The Judge
The Judge is a very interesting firearm. This would be a great gun to take camping. Snakes and small critters beware. This gun shoots both .410 shotgun shells and Colt .45 shells. Great combo.
This also makes it a good up close defense gun in a reliable revolver.
--Check one out in a store near you.
Ruger LCP Recall
I love Rugers.
I have several hand guns and rifles from Ruger and one of the next ones on my list is the Ruger LCP. These babies have been so hard to find. I handled one in a gun store that was already sold (they were taking orders).
Ruger announced that all LCPs with a serial number that begins with 370 have been recalled (ex: 370-XXXXX).
The new ones that begin with 371 are not a problem.
Still a wonderful gun!
--Even if you have a 371, DON'T drop it!!
Another Move in the Right Direction
"Notwithstanding any other provision in this Chapter, a person may possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national park area in accordance with the laws of the state in which the national park area, or that portion thereof, is located, except as otherwise prohibited by applicable federal law."
--Excellent!
GunBroker.com
Everyone knows all about eBay.com but have you tried GunBroker.com? It works just like eBay but it's all about guns and gear.
Great stuff. Give it a try!
Great stuff. Give it a try!
Hunters for the Hungry
Feeding Virginia's hungry is the driving force behind Hunters for the Hungry.
Individuals across Virginia, hunters and non-hunters, are combining their efforts and financial support to feed the needy. Although much has been done, there remains much more to do.
The potential exists to receive, process, and distribute 250,000 pounds of venison annually to the less fortunate across Virginia. 2003-2004 has not only proved that goal is achievable, but has set a new standard for what the efforts of hunters, concerned individuals and businesses can do for the less fortunate.
--Check it out!
Remington Model R-25
Remington has a new AR-10 style rig that comes in .243, 7mm-08 or .308.
They put this rig together with the hunter in mind as well as people preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse. The new R-25 modular repeating rifle boasts the most advanced design aspects of AR 308 Win. style rifles available today.
For peak accuracy, the R-25 features a precision-crafted 20 inch barrel with recessed hunting crown that’s free-floated within a machined-aluminum fore-end tube for the ultimate in shot-to-shot consistency. Six longitudinal flutes forward of the gas block provide increased rigidity and weight reduction while promoting rapid barrel cooling.
It comes with a 4 round magazine so it can be used as a hunting rifle. Picitinny rails make scopes and other accessories a breeze to attach.
The R-25 is also compatible with standard DMPS high capacity mags.
--MSRP is now about $1500. We will see how long that lasts in todays market.
Shopping Spree
President Elect Obama has sent me to the Internet on November 5th. Guy Fawkes is a good reminder:
“Remember, remember the fifth of November, The gunpowder, treason and plot,
I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.”
Today is a good day to remember.
I purchased a pile of high capacity mags November 5th.
Today, November 8th, not only do they cost a lot more, they are sold out.
--Gunpowder treason? Hmmmmm...
Voting Gun Owners
In this election, gun owners must ensure Obama loses.
Even if you don't like McCain, vote for him if you want to keep your gun rights.
Obama wants to eliminate Concealed Carry totally.
He wants to limit mag sizes.
Wants you to be helpless...
--Any gun owner that votes for Obama is insane.
She left them all speechless...
Suzanna Gratia Hupp explains meaning of the 2nd Amendment!
The law prohibited her from carrying a firearms. In other words, the law prohibited her from defending herself. Consider that for a minute, will you? When a law is passed that prohibits you from carrying a weapon, it is inhibiting your ability to defend yourself. Should the government be in the habit of doing such a thing? You are told that you should depend on the police for protection. Where were the police when Hennard was shooting up Luby’s...
When seconds counts, help is only minutes away.
--We need more spokes people like this.
Range Report
So I went to the range this weekend. In addition to sighting in a new scope on my ultra-light rig, I had a little unexpected fun.
My son and I went to an indoor range. Yes, I know, it was a beautiful day here in Virginia. But that means that Clark Brothers would be packed!
Anyway, I was shooting my .44 mag. It's usually the biggest noise in the room. That combined with a six foot fireball and its pressure wave, it's been fun.
Then the guy in the lane next to us lit up his Desert Eagle .50 cal.
Damn.
That baby is an attention getter. He was even kind of to let me try it! Big fun.
--Wow...
40mm Goodness
I was at the last gun show and saw a 40mm grenade launcher for sale for $239. It was new and attached via picatinny to the bottom rail of any modern rig.
I have to say I would love to have one of these. I need to find out the rules for purchase and use of 40mm grenade rounds.
-- Probably Class III but I am cool with that.
In my email today...
Mr. JB Miller,
In a rare fit of advance warning, this is to let you know that if you have some free time next Wednesday evening at 2200 ET, you might want to tune to CBS and catch the season premiere of "CSI New York."
For those of you who didn't know in advance (including us) about last year's CSI/NY season finale, the entire plot line of the show was about the KRISS Super V CRB (actually, the model used was our SBR/SO). The CSI team is trying to figure out how a bank robbery victim managed to get shot with two rounds in the same hole....as they say, you simply can't buy publicity like this. If you need to catch up on last season's finale, visit our site HERE.
Since the season-ender was a cliff hanger, we think it's reasonable that the premiere next Wednesday will also feature the KRISS.
Tell your friends. We have lots of KRISS firearms out with movie armorers, which is how this CSI event happened, so one never knows where we'll pop up next. Next time, one trusts, with the KRISS in the hands of the good guys.
All best,
Charles J. Kushell IV
CEO and Director
Transformational Defense Industries
http://www.kriss-tdi.com
The New Springfeild XDM 9mm
I confess that my current favorite round is the .45 automatic. With that said, it should also be noted that I have more 9mm handguns than .45 at this time.
I didn't think I would be buying any more 9mm handguns until I laid my hands on the new XDM 9mm. This beauty feels so very nice in my hand. The must human factors engineer on the team.
Very nice for that pending Zombie Outbreak!
--Excellent feel in the hand and it holds 20 rounds.
My Shopping List
I have been thinking about the official want list.
I believe it is time for a carbine in a 9mm or .45acp.
T-Bolt was talking about it over in his blog.
Best case scenario would be to obtain a one that actually used the same magazines as a handgun I have. The first would be a Beretta in .40cal that was compatible with a CX4 Storm:
I'd also love a Kriss that is compatible with my .45 Glock model 21:I'd still also love a Marlin Camp Carbine. It takes standard 1911 magazines for .45acp goodness.
All good. All on the list. All great for Zombies!
--I will probably go with the CX4 first!
Best Guns on TV
TV these days is swinging back to to more action and less political correctness.
I like it.
TV shows are again portraying guns and gun users as forces for good.
On of my current favorite shows is Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (T:TSCC)
It has excellent gun selections: Glocks, Remington 870's, MP5's, AR10's, AR15's, M1A's...
Stargate, Jericho, 24, Flashpoint are all good.
There is also a great show on the Discovery channel called Future Weapons that is really excellent.
Even computer games are now getting on track with real gun goodness. My son just got Call of Duty 4 for the Xbox 360.
--Good gear.
Godwin's Law and Gun Owners
"Godwin's Law (also known as Godwin's Rule of Nazi Analogies) is an adage formulated by Mike Godwin in 1990. "
The law states: "As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one."
"Godwin's Law is often cited in online discussions as a caution against the use of inflammatory rhetoric or exaggerated comparisons, and is often conflated with fallacious arguments of the reductio ad Hitlerum form."
Often in the gun ownership debate gun control advocates rapidly descend to invoking Hitler or the Nazi's. To me this has always signaled winning the debate. The Hitler card is usually played when logic won't help, or worse, when logic is against them.
--I find it also very amusing when they invoke Hitler but most don't know that Hitler and the Nazi's were huge gun control advocates.
The law states: "As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one."
"Godwin's Law is often cited in online discussions as a caution against the use of inflammatory rhetoric or exaggerated comparisons, and is often conflated with fallacious arguments of the reductio ad Hitlerum form."
Often in the gun ownership debate gun control advocates rapidly descend to invoking Hitler or the Nazi's. To me this has always signaled winning the debate. The Hitler card is usually played when logic won't help, or worse, when logic is against them.
--I find it also very amusing when they invoke Hitler but most don't know that Hitler and the Nazi's were huge gun control advocates.
Uncle Ted Speaks the Truth
I often wonder what is truely the motivation of the people behind Gun Control. Because, they say, Gun Control is not about controlling guns it's about fighting crime. They are leaping to the solution before they analyze the situation.
--Sad Really...
Range Report
A buddy from high school was in town this weekend that I had not seen for a couple years. He brought with him a brand new Remington 870 that was still in the box.
We bought a case of clay pidgins and 10 boxes of 12 gauge.
At first I hit about 1 in 3 clays. By the end I was in the zone at 9 outta 10!
I was even double tapping them!
--Big fun
We bought a case of clay pidgins and 10 boxes of 12 gauge.
At first I hit about 1 in 3 clays. By the end I was in the zone at 9 outta 10!
I was even double tapping them!
--Big fun
Nutty Professor detained for carrying gun at airport
Comedian Jerry Lewis was detained by police in Las Vegas late last week when airport screeners found an unloaded gun in his baggage, authorities said on Tuesday.
Lewis, 82, had a small .22-caliber handgun when he arrived at the security screening area on Friday at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, said Officer Ramon Denby, a spokesman for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
The comedian was briefly detained and the gun was seized. Lewis was cited for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, Denby said.
Lewis, half of a wildly successful comedic duo with singer Dean Martin in the 1950s, was traveling to Mount Pleasant, Michigan, to perform a one-man show, a source close to the comedian said.
The weapon was registered to Lewis and he will need to attend a court hearing to get it back, Denby said.
--Next time, take the bus Jer!!
Lewis, 82, had a small .22-caliber handgun when he arrived at the security screening area on Friday at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, said Officer Ramon Denby, a spokesman for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
The comedian was briefly detained and the gun was seized. Lewis was cited for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, Denby said.
Lewis, half of a wildly successful comedic duo with singer Dean Martin in the 1950s, was traveling to Mount Pleasant, Michigan, to perform a one-man show, a source close to the comedian said.
The weapon was registered to Lewis and he will need to attend a court hearing to get it back, Denby said.
--Next time, take the bus Jer!!
Youtube as a resourse
www.youtube.com can be an excellent resource for a gun owner. Try it. You can find a demo for field stripping most weapons. Here is an example of field stripping a Glock:
Everything from an SKS to a Desert Eagle are in there. Very handy
Sunday Morning Danger
A gunman opened fire at a church Sunday and killed two people, including a man who witnesses called a hero for shielding others from a shotgun blast.
--They must figure God will protect me.
Seven adults were also injured but no children were harmed at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. Church members said they dove under pews or ran from the building when the shooting started.
The gunman was tackled by congregants and eventually taken into police custody.
Sunday morning at Church is one of the few times during the week that I go unarmed. VA has this absurd rule that I cannot carry a concealed weapon at Church during the service.--They must figure God will protect me.
Izaak Walton League
The closest shooting range to my house is about 4 miles away. It is a membership based, national club called the Izaak Walton League.
Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League is one of the nation's oldest and most respected conservation organizations. With a powerful grassroots network of nearly 300 local chapters nationwide, the League takes a common-sense approach toward protecting our country's natural heritage and improving outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans. We invite you to learn about our work and to join us in supporting important conservation initiatives in your community.
They have several programs, in addition to shooting:
- Clean Air Programs
- Energy Programs
- Clean Water Programs
- Outdoor Ethics Programs
- Hunting and Shooting Programs
- Off Highway Vehicle Programs
- Sustainable Living Programs
- Wilderness and Public Lands Programs
--I'll let you know what I find out.
Those were the days...
I had one of these when I was a kid about 40 years ago.
--It was a different world then.
Stupid people
I want to take a moment to condemn an entire class of Stupid People.
This particular set of of dumb asses are the ones that have small woman fire incredibly large firearms as a joke. These assholes also film these events AND post them on Youtube to show the whole world the depth of their assholerie.
These unsafe, stupid buckets of vomit need a swift kick in the nuts.
-- that gets filmed and posted to Youtube.
This particular set of of dumb asses are the ones that have small woman fire incredibly large firearms as a joke. These assholes also film these events AND post them on Youtube to show the whole world the depth of their assholerie.
These unsafe, stupid buckets of vomit need a swift kick in the nuts.
-- that gets filmed and posted to Youtube.
Ruger GP100
One of my favorite hand guns is the Ruger GP100 .357 mag.
I actually bought this one and presented to my wife as a birthday gift several years ago. She liked the design because it was simple, reliable and would shoot .38 rounds, .38 special as well as .357 magnum.
This allows her to work her way up to heavy rounds and keep the costs down at the range.
This gun is a great shooter. I love the finish and the grip is a joy to hold. Just like my wife!
--I think I own more Rugers than any other brand!
YouTube and Guns
You can go to Youtube.com and find many gun resources. It can show you how to field strip your Colt 1911 or your AR-15. Demos of Glock machine pistols like above are great.
It has shooting range reports and demos. It can show you the recoil of most any gun or round.
--And major funny stuff too.
It has shooting range reports and demos. It can show you the recoil of most any gun or round.
--And major funny stuff too.
Comments from a guy that owns both Glock and 1911 .45's:
Simply put, Glocks are the McDonalds of combat handguns. (I love McDonalds, BTW) They are reliable, consistent from gun to gun, simple, high capacity and inexpensive. Pick any Glock up and it will shoot like every other one you have ever picked up. Like McDonalds, they are good, really good, but can only get so good.
1911's are the private American Grill of combat handguns. Some are great, some are bad. Every individual 1911 is different. If you pay $499 for a new 1911 you will not get the reliability, capacity or consistency of a Glock. The Beauty of 1911s is that you can upgrade it in many ways, unlike Glocks. Triggers, sights, grips, slides, springs, hammers, mags all can tune it up to be way better than a Glock. But it costs. It's not unusual to pay $1500 - $2500 for a tuned up 1911.
The Springfield XD line may be the best compromise. They seem to satisfy all my requirements. I have an XD 9mm now. I need an XD .45.
The thing I dislike most about the Glock is the safety/trigger system. I miss the manual safety and light pull..
The thing I dislike most about 1911's is capacity. I believe eights rounds is not enough.
I will get a sweet 1911 one day and make a hobby of tuning it up.
I will get a sweet 1911 one day and make a hobby of tuning it up.
--So I like both. Discount neither. But I carry a Glock.
Benelli Nova 12 Gauge
I have always been a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 guy when it came to pump action 12 gauge shotguns. Classic, simple, proven, designs that have stood the test of time.Then I shot the Benelli.
The first thing I noticed is that is... smooth. I can't think of a better word for it. The action the edges, the way it shoots.
The design is the same classic pump as the 870 and 500. Only 2 features vary. It has a button in the slide belly that allows you to eject a round and NOT feed the next. Nice to unload. The other feature is the slide bottom covers the load chamber, helping to prevent drop feed jams.
--Try it. You'll like it.
Celebrating July 4th
I have seen lots of excellent ways to celebrate Independence Day but few are better than the ANNUAL JULY 4TH HINKSON FAMILY SHOOTOUT.
Follow the link and check out last years festivities!!
--Big Fun! Especially if you hate refrigerators!
Follow the link and check out last years festivities!!
--Big Fun! Especially if you hate refrigerators!
"'A 'SUPREME' COURT? I CAN DO BETTER' by Ted Nugent
"It is glaringly obvious that a critical lesson in history 101 is due in America, for it appears that not only does a lunatic fringe of anti-freedom Americans dismiss our founding fathers' clear declaration of independence and succinct enumeration of our God-given individual rights, but some Americans have the arrogance and audacity to question whether the right to self-defense is indeed one of these individual rights. Dear God in heaven, who could be this soulless? How about 4 out of the 9 so called 'Supreme' justices of the land. God help us all.
"Who could be so asinine as to believe that a free man has no such right to keep and bear arms for self-defense? What kind of low-life scoundrel would know that courageous heroes of the U.S. Military would volunteer over and over again to sacrifice and die for such self-evident truths, then turn around and spit on their graves by discounting the very freedoms that these brave men and women have died to protect?
"Will these supreme legal scholars also affirm an individual right to choose the religion of our individual choice? Do they authorize our individual freedom of speech? Can you imagine? Them is fighting words my friends, and the line drawn in the sand has never been more outrageous.
"Recent USA Today and Gallup polls showed a whopping 73% of good Americans know damn well that we are all created equal, and that we each have an individual right to protect our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. What kind of jackass doesn't know this? Allow the guitar player to translate for the soul-dead among us.
"Keep-this means the gun is mine and you can't have it. This does not mean I will register it with a government agency. The government works for 'we the people,' not the other way around, regardless of what Hillary Clinton, Ted Kennedy, Hitler, Mao Tse Tung, Pol Pot, Saddam Hussein or Barack Hussein Obama or 4 supreme justices may try to tell you.
"Bear-this means I've got it right here, on me, either in my grasp or damn near. This does not mean locked away in a safe, trigger-locked or stored at the local sporting club.
"Shall not be infringed-this of course is another way of saying Don't tread on me, for we will not be your willing crime victims, subjects, servants or slaves, so don't even think about it.
"When the evil King's gangsters came to collect unfair taxes from Americans, we tossed their tea into the drink. When they came to disarm us into helplessness against their old world tyrannical ways, we met them at Concord Bridge and shot them dead till they quit treading on us. Any questions children? I didn't think so.
"Corrupt men cannot be trusted, hence the right of 'the people' to choose the individual church of our choice, to speak our individual ideas and beliefs, to have individual freedom from unwarranted searches and seizures, and ultimately, to exercise our individual right to keep and bear arms so that evildoers cannot do unto us that which we would not do unto them. Get it? I would love to meet the human being who would argue these points with us. We would be looking at a fascist, and of course fascists, by all historical and empirical evidence, must be eliminated.
"If you value the American Way, if you believe in the words and spirit of the US Constitution and our sacred Bill of Rights, if you know in your heart that you have the right, the duty, the spiritual obligation to protect yourself and your loved ones from evil in all of its forms, then you had best contact each and every one of your elected officials right away and let them know that you know exactly what the Second Amendment says and stands for. Remind them about the 'shall not be infringed' clause.
"It will not be the fault of the rotten anti-Americans out there who don't believe in individual rights that rape and pillage our Constitution, it will be the fault of those who know better but failed to speak up. Now is the time to fortify America, and we better inform the Supreme Court just who truly is the 'Supreme' Court of America-We the people. Individual people with individual, God-given rights. The real America. Live free or die."
--You gotta love the Nuge...
The Zombie Apocalypse
I know that all my intelligent readers are preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse. Of course you are. I know I am!
One of your important preps is a Zombie Rifle. One good selection is a Mini-14.
Above you will see the standard version, out of the box and one with tactical stock, dot scope, LASER, high cap mag, and light. The modified light rig is .223 and shoots very nice groups at 100 yards. The gas operated action is the same as the M1A and the classic M1 Garand. It is almost recoilless and is easy to maintain target acquisition. Very fun to shoot.--Don't forget to buy ammo!
Kel-Tec P3AT
A lot of people often discuss the "best" gun". Kel-Tec rarely makes peoples best of lists. But I have to say I really like the Kel-Tec P3AT in .380.I believe that the "best gun" is the one you have with you when you need it.
The P3AT is tiny. It is very light, even fully loaded and comfortable to carry. Mine cost $269 (plus another $15 for the belt clip). The .380 round is not the best but it is a much better round than the .25cal I have in my Beretta 21A that is the same size.
You can also get a nice little belt clip for the P3 that makes it VERY easy to carry concealed. Even wearing shorts and a T-shirt you can carry the P3.
At the range it does OK. I can put six rounds in a five inch group at seven yards consistantly. My friend T-Bolt says it's good within "Bad Breath Range". I agree.
One other thing you need to know about the P3AT is that it NEEDS to be clean. By the time you get to 100 rounds at the range mine begins to suffer stove pipes and other failures to feed. While freshly cleaned and lubed it works great.
--The Kel-Tec P3AT is a good value.
The Fat Lady Sang Today
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
The courts today affirmed that the right to bear arms is an individual right.
It is now clear. Sure there will be plenty of spin but you can bet that there will now be cascading lawsuits in jurisdictions that have heavy gun control.
Gun control asshats can all go and cry in their beer and go to Heller...
--Thank you Heller
The courts today affirmed that the right to bear arms is an individual right.
It is now clear. Sure there will be plenty of spin but you can bet that there will now be cascading lawsuits in jurisdictions that have heavy gun control.
Gun control asshats can all go and cry in their beer and go to Heller...
--Thank you Heller
How do you keep Gun Enthusiasts in Suspense?
How do you keep Gun Enthusiasts in Suspense?
They will tell us tomorrow...
The U.S. Supreme Court today did not release its long-awaited ruling on whether the District's handgun ban violates the Second Amendment. That means the potentially landmark decision will almost certainly come tomorrow morning when the court is planning to issue the last of its rulings for the term. The case, District of Columbia v. Heller, which was argued nearly four months ago, could settle the decades-old debate over whether the Second Amendment grants individuals the right to own firearms.
Mayor Adrain M. Fenty is planning to hold a news conference at the John A. Wilson Building after the decision is announced.
We will celebrate by buying ammo. Fingers crossed!
--Oh The Humanity
Stubby foregrip.
Another grip
green laser sight
Why the Gun is Civilization...
From the Munchkin Wrangler:
Human beings only have two ways to deal with one another: reason and force. If you want me to do something for you, you have a choice of either convincing me via argument, or force me to do your bidding under threat of force. Every human interaction falls into one of those two categories, without exception. Reason or force, that's it.
In a truly moral and civilized society, people exclusively interact through persuasion. Force has no place as a valid method of social interaction, and the only thing that removes force from the menu is the personal firearm, as paradoxical as it may sound to some.
When I carry a gun, you cannot deal with me by force. You have to use reason and try to persuade me, because I have a way to negate your threat or employment of force. The gun is the only personal weapon that puts a 100-pound woman on equal footing with a 220-pound mugger, a 75-year old retiree on equal footing with a 19-year old gangbanger, and a single gay guy on equal footing with a carload of drunk guys with baseball bats. The gun removes the disparity in physical strength, size, or numbers between a potential attacker and a defender.
There are plenty of people who consider the gun as the source of bad force equations. These are the people who think that we'd be more civilized if all guns were removed from society, because a firearm makes it easier for a mugger to do his job. That, of course, is only true if the mugger's potential victims are mostly disarmed either by choice or by legislative fiat--it has no validity when most of a mugger's potential marks are armed. People who argue for the banning of arms ask for automatic rule by the young, the strong, and the many, and that's the exact opposite of a civilized society. A mugger, even an armed one, can only make a successful living in a society where the state has granted him a force monopoly.
Then there's the argument that the gun makes confrontations lethal that otherwise would only result in injury. This argument is fallacious in several ways. Without guns involved, confrontations are won by the physically superior party inflicting overwhelming injury on the loser. People who think that fists, bats, sticks, or stones don't constitute lethal force watch too much TV, where people take beatings and come out of it with a bloody lip at worst. The fact that the gun makes lethal force easier works solely in favor of the weaker defender, not the stronger attacker. If both are armed, the field is level. The gun is the only weapon that's as lethal in the hands of an octogenarian as it is in the hands of a weightlifter. It simply wouldn't work as well as a force equalizer if it wasn't both lethal and easily employable.
When I carry a gun, I don't do so because I am looking for a fight, but because I'm looking to be left alone. The gun at my side means that I cannot be forced, only persuaded. I don't carry it because I'm afraid, but because it enables me to be unafraid. It doesn't limit the actions of those who would interact with me through reason, only the actions of those who would do so by force. It removes force from the equation...and that's why carrying a gun is a civilized act.
--This states my feelings exactly.
Human beings only have two ways to deal with one another: reason and force. If you want me to do something for you, you have a choice of either convincing me via argument, or force me to do your bidding under threat of force. Every human interaction falls into one of those two categories, without exception. Reason or force, that's it.
In a truly moral and civilized society, people exclusively interact through persuasion. Force has no place as a valid method of social interaction, and the only thing that removes force from the menu is the personal firearm, as paradoxical as it may sound to some.
When I carry a gun, you cannot deal with me by force. You have to use reason and try to persuade me, because I have a way to negate your threat or employment of force. The gun is the only personal weapon that puts a 100-pound woman on equal footing with a 220-pound mugger, a 75-year old retiree on equal footing with a 19-year old gangbanger, and a single gay guy on equal footing with a carload of drunk guys with baseball bats. The gun removes the disparity in physical strength, size, or numbers between a potential attacker and a defender.
There are plenty of people who consider the gun as the source of bad force equations. These are the people who think that we'd be more civilized if all guns were removed from society, because a firearm makes it easier for a mugger to do his job. That, of course, is only true if the mugger's potential victims are mostly disarmed either by choice or by legislative fiat--it has no validity when most of a mugger's potential marks are armed. People who argue for the banning of arms ask for automatic rule by the young, the strong, and the many, and that's the exact opposite of a civilized society. A mugger, even an armed one, can only make a successful living in a society where the state has granted him a force monopoly.
Then there's the argument that the gun makes confrontations lethal that otherwise would only result in injury. This argument is fallacious in several ways. Without guns involved, confrontations are won by the physically superior party inflicting overwhelming injury on the loser. People who think that fists, bats, sticks, or stones don't constitute lethal force watch too much TV, where people take beatings and come out of it with a bloody lip at worst. The fact that the gun makes lethal force easier works solely in favor of the weaker defender, not the stronger attacker. If both are armed, the field is level. The gun is the only weapon that's as lethal in the hands of an octogenarian as it is in the hands of a weightlifter. It simply wouldn't work as well as a force equalizer if it wasn't both lethal and easily employable.
When I carry a gun, I don't do so because I am looking for a fight, but because I'm looking to be left alone. The gun at my side means that I cannot be forced, only persuaded. I don't carry it because I'm afraid, but because it enables me to be unafraid. It doesn't limit the actions of those who would interact with me through reason, only the actions of those who would do so by force. It removes force from the equation...and that's why carrying a gun is a civilized act.
--This states my feelings exactly.
Supreme Court Poised for Historic Gun Ruling
For more than 30 years, the District of Columbia has had the nation's strictest gun-control law, including a ban on having handguns at home for self-defense. Challengers say that violates the Second Amendment's right to keep and bear arms.
We should find out the results this week.
The case is widely expected to be a victory for supporters of gun rights. Top officials of a national gun control organization said this week that they expect the handgun ban to be struck down.
--So do I.
KRISS .45 ACP Civilian Carbine
This is the Kriss .45 ACP Carbine.
I first saw this on the cable show Future Weapons. It has all the features I want in a Carbine! It comes in .45 ACP is the main requirement. It has lots of options and configurations. Many accessories can be used with it.
I can't wait to see one at a gun show or store some time soon.
--Glock needs to make a Carbine.
Four Rules Violations in the News
Would-be robber accidentally shoots himself, dies
DALLAS — A 19-year-old would-be robber from Fort Worth died after accidentally shooting himself during an early-morning break-in, police said.
The body of Cameron Sands was found early Tuesday morning in the driveway of a home in the suburban Dallas town of Grand Prairie.
Sands kicked in the door of the house and then shot himself in the stomach while trying to pull the gun out of his pants, Grand Prairie police said. Sands then dropped the gun and ran from the home, making it as far as the driveway before he collapsed.
The homeowner was not injured, police said.
"This is the first that I've heard of a robbery suspect killing himself as he is drawing a gun out of his waist band," Grand Prairie police spokesman Lt. John Brimmer said in a story on The Dallas Morning News Web site Wednesday. "It certainly isn't common."
-- Stupid people breaking the four rules.
I Love Virginia
I Live in Northern Virginia. VA is a great state for shooting enthusiasts.
It is a "Shall Issue" state for concealed carry permits. All you have to do is take an approved class, fill out the forms and you are ready to go (armed). Click on the map and see some animation to show you how the sates have progressed. This is one reason the crime rate is so low. Right across the river in DC there are 400-500 murders a year. Only 19 soldiers died in all of Iraq in May. Sheesh.
It is a great state if you are a hunter also. A single hunter is allowed to take 180 deer per year. Yes. That's correct, 2 per day for 90 days total. The deer population is out of control. There are not enough hunters any more. I might even try hunting with my crossbow next season!
In VA you can buy any gun you like. Full Auto, Silencers, .50 cal, anything. I have seen water cooled, full auto, belt fed, .50 cal machine guns with jeep mount tripods for sale. There are lots of indoor and outdoor ranges and clubs where you can shoot. Great gun shows.
--And you can still buy guns at Wal-Mart.
Neo Hoplophobia
I was talking guns today with some of the guys at work and heard the term that describes a friend of mine perfectly: "Neo Hoplophobia"
"Shooters that don't like any gun designed in the last 50 years." They were talking about Chuck Heston but it might as well have been him. They described fear of owning, "Scary black guns" and clinging to old designs even when stats are clearly in favor of modern rigs (rifle, handgun and shotguns). (even K-Bars were mentioned!)
I wish he had been there!!
Hoplophobia (fear of firearms) is one of Jeff Cooper's favorite terms.
-- Do you have "Neo Hoplophobia"?
Fathers Day
It was a great Fathers Day. I thought I would have to stretch to find a related topic but it turns out I have a couple things.
First: My Son took me to the range! Well I took him, actually. He is only 11 years old and still doesn't drive so well. Anyway, we had a great day. We took four different guns. Three were .22LR's and my Glock 21 as always.
I took some time and sighted in my Ruger Mark III. It now has a dot scope and an integral silencer. It is now dialed in and quiet as a fart. Well... Honestly... the sound of my farts are way louder than that gun. It always cracks me up how it turns heads at the range. With the new dot scope, more than ever.
My Glock 21 .45ACP was reliable as ever.
Second: My daughter bought me the TV series Jericho on DVD! There will be lots of gun related goodness there! I've seen the show already. The first season was better than the second partial season. But I take my survivalist action adventure where I can get it, even if there are no Zombies.
Call your Dad and wish him a Happy Fathers Day.
--I miss my Father. Probably always will.
Smith and Wesson 539
The first gun I ever bought for myself was a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun. I think it was 1984 and it was the dawn of the modern age of 9mm. I'm not talking about German Lugar's or NATO or the Government stupidly moving from the .45 ACP to 9mm.I'm talking about Miami Vice.
Suddenly 9mm's and short shotguns were cool in a big way. Bigger and cooler than any guns in TV or movie history. Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I. never wrapped his 1911 .45 in cool like Tubbs and Crocket did for their guns. Others tried: Starsky and Hutch, Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry, Charles Bronson in Death Wish and Elizabeth Kaitan in Assault of the Killer Bimbos. They never made the gun into another character on screen like Miami Vice did.
The S&W 539 I bought as my first was a limited edition. It still holds up, after all these years. It still shoots like a dream even after thousands of rounds.
--My pastel green suit, not so much.
Kids and the Four Rules...
I have two kids. My son is 11 and my daughter is 14. They are the best kids in the known universe. They are smart and healthy and happy. They are excellent students. They can also repeat the FOUR RULES on demand:
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
- Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- Always know your target and what's behind it.
My son loves to shoot. We in fact are going to the range this weekend! My daughter couldn't care less. She's gone to shoot with me a couple times because she (we) thought it was important to learn how to safely handle firearms.
--I am a very lucky man.
My First Time
The first time I fired a gun was when I was about nine years old. I'll never forget that day.
We always had guns in the house where I grew up. They were not locked up and they were stored with ammo. In fact, the one that I shot that day was typically stored, in the kitchen, on hooks, over the doorway to the "kids play room"! Every house in the county kept their guns that way.That still cracks me up. How the world has changed...
I have three older brothers and on that auspicious day I was out playing in the back yard when two of them were coming back from rabbit hunting. We had 250 acres in farm country of Western New York where my parents owned a shade tree farm. A Nursery. Rabbits wreaked havoc on the plants my father grew, so we had a permit to hunt them year round.
It was a beautiful day.Sunny and breezy and perfect.
My brothers were in an excellent mood because the day was so sweet. I remember the younger of the brothers was drinking an orange soda from a pop-top can. The kind with the pop-tops you hated to step on bare foot. It was empty. I remember that he was shaking it because he had slipped the pop-top into the can after he had pulled it off.
He tossed the can about ten yards away and said, "JB, come here and see if you can shoot that can!" Without ceremony, he handed my the double barrel, 20 gauge shotgun and all he said as instructions was, "Just aim and make sure you pull both triggers at the same time..."
That asshat.
I gave that can both barrels and landed flat on my back.
My brothers laughed so hard they nearly pissed themselves . Even though it felt like I had been smashed on the shoulder with a baseball bat I couldn't help laughing too.
We never told my parents and I had a hell of a time hiding that bruise, that badge of courage.
--I became a man that day.
Topics
What kind of things will I be using as topics?
Here are a few:
Here are a few:
- Stories from my youth
- Range reports
- Reviews of the guns I shoot
- Experiences in teaching my kids to shoot
- Want lists
- Rants about politics
- Silencers and other Class III fun
- Movies that include gun porn!
- Concealed carry issues
- Hunting tales
- Shooting gear
- The Zombie Apocalypse!
And so it begins...
I have enjoyed shooting my whole life. I am an avid shooter that has recently been enjoying the blogs of other shootists.
I am going to attempt to document my experiences, past and present here that relate to my life as a shooter.
It could be fun. It could be a pain in the ass.
--Either way... We're off!!