Feb 2008
FRIDAY SURPRISE: Whoosh!
One of my favorite
abandoned/unknonwn/old technology subjects is the fabled Beach
Pneumatic Transit System in Manhattan. Nothing exists of it today -
neither facilities nor artifacts - but this article
at Damn Interesting gives the best overview I've
seen of the ill-fated project.
-=[ Grant ]=-
-=[ Grant ]=-
|
A gripping story
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 Filed in:
Revolvers, Accessories
So, you've got snazzy new
grips on your 'heater'! Have you checked them to make sure that
they won't get in the way of the operation of the gun?
It's surprising how many revolver grips, even from respected manufacturers, interfere with the use of speedloaders. Sometimes they even obstruct the ejection of fired cases!
Check your grips with your preferred loaders; make sure that they don't bind or affect the release of the rounds into the chambers. If they do, you can usually take some material off the grips with sandpaper or a sanding drum on a Dremel. If you don't want to go that route, you'll need to look for grips that don't have the problem.
Either way, check speedloader use with your grips - it's an important part of being revolver-savvy!
-=[ Grant ]=-
It's surprising how many revolver grips, even from respected manufacturers, interfere with the use of speedloaders. Sometimes they even obstruct the ejection of fired cases!
Check your grips with your preferred loaders; make sure that they don't bind or affect the release of the rounds into the chambers. If they do, you can usually take some material off the grips with sandpaper or a sanding drum on a Dremel. If you don't want to go that route, you'll need to look for grips that don't have the problem.
Either way, check speedloader use with your grips - it's an important part of being revolver-savvy!
-=[ Grant ]=-
Someone messed up
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 Filed in:
Completely
irrelevant, My Life
Remember a few weeks
back,
when I was wondering when Global Warming was going to take care of
the foot of snow in my driveway?
Turns out that I probably won't get my fair share.
Darn it.
(Thanks to Kim du Toit for the heads-up.)
-=[ Grant ]=-
Turns out that I probably won't get my fair share.
Darn it.
(Thanks to Kim du Toit for the heads-up.)
-=[ Grant ]=-
Monday meanderings
Monday, February 25, 2008 Filed in:
General gun
stuff, Other resources
Tam alerts us that today is the "official" birthday of the revolver - courtesy of The Great One, Samuel Colt. (I'm surprised, yet gratified, that she acknowledges someone whose last name is not Browning or Wesson!)
---
As long as I'm doing the link-love bit, over at Michael Bane's place there is something of a brouhaha regarding his assessment of the new Ruger SR9 pistol. Read the first part, then read Michael's response. (Be sure to read the comments on each - that's where the fireworks happen.)
One of the commenters has invoked Massad Ayoob's name as some sort of "proof" that Michael's opinions are "wrong." In the interest of full disclosure, I know Mas Ayoob on a personal basis, and I've done work for Bane. I've read their reviews, and what it comes down to is that they are both opinionated people with very definite tastes and preferences in firearms. That they have different points of view with regard to this particular gun is simply evidence that nothing appeals to everyone. I trust them both, and my feeling is that it's sad they couldn't find a new, innovative Ruger revolver to disagree about!
-=[ Grant ]=-
FRIDAY SURPRISE: Changing times, changing tastes
As you may have guessed from
previous entries, history fascinates me. Not in the sense of
ancient history, or even battle locations and dates; the history
I'm interested in is the history of technology. I'm interested in
the history that was displayed in what used to be known as "science
and industry" museums, before those institutions got caught up in
showcasing meaningless "interactive" exhibits carefully crafted so
as not to "offend" anyone (while managing to avoid any real
education in the process.)
Anyhow, part of the history of technology is how products were represented to the buying public. The product logo, aside from showing the pride of the people who made it, served as a point of reference (and sometimes of reverence) for those who might decide to own the thing.
Vehicle logos are perhaps the perfect example of how logo design changes not only with fashion trends, but with regard to customer's expectations and aspirations. Check out this collection of auto logo evolution, courtesy of Neatorama.
-=[ Grant ]=-
Anyhow, part of the history of technology is how products were represented to the buying public. The product logo, aside from showing the pride of the people who made it, served as a point of reference (and sometimes of reverence) for those who might decide to own the thing.
Vehicle logos are perhaps the perfect example of how logo design changes not only with fashion trends, but with regard to customer's expectations and aspirations. Check out this collection of auto logo evolution, courtesy of Neatorama.
-=[ Grant ]=-
Ignition troubles
I've gotten a number of
inquiries over the past few months regarding ignition troubles in
otherwise stock revolvers.
As ammunition prices continue their climb, many enthusiasts find their budgets strained. In order to continue shooting, those who do not reload their own ammo have been looking at less expensive options for feeding their guns. Brands like Fiocchi and Sellier & Bellot ("S&B"), brands that didn't have many takers a couple of years ago, are now being featured at many sporting goods outlets.
For the most part there is nothing wrong, from a quality control standpoint, with this ammunition. It must be remembered, though, that many foreign ammunition companies do not have the range of cartridge components that we do. Since much (if not most) of their production is often military contract, they are known use the same components for their commercial products - said components to include primers.
Military specifications, regardless of country, usually require a certain level of slam-fire resistance, which necessitates heavier primer cups. Those thicker, harder primers can be more difficult to ignite in firearms that expect to see a "civilian" (more sensitive) primer. It's no wonder, then, that ignition problems with Fiocchi and S&B ammunition are being seen; it's not that the ammo is "bad", but rather that the components used are intended for guns with more robust firing systems!
If you're using foreign ammunition, and your stock firearm is proving to be a bit unreliable, don't blame the gun. Try some "normal" (read: American produced) ammo - I'll bet it returns to 100% function.
(You say that using U.S. ammunition will cut into your shooting activities because of the cost? Well, it's time to learn how to reload your own - it's easy, fun, and economical!)
-=[ Grant ]=-
As ammunition prices continue their climb, many enthusiasts find their budgets strained. In order to continue shooting, those who do not reload their own ammo have been looking at less expensive options for feeding their guns. Brands like Fiocchi and Sellier & Bellot ("S&B"), brands that didn't have many takers a couple of years ago, are now being featured at many sporting goods outlets.
For the most part there is nothing wrong, from a quality control standpoint, with this ammunition. It must be remembered, though, that many foreign ammunition companies do not have the range of cartridge components that we do. Since much (if not most) of their production is often military contract, they are known use the same components for their commercial products - said components to include primers.
Military specifications, regardless of country, usually require a certain level of slam-fire resistance, which necessitates heavier primer cups. Those thicker, harder primers can be more difficult to ignite in firearms that expect to see a "civilian" (more sensitive) primer. It's no wonder, then, that ignition problems with Fiocchi and S&B ammunition are being seen; it's not that the ammo is "bad", but rather that the components used are intended for guns with more robust firing systems!
If you're using foreign ammunition, and your stock firearm is proving to be a bit unreliable, don't blame the gun. Try some "normal" (read: American produced) ammo - I'll bet it returns to 100% function.
(You say that using U.S. ammunition will cut into your shooting activities because of the cost? Well, it's time to learn how to reload your own - it's easy, fun, and economical!)
-=[ Grant ]=-
Can you hear me now?
It's time to shop for new
hearing protection.
My wife and I bought Peltor Model 7 electronic muffs quite a long time ago - over 10 years, if memory serves. They've held up remarkably well, even through torrential rain (common here in Oregon) and the inevitable bumps and knocks from being thrown into the back of the car. They're not terribly comfortable (though far more so than the infamous "vise-like" Wolf Ears), the interior padding is coming apart, and they're starting to pop and hiss and make crackling noises. Their time, sad to say, is coming to a rapid end.
As I shop I'm paying particular attention to suitability for use with rifles. The old Peltors are quite large, and getting a proper cheek weld on a rifle stock invariably knocks them slightly off of a perfect seal, resulting in sound leakage. It's not so much a problem when shooting by myself, but try it on a class firing line with another shooter next to you and you'll appreciate the issue!
The choice came down to the Peltor ComTac and the Sordin Supreme XL. Just a few minutes ago, I ordered the Sordins - the Peltor has a big battery compartment bulge on the left side, which meant that I'd have the aforementioned rifle problem when shooting from my weak side. (You don't do that? There are lots of good reasons to practice shooting a rifle from your weak side - just like your handgun.)
The Sordins have a phenomenal reputation for durability and waterproofness, and I have a close friend who has worn a pair for the last couple of years - and raves about them compared to his old Wolf Ears.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to put them through their paces.
-=[ Grant ]=-
My wife and I bought Peltor Model 7 electronic muffs quite a long time ago - over 10 years, if memory serves. They've held up remarkably well, even through torrential rain (common here in Oregon) and the inevitable bumps and knocks from being thrown into the back of the car. They're not terribly comfortable (though far more so than the infamous "vise-like" Wolf Ears), the interior padding is coming apart, and they're starting to pop and hiss and make crackling noises. Their time, sad to say, is coming to a rapid end.
As I shop I'm paying particular attention to suitability for use with rifles. The old Peltors are quite large, and getting a proper cheek weld on a rifle stock invariably knocks them slightly off of a perfect seal, resulting in sound leakage. It's not so much a problem when shooting by myself, but try it on a class firing line with another shooter next to you and you'll appreciate the issue!
The choice came down to the Peltor ComTac and the Sordin Supreme XL. Just a few minutes ago, I ordered the Sordins - the Peltor has a big battery compartment bulge on the left side, which meant that I'd have the aforementioned rifle problem when shooting from my weak side. (You don't do that? There are lots of good reasons to practice shooting a rifle from your weak side - just like your handgun.)
The Sordins have a phenomenal reputation for durability and waterproofness, and I have a close friend who has worn a pair for the last couple of years - and raves about them compared to his old Wolf Ears.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to put them through their paces.
-=[ Grant ]=-
FRIDAY SURPRISE: A more serious time
Students of espionage and
surveillance (which every security-conscious person should be)
understand how intelligence is actually gathered, and it isn't the
way it happens in Hollywood.
Those who watch too much TV think that security breaches come fully formed - that damaging information is gleaned nearly whole, needing only a few minor details filled in to make it valuable. While that may occasionally be true for satellite imaging, when putting together information gathered "on the ground" it is more like doing a jigsaw puzzle.
In reality, it is the small bits of information, gleaned from many sources, that form the picture one's opponent seeks. Even seemingly innocuous minutiae, in the hands of a skilled intelligence analyst, can help to flesh out a growing body of actionable information. Such little things - usually gathered informally and from the unwitting - are amazing valuable to the right person.
Back in World War II, the military needed to impress this concept on the U.S. population. "Mass media" back then meant radio, newspapers, and - most graphically - posters. Lots and lots of posters. Eye catching, colorful posters - works of art in their own right.
Check out some of the urgent messages they conveyed.
Here's a bunch more.
-=[ Grant ]=-
Those who watch too much TV think that security breaches come fully formed - that damaging information is gleaned nearly whole, needing only a few minor details filled in to make it valuable. While that may occasionally be true for satellite imaging, when putting together information gathered "on the ground" it is more like doing a jigsaw puzzle.
In reality, it is the small bits of information, gleaned from many sources, that form the picture one's opponent seeks. Even seemingly innocuous minutiae, in the hands of a skilled intelligence analyst, can help to flesh out a growing body of actionable information. Such little things - usually gathered informally and from the unwitting - are amazing valuable to the right person.
Back in World War II, the military needed to impress this concept on the U.S. population. "Mass media" back then meant radio, newspapers, and - most graphically - posters. Lots and lots of posters. Eye catching, colorful posters - works of art in their own right.
Check out some of the urgent messages they conveyed.
Here's a bunch more.
-=[ Grant ]=-
I hate this...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 Filed in:
Blog stuff, Current Events
Oily to bed, oily to rise
Sorry for the very, very bad
pun. My defense? It's Monday!
Quite a while back, I told you of the difficulty an agency in California was having finding a suitable gun oil. I made the recommendations in that article, and my contact indicated that he would make a decision and follow up with the results.
I talked to him last week, and he indicated that they decided to go with a medium-weight Lubriplate FMO-AW series oil versus a light grease, primarily for application ease. He reports that the food grade lubricant easily passed muster with the ultra-picky worker safety people in his agency, which was a big concern.
How about performance? In a word, they're "delighted" with the oil. It lubricates superbly, doesn't run, and seems unaffected by the alkaline environment in which it is being used. That they can choose exactly the right viscosity for their application is "icing on the cake."
He says that it has worked out so well, he's using the stuff on his personal guns, and says that it's better than any "gun" oil he (or his agency) has ever used.
(Maybe I should get a Lubriplate distributorship...!)
-=[ Grant ]=-
Quite a while back, I told you of the difficulty an agency in California was having finding a suitable gun oil. I made the recommendations in that article, and my contact indicated that he would make a decision and follow up with the results.
I talked to him last week, and he indicated that they decided to go with a medium-weight Lubriplate FMO-AW series oil versus a light grease, primarily for application ease. He reports that the food grade lubricant easily passed muster with the ultra-picky worker safety people in his agency, which was a big concern.
How about performance? In a word, they're "delighted" with the oil. It lubricates superbly, doesn't run, and seems unaffected by the alkaline environment in which it is being used. That they can choose exactly the right viscosity for their application is "icing on the cake."
He says that it has worked out so well, he's using the stuff on his personal guns, and says that it's better than any "gun" oil he (or his agency) has ever used.
(Maybe I should get a Lubriplate distributorship...!)
-=[ Grant ]=-
An interesting juxtaposition
I'm reading Monster Hunter
Nation's SHOT Show report, where I find this article about Simunition's new
offering. Seems their attitude is
that, since they only sell to military and law enforcement, and
those users follow their safety protocols, there won't be a
problem.
Now, read MHN's first-day SHOT Show report. See the connection?
-=[ Grant ]=-
Now, read MHN's first-day SHOT Show report. See the connection?
-=[ Grant ]=-
SHOT Show wrap-up
Remember last Wednesday,
when I wished for some new
revolver introductions - then reminded Taurus that
revolvers which chambered shotshells weren't terribly
interesting?
Guess what they introduced at SHOT?
Yep. More revolvers that chamber shotshells.
Obviously the things are selling (Taurus being notorious for discontinuing products at the first whiff of a sales drop), but I haven't quite figured out the attraction.
---
Taurus did introduce something interesting, but it appears to be getting zero press: a 6-shot compact .38 special revolver. If it's any good at all, this could be the long-awaited replacement for the Colt Detective Special.
Knowing Taurus quality control I'm apprehensive, but I'll reserve judgement until I can get one in my hands. (Reports are, oddly, listing it as a Model 85, which is their nomenclature for the 5-shot line. Hmmm...of course, there's no info available on the perennially out-of-date Taurus website.)
---
Since I haven't gotten any nasty emails from Charter Arms partisans since the last SHOT Show, I'll just mention that they introduced a new .327 Federal chambering for their "affordable" guns. (If it performs as well as the brand-new .38 Special Charter I encountered on the firing line at a class last weekend, potential buyers may want to update their life insurance before filling out the 4473 form. Yes, it was that bad.)
---
-=[ Grant ]=-
Guess what they introduced at SHOT?
Yep. More revolvers that chamber shotshells.
Obviously the things are selling (Taurus being notorious for discontinuing products at the first whiff of a sales drop), but I haven't quite figured out the attraction.
---
Taurus did introduce something interesting, but it appears to be getting zero press: a 6-shot compact .38 special revolver. If it's any good at all, this could be the long-awaited replacement for the Colt Detective Special.
Knowing Taurus quality control I'm apprehensive, but I'll reserve judgement until I can get one in my hands. (Reports are, oddly, listing it as a Model 85, which is their nomenclature for the 5-shot line. Hmmm...of course, there's no info available on the perennially out-of-date Taurus website.)
---
Since I haven't gotten any nasty emails from Charter Arms partisans since the last SHOT Show, I'll just mention that they introduced a new .327 Federal chambering for their "affordable" guns. (If it performs as well as the brand-new .38 Special Charter I encountered on the firing line at a class last weekend, potential buyers may want to update their life insurance before filling out the 4473 form. Yes, it was that bad.)
---
-=[ Grant ]=-
SHOT Show news
First off, you're unlikely
to see this on any other gun blog: I've been privy to the formation
a new organization in the last several months, and sworn to secrecy
until it was officially unveiled at SHOT. Well, my tongue is now
loosened!
The Armed Citizens' Legal Defense Network is a membership organization designed to give those who are involved in a self-defense situation the legal resources to survive the inevitable legal aftermath. The Network gives exclusive access to qualified attorneys and court-recognized experts in the field of self defense, as well as up-to-date education materials in the legal use of force, free case review from nationally respected use-of-force experts, and special discounts on classes by member trainers. This is an idea whose time has come, and I'm proud to bring the news to you!
Smith & Wesson announced several new revolvers, Scandium-framed "carry guns" in .357, .44 Special, and .45ACP. I'm not all that enthused about these lightweight guns - frankly, they hurt to shoot and I'm wary of the self-engaging locks - but apparently I'm alone in my assessment, as S&W seems to sell all they can make. What's interesting about these entries to the field are the new fast acquisition sights: a tritium "Big Dot" style front paired with a new u-channel rear sight.
Courtesy of Call Me Ahab
Note the rather crude, unfinished appearance - one hopes that the production versions will be cleaner:
Courtesy of Gunblast.com
The 5mm Remington Magnum rimfire was a neat round that didn't deserve to die. Introduced back in the '80s, it was discontinued just a few years later in the wake of underwhelming sales. Aguila has decided to reintroduce the round, and Taurus is chambering their Tracker series in the "new/old" cartridge.
I've spoken about Ruger's new blood, and it is in evidence at SHOT this year. They've introduced a new polymer .380 pocket pistol (bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Kel-Tec .380), which is a radical departure for the staid maker. I'm hoping - really, REALLY hoping - that their revolver line will see some new introductions soon. (Chant with me: ".44 Special GP100....44 Special GP100....44 Special GP100..." Maybe they'll get the collective vibe!)
Finally, though not specifically my thing, USFA has introduced their replica of the large-frame Forehand & Wadsworth single-action revolver. This is an instance where the reproduction will no doubt be of higher quality than the original! USFA has been steadily expanding their range of top-quality guns, and I think they are our best hope to introduce a real, high-quality American double-action revolver. How about it, USFA - give us a Python. Or a Diamondback. Or a Registered Magnum. Cowboy shooters aren't the only people with money, you know!
-=[ Grant ]=-
The Armed Citizens' Legal Defense Network is a membership organization designed to give those who are involved in a self-defense situation the legal resources to survive the inevitable legal aftermath. The Network gives exclusive access to qualified attorneys and court-recognized experts in the field of self defense, as well as up-to-date education materials in the legal use of force, free case review from nationally respected use-of-force experts, and special discounts on classes by member trainers. This is an idea whose time has come, and I'm proud to bring the news to you!
Smith & Wesson announced several new revolvers, Scandium-framed "carry guns" in .357, .44 Special, and .45ACP. I'm not all that enthused about these lightweight guns - frankly, they hurt to shoot and I'm wary of the self-engaging locks - but apparently I'm alone in my assessment, as S&W seems to sell all they can make. What's interesting about these entries to the field are the new fast acquisition sights: a tritium "Big Dot" style front paired with a new u-channel rear sight.
Courtesy of Call Me Ahab
Note the rather crude, unfinished appearance - one hopes that the production versions will be cleaner:
Courtesy of Gunblast.com
The 5mm Remington Magnum rimfire was a neat round that didn't deserve to die. Introduced back in the '80s, it was discontinued just a few years later in the wake of underwhelming sales. Aguila has decided to reintroduce the round, and Taurus is chambering their Tracker series in the "new/old" cartridge.
I've spoken about Ruger's new blood, and it is in evidence at SHOT this year. They've introduced a new polymer .380 pocket pistol (bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Kel-Tec .380), which is a radical departure for the staid maker. I'm hoping - really, REALLY hoping - that their revolver line will see some new introductions soon. (Chant with me: ".44 Special GP100....44 Special GP100....44 Special GP100..." Maybe they'll get the collective vibe!)
Finally, though not specifically my thing, USFA has introduced their replica of the large-frame Forehand & Wadsworth single-action revolver. This is an instance where the reproduction will no doubt be of higher quality than the original! USFA has been steadily expanding their range of top-quality guns, and I think they are our best hope to introduce a real, high-quality American double-action revolver. How about it, USFA - give us a Python. Or a Diamondback. Or a Registered Magnum. Cowboy shooters aren't the only people with money, you know!
-=[ Grant ]=-
FRIDAY SURPRISE: Feeling a little blue?
Friday, February 01, 2008 Filed in:
Friday
Surprise!, Completely
irrelevant
I'm not a huge fan of modern
children's cartoons. I grew up watching Bugs Bunny, who was the
quintessential American cartoon character: brash, self-assured,
didn't take guff from anyone, and always won. He lost some of his
edge with the ascension of producer Chuck Jones, but compared to
what kids see today he was still a pugnacious little furball.
When I first saw the Smurfs, my reaction was something like "what kind of namby-pamby, touchy-feely, feel-good crap are they teaching kids these days? Heck, Bugs would've just dropped a rock on his antagonist and been halfway into his hole by now!" Of course, their Communist lifestyle sets my libertarian hair on end, and I've always wondered where the baby Smurfs came from, given the virtually all male Smurf demographic.
(It goes without saying that I have no children to explain these things to me, and I'm not sure I'd want to have them explained. Where oh where is my Acme Deluxe Bazooka Kit when I need it??)
Anyhow, this is a long-winded way of bringing you an interesting "news" item: Croatian Smurfs left blue-faced as world record attempt falls sadly short.
Anyhow, this is a long-winded way of bringing you an sadly interesting "news" item: Croatian Smurfs left blue-faced as world record attempt falls sadly short.
(Frankly, I would have thought this to be more of a Belgian thing, given where their creator hails from. Apparently, though, the Croatians are catching up in the emasculation race.)
-=[ Grant ]=-
When I first saw the Smurfs, my reaction was something like "what kind of namby-pamby, touchy-feely, feel-good crap are they teaching kids these days? Heck, Bugs would've just dropped a rock on his antagonist and been halfway into his hole by now!" Of course, their Communist lifestyle sets my libertarian hair on end, and I've always wondered where the baby Smurfs came from, given the virtually all male Smurf demographic.
(It goes without saying that I have no children to explain these things to me, and I'm not sure I'd want to have them explained. Where oh where is my Acme Deluxe Bazooka Kit when I need it??)
Anyhow, this is a long-winded way of bringing you an interesting "news" item: Croatian Smurfs left blue-faced as world record attempt falls sadly short.
Anyhow, this is a long-winded way of bringing you an sadly interesting "news" item: Croatian Smurfs left blue-faced as world record attempt falls sadly short.
(Frankly, I would have thought this to be more of a Belgian thing, given where their creator hails from. Apparently, though, the Croatians are catching up in the emasculation race.)
-=[ Grant ]=-