Great Gun Stuff Blog

What's the first thing you do when you pick up a fine leather holster? If you're like most of us, you hold it to your nose allow that wonderful aroma that only fine leather has. But what is that aroma really and how does it get there. I mean, after all, have you ever actually smelled a cow?

Quality leather holsters with fine hand boning are designed to retain the shape of the firearm are typically handcrafted from vegetable-tanned leather.  That means it was tanned using tannins (which is too technical a word for this blog but the word chemical will do) and other more natural ingredients found in vegetable matter, tree bark and the like.  It gives the leather its brown color and makes it supple in nature.  It is the only type of leather suitable for use in carving or stamping.  It can also be oiled to improve its water resistance, keep it supple and improve its lifespan dramatically.

There are many different types of tanning processes, from aldehyde-tanned, to chrome-tanned to even brain-tanned, as well as leather holsters that have been “painted” to achieve their look. So the next time you pick up a holster, or any fine leather good, check it out for that  rich, quality leather aroma, if it’s there, chances are you have a vegetable tanned and oiled work of art in your hands.

Platinum G3 series is high-end choice for serious shooters

Battenfeld Technologies, Inc. has announced the addition of the Platinum Series G3 to its line of electronic hearing protection.

The G3 offers several upgrades over the popular E-MAXTM ear muffs, including a comfortable padded fleece headband, independent left/right volume control and special "sound compression" circuitry that both limits loud noises without "cutting out" and amplifies low-level sounds, allowing the wearer to have continued conversations during shooting.

"Battenfeld is dedicated to pushing the envelope of quality and value, and the G3 hearing protection is no exception," says New Model Manager Adam Birk. "We set out to build the best features at an affordable price into a comfortable and easy-to-wear set, and with the Platinum Series G3, we've done just that."

To purchase the Platinum Series G3, please visit GunAccessories.com

Caldwell Shooting Supplies has unveiled "7-Rest", the next chapter in a quest to revolutionize the shooting rest industry.

The 7-Rest features fully-adjustable overmolded front and rear supports and a unique offset design that puts the main base of the rest at an angle, instead of a straight line, allowing for comfortable left- or right-handed shooting of any rifle, even those with an extended magazine. The result is rock-solid, all-in-one shooting base with plenty of vertical adjustment to accommodate guns of virtually any length that folds quickly for easy transport and storage,.

"We enjoy the challenge of problem-solving, and this project provided a great opportunity," says Adam Birk, New Model Manager for Battenfeld Technologies, Inc. "With the rise in popularity of ARs and extended magazine, the traditional T-style rest design tends to get in the way of the shooter." The 7-Rest (named for its "7" rather than "T" shape) solves that problem with no increased cost, allowing the rest to remain very affordable.

To purchase Caldwell's 7-Rest, please visit GunAccessories.com

We all know this is the time of the year we typically clean up and organize our homes, garages, yards and gardens to prepare for the busy summer months. It should also be the time for departments and agencies to look at their forensics supplies, equipment and facilities to ensure they are cleaned up and organized for the upcoming year.

While many of the products utilized in the investigation and processing of crime scenes are not perishable and store very well, you still need to routinely evaluate your existing stock-on-hand. Ask yourself the following questions when reviewing your inventory of forensics supplies:

1. Do you have sufficient fingerprint powders with the various developing properties ready to handle the expected caseload?
2. Are your magnetic and standard powders free of clumps and clinks or should they be sieved or replaced?
3. Are your powder applicators in good shape and not contaminated from on-scene processing?
4. Do you have separate Zephyr® Fiberglass brushes for the different types of fingerprint powders you utilize?
5. Do you have sufficient latent lifting devices (tape, rubber, gel, etc.) to recover latent prints developed on-site or on items of evidence?
6. Are your patrol officers properly equipped to collect and process evidence in the field?

This is just a minor listing of items and conditions that should be reviewed; specific check points should be customized for every user and agency as items will vary from department to department. Laboratory technicians, crime scene investigators and patrol officers have varying needs and requirements, but all forensics professionals should periodically conduct this type of detailed review.

An officer recently lamented to me that he was not developing latent prints with the replacement powder he was recently provided by his department. A check of the powder showed that he had been given black magnetic powder to replace his dwindling Bi-chromatic™ fingerprint powder, but was still using a Zephyr®-styled applicator instead of a magnetic applicator.  This powder/brush combination is not recommended and could seriously jeopardize the officer’s ability to successfully lift prints from a crime scene and gain an important conviction!

Spring cleaning should encompass all aspects of your forensic applications from crime scene activities to final disposition of the evidence.  It should become an annual project to ensure you are ready for the challenges in the upcoming year.

So, your department needs new body armor but budgets are a bit tight? The U.S. DOJ’s Bulletproof Vest Program (BVP) may be the perfect solution! On May 13, 2009, the FY 2009 BVP program began accepting applications.

The program is a DOJ initiative designed to provide a critical funding resource for state and local law enforcement to purchase body armor and related equipment. Since 1999, more than 11,900 jurisdictions have participated in the BVP Program, with $173 million in federal funds committed to support the purchase of an estimated 450,000 vests.

Here a few things you should know about the BVP program:

• BVP provides 50% of the funding for your department’s new body armor
• FY 2009 applications must be submitted online by 5:00pm Eastern, Wednesday, June 24, 2009
• Departments can only apply for NIJ compliant armor…not individual officers
• Concealable vests, tactical body armor, and stab-resistant armor are eligible
• K-9 armor and helmets are not eligible
• Departments receive their funding approximately three to four months after the application period closes

To get the full scoop on the BVP program and FY 2009 body armor funding opportunities, go to:

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bvpbasi/home.html

If your department is interested in participating, do not wait until the last minute to register and prepare your application! If you are new to the application process, this is particularly important.
Also, contact your local equipment distributor or Safariland representative and ask about BVP program vest specials and NIJ .06 compliant models. They are a wealth of information and can help you better research and navigate the process.

AK-47

I have a Kvar set with the standard length that I am getting ready to install. It appears to be good quality, but the standard/short stock is really short. It was designed for smaller people who may be wearing heavy coats and AK-47 (think Chicom style chest rigs).

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Make Marijuana Legal

Ethan Nadelmann at CBS News - the founder and executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance gives a bunch of good reasons for legalizing cannabis hemp. He says the reason it was made illegal can’t be found. I guess he hasn’t followed the money. He’s right of course, marijuana should be available in bulk in the health food store for a few dollars an ounce. Obviously.

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Gun Safe WANTED — Buy or Trade
WANTED — I am looking to purchase a new or used gun safe. I don’t care what condition it is in as long as the door has not been “sprung”. Please let me know cash price and if you are interested.

The Afghanistan Security Solution (Long-Term): AFPAK Border Security Fence Needed, Not More U.S. Troops
By Mike Sparks April 29, 2009 “Geographically speaking, Afghanistan is ungovernable. It’s a recipe for a failed state” – Defeatist statement from Peter Zeihan of STRATFOR The April 2009 Armed Forces Journal (AFJ) on page 18 reports we are going to spend more than last year’s $36.5 BILLION occupying Afghanistan with 34,000 U.S. troops in 2008, yet Taliban violence […]

Go Ahead and Jump

Thomas L. Knapp at The Center for a Stateless Society - Mr. Knapp implores the frogs to jump out of the pot, before it boils us alive. With a Prodhoun quote that I’ll post separately.

 

Bersa 380 magazine

I have a Bersa 380 magazine that was engraved and given to me on my 16th birthday. Well it sat there for several years, the only action it seeing is a wipe down with oil every now and then. I finally shot it yesterday.

I must say I was very displeased with it. My groupings were terrible, and all to the right. Not to mention I used the same grip method I use for my 1911 and it would cause the slide lock to lock open after every shot.

I am thinking about removing the magazine safety. I think this would help alot with my groupings. I am also thinking about just putting it back in the safe and let it be.

All in all however I do like the design, minus the magazine safety. I am however going to go back to my Bersa 380 magazines because I am very surgical with them, not to mention I messed around with this girl who I just found out has a psycho boyfriend, so I want all the caliber I can get a the moment. I just think it would take me way to much time getting use to the trigger of the BHP to be worth it.

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Recommended from on high
Wharton at UPenn and USC Annenberg School for Communication both chime in on The Igor Naming Guide.

Wharton at UPenn and USC Annenberg School for Communication both chime in on The Igor Naming Guide.

Check your Weight while you Wait
In Amsterdam, a bus shelter ad for a fitness gym serves up your weight while you sit on the bench.

In Amsterdam, a bus shelter ad for a fitness gym serves up your weight while you sit on the bench.

Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman!
Clever title, huh? Just Snark Hunting making a lame joke out of a cheesy pun? If only. Incredibly, the title of this post is, verbatim, an actual recent trademark filing by Sony! Here are the Goods & Services listed for this mark on the USPTO: Video game software; Software for computer games; Optical disc recorded video [...]

Clever title, huh? Just Snark Hunting making a lame joke out of a cheesy pun? If only. Incredibly, the title of this post is, verbatim, an actual recent trademark filing by Sony! Here are the Goods & Services listed for this mark on the USPTO:

Video game software; Software for computer games; Optical disc recorded video game software; Optical disc recorded computer game software; Optical disc recorded game programs for hand-held typed electronic games with liquid crystal display

Gizmodo, which alerted us to this strange trademark filing, speculates on what it could mean:

Oh, what could it be? It sounds like it could be a trademark for the EULA or privacy section of DC Universe Online, the Sony-developed DC Comics MMORPG. Or something related to that game. How else is Sony thinking it can register the name Badman in any kind of trademark filing and get away with it?

That’s the gazillion dollar question: how can Sony get a trademark for “Badman” in a tagline that plays off the kind of Batman-speak bandied about in the old Batman TV series? Seems like whoever owns the rights to Batman wouldn’t take too kindly to this. Could this be the Joker’s dark wit? Maybe IP-Caped-Crusader Marty Schwimmer can get to the bottom of this.

Holy slap in the farce: This strange turn of events inspired me to look-up some of those phrases from the old show, and it’s amazing how downright wacky they are. Here is a sample to get your Dada groove on:

Penguin: Here comes the bride, all bagged and tied!

Riddler: Batgirls wilt just as quickly as other women!

Robin: Maybe you can bully an aging mogul, but not me, Catwoman!

Batman: I’m just going to hang around the bar. I don’t want to look conspicuous.

Robin: Holy bill of rights, Batman!

Robin: Holy haberdashery, Batman!

King Tut: If the caped crumb is here, the cowled creep can’t be far behind.

Commissioner Gordon: You know I’m violently opposed to police brutality.

Penguin [Organizing his election]: Plenty of girls and bands and slogans and lots of hoopla, but remember, no politics. Issues confuse people.

Catwoman: I’m not just pussyfooting around this time, Batman!

Robin: The way we get into these scrapes and get out of them, it’s almost as though someone was dreaming up these situations; guiding our destiny.

Robin [Figuring out a riddle]: The opposite of a girl is a boy!

Batman: Poor devil. Forced to live in an air-conditioned suit that keeps his body temperature down to fifty degrees below zero. No wonder his mind is warped.

Batman: Robin, warm up the Bat-spot analyzer while I take a sample of this affected cloth.

Batman: I never touch spirits. Have you some milk?

Chief O’Hara: When it comes to the human brain, we’re not equipped.
Robin: Holy atomic pile, Batman!

King Tut: [to Nefertiti] How many times must I tell you? Queens consume nectars and ambrosia, not hot dogs.

Batman: Just a second while I retrieve my beanie, my hair, my tweezers, and my notes.

Batman: I’ve just perfected an Electronic Hair Bat-Analyzer which may hold the key to this baffling question.

Batman: Oh, Catwoman, Catwoman, will you never learn?

Robin: Under this garb, we’re perfectly ordinary Americans.

Robin: I couldn’t resist. You were taken in by her, but I’m too young for that sort of thing.

Robin: Holy priceless collection of Etruscan snoods!

Narrator: Horrors! One lemon!

Robin: Holy oleo!

Catwoman: I didn’t know you could yodel!

Egghead: Woe is me, my criminal career is now egg-stinct!

Batman: Yes, citizen, you may return to your harpsichord.

Robin: We’re on official business!

Robin: Gosh, Batman, what are they dressed like *that* for?

Penguin: Well, I hope you have something special cooked up for that caped creep.

Batman: Let’s go, Robin. We’ve set another youth on the road to a brighter tomorrow.

Commissioner Gordon: Tanks in the street, a horse in my outer office… Has the whole world gone batty?

Shame: Your mother wore Army shoes.
Batman: Yes, she did. As I recall, she found them quite comfortable.

Shame: You big sissy, you couldn’t drive nails in a snow bank.
Batman: Why would I want to?

[Dr. Cassandra uses her alvino ray gun on Batman, Robin and Batgirl]
Batgirl: I feel like I’m getting flat!
Cabala: What a pity…

Robin: Gosh Batman, the nobility of the almost-human porpoise.
Batman: True, it was noble of that animal to hurl himself into the path of that final torpedo. He gave his life for ours.

There are a lot of gems here, but my favorite has to be, “Holy priceless collection of Etruscan snoods!” Can it be long until Sony files a trademark for it? [Sources: USPTO, Gizmodo, IMDB]

Oregon: Pass right-to-carry privacy
Having been approved by the Oregon House, the bill on concealed handgun licenses as public records now rests in the state Senate. There it ought to be speedily approved. The bill would put right-to-carry permits in the same category as driver’s licenses and lots of other public records: They are off limits to public inspection unless someone makes a compelling case that the public interest requires their disclosure.

FWC requests input on 640-acre-game-farms rule
[4/27/09]

Mexican data overstates weapons traced to the U.S.
Mexico provided the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with serial numbers for less than a third of the weapons that were seized. The National Rifle Association and others contend that various U.S. and Mexican officials have exaggerated the number of U.S. weapons seized in Mexico to push for stricter gun controls in America.

Germany to tighten gun control, ban paintball
The Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democrat Party agreed on Tuesday evening to reforms to Germany's gun laws, which include a controversial ban on war games like paintball or laser tag.

The Magpul® Folding Machine Gun (FMG9™) is a rapidly-deployable, ultra-concealable personal defense weapon currently in development for military, law-enforcement and private security operators. It is designed to offer maximum firepower and control in a compact and discreet package.

The non-firing prototype was unveiled during the 2008 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, NV and features a streamlined polymer casing, ready-to-fire push-button deployment, Glock® 17 slide assembly, capability to accept up to 31-round Glock® 18 magazines (in the folded position), top Picatinny (MIL-STD-1913A) rail and a detachable carrying handle with light shield. An Insight Technologies tactical light was mounted on the prototype. Additional space allows for an auto-sear to be installed for qualified users.

The FMG9™ is currently a conceptual prototype. No determination of production of the system has been finalized. If the weapon were to be produced it would be regulated by the National Firearms Act of 1934. The semi-automatic version would most likely be classified as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) or Any-Other Weapon (AOW) depending on an evaluation from the ATF Firearms Technology Branch. This would require a registered transfer only to qualified individuals. Fully-automatic versions would be classified as a post ’86 Machine-Gun (MG) and would not be available to individuals other than Class 3 dealers, military and law enforcement personnel.

Videos of the non-firing prototype can be viewed on YouTube.

More information about the FMG9, including features and specs can be found on Magpul's website(PDF).

To purchase other Magpul products, please visit GunAccessories.com

Frankford Arsenal announced the introduction of a new value-priced digital reloading scale called the DS-750 at the 2009 SHOT Show in Orlando, Florida.

The Frankford Arsenal® DS-750 Digital Scale features a 750-grain capacity and delivers 1/10th-grain accuracy for precise measurement of power, bullets, cases or loaded rounds. The scale offers a large, high-contrast blue backlit LCD display, auto calibration, and simple controls with quick access to units, tare weights and counting.

The DS-750 measures weight in grains, grams, carats or ounces and ships as a kit complete with an integrated protective cover, powder tray, calibration weight, two AAA batteries and a storage case.

To purchase the DS-750 Digital Scale, please visit GunAccessories.com