Before we even start, let me explain. FMJ or full metal jacket is a term used to describe a projectile (bullet) that consists of a core made of a soft metal encased in a harder metal. This is usually what you see when you pick up a $13 box on 9mm ammunition. It is less expensive and mostly used for training and target shooting. JHP or jacketed hollow point describes a projectile that is similar except the harder metal encases a softer metal that has a hollow cavity at its tip. Also the casing does not cover the tip of the projectile. These rounds are designed to expand inside of a target and dump all of their kinetic energy inside while limiting penetration. The ultimate goal of the jacketed hollow point is to get in a body enough to cause damage, while expanding to cause more damage to surrounding tissues. Both are able to kill, but the JHP, in theory, will inflict more internal damage. JHP ammunition may be more expensive, but it is worth it for self defense. It is much better to definitively stop a threat and only that threat than to run the risk of harming someone behind the threat. Remember, we must always be aware of our target and what's beyond it.
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The AR-15 is the quintessential "American Gun". It was designed for the American military in the 1950s (by a Canadian) and the designed was later sold to the Colt firearms company and eventually a semi-automatic version was made available for civilian purchase. Over the years, there have been dozens of variations developed and even more part and modifications made. The rifle is beloved for its ease of use and modular capabilities. The military version fires the 5.56 NATO (5.56x45mm) cartridge, but there are civilian models that use the .223 Remington round. Most people can't even tell the difference between the .223 and 5.56 cartridges, and honestly, neither can most rifles. They look the same, feel the same, and are made to do the same thing. But no matter how unnoticeable or insignificant, there is a difference. Now I'm not going to get into pressures, velocities, casing widths, and ballistics, but it is recommended that only .223 rounds be shot from a rifle chambered in .223 Remington. In my self-bestowed expert opinion, get a rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO. Those things will eat either cartridge & not think twice about it.
In the world of concealed carry, there are certain obstacles and compromises that we have to make. You want to have the best chance to adequately defend yourself, but conceal your firearm as much as possible. Since there is no pocket sized, 100 round pistol, with shoulder stocks, sacrifices must be made. A few months ago I found a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield chambered in 9mm with no thumb safety! I had been looking for one for a pretty decent amount of time with no luck. When I found this one, I jumped at the chance. They come with a flush fitting, 7 round magazine and an extended 8 round magazine. The 8 rounder fits perfectly so you can imagine that the 7 rounder is a little bit less than comfortable. If you have larger hands and a Shield, you know what I mean. After a few Googles and some research, I found my solution. Pearce Grip Extensions! This thing makes a WORLD of difference and doesn't require much effort. If you're considering a Shield and have a larger sized hand, check out the video. I'll show you just how easy the grip extension is to install and how much better you can grip your Shield. They are also made for other pistols if you're interested. What a noble idea, a gun that only fires for its owner. This would no doubt fix the problem of senseless gun violence and make this country safer. Now, once you wake up from your dream and return to the real world, let's take a look at the problems with this. Theoretically, smart weapons are supposed to only work in the hands of one person, the owner. The term has been trademarked by firearms manufacturer Mossberg, but is used to describe all firearms of the sort. All sarcasm aside, at first glance, this seems like a viable idea. It would keep bad guys from using a stolen weapon while allowing law abiding citizens to remain armed and protect themselves. But that's only at first glance. Any responsible gun owner knows that repetition is essential and one glance is never enough. There are tons of holes in this idea and more are being poked daily.
Don't get me wrong, I am willing to listen to any ideas that will help put a stop to gun violence. That's one of the reasons I choose to arm myself, but this concept is just ridiculous. I get that this would possibly reduce gun accidents caused by user negligence, but so would not being so negligent. A greater attention to detail is so much easier and would have a much greater benefit.
Common Sense Gun SafetyYou hear it all the time... "We need to enact common sense gun legislation to prevent senseless acts of gun violence." And actually, I agree, to an extent. There is no reason to have the number of massacres and murders that our country has experienced, but let's examine that statement for a second. What exactly is "common sense gun safety"? Background checks? Gun registration? Mandatory waiting periods? Banning certain types of weapons? Limiting magazine capacity? Getting rid of guns all together??? Who is deciding what common sense actually is? Now we have discovered our first problem... Most of the people calling for these common sense gun safety measures are not gun people. They do not shoot, carry, or even like guns. They think gun owners are just a bunch of trigger happy rebels who believe the government is out to get them and zombies will take over the world next week. Now for some, this is true, i can't lie, but for most, this is a complete lie. Gun owners are from every walk of life, literally. From fortune 500 CEOs who enjoy a good hunt every once in a while, to that college student living in the shitty neighborhood, working late nights just to keep Sallie Mae out of his pockets. How can someone that doesn't commonly have guns in their life have common sense decisions about them? I don't see a way. No amount of research or data can make that happen. We make doctors go through years of studying and training before allowing them to operate on a brain, but a few google searches is all it takes for a politician to become a gun safety expert? Ludicrous. And please don't get it twisted, gun violence IS as serious as brain surgery. That's more the reason to have people who actually understand guns to make these changes. Let's take a look at the proposed changes for a second. You won't believe how quickly they get holes poked into them.
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AuthorKeep in mind that I am by no means a gun expert. I have had some safety, handling, and shooting training, but nowhere near the amount I feel is needed to claim the "expert" title. With that being said, I am a man that owns a LOT of firearms, knives, and gear! I have been shooting since I could hold a rifle and have even competed in and won a few competitions. The advice and tips that I give are based on personal experience, but are by no means to be taken as law. Please consult a trained, certified professional for all your firearms needs. Enjoy! Archives
May 2016
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