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Tokarev
07-30-2022, 12:22 PM
I just picked this up from the dealer this morning. This is the BUL Armory SAS II Tac Light 4.25 9mm.

It is a 2011-pattern handgun with a magazine capacity of 19 rounds. So 20 fully loaded. The gun ships with two mags and comes in a surprisingly nice zippered case.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/7d12c255fcb899e3b1d5821365e9940f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/94c7008e535fc4be9f93c9ee8b5b5e01.jpg

The pistol is Commander length with a bull / coned barrel. No bushing. It has a full-length guide rod and reverse plug. Even though it is Commander length it appears to have the full Government slide travel.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/52ab1db6c53d887de94e31f10ede2f32.jpg

Controls are typical current 1911 pattern. Upswept and scalloped beavertail paired with an extended but single sided safety. The controls appear to be MIM as does the hammer. I haven't pulled the gun all the way apart but am assuming the sear and disconnector are MIM.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/d24367aff92ae0c27ec239d17a179bbe.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/9d2994ffa60e0427d07f8f86ae4aecda.jpg

As is not uncommon, the thumb safety hole is slightly exposed when the aafety is engaged. This is kind of a pet peeve of mine.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/021f908d6b4d284fbe029bd555cd0edc.jpg

Both the front and rear sight are dovetailed. The rear is a Novak pattern. Is it an actual Novak pattern dovetail?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/021f3d002c94af5daac2633a015e854d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/406ac890ae27c679020472522c6de425.jpg

The mag well. No flared extension or pin-on mag well comes with this model. Note the plastic main spring housing.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/fd3c92660bbe2c0687e50890bb737c87.jpg
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Tokarev
07-30-2022, 12:36 PM
This version is a distributor exclusive available through Sports South. The frame section of the frame is aluminum. I have not previously messed with a lightweight 2011 and am surprised at how light the pistol is. Of course that will change with a full mag in place.

The barrel twist, I'm guessing, is 1x16 twist. Whatever it is it appears to be fairly slow.

As can be seen, the slide is not cut for an optic. I may send it off to have it cut if it runs and shoots okay.

Overall I am quite pleased and hole I continue to like it after I've had a chance to shoot it.

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Tokarev
07-30-2022, 02:05 PM
TAC no so LIGHT anymore

2.70 pounds with light and loaded high capacity murder clip.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/1a2792460a8f9fa21c6ecac2319ac686.jpg

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CJK
07-30-2022, 02:18 PM
This version is a distributor exclusive available through Sports South. The frame section of the frame is aluminum. I have not previously messed with a lightweight 2011 and am surprised at how light the pistol is. Of course that will change with a full mag in place.

The barrel twist, I'm guessing, is 1x16 twist. Whatever it is it appears to be fairly slow.

As can be seen, the slide is not cut for an optic. I may send it off to have it cut if it runs and shoots okay.

Overall I am quite pleased and hole I continue to like it after I've had a chance to shoot it.

Sent from my SM-G970U using TapatalkCan you look at the inside of the front of the slide and tell if its been milled for a bushing? Just curious on that. I have been watching these and I would really like to hear how it runs and your opinions.

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revchuck38
07-30-2022, 02:19 PM
Targets, or it’s vaporware! :)

Tokarev
07-30-2022, 02:22 PM
Targets, or it’s vaporware! :)I don't shoot 'em. I collect 'em.

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Tokarev
07-30-2022, 02:27 PM
Can you look at the inside of the front of the slide and tell if its been milled for a bushing? Just curious on that. I have been watching these and I would really like to hear how it runs and your opinions.

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Boom!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/68f4082ec81803fad4d246a969bf7efa.jpg

I'm not sure what bushing would actually work but it is grooved, as you can see.

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CJK
07-30-2022, 03:43 PM
Boom!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/68f4082ec81803fad4d246a969bf7efa.jpg

I'm not sure what bushing would actually work but it is grooved, as you can see.

Sent from my SM-G970U using TapatalkNice! I've been watching these and the single stacks. I had heard a rumor that they may be milled for a bushing. My thoughts are one like yours in 9mm and a single stack with a swap barrel in .38 Super or 9X23.

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Tokarev
07-30-2022, 03:57 PM
Nice! I've been watching these and the single stacks. I had heard a rumor that they may be milled for a bushing. My thoughts are one like yours in 9mm and a single stack with a swap barrel in .38 Super or 9X23.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using TapatalkA Hicap 9x23 would be pretty awesome. Sort of like John Wick's 9mm Major "serious business" in Part 3 or whichever movie that was.

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Tokarev
07-30-2022, 03:59 PM
In better lighting. I am digging the TLR-9 on here. I think its profile fits the lines of the gun nicely. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/81ea6464225bc0fcf4cd2b263f71d971.jpg

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Tokarev
07-30-2022, 04:03 PM
Witness holes at seven, fourteen and nineteen. Mags are pretty darned packed at 19. You'd probably be happier with 18 while doing tac reloads.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/7104e7a8326aaf0a9c0f4a5dc80073d3.jpg

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Robinson
07-30-2022, 06:15 PM
I have a couple BUL Armory 9mm Commanders and they run great. Hopefully this will too.

Proprietary mags?

Tokarev
07-30-2022, 07:19 PM
Proprietary mags?

Yes.

The BUL mags are $55 but seem to be perpetually out of stock.

MBX mags made for the BUL are supposed to fit and work great but are $125 a whack.

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CJK
07-30-2022, 07:34 PM
Yes.

The BUL mags are $55 but seem to be perpetually out of stock.

MBX mags made for the BUL are supposed to fit and work great but are $125 a whack.

Sent from my SM-G970U using TapatalkThat's absolutely horrible. Do any other 2011 magazines work? Magazines and real world users have been the only thing stopping me. I look at 5 magazines as a bare minimum.

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HCM
07-30-2022, 08:05 PM
That's absolutely horrible. Do any other 2011 magazines work? Magazines and real world users have been the only thing stopping me. I look at 5 magazines as a bare minimum.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

Reality check.

$55 is comparable to quality metal mags for many striker guns like SIG and HK and higher end 1911 mags. “Other” 2011 mags are similarly priced or higher.

Glock (and Magpul Glock) mag prices are an anomaly, not the norm.

Check out the Humble Marksman’s channel on YouTube. He’s had good things to say about BUL 2011s.

Tokarev
07-30-2022, 08:46 PM
That's absolutely horrible. Do any other 2011 magazines work? Magazines and real world users have been the only thing stopping me. I look at 5 magazines as a bare minimum.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using TapatalkThere have been a few people over on Brian Enos who've been able to adapt the Staccato grip frame to the BUL. It probably isn't too terribly hard to do. But that probably only makes sense if you already have a stash of STI mags.



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CJK
07-30-2022, 09:19 PM
There have been a few people over on Brian Enos who've been able to adapt the Staccato grip frame to the BUL. It probably isn't too terribly hard to do. But that probably only makes sense if you already have a stash of STI mags.



Sent from my SM-G970U using TapatalkI think I'd want to stick with the OEM Bul mags. It still seems like there are issues here and there with the Staccatos, but then again all platforms have their issues. It would just be nice to get a pile of magazines for $55.00 as opposed to $125.00.

Anything I buy becomes a money pit [emoji23]

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guymontag
07-30-2022, 09:26 PM
Reality check.

Glock (and Magpul Glock) mag prices are an anomaly, not the norm.


CZ, Beretta and BHP mags run around $20-$25 easy. Established designs? Yes… but they’re closer in price to Glock mags than HK mags. So Glock mags, CZ mags, BHP mags, Beretta mags, 1911 mags, some S&W M&P 9 mags, hell, AR15 magazines prices are the anomaly… right. I agreed with the first part of your post but the second part needed a reality check of its own.

Thanks for the info OP, very cool gun!

Caballoflaco
07-30-2022, 09:44 PM
CZ, Beretta and BHP mags run around $20-$25 easy. Established designs? Yes… but they’re closer in price to Glock mags than HK mags. So Glock mags, CZ mags, BHP mags, Beretta mags, 1911 mags, some S&W M&P 9 mags, hell, AR15 magazines prices are the anomaly… right. I agreed with the first part of your post but the second part needed a reality check of its own.

Thanks for the info OP, very cool gun!

What you’re missing is that magazine prices for all those designs are/were subsidized by large contracts with military and police agencies from around the world. Also, all of those magazines have been in production for at least 30+ years. Scale of manufacturing and return on investment is a thing.

A company can’t afford to design and buy the tooling (dies, mandrels presses etc) for a niche product pistol that is never going to be sold in the numbers of the pistols/rifle you mentioned and then not be able to make their money back by charging too little to cover the loans they took out to start up manufacturing.

4RNR
07-30-2022, 09:46 PM
Reality check.

$55 is comparable to quality metal mags for many striker guns like SIG and HK and higher end 1911 mags. “Other” 2011 mags are similarly priced or higher.

Glock (and Magpul Glock) mag prices are an anomaly, not the norm.

Check out the Humble Marksman’s channel on YouTube. He’s had good things to say about BUL 2011s.I pay $35-ish for HK and CZ and $20-something for Sig and Beretta. Never paid close to $50 for any mags.

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Caballoflaco
07-30-2022, 09:48 PM
I pay $35-ish for HK and CZ and $20-something for Sig and Beretta. Never paid close to $50 for any mags.

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Then you never bought a hi-cap magazine between 1994 and 2004.

4RNR
07-30-2022, 09:49 PM
Then you never bought a hi-cap magazine pre-2004I'm not sure what 20 years ago has to do with this. I'm sure at one point everything was super expensive. First home PC or laptop probably wasn't cheap

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guymontag
07-30-2022, 10:15 PM
What you’re missing is that magazine prices for all those designs are/were subsidized by large contracts with military and police agencies from around the world. Also, all of those magazines have been in production for at least 30+ years. Scale of manufacturing and return on investment is a thing.

A company can’t afford to design and buy the tooling (dies, mandrels presses etc) for a niche product pistol that is never going to be sold in the numbers of the pistols/rifle you mentioned and then not be able to make their money back by charging too little to cover the loans they took out to start up manufacturing.

LOL, not missing at all. I literally said I agreed with his first part of his post. Now when he said “Glock mag pricing is an anomaly”, I added that CZ, BHP, 1911, M&P and Beretta need to be thrown in too… as anomalies. AR15 magazines, etc. Now how many anomalies do you have to have before you don’t have any anomalies? :p

Your post is correct, but missing my point.

ETA: Checked out Greg Cote’s site, you can add the SIG 320 mags at around $23 a pop to the list. Not sure on the going rate for the classic 22X series.

Mark D
07-30-2022, 10:51 PM
So... if we can get back to the Bul. Very cool. I'm looking forward to hearing how it runs, how it compares with your other pistols, etc.

Tokarev
07-30-2022, 10:56 PM
I think I'd want to stick with the OEM Bul mags. It still seems like there are issues here and there with the Staccatos, but then again all platforms have their issues. It would just be nice to get a pile of magazines for $55.00 as opposed to $125.00.

Anything I buy becomes a money pit [emoji23]

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using TapatalkThe BUL mags are fairly pricey but also in line with mags for the Staccato and others. Probably the cheapest mag in this field is the Triarc one.

Here's a bit on the MBX:


https://youtu.be/Qq9kVBDT0NQ

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HCM
07-30-2022, 11:00 PM
I pay $35-ish for HK and CZ and $20-something for Sig and Beretta. Never paid close to $50 for any mags.

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A) mags for which model and B) what manufacturer ? C) when ?

SIG OEM P320 and 365 series mags are $40 to $55 depending on the mag snd where you buy it.

HK OEM mags for HK45, USP compact etc. are $40 to $55 and up depending on the mag.

You MIGHT get aftermarket mags for older models like a P226 or B92 at those prices.

HCM
07-30-2022, 11:32 PM
CZ, Beretta and BHP mags run around $20-$25 easy. Established designs? Yes… but they’re closer in price to Glock mags than HK mags. So Glock mags, CZ mags, BHP mags, Beretta mags, 1911 mags, some S&W M&P 9 mags, hell, AR15 magazines prices are the anomaly… right. I agreed with the first part of your post but the second part needed a reality check of its own.

Thanks for the info OP, very cool gun!

You are comparing aftermarket mags for widely distributed, decades old designs with OEM mags for a new design.

Sure you can get aftermarket mags for older designs for $25 ish, but you are not getting OEM SIG or HK mags for current designs for those prices which is what was being discussed (OEM BUL mags).

HK 45, USPC mags etc run $40-$55 as do SIG OEM P320 and 365 series mags which are equivalent.

Take CZ’s. You can get Mecgar CZ 75 mags for $20-25 on Greg Cotes site But OEM CZ mags are $40ish. One factor is those mags are open source/off patent. You won’t see Mecgar making say P320 mags anytime soon because they are making OEM 320mags for SIG.

Plus you are talking about a 40 plus year old design with the age / distribution/ demand to support an aftermarket. Same with BHPs, SIG 226, Beretta 92 etc.

Hell Glocks are a 40 year old design.

You can get P320 ProMags for $20 but it’s a waste of money. The ACT 320 mags appear to work (when they are available) but the 320 is both the standard US service pistol and the #2 pistol in the market with over a million sold in it’s first five years. If BUL sells a million 2011s there will be cheap / good aftermarket mags for them too.

AR mags have not only been made by the hundreds of millions during the past 70 years they are literally designed to be disposable.

spyderco monkey
07-31-2022, 01:07 AM
Ultra small production run Wilson EDC X9 mags are $44. I'd be surprised if theres 10k of those guns out in the wild.

2011 mags are absurdly priced.

spyderco monkey
07-31-2022, 01:09 AM
TAC no so LIGHT anymore

2.70 pounds with light and loaded high capacity murder clip.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/1a2792460a8f9fa21c6ecac2319ac686.jpg

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How's the trigger on the BUL?

Also, my TLR9 came with a number of rail inserts for fitting to different pistols. Perhaps one of the insets would allow mounting the light one Pic slot close to the trigger?

MandoWookie
07-31-2022, 02:19 AM
Ultra small production run Wilson EDC X9 mags are $44. I'd be surprised if theres 10k of those guns out in the wild.

2011 mags are absurdly priced.

Wilson mags are based on Walther mags, so it's not a wholly proprietary tube. So they take advantage of the larger production volume from Walthers guns.

Tokarev
07-31-2022, 07:51 AM
How's the trigger on the BUL?

Also, my TLR9 came with a number of rail inserts for fitting to different pistols. Perhaps one of the insets would allow mounting the light one Pic slot close to the trigger?The trigger is sub 3 pounds. Just a minor amount of grit in one spot. The break itself has just the tiniest amount of mush. That's not to say the trigger is bad. It just isn't something that has been highly polished and hand fitted.

If and when I shoot the gun enough that the ignition parts need replacing I'll likely get something like an ignition set from EGW.

I'm still messing with the key inserts for the light. I think I'm using 1913-4. 1913-3 sets the light back another ⅛" or so on the rail. Keys 1 and 2 set the light back too far that the end cap fits the front of the trigger guard.

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guymontag
07-31-2022, 08:05 AM
snip

If we are talking OEM, then why did you bring up Magpul? Anyways your post solidifies my minor point. Guess it’s not just Glock huh? I’ll end my digression here, and you can complicate it more alone if you’d like. “Glock and Magpul Glock mag pricing is an anomaly”. I say add CZ, 1911, BHP, Sig 320, Beretta, some M&P magazines to that statement.

Talk about distributor chains, OEM supply lines, planet alignment, government subsidies all you like. It’s not “abnormal or peculiar” to spend a little over a Jackson on a pistol magazine (or many different types of pistol magazines is the simple point), and the next time I visit Greg’s site I’ll personally thank him for his “abnormal and peculiar” pricing on so many different pistol magazines. Not just Glock! :eek:

Tokarev
07-31-2022, 02:03 PM
First five rounds out of the gun. Fifteen yards. 125gr coated LSWC loaded with 3.4gr of 700-X:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220731/7845278b55f7446c0c77018ff79bccfe.jpg

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Tokarev
07-31-2022, 02:05 PM
Five rounds of Winchester Ranger 147gr. Standing at 25:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220731/437865d719589d1e3bf52d4867530404.jpg

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revchuck38
07-31-2022, 02:44 PM
Nice shooting! :)

Tokarev
07-31-2022, 04:15 PM
Nice shooting! :)It runs fine. A total of 140 rounds fired. A mix of Speer Blazer, Winchester Ranger, Speer 124 Gold Dot and hand loads. No failures to feed, eject, etc. And both mags locked open when empty. I also fired ten rounds one at a time with no mag in place. No ejection problems here, either.

My only issue of note is that the gun shoots high. I will call BUL tomorrow to inquire about sending the slide in for a taller front sight.

Plan B is to send the gun to Vulcan or DSC to have the slide machined for a red dot. Change to taller sights as part of that.

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Jim Watson
07-31-2022, 04:26 PM
Proprietary magazine, proprietary sight. Kewl.

Tokarev
07-31-2022, 05:07 PM
Proprietary magazine, proprietary sight. Kewl.Proprietary sight?

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CJK
07-31-2022, 05:40 PM
Proprietary sight?

Sent from my SM-G970U using TapatalkMeasure the front dovetail. You should be able to get a front sight from Dawson.

Good shooting. I hope you keep running it, I'd like to hear more.

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Tokarev
07-31-2022, 08:02 PM
I hope you keep running it, I'd like to hear more.

I do plan on shooting this gun quite regularly and will update when I can.

I will probably order an OWB holster tomorrow for the gun and light combo.

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Robinson
07-31-2022, 10:50 PM
My only issue of note is that the gun shoots high. I will call BUL tomorrow to inquire about sending the slide in for a taller front sight.

My BUL Commanders shoot a little high too -- looks like your gun has the same sights as mine. I'll be interested to see what comes of that. I think they offer guns with a fiber optic front sight as an option, but I don't see sights specifically for these guns on any online sites.

HeavyDuty
08-01-2022, 08:23 AM
Nice looking pistol. I’m interested in seeing how this works for you.

LockedBreech
08-01-2022, 10:33 AM
First five rounds out of the gun. Fifteen yards. 125gr coated LSWC loaded with 3.4gr of 700-X:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220731/7845278b55f7446c0c77018ff79bccfe.jpg

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Well, whatever the talk is about proprietary this or that, it's clear the gun can shoot and you can also. That's very nice.

I also like the look TLR-9, I don't think I've seen one. What's the advantage versus a TLR-1 or TLR-1HL?

Brian T
08-01-2022, 10:39 AM
Witness holes at seven, fourteen and nineteen. Mags are pretty darned packed at 19. You'd probably be happier with 18 while doing tac reloads.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220730/7104e7a8326aaf0a9c0f4a5dc80073d3.jpg

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Maaaaaannn, it's been a long time, but is that a PO P18.9 mag?

Tokarev
08-01-2022, 10:46 AM
I also like the look TLR-9, I don't think I've seen one. What's the advantage versus a TLR-1 or TLR-1HL?

The -9 has a removable bezel for battery replacement so no need to remove the light from the gun to change the batteries.

Switching is different too. On the -1 it is down and hold with the left thumb for momentary or up and release for constant on. The -9 is bump the switch for constant on or press and hold for momentary. In either case it is more of an inward push for either mode.

Down side is holster fitment. It is thinner and slightly longer than the -1 so it probably won't fit whatever legacy holster. Also no remote / pressure pad option.

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Tokarev
08-01-2022, 10:46 AM
Maaaaaannn, it's been a long time, but is that a PO P18.9 mag?Maybe. It does have the more boxy shape vs the more tapered shape of the STI.

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spyderco monkey
08-02-2022, 03:57 PM
Well, whatever the talk is about proprietary this or that, it's clear the gun can shoot and you can also. That's very nice.

I also like the look TLR-9, I don't think I've seen one. What's the advantage versus a TLR-1 or TLR-1HL?

The TLR-9 can use 16650 rechargeable batteries, which are made in Japan and have a 2500mah capacity. It’s the next best battery to a 18650, and much better then rechargeable CR123s.

To me, that’s the main advantage of the TLR-9.

Tokarev
08-02-2022, 07:24 PM
QVO Tactical holster and mag pouch ordered.

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rayrevolver
08-02-2022, 09:48 PM
I thought all these BUL armory 2011 commanders had lightening cuts on the top of the slides. This one doesn't!

I'm too heavily invested in STI mags but I like this one and would send it off to get milled. Whereas my "rare" STI has no red dot since I am having a hard time sending it off.

Gonna watch this thread!

Tokarev
08-04-2022, 08:18 PM
Extra high capacity murder clips ordered from BUL.

I also made contact with David Simcik dba dscgunworks.com regarding a DPO cut. Adding the cut is $200. Supply and fit taller front sight to accompany DPO rear sight $65. Additional stuff like flat top slide to match flat on DPO fixed rear sight cover plate $65. Then shipping to and from so probably $375 total. Not counting whichever plate I'd want to add.

I'm not sure yet what I want to do with the gun or how much more $$ I want to sink into it. Do I want to replace MIM internals and add a mag well while I'm at it? By then I'd probably be sneaking into Staccato P money.

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Tokarev
08-05-2022, 04:25 AM
I'm too heavily invested in STI mags...

Prasky Gunworks is mentioned a couple times over on Brian Enos as a shop with experience in modifying the BUL for STI mags. No mention of cost but, depending on your quantity of STI mags, it could be worth it.


BUL hicap frames differ slightly from standard 2011 style frames in 2 main areas. First they don't use grip bushings. Instead they have threaded holes and the holes protrude from the frame the same as a grip bushing would except they aren't removable per say. The second main difference is the rails for the slide. They use the same design as a 1911/para style rail design. This is why standard 2011 mags do not fit. That can be easily modified either by hand with files to open up the section in between the rails or milling the area out and cutting the frame to the specs a standard 2011 has. The latter is a much better option if you are looking to use 2011 mags on a BUL hicap. Feel free to reach out if you are looking for that service as Prasky Gunworks does this quite often on both Para style frames and BUL frames.

I don't know how suitable this aluminum frame would be for conversion. Removing material from anything aluminum is probably a bad idea.

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Tokarev
08-06-2022, 07:32 PM
Now with the aluminum TAC mag well. Note that I also have mags with the slanted black aluminum base plate. The slight increase in length gives enough relief to the spring and ammo stack that a full mag seats easily on a closed slide. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220807/1bd60be551525bf427f44a3f0e9138b8.jpg

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Tokarev
08-21-2022, 02:57 PM
50 additional rounds fired this morning. The gun remains drama free.

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LockedBreech
08-22-2022, 09:24 AM
That darn TLR-9 is sticking in my head. Getting the idea it might look pretty slick on my Beretta 92A1.

Jim Watson
08-22-2022, 09:44 AM
Even though it is Commander length it appears to have the full Government slide travel.

What kind of recoil spring does it have? A 4.25" "full cycle" (Sorry, Cabot.) probably needs a flat wire spring, a regular round wire spring that short is not very... springy and probably won't last long, q.v. early 4" guns.

BrazeauRacing
08-29-2022, 04:09 PM
I have a Gen1 Bul Tac Commander, and I can confirm that there is not a readily available front sight for their dovetail cut. I did some research and was left with the impression that a front sight for a Kimber would work, so I ordered a tall sight from Dawson, but ended up having to file it a LOT to get it to fit the slide, which was a pain in the butt.

93638

BrazeauRacing
08-29-2022, 04:15 PM
Also... Remington R1 double stack mags can be modified to work in the gun, but due to the slop in the mag catch with the modified opening, they won't lock the slide back with 100% consistency, so I modified the followers to not lock the slide back at all since I use these extra Rem mags for USPSA action pistol and 3-gun matches where you rarely run the gun dry.

93639

Tokarev
09-01-2022, 04:12 AM
I have an email this morning saying my QVO Tactical holster and mag pouch have shipped. Tracking shows expected arrival tomorrow.

Tokarev
09-01-2022, 04:57 AM
So obviously the big thing going against the BUL is the new 1911 DS "Parody" from Springfield Armory. It will no doubt prove to be the better value. Prices appear similar but the SA comes with an optic cut. Both are likely to be full of MIM and will be more of a production grade vs the Staccato which will remain a "hand built" premium offering. The DS will also win in mag availability and compatibility. No more searching for the oddball BUL mag on the web or wondering which other brand can be tweaked to fit.

So now what to do with my BUL? Probably continue as planned and have someone mill it for an optic. Keep shooting it otherwise basically as-is. Replace MIM parts as needed or as wanted.

I bought the aluminum frame version for the specific reason that it is a little lighter than competing steel frame guns. I suppose the weight savings more or less becomes nothing more than a point of discussion once either pistol is stuffed full of ammo.

In any case, BUL may not see much of a market change with the SA introduction since the main focus seems to be on race guns for open division, etc. But they also aren't likely to see much market growth now either as the BUL would no longer seem to be the leading "just as good as" option to the Staccato.



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LittleLebowski
09-01-2022, 10:51 AM
I almost bought one of these. One of the smoothest, best slide to frame fits I'd personally experienced.

TheNewbie
09-01-2022, 11:46 AM
Normally I don’t like how 2011s look, or two tone guns. This thing looks amazing.

Tokarev
09-02-2022, 04:22 PM
Here's the QVO holster.

Overall fit seems decent. Hole spacing is Safariland so I can pretty easily swap to QLS or whatever.

A minor complain is the length. Why ask if the gun is a 4.25" when using a 5" format as the base? I think the holster would look more finished and crafted if the length was more appropriate to the barrel.

The mag pouch is kind of universal. It has a plastic cam deal in the back that is adjusted for fit and retention.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220902/fc73e35129f03beed40caf020252f521.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220902/fbb85d4248c210c9ab0d2a0e199fbe66.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220902/65f9b847b4039c0c0fd1cee32bc9f09b.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220902/c0f63ee9c9fc8f41f1aac54cca89691d.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220902/3f6c328876c7fcc836c5344f368c47f6.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220902/1c6a73922f3130ae9b616c63b824e7d0.jpg

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Tokarev
09-04-2022, 06:12 PM
Not super impressed with the QVO gear. It works okay but isn't anything to write home amount. My opinion is that the holster and magazine pounch are rather uninspired.

In their defense, it does seem that the OWB stuff is usually run on a separate gun belt and/or Safariland belt hanger. Maybe the holster would work better in this format. As it is now, the paddle rocks rather badly on the belt and doesn't stabilize the pistol very well.

The thing about the mag pouch. It has a Tek Lok fastener on the back that has a sliding lock instead of the usual little hinged fork deal. I found a couple times today that the lock had come loose just from body movement.

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Tokarev
03-25-2023, 08:18 AM
A couple new versions of the BUL. If I buy another it will be the SAS II TAC 4.25 version. I like the aluminum frame and am glad to see a version that is cut for an optic.

https://www.usa.bularmory.com/product-page/sas-ii-tac-4-25

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2023/03/24/new-9mm-1911s-bul-armory/

cornstalker
03-25-2023, 07:57 PM
A couple new versions of the BUL. If I buy another it will be the SAS II TAC 4.25 version. I like the aluminum frame and am glad to see a version that is cut for an optic.

https://www.usa.bularmory.com/product-page/sas-ii-tac-4-25

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2023/03/24/new-9mm-1911s-bul-armory/

Wow. Those designs are very tempting.

Tokarev
06-27-2023, 12:45 PM
This review popped up on the YouTube today. Had I had this model I may have kept it. And if I found this model for a good price I'd be tempted to purchase it.


https://youtu.be/_rF2IpwKd-g

JPedersen
06-27-2023, 01:34 PM
I have hands on experience with that model (with an SRO mounted) and with 2 separate SAS II Viper UL w/ comp. All three pistols have been ROCK SOLID … no stoppages … and all have gone 3k rounds plus. The oldest of the bunch has over 5k rounds in it.

BUL mags have been GTG as well as the MBX mag bodies. The BUL mags represent a value compared to the MBX.

Sample size of 3x, but impressed with the fit, finish, and performance.


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Tokarev
06-27-2023, 05:30 PM
I have hands on experience with that model (with an SRO mounted) and with 2 separate SAS II Viper UL w/ comp. All three pistols have been ROCK SOLID … no stoppages … and all have gone 3k rounds plus. The oldest of the bunch has over 5k rounds in it.

BUL mags have been GTG as well as the MBX mag bodies. The BUL mags represent a value compared to the MBX.

Sample size of 3x, but impressed with the fit, finish, and performance.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkI didn't have a ton of rounds through mine but it seemed like a solid pistol. Ultimately I decided to sell it after buying a Springfield Parody since it occupied a similar space.

Had I had this new version with the optics cut I would have been more inclined to keep it.

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Tokarev
06-30-2023, 05:25 PM
https://youtu.be/x9OR8GuRu_4

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Tokarev
07-24-2023, 07:13 AM
https://youtu.be/t48bdKwZGm0

Tokarev
09-03-2023, 09:26 PM
https://youtu.be/8gD05d5blxI?si=RJj2Vs_ZbhNQh0AI