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Archive for the ‘Firearms’ Category

Here’s an interesting site.  Thanks, Hobie, for putting it up on your blog.  It was started by folks reacting to a quote about “people of the gun” who support the right to keep and bear arms. It’s pretty funny that something that was meant as an insult was embraced by those it was meant to demean. I like it. Goes along well with “christian” and “johnny reb” and other such “slights” that folks have born in the past – with pride. “The disciples were called “christians” first in Antioch” state the scriptures. So “people of the gun” is yet another insult that many are willing to embrace. Maybe I should send them a link to the Pistol Packing Preachers website…

Hoplophobia – An unreasoning fear of instruments (weapons). Hoplophobia is a term that was coined, if I recall correctly, by the late Jeff Cooper.  It is an excellent term and describes well those who fear instruments more than the hands that wield them.  The very heart and soul of the anti-weapon movement revolves around the idea that individuals are not responsible for their actions, rather it is the object that spurs the criminal to commit the act of violence.  This is simply idiocy.  It does not take into account the millions upon millions of owners of weapons who do NOT commit crimes of violence.  Such an attitude is akin to looking upon all men as potential rapists – because, after all, they’re equipped to do so.  Or considering all women to be potential prostitutes – because, after all, they are equipped to exercise that activity.  And that’s no to mention the slap in the face of the billions of honest poor upon the planet when we are told that high rates of criminality are due to poverty.  What about the billions of poor who do NOT commit crimes?  Or the rich who commit crimes?

Criminal activity does not stem from availability of weapons.  Nor does it stem from the presence or absence of the Y chromosome.  Nor does it stem from poverty – or lack thereof.  It stems from the “heart” of the criminal, from his or her way of thinking and manner of justifying his or her actions.

And yet, too many people fear the object, the implement, the instrument – rather than fearing the person who wields that instrument.  The person who is capable of utilizing a firearm to commit a crime is also capable of committing crimes via other means.  Many, many criminals have extensive “rap sheets” in which their criminal life is partially recorded.  I say partially because all that’s there is what they’ve been arrested for or convicted of – not every thing they’ve ever done.  And time after time you’ll see the same person guilty of utilizing anything from a broken bottle to a pilfered firearm to commit acts of violence.  Often the same person will be guilty of physical aggression with a wide variety of objects, from their own hands to a pool cue to a broken bottle to a baseball bat to a firearm.  So why are firearms singled out?  Because of their perceived ease of use.  And also too often due to the inclination of the people who vilify them to desire to use them themselves.   It’s amazing to see the hypocrisy of the anti-weapon campaigners.  Many of them have weapons themselves – and yet seek to deprive others of their lawful use.  Why?  Because of the evil that lays within their own hearts and their fear that others may have that same evil within.

We should not fear inanimate objects.  We should fear the latent evil that resides within a considerable portion of the population.   And our goal should not be to remove weapons but rather to remove the desire to commit violence against others.  And that can only come about by a change of mind.

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God Romans 12:2

The piece below was written as a “birthday post”. The idea of a “Birthday Post” was started by fellow Pistol Packing Preacher Charles Graff. In years past Charles would post a controversial subject, attacking some “holy cow” of the shooting sports in a well thought out manner. People would rise to the bait and the dust and fur would fly. Then he’d own up as to how it was his birthday and folks would realize they’d been had. Over the years others have attempted to follow his example, but few have shown his skill. Some would merely say something like “Hillary Clinton’s right. I’m going to destroy all my guns” or some other such transparent effort. As I type this it is the day before my 42nd birthday. I’ve been cogitating on what kind of post to put up for 364 days. Over the past week I’ve put some more thought into the matter and finally decided to “go for it”. I’m guessing that the post below will generate some heat from certain quarters – or it could actually get ignored. Only time will tell. My question at this moment is, “Do the guys know me well enough to realize it’s a joke?” Surely by now SOMEONE realizes I’ve got an extremely weird sense of humor. We shall see what we shall see, as the butler said when he looked through the keyhole.

And, furthermore, to show that I’m not a completely insensitive person, I DIDN”T post the original 2007 birthday post on the forum. First I asked a fellow conspirator and radical thinker about it. Well, ok, the posting won’t occur there. Instead, I put up the first piece which is immediately below this. It’s more of a general “birthday post” instead of the pot stirring one I’d typed up yesterday.

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All the recent talk about flat guns has put me to cogitatin’ a bit about them. I know that Jeff Cooper was a real proponent of the bottom feeding 1911 family of firearms, but for serious, dependable, defensive work, the semi automatic just doesn’t cut it.The semiautomatic is plagued by a host of weak points which can cause problems when it is called upon to defend one’s life. The weakening of springs in the magazine lead to failures to feed and/or eject (depending on design), the easily deformed magazine lips which also provide feeding problems, the strength (or lack thereof) of the recoil spring which can cause problems for proper feeding, not to mention the need to run pretty much full bore ammunition through them to ensure that the slide will reciprocate properly, all are inherent design flaws.

For defensive use you need a gun that’s likely to go “BANG!” each and every time you pull the trigger. If you get a dud while shooting a semiauto, you need need both hands to run the clearance drill prior to continuing with what you were doing. On the range this is an inconvenience – in a firefight it can get you killed. Yes, you can learn to grasp the slide between your knees or use other means to clear a dud or other failure to function, but most of the procedures to do so are not very safe to execute, unfortunate word there, execute…

Yes, I’ve owned (still do) and carried semi automatic pistols – back in my wet ears years. In a 22 for plinking they are a blast and the jams and malfunctions are not too much of a hassle since they’re almost invariably used on the range and not in defensive situations. But for pure reliability? A good revolver will out shine any semi automatic in that department. You can load anything from wax bullet to full bore hunting loads and they’ll keep on tickin’ – with no fussing around with finicky springs, barrel ramps and other such nonsense. You can load any kind of bullet profile from round ball to full wadcutter to jacketed hollow points to shot loads – and it will feed and fire them all.

I know there’s no way some of you will give up your slide action flatguns, and that’s OK. But you really should consider the danger you expose yourself to by relying on them for defensive work. I guess the best way to sum it up is: “I sure hope you never have to bet your life on one.”

The original “2007 Birthday Post” can be found in the complete article.

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Thanks to Rob Leahy of Simply Rugged for the link to the Dissident Frogman’s post about the recent blunder by the AFP in which they showed  two cartridges in the hand of an old woman that purportedly were “bullets” fired at her house by US forces.  If you take a look at the Dissident Frogman’s video you will see a well executed educational video designed to demonstrate the difference between a CARTRIDGE (shown in the AFP’s picture) and a BULLET (what would have struck the house of the woman if indeed US forces HAD fired at her).  The only piece missing from the Dissident Frogman’s video is an actual, fired bullet to demonstrate exactly WHAT should have been shown if they wanted to fake the scenario in a reasonably credible way.  Wait!  Perhaps there’s a reason!  Perhaps the Dissident Frogman desires to entrap the AFP into faking another such picture, this time showing the empty cartridge cases and claiming that THESE are the “BULLETS” that hit the house!  THAT would be just TOO hilarious!

Rob Leahy, of Simply Rugged holsters, sent me one of his pancake holsters to use a while back.  It’s a simple affair, made from thick, strong cowhide with slots cut for one’s belt to run through.  The leather covers the revolver from the muzzle up to over the hammer.  The gun rides high, allowing for easy concealment under an un-tucked shirt or a vest.  The PPPPPP rides in the Simply Rugged pancake probably at least 80% of the time.  I’ve found this to be the most secure way of carrying the pistol right at hand.  The close fitting of the holster to the gun allows for a snug fit.  You can do summersets and not lose your piece.  And yet, the lack of a retention strap allows for a quick draw with no fumbling to release a snap or strap.  This mode of carry provides protection for the pistol, secure, discreet carry and the means of self protection right at hand.

Thanks, Rob, for this effective means of carrying the PPPPPP!  You make a great product.

A correspondent sent me the links to the following videos. An air powered machine gun that fires 32 caliber bullets at a decent rate and velocity. Sounds intriguing, to say the least. And the videos look interesting too. The “Home Gun Smith” has the plans for sale on their site.

Here’s more info from the e-mail I received:

The CASELMAN works under 3.000 psi air; muzzle velocity is 790-800 fps (in .308/7.65mm, .355/9mm, and .451 calibers); rate of fire 600 rpm; with a single air charge it´ll shot 100-105 times within this range of power; in .451 caliber, using 225 grains bullets (NOT round balls) it´s muzzle energy is 311 foot pounds. We can be sure it is as accurate as the best closed-bolt submachineguns of the same caliber, using similar (pistol) bullets, something like 100-120 meters. It is a closed-bolt weapon, and since airguns are ever more accurate than any firearm, it is not hard to imagine that. Of course if we pick the best bullet (weight, profile, hardness) to our rifling path and barrell lenght, and we build with the utmost care the gun, magazines, and load with care each magazine, we´ll get even better accuracy with the Caselman AMG.

Thanks to Sarge Sargent for his article on Integral Locks in firearms. I don’t care for the hideous, worthless, useless abominations myself, but perhaps I understate my position. However, as I read his article I was struck by the similarity of his views on the subject of internal locks and my own position on political issues. I’ve gotten into hot water over my views on the Republican Party and the vast majority of the presidential candidates that are being offered up by various parts of the GOP for our approval in 2008.

Now, how can one get from internal locks to presidential politics and find a connection? My brain works differently from most I suppose. So, here’s a few excerpts from Sarge’s article and how they reflect my own views on political issues.

Sarge writes:

Note to manufacturers supplying the US firearms market-I will NOT buy ANY firearm with an Integral Locking System.

I could very well write: “Note to politicians supplying presidential candidates for the US of A – I will NOT vote for any candidate who supports the homosexual/lesbian agenda, abortion, violations of the second amendment of the US constitution or higher taxes for any tax bracket.

Sarge also states:

The Emperor never likes to be told that he’s parading around bare-ass naked. You’ll catch some flak from folks who contend that we should be grateful, and buy whatever the gunmakers produce.

Yep, the same holds true with the political emperors as well. When one points out that a certain party’s current crop of money grubbing politicians leaves a lot to be desired the typical reaction is “Well, if THE OTHER party were in control you’d REALLY be sorry!” As if it matters which party is violating the US constitution. The US Constitution was written to give direction to our nation – not to be circumvented and ignored by self serving politicians.

Sarge continues:

You’ll also hear the excuse that the poor manufacturers are just installing IL’s because of, or in anticipation of, legislation requiring them on guns ‘approved’ for sale to the public.

People also seek excuses for the sorry crop of politicians currently infesting our nation’s capitol. They say things like “They are only reflecting their voter base.” – Yeah, right. Like when folks are OPPOSED to higher taxes -and they pass them anyway. Or when folks are calling for an end to our open door “secured” borders – and they try to pass guarantees of citizenship to those who have violated our nation’s laws as illegal aliens residing within our borders contrary to our nation’s laws. Time after time the US Congress ignores and tramples on the Constitution – and folks still say “That’s OK, they’re not as bad as THE OTHER PARTY.” Giuliani, Romney, etc openly support(ed) abortion and homosexuality and we’re told “That’s OK. They’re still not THE OTHER PARTY” as if it matters what side of the aisle one sits while supporting issues which make our founding fathers spin in their graves – not to mention the opinion of He Who made us a nation.

Sarge warns:

Stand By For Guilt Trip #12,788…
I can hear the howling already- “What? You’re actually proposing that we withhold our business from already-embattled gun-makers who are still suffering under under Clinton-era lawsuits, etc.?

The same holds true for the “Vote Republican even though they’re liberals in RINO clothing” crowd. I’ve heard it, time after time: “What? Vote third party? You’re proposing we not reward the GOP for betraying our trust by voting for them?” Uh, yeah. That’s what I’m suggesting. Just like Sarge mentions, we’ve got to hit them where it hurts. By voting for left leaning candidates we are saying “Serve us what filth you want and we’ll swallow it – no problem!”.

So, what if we DO decide to vote “third party” or simply annul our votes – thus stating “None of the above”? We’re saying “Treat us with respect. You are OUR servants, OUR representatives – you MUST do as we ask or you will not be sent back to Washington.” By demanding that the GOP give us a solid, conservative candidate we are saying “No more RINOs, we want TRUE conservative candidates!”

What if this means that “THE OTHER PARTY” gets into power? It’s NOT MY FAULT! My vote does NOT support homosexuality, abortion, abridgment of the right to self defense nor higher taxes. After all, one’s vote should be for that person who represents one’s values. And Giulianni, Romney, etc do NOT represent my values. It’s a matter of the GOP needing to re-examine its values and deciding to either REALLY become the conservative party again or to join forces with “The Other Party” and quit the pretense.

The last time I checked the US Constitution, the government derives its power from the consent of the governed. And I do NOT consent to the policies that most of the front runners in the GOP are in favor of. If that means that THE OTHER PARTY gets power then that means that the GOP should have thought about offering us something different.

Here I’ve seen folks set up one more arepa stand or one more corner hot dog stand rather than seeking something different, a niche of their own. And I’ve seen the GOP become so much like THE OTHER PARTY that it’s hard to distinguish between them. Homosexuality, abortion, higher taxes, bigger government and unconscionable infringements on the second amendment are part of both parties today. The only “difference” I see is in the rate of attrition.

So, blame me if you want – but as long as the GOP offers candidates that are merely mild versions of THE OTHER PARTY I’ll abstain, thank you very much. I refuse to eat manure and proclaim it to be pudding. Nor will I vote for those who represent that which I oppose – no matter WHAT side of the aisle they sit on or “represent”.

Folks continually say “But you MUST vote for the lesser of two evils!”  Uh, no. No you don’t.  There’s no reason to encourage EITHER party to keep giving us substandard candidates.   Those who vote “for the lesser of two evils” are still voting for evil and are guilty of encouraging those who serve up unprincipled candidates for our consideration.  Those who vote “for the lesser of two evils”, of course point their fingers at those of us who refuse to do so and blame us for THE OTHER PARTY winning.  It’s kind of like the US automobile companies blaming the consumers for their problems when the US consumers started purchasing higher quality, more fuel efficient foreign made vehicles.  Don’t blame those of us who will NOT vote for a liberal in conservative “clothing”.  Blame those who allowed such scum to pose as a conservative in the first place!

Well, here you have it – the reason why everyone should be disarmed. After all, weapons are dangerous to people like this guy. It’s logical that they should be banned, prohibited, forbidden. Thanks, Hobie, for bringing this to my attention. I’m VERY convinced now!

Thanks to Hobie for bringing this video to my attention on his own blog. Really, why hasn’t anyone thought of this before? It’s so simple, ANYONE can use this method to put a stop to crimes committed with firearms!

Now we know that the law is good, provided one uses it legitimately.   We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers,  for the sexually immoral and homosexuals, for kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching based on the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me.  I Timothy 1:8-11 HCSB

Steadily have our rights as US citizens been eroded.  On the alter of “security” we have sacrificed huge portions of our Constitution, losing liberty and gaining nothing in terms of security.  In today’s political climate, the fourth and fifth amendments are but shadows of their former selves, taunting those of us who remember that at one time the US was the bastion of freedom.  But our leaders have forgotten the basic premise that a citizen should be considered innocent until proven guilty – and that the burden of proof is upon the government to prove wrongdoing, not upon the citizen to provide proof of innocence.  Somewhere along the way folks forgot the obvious – the law should burden and punish the criminally inclined, NOT the honest citizen.

To attempt to reduce homicide and thievery, laws have been passed which prohibit formerly free men from possessing, carrying and utilizing the means of self protection.  Our legislators have forgotten that those who are willing to break the most ancient of laws – that against the spilling of innocent blood – will NOT be hampered by attempts to obligate them to not obtain nor carry the means to spill that blood.  Laws which hamper the honest citizen in his daily life, prohibiting him from protecting his life with formerly commonly available means, have no effect on the lawbreaker.  By definition the lawbreaker breaks laws.  DUH!  Why would a law prohibiting the possession or use of a specific type of weapon be more sacred to the lawbreaker than the very law against the taking of innocent life?

What are we as citizens to do?   The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians and said “For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.” (Galatians 5:13)  We, as citizens of the United States, were born to be free.  We should use that freedom wisely, and we should guard it jealously.  Our nation was founded up on Christian principles, upon the desire for freedom as a nation like the freedom that the Christ gives to His followers.  That freedom should not be abused nor should laws be written that subject the law abiding to a curtailment of their freedom.

It is time we said “Enough!”  It is time we demand punishment for those who do evil and freedom for those who do what is right.  Let the government learn once more its place – that of servant to the people.  Let those who would use their position of power to harm the law abiding be cast down.  It is time for Freedom to ring once more.