Sometimes you just can't win.

This makes me angry.

Like most people, I use Paypal (but limit my use to things I cannot purchase any other way). I know how much of a pain in the ass they can be. I didn't, however, expect them to pull this sort of crap...especially not when the raffle is in support of soldiers.

Bad move, Paypal. Bad move. I don't care if you're anti-gun...apparently you're also anti-military. I've seen suggestions that Paypal is just following the laws of California, but that's a load of bullshit. eBay is equally anti-gun, and it makes sense that eBay's politics would filter down to Paypal, since the former owns the latter.


As a sidenote - I had already been debating getting a ticket or two, and this clinches it. I'm glad Paypal won't be making money off these ticket sales...and once payday hits, I'll be picking up a ticket or three.

EDITED TO ADD: apparently, in response to a lot of complaints about Paypal, gunpal now exists for your gun trading needs.

Boyfriends, birthdays, and firearms.

Truly, these are a match made in heaven.

My birthday is coming up in about 12 hours, and this weekend the other half took me to pick up my first .22 rifle. We ended up going to Dick's at one of the local malls, since their prices tend to be the best for long guns.

I had my choice of any .22 up to $250, but I'm picky. I had the gentleman behind the counter pull a Savage, a Mossberg, and a Marlin for me (the Ruger wasn't even under consideration due to some recent QC issues I've been reading about - it seems the chrome finish has been peeling on some of the barrels).

All were semiauto, and the Mossberg and Marlin rifles had open sights while the Savage had a scope and no sights. This knocked the Savage out of the running, so I was down to the Mossy and the Marlin. The Mossberg 702 "Plinkster" and the Marlin 795 seem equally matched - the Mossberg weighs more overall, but the Marlin is rather barrel-heavy. I'd also light to point out that both of these rifles are $130, which appealed to my inner frugal woman. The Mossberg's sights seem far better, as well, so we ended up bringing that home. It's already tapped for a scope, so if I get bored with the existing sights, I can always upgrade. For now, though, the hooded sight should be enough.

I haven't yet cleaned it OR taken any pictures, so you'll have to trust me for now. :)

Today we celebrate our independance...

Yet so many see it as an excuse to blow stuff up and stuff face 'till sickness settles in.

I woke up to a beautiful morning and wondered just what the hell is going to happen to our nation in the near future. So many people are so willing to give up their freedom so someone else can take responsibility for our nation, and it's despicable.


BUT, I'm not posting to preach. I'm actually posting to share an open letter Xavier wrote to Home Depot. Go, read.

I forgot to mention the last newbie I took to the range.

Somehow I forgot to make this post...sorry, C. I know this is all about you, and I meant to post it eons ago.

Anyhow, on with the post.

My friend C. had been having a BAD week at work, and I happened to have ammo in the locker, so I suggested we meet at the range and I teach him a thing or two about shooting pistols. His experience was limited - he'd only ever shot a long gun or two - but he at least had the 4 rules down, so I had less concern about safety than I normally would. I'd also like to mention that C has played plenty of first person shooter type video games, so I knew he'd at least have a good grasp of proper aim.

When we arrived, we rented a large-frame .22 revolver, and got to work. The revolver in question may have been a S&W, but it's been so long I've forgotten (C, if you remember the brand, please let me know). It proved to be an effective introduction - he giggled like an idiot through most of that box of ammo, and was damned accurate. I think the lack of recoil helped.

We moved up to the Bersa (I swear, she gets around nowadays!) and let him fire off a round to see the difference between the two calibers. He knew it had a stronger recoil, but he managed the difference very well. Again, he was scary accurate...so we worked on his stance. I forced him to lean forward a little, since one's natural inclination is to lean back while firing, and his accuracy got better. I insisted he work on groupings, and his accuracy continued to improve.

He seemed thoroughly pleased with the evening, and still itches to go back. One of these days, when life isn't quite so busy, I think we shall.

Next range report will likely be an introduction for either my friend R, or my cousin V. Both have expressed interest, so we're working on scheduling.

Yet another Del-Ton delay.

I called Del-Ton again yesterday. I MAY see the uppers in July. Supposedly they're working on a day for day basis (they complete one day's orders from the month they were ordered, and complete them in a day). Right now they're finishing December and expect to be into January next week.

I swear, if they weren't so polite and forthcoming with information, I would have canceled my order and taken my business elsewhere.

I understand they were swamped with orders. I understand they've had to buy a new, larger shop. I understand they bought a barrel manufacturer to take care of the 20" barrel shortage (guess what size barrel I ordered for my rifle?). What I DO NOT understand is the lack of communication. I shouldn't have to hunt them down; I shouldn't have to call them. They should be sending out mass emails with updates every month (and an opt-out link at the bottom). I know there are those who are far less patient than I am...I'm sure they're having fits over this crazy amount of delay. I'm absolutely certain they've been calling the hell out of the company - when I called yesterday morning, the line was busy and the website was slow. At what point will a company realize "gee, maybe we should be proactive about letting people know what's going on"?

I mean, I'm patient. I really am. I would just like to see the items I ordered nearly six months ago to show up at my house sometime this year, and I'd like a constantly updated ETA on the site when I log in to see my status. That's all. I hope this is a simple enough request.

Good news!

Wal Mart is starting to see ammo in their shipments. Upon my visit on Saturday, the Wally World near my parents' house had 5 100-ct boxes of Winchester .380, as well as a handful of 9mm in various brands. Apparently the consumer resale prices of ARs have gone down, as well - some folks have seen them on Gunbroker for $600 for a complete rifle.

Hopefully the panic has died down. How have your areas fared? Are you seeing more supplies in stores?

Great googly moogly!

I just called Del-Ton, since it's been months.

They're still working on orders from NOVEMBER. The gentleman on the phone said they're just now hitting the end of November's orders, and will be getting into December's in a bit.


My ETA? "About 8 weeks, maybe more."


Looks like the majority of my rifle shooting this season will be with the Mauser, after all.



As a sidenote - I took another newbie friend to the range recently. Look for a full write-up soon.

Article: "You're Probably a Terrorist If..."

I came across this earlier this morning and spent a good amount of time reading, cackling, and agreeing with it.

I took a friend to the range recently.

He's a newbie shooter, and wanted to be broken in gently.

I had him shoot a .22, my .380, and a 9mm to start.

The .22 was a Kimber 1911. While it was a very nice firearm, I decided I won't be getting a .22 conversion for the 1911 I intend to purchase in the next 12 months or so. It had consistent FTE (failure to eject) issues, and more than one FTF (failure to fire). This may have simply been a symptom of firing range ammunition through a 1911, but I'm not willing to waste money on my own to find out the hard way. A .22 conversion kit runs about $200-$300 on average.

My friend thoroughly enjoyed moving up to the Bersa. He noted it had a much more solid feel because of the harder kick. He didn't like that it was made for a righty, as he's a southpaw. Unfortunately, this caused him some difficulties with the slide release and mag release. He also seemed afraid to damage it, as he consistently released the slide entirely too gently. Fortunately, there were no ejection or firing issues for him...just a right-handed configuration for a left-handed shooter.

He moved up to an XD-9, and had a horrible time. Because he's such an extreme lefty, he couldn't manage the slide release. Because he's a newbie, he had a case of the DreadedLimpWrist, and let it kick up far too much...and misfire, FTE, etc. He then switched to an H&K P2000 - an ambidextrous pistol - and had a huge thrill. He blew through a box and a half of 9mm before he decided he was done for the night. He intends to shoot a few more, but I think the H&K is on his short list.

I enjoy taking newbies to the range when they're interested in learning, and pay attention to what they're told. I also revel in their delight when they discover they enjoy it so much they want to come back.

I wonder, who of you will accompany me next? :)

Sigh, backorders.

Just checked on the status of our uppers. Per Del-Ton, they're still working on orders from NOVEMBER.

So...those of you who ordered and are waiting on parts, it'll be awhile. The (rather polite) woman who answered the phone said I can expect 2 months before I'll see our parts.


ARGLEBARGLE. I hope the weather's not too bad in May/June...whenever we get them...