shooting

Mousegun League scoring

Posted on by Caleb

After much deliberation, we’ve decided to go with the IDPA scoring system, which uses the Vicker’s Count method. This should place more emphasis on accuracy rather than speed; additionally since everything is reduced to a time number where the lowest number wins it allows for an easy solution to the handicapping issue for extremely small pistols. While we have not (of yet) determined the specific handicaps; specific pistols and revolvers of certain weights will have 5-15 seconds removed from their score on each stage.

Below is copy of the basic scoring set up for a Vicker’s Count, copied directly from the IDPA rule book.

Easy way to score Vickers Count:

1. Write down the raw time from the timer.
2. Count the total number of misses.
3. Multiply the number of misses by five (5) points down.
4. Add the number of points down for the remaining shots to the number of misses.
5. Write down the total points down and multiply by half (.5) second.
6. Write down applicable penalties, for instance; add three (3) seconds for any procedural penalty.
7. Add the raw time to the converted points down and applicable penalties for a final score.
8. In this way, everything has been converted to time so that the lowest (fastest) time wins.

Suggestions

We have had some great suggestions, including a “gun box” to make sure that your pistol fits the size requirements, as well as the possibility of a derringer division. I personally like the idea of a derringer division, so I’ll submit that idea for review. With the regards to the gun box, we’re not going to go in that direction yet, and we hope that the spirit of gamesmanship does not overtake the shooters that would get involved with Mousegun Shooting. With an eye towards preventing trying to game the barrel length and weight restrictions, the official rules will have a ban on aftermarket grips.

Forthcoming info

Now that the scoring system and divisions are roughly in place, our very next update will be on administrative details, course procedures, equipment and safety restrictions.

We’re also looking for ranges in the Central Indiana area to hold our first match. If you belong to a range that you think would be open to 10-30 people with wee-little guns having a little shootin’ match, drop me a line. admiralahab @ gmail dot com.

hoplophobia

Hoplophobia redux

Posted on by Caleb

Sebastian once again has an excellent post up, this time regarding the motivations that your average lefty has behind supporting gun control. It is as usual well thought out, and I recommend that you read his piece in its entirety. I wanted to elaborate on it a little further; literally to take it down to the level of individual people.

The majority of the friends that my wife and I have are liberal. I don’t really know how this happened, but it just did. In my original piece on hoplophobia I discussed a case that I encountered while my wife and I were dating; as well as a conversation I had with a friend. Neither of those examples really pointed to the root of why so many Americans seem to support “reasonable gun laws”, and as a general rule would haven’t a problem with taking away your AR15 or my Saturday Night Specials. The problem that allows liberals in power to exploit the average American and pass their onerous gun laws is one of perception.

Let’s look at two examples, myself and a liberal friend. I was raised by a cop, and I was raised to not fear firearms. I was taught how to handle them safely, and as I grew older I began to actively study their uses, both modern and historical. My Liberal Friend (whom we’ll call Stephanie) was raised in a house with no guns, and her first exposure to guns was actually from me. The biggest difference when it comes to gun control is our perception of firearms. I understand that a gun is nothing more than some steel and plastic designed to expel a metal particle in a particular direction at high speed. It has no individual will of its own, and is only rendered dangerous by the end user. Stephanie, on the other hand only knows of guns what she has learned from the media; both the news and fiction.

In fiction, firearms are portrayed almost as magical devices, slaying evildoers and good men alike, a powerful object that grants those in power even more power, and those not in power the will and power to defy their oppressors. They do some crazy things, like when a 9mm tosses a guy through a wall, but that’s neither here nor there. In the news media, firearms are rarely portrayed in a positive light, and you are bombarded with weasel words such as “Saturday Night Special”, “assault weapon”, and “sniper rifle”. A lifetime of media exposure without the balancing influence of actual education and gun ownership leaves a person with a preconceived notion of what a firearm is used for: usually the killing of other humans.

The final perceptive issue is how those without education into firearms perceive gun owners. Again, by early adulthood a person will have been bombarded with images from both the news and fictional media about gun owners being paranoid, antisocial, “shoot first ask questions later”, redneck, and anti-government to name a few. I have discovered that my liberal friends don’t have a problem with me owning guns, because in their mind I am educated, responsible, and not “threatening”. They are scared and of the invisible “gun owning boogeyman” that the media has constructed, they don’t want him owning guns. Since I’m not the boogeyman, my guns are okay, except for the assault weapons and sniper rifles because “what do you need those for?”

So what we are left with is The Great Divide between the gun owners and the average non owner. I honestly feel like the average person that says they support gun control doesn’t do so out of an actual desire to take guns away, but because they’ve not been educated they feel that it actually is a reasonable measure to remove the guns that the media says are bad. Your dedicated hard-core antis probably can’t be saved, but it’s not them we need to covert. It’s Suzy Soccermom that we need to see our way. Oprah fans. It falls to us, the gun owners to educate people. We’re the ambassadors of our sport and our hobby to our non gun friends, and how they perceive you will help in shaping their perception of gun owning people.

I’m not saying that we should go and proselytize people in the name of the Gospel of the 1911; but to simply be responsible and when an opportunity presents itself to tear down some anti-gun bias, do so in a polite manner. I’m happy to report that two of my “non-gun” friends have asked me if I could take them shooting when the weather warms up; of course I will. I’m always happy to haul the .22s for a newbie.

shooting

Heel type magazine releases

Posted on by Caleb

I like heel-type magazine releases. I can’t help it, maybe I’m sick but I just like them. For my readers from clanBOB, there are two major kinds of magazine releases for semi-automatic pistols. The most common is the button type (or American), which you’ll find on 99.9% of American made pistols. It’s a button located on the grip of the pistol, which can be pressed with the thumb to release the empty magazine.

A “heel-type” or European magazine release is located on the bottom (or heel) of the grip, and physically retains the magazine by overlapping it at the base of the pistol. To release a Euro mag release you have to push the switch back with the hand not holding pistol, then the empty magazine drops free.

The heel-type release was extremely popular on European made pistols through WWII and the late ’50s. Because the American style was much faster and easier to operate, it eventually replaced the heel type release except on a very, very small number of pistols.

You’re probably thinking right now “If it’s slower, and takes two hands, why in heaven’s name would he like it?” Well, I’d say the first reason is that I kind of like old things, but there are legitimate tactical reasons for having a heel type release. One of the best explanations that I’ve found for them was at Gunblast in their article on the CZ27. Their reasoning (which I agree with) was that for a soldier in the field, a heel-type release drops the empty magazine into his hand where it can be retained for later use. A pistol without any magazines is pretty useless, especially in a fight. While the primary reason to have a pistol (especially for a WWII infantryman) was to fight his way to a rifle; he’d have much better luck if he keeps his magazines.

For modern pistol competition, a heel type release is pretty useless, because it’s not as fast. However, if you’re doing Gunsite style reloads with retention, it’s a pretty good idea; as again the empty mag drops into your waiting paw so can you pocket it an keep the rounds. I’m not saying that everyone should stop making pistols with button type releases, because that would be insane. However, I could see heel type releases being used on small pocket pistols quite successfully, with the thought in mind that if you have to reload you .32 ACP in a hurry, you’re probably screwed anyway.

Actually, to reveal my true motivations, I’m just defending another anachronistic firearms design component. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something satisfying about dumping the magazine out of my M1935 Beretta into my hand. YMMV.

blogs

The power of war

Posted on by Caleb

Sebastion has an excellent post up on the actual motivation behind war, i.e. “politics by other means”. I’ve encountered that argument many times as well from the anti-gun types. The “well if the government wanted to kill you, they would and your rifle wouldn’t help”; which as Sebastion says is technically true.

But that’s not what war is really about.

But war isn’t really about killing. The mistake the left is making is failing to understand what power is. What gives another man power over you? Did you ever stop to think about that? I’m not talking here about the kind of power your wife has over you, when she makes you take out the trash. Or the kind of power your boss has over you, when he demands you get a report in on time. We all accept some modicum of social controls as part of enjoying the benefits of living as part of a society with other human beings.

Go read the whole thing.

Uncategorized

Wisdome of the Duke – March 2nd

Posted on by Caleb

“Sorry don’t get it done, Dude.” – John Wayne, in Rio Bravo.

This quote applies to the recent controversy surrounding Jim Zumbo, as well as to general life. When he first realized his gaffe, he very quickly issued an apology, which heartfelt or not, was an apology. Almost immediately, people began to say to those that were castigating Zumbo “But he apologized, you should stop”.

Unfortunately, those people failed to realize that “Sorry don’t get it done”. Often, it’s not enough to just say “I’m sorry” and expect things to go back to the way they were before. I’ve experienced that in my personal life, as I’m sure any other married man has.

Actions will always speak louder than words; when you say that you’re sorry for something it must be backed up with actual action. Reference again Jim Zumbo, who is doing a damn fine job of demonstrating his contrition and sorry, as you can see from yesterday’s post regarding him. The actions that you choose must bring credit to your words if you want people to consider you a man of character.

shooting

Jim Zumbu Update – he gets it

Posted on by Caleb

JZ is officially “with the program”. This is personally great for me to see, as it shows the sort of contrition and eloquence that “we the gunnies” had been hoping for all along.

As a journalist, I intend to educate myself as to the entire question of these firearms. In addition I will continue to support and protect the Second Amendment. I’m now involved in an educational process to gather the facts and see for myself.

I for one am extremely glad to see this sort of writing coming from him. While I was impressed with the speed and alacrity with which the Evil Black Rifle people voiced their opinions and banded together to protect our sport, I am even happier to see that Zumbo bears no ill will and that he seems to be taking an active interesting in educating himself.

H/T to Uncle

humor

At the movies with Ahab

Posted on by Caleb

I have taken it upon myself to rewrite a few of the more popular horror movies, had they been starring myself or any of my fellow gunnies out there. (We’ll have an update on the Mousegun Shooting League up tomorrow)

Scream
Act 1: Frightening phone call from inside the house, fellow with scary mask comes down the hall with a knife at our apparently defenseless heroine.

Heroine: “Whatever will I do?” Produces .357 Magnum from the couch, empties contents of cylinder into mask-wearer’s chest.

Fade lights…

The Birds
Act 2: An army of birds is amassing, threatening the house in which our young lady and her male friend are trapped.

Male friend: “Miss, would be a dear and grab my Benelli 12 gauge from the closet? I also have about 500 rounds of birdshot in there, just haul those on up. It seems we’ll be eating well tonight.”

Fade lights…

Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Act Whatever: Two young adults run from a maniac with a chainsaw.

Young lady: “He’s got a chainsaw! What are we gonna do?”
Young man: “I don’t know, all we’ve got is this AK47….waitaminnit”

BLAMBLAMBLAMBLAM

Fade lights…

Night of the Living Dead
Act 3: The zombies approach a small farmhouse, seemingly defenseless. A small family is inside.

Husband: “Dear, it seems that an army of the living dead is rapidly approaching our house. I say, could you gather up the rifles and the children? Assign Timmy and Susy to reloading detail, we’ll be in a world of hurt if we run out of magazines.”

Wife: “Why of course dear, aren’t you glad we’ve stockpiling ammo for all those years?”

Husband: “I certainly am.”

Rifle fire pierces the night.

Fade lights…

Clearly, I should be working for Hollywood. Not only would movies be shorter, but they’d be a lot more bloody! They might be a bit repetitious, but at least we wouldn’t have to put up will all that Hollywood silliness when it comes to guns.

shooting/sports

Mousegun Shooting League

Posted on by Caleb

If anyone missed the previous post I made on mouseguns, I have been inspired to create a competitive body for mousegun shooting. An official mission statement or statement of purpose is coming later, but the gist of it would be that I want to create a place where the loads of people that carry and love these little guns can shoot, train, and compete safely. Obviously, I’m hoping this idea takes off.

Although MSL sounds like a contagious disease, it’s simply a working title for now. What I am working on (and going to share with you) are the equipment rules that we’ve come up with so far. Since this is a work in progress, any feedback is appreciated.

Remember, the stated goal is to create a shooting league or society in which people can shoot their mouseguns competitively. The idea is that competition on the goal produces a valuable training environment for people that carry mouseguns (which is a lot); additionally it’s fun as well.

Competitive Classes
Right now, we’re looking at two major classes, Revolver and Pistol (Semi-auto); with each class being further subdividing into Sub-minor caliber (.22 LR, .25 ACP, possibly .22 Magnum) and Minor Caliber (.32 ACP, .32 S&W, .32 Magnum, .38 S&W, .380 ACP, and possibly .38 Special – more on that later).

To keep the competition limited to strictly “mouseguns”, each competitive class will have weight restrictions on the pistols used, i.e. no hauling out your Ruger 22/45 to compete in the rimfire category. I’d like to limit the weight of autos and revolvers to 20-25ozs (this would allow Walther PPks and Bersa .380s). There are going to be some restrictions specific to class of weapon as well. I’m honestly not sure where the limit should be set in the Sub-Minor category, but right now we’re looking at 15 ounces. That would exclude such guns as the Walther P22 and Sig Mosquito, which is too bad; but again the goal is to limit ourselves to true mouseguns. The final weight related issue that’s been brought up is a possible bonus for people that choose to use superlight weapons, such as the NAA mini-revolvers, some of which weigh less than 10oz. Quite frankly, we have no idea how this would be implemented, but I’m open to suggestions.

Minor Revolver class
To compete in this class, the revolver must be chambered for one of the following cartridges: .32 ACP, .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, .38 S&W, .32 Magnum, and .32-20 WCF. This isn’t intended to be an all inclusive list, because we’re sure that there are plenty more “mousey” cartridges out there that can be fired through a wheelgun. A brief side note, at this time the .38 Special is on the bubble, because it’s allowed for use in IDPA and ICORE shooting, we’re leaning towards not including it.
Barrel length on the revolver class is likely going to be 3 inches or less, again provided the revolver makes the weight limit mentioned above.

Sub-minor Revolver
To shoot in this class, a revolver must be chambered for either .22LR, .22 Magnum, or .25 ACP. The weight limit on the sub-minor wheelguns is going to be locked at 18.5oz. The revolver can be single or double action, but must have a barrel length of 2.5 inches or less. This is the first category where handicapping comes to mind, as an shooting that uses a 9.5 ounce NAA Black Widow is going not going to be able to compete with someone that uses an 18 ounce Taurus. Right now, we’re not limiting cylinder capacity on revolvers with 5+ rounds – but we don’t have a good solution in place for reloads on the clock.

Minor Pistol
For a pistol to shoot in this category, it has be chambered for .32 ACP, .380 ACP, .32 NAA, and maybe, just maybe 9mm Makarov (9×18). Again, not an all inclusive list, but it’ll do for now. The 9mm Mak is right on the bubble along with .38 Special in the wheelgun world. Barrel length is limited to 3.5 inches or less; this category will also make use of the handicapping system for extremely light guns such as the Kel-Tec .32. The handicapping system will be worked out in detail once we’ve come up with the scoring system. Magazine capacity is capped at 8 rounds for this category.

Sub-minor Pistol
Pistols here must be chambered for .22LR, .22 WMR, or .25 ACP. Barrel length is going to be 2.5 inches or less, and the weight has to be under 15oz (that could be lowered). Magazine capacity is limited to 8 rounds here as well. We don’t envision handicapping to be an issue in this category.

So that’s the breakdown of the competitive classes. Again, all this is in the creative stages, and any and all feedback is welcome. We’re going to be working through the scoring system today; which will include how the handicapping system will work. After that, we’ll work on course design, which will include average round count, reloads, etc.

Questions, comments, etc can be left in the comments section or directed to my email at admiralahab at gmail.com.

Uncategorized

Real Time with Bill Maher

Posted on by Caleb

Normally, I don’t watch Real Time. My wife and I will occasionally play a game where we see how many minutes of the show it takes until I’m ready to put a fireaxe through the TV.

Well, I caught the replay of the latest episode on Monday night, and it was great. It was great because they had this woman as one of their commentators.

She essentially spent the entire episode owning everyone else on the show all over the board. Very calmly and reasonably she made points about the radical nature of Islam that no one could refute, and even had Bill Maher (who is a notable critic of all religion) agreeing with her.

It was fantastic. Now I’m going to have to buy her book.