Great Guns

There are a lot of good handguns available today.  The questions we get at HCA usually involve asking which gun is "best" or which guns someone should look at.  Realize that the answer to that will differ for each person and will boil down, in many cases, to subjective factors.  Asthetics, feel and balance are a few of these factors we can't quantify. 

Here are some of my picks and how I'd categorize them for "appropriate" uses.

.22 LR handguns
For small game, target shooting, training & practice or just plain fun, the .22 is hard to beat.

Ruger Mk III .22 Semiauto



Ruger Mk III

No matter how hard you try, it's hard to beat the Ruger MK-III for reliability and durability. Ruger offers this model in various barrel configurations, including a heavy "Bull" barrel.  Adjustable sights on some models make it a great long range critter-getter.   

Prices are still reasonable on the Ruger, though they have gone up considerably in recent years. A 4-inch blued Ruger Mk-III will cost you in the neighborhood of $260 while the stainless steel, similar to the one pictured, will start around $330.  Quite reasonable by anyone's standards. 

The one downside to the Ruger pistol is that it can be a little tricky to take down and reassemble for a good cleaning.  Make sure your gunsmith or gun dealer shows you how to field strip and reassemble the gun before you take it home.  The Ruger makes a great field pistol for anyone who wants to spend a lot of time in the outdoors.


Ruger Single-Six Convertible

There's no doubt in my mind that if I were looking at a .22 to pack as a survival companion, the single-action Ruger Single-Six would be the one.  Sturdy, rugged and no magazines

to lose.  Plus it has a .22 Magnum cylinder to give you the extra power for larger critters.  Dressed up with adjustable sights (a necessity when switching between .22 LR and the magnum) with a 5-1/2 inch barrel it weighs in at only 33 ounces. The smaller frame is easy for even youngsters and ladies to handle. 

Available in the low $400 range, this is an excellent revolver for hunting small game.  The stainless versions will cost you about $50 more and might be worth the low maintenance cost to you. Willy-nilly as I am, I just like the looks of a blued revolver much better.

S&W Model 617 - The Stainless Masterpiece

Well, Smith & Wesson calls it their "new" masterpiece in keeping with tradition of the older K-Frame Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece.  I disagree.  The full-lug barrel makes it heavy for a .22 and while that may be good for keeping the muzzle on target, it makes the gun less agile.  It's a lot of weight to lug around for "just a .22" as well.  And that's the 4-inch model. The 6-inch model is heavier and less responsive to swift changes of direction when trying to bag a rabbit or squirrel.

The good news is this thing is a tack-driver.  Literally.  After my first range session I returned a few days later with some thumbtacks.  Spaced on the target I managed to hit 18 of 20 orange thumbtacks at 20 yards.  The two I missed were my own fault.  The 10-round chambers aren't too tight -- a problem encountered on some previous S&W 22's -- and are easy to reload, if somewhat time consuming. 

9mm Pistols

The vast majority of 9mm pistols on the market today are much better than those of 30 years ago.  Lighter, more capacity, less expensive and lower recoil thanks to new designs.  Deciding between one model and another should come down to what you want it to do -- home duty or CCW -- and how it fits your hand.  Here are some models I'd suggest anyone look at. 

Glock 17/19 Pistol
Love 'em or hate 'em, the Glock is a reliable companion.  They're about as handsome as a hammer and just about as tough.  The Model 17 is the "service" model while the Model 19 is a more compact model for CCW.  Truth is, I've carred the Model 17  just as easily as the Model 19 and like the extra muzzle weight of the longer 17.  Either will serve you

well.  These utilitarian pistols rarely have functional issues and are as safe as the user.  I don't recommend these as someone's first semi-auto pistol however. The lack of an external safety means absolute trigger discipline is a must. 

Lots of people dislike the grip angle of the Glock and I find that it's not perfect for me. It doesn't quite point naturally for my grip, angling slightly high for me.  But this is correctable if you use the sights (or have time to use them).  At close quarters, this barely matters, but a natural pointing ability means there's less chance of missing under stress.

Beretta 92FS / USA M9

The Beretta Model 92FS or it's Military version, the M9, makes a great defensive arm. It's too large to easily CCW, being as large as a G.I. 1911 but fatter, the Beretta is just comforting in the hand.  It sits low in the hand and the sights are generously wide, a big benefit for older eyes. The

open-top slide means you'll probably never see an empty case get stuck in the slide. Accuracy is excellet, in part due to the sights and recoil is mild.  The mild recoil is due to how low the gun rides in the hand. Best of all, they're relatively attractive (as if the Italians would deliberately make an ugly gun). 

One thing that is surprising is that Berettas sell in the mid $500 range. That's comparable to the CZ P-01 pistol.  It would be difficult to choose between the two, though for home defense or a full-size  service pistol, I prefer the Beretta.  It's traditional DA/SA is smooth and the double action trigger is lighter than most.  The safety is slide-mounted.

Compact 9mm's
When it comes to compact 9mm pistols, I'm biased in favor of single-stack magazine guns.  First because they're thinner and easier to cover up.  Secondly, they're lighter because you're shaving off at least 5-7 rounds of weight and the extra weight of a wider grip. Last but not least is reliability. Single stacks don't seem to have anywhere near the feed issues of double-stack guns. 

S&W 908 - Compact
The 3.5" Smith & Wesson 908 was intended to be a bargain-priced 9mm pistol for people who wanted a solid performer without spending a lot of money.  It featured a single-stack grip, Novak sights and a bobbed hammer to prevent snagging.  It is the less expensive version of the firm's popular 3913 Ladysmith without the embellishments and slightly trimmer lines.

Purists will point to it's bore axis being higher than more modern designs and thus subject to more muzzle rise. Others point to the silly magazine disconnector or slide-

mounted safety.  Yet somehow we managed to get along perfectly fine without these changes for fifty years. This is an aluminium alloy framed gun of proven design and durability. Accuracy is very good out to 25 yards and it's quick handling makes it a good choice for CCW on a budget.  Alas, S&W stopped producing the 908 in the last few years, but you can probably find one lightly used for around $399. 

CZ-75 P-01
From the Czech Republic, the CZ name has always meant well built, quality firearms. If you have larger hands, the CZ-75 line might work for you. My hands are "medium" sized and for some

reason I find the reach to both the trigger and safety lever a tad too long. Not so with their recent P-01 model. The P-01 is a redesign that moves the safety/decocker to the rear of the frame, much like the 1911. The trigger is still a hair further forward than I'd like, but workable.

The P-01 Compact is a traditional DA/SA 9mm pistol with a 3.9" barrel and a 10+1 capacity. Priced in the low-to-mid $500 range, it sits well in the hand and points well. The 3-dot sights are generous enough to allow quick alignment.

Next time I'll talk about big bore autos and revolvers that are great guns. 

In the meantime, if you have your own favorite great gun, let me know by using the email link below.  Tell us why it's a great gun.

Also, if you know of a gun that's a real "sleeper" -- a gun you bought that far exceeded  your expectations, please drop me a line about it too.

Comments or questions?  Email Me.

Attorney General Holder Must Go

Incompetent or Complicit?

Either Way, Holder Must Go

11 May 2011 - Attorney General Eric Holder is on the hot seat over the Project Gunrunner scandal. Two congressional committees are investigating whether the DOJ and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF) allowed weapons to be smuggled into Mexico.

Under questioning before Senator Chuck Grassley's (R-IA) committee, Grassly challenged Holder as to the whereabouts of some 1,300 guns that the BATF allowed suspected gunrunners to purchase during the Operation Fast and Furious offshoot of Project Gunrunner. Holder could not answer.

“I’m not in a position at this time to answer that question,” Holder said. “I don’t know.”

Holder's response strains his already thin credibility. Holder denies knowing about the project and that guns were allowed to cross the border. He must think the public is tremendously stupid.

He asserts that the Attorney General was totally unaware of a program in which firearms would be sold to gunrunners or drug cartel members and could conceivably end up in a foreign country. The BATF has been under the umbrella of the DOJ since 2003, making the Attorney General the Cabinet level member who reports to the President for all DOJ matters.

By claiming ignorance of the program, Holder automatically indicts acting BATF chief Kenneth E. Melson. One of these two men had to be aware of an operation where weapons might cross the border. Holder is responsible for everything that happens within DOJ and duty requires that he inform the President any time the DOJ conducts operation involving foreign countries. Failing to do so is gross incompetence.

If Eric Holder were the Chairman of a U.S. corporation that was found providing a foreign country with arms or equipment that are illegal in the foreign country, he would be facing a federal indictment for complicity in that crime. Even if it only involved a couple of overly aggressive sales people.

Regardless of whether he is incompetent in his office or complicit in running guns into Mexico, Eric Holder should be ousted as Attorney General. Holder has to go. We can not afford to promote any policy that allows more death and carnage just south of our border.

Holder is no ally of the Second Amendment as expressed by his desire to reinstate the failed "assault weapon" ban. He was also deputy Attorney General under Janet Reno, possibly one of the worst AG's of the 20th century.

Rumors abound that the Gunrunner project was intended to increase the number of U.S. produced and sold firearms "found" at Mexican crime scenes and bolster support for a new Assault Weapons ban. There is not any credible support for this assumption — yet. But given the lengths to which BATF and DOJ have been going to avoid congressional scrutiny, we begin to wonder.

Florida Doctors Upset over Gun Bill

Doctors in Florida are upset over a new gun-rights bill that would prohibit doctors from asking patients if they own guns.  The purpose of the bill, according to supporters, is to prohibit doctors from questioning patients and having their responses recorded by insurance companies.   It's also an invasion of your personal privacy and when done routinely, has nothing to do with your medical needs.

"We feel that physicians will be reluctant to ask about guns in the home as a result of this legislation. As a result we expect that, unfortunately, there will be an increase in injury and death of children and adolescents due to improperly stored guns," said Dr. Louis St. Petery, a pediatrician in Tallahassee, Fla., and executive vice president of the Florida Pediatric Society.


I've long known that doctors seem to be risk-adverse people and view any activity with a hint of dangers are "high risk behavior".   Surfing, scuba diving, backpacking, motorcycling and anything involving guns are classed as "risky".  The AMA is staunchly anti-gun, as are most other medical associations.  This pushes many doctors to adopt their strategies and propaganda campaigns.

This bill does not prohibit doctors from offering advice. It only prohibits them from making inquiries about gun ownership.  Nor does it prohibit doctors from advising patients and care givers that certain medications may cause depression, mood swings and thoughts of suicide and users of the drugs should be watched and kept away from guns, knives and tall buildings.

Let's suppose you're a concerned doctor who follows this law. Nothing will prevent you from placing educational pamphlets (AMA propaganda) in your waiting room.  Nothing will prevent you from advising the family of a suicidal teen to lock up guns, sharp objects and medications.  Nor are you prevented from saying "This drug can cause mood swings and if you have firearms around, it would be best to lock them up while taking it." 

Why all the hub-bub about doctors asking?  Doctors collect information for insurance companies so the bills are paid.  If the insurance company wants to know if the person is single or married, the doctors will record that. Likewise with guns.  The more insurance companies know about your life to more opportunity (excuses) they have raise your premium rates.

If your doctor checks a box that says "smoker" the insurance companies may raise your rates.  If you tell your doctor you own guns, the insurance company can claim a "higher risk" and raise your rates.  Under a national healthcare program, it could be so expensive to own firearms that you can't afford it.  All neatly done to discourage ownship. 

And that's the real goal



.

The Politics of Fear

The anti-gun lobby is busy trying to convince people that the evil gun companies and the much hated NRA are driven by paranoid fears of criminal violence.  Violence Policy Center hack...er...vice president Dennis Henigan devotes about 500 words to this idea in his opinion piece here in The Huffington Post. 

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! 

The anti-gun lobby has often led the pack with hysteria-based claims that "hundreds of children" were dying daily or weekly by guns.  Another favorite of theirs was that "people will shoot each other over fender benders or parking spaces!  There will be blood in the streets", when Florida was debating "shall issue" concealed weapons laws.  Each time a citizen has successfully defended themselves or their property, we can count on a quote from the anti-gun lobby that such escapades are "the rare exception".  According to the anti-gun lobby "people are more likely to get hurt or have the gun taken from them". 

That's a load of pig crap.

Fear as a Marketing Tool
Besides, fear is a well-used marketing tool.  From the fear of "ring around the collar" to the embarrassment of yellow teeth or foot odor.  How do condom manufacturers stay in business?  Fear of unwanted pregnancies and diseases.  

How does the NRA raise millions for its lobbying efforts?  By reminding you that there are people working to strip you of your civil right to own a firearm.  By keeping you updated on the serious threats to your rights. And certainly they play on fears of registration, prohibition and denial of our rights.

The anti-gun lobby however, touts the idea that any gun on the hip of a citizen, due to the God-like power it contains, will magically transform him into some kind of Terminator-like killing machine.  Their literature historically claims that armed citizens will be unable to resist pulling the trigger over trivial matters, like a parking space or fender bender.  Or that a mere argument will automatically escalate into a homicide.  Their message is clear - Citizens with guns cannot be trusted not to go on a killing spree! 

Yet, their logic crumbles when that same civilian puts on a uniform or pins on a badge. If citizens are so emotionally unstable, as they claim, why don't bus drivers go on deadly rampages with their 10-ton bludgeons?   Why don't gardeners attack clients or passersby with their chainsaws or hedge trimmers?  Why aren't we seeing mass slaughter in restaurant kitchens when chefs wield those carefully honed sharp knives?

Because most Americans are good people. Regardless of the tools they use, most people don't get angry enough to actually kill another person over trivial matters.  Therein lies one of the principle differences between the anti-gun lobby and gun owners. 

The anti-gun lobby believes no citizen is trustworthy without government-issued credentials.  Gun owners believe in the inherent decency of their friends, neighbors and others.  The anti-gun lobby's culture might be a little bit safer, but I believe our vision would be much more comfortable to live with.

Gun Control is not on the back burner

Gun control is not on the back burner for the 112th Congress.  The usual suspects are working to circumvent not only your right to bear arms, but your right to due process.

The usual suspects read like a list of gun-banning congressional idiots. Senators Lautenberg, Boxer, Durbin, Feinstein, Franken, Kerry, Levin, Menendez, Reed, Schumer and Whitehouse. 

The Senate Bills introduced by Lautenberg are:
S. 32 - Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act
S. 34 - Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2011
S. 35 - Gun Show Background Check Act of 2011


The House has its own versions of these bills, of course.  Two introduced by Carolyn McCarthy who is infamous because when asked what a "barrel shroud" was, she said "I think it's the shoulder thing that goes up."  In short, she knows nothing about guns and only does what her handlers tell her to do.

In the house, Representative Carolyn McCarthy has introduced:
H.R. 308 - Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act
H.R. 591 - Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2011
 
New York's Peter King has introduced:
H.R. 1506 Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2011
 
Of these, the "Dangerous Terrorists Act" is the most offensive.  It gives the Attorney General the authority to deny a gun purchase to anyone known or suspected to be a terrorist.  This means the AG can use the "No-Fly List" to make deny your right to purchase a firearm!

The problem here, of course, is that you could be denied a fundamental constitutional right because some bureaucrat put your name on a list. No trial. No jury. No lawyers.  And the list is not public. While there is an "appeal" process, don't count on it working.  The AG can simply dismiss your appeal and say that any hearing would "endanger national security". 

Imagine for a moment being accused of a crime, then being told that because you're on a terrorist no-fly list that you do not have a right to a jury trial.  Or that no lawyer would be appointed for you.  Would you be screaming to the news media?  You betcha. 

Most of these bills are still in their respective chamber committees.  However, I'd still suggest you write, fax or make phone calls to members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on the Judiciary to kill these bills in committee. 

The ban for "high capacity magazines" (anything over 10 rounds) includes a provision to require serial numbers on magazines and a date of manufacture.  Yet, the bill grandfathers in existing magazines (watch the prices of hi-caps skyrocket if this bill gets to a floor vote in either chamber).  This ban would include rifles, pistols and shotguns that hold more than 10 rounds while exempting "law enforcement" (including the Federal alphabet soup agencies), military, retired police officers and others.  Just no exceptions for you, not even if you have only one hand and dozens of death threats. 

As for the gun show "loophole", I don't like the idea of needing the government's permission before selling a piece of personal property.  Why aren't we requiring car dealers and rental companies to do a background check to prevent repeat DUI's from driving?  After all, driving is not a right, it's a privilege you pay for with your registration fees and taxes. 

These bills have been introduced every year for the last three years.  Let's make sure they continue to get quashed before going anywhere. 

A bigger worry is what the Obama administration is working on "under the radar".  That's what he told Sarah and Jim Brady of the anti-gun Brady Campaign lobby a couple of months ago.  Was that project Gunrunner?  Or is it something even more evil?