So of course I had to get out of my nice warm car too...
ETA: It got colder... I'm gonna nap a little before I go back in for another 8 hours.
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Sunday, January 23, 2011
Tis cold...
So of course I had to get out of my nice warm car too...
ETA: It got colder... I'm gonna nap a little before I go back in for another 8 hours.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Color me 85 shades of jealous...
...and I don't even like 10mm. But D#$% is that a sweet looking gun.
Friday, January 21, 2011
More on Hyperstealth
From Kit Up. Seems they got to talk to Guy Cramer at SHOT, and he shed a little more light on the subject.
I first mentioned Hyperstealth late last month, and I'm still pretty excited to see how this stuff develops.
I first mentioned Hyperstealth late last month, and I'm still pretty excited to see how this stuff develops.
TJIC Meme
You may have noticed the new graphic over on the left column. In case you missed the post the other day, the story is that TJIC, a gun blogger and Massachusetts business owner, posted something on his blog right after the shooting in Tuscon the other weekend. It may not have been in the best taste, and his views may or may not reflect that of my own, but what happened next is simply disgusting.
Apparently in Arlington, MA, your constitutional rights are exclusive and singular. You're not allowed to collect the whole set. In exchange for exercising his 1st Amendment Right, TJIC was forced to give up his 2nd.
This has also lead to a boycott of his online comic book store, Heavy Ink.
Borepatch and TotC have countered with a Buycott. I'll have to see what graphic novels I'm in need of and pick up a few.
Apparently in Arlington, MA, your constitutional rights are exclusive and singular. You're not allowed to collect the whole set. In exchange for exercising his 1st Amendment Right, TJIC was forced to give up his 2nd.
This has also lead to a boycott of his online comic book store, Heavy Ink.
His views prompted comic book writers like Paul Cornell to tweet his fans, “I can’t stop someone selling my books, but please don’t buy them from HeavyInk.”I'll have to check the books that I'm reading, but I'm pretty sure he doesn't write any of them. If he does, they're getting dropped. I don't like your double standard there Mr. Cornell, your bread and butter stems from your 1st Amendment Right, and calling on your minions to force any financial hardship on someone for doing the same is simply despicable. (Also, I'd love to know of any other writers who have done likewise.)
Borepatch and TotC have countered with a Buycott. I'll have to see what graphic novels I'm in need of and pick up a few.
Shotgun Drama
ATF Will Issue a New Ruling on Monday Regarding Shotgun Imports
As Uncle says, does that mean we should stock up on Saigas? That would suck, I've been close to buying one a few times, and I'd hate to have put it off too long. I may have to check the finances and hope they prices don't do something stupid by the show next weekend... (I'm sure if they do make them non-importable they'll be well out of my price range by then anyway though. Guns are like stocks... just a lot noisier and loads more fun.)
Since that first bomb, there's been a little glimmer of light in regards to what it's going to be:
The ATF claims the ruling affects more than just one gun, so another question is which ones. Caleb's got his money on the new 28ga version of the Taurus Judge and the Rossi Trail Judge, since they "have no sporting purpose" and twist the wording of the AOW and SBS rules (I can see that being the reasoning too... "How dare you defy me!!")
I hope it doesn't stop the import of Saiga 12s though. Otherwise I'll be kicking myself in the ass for not buying those two at a show a year ago and selling one a month from now. Still not buying a Judge though. They're made of stupid.
As Uncle says, does that mean we should stock up on Saigas? That would suck, I've been close to buying one a few times, and I'd hate to have put it off too long. I may have to check the finances and hope they prices don't do something stupid by the show next weekend... (I'm sure if they do make them non-importable they'll be well out of my price range by then anyway though. Guns are like stocks... just a lot noisier and loads more fun.)
Since that first bomb, there's been a little glimmer of light in regards to what it's going to be:
...the new ruling is going to be akin to the 1994 Assault Weapon Ban, in that, shotguns with bayonet lugs, large capacity magazines…etc or commonly referred to as “evil parts,” will no longer be importable as they have “no sporting purpose.”The issue we run into is that Saiga shotguns aren't imported with all the "evil" features. They have to be converted "in country" and 922R compliance must be met. All "high" capacity magazines are produced state-side, and not imported with the gun (they come with a 5 round box.)
The ATF claims the ruling affects more than just one gun, so another question is which ones. Caleb's got his money on the new 28ga version of the Taurus Judge and the Rossi Trail Judge, since they "have no sporting purpose" and twist the wording of the AOW and SBS rules (I can see that being the reasoning too... "How dare you defy me!!")
I hope it doesn't stop the import of Saiga 12s though. Otherwise I'll be kicking myself in the ass for not buying those two at a show a year ago and selling one a month from now. Still not buying a Judge though. They're made of stupid.
SHOT 2011 Daily Linkness
USB rechargeable green laser for your pistol
S&W 1911s, "budget" Aimpoints, and another shot of the Arc'teryx Rigger's Belt are just some of the highlights on Military Times Gear Scout.
Steve claims there's a rifle in this post, I'm having trouble finding it (on a serious note, that is a sweet gun.) He also sums up my feelings towards the newest Ruger wonder-nine.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wears flannel, and has issues with the letter "R"
At least those are the only kind of gun owners I can think of that might fit the bill.
We’re looking for a gun owner and 2nd Amendment supporter who is not opposed to the forthcoming McCarthy bill re: limiting magazine capacity.More importantly, it really goes to show the bias free news you can expext from NPR............... ok, sorry, I couldn't get through that with a straight face.
More SHOT Link-age!
Kel-Tec KSG 14+1 12 Ga beast (Although Caleb found an oddity in the firing mechanism. Hopefully that's ironed out in the production version.)
For those who think the Taurus Judge isn't ridiculous enough, you can just get the Raging Judge, chambered in 28ga ("The comfort of .410 buckshot apparently outweighs the gun by several pounds." That is gold right there. No doubt the Raging Judge will allow you shoot even larger donut shaped patterns with slightly larger holes and mediocre velocity. Should sell by the ton.)
Snap! Not only is there a GSG StG 44 in the works, but an MP40 as well.
Sig 556 Russian (despite the name, the gun fires 7.62x39 from AK mags...) Sig 50 (which is a .50 cal.)
For those who think the Taurus Judge isn't ridiculous enough, you can just get the Raging Judge, chambered in 28ga ("The comfort of .410 buckshot apparently outweighs the gun by several pounds." That is gold right there. No doubt the Raging Judge will allow you shoot even larger donut shaped patterns with slightly larger holes and mediocre velocity. Should sell by the ton.)
Snap! Not only is there a GSG StG 44 in the works, but an MP40 as well.
Sig 556 Russian (despite the name, the gun fires 7.62x39 from AK mags...) Sig 50 (which is a .50 cal.)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
SHOT 2011 3.5
A few more today, because there's some cool stuff.
GSG StG 44 (Yes, a .22lr StG Clone!) Semi-auto 37mm launcher, and Polymer Cased Ammo
AAC's 2011 Spring Catalog is available for download
LRWC Ultra-compact PDW (Stubby AR, looks good though)
"Budget" Eclipse MOLLE Pouches (I'll definitely be picking some of these up when they're available, especially if they're in Multicam,) Ka-bar Zombie Killer knives (I do like this one.)
GSG StG 44 (Yes, a .22lr StG Clone!) Semi-auto 37mm launcher, and Polymer Cased Ammo
AAC's 2011 Spring Catalog is available for download
LRWC Ultra-compact PDW (Stubby AR, looks good though)
"Budget" Eclipse MOLLE Pouches (I'll definitely be picking some of these up when they're available, especially if they're in Multicam,) Ka-bar Zombie Killer knives (I do like this one.)
OC in the Snow
Hooray for somewhat awkward self shots!
I finally broke down and bought some actual "winter" boots (Colombia Bugaboot XTM), so I thought I'd got for a quick hike in my snowshoes. The boots claim to be good down to -65F. I'm not sure of that, but in the hour or so I was tromping through the snow in 15F, my feet stayed nice and warm. They've got a nice little ridge of rubber on the heel to keep your binding in place, and a D-ring on the toe to keep you gaiters from riding up (need to get some... tomorrow probably.)
Up till now I've been wearing some issue tan Gor-tex boots. They still keep my feet nice and dry, but not as warm as I prefer.
I finally broke down and bought some actual "winter" boots (Colombia Bugaboot XTM), so I thought I'd got for a quick hike in my snowshoes. The boots claim to be good down to -65F. I'm not sure of that, but in the hour or so I was tromping through the snow in 15F, my feet stayed nice and warm. They've got a nice little ridge of rubber on the heel to keep your binding in place, and a D-ring on the toe to keep you gaiters from riding up (need to get some... tomorrow probably.)
Up till now I've been wearing some issue tan Gor-tex boots. They still keep my feet nice and dry, but not as warm as I prefer.
SHOT 2011 3.0!
Umm... more links.
S&W Movie Guns (kinda cool,) and more on the Para 14.45 Tactical from Gun Nuts Media
Crye MagClips and new prototype Multitasker Tools (I like the idea behind the MagClips. As for the Multitaskers, I'd known about the Series 3, but I hadn't heard about the Super Tube or the new Ultralight. I like!)
Mossberg "Chainsaw" (it's for breaching! Honestly!!) and the Walther PPQ
Charter Rimless Revolver, Belt-fed AR
More M&P22 stuff
More "Day 1" stuff from GunsAmerica, including a torched safe full of guns
S&W Movie Guns (kinda cool,) and more on the Para 14.45 Tactical from Gun Nuts Media
Crye MagClips and new prototype Multitasker Tools (I like the idea behind the MagClips. As for the Multitaskers, I'd known about the Series 3, but I hadn't heard about the Super Tube or the new Ultralight. I like!)
Mossberg "Chainsaw" (it's for breaching! Honestly!!) and the Walther PPQ
Charter Rimless Revolver, Belt-fed AR
More M&P22 stuff
More "Day 1" stuff from GunsAmerica, including a torched safe full of guns
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
SHOT 2011 Day 2 (er, Day 1...)
Media Day doesn't count. Anyway, more linkage! (Wish I was there...)
Gun Nuts Media continues the fun with some Kriss SMG video fun.
Colt 1911 Anniversary Line
Kriss is now importing the Sphinx line of pistols (no word if Col. Hunter Gatherers approves)
Factory Ruger 22/45 threaded rail farm. (Ok, it's not that bad, probably about time.) Taurus couldn't stop at one shark, so they're jumping a whole tank full (I'll be watching for the 10ga. version next year...)
Ultimate cool: .308 rifle in a briefcase.
Noveske M249 in .300BLK.
Guns America sums up Media Day.
Kit Up has some more videos up from the last couple days- Surefire mags, Gerber helmet light, and a hydration system cooler deally.
Para 14-45 Tactical (I really like the idea of a railed double stack 1911. I'm sure that'll offend somebody though.)
Quite a lot of stuff over at Guns Holsters and Gear as well.
Gun Nuts Media continues the fun with some Kriss SMG video fun.
Colt 1911 Anniversary Line
Kriss is now importing the Sphinx line of pistols (no word if Col. Hunter Gatherers approves)
Factory Ruger 22/45 threaded rail farm. (Ok, it's not that bad, probably about time.) Taurus couldn't stop at one shark, so they're jumping a whole tank full (I'll be watching for the 10ga. version next year...)
Ultimate cool: .308 rifle in a briefcase.
Noveske M249 in .300BLK.
Guns America sums up Media Day.
Kit Up has some more videos up from the last couple days- Surefire mags, Gerber helmet light, and a hydration system cooler deally.
Para 14-45 Tactical (I really like the idea of a railed double stack 1911. I'm sure that'll offend somebody though.)
Quite a lot of stuff over at Guns Holsters and Gear as well.
M&P22
It is actually here – consider this S&W’s apology for the Governor!Ha. Thankfully, it's the same dimensions as the M&P9/40, so it should be fantastic for training.
Arc'Teryx Rigger's Belt
As some of you may recall, I'm a fan of Rigger's Belts. Arc'Teryx has released a new one that looks pretty sweet. Although it may be a little too big to run through belt loops, it looks like it would make a decent gun belt, and may be a little more comfortable in a load-bearing situation.
Plus it's going to be available in Multicam, so bonus cool points.
Plus it's going to be available in Multicam, so bonus cool points.
2 years...
2 years ago I was having a very boring night at work, and with all the stuff going on with SHOT, I decided to start a gun blog. Hard to believe it's been two years already, and at the same time, it seems like forever (and in internet years, it practically is!)
I kind of feel like I should make cupcakes or something. With little guns on them...
I kind of feel like I should make cupcakes or something. With little guns on them...
Monday, January 17, 2011
SHOT 2011
In case you're trapped under a rock or something, today is Media Day for SHOT Show 2011. Wish I was there...
Anyway, keep an eye on things, I'll try to get some links to whatever eye candy I can scrounge up as the bloggers return to their hotels tonight when I've got some downtime at work. In fact, I'll just throw them all on this post, it'll be fun! (And easier to find I guess.)
Smith & Wesson Governor (.410/.45lc/.45acp revolver... face, meet palm...)
Crimson Trace 1911 grips (newer, slimmer & sleeker. Work with ambi-safeties.)
Colt Piston M4 w/ folding stock (now with more video!)
H&K416C (I will say I like that stock better than the Colt) (video as well)
Colt Revolvers, new Trijicon Night Sights, Glocks, Springfields, the Colt CM/SP109, and new Surefire .22 cans; from Gear Scout (I'm liking those sights...)
HK45, H&K MR556, Random Photos, and some other stuff over at The Firearm Blog.
Anyway, keep an eye on things, I'll try to get some links to whatever eye candy I can scrounge up as the bloggers return to their hotels tonight when I've got some downtime at work. In fact, I'll just throw them all on this post, it'll be fun! (And easier to find I guess.)
Smith & Wesson Governor (.410/.45lc/.45acp revolver... face, meet palm...)
Crimson Trace 1911 grips (newer, slimmer & sleeker. Work with ambi-safeties.)
Colt Piston M4 w/ folding stock (now with more video!)
H&K416C (I will say I like that stock better than the Colt) (video as well)
Colt Revolvers, new Trijicon Night Sights, Glocks, Springfields, the Colt CM/SP109, and new Surefire .22 cans; from Gear Scout (I'm liking those sights...)
HK45, H&K MR556, Random Photos, and some other stuff over at The Firearm Blog.
Kimber Solo
The Kimber Blog has a whole slew of photos and information regarding Kimber's new little gun.
And I mean little.
I think some of the ability to get it so small is that it's an aluminum alloy frame, rather than polymer like most small autos these days. I'd imagine the Al lets you get thinner parts and still retain strength. That being said, it's still pretty light (17oz dry) even with an aluminum frame and stainless steel slide.
Despite the looks, the insides are nothing like a 1911. It is striker-fired, has a captive recoil spring, but no barrel bushing or swinging link. It does, however, use much of the ergonomics from the 1911; same grip angle, ambidextrous safety and ambi mag release in the "right" places, and replaceable grips, to name a few. Crimson Trace has already announced laser grips for them as well.
The gun apparently only ships with one mag, but extended 8 rounders will be coming soon as well.
I don't know exactly why, but the little thing is appealing to me. It's got nice lines, and great ergonomics with all the controls where they belong. I'm quite partial to the "stainless" model (really still an aluminum frame, just finished in silver Kimpro.) I could see my self with one and a couple 8 rounders if they hold up well.
Again, The Kimber Blog has a bunch of photos and a couple videos up, if you're interested, go check them out.
And I mean little.
 |
| Next to the LCP... yeah, that's small for a 9x19! |
I think some of the ability to get it so small is that it's an aluminum alloy frame, rather than polymer like most small autos these days. I'd imagine the Al lets you get thinner parts and still retain strength. That being said, it's still pretty light (17oz dry) even with an aluminum frame and stainless steel slide.
Despite the looks, the insides are nothing like a 1911. It is striker-fired, has a captive recoil spring, but no barrel bushing or swinging link. It does, however, use much of the ergonomics from the 1911; same grip angle, ambidextrous safety and ambi mag release in the "right" places, and replaceable grips, to name a few. Crimson Trace has already announced laser grips for them as well.
The gun apparently only ships with one mag, but extended 8 rounders will be coming soon as well.
I don't know exactly why, but the little thing is appealing to me. It's got nice lines, and great ergonomics with all the controls where they belong. I'm quite partial to the "stainless" model (really still an aluminum frame, just finished in silver Kimpro.) I could see my self with one and a couple 8 rounders if they hold up well.
Again, The Kimber Blog has a bunch of photos and a couple videos up, if you're interested, go check them out.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
A Matter of Months
Gov. Scott Walker said this week he expects a concealed carry bill to emerge as early as spring — after the Legislature tackles more pressing issues like job growth and the budget — and that he will sign it.It's already passed twice, and former Gov. Doyle vetoed it both times. Gov. Walker is adamant that he will sign whatever legislation is placed on his desk. The main question is not if, but rather what that legislation will be.
Personally, I'm pretty torn. Constitutional Carry is obviously the more "right" option, as it will not create more unnecessary bureaucracy or continue to limit the ability to carry through the added individual financial burden. On the other hand, a permitting system could lead to a permit that is honored in other states (Michigan and Minnesota come to mind pretty quickly.)
(H/T: RTB)
Striker-fired 1911?
Kimber's got some new 9mm pocket-sized guns, and that's pretty much what they are, super-melted tiny 1911 frames with striker-fired top ends.
To be honest, I actually really like how they look, very reminiscent of the old 1908 Colts, but in a usable caliber. Price ($725) isn't too bad for a Kimber either.
To be honest, I actually really like how they look, very reminiscent of the old 1908 Colts, but in a usable caliber. Price ($725) isn't too bad for a Kimber either.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Speer Lawman 9mm
Recently BulkAmmo.com kindly sent me a box of Speer Lawman 9x19mm 115gr. TMJ to try out, which is just a small sample of what they have available for bulk 9mm ammo.
The ammo is your typical 9mm ball, utilizing a 115gr. Total Metal Jacket, rather than the traditional Full Metal Jacket typically found in most 9x19mm. FMJ, contrary to the name, actually leaves the lead at the base of the bullet exposed, whereas TMJ fully encapsulates the lead core. Speer loads the Lawman with a lead-free barium or antimony primer, making the Lawman, as intended by the manufacturer, an ideal training round for indoor training alternative to their Gold Dot defensive ammo. The rounds are brass cased and boxer primed, so they are reloadable.
The ammo is nicely packaged in the standard cardboard box and a plastic tray. The rounds were nice and clean, with no corrosion or oxidation showing.
I don't have access to an indoor range, something I constantly lament this time of year, so today I braved the snow and cold to get some range time and see how the stuff shoots. It was about 18 or so degrees, completely over-cast and lightly snowing. Yay.
I warmed up the M&P with a couple boxes of TulAmmo, starting at 25 yards off the bench, and quickly realized that my current lack of practice, my apparent inability to put the rear sight back precisely where it had been when I installed the Apex parts, and the inconsistency of the cheap Russian fodder was going to give me a pretty poor baseline to compare accuracy. So I moved the target in to about 5 yards. As anybody who's tried Dot Torture, this can still be a challenge for a pistol. Also, did I mention it was a bit chilly?
The Lawman chambered smoothly in the M&P, and felt ever so slightly snappier than the TulAmmo (note to self... you really need to get one of those chrono deallies...) I'm not sure if it was going faster, or if the case material may have made a difference in felt recoil. However the Lawman also shot much closer to point of aim, and the groups were about half the size as I was getting with the Russian steel cased stuff. I'm a bit embarrassed to post this photo, but here is a typical group from the Speer Lawman fired out of the M&P.
All rounds cycled with out an issue, and all felt very consistent. The empties showed no more extra wear than any other rounds I've tried in this gun, and the firing pin had no issues with the primers.
All rounds fired at the first strike, whereas the TulAmmo did have one failure to fire (It did fire on the second strike.) In fairness to the cheap Russian steel, I did fire about three times as much TulAmmo as I did Speer today, however I have had other issues with the TulAmmo in the past.
Overall, the Speer performed well, and is a great training cartridge, especially for indoor use.
The ammo is your typical 9mm ball, utilizing a 115gr. Total Metal Jacket, rather than the traditional Full Metal Jacket typically found in most 9x19mm. FMJ, contrary to the name, actually leaves the lead at the base of the bullet exposed, whereas TMJ fully encapsulates the lead core. Speer loads the Lawman with a lead-free barium or antimony primer, making the Lawman, as intended by the manufacturer, an ideal training round for indoor training alternative to their Gold Dot defensive ammo. The rounds are brass cased and boxer primed, so they are reloadable.
The ammo is nicely packaged in the standard cardboard box and a plastic tray. The rounds were nice and clean, with no corrosion or oxidation showing.
I don't have access to an indoor range, something I constantly lament this time of year, so today I braved the snow and cold to get some range time and see how the stuff shoots. It was about 18 or so degrees, completely over-cast and lightly snowing. Yay.
I warmed up the M&P with a couple boxes of TulAmmo, starting at 25 yards off the bench, and quickly realized that my current lack of practice, my apparent inability to put the rear sight back precisely where it had been when I installed the Apex parts, and the inconsistency of the cheap Russian fodder was going to give me a pretty poor baseline to compare accuracy. So I moved the target in to about 5 yards. As anybody who's tried Dot Torture, this can still be a challenge for a pistol. Also, did I mention it was a bit chilly?
The Lawman chambered smoothly in the M&P, and felt ever so slightly snappier than the TulAmmo (note to self... you really need to get one of those chrono deallies...) I'm not sure if it was going faster, or if the case material may have made a difference in felt recoil. However the Lawman also shot much closer to point of aim, and the groups were about half the size as I was getting with the Russian steel cased stuff. I'm a bit embarrassed to post this photo, but here is a typical group from the Speer Lawman fired out of the M&P.
 |
| Definitely a better rifleman............... |
All rounds cycled with out an issue, and all felt very consistent. The empties showed no more extra wear than any other rounds I've tried in this gun, and the firing pin had no issues with the primers.
All rounds fired at the first strike, whereas the TulAmmo did have one failure to fire (It did fire on the second strike.) In fairness to the cheap Russian steel, I did fire about three times as much TulAmmo as I did Speer today, however I have had other issues with the TulAmmo in the past.
Overall, the Speer performed well, and is a great training cartridge, especially for indoor use.
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