Russians Fighting Propaganda Cold War

I caught this artcle on The Wall Street Journal today. Seem that once again our 'Eastern Comrades' are professing doom and gloom yet again.
MOSCOW -- For a decade, Russian academic Igor Panarin has been predicting the U.S. will fall apart in 2010. For most of that time, he admits, few took his argument -- that an economic and moral collapse will trigger a civil war and the eventual breakup of the U.S. -- very seriously.
Seems this former KGB spy, oops, I mean Professor, believes that the USA will crumble and be parted piece meal to the Countries that surround us. But lets be realistic. This man has no idea of the Socio-Geographic quagmire that is our country. Can anybody see Texas under Mexican rule? Doubtful. Here is the map:



I"m sorry, I can imagine horrible, self-induced, apocalyptic problems for our beloved country, but this shows very little understanding of what it means to be an American.

It's The Shooter, Not The Gun

Last Saturday I was at a practical pistol match in the Texas Panhandle, I was shooting my STI with my USPSA gear on. This match is kind of a hodgepodge of guns and gear. Some shoot to IDPA standards, some shoot to USPSA standards, there are some that come and shoot only to their own standards. All come and shoot to have fun.
One gentleman was complaining about being to slow with his revolver. As most know, I, am a giver. So, I graciously offered to trade gear with him. He refused, stating that it was his decision to be slow. I respect that, but it got me thinking? What is the time difference in the different pistol classes? My opinion? The answer is simple, reload time. All things being equal the only serious difference is the time it takes to reload.
Now, you may berate me all that you wish, but my USPSA classification percentages are within 2% of each other for all of my classified divisions. It's all about trigger time. It doesn't matter what your doing, as long as you are pulling a trigger. Yes, I know that a SIG is not a 1911, but I shoot both equally as well. Yes, my split times are slower with my SIG, but not by much. Yes that first round double action is a pain in the butt, try a steady pull and looking at the sights. My point is this, you shoot to your capability regardless of what you are shooting. If you have a firm grasp of the operating system you are not handicapping yourself as much as you think.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to my family and friends. Happy Holidays and seasons greetings to my loyal readers, all three of them (it's going up!). Here's wishing that this post finds you surrounded by good people and happiness. To our soldiers overseas, THANK YOU! You make the world a better place, fight the good fight, keep up the good work. To our law enforcement officers and fireman, THANK YOU! You keep the world a better place, you have my respect and appreciation.
Finally, to all of you, no matter where you may be, I hope that Santa brings you what you asked for!
Merry Christmas

Police say that you are quilty

According to CNN, police searched Plaxico Burress's home and seized all the firearms that they could find, because "He might not have permits for them." I find this highly ironic. Maybe he bought them at a gun show? Don't misunderstand me, the guys an idiot, he broke the law. Most importantly he seems to have no understanding of the four rules. Nor does he seem to comprehend the concept of weapon retention.
I applaud the fact that the legal system seems to be treating him like a normal person. However, unless the warrant stated it, they had no reason to seize the other weapons as evidence. Obviously the rifle was not the weapon that he shot himself with. Another odd fact was the fact that his attorney seems to have just let it happen.
Any evidence that the police are searching for needs to be listed on the warrant, and even if the weapons were possesed illegally the DA would have a hard time added charges for what quite possibly was an illegal source. Bloomberg reports that cell phones were also seized, this is plossible as they could have been used in the commision of the crime.
Maybe I'm stepping to far out on this one but think about it. If you are involved in a shooting, does that give the police the right to seize all of your weapons? As evidence? Just food for thought.

Question of the day

I have a question, at what point in medical school do they install doctors with a attitude problem? When do they tell them if they can't fix the problem in six minutes, they can just send them to somebody else? When are they instilled with the god given right to order tests with no regard to the cost, and then wait for weeks to read the results? What gives them the right to say, "Don't worry, we just haven't found the right medication for you yet." I can translate that for you, come back if that doesn't work and I can charge you again.
What ever happened to the doctors you see on TV? The ones who care about solving a problem and are willing to do whatever it takes? Do they exist in real life? I am honestly losing confidence in the medical community.

Master List

I have decided to create my own master list, or wish list as some may call it. Things will move around as my needs and desires may change on a frequent basis.

1. Ruger Vaquero in 357Mag I already have one and it needs a friend

2. Marlin lever action carbine in 357 Mag Cowboy shooting may be in my future

3. Kel Tec Sub 2000 in 40 S & W, that takes SIG magazines

4. Cheap bolt action rifle in 7mm-08. One that I can throw down a cliff and not worry about scratching the stock. Maybe a Marlin or a Mossberg. I have plenty of nice guns, I need a crappy one.

5. 20 gauge auto shotgun because the kids grow up awful fast

6. National Match M1a No explanation needed, everybody needs one.

7.FN SPR rifle in 308





8.FNSCAR-heavy. I'm probably dreaming on this one




9. STI tactical, 5" with light rail in 40

You are welcome here

Something I've noticed at alot of churches around Amarillo:

Who needs a shorty shotty?

I have always laughed at people who said that they want a short barreled shotgun. I have asked what can you do with 10" that you can't do with 18?

Funny how now I'm starting to appreciate it. What do you think? New car gun? Maybe I can wear it under my coat when I take the kids trick or treating. In all honestly this is more for the cool factor than anything else. I'd be one of the cool kids. Maybe after that I can get a 10" AR and use that as a car gun.

Zombie Apocalypse

So I have found another delightful MeME:
88%

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Dating Sites

p.s. A word to the wise, if you want a high percentage, leave your family behind.

It's a Gunny Christmas, Ahab

Call me Ahab has a challenge for all of us. Name five grown up items on our Christmas list. Here we go:
1. A good high quality progressive press. I'm not greedy I only need it for 40 S&W
2.For SigArms to make a carbine in 40 S&W that takes Sig 226 mags
3.Semi-Auto rifle in 357Max
4.The rest of the stuff I need for SASS. Everybody want to play cowboy! Right?
5.Good health to all those that I care about.
That is my list. Notice most of the gun things I want don't exist? Yeah, it's a rough life.

Line in the Sand

Recently Breda met an interesting gentleman in a bar, and handled it quite well. Unfortunately, the comments on her post have been exploding.
I left this one:
I had decided when I originally read this post that Breda was in the right and it did not need to be commented on.
However, this does. "Pride goeth before the fall." Am I willing to lose my job, friends and be criminally charged if I happen to defend myself?
ABSOLUTELY! Again, and again, with my dying breath (oops, I mentioned death, please don't verbally berate me). When you strip away all the labels that modern society places upon you, what is left? Your pride, your honor, your personal freedom. These are things worth defending. Draw your line in the sand, as Breda did, and defend it.
This goes back to the argument of where is your line? Also, what are you going to do to defend it? Breda has proved that she will not be pushed around by fancy dressed, pushy assholes. That is where her line is, she was polite and courteous, but she did not allow her line to be crossed.
My pride, or honor, or whatever you want to call it means more than anything. It is worth defending. It's more of doing the right thing, whether it be taking care of your family or defending your personal bubble. If I get fired for doing the right thing, so be it. I was looking for a job when I found this one. If my friends choose not to associate with me, perhaps they weren't true friends. If I have to stand up in court and defend my actions, so be it. I will do so with my head held high and my shoulders square.
I am a sheepdog, I am a warrior, I will fight for a noble cause. I will fight to
defend my family and my honor. I do not suffer fools for long. If you think that just wallking away will solve every problem. That a person intent on doing you harm will just leave you alone. Than you are a fool. A fool that will eventually be a victim.

Help! Who owns my first directing attempt?

First, a little background. My very good friend at SD Outdoorsposted a video of me, at my
house, in my backyard, with my target stands, my smoke bombs, my burn barrel, my fire, my gun, my ammo....get the picture? He ran the camera, did the editing, and posted it on his website(this was months before my blogging debut).
Here is the offending video
So my question to both my loyal readers is this: Who owns the rights to the video? Please leave your comments below.

Condor approved 22lr

Today I read an article at The Firearm Blog about lead free 22lr ammo.
I occasionally hunt in California, I also occasionally hunt in what California calls the 'condor range'. This is an area where only non-toxic ammo is allowed to be used. It is a felony to have lead ammo in your possession and your ammo may be seized by the California Dept of Fish and Game for testing. The reason for this ban is due to the fact that a condor 'may' have died from lead poisoning after ingesting lead fragments from the carcasses of dead animals. I don't personally agree with this assessment, but hey, what do you expect? It's California. Enough lecturing, on with the story.

The area where I hunt is overpopulated by ground squirrels. We hunt in the morning and shoot squirrels all day. It's great fun, some of my best childhood memories involve shooting these pesky creatures. We use 22's, and alot of ammo. I mean alot, 200 rounds a day is not uncommon. Believe me, when you are trying to shoot a hamster sized creature at 300 yards with a rimfire rifle, you don't exactly make every shot.
I was planning on pig hunting there last year and knowing that I would not be able to take my 22lr, I was distraught. Whats a boy to do? I know, go buy a new rifle! Always a great idea. So, I did. I bought a Marlin 22 Mag and some 'green' ammo.
Much to my dismay, I did not make it. Now I have a rifle that is redundant due to the lead free 22lr ammo that is soon to be available.
I don't agree with the lead free ammo deal being able to save Mother Nature from a bad case of lead poisoning. I am happy though that manufacturers are willing to spend the time and money researching things that will keep the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia happy.

Steam Punk: It Sme It Sme

Your result for The Steampunk Style Test...

The Explorer

21% Elegant, 31% Technological, 47% Historical, 68% Adventurous and 29% Playful!

You are the Explorer, the embodiment of steampunk’s adventuring spirit. For you, clothing should be rugged and reliable, and just as functional as it is attractive. You probably prefer khaki or leather, and your accessories are as likely to include weapons as technological gizmos. You probably wear boots and gloves, and maybe a pith helmet. Most of what you wear is functional, and if you happen to wear goggles people had better believe that you use them. In addition to Victorian exploration gear, your outfit probably includes little knickknacks from your various travels. Above all, you are a charming blend of rugged Victorian daring and exotic curiosity.

Try our other Steampunk test here.

Take The Steampunk Style Test at HelloQuizzy

I didn't think that I was going to like this MeMe. But I like the outcome, I feel that it suits me. As some of you know I have always had a bad case of the wanderlust.

Situational Awareness

Tonight on Gun Nuts Radio, Call me Ahab will be talking about the combat mindset.

I have done posts before about such matters, however, today I am going to share a story about situational awareness.


Let me start out by saying that I carry a firearm with the old adage in mind, 'It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.' I honestly hope that I never, ever have to use it. But I will use it if I have too.


Many moons ago, I had heard of a spat of robberies and muggings in one section of town. I filed the information into my brain and it disappeared into parts unknown. One Sunday afternoon the wife, kids and I went to McDonalds for lunch. We came out of the restaurant(yes, I know, I use the term loosely), I opened the back door for my daughter, opened my door, got in and started the truck. My wife was putting our son in the back seat when a small, brown imported car pulled sideways into the parking spot ahead of us. My radar was on high alert, we were in condition orange and it could turn red in an instant. The male in the passenger seat got out of his vehicle and was walking straight towards my door. I examined my options in a nanosecond. I could not back up, the rear passenger door was open and my wife was standing in it. I could pull forward and push their car out of the way, tempting but the risk to my children was high. I decided to go with the third option. I pulled my pistol and placed it on the seat, I opened my door, stepped out of the vehicle and made eye contact with the man approaching me. He could not see it, but my hand was on my pistol. My body language and eye contact conveyed my point. The point that I was not one to be trifled with. I don't know what went through his mind, but I saw the decision making process in his eyes. When he reached the front of my truck, he immediately made a 90 degree turn and briskly walked away.


I cannot prove that the man in this lesson wanted to do me and mine harm, but I know that he did. What would my next step have been? No, I wasn't going to shoot him outright. That was three steps further down the line. If he had gone two more steps I would have give forceful verbal commands for him to leave my area, than I would have brandished. As for the driver of that vehicle? He was standing beside his door watching all this go down.


Remember the crime problem I mentioned at the beginning of this post? I was in the middle of where it had been happening. Always be aware of where you are at and the things that are going on around you. Look people in the eye and project confidence. The best fight to win is the one that you don't have to get in.

Survivorman is a 'Fudd'

My good friend at SD outdoors recently did a post about how he now carries more gear in the field with him( I take only partial responsibility). His post also covers how surviorman went into the field unprepared and has tarnished the reputation of hunters everywhere.

I think this is a slight exaggeration, however I do know hunters that are not prepared when they head to the hills.

I firmly believe that if you are going more than 23 1/2 feet from your truck, you need to be ready to spend the night out under the stars. No, you do not need a 50 pound backpack with a sleeping bag and a tent.

This is a glimpse of what I carry in my day pack when I elk hunt in the Rocky mountains. This is not my hunting gear, this is my 'just in case' gear. It includes:

Poncho-used to repel the elements or to make a shelter.

5/16 Heavy duty rope(25 ft)

50 ft of 550 parachute cord

Charmin To Go-for when you gotta go.

Sewing Kit

Small easily packable pistol-why carry one rifle when you can carry a rifle and a pistol.

Hunting mini kit-did I just link to myself? That's cheesy.

Canteen, Canteen cup and Cookstove-isn't it obvious?

Packable bone/wood saw-No, it's not to amputate your leg.

Tent stakes-used for tie downs or shelter.

Multitool-doesn't matter what kind, mine is a Gerber.

First aid kit-So you don't have to amputate your leg.

Snacks-VERY important, figure foods that give you 100 calories per ounce or more

Flashlight.

Main meal-This is for when you get stuck on top of the mountain, a hot meal can do wonders for morale.

Fuel Tablets-So that you can have that hot meal.

This is only a glimpse of my pack. Do not forget the fire making equipment, at least two different ways to make fire! Well thought out gear does not make you a mall ninja, yes your buddies may make fun of you, but be strong, you can take it. Having all this gear doesn't do you a bit of good if you don't know how to us it. Practice with it, use it in and out of the field.

Don't forget a knife, I consider mine, and I carry two sturdy fixed blade knives to be part of my hunting gear. Remember, they are as important as your rifle.

Finally, don't forget your brain. This is the most important tool of all.

Proper Use of Nail Polish

Recently I have noticed a spat of nail polish use among the gun bloggers. Not being one to be left behind I have decided to contribute what I consider to be the 'proper' use of nail polish.

Note that I typically use colors that I won't allow my seven year old daughter to wear.

The uses that I have presented for you today is:

1. Numbering your magazines.

2.Marking bullets to denote ammo type.

3.Sealing primers to waterproof ammo.

Also observe that you do not need the expensive nail polish. Also, color is a personal preference thing.

My line in the sand

Sebastian had a blog post yesterday about some people discussing civil unrest if there was to be another assault weapons ban. I left this comment on his forum and wanted to expand upon it:

These are perilous times, yes, but I believe that this is all saber rattling from all sides involved. Do we need to prepare for a fight to defend our Constitutional rights? Absolutely. Do we have to exhaust every avenue available to us before we even consider violence? Absolutely. Imagine the news if the pro 2A people took to the streets and marched in their mall ninja tactical gear and tricked out AR's and SKS's. It would be a PR disaster. We should behave like civilized human beings and use the system that our forefathers left for us.

I'm not saying that it is wrong to have a line in the sand. I have mine, I'm pretty sure that I know where it is. I prepare for the worst possible outcome and hope for the best one. However, hope is not enough. Action has to be taken in order to affect the result. You cannot just sit there and expect your desired result by doing nothing or issuing veiled threats.
Over two hundred years ago many smart men came together and after much discussion, agreed on how this civilized country was going to be run. They put safeguards in place to prevent the immediate removal or violation of our rights. We should fully explore all options available to us. It's not truly about guns, it's about the constitution and all that it stands for.

My 100

Or: 100 things that somebody else thinks that I should do before I die


Thanks to Breda for passing along this MeMe

1.Started your own blog. I'm not sure how good it is, but it's here.
2.Slept under the stars. Many times, medicine for the soul. However, watch for werewolves.
3.Played in a band.
4.Visited Hawaii.
5.Watched a meteor shower. See #2.
6.Given more money than you can afford to charity.
7.Been to Disneyland.
8.Climbed a mountain.
9.Held a Praying Mantis.
10.Sang a solo. I'm counting Karaoke.
11.Bungee Jumped.
12.Visited Paris.
13.Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14.Taught yourself an art from scratch. Fly tying.
15.Adopted a child.
16.Had food poisoning.
17.Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18.Grown your own vegtables.
19.Seen the Mona Lisa.
20.Slept on an overnight train. I really, really need to do this one. Maybe when the kids are older.
21.Had a pillowfight.
22.Hitch hiked.
23.Taken a sick day when you're not ill.
24.Built a snow fort.
25.Held a lamb.
26.Gone skinny dippping. Not that I recall......If you have proof, I don't want to see it.
27. Run a marathon.
28.Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29.Seen a total eclipse.
30.Watched a sunrise or a sunset.
31.Hit a home run.
32.Been on a cruise.
33.Seen Niagra Falls in person.
34.Visited the birthplace of your ancesters.
35.Seen an Amish community.
36.Taught yourself a new language.
37.Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38.Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.
39.Gone rock climbing.
40.Seen Michelango's David.
41.Sung Karaoke. It's your stage presence, not your singing quality.
42.Seen Old Faithful Geyser erupt.
43.Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44.Visited Africa.
45.Walked on the beach by moonlight.
46.Been transported in an ambulance.
47.Had your portrait painted.
48.Gone deep sea fishing.
49.Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.
50.Been to the top of the Eifel Tower in Paris.
51.Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52.Kissed in the rain.
53.Played in the mud.
54.Gone to a drive in theater.
55.Been in a movie. File footage count? People get mad when I yell, "Pause it, Pause it!"
56.Visited the Great Wall of China.
57.Started a business. Kinda.
58.Taken a martial arts class.
59.Visited Russia.
60.Served at a soup kitchen.
61.Sold Girl Scout Cookies. Um, hello? I"m an outie not an inie.
62.Gone whale watching.
63.Got flowers for no reason.
64.Donated blood, platets or plasma.
65.Gone sky diving.
66.Visited a Nazi concentration camp.
67.Bounced a check.
68.Flown in a helicopter.
69.Saved a favorite childhood toy. Leo the Lion, he made til I was twenty.
70.Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71.Eaten Caviar.
72.Pieced a Quilt.
73.Stood in Times Square.
74.Toured the Everglades.
75.Been fired from a job.
76.Seen the changing of the guards in London.
77.Broken a bone. My index finger.
78.Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79.Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80.Published a book. I"m working on it. It's all in my head, I swear.
81.Visited the Vatican.
82.Bought a brand new car.
83.Walked in Jerusalem.
84.Had your picture in the newspaper.
85.Read the entire Bible.
86.Visited the White House.
87.Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88.Had Chickenpox.
89.Saved someones life. Nothing is more noble, just ask him.
90.Sat on a jury.
91.Met someone famous.
92.Joined a book club.
93.Lost a loved one. I miss that dog.
94.Had a baby.
95.Seen the Alamo in person.
96.Swam in the Great Salt Lake.
97.Been involved in a lawsuit.
98.Owned a cell phone.
99.Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.

Of Sheep and Wolves....

Last night I had an interesting discussion with a gentleman that felt that the 'Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs' analogy was not accurate and that it's use should be discouraged. He had some compelling points about how the sheepdog was a narrow role that truly is not represented in society. I pondered this overnight and have to disagree.
Quoting Dave Grossman:"Then there are sheepdogs," he went on, "and I'm a sheepdog. I live to protect the flock and confront the wolf." A sheepdogs job is to confront the wolf. That is true for the human sheepdog as well. I have heard many people say, "I'm not a sheepdog, I will only protect my family." I say that they are sheepdogs too, if only for one simple reason, you choose the size of your flock. It doesn't matter that you are unwilling to risk your own health to protect a stranger. If you have the capacity to cause another person bodily harm, and will do so in the defense of your 'flock'(family, friends, co-workers, domestic partner, or even the entire mall on black Friday), you are a sheepdog.
Nobody is asking you to be John McClain, you don't have to be willing to hunt down and kill evil doers for the greater good of society. Simply be willing to protect your flock.
When I was going thru a prominent law enforcement academy, we were reminded that when off-duty it was better to be a good witness than a hero. This ties in with the law enforcement in India not hunting down the terrorists. Law enforcement is trained primarily to investigate crimes, and only rarely do they have the opportunity to stop them in progress. It's the old 'establish a perimeter and wait for the big boys'. Sometimes you have to man-up and be a big boy. Sometimes you have to be a sheepdog and protect your flock. Sometimes you have to look at the greater good of society and expand your flock.

Awesome Stage

Normally, I would try and keep my ego in check, but, just this once I don't think that I will. 4 targets, 16 steel, 24 rounds 7.76 seconds. I know, I know, this is not a huge accomplishment except for I was shooting against the USPSA Limited C champion. His time? 7.75 seconds.

I know that I had some doubles on the steel, but I never claimed to be a master class shooter. Another thing that I noticed was how small the STI appears in my hands. That's a full 5" gun!

This match is held in a gentleman's converted, over sized garage.

He sets up 4 to 6 stages once a month. The rules are a combination of USPSA and IDPA, there is no equipment rules. There is a premium placed upon accuracy, you cannot shoot C's and expect to win. My overall standing out of 26 shooters? Third.

Finally, a good picture is as good as a good shot(unless you are a photographer in India). Please note the brass, the flash and the bullet in the air!

Stay safe, shoot fast, shoot true, but most importantly: 'Aim small, miss small'