April 15th is national Buy A Gun Day. I bought mine about 3 weeks ago to beat the rush, but looky here what's coming on the market: Your very own laser, and none of that wimpy "40 watt range" toy stuff either. This one from General Atomics starts at 75Kw and is scalable up to 300Kw. Let me tell you folks, that'll really roast your marshmallows and out to some significant distances too. Lockheed can shoot down small rockets out to 1.5 Km (about 1 mile) with 10 KW.
The best part is that the little laser looks to weigh in at about 600 lbs and is self-contained which means it only needs a swivel platform to fit into the back of a 1/2 ton pickup truck. Roughly the power of a 20mm anti-tank rifle and genuinely "flat" shooting. What's not to like?
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Tax Day
So here's a musical interlude:
I'd file sexual assault charges against the IRS, but they'd just turn around and file prostitution charges against me.
I'd file sexual assault charges against the IRS, but they'd just turn around and file prostitution charges against me.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Dueling
The sport has been out of favor for far too ling in my opinion. I vote to bring it back with a few revisions to the traditional rules to bring it into the 21st century.
First, the reason for this is the challenge by a Polish Prince issued to UKIP spokesman Nigel Farage over an offense taken from Nigel's position on immigrants. The Prince demands satisfaction on the field of honor with swords.
The problems:
1. Traditional rules of dueling give the selection of weapons to the challenged party. No telling what Nigel might pick but whatever it is, the Prince is stuck with it.
2. Normally the nobility is forbidden from dueling with commoners. We in the U.S. don't recognize titles of nobility within our borders although we do grant recognition of status in certain cases. Elected officials for example are called "Honorable". No matter how corrupt.
3. In most countries dueling is illegal especially when the possibility of officially disposing of a body is involved.
I would propose some solutions.
Item 1 doesn't need one as such although historically, when an older person is challenged by a much younger, stronger, and healthier one the older fellow can either pick a method more suitable to old age and treachery or submit a pinch hitter. This all too often leads to an uneven match up with an unacceptable outcome. A limit of 20 years of age differential would be imposed and no hired guns.
For item 2, I would grant title to all elected officials, some title on the order of noacCount which aside from granting membership to the ennobled class, carries no other advantage. Further, dueling would be limited to the nobility. Exclusively. This is absolutely necessary to prevent disgruntled constituents from doing away with elected officials willy-nilly. This also addresses item 3.
So Nigel picks the weapons and he and the Prince have it out on the field of honor. Or Mitch McConnel and Harry Reid duking it out in the Senate gym. Or Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton... oh wait, the 20 year rule.
It's got possibilities though.
First, the reason for this is the challenge by a Polish Prince issued to UKIP spokesman Nigel Farage over an offense taken from Nigel's position on immigrants. The Prince demands satisfaction on the field of honor with swords.
The problems:
1. Traditional rules of dueling give the selection of weapons to the challenged party. No telling what Nigel might pick but whatever it is, the Prince is stuck with it.
2. Normally the nobility is forbidden from dueling with commoners. We in the U.S. don't recognize titles of nobility within our borders although we do grant recognition of status in certain cases. Elected officials for example are called "Honorable". No matter how corrupt.
3. In most countries dueling is illegal especially when the possibility of officially disposing of a body is involved.
I would propose some solutions.
Item 1 doesn't need one as such although historically, when an older person is challenged by a much younger, stronger, and healthier one the older fellow can either pick a method more suitable to old age and treachery or submit a pinch hitter. This all too often leads to an uneven match up with an unacceptable outcome. A limit of 20 years of age differential would be imposed and no hired guns.
For item 2, I would grant title to all elected officials, some title on the order of noacCount which aside from granting membership to the ennobled class, carries no other advantage. Further, dueling would be limited to the nobility. Exclusively. This is absolutely necessary to prevent disgruntled constituents from doing away with elected officials willy-nilly. This also addresses item 3.
So Nigel picks the weapons and he and the Prince have it out on the field of honor. Or Mitch McConnel and Harry Reid duking it out in the Senate gym. Or Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton... oh wait, the 20 year rule.
It's got possibilities though.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Gun Fun APP
And here you thought your iPhone would not only be pretty useless in a fight, but likely the cause of an altercation to begin with. There's an app for that.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Gun Fun
Went out to Clear creek County Sportsmans Club for another attempt at an IDPA qualifier with the new gun and new everything else. Did much better this time. As I remember I only had 1 complete miss out of 90 rounds, and much lower points off. I'll see the results eventually I'm told.
I will report that the "cowboy action" loads worked a treat with hits closer to center and no aggrivation to my arthritis. I'll keep using them. For you folks who are not trying to make major with your 40's that would be 4.0 grains of Titegroup under 165 gr of Berrys FNHB double plated bullets.
The double plating probably isn't necessary for the Glock, but is absolutely necessary if I'm going to use them in the Hi Point where MV's can get up to 1500 fps depending on the load.
I will also report that the Pearl Izumi gel-padded bicycling gloves work well also, the thick gel pads soak up the recoil quite nicely.
Nice day, sun shining, plum trees beginning to blossom, and I had shed the jacket and sweat shirt I came with before the match was over.
I will report that the "cowboy action" loads worked a treat with hits closer to center and no aggrivation to my arthritis. I'll keep using them. For you folks who are not trying to make major with your 40's that would be 4.0 grains of Titegroup under 165 gr of Berrys FNHB double plated bullets.
The double plating probably isn't necessary for the Glock, but is absolutely necessary if I'm going to use them in the Hi Point where MV's can get up to 1500 fps depending on the load.
I will also report that the Pearl Izumi gel-padded bicycling gloves work well also, the thick gel pads soak up the recoil quite nicely.
Nice day, sun shining, plum trees beginning to blossom, and I had shed the jacket and sweat shirt I came with before the match was over.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Colorado Gun Law
With the current legislative session winding down, a bill to repeal the magazine restrictions passed by the Dems on straight party-line votes 2 years ago is now in the Dem-controlled house. Predictably Speaker Dickey Lee Hullinghorst (D-Peoples Republic of Boulder) has consigned it to the house Veterans Affairs committee, also known as the "kill committee". This committee is made up of people from districts so safe that anything they do that didn't result in a lengthy jail term would probably not impact their chances of getting reelected.
Up to now anyway. Rep. Joe (pop-pop) Salazar (D-Thornton) who famously opposed allowing permit holders to carry on college campuses because he was afraid some flighty coed would simply turn around and "pop a couple of shots" at someone innocently following her, was almost defeated in the last election. He is now reconsidering his position on guns. Specifically he is willing to amend the repeal bill to up the limit to 30 rounds.
A 30 round limit probably covers 95% or more of what anyone uses, and passing such a bill would allow Dems in close races to lie about supporting gun rights, possibly enough to save some of their sorry asses in the next election. This probably has a chance of passing. Over the hill like the rescuing cavalry comes Dudley Brown and the RMGO whose position is that either the repeal goes through with no amendments or there will be primary challengers for those who voted the wrong way. Admittedly this is no idle threat. The Colorado electorate is slow to anger, or anything else, but they can be roused and even some of the best Gerrymandering around didn't save the Senate last election.
So here's the choice: No compromise, and probably no change to the mag limits, or take the 30 round compromise and plan on going full court press in the next election anyway. With new leadership in the Republican party here, this could happen. If they bring their A game, this should happen anyway but at this point it's too early to predict what Steve House, Republican chairman will do.
Up to now anyway. Rep. Joe (pop-pop) Salazar (D-Thornton) who famously opposed allowing permit holders to carry on college campuses because he was afraid some flighty coed would simply turn around and "pop a couple of shots" at someone innocently following her, was almost defeated in the last election. He is now reconsidering his position on guns. Specifically he is willing to amend the repeal bill to up the limit to 30 rounds.
A 30 round limit probably covers 95% or more of what anyone uses, and passing such a bill would allow Dems in close races to lie about supporting gun rights, possibly enough to save some of their sorry asses in the next election. This probably has a chance of passing. Over the hill like the rescuing cavalry comes Dudley Brown and the RMGO whose position is that either the repeal goes through with no amendments or there will be primary challengers for those who voted the wrong way. Admittedly this is no idle threat. The Colorado electorate is slow to anger, or anything else, but they can be roused and even some of the best Gerrymandering around didn't save the Senate last election.
So here's the choice: No compromise, and probably no change to the mag limits, or take the 30 round compromise and plan on going full court press in the next election anyway. With new leadership in the Republican party here, this could happen. If they bring their A game, this should happen anyway but at this point it's too early to predict what Steve House, Republican chairman will do.
Dumb Muslims
Drudge headline:
They're just now figuring this out? Did they think they had a monopoly on it?
Ayatollah: White House 'Lying'
Has 'Devilish' Intentions
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Intelligence Gathering
Drudge headline:
jeopardized by his losing his job over some petty technicality.
RUSSIANS HACK WHITE HOUSE; ACCESS OBAMA INFO
Western Reporter: So, Mr. Putin, where exactly was Mr. Obama born?
V.P.: I cannot release information that may be damaging to the Soviet Uni Russia. Mr Obama has been very helpful to us and we would not like to see any of that
Monday, April 6, 2015
Wedding Cakes
A bakery may refuse an anti-gay cake, but may not refuse to bake a pro-gay cake.
O.K. but nowhere is it said that they have to list the ingredients.
One needs to think carefully about what one asks for.
O.K. but nowhere is it said that they have to list the ingredients.
One needs to think carefully about what one asks for.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
The Rise Of The Robots
From the very large, where Aussies are using automated Caterpillar haulers at an Iron mine, to the medium sized where golf courses are using automated mowers to trim the entire course, to the very personal electric mower that can be trained to do my lawn.
If you're going to let 100 ton trucks run autonomously, the Aussie outback is probably the right place to do it. At the golf course I suppose the mowers can be set to run at night where the possibility of bagging a golf ball collector is counted as extra security.
The home mower is running $900-$1000 and they suggest letting it run daily which suggests it's not much of a power house. Until it gets noticeably better, I think I'll keep my gas mower, but I can see the day coming. Where I work we use robots to deliver parts and pick up waste sharing the hallways with the associates.
If you're going to let 100 ton trucks run autonomously, the Aussie outback is probably the right place to do it. At the golf course I suppose the mowers can be set to run at night where the possibility of bagging a golf ball collector is counted as extra security.
The home mower is running $900-$1000 and they suggest letting it run daily which suggests it's not much of a power house. Until it gets noticeably better, I think I'll keep my gas mower, but I can see the day coming. Where I work we use robots to deliver parts and pick up waste sharing the hallways with the associates.
Everything You Need To Know About Islam
Islam is a religion of peace:
Doesn't this look peaceful? It's a university in Kenya where they obviously need to pass a rule preventing people from carrying weapons on campus.
Oh wait...
Oh wait...
Friday, April 3, 2015
Taxes
That time of year again and this year on account of a temp job running into several extra innings, I have to pay. The Feds will take electronic funds transfer and make your payment disappear from your account in the twinkling of an avaricious eye.
Colorado has had it's dept of Revenue website redone, apparently by the same people who prepared the states healthcare site. Want to file a return? Don't hit the link where it says "Free e-file through revenue Online". That's not it.
Go down and hit the next most likely link from the lengthy list of selections below.
Owe money? You can pay electronically using electronic fund transfer, BUT FIRST you need a registration and password from Revenue Online. To get that, you'll first need a Letter ID. Apply for that online, and they'll snail mail it to you. When it shows up in your mail box, you can then establish a login, set up a password, and electronically transfer the funds. P.S. this transfer may not take effect for 12-24 hours, so don't wait till the last minute. The state doesn't use a server computer, they have an old geezer with a brass telegraph key and a stenographer/typist on the other end of the line waiting to serve you.
The healthcare site works just as well.
Colorado has had it's dept of Revenue website redone, apparently by the same people who prepared the states healthcare site. Want to file a return? Don't hit the link where it says "Free e-file through revenue Online". That's not it.
Go down and hit the next most likely link from the lengthy list of selections below.
Owe money? You can pay electronically using electronic fund transfer, BUT FIRST you need a registration and password from Revenue Online. To get that, you'll first need a Letter ID. Apply for that online, and they'll snail mail it to you. When it shows up in your mail box, you can then establish a login, set up a password, and electronically transfer the funds. P.S. this transfer may not take effect for 12-24 hours, so don't wait till the last minute. The state doesn't use a server computer, they have an old geezer with a brass telegraph key and a stenographer/typist on the other end of the line waiting to serve you.
The healthcare site works just as well.
Summer Of Recovery #7
The 7th consecutive Summer Of Recovery begins this month and the omens are so consistent it's a wonder people aren't out dancing in the streets like in Iran this week.
As of right now, there are some 93 million people not looking for work, a record they say. Keep up the good work and remember, if everyone quits looking for work, unemployment drops to zero and Obama's 3rd term is a shoo-in.
The only thing in the way of this is the projection for growth which right now the Atlanta Fed is showing at zero for Q1-15. This number is fun to watch as the first number out of the gate tends to be both wildly optimistic, and widely reported. By the end of April, the initial number will have been revised twice, usually downward, and the revision will go unreported.
The Atlanta Fed uses a different method for calculating the country's economic growth which provides somewhat lower numbers than other methods but given the consistency with which the others get revised down, it's probably more accurate.
As of right now, there are some 93 million people not looking for work, a record they say. Keep up the good work and remember, if everyone quits looking for work, unemployment drops to zero and Obama's 3rd term is a shoo-in.
The only thing in the way of this is the projection for growth which right now the Atlanta Fed is showing at zero for Q1-15. This number is fun to watch as the first number out of the gate tends to be both wildly optimistic, and widely reported. By the end of April, the initial number will have been revised twice, usually downward, and the revision will go unreported.
The Atlanta Fed uses a different method for calculating the country's economic growth which provides somewhat lower numbers than other methods but given the consistency with which the others get revised down, it's probably more accurate.
Glock 22 Cowboy Action Loads
Success! For those of you suffering from arthritis, 4.0gr of Titegroup under a 165gr hollow base bullet, when fired wearing Pearl Izumi gel-padded bicycling gloves seems to do the trick. My only complaint is that when shooting weak hand only, the bullets are going a bit to the right. Otherwise they all fit on a 7 in pie plate at 8 yards.
I can't use the Chroney indoors, so no MV numbers but I'm expecting something in the low to mid 800's.
I can't use the Chroney indoors, so no MV numbers but I'm expecting something in the low to mid 800's.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Glock 22 Cowboy Action Loads
What? I hear you say. Well, it’s like
this. I’ve decided to actually join the IDPA after some 15 years of
shooting their matches just for the fun of it and that involves
upsetting the established order of things. To start I picked up the
Glock 22 I mentioned here earlier. Whole new gun from my little CZ,
so there’s a learning curve involved. Also a bunch of accessories.
Picked up 2 new magazines which true to
predictions, have springs in them suitable for a jackhammer. I’m
told that loading the mags as far as I can and letting them sit for a
while will soften the springs enough to let me get that last round in
so they’re sitting.
Also found out that my Magloader thumb
ring which worked so well on the CZ doesn’t work as well on the
larger Glock mags. A nice replacement will cost me.
I got a .40 because it was on sale, and
because I’m already set up to load that caliber. Yes, I have dies
for 9x19, but I worry about keeping the 9x18 and 9x19 properly
separated. It’s easier to stick with what I’ve got. The problem
is that the .40 Soft and Weak still has a pretty good kick to it
which my arthritis magnifies. Bicycling gloves with gel pads should
help, along with figuring out what load will cycle the action
reliably without cycling my thumb.
Power factor should not be a
problem as the 165gr .40 bullets will make the 130 minimum P.F. at
790 fps which is mighty slow. Cowboy Action shooters are famous for
down loading their ammo as it allows them to get back on target more
quickly which is fine, but some of them seem to put so little powder
in their cartridges that snide remarks are sometimes heard about the
ability to knock over the cardboard poppers.
Laugh all you like, I’m beginning to
see the wisdom of very light loads.
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