Category Archives: Uncategorized

More plan changes for the Austin trip

The get-together will be on Wednesday 20th at 8pm at Iron Cactus (I am guessing the North location, will double-check). Flying into Austin on Tuesday, leaving on Friday.

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Jeopardy, opportunity, ability

The shooting of Andy Lopez for the “crime” of carrying an airsoft toy gun in California is interesting for several reasons. One, the shooter is an acquaintance whom I know through the Firing Line forum and regard favorably, largely thanks … Continue reading

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One more photo retoucher needed

Due to the increased volume of work, I am looking for one more freelance retoucher. If interested and qualified, please contact me.

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Austin, TX

New travel dates: November 16-17

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Austin, TX and Orlando, FL roll call

I will be going to Austin and Orlando later this year. If you are in or near those cities and would like to connect during my visit, please let me know.

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Price comparisons

Just an idle thought: from 1900 to 1933, US dollar was worth roughly a pennyweight (1/20 troy ounce or 1.556 gram) of gold. As of today, gold trades for just under $43/gram. A dollar today buys about 67 times less … Continue reading

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The inexplicable ban on purely defensive guns

The two derringers she’s holding are chambered in .22 Short. They through a 27-29gr bullets at about 700fps, enough for 6-8 inches of penetration in flesh. Due to the minimal sights, they can be aimed reliably only at a fairly … Continue reading

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Effective night vision photography

I’ve done night vision photography in the past. It involved carefully placing an PVS14 monocular in front of a Panasonic LX3 or Canon 5D2 with 35/2 lens and doing long exposures from a tripod. Getting alignment between the optics was … Continue reading

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Maintaining proficiency using air guns

Back when I first started shooting, I acquired a CO2 Crossman air gun for my girlfriend. It turned out extremely accurate and I kept it for over a dozen years until somebody borrowed it and forgot to return it. It … Continue reading

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Luxury vs. sufficiency

Most full size and compact modern firearms are sufficient for self-defense. I’ve carried a wide variety and, while I have my favorites, wouldn’t feel too poorly armed even with my least favorite weapon. However, the line is much closer when … Continue reading

Posted in author, interesting people, pistol, self-defense, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Let me play you the song of my people

Lauren is a professional classical musician. She plays a two hundred year old fiddle. She is very good. While she’s a trained martial artist, she’d rather not fight with bare hands. An injury would damage or end her career. Fortunately, … Continue reading

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A good deal in optics

Primary Arms is coming out with an illuminated 1-6x scope with a BDC reticle for .223Rem. I tried out the prototypes and was pleasantly surprised: sharp optics, minimal distortion, very good eyebox even at 6x, and a clear rangefinding reticle. … Continue reading

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Lucid L5 6-24×50 scope updated

I put a Lucid 6-24x scope on the JP SCR11 precision rifle. The scope has a well-considered bullet drop compensating reticle and so works well for precision shooting. My sole complaint with it was the abrasive feel of the turret … Continue reading

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Updated Lucid HD7

I keep a gen.2 Lucid HD7 on a .458SOCOM rifle. I like everything about it except for the uncapped turrets. The 3rd generation HD7 just arrived and it has capped turrets. This sight uses one AAA battery, turns on in … Continue reading

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Travel by muscle power

In Switzerland, bicycles are very popular. Everyone rides them, from kids to the retirees. Razor scooters are also popular. On the plus side, that keeps everyone physically fit. Supplemented by public transportation in case of bad weather, these options work … Continue reading

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Because they are fun!

Submachine guns have many practical uses. They are also plain fun. This man picked one up for the first time in his long life. Like driving a car or riding a bicycle, the pleasure comes from being in control of … Continue reading

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Three Lucid sights arrive

An updated 6-24x scope, an updated HD7 with capped turrets and the little M7 with an AR15 riser. It uses an auto brightness sensor with a manual override. The thrifty among us will like that it runs on a single … Continue reading

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Shooting 50BMG for the first time.

After taking photos of the Micor Leader 50 bullpup for a couple of years, I finally got around to shooting it. Since Charles St.George, the designer, didn’t have a scope with it, I mounted a 2.5x Konus shotgun scope kindly … Continue reading

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Music and lyrics

I find myself drawn to musical ballads, in whichever language they may be. I like stories in music. Some do a good job of messing with the audience’s emotions: Баллада о матери.  Others are just engaging stories: The Ballad of … Continue reading

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Very tacticute

Melissa Gilliland keeps up her side of the family standards by being a competitive shooter in her own right. The rifle is an Asbury Precision Ordnance ASW with 3-15x Light Tactical by Premier Reticles. I’ve seen her kick ass with … Continue reading

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