Cost vs Value
I was talking with a customer the other day about cost vs. value in gunsmithing. We were trying to determine whether or not he should add a sight to a S&W 442. This particular gun did not have a pinned front sight. The sight ramp was integral to the barrel. Normally installing the Big Dot sights is $100 including the sights. However, if you have to mill them, the cost goes to $150. Because it was a 442 (blued gun) we now have to refinish the barrel. All of a sudden a pretty good idea just got really expensive. The value of these...
read moreSquib Loads
I was testing a Taurus Judge recently when I had my first ever squib load. The range I was using is an indoor range so it made me second guess myself whether it was a squib or not. It was so loud in the range I wasn’t sure if I had a light primer strike (failure to fire) or if it was a squib load. Luckily I followed training protocol and held the gun on target for about 30 seconds to ensure I didn’t have a hangfire. I then opened the cylinder and removed the ammo. I had one empty case. A visual inspection of the breech end of...
read moreSpare Ammo?
When you are off duty, how do you load out your CCW rig? Most of the times those of us are behind the shield or have been behind the shield might be considered lazy when it comes to off duty carry. When I first started as a reserve, a Sergeant told me to always carry my badge, credentials and an off duty weapon. Let me be honest; sometimes it just didn’t seem realistic. As an officer, you should be mindful that although you leave the job to go home, parts of the job follow you around when you don’t want them. This could...
read moreFast is Fun
I was watching this video the other day and was thinking about how fun it is to be fast. Fast is always fun. Fast is a lot more fun when you can do whatever you are doing well. Check it out and remember that fast comes from...
read more.357 Sig
The Sheriff’s office I worked for in VA was a big fan of Sig Sauer pistols. When they made the shift from wheel guns, they went to the Sig 226 in 9mm. After the VA State Police switched to the .357 Sig cartridge, we did as well. The platform was the Sig 229 in .357 sig. These guns are a little bulky for my taste, and I think they ride a too high in the hand. What I won’t argue is their reliability. They run. The .357 sig cartridge is a manageable round in this platform. It is a little snappy, but the pistol’s weight...
read moreWood or Rubber Grips
When you are building your custom revolver, you have a choice to make: wood or rubber grips. There is no doubt that a true custom revolver is set off beautifully by a set of wood grips properly fit to the gun. It can add that sense of great style that sets apart a gun from others of its type. Rubber on the other hand is functional and desirable for its durability and cost. The two flies in the ointment are recoil and whether or not you can grab the grips if your life depended on it. In some calibers the recoil is a total non-factor. A...
read moreToo Late!
If you have been thinking about buying a rifle or handgun. . . your too late! Prices for standard items are now 3x the going rate of a month ago. Sometimes in life you sit on the fence too long. Sure there are certain things still available. However, most of the tactical gear is gone. By the way this includes ammo. If you haven’t noticed your local big box store is out then you haven’t been in one lately. Everything except the weird stuff is gone. What to do? You could pay 3x the price for something and buy into the...
read moreBUG (Back Up Gun)
If you are currently serving in uniform, I want to challenge you to consider the role of a BUG (Back Up Gun). A BUG is a small gun that is used in case the primary gun goes down. While most agencies don’t issue these, there are often approved lists for officers to purchase their own. While working as a sworn LEO I always carried a BUG. To my knowledge, I was 1 of 3 deputies in our small department who carried. When I first started, many of my colleagues laughed at the idea of carrying a BUG. They didn’t see the point. I...
read more"Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry" Book Review
I wanted to pass along this book as a must read for anyone who has taken a CCW class, or anyone who carries plain clothes off duty. Massad Ayoob is a trainer that is well known in gun circles. He thinks very soundly on legal issues and is often used in trials as an expert witness. This book covers so much from the mental aspects of carrying to the basic fundamentals of getting your gear together. You will certainly appreciate the holster selection guide. He goes over each way to carry and gives the pros and cons. Of particular interest...
read moreRuger 10/22 Takedown Project
We recently had the opportunity to do something that we normally don’t get to do in the shop with a Ruger 10/22 Takedown. For those of you who are not familiar with this gun, you really need to check it out. The gun breaks down quickly with the throw of a lever in the forend. The uses of this gun are virtually limitless. LEO applications are countless for those wanting something very quiet. Civilians will appreciate that this gun packs up easily and will make a great bug out or get home gun. We took the...
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