Brandan Bunker

John Vlieger

Mr Bunker, I really enjoy seeing your custom builds on facebook. Amazing attention 

to detail. I was curious if you plan on building any 2011 models for use in 

competition? I'm a USPSA grand master in open division and always on the lookout 

for quality builders to keep an eye on

24 Jan 2017 12:44:31

Brandan Bunker

I have built some 2011s already, have one on order currently. I do not build many 

2011s, the market is saturated with a bunch of guys building them as quickly as 

possible

24 Jan 2017 13:53:55

Brandan Bunker

so I mainly build 1911s

24 Jan 2017 13:54:11

John Vlieger

Understandable. Was just curious as you have an obvious talent when it comes to the 

platform. There seems to be a split in the market of 2011s, though. There are a few 

who have quality but are quantity minded. Then you have the independent builders 

who focus on unique builds at a slower pace, but with amazing quality. Have you built 

open pistols before?

24 Jan 2017 13:57:40

Brandan Bunker

Yes i have built a few of them

24 Jan 2017 13:58:30

John Vlieger

Nice. Like I said, I like to keep my eye on builders that have quality for potential 

future work. I appreciate your time.

24 Jan 2017 13:59:52

Brandan Bunker

24 Jan 2017 14:01:22

Brandan Bunker

24 Jan 2017 14:01:27

Brandan Bunker

That is the most recent 9mm major gun i built

24 Jan 2017 14:01:43

John Vlieger

Very clean.

24 Jan 2017 14:41:50

John Vlieger

1

Case 0:20-cv-61469-RS Document 207-36 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/05/2023 Page 1 of 47
Can I get your opinion on something

8 Oct 2017 20:24:36

Brandan Bunker

Sure

8 Oct 2017 20:42:46

John Vlieger

8 Oct 2017 20:45:44

John Vlieger

8 Oct 2017 20:46:03

Brandan Bunker

Barrel was not times right

8 Oct 2017 20:46:43

Brandan Bunker

Timed

8 Oct 2017 20:46:49

Brandan Bunker

Looks like the crash caused the crack

8 Oct 2017 20:47:55

John Vlieger

Any doubt of that? Contributing factors?

8 Oct 2017 20:48:17

Brandan Bunker

I'm pretty confident based on the lugs being rolled over on both barrel and slide

8 Oct 2017 20:48:57

John Vlieger

And if the lugs of the barrel were already rolled when fit to a new slide?

8 Oct 2017 20:49:44

Brandan Bunker

That wouldn't cause the crash

8 Oct 2017 20:50:28

Brandan Bunker

The barrel was unable to lock down far enough to allow proper slide clearance

8 Oct 2017 20:51:19

Brandan Bunker

During the cycle

8 Oct 2017 20:51:33

John Vlieger

Thank you. I appreciate the info

8 Oct 2017 20:52:07

Brandan Bunker

No problem. See this a lot unfortunately

2

Case 0:20-cv-61469-RS Document 207-36 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/05/2023 Page 2 of 47
8 Oct 2017 20:52:59

John Vlieger

Besides timing issues, would a bad slide or something cause this? Fatigue in am odd 

location? Because it still failed at the ejection port

13 Oct 2017 18:42:18

John Vlieger

And out of curiosity, the open gun you built. What would the bill be like on one of 

those?

13 Oct 2017 18:42:45

Brandan Bunker

i know that a lot of the Dasan slides have been failing, even some caspian slides, just 

cracking under maybe above normal use

13 Oct 2017 18:43:53

Brandan Bunker

but that still shows signs of improper timing

13 Oct 2017 18:44:10

Brandan Bunker

unless the crack caused the crash which rolled the lugs on the slide

13 Oct 2017 18:44:32

Brandan Bunker

open gun with optic and 5 mags will be 7500+

13 Oct 2017 18:46:08

John Vlieger

Minus mags?

13 Oct 2017 18:46:22

John Vlieger

Roughly

13 Oct 2017 18:46:26

John Vlieger

7?

13 Oct 2017 18:46:29

Brandan Bunker

yes

13 Oct 2017 18:46:34

John Vlieger

Hey, Brandan. Love the pics you post showing your process. I work at Shooter's 

Connection and was wondering if you have considered shopping with us? You would 

have dealer cost, as an FFL. Didn't know if you used EGW, Wilson, Ed Brown, etc.

12 Jan 2018 10:18:27

Brandan Bunker

Thank you

3

Case 0:20-cv-61469-RS Document 207-36 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/05/2023 Page 3 of 47
12 Jan 2018 11:21:33

Brandan Bunker

I have bought from you guys before I believe

12 Jan 2018 11:21:41

Brandan Bunker

but have not set up a dealer account

12 Jan 2018 11:22:36

John Vlieger

i looked for your account and couldn't find it. if you set one up i'd be glad to set your 

account to dealer. email us a copy of your FFL to FFL@shootersconnection.com so 

we can have it on file and all else will be good to go

12 Jan 2018 12:12:31

Brandan Bunker

12 Jan 2018 12:16:49

John Vlieger

received and filed. just set up an account and I can flag it for you.

12 Jan 2018 12:20:37

Brandan Bunker

sounds good

12 Jan 2018 12:22:54

Brandan Bunker

thank you

12 Jan 2018 12:22:55

John Vlieger

not a problem. your work is a step above and I enjoy seeing how you do it all.

12 Jan 2018 12:24:06

Brandan Bunker

Thank you

12 Jan 2018 12:24:25

Brandan Bunker

I created an account

16 Jan 2018 10:24:42

Brandan Bunker

blbunker@hotmail.com

16 Jan 2018 10:24:46

John Vlieger

I just changed your account to "dealer" so you should see the reflected prices when 

you're logged in.

16 Jan 2018 10:28:03

John Vlieger

where are you located?

4

Case 0:20-cv-61469-RS Document 207-36 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/05/2023 Page 4 of 47
16 Jan 2018 10:28:07

Brandan Bunker

im in Florida

16 Jan 2018 10:28:14

Brandan Bunker

just south of tampa

16 Jan 2018 10:28:17

John Vlieger

UPS Ground is 2 days to almost all of Florida and we are known for shipping same 

day.

16 Jan 2018 10:29:00

John Vlieger

so, you can save a little bit of money by using UPS ground

16 Jan 2018 10:29:14

Brandan Bunker

16 Jan 2018 10:41:33

John Vlieger

I'm looking at custom parts we could offer to gunsmiths and I notice you tend to blend 

the ejector into the slide. Is that something you prefer to make yourself, or is it 

something you would like to see available? I'm looking at getting an oversized in

width and height 1911 ejector made for us here at Shooter's Connection and I'd 

appreciate your input

1 Mar 2018 12:09:25

Brandan Bunker

for most it is best to buy the oversized blanks

1 Mar 2018 13:00:09

Brandan Bunker

the pins on the bottom of a cnc operation and a lot of the smiths do not have CNC 

machines, so they like the bottom finished out and the top oversized to fit

1 Mar 2018 13:00:36

John Vlieger

Hey there, Brandan. Love seeing the work you do and post. Wanted to drop you a line 

and let you know we have Nowlin ramped barrels, now. C/P and W/N ramp, bull and 

bushing, 9mm and 40. If there is anything we can do please let me know.

23 Aug 2018 10:49:47

Brandan Bunker

thanks

23 Aug 2018 10:55:21

Brandan Bunker

have you guys ever bought custom 1911s from builders for sale

24 Aug 2018 9:47:06

5

Case 0:20-cv-61469-RS Document 207-36 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/05/2023 Page 5 of 47
John Vlieger

yes. Ed Brown, Guncrafter, and most recently Ck Arms.

24 Aug 2018 9:48:01

John Vlieger

and Wilson Combat, but I would classify them as more "factory custom"

24 Aug 2018 9:48:20

Brandan Bunker

yeah those are semi custom

24 Aug 2018 9:49:34

Brandan Bunker

i have been getting curious about b2b sales

24 Aug 2018 9:50:21

Brandan Bunker

im not a retailer, one man shop, people take up too much time

24 Aug 2018 9:50:35

John Vlieger

That's the niche and service we fill. The main problem with true full custom work is 

customers want exactly what they want when they spend that kind of money. Also, we 

cater to the competition market. So for example, a bull barrel 1911 single stack would 

be great in theory, but doesn't fit in the ruleset of USPSA, IDPA, or 3 gun. Just being 

forthright with you. We've had 2 guncrafters sitting here for quite a while.

24 Aug 2018 9:56:51

John Vlieger

what did you have in mind? Double stack 1911s/2011s would be our primary interest.

24 Aug 2018 9:57:12

Brandan Bunker

im gathering information more than anything

24 Aug 2018 9:58:23

Brandan Bunker

what types of builds that I could produce for companies like yours

24 Aug 2018 9:58:48

John Vlieger

short answer is yes, we are interested. but it really depends on the product and pricing.

24 Aug 2018 9:58:56

John Vlieger

Limited guns, Open guns, and Single stacks are the main area I see you fitting our 

niche. Staying in the sub $6k range is the hard part. the established names for race 

guns like SVI, Akai, and Atlas all operate in the $5-9k range.

24 Aug 2018 10:00:07

Brandan Bunker

24 Aug 2018 10:01:47

6

Case 0:20-cv-61469-RS Document 207-36 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/05/2023 Page 6 of 47
John Vlieger

don't take that price range as hard and fast, but as generalities. you do amazing work, 

but our sport has only so many people willing to drop used car prices on guns

24 Aug 2018 10:03:03

Brandan Bunker

yeah, that sport is definitely less willing to cough up cash, mainly because they spend 

so much on everything else as well, holsters, jerseys, shoes, bla bla bla

24 Aug 2018 10:03:53

Brandan Bunker

bullseye guy just needs a perfect gun

24 Aug 2018 10:04:05

John Vlieger

it's why we exist. more money to be made in the accessories than the guns as as 

retailer

24 Aug 2018 10:06:51

Brandan Bunker

makes sense

24 Aug 2018 10:07:08

John Vlieger

26 Oct 2018 8:42:37

John Vlieger

26 Oct 2018 8:42:40

John Vlieger

Shooters connection will have these in stock in the next few months. Made by kkm 

and in a variety of sizes

26 Oct 2018 8:43:15

Brandan Bunker

Cool

26 Oct 2018 8:43:34

Brandan Bunker

nice to have another sight tracker option

26 Oct 2018 8:43:47

John Vlieger

Exactly.

26 Oct 2018 8:43:55

John Vlieger

SV has had a monopoly for too long

26 Oct 2018 8:44:11

John Vlieger

I'd be happy to send you one to evaluate here soon. I have two first run prototypes 

with me

7

Case 0:20-cv-61469-RS Document 207-36 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/05/2023 Page 7 of 47
26 Oct 2018 8:44:45

Brandan Bunker

I have a 9mm that I was about to order a sight tracker barrel for

26 Oct 2018 8:45:45

John Vlieger

Is your customer on a time line? I'm traveling today but will be back in the office on 

Monday.

26 Oct 2018 8:47:15

Brandan Bunker

it is a build that I am starting next week, I will have 2 weeks

26 Oct 2018 8:47:49

Brandan Bunker

I can so a lot in reverse order haha

26 Oct 2018 8:48:03

John Vlieger

I have a 9 and 40, in my possession. Kkm made another 9 but it is sitting on their 

display table at uspsa nationals currently

26 Oct 2018 8:48:51

Brandan Bunker

26 Oct 2018 8:49:04

John Vlieger

And I already have a wait list for eval of the ones I have

26 Oct 2018 8:49:14

John Vlieger

So I'd have to get with kkm first. I'll let you know Monday or Tuesday

26 Oct 2018 8:49:40

Brandan Bunker

perfect, sounds good

26 Oct 2018 8:49:52

Brandan Bunker

Any word on a barrel?

5 Nov 2018 17:36:49

Brandan Bunker

Or no go

5 Nov 2018 17:36:54

John Vlieger

Unfortunately not. They are revising the design and my others have already been used 

or are out for review

5 Nov 2018 17:40:35

John Vlieger

I apologize for not getting back to you sooner

8

Case 0:20-cv-61469-RS Document 207-36 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/05/2023 Page 8 of 47
5 Nov 2018 17:40:43

Brandan Bunker

5 Nov 2018 17:40:54

John Vlieger

Also, we have preliminary pricing on the barrels. Dealer cost is going to be between 

$290-330 on barrels. Model dependant. SKUs we will have are going to be 5" plus 

threads .355, 4.5" plus threads .355, 5" no-threads .355, 5" no threads .400. 4.25" plus 

threads .355 is a possibility as well

7 Nov 2018 9:55:54

John Vlieger

If there are any parts you'd like to see us offer, or something else you need, please feel 

free to ask. We will have Tripp Research slides in stock, soon, as well. Billet slides 

with reverse plug cut. Unique and classic radius, 40 and 9mm

7 Nov 2018 9:56:46

Brandan Bunker

7 Nov 2018 16:51:25

Brandan Bunker

do you happen to have an completely bald SVI slides

8 Nov 2018 8:39:34

John Vlieger

We don't stock SV parts. They are not picking up any dealers, currently. Possibly in 

the next year, but not right now. Only dealer I know of for SV parts is Speed Shooters 

in CA, and even then they are out of stock of stuff more often than not.

8 Nov 2018 8:40:39

John Vlieger

We have caspian in stock, and some CK's. Tripp slides incoming soon

8 Nov 2018 8:40:54

Brandan Bunker

I use the tripp slides already they are nice, most of my builds are on them

8 Nov 2018 8:41:17

John Vlieger

good to hear. if you have any other feedback on the Tripp slides, please pass them 

along. we are stocking them soon and I already have other customers asking about 

feedback on them

8 Nov 2018 8:41:48

Brandan Bunker

in my opinion they are the nicest slides on the marke

8 Nov 2018 8:42:18

Brandan Bunker

market

8 Nov 2018 8:42:22

9

Case 0:20-cv-61469-RS Document 207-36 Entered on FLSD Docket 12/05/2023 Page 9 of 47
John Vlieger

Any issues with tunnel cuts, reverse spring plug cuts, or slides cracking?

8 Nov 2018 8:46:26

Brandan Bunker

they are around 38rc so not overly hard, which is not necessarily a bad thing, every 

cut is done with a slight radius in the corner, the barrel tunnel is very true and 

consistent. The measurement from the bottom of the slide rails to the top of the barrel 

tunnel at the first radial lug is .847 to .8475 consistently so they are a middle of the 

road slide that works with both .225 and .230 frame types

8 Nov 2018 8:49:58

Brandan Bunker

width is .925-.926

8 Nov 2018 8:50:42

Brandan Bunker

the top radius is completely machined so it is true and accurate front to back

8 Nov 2018 8:51:00

Brandan Bunker

top radius is also thicker than caspian so you can flat top and cut a front sight dovetail 

and still have some meat under the dovetail

8 Nov 2018 8:51:33

Brandan Bunker

extractor passages are all .208 on the money

8 Nov 2018 8:54:08

Brandan Bunker

first time I have seen good consistency in slides since i started this business

8 Nov 2018 8:54:54

Brandan Bunker

what do you sell them for?

8 Nov 2018 8:57:39

Brandan Bunker

i get them through JEM now

8 Nov 2018 8:57:47

John Vlieger

Retail will be around $250, don't know what dealer would be.

8 Nov 2018 9:06:16

John Vlieger

and thank you very much for the input. would you mind if I quoted you for the 

product description?

8 Nov 2018 9:06:39

Brandan Bunker

yeah no problem

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47
8 Nov 2018 9:08:42

John Vlieger

Great seeing your work, sir. Wanted to reach out and let you know we are still on 

track for those hybrid barrels to come in around new year. Also, we stock Tripp slides 

now. Dealer price is $242. We have 40 cal and 9mm unique/no radius in stock, as well 

as come classic radius.

13 Dec 2018 13:55:46

Brandan Bunker

thanks

13 Dec 2018 14:02:32

Brandan Bunker

appreciate it

13 Dec 2018 14:02:36

John Vlieger

pre-order for those hybrid barrels is live, sir. we are expecting them in the next few 

weeks, shipping before the end of the month

2 Jan 2019 16:19:10

Brandan Bunker

do you have any KKM 45 5" non ramped barrels in stock

7 Jan 2019 18:39:08

John Vlieger

Not much demand for those. We might have Kart in stock but almost definitely not 

KKM. Lemme check

7 Jan 2019 18:40:48

Brandan Bunker

7 Jan 2019 18:47:03

John Vlieger

No, sir we do not.

7 Jan 2019 18:50:42

Brandan Bunker

Thanks for checking

7 Jan 2019 18:51:33

John Vlieger

26 Jan 2019 13:39:48

John Vlieger

Got them in.

26 Jan 2019 13:40:01

Brandan Bunker

cool

26 Jan 2019 13:56:48

Brandan Bunker

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47
finally an SVI alternative

26 Jan 2019 13:56:55

Brandan Bunker

the whole schuemann things is a damn shame, those were nice barrels

26 Jan 2019 13:57:11

Brandan Bunker

i like KKM, those guys will do exactly what you want them to as far as dimensions go

26 Jan 2019 13:57:38

John Vlieger

Yes, sir. Been a pleasure working with them to get these to market

26 Jan 2019 13:59:06

Brandan Bunker

kart will not do t hat

26 Jan 2019 13:59:21

Brandan Bunker

haha

26 Jan 2019 13:59:24

Brandan Bunker

and the rest just dont build as nice of a barrel as far as im concerned

26 Jan 2019 13:59:39

John Vlieger

We've been trying to get kart to make bulls for a while now

26 Jan 2019 13:59:39

Brandan Bunker

their equipment is not as good as KKM, those DMG Mori machines are amazingly 

accurate

26 Jan 2019 14:00:09

John Vlieger

I've heard that. I'm still learning about machining and such every day. If you have 

special requests for the next order I'd love to hear them. Trying to expand the line with 

gunsmith input

26 Jan 2019 22:03:16

John Vlieger

You happen to k ow major and minor thread specs for 11/16 x 40 thread off the top of 

your head?

2 Feb 2019 11:44:39

Brandan Bunker

.6875 major. Forgot minor. Likely 21/32 ish

2 Feb 2019 11:48:16

John Vlieger

2 Feb 2019 11:49:28

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47
John Vlieger

Thank you, sir

2 Feb 2019 11:49:33

Brandan Bunker

2 Feb 2019 11:51:46

John Vlieger

Mr. Bunker, would you be interested in doing a slide and barrel eval for us here at 

Shooters Connection? We have a sample slide and barrel from an OEM manufacturer 

and we would like your professional opinion on the quality and dimensions of the

parts before we move forward. Your attention to detail is extremely impressive, and 

we would value your input. If you're tied up, I understand.

29 May 2019 8:56:10

Brandan Bunker

Sure

29 May 2019 8:57:03

John Vlieger

wonderful. the 1108 24th ave address still good?

29 May 2019 8:58:00

Brandan Bunker

Yea

29 May 2019 8:58:12

Brandan Bunker

Unit 114

29 May 2019 8:58:15

John Vlieger

I'll have it out the door UPS 2nd day air today, sir. If you have need of other parts I 

can save you the shipping if you order it, as well

29 May 2019 8:58:34

Brandan Bunker

Do you have a commander length 10mm barrel KKM?

29 May 2019 9:11:00

Brandan Bunker

standard profile

29 May 2019 9:11:30

Brandan Bunker

or 9mm commander standard profile

29 May 2019 9:11:57

John Vlieger

unfortunately not in 10mm. don't even have one in 40. we don't get many requests for 

that on the race gun side.

29 May 2019 9:12:19

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47
John Vlieger

we do have the 9mm though

29 May 2019 9:12:23

John Vlieger

https://www.shootersconnectionstore.com/KKM-355-Caliber-Bushing-BarrelCommander-P5252.aspx

29 May 2019 9:12:24

Brandan Bunker

which ramp is it

29 May 2019 9:14:06

John Vlieger

C/P

29 May 2019 9:16:28

Brandan Bunker

cool, i can use it

29 May 2019 9:17:01

John Vlieger

great. if you place the order I can zero out of the shipping before we process it

29 May 2019 9:27:44

John Vlieger

or i can place hte order and you can log in and pay it. we dont store payment 

information on our end

29 May 2019 9:28:01

Brandan Bunker

actually wait, i cannot use that barrel for this build i am doing, it is a rebuild, it is a 

shit para frame where the VIS is cut back too far. So i would need a kart barrel

29 May 2019 9:32:09

John Vlieger

we don't carry any commander barrels from Kart, unfortunately

29 May 2019 9:34:40

Brandan Bunker

i will get a kart barrel from you guys, looks like you have 5" i can make that work

29 May 2019 9:34:45

Brandan Bunker

i am going to put a cone on it anyways

29 May 2019 9:34:55

John Vlieger

ah.

29 May 2019 9:35:05

Brandan Bunker

i will just reprofile the lower lugs

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47
29 May 2019 9:35:18

Brandan Bunker

order placed

29 May 2019 9:36:05

John Vlieger

shipping zeroed. is fedex for reliable in your area, or UPS

29 May 2019 9:37:13

Brandan Bunker

Yeah they are fine

29 May 2019 9:42:56

John Vlieger

more* reliable. sorry. UPS it is, then. we have a better arrangement with t hem

29 May 2019 9:43:13

Brandan Bunker

Ups is my go to

29 May 2019 9:43:42

Brandan Bunker

bob servas stuff is junk

31 May 2019 13:41:11

Brandan Bunker

good pricing, but your customers are going to complain about it

31 May 2019 13:41:46

John Vlieger

not Bob Servas. but I think I just found out who makes fusions stuff

31 May 2019 13:53:18

Brandan Bunker

lol well that is what bob sells as his

31 May 2019 13:53:44

John Vlieger

how can you tell?

31 May 2019 13:54:03

Brandan Bunker

i have explored every part in this business. I have logged every dimension, hardness 

and strange issues with each

31 May 2019 13:54:35

Brandan Bunker

these are what fusion sells as their billet slides

31 May 2019 13:55:49

Brandan Bunker

and ultimatch barrels

31 May 2019 13:55:54

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47
Brandan Bunker

dead give away on the slide was the scratches in the slide rails, the 26RC hardness, 

and the 0.002" over spec on critical dimensions, the small cut out on the slide stop 

notch, the 0.030" too shallow barrel abutment, and the 0.030" step over on the front 

part of the upper radial lugs.

31 May 2019 13:58:16

Brandan Bunker

the dead give away on the barrel is that the first radial lug is 0.292" from the bore, so 

this is a GI spec, which requires 0.010-0.012" higher vertical axis for 100% 

engagement, then causes firing pin misalignment

31 May 2019 14:04:24

Brandan Bunker

so aside from the barrel abutment being to shallow, and not allowing the barrel to fit 

the slide anyways, the barrel had to go too far up into the slide to make contact with 

the radial lug

31 May 2019 14:05:52

Brandan Bunker

they are just a mess all around

31 May 2019 14:05:57

Brandan Bunker

id rather deal with dasan parts

31 May 2019 14:06:15

Brandan Bunker

lol

31 May 2019 14:06:19

John Vlieger

thank you for your quick turn around on this, Mr Bunker. I really appreciate it. This 

OEM manufacturer operates under black label distribution almost exclusively. Makes 

sense that Serva would be using him. We sell a little but of Fusion, but it's limited to 

triggers and sear springs right now.

31 May 2019 14:28:41

Brandan Bunker

31 May 2019 14:36:38

Brandan Bunker

do you have any of those 80 series spacer plates?

7 Jun 2019 18:41:54

John Vlieger

Not currently. We are working on it. The guy who makes them is hard to work with

7 Jun 2019 19:01:44

Brandan Bunker

TJ

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7 Jun 2019 19:01:57

Brandan Bunker

lol

7 Jun 2019 19:01:58

John Vlieger

Yep

7 Jun 2019 19:02:02

Brandan Bunker

i think i saw a solid model, i will likely just make one

7 Jun 2019 19:02:13

John Vlieger

If you do, and your prices are reasonable, we would probably take somr

7 Jun 2019 19:02:38

John Vlieger

Wilson combat wanted like $10-15.piece for them, dealer

7 Jun 2019 19:03:13

Brandan Bunker

yeah likely machined vs stamped or machined vs CNC waterjet/plasma

7 Jun 2019 19:04:51

Brandan Bunker

ill take a look at it and let you know

7 Jun 2019 19:05:13

Brandan Bunker

if i can get away with super glue fixture it would work out great

7 Jun 2019 19:05:42

John Vlieger

Thanks again for the eval of those parts. Is USPS or UPS easier for you? was going to 

send a label your way to get those parts back.

17 Jun 2019 14:21:18

John Vlieger

also, we have more KKM ribbed barrels coming in end of the month/early July. Didn't 

know if you had any projects needing one any time soon.

17 Jun 2019 14:21:52

Brandan Bunker

USPS is easier

17 Jun 2019 14:22:50

Brandan Bunker

I ended up not even needing that kart barrel I ordered from you, forgot that I had a 

commander barrel already go figure

17 Jun 2019 14:23:22

John Vlieger

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47
if its still sealed we can take it back for gift cert for whole value

17 Jun 2019 14:24:26

Brandan Bunker

nah i took it out of the bag

17 Jun 2019 14:26:06

Brandan Bunker

ill just see if another smith wants it

17 Jun 2019 14:26:49

John Vlieger

Hey, Brandan. I'm working on getting slides made to our spec and was wondering if 

you had CAD or prints of a proper slide specification?

5 Jul 2019 8:11:34

John Vlieger

This would be a made in the US slide and we would have to order quite a few to get 

pricing low enough to make it worth our time. Getting your input on the critical 

dimensions would be much appreciated. If you wanted to talk more about it, I'd be 

glad to speak with you about it over the phone. Slides are in a weird spot right now. 

Tripp is no longer selling them, and the others we've looked at are not in the right 

realm of pricing/quality.

8 Jul 2019 11:47:08

John Vlieger

Would there be a good time to call you and talk about this?

10 Jul 2019 14:41:58

Brandan Bunker

I have honestly lost interest in doing this kind of thing. Too much time spent with 

absolutely zero benefit to me what so ever. My time is worth more to me than that.

10 Jul 2019 16:08:51

John Vlieger

and we would be willing to compensate you for your time.

10 Jul 2019 16:10:10

Brandan Bunker

Contact Chuck Warner, he has been doing a bunch of consulting lately. He has some 

good prints.

12 Jul 2019 19:14:08

John Vlieger

I will do so. Thank you for the information, Brandan. We are trying to approach this 

from the best angle. Gunsmiths like yourself need to like the product and be involved 

if we want to earn your business

12 Jul 2019 19:15:18

Brandan Bunker

He is on facebook and around

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12 Jul 2019 19:16:50

John Vlieger

I had a great chat with Mr Warner. A question for you after it, though. The colt 

national match slide spec. Is that comparable to the STI spec or the Tripp spec?

16 Jul 2019 19:52:36

Brandan Bunker

STI has their own thing going on, the tripp spec was closer to a national match spec

16 Jul 2019 19:53:20

Brandan Bunker

except it was in between a .850 and 0.845 slide

16 Jul 2019 19:53:46

John Vlieger

Would you say that most smiths would be happy with a NM spec?

16 Jul 2019 19:53:54

Brandan Bunker

yes

16 Jul 2019 19:54:41

Brandan Bunker

i would have to revisit the spec to confirm but the NM spec was designed to work 

with a .302 barrel

16 Jul 2019 19:55:18

Brandan Bunker

which is the standard for match grade these days

16 Jul 2019 19:55:28

Brandan Bunker

one thing that i will note though is that these days there are 2 different frames and 2 

different slides, 0.230 frame and a 0.845 slides, which is original spec, and a .225 

frame with a .850 slide, for the longest time a lot of race guns out there were .225 

frames. the problem occurs when you use a .845 slide on a .225 frame or when you 

use a .850 slide on a .230 frame, exacerbates total vertical tolerance stack big time

17 Jul 2019 12:04:35

John Vlieger

thank you for that information. I'll definitely take it into account.

18 Jul 2019 8:25:03

John Vlieger

on a side note, we have those series 80 shims coming in today

18 Jul 2019 8:25:15

Brandan Bunker

18 Jul 2019 8:25:25

John Vlieger

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I would like to inquire about purchasing some of your radial bore bushings for sale 

here at Shooters Connection. Do you have dealer pricing set up for that part?

19 Jul 2019 8:30:00

Brandan Bunker

I have dealer pricing

19 Jul 2019 11:28:22

Brandan Bunker

retail - 20%

19 Jul 2019 11:29:36

John Vlieger

ah, i see you're selling them on Harrisons website. we are a Harrison dealer. Should I 

order them through him?

19 Jul 2019 11:30:49

Brandan Bunker

too many middle men then

19 Jul 2019 11:33:47

Brandan Bunker

haha

19 Jul 2019 11:33:55

John Vlieger

gotcha.

19 Jul 2019 11:33:59

John Vlieger

didn't know if you were making them yourself or harrison was, and what not.

19 Jul 2019 11:34:12

Brandan Bunker

i make them, John sells them since he did not have any of his own

19 Jul 2019 11:34:35

John Vlieger

I'd like to order 5 of them to start. recommended diameter that you sell the most of?

19 Jul 2019 11:34:48

Brandan Bunker

I sell mostly .580s, they fit KKM barrels perfectly, .579s fit Kart barrels

19 Jul 2019 11:36:06

John Vlieger

I'll take 5 of the .580 diameter then. how would you like to be paid?

19 Jul 2019 11:37:04

Brandan Bunker

I can take a credit card by phone, paypal, zelle, check.

19 Jul 2019 11:38:42

John Vlieger

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and would there be a price break for higher quantities down the road?

19 Jul 2019 11:38:53

John Vlieger

credit card works easiest for us, or we can send a check if you're ok with Net 30

19 Jul 2019 11:39:09

Brandan Bunker

941-545-0820

19 Jul 2019 11:39:32

Brandan Bunker

$7.90 for shipping

19 Jul 2019 11:51:47

John Vlieger

19 Jul 2019 11:57:12

John Vlieger

who's slides are you currently using?

25 Jul 2019 14:26:06

Brandan Bunker

I used JEM slides until i ran out, had to buy a couple of nighthawk slides

25 Jul 2019 14:26:57

Brandan Bunker

im going to get a sample of Eds new slides soon to check out

25 Jul 2019 14:28:40

Brandan Bunker

problem is these guys never manufacture them in-house, so the supply is always 

dictated by their cash flow

25 Jul 2019 14:29:07

John Vlieger

We talked to Ed here recently, well, Chuck did anyhow, and I can't remember the 

specifics of that one. But, I think I know who makes Nighthawks slides. What do you 

think of them?

25 Jul 2019 14:31:40

Brandan Bunker

they seem like dasan slides but the dimensions are different. I know they had a local 

machine shop making stuff as well so I am not certain on that, they are decent, 

wouldnt be my first choice but in a pinch

25 Jul 2019 14:32:55

John Vlieger

you ever heard of Remsport?

25 Jul 2019 14:41:44

Brandan Bunker

yeah

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25 Jul 2019 14:42:02

Brandan Bunker

remsport buys from dasan, or at least they have for years

25 Jul 2019 14:42:48

John Vlieger

I have a sample slide from them with Shay at Akai Customs and it does not match 

Dasan specs. another smith looked at it and it checked out. Only thing noticeable is 

that the round top is slightly different from STI spec

25 Jul 2019 14:44:02

John Vlieger

from what I gathered talking with them and my own research they are making them in 

house

25 Jul 2019 14:44:26

Brandan Bunker

slightly different dimensions but the tool paths, hardness, were exactly the same, i 

know that remsport supplies dan wesson with many parts.

25 Jul 2019 14:49:06

Brandan Bunker

dasan supplied everyone at some point it seems

25 Jul 2019 14:49:34

John Vlieger

yeah, theyv'e made their mark for sure. and yeah, I thought Remsport was making 

nighthawks slides, as well. we've been talking to them for a while now.

25 Jul 2019 14:57:46

John Vlieger

on the phone with Nighthawk right now, actually.

25 Jul 2019 15:10:27

Brandan Bunker

the nighthawk ones look just like remsport, and they have a relationship. they are a 

pretty good slide

25 Jul 2019 15:10:56

John Vlieger

Nighthawk says all their slides are made at a local machine shop, like you said.

25 Jul 2019 15:15:33

John Vlieger

I'll let you know how it goes.

25 Jul 2019 15:15:43

Brandan Bunker

25 Jul 2019 15:15:45

John Vlieger

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in the mean time, I can send that Remsport slide to you if you want. I know you don't 

like doing consultation work, but it doesn't hurt me none. it's been flat topped ,but 

thats it. I've had two smiths look at it and it checks out initially, except for the odd 

round top dimensions

25 Jul 2019 15:16:37

Brandan Bunker

25 Jul 2019 15:17:06

John Vlieger

I'll get it your way in the next few business days.

25 Jul 2019 15:33:55

John Vlieger

the slide you threw in the trash. what make?

23 Aug 2019 10:19:19

Brandan Bunker

That was one from Mark. He dissolved his business though so I will just practice 3d 

cuts on it

23 Aug 2019 10:24:18

John Vlieger

Mark?

23 Aug 2019 10:24:33

John Vlieger

the one that was making Tripp and JEM slides?

23 Aug 2019 10:24:42

Brandan Bunker

he wasnt making them, but I had a thought that he may be behind the new ones.

23 Aug 2019 10:26:56

Brandan Bunker

but you never get a straight answer out of those guys

23 Aug 2019 10:27:07

John Vlieger

We have two JEM slides on order. If they pass muster my Smith will be building two 

guns on them. You received yours yet?

9 Sep 2019 18:51:45

Brandan Bunker

Not yet still waiting

9 Sep 2019 18:53:14

John Vlieger

Have you received your JEM slides yet?

21 Oct 2019 20:33:08

Brandan Bunker

I recieved one straight from the guy who manufacturer

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21 Oct 2019 20:42:12

John Vlieger

I received two from Ed. Breeches were not pretty.

21 Oct 2019 20:43:28

Brandan Bunker

Terrible.

21 Oct 2019 20:43:43

John Vlieger

He polished them up quickly. My Smith, Pat Rafferty, has them now

21 Oct 2019 20:43:45

John Vlieger

21 Oct 2019 20:44:16

John Vlieger

This is the before

21 Oct 2019 20:44:28

Brandan Bunker

The vertical tolerance was off and the ways were larger on the back half than the front 

half

21 Oct 2019 20:44:52

John Vlieger

Damn it all. Those were going to be on my new open guns.

21 Oct 2019 20:45:15

John Vlieger

So, ways being larger on the back, it would be tighter at recoil than lock up, or loose 

at the rear in lock up

21 Oct 2019 20:45:59

Brandan Bunker

Gets tighter as the slide goes back

21 Oct 2019 20:46:41

John Vlieger

Yeah. Usually you want the opposite

21 Oct 2019 20:46:52

Brandan Bunker

Correct

21 Oct 2019 20:46:58

John Vlieger

When did you get them? The ones I have were supposedly from the first batch and Ed 

had some small changes made

21 Oct 2019 20:47:18

Brandan Bunker

I got one straight from the manufacturer last week

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21 Oct 2019 20:47:49

Brandan Bunker

Not through Ed

21 Oct 2019 20:48:09

John Vlieger

Oh, wonderful. Is the manufacturer making changes? Or is this not something that 

you'd feel confident trying again

21 Oct 2019 20:48:30

Brandan Bunker

I went down the list of things and one of them was being. .848-.850 vertical tolerance 

with 0.117 rails and he showed me one with 0.845 the following morning

21 Oct 2019 20:50:19

Brandan Bunker

Which is fine for a colt frame. Just going to be tight for the rest of the 0.225 frames 

like Jem frames

21 Oct 2019 20:51:06

Brandan Bunker

I didn't hear from him after that... mark said he was going to get another slide out and 

that he wanted that one back to sell it

21 Oct 2019 20:51:51

John Vlieger

To someone not as demanding? Ha

21 Oct 2019 20:52:16

Brandan Bunker

That would require a 5+ link

21 Oct 2019 20:53:54

Brandan Bunker

Youd think someone trying to tap into the market as THE guy... would just scrap that.

21 Oct 2019 20:54:30

Brandan Bunker

But that's Mark in his ear Mark sold me some out of spec slides

21 Oct 2019 20:54:49

Brandan Bunker

Knowingly

21 Oct 2019 20:55:00

John Vlieger

Mark... Who?

21 Oct 2019 20:55:01

Brandan Bunker

McCoy

21 Oct 2019 20:55:05

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Brandan Bunker

Carlina arms group Mark

21 Oct 2019 20:55:19

John Vlieger

The one going out of business?

21 Oct 2019 20:55:31

Brandan Bunker

He went out of business

21 Oct 2019 20:55:43

John Vlieger

Wait... This manufacturer. Is the same guy that made CAG slides?

21 Oct 2019 20:55:51

Brandan Bunker

No. Different guy. But Mark is working with him.

21 Oct 2019 20:56:18

Brandan Bunker

The guy is a talented machinist but I think he is listening to the wrong people

21 Oct 2019 21:11:41

John Vlieger

my smith measured and the rails are tighter in front on both of the slides we received.

22 Oct 2019 13:16:41

Brandan Bunker

yeah figures

22 Oct 2019 13:21:38

Brandan Bunker

there is a reason for that

22 Oct 2019 13:21:48

Brandan Bunker

just a process thing more than anything, this is why the larger manufacturers relieve 

them there because they dont want to do the math for thermal dynamics on cutting 

processes

22 Oct 2019 13:22:31

Brandan Bunker

it is pretty predictable but not a perfect science due to variables

22 Oct 2019 13:23:15

John Vlieger

Chuck Warner is next on the list to evaluate, it appears

22 Oct 2019 15:18:29

Brandan Bunker

22 Oct 2019 15:31:26

John Vlieger

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quick question for you about hardness in barrels. at what point, rockwell hardness, 

would you say a 416 steel barrel is unueseable/you would expect issues?

23 Oct 2019 11:37:54

Brandan Bunker

37-43.5 is spec

23 Oct 2019 11:44:12

John Vlieger

thanks. do you hardness test the barrels you receive?

23 Oct 2019 11:45:32

Brandan Bunker

yes

23 Oct 2019 11:48:46

Brandan Bunker

ive already hear the rumors about the KKM barrels, the guy doing the test obviously 

does not know how to use a hardness tester. just my opinion.

23 Oct 2019 11:49:17

John Vlieger

interesting

23 Oct 2019 11:49:33

Brandan Bunker

to be honest, he doesnt know how to fit a barrel either

23 Oct 2019 11:49:42

Brandan Bunker

professional opinion

23 Oct 2019 11:49:49

John Vlieger

i'm gonna go ahead and keep that to myself

23 Oct 2019 11:49:54

Brandan Bunker

haha you do what you need to do for your business, not going to sugar coat it haha

23 Oct 2019 11:50:31

John Vlieger

if a barrel was soft, say between 32-37 rc, what signs would you see on the barrel?

23 Oct 2019 11:52:50

John Vlieger

lugs rounding? hood compacting?

23 Oct 2019 11:53:08

Brandan Bunker

i would say the first signs would be bulging in the chamber

23 Oct 2019 11:53:21

Brandan Bunker

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lugs rounding and hood compacting CAN be a sign of course, but that can also be 

found in improperly timed barrels so there is discrepancy there

23 Oct 2019 11:54:22

Brandan Bunker

so variables can be tricky

23 Oct 2019 11:54:36

John Vlieger

thank you for the information. I'll keep that in mind

23 Oct 2019 11:55:00

Brandan Bunker

if it was your smith, that is not who I am talking about.

23 Oct 2019 11:57:22

Brandan Bunker

just to be clear

23 Oct 2019 11:57:29

John Vlieger

23 Oct 2019 11:57:44

Brandan Bunker

you cannot measure hardness of a barrel like that accurately, you have to have 

something exact size in the chamber that is harder than the steel, a chamber plug so to 

speak

23 Oct 2019 11:58:53

Brandan Bunker

and of course whatever is underneath the barrel has to be harder than the barrel as well

23 Oct 2019 11:59:11

Brandan Bunker

the tester measures axial compression, so a hollow tube , especially in the thinner 

area, will compress dynamically

23 Oct 2019 11:59:48

Brandan Bunker

just a quick tip

23 Oct 2019 12:00:02

Brandan Bunker

I had to learn that the hard way

23 Oct 2019 12:02:40

Brandan Bunker

Hope that makes sense

23 Oct 2019 12:50:17

John Vlieger

It does. And thank you. Had a good chat with Luke at KKM right after, actually. And 

that came up, how you need training to operate the tester

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23 Oct 2019 12:50:58

Brandan Bunker

23 Oct 2019 12:55:17

Brandan Bunker

Brandan sent an attachment.

23 Oct 2019 14:38:05

Brandan Bunker

Looks like he pulled the trigger anyways.

23 Oct 2019 14:38:26

Brandan Bunker

Lawsuits can be expensive

23 Oct 2019 14:38:43

Brandan Bunker

Dang

23 Oct 2019 14:38:46

John Vlieger

That's the reason I was talking to you about it. Yup

23 Oct 2019 14:40:20

John Vlieger

Shit show

23 Oct 2019 14:40:22

Brandan Bunker

definitely, I am glad i am a fly on the wall

23 Oct 2019 14:42:21

John Vlieger

"KKM tested the barrels and they say theyâTMre fine. They got 42 Rc with chamber 

plug and testing the lugs"

25 Oct 2019 15:25:06

John Vlieger

thats in regards to two barrels that tested in the low 30s by a smith I know

25 Oct 2019 15:25:24

Brandan Bunker

i tested 8 of them today, all 44

25 Oct 2019 15:25:35

John Vlieger

he sent those barrels in to be looked at by KKM, because hes not a shit stirrer on 

facebook

25 Oct 2019 15:25:36

John Vlieger

color me surpised

25 Oct 2019 15:25:54

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Brandan Bunker

yeah i really cannot believe Shay did that

25 Oct 2019 15:28:27

Brandan Bunker

Well. I CAN. But still

25 Oct 2019 15:38:22

John Vlieger

25 Oct 2019 22:30:17

John Vlieger

And immediately after

25 Oct 2019 22:34:38

John Vlieger

25 Oct 2019 22:34:40

Brandan Bunker

25 Oct 2019 23:18:29

Brandan Bunker

Seems about right

26 Oct 2019 8:50:16

Brandan Bunker

Here people think he is a class act for responding in such a great way... but...

26 Oct 2019 8:50:56

John Vlieger

If you wanted to, you could offer to test the hardness of some of those barrels

26 Oct 2019 10:49:28

John Vlieger

As an independent party

26 Oct 2019 10:49:42

Brandan Bunker

i have a few builders already sending me barrels

26 Oct 2019 10:50:03

John Vlieger

I Mean shays barrels, specifically

26 Oct 2019 10:51:38

Brandan Bunker

oh haha,

26 Oct 2019 10:52:52

Brandan Bunker

shay wont want me to test his barrels

26 Oct 2019 10:55:43

John Vlieger

Because of you, or because of him

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26 Oct 2019 10:56:57

John Vlieger

Or because of the likely result

26 Oct 2019 10:57:06

Brandan Bunker

that guy trolled me for like a year straight until i took him off my friends list so he 

didnt see what i was posting anymore

26 Oct 2019 10:58:04

Brandan Bunker

so just an assumption

26 Oct 2019 10:58:13

Brandan Bunker

if he wanted to send me a barrel to test id do it just like I would for anyone else..

26 Oct 2019 11:22:49

Brandan Bunker

26 Oct 2019 12:14:37

John Vlieger

26 Oct 2019 13:10:37

John Vlieger

This.... This doesn't make sense

26 Oct 2019 13:10:44

Brandan Bunker

no it doesnt

26 Oct 2019 13:11:40

John Vlieger

That last line. I... Don't know how to process that statement

26 Oct 2019 13:12:33

Brandan Bunker

all manufacturers will want to inspect their own products in a warranty claim, because 

if there is an issue, they will need to address it with their raw material provider or heat 

treat company. The last sentence is a head spinner

26 Oct 2019 13:14:30

Brandan Bunker

26 Oct 2019 13:14:47

John Vlieger

You don't say?

26 Oct 2019 13:15:12

Brandan Bunker

Dang you have a nice garage.

27 Oct 2019 20:49:54

John Vlieger

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The running joke is that the wife bought the house, and I bought the garage. Need a 

buffing wheel, more electric ran, an air compressor installed and lines ran, and that's 

about it. It's a 30x60 on a concrete pad. With an engine hoist. On 18 acres. I love it

27 Oct 2019 21:02:52

Brandan Bunker

Thats awesome

27 Oct 2019 21:03:17

John Vlieger

The previous owner was a mechanic

27 Oct 2019 21:03:27

Brandan Bunker

I'm in Florida and it is very hard or very expensive to come by property

27 Oct 2019 21:03:58

John Vlieger

I paid $260k for the whole thing. I over paid a little I think.

27 Oct 2019 21:04:51

John Vlieger

I'm on city water, but septic.

27 Oct 2019 21:04:59

Brandan Bunker

I think 18acres alone would cost that here

27 Oct 2019 21:05:45

Brandan Bunker

Without the house and garage

27 Oct 2019 21:05:58

John Vlieger

I'm northwest of Lexington KY. Land is pretty cheap

27 Oct 2019 21:15:29

John Vlieger

Thanks for the kind words, man. I appreciate it. And it helps me appreciate what I 

have

27 Oct 2019 21:15:44

Brandan Bunker

Definitely nice.

27 Oct 2019 21:16:59

John Vlieger

key difference, you used a chamber insert. and, it looks like you actually calibrated 

your machine, too. imagine that

29 Oct 2019 12:31:35

John Vlieger

29 Oct 2019 12:31:37

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Brandan Bunker

yeah, makes a difference

29 Oct 2019 12:33:14

Brandan Bunker

i also used the v block that came with the machine

29 Oct 2019 12:33:20

John Vlieger

you could make note of that in your post. talk about how when testing a cylinder you 

need to shore up the bore and test with appropiate fixturing.

29 Oct 2019 12:43:13

Brandan Bunker

I added the instructions

29 Oct 2019 16:08:10

Brandan Bunker

Lmao

29 Oct 2019 16:08:12

John Vlieger

nice.

29 Oct 2019 16:10:16

Brandan Bunker

so did the whole kkm barrel thing just disappear ?

7 Nov 2019 17:08:14

Brandan Bunker

i havent heard a peep more about it this week

7 Nov 2019 17:08:28

John Vlieger

No idea. I've been busy, myself

7 Nov 2019 17:09:29

Brandan Bunker

i have too

7 Nov 2019 17:10:30

John Vlieger

7 Nov 2019 22:04:29

Brandan Bunker

7 Nov 2019 22:05:07

John Vlieger

12 Nov 2019 22:37:23

Brandan Bunker

12 Nov 2019 22:37:43

Brandan Bunker

so shay suing you now?

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10 Dec 2019 9:14:42

John Vlieger

Sent a demand letter yesterday

10 Dec 2019 9:21:20

John Vlieger

Who'd you hear it from?

10 Dec 2019 9:21:26

Brandan Bunker

it was on 2011 universe last night for a brief moment

10 Dec 2019 9:21:45

Brandan Bunker

no court is going to hold you liable as a retailer, especially when there still is not 

sufficient or any real evidence of defective parts. what a shit show

10 Dec 2019 9:23:06

Brandan Bunker

not like your name is on them or you knowingly sold defects

10 Dec 2019 9:23:55

John Vlieger

I think it's a hail Mary pass from him.

10 Dec 2019 9:25:42

John Vlieger

Also, he has yet to send a single barrel to KKM

10 Dec 2019 9:25:52

Brandan Bunker

yeah, he must have himself pinned in a corner

10 Dec 2019 9:26:51

John Vlieger

12 Dec 2019 12:37:07

John Vlieger

who's slide?

12 Dec 2019 12:37:11

Brandan Bunker

this is a remsport slide

12 Dec 2019 12:38:02

John Vlieger

needed a lot of work?

12 Dec 2019 12:38:09

Brandan Bunker

not too bad

12 Dec 2019 12:38:26

Brandan Bunker

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just the steppover

12 Dec 2019 12:38:40

John Vlieger

might hit them back up, then. gotta go back through my notes

12 Dec 2019 12:38:59

John Vlieger

you hear anything else about this Shay/KKM bs?

12 Dec 2019 12:39:09

Brandan Bunker

not yet

12 Dec 2019 12:39:16

John Vlieger

hear that his lawyer sent some letters out?

12 Dec 2019 12:43:17

Brandan Bunker

yes i did hear that

12 Dec 2019 12:46:29

John Vlieger

k. wanted to make sure you're informed of the lengths he has gone to. and he has still 

not sent a barrel to KKM

12 Dec 2019 12:48:18

Brandan Bunker

it is nuts man

12 Dec 2019 12:52:16

Brandan Bunker

that guy is unhinged

12 Dec 2019 12:52:24

John Vlieger

do you order the majority of your KKM barrels direct from them, or from 

distributors?

18 Dec 2019 12:49:05

Brandan Bunker

Direct usually. Unless i need something fast

18 Dec 2019 12:52:15

John Vlieger

thats what i figured. i had a good chat with Luke at KKM today

18 Dec 2019 12:53:07

John Vlieger

if you order direct from their website, you usually get the standard grade 416R steel. 

we have been getting the 416R BQ5 grade steel, which is specced lower hardness

18 Dec 2019 12:53:36

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John Vlieger

in the 38-40 range

18 Dec 2019 12:53:46

Brandan Bunker

Interesting.

18 Dec 2019 12:54:21

Brandan Bunker

Still within ordnance spec

18 Dec 2019 12:54:31

John Vlieger

correct. however, it muddies the waters

18 Dec 2019 12:55:02

John Vlieger

and Shay never ordered direct

18 Dec 2019 12:55:08

John Vlieger

however, this has been their standard practice for years

18 Dec 2019 12:55:15

John Vlieger

i'm tempted to pull a barrel out of one of hte oldest CK arms open guns we have here 

and have it checked, for a control from an older barrel

18 Dec 2019 12:55:35

John Vlieger

be like "Shay...you've been using 38-40 Rc barrels for years

18 Dec 2019 12:55:46

Brandan Bunker

Well Shays problem is improper installation

18 Dec 2019 12:55:46

John Vlieger

you really think he's ever going to admit that?

18 Dec 2019 12:55:57

John Vlieger

did he recently figure out he's been installing them wrong or something?

18 Dec 2019 12:56:16

Brandan Bunker

Well it will come out if pushed in a court setting

18 Dec 2019 12:56:16

Brandan Bunker

I honestly thing someone called him out on it... and he recently had Chuck Warner do 

some consulting for him

18 Dec 2019 12:57:00

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Brandan Bunker

Maybe he realized or was told then

18 Dec 2019 12:57:09

Brandan Bunker

Chuck was the one who brought all this to me on a side note

18 Dec 2019 12:57:27

John Vlieger

supposedly Chuck is one who tested them and verified they were soft

18 Dec 2019 12:57:47

Brandan Bunker

Chuck doesn't have a tester

18 Dec 2019 12:57:58

Brandan Bunker

All the pics of testing was Shay testing himself

18 Dec 2019 12:58:31

Brandan Bunker

Which were all done incorrectly anyways

18 Dec 2019 12:58:53

John Vlieger

he also had some tests done on a Starrett tester by a mutual friend of ours. incorrectly

18 Dec 2019 12:59:17

John Vlieger

i got that friend in touch with KKM, he re did the tests today on the same barrel.

18 Dec 2019 12:59:30

John Vlieger

went from 34-39 Rc, to a consistent 37.9 Rc

18 Dec 2019 12:59:41

Brandan Bunker

18 Dec 2019 12:59:58

John Vlieger

KKM recommends the BQ5 grade for match guns. gets better accuracy, according to 

Luke at KKM

18 Dec 2019 13:01:08

Brandan Bunker

I've gotten fantastic results from both

18 Dec 2019 13:01:52

John Vlieger

good to hear

18 Dec 2019 13:01:57

Brandan Bunker

Better than Kart

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18 Dec 2019 13:02:02

John Vlieger

he claims that in one gun an upper lug sheared off. i take it barrel fitment could do 

that pretty easily?

18 Dec 2019 13:21:01

Brandan Bunker

Yes

18 Dec 2019 13:33:44

Brandan Bunker

Timing issue

18 Dec 2019 13:33:59

John Vlieger

milling the lower lug back too far to extend lockup?

18 Dec 2019 13:44:18

Brandan Bunker

Yes. He overcuts them 0.030-0.050"

18 Dec 2019 13:45:29

Brandan Bunker

Among other things

18 Dec 2019 13:48:06

John Vlieger

like i said. get him to admit that is why guns were failing

18 Dec 2019 13:48:23

John Vlieger

i shoot with one of his employees occasionally. definitely gonna liquor him up some 

day and get him to spill the beans

18 Dec 2019 13:48:41

Brandan Bunker

18 Dec 2019 13:49:23

Brandan Bunker

anything more with Shaydy

3 Jan 2020 14:05:49

John Vlieger

not since the demand lletter

3 Jan 2020 14:06:39

Brandan Bunker

well thats good

3 Jan 2020 14:11:33

Brandan Bunker

annoying

3 Jan 2020 14:11:36

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Brandan Bunker

i see he has been getting blasted pretty hard on social media recently

3 Jan 2020 14:11:47

John Vlieger

i havent seen as much. where you seeing that?

3 Jan 2020 14:12:11

Brandan Bunker

people just send me clips of it

3 Jan 2020 14:13:14

John Vlieger

like screen caps on FB or in Messenger?

3 Jan 2020 14:14:19

Brandan Bunker

yeaah

3 Jan 2020 14:14:31

John Vlieger

i see some memes, but mostly privately sent to me. care to share any ?

3 Jan 2020 14:14:38

John Vlieger

you ever heard of Optimum Manufacturing?

8 Jan 2020 15:30:15

Brandan Bunker

Yes

8 Jan 2020 15:31:15

John Vlieger

any feedback on their slides?

8 Jan 2020 15:31:35

Brandan Bunker

They can build a beautiful slide. But in think still ironing out consistency

8 Jan 2020 15:33:34

John Vlieger

alright. much appreciate

8 Jan 2020 15:34:37

Brandan Bunker

i am going to start using them, but i have the ability to test and verify, if i were buying 

quantities I might give it a few

8 Jan 2020 15:35:34

Brandan Bunker

the owner/machinist is a talented guy

8 Jan 2020 15:35:46

Brandan Bunker

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so I hope he does well

8 Jan 2020 15:35:51

John Vlieger

alright. so, hold off for now. good to know

8 Jan 2020 15:36:06

Brandan Bunker

if you can i would... if you feel like checking them out as they come in then proceed

8 Jan 2020 15:36:51

Brandan Bunker

but i dont think you have the time for that

8 Jan 2020 15:36:59

John Vlieger

correct

8 Jan 2020 15:37:03

Brandan Bunker

i heard KKM sent a C & D

10 Jan 2020 16:01:11

John Vlieger

from who did you hear that, if you don't mind me asking?

10 Jan 2020 16:01:30

John Vlieger

I know Shay has sent out Cease and Desist letters

10 Jan 2020 16:01:45

Brandan Bunker

Dame

10 Jan 2020 16:02:20

John Vlieger

ah. KKM sent a reply to Shay's lawyer, yes. much in the same vein as the one we sent

10 Jan 2020 16:02:48

John Vlieger

there might have been some C&D style verbiage in there

10 Jan 2020 16:03:01

Brandan Bunker

well good

10 Jan 2020 16:03:09

Brandan Bunker

glad to hear that

10 Jan 2020 16:03:15

Brandan Bunker

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there is some other shit that has been pulled up that Shay may be involved in a 

moving company out of miami that has scammed some people out of their 

belongings/money. weird shit

10 Jan 2020 16:03:54

John Vlieger

back in 2006, yeah

10 Jan 2020 16:04:03

Brandan Bunker

oh ok so that wasnt recent, still weird shit

10 Jan 2020 16:04:17

Brandan Bunker

that guy has been involved in so much shady shit, i know he was part of an investors 

group and was witholding or scamming dividends

10 Jan 2020 16:04:51

Brandan Bunker

he is now blaming one of the powder companies for broken slides

10 Jan 2020 16:05:29

Brandan Bunker

dude seems like a thorn in everyones foot

10 Jan 2020 16:05:52

John Vlieger

huh? he's blaming powder company for broken slides? thats the first ive heard of that

10 Jan 2020 16:13:09

Brandan Bunker

yeah

10 Jan 2020 16:15:40

John Vlieger

where you seen this?

10 Jan 2020 16:15:49

Brandan Bunker

for a change in formula that is causing over pressure scenario

10 Jan 2020 16:16:05

Brandan Bunker

it was right on his facebook page

10 Jan 2020 16:17:14

John Vlieger

in your opinion, would that crack slides, or would it destroy the barrel first?

10 Jan 2020 16:17:17

Brandan Bunker

destroy a barrel

10 Jan 2020 16:17:31

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John Vlieger

i havent seen it on his FB page

10 Jan 2020 16:17:47

Brandan Bunker

it was on there this morning

10 Jan 2020 16:19:28

John Vlieger

You sent an attachment.

16 Jan 2020 15:54:41

Brandan Bunker

saw it

16 Jan 2020 16:09:14

John Vlieger

2 Feb 2020 8:32:20

John Vlieger

2 Feb 2020 8:32:24

John Vlieger

Now Chuck Warner is throwing his 2 cents in

2 Feb 2020 8:32:40

Brandan Bunker

Naturally

2 Feb 2020 8:36:58

Brandan Bunker

He think he thought things through with metalloy

2 Feb 2020 8:38:11

Brandan Bunker

But metalloy is soft and will not truly counter deflection. Thats why guage pins were 

recommended because they are incredibly hard.

2 Feb 2020 8:38:55

John Vlieger

I emailed him the KKM testing procedure, too. Doesn't look like he payed any 

attention

2 Feb 2020 8:40:06

John Vlieger

You ever heard of hydrogen embrittlement?

5 Feb 2020 20:22:43

Brandan Bunker

Yes

5 Feb 2020 20:24:23

John Vlieger

In barrels?

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5 Feb 2020 20:24:29

Brandan Bunker

Usually in metals that are electroplated

5 Feb 2020 20:24:54

John Vlieger

416r?

5 Feb 2020 20:25:03

Brandan Bunker

It can only occur when the metal is exposed to hydrogen on an atomic level... long 

enough to bind to the grain of the steel.

5 Feb 2020 20:25:50

Brandan Bunker

What you are thinking of is sulpher stringing

5 Feb 2020 20:26:04

John Vlieger

No, it's pretty specific. I know about Sulphur stringing already

5 Feb 2020 20:26:23

John Vlieger

It's in regards to a convo I had recently with someone

5 Feb 2020 20:26:32

Brandan Bunker

Ah ok well no I have never encountered specifically hydrogen embrittlement in 400 

series stainless

5 Feb 2020 20:28:53

Brandan Bunker

But i have encountered sulpher stringing in low quality barrels

5 Feb 2020 20:29:15

John Vlieger

Alright. Thanks for the info. You hear of any other issues with KKM barrels from 

other smith's?

5 Feb 2020 20:30:01

Brandan Bunker

Nope. Just one and some of his buddies

5 Feb 2020 20:30:26

Brandan Bunker

The only thing i dont like about them is their feedramps.

5 Feb 2020 20:31:03

Brandan Bunker

But thats a geometry issue

5 Feb 2020 20:31:14

Brandan Bunker

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I have welded on them as well and they weld clean. Many impurities in steel show 

their ugly face quickly when tig welding. Mind you. SS is more forgiving but still

5 Feb 2020 20:33:11

Brandan Bunker

where is the hydrogen embrittlement idea coming from

6 Feb 2020 11:27:40

John Vlieger

I'll give you a few guesses, but can't confirm or deny anything.

6 Feb 2020 11:28:05

Brandan Bunker

shay and/or chuck warner

6 Feb 2020 11:28:24

Brandan Bunker

you kind of have to wonder why all the barrels they manufacture for OEM companies 

dont have these problems.

6 Feb 2020 11:29:02

Brandan Bunker

what they make for us is a drop in the bucket comparatively

6 Feb 2020 11:29:17

John Vlieger

you mean the military contract M17 and M18 barrels?

6 Feb 2020 11:29:44

John Vlieger

hmmm. thats funny

6 Feb 2020 11:29:49

Brandan Bunker

military can be annoying about material specs

6 Feb 2020 11:36:12

Brandan Bunker

been an interesting series of events

6 Feb 2020 11:41:28

John Vlieger

oh, its not over yet

6 Feb 2020 11:41:36

Brandan Bunker

well he is asking for a lotto winning pay day... so he can disappear

6 Feb 2020 11:42:24

Brandan Bunker

maybe it is worth the fight

6 Feb 2020 11:42:35

Brandan Bunker

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haha

6 Feb 2020 11:42:36

Brandan Bunker

I for one, am glad I stayed in this low volume high end business

6 Feb 2020 12:14:04

John Vlieger

20 Apr 2020 12:52:17

John Vlieger

We got a BUL slide in for eval. Was wondering if you wanted to take a look

20 Apr 2020 12:52:44

John Vlieger

12 May 2020 8:35:32

John Vlieger

Need one of these for personal use, and was going to ask you about if you wanted to 

sell them to us here at Shooters Connection. Figure, 3 of them to get started

12 May 2020 8:36:01

John Vlieger

and need some more bushings, 5 of em

12 May 2020 8:37:17

John Vlieger

I can send you an email from my work account if you would like it in a more 

professional manner

12 May 2020 8:46:42

Brandan Bunker

This will work. Just let me know what size bushings and what metal

12 May 2020 8:47:37

John Vlieger

for the bushings, SKU B-580

12 May 2020 8:48:52

John Vlieger

want me to send an email with the order?

13 May 2020 9:20:15

Brandan Bunker

Thats ok I have it. Thanks

13 May 2020 9:42:46

John Vlieger

13 May 2020 9:42:53

John Vlieger

I know you've been busy. wanted to check with you about our ordering those sights 

and bases and such

5 Jun 2020 14:39:19

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Brandan Bunker

waiting on some bushings to complete. I had a huge run of sales on bushings and ran 

out I should have them either today or tomorrow

5 Jun 2020 14:45:11

John Vlieger

understood. Thanks for the update

5 Jun 2020 14:50:45

Brandan Bunker

no problem, and sorry for the delay. Things will get more fluid now that I have a 

machine in here making parts constantly.

5 Jun 2020 15:01:27

Brandan Bunker

haha

5 Jun 2020 15:01:28

John Vlieger

good to hear. i look forward to putting one of your sights on my POS rock island. 

lipstick on a pig

5 Jun 2020 15:02:04

Brandan Bunker

haha

5 Jun 2020 15:02:21

John Vlieger

i might even have it PVD'ed in Rose Gold

5 Jun 2020 15:02:50

Brandan Bunker

oh lawd, PVD worth more than the gun

5 Jun 2020 15:05:31

Brandan Bunker

LOL

5 Jun 2020 15:05:33

John Vlieger

Do you have an ETA on the order for shooters Connection?

7 Jul 2020 16:56:31

Brandan Bunker

waiting on blades for rear sights, apparently kensight is backordered

7 Jul 2020 17:26:02

Brandan Bunker

I will send the bushings by themselves

7 Jul 2020 17:26:52

Brandan Bunker

and cover shipping on the rear sights when the blades come in

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7 Jul 2020 17:27:15

John Vlieger

Alright. We appreciate it.

7 Jul 2020 17:28:00

John Vlieger

if you want to send one of those sight bases with teh bushings, id appreciate it. its for 

my personal gat. i can rob a kensight base here, or add one later if needed

8 Jul 2020 8:56:59

Brandan Bunker

8 Jul 2020 8:57:17

John Vlieger

just checking in with you about the status of our order, sir. much appreciated

17 Jul 2020 10:29:59

Brandan Bunker

It shipped

20 Jul 2020 14:51:15

John Vlieger

Thank you, sir

20 Jul 2020 14:56:41

John Vlieger

Hey, Brandan. Need some more bushings. How would you like me to order them? 

Need to order 5 of them. Also, can I ask about the status of the Nomar bases?

19 Nov 2020 11:05:27

Brandan Bunker

Shoot me an email. I should have an order of tops halves of the bomar bases soon. 

That company moved their operations from overseas to domestic and killed their own 

lead times.

19 Nov 2020 11:22:43

John Vlieger

will do

19 Nov 2020 11:45:38

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