Overheard at The Shack

Joe (atop a 32ft ladder): "Hey, Hon? Do me a favor?

Mizz Merchant: "What's that?"

J: When I fall to my death, tell people I said something cool like "Death to Tyrants," instead of "aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!"

MM: "I was thinking, 'Oh, who will watch My Little Ponies!"

I'm shocked... SHOCKED... I tell you

Carter Lake Police Chief Kannedy will NOT be charged in the shooting of his officer.

From the OWH

No charges will be filed against the Carter Lake police chief who accidentally shot a police sergeant Wednesday at the police station, the Pottawattamie County attorney said today.

About 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Police Chief Shawn Kannedy was showing Sgt. Dan Driver and another officer, Joshua Driscoll, how magazines of two different Smith & Wesson revolvers were interchangeable, County Attorney Matt Wilber said. A live bullet was in Kannedy's gun, and the gun went off.

A bullet struck Driver in the lower abdomen just beneath his bulletproof vest, Pottawattamie County Sheriff Jeff Danker said.

The whole article goes on to say that there is no proof the chief was negligent.

No...

Proof?

Really, Matt Wilber? Really?

Oh, and a HUGE SHOUT OUT to intrepid reporter Jason Kuiper who accepts that the officers were exchanging magazines in their revolvers. Without crack reporting like that, Jason, this blog would die off. Outstanding work.

Kuiper is either too dumb to refer to his FRAKKIN' AP Stylebook, page 267, where a revolver is defined. OR he's so bad at his job he merely writes down whatever Officer Friendly tells him without nary a question.

Let's review this story, shall we?

Chief shoots officer, tries to blame gun.

County Attorney decides a chief LEO pointing a loaded gun at a brother officer, then shooting said officer because the chief was too stupid to do a chamber check.

The self-titled "official paper of Nebraska" not only is OK with that reason, a reporter and at least TWO EDITORS are too inept to realize you can't put a bloody magazine in a bloody revolver.

(I'm two steps away from turning into a sputtering mess who ends up screaming and storming from the room.)

Seriously, Freedom Fiends, if this happened TO ANY ONE OF US, would we be told, "it's OK, shake it off."?

Ask the kids with the AKM in Bellevue a year or two ago. He failed to chamber check, shot a kid, and the prosecutor wanted to nail him to the tree.

As David Codrea will say "The Only Ones..."

EDITED TO RANT:

Wilber said there is a law in Iowa regarding the reckless discharge of a firearm, but that would involve more than just negligence.

Officers rarely are charged in connection with shootings that occur during training, Wilber said. For such a charge to be filed, he said, someone would have had to have been waving a gun around or pointing it at someone to scare them before it goes off. Or someone would have to shoot a gun into the air, he said.

Danker said the investigation into the shooting should be wrapped up in a day or so. Unless something comes up that indicates he should do otherwise, Wilber said, he won't file any charges.

So help me, if I don't stop reading, my head is goign to explode.

One good thing to come from the Jackson circus

Some reports say Jacko the Whacko will be buried without his brain, which has been held for testing.

PHEW!

Takes care of those Zombie Jackson concerns.

You spin me right round, Chiefy, right round

In the comments to the last post, Freedom Fiend PTG asks "How long before Chief Kannedy announces that his weapon must have been defective? Product liability suit to follow?"

Not long, my friend.

CARTER LAKE — A Carter Lake police sergeant was wounded Wednesday by his chief.

Authorities are investigating how, as a city press release explained, Police Chief Shawn Kannedy fired a weapon inside the Police Department offices that hit Sgt. Dan Driver.

Kannedy, Driver and a third officer had been discussing firearms when the chief accidentally discharged one, according to the city release.

Pottawattamie County Sheriff Jeff Danker, whose office is investigating, said the sergeant appeared to have been shot accidentally in the lower torso, beneath his bulletproof vest.

Danker said that the gun may have malfunctioned, but many details about the shooting remain unclear.

I'm sure the evil, evil black gun went off all by itself. Sure it did. The fat finger on the trigger had nothing, NOTHING, to do with it at all.

Side note: Do you have to be a gun-moron to be police chief? Why is it the paper pushers with badges that always seem to shoot toilets?

Is that in the interview?

"Can you name the four firearms rules?"

"Uh, what now?"

"HIRED!"

Best wishes to the unfortunate bullet stopper who picked the wrong time to ask chiefy about his piece.

Gather round, let's watch the media spin

BREAKING NEWS from the OWH;

A Carter Lake police officer reportedly was injured at the police station this afternoon after accidentally firing his weapon.

The officer reportedly shot himself in the thigh.

He was taken to Creighton University Medical Center with a non-life-threatening injury.

The accident occurred shortly after 3 p.m., officials said

Place your bets, Freedom Fiends! Let's see how long it takes the media to turn "accidentally firing his weapon" and "shot himself" into "gun discharged" or "gun went off."

I saw 2 hours, tops (only because the newsroom is in mid-shift from day crew to night crew).

They're probably worth it

After seeing "Public Enemies" I was curious as to who made the gunleather Depp's Dillinger used to tote his twin 1911s.

Not too much digging unveiled that Ted Blocker Holsters was behind the '30s goodness.

So, being the inquisitive type, I e-mailed the company to ask if they would be selling these gems.

The response:

A double rig is $490.00

However, the holsters will include a safety retention strap, which was not on the movie version.

Well, heck. I can see why they add the strap, but that kills some of the romance. Kind of like seeing the reissued 'lemon-squeezer' revolver from S&W with that ugly-arsed lock.

Still, if I had $500 and nothing to spend it on...

Update II: Training

Less than two weeks until Sturgis and John Farnam. To say I'm getting pumped is an understatement.

Over the 4th, I took the primary AR out to verify the EOTech and Magpul MBUS were zeroed for the class mandated (40m). So that's good to go.

I used the unexpected AR upper to build out a lower I had in the safe, so hopefully I get a chance to zero that rifle at 40m. It will be my equipment failure plan for rifle. I may have to "borrow" the single point sling adapter from the FNH pump, however.

The 5" XD45 will by my primary, with the 4" packed along as insurance.

I have all the necessary ammo purchased and packed. My usual range gear is in its usual place in the range bag.

Finally, I have a blowout medical kit that should show up in today's mail. The contents (including SWAT-B, Israeli battle dressing, and Celox) will hopefully NOT come in handy over the trip.

After 200+ times, I'm not looking forward to the drive. Thank Athena for satellite radio.

Update I: The job hunt

In what can only be described as "so my luck," I have an interview with one of the better jobs on my resume list.

So, doing my due diligence, I run the director of said department through Facebook and LinkedIn. No joy.

Then I run the No. 2 through. Bingo, hits on both.

What? She? Crap.

Turns out the No. 2 in the department is friends with two very key players at my current gig (including the chairman of the board of trustees).

I figure my under the radar job hunt may pop up on screens real soon.

About that time, my work Blackberry starts to buzz (FYI: 10 p.m. at night). I look to see an e-mail from (gulp) the chairman.

Turns out, he's answering some questions I asked him a FRAKKIN' MONTH ago. But no mention of the other thing.

Still, I'm not a fan of coincidence.

I'm so boned.

A belated birthday

To the AK-47.

Say what you will, it's a durable, monkey-simple piece of hardware. I own a semi-auto version. It's no beauty, but it works first time, every time.

Movie review: Public Enemies

Movie: Public Enemies

Stars: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale

Synopsis: John Dillinger's short, but active life post-prison

Director: Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral, Miami Vice).

Expectations: Yes, this will rock.

One word: Mixed.

My Take:
I was expecting so much from this film. Bale, whom I love. Depp, who I have grown to respect as a master actor. Mann, the director of some of the best (and most accurate) shootouts in movie history. This film has to rock, right?

Well, it sorta did. Larry Correia hit it on the head when he said you have to view this film with a split personality.

As a film fan, it was really good. Bale was kind of 'meh,' but Depp was fantabulous as Dillinger. As an aside, Billy Crudup (Almost Famous) was stellar as sleazeball J. Edgar Hoover. I hope he starts doing the MasterCard ads (of which he does the 'priceless' voiceover) in the Hoover nasal tones.

As a gunny, it rocked. Thompsons that sounded like Thompsons. Lots of Tommy guns at night (with the Cutts compensator-induced fireball). The BARs were cut down whippet gun style, which was really more of a Bonnie and Clyde thing. Watching the .30-06 brass chunking out of the BARs was all kinds of billy badass.

And the sound! I swear to Athena that the film gunshots were as loud as the real thing. When Baby Face Nelson lights up Dillinger's full-auto .38 super... whoa.

As a history minor and overall fan of the motorized bandit era... it sucked.

Michael Mann (and the screenwriter) apparently decided the true story of the 18 months of mayhem wasn't flashy enough. So, they decided to have G-man Melvin Purvis (Bale) blow away Pretty Boy Floyd to introduce the character. It was all dramatic, with a .351 Winchester and double set traggers.

Problem is, it never happened. Floyd was tagged my local police and found bleeding out by Purvis in an apple orchard later. The only thing Purvis did with Floyd was hound the glory for his death.

Then, during the Little Bohemia shootout (which Mann took the effort to shoot at the real Little Bohemia) Mann has the heroic Bale gun down Baby Face Nelson. Unfortunately, Nelson was still alive when Dillinger was killed (hope that wasn't a spoiler... in Titanic, BTW, the boat sinks).

Nelson was killed after HE chased down a carload of cops and shot it out with 'em. Nelson killed all but one, but he as severly shot up in the process. His wife and partner left his body in a cemetary, where police later found him.

Purvis is made out to be quite the honorable, heroic figure. Gunning down Nelson and Red Hamilton. They do give a nod to accuracy when they have Purvis also chop up a car of innocent men with his Tommy gun, but that's quickly passed by.

In fact, the only people killed at Little Bohemia were one innocent guy in the car and one agent (by Nelson). Two other innocents were hurt, and two lawmen were hurt.

Why, oh why, Michael Mann did you have to ruin perfectly dramatic history? Would Bale not sign on unless he was the white knight? Purvis was, to be blunt, a sycophant paper-pusher for Hoover. His nickname (not in respect) was Lil' Mel. In this film, he's the tall, dapper, heroic lawman.

They did mention, in the epilogue, that Purvis quit the FBI within a year and later killed himself.

(sigh)

Would I recommend the film? Yes, it's still a good film, Depp's performance better come up at Oscar time, and the gunplay was awesome.

But for the history of Dillinger and gang, tune into the History Channel tonight for "Crime Wave: 18 Months of Mayhem." It's the far more accurate way to spend 2 hours on Johnny D. and gang.

Ethics question

My 'hood sounds like Fallujah after a three-week bender.

My neighbors, who already ignore their poor dog except to yell at him, went off to the downtown fireworks show, leaving the pooch in the backyard as always.

The poor guy is terrified of fireworks. I mean, foam at the mouth, race in circles, panicked terror of fireworks.

So, Freedom Fiends, I turn to y'all for a judgment call.

Is it a social faux pas if I give the poor pup some Benadryl-laced treats if it's for his own good?

Oooooh, that's a good question

From Tam:

What firearm would it be most in the spirit of the holiday to take to the range today? An M1 Garand? A Colt Peacemaker? A Charleville Musket? A GE Minigun?

Wow...

Rifle: M1
The quintessential American rifle. High powered, well-built, walnut.

Runner-up: AR15
The civvie version of the U.S. issue rifle. If it's good enough for the boys and girls keeping my freedoms safe, it's good enough for me.

Shotgun: Remington 870
The 870 is to American shotguns as the '57 Chevy is to classic American hot rods. Bonus, both have 1.38 billion aftermarket accessories.

Runner-up: Winchester 1897 trench gun.
Leave it to the 'Mericans to stick a bayonet on a 12 gauge.

Handgun: 1911
Can't have a celebration of American freedom/firepower with out an entry from St. John Moses Browning. The 1911 is as American as apple pie. No wussy 9mms here (no caliber flames, please).

Runner-up: Uh... 1911A1
Duh.

Wild card: Barrett .50 (any model)
This is a two-fer. The idea of a fiddy for the masses is a uniquely American idea, and there is no more American of a gunmaker than Ronnie Barrett.

Runner-Up:M2 Browning .50 heavy machine gun
Ma Duece... John Browning... Older than dirt, still bringing the thunder to enemies of America worldwide. Hoo rah.

Your turn.

My fireworks

Multiple shells through the FNH Police pump.

Several mags of 5.56mm through the primary AR.

Several more boxes on .22LR through the conversion kit AR.

Steel was singing from 40m and 100y.

Ah... The sounds of freedom.

Happy Independence Day.

*So what does the rattlesnake thing mean?*

So "whispers" my mother-in-law to Mizz Merchant everytime she comes over and sees the Gadsden flag flying beneath the Stars and Stripes.

The answer, from Gadsden.info:

Although Benjamin Franklin helped create the American rattlesnake symbol, his name isn't generally attached to the rattlesnake flag. The yellow "don't tread on me" standard is usually called a Gadsden flag, for Colonel Christopher Gadsden, or less commonly, a Hopkins flag, for Commodore Esek Hopkins.

These two individuals were mulling about Philadelphia at the same time, making important contributions to American history and the history of the rattlesnake flag.

Christopher Gadsden was an American patriot if ever there was one. He led Sons of Liberty in South Carolina starting in 1765, and was later made a colonel in the Continental Army. In 1775 he was in Philadelphia representing his home state in the Continental Congress. He was also one of three members of the Marine Committee who decided to outfit and man the Alfred and its sister ships.

Gadsden and Congress chose a Rhode Island man, Esek Hopkins, as the commander-in-chief of the Navy. The flag that Hopkins used as his personal standard on the Alfred is the one we would now recognize. It's likely that John Paul Jones, as the first lieutenant on the Alfred, ran it up the gaff.

It's generally accepted that Hopkins' flag was presented to him by Christopher Gadsden, who felt it was especially important for the commodore to have a distinctive personal standard. Gadsden also presented a copy of this flag to his state legislature in Charleston. This is recorded in the South Carolina congressional journals:

"Col. Gadsden presented to the Congress an elegant standard, such as is to be used by the commander in chief of the American navy; being a yellow field, with a lively representation of a rattle-snake in the middle, in the attitude of going to strike, and these words underneath, "Don't Tread on Me!"

Definition: No fun

Sitting at home on a day off leading into a three-day weekend, writing cover letters, listening to the cars splash by, reminding you that it's too wet to go shooting.

Oh, and the Mizz wants to go shopping this afternoon.

If she hadn't been an officer...

Somewhat disconcerting story in the OWH.

Had she not been a police officer, who knows what might have happened?

Maybe nothing.

But on Tuesday, police found a stun gun in the front seat of an SUV driven by a 47-year-old Omaha man who had been following the plainclothes female officer for several miles — changing lanes when she changed lanes, slowing when her car slowed.

The officer, an 18-year veteran, was returning an unmarked police car to the police training facility in northwest Omaha when she made eye contact with a male driver on the North Freeway.

The man began following her, near the Lake Street exit, according to a police report. He kept following her up 30th Street, through the Florence area and onto Interstate 680.

The female officer finally pulled over at the Fort Street exit off I-680 just before 4 p.m. The man followed.

The officer got out of the unmarked car holding her police badge and asked to see the man’s identification. He refused and left the area.

The officer followed the man to a parking lot near 99th Street and Blair High Road. Other officers arrived and ordered the man out of his Chevy Tahoe, at gunpoint, after he refused their order to get out. The officers found the stun gun on the floor of the front seat.

The man was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon, careless driving and obstructing a peace officer.

People in such situations shouldn’t hesitate to call 911, said Omaha Police Officer Jacob Bettin, a police spokesman. "Don’t let things escalate to the point where it could be too late to make a call," he said.

As an 18-year vet, she likely has a pretty good set of situational awareness skills.

If you see the wolf, it's hard to get bitten in the butt.

New blogger discovery

"Travis McGee's still in Cedar Key, that's what ol' John MacDonald said."

Well, actually, he appears to be somewhere in the area of Sioux City, Iowa (airport code: SUX).

He's a tad... Libertarian... in his leanings, which is all right with me.

Check out the The Travis McGee Reader for a northern plains dose of reality.

An offer I hope you can't refuse

OK, Freedom Fiends, I turn to y'all in my hour of need.

As you have no doubt noticed, since taking my current position at the Northeastern Nebraska Crawfish, Center-Pivot Irrigation, Sanctimonious Medical Center and Fish Fry, my attention to The Shack has... well... sucked.

Trust me, it hurts me more to let this, my baby, languish and stagnate.

Here's how you can help me prevent this from happening.

Ol' Joe has a long shot chance at landing a media/PR gig with a local firm that reps some of the big players in the boomstick market.

Yep, I may get paid to talk about guns.

This firm is really keyed into the New Media and Social Media, which is awesome. The Shack, which I generally have had to hide my involvement from employers, is now a job asset.

Here's what I need from you, dear reader.

In comments, post your recommendation. I will be sharing this blog with the King and Queen Poo-bahs of the firm in question. If you've read something here that amused you, educated you, motivated you, or even annoyed you. Now is YOUR CHANCE to tell me about it.

If you'd like, share the links to your favorite posts.

Here's the deal, if you can help me land this sweet, sweet gig, I will repay you by getting back to regular blogging. In fact, the depth of my sources may improve.

So, help a poor gun blogger out and GET ME HIRED!

As always, friends.

Stay safe

I do not think this word means what you think it means

From KETV.

OMAHA, Neb. -- Despite its well-known label as one of the city's biggest targets for robbers, a Leavenworth Street Kwik Shop again served as a convenient option for an armed person seeking loot...

The Kwik Shop has been robbed at least 25 times since 2001.

Despite?

Despite?

Dude, it gets robbed BECAUSE of its well-known label as an easy target.

Now, when a stop-n-rob gets a well-known label as a lead dispensary for tangos, then you'll see thugs opting to avoid the place.

As long as the media keeps trotting out the managers who tell their fodder... er... staff to hand over the cash and beg for their lives, then the bad people will continue to use this store as their personal ATMs.

Dog attack averted by handgun

Sort of.

Here's the news piece, we'll share our thoughts afterwards.

A 15-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother were walking their small Japanese Chin about 7:30 p.m. when the dog was attacked and killed. Now, the Nebraska Humane Society is trying to locate the owner of the pit bulls that killed it.

The kids were in the 3400 block of North 42nd Street when two pit bulls running loose in the neighborhood attacked their dog, said Mark Langan, the Humane Society's vice-president for field operations.

The pit bulls dragged the Chin into a nearby garage.

The girls' father came out of their house with a handgun and fired at least one shot into the air. The pit bulls ran off and later were located by the Humane Society. The dogs had no identifying tags or microchips.

When the Official Beagles of The Shack get walked, one of the walkers is a Man With A Gun.

The lead is wrapped around his off-side hand, since a 30 pound mass of wriggling pooch on your gun hand adds a degree of difficulty to the draw stroke.

Now, long-time Freedom Fiends know that I am no fan whatsoever of shots fired in the air. What goes up, must come down somewhere. If I had my druthers, any bullet I fire will end up in a matter of my choosing (in this case, attacking dog.)

Personal friends also know that having to shoot a dog would crush me (possibly more than a human). But to protect my girls, I'll deal with the aftermath.

Example: Mizz Merchant, the girls and I were out for a walk a couple of days ago. The Mizz points to a big bush and says, "Aww, there's a loose dog that just ran back there. A big black one."

Now, typically, I try to get the good dog owner karma by corralling loose dogs and calling the owners. There is one big black lab in our AO, however, whose owner has no concept of tags or fencing. The pooch is friendly, and odds are it is her.

That said, all I know is "big, black dog on the loose" and we have two dogs out in the open. So I try to get between the dog and my brood.

Turned out that it was our friendly neighborhood loose lab, but in the event it was a more violent animal, I would not have been firing into the air.

Local Freedom Fiends know one of us who has had to shoot a dog in defense of kids. I know the person was saddened by the act, but was faced with no choice. It was a good shoot, by a prepared person who had thought through the actions before heading down the trail. In other words, this person did everything right.

Stay safe.

Hope it wasn't a GLOCK fotie'

All together now... "I'm the only one professional enough to carry a GLOCK fotie'... BANG!"

From over the river.

COUNCIL BLUFFS -- A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer accidentally shot himself in the leg on Tuesday at the Southwest Iowa Law Enforcement Training Facility near Council Bluffs.

The 42-year-old officer, whose name was not immediately released, was participating in a handgun qualification test when the gun went off, said Council Bluffs Police Sgt. Charles Gorman.

Gorman said the officer was removing his sidearm from the holster when it discharged. "I believe the bullet entered below his knee and exited above the ankle,” Gorman said. “It was not a life-threatening injury.”

The accident was reported about 1:35 p.m. at the training facility, just south of Council Bluffs, near Interstate 29, exit 42.

The gun did NOT "go off." The ICE officer had his damn boogerhook on the bangswitch when he tried to draw.

Life is NOT a movie, Marshall Sam Gerard.

The Four Firearms safety rules work all the time, every time.

No. 2: keep your finger off of the trigger until the sights are on target and ready to fire.

ICE = FAIL.

While we're talking TV

History Channel is doing a re-air of "Crime Wave: 18 Months of Mayhem" on July 6-7th.

If you're as pumped about Public Enemies as I am, this is a can't miss show.

The Best Defense: Survival

Speaking of countdowns...

Tomorrow night, this new series premieres. I have to say, looking at the series list, I think I'm gonna be enjoying this a great deal.


Airtimes: Wednesdays at 8:00PM and 11:00 PM. Thursdays at 1:30AM. All times Eastern. Outdoor Channel

Episode 1: Welcome to SURVIVAL!
From Disaster City, the premiere training facility for first responders dealing with community wide disasters, Michael Bane introduces us to our new series The Best Defense: SURVIVAL!
We meet Bob McKee, the director of the 52 acre Disaster City training facility. Bob gives us important information about his facility and, more importantly, some general guidelines for your safety during any disaster.
Rob Pincus and Mike Janich return as co-hosts, and introduce us to the SURVIVAL gun range: a 300 square yard disaster area made for firearm training in unique situations. Rob and Mike give us a review of the firearms we will cover during this special ten week series.
Finally, we go through what is referred to as the Survival Mindset; how you need to start changing the way you think and consider what you would do if the unthinkable were to happen.

Episode 2: Dirty Bombs and Terrorism
The term “Dirty Bomb” strikes fear into all of us. But what are the realities of a dirty bomb? Is it as easy to assemble as many of us believe? And, if one were to go off in your community, what do you do? Michael Bane introduces us to Chris Gallagher, a 30 year veteran of the NYPD and veteran of September 11th at Ground Zero in New York city. Chris shares with us his first hand knowledge of what to do if a terrorist strikes your area with a dirty bomb or any other device.
And Rob Pincus takes us through a scenario of transferring from a long gun to a hand gun if you are forced to travel through an environment that may require both long distance and up close engagements.

Episode 3: Wildfires and Urban Fires
If you’ve ever wondered how firefighters could possibly train to fight an urban fire that is constantly fed fuel, the people at Disaster City will show you the answer. We meet Don Roy and Brian Beadnell. Two California firefighters with over 40 years of experience between them. Don and Roy tell us what danger signs to look for if a fire is approaching your area, and the steps you need to take to be ready to deal with such an event.

Episode 4: Pandemic Event
Recent events have taught all of us that it is not a matter of if a major pandemic will strike, but when. As with many of the terms we hear, pandemic instantly puts a not in our stomachs. To explain what a pandemic really is, and what you and your family can do to protect yourselves, we talk with Dr. Dennis Perotta, Associate Director of Emerging Infectious Diseases at the National Center for Emergency Preparedness. Dr. Perotta has spent his entire career tracking epidemics, and shares with us what he thinks is the most frightening case we may face in the future.

Episode 5: Hurricanes and Tornados
As Michael Bane reminds us of the song that states “ it takes a lot of water to fill up New Orleans”, we unfortunately now know how much water that really is. Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst disasters in U.S. history, and every year hurricanes strike the coastlines. In addition, tornados ravage the mid-west in what we refer to as “Tornado Alley”. Localized weather events are something people learn to deal with, but often times don’t plan for very well. Bob McKee has worked as a first responder during three major hurricanes and countless tornado events. Mike Bane also introduces us to Wayne Ibers, a first responder from California who has been in the middle of some of the most traumatic weather events in recent history.

Episode 6: Riots and Urban Unrest
Dealing with crowds of people can be frustrating. Sometimes, it can even endanger your life. We have all seen how quickly riots can break out. Whether it is due to a perceived injustice, or even when celebrating a sports team victory; large crowds of people can turn into violent forces very quickly. Veteran responder Mark Saxelby, who has dealt with a number of incidents involving urban unrest (including the 1992 Los Angeles riots) tells us what we need to know to avoid becoming a victim.

Episode 7: Earthquakes
One of the most famous stories about a pitch line for a Hollywood blockbuster was:
“Los Angeles, rush hour…. EARTHQUAKE!” Unfortunately, this type of large scale scenario would play out in real life. Mark Saxelby and Brian LaFave have both seen first hand what large earthquakes can do. They also know the best defenses people can take to survive.

Episode 8: Nuclear Event
The image of a large mushroom cloud looming over a city strikes fear into all of us. The mere mention of the word “radiation” brings some pretty horrific images to mind as well.
But what are the real dangers of a nuclear event; not only a detonation, but an accident or radiological leak? Doctor Kenneth Peddicord, who has traveled to the former Soviet Union to help oversee the containment of nuclear material, tells us what we should be aware of, and how realistic some of our nightmares may be.

Episode 9: Economic Collapse
Not long ago, the thought of a country experiencing an economic collapse seemed to be relegated to places like Argentina. Now, that possibility has entered the realm of real discussion in our own country. Michael Bane discusses what a collapse really means with a number of experts in the field. Joan Quintana, Program Manager for Texas A&M’s Economic Development team, joins Michael to tell us what communities should do to help protect themselves from such an event.

Episode 10: Chemical Spill and Hazardous Materials
Having spent 30 years as a police officer and first responder in New York City, Chris Gallagher has seen a thing or two. Something he has seen quite a bit of is hazardous materials released inside of a city. First responder Brian LaFave and Chris join Michael Bane to discuss your best option if the place where you live is threatened with a chemical or biological release.

Monster Hunter International: The countdown

Many of you may recall my glowing review of a self-published book called "Monster Hunter International" by accountant turned merchant of death turned accountant Larry Correia.

Well, the big-time publishing house version is out in one month.

No joke, folks. If you like a little sci fi, mixed with some vampires and werewolves with a heapin' helpin' of humor (and enough guns to make Keanu say "Whoa"), you will enjoy this book.

Larry's favor, of which I have responded:

If you are a long time fan of MHI, all I ask is to go out and harrass your friends until they’re sick of you, and then go harrass complete strangers until they purchase this book. If you take your harrassment too far (which I don’t hardly think is even possible) then you can inform all the other folks on your cell-block about the sheer coolness that is MHI.

Check out his blog, there are sample chapters. It's darn good stuff.

It's what made me want a Saiga-12.

Grrrrrr

So I'm sitting in my recliner at 1430, wearing my EDC, watching NCIS, waiting on the home assessment guys, expected at 1515.

Suddenly, in the window 2 feet to my left, two heads appear peeking at me.

In certain neighborhoods, that could lead to lead poisoning.

Note to assessment folks: If you get here early, don't assume you beat me here. KNOCK.

My new favorite colors

Yesterday was 10+ hours of hot, steamy painting of The Shack (the real one). I may be 50% finished, but my shoulder decided it was 100% finished about 2/3rds of the way through.

Of course, being the Mensa reject that I am, I continued to lug around the ladder, airless sprayer and (just for kicks) 1,000 lbs of rock after the injury.

The result is an absolute inability to get into an isoceles stance. While rifle appears unaffected, I wil be reverting to my original Weaver for a bit. So help me, if I tore this thing and it affects my Farnam class....

But, there was one bright spot. My two new favorite colors came to be black and brown.

Black, as in Evil Black Rifles.

Brown, as in the Big Brown Truck of happiness.

Back in mid-2008, pa-in-law decided he wanted an AR. So, I started ordering the parts to build one.

I ordered a lightweight AR upper from the place I got my M4gery from a few years back. They still had 2007 prices listed.... and a severe backorder.

The next day, I ordered an upper from Del-Ton, for a little bit more, but it was available. I called and canceled my original order. Person to person, voice to voice.

Well, UPS arrives yesterday with my upper from the original supplier. Still at 2007 prices.

So, I now can build up my spare lower using this NIB DPMS upper... and do it for less the cost of the upper alone now.

Yay me.

Crappy month

I'll be very glad to see June behind me.

We've had work turmoil (thefts, conflict, pissing matches).

A frantic scramble to get ready for a pre-refinance assessment on The Shack (the real one).

Salary cuts at the day job.

$300 worth of speeding ticket.

Student loan hikes.

And more doggy health care issues.

It's been and overall fraktastic month.

If you know this guy

... don't sit next to him.

Ever.

OMAHA, Neb. -- A man shot Wednesday morning was the same man who in January shot and killed two people inside his business.

Andre McKesson, 24, was shot just after midnight while sitting in his vehicle.

He was taken to the hospital in serious condition.

On Jan. 13, Marcel Davis, 16, and Willie Wakefield, 29, were shot dead inside McKesson's business -- Midwest Grillz. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine ruled that McKesson shot the two in self-defense.

A few months ago, McKesson suffered another gunshot wound. He was shot near 47th and Seward while he was sitting in his car. McKesson's sister declined to comment on her brother's condition or the most recent shooting.

Just a modest proposal: DON'T SIT IN YOUR FREAKIN' CAR!!! PEOPLE WANT YOU DEAD!

That is all.

Pack mule

I started putting together the packing list for my trip to learn from John Farnam this summer.

I have a longer list for this three-day class than my one-week honeymoon.

My paranoia level of equipment failure has me packing spares for my spares. I'm about ready to call in some favors so I can have a 3rd AR in reserve, if needed.

(Crap: I have yet to address clothes/personal hygiene stuff. Everything is boomer-related).

Find the weakness, exploit

Sun Tzu's second principle: Avoid strength, attack weakness.

Security Management blog shows this principle in effect in an article on the shooting of Dr. George Tiller on Sunday.

The Wichita,Kansas-based late-term abortion provider murdered yesterday had lived a life blanketed in security, according to various media reports.

Dr. George Tiller, 67, was a frequent target for militant anti-abortion groups. Aside from constant nonviolent protests outside his clinic, Tiller's clinic was bombed in 1985 and he survived a 1993 shooting, where an anti-abortionist activist shot him in both arms.

As the threats to his life mounted, Tiller fortified his clinic with armed guards, drove to work in an armored car, and lived inside a gated community with extra security.

But for all his attempts at target hardening, Tiller's life ended in an unexpected place: his church.

Lessons learned?

All the armor and security in the world does not remove the onus of protection from the at-risk person.

Let's look at Kansas law:

21-4201
Sec. 10. (a) No license issued pursuant to this act shall authorize the licensee to carry a concealed weapon
into:
...
(21) any church or temple. (b) Violation of this section is a class a misdemeanor.

So, despite serious enough threats to justify an armored car and armed guards, Dr. Tiller regularly and predictably visits a victim-friendly zone.

While I never advocate bunker mentality, this does constitute a questionable tactical judgment on the doc's part. At the least, don't make yourself a prominent, visible target by donning the usher's name tag and standing out in the midst of the crowd. Slip in, sit out of the way, slip out. If you want to serve the church, do so behind the scenes.

The suspect knew the doctor would be sans weapons (and presumably sans armed escort) which made for the proverbial fish in a barrel.

As long as churches (and schools) remain legislatively mandated gun-free zones, thugs and killers will continue to prey on the sheep (and defanged sheepdogs) who frequent these establishments.

(DISCLAIMER: I am not in any way advocating that Tiller would have been able to outdraw a drawn gun and defend himself, I'm merely pointing out that the GFZ practically guaranteed a sitting duck target.)

Monday meme

All the cool kids are posting Marko's meme: The Top Five Most Embarrassing Albums on my iPod.

5) Kenny Rogers, 20th Century Masters
The Gambler, Lucille, Coward of the County, AND Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In). You know you want it, too. Bonus Fact: Damn good cornbread.

4) Pull My Finger, Jingle Smells
Yes, an album of Christmas music played via fart. Especially funny when plugged into the stodgy aunt-in-law's radio at Christmas, then watch as the entire family of semi-Amish try to turn off an iPod. Yes, I'm 8 years old. Bonus Fact: Mizz Merchant pushed me to buy the whole album.

3) Various Artists, Moulin Rouge Soundtrack
Did I buy this one? Yes. Why? Because I can-can-can. Actually, I kind of like Obi-Wan singing Sir Elton. Bonus Fact: At the time, you had to buy the whole album to get "Lady Marmalade."

2) Prince, The Hits
He's little, freaky, and makes Bowie look manly. Yet I will now have Purple Rain stuck in my head all day. Bonus Fact: Shaun and Ed throw Prince's Batman soundtrack at the zombie girl in the garden in Shaun of the Dead.

1) KELLY CLARKSON!, Breakaway
No explanation. I have it, it gets played. Bonus Fact: Plump Kelly Clarkson looks like plump Valerie Bertinelli.

Little known fact

Peanut butter + Town House crackers + plus coffee = urine smell on mustache.

Tin foil hat time

I like to think I'm a preparedness-minded, yet logical and rational person.

But, recently I find myself feeling more and more conspiracy minded.

Exhibit A

From Danger Room, we learn of Homeland Security's danger signs for violent actors in airports.

If you walk weird, make funny faces, or sweat a little too much — watch out, when you walk into an airport. The U.S. military wants to use those irregularities as “indicators” of “possibly suspicious and harmful intent.”

The Army recently asked for proposals for a new suite of biometric sensors that will hunt for bad-minded people by examining their “expressions, gait, and pose” from afar. The “Image Analysis for Personnel Intent” project is also supposed to spot would-be evil-doers through their “abnormal perspiration and changes in body temperature.” (Note to would-be Osamas: Don’t send the sweaty guy to hijack the plane.)

I am a fat, furry mammal. I sweat most places. As I've said before, my natural expression apparently pure snarl, and therefore people often think I'm the security guy at my workplace.

In other words, next time I fly, I should be prepared to taste concrete, ride the lightning, or have my cavities searched. Crap.

Exhibit B:

From Slashdot we learn that Homeland Security (odd how that keeps popping up) will now start fingerprinting U.S. citizens as they leave the country.

All together now (in your best Sgt. Schultz accent) Deine Papieren, bitte! (your papers, please)

Exhibit C:

Back to Wired's Threat Level blog for this nugget on the Czar of Cybersecurity

Following months of rumors, President Obama confirmed today that the White House will be creating a new office to be led by a cybersecurity czar to coordinate efforts to secure government networks and critical infrastructures.

Obama, speaking at a White House briefing, also underscored his commitment to net neutrality and to privacy and civil liberties. With regard to the latter, he announced that the new White House cybersecurity office would include an official whose job is to ensure that the government’s policies don’t violate privacy and civil liberties of Americans.

“Our pursuit of cybersecurity will not include, I repeat will not include, monitoring private sector networks or internet traffic,” he said. “We will preserve and protect the personal privacy and civil liberties that we cherish as Americans. Indeed I remain firmly committed to net neutrality so we can keep the internet as it should be, open and free.”

Yeah, the governement has been soooooo good about the protecting our privacy and liberty thing.

Exhibit D:

Two stories combine to be scary.

1) Automotive Fleet magazine (don't ask) reports that OnStar is looking to expand to other cars besides GM products. Reuters reports the deals are in the works.

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp(GM.N), just weeks from a deadline to restructure its operations, is in talks with other automakers to provide its OnStar telematics services to rivals, the division's president said on Wednesday.

GM began reaching out to rivals late last year about the profitable OnStar service and talks with other automakers center on partnering mainly in the United States, OnStar President Chet Huber told Reuters in an interview.

"We made a few phone calls," Huber told Reuters said. "We did some outreach."

OnStar can track stolen cars, unlock doors remotely, call for help if it detects a crash, and serve as a cell phone.

2) Constitutional Alamo blog points out this item:

A May 19 News Daily story revealed that, if and when GM files for bankruptcy, the healthy assets will be sold to a front company owned by the federal government.

According to government sources cited in the story, the government would take control by assuming $6 billion of GM’s debt and by forgiving $15.4 billion of the company’s debts to the U.S. Treasury. In other words, when President Obama and the Congress were trying to convince us that they were saving an important automaker, what they were actually doing was setting it up for government takeover.

What is nearly as disturbing is that the new ownership of GM would also mean new ownership for OnStar, the GM-exclusive tracking and emergency communication system that comes with most new GM vehicles. The implications of that development are Orwellian.

It means the federal government, the same group whose Department of Homeland Security called those who dared oppose abortion or support the Constitution “extremists” and labeled them as dangerous, will now have the capacity to listen in to conversations going on in any OnStar equipped vehicle. They would be able to listen to the radio programs the occupants were enjoying. They would also be able to constantly track those vehicles’ locations with GPS.

Guess I won't be buying a GM product...

See why I'm starting to get that tinfoil hat, black helicopters feeling?

Good legislative news

Seems minor, but this means pre-emption, reciprocity, (some) parking lot protections, and church security carry begin three days earlier!

LINCOLN - The Nebraska Legislature wraps up its 2009 session Friday with a number of accomplishments under its belt. Lawmakers are going home three days earlier than planned - after 87 legislative days instead of 90. Yet they met their constitutional requirement of passing a state budget and dealt with issues big and small.

A little help

Somewhere I read of a new AR accessory...

... yeah, I know...

This one is a small, well, for lack of a better word, bump that mounts one the handguard and serves as a detent or reference point for consistent hand placement.

If it's not tactically-expensive, I think I'd prefer that to a VFG for helping maintain a solid, consistent backwards pressure with my support hand.

So, if anyone knows what I'm talking 'bout (or can scan my brain Dollhouse-style to tell me where I saw it) please let me know. My current method of hockey tape as a reference point is kind of tacky looking.

West O stabbing: the lessons

Over in my AO last night, a road rage incident became a fight which became a stabbing.

Here's the details (as such) from KETV.com

OMAHA, Neb. -- Police said a road rage incident turned into a stabbing on a west Omaha street early Friday morning.

Investigators said a car stopped in front of an SUV near 156th and F streets around 1:30 a.m.

A man got out of the SUV and started to fight with two people from the car, police said. The two got back into the car and that’s when the man from the SUV realized he’d been stabbed in the torso and the arm.

The victim was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover. No arrests have been made.

As I'm wont to do, let's examine the lessons to be learned.

1) Situational awareness.
This catch-all phrase means more than looking around and seeing trouble early. Situational awareness is also about recognizing that you are in a bad situation and being smart/calm/intelligent/ rational enough to stop and walk off.

In other words, if you start to get caught up in a road rage incident, back the hell off, break contact, and egress. There's nothing wrong with walking away from a fight, in fact there's everything right.

The U.S. Navy ballistic missile subs have a sensible motto: "We hide with pride." In this case, one of the two participants needed to have the pride to walk off and ignore the taunts of the other.

2) The Ron Burgandy effect.
Or: Man, that escalated quickly.

Fights don't erupt after a long period of challenge and push back. That's a movie thing.

Fights start out of nowhere and are dirty. By being situationally aware you can identify events that indicate a fight is likely, but there are no clear statements such as "OK, I am going to start fighting you now, good sir. Put up your dukes and prepare to defend thyself."

Even if Party A got out to discuss proper driving etiquette in a calm and rational manner, things quickly escalated to violence.

3) Adrenaline and you.
Notice that the victim didn't even notice he was cut (bad enough for critical condition, or, as bad as a paper cut) until he was back in the car.

Chris Costa talks about post-shooting checks, such as primary weapons, secondary weapons and "leak checks." In other words, is there a warm, red liquid leaking from your body? If yes, then the issue should be addressed.

But in this case, the victim was experiencing so much adrenaline-fueled tunnel vision (and possibly other "enhancements") that he never noticed the leakage until after the fact.

4) The dumb ass effect
This is a general concept that states: Dumbassery can be contagious.

Use your brain, not your testes (both figurative and literal). Be the bigger person, walk away. Yes, the dumbass in question will crow and taunt that you're afraid. Let them crow.

You are a sheepdog among sheep. You don't have to bite every wolf, you just need to keep the wolves from biting you and the flock. Walking off can keep the wolf from baring his or her teeth.

LB503 passes Final Reading

The Shooting Range protection act, LB503, passed 46-0 on Final Reading today.

As with LB430, kudos and huzzahs must go out to the NE Firearms Owners group for their hard work.

Now it's off to the governor to autograph, which all evidence says will happen.

Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn

'Scuse me, while I momentarily geek out.

FOX (the geniuses behind cancelling 'Firefly') has decided to cancel 'Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" just as it was getting interesting.

Oh, forget the bounce from the summertime "Terminator" movie. Yeah, can't have a show on to take advantage of THAT.

Rat bastards.

Damn youse FOX TV. Damn youse to Hell.

Notes From The Gun Safe 5/18

Lots to cover, little time to do so.

NOTES FROM THE GUN SAFE time!!!

Ruger SR556:
The details have been discussed into the ground by now, but I promised my two cents.

Nice to see mainstream conservative Ruger getting into the Black Rifle world (Mini-14/30 doesn't count, IMHO). Shipping with 3 top notch mags, and wearing Troy sights/rails is nice, too.

But, for $2k MSRP, I want to build my AR to my specs (and can do so for less). I hope it works out.

Class is paid for and confirmed:
This July, I get three days with John Farnam for a carbine/handgun class up at Cor-Bon ammo. I am 2/3 stoked, 1/3 terrified, a mix I find works well for learning.

Good news:
"You'll get a kick out of this, Joe." One of my oldest friends told me recently. "Michelle and Shiloh (his sister and her hubby) went ahead and got their Colorado carry permits."

Michelle, the delicate, soft-spoken, ballerina has decided to take the responsibility for her own safety?

Awesome.

(Downside: Gun Shop Commando sold her on a snubby revolver as a home defense gun 'cause she's a gurrrl."

Local ammo:
Scheel's in Lincoln has shelves overflowing with 9mm American Eagle on Saturday ( and .40, .38, .357, too). Prices were OK, limited to 2 boxes. Lots of .223 on hand, too.

GSSF:
If you want to shoot the GSSF tournament in Grand Island next month, get signed up now. Chris Z. worked hard to get the Smyrna/Austria boys here, despite their objections to "no one coming." Let's show up and show the Tenifer-scented folks how we roll.

More at THIS LINKY POO. PLUS GLOCK sends armorers to these events to go over everyone's guns/mags FREE. The cost of this service is worth the entry fee alone.

Also, warm up at the Rock Your GLOCK the week before. Chris designed his course after the GSSF courses.

Tactical med:
Anyone have a recommended source for medical gear. I knew it was good to have around, but when an older/wiser gent asked "Why is it you refuse to rely on 911 for police protection, but think it's peachy keen for medical help?"

I am looking for a few Israeli battle dressings, Celox, and a few other items. Splinters and scuffs, I'm well-prepared for, so think Tarentino-like wounds.

Programming note:
This weekend is a huge work weekend for Ol' Joe. So, either expect light blogging as I work, or a ton of posts as I kill time between events.

Magpul, part II:
Magpul Dynamics has a part II to their Art of the Tactical Carbine course. If it's like the first one, me wanty. If anyone checks it out before me, how 'bout a couch report?

That's about it, Freedom Fiends. Keep an eye as there should be some updated shotty info coming soon, the Legislature is still rolling, so weird amendments may appear, and competition season hits full stride.

Ruger has introduced a gas piston ar. Kind of cool accessories. More when I am off the road.

TGIF time waster

In 2 hours, 29 minutes 1 hour and 11 minutes Ruger unveils its latest "paradigm changing" boomstick.

Speculation has run rampant (Think GLOCK carbine-level).

So, here we go. 2 hours and 28 minutes 1 hour and 10 minuntes to post your predictions. THe kicker: All predictions must be posed in the form of a Jeopardy! category.

Mine: I'll take "Rhymes with KR-mifteen' for $500 please, Alex"

Ready?

GO!

Guess who's going to class?

As you can see, I'm laying supplies for purpose. (Not pictured: 2,300 rounds of Winchester .22LR, I'm an equal opportunity buyer)

I will make the payment as soon as MST catches up with CST, but I am going to sit at the feet of John Farnam this summer.

Cor-Bon ammo is bringing Farnam to their home base in Sturgis, S.D. for a 3 day, 24-hour Urban Rifle and Handgun course.

I grew up a mere 20 minutes from the motorcycle Mecca, so I'll learn from a legend during the day and sleep in my old bedroom at night.

My anti-gun mother may be less than thrilled, but I'm stoked.

(Wonder if I can get a "media test" sample of Thunder Ranch .380 while I'm up at Cor-Bon?)

Roughly 4 hours of classroom on Friday, then 10 hours on the range Saturday and Sunday. 650 rifle rounds, 250 handgun rounds. Three solid days of shooty goodness.

See, all those carbine classes that have been scheduled on days I absolutely couldn't attend were just the gun gods testing my worthiness.

The latest boomer meme

Top five impractical but cool firearms

RULES HERE

From Tam:
I'm only including firearms that the average Joe could go out and actually purchase here in the United States, without going through too many hoops. That means no NFA stuff, no exotic guns that never went into production (I'm looking at you, Jackhammer automatic shotgun), and no imports that never made their way to these shores.

5: H&K SOCOM
Huge, heavy, expensive. But, still has that "Tears of the Sun" cool factor. (Sidebar: I have a 98% HK USP .45 for sale!)

4: .30-06, 12 gauge over/under (various Russian models)
For those times when you're deer hunting and a flock of ducks dive in. Still, the mismatched barrels and the break apart action are cool.

3: Taurus Judge
I have no need for a .410 or a .45 Colt. In a huge, 20lb package (estimated) I can either pack 5 shots of .410 buckshot or 13 rounds of .45 Auto... Hm.... No brainer. Still, I want one.

2: Vindicator belt-fed Ruger 10/22
It's a freakin' semi-auto 10/22! But belt-fed anything is awesome.

1: FNH Police Pump Shotgun
For $800, you can add a collapsible M4 stock and A2 grip to a $200 Mossberg and have lots of cash left over for the approximately 1.43 billion aftermarket parts for the Mossy. Heck, get a Hans Vang badboy for that.

But I just ordered a used one for half that.

Ammo Alert

Ammo in stock

45 40 9mm in stock and not too high @ Sports Authority 72 and Pacific.

(EDITED TO ADD: Alplha test of text message blogging. Results: meh, it works)

Final details of LB430

The full info can be found HERE.

In short, this bill does the following when it takes effect some time in September.:

-- State CCW law takes priority over local. In other words, there is no such thing as a city ban anymore. Cities can still ban city property (like buildings and parks) but entire towns are no longer verboten (Plattsmouth, Kearney? Suck it.)

-- A process is in place for reciprocity to begin. AG Bruning is pro-CCW, so that should get started soon (I hope). The upside here is there are a lot of states that will recognize Nebraska's permit now, if Nebraska recognizes theirs.

-- Church security staff can carry concealed. Exactly what "security staff" means is up to your church. Still, better than the complete ban before.

-- Military personnel station is Nebraska will be considered residents for purpose of CCW.

-- An exemption to the blanket ban on college campuses has been made for rifle and other shooting sports.

-- A somewhat limted parking lot protection clause allows the safe storage and carry in personal vehicles on banned areas, such as parking lots. Now, these places can still enforce policies, I beleive, but the state law does nto come into play. So, if you work for a GFZ, like a college or hospital, the law says you can leave the boomer in the car, but the employer may still fire you (I believe).

As always, kids, I am not a lawyer, so don't take my interpretation as the gospel. For official purposes, seek real legal counsel.

Mystery solved

From the ever-watchful Rick of the NFOA.

Voting "nay" were Campbell, Cook, and McGill with Council absent and not voting. It was signed by the Speaker, and now goes to the Governor's desk for him to sign the bill into law.

Things to remember about LB430

Still needs Gov. Heineman's signature, but when I spoke to him about the bill earlier this year he indicated he would sign.

Then, since it's not an emergency bill, we have a 90-day wait. But, the report yesterday was the Legislature may finish a few days early.

Now is a good time to drop your senator (and several others) a note of thanks for helping pass this bill.

Sen. Christensen -- Introduced the bill
Sen. Fulton -- Made it a priority
Sen. McCoy -- Restored the church clause after Judiciary stripped it
Sen. Avery -- (No, really) for adding in exemptions for collegiate shooting teams

Pre-emption, reciprocity, church carry, and some parking lot protections PASS

LB430 passed on Final Reading 45-3-1.

Boo-freakin'-ya.

At this point, HUGE thanks are due to Chris and the entire team at the NE Firearms Owners Association. That group took the point in making sure this proposal became law (or at least it will soon).

If you are NOT a member, shame shame shame on you. Joint today, It's free.

LB430 on Final Reading today

My sources from the floor tell me there will be little difficulty with this passing. The previous rounds saw Aye votes in the 40s.

Calls to senators are always good, but I'd advise using that political capital to push for LB503.

So, if you make contact on a boomer bill, make sure you mention LB503 first and foremost. LB430 should be just fine on its own.

To your right

Yes, there's a Google ad.

Deal with it.

Carry on.

Neeed some intel from the class experts

I've got a chance (possibly once-in-a-lifetime) to take a rifle AND handgun course from one of the best in the biz. The ammo requirements are stout, however, I can pull it off.

My question for the Thunder Ranch/Front Sight/Gunsite, etc., veterans is: Do I have any chance in hell of gathering any of my spent brass or am I SOL? I'm guessing I know the answer, based on my local training, but I hope I'm wrong.

Hecate, Tam, Caleb I'm looking at you...

Reporting for duty, SIR!

An online security journal I frequent has a copy of the DOD/DHS Dictionary of Extremist Terms.

Or: Defining a domestic terrorist.

The one I noticed.

(U) militia movement:
A rightwing extremist movement composed of groups or individuals who adhere to an antigovernment ideology often incorporating various conspiracy theories.
Members oppose most federal and state laws, regulations, and authority (particularly firearms laws and regulations) and often conduct paramilitary training designed to resist perceived government interference in their activities or to overthrow the U.S. Government through the use of violence. (also: citizens militia, unorganized militia)

As a member of the Propaganda Corp, Unorganized Militia, I stand tall and know that I'm already on the poo list.

Obligatory "got pulled over when carrying" post

As I mentioned in the range post, Mizz Merchant had a social event on Saturday night in Lincoln. A bachelorette party, to be exact.

Knowing the group involved, I drove her down, came home, then went to the range :)

I picked her (and 4 others) up about 1 a.m. After delivering the locals, I headed out I-180 about 1:30ish.

Now, I lived in Lincoln for 8 years. I know that Saturday night, after 1 a.m., that highway will be thick with state troopers. Add in graduation weekend, and it was hella-thick.

I set the cruise at 62 (in a 60), but the nice trooper who pulled me over said it was 67.

I pulled over, shut off engine, turned on interior lights, got out wallet and kept hands on the wheel. When asked, I handed over ID and CCW.

He asked if I had the piece on me, I told him it was in the Versipack in the backseat (which I chucked back there when I saw him come out of the median).

We went back to his car (after he took my clip knife and left it on the bumper). He asked if I had been drinking, I explained my purpose as DD. He said he smelled it in the car (Mizz Merchant) but not on me now that I was in his car.

I was expecting a breath test, but no.

"Since you've got your handgun with you, I'm pretty sure you haven't been drinking. How about a warning?"

OK.

In the end, I'm pretty sure his desire to pop a real DUI was why my stop was over in 2 minutes. But his comments also show a bit of "licensed good guy" factor was in play.

Good karma

For Mother's Day, I served as head chef and grilled steaks and chicken skewers for a lunch to appease the Ma-in-law.

My reward?

Late Sunday, while out to pick up the pizza for Ma-in-law's supper, I stopped at the Mega-Hell Mart... er... WalMart for some BreakFree CLP.

In the nearly empty ammo case, sat 6 boxes of 100 round Federal .223, $40 each.

Now, it pained me to recall just a few years back how I could buy 500 rounds for $59.

These days, however, a 50-round pack for $25 is considered a decent price.

Plus, this was available.

This store has a 6 box per day limit, again it must be all my clean living (humph).

When I got home, a quick check of ammoengine.com showed the price to be pretty decent for reloadable brass.

And pa-in-law was jealous. :)

Range time: Lessons learned (or recalled)

Mizz Merchant had a social event that left me free most of the afternoon today. Hmm... what to do?

Let's burn up some of the .22 I found!

2.5 hours, 525 rounds, 50 12 gauge shells, and one can of spray paint later, here is what I learned (or remembered).

-- Lubing an AR15 bolt carrier group before firing 500 rounds = good idea

-- Lubing an AR15 .22 conversion bolt before firing 500 rounds = jam-tastic bad time

-- Steel is without doubt, the most fun to shoot.

-- .22 rimfire is no fun down the shirt, a 1911 conversion that pumps 1 out of every mag down the shirt is REALLY no fun.

-- Under ArmourDri-Fit type shiny shirts look like a kitten attacked it after firing a few dozen rounds through an AR.

-- I'm still torn on the Black Dog Machine .22 mags. >15 rounds, they rock. <16 rounds, they won't feed on a dare.

-- Annoying = Shooting pal shows up, says "Seems too easy, firing at an 8" plate with a steel 1911, single-action trigger, and a rimfire kit from this close (11 yards.)

-- Pure joy = Watching shooting pal miss 4 of 6 plates with 15 shots at an 8" plate with a steel 1911, single-action trigger, and a rimfire kit from that close (11 yards.)

-- As I've said before, 12 gauge is plentiful. So I figured dusting off the pump-action skills was a good idea. I forgot how much fun single feeding a Mossy was.

-- THAT SAID... After the past few years of drilling with the AR, I was smacked in the face with the awkwardness of the standard Mossberg safety and stock set-up.

-- THAT SAID... I was looking hard and heavy at two shotguns options: Saiga 12 or Serbu Super-Shorty. But, the demise of a washing machine, and the $1,500 replacements, has put a serious crimp in my boomstick buying plans.

-- (Still... an FNH police pump, with AR stock and grip, may be in my near future. Any one know if the safety is AR style, too?)

-- 500+ rounds of rimfire? Damn glad I bought that ultrasonic cleaner.

-- Tried working on the flash sight picture. Moving and shooting. Tueller Drills. Result: I've spent TOO much time working on competition skills.

-- Since I was working from the holster with the 1911, I moved the carry XD to the versipack. I'm still getting it adjusted, but over all I like it. I even went so far as to wear the man purse in the grocery store on the way home.

-- NOTE TO SELF: Add J-frame sized .22 to wish list.

-- Sooting 5" plates with a 12 gauge and birdshot from 11 yards should be easier.

-- It wasn't.

-- I know you have to aim a shotty, but I still thought I may have a bit of a margin of error using birdshot with a cylinder choke out of an 18" barrel. Nope. No margin.

-- I HAVE TO STOP using the AR magwell as a forward grip. When I listen to Chris Costa and grab the handguards (you know, the things that were designed to be held) I shoot significantly better.

-- *sigh* Time to go clean the guns. Penance to be paid for pleasure.

Made my head hurt

Over lunch, I perused the local firearms establishments.

My findings from hell:

100 rounds, WWB 9mm ball = $42.95.

1,000 large pistol primers = $46.95.

*gulp*

Then the crowning Cleveland steamer on my day.

I went to one firearms purveyor whom I knew had a Saiga at a less-than-requiring Vaseline price. The shotty was NIB, looked great, actually had the threaded barrel and the price was not too terrible (maybe $50 more, after tax, than an internet purchase after transfer).

But the shop had NO GUNS signs plastered on every frakkin' window in the shop.

Sorry, folks. No deal.

Seriously, WTF?

John Farnam's notes on active shooters

There is a small cadre of instructors whose opinion I value. Most of you know my fanboy status with Clint Smith, Tiger McKee, and Michael Janich. Another is John Farnam.

Our friend and colleague, Ron Borsch from OH, made us all aware of current research on active shooters/murderers:

1) The active murderer is acting alone 98% of the time.

2) He is suicidal 90% of the time, usually on-site.

3) He almost never takes hostages, nor has any interest in "negotiating."

4) He is preoccupied with a high body-count. Indeed, that is almost always his one and only goal. Active-murderers race to murder everybody they reach in an effort to avoid contact with police. In fact, most such events are over within four minutes!

5) He bursts upon the scene with multiple weapons and an ability to reload his weapons several times. Longarms are involved 80% of the time. He predictably cuts a bloody swath through the innocent and unarmed!

6) At least 50% of the time, where such bloody rampages are stopped, the person doing the stopping is a single citizen (non-police). Most are unarmed!

Ron's conclusions are difficult to challenge:

1) By far, the least effective police response to "active-murderer" calls is for responding units to arrive, indecisively dither about on the perimeter, finally entering the critical area long after it is all a moot point!

2) Teachers, administrators, and others most likely to confront active-murderers first need to be armed, trained, and courageously willing to defend themselves and other innocents with precision gunfire.

3) Patrol officers first arriving at the scene must be willing to enter the critical area immediately, not waiting for backup nor SWAT Teams, and straightaway seek out and confront active-murderer(s).

4) All patrol-cars need to be equipped with military rifles, and competent, aggressive rifle acumen needs to be part of every patrolman's skill-set.

5) We all need to know and understand that there is no "tactically sound" way to execute the foregoing. There is no "safe way" to enter a building and precipitously initiate contact with murderous sociopaths. There will be multiple, bloody casualties, no matter what we police do, or don't do!

6) We're going to see a lot of this, within CONUS, sooner than most of us think.

John is teaching an Urban Rifle course near my S.D. hometown this summer... I may have to pay my mother a summer visit.

Whacko Week: Day One

April 15...

Tax Day also marks the start of Whacko Week (trademark pending).

For the next 5-6 days, bad things tend to happen. (Not directly linked, by the Titanic sank and the World Trade Organization was born today.)

So, please, please, please take part in National Buy a Gun Day and keep your head on a swivel for the next week or so.

Society reverting to vultures

No real surprise to me, but society seems to be getting a wee bit thin at the seams.

A north Omaha grocery store significantly damaged last week in a fire has been broken into nearly every night since then.

The House of Poultry, 4111 N. 30th St., suffered $340,000 in fire damage and was left with little protection from burglars, Jay Plotkin, the storeowner’s son, said Thursday.

"Half the building is gone so it’s easy to get in there," he said.

The latest break-in occurred early Thursday, and Plotkin said a man who was arrested had been a regular customer.

At 3:41 a.m. Thursday, patrol officers were alerted that someone was attempting to break into the store. The officers checked the area and found a man walking nearby carrying a flashlight, crow bar and packs of cigarettes.

The man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and possession of burglary tools.

Capt. Jim Gentile, Omaha Fire Department spokesman, said Thursday that the April 1 fire was caused by mechanical malfunction. Fire investigators are still working to determine which piece of equipment malfunctioned.

Plotkin said he doesn’t yet know how soon the store could reopen.

The real concern is that Whacko Week (trademark pending) arrives in a mere 5 days.

(For new readers, April 15-21 is a week where lots of bad things tend to happen. From Tax Day to Waco to Oklahoma City to 4:20 events)

Some friends refer to the start of Whacko Week as Take Your Rifle to Work Day.

Stay safe.

Burglary prevention tips

The Omaha World-Herald (is that still in business?) ran an article this morning about some Old Market businesses getting together to learn how to be less appealing to burglars.

Sgt. Erin Dumont and Officer Angie Echtenkamp from the Omaha Police Department's crime-prevention office reminded attendees to reduce criminals' opportunities:

• Remove expensive items from window displays at night.

• Empty the cash drawer — and leave it open — after closing.

• Arrange displays so they don't provide a hiding place inside the store.

• Place frequently shoplifted items near the point of sale.

All in all, decent and effective tips.

I do recall, however, another method of convincing thugs to take their "business" elsewhere.

I was in a biker bar in Idaho Springs, Colorado, that claimed the "World's Best Chili." Truth be told, the Chili Verde was damn good.

Hanging over the bar, at eye level to all patrons, was a typical B-27 silhouette target with an area about the size of a fist shot out where the X ring should be. The handwritten note, placed there by the large, tattooed, one-eyed bartender, read:

I did this from 10 yards away. The bar is only 3 feet wide. You do the math.

I asked if the place had ever been held up. He snorted, jerked his thumb at the target, and said "Whadda you think?"

Ever since that memory was sparked, I've been giggling over the idea of a similar target in the French Cafe, for example.

Frankly, recoil control has to be a bitch with patchouli oil all over your hands...

ZING!

From comments:

What is this Twitter business?????? I can't comment on your placing there...... All I am going to say is Mike is better than Squib!

Truth, thy name be CMZ.

One of the events I "forgot" to mention was the appearance of a second squib load in competition.

As I've mentioned before, I retired my Lee turret press to small-batch, rifle loads in favor of a Hornady Lock-n-Load press. Part of the decision was the added safety factor of the powder measure. There appears to be no physical way a case can NOT be charged.

Still, if it's mechanical it can fail.

Let the record show:
Lee turret press (hand-charging each round) = zero squibs
Hornady auto-charging die = 2 squibs

I have since rigged a shell light so I can see into each case before I set a bullet atop. This problem is not only dangerous and embarrassing... It's killing my scores.

Still, squib and all, three misses (Mikes) bumped me from 3rd to 7th, damn it. I really, really, really hate Mike.

Thanks for reopening those wounds, Chris. Do me a favor, shoot a hostage or two at the three-gun so I can return the favor.... :)

Gear update

I did find a taker on the Thunder Ranch DVD. So far, I'm enjoying the Magpul Dynamics Art of the Tactical Carbine. Thanks, Rogilio!

Remember, April 15 is National Buy a Gun Day. In order to do so, someone has to sell one.

H&K USP45, 3 mags (2x 12, 1x 10), V1 safety/decocker. $500.

Pics and date code if asked. Shoots great, but too many other options. Want another AR upper and need funds.

LB430 in Select File

LB430 hit the floor for second-round debate today. Unfortunately, time ran out before a vote could be had.

A couple of amendments were added, one merely cleaning up some language, but the other, from Sen. Bill Avery clarified that Nebraska's colleges and universities would remain target-rich... er... gun-free zones.

Avery, a former UNL professor, is convinced that the existing law, which does not require instantaneous pants crappage at the mere mention of a gun, is too vague. For example, two lunkheads who were innocently (albeit stupidly) walking near the UNL campus with rifles could not be charged with breaking a law (which seems odd, as THEY WERE DOING NOTHING WRONG).

But I digress.

Anyhoo, no lawmaker in his or her right mind (insert joke here) would fight tooth and nail to promote rampant blood baths on UNL's campus... or something like that... so the amendment was added.

Result: Nothing really. Firearms are currently prohibited on campus through a variety of laws, rules, policies, and stern looks. This merely codifies what we all already know: College's are long on books, short on common sense.

There is a bit of rumbling that certain city police departments (paging Chief Casady... Chief Casady to the brown phone) that may lead to more amendments and more delays. I'm hoping the 40-4 vote in General holds up.

Now I need to hear from all y'all...

What are your thoughts on LB430 as now amended. Are we still getting enough in the bill? Are there unintended consequences? Does Sen. Lathrop actually listen when he speaks?

Share your thoughts.

Just wondering...

"Fire, tornadoes and a blizzard struck the state with the first major storm system of spring, leaving Midlanders with a little of everything to clean up." -- OWH article.

Should I be on the lookout for frogs and locusts next?

I thought once Obama took over, we'd be 72 degrees, gentle breeze, and mostly sunny for the next four years?

(seriously, though, has anyone noticed a Hellmouth appear all of a sudden?)

Pics, as promised

I finally got out the camera over the weekend.

First, let me defend my honor.


The black mass on the far right is the target spot I was using to get my EOThingy dialed in from 37 yards (It's peeled a bit since then).

The two blue dots on the far left are the first two shots. For reference, I used an IDPA torso as the stencil. A bit off, no?

How "good" was I?


I shot the clamp off the target with this one...

That dead-center shot was the first fired out of a cold bore. Dead-frakkin'-center of the target stand I was using for the first time. I'm that awesome (-ly bad). You can get an idea of the width of the stand based on that .224" hole.

The oldest (7 years) after having a tumor removed from her chest area. That's Mizz Merchant's hand, for reference. She's bounced back well. A little sore and she gets restless at the end of her 12-hour pain pill cycle. We should get the biopsy results near the end of the week.