Like All the Cool Kids

I finally retrieved my 80 year old proto-blogging machine from my former in laws basement.  Now I can be like the cooler bloggers.

A Remington Rand Model 17.  One like this:

It was my grandfathers, and it still functions, despite the abandoned mouse nest inside.  Even the ribbon works, if faded.  And with a little kludging, replacement ribbon is still available.  It's built like a Sherman tank, of similar vintage, and almost as svelte and lightweight.  And harder to figure out than I had supposed.  Setting the margins and what those silver knobs and levers do will take a bit of learning curve to surmount.  Prolly some instruction manuals online...  One doohickey is for multiple paper thickness.  Another is for reversing the ribbon direction manually.  Yet another is switching between red and black sections of the ribbon.

Mine was built between 1939 and 1950.  Because that is the years they built this model.

Check THIS ad out!  From here.  Ad copy: "Released to the public a few months before the Nazis invaded Poland, the Model 17 is produced only for the Armed Forces and a few essential industries.  When it is again available to all, remember: this new Remington Rand typewriter, proven under the toughest wartime service, is the finest you can buy."

My typewriter fought the Nazis!  What did YOUR keyboard do?  Troll an anti-gun website comments section with a rational argument grounded in fact and logic?  That's like taking candy from a baby.

What inspired me was the quote I read somewhere, "cars didn't replace the bicycle, why would computers replace the typewriter."  I am ready for desktop publishing, post EMP burst that aces the electric grid for decades. 

It's going on the Singer table.  The sewing machine is electric, but I have the treadle to convert it, if need be.  Yay.

Next project, shortwave radio.  I'm trying to think of vital areas of my life that require electricity.  I am down to AC, refrigerator, and clothes washer.  Oh, and better off grid heat.  If I can figure out a way for those four, I am set for most anything.  And I can handwash clothes.



It's a Remington... that's like gun content, right?

You too

U2

See? Told you.

Democrats mean Vampires, Republicans mean Zombies.   In the presidency, at least.  And in the local cinema.

Musical Accompaniment by...

Rand Nuclear Strikes started this meme I think.  Tam and others helped popularize it.

"You’re about to get eaten by the zombie hordes. You’ve prepared, but there are more than you every possibly imagined. As you load your last mag into your chosen weapon, what song comes up your MP3 player/IPOD?"

Lots piped up with a tune of choice.  Most were good vengeful tunes.  Righteous songs.  Inspiring swan songs.  Songs that pump up the adrenalin.  Ooo RAH!!

I go a different way.  It's a happy time.  I'm in my element.  I've been preparing for this moment all my life and I feel more alive than ever.  Joyous.  The sun is shining.  It's a great day.  And I'm going to prevail, in this Ultimate Showdown.  You all knew that.

So, my song is something like:



'T-bolt is taking the zombies to school' is a better ep title.

One Last Thing

Found a setscrew on a table at the Northcoast blogshoot.  Who knows where THAT came from.  If I had to guess, it was part of MBtGE's bipod.  He took the screw with him on that assumption, but, who knows?

Carbine

Having shot MBtGE's CX4 Storm again I came to a realization.

A carbine is not a lightweight weak rifle.  It's a strong, longish, bulky, pistol set on 'Easy' mode.  I think that is what attracts me to them.

Now what good are they other than that...  You won't 'carry' one other than in very extreme shorter range social situations, (like defending your franchise store from rioters and looters.)  You don't hunt with em.  Being fun is a good enough reason.

Today

I have nothing much to say about this anniversary.  I'm not very satisfied with the results. 

What was I expecting?  I expected that 10 years after 9/11 that a conversation far overseas would go something like this:

"Remember what those guys, that sorta think like we do, did 10 years ago, attacking the hated United States by hijacking airplanes and killing thousands?  Man, THAT was a dumb idea.  Won't do anything like that again."

I don't think we got anywhere near that kind of conclusion. 

That sentiment was true in 1951:

"Remember that idea to do a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor?  Man THAT was a dumb idea.  Shoulda negotiated a trade deal with the Yankees instead."

Or in 1822:

"Remember when the Emperor decided to march to Moscow?  HOO-boy, what a boner.  Shoulda stayed home."

----

I wrote this over a week ago.  It seems, based on other blog readings, that I am not the only one with this sentiment.

With all the investment spent on a truly excellent and capable LARGE military... well I don't want other nations to fear us, per se.  I do want people to value out friendship rather than risk enmity.  Civis romanus sum used to be a passport and, legend has it, a Roman could stride from one end of the empire to the other, drunk off his gourd, with 25 pounds of gold jewelry hanging off of him as if his name was Gaius Misterus T and not have a mohawked hair on his head molested.  All from fear of the molester attracting dire consequences.  That's a bit over the top and might never have been true.  But Civis Americanus Sum should either get you ignored because you are not liked or thoughts of No Worse Enemy, No Greater Friend should leap to mind.  And generally, we'd just stay home anyway, minding our own business.  You don't have to trade with us or watch our TeeVee shows and movies.  But you do have to not seek us out to cause us harm because you don't like Jersey Shore, or what have you.  Heck, I don't like Jersey Shore.  But I am not gonna hurt people that made that show, even if they have earned a beating.  And certainly not people named Sorrentino because they share a name with 'The Situation.'

Bastards

NRA?  Don't call early on a Saturday to wake me up and beg for money.

That advice is valuable as I don't give money to people when grumpy, sleepy, and a little hungover.

Idjits.

Wrap Up, Odds and Sods

I'm a bit behind on my chores with that long weekend away from home.  Groceries, laundry, etc.  Added to that is the gun cleaning chore.  Plus some kitchen table gunsmithing.

I oddly had 2 FTF issues with the Colt 1911.  2 different McCormick magazines failed to get the last round in the mag into the pipe.  The nose is in the chamber, but pointer 'up' at a severe angle.Hmmmm.  I don't like that.  Not one bit.  Not til I figure out why.  Tired mag springs?  Not enough oomp in the recoil spring.

If that happens to you, practice your tap-rack-bang.  Might as well make quick recovery second nature to yourself.

I need to break out the LocTite.  Trollops borrowed .44 has a habit I've seen in MBtGE's .44.  The screws like to back out with use.  Dropping a screw on a farm field in Ohio means you'll never see it again.  I noticed the cylinder wouldn't close and though, "Aha!  This is the first time I've been at THIS rodeo."  Easy fix if you notice in time.

I can hit the cylinder release screw on the snubbie, too.  And maybe put the wood grips back on the 229 and loctite THOSE screws as well.

What else?  Hmmm.  Playing with MBtGE's EOTech made me covet one for my ownself again.  Maybe Christmas.

Mike W had a .357 Sig barrel for HIS P229 at the shoot.  I had never shot .357 Sig, but my magazines and gun could take a drop in and run it, so it was nice to see what it felt like.  I don't think I could tell the difference between it and .40!  And .357 Sig ballistics has a lot going for it.  Another thought to mull over.  I could practice with .40 S&W but self-defense rounds could be .357.  With my luck I'd forget to swap barrels between sessions.

Lasers

Otherwise sensible, non hoplophobic gun owners at work are losing their fudge over a recently available 1 watt $2-300 laser pointer...

Calling for a NICS check type regime to include lasers like this.  They are not calling for background checks and waiting periods and age limits on gasoline and matches purchases, however, and I pointed that out to them patiently, then let the matter drop. 

It's not the deodand, it's the person. I am having a hard time diplomatically explaining this to hysterical people.  They say, "People will think, 'it's just a laser pointer!' and aim for the eyes of cops!!!"

Look, most everyone saw what a laser pointer did to the planet of Alderaan.  People will figure it out or face the consequences of their actions, careless or otherwise.  No need to be a Nanny over it.



And admittedly, it's a very strong laser, able to burn things, pop balloons, and permanently blind people a very good ways away.  But it's been out over a year, and there hasn't been anarchy on the streets, despite dire predictions.  Some people have abused the laser pointer, but they abused 10 mW ones as well at 1000 mW ones.  And when caught the criminals are punished.

Holster Shmutz

I'm glad someone else notices this.  Tam says about her new holster, "the 'smooth-side in' construction allows a clean release with no suede boogers clinging to your heater."

Yeah, I have been bugged by that and didn't know it was a thing for anyone else.  I have a coupla few holsters that do that.  Mostly on leaving shmutz on the edges of the front sight.  And it's annoying.  Distracting, even, when aiming.  Even noticed it on the nice-ish looking Galco paddle retention holster I use for 1911s there at blogger shoot.   

My Milt Sparks doesn't do that.  Smooth side in and out.  And they aren't the only ones doing that, so there is a plethora of choices.  And Kydex stuff, of course, won't give you that.

Another detail to be aware when accessory shopping.

Northcoast AAR

The Ford had it coming.  First 2 shots were from me and MBtGE with .44 magnums.  He got the front passenger window, I drilled the back.  Then it was on like Donkey Kong.  Amazing how easy it is to hit things with that big hog leg from that distance.  I wouldn't hesitate to use it for deer hunting, even with iron sights.

The damage should buff right out.

Other things I learned.  Tannerite is fun, but a 2.5x scope on a Garand and a marginal shooter isn't going to beat the the guys with better optics, better skilles, and ARs.  But I am sneaky.  I noted a charge fell to the ground and no one noticed the little corner sticking up in the grass.  Then, borrow an AR with said optics and polish it off when everyone thinks the fun is over.  Attention to detail wins the race.

Old NFO's SCAR with an ACOG is about the funnest shooting modern rifle I've ever had the privilege of shooting. 

Newbius had a Drilling from Deutschland, pre-WWII.  Pretty.  Two 16 gauge and a single 9.3x74mmR, exposed hammers.  I only shot the rifle part twice. The second time utilizing the double set trigger.  Oh.  My.  That's a nice trigger.  Best I've ever shot.  If you think real hard it will go.

---
also...

MBtGE's CX4 storm carbine with EOTech sight was the belle of the ball, I think.  It's like .40 shooting on Easy mode.

Bubblehead Les had a Sten.  Danged uncomfortable to shoot and persnickety to run.  There is no place to grip with your shooting hand.  The mag, in place, made it hard to work the bolt.  If I were a Tommy I'd snatch up an MP40 in battle the first time one came available.

Breda didn't shoot me this year, and for that I thank her.  I did get a pellet bounce back from the Drilling.  Bird shot bouncing off a car can do that.  It didn't penetrate the t-shirt, but if it hit an eye without protective goggles that would be bad.  Eyes and ears, people.

Her Bersa didn't hurt as much this year.  Maybe the new Crimson Trace grips?

3 inch 12 gauge shells out of a bolt action shotgun DO hurt.  That'll wake you up in the morning.


Mom Fallacy had her little Beretta .22.  That was a sweet shooter, thought the grip was shaped for right handers. 

Many thanks to Breda for calling in her Posse to all come and have fun, to Heath and Amanda for having a place to eat and drink and nearby relatives to acres to shoot on, and Newbius for making a LOT of pizzas that were the best I've ever had out of a home oven. 

Traffic coming home was GAWDawful, what with the Monsoon rains and the aforementioned 36 mile back up on the PA Turnpike. I usually get sleepy on long drives and struggle to stay away.  When you are worried about dying on the rain slick roads that keeps you alert, I tell ya.  The guy on the motorcycle, I felt real bad for him.

-

Uh Oh, JayG

--

Sounds like trouble.  I think the kidnappers mean business.  I hope the helmet is ok.

Well

I guess I can scratch that item off my bucket list.

Protip:  Handgun ammo doesn't usually penetrate both doors.  Unless it is .44 magnum.

Traffic

Nuthin to post now.  I was in that backup on Rt 76 yesterday.  It was only 36 miles long. 

Yes!

Another Discworld book is coming out.  Snuff.  It's about Sam Vimes, too.  October.

Shortages

Seems like there are shortages reported all over.

I noticed the corned beef.

My favorite beer can't get the hops, so it's gone from the shelves until further notice. 

Even Frosty Paws dog treats.

Ammo never recovered from 2008. Not really.  I don't have to tell you all that.  At least firearms came back.

Widespread reports of pharmaceutical shortages all over.

What causes all this?  Well in some cases it's price controls.  Price controls always cause shortages.  It might be the reason for all the shortages.  Gummint monkeying around in healthcare for one, gummint propping up prices for corn ethanol in another.

Training

Good point!  If I am gonna go into debt spending money on boomstick related stuff, I should prioritize training. 

I've had this problem before though.  What training? 

There are really great instructors I know of, but are often far away, incurring travel and hotel costs to take their course. 

There are many courses nearby, but are usually beginner stuff, and I don't really need an introduction to the 4-Rules.  We've already met. 

And there are instructors, that while they occasionally get kinda close in Virginia for a possible daytripper, they also teach stuff at a level I'm not quite at yet, speed and accuracy wise, and I'd just hold it back.

So it's a quandry, and I'm in vapor lock over it. 

Libyan Gun Control

NPR on the radio this morning had a bit about the future of the country.  Now that the fighting is near over and all those rebels, armed with catch as catch can weapons... well... now there are a lot of young folks with rifles out there.  And that is bad right?  At least to the emerging new Libyan leadership.

They want a Libya firearms turn in now that the fighting is over, and the dictator has been turned out.  During the fighting, stuff was handed out like sales fliers at the door of Bass Pro Shop. 

Because Libya didn't have a gun culture because of that dictator, they don't 'need' guns now.

And only police and soldiers should have guns.  You know, to ensure people's security (which people?)

Pressure will be brought to bear, slowly.  First amnesty turn in, maybe cash incentives, then criminal penalties for failure to disarm.  Maybe.  In the future.  They'll let civilians have pistols, if registered.

Look, you just lived under a crazed dictator and his cronies for 40 years, Libya.  You know WHY it took 40 years to get rid of him and his depravations on the people?  Think on this...  Maybe keeping the 20mm cannon in the back yard may be more hassle than it is worth, but a rifle is a way to make any wannabe-Quadaffies from getting ideas.  Maybe you Libyan should look at our Constitution again.  Don't ask a US media type to help you translate.  Especially not an NPR correspondent. 

Post Apoc

Here is a decent list of top ten post apocalypse flicker shows. 

Sum up, reverse order:

• Soylent Green
• Escape from NY
• Last Man on Earth
• 28 Days Later
• Logan's Run
• Panic in the Year Zero
• A Boy and His Dog
• Dawn of the Dear (1978)
• Planet of the Apes
• Mad Max trilogy

I've seen all of them except Logan's Run.  It has too much of a whiff of patchoulli to it, but I should hunker down and watch it.  All the others I have watched multiple times.  Event the obscure ones.  Like I said, a decent list, one to be proud of, but I'm sure people's opinions will differ.

Honorable Mentions or also-rans:

• a whole host of comet movies in the 90s and before that we often try to intercept in space or withstand.  Of all I'd pick the classic: When Worlds Collide.  Not all comet movies hit an Apocalypse.
• Waterworld
• The Postman
• There are quite a few Level 4 zombie outbreak flicks.  Including World War Z, coming soon
• Plague movies that wipe out the planet are out there.
• The Day After
• On the Beach
• Threads (three nuke movies)
• Zardoz (yech)

I think that about covers it.  So aside from seeing Logan's Run to firm up my coverage, what am I missing out on?