" series, all 27 hours worth. I just ordered myself a copy.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Tales of the Gun
Just a heads up for those interested, one of the classic History Channel shows is available from Amazon for a whole $25... The entire "Tales of the Gun" series, all 27 hours worth. I just ordered myself a copy.
" series, all 27 hours worth. I just ordered myself a copy.
I have returned!
AT 2011 is now a thing of the past, so things should liven up a bit around here again. I've got a few things lined up, including Cro's review of the Commenga Easymag from far off Afghanistan, as well as some more photos from AT (like the beagle we saved.)
I wish I could say I'm at home enjoying a beer, but that'll come later. I guess they missed me at work too much.
I wish I could say I'm at home enjoying a beer, but that'll come later. I guess they missed me at work too much.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
WI CCW PASSES
The state legislature passed it today, and unlike the last two times, the Governor says he will sign it.
Unfortunately it wasn't quite what most of us wanted, there is a training requirement and a licensing fee/process; but it is one step forward in the right direction, and I can see a continual push for constitutional carry from the die hards.
Anyway, back in the pup tent for another night in the field. Not too many days to go before my next (and quite needed) shower. More on CCW stuff next week.
Unfortunately it wasn't quite what most of us wanted, there is a training requirement and a licensing fee/process; but it is one step forward in the right direction, and I can see a continual push for constitutional carry from the die hards.
Anyway, back in the pup tent for another night in the field. Not too many days to go before my next (and quite needed) shower. More on CCW stuff next week.
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Sunday, June 19, 2011
Machine Guns
M249s and M240s. Good times. Hopefully the video works.
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Friday, June 17, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
SB-93
Wisconsin CCW passed the state Senate 25-8 today.
Back to pushing dirt.
Back to pushing dirt.
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Caffeinated Mints
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Friday, June 10, 2011
Two Weeks...
One weekend a month, and two weeks a year... That two weeks is upon me, so I'll be quite seldom over the next 15 days or so.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Henry Rifles Mare's Leg
Don't know how this one slipped out unoticed, but Henry Repeating Arms is producing Mare's Leg type guns in .45 Colt and .22s/l/lr.
The .45 Colt gun sports a brass frame, and the .22 version is simply a trimmed down H001, however both sport a saddle ring on the left side of the receiver (a feature not normally present on the H001 rifle.) The .45 version is a bit pricy (msrp $950) and the .22 is listed at $360.
The .45 Colt gun sports a brass frame, and the .22 version is simply a trimmed down H001, however both sport a saddle ring on the left side of the receiver (a feature not normally present on the H001 rifle.) The .45 version is a bit pricy (msrp $950) and the .22 is listed at $360.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
New Shooter vs. Mosquitoes!
So, as mentioned, I finally was able to get Fern out to the range. Up until today, the biggest thing she'd ever shot was a paintball gun (although she does have an archery background.)
A couple weeks ago we spent some quality time in her kitchen covering the basics. She quickly picked up on the big four, and after a bit was very comfortable dry firing the little Walther P22. Since then I'd quiz her on the Mr. Cooper's rules and get her used to handling various types of firearms whenever she was over at my place.
Today I felt a strong need to get out to the range and sling some lead, so after she finished work for the day, we headed out.
Unfortunately I forgot the range is surrounded by swamp on all four sides.
We got to the range, set up the new steel target, and did some more dry firing with the little Walther, swatting mosquitoes the whole time. After a bit I racked one into the chamber, and we got things properly started. Before too long, the steel was ringing more often than not.
I really need to find a better .22lr pistol option though, the sites on the Walther won't hold a zero in a mild breeze.
After a bit she was willing to give a rifle a try, so I brought out the M&P15-22, and Fern went 20 for 25.
Before too long we decided the mosquitoes won, and headed into town for some Benedryl and dinner, but in her own words;
On the upside, the supply of DEET has been restocked in the Mayhemobile, and hopefully we won't get out there so late in the day and there'll still be enough of a breeze to keep the skeeters from swarming.
A couple weeks ago we spent some quality time in her kitchen covering the basics. She quickly picked up on the big four, and after a bit was very comfortable dry firing the little Walther P22. Since then I'd quiz her on the Mr. Cooper's rules and get her used to handling various types of firearms whenever she was over at my place.
Today I felt a strong need to get out to the range and sling some lead, so after she finished work for the day, we headed out.
Unfortunately I forgot the range is surrounded by swamp on all four sides.
We got to the range, set up the new steel target, and did some more dry firing with the little Walther, swatting mosquitoes the whole time. After a bit I racked one into the chamber, and we got things properly started. Before too long, the steel was ringing more often than not.
 |
| (Left-eye dominance... not blinking) |
I really need to find a better .22lr pistol option though, the sites on the Walther won't hold a zero in a mild breeze.
After a bit she was willing to give a rifle a try, so I brought out the M&P15-22, and Fern went 20 for 25.
Before too long we decided the mosquitoes won, and headed into town for some Benedryl and dinner, but in her own words;
The pain from the 27 mosquito bites is slowly fading away and will most likely be replaced by the realization that the "mythical" range is no longer a myth but a very real, very addictive place. Oh, and the smell of burnt gunpowder is good.
On the upside, the supply of DEET has been restocked in the Mayhemobile, and hopefully we won't get out there so late in the day and there'll still be enough of a breeze to keep the skeeters from swarming.
Hi-Point Carbine Facelift
Years ago I purchased a Hi-Point 995 carbine. This was right when ATI announced they were going to produce an aftermarket stock for the ugliest carbine known to exist. I forget exactly how much I paid for the thing, but I think it may have been under $200 for the gun.
Now don't get me wrong, the Hi-point product line is known far and wide to be, quite possibly, the ugliest guns in regular production. I have never even been able to bring myself to handle one of their handguns, let alone fire one, but the carbine was cheap, and I like the idea of a pistol caliber long gun.
The little carbine is nothing to write home about, parts seem to be taken from the spare parts bin at an agricultural machine repair shop (the cocking handle is an honest-to-God hex-head bolt...) and the operating system is just a simple unlocked blow-back using a ridiculously heavy bolt assembly (for lack of a better word) and a rather stout spring. Disassembly is a pain in the @$$, and the ergonomics are less than ideal. You're also limited to 10 round mags (the 995 was a product of the '93 AWB.) On the up side, they are cheap, easy to shoot, and Hi-point does have a 100% guarantee. The 995 does make for a decent "truck gun" or budget home defense carbine with the addition of a white light.
The factory stock, at the time that I bought mine, has been described as feeling reminiscent of mashed potatoes, especially on a warm day, and as stated earlier, freakin' ugly. There is nothing good looking about this gun. So I ordered an ATI stock as soon as they were available on their site. This started the concept in my head of the "Hi-Point Facelift Project." I'd take this ugly chick and turn her into a prom queen yet.
At this time, the owner of a certain gun forum I frequented (eventually it evolved into MilitaryFirearm.com) had gotten a lathe, and was looking to try his hand at threading a barrel. I figured the little Hi-point could use a not-so-naked barrel sticking out of the stock, so I removed my barrel, and shipped it off to Nevada, along with a spare CETME flash hider I just happened to have laying around. A couple weeks later, the .308 CETME hider was bored out to clear a 9mm bullet, and the formerly ugly little carbine was starting to look better.
Recently Holescreek, another member over at Military Firearm, started making and selling aftermarket CETME parts, including a few new flash hider designs. I saw his short 4 prong design, thought it'd look pretty good on the Hi-point, and asked him if he could bore one out for 9mm and hook a brother up. He was game, and I was able to screw on a new flash hider when I woke up this morning.
I know it doesn't change it much, but I think the 4 prong flows better than the old birdcage did with the stock.
The fit and finish on the hider are fantastic, a good, dark, parkerizing. The new hider also fits much tighter than the surplus CETME hider did, so no more worries of the hider taking an unscheduled downrange flight (the hider needs to be removed to disassemble the gun...)
The prongs are short enough that it doesn't sing too much (if I didn't use electronic ear pro I'd have never noticed.)
I see that ATI's got a 17" top rail for them now... that may be the next surgury for this little thing, along with a new finish perhaps and better optics.
Oh yeah, the ugly little gun does shoot well though, despite the crap-tastic trigger.
Now don't get me wrong, the Hi-point product line is known far and wide to be, quite possibly, the ugliest guns in regular production. I have never even been able to bring myself to handle one of their handguns, let alone fire one, but the carbine was cheap, and I like the idea of a pistol caliber long gun.
The little carbine is nothing to write home about, parts seem to be taken from the spare parts bin at an agricultural machine repair shop (the cocking handle is an honest-to-God hex-head bolt...) and the operating system is just a simple unlocked blow-back using a ridiculously heavy bolt assembly (for lack of a better word) and a rather stout spring. Disassembly is a pain in the @$$, and the ergonomics are less than ideal. You're also limited to 10 round mags (the 995 was a product of the '93 AWB.) On the up side, they are cheap, easy to shoot, and Hi-point does have a 100% guarantee. The 995 does make for a decent "truck gun" or budget home defense carbine with the addition of a white light.
The factory stock, at the time that I bought mine, has been described as feeling reminiscent of mashed potatoes, especially on a warm day, and as stated earlier, freakin' ugly. There is nothing good looking about this gun. So I ordered an ATI stock as soon as they were available on their site. This started the concept in my head of the "Hi-Point Facelift Project." I'd take this ugly chick and turn her into a prom queen yet.
At this time, the owner of a certain gun forum I frequented (eventually it evolved into MilitaryFirearm.com) had gotten a lathe, and was looking to try his hand at threading a barrel. I figured the little Hi-point could use a not-so-naked barrel sticking out of the stock, so I removed my barrel, and shipped it off to Nevada, along with a spare CETME flash hider I just happened to have laying around. A couple weeks later, the .308 CETME hider was bored out to clear a 9mm bullet, and the formerly ugly little carbine was starting to look better.
Recently Holescreek, another member over at Military Firearm, started making and selling aftermarket CETME parts, including a few new flash hider designs. I saw his short 4 prong design, thought it'd look pretty good on the Hi-point, and asked him if he could bore one out for 9mm and hook a brother up. He was game, and I was able to screw on a new flash hider when I woke up this morning.
I know it doesn't change it much, but I think the 4 prong flows better than the old birdcage did with the stock.
The fit and finish on the hider are fantastic, a good, dark, parkerizing. The new hider also fits much tighter than the surplus CETME hider did, so no more worries of the hider taking an unscheduled downrange flight (the hider needs to be removed to disassemble the gun...)
The prongs are short enough that it doesn't sing too much (if I didn't use electronic ear pro I'd have never noticed.)
I see that ATI's got a 17" top rail for them now... that may be the next surgury for this little thing, along with a new finish perhaps and better optics.
Oh yeah, the ugly little gun does shoot well though, despite the crap-tastic trigger.
Monday, June 6, 2011
It's coming...
Took the girl out to the range for the first time rather than write something. Gonna edit photos and get some words up in a bit.
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Sleep...
Got back from the northwoods and went straight in to work overnight. I'm dead, check back this afternoon/evening, I'll try to get something with some substance up.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Out of town...
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Wednesday, June 1, 2011
More on Mill's Fleet Farm
Yesterday I confirmed that Mill's Fleet Farm (not to be confused with Blane's Farm & Fleet) will be carrying handguns in the next month or so. I also said I'd expand on why I'm more than a little excited about this.
Mill's Fleet Farm is primarily a farm supply store, however they do stock quite a bit of household goods, clothing, and outdoor recreation stuff, primarily hunting and fishing. It's kind of like taking a Tractor Supply and mixing it with Walmart, so while they do have camping stuff, it's not the high end stuff you'd find at even Gander Mountain or a similar purely outdoors store.
Fleet Farm has always been more gun friendly than similar stores (Blane's Farm & Fleet expressly prohibits Open Carry in their stores, where Mill's Fleet Farm welcomes it.) Their prices have never been anything all that special, but they've generally got the largest selection of ammunition in town, and a fairly decent offering of long guns. They also have an isle full of Military Surplus items, and in the last year have started carrying factory Remington 870 mag extensions and a Midwest Industries AR Carbine sized rail system. Handguns really aren't that much of a stretch.
Why I'm surprised is that while it's not a big chain (Mostly just Wisconsin and a few neighboring states) it's still a corporate-ish chain store. Given that within the last year or so some Walmart locations stopped carrying handgun ammo, or firearms all-together, for "image" reasons (they have recently decided to turn around on that decision. I guess the sales numbers spoke) I am pleasantly surprised to see another chain/big-box type store taking a step in the other direction.
It's not that far of a stretch though. As I've said, Fleet Farm has traditionally been gun-friendly anyway, and while I can't speak for other locations, the Stevens Point, WI location is poised to fill a decade long, county-wide void in the market (currently the nearest dealer that regularly stocks handguns is a 40+ mile drive down the interstate in the next county north of us.) Also, it's looking like Wisconsin will have CCW legislation of some sort (Constitutional or Shall-issue) by October, and demand for handguns will increase. Capitalism at its best.
It's a smart business move, and is probably giving the PR rep an aneurysm. Personally, I'm mostly happy to only have to drive across town to drool over handguns rather than to the next county.
Mill's Fleet Farm is primarily a farm supply store, however they do stock quite a bit of household goods, clothing, and outdoor recreation stuff, primarily hunting and fishing. It's kind of like taking a Tractor Supply and mixing it with Walmart, so while they do have camping stuff, it's not the high end stuff you'd find at even Gander Mountain or a similar purely outdoors store.
Fleet Farm has always been more gun friendly than similar stores (Blane's Farm & Fleet expressly prohibits Open Carry in their stores, where Mill's Fleet Farm welcomes it.) Their prices have never been anything all that special, but they've generally got the largest selection of ammunition in town, and a fairly decent offering of long guns. They also have an isle full of Military Surplus items, and in the last year have started carrying factory Remington 870 mag extensions and a Midwest Industries AR Carbine sized rail system. Handguns really aren't that much of a stretch.
Why I'm surprised is that while it's not a big chain (Mostly just Wisconsin and a few neighboring states) it's still a corporate-ish chain store. Given that within the last year or so some Walmart locations stopped carrying handgun ammo, or firearms all-together, for "image" reasons (they have recently decided to turn around on that decision. I guess the sales numbers spoke) I am pleasantly surprised to see another chain/big-box type store taking a step in the other direction.
It's not that far of a stretch though. As I've said, Fleet Farm has traditionally been gun-friendly anyway, and while I can't speak for other locations, the Stevens Point, WI location is poised to fill a decade long, county-wide void in the market (currently the nearest dealer that regularly stocks handguns is a 40+ mile drive down the interstate in the next county north of us.) Also, it's looking like Wisconsin will have CCW legislation of some sort (Constitutional or Shall-issue) by October, and demand for handguns will increase. Capitalism at its best.
It's a smart business move, and is probably giving the PR rep an aneurysm. Personally, I'm mostly happy to only have to drive across town to drool over handguns rather than to the next county.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Fleet Farm Getting Handguns
The employee didn't know what will be stocked right now, but knew at least Glock and Taurus.
I'm sure it'll be MSRP, but it may be a trade off for just driving across town rather than two 90 mile round trips to the nearest place that does.
More on it when I'm at a computer tomorrow or so.
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Suddenly, Summer
Last week we had frost warnings at night, and it was dangerously approaching below freezing temperatures during my overnight shifts. Now it's 81 degrees out, and hit 90 yesterday. In true Wisconsin form, we decided to once again skip Spring. It's a shame, since Spring used to be my favorite season.
Monday, May 30, 2011
"It's Not About You."
Jay G nailed down something I've mentioned to a few people today over the years with a quote...
The title of this post was something said... ...at last year's Memorial Day parade by a retired Major. He addressed the group of veterans gathered to march in the Memorial Day and reminded them that if they were here today, it was not about them. It was about those that can no longer march in parades; those who will never again taste the freedom they fought so valiantly to preserve.I try to remind everybody who offers me, as a veteran, thanks today. Today isn't about me, or the other veterans around. We've got a day in November all to ourselves. Today is about the veterans you can't thank, those that are long gone, but not forgotten.
Never Forget
By all means, have fun if you have today off, hang out with friends and family; just remember what today is about.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
ATF Long Gun Registry Comments
I'm sure it's been covered, but since MAiG is playing dirty, somebody decided to fight back.
Day Off..
Had yesterday and most of today off, so not much happened around here. Things'll be back towards as normal as they usually are in a bit.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wisconsin SB-93 (Constitutional Carry) Update
Yesterday the State Senate Judiciary Committee passed the amended version of SB-93, the "Constitutional Carry" bill, by a vote of 3-2.
The big thing in the amendment is the inclusion of a permit system to allow concealed carry within the magic 1000' school zone bubbles and to gain reprocity with states that require a license from the bearer's home state.
The full senate vote is expected when the senate reconvienes in early June.
The big thing in the amendment is the inclusion of a permit system to allow concealed carry within the magic 1000' school zone bubbles and to gain reprocity with states that require a license from the bearer's home state.
The full senate vote is expected when the senate reconvienes in early June.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Ping!!!
Just pulled the metaphorical trigger on the Small Spring Base and Small Practical Plinger from Salute Products Inc.
The range I tend to frequent is generally in rough shape, being free and open to the public with no supervision (yeah, some scary moments over the years, but it beats the snot out of the county run alternative with downright retarded arbitrary rules...) The target stands generally don't make it more than a month on the shorter ranges, and even when they're still there, paper just gets boring after a while.
I like the easily replaceable target face, and from what I can find on the ol' interwebs, if you only use one spring they should respond to .22lr, which should make it more than fantastic for getting new shooters hooked. The audible and visual indication of a hit always makes it more pleasurable. (Paper still has it's place for training and technique evaluation though.)
I'm pretty excited though, hopefully it's just the thing to kick my butt back into getting to the range regularly.
The range I tend to frequent is generally in rough shape, being free and open to the public with no supervision (yeah, some scary moments over the years, but it beats the snot out of the county run alternative with downright retarded arbitrary rules...) The target stands generally don't make it more than a month on the shorter ranges, and even when they're still there, paper just gets boring after a while.
I like the easily replaceable target face, and from what I can find on the ol' interwebs, if you only use one spring they should respond to .22lr, which should make it more than fantastic for getting new shooters hooked. The audible and visual indication of a hit always makes it more pleasurable. (Paper still has it's place for training and technique evaluation though.)
I'm pretty excited though, hopefully it's just the thing to kick my butt back into getting to the range regularly.
June 5th Non-Event
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Jetboil Zip & Coffee Press
So I got pretty tired of the lack of decent coffee when my unit's out in the field. With the prospect of 2 weeks of wonderful Ft. McCoy coming up next month, I decided to do something about it.
Long ago I saw a Jetboil Java System
in a camping catalog. Really nothing more than their standard Flash cooking system with a French Press style filter that fits in the cup. After minutes of gruelling online research, 
I found the Jetboil Zip
and separate Coffee Press
were cheaper to order separately than to get the full blown Java System.What makes the Zip cheaper is a combination of a simpler stove, requiring a separate ignition source rather than the built in piezoelectric igniter on the other models; and a slightly smaller cup, 0.8 liters, rather than 1 full liter.
One of Jetboil's selling points is that their cooking systems all fold up and store inside the cooking cup. Despite the smaller cup size on the Zip, I was still able to get everything I need for good coffee inside the system, and it fit quite nicely inside my new pack. Jetboil claims the system comes in at 12oz, not counting the fuel can or little plastic stabilizer legs.
Granted I had to put the filter screen portion of the press in the measuring cup, it still fit fine provided it was upside down. By leaving the regular stove top part (what they call the "pot stabilizer") at home I was able to get the press's rod sections inside the cup.
The stove assembles quickly and simply, the stabilizer (orange triangle bit) unfolds, the fuel can clips onto it, and the stove threads onto the top of the fuel can. From there you can either place the cup with the "FluxRing" on it to boil water, or the pot stabilizer to use regular pots and pans or Jetboil's larger sized FluxRing frying pan or 1.5 liter pot.
Speaking of fuel, the only downside of the Jetboil system is that it uses Jetboil's proprietary fuel cans (it can run off of other backpacking stove manufacturer's pressurized cans, like MSR's, but they won't fit in the cup for storage.) The nearest retailer that stocks them is a 40 minute drive for me, and if you're flying somewhere you'll have to find a source at your destination, since you can't fly with pressurized fuel cans. On the upside, a 100oz can only runs about $5 and Jetboil says it'll boil about 10 liters of water. I tend to use about a half a liter to make coffee, so 20 uses for $5 isn't too bad.
On the upside, the fuel burns hot and clean, with a nice pretty blue and purple flame. Here's the stove running with the valve a little less than half open-
In practice, the little stove will bring the little pot of water up to a rolling boil in around 3 minutes. I scalded my hand pretty good the first time I played around with it, so it's a good idea to watch it and not fill the cup too full. The 500ml line on the cup is a good spot for coffee making, and fills my Nissan Thermos
cup exactly.The Press Kit is a thing of genius too. It consists of a plastic and metal mesh filter that fits snuggly inside the Jetboil cup, and the rod unscrews into two sections and fits through the hole in the middle of the lid (which also has drain holes and a sippy spot.)
Not much to say here for those familiar with French Press style coffee, the kit works fantastically, and there were no grounds in the bottom of my cup. What else could you ask for?
As far as use goes, I assembled the system, filled the cup, and lit the stove up. The water boiled quickly, I turned off the stove, tossed in the desired amount of quality grounds, stirred, and let steep for about four minutes.
 |
| Yummy |
After taking the photo, the press and lid were stuck on to keep bugs and other crap from getting on.
 |
| Coffee in the shade of a 5-ton Dump |
Once enough time has elapsed, the plunger was slowly plunged, and the liquid deliciousness was poured into my thermos so I could brew up another cup for the Section SGT.
 |
| Requisite gun and coffee. M4 Carbine (I know, no mag. Stupid rules,) fresh pressed Guatemalan Dark. |
All said and done, easily the most delicious cup of coffee I've ever had while wearing ACUs.
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