The Lone Libertarian

Squeaky and I hit the gun show at the fairgrounds in Memphis yesterday.  She scored some good deals on a 12-ga shotgun and a small .380.  I scored on some great tasting jerky.  Heh.

This would be the second “R. K. Shows” gun show that I have attended, and I was a little underwhelmed.  I was there for two things, a decent carry belt, and a good IWB holster for my G17.  There was no leather vendor at all, much less anyone carrying belts.  The holster vendors were more or less selling Uncle Mikes or rebadged Uncle Mikes.  There was one that had Galco, but my search turned up empty there.  So, needless to say, I’m a little disappointed in the outing.

Squeaky seemed to get the deal of the year with the $199.95 Mossberg 12-ga with 6-round magazine.  This is where my n00bish side comes out when it comes to guns.  A vendor was selling them as a “show special”, when I saw them, it did catch my eye, but that seemed too cheap for a Mossberg to me.  My thoughts went instantly to: A) They’ve got to be used, B) They are “entry-level” with a low build quality, or C) They must be discontinued.

I REALLY need more education when it comes to gun brands, types, and prices (I was telling Sqeaks that I had never even heard of Mossberg until the tactical shotgun class at Rangemaster).  I obviously made a gaff by walking away from the table.  I guess I should go to my local news stand and pick up a few magazines/books to read.

We walked around for a while after spotting them, and then I started to talk myself into buying one.  We had visited the table twice already.  We were on our way out, and visited the table a third time with intent to purchase.  There were 4 when we walked in, and 4 when we visited the table 30 minutes later, and only one left when we got back 15 minutes later.

That’ll learn me.  Heh.

Anyhow, she struck gold and I came up empty handed again.  Next year, hopefully I’ll be well studied enough to find a good deal.

Time to study up.

Last night’s Gun Nuts: The Next Generation podcast was well framed for the time constraints that BlogTalk radio places on its hosts.

However, I heard the guests and callers say something that should be addressed in another show (or format).  The gist of the statement was “I would invoke my right to revolution if the government crossed a certain line.”

My questions to all gun advocates that make this claim are following (in the context of Second Amendment rights).

1. What level of government infringement would it take for you to take up arms?  (local, state, federal)
2. What is the proverbial “line in the sand”?  (microchiping gun owners, federal id to purchase a gun)
3. Would you be willing to act without organization?

These are just for starters.

Does anyone out there have any recommendations for good quality, comfortable outside and inside the pants holsters for a Glock G17?  I need one with the quickness.

I don’t really like leather, but I’m open to the suggestion.

I was hoping that this video was a spoof, but it appears it is possibly genuine.

This guy was totally irresponsible, and I find his actions towards someone who is inexperienced with a firearm reprehensible.

I think there are better ways of teaching people respect for firearms, and not to play around with them.

You be the judge.

The Memphis-area gun blogger meet-up went quite well on Saturday.  Bonnie, Brandon, Gracie (Brandon’s daughter), Paul, Tracie, Rusty, and I all met at the East End Grill on Hwy 64.  The venue was a definitely a good choice.   The food was pretty darn good, and the service wasn’t half bad either.  I’m still stretching my wings when it comes to the blogosphere, so I sat silent for much of the conversation.  With time, I imagine I will recognize and learn who’s who.  Everyone was really nice, and I look forward to blogging in such good company.

It’s probably good that I didn’t pipe up too much.  I seem pretty proper and decent in blog form, but in real life I have a pretty foul mouth.  Heh.

Anyhow, for the substance of the post.  The range outing after lunch gave me the opportunity to fire my brand-spanking-new Glock G17 9mm.  I’m not going to pretend that the following commentary is a review proper, however I have a few impressions to share (based on my Browning BDM experience).

I grew up on revolvers and shotguns, so semi-automatic pistols are still kind of new to me.  Last year, my father gave me a Browning BDM 9mm, and I fell in love with it.  The BDM is a discontinued weapon (RIP 1998, we hardly knew ye).  The history of  the BDM is quite interesting, as it was intended to be an FBI weapon.

Anyhow, the BDM had only been fired at a range one time.  It was virtually a new weapon out of the box.  Since receiving it I used it in my carry permit qualification and carry it on my person.  All told it is a good weapon, however it has some hang-ups.   I noticed some months back that the slide has the tendency to not return fully sometimes after firing, thus giving the illusion of a misfire when I hear the gun go “click” and nothing happens.  I have also had the slide “jam” on the first round out of the magazine when hitting the slide release after reloading (I’ve also had this happen when I manually yank the slide back to load).

Could this be the side effect of a “fairly new” gun with only about 650 rounds pumped through it?  Maybe, I’m not sure.  I clean it and oil it religiously after each use, so surely its not error in that regard (or at least I hope).

Considering the malfunctions, and how unpleasant they would be to happen when I need the weapon to work, I decided that I needed a more reliable weapon (that parts are still available for, and not highway robbery).  I enjoy a 9mm pistol, and during my level 1 class at Range USA, I had a good experience with a Glock.

Bass Pro Shops was running a Glock sale, and I had a $50 gift card burning a hole in my pocket, so I took the plunge.  Visually the G17 is a beauty.  Compared to the BDM, the G17 is a lighter gun, but not by much.

I really like how the G17 feels in my hand.  The default grip with the finger notches is really nice.  When firing, I feel like I have more control over the shot.  The sights are nice, especially when using against a black target (a half white square on the rear and a white dot in the front).

The weapon fires great.  Recoil is about the same as what I perceived with the BDM.  In alternating between the BDM and the G17, I noticed I was a better shot with the G17.  (Possibly due to a sight issue I had with the BDM since day one.)  I should also just go ahead and own up to the fact that I am not a great shot at all, and I am way out of practice.

Getting the Glock open for cleaning is a cinch.

I also definitely appreciate getting a post-Clinton era weapon with a magazine that holds more than 10 bullets (like the BDM).  The two magazines that came with the weapon hold 17 each, which is sweet.

Placing the weapon in a generic holster I had laying around, it is going to feel much better as a carry weapon than the BDM.  The lighter weight coupled with the shorter barrel will make it a little less awkward to fuss with.

Here comes the gripes.  I don’t like how hard you have to press the magazine release to eject the magazine.  I know it’s probably a “safety feature” but  every time I smash that little plastic button in, I feel like I’m going to break it to get the magazine out.

I also don’t like the slide lock.  It is too flush with the side of the weapon.  I have to turn the weapon to my side to simultaneously  pull the slide back and get enough leverage with my thumb to flick it up.  If I wasn’t a responsible gun owner, this could cause me to unintentionally turn the weapon and point it at someone trying to open it.  I figured out the hand gymnastics necessary to open the slide without turning the weapon, but for a novice, I can see it as a problem.

All that said, I think I’m going to be really happy with my new “traveling companion.”  All I need now is a proper holster.  The generic Uncle Mike’s I bought for the BDM aren’t going to cut it anymore.

I tip my hat to Rustmeister for what I think is one of the best questions to ask those whom challenge the Founding Father’s vision when it comes to the Second Amendment and “assault weapons.” (For those whom think citizens should not be able to posses [semi-]automatic weaponry.)

“They didn’t envision television when they wrote the First, either. Which do you think they would have more readily believed, the concept of a gun holding more than one round, or a box with moving and talking pictures in it?”

Certainly this elegant question will stop many an anti-gunny in their tracks.

I can’t wait to use it.

This is just a friendly reminder to all Memphis area gun bloggers and readers that our first meet-up is happening this Saturday at 2pm at the East End Grill on Highway 64.

The rundown:
Who: Memphis area gun bloggers, readers, and friends.
When: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 2pm CDT.
Where: East End Grill, Bartlett Location on HWY64
What: Food, drinks, comradery.

After the event, we may hit Range USA for a little target practice.

Squeaky and I had a pretty good outing this past weekend at Range Master in Memphis.  I have not been to this particular range since the mid-nineties.  The facility was excellent, and Tom Givens was a great host to us not to mention a world class instructor.

Tom allowed us to sit in on a tactical shotgun class.  I learned a ton, and now have a craving for a new 12 gauge.

Check out her multi-part review of our Range Master experience here.  Part 1,  Part 2

Considering the closer geographic location than my regular range, I may have to start giving Tom more of my business.

I was a caller on the new Internet radio show/podcast Gun Nuts: The Next Generation last night.  The show was about the DC vs. Heller decision that the Supreme Court passed down last week.

I droned on for a few minutes about a Time magazine article that implies the suicide rate in areas that had handgun bans will now go up due to access.  Leave it up to big government liberals to worry about their tax-base as opposed to personal protection.

I’m almost afraid to listen to myself, for fear of how I think I may have sounded.  Heh.

Squeaky has set a time/date for a Memphis area gun blogger meet-up.  Bloggers and readers are encouraged to come to the East End Grill on Highway 64 on Saturday, July 19th at 2pm.

For more information and updates, check her blog.