CheaperThanDirt Blog
Gun Control Senator Sentenced for Trafficking Arms
Two years ago, California State Senator Leland Yee told CBS: "It is extremely important that individuals in the state of California do not own assault weapons. I mean that is just so crystal clear—there is no debate, no discussion." As a legislator, Yee supported strict gun control laws and was even named to the Brady Campaign's Gun Violence Prevention Honor Roll. Last Wednesday, Yee received a five-year prison sentence for accepting bribes and trafficking in illegal arms. Is anyone still wondering how gun control legislation gets passed?
Washington State Loses 11,000 Carry Licenses in Four Months
In a remarkable reversal of a long-standing trend, the number of active concealed pistol licenses in Washington State has dropped by 11,000 over the past four months, a fact that might (should) be alarming to gun rights groups. However, it may also suggest a return of lethargy in the firearms community. However, with the barrage of assaults on Second Amendment that seems very unlikely, which begs the question of "Why?"
Reader Comments of the Week — March 31, 2018
A recap or sampling of the most active, interesting, or on occasion, randomly selected reader comments from the previous week.
Range Report: Smith and Wesson’s Easy Shooting M&P Shield .380 ACP
Over the years, I have seen many people struggle with the handgun. Some older folks, and others with limited hand strength, have a difficult time with the revolver. While revolvers are simple enough to handle, the long double-action trigger press challenges some shooters. The Smith and Wesson M&P .380 pistol is the answer they have been looking for.
Preppers: Choose Your Weapons
The question is, when the man says to choose your weapons, what is the choice? The real question must be what is the threat. I think most of us realize we need a handgun to always be with us and a long gun to even the odds and provide real protection. For a long term prepper to cover the needs and situation from a fixed base, the list is longer.
ATF Starts Process to Outlaw Bump-Stocks — Act Now!
Late last week, (Friday, March 23, 2018) Attorney General Sessions announced that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) has initiated the process to classify bump-stocks as machineguns. The announcement is available on DOJ’s website. If adopted, the rules will amend the ATF’s regulations to “clarify” the terms “single function of the trigger,” “automatically,” and “machinegun.”
Remington Outdoor Company Surrendered to Creditors
Remington is (was perhaps) one of the most revered firearms manufacturers in the America. Known as "Big Green," Remington has sadly become Big Red, sinking into massive debt. Although it was widely reported that Remington was having significant financial difficulties, it is still sad news to read that Remington has filed for bankruptcy.
Predators: Offseason Action
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to could hunt all year long and not worry about time constraints? Seeing equipment sitting in the gun safe or on the garage shelves is frustrating, not to mention the pressure from short deer hunting seasons and the long period in between when skills deteriorate and time spent afield is simply lost. It has been said before, but if you have not taken up predator hunting, you are losing out.
Reader Comments of the Week — March 24, 2018
A recap or sampling of the most active, interesting, or on occasion, randomly selected reader comments from the previous week.
Review: Ruger Rimfire Precision Rifle
Among the most exciting rifles to come down the pike this year is the Ruger Rimfire Precision Rifle. This is a bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. The rifle is based on the full-size Ruger Precision rifle. It would make a great understudy for the .308 rifle, but it is also a fine choice for anyone interested in using an accurate rifle for recreational shooting or small-game hunting.
Video: The Legendary M1A — Springfield Armory
From 1959 to 1970, the M14 served with distinction as the standard-issue rifle of the United States military. When Springfield Armory in Geneseo, IL, made the civilian legal variant—the M1A—available to the public in 1974, shooters were finally able to enjoy the same rifle that so many servicemen had utilized in the past. This video outlines the challenge of building and shooting the M1A. For a limited time, Springfield is offering three additional magazines for free too!
4 Scenarios to Get the Tactical Advantage
Depending on the state you live in, you may have a CCW permit. However, simply carrying a firearm does not equate to good self-defense plan. You'll need situational awareness, quick reactions, solid weapons handling skills, and a good outcome in the event of a violent attack. Planning for and training yourself to respond effectively to a threat in several common scenarios can vastly improve your chances of surviving and eliminating the threat.
Range Report: Beretta Storm SubCompact 9mm
Beretta introduced a handgun a few years ago that was not revolutionary—it was evolutionary. The PX4 Storm married the proven Beretta double-action trigger and de-cocking safety to a polymer frame. Those preferring the double-action first-shot pistol had a relatively inexpensive alternative to the Beretta 92, and those wishing a durable and reliable, polymer-frame handgun had a counterpoint to the Glock. The primary advantage of the pistol is accuracy.
Match Grade Pistols for Carry and Home Defense
Many of us use a match grade pistol—the IDPA gun or the IPSC gun—for home defense. The reasons are simple. The pistol is accurate, easy to use well, and one that we are likely most familiar with. The pistol may have fired many thousands of rounds without a failure. When it has needed new guns springs, or a magazine has failed, it has been at a high round count. But then you say the authorities on personal defense say you should never carry a modified gun for personal defense. What's the answer?
The Hunting Plot That Keeps on Giving: Evolved Harvest Shot Plot
Hunters who have planted or hunted over brassicas know how effective these sweet, late-season forage cultivars are at attracting deer. A fast-growing, high-yield blend of turnips and rapes will attract deer for hunting while providing the critical nutrition they need during late fall and winter. It will also provide you with plenty of action by concentrating deer near your stand.
The CMP Starts Release of 100,000 M1 Garands!
While I wish we were reporting that the 1911s were ready for distribution, that's not the case. However, we have something as good, if not better. The CMP received the Garands over the last month or so. Currently, the CMP is busy prepping the guns for sale. Each of the M1s will have to be cleaned, inspected, potentially repaired or rebuilt, and then test fired. Best of all, some of these rifles are already being offered for sale.
Reader Comments of the Week — February 24, 2018
A recap or sampling of the most active, interesting, or on occasion, randomly selected reader comments from the previous week.
Magnificent 7 — Pistols for Concealed Carry
If there is one category readers of The Shooter’s Log can all get interested about, it is an interest in the best pistols for concealed carry. However, if there is one thing likely to cause an argument, it is which pistols are best for concealed carry. Our staff threw in a few of favorites, but feel free to make your case for the pistols we missed.
Dallas Mayor Wants NRA to Find Another City for 2018 Convention
Due to recent national events, the pro tem mayor of Dallas said the National Rifle Association should move its annual convention away from Dallas, believing, "It's not appropriate for the group to meet in Dallas in May because there's so much gun violence in the United States." Read the full story.
Throwback Thursday: Buckshot or Birdshot for Home Defense? Let’s Ask Science.
The conclusion of the testing I observed was simple. Birdshot will do the job at shorter ranges, but it has major drawbacks for home defense. Read the entire story to understand the the limitations of birdshot and advantages of buckshot including a comparison of 00-buck versus .380 ACP, 9mm, .45 ACP and .223/5.56.