Friday, January 25, 2008

STEPHEN CAMP - HOUSE VS. CARRY GUNS

YOUR CHOICE FOR PRESIDENT IS BECOMING A NITEMARE.

DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING PICTURES ARE NOT ANY THAT I HAVE EVER TAKEN AND MY OPINIONS DO NOT REFLECT ANYTHING SAID BY OTHER PEOPLE. I HAVE NEVER STATED MY PERSONAL OPINION AS TO WHO I WOULD VOTE FOR AND WHY. THIS IS NOT THE TIME. YOU MUST ALL DECIDE ON YOUR OWN. - Teddy Jacobson


..........................................................................................
MR. & MRS. PRESIDENT

Bill Clinton Portrait

DO YOU WANT A CO-PRESIDENT ??
Comeback Clinton

*****************************************************


Russert to McCain: Is Bill Clinton trying to give you the 'kiss of death?'

David Edwards and Ron Brynaert
Published: Sunday January 27, 2008

del.icio.us del.icio.us | StumbleUpon

Print This Email This

Sen. John McCain bragged about "good momentum" during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday, joked about getting "endorsed" by the husband of one of the top Democratic presidential contenders, and also took aim at one of his intraparty rivals, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.



Hillary Clinton and John McCain are very close, Bill Clinton says.

****************************************************

How would you like a job as an intern?

***************************************

Hilary_Clinton_Socialist.jpg

Would You Trust This Woman With Your Country?

< — Previous Picture | Next Picture — >


  • Hillary Clinton
MRS.PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON

****************************************************


McCain Is the Amnesty Candidate











It’s amazing how soon people forgot that John McCain is as bad as Teddy Kennedy on immigration.

Sen. McCain took 37 percent of the New Hampshire Republican primary votes Tuesday, winning that state's contest. Mitt Romney finished six points back, at 31 percent, in second place. McCain had shown poorly in Iowa. He tied for third place with Fred Thompson, each with just 13 percent. Romney finished second in Iowa, with 25 percent, while Mike Huckabee won 34 percent.

Take a quick trip down memory lane. Less than a year ago, Sen. McCain was one of the leaders crafting a “comprehensive” mass amnesty bill behind closed doors. He, along with Kennedy, Obama and Clinton, blocked every attempt to amend the bill with any measures to decrease the damage it would have done.

His pro-amnesty stance nearly tanked his presidential candidacy last summer and dried up his fundraising. And despite his denials, Sen. McCain has spoken openly in favor of amnesty repeatedly. And his position -- even after last summer -- still favors mass amnesty for virtually every illegal alien who is already in this country, as many as a 12 -- 15 million of them.




mccain kennedy








WND
ELECTION 2008
'Boycott Chuck Norris,' says Thompson staffer
Campaign spokesman launches website to 'kick him where it hurts – his wallet'

Posted: January 27, 2008
1:00 a.m. Eastern


© 2008 WorldNetDaily.com

Former senator and GOP presidential contender Fred Thompson may have thrown in the towel following last week's third place finish to John McCain and Mike Huckabee, but a former Thompson spokesman is refusing to say die and has launched an Internet campaign against Huckabee's most visible supporter, martial arts champion and television and movie star Chuck Norris.
..............................................................................................................

Huckabee book deal angered some

Los Angeles Times

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee


JONESBORO, Ark. — After two middle-school boys in full camouflage gear shot and killed four classmates and a teacher in Jonesboro, wounding 10 people and shattering the community, it seemed inevitable someone would see opportunity in the tragedy for a book deal.

Within days of the March 1998 attack, a publisher agreed to pay $25,000 to an Arkansas writer to produce a book on youth violence.

Victims' relatives were outraged. They called the payment blood money and said the author was cashing in on their pain. They demanded the money go to the school, the victims' families or for scholarships for the wounded, not to the writer's bank account. He refused.

.........................................................................................................................

**************************************************************************************

Rudy and Judy sitting in a tree…
—–>From ABC News’s The Blotter

Before he decided that September 11 was his own personal self-aggrandizement machine, Rudy Giuliani pissed off a whole slew of people in a remarkable number of ways. A look at the dark, petty, vindictive, small-minded maneuvering of “America’s mayor”


“Hello, dear. I’m talking to the members of the NRA right now.” Rudy Giuliani’s wife had reached him on his cell as he stood on a dais in Washington, D.C., in September. “I love you,” he went on, “and I’ll give you a call as soon as I’m finished.” Putting aside what appeared to be the painfully obvious staging of the scene, its message was clear: Giuliani is not only hard as nails when it comes to criminals and terrorists and freedom-threatening immigrants; he also has a soft candy center. But for those in New York who’ve witnessed firsthand the workings of this most autocratic of mayors, the ruse was as crude as that employed by the three-card-monte dealers he so gleefully swept off the city’s streets. GQ tracked down all the sources bold enough to talk—even some still constrained by pledges of loyalty—and asked them to help us understand the man and the atomic temper he’s trying so hard to live down.

DAN COLLINS (coauthor, Grand Illusion: The Untold Story of Rudy Giuliani and 9/11): I think he has a problem with his temper.

STANLEY FRIEDMAN (former Bronx Democratic Party chairman): And if you want witnesses to that, I’m sure none will talk to you.

ED KOCH (former mayor of New York City): Anybody I know would be afraid to talk to the press about Giuliani. They don’t want to incur his anger. I don’t give a shit.



GIULIANI - "DEUTERONOMY" - CHAPTER 22 - VERSE 5

ה לֹא-יִהְיֶה כְלִי-גֶבֶר עַל-אִשָּׁה, וְלֹא-יִלְבַּשׁ גֶּבֶר שִׂמְלַת אִשָּׁה: כִּי תוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, כָּל-עֹשֵׂה אֵלֶּה. {פ} 5 A woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment; for whosoever doeth these things is an abomination unto the LORD thy God. {P}
Rudy Giuliani in Drag

........................................................................................................................................................................

JOHN EDWARDS HOME IN NORTH CAROLINA = How can he relate to you and me at this point in time.

John Edwards Breck Girl

Story photo

The 28,200-square-foot Edwards home in Orange County is expected to be valued at more than $6 million.


*****************************************************************


Did Barack Obama Refuse to Say the Pledge of Allegiance?

Barack Obama standing in front of the flag.

..................................................................................................................

COLD STEEL CALEDONIAN PREMIUM KNIFE - RECOMMENDED



........................................................................................................

HK P7 M8 PISTOL - RECOMMENDED


Heckler & Koch P7

........................................................................................................................

www.actionsbyt.com

www.actionsbyt.blogspot.com


"House" vs. "Carry Guns"

By Stephen Camp

A very frequent question centers on what to get for either a house or carry gun as well as choice for the person wanting one for both. With about the same frequency come questions on loads, calibers, and the guns themselves. I already have some articles that hit at my opinions on these topics, but thought that it might be time to focus on these questions in one article as "house" vs. "carry" pretty well covers the handgun self-protection spectrum.

I can only make suggestions, but they are based on personal experience spanning over 30 years. Perhaps they will be useful, perhaps not. I think that it is impossible to speak in absolutes on this topic, and the reason is simple: There is no way that I can know the individual's handgun skill level or their unique lifestyle, home situation, and so forth. Each of us will have to make our own decisions based on our personal perceived needs. I can only offer what I hope is some assistance in this decision-making process.

Let's begin by asking the question, "What do I want my defensive handgun to do?" Initially, this seems silly and an adequate response might be, "Protect me and mine." That's true, but might not a more accurate response be, "My defensive handgun is one that gives me the tool with which to stop unlawful deadly aggression against me and mine with the least number of shots (assuming good hits), and not endanger innocent third parties?" In other words, though we might not get the all-elusive "one-shot stop", neither do we hope to have to expend our handgun's full capacity to deck our opponent. This implies at least a certain minimal power level along with the person being competent in the use of his handgun, probably in compressed time frames and definitely under stress. It also suggests that there must be concern for uninvolved innocents in the area. I would add that the house gun should be of a caliber that can be handled by all potential authorized users. It must also be one that these users can operate…while scared to death. Whether a house or dedicated carry gun, it absolutely must be reliable. I cannot emphasize this point too much; the thing has got to work whether held in a strong man's death grip or an arthritic's less-than-ideal weaker hands.

Notice also that I used the word "tool" instead of weapon. This was for a purpose and to emphasize that the handgun cannot protect you. It gives you the means by which to protect yourself. YOU do it by having both the willingness and competence to properly use the tool. Think of it as the flip side to "Guns don't kill people. People kill people."

So here we go.

Carry Handguns: In addition to the previous caveats, the carry gun shouldn't be too heavy or large for its purpose if it is to be carried on the person. One that's only to be toted in a glove box or console is not quite so limited. In fact, its characteristics might be nearly the same as for the dedicated house gun. Opinions on the "best" handguns seem to range from the tiny little mini-revolvers to handguns of considerable size and weight. Much of this depends upon how serious the would-be user is about defending his or her life. People like myself in low-threat environments are frequently found with smaller, more convenient to carry handguns, but when I worked in high-risk situations (police work), I was always armed with more potent weapons 24/7. The lady carrying a legally concealed handgun on walks around her normally crime-free neighborhood is probably less motivated to carry a larger, harder to conceal handgun of heavy caliber than the jewelry store owner who has been robbed multiple times.

Mr. Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch has said that (defensive) handguns are not meant to be comfortable. Instead he opines that they are meant to be comforting. The jewelry storeowner might not be comforted with only a comfortable-to-carry 5-shot 38 snub where this might be just the thing for the walker. It is true that we simply cannot predict when we might find ourselves in "the dark place." This is where our own perceived threat level comes into play and this brings with it a large percentage of people choosing smaller and easier to carry handguns.

I see this as the so-called mixed blessing. Let me explain why.

Assuming at least minimal handgun competence with lawful concealed carriers, I do believe the saying that an armed society is a polite one…at least more "polite" than a totally neutered one, and more importantly, safer. I suspect believe that if would-be muggers and car-jackers thought that at least one out of two potential victims were armed, they'd either find easier pickings or be damned selective in their victim choices.

At the same time, we shouldn't choose the most "comfortable" gun based on that characteristic alone. I suggest that we need a minimal power level to meet or exceed. For me, that is a snub 38 loaded with my choice in +P ammunition. Others will not be happy with less than a heavier caliber though some will opt for the smaller 380's and even .25's. Opinions on "adequate" and "best" vary greatly and are often the topics of rather heated debates.

The potential carry gun should be one that we can shoot accurately enough to actually hit intended vital areas, not just somewhere in the torso at arm's length or father. Keep in mind that the comfortable-to-carry snub 38 can be one of the more difficult guns to learn to accurately shoot with felt recoil in the lighter ones being a chronic complaint. I believe that they can be adequate defensive arms in competent hands in less than gang-type shootouts. They will almost surely be slower to load compared to the automatic, Mr. Miculek excluded! What I am strongly suggesting is that unless one is willing to dedicate himself to proper practice with the lightweight snub, he might very well be better with a gun that is a bit less comfortable. It may very well be easier to shoot well. The very attributes of the comfortable compact snub are also the very things that make it difficult to shoot. "Lightweight, small and convenient" describes some of its positives. "Heavy recoil, limited ammo capacity, hard to aim and short sight radius" is the other side of the same coin. Other negatives include that the extractor rod will probably be too short to completely extract fired hulls for the unpracticed and these guns normally hold five to six shots compared to roughly twice that in some similar size automatics. Five or six is probably enough against a single or maybe a couple of thugs but not if it takes three shots to even get a hit on just one bad guy…and he opts not to run! Though I am a big fan of the snub 38 and think it makes a decent carry gun, I do not recommend it except for those actually willing to learn its use.

The S&W Model 638 is a representative of the lightweight snub 38. Like the very popular Model 642 it makes a carry gun that is convenient and packs at least "respectable" punch in my opinion. Like others of its kind, felt recoil is sharp and sometimes just too much for some shooters. All-steel versions of the gun or in similar size might make for a bit less convenience but might absorb enough of the recoil due to weight to make it a viable substitute. Whatever is chosen, it does no good if it cannot be shot accurately at speed in the arena of self-protection.

I am not a fan of the super-compact 380's. I prefer them in their more traditional sizes with barrels over 3" to at least keep velocities in the "normal" range. Examples of what I'm referring to are autos like the Bersa Thunder, SIG-Sauer P230 and P232, or Beretta Model 84/85. Some folks opt for these over the snub because of increased shot capacity, reduced felt recoil, flatter profile and being magazine-fed, ease in reloading. I own and enjoy some .380 ACP pistols but the "ballistic payload" is just a bit less than I'm comfortable with. If you are, no problem; learn the gun; know that it's reliable and practice getting accurate quick hits. At the same time, I suggest looking at the similar size 9x19mm pistols. It seems that with the 380 one can have penetration or expansion but not both. FMJ will certainly penetrate, but offers a small wound channel. Some 380 JHP's actually do expand, but have trouble meeting or exceeding 12" penetration in ballistic gelatin as per the FBI protocol. For an unobstructed frontal shot, they may very well be adequate…but many, myself included, believe that they are marginal. IF the only choice is between a snub 38 or 357 that you simply cannot hit with and a 380 that you can, go with the latter. Otherwise, I humbly suggest going with a 9mm or larger in the small automatic.

Though not a small gun, automatics in the size range of this 9mm SIG-Sauer P225 can readily be found. Carrying concealed will require "dressing around the gun" but is not all that hard to do. This one could certainly do for concealed carry on mean streets and protect at home as well. This one is shown in an IWB holster by High Noon. By using a quality gun belt and holster, even larger handguns can be effectively concealed. Most will find such handgun's felt recoil less objectionable by far than the lightweight snub 38.

At the same time we are not well served with a carry gun that is overly powerful for our personal skill levels. Few would argue that an individual who can accurately shoot his or her 380 but cannot a 45 to be better off with the latter. It is for this reason that I personally prefer lightweight compact revolvers in .38 Special rather than .357 Magnum when they're offered in both. In the medium or compact steel frame revolvers, I find the .357 more useful due to less violent recoil than in the lightweights. In other words, what works for me in the S&W Model 442/642 weight is .38 Special +P despite some similar weight revolvers being available in 357. In a heavy but compact Ruger SP101, I opt for mid-range 357's.

Moving up in size, adequate choices increase. We find a myriad of 9mm's and 40's available in easily concealable sizes though these will be belt rather than pocket gun…depending upon the size of the pocket.

Some 45's can be found in nearly as compact of packages, but the selection is smaller.

The carry gun larger than a snub 38 or really compact 380 will in most cases need to be a belt gun and this can entail a bit more selection in clothing as it is simply more difficult to conceal a belt gun than one secreted in a pocket holster. Just how much more difficult depends on a number of factors including the climate, size and even the sex of the carrier. In other words, besides practicing to be competent with the firearm, we also have to consider how to most conveniently cover and carry it. The choice of a quality belt and holster can make it easier to carry a bigger gun than might first be thought. If one opts for and IWB (Inside the Waistband) holster, it will probably be necessary to buy a size or two larger pants.

This Ruger SP101 has a 3 1/16" bbl and is chambered for .357 Magnum. Its all-steel construction increases its weight enough that I find it considerably easier to shoot full-power magnums through than lightweight revolvers of the same general size. The downside is that this one is a bit too long and heavy for pocket carry. However, it makes a very nice belt gun and one that is easy to conceal. For myself, I find the revolver at its best with the mid-range magnum loads with regard to power vs. controllability. If its 5-shot capacity doesn't bother you, this is one that might be able to do double duty, serving as both a carry gun and one for home defense.

The plus side to the less comfortable larger carry handgun is that we usually get increased shot capacity, increased sight radius and probably better sights, increased velocity due to the longer bbl, and less felt recoil. Generally speaking, larger automatics will show themselves more reliable and less "picky" than smaller ones, not a hard and fast rule, but very frequently. If speaking of revolvers, we often get 6 rather than 5 shots, an easier double-action pull and some of the same positives as for the autoloader.

In my opinion, all of these considerations are worthy of serious thought but two people giving equal thought and attention to detail may very well come up with two very different choices in armament…and both may be very right for their individual situations.

House Guns: Though these do not necessarily have to be handguns, the focus here will be on the latter. The need for a compact house gun in most cases would not be as important as for the carry gun in my view. Certainly a hearth and home could be defended with a J-frame 5-shot revolver but why? Unless there is some external reason such as local laws limiting handguns or making their access nearly impossible or financial considerations, it is my belief that the house gun can be of larger size. The larger guns carried by serious folks concealed (1911, Glock 17/19, etc, Hi Power, 3" or 4" K, L, N frame revolvers, etc) could certainly perform both functions admirably.

Though there is definitely a place for the long gun in home defense, this article focuses on the sidearm. The 1911 pattern pistol in .45 ACP continues to serve well as both an effective carry and house gun. Despite the fact that its devotees are legion, does that necessarily mean that it's best for you? The 1911 type handgun is a large but relatively flat pistol and one that can be carried concealed though this can require some thought. No such limitations exist for the house gun. The gun holds 8 or 9 cartridges depending upon magazine capacity and can be reloaded quickly if necessary.

In short, we may have to make some compromises with the carry gun depending on several factors but the concealment factor for the house gun is of lesser importance. By going with a larger and perhaps heavier handgun, you are probably going to find that your ability to shoot the gun well is easier than with a really compact carry gun. Assuming a longer bbl, you will probably wind up with more "power" per shot even if in the same caliber as the smaller carry gun. For example, the 3" and 4" .38 Specials show a very nice increase in velocity with many factory loads, but even assuming that they didn't, their longer sight radius and lessened recoil might very well provide for better hits. A "chest hit" with the snub might translate into a "center chest hit" with Model 10 4" for the same level of skill. Split times between accurate shots might also be significantly reduced, especially with practice.

Larger steel-frame handguns not only reduce felt recoil but in some instances allow the shooter to move up to a more powerful caliber. For example, a fellow might find a super compact .380 ACP or AirWeight J-frame a bit punishing to shoot while he finds a 1911 pattern pistol in .45 ACP to be controllable with practice and more comfortable. With felt recoil being subjective, this decision will have to be made by each of us individually.

Let's say that a shooter has chosen the lightweight J-frame snub 38 for a carry gun. It would make sense that the house gun might be a steel Model 10 or something similar. Even if the Model 10 had the short 2" bbl, the shooter gains an extra shot and will almost certainly find the gun easier to shoot (assuming the same ammunition) than the smaller, lighter AirWeight.

The "extra shot" just mentioned also leads us into thoughts on ammunition capacity. Though I personally use and greatly respect the revolver as a house gun and do think that in most instances six shots are enough, does that mean always; no, probably not. If we experience the proverbial "bump in the night" and simply have to investigate, will we be carrying extra ammo or just our house gun? Will we have time to dress and drop a speedloader or two into our pant or robe pocket? Will we be "satisfied" with our otherwise "comforting" revolver or might we prefer a higher-capacity autoloader? This is something to consider and if the answer is that you just have to have more shots on tap to feel comfortable, the revolver might not be the best choice.

If having more than five or six shots on tap per loading is a vital part of your house gun parameters, the 9mm seems a popular choice. Offering from 10 to 17 (or more) shots per loading depending upon the gun, these pistols are usually mild on recoil and much research has been done in bullet design for this caliber. The Browning Mk III above is shown with a magazine containing 13 rounds of Corbon's excellent DPX ammo.

The person carrying a compact automatic such as the Glock 26 might find the larger Glock 17 or 19 a preferable house gun, while maintaining unity in the same manual of arms. Please note that the above examples are merely that and no more. In other words, I am not trying to recommend a specific handgun, just offering food for thought that might be of some use for the individual contemplating these matters.

Like many others I prefer "dark" guns to "shiny" ones but my "always gun" is a shiny one. It's a Model 642. In my state, summers are very hot and despite a horsehide pocket holster, my previous blue carry snub would frequently show the beginnings of surface rust, despite being cleaned the day before. It might be a wise thing to give some thought to the finish that you believe might be best suited to your situation rather than the one you prefer esthetically. For the house gun, I see the choice between "traditional blue" and other more corrosion-resistant finishes as less of an issue with but one caveat. If the gun is being stored in a bathroom, I'd go with stainless steel or some other rust-resistant finish as the bathroom will frequently be a humid environment.

I'd like to touch on the "power" issue once more. It is my opinion that while "placement is power", we need at least a certain level of "power" in order for the defensive bullet to both expand and penetrate adequately. I favor at least .38 Special +P and 9mm up for this task. Often, the (wise) suggestion to use "the biggest caliber that you can handle" is given. How do we know what the biggest is? How do we wisely answer this question before coughing up hard-earned dollars for what might be the wrong choice? Couple that with the wide-held belief that no handgun caliber commonly associated with self-protection is really all that "powerful" and the choice is made more difficult. The prospective buyer of a self-defense handgun wants a gun he can handle but also wants "stopping power", which is usually associated with heavier or harder recoiling cartridges.

Here is a suggestion. If at all possible shoot handguns in the calibers and models you are interested in before purchasing. Perhaps a friend can help out in this regard. Models don't have to be the exact model you might be wanting but something in that class of handgun. For example, let's say that you have decided that an S&W Model 638 is just the thing, but shooting a friend's Model 642 proves that at your present skill level, you cannot handle it. This should let you know that the similar size and weight Model 638 isn't going to be any better. Other examples can be made, but I think you get the idea.

I also suggest shooting the considered handgun with not only both hands, but with just the strong and weak hands as well. Though few of us can shoot quite as quickly and accurately using but one hand, this does not mean that we might not be called upon to do it in a life-and-death situation. I believe that this applies to not only the house gun but the carry gun as well. It is written nowhere that when push comes to hard shove we will have the use of both hands. I would go with nothing more powerful than what I could effectively handle with my weak hand. If you try this and the caliber of choice is just too much, it might be time to look at a less potent one. If going below this power level is simply unacceptable, practice and learn to handle the gun or load that you have more faith in.

In closing, I again suggest nothing less potent than 38 Special +P for the revolver and 9mm and up in the automatic. Within this range is a myriad of handguns in varying size and weight. Pick what works for you or that you are definitely willing to learn to handle. Hopefully, you'll get it right the first time, but don't be surprised if you don't. It might take a couple of times at the gun shop and firing range before it happens. Though I have yet to find the all-elusive "perfect" handgun, I have found more than a few that seem nearly so to me. When you find what is best for you, go with it. It doesn't matter if it's the latest design or just a good time-proven older one. Go with a reliable arm whatever your choice turns out to be. Don't be goaded into getting a "magnum" if you truly do better with a hot 38. Don't get rid of the 9mm you can hit with for a 10mm or 45 that seems just too much. (If the 10mm or 45 works for you, go for it.)

This 4" S&W Model 10 is chambered for .38 Special and is much easier to shoot than its snub-nosed brethren due to its increased size, weight and sight radius. As I've suggested in another article, for many this sort of firearm might just be the "best" for those not especially well-versed in defensive use of the handgun. From the 3" or 4" barrel, its ballistic delivery can be effective and most folks find these firearms relatively easy to use. I would not be afraid to use this revolver in a serious situation. The gun has also been offered in stainless steel for those wanting more resistance to the elements.

The selection of the defensive carry or house gun is one that requires some thought. Most of us will never use either but if we do, our decision could very well mean the difference between telling what happened to responding officers or being represented by a chalk diagram to homicide investigators.

Seasoned shooters will have made their choices, but sometimes the selection of defensive armament can be a little unnerving to newer people deciding to take responsibility for their personal safety and that of their loved ones.

We want it to be right. I cannot "tell" anyone what's best for them but hope that this piece might add in their making sound decisions in this vital area of concern.

.......................................................................................................................................................................

FROM www.survivalblog.com

Letter Re: How Much Ammunition to Store?

Mr. Rawles:
My wife and I enjoy your web site immensely. I do have one question for you. I know we are targeting how much food/water supply we need for long-term survive but how much ammo do you think the average family should strive to purchase/store? Thanks, - David K./p>

JWR Replies:
It is important to maintain balance in your preparations. Food storage, first aid supplies, and heirloom seed storage should be priorities. But after those have been taken acre of, it makes sense to stock up on ammunition. As long as you store your ammo in sealed military surplus cans, there is no risk in over-estimating your needs, since ammunition has a 50+ year storage life if protected from oil vapors and humidity. Consider any extra ammo the ideal barter item. The late Col. Jeff Cooper rightly called it "ballistic wampum."

For your barter inventory, I recommend that you stick to the most common calibers: For rifles: .22 Long Rifle, .223, .308, .30-06 (and in the British Commonwealth, .303 British.) For handguns: 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. For shotguns, 12 gauge and 20 gauge. As I've previously mentioned, you might also buy a small quantity of the "regional favorite" deer cartridge for your area, as well as your local police or sheriff's department standard calibers. (Ask at you local gun shop.)

I consider the following figures minimums:
2,000 per battle rifle
500 per hunting rifle
800 per primary handgun
2,000 per .22 rimfire
500 per riotgun

If you can afford it, three times those figures would meet the "comfort level" of most survivalists. In an age of inflation, consider that supply better than money in the bank.

Ammo prices have recently been galloping, so do some comparison pricing before you buy. Bring photocopies and "print screen" print-outs with you when you shop, as bargaining tools. Typically, the larger gun shows each have several large ammunition vendors.

Some Internet ammunition vendors that I recommend are: AIM Surplus, Cheaper Than Dirt, Dan's Ammo, J&G Sales, Midway, AmmoMan.com, Natchez Shooter Supply, and The Sportsman's Guide. Both to save money and to maximize your privacy--since umpteen heavy crates being unloaded from the back of a UPS truck is pretty obvious--I recommend that you be willing to drive a distance take delivery in person from a regional vendor. Ammo is best bought by the 3/4 ton pickup load! Also, keep in mind that by buying in large quantities all at once from a big vendor, you will typically get ammo for each caliber all from the same lots, which will result in more consistent accuracy.

.........................................................................................................................................................................

CHECK THESE PRICES

Top Songs for 1941
You and I by Glenn Miller Chattanooga Choo Choo by Glenn Miller
Maria Elena by Jimmy Dorsey Green Eyes by Jimmy Dorsey
Daddy by Sammy Kaye Amapola by Jimmy Dorsey
I Don't Want to Set the World On Fire by Hoarce Heidt Piano Concerto in B Flat by Freddy Martin
There'll Be Some Changes Made by Benny Goodman There I Go by Vaughn Monroe
1941 Prices US President
Bread: $0.08/loaf Franklin D. Roosevelt
Milk: $0.34/gal US Vice President
Eggs: $0.60/doz Henry A. Wallace
Car: $925 Academy Award Winners
Gas: $0.19/gal
Best Picture:How Green Was My Valley

Directed By John Ford
Best Actor:Gary Cooper

in Sergeant York
Best Actress:Joan Fontain

in Suspicion
House: $6,954
Stamp: $0.03/ea
Avg Income: $2,059/yr
Min Wage: $0.30/hr
DOW Avg: 111
.........................................................................................................................................................................

Another S&W 642 with a cracked frame

S&W STOCKS

SMITH & WESSON (NasdaqGS:SWHC)
After Hours: 4.2418 Down 0.0282 (0.66%) as of 4:29PM ET on 01/25/08
Last Trade:4.27
Trade Time:4:00PM ET
Change:Up 0.36 (9.21%)
Prev Close:3.91
Open:4.10
Bid:4.25 x 500
Ask:4.33 x 500
1y Target Est:6.08
Day's Range:3.96 - 4.42
52wk Range:3.72 - 22.80
Volume:1,550,559
Avg Vol (3m):2,054,710
Market Cap:172.43M
P/E (ttm):12.45
EPS (ttm):0.34
Div & Yield:N/A (N/A)

Thursday, January 24, 2008

STEPHEN CAMP - 1911 L.W. Pistols & MORE

www.actionsbyt.com

www.actionsbyt.blogspot.com

...................................................................

Lightweight 1911 Pattern Pistols

By Stephen Camp

www.hipowersandhandguns.com

I am not going to get too bogged down in what does or does not constitute a 1911 pattern automatic in this article. For this work, it will mean a single-action semi-automatic pistol whose lineage from the full-size all steel 1911 is apparent. The lightweight can be a full 5" gun, a Commander-size, or one of the more compact versions sporting a 3 or 3 1/2" barrel.

This piece will explore why these pistols have a following, shooting observations, as well as special "problems" that may crop up with the aluminum-frame pistols. (Polymer-frame guns are not discussed.) I will also give my own subjective views on both their strong and weak points.

It is a fair statement that Mr. Browning's 1911 remains a popular gun after many handguns designed after its birthday have faded from the shooting scene. I strongly suspect that more 1911 pattern pistols are produced domestically than any other American-made handgun. This might not be true worldwide, but I'll bet a sizeable percentage of non-US handgun owners have them…or would if they could.

Not surprisingly there are several variations on the 1911 theme and lightweight versions with aluminum frames are but one.

This Springfield Armory 5" Lightweight has an aluminum alloy frame. This one was fitted with a Ed Brown grip safety several years ago. Since that time dimensional changes call for a 0.220" radius rather than the 0.25" required for most. It has a Brown sear and hammer and an STI trigger. Anti-skid tape covers the front strap. Being an older version it also has the more squared off front grip strap. Of my lightweight 1911's, this one sees the most use. The 1911 pattern pistol in lightweight form can be a pretty useful item. Are they essential? Probably not, but they are nice for some purposes or circumstances.

Why a Lightweight? This is a good question and I'll give my observations and best guesses. It seems that the more popular handgun models eventually do come out in a lighter version. If a handgun is popular, it seems that many manufacturers will offer it in several variations to get as much of that market share as possible. Advertising always stresses a particular gun's strong points but never the weak. (We'll look into some of the problem areas a bit later.) Advertising can be geared to helping a potential buyer "believe" that they really do "need" this version of the gun in question. Many of the newer handgun models stress lightweight. Look at the ultra-light S&W revolvers, the scads of lightweight polymer-frame pistols, as well as the continuation of aluminum frame standards like the Colt Commander, SIG-Sauer service handguns, as well as Glocks. All of these use frame materials lighter than traditional steel.

So am I saying that gun makers are creating a false need to increase sales? Not necessarily, although the main focus of any company rests at the bottom line. They want to stay in business and need sales to do this. If essentially the same gun as an all-steel one can be made by simply substituting aluminum alloy for steel, they can offer at least one other variation on a successful theme with relatively little R&D or start up costs.

The more compact lightweights include the Colt Defender (left) and the mainstay Commander on the right. Many do not consider 1911 pattern pistols smaller than the Commander to be true 1911's and reliability issues are frequently cited. While it's no secret that I personally own no 1911 pistols smaller than the Commander, more than a few folks tote such diminutive forty-fives as the Defender. For this article the important factors concerning its special "needs" compared to all-steel guns are the same.

I will offer my opinions as a shooter and former police officer on the role of the lightweight handgun in general and the 1911 pattern pistol in particular.

We frequently hear that the only thing the lightweight 1911 does is to carry easier. While it is true that they are lighter, for myself they seem to be quicker from the holster to the first shot! It seems that they just get "on target" quicker for me…for the first shot which very well might be the most important in self-defense scenarios.

There's not much way around there being more felt recoil in a lighter pistol of the same type. (The LW 5" SA weighs about a half-pound less than its steel frame counterparts.) The interesting thing is that it makes no difference in speed if firing one shot on one target and moving to another. The gun doesn't have to be down in from recoil before moving to another target. I verified this with a timer using myself and a friend as guinea pigs. There is a slight increase in the time between individual shots on a single target. This proved true for both myself and my friend, who is extremely quick. So, if in a shoot-out situation and you engaging multiple targets, we probably won't see a difference in time between a single hit on each. If one requires a second or third shot, the split goes up (slightly) and translates to a tiny bit slower response time for secondary targets. I do not remember the exact times but it seems that there were but a few hundredths of a second difference. How much of a factor this might or might not be in real life I leave for each of us to decide based on our own experiences and perceptions.

Problems with Lightweight 1911's: The aluminum frame 1911's are nice to carry despite a bit more actual felt recoil when firing, but to have this we also inherit a few problems. Some are easily overcome and one might be impossible to totally eliminate. Let's talk about it first.

Longevity: This is usually the reason cited for not owning a LW rather than all steel 1911…and there is some truth to it. The aluminum frame guns probably do not hold up to as many rounds as the steel frame ones. The question is how many is "many"? If you shoot perhaps 100 full-power rounds per month through your LW, that would be about 1200 per year. I've heard estimates suggesting that the LW is good for 15 to twenty thousand rounds before the frame will crack. I have no idea if this is true or not, but assuming that both are "good numbers" and pick one in the middle at 17,500 rounds. Doing the math indicates that our pistol should be good to go for over 14 years at 100 full-power shots per month. This assumes that the recoil spring is changed when needed. I honestly believe that using a bit stronger recoil spring and a shock buffer can significantly extend the useful life of the LW aluminum frame. This would cushion the impact transferred from the steel slide to the aluminum frame via the flange on the recoil spring guide. The factory standard recoil spring for the full size 45-caliber 1911 is 16 pounds. I use an 18.5-lb spring with no problems and I also use a shock buff. If you are concerned with either or both causing malfunctions, why not just use them at the range and then revert to the factory standard recoil spring and no buffer when carrying for serious purposes? Mine stays set up with the slightly heavier spring as well as the buffer as this combination has caused me absolutely zero problems in my guns. The same might or might not be true in others.

I believe that using the polymer buffer along with the slightly stronger 18.5-lb recoil spring extends the life of the aluminum alloy frame. Others disagree. I suggest that if you have reliability concerns, use the slightly heavier spring…or at least the buffer for practice and remove when you clean the pistol before carrying.

I do not subscribe to the theory that the 18.5-lb spring damages the gun when it "slams" the slide forward. The 5" Delta Elite fires the 10mm and uses even heavier springs. If you do, just use the 16-lb. spring and a buffer when practicing.

The relatively few lightweight frames I've seen cracked have been on Colt Commanders and most eminate from the hole through which the slide stop passes…or are in that immediate area. Frequently drilling a small hole at the end of the crack can stop its continued growth. Of course this looks like hell.

I don't think the LW 1911 pattern pistol is best served with +P ammunition in .45 ACP. Assuming equal bullet weight, the +P round should translate into that bullet being pushed faster than the standard velocity one. That translates into the slide being driven rearward harder when the gun is fired. It also means more felt recoil. For the lightweight pistols I suggest standard velocity ammunition. If a person is bound and determined to use +P, I suggest using it only for ocassional practice (with a buffer) and then as a carry load if that is intended. My own lightweight 1911's use standard pressure ammunition for carry and the handloaded equivalents for practice.

The LW 1911 might not have the longevity of its all-steel brethren, but neither is it waiting to just crumble, either. A little prevention and common sense should allow a shooter to do quite a bit of shooting with one with no problems.

Feed Ramps: On many of the lightweight 1911 pattern pistols the feed ramp will be the traditional setup in which the frame provides the lower portion of the system. Aluminum is softer than steel. It will dent and gouge easier and is usually covered with a hard finish called anodizing. This protects the aluminum alloy and should not be removed. Bare aluminum can be damaged fairly easily if bullets with sharp edges are used and particularly so if the magazines used don't angle the bullet upward. If the cartridge "dips" or hits the ramp straight on as it is stripped from the magazine, even an anodized ramp area can eventually get pretty dinged up.

In my experience, ammunition having rounded edges around the bullet's meplat or hollow point is not harmful to the aluminum lightweight 1911 frame portion of the feed ramp. (L-R: Handloaded 200-gr. CSWC, handloaded 230-gr. FMJ FP, Winchester 230-gr. Ranger JHP, Winchester 230-gr. FMJ.)

Magazine followers can wreak havoc on an aluminum frame gun's feed system. If the follower is free to move forward past the front of the magazine tube as the last round is stripped and chambered, it can cause dings in the ramp. Fortunately these are usually below where the bullet initially contacts it but the problem can be avoided altogether. I suggest using only magazines in which the follower design does not allow it to possibly move out of the magazine body and contact the ramp. Examples would include some of the old Randall magazines as well as Wilson and Tripp magazines.

Here is the wear apparent on my moderately used SA Lightweight 5". Note the dings toward the bottom of the ramp. Traditional magazines caused these. Their followers could contact this portion of the feed ramp. The wear at the top is just from use. Using a magazine with a "captive" follower as shown by the Tripp follower in the Randall magazine at the right eliminates damage to the ramp from the follower. It should be noted that not all traditional magazines having the "non-captive" followers cause problems, but I've seen enough that I don't use them in the lightweight aluminum frame 1911's.

The magazine followers on the left and middle should work fine with the LW 1911. The one having the traditional follower (right) could damage the feed ramp. It is my understanding that current versions of the SA 5" lightweight have a one-piece steel ramp to completely eliminate potential damage.

Plunger Tube: Aluminum is simply softer than steel and a vital part of the 1911 is staked to the frame. Of course this is the plunger tube. It simply holds the spring-loaded plungers that tension both the slide stop and the thumb safety. If too much up/down pressure is applied to the plunger tube it can become loose. Its legs are steel and extend through the aluminum frame where they're flared on the inside. Too much force can let these legs wallow out the holes they're in and the tube no longer is stationary. Depending upon how loose it becomes, it can allow differing amounts of pressure to be applied to the slide stop and/or the thumb safety. The main cause I've seen for this malady is apply too much force to the slide stop plunger when reinserting the slide stop when reassembling the pistol.

The spring-loaded plungers tensioning both the slide stop and the thumb safety can be seen protruding from the plunger tube, which is staked to the aluminum frame. If the front plunger extends outward too much to somewhat easily allow the slide stop to seat that you retract it a bit. Don't just force the slide stop into place. That is guaranteed to eventually loosen the plunger tube and has the potential for severely degrading reliability.

Conclusion & Observations: I like lightweight 1911 type handguns. I lean toward the 5" gun but have no arguments against the 4 to 4 1/4" Commander size versions. They allow for very comfortable concealed carry of a relatively potent full size defensive arm. They can stand considerable shooting but will not handle the extreme amounts that the steel frame guns can in all likelihood.

Were I only going to own one 1911, it would not be a lightweight. I am a shooter and folks reading this probably are too. Were I going to own a couple of 1911 forty-five's, one very well might be a lightweight.

I see these as filling a specific niche for the handgunner as either an exceptionally easy gun to carry concealed or even as a backup that is the same as his primary except for its weight.

This SA Lightweight 5" is a favorite .45 ACP 1911, but it would not be my choice were I going to own but one 1911.

They do bring special concerns for maintenance but it is not difficult to meet these specific needs. I believe that they are great guns for specific purposes.

........................................................................................................................................................................

Police wait for ammo


By MICHAEL JAMISON of the Missoulian



KALISPELL - When Dave Perry shoots a bad guy, he wants to hit what he's aiming at.

So the Columbia Falls police chief spends a lot of time at the range, knocking off hundreds of rounds in anticipation of the one that counts.

“But all of a sudden, I can't buy any ammo,” Perry said. “It totally surprised me. I just called up to do my annual ammo order, and no one had anything on the shelves.”


Perry's is a nationwide problem, as more and more American bullets head for Iraq.

“Basically, the war is buying up all the ammunition,” said Sean Albrite, “and Asia is buying up all the metals and raw materials. There's really no relief in sight, at least until the war is over.”

Albrite works at Snappy Sports in Kalispell, and was the one who finally found Perry at least part of the police chief's annual order.

“We had to really hunt,” Albrite said. “I think we finally sent him six cases.”

Albrite said he still can get cheap bullets, especially inexpensive .22-caliber ammo, but most everything else is scarce. Forget buying .223-caliber in bulk. Forget .308-caliber in bulk. Forget most of the handgun stock, especially the good stuff.

And if you can find your ammo, be prepared to pay more.

“Everything's more expensive as the supply dries up,” Albrite said. “We're making more calls, researching more, calling more suppliers, playing the price game.”

But no matter the price, some bullets just can't be found on short notice.

“We're having a really hard time with some ammo,” said Dana Smith, who works at The Hunting Shack south of Missoula. Her outfit not only sells ammunition, but also manufactures it. The Hunting Shack sells to the Missoula Police Department, she said, as well as to law enforcement at Missoula International Airport, to the Missoula County Sheriff's Office, to law enforcement in Hamilton and Ravalli County and all across Montana.

“That's our main thing, is law enforcement,” Smith said.

But lately, those cops have had to wait. The Missoula Police Department was picking up an order Thursday, she said, but has had to be satisfied with partial orders as the backlog grows.

“All of our law enforcement customers have had a hard time getting ahold of ammo,” she said. After reviewing sales records to Missoula's police department, Smith said the officers were getting some ammunition, but “we've definitely been having trouble getting them what they want.”

The cops here still have lots of bullets. This is, after all, a delay not a shortage and Missoula's officers say they haven't been overly inconvenienced.

But nationally, millions of rounds are back-ordered, and some cartridges may not be widely available to the public for as much as a year out.

“Everything's going to the war in Iraq,” Smith said. “The military is priority No. 1, and that's true all across America.”

Alliant Techsystems Inc., known to the shooting public as ATK, is the largest supplier of military ammo in the country. The company's latest annual report shows sales climbed from $2.4 billion in 2004 to $3.2 billion in 2006, and ATK stock is rising in double digits annually.

Last year, the company reports delivering 1.3 billion rounds of small-caliber ammunition to the armed forces, and its plants are running full steam.

Of course, not all calibers are needed in Iraq, Smith said, but manufacturers are so busy making military ammo that other rounds, perhaps more popular with civilians, are not being produced as quickly as usual.

For now, Albrite said, it remains a matter of waiting, and eventually everyone will get what they need; but he does suspect hunters and sport shooters will fire off fewer rounds this year, as supplies decrease and prices increase.

“We deal with this all day,” Smith agreed. “It's getting pretty bad lately.”

And she, like Albrite, sees no end to the supply troubles, what with Iraq's insatiable need for bullets and China's equally unending appetite for metals.

“It's just going to keep on getting worse, I think,” Smith said.

Which is no help at all for guys like Dave Perry, who just might have to take aim at a bad guy one of these days.

“We're a small office,” he said. “We don't shoot that many rounds. But we need to stay in practice. I mean, you can't have a police department without any bullets, can you?”

......................................................................................................................................

VIDEO TO SEE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHQ7Prwh7Gc


................................................................................................................

U.S. Marine veteran of the Iraq war Mike Lally appears in his living quarters in a veterans homeless shelter, in Leeds, Mass., Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007. Lally did two tours of duty in Iraq while serving with the U.S. Marine Corps. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)