Must Resist Urge...

...must not ... SQUEEEEEEE!!!!!

Crap.

H/T to Kevin.

WANT!

The image at the left is from the Kel-Tec Owner's Group bulletin board. Those who hang out with me know that I've been drooling over this for a while now. However, I've gotten just a teensy bit more rabidly obsessed over the last month or so ever since KT announced that these would be shipping sometime this month. I'm not exactly certain why I want this particular rifle over a tried-and-proven design like the FAL which I could get for around the same price point.

I guess it just turns me on.

AR Upgrades

Dick and I got in a little trigger time this past Friday. I shot my AR, Saiga .308, and Puma .357. The Saiga and Puma both gave me feeding problems. The Saiga exhibited the same tendency to stovepipe that it always has. The Puma was tending to let the nose of the rounds come up too far and jam against the upper edge of the chamber. It was jamming about every third round.

Afterward, we installed the YHM AR-15 free-float handguard that I've had ever since I bought the AR parts kit from Del-Ton. It was actually significantly easier to install than I imagined. The most difficult part was breaking loose first the flash hider and then the barrel nut. I'm really pleased with the handguard so far.

I went ahead and pre-ordered the Burris AR-332. After doing a little more research, it appears that SWFA are scheduled to get these in around February 11. I'll do a review once I get it in and get a chance to shoot with it (the latter of which may take a while since I can't seem to get rifle time in too often lately)

I've decided to scrap the idea I had for suppressing the Puma since it's obviously not as reliable as I'd like for enjoyable plinking and the work to get it both reliable and set up for the suppressor would be extensive and expensive. Now I'm toying with the idea of suppressing my AR. The AR is already threaded and can be suppressed by either threading directly onto the barrel or by using a quick-detachable flash hider. Right now I'm leaning toward the YHM Stainless Phantom. It's rated for full-auto fire as well as being made from stainless steel which should make it more durable as well as being easier to clean. It looks like it retails for about $460 for direct barrel mounting or $535 for the QD flash hider mount option. And, of course, the $200 government-mandated extortion fee NFA tax stamp.

Anyone have suggestions for which mounting option to use? I doubt I'll be using the rifle for hunting, which is the only reason I can think of for removing the suppressor. But it might be nice to be able to take the suppressor off without resorting to using an upper receiver vise.

Quite A Weekend

Went to my parent's place this weekend. Mom was out Friday and most of Saturday but we got to visit late Saturday night and most of today. She, my sis, aunt, and cousin all went to LR to participate in the Race for the Cure (my maternal grandma died of cancer and my aunt is a survivor). Dad and I worked on my truck, replacing the front shocks and changing the oil. We also had some time for some heart-to-heart chats that there hasn't been much opportunity for lately. I enjoyed the visit thoroughly.

On separate note, my Dresden Files 2009 calendar arrived while I was away. I'm trying to determine the appropriate place to hang it. Present thinking is 'on the wall'. I've not got much further than that.

I've got some new mag springs and followers for my Witness coming in tomorrow. I've had some issues with the stock followers hanging or being sluggish to bring the rounds into position after the top round is fed. The Gram's followers from Henning Shoots Guns are supposed to help with such issues based on some posts at the CZ Forum's Clone Club. I'm itching to try them out.

And lastly...WANT!

"Kindle"ing My Desire

Thanks to Brian, I now have an itch for the Amazon Kindle.

This does not bode well for my bank balance...

Puma .357 Lever Action

So, Dick and I went to the local FFL storefront looking to purchase an H&R .357 single-shot carbine for myself. Unfortunately, it seems that this particular rifle is either more popular than H&R expected or wasn't made in large quantities to begin with as it is backordered (Davidson's). The proprietor was kind enough to print up a list of .357 carbines that were in stock with pricing and quoted me a price of $60 over the list. So, I ended up having him order a Puma .357 carbine with a 16" barrel. It should be in tomorrow.

After all was said and done, I ended up plunking down a little over $500 for the rifle. It was really just a bit more than I was prepared to spend on a rifle that is essentially a fun gun. But I honestly think I'll be happier with this than with the H&R which is the only gun under the price point I was hoping for.

Now my only worry is that I didn't really do any research into the Puma before ordering and I have no idea what kind of issues it might have. Ah, well, impulse buying is my specialty. I should be used to it by now.

New Purchase Considerations

There are a couple of longarm purchases that I've been contemplating. I'd like to get some feedback on these.

The first is an H&R Synthetic Handi-Rifle in .357 mag. I've been looking at leveraction .357s to complement my GP-100 that I mentioned previously. These have generally been out of my price range (darned CAS shooters buying up all the good used leverguns) for what amounts to just a fun gun. Then I read an article (which requires registration, unfortunately) on an H&R Handi-Rifle that had been shortened to 16" and threaded for a 9mm suppressor. This seems like an ideal way to get into the NFA arena. The barrel should be fairly simple to get shortened/threaded and 9mm suppressors are almost a dime a dozen (well, not really, but you get the idea).

*edit: I wonder what it would take to have the barrel fluted? That's one thick hunk of metal and it shows in the weight.*

The second is the MechTech Carbine Conversion Unit, specifically chambered in 10mm to go along with my AutoOrdnance 10mm 1911 (and maybe my Para?). My AutoOrdnance still needs quite a bit of work to function reliably enough for carry. The CCU seems like it would address all of the issues I have with it at the moment (feeding trouble due to the GI-style feed ramp, no front sight, general sloppy fit). The CCU would give me a dedicated auto-loading carbine in 10mm for just under $600 investment.

Well, let me know what you think. All reasonable comments will be taken into account.

New Motorcycle Stuff

Well, I just dropped quite a bit on accessories for my bike. There are two things that I've complained about on multiple occasions about my bike. The first is that I have to lean forward somewhat to reach the handlebars. It being a cruiser (2005 Honda VTX 1300C), it's meant for the rider to lean back while riding. Unfortunately, due to my height (an abnormal amount of which is in the torso) and my normalish arms, the standard setup just doesn't work. To that end, I've purchased a set of pull-back risers. These bring the standard bars back about 2.25". One of the guys at work installed a set of these on his back this past weekend, so I got the chance to take a look at it on Monday. It definitely changes the looks of the bike. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first. Then I sat down and gripped the bars. Now I don't care what it looks like. It's just too comfortable.

The second issue I've had is with the mirrors. I'm a big guy with broad shoulders and the standard mirror stems just don't cut it for looking directly behind me. If I want to check the lanes to either side, there's no problem. So, I've ordered a set of mirrors with tall stems that should work nicely.

Now I just need to save up enough to get a Mustang seat, driving light bar, and floorboards.

Edit: Oooh, and a bluetooth headset!

Got a Wii

I was finally able to find a Wii today at Gamestop. I'd heard from everyone who owns one that these are a blast to play. Unfortunately, until today, I'd never even seen one in person. They were always out of stock.

I got it home and hooked it up. I set up my mii character and started up Wii Boxing. I have to say, I hope the other games are more responsive than this one. The left nunchuck controller was great, I could jab with it like a crazy man. But the right was almost non-responsive. Most of my punches would only carry about half way to the opponent character, pulling up short. The ones that did go through went incredibly wide. Every now and then, a punch would connect by arcing out very wide and landing a kidney shot.

After about fifteen minutes, I gave up. One thing about it, it's a workout. I was sweating up a storm. I just hope the shooting games are more precise. That's what I really wanted this system for.

More AR Uppers...

...in crazy calibers. It seems that Military Gun Supply is making a new upper for the AR-15 ... in 5.7x28! And to top it off, it utilizes the P90's 50 round mags and ejects out the bottom of the old mag well.

I'm not sure, but I think it may be a simple blowback action. It states that there is no gas system to clog/malf.

If these can be confirmed to be reliable ... man. I don't know that I could pass one up.

Edit: Let's see if I can link a pic...

Amazon Rocks

I finally got an email today about my Knoxx stock that I mentioned in my last post. The proprietor was unable to get a shipping estimate from Blackhawk (Knoxx's new owner) and he went ahead and cancelled my order for me.

After seeing that, I did some looking around on Amazon and found several pieces that I've been considering purchasing. Here's a list: Magpul's enhanced trigger guard; Tapco Fusion vertical grip; Tango Down battle grip; Knoxx SpecOps NRS stock. All of these are in stock and should be shipping within a couple of days.

Just wish Del-Ton would get my order out the door.

Organic LEDs

One of the high points of the vendor visit that I mentioned in the previous post was a mention of a new technology that I hadn't heard of before. Organic LEDs. Sony has already presented prototype televisions using this technology. This was brought up in the context of using LED touchscreens in place of the old mechanical switches that are the staple of our industry.

One of the things that really excites me about this particular technology is the ability to deposit the organic compounds that the OLEDs consist of onto flexible substrates. I'm sure most of you have seen the sci-fi movies/tv shows where the characters pull out a long but thin device about the size of a large tv remote and pull on one side to unroll a flexible touchscreen. With the research into this technology, those special effects gurus could be modern-day prophets.

I want one.

A little help? Redux

As some of you may remember, I asked for your assistance in choosing optics for my Saiga S308. Unfortunately for me, you guys were ... less than helpful.

Well, I've looked into the matter a little more and I think I may have a solution. Currently, my rifle has a rail made by DPH Arms that replaces the rear sight leaf and then attaches to the rear tang. It's quite possibly the lowest (viable) optics mount available for the AK-style rifle. I've since modified it to accept an XS Sights Low Weaver Backup aperture sight.

After doing some research into the matter, I found that some 3-Gunners had already addressed the issue. See the article at the bottom of the linked page. Once I saw this, I looked at some of the options that I had already rejected and came up with this:

Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35 scope with quick release rings.

Burris FastFire miniature red-dot reflex sight mounted to the right on a YHM 45 degree angled, 5-slot rail.

The Fullfield will provide me with varied range capability as needed and has a ballistic plex reticle that will allow for a better hold-over approximation at extended ranges. The MRD (mini red dot) will allow me to shift to close quarters sighting by simply rotating the rifle slightly. And if either of these are damaged/dead (batteries) a simple flip of a couple of levers will allow the scope to be removed for access to the iron sights.

Any thoughts?

Edit: After looking at the eye relief numbers, I think that the Short Mag might be a better idea than the Fullfield.

All I want for Christmas...

...is a Sig Sauer P220 SAO.

Those who know me know that I have a fondness for firearms with a manual safety that allows for condition 1 carry. It has never made a lick of sense to me to carry a pistol that does not mechanically allow for the easiest reasonable trigger pull available. Most of the double action pistols out there require so much force to compress the trigger to the point of tripping the hammer that, unless one is careful to avoid it, the shot may be "jerked".

Now, don't get me wrong, I can see the use in a double action sidearm for police use. Officers have occasion to draw their firearms in situations where it is not immediately necessary to discharge said firearms. A "touchy" trigger in such a situation could lead to disaster if the officer does not abide by the four rules of gun safety.

For a (hopefully) well-trained citizen who is lawfully carrying, I believe this to be less of a concern. Frankly, there are few situations that I can think of which would require a citizen to hold someone at gunpoint without immediate commencement of firing. Most states, to my knowledge, require the immediate threat to life or of great bodily harm to yourself or another person before the use of deadly force is authorized. And make no mistake, as soon as you point a firearm at another human being, you are utilizing deadly force. Why, in such a situation, would you not immediately act to stop this threat to yourself or another?

Personally, in just such a situation, I would want the best trigger pull reasonable on a dead-reliable pistol that fits my hand well. Enter the P220 SAO.

Sig made a name for themselves by producing reliable firearms ("To Hell and Back Reliability" is their motto) that are ergonomic and durable. Unfortunately for me, their pistol selection was for years plagued by the DA/SA mode of operation wherein the pistol is "made safe" by use of a decocking mechanism. This requires the first shot to be made by pulling the trigger through a long and heavy but smooth double action. All subsequent shots are single action.

The SAO eliminates the need for the double action first shot (and double action capability altogether unless I'm mistaken) and replaces the decocking mechanism with a 1911-esque safety. The safety on the models that I have handled have all been crisp, with positive engagement in both on and off positions. The remaining controls remain unchanged as do the lines of the weapon. Which is A Good Thing (tm) in my humble opinion.

Now the only question is, how do I patiently wait for my tax return with this pistol calling my name so?