Happy Fountain Pen Day!

The first Friday in November has been Fountain Pen Day since 2012. It was started as a day to “embrace, promote, and share the use of fountain pens.”

I have been using fountain pens off and on since elementary school where we had to use Sheaffer cartridge pens for penmanship. They came in a pack with five “washable blue” ink cartridges.

Now I have a wide assortment of fountain pens in my desk, around the house, and elsewhere. Some are cheap Chinese knock-offs, some are older American-made Esterbrooks, some are various German-made Lamy Safari pens, and the list goes on. I even have a couple of old Parker Duofolds in the traditional orangish red with black end caps from the 1920s. I hope to have those restored sometime.

I plan to celebrate Fountain Pen Day by deciding on which two or three fountain pens to take to this weekend’s MAG-20 class to be held in Charlotte. From what everyone who has taken either the MAG-40 or the MAG-20 classroom portion has told me, you will be writing as fast as you can.

If you are thinking of trying out a fountain pen, now is a good day to do it as many vendors are offering specials in honor of Fountain Pen Day. You can find a list of them here. I can personally vouch for Jet Pens and Goulet Pen Company as I’ve dealt with them in the past.

Tweet Of The Day

I found the following amusing though profoundly sad in its implications. At one time the FBI was a very respected institution. Lately it seems they are just another part of the politically-correct deep state who are more concerned with trapping Republicans for minor transgressions than in preventing honest to god, people are gonna die, terrorism.

Ruger Reintroduces The SP-101 In 9mm

The Ruger SP-101 in 9mm Luger (or Parabellum) had become something of a cult favorite with prices to match. Possible reasons for this may have been it was discontinued in 1998 with limited numbers on the market or because 9×19 ammo tends to be cheaper than either .38 Special or .357 Magnum ammo. It was originally available in both the 2.25″ and 3″ barrels and used moon clips to hold the non-rimmed ammo.

This week Ruger answered the prayers of those that wanted a SP-101 in 9mm but didn’t want to pay twice the price of a .38 or .357 Mag model. They have reintroduced the SP-101 in 9mm with a 2.25″ barrel.  MSRP on the reintroduced model is $719 but I’m sure the street price will be significantly lower. Checking gunbroker.com, I see them being sold for as low as $519 plus shipping.

SP-101 in 9mm 

Here are the specs on the reintroduced model:

  • GripsBlack Rubber, Black Synthetic
  • Front SightBlack Ramp
  • Barrel Length2.25″
  • MaterialStainless Steel

 

  • Capacity5
  • Rear SightIntegral
  • Twist1:16″ RH
  • FinishSatin Stainless

 

  • Overall Length7.20″
  • Weight25 oz.
  • Grooves5
  • CA ApprovedNo
  • MA Approved & CertifiedNo
  • Suggested Retail$719.00

I have a 3″ SP101 in .357 Magnum that I bought used a few years ago. With .38 Special wadcutters, it is the ideal gun to introduce new shooters to a center-fire handgun. The weight of the revolver makes it a very soft shooting handgun.

The new or reintroduced SP101 will definitely go on my “have to check it out” list.