Lethality of 5.56mm

Being a military armorer, I get a lot of discussion about what round is better than the next.  The 9mm vs .45 debate comes up a lot.  I also hear a lot of misconceptions around military ammo, specifically the 5.56x45mm.  My thought process is the best round is the one that you have, that works.  I'm issued a variety of calibers, and have a lot of experience with unusual (for regular troops) military ammo.  In this post I want to go over some of the 5.56mm options and lethality, and what is being done to close those gaps.

Busy busy busy...

I mentioned before one of my motivations for starting up this site was born from free time due to a surgery.  Well, I'm stubborn.  I went to D.C. over the weekend and only really went out and about on Sunday.  That took a lot out of me so I've spent the last two days just relaxing again.  I can say that the area there has improved a bit and is notably cleaner than in the 80's and 90's.  I also found out that even a pocket-knife will draw the long-stare of security.  And a 4" folder is illegal...but I discovered that after getting home to VA Beach.  I need to remember to look-up ALL laws next time.  Apparently being military exempted me as I was frequently asked to sidestep security.  Odd...  I'm also working on a side project, so I'll be splitting energy there as well.

Dream Car? LM Rally Fighter!

I got around to talking cars recently, and like all guys, we got on the subject of what would be in our dream stable.  My pick for all around bad-assery?  The Rally Fighter built by Local Motors.  Not a lot of people have heard of them.  Check out this spot from Top Gear (US) and skip to 2:15 if you don't care about the intro.

Another School Shooting: Chardon, Ohio

As I drag my butt downstairs and turn on the news, there's been another school shooting.  The news coming in is still conflicting.  Fox reported 4 injured and a shooter in custody.  3 boys and 1 girl were apparently shot by a fellow student in the cafeteria.  One report says 5 shots were fired.  3 students are said to be in critical condition and a LifeFlight-type helo medevac was dispatched to airlift them to area hospitals. 

Hat tip...Down Range Report

I was doing a quick roll through the sites I like to visit and found my name listed on the Down Range Report with a welcome from Duke (the author there).  I appreciate the gesture.  Thanks!

Excercising ALL your rights

I saw a link via Say Uncle pointing to this post, 'Never agree to police search'.  I mentioned in my last post, I strive to stay right by the law and I'm also in Washington D.C. where I have no right to defend myself with a handgun, despite area violence being routine.  So I'm thinking about rights tonight I suppose.  Some highly suggested videos after the jump and commentary.

Criminals amaze me... 173 firearms, 1 man

I do my best to follow the laws and to keep myself on the right side of the law...even if I don't agree with them.  I am currently in Washington D.C. and unarmed other than my EDC folder, a CRKT M21-14SFG, a fine and sturdy folder IMHO.  I don't make a lot of disposable money to afford the firearms, ammunition, and range time that I desire.  So when I hear that a criminal has 173 firearms including EIGHT machine guns...I might be a little jealous.  Emily Miller here in D.C. could have broken the law and acquired a pistol illegally overnight from just this sort of person, but documented going the legal way instead.  To qoute her article on success:

"After months of aggravation, hundreds of dollars in fees, countless hours jumping over hurdles, I am now a gun owner and finally exercising my second amendment right to keep arms (bearing arms is still illegal in the nation’s capital)."

When will people understand that criminals don't care about the laws, and the laws are hindering honest and law-abiding people?  I hope the situation get's better for us respectful of the laws of the land...

Act of Valor

Ok...so I'm going to spill some beans.  My team was involved in shooting some of the scenes for Act of Valor.  I was an NSW Armorer for SBT-22 at the times of filming.  So there is no confusion, I am not a SWCC or SEAL, I am an Armorer.  I was not in any scenes, I was on the side-lines doing ordinance and maintenance tasks and checking out the weapons Bandito Bro's weapons guys brought down.  Our guys had a blast working with the Bandito Bro's team, and I'm a little disappointed they didn't get more face-time.  They got included in some making-of stuff it seems and of course they got face-time as a unit.  I want to share some stuff about my experiences regarding filming.

Seen on Gizmodo...'Tactical Mug'

Seen on Gizmodo.  I just _know_ someone is paying for this thing.  And I hope they are being ridiculed.  The ultimate mall-ninja mug?  I respect Optics Planet but...really?  I could *maybe* see getting this as a gag gift for the gear-queer at work but even that's a stretch.  Whatever floats your boat...

Carbine's SMG's and Conversions...

What to choose...I have interest in a Ruger 10/22 for tinkering.  Now I'm seeing the Kel-Tec RMR-30 prototypes and am seriously interested.  Then there's also the thought of building an M4 lower and adding a specialized upper (AR-57 / 9mm / .22lr).  And then.... there's the wish I could get the Skorpion EVO III which looks like a sexy little beast.  I fear the closest I'll get to that would be the RONI-G2 system. 

In this post I'll go more into detail about options with the above systems and similar systems that grabbed my attention.

Blackhawk! Serpa Holsters

I have seen a growing wave of very serious hatred elsewhere on the net regarding the Blackhawk! Serpa line of holsters, the latest via Say Uncle (here) where an instructor says no more Serpa's in class (unless modded/ruined).  I am military, and have been issued several of the CQC Concealment variant.  I've even bought one for my own Glock.  I have utilized it chest-mounted overseas while sitting in a turret, thigh strapped (I dislike this method), and most preferred, mounted on an extension to my battle belt so it rides below my armor.  I have trained extensively with this holster system, and so have my brothers-in-arms.  I have never witnessed a single incident in our thousands of rounds, and hundreds of hours of training.  I'm not saying it hasn't happened elsewhere because it most certainly has.  Let me dive into my take on this matter...

Local News...

So...I was scouting the local news and I'm none too happy.  In one story a woman is abducted at gunpoint from the grocery store, forced to drive to an ATM, robbed, and left at the ATM.  Thankfully she wasn't raped or harmed (physically) according to the report.  I REALLY want Grace to get a concealed permit, and maybe a pocket pistol.  Glock 26 comes to mind... I kinda want one too...

In a more feel good story, a local man, Doug Kennedy, apprehended one of a pair of sword-wielding Best Buy thieves.  Doug was just getting to the store as the two robbers came out.  He tells his son to stay put, and ran one of the robbers down.  Across 4 lanes of very busy traffic.  Another passer-by saw the struggle and assisted in the take-down.  Damn good job sir, I only wish more people had your courage and tenacity in these times.  Thank you.  Video after the jump.

On the humble suppressor

Walther P22 with Silencerco Sparrow

I've used suppressors in the military and frankly wish they were more widely adopted in the service, and in civilian use.  Some may hear that and think we were running around doing assassinations.  The truth is much simpler and much less exciting.  More often than not they were employed dispatching feral dogs posing a threat to self, team, or mission and to protect working dogs (MWD) and sometimes for hitting street lights too even.  Splinter Cell fans rejoice...  For the actual sniper community I saw them as vital.  If you have ever fired a weapon in an enclosed space, you'll know it sucks for everyone present, and we don't want friendly snipers giving their positions up.  This is also where suppressor's are good for those going into CQB type situations, the reduced noise makes communications simpler, fire becomes less distracting and anything 'loud' is obviously not on your side.  So what about civilian usage?

Making the Gen 3 rival the Gen 4 Glock

I don't want to beat a dead horse with this post.  I own a G22 Gen 3 RTF (Rough Texture Frame).  Gen4 was not available yet when I purchased mine.  I wanted the reduced recoil the new dual-spring guide rod offers, but in my Gen 3.  The new springs are not backward compatible however.  This is my look at how to achieve that reduction in a Gen 3 frame.

Lone Wolf .40-9mm Conversion

I mentioned previously my reasons for choosing a Glock handgun in .40 Cal.  One of those reasons was the ability to cheaply change caliber from .40 Cal to either 9mm or .357SIG.  My wonderful girlfriend purchased the 9mm conversion for me as a Valentines Day gift.  This is my review of it.

Why Glock?

I saw a post on ENDO today that caught my attention.  James Yeager was on youtube giving his opinion that all guns should be Glock 19's, and 1911's are crap.  Check it out and discussion on ENDO here.  I'm not defending Yeager, he has done some questionable things in the past, but must admit the man does have some experience despite presenting it in a terrible fashion.  I have to pick a side and agree that for my own reasons Glock is my choice platform.

Our Valentine

Me and Grace, we are a pair.  She surprised me by paying attention to some gun goodies I've been thinking about for Valentines Day.  I was interested in a Lone Wolf conversion barrel, from .40-9mm.  I have a Glock 22 (.40 Cal) and though I love it the ammo gets pricey.  9mm is just a bit cheaper to shoot and I believe Grace can handle the recoil easier than my .40 cal, which is a bit too snappy in her smallish hands.  So now I have a threaded 9mm barrel just begging for a suppressor ;)  Once I'm on my feet again I'll have to take it to the range and see how well it holds up.

My current weapons

You might think that being a Armorer and weapons enthusiast that I would likely have a small arsenal at my disposal.  Not true.  I am working to get together a wider set of weapons for fun and defensive purposes.  Mostly for fun.  I enjoy my time on the range and it does wonders to relieve stress.  Also my range time outside of the military is what makes me a consistently better shot than many of my peers.  I'd like to have a little something for every situation eventually.   What I do have at present sometimes seems to shock people.

Upgrading the home theater system...

One of my long standing goals has been to update my entertainment area to something I could enjoy for some years to come.  Liking items that are nice and well made sometimes conflicts with living on a budget with little disposable income.  I have to play the long-game to get the things I want.  I resisted getting a flat screen TV for many years.  I had a JVC 38" (?) second-hand TV that I picked up for $120 about 8 years ago.  I finally set my sights on a Samsung 46" 240hz LCD back in 2008(?) and got it on a windfall.  So far I am VERY happy with it, but a it was time to finish and upgrade the receiver and surround sound.  I don't have the money for super-high end, but wanted something better than the offerings at Wal-Mart...

Firsties...

So.  Here it begins.  Why?  Because I just had a surgery put me down longer than I've ever been down and I've been kicking the idea of writing a little around in my head and just haven't committed to doing it yet.  What do I hope to accomplish?  Nothing major, just a place to commit some thoughts, and maybe push my own ideas from my head into reality.  Maybe reader's will relate, maybe learn a thing or two, or maybe I'll get offered advice to save time and trouble.  Time will tell.