Extractors, Ejectors, & Kel Tec

My Kel Tec P-11 repair was a bit more complicated than I anticipated.  I initially called and explained that I needed an ejector.  I was assured that one would go in the mail that day.  Soon after, I got a package in the mail.  Excited to get my P-11 back in working order I ripped open the package, only to find a P-11 extractor.

Disappointed, I called Kel Tec again and made sure to enunciate and say the word ejector multiple times.  I'm sure the guy on the other end of the line thought I was crazy.  Four days later I finally got my ejector.

Ejector on the left, extractor on the right

Replacing the ejector was a snap.  Remove the slide, drift out the ejector retaining pin, catch it before it flies across the room, replace the ejector and put the pin back in.  As easy as that, I again have a fully functioning Kel Tec.

Why The Number of Guns I Own = Many

I recently bought a new gun for concealed carry.  I took it an my every day carry gun, a Kel-Tec P-11, over to Blucore Shooting Center for some new gun wringing out and recoil therapy.

I shot both the new gun and the P-11, going through drills as well as just doing the usual get to know your new gun routine.

About 7 magazines through the P-11 I started to get FTE's.  I tried to keep going, but it was clear that the P-11 was done for the day.  At that point I moved back over to the Taurus TCP 738.  It performed well, giving me a fair grouping at 5 yards that I am confident I can improve on with a slightly different grip.

Back at the house I started with cleaning the Taurus 738.  The slide bound up (recoil spring) and required persuasion from a rubber mallet.  Not terribly confidence inspiring.

Next was the P-11, after cleaning it and verifying the extractor was working fine I finally spotted the problem.

The ejector done broked in half.  I called Kel-Tec the next day and they are sending a new ejector gratis.  That means my EDC gun is out of commission.  With the problems with the slide on the Taurus and the fact that it's only got about 50 rounds through it, I'm very glad I've got other options.

For the last couple days I've been comfortably carrying the 1911.  Having many options is nice when want suddenly finds a way to turn into need.

Concealed Confusion

Tonight I attended the monthly meeting of a local 4WD club that I'm thinking of joining.  There has been a good deal of discussion within the club recently surrounding changing their bylaws.

Before tonight their club banned firearms at all club sponsored events.  I've been told this was to combat the stereotype of guys getting liquored up, driving down a trail (and beside a trail and making their own trails), and shooting up signs and anything else.  The other reason is that the club is "family friendly".

With concealed carry becoming ever more popular, some folks took issue with the bylaws and looked to have them changed.  The online vote they conducted apparently had over 70% for changing the bylaws to allow concealed (and only concealed) carry at club events with 20% opposed.  The vote during the meeting was much the same.  From that standpoint it was a good meeting.

The disappointing thing was the amount of disinformation being passed around by both those for and those against changing the bylaws.  Some of the misconceptions/misstatements included:

• Places where an individual with a concealed carry permit is not allowed to carry
• The legality of drinking while carrying concealed (in Colorado drinking is legal, being intoxicated while armed is not)
• How reciprocity with other states (Utah in particular) works
• The legality of open carry in Colorado (with the exception of a few cities, perfectly legal in CO)
• What brandishing a firearm is

The disappointing thing is that some of the misinformation was coming from the club's resident gun expert.  No matter the state you live in, no matter if you carry or not, if you are a gun owner you should know the laws and how they apply to you.  I first utilized the excellent local resource provided by Rocky Mountain Gun Owners.  If your state doesn't have something similar, the NRA-ILA is a good source.  When you move or travel to another state, you've got homework to do if your guns are coming with you.  Don't end up like the gun expert in the meeting, and don't end up in jail like this guy.

Screaming, "I HAVE A GUN!"

Stories like the one coming out of Ohio are why I am grateful that in Colorado there is no requirement to notify.  I'm not even going to comment on the rest of the B.S. in the linked video.

I Might Be In A Database

Colorado has a database for their concealed weapons permit holders.  This convoluted story describes the not so surprising state of a State run, voluntary (for the sheriffs, not the permit holders) database that lumps those that have undergone training and a background check with criminals.

The surprising part of the story is that over 70% of law enforcement officers in Colorado trust the information in the database and use it to "feel safer" because they "know" if a suspect is armed.  Assuming that my entry wasn't screwed up like 63% of them apparently are, when I am pulled over because my taillight is out, the Colorado cop coming to my car window is on high alert because he "knows" that I am armed.  How this helps the officer or myself, I am not sure.  How it can escalate what would otherwise be a calm situation, I can easily see.

It was also comforting to know that information that was not given in my application has possibly been added to my file.  It is sounding more and more like this database needs to be deleted.  Time to get to work.

Things That Don't Need Laundered

After yesterday, I have some new things to add to my don't stick in the laundry list. The list already includes cash, receipts, lip balm, crayons, sunscreen, and a cell phone (it got noticed before the water got too high).  My new additions look like this:

The Wilson mag should be fine, but due to paranoia the dollar a round Hornady ammo will be regulated to range use.

You Win This Time Tactical Tim

I resisted as long as I could, but in the end due to the amassing of excellent writers like Tam, Marko, and Caleb and the Advisory Board, I ended up renewing my membership.  Although I am still not enamored with Tactical Tim's writing style or especially his marketing style, I do like the selection of people he has chosen to surround himself with.

Here's hoping he convinces me to renew next year as well.

CSU Students' Rights Will Not Be Trampled

The Colorado State University Board of Governors have apparently been knocked upside the head enough and have rescinded their campus-wide gun ban

All I've got to say is...

WOOHOO!!!

The Gun Ban Loophole

As reported elsewhere, the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that the dismissal of a suit fighting Colorado University's policy of banning lawful concealed carry on its campuses was in error.  I imagine that this one will go back to district court before the ruling (no matter which way it goes) is appealed.

This ruling definitely helps the fight going on up at CSU.  Colorado State University has even less of a legal leg to stand on at this point and hopefully will be smart enough to see that.  Likely though that mess will also be played out in court.

Guns in K-Bobs

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson signed into law a bill allowing guns into some restaurants that serve wine and beer.

Yay, I guess.  Now instead of worrying about carrying into a place that sells beer, I only have to worry about places that sell whiskey or places that sell too much beer and not enough food.

I still submit that the Colorado method of making carrying while intoxicated against the law is the better method.  Just because I'm going down to get dinner at the local restaurant that happens to also have a grocery store and a bar and a liquor store all under one roof does not mean that I am going to drink.  Why is it that so many "common sense" gun laws are so difficult to figure out?

Remain Aware and Always Carry

The reason I started carrying is that I realized that I was responsible for the safety of my family.  If I didn't do everything I could to keep the ones I love safe, I could never live with myself.

Just because you are out for a nice walk with the family does not mean you can let your guard down.  Remember, there are people out there that "freak out".  Remain aware of your surroundings and always carry (as long as you aren't working on a government site and like your job).

Bring In The Clone!

I've said it before, but we need more like this guy.

ht to SayUncle

It Should Be A Holiday

Turns out today is PSH Day.  That car I saw last night must have just been getting an early start.

Add Your Name To The Roster

Via Sensibly Progressive, a petition to stop the CSU self defense ban.

Soapbox Time

The other day I mentioned that I thought the presentation by RMGO would have been more effective if they had actually quoted the pertinent sections of the law.  Then yesterday, SayUncle posted to a link talking about a new app for both the Droid and iPhone that gives an overview of CCW laws for each state.

I think things like this and the maps and trip planners on carryconcealed.net are great.  They give a good general overview of the laws and highlight the important stuff.  These tools should not, however, be a substitute for READING THE LAW.

If you read the overview on carryconcealed.net you will find that New Mexico has a "no guns in bars law".  Tennessee also has a "no guns in bars law" that they are trying to get rid of (which is not listed on the site).

If you assume that by following the Tennessee version of their "no guns in bars" laws while you are in New Mexico it will keep you legal, you might want to think again.  The problem is that two areas where common sense laws have been applied with impunity are guns and alcohol.  There is so much common sense in those two areas that the common man has no hope of figuring out what the law is without a good deal of research and likely a call or two to an attorney to get it all straight. 

Read the laws people.  They may be written in goofy legalese, but they are mostly readable.  Do some research and if you are still confused, call your lawyer.  Concealed carry laws are a tangled mess of best intentions and common sense.  It is very easy to end up on the wrong side of the law when you don't know which side to stay on to keep you legal. Read the laws and stay out of trouble.

RMGO Tells CSU What's Up

Over at Sensibly Progressive, there's a video of members of the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners holding a press conference on CSU campus, discussing the proposed weapons ban.  They do an alright job of framing the issue, but I feel that their presentation would have been more powerful if they had read the relevant part of the law.

18-12-214. Authority granted by permit - carrying restrictions.
(1) (a) A PERMIT TO CARRY A CONCEALED HANDGUN AUTHORIZES THE
PERMITTEE TO CARRY A CONCEALED HANDGUN IN ALL AREAS OF THE STATE,
EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY LIMITED IN THIS SECTION. A PERMIT DOES NOT
AUTHORIZE THE PERMITTEE TO USE A HANDGUN IN A MANNER THAT WOULD
VIOLATE A PROVISION OF STATE LAW. A LOCAL GOVERNMENT DOES NOT
HAVE AUTHORITY TO ADOPT OR ENFORCE AN ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION
THAT WOULD CONFLICT WITH ANY PROVISION OF THIS PART 2.

 (4) A PERMIT ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS PART 2 DOES NOT AUTHORIZE
A PERSON TO CARRY A CONCEALED HANDGUN INTO A PUBLIC BUILDING AT
WHICH:
(a) SECURITY PERSONNEL AND ELECTRONIC WEAPONS SCREENING
DEVICES ARE PERMANENTLY IN PLACE AT EACH ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING;
(b) SECURITY PERSONNEL ELECTRONICALLY SCREEN EACH PERSON
WHO ENTERS THE BUILDING TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PERSON IS
CARRYING A WEAPON OF ANY KIND; AND
(c) SECURITY PERSONNEL REQUIRE EACH PERSON WHO IS CARRYING
A WEAPON OF ANY KIND TO LEAVE THE WEAPON IN POSSESSION OF SECURITY
PERSONNEL WHILE THE PERSON IS IN THE BUILDING.
(5) NOTHING IN THIS PART 2 SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO LIMIT,
RESTRICT, OR PROHIBIT IN ANY MANNER THE EXISTING RIGHTS OF A PRIVATE
PROPERTY OWNER, PRIVATE TENANT, PRIVATE EMPLOYER, OR PRIVATE
BUSINESS ENTITY.

CSU is a public university.  This should make it cut and dry.  Unfortunately, there is some precedent which might allow CSU to implement their gun ban.  In May of last year a judge dismissed a lawsuit attempting to overturn a similar gun ban at Colorado University.  It was ruled that the CU Board of Regents was not a local government.  It would stand to reason that if CSU enacts their policy and RMGO files a suit, the suit will hinge on whether the CSU Board of Governors are a local government or an entity with statewide legislative powers like the CU Board of Regents.  Hopefully in the end, the rights of the CSU students, faculty, and staff will not be trampled.

Local Paper Says What?

So since I'm down here I thought I'd read the local paper.  There was an opinion article with an interesting title, so I clicked and read.  I've read it through twice trying to decipher the author's opinion on the issue and looking for a point.

I finally decided that the author wants to issue CCW permits to lawnmowers 

Take a look for yourself if you dare, and let me know if you think I've got this one right.

Is CSU Ready For A Battle?

So it looks like the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners are itching for a fight with Colorado State University over their proposed campus gun ban.  That isn't terribly shocking as they tend to be a very politically focused group.  I was however surprised by the Larimer County Sherrif.

Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden said he will attend the announcement Monday in Fort Collins. "I am opposed to the ban, and I don't agree with the policy of trying to ram this down everyone's throat," he said.

The CSU Board of Governors will likely maintain their stubborn, anti-gun, anti-rights stance and vote to prohibit guns on campus.  RMGO will at that point almost certainly sue based on the fact that CSU is a public university and the concealed carry statute in Colorado has a preemtion clause.  This is what is required when someone tries to take rights away.

Here's something to think about.  As I've discussed before, Colorado faces a large budget deficit.  Schools, including universities are targets for budget cuts (just like virtually everything else).  This lawsuit will cost both CSU and the state of Colorado thousands of dollars.  These thousands of dollars come not from government, but from taxpayers and the students of CSU.  The same taxpayers and students who have no desire to see this ban enacted.  The students who will be asked to borrow even more next year, because tuition has to be increased.

These board members are appointed by the Governor.  Something to keep in mind during the November election.  Things like this are why electing a pro-rights Governor is so important.  If John Hickenlooper runs for the office, we must work to defeat him.  Not because he would be a bad Governor overall, but because as a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns he has shown himself to be anti-rights.

Probably One Of The Few

So recently, due to lack of work in my office, I've had to take an eight month assignment in a town about 300 miles from my family.  In addition to the stress of spending the weekdays away from my family I have an added concern.

The facility that I will be working at is protected by armed guards.  This same facility does not trust me enough to allow me to be armed.  I would imagine that I will be one of the few people that will feel less safe being "protected" by other guys with guns.

Oh and just to add insult to injury I have to find a replacement for my Blackhawk knife because its blade is 1/2" longer than the allowed length.

No Guns or Property Rights Allowed

So I was working off site today, at a plant owned and operated by my company but located on another company's property.  The sign on the way in says...

NO GUNS ALLOWED

PERSONNEL AND VEHICLES MAY BE SEARCHED

Now I knew going in that the company I was visiting had a pretty strict anti-gun policy, but apparently since their headquarters has moved to Chicago, it has gotten even worse.  I have a license and typically carry every day, but today was a definite no go.  I felt completely naked and a little ticked off.  I really dislike when property rights and self defense rights cross paths and purposes.

EDIT:  The company states on its website that they are a long-time supporter of the NRA...hmmm