This crude robotic William Tell provides, in the words of the CNET reporter, "A glimpse into a future, maybe, where autonomous weapons could theoretically mow people down."
Liberal heads exploding in three, two, one...
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Killer Technology
Well, not quite, but to read the hype one would think killer robots were walking the streets shooting their human creators. Some guy hooked up an airsoft gun and a solenoid to a Google Home and shot an apple off a pedestal. I'm hardly impressed.
This crude robotic William Tell provides, in the words of the CNET reporter, "A glimpse into a future, maybe, where autonomous weapons could theoretically mow people down."
This crude robotic William Tell provides, in the words of the CNET reporter, "A glimpse into a future, maybe, where autonomous weapons could theoretically mow people down."
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Cavalier IDPA Memorial Weekend Match
The monthly IDPA match at Cavalier Rifle and Pistol Club was held this past Saturday. The new shooting bays at the club are finally (almost) finished and this was the first IDPA match to be held in them. I was looking forward to seeing the new setup. Along with the new facilities, the monthly match has moved to the fourth Saturday.
The new facilities are quite nice. It is my understanding that even more new shooting bays are planned. In addition to the change in bays and the day, the weather was fittingly different. Instead of the rain that has plagued so many matches of late, the sun shown bright and warm. It wasn't too long after I arrived that I regretted being one of the few shooters opting for long pants. I'm slow to "convert" my planning to summer. (I also noted my sunburned neck the next morning.) Suffice to say, it got hot, fast.
Five stages were set up in the new bays. I found all of the stages to be interesting and fun, not to mention challenging. Even the "simpler" stages were not as straightforward as they looked and we were really forced to think about strategy and stage planning.
Stage 1 consisted of two quick, 8 round strings. For the first string our unload gun and magazines were on a bench in front of us. Loading the gun, we retreated to find a target to each side through a narrow opening. Backing up further, there were two more targets, one on each side around a barrel. When I shot the stage, my brain swapped the targets to be shot, and I hesitated in getting into position. I also took a makeup shot I didn't need, which hit a non-threat. For the second string, we shot four close targets from a seated position.
The second stage we shot offered an interesting twist; all magazines were downloaded to six rounds, the unloaded gun and magazines were staged on a barrel, AND all magazines were to be left at the start position and not stowed on the belt at any time. There was a target right in front of the start position, and two more targets were on either side of the stage, only one visible at each shooting position, for a total of five targets each requiring three shots each. Most shooters opted for a tactical reload after the first target, a slide lock reload after the first two targets (with an extra shot on one), grabbing a reload off the barrel on the way to the last two targets which were then engaged with no make up shots available. It was a fun stage to shoot, and my best of the match with zero points down.
The next two stages took advantage of the new, larger bays. Stage 3 had us hitting near and far targets from opposite ends of a wide wall. Even on the long shots from cover I felt good about my shooting, finishing 4 points down. Stage 4 was shot while moving down a hallway across the bay, turning the corner and crossing back the other direction. Targets were found all along the way. A couple steel targets kept dodging my bullets, but I finished the stage just 3 points down, even if it took extra time to complete.
The final stage was an interesting standards stage, though some of us had a difficult time grasping the concept initially. There were three targets set on either side, and four steel targets downrange. All targets had to be shot from the shooting boxes, reloads were only allowed at slide lock, and targets had to be shot in priority, near to far. Targets could be engaged from any of the shooting boxes where they were visible, as long as the priority rule was followed. One could leave further targets for closer boxes, and but could not skip a close target to shoot a further one. (It was probably not as complicated as my mind made it.)
Once I figured out my plan, I felt good about shooting the stage. Unfortunately it didn't come off as well as planned. On the second target, I (thought) I saw one -0 hit and the second hole low, partially on hard cover but still in the scoring zone. When it was scored, it turned out that both shots were low, one totally in hard cover. What I saw as a good hit was actually a shadow from a loose paster. I also struggled with the final steel popper. Still, an interesting and fun stage.
This was a very fun match, even if I didn't shoot as well as I would have liked. I finished smack dab in the middle of the pack; 23rd of 45 overall, 9th of 18 in SSP, and 2nd of 3 in SSP EX. In addition to a HNT and a miss on a close target, I felt like was just trying to go too fast. However, in reviewing the posted scores, my raw times were actually on the slow side. That can to some extent be attributed to a bit of poor stage planning, and some unusual difficulty with a couple of the steel targets. Despite all that, it was a really fun match, and I still would rather be shooting, even if poorly, than not shooting at all! On a positive note, I have some plans for my next practice day.
Many more pictures from the morning are posted here.
The new facilities are quite nice. It is my understanding that even more new shooting bays are planned. In addition to the change in bays and the day, the weather was fittingly different. Instead of the rain that has plagued so many matches of late, the sun shown bright and warm. It wasn't too long after I arrived that I regretted being one of the few shooters opting for long pants. I'm slow to "convert" my planning to summer. (I also noted my sunburned neck the next morning.) Suffice to say, it got hot, fast.
Five stages were set up in the new bays. I found all of the stages to be interesting and fun, not to mention challenging. Even the "simpler" stages were not as straightforward as they looked and we were really forced to think about strategy and stage planning.
Stage 1 consisted of two quick, 8 round strings. For the first string our unload gun and magazines were on a bench in front of us. Loading the gun, we retreated to find a target to each side through a narrow opening. Backing up further, there were two more targets, one on each side around a barrel. When I shot the stage, my brain swapped the targets to be shot, and I hesitated in getting into position. I also took a makeup shot I didn't need, which hit a non-threat. For the second string, we shot four close targets from a seated position.
The second stage we shot offered an interesting twist; all magazines were downloaded to six rounds, the unloaded gun and magazines were staged on a barrel, AND all magazines were to be left at the start position and not stowed on the belt at any time. There was a target right in front of the start position, and two more targets were on either side of the stage, only one visible at each shooting position, for a total of five targets each requiring three shots each. Most shooters opted for a tactical reload after the first target, a slide lock reload after the first two targets (with an extra shot on one), grabbing a reload off the barrel on the way to the last two targets which were then engaged with no make up shots available. It was a fun stage to shoot, and my best of the match with zero points down.
The next two stages took advantage of the new, larger bays. Stage 3 had us hitting near and far targets from opposite ends of a wide wall. Even on the long shots from cover I felt good about my shooting, finishing 4 points down. Stage 4 was shot while moving down a hallway across the bay, turning the corner and crossing back the other direction. Targets were found all along the way. A couple steel targets kept dodging my bullets, but I finished the stage just 3 points down, even if it took extra time to complete.
The final stage was an interesting standards stage, though some of us had a difficult time grasping the concept initially. There were three targets set on either side, and four steel targets downrange. All targets had to be shot from the shooting boxes, reloads were only allowed at slide lock, and targets had to be shot in priority, near to far. Targets could be engaged from any of the shooting boxes where they were visible, as long as the priority rule was followed. One could leave further targets for closer boxes, and but could not skip a close target to shoot a further one. (It was probably not as complicated as my mind made it.)
Once I figured out my plan, I felt good about shooting the stage. Unfortunately it didn't come off as well as planned. On the second target, I (thought) I saw one -0 hit and the second hole low, partially on hard cover but still in the scoring zone. When it was scored, it turned out that both shots were low, one totally in hard cover. What I saw as a good hit was actually a shadow from a loose paster. I also struggled with the final steel popper. Still, an interesting and fun stage.
This was a very fun match, even if I didn't shoot as well as I would have liked. I finished smack dab in the middle of the pack; 23rd of 45 overall, 9th of 18 in SSP, and 2nd of 3 in SSP EX. In addition to a HNT and a miss on a close target, I felt like was just trying to go too fast. However, in reviewing the posted scores, my raw times were actually on the slow side. That can to some extent be attributed to a bit of poor stage planning, and some unusual difficulty with a couple of the steel targets. Despite all that, it was a really fun match, and I still would rather be shooting, even if poorly, than not shooting at all! On a positive note, I have some plans for my next practice day.
Many more pictures from the morning are posted here.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Budweiser Freedom Reserve
That's right, I said Budweiser. Anheuser-Busch has released a limited edition Amber Ale for the summer. Freedom Reserve Red Lager is said to have been inspired by a beer recipe written by George Washington himself. Washington's recipe for small beer made use of readily available molasses for the fermentable ingredient instead of malted grains, which were scarce at the time. To create the tie-in with the Founding Father, the brewers at Anheuser-Busch used molasses in their beer to give it sweetness. Washington's original hand-written recipe can be found in the New York Public Library.
While the addition of molasses may offer a thin "inspired by" tag line, the brewery is also using the beer to do good. A portions of the proceeds from the sales of Freedom Reserve are being donated to Folds of Honor, and organization that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of injured or fallen American soldiers.
Intrigued by the beer and its story, we picked up a six pack of the stubby bottles to try it out. The beer pours a deep amber with a frothy, but short-lived beige head. A very mild sweet caramel aroma is detected. The malt-forward flavor brings sweet caramel, toasted grain, and a touch of molasses. The mouthfeel is somewhat thin and there's a lingering sweetness in the finish.
Although it's not a "small beer" like its inspiration, it still checks in at a moderate 5.6% ABV. Overall, I found Freedom Reserver flavorful and quite drinkable. I certainly won't hesitate to finish the rest of the six pack. Available through September, Freedom Reserver Red Lager turned out to be a surprising, but acceptable option for summer enjoyment.
While the addition of molasses may offer a thin "inspired by" tag line, the brewery is also using the beer to do good. A portions of the proceeds from the sales of Freedom Reserve are being donated to Folds of Honor, and organization that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of injured or fallen American soldiers.
Intrigued by the beer and its story, we picked up a six pack of the stubby bottles to try it out. The beer pours a deep amber with a frothy, but short-lived beige head. A very mild sweet caramel aroma is detected. The malt-forward flavor brings sweet caramel, toasted grain, and a touch of molasses. The mouthfeel is somewhat thin and there's a lingering sweetness in the finish.
Although it's not a "small beer" like its inspiration, it still checks in at a moderate 5.6% ABV. Overall, I found Freedom Reserver flavorful and quite drinkable. I certainly won't hesitate to finish the rest of the six pack. Available through September, Freedom Reserver Red Lager turned out to be a surprising, but acceptable option for summer enjoyment.
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Honoring The Fallen
On this long Memorial Day weekend, Americans stop to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. It is their sacrifices that helped to preserve the freedoms we cherish and enjoy today.
Sadly, there are too many people in our country who take freedom for granted, or who naively despise the blessings of liberty. Worse yet, there are those who actively work to limit our freedom. As we pause to remember our lost heroes, may we also vow to be steadfast in our opposition of those who wish to destroy that which has been so painfully won.
As you enjoy time with family and friends over this weekend, please take a moment to remember those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Sadly, there are too many people in our country who take freedom for granted, or who naively despise the blessings of liberty. Worse yet, there are those who actively work to limit our freedom. As we pause to remember our lost heroes, may we also vow to be steadfast in our opposition of those who wish to destroy that which has been so painfully won.
As you enjoy time with family and friends over this weekend, please take a moment to remember those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Took the Shockwave to the Range
I finally got around to to hitting the range with that Mossberg M590 Shockwave I won in the drawing at the Chesapeake Cup in February. In all honesty, I've been avoiding it to some degree. I wasn't really sure how to shoot the thing, and have spent a lot of time viewing videos online and dry firing in front of a mirror. Now a bit more confident, I took it down to Winding Brook for some live fire.
Confirming the range allowed the gun to be shot, I was reminded that only "aimed fire" was permitted, no shooting from the hip. I had assumed that already, and in fact what I had planned. I had brought along a mix of 00 buckshot and slugs, the only shotgun ammo the range permits.
With the target at five yards, I loaded a round of the 00 Buckshot. I noticed that a second RO had appeared behind me, presumably to confirm my safety and obedience. I was pleased to see the shot pattern pretty well centered on the target, with the wad hole off to the right. A second shot found better placement. I then moved to the slugs. For each shot, I loaded a single round in the gun. I didn't want to have to unload if I decided I had had enough. The next few shots started drifting high and left; I think I was starting to think too much about the gun's relation to my face — even though I was having no issues — and pushing the grip out.
After a few more practice rounds, I bagged the shotgun and switched to the handgun, shooting the SIG P320. I shot another 150 rounds with the pistol, at 7 - 15 yards, and was pretty much at my limit of endurance. However, I still had a some loose shotgun slugs left in my bag, so I opted to destroy my pistol target with a few more shots from the Shockwave.
It was a short session. Literally. When I got back to my car I realized I had only spent about 30 minutes total in the range. No wonder I was tired! The Mossberg Shockwave was not overly difficult to shoot. I'd even call it fun to a point. I need a lot more practice before I would consider myself prepared to rely on it for home self defense. I am also reminded that it's been a long time since I did any shotgun work, so maybe it's time...
Confirming the range allowed the gun to be shot, I was reminded that only "aimed fire" was permitted, no shooting from the hip. I had assumed that already, and in fact what I had planned. I had brought along a mix of 00 buckshot and slugs, the only shotgun ammo the range permits.
With the target at five yards, I loaded a round of the 00 Buckshot. I noticed that a second RO had appeared behind me, presumably to confirm my safety and obedience. I was pleased to see the shot pattern pretty well centered on the target, with the wad hole off to the right. A second shot found better placement. I then moved to the slugs. For each shot, I loaded a single round in the gun. I didn't want to have to unload if I decided I had had enough. The next few shots started drifting high and left; I think I was starting to think too much about the gun's relation to my face — even though I was having no issues — and pushing the grip out.
After a few more practice rounds, I bagged the shotgun and switched to the handgun, shooting the SIG P320. I shot another 150 rounds with the pistol, at 7 - 15 yards, and was pretty much at my limit of endurance. However, I still had a some loose shotgun slugs left in my bag, so I opted to destroy my pistol target with a few more shots from the Shockwave.
It was a short session. Literally. When I got back to my car I realized I had only spent about 30 minutes total in the range. No wonder I was tired! The Mossberg Shockwave was not overly difficult to shoot. I'd even call it fun to a point. I need a lot more practice before I would consider myself prepared to rely on it for home self defense. I am also reminded that it's been a long time since I did any shotgun work, so maybe it's time...
Monday, May 21, 2018
Monday Morning Music
Not much in the way of blog-worthy events of late. So we'll just enjoy some Monday blues...
Friday, May 18, 2018
I Predict Spilled Whiskey
I'm a fan of specialized glassware, I admit it. However, this helix spinning whiskey glass seems like an accident waiting to happen.
I envision myself sitting in my favorite chair, whiskey glass on the side table. Out of the corner of my eye I spy the glass moving, reaching quickly to catch it, I knock it to the floor...
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
At The Range
My son and I headed down to the range after work to get in a little more "father & son" shooting time before he heads back to school next week. I opted to take along my Compact SIG P320 this time. I had not shot the gun since the Chesapeake Cup match in February. My plan was to work on slow fire, and trigger and sight control.
I moved the target carrier around between 7, 10, and 12 yards, and made use of the various sized aiming points. I was generally happy with the shooting, up until my first round of strong hand only shooting. Those first 10 shots were surprisingly inconsistent. Shaking my head I went back to shooting with both hands for a bit. Taking a break I stepped into my son's lane and shot his P226 Legion for a bit as well. Very nice gun; makes me want to get out my (plain) P226 next time.
The sloppy SHO shooting stayed on my mind. Instead of finishing with something I was sure to do well on, I opted to shoot my last 20 rounds strong hand only. Since that would be my memory of the day's outing I paid extra attention. The concentration paid off with improved hits and I ended on a high note.
The time passed quickly and we soon headed for home. Unfortunately the drive home did not pass as quickly. Without warning, traffic was at a standstill on the Interstate. We didn't move for a long time, and eventually the road was closed and we finally made it to an exit to take another route home.
Side note observation: If you have been sitting in non-moving traffic for 20 minutes, and you still manage to run into the car in front of you, you might be an idiot. Please stay home.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Always Thinking Stage Strategy
We were out for a hike on Sunday and came across these timbers that the Park Service had put down to help with rainwater diversion. The first thing to pop in my head... fault lines.
I had a similar experience with a mound of dirt recently. I wonder, could this be a sign of addiction?
Monday, May 14, 2018
Traveling in Maryland
I end up driving into Maryland more often than I'd like. I still have family "behind the curtain." There are also, surprisingly, really well-run pistol matches at clubs in the state. I came across this warning posted online...
I cannot speak to the veracity of the claim, however, former Virginia Governor McAullife vetoed a bill that would have stopped the sharing of VA CHP information with oppressive states like Maryland. I can say from personal experience, the above warning is fair and should be heeded. I have been subjected to a pat down on the shoulder of the highway by law enforcement when returning from a pistol match. The hassle in that case came not from a State Trooper, but from the MD Transit Authority, a group that is well-known for their proclivity for harassing travelers. Although the firearms were being legally transported, "for the safety of the public" my companion and I were detained and patted down (after the scared cop called for backup) during a traffic stop; a stop that we soon found out was made for no legitimate reason.
When I travel to and from matches in Maryland, my firearm and ammo are in separate, and locked, containers. The containers are placed in the trunk or cargo area. I drive with an acute awareness of the speed limit. A copy of U.S.C. Title 18, §926A is within reach. I make doubly sure I have no loose rounds left in my range bag or pockets for the drive home. The purposeful harassment has only happened once, but I prepare and accept that it's always a distinct possibility.
When I travel to visit family, I simply succumb to the loss of my rights and leave my firearm at home. I then rely solely on wits, observation, and other legal defensive tools.
The possibility of getting unintentionally swept up by Maryland State Police for a gun violation is a LOT worse than your last alert portrayed.
Maryland does not honor concealed carry permits from other states. The Maryland State Police vehicles have their on-board computer connected to the automatic license plate readers in their patrol cars. These computers are set to flag the patrolman of out-of-state vehicles with owners that have concealed carry permits. With state sharing all this information in electronic data bases, the "hits" are found almost instantaneously.
The patrolman can elect to stop the vehicle and challenge the driver to produce his concealed weapon, for which he has a legal permit IN ANOTHER STATE. If the driver is found to have a concealed firearm (handgun), he has violated Maryland State firearms law. The person will be arrested and there is a three year minimum sentence.
Having a concealed carry permit in another state may be probable cause for the patrolman to do a search of the out-of-state vehicle. I've seen this done along the Route 50 stretch between Annapolis and Ocean City, some poor sap with the contents of his vehicle splayed on the ground while the officer searched for an "illegal" hand gun, for which the individual had a legal permit to carry in another state.
The bottom line: IF YOU ARE LEGALLY CARRYING CONCEALED FROM ANOTHER STATE, DO NOT EVEN DRIVE THROUGH MARYLAND. AND IF YOU HAVE A PERMIT FROM ANOTHER STATE, EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT CARRYING, EXPECT TO BE STOPPED. According to one Maryland attorney specializing in criminal law, roughly 19 out of 20 of his unlawful gun transportation clients are not from the State of Maryland (https://criminallawyermaryland.net/maryland-gun-lawyer/transporting/ )
I cannot speak to the veracity of the claim, however, former Virginia Governor McAullife vetoed a bill that would have stopped the sharing of VA CHP information with oppressive states like Maryland. I can say from personal experience, the above warning is fair and should be heeded. I have been subjected to a pat down on the shoulder of the highway by law enforcement when returning from a pistol match. The hassle in that case came not from a State Trooper, but from the MD Transit Authority, a group that is well-known for their proclivity for harassing travelers. Although the firearms were being legally transported, "for the safety of the public" my companion and I were detained and patted down (after the scared cop called for backup) during a traffic stop; a stop that we soon found out was made for no legitimate reason.
When I travel to and from matches in Maryland, my firearm and ammo are in separate, and locked, containers. The containers are placed in the trunk or cargo area. I drive with an acute awareness of the speed limit. A copy of U.S.C. Title 18, §926A is within reach. I make doubly sure I have no loose rounds left in my range bag or pockets for the drive home. The purposeful harassment has only happened once, but I prepare and accept that it's always a distinct possibility.
When I travel to visit family, I simply succumb to the loss of my rights and leave my firearm at home. I then rely solely on wits, observation, and other legal defensive tools.
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Gun Craft Beer
A recent Virginia Shooting Sports Association blog post about craft beer caught my eye. "Gun Craft Beer at NRA Annual Meeting" was a headline that was unexpected. I've had few beers sporting gun names, but a firearms-themed craft brewery, well, that got my attention. Interestingly, Gun Craft Beer is located Illinois, a state that is hardly friendly to the 2nd Amendment.
Self described "gun enthusiasts, patriots and craft beer nuts," Gun Craft Beer offers four beers currently; 2nd Amendment Red IPA, M4 Amber Ale, Tactical American Pale Ale, and FAL Belgian Style Black Ale. Unfortunately the link to order the beer online is not working at this time. Hopefully I'll be able to do an in-depth report in the near future.
Friday, May 11, 2018
A Fun Range Trip
This week's range visit was a fun family outing. Our son is home for a couple weeks, so he joined Colleen and I, along with our friend "Checkered Flag." The range was slow so we all had adjacent lanes. I also rented the new SIG Sauer P365 to try out. I've been keenly interested in the gun, but have never seen one "live," so was excited when I found out that Winding Brook had it available for rent.
I started my time with the P365. I set the target at 5 yards, and saw a very nice group of 10 hits form. My three companions followed with a magazine load each, leaving me 10 more rounds to play with.
My initial impressions of the SIG P365 were very favorable. The gun is a little snappy, but it feels very solid in the hand. The shape to the grip allows a good purchase, even with the pinky finger hanging below. The range didn't have a 12 round magazine to try. It's a small gun but it feels bigger than I thought it would. The P365 is surprisingly easy to shoot.
Getting my full size SIG P320 out, I went through a box of ammo shooting the various sized shapes on the target at 7 and 10 yards. After 50 rounds I started to load more magazines but then decided I really wanted to shoot the P365 a bit more. I splurged on another box of ammo from the range.
This time I set the target out at 7 yards and my son and I took turns shooting at the target's various sized squares, circles, and diamonds. I was impressed with the accuracy for a small gun. I fired off 10 rounds as fast as I could and still shot well. The P365 sights comes back on target very quickly. Even shooting strong hand only proved doable.
Putting the P365 away, my range session was finished with some slow 15 yard shooting with the full size gun.
After shooting the new SIG P365, I was not dissuaded from my desire to get one of my own. As I said after the trip, "This gun feels like I need to buy it."
We finished our outing with a tasty meal and fun conversation at a local "burger joint." I hadn't been shooting with my son since he was home for the Christmas break so it was fun to do. I didn't get the chance to shoot his SIG Legion this time out, so we'll just have to plan another range trip soon.
I started my time with the P365. I set the target at 5 yards, and saw a very nice group of 10 hits form. My three companions followed with a magazine load each, leaving me 10 more rounds to play with.
My initial impressions of the SIG P365 were very favorable. The gun is a little snappy, but it feels very solid in the hand. The shape to the grip allows a good purchase, even with the pinky finger hanging below. The range didn't have a 12 round magazine to try. It's a small gun but it feels bigger than I thought it would. The P365 is surprisingly easy to shoot.
Getting my full size SIG P320 out, I went through a box of ammo shooting the various sized shapes on the target at 7 and 10 yards. After 50 rounds I started to load more magazines but then decided I really wanted to shoot the P365 a bit more. I splurged on another box of ammo from the range.
This time I set the target out at 7 yards and my son and I took turns shooting at the target's various sized squares, circles, and diamonds. I was impressed with the accuracy for a small gun. I fired off 10 rounds as fast as I could and still shot well. The P365 sights comes back on target very quickly. Even shooting strong hand only proved doable.
 |
| P 365. Rapid fire. 7 yards. |
Putting the P365 away, my range session was finished with some slow 15 yard shooting with the full size gun.
After shooting the new SIG P365, I was not dissuaded from my desire to get one of my own. As I said after the trip, "This gun feels like I need to buy it."
We finished our outing with a tasty meal and fun conversation at a local "burger joint." I hadn't been shooting with my son since he was home for the Christmas break so it was fun to do. I didn't get the chance to shoot his SIG Legion this time out, so we'll just have to plan another range trip soon.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
The 2nd Amendment as White Privilege
The lengths to which the social justice warriors snowflakes go to manufacture outrage never ceases to amaze me. To some, even the natural right to self defense is construed as white privilege.
A gun is a gun, no matter who holds it. NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch is fond of making this point, arguing that firearms act as the “great equalizer,” even among historically marginalized groups. But these statements are aspirational, not descriptive. Gun ownership is less common among African-Americans and Hispanics than whites, and more common among wealthier Americans than poorer ones. The financial and bureaucratic barriers to gun ownership, explained one California police officer, tend to disadvantage the same people who would supposedly be most empowered by the availability of tools of self-defense. “People don't live in dangerous neighborhoods by choice—they often can't afford to live anywhere else,” he said, noting that the task of obtaining a concealed carry permit, which most states require their proverbial Self-Reliant Good Guys with Guns to have, can be a cost-prohibitive one. "Citizens who want to do everything right can’t afford to legally protect themselves.” The cultural proliferation of guns has transformed the “right” of self-defense into a luxury available only to those who can afford it.
Not surprisingly, this tripe was published by GQ, the home of the American metrosexual. The author goes on to explain that the costs of firearms, ammo, training, licensing (!), and even cleaning supplies, make gun ownership unobtainable for non-whites in America.
Among all the facepalm-inducing "logic" in the article, the complaints about licensing fees is exceptionally ironic. Gun laws have their roots in racism, and licensing fees are put in place, with the sole purpose of creating hardship, by the same type of people who incessantly complain about inequality.
The author claims that the "luxury" of gun ownership is unobtainable by non-whites. The basic premise of his writing exhibits racial bias. Blinded by his anti-gun agenda, he fails to see his own racism. There is no logic in leftist thinking.
The author equates having the means to afford a gun to inequality, rather than the result of labor, effort, or choice. But that's how the left sees everything actually. If you don't like something, label it a "privilege" or even "racist." He concludes thusly,
See "Owning a Gun in America Is a Luxury" for the rest of the diatribe. Try not to choke on your morning coffee.
Among all the facepalm-inducing "logic" in the article, the complaints about licensing fees is exceptionally ironic. Gun laws have their roots in racism, and licensing fees are put in place, with the sole purpose of creating hardship, by the same type of people who incessantly complain about inequality.
The author claims that the "luxury" of gun ownership is unobtainable by non-whites. The basic premise of his writing exhibits racial bias. Blinded by his anti-gun agenda, he fails to see his own racism. There is no logic in leftist thinking.
The author equates having the means to afford a gun to inequality, rather than the result of labor, effort, or choice. But that's how the left sees everything actually. If you don't like something, label it a "privilege" or even "racist." He concludes thusly,
I can’t fault anyone who wants to do all that they can to protect themselves and their loved ones. I respect the decisions of responsible, thoughtful people who use their resources to learn how to use a gun for that purpose. But I am troubled by the fact that doing so is a privilege—another way in which America's culture of guns is most dangerous for the most vulnerable people who live in it.
See "Owning a Gun in America Is a Luxury" for the rest of the diatribe. Try not to choke on your morning coffee.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Maryland IDPA Championship
Last Saturday I joined a group of friends to shoot the 2018 Maryland IDPA Championship held at Sanner's Lake Range in Lexington Park, MD. The match offered a balanced variety of scenarios. (Match book) Half the stages required movement, while the rest were shot seated or standing. (Although on one stage, there was lots of movement, even while standing!) There were fast, close targets to be shot on the move or standing still. There were longer shots, requiring careful aiming at both open and restricted targets. Various movers, of both the threat and non-threat variety, added to the interest. I found the match to be challenging, and a whole lot of fun!
The first two stages our squad shot involved shooting from vehicles. Unfortunately the first stage was dropped from the final results. The second, "Mob Attack" was shot while seated inside cab of a pickup truck. A moving non-threat was activated by pushing the gas pedal of the vehicle. Targets were engaged while shooting through both the passenger and driver side windows.
The Standards stage required both strong and weak hand only shooting, at close targets. I've been shooting well with one hand as of late, and even practiced, with much success, just a few days before the match. Alas, this was not one of my better stages.
"Wolf Pack" added the challenge of shooting from an unstable platform. We stood on a suspended platform while shooting at targets that had one side cut off, simulating a wolf shape. The targets were placed in different orientations so you had to pay attention to the location of the -0 zone relative to the rest of the target. One target was a swinger activated by shooting a steel popper. Most of the swinging bridge type stages I've shot moved mostly along one axis. This platform was quite free moving, in all directions, and I had to concentrate on smooth movements and keeping my legs loose.
It's fairly common start an IDPA stage seated and then either stand or remain seated while shooting. "Office Attack" may have been the first time I started standing, but took a seat before shooting. When you sat down, an up and down non-threat was activated that repeatedly exposed a (mostly) head only target out at about nine yards. There were six other targets and two steel poppers further out to 20 yards.
One thing I've noticed about matches at Sanner's Lake is that a lot of the props have electronics behind them, and moving targets — threat and non-threat alike — often move in random ways. The up and down "good guy" on this stage would move a few times, then pause and move again. As soon as I fired off one of my shots the non-threat popped up and I knew I hit it, with a perfect center-of-the-head hit. It was the only HNT I earned in the match.
After a delicious lunch served by Southern Bobby-Q Catering, we moved on to the final five stages. "The Steaks are High" saw us facing uprange at the grill, tongs in hand. Six targets, close but obscured by barrels and non-threats, required 3 hits each. It was easy and tempting to shoot this one too fast. Many shooters had misses from shooting through barrels. I saw plastic fly in one of my shots and made a well-placed makeup shot.
The first stage for our squad offering a chance to move, "Home Defense" was a classic shoot and move stage, with nine targets engaged around walls and through a port. Despite some menacingly placed non-threats, the close targets offered the chance to shoot fast while moving through the course of fire. On some of the targets, slowing down to make headshots to avoid a non-threat was an option.
The stage called "Home Invasion" was one of my favorites. It was also the one that had me stumped on a plan when the stage descriptions were sent out prior to the match. After starting with "bad breath" distance shots on the first target, at the next position we faced a couple targets at the 20 yard line. Moving down a hallway, in addition to static targets, we encountered two movers; a drop turner activated by a steel popper, and an up and over target that was activated, after a delay, when the shooter passed an electric eye. The course layout was such that one could easily be faced with an empty gun when the disappearing targets came up. I often try get in some extra shots on such targets, if possible, so I was considering that two tactical reloads might be in order.
I rarely use the tactical reload in a match. Yet here I was thinking about doing two in order to have an ample ammo supply for the movers, and to make up any long misses. After walking the stage, I decided that was indeed my plan. It worked out well and I was pleased.
A couple of 15 yard plates, placed at the shoulders of a non-threat, started the shooting on the stage, "Trap House." After dropping a pizza box from our hands, we engaged the two plates from cover. I recall I actually felt confident about hitting the plates, despite seeing lots of repairs on the nearby penalty target, and indeed hit them 1 for 1, avoiding the non-threat. Negotiating the zigzag course, we found eight more threat targets.
I was the last shooter on the last stage of the day, "Coming Home." Two steel poppers, one placed deviously in front of a non-threat, began the course of fire. We found a couple of head shot only targets, fronted by a non-threat in the center of the stage. At the final point of cover, we had to flip a light switch that activated a swinging non-threat. The non-threat was another of those "spastic" movers, and alternated sitting behind two threat targets. I saw a lot of shooters getting hits on the three non-threats on the stage. The targets all required three hits each. After the switch was flipped, I got one shot off on the first cycle, then fired my final two on the next cycle. After shooting the other target, I thought I'd take a make up on the first target, but the NT was resting behind it. So I waited, and waited. After about 3 seconds the non-threat still hadn't moved away so I called it done. In the end I was glad I didn't shoot again, which would have added time to my run. I was just 5 points down, and had my best stage finish of the match.
One thing I've noticed about matches at Sanner's Lake is that a lot of the props have electronics behind them, and moving targets — threat and non-threat alike — often move in random ways. The up and down "good guy" on this stage would move a few times, then pause and move again. As soon as I fired off one of my shots the non-threat popped up and I knew I hit it, with a perfect center-of-the-head hit. It was the only HNT I earned in the match.
After a delicious lunch served by Southern Bobby-Q Catering, we moved on to the final five stages. "The Steaks are High" saw us facing uprange at the grill, tongs in hand. Six targets, close but obscured by barrels and non-threats, required 3 hits each. It was easy and tempting to shoot this one too fast. Many shooters had misses from shooting through barrels. I saw plastic fly in one of my shots and made a well-placed makeup shot.
The first stage for our squad offering a chance to move, "Home Defense" was a classic shoot and move stage, with nine targets engaged around walls and through a port. Despite some menacingly placed non-threats, the close targets offered the chance to shoot fast while moving through the course of fire. On some of the targets, slowing down to make headshots to avoid a non-threat was an option.
The stage called "Home Invasion" was one of my favorites. It was also the one that had me stumped on a plan when the stage descriptions were sent out prior to the match. After starting with "bad breath" distance shots on the first target, at the next position we faced a couple targets at the 20 yard line. Moving down a hallway, in addition to static targets, we encountered two movers; a drop turner activated by a steel popper, and an up and over target that was activated, after a delay, when the shooter passed an electric eye. The course layout was such that one could easily be faced with an empty gun when the disappearing targets came up. I often try get in some extra shots on such targets, if possible, so I was considering that two tactical reloads might be in order.
I rarely use the tactical reload in a match. Yet here I was thinking about doing two in order to have an ample ammo supply for the movers, and to make up any long misses. After walking the stage, I decided that was indeed my plan. It worked out well and I was pleased.
A couple of 15 yard plates, placed at the shoulders of a non-threat, started the shooting on the stage, "Trap House." After dropping a pizza box from our hands, we engaged the two plates from cover. I recall I actually felt confident about hitting the plates, despite seeing lots of repairs on the nearby penalty target, and indeed hit them 1 for 1, avoiding the non-threat. Negotiating the zigzag course, we found eight more threat targets.
I was the last shooter on the last stage of the day, "Coming Home." Two steel poppers, one placed deviously in front of a non-threat, began the course of fire. We found a couple of head shot only targets, fronted by a non-threat in the center of the stage. At the final point of cover, we had to flip a light switch that activated a swinging non-threat. The non-threat was another of those "spastic" movers, and alternated sitting behind two threat targets. I saw a lot of shooters getting hits on the three non-threats on the stage. The targets all required three hits each. After the switch was flipped, I got one shot off on the first cycle, then fired my final two on the next cycle. After shooting the other target, I thought I'd take a make up on the first target, but the NT was resting behind it. So I waited, and waited. After about 3 seconds the non-threat still hadn't moved away so I called it done. In the end I was glad I didn't shoot again, which would have added time to my run. I was just 5 points down, and had my best stage finish of the match.
The match ran very smoothly. Shooting started at 9:00AM and we were finished before 3:00PM, even with the break for lunch. There's a running joke that it always rains for the Maryland matches, but the forecasted rain held off until the next to the last stage. The rain was fairly light, and there was no need to bag the targets. I shot my last run in a moderate rain, and it was still one of my best runs of the day.
Overall I was pleased with my shooting. The match jitters seemed to be there for the first couple of stages before I calmed. Interestingly, I felt I shot better during the later stages, which is when my energy and accuracy often fade somewhat. I was pleased to have no mental failures in executing my stage plans; any poor performances can be attributed to shooting alone.
Despite the nerves at the start, I found myself much more relaxed than I felt at last month's match. I finished #32 of 147 shooters overall. For the SSP division I was 11th of 49, and 7th of 14 in SSP EX.
Overall I was pleased with my shooting. The match jitters seemed to be there for the first couple of stages before I calmed. Interestingly, I felt I shot better during the later stages, which is when my energy and accuracy often fade somewhat. I was pleased to have no mental failures in executing my stage plans; any poor performances can be attributed to shooting alone.
Despite the nerves at the start, I found myself much more relaxed than I felt at last month's match. I finished #32 of 147 shooters overall. For the SSP division I was 11th of 49, and 7th of 14 in SSP EX.
It's often said that a pistol match is really just a social even interrupted by occasional gunfire. While the focus is on the shooting, that's actually true to some extent. For this match, eight of my squad were friends with whom I enjoy shooting regularly. That added to the fun, with both advice and friendly banter throughout the day. After the match, four of us celebrated Cinco de Mayo with dinner at a local Mexican restaurant before making the drive home.
More pictures are posted here.
More pictures are posted here.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Virginia Breweries Win at World Beer Cup
The World Beer Cup competition is held every two years. In this year's event, 8,234 beers representing 2,515 breweries were judged. Of the 302 medals awarded, five went to Virginia breweries.
Category: Irish-Style Red Ale
Gold Medal: Bald Irishman, Center of the Universe Brewing - Origin Beer Lab, Ashland, VA
Category: German-Style Altbier
Silver Medal: Alt Bier, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. – Basecamp, Roseland, VA
Category: Robust Porter
Silver Medal: Porter, Port City Brewing Co., Alexandria, VA
Category: Session Beer
Silver Medal: Session Pale Ale, Center of the Universe Brewing, Ashland, VA
Category: Baltic-Style Porter
Bronze Medal: Danzig, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. - Outpost, Lexington, VA
The only one of these I have not had is Bald Irishman, from Center of the Universe's sister research and development brewery, Origin Beer Lab. With a name like that, it seems like my kind of beer. Since the beer is released annually for St. Patrick's Day, I may have to wait to try it out.
Congratulations to all the winners for keeping Virginia brewing on the world stage.
Category: Irish-Style Red Ale
Gold Medal: Bald Irishman, Center of the Universe Brewing - Origin Beer Lab, Ashland, VA
Category: German-Style Altbier
Silver Medal: Alt Bier, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. – Basecamp, Roseland, VA
Category: Robust Porter
Silver Medal: Porter, Port City Brewing Co., Alexandria, VA
Category: Session Beer
Silver Medal: Session Pale Ale, Center of the Universe Brewing, Ashland, VA
Category: Baltic-Style Porter
Bronze Medal: Danzig, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. - Outpost, Lexington, VA
The only one of these I have not had is Bald Irishman, from Center of the Universe's sister research and development brewery, Origin Beer Lab. With a name like that, it seems like my kind of beer. Since the beer is released annually for St. Patrick's Day, I may have to wait to try it out.
Congratulations to all the winners for keeping Virginia brewing on the world stage.
Monday, May 7, 2018
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Blog Maintenance Ahead
Sorry for the administrative post. I'll be completing the aforementioned domain change for these Musings over the next 24 hours or so. The domain for Musings Over a Barrel will be changed permanently to www.musingsoverabarrel.com. Currently the new URL merely redirects to musingsoverapint.com. Once the change is complete, I plan to have the old domain redirect to musingsoverabarrel.com. Confused? Me too. :-) But it should work.
If you haven't done so already, please go ahead update your links and bookmarks to avoid any issues if the switch fails. Folks using the RSS feeds may experience errors, depending on when and how you subscribed. I apologize sincerely if anyone gets lost.
I think I'll pour a beer and reread my notes to make sure I haven't missed anything...
If you haven't done so already, please go ahead update your links and bookmarks to avoid any issues if the switch fails. Folks using the RSS feeds may experience errors, depending on when and how you subscribed. I apologize sincerely if anyone gets lost.
I think I'll pour a beer and reread my notes to make sure I haven't missed anything...
UPDATE, May 7: The domain update seems to have worked. However, the old RSS feed is no longer updating. If you have entered www.musingsoverapint.com in your reader, you will need to update to www.musingsoverabarrel.com. Also, to the kind people who link to the RSS feed on your own blogs, please update your links as well. I appreciate your patience and assistance!
Friday, May 4, 2018
Another Range Trip
Has it only been 10 days since I last made it to the range? Seems much longer. Anyway, I knocked off a little early on Thursday and headed down to Winding Brook. I had in mind a few things I wanted to review just one more time before this weekend's match. (I know last minute practice doesn't really change anything, but it does help with the head game.)
I set up my first target at 7 yards and expended 50 rounds doing strong and weak hand only shooting. I was pretty happy with the one-handed shooting at the close distance — and also felt the effect in both wrists! Next up was head shots at 10 yards. I find it interesting that when shooting indoors at the IDPA head target, I get decent groups but they are consistently low. I think I shy away from the target hanger. I have to concentrate diligently on sight placement over the target. Starting my last box of ammo I moved the target to 15 yards. After a few magazines, I opted to move it in closer and finish with a little more SHO and WHO shooting. Maybe it'll pay off.
As I was leaving the range, I looked over at the large mound left from construction in the area. Am I the only one who sees any pile of dirt and thinks, "shooting berm" ?
I set up my first target at 7 yards and expended 50 rounds doing strong and weak hand only shooting. I was pretty happy with the one-handed shooting at the close distance — and also felt the effect in both wrists! Next up was head shots at 10 yards. I find it interesting that when shooting indoors at the IDPA head target, I get decent groups but they are consistently low. I think I shy away from the target hanger. I have to concentrate diligently on sight placement over the target. Starting my last box of ammo I moved the target to 15 yards. After a few magazines, I opted to move it in closer and finish with a little more SHO and WHO shooting. Maybe it'll pay off.
As I was leaving the range, I looked over at the large mound left from construction in the area. Am I the only one who sees any pile of dirt and thinks, "shooting berm" ?
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