Don’t worry, it’s not another political election. Each year, Outdoor Channel gives away their Golden Moose Awards to fan favorites, and Michael Bane is eligible for the Fan Favorite Host award. Michael has been a great friend to Gun Nuts and is a huge supporter of all forms of direct media in the firearms industry. Click on this link to register to vote for Michael as the Fan Favorite Host. For more information on Michael Bane and his various shows, check out his blog.
A waiting period?
Apparently Washington State has a waiting period for people that want to purchase a handgun and don’t currently have a Washington Concealed Pistol License.
However, the waiting period doesn’t apply to rifles.
This is a perfect example of why “gun control” is usually the stupidest form of governmental regulation. Follow me on this one: I cannot go in to a local gun shop and buy a used Ruger Mk II pistol without waiting for the local police department to do a “background investigation” on me (even though all they do is run a NICS check and a local felony search, awesome) which usually takes 5 business days. However, it is perfectly legal for me to walk in to the same store and buy an AR15, a case of 5.56 NATO ammo, a bucket full of PMags and then waltz out with my new purchase after having the standard NICS check performed. So remember, underpowered and inefficient pistol = too dangerous to trust the NICS system. However, a rifle with 30 round magazines = totally okay.
People that understand shooting see why this is ludicrous; but it’s a perfect illustration of gun control in general. There is nothing about that particular gun law that would do anything to stop crime; the odds of BFE PD catching something on their check that wouldn’t turn up on NICS are astronomical; yet they insist on running it that way (which costs the taxpayers money, mind you) for everyone that doesn’t have a concealed carry permit.
Ah, gun control: what you do instead of something.
Novak sights for Ruger SR9
In the world of “great news”, I just found out that Novak is offering fixed sights for the Ruger SR9/40 series of pistols. The Novak Ruger SR9 sights are available directly from Novak, in fact you can ship your slide to Novak and they’ll install the sights for you. If you’re thinking about using the SR9 or SR40 in competition, switching over to the Novak sights might be just what the doctor ordered for the race ready Ruger.
While the factory adjustable sights on the Ruger SR series of pistols are actually pretty good, for IDPA and competition they could be improved, and adding a blacked out Novak rear might be a step in the right direction. Improving the sights on a pistol is often the first step towards making a pistol truly suited for competition, and since we’re going to be running the SR40 in lots of different matches, the Novak sights are going to be something we investigate.
Speaking of the SR40, the trial pistols are in. Assuming I get them in hand before I leave for Gunsite on Sunday, I’ll be able to give you some initial impressions of the gun. Otherwise, you’ll just have to wait a couple of weeks before you see how it holds up under some heavy round counts.
However, if you’re already and SR9/c owner and you’re looking for different sights for the gun, check out the Novak sights. I’ve had Novaks on several guns, and they’re excellent sights, I recommend them without hesitation to anyone looking for a solid, durable fixed sight.
Gunbroker auctioning AR15 to benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation
From the press release:
In a bid to fight breast cancer, GunBroker.com® is hosting a charity auction of a unique pink rifle. The auction, which can be viewed at http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=197284611, ends November 14.
Specifications for the AR-15 style DPMS Panther Lite 16″ Special Edition Pink rifle can be found on the auction page. The rifle coatings were donated by DPMS Panther Arms and KG Industries.
The auction supports the fund-raising goals of the GunBroker.com family team, which includes walkers and crew members in the Atlanta Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk, held Oct. 22-24. All proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, which funds innovative global breast cancer research and local community programs supporting education, screening and treatment.
There is the rifle that Gunbroker is selling off, as donated by DPMS. If you want you M4 to have a little bit more style than anyone else at the range, this definitely the gun for you. Throw a few flat dark earth PMags in that gun, and you’ll be ready to rock.
Both Gunbroker and DPMS have an excellent track record at supporting charities, this is the second year that they’ve done the pink rifle auction, and earlier this year both companies also supported the Honored American Veteran’s Afield Charity Auction as well. Please head over to Gunbroker.com to bid on the AR15 for Breast Cancer research!
Gun Nuts Radio returns in December!
That’s right, Gun Nuts Radio, the leading shooting sports and information podcast on the BlogTalkRadio network will return December with all new episodes! With the election finally over, I’m pleased to bring back Gun Nuts Radio. Thank you everyone who emailed and has continued to support the show during the hiatus. When we return in December, we’re going to all new guests, new sponsors, and all new content featured on Gun Nuts Radio! So make sure to keep checking in here and at www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts for the return of BTR’s best rated shooting sports podcast!
The FAL as a combat rifle
We live in a world dominated by the AR15 pattern rifle and its variants. The AR15 is quite simply the most popular semi-automatic rifle in this country, whether it’s for competition shooters, law enforcement, home defense, and even in the battlefield. It’s an endlessly customizable weapon system – like I said on Top Shot, it’s the LEGO of the firearms world. However, there are options to the AR. If you want a larger caliber, say a 7.62 NATO round, the AR10 isn’t nearly the dominant platform for that round. You have many choices when shooting a .308, from the M14/M1A, AR10, VEPR (good luck finding mags), and of course the venerable FAL. The Right Arm of Freedom is one of the widest used battle rifles in the world, and at Warrior Talk New Gabe Suarez takes a look at turning your FAL into a modern combat rifle.
Gun Nuts gets training
In the upcoming few weeks on Gun Nuts, and extending in to next year you’re going to see a lot of coverage focused on getting professional training. Next week, I’ll be heading down to Gunsite Academy in Arizona to work on Carbine and Pistol training, following that I’ll be at Insights here in Washington for their General Defensive Handgun course. Then in 2011 we’re going to have coverage of classes with our friends at FAS, Pistol-Training.Com, and even a Magpul class.
You’re also going to see a continuation of the Quest for Master Class on Downrange.TV, as once I reach 5-Gun Master the series will continue to offer valuable training tips for both the Novice and Master IDPA shooter.
One of the reasons that we’re taking such a training intensive focus in 2011 is because I believe in the mindset of the perpeptual student. As a competitive shooter and someone that carries a firearm for self defense, I want to be exposed to as many ideas about operating a firearm as possible. Take what works, integrate it, and continue to learn and improve my shooting. The day I stop learning to shoot better is the day I become a truly stagnant shooter. You can always shoot better, and like I’ve said before: the pursuit of awesomeness for its own sake is part of what makes humans so cool.
Magpul Dynamic Shotgun outtakes
I really enjoy Magpul’s training DVDs for the value they deliver to shooters interested in bettering themselves. I also really, really like the outtakes, because let’s face it – who doesn’t need a laugh now and then? Here is the blooper reel from their latest DVD, the art of the Dynamic Shotgun:
What is cover?
In IDPA, the rules stipulate that all reloads must started and completed “behind cover”. The problem is that IDPA doesn’t define what cover actually is. This leads to all sorts of shenanigans at matches, and is the reason for my policy of asking the SO on every single stage I shoot “what are we defining as cover here”. This is the most effective way to avoid procedural penalties, as ultimately the Safety Officer is the one that determines what is and isn’t cover. There are three different schools of thought on what “is” cover in IDPA, and they go like this:
- Cover is whenever you’re not exposed to un-engaged targets. This means that if you have an array of three targets in front of you but you’ve shot them all and you’re not exposed to the remaining targets on the stage, you’re “behind cover”.
- Cover is whenever you’re not exposed to any targets, regardless of your distance to the actual barrier object.
- Cover is only when you are directly behind the barrier object that is providing your “cover”.
The above diagram, borrowed from a poster at the official IDPA Forum perfectly illustrates all three definitions of “cover”. Because IDPA allows you to reload on the move when behind cover (clearly stated in the rulebook) the definition of cover becomes important for shooters looking to save time. In definition 1 of cover (not exposed to un-engaged targets) you can reload at any point on the graph after you’ve shot T1-T3. Cover definition 2 would say that you could only reload when you’re between the blue lines on the graph, as then you’re behind cover from the remaining targets. Finally, cover definition 3 would say that you have to remain at P1 to reload or cannot reload until you’re on top of the wall at P2.
The problem that we have is that I have seen all three definitions of cover used at sanctioned, major matches. The problem that we run in to is that even in the IDPA rulebook, cover only subjectively defined with regards to your distance from the barrier object. In my opinion, it makes sense that you’re “behind cover” as long as you’re not exposed to any threat targets, regardless of how far you are from the visual barrier object. Other Safety Officers, including one of my best friends in the sport, disagree.
So I’m interested to hear from my IDPA guys out there – what do you think cover is? Obviously, I’m a fan of definition 1. I think it makes the most sense within the confines of the rules of the game, but I’m willing to accept definition 2 as well. If I were running that course of fire with a wheelgun, as soon as I finished shooting the first array of targets I’d be reloading while moving to the next position, since I’m not exposed to any threat targets. What would you do? Also, if I shot it with a semi-auto there is a chance, albeit a small one, that I’d do a RWR while moving instead of having to top off in the middle of a string. I’d like to hear how you would shoot it, and more importantly where you think it’s legal to reload.
Sig P238 Safety Upgrade
Press release from Sig Sauer:
SIG SAUER, Inc. has initiated a Mandatory Safety Upgrade pertaining to our new Model P238™ pistols. We have determined that a small number of P238 pistols may have safety levers that are not manufactured to factory specifications. Under certain conditions, it may be possible for the lever not to be completely engaged in the safe position. In this condition, the gun will not fire when the trigger is pulled. However, when the safety lever is moved to the off position, the hammer may fall, with the remote possibility that the gun could fire unintentionally, thus creating a risk of injury or death.
There have been no reports of any injuries or mishaps; however, in accordance with SIG SAUER, Inc.’s commitment to provide customers with the highest quality products and services, we are issuing a P238 Mandatory Safety Upgrade, to return the identified product to factory specifications. Upon receipt of the firearm, SIG SAUER will, at no cost to the owner, eliminate the risk identified above by replacing the subject part and performing functional upgrades that have been incorporated into the P238, subsequent to its introduction. SIG SAUER will return the firearm, pre-paid, to the owner as quickly as possible.
If you have a SIG SAUER P238 with a serial number between DA000501 and DA003216, please cease use of the firearm immediately. Not all P238s within the identified serial number range are affected; therefore, it is imperative that you contact us via the UPGRADE HOT LINE at 1 (866) 446-1914. An operator will take your information and confirm if your firearm is required to be returned for Upgrading. If necessary, you will receive a certified package from SIG SAUER that will contain a UPS shipping return label, a Return Merchandise Authorization Number, and a box to return the firearm. Simply affix the provided UPS shipping label to the supplied box (completely covering the existing shipping label) and bring the box to a designated UPS drop-off location. Please be certain to include the magazine along with the original SIG SAUER blue gun box. If you have questions or would like further information, you may contact SIG SAUER CUSTOMER SERVICE at 603-772-2302 (Choose Option # 3).
This does not affect ANY of the 27Axxxxxx serialized pistols.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your immediate cooperation in the return of your P238 handgun.
Sincerely,
SIG SAUER, Inc.
Check the serial number on your P238 immediately to see if it needs some work done.