Gear, Training

Strikers and Soft Holsters – A Negligent Combination

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We see articles like THIS (Warning: Link shows a gnarly wound on a bloke’s arse) from time to time.  Where a fellow was wearing his gun in his holster and there was an Accidental Discharge.  I’m not calling in Negligent, because the people were generally not doing anything wrong…. Accidents CAN happen, though they are Rare.  99% of the time it is Negligence, but not here.  More on this in a moment…

This sort of an accident almost always involve two things:
1.  A striker fired pistol.
2.  A generic fit soft holster.  Most of the time made of Neoprene or Nylon, but also sometimes of some form of softer leather.

This is a bad combination, a Striker in a Soft Holster.  If this is your carry combo – I would recommend you change it because I believe that it’s dangerous.  Flat out dangerous.   Also dangerous are the use of Minimalist Holsters… any holster that covers only the trigger guard, or strives to be as small and light as possible.    Some of these holsters can break during use, some can let objects get into the trigger guard…. and none of them protect the gun in any way, shape, or form.
There was one guy getting into a car wearing his Striker in a softer type leather holster where the holster its self rolled into the guard so when he sat down, it discharged.  Another guy just leaned against a counter and it went off.  So yes – these guns can “Just Go Off” when you are packing a Striker in a Soft Holster and you are not paying attention.
Really I’m coming to the opinion that if you do pack a Striker fired gun in a Soft Holster – or a Minimalist Type Holster – You are being Negligent.   There is no valid reason in my mind to do so.  You are either too cheap to buy a decent holster, too ignorant to look for something better, or you are packing something different enough that there are no other holster options out there.  Which makes me think maybe you shouldn’t be packing it yet.

GET GOOD GEAR.  A Holster is a crucial part of your Weapon System and if you don’t have a good holster – then yeah – Your ass is Negligent.

Weapons

The 80’s are now officially over.

3 Comments

Nice!  Another Shotgun Post!   This one though is rather special.   For the last 2 years I’ve been looking for something to replace the Butler Creek stocks, and I finally found something worthy.   Thanks to WTA Member ZeroTA.  He posted this beautiful set for sale for $25 bucks and I had to have them.   Boom!  Paradise Found.
Gone is the Butler Creek folding stock that has been on my main 870 Tactical since the hour I acquired it.   A stock that I had put on every shotgun I’ve owned and or used since my first shotguns.
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Here’s the 870 Tactical now wearing a set of Walnut stocks from a Wingmaster.   They are beautiful and warm, and really add class to this beast of a shotgun.    Once again the look of the Classic Furniture on a newer model just looks flat out awesome to me.

Next thing to go will be the “Tactical Choke” to be replaced by an Extended Choke Tube of something in between IC and Modified, without the spike ends.

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Gravity Fields

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Being a huge fan of Science Fiction, the actual discovery of Gravity Waves gets me excited.

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”

– Nikola Tesla

The Discovery of Gravity Waves changes the future of what is possible.   Waves can be generated.   Waves can be manipulated. This means Gravity can be manipulated.    We can make Interference Waves, which cancels out other waves… Which means we could create Anti-Gravity.

If we can manipulate gravity, we can manipulate Space-Time. Which means we could have Star Wars/Star Trek type Space Travel. Which means everything we’ve seen in Science Fiction suddenly becomes something very special… It becomes Possible.

The difference between Science Fiction and Fantasy is that Science Fiction is based on what is Possible.

Weapons

Hardwood Tactical

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YES!  Another SHOTGUN Post!   Booyah!

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I’ve been seeing some nice guns that have had the original synthetic stocks replaced with classic wood furniture.  I love the look of such guns so I did it myself.  This is a pretty new Remington 870 HD model, which normally comes with the typical Express Synthetic stocks.  Some classic old Walnut stocks look much nicer.  These old stocks bear a lot of stories that I don’t know.  But I didn’t have the heart to clean them up and refinish them.  So I left them as they were.  Can’t wait to shoot it.
I also can’t wait to do this to my 870 Tactical that is currently wearing a Butler Creek folding stock.
I don’t know what it is, but I grow more and more fond of older guns, older style guns, and classic firearms, that I am of anything new coming out.

Weapons

I’m starting to lean Mossberg…

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I’ve been an 870 fan for a long time.  Preferring them over the Mossbergs, even though I’ve used 590’s as my Patrol Shotgun for some time… 870’s just seemed more rugged and smoother.   Mossbergs have never been known for being smooth operators.   But they do slick up nicely with a little work and use.

20160128_121331Today I put a lot of use into one.  With the intent of purposefully abusing it, and my shoulder, to see which would break first.
I fired at least a hundred shells, all high brass, mixed of Buck, Slug, and various birdshots most of that being #5 and #6 hunting loads.  I grabbed the shells blind and loaded them in no order.  Just a random mix, with no purpose, other than to find any failure in the gun.

20160128_120135What I found instead was an even greater respect of the Mossberg design, and the design of the Magpul stock.   After so much abuse, my shoulder and my shotgun remain just fine.  The recoil absorption of the stock is amazing.  It made the session quite tolerable.   I really do like the Mossberg’s shell lifting mechanism over that of the Remington.  Much easier to load and unload.  This is a clear advantage over the 870 mechanism.  And with the Magpul stock, a clear advantage in the position of the safety as well.

Weapons

The Most Interesting thing from SHOT SHOW 2016

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This is something I don’t think anyone saw coming… the most interesting thing at the 2016 SHOT Show was a snub-nose revolver.  I don’t think a new snubby has been the most most interesting new gun for the year since maybe the 60’s.  Or when the SP101 came out.
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The Kimber K6 is a pleasant surprise though.  It’s the same size and weight as a S&W 640.  Yet it has a 6 round cylinder.  That’s a significant upgrade.  But that’s really not the point.

The question is if a little revolver is still a viable self defense option.  If the answer is yes, then this is certainly the most viable option.   So… to the question.  Is a revolver viable?
The round we’re working with here is the .357 Magnum.  A cartridge that was the most significant advancement in handgunning since the 9mm Luger.   And speaking of the 9mm Luger, it is the chief self defense cartridge choice these days and the most over rated at that.  Comparing most 9mm self defense pistols to .357 Mag options it’s hard to find an apples to apples.   Generally speaking though, the .357 Magnum will hit about 100 to 200 FPS faster and harder with similar bullet weights out of similar barrel lengths.   This is a big advantage in exterior and terminal ballistics for a handgun.  And you want as much of that as possible.  The biggest advantage though comes in the heavier Magnum loadings with bullets that can weight almost twice that of some of new hottness 9mm loads.
Now combine the flexibility of a wide variety of ammunition for your selection.  Now mix that in with a firing platform that is inherently reliable and accurate.   You trade some capacity in exchange for greater power, accuracy, and reliability.   But is that really a big deal?  kimber-k6s-cylinder-1
Most self defense shootings are between 1.2 and 1.8 rounds, depending on the source of the stats.  What do they have in common?  The 1.  Generally the one who hits first wins.   That being the case, that 1 hit needs to be as big of a hit as you can make it.  So yes, indeed, .357 Magnum is a great option for self defense.
In the realm of small snub nose .357 Magnum revolvers, the K6 is going to be a great choice.  And it’s not just because it’s a +1.  It’s a premium quality revolver that’s priced less than something from S&W’s Performance Center, yet is reported to be smoother.   And the K6 is cool looking.  Solid stainless construction, no MIM, and all made in the USA… and it’s a plus one… Yeah, I really like it.

Weapons

The Ideal Pump Action Shotgun

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For some reason I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the best pump action shotgun.  Well, here’s the deal… There is no best pump action shotgun.  There’s no ideal pump action shotgun.  It doesn’t exist.  There is no such thing.  Even my beloved 870 is not the ideal shotgun.  It’s not perfect.
c36337ff606aca242fd4fdf763a9f8c8My top Pump Action Picks are as follows:
1.  Remington 870.
2.  Mossberg 500/590.
3.  Benelli Super Nova.
And that’s it.  Those 3.  In that order.  And really, the Benelli if you want the option for 3.5″ shells.  Which is nice, but unnecessary.  But I do like the stocks and the sights.  But not much else.

My ideal pump action shotgun, which doesn’t exist, would be a hybrid of the 870 and the 500/590.
I like the Steel Receiver and the Bolt of the 870.  But I like the Shell Lifter and Safety on the 500.  If I could have an 870 fitted with a Mossberg Safety and a Mossberg Shell Lifter – and use the Magpul shotgun stock – That would be just about damn near as ideal as it could get.   Let’s add good Rifle Sights to it, and interchangeable choke tubes.  That would do it, pretty much.
The Magpul stock on a Mossberg is probably the ideal set up.  Or at least the most ideal set up I’ve handled.  It’s very ergonomic and feels great… keeping the felt recoil under control and keeping the safety right there where you need it.

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Rest in Peace, Zachary.

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168024_1747442679284_1674515_nMy little Brother, Zachary Hill passed away suddenly and unexpectedly this morning. He leaves behind his sweet young bride, Mackenzie Hadlow Hill.
Please pray for her.
Zack is a gentile soul with big heart, an Artist, and was a two tour Combat Veteran. A true Warrior Poet… that always sought Peace. He loved to play games and chill with his family and friends. And he was a prolific writer.
Zack was also a Traveler… He adventured in other countries… Through Mexico, Japan, and Italy. Now he’s gone to the Undiscovered Country.
While he’s away from us for the time being, we know we will see him again.
This is a time of great faith and pain for the Hill Family. Zachary Hill is already sorely missed. We’ve wept for him ever since we got the terrible news. I have never wept so much or felt heartache so much. I’ve wept till I was sick and am still weeping. Zach wasn’t just a brother, he was also a dear friend.
Here’s something about us Mormons though… We believe that families are eternal. And our circles of friends are too. Those relationships we have on Earth will be the possessions we will always keep.
Humans do not have Souls, we ARE Souls and what we have are bodies. And while Zach left his body, he is still and will always be Zach. And one day we will see him again. He is still my Brother. And he always will be. While we are grieving, Deveni Hill and I believe that he too is grieving for having to leave behind his friends, his family and his new bride, Mackenzie Hadlow Hill. He would not have wanted to leave her now. But he had to… Our Father in Heaven has a plan for Zach, as he does for all of us. But things happen for a reason and it’s our struggle to make sense of it in this mortal world… through our limited and narrow optics that are full of confusion, distraction, and pain.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ… When you look at all of it in total… What is it all for? Just so we can one day kneel at his throne? No… That’s not what it is all about. It’s all about Love. It’s all about Family. It’s all about our personal relationships with those we love and how we can be together forever. I truly believe that. And it gives me comfort. Though I still grieve painfully… Zach always has been, and always will be, my brother.
We miss you, Zach.  We love you.

Paul Genesse has set up a GOFUNDME for Zach’s Widow.   She needs all the support she can get in this painful time.

Gear

Four of my Favorite Folding Blades +1

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To me, my Carry Knife is just as important, if not more so, than my Carry Gun.  Because I USE my carry knife for all kinds of things… even things in a manner not recommended by the manufacturer.

Here’s four of my favorites.  More importantly, these knives are the ones that are most special to me.

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Continue reading Four of my Favorite Folding Blades +1 →

Weapons

Ruger’s new American Pistol

32 Comments

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There’s a lot to be said about the new Ruger American Pistol.   But let me start out by saying that it’s a great shooter.  It’s a great looking gun too.  Out of the box, it’s been 100% reliable.  First shots with it – were exactly where I wanted the bullets to go.  The trigger is great, and easily one of the best in the business.  It’s up there with Walther PPQ and HK VP9.

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The internal machining of the new Ruger shows that’s up there with SIG and FNH in terms of quality.  That says a lot.    Every part is done exceptionally well.

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The feel of just the polymer frame is excellent.  It doesn’t feel chinsy and hollow like say, a SIG 320 does.  It feels like it’s quality.  Because it really is.    20151228_122108 (2)

The American Pistol departs from the normal “Like a Glock” pattern. This is a whole new mechanical system here, and the proof is in the feel of the trigger… Which is excellent.  20151228_122144

I like how they beveled the leading edges of the frame rails.  Which makes assembly easier than most autos.   The rails are also much longer than normal Poly-Strikers, and they are polished.  Thus giving the Ruger American Pistol a very smooth action.20151228_122206 (1)

Another nice thing about the Ruger American Pistol is that the steel sub-frame is machined out of one solid piece of steel.   Giving the whole pistol a much more solid feel than other gun of this type.20151228_122215 (1)

And dare I say it?  It’s one hell of a good looking pistol too.    The lines, the proportions… it looks “right” and it feels just as good too.  20151228_122223 (1)

The sights are standard Novaks, so finding and installing aftermarket sights should not be a problem.  It you like Novak 3 Dot sights – you are in luck.  If you like something different – the options are vast.  20151228_122230 (1)

Take down and such is just like a S&W M&P or a SIG P320… Lock it back, push the lever down, pull the slide off the front.
Ruger has said that these pistols will not replace the SR series of pistols.  But let’s be real – it will.  Because to buy an SR pistol, you will have to look at this gun and say “No, I don’t want that”.  Which is a statement you will not hear very often or ever.

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Interchangeable backstraps are included with the gun.  It comes with the Medium size installed, and you can opt for the Small or Large as you wish.  The Medium size though, feels small as it is.  20151228_122244 (1)

Ambi Slide lock lever and Mag Release.  Works perfectly from either side.  I love the angles on the gun.  It looks fantastic.  This is the best looking new gun to come out since the HK VP9 and M&P…. Both of those are sexy looking pistols too.  But I really like the looks of this new Ruger.20151228_122250 (2)

Ruger has said that they have no interest in a Military Contract. And have in the past refused to even participate. Ruger looks to have changed their minds on that.  In fact, they have mentioned the military requirements in the development of this pistol.    And having shot this gun and the other possible contenders – Ruger actually has a dang good shot at a Military Contract for this gun.  As well as contracts for LE Agencies across the globe.

Well done, Ruger.  Well done indeed.  I’ll be buying one soon enough.  Speaking of buying them.  They should be available for ordering as of Jan 1st from your local dealers.  Initial supply is very limited, so patience will be required for some time.  MSRP is 575, which means this should hit the streets at about 500.  It’s easily on par with everything else on the market at that price – and better than most.
Ruger, you’ve come a long way, Baby.  You have arrived.
Now make a Compact version for me.

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