Catch Up

Things have been a bit busy around Attila's yurt lately. Number two son was married a week ago, and his older brother has been home on leave. Between that and the general pace of events in the world, I just haven't had much time to post.

I'm hoping to get to the range again today. Ammunition supplies are opening up a little bit more, and I've been able to find enough for a fair practice session. I shot a little yesterday with my P-64 and XD-40, but wasn't very happy with my performance. I discovered a long time ago that if I don't practice a physical skill at least every two weeks, I start to lose my proficiency, and it'd been well over a month since I've been to the range. While I hit the target every time, the results really weren't pretty. So, back I go this afternoon for a bit more practice. I think I'll take along the AR too.

One thing that did go well yesterday was shooting my "new" Mosin-Nagant M44. There was a gun show in Yakima Saturday, and I went over looking specifically for an M44. There was exactly one in the building, but it was/is in very nice shape (an Izzy built in 1946) with a nice stock, and crisp rifling. It was marked $235, but I got it for $200. I've seen much worse going for $150 on gun broker these days, so overall, I'm happy with the deal. Anyway, I took it along yesterday and found that I've got a very nice shooter. After a little bit of practice on my part, I was able to consistently hit the 250 yd gong, and shifting the sights, was able to hit the 450 yd gong as well. Given my lousy rifle skills (one of the reasons I wanted to pick up a handy, cheap to shoot piece in the first place) I feel pretty good about it.

Withdrawal

That's what I'm feeling today. I would REALLY like to go to the range today, but my stock of ammo is so low, that I'm not comfortable letting it go any lower. I did manage to pick up a couple hundred rounds of WWB FMJ for my XD-40, but that just puts me back in barely comfortable territory for that load. At least dry firing is good cheap practice, and I can do some of that this afternoon instead of getting out.

QOTD

FYI - if you've never heard the gastronomical symphony caused by a platoon of people eating MRE's twice a day, well... I'd say you're missing out, but being awoken at 0200 hrs. by the sounds of twenty people farting in the style of Bach's Tocata and Fugue in D Minor, while amusing as hell, isn't something I would recommend for the faint of heart.

Found here.

P-64 Project

Last week I replaced the mainspring on the P-64 and took it shooting. Wow, it's actually got a half-way decent double-action trigger pull now. The single action pull is quite nice now.

Today, I replaced the firing pin spring and the recoil spring with heavier models. The recoil spring is now a 22 pound model from Wolff along with the matched firing pin spring. I may get it out for another spin this weekend, but my main goal is to begin rebluing. I've watched the Brownell's cold bluing video and have the right products on hand to get the job done. I've chosen to use steel wool to apply the finish, which should give me a very nice satin finish similar to this. In fact, when my new grips arrive, it should look VERY similar to that photo.

So far, I've really enjoyed my first foray into home gunsmithing. I have, however, developed a dislike of small springs which try to launch even smaller parts into the stratosphere.

QOTD

Seen on a list I read regarding SEALS and pirates:

Whatever they were using it was a hell of a shot…three head shots on pirates and not one parrot was wounded…



That’s what I call an environmentally sensitive seal team…

BAG Day

That's Buy a Gun Day for those not in the know, and it coincides with Tax Day, April 15th. My own BAG day purchase was a week earlier with the P-64 previously mentioned, along with the refinishing supplies and weapon lights. While I'd like to spend our refund money on a new CZ 527 carbine, it's more likely to go toward paying off a bit more PLUS loan debt. Such is life when you're the First National Bank of Dad. That's my job, and I'm proud to do it.

Easter Range Day

It was a nice, rainy afternoon at the range today, so there weren't too many people there. More range officers than public, in fact. That let me have half the range to myself for over an hour, which was exactly what I wanted.

First up, was my new-to-me P-64. I had a dozen rounds of Hornady 9x18 hollow points and a box of Silver Bear FMJ with me. Unfortunately, the Silver Bear didn't pass the "magnet test" and I couldn't shoot it while another range officer was on duty. We don't like steel bullets because of the fire risk, and I didn't want to put another RO at risk while the range was open to the public, so that stayed in the range bag. The Hornady it was to be, so I loaded up six rounds, said a quick prayer and pulled the trigger in double action mode. To say that the stock DA trigger on a P-64 is heavy is something of an understatement. Now, truth be told, under stress, I don't think I'd even notice it, but at the range, twenty-odd pounds of pull is a bit much. Still, it worked, and that was what I wanted to find out. Subsequent rounds in single action mode were positively sweet. That little pistol can shoot. I am really, really looking forward to working on it some. It was also nice to know that the Hornady hollow points fed with no problems at all.

Next came the CZ-82, which is a pure joy to shoot. Seriously, if you want a fun, cheap pistol I highly recommend them. The 9x18's a passable self-defense round too. Very much on a par with the .380. It also had no issues with the hollow points, and that's what I wanted to find out.

That done, it was time for some work with my .22. My little Ruger 22/45 is by far my most shot gun. Cheap to shoot, and lots of fun for a good practice session. I always put a couple hundred rounds through it whenever I take it out, and today was no execption. I was shooting at 15 yards, which is still a challenge for me, and tends to highlight my errors. In other words, exactly what I need.

Three goals for the afternoon accomplished, it was time to work on the SKS's zero. The last time I had it out, the B-Square sight tool just wasn't up to snuff on my Yugo SKS and I had to leave the job undone. This time, with a Tapco tool, I was in business. After setting up a target on the 50 yard line, I started to work shooting three shot groups. Now, no SKS is ever going to be scary accurate, but honestly, it didn't take very long to get the holes appearing where I wanted them to. The next time I take it out, I'll be shooting at 100 yards, and my only goal for today was to get it into the ball park, so that next trip will go better.

About this time, a couple of car loads of guys showed up. Two fathers and their teen-aged boys, both of whom were very interested in the SKS. I let the range go cold and waited for them to get set up. Once we were hot again, I put a few more rounds downrange myself, and when I had ten rounds left, got up and offered five to each of the boys. They were both excited by the opportunity, to say the least, and I had as much fun watching them shoot, as I would have shooting those last ten myself.

It was closing time to the public, and the on-duty guys called it a day and went home, leaving us there for some fun. Thirty-seven gallon milk jugs filled with water came out of a truck, along with several bundles of wet newsprint. Guns included a couple of large bore revolvers, an M1A, several ARs, half a dozen 1911s, and an Auto Ordnance semi-auto Thompson clone. Since it was still raining, back out came the two 9x18s of mine and the box of Silver Bear, and we all commenced having fun. Let me tell you, even semi-auto, the Thompson is a LOT of fun to shoot, and nicely accurate. Truth be told, my Hi-Point carbine is as much fun to shoot, but lacks the panache of the Tommy gun. There has got to be one in my future. Just because. Anyway, I acquitted myself well with the 1911s offered, as well as with the Thompson and my own little commie guns. More importantly, it was a great afternoon with some new friends. My thanks to Brian and Rick for letting me share.

Hold On!

There's a set of these grips on the way for my soon to be very pretty P-64. I also ordered an 18 lb. main spring and a 22 lb. recoil spring from Wolff. Now I just have to wait for all the pieces to get here. I also need to track down a couple spare magazines.

Spring Rituals

The Lawn demanded its first Mowing Ritual of the season today, followed by the Opening of the Irrigation Valve. Tomorrow, in addition to Easter, is the Day of the Spring Fertilization. Happily, each of these ceremonies is concluded with the Drinking of the Beer. Ah, Spring.

Tools

I just sent Brownell's an order for some new tools and supplies. The things I'll need to refinish the P-64 will be coming, along with a punch set that I've long needed. Also in the long needed category are a TLR-1 weapon light for my P-01 and XD-40 and a Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle light for the AR. Finally, because I'm a wimp, I ordered a shoulder pad for wearing when I shoot the rifles. Those steel butt pads take a bit out of a guy.

21

That's how few guns I have. The first twenty were lonely, so I bought them a new friend today, a Polish Radom P-64 pocket pistol. And the great thing is, since it's not a C&R gun, I can have a little more fun with it. The picture is from Wikipedia and in nicer shape than mine. This one has plenty of holster wear, so a re-bluing is in order, and at some point it's going to get some new springs and nicer grips. I know, silk purses never come from sow's ears, but for $218, it'll be a relatively cheap and fun project.

Oscar!

4/7/70, The Duke wins his only Oscar. Oscar wouldn't apologize for it, would have been a sign of weakness.

Enemy at the Gates

My new to me Mosin-Nagant 1891/30 went to the range with me for the first time this afternoon. Let's just say that Vasilli Zaitsev I'm not. After doing a function check at ten yards just to see where it was putting the rounds and being rewarded with a decent group, I set up a target at the hundred yard line. Even with a twelve o'clock hold and the sights set for 100m, the rounds were going high and I failed to hit the bull with any of the five rounds I shot at that range. Rather than stay frustrated, I set the sights for 250m and went for the gong we have at that range. Three rounds high, then a adjusted myself a little bit and it twice. While I definitely need some more practice, I had a blast with the old beast, got a sore shoulder out of the deal, and can't wait to take it out again. Maybe next time I'll be able to drive the Germans out.

Justice

You'll remember the great "lost job scare" of 2008 in which my group was downsized and I lost. My old boss and I were talking this afternoon, and he let slip that the guy they kept is out on long term disability. Aw shucks, they're stuck, and I'm in hog heaven. I just feel soooo bad.

Where's Luke When You Need Him?

Shooty Goodness

Six hundred rounds of 1953 manufacture 8mm Mauser goodness. All lead core FMJ and legal to shoot at my range. I am so looking forward to the weekend!

Horse Crossing

These folks, and several hundred others, crossed our high power range this morning. Lots of range officers on hand to keep anyone from wandering into unsafe areas. It was a nice outing for all concerned.

Eighty

That's how old my new-to-me Mosin/Nagant 1891/30 rifle is. Date stamped 1929, and built in the Izhevsk arsenal, I'd sure like to know more of the story behind 50064. I just finished my first pass at getting all the cosmoline out of it, and am very pleased with the shape it's in. I've got more work to do before firing it the first time, but regardless of how it shoots, I'm happy I own it. Pictures to follow.

Milsurp Goodness

I just checked my bank account and AIM has charged my account for the Mosin-Nagant I ordered at the same time as the CZ. A significant chuck of change has also been committed to Sportsman's Guide for an ammunition shipment. Nothing for the MN, but 500 rounds of 9mm Makarov for the CZ-82, 1000 rounds of 9mm Luger for the P-01, and 600 rounds of Yugoslavian surplus 8mm for the Mauser. None of the above are available in quantity around here, and what is available is increasingly overpriced.

New Toy

My new-to-me milsurp CZ-82 arrived last night from the good folks at AIM Surplus via UPS, and after a quick clean and lube before bedtime it was read for its first range trip today. Ammunition of any kind for almost any caliber is scarce right now, but I was able to find a box of American Eagle 9x18 at Sportsman's Warehouse, so all was ready.

Today wasn't the greatest day for hitting the range, cold and windy to the point that Mrs. Attila spent more time in the range shack soaking up heat from the wood stove than shooting, but I was on a mission and soldiered on.

Shooting from about ten yards it didn't take long to discover that the pistol was shooting well below point of aim. Once I figured out where it was going, it was easy to adjust my sight picture accordingly and start producing a nice group in the bull. I've never shot anything in 9x18 before, so the lack of recoil actually came as something of a surprise. That, coupled with this being a steel pistol makes for very little muzzle flip, and consequent quick return to target, which I liked. A lot. The trigger was very smooth, but not very crisp. As expected, shooting DA gives you a long pull, stacking a little before breaking. SA has about an eighth inch takeup before breaking, and the break itself is more a "rapid roll-off" than a crisp 1911 type break. I didn't find it objectionable, just a little different from what I'm used to.

Overall, my impression is very favorable. It's a downright fun pistol to shoot. In size, it's almost the same dimensionally as my P-01, but seems smaller because it lacks the former's rail. I paid for the "hand-select" option from AIM, and this example is in very nice shape with only a touch of holster wear at the muzzle end of the slide. (Much nicer than the one pictured.) The current crop of imports seems to be a batch of police weapons and mine came with a very nice duty holster and mag pouch. Sportsman's Guide has a batch of Czech import surplus shoulder holsters which appear to be made for this handgun at a very attractive price. So, for well under $300 shipped, I've got a nice rig suitable for either open or concealed carry. Will I carry it every day? No, I'm much too attached to my P-01 and its more powerful 9x19 round, but I do see myself using it when I want to conceal under a jacket in a shoulder rig, or for use as a loaner/teaching pistol for friends and family new to shooting. A use, btw, for which I think it would be nearly ideal. The only fly in that particular ointment is that because it has a blowback action, the recoil spring is rather stout, and someone with weaker hands might have difficulty operating it.

Bottom line: I'm a happy camper.

Be Prepared

Some lessons learned early in life are worth repeating now and then. The necessity to be prepared is one of them. Be prepared for what? That's hard to answer. Some things are pretty easy to anticipate: a flat tire while you're out in the boonies, an unexpected overnight on that 'day hike' you had planned, a lost job, even the odd encounter with one of society's wolves. The larger things, the high consequence, low probability things, like a complete economic collapse, a wmd attack, etc. are harder. Whatever the threats are to your life, at least give them some active thought. You may decide that you don't need much in the way of plans or supplies, etc., but the very act of making those decisions will better prepare you if you do have to face the unexpected. Above all, remember that it's your responsibility, and no one else's to take care of you and yours, so plan accordingly.

!Range Day

Nope, not today. The weather's crappy, and I don't feel much above that level myself. My neck's out of whack, apparently from sleeping in some position only a chiropractor could love, and the weather's driving my sinuses batty. I don't even feel much like reading, which is really saying something. Maybe next weekend.

Temptation Resisted

Have you ever seen something you wanted so badly that you'd sell your eternal soul, give up your left testicle, and your firstborn child to own? I have. Our local Ranch and Home store has opened a gun section. Last night, in need of some bulk 9mm (an eternal quest) I stopped in. Looking in the display counter first, I spotted a C96 Mauser with case/stock for a cool grand. Very little bluing left, but to my eyes utterly gorgeous. Still, as much as I would like one in my collection, it wasn't even mildly tempting. What, then, was? Ah, my friends, the temptress was one of the most pristine M1 Garands that I've ever seen. Not only that, but it was an M1D, with M84 scope sniper variant. Ten thousand of them made, four thousand destroyed by he who's administration shall not be named in 1994. Rare, in other words. Two thousand, five hundred bucks, and you have no idea how close I came to pulling out Mr. Mastercard. As I told the gent behind the counter, that rifle was a naked twenty-year-old enticing me. Even now, twenty-four hours later, I can still hear her siren call. God, give me strength.

Taking Chance

Watch this movie. As an officer, as a military dad, I think this is a movie for America.

What Kind of Survivor are You

I come out as a Realist. No surprise to me. I will be getting the book this relates to.

QOTD

Seen on a list I monitor in response to this article:

Here's how I beat the robots:

sudo rm -R /


Kills 'em every time.

If you don't get it, it's okay. It's a geek thing.

Don't Know How I Missed This

Admit it, that's funny.

Any Day Shooting is a Good Day

It was a little cold and windy, but I opened up the range for myself and had a good day. The 22/45 ate up about 150 rounds on the plinking range, and then I shot through a 100 round box of Winchester 9mm. The P-11 got 20 rounds and the P-01, 80.

It's been a while since I've shot the Kel-Tec, and it showed. In my hands at least, it's a little finicky. You've got to have a very tight grip, or it has issues cycling. Part of my problem, I'm sure, is that I was using my standard floorplate magazine. The one with the grip extension is a bit easier.

The CZ, of course, is always a pleasure to shoot. When I do my part, it does very well, and the ergonomics of it make it easy to do my part. I can always use more practice, but I feel very, very confident with it as my daily carry piece.

Now, off to the next item on the checklist for today: calling AIM Surplus to see if they're open. If they are, I'm going to order a CZ-82 and a hex receiver Mosin. For bonus points, take a look at this little beauty. Too bad I don't have a spare grand lying around.

Five Bucks

That's what that splash in the water cost.

H/T The Firearm Blog

Dude, Where'd We Put the Van?

Now this is creative. Victim 1, burglars 0.

QOTD

Ragin' Dave says:

Besides... every damn day should be Valentine's Day when you're married. You should be doing something to show your love to your spouse EVERY SINGLE DAY, not just one day a year. So all you married folks, here's your challenge - live every day as if it's Valentine's Day. And I don't mean go out and buy more more cheap crap. Do something special every day for your spouse. Bring him or her coffee/tea/cocoa in the morning. Take a task they normally do, and do it for them. Remember to thank them for what they do around the house. Sneak up behind them and give 'em a hug and a kiss at random moments. ALWAYS kiss them goodnight. Instead of a hurried peck on the cheek as you're rushing out the door, take the time to give 'em a kiss that'll knock their socks off, and instead of a "Bye hon I'll see you at dinner", look them in the eyes and just say "I love you".

Good advice!

Heroic, Homeric*

Okay, by now you know that I'm a sucker for silly internet quizzes and such. Here's the latest. You all knew I was a superhero, right?

*Reference from? Anyone? Beuller?

Depressed

I'm too depressed by the hacks in Congress to blog anything light tonight. I need a beer.

Everybody Needs a Duck in a Truck

Seriously, there are days when I wonder if I should admit I'm from Minnesota. Although, if you read my other blog, you might also conclude that Minnesota's loons aren't just the state birds.

Solid Gold

The very first Gold Record was awarded on this date in 1942. Enjoy.

Well Said

The only difference between this piece and my own opinion is that I would have said that the climate is changing, rather than the earth is warming. The data's been pretty flat for about ten years now, but I haven't seen any mastodons or saber toothed tigers lately, so I've got to conclude that the climate's warmed a bit in recent geologic time.

H/T The Anarchangel

"Eyes right!"

If this doesn't make you tear up, sod off.


H/T Kevin

He's got People?

Too bad that 63 page vetting questionnaire didn't include a copy of the tax code for reference.

H/T Powerline

And another one down

An email from a friend:

 

Tom Daschle withdraws his nomination as health and human services secretary, as more tax issues arise.

This is what the Obama people get for contracting out their vetting process to the same people who test Microsoft software.

My Favorite Ad

I'll admit it. This was my favorite.

I certainly have, but since he's not on satellite, I don't hear him as much as I'd like. Harry and Nancy can kiss my backside. At least Tailgunner Joe was a vet, and deserves a little respect.

Mmm...cake!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Thanks to a loving wife, I'm now the proud owner of the headset I wanted for the range. Since I'm taking a Range Officer course Friday night, it'll be getting lot's of use soon.

Good News on the Economy

See, it's not all doom and gloom.

Yup!

I'm a Chevrolet Corvette!

You're a classic - powerful, athletic, and competitive. You're all about winning the race and getting the job done. While you have a practical everyday side, you get wild when anyone pushes your pedal. You hate to lose, but you hardly ever do.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

H/T Cowboy Blob

Whoopee!

A reminder for friends and family: hope is not an effective strategy,
and change is not a synonym for improvement.

We now return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Ricardo Montalban, RIP

Khan<http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001544/>: [quoting from Melville's Moby Dick] To the last, I will grapple with thee... from Hell's heart, I stab at thee! For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee!

Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalban y Merino passed away today at the age of 88. One hopes he shows up at the Pearly Gates in a Chrysler with rich Corinthian leather upholstery. Farewell.

You Will Hate Me

H/T: Tam

Here's a Shock

I'm an embarrassment to Barack!


I only scored 17 on the Obama Test

It would have been lower, but I'm really not a bitter guy. Yet. And I wouldn't describe my grip on my guns as clingy. More like firm. Manly, you know, not clingy like a girl afraid to hold one.

Sunday Afternoon

Well, I didn't make it to the gun show this weekend. I had wanted to go yesterday, but circumstances conspired against me. Today I went to the range and shot the SKS a bit, as well as my P-01 and AR.

The SKS was pretty grossly out of zero. I wasn't anywhere near the target at 100 yard, so I brought it in to 50 and started to work in in firing three shot groups. The B-Square sighting tool I bought from Brownells worked fine for elevation, and I have that dialed in pretty well now. The windage adjustment portion of the tool leaves a lot to be desired on a Yugo SKS. It just doesn't sit on the sights with enough thread engagement to stay in one place while performing an adjustingment. Very frustrating. I'm off about 4' to the right (2 in. at 50 yds) and will probably have to use a drift punch the next time out to get it where I need it.

The AR was, as always, a blast to shoot. The Trijicon sight has a bit too wide a dot for real good accuracy. It pretty much covers the target at 50 yards, but every shot's where it needs to be if I ever have to engage with it. Some day, I'll spend a bit more time with it and dial it in so the apex of the triangle is the point of aim. For now though, it's perfectly adequate at any "inside the house" range.

I could definitely tell that its been a month since I've shot the P-01. I won't say I was bad, because I wasn't, but my shooting wasn't where it usually is when I've had more practice.

All in all, not a bad day. Oh, and the new 20 round P-Mags are perfect for the range. I might just have to get a couple more.

I Should Have Known

Board games, then, do not bring a family closer together. They rip out its heart in a seething cauldron of rage, hysteria, accusations and hate. - Jeremy Clarkson

Reading this brought to mind the unfortunate Would You Rather make-up incident. You don't want to know.

Lazy Weekend Ahead

We've got a nice three day weekend, so today was spent running a couple of errands. A few things remain undone for tomorrow, but they won't take long. We've got a gun/antique show in town this weekend, so I'm hoping to get over there and oogle some potential new toys. If I can find a nice Mosin, it'll probably go home with me. I could also be persuaded to pick up an Enfield, but am less knowledgeable about them, so I wouldn't feel as confident about appropriate prices. In any event, I'm setting a $200 limit for myself, so there definitely won't be anything fancy coming home with me. Sunday will be range day. I need to sight in the SKS, and desperately need some handgun practice.

Kitchen Pron

Am I a good husband, or what? Mindful of the fact that I'm often buying myself goodies, during our last foraging expedition to Costco, I suggested to the spouse that she might like one of these. Being the smart lady she is, she agreed that we might have enough counter space available to allow bringing it home with us. Needless to say, this wasn't a sub-$25 trip, but well worth the cost by increasing marital bliss.

Methinks the dough hook will get a workout later today.

Happy New Year!

I think this is going to be a tough year in many respects, but I'm resolved to make the best of it. We've got another family wedding coming up in May, and every reason to expect a great year for our little corner of the universe. That the world at large is likely going to Hell in a hand basket is of little consequence to me. As I told my daughter several years ago, our country has prevailed over every challenge its encountered. I expect that trend to continue. We're a remarkably hardy bunch, we Americans, and while it may take us a while to come to our senses, we always do.

From me to you, have a happy new year, going forward with faith in ourselves, and resolve to make the best future we can for ourselves and our posterity.