tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12330000552766338772024-03-04T21:07:16.949-08:00Truthsayer's SpreeA musician, academic, gym rat, and gun nut.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-19146465975454016632009-07-16T19:08:00.000-07:002009-07-16T19:29:42.639-07:00.357I've been spending a lot of time on the range lately with my favorite .357s. I won't go on about how I grew up counting down the time until I could own my first revolver or about the legendary stopping power of the round. I'll just show you my 3 favorites. If you can't tell by the pictures, I am a fan of nickel or stainless wheelguns, Hogue grips, Smith&Wesson, and the .357.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >S&W 19-5</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b4e85G06Wi2aMb4u0lnCo5PLzisn-VltnhCKRNGFWfemvuGBbs3rGDdFr3BrZxHr0gmJj-BSaJOcZ4Xmuha6XWdf1AiGK2z44JdiBSN1RKotTKDEjZQO4vMCb2TDmCfmMxRTIvGnNoEo/s1600-h/DSCN0095.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b4e85G06Wi2aMb4u0lnCo5PLzisn-VltnhCKRNGFWfemvuGBbs3rGDdFr3BrZxHr0gmJj-BSaJOcZ4Xmuha6XWdf1AiGK2z44JdiBSN1RKotTKDEjZQO4vMCb2TDmCfmMxRTIvGnNoEo/s400/DSCN0095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359246827373539810" border="0" /></a><br />This is the newest addition to my safe. Once I saw the shiny nickel finish, I knew I had to own it. Yes, I know it's not the coveted pinned and recessed Model 19, but it's still <span style="font-style:italic;">my</span> Combat Magnum (of sorts). It's deadly accurate for a snubby and handles as well as some L-frames I have.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >S&W Model 65-5</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwzHYjPoaN4IBmIKh_t2hHQgeNmPT9vihvBAuUmmPFuFwW1289FstWTSYtUhsBEOrl0ytYTuW8UK7OZ77KLtqx6PJnVaGEvYzxPNV3VmZMOtB33QynuXDjXTQWwekC_wVZVXOcDkeg5e-/s1600-h/DSCN0096.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwzHYjPoaN4IBmIKh_t2hHQgeNmPT9vihvBAuUmmPFuFwW1289FstWTSYtUhsBEOrl0ytYTuW8UK7OZ77KLtqx6PJnVaGEvYzxPNV3VmZMOtB33QynuXDjXTQWwekC_wVZVXOcDkeg5e-/s400/DSCN0096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359247848896190578" border="0" /></a><br />Something about this gun always screams "I am a weapon only for the serious." The 65s were carried by many such men before the wondernine and polymer revolutions. It's a gun that I still carry on occasion. The finish has seen better days and it does require more frequent checks than some other guns in the safe, but that extra time is more than worth spending on a gun that handles as this one does.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >S&W 640-3</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7t7dYhHu1ppNxgEUbNLoHZ1nCo8Xhq-k7rzPWypVUBY96KGjdUQVsIeo93Qn79Wy6FZxLlNKKPfKyJZxTKZYVKGroemPDByalCcLxGKxfYg8bdRh9GFiprNQtohdQjgYyFJklEhgRdQM7/s1600-h/DSCN0097.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7t7dYhHu1ppNxgEUbNLoHZ1nCo8Xhq-k7rzPWypVUBY96KGjdUQVsIeo93Qn79Wy6FZxLlNKKPfKyJZxTKZYVKGroemPDByalCcLxGKxfYg8bdRh9GFiprNQtohdQjgYyFJklEhgRdQM7/s400/DSCN0097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359249404373841810" border="0" /></a><br />I raved about this gun before, but I couldn't let this post go by without including it. It is the holy grail of deep-concealment and backup guns. Plus, it matches.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-71877494614806249142009-06-24T14:02:00.001-07:002009-06-24T14:05:00.620-07:00Taurus 431 updateI can't believe I forgot to blog about this... About 300 rounds into the break-in, my BAG day .44spl decided to develop some serious lockwork demons. As we speak, it's on its way back to the factory to be looked over and, most likely, rebuilt. I had read the horror stories about the Taurus wheelguns, but had no problems with any of the dozen or so that I owned until now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-67902141558647945142009-06-23T19:06:00.000-07:002009-06-23T19:07:26.586-07:00You know what makes my week?Calling in to Gun Nuts Radio and getting my vent on.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-25591486495523200202009-06-12T09:36:00.000-07:002009-06-12T09:37:58.739-07:00UpdateEverything I've written about carry systems over the last couple of months looks like tripe. No matter how much training I might have taken, there are still scores of people better suited to this than I am. I will now resume my blogging and leave the instruction to the instructors.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-4001580857373083142009-04-24T10:59:00.000-07:002009-04-24T19:30:49.160-07:00Carry Systems-The defensive 1911 in .45acp<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggl2lT-xuV9ndMuoBG554Zo-F2qbIlnqPcd663Um1Cfqk307p_GK_krCi7JV0HIHbwk59emnr0DE62U1I_gL6ILS7xiO6NczGbOFHkdi0RFDSD4a_js7syscwwaQ_YbymQnpwuLKvc6bBC/s1600-h/Photo+23.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggl2lT-xuV9ndMuoBG554Zo-F2qbIlnqPcd663Um1Cfqk307p_GK_krCi7JV0HIHbwk59emnr0DE62U1I_gL6ILS7xiO6NczGbOFHkdi0RFDSD4a_js7syscwwaQ_YbymQnpwuLKvc6bBC/s400/Photo+23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328372103642261906" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br />Before I start, there are metric tons of gun bloggers that carry 1911s and shoot them in competition. They're probably better versed in them than I am. Having said that, I've never let my ineptitude stop me from talking before, so why start now?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stopping Power</span><br /><br />Legendary and well-deserved. 230 grain FMJs or LRNs work wonders against heavily-clothed goblins. 185gr+p JHPs are nothing to scoff at, either.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reliability</span><br /><br />Once you find a load and a magazine that your particular 1911 likes, you'll be fine as long as you keep the gun clean and well-lubed. I'd suggest that you number all of your magazines with a paint pen and take notes about any failures that you have during practice or training. Magazines will make or break your 1911. Don't be cheap, hopeful, lax in maintenance, or sentimental about them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ease and flexibility of use</span><br /><br />They take a little more getting used to than, say, a Glock or a snubbie, but you'll usually be rewarded with a very accurate and hard-hitting defensive handgun. Reloads with them are a breeze with a little practice and a slightly beveled magwell. They tend to be less flexible than snubbies, however. Speaking of....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Size, weight, and concealibility</span><br /><br />Full-size 1911s are long and heavy. They're thin enough to make them kind of comfortable when carying inside the waistband, but many small and thin-framed people will have a hard time concealing one. You'll also know for sure that you've been carrying all day if you've had a 1911 on your hip. For the most part, 1911s are best carried in traditional hip holsters, shoulder holsters, or a SmartCarry. My preferred rig is a Galco Summer Comfort IWB holster worn underneath a sweater, jacket, or open shirt.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Accuracy and trigger pull</span><br /><br />I touched on this earlier, but a good 1911 is an amazingly accurate gun. Even the worst modern factory triggers are pretty good. Most loads are what I would describe as moderate in recoil, which will allow you to make better and faster follow-up shots.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Customization</span><br /><br />The 1911 is one of the most easily and most often customized handgun platform in existence. Sights, grips, barrels, slides, hammers, safeties, guide rods, triggers... you name it, it can probably be changed to something that suits you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-2427116427081831442009-04-23T20:26:00.000-07:002009-04-23T21:27:39.192-07:00Carry systems-The defensive revolver<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://users.bigpond.net.au/jellery/yosemite-sam.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 238px;" src="http://users.bigpond.net.au/jellery/yosemite-sam.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Let me start by saying that I only carry two types of primary guns: DA revolvers and 1911s. Ever since I saw Yosemite Sam dual-wielding wheelguns on tv, I had a fascination with them. As such, the first handguns I bought were revolvers. I trained with them and shot them endlessly. The modern DA revolver is a marvel to me. Below, you'll find my thoughts on it as a carry gun.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ammo Flexibility</span><br /><br />All of my main carry revolvers have been chambered in either .38spl or .357. For training and pure marksmanship practice, an all-stainless .357 shooting some light .38s is a pleasant experience. For defensive work, the .357mag is a pretty potent cartridge. Unlike some semiautos, most revolvers will fire just about anything you can cram in the cylinder. With a snubbie like the S+W 640 that I love carrying, I rarely feel like I'm ill prepared to defend myself. In addition, having two calibers of ammo for my carry gun on the shelves these days does make me feel a little better given the current state of the ammo market.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Concealibility</span><br /><br />J-frames conceal easily. Not just in a strong-side belt holster, either. I've carried S+W, Taurus, and Ruger wheelguns in belly bands, ankle holsters, a variety of pockets, and a SmartCarry. I've even carried K and L frame Smiths with very little trouble. I would suggest that hammerless DAO or bob-hammered DA revolvers without the target-style rear sights be used for carrying.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reliability</span><br /><br />A well cared for and well made revolver should last you a lifetime and give you very few problems. I have the utmost faith in all of the wheelguns I carry. They aren't susceptible to limp wristing or failing to return to battery when jammed up against something and fired. I would like to add that, if you have a Smith or Taurus with one of those awful integral locks, you should seriously consider disabling it permanently. Yes, I know the chances of its failing are small, but so is the chance that you will have to engage multiple targets in a low-light environment. We're pretty much all prepared for that, right?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ease and flexibility of use</span><br /><br />We all know how simple the manual of arms is. What I'd also like to add is that they are pretty versatile. One gun can easily serve as your primary carry during the summer when concealing is difficult and as your backup in the winter. You can even change the grip size to suit your concealment needs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Limited capacity and difficulty in reloading</span><br /><br />It's pretty easy to empty a wheelgun the loud way. Learning to reload a revolver quickly is a chore. Don't expect to walk into your local firearms training center and find a class on snubbie techniques and tactics, either. You'll have to practice diligently and scour the internet for information. Then, you'll have to practice more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Difficulty in mastering</span><br /><br />It's really, really hard to shoot a DA revolver well. Even with a trigger job or a well-worn action, it will never be a trigger pull like that of a Glock or a 1911. The sight radius is also shorter and most of the sub $800 dollar snubbies I've seen lately have plain black fixed-blade front sights and frame-notch rear sights. While these are great for an unimpeded draw, they are less than ideal (unless you're a point-shooter). Paint those front sights orange and practice. A lot. There's an upside to being really proficient with one... you'll be a lot better with your other guns.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-44265088915779768782009-04-22T21:28:00.001-07:002009-04-22T21:57:35.806-07:00Carry systems, Intro<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7m73Z_adoPXpgiJIWLnzWe6MzHJLztUv5YOkV_nhQknEsD2BMuKkyL0ZLC75CH3zSlsiST-2VrTEwoGRMj1C9DlI1AVxt-XUnpROe5lvctyPB1911VlfLER3BzQ8Rq003qtxPbW5YPS9/s1600-h/DSCN0056.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7m73Z_adoPXpgiJIWLnzWe6MzHJLztUv5YOkV_nhQknEsD2BMuKkyL0ZLC75CH3zSlsiST-2VrTEwoGRMj1C9DlI1AVxt-XUnpROe5lvctyPB1911VlfLER3BzQ8Rq003qtxPbW5YPS9/s400/DSCN0056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327739459820917122" border="0" /></a><br />When I talk about a carry system, I'm talking about these things: firearm, backup firearm, ammo, holster, reload(s), belt, illumination, and blade. Individually, there are legal and practical limits to what one can use to fill each of these roles. However, a carry system, in my opinion should include all of the above.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span>Over the next few days, I'll go over the parts of the system and give some points to ponder as well as talk about some of what I learned while training and carrying. Certain parts will apply only to men, but there should be something to ponder for everyone.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-3478632287603163832009-04-17T16:52:00.001-07:002009-04-17T16:59:36.340-07:00Range Report-Taurus 431<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ65WPLSqXG00vKWOY6eMXhaDNoEw4e8pxMso3LTUl_srWFOuXa4PVhJp1pEYUYTgJMgqOMLMNV2q4FSUdW9CXIjOOX6uKAckUDX-kJAipI2Yj_UYifgZ3RYzqKqVdhJjDGSO1YeyVwNHO/s1600-h/DSCN0053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ65WPLSqXG00vKWOY6eMXhaDNoEw4e8pxMso3LTUl_srWFOuXa4PVhJp1pEYUYTgJMgqOMLMNV2q4FSUdW9CXIjOOX6uKAckUDX-kJAipI2Yj_UYifgZ3RYzqKqVdhJjDGSO1YeyVwNHO/s400/DSCN0053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325812618134797970" border="0" /></a><br />That target held the first five rounds out of my unfired BAG day purchase. <a href="http://michaelbane.blogspot.com/">Michael Bane</a> went on and on about how much he loved the .44 special and I, being the hardheaded SOB that I am, never tried one because <span style="font-style: italic;">surely</span> the 1911 and the .357 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">snubbie</span> were more than enough for my self defense needs. I'll be honest... I'm completely in love with the gun and the load. By the time I had the new gun warmed up, I looked like a genius in single action and a good combat shot in double action. Once I get 100 or so more rounds through it, I might even carry it. I mean, is there much I'd come across that a 200gr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">GDHP</span> would fail to take care of?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-91192792341201568622009-04-15T10:33:00.001-07:002009-04-15T10:41:19.911-07:00BAG Day 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYWMoikqxVQxyBNARrRRL53SNGz8HAKajuhlEgk_3g8Eeu7YwNl_uJ_Q4_aMHzOck9WeZpqsKlCML8plCm3VvFyI0JfV2z308EUNrrRtS7OPRPmB5o3zf8MvzHhiFzzsy63Cw1V6C8RFe/s1600-h/DSCN0047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYWMoikqxVQxyBNARrRRL53SNGz8HAKajuhlEgk_3g8Eeu7YwNl_uJ_Q4_aMHzOck9WeZpqsKlCML8plCm3VvFyI0JfV2z308EUNrrRtS7OPRPmB5o3zf8MvzHhiFzzsy63Cw1V6C8RFe/s400/DSCN0047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324972922135499586" border="0" /></a><br />I resisted buying a handgun in anything other that .38/.357, 9mm, or .45<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">acp</span> for a very, very long time. With ammo prices such as they are, stocking another caliber was not something my wallet looked forward to. However, I went to the Fun Shop today for my BAG day purchase and I came across this gorgeous Taurus 431 in .44 special. Unfired, in the box, and at a great price. Without exceeding my budget, I was able to get a used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">JIT</span> slide and 200 rounds of self-defense ammo to boot. Given that I have a truck, this might just be my new ideal truck gun.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-12925776790963090552009-04-12T20:14:00.000-07:002009-04-23T07:54:24.930-07:00On Open Carrying<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://image.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/OpenCarry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 300px;" src="http://image.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/OpenCarry.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">photo by Oleg Volk</span><br /></div><br /><br />I was chatting with <a href="http://thebredafallacy.blogspot.com/">Breda</a> for the first time and mentioned that Open Carrying (OC'ing) with a partner was a great idea in the beginning. I'm lucky to live in a state that allows OC'ing for HCP holders. Having both OC'ed and CC'ed, here are my thoughts on OC'ing for the novice.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't OC alone</span><br /><br />You don't necessarily have to go with another who is openly carrying, but go with another person that has some experience with it. I still consider OC'ing to be slightly risky behavior since it will make you more visible to thugs of the street and the jack-booted variety. The other person will come in handy as both a deterrent and a potential witness.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't OC your barbecue gun</span><br /><br />OC'ing might get you disarmed. Yes, it's bullshit to be disarmed by an Only One, but it's still a distinct possibility. As such, do NOT take your favorite 1911 if you have a Sigma handy. Trust me, the Only Ones will not treat it with the same care that you do.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dress appropriately</span><br /><br />I'm not talking about a page from the Blackhawk! or 5.11 catalog, either. Ladies, ya'll can get away with murder from what I've seen. Guys, be conservative. A lot of times, sheeple won't even notice the gun if you're not dressed like a conspiracy theorist or a mall ninja.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plan your trips in the beginning</span><br /><br />Try meeting in a relatively safe place. I love to do coffee shops, family-style restaurants, bookstores, and small local clothing stores. Drive straight there, do your business, and go home.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be as inconspicuous as possible</span><br /><br />Yeah, your Roscoe is dangling off your hip. Try and be calm anyway.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Retention!</span><br /><br />If you're not comfortable drawing from a holster that has at least one level of retention, don't OC.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Have your talking points ready</span><br /><br />You're likely to have someone ask you if you're a cop. Be prepared to answer them and make your point without being too pissy. My talking points are limited to my state's laws regarding licensing and the basic restrictions. I'm not trying to sell strangers on constitutionalism, I'm merely trying to gain some kind of ally or raise awareness that you don't have to be anything but a citizen in order to carry a weapon.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be polite</span><br /><br />I don't care how nice you normally are. Be nicer when you're OC'ing. We do not want visible firearms to be associated with plainclothes assholes.<br /><br />Having said all of the above, I think it's a crying shame that I even felt compelled to write it. Such is the state of our country. We're going to have to exercise every right that we don't want to have legislated away from us. Let's just be smart and careful about how we do it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-45696334560079365322009-04-10T08:39:00.000-07:002009-04-10T08:50:17.188-07:00Guns are pretty....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nXBJIDmLagYXXIwPakE-3IvsZgWZST75eFvA8QIvgEGvsT0fYCw49hvCTmdcf8W_g6NDr6IZYLdjbyifmEQ1gb0FnPX5LEUi_1iS5A16cH_-TbjTqsMq1s2GuerE3Jq_P26e29c0p7EL/s1600-h/DSCN0039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nXBJIDmLagYXXIwPakE-3IvsZgWZST75eFvA8QIvgEGvsT0fYCw49hvCTmdcf8W_g6NDr6IZYLdjbyifmEQ1gb0FnPX5LEUi_1iS5A16cH_-TbjTqsMq1s2GuerE3Jq_P26e29c0p7EL/s400/DSCN0039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323090429958910786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCxeuLOjqfJ3yY61022EjV2Sr-6UspWPEXqmvDRFLLwWqJyRJJOp_QOVBegcd-eFDFgX0xt-5RUID6wDkUV-PwDr8KJIyGWeLqNrAOmEimidJgPbfBEHwrQZjfUwDtL4KPBU-slBTGcIJ/s1600-h/DSCN0038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCxeuLOjqfJ3yY61022EjV2Sr-6UspWPEXqmvDRFLLwWqJyRJJOp_QOVBegcd-eFDFgX0xt-5RUID6wDkUV-PwDr8KJIyGWeLqNrAOmEimidJgPbfBEHwrQZjfUwDtL4KPBU-slBTGcIJ/s400/DSCN0038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323090426961442818" border="0" /></a><br />When I was in grad school and came of handgun ownership age, I found myself wanting a good-looking and functional barbecue gun. Since I was in school and working as a musician and teaching fellow, money was much tighter than it is now. What I found was a used Taurus Model 80 (read as a Model 10 knock-off) that was finished immaculately and fit perfectly inside a Don Hume K-Frame holster. I rarely carried it, but I was proud to wear it to any social function at which openly carrying was acceptable. I still have it, and I still wear it from time to time. It serves as a reminder to me that there was a time in which owning an inexpensive and reliable gun was enough for me...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-51748721152094906902009-04-08T20:12:00.000-07:002009-04-08T20:18:11.782-07:00Wanna know why I'm unpopular?Because I say things like this...<br /><br />In light of the recent and very public shootings, I have this to offer:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Freedom comes at a cost. That cost is security. </span><br /><br />As long as we are a nation of free men and women, things like this will happen. The proper response is to prepare yourself for events like these instead of whining to politicos to "Stop the madness." As long as we are (in my judgment) the kind of Americans that truly cherish freedom, we should accept that there is an inherent danger in it and accept the responsibility for our own personal safety.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-54263734281254637072009-04-06T13:19:00.000-07:002009-04-06T13:31:42.708-07:00What else can we legislate to make our world a better place?Following the logic of banning or restricting use of the tool to prevent the crime.....<br /><br />Let's see, we can severely restrict car ownership because people might go out and drink to much, which would impair their judgment and allow them to create a dangerous situation for innocent people. That would never work. The government has invested far too much money in the American auto industry for that to work.<br /><br />We could ban hands, which would keep people like Chris Brown from hitting others. No, that wouldn't work, either.<br /><br />Oh, I know... We could restrict the use of penises to curtail rape. (warning... bad pun ahead) After all, it's the tool and not the criminal.<br /><br />I know it's not a crime, but obesity could easily be cured by restricting the use of utensils... After all, if the tools aren't available, the people obsessed with eating couldn't possibly find a way to get food into their mouths, right?<br /><br />/snarkUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-14612471332051276532009-04-03T14:29:00.001-07:002009-04-05T15:53:53.219-07:00Parts Bin Trivia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5FuOpcdaChpPTBR6J0qDbCNsiAycos1cROJ01qYhVZZ1wk_5JAhVfL5nwGk91hUAgyS7Pev_V5dxBvn0v1nAJf4zQdBH2_0kg3tcAHMD1sFOBpAR3kMsPue8T9NdO3dI0id-W-eTF4rm/s1600-h/DSCN0031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5FuOpcdaChpPTBR6J0qDbCNsiAycos1cROJ01qYhVZZ1wk_5JAhVfL5nwGk91hUAgyS7Pev_V5dxBvn0v1nAJf4zQdBH2_0kg3tcAHMD1sFOBpAR3kMsPue8T9NdO3dI0id-W-eTF4rm/s320/DSCN0031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320580751326967442" border="0" /></a><br />Does anyone know what this is?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-67244099548811589372009-03-30T15:49:00.000-07:002009-03-30T16:00:13.771-07:00Revolver Range Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcDsZj7et5cKvWWCR04b-G1TqJ3i9KwRO6Pq8XfwEkdoUCTyN4PZxkXRS1jcILzE8T9_seDkuVqs844G8wwZeEsHdbbBTO1PlJVEBwzsvsMoaLLQTxL1zj1jupRadqa7ln_sCPlVSxqUy/s1600-h/DSCN0021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcDsZj7et5cKvWWCR04b-G1TqJ3i9KwRO6Pq8XfwEkdoUCTyN4PZxkXRS1jcILzE8T9_seDkuVqs844G8wwZeEsHdbbBTO1PlJVEBwzsvsMoaLLQTxL1zj1jupRadqa7ln_sCPlVSxqUy/s200/DSCN0021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319119379349008562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I took my trusty S&W 640 and the NAA Mini out to the range today for some wheelgun practice and to print some "groups." As always, the 640 was more than adequate for most combat distances with a few cylinders full of full-house .357 loads and a few more of some tame .38sp.<br /><br />What surprised me most was the accuracy I was able to get with the NAA on my first attempt. With the exception of a few fliers that were obviously my fault, the little revolver was capable of keeping it inside the 8 ring of a silhouette target with all of the high-velocity HPs I put through it. The trick, I found, is to grip the weapon with the thumb and first two fingers of my strong hand while cocking the hammer and pulling the trigger with the thumb and index finger of my weak hand. As small as it might be, it's a real-deal, well made firearm that I'll be happy to keep in my pocket, sock, or belly band as a backup gun.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-35009644635928172082009-03-26T21:08:00.000-07:002009-03-26T21:10:02.642-07:00Let's see if this takes the heat off....It looks like American civilians and FFLs aren't solely responsible for the arming of Mexican cartels after <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/03/26/marshal.killed/index.html">all.<br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-1898371154161652972009-03-26T07:32:00.000-07:002009-04-10T09:52:47.198-07:00On the Oakland shootings...Data:<br /><br />-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lovelle</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mixon</span> had been arrested and imprisoned for a gun crime by the age of 20.<br />-He was out on parole.<br /><br />Reports:<br /><br />-He shot 5 Oakland PD officers. 3 dead, one nearly dead.<br />-He used a rifle resembling an AK and a handgun.<br /><br />Follow me, everyone. What we witnessed in Oakland was a tragedy. Without even mentioning the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">public's</span> reaction at the crime scene, most of us will agree that this shouldn't have happened. What most of us will not agree on is that this is not a <span style="font-style: italic;">legislative </span>failure, but a failure of<span style="font-style: italic;"> law enforcement and the prison system.</span> He was a criminal, he was released and not rehabilitated, and there was a failure on the part of law enforcement.<br /><br />Judgment:<br /><br />Enforce the laws and stop harassing the gun owners. I'll be off blaming Russia for the weapons problems in California. That kind of shell game seems to be working pretty well for the ruling class in D.C.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-76816771458174147462009-03-25T17:06:00.000-07:002009-03-25T17:35:36.839-07:00Budget Weaponlights<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefMDdUvjB00ZmfhgW2le-XElhNBo2xR4OZmGXBvkDETiuZrBrPSTYp2h5vebLnCyFQPeevtJDw99OSQyqIea6DeiFyGRj-Qosu1PFLVrG3ifuaDuXvJxsAx5W6_R-YnPu5rk51-CHBkMF/s1600-h/DSCN0016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefMDdUvjB00ZmfhgW2le-XElhNBo2xR4OZmGXBvkDETiuZrBrPSTYp2h5vebLnCyFQPeevtJDw99OSQyqIea6DeiFyGRj-Qosu1PFLVrG3ifuaDuXvJxsAx5W6_R-YnPu5rk51-CHBkMF/s200/DSCN0016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317282059543474610" border="0" /></a><br />I've been neglecting my oldest AR and have taken a lot of parts from it to use in other systems. I detest having a functional and reliable weapon that isn't G2G at any time, so I decided to get a light on it so it will be ready when I need it. Not tricked-out, but ready. A fighting rifle's state of readiness should always include a light.... The light above is a <a href="http://www.surefire.com/G2-Nitrolon">Surefire G2 Nitrolon</a> that I picked up for 30 bucks. The ring is an old Millett low-rise I had in my parts box. Simple, stable, and affordable. Now there's one more rifle that's G2G should I need it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-35324995538666602472009-03-23T06:16:00.000-07:002009-03-23T06:26:01.438-07:00.223, 9mm, Glock Mags, Holsters, SurefireI've been in my stockpiling mode for most of this year. Here's what I've found during my shopping trips over the last couple of weeks.<br /><br />.223 isn't impossible to find, but it's really difficult to find for a decent price. I see a "decent" price as being less than .40/round for good quality brass-cased ammo. I was lucky to have found a couple of private sellers that have switched to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AKs</span> and were liquidating their supplies of .223.<br /><br />9mm must be Austrian for "good luck not getting gouged."<br /><br />I'm pretty sure it was a fluke, but I found 4 hi-cap factory mags for my G17 for less than 90 bucks in a local shop.<br /><br />Surefire flashlights are easy to find. Mounts for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Picatinny</span> rails aren't so easy.<br /><br />Leather holsters have not changed at all. It seems like the only segment of the gun market that has not become more expensive.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-23303090821135759382009-03-16T11:19:00.000-07:002009-03-16T11:57:00.743-07:00This is how we do it...I haven't taught in a university setting in almost two years. Certain economic forces caused my former employer to find a cheaper alternative to part-time and adjunct faculty members, which was fine by me since I made very little money toward the end of my university career. Since then, I've been able to maintain a relatively healthy and lucrative private teaching studio that I run out of my home. By and large, I try to follow the maxim of "Always carry, never tell." As a result, very few of my students know just how much of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gunnie</span> I am, and that's fine. <br /><br />A few weeks ago, I was at a local training facility retaking some basic shotgun training. As I came out, I ran into one of my older students as he watched his wife handle a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">snubbie</span>. Let me set the scene for you... <br /><br />My student is a black man around the age of 60. He was also a relatively big local player in the Obama campaign. He's well educated, but has also spent the bulk of his adult life in academia. As such, he's about as liberal as anyone I've met.<br /><br />As I came out of the range and into the shop with my 870 in tow and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Glock</span> 17 on my hip, he registered the kind of surprise I expected.<br /><br />"Doctor! What are you doing here? What's with all the firepower? Are you expecting an invasion sometime soon?"<br /><br />"My only expectation is to be prepared in the event one happens... I'm surprised to see you here."<br /><br />"Well, my wife is thinking about buying a gun and getting her permit. I think she's losing her mind."<br /><br />"If you're ever interested in talking to someone that carries pretty much all the time, I'd be happy to talk about it with either of you. I know it's tough trusting a stranger with all of your concerns in the beginning."<br /><br />"What's with the rifle? Is that a rifle?"<br /><br />"Nope. It's a shotgun. This is what I use to defend my home."<br /><br />The couple was kind enough to invite me to dinner, and we discussed every manner of firearm, what it was used for, the legalities and costs involved, the Four Rules, and some gun-related politics. I offered to bring an assortment of handguns to the range for them to shoot when this question came up...<br /><br />"How do you feel about assault weapons?"<br /><br />I answered them with my normal reply, which is "The tool is rarely the reason for the crime. Anyone with malice in their heart can find a way to kill."<br /><br />"Do you own any?"<br /><br />"According to the language in the 1994 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AWB</span>, yes. Quite a few, actually."<br /><br />"What would a person like you need with a machine gun?"<br /><br />And so it went for the better part of an hour... I explained that "assault weapons" were neither "machine guns" nor military weapons. Yes, they may be similar in appearance, but their function is only slightly similar. I assured them that the government took great pains long ago to make many weapons difficult to obtain and subject to strict controls and taxes. The reason the designs are similar is a testament to the ergonomics and reliability of the military design. By the end of the night, without attacking their beliefs or politics, I had convinced an anti-gun guy to come shoot an evil black rifle and some handguns with me and had convinced his wife to get her carry permit. <br /><br />This is how we change people's minds. We respect their views, we speak to them calmly, and hope that our reasoning resonates with them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-57068464304153183752009-03-14T08:56:00.001-07:002009-03-14T08:57:08.850-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://crimsonaudio.net/politics/DebtStar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 416px; height: 332px;" src="http://crimsonaudio.net/politics/DebtStar.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-68324813700997906962009-03-13T13:51:00.000-07:002009-03-13T13:57:50.083-07:00More Commercial Appeal goodness....The front page of yesterday's CA had this picture of 9 violent criminals who managed to slip through the TN HCP process by lying on their applications or by virtue of a clerical error.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.commercialappeal.com/mca/content/img/photos/2009/03/11/new-guns-for-web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 397px;" src="http://media.commercialappeal.com/mca/content/img/photos/2009/03/11/new-guns-for-web.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />All I could think of when I saw it was How much Alice has changed....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/2009/01/BradyBunch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 220px;" src="http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/2009/01/BradyBunch.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I'm not sure what the CA is trying to accomplish past using the "criminals carry guns and can get permits, so it should be illegal" fallacy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-4761725966199424842009-03-10T14:16:00.000-07:002009-03-10T14:21:45.446-07:00NAA Mini<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.naaminis.com/pix/lr.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 195px;" src="http://www.naaminis.com/pix/lr.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I finally found a good, used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NAA</span> Mini revolver. As a deep cover and backup gun, it has its place. I bought some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CCI</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">shotshells</span>, Federal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">JHPs</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CCI</span> Stingers, and a variety of budget .22<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lr</span> to test it out. Stay tuned for a range report.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-28369056933823434432009-03-09T10:11:00.000-07:002009-03-09T10:12:20.284-07:00Ammo PricesYou know ammo prices are getting out of hand when a 50rd box of PMC Bronze in .45acp looks like a steal at $17.99.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233000055276633877.post-89045913013230895052009-03-05T21:10:00.000-08:002009-03-05T21:20:04.431-08:00The liberal bias in TN<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.commercialappeal.com/mca/content/img/photos/2009/03/03/wednesdaytoon030409_t600.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 257px;" src="http://media.commercialappeal.com/mca/content/img/photos/2009/03/03/wednesdaytoon030409_t600.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I should warn you, this cartoon is way far off to the left. I'll even fess up to liking some things about the liberal agenda. Let same-sex couples get married and divorced. I'd hate to think that an entire segment of the population is missing out on what it's like to split up your entire world with someone you've come to loathe. Abortion? I'm all for it. However, I have no uterus, so I really don't feel like I have a nickel in that dime. However, the fly-in-the-face-of-the-freaking-facts attitude and the obvious scare tactics employed by this cartoonist leave me speechless.<br /><br />First, if Fred had a history of mental illness, he could neither purchase a gun nor receive a Handgun Carry Permit in TN. Secondly, not all crazy people have cats. Cats, as we all know, are government spies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0