Training Quandry

I'm planning on buying a M&P15-22, setting it up with a bipod, and putting my 6 year old son behind it to start learning to shoot in earnest.  I am currently waffling on the subject of a sighting system.

When I learned to shoot rifle, I learned on an old .22 bolt action with open sights.  I think it can be a great way to make the subject of alignment of the shooter, barrel, and target a concrete concept.  On the other hand, putting a red dot on the rifle would make it easier for a new shooter to put holes where they want.  That could ease potential frustrations and make learning to shoot more fun.

What say you internets?

Gun Laws Are Easy

Jay has a post up on the infamous "gun charges".

While I think he has a point, I also think that those arrested could have been just as easily charged with EPA violations or child endangerment or plotting to do bad stuff.  The problem is that there is a law for virtually everything.  If the police or ATF or FBI or whoever decides that they need to arrest you, they can always find something to charge you with.  Firearms laws are just low hanging fruit.

Off-Roading

Robb wonders if America is ready to go off-roading in its GM produced electric bankrupcymobile.

A Big Thank You

At the beginning of every day at work, I sit in a room with about 20 other guys and we discuss a safety topic before actually getting to work.  The topic on the last day of the week is always the same.  Keep your mind on your task.  Don't start daydreaming about going home and end up injured.  I like to think I do a pretty good job of this.

My problem this last week was that once I headed for home I took my mind off of the job in front of me, namely driving.  Thanks to daylight savings time, when I started my trip it was nice and bright outside.  By the time I got a few more than several miles down the road though it was starting to get dark.  That was when Officer Woodam saw me and escorted me to the side of the road to inform me that a steel blue truck kinda disappears in the dusk when said blue truck does not have its lights on.

I thanked officer Woodam, but I'm not sure she believed me.  So once again, a big thank you to someone who, by just doing their job, kept me safe and let me get home to my family in one piece.

Gottahavitis

Last week when I went to the range I took one of my work buddies along.  My main goals for the range trip were to pattern out my shotgun (turkey season is just around the corner) and reacquaint myself with my rifle.  Both of those missions were accomplished.  What I didn't expect was to pick up a strong case of  I Want.

You see my buddy has a Model 1917 rifle with ghost ring sights.  He was kind enough to let me touch off a few rounds.  I do believe that there is very little that is more satisfying than picking up an unfamiliar rifle with open sights, bringing it to your shoulder, and hearing the ringing of steel at 100 and 200 yards.  Now I just have to figure a way to fit another new rifle into the budget.

The other unexpected was the conversation my buddy and I had while we were packing up.  He has never owned a handgun before and was asking me what the process to buy one involved.  It continues to amaze me how many people that have a passing interest in guns have no knowledge of the laws surrounding them.  Yes, you really can walk into a gun store, pick out a new handgun and in less than 30 minutes walk out the door.  Him being a Colorado resident however, he will have to drive at least 3 hours north in order to have the transaction take place.  Now I just have to plan an outing where he can shoot every handgun I own and maybe a few more to help him figure out what might suit him.  All in all, not a bad day at the range.

The Makings of a Good Evening

From bottom to top:

• Propel bullets towards steel targets at ranges of 100 and 200 yards at high velocity.  Listen for characteristic "ping" sound.
• Light up good cigar and enjoy
• Pour glass of Colorado made whiskey and sip slowly

Good Luck Mr. Suthers

So the Colorado A.G. is joining other states in filing suit against our soon to be signed health care behemoth.  They are attacking with the 10th amendment / interstate commerce argument.  Much like the various firearms freedom acts, I believe this is a waste of time.

The Congress long ago wiped their collective asses with the 10th amendment and by the time they were done it was so covered in excrement that the Supreme Court wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole.  If a case ever won on a 10th amendment argument, it would necessarily result in the invalidating of about 3/4 of the laws passed in the last 100 years.

Good Luck to all the various states' A.G.'s.  You're gonna need it.