Guns

Guardians

Some of the cops who are acting as SROs in Orange county schools are demanding raises. This will result in $18 million in costs to the county for police coverage in schools located in 5 different Orange county cities. The school district says that they can’t afford it, so they are going to transition to using Guardians.

Don’t get excited. That doesn’t mean that teachers and other staff who want to carry concealed weapons will be permitted to do so. No, I have already posted on how the Guardian program is being misused because school administrators are leftists who only want guns in the hands of their friends.

Mom’s Demand Action is demanding that the schools simply find the money somehow.

It’s a little scary that our children’s safety can be negotiated, especially based on dollars

Yep, that’s the left- there is no tax to high, no gun control too onerous, no Constitutional right that is off limits, nor government spending that is too much when it comes to doing what they want done.

Keep in mind that cops who are charged with defending students have claimed in court that they don’t have to do anything, and the court has agreed.

Orange county was not previously a participant in the Guardian program. They would rather squander tens of millions of dollars each year in paying cops to arrest and hassle kids, but then hide in the parking lot when God forbid there IS an actual shooter.

When the Guardian program was first announced, I bought a new handgun just for what I thought it was going to be- armed teachers. I practiced with that firearm until I could exceed the minimum standards on the course of fire for Federal Air Marshals. Then the program was actually put in place, and what do you know- only cops and people who were politically connected were allowed to be part of it. May issue ALWAYS becomes a grift for leftists to steal more money from the public trough. It isn’t that the left is antigun, they are just only in favor of guns for other leftists.

By Divemedic, ago

Micro Dot

We moved back in January. I had placed the Performance Center Shield Plus into the cold safe and had been carrying the standard Shield Plus. The difference between them, other than the fact that the Performance Center has the ported barrel and slide, is the PC pistol came with a Crimson Trace microdot sight on it.

When I went to do the annual run through on the cold safe, I discovered that the microdot wasn’t working. No sweat, just a battery change. After changing the battery, the microdot still didn’t work. Luckily, I had another in storage that I had been planning on putting on one of the standard Shield Pluses, but hadn’t yet. So I decided to swap out the CT microdot on the PC Shield Plus.

The sight that I put on it is a Holosun 507K with the Green combo reticle. I like the green better than the red, because it is just more visible of a color for me. YMMV. The only problem is that Holosun’s K series of sights is designed to fit on handguns that have a two post mount, but the Shield Plus has a 4 post mount. This requires that you have an adaptor plate like this one between the sight and the slide. I chose the Aluminum version, and it cost $36.

The reticle looks nice, and you can choose brightness level as well as circle, dot, or both as your reticle. They are very eye-catching, which is what you want in a reticle.

I use the circle without the dot. My split times are faster like that, but you give up a small bit of accuracy for that extra speed. It doesn’t seem to matter much with my shooting. Again, YMMV.

By Divemedic, ago

Gun Talk

Today is annual firearms maintenance day. This is the one day of the year that I spend going over each firearm in the gun safe, making sure it is in working order, and then placing them back into the deep sleep until they are needed, or until next year, as the case may be. Are the night sights still bright? Are all batteries either removed or working? Does the firearm need cleaning? It takes 4 or 5 hours to give all of them the once over. If a firearm needs repairs that take more than 10 minutes or so, then it gets red tagged and goes on the ‘to do’ list. With that out of the way, here is a filler post about firearms:

Choosing an EDC is a personal, opinion driven choice. Each of us has that one handgun that we like to carry, and none of them are wrong, because it’s a matter of opinion. Unless you carry a Taurus Judge, but even then, I know a woman who shot a rapist 5 times with one. He was found by the cops, dead in the bushes about 100 yards away. That’s a story in itself.

The only bad handgun choice is the one that is so poor that you leave it at home and wind up not carrying anything.

All handguns are a tradeoff. They have low power, short range, and don’t have as much firepower as a long gun like an AR-10 or an AR-15, as well as not having as much punch as say, a shotgun. We carry handguns because we aren’t sure whether or not we will need one, but it is useful to have one just in case. The chief advantage of a handgun is that it isn’t inconvenient to carry- not like a long gun, which is a pain in the ass to carry everywhere.

Remember, you carry a handgun in case you might be in a gun fight. If you KNOW you will be in a gun fight, endeavor to not be there. If that is impossible, bring a long gun and bring a friend with a long gun, if possible.

There is no such thing as “knockdown power” in a man portable firearm. Any firearm that produces enough force to “knockdown” a target will also, thanks to Newton’s laws, knockdown the person firing it. With that being said, there are a number of considerations that went into me selecting a firearm. The most important of them (in order of importance) are reliability, how accurate I am with that firearm, concealability, capacity, and the caliber.

I have owned a good variety of handguns. According to my logs (yes, I keep a log of every gun that I have owned in the past 20 years, but sadly don’t have a list of anything from before that time.)

  • Beretta: Tomcat
  • Colt: Combat Commander
  • Glock Models 17, 19, 26, 27
  • Kimber Pro Carry, Eclipse Custom, Ultra Carry 2, Raptor
  • Para: 1911 Black Ops
  • Ruger: P-95
  • Smith and Wesson: Models 59, 5906, 4506, 4566, 4586, 637, 642, 686. M&P models 22, 9, 9c, 40, 45, 45 2.0, Shield models 9mm, 40S&W, 380ez, 45, Shield plus, Bodyguard
  • Sig Sauer models 220, 226, 229 in 9mm and in 357 Sig, the Mosquito
  • Taurus: PT45, Millenium

If a handgun has any sort of failure- whether it is a soft primer strike, a failure to feed, eject, or any other failure more than once in every thousand rounds, it isn’t a carry gun that I will rely on. It becomes a safe queen that is fun to shoot on range day, but won’t get close to EDC status.

Reliability

I found the 1911s to be too finicky, requiring customization and a good amount of work, and even then they weren’t reliable enough to bet your life on. Some of them are jamomatics- they jam every 50 to 100 rounds. Others are better, jamming only every 250 rounds or so. That still isn’t good enough. I’ve heard tell of 1911s that are good shooters, but most of those are $5,000 or more custom jobs, or the owners are constantly fussing over them, replacing springs and such. Still not good enough.

The Smith and Wesson Model 59 (my very first handgun) was not drop safe. I dropped mine once and it went off, shooting a hole through my dresser and into the wall.

The Third Generation Smith and Wessons are all of the ones with 4 digit model numbers- 4506, 5906, etc. They had a nasty problem- there were times that you would pull the trigger when the hammer was back, and nothing would happen. The hammer would stay back and not move. I don’t know why, but it would happen periodically. That was it for the Third Generation Smiths. I stopped carrying them after that happened a couple of times. This problem bugged me so much, that I didn’t buy another Smith and Wesson handgun for 15 years, and that one was a revolver.

Accuracy

The Glocks are good handguns, but I just don’t like to shoot them- they don’t feel good in my hand. I still have a few, but they just don’t go into the EDC rotation. The Ruger felt like holding a brick. For those reasons, I am just not as good at shooting them as I am others.

Concealability

The full sized and even compact handguns just aren’t concealable enough in Florida’s casual, hot weather dress. For that reason, we are limited to the subcompact and smaller handguns most of the time.

The Sig Sauers are great handguns, and I put a few trophies on the wall shooting IDPA with them. I loved shooting the 229 in 357 Sig. Hitting targets was almost intuitive with them. At one point, I was buying the Black Stainless version of them 2 or 3 at a time at a steep discount from CDNN, but that was so long ago that I was getting 357Sig ammo for $125 for a 1,000 round case. The 229s are no longer available from there. Still, they are a bit too large to be concealed very well, so you don’t see me carrying them very often.

Likewise, the Smith and Wesson 686 is an L frame revolver. It’s as hard to conceal as a full sized auto. I have toyed with getting a shoulder rig for it, but never have. That large of a handgun with only 6 shots is just a non-starter for me. It’s fun to shoot, but I likely will never carry it.

Capacity

The 642 is a five shot revolver. I don’t like carrying it unless there is no other choice. Still, it’s better than carrying one of the 380s, which I will also do from time to time.

The Shields in 45 have only one round more at a capacity of 6, unless you carry the extended mag to get 7. Now the extended mag makes it easier to shoot for a person with large hands, so it’s still a contender.

The Shield 40 has the same issue as the 45, bit with less power. So it’s largely out.

Caliber

The Beretta Tomcat was only a .32ACP. I got this one in a trade, where I traded a S&W 642 with a customized trigger to her because her hands would hurt using the Tomcat. I only carried it when nothing else would do. Since it wasn’t really suitable for carry, I eventually sold it.

The Sig Mosquito and the M&P 22 are not of a caliber that is suitable for carry. They are out.

What’s Left for EDC

For those of you keeping track, we are now left with the Smith and Wesson Shields and the 642, a J-frame revolver.

Those are the handguns that are in the EDC rotation. They meet all of the criteria that I have for an EDC handgun. The 642 is one I carry in either a pocket holster or an ankle holster. It was my favorite to carry when I worked night shifts on the ambulance. Strapped inside of my left ankle, it met all of my criteria and it was comforting to know that I wasn’t an unarmed target carrying valuable drugs in a bad neighborhood. This handgun was also written about my Marko when we were discussing whether or not the J-frame revolver was still relevant.

My favorite is the Shield Plus. The one l like is the ported Performance Center model that has a red dot on it. There will be a post on that tomorrow. It’s main drawback is how hard it was to find good leather for it. I went with a custom holster from Milt Sparks, but there was an 8 month wait to get one.

Even so, each of my handguns gets an occasional test drive, and some of them do get carried from time to time, but the 642, and one of the Shield Pluses are my main EDC handguns.

By Divemedic, ago

Make This Make Sense

The Ninth Circuit made this ruling on so called “sensitive places” where states can prohibit firearms:

  • Parks, athletic facilities and similar areas. Gun bans there are likely constitutional.
  • Playgrounds and youth centers. Gun bans there are likely constitutional.
  • Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. Gun bans there are likely constitutional.
  • Places of amusement, including casinos, stadiums, amusement parks, zoos, museums and libraries. Gun bans there are likely constitutional.
  • Parking areas connected to certain sensitive places. Gun bans there are likely constitutional.
  • The private-property default rule. Hawaii’s rule banning guns on private property unless the owner gives consent orally, in writing or on a sign is likely constitutional.
  • Places of worship. State-mandated gun bans there are likely unconstitutional, but nothing prevents the owner or operator from banning firearms.
  • Gatherings that require a permit. Gun bans there are likely unconstitutional.
  • Financial institutions. State-mandated gun bans there are likely unconstitutional, but nothing prevents the owner or operator from banning firearms.
  • Hospitals and other medical facilities. State-mandated gun bans there are likely unconstitutional, but nothing prevents the owner or operator from banning firearms.
  • Public transit. A broad ban on carrying guns on public transit is likely unconstitutional, but a narrower law allowing the carrying of unloaded and secured firearms would likely be constitutional.

It’s a Mish mash. It isn’t even consistent. Where in the Constitution is this even found? Where in the history and tradition of the country was there a ban on weapons in bard? Casinos? But not hospitals, churches, or banks?

If you argue that schools are sensitive places and rights can be suspended to protect children, then why not suspend the First Amendment there and disallow faggotry?

Our courts are just as partisan and divided as the citizens. It’s long past time to admit that this nation is too large and varied for one set of rules to work for everyone.

By Divemedic, ago

Going to SCOTUS

There are millions of Ford F150 pickup trucks on the roads of America. More than 41 million F-150s have been sold since the truck was introduced 76 years ago. The F series has been the best-selling truck in the U.S. for 47 years, and the best-selling vehicle of any kind in the U.S. for 42 years. If you walk out your front door and look around, you will probably seen a few F150s within the first few minutes outside.

That’s important, because with all of that popularity, one needs to remember that there are more AR patterned rifles in the US than there are F-150 pickups. Despite those facts, the Fourth district court of appeals has allowed that state’s ban on the AR-15 to remain in place because, the court ruled, the AR pattern rifle is “highly unusual.”

This means that the concept of Assault Weapons bans is heading to SCOTUS and is likely to appear on the court’s docket this term. The case, Bianchi v. Brown, is being brought by the Firearms Policy Coalition, the Second Amendment Foundation, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

By Divemedic, ago

Expert

I am removing this entire post because it was based upon incorrect information. I should learn to vet my sources more carefully.

My only defense is that I worked until 2 am then got home to hear the news about the Trump assassination attempt, so I stayed up until 4 watching videos. I was awakened at 8 am by my wife because I had asked her to get me up early so I could get the house ready for my pending solar install.

Mea culpa.

By Divemedic, ago

Reimagining Home Defense

Now that the ATF rule on pistol braces is no more, it’s time to reevaluate the home defense gun situation. I can again have a pistol brace on my Scorpion, which is a superior home defense gun for a number of reasons. It is shorter and less unwieldy, allows for faster follow on shots, and swings better than a shotgun. This makes it easier to work corners. I did a review of this PDW a couple of years ago.

Loaded with 135gr Critical Duty FTX ammo, I get a bullet leaving the barrel at just less than the sound barrier, meaning that I get a hard hitting round that is easily suppressed by my Tundra suppressor. With a light, along with laser dot and holographic sights mounted on it, this weapon is great for clearing the house.

It will be stored in a location that makes it easy to access in the event that something goes bump in the night.

By Divemedic, ago

Choosing a New Caliber

It’s Just Boris asks: “What, no M&P 5.7?”

I have handguns in .22LR, .38 Special, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40S&W, .357 Magnum, .357 Sig, and .45 ACP. Rifles are chambered in 5.56mm and 7.62mm. Adding a new caliber to the stable doesn’t just mean adding a firearm, it means adding magazines and ammo as well. It complicates the supply and storage situation here, and for that reason, adding another caliber means that it has to be a proven performer AND it has to fill another (at least to me) niche that must be filled.

The 5.7mm just doesn’t do that for me. What you are looking at with the 5.7mm is a bullet that is .224 inches in diameter. In a handgun, if I were to add it, the most likely candidate would be the M&P5.7, with its 5 inch barrel. There are no compact or carry sized 5.7mm pistols in Smith and Wesson’s lineup. Now that would mean that I have 22 round magazines, but magazines filled with what? The only real advantages that the 5.7 has, is in muzzle velocity and magazine capacity. Let’s say that I was interested in carrying lots of fast bullets.

  • The Speer Gold Dot 40grain hollow point has a stated muzzle velocity of 1750 feet per second from a 5 inch barrel. For reference, a .22LR is about 1100 feet per second.
  • Now compare that to the 9mm +P loadings from Speer (1220 fps), or Corbon and Black Hills (both 1250 fps), but a much heavier 115 or 124 grain bullet.
  • Similarly, using it to replace 5.56mm is a non starter. It’s essentially the same round, with the 62 grain green tip hitting 3000 feet per second from an AR carbine length barrel.

So I get 4 extra rounds with the 5.7mm over the 9mm, and I am defending myself with what is essentially a .22 pistol. So I am not interested in the 5.7mm.

But if I were going to add a new cartridge to the stable, I would choose one of three:

By Divemedic, ago

Good Questions

Some good questions to my security post of this morning, so let’s take a look:

  • I’m curious as to what you use as a training load equivalent?

I don’t for the higher powered 45 loads. How I address this, is nearly every pistol (as opposed to revolver) that I have is a S&W M&P: I have M&P40s, M&P9s, M&P45s, a Shield 380EZ, several Shield pluses, as well as Shields in 9mm, .380, .40S&W, and .45ACP. I also have a few Glock 19s and 19 clones, but I rarely shoot them and can’t remember ever carrying one.

Having the same models as carry pieces simplifies the manual of arms, makes repairs easy as they all look the same on the inside, and makes switching firearms and calibers smoother and easier. I know that full power loads don’t shoot the same, but it’s close enough for what I am doing here. I can still do A-zone shots quickly and effectively out to 15 or 20 yards with little effort, and that is all I am concerned with.

  • IDK if I’d go to a full size .45 tho, a single stack 9mm is very svelte, easy to carry, and similar capacity. A subcompact .40 a bit thicker, but smaller than the .45 and similar power/effect.
  • Open carry is legal in Florida on your own property. But wear a light cover garment anyway; they don’t need to know until it’s time for them to know, and you’re still “legal” if you step into the street.
  • It wouldn’t hurt to have a Glock 19-26 ish type pistol concealed appendix ish.

All handguns are a tradeoff. They have low power, not as much firepower as a long gun like an AR-10 or an AR-15, and not as much punch as say, a shotgun. We carry handguns because we aren’t sure whether or not we will need one, but it is useful to have one just in case. When I am at home, I have more freedom to carry a large handgun, hence the double stack .45.

One firearm on me at a time is all I need, especially when at home. All I need is something to bridge the gap that exists between me and a long gun. Remember, you carry a handgun in case you might be in a gun fight. If you KNOW you will be in a gun fight, endeavor to not be there. If that is impossible, bring a long gun, and bring a friend with a long gun, if possible.

When working on my property but outside, I just wear a baggy t-shirt and pull it over my OWB holster (a DeSantis Speed Scabbard that I used to use back when I was an IDPA competitor. A funny story about that below the divider)

When I am away from home, I avoid areas where I am likely to need a firearm, but just in case, I carry a pistol or revolver that is easy to carry and easy to conceal. Think a Smith and Wesson Shield, Shield plus, or J frame revolver. My EDC is usually a Shield plus (they hold 13 rounds of 9mm), or a J frame .38 loaded with wadcutters.

  • Have you made realistic plans for the “temporary” removal of your firearms after a “Good Shoot”?

I have caches of firearms. I have guns in safes. I’m not opening or revealing either to the cops.

I have a Tshirt that says “DeSantis, Concealment Perfected” on it that I bought some years ago. One of my wife’s coworkers saw me while I was wearing it out with her and some coworkers at an event. She told me that seeing DeSantis’ name on a shirt was a trigger for her because he was an evil fascist. I told her not to worry, that the shirt had absolutely nothing to do with the Governor, it was a brand of holsters that I liked carrying my pistols in, “and in fact I am carrying a handgun in one of their holsters now.”

She practically ran out of the venue and hasn’t spoken to my wife since. My wife says that she didn’t like the woman anyhow, but that saying what I said was hunting over bait, even if it was funny.

By Divemedic, ago