...clean them.
I spent a good hour today cleaning a gun I'd borrowed from a friend of mine. With the help of one of the guys at the gun shop, I gave it a deep cleaning, which I'd never done before.
I love BoreSnakes - they are amazing for field cleaning your weapons at the end of the day. Because I'd used the BoreSnake after I went shooting, the deep cleaning wasn't half as bad as it could have been. The drawback to using a BoreSnake is that you have to have one for each caliber you shoot, but it works so well, I don't mind owning one per caliber.
In addition to cleaning my friend's gun, I tore apart his magazines and cleaned those, too. Here's a big, BIG tip for magazines. Don't over lubricate them and then drop them on the ground, as a lot of IPSC shooters do. The oil attracts the dirt, which gums up the magazine spring and can cause feed problems. And it's just plain gross. One of the mags that I cleaned today had a furry black spring that looked like a coiled up caterpiller (I forgot to take pictures, I was so grossed out).
As long as you don't make a habit of dropping your magazines on the ground (one of my pet peeves, just put the damn thing in a pocket or back in the mag carrier), you shouldn't have to clean you magazines very often, but be sure to do it on a fairly regular basis. The last thing you want is a preventable mis-feed in an emergency.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Ashinator and CJ's Shooting Tutorial
Wardrobe malfunction aside, there are a couple of things she and CJ did right...
Visually inspect the chamber. Also, notice the eye and ear protection. Sunglasses are not the best eye protection on the planet, but they are better than nothing.
Firm grip on the gun, snugged up into her shoulder. Though I'd like to see a bit more of the buttstock supported, considering the gun doesn't fit her at all, she should still be able to handle it. I'd also like to see a bit wider, more stable stance and I'd like to see her lean into the shotgun a little more.
CJ's demostrating good form while waiting for his target to be released. His gun's in the low ready position, finger (or booger hook, if you prefer) is not on the trigger, rather it's on the over-sized VangComp safety, which tells me he's engaging the safety after each round. His eyes are forward and he's focused on the horizon where his clay pigeon will be released.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
One Simple Truth
A crappy day at the range is still better than a bad day anywhere else.
Center Mass folks, and keep clear of the trigger until you are ready to kill it.
Center Mass folks, and keep clear of the trigger until you are ready to kill it.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
GunDiva Juniorette
I started my kids off pretty young with the shooting thing. My thought at the time was that if I was going to carry 24/7, then they should be educated about guns and gun safety. They've never been afraid of guns, because I've never given them any reason to be afraid. They have a healthy respect for them, but no fear.
I had to do some serious un-teaching to get Digger to shoot a shotgun. His father and his father's friends thought it would be a good idea to hand him a 12 guage shotgun and have him shoot it without any instruction as to how to hold the gun. I knew that I had to address that issue, so Digger's the only one who's shot a shotgun (and the kid can't miss a clay pigeon).
Deejo changed that yesterday for Ashinator and she had a blast. Not sure you'll be able to tell how much she had from the photo, though.
Oh yeah, she obviously didn't read the post on Proper Range Attire. Lucky for her, it's a pump action shotgun that ejects out the side and not a semi-automatic pistol :)
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Proper Attire For Range Time
Along with keeping your "booger hook", as my Dear Husband calls it, off the trigger, we need to think about what we are wearing when we go to the range.
Ladies, please, heed these words and choose your attire wisely!
First:
If you are going to the range with your Man, and you want to dress to impress (which means boobies hanging out, open toe shoes, and shorty shorts,) if you plan on shooting plan on hopping around like a mad woman as that hot brass makes it's way down into the "depths" of your bra.
Second:
Shoes. Sneakers. Work boots. In my case, my Ariats. Keep the toes under cover. No hooker heels, no flip flops, no dainty sandals with your perfectly pedicured distal phalanges poking out for all to admire. (sorry.. just threw up in my mouth a bit. Feet gross me out. Unless attached to a horse that is.)
Third:
Daisy Duke shorty shorts. You might can wear them, but if you are planning on shooting EFFECTIVELY, and not just there playing around to give your Man a "rise", be sensible. Longer shorts, jeans, something you can move in and that fit you correctly-- not so tight you can not breathe.
Hair:
Pull it back. You can't see the target with hanks of hair hanging in your eyes.
There you have it. No evening gowns, no street walker clothes, no boobages or butt cheeks falling out.
You don't need all that "enticement". Shooting is a natural aphrodisiac all unto itself.
Ladies, please, heed these words and choose your attire wisely!
First:
If you are going to the range with your Man, and you want to dress to impress (which means boobies hanging out, open toe shoes, and shorty shorts,) if you plan on shooting plan on hopping around like a mad woman as that hot brass makes it's way down into the "depths" of your bra.
Second:
Shoes. Sneakers. Work boots. In my case, my Ariats. Keep the toes under cover. No hooker heels, no flip flops, no dainty sandals with your perfectly pedicured distal phalanges poking out for all to admire. (sorry.. just threw up in my mouth a bit. Feet gross me out. Unless attached to a horse that is.)
Third:
Daisy Duke shorty shorts. You might can wear them, but if you are planning on shooting EFFECTIVELY, and not just there playing around to give your Man a "rise", be sensible. Longer shorts, jeans, something you can move in and that fit you correctly-- not so tight you can not breathe.
Hair:
Pull it back. You can't see the target with hanks of hair hanging in your eyes.
There you have it. No evening gowns, no street walker clothes, no boobages or butt cheeks falling out.
You don't need all that "enticement". Shooting is a natural aphrodisiac all unto itself.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
So Why Girls With Guns?
It started with some jerk pulling a gun on me, and two days worth of posting and conversation about the incident on my horse blog.
For those that don't know, I'm a hoof care provider. Generally, I work alongside my husband, but from time to time the Locust Brothers and I venture out in the big Ford to trim on our own. We only do this for select clients, as... frankly, I'm not as young as I used to be and this is a hard job.
The day started with plans to visit a regular client with an awesome mare. I've been on this call alone in the past with no issue and thought nothing of loading up the kids and heading on out to get the job done.
The area we go through to get there though, has been in steady decline. Known to be a spot full of miscreants up to no good, we usually just hot foot it through and all is well. That day however, my alarm bells were singing a bit as I sat at the red light, waiting to make my turn. I saw three white youths- two male, one female- standing in the middle of my planned travel lane, conducting a spot of "business" (read: drug deal.) The light changed, I eased up, looking to pass in the lane for oncoming traffic- and couldn't because there was... surprise surprise... oncoming traffic. Took my foot off the gas, and scoped things out. Shaved head dude all dressed in baggy black took note- made the transaction, and turned towards me. He then lifted his shirt up, and reached for the gun he had tucked into his waist band. (Diva tells me this is known as a "pecker wrecker" carry method. Fits!)
I'm not going to lie- I was scared spitless. And pissed. And unarmed. (Plan B was at work with Dear Husband that particular day.) I had both my boys with me, strapped in their car seats. And that miserable punk was going to pull his gun on ME? I Don't F'ing Think So.
Not seeing another option at the time, I pushed the pedal to the metal and chirped the rubber on the Ford, and aimed directly at the bastard. If he thought he was going to get off a shot, it would be with a full size four wheel drive crammed down his worthless gullet.
I've been back to that client since then, and had no trouble. I've also altered my arrival time, to an early slot where it seems there is less activity in the 'hood. There is no other way to get TO the spot, as unfortunately happens in this line of work.
I did learn a few things from the incident.
1) You have to look close and check options
2) Think fast, act fast
3) Listen-- ALWAYS-- to those warning bells
4) Full size four wheel drive Ford's work well as battering rams
5) Do. Not. Hesitate. Commit, and GO.
6) Don't leave home with out Plan B. (Or C, D, and E for that matter.)
7) Close calls can happen anywhere, anytime. Expect the unexpected.
That story kicked off a conversation between myself and our beloved GunDiva, from which Girls With Guns arrived. That incident also brought home just how rough some of the areas around us are getting to be. There are several spots that I will NOT go into alone- even with Plan B, C,D, and E. Dear Husband goes with, and we both go armed to get where we need to be.
Truth be told, that is not the first time I've had a gun pointed at me. But I sure as shootin' would like it to be the LAST time some jagoff ever even considers it.
For those that don't know, I'm a hoof care provider. Generally, I work alongside my husband, but from time to time the Locust Brothers and I venture out in the big Ford to trim on our own. We only do this for select clients, as... frankly, I'm not as young as I used to be and this is a hard job.
The day started with plans to visit a regular client with an awesome mare. I've been on this call alone in the past with no issue and thought nothing of loading up the kids and heading on out to get the job done.
The area we go through to get there though, has been in steady decline. Known to be a spot full of miscreants up to no good, we usually just hot foot it through and all is well. That day however, my alarm bells were singing a bit as I sat at the red light, waiting to make my turn. I saw three white youths- two male, one female- standing in the middle of my planned travel lane, conducting a spot of "business" (read: drug deal.) The light changed, I eased up, looking to pass in the lane for oncoming traffic- and couldn't because there was... surprise surprise... oncoming traffic. Took my foot off the gas, and scoped things out. Shaved head dude all dressed in baggy black took note- made the transaction, and turned towards me. He then lifted his shirt up, and reached for the gun he had tucked into his waist band. (Diva tells me this is known as a "pecker wrecker" carry method. Fits!)
I'm not going to lie- I was scared spitless. And pissed. And unarmed. (Plan B was at work with Dear Husband that particular day.) I had both my boys with me, strapped in their car seats. And that miserable punk was going to pull his gun on ME? I Don't F'ing Think So.
Not seeing another option at the time, I pushed the pedal to the metal and chirped the rubber on the Ford, and aimed directly at the bastard. If he thought he was going to get off a shot, it would be with a full size four wheel drive crammed down his worthless gullet.
I've been back to that client since then, and had no trouble. I've also altered my arrival time, to an early slot where it seems there is less activity in the 'hood. There is no other way to get TO the spot, as unfortunately happens in this line of work.
I did learn a few things from the incident.
1) You have to look close and check options
2) Think fast, act fast
3) Listen-- ALWAYS-- to those warning bells
4) Full size four wheel drive Ford's work well as battering rams
5) Do. Not. Hesitate. Commit, and GO.
6) Don't leave home with out Plan B. (Or C, D, and E for that matter.)
7) Close calls can happen anywhere, anytime. Expect the unexpected.
That story kicked off a conversation between myself and our beloved GunDiva, from which Girls With Guns arrived. That incident also brought home just how rough some of the areas around us are getting to be. There are several spots that I will NOT go into alone- even with Plan B, C,D, and E. Dear Husband goes with, and we both go armed to get where we need to be.
Truth be told, that is not the first time I've had a gun pointed at me. But I sure as shootin' would like it to be the LAST time some jagoff ever even considers it.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
"You've Got A GUN?!"
This is a statement, exclaimed in varying degrees of "excitement", that I've heard several times in recent months.
It is uttered either in awe, with a request for Dear Husband to teach them too, or in shock and disapproval. Complete disapproval. With the question of, "Why on Earth would you carry a *gun*? You have children! I would never want a gun in MY home/ possession." (Insert dripping, cutting sarcasm to that sentence for the full effect.)
Hey, toting a piece is not for everyone. In fact, if you can not use it, then you do not need to have it. I promise you- I am NOT going to tell you endlessly why you NEED to carry a gun. If you are not comfortable with a firearm, then you do not need someone preaching at you otherwise. (And all I ask in return is that YOU do not preach at ME about how Evil Guns Are. OK? OK!)
My response to the question of why I carry a gun varies. Some days, depending on the mood I'm in and the person who has asked the question, I'll be a smart ass and say, "Because I tried carrying a cop, and he was just too heavy. I've a bad back you know, and adding that extra two hundred pounds just brought me to my knees." I can actually build a whole conversation around that subject, stating several reasons why the police officer did not enjoy being toted around, as much as I did not like the toting. (Not close enough to donuts, I'm bumpy when I limp, the kids are too loud/ rowdy, airsickness.... etc.)
A standard reply for me though is a policeman can not be everywhere at once. My personal safety and the safety of my family and my sons is my RESPONSIBILITY. The average response time for a 911 call here is over 10 minutes. When seconds count, I don't HAVE minutes to wait.
I was asked not too long ago by a local trauma nurse (after her shock at the fact that Yes, I Do Carry A Gun,) if I could actually use it to SHOOT someone.
She was taken aback by my answer.
There was no hesitation on my part- I looked her square in the eye and said strongly: "YES!"
Her eyes got huge and her jaw cracked on it's way to the floor.
She stared at me. Kinda like I had two heads, or if she was deciding I was a psychotic killer or not. I had to explain to her my feelings on responsibility. And that I felt NO Bad Guy had the RIGHT to take away my life, of the lives of my family members. Ever. I explained I would not be shooting merely to kill the Bad Guy- I'd be shooting so that I or my own might LIVE. She then asked if I would shoot to wound.
I asked her if she thought it would be a smart move on my part only to wound the Bad Guy, pissing him off further, and giving him the chance to come back at me and do more harm. Took her a little while to mull that over, and she never did really have an answer for me.
Look- it's like this.
I carry so that I don't have to rely on someone else coming to help, because by the time someone else gets there, I'm liable to be dead.
I carry so that I can defend my sons, and my husband, my dog, cat, and horse. "Stuff" is one thing- stuff can be replaced. Family can't. And no one but NO ONE is going to lay hand on my children and live to tell the tale.
I don't carry because of a Bad Ass Image wish.
I don't carry a gun to "get my way".
I don't carry a gun to show toughness.
I hope and pray that I never, ever have to draw and use my weapon. But I also hope and pray that if I do, my aim is true and lives can be saved.
Why do YOU carry? What questions do YOU hear? Mr. Daddy, guys, chime in here too please. It seems that guys like you and my Dear Husband don't get the "guff" we ladies do about packing, so I'd like to hear your perspective on this as well.
It is uttered either in awe, with a request for Dear Husband to teach them too, or in shock and disapproval. Complete disapproval. With the question of, "Why on Earth would you carry a *gun*? You have children! I would never want a gun in MY home/ possession." (Insert dripping, cutting sarcasm to that sentence for the full effect.)
Hey, toting a piece is not for everyone. In fact, if you can not use it, then you do not need to have it. I promise you- I am NOT going to tell you endlessly why you NEED to carry a gun. If you are not comfortable with a firearm, then you do not need someone preaching at you otherwise. (And all I ask in return is that YOU do not preach at ME about how Evil Guns Are. OK? OK!)
My response to the question of why I carry a gun varies. Some days, depending on the mood I'm in and the person who has asked the question, I'll be a smart ass and say, "Because I tried carrying a cop, and he was just too heavy. I've a bad back you know, and adding that extra two hundred pounds just brought me to my knees." I can actually build a whole conversation around that subject, stating several reasons why the police officer did not enjoy being toted around, as much as I did not like the toting. (Not close enough to donuts, I'm bumpy when I limp, the kids are too loud/ rowdy, airsickness.... etc.)
A standard reply for me though is a policeman can not be everywhere at once. My personal safety and the safety of my family and my sons is my RESPONSIBILITY. The average response time for a 911 call here is over 10 minutes. When seconds count, I don't HAVE minutes to wait.
I was asked not too long ago by a local trauma nurse (after her shock at the fact that Yes, I Do Carry A Gun,) if I could actually use it to SHOOT someone.
She was taken aback by my answer.
There was no hesitation on my part- I looked her square in the eye and said strongly: "YES!"
Her eyes got huge and her jaw cracked on it's way to the floor.
She stared at me. Kinda like I had two heads, or if she was deciding I was a psychotic killer or not. I had to explain to her my feelings on responsibility. And that I felt NO Bad Guy had the RIGHT to take away my life, of the lives of my family members. Ever. I explained I would not be shooting merely to kill the Bad Guy- I'd be shooting so that I or my own might LIVE. She then asked if I would shoot to wound.
I asked her if she thought it would be a smart move on my part only to wound the Bad Guy, pissing him off further, and giving him the chance to come back at me and do more harm. Took her a little while to mull that over, and she never did really have an answer for me.
Look- it's like this.
I carry so that I don't have to rely on someone else coming to help, because by the time someone else gets there, I'm liable to be dead.
I carry so that I can defend my sons, and my husband, my dog, cat, and horse. "Stuff" is one thing- stuff can be replaced. Family can't. And no one but NO ONE is going to lay hand on my children and live to tell the tale.
I don't carry because of a Bad Ass Image wish.
I don't carry a gun to "get my way".
I don't carry a gun to show toughness.
I hope and pray that I never, ever have to draw and use my weapon. But I also hope and pray that if I do, my aim is true and lives can be saved.
Why do YOU carry? What questions do YOU hear? Mr. Daddy, guys, chime in here too please. It seems that guys like you and my Dear Husband don't get the "guff" we ladies do about packing, so I'd like to hear your perspective on this as well.