Month: August 2012

Why Marines, Why?

August 7, 2012 / / 0 Comments

Miguel links to this article on FoxNews about the Marines spending $22.5 million for new Colt 1911s for their special operations contingent. Miguel goes on to make several of the same points that I thought when I first heard about the purchase.

Sitting in my gun safe is a 1911. Admittedly, it’s on long-term loan from a friend who can’t use it where he is right now. I love shooting that pistol. I absolutely hate breaking it down and cleaning it. Field stripping it takes so much longer than my Sig or even my Diamondback. I can understand the desire to carry a sidearm chambered in .45 ACP. So why get the 1911 when there are so many better alternatives for field carry. Miguel mentions the Glock 21 and the FN FNP. I would add the HK45 and the S&W M&P. All of these are lighter, carry more ammo, shoot just as well, are probably just as, if not, more durable, and easier to strip.

I expect a certain amount of conservatism in the military establishment. It’s easier to trust the system that’s been proven to work when your life is on the line. I still think that whoever decided on this purchase is sacrificing the better for the trusted.

Zombie Strike Part 1 Chapter 4

August 6, 2012 / / 0 Comments

In Chapter 4, Sissy O’Connell looks in on her teammates as they prepare for their assault on the zombie outbreak. They seem ready, but was she?

Narrator: Kenn Blanchard

Story: Derek Ward

This episode was originally broadcast on the Urban Shooter podcast.

Note: In the early episodes, I hadn’t figured out the numbering scheme. So the part/chapter numbers on the audio may not match the post title.

A Prayer Even An Atheist Like Me Can Do….

August 3, 2012 / / 0 Comments

Robb over at Sharp As A Marble first came up with this beautiful take on the Lord’s Prayer:

John Moses Browning, who art in heaven

Hollowpoints be thy name

Thy kingdom come

Thy Will be done

In full or semi-automatic

Give us this day our daily range

and forgive us our misses,

as we aim for those who attack us,

and lead us not into the Midway USA Catalog,

but deliver us from Jennings.

For a 9mm is the kingdom,

.45 the power, and the Glock, forever

Kablam!

Then Miguel at Gun-Free Zone turns it up to eleventy

Seriously, if you aren’t reading these two gentlemen consistently, you are missing out on some of the best stuff in the gun blogosphere.

Zombie Strike Part 1 Chapter 3B

August 3, 2012 / / 0 Comments

In the second half of Chapter 3, Collin is acting point as the team takes on another zombie horde on Skull Island to see if their theory about Jack is right.

Narrator: Kenn Blanchard

Story: Derek Ward

This episode was originally broadcast on the Urban Shooter podcast.

Note: In the early episodes, I hadn’t figured out the numbering scheme. So the part/chapter numbers on the audio may not match the post title.

Friday Quote – Benson E. Legg

August 3, 2012 / / 0 Comments

“A citizen may not be required to offer ‘good and substantial reason’ why he should be permitted to exercise his rights. The right’s existence is all the reason he needs.”

U.S. District Court Judge Benson E. Legg, Wollard v. Sheridan, 2012.

This quote originally came to my attention back in March when the decision was handed down. The case surrounds the state of Maryland requiring a “good and substantial” reason before it would even consider issuing a person a concealed weapons permit.

This is one of the best legal statements that I’ve seen. Moreover, although it is relating directly to a RKBA case, it perfectly encapsulates the basic theory behind many of the libertarian positions. As human beings, we have natural rights. We do not require permission from the state to exercise those rights. When (if) the population starts retaking the freedoms surrendered by previous generations, this idea must be central. We don’t need permission from the state for our activities – the state needs permission from us for theirs.

Zombie Strike Part 1 Chapter 3A

August 1, 2012 / / 0 Comments

In the first half of Chapter 3, the senior members of the team discuss Jack’s actions on the last training mission. Collin points out how Jack’s method can be used by the team.

Narrator: Kenn Blanchard

Story: Derek Ward

This episode was originally broadcast on the Urban Shooter podcast.

Note: In the early episodes, I hadn’t figured out the numbering scheme. So the part/chapter numbers on the audio may not match the post title.