So I'll be missing the new episode of Top Shot. It's a shame, I hear Caleb busts out the drama big time this week. Guess I'll catch it when it's up online.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.5
Sunday, July 11, 2010
New phone...
Finally broke down and got a "smart phone," and supposedly this Droid app let's me blog from it. So this is kind of a test.
On another note, any droid apps I should have being a gun/coffee blogger?
(bonus pretty sunset to see how good the camera is on this thing... at least how good it is through a bug splattered windshield)
Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.5
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Kids Say the Darnedest Things
So I ducked into Best Buy to get a car charger for my new phone after closing formation, and as I'm checking out, in full ACUs, I mention how the little pen thingy on the card reader hates me. He says something about thinking the computers they have are older than him (and really, they may be...) and says "maybe the government should do something about it." I'ma go ahead and assume that the majority of the readers around here will know the tone used for that statement.
Sigh...
Sigh...
Friday, July 9, 2010
OC Shenanigans
And a couple warm fuzzy gun rights moments, and a ray of hope from a Chicago youth-
So I headed up to Gander Mountain this morning on a whim. Just wanted to check in, see what's on hand, maybe scope out some new stuff if they've got it in. Good way to kill a bit of time at least.
As usual, I holstered up and headed into the store. Gander Mountain has generally been very supportive of the Wisconsin OC movement, even to the point of allowing some members to leave OC pamphlets in a couple of the stores around the state.
Most importantly, a while back they made a change to their signs at the door regarding firearms and bows brought in for repairs and whatnot, in which they specifically state these rules do not apply to legally carried firearms for self defense. (This will come into play in a second...) Here's the sign: (click to make big)
So as I'm checking out a nice little M&P9 (hadn't handled one yet, felt pretty good) an employee approaches me and informs me that corporate policy states "you can't carry a holstered gun in the store." I guess somebody back in the gunsmith area saw me and kinda freaked... from what I gather it may well have been an ATF inspector, which would explain her lack of knowledge regarding firearm laws... Anyway, I pull my best "ORLY?" face, and tell him that's not what's posted at the door. We walk back to the front doors and I point out the relevant text. Victory ensues, he kindly apologizes and heads back to his post. A little later as we're chatting over the handgun counter he thanks me for pointing it out, and that he had never really stopped to read the sign, and for whatever reason assumed the second half said the opposite.
The point of "permits" also came up, and I let him know there's no such thing as a carry permit in Wisconsin. As Gov. Doyle has alluded, the State Constitution is your permit. After walking back to the gun department I also overheard him talking to what I assumed was the store manager, who was correlating that it is in fact corporate policy, and that he doesn't just agree, but in fact encourages it! Makes me feel a little better about the money I've spent at that particular store over the years.
After all this, I was approached by a young man, looked to be 13 or 14, who said that it's pretty cool that OC's legal in Wisconsin. He confessed he is from Chicago (it is the time of year for the Northern Weekend Migrations, and that Gander Mountain is right on I39/US51, the main drag to the Northwoods) and watching him wander around the gun department in awe was pretty cool. He asked a few questions about my gun, and a couple about the legalities of OC and stuff, and told me he felt safer knowing that people can legally carry here. By god there's hope yet.
The fun didn't stop there either, two other employees asked me about OC while I wandered around, including one of their gunsmiths who just moved here from Colorado. He had a CCW permit when he lived there, and was kind of sad about having to give up that measure of protection moving here, especially since he had lived around Denver. He told me he never went anywhere there unarmed. I gave him a pamphlet (I keep a stack in my car just for these occasions,) and I'm pretty certain the movement gained another one today.
So I headed up to Gander Mountain this morning on a whim. Just wanted to check in, see what's on hand, maybe scope out some new stuff if they've got it in. Good way to kill a bit of time at least.
As usual, I holstered up and headed into the store. Gander Mountain has generally been very supportive of the Wisconsin OC movement, even to the point of allowing some members to leave OC pamphlets in a couple of the stores around the state.
Most importantly, a while back they made a change to their signs at the door regarding firearms and bows brought in for repairs and whatnot, in which they specifically state these rules do not apply to legally carried firearms for self defense. (This will come into play in a second...) Here's the sign: (click to make big)
So as I'm checking out a nice little M&P9 (hadn't handled one yet, felt pretty good) an employee approaches me and informs me that corporate policy states "you can't carry a holstered gun in the store." I guess somebody back in the gunsmith area saw me and kinda freaked... from what I gather it may well have been an ATF inspector, which would explain her lack of knowledge regarding firearm laws... Anyway, I pull my best "ORLY?" face, and tell him that's not what's posted at the door. We walk back to the front doors and I point out the relevant text. Victory ensues, he kindly apologizes and heads back to his post. A little later as we're chatting over the handgun counter he thanks me for pointing it out, and that he had never really stopped to read the sign, and for whatever reason assumed the second half said the opposite.
The point of "permits" also came up, and I let him know there's no such thing as a carry permit in Wisconsin. As Gov. Doyle has alluded, the State Constitution is your permit. After walking back to the gun department I also overheard him talking to what I assumed was the store manager, who was correlating that it is in fact corporate policy, and that he doesn't just agree, but in fact encourages it! Makes me feel a little better about the money I've spent at that particular store over the years.
After all this, I was approached by a young man, looked to be 13 or 14, who said that it's pretty cool that OC's legal in Wisconsin. He confessed he is from Chicago (it is the time of year for the Northern Weekend Migrations, and that Gander Mountain is right on I39/US51, the main drag to the Northwoods) and watching him wander around the gun department in awe was pretty cool. He asked a few questions about my gun, and a couple about the legalities of OC and stuff, and told me he felt safer knowing that people can legally carry here. By god there's hope yet.
The fun didn't stop there either, two other employees asked me about OC while I wandered around, including one of their gunsmiths who just moved here from Colorado. He had a CCW permit when he lived there, and was kind of sad about having to give up that measure of protection moving here, especially since he had lived around Denver. He told me he never went anywhere there unarmed. I gave him a pamphlet (I keep a stack in my car just for these occasions,) and I'm pretty certain the movement gained another one today.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Van Hollen Speaks
Well, not much has changed, and it looks like he won't be doing anything as drastic as Mr. Fox did, but here is is doing an interview yesterday morning.
There was a little facepalm moment in the middle though... I don't know why he agreed that there's a registry, there is no such thing in Wisconsin.
Overall though, he's pretty well on our side. I can only hope that he can convince enough of the... people... in Madison to agree with him.
There was a little facepalm moment in the middle though... I don't know why he agreed that there's a registry, there is no such thing in Wisconsin.
Overall though, he's pretty well on our side. I can only hope that he can convince enough of the... people... in Madison to agree with him.
Wisconsin Crime Rates Down
I'm sure it's just a coincidence, but the overall violent crime rates in Wisconsin came down from 2008 to 2009. This also just happens to be the span of time that State AG Van Hollen sent out his memo to all LEO to knock off the OC carry = disorderly conduct crap, resulting in an overall increase in OC in the state.
Between 2008 and 2009, the State of Wisconsin experienced an overall decrease in crime rates reported to law enforcement agencies. The violent crime rate decreased by 6%, while the property crime rate decreased by 5%.(page 4)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Battle Comp 1.0 Review
Well, first impressions and whatnot. After busting it out of the box late last night, I was quite impressed. the device is cleanly machined, the finish is nice and even, and overall I felt it was worth the price of admission. I went with the matte stainless finish, I felt it would help break up the colors of my carbine a little more, and would be a bit more photogenic as time goes by.
More (including short video!) after the jump-
More (including short video!) after the jump-
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
I like getting boxes in the mail.
There's always good stuff in them.
Hopefully get the comp mounted tomorrow or so, and out to the range before the end of the week... maybe. Army stuff this weekend, so we'll see.
Hopefully get the comp mounted tomorrow or so, and out to the range before the end of the week... maybe. Army stuff this weekend, so we'll see.
Lost in Translation
So apparently at a certain chain-type sandwich shop, "no tomatoes" is code for "no lettuce, but I love thick juicy slices of tomato." Who would have guessed?
Why Liberals Should Love the Second Amendment
Pretty well thought out and decently written argument. It's too bad that the people who really need to read this have such huge blinders on that they'll just write it off as crazy-talk from the title alone. Oh well.
(H/T SayUncle)
(H/T SayUncle)
Does the awkward teenage stage ever end?
Just hit up the range to shoot some quick video of the carbine pre-BattleComp and heavy buffer, kind of spare of the moment, so I just grabbed my tripod and camera and headed out solo.
Go figure, despite the insane humidity and the range being a swamp (me feet are still wet...) there were people there. So I was feeling a little like "that guy." So if you happened to be out at the Rapids Range and saw some guy taping himself shooting, it's for legitimate product reviews and whatnot, not for youtube poserness
Go figure, despite the insane humidity and the range being a swamp (me feet are still wet...) there were people there. So I was feeling a little like "that guy." So if you happened to be out at the Rapids Range and saw some guy taping himself shooting, it's for legitimate product reviews and whatnot, not for youtube poserness
Monday, July 5, 2010
Nose Art...
So I think I'm going to get crackin' on finishing up the second Valkyrie for my long-term Air Mobil Imperial Guard project, and I need to find some good nose art for it. I decided a while ago that my Valks will all have pretty girls on them, and the Vultures (fills the Apache roll in the 40k world...) will get sharks teeth.
Here's the piece on my first Valkyrie-
I've been poking around for a bit, but nothing on the interwebs has really jumped out at me like that one did. Anybody got any ideas for me?
Here's the piece on my first Valkyrie-
I've been poking around for a bit, but nothing on the interwebs has really jumped out at me like that one did. Anybody got any ideas for me?
And the rain keeps coming...
The stuff hasn't let up from last night, so the range trip is in that grey area of "maybe" in hopes of the radar not lying and the stuff letting up in a couple hours.
So I'm sitting in the usual coffee shop trying to think of something to put here, other than the grumbles of postal workers and their holidays (got postal match targets to send in! grr!) and lack of fireworks last night. Check back in an hour or so.
Update: It's raining even harder and Caleb's rubbing it in my face.
So I'm sitting in the usual coffee shop trying to think of something to put here, other than the grumbles of postal workers and their holidays (got postal match targets to send in! grr!) and lack of fireworks last night. Check back in an hour or so.
Update: It's raining even harder and Caleb's rubbing it in my face.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The wait... it can be hard.
Matte Stainless BattleComp and Spikes ST-T2 Heavy Buffer in route. Gonna need more ammo... lots more ammo...
Friday, July 2, 2010
More developments in the Dairy State.
Much faster than I expected.
The DA for Jackson County has released a statement in regards to McDonald V. Chicago. It is nearly mind boggling in regards to what he says;
(click on quote for full .pdf)
Hopefully this is just a sign of more to come!
ETA: There's an article on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel website about it, and quotes the Black River Falls police chief. Once again, somebody who should know better equates the entire OC/CCW thing to the "Wild West." As I've mentioned before, the "wild west" type of comment is full of crap.
The DA for Jackson County has released a statement in regards to McDonald V. Chicago. It is nearly mind boggling in regards to what he says;
(click on quote for full .pdf)
This Supreme Court ruling is binding on all states and local governments, and immediately renders some of Wisconsin’s current laws unconstitutional. Therefore, in keeping with my oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, I hereby declare that this office will no longer accept law enforcement referrals for violations of the following statutes:
Section 167.31, prohibiting uncased or loaded firearms in vehicles;
Section 941.23, prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons, including firearms;
Section 941.235, prohibiting the possession of firearms in public buildings;
Section 941.237, prohibiting the possession of firearms in establishments where alcohol may be sold or served; and,
Section 941.24, prohibiting the possession of knives that open with a button, or by gravity, or thrust, or movement.Needless to say, the implications are huge. I would, however, suggest that any readers who happen to live in Jackson County proceed with caution. The DA may throw out any charges, but that does not prevent you being arrested and having your stuff confiscated.
Hopefully this is just a sign of more to come!
ETA: There's an article on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel website about it, and quotes the Black River Falls police chief. Once again, somebody who should know better equates the entire OC/CCW thing to the "Wild West." As I've mentioned before, the "wild west" type of comment is full of crap.
FN taking a page from H&K?
FN released a statement today in regards to SOCOM's decision to cancel all future Mk-16 orders-
I'm still sticking by my feelings that the SCAR Mk-16 simply does not offer enough of an advantage over the current AR/M16 family of weapons to justify the price difference. The Mk-17 with a multi-caliber option yes, but not the pure 5.56 Mk-16.
(H/T to The Firearm Blog)
(McLean, Va.) July 1, 2010. FNH USA is cautious in releasing any information due to the nature of the pledge to our customers.
We can, however, reiterate that the MK 16 (5.56mm variant), MK 17 (7.62mm variant) and the MK 13 Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module (40mm), which make up the SCAR family of weapons, have each met, and in our opinion exceeded, all of the USSOCOM program requirements. It is also a matter of record that the SCAR has been proven to be superior to existing legacy assault rifles after numerous Department of Defense tests in both lab and field environments.
FNH USA believes the fact that the SCAR program recently passed Milestone C and was determined to be operationally effective / operationally suitable (OE/OS) for fielding, highlights the tremendous capability the weapons system offers deployed special operators.
FNH USA believes the issue is not whether the SCAR, and specifically the MK 16 variant, is the superior weapon system available today ...it has already been proven to be just that. The issue is whether or not the requirement for a 5.56mm replacement outweighs the numerous other requirements competing for the customers’ limited budget. That is a question that will only be determined by the customer.
While we know that the MK 17, to include the "common receiver" and corresponding 5.56mm conversion kit is an option, other Services and SOF components will have the ability to procure the MK 16 stand-alone rifle under the contract if it better meets their mission requirements.
In conclusion, the management and employees of FN are proud to provide this generation of special operators their first, entirely new assault rifle that meets and, in our opinion, exceeds the demands of today's battlefield.I'm having a hard time believing that it's from FN and not H&K with the amount of "we're right and all of you suck" coming across. "You too can have the best rifle in the world, if you can afford it!"
I'm still sticking by my feelings that the SCAR Mk-16 simply does not offer enough of an advantage over the current AR/M16 family of weapons to justify the price difference. The Mk-17 with a multi-caliber option yes, but not the pure 5.56 Mk-16.
(H/T to The Firearm Blog)
Investment Advice?
Tam posted a rather interesting screen cap of various stock values. I should finally figure out how to go about doing it an buy some stock in S&W.
Divorcing the Bike.
I'm not, but somebody did, and it made me laugh quite a bit. Some potentially NSFW pics of a Giant XTC (ok, not really NSFW, but you'll understand when you see.)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Had this one on the hard drive for a while...
Range trip planned for Monday, plus fireworks and a large aperture lens on the camera at some point this weekend, so hopefully I'll have some inspiration/motivation in a few days.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Is Starbucks listening?
The cup of plain old Starbucks I got at Barnes & Noble is much better than the last cup of plain old Starbucks coffee I had back on Starbucks Appreciation Day. Coffee may vary by location perhaps?
Wisconsin and Constitutional Carry?
Right now we can't. At all. But it seems like things may be changing. Last month at the state Republican convention they (narrowly) voted to strike obtain permits to from their stance on 2nd Amendment issues.
Another ray of hope in the overall debate is Gov. Doyle's announcement not too long ago that he will not be seeking re-election this fall. The State Legislature has previously passed "shall issue" style legislation twice in the past, only to be vetoed by Doyle, followed by barely failing to override. Combined with a nation wide swing towards conservative and Tea Party candidates for numerous offices, things are looking quite hopeful for it this time around.
But what is truly ridiculous, in an awesome way, is in the striking of those three words. What that means is the official goal of the State Republican Party in regards to Concealed Carry is Vermont/Alaska/Arizona type carry. If it were to happen, that would mean a switch straight from no carry to unrestricted carry! (Assuming the current School Zone case goes our way and the vehicle restrictions follow.) Yesterday's Supreme Court announcement just seems to further support the cause.
It'll probably be a year yet before we see any real developments, and it almost all depends on how things go in November, but it's good to see things swinging this direction. If you live in Wisconsin, it's definitely time to start doing your research and really pay attention to state level elections this time around. We're a hair away from becoming the 49th state to allow our citizens the ability to truly and completely defend ourselves, now's the time!
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Republican Party of Wisconsin, in caucus assembled, urges the Wisconsin Legislature to adopt legislation to permitting law‐abiding citizens without a felony record or a record of serious mental problemsThis is a huge reversal from previous years where they simply had no stance towards 2A issues.to obtain permitsto carry concealed weapons;
Another ray of hope in the overall debate is Gov. Doyle's announcement not too long ago that he will not be seeking re-election this fall. The State Legislature has previously passed "shall issue" style legislation twice in the past, only to be vetoed by Doyle, followed by barely failing to override. Combined with a nation wide swing towards conservative and Tea Party candidates for numerous offices, things are looking quite hopeful for it this time around.
But what is truly ridiculous, in an awesome way, is in the striking of those three words. What that means is the official goal of the State Republican Party in regards to Concealed Carry is Vermont/Alaska/Arizona type carry. If it were to happen, that would mean a switch straight from no carry to unrestricted carry! (Assuming the current School Zone case goes our way and the vehicle restrictions follow.) Yesterday's Supreme Court announcement just seems to further support the cause.
It'll probably be a year yet before we see any real developments, and it almost all depends on how things go in November, but it's good to see things swinging this direction. If you live in Wisconsin, it's definitely time to start doing your research and really pay attention to state level elections this time around. We're a hair away from becoming the 49th state to allow our citizens the ability to truly and completely defend ourselves, now's the time!
Slipped right by me...
I noticed it the other day, intended to say something about it, and completely forgot, but it looks like SOCOM is less than impressed by their SCAR Mk-16s. It sounds like a lot of "what can it do that an M4 can't?" as they are retaining the Mk-17s (the 7.62 version.) I can see the ambidextrous safety and brown finish not really balancing out the loss of compatibility with "the Big Army" and other parent services. Apparently there are also a fair number of guys who simply prefer the M4 for their 5.56 platform (I can't argue.)
I don't know why, but I've never quite warmed up to the SCAR. I think it's a partially due to mediocre experiences with FN built M16s throughout my military service, although I have no complaints as far as quality goes for their belt feds. Just some truly crappy M16A2s (functioned ok, fit and finish was garbage) and some meh A4s (see reverse of earlier, had a bunch with sub-par gas rings that had cycling issues. Was quickly fixed, but should never have happened.) I haven't had the chance to fire a SCAR, but I've handled one and it just didn't really excite me either. Granted a lot of that was muddied by knowing what the price tag said too. I have a feeling that if I ever play with an ACR it'll be a similar experience.
Overall, I can see where they are coming from. My personal AR carbine has ambidextrous controls (all but mag release anyway) and is a good mix of colors, and could be tan in a matter of minutes if I felt the need. I have yet to have an issue with the DI system (granted I'm running a mid-length system.) The only real advantage I can see with the SCAR is that you can fold it, a wish that's left over from my days of being in a mechanized unit and having a full length M16. I can easily see the decision that the benefits do not outweigh the price and loss of compatibility.
I don't know why, but I've never quite warmed up to the SCAR. I think it's a partially due to mediocre experiences with FN built M16s throughout my military service, although I have no complaints as far as quality goes for their belt feds. Just some truly crappy M16A2s (functioned ok, fit and finish was garbage) and some meh A4s (see reverse of earlier, had a bunch with sub-par gas rings that had cycling issues. Was quickly fixed, but should never have happened.) I haven't had the chance to fire a SCAR, but I've handled one and it just didn't really excite me either. Granted a lot of that was muddied by knowing what the price tag said too. I have a feeling that if I ever play with an ACR it'll be a similar experience.
Overall, I can see where they are coming from. My personal AR carbine has ambidextrous controls (all but mag release anyway) and is a good mix of colors, and could be tan in a matter of minutes if I felt the need. I have yet to have an issue with the DI system (granted I'm running a mid-length system.) The only real advantage I can see with the SCAR is that you can fold it, a wish that's left over from my days of being in a mechanized unit and having a full length M16. I can easily see the decision that the benefits do not outweigh the price and loss of compatibility.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Oh,
in case you were loosing sleep, I did get my wheel fixed with plenty of time to have it along this week. Although once again I'm reminded of why I need to invest in a good full set of bike tools. $15 to replace a $1 spoke, all because it was a drive-side rear one and I don't have the tools to pull a cassette.
Late to the party.
So I did hear about the decision just as it was released, but then I had to get in a Humvee, and they are lacking in that type of radio equipment, so everybody else has had a chance to look over things and muss and rejoice(?!) and cry into their ties. Or if you're the VPC, just say the same stupid thing a little louder because if you say it enough, it will turn true, even if completely retarded.
Uncle does bring up a good question, "what now?" I would love to see an attack at all the crappy NFA rules, but I'm sure that'll be a ways off, despite how awesome and right it would be. General consensus over there is a run at the various gun registries, and that does make sense and flows and everything. It looks like Mr. Gura already has started going after Cali, which is good. Also registration fees (comment 15) seem like a good one. I would still love to see a loosening (ok, erasure) of NFA restrictions in the near future... 11" suppressed AR sounds like a fun build...
Apparently the Brady Bunches Wikipedia entry had some brief hilarity. Thankfully a screen capture has been preserved at Sharp as a Marble. Praise his noodly appendages for keeping me from taking that sip of coffee before I embiggened. (Also, as a cartographer, I will mention that the map on said Wiki page uses a color scheme that is the opposite of what I'd expect from their point. You'd think they'd want the least restrictive states red...)
That's really all I've got for now, going to skim the actual decision when I'm bored and having trouble sleeping, and still need a bit of time for things to sink in and settle.
Uncle does bring up a good question, "what now?" I would love to see an attack at all the crappy NFA rules, but I'm sure that'll be a ways off, despite how awesome and right it would be. General consensus over there is a run at the various gun registries, and that does make sense and flows and everything. It looks like Mr. Gura already has started going after Cali, which is good. Also registration fees (comment 15) seem like a good one. I would still love to see a loosening (ok, erasure) of NFA restrictions in the near future... 11" suppressed AR sounds like a fun build...
Apparently the Brady Bunches Wikipedia entry had some brief hilarity. Thankfully a screen capture has been preserved at Sharp as a Marble. Praise his noodly appendages for keeping me from taking that sip of coffee before I embiggened. (Also, as a cartographer, I will mention that the map on said Wiki page uses a color scheme that is the opposite of what I'd expect from their point. You'd think they'd want the least restrictive states red...)
That's really all I've got for now, going to skim the actual decision when I'm bored and having trouble sleeping, and still need a bit of time for things to sink in and settle.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
