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.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
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.
18 Degrees and Snowing
So I'm about to head to the range. Contemplating grabbing the snowshoes to aid in setting up the targets. Wish me luck!
Surefire Extended AR Mag Video
To round out the YouTube/Big Mag theme for the day, Surefire just put out a pretty good looking video showing several of the benefits of their 60 and 100 round extended AR magazines.
I'm still not too enamored by the John Holmes-esque 100 rounder, and the "ambush" section shows why. The guy they show prone lucked out and has his gun set up with an offset MRD, so he can cant the rifle to clear the mag in the prone and still accurately place rounds on target. However, I doubt the Army or Corps are going to shell out the money for a whole new mount and sight system, simply to use the mag.
They also could have included a third section in there with the competition use for these. That's a pretty big chunk of the market they shouldn't ignore with this product.
I would still love to get my hands on a 60 rounder though, maybe in a few years when (hah) the price starts to look more realistic.
I'm still not too enamored by the John Holmes-esque 100 rounder, and the "ambush" section shows why. The guy they show prone lucked out and has his gun set up with an offset MRD, so he can cant the rifle to clear the mag in the prone and still accurately place rounds on target. However, I doubt the Army or Corps are going to shell out the money for a whole new mount and sight system, simply to use the mag.
They also could have included a third section in there with the competition use for these. That's a pretty big chunk of the market they shouldn't ignore with this product.
I would still love to get my hands on a 60 rounder though, maybe in a few years when (hah) the price starts to look more realistic.
Well, technically X+2...
...if they jack one into the chamber and top off the mag, but Tam brings up a damn fine criticism of mag bans.
I also can't help but wonder what difference it makes that two of the victims were high profile federal officials. A similar number of gang-bangers get shot in Chicago or something and I doubt there would be anywhere near the public outcry, even if a 9 year old girl was hit in the crossfire.
ETA: Uncle also brings up another bit of absurdity in regards to "high-capacity" magazines. In that case, the Army should Colt. You know how many soldiers are killed or wounded by automatic weapons fire every year?
I also can't help but wonder what difference it makes that two of the victims were high profile federal officials. A similar number of gang-bangers get shot in Chicago or something and I doubt there would be anywhere near the public outcry, even if a 9 year old girl was hit in the crossfire.
ETA: Uncle also brings up another bit of absurdity in regards to "high-capacity" magazines. In that case, the Army should Colt. You know how many soldiers are killed or wounded by automatic weapons fire every year?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Correia on the Classics
Larry kind of rips into high school English programs, mainly the required reading of "classics" and the absurdity of looking for some deep meaning in a simple story.
Having been one of those kids that, like so many Americans, had to go through high school lit. classes, I completely agree with him. I will honestly say, I failed the basic level lit. class twice, and it wasn't until my senior year that a guidance counselor finally told me the school had a class where you could read whatever books you wanted, as long as the teacher said they were OK.
I love reading, but I despise being told what I must read, so most of the time I just didn't read the required garbage becuase it would have cut into my reading time with the books I actually wanted to read. So, thankfully, I actually got to read a bunch of Heinlein and Asimov and get credit for it, and aced the class with no problem. By the end of the semester the teacher was reading Starship Troopers
for the first time (I consider that a bigger success than the A...) and I still love reading.
Having been one of those kids that, like so many Americans, had to go through high school lit. classes, I completely agree with him. I will honestly say, I failed the basic level lit. class twice, and it wasn't until my senior year that a guidance counselor finally told me the school had a class where you could read whatever books you wanted, as long as the teacher said they were OK.
I love reading, but I despise being told what I must read, so most of the time I just didn't read the required garbage becuase it would have cut into my reading time with the books I actually wanted to read. So, thankfully, I actually got to read a bunch of Heinlein and Asimov and get credit for it, and aced the class with no problem. By the end of the semester the teacher was reading Starship Troopers
for the first time (I consider that a bigger success than the A...) and I still love reading.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
50k
At some point while I was running around taking care of stuff after work, someone from Winnipeg spent 53 seconds glancing through a few pages of the ol' blog, and caused the Sitemeter to roll past the 50,000 visitor mark. Not bad for nearly two years in my mind.
CCW Carrier helped subdue Loughner
I had heard rumors of it before, but it's been confirmed now. One of the individuals who helped subdue the shooter in Tuscon was carrying a concealed handgun, and made some great quick decisions.
I believe this represents the vast majority of those who legally carry a firearm for self defense. Great job by Mr. Zamudio.
I believe this represents the vast majority of those who legally carry a firearm for self defense. Great job by Mr. Zamudio.
Glocks, Reload Speed, Mag Capacity...
Obviously are all currently being heavily discussed due to the events this past weekend. Uncle just put up a decent post relating to a couple of the issues, especially in regards to why mag capacity doesn't really mean squat in such situations. (Although in the case in question, it was sloppy reloading technique that was the shooter's downfall by most accounts.)
Predictably, the sales of Glock handguns and "high-capacity" magazines for them have spiked in the last few days. Just surfing most gun forums will get you a slew of threads asking where to get the big mags since everybody's sold out of them. Personally, I'm not too worried about this causing a new mag ban just yet, and I'm not a Glock fan by any means, so an extended Glock magazine wouldn't do me much good (although there are some 9mm carbines that use them out there, and that could be fun.) I'm not going to panic buy any though.
Just as much full retard debate has been flying around regarding the political rhetoric that some claim pushed Loughner over the edge. That's pretty much all bull___. I don't really make it habit of backing any single politician, I'm generally disgusted by politics at large, and the games the MSM plays with it doesn't make it any better. However, despite what you're thoughts are on Sarah Palin, she brought up a pretty good quote in a recent response to the accusations being thrown at her campaign.
ETA: Larry Correia's also got a pretty decent post from a couple days ago that sums up a lot of my feelings pretty well too, and it's prettier than anything I can write, since writing's kinda his thing.
Predictably, the sales of Glock handguns and "high-capacity" magazines for them have spiked in the last few days. Just surfing most gun forums will get you a slew of threads asking where to get the big mags since everybody's sold out of them. Personally, I'm not too worried about this causing a new mag ban just yet, and I'm not a Glock fan by any means, so an extended Glock magazine wouldn't do me much good (although there are some 9mm carbines that use them out there, and that could be fun.) I'm not going to panic buy any though.
Just as much full retard debate has been flying around regarding the political rhetoric that some claim pushed Loughner over the edge. That's pretty much all bull___. I don't really make it habit of backing any single politician, I'm generally disgusted by politics at large, and the games the MSM plays with it doesn't make it any better. However, despite what you're thoughts are on Sarah Palin, she brought up a pretty good quote in a recent response to the accusations being thrown at her campaign.
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” Ronald Regan
ETA: Larry Correia's also got a pretty decent post from a couple days ago that sums up a lot of my feelings pretty well too, and it's prettier than anything I can write, since writing's kinda his thing.
Sig Academy and 522 Commando
Jay G was lucky enough to go on a tour of the Sig Academy recently, and came back with some good pictures and lots of information. Looks like a fantastic facility, and I'd love to be able to go through the place.
The bloggers also got to look at and handle just about all of Sig's product line, and a couple things not out yet, including this 522 Commando-
That's right, it's a cute .22lr, with a tacticool fake can to hide the 16" barrel. That is massive amounts of cool in my mind, I may have to pick one up eventually.
(While we're on the subject, if anybody connected to Bravo Company or Lauer Custom Weaponry happen to read my blog... those guys are like a day trip away from here...)
The bloggers also got to look at and handle just about all of Sig's product line, and a couple things not out yet, including this 522 Commando-
That's right, it's a cute .22lr, with a tacticool fake can to hide the 16" barrel. That is massive amounts of cool in my mind, I may have to pick one up eventually.
(While we're on the subject, if anybody connected to Bravo Company or Lauer Custom Weaponry happen to read my blog... those guys are like a day trip away from here...)
KSG Video
TFB has a video of Kel-Tec's bullpup shotty.
I think a VFG of some sort is definitely the way to go on this one.
I think a VFG of some sort is definitely the way to go on this one.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tube at the Front!
Not too long ago, Multitasker tools was kind enough to send out a sample Tube and expansion kit to G&C friend and contributor Cro, who is currently kicking ass and hunting IEDs in A-Stan. Word is the tool was a fantastic item to have out on a recent range exercise for his platoon.
"I have been showing them to guys around here, and as soon as I show it to them they jump on brownelles and buy one"
Cro recently got a surefire helmet light, and when he went to set it up on his ACH, he found the screw driver on his issue Gerber multi-tool (a fine tool and one of my favorites) was too large for the attachment screws.
The Tube came to the rescue, and one of the driver tips in the expansion kit was the perfect size for the mission.
You don't find much better praise for a tool than that of front line soldiers who are tough on their gear.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Marines Looking to get Sweet M240 Upgrades
I've spent some quality time with the M240B, and thankfully never had any complaints. Granted I've also never been without wheels or tracks to carry it for me either. That being said, the Army worked with FN to develop the M240L, which uses Ti parts to reduce the weight of the weapon system by about 5 lbs.
The Marines are taking a different approach. Kit Up reports the Corps is looking to improve the barrel through various techniques to aid in cooling, negating the need to swap barrels in the middle of a firefight, and not really worrying about the overall weight. They're also reportedly looking to develop a barrel with an integral suppressor system, as it seems the Taliban get extra scared when they can't tell where the shots are coming from (something I can agree with from personal experience.)
If they can get something along those lines, I'd be pretty jealous. It sounds like fun.
The Marines are taking a different approach. Kit Up reports the Corps is looking to improve the barrel through various techniques to aid in cooling, negating the need to swap barrels in the middle of a firefight, and not really worrying about the overall weight. They're also reportedly looking to develop a barrel with an integral suppressor system, as it seems the Taliban get extra scared when they can't tell where the shots are coming from (something I can agree with from personal experience.)
If they can get something along those lines, I'd be pretty jealous. It sounds like fun.
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