POTD: Watch Your Hands When You Unload And Show Clear
Posted by guffaw1952 ⋅ April 12, 2017 ⋅ 6 Comments
(from TFB)
A shooter was unloading his handgun when this happened. From what Scott relayed to me, was that the shooter cups the ejection port to catch the round to save time from picking it up off the floor. Now to clarify, this was not a malfunction. It was not a FTF and the primer was never struck. What happened was that during the unloading process the shooter's hand covers the ejection port. The round most likely ejected into the hand but since the hand was so close to the ejection port it got caught between the slide and barrel.
Take a look at the picture below. You can see the primer lacks any hammer mark. However there is a clear crease from the edge of the slide cutting into the headstamp of the casing. If you look at the photo at the very top, you can see the bullet has a vertical line cut into it as well.
By cupping the round as it ejected out and it getting caught on the slide as the slide tried to close, the round went off in the shooter's hand.
Here is what Scott relayed to me:
The following is a story relayed to me. I do not have first hand knowledge of this, but I do trust the source.
The pictures are of a recovered case and projectile after a shooter attempted to eject a live round during an unloading evolution. The shooter covered the ejection port with his hand and attempted to capture the live round rather than letting it eject freely from the ejection port. The round was trapped, under pressure of the recoil spring, in-between the edge of the ejection port along the edge of the breach face and the front of the ejection port on the right side of the slide.
There is a noticeable linear denting on the nose of the projectile and an obvious strike point on the rear of the case and the primer. The projectile could not escape and the resulting effect was for the case to burst. The pressure from the burning propellent was absorbed by the shooter's hand. He will not be able to make this mistake again.
It is a sobering lesson for many shooters. No one ever really believes that this could happen to them.
I have seen some people use this technique in USPSA. I have seen people eject the round and catch it in the air as well. Be careful and pay attention. The scenario above could be considered a sheer accident. However if the shooter did not use that ejection method then there is less likely of a chance such an event would have occurred.
h/t Scott B.
I have used this technique on occasion. Usually not (thankfully). When it comes to safety, I think being safe is preferable to looking cool.
Interestingly, there is no picture of the shooter's hand…
When Did THIS Become The Norm?
Posted by guffaw1952 ⋅ March 31, 2017 ⋅ 9 Comments
I don't drive much, anymore. Between having a beater car (when my roomie's car isn't available – thanks J.!), the cost of maintenance (which I can't afford) and gas, and the whack-jobs on the road…
Speaking of whack-jobs! (See above)
I understand you don't want to climb into the back seat of the car in front of you, both for safety reasons and just general courtesy.
BUT IT SEEMS 6 OUT OF 10 CARS KEEP A DISTANCE AT A STOP LIGHT OF GREATER THAN ONE CAR LENGTH! SOMETIMES MORE THAN TWO!!
Have so many been rear-ended they are paranoid?
It's just an annoyance if there are only two cars stopped at an intersection. But if there are 12 cars in three lanes, and 60% of them are 'keeping their distance' of more than a car length, it causes back-ups! Sometimes back to the previous stop light!
And I've NEVER seen anyone getting a citation for being stopped too far back – if there even is such a thing?
Personally, I keep a safe distance, usually enough to see the license plate in front of me. A reasonable distance.
This phenomena seems to have developed over the past ten years.
What happened to cause this?
Bueller? Bueller?
How The Bad Guys Get Guns
Over 100 Ruger Pistols Stolen From Chicago Train Yard
It appears that over 100 Ruger pistols were stolen from a Chicago train yard by gangs in a one-time heist. Apparently, this is becoming a large problem in a city that prides itself on its strict gun control measures with over 150 firearms reported stolen from Chicago train yards since 2013. City leadership seems rather clueless about the root cause of the problem, one alderwomen was quoted as saying "How in the world are these kids getting these guns? I see them on Facebook. Everybody got guns. They can't go purchase a gun, so where are they getting them from?"
It appears that train cars containing firearms are being specifically targeted somehow and is being looked into by the Chicago Police Department. The only way a firearm can be shipped by rail is through the United States Postal Service, most likely by Federal Firearms License holders due to shipping regulations.
You can read more about the theft over at the Fox News website where they covered it in much greater detail (with a political slant as you might imagine.) Even though the story smacks of political overtones, it is interesting to see what happens when a larger problem goes unnoticed while blaming the tool for actions.
Obviously, 'they' are ignoring the fact that they are purchasing guns through FFL-licensed dealers (after they obtain their Illinois FOIA card), and that the only way to curtail these purchases is further, more intrusive background checks!/(snark)MAROONS!
Hooray For Socialism!
(joke, or sarcasm, depending on your mood)
(from my friend Joel @ TUAK)
And the sign over the bread line read, "Honk if you love Socialism…"
…but there were no cars, because there was no fuel.
Venezuela has a bread shortage. The government has decided bakers are the problem.
In a press release, the National Superintendent for the Defense of Socioeconomic Rights[*] said it had charged four people and temporarily seized two bakeries as the socialist administration accused bakers of being part of a broad "economic war" aimed at destabilizing the country.
Yup. The honchos in the Venezuelan government were embarrassed by bread lines. So, in a brilliant example of historical illiteracy – dovetailing nice with their economic illiteracy – they arrested a bunch of bakers.
Yeah. We need more government controls here.
Also I'm reminded I need to buy more flour when I'm in the big town next week…
*Dig this: The National Superintendent for the Defense of Socioeconomic Rights is apparently responsible for arresting people who get caught exercising what, in a sane society, would be their socioeconomic rights. Must be socialism.
AH! Government at it's best! I would have said 'at HER best', but that would be insulting all femininity.
Christensen's Law
(courtesy of Dave the Genius Mechanic)
I loathe Chase Bank. Actually, I loathe ALL BANKS! Remember Christensen's Law – Banks are NOT in business to serve you. They are in business to make money. (See also the insurance company corollary).
I am SO HAPPY I am not a Chase Bank customer. Examples:
Getting in-and-out of vehicles is a painful proposition for me. But their drive thrus are not at a good angle for me to access. So, I must go inside to the foyer ATM. (Why am I going there, if I am not a customer? My roommate is, and it's just simpler for me to visit my Credit Union, obtain cash, and go to her bank to make a deposit into her account. She doesn't want a check.) Half the time when I do this, the indoor ATM is out-of-service. They suggest the drive thru – which is difficult for me to access. I went up to the inside counter and was told as I was not a customer, I could not make a deposit – WITH CASH! X-(
Another time the indoor ATM was out-of-service. I asked if they could take my deposit (a postal money order) inside. I was told they could – If I were on the account! Otherwise NO – try the drive-thru ATM! X-(
I went the other day to make the foyer ATM deposit. It worked swimmingly! It even took all the cash w/o rejecting any bills! (usually it rejects three or four) THEN, no receipt was issued, and the machine read OUT-OF-SERVICE! I went inside, and the one clerk said he would be just a minute – he was working the drive thru ATM transactions! Maybe five minutes later he got to me. I explained my predicament. The ATM had taken my money, issued no receipt, did not return the money, then went out-of-service! He referred me to a more senior teller, a woman. She listened to my tale of woe, and said she would get back to me. Then she left! At length, she returned, and told me the funds were in her account, and not to worry. But, she could not issue me a receipt, as I was not a customer! (Even though the ATM regularly does!) She offered me her business card, if my roomie had any questions! I responded something more needed to be done! OR I WAS CALLING THE POLICE TO REPORT A ROBBERY! Eventually, we agreed she could write on her business card the amount of the funds had been deposited – and sign it!
Poor customer service, rudeness, failure to accommodate a disabled person, I could to on…
They suggested my roomie add me to her account. That might solve some of the issues, but in no way do I wish to be affiliated with this particular banking institution!
NOW, as to my Credit Union! I almost closed my account there, after over twenty years, because they proudly announced a few years back they would gladly accept illegal aliens as customers! (Yeah, nothing like furthering criminal activity and money laundering for a profit!) GRRR!
Well, What NOW?
Posted by guffaw1952 ⋅ January 20, 2017 ⋅ 6 Comments
SOME of us got what we asked for.
Some didn't.
Originally, I was gong to post regarding the last administrations' 'accomplishments' – Benghazi, Fast & Furious, Uranium to the Russians, The Iranian bribe, continuing Gitmo, continuing massive unwarranted surveillance on American citizens, Executive Orders in excess, medical insurance taxes, golf games, ongoing wars, ad infinitum, ad nauseum.
Then, it occurred to me I would be going backward.
What about the future?
Will DJT lessen the intrusions, black sites, unwarranted searches, etc.
I kinda doubt it.
Will patriotism be increased? Perhaps? Prosperity? Maybe. Crony capitalism? Perhaps, or it might remain the same as under the last administration.
Will the progressives fight tooth-and nail to keep all the socialist agendas they fought for the past eight years?
Will Gun Rights improve? Maybe.
I'm taking a wait and see attitude – applauding those things with which I agree, and condemning those I don't.
Hopefully, there will be much more applause this term than the last two!
God Bless The United States of America!
Czech Gov't: Placing Weapons In The Hands Of Citizens Is Best Defense Against Terror
Berlin (CNSNews.com) – The Czech Republic has resisted calls by the European Union's executive Commission to tighten gun controls in response to terror attacks, forcing the E.C. to alter its proposals, allowing for the private ownership of semi-automatic weapons.
The Czech interior ministry now wants to loosen its own laws a step further, proposing a constitutional amendment on Monday that would allow its citizens to bear legally-held firearms against the perpetrators of terrorist attacks, such as those in Nice or Berlin, the Czech news agency ctk reported.
The government says that putting weapons into the hands of citizens is the best defense against terror.
The move comes despite the European Commission's ongoing advocacy for stricter gun control laws in Europe.
The Czech parliament blocked the E.C.'s earlier attempt to introduce tighter European gun laws, after the attack in Nice.
While the E.U. Firearms Directive and Czech laws already prohibited private ownership of fully automatic weapons, the commission's initial campaign aimed to further narrow the E.U. regulations to rule out semi-automatic and self-loading weapons – which make up about half of firearm ownership in the Czech Republic – and limit magazine sizes to ten rounds.
The Czech parliament rejected the proposal, arguing that such tougher gun laws would not be the solution as terror attackers only use illegally-held weapons. The government derided the E.C.'s plans as "legally ambiguous and in some cases excessive."
The E.C. was last month finally able to reach agreement by all member states, including the Czechs, after allowing exceptions for hunters and gun collectors and only banning a select few semi-automatic weapons.
"Mass shootings and terrorist attacks in Europe have highlighted the dangers posed by certain firearms circulating across the E.U.," it said in a statement, but also expressed regret at the concessions it had to make, such as not banning all semi-automatic weapons or limiting magazines to ten rounds.
Despite the E.U.'s concerns, the latest Czech proposal argues that armed citizens would be the best defense against terror attacks.
In a statement on Monday, Interior Minister Milan Chovanec said that amending the constitution would reduce the chances of attacks by enabling "active and rapid defense."
Citizens should be given the right to use firearms to defend their "life, health and property" and contribute to "ensuring the internal order, security and territorial integrity" of the country, he said.
As December's truck attack in Berlin demonstrated, security forces have not been able to guarantee the full prevention of attacks. In light of the threat, the Czech ministry argued that the proposed amendment would help to prevent the loss of lives by allowing civilians to contribute to "internal order and security."
The proposal is scheduled to be considered in March. To pass, it must be agreed upon by at least three-fifths of all deputies and three-fifths of all senators present.
The exact details of the interior ministry's proposal are still to be worked out, and for now simply indicates that it is subject to "terms and details prescribed by law."
However, it appears likely to expand the range of "genuine reasons" for possession of a firearm to include those of "national security" – and thus, theoretically, allow anyone to own a gun.
Gun ownership is currently legal in the Czech Republic. As per E.U. regulations, firearms are required to be registered, and Czech law also requires a license and a genuine reason to possess a firearm, such as for hunting or personal protection.
Gun holders are also required to pass a background check which considers factors such as mental health and criminal history.
Unlike gun ownership, there are no laws explicitly covering civilian use of a firearm in self-defense, nor in regards to terror attacks specifically. Such an incident would fall under general criminal provisions regarding self-defense, which may allow the use of a gun, but only in cases of absolute necessity (including the threat of "imminent" attack).
Self-defense case law in the Czech Republic has applied only to violent assaults such as rape and robberies, and not to terrorism. It is not clear yet how the constitutional amendment would, if at all, build on or deviate from this established law.
The country was shaken by a mass shooting in 2015, when 63-year-old Zdenk Ková fired on a group of 20 people, killing 8. Ková, had a gun holder's license despite a history of misdemeanors and concerns over his mental state.
The incident prompted calls for a re-examination of Czech gun laws, but they are still considered among the most lax in the E.U., partly due to the fact semi-automatic weapon possession is allowed.
According to data collated by Gunpolicy.org, a firearm injury prevention NGO, an estimated 7.6 percent of Czech's 10 million residents legally hold weapons, with 810,046 registered privately owned firearms in the country.
h/t Facebook
Perhaps the Czechs have a longer memory than most Europeans?. Nazis? Communists? Other forms of terror?
Of course, the French and most of the E.U. just doubled-down on restrictions for their citizenry subjects. Wanna bet the next European attack will be in another 'gun-free' zone?
Thus Spake Assange
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, in an exclusive interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity, said the Russian government was not the source of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton campaign that his organization released during the 2016 presidential race.
Despite the Obama administration's claims that Russia was behind cyber-intrusions meant to interfere with the U.S. election – and punitive measures taken against Moscow last week – Assange said nobody associated with the Russian government gave his group the files.
"We can say, we have said, repeatedly that over the last two months that our source is not the Russian government and it is not a state party," Assange told Fox News. The interview was conducted in London where Assange has been residing for four years at the Ecuadorian embassy, out of concern for possible extradition.
Why would he lie?
h/t Fox News
I remember (way back in the 1970s – when I got into gun stuff as an adult) fantasizing that I lived in a State that had concealed weapon permits! How cool would THAT have been? Being able to be armed – discreetly!
One of the reasons I wanted to become a cop was that very reason. It seemed sad that few States had permittage, and most of them were may issue. Usually meaning unless you were one of the special few (or perhaps funds changed hands) you either did nor carry concealed, or did not carry concealed legally!
Now, here we are in the new century, and the tide has turned. A significant number of States how have concealed weapon laws and some even passed Constitutional Carry – no permit needed!
Specifically, with the addition of Missouri, 11 States (22% of the 50!) no permit required!
41 States, and Guam(!) now have some provision for shall issue permits! (Wikipedia)
Of course, we still have States like California (and New York), with their difficult to get may issue permits, and checkerboard of convoluted and restrictive gun laws.
And with the ever-present nonsense by the Statists equating gun ownership with terrorism. (Hillary?)
BUT, things have definitely improved since the 1940's, and in spite of warnings to the contrary regarding every CCW (carry concealed weapon) and Constitutional Carry law being passed, there has been no blood in the streets!
(It seems every time such legislation is suggested, the ANTI-RIGHTS folks trot out the same, tired meme.)
It's been said that the American Revolution was started and maintained by just 3% of the population. In spite of the ubiquitous onslaught of the anti rights control folks, we seem to be winning!
Hooray for the responsible, law-abiding citizens, going about their private business invoking their right to possible self-defense!
Now, if we could just reverse the rampant surveillance and searching without warrant! I know, one Amendment at a time…
Say What Now?, Part Dos
Alabama ACLU sues government, claiming pro-Muslim discrimination
Plaintiff Yvonne Allen is a devout Christian woman who covers her hair with a headscarf as part of her religious practice. In December 2015, Ms. Allen sought to renew her driver license at the Lee County driver license office, where officials demanded that she remove her head covering to be photographed. When Ms. Allen explained her religious beliefs, the County officials responded with a remarkable claim: They admitted that there was a religious accommodation available for head coverings, but contended that it applied only to Muslims.
The ACLU press release adds:
Lee County's refusal to grant Allen a religious accommodation contradicts state rules and violates her rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Alabama Constitution, according to the lawsuit.
"The county's interpretation of state rules blatantly violates the First Amendment," said Susan Watson, executive director of the ACLU of Alabama. "The government cannot discriminate between faiths in granting religious accommodations."
Heather L. Weaver, senior staff attorney for the ACLU's Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief, agreed. "The county's policy is puzzling. There is absolutely no reason to restrict accommodations for religious headgear to certain religions. The Constitution protects both Christians and Muslims and, indeed, people of all faiths."
More @ The Washington Post
from Brock Townsend
The World has indeed turned upside down. Or, become The Bizarro World – depending on one's point of reference.
Guffaw actually agreeing with the ACLU?!
Historically, an organization who has stood up for folks rights, even if they were 'misunderstood' folks – like Illinois Nazis. But only stood up for the Second Amendment rights of folks if doing so suited another purpose. Generally, the ACLU picks and chooses which rights and amendments to support. And when.
I remember my father calling them THE AMERICAN COMMUNIST LAWYERS UNION!