Halloween- Am I Scaring You Yet?

Topics: Obama supports federal ban on concealed carry, including the audio from 2004 in which he says this.
The Westerfield Sportsmans’s Club accident
Teaching kids to shoot
Problem guns: Ruger LCP and Mossberg ATR 100

Courtesy of Syd at Front Sight Press.

The Browning Buckmark

It is no secret that my 22 pistol of choice is the Ruger MKII. A major contender for the MKII's place of prominence though, is the Browning Buckmark. The Buckmark is preferred by many people because it feels more like a "real" pistol. The frame is CNC machined 7075-T6 aluminum. The controls are where one would expect, and the Buckmark's trigger is uniformly crisp.

Like the Ruger, a wide variety of sights, grips and barrels are available for the Buckmark. Unlike the Ruger, the serial number of the Browning 22 pistol is on the lower portion of the gun, the grip frame. This is fortunate, as it allows a variety of barrels to be mail ordered without going through a FFL holder. The design of the pistol is deceptively simple. When the grips are removed, most of the action can be disassembled by hand. Detail stripping the Buckmark is a cinch.

The Browning Buckmark is a boringly reliable shooter. It is as accurate as the shooter firing it, a no excuses gun. It will digest a wide variety of ammunition without a hiccup.

Little features like the recessed crown make for a slick package on the Browning. There are only two things that I do not care for on the Buckmark. The first is the scallops on the bolt that contain the grasping serrations used to open the chamber. The scallops make the bolt more difficult to lock back than it has to be. The other is the wire ejector. The ejector works well enough, but I just wish there was a more substantial part for that role.

My buddy QJ purchased this pistol used for $219. I passed up a first generation Buckmark priced at $175 a couple of years ago. I still kick myself.

A Buckmark Review/Range Report

Browning Buckmark Manual (pdf file)

Ruger LCP Recall

Ruger® Issues Product Safety Warning and Recall Notice of LCP™ Pistol
October 29, 2008

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE-RGR) announces that it has recently received a small number of reports from the field indicating that LCP pistols can discharge when dropped onto a hard surface with a round in the chamber. Although no injuries have been reported, we are firmly committed to safety and will retrofit all older LCP pistols (described below). The retrofit involves installation of an upgraded hammer mechanism at no charge to the customer.
As a responsible manufacturer, we want to make our customers aware of this FREE safety upgrade. All LCP pistols bearing the prefix "370" (that is, serial number 370-xxxxx) may be affected. LCP owners can sign up for the safety upgrade or obtain additional information by:

• Visiting our LCP recall website at www.ruger.com/lcprecall
• E-mail: LCPrecall@ruger.com
• Fax: 928-541-8873
• Calling the LCP Recall hotline at 1-800-784-3701

The new parts are being built and we will retrofit LCP pistols on a first-come, first-served basis as soon as they are available. When Ruger is ready to retrofit a consumer's pistol, Ruger will send a shipping label and package with instructions for the FREE return of the LCP pistol to our factory in Prescott, Arizona. Ruger will install the new hammer mechanism, plus some other functional upgrades that have been added since the LCP's introduction, at no charge to the consumer and the pistol will be returned at Ruger expense. All owners will receive a FREE LCP magazine with the new finger grip extension as a "thank you" for their patience and cooperation.

Transition To Revolvers

We returned to the range after work today, and I had a surprise waiting for QJ. He was involved in shooting his Buckmark, and doing quite well, when I reached into my range bag to retrieve an old Smith & Wesson. When he finished his magazine, I laid it on the table in front of him.

"Oh man! That's an old man's gun!" laughed QJ.

"Perhaps...... But an old man can clean your clock with this thing."

"Bullshit."

The gauntlet had been tossed. QJ had been shooting only at the target on the right side of his frame at seven yards. I eyeballed him with my best Clint Eastwood eye twitch, and he stepped aside. As I slowly filled the old blue revolver's cylinder with 22 long rifle cartridges, I silently prayed.

As QJ watched, I placed six holes together on the left upper arm of the X.

"Damn. Let me try that!"

"Think you can handle it?" I asked. He smirked.

I showed QJ the basic manual of arms for a wheel gun, how to open and close the cylinder, how to load it and eject cartridges, and advised him on the double action trigger. I allowed him to dry fire the gun in double action. During a cold range, we changed to fresh targets. When the range was again hot, I told QJ "It's the same principles. Keep the sights aligned as you pull the trigger smoothly backwards."

QJ loaded the weathered old Model 17-3, brought it to sights, and pulled the trigger. He peered at the target. "There," I pointed. "In the cardboard about a foot underneath." QJ squeezed off the remaining five shots, and his results were not much better.

"This thing won't shoot."

"Do you need me to shoot it again?" I asked. He shook his head. "Look Q, once you can shoot a double action revolver accurately, there will be very few handguns that you cannot shoot well. It's all in the trigger control. Marksmanship is 10% sight alignment. Any chimp can do that. Ilsa can align sights if taught how. Marksmanship is in controlling the fingers on your hands so you don't pull the sights out of alignment while pulling the trigger. 90% of marksmanship is trigger control."

I extended my hand, cupped my lower three fingers and then curled my index finger slowly back. My lower three fingers remained in place. "You must train your index finger to operate independently of the rest," I said. "It must do it's job alone. I want you to try again. Think less about aligning sights, more about controlling your hands and your fingers. Make the pull smooth, steady, sure. Do not let your sights wander, but keep the trigger pull consistent. Don't jerk it, and don't fret over it. Just pull it." I picked up the revolver and showed QJ the rate that I wanted him to pull the trigger.

QJ loaded his tormentor again, and raised it to sights. This time he was on the paper with a couple of hits in the black. "Work on it," I told him. "When you can get all six in the black with this revolver, you will be blasting X rings with your Buckmark. A double action revolver accepts no excuses. You must have your fundamentals together to shoot one well." As I watched, QJ continued to put lead down range. I was pleased to see him quickly improve as he worried less about sight alignment and more about trigger control.

As QJ continued to shoot the 22 caliber revolver, I returned to my range bag. I pulled ou a stainless Model 67-1 and laid it on the bench. I placed a box of .38 specials beside it. "I think you are ready," I told him. QJ emptied the 22 revolver and laid it on the bench, cylinder open. He opened the white box of thirty-eights.

"Wow, these are big."

"The fundamentals are the same," I said. "Steady, consistent squeeze to the rear with the sights aligned. The gun firing should be a surprise. There will be more recoil. It won't hurt you."

QJ loaded the revolver, raised it to sights. His grip on the gun wasn't perfect, but I did not correct him. Too much instruction can be a bad thing, overwhelming a student. QJ managed to get all shots on the paper, double action. Today's mission was accomplished. After a few more cylinders on the Model 67, he decided to return to his Browning. Bulls eye! He was transferring over what he had learned on the revolvers to the pistol.

As we were packing to leave, a man showed up with an long barreled X frame Smith & Wesson. "Let's watch him," I said to Q.

We settled on the bench behind the firing line and observed the loading of the weapon. The shooter rotated his shoulders a couple of times and raised it to sights. BLAM! "Jesus!" exclaimed QJ. X ring.

"Keep watching Q....."

BLAM! Dirt in front of the target frame. BLAM! Berm. BLAM! Cardboard. BLAM! Cardboard. "Remember QJ, you need to be able to consistently put all rounds where you want, no matter what." We continued to watch as the man put away his over sized hand cannon and opened a box containing a black Sig P229. We watched him fire a couple of magazines through the gun, peppering the paper. I instructed QJ to watch the double action/single action function, as well as the shooters trembling hands.

As we were getting up to leave, the fellow firing the Sig offered to let QJ fire a few rounds through his pistol. QJ was surprised, but accepted the opportunity. Not being greatly familiar with Sigs, I quickly inquired as to the caliber. 9mm. Good. QJ shoved a magazine into the pistol, and methodically fired off ten rounds. When he laid the pistol down and turned back around, a huge grin was across his face.

Q's safety consciousness and concentration on marksmanship paid off. His targets were good. His attitude and progress was even better. We stopped at a truck stop on the way home to get a Coke for me and an Icee for QJ. As we discussed what he had learned and accomplished, QJ asked me "Why did that guy let me shoot his gun?"

"People who shoot want other people to shoot," I replied. "There isn't a more inclusive group of Americans around. He recognized you as a good guy, someone learning to shoot. He wanted to help. You exercising your rights helps him preserve his. We are all partners in preserving the second amendment."

So, for QJ, here are a couple of "old men" firing their "old man guns." Enjoy.

Defender Grips

I received some slim double diamond cocobolo grips from Fusion Firearms for the Colt Defender this afternoon. They are impeccably checkered, and the sheen from the finish is without flaw.

Fusion Firearms was founded in 2006 by Bob Serva. They began by offering high quality 1911 parts on ebay. Over the past two years, they have grown to now offer complete custom 1911s.

The quality of the parts offered by Fusion appear to meet a high standard. I can't vouch for the metal parts or the pistols themselves, but the grips sold by Fusion are top notch.

Now I just need the slim grip bushings and screws to put them on the Defender.

Frosty Ride

It was 42 degrees this morning as I left home on the commuter bike for work. I was bundled up in a hoodie, sweats and of course, my helmet. I wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined, hardly the same as riding a motorcycle in the cold.

The ride home in the glorious 70 degree weather with a bluebird sky was well worth the morning in the cold.

It’s the End of the World As We Know It

Topics: It’s the End of the World As We Know It
Why I can’t vote for Barak Obama
Politically Correct Guns
Moose Hunting with Sarah Palin

Courtesy of Syd at Front Sight Press.

Zumboed

Apparently Dan Cooper, Founder, President and CEO of Cooper Firearms of Montana donated a bit of quid to a certain anti-gun political campaign. The response from gun owners was quick and unwavering. The Board of Directors has spoken.

"In response to the recent article highlighting Dan Cooper’s personal political donations, the board of directors, shareholders and employees of Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc would like to issue the following statement.
The employees, shareholders and board of directors of Cooper Firearms of Montana do not share the personal political views of Dan Cooper.
Although we all believe everyone has a right to vote and donate as they see fit, it has become apparent that the fallout may affect more than just Mr. Cooper. It may also affect the employees and the shareholders of Cooper Firearms.

The board of directors has asked Mr. Cooper to resign as President of Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc.
Daily operations will continue with the competent staff currently in place in Stevensville, MT producing the finest, most accurate rifles money can buy.

Dan Cooper has spent all of his working life producing the highest quality rifles built here in the USA. He started with nothing but the American Dream and built that into firearms company anyone would be proud of. We firmly believe Dan stands by the 2nd amendment.
We wish him all of the best in his future pursuits."

Thank you.
Anyone else in line?.................................................. Chirp Chiiiiiiiiirp Chirp


Update: Dan Cooper tendered his resignation.

The Defender/Commander Grip Safety

I was unable to find a source for an old style "nubbin" Commander grip safety, so I decided to make my own. I found an old "duckbill" grip safety, and I trimmed the tail so the tang was the width of a standard GI style part. Next, I removed the grip safety from an early Commander that had the profile I desired.

I transferred the profile from the Commander safety to the work piece with a fine point marker. I roughed in the shape with several cuts using a cut-off wheel on my Dremel. Finally, I used a sanding wheel to give myself the finished profile, going slowly and checking the appearance frequently.

I dehorned the underside of my new grip safety, as well as the slide of the pistol. I reinstalled the safety along with a Nowlin "Speed Demon" hammer and went to test fire the pistol. The narrow Nowlin hammer combined with the wider tang of the attenuated grip safety was enough to prevent hammer bite. A trip to the local motorcycle shop with five bucks a six pack of Bud yielded a bead blasting to the part so it will match the rest of the pistol.

The Rest of Your Life

Speed without accuracy is wasted ammo.

Accuracy without speed is wasted time.

Todd has an excellent piece up at Pistol Training.com.

Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas

Shooting The Buckmark

QJ and I hit the range this afternoon to squeeze off the first shots from his Browning Buckmark. Before we began shooting I familiarized him with the controls. When he was ready, he took the pistol and began getting all his shots in the black. QJ was thrilled. I was very pleased to see that he grasped the handgun in just the grip that I had taught him, one that will easily transfer over to larger calibers.

When I noticed that QJ was taking quite a bit of time lining up his sights, I introduced him to the concept of a flash sight picture. For almost a half hour Q worked on flash sighting from low ready, while I provided a verbal buzzer. He was as pleased with his progress as I was, and the trembling quest for a perfect sight picture was eliminated.

We noticed a gentleman arrive to our left with a shiny new black plastic box with a big G on top. "Let's sit out the next hot range and observe," I told QJ. My student saw why as the fellow stuffed a full magazine in his Glock and chambered a round with his finger on the trigger.

"He shouldn't be doin' that!" exclaimed QJ.

"Just sit tight, he'll be out of ammunition shortly," I replied.

Sure enough, fifty rounds later, the fellow had ten or twelve holes in his target, or at least in the cardboard surrounding it. The rest had failed to strike the target at all, screaming past it to the berm, or popping up tufts of dirt from the ground in front of him.

"That's a classic example of learning to shoot without instruction or guidance," I told QJ quietly. The newcomer began to pack up his 9mm plastic fantastic and we resumed the line.

"Now I see why you have me on a 22," QJ said.

"Yeah, you can't miss quick enough or frequently enough to save your hide," I responded, "For the gun to do it's job, you have to be able to do your's." QJ nodded in silent agreement and returned to showing how it is done.

An Outlaw's Worst Nightmare

The Colt 1902 Military

"Browning's idea was to make the barrel free to move somewhat, unlike in the straight blowback design, and anchor it to the frame by means of a pair of swinging links, one at the rear of the barrel and one at the front. On firing, the whole assemblage of barrel and slide would move rearward locked together by means of lugs machined atop the barrel that fitted into mortises in the underside of the slide. This would only be for a short distance, as the links would naturally pivot about their pins, causing the barrel to drop down and unlock from the slide."

Tam has written an incisive article on the Colt 1902. Read more about the forerunner to the 1911 here.

Todd Jarrett: Shooting on the Move

Lubing the Buckmark

After work today, QJ went by Neil's pawn shop and picked up his Browning Buckmark. I spent the afternoon fieldstripping and lubricating it for him. The pistol has next to no wear on it. I suspect that it perhaps fired 50 rounds, if that. The parkerizing is hardly rubbed on the frame.

The entire pistol was as dry as a bone. I used my standard process of Break Free on pivoting surfaces, and Tetra grease on sliding surfaces. The pistol functions much better now.

Tomorrow, it goes to the range.

New Agent New Trigger

I put a solid trigger into the Colt New Agent today, performed a detail strip and a trigger job on it. I just prefer the look of the solid trigger. The three hole trigger doesn't do much for me, and it's a lint trap.

This pistol is still running 100%.

The Reason I Crossed the Bridge

One of the reasons I passed up Preacherman's turn-off yesterday was because I thought an old favorite gun dealer would be first on the route. I was headed his way. I had learned that there would be no gun show my hometown this year, the Police department had canceled their show, and the independent promoter of the alternative had health problems. I had money saved, and remembered a certain pistol that I had seen last year.

Hutchinson's Guns is in Tioga Louisiana, a Ma and Pa operation with little overhead and good prices. I was in the market for a pistol. Hutch was walking across his front yard as I parked in his drive, and we went into his crowded one man operation. Gun cases were stacked shoulder high, ready to be loaded into a trailer for the next show. I asked if he still had a Colt Defender.

Hutch went to a stack of blue plastic cases and deftly pulled one from the center. The pistol inside had the low profile sights, but it also had the ugly duck bill grip safety. Hutch agreed to give me the price I had seen at last year's gun show, and so, I bought the pistol.

I commonly advise people to shoot a 1911 for at least three months before they change anything. Alas, I suffer from the "fix 'em up" bug as well. Already I have a list of changes for this gun.

The Hogue wrap around Good Year grip has got to go. Slim wood panels only. Maybe checkered double diamond cocobolo.

A Nowlin "speed demon" hammer with a short, classic Commander grip safety should help concealability, comfort, and still prevent hammer bite.

The black trigger has got to go as well. Silver. Solid.

I'll likely keep the teardrop thumb safety and the polymer mainspring housing. No need adding weight to a pistol designed to be light weight. Finally, a dehorning. I may take this pistol to Clarks to get the slide melted.

So, I guess I am susceptible to the 1911 "fix 'em up" bug as well. Time to break out the parts bin......... Or get to the range with some .45ACP.

Ugly Gun Sunday

A blow-back blast from the seventies is the Rogak P-18, manufactured in the anti-gun city of Morton Grove, Illinois. A stainless copy of the Steyr Pi-18 which stood for "Pistole, 18 Schuss", or "18 rounds of 9mm ammo on tap." Back in late 1970, that was a lot of ammunition to stuff in a handgun.

Many reasons are cited for the demise of the Buck Rogers looking Rogak. First, Buck Rogers was passe' by the 1970s. Star Trek was in after school re-run territory. Ray guns were out.

Guns that shot when the trigger was pulled were in. The Rogak failed to do that consistently enough that it became known as a jam-a-matic. It was the epitome of what Jeff Cooper dubbed the "crunch n' ticker."

The 9mm Para was not a wildly popular cartridge back in the late 1970s. The Beretta sidearm was yet to be adopted by the US military. The only common handguns shooting the European cartridge were surplus Lugers, the Browning Hi-Power and the Smith & Wesson 59. Eighteen rounds in a handgun doesn't mean much if nobody wants to shoot them.

Steyr did not appreciate their pistol being copied and marketed in the US. They launched a lawsuit. Production halted after about 2300 Rogaks were produced.

Of course, the Rogak was ugly. The craftsmanship sucked. Nobody really wanted to shoot the cartridge it chambered choked on. But there was one other factor that was the last gasp for the Rogak, as well as the Steyr Pi-18. In 1980, the new fangled plastic "get 'em through metal detectors" Glock 17 came along. The Glock 17 did not just look innovative. It was. The future was here, and it wasn't the stainless steel Rogak.

To See The Preacherman

After passing by my turn and traveling ten miles up and over an old iron bridge that I really didn't want to cross over again, I called the Padre. "You mean I have to drive over that sonovabitch again?" I exclaimed incredulously. My hidden phobia was out. Yes, I've walked across greasy wet aircraft perched tail over water 100 feet above heavy seas, but driving over a bridge with a superstructure creeps me out. I can ride a motorcycle over them just fine. I can drive a convertible across them with aplomb. Put me in an enclosed vehicle and my knuckles go white, my stomach churns and my heart says giddyap. I inched back across the thing with total annihilation racing through my mind.

When I finally arrived at Preacherman's bungalow, Lawdog and Tole were waiting for me. As we chatted, it was as though I had known the Texas lawman for years. Finally, Ambulance Driver arrived, and the conversation really took off. From disoriented patients and nurses to bizarre townsfolk, the discussion was animated and at times profane. It was a good time for all, and a welcome relief for me.

We ate at one of the Padre's favorite Cajun restaurants, and by necessity, the conversation became more sedate. Back at the bungalow, the Padre broke out his Kel Tec SU-16C to show around. It was a neat little carbine, light and quick. Before long, quite a few firearms were being uncovered, examined and discussed. Ambulance Driver expressed a desire for a 1911, but did not know where to turn. Here's your link AD.

After a while, Preacherman broke out spirits from South Africa, and the talk turned to world travels, Jeff Cooper on safari, scout rifles, and the various ways of holding and controling a firearm in different scenerios.

The sun came up this morning to find five gunnies sacked out around the house in sleeping bags. The previous night we had joked that if there were a home invasion, once the cordite cleared, AD could patch the misguided soul up and keep the airway moving air while I dug out the lead for Tole to reload. Lawdog could arrest and interrogate him and Preacherman could take his confession or administer last rites as needed. One stop home invasion intervention.

Back home now, I have to prepare for a hoity toity function with the wife. I'm not expecting nearly as much fun. Which tie goes with a Colt New Agent?

High School Football

It's Friday night. High school football. This is why I prefer high school ball to pro ball. You would never see that in the NFL.

Road Trip

Your humble host at Xavier Thoughts is taking a couple of days to go on a road trip. He's planning to converge with Bayou Renaissance Man, LawDog and Ambulance Driver, as well as visit a couple of old favorite gun stores.

If time allows and equipment is available, blogging will continue. If not, put a reserved tag on your seats. Photos and an update to follow.

Imagine

This ad refers to a 2003 incident when a Wilmette, Illinois restaurateur named Hale DeMar shot and wounded a burglar who broke into his house. DeMar was prosecuted by the town of Wilmette, which had, at the time, a ban on the possession of handguns. To prevent a reoccurance, Illinois lawmakers introduced legislation to offer legal protections to individuals who use firearms in self defense. The bill passed the Illinois state House by a vote of 86-25, and the Illinois state Senate by a vote of 39-20. Illinois state Senator Barack Obama voted against the bill.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Shinola

There was a familiar figure in Neil's pawn shop as I entered it's door today. I recognized the fellow as one who sells on Gun Broker, and a man who I have actually purchased a gun or two from in the past. He was picking up a black 1911. The Gun Broker guy had a couple of sycophants along with him and the three of them were crowding the counter, so I loitered nearby looking at jewelry. The pistol he was picking up appeared to be a Kimber, and I surmised that it must have been the "Punisher gun" that I had missed a while back, only now it had the original grips installed. I spied a shiny revolver in the case though, and I waited.

From my perspective, the revolver appeared to be a heavy barreled nickel Model 10 with aftermarket grips. Finally, as Neil finished his deal, I caught his eye and said "Neil, let me see that Model 10 you have in there."

Neil retrieved the four inch service revolver from the case. I looked it over, and while it was in need of a good cleaning, the gun was in good shape. The nickel was flaking in a couple of spots at the muzzle, but the screws were untouched. It was a Model 10-8. Pinned.

Neil had a $239 price hung on the revolver. Not too long ago, I had passed up Model 10 revolvers that exceeded two hundred in price. In fact, one, a round butt pencil barrel gun that i left behind still bugs me at times. If this were a three inch gun, I'd be on it like black on Shinola. Finally, Gun Broker guy asked me, "You gonna buy that gun?"

I put it on lay away.

Gun Owners For Obama

Here's your card.

The USS Forrestal Fire

At 10:52 on July 29, 1967, on Yankee Station aboard the USS Forrestal (CV-59), a defining moment in US Naval history occurred. My wife asked me about John McCain's role in the Forrestal fire last night. It was McCain's A-4 Skyhawk that was struck by the zuni rocket launched on deck from an F-4 Phantom. His being there has been politicized by some misinformed individuals, but John McCain only had one role in this tragic incident. That of an aviator........ And perhaps that of a hero.

John McCain's role really doesn't matter to those who have sailed in the US Navy since that time. They know what took place on the USS Forrestal. It was ingrained in each and every one of them as surely as the ice cold wind at Great Lakes RTC in January. All sailors since that time have been trained as firefighters. When there is a fire at sea, the choice is clear. Fight the fire, or die. There is no place to run, no place to swim to.

The lessons of the USS Forrestal were preserved on a training film called "Trial By Fire." Regrettably, I was unable to find a copy, but I was able to find a more modern dramatization of the events. Shellbacks will note several discrepancies, such as modern aircraft and equipment appearing in some of the film. The black and white plat lens footage though is real. The story is factual. The men who died were real.

134 sailors perished. 161 were injured. 21 aircraft were destroyed. Thousands survived, and a ship was saved. For those who want to know true heroism at sea, here is the story of what US sailors commonly know as "The Forrestal Fire."











A complete account of the Forrestal fire can be found in the book Sailors to the End by Gregory A. Freeman.

Update: Trial by Fire thanks Mopar!

Open Carry Closing Minds?

Topics: The open carry battle
“I don’t carry a gun…” Jim Higginbotham on Why do we practice reloads?
Guns I like: the Ruger 10/22.

From Syd at Front Sight Press

Pawn Shop Circuit: Glocks

I went by Kenny's pawn Shop today. He had a selection of semi-automatics underneath the glass. The Llama was still gathering dust alongside the Taurus P92. Sharing the dust was the James Bond P99 Walther incarnation. That was a rather forgettable pistol after the movie hit the DVD sale rack. Along with the Walther Kenny did have several Glocks available though.

I confess that I am not a Glock fan. I respect their reliability, and they are certainly durable. They are accurate enough. I dislike the safety on the trigger. The whole idea seems silly to me. A gun ought not go off unless the trigger is pulled. So to make the gun safer through a mechanical means, it only follows that the mechanical safety be independent of the trigger.

Oh, I know that the safety being on the trigger supposedly makes it less likely to be forgotten about in a life threatening crisis. No argument there. It also makes the safety less likely to be effective if something accidentally enters the trigger guard and presses the trigger. By contrast, the 1911 uses the thumb's placement in the firing grip to disengage the safety. When combined with the necessity of pulling the Glock trigger in the field stripping process, I simply prefer another design.

I dislike the idea of plastic sights. In a gun as well engineered as the Glock, why it doesn't come from the factory with aluminum sights dovetailed front and rear is beyond me. I am not a 1911 fanatic that spits on the ground when Glocks are mentioned. I did own one at one time. A Glock 26. The plastic sights were a primary reason I traded it off.

In trained hands, the Glock is an amazingly competent fighting gun. In my hands, although the grip angle is similar to the Ruger MKII, it does not seem to fit well. As a result, I do not shoot the pistol as well as I feel I should be able to.

Now I know that I speak heresy to some of the most die hard brand disciples in combat pistoldom. I fully expect to hear from them in my comments here. Guys, I just shoot the 1911 faster and more accurately than the Glock. I do not find perfection in a shovelmaker's pistol. If you do, Glocks seem to be running around $425 to $450 used in my area, but Kenny has a Glock 26 with three magazines available for $379.

First Alarm

Clark Meltdown, E-Nickel and Time

Clark Custom, the Princeton Louisiana purveyor of fine firearms, offers a carry gun modification that is unique. It's a radical dehorning called the Clark Meltdown. Some have likened pistols with this treatment to a worn down bar of soap, others describe it as the revenge of the belt sander.

Although the Meltdown is primarily applied to 1911 pistols, one of the slickest braces of handguns I have ever seen was two Smith & Wesson 629 revolvers that had been through the process.

A couple of years ago I purchased a Colt Commander that I am considering taking to Clarks for a Meltdown and a refinish in electoless nickel. I looked over the pistol again tonight, and I'm still ambivalent about it. I may simply have a new coating of e-nickel or hard chrome applied.

I like the idea of e-nickel on the gun. I know that hard chrome wears harder, but the original finish was e-nickel, and the warmth of the tone appeals to me. I has been two years since I purchased this gun and began to modify it to my tastes. It is stone reliable with a great trigger. An original Combat Commander with a lightened slide, but without a firing pin safety. I figure it's about time it is a finished gun.

Clark 50th Anniversay 1911

In 2001 Clark Custom celebrated their 50th anniversary in the gun business. Towards that end, they offered a 50 gun limited edition 1911 with a Damascus slide on a Capsian frame. The pistol received the full meltdown treatment, along with a flurry of enhancements. Reportedly, 37 of these pistols, known as the Millenium Meltdown, were built by Jim Clark Sr. before he died on January 7, 2000. This pistol, #21, is one of them.

Features include:
Caspian full size 1911 frame
Clark .45ACP Ramped Match barrel
Caspian Government Length stainless steel Damascus slide
Lo mounted Caspian rear sight
Across dovetail fiber optic front sight
Caspian Damascus hammer
Front and rear slide cocking serrations
20 LPI Machine Checkering
King ambidextrous extended thumb safety
King Palm Swell beavertail grip safety
King Black long lite trigger
Clark's Big Bushing and Reverse plug
S&A Double Diamond Checkered Laminate grips
S&A floral engraved hex head grip screws
Clark's famous Meltdown dehorn job
Accuracy & Trigger job
Lower is hard chromed.

I have been fortunate enough to handle one, and view several of these guns. They are unique.

Year 2000 Retail Price, $3,795.00
Buy it now for $7,000.00.

The Second Amendment

Ugly Gun Sunday

Words escape me.

In Case You Missed It.........

Yeah, I think it will help her. Self deprecation is a good thing in politics.

High Water

Daddy took me to the river to look around today. It was a lot of fun going in the water. I don't think I've ever seen a puddle this big.

We looked and looked for my toy, and I found a fish. Daddy wouldn't let me keep it.

Adobe Upgrade

A vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player 9.0.124.0 and earlier versions are actively being exploited across the internet. Attackers are posting malicious links on internet forums and in emails taking advantage of security flaws. Patches are not yet available.

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Pawn Shop Circuit: Riot Gun

I stopped by Neil's Pawn Shop today, QJ wanted to put a few bucks on his Browning Buckmark, and he had asked me to go with him. As they were passing cash, I was scanning the long gun rack behind the counter.

"Say Neil, isn't the barrel a bit short on that one?" I asked. I pointed to an oily stocked shotgun that looked like it had seen better days.

"Nope," said Neil, "That's a police gun."

"Let me have a look."

Neil handed the shotgun over, and went back to trying to sell QJ a zippered gun rug. The beat up wood was impregnated with old oil, and was sticky in a few places. The recoil pad was hard with age. Barely visible in the grain of the stock was a stenciled 6, as well as LPS6 underneath the forend. Oddly, the forend was an extended type, not really my choice, but apparently authentic. I took a look at the rollmark on the barrel. RIOT. The old gun definitely appeared to be a past lawman's weapon.

I held down the slide release and opened the chamber. Clean. Although the furniture looked like it had been bounced around in the trunk of a police cruiser, the action was like new.

"How much you want?" I asked.

"A hundred and thirty," came the response.

"One ten," I countered.

"I can't make any money like that Xavier........"

I wavered. Lord knows I have enough combat shotguns. Still, this old girl had waited patiently for years to be run hard. It was speaking to me. "I tell you what Neil, give QJ that gun rug, and I'll give you one twenty nine."

Neil looked at me, then at QJ. "Damn. I'm double teamed," he said, "Deal."

SwiftKids for Truth: Maverick

The Electoral Apocalypse

The Electoral Apocalypse
The 24/7 Gun
What if Your Girl Friend Doesn’t Like Guns.

Give it a listen. Syd's back. Courtesy of Front Sight Press.

More From Camelot

S&W Model 27-2 Jinks Letter

One of the real treasures in gun collecting is a "Jinks Letter" from the Smith & Wesson historian Roy Jinks. Often chocked full of information, and with the specifics of the date of shipment and configuration at time of shipment, a Jinks Letter is considered to be authoritative proof that a given Smith & Wesson gun is what it appears.

Mr. Jinks recently raised his price for a factory letter to fifty dollars, up from the thirty dollar fee he previously charged. Never the less, it is still one of the best investments a collector of Smith & Wesson handguns can make on a rare or unusual specimen. Here is a three page Jinks letter on a Model 27-2 that I had lettered for a friend. Click the photos to enlarge and read.



It turns out my friend's revolver was shipped on September 21, 1970, to Woodward Wright & Co. in New Orleans. It had a three and a half inch barrel and walnut grips.

Even though nothing extraordinary was discovered, the barrel configuration was confirmed to be original. Three and a half inch Model 27s are some of the hottest guns on the collector market, although a collector would desire a much more pristine revolver than this. This is on you don't have to worry about shooting.

I still wish I had beat Lester to that gun show table.

Guns Safe?

Peter was written a good primer on gun safes and residential security containers. If you do not have at least a RSC for your guns, get one. It's the cheapest insurance you can buy. Get a big one. Bolt it down to concrete. Fill it up.

The Range Know-It-All

Every range has a know-it-all. It may be a black shirted mall commando in camo BDU pants. It may be an old geyser with faded USMC tattoos on his arms. Today it was a fat old man in a pink shirt with a Sig Sauer X-5 race gun on his hip. Little Darling was shooting her Mossberg 505.

"You planning to shoot trap little lady?"

Bam! ker-chunk Bam!

"Skeet?"

Ker-chunk Bam! ker-chunk Bam!

"Why do you have your target so close? Seven yards is too close. If you are going to pattern that gun....."

"I'm training to defend myself."

"You planning on shootin' somebody?"

"No, I'm planning to defend myself."

"From what?"

"Whatever I need to."

"You going to shoot 'em with that gun? Maybe you need to hide and call the police instead. What if you shoot a family member? What is that? A .410?"

"It's a twenty gauge. Dad says always identify your target and know what's beyond it before you pull the trigger. Why would I shoot a family member if I identify them first?"

I notice a fat fruit talking to my daughter. I table my pistol and wander over to observe. He turns to me.

"This here little girl plans to defend herself with that shotgun. What do you think of that?"

"I think that's damned fine," I replied.

"But what if they're not dangerous? What if it's just some kids breaking in for drug money?"

Little Darling piped up. "How are you supposed to know that Mister? Dad says if they are not a threat to your life, you don't shoot, but if they are, you shoot until the threat is no longer a threat."

"If somebody breaks into your house, what you need to do is hide in a closet with your shotgun and fire two shots into the ceiling."

"Do you think being deaf makes it easier for a victim to be raped and murdered?"

"Hrrrmmmph"

"Mister, I think you need to go back in the closet yourself," I said.

Crickets...............He waddled off.

"Daddy I don't think he would fit in a closet."

"Hmmmmmmmm. Make sure you keep your beads aligned on that target when you eject your hull Darling."

"OK Daddy."

Ker-chunk Bam! ker-chunk Bam! ker-chunk Bam! ker-chunk Bam!