Forensic Files 
I think my daughter’s S&W 2213 was made there, too!
Comment by guffaw — Wednesday, 11, May, 2011 @ 13:01 |
I purchased my first 1911 at 15 years old. It cost a bit more than $300 for a 70 series. I kept that for 20 years. It took only new grips and a bit of trigger work to make it an outstanding weapon.
Last year I returned to shooting, and moved to an M&P 40. It took some time to adjust to a plastic framed weapon, but after a bit of work it shoots equal to my old 70 series. For the same size overall, it weighs 12 ounces less, carries twice the number of rounds, and is thoroughly reliable.
I retain a great fondness for 1911s, but technology and engineering have improved over time. Like a classic car, a full size 1911 is better to own and admire than to have for daily use.
Comment by Glen Weaver — Thursday, 12, May, 2011 @ 15:29 |
Chacun a son gout, Glen. I don’t like the feel of double stack magazines and strikers, and I hate the looks of a Glock or a Sig. That’s what makes horse races.
Comment by williamthecoroner — Thursday, 12, May, 2011 @ 20:06
Further north in the county, up around Caribou, that area took a huge hit when the Air Force closed Loring AFB.
Comment by Comrade Misfit — Thursday, 12, May, 2011 @ 18:38 |