Phallic Symbols

We're constantly told that our guns are phallic symbols, that they mean we are compensating for certain "shortcomings." Now, for those of us with evil AR15's there's a solution. We can get wood!

New Shooter Report - Mom

Mom has been interested in heading to the range with me for quite some time now, but we hadn't had the chance to go shooting till today. I asked her yesterday If she'd like to come and she was excited about going. We did a short lesson on the 4 rules, basic range rules at Ommelanden, and how I was going handle the range session.

I figure it's best to stick to the K.I.S.S. principle when bringing someone who's unfamiliar with guns to the range. If they're safe and they have fun then that's a successful trip. With that in mind I focused primarily on good muzzle control and keeping her finger off the trigger.

We got to the range and both the rifle and pistol range were full. Mom found the noise disconcerting even when we were in the parking lot, so I thought that might be an issue once we got onto the firing line. Once we'd double plugged mom acclimated to the noise and it wasn't an issue for the rest of the trip.

We signed in, showed ID (apparently they do that now) and once we put up targets I showed her how to load magazines, load the gun, check condition, etc. She was a bit nervous, but that disappeared once she saw me shoot the .22 Bersa and realized it didn't kick at all.

Once she put the 1st round down range turned to me with a huge smile (maintaining perfect muzzle discipline) and squeed. "I hit the target!" Soon she had her shots down and was able to put several rounds in the middle of the target. I wish I had a picture of mom's face when she hit the bullseye.

We did try the P6 and the P229 in .357SIG after moving back a bit and switching to a blue silouette target. After watching me take a few shots with the P229R and exclaiming "wow, that's really loud" Mom decided she had to try it out. My shots were low and right, and one high and right. (still jerking the trigger) Mom's 1st shot was dead center, a bit high on the 8 ring. She shot out the rest of the magazine with what she called "The big, loud gun" then stopped and started shooting the Bersa again.

I think I heard the words "This is FUN" at least 10 times. Then, on the ride home she asked "can the little gun be my gun?" Yep, you heard that right. Her gun.

Too bad dad had to be a grouch, make annoying jokes about whether she shot anyone, and just generally act annoyed and disgusted that I was taking mom to shoot guns. I did invite him, knowing he wouldn't want to go, just so he wouldn't feel left out. I'm actually glad he didn't accept, since I don't need to hand a gun to someone who's acting like a bratty little kid.

A Very Merry Unbirthday To You!

Squeaky turns two!

Go congratulate her.

Random Thought

I had bacon for 4 meals in a row while in Phoenix. That alone is just made of win! Bacon, Guinness, guns, and good company. What more could you want?

Just my Luck....

My internet is down till at least tomorrow and I'm posting this from work. Damn you Comcast. There's a recap to do, folks to link to, lots to say, pictures to post (after they've been edited) and I don't have internet or cable. Hopefully they can fix it on Wednesday.

Hey Folks

I'm here, sitting in the press office with Sebastian & Bitter. I always forget something when I travel, and this year I forgot the power cord for my laptop. Oh well, I guess I won't be blogging all weekend.

See everyone soon!

Quote of The Day - Restraining Orders

"Pieces of paper aren’t good at stopping bullets; I know because I make holes in paper at the range all the time."

-Sebastian of PGP

Restraining orders are useless in much the same way that laws don't mean much to someone who's decided he's going to kill you. Multiple jacketed hollowpoints on the other hand tend to lead to a cessation of aggressive, violent behavior.

Maybe if they started making restraining orders out of kevlar......

Flying With Guns

Since I'll be flying U.S. air to Phoenix from Philly I thought I'd ask about proper casing of your firearm, magazines and ammo for the flight.

This is how I plan to pack the P6. In a standard Sig blue case and I'll use 2 locks, one for each hole in the slideable plastic "clamps" on the case. It says ammo must be in original manufacturer packaging. I am assuming I'll be OK putting Federal HST's in that Hornady XTP box? Reading US Air's policies and the TSA guidelines it looks like I can secure the case as is and send it away as checked baggage. Should I instead also put the locked case inside my suitcase and check the suitcase?

Anyone have any other tips / advice for flying with a firearm.? I've never done it. Hell, I haven't flown since 2003.