Friday, July 31, 2009
Ass Backwards
According to the local rag, the Fed is cutting expenditures on things the airforce wants and spending on what they don't want, like additional cargo planes. That seems rather consistent to me. The Fed has a long habit of doing things backwards.
Plated Bullets - Again^3
I've been using my eldest's Hornady sizer die that squeezes the .45 brass 0.004-0.005 smaller than the newer Hornady die I have. So far it seems to work.
The new die from Hornady, sent free of charge, is the same as the one I own. I sent an e-mail back explaining my continued problem, and that apparently their older product works just fine. Can I get one of those? I also asked if they wanted the new one back, since it doesn't do me any good.
A reader commented, and recommended I use a Lee factory crimp die. I'm hoping that I won't have to resort to spending money on a new die and an extra operation to save money on bullets.
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I thought about going to a pistol shoot this weekend, but I think I'll pass this one. I need to do more testing on the plated bullet issue to ensure reliability. I really don't want to expend a bunch of relatively expensive hollow points.
Besides, I still need to test and adjust the new site on the HiPower, and I haven't fired a long gun in months.
The new die from Hornady, sent free of charge, is the same as the one I own. I sent an e-mail back explaining my continued problem, and that apparently their older product works just fine. Can I get one of those? I also asked if they wanted the new one back, since it doesn't do me any good.
A reader commented, and recommended I use a Lee factory crimp die. I'm hoping that I won't have to resort to spending money on a new die and an extra operation to save money on bullets.
-------
I thought about going to a pistol shoot this weekend, but I think I'll pass this one. I need to do more testing on the plated bullet issue to ensure reliability. I really don't want to expend a bunch of relatively expensive hollow points.
Besides, I still need to test and adjust the new site on the HiPower, and I haven't fired a long gun in months.
TEA Party
There's a TEA party tomorrow at the capital building (Columbus, Ohio). The Boss asked if I wanted to go, but I declined. It's not that I don't want to, but that walking and standing on hard surfaces is painful when you have arthritis. Besides, I'm not all that sure that anyone in power, especially the Feds, pays attention to peaceful demonstrations anymore.
Now if the rallying point was in DC with the intent of kicking those bastards out of the Fed buildings, then the pain would be worth it. We need to fire the bunch and start over.
Now if the rallying point was in DC with the intent of kicking those bastards out of the Fed buildings, then the pain would be worth it. We need to fire the bunch and start over.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Deer Camp
The guys were all at a deer camp. They had to bunk two to a room.
No one wanted to room with Ralph because he snored so badly. They decided it wasn't fair to make one of them stay with him the whole time, so they voted to take turns.
The first guy slept with Ralph and comes to breakfast the next morning with his hair a mess and his eyes all bloodshot . They said, "Man, what happened to you?"
He said, "Ralph snored so loudly, I just sat up and watched him all night."
The next night it was a different guy's turn. In the morning, same thing hair all standing up, eyes all bloodshot. They said, "Man, what happened to you? you really look awful!"
He said, "Man, that Ralph shakes the roof.. I watched him all night."
The third night was John's turn. John was a big burly ex-football player; a man's man. The next morning he came to breakfast bright eyed and bushy tailed. "
**Good morning**," he said. They couldn't believe it! They said, "Man, what happened?"
He said, "Well, we got ready for bed. I went and tucked Ralph into bed, patted his ass and kissed him good night. Ralph sat up and he watched me all night."
No one wanted to room with Ralph because he snored so badly. They decided it wasn't fair to make one of them stay with him the whole time, so they voted to take turns.
The first guy slept with Ralph and comes to breakfast the next morning with his hair a mess and his eyes all bloodshot . They said, "Man, what happened to you?"
He said, "Ralph snored so loudly, I just sat up and watched him all night."
The next night it was a different guy's turn. In the morning, same thing hair all standing up, eyes all bloodshot. They said, "Man, what happened to you? you really look awful!"
He said, "Man, that Ralph shakes the roof.. I watched him all night."
The third night was John's turn. John was a big burly ex-football player; a man's man. The next morning he came to breakfast bright eyed and bushy tailed. "
**Good morning**," he said. They couldn't believe it! They said, "Man, what happened?"
He said, "Well, we got ready for bed. I went and tucked Ralph into bed, patted his ass and kissed him good night. Ralph sat up and he watched me all night."
Going to Hell
I just pre-registered for 2 days of paintball fun in Hell, scheduled for the end of September.
Last year I played with a swollen foot, gout, that hampered my style. Actually it hurt like a so'itch. Thanks to modern medicine I haven't had an attack since January. This time I have arthritis in my hip that'll slow me down a little, but not too bad as long as I'm careful.
I've had to change my playing style a lot in the last couple of years. Getting old is a bummer.
Last year I played with a swollen foot, gout, that hampered my style. Actually it hurt like a so'itch. Thanks to modern medicine I haven't had an attack since January. This time I have arthritis in my hip that'll slow me down a little, but not too bad as long as I'm careful.
I've had to change my playing style a lot in the last couple of years. Getting old is a bummer.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Lie Detector
John was a salesman's delight when it came to any kind of unusual gimmicks. His wife Marsha had long ago given up trying to get him to change. One day John came home with another one of his unusual purchases.
It was a robot that John claimed was actually a lie detector.It was about 5:30 that afternoon when Tommy, their 11 year old son, returned home from school. Tommy was over 2 hours late.
"Where have you been? Why are you over 2 hours late gettinghome?" asked John.
"Several of us went to the library to work on an extra creditproject," said Tommy.
The robot walked around the table and slapped Tommy, knocking him completely out of his chair.
"Son," said John, "this robot is a lie detector, now tell us where you really were after school."
"We went to Bobby's house and watched a movie." said Tommy.
"What did you watch?" asked Marsha.
"The Ten Commandments." answered Tommy.
The robot went around to Tommy and once again slapped him, knocking him off his chair. With his lip quivering, Tommy got up, sat down and said, "I am sorry I lied. We really watched a tape called Sex Queen."
"I am ashamed of you son," said John. "When I was your age,I never lied to my parents." The robot walked around to John and delivered a whack that nearly knocked him out of his chair.
Marsha doubled over in laughter, almost in tears and said, "Boy, did you ever ask for that one! You can't be too mad with Tommy. After all, he is your son!"
The robot walked around to Marsha and knocked her out of her chair.
It was a robot that John claimed was actually a lie detector.It was about 5:30 that afternoon when Tommy, their 11 year old son, returned home from school. Tommy was over 2 hours late.
"Where have you been? Why are you over 2 hours late gettinghome?" asked John.
"Several of us went to the library to work on an extra creditproject," said Tommy.
The robot walked around the table and slapped Tommy, knocking him completely out of his chair.
"Son," said John, "this robot is a lie detector, now tell us where you really were after school."
"We went to Bobby's house and watched a movie." said Tommy.
"What did you watch?" asked Marsha.
"The Ten Commandments." answered Tommy.
The robot went around to Tommy and once again slapped him, knocking him off his chair. With his lip quivering, Tommy got up, sat down and said, "I am sorry I lied. We really watched a tape called Sex Queen."
"I am ashamed of you son," said John. "When I was your age,I never lied to my parents." The robot walked around to John and delivered a whack that nearly knocked him out of his chair.
Marsha doubled over in laughter, almost in tears and said, "Boy, did you ever ask for that one! You can't be too mad with Tommy. After all, he is your son!"
The robot walked around to Marsha and knocked her out of her chair.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Plated Bullets Continued - Again, Again
I loaded about 20 rounds of 200 grain plated bullets after sizing the brass through the son's smaller sizing die. I didn't do any inside diameter sizing. I then measured the lengths, cycled them through my Kimber, and re-measured them. Lo-and-behold I couldn't measure any length difference with my calipers.
The next step is to check for length change of a few after they're recoil loaded by firing the one in front. I suspect I've found the answer, but I'll do this experiment before claiming victory.
BTW since they're obviously tighter, and my load was producing velocities higher than book value before, I lowered the powder charge by 0.4 grains. That puts the charge midway between starting and Max loads for lead in the Lyman book.
The next step is to check for length change of a few after they're recoil loaded by firing the one in front. I suspect I've found the answer, but I'll do this experiment before claiming victory.
BTW since they're obviously tighter, and my load was producing velocities higher than book value before, I lowered the powder charge by 0.4 grains. That puts the charge midway between starting and Max loads for lead in the Lyman book.
Constitution In Crisis
Check out this commentary. A little disturbing in my mind.
Step One – Tenth Amendment Affirmation
Step Two – Second Amendment Affirmation
Step Three – Kicking the Fed out of the States
Step Four – Shutting down the Fed by cutting off 97% of Fed funding by repeal of the 16th Amendment
Step Five – Repeal of the 17th Amendment, removing every current member of the senate and sending new representatives of states right to establish a new constitutional senate.
Step Six – cleaning house in Washington DC and establishing a constitutional limited government which will once again serve at the pleasure and benefit of the states and the people
Peaceful or bloody? We'll see.
Step One – Tenth Amendment Affirmation
Step Two – Second Amendment Affirmation
Step Three – Kicking the Fed out of the States
Step Four – Shutting down the Fed by cutting off 97% of Fed funding by repeal of the 16th Amendment
Step Five – Repeal of the 17th Amendment, removing every current member of the senate and sending new representatives of states right to establish a new constitutional senate.
Step Six – cleaning house in Washington DC and establishing a constitutional limited government which will once again serve at the pleasure and benefit of the states and the people
Peaceful or bloody? We'll see.
A Little Spin
I have absolutely no idea if there is any truth to this story, and I really don't care. It's funny.
Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in southern California , was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that Congressman Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.
The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory.
On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription: 'Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.'
So Judy recently e-mailed Congressman Harry Reid for information about their great-great uncle.
Believe it or not, Harry Reid's staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research:
"Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory . His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."
Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in southern California , was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that Congressman Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.
The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory.
On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription: 'Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.'
So Judy recently e-mailed Congressman Harry Reid for information about their great-great uncle.
Believe it or not, Harry Reid's staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research:
"Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory . His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."
Thursday, July 23, 2009
NJ Corruption
It seems that some NJ politicians, bureaucrats and Rabbis have been arrested for anything from money laundering to selling human body parts. There was a joint investigation involving the FBI and IRS that reportedly took 2 years.
So tell me again why we should trust anyone in authority?
So tell me again why we should trust anyone in authority?
Plated Bullets Continued - Again
The Tech guy at Hornady e-mailed back that "It sounds a little large to me. I sent you a new size die body to try." I also got an order confirmation for a new die body at no charge, but no shipping confirmation.
As it turns out my eldest happens to have 2 sets of dies for .45ACP. Both size the OD of the brass 0.004-0.005 smaller than mine does. I'll be experimenting to see if using the smaller die grips the plated bullets tight enough, with and without using the inside sizer. Since my original die works OK with Hornady XTP bullets, there's a possibility that I may size the cases differently for different bullets.
As it turns out my eldest happens to have 2 sets of dies for .45ACP. Both size the OD of the brass 0.004-0.005 smaller than mine does. I'll be experimenting to see if using the smaller die grips the plated bullets tight enough, with and without using the inside sizer. Since my original die works OK with Hornady XTP bullets, there's a possibility that I may size the cases differently for different bullets.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Never Question Authority
Last year I made a business trip to Germany, and the Boss came along so we spent some time vacationing there and in Krakow Poland. One of the things that struck me the most about Germany was the general attitude of the people. Let me give you a couple of examples.
We purchased passes to use their public transportation system. We were on 4 different trains and 3 different buses. Not once were we, or anybody else I saw, asked to show proof that we paid. Never. Nada. No way, no how. A British man I talked to explained that it just wasn't in their ability to even conceive that someone would ride without paying for it.
Being an engineer, I spent some time with other engineers as well as management. I pointed out a fatigue design flaw to a mechanical engineer, and he replied that it's the way he was instructed. His supervisor was not a mechanical engineer, but this guy didn't even question the decision. He just did what he was told like a good little worker bee.
The point is that the people are apparently trained from birth to never question authority, regardless of the consequences. They toe the line, day in and day out. Does that sound familiar? Does that sound like the 'left' in this country. They get flustered, even outraged when confronted with someone that doesn't follow the leader. It's beyond their comprehension that someone might think for himself, have an independent attitude or thought.
Ever watch Obama doing one of his 'convince the masses' speach? It's obvious to me that he just can't comprehend why everybody just doesn't follow his lead. After all, he is the leader and he knows everything, what's best for everyone.
We purchased passes to use their public transportation system. We were on 4 different trains and 3 different buses. Not once were we, or anybody else I saw, asked to show proof that we paid. Never. Nada. No way, no how. A British man I talked to explained that it just wasn't in their ability to even conceive that someone would ride without paying for it.
Being an engineer, I spent some time with other engineers as well as management. I pointed out a fatigue design flaw to a mechanical engineer, and he replied that it's the way he was instructed. His supervisor was not a mechanical engineer, but this guy didn't even question the decision. He just did what he was told like a good little worker bee.
The point is that the people are apparently trained from birth to never question authority, regardless of the consequences. They toe the line, day in and day out. Does that sound familiar? Does that sound like the 'left' in this country. They get flustered, even outraged when confronted with someone that doesn't follow the leader. It's beyond their comprehension that someone might think for himself, have an independent attitude or thought.
Ever watch Obama doing one of his 'convince the masses' speach? It's obvious to me that he just can't comprehend why everybody just doesn't follow his lead. After all, he is the leader and he knows everything, what's best for everyone.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Got The Scores
I got the scores from the shoot of a week ago. I was the only "never done it before" shooter there, and to my surprise I didn't finish dead last. That, despit the occasional failure to feed problem encountered. Of the 7 shooters in my catagory I averaged 5.8th overall. Nothing to brag about, but not last anyway.
The top shooter scored 415 points. That guy is a good shot, and fast to go with it. My son scored 162 points for 4th place compared to my 151 points and 6th place. This was his second shoot. The last place shooter accumulated 59 points, and he's been doing that for at least a year. He needs to do some slow fire target shooting to learn some trigger control.
I might do it again in a couple of weeks, but I'm not going to be doing it all the time. I enjoy other types of shooting as well, like battle rifles, bolt guns and 100+ yard targets with a revolver. There's only so much time and money to go around.
The top shooter scored 415 points. That guy is a good shot, and fast to go with it. My son scored 162 points for 4th place compared to my 151 points and 6th place. This was his second shoot. The last place shooter accumulated 59 points, and he's been doing that for at least a year. He needs to do some slow fire target shooting to learn some trigger control.
I might do it again in a couple of weeks, but I'm not going to be doing it all the time. I enjoy other types of shooting as well, like battle rifles, bolt guns and 100+ yard targets with a revolver. There's only so much time and money to go around.
Plated Bullets Continued
The plated bullets measure 0.451 just like the Hornady XTP that I've been shooting for a few years.
Without inside diameter sizing I can push many of the plated bullets deep in the case with my thumb. I can't do that with the Hornady XTP or Sierra jacket hollow points.
The inside diameter die is basically doing nothing. I can easily slide the case over it by hand with minimal resistance. I can't get my calipers or micrometers in there to measure that diameter.
The sizer/decapper die creates cases at 0.470 to 0.471 outside diameter at the mid-point. My eldest son has one that re-sizes to 0.466.
It appears I'm just not getting as much squeeze on the plated bullets as the jacketed bullets. I'm assuming that's because the plated bullets are softer than the jacketed bullets. If that's the case then the plated bullets should be 0.452 diameter like a lot of the cast bullets available.
Another possibility is that the sizer/decapper is over sized. I sent an enquiry to Hornady asking if mine is within their specifications. A while back I got a 7mm Mauser sizer replaced, for free, because it was a little over sized.
I also have some plated 9mm bullets. I cycled some of those reloads through the Kahr PM9 and the HiPower without any noticeable set back. That tends to make me believe my 45acp die is over sized.
Until I hear from Hornady, or run across some cast bullets in smaller quantities than 500, I'll just keep shooting the more expensive .45 projectiles.
Without inside diameter sizing I can push many of the plated bullets deep in the case with my thumb. I can't do that with the Hornady XTP or Sierra jacket hollow points.
The inside diameter die is basically doing nothing. I can easily slide the case over it by hand with minimal resistance. I can't get my calipers or micrometers in there to measure that diameter.
The sizer/decapper die creates cases at 0.470 to 0.471 outside diameter at the mid-point. My eldest son has one that re-sizes to 0.466.
It appears I'm just not getting as much squeeze on the plated bullets as the jacketed bullets. I'm assuming that's because the plated bullets are softer than the jacketed bullets. If that's the case then the plated bullets should be 0.452 diameter like a lot of the cast bullets available.
Another possibility is that the sizer/decapper is over sized. I sent an enquiry to Hornady asking if mine is within their specifications. A while back I got a 7mm Mauser sizer replaced, for free, because it was a little over sized.
I also have some plated 9mm bullets. I cycled some of those reloads through the Kahr PM9 and the HiPower without any noticeable set back. That tends to make me believe my 45acp die is over sized.
Until I hear from Hornady, or run across some cast bullets in smaller quantities than 500, I'll just keep shooting the more expensive .45 projectiles.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Revolution
There are some that think a revolution is at hand. I disagree. The revolution has started. It started years ago, but not by The People. It was started by government in slow and small steps to control our lives and break the contract between The People and government, The Constitution. It has accelerated into a raging hurricane now that a single political party is in control and owns private business and is run by other private businesses. Today it should be apparent to any who pay even the slightest attention that the revolution of government against The People is well on its way.
The question now is which side will prevail? Will we lose our liberties and become just another state controlled society that languishes in mediocrity? Or will The People wake up, and we revert back to the principles of liberty and capitalism that has launched us so far ahead of the rest of the world?
Will this revolution be fought with words and votes, or will we be pushed into armed conflict that gave birth to the USA?
The question now is which side will prevail? Will we lose our liberties and become just another state controlled society that languishes in mediocrity? Or will The People wake up, and we revert back to the principles of liberty and capitalism that has launched us so far ahead of the rest of the world?
Will this revolution be fought with words and votes, or will we be pushed into armed conflict that gave birth to the USA?
Friday, July 17, 2009
No Way
When I touch off a few rounds of .454 Casull (spelling ?) at the range, usually some heads turn my way. Most that try shooting it don't get past 3 rounds before putting it down. I can't handle more than about 30 spread over several hours or my hand starts to swell.
The 458 Lott is a rifle cartridge designed to take the largest and toughest of animals. I'm not sure I'd want to shoot a rifle so chambered, let alone a hand gun. I question the sanity of anyone who would give that a try.
The 458 Lott is a rifle cartridge designed to take the largest and toughest of animals. I'm not sure I'd want to shoot a rifle so chambered, let alone a hand gun. I question the sanity of anyone who would give that a try.
Oh Crap
Last winter I bought some plated lead .45 bullets in flat nose and hollow point configuration. I loaded up some samples and fired them at the range for accuracy and across the chronograph for velocity. I did this more than once and found them to be quite satisfactory. No issues at all.
Last week at the shoot I had 3 failures to feed with the flat nose. The bullet stuck on the feed ramp and was pushed back into the cartridge. I've never had that problem before despite using Unique, which is a relatively dirty burning powder.
So the last couple of evenings I spent some time checking out the various magazines, including the brand new 8 rounders I used at the shoot. I found one magazine, that I've used the most (7 round capacity), has the bullets higher towards the slide than the others. Ah ha. I need to adjust some magazines. Nope, that one has feed failures too. I polished the feed ramp some more, but that didn't help either.
Then I noticed something. The rounds that fed OK ended up a little shorter than they were originally. So I assume that my early experimentation did the same thing but I didn't notice it because I was shooting them. Unless I find a solution, I have 500 flat nose and 500 hollow points that will be unreliable in my guns.
- - - - - - - -
Update - I tried different seating depths and even crimps, but the same results. All of my jacketed hollowpoints feed just fine, even the ones with bog openings, so what's the deal?
I noticed that the plated bullets deform some where they contact the feed ramp. Looks to me as if the bullets are soft enough, lead & plating, that deformation on the feed ramp causes an increase in friction force. This is common to both my Kimbers.
Up until now I'd always used Hornady XTP hollow points, even for practice. This was my first attempt and cheap bullets. Obviously they're not good in 1911 guns, at least mine.
Last week at the shoot I had 3 failures to feed with the flat nose. The bullet stuck on the feed ramp and was pushed back into the cartridge. I've never had that problem before despite using Unique, which is a relatively dirty burning powder.
So the last couple of evenings I spent some time checking out the various magazines, including the brand new 8 rounders I used at the shoot. I found one magazine, that I've used the most (7 round capacity), has the bullets higher towards the slide than the others. Ah ha. I need to adjust some magazines. Nope, that one has feed failures too. I polished the feed ramp some more, but that didn't help either.
Then I noticed something. The rounds that fed OK ended up a little shorter than they were originally. So I assume that my early experimentation did the same thing but I didn't notice it because I was shooting them. Unless I find a solution, I have 500 flat nose and 500 hollow points that will be unreliable in my guns.
- - - - - - - -
Update - I tried different seating depths and even crimps, but the same results. All of my jacketed hollowpoints feed just fine, even the ones with bog openings, so what's the deal?
I noticed that the plated bullets deform some where they contact the feed ramp. Looks to me as if the bullets are soft enough, lead & plating, that deformation on the feed ramp causes an increase in friction force. This is common to both my Kimbers.
Up until now I'd always used Hornady XTP hollow points, even for practice. This was my first attempt and cheap bullets. Obviously they're not good in 1911 guns, at least mine.
This is Our Future
because our present government is controlled by evil people. There's no doubt in my mind that we're seeing the implementation of a plan to destroy this nation.
"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."~~~ Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931
"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."~~~ Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931
Sunday, July 12, 2009
IPSC
As it turns out, the shoot I attended today was an IPSC qualifying event. I told myself to ignore the timer and just shoot the targets, after all they are relatively close. I normally shoot my Kimber at 25-50 yards. The problem was, I kept hurrying my shots as I progressed through the targets.
Other then hurrying my shots, and a shaky hand, my only real problem was kneeling behind a barricade and leaning out. The damn arthritis complained a lot about that. Despite that, it was one of my better stations, that and shooting with my weak hand.
I was shooting my defense load and it showed at the chronograph, and muzzle blast. One shooter said I had the most impressive blast and the highest power factor (215). The guy that shot over the chronograph said it hurt his hand. I wanted to call him a wimp, but I don't know him well enough to tease that way.
I must have done OK because one experienced shooter came to me and asked if this actually was my very first time at one of those shoots. He was surprised when I told him yes it is. He told me I was doing pretty good at it.
And I did have fun.
- - - - - -
During a break, one shooter told a story about a young man in Michigan who was arrested for carrying concealed in a restricted area. He told the judge that he didn't need a lawyer because he had the 2A. The judge made no decision on bail or anything else, then went on vacation, leaving the guy in jail. Sometimes it's better to keep the mouth shut, and the shoe out.
Other then hurrying my shots, and a shaky hand, my only real problem was kneeling behind a barricade and leaning out. The damn arthritis complained a lot about that. Despite that, it was one of my better stations, that and shooting with my weak hand.
I was shooting my defense load and it showed at the chronograph, and muzzle blast. One shooter said I had the most impressive blast and the highest power factor (215). The guy that shot over the chronograph said it hurt his hand. I wanted to call him a wimp, but I don't know him well enough to tease that way.
I must have done OK because one experienced shooter came to me and asked if this actually was my very first time at one of those shoots. He was surprised when I told him yes it is. He told me I was doing pretty good at it.
And I did have fun.
- - - - - -
During a break, one shooter told a story about a young man in Michigan who was arrested for carrying concealed in a restricted area. He told the judge that he didn't need a lawyer because he had the 2A. The judge made no decision on bail or anything else, then went on vacation, leaving the guy in jail. Sometimes it's better to keep the mouth shut, and the shoe out.
Friday, July 10, 2009
A Good Start
HOW TO START EACH DAY WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK
1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it 'Barack Obama'.
3. Send it to the Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you: 'Do you really want to get rid of 'Barack Obama?'
6. Firmly Click 'Yes.'
7. Feel better?
GOOD! - Tomorrow we'll do Nancy Pelosi.
1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it 'Barack Obama'.
3. Send it to the Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you: 'Do you really want to get rid of 'Barack Obama?'
6. Firmly Click 'Yes.'
7. Feel better?
GOOD! - Tomorrow we'll do Nancy Pelosi.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Some Fun This Sunday
This coming Sunday I'll be joining my eldest for a little fun. You bet, we'll be shooting guns again, only this time it will be something brand new for me. We'll be partaking in some combat style shooting with handguns. There will be multiple targets at multiple positions will movement (shooter, not target) and reloads. He suggested I bring at least 200 rounds. That's something I've never tried before, and he's done but one time. Might be fun, you know.
I would use the HiPower, but I haven't tried it since getting it back from the doctors. Looks like I'll be using my Kimber .45 and carrying 5 extra magazines.
I would use the HiPower, but I haven't tried it since getting it back from the doctors. Looks like I'll be using my Kimber .45 and carrying 5 extra magazines.
A Little Surprised
I came home for lunch today, like every work day for the last 2 years, and was a little surprised. I was pleasantly surprised, but surprised never the less. The Boss and a couple of relations & friends are having a garage sale, using our garage. The Boss and my daughter-in-law were sitting in the garage on folding chairs, and next to the Boss, on a box, was a closed pistol case. Inside the case was my Walther PPK. I told her I have holsters to use so that it would be more convenient should anything happen, but she declined. Oh well, I keep trying. She says I'm very trying.
Apparently some shopper advised that they be careful because some well dressed guy has been robbing garage sales.
Apparently some shopper advised that they be careful because some well dressed guy has been robbing garage sales.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Blowing Smoke
Thanks to Obama, Luxury cars are soon to be a thing of the past.
They have always been beyond my means but I took out a Cadillac Escalade last week for a test drive, just to drive that sucker before they become extinct.
The salesman sat in the back seat describing the car and all it's wonderful options. The seats were of particular interest. He explained the seats directed warm air to your butt in the winter and directed cool air to your butt in the summer heat.
I stated the car must be a Republican car.He asked why I thought it was a Republican car. I explained if it were a Democratic car the seats would blow smoke up your ass.
They have always been beyond my means but I took out a Cadillac Escalade last week for a test drive, just to drive that sucker before they become extinct.
The salesman sat in the back seat describing the car and all it's wonderful options. The seats were of particular interest. He explained the seats directed warm air to your butt in the winter and directed cool air to your butt in the summer heat.
I stated the car must be a Republican car.He asked why I thought it was a Republican car. I explained if it were a Democratic car the seats would blow smoke up your ass.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Postponed Trial
I posted here about the Boss's surgically repaired arthritic hands and that now she wants to get her concealed carry license. Due to constant pain the bone connection of her wrist to thumb has been removed. Tendons were then stripped from her hand-wrist area and used to reconnect the thumb bone to keep it from flopping around. Her left hand was done maybe 5 years ago and has healed, but without the same strength as before. Her right hand was done this spring and is healing nicely.
She's right handed and no longer has the hand strength to rack the slide of any pistol I own, so we're probably going to end up with a revolver for her. The good thing is that this surgery actually has helped her finger dexterity. We had planned on trying a 22 revolver this week to see if her hand has healed enough to handle any force on the base of the thumb. If that worked out, we planned to try something with more power.
Unfortunately she did something, unknown, that stressed the new tendon connection that resulted in swelling. So we decided to wait a couple months before trying the gun thing.
As requested by a reader, I'll keep you informed as to how things work out.
I talked to a sales guy at a local gun shop after picking up my repaired HiPower this evening. Gun guys talk like a bunch of old hens when given the chance, but I digress. He recommended we try a revolver in the relatively new 327. It's the same size as a snubbie 38 but holds 6 instead of five. It fires a smaller bullet but at higher velocity and might have less recoil than a 38. I'll have to run some calculations to prove that though.
She's right handed and no longer has the hand strength to rack the slide of any pistol I own, so we're probably going to end up with a revolver for her. The good thing is that this surgery actually has helped her finger dexterity. We had planned on trying a 22 revolver this week to see if her hand has healed enough to handle any force on the base of the thumb. If that worked out, we planned to try something with more power.
Unfortunately she did something, unknown, that stressed the new tendon connection that resulted in swelling. So we decided to wait a couple months before trying the gun thing.
As requested by a reader, I'll keep you informed as to how things work out.
I talked to a sales guy at a local gun shop after picking up my repaired HiPower this evening. Gun guys talk like a bunch of old hens when given the chance, but I digress. He recommended we try a revolver in the relatively new 327. It's the same size as a snubbie 38 but holds 6 instead of five. It fires a smaller bullet but at higher velocity and might have less recoil than a 38. I'll have to run some calculations to prove that though.
Kahr PM9 IWB Holsters
I posted yesterday about my impressions of the pocket holsters a generous reader sent to me. Now let's take a look at the IWB holsters in the same package.
This is the C-TAC by Comp-Tac. It's one of the strangest looking holsters I've ever seen. It's also one of the most comfortable to carry a gun all - day - long. Last Friday I had the combination in the picture on me for 18 hours strait. No discomfort what so ever. The kydex(?) body is adjustable for retention, and supported by 2 pieces of short leather on each side with belt clips. It's adjustable for depth and cant. As I received it, the belt clips were of the "C" type shown on the left side. The "C" clips didn't work for me, so I replaced them with a more traditional style. I like this holster a lot.
This is the De Santis Tuck-This. It's nylon with an spare Mag pouch, and an adjustable cant. I haven't tried it as yet but it has promising versatility. It appears to be acceptable for strong side or cross draw. I envision this being used in the cross draw position when sitting while driving a car for instance. It looks to me like the metal clip retains the holster while drawing, and pressure and friction combined with hooking over the top of the pants keeps it from sliding down. I perceive that as a negative. The depth of the grip may also be a negative as I think grasping the pistol will be a challenge. But like I said, I haven't tried it as yet.
The last one is the High Noon Hidden Impact. It's another well made quality holster with adjustable retention and tuckable. For my tastes it has 2 negatives. It holds the pistol vertical, which I don't like, and it has the reinforced mouth. I have a similar constructed holster for my Walther PPK. I know that holding the mouth open is supposed to be a requirement according to the experts, but that extra layer of leather irritates my skin. The only way I will use this guy is if I can wear a shirt between me and the holster. I don't wear undershirts, even in winter.
This is the C-TAC by Comp-Tac. It's one of the strangest looking holsters I've ever seen. It's also one of the most comfortable to carry a gun all - day - long. Last Friday I had the combination in the picture on me for 18 hours strait. No discomfort what so ever. The kydex(?) body is adjustable for retention, and supported by 2 pieces of short leather on each side with belt clips. It's adjustable for depth and cant. As I received it, the belt clips were of the "C" type shown on the left side. The "C" clips didn't work for me, so I replaced them with a more traditional style. I like this holster a lot.
This is the De Santis Tuck-This. It's nylon with an spare Mag pouch, and an adjustable cant. I haven't tried it as yet but it has promising versatility. It appears to be acceptable for strong side or cross draw. I envision this being used in the cross draw position when sitting while driving a car for instance. It looks to me like the metal clip retains the holster while drawing, and pressure and friction combined with hooking over the top of the pants keeps it from sliding down. I perceive that as a negative. The depth of the grip may also be a negative as I think grasping the pistol will be a challenge. But like I said, I haven't tried it as yet.
The last one is the High Noon Hidden Impact. It's another well made quality holster with adjustable retention and tuckable. For my tastes it has 2 negatives. It holds the pistol vertical, which I don't like, and it has the reinforced mouth. I have a similar constructed holster for my Walther PPK. I know that holding the mouth open is supposed to be a requirement according to the experts, but that extra layer of leather irritates my skin. The only way I will use this guy is if I can wear a shirt between me and the holster. I don't wear undershirts, even in winter.
As a reference here are the holsters I've been using. The IWB with my Kimber is by Tucker and the belt holster, top center, is a Don Hume also for the Kimber. I like and use them both depending on the situation. The IWB does a better job of concealment and makes the gun feel lighter because the load is spread farther apart. So there's no surprise that I like the C-TAC above.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Talking Heads & Palin
The talking heads have amused me of late. They continue to speculate as to why Palin has resigned as governor.
According to her speech, Palin has stepped down as governor because the blitz of personal attacks have made her unable to do the job she was elected to do. She also said she will continue to fight for conservatism by helping others.
Could it be that the real reason she resigned, just happens to be exactly as she said? Wouldn't that be refreshing in a politician? Could it be that the political world is afraid of her because she might actually be the only politician in this country that is honest in what she says and does?
According to her speech, Palin has stepped down as governor because the blitz of personal attacks have made her unable to do the job she was elected to do. She also said she will continue to fight for conservatism by helping others.
Could it be that the real reason she resigned, just happens to be exactly as she said? Wouldn't that be refreshing in a politician? Could it be that the political world is afraid of her because she might actually be the only politician in this country that is honest in what she says and does?
Pocket Holsters
I opened the care package a reader sent me, and sure enough it contained several holsters designed for my Kahr PM9. Since I now have several holsters I thought I'd give you my impressions of each.
The first one is the High Noon Pocket Grabber.
The pocket holsters above all seem to be good quality and well made, but carrying the PM9 in my pocket is not a good choice for me. I know most call it a pocket pistol, but it's too big and heavy for my comfort that way. Any of the above should work just fine for a larger person with larger pockets.
These are the holsters I've been using for carry of late.
I'll show you the other holsters later.
The first one is the High Noon Pocket Grabber.
It's a single layer of soft leather with a rubber type of material covering part of it. That rubbery stuff gives it some friction to the inside of the pocket. It appears well made, with good quality material and fits the gun well. I can't tell you how well it stays in place while drawing the gun from the pocket because the combination of gun & holster barely fits in my jeans pocket. This is a no-go for me because if I'm wearing dressier pants, I'll be carrying the little Keltec.
Next is the De Santis Nemesis pocket holster.
This one is synthetic material, I suspect nylon, with a rubberized outside to keep it in place. It also appears well made with quality materials. It's also a no-go because of gun-holster size.
Next is the Kahr No Print Pocket Holster.
This one is a brute of a pocket holster. It's double layered leather all the way around, and has a double thickness panel that's fastened with Velcro to eliminate printing. Extreme high quality, but not usable by me. It's so thick and bulky that any casual glance downward would see the grip of the gun. It also makes my leg look like it has a huge growth on it. I was a little surprised to find that the trigger isn't entirely covered since it was sold by Kahr.
The pocket holsters above all seem to be good quality and well made, but carrying the PM9 in my pocket is not a good choice for me. I know most call it a pocket pistol, but it's too big and heavy for my comfort that way. Any of the above should work just fine for a larger person with larger pockets.
These are the holsters I've been using for carry of late.
At lower left is the little Keltec P3AT, .380 in a pocket holster. That combination is so thin and lite that I almost forget that it's there. The simple, single layer, rough side out holster keeps the gun vertical and stays in the pocket when drawing the gun. For pocket carry, I'll stay with that combination.
I'll show you the other holsters later.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Well Said - - "The One"
By e-mail comes this story.
- - - - - -
And it came to pass in the Age of Insanity that the people of the land called America, having lost their morals, their work initiative, and their will to defend their liberties, chose as their Supreme Leader that person known as "The One".
He emerged from the vapors with a message that had no meaning; but He hypnotized the people telling them, "I am sent to save you. My lack of experience, my questionable ethics, my monstrous ego, and my association with evil doers are of no consequence.. For I shall save you with Hope and Change. Go, therefore, and proclaim throughout the land that he who preceded me is evil, that he has defiled the nation, and that all he has built must be destroyed."
And the people rejoiced, for even though they knew not what "The One" would do, he had promised that he would bring change, and they proclaimed "Yes We Can".
And "The One" said "We live in the greatest country in the world. Help me change everything about it! ! ;
And the people said, "Hallelujah!! Change is good!"
Then He said, "We are going to tax the rich fat-cats,"---- And the people said "Sock it to them!" "---- and "Redistribute their wealth."
And then He said, "Redistribution of wealth is good for everybody"
And the people said, "Show us the money!"
And Joe the plumber asked, "Are you kidding me? You're going to steal my money and give it to the deadbeats??"
And "The One" ridiculed and taunted him, and Joe's personal records were hacked, publicized, and ridiculed; though no crime could be found.
One lone reporter asked, "That shouldn't be, isn't that Marxist policy?"
And she was banished from the kingdom!
Then a citizen asked, "With no foreign relations experience and having zero military experience or knowledge, how will you deal with radical terrorists?"
And "The One" said, "Simple. I shall sit with them and talk kindly to them and show them how nice we really are; and they will forget that they ever wanted to kill us all!"
And the people said, "Hallelujah!! We are safe at last, and we can beat our weapons into free cars for the people!"
Then "The One" said, "I shall give 95% of you lower taxes."
And one, lone voice said, "But 40% of us don't pay ANY taxes."
So "The One" said, "Then I shall give you some of the taxes the fat-cats pay!"
And the people said, "Hallelujah!! Show us the money!"
Then "The One" said, "I shall tax your Capital Gains when you sell your homes!"
And the people yawned and the already slumping housing market fully collapsed.
And He said, "I shall mandate employer-funded health care for EVERY worker and raise the minimum wage, and lower the white collar wage. And I shall also give every person unlimited healthcare and medicine and even transportation to the free clinics."
And the people said, "Give me some of that!"
Then he said, "I shall penalize employers who ship jobs overseas."
And the people said, "Where's my rebate check?"
Then "The One" said, "I shall bankrupt the coal industry, and perhaps even the oil industry (Cap & Trade/Carbon Tax) and though electricity rates will skyrocket, we shall soon build wind farms and solar power stations and drive green cars that I shall mandate in Detroit !"
And the people said, "Coal is dirty, coal is evil, no more coal! But we don't care for that part about higher electric rates."
So "The One" said, "Not to worry. If your rebate ($10/week) isn't enough to cover your extra expenses ($3,000/year), we shall bail you out. Just sign up with ACORN and your troubles are over!" "Only the fat cats will have to pay."
Then He said, "Illegal immigrants feel scorned and slighted. Let's grant them amnesty, Social Security, free education, free lunches, free medical care, bi-lingual signs and guaranteed housing..."
And the people said, "Hallelujah!!" And they made him King!
And so it came to pass that employers, facing spiraling costs and ever-higher taxes, raised their prices and laid off workers; though they sold much less of their products. Others simply gave up and went out of business, and the economy sank like unto a rock dropped from a cliff. The banking industry was destroyed. Manufacturing slowed to a crawl. And more of the people were without a means of support.
So "The One" again blamed the prior administration, extended unemployment benefits to a year, bailed out his favorite banks, and then took over the banks and auto industries. "The One" said, "I am the "The One" - The Messiah - and I'm here to save you! We shall just print more money so the government will have enough!" "Surely one trillion dollars will make everyone happy." And immediately the Fed complied and the money presses roared.
And China reconsidered their one trillion dollars of loans to the US, and threatened to call in their debts.
Other foreign trading partners said unto "The One", "Wait a minute. Your dollar is not worth a pile of camel dung! You will have to pay more.. for everything.. as your dollar becomes worth less."
And the people said, "Wait a minute.. That is unfair!!"
And the world said, "Neither are these other idiotic programs you have embraced.
Lo, you have become a Socialist state and a second-rate power. What factories are not owned by your government are owned by us. Now you shall play by our rules!"
And "The One" said "Americans are arrogant, divisive, and derisive!" "We will listen."
And the people cried out, "Alas, alas!! What have we done?"
But yea verily, it was too late. The people eventually set upon "The One" and spat upon him and stoned him, and his name was dung. But the once mighty nation was no more; and the once proud people were without sustenance or shelter or hope. And the Change that "The One" had given them was as like unto a poison that had destroyed them from within, and like a whirlwind that consumed all that they had built.
And the people beat their chests in despair and cried out in anguish, "Give us back our nation and our pride and our hope!!"
But it was too late, and the once-glorious "Home of the Brave and Land of the Free" was no more..
Ps,
You may think this is a fairy tale, but it's not. It's happening RIGHT NOW...
- - - - - -
And it came to pass in the Age of Insanity that the people of the land called America, having lost their morals, their work initiative, and their will to defend their liberties, chose as their Supreme Leader that person known as "The One".
He emerged from the vapors with a message that had no meaning; but He hypnotized the people telling them, "I am sent to save you. My lack of experience, my questionable ethics, my monstrous ego, and my association with evil doers are of no consequence.. For I shall save you with Hope and Change. Go, therefore, and proclaim throughout the land that he who preceded me is evil, that he has defiled the nation, and that all he has built must be destroyed."
And the people rejoiced, for even though they knew not what "The One" would do, he had promised that he would bring change, and they proclaimed "Yes We Can".
And "The One" said "We live in the greatest country in the world. Help me change everything about it! ! ;
And the people said, "Hallelujah!! Change is good!"
Then He said, "We are going to tax the rich fat-cats,"---- And the people said "Sock it to them!" "---- and "Redistribute their wealth."
And then He said, "Redistribution of wealth is good for everybody"
And the people said, "Show us the money!"
And Joe the plumber asked, "Are you kidding me? You're going to steal my money and give it to the deadbeats??"
And "The One" ridiculed and taunted him, and Joe's personal records were hacked, publicized, and ridiculed; though no crime could be found.
One lone reporter asked, "That shouldn't be, isn't that Marxist policy?"
And she was banished from the kingdom!
Then a citizen asked, "With no foreign relations experience and having zero military experience or knowledge, how will you deal with radical terrorists?"
And "The One" said, "Simple. I shall sit with them and talk kindly to them and show them how nice we really are; and they will forget that they ever wanted to kill us all!"
And the people said, "Hallelujah!! We are safe at last, and we can beat our weapons into free cars for the people!"
Then "The One" said, "I shall give 95% of you lower taxes."
And one, lone voice said, "But 40% of us don't pay ANY taxes."
So "The One" said, "Then I shall give you some of the taxes the fat-cats pay!"
And the people said, "Hallelujah!! Show us the money!"
Then "The One" said, "I shall tax your Capital Gains when you sell your homes!"
And the people yawned and the already slumping housing market fully collapsed.
And He said, "I shall mandate employer-funded health care for EVERY worker and raise the minimum wage, and lower the white collar wage. And I shall also give every person unlimited healthcare and medicine and even transportation to the free clinics."
And the people said, "Give me some of that!"
Then he said, "I shall penalize employers who ship jobs overseas."
And the people said, "Where's my rebate check?"
Then "The One" said, "I shall bankrupt the coal industry, and perhaps even the oil industry (Cap & Trade/Carbon Tax) and though electricity rates will skyrocket, we shall soon build wind farms and solar power stations and drive green cars that I shall mandate in Detroit !"
And the people said, "Coal is dirty, coal is evil, no more coal! But we don't care for that part about higher electric rates."
So "The One" said, "Not to worry. If your rebate ($10/week) isn't enough to cover your extra expenses ($3,000/year), we shall bail you out. Just sign up with ACORN and your troubles are over!" "Only the fat cats will have to pay."
Then He said, "Illegal immigrants feel scorned and slighted. Let's grant them amnesty, Social Security, free education, free lunches, free medical care, bi-lingual signs and guaranteed housing..."
And the people said, "Hallelujah!!" And they made him King!
And so it came to pass that employers, facing spiraling costs and ever-higher taxes, raised their prices and laid off workers; though they sold much less of their products. Others simply gave up and went out of business, and the economy sank like unto a rock dropped from a cliff. The banking industry was destroyed. Manufacturing slowed to a crawl. And more of the people were without a means of support.
So "The One" again blamed the prior administration, extended unemployment benefits to a year, bailed out his favorite banks, and then took over the banks and auto industries. "The One" said, "I am the "The One" - The Messiah - and I'm here to save you! We shall just print more money so the government will have enough!" "Surely one trillion dollars will make everyone happy." And immediately the Fed complied and the money presses roared.
And China reconsidered their one trillion dollars of loans to the US, and threatened to call in their debts.
Other foreign trading partners said unto "The One", "Wait a minute. Your dollar is not worth a pile of camel dung! You will have to pay more.. for everything.. as your dollar becomes worth less."
And the people said, "Wait a minute.. That is unfair!!"
And the world said, "Neither are these other idiotic programs you have embraced.
Lo, you have become a Socialist state and a second-rate power. What factories are not owned by your government are owned by us. Now you shall play by our rules!"
And "The One" said "Americans are arrogant, divisive, and derisive!" "We will listen."
And the people cried out, "Alas, alas!! What have we done?"
But yea verily, it was too late. The people eventually set upon "The One" and spat upon him and stoned him, and his name was dung. But the once mighty nation was no more; and the once proud people were without sustenance or shelter or hope. And the Change that "The One" had given them was as like unto a poison that had destroyed them from within, and like a whirlwind that consumed all that they had built.
And the people beat their chests in despair and cried out in anguish, "Give us back our nation and our pride and our hope!!"
But it was too late, and the once-glorious "Home of the Brave and Land of the Free" was no more..
Ps,
You may think this is a fairy tale, but it's not. It's happening RIGHT NOW...
Generosity in the Gunner Community
One of my readers offered to send me some holsters that he no longer needs. I happily accepted his offer, and offered to return any that does not suit my needs. He's even paying the shipping.
I received notice that a package is on the way.
How cool is that?
I received notice that a package is on the way.
How cool is that?
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