One gun begets another.

I completed form 4473 and started the CA DROS process this afternoon for the Rossi M92 .45 Colt.  Unfortunately, this has rekindled my interest for a SAA revolver.  Now I want a pistol to match the Rossi M92.  As a result I’ve been looking for a stainless steel SSA with a satin finish chambered in .45 Colt.

Hmm…

I briefly entertained Uberti’s reproduction of the S&W top break models, but they were going for $600 or $900 for the blued or stainless model, respectively.  Then I thought about Ruger’s line of SAAs since I already own a Single-Six in a stainless steel satin finish.  It was a difficult choice between the Blackhawk or Vaquero in .45 Colt.

Do I want modern adjustable sights or the subtle traditional look with a frame notched rear sight?

Looking at the modern sights on the Rossi M92, I wouldn’t mind a Blackhawk.  Adjustable sights to compensate for other loads appear to be a benefit, too.  Then question was if I wanted a standard grip or Ruger’s version of the Bisley.  Noting John Knutson’s review of the Ruger Bisley 5.5″ stainless steel model, the Bisley grip is preferred for hotter loads.  I’m not a fan of the traditional pistol grip, so the Bisley model was very attractive considering that I want to share loads with the Rossi M92.

Does Ruger currently produce a Bisley stainless steel model with adjustable rear sights?  Of course not.  It had to be a limited run of XXX pistols…

Now I’m scoruing gunbroker and other forums.  I found one model for sale and it looks promising.  Unforunately, I’ll likely have to wait awhile before it’s in my hands.  I have a Sig Sauer P239 9mm on it’s way.  Why the wait?  California has this pesky law called AB 202 – one handgun transfered via FFL per 30 days.  :sadface:

Elk Grove Friends of NRA Gun-O-Rama AAR

IMGP3204

Wild Bill's Old West Trading provided the firearms.

Gun-O-Rama 2009 AAR

100 guns. 100 games. 100 winners. Bring yourself, your friends and your money! Over 100 prizes – ALL GUNS!  Most games, odds are 1 in 50.

When: November 7th, 2009
Time: 6:30 PM
Where: 10490 East Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA
Cost: $20 for entry. $25 at the door. That includes tri-tip sandwich, chips and a drink ticket.

Friends of NRA can run quite an event, particularly for a good cause.   Friends of NRA assembled a new fun way to win a gun.  It’s so much more interactive than a straight raffle.  They called it  a “game.”  I’m convinced that it’s primarily a raffle, but with a twist.  Seriously though.  I had fun.

Read more »

Fillet of beef wrapped with bacon.

IMGP3354

Pan seared. Olive oil, garlic, thyme and rosemary. Salt and pepper. Baked at 400˚F for 10 minutes.

Burgers and Beer

IMGP3180

Not really beer. It's a cider from Lindeman's.

Renewed the C&R License…

It’s hard to believe it had been three years since I applied for a C&R license.  I received the revised license this afternoon.  It arrived just in time to buy that Mossberg 46b .22 bolt action I’ve been looking at.

Russia to replace the AK47?

Out with the old, in with the new? Interesting… I wonder if this news is any different than the US market speculating when the M4s or M16s will be replaced.

Russia’s Izhmash Concern, the maker of the renowned Kalashnikov assault rifle, will unveil a new gun next year. The gun is said to replace the legendary AK-47 system designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov.

Age is only a number.

Bea at show and tell. It's a Ruger Blackhawk .45.

Steve at The Firearm Blog presented a guest post by David, True Blue Sam, The Travelin’ Man.  It’s a wonderful read regarding Engineering Johnson’s grandmother, Bea.  She attended Gun Blogger Rendezvous IV and I enjoyed speaking with her on several brief occasions.  Quite a woman.

She has several range friends in her hometown, and she is spreading the joy of shooting by teaching the basics of gun safety and pistols with new shooters. One of her new found friends is a nine year old boy who is regularly beating his dad at hitting the bullseye with her Single-Six.

Been occupied…

11 more weeks to SHOW Show.  Is it bad that this trumps Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years?

I’m currently doing some homework on how I’ll navigate through the show.  It’s a bit overwhelming to look at the floor plan (Requires Java for Macintosh users).

I’ll have to start with their list

Oh boy.

I just signed up for Media Day, too.  I’ll have to think about how I’ll approach that.

South Lake Tahoe and a Retired Forest Ranger

South Lake Tahoo, CA

South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Work took me to South Lake Tahoe, CA this morning.  I was fortunate I did not have to drive in the rain.

IMGP3167IMGP3169IMGP3176

Several hours before my next stop in Roseville, CA, I visited the Pacific Ranger Station at Eldorado National Forest.  I was looking to score some topography maps and see if I can pester a Forest Ranger regarding open carry firearm laws.  Last year, I called the office to confirm that I may open carry within the National Forest.  It was a positive outcome.  The lead ranger reassured me that I would not have any trouble.  This time, I was hoping to clarify language in regards to Title 36 § 261.10 (d)(2), “Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.”

My concern?  The general summary is that “[loaded open carry] LOC is legal, provided it is not in an area where shooting is prohibited, at which times only [unloaded open carry] UOC is legal. Prohibited areas include within 150 yards of any residence, building, campsite, or developed site, or on/across a road or body of water” (MudCamper, 09/28/2009; post #80)  MudCamper further summarizes that “California law (PC § 12031) prohibits loading anywhere where discharge of a firearm is prohibited. The CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) prohibits shooting on/across roads in the NF. So, technically you’d be violating California Penal Code § 12031 when you carry a loaded gun on the road [or bodies of water] in the National Forest. It’s not just a fine. It’s a misdemeanor.”

In the National Forest, there are several small/large bodies of water.  This is especially true as the snow runs off the mountains.  With a strict interpretation, I would be breaking the law under California PC § 12031 if I crossed a body of water, i.e., lakes, streams, rivers. For clarification, I spoke with Gary M., a retired LEO of the National Forest Service.  He’s currently the volunteer coordinator.  The active rangers were out shooting.

Gary related to me that the consensus is that the rangers at Eldorado National Forest do not mind if a responsible person were to open carry across a stream or pond, as long as firearms were not discharged.  He assured me that this is true at the Pacific station as well as the others.  In other words, they either do not care about California law or do not know it.

It’s nice to know their potential reaction.  He does carry a S&W Model 66 on his personal hikes.  It appears that Eldorado National Forest is generally gun friendly, too.  He and I shared a nice conversation about guns and his past experience as a LEO.  He appeared confident that National Forest LEO would not harass me.  It’s additional comfort, but as MudCamper stated, “Your milage may vary.”

Gunpal. Now online!

Straight from the Calguns News Network!

 

HEALDSBURG, CA – October 29, 2009 (For Immediate Release)

GUNPAL, Inc. is a transaction-neutral online payments platform with a philanthropic spirit,” announces Founder/CEO Ben Cannon. “It is also the first serious competitor for PayPal Inc.”

A percentage of each transaction is donated to a selected charity at no additional cost to the user. The initial list of organizations includes the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, and the Supercomputing Disease Research Center. Users can also suggest charities for consideration.

An avid supporter of constitutional rights, Cannon created a discrimination-free online payments application, starting with the recognition of the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Prohibited by PayPal’s “Acceptable Use Policy”, the $3 billion firearms and accessories industry has adopted GUNPAL as the payments platform of choice. “Firearms can only be sold by licensed dealers. GUNPAL is more convenient than other forms of payment as its comprehensive transaction tracking system is secure and reliable for our audits,” says Mitchel Chapman of WBtactical.com, a licensed firearms dealer.

An estimated one hundred million firearm owners nationwide now have a platform with which they can trade ammunition, scopes, and other accessories securely and hassle-free. As a socially responsible company, GUNPAL directs its firearm buyers to government documentation on current firearm laws and regulations and will provide licensed dealer listings by buyers’ zip codes in a future release. Having dominated the firearms niche, GUNPAL is already targeting other under-served markets with several new projects under way.

With every line of code written in-house, most of the engineering effort has been dedicated to fraud prevention. GUNPAL’s unique anti-fraud and anti-phishing systems take a finer-toothed comb through customer data for maximum privacy and security. Reduced fraud cuts operating costs resulting in lower fees for most common transactions as compared to PAYPAL. Cannon’s first company, GeoVario, LLC, was the natural choice for web-hosting services.

Founded in 2004, GUNPAL is a transaction-neutral online payment system that allows easy transfer of funds to anyone with an email address. Privately funded, GUNPAL has revolutionized the transfer of money with its pro-constitutional voice, unique anti-fraud approach, and philanthropic spirit. The company is expected to expand its services internationally in the near future.

For further information and questions, please contact pr@gunpal.net or visit http://www.gunpal.net

Fillet of Beef with Mushroom Gratin

See recipe here.

mushroomfilletm

Yukon potatoes and asparagus.

When things go bump in the night…

… can you afford to defend yourself in court?

David at RNS bought to our attention an insurance policy that appears to be one of a kind.  At the Gun Blogger Rendezvous, Bill Hopkins at related to me that he’s been receiving a lot of criticism from folks regarding this policy.  You should take a look for yourself to see if it’s for you.  In the event I become eligible and this policy is available in California, it wouldn’t be out of the question for me to become a customer.

LMS Defense 1 Day Shotgun Clinic 11/30/2009

LMS Defense is pleased to announce a 1 Day Shotgun Clinic at the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center to be held on Monday Nov. 30th. We will be using reactive steel targets for much of this course.

The LMS Defense Shotgun Clinic is designed to provide the novice and experienced shooter with a fundamentals primer on the combat shotgun. Skills covered include weapon setup and gear, fighting positions, weapon manipulation, recoil management and reloading — lots and lots of reloading. Novice students will leave the class with a fundamental understanding of the shotgun and itsʼ general employment, while the experienced shotgunner will
leave with his shotgun skills tuned and brought up to date.

Duration: 1 day (9am-5pm)

Prerequisites: None

Cost: $150

Equipment Requirements:
• Shotgun
• 100 Buckshot, 180 Birdshot, 20 Slug
• Pen and notebook
• Hat or other head covering
• Knee and elbow pads
• Eye and ear protection
• Sunscreen or rain gear (as applicable)
• Adequate personal water supply
• Sack lunch and snack food (We do not leave the range.)

For more information feel free to contact me at joshjackson@lmsdfense.com or by phone at 530-403-9420.

To register go to:
http://www.lmsdefense.com/lms/home/courseinstance/294

*This announcement was not paid for or requested.  I will not be attending this class.  LMS Defense is a personal recommendation.  Josh Jackson is an excellent intructor and you will receive your monies worth.*

Rule # 4. Double Tap.

Post title referring to Zombieland rules.

IOWA CITY, Iowa —  Iowa City police are investigating an early morning assault in which a man accused another of being a zombie, then punched him twice.

Police say the assault occurred at 1:17 a.m. Sunday at an Iowa City restaurant south of the University of Iowa campus.

A man was ordering food when he was approached by another man who called him a zombie, then hit him in the eye. When the victim tried to call police on his cell phone, the man punched him again, breaking his nose.

The man then ran out a back door.

The victim was taken by ambulance to a hospital.

New Shooter Video and Photographs

New shooter of October 2009.

New shooter of October 2009.

A couple of weeks ago, my friend’s significant other joined us for a range trip.  I introduced the gentleman to his first firearm in 2008.  This trip was his other half’s first.  Before she pulled the trigger for the first time, she related to me that she was scared.  I assured her that she can take her time.  As long as she followed Cooper’s four rules, she has nothing to be afraid of.  Take a look at the video.  A complete 180 if you ask me.

Shooting at Sacramento Valley Shooting Center.  Overtime, I’ve found that most have responded best with reactive targets.  I started off with Shoot N’ See target stickers.  Those appeared to work well since they get to take the targets home.  This is my first time introducing a new shooter to steel targets.  The steel targets were at 50 yards with a bolt action .22LR equipped with bull horn iron sights.  It is my opinion that her reaction rivals the dancing giddy girl.

I’m expecting a narrative from her any day now.  For now, I believe the video does not require further explanation.

Read more »

The Packing Rat. SHOT Show approved.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s 2010 SHOT Show
Sands Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
January 19-22, 2010
Media Registration Confirmation

DEREK [omitted]
THE PACKING RAT

Badge Number – 28356

Dear Outdoor Media Professional,

Thank you for your Advance Online Registration. Your media badge has been approved.

Disgusting. Yuck. Blech.

Kiwi reminds us that bags can be just as dirty as the floor we walk on.  I’m also reminded that this is true for shoe laces.

It turns out handbags are so surprisingly dirty, even the microbiologist who tested them was shocked.

Thank you for sharing, D.W. Drang.

Penny Stove Trial #1

Using Herbie's penny stove tips.

Using Herbie's penny stove tips.

I made a penny stove out of Heineken beer cans this weekend.  The outcome went well; however, I haven’t measured it’s efficiency yet.  I’m currently using yellow HEET for fuel.  Going to attempt to find denatured alcohol or Everclear when I can find it.

Silly “Science” and Sick Journalism

Meleanie Hain of Lebanon used to tell the news media that she carried a Glock 26 pistol everywhere she went to protect herself and her children. Then last week she was shot to death by her husband in what police called a murder-suicide.

Melanie Hain should have nothing to do with this article. She was murdered by a psycho-cop and she reportedly didn’t have any means of self-defense within her reach. This was a tragedy that has been reported with little regard to domestic violence or her struggle to leave. If anything, her tragedy should prompt some sort of overhaul on domestic violence awareness.

Instead, Faye Fate of the Philadelphia Inquirer decides to open up her article with her death. Fantastic. Better yet? It’s about a study that appears to focus on “research” with sloppy science and statistics.  Charles C. Branas authored the paper titled, “Will possessing a firearm always safeguard against harm or will it promote a false sense of security?” in the American Journal of Public Health.  I’m waiting for my .pdf.  When I do, I’ll be sure to check out the “statistics.”  For now, you may read Wesley Elsberry’s analysis.

Random Photos

JD, ErnestThing and Squeaky may find humor in the last photo.  What do you think, David?

Coming back from Oregon.  August 2009.

Coming back from Oregon. August 2009.

Boomershoot photo.  April 2009.

Boomershoot photo. April 2009.

David finds a donut.

David found a donut. April 2009.