« Food Thread: Fried Pork? Yup...That Would Be A Fine Last Meal! | Main | Sunday Overnight Open Thread (8/27/23) »

Gun Thread: End of August Edition!

Howdy, Y'all! Welcome to the wondrously fabulous Gun Thread! As always, I want to thank all of our regulars for being here week in and week out, and also offer a bigly Gun Thread welcome to any newcomers who may be joining us tonight. Howdy and thank you for stopping by! I hope you find our wacky conversation on the subject of guns 'n shooting both enjoyable and informative. You are always welcome to lurk in the shadows of shame, but I'd like to invite you to jump into the conversation, say howdy, and tell us what kind of shooting you like to do!

Holy Shitballs! How in the ever-loving Hell did it get to be the end of August? I had planned to head down to the farm for a few days this past week but the alternator in the farm mobile submitted it's resignation, so I ended up dealing with that and just working from the palatial Weasel Estate instead. Got a bunch of work stuff done, but I'd had rather have been at the farm.

With that, step into the dojo and let's get to the gun stuff below, shall we?

******
Guns of Weasel
Here's a look at some compact carry options from the GT Archives.

Gun Thread February 3, 2019
We've talked a bit about standard size firearms but haven't yet discussed the smaller pocket handguns. Let's fix that now.

Many manufacturers offer smaller sized weapons for their ease of concealability, making them a good choice for times when carrying a full-size firearm is impractical, or for use as a backup weapon.

For these very small firearms, the .380 is probably the most common chambering, usually with a 6 + 1 round capacity. The smaller cartridge allows these guns to be quite compact and fit easily in a front or side cargo pocket. Giving up some advantage in small size, some manufacturers have introduced offerings in 9mm and .45ACP, also referring to them as compact. But for today, let's talk about the .380.

The .380 ACP goes by a number of names; 9mm Kurz, .380 Auto and 9x17mm, among others. Developed by John Moses Browning in 1908, it is less powerful than the 9mm or .38 Special, firing a 95 gr bullet at around 1000 fps. However, it is still popular due to its small size and reduced recoil. I'm not a terminal ballistics expert, but I'm almost certain you don't want to be shot with a .380. Would this be the round you would choose for combat? No. Would you be glad to have one if no other weapon were available? Almost certainly so.

Ruger LCP

The Ruger LCP (Lightweight Compact Pistol) is the smallest and lightest of the four featured this week and has an 6 + 1 round magazine. It's easily concealable in a front pocket. While some say it is a little "snappy" when fired, that probably wouldn't bother you much if you really needed it. It doesn't feel as solid to me as the Sig due to it's glass filled nylon frame, but this makes it extraordinarily light and easy to carry.

Sig P238

The Sig 238 is a very solid all steel weapon also with a 6 + 1 round magazine. It too can be concealed in a front pocket, and it's a great little gun. This example has very bright Trijicon night sights.

S&W Model 36

I snuck in the S&W Model 36 in .38 Special because of the relatively small size of the J frame and because I think it's a neat little gun and looks like something Sgt. Joe Friday would carry (it wasn't, Joe carried a Model 10 Snubby). It was introduced in 1950 as the Chief's Special, and later the Model 36, as an off-duty weapon and has a 5-round capacity. This one was made in the 1960s.

Bill and Joe assault the Laundry Room

Trivia Question! What was Joe Friday's badge number?

Sig P230

The German made Sig 230 is the largest of the group and while not necessarily truly compact, it is otherwise easily concealable and makes a good IWB option. It is all stainless steel, would fit in a cargo pocket, and has a 7 + 1 round capacity. The magazine release is on the bottom of the grip which takes some getting used to.

A wide range of small holsters are available for inside the waistband, pocket or ankle concealment. I frequently carry my Sig P238 in a front pocket but have never tried an ankle holster. Here's a picture of it in a DeSantis pocket holster.

Sig 238 in DeSantis Holster

Do any of you have a .380 and what are your thoughts on the cartridge? Do you carry it when a larger weapon is impractical or is it a backup gun? How about the ladies - would you consider carrying a .380?

******
Range Time

I had the pleasure of meeting our pal Grateful and our other pal TRex at the NoVAMoMe in June, who have become crazed gun nuts with amazing speed! Here's a report from Grateful on a firearms fundamentals class she recently attended.

When SWA and Iris identified an opportunity at the range specifically for women, this beginner decided to check it out. I'm not usually drawn to "women's" events, but they advertised focusing on fundamentals. It was conducted by Armed Women of America, a non-profit that states it "exists to enable women to be their own self-protectors, creating freedom, peace of mind and confidence in themselves." (this is not a paid promotion).

Two instructors and about a dozen attendees made up the two-hour class. Most had prior gun experience, ranging from beginner (me) to those who grew up with guns, and those who used them in their Federal employment positions. An overarching theme for attendance was self-protection, especially for those living alone.

After reviewing the safe gun handling rules, each attendee went thru a series of SIRT exercises (this session was solely SIRT exercises, no range time). The exercises addressed aiming (sight picture and sight control), trigger control, breathing control, hold control (stance and grip), and assessing threats. Additionally, we practiced shooting single handed with our dominant, and then non-dominant, hand.

I honestly found some of this very valuable. They explained steps in detail and allowed for questions. I happen to be ambidextrous, and this afforded me the opportunity to determine which was my dominant shooting hand. I also learned which eye to use when shooting. And most importantly it gave me an opportunity to practice and get feedback on grip and stance.

Now I have a list of items to work on when we visit the range on Sunday.

This, people, is how it's done! Why do it the hard way, when classes like this are readily available, and which give you a great look at the basics. Very nicely done, Grateful, and I am looking forward to shooting with you in Texas!

******
Gun Stuff
Last Sunday I put out a call for all y'all to send in pictures and descriptions of gun related products, supplies and accessories you like to use, and our pal That SOB Van Owen answered the call first!

Answering your call to show the products I normally use to maintain my firearms. Pretty basic, really.

First, a CLEANING MAT. When the Missus was still alive, she took a dim view of my messing up the kitchen table. The one shown is for handguns and I have another for long guns. The compartment on the side is magnetized and very handy to keep small parts from going adrift.

Counterclockwise from upper left:
GUN GREASE mainly for the Garand and M1A. I have used all different kinds, including Lubriplate.
HOPPE'S NO. 9. What can I say? I'm addicted to the aroma.
CLP. Again, I have used all kinds of different brands. Good lube, not that expensive.
HOPPE'S SPRAY LUBE. I keep this in my bag to give the AR15 bolt a spritz after prolonged firing.
CLOTH PATCHES. I prefer cloth to synthetic. Seem to work better.
CLEANING KIT (Caliber specific) Got this on Amazon. It contains the basics - cleaning rod, toothbrush, swabs, jags, bore brushes, patch holders and bottle for lube. This kit also includes the bore snake seen to the left in the photo.

Very nice TSOBVO! Thank you! I happen to prefer the cloth patches, too. Seems like they're more absorbent or something.

******
Gun Tests

Are any of all y'all subscribed to Gun Tests? They have a ton of excellent FREE content, and membership is as little as $20 per year. I know most of the AOSHQ readers prefer "Perfessor" Squirrel's fancy and high-class Book Thread on Sunday morning, but the Gun Digest is a publication with lots of pictures for us shooters!!

Here is what the publisher has to say about the 77th edition.

Now in its 77th edition, Gun Digest 2023 is the most-anticipated annual guide to all things new and exciting in the world of firearms. Informative and entertaining articles by the top writers in the field cover every aspect of guns and shooting, including hunting, personal defense, target practice, gun making and collecting. Historical articles provide a look at the role firearms have played in the United States and around the world. "The World's Greatest Gun Book" has remained true to its roots, year after year, for more than three quarters of a century. Gun Digest offers original, expertly written content in what is truly the most comprehensive collection of firearms information in print today.

That's a whole lot of great stuff right there for $37!

******
Camp Perry, OH
I had the good fortune to compete in the National Matches at Camp Perry in 2014, the last year F-Class Championships were held there. In later years, the F-Class shooters were outcast, and the matches were moved to ranges in Phoenix, AZ, Raton, N.M., Camp Atterbury, IN, and Lodi, WI, to name a few. However great these other ranges are, there is nothing like shooting and competing at Camp Perry. Hopefully, this introductory video shows a little of what it's all about. Matches for many shooting disciplines are still held there, and I strongly encourage anyone even remotely interested in competitive shooting go to Camp Perry and be a part of history. You will not regret the decision.

******
'Murica!
Remember when we did great things as a nation?

******
Texas MoMe Madness!

I'd like to remind everyone of the upcoming MoMe in Texas on October 20-21. If you're in either the northern or southern hemisphere of the planet of the earth, contact Ben Had for details. The dates and email links for MoMes are always helpfully included on the main page, left sidebar, so you really have no excuse!

There is an entire shooting program for both handguns and rifles over two days, world class food and drink, and the even world classier company of your fellow Morons! More on the Friday/Saturday schedule to come, so stay tuned.

Seriously, people. I have said this probably a hundred times now. These gatherings are a really good time, and I know of no one who regrets having attended one. No kidding. Would your ol' pal Weasel lie to you? MoMe veterans will attest to the funness. Don't be a dork, do yourself a favor and get your ass to Texas! If you're a TXMoMe veteran, please encourage the scairdy-cats to join in the fun!

******
Musical Interlude
Here is Johnny Cash with Ghost Riders in the Sky. Not sure if I linked this one before, and if I have, stop yer complaining because here it is again.

******
Gun Basics 101
No new video from the She Equips Herself gal, so here is one from the archives. Jacket weather is coming, people!

******
Armed Attorneys
Not sure if I linked this one before, either, but it's interesting.

******

Cigar of the Week

This week our pal rhomboid scores again with this excellent review of the New World Oscuro by AJ Fernandez

AJ Fernandez is one of the giants of cigar blending today. Beyond his own company, it's hard to find a major brand that hasn't done a collaboration with him in recent years. He's one of the major personalities of the cigar industry. Working with his father, a few years back he started his 'New World' line (an homage to the European discovery of tobacco along with the 'new world" of the Americas). The first (I think) release in the line was the New World Oscuro. It's a Nicaraguan "puro", with a dark habano wrapper outside and leaf from the major Nicaraguan growing regions inside.

The toro (6.5 X 55) comes in both round and box-pressed versions (the latter pictured here). It's a bulky, soft, good-looking cigar. The draw was easy, and the smoke volume matched or exceeded anything I've ever smoked. The burn required only a few touch-ups. Flavors for me were rich tobacco, earth, and possibly a hint of coffee bean. The taste was as hearty as you'd expect looking at it, but the strength for me was more medium than full. A very nice stick I won't hesitate to get again. You can find it online for $6.

Excellent, rhomboid! Thank you!

******

Here are some different online cigar vendors. You will find they not only carry different brands and different lines from those brands, but also varying selections of vitolas (sizes/shapes) of given lines. It's good to have options, especially if you're looking for a specific cigar.

Cigarsinternational.com
Cigarpage.com
Famous-smoke.com
Cigarsdaily.com
Neptunecigar.com
Smallbatchcigar.com
Bobalu Cigar Company
Cigarbid.com

A note about sources. The brick & mortar/online divide exists with cigars, as with guns, and most consumer products, with respect to price. As with guns - since both are "persecuted industries", basically - I make a conscious effort to source at least some of my cigars from my local store(s). It's a small thing, but the brick & mortar segment for both guns and tobacco are precious, and worth supporting where you can. And if you're lucky enough to have a good cigar store/lounge available, they're often a good social event with many dangerous people of the sort who own scary gunz, or read smart military blogs like this one. -rhomboid

Anyone have others to include? Perhaps a small local roller who makes a cigar you like? Send me your recommendation and a link to the site!

******

Ammo Link-O-Rama
I'm really very seriously not kidding around anymore. Buy Ammo
AmmoSeek - online ammo search tool
GunBot - online ammo search tool
SG Ammo
Palmetto State Armory
Georgia Arms
AmmoMan
Target Sports USA
Bud's Gun Shop
American Elite Ammo NEW!

***Mail Bag***

This week's mailbag entry is from our pal WTM.

A 106-year-old Armenian woman defending her house in 1990. Makes you think, huh?

******

Please note the new and improved protonmail account gunthread at protonmail dot com. An informal Gun Thread archive can be found HERE. Future expansion plans are in the works for the site Weasel Gun Thread. If you have a question you would like to ask Gun Thread Staff offline, just send us a note and we'll do our best to answer. If you care to share the story of your favorite firearm, send a picture with your nic and tell us what you sadly lost in the tragic canoe accident. If you would like to remain completely anonymous, just say so. Lurkers are always welcome!

That's it for this week - have you been to the range?