10/12/11
Magpul iPhone 4 Executive Case
Any thoughts on the shot? I think it came out fine. The case is great. It's inexpensive at about $10, fits well and matches my AR-15. I got one in orange too. I'll take some pictures of that later, maybe.
Stay safe.
Stay safe.
10/4/11
Suppressed Advantage Arms Glock Conversion
My good buddy took me shooting Sunday and let me play with and film some of his toys. Here's his Glock 22lr conversion with an AAC Aviator on it. I'm behind the camera, not the gun.
Shhhh from Nate Chaffin on Vimeo.
Shhhh from Nate Chaffin on Vimeo.
9/30/11
Glock 19 Disassembly
I plan on shooting some take-down videos. I realize that there are videos all over the web that already show these things but many of them are too long or too dark or too hard to understand. I want to shoot some clear concise and simple videos. This is an unclear, quiet, dark and long video I took earlier.
9/20/11
Chicago Typewriter
I was fortunate enough to win a new stick at the Friends of the NRA banquet Saturday night.
I haven't named this one yet. Any ideas?
Stay safe.
Stay safe.
9/7/11
Battlecloth suppressor pouch review
I recently ordered a suppressor pouch from Battlecloth for the can I have on order. I had it done in Crye multicam with a molle system as opposed to a belt clip/loop or an alice clip system which he also offers. I emailed him with the dimensions of the suppressor, color and mounting preference and he got to work. What I received in the mail was better than I expected it to be.
The pouch has an extra pouch for your ATF papers.
And to top it off, it looks great on my Larue/Hawkepaks Bug out Bag.
Fit and finish is fantastic. The Crye multicam is a really neat pattern without being overbearing. The molle loops and included malice clip worked just as they should. Absolutely no problems to report. Customer service was as good as it gets and I will absolutely go back for more. Thanks, Battlecloth.
If you like what you see (and you do) and you want some for yourself (and you should) you can contact him at:
battlecloth@comcast.net
Stay safe.
The pouch has an extra pouch for your ATF papers.
And to top it off, it looks great on my Larue/Hawkepaks Bug out Bag.
Fit and finish is fantastic. The Crye multicam is a really neat pattern without being overbearing. The molle loops and included malice clip worked just as they should. Absolutely no problems to report. Customer service was as good as it gets and I will absolutely go back for more. Thanks, Battlecloth.
If you like what you see (and you do) and you want some for yourself (and you should) you can contact him at:
battlecloth@comcast.net
Stay safe.
9/2/11
Check your brass.
Found this cute little lady in a box of federal bulk I purchased from the local big box department store. It isn't the end of the world and it may or may not have hurt the gun. I do my best to avoid having to be the test dummy that finds out. As expected, federal is taking care of the issue. Just a reminder to give your ammo a once over before attempting to shove it into an unsuspecting gun.
Stay safe.
Stay safe.
8/26/11
Q&A Friday
(Eventually I'll settle on an official Q&A day.)
Q: What do you recommend for home defense?
A: Whatever you're the most comfortable using. Chances are you're like me and don't practice nearly as much as you should. You probably don't shoot any matches and may have little to no training. If you've hunted birds your entire adult life, a shotgun is going to feel pretty comfortable. You will be familiar with the controls and function. If your only shotgun is a 32" barrel full-choked goose gun, it may be time for a downgrade, so to speak. Look for something with a shorter barrel that's easier to store, get into action and move around the confines of your home with. Don't load it with anything less that what you would hunt 250lb game with. Birdshot is for birds. Turkey loads are for turkeys. You need a projectile with more mass that is going to be able to penetrate deep enough to hit vital organs. 1Buck is a great load but hard to find so I keep 00Buck in my house gun. Know how your gun patterns and aim center of mass.
These same things apply to nearly all other kinds of firearms/shooters. Cowboy action shooters are to be feared. A lever action rifle is an excellent defensive weapon. It's very reliable, accurate and effective. Your average 30-30caliber carbine can be had for around $300 and makes a great budget do-it-all gun. It isn't a 400 yard coyote rifle and it's not a particularly good choice for squirrel or small game. For the bigger predators, however, it makes a great choice. It will put food on the table, and would be intruders in their place. It's cheap enough to practice with and fun to shoot.
Served in the US Armed Forces? Stick to what you trained with. Look for some variety of Ar-15 style rifle. It doesn't have to be fancy. It doesn't even have to be that expensive. It just has to work. The controls are right where you left them, magazines and ammunition are inexpensive and readily available. 5.56mm is a plenty fine round that has shown itself to be more than adequate for defensive reasons. Thank you for your service.
You may have noticed by now that I haven't suggested any pistols. There's a reason for that. A pistol isn't an easy gun to shoot accurately. This gets compounded quite a bit by stress and sweaty palms. In a bathroom, a pistol works ok. You're going to be very close, a pistol is easy to shoot at something very close. Coming out of your bedroom into your 50' wide main living room with hallways and doors all over the place unaware of the actual position of an intruder, a rifle is going to be much more effective.
I often hear "I just want something small in light to keep in the house. We don't need anything big." If self defense were that simple, we would give our infantry little .22 pocket pistols and a box of ammo to keep in a different room. Shoot what you're comfortable with. If there isn't anything you're comfortable with, find training. Rifles are easy to shoot, easy to learn to shoot and will serve you well in the home.
For me, home defense looks like this:
Stay safe.
Q: What do you recommend for home defense?
A: Whatever you're the most comfortable using. Chances are you're like me and don't practice nearly as much as you should. You probably don't shoot any matches and may have little to no training. If you've hunted birds your entire adult life, a shotgun is going to feel pretty comfortable. You will be familiar with the controls and function. If your only shotgun is a 32" barrel full-choked goose gun, it may be time for a downgrade, so to speak. Look for something with a shorter barrel that's easier to store, get into action and move around the confines of your home with. Don't load it with anything less that what you would hunt 250lb game with. Birdshot is for birds. Turkey loads are for turkeys. You need a projectile with more mass that is going to be able to penetrate deep enough to hit vital organs. 1Buck is a great load but hard to find so I keep 00Buck in my house gun. Know how your gun patterns and aim center of mass.
These same things apply to nearly all other kinds of firearms/shooters. Cowboy action shooters are to be feared. A lever action rifle is an excellent defensive weapon. It's very reliable, accurate and effective. Your average 30-30caliber carbine can be had for around $300 and makes a great budget do-it-all gun. It isn't a 400 yard coyote rifle and it's not a particularly good choice for squirrel or small game. For the bigger predators, however, it makes a great choice. It will put food on the table, and would be intruders in their place. It's cheap enough to practice with and fun to shoot.
Served in the US Armed Forces? Stick to what you trained with. Look for some variety of Ar-15 style rifle. It doesn't have to be fancy. It doesn't even have to be that expensive. It just has to work. The controls are right where you left them, magazines and ammunition are inexpensive and readily available. 5.56mm is a plenty fine round that has shown itself to be more than adequate for defensive reasons. Thank you for your service.
You may have noticed by now that I haven't suggested any pistols. There's a reason for that. A pistol isn't an easy gun to shoot accurately. This gets compounded quite a bit by stress and sweaty palms. In a bathroom, a pistol works ok. You're going to be very close, a pistol is easy to shoot at something very close. Coming out of your bedroom into your 50' wide main living room with hallways and doors all over the place unaware of the actual position of an intruder, a rifle is going to be much more effective.
I often hear "I just want something small in light to keep in the house. We don't need anything big." If self defense were that simple, we would give our infantry little .22 pocket pistols and a box of ammo to keep in a different room. Shoot what you're comfortable with. If there isn't anything you're comfortable with, find training. Rifles are easy to shoot, easy to learn to shoot and will serve you well in the home.
For me, home defense looks like this:
Stay safe.
8/9/11
Springfield XDM 45 Mini Review
I had a chance to shoot a customers XDM 45 this weekend. I've always had a thing for the XD series pistols, although I consider it more of a guilty pleasure. The guns sit too high in the hand, the texture of the frame lends itself to being slick in wet conditions and the triggers are inconsistent at best. Vent mode off.
This thing shot great. Recoil was minimal due to the size and weight of the pistol. That wide back strap really helps distribute the push evenly across the hand. The gun was certainly combat accurate. Center of mass was easy even shooting somewhat carelessly. X rings were easy when the trigger broke well. However due to the inconsistencies of said trigger, I found it hard to shoot any serious groups. The gun ran 100% and aside from the trigger, I have no complaints. The stock sights are great and come up on target very quickly. The accessory rail gives you the option to add a flashlight or laser. You won't be very limited on choices either, this is a big pistol and just about any standard pistol light or laser is going to fit with room to spare. The ambidextrous magazine release was also a nice touch, and despite my small hands and the guns large grip I found it easy to manipulate.
All in all I would definitely recommend the gun. If springfield could get their trigger issues worked out, it would come even more highly recommended. If I were looking for a full size polymer frame 45, the XDM would be one of my top considerations. However, due to the trigger concerns, I'd take the older 5" XD Tactical.
Thanks for reading. Stay safe.
This thing shot great. Recoil was minimal due to the size and weight of the pistol. That wide back strap really helps distribute the push evenly across the hand. The gun was certainly combat accurate. Center of mass was easy even shooting somewhat carelessly. X rings were easy when the trigger broke well. However due to the inconsistencies of said trigger, I found it hard to shoot any serious groups. The gun ran 100% and aside from the trigger, I have no complaints. The stock sights are great and come up on target very quickly. The accessory rail gives you the option to add a flashlight or laser. You won't be very limited on choices either, this is a big pistol and just about any standard pistol light or laser is going to fit with room to spare. The ambidextrous magazine release was also a nice touch, and despite my small hands and the guns large grip I found it easy to manipulate.
All in all I would definitely recommend the gun. If springfield could get their trigger issues worked out, it would come even more highly recommended. If I were looking for a full size polymer frame 45, the XDM would be one of my top considerations. However, due to the trigger concerns, I'd take the older 5" XD Tactical.
Thanks for reading. Stay safe.
8/3/11
Weekend Range Report
I got a chance to shoot the kimber this weekend. I recently fitted a barrel bushing from EGW in an effort to tighten the gun up. It worked, but I had my doubts about the reliability. I'm happy to say the gun gets a clean bill of health. 100rds of PMC 230gr FMJ followed by about half a box of Hornady TAP 230gr JHP slipped in and out of the gun without issue. As for the results of the tightening, I don't have a picture, but I'm happy to report the gun was noticeably more accurate. I was averaging 8-12" at 7 yds with the majority of holes in the 6" range with the old bushing. This time I ran the target out to ten yards and averaged closer to 6" with the main group even tighter. I am pleased.
I also got to take the Stag out. First time I've shot this one. Shot about 60rds with two failures to fire. Light strikes on hard primers. I have JP yellow springs in the gun and this combined with bulk walmart federal is likely the culprit. Absolutely no failures of any other kind. The gun ran like a top. At 50 yards I put 5 in just at 1.75" which looked a bit like this:
After that I ran the target out to 100 yards. This was a serious test for my poor eyes, lack of trigger time and open sights. I managed to hit the target:
Had a great time as usual. Maybe this weekend I'll get some more trigger time in with the Stag. I feel very compelled to tighten those groups. Stay safe.
I also got to take the Stag out. First time I've shot this one. Shot about 60rds with two failures to fire. Light strikes on hard primers. I have JP yellow springs in the gun and this combined with bulk walmart federal is likely the culprit. Absolutely no failures of any other kind. The gun ran like a top. At 50 yards I put 5 in just at 1.75" which looked a bit like this:
After that I ran the target out to 100 yards. This was a serious test for my poor eyes, lack of trigger time and open sights. I managed to hit the target:
Had a great time as usual. Maybe this weekend I'll get some more trigger time in with the Stag. I feel very compelled to tighten those groups. Stay safe.
7/28/11
Q&A Thursday
Q: "What is the difference between single action and double action handguns?"
A: Single and double action refers to the number of actions the trigger performs. There are many variations in handgun designs but in short it goes like this: In a single action gun with an exposed hammer such as a Colt Single Action Army, the hammer must be cocked before the gun can be fired. The trigger is only responsible for releasing the hammer, while the shooter is responsible for re-cocking it before each round can be fired. In a double action gun such as the Smith and Wesson Model 10 the trigger normally performs two actions. As you pull the trigger, the first 80% or more of pull will bring the hammer back before allowing it to fall right at the end of the pull. Most double action revolvers with an exposed hammer are capable of being fired single action as well by pulling the hammer back as you would with a single action gun. This affords the shooter a much shorter and lighter trigger pull.
Q: "What is a magazine disconnect safety and why would I want one?"
A: A magazine disconnect is a "safety feature" built into a firearm that prevents the firearm from being fired if there is no magazine inserted. This was done in an effort to reduce the amount of accidental or negligent discharges. In a semi automatic pistol, ammunition is fed from a detachable magazine into the chamber of the gun one round at a time. If you remove the magazine from a loaded pistol with a round in the chamber, the firearm is still loaded. The magazine disconnect prevents the gun from being discharged in this situation. This is an unnecessary addition to a firearm and adds even more parts to complicate the gun. If I need to defend myself with a firearm and the magazine gets released somewhere along the way, I would rather have one bullet than none at all. On top of that, this sort of thing places too much reliance on the gun being somehow responsible for preventing us from shooting ourselves or someone else. This goes against the basic rules and gives you a "safety net" that you shouldn't need or have. If you know how to properly clear a firearm, keep your finger off the trigger and keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, you aren't going to discharge the gun. At absolutely no point should you be pulling the trigger of a gun you haven't fully made clear unless of course you intend to fire the gun.
If you have a question about firearms that you would like answered, email it to me at quietholestudio@earthlink.net or leave it in the comments. Stay safe.
A: Single and double action refers to the number of actions the trigger performs. There are many variations in handgun designs but in short it goes like this: In a single action gun with an exposed hammer such as a Colt Single Action Army, the hammer must be cocked before the gun can be fired. The trigger is only responsible for releasing the hammer, while the shooter is responsible for re-cocking it before each round can be fired. In a double action gun such as the Smith and Wesson Model 10 the trigger normally performs two actions. As you pull the trigger, the first 80% or more of pull will bring the hammer back before allowing it to fall right at the end of the pull. Most double action revolvers with an exposed hammer are capable of being fired single action as well by pulling the hammer back as you would with a single action gun. This affords the shooter a much shorter and lighter trigger pull.
Q: "What is a magazine disconnect safety and why would I want one?"
A: A magazine disconnect is a "safety feature" built into a firearm that prevents the firearm from being fired if there is no magazine inserted. This was done in an effort to reduce the amount of accidental or negligent discharges. In a semi automatic pistol, ammunition is fed from a detachable magazine into the chamber of the gun one round at a time. If you remove the magazine from a loaded pistol with a round in the chamber, the firearm is still loaded. The magazine disconnect prevents the gun from being discharged in this situation. This is an unnecessary addition to a firearm and adds even more parts to complicate the gun. If I need to defend myself with a firearm and the magazine gets released somewhere along the way, I would rather have one bullet than none at all. On top of that, this sort of thing places too much reliance on the gun being somehow responsible for preventing us from shooting ourselves or someone else. This goes against the basic rules and gives you a "safety net" that you shouldn't need or have. If you know how to properly clear a firearm, keep your finger off the trigger and keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, you aren't going to discharge the gun. At absolutely no point should you be pulling the trigger of a gun you haven't fully made clear unless of course you intend to fire the gun.
If you have a question about firearms that you would like answered, email it to me at quietholestudio@earthlink.net or leave it in the comments. Stay safe.
7/27/11
4/9/11
Guns don't kill people
Stolen from the NRA's website:
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
If for some reason you do manage to accidentally fire your gun, ensuring it is never pointed at anyone is a good way to make sure your friends live to see tomorrow. Don't get cocky. Just because you're sure it's unloaded doesn't mean you're sure it's unloaded.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
I can not stress this enough. Guns do not go off by themselves. If you shoot yourself or anyone else it is because you shot yourself or someone else. One way to prevent the gun "going off" is to keep your finger off the trigger. If there's nothing in the trigger guard to pull the trigger, the trigger won't get pulled and you'll get to keep all your expensive bullets.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
To add to that: ALWAYS double, triple and quadruple check to be entirely certain the gun is unloaded. Taking what might seem like redundant or unnecessary steps to clear a weapon may mean the difference between someone living and dieing. The NRA sums this up very well:
"If the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does."
4. Know what is beyond your target.
And that means WELL beyond your target. Drywall won't stop a little .22 until it's thoroughly penetrated many sheets of it. Bullets do not like to slow down. They leave the barrel with impressive amounts of energy and you don't want that energy transfered to the chest of the 8 year old playing with her toys 3 rooms over.
In summary: Keep your finger off the trigger. Don't point it at anything you aren't fully prepared to kill or destroy. Double and triple check to clear the gun and even after you have cleared it, treat it like a loaded weapon. Know what is beyond your target.
I love my guns and I love the shooting sports. I love having the right to defend myself with such impressive tools. Every day another politician tries to pass some sort of legislation to try and take those guns from me. Responsible gun owners don't show up in the news and don't give those politicians extra ammunition for their arguments.
Stay safe.
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
If for some reason you do manage to accidentally fire your gun, ensuring it is never pointed at anyone is a good way to make sure your friends live to see tomorrow. Don't get cocky. Just because you're sure it's unloaded doesn't mean you're sure it's unloaded.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
I can not stress this enough. Guns do not go off by themselves. If you shoot yourself or anyone else it is because you shot yourself or someone else. One way to prevent the gun "going off" is to keep your finger off the trigger. If there's nothing in the trigger guard to pull the trigger, the trigger won't get pulled and you'll get to keep all your expensive bullets.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
To add to that: ALWAYS double, triple and quadruple check to be entirely certain the gun is unloaded. Taking what might seem like redundant or unnecessary steps to clear a weapon may mean the difference between someone living and dieing. The NRA sums this up very well:
"If the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does."
4. Know what is beyond your target.
And that means WELL beyond your target. Drywall won't stop a little .22 until it's thoroughly penetrated many sheets of it. Bullets do not like to slow down. They leave the barrel with impressive amounts of energy and you don't want that energy transfered to the chest of the 8 year old playing with her toys 3 rooms over.
In summary: Keep your finger off the trigger. Don't point it at anything you aren't fully prepared to kill or destroy. Double and triple check to clear the gun and even after you have cleared it, treat it like a loaded weapon. Know what is beyond your target.
I love my guns and I love the shooting sports. I love having the right to defend myself with such impressive tools. Every day another politician tries to pass some sort of legislation to try and take those guns from me. Responsible gun owners don't show up in the news and don't give those politicians extra ammunition for their arguments.
Stay safe.
4/8/11
Miss with confidence
Yes it is another gun blog. Yes I am another opinionated, obnoxious and thoroughly anal retentive blogger. Despite my flaws and utter lack of literacy, I will do my best to keep this informative and fairly unpolitical.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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