I don't usually post too much about politics. The echo chamber has better analysts than me.
I will make a few comments about yesterday.
Obamacare and SCOTUS:
I was disappointed but bad legislation results in activating the opposition. That rumble you feel in the force is the closing of millions of Lazy Boy recliners as Tea Party members begin to move. Deficit spending, massive government pork and privacy invasions of this thing is the tigers tail the President has stepped on...
Contempt of Holder:
This is a bigger win than the SCOTUS ruling. Bad legislation can be changed.
Holders was found in Contempt of Congress. This dooms Holder in the long run but more important he has wrapped all this around the Presidents axle. Democrats joined Republicans in the vote. What happens next is not clear. I can't believe the President has not demanded he fall on his sword. They probably have too much dirt on each other.
Anyone else would already be in jail already. Their doors kicked in and documents seized by force. This situation is a disgrace.
--I have to go rinse the bile out of my throat now.
Gunsmithin: Part 2
I can now see why it's better to actually go to a smith that has a ton of experience with suppressors.
The Gemtech suppressor I have includes an internal spring and piston system. A different unit is available for a carbine to optimize the sound suppression.
I got a tour of his shop. It's huge. It has a bunch of huge specialty lathes, presses and CNC machines. I swear, if you have the money, they could make you anything.
Anyway, he gave me a rough estimate of the price, with parts. He'll call with an exact estimate and schedule.
--Should be a quick turn around. I will keep you updated.
The Eat'N Tool
I started packing stuff and everywhere I look I seem to have seeded all my BOBs with the handy Eat'N Tool.
These things are damn handy it you are packin light! It has a fork, spoon, beer opener, wrenches, and screw driver.
I have one in my range bag because it's perfect for adjusting a couple of my scopes!
You can even One Click them on Amazon!
--Buy two or three!
Movie: The Avengers
Sometime I feel like such a Geek when in a movie I get excited by certain firearms showing up. In this movie it happened a couple times. In my head I yelled, "Hey! There is a KRISS Vector!" or "Hey! She is shooting Glocks!"
I enjoyed it! "Puny God..."
Miller Rating: 7 of 10
Here is the list from the Internet Movie Firearm Database:
--I recommend this movie. It's the perfect summer action flick.
Gunsmithin: Part 1
I have been enjoying the hell out of my new suppressor. What could be the only thing that could make it better? The ability to use it on more that one firearm!
My JR Carbine is also .45 ACP and it even uses Glock 21 magazines! It's only natural for it to share even more with his little brother!
So I took them both into my usual gunsmith to get the barrel threaded. Not as simple as I thought.
Threading a barrel for a suppressor is very precise work. Any small deviation will cause an internal impact and the destruction of the can. Threading for a muzzle break can be off a degree or two with no adverse effects. A suppressor threading must be perfect.
Next the Gunsmith has to have special Class III permits to be able to do this kind of work.
A lot of guys that call themselves "Gunsmiths" are in reality "Gun Mechanics". Part replacement guys. Most in fact have very little ability to fabricate parts from scratch or do precision milling or machine work. That's ok for most work. Like replacing my trigger group on my Saiga for 922r compliance, a new mag extension on my shotgun or other simple work.
So... I am now in search of a Gunsmith that has a Class III license and can do precision threading (in metric) on a lathe.
--I will be talking to another Smith on Monday.
My JR Carbine is also .45 ACP and it even uses Glock 21 magazines! It's only natural for it to share even more with his little brother!
So I took them both into my usual gunsmith to get the barrel threaded. Not as simple as I thought.
Threading a barrel for a suppressor is very precise work. Any small deviation will cause an internal impact and the destruction of the can. Threading for a muzzle break can be off a degree or two with no adverse effects. A suppressor threading must be perfect.
Next the Gunsmith has to have special Class III permits to be able to do this kind of work.
A lot of guys that call themselves "Gunsmiths" are in reality "Gun Mechanics". Part replacement guys. Most in fact have very little ability to fabricate parts from scratch or do precision milling or machine work. That's ok for most work. Like replacing my trigger group on my Saiga for 922r compliance, a new mag extension on my shotgun or other simple work.
So... I am now in search of a Gunsmith that has a Class III license and can do precision threading (in metric) on a lathe.
--I will be talking to another Smith on Monday.
Quotes of the Week
--Sarah Palin
"You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need."
--Vernon Howard
"The trouble with fighting for human freedom is that one spends most of one's time defending scoundrels. For it is against scoundrels that oppressive laws are first aimed, and oppression must be stopped at the beginning if it is to be stopped at all."
--H. L. Mencken
"I need an Answer Engine not a Search Engine."
--I had a talk with Steve Wozniak. Seriously...
"Our inward power, when it obeys nature, reacts to events by accommodating itself to what it faces – to what is possible. It needs no specific material. It pursues its own aims as circumstances allow; it turns obstacles into fuel. As a fire overwhelms what would have quenched a lamp. What’s thrown on top of the conflagration is absorbed, consumed by it – and makes it burn still higher."
--Marcus Aurelius
2 Guage Shotgun
This thing was used for hunting water fowl. Get a whole flock at once!
--I was hoping to see it shot from the shoulder!
--I was hoping to see it shot from the shoulder!
Deal Alert: MagPul 30 Round Mags
These are $19 at my local stores.
I am tempted to order another TEN!
--I am such a MagPul whore.
Woot!
It now has a special dedicated section called sportwoot! that often posts a sweet daily deal for shooting sports.
Today is another example of shooters gear. It's a Smith & Wesson Tactical Light for handguns at a great price!
--Check Them Out!
Kids and Guns
It turns out we are not the only ones who are are teaching their children to be safe and to enjoy shooting!
Texas gun range targets parties for kids 8 and older
By Marice Richter, Lewisville Texas
Parents searching for the perfect place and theme for their kids' birthday parties will soon have another option in Texas: a gun range.Eagle Gun Range in Lewisville, Texas, is due to open later this summer and birthday parties will be available to children age 8 and older. Party-goers will get a 30-minute class in gun safety and handling and then will have the opportunity to shoot either a BB gun or a .22 long rifle.
--Teaching kids early is the key.
Book
I am posting about this one because I can't believe how little time the author spends on firearms.
He states, "I do not recommend the use of firearms for self defense if you have received extensive professional training from the military or law enforcement."
He goes on to recommend, reluctantly, .38 revolvers and shotguns only. He spends a total of 2 pages out of 343 of this book on firearms. He even treads out the cliche of the chambering a round as a deterrence sound. Screw that. The first and last sound an intruder should hear is his head exploding.
I totally disagree with this guy. So does the military and law enforcement apparently.
I believe Glocks and ARs are the way to go. There is a place for revolvers and shotguns as well as sniper rifles and .22s and even pellet guns.
--The book has a lot of good concepts. Harvest that stuff. Look elsewhere for firearms recommendations.
First Range Trip for the Gemtech
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| Glock 21 with Gemtech Suppressor |
The sound reduction is excellent. I went to my sisters farm right after I got it and tried it without hearing protection. Very comfortable.
At the range it was almost funny the audible difference between the Gemtech and my 1911 carry piece.
A few lane down a woman had a Ruger Mark III handgun that was louder. It got a lot of people interested. Couple guys could not believe it was a .45.
In general the can changes a few things about the way the gun functions. The sight picture was disturbed by the diameter of the can. But it was not too bad. Allowances for the picture were easy. The way the gun cycles is smoother and softer some how. The casing doesn't eject as far or as fast. The additional weight and gas baffling reduces the recoil noticeably.
All and all. I love it. I will get my JR Carbine threaded soon!
--TBolt was shooting great with it!!
TBolts Custom M1A
I brought the new Gemtech suppressor on my Glock 21. I love it! More on that later.
TBolt brought his M1A with the new mods. Most notable is the new stock. I love it. It's lighter, the cheek and shoulder pads are very adjustable, the mag well has a great throat, and the picitinny rails are great. It also has a nice fore grip bi-pod.
The EOTech scope is excellent.
Even without magnification my very first 100 yard shot was a bulls eye. I could easily keep it on a zombie cranium at 100 yards. I can't wait to try it at 300 or 500 years.
--Great job TBolt!
Quotes of the Week
-Jack
"The problem with New York’s (microstamping) legislation, in my view, is that it forces the costs of microstamping on law-abiding gun manufacturers, who pass them on to their overwhelmingly law-abiding customers."
--Robert VerBruggen
"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."
--Mahatma Gandhi
"When in doubt, have two guys come through the door with guns."
--Raymond Chandler
Time is the fire in wich we burn...
Every now and then life gets really crazy. Like now. Too much happening all at once. And right now I have a wicked back ache. Work, Family, Home all collide and usually blogging is usually the first thing that begins to suffer.
I actually do three blogs, Facebook micro blogging, and a metric ton of personal email. All just in a bit of time in the evenings. 9:30pm is bed time.
None of it can be done while at work, ever. My Tivo needs me. I read a lot, Books on CD too. My daughter is graduating High School, her Grad Party is today, and getting ready for college. My son just got his learners permit and needs road time. There are new movies to watch. I am restoring a motorcycle. Range time! My wife is beautiful and loves me (wink wink). My home project list is huge. I have two camping vacations planned for this summer (3 weeks offline).
I try to get ahead and schedule posts when I can to cover my time off line. If I can't it does stress me.
--The key is I am still having fun.
I actually do three blogs, Facebook micro blogging, and a metric ton of personal email. All just in a bit of time in the evenings. 9:30pm is bed time.
None of it can be done while at work, ever. My Tivo needs me. I read a lot, Books on CD too. My daughter is graduating High School, her Grad Party is today, and getting ready for college. My son just got his learners permit and needs road time. There are new movies to watch. I am restoring a motorcycle. Range time! My wife is beautiful and loves me (wink wink). My home project list is huge. I have two camping vacations planned for this summer (3 weeks offline).
I try to get ahead and schedule posts when I can to cover my time off line. If I can't it does stress me.
--The key is I am still having fun.
.45 Sound, with and without a suppressor
Suppressors are not completely quiet. They are way more quiet but far from silent.
This is why I like Suppressors:
--Most of the sound you hear is the bullet hitting the rock!
This is why I like Suppressors:
--Most of the sound you hear is the bullet hitting the rock!
Part 6: I Have it!!
It has finally arrived:
Let's recap the entire effort:
On November 26th, 2011, I began this series of blog posts: How to Buy a Supressor
Start to finish, it details on everything I have had do to buy a new suppressor for my Glock 21.
I did a lot of prep work up front. I researched and purchased a factory Glock threaded barrel. I researched various types of suppressors. I found the one I wanted and then a gun store that sold them.
--Now I have got to take it to the range!
Let's recap the entire effort:
On November 26th, 2011, I began this series of blog posts: How to Buy a Supressor
Start to finish, it details on everything I have had do to buy a new suppressor for my Glock 21.
I did a lot of prep work up front. I researched and purchased a factory Glock threaded barrel. I researched various types of suppressors. I found the one I wanted and then a gun store that sold them.
- November 26th, 2011 I said, "I'll take it."
- I filled out a simple ATF Form 4 and provided my Drivers License.
- Five minutes later they had printed off, and signed, three copies for me to sign. They included them in a packet with instructions and fingerprint cards.
- I paid for the suppressor. Just the suppressor.
- They boxed it up, labeled it and put it in their safe.
- The next day I obtained two passport photos at CVS.
- Obtained two finger print cards.
- Submitted the forms for signature by the County Sheriff.
- December 15th I received the signed forms from the County Sheriff
- Same day I sent in all the forms with a check for $200 to the ATF.
- Wait... Wait... Wait... Wait...
- June 13th, 2012 I got the call from the Gun Store that the papers were in.
- Drove in, filled out the standard instant check forms.
- It is now mine!!
MOVIE: Mad Max
What really struck me was all the double barrel shotguns!
I remembered the famous sawed off dog leg Max carried. But there was like six more in the movie.
Miller Rating: 7 of 10
Here is what IMFDB says:
- Mauser C96 'Broomhandle'
- Smith & Wesson Model 28
- Double Barrel Shotguns
- Sawn Off Double barrel shotgun
- Winchester Model 1912
- Winchester Model 70
--The dubbing over Mel Gibsons voice is actually pretty funny.
Part 5: Still Waiting
I have gone into detail on everything I have had do to buy a new suppressor for my Glock 21.
I did a lot of prep work up front. I researched and purchased a factory Glock threaded barrel. I researched various types of suppressors. I found the one I wanted and then a gun store that sold them. The gun shop where I bought it does a lot of Class III business. Here is what I have done already:
- I filled out a simple ATF Form 4 and provided my Drivers License.
- Five minutes later they had printed off, and signed, three copies for me to sign. They included them in a packet with instructions and fingerprint cards.
- I paid for the suppressor. Just the suppressor.
- They boxed it up, labeled it and put it in their safe.
- Obtained two passport photos.
- Obtained two finger print cards.
- Submitted the forms for signature by the County Sheriff.
- Sent in all the forms with a check for $200.
- Wait...
SIGs
This week I got an invite to a Preppers Group. Hurricane Preperations was the initial topic.
Turns out everyone was talking about preparing for the Pending Zombie Apocalypse! Zombies being big in the news in recent weeks.
It was funny how it has become the generic, politically correct way to talk about defensive gun ownership and disaster preparedness. Preps for all kinds of issues.
Zombie Apocalypse preps will basically cover most of the situations. Beans, bandaids and bullets. The SIG plans on weekly meetings, each with a topic: Water, Food, Shelter, First Aid, BOBs, Communications, Firearms, Gear, Transport, Retreats.
The main thing everyone had in common was guns. All were shooters.
--This could be interesting.
Quotes of the Week
Yup, because nothing tells a politician to change course like being the first sitting governor to defeat a recall challenge, and do so by a wider margin than his initial election.
--Jack, Assorted Meanderings
--Jack, Assorted Meanderings
Gun control is a tough sell when there are zombies and cannibals making headlines.--Cam Edwards on facebook
"I challenge you"
"And by you, I actually mean me.
The last few times I’ve shot a handgun have been awful. Lately, I just shoot them terribly. And I know why: lack of shooting. We all get busy and have to do stuff to feed the mouths in the house. And my shooting has been slacking off. And, in my case, when I go to the range I usually have a gaggle of newbies or kids that I take and I spend time teaching them. So, the range and I need some alone time. With that, starting next week, I’m going to make it point to hit the range at least once a week, shoot at least 100 rounds and do that until I run through this case of ammo I got sitting in the basement.
Why 100 minimum and why once a week? Because it’s a pretty small time commitment and I have no excuse for not sneaking it in.
Update: And no tag-alongs or newbies. Shooting by myself so I can focus on shooting."
--Say Uncle
Conceal Carry Options for Women
A friend emailed me a link to a good video that details several holster options for women.
It was the result of a talk we had where I mentioned thigh holsters as a summer sundress option.
--Even if you are a guy, it's a nice holster roundup.
It was the result of a talk we had where I mentioned thigh holsters as a summer sundress option.
--Even if you are a guy, it's a nice holster roundup.
Virginia Gun Trader
On this site, people that live in Virginia can privately buy, sell and trade firearms, ammo, accessories, gear and goods.
It's been around for a while and I am just now hearing about it!! Oh the Humanity!
At this writing the site currently has:
- 12798 Members
- 156 Forums
- 19580 Topics
- 98557 Posts
Gun Content on Groupon
"Though the "noble experiment" of Prohibition failed, other noble experiments, such as teaching horses how to shoot guns and giving suffrage to any horse that could shoot a gun, were huge successes. Celebrate the failure of the 18th Amendment with... "
I read this and had an instant WTF reaction.
So I fired up Google and only found info on how to shoot a horse if it need to be put down and training a horse not to freak out if you shoot guns while mounted. A task that is more difficult than I thought.
--What the hell is Groupon talking about?
Takedown 10/22 Mods
I saw this on the web recently on an AR15.com forum. I will have to do this project myself! I wonder if a stock from a 10/22 Charger would work? This would be great for a Camp Gun, Truck Gun or a BOB.
--There will probably a pile of after market stocks like this available soon!
--There will probably a pile of after market stocks like this available soon!
Blackhawk Knoxx SPECOPS Stock.
To be honest it was a royal pain in the ass to install. The factory stock came off very easy but the new stock was a hassle to replace.
I don't like special tools to be required. Yes, the tool was included with the kit but will it be there when I need it. It was also an awkward angle so the tool could not turn 360 degrees. It took me 10 mins but it was finally on and tight.
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| Blackhawk Knoxx SPECOPS Stock |
It does provide recoil reduction but it turns out I am not the best gauge for the amount of reduction. We need to do a side by side comparison with a standard 870. I was expecting to be bouncy/springy so much so that target re-acquisition would be a problem and it's not.
Bottom line is that I like it! It looks and functions well. The ergonomics are great.
--It's worth the money.
Range Run
These were the new shooters I took last month and this was their second trip! It was a beautiful day.
The day started out shooting clays. We went through 35 rounds each. Even with recoil reduction the 12 gauge was a bit heavy for her. Next time we will shoot skeet she'll try a 20 gauge or maybe even a 16 gauge. Maybe Bull Run Shooting Center for our next skeet shoot.
She also preferred the adjustable stocks on the 870 and my Saiga. So do I. Much easier to shoot.
After the Shotguns, we shot my 1911 and my Kel-Tec P3AT for a bit.
Carol still prefers my Ruger SP-101 over any other firearm she has tried.--John loves them all...
The Kid Shoot
Nancy over at Excel at Nothing hosted a kid focus shooting event this weekend.
Her arcane powers were in full effect by creating the best weather for a cookout I have ever seen in my whole long life.
There were ten kids and ten adults. The kids were very well behaved. (and none were mine!)
The food was awesome. I am still full at this writing. The big winners, that will be made at the The Millers real soon, were the Seven Layer Jello, Bacon Wrapped Onions and the Pumpkin Crunch. I am so full!
We had some great BB and Pellet guns for the kids. Lots of very safe One-on-One instruction for the very well behaved kids.
My wife really enjoyed the clay pidgin targets too!
Nancy has a great yard with a swing set. Nice social time in the shade while the kids ate hot dogs and cup cakes. Andy even brought a moon bounce! The whole thing make me want to get a classic Red Rider for myself!
--And nobody got an eye shot out!
Quote of the Week
-Thucydides
John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement: "This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
"When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe."
-- Thomas Jefferson
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."
-- Thomas Jefferson
"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world."
-- Thomas Jefferson
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."
-- Thomas Jefferson
"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government."
-- Thomas Jefferson
"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."
-- Thomas Jefferson
"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."
-- Thomas Jefferson
"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical."
-- Thomas Jefferson
Open Carry Weekend
I carried my Beretta Px4 .40 in it's Galco holster today.
My wife and I went to Nancy's Kid Shoot and Cook out! More on that later.
It is a very comfy rig set up like this. Even with the +2 mag I have for it.
--It was a picture perfect day for the picnic.
The Squirrel Report
On Fridays, at 9pm Eastern time, there is an Internet radio show called The Squirrel Report. It has four hosts from the Gun Blogger community but the show is not exclusively about guns. It's not all about squirrels either.
How to describe the Squirrel Report?
It's like we are eaves dropping on a table in a pub, where people are drinking, talking about the weeks chaos, and they have a speaker phone and a chat room that people call in to and swear a lot!
Alan, Breda, JayG, and Weerd are our adventurous hosts.
They usually have a topic of the week but feel no obligation to stick with it. You actually can call in! (214) 530-0036. They’re at least 89% sure the call-in feature will work.
The show is not for those that are easily offended and FOR those easily amused. They will round up the news and culture of the week. What culture remains to be seen. With any luck T-Bolt will call in pretending to be Sean Connery!
--It's worth listening just to hear Breda laugh. Bring Bourbon...