Need some recreation between patrols. This chess set was spotted at a USMC post in Afghanistan… Outstanding.
Adapt, Improvise, Overcome
Texas: Online Application Available For Concealed Carry Permits
“At this time, although supplemental materials (such as citizenship documents and criminal history) are still required to be mailed in, completing the application form online and submitting digital scanned fingerprints will alleviate much of the application processing delays,” the Wilson County News reported.
Traditional ink fingerprints are fine, too, but must be mailed.
“Completing the application form online is convenient for applicants and will allow us to process applications faster,” said RenEarl Bowie, the Assistant Director, Regulatory Licensing for the Department of Public Safety. “We are excited to offer this online service to concealed handgun applicants and hope they take advantage of the online application process.”
“Also starting on May 1: applicants for [concealed carry permit] renewals will no longer have to submit fingerprints, and applicants with a valid Texas ID or Driver License will no longer have to provide photos for renewal.”
Source: TX online app, Wilson County News 4/29/10
Check out the Gun Digest Big Fat Book of the .45 ACP. Click Here
Gun Collecting: Amoskeag
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Amoskeag’s recent auction saw strong sales. Among the highlights and prices realized:
Exceptional engraved takedown Martini Schuetzen rifle by Simon Heim of Nürnberg serial #326, 8.15 x 46R, 31 1/4″ ribbed octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. This is a beautifully made and nicely embellished rifle. The takedown barrel retains about 98% to near 99% original rust blue.
The entire length of the top flat is nicely hand-matted and is maker marked on the rear portion of the sight dovetail “Simon Heim Nürnberg” while both diagonal flats left and right are marked “Rochling Spezial Stahl”.
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The front sight ramp is nicely cross-hatched and features an interchangeable front sight with single thin post and dual protective ears, it shows lovely pale fire-temper blue. The German Martini style action, in addition to the unique takedown system, features a lever-detachable trigger plate and lever assembly while the breechblock is detachable with a single push-pin.
The frame, triggerplate and lever assembly are nearly overall engraved in a loose foliate and floral pattern with geometric borderline engraving. The right side of action shows a German shooter with his Martini action rifle cupping his hands over his eyes gazing at some distant object, the left side shows a fellow leaning on his elbow, pipe in mouth, likely at some tavern table awaiting his refreshment.
Frame and trigger plate assembly show nearly all of their lovely color case-hardening. The rear sight seat is complete with its diopter style fully adjustable sight with large screw-in aperture. The checkered European walnut buttstock and Schnabel tipped forend rate excellent with only very minor handling marks from light use. The buttstock features a generous ram's horn style comb with scooped out cheekpiece which shows very nice grain figure.
In addition to flawlessly checkered borderless panels there are carved foliate accents and the right side thumb rest features nice cross-hatching. Even the Schuetzen style buttplate shows a nicely engraved upper tang and retains nearly all its original vivid color case-hardening.
The barrel takes down by actuating the lower lever forward, the barrel can then be withdrawn forward off the frame; this style is often seen on rifles by August Pachmayr. All numbers are matching on this beautiful takedown Schuetzen rifle. (3030-92) {C&R} [Schlegel Collection] (2500/4500)
SOLD FOR $4025.00
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Remington-Rider Cased Factory Engraved Magazine Pistol .32 RF extra short, 3 1/8″ octagon barrel with a very good bore. Metal surfaces retain about 98% original nickel, the loss due to muzzle wear and a tiny area between barrel and magazine tube showing minor flaking and evidence of very light pinprick pitting.
The barrel shows minor geometric engraving while the frame shows excellent quality scroll on the sidepanels which continues onto the backstrap. The breechblock retains nearly all of its lovely pale fire-temper blue.
The smooth rosewood grips rate very good to near excellent showing only minor handling marks and nearly all of their original varnish. The gun is mechanically functional and rides in a period walnut presentation case with brass monogram plate on the lid, the case may have been refinished years ago and appears to have a more recent lining. Included in the case are 15 rounds of 32 extra short ammunition.
A very nice package overall.
SOLD FOR $2875.00
 Stevens Ideal Model 47 Modern Range Rifle on 44 1/2 Action serial #4745, 25-20, 28″ part round part octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. |
This rifle is in superb condition. The barrel which was special ordered with no rear seat retains 97% evenly thinning original blue finish overall. The action, loop lever and small Swiss buttplate all retain 97% brilliant original color case-hardened finish overall.
Blue on single trigger, hammer and breechblock is vivid. The pistol grip buttstock and small one screw forend rate excellent plus retaining about 95% original varnish. Rifle is equipped with a beaded blade front sight and Lyman folding tang mounted peep sight.
A stellar example of the Stevens 47 rifle.
SOLD FOR $4600.00
 Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver serial #75, 32-44 S&W, 6 1/2″ barrel with an excellent, bright bore. |
This is an exquisite revolver which has matching numbers on the frame, barrel, cylinder, and latch and retains 99% of the original nickel finish which exhibits only a few negligible dark specks on the front edge of the topstrap on the left side.
The latch and triggerguard have likewise retained nearly all of the original blue finish while the hammer has retained 90% of the original color case-hardening. The trigger is finely checkered and a trigger stop has been added to the rear of the triggerguard and staked in place.
The checkered, diamond center, walnut grips are in excellent condition with almost no flattening of the still sharp points and only a handful of faint handling marks around the butt.
This New Model No. 3 is as close to new as one is likely to find and, when one considers the two digit serial number, would compliment any collection handsomely.
SOLD FOR $8050.00
 Colt Service Model Ace Pistol (U.S. Government Purchase) serial #SM224, 22 LR, 5″ barrel with floating chamber and an excellent, bright bore. |
Colt Service Model Ace Pistol (U.S. Government Purchase) serial #SM224, 22 LR, 5″ barrel with floating chamber and an excellent, bright bore.
This is a lovely, 1938 manufactured pistol which has retained 95% plus original blue on the Stevens rear sight equipped slide and has mild silvering along the high edges, most noticeably at the muzzle as well as around the ejection port.
The frame has about 90% of the original blue remaining, again with silvering along the projecting edges, but also has some gray fading along the frontstrap and backstrap flanking the grip safety.
The checkered walnut grips are in fine shape and have only minor flattening of the points with some handling marks around the butt. A single blued “SERVICE MODEL” marked magazine is included.
A Colt factory letter accompanies the pistol which lists it as one of 155 purchased by the U.S. Government and shipped to Springfield Armory on July 20, 1937. This is a pretty prewar U.S. Ace which rates fine-excellent condition overall.
SOLD FOR $4887.50
Auction results courtesy of Amoskeag Auctions. For more information and a complete list of prices realized, please visit www.amoskeag-auction.com or call (603) 627-7383.
For the ultimate gun collectors reference check out the 2010 Standard Catalog of Firearms, 20th Edition. Click Here.
Gun Digest the Magazine May 10, 2010
Gun Digest is the source for firearms news,
Inside This Issue
The May 10, 2010 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine is the first issue published at standard magazine size. Plus:
– Generation 4 Glocks
– Great Goose Guns
– Big Gunsmithing Tools
– New Gear for Shooters
– Trends of value for rifles, shotguns and handguns
– Classifieds and Gun Auction Listings
– And More!
Click here to read Senior Editor Kevin Michalowski's Editor Shots Column from this issue.
Oklahoma Governor Vetoes Firearms Freedom Act
 Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry (D-OK) |
Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry (D-OK) has vetoed the Oklahoma Firearms Freedom Act. In a prepared statement Governor Henry highlight his “support” for the gun rights and his NRA “A” rating before claiming that the legislation “did nothing” to protect the right to keep and bear arms.
From the Claremore Daily Press:
“I’m a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and have earned an ‘A’ rating from the NRA, but this legislation does nothing to protect an individual’s right to bear arms,” Henry, a Democrat, said in a statement. “It abolishes commonsense regulations like background checks and gives criminals easy access to a wide array of weapons. This law would harm Oklahomans, not protect them.”
State Sen. Randy Brogdon, a Republican candidate for governor who authored the bill, called Henry’s argument “absurd” and vowed to attempt an override of the veto. That would take a three-quarters majority in both the House and Senate. Read more
Source : National Association for Gun Rights
Order the new Official Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices 2010, Rifles, Pistols & Shotguns
5th Edition, Edited by Dan Shideler. Click Here
Video: Larry Pratt of GOA Speaks at Tea Party – Part I
Order the new book Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns of the World. Click Here
Tennessee: State Senate Passes Bill To Allow Guns In Establishments Selling Alcohol
“This version of the legislation will provide law-abiding citizens the opportunity to responsibly and legally exercise their Second Amendment rights while allowing business owners to run their establishments as they like,” Sen. Jackson said.
The Senate version passed Thursday would make illegal the consumption of alcohol while carrying a firearm, and allows business owners to ban guns completely from their premises by posting clear, specific public notice.
The bill creates a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $2,500 fine and/or up to a year in jail, if a person is found to be consuming alcohol while in possession of a handgun. Read more
Source: chatanoogan.com
Be sure to check out the The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery, 6th Edition by Massad Ayoob. In addition to the tactical aspects of self-defense, Ayoob also covers practical information about selecting a used handgun and the legal aspects of self-defense with a firearm. Learn more
Iowa Upgrades to Shall-Issue Concealed Carry Law
Iowa has historically been a “may issue” state, meaning that decisions on whether to issue an individual a permit to carry a weapon were made at the local level at the sheriff’s discretion, with inconsistencies among counties.
Senate File 2379 makes Iowa a “shall issue” state in which individuals will be granted weapon permits unless they meet certain criteria for denial.
“I am signing this bill because I believe there doesn’t need to be any conflict between the freedom to carry firearms and public safety,” Governor Culver said during a signing ceremony at the State Capitol. “Instead, I believe that law-abiding citizens who are placed in situations in which their life and property are threatened should be able to protect themselves, and their families. When firearms are used properly by people who are trained in their use, public safety can increase in terms of crime prevention.” Read more
Source: IowaPolitics.com
Check out the Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry. Author Massad Ayoob also covers the expansive accessories market, and provides real-life practicalities for each accessory. He also educates you about concealed carry laws, and how they pertain to you. This is essential information for anyone considering concealed carry. Order Now
Smith & Wesson’s Classic Model 27 – Part IV
Personal Experience
I was in my mid-teens when my dad bought me an 8-3/8-inch Model 27, and I remain eternally grateful.
I took it hunting, and shot matches with it ranging from deer targets at 50 yards at the local turkey shoots, to bulls-eye matches, where it served as my Centerfire handgun. (In .45, most of the time, I used a similar Smith & Wesson Model 1955 Target in .45 ACP. .38 wadcutters in the 27 kicked less during timed and rapid fire, and were cheaper. Besides, that full 10-inch sight radius really did seem to cut down on errors in 50-yard slow fire.)
The heavy revolver was not uncomfortable in its slim, simple Lawrence holster. I did find it unwieldy on one occasion. I was 16, finishing a fruitless deer hunt near dusk.
The revolver was on the car seat behind me, about to be unloaded before I drove home, when I saw a fox standing in the road. Recalling that they were legal to shoot, I swung up the big Magnum‚ and the 8-3/8-inch barrel clanged against the wind wing on the driver‚ window of the‚ Pontiac I was driving. The fox scampered cheerfully away‚ and I found myself wishing for a shorter Model 27.
That came in my early twenties. I was a young cop who had just gotten into PPC shooting, and needed a 6-inch .38 I didn't have. Borrowing a good friend‚ 6-inch Python for the interim, I left my Model 27 with gunsmith Nolan Santy to have its 8-3/8-inch barrel replaced with a 6-incher.
The slick old six-shooter worked out great, and at the age of 25 I won my first New Hampshire State Law Enforcement Pistol Championship with it. I own it to this day, still a fine example of the gunmaker art.
What I always wanted, and could never justify purchasing until a recent self-indulgent moment, was a 3-1/2-inch Model 27. I agree with Taffin: there's just something classic in that gun look.
Bottom Line
From the muzzle of whatever length barrel the user chooses, across the checkered topstrap, to the precisely grooved backstrap, this highly polished deluxe handgun is a significant piece of firearms history.
In hard performance and subjective mystique, as an icon of American workmanship for the collector or a functional firearm for the outdoorsman or the defender of the innocent, the Smith & Wesson Model 27 .357 Magnum will always hold a special and distinguished place in the firearms world.
Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the new book Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns of the World. Click here to order.
Click Here to Read Part I
Click Here to Read Part II
Click Here to Read Part III
I have bone to pick with K-9 Officers…
First off… I think K-9 units are the biggest asset to the department since the police car. Seriously. They are more versatile than any other officers out there…But I know K-9 handlers only took the job so they would no longer have to transport people to jail… but I digress.
Having witnessed several K-9 training sessions and on real-life take down… I'm convinced that K-9 officers have been given too much to say before releasing the dog, or they apparently get just as excited as the dog when things are about to get “dynamic.”
How many of you have heard the following: THISISDEPUTYMARCUSWITHTHESHERIFF'SDEPARTMENTCOMEOUTNOWWITHYOURHANDSINTHEAIRORI'MGOING TORELEASETHEDOG.THEDOGWILLBITEYOU.COMEOUTNOW!
From most K-9 officers those commands come out as one word in the space of about two full seconds. When I'm taking someone into custody I'm required to give clear and concise commands. Sometimes I even have say, “Do you understand me?” before I escalate to a higher level of force.
Two words for the K-9 corps: Slow down. I know the situation is serious, but people need to hear those commands to make sure all the actions stand up in court.
Nightforce Adds New 1,000-Yard Velocity Series Reticles
In response to demand for additional designs of their Velocity series reticles, Nightforce is now offering new reticles engineered for precision shooting to 1000 yards.
Thiswill expand the popular Velocity series to the company’s higher magnification riflescopes as well as provide solutions for the fastest magnums and other flat-shooting cartridges.
Virtually all modernrifle cartridges will adapt to one of the Nightforce V reticles, with minimal point-of-impact deviation from the reticle’s markings. Once the range of the target is known, the shooter merely chooses the corresponding elevation mark and aims dead on.
The V reticles are marked in 50-yardelevation increments to 800 yards, and 25-yard increments from 800 to 1000 yards. Windage compensation is marked in 5mph increments.
Unlike other manufacturers, Nightforce does not believe that only one or two ballistic reticles will meet the needs of all cartridges. Nightforce has instead created a vast range of extremely accurate and dedicated reticles designed to meet specific ballistic requirements for virtually all modern rifle cartridges.
V series reticles werecreated for applications where maximum speed and accuracy is critical. The Nightforce V series are up to twice as fast as traditional designs, since there is no need for drop charts, elevation adjustments, complicated calculations or guessing at holdover.
Nightforce has created an online ballistic calculator that allows the shooter to enter their specific cartridge details. It then indicates the specific V reticle that most closely matches their ballistics.
Nightforce V reticlesare clean and uncluttered, providing the ultimate in speed and accuracy. All Nightforce riflescopes come standard with illuminated reticles.
Nightforce is soconfident in their V series reticles, that they challenge any shooter to visit the Nightforce website, enter their favorite load into the on-line calculator, and prove to themselves that there is a V reticle that will maximize the potential of both the shooter and their rifle.
For more information contactNightforce Optics, Inc., 1040 Hazen Lane, Orofino, ID 83544, tel (208)
476-9814, or visit www.nightforceoptics.com.
Robbers Run When Citizen Shoots Back
Rochester, N.Y. – Police are looking for two men they say tried to rob a 61-year old man on his way home from the store Wednesday night only to have him shoot back with his own gun.
The attempted robberyand retaliation occurred just after 11:15 p.m. on Tubman Way in the city.
Police said when the two approached the victim, one grabbedhim and the other pulled a knife. The victim quickly pulled his own gun and fired at the suspects. His gun is licensed and legally registered, police said.
The suspects ran away. Read more
Source: 13wham.com
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Tactical Gear Tip: Order the Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry so you too
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Police: Tire Store Owner Shot Two of Three Robbers
Miami Police conjured up images of the wild west when they said the owner of a Miami business showed “tombstone-like courage” when he shot and wounded two young men as they allegedly tried to rob his auto tire business.
Now those two are in the hospital and police are on the huntfor a third young man.The shooting reminded neighbor Dylan Terry of the Wild West when he described the barrage of bullets and shots fired.
“Pow, pow, pow, pow, pow, pow,” said Terry, who works at a business next to the tire shop. “I've never been around a shooting like this so I was a little freaked out.”
Police say initially three robbers targeted Okay Auto Tire Service at Northwest 2nd Ave. and 42nd Street sometime before noon Friday. Four people were inside the shop at the time: the owner, the owner's son and two employees.
Police say the owner, identified as Omar Rangel, was being held at gunpoint by 17-year-old Joseph White, who ordered Rangel and his employees to the ground. According to an arrest affidavit, White passed a silver revolver to 27-year-old Dwayne Hudson.
Hudson continued to threaten Rangel with the gun while White rifled through the victims' pockets. A third, unidentified young man “kept going in and out of the business to make sure nobody was coming,” the arrest affidavit reports.
When the robbers weren't looking, 45-year-old Rangel of Miami, who was carrying a handgun in his front pocket, pulled his gun out and shot four times. Read more
Source: cbs4.com
Before you get yourself a handgun, order the new Gun Digestbook, Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns
of the World. Click
Here
Botetourt County Man Kills Intruder
Officials said the resident apparently had little choice but to shoot, although he seemed to show restraint.
TROUTVILLE — Armed with a double-barreled, 12-gauge shotgun, theresident of a Botetourt County home fatally shot an intruder Friday night, authorities said.
A family living in the home heard someone yelling, cursing andpounding on their house about 10:40 p.m., according to a release Saturday from Botetourt County Sheriff Ronnie Sprinkle.
A man living there called 911 and secured his family members in alocked bedroom, then loaded the shotgun.
The intruder used a wrought iron patio chair to break a glass slidingdoor and come into the house, and the male resident shot him.
“From what I'm told, he showed some restraint,” Botetourt County Commonwealth's Attorney Joel Branscom said about the shooter.
“But it got to the point where he didn't have much of a choice.”
Stacy Thompson, a neighbor, said she was glad the man who lived inthe house protected his family.
“When I heard someone tried to break in, I was just grateful he had agun to protect his family,” she said. “There's a reason the Second Amendment exists. We support gun rights and we would have done the same thing.” Read more
Source: roanoke.com
Jointhe Tactical Gear Concealed Carry Forum »
Tactical Gear Tip: Order the Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry so you too
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New Mexico No Longer Recognizes Utah’s Carry Permit
As the Associated Press reported, “Utah licenses require significantly less training than New Mexico licenses do, state Public Safety Secretary John Denko said…. New Mexico won't recognize another state's license unless its rules allowing people to carry concealed weapons, including training and other provisions, are as stringent as New Mexico's.”
New Mexico’s Department of Public Safety has also begun reviewing carry reciprocity agreements with 18 other states.
Of note, “New Mexico officials say a written reciprocity agreement with Texas will not be changed.”
Source: NM/Utah, AP 4/25/10:
https://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14956761
Be sure to check out the The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery, 6th Edition by Massad Ayoob. In addition to the tactical aspects of self-defense, Ayoob also covers practical information about selecting a used handgun and the legal aspects of self-defense with a firearm. Learn more
Gun Lobby Believes it Can Gain More Ground for Owners
That's the choice that Van Cleave, the leader of the pro-gun Virginia Citizens Defense League, wants to offer state lawmakers next year when the General Assembly reconvenes.
He said he is going to find a legislator to submit two bills to the body representing both positions.
His aim is to force lawmakers to expand the rights of concealed-handgun owners in bars or rescind the current exception that allows law-enforcement officers and commonwealth's attorneys to carry concealed weapons and consume alcohol.
“We're not allowed to drink, but they can,” Van Cleave said. “That's two classes of citizens.”
The proposal comes just days after Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, signed into law a bill repealing the state's long-standing ban on holders of concealed-weapons permits carrying hidden guns into restaurants that serve alcohol. Permit holders will be allowed to enter with a firearm as long as they do not drink alcohol. Read more
Source: Richmond-Times Dispatch
Check out the Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry. Author Massad Ayoob also covers the expansive accessories market, and provides real-life practicalities for each accessory. He also educates you about concealed carry laws, and how they pertain to you. This is essential information for anyone considering concealed carry. Order Now
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