by This is a perfect marriage of spirit with technology – a tracked “wheelchair” built to allow a paraplegic to enjoy the Great Outdoors in almost the same manner as an able-bodied person. I think it is fantastic.
Month: December 2011
Gangs And Politicians – Soldiers In Arms In Chicago
Todd Vandermyde discusses the unholy alliance between some Democratic politicians and gang bangers in the City of Chicago. An article in Chicago Magazine exposes the whole sordid business.
Is it any wonder that Chicago politicians are so anti-gun? It keeps the honest people defenseless while the gangs who support them remain armed.
More PSH From The Brady Campaign
The Brady Campaign is promising news on a “major Brady Campaign initiative” on January 8th which just so happens to coincide with the first anniversary of the shooting of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. As a teaser, they released the YouTube video below.
Could it be that they are merging with Mayor Bloomberg and his Illegal Mayors? I doubt it since even Bloomberg doesn’t want to be seen associating with such losers as the Brady Campaign.
Are they going to announce that Joan Peterson aka JaPete will be their new President replacing acting head Dennis Henigan? Even the Brady Campaign is not that stupid.
Will it be another big grant from the Joyce Foundation? This is possible since the Joyce Foundation seems to like to throw good money away on other anti-rights ne’er do wells like CSGV and VPC.
My guess is that it will have something to do with Gabby Giffords and her shooting given the date. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are going to announce that Gifford’s husband Mark Kelly will become involved with the Bradys to campaign for more background checks especially regarding mental health. He is now retired from both the Navy and NASA so is available. I doubt Giffords herself would do it as she has always portrayed herself as pro-gun and would be essential if she plans to run for re-election.
Let the speculation begin!
UPDATE: The original video was removed and a new one substituted. They have moved the date of their announcement up to December 19th. Hmm. Sounds like someone pushed them to announce it due to leaks.
It’s Official – The Ruger LCR-22 Is Released
Ruger just posted this on their website which makes the LCR-22 official:
Ruger Introduces the LCR in .22 LR
December 16, 2011
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is proud to announce the new Ruger® LCR-22, an eight-shot revolver that offers all the features of the award-winning LCR®, chambered in the popular and economical .22 Long Rifle cartridge.
“The LCR has proven its worth since its introduction in 2009, and has become an extremely popular compact revolver for concealed carry,” said Chris Killoy, Ruger Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Our customers asked for a rimfire LCR for low cost practice at the range, and the LCR-22 fills that need. Furthermore, this gun disputes the notion that small-frame, rimfire revolvers come with heavy trigger pulls; the LCR-22’s non-stacking trigger pull is highly manageable. In fact, we believe the LCR has the best trigger pull of any factory double-action revolver on the market, and we urge our customers to visit their retailer and try it out for themselves,” he concluded.
The newest LCR maintains all the features of the critically acclaimed original LCR. The 1-7/8″ barrel and eight-shot cylinder are constructed of stainless steel, and the cylinder is highly fluted to reduce weight. The frame is machined from an aerospace-grade aluminum forging, and the fire control housing is molded from rugged and durable glass-filled nylon. The fire control system utilizes Ruger’s patented friction reducing cam that provides a uniquely smooth, non-stacking trigger pull.
For more information on the new LCR-22 revolver, or to learn more about the extensive line of award-winning Ruger firearms, visit Ruger.com or Facebook.com/Ruger. To find accessories for the LCR-22 and other Ruger firearms, visit ShopRuger.com.
The spec sheet is below:
| Finish: | Matte Black, Synergistic Hard Coat | Grip: | Hogue® Tamer™ |
| Front Sight: | Replaceable, Pinned Ramp | Rear Sight: | U-Notch Integral |
| Barrel Material: | Stainless Steel | Cylinder Finish: | Advanced Target Grey® |
| Barrel Length: | 1.875″ | Overall Length: | 6.50″ |
| Height: | 4.50″ | Width: | 1.28″ |
| Weight: | 14.90 oz. | Capacity: | 8 |
| Twist: | 1:16″ RH | Grooves: | 6 |
| MA Approved & Certified: | No | CA Approved: | No |
| Suggested Retail: | $525.00 |
UPDATE: Weer’d Beard pointed out this review video by Jeff Quinn over at Gunblast.com.
UPDATE II: Mark Keefe, editor of the American Rifleman, has a review up on his blog The Keefe Report. He has some good pictures of this new revolver especially of the cylinder. He says regarding the trigger:
Ruger put a lot of time and engineering effort into making the LCR suitable for mass production, as well as improving the double-action-only trigger pull by making several of the action’s engagement surfaces round-on-round contact points to allow for a smooth trigger pull. The other thing about the LCR is you can stack, or stage, the trigger repeatably. With practice, you can get a precise shot off almost as if it were a single-action. That is quite a trick with a rimfire version of the LCR in .22, which requires more firing pin energy. This means you must have either a heavier hammer or stiffer springs than a center-fire, but my preliminary shooting and handling of the new LCR indicate that Ruger pulled it off admirably.
UPDATE III: Michael Bane’s take on the new Ruger LCR-22. He thinks it would be a great addition to a bug-out bag.
Ruger LCR-22?
Michael Bane on the Downrange Radio podcast hinted that Ruger would be announcing a new firearm today. While nothing is showing up on their website -yet – it looks like someone at GunsAmerica may have jumped the gun so to speak.
They have a full review of the Ruger LCR-22. Go the the link above to see pictures of it.
A description from their review:
My review gun came in at 14.8 ounces empty on my stamps.com electronic scale, but the reported weight is 14.9 ounces. The balance point is at the back of the cylinder which I consider ideal for a snub nose revolver. It comes on target out of the holster quickly, thanks in part to the great balance as well as the natural grip angle and excellent rubber grip from Hogue.
The hammer is completely enclosed making, this a double-action-only (DAO) revolver and eliminating a potential snag for anyone interested in concealed carry. The DAO trigger, like its bigger brothers, is very smooth with no stacking and little overtravel. It measured right around 12 pounds but didn’t seem that much thanks to the way they cam the trigger.
The LCR-22 is compact, little more than 6.25” long and 1.25” wide. It sits so lightly in a holster or in your pocket that you’ll forget it’s there
The big news, of course is that you can now get it in .22 caliber which opens the opportunity to do a lot more shooting since .22 ammo is inexpensive and widely available. The LCR-22 will handle .22 short, .22 long, and .22 long rifle ammo, including shot shells, which means that you can personalize it for your needs.
MSRP is $525 which means the street price will be much less. Looks like a good gun with which to train on as well as a nice little trail gun.
From Jim Shepherd at The Outdoor Wire who notes that the announcement is scheduled for 11am today:
Early this week, I received another “secret” gun from Ruger for testing and evaluation. Like the .357 Magnum SP101 announced last week, I liked it.
Ditto everyone else I know who’s gotten one for testing. My FFL liked it, too. So well he wanted to place an order for “as many as I can get”. Seems this caliber is “very, very hot”. A decidedly un-scientific survey of several retailer shelves would seem to confirm that demand.
Ruger may once again have responded to (or anticipated) market demand for a concealed carry handgun.One of the major attractions of the original in this category was a (surprisingly) good trigger. The newest offering is no different. Its accuracy and an enhanced capacity should also add appeal.
Yes, I’m being vague – intentionally. Ruger’s rollout schedule keeps us from being able to announce the new gun in time for this morning’s edition.
We’ve never broken an embargo and we’re not going to start in our final edition of 2011. So, you’ll have to take my word (at least for a few more hours) on this one. If you’re really, really curious, I’ll tweet a brief summary (like 140 characters worth) at 11a.m. Eastern (@jimshepherd)
NSSF On Slings For Your “Modern Sporting Rifle”
Mark Thomas of the NSSF talks with Bob Whaley of Gunsite about slings for the “modern sporting rifle”*. They discuss both 1-point and 2-point slings. It gives some good stuff on what to look for in a sling.
Slings don’t have to be expensive. I just paid $20 for a decent 1-point sling at Wally Word that is actually pretty decent.
If you are good with craft-oriented stuff, read through this thread on Arfcom. It gives instructions on making many types of slings on the cheap.
*AR-15 or M-4gery
Lasergrips For Gen 4 Glocks
Iain Harrison of Crimson Trace sent me word today that they are now making Lasergrips for the Gen 4 Glocks. I imagine Crimson Trace and a lot of other manufacturers will be sending out info on new products in the run-up to the SHOT Show.
From his release:
New Crimson Trace Lasergrips Now Available for Glock Gen 4 Handguns
(Wilsonville, OR) Crimson Trace, market leader for integrated laser sighting systems, today announced the release of new Lasergrips® models for the Gen 4 Glock full-size, compact and subcompact 9mm and .40 caliber pistols. With an MSRP of $279, these Lasergrips feature the smallest laser diode ever offered, with full windage and elevation adjustability and a master on/off switch. The new units fit seamlessly over the Glock’s backstrap and require no gunsmithing to install. Because the laser utilizes Crimson Trace’s patented instinctive activation system, the user simply picks up the gun in a normal firing grip and the pressure sensor in the grip module instantly activates the laser to project a bright dot on the target.
“Glock handguns are justifiably one of the most popular self defense firearms on the market,” said Kent Thomas, Marketing Director for Crimson Trace. “With the new Lasergrips, the Gen 4 models now have a low light, instinctively activated sighting system that takes them to a new level of usability and we now fit almost every model in the Glock lineup.”
The new Glock Gen 4 Lasergrips are zeroed at the factory, offer a four hour battery life as well as the most powerful laser permitted by law. The low profile Lasergrip is fully compatible with the recently launched Lightguard® tactical light, turning any Glock into the ultimate in low light defensive handguns. With SHOT show looming, Crimson Trace is readying for a host of exciting new product introductions and events to capture the imagination of the firearms buying public. Look for announcements over the forthcoming weeks.
Happy 220th Birthday To The Second Amendment
On this date in 1791, the Commonwealth of Virginia became the 11th state to ratify the Bill of Rights and with it, the Second Amendment. Interestingly enough, New Jersey – a state where the Second Amendment has been under attack – was the first state to ratify it on November 20, 1789. It took a total of 811 days for these amendments to be ratified.
I’m proud to say as a native North Carolinian, that the Tar Hell State was the third state to ratify the Second Amendment (and the rest of the Bill of Rights) on December 22, 1789.
Jim Shepherd, publisher of The Outdoor Wire, had this to say about it in his comments this morning:
Our friend Bill Gravatt at Sinclair International sent us a reminder note yesterday we wanted to pass on to you. Today (December 15, 2011) is the two hundred and twentieth anniversary of adoption of the Second Amendment. If you’re a gun person, it’s one of those dates that belongs on your calendar every year…if you’re not a gun person, well, you should let some of us who are take you to the range so you can try shooting for yourself. As Rob Leatham is fond of saying “I’ve never taken anyone to the range and had them tell me they’ve not had fun.” Today’s the anniversary of why it’s so easy for Americans to enjoy the recreational sport of shooting -and the ability to protect our families and out country. The Second Amendment’s not about hunting, sport shooting or any of the other diluted suggestions you hear from time to time. It’s about our inalienable right to self-protection…and it’s worth defending.
I agree with Jim and I like his suggestion about taking someone to the range. The more first time shooters that go to the range, the more we win in our battle to protect and preserve the Second Amendment.
Private Sale Loophole?
First there was the oxymoronic “gun show loophole”. Now thanks to America’s richest mayor we have the equally moronic “private sale loophole.”
In a press conference held today to announce a new “report” entitled “Point, Click, Fire: An Investigation of Illegal Online Gun Sales”, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched a full frontal attack on private gun sales and Internet classified sites. In a scene reminiscent from his earlier “investigations” involving gun shows, Bloomberg’s private investigators trolled 10 websites and called 125 private sellers. The sites included Craigslist (which doesn’t allow firearms classifieds), Armslist.com, and GlockTalk.com. Supposedly, 77 out of 125 sellers agreed to sell a firearm to someone who self-identified as a prohibited person.
The Investigation
The City hired licensed private investigators supervised by the global investigative firm Kroll to conduct a series of online purchases. Investigators captured audio of telephone calls with private sellers who advertise on websites, and used concealed cameras during in-person interactions. The investigative team placed telephone calls to 125 private sellers who posted online gun advertisements on 10 websites in 14 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
The Results
A clear majority of the sellers – 77 of 125 private sellers – failed the integrity test by agreeing to sell to a purchaser who said he probably couldn’t pass a background check.
Private sellers on Craigslist failed the integrity test at the highest rate, despite the fact that the site says that it prohibits the listing of weapons on its server. On the five websites where investigators contacted the most sellers, an illegal sale was agreed to:
Craigslist.com: 82 percent of the time
Glocktalk.com: 78 percent
Gunlistings.org: 77 percent
KSL.com: 67 percent
Armslist.com: 54 percent
Given these were private detectives and not commissioned police officers, I wonder about the legality of recording either the phone calls as well as the face-to-face transactions. Many states – and I don’t know if the states in question were chosen to avoid this – forbid the recording of conversations unless both parties are aware of it and this goes double for videotaping. These are the same laws being used against the public when they record police encounters that go wrong.
Bloomberg’s report is pushing the following recommendations:
• Federal law should require a background check for every gun sale. Legislation now pending in both chambers of Congress – The Fix Gun Checks Act of 2011 (S.436/H.R.1781 (112th Congress)) – would enact this reform.
• The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives(ATF) should improve enforcement of existing laws. ATF should conduct undercover investigations on a variety of websites, track whether guns recovered in crimes were originally sold online and offer online tutorials to train sellers and buyers on federal gun laws governing online sales.
• Websites should adopt tougher protocols to deter crime. Websites that permit gun sales should demand transparency from sellers and buyers, facilitate reporting
of suspicious behavior by site users and swiftly remove prohibited listings.
The report also brings in the shootings on the campuses of Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University. As has been reported before, the shooter at Virginia Tech purchased one of his pistols over the Internet. However, and this report downplays it, the pistol was shipped to a FFL in Virginia, the shooter then filled out an ATF Form 4473, and then a NICS check was run.
As unfortunately is to be expected, the mainstream media is lapping this up. The story was aired on ABC News as the number two story of the day. It was introduced by Diane Sawyer with her most concerned look and was uncritically reported by Pierre Thomas who hung on Mayor Bloomberg’s every word.
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While I don’t expect the Fix Gun Checks Act of 2011 to go anywhere in this Congress, any move made by Mayor Bloomberg and his Illegal Mayors is to be watched. Unlike the rest of the gun prohibitionists, Bloomberg has the money and the business acumen needed to have an impact on gun rights and firearm ownership.
One Year And Counting
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| 1970-2010 |
Today marks the first anniversary of the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. He was killed in a gun fight with armed bandits near Rio Rico, Arizona. Four suspects were arrested at the time and a fifth escaped.
A lot has happened since Agent Terry was murdered.
It was quickly discovered that two (and maybe a third) weapons found at the scene of his murder were directly linked to an ATF operation called Fast and Furious. Congressional hearings into the program and into Agent Terry’s murder have been held and more are to come.
The acting head of the ATF Kenneth Melson was reassigned and the U.S. Attorney for Arizona Dennis Burke resigned under pressure. A number of ATF managers have been given either lateral transfers or promotions despite their involvement in this operation while the courageous ATF whistle-blowers who exposed much of what we know about Fast and Furious have been hung out to dry.
There is a bill before Congress to rename the Border Patrol office in Bisbee, AZ after Agent Terry. The House of Representatives held debate on HR 2668 – the Brian A. Terry Memorial Act – on Monday but a vote was postponed on a point of order by Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), the Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Recently released e-mails seem to indicate that one of the major purposes for Operation Fast and Furious was not to stop the so-called Iron River of Guns to Mexico but to promote more gun control.
And the list could go on and on and on. However, none of that will bring Brian Terry back to his family nor ICE Agent Jaime Zapata back to his. In the end, it is about the people who have died in both the U.S. and Mexico as the result of this ill-conceived, ill-advised, and, more than likely, illegal program whose real purpose was to provide the Obama Administration the rationale for more gun control measures. That they died for this is immoral.
UPDATE: The Terry family released a statement today on the first anniversary of Brian’s death. The statement expresses their dismay that no one at ATF or the Department of Justice has taken responsibility for their son’s death. Moreover, they express their sincere condolences to those in Mexico who have been impacted by the gun walked in Operation Fast and Furious.