New digs

It is with a tinge of regret, and a ton of excitment that I'm saying goodbye to this project of mine.  I just dont have time to maintain a blog by myself.  Also, I have changed, and Sigboy really doesnt exist anymore.
IN this vain, I started a prepper/gun blog over at outcastprepper.com Its a group blog, with 3ish regular writers currently.  It wont be all that different from this blog.  Maybe a bit less gun content, and we're trying to keep the content as fresh and original as possible.
God speed my friends, and I will see you at the new place.

Love at First Squeeze, S&W SSR

I cannot remember the last time I was smitten at the gun counter. Sure, we all go in and play on occasion, sometimes I might even drool a bit. Rare is it that I start doing math in my head about how I'm going to impulse buy a $1000 pistol. Caleb was talking about them a few weeks ago, and it didnt register at the time, but it does now! The details? A Smith and Wesson SSR, 6 shot 686 frame, brushed stainless, laminated round grips, smooth trigger, great curves, a solid frame. I could go on and on.

 

 What would I do with such a thing? I would shoot revolver division USPSA, carry it as a woods gun for defense against the lions and wolves and bears that call Eastern Washington home. Not to mention the fact that I get cool points for shooting a revolver. The only issue seems to be that it isnt cut for moon clips, but Matt G found the solution for me, TK Customs, can machine your cylinder for $100. A set of fiber optic, or night sights, a Bladetech holster, and it should be good to go.

I'm enamored, and this never ends well for me. Anybody want to buy a gently used Ruger Vaquero?

Weekend time waster, zombie style

I just wasted a half hour of my life! It's like the old choose your own adventure books, only with a lower graphics budget!

Owning the First 300, part 1 of many

We all have seen that guy, you know the one, the guy who you see in the gun store, holding a large heavy barreled rifle, talking about how he is going to go shoot 1000 yards.  This also applies on Internet forums, although there is a lot more BS, and considerably less money involved. This also applies to the classic, "What should I buy to shoot 1000 yards" or "What sub $100 scope for shooting long range" and my personal favorite "I have shot rifles since I was six, always from the bench, and always at 100 yards, so I can shoot 1000".

I have a better plan, one that can be used to better yourself, and help bring those Internet Commandos into the world of reality.  A simple reality that, shooting is hard, and takes practice to develop those skills.  Several months ago, Clint Smith wrote an article for GUNS magazine (I cant find it now, and I apologize), in the article he talks about people who show up, buy a precision rifle and expect to be able to shoot 1000 yards.  His advice, go learn how to hit everything out to 300 yards first.  His article resonated with me, and I spent some time pondering a new training regimen. One that I could refine for myself first, then pass on to my friends.

For simplicity's sake, we are going to do this with your standard 16" AR-15, with iron sights.  You can do this with any rifle, and any sight configuration.  I chose the AR because it's the most common rifle in the US, ammo availability, and most importantly, it's my three gun rifle (and I need the practice).

I am going to break down the shooting portion into three parts:
0-50 yards
50-200 yards
200-300 yards

Other topics will include:
Zero range
In flight ballistics
Rifle shooting basics
Shooting positions

First thing we need to do is establish a standard, saying that you want to hit a target out to 300 is great, but leaves much open for interpretation.  I can shoot at a barn from 300 yards away and say I met met my goal. In the spirit of that, all our targets will be something we are all intimately familiar with. We will be shooting at 8" paper plates.  This will be our standard, hit an 8" paper plate, with iron sights from 0-300 yards.

Now, everybody calm down, because I know what y'all are thinking.....Sigboy, anybody can hit a paper plate at 5 yards.  Well, your correct, so I will add smaller targets inside the paper plates to establish a higher standard, 1" dots for >25, 2" dots for 50, etc

Several resources have been to used to help design this.  Special credit has to be given to the late Jeff Cooper and his book, 'The Art of the Rifle', and is a must read for any aspiring rifleman.

Speaking of rifleman, next month there is an Appleseed match close to home.  I plan to attend, and hopefully get my rifleman tab. But that's another post or two.......

Hopefully, by the end of this series, we will all have a better understanding on how to "own the first 300".  It will make you (but mostly me) a better shooter, whether it be in USPSA multigun, 3-gun, hunting or even plinking with your buddies. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, feel free to use the comment section below.  Even if there is something you want to see me do, let me know and I will try and incorporate it.

Playing in the Rain

I peered out the window Saturday morning and adjusted the playlist on my Ipod.  The sky was a reflection of my mind.  Dark grey clouds swirled angrily contrasted with the piercing blue sky.  It couldnt decide what to do, nor could I.  I started my run as the sprinkles started.  I used to love running in the rain and snow,  but, since I officially hit my mid-thirties, my knees don’t agree anymore.  I ran a slow two miles as the rain gradually worsened, pondering what to do with my day.  There was a USPSA pistol match today with INAS, I hadnt shot in three months, maybe it was time to get back in the groove.  





That could wait, a man had to have priorities, and breakfast was on top of that list.  There had been a string of Good Eats reruns, and Alton Brown (who is a gun guy btw) had a pan fried steak recipie I needed to try.  Anyways...I’m rambling....short story, yes I had steak for breakfast, kicked myself in the butt and packed up for the match.



The rain had turned torrential at this point, I glanced at the truck thermometer and it read 38*, it was going to be a long, cold, wet day.

New Hunting Belt

Recently, I put together a new hunting belt(furture post), and I decided that I would shoot with it today.  I slapped some extra magazine pouches on it, holstered up the trusty Sig, and decided that I was just going to have fun today,  the weather is nasty, and there is no reason to be overly competitive.









The first few stages went by in a blur.  The targets were wet even under the plastic bags, the tape wasnt sticking, and my magazines decided they didnt want to drop free.  This meant that I had to strip every mag by hand, adding time, but we were just playing, right?





The rifle stage was the shot last, and proved to be the hardest.  The paper targets all called for head shots, but they were laying down so bad,  had about a 1”x4” target area to hit.  Needless to say, there was alot of people calling ‘Mikes’ name.









Needless to say, there was alot of lamentation and gnashing of teeth, the weather, the targets, and anything else that could be complained about.  However, those that shot that day will have a great memory and a story to tell for a long time to come.

Fun with headshots

Scores, I forgot scores!  I took second overall.

The Mis-Adventures of Sigboy

As you can see, the blog title has changed.  We will be staying at this URL for the moment.  I am entertaining thoughts of a dedicated page, it really just depends on if I can get used to the new Blogger interface.  There will be a bit of rebranding, and the site look will be changing this week.
We will still primarily be a shooting blog, we are going to have the same focus that we did before.  We will be adding more focus on training, prepping and physical fitness.
The new header will read:
For the well read individual who appreciates the finer things in life. 
Heavy on Guns, Knives, Outdoors, Freedom, Self Dependence and Prepping. 
Light on religion and politics
As for the title, well, if you dont get it, you're probably not in my target demographic.
Expect posts every Tuesday and Thursday, with a few more sprinkled in as the muse strikes me.

I Have Buried Better Men

I have buried better men than me. Many of you know that, while in the Army, I did a tour with 'The Old Guard'. Memorial Day weekend was not a holiday. We worked. All those flags in Arlington National Cemetery, who do you think put them there? We started Friday night when the cemetery closed, we are done when the last flag is placed. The ceremony is called 'Flags In' and was started in 1948.

Every flag is centered and placed one boot length from the headstone. A crisp salute is rendered for medal of honor winners, I personally saluted every headstone that showed them to be a combat veteran. This is repeated hundreds of times by thousands of soldiers. It is an honor that I am proud to have participated in.

I salute all of you that have served our great Country with dignity and honor. Those that are there, and those that have come home. To those brave souls who will never come home, perhaps some day I will join you in Valhalla.
Thank you all.

Resurrection or Rebirth?

I have been entertaining thoughts of blogging again for a while. The question then becomes whether or not to start a new blog or to continue with this one. The focus on the reincarnation isnt going to change much. Less focus on guns (just a little), more focus on the outdoors and prepping. Food storage, water storage, and of course my horrible gear habit that no amount of money can seem to cure. A bit of focus on the history of the Inland North West, possibly some SAR stuff if I can get on the team. If I was to start a new blog what would I name it? Sigboy is my moniker, and I cant really see changing that any more than I could change my real name. Even if Alan is right and its more of a sidekick then a superhero name.

Some off the cuff options:
Sigboys Big Adventure (no, reminds people of Pee-Wee Herman..can't do that)
The Mis-Adventures of Sigboy (Some would call them that.)
Sigboy Seeks The Grail (kind of like it)
Sigboy Searches for Solitude (not exactly an accurate description, unless you ask my wife)

Something to ponder. Please feel free to comment away and let me know what you think.

Sigboy Sneaky Sack

Okay, Okay, I know it's more of a bag than a sack, but it sounds better.

We all know that chest rigs are cool, but when can you wear them? No matter what happens you run the risk of looking like a mall ninja, and nobody wants that.
What can you do to keep the Grey man image, but still carry enough gear?

Just put it alll in a sneaky bag.
It consists of two zippered pockets and the external mag pouches.

External mag pouches-
1 pistol mag
Flashlight
2 AR mags

First Pouch-
Pistol (in maxped holster)
M6 light/laser combo

Rear Pouch-
TQ
Pressure dressing
4 123 batteries
Pistol mag
AR mag
small fixed blade knife

The bag is a Maxpedition Active Shooter Bag with Mag front


Currently I'm only using this as a car bag, with the pistol and everything in it except the rifle mags. It goes in and out of the house everyday, and it has not gathered any undo attention. It also is very handy to carry into hotel check in at the end of a long day driving. I've never had anybody look twice at it.

Do Blogs Have a Soul?

Thanks to SnarkyBytes, we have a new meme that reminds me I have a blog.

Wander Lust

The time has come again for me to give into my wanderlust. To pick up these wonderful Texas roots that I have planted and to travel to the Pacific North West. To trade Tornadoes for Volcanoes and Earthquakes (I've missed earthquakes). The decision was not an easy one to make, Mrs Sigboy actually pushed this one very hard. Her health should be better in the mountains (and contrary to popular opinion, I'd like to keep her alive at least a bit longer). But everything fell into place once I finally gave into it and allowed myself to follow that star that always seems to be pulling me anyways. The pull towards the next great adventure, to see and learn new things, to not live my life constrained by what society says you must do.

As you read this, the Sigboy caravan is heading north, enjoying a family vacation as we make our way to Spokane. Many stops are planned, Rushmore, Little Big Horn, maybe even an old gold mine or two. But the leaving of Texas will be bittersweet.


To all my Texas friends that I am leaving behind, know that you are the best group of people I have ever met in my travels. From liberals to conservatives, religious zealots to hippy's, door kickers to zombie hunters, from college students to the old and infirmed, you have all touched my life and made me a better man for it. Never have I lived in a place where I felt so welcome and appreciated. Never did I think that I would live in a place where mother's would come up to me and thank me for the influence that I have had on their son's life. Never have I felt more at home then I do here. Thank you for your hospitality and your open arms. Never have I felt like I truly contributed to society, and been blessed for it. Thank you for letting me be a Texan, at least for a little while.

My friends, until fate brings us together again. I leave you with the words of Tolkien, who captured this far more eloquently then I could.


"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king."
J.R.R. Tolkien

Lack of Practice

Last weekend, a few friends and I hosted the Second Annual Zombie Fry, a weekend event full of shooting drills and practical classes. I will post a larger AAR later, but for right now I want to talk about me.
I have not been shooting as much as I like, and as a result, my dryfire has fallen off as well. It was very evident this weekend that my skills had slipped. Sure, I had a great time, and even learned a few lessons. However, I was not happy with myself in any way.



Here is one of the stages we shot. Start at 7 yards, draw and engage 4 steel targets with two rounds each. Run 75 yards back to your rifle, and engage the same 4 targets again.

This stage is awesome, you are able to get your heart rate going with the run, and we intentionally did not paint the steel, this made them harder to pickup in the background.

But you notice that my pistol handling looks slow. When it came to the rifle, I didn't get it loaded and into service quick enough (granted you missed my sudden slide into my rifle after the run). All things that are easily remedied by practice and dry fire.

It's time to get back on the training. I have let myself go. Will you help me hold myself accountable?

The Man in The Arena

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

I Won!

Thanks to Riverwalker and his stealth survival blog for hosting his Stealth Survival Holiday Special! After entering myself in the comments about 50 hobillion times, I won!
The prize was a free Guardian Deluxe 2 Person Kit from Stealth Survival and 1800prepare.com!
I also get to do a quest post on his blog. I guess that means I'd better get writing!

Assange vs Obama

Now I know that this really isn't Obama. Why you ask? Obama is wearing a suit jacket in the Oval Office. We all know he doesnt do that!




Via Jeux

Hey! I Have a Blog!

At the dinner table today Sigboy Jr asked what song I would be if I could choose. I decided to turn it into a MeMe.

I give you The Highwayman, The Devils Right Hand

Mrs. Sigboy wanted in on the action as well.

Shhh! Be Wery Quiet, I'm hunting Wabbits.

Per the Firearm Blog, It looks like Wilson Combat has a new compensator and silencer out. It incorporates a Lock ring down on the comp, no more screwing silencers on and off. It looks very, very slick. The comp also looks like it will limit muzzle rise very well.

Right now I use a Micalek comp on my 16" AR, it is very noisy and I don't dare use it indoors in fear of going deaf. But outside, it works great, almost zero muzzle rise and very quick transitions.

I have been looking for something better, something that I would not be afraid to shoot indoors and that I can still use in competition. This just may do that. Now how do I sell the wife on the $1055 price tag and $200 excise tax?

But I can shoot awot of wabbits...

Girding Ourselves Tighter

Matt G has a post up about taking his daughter and her bestest friends out to Ft Worth for a special dinner tonight.

The Money quote:

I, of all people, recognize that the world is actually a safer place than we give it credit for being, and I don't much think about these things, until I get put in charge of Other People's Children.

But when I take a group of kids downtown on a Friday night, I gird myself a bit tighter.

It is not often that words as honest as these are spoken. I know that when parents entrust me with their children, whether it be boy scouts or my daughter's friends over for a visit, I know how important their safety is. I take it very seriously, and personally. I would much rather take a bullet and/or neutralize a threat to any child in my care then make a phone call to a parent when their child has been hurt.

"Hello, Mrs. Soccermom? This is SigBoy. I have some bad news. Your child was raped, murdered, or even worse while I was responsible for them." I could not live with the shame that would incur. I could not live with myself, at all.

No sir, not on my watch. I will gird myself tighter.

Single Issue Voters

I don't normally link other bloggers, but this is a convincing argument, and an example of a damn fine blog post.

Phil writes:

The unmistakable lesson here is that, to secure liberty and civil society, the first Americans had to become laser-focused on their right to possess firearms. But are we to believe that the same approach is somehow required today? In this year of burgeoning government, political corruption, and shrinking personal freedom, the answer is yes. As Charlton Heston explained in his speech to the National Press Club in 1997: “The right to keep and bear arms is the one right that allows rights to exist at all.”

Until Second Amendment rights gain full and irrevocable standing in 21st century American law, we remain in the lingering shadow of General Gage and his tyrannical strategy of public disarmament. In 1775, we quickly became a “one-issue organization” to preserve freedom. Today, the remarkable degeneration of our free society demands the same unique focus.

Go read the rest, it's worth your time.

Tempering A Broken Heart

Last week I had the pleasure of hosting a very good friend of mine that was visiting from Canada. Unfortunately he was suffering from a broken heart and had recently tried to lose himself in a bottle. Luckily, he bought my logic that the Texas heat would kill him if he decided to stay in said bottle and sobered up for his ten day visit. I tried the usual lines, it wasn't meant to be, she was a skanky whore anyways, you know, the usual. It seemed to work for the most part, occasional bouts of anger and severe emotion plagued him. Luckily he held it together and I like to think that I sent him home in a better place (a little recoil therapy never hurt anyone).

But I digress, I also spent the time remembering what it was like to be in my early twenties and prone to heartbreak. Tempered thru the lens of time and quenched by a loving wife, I only have two heartbreaks of note. One that I deserved, and one that I never should have involved myself with in the first place. They both are wounds that can still be opened, perhaps by my own weakness, or by the simple power of old vivid emotions. Luckily, they are nothing like they used to be. Time may not heal all wounds, but the pain does fade into obscurity, leaving behind only the value of the lessons learned. Wether it be the knowledge that you should immediatly dump a woman that drunkenly propositions your best friend, right in front of you. Or the fact that relationships are a two way street and involve mutual likes and dislikes. The neccesity of being equally yoked in a relationship (granted thus generally doesnt come until a few years into marriage).

Finally, the fact of the matter is that there is an eternal companion out there for everyone. This quest is often fraught with peril, the twists and turns can be daunting. Not to mention having to deal with bandits and the occasional harpy. There may or may not be dragons, and nobody knows how long the quest will take, or how many miles you will have to travel, but I promise that there is a princess and a castle at the end.


Descahin, I love you like a brother. I know that it will get better and soon this will all fade into a funny story. You don't have to believe me, you just have to trust me.