Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Mosins


So -- do you have one yet?

Why not? $170 for a WWII rifle and 440 rounds of ammo...whats not to like??

Plus, when you run out of ammo, it makes a great hammer and shish-ka-bob maker!

Later,
Pat

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Buying a handgun in MN

So, you want to buy a handgun.

Now the questions...how does this work, what are the laws, what can/can't I buy?

For someone (like me) who wasn't brought up with anything other than a Red Ryder BB gun...buying my first handgun was an experience.

2006...specifically Fall of 2006...October to be precise. I'd had an experience. We were doing a fairly drastic remodel of the house we'd just purchased, without living there at the time. Due to space at the in-laws, where the fam was camped, I was working out of a small 2nd story office (which was the only part not being worked on) in the house.

I'd come over to the house one evening after dark to work for a few hours, and I'd found muddy footprints (not my own) extending into the basement from the unlocked door. After determining no one was in the house (in hindsight not the brightest course of action), I'd gone up to work in my office. It was later I decided that, had there been someone there, it might not have ended well for me. This drove me to hit Gander Mountain the next day - again, not the best choice for overall value or experience, but HEY, I was learning.

Now, I knew enough to have what Minnesota calls a "Permit to Purchase a Handgun" that I'd gotten from my local police department after going in person, filling out a form, and waiting ~7 days. You'll need one of these before you can buy anything from a licensed dealer in Minnesota. You could also go all out and get a Minnesota Carry Permit as well -- those will also function as a purchase permit.

I hit Gander one afternoon after everything was done for the day. Walked back to the gun counter, and the conversation went something like this:

"Hey, can I help you?" - GM guy
"Yeah, I'm looking to buy a pistol." - Me
"What kind?"

Well, there was the question. I'd shot a friends 9mm Hi-Point (don't judge me) and his Jennings .22 (again with the not judging). I knew those were crap (sorry Jay) - so I asked for something "better than a Hi Point".

"Polymer or steel frame" - GM guy
"Um....what?" - Me

Yeah, I didn't know the difference just a little over 5 years ago...I ended up being sold on a Springfield xD9. A pretty nice little semi-auto, and in hindsight, something I never should have sold, since it turns out I shot it best of all.

"Lets do the paperwork, have you got your permit?"
"Yup"

A review of my permit, driver's license, filled out Form 4473, and call to NICS (with a "proceed"), and I was out the door with my new toy, a box of hollow point Winchester white box, and no idea what to do next - I went to the range, by myself...thats another story.

The moral of this story:

1) Learn firearm's safety (MN DNR has an excellent course).
2) Take a "Intro to Handguns" class at a local range.
3) Get comfortable shooting handguns, know what works for you, and how they function.
4) Get your Permit to Purchase (or go all out and just get your Carry Permit, it works as a Purchase Permit too).
5) Go buy it (and a safe place to store it as well).

...and for heaven's sake, don't go to Gander Mountain to buy it!

Pat

Joan's Lies

So, I have to point out an outright lie being circulated on Twitter by an opponent of MN HF1467/SF1357 -- aka. the "Stand Your Ground" law currently before the Senate for debate.



In her tweet, Joan points out that this bill (to which they apply the cute monicker of "Shoot First") would make it easier to kill cops. Really Joan?



I'll point out MN Statute 609.06 Subd. 2:



Subd. 2.Deadly force used against peace officers.
Deadly force may not be used against peace officers who have announced their presence and are performing official duties at a location where a person is committing a crime or an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult.



The language very clearly prohibits a person from murdering an announced Police Officer. There is nothing in HF1467/SF1357 that would change this language.



Lies again Joan...shame on you!



Pat

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

My Starbucks Run

With my xD45c snug in my outside retention holster, I headed to Starbucks in West St. Paul just after lunchtime today.



A Venti Caramel Macchiato and a $20 gift card were on the menu for me....with a $2 bill tip in the barista's jar. I thanked them for supporting human rights. They didn't seem to bat an eye.



On my way out, there were two guys who stopped me due to my "Self Defense is a Human Right" button. Ended up that I'd corresponded with him via a local gunnie forum. We sat and bs'd for about 45 minutes about hunting and shooting.



Best part, I left with an invitation to go duck hunting with him and his buddy this fall.

Gunnies are good people!



Pat

Friday, February 10, 2012

HF1467 is out of committee!!!

...and heading back to the floor for debate and a vote!



For those unfamiliar with the progress of HF1467 (and its sister bill in the Senate SF1357) -- these were the "Defense of Dwelling and Person Act of 2011" - now updated for 2012.


Key points:


1) Removes the duty to retreat in a self-defense situation

2) Recognizes all other States Carry Permits (goes a long way towards making it less of a hassle for me and other when traveling).

3) Removes the ability for law-enforcement to confiscate firearms or enact emergency laws forbidding their possession or use during a local disaster or emergency (ala Katrina in New Orleans where the police went door to door confiscating firearms).

All in all, not bad legislation -- call or write your representative today!


Pat

Collecting


So, one of my Uncles introduced me to the world of Curios and Relics. I was struck.

It led to me acquiring a series of the US M weapons (M1, M1 Carbine, M1903, M1917, M1903A3) - by the way, if you don't have an M1 Garand from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), what are you waiting for????

I started down the dark, dirty, and greasy road of the axis and allies. Nagants, K98's, Enfields...all shipped directly to my door, courtesy of my 03FFL license from the ATF.

These are remarkably easy to obtain for the law-abiding amoungst us, and I encourage everyone to investigate getting one!

Happy shooting everyone!
Pat