“The essence of war is violence. Moderation in war is imbecility”
- British Sea Lord John Fisher
On March 19, 2010, In Quotes, By Jay
On March 19, 2010, In Misc., By Jay
A look at five random blogs:
- Over at 3 Boxes of BS, Bob tells us the story of bad guys who meet armed civilians.
- Michael Bane shows us the new America.
- A Geek with Guns Warns about issues in Wisconsin for firearms owners.
- Brigid pens another brilliant post.
- OneInchGroup is on Facebook
So is Firing Pin Journal. Just search for us on Facebook.
Among the crowd of voices singing the success of the movement to restore civil rights to Americans with various passages of law to help guarantee the intent of the 2nd amendment to the Constitution there are a few with a bit of caution. They say it is unwise to celebrate or let the guard down and again, in this space, their sentiments are echoed.
Nothing is so fleeting as victory nor as humbling as losing but those who lose tend to be more aggressive whilst the winners bask in the moment. This results in a flipping of the field in the future and next time could be all she wrote.
Some dismiss this as a lack of optimism. Hardly. It is reality for in the war for freedom there are no permanent victories. There are steps to take to make sure the guard is always alert and ready to advance for sitting still is a sure way to lose the footing beneath a movement.
The 2nd amendment is key because it protects the rest. It is the Gold Reserve of the Bill of Rights and stands alone as the one right that can be argued as a Human Right no matter the philosophy. Something as important cannot be left to chance or rot.
The opposition will view the setbacks as a reason to come up with new approaches. In every war of ideas strategy is key and here, at the very least, the one item everyone can offer of themselves is vigilance. We have been through a period in this nation when rights were stomped into the ground and cannot afford another. The next decade of the opposition may prove to be more damaging than any other.
It is never a good idea to sail a boat into rocks and expect success, no matter how much fun is being had aboard. A lookout is needed and vigilance required.
Not too long ago I purchased a Springfield XD .45 to add to the battery. Springfield Armory delivers a good product with the XD and the .45 is my preferred choice so it seemed a perfect match. It has thus far exceeded expectations.
There are literally hundreds of reviews about the XD but this one is for self defense purposes.
Holding 13 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber gives exceptional quantity for self defense. While still partial to the 1911, and believing shot placement is key, the 14 rounds of a larger caliber offers the owner exceptional time to work back to the rifle or shotgun. If numerous attackers are present the extra rounds will prove helpful.
Concealment depends on the owner. For me it’s easy to wear it and there’s no discernible difference between the XD .45 and other pistols. Frankly no pistol “feels good” but if you wear it daily, sun up to sleep, you will adjust to any firearm.
In drawing the pistol I’m impressed by the position of my right hand as it relates to the draw. The ergonomics are exceptional and numerous dry fire practice increases the comfort level daily.
As for firing the XD .45 it has drawn rave reviews. My enthusiasm is added to the chorus.
On March 19, 2010, In Gun Manufacturers, By Jay
CZ will be supplying the Czech military with new small arms:
Bartak yesterday also signed a contract on 5500 CZ 75 semi-automatic pistols and almost 600 CZ Scorpion automatic personal firearms that will cost 130 million crowns, the military says.
Ceska zbrojovka won the tender with the CZ 805 rifles, defeating the MPI Group offering arms by the FN Herstal Belgian producer.
On March 18, 2010, In Quotes, By Jay
`Firearms have been around for over 400 years, yet it is only in the last 20 years that people have begun shouting “gun control”. Why then, only recently, has this become such an issue? Moreover, why are there more mass-murderers than at any other time in our known history? It is not because weapons are more powerful — 200-year-old muzzleloaders have a much greater force-per-round than today’s “assault rifles”. It is not because weapons are semi- or fully-automatic — rapid-fire weapons have been available for most of the last century. It is not due to a lack of laws — we have more “gun control” laws than ever. It IS, however, because we have chosen to focus on “gun control” instead of crime control or “thug control.” It IS because only recently has the public become complacent enough to accept, by inaction, the violence present in our society.’
~ Kevin Langston
On March 18, 2010, In Personal Philosophy, By Jay
In the midst of a discussion a person noted to me they like the “gun culture lifestyle.” My response was to stare at him and ask him, “What?” He then relayed how he would like to live as someone who is respected for being prepared, for defending the rights of gun owners and he would love to experience what it feels like at some point.
This isn’t a life “style.” It is who I am, fundamentally, without the need for tactical shirts exclaiming how bad-ass I really am. When I talk about firearms I’m not talking about them as if they were a hat that goes in and out with the season. I’ve known violence and it isn’t anything like a PS2 game. Freedom is not just a word nor is liberty. They are at my core and without them there is no life, there is no “what do we do now? Watch Idol!”
Every morning I wake up and try to do something to protect our ever diminishing rights in this great nation. It isn’t for praise or to appear “like a defender of rights.” This is my life. I write what I believe because I believe it and not because someone else thinks it is cool or not cool.
This is no simulacrum. This is reality.
On March 18, 2010, In Negligent Discharge, By Jay
Sometimes when go to the range you know it’s gonna be a bad day.
On March 18, 2010, In Uncategorized, By Jay
Insight Firearms Training Development (I will not link to their site) responded to Michael Bane when he sent an email asking them why they oppose open carry and why they want mandatory training for CCW. They cite their extensive experience interacting with prosecutors, law enforcement, military and civilians. They offer information they say is given to them about firearms from prosecutors. I urge you to read the email before making a decision about their claims.
Since I’ve read it my opinion is this company does not stand alongside firearms owners. They advocate the second amendment, but!
The problem is this is the position taken by many anti-rights groups and though they try hard to sound rational their position is weak. In no way, shape or form would this blog ever recommend them for any type of training up to and including LE and the military. Though they say their CCW isn’t the primary source of income why do they oppose the very right that gives them the opportunity to do business. It’s a very disappointing response.
They will continue to do well but over time, as word gets around, their business will suffer. Not because others want them to fail but because the more we educate pro-rights Americans the more they will make good decisions about who to seek out for training. As one person stated on another blog the LE agencies doing business with them have civilian bosses who may be pro-rights. Perhaps they too need a word from those who advocate, without question, the second amendment.
H/T SayUncle
A shotgun can be a powerful home defense weapon if used properly. Key to employing the shotgun:
1. Familiarity with the chosen gun.
2. Reliability
3. Size
A shorter barrel is better for maneuvering around tight corners although any shotgun is better than no shotgun. Remember the barrel has to be at least 18 inches long. Compare a tactical shotgun with a barrel around 18.5″ with a standard shotgun. You’ll quickly note the difference. For those living in apartments or condos the shorter barrel is vital because of tight turns.
There is substantial debate over what size shot to use. Some advocate bird-shot ( I do not) while others say #1 or 00. In my humble opinion, and what I use, 00 is the right choice. People talk about penetration and going through thin walls which is a factor but the goal is to stop an attack and the 00 gives the best chance of doing that quickly.
Do not buy into an invader hearing the racking of shotgun and fainting. That is not likely to happen. Some people keep an unloaded shotgun and feel just the sound alone will deter a criminal assault. No. Neither will putting a picture of a firearm in the window. The rapist, thief, bad guy is a risk taker who has already gambled that by breaking in he can overcome resistance.
We will talk about the major manufacturers in a future post.
First read this from a news release:
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has until April 12 to take action on three unpopular gun bills that would put state residents at greater risk of gun violence: SB 334, SB 408, and HB 1217. Four gun violence prevention organizations — the Virginia Center for Public Safety (VACPS), the Virginia Chapters of the Million Mom March, Protest Easy Guns (PEG) and the Angel Fund — are calling on Governor McDonnell to veto this dangerous legislation…
If the bills are unpopular why have they made it to the desk of the Governor of Virginia? What should be stated it the legislation is unpopular with the groups of hoplophobes mentioned in the press release. It’s obviously not unpopular with the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The second point is how will these bills specifically put residents at a greater risk of gun violence?
Third please define dangerous. How can a piece of legislation be dangerous since it, like a firearm, is merely a tool. In addition to being frightened by a firearm are these people frightened by ideas? Yes.
The problem, among others, with the Million Mom March (where’ the million?) VCAPS and PEG is there dependence on hyperbole rather than fact. It infuriates these people that they can’t simply say “Enough” and the world stops turning for them. Instead of targeting the real problem (rapists, murderers) they seek to ban those who simply exercise their rights.
They are enemies of those who advocate for civil rights.
On March 18, 2010, In Bat Guano Crazy, Really?, By Jay
Maplewood, New Jersey discussed the discharge of firearms within the town limit when, to their horror, they realized there was no ordinance for it. Imagine a bunch of socialists coming to the realization they haven’t legislated against everything. Read the article for humor and for how Hoplophobes think.
On March 17, 2010, In Quotes, By Jay
“The right of self-defense is the first law of nature; in most governments it has been the study of rulers to confine this right within the narrowest limits possible. Wherever standing armies are kept up, and when the right of the people to keep and bear arms is, under any color or pretext whatsoever, prohibited, liberty, if not already annihilated, is on the brink of destruction.”
~Henry St. George Tucker
On March 17, 2010, In Uncategorized, By Jay
After looking at a number of sites I have included some new (to me) sites think you might enjoy. Frankly, I enjoy them. There will also be several categories for the current blogs to keep them separate.
Remember the man in Oregon who had his home raided by law enforcement for no good reason. Well he is getting those guns back and he will probably sue the stupid off the people who raided him.
Face it, this could be anyone. You lose a job or have an argument with someone and suddenly tactical boots are stepping over you while they read you your rights. Your “crime” is being a gun owner. All because those who were worried are hoplophobes.
H/T to SayUncle
Our earlier post on the absurdity.
On March 17, 2010, In Quotes, By Jay
“Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it.”
- Pericles
On March 17, 2010, In Bat Guano Crazy, Second Amendment, By Jay
GunPal CEO Ben Cannon has been through the proverbial ringer. A news item circulated that he was charged with impersonating a police officer. Turns out he wasn’t in town at the time this “supposedly” occurred. Now Cannon is looking to clear his name.
Cannon is a pro rights activist and his targeting is very troublesome. A high profile figure, someone thought they could slap phony charges on him. Let’s see if the mainstream press will print that the charges are dropped.
From CalGuns:
It’s nice to be able to talk about this – but I am only going to comment so much as we now have pending litigation against those involved.
I was arrested and my house raided for allegedly pulling someone over with a red light and badge somewhere in or near Santa Rosa. None of what was found at the scene of the alleged crime was found in my possession – yet prosecution commenced.
Trouble is I was 100 miles away in Sacramento that entire day with multiple witnesses, Cellphone GPS records, phone calls, and text messages, and signed credit charge receipts to prove it.
The story gets more interesting from here, there will be some interesting cases filed in the days and weeks ahead, we are already pursuing a Finding of Factual Innocence and Expungement, as well as other remedy.
On March 17, 2010, In Hoplophobes, Legislation, By Jay
Paul Helmke is excited about the shooting at the Pentagon. He is able to use a statistic though perhaps this time he should have phrased it differently.
“Nearly a hundred members of Congress have signed on as cosponsors of legislation to require background checks on firearm sales at gun shows. It is long past time to close this dangerous loophole.”
Note the word “nearly” which means less than a 100. Further since there are 535 members of Congress that puts the percentage, generously using the 100 figure, at less than 19%. One is inclined to believe you could get 100 members of Congress to cosponsor a bill calling for a national holiday in honor of the pet rock. Thus, Mr. Helmke hurt his own cause (again) with numbers that are, at best, mediocre.
With the current situation in the nation some second amendment rights activists seem to be very pleased with the wins thus far. In fact, at least one person I know said that he can now slow down for a while to catch up on other things. Perish the thought.
Let’s stop for a moment to remind ourselves of just what we are facing:
- One event to turn the tide of public opinion long enough to hurt the pro-rights movement.
- Obama will likely be able to nominate at least two justices, perhaps more if a second term disastrously occurs.
- Larger victories are great but it is the slow erosion we must stand guard against and frankly that has not abated.
Some will argue this is unnecessary but those of us with a sense of history know it is critical to maintain an active profile against the enemies of liberty. They never rest and are never beaten because they are irrational and because they see free people as threats.
Keep the fight going.
On March 16, 2010, In Quotes, By Jay
“If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest for freedom, go home and leave us in peace. We seek not your council nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.”
Samuel Adams
On March 16, 2010, In Bat Guano Crazy, By Jay
Miguel at Gun Free Zone offers his opinion on the SPLC which, if you weren’t aware, are people for whom the word racist is applied to everyone disagreeing with their views.
If not a racist you are labeled an extremist and Miguel does a good job of giving them the what for.
On March 16, 2010, In Concealed Carry, By Jay
The State of Missouri is attempting to lower their Draconian age measure down to 21 for those who legally carry. Men and women from Missouri join the military at the age of 18 and can drink at 21 but as of now have to be 23 for a carry permit.
Missouri currently requires people be at least 23 years old, clear a background check and pass a firearms training course to get a concealed weapon permit. The legislation drops that to 21 years old. Missouri appears to have the oldest age requirement in the country. The legislation also would cap the fee sheriffs can charge for making changes to existing concealed weapon permits.
On March 16, 2010, In Firearms Education, Misc., By Jay
If you shoot you know the feeling of a hit on a target at the range outside where you normally group your hits. Novices aren’t usually aware of why they miss high right or pull up at the break. OneInchGroup as an interesting post up about what you might be doing if you are missing wide right or left. While I can’t say I agree with every one of them it looks like a good way to start your own target data.
On March 16, 2010, In Really?, By Jay
So this lady can’t afford a high speed internet connection and is thus relegated to 56K and she has a daughter who wants a faster connection blah, blah, blah. Now the government is supposed to step in to offer high speed internet. Because those of us who remember 9600 got help, correct? No. We waited because technology proceeds at its own pace.
Socialism. The government WILL provide you with everything.
The story is at Tams. Read it and get angry.
On March 16, 2010, In Bat Guano Crazy, Really?, By Jay
In Toronto police are offering $500 for people who provide tips on the whereabouts of illegal pistols and rifles. The question becomes how would a citizen know if a firearm is illegal or not? Further if legal firearms owners are hassled over this does that make the program worthy?
A poster advertising the latest campaign — which can be seen across the city, at TTC stations, in schools and on YouTube — depicts a gun with the barrel pointing backward.
The slogan on the poster reads: “Use a gun and you are more likely to die from one.”
What does this mean? Where is the factual data to back up this specious claim? Taken at face value it is easy for someone who doesn’t know better to say, “wow, if I go shooting at the range and keep a firearm for self defense I am more likely to die from a gunshot wound.”
False.
No data exists on the “use of a gun” because the statement is way too broad.
Sometimes people forget their place in the world. As advocates of the right to own firearms we sometimes think we are above being prey. That is when tragedy strikes but at least we have means to defend ourselves. The opposition only has a phone, a three digit number and minutes to wait until help arrives. In short, they have a lifetime to wait.
Brigid at Home on the Range discusses issues with considerable force of wisdom and superb writing skills. I strongly recommend reading her latest post.
On March 15, 2010, In Gun Manufacturers, Gun News, By Jay
Over at Handguns there is a review of the Dan Wesson CCO Bobtail. Though like many reviews in magazines (Guns and Ammo) this one noted no deficiencies it appears to be a fine weapon. Of course only hands on with a lot of ammunition will render a verdict on its dependability but for those who like the looks of things it is a nice work of art.
On March 15, 2010, In Gun Ownership, Hoplophobes, Legislation, Second Amendment, Self Defense, By Jay
Mayor Daley is one of the more outspoken anti-rights activists in the nation. It’s proper to call him anti-rights because he is opposed to the second amendment to the Constitution and thus is trying to deprive people of their rights. He is no friend to anyone with an interest in self defense nor, as has been demonstrated lately, does he appear under control.
Much like his father, the younger Daley has a firm grip on Chicago but unlike his father, the current Daley went too far when he sought to mock the Supreme Court in the arguments of McDonald v Chicago. (Father Daley was an old style political boss. Younger Daley is less powerful) Daley assumed his power was wide reaching but in fact it is very limited in scope. Outside of Chicago few care what the Mayor has to say. In much the same way Mike Bloomberg is finding out in New York, when you step on to the national stage you can find yourself out of your depth.
Both of these men must be viewed as enemies of civil rights. They seek to trump the Constitution because like most elitists they feel they know better. They don’t. Nor shall they.
On March 15, 2010, In Bat Guano Crazy, By Jay
On March 15, 2010, In Self Defense, By Jay
A man and his wife entered a party store in Romulus, Michigan only to have it robbed by three men. As one goblin pointed a weapon at the customer he took it from the robber and shot. The goblin died and the other men fled. Give the customer a gift certificate!
On March 15, 2010, In Really?, By Jay
A Mexican Military helicopter violated the border of the United States more than a mile and hovered over a home in Texas. Multiple witnesses were able to identify the bogey which should have been forced back over the border or engaged. This is yet another failure of the Obama Administration to address core issues while instead they target the civil rights of American citizens.
Gonzalez, the Zapata sheriff, said he couldn’t confirm reports that the helicopter was scoping out the home of a drug criminal. He said the incursion about a mile over the border took place over a neighborhood populated by many U.S. Customs officers who work at area border crossings — and that they knew what they were seeing.
“My understanding is the U.S. military were informed,” he said. “I don’t know what action was taken, if any.”
H/T to SayUncle
The United States Army has been in the process of altering their basic training and one of the key areas is marksmanship. At Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina the head of the training command has finished a comprehensive review and overhaul of the way basic is handled.
According to the Army Times:
A standardized basic rifle marksmanship strategy that requires soldiers to become proficient, comfortable and knowledgeable about their weapon before moving on to advanced training and combat familiarization fire.
Under this new strategy, infantry trainees will fire 730 rounds, and non-infantry trainees 500 rounds. They now fire about 300 rounds.
Lessons planned for basic officer and enlisted training include fighting with a rifle, employing a bayonet or knife, reacting to contact from the front, reacting to contact from the rear, pummeling for neck control, knee strikes and defense against knee strikes.
This author is within shouting distance of a major Army installation and is on post a lot. The new direction is met with mixed reaction with most believing the number of rounds fired in training is still too few.
On March 15, 2010, In Hoplophobes, By Jay
The shooting at the Pentagon has the media hysterical. It seems the firearm used was one the Memphis PD had confiscated and then swapped out. The pistol ended up at an FFL and subsequently was sold. Later, through some sort of exchange not involving a legal transfer the shooter ends up with the gun.
This is not the fault of the firearm in question nor firearms in general. Instead the focus should be on the person who decided to perform the illegal act of trying to gun down someone. The gun possesses no emotion. If a pick axe were used one would not blame the pick axe nor those who sold the pick axe. Instead the issue is with an individual.
Hoplophobes cannot understand this point.
On March 14, 2010, In Quotes, By Jay
“There are no extraordinary men…just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men are forced to deal with.”
~Fleet Admiral William F. (Bull) Halsey
On March 14, 2010, In Ammunition, Self Defense, By Jay
Saw an interesting item being discussed at a forum I am part of and many folks were talking about their switch to FMJ for personal protection. It seems the common refrain is ability to feed and less chance of a foul up on that “one” shot that might be needed if attacked. Others posit they prefer FMJ due to their experience in the military.
What’s your opinion on the FMJ for handguns?
(Please take into account the author knows why JHP is used but people new to shooting may not know so let’s educate them. The question deals with FMJ as a self defense round)
On March 14, 2010, In Quotes, By Jay
More than two thousand years ago Aristotle opined that most of the human
race has essentially the soul of a slave. A recent Associated Press poll
recorded that fifty-four percent of those questioned seemed willing to trade
liberty for security. The sad fact is that one cannot trade the one for the
other. You can surrender your liberty, but what you get in turn is never a
significant increase in your security. There are those in Israel who feel
that they would like to trade “land for peace.” That will not work either.~Jeff Cooper
On March 14, 2010, In Misc., By Jay
Good point made over at Sharp as a Marble. Take a peek and offer input.
On March 14, 2010, In Rifles, By Jay
At around $300.00 this is a decent bargain. The 30-06. There have been issues but this author has yet to have one.
From Remington:
Model 770 Features
New black synthetic stock design with molded sling swivel studs
Factory mounted and bore-sighted 3-9×40mm scope
Smoother-camming 60 degree bolt
Updated magazine latch
Detachable magazine holds 4 standard cartridges and three magnum cartridges
Ultra accurate 6-groove, button-rifled, ordnance-grade steel barrel (22″ standard calibers and 24″ magnum calibers
On March 14, 2010, In Hoplophobes, By Jay
It seems those of us who are pro-rights are classified into several categories. Dan Thomasson likes to discuss sex and firearms as he puts us all in one category or another. Why do anti-rights dullards continually attack people who are pro-Bill of Rights? Perhaps the answer lies within their own mental defects. Hoplophobes.
On March 13, 2010, In Hoplophobes, Self Defense, By Jay
On this day in 1964 Kitty Genovese was brutally murdered while people stood by offering no help. Winston Moseley , a necrophiliac who had killed twice previously, was the piece of scum who killed Kitty. What may be worse, in some peoples minds, is the lack of response by neighbors.
46 years ago we saw evidence that the police, nor your neighbor, is capable of defending you if a scumbag wants to hurt or kill you. Yet, since that time, many in the public eye have created generations of victims who seek law after law to try to contain brutality. It doesn’t work.
One must take the responsibility to defend self and family, and if possible, any innocent who is the victim of of monsters given free reign by decades of enabling lawmakers.
H/T Maddened Fowl
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