Blogging As The Year Runs Out

Borepatch has a long post with pictures about yesterday's shoot.

Sean Sorrentino has a post about barrel swapping while retaining rifle zero, a test he performed yesterday on one of the Templar Consulting AR pattern rifles.

Knitebane Manor is promising his impressions in an upcoming post.

My thoughts, beyond the fun of shooting some new and interesting rifles, are the relationships. There were some friends of mine from the club there, Borepatch who I've known for a few years, along with Sean, Bob, and Knitebane.



We tied up most of a range, with targets at 50, 100, and 200 yards. Without having met before, we managed to shoot safely, follow the range rules, and interact with other club members who happened to be out to use the facility that day. The shared language of the 4 rules and decades of experience gave us all a basis to make it a safe, fun day.

I would shoot with any or all of these guys again.

Borepatch Can't Shoot Worth Sh*t

The title of this post is supposed to make JayG spray coffee on his monitor. Borepatch shoots just fine.

This is the first of several posts about a small blogger gathering at my club's range. Borepatch, Borepatch's Son #2, Sean Sorrentino, Knitebane, Bob of Templar Consulting, Dan, and I met and spent the day together. It was loud, there was old and new. Bob is a manufacturer, so he brought some of the rifles he's been working on. Everyone else brought their favorites and dipped into their ammo stash.

More to follow.

Go Ahead, Kid, The First One's Free

Dinner with Borepatch and son. Followed by a reloading lesson. Throwing powder charges, seating bullets. Trying to make it seem easy and fun.

I want it to be easy and fun so he buys a press and a set of .303 British dies, and bullets, and powder, and primers, and lube, and calipers, and a scale, and a table to mount it on, and sets up a reloading bench. That way when he sticks a case in the sizing die or the bolt won't close on the ammo he made, or the results over the chronograph are all over the map, he can remember how much fun he's having.

Whether my evil plan works out or not, we made 30.06 with some very nice 168 gr. Sierra boat tails for use at tomorrow's shoot.

Pull!

A clear, brisk afternoon, a case of shells and a box of White Flyers.

Caught the Browning in full recoil in this picture.

Interesting Little Guns

From Damn Interesting, a photo collection of old miniature guns. All sorts of things, padlocks, pocket watches, even a Zippo lighter.

Victory or Death

December 26th, 1776. George Washington crossed the Delaware River with 2400 troops to attack the winter quarters of the Hessian mercenaries that were under contract to the British Crown. The weather was terrible. Sleet turning to snow. The men carried 60 rounds of ammunition and bayonets. The password was Victory or Death.



Lots of details here.

Update: Does Newt read my blog? Really, less than 12 hours after I made this post, the Drudge Report has a link to this: Newt Gingrich's "Victory or Death"

Quoting Brigid

Quoting Brigid, "Come to the dark side, we have cookies."

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning, very early. It must have been 4:30 or 5 when I woke up. The house was cold, the living room dark. I was five years old. I knew Santa had come. I went out into the living room. The tree was dark. I turned the table lamp on, not daring to plug in the tree.

The loot in the stockings and unwrapped presents left by Santa were always immediately available on Christmas morning. Wrapped presents under the tree were opened later. I went through my stocking and then played quietly with a small locomotive that had been left for me. It gradually got lighter outside and my mother came out to find me in the living room.

I don't remember any other gifts I got that year, just the dark house and the quiet time alone by the tree early on Christmas morning.

Memories of Christmas

I'll post mine tomorrow. Today I want to share someone else's. This is special.

Machines Know

Machines know. They do. Type up that term paper, move the 1st birthday party pictures off the camera. If you don't immediately make multiple copies on CD, external hard drive or network storage, you have doomed your hard drive and the data to oblivion. If you have three copies in two locations, your original drive will keep right on spinning.

And it's not just the modern stuff. It worked out that I have a day off tomorrow. I was going neglect to set the alarm, go with my wife and son to visit friends, maybe make some cookies and do some last minute Christmas stuff.

So, in the car this evening, she casually mentions that the washing machine won't spin out the clothes and that when she went down to the basement, it was noisy and smelled "funny".

I should be grateful that it waited for me to be freed up. It's been a good machine and it deserves my company tomorrow.

Knife Attacks

Last night at the dojo was all tanto waza, knife attacks and defenses.

My first learning was that I don't know anything about fighting with a knife or defending against an attacker with a knife.

The other thought I had was that you could be defending against what starts as an empty hand attack and the attacker could bring a knife into play at any time.

Tie those two thoughts together and it seems it would always be better to run.

This may not always be a choice.

The Hobbit

Flying my geek flag, I confess to being a fan of Tolkien. I have read The Hobbit, The Lord of The Rings (more than once), and tried to read the Silmarillion. I liked Peter Jackson's movie adaptation. Now there is a trailer for Peter Jackson's The Hobbit. Clearly filmed at the same time Filmed in the same style as the Lord of The Rings, this goes on my must see list. Full screen HD available, if you like.



Update: edited at the strikethrough.

People Like Us

Stumbled across these videos chasing reloading links. Nominally, they about a homemade method to remove Berdan primers from rimmed cases.

But what I want you do is watch what is not being focused on. The sawhorse table in the background. The old gooseneck lamp. The labels on the plastic drawers. The various tools and the way they are stored. The scattered reloading equipment. The host, his clothes, his hands.

I don't know him, but I know people like him, with basements and sheds that look so much the same that I would feel immediately at ease.

Christmas 1957

Reposted from last year.

Christmas 1957. My grandparent's home. If you click on the image, I deliberately left it large enough to zoom in on. There's a lot going on for me in this image. The chair on the right is in my living room today. My mother was 24 that year. The house was modernized in the 1960s after a lightening strike, redecorated again when my grandfather remarried in the 1980s, and then sold after his death. It looks like this only in my memories.

It is the decorations on the tree I want to focus on. The decorations were my grandmother's and when she passed away, they were handed down to me. I still have them, and as delicate as they are, use them every year, accepting the inevitable losses of children and gravity as the price of seeing them each Christmas cycle.

Wrongness

Wrong. Space-time continuum warpingly wrong.

Give a Gun a Home

Give a poor, abused, misunderstood, gun a good home this Christmas.


From the Daily What.

USPSA

The December pistol match. I ended up squaded with the go fast guys. I could predict my times within a 1 to 2 second accuracy range. Whatever the fastest two or three guys shot it in? Double that. That was my time.

I had fun, it was a beautiful day, temps approaching fifty, and I was at the range.



Update: I achieved mediocrity! There were 35 shooters. I was 18th.

Beauty

Celebrating The Return of Troops From Iraq.

Not us. Them. In Fallujah. They didn't have fireworks, so they burned the U.S. and the Israeli flags. Yup, there's a victory celebration worth the lives and treasure we poured into Iraq. We sure build a modern democracy ready to join the civilized nations. Won't be any more trouble in that part of the world.

Hundreds of Iraqis set alight U.S. and Israeli flags on Wednesday as they celebrated the impending pullout of American forces from the country in the former insurgent bastion of Fallujah.

Shouting slogans in support of the “resistance,” the demonstrators held up banners and placards inscribed with phrases like, “Now we are free” and “Fallujah is the flame of the resistance.”

Meanwhile

So, here we are, thinking about Christmas, concerned with upcoming Presidential race, reading about the Euro and whatever the Iranians are going to do next. Meanwhile, on the far side of the world, the Marines are still engaged in carrying out their orders. From MarinesTV.

The Stupidest Thing You Ever Did

When you get mad or frustrated and you decide to take it out on someone, it often backfires. I first heard this story from a friend of mine about 5 years ago. Written down, it is just an echo of itself. Originally told to me by the guy who did this, it was one of the funniest "Yes, I really did this" tales I ever heard.

I had just graduated from college and was desperately trying to find a job in my field (TV/video). I interviewed for a job in Charlotte and this interview process was different than most because they would actually pay me for a week and see if I fit in with their production house. I went there for the week, but it didn't work out at all. Thursday had rolled around and I knew more than likely I was not going to get the job. I tried to remain positive and when I was leaving for lunch I told the two guys I was working for that I was going to look for an apartment in town.

"I wouldn't sign any leases if I were you," one of them said.

That knocked the last bit of any optimism I had in the can. So instead of going to look for a place to live I wandered down the main street looking for a place to eat. In a series of fast food restaurants, I spotted a Bojangles and pulled through the drive-through. I ordered a chicken biscuit, some fries, and a Coke, and pulled the car into the lot.

Still wondering what I was going to do with my life and still very ticked off, I tilted the seat back in my car and tried to relax while eating my lunch. I took one bite of my biscuit and it was still frozen. It was like the Bojangles guy said, "Hey I know how we can speed things up a bit! We just won't cook the F@#$%*&G food!"

It was THE LAST STRAW! DEFCON 5. All circuits red. I stuffed my food back into the bag, got out of my car, and marched into the restaurant. Now, you have to remember that this is Charlotte. It's a fast food place, and it's lunch time, so we are talking about a lot of people in this place. The line was huge, but I didn't care. I pushed my way up to the counter making a big scene as I went.

Behind the counter was a pasty chubby red head kid with huge black rimmed glasses. You know, the epic dork, the guy working in fast food because it is the limit of his potential. I looked him square into those coke-bottle glasses and said (and keep in mind that everyone in the restaurant could hear me loud and clear)

"Man, my chicken biscuit is cold. I want another one, I want a fresh drink, I want my money back and I want to talk to the manager!"

Instant silence. Everyone in the place is now completely focused on the angry guy at the counter. The kid behind the counter looked down at the crumpled bag I was carrying and then looked up at me and smiled. Smiled like Clint Eastwood in a Dirty Harry movie. Like he was seeing the cross hairs on my forehead and was going to take the shot, he calmly said, "Mister, I'd really like to help you. But you see, we're Wendy's. Bojangles is next door."

The entire restaurant erupted in laughter. I looked out the window, the Wendy's I was in and the Bojangles I had driven thru shared a parking lot. My car sat on the row between the buildings. I grabbed my smashed bag and headed for the door. Walking out head down, completely humiliated, people were slapping me on the back.

"That's right jerk! Bojangles is over there!"

"You told him, man!"

Even when I walked out of the building people were laughing and beating on the windows and pointing to Bojangles. The Bojangles was just as crowded and the line was long, but I just waited in line, hoping nobody from Wendy's would come over and say..."Naw! Naw! Tell them what you just did!" When I got to the counter I politely (and quietly) told them the problem and got a new biscuit.

So I didn't get the job in Charlotte, but I always seem to be a big hit at parties when we play "What's the stupidest thing you've ever done?"

Marines Buy Up Used Harriers

The Marines are going to buy all the old British Harrier jets, along with engines and spare parts. A good deal for the Marines, as this will keep the U.S. Harriers flying for another decade or so. The British mothballed them, and the carriers they launched from, late last year.

If I was a general in Argentina, I'd be dusting off the invasion maps for the Falkland Islands. The British aren't coming to defend them again. The Iron Lady is just a historical movie and the sun has most definitely set on the British Empire.

Why Did He Do This?

So, a high profile shooting in Hollywood. A man standing in an intersection firing shots at passing cars until the police finally take him down.

Why did he do this? No one seems to have a clue. Even interviews with witnesses provide nothing....Oh wait, here in this report, not covered by any major news reporter, and already dumped down the memory hole, is this video I found on YouTube.

At 2:40, a tiny glimpse of why.

Saturday Blogroll Updates

I try to only keep active blogs on the blogroll, so it is worth noting that I reluctantly removed The Breda Fallacy. She left a goodbye note and hasn't posted or replied to comments. One of the good ones and if you hadn't been reading her, you missed out.

New additions are An NC Gun Blog and Tango Juliet.

Both should have been up there sooner. I have a list of bookmarks on my computer, and don't always think to move my regular stops over to the blogroll.

Everybody Has A Plan Until They Get Hit

NC Gun Blog explores a gang beating video. The video and the step by step breakdown of the isolation of the victim, the escalation, and the eventual violence should be read by everyone that thinks they would attempt to defend themselves in a violent situation.

Eric Holder Makes Up Definitions

Eric Holder redefines lying as "a state of mind", perhaps because it was just pointed out to him that lying to Congress is a felony. So I wouldn't want to say you lied, I'll just go with obfuscate. It has a different definition.

obfuscate
verb
\ˈäb-fə-ˌskāt\

1: to make obscure
2: confuse

intransitive verb
: to be evasive, unclear, or confusing
— ob·fus·ca·tion noun
— ob·fus·ca·to·ry adjective

Here's a song for you, Eric. You could get together with Haldeman, Erlichman, and Dean and sing it as a quartet.

CBS News Reports The Obvious Answer

CBS News is reporting that internal emails at the ATF show that their intent for letting guns be sold and delivered from gun stores in the U.S. to drug cartels in Mexico was to use the issue as an excuse to push for more gun control. This is not a surprise. It was the obvious reason all along.

"In light of the evidence, the Justice Department's refusal to answer questions about the role Operation Fast and Furious was supposed to play in advancing new firearms regulations is simply unacceptable," Rep. Issa (R-California) told CBS News.

Blogroll Add

I added CI-Roller Dude to the blogroll. Spent a while last night reading back through his archives and he's got some good stories to tell. Here's his own introduction to his site:

Over 20 years in the US Army & CA National Guard, and semi retired after 32 years as a cop. Berlin, Bosnia, Iraq, Floods, Fires and Earth Quakes, pursuits, arrest, nuts, fights…etc! Here’s my war stories and thoughts...

He's Army, LEO and gun-nut all in one. What's not to like?

Hymn To The Fallen

Remember December 7th. Tell your children and grandchildren so they can remember. Freedom has a price.



When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today
--The Kohima Epitaph

This Is My 1911, This is My Glock

I own both. I have a Glock 21 and a 1911.

Things that are true of the Glock:
1. It worked right out of the box.
2. It has worked every time I used it.
3. It is reasonably accurate.
4. It requires little maintenance or cleaning. The finish on the slide seems to be rustproof. The polymer frame is rustproof.
5. The normal magazines hold 13 rounds.

Things that are true of the 1911:
1. It required work to make it reliable.
2. Since that work was done, it has worked every time I used it.
3. It is very accurate.
4. The blued slide will show rust easily. I'm probably going to have the slide refinished in something more protective.
5. I clean it after every match.
6. It has 8 round magazines.

Those objective facts do not begin to describe the difference I personally feel. Like the difference between a modern sedan and an old pickup truck, it is hard to explain why I would choose the truck. Both get you there, both work. Plenty of people make the other choice and I'm okay with that.

But I'm at home in an old truck. And it's more satisfying to be shooting a 1911.

1911s VS Glocks

All the cool kids are doing it so here's my effort. Feral Irishman inspired me and a H/T to Borepatch for the suggestion.

The Feral Irishman Wins the Interwebz

Click here. Watch video.

The World Is An Ashtray

Why do people think it's okay to throw their cigarettes out the car window? You see it all the time. Nice cars, cars with Save the Earth bumper stickers, Priuses (Prii?), it doesn't seem to matter. They sit at the light, flicking ashes until the light turns green, then BAM!, they flick it away like the world is an ashtray.

Uncle Jay takes issue with it in a wonderful post. He get a link and added to the blogroll for his fine, insightful, and reasonably profane writing.

What is wrong with smokers? Cars have ashtrays. If you can put it in your lungs, you can keep the butt in the ashtray. If you've been smoking in it, your car smells like crap anyway. I swear, if it was up to me, the punishment for throwing cigarette butts out your car/truck window would be:

First offense: Not permitted to buy cigarettes for 30 days. One day picking up cigarette butts in major intersections.
Second offense: Not permitted to buy cigarettes for 6 months. One week spent sweeping street gutters with a wisk broom and a dustpan.
Third offense: Lifetime ban on smoking. 6 months on a road crew picking up trash.

Long Bayonet Is Long

Never point your bayonet at anything you don't want a hole in.



Language alert. H/T to Everyday, No Days Off.

Bringing Something Up For Review

Back on February 4th, 2011 I posted the following:

Over at New Platz Journal, he has a short post on the situation in Egypt. Here's a quote: "Egypt? There’s no telling how that will turn out."

I like his writing, but in this case, I beg to differ. I think lots of people know how it's going to turn out. As soon as the demonstrations began, there was looting and arson. Now it is clear that Mubarak is planning to hold power by force, so there will be street fights, and one of two things will happen.

1. The army will use enough force to regain control and the situation will simmer like a pressure cooker with a stuck valve until some future explosion when Mubarak will be deposed.
2. The army will side with the demonstrators now and Mubarak will fall immediately.

When he does fall the Muslim Brotherhood will consolidate power and Egypt will join the other 14th century theocracies in the region. Along the way there will be a lot of blood. It is already starting, but that how I predict it will turn out.

So now Egypt has had an election and here is the outcome. Is anyone surprised? And where does it lead? Here's my next predictions:

1. Internal repression of dissidents and minorities in Egypt.
2. Sharia law in Egypt.
2. Increased militarism in the region.
3. Another war with Israel.

We can check back in a couple of years and see how that whole Arab Spring thing worked out for them.

Flip Floppin' With Mitt

More of the SORC™. No, I will not vote for Mitt. The Republicans have to find a better candidate than a left of center former governor of Massachusetts that brought in a state mandated health care system and signed a state extension of the "assault weapons" ban.

Here he is, in his own words. First one side, than the other.

Boot To The Head

Because, hey, we all want to beat up some bozos...

Accidental Truth

President Obama gave a speech in Pennsylvania yesterday, taking his reelection message on the road. He spoke about his health care plan, banking regulations, and energy policies. Then he told the crowd, "I'm going to need another term to finish the job."