Well, Duh.......

Everyone knows thugs prefer weapons over three feet long with a top-loading packet clip system.



Jackass.

In The Oddest Places

As I'm clearing away paperwork in my barracks room, I have the TV on. All programming is through the post television station. On one of the four English-language channels, World's Most Dangerous Places or something of that nature is on. Today, it's the host wandering about the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some of the things that drew my attention away from my paperwork:

This line from the host as he goes with some park rangers looking for mountain gorillas:

The first sign- a fresh turd.

Truly, something I have never heard on TV before. And delivered with complete earnestness.

Second, and more interesting to me, was watching the park rangers assemble. A short platoon of men, armed with M1 carbines. In what appeared to be very good condition. How long must those rifles have been sitting in Africa?

I Love The CMP

My Danish M1 Garand arrived yesterday. I'd originally ordered a Greek, but the ran out between the time I sent the order and their receiving it. After several episodes of phone tag with a remarkably patient and pleasant lady at one of the southern offices, I was offered a Danish substitute in "good condition". I accepted and hoped for the best. Less than a week later the big cardboard box in the kitchen was waiting for me when I came home. Inside was a Springfield Armory rifle with metal in very good condition, and wood with nice figure, and some handling ding acquired over the years. More than worth the cost and wait. I still need to get some of the storage goop off it, but I'm definitely happy. Now if those back-ordered 148 grain bullets from Dillon Precision would show up, I could get down to business....

Reloading

Started assembling loads for the M1 last night. I shot my first Garand match this past winter, and would like to make another 2-3 matches this summer. My current load worked well for last summer's practice conditions, but didn't reliably cycle the bolt in the middle of winter (not fun to find out during a rapid fire match). I'll be evaluating the current load for actual velocity vs published expected velocity, then working up to a little higher pressure load for enhanced reliability in cold weather. I'm considering tracking temperature variations effects on my standard load across the summer season also. Which means relearning the operation of my chronograph I haven't run in 5+ years, along with getting more familiar with my computer's spreadsheet programs.

I'm also looking forward to the mini Palma matches scheduled for our range this year. I've never shot one, but the descriptions sound interesting, and gives me more excuses opportunities to play with my old Winchester 52B. I'd considered taking the 4x-24x scope off this summer, since 10x was the most I found useful during 50 ft four-position competition this winter; with shooting at 200 yards, I'm thinking that the higher settings will see more use. I'll at least be learning some lessons on reading the wind with the little 40 grain bullets practically coasting out to the targets, compared to my 22-250's velocities.

Off to the dungeon to organize for a practice session tomorrow.

Sunday Ugly Gun Post

So you've finally got your new scope mount in production, and it's time to advertise. Market research ( "I asked cousin Buford what he thought of it") shows potential customers are interested in the rifle or the scope. What can you do? Buy a can of Krylon to cover up that distracting walnut and steel! Those customers can't help but look at your mount now.

Argh!

Found out last night that the CMP is out of field grade greek return M1 Garands, less than two weeks after I mailed in my order. I have a bad feeling about this.