Want: Chiappa Rhino

I know I am coming in late to talk about the Chiappa Rhino. The last Gun Show I attended was my first chance to actually handle one and talk to people about it.

I have a Ruger SP101 .357 revolver that has been my favorite wheel gun for years. This gun might take that flag position in the safe if I ever manage to shoot one.

Revolvers have not changed much design wise in many moons. The Rhino is different in many ways. Most notable the bullet that fires does so from the BOTTOM of the drum, not the top. This fundamental change combined with the new ergonomics of the grip will completely change how the recoil feels.

I can't wait too shoot one. In stead of the usual recoil that causes the gun to rise, it pushes straight back. At least that is what "the Guy" at the Gun Show said. You know that guy, the one that wants to sell me a Rhino...

It comes in various configurations, materials and barrel lengths.

--I am sure if I fire one, I will buy one.

Fighting the Flinch

There are lots of methods people use to help them defeat the reflex to flinch. My method was so effective that now I don't even blink my eyes when I shoot my Glock 21.

It's not complicated. All it takes is time and money.

Just fire 500 rounds of .44 magnum.

I have a Smith & Wesson Model 629-2 Classic Hunter.

The violence conveyed on the user end of this gun is dramatic to say the least. Impressive may be a better word. The recoil combined with the fireball and the general concussion of the thing usually, literally, shakes the dust from the rafters.

When I put 50 rounds through this little beast and then shoot my .45acp, it feels like a .22lr.

--Plus it is HUGE bruising fun.

The SGL12 Jam-Fest

On Sunday when I went to the NRA Range with a pile of Blog Buddies, one of the guns I took along was my new Saiga SGL12-03.

They allow shotguns there if you are using slugs. I had 20 rounds to run through it and set about it with a smile. The sights are spot on at 50 feet. Nice big holes right where I want them.

Until it started jamming.

In total, there were nine jams out of twenty rounds. None of the first five jammed, all of the last five jammed. All were failures to eject. The recoil could not cycle the machine far enough. Like the spring was too strong.

--For now I believe all I should do is give it a good cleaning and lube. Lather, rinse, repeat. Break it in...

My Latest Project

I have a Saiga SGL12-03, 12 gauge shotgun. This is how it looked when I got it. In the following weeks I began customizing it. No real gun smithing. Just swapping out furniture.


I started with a new adjustable stock with pistol grip, a drop-fore-grip, , new trigger, hammer and spring assembly. Then I will be getting some of the highest capacity magazines available. Enough American parts will get exchanged to ensure 922R compliance. It's actually kind of funny that compliance kits have become market.


Here is how it looks today. The barrel on this model is already threaded so I think I will get a Breacher Muzzle Break.

--This thing is a shit-storm as is. More later as upgrades occur...

Bloggers, Boomsticks and Burgers

On Sunday February 20th a pile of bloggers got together. We all live within easy driving distance of the NRA HQ Range!

NRA Range lanes are excellent.
TBolt, Newbius, Bus Err, Old NFO, myself and my son GM were there sharing three lanes. 

I go to the NRA Range a lot and knew that it has been crowded lately. It opens at 8:30am on Sundays so we got there at 7:45am and there were already five people in line. By the time time the doors opened there were about 50 people waiting.

None of us had ever met Andy from Bus Err before today, so we almost missed him. I spent time making a fool of myself walking around saying, "Hey, are any of you guys named Andy?" and gave up eventually.

Much lead was sent down range (more in that later).

We went to the Firearms Museum after we were done shooting. I always enjoy it. Andy caught up with us there in time to join us for lunch. It was great chatting with all.

--Old NFO is a gentleman and scholar! Thanks for lunch!

WANT: A Western Set

I have been thinking about getting a set of western style guns. A classic three gun system. A handgun, rifle and a shotgun. I'd keep them simple with just the plain iron sights, wood stocks and grips.


I would get modern calibers for the however. This Ruger SBH  comes in .44 mag as does the classic Marlin lever action. I like the commonality of ammo. I also like the .44 mag round from a western style grip. The way it rocks up with the recoil is nice. Plus, a .44 mag is sweet for hunting deer from a rifle.
A classic double barrel 12 gauge shotgun is always good to have. Even if it's just so you can say, "Alright you Primitive Screwheads, listen up! You see this? This... is my boomstick!"

--Plus a sweet western holster.

When Things Really Heat Up

ArmaLite AR10B Rifle
Armalite AR-10B

One of the things I like about the NRA Range is that they will let you mag dump. Rapid fire a lot of ammo continuously. Even a mag dump on my AR-10B. Mag dump 12 mags, in a row, non stop in less than 5 minutes.

The test was intended to see if it would have any failures when it was really hot. When the Killer Robot Uprising hits I wouldn't want a problem.

The good news is that 240 rounds shot quickly had no failures at all. The accuracy of the rifle did not degrade at all. I was surprised that my own accuracy didn't degrade after getting hammered 240 times.

The bad news was the fore grip became so HOT I was unable to touch it at the end of the test. Not just the Barrel, the grip. The first and last mag was done from a sandbag. I mean HOT. This was not good.

Click me for a closer look
The way I mitigated the heat issue was a an adjustable grip on the hand guard. I am amazed how much more comfortable it is to shoot as well. I usually don't have the quick attach bipod on the rifle.

About the AR-10B:


"Built as a tribute to early ArmaLite configurations, the ArmaLite AR10B rifle is truly a classic. With the unique charging handle in the carry handle and brown Sudanese-style furniture, the ArmaLite AR10B rifle has all the classic features of original ArmaLite AR10s with modern upgrades and feel. Sporting an elevation scale window, the ArmaLite AR10B rifle also features:"
  • Caliber: .308/7.62mm
  • Barrel Length: 20” Chrome lined
  • Total Length: 41”
  • Weight: 9.5 lbs.
  • Rifling Twist: RH 1:11.25”
  • Sights: A2 Front Sight Assembly
"The ArmaLite AR10B rifle also offers a two stage tactical trigger, a hard anodized aluminum and manganese phosphated steel finish, and a spring loaded automatic ejection port. The ArmaLite AR10B rifle is a high-quality, vintage-style firearm." 

--JayG will be glad to know that I DO have the bayonet!!

Reminder: Blog Shoot This Sunday

On Sunday, Feb. 20, We are going to go shooting!

There's a general plan for a gun blogger enthusiast meetup at the NRA HQ in Fairfax, VA. The idea is to hit the NRA range early at 8:30 in the morning so we don't have to wait, then tour the NRA firearms museum, and then find some local place to eat lunch.  All are welcome.

If you have never been to the NRA HQ Range before you have to take their test and get my range ID before you can shoot. More details later!

--Get there early there is only 15 lane and we want to be in the first hour!

Killer Robots in the News

You guys think I am crazy when I start talking about the Killer Robot Uprising. I keep showing you evidence! Don't you watch Jeopardy!?

Now more Autonomous Killer Robot Sentries!!


--Remember: .308 or heavier for Killer Robots!!