Am I Ready to Carry?

So, with everything that has been going on lately with terrorist shootings and possible political restrictions on firearms, have you been thinking about obtaining a carry permit and carrying a pistol for the first time? If so,  that's great! Having guns in the hands of knowledgeable law-abiding citizens is always a good thing. Here's a short check list of things you should know before you carry:

• Obtain a gun specifically for concealed carry. Lots of manufacturers advertise that their gun is is the "best of both worlds," or "two guns in one."  This means they can be used for accurate distance shooting at the range AND small enough for concealed carry. I don't like that. It's a "jack of all trades, master of none" scenario. You are better off purchasing a handgun that excels and is fantastic at being a concealed gun rather than getting one that is only okay at being both. Choose the weapon for the job at hand. Plus, buying a gun for a specific purpose only opens up the door for you to purchase another gun for ANOTHER purpose later ;)

• Take a class on situational defense. This will not only teach you the best ways to carry your gun, but how and when you should use it if it ever came to that. This will also help you know what kind of accessories (laser, light etc.) you should equip your pistol with. There's no point in carrying if you don't have the confidence or skills to defend yourself if the time comes.

• Don't be persuaded to buy something you don't love. I can't stress this enough. Go and hold everything you can and do as much research on a pistol as you can. If it meets all of your criteria, get that gun. Don't be persuaded at the last minute to purchase something you didn't have your mind set on. For example, you have your mind set on a S&W Bodyguard .380 semi auto pistol and you walk in to your local gun shop. You ask to see the gun that you've held numerous times and spent hours researching. You've seen reviews and videos and so far, every feature you want on a CC gun is on the S&W. But when you ask to see it one last time before purchasing, the sales associate says "Take a look at this Glock 43 instead, it's much better." and hands you that one. It doesn't feel near as comfortable and lacks a couple of the things you love about the Bodyguard. But now you're doubting your original decision and take the side of the store clerk because "He knows best." Now you have a gun that you're not excited about. It's not as comfortable, you don't like the sights as much, and you hate the trigger. But the man said 'it was the best'... DON'T DO THIS. Don't ever doubt yourself if you've done the research. If there's a gun that you want and you've taken the steps to research it, buy that gun! You'll be happy you did.

• *Note: The Glock 43 is a fine pistol that has had nothing but great reviews. This is a fictional example made to emphasize a point.

• There are places that don't want you to carry a firearm on their property. I will ask that you obey their request if the sign is posted for everyone to see. However, if a sign is not out in the open, don't ever ask a person inside that store if it's okay to carry your firearm there. The default answer will most likely be 'no.' Most of the time your concealed gun will be concealed, but in the off-chance that an employee does see your pistol and they ask you to leave or remove it, be cooperative. While it's unfortunate that you won't be able to defend yourself in this location, you can at least show that person that law-abiding gun owners and friendly and cooperative.

• Know the carry laws of your state and all the states that you may travel to. People are getting arrested left and right because they have a permit from one state the the neighboring state will not acknowledge. Take precautions.

• Practice with that weapon.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. But more than anything, I want everyone to have a safe holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! 

The Gun Laws that Won't Work... At All!

In reaction to, sadly, another incident that occurred in California last week, I thought I would post about some issues that will most likely be a hot topic very soon. I have already written about some of the gun control legislation that could work, but here are some of the things that have been proven completely ineffective at controlling gun violence.

1. Ban on standard capacity magazines. I refuse to call them "high-capacity" because most guns have over a 10-round magazine that come as standard. Having a "low-capacity" magazine of only 10 rounds does absolutely NOTHING to prevent accidents like this happening. It is purely a feel good law to make people feel like the government is taking action. The only thing this law does is prevent law abiding citizens from being able to defend themselves more effectively. Plus, this only proves the point that criminals have no intention of obeying laws in the first place.
2. More gun-free zones. It has been proven time and time again that gun-free zones are magnets for horrible crimes. People want "common sense" gun laws, so why is this so difficult for people to believe that criminals flock to these places where it is easier to commit a crime? No guns = no resistance. It is the exact same reason why mass shootings don't happen in places where people could fight back. Robbers (at least the smart ones) don't attempt to steal from a home with armed residents inside.
3. Assault weapon ban. "Assault weapons" are already banned in California. So the recent shooters did what any criminal would do, they BROKE THE LAW. I'm not saying we should all walk around armed with an M4, but its goes to show that the laws that are currently in place do nothing to stop crazy people from doing crazy things.
4. Gun Confiscation. Despite what the New York Times says, this is the worst possible solution. Explanation is not needed.

Laws that have remained untested:

1. Expanded background checks. President Obama mentioned this when he addressed the nation after the attack in San Bernardino. While I don't mind expanding the background checks, Obama spoke about preventing people that are on the "watch" or "no-fly" list from purchasing a firearm. While this sounds good in theory, there are many people that have been put on this list without their knowing, or accidentally, and there is NO way to remove yourself from it. You can't even look your name up to find if you've been put on the list. There have been senators that have been put on this list and to this day, we don't know how it happened. Until we can get this process sorted, expanded background checks via this method won't do us much good. 

What does this mean?

It means that we need to do our best to make sure that everyone knows that this was an act of terror caused by terrorists. It was not caused by the guns they used. It's an injustice to those that were lost if we blame the tools more than those who committed these atrocities. As horrifying as these acts were, we should learn from this experience and adapt. California has all of the laws that gun control advocates want, and it did not matter. 

My recommendation to my readers would be to purchase a firearm that you feel comfortable using. It could be a shotgun, pistol, rifle of any caliber. Go once a month to the range nearest you and practice loading, unloading, and handling the weapon. If you don't know where to start, sign up for a firearms introduction class. At home, make sure you have a safe place to store it so that you can retrieve it fast but also keep it safely away from those whom you don't want to have access to it. If you were on the fence about buying a firearm for any reason, now is a better time than any to take action.

Remington 700

Once in a while, a weapon comes along and changes the course of history. The AK-47, M1 Garand, Beretta 92, and the Remington 700. This rifle has had just as much influence on gun culture as any of the firearms listed beforehand. It's the worlds most popular hunting rifle, it is one of the most dependable target shooters, and it protects the lives of our soldiers overseas. The 700 is not only a "jack of all trades," It's a master of them.

The Remington 700 can be as basic or as nice as you want it to be. You want a rifle that can take a beating while maintaining its reliability? Get a synthetic stock with blued or stainless barrel. Do you want to have a gun that looks at home on the top of a stone fireplace in your log cabin? Get an engraved walnut stock. Do you want a gun that looks like a military veteran's wet dream? Make it tactical! Whatever you choose to do with this gun, it will never let you down. the 700 comes in more variations than I can count, and all of them will put a smile on your face.

Having had experience with several bolt-action rifles in the past, I know what to expect from a hunting rifle. And I have to admit, when I held a 700 for the first time, I couldn't really see what all the fuss was about. Especially when holding one with a synthetic stock. Yeah, it was nice, the bolt was smooth, and it seemed like it was an overall solid weapon. But once I took that first shot, it all became clear.

The particular rifle that I used was a Remington 700 SPS - synthetic stock with blued barrel that is chambered in .270 Remington.

After firing that first round and ejecting the casing, it was clear that this wasn't just any ordinary bolt-action rifle, this was a weapon that was built with a purpose. The recoil (while not that intense with a .270 to begin with) did not even register when I pulled the trigger. It had very little kick, allowing my scope to be easily realigned with my target. The bolt itself had a nice, crisp throw that allowed me to chamber a new round without any hesitation or stoppage. If I had to sum up this rifle in one word, it would be "tight." Every piece on the rifle seems to be made up of very high-quality materials. The best part was, this particular 700 wasn't the fancy/high-end one. After about 5 shots, I was sold on the Remington.

However, no weapon is without it's flaws. there were a couple things that I would have changed. The magazine of the .270 model only holds 3 rounds. There is, of course, no +1 with this internal magazine design. This isn't a huge issue, being that 3 rounds is the maximum you can have when hunting in the U.S. anyway. The other small issue is the bolt throw itself. I loved the feel of the throw, but the handle comes VERY close to the scope. I know that this will vary depending on what scope you have, but if the scope on this rifle had a larger eyepiece, I could easily see the handle scraping on the side of the scope when ejecting and chambering a round. But those are my only gripes about the Remington 700 after the time I had with it. As far as negatives, these were pretty insignificant.

If I were to get a 700, I think I would try to get one with a dark wooden finish and stainless barrel. If I'm ever need to get my rifle in an area where it might get a little battered, I've got my reliable 770. Overall I was extremely happy with the way the Remington 700 felt and shot.

I'm Not Gone

Hello to all who may be reading this. I have not forgotten about this blog! I have just been busy lately with work and some other projects. Once everything has settled down a little, I'll get right back to writing about what I love.

In the meantime, please be patient. I'll be back before you know it!

Beretta Px4 Storm

This is a review of the full-size Beretta Px4 Storm 9x19, Type F pistol.

Behold, Beretta's first full-sized polymer gun, the Px4 Storm. Having been released in 2004, it's still relatively new in the firearms industry. The Px4 was built to compete in the now-defunct Joint Combat Pistol trials. These trials were to determine the next military sidearm for the United States. This program was eventually scrapped and was replaced by the Modular Handgun System. The Px4 Storm is actually a revamp of the older Beretta 8000 or "Cougar" pistol. However the rights to produce the Cougar have been given to Stoeger.

The Px4 Storm offers some improvements over Beretta's other full size gun, the 92/M9. First is the overall size and weight of the pistol. Being a polymer gun, it is noticeably lighter and is slightly more compact. It offers an attachment rail for light and lasers. It has interchangeable back straps. Its takedown procedure is among the easiest of any pistol I have shot. It's as simple as pulling down on two levers either side of the slide and it comes apart in your hand. Its magazine can hold 17 + 1 rounds of 9mm, which is higher than most guns of this size. This pistol also shares several features that are included on the 92 series. For example, you keep the ambidextrous, slide-mounted safety which acts as a de-cocker, reversible magazine release, and chrome-lined barrel.

Perhaps the most interesting and unique feature of the Px4 is its rotating barrel. When fired, the barrel actually rotates to decrease felt recoil. While many are unsure of this feature - seeing it as a potential weakness of the gun - it is actually one of the strongest actions available for a pistol according to Beretta.

Don't for a second think that because this pistol is polymer, that it is weak or cheaply made. It still managed to pass the punishing NATO Certification tests, which is an accomplishment that has only been awarded to a very few guns in the firearm industry. Not even the almighty GLOCK was able to pass this stringent trail (which is why they made their own, but that's beside the point).

Now on to the performance of the weapon. As you can expect from Beretta, it functions flawlessly. It is very accurate and the recoil is easily controlled. It's definitely one of the lightest shooting 9mm pistols that I have used. Thanks to the interchangeable back straps, the gun is very comfortable to shoot and, for me, it aims very naturally. One thing worth mentioning is the stiffness of the magazine springs. When new, it can be hard to load a full mag of 17 rounds by hand. Luckily they include a loader in the box so this is not really a big issue. The sights are standard 3-dot white sights that are adjustable and replaceable, so I'm thinking about swapping them for some night sights soon. The recoil spring is not very stiff, so those with delicate hands shouldn't have a problem racking the slide.

It is also worth mentioning that this pistol comes in several configurations. I am testing the full-size Beretta Px4 DA/SA Type F pistol with an exposed hammer. The Type C pistol is a "constant action," which means that the hammer is recessed and has a constant trigger pull with every shot - similar to other striker-fire weapons. It is also available in compact and sub-compact varieties.

As you probably guessed from this article, I actually own this gun. I am one of those people that do too much research when making a large purchase. The Px4 Storm surpassed all of my already-high expectations and continues to put a smile on my face every time I'm at the range. If you have been questioning whether or not to purchase this gun, let me save you the trouble of all that research. Get it. It's worth every penny.

Quick Gun Reviews Vol. 1

I'm attempting something new with this post. I'm going to go down a short list of four or five guns that I have experience with and will just give a brief summary of my thoughts.

It's all about pistols this week! Here we go:

• Beretta 96A1 - I like the gun as a whole. The heavier weight offsets the snappy 40 caliber round. Made by Beretta so you know that the fit and finish are of very high quality. Not completely sure if the grip was any larger to accommodate the larger round, but it would be something to look at if I were thinking about purchasing it. Great alternative to the 92fs if you want something a little more potent but want to keep that legendary design.

• H&K 45c - Great ergonomics and shooting feel. This weapon takes a 45 ACP and makes it feel like a heavy 9mm. Great accuracy and comes with night sights. The downside is the price. With tax included, you'll be paying over $1,000 for a new one (ballpark $1,200) and sadly, you just don't get enough for your money. The gun is polymer, which is perfectly fine, but it feels especially cheap and clunky. I noticed that when pulling back the hammer felt like handling a toy. I'm unable to put my finger on what it is that makes it feel this way, but when a friend let me look at his, the question that kept going through my head was: "You paid how much for this?" Overall, its a great pistol that can be easily replaced by another that's $500 cheaper. 

• Glock 22 Gen 2 - Anyone reading my posts will know that I'm not a GLOCK fan, but I try to be as non-biased as possible when doing gun reviews. For a while, my family owned a Gen 2 Glock 22 so my comments will be on that particular pistol. No such thing as ergonomics with this pistol. It felt like crap in the hand and the .40 S&W round made it feel even worse when shooting. Unlike all the "Glockoholics" out there, I actually thought the trigger was pretty good. Being a Gen 2, there weren't too many features. No rail, night sights, grip modifications, aesthetics, etc. I often take this pistol and think, "how did this catch on?" But then I remember, that it works and it's cheap. Police approved! 

• Taurus Judge - How can you not like the concept? A revolver that can shoot .45 Colt AND .410 shotshells - count me in! I am not a revolver marksman, so my accuracy with the piece wasn't great when shooting the .45 Colt, but you don't need to be Bob Munden when shooting the .410. It was a blast. Overall, the gun felt very solid and good in the hand. The guy that let me shoot his had owned it for quite some time and didn't have any major complaints. He said that he might look to get some better sights installed, but overall he is very happy with his purchase. Size is a factor. The piece is rather large and would be difficult to use for a concealed-carry piece. 

• Glock 30s Gen 4 - A close friend of mine picked up one of these and I finally got a chance to shoot it. I think the 4th generation Glock feels much better than the previous ones, there are still a couple things I would change, but overall it's a solid design. The .45 ACP was very snappy in the compact frame (as to be expected with any concealable piece). This wouldn't bother me if the baseplate pinky extension on the magazine didn't keep pinching me with every shot. Other than that, accuracy was good and it ran without any hiccup. Definitely worth considering if you are looking for a concealable piece that will leave a big hole in it's target.

That's all I've got for now! I'd like to do many more of these quickie reviews once I get some range time with other weapons. In the future I'll add some variety to the type of weapons - recently I've had a lot of exposure with pistols. If you have a gun that you would like some more information on, please leave me a comment and I'll be happy to tell you what I can. 

Mosin-Nagant 91/30

This weapon is a beast. Yeah, yeah it's cheap, but in this circumstance, "cheap" doesn't mean "poorly made." Some would argue that being made in the midst of the second world war, this gun was crudely made. Well you know what? They're right. The Mosin does have some rough edges. The finish isn't fantastic, there are hammer marks all down the receiver, and many of them have been repaired using other rifles so it may not fit together as nicely as your brand-new Remington 700. But this gun will run. The Mosin-Nagant is a tank of a rifle that will outlive it's 3 owners. The reason that it's so tough is because of it consists of only a few parts. The bolt, the stock, the built-in magazine, and the barrel.

Not many guns age as well as the Mosin-Nagant. The reason that many are around today is because after the war, all of the surplus rifles were stored and preserved in a jelly-like substance called cosmoline. The boxes of rifles were then shipped to the U.S. due to growing demand. You can actually pick up one of these surplus rifles for less than $200. And the ammo to go with it is also cheap. So this makes the Mosin a prime candidate for those just wanting a rifle to go to the range with.

The model 91/30 was built for a soldier. What I mean by that is, this gun requires a strong individual to operate. The 7.62x54r cartridge is powerful and can leave a nasty bruise on your shoulder if you don't handle it properly. The gun itself is large and heavy. Operating the bolt can also be a challenge, especially when it's used for the first time since the war ended. The iron sights are basic and can be adjusted for shots over 100 yards. Operating the safety (yeah, they all have one. Look it up) is just not worth doing because of the amount of effort required. Firing this weapon will definitely put hair on your chest. And the good part about it is... you can waste ammo without burning a hole in your wallet! As stated before, the ammo for this gun is relatively inexpensive for what you get. You're basically getting a rifle that fires a round similar to the size of a 30-06, but at a fraction of the cost. The box magazine is built-in to the gun and can hold 5 rounds and can be unloaded without cycling the bold by opening the latch on the magazine base plate.

And that's all there is to it!

Don't let all of this talk convince you that all Mosins are equal. There are a few things to look out for when purchasing a Mosin.

• First off, you need to decide which model you want. There are MANY different variants to chose from. But for this article, I will talk about the main infantry rifle for the Russian soldiers - the full-size model 91/30.
• Second, decide what year gun you wish to purchase. This is important because most of the time, the year determines the fit and finish of the gun. My personal Mosin-Nagant was produced in 1943 which was in the heat of Russia's involvement in the war. Therefore my rifle is pretty battle worn. If you purchase a gun a couple years before the war, your rifle may have a different shaped (higher quality) receiver along with better fit and finish.
• Next is the place of origin. Many collectors will swear that a Mosin made in _____ country will perform better than the ones made in _____ country. Honestly, I feel that this is just a preference. Sure, there might be some differences between the guns, but they are mostly the same rifle.
• Something that many people don't think about when buying a Mosin-Nagant is the barrel wear. A gun that has been fired often and not cleaned properly will have pitting in the barrel. The powder used in the 1940s was corrosive unlike the powder used today. Be sure to use a light to inspect a barrel before you buy. Also, many of the guns during the war were used so much that the rifling was shot out of the barrel. To correct this, they used a drilling tool to re-cut some of the rifling to the business-end of the barrel. This is called "counterbore." While this did improve the accuracy of a gun that had the rifling shot out, this method is crude and still did not give the gun 100% accuracy. Ideally, you want to look for a Mosin that hasn't been counterbored AND still retains it's rifling. These will be the most accurate. This is what sold me on the one that I currently own.
• When you buy your gun, make sure you ask the gun dealer if it comes with "everything." He/she should know what you are talking about. Most Mosin-Nagant rifles are shipped with a sling, a bayonet, a cleaning rod (attached to the gun), and an oil can(s) with pouch.
• All of these rifles will probably be drenched with cosmoline. This is normal, but will take several hours to completely remove from the firearm. When you shoot it, more of the cosmoline will seep out of the the gun's seams due to the liquid heating up. This is perfectly normal. Just be sure you bring a couple of shop towels to the range to clean up the mess.
• Last, be wary of the store in which you purchase the rifle. These can be purchased online and shipped to your local FFL dealer. This is risky because you cannot inspect the gun beforehand.

After you've familiarized yourself with the gun you wish to purchase, the only thing you have left to do is decide what type of wood and color you want.

Open-Carry Smartasses

I am pro open-carry. That being said, I believe that you should open carry because you have a reason to, not just because you desire attention. Let me explain...

I hear incidents all over the news about these open carry groups causing a fuss because a group of 12 people got together and decided to go to a farmer's market with M4s and AKs strapped to their backs. While what they are doing is perfectly legal (unless they have a felony charge), their only reason for doing this is to get a reaction from the people around them. Of course police are called. Many people don't know that you CAN walk around with rifles strapped to you. Once the they arrive, the police do exactly what they're supposed to - ask questions. Rarely are the police in these situations excessively forceful or angry. But once the officers are within talking distance of the carriers, then the organization's real purpose of open carrying begins to show.

They will stand there with a video camera and question the police officer's every word.

"Why do you need to see my ID?"
"Are you detaining me?"
"What felony have I committed?"
"Do you suspect me of being a felon?"
"Are you aware of this law?"
"What trouble am I causing?"

The list goes on and on...

THESE people, are the open-carry smartasses. Don't you dare try to test their political knowledge on the subject of open carry, because they can recite the laws and paragraph numbers in their sleep. They are born to troll the police.

It upsets me when I hear good comments about these people. These people aren't "protecting themselves" or their rights by recording these actions. They know damn well that they are likely to be stopped and only want to make some unfortunate police officer look like a fool on YouTube. Yes - I agree that more police officers should be informed of the open carry laws in their state, but that's no reason to cause public hysteria by walking down a neighborhood street dressed in black with tactical gear and an AK-47.

On the other hand, I do believe in open carry if you know are entering a dangerous environment. Whether it's a bad neighborhood or a dense forest, having easy access to protection is important. Open carrying also comes with the need for responsibility. Not only should you know the Ten Commandments of Gun Safety, you should live them every day. When open carrying, you should dress and act like the responsible gun owner you are and be aware of where you go. You can't just walk in to a school or bank with an open firearm and expect people to go about their normal business. That's absurd.

Do me a favor, if you see or hear someone talking about open carrying their AR-15 around the town "just because they can," maybe ask them if they have a good reason. If not, smack them on the back of the head, call them an asshole, and tell them to do something productive with their time.

Value-Reducing Gun Modifications

The great thing about your firearm is that you can modify it to your liking. However, there are a few "custom pieces" that you should probably avoid when thinking about modifying your gun.

• Hydro Dipping - While hydro dipping is a very cool and inexpensive way to completely change the appearance of your gun, there are a couple things that should probably be avoided. Camouflage shouldn't be applied to handguns. To me, it seems a little disgraceful to take a beautiful Ruger revolver or a full metal Smith & Wesson and dip it in Mossy Oak. It's kinda like painting a Ferrari pink - it's unnecessary and does nothing but ruin the look of a beautiful firearm. On the other hand, I have seen some incredible work done to grips. A quality hydro dipped pistol grip can really create a unique piece.

• "Tactical" attachments - This is especially true of older WWII weapons like the M1 Garand and Mosin Nagant. I see people removing the solid wood stocks and replacing them with a black, adjustable polymer ones. While this can look pretty cool, it doesn't make much sense and it reduces the appeal of the weapon. While you may have invested $300 into your Mosin, you'll have a hard time getting people to buy it from you for that.

• Restoration - This should be a no-brainer but it has to be said. If you have a collectors piece that is 1 of 10 ever made from the 1800's, DO NOT try to make it look better by "restoring" it yourself. While it may look better to you afterward, a collector will think the opposite. This can sometimes reduce gun value by 50%.

• Engraving - Don't have a pistol or rifle engraved unless you never plan on selling or gifting your gun. Many people have a name for their weapons, and that's fine, but it doesn't help to have that name etched in the slide when you are wanting to sell it. What if you wanted to purchase a pre-owned weapon and the one that you find has "Deathpunch" engraved on the side? You'll probably move on.

However, if you still want to customize your piece, don't despair! Here are some customization items that won't impact a gun's value:

• Custom Grips (pistol primarily) - If you have the ability to change the grips on your gun, try experimenting with different options. You may find a look that is completely unique to you. And if you ever decided to sell that weapon, just put the original grips back on. If you don't have removable grips, you can add a Hogue grip to your pistol to better your hand position. This can also be removed easily if needed.

• Optics - It's a pretty safe move to upgrade the optics on a weapon (aside from older guns). If you take a shotgun and replace it's standard bead sights with fiber-optics, the value of that gun shouldn't change much. If you add night sights to your pistol, it will most likely increase it's value.

• Magazine Base Plate - It's just a piece of small, easily replaceable, plastic or metal. If you want to paint it a different color, go right ahead!

• Polymer Frame Pattern - If you have polymer framed guns such as a Glock or M&P, you can get a pattern engraved on the frame to your liking. This isn't a cheap thing to do, and you may need to by another factory frame if you want to sell it, but it's much cheaper to replace the frame than the other components.

The Walther PP

There's a noise that old pistols make. It's distinctive, metallic "ka-chink" sound that newly-designed guns no longer make. It must have something to do with the all-metal, semi-heavy design of the gun frame and slide. The Walther PP is one of those few weapons that has not changed since it was introduced. Sure, you've got different models (PPK, PPK/S, etc) but all in all, they have remained the same. The PPK that you can buy today is the same one that was on the shelf in the 1930s. And yes, it still makes that glorious sound when fired.

The Walther PPK is a very recognizable weapon. I can honestly say that it's one of my favorite-looking guns. It feels very good in the hand and it's all-metal design makes you feel like you're holding a high-quality item that you can depend on. Of course, being a metal gun makes the PPK heavier that other sub-compact pistols on the market, but the weight soaks up the recoil of the .380 round very nicely and follow-up shots are quick and accurate. The only big question you have to ask when buying a Walther PPK, is whether to get the stainless or blued steel.

I try my best to remain non-biased, so here are few things that you need to know about the PPK before picking one up. These aren't really negatives, just some things that could be a deal breaker for a few individuals. First item on the list is the stiff slide. This has been a constant thing with all of the PPKs that I've handled. While the stiff slide isn't really a problem, it could keep those with delicate hands from choosing this as their carry gun. You might be thinking, "well, it'll loosen up after a few hundred rounds." I thought that too - but two of the PPK pistols that I shot were both over 10 years old and both of them still had VERY stiff slides. This might be able to be fixed with a softer recoil spring, but then you might compromise the Walther's reliability. Another item that needs to be taken into consideration is the take down of the weapon. It isn't easy. If you don't look up a "how-to" video on YouTube, you'll probably be lost. The third item on the list is the magazine baseplate. For me, shooting this gun without the extended pinky baseplate would be uncomfortable. But using the magazine with the extended baseplate give you an additional round of ammunition, so, win-win.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time with the Walther PPK. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid and dependable carry gun, that wouldn't mind taking the time to get used to it's little quirks.

Please let me know your opinion of the Walther PP!

What is Remington?

If you are just getting in to guns or you're an enthusiast, you might notice that Remington Arms either has an impeccable reputation, or one that has dissolved over the years. Some have a wonderful experience with Remington firearms, while others never want to hear that name again. So are Remington's glory days over? Or is this company just not getting the respect it deserves?

I think it's a little of both.

Remington, unlike companies like Browning and Beretta, market do a different crowd. Remington's goal is to cater to your average, every-day sportsman/hunter. Whether that be a new shooter looking to purchase their first gun or an experienced hunter looking to buy the most modern high end rifle. But the characteristic that seemingly remains unchanged between all of their products, is quality. Of course there are always some exceptions, but most of what Remington produces, is something you can rely on*.

*With the exception of the first generation R51 subcompact pistol that was introduced recently. Remington made quite a lemon with that piece. Which is a shame because it was one of the few subcompact guns I was looking forward to getting my hands on.

Like I said in my previous post, my inexpensive Remington 770 works like a charm and I don't have to worry about it getting banged up. Same for my 887 Nitro Mag shotgun. These weapons are bargain-priced, but serve the same purpose and function as their super high-end counterparts. Yes, they might not be the best looking weapons on the market, nor are they made of the best materials, but I couldn't ask more of them. Obviously, if you did want a hunting rifle or shotgun that is made of the best materials possible, Remington can serve you as well. The Remington 700 rifle and 870 Wingmaster shotgun are possibly two of the most famous firearms in history. It's not unusual to find an 870 Wingmaster in like-new condition that is almost 40 years old and functions flawlessly. Both have earned the trust of millions of hunters and hundreds of thousands of military personnel worldwide.

I think that the negative perception about Remington stems from it's legacy. Remington is the oldest gun manufacturer in America, so that leads people to believe that it's glory days are all in the past. I can't blame them for thinking that. Remington has not done a great job of producing groundbreaking new products, and when they tried, they made the R51. Yes, you could argue that they've produced several truly amazing weapons recently, such as the Versa Max shotgun and the R1 1911 pistol. But again, Remington needs more than that. They need another 700 or 870 to come along to restore customer's confidence in the Remington Arms name. They NEEDED the R51 to work.

But it didn't work. And now Remington has been slapped again with the "unreliable" sticker and they're left with trying to find a new way to build back up. It will take some doing. No matter how many truly amazing firearms they make, people will remember the failures. The firearms industry today is pretty brutal. You cannot afford to have a product fail to live up to expectations, because then that "unreliable" sticker will spread to your other products, including the ones that are flawless.

And that right there really sums up Remington Arms as a company. Remington is a firearms manufacturer from old America that still produces great products, but is struggling to to meet the needs of modern America.

But there's still something about a Remington. Something that you can't quite explain. Holding and firing a 700 or 870 shotgun feels like shooting your father's rifle as a child. Even the name "Remington" fills you with a sense of confidence, knowing that you own a legendary piece of equipment that will never let you down.

Hopefully I didn't deter you. Remington is still a brand-name manufacturer in the firearms industry. It's products are easily up there with some of the firearm greats. If you are looking for a gun that is reliable, built to last, has great customer service, and is made right here in the U.S.A., Remington Arms is definitely worth a look.

YOUR Hunting Rifle

Just food for thought...

Unlike other firearms, your hunting rifle has a special place in your heart. Yes, you love and take care of your pistols and shotguns, but your rifle gets special treatment. Most people reading this remember their first rifle and it still sits in your gun safe today. It's more than just an inanimate object made of wood, polymer and metal, it's a member of the family. It will be passed down through your family because you feel like they deserve to experience the happiness that comes with that first trigger pull. 

My first hunting rifle is an inexpensive, polymer bolt-action Remington in .308 Win. It's bolt was a little stiff at first, but now it cycles rounds like a dream. I took down my first deer with this rifle, and that right there created a feeling that almost can't be explained. It's kinda like your family vehicle that you grew up with. It wasn't the nicest car, but it is filled with wonderful memories and experiences that will never be forgotten.

You make a connection with your first rifle that is difficult to replicate in ones that you own later. I see people on Facebook gun selling groups that, in a time of misfortune, sold their hunting rifle that was their first or it had been in the family for a long time, and they are trying to find it again. This upsets me knowing that most of them won't succeed. 

You only have one first rifle. And if at any point during your ownership of that weapon you feel a sense of pride when firing it, I urge you to never get rid of that rifle. You may one day regret it.

Modular Handgun System

The Beretta 92/M9 was adopted as the standard issue sidearm of the United States military in 1985, and 30 years later, it is still trusted with keeping our soldiers safe overseas. But the military has stated that the time has come that we look for another weapon to carry the burden.

The 92 was, and still is, a uniquely designed pistol. It's open-slide design is easily distinguishable from any other gun. This design keeps the gun from feeling top heavy and gives a great sight picture when aimed. In my personal opinion, it is one of the best looking and feeling weapons on the market. The 92 is notorious for lasting forever. It was designed to last thousands of rounds beyond its designated service live.
But this piece has had it's fair share of criticisms as well. Many women in the military don't favor this weapon due to its large size. It lacks several ergonomic features that newer weapons now come with. Another complaint is capacity. It's 15 round 9mm magazine is considered a tad low compared to some of the newer ones that are out that hold 17 to 19 rounds for 9mm. The 92 is also hammer-fired, which some believe to be a nuisance.
Arguably the biggest complaint with the 92 is it's slide-mounted safety. This seems to be a Beretta trademark for their full-sized guns. What was intended to be a way to rack the slide with one arm, has been a thorn in the weapon's side since it was adopted. Soldiers complain that they accidentally engage the safety when they rack the slide and it gets in the way when using gloves.
Many complaints come from the 9mm ball round itself. Some say it's too small and they would rather give up capacity in exchange for a larger round.

So after taking these complaints into consideration, what do we want to replace the 92? Do we want to up the size of the cartridge? Here are some of the candidates that I believe have a shot at replacing the famous 92:

*There is no particular order to this list. I will not pick favorites*

• Springfield XD - While I love a good all-metal design, I feel like the next generation pistol will favor polymer, mainly due to weight, ergonomics, and ease of production. The XD is similar to a Glock because of it's cult following. Not so easy on the eyes, but it offers many different models and calibers to choose from and includes an added safety feature that the Glocks don't have. I personally am not a huge fan of the XD, but it meets the specified requirements - all without breaking the military budget.

• Smith and Wesson M&P - Again, another pistol with adaptable ergonomics and slender frame. Comes in a variety of calibers and models. you can get these pistols with or without the frame-mounted safety. Either way, it is a very small safety that won't get in the way. Trusted by police forces all throughout the nation.

• Beretta Px4 Storm - In the early 2000's, Beretta released their second full-sized pistol. Primarily for the purpose of becoming the next military sidearm for the now-defunct Joint Combat Pistol program. With it's polymer frame, interchangeable back straps, accessory rail, and adoption by numerous police forces in the U.S., the Px4 is building a solid reputation as a great all-around gun. It is a little thick, but its large, beefy external safety is not a mandatory option.

• Glock - I cannot give an exact model that would be used, but I still believe that the military would value the capacity of the 9mm over a 45. So maybe a Glock 17 or 19? A valued feature of the Glock would be how flush the gun sits. It is a very "snag-proof" design. And now the 4th generation pistols have the ability to swap out the back straps. The biggest issue with the Glock is that soldiers will not have the ability to tinker with the gun to make it "perfect," therefore I feel like many military Glock fans would be upset with this.

• H&K 45c - Already used by several branches of the military. This has everything you could want in a new pistol design, including the long sought-after 45 caliber bullet. However, the price tag will be this weapon's downfall. I'm sure it'll be less under military contract, but I can't imagine the military paying close to $1,100 per handgun.

• FN Five-Seven - I am adding this to the list only because it was designed to not only meet the requirements of the new military sidearm, but also be an alternative to the 9x19 NATO round. I feel like if the gun didn't cost an arm or leg to buy, our soldiers would already be carrying this weapon. The Five-Seven uses a unique cartridge, the 5.7x28 mm. It is a long and skinny round, designed to act like a rifle caliber, but for a pistol. It holds 20 rounds and has greater effective range and stopping power than a 9x19 NATO round. After holding this weapon, you can tell that this gun was built around ergonomics, it's possibly one of the most comfortable pistols I have ever felt.

• Beretta APX - Beretta has finally done it. After years of criticism of not making a striker-fire pistol, they finally have an answer. The Beretta APX. This pistol falls right into the "no external safety, split trigger, polymer, striker-fire" category. Price hasn't been announced yet but we could probably expect that it falls around the $600 mark. It's a little late to the game, but maybe it'll get some military consideration. Only time will tell.

• FN FNP - The FNP is right there with the H&K 45c when talking about look and feel. But it's a little more reasonable when it comes to price. And talk about options! This pistol comes in about as many configurations as you can imagine. I feel like the military could have a field day just building what they want. This is one of the few pistols that have replaceable frame rails that allow it to be rebuilt after extensive use. This will drastically increase the gun's service life and end up saving money. 

Opinion on caliber - I think that the military would be hard pressed to move up to a larger round such as the .45 ACP. I believe that we will continue to favor a lighter, faster rounds over a one that makes a larger hole. Magazine capacity cannot be overlooked, and the 9x19 still tops the market in light, high-capacity pistols.

There is no way we will go back to the 1911. So get that thought out of your mind. I love the gun as much as the next person, but let's be realistic.

Did I make good predictions? Did I leave out a pistol that you think should be included? Please leave a comment and explain what gun you think should be the next military sidearm and why.

Firearm Education (Pet Peeves)

I've wanted to rant about this for a long time. I am a member of multiple gun trading and selling groups on Facebook, I read firearm related forums and I've extensively read news articles that are all centered around guns (for better or worse). So after years of looking at these, here are my greatest pet peeves in the gun community:

• The most common communication error amongst gun owners. The box with the ammunition inside is called a MAGAZINE, NOT a CLIP. No it doesn't sound 'cool' to say the wrong thing. Magazines are the modern tool used to load ammunition into the action of the weapon. They usually feed from the bottom of the gun and use a spring to push the round in to the receiver when the action is worked. Clips serve the same purpose. However, very few, if any, modern firearms use clips to feed ammunition. A clip is a thin piece of metal that attach to the base of the cartridges and hold them together in a row. This fully loaded clip is then pressed into the built-in (and non-removable) magazines of older guns, such as the M1 Garand and will feed the rounds when the action is cycled. 

• This is more of a personal point, but to me, there is no such thing as an "AR pistol." Look it up if you don't know what I'm talking about. I know that the definition of a 'pistol' varies, but for me, a pistol is a weapon that is designed to comfortably be shot with one hand, uses pistol calibers, and can be concealed easily for easy mobility. A weapon that is only called a 'pistol' because it has a short barrel and has a chopped off shoulder stock REALLY drives me up the wall. I've even had someone say to me that they have a .308 'pistol'. No - you camo wearing neck-beard - you don't. You've only cut off the ends of your AR and made it harder to use. Yes, you have mobility, but would you cut off a shotgun to pistol-length and call it a 'pistol'? I think not.

• There are such things as good, inexpensive guns. Don't feel like you need to spend over $500 to buy a quality firearm. As a proud owner of several sub-$450 weapons, I support the bargain priced firearms. My first gun was a Remington 887 pump shotgun. It cost around $300-$350. I can't begin to tell you of all the negative reviews this gun received. All of the bad reviews were from people who never shot the gun and are only judging it by price or, if they have shot it, it didn't feel as nice as their $2,500 Benelli. I wouldn't trade my Remington for the world. It shoots straight, the action is crisp, and it hasn't ever given me any problems. If someone were to try to bash this gun in front of me, I will happily challenge them to a clay-shooting competition. I will win. This is not the only example of a quality firearm with a low price sticker. Not long ago I saw a Bersa Thunder .380 Compact on a shelf for mid-$200's. This might be the best example of a semi-auto handgun bargain. I know for a fact that this pistol has a great reputation for reliability and performance. 

• If you are wanting to sell your firearm on a website, don't ask what you've paid for it. Guns hold their value very well, but not that well. Regardless if you've shot less than 50 rounds through it. Your gun, like a car, will depreciate in value once used (unless you own a collector's piece). I can't tell you how many people attempt to sell their used Glock for the EXACT price that they paid for it new. The only reason that anyone would buy that gun from you is if they are a felon and can't buy it legally from a store.

• This is a topic for another article. Open carry. In the United States, I believe that a law abiding citizen should be able to open carry for their own protection. That being said, when activists open carry AK-47s and expect police to believe you when you say that you are "just out for a stroll," you are just seeking attention. There is absolutely no need to carry your M16 to go grocery shopping. Yes, if North Korea decides to attack us, you will be prepared, but other than that, you just look like a punk. If I was concealed carrying my pistol and some guy came in my local Winn-Dixie wielding an AK-47, I would probably be thinking about what action I should take in case this guy decides to make a move. I don't know your intention, and neither do police. 

Before I make too many eyes roll, I'll leave it at that. I promise the next post will be about an actual firearm instead of gun culture.

Leave me a comment about what bothers you about gun community.

To Hoard or Not To Hoard

The title says it all. Gun owners are just like the people that go out and buy milk and bread right before they’re snowed in. It’s never a bad idea to be prepared in case things take a turn for the worse, but it is possible that we go a little overboard. As we all know, we currently have a president that doesn’t like guns. He has taken it upon himself to drastically limit what kinds of firearms that people can lay their hands on. But this is America. Our right to bear arms cannot simply be scrubbed away by some strong-willed politician. Well, not without starting a war at least. And even our gun-hating president doesn’t want that (if you feel differently, please leave your comment below). So people, I ask that you take a deep breath, take a step back, and analyze the situation. Take a moment and ask yourself these questions:

• Do I need to spend my paycheck on every last box of .22 ammo I can find?
• Do I need to buy out the store of green-tip .223/5.56 and create even more chaos for the people that come in after me looking for some?
• Do I need to postpone my child’s college education in order to buy an AR-15 before they are banned?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, I have this to say to you:

CALM YOURSELF!

There are people working night and day that make sure unconstitutional firearm bans remain only a myth. Luckily for us gun enthusiasts, we have the strongest political group on our side, the NRA. These people are well-read, strong willed, and heavily funded. Primarily by you though annual membership fees. If you feel you need to do your part to keep ridiculous laws from passing, become a member. Try to refrain from getting on social media and shouting; “Hey dems’ government get my guns!”- paired with a picture of outdated self-defense statistics. Quite honestly, it isn’t helping either side. There is nothing that you could say to congress that the NRA hasn’t thought of already.

* Note: I live in Alabama so I’m allowed to make fun of people that talk like this ^.

What I am trying to say here is this: If a shooting tragedy occurs or if a ban is proposed and you feel like you need to grab some extra ammo for your firearm, that is perfectly acceptable, but I ask that you buy only what you need. The panic only sets in when items fly off the shelves.

Top Tip – An event can occur at any moment that can limit your ability to purchase weapons or ammo. It is a good idea to remain stocked with everything you need BEFORE one of these events happen. Don’t find yourself getting pulled in to the frenzy. Buy the things you need when supply is plentiful, not when it is rare.

Popular Handgun Cartridges for the New Shooter

Are you new to pistols and a little confused about what you should get? Look no further! This post is all about calibers. Calibers of handguns primarily. This is just a brief overview of the most common rounds that can be found at your local gun shop or sporting goods store. There are more than this, but I’m just covering the basics.

One thing I need to clear up first – vocabulary.

Bullet – the physical projectile that leaves the gun on its way to the target.
Casing – The shell that the bullet sits in until it is fired. The casing is ejected when fired.
Cartridge/round – The whole thing. Bullet and casing.

Okay, here they are:

.22 Long Rifle – Small rimfire cartridge. Used primarily for target practice and hunting varmint or other small game. Can make for very accurate follow up shots due to very low recoil. Believe it or not, the .22 LR is the cartridge is the cause for the most fatalities in the United States because its danger is underestimated. This is a great introductory round for those looking to get in to shooting sports and don’t want to break the bank when trying to buy ammunition.

.32 ACP – This small handgun round is used in sub-compact weapons where concealability is more important to the user than stopping power. This round is not as popular as it once was and can be difficult to find. The .32 ACP is most famous for being the caliber of James Bond’s Walther PPK and is the cartridge that Adolf Hitler committed suicide with.

.380 ACP – This round is favored by those who want a good combination of concealability AND stopping power. Most of these guns are light and easy to handle due to low recoil. Many would consider that this round is the minimum caliber recommended for self-defense. Same diameter as the 9mm Luger, but they are very different. Don’t get the two confused. Another name for the .380 ACP is the “9mm Short.”

.38 Special – A good all-around revolver cartridge. The .38 Special provides a good balance between power and recoil. Guns for this round come in all shapes, sizes, and weights. Many people use a .38 Special revolver as their home defense gun because it’s an easy round for anyone to handle if it’s needed.

9x19 Parabellum (9mm Luger) – Roughly double the power of the .380 ACP. This caliber is one of the most popular rounds in the world and can be found almost anywhere. It is used by the U.S. military and by a majority of the police forces in the United States. 9mm pistols can come in all shapes and sizes. High velocity, good stopping power, and moderate recoil depending on the size and weight of the firearm. Also an inexpensive ammo type.

.40 S&W – Originally developed as competition/alternative for the large 10mm cartridge, the .40 S&W has excellent ballistic performance, but at the cost of high recoil. Anyone will tell you that this cartridge is very snappy and can be proven uncomfortable for many shooters. However, pistols of this caliber have the advantage of having similar stopping power to the .45, but with higher magazine capacity.

.45 ACP – Developed during the Philippine-American War to replace the .38 Long Colt (which had roughly the stopping power of the .380 ACP) which wasn’t powerful enough to take down a charging Philippine warrior. This cartridge is favored by those who want a large hole in their target. This was the round used in the fabled Colt 1911, a gun that, to many, is the greatest firearm in history. The .45 ACP is large, but has a slower velocity. Most of these rounds are sub-sonic.  Recoil on these firearms are higher than your standard 9mm, but usually not as severe as the snappy .40 S&W.

.357 Magnum – Primarily a revolver cartridge that is a longer, more powerful evolution of the .38 Special. One of the most, if not the most, popular cartridge for a revolver. It’s definitely a powerhouse and will provide you with excellent stopping power at the cost of moderate to high recoil. Revolvers of this caliber usually can fire the lower powered .38 Special cartridge due to the two rounds being the same diameter.

.44 Magnum – Do you feel lucky? This beast of a bullet can knock most anything down that is in your way. Big guns, big recoil, big price. These rounds aren’t cheap but you get your money’s worth.

Less Popular Handgun Calibers

.357 Sig – This is an odd one. Developed to replicate the results of a .357 magnum revolver cartridge, but able to be fed in a smaller semi-automatic gun. They didn’t quite get there. What was developed was a hyper-velocity round that doesn’t quite have the power of the .357 magnum, but kicks more than a .40 S&W. This is the select round for numerous police forces in the U.S.

.45 GAP -  Glock had to make their own variant of the .45 ACP....Because GLOCK.

10mm – This cartridge has a smaller following. The 10mm is an extremely effective round, however, the recoil is too strong for comfortable use. This ammo type is difficult to find due to its lack of demand.

50 A.E. – I am only adding this to the list because I feel like people will be asking “What is the largest round for a handgun?” Well this is the largest for a semi-automatic handgun. This is a showpiece caliber for a showpiece gun. This is the signature round for the oversized Desert Eagle. The only practical use for this round is defending yourself from a charging Rhinoceros.

500 S&W - This is the largest cartridge currently made for a revolver. It's uses are limited and can be used for large game hunting (gun w/ mounted scope) and for showing off at the range. I'm pretty sure this round was developed solely for the purpose of watching unexperienced shooters get smacked in the face by the gun's recoil. Seriously, go look it up on YouTube.

If you are still undecided on a handgun caliber that's right for you, please leave me a comment! I will be happy to help you make your decision!