30 September, 2009

Haiku

Poetry is not my strong point. Roses are Red Violets are blue is my highlight, but I wrote some Haiku on another blog, and thought I'd repost it here

Eternal the fight
Liberty the cause we strive
Man the line rest not

McDonald v Chicago is a go!

McDonald et al v Chicago will be decided by the Supreme Court. Alan Gura stated at the Gun Rights Policy Conference that we are playing offense right now. Looks like Mr. Gura has a laser guided rocket for an arm and is gonna drill one right into his wide receiver's numbers.

A threat to the Coburn Amendment

The department of the interior is proposing the banning of traditional lead ammunition for use in hunting in National Parks that allow it. For those who choose to carry a gun into a national park for self defense purposes, this could mean that a traditional lead bullet would land you in hot water if used. I'm not going to go into stopping power, ballistics or caliber wars here. If Mr Bear and I meet in an unpleasant manner, I'd prefer my .500 S&W to be loaded with copper jacketed hollow point lead.

Freedom Culture

I was on Gun Nuts radio last night. WooHoo!! Breda and Jay G graciously allowed me to hang out after I updated everyone on the Gun Rights Policy Conference. The topic was the gun culture in your area. Many areas were represented. In JayG's own Massachusetts one must jump through many hoops just to own a firearm. Oleg Volk relates how he helped towards a family's purchase of a .22 rifle in California, but they have to wait ten days to pick it up. In Missouri, one gentleman relates starting a .22 rifle club and only three out of the 50 participants did not already own a firearm. Also, in Missouri, there is *GASP* an active open range on a college campus. Students, with the permission of the campus police can even shoot their personal firearms there.

But it is not just about owning a gun, it's our very freedom which is at stake. Gun owners probably understand this better than anyone right now. Please, when someone equates the second amendment to hunting, kindly ask where in the constitution is hunting mentioned? When someone berates you for holding a politically incorrect viewpoint, call them on it. When Montana tells the ATF to stay out of it's business in regards to firearms manufactured and sold in that state, that's fighting back. Liberty is for everyone, regardless of race, religion, creed, color, philosophy or liefestyle. Fight for it or who will fight for yours?

29 September, 2009

QOTD

"We have to play offense intelligently and smartly." Alan Gura from the Gun Rights Policy Conference on winning back our 2nd amendment rights.

28 September, 2009

News from the Gun Rights Policy Conference

Jake McGuigan of the NSSF was one of the panel of speakers at the Gun Rights Policy Conference this weekend in St. Louis. Currently firearms manufacturers pay their excise tax on a bi-weekly basis. The firearms industry is the only one that pays on a bi-weekly basis. Every other one pays on a quarterly basis. Information can be found here. By paying on a quarterly basis, money would be freed up for firearms manufacturers to budget more for R&D and marketing. There is bi-lateral support for this bill. Write your representatives and ask them to support this legislation.

27 September, 2009

Plese Jay, may I have it back

My fellow friends and conspirators at GBC were discussing un-manly things that we've done or that we own. In my case it was Britney Spears' first album. In retrospect, I bought it in a fit of Catholic school girl lust. Alas I am older and wiser and my taste in music is much better. Now I would just like my mancard back. Here's the proof I've destroyed the vile filth that invaded my ears so long ago.






*No harm was intened or implied to the actual Ms. Spears, rather just her over produced 'music'

26 September, 2009

AB 962

One of the speakers at the Gun Rights Policy Conference was Gene Hoffman, chairman of the Calguns foundation. He spoke about AB 962 and it's impact outside of California. He asked all of the attendees to call and write their congressmen and senators to draft letters to Governor Schwarnegger to veto this bill. You can locate your congressmen and senators here.

Quote of the Day

Why is something we've been doing for 200 years suddenly unconstitutional? - anonymous bumper sticker

Top of the Chain, NOW with even more RACISM!

You've asked for it and I've listened! Have you been for Obamacare? I'm white and I don't care.

Find the school kids singing the praises of the anointed one awesome I'm white and I don't care.

I own a gun, which makes me a right wing militia threeper radical. I'm white and I don't care.

Don't like the HOV lanes into Washington D.C. I'm white and I don't care.

I'm white and I don't care. I'm white and I don't care. I'm white and I don't care.

Yes sir, get all the racism you can handle right here at Top of the Chain.

Don't forget Tuesday we offer two for one daily racism. And Wednesday's are senior saver days here at Top of the Chain. If you're an old school sheet wearing racist, we'll give you an extra ten percent off your entire order

No valid with other offers, restrictions apply

Well, I do like Peanut Buster Parfait or a Nut Brown Ale after a trip to the range.

"Our love of guns is nutty." So writes retired chemistry professor Peter Hansen. Professor Hansen opines that when Ed Thomas, a local football coach lost his life to someone using a gun to murder him, no one asked where the gun came from. Nor was it stolen or not.

The professor makes the statement that acquiring a handgun is about as easy and as common place as buying a tennis racket. In order for me to purchase a handgun through a shop, I must fill out BATFE form 4473 and a background check is ran against the information I provide. I am allowed right there to take the gun with me, or I have to wait up to seven days. Now, just imagine if the government regulated tennis rackets like they regulate guns. We'd have the NRA, the National Racket Association and their mascot Ricky Racket telling kids that if they find a tennis racket to leave the room and go tell an adult. If Serena Williams went on a tirade about taking the ball and shoving it down an officials throat, that would have her in jail so fast. Her tennis skirt would spin.

A year ago, USA Today reported that "a small but growing movement (has) been under way at universities and state legislatures to allow students, faculty and staff to carry guns on campus." Gun advocates maintain that had Virginia Tech's students and faculty been armed, far fewer than 32 of them would have been killed in the 2007 mass murder. Of course, gun advocates ignore the far greater likelihood of more frequent suicides, accidents and murders that would result from arming our campuses.

And it's a movement I support. The debate is ongoing here in Missouri with aspects of law enforcement supporting the notion. As far as accidents go, it is far more likely that someone will drown than have an accident with a gun. For example, in 2005, there were 789 accidental deaths from firearms here in the U.S. That means the risk is 0.30 per 100,000 people. Or to put it another way, about the same as buying the farm in a plane crash.

As to suicide, the Word Health organization found long ago that by removing one method of suicide does not lower the overall rate. It just means a determined individual will find the means to kill themselves.

Gun control, however, is different. I fail to understand how any intelligent thinking person can believe that more guns, carried by more people, at more locations, will result in a safer and more peaceful society!


Really professor? Let's look at Chicago,why don't we? Murder in this midwestern metropolis is rampant. In fact, Illinois is one of two states that does not allow any sort of concealed carry. Yet, it has one of the highest murder rates in the country.


Why do Americans fear that law enforcement officers cannot adequately provide for public safety? Why do Americans fear that strict handgun laws will inevitably result in hunters being denied their hunting rifles and shotguns? Other nations with very strict gun laws allow hunters to hunt.


The average response time for law enforcement in Washington D.C. for a Priority One call, was 8 minutes and 25 seconds as of 2002. Yet the criminal takes only a split second to pull the trigger and alter his and your life forever. And just so the professor understands, no where in the constitution does it mention hunting.

To those who interpret the Second Amendment as an unqualified right to gun ownership, I ask, why did James Madison write, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Why didn't he simply write, "The right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed?" Why the reference to "a well regulated militia?" the five freedoms of the First Amendment are prefaced with a qualifying phrase.

Like our language a lot of other words that over time change meaning, militia as written in the constitution meant any able bodied man. As there were no modern police departments, it was up to the common citizenry to 'police' their communities. First colonial, then state, and now Federal law all define exactly what makes up a militia. All able bodied males 17-45 and members of the National Guard up to age 64, excluding those who have no intention of becoming citizens and active duty military personnel.


Furthermore, in 1789, when the Bill of Rights was submitted to Congress, what was meant by "arms"? Most guns possessed by hunters and farmers of that day were smooth bore muskets. Might those 18th-century congressmen have taken a different position had they observed the firepower of a Smith & Wesson Model 686 .357 Magnum revolver?


I'm surprised the professor even attempts to make this argument seeing as his field of study is chemistry. Like any other field of engineering, firearms have advanced techologically. I think professor, that your 18th century congressmen would have been impressed at the level of craftmanship. Your own field has given us composites to make stocks with. Metallurgy has given us stronger alloys resulting in lighter materials for soldiers, police and common citizens to fight, protect and hunt with.

Me, I think once I'm done with my laundry as I write this post, I'm going down to the bar for a nut brown ale.

25 September, 2009

Random Friday Thoughts

It's actually Thursday evening as I write this. The following are on the Gerbil wheel that is spinning around my brain.

Facebook - I'm scared, seriously, I have to 'ask' someone to friend me on Facebook.

MacKenzie Phillips - I disdain Hollywood in general, but why is it every time I hear your name, it has to do with your heroin addiction? You and dad did the horizontal bop, seriously? No one cares.

I read a book about the Millenium Falcon. The author is James Luceno. The antagonist is a lawyer/art collector. The payoff is that I find out someone's made up history of the fictional ship. I wasted time, when all that really matters is that she made the Kessel run in less than twelve parsecs

When the owner of the gun store takes the Mini 30 out of your hand that you were ready to drop cash on, along with a Mini 14, you leave. Do not pass go, do not collect $200, leave and never give him a dime of your business again. I don't care how good his prices are.

A guy named Looney shoots himself in the head teaching his girlfriend about gun safety. I believe that is listed under irony in Webster's

My buddy Bob found an SKS for $200. Now that I've seen it, I am so jealous. I knew it was a great price when he told me. After seeing the gun, it's a grand price. Lucky him.

The GRPC is this weekend. I'll be attending. I don't think nutchecking Alan Gura is an option.

24 September, 2009

Blood doesn't indeed make trees grow

The title of the post is actually 'Blood doesn't make tress grow." The author produces a run on sentence that left me breathless from just reading it. I won't subject you to it. The author calls the Second Amendment an incredibly ambiguous amendment. Really, because in looking at Justice Scalia's opinion from D.C v Heller he states pretty clearly the "people" to whom the Second Amendment right is accorded are the same "people" who enjoy First and Fourth Amendment protection: "'The Constitution was written to be understood by the voters; its words and phrases were used in their normal and ordinary as distinguished from technical meaning.' United States v. Sprague, 282 U. S. 716, 731 (1931); see also Gibbons v. Ogden, 9 Wheat. 1, 188 (1824). Normal meaning may of course include an idiomatic meaning, but it excludes secret or technical meanings...."

Further the court goes on to say "With that finding as anchor, the Court ruled a total ban on operative handguns in the home is unconstitutional, as the ban runs afoul of both the self-defense purpose of the Second Amendment—a purpose not previously articulated by the Court—and the "in common use at the time" prong of the Miller decision: since handguns are in common use, their ownership is protected."

It seems quite clear to me that the court ruled that banning someone from owning a handgun was and is unconstitutional.

Further the author seems to lump the NRA in with a group of gun owners who feel that armed resistance is the only way to restore our constitution. Now I don't claim to know everything about the NRA, but I do know it is a 'Civil Rights' organization. The very first one in fact. It's civil, meaning Law Relating to the rights of private individuals and legal proceedings concerning these rights as distinguished from criminal, military, or international regulations or proceedings. Civil also means sufficiently observing or befitting accepted social usages; not rude: Does the NRA wish for it's members to attack violently the government? I doubt it. It doesn't fit with the NRA's civility. Does it wish them to become actively involved in the debate about gun control, certainly. And why not, the current president is a known supporter of gun control.

It amuses me that the bigoted anti gun folks lump every gun owner into one group. We are as diverse a group as you'll find. Please, if you wish to argue the second amendment, find out about us.

23 September, 2009

The failure of the first of THE FOUR RULES

It is simple, really, every gun is always loaded and treated as such. For example

MPERIAL, Mo. | An eastern Missouri man is dead after accidentally shooting himself while teaching firearms safety to his girlfriend.

So this gentleman wished to show his girlfriend firearms safety. Good for him, right? Hang on


The shooting happened Friday. Jefferson County Sheriff Glenn Boyer told the station that according to witnesses, Looney was demonstrating how to use the different safety mechanisms on several guns. Witnesses told authorities that Looney would put the guns to his head, ask his girlfriend if she thought the gun would go off, then pull the trigger.

I'm confused, was he wishing to teach her firearms safety or how to play Russian Roulette?

The safety mechanisms worked for the first two guns. But the third gun fired. Looney died Saturday at a hospital.

Well, two out of three isn't bad, or in this case, it was for Mr. Looney.

22 September, 2009

Concealed Carry on Campus

Recently, the University of Missouri hosted a debate on Constitution day in regards to the Second Amendment. I have requested a transcript of the debate if possible. If I receive it, I'll post about it. Meanwhile, the schools paper, The Current, has on op-ed piece on concealed carry on campus. The title, Conceal and carry is less than comforting. is quite anti, but this is an opinion piece. One telling statement is this, "In a worst-case scenario of a gunman on campus, with armed students coming to the aid of their unarmed classmates, it would be simple for the situation to quickly escalate to violence."

Quickly escalate to violence? Is the gunman actively threatening or shooting people? If so, said violence is already occurring. The editors feel that an armed student body would confuse the situation. What would campus security do, if faced with an actively shooting gunman? They would visit violence upon that person as well. Force on force. An armed student body if presented with an immediate threat would likely have the gunman down on the ground bleeding out. Long before campus security could get there.

Why, SIg Sauer do you mock those of the southpaw?

Why oh why? You build a gun, like the Mosquito that looks very much, if not identical to your large caliber handguns. It allows those on a budget to train with inexpensive ammunition. You were even thoughtful enough to provide for an ambidextrous safety on the gun. But, as I've stripped the gun down to the frame for it's very first full down scrubbing, I discover that the magazine release may be reversible. So, being the inquisitive guy that I am, I reverse everything around. Bonus points to you Sig for not making this an adventure in miniature tools. The grips are reattached, the slide put back in place, and voila, a magazine is inserted into.... Huh, what the? Why won't this go in all the way? A quick check down the magazine well reveals nothing protruding. A quick check of the magazine shows, ah there it is, the bump on the magazine for the magazine disconnect safety you've so thoughtfully provided. I understand you think I'm super bad ass and would drop my magazine in a scuffle with a bad guy so he can't shoot me without the mag in place. Thank you so much for looking out for me. No really, that's ok, I'll struggle through dropping magazines somehow.

21 September, 2009

Tennessee Forcing Guns Into Parks?

From Paul Helmke's blog on 18 Sept. 2009

"We also discussed the nature of the Second Amendment after the Heller decision and how most gun violence prevention laws appear likely to withstand scrutiny under Justice Scalia’s majority opinion. One of the big stories in Tennessee, by the way, is also the move by approximately 70 cities and towns to opt out of Tennessee legislation forcing guns into parks."

Tennessee in passing the legislation did not include state wide pre-emption so individuals cities can and have opted out of this legislation. However, Mr Helmke's choice of words I find interesting that the legislation would force guns into parks. I wonder how anyone can 'force' a gun on someone. It would be like me going up to a Nashville resident, pointing a gun at them and saying, "Take this gun and carry it with you when you take your dog to the park or I'll shoot you." The language the Brady bunch and Paul Helmke use is misleading. While the fight is about guns, the weapons used are words. Don't let them define it.

19 September, 2009

She is a shooter

For every average blog out there (mine included) you have one that just gets it Brigid is one of those rare people who can really move you with her essays. A sample;

"For I am a shooter, the outdoor ranges and the fields of my world where I am most at home." - Brigid from this post

Go read it, and then if you liked it, leave a note telling her so. She's also, one heck of a cook and her recipes are enough to make your mouth water.

QOTD

It's a special kind of internet where writing a post making fun of racism gets you called a racist. ;) Tam in comments about a dialogue on race.

Update on Missouri MAIG enlistees

While perusing the MAIG website this morning, Creve Coeur MO is no longer listed. I originally posted about that here. I hope Mayor Dielmann has renounced his membership in Bloomberg's bid to impose his vile will on the rest of the country. An e-mail letter was sent to the honorable Mayor Dielmann to confirm this. I'll update as soon as I hear back.

E is for


Everything Pirate

Avast ye bilge sucking buccaneers, it be International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Pillagin and plunderin and general mayhem may ensue on the high seas.

Image here

18 September, 2009

T is for


Togey, either toe the line or face lashin's from the captains togey

Image here

A is for


Ahoy, ye busty wench. ye be a fine lookin lass.

Image here

R is for




Rum. To mix with your lime juice, SO ye not be comin down with the scurvy.

Image found here

I is for


In Irons, where ye be if ye don't toe the line, waiting for the Cap'ns cat o'nine tails

P is for


Plank, the thing you're gonna walk if ye don't heave to and be boarded



Image courtesy of here

Bringing balance to The Force

Tam has given us the term 'Wookie-Suiter' Well, there must be balance in The Force


h/t to Demonicious

Vader-Suiter - a progressive who feels that bigger government is better government. Wants to control everything, including the leaves in his yard.

17 September, 2009

I was asked 'that' question

No, not the one about my sexuality. I am straight. Not the one about Coke or Pepsi. Actually neither, I'm a Dr. Pepper kind of guy. I was asked the 'holster' question. What kind of holster should I buy? Damned if I know is my answer. The common wisdom says I'll end up with a box full of holsters. With that in mind, there are some questions that you need to ask yourself.

1. What will your carry piece be?

2. Will the holster be fitted to your gun or a generic holster?

3. At what cant do you want your gun to rest?

4. What side will you carry on, strong or weak?

5. Where will the holster sit? Inside the Waistband, Outside the waistband. Inside the belt, outside the belt or pocket carry? An ankle hoslter perhaps? In the small of your back. A shoulder holster rig?

6. Kydex, Leather, nylon or a combination?

I don't know how to answer any of the above questions for you. It's like asking what is the 'best' gun for (insert purpose here.) There is no magic answer. I did ask some people who were kind enough to point me at some resources so I'll list them here.

www.shop.customcarryconcepts.com

www.comp-tac.com

www.crossbreedholsters.com

www.desantisholster.com

www.donhume.com

www.fobusholster.com

All I can say is start going to your gun shops and start fitting holsters. The packaging can be opened up so you can try your gun in the holster. And if you end up with a box full of holsters, kindly refer back to this post. I'm just going to say it now, I told you so.

h/t to JayG, Unix Jedi, CJR, Sevesteen, & aepilotjim for their kind assistance.

16 September, 2009

Tear it up


It's time to take a match to it. h/t to Robb

The first rule of CCW Club

You do not talk about CCW Club

The Second rule of CCW Club, you DO NOT talk about CCW Club.

Third Rule of CCW Club, you can't throw a rock 1,000 fps, that's why you joined CCW Club, make certain you're always a member of CCW Club where appropriate.

Fourth rule of CCW Club, shoot your gun enough that when it's time to talk about CCW Club, you're breathing to do so.

Fifth rule of CCW Club, if you're not gonna follow rule four, don't follow rule three.

*ccw - Missouri's name for a conceal carry permit.

15 September, 2009

Fixing the books

"I had to run down to the local B&N to buy their last 5 copies this morning, because despite the fact that I’m a professional accountant, I can never seem to get the number of books I need right."

Larry Correia of MHI on sending out autographed copies of his hit best seller.

New Shooter Range

From the NRA

On Monday, September 21, the Warren County Commissioners will consider allowing a new outdoor youth shooting facility to be constructed. If approved by the Commissioners, the new range will be located in the southern part of Warren County and will provide new opportunities for youth-oriented shooting sports in the area. This range will give young, novice shooters the opportunity to learn proper firearm safety, hone their skills, and exercise their Second Amendment freedoms in a safe, controlled environment. The vote will take place at 2 p.m. at 107 W. Walton St. in Warrenton.

This is good news. Warren county currently only enjoys one public and one private club range each. Reifsnider conservation area is generally busy during the weekends and another range in the southern part of the county would take some pressure off of Reifsnider.

14 September, 2009

Revolution Calling

Queensryche, one of my favorite bands are known as the thinking man's heavy metal band. Their song Revolution Calling from the Operation Mindcrime album is appropo very much so for today. The song is a call to revolution.

For a price I'd do about anything
Except pull the trigger
For that I'd need a pretty good cause
Then I heard of Dr. X
The man with the cure
Just watch the television
Yeah, you'll see there's something going on

There sure is something going on. Dr. X wants to hit the reset button. He wants you and I to pull the trigger. To revolt, but who is pushing Dr. X's button. We are not there yet. The 2010 election is still coming up and we can start to put a check on the current presidents power by picking the lesser of all the evils that is the legislative branch. Don't put your full faith in these people either, but cautiously watch them and their actions.

Got no love for politicians
Or that crazy scene in D.C.
It's just a power mad town
But the time is ripe for changes
There's a growing feeling
That taking a chance on a new kind of vision is due

I don't find any politician all that appealing either. And truer words were never spoken. What a crazy scene in DC, indeed it is a power mad town. This is as good a time as any to change the congressional makeup in Washington DC. Governors as well where appropriate. Take that chance, don't let Republicans and Democrats keep their seats. There are any number of congress critters that NEED to find new honest work. Show them the door.

I used to trust the media
To tell me the truth, tell us the truth
But now I've seen the payoffs
Everywhere I look
Who do you trust when everyone's a crook?

Yes, the MSM is so far in the tank for the current administration. Whose truth? The truth that the most inept press secretary ever spews? The truth from the likes of CNN, MSNBC, CBS, the New York Times, etc.? Trust your friends, trust your neighbors, trust your family. Putting your trust in an SEIU, an ACORN, a politician can only lead to disappointment. Individuals have rights, collectives have wants at the expense of the individuals rights.

I'm tired of all this bullshit
They keep selling me on T.V.
About the communist plan
And all the shady preachers
Begging for my cash
Swiss bank accounts while giving their
Secretaries the slam

Communism, socialism, and how great the health care is in those political systems is a total load of bovine fecal matter. When congress critters meet with a murderous bastard like Fidel Castro, and praise him, it's time for them to go. Sure, it would be nice to travel freely to Cuba. Friendly people and beautiful countryside are very appealing, just not if it helps a dictator stay in power. If by preachers, it is meant, the religion of power and the priesthood that exist there, then, yes there is criticism to be leveled that way. Asking to tax everything that I do and with a smile on my face is not something I'm going to stand for.

They're all in Penthouse now
Or Playboy magazine, million dollar stories to tell
I guess Warhol wasn't wrong
Fame fifteen minutes long
Everyone's using everybody, making the sale

Warhol wasn't wrong. When someone can become famous for running naked around on a beach out gaming a bunch of other people, or picking a mate for the sake of ratings, then the majority of our country has their heads in the sand.


I used to think
That only America's way, way was right
But now the holy dollar rules everybody's lives
Gotta make a million doesn't matter who dies

If by America's way, you're thinking of this slow steady pace of progressivism, then yeah, it's appealing. We've digested it in little bits since the early 1900's and now our country has decided to reject it. There is nothing wrong at all with capitalism. It's done more for me and you and everyone else than any other economic system anywhere ever. When it is hamstrung with regulation and corruption and corporate welfare, that becomes the issue.

Revolution calling
Revolution calling
Revolution calling you
[There's a] Revolution calling
Revolution calling
Gotta make a change
Gotta push, gotta push it on through

There is a revolution calling. Are you going to answer down the barrel of a gun or at the end of a lever arm at the ballot box?

Queensryche - Revolution Calling


h/t to Robb for the inspiration

Pot, Kettle, Black

Secstate Hillary Clinton wants to stop human trafficking. She wishes to crackdown on the exploitation of young Thai girls and eastern european mothers. Perhaps, she should be more worried about who her boss in bed with. Seems to me, that ACORN has no problem in exploiting anyone, anywhere, anytime.

13 September, 2009

Daddy Cass and the nanny animal farm


Image shamelessly stolen from Wirecutter


Shame on all you hunters. Shame, because everyone knows it comes from the local piggly wiggly.

So Cass Sunstein thinks my dog should have the right to sue me. He feels that hunting is wrong and that my 2nd Amendment rights apply to the army only. To that I'll be signing up for my Missouri Hunter Safety Education Course. Now, to find a decent used 30-06. I'm really looking forward to this November.

Remember folks, some animals are more equal than others.

12 September, 2009

QOTD

" honorable nothing. I was afraid for my johnson" JayG of MArooned on his wife's aunt hitting on him at a wedding reception.

Free Tequila Sunrises will do that for you.

11 September, 2009

Indifferent Rage

I try really hard not to go off into rants about the little things that are society's curveballs. And I really work hard not to sweat the small stuff. Today is different, there's a lot of bad energy, general ill will, or karma in the air. That being said, you've been forewarned.

Quincy,

When I walk up to you as you the cashier, I expect, Hi, Hello, Greetings, How are you this evening, day, morning, Friday whatever. Did your parents miss out on your basic social skills skillset? I mean come on man, looking at me like I've got the three foot growth of fungal toenail coming out of my forehead is not conducive to our coming exchange. Please is another word, it goes back to your obvious lack of social skills. In your favor, you were able to speak clearly the total I owed, $11.42. Easy enough. Which brings me to my next point. When I hand you $20.47, I don't want the two damned pennies back. Two from seven is five. So, $20.47 minus $11.42 is $9.05. I want the freakin nickel. I don't want three more pennies to add to my collection of the two I tried to give you. I blame your teacher for this for two things. First, learn to count change and count it back. It's a lost art and you'll impress the old ladies with it. Second, go back to school and slap the dumb idiot who made sure you weren't left behind. If you can't solve two from seven then they FAILED you and you FAIL for letting them do it to you.
Finally, thank you is the appropriate ending of our transaction, thanks in a casual kind of way. Just some sort of gracious acknowledgement of our fidicious exchange.

Regards,

TotC

Burn this date in your memory

Hard!!! Burn it deep, burn it permanent. Burn it so that the mere mention of 9/11 causes you to see red.

6 year anniversary

According to this old news release, it was on this day that the Missouri legislature overrode then Governor Holden's veto for 'shall issue' right to carry. It was the 36th such similiar law in the nation and the fourth that year. A good thing on a day in out country that will forever stand out.
Now to pass state preempted open carry and for the right of individual college campuses to choose whether or not to allow students to conceal carry.

10 September, 2009

And we thought a .50 was a big gun to shoot

The 22nd Annual Osage River Mountain Man Rendezvous and Muzzleloader Shootis happening Sept. 18-20 below Bagnell Dam in Central MO. Bagnell dam holds back the Lake of the Ozarks and generates quite a bit of power for Missouri. French Artillery, muzzleloader shooting and... Anvil Shooting. 100 lb hunks of metal and LOTS of gunpowder. Sounds like a good time.

Quote of the Day

From Days of our Trailers

From a friend of mine of Middle Eastern descent, born and raised in the US:

"I'm not on a no Fly List, but I am "randomly selected" to have my carry-on bag searched for every flight I take. One day I think I'm just going to fill my bag with creamed corn just to see the look on their faces."


Ah, to be a fly on the wall when that happens. Me, it would be that fake dog mess that gets sold at Spencer's gifts as a practical joke.


09 September, 2009

P.E.T.E.

I ran across this while reading Sluggy Freelance this morning.


The original comic can be found here. Remember, meat is murder, tasty flamed broiled, delicious murder.

The argument that magazines cost too much.

Recently I was having a discussion with buddy B and he was lamenting the fact that magazines for his Ruger SR9 cost too much money. Buddy N has a rule that any of his first line guns have no less than seven magazines at any one time. I can understand his argument for having so many magazines. You never know when one might go tango uniform on you. One might get lost or stolen, springs and basepads blow out, etc. My other point is that if you ever go to sell the gun, you can use spare magazines as a selling point. Even if you split them out seperately, you will be able to make most, if not all of your money back.

Here's a deal I found for SR9 magazines $29.99 Not too shabby, and free shipping to boot.

For my CZ P-07 from the CZ Custom Shop $40.00. About what I paid for my third one direct from CZ-USA

And for buddy N, who I am preaching to the choir to, Sig Sauer magazines for a P229 $42.00
I don't know if he even has a P229 and I know he buys from someone in Texas, so maybe they give him a better deal.

Like James Rawles says, two is one and one is none. When it breaks, and your in a bind for a replacement, wouldn't it be better to have it on hand than maybe in stock at some place far away. Otherwise you're penny wise and pound foolish.

08 September, 2009

Clips & Bullets

Robb gave us the corrected Journalist's guide to firearms identification. Just to expand upon this theme, I give you more of the same.












Bullets











Clips






Joe Huffman thank you

I asked the question as to what to expect at the Gun Rights Policy Conference this year being held in St. Louis. His response can be found here. Joe further states that the SAF watches the media and what is being said in e-mail lists and such very closely. I only hope I am worthy of such attention. I am looking forward to this. I know buddy B and buddy J both read my blog. Why don't you register for the event and join me. If Mr. Gottlieb is reading this, I look forward to seeing you in St. Louis.

07 September, 2009

Circular Reasoning in regards to the range report

Buddy B: It's bitchness is sweet.

Me: Bitch!!

Buddy B: It's sweetness is bitch

Me: Sweet!

Today was my best day yet in shooting my Ruger 10/22. I even shot weak hand with my CZ Rami and I did decent with that as well. Well, at least I hit the paper target, although no where near was I printing decent groupings. I like shooting 147 gr FMJ through it and I bought some 147 gr RN to reload. I need to work up a load for it though. I just haven't the relevant reload data, as I am not satisfied with what Lyman has to offer. The slug seemed to seat too deep in the case. I'm afraid I'll overpressure the barrel. Off to clean my guns.

Happy Labor Day

I can't think of a better way to celebrate this holiday than to wish Van Jones good luck with that new job search. Being the Watermelon that he is, let's hope he can find a good paying green job.

06 September, 2009

In the first degree



Shamelessly stolen from Galactic Firefight

A river of tears

Paul Helmke, Sarah Brady and Josh Sugarmann are sobbing their bigoted little eyes out right about now. According to NICS data from August, over 1 million checks were performed. And we have no idea how many of those were multiple guns on one form.

What is it about guns that hooks you?

That was the question asked recently. A fellow responder posted the quote. My response is as follows;

Quote:
I think that for most men it is about extension of power. I know that idea is frowned upon, perhaps even by members of this fine forum, but I think the ability to affect our surroundings beyond arms' length is very alluring.
But how do you use that power? Like Peter Parker's uncle said "With great power comes great responsibility." Anyone who holds a gun in their hands literally can have the power of life and death over another living creature. Exercising that power responsibly is to me, a part of the allure. Not giving into some base instinct to harm something needlessly. That's cruelty and makes you a monster, not a human.

Also, I enjoy the ongoing mastery of a particular piece of equipment. Each of my guns shoots just a little bit different. Becoming competent with each of them is part of the challenge. Obtaining perfection is a goal I'll strive for, but never achieve.

The scientific aspect as well. The violent chemical reaction initiated by a mechanical force that imparts energy upon a projectile is fascinating. Making it all come together consistently is the challenge.

Yes, we can measure the powder and load the slug to a certain length in the case. The rifling of our barrel stays the same, but the biggest variable is between our ears. How we respond to the external stimuli when on the firing line defines, to me, the greatest challenge of the mechanical aspect of shooting.

Mazel-tough

Violence in houses of worship has been a running theme this year. It has crossed faith boundaries. Clergymen are calling for open carry in their congregation. These rabbi's in New York City are preparing for many possible scenarios. This quote really made my day.

"Jews are not like Christians," Moscowitz said. "If I turn my cheek, I'm coming around to make a kick."

That comes from Rabbi Gary Moscowitz, a karate black belt and former NYPD officer. I can only imagine the look on some muslim extremists face when he realized he just messed with the wrong synagogue. Hell, just think if the entire adult population of a synagogue would carry firearms, the idea that you could kick them around would be ludicrous. Of course, Oleg Volk conveys with a picture and a few words, what it took me to do with an entire paragraph.



(h/t to the Sipsey Street Irregulars)

Update: Oleg Volk reminded me of this organization

05 September, 2009

Talking Targets in St. Louis

Actually, the show is Target Talk on the Big 550 KTRS here in the Gateway City.
I met the host, Steven, today at his gun store in Maryland Heights. They've just opened up this store and is a sister location the the Belleville Shooting Range.




I'll be tuning in & listening up. If you're within the listening area, check them out. Sunday nights at 6pm CST.

Hoplophobe Scrabble

Another Gun Blog defends against bigotry

Mikeb seems to be offended at being called a bigot.

He wants me to put my trust in hoplophobes. It seems that he want me and other gun owners to trust hoplophobes like himself. That is just not going to happen. I have no clue who he is – he is a stranger to me. Yes, I would be intimidated if I walked down the street and people were denying me my 2nd amendment rights because I DON’T KNOW THEM.

I don't know you MikeB. Would you defend my life with your's? What about your own life? If you're willing to throw it away when there are tools available to defend it, what gives you the right to forfeit it?

04 September, 2009

Baconated Waffles


MMMM, Bacon. The mere wiff of its smoky aroma sends my tastebuds into a frenzy. Like a crack addict looking for his fix, I've gotta have this staple at least once a week. Last night I had baconated waffles. I'm certain that by eating this, my doctor is going to want to put me on Lipitor or Crestor or one of the or's. Oh well, in the meantime, I'm gonna enjoy my conspicuous consumption. It's another one of those things that might lead to culinary infarction.
Wirecutter, this one's for you.

If you're gonna bust, Bust BIG!!!

I play darts sometimes with buddy B. We play 301 and 501. If you're not familiar, you have to zero out your score. If you throw over what is left, you bust and have to wait for your next turn. My theory is that if you're gonna bust, bust big.

This gentleman definitely BUSTED BIG!! Rule Four was most assuredly not followed.

03 September, 2009

Facing down a hijacker

In a scenario eerily reminiscent of the early stages of Flight 93 one young man took it upon himself to insure his family's and classmates safety. Kaleb Eulls faced an armed 14 year old armed with his brain.

From Kaleb;

"I was just scared for the younger kids and my family that was on the bus," Eulls said. "I was just thinking things out step-by-step as quickly as I could. After we got to the school and watched the tape I just sat there thinking 'what in the world did I just do?' I just thought about what if this would have happened or if this would have happened? It was just crazy."

To say that what he did was a brave act is an understatement. He's very humble about it as well.
How many of us have the presence of mind to see to others safety first? How many of us would look that kind of danger in the face and still be able to act like he did. I won't call him a hero, he's very humble. I will say that whatever happens to him in life, he'll probably be able to cope with it.

01 September, 2009

Buycotts and Bison Burgers


Breda posted about it here. Dana Loesch helps to organize it. I'm all about free market capitalism.
As I drove in there was a Town & Country MO police cruiser sitting at the entrance to the shopping center. No doubt to ward off the right wing BMW driving extremists. My joke about Town & Country is that I was born in this affluent suburb of St. Louis with a silver spoon in my mouth. When the doctor found out my father was from Florissant, he yanked it out and put stainless steel in.

The event was just getting underway when I walked in the store. Nary a purple shirt astro turfed thug was to be seen. No protest signs were in evidence either. This was per the St. Louis tea parties wishes on the matter.

Wow! What a great store and the people were well behaved shoppers. Not like going to the local piggly wiggly and fighting for the last scrap of provel.

A delicious smell was wafting through the store which led me to the meat counter where I found gourmet bison burgers. The sample was awesome. Of course, no burger is complete without cheese. So off to the cheese counter I went. I found a cheese called Cotswald. My tastebuds burst forth in joy after tasting this bliss. Together, I might die of orgasmic culinary infarction.

I know this event was in response to the left's blow up over Whole Foods CEO's op ed piece in the WSJ. If Paul, a commenter on Breda's blog saw what I saw, his argument would die birthing. To the left, you just don't get it.