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Gun Thread: Thread Before the TXMoMe 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!

Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit!! It's TXMoMe week! Oh, sweet baby Jesus, it's finally here! Well, this coming Friday it will be here, but you know what I mean. You see, by the time the next Gun Thread is published, the 2023 TXMoMe will be in the history books. Look, if you still don't get it, see me at the MoMe and I'll try to explain it but other than that I can't help you because it's really not that complicated, and I suspect you're just being difficult.

Programming Note: I am going to be madly cramming stuff into the WeaselMobile this evening for an oh-pre-dawn-hundred departure for Texas, so I'm likely to be in and out of the comments tonite.

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

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Not so fast there on the gun stuff hombres and hombrettes! Are you all ready for some Texas style MoMe'n?

I think I forgot to mention a couple points on MoMe preparations. First, it's a very good idea to bring a hat. The weather is forecast to be great but being out in the sun for hours without one can bake your noodle. Next, take breaks and drink water! There will be bottled water available on the ranges and on the carport, so stay hydrated. Finally, wear sensible shoes on the ranges. Your ankles will thank you.

Show of hands - who will count this as their very first TXMoMe? Any MoMe Newbies? I get a big kick out of seeing people arrive for the very first time and starting to meet people in person who they have only corresponded with online. It's a hoot and their reactions are priceless.

I hope I get to meet you next week in Texas! However all y'all are traveling to get to Corsicana, please have a safe trip!

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Guns of the Horde
First up, our pal Butch shares a Mauser K98!

My oldest son sent me these pictures earlier this week. A 1908 Mauser K98. Cool, he is getting into classic bolt action rifles!

That's wonderful news, Butch! Wonderful news! Collecting and shooting together will make wonderful memories which you will both cherish forever!

Uh, no. He is working a side job for a company that destroys firearms for upstate New York police departments. It was one of 400 he picked up that day. Grampa dies, gramma and the family don't want to deal with the scary boomsticks, so they turn them into the police. They may not have had any other options in NY. He said it was incredibly sad. So, those of you getting on in years with firearms collections, make arrangements NOW to ensure they end up in good homes rather than be shredded.

GAAAAK!. That is a terrible story, Butch! A terrible story! Moment of Silence, please.

Butch offers some excellent advice, though. Make it easier on those left fighting over your stuff. Make arrangements for your guns before you go to the Great Range in the Sky, especially if you have highly collectible firearms!

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Next up, our pal Skip shares a very cool replica.

This was a present from me to my dad for a Christmas present in mid 80s, a Thompson Center Hawkin Renegade in 50 cal. It was made from a kit by a friend of a friend and bought it. Came with box of bullets though if didn't I would get mold to make some. Have made my own black powder to need to find a location and try it out.

Wow! That's a real beauty, Skip! Thanks for sharing and please let us know when you get it to the range!

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USMC: Goodbye to the 1911

image courtesy thedrive.com

Speaking of terrible stories, our pal EdL shares some awful news. Buncha doodie-heads!

The USMC has retired its MEUSOC and M45A1 pistols from service in favor of the SIG M18. These were the last 1911s still in widespread use in the US military. The 1911 still holds on in some special operations units, but its days as a standard issue weapon are now officially over.

Here's the awful and terrible story.

Awful! Terrible!

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Are Revolvers Still Relevant?
Well, that's a dumb question, because of course they are!

Here is a dangerous lunatic with a snubby. They can be effective!

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Here's our pal 'Jer' with some shooting tips. Not a revolver, but I think we can forgive the transgression.

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Anatomy of a Nuclear Explosion

What's a nuclear explosion without CONELRAD, the voice of Armageddon?

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This reminds me of the skillet WeaselWoman uses to clang me upside the head.

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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!

TXMoMe Shooting Festivities
This seems like a good time to talk a little bit about the upcoming shooting program at the TXMoMe, or the Conservative's Burning Man, as it's popularly known. What started years ago as an informal plinking session lasting a couple of hours has matured into a full program of shooting activities over two days. I have to thank Ben Had, Cow Horse Queen and RancherBob for allowing the shooting to comprise such a significant portion of the TXMoMe.

For a while I have been conducting a Rifle Clinic on Friday morning followed by range time Friday afternoon and then again well into Saturday. We have also been steadily refining the handgun portion of the program to now include an IDPA-esque move-and-shoot pistol course designed and run by Nurse R. There is also the usual static pistol range for those who prefer that style of shooting and a separate setup for gun-curious beginners desiring one-on-one supervision and instruction. Lastly and by popular demand, we're hoping to add a gun cleaning and maintenance clinic both days which will run concurrently with the live-fire programs.

Anyhoo, here's a very rough outline of the schedule of events. Times are tentative and subject to modification/change. I'll move this down to the TXMoMe section below in the coming weeks and update as necessary.

Friday, 10/20
Rifle Program
8am - 10am: Rifle Clinic (carport)
10am - 11am: Combined Range and Safety Briefing - Mandatory for Friday Arrivals! (carport)
11:30am - 1pm: Rifle Clinic, Intro to Wind Estimation (rifle range)
1pm - 4pm: Live fire (rifle range - targets to 1,000 yds)

Handgun Program
10am - 11am: Combined Range and Safety Briefing - Mandatory for Friday Arrivals! (carport)
11:00am - 12:30pm: Handgun Clinic (carport)
1pm - 2:30pm: Static live fire (pistol range)
1pm - 3pm: A clean gun is a happy gun (carport)
2:30 - 4pm: Briefing and Move & Shoot live fire (pistol range)

Saturday, 10/21
Rifle Program
9am - 10am: Combined Range and Safety Briefing - Mandatory for Saturday arrivals! (carport)
9am - 1pm: Live fire (rifle range)

Handgun Program
9am - 10am: Range and Safety Briefing - Mandatory for Saturday arrivals! (carport)
10am - Noon: A clean gun is a happy gun (carport)
9am - 1pm: Live fire (pistol range)

Again, these times are approximate and may change as weather conditions and participation warrant.

You will note there are combined rifle and handgun range safety briefings both days and attendance at one is mandatory. We take your safety seriously and ask everyone who plans to shoot to please also plan on attending this important briefing. All shooters are asked to check in with an RSO (sporting an Orange Cap of Dorkiness for easy identification) upon your arrival at either of the ranges who will answer questions and direct you to an open firing position. The RSOs wield unspeakable power so it is in your best interest to be nice to them.

If you are a novice shooter, or even have never been to the range before and think guns are icky, you are welcome to shoot! Just see an RSO and they will set you up with an experienced shooter to help you. If you miss the mandatory range safety briefing which is mandatory and must be attended, all is not lost. See an RSO to plead your case, be harangued and chastised, and then spend some punishment time on the Disciplinary Range of Shame. In the interests of time, please simply make it to the scheduled range briefings. Thanks.

Finally, please plan on stopping somewhere along your way to Texas and picking up some ammunition if you plan to shoot and aren't bringing your own weapons. Everyone is very generous with sharing, but please don't rely on the generosity of others to provide everything for you. You can really help out by grabbing a box of 9mm or 5.56mm or whatever you want to shoot. I will bring one of my practice rifles and if you would like to engage our new 1,000 yd target, pick up a box of 175gr. Federal Gold Medal Match in .308 Winchester ammunition.

If you are attending the TXMoMe this year, and all the cool kids are, please keep an eye on this section for important information and updates in the coming weeks! I also want to reiterate the TXMoMe is not a gun thing with some socializing attached, but rather is a social thing with some shooting attached. If you aren't a shooter, I guarantee you will not feel out of place and will have a great time. No fooling!

Are all y'all getting excited? Weasel are!!

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Musical Interlude
A cool take on When the Levee Breaks by a bunch of different people.

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Gun Basics 101
Winter is coming, so let's what the She Equips Herself gal has to say about concealed carry jackets.

Armed Attorneys
Post Self-Defense Gun Seizure?

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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!

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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 Iris. Good one!

Thank you, Iris! See you next week!

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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?