Les Jones

Guns > Thursday Gun Links #23

Publicola and Kim du Toit respond to some of the nonsense around the SKS, which seems to be a target for the anti-gunners. They're claiming it's an assault rifle (it's not, even under the silly definition of the 1994 Assault Weapons ban).

One Jim Cavanaugh, "regional director for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms" describes the SKS as "easily concealable." Easily concealable. Riiiiight. Why, an SKS is so lightweight (just eight and a half pounds) and so small (just 40 inches long) you can take it anywhere. When I have to go to a bad part of town I often drop an SKS rifle in my pants pocket for protection. If it's a really bad part of town, I take an extra in an ankle holster, and give Melissa one for her purse! Jim Cavanaugh's time at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms apparently hasn't brought him into contact with any firearms, so I have to wonder what he's been drinking and/or smoking.

BackRoadBlog points to the continuing failure of gun control in Canada. Via Spoons

Concerns about the Saf-T-Block for Glock pistols.

SayUncle is looking for advice on a new rifle.

Uncle Cecil answers the question, "Did Western gunfighters really face off one-on-one?"

Jeff has the weekly check on the bias with lots of good stuff.

Jeff Cooper on Double Action Technique

I've never been a fan of double-action autoloaders because of the transition from double-action to single-action between the first and second shots. Cooper has observed and tested different approaches presents that can be used to overcome the DA/SA transition.

With the increased popularity of the "double-action" self-loading pistol we have come to instruct students in four different presentations. This does complicate matters, but we have seen all four systems work, under pressure, and no self-respecting instructor can justify his omitting any one of the four.

1. The Weaver system. Here the trigger starts back as the weapon starts up, arriving at full-cock exactly as the eye picks up the sight system. This is the system that Jack Weaver used in his mastery of the double-action revolver, and it is the most elegant way of using the DA auto.

2. The point-and-crunch system. This is the least efficient method and the most common. It is practically universal with the unenlightened. To use it the shooter simply points the uncocked weapon at his target and cranks on through. You can hit this way, but not quickly.

3. The thumb-cock system. Here the shooter catches the lowered hammer of his piece with his left thumb as his hands come together in the ready position. He cocks the piece with his thumb as the weapon comes up on target and fires his shot from the fully cocked position. This works. It is as fast as the man can make his hands work, and it affords a precise first shot. Its drawback is that it needs both hands.

4. The shot-cock system. This is not considered politically correct by many departments, but it does work. I have seen it used with startling efficiency on both the range and in the street. With this system the shooter simply flings his first shot down range with no regard for proper stance or sight picture. This cocks the piece and it just may hit the target by accident. However, the pistol is instantly readied for the second shot, which can be placed with precision. I know of no one who teaches this system, but it does work very well, and it is a mistake to pretend it does not exist.

Thumb-cocking is probably the way to go, unless you are a master, in which case you will use the Weaver system.

Gun Pic of the Week

Via Spoons

Israeli-made bullets bought by the U.S. Army to plug a shortfall should be used for training only, not to fight Muslim guerrillas in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. lawmakers told Army generals on Thursday.

Since the Army has other stockpiled ammunition, "by no means, under any circumstances should a round (from Israel) be utilized," said Rep. Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii, the top Democrat on a House of Representatives Armed Services subcommittee with jurisdiction over land forces.

Gosh, we wouldn't want to shoot the bad guys with bullets from Israel because that would be politically incorrect|unsporting|un-Christian|fattening. This is a great way to put ourselves at a disadvantage and deprive our only ally in the Middle East of income. As a memory aid, use this handy banner from AllahPundit.