ammo/news

Department of Homeland Security gives Winchester Ammo contract

Posted on by Caleb

That has got to be one of the longest titles I’ve ever put on a post.  The news though is that DHS has contracted with Winchester’s Ammo division for 200 million (that’s 200,000,000) rounds of .40 S&W ammo over the next five years.  That’s 40 million (40,000,000) rounds of amm per year.  According to the Winchester press release, the round selected is a 135 grain hollow point designed to meet specifications set forth by the Border Patrol.  This round will be used in DHS law enforcement applications, including the US Coast Guard when operating domestically as a law enforcement agency.

The new round will fall under Winchester’s “Ranger” line of products, which due to Winchester’s marketing policy they sell only to Law Enforcement agencies and LE dealers.  However, runs of the excellent Ranger ammo are often available online at places like GunBroker.

ammo

Ammo is back

Posted on by Caleb

A good barometer for ammo supplies is whether or not the big box stores have it.  Not just Goose Hill or Wang’s, but Meier or Wal-Mart.  Since I don’t shop at Wal-Mart, it’s down to Meier, which in fact did have 9mm in stock when I was there this weekend.  Additionally, the aforementioned Gander Mountain and Dick’s Sporting Goods also had 9mm, .45 ACP, and even .380 in stock.

Beech Grove Firearms, my local and favorite gun shop was pretty well fixed for 9mm and .45 as well, most of the 9mm was PMC Bronze, which is decent blasting ammo.  The downside is that prices have gone up, and will probably stay that way.  Ammo that used to cost $11.99/50 is now $13.99/50 in 9mm.  The average box price for .45 ACP was about $24 for a box of 50, which is still a little rich for my blood.  So it’s sort of a good news/bad news situation, as ammo is most definitely back…and you’re going to be paying a little bit more for it than you did last year around this time.

news

Gun Nuts movie review: Inglorious Basterds

Posted on by Caleb

Went to see the new Tarantino film last night, with Mrs Ahab. Before I continue, you need to understand where I’m coming from on this review. I think Quentin Tarantino is overrated, and that he thinks he is some kind of artistic genius. I would disagree. However, I also really like his movies because most of them are homages to films and genres I really enjoy. So, I guess I’m kind of a self loathing Tarantino fan.

From a movie goer standpoint, Inglorious Basterds was “Quentin Tarantino does WW2”. What that means is that if you’re generally a fan of his projects, you’ll probably like Basterds. If you’re not a Taratino fan, you probably won’t like Basterds. If you’re undecided, then go see the movie and decide for yourself.

I liked it, obviously. I thought the acting was spot on for the characters, and while the plot left a little to be desired, overall I give it 4.5 dead Nazis out of a possible 5. Walther PPk fans should enjoy it, as your beloved heater got a lot of screen time.

One more note: don’t see this movie if you’re a big stickler for “historical accuracy”.