Showing posts with label firearms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label firearms. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Basic Firearms Part 4: Proper Sight Alignment or Sight Picture
This post has moved. Click here to go to Proper Sight Alignment or Sight Picture
Monday, November 8, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Family Survival Training with Airsoft
Today we have a special guest post from John Durfee. I'm not experienced with airsoft much and he's got some real good ideas here. Thanks, John. Enjoy :)
Family Survival Training
You've been watching him from your post for about ten minutes now. Your ingenious buddies knew of an old deer stand, which has made for an incredible lookout. He hasn't noticed you and has been resting by the bank of the stream catching his breath- your friend did pursue him for almost an hour. He's filling up his canteen and you know it's time, you have the perfect shot with him crouched over absorbed in what he is doing. You carefully and slowly raise your rifle, aim and "Crack" "Crack" "Hit!" You've taken out another one, now only two to go!
What I've just described isn't the latest Hollywood action film: it's the sport of Airsoft, and while fun, can be a valuable tool in teaching real world skills and be great for families.
A Little History
Airsoft originated in Japan in the late 1970's. Japanese law after World War II prevented civilian ownership of firearms, so companies started to produce air powered realistic looking replicas for public use. Over time, clubs began to develop, and the sport of airsoft was formed. In the United States, airsoft had only had a small following up until the late 1990's. This was because the only manufacturers of airsoft were from Japan and Taiwan, and importing airsoft guns was on a small scale because of their high initial prices and need for specialized knowledge. In the past decade however, the sport has developed from a small niche in the sporting market to a very popular sport and tactical simulation tool. Because of recent robust and more affordable designs coming out of neighboring China, airsoft has become hugely accessible to the public. There are fields and stores nationwide that are helping to spread the excitement and knowledge of this fun and safe sport.
What it's about
Airsoft is different from air rifles and pellet guns in that they use standardized 6mm plastic bb's that weigh far less than metal pellets or sabots, and are perfectly safe in a controlled play environment.
Airsoft is preferable to paintball to train with because the equipment requirements and initial cost are much lower. For airsoft electric guns (AEGs), only bb's, a battery, and a charger are needed. With gas powered airsoft, you'll need bb's and green gas (the pressurized gas needed to run the guns) Also, its cleaner than having to wash all your clothes after a day of play.
There are an increasing number of airsoft clubs and organizations that put together multiple day events that can be attended for a set fee. They're run on weekends, usually centered around military scenarios, and the core skills practiced are valuable to real world preparedness. There are varying degrees of immersion, varying from "play and go back to the car for a snack" to full milsim, where one acts, functions, and performs like a real military force for the entire duration. The former are great for family outings, as you can walk out between games at your leisure. Airsoft also teaches proper weapon usage, maintenance, and safety precautions. Most airsoft guns in the mid-range price look, feel, and function as close to the real steel guns as possible. Some airsoft pistols even disassemble the same way as the real thing! You're allowed to become familiarized with firearms and learn how to use them properly.
Valuable Lessons
Airsoft is safe, but it does require a certain level of responsibility and honesty. People need to call out when they are hit. This is a great structured way to teach kids concepts such as fair play, gun safety, and sportsmanship. Family ties are brought together as you rely on each other and work as a team. With all the running around it provides a great workout for everyone: dad gets in his cardio and the kids and burn off their energy. And sibling rivalry can play itself out in new and interesting ways.
For parents it provides an opportunity to train as close to real self defense scenarios as possible. In the case you ever do need to put these skills to use, you'll do it having practiced it before, and the more you play, the more ingrained these self defense procedures become.
The most important thing these events teach is mindset. You have to work in a team, placing your trust in each other. You have to be constantly aware of your surroundings, as your family trusts you to be a set of eyes and ears. You learn to distinguish between friend and foe. You'll hone your aiming and marksmanship skills on real targets who will react and move. You'll train yourself how to respond - rather than react – to surprises and potential threats. And if you're "killed" you can learn from your mistakes, and do better next time.
To be honest airsoft bb's can have a bit of a sting to them. But throwing on a heavy sweater or light jacket will make sure you feel them, but it will be more of a poke than a pinch. And remember the cardinal rule, ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION, while they may not have weight, bb's fly very fast and you need to protect your eyes and those of your family.
Where to play
Most airsoft fields (indoor and outdoor) have an open entry policy, you can play for a few hours, and go home. Many paintball fields are now becoming dual use fields, for both airsoft and paintball so you might want to call any local places to confirm.
Try googling the term 'airsoft' and your state, you'll find forums where people get together and arrange outings. Airsplat has a site with a comprehensive listing of fields across the US. So get out there with your kids and have a safe and fun time!
(PS Always check with your local law enforcement about regulations, wear proper eye protection and NEVER try to modify the orange tips on your airsoft gun.)
John Durfee is a Gulf War veteran and the marketing manager for Airsplat, the nation’s largest retailer of Airsoft Guns and Apparel.
Family Survival Training
You've been watching him from your post for about ten minutes now. Your ingenious buddies knew of an old deer stand, which has made for an incredible lookout. He hasn't noticed you and has been resting by the bank of the stream catching his breath- your friend did pursue him for almost an hour. He's filling up his canteen and you know it's time, you have the perfect shot with him crouched over absorbed in what he is doing. You carefully and slowly raise your rifle, aim and "Crack" "Crack" "Hit!" You've taken out another one, now only two to go!
What I've just described isn't the latest Hollywood action film: it's the sport of Airsoft, and while fun, can be a valuable tool in teaching real world skills and be great for families.
A Little History
Airsoft originated in Japan in the late 1970's. Japanese law after World War II prevented civilian ownership of firearms, so companies started to produce air powered realistic looking replicas for public use. Over time, clubs began to develop, and the sport of airsoft was formed. In the United States, airsoft had only had a small following up until the late 1990's. This was because the only manufacturers of airsoft were from Japan and Taiwan, and importing airsoft guns was on a small scale because of their high initial prices and need for specialized knowledge. In the past decade however, the sport has developed from a small niche in the sporting market to a very popular sport and tactical simulation tool. Because of recent robust and more affordable designs coming out of neighboring China, airsoft has become hugely accessible to the public. There are fields and stores nationwide that are helping to spread the excitement and knowledge of this fun and safe sport.
What it's about
Airsoft is different from air rifles and pellet guns in that they use standardized 6mm plastic bb's that weigh far less than metal pellets or sabots, and are perfectly safe in a controlled play environment.
Airsoft is preferable to paintball to train with because the equipment requirements and initial cost are much lower. For airsoft electric guns (AEGs), only bb's, a battery, and a charger are needed. With gas powered airsoft, you'll need bb's and green gas (the pressurized gas needed to run the guns) Also, its cleaner than having to wash all your clothes after a day of play.
There are an increasing number of airsoft clubs and organizations that put together multiple day events that can be attended for a set fee. They're run on weekends, usually centered around military scenarios, and the core skills practiced are valuable to real world preparedness. There are varying degrees of immersion, varying from "play and go back to the car for a snack" to full milsim, where one acts, functions, and performs like a real military force for the entire duration. The former are great for family outings, as you can walk out between games at your leisure. Airsoft also teaches proper weapon usage, maintenance, and safety precautions. Most airsoft guns in the mid-range price look, feel, and function as close to the real steel guns as possible. Some airsoft pistols even disassemble the same way as the real thing! You're allowed to become familiarized with firearms and learn how to use them properly.
Valuable Lessons
Airsoft is safe, but it does require a certain level of responsibility and honesty. People need to call out when they are hit. This is a great structured way to teach kids concepts such as fair play, gun safety, and sportsmanship. Family ties are brought together as you rely on each other and work as a team. With all the running around it provides a great workout for everyone: dad gets in his cardio and the kids and burn off their energy. And sibling rivalry can play itself out in new and interesting ways.
For parents it provides an opportunity to train as close to real self defense scenarios as possible. In the case you ever do need to put these skills to use, you'll do it having practiced it before, and the more you play, the more ingrained these self defense procedures become.
The most important thing these events teach is mindset. You have to work in a team, placing your trust in each other. You have to be constantly aware of your surroundings, as your family trusts you to be a set of eyes and ears. You learn to distinguish between friend and foe. You'll hone your aiming and marksmanship skills on real targets who will react and move. You'll train yourself how to respond - rather than react – to surprises and potential threats. And if you're "killed" you can learn from your mistakes, and do better next time.
To be honest airsoft bb's can have a bit of a sting to them. But throwing on a heavy sweater or light jacket will make sure you feel them, but it will be more of a poke than a pinch. And remember the cardinal rule, ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION, while they may not have weight, bb's fly very fast and you need to protect your eyes and those of your family.
Where to play
Most airsoft fields (indoor and outdoor) have an open entry policy, you can play for a few hours, and go home. Many paintball fields are now becoming dual use fields, for both airsoft and paintball so you might want to call any local places to confirm.
Try googling the term 'airsoft' and your state, you'll find forums where people get together and arrange outings. Airsplat has a site with a comprehensive listing of fields across the US. So get out there with your kids and have a safe and fun time!
(PS Always check with your local law enforcement about regulations, wear proper eye protection and NEVER try to modify the orange tips on your airsoft gun.)
John Durfee is a Gulf War veteran and the marketing manager for Airsplat, the nation’s largest retailer of Airsoft Guns and Apparel.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Kids Prep Minute: Shoot Something
Okay, I really have a lot of posts planned, but they are requiring that I actually have some time to put in on them, and I just don't have that kind of time right now, so I'm putting up another Kids Prep Minute Post instead, because they're a bit quicker. Yes, I know the fire starter giveaway ended last night and you're all dying to know if you won. I'll get a winner notified in the next day or so, okay? Now, on with your regularly scheduled post. :)
Another way to help get your kids involved in preparedness is to take them shooting. Children can and should be taught about firearms at a young age. How young depends on you and your children. You know your children best and whether they are old enough or mature enough to handle a firearm. All of our children (our youngest is 5) understand gun safety rules and how to behave at a range—not because we’ve talked about it even though we have, but because they’ve been around it. We’ve had BB gun shooting contests in the back yard, taken them with us hunting upland game and deer, and had them shoot at an organized range.
Always supervise children with any firearm, and always practice the rules of safe shooting yourself as you are the example they will follow. And I know you wouldn’t do this, but don’t just take your sons shooting. My girls shoot as well as my boy and have just as much fun doing it. Remember your family is your team and you want every member as capable as possible with the skills and tools they will need. As a side note here, some children are not interested in shooting. This could be for a variety of reasons. Don’t rush them, but do continue to invite them and provide opportunities to be around firearms in a safe environment.
Another way to help get your kids involved in preparedness is to take them shooting. Children can and should be taught about firearms at a young age. How young depends on you and your children. You know your children best and whether they are old enough or mature enough to handle a firearm. All of our children (our youngest is 5) understand gun safety rules and how to behave at a range—not because we’ve talked about it even though we have, but because they’ve been around it. We’ve had BB gun shooting contests in the back yard, taken them with us hunting upland game and deer, and had them shoot at an organized range.
Always supervise children with any firearm, and always practice the rules of safe shooting yourself as you are the example they will follow. And I know you wouldn’t do this, but don’t just take your sons shooting. My girls shoot as well as my boy and have just as much fun doing it. Remember your family is your team and you want every member as capable as possible with the skills and tools they will need. As a side note here, some children are not interested in shooting. This could be for a variety of reasons. Don’t rush them, but do continue to invite them and provide opportunities to be around firearms in a safe environment.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Firearms Basics Part 3: Long Gun Actions
Sorry for the trouble, but this post has moved to our new blog location. Click here to go straight to Long Gun Actions. Thanks!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Basic Firearms Part 2: Ammunition
Sorry for the trouble, but this post has moved to our new blog location. Click here to go straight to the Ammunition basics post. Thanks!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Basic Firearms Part 1: Safety and Parts of a Gun
Sorry for the trouble, but this post has moved to our new blog address: Click here to go straight to the Safety and Parts of a Gun post. Thanks!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Fine Art For Firearms Fans (Including Me)
Bullet Art--Makes me wish I was out shooting something today. Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Firearms Rights Under Fire--Join the NRA Here!
Some of you know I've been selling firearms for the last 3 years. I've also been an NRA recruiter for about a year, and am so excited to introduce my brand new Join the NRA link (see the sidebar to the right in case you missed it)! There has never been a more important time to join the National Rifle Association than now. With a solidly anti-gun President in office and anti-gun majorities in both houses of congress, we as gun owners and/or friends of freedom need to do all we can to uphold those God-given rights protected by our Constitution. A short bit of history for you all:
The Constitution was written at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and had to be ratified by the individual states. Many of the state representatives did not like the idea of a federal government that could get too powerful and so as "anti-federalists" insisted that the Bill of Rights was attached to the Constitution before they would ratify it. So, short story even shorter, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution were written to protect individuals' God-given rights FROM the power of the federal government, and the 2nd amendment protects one of the most basic of rights, the right to self protection and it needs to be preserved.
If you are not already a member of the NRA, please take a minute and click the Join NRA button on the sidebar. It's quick, easy, and there are many different options available for membership lengths and costs. If you are already a member, bless you! You can also use the link to renew your membership. Even if you don't own a firearm, you can still join and support your right to keep and bear arms. Leave me a comment that you've joined and I'll give you a big ol' electronic hug for your patriotism! :)
The Constitution was written at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and had to be ratified by the individual states. Many of the state representatives did not like the idea of a federal government that could get too powerful and so as "anti-federalists" insisted that the Bill of Rights was attached to the Constitution before they would ratify it. So, short story even shorter, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution were written to protect individuals' God-given rights FROM the power of the federal government, and the 2nd amendment protects one of the most basic of rights, the right to self protection and it needs to be preserved.
If you are not already a member of the NRA, please take a minute and click the Join NRA button on the sidebar. It's quick, easy, and there are many different options available for membership lengths and costs. If you are already a member, bless you! You can also use the link to renew your membership. Even if you don't own a firearm, you can still join and support your right to keep and bear arms. Leave me a comment that you've joined and I'll give you a big ol' electronic hug for your patriotism! :)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Firearms Post
I was not going to delve into firearms for a while on this board, but was asked to guest post about it at Total Survivalist Libertarian Rantfest. Be forewarned, if you go to the post there, it is not a G rated blog--probably more of a PG13, but they have interesting discussions and one recently was about the basic 4 firearms a person could get by with: .22 rifle or handgun, shotgun, centerfire handgun, and centerfire rifle. I know you all don't know what some of those are and some of you do, and that's okay, I'll go over it in a future post for those who don't. In fact, if you don't know much about firearms and don't care to dive in without the basics, you can quit reading now :) If you want to read the post with their commentary, it's here. Otherwise, here's just the part I wrote:
I am a small framed woman (5’2” approx 110 lbs) who loves to shoot stuff. I’ll give you a disclaimer here: I have not shot every gun out there, not even close. I’m basing my choices on guns I own or have handled or fired, so there might be something better out there that I just don’t know about.
There are a few problems with 80% of the guns available if you are smaller than the average man (which most women are) and especially if you’re smaller than the average woman. First is the weight of the gun. This has to be somewhat of a compromise. A long gun that is too heavy leads to an awkward shooting stance just to get it stabilized. A handgun that is too heavy will also be difficult to hold right. But if it’s not heavy enough, you personally take a good deal more of the recoil since the weight of the gun isn’t counteracting the pressure of the round being fired. This is especially true with handguns. The little KelTec P3AT or Ruger LCP are cute and concealable, but have a nasty bite when they are fired due to their relative light weight, so you’ll probably be cutting practice sessions short.
Another problem small people have with most long guns is that a "standard" length of pull (usually around 14-14 1/2 inches) is too long. They might believe they have an issue with the recoil when actually they have an issue with the gun fitting right. If your gun fits right, you can take more recoil because it hits in the correct place on your shoulder instead of out on your arm somewhere. This would apply to rifles and shotguns. I've only shot one Ruger 10/22 and didn't like it due to weight and length of pull.I have similar experience with handguns. .45's are not so bad if I can get my hands securely around the grip. I've had a lot of people recommend Glocks/M&P's/XD's/etc., and they are fantastic guns, but I cannot physically get my hand around the grips of the double stacked magazine pistols (even the new ones with adjustable grips). If my hubby brought one of those home for me, he'd just have to keep it (which I’m sure he wouldn’t mind). Being able to get a good, comfortable grip on your handgun goes a long way towards making shooting fun and if it's fun you'll want to do it more and practice makes good shooting.
So after all that rambling, here’s the guns I like:
Centerfire Rifle: For average shooting, I like our Winchester Model 94 lever action 30-30. The stock length is only slightly too long which is manageable. It is a little shorter overall, a lot lighter weight, and has less recoil than our other deer hunting rifle (Remington 742 30.06 autoloader). If I’m actually going to hunt deer, there’s a lot of open country around here and so I use the 30.06 with the scope attached. Even though I don’t like it as much, it’s better for longer distance shots. (I actually do most of my hunting archery, so haven’t had to use the rifle much.)
Centerfire Pistol: I am not a fan of revolvers. Some people are and they are welcome to shoot them. I own and love a Colt Mustang .380. Unfortunately these pistols are no longer in production although you can find them used every once in a while. I’ll tell you why I love this gun and then maybe my reasoning can apply to a more readily available handgun. Remember what I said about fit in the introduction? This gun fits my hands perfectly. For a .380 it is a bit heavy, but that actually helps with the recoil bite—I get very little recoil with this pistol. Another consideration with any gun and especially one that you would rely on to protect your life or the lives of your loved ones is reliability. The gun has to go bang every time, and this one does. Another reason I like it is it is not too “fat”. Thick guns are hard to conceal (if you are inclined to carry concealed), especially on a small framed individual, and I can carry this one in my favorite holster and only I know it’s there (okay, maybe my husband can tell). I have picked up the Kahr pistols and really like the feel of them—maybe someday I’ll move up to a Kahr .40 if I ever have that much cash laying around! :)
.22: Marlin Model 60. This is no status symbol gun, but it is fun to shoot, accurate, and lighter weight with a shorter stock than the Ruger 10/22. And did I mention it’s cheap? What more could you want for a plinker rifle?
Shotgun: Remington 870. I do not own this one, it’s on my wish list, but I’ve done a lot of shooting with my friend’s. His is a 12 ga right out of the box so I always go home with bruises on my arm from not being able to get it shouldered properly. These shotguns are readily available, dang fun shooters, and cheap in the realm of shotguns. The 20 gauge youth model is a fantastic fit for smaller people. I really want a 12 gauge so my husband can shoot it also, and I can shoot 12 ga. target loads all day long with the right stock fit, so am looking at aftermarket adjustable stocks for the 870 12 ga. Remington told me their 16 ga. youth stock will interchange with their 12 ga 870, so there are options to get a youth size 12 ga. shotgun, I’ll just have to work a little harder for it.
So ladies, if you’ve never liked shooting, but you’ve always just shot the guns your husband/dad/boyfriend used, look for something that fits right and give it another try—you might be pleasantly surprised. Handle as many guns as you can get your hands on, and fire as many as you can before making your decision (most friends with guns would be more than happy to let you try their guns out, and there are ranges that will rent you different guns also—check around). And whatever you decide on, I’d also recommend some training. Some ranges have a ladies’ night if you don’t want to go shoot with a bunch of guys. Husbands/boyfriends/dads, if you’re looking to buy your girl a new gun, make sure to take her with you to handle them—you’ll both be happier with the purchase that way. A comfortable gun makes all the difference between loving shooting and hating it.
I am a small framed woman (5’2” approx 110 lbs) who loves to shoot stuff. I’ll give you a disclaimer here: I have not shot every gun out there, not even close. I’m basing my choices on guns I own or have handled or fired, so there might be something better out there that I just don’t know about.
There are a few problems with 80% of the guns available if you are smaller than the average man (which most women are) and especially if you’re smaller than the average woman. First is the weight of the gun. This has to be somewhat of a compromise. A long gun that is too heavy leads to an awkward shooting stance just to get it stabilized. A handgun that is too heavy will also be difficult to hold right. But if it’s not heavy enough, you personally take a good deal more of the recoil since the weight of the gun isn’t counteracting the pressure of the round being fired. This is especially true with handguns. The little KelTec P3AT or Ruger LCP are cute and concealable, but have a nasty bite when they are fired due to their relative light weight, so you’ll probably be cutting practice sessions short.
Another problem small people have with most long guns is that a "standard" length of pull (usually around 14-14 1/2 inches) is too long. They might believe they have an issue with the recoil when actually they have an issue with the gun fitting right. If your gun fits right, you can take more recoil because it hits in the correct place on your shoulder instead of out on your arm somewhere. This would apply to rifles and shotguns. I've only shot one Ruger 10/22 and didn't like it due to weight and length of pull.I have similar experience with handguns. .45's are not so bad if I can get my hands securely around the grip. I've had a lot of people recommend Glocks/M&P's/XD's/etc., and they are fantastic guns, but I cannot physically get my hand around the grips of the double stacked magazine pistols (even the new ones with adjustable grips). If my hubby brought one of those home for me, he'd just have to keep it (which I’m sure he wouldn’t mind). Being able to get a good, comfortable grip on your handgun goes a long way towards making shooting fun and if it's fun you'll want to do it more and practice makes good shooting.
So after all that rambling, here’s the guns I like:
Centerfire Rifle: For average shooting, I like our Winchester Model 94 lever action 30-30. The stock length is only slightly too long which is manageable. It is a little shorter overall, a lot lighter weight, and has less recoil than our other deer hunting rifle (Remington 742 30.06 autoloader). If I’m actually going to hunt deer, there’s a lot of open country around here and so I use the 30.06 with the scope attached. Even though I don’t like it as much, it’s better for longer distance shots. (I actually do most of my hunting archery, so haven’t had to use the rifle much.)
Centerfire Pistol: I am not a fan of revolvers. Some people are and they are welcome to shoot them. I own and love a Colt Mustang .380. Unfortunately these pistols are no longer in production although you can find them used every once in a while. I’ll tell you why I love this gun and then maybe my reasoning can apply to a more readily available handgun. Remember what I said about fit in the introduction? This gun fits my hands perfectly. For a .380 it is a bit heavy, but that actually helps with the recoil bite—I get very little recoil with this pistol. Another consideration with any gun and especially one that you would rely on to protect your life or the lives of your loved ones is reliability. The gun has to go bang every time, and this one does. Another reason I like it is it is not too “fat”. Thick guns are hard to conceal (if you are inclined to carry concealed), especially on a small framed individual, and I can carry this one in my favorite holster and only I know it’s there (okay, maybe my husband can tell). I have picked up the Kahr pistols and really like the feel of them—maybe someday I’ll move up to a Kahr .40 if I ever have that much cash laying around! :)
.22: Marlin Model 60. This is no status symbol gun, but it is fun to shoot, accurate, and lighter weight with a shorter stock than the Ruger 10/22. And did I mention it’s cheap? What more could you want for a plinker rifle?
Shotgun: Remington 870. I do not own this one, it’s on my wish list, but I’ve done a lot of shooting with my friend’s. His is a 12 ga right out of the box so I always go home with bruises on my arm from not being able to get it shouldered properly. These shotguns are readily available, dang fun shooters, and cheap in the realm of shotguns. The 20 gauge youth model is a fantastic fit for smaller people. I really want a 12 gauge so my husband can shoot it also, and I can shoot 12 ga. target loads all day long with the right stock fit, so am looking at aftermarket adjustable stocks for the 870 12 ga. Remington told me their 16 ga. youth stock will interchange with their 12 ga 870, so there are options to get a youth size 12 ga. shotgun, I’ll just have to work a little harder for it.
So ladies, if you’ve never liked shooting, but you’ve always just shot the guns your husband/dad/boyfriend used, look for something that fits right and give it another try—you might be pleasantly surprised. Handle as many guns as you can get your hands on, and fire as many as you can before making your decision (most friends with guns would be more than happy to let you try their guns out, and there are ranges that will rent you different guns also—check around). And whatever you decide on, I’d also recommend some training. Some ranges have a ladies’ night if you don’t want to go shoot with a bunch of guys. Husbands/boyfriends/dads, if you’re looking to buy your girl a new gun, make sure to take her with you to handle them—you’ll both be happier with the purchase that way. A comfortable gun makes all the difference between loving shooting and hating it.
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