Snowulf - Guns

Review: Safe Shot Indoor Range in Reno, NV

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:00:00 -0800

Safe Shot Indoor Range
9425 Double R Blvd
Reno, NV 89521
775-284-8984

Very short summary: DO NOT GO UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. Ultra Expensive. Ultra Black Lung.

Continue reading "Review: Safe Shot Indoor Range in Reno, NV"

Remember, always trust what you read on the net.

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:01:00 -0700

It amuses some of the information I find on the Internet. Just remember everyone, you should believe everything you read on the net. Especially if its a "how to" guide, and the authors bio sounds authentic - because they'll know what they are talking about. (As a note, I make no claim that every piece of info in this blog is correct. Its all my personal expediences. Like the subtitle says "YMMV")

Today, lets take a look at "A Newbie's Guide to Publishing ... So You Wanna Write About Handguns". This guy knows his stuff about guns, so I'll just pull out a few bits for you all to enjoy:

Silencers aren't real.

Really? I beg to differ. They do exist, maybe silencer is a bad term, but its what alot of people call them. A rock 65mm in size isn't a pebble, you'll probably call it that. Go get a ruler!

Suppressors are illegal for public citizens.

Oh really? You mean I can't order this suppressor for my P99 from CarlWalther.com. I better go tell my boss too, because he has a couple. Oh, and don't forget all thoes guys at the gun shows that I see selling P22 w/ suppressor bundles. I'll make sure to reference the blog. Guys at gun shows obviously don't know anything about the law. Oh, and don't forget the BATF who you send the paper work to when buying a silencer. WELCOME TO A CLASS 3 STATE!

Full metal jacket means the slug is encased in metal and doesn't expand when it hits the target.

Well first off, slugs tend to be made out of lead, or other such fun METALS. So your telling me that FMJ is metal...in metal.... How does this differ? "A full metal jacket bullet (or FMJ) is a bullet encased in a copper alloy such as gilding metal, cupronickel, or a steel alloy shell." -FMJ on WP. Also as a note, FMJ's will still expand when they hit a target, it just depends on WHAT kind of target. If your shooting a soft target (see also: human), they wont expand (much). Though if you happen to be shooting at a hard target (see also: several inches of steel plating on an M1A1) I'm pretty sure your FMJ ammo is going to go SPLAT like a bug. Then again no one is willing to lend me a M1A1 or a 50cal to test this theory.

Cocking a handgun involves chambering a round in a semi-auto, and/or pulling the hammer back.

Last time I checked cocking had very little to do with chambering a round and alot more to do with the hammer being pulled back (or firing pin for those of us w/ new fangled guns). Or it could have something to do with the Antonov AN-22, not sure.

Semi-automatics can jam. If a gun isn't clean, it can jam a lot.

Lets re-write this sentence to be un-stupid. "All guns can jam. If a gun isn't clean, it can jam a lot." Seriously. Granted a semi-auto is much more likely to jam if unclean (just don't tell the Glock owners I said that), but it is possible to jam any gun.

Loading clips is time consuming and hard on the fingers. The spring inside a clip is powerful, and it takes some force and some time to get the bullets in there.

A brand new clip, at full cap... yes is hard to load. But otherwise... WRONG. If you soften up your spring a bit by loading a clip to the max and let it sit there for a while, the spring will soften enough to make the process much easier. Also, if you practice just a little bit (read: goto the range once or twice) you'll get purdy good at loading your clips. Also - which clip it is makes a difference. For example my 15 round clip for my P99, very easy to load 14 rounds. My P11's 10 round clip on the other hand has taken several portions of my tumb, several times (bastard is SHARP).

Guns and bullets are heavy. Sticking a 9mm in your front pocket is not a smart idea for many reasons, one of which is it will pull down your pants.

This is wrong on just so many levels. First off, lets take a look at a 5 shot Scandium revolver. Um, can you say "barely there"? Yes, if you grab your Glock 17 and load it with 17+1, its going to be a bit hefty. You can still put it in your pocket - WEAR A BELT. More importantly DONT put it in your pocket unless you WANT to shoot yourself in the leg, or the family jewels.

Someone unfamiliar with semi-autos wouldn't be able to fire one, at least not quickly.

Of course not, because every gun laying around is unloaded with the safety on. Oh wait... Glocks don't have safety's, neither do alot of guns. Oh, wait, I forgot that most guns ARE loaded. Oh, and that entire "pulling the slide back" thing, isn't much for stopping a newb w/ a gun. If you've watched any semi violent movie in the last 20 years, you can probably operate a firearm. So just remember, your 10 year old kids (who's never touched a "real" gun) won't be able to pick up your loaded Glock and kill someone - its just not possible... Right.....

Aiming isn't easy.

I'm sorry, did I miss something here? Last I checked the process of aiming a firearm was to point it in the general direction of where you want to shoot. Thats really, really not that hard. The first time I picked up a handgun, without any training, I was able to put 30 of 30 rounds into an upper torso sized target at 21feet. (CCW ^_^) Kids play games these days, alot of people are better trained for operating guns than they realize. Aiming accurately at long distances may be hard, but I can give most anyone a gun and have them hit a person sized target at 20 feet (its actually really hard not to hit the target at that range)

Teflon coated, or cop-killer bullets, aren't real.

Teflon coated, I'll give the guy. Lets just not tell him about AP rounds. I mean, we've already hurt his feelings badly enough for one day.

Always treat every gun you encounter as loaded.

Probably the single best piece of advise this guy wrote - and the single MOST IMPORTANT. And where do we put important information class? At the TOP of the webpage.

Show

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 15:51:42 -0700

Show this weekend was actually decent. Its as small as I remember, but this time around it seemed to have more "useful" stuff, not a bunch of antiques. Granted there was only 2 decent tables of new guns, I did find a Beretta 96. If I had the spare money I would have bought it just to irritate Goupil. Anyways, there was alot of useful accessories. I even found a place selling extra mags and belt clips for the P11, though I didn't get either this time around. Also, I've come to realize that show is a great place to find extra mags. I found tables and tables and tables of mags, everything from pea shooters to AR's, from small factory mags to 30+ round mags (even for my P99 - that would have been cool).

I'm most irritated at the bulk ammo though. A while back I bought a box of 1000rnds of American Eagle - or something similar. Cost me 200$. I know thats not "Cheap" but its not bad..... Well that was until I saw the same 1000rnd box for sale for 125$ at the show... Grrr... Too bad I don't need any more ammo right now. Maybe when the "Big Show" comes around I'll get some more.

Crossroads of the West

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:01:00 -0700

Well, tomorrow the Crossroads of the West gun show is in Reno, in the convention center. While I'm not going to be impressed, or probably even finding anything of interest, I'll go. I've found previously that this show is mostly collectibles, relics, and antiques. Oh well, maybe something of interest will show up (a Katana perhaps ?)

Encrypter Ammo

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 09:13:05 -0700

Today's gun news comes coutesy of Slashdot and NewScientist.com. The article in question is titled "Password Protected Bullets" and it has to be the single DUMBEST thing I've ever heard. The short version is that they want to put a PIN number on your ammo and force you to enter that on your gun before you shoot. Either that or they'd sell ammo that was pre-coded to work with your gun. So if you went to the range with a friend and wanted to give them a few rounds, you couldn't.

All this, and just a "little" more expensive (read: alot) all for you and yours saftey!

New Toy

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 00:01:00 -0700

So So So, I went to Reno yesterday... And got me a new toy. I was looking for either a Kel-Tec PF9 or an XD9 SubCompact. I found one location that had an XD9 - and I really like the look and feel but I found an Kel-Tec P-11 which is almost as good. So... I got it. Shiny!

I'll admit, the thing is purdy darned small. Its not as small as the P-3AT but for a 9mm its really nice. I went to the range right afterwards (With a new case of cheap 9mm). I have to say I really like the balance and shape of the gun. Also, it doesn't hurt so damned much like the P-3AT. I put 50 rounds through before I started to feel it in my hand. This probably isn't as bad for "vetran" shooters - but I'm not - I haven't been shooting for years and years. It shot fairly good for me, for the first time. My aim generaly isn't that amazing - but I was still impressed with its initiall accuracy.

Of course there is a belt clip for the gun, along with some other cool accessories. Also since the P-11 doesn't have a threaded barrel, or a high cap mag.... its not an assault weapon in california. Yay!!! Of course I'll have to buy a 12 round mag so the P-11 is also an assault weapon - because I can. Oh, and mentioning California... the CA certified for sale page doesn't even list Kel-Tec's. Makes ya wonder.

Gritty Trigger

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 00:01:00 -0700

I seem to have picked up some sort of crap in the trigger of my P22. I cleaned the gun very thoroughly after the last trip to the range. I've probably picked up something since then - I just don't know how or where.

I guess I should take the gun home tonight and clean it again. This is only odd because I thought of all the times I get dirt in the trigger was at the range, and not on my normal carry routine. Maybe its DEATH LEAD from thoes blazer rounds. They are made of pure death after all (I challenge anyone to proove me wrong).

Range

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 00:01:00 -0700

Went to the range yesterday with the goupil. It was alot nicer out today than it was last time I went to the "reno" range (reno being relative as it is about 30mn north). Wasn't nearly as windy. I ran about 200 rounds through my P99 and 300 or so through the P22. Goupil also used my guns as he hasn't found his "perfect" gun yet. The P22 worked fine for the most part, but twoards the end there were a couple rounds that failed to feed. I think that the CCI Blazer that I use for plinking is complete crap. While I like CCI, as I do use CCI Stingers for "good carry" rounds, the Blazers are, I think, lead. And that lead is gunking up the feed ramp. Its annoying, but its the price I pay for only paying 2 cents a round (as upposed to the expensive stuff at 6 cents a round).

Oh and the Blazers seem to blow a rather large cloud of black smoke out with every shot. I'm not sure why, I've never noticed it before. Previously it was probably due to the wind - but it really sucked for Goupil who was down wind of me.

TGIF & MI3

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Sun, 07 May 2006 00:01:00 -0700

TGIF, the resturaunt, not thank god its friday. It is sunday after all. Anyways, Guu and I were out to dinner on, strangely enough, friday. We were in Reno at TGIF, bored senseless. At one point in time while Guu was telling a story about something or other, something in the distance caught my eye. It looked like a guy in a suit, had a holster in his hand. I don't mean a holster on his hip, I mean waving it around the table. I wasn't exactly sure what it was he had, because it didn't make sense to be a holster (with gun, is how it looked). I watched him very intently for a while till I realized it was a semi-rolled billfold of some kind, with some pens or what not stick out of the side. The thing looks exactly like a black leather holster, I kid you not. While I wasn't worried about what was going on, I latter wondered if anyone else in the resturaunt saw it. Its entirely possible that my angle made the illusion perfect, and no one would have seen it, then again what if he did have a gun in his hand. Would anyone have seen it? Its one of thoes strange situations that I ponder, and I did ponder this one for a good long while.

It was off to MI3 latter. Movie was so so, should have bailed on the plot. Then again I think all action movies should be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. Why? Because he says "FUCK PLOT" and just blows shit up. Look at Bad Boys 2, he said "see, here's a big hill. there are lots of houses that are all meth labs and were going to drive a hummer though em and BLOW THEM UP" and it was awesome. Anyways, I did see a 1911 and a Beretta 92 which made Mr Goupil EXTREMLY happy as he is a big fan of the Beretta's. Then again I have to admit I wouldn't mind one myself... right after the Walther P99C, Glock 26, Glock 36 and a Kel-Tec. (Priorities!)

New Fav

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Sat, 06 May 2006 00:01:00 -0700

My new favorite single phrase: "Communist Califronia". Since I lived there for many years, and have recently moved to nevada - I can agree. Kevan Rocks.

Afraid of Guns

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 00:01:00 -0700

No, I'm not afraid of guns, I write about them all the time. I'm actually rather facinated by others fear of guns. I think its a bad thing for people to be scared of guns, or really afraid of them (if there is a difference). Even if you don't like guns, treat them as an enemy. Why? "Know thy enemy". Also, for other reasons that I'm going to talk about.

Case #1 is my roomate. She does not like guns one bit. She's never touched one, to my knowledge, and won't even if one is sitting on the kitchen table in her way. I don't blame her, its just the way she is. But what if something were to happen to me, what would she do? Good question. While she's never touched my guns, I have showed her how to unload it. Its her enemy and she needs to know how to at least unload it, in such a manner as to not shoot herself.

Case #2 - my dear friend Lauren. She is also another one that doesn't like guns at all. Her roomate also has a gun (an Old police issue .32 Revolver). Now they live in Tucson, which I wouldn't classify as the safest place for young women to be. Now to offend anyone who lives in Tucson, but I hear there are alot of rapes, and other violent crimes. While Lauren's roomate would defend their domicile, what if she wasn't around and someone were breaking in? She should know how to operate guns, load it, unload it, shoot it. Even if she plans to never ever touch a gun, its important to know. What you don't know, can kill you.

Case #3 - Office secretary. Sue, the office secretary, or "Administrative Assitant" as is politically correct. Our office is a little different than most - as we're a small close knit group (And most of us have CCW's). When we first discussed guns with her, she was also one that refused to touch any guns. She wanted nothing to do with them. After a while she's voiced some intrest. At one point in time, she asked to see my P22, which I happily showed her (unloaded). I showed her how to load, unload, saftey, etc. She'll probably never shoot a gun, much like the other cases I've mentioned. But at least she knows what to do.

While I'm not bothering to do any research, but I'm sure simple gun saftey training could save a good number of lives every year. First from people that pick up a gun, and shoot themselves by mistake. Second from people who could have defended themselves if they just knew what to do. This is exacly why I have a CCW. I'm not trying to be a gun toting nut, but if having a gun saves my life once 40 years from now, every cent, every round, every second spent - will have been completly worth it.

The "Castle Doctrine" - Good or Bad?

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 00:01:00 -0700

What is the "Castle Doctrine"? Well long story short its based off English Common Law from the 1700's, that says your house is your castle and you have a right to protect yourself. Now, to my knowledge the state with the best Castle Doctrine laws is Florida. Very recently FL improved their laws in this regard. I may hate the Bush's, but one of them finally did something right.

First off I belive the Castle Doctrine is a good thing, in its basic form. At least in Florida's case you basically have permission to shoot first and ask questions latter. Also, not only your home, but in your car or at work, basically any place you have the right to be. Now that defenition can probably be extended to a larger area - which can be a little worrie some, but we'll see when that happens. The other bonus from the new law is that you are protect from civil and crimil prosecution if your defending yourself from criminal attack.

Whats wrong with the Castle Doctrine? Nothing on the surface, but I belive it will make people more ready to open fire on bumps in the night. I'm just worried about people not taking their time to figure out who or what is in their home at night and shooting a friend/neighbor or something to that effect. I'd personally be happy to know that an innocent person wont be charged for defending themselves, but what happens when they defend themselves against an friend who's stopping by unanounced?

All in all, I'm glad to see that some laws are protecting our civil liberties, instead of cramping them even more.

Oh, and PS - California is Retarted

Left Handed Shooting

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:38:05 -0700

I've been catching up on my GunCasts and I was listening to to Episode 12. The question came up of left handed shooters. I don't know about alot of make or models that are good for left handed shooters, but I've shot both of my Walthers left handed from time to time. I really like them because the mag ejector is ambi-dexterous. Along with the slide lock release which I find is relativly easy to operate with either hand.

Right, Left, or Purple - as long as it feels good in your hand, who cares?

Why to play with guns

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 23:04:30 -0700

To take stupid "responsible" police off the street.

Yes, I'm sure you've all seen the video by now if your into guns, but this guy had the nerve to sue the government because he's upset that this video made it out onto the net. Dude, you shot yourself in the foot, infront of a classroom of people. What you should be doing, is a PSA on TV as to why people should treat guns with respect. Oviously the cop screwed up, and I feel sorry for him, we all make mistakes. But this should be something people learn from. ALWAYS ASSUME A FIREARM IS LOADED.

Walther

nospam@example.com (Jon) — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 14:00:00 -0700

Image Removed for stupidity