The gun magazines are reading my mind. I’m not joking. GUNS just had an article in the most recent issue (by Maas Ayoob) about the Colt Official Police, which I was planning on doing a piece on next week.
Clearly, the forces of the pen-and-paper gun writing world have conspired against my original content.
Yesterday, I blogged about things in the gun world that just drive me nuts, today I’m going to flip the coin and blog about things that make me happy. It’s my hope that this list will be quite a bit longer than yesterday’s.
Old Colt revolvers
I don’t mean the really old ones, like a Single Action Army, I’m thinking more along the lines of the vintage 20’s-50’s Colt wheelguns. The “film noir” revolvers, if you will. There is something about a Colt Pocket Positive in .32 Colt New Police (.32 S&W Long) that just brings a smile to my face. They just feel like there’s all sorts of history on them, and if you can find them in decent condition that old Colt blue just sort of gleams at you. For the most part, they’re also all good shooters.
Nice people at the range
It doesn’t matter if someone is a Tacticool Teddy, or a Dedicated Bullseye Shooter(tm), it is just quite refreshing to meet genuinely kind people in any environment, and when they’re at the range, so much the better.
.22’s
Come on, who doesn’t love a good .22 rifle or pistol? There’s just something about it that brings a smile to your face, whether your shooting steel plates or tin cans, shooting .22s is just plain old fun.
.45 Colt
Oh yeah.
Lever action rifles
Basically the same principle as the .22 entry, there just isn’t anything quite like a smooth lever action. There is something undeniably “right” about the way a good lever-gun feels in my hands.
Baseball
I know this doesn’t have anything to do with guns, but I love baseball. I get really excited about opening day.
New products
I really enjoy seeing all the new products that the shooting industry is rolling out, especially since a lot of those products seem to be geared towards the world of concealed carry. I’m always happy to know that people are taking every advantage of Right-to-Carry laws that may be passed in their states.
Open carry
I like open carry, I’ve even detailed as much in posts on this website. I don’t get all skittish when I see people open carrying, it actually makes me happy, and I dearly hope that those people that choose to open carry act as responsible ambassadors to the public.
New shooters
This is a big one. I love seeing people introduced to my hobby, because the more bullets that go downrange, the more likely that my children and their children will be able to enjoy the sport I love.
There are a lot of things that make me pretty happy when it comes to shooting, the above are just a few. Add your own in the comments!
Mr. Completely has details on what appears to be the most fun you can have with a gun. A rimfire steel falling plates match, shot in round robin style? I need to find one of these around here. It appears to be a tremendous amount of fun.
Today’s post could be a long one, because there are a lot of things that really bug me, however I was planning on confining this to the gun world. The stuff I’m listing might not even be stuff that’s bad, it just so happens to get on my nerves. Plus, it’s Monday and I don’t really have a “great” post cooked up.
Ranges that won’t let me practice my draw
Generally, this is because some idiot a long time ago shot a hole in the table, or his foot, or something. Well, if you’re that guy, thanks for screwing it up for the rest of us. I hope you learned to keep your “booger hook off the bang switch” (thanks for that phrase, LawDog). On the other hand, it is probably a good thing, because I would be really embarrassed if I had to explain to St. Peter exactly how I managed to survive some of my life experiences only to be killed by a stray round on the firing range.
Grip Safeties
Now there’s something that really annoys me, and is also the biggest reason why I’m not a fan of the 1911 platform. I much prefer the Browning Hi-Power, or even the Star Model B (basically a 9mm 1911 sans grip safety). Of course, I’m a revolver fan anyway and don’t much cotton to semi-automatic pistols, even when Uncle Sam said I had to pack one. But grip safeties just bug the hell out of me. I’d probably be a lot more inclined towards the 1911 platform if it was lacking that grip safety.
Anti-revolver people
“Oh man, is that a wheelgun? Why don’t you get a CQB Tactical Destroyer?” Because I like revolvers. I don’t carry a gun for a living any longer, so I don’t want to carry a semi-auto.
Hot brass down the neck/shorts/wherever
I have a really neat scar from where a piece of 9mm fresh from a Ruger PC9 lodged in the crook of my elbow. I didn’t notice it until I realized that my arm did not feel good. That goes double for the time I had a piece of .308 brass go down my collar during a rifle match.
The magazine release on a 10/22
This was either designed by a guy with deformed hands, or a proctologist. If you buy a 10/22, buy an extended mag release. Especially if you’re like me, and nothing makes you happier than burning up a bunch of .22LR. Your hands will thank me.
People who talk in the theatre
Okay…I know this isn’t gun related, but if I wanted a running commentary of whichever movie I was paying $9.50 to see, I’d wait for the DVD and listen to the director’s commentary. This is not Mystery Science Theatre, and you’re not funny. Be a dear and shut your piehole. If you and your fratboy friends would like to make comments for every 3rd word of the movie and then laugh like a bunch of 8th graders, that’s fine. Do it in your shitty apartment with the DVD.
Sorry about the ranting today, I promise I’ll have actual content for you guys tomorrow.
In the spirit of the name of my blog, today we’re going to ask some tough questions about modern politics…we want to know exactly “What Would John Wayne Do?” With that in mind, we at WWJWD have managed to arrange an interview with the Spirit of the Duke!
WWJWD: In the light of the unstable conditions in the Middle East, what would John Wayne do about Iran?
The Duke: You can’t serve papers on a rat, baby sister. You either kill him or let him be.
WWJWD: That’s great, I take you mean that another resolution from the UN won’t be effective? Well, moving on, what would you do about accusations that prisoners in Gitmo are being treated poorly?
The Duke: Out here, due process is a bullet.
WWJWD: Okay, next question, as to domestic issues here in the states, how do you feel about the recent decision by the District Court to rule that the 2nd Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms – so that residents of Washington DC can keep firearms in their homes for self defense?
The Duke: Well, a gun that’s unloaded and cocked ain’t good for nothin’.
WWJWD: Well, thanks for everything Mr. Wayne. It’s been a real pleasure chatting with you today.
The Duke: [T]he time has come for me to ride hard and fast.
The perfect sight picture…the perfect trigger pull…the perfect shot
There is a line in The Last Samurai where Ken Watanabe’s character says to Tom Cruise’s character that “You could spend your entire life searching for the perfect cherry blossom, and it would not be a wasted life.” I shot NRA collegiate pistol when I was at the Academy, and still shoot competitively today. Shooting (for me) has become that search for the perfect cherry blossom, in so much as I’m constantly trying to get better. I’m also looking to improve what I view as my art, always in search of The Perfect Shot.
What exactly is The Perfect Shot? It’s that shot, whether you’re hunting, shooting IDPA, bullseye, muzzleloaders, or plinking; that one shot where everything is just right. Your sight picture is perfect, the trigger breaks cleanly, and you know in your heart that the bullet is going exactly where you want it. The Perfect Shot is when you reach that point, even if it’s for a split second where your firearm really is just an extension of your arm. The Perfect Shot is your first shot, your last shot, or any shot in between. The Perfect Shot is why I keep shooting, because once you’ve had it – you’ve got to have it again.
My first experience with the Perfect Shot was at the Academy, during a match against West Point and Ohio State. I was shooting my last event of the day, Free Pistol. I had had a rough day, and hadn’t shot my best during Air or Standard, and I felt like I was chasing my own tail. My first five shots during Free were three 8’s and two 9’s; I knew that wasn’t going to get it done. I rolled my next target downrange, set my gun on the table and just stared at the wall for a while.
When I picked my gun back up, it felt lighter; but heavy at the barrel, almost like it wanted to point straight at the ten-ring. Everything happened just right, the gun came up, I let out a half-breath, took my sight picture and just squeeeeeeeeezzzzzeeeeeeeeeed the trigger. Perfect. I knew it was a 10, I didn’t even need to glass it. That shot, that Perfect Shot changed the entire match. I stopped chasing my score and just settled in. I have shot higher scores since that match, but I’m still proud of that moment.
Ever since then, I’m always in pursuit of the next Perfect Shot. It’s happened a few times here and there, and each time it’s just the thing I need to get my head back into the game.
You can’t chase the Perfect Shot – if you’re trying for it, you’ll never get it. I’ve never been able to force a Perfect Shot, they only happen when I’m relaxed. That moment, that Shot…it stays with you. I’ll always remember the feeling of that Perfect Shot, of every Perfect Shot. That’s why I keep shooting; yes, it’s fun; yes it’s good to practice. But I keep shooting so I can find that perfect cherry blossom.
So, I was going through some of my great-great grandfather’s things, and I found this press release that was disseminated to all “Citizens of the Crown in the Colonies” back in the 1700’s. Needless to say, I was quite surprised to find the Violence Policy Center (back then it was the “Victory Policy Centre) involved. Enjoy!
Fifty calibre long rifles are an ideal tool for insurrectionists. They are a real and present danger to our forces in the colonies, yet are easily found even in the possession of farmers and other peasants. Fifty calibre long rifles are specifically designed to engage small targets with precise accuracy at ranges unheard of on the battlefield. These precision weapons combine long range and tremendous accuracy to create a weapon that has a range beyond anything that our infantrymen carry. Officers, messengers, cannon crews, even our daring cavalry are vulnerable to accurate fire from these deadly rifles at ranges exceeding 200 yards! The entire infrastructure of the colonies is threatened by these weapons, as they give the insurrectionist the ability to strike individual targets at distances normally reserved for cannon fire. A Citizen of the Crown would be shocked to learn that these “rifles” are so common amongst the colonials, that even small children are well versed in their use. These rifles are specifically designed for great accuracy against fast moving targets at extreme ranges beyond the reach of musket fire. They are “purpose-designed” and “purpose-built” weapons. This terminology is used in colonial literature to describe weapons that are made for a specific, narrow purpose, in this case for long range shooting—highly accurate firing at a target from a significant distance. Musket fire and civilized warfare is conducted at ranges of 50 yards, even our boys fine Brown Bess Musket does not fire accurately beyond that range. 50 yards is less than the distance across Trafalgar Square. These .50 calibre long rifles are accurate at ranges of up to 100 yards, and in the hands of an expert marksman, even 300! At 300 yards, a Colonial marksman could easily pick off our officers, leading to a wholly uncivilized engagement of infantry just “having it out” on the battlefield. 50 calibre rounds are one of the smaller and lighter bullets available, which allows the Colonial marksmen to carry more rounds and powder than one of our boys for the same amount of weight. The potential for these rifles to be abused by the insurrectionists in a manner inconsistent with civilized warfare is difficult to overstate. It is a known fact that the criminal known as The Swamp Fox has hundreds of these “long rifles” in his possession, and his men are well trained in their use. As recently noted at the Battle of Mingo Creek, our brave forces were barraged from all sides by fire from these deadly weapons, and their foe did not even have the courage to face them on an open field. England is in the midst of a Colonial Insurrection. The Colonial forces are arming themselves to the very teeth with these incredibly destructive weapons of war. It is time to regulate 50 calibre long rifles by bringing them under the control of the Crown, so that our soldiers can confiscate them from these Colonial criminals masquerading as soldiers. By so doing, we will be able to bring a rapid end to this bloody insurrection that has divided the North American Colonies from their Sovereign.
So, needless to say, I was really surprised to read that, especially in the light of the modern incarnation of the VPC trying to ban 50 caliber rifles today. I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same. 😉
Update: So, when I wrote this post, I was intending it as a satirical piece to lay some mockery on the anti-gun movement. I’m rather proud of it as well, because honestly…I think it’s funny and that it gets my point across. I do sincerely apologize if there was any confusion, that wasn’t my intent. Also, welcome to all the new readers from The High Road!
I have a boar hunt coming up in June (moved from April); a coworker overhead me mention it and this is the following conversation.
Coworker (CW): You’re going to shoot a pig?
Me: Not a pig like on the farm, a wild boar.
CW: We have wild boar in America?
Me: Yeah.
CW: Why do you want to kill it?
Me: I don’t want to kill it, I want to hunt it.
CW: So you’re doing this for the meat?
Me: No.
CW: So you’re just killing it for fun?
Me: No.
CW: I’m confused.
Me: I’m doing it for the challenge. I could go plug some deer with a rifle if I just wanted to kill stuff, but that’s not a challenge, and it’s not about the killing. Taking a boar with a handgun at close range presents a challenge for me as a marksman.
CW: So you’re doing it just to kill an animal?
Me: …….yes. I’m a bloodthirsty maniac, intent on butchering Piglet.
CW: That doesn’t seem right. Doesn’t that pig have just as much a right to live as you?
Me: I guess that’s his tough luck for not evolving higher on the food chain, then.
It occurred to me that I was glad I hadn’t told her that next year I want to use a spear.
I have always been a fan of the concept of open carry, i.e. not making a concerted effort to conceal your legally carried firearm. It was definitely part of why I enjoyed living in Virginia so much, because the good Commonwealth of Virginia allows all her citizens that are legally entitled to own a firearm to carry openly without a permit. On top of that, thanks in part to the Virginia Citizens Defense League, Virginia as a state has a relatively thriving open carry culture, in that it is not an unusual thing to see openly armed people strolling about. My current state of residence (Indiana) also allows open carry if someone has a permit, however although technically legal it seems to be rather rare up here.
Open carry is one of those issues that creates a bit of a divide with the gun owning community. If you go on any number of firearms related boards, you’ll find people adamantly opposed or supportive of open carry, with good arguments on either side of the table. I want to take a brief look at both sides of the issue, as well as offering my own thoughts.
History
Historically, there was a time when open carry was no big deal, especially in the western parts of the country. During the 1800s through the early 1900s; it was still a relatively common sight to see someone going about armed openly. However, as the country began to grow increasingly “modernized”, the armed man on the street became less and less common. I am not a deep enough scholar of history to know what prompted the relatively nationwide and rapid change in perception of an armed person; suffice to say that by the time I was born, open carry was relatively unheard of in most (there were some notable exceptions) areas.
Additionally, throughout the 1980’s and into the ’90s, concealed carry was relatively rare as well; the tidal wave of states passing right to carry legislation is a rather new (and awesome) phenomenon which in addition to creating a whole new market for sub-compact handguns, has once again brought attention to the issue of open carry.
Pros
Open carry does have some demonstrable benefits, both from a tactical point of view and a comfort level point of view. Tactically speaking, open carry allows you to carry a larger, more powerful firearm; most of us agree that if you can have big bullets in your gun, you probably should. Open carry allows you to carry that larger more powerful pistol; it also allows you to get at your pistol in faster than a deep concealed handgun.
From a vanity standpoint, open carry also means that you’ll never have to wear one of those silly-ass looking “Tactical-Concealment vests”, or whatever they’re called. Along that same line, open carry is better for…smaller people, like me. I’m only 5’6, which means that concealing even a Glock 19 can be a bit of a hassle, much less my GP100.
So, quick review of the good stuff about open carry: Bigger gun, faster access, you won’t have to dress silly to conceal your firearm, and if you’re small you can carry a decent sized iron.
Cons
Unfortunately, there are some pretty severe downsides to the whole open carry thing. The negatives to concealed carry generally don’t have anything to do with the tactical situation, but rather how people (threats and otherwise) react to seeing an armed person in the midst.
I can say quite safely that if I’m out on the farm, or in the town around the farm, that the reaction would be quite different that if I was strolling around downtown Indianapolis with a GP100 tied on. Someone very well might call the police and report a “man with a gun”; which is not a fun encounter to have with your local constabulary. If you get a cop that’s well educated on the laws of the area (and you’re legal, of course), then you should be fine – however the flipside of that is there is just as much a chance that you’re going to end up on the deck in handcuffs while they “sort things out”. This is not police bashing, far from it; the police as a general rule take “man with a gun” calls rather seriously (as well they should).
The second major disadvantage is what is generally referred to as the “shoot-me-first” syndrome, i.e. you’re in the grocery store and a maniac with a Tec-9 begins shooting the place up. The “Shoot me first” advocates say that because your weapon isn’t concealed, you become an immediate target for said badguy; your unconcealed firearm makes you the most likely threat to his mission.
If you do choose to open carry, be very, very, very, very, very, very, very aware of the laws of any locality you may be in. Virginia and Indiana are both states where localities cannot preempt state law, however your area may be different.
Summary
I like open carry, and I wish that it’s something that I could do more often. I’d rather carry my GP100 than the P22 or a snubnosed revolver, it’s just not always an option. The problem is that I would very much like to be able to open carry, and not worry about the reactions of the people around me; it would be marvelous if we lived in a world where it was acceptable for men and women to go about their daily business under arms.
However – we don’t. For someone that chooses to be armed, the reactions of people around us are something that we must take into account; with the great amount of vast nanny-staters, Suzy Soccermoms, and the generally poor general perception of gun owners as rednecks and trigger happy loons, it would most likely behoove us to keep our heaters under wraps unless we need them for something. Unless of course you live in Virginia, or another place where open carry is relatively common and accepted.
Just don’t make me wear one of those vests.
PERSIANS! COME AND GET THEM!
My goodness, that movie was fantastic.