RomeoTangoBravo

A Short Lesson in Light Transmission

2013-05-08T19:22:00.004-05:00

Why Are We Disarmed When No Laws Have Been Broken?

2013-05-07T10:02:00.002-05:00

I find it interesting in our Country that it is often implied that if you are carrying a firearm and come into contact with law enforcement; you will be temporarily disarmed. You are disarmed so that the 'powers that be' may determine if you are allowed to possess the firearm. It is this action of determining that has been rattling around in my head for a while.

Let me make something clear. I understand that different States have different laws as to whether or not you need to inform an LEO if you are carrying a firearm. This type of contact during a traffic stop or something similar is not the scenario I'm necessarily referring too. (It may happen during this type of contact and is not diminished)

I'm referring to an instance when you may be openly armed (legally) whether inside or outside your home and law enforcement confronts you. Most times you will professionally be asked to hand over your firearm so that it can be checked for 'officer safety'. Other times you may have guns drawn upon you and brought to the ground. Either way the ambiguous term 'officer safety' is at play in both scenarios. Why do LEOs feel so impressed to disarm citizens that have not broken any laws?

I understand I have many LEOs in my readership and will be given a litany of reasons why this happens but I have yet to discern a clear reason. When I've asked the question to LEO friends several have mentioned we aren't living in a war zone so you shouldn't need to carry around a loaded weapon. I often remind them that even in a war zone several acting parties are not disarmed due to their proximity.

Let me see if I can contrast the above scenarios with another. While performing Route Clearance operations in Iraq we would take advantage of opportunities to interact with locals. Iraqis are allowed to posses rifles by the de facto nature of their Country. Whenever we were approached or did the approaching of Iraqis with rifles we would never ask to see their firearms to ensure their safety. Likewise, we would never force them to the ground and disarm them. Why? Because they have rights and it's seen as disrespectful to treat anyone in such a way. The reason we would interact with them was in the hopes to gain information on enemy movement and; like many Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we were always suspicious of locals.

Even with suspicions of folks that spoke a different language, in a foreign land and that were armed; we still would not disarm them for 'Soldier Safety'. Did we watch them like a dog watches a steak? Hell yes we did. The last thing we wanted to do was to take a local that was on the fence about us and shove him to the side of the enemy; so everyone is treated with respect. Is that the problem? Do the police not fear the citizens? I do not think there needs to be an element of fear involved (for their jobs or life's) in order to have an effective LEO. It would also; most likely, increase the 'us vs. them' mentality that many LEOs exhibit. Is it the 'us vs. them' theory that propagates the disarming of citizens?

I fear that my short essay in an attempt to answer a question has only made it more clear that I cannot answer it myself. What are your thoughts on this subject? Maybe together we can hash out the bedrock issue.

Please do not construe my sentiments above with some conspiracy to disarm the populace because that is not what I'm trying to address. The issue is about daily, temporary disarmament.

Beretta Pico

2013-05-03T15:59:00.000-05:00

Beretta has introduced their newest firearm at the 2013 NRA Annual Meeting.

The Beretta Pico

.380 ACP or .32 ACP (with barrel change)
Hammer fired (Double Action)
Intergrated laser or light
Color Customization
MSRP: $399

The Pico looks like a smaller and thinner Nano. I can't wait to see how it compares in size, shape and weight to the Ruger LC380.

Does This Mean I'll Be Able To Find Ammo?

2013-04-17T21:34:00.000-05:00

With the defeat of an Anti-Gun Bill in the U.S. Senate via a failed filibuster breaking vote 54-46 (needed 60 to bring it to debate and vote); we see the demise of the most recent hurdle being erected in front of law abiding citizens. Opinions of the bill vary from person to person but I believe that we can strengthen modern checks as opposed to introducing more and more redundant checks. I could write on and on about my views of the topic but that's not why you're here. I've already read post proclaiming this is the end of the Gun/Ammo Run of 2013...

Does this mean I'll be able to find ammo?

In a word: no.

How about guns and magazines?

You should be good in that department. We've already seen rifles gathering dust on shelves locally.

Ammo is another story...
It's not that manufactures aren't making rounds at breakneck speed in prodigious amounts; because they are. It's because of the guy in front of you that buys 2,000 rounds of .22LR and 500 rounds of 45ACP and smiles as he swipes his credit card and says, "I don't even own a 45," and gives you that stupid smirk.

You've seen this guy. He doesn't shoot through a brick of 525 .22LR in a year, but he buys thousands of rounds every time he finds some because you know; it's hard to find. He buys hundreds of rounds of 9mm at a time because his buddy said that they aren't making it anymore, so 'these' boxes must be the last ones and therefore must buy them all! Even though he doesn't own a single firearm chambered for 9mm.

Next time you see this guy and he's saying he can't find ammo anywhere (as he's buying hundreds of rounds) tell him he's why. If, by chance, you are that guy; STOP IT!

Remington Venture X Teaser

2013-04-15T17:21:00.002-05:00

We were teased today with a video from Remington's YouTube page featuring a 'confidential' product dubbed 'Venture X'; with a promised release at the 2013 NRA Annual Meeting May 3rd in Houston, TX.

If you visit the advertised web address www.whatisventurex.com at the end of the teaser you are directed to tracking-point.com. If you followed SHOT Show earlier this year there's no doubt you saw the Tracking Point Xact System. It is an amazing optic that allows a shooter to hit targets at exceeding long distances without much effort on the trigger pullers part. Visit our SHOT Show page for this product for more info.

It would appear that Big Green has decided to invest in the Tracking Point Xact technology and bring it to market. What's clear from the video is that the optic is the main part of the system along with applications for mobile devices to run the system. What's unclear is if Remington has created a rifle platform specifically for use with the Xact System.

Ruger LCP Evolves

2013-03-17T22:03:00.000-05:00

I've owned and carried a Ruger LCP for about two years now and couldn't be happier with it... Well, to be honest I wish it had larger; more "usable" sights and a "better" trigger. I've grown accustom to these two aspects; so much in fact that when I recently handled a 'new' LCP I was blown-away and traded-in my two year old for a brand new model.

Left: Original Design // Right: New Design
Notice the difference in hammer position.

Ruger has addressed the two loudest objections to their pocket wonder. The trigger is still heavy but with a distinct decrease in pull distance. The sights are now larger and can be indexed off of more readily than the original design.

Left: Original Design // Right: New Design

If you have not had the chance to handle the new and improved LCP I suggest you do so. With just two simple improvements they've made a very attractive pocket gun even better. I have not seen any announcement of these changes; so it appears to be a running change to the model.

Related Posts:

For the Record :: Gun Control

2013-03-11T18:10:00.002-05:00

Molotov spreading some more truth!

GunUp Magazine Launches Free Preview and More!

2013-02-27T22:08:00.002-06:00

GunUp has launched the digital preview of their upcoming magazine that has lots of promise! You can subscribe to the digital version for 99 Cents a month or $2.99 a month for both the print and digital versions. The first full issue will be available April 2013; for now check out the Free Preview!

GunUp also has over 200 different firearms in stock and ready to ship! You can browse their selection here. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter that gets you their new and best deals right to your inbox!

They have also joined the growing list of 2A companies that have chosen not to sell firearms to Law Enforcement in States that prohibit the possession of the same firearms by citizens. Here is their statement:

Due to the large number of anti-gun and anti-Second Amendment initiatives that have been passed or proposed in states like New York and Colorado, GunUp will apply all state and federal laws (as applied to civilians) to all state and local government agencies and officers. To put it simply, we will limit all sales of firearms and magazines to only what law abiding citizens may possess in their state, county, or city.“GunUp believes that all citizens should have the same rights under the Second Amendment,” said Vice President Caleb Giddings. “Unfortunately, some politicians don’t agree, and as such we will not sell firearms, magazines, or accessories to any LE agency or officer in states where those items are prohibited to law abiding citizens.”GunUp will continue to support law abiding citizens in ban states to the best of our ability, and will continue to offer fair prices on guns and gear to those citizens.

-Caleb Giddings, Vice President

Weaver or Isosceles? Let the Science Decide!

2013-02-27T22:08:00.001-06:00

This is a debate that will continue forever because one isn't inherently better than the other. You can shoot well using either technique but I'm sure you'll have a preferred method.

I prefer teacupping with my eyes closed...

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Beez Combat Systems AR500 Plate Carrier Overview

2013-02-27T22:08:00.000-06:00

If you feel you need some body armor but don't want to break the bank you should check out the collaboration between Beez Combat Systems and Target Man! I have written about the AR500 Omega Armor Plate Carrier before. Here is a good video overview that has been made:

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Bullet Setback Findings :: LuckyGunner Labs

2013-02-25T18:07:00.001-06:00

Photo courtesy of LuckyGunner Labs

Andrew at LuckyGunner Labs has posted a write-up dispelling some myths associated with 'bullet setback'.

What is Bullet Setback?
Setback is recognized when a bullet (the projectile) has been pushed deeper into its brass case than where it should normally seat. Many things can cause this; from repeated chambering of the same round (like in a carry gun) to hitting it with a hammer (as in Andrew's case). I have even seen a round or two featuring setback from the factory. Bullet setback is not exclusive to pistol ammunition.

Andrew used a Glock 22 Gen 4 for his testing hoping the combination of the high pressure .40S&W and Glock "hand grenade" would spectacularly demonstrate a point.... but I won't ruin the ending for you.

Battered Bullets: What Impact Does Bullet Setback Have on Function?

In a much more unscientific test I performed a couple years ago I found the Glock refused to explode even after 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Weird, I know...

I took a Glock 23 Gen 3 and fired 1,000 rounds of Winchester Ranger .40S&W through it as fast as we could manage. You can find that post with videos in the link below:

1,000 Rounds and a Glock 23

Blog Content

2013-02-22T14:39:00.000-06:00

Howdy folks,

You've probably noticed the intermittent (or non-existent) blog posting since the beginning of the year. The reason for this is that I've decided to try my hand at higher education (again). It has been eight years since the last time I was in school so I'm working through a few growing pains. The good thing is that I will have my face in front of a computer more often and will have an opportunity to post (procrastinate from school work) more often. It may not be as prodigious as I would like but noting ever is ;)

I would like to thank some folks that have encouraged me; either directly or indirectly, with the formation and continuation of this site. Give them a visit and support these other great sites/companies.

Jesse at Predator Intelligence
Andrew at Vuurwapen Blog
Eric at Gunmart Blog
Eric at Haus of Guns
The folks at GunUp

This summer should be fun. I'll be heading to some more firearms training and attend my second (maybe third) Appleseed Shoot. My suppressors should be in by June to August time frame :) so there will be some good vids there too.

Stay Tuned...

FOSTech Origin 12 #SHOTShow

2013-01-19T17:13:00.002-06:00

Be sure to check our Coverage Collection Point for more SHOT Show news!

Seekins Precision Product Overview #SHOTShow

2013-01-18T19:24:00.002-06:00

For more news check out our SHOT Show Coverage Collection Point!

BROWE Product Overview #SHOTShow

2013-01-18T19:09:00.000-06:00

For more information be sure to visit our SHOT Show Coverage Collection Point!

BLACKHAWK! Product Overview #SHOTShow

2013-01-18T18:57:00.001-06:00

For the latest news check out our SHOT Show Coverage Collection Point!

SIG 226 Single-Action #SHOTShow

2013-01-18T18:53:00.002-06:00

This post will act as a Collection Point for all news about the SAO SIG 226!

Beretta A400 20ga #SHOTShow

2013-01-17T19:35:00.004-06:00

This post will act as a Collection Point for all A400 20ga news!

Beretta A300 Outlander #SHOTShow

2013-01-17T19:33:00.003-06:00

This post will act as a Collection Point for all news about the A300.

Gerber Product Overview #SHOTShow

2013-01-17T19:29:00.002-06:00

Be sure to visit our SHOT Show Coverage Collection Post!

Daniel Defense Product Overview #SHOTShow

2013-01-17T19:25:00.001-06:00

For all the latest news check out our SHOT Show Coverage Collection Point!

Advanced Armament Corp. Product Overview #SHOTShow

2013-01-17T19:12:00.003-06:00

This post will act as a Collection Point for all AAC news!

Chiappa Little Badger #SHOTShow

2013-01-17T19:05:00.003-06:00

This post will act as a Collection Point for all news about the Chiappa Little Badger.

EOTech Product Overview #SHOTShow

2013-01-17T14:20:00.000-06:00

Be sure to check our SHOT Show Coverage Collection Point for all the latest news!

ATI Product Overview #SHOTShow

2013-01-17T13:43:00.003-06:00

Be sure to check out our SHOT Show Coverage Collection Point for more news!