That's right, one of the premier handgun makers in the world has signed on to as a major corporate sponsor for the 2009 30th Anniversary Bianchi Cup. Sig Sauer is going to provide $15,000 in cash and prizes as sponsorship towards the match, the bulk of which (I believe) is going to be going to the new Production Division.
I'm excited to see the direction that NRA is going with Bianchi Cup - injection new cash and new life into the sport is a good thing for everyone.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Gun Nuts: Better Shooting Through Science
Last night's Gun Nuts, aptly titled "Better Shooting Through Science" was a great show to do - the sheer volume of call ins from people sharing their shooting experiences and their tips and tricks to become a better shooter was absolutely fantastic. Notable among those calls was a call-in from the Texas State High Power Rifle Champion, who was kind enough to share his wisdom on one of the most critical aspects of shooting: the natural point of aim. Of course, you don't have to take my word for it - you can just listen to the show.
Of course, you can also download the .mp3 file of the show if you'd like to listen to it that.
If you'd like to simply subscribe to our show so it downloads automatically into your iTunes, you can follow the simple instructions at this link to set up Gun Nuts for iTunes (and Zune), or you can visit the "iTunes Store" and do a search for "Gun Nuts", which will lead you to the downloadable podcasts.
Also new on the shows, is that if you click direct link to the show itself, you'll get to see our product of the week, you can purchase off of Amazon.com. Each week we'll feature a product that ties into the subject of the show. This week it was Jeff Cooper's excellent book "Principles of Personal Defense".
Join us next week, when we'll have Gordon Hutchinson on the show, the author of "The Great New Orleans Gun Grab", who will be talking about his experiences in Louisiana during and after Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent illegal firearms confiscations.
Of course, you can also download the .mp3 file of the show if you'd like to listen to it that.
If you'd like to simply subscribe to our show so it downloads automatically into your iTunes, you can follow the simple instructions at this link to set up Gun Nuts for iTunes (and Zune), or you can visit the "iTunes Store" and do a search for "Gun Nuts", which will lead you to the downloadable podcasts.
Also new on the shows, is that if you click direct link to the show itself, you'll get to see our product of the week, you can purchase off of Amazon.com. Each week we'll feature a product that ties into the subject of the show. This week it was Jeff Cooper's excellent book "Principles of Personal Defense".
Join us next week, when we'll have Gordon Hutchinson on the show, the author of "The Great New Orleans Gun Grab", who will be talking about his experiences in Louisiana during and after Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent illegal firearms confiscations.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tonight on Gun Nuts: Shooting Tips
Tonight on Gun Nuts Radio we'll be doing a fun show - talking about tips and tricks to make you a better shooter. Breda will be talking about the differences in between training men and women, and I'll take a look at the topic from the eyes of a competition shooter. As always, the show goes live at 9pm Eastern time, and your call ins are always welcome. You can join the conversation live by calling (347) 539-5436 - if you're a firearms instructor or have experience teaching new shooters, we'd love to hear from you. If you're someone who has had a positive or negative experience with an instructor, or you have a question for myself or Breda, please feel free to call in.
That's live tonight at 9pm - hear it all at www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts!
Also, as a fun side note, this is the 100th post at The Gun Nuts Blog.
That's live tonight at 9pm - hear it all at www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts!
Also, as a fun side note, this is the 100th post at The Gun Nuts Blog.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Bianchi Cup Production Division
I have talked a lot on this blog and on Call me Ahab about the new production division that I'll be shooting in at this year's Bianchi Cup. If you visit NRA's website, you can download the "Rule Change" .pdf file which details the rules governing the new Production Division at this year's and future competitions. Here is a link to the .pdf file for the new Production Division rules. I've also reproduced the key areas below - if you're an IPSC/IDPA production shooter, pay attention because these rules are what will govern your gun in Bianchi Cup/NRA Action Pistol shooting.
What's interesting about that is what it means to you. For example, my Springfield XD came from the factory with fixed sights, which means that I can't modify the gun to an adjustable sight gun, and I most certainly can't throw a Bo-Mar sight on there, as they have been specifically prohibited for use in Production Division. The new division rules make the game both accessible for new shooters, but allow for most of the common modifications that you could or would make to a gun for Production division in USPSA. I've put special note on the sights of the gun, as it seems like that would be the area that would most likely trip up a competitive shooter, and land their gun in the "Metallic" division as opposed to the Production.
I'm definitely looking forward to shooting this match in May - it will be a challenge unlike anything I've done before!
(a) Grips may be replaced or modified to fit the competitor’s hand or to facilitate loading. Checkering, stippling, grip tape and grip sleeves are permitted.
(d)Only open sights may be used. The front sight must be a non-adjustable post sight. The rear sight may be adjustable if the firearm was originally manufactured with an adjustable sight. Sights may be replaced but they must use the original dovetail cuts and must retain the original configuration of the firearm. Fiber optic sights are permitted.
The following changes are prohibited
(c) Changes in the original factory sight configuration of the firearm are prohibited. Front adjustable sights are prohibited.
(d) Peep, ghost, optical, electronic, Bo-Mar and Aristocrat type sights.
What's interesting about that is what it means to you. For example, my Springfield XD came from the factory with fixed sights, which means that I can't modify the gun to an adjustable sight gun, and I most certainly can't throw a Bo-Mar sight on there, as they have been specifically prohibited for use in Production Division. The new division rules make the game both accessible for new shooters, but allow for most of the common modifications that you could or would make to a gun for Production division in USPSA. I've put special note on the sights of the gun, as it seems like that would be the area that would most likely trip up a competitive shooter, and land their gun in the "Metallic" division as opposed to the Production.
I'm definitely looking forward to shooting this match in May - it will be a challenge unlike anything I've done before!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Superior Concepts Laser Stock
This was a product that I saw while I was wandering the back alleys of SHOT SHOW 2009 was the LaserStock from Superior Concepts. It's a replacement stock for your Ruger 10/22 that comes with an integrated laser built into the front end of the stock.
The LaserStock can be had in several different flavors, including a Hogue Overmolded stock, or my favorite version, a Butler Creek Folding Stock. All of the different models of Laser Stock retail for $199.99. I've talked before about how I "believe" in the laser as a training tool, and what better gun to mount one on than your .22 LR plinking machine?
Superior Concepts also makes a replacement barrel band for the 10/22 which has a Picitinny rail built into the replacement part.
The Accessory band runs for $49.99-$59.99 for the camo version, and allows you to integrate a light mount or other tactical accessories to your Ruger 10/22. You could add this and a Surefire weapon light to your 10/22, throw a Laser Stock on there, and be ready to roll with a tricked out tactical 10/22.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
The LaserStock can be had in several different flavors, including a Hogue Overmolded stock, or my favorite version, a Butler Creek Folding Stock. All of the different models of Laser Stock retail for $199.99. I've talked before about how I "believe" in the laser as a training tool, and what better gun to mount one on than your .22 LR plinking machine?
Superior Concepts also makes a replacement barrel band for the 10/22 which has a Picitinny rail built into the replacement part.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
The Accessory band runs for $49.99-$59.99 for the camo version, and allows you to integrate a light mount or other tactical accessories to your Ruger 10/22. You could add this and a Surefire weapon light to your 10/22, throw a Laser Stock on there, and be ready to roll with a tricked out tactical 10/22.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Last Night on Gun Nuts: SHOT SHOW
Last night's episode of Gun Nuts Radio, after a brief rabbit trail chase down the path of yesterday's inauguration was all about SHOT SHOW 2009. Much like the paths I walked at SHOT, last night's show essentially was me running around chasing shiny objects and talking about them, getting distracted by the pile of gun stuff on my desk, and generally being ADHD. Greg Morris called in and testified to exactly how ADD I got during the show - we'd be walking down the aisle and I'd suddenly trail off to the left or the right to go look at Product X that caught my eye. You can listen to my rabbit trails by clicking the player below, or by clicking here to download an .mp3 copy of the show.
Also, you can now listen to us on your iPod or Zune player, simply by following the instructions in this link: Gun Nuts Radio on iTunes. I hope you enjoy last night's show, Breda and I very much enjoyed putting together the special 1.5 hour edition of Gun Nuts Radio. Listen in, and see if you can follow my incredibly distracted thought train through the entire show!
Also, you can now listen to us on your iPod or Zune player, simply by following the instructions in this link: Gun Nuts Radio on iTunes. I hope you enjoy last night's show, Breda and I very much enjoyed putting together the special 1.5 hour edition of Gun Nuts Radio. Listen in, and see if you can follow my incredibly distracted thought train through the entire show!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tonight on Gun Nuts Radio: SHOT SHOW
It should be pretty obvious by now that tonight's Gun Nuts Radio is going to focus on SHOT SHOW 2009, based on the extensive coverage it's been getting both here and at the the Gun Nuts Blog. Because of the nature of the show, we're going to want a lot of call ins tonight - if you have questions about new products, gear, you name it, please feel free to join us live at 9pm Eastern time by calling (347) 539-5436. If you attended SHOT and would like to offer your comments, thoughts and opinions, your call in is welcomed as well!
Again, that's at 9pm tonight live at www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts! Join the conversation live by calling 347-539-5439!
Again, that's at 9pm tonight live at www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts! Join the conversation live by calling 347-539-5439!
Spotlight: Guncrafter Industries
Guncrafter Industries is known for their .50 GI cartridge which they chambered in a 1911 style pistol. At SHOT SHOW 2009, Guncrafter Industries introduced two new models of pistol, a .45 ACP 1911 called "The American", and a .50 GI conversion kit for your large frame Glock pistols.
Guncrafter Industries .45 ACP American model comes from the factory with all the whizz-bang features that you'd expect on a custom 1911, including the magazine well, ambi-safety, integral accessory rail, etc. I must say that the finished product looks pretty sweet.
Notice the absence of a full length guide rod, something which will no doubt please the 1911 purists out there.
The .50 GI Glock kit is a sight to behold - based on the success of their .50 GI 1911, Guncrafter has put together a complete conversion kit for your Glock 20/21 pistols which will allow you to fire the .50 GI round through them.
The kit has a suggested MSRP of $595, and comes with 1 magazine. You can purchase loaded ammo from Guncrafter, as well as dies to reload your .50 GI pistols. An example of loaded ammo is this 185 grain all copper round; which eschews the traditional jacket and lead core in favor of an all copper bullet which retains 100% of its weight when fired through water. With an all copper bullet, there is no jacket to separate from the main body of the projectile, which can cause a loss of penetration.
Obviously, some very cool stuff - if you're in to "big bore" pistols, you might want to check out the offerings from Guncrafter Industries.
Guncrafter Industries .45 ACP American model comes from the factory with all the whizz-bang features that you'd expect on a custom 1911, including the magazine well, ambi-safety, integral accessory rail, etc. I must say that the finished product looks pretty sweet.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
Notice the absence of a full length guide rod, something which will no doubt please the 1911 purists out there.
The .50 GI Glock kit is a sight to behold - based on the success of their .50 GI 1911, Guncrafter has put together a complete conversion kit for your Glock 20/21 pistols which will allow you to fire the .50 GI round through them.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
The kit has a suggested MSRP of $595, and comes with 1 magazine. You can purchase loaded ammo from Guncrafter, as well as dies to reload your .50 GI pistols. An example of loaded ammo is this 185 grain all copper round; which eschews the traditional jacket and lead core in favor of an all copper bullet which retains 100% of its weight when fired through water. With an all copper bullet, there is no jacket to separate from the main body of the projectile, which can cause a loss of penetration.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
Obviously, some very cool stuff - if you're in to "big bore" pistols, you might want to check out the offerings from Guncrafter Industries.
Advantage Tactical Sight
One of the things about SHOT SHOW this year was that there were not a lot of really "mind-blowing" products, however there were a couple of accessories and aftermarket products that did catch my eye. One of those "neato" products was the "Advantage Tactical Sight", which is a new sighting system available for Glocks, Sigs, Springfield XD pistols, and now - shotguns.
The sight picture is radically different than any other iron sight I've shot with - instead of the traditional sight picture where you line the three posts up, the perfect sight picture with the ATS creates a triangle, with the tip of the triangle located where you want the bullet to go.
Now, I can't speak to the handgun sights, because while they were very fast to acquire on the dummy models in the booth, I can also pick up a set of fiber optics pretty fast, so it's hard to compare them unless I'm doing it side by side on the clock. However, the shotgun sight is extremely fast. Compared a simple bead sight, or a more complex rifle style sight, the ability to acquire the shotgun ATS in a hurry seems like a pretty significant advantage. Using the test shotgun, I was able to snap the gun up to my shoulder and have the sights aligned an on targets at a significant distance in a fraction of the time it would have taken with a bead or with conventional rifle sights.
The shotgun sights are not available yet, however you can order the pistol sights from their online store by clicking here.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
The sight picture is radically different than any other iron sight I've shot with - instead of the traditional sight picture where you line the three posts up, the perfect sight picture with the ATS creates a triangle, with the tip of the triangle located where you want the bullet to go.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
Now, I can't speak to the handgun sights, because while they were very fast to acquire on the dummy models in the booth, I can also pick up a set of fiber optics pretty fast, so it's hard to compare them unless I'm doing it side by side on the clock. However, the shotgun sight is extremely fast. Compared a simple bead sight, or a more complex rifle style sight, the ability to acquire the shotgun ATS in a hurry seems like a pretty significant advantage. Using the test shotgun, I was able to snap the gun up to my shoulder and have the sights aligned an on targets at a significant distance in a fraction of the time it would have taken with a bead or with conventional rifle sights.
The shotgun sights are not available yet, however you can order the pistol sights from their online store by clicking here.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Taurus Compact Judge
That's not a typo up there. For 2009, Taurus has announced a "compact" version of their extremely popular "Judge" series of revolvers. The new compact Judge has the cylinder to accept 2.5 inch .410 rounds (and .45 Colt as well). Here's an image from the Taurus press kit.
And here is the revolver "in the wild".
The 2nd image it's pictured with a box of the new .410 Handgun Personal Defense rounds from Federal. You can check out The Firearm Blog for more information on those rounds. The official name of the new Judge pistol is the Taurus Public Defender, which is kind of cute.
And here is the revolver "in the wild".
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
The 2nd image it's pictured with a box of the new .410 Handgun Personal Defense rounds from Federal. You can check out The Firearm Blog for more information on those rounds. The official name of the new Judge pistol is the Taurus Public Defender, which is kind of cute.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sig Sauer P226 Blackwater Tactical
New for 2009, Sig Sauer has released two special "Blackwater" edition pistols. Previously, Sig had made the P226 in a "Blackwater" version, complete with the Blackwater bear paw logo on the grips. For 2009, they're releasing a 1911-style pistol, as well as the excellent P226 Elite as "Blackwater" pistols. The P226 is called the P226 Blackwater Tactical, and comes from the factory with an excellent set of fiber optic sights.
The P226 Blackwater Tactical comes complete with all the bells and whistles that you'd expect on a Sig bearing the "Blackwater" name, including 4 20 round magazines. That's right, direct from the factory the gun comes with not one or two, but 4 (!) 20 round magazines. Not to be forgotten, the standard P226 Blackwater edition is also still available, however it lacks the factory fiber optic sights, extended magazine well, and beavertail of the P226 Blackwater Tactical. The Sig P226 Blackwater Tactical has an MSRP of $1300, and should be available in early to mid 2009. DO WANT.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
The P226 Blackwater Tactical comes complete with all the bells and whistles that you'd expect on a Sig bearing the "Blackwater" name, including 4 20 round magazines. That's right, direct from the factory the gun comes with not one or two, but 4 (!) 20 round magazines. Not to be forgotten, the standard P226 Blackwater edition is also still available, however it lacks the factory fiber optic sights, extended magazine well, and beavertail of the P226 Blackwater Tactical. The Sig P226 Blackwater Tactical has an MSRP of $1300, and should be available in early to mid 2009. DO WANT.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Sig Sauer P238 .380 ACP 1911
One of the hottest products, at least to my mind this year, is the Sig Sauer P238 - a Colt Mustang-ish .380 ACP pocket rocket. The sign at the Sig booth is what initially caught my eye.
Being a great fan of the .380 cartridge, I immediately swiviled the camera around to get a look at the gun itself, which did not disappoint. The actual product fits neatly into the palm of my hand, and carries 6 rounds of your favorite flavor of .380 defensive ammo. The price range looks like $500-$600 MSRP.
I know that my friend Breda is looking for a 1911, and that she likes a good .380 ACP. For some reason, I have a gut feeling that the new Sig Sauer P238 will definitely appeal to her.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
Being a great fan of the .380 cartridge, I immediately swiviled the camera around to get a look at the gun itself, which did not disappoint. The actual product fits neatly into the palm of my hand, and carries 6 rounds of your favorite flavor of .380 defensive ammo. The price range looks like $500-$600 MSRP.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
I know that my friend Breda is looking for a 1911, and that she likes a good .380 ACP. For some reason, I have a gut feeling that the new Sig Sauer P238 will definitely appeal to her.
Smith & Wesson MP-15 .22 LR
While I was stymied in my search for information on the new Colt/Umarex .22 LR carbine, I headed over to the Smith & Wesson booth to check out revolvers, 1911s, and their M&P-15 series of AR style rifles. While over there, I noticed that they had an AR15 enclosed in glass and surrounded by .22 LR ammo. Needless to say, the camera immediately came out.
Make sure you click all pictures to view them in their full glory. According to the placard posted next to the carbine, it's a "dedicated .22 LR platform", which I take to mean that it's not going to be interchangeable with your existing AR uppers and lowers - it's a .22 first, foremost, and all the time.
Information on this carbine is pretty scarce right now - I'm planning on swinging by the S&W booth today to see if I can scare up anything on MSRP and planned release date. There isn't anything included in their press kit about this rifle, which leads me to believe that it's so new that they just threw it up there for SHOT SHOW 2009.
Smith & Wesson's M&P-15 rifles have gained a pretty healthy following in the black rifle community. If you're looking for a dedicated .22 LR training platform that will integrate with your other tactical accessories (like that new Crimson Trace vertical grip) then you probably won't go wrong with the S&W MP15 .22 LR.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
Make sure you click all pictures to view them in their full glory. According to the placard posted next to the carbine, it's a "dedicated .22 LR platform", which I take to mean that it's not going to be interchangeable with your existing AR uppers and lowers - it's a .22 first, foremost, and all the time.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
Information on this carbine is pretty scarce right now - I'm planning on swinging by the S&W booth today to see if I can scare up anything on MSRP and planned release date. There isn't anything included in their press kit about this rifle, which leads me to believe that it's so new that they just threw it up there for SHOT SHOW 2009.
Smith & Wesson's M&P-15 rifles have gained a pretty healthy following in the black rifle community. If you're looking for a dedicated .22 LR training platform that will integrate with your other tactical accessories (like that new Crimson Trace vertical grip) then you probably won't go wrong with the S&W MP15 .22 LR.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Walther PK380
Ever since I bought my Walther P22 oh so many years ago, I've been wishing that Walther would make a polymer framed gun with a steel slide and barrel that was about the same size at the P22, but chambered for a more reasonable defensive cartridge, such as .32 ACP or .380 ACP. I've wanted this gun for all kinds of reasons, not the least of which is that my wife loves the P22 and would carry it if it wasn't a .22 (and notoriously finicky).
Today, my prayers have been answered. Meet the Walther PK380.
It's about the size of the Walther P22, but chambered for .380 ACP, it's practically my dream carry gun. I predict that these will sell like hotcakes.
The new PK380 has 3.66 inch barrel, uses a conventional DA/SA action, and unlike the P22 will fire when the magazine it out of the gun which makes it much more viable as a defensive firearm than the P22. Weighing in at 19.4 ounces, it's not the smallest and lightest carry gun, but the weight will certainly help tame whatever recoil there is from the .380 cartridge.
Walther says that these should be available in March-April. With my deep affection for my P22, I'll probably be one of their first customers. The new PK380 comes in pictured black slide, as well as a version with a stainless slide. The integral accessory rail allows it to accept Walther's proprietary laser as well.
Today, my prayers have been answered. Meet the Walther PK380.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
It's about the size of the Walther P22, but chambered for .380 ACP, it's practically my dream carry gun. I predict that these will sell like hotcakes.
The new PK380 has 3.66 inch barrel, uses a conventional DA/SA action, and unlike the P22 will fire when the magazine it out of the gun which makes it much more viable as a defensive firearm than the P22. Weighing in at 19.4 ounces, it's not the smallest and lightest carry gun, but the weight will certainly help tame whatever recoil there is from the .380 cartridge.
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| From SHOT SHOW 2009 |
Walther says that these should be available in March-April. With my deep affection for my P22, I'll probably be one of their first customers. The new PK380 comes in pictured black slide, as well as a version with a stainless slide. The integral accessory rail allows it to accept Walther's proprietary laser as well.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Ruger LCR - a polymer revolver
While that's not completely true, the new Ruger LCR makes extensive use of polymers to reduce the overall weight of the gun. Here's the full press release from Ruger.
Ruger's additional announcement of a tactical Mini-14, and now the LCR has moved their booth to the very, very top of my list of "must see" locations at the 2009 SHOT SHOW.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is pleased to announce the new Ruger Lightweight Compact Revolver (LCR), an evolution in revolver design. The 13.5 ounce, small frame, 5-shot LCR has three main components: a polymer fire control housing, an aircraft quality aluminum monolithic frame, and an extensively fluted stainless steel cylinder. The Ruger LCR represents one of the most significant new revolver designs in over a century, with three patent applications pending.
Ruger's additional announcement of a tactical Mini-14, and now the LCR has moved their booth to the very, very top of my list of "must see" locations at the 2009 SHOT SHOW.
Civilian HK 416 and HK 417s to be available
HK has announced that they will release civilian legal versions of the HK 416 and HK 417 sometime after SHOT SHOW. The civilian version of the HK 417 is named the MR762, and the specifications can be viewed at this link on HK's website. The civilian legal HK 416 is called the MR556. Both rifles are being shipped from the factory with 10 round magazines, but will accept aftermarket high capacity magazines.
Check back here during SHOT SHOW 2009 for more pictures and details of the product!
Check back here during SHOT SHOW 2009 for more pictures and details of the product!
Bianchi Cup on Gun Nuts Radio
Last night on Gun Nuts Radio, we had Tom Hughes, the Action Pistol coordinator for NRA on the show to talk about the 30th Anniversary of Bianchi Cup, and Action Pistol in general. Click here to listen to the archive copy of our NRA Action Pistol show.
As usual, you can also download an .mp3 copy of the show by clicking on the link, so you can take the show with you wherever you go. Also, you can now subscribe to Gun Nuts Radio on iTunes or your Zune player by adding our RSS Feed to your podcast subscriptions. Click this post for instructions on how to add us to your iTunes podcast subscriptions.
Last night's show was one of my favorites that we've done - while I enjoy the political and activism shows, at my heart I'm a shooter first and an activist second, so talking about the games I love really brings out the best parts of the show for me. Tom was excellent as well - if you're looking for a resource to get a into NRA Action Pistol shooting, last night's show would be an excellent primer for anyone.
As usual, you can also download an .mp3 copy of the show by clicking on the link, so you can take the show with you wherever you go. Also, you can now subscribe to Gun Nuts Radio on iTunes or your Zune player by adding our RSS Feed to your podcast subscriptions. Click this post for instructions on how to add us to your iTunes podcast subscriptions.
Last night's show was one of my favorites that we've done - while I enjoy the political and activism shows, at my heart I'm a shooter first and an activist second, so talking about the games I love really brings out the best parts of the show for me. Tom was excellent as well - if you're looking for a resource to get a into NRA Action Pistol shooting, last night's show would be an excellent primer for anyone.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Bianchi Cup on Gun Nuts Radio tonight
Tonight's Gun Nuts Radio is going to be our Bianchi Cup Special - we'll be joined by Tom Hughes, the Action Pistol Coordinator from NRA who will share news with us about the rule changes, how to get new shooters involved, and the growth that NRA is hoping for from Action Pistol in 2009.
You'll be able to listen live by going to www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts. We'll also open up the phone lines for you guys to aks Tom questions about NRA Action Pistol as well: to join the conversation all you need to call is call the show line at (347) 539-5436, or join us in the chat room. We're looking forward to having Tom on tonight, and we hope you'll join us live at 9pm!
You'll be able to listen live by going to www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts. We'll also open up the phone lines for you guys to aks Tom questions about NRA Action Pistol as well: to join the conversation all you need to call is call the show line at (347) 539-5436, or join us in the chat room. We're looking forward to having Tom on tonight, and we hope you'll join us live at 9pm!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Consistency in competitive shooting
The title of the post says it all, actually - in competitive shooting, the best and greatest shooters are the best because they are extremely consistent. They've practiced every action from drawing, firing, and reloading to the point where their ingrained muscle memory allows them to perform physical actions with little to no variations during repetitions of the action. That allows the top shooters to minimize wasted movement, which then makes them faster.
In the above video, watch Dave Sevigny reload his gun - everything is done on the shortest path possible, so that he doesn't waste any energy with excessive motion. The same goes for his actual movement. By taking the fastest line through the course, he minimizes lower body movment, allowing him to have a solid base to fire from.
With phsyical consistency, you also need mechanical consistency; meaning that your gun and gear have to be 100% reliable. I had a "mechanical" issue at a steel match this weekend, which added about 15 seconds to my time on a stage, and dropped me from what would have been approximately a 3rd place finish all the way to 6th. While a top 10 finish is nice, a top 5 finish would have been a much better way to start off the Steel season at MCF&G.
The problem with mechanical consistency is that while we as the shooter can control many of the factors that contribute to your guns and gear running flawlessly, not everything is 100% under your control (although mine was, I hadn't cleaned my magazines since the last time I shot, and dirty magazine = malfunction in the gun). Sometimes, weird things happen to guns, and when you're running high round counts, your statistical odds of a weird thing happening increase. However, there are things we can do to ensure that our equipment is as reliable as we can make it.
Three simple steps, but they may save you a major mechanical headache at your next match.
In the above video, watch Dave Sevigny reload his gun - everything is done on the shortest path possible, so that he doesn't waste any energy with excessive motion. The same goes for his actual movement. By taking the fastest line through the course, he minimizes lower body movment, allowing him to have a solid base to fire from.
With phsyical consistency, you also need mechanical consistency; meaning that your gun and gear have to be 100% reliable. I had a "mechanical" issue at a steel match this weekend, which added about 15 seconds to my time on a stage, and dropped me from what would have been approximately a 3rd place finish all the way to 6th. While a top 10 finish is nice, a top 5 finish would have been a much better way to start off the Steel season at MCF&G.
The problem with mechanical consistency is that while we as the shooter can control many of the factors that contribute to your guns and gear running flawlessly, not everything is 100% under your control (although mine was, I hadn't cleaned my magazines since the last time I shot, and dirty magazine = malfunction in the gun). Sometimes, weird things happen to guns, and when you're running high round counts, your statistical odds of a weird thing happening increase. However, there are things we can do to ensure that our equipment is as reliable as we can make it.
- Keep it clean - this includes your magazines (stupid mistakes), holster, magazine holders, and of course your gun itself. I try to clean my gun every 200 rounds at a minimum, and I usually clean it in between every match. Note: if you're cleaning your match gun, make sure you test fire it after you clean it before you take it to a match.
- Replace parts regularly - magazine springs, recoil springs, magazine holders, etc. By keeping your parts fresh, you avoid any jams or malfunctions that would be caused by a worn out piece of gear.
- Keep records - starting this year, I'm keeping a record of every round I fire, whether it's in practice or competition. That way, I can track round counts on various guns, and have a much more accurate idea of when I need to get them "in the shop" for serious maintenance.
Three simple steps, but they may save you a major mechanical headache at your next match.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Gun Nuts Radio now with iTunes support
If you're an iTunes/iPod user, you can now subscribe to a Gun Nuts Radio feed with your iTools(ha!) that will actually work. In iTunes, simply click on "Advanced" and "Subscribe to Podcast" and enter the following URL for the Gun Nuts Radio Podcast:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts.rss
Depending on your settings, this will then automatically download the latest Gun Nuts Radio episodes direct to your iTunes player so that you can take Breda and me everywhere you go.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts.rss
Depending on your settings, this will then automatically download the latest Gun Nuts Radio episodes direct to your iTunes player so that you can take Breda and me everywhere you go.
Bianchi Cup and Gun Nuts Radio
Next Tuesday on Gun Nuts Radio, we're going to be doing a special on Bianchi Cup/NRA Action Pistol. Tom Hughes, NRA's Bianchi Cup coordinator will be joining us to give us an overview of Bianchi Cup, including some of the changes that the sport is going to see in the coming years.
On top of that, my number one priority for shooting sports coverage this year is to actually get out to Bianchi Cup to both shoot and cover the match. I've never shot NRA Action Pistol before, and my travel budget is tight, but shooting Bianchi Cup has always been a dream of mine. One of the items we will be talking about will be the new competitive class that NRA has added - for the first time, there is now a "Production" division for Bianchi Cup, which will allow people like me to run mostly stock guns in the game.
If you're at all interested in Bianchi Cup, or competitive shooting in any form, don't miss Tuesday's Gun Nuts Radio. We'll be live at 9pm, and available for download immediately after that!
On top of that, my number one priority for shooting sports coverage this year is to actually get out to Bianchi Cup to both shoot and cover the match. I've never shot NRA Action Pistol before, and my travel budget is tight, but shooting Bianchi Cup has always been a dream of mine. One of the items we will be talking about will be the new competitive class that NRA has added - for the first time, there is now a "Production" division for Bianchi Cup, which will allow people like me to run mostly stock guns in the game.
If you're at all interested in Bianchi Cup, or competitive shooting in any form, don't miss Tuesday's Gun Nuts Radio. We'll be live at 9pm, and available for download immediately after that!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Last Night: Open Carry with Meleanie Hain
Last night on Gun Nuts Radio, we featured Meleanie Hain - the PA soccer mom who has become the poster child for the open carry movement. Clicking the link above will take you to the show, or you can click on the embedded player to the right of this post. If you'd like to download the .mp3 file, please hit the button below to play/download the .mp3.
You can also always download or listen to shows by visiting www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts and clicking on any of the archived podcasts. Although, don't miss out on last night's show. One of the neat things about it was that you got to hear Meleanie's story without it getting filtered by the MSM first; I found out that she had been open carrying to soccer games and practices for some time before the incident.
The topic of open carry could really be a two, three, or even four show topic, and it's definitely one that we plan on revisiting in the future. There's a lot of good discussion to be had when dealing with open carry, and a lot of pros and cons to go back and forth on. For now however, you'll have to content yourselves with last night's show - get it by clicking this link labeled "Open Carry".
You can also always download or listen to shows by visiting www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts and clicking on any of the archived podcasts. Although, don't miss out on last night's show. One of the neat things about it was that you got to hear Meleanie's story without it getting filtered by the MSM first; I found out that she had been open carrying to soccer games and practices for some time before the incident.
The topic of open carry could really be a two, three, or even four show topic, and it's definitely one that we plan on revisiting in the future. There's a lot of good discussion to be had when dealing with open carry, and a lot of pros and cons to go back and forth on. For now however, you'll have to content yourselves with last night's show - get it by clicking this link labeled "Open Carry".
Monday, January 5, 2009
Tomorrow on Gun Nuts radio: Open carry
We're going to be talking about open carry - which is a subject that I personally can't believe we haven't featured yet. Joining us tomorrow night on our open carry show will be Meleanie Hain, the Pennsylvania soccer mom and open carry advocate who had her carry permit revoked, then returned after open carrying at her child's soccer game.
As usual, you can listen live and join the discussion at www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts at 9pm Eastern time. During the top half of the show, Breda and I will be chatting with Ms. Hain, and then we'll open up the phone lines at (347) 539-5436 for your call ins and questions. We're definitely looking forward to this tomorrow night - Open carry is an issue in the pro-gun community about which people are incredibly passionate, and it should spark some great discussion. Be part of the discussion tomorrow night at 9pm at www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts!
As usual, you can listen live and join the discussion at www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts at 9pm Eastern time. During the top half of the show, Breda and I will be chatting with Ms. Hain, and then we'll open up the phone lines at (347) 539-5436 for your call ins and questions. We're definitely looking forward to this tomorrow night - Open carry is an issue in the pro-gun community about which people are incredibly passionate, and it should spark some great discussion. Be part of the discussion tomorrow night at 9pm at www.blogtalkradio.com/gunnuts!
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