Even though it was introduced in the States at the 2009 SHOT Show, most of us still haven’t seen this elusive wonder. The SP-08 is literally the first cousin to the AW-93.
Demyan, headquartered in Moscow, is a start-up precision gun company that produces this pistol. That may explain why there aren’t any to speak of in North America.
Senior design engineer Efim Haidurov crafted this little wonder and fathered the very popular AW-93 as well. And considering this internationally known competitor, coach and engineer is 86 years old—I’m truly astounded at his level of productivity.
If you’re interested how the family lineage came about, clink on this link.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Like a Rolling Stone
Sometime ago I wrote about trigger control and the benefits of a roll trigger.
Over the holidays I gave my son a Fusion fitted 1911 frame and slide set, as a gift. I thought it might be an appropriate present since he spent a huge amount of time with a well-known pistol-smith during the nationals last summer (where I wondered if he was wearing out his welcome).
My son isn’t new to bullseye, but the thought of building his own pistol seemed to take on a life of its own. And by having a small amount of guidance and encouragement from a credentialed master pistol-smith—simply ratcheted his desire up a notch or two.
Even though his project gun currently requires finishing, it’s functional. So the other day my son stops by the house and displayed his handiwork, and eventually intimated he wanted dad’s opinion on the trigger’s release.
As I dropped the hammer I cooed, “Oooh—nice slight roll you have there, Alex.” And at the same time gave my approval with a casual wink.
I think my observation was taken with a grain of salt. Through conversation he was under the impression it might be labeled as a clean break trigger. To me, it was very obvious it wasn’t. It was the classic “short roll” trigger many bullseye shooters pray for and he got it right the first time.
I’m a firm believer in roll triggers. This’ll make some squirm but a “breaking like a glass tube” trigger has got to be one of the most difficult things in the world to master. They’re not evil, nor are they anything to be enthusiastic about during slow fire. But they can create a shot jerking hindrance during sustained fire.
A roll trigger will promote a few things. First off, it’s part of the process of not having an uninterrupted pull. Roll triggers will give you immediate feedback about when the process has actually started. And unlike clean break triggers, once started it isn’t an all or nothing proposition until there’s a release. You can actually learn the element of time relative to your gun’s trigger, assuming the pre-travel is very consistent.
The bottom line is there’s more feedback from a roll trigger. And the opportunity for the shooter to manage the sights is enhanced; even more so with open sights.
I’ve got a ballgun with a moderate roll trigger and it feels like I’m cheating when I’m on the short line. It feels almost easy to hit the 10-ring during sustained fire.
With a clean break trigger most shooters don’t really know when the mechanical process starts. The sear’s release is so brief a shooter can’t calculate an abort or know when the release will occur. A shooter may not be able to train the timing aspect for an intended release, because it’s just not there.
Let’s face it, advanced shooters know when their round will be released and using a clean break trigger hides most of that process. By having a setup like this, a lot of shots will eventually degrade into a surprise break—and in many cases—the gun will simply be pointed at the wrong location on the target.
A large percentage of shooters trying to shoot a clean break trigger during sustained fire will find it unsettling. It’s not uncommon for shooters to quickly revert back into old bad habits by snatching shots. It can easily promote jerking the trigger.
Decades ago the Europeans found two-stage triggers useful on standard and rapid fire pistols, as a way of managing the trigger’s pre-travel. They knew a deliberate but uninterrupted “sliding” pull through the take-up fostered a more deliberate and accurate release during sustained fire.
Even for those of us using 1911s, the process is still the same by maintaining proper sight alignment while coming through the trigger.
Over the holidays I gave my son a Fusion fitted 1911 frame and slide set, as a gift. I thought it might be an appropriate present since he spent a huge amount of time with a well-known pistol-smith during the nationals last summer (where I wondered if he was wearing out his welcome).
My son isn’t new to bullseye, but the thought of building his own pistol seemed to take on a life of its own. And by having a small amount of guidance and encouragement from a credentialed master pistol-smith—simply ratcheted his desire up a notch or two.
Even though his project gun currently requires finishing, it’s functional. So the other day my son stops by the house and displayed his handiwork, and eventually intimated he wanted dad’s opinion on the trigger’s release.
As I dropped the hammer I cooed, “Oooh—nice slight roll you have there, Alex.” And at the same time gave my approval with a casual wink.
I think my observation was taken with a grain of salt. Through conversation he was under the impression it might be labeled as a clean break trigger. To me, it was very obvious it wasn’t. It was the classic “short roll” trigger many bullseye shooters pray for and he got it right the first time.
I’m a firm believer in roll triggers. This’ll make some squirm but a “breaking like a glass tube” trigger has got to be one of the most difficult things in the world to master. They’re not evil, nor are they anything to be enthusiastic about during slow fire. But they can create a shot jerking hindrance during sustained fire.
A roll trigger will promote a few things. First off, it’s part of the process of not having an uninterrupted pull. Roll triggers will give you immediate feedback about when the process has actually started. And unlike clean break triggers, once started it isn’t an all or nothing proposition until there’s a release. You can actually learn the element of time relative to your gun’s trigger, assuming the pre-travel is very consistent.
The bottom line is there’s more feedback from a roll trigger. And the opportunity for the shooter to manage the sights is enhanced; even more so with open sights.
I’ve got a ballgun with a moderate roll trigger and it feels like I’m cheating when I’m on the short line. It feels almost easy to hit the 10-ring during sustained fire.
With a clean break trigger most shooters don’t really know when the mechanical process starts. The sear’s release is so brief a shooter can’t calculate an abort or know when the release will occur. A shooter may not be able to train the timing aspect for an intended release, because it’s just not there.
Let’s face it, advanced shooters know when their round will be released and using a clean break trigger hides most of that process. By having a setup like this, a lot of shots will eventually degrade into a surprise break—and in many cases—the gun will simply be pointed at the wrong location on the target.
A large percentage of shooters trying to shoot a clean break trigger during sustained fire will find it unsettling. It’s not uncommon for shooters to quickly revert back into old bad habits by snatching shots. It can easily promote jerking the trigger.
Decades ago the Europeans found two-stage triggers useful on standard and rapid fire pistols, as a way of managing the trigger’s pre-travel. They knew a deliberate but uninterrupted “sliding” pull through the take-up fostered a more deliberate and accurate release during sustained fire.
Even for those of us using 1911s, the process is still the same by maintaining proper sight alignment while coming through the trigger.
Friday, February 10, 2012
The Value of Service
Every so often I run into a company that just gives me the warm fuzzes.
Not so long ago I ordered some parts from EGW (Evolution Gun Works). I needed a new hammer, sear, pins, springs and some other small items for a newly acquired 1911. The pistol, a Springfield Range Officer, had most of its small parts manufactured by an MIM process. And I thought using good old fashion forged parts would be the way to go.
So, during the middle of December I placed my order and promptly got an email (within minutes) that the items requested were on back order. The email wasn’t an auto-generated form letter; someone actually took the time—right then and there—to inquire if I wanted to cancel my order or allow it to stand.
They then gave me an estimate on availability. Apparently they needed about 5 to 6 weeks to get everything in order. Without hesitation I instructed them to let the order stand. I figured a few weeks weren’t going to change anything, and I didn't really have immediate gratification on my mind.
I’ve used EGW parts in the past and thought they were of good quality.
Fast forward 6 weeks later: I noticed my order from EGW sitting serenely on my front porch. But to my surprise the box’s dimensions were about 14 inches by 10 inches by 10 inches. When I first looked at it I was taken back.
I immediately assumed someone sent me the wrong items. Let’s face it, a hammer, some pins and a few springs probably could have been sent in a small padded envelope.
With a mix of trepidation and being miffed at the prospect of immediately needing to return, God knows what, I opened the box. And to my surprise the first item to glare back at me was a massive pistol rug with strap handles and exterior mag pouches; of course it was privately labeled by EGW and crafted in their company’s classic blue motif.
Buried deep inside the rug were the items I had ordered and a packing slip. The gun rug was listed on the slip and its price was prominently listed as No Charge.
Wow! Now, that’s a surprise.
Even though the parts arrived about 5 days late from their estimate, it’s obvious someone over there at EGW actually cares. Not only about the quality of their products but how the customer perceives their performance.
I have to admit, it was a refreshing experience where the provider was prepared, communicated well, and wanted to leave me with the impression that they’ll go the extra mile. And they did all that without anyone ever asking.
Not so long ago I ordered some parts from EGW (Evolution Gun Works). I needed a new hammer, sear, pins, springs and some other small items for a newly acquired 1911. The pistol, a Springfield Range Officer, had most of its small parts manufactured by an MIM process. And I thought using good old fashion forged parts would be the way to go.
So, during the middle of December I placed my order and promptly got an email (within minutes) that the items requested were on back order. The email wasn’t an auto-generated form letter; someone actually took the time—right then and there—to inquire if I wanted to cancel my order or allow it to stand.
They then gave me an estimate on availability. Apparently they needed about 5 to 6 weeks to get everything in order. Without hesitation I instructed them to let the order stand. I figured a few weeks weren’t going to change anything, and I didn't really have immediate gratification on my mind.
I’ve used EGW parts in the past and thought they were of good quality.
Fast forward 6 weeks later: I noticed my order from EGW sitting serenely on my front porch. But to my surprise the box’s dimensions were about 14 inches by 10 inches by 10 inches. When I first looked at it I was taken back.
I immediately assumed someone sent me the wrong items. Let’s face it, a hammer, some pins and a few springs probably could have been sent in a small padded envelope.
With a mix of trepidation and being miffed at the prospect of immediately needing to return, God knows what, I opened the box. And to my surprise the first item to glare back at me was a massive pistol rug with strap handles and exterior mag pouches; of course it was privately labeled by EGW and crafted in their company’s classic blue motif.
Buried deep inside the rug were the items I had ordered and a packing slip. The gun rug was listed on the slip and its price was prominently listed as No Charge.
Wow! Now, that’s a surprise.
Even though the parts arrived about 5 days late from their estimate, it’s obvious someone over there at EGW actually cares. Not only about the quality of their products but how the customer perceives their performance.
I have to admit, it was a refreshing experience where the provider was prepared, communicated well, and wanted to leave me with the impression that they’ll go the extra mile. And they did all that without anyone ever asking.
Monday, February 06, 2012
Winter Practice for Leg Matches
Amazing what my friend Bruce did with a little bit of encouragement. A Chambers’ ballgun, some pricey 230 grn match ammo, and an unseasonably warm winter afternoon before the Super Bowl; mix that with determination and you get a pile of Xs.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Sectional Surprise
Sectional season has just started—apparently with a bang—with John Zurek scoring a new (but yet to be validated) national civilian record of 893-44x. The prior record was established by Larry Carter in 1994 with only one less X.
Those of you from the Southwest know John fairly well.
For the rest of us in other parts of the country, let me tell you John is possibly one of the most approachable, humble and likeable of any of the champions that you’d ever meet. And I’m told the guy gladly spends hours assisting new shooters at almost every opportunity.
I’ve known John for a few years. … Not well. … Shot with him a few times. … But on occasion he’s optimistically instructed me to dramatically raise the bar on myself; by intimating with an encouraging tone that it’s within me to do something special. Yes, he’s an upbeat and positive thinking man.
John’s not only a class act; he’s a nice guy too.
Congratulations, my friend!
Those of you from the Southwest know John fairly well.
For the rest of us in other parts of the country, let me tell you John is possibly one of the most approachable, humble and likeable of any of the champions that you’d ever meet. And I’m told the guy gladly spends hours assisting new shooters at almost every opportunity.
I’ve known John for a few years. … Not well. … Shot with him a few times. … But on occasion he’s optimistically instructed me to dramatically raise the bar on myself; by intimating with an encouraging tone that it’s within me to do something special. Yes, he’s an upbeat and positive thinking man.
John’s not only a class act; he’s a nice guy too.
Congratulations, my friend!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
2012 Desert (Classic) Midwinter Pistol Matches
Just a heads up for those of you who live in the Southwest—or for that matter—the rest of ya who just happen to have some time on their hands: The Phoenix Rod and Gun Club is hosting their annual Desert Classic. Okay, it’s not called the “Classic” but the Midwinter Desert Pistol Matches. … I always thought it sounded a tad classier using the word classic.
I attended this match back in 2010 and thought it was a blast. The range is well maintained and the local shooters are extremely friendly. And where else could you shoot outdoors with a light jacket on at the end of February?
Although, I’d take along rain gear. February is generally their rainy season.
Our friend Motorcycle Dan dropped in last year, and if there’s any truth to his recollections, the folks in Phoenix do it up right.
Phoenix Rod & Gun is located at the base of South Mountain, where it’s a leisurely 20 minute drive from downtown (45 minutes if it’s during rush-hour).
International events start on February 14th and wrap up on the 16th. The Bullseye events start on Friday the 17th and finish on Sunday the 19th with Service Pistol Team Matches and an EIC Match.
If you’d like to know more about this match, use this link. Or email my friend Don Plante to register at: donpla@msn.com
Update: The Little Woman has given me the go-ahead to attend next year’s match; that’s a clear indication of how much I appreciate this event. And if you do decide to go, there’s plenty of others things to do in and around Phoenix.
I attended this match back in 2010 and thought it was a blast. The range is well maintained and the local shooters are extremely friendly. And where else could you shoot outdoors with a light jacket on at the end of February?
Although, I’d take along rain gear. February is generally their rainy season.
Our friend Motorcycle Dan dropped in last year, and if there’s any truth to his recollections, the folks in Phoenix do it up right.
Phoenix Rod & Gun is located at the base of South Mountain, where it’s a leisurely 20 minute drive from downtown (45 minutes if it’s during rush-hour).
International events start on February 14th and wrap up on the 16th. The Bullseye events start on Friday the 17th and finish on Sunday the 19th with Service Pistol Team Matches and an EIC Match.
If you’d like to know more about this match, use this link. Or email my friend Don Plante to register at: donpla@msn.com
Update: The Little Woman has given me the go-ahead to attend next year’s match; that’s a clear indication of how much I appreciate this event. And if you do decide to go, there’s plenty of others things to do in and around Phoenix.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Mirror Image Duo
The piece centers around two 1911 Commander stainless steel pistols, bookmarked right and left-handed. The lefty was constructed to be completely and truly opposite the other. That means everything, plunger tube, ejection port, extractor, mag release and anything else you can think of … has been crafted in a reverse mirror image.
Joey tells me the lefty shot a 50 yard group (keep in mind they’re stubby little Commanders) of 1.80” and the righty shot 1.55” out of a Ransom Rest. After studying the picture, clearly they were crafted and finished in a highly refined and elite manner.
Listed below are two links to the American Hangunner article. The first link is AH’s digital version, the latter is their HTML.
As we run up to the SHOT Show, I’m certain everyone’s going to want to see these things.
http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA12/?page=58
http://www.americanhandgunner.com/chambers-custom-2/
Monday, January 09, 2012
A New Year’s Aspiration
Like many of you I lurk on the Bullseye-L too. There was a time not so long ago where I would participate with some degree of frequency; only wondering whether or not I had anything worth contributing.
And I’ll admit, for content, occasionally I get ideas there for the foundation of a blog post.
Near the end of 2011 on the BE-L, there were a lot of good discussions about our dwindling fraternity. Granted there were a lot of productive ideas that surfaced and others were even downright excellent, about how to attract newbies at the local level. Many of us should earnestly take their cue and productively work our neighborhood resources.
Unfortunately it’s a subject I’ve addressed several times before. I’m under the impression that we, the practitioners of our sport, generally can’t see the forest through the proverbially trees.
Bullseye has had a steady long-term decline. It’s been systemic, incremental and appears to have been drifting down the exit corridor for the past 20 to 25 years. And most recently over the past two and a half years (possibly due to the Great Recession) there’s been a rapid exodus of those who weren’t tenured. … I certainly wouldn’t call those who have recently left us as transient shooters—more than likely they simply weren’t that ingrained.
The 21st century is a much different place. Today, there’s all manner of shooting sports: Cowboy Action (with and without the horse-flesh), ISSF, IDPA, IPCS, Skeet, Trap, Sporting Clays, Muzzle Loading, Metallic Long Range Black Powder, Benchrest, Pins—and what the hey, I’ll even mention Action Airgun. Obviously there are numerous sporting opportunities today. And I shudder to think of all the people who might be siphoned off by participating in one of the reenactment disciplines such as WWII or Civil War. [I highly suggest taking a look at a few of the above links, then, compare it to this one.]
My point is I don’t think we can turn the tide by simply prospecting in our local markets or clubs anymore. The loss has been too great, the erosion too deep.
Maybe you've noticed there’s now a flood of mainstream television shooting shows such as Extreme Marksmen or Top Shot, and a slew of others that are independently produced. In the recent past, most programming of this type had been limited to exhibition shooters or gun shop owners. Apparently there’s a new-found and compelling appetite by the general public for this type of entertainment.
I have several contacts at the History Channel (A&E) and two of their independent production companies (since I’m now considered a member of the media). It’s crystal clear to them there’s a huge viewing audience for shows that promote shooting in a positive light. And they also know they don’t have to be tied to traditional 'outdoor' cable channels.
Presently the common public views these activities as non-threatening, fun, competitive, and a reasonable pastime. A substantial number who watch these programs don’t shoot or even own guns, and many toy with the idea that it’s something they’d like to do.
During my lifetime I can’t recall another period in our culture when firearms and their related disciplines were so well regarded by the public. Today most urbanites refer to the Second Amendment as a right; rather than calling it a privilege as they traditionally would have in the not so distant past. The bottom line is there’s never been a better time to attract new bullseye shooters. This might also explain why there are so many people shooting today.
But they’re not shooting with us!
… And that’s something I’ve noticed.
The truth is we’re invisible. Almost no one knows we’re alive—and they certainly don’t know what we do.
I’ve been in casual social settings where someone asked me what my hobbies are, and I gladly told them. In response, their typical reply to me might be something like, “So, you do Olympic type shooting?”
Whether we know it or not we’re in a period of social transformation. Change like this is something everyone can count on. A lot of emotional effort has been spilled over the decline of Bullseye. And it’s been noted with the same old breathless, impulsive, often coarse and always knowing style that typifies the old hardcore elite: by demanding to do things the same old ways.
Einstein once remarked if you repeatedly performed an experiment identically and expected different results, it was an act of mental illness.
How do we turn the tide?
Money and marketing, that’s how.
If you took the time to look at a few of the websites listed above, it’ll come to you there’s tie-ins with marketing.
Brownells, Bianchi and Black Hills support CASS, both financially and with television marketing.
STI, S&W, Springfield Armory and Safariland provide assistance to the USPSA. And of course they are sponsors along with Midway USA when television programming is to be had.
At some point in the near future if we want to expand our ranks, or for that matter survive, we’ll have to design and implement a nationwide marketing plan to promote our own interests.
We need to create a centralized entity designed with purpose to be our advocate. It needs to be comprised of our own so it can rework new relationships with those that provide goods and services to us. And in doing so it could organize the financial capital and marketing skills necessary to foster a new era of rebirth for the Bullseye community.
Since we’re living in a modern age, we really don’t have much of an alternative.
So, does anyone out there have Larry Potterfield’s phone number?
And I’ll admit, for content, occasionally I get ideas there for the foundation of a blog post.
Near the end of 2011 on the BE-L, there were a lot of good discussions about our dwindling fraternity. Granted there were a lot of productive ideas that surfaced and others were even downright excellent, about how to attract newbies at the local level. Many of us should earnestly take their cue and productively work our neighborhood resources.
Unfortunately it’s a subject I’ve addressed several times before. I’m under the impression that we, the practitioners of our sport, generally can’t see the forest through the proverbially trees.
Bullseye has had a steady long-term decline. It’s been systemic, incremental and appears to have been drifting down the exit corridor for the past 20 to 25 years. And most recently over the past two and a half years (possibly due to the Great Recession) there’s been a rapid exodus of those who weren’t tenured. … I certainly wouldn’t call those who have recently left us as transient shooters—more than likely they simply weren’t that ingrained.
The 21st century is a much different place. Today, there’s all manner of shooting sports: Cowboy Action (with and without the horse-flesh), ISSF, IDPA, IPCS, Skeet, Trap, Sporting Clays, Muzzle Loading, Metallic Long Range Black Powder, Benchrest, Pins—and what the hey, I’ll even mention Action Airgun. Obviously there are numerous sporting opportunities today. And I shudder to think of all the people who might be siphoned off by participating in one of the reenactment disciplines such as WWII or Civil War. [I highly suggest taking a look at a few of the above links, then, compare it to this one.]
 |
| Rob Leatham On Gun Talk Television |
My point is I don’t think we can turn the tide by simply prospecting in our local markets or clubs anymore. The loss has been too great, the erosion too deep.
Maybe you've noticed there’s now a flood of mainstream television shooting shows such as Extreme Marksmen or Top Shot, and a slew of others that are independently produced. In the recent past, most programming of this type had been limited to exhibition shooters or gun shop owners. Apparently there’s a new-found and compelling appetite by the general public for this type of entertainment.
I have several contacts at the History Channel (A&E) and two of their independent production companies (since I’m now considered a member of the media). It’s crystal clear to them there’s a huge viewing audience for shows that promote shooting in a positive light. And they also know they don’t have to be tied to traditional 'outdoor' cable channels.
Presently the common public views these activities as non-threatening, fun, competitive, and a reasonable pastime. A substantial number who watch these programs don’t shoot or even own guns, and many toy with the idea that it’s something they’d like to do.
During my lifetime I can’t recall another period in our culture when firearms and their related disciplines were so well regarded by the public. Today most urbanites refer to the Second Amendment as a right; rather than calling it a privilege as they traditionally would have in the not so distant past. The bottom line is there’s never been a better time to attract new bullseye shooters. This might also explain why there are so many people shooting today.
But they’re not shooting with us!
… And that’s something I’ve noticed.
The truth is we’re invisible. Almost no one knows we’re alive—and they certainly don’t know what we do.
I’ve been in casual social settings where someone asked me what my hobbies are, and I gladly told them. In response, their typical reply to me might be something like, “So, you do Olympic type shooting?”
Whether we know it or not we’re in a period of social transformation. Change like this is something everyone can count on. A lot of emotional effort has been spilled over the decline of Bullseye. And it’s been noted with the same old breathless, impulsive, often coarse and always knowing style that typifies the old hardcore elite: by demanding to do things the same old ways.
Einstein once remarked if you repeatedly performed an experiment identically and expected different results, it was an act of mental illness.
How do we turn the tide?
Money and marketing, that’s how.
If you took the time to look at a few of the websites listed above, it’ll come to you there’s tie-ins with marketing.
Brownells, Bianchi and Black Hills support CASS, both financially and with television marketing.
STI, S&W, Springfield Armory and Safariland provide assistance to the USPSA. And of course they are sponsors along with Midway USA when television programming is to be had.
At some point in the near future if we want to expand our ranks, or for that matter survive, we’ll have to design and implement a nationwide marketing plan to promote our own interests.
We need to create a centralized entity designed with purpose to be our advocate. It needs to be comprised of our own so it can rework new relationships with those that provide goods and services to us. And in doing so it could organize the financial capital and marketing skills necessary to foster a new era of rebirth for the Bullseye community.
Since we’re living in a modern age, we really don’t have much of an alternative.
So, does anyone out there have Larry Potterfield’s phone number?
Here’s a short list of potential sponsors: CCI, High Standard, Springfield Armory, Midway USA, Black Hills, Eley, Brownells, Lapua, Rock River Arms, Cheaper Than Dirt, Zero Bullets, Cabbot, Walther, OTIS Technology, Dillon Precision, Hornady and Kowa. And I’m certain a dozen more names could be added with the a little help from my friends.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Gyrojet Pistol
Shades of James Bond!!
Every once in a while I’ll stumble across stuff. And I wouldn’t be surprised that a few of you are aware of this unique pistol displayed in the video below. I wasn’t, but it just looked so darn cool and outlandish to me.
Who knows, maybe this thing was birthed by misdirected government funding or someone who had way too much time on their hands.
It shoots in outer space and underwater. Practicality aside—it must have been a lot of fun putting it together.
Apparently the concept goes way back to the early 1930’s when inventor Clyde Farrell crafted a machine pistol based on the same concept. Supposedly the rounds were joined together in belt type fashion by drawn aluminum wire.
Oddly enough, the concept was even older than that. William Schermuly, a British seaman, political reformer and inventor, crafted one of the first modern rocket guns in the mid-20’s. His pistol design was intended for rescue operations rather than a defensive device.
The Gyrojet did see combat testing in Vietnam. To date I’ve found no evidence of anyone ever being harmed by one. Liberals would love this one; a pistol that’s been in use for more than 45 years, and its never hurt anyone. After the passage of the 1968 Gun Control Act the ATF attempted to have them banned as a destructive device.
Every once in a while I’ll stumble across stuff. And I wouldn’t be surprised that a few of you are aware of this unique pistol displayed in the video below. I wasn’t, but it just looked so darn cool and outlandish to me.
Who knows, maybe this thing was birthed by misdirected government funding or someone who had way too much time on their hands.
It shoots in outer space and underwater. Practicality aside—it must have been a lot of fun putting it together.
Apparently the concept goes way back to the early 1930’s when inventor Clyde Farrell crafted a machine pistol based on the same concept. Supposedly the rounds were joined together in belt type fashion by drawn aluminum wire.
Oddly enough, the concept was even older than that. William Schermuly, a British seaman, political reformer and inventor, crafted one of the first modern rocket guns in the mid-20’s. His pistol design was intended for rescue operations rather than a defensive device.
The Gyrojet did see combat testing in Vietnam. To date I’ve found no evidence of anyone ever being harmed by one. Liberals would love this one; a pistol that’s been in use for more than 45 years, and its never hurt anyone. After the passage of the 1968 Gun Control Act the ATF attempted to have them banned as a destructive device.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Update on Degeneration (and a Hearty, Thank You)
Last November, with a lot of reservation, I told the story of physical problems I encountered in a post titled Degeneration. Basically the piece was about how it affected my shooting.
Over the past three years, I rarely share personal things anymore. I’ve tried to maintain the blog as a resource for newbies. Although, at the time, I thought it was worth reporting on. I assumed that sooner or later all of us would be faced with a similar predicament.
Immediately after posting it I received lots of thoughtful emails. Each and every one was moving. The majority were sincerely laced with genuine advice both medical and mental—and others were written in a tone of authentic encouragement.
During my recovery I threw caution to the wind and started doing some pretty weird things. Over the course of several league matches I shot slow fire with my weak hand. I started off being ever so hopeful, by attempting to bump up my slow fire scores with my non-damaged limb.
Up until that point I was having a terrible time of it. I had limited mobility where it was nearly impossible to maintain any degree of strength or stability when using my right hand. So I temporally abandoned it and used my weak hand. And I changed eyes too (yes, I used the non-dominant one) and simply tried to force myself into sequentially applying the fundamentals.
The results weren’t all that bad! … Nor were they stellar. But they’re still far less rewarding score-wise compared to my old performances.
I feel fortunate that my pinched nerve appears to be returning to normal. I have no pain. Presently I can command my strong arm and grip to do things it used to. And my ability to have a reasonable wobble area appears to be within sight too.
Unfortunately my scores haven’t returned to their pre-injury levels. I’m certain all I have to do is be a little more dedicated with both my training and practice routines. And I have few doubts that at some point in the near future I’ll be back to my old self.
In some respects, I feel like I’m teaching myself how to shoot all over again.
But the whole process gave me several new insights, the first being a more respectful and intuitive understanding into the process of aging. I’ve known several ol’ timers over the years and simply marvel at their dedication to the sport. They simply know how to keep going and enjoy themselves immensely, regardless of the outcome.
And I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve become much more sensitive to those who are handicapped. They bear burdens, visible or hidden, that may or may never be cast off.
The bottom line is we all compete in an environment where we’re not equal: be it our skill, equipment, physical ability or training. All of us may have equal opportunities but our individually ingrained abilities and handicaps are anything but egalitarian.
As we start a New Year, allow me to express my gratitude.
No one achieves success without the help of others (and I’ve had a lot of help). I’m incredibly thankful of those who have assisted in rekindling my spirit. People with a strong sense of gratitude, love and appreciation don’t necessarily have more than others; they simply recognize and perceive more beauty in their lives.
As we approach 2012 and all the unknowns before us, I believe there is always—always—something to be thankful or grateful for.
Over the past three years, I rarely share personal things anymore. I’ve tried to maintain the blog as a resource for newbies. Although, at the time, I thought it was worth reporting on. I assumed that sooner or later all of us would be faced with a similar predicament.
Immediately after posting it I received lots of thoughtful emails. Each and every one was moving. The majority were sincerely laced with genuine advice both medical and mental—and others were written in a tone of authentic encouragement.
During my recovery I threw caution to the wind and started doing some pretty weird things. Over the course of several league matches I shot slow fire with my weak hand. I started off being ever so hopeful, by attempting to bump up my slow fire scores with my non-damaged limb.
Up until that point I was having a terrible time of it. I had limited mobility where it was nearly impossible to maintain any degree of strength or stability when using my right hand. So I temporally abandoned it and used my weak hand. And I changed eyes too (yes, I used the non-dominant one) and simply tried to force myself into sequentially applying the fundamentals.
The results weren’t all that bad! … Nor were they stellar. But they’re still far less rewarding score-wise compared to my old performances.
I feel fortunate that my pinched nerve appears to be returning to normal. I have no pain. Presently I can command my strong arm and grip to do things it used to. And my ability to have a reasonable wobble area appears to be within sight too.
Unfortunately my scores haven’t returned to their pre-injury levels. I’m certain all I have to do is be a little more dedicated with both my training and practice routines. And I have few doubts that at some point in the near future I’ll be back to my old self.
In some respects, I feel like I’m teaching myself how to shoot all over again.
But the whole process gave me several new insights, the first being a more respectful and intuitive understanding into the process of aging. I’ve known several ol’ timers over the years and simply marvel at their dedication to the sport. They simply know how to keep going and enjoy themselves immensely, regardless of the outcome.
And I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve become much more sensitive to those who are handicapped. They bear burdens, visible or hidden, that may or may never be cast off.
The bottom line is we all compete in an environment where we’re not equal: be it our skill, equipment, physical ability or training. All of us may have equal opportunities but our individually ingrained abilities and handicaps are anything but egalitarian.
As we start a New Year, allow me to express my gratitude.
No one achieves success without the help of others (and I’ve had a lot of help). I’m incredibly thankful of those who have assisted in rekindling my spirit. People with a strong sense of gratitude, love and appreciation don’t necessarily have more than others; they simply recognize and perceive more beauty in their lives.
As we approach 2012 and all the unknowns before us, I believe there is always—always—something to be thankful or grateful for.
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