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New Mexico Handgun Limit: In yesterday's item about the announcement of
New Mexico CCW reciprocity I mentioned that there is a limit to one
handgun that can be carried on a CHL. I inquired of Steve Aikens, the
New Mexico administrator for Packing.org, whether the limit would affect
openly carrying one handgun and concealing a backup. Here is his response:
You are limited to one *concealed* handgun in New Mexico. We have no law restricting the number of openly carried handguns, regardless of the concealed handgun. We had to accept that restriction as a trade-off for the previous caliber qualification we just changed. We are working to correct it.
I do understand that the open carry of handguns in inside-the-waistband
(IWB) holsters is regarded by some New Mexico sheriffs as concealed
carry and would advise that any openly carried handgun be carried in an
outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster, with some sort of retention device.
---
"Cowboys With AK-47's": A British paper takes a look at an Arizona
resident defending his property along the border with Mexico.
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/11/20/wmex20.xml
---
Typical Lawsuit: An Alabama police officer died in a training accident
when his supervisor carried a real, loaded Glock pistol into a "red gun"
exercise. Glock is now listed among the defendants in a suit by the
officer's widow.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051119/NEWS/511190348/1001
---
Wisconsin Deer Season Tense One Year After Murders: Article discusses
concerns the aftermath of last year's murder of six hunters by a Hmong
immigrant in a hunting dispute.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/20/national/20deer.html
---
More From Teddy Jacobson: Teddy continues his advice on 1911 pistols.
One of the reasons that I include these comments is that a significant
proportion of my students show up with 1911's so I assume that they are
still in use by many members of the list.
http://actionsbyt.blogspot.com/2005/11/fact-vs-bs-part-4.html
---
Interesting Sniper Assignment: Article details a British SAS sniper
mission in Iraq that required three simultaneous head shots in order to
neutralize a trio of suicide bombers. (Contrast this with my discussion
of head shots at
http://www.spw-duf.info/emperor.html#head%20shots.)
http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/11/20/nsas120.xml
---
The Great Caliber Debate, Military Version:
(The following item and a couple from John Farnam deal with the weakness
of the .223/5.56mm cartridge as a military round. It is precisely those
weaknesses that generally make it attractive for home defense and
police-patrol use in urban areas - in such applications, poor
penetration of builidng materials is often a desirable feature.)
-----Original Message-----
The Strategy Page
November 15, 2005
Little Bullets Lose Respect
The U.S. Army's cancellation of the XM8 (a replacement for the M16)
reflects disenchantment with the 5.56mm round, more than anything else.
While the 5.56mm bullet was OK when used in an automatic weapon, it is
much less useful when you have so many troops who know how to shoot,
and can hit targets just as easily with single shots. In addition to
better shooting skills, the troops also have much better sights, both
for day and night use. It's much more effective to fire less often, if you
Have troops who can do that and hit what they are shooting at with the
first shot. Most American troops can.
Moreover, the 5.56mm round is less effective in urban fighting, where
you often want to shoot through doors and walls. The 5.56mm round is
not as effective at doing this as is the heavier 7.62mm bullet. And the
troops have plenty of 7.62mm weapons available, in order to compare.
There is the M240 medium machine-gun. While this 7.62mm weapon is
usually mounted on vehicles, it is often taken off and used by infantry
for street fighting. Lots of 1960s era 7.62mm M14 rifles have also been
taken out of storage and distributed. While used mainly as sniper
rifles, the snipers do other
Work on the battlefield as well, and the troops have been able to see
that the heavier 7.62mm round does a better job of shooting through
cinder block walls, and taking down bad guys with one shot. Too often,
enemy troops require several 5.56mm bullets to put them out of action.
In a situation like that, it makes more sense to carry a heavier round.
The question is, which one? The army has been experimenting with a 6.8mm
round, but now some are demanding that the full size 7.62mm round be
brought back. There are M16 type weapons that use the full size 7.62mm
round (and the lower powered AK-47 7.62mm round). The new SOCOM SCAR
rifle can quickly be adapted to using all of the above by swapping out
the barrel and receiver. Could be that the Army is going to wait and see
what SOCOM decides to do.
The other big complaint about the M16 is it's sensitivity to fine dust,
as found in Iraq and, to a lesser extent, Afghanistan. This stuff causes
the rifle (and the light machine-gun version, the M243), to jam. Troops
have to be cleaning these weapons constantly. Another problem with the
M243 is that most of the ones in service are very old, and in need of a
replacement (with new M243s, or a new weapon design.) The XM8 solved
much of the "dust sensitivity" problem, but part of the problem was the
smaller round.
A decision on the Army's new assault rifle will probably come sooner,
rather than later, because the troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan
are making a lot of Internet noise over the issue.
--
We are not surprised!
Marines,
6.8mm is essentially a 270 rnd 110 - 120gr bullet moving about 2700 fps
that fits into an M16/M4 rifle. It is very stable, accurate and
effective. The issue is that senior DOD leadership doesn't want to
switch calibers in the middle of a war cause Lake City can't produce
enough 5.56mm now. They would have to shut down retool and restart. Not
an easy thing. SOCOM is not interested for sole use as they want to be
able to draw like type ammo from any U.S. military unit if they need
it. Big Army (lead on rifle/ammo acquisition for the military) is not
interested in 6.8mm even when told by a panel of ballistics experts it
was superior to 5.56mm(.223 Rem). Thus, we may see a return to 7.62x51
NATO (.308 Win), but even then I don't count on it.
In the meantime the MK262 5.56mm round is performing well in Iraq. It
is essentially the Black Hills 77gr Sierra HPBT bullet. So if you
purchase the Black Hills ammo you are buying MK262....an issued round
that works.
This war on terror just may help return the .45ACP and a large caliber
rifle round.
S/F
---
From John Farnam:
14 Nov 05
Baboon encounter, from a student in SA:
"Last week, I went bicycle riding on a trail in the local conservancy.
No firearms are allowed in the park, of course. However, like all
stupid, grasseater rules, this one is universally ignored by all who
have a lick of common sense!
I carried a small, Taurus 357Mg revolver, loaded with CCI snake shot.
Puff Adders are extremely poisonous, but lethargic. They don't quickly
slither away as do most snakes, so it is not uncommon to inadvertently
walk up on one. I carry the revolver mostly for that eventuality, but I
have, in addition, two speed-loaders, charged with 125gr Cor-Bon HPs, in
my pocket. Good thing, as it turns out!
I stopped for brunch near a stream. After removing my helmet and other
gear, I noticed a large, male baboon approaching in a menacing manner.
Often fed by the uninformed, baboons quickly lose their fear of humans
and become aggressive and dangerous, far more than just a nuisance. I
drew my revolver and yelled at him. No response. He kept coming
directly toward me. I then fired two shots at him at a range of twenty
feet. He was temporarily stunned, but shook it off and continued to
close the remaining distance between us.
I suddenly remembered that my revolver was loaded with snake-shot.
Grabbing a speed-loader, I ejected the remaining snake-shot rounds and
quickly reloaded with the HPs. Firing immediately, one of my two shots
hit the big male in the neck. I don't know where the other went. The
bullet that did hit him, fully expanded, blew out his cervical spine.
He was DRT when his fell, lifeless, mere feet away from me.
I reported the incident to the resident park ranger. He didn't seem too
worried, and baboons are pests here, and one fewer doesn't concern anyone.
I'm lucky to be unhurt. Glad I learned, through many repetitions, to
reload the revolver quickly. Glad I was armed when I needed to be!"
Comment: This woman is alive and healthy today, because she ignored
ignorant, prejudicial, anti-guns laws and did what any sane person
would. She was ready to courageously confront danger when it needed to
be. Good show!
/John
(This woman is also alive, in part, because she had the time to dump a
highly specialized load from her revolver and reload with a
general-purpose load. In my book, if the snake load is warranted, it
would make more sense to carry it in a separate revolver - but I don't
have to deal with South African firearm registration laws.)
---
16 Nov 05
On RRA's AR-15, from a friend in the DEA:
"They make a great product, and customer service has been superb.
However, I recommend you stay away from the "two-stage trigger." This
is something for non-serious, target shooters. We've had several break
on us, so we no longer use them and don't recommend them. In fact, any
military rifle that describes itself as "match" or "target" should never
be used for serious purposes. You should only purchase "utility-grade"
rifles with mil-spec triggers."
Comment: Amen! Amen!
/John
("RRA" is Rock River Arms.)
---
16 Nov 05
On the Kahr PM9 and Rusty Sherrick's holsters:
"For the past several months, I've been wearing a Rusty Sherrick ankle
holster and a Kahr PM9 as a back-up pistol. Rusty uses no retention
straps, yet the holster has firmly secured the PM9 despite every effort
I have made to dislodge it. I have run with it, jumped, kicked, and
tripped, and the gun stays secure. Yet when drawing, the pistol comes
out clean and fast. Rusty is an artist! The PM9 is light, small, and
holds a couple of rounds more than a J-frame.
I have found this combination of holster and pistol to be close to perfect."
Comment: When you need to carry a gun, you need to carry at least two!
Back-up pistols are important, but their selection and placement
requires thought and careful preparation.
/John
(While I'm sure that most PM9's function fine, I have seen or heard more
complaints about this model than any other pistol in the Kahr lineup.
Many list members have advised me that they are very happy with my
recommendation of the P9 Covert, which matches the shorter grip frame of
the PM9 with the "full-length" slide and barrel of the P9.)
---
16 Nov 05
On the AUG, from a friend in the Philippines:
"Australia has promised military aid to us. Under license from Steyr,
they manufacture the 'Austeyr,' the 'Australian AUG.' More importantly,
Steyr has made it known that they intend to move the manufacture of all
military small arms to Malaysia, which isn't too far from here.
Given these developments, within the next three years, the AUG will
become more common in this part of the world than the Galil, and
eventually, even the AR-15."
Comment: How geopolitics influences us all! Fortunately, the AUG is a
wonderful rifle. It will serve its owners well!
/John
(The Steyr AUG is a sweet little bullpup rifle in .223/5.56mm. Under
adverse circumstances it can be fired effectively one-handed, from a
standing position. Like most bullpups, however, it is not friendly to
being switched to the opposite shoulder for which it has been set up as
it will eject cases into the user's face.)
---
17 Nov 05
G21 and the LAPD
Today, the LAPD has ordered all its officers to suspend from active
service all G21s. Graduates from the LAPD Academy are issued G22s, but
G21s may be purchased individually and used on duty (until today). Many
are currently in service.
The LAPD Firearms Training Unit cited ignition failures as the problem.
Glock has dispatched a team to LA to resolve this Issue. When they do,
I'm sure G21 will be reauthorized for service. Recently, LAPD mandated
a trigger-bar replacement for G21s, but that apparently didn't cure the
problem to their satisfaction.
The LAPD Firearms Training Unit may be contacted at 818 832 3715.
/John
---
19 Nov 05
The XCR from Robinson Arms
This is from Alex Robinson of Robinson Arms in Salt Lake City. This
represents a genuine advancement in the evolution of military rifles,
and we all need to take notice:
"The XCR is genuinely modular. It is designed and built to compete in
the SCAR (Special Forces Combat Assault Rifle) trials. At first glance,
it may look like an M4 with a rail system. However, it is fresh, from
the ground up.
When one asks veterans of serious and sustained fighting what they want
in a battle rifle, they will say that they like the Stoner System
(M16/M4) for its light weight, its ability to be accessorized, and for
its ergonomics (pistol grip, selector, magazine release). However, all
comment that the M16/M4 requires anal maintenance to keep it running,
and even then, is no where near as reliable as the Kalashnikov (AK-47).
In addition, several M16/M4 parts are particularly prone to breakage,
notably the extractor spring.
We designed the XCR from scratch, borrowing features from both the M16 and
AK-47. Here is what we did:
We designed a bolt similar to the Kalashnikov's, with large, sturdy lugs
and a durable, reliable extractor. We reverted to a traditional
gas/piston and a robust, 'knock out' ejector.
During our interviews with operators, we discovered what is liked best
about the M16/M4 is the way the magazine inserts and drops free quickly,
the position and design of the selector lever, and the design of the
pistol grip. Accordingly, we retained those features. However, the
rotation of the selector lever, from 'safe' to 'fire' is now forty-five
degrees (instead of ninety) and then sixty more degrees to full-auto.
This was done for speed and convenience and so that the selector lever
does not dig into the left-handed shooter's hand.
We also added a 1913 Standard (Picatinny) rail system with rails at the
three, six, nine, and twelve o'clock positions, to facilitate use with
the SOPMOD accessories.
While then added several valuable features found on neither the
Kalashnikov nor the Stoner Systems:
The XCR has a non-reciprocating charging handle on the left side of the
rifle, with built-in bolt forward assist. The forward-assist is actuated
by depressing the charging-handle knob while pushing the charging handle
forward. The charging handle is in the middle of the upper receiver
(left side). This ensures that no matter what is attached to the rails,
the rifle can be manually cycled with ease. Actually, the forward-assist
feature is needed only to close the bolt completely after a chamber
check. In tens of thousands of rounds fired during testing, we've
never had to use the forward assist to close the bolt during normal cycling.
Another ergonomic feature is an ambidextrous bolt hold-open. Wrapped
around the bottom of the trigger guard, it can be operated easily,
whether shooting right or left-handed. Along with our charging handle,
this allows the operator to do everything necessary to function the
rifle while keeping the weapon mounted and his eyes downrange.
The XCR's upper receiver is not only strong, but it also has a
quick-change barrel feature. The barrel of the XCR has substantially
more support than that of the M16/M4 barrel and can be removed quickly
and easily. Barrel change time is less than two minutes. Removing and
reinstalling the barrel results in no change in zero.
The XCR is field stripped quickly. One button allows complete access to
the interior.
Our rifle is being produced initially in 5.56mm (223), but features easy
and convenient caliber conversion! We have conversion kits to upgrade
to 6.8mm Rem and 7.62x39mm Soviet. Kits consist of barrel, bolt, and
magazines. Conversion from one caliber to another takes less than five
minutes.
In conclusion, the XCR has reliability, durability, accuracy, rails,
superior ergonomics, and quick-change barrels. All this in a 7.5 pound
package!"
Comment: Alex deserves a lot of credit for devoting so much of his life
to bringing this new rifle into fruition. I'll report back when I get
my hands on one!
/John
(These comments are furnished in the context of the debate about our
current military rifles. I have no first-hand knowledge of this weapon
and am unable to endorse it.)
---
19 Nov 05
My friends in Country tell me that two, good hits will take down most
insurgents when Marines are using the Black Hills 77gr 223 round. With
the M855 (62gr "penetrator"), six hits are commonly required,
particularly when they use the short-barreled M4
The Pentagon surely has a curious definition of "success!" The M855
works so poorly (and has since its introduction) that even an anemic
improvement (two hits vs six) is considered a miracle. Now, we have a
military rifle cartridge in general issue that is well-nigh half as good
as the 308, which it replaced!
/John
(For those unfamiliar with the history of the M16, the original military
M193 cartridge fired a barely stabilized 55 gr. bullet from a barrel
with a 1-in-12" twist. The 62 gr. '"penetrator" bullet, fired from a
barrel with a 1-in-7" twist, was a compromise to get our European NATO
allies to convert to this caliber, and was first introduced with the M16A2.)
---
19 Nov 05
"Like you, I've been carrying OC for years as well as keeping it close
to all entry points at the house. Recently, I ordered several pocket OC
bottles to replace what I had, which was several years old. When the
new ones arrived, I pulled out an old unit, just to practice spraying it.
To my enormous surprise, when I pushed the button, just little more than
a drop came out, and it traveled two feet! The propellant was dead. I
was forced to confront the fact that I had been carrying nothing but a
talisman for the last year or so.
In any event, I'm on an annual replacement schedule now. Every
Thanksgiving it will be turkey and fresh OC!"
Lesson: Test your critical gear regularly. I, for one, don't like
surprises!
/John
--
Stephen P. Wenger
Firearm safety - It's a matter
for education, not legislation.
http://www.spw-duf.info
