Been Awhile…

It has been awhile, and speaking of a while I just watched an old Family Ties episode. How easy it is to forget how painfully liberal that show was. The episode I just saw was on guns. I think it was a great episode for any one who is pro-guns to watch and understand those who fear guns.

The cute factor was when they went to the sporting store to buy one, at the counter was an adorable little old woman knitting. When they asked her in their sheepish way about getting a gun, she asks do you want to make a nick or blow them away, the couple had that look of horror, but they said a nick will do . The old lady then asked what level of nick (that ranged up to a canyon), they confirmed the smaller nick would be fine and add that they explained they are hardcore pacificists.   The old lady asks, so when were you robbed? They are surprised and ask how she knew, the old lady shows them a gun and said this is what most of our pacifists who have been robbed prefer.

When they have contact with the gun, it is in the most awkward manner, they look horrified as though the gun will take control and go on a shooting spree. When they get home they are sitting on their bed with the gun between them staring at it, looking like it might do a trick. They decide to put the gun in one drawer, bullets in another, and forget it exists. First they show the kids where it is, but tell them never to touch it. So the whole family is in a form of terror.

That portion definitely is what I see with most people who fear guns, they did not go to a range to learn how to use it, they did not take any gun safety classes that would have put them at ease, and then they should have educated their children about the gun, handling and safety.

This is what I always find fascinating, liberals are often “intellectuals” but they are also tragically ignorant. Proof in their attitude about guns, proof in liberal shows like Family Ties, proof in the perfect example that episode offered in how they acted and handled the gun.

The show ends with them hearing a sound, and thinking they are being broken into again, so when they go to check things out, did they grab the gun.. no they grabbed a tennis racket. They decided to return the gun, because instead of being educated about it they prefer to live in ignorance & fear.

This is fine, I prefer that someone ignorant of guns to not own one.. and I wish them well batting a burglar with a tennis racket, or hoping the attacker will sit around a camp fire and sing  peace songs with them… Good luck with that.

New Boomswitch

Just replaced the trigger on the Colt.  The Govt 380 and Mustang triggers don’t work quite the same way as the 1911 cousins, this was a bit more complicated.  But the Cylinder and Slide Aluminum trigger went in without too much hassle, you just need to make sure you have 3 or 4 hands to do the job.

For A Good Time

Gotta love this stuff.

Gov’t & Anti-Gun Actions.

Obama’s “Fast & Furious“, it should be no surprise that it was designed to support Obama’s anti-gun agenda.

The  typical liberal battle cry, “guns kill people” they are still singing the same ole’ tune.

The government is working on framing the gun shops who the gov’t forced the sale of the very same weapon. Sounds a lot like the gov’t attack on lenders for the foreclosure crisis, when the gov’t forced banks to offer loans regardless of ability to pay. Just like the gov’t is also forcing extended periods of a year or more of no payment,( due to unemployment). While that is a whole other topic, it does reinforce the gov’t ignorance and abuse of power.

The Before and After

Just got the Colt Government 380 back from getting refinished.  There was a good bit of pitting along with light to medium rust over a lot of it.  There’s only so much a refinish job can fix, but in this case, I think it’s made a huge improvement.  The coating is Norrell Moly Resin, and it looks great.  B&P Tactical Services in Colorado did the work, quickly, for a great price, and most importantly, just a wonderful job.

Here’s a before and after picture, clearly showing how much of an improvement.

You can see how the rusting has been taken care of completely, and the matte black finish actually helps the appearance of the pitting. 

The Moly Resin finish is strong, baked on, and has built in lubricating properties.  One thing I really like is that I get a better grip on the gun, for pulling back the slide, or even just holding it.

Details matter:  The overall refinish wasn’t just the re-coating, but also a polish of the hammer and removing rust, nicks, and burrs from the crown of the barrel.

Next on the agenda, finding a perfect holster.

NRA Convention: Where da’ women at?

An article from PittsburghLive talking about the big NRA annual convention, and women. The writer mentions that the conventions are and have been flooded with men, yet the writer is perplexed since it has been said there has been a huge increase in female members in the NRA. So he wonders “Where da’ women at?”…

The writer is trying to figure where the NRA is overlooking when it comes to women. Yet the writer seems to think ALL woman live for day-spas, carry purses filled with cosmetics, and in general their world is centered around a tube of lipstick. The writer seems to think the lack of women gun-owners is just not fashionable (for the women). Apparently he is surveying on the most superficial women he can find.

A highlighted point in that ridiculous little article:

Though gun sales to females increased significantly in recent years, Piendl said, “Sales to women remain the largest untapped growth market in the industry.”

So what is the problem in arming women? Go to a gun store, any gun store, and you will have your answer. Very seldom will you see someone who actually has a clue about customer service, sure they might know guns, but if you can not get them to burp up a syllable, how on earth would you know this? Ok another example, think of a person who really knows computers, I mean really knows them..and is good with them, now have them sell anything computer related. The world would still be using a typewriter. Personality is a HUGE part of sales, any type of sales. And sadly (most) gun shops seem to not think of that as a hiring requirement.

When I have gone to gun shows, you have a variety of gun-shops at your finger tips. There can be around 50 or more booths, and perhaps 5 will actually interact with me. The rest seems burdened by your (the customer’s) existence.

So why don’t women go to those conventions? Ok sure maybe the NRA is not marketing them properly to female members, but that does not mean they have no increased (female) membership. It just means they there may just not offer a proper draw for women to attend the conventions. Honestly I have no interest, I do not like crowds and I can not imagine what on earth a convention would or could offer me. Naturally I am curious..

NRA 2011 Convention.

• Pyramyd Air: Try the latest models of air rifles, air pistols, air silhouette rifles and 10-meter running game target rifles!
• Antiquest Guns & Gold: You’ll learn the historical significance, meaning of marks and symbols and whether you have a gem or not.
• Banquet. (for an additional  fee)
• Seminar: on rights & laws.
• Workshop: on rights & laws
• Exhibit hall: displays of guns, and such. (basically the same as local gun-shows).
• Gun Raffle.
• Ted Nugent Seminar

Ok the ONE cool thing is the Ted Nugent seminar, but well it is a seminar, and it is only on one day of this 4-6 day event.

All in all.. it really is not offering much, unless a person is a die-hard NRA member, who enjoys the chaos and boredom that a convention can offer. So why don’t more women attend? Why would they? For that matter, Why do so many men attend?

So, not attending an NRA convention is not a pro-fashion protest. It is avoiding something painfully boring. Perhaps women just prefer to enjoy their gun, and don’t require such an event to express that enjoyment?

Another part is the political focus of the event, and perhaps women do not feel the need to attend crowds of people preaching to the choir about our rights and laws. How does chanting your support or opposition to laws, to people who agree, help? Perhaps gathering to find a way to educate those who are against what you are supporting will merit some promise, but if I shout in a mirror.. I just don’t see that as beneficial.

Buying Advice: First Time with a Gun.

My hubbie keeps telling me about stories he finds where the husband asking what gun they should buy their girlfriend/wife.

Let me give my personal background on guns. Growing up I had heard my father might have (what was referred to as) a squirrel shooter rifle, but I do not recall ever seeing him use it. So I did not have a lot of exposure in that sense. But, I did have a neighbor who actually shot at me (and I lived in the country). I had many negative experiences with guns/weapons etc when I was growing up, but I will spare the details. People who knew me before I met my husband were very surprised when they had discovered I shoot, and own a couple of guns. Even my brother was very surprised. I grew up very much a hard-core pacifist, and I mean the type who would say “shoot (me) first, I won’t ask questions” type of pacifist, I believed people who regret their actions and other really ridiculous things.

So there was a comfort level, I needed to be comfortable on my own terms. I would have avoided it even more if my husband simply bought me a gun. The best thing he did, was encourage me to join him at a shooting range, where they had  (a wonderful rental counter with) a variety of guns to shoot. He also offered me to shoot several of his guns. I immediately had a distrust and discomfort for any semi-automatic. I have consistenly preferred, trust and enjoy revolvers. 

Over the years I have tried several semi-automatics, but still am not at all fond of them. But that is my comfort level, that does not mean all women would resist semi-autos and or prefer revolvers. I am mentioning this to point out the choice is personal. The grip, the caliber, the barrel, the weight, the balance.. it all is extremely personal.

I am going to make this to both men and women, since I do not think men are alone in the quest to get their gal a gun, while they are the majority, I definitely doubt they are alone…

Buying a gun is not like buying an iPod, game, or gadget. Heck buying a cell phone does not even compare to buying a gun. Most people can “work-with” a cell phone they receive, or other gadget.  A gun can (sort of) compare to surprising someone with a car. They might be excited, and surprised, and some people are easy to make happy, but if they hate it, it is tough to exchange, and for many people they will keep it but not handle it properly. But if the focus is for self-defense, if the person is not comfortable they won’t use it.

So item #1.. Do NOT buy someone else a gun. Unless they give you in detail which make/model that they specifically would want, and they know they want exactly that gun.

That aside.. a few questions:

1. Have they expressed interest in a gun? Because it is personal, because it is a comfort level, they may be afraid or have some other reservation. You can not get someone a gun because you want them to have protection. If a person does not feel comfortable with the gun, if they are not comfortable with guns in general, this may push them further away from approaching the idea on their own.
2. Have the shot a gun before? They need to try several guns, several grips, several calibers.. they may hate the first thing they try, they may love it.. but if they don’t try a variety of guns, they will not know what works for them. Maybe they would prefer to try something different every time (then a good rental counter is wonderful, for other people they may feel connected and comfortable with something specific).
3. What will they use it for? Target, conceal/carry, home protection? This will also affect selection. You don’t want a 6″ barrel for conceal/carry or a a 22 caliber (you will just piss off your target). But if target is the focus, a 22 caliber is great since it is cheaper to shoot, not harsh to shoot, and fun.. you also will want a barrel longer than 2″ (which is common on conceal guns).

The best thing on earth is if you have a nearby shooting range with a great rental counter. Not feeling committed to a gun does help! If you have a gun show nearby, those are great just for him/her to just pick up guns and get familiar. They can hold and play with a variety of guns. You will notice quickly what they are drawn too (but again this is not a sign to buy their preference, shooting is proving).

Also remember not all men want (or should have) some “manly” looking hand-canon. It may look impressive, but it likely won’t be fun or comfortable to shoot. Guys should not feel afraid of trying a smaller gun, they may discover it is just what they wanted and needed. Also the high-caliber might sound bad-ass, but check out the price for ammo, it may be completely impractical.

Don’t fall for “pretty”.. because what is pretty you may be fearful to enjoy, or it may be looks alone (and not offer substance… you know like most people).

Women & guns, the smaller gun is not necessarily the better choice. A typical .38 caliber conceal & carry (specifically a snubbie) has a mean kick, and she may avoid practicing with it, or using it. So it needs to be practical, something she can practice with otherwise it may prove pointless. Also just because the gun is small does not mean it will be something she can conceal/carry, it may not fit proper on her body and or not fit in the type of purse she uses, if she uses one at all (and even if she does I would never personally feel comfortable having my gun in my purse, what if my purse is stolen, or I leave it behind.. yikes!)

Here are highlights of how I look at a gun, I found some wonderful links that I noted at the bottom that offer so much more than I have.. but hope this helps:

• Fit: I can not say enough.. hold it! If it does not fit properly in your grip, you will not enjoy shooting. Comfort is crucial.
• Barrel: Once you find the right grip, look at the barrel. If you need a conceal, they are typically are about 2″ or less, but some people can manage to conceal a 3″. If you will use it for target shooting 4-6″ is excellent! Anything longer is (or should be) a rifle!
• Balance: Hold the gun how you would shoot, does it feel front heavy, does it feel too heavy? If you can not hold it comfortably you will not be able to shoot properly. There is no standard on “perfect” weight. I have held many guns that are the same weight, but due to balance each felt different. (I have a light weight & a steel gun, which makes it great to switch off when I am shooting, giving my hand a break).
• Sights: Some are changeable, some adjustable, some fixed, some are laser, some are hi-viz, etc. Eyeball the sights and make sure you are comfortable with how they line up.
• Action: Double (best for self-defence, it has a longer trigger pull) or Single action, how comfortable are you with the loading, how comfortable are you with the hammer or racking the gun?
• Capacity: This is one of the biggest problems people have, they think they want to load the gun less frequently, so they want higher capacity. But with a semi-auto you will often have a larger (less comfortable) grip (unless you are a gorilla). The reloading gives you a chance to rest, to regain focus, so the reload can be relaxing. In self-defense if you can’t hit your target within 3 shots you are likely out of luck.
• Caliber: Do also weigh the price of ammo, that gun may appear to be a killer deal, or just what you want.. but can you afford to shoot it, or heck find the ammo for it? Also have you shot that caliber before? The comfort of the gun might be there, but the gun may be too light or too much to shoot. But the fit is a good starting point, it makes it easier to find the right gun when you know what fits.

 Here are some great sites that offer more..

• OC Shooters: recommends a couple of books, as well great advice on various guns for various needs.
• Keep & Bear Arms: goes over terminology, pros/cons of auto vs revolver, etc.. they offer a lot of great information!
• Gun Directory: places to buy,places to shoot, and info/guides on guns.
• CraigCentral: wonderful break down on terminology, calibers, and first time shooter tips,.. excellent info!
• EverySafe: about gun safes.
• Gun Safe Buying Guide: does & don’ts on buying a safe, what you need/what you don’t, size, etc.

Get What It Takes

Go play this flash based game for the New Zealand army’s Steyr AUG. Lotsa fun!

Beauty, brains, and brawn!

Townhall: This story gives the saying “drop dead gorgeous,” a whole new meaning.

Way to go Meghan Brown!

This proves it is not the size or color of the gun… it is the target!

(Don’t know if she opted for the Charter Arms Pink Lady, but figured this would be a good example).

Definitely a scary situation. It is awesome she had the presence of mind to get her gun! Again.. Way to go Ms Brown!

There is something seriously wrong with our judicial system!  The criminal had been in and out of jail four times!!

According to FoxNews, the suspect, identified as Albert Hill, had a long rap sheet that goes back decades and includes arrests for “burglary, battery, drug possession, grand theft and served a 13-year prison term in 1987 and was released in September after serving a fourth term behind bars.”

Conflicts of Interest

Amish gun owners in Illinois face a showdown over their religious teachings and their Second Amendment rights …. The Amish have a religious edict against having their photo taken. Up till now, the state had allowed them to obtain an FOID card without a photo, as is required of every other gun owner. But last month, the state police director reversed that policy, and said photos would be required of every gun owner, Amish or not.

The firearms laws in Illinois are abhorrent to begin with, but this may lead to a big court fight.  Both freedom of religion and right to bear arms are rights spelled out for protection against government interference in the Constitution.  Surely the state can’t enforce a bureaucratic regulation that requires the violation of one right or the other.