Friday, December 30, 2011

Air Pistol Practice Beeman P3


A little air pistol practice, and air rifle practice can make most shooters, better shooters.

All you need is 30 feet and a secure backstop, an air pistol/rifle pellet trap and the right equipment.

I am still using a Beeman P3 Pneumatic, single shot 17 Cal. air pistol.
It is very easy to use and very accurate.

Typical two hand unsupported groups for me group under one inch at 30 feet...and this is no Olympic style pistol....It is a reasonably priced air pistol....with a very light trigger...I estimate the trigger pull to be less than one pound.

It has a safety that must be disengaged manually each time the gun is cocked.

Cocking the gun requires some strength to close the pneumatic pump contained within the pistol's body.

I like pneumatic air guns because there are less moving parts, and you get consistent accuracy. It requires periodic minor maintenance, a little oil...and occasional cleaning.

The best part is that you can hone your shooting skills, stance, and trigger control, at low cost in the comfort of your own home.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Ruger Redhawk 44 Mag 4 Inch


What is powerful enough to handle a bear, yet small enough to pack in a back pack, and reliable enough to inspire confidence, and accurate enough to get the job done.

Well, I won't go overboard, but the Ruger Redhawk 44 magnum in 4 inch barrel, fits the bill precisely.

It is not light weight, but it is not a pain to carry, if you use a good holster.

It is weighty enough so that you can easily control it under recoil, and a Weaver stance helps, if you are doing multiple shots.

The Ruger trigger is about 2 lbs single action. Good for careful shots within 75 feet.

My experience with this model has impressed upon me the need to practice good trigger control.

As reflected in the picture....a two hand hold can do OK at 75 feet single action.

I have never tried this in the double action mode.

When hiking in the woods, in bear country, you really won't need to worry too much about what may be lurking beyond the next bush. But if something bad comes upon you, this gun will equal the odds.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Range Report - Ruger Vaquero 45 Colt


Cowboy shooting lovers, are real fans of the Ruger Vaquero. Mine is the 4 inch barrel version in 45 Colt. I use Trail Blaser powder, Laser Cast 250 gr bullets and after much experimentation, I filed down the front sight to be dead on at 25 yards with my pet reload....5.8 grains of trail blaser...using the Laser Cast Flat Nose hard cast 250 grain bullet. Trail Blaser powder meters well and fills most of the 45 Colt case which was designed around 1873 for black powder. I love the blue smoke it produces and the smell is OK...compared to other gun powder smoke.

The Ruger Vaquero is a fine, moderately priced domestically produced Cowboy gun. As my results shown on the picture reflect....using a two hand hold standing at 25 yards, most of my rounds are in the black. Very good results for a gun with a simple front post and receiver groove for taking aim.

If you ever wanted to know, in case you didn't know...a six gun...is single action only. You cock the hammer and gently touch the trigger. Around one pound of pressure or less on the trigger will cause the hammer to fall. There is no manual safety...but shooting these guns are pure fun.

The 45 Colt has very manageable recoil when using a two hand hold so with some patience and after doing some sight adjustments (filing the front sight down) you can be happy with the results, once you come up with a load that the gun likes.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Range Report SW 625 45 Auto


For those of you who have wondered how well the 45ACP can do out of a revolver, the SW 625 is the ideal platform to find out.

I have fired 45 ACP and 45 Auto Rim out of this gun, but I prefer to use the 45 Auto Rim...since I can dispense with using moon clips and more easily and naturally load the 45 Auto Rim into the cylinder.

The 45 Auto Rim is the same as the 45 ACP except for the fact that is has a rim to enable head spacing in the standard revolver cylinder.

This particular gun is the more upscale JM variant Jerry Miculek, renowned pistolero helped design this S&W, ...it carries a bead front sight, fully adjustable rear sight, wood grips, grooved trigger, 4 inch barrel and matte stainless steel throughout.

Using a two hand Weaver stance at 25 yards and firing 12 rounds into each bullseye target you can see that the results are very respectable....firing single action.

This is a quality firearm from S&W and is relatively expensive....but considering the value....in terms of reliability, quality, and accuracy...I think it is worth it.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Target Shooting on Public Land Safe for the Time Being

Well, political reality has reared its ugly head at the White House...as Interior Dept. announces that it won't proceed with regulations to reduce target shooters access to public land. Another minor victory for the Second Amendment, as Obama knows this is not the time to pick a fight with gun owners.

His fight will begin....if he gets elected...or so he is telling his anti-gun allies. Just wait until my second term.

The chances of a second term may seem slim at the moment, but that depends on how smart the GOP plays taking on a leadership message that resonates with independents.

Just wish I had easy access to wide open spaces that some of you have....would love to try 1000 yrd shots.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Sweedish Mauser Time


Range day using a 1918 Sweedish Mauser. They just don't make guns like they used to...Sweedish quality....brings great accuracy combined with the wonderful 6.5 Sweedish cartridge. Using Rem 130 grain bullets and IMR 4064 powder....37 grains....I get consistantly great results at 100 yards from a rest position.

If you can find one of these buy it. Around 7 years ago, I paid around $190.

Results below are with the stock open sights.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Carry Bill OK in the House

Well the ability to carry concealed in this country has taken a great forward step with the passage in the House of the legislation to require all states to recognize and accept within limits the carry permits issued by other states.

The Bill will go on to the Senate....some day....perhaps...and become part of the election campaign cycle. Likley...Obama ....will not support it....but....you never know....Dems...are against this liberalization...of a right that most of them feel is repugnant....that this the Second Amendment right to protect oneself with a firearm.

Given the elections...even the Dems in the Senate might go along....and if so....would Obama veto this?

You can read more here

Of course the anti-gunners just love this legislation....why it shows how crazy all those Republicans are....supporting.....such a conservative perspective.....over their better judgement....since this will act to impact "states rights"....States rights my ass.  These gun haters don't give a Sh"t about states rights or any rights except their right to your money....their right to control you....to promote their welfare state.

So...perhaps soon we who carry won't have to worry about being arrested when we cross the state line...doing what we do as law abiding citizens....trying to protect ourselves and our loved ones from harm.  And soon perhaps....criminals....terrorists....zombie socialists....and leftists will have to increase their fear of us....the average Joe.....who...just might give them a bad day.



Monday, November 14, 2011

hk usp 40 Compact

In the world of semi handguns HK stands out as having a uniform stellar reputation for quality and accuracy. Along with that goes price. The HK USP 40 Compact is almost twice the price of its closest rival the Glock 23.

For those who desire a German engineered and manufactured weapon that will stand out in the crowd...the answer may be yes.

I took an HK USP 40 Compact out for a test drive today at 25 yards, Standing two hand hold...using Remington UMC SW 40 180 grain bullets. I noted that this gun did extremely well with this round, as compared to stock Winchester 185 grain ammo.


The HK has features the Glock doesn't...Like a safety and a decocker. It is about the same size and weight...and overall, after shooting the Glock 23 for many years I would have to say that the accuracy of the HK is superior to the Glock.

Is the difference worth the increased price?

That depends on your viewpoint. Both are very reliable. Both are accurate enough for any defensive situation. The Glock is easy to maintain....and replacement parts are very available. The HK has a good market support network.

I would say, if you desire a very accurate defensive pistol that will deliver when you need it to...buy the HK....but you certainly can be happy with a Glock 23, SW M&P, Springfield XD40 etc.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Right to Carry in all States

House Republicans are preparing to take up legislation next week that would make it easier for people to carry a concealed weapon as they travel from state to state.

Well maybe soon we will see support in both the House and the Senate to get this enacted.

It is about time.

Only liberal Wuss Democrats from Chicago and NYC and San Francisco would object to this one.
And of course all those other anti gun folks who want the world to be what it is not....safe for them...where everyone loves everyone....Well...their Nirvana will never come.

Sadly, good people are murdered every day - by animals who have no soul.

Most of us understand good vs evil. Most of us are willing to defend our families and ourselves. Most of us trust ourselves to deal with life and death decisions if they come.

For those pure Wusses out there who fear others and themselves...well I pity you. You who don't trust anyone other than the Police to protect you. You who would deny me the chance to protect those I love.

Well...look in the mirror if your one of those types....then repeat after me.....I am a hapless, hapless Wuss. Every day I live in fear....and becuase I do....it is not right that others don't.

Now if that perspective is you...it is not too late. You can go to your local range...and get some lessons in using a firearm. You can learn how to be self reliant. You can learn to trust yourself.

Or you can remain as you are....a loser.

We who carry concealed....wish you the best....but don't look for me to protect you and yours. That is your responsibility, not mine, and not the state....while cops may try to help you....in the end you are responsible for your own well being and that of your family.

It just may turn out that when this legislation finally passes....you will be safer...because we are out there armed....and are mere presence.....is a deterrent....well sometimes.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Herman Cain's Nine Lives ?

As reported by this British blog it is somewhat surprising and even inspiring that the issue of alleged sexual harassment has not sunk Cain.

So, liberals, leftists, and all their Obama friends are getting slightly nervous. They of course will completely freak out if Cain is successful and lands on the GOP ticket (as Presidential or VP nominee).

It is very appealing seeing a genuine person running for President. Who was the last 'real people candidate'....Harry Truman?

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Ruger 10/22 Rebuild


Here is a short report on my Ruger 10/22 rebuild.

This gun was stock until recently...purchased for me when I was 16 years old.

Added the stock, Adams and Bennett barrel, new extractor spring, new hammer spring.
The trigger is about 3 lbs...the sear was honed decades ago and not touched since.


I have been experimenting with Wolf Target ammo. So far the results are very good...except for a tendency for misfires. Not sure if this is just the lot I bought...and this seems to be only a problems on this gun...not a problem with my CZ 453...so I think the new Ruger firing pin I put in is just a tad short of what I need for consistent ignition for this Wolf ammo.

At 50 yds I am happy with these results with a number of 5 shot groups under half an inch.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Herman Cain on Trial

The following is a comment I submitted to Politico today. They have not always allowed my comments to be posted...seems I touch a raw nerve with them every now and then.

Here is the post.

It is not unfair to raise reasonable questions regarding the personal conduct of someone who wants to be the President of the USA.

But, what we have here is an allegation and a private resolution and no proof that anything happened.

So...Politico took a political biased cheap shot in airing part of a story and not first finding out if the allegations were ever substantiated.

The mere fact that females are paid off....does not mean anything.

I once worked for the US Gov't. We paid an employee $50,000 in taxpayer money to retire early and drop allegations of sexual bias. The allegations were unfounded. But lawyers decided defending the manager involved would cost more than just paying this malcontent loser to go away.

Shamefully, this is what passes for the way we do business in this country.

We waste public and private money because there is no negative consequence to making a false accusation.

So...until it is proved that Cain did something wrong....real journalism would warrant objective reporting ...and it looks like Politico is just what it appears to be...a left leaning political rag...that would rather score cheap points with the left...than do serious journalism.

Where was Politico when reports of Obama consorting with former terrorists arose. How about Obama's reported indulging in cocaine.

How about his relationship with an American hating preacher for 20 years?

Well Politico...you are on trial too.

You will be held to a new standard of journalism...by the rest of us who are tired of liberals being allowed to get away with anything as far as the media is concerned.

Let see you hold Obama and his friends to the same journalistic standards you employ with Conservatives. I won't hold my breath.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Range Report - CZ 453


Had a chance to go to the range with the CZ 453 Varmint again today. Temp was around 50 degrees, wind gusts of 3-5 mph. Results using Wolf target 22lr at 50 yards were good. The set trigger was pretty solid after the adjustments I made...and the regular trigger pull was reduced to about 3 lbs.

I shot 100 rounds using the set trigger about half the time. Notice still that a few times the set trigger would not let off....seems like applying any slight pressure before the squeeze causes the set trigger to not engage. After some experience with the set trigger....I would generally favor just using the regular trigger with its now reduced pull weight.

The best five shot group as per below was .41 of an inch. The next best group was .5 inch. This is after shooting around 20 five shot groups from a bench rest position.

Note bad for a slightly windy day.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Big O Continues to Be At Odds with Himself

Politico reports today how Obama keeps looking to show he supports Wall St...while still bashing them at every turn....and they wonder why?

Here is why.

This is not just ineptness. This is what happens when the true core of Democratic and leftist ideology has to live within an administration that has some elements within it...that strives for political realism.

In the end the head (Obama's) rules the body politic.....and a shallow ideologue can't help from sending disjointed messages.

Is he Bi Polar?....maybe.

Is he stupid....Well it would seem he is politically stupid in his current position.

Why wasn't this pattern in evidence before the election? ...well he was never tested in combat...being only a former community activist pandering to a passive, dependent audience.

So...what is the solution.

There seems to be none...for Obama can't become what he is not.

He is not a leader, he is not an administrator...he is just a former eloquent mouthpiece for a fictional America....a construct of ideology...purely fabricated to pull the wool of voters...which he did well.

Essentially, a false soul...going through life dishonestly at every turn.

Now...Politico is beginning to honestly report on the reality of this President.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Another Debate - More Clarity

From last nights debate performance, any voter who wants 'real change' in Washington - that is - to replace the current occupant of the White House,....would be happy with most of the GOP contenders....if was simply a choice of one of them vs Obama.

But, any intelligent voter....who wants a different and hopefully better President....has to consider....who best represents their values, goals, hopes and who can win.

So...far....it looks like Romney can stand solidly up against his competition. Sure he is no ideologue on pure conservative issues....but he his not appearing 'weak kneed' either.

The election will be won by winning the middle - the independents - and those disenchanted former Obama supporters....who are tired of following a Democratic 'lemming' strategy of diving over the cliff with more failed policies, and appeals to a more divided America.

Romney can unite the right and the center. Obama can only divide us.

The rest of the GOP hopefuls will help Romney gain skills and more recognition...as one who appears Presidential. The silly efforts to attack each other last night so orchestrated by CNN is not what voters want to see. But I can't blame CNN...they of course are not out to make GOP hopefuls look good....but yesterday...despite what some say.....it was Obama who got the worst of the debate. As we go forward in this process it will be more and more Obama painted by all GOP hopefuls as the only real goal that matters....and that is to stop the erosion of this economy and this American society under the current President - who clearly has no interest in doing anything that is best for all of us - if in doing so it reduces his chances for re-election.

Monday, October 17, 2011

CZ 453 Varmint

Recently, I picked up a CZ 453 Varmint.



It is a fine example of a high quality bolt action rim-fire.
This one is in 22lr with a heavy 20 inch barrel, set trigger, 5 rnd mag, walnut stock.
The bolt locks up securely almost like a center fire rifle. Twin extractors ensure positive ejection.

This model requires 11mm scope rings to attached to the integral scope base on the receiver. I put a Lueopold 9x variable on mine, and set off to the range with Wolf 22lr target ammo...shooting from a bench at 50 yards.

Results were great. Most 5 shot groups were under a half inch. Some four shot groups hit .30 -40 inch. The set trigger was acting a little quirky. I would set it by pushing forward....and then sometimes the trigger would engage and release the sear and sometimes it wouldn't. Shooting without the set trigger engaged was no surprise. No creep, with around 3-4 lb let off.

Per Rimfirecentral.com, on the CZ board seems like the set trigger can be an issue if the adjustments on the trigger are not just right. The trigger is fully adjustable....and I played with the pull a bit....and the set trigger adjustment. My next range test will see how well it improves the overall trigger and the set trigger.

You can buy one of these for around $500 if you shop around. It weighs around 6 lbs. It is more ideal for small game hunting than just target shooting. But it can do fine just on tin cans and paper targets if that is your preference. Wolf Target ammo has preformed well for me. But I really didn't try any other brand....but I am inclined to keep using Wolf when I am doing target shooting.

The Great Divider

So, Obama continues another bus tour...this time to paint all opposition as supporters of the 1 percent of Americans at the top of the economic ladder to the detriment of the rest of us. As if his policies have benefited the rest of us. He fails to tell, and the media fails to discuss...how he supported the bail out of Wall Street, Big Banks, Big Motors etc.

This Obama....prostitutes himself continuously...and will proceed to lower the office of the Presidency by playing divide and conquer.

Obama has no other weapons - the great divider - history will call him -

He promised so much...delivered so little....destroyed so effectively....and will leave a lasting legacy of distrust.

A man so small that few who witnessed the 2008 campaign would ever predict he would fall so low....and diminish the term leadership....to this extreme.

Sadly, too much of America supports this masochistic perspective - one that says....If I can't have the best that America offers...than those who do must be inherently evil, racist, malicious etc....but of course these deluded followers of the left, of socialism, of anti-capitalism....have nothing positive to offer. They would poison the well of a cohesive society....one where all boats could be lifted by prosperity...transforming the promise of hope and opportunity into a dark mantra that paints all opposition as without merit.

Thank you Mr. President - your place in history is now well assured.