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West-bound on I-40.
More photos will follow.
Filed under: I Live in My Car | Leave a Comment »
Mark LaRue donates another $12,000 to the CGF.
Posted on November 19, 2009 by Derek
On top of the $12,000 he already donated, Mark went ahead and donated another $12,000 to the Calguns Foundation for 2010. Thank you Mr. LaRue.
LaRue is also running a fundaiser of his own to support the fallen soldiers at Ft. Hood, TX. 100% of the proceeds go to the Chaplain’s Fund Office in Fort Hood, TX.
Filed under: Firearms, Guns, Pure Awesomeness | 1 Comment »
REH CA Compliant AR15 Lowers
Posted on November 18, 2009 by Derek
Magazine catch threads and their respective spring lengths.
For Californian’s who prefer a receiver that is inexpensive and CA compliant, check out REH Industries‘ Model-22 lower receiver. Their lowers start as a T6 7075 forging, CNC machined and Anodized to G.I. Mil-spec. REH Industries’ Model-22 has a some advantages and caveats.
Filed under: Firearms, Gear Reviews, Guns, Vendors | Leave a Comment »
Stalking Bloggers?
Posted on November 12, 2009 by Derek
Kathy Jackson, author of Cornered Cat, was on Gun Nuts Radio last week. I missed it, so I listened to the show this evening. Gosh, I missed another good one!
Bloggers being stalked? Relating to Caleb, I hadn’t thought of potentially being stalked. I have nothing to worry about, right? Hmm.
Jackson mentioned that “stalking is gender neutral [...] The stalkers can be male or female. The victims can be male or female [...] It’s fairly common for somebody who is in the public eye [...] somebody who has a blog. Somebody who has a radio show [...] You don’t have to be a real celebrity in order to pick up that kind of stalker.”
Caleb’s response was quite nice, however. “You gotta have some kind of death wish though if you’re going to start stalking a gun writer.”
Take a look at Jackson’s website then maybe buy her book, Lessons from Armed America. If the content of her page is just as good as book, I’m sold.
Filed under: Firearms, Guns, Just Me, Training | Leave a Comment »
One gun begets another.
Posted on November 11, 2009 by Derek
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:
Filed under: Firearms, Guns, Just Me | 5 Comments »
Elk Grove Friends of NRA Gun-O-Rama AAR
Posted on November 9, 2009 by Derek
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.
Filed under: Firearms, Guns, Links, NRA Events | Leave a Comment »
Fillet of beef wrapped with bacon.
Posted on November 8, 2009 by Derek
Pan seared. Olive oil, garlic, thyme and rosemary. Salt and pepper. Baked at 400˚F for 10 minutes.
Filed under: Just Me, Other Silly Hobbies | Leave a Comment »
Burgers and Beer
Posted on November 6, 2009 by Derek
Not really beer. It's a cider from Lindeman's.
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Renewed the C&R License…
Posted on November 6, 2009 by Derek
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.
Filed under: Firearms, Guns, Just Me | 3 Comments »
Russia to replace the AK47?
Posted on November 6, 2009 by Derek
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.
Filed under: Firearms, Guns | 1 Comment »
Age is only a number.
Posted on November 6, 2009 by Derek
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.
Filed under: Firearms, Gun Blogger Rendezvous, Guns, Pure Awesomeness | Leave a Comment »
Been occupied…
Posted on November 6, 2009 by Derek
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.
Filed under: Firearms, Guns, Just Me, SHOT Show | 1 Comment »
South Lake Tahoe and a Retired Forest Ranger
Posted on October 30, 2009 by Derek
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.
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.”
Filed under: Firearms, Guns, I Live in My Car, Just Me, Outdoors | Leave a Comment »
Gunpal. Now online!
Posted on October 28, 2009 by Derek
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
Filed under: Firearms, Guns, Pure Awesomeness, Vendors | Leave a Comment »
Fillet of Beef with Mushroom Gratin
Posted on October 28, 2009 by Derek
See recipe here.
Yukon potatoes and asparagus.
Filed under: Just Me, Other Silly Hobbies | Leave a Comment »
When things go bump in the night…
Posted on October 28, 2009 by Derek
… 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.
Filed under: Firearms, Guns, Just Me | Leave a Comment »
LMS Defense 1 Day Shotgun Clinic 11/30/2009
Posted on October 27, 2009 by Derek
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.*
Filed under: Firearms, Guns, Training | Leave a Comment »
Rule # 4. Double Tap.
Posted on October 26, 2009 by Derek
Post title referring to Zombieland rules.
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.
Filed under: Misc. | Leave a Comment »
New Shooter Video and Photographs
Posted on October 25, 2009 by Derek
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.
Filed under: Firearms, Guns, Training | 1 Comment »
The Packing Rat. SHOT Show approved.
Posted on October 21, 2009 by Derek
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.
Filed under: Just Me, Pure Awesomeness, SHOT Show | 2 Comments »
