He noted the downside of removing the disconnect is the magazine will fail to forcefully eject from the gun.  Chad left a comment indicating he sanded down a nub on the magazine disconnect, disabling the feature, but maintaining the magazine drop free function.  I’m only attaching photos below to supplement RG’s guide.

When I think of innovation and customer service — I usually think of TacStrike Steel Target Systems.  From what I’ve seen, I really like how they incorporated 1×2 or 2×2 uprights in their steel target stands eliminating the need for extra stands for cardboard/paper targets.  Whether or not if they’re the first to do this, I’m not sure.

MGM makes quality targets, with wonderful variety to choose from.

With that said, I have yet to buy steel targets for myself.  I usually bum them from friends with MGM Targets.  What seems to be a primary issue are the bullet holes the post inevitably takes.  It won’t be long before he’ll need to replace the post on one of the MGM 1/4 scale targets.  TacStrike’s approach is adding an armor plate — reportedly with good results.

There are other manufactures out there.  Grizzly Targets offered to ship me an auto-reset popper sometime in January.  With SHOT Show, I lost track of the offer.  Fortunately, Grizzly Targets caught up with me again in March to offer their IPSC AR500 plate to try out.  They shipped the target for me to evaluate, at no charge.  No other compensation was provided.

Their ABC Zone Reactive target is made of laser cut, AR500 steel.  It’s also galvanized to prevent rusting of the target bracket and base.  The package includes the faceplate measuring approximately 24″ high and 18″ wide, a swinging bracket, and base.  The post is a wooden 2×4 you supply yourself from a local hardware store (or construction scrap pile — ASK THEM.  Don’t get caught for trespass or theft).

The faceplate is, indeed, 3/8″ thick, pitched at an aggressive angle to direct bullet splatter down into the ground.  The swing provides visual movement, and considerably displaces impact absorption.   Note that 15 yards for FMJ 5.56mm is not adequate distance for any steel target (Yeah.  My bad).  Several shots from a .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .454 Casull demonstrated no degradation of the steel.  The galvanization will flake off, however.

I appreciate how easily the ABC steel target break down.   Replacing a 2×4 post is absolutely preferable to steel.  The photo below is only a weekend worth of shooting.  Also notable is the aggressive angle to reduce the likelihood of lead/copper splash back.

It’s a simple, well-built target, with break down capability priced at $245 as of 05/18/2013.  With the variety of steel target manufactures, Grizzly Targets is another to add to the list of potential manufactures for you to look at.  In the future, I would like to see them offer a 1×2 combo stand as opposed to the current 2×4 combo they offer.

Playing around with more bacon recipes.  Trying too hard, I present chocolate covered bacon wrapped dates with coconut flakes and almonds.

I still cook, but rarely take photos.  Here’s one, anyway.

Employment keeps me amused.

California is still weird.

Good weather and long time desire prompted to setup a raised garden bed.  Pressure treated lumber (post 2003) ain’t all that bad.  It was evident that the raised garden bed was a good move considering how much rock, gravel, and concrete I found buried.  Going to start off with cucumbers, peppers, green  beans, squash, and tomatoes. I’ll throw some onions and garlic in there, too.

I also bought a GLOCK 17.  Made in USA.

I’ve used the MSA Sordin, originally purchased from Tactical Command Industries, since 2006.  The original ear inserts tore and replaced with gel inserts. The battery terminals were replaced in 2007 and have been working since without issues.

Though the Sordin set is comfortable, I prefer the open air against my ears and transitioned to the Surefire EP4 Sonic Defenders.  I don’t hear verbal communication as clearly, but I don’t talk much to anyone anyway.  There is always the polite request for verbal projection.

The Sordins are my standby ear pros for new shooters — or if it’s cold outside (they double as ear muffs).  However, I’ve been taking a liking to the Pro Tac Pro Ears I won at a Gun Blogger Rendezvous a few years ago.  I initially dismissed them because they’re bulky, and quite expensive, but they are comfortable, made in the USA, and the sound system doesn’t cut out 100%.  As opposed to cutting off sound, the Pro Ear Gold set compresses it.

Aside from losing the right ear plug of the EP4 on my first set, I did like them enough to buy a second set.  If I were to purchase a Pro Ears set, I would consider the Pro Tac Slim Gold using Lithium 123 batteries.

I do emphasize that you must train as would carry on a typical day. If you wear a suit – train in a suit. If you wear a bikini – consider a light cloth to wrap around your waist for concealment – and train in that (visually appealing photo/video documentation on YouTube is highly recommended).

While a firearm in a pocket is convenient, concealable in most circumstances, and comfortable for some, caveats include slow draw and considerable holster position variation. Furthermore, the choice of pant pocket style contributes to the concerns noted above.

This blog is not Style Magazine, but it is important to define the pocket types discussed. Pocket types can be described as: straight, slanted and scooped (A Tailored Suit  ). Straight and slanted pockets are common with dress slacks, and cotton chinos. MGA accurately describes the 5.11 pockets as 45 degree pockets, which are essentially “tactical” slanted pockets. Some 5.11 pants appear to have scooped pockets.  Otherwise, scooped pockets are typically found on jeans.

Throughout the week, I wear wool dress slacks or chinos at work. My pant preference is flat front, and relaxed, with slanted pockets. Some may prefer straight pockets to keep a more streamline look; slanted pockets tend to flare out. Do you care if pockets flare? I don’t know, but the flare does aid when retrieving the gun.

Otherwise, I alternate between jeans and ripstop cotton cargo shorts. I strictly carry appendix in jeans. The scooped pocket mouth tend to be smaller. The pocket seam measures 6.5” and 6.0” on my gray Dockers chinos and Wrangler jeans, respectively. The scooped pockets also lay flat.  For shorts, I tend to switch between appendix and pocket, based on convenience and perceived necessity.

As MGA noted, pocket size do vary in depth. I’ve only had to modify one pocket for depth – approximately one inch on a pair of cargo shorts. If you know how to sew, this will not be an issue. For those who don’t: find someone who does, or learn now. If you get dress slacks fitted or made for you, the tailor may advise not only pocket depth, but also suggest adding a half-inch to the carry pant-leg.

Typically not an issue for pants, but holster position variation is considerable compared to secure carry methods on the waist. Do note that the more relaxed or pleated pants are, the likelihood of holster shift increases.  Aside from those issues, drawing from the ground will prove challenging – at least more than it already is against an adversary.   Demonstrated below is considerable shift.  Aside from tacking the pocket to ripstop fabric, I don’t have any real solutions.  Nonetheless, it is a problem that you may need to think through.

Like a moth to a Coleman propane lantern, I was compelled to visit The Bay Lights art display that went live on March 5th. The blinking 25,000 LEDs are reportedly programed to created a never repeating pattern though March 5, 2015.  Though no tax dollars were spent on the project, I share the same sentiment with a San Francisco resident I had an opportunity to have dinner with that evening:  the money ($8,000,000 USD) could have been better spent.

It was a very intriguing display, nonetheless.  Good excuse to continue to play with the Panasonic Lumix 20mm lens for the Olympus PEN E-P3 M4/3 camera. Overall, I’m pleased with the results.

My favorites are:  the over exposed photo seen above, the young traveler waiting for the bus, and Cupid’s Span with the city in the background.

There was a St. Patrick’s Day parade that afternoon, but I missed it.

Not out of real necessity, but I made a quick DIY appendix holster for the Kel Tec P3AT.  A gentleman who goes by the name 45R, online, had some scrap Kydex and eyelets laying around and was kind enough the sheet.  I’ve worn it consistently for the last month and trained with it a few times; it’s held up quite well, despite the shitty eyelet punching.

In other news:  I’m certain my order with Dillon isn’t the only one delayed, so I mounted the RCBS single stage reloader.  After a few movements, it occurred to me to make use of a scrapped project I kept around – for occasions like this.  I added some gutted paracord loop in the back and hook/loop for obligatory patch display.  I introduce you to the tactical workbench apron.

For my first install, it went smoother than I thought – it took me about 4 hours.  I credit YouTube for the preliminary installation tips, and the best factory instructions I’ve encountered in a long time.  I recommend reviewing several tips on garage door security at ITS Tactical, too.

The other critical part of the essay is on the value of introspection, which is probably more important.  Maybe we should talk about it?

I think it’s a personal obligation to align with indiviuals who share the same level of integrity, honor, and equal or greater ability to contribute to personal fulfillment. The idea is quality over quantity, and enlightenment before ego, to foster growth – personal or professional.

Cutting out social fat, albiet a crude description, could benefit a lot of folks. If you spend time with someone who isn’t contributing to your overall growth as a person, that relationship ought to be reconsidered.

This should be no different with romantic relationships, but it seems emotional ambiguity throws reasoning out the window.

Really. I’m fine, but I’ll have another Rusty Nail before bed.

I did discover the benefits of SF’s MUNI (public transportation). I also have a room with a satisfactory view. I’m also not paying for it. All good things.

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PS:  I still have SHOT Show photo/video to process.  I certainly took more time to socialize this year than I have previous visits and made more friends as a result!

It’s not like the show had much to display (new), anyway.  Of course, this is not to discredit any excitement from the first-time SHOT Show attendees.  I argue many of them have the best coverage!

Either way, I’ll also be busy studying for the Certified Fraud Examiner’s test, too.  It’s one of those personal development goals -  just because.

Nightforce BEAST and ATACR.

Turtle Skin manufactures a variety of protective equipment: body armor, gloves, snake protection, etc.  The BladeTect shirt caught my eye initially.  It’s like a lightweight chain mail to minimize the threat against blades and sharp cuts.  It’s also breathable and appears/feels it would be comfortable to wear.  Also photographed below are Snake Gaiters, and Snake Chaps.

The video below demonstrates the level 3 spike/edge weapon protection that is flexible.  The photo below that is the beveled pick, and non-beveled pick used for the demonstration.

Sig Sauer MPX

I only took these photos because I knew someone might appreciate them more than I would.

Cabot Guns

I had to take a look at these 1911s again.  Cabot Guns currently offer nine 1911 .45 ACP models.  Attached below are the Jones 1911, American Joe with engraving designed by Joe Fairs, and the Contemporary Government Issue Classic.  Cabot also machined some interesting sights.  The rear sight is machined for better contrast, and the front sight is cut so it reflects light back from multiple angles.  They’re entertaining the idea of shipping to California.  And yes – they’re well aware the price point for these firearms are out of reach for most folks.  I want one chambered in 10mm.

Ti Training

The use-of-force tool has the capacity to simulate malfunctions, keeps track of round count.  Utilizes a CO2 cartridge to mimic the recoil.  Available for pistol and rifle platforms.

Benchmade

New knives this year that caught my attention is the 300 Axis Flipper.  There’s also the 470-131 Emissary – that thing is just looks pretty.  I managed to take a photo of whatever this knife is.