Range Weekend
A crew of friends will be going and shooting .22 rifles.
I will be taking in my Ruger 10/22 with Integral Suppressor. I call her Squirrelsbane.
I will be cutting into my stockpile of ammo for this range run. .22LR is still very thin out there.
I am looking into getting the new BX-Trigger for her. I was hoping to handle one before I order one.
I also have a new bipod I am going to try.
--In all, still cheap shooting!
Still Waiting.
I keep rushing to the mailbox every day, like a kid looking for a secret decoder ring. The paperwork for my next suppressor is due now any day.
This can will work on my Remington 700 .308 or my .300 Blackout SBR.
--Teasing me!
This can will work on my Remington 700 .308 or my .300 Blackout SBR.
--Teasing me!
Guns in Planet Hollywood
I went to Planet Hollywood last night for dinner. They have all kinds movie and TV props and other things.
We were seated right next to the handgun that Eli Wallach carried in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
It was a Colt 1851 Navy Percussion. It was in great condition and mounted in a glass case.
It wasn't even a prop gun. Think about that. Look at the picture above.
--When will the PC police call to have the display removed...
We were seated right next to the handgun that Eli Wallach carried in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
It was a Colt 1851 Navy Percussion. It was in great condition and mounted in a glass case.
It wasn't even a prop gun. Think about that. Look at the picture above.
--When will the PC police call to have the display removed...
On Travel
I am on a trip for work this week.
Usually I have a lot of extra time for blogging while I am on the road.
My wife decided to come on this trip as a cheap vacation for her. I am at a conference in Orlando Florida. While I am being slowly murdered by PowerPoint she will be off doing what ever she wants with credit cards and amusement parks.
The biggest problem is that she has a Fitbit and wants to walk me ragged.
--More Later.
Usually I have a lot of extra time for blogging while I am on the road.
My wife decided to come on this trip as a cheap vacation for her. I am at a conference in Orlando Florida. While I am being slowly murdered by PowerPoint she will be off doing what ever she wants with credit cards and amusement parks.
The biggest problem is that she has a Fitbit and wants to walk me ragged.
--More Later.
Quotes of the Week
– Edward Langley
What the government is good at is collecting taxes, taking away your freedoms and killing people. It's not good at much else.
– Tom Clancy
The only thing that saves us from bureaucracy is its inefficiency.
– Eugene McCarthy
Voluntary association produces the free market — where each person can choose among a multitude of possibilities.
– Harry Browne
There is no way to measure the chilling effect on innovation that results from the threats of taxation [and] regulation.
– Joseph Sobran
Random Saturday
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| Glock 21 with Glock Tac Lightand Gemtech Suppressor |
I bought a bluing kit this week. I am planning on trying it with an old 20 gauge single shot before I use it on any guns I like.
I have a few knives that might look nice if they were blued.
This morning the coffee is really good.
I have totally addicted a friend to shooting. He owns two handguns now and wants to buy a rifle. It's fair because he is the one that made me love cigars.
I am still waiting on the paperwork from the ATF on 2 suppressors. I am about to do another SBR and an SBS.
I just upgraded my laptop to Win 8.1 and it's better than I expected.
The Shot Show was this week. Makes me want to buy stuff!
--Nothing beats blogging in a bathrobe and nightshirt.
WANT: Six12
This comes in various configurations but the one I am really interested in is the SBS version that has a grip and is mounted on an AR.
This would be a great door breach tool or just a way to send six rounds of street sweeps down range.
I have not handled one yet and we are still looking at another year before there is even one in the wild.
--This might be too scary for Shotgun Joe Biden!
Back in 1972
That was the year we rifle training during gym class. Our school had a 50 yard rifle range with six lanes. There was even an armory in the range where all the rifles were stashed. It was also the Civil Defense Shelter. Remember those?
Every kid in my class had safety training and practical range time. I think my school may have been one of the last ones in the country to offer this thanks to the hippies of the day.
We would have competitions. Boys and girls were all equal in this class and if I remember correctly the 12 year old girls were far better shots than the boys.
The Vietnam war ended and soon after the gun safety program ended.
--Now a gun shaped Pop-Tart will get a kid suspended.
Cleaning the Ruger 10/22
I use to do a full strip and clean at least once a year on all my guns but it's been about three years now for this one.
The gun was still shooting well even though it was super filthy. It is a real testament to the Ruger 10/22.
This is the 10/22 from my collection that has the integral suppressor. This my be my very favorite firearm.
--Now I want to take her out and get her dirty...
Mossberg 152 Project
The Mossberg 152 Project is complete.
My friend Tony did most of the work. This Rifle was completely locked up when it was given to me. It took several hours to completely disassemble, clean, polish and reassemble.
Today we took it to the range and gave it a ride. It shot really well.
We ordered a couple replacement parts for it. Most notably a small retention pin in the bolt. It still shoots fine.
--Need to find some mags that don't cost a mint.
My friend Tony did most of the work. This Rifle was completely locked up when it was given to me. It took several hours to completely disassemble, clean, polish and reassemble.
Today we took it to the range and gave it a ride. It shot really well.
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| 1958 Mossberg 152 |
--Need to find some mags that don't cost a mint.
Quotes of the Week
~Howard Dean, former DNC chair inadvertently validating everything the pro-gun side says.
Complex rules and regulations give rise to simple, stupid behavior.
– Dee Hock
The only sure weapon against bad ideas is better ideas.
– A. Whitney Griswold
– Dee Hock
The only sure weapon against bad ideas is better ideas.
– A. Whitney Griswold
Voluntary association produces the free market — where each person can choose among a multitude of possibilities.
– Harry Browne
There is no way to measure the chilling effect on innovation that results from the threats of taxation [and] regulation.
– Joseph Sobran
If whoever controls government can impose his way upon you, you have to fight constantly.
– Harry Browne
WTH?
It's gone!
Trust me it was brilliant. It had really excellent spelling and grammar. And the gun content was fabulous.
As a consolation prize here is a quick pic of my DPMS HBAR.
--Yes, it weighs a ton.
IPSC Event
I cannot believe how much fun I had! It was my first time at one of these and I will offer my advice as a total noob that had no idea what I was doing.
The only advice I got going in was, "Check out some Youtubes!" and "Bring a good holster and a lot of magazines. Go slow."
We showed up an hour early. That way we could watch the guys in the group before us run the stages and figure out how the show was run. They had four stages set up.
We got to do a lot. There was movement, shooting, reloading, different distances, hostages, moving targets. holster drawing, windows at various heights. There were different classes to compete within. Some people had the race guns and were very serious about their score and speed.
I didn't even care about my score.
My favorite stage had 16 targets I had to double tap. A minimum of 32 rounds. It had 4 windows at various heights, a long hallway and you had to carry a 5 gallon plastic bucket with you for the whole thing! The class I was in (unmodified firearm) only allowed max of 10 rounds in each mag. I had to reload 3 times. Some shooters had 7 round mags! The stage took me 59 seconds. I LOVED IT!
Near the end I got disqualified for gun specific rule I was not aware of. Guns with exposed hammers must have the safety on with HAMMER DOWN, first shot has to be double action straight from the holster. The range crew was really cool about it too. Took time to explain it without making me feel stupid or like an asshole. They new I was a first timer and were helping me out all along with tips.
I stood there thinking I have a good "what a dumbass" blog post!
I found the rule book online today. Knowing all this, here are the lessons I learned:
- At the start tell the range staff it's your first time. They will help you.
- Read to rule book. (before you go!)
- I know, it's 75 pages, read it and don't be a dumbass.
- Take a good holster.
- Take a lot of mags. Saves time reloading them.
- Take mag holders. (I will have at least 4 next time)
- Take water. It's thirsty fun.
- Wear comfy clothes that allow easy draw without snags.
- Wear comfy shoes.
- Help reset the targets. Many hands make it go faster.
- Go slow. Be safe.
- Go with friends. It more fun than bowling!
- Listen. Be safe.
- Get there early so you can see how the stages are run.
- The 4 Rules still apply!
- Read the rule book.
--I'm going back next month!
Photography
The main thing I learned is that I really need to get a quality light meter. I also learned that there is a huge difference between a professional model and an amateur.
The class also provided a tone of advice how to direct subjects that are not professionals. This will be the most likely scenario for me as I want to take photos of people that are actual shooters in stead of models.
The class also addressed various types of release contracts as well. All great information.
I got a college degree in photography in 1980 and I am amazed how much of the info I have retained.
I am also amazed how much people will pay for camera gear when they are just doing it for fun.
--I guess you can say the same about me with guns.
Headboard Hidden Storage
Most beds are against the wall and would work with this kind of simple DIY setup. I kind of like the tree house carpenter nature of the thing!
The same kind of thing could be integrated onto the back of a dresser or a side table. I am sure the an inexpensive holster could also be fixed there.
--I am thinking of setting up a similar rig to hold a pistol grip shotgun.
Quotes of the Week
– Lao Tzu
The history of liberty is a history of resistance.
– Woodrow Wilson
All men having power ought to be mistrusted.
– James Madison
The individual is the true reality ... he does not exist for the State.
– Emma Goldman
The public interest is best served by the free exchange of ideas.
– John Kane
The object and practice of liberty lies in the limitation of governmental power.
– General Douglas MacArthur
The cure for evil and disorder is more liberty, not suppression.
– Alexander Berkman
There is all the difference in the world between treating people equally and attempting to make them equal.
– F.A. Hayek
The degree of a country's freedom is the degree of its prosperity.
– Ayn Rand
The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves.
– William Hazlitt
Photography
I am taking a photography class on Monday.It's all about studio lighting and working effectivly with models.
This year I want to begin doing a lot more original photography that highlights my favorite firearms. Like my Saiga 12 guage.
--She tells me that the thing weighs a ton!
This year I want to begin doing a lot more original photography that highlights my favorite firearms. Like my Saiga 12 guage.
--She tells me that the thing weighs a ton!
Random Thought Friday
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| Agent Carter - Hayley Atwell |
Charlie Hebdo. Sigh. Hunt those fuckers down please.
The Computer Electronics Show had a small picitinny camera that is linked to an app on your phone or tablet. Sweet.
Marilyn Manson has a new song called 'Cupid Carries a Gun'. I wonder what caliber.
3D printed guns are getting better and better. It's still easier to make bombs at home if you're an asshole.
Nations Gun Show was last weekend. I bought some bulk .45ACP. I need to win the lotto.
I'm still waiting for my suppressors. Dammit.
I bought a huge box classic, yellow, foam rubber, ear plugs.
It's freezing balls outside. Single digit temps with negative double digit wind chills.
--I am going to watch Agent Carter as soon as I publish this post!
Stop Touching It!
I have a rule: Leave it in the holster.
When I get dressed and put my daily carry gun in it's holster it stays there, all day. It usually does not come out until I am standing in the very same place I was standing when I put it on. With the exception of the range, it always stays holstered. This video is and example why. Multiple violations of the 4 Rules.
Warning: This off duty officer is about to shoot himself accidentally in the stomach.
--Stop touching it!
When I get dressed and put my daily carry gun in it's holster it stays there, all day. It usually does not come out until I am standing in the very same place I was standing when I put it on. With the exception of the range, it always stays holstered. This video is and example why. Multiple violations of the 4 Rules.
Warning: This off duty officer is about to shoot himself accidentally in the stomach.
--Stop touching it!
Power Blast
This stuff really works great. It is strictly a solvent and not a lube in any way. I like using it with fine dental tools and canned air.
I did find out that you have to be careful what plastics you spray this stuff on.
One of the grips on my Ruger Mark III actually began to melt a bit. I need to look it up to see if it will ruin any of my polymer guns like the Glocks.
Here is the Ruger before and after.
--I am totally on a cleaning jag to start off the year.
Quotes of the Week
– General Douglas MacArthur
The cure for evil and disorder is more liberty, not suppression.
– Alexander Berkman
There is all the difference in the world between treating people equally and attempting to make them equal.
– F.A. Hayek
The degree of a country's freedom is the degree of its prosperity.
– Ayn Rand
The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves.
– William Hazlitt
S&W 629-2 Problem
It was shooting really well. I even hit a 7 inch three times at 75 feet away.
On the last six rounds of the box the drum began sticking closed.
I got it home and it was jammed closed real good.
I did some queries on the Internet that was no help at all. So I asked some friends and TBolt basically recommended starting with a really detailed cleaning. Something might simply be gumming up the works.
As always I take photos as I disassemble guns in case springs go flying or I can't remember what goes where. This was the pick with the drum fully removed and the side plate off.
I spent some time with solvents and lubes and dental tools and cleared the gunk out from the mechanism.
On reassembly, everything working fine.
--I was just a dirty, dirty, boy. And not in a good way.
Before and After
This thing was dirty.
On the right I have a couple before and after shots of the filth.
It took me and my evil minion Tony over and hour with dental tools to get this back to clean.
Funny thing is, the gun still shot just fine. Even that filthy.
We detailed cleaned my Mark II and my Mark III. Both are now ready to rock.
--We also cleaned my S&W 629-2. I will post about that tomorrow!
