Categories
General Information Second Amendment Issues

Gun Rights Radio Network: Gun Podcasts for Everyone!

Two years ago, my wife bought me my first iPod. I soon discovered ‘podcasting’ and the wide variety of free programming offered through iTunes. One of the first programs I discovered was the Gun Rights Advocate podcast hosted by Mark Vanderberg.

Podcasts, for those that don’t know, are audio (and in some cases video) files that you can download to listen to on your computer or iPod. Podcasts are most-often given away for free and follow a format similar to talk radio. Unlike traditional talk-radio, podcasts are pre-recorded.

Categories
Reloading

RCBS Rotary Case Media Separator Review

rcbs media separatorLike a lot of shooters, I reload my own ammunition. Cleaning the brass before running through the sizing and seating processes is always a good idea. I’ve tried washing the cartridge cases with various cleaning products, but have always come back to tumbling with walnut and corn cob media.

Separating the cases from the media has always been a bit of a chore for me. Not terribly difficult, but not very easy either. I have tried different sifters and separators, but never found one I really liked. That all changed when I bought the RCBS Rotary Case Media Separator.

This media separator is simple and it works! Two large halves form a clamshell-like case that catches the media in the bottom half, while the top half closes to trap the dust and significantly reduce noise. Inside the case is the separating device: another, smaller clamshell-like case with sifting holes and rotating handles.

The system is easy. Open the outer case and the inner separator. Pour the media and brass out of the tumbler into the separator. Close the separator and outer case. Turn the handle a few times and you are done. All of the media has dropped into the lower part of the case, leaving you with just shiny brass in the separator.

In my experience, the separator holds about 500 .38 Special cases and media. More than enough for most of the tumblers on the market.

Cleaning the RCBS Media Separator is easy: just wipe it down or hose it off. It is all heavy-duty plastic, so there are no parts to rust.

I was pleased with the ease in which the whole system works. I was also very impressed by the reduced noise from this device as compared to other media separators.

Click here to get your RCBS case separator today from Amazon.

Categories
Ammunition

Ruger LCP Ammo

Need some Ruger LCP ammo?  According to Michael Bane’s blog, a major ammunition manufacturer will bring a new .380 loading to the market that is specifically designed for the Ruger LCP. This is exciting, as two current problems exist with the current crop of ammunition and the LCP.

The first problem is the .380 ACP cartridge is an underpowered chambering. Generally, the .380 loads are weaker than what is available for the .38 Special. For self-defense, you need all the bang you can get.

The second problem is I have been getting some reports that the LCP is ammunition sensitive. Some popular cartridges are not feeding properly. This, of course, is a HUGE problem if it extends to the entire line of LCP’s and not just a few examples. One of the reports was posted as feedback here (scroll all the way down).

Time will tell who brings what to the market. However, Bane has a lot of good contacts and I expect this information is very reliable.  I expect we will see a variety of Ruger LCP ammo loads in the near future.

There are a number of smaller ammunition manufacturers who are producing .380 ACP ammo and I imagine they are testing the loads in the LCP.  They might not market the loads as “Ruger LCP ammo,” but I suspect that they are definitely testing it since it is such a popular handgun.  After all, if your ammo doesn’t work in one of the most popular concealed carry pistols, why would anyone buy it?

Update – November 2008:  Hornady has introduced a new line of ammunition: Critical Defense.  The Hornady Critical Defense ammunition is designed for self-defense from small handguns like the Ruger LCP.  I’m not sure this is the ammunition that Bane was hinting at, but it certainly fits.  More information about the Critical Defense ammo can be found here.

Categories
Optics and Sighting Systems

Crimson Trace LG-441 Lasergrips for NAA Guardian Pistols

Crimson Trace LG-441

Crimson Trace released a new model of Lasergrips, the LG-441, that fits the compact semi-auto Guardian from North American Arms. The new Lasergrips fit the .380 and .32NAA Guardian models.

The LG-441 has a front activation button that is located near the top of the front of the grip itself and is instinctively activated with the middle finger of the shooter.  When you grip the gun as if to fire, the laser aiming device automatically activates.  When you loosen your grip, the laser shuts off.  It is arguably the easiest activation method yet devised.

They have been ergonomically designed to increase comfort and control of these small firearms while shooting. There is a slight palm swell on the right side of the grip that gives you the feel that the small gun is actually bigger than it is. This feature helps to hold the gun more securely while pointing and firing.

“The 441 has the smallest profile of any Lasergrip to date,” said Adam Wollander, VP of Sales and Marketing. “The engineering department has truly opened up the future to miniaturization of our products to make them even more compact.”

The entire grip except for the activation area is molded from a hard polymer to decrease drag while drawing the small semi-auto from a pocket or holster. As with all other Lasergrips, the LG-441 has both windage and elevation adjustments for shooters to make sighting adjustments on their own. All Lasergrips come with an accessory pack that contains batteries, hex wrenches for user adjustability, a cleaning cloth and several cleaning swabs. A three-year warranty is standard.

MSRP on this model is $279.00.

Categories
Second Amendment Issues Self-Defense Issues

D.C. vs Heller: Supreme Court Strikes Down Handgun Ban

Supreme CourtIn a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the District of Columbia’s draconian handgun ban is unconstitutional. Specifically, the Court held that “The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.”

The Court also states that “The handgun ban and the trigger-lock requirement (as applied to self-defense) violate the Second Amendment. The District’s total ban on handgun possession in the home amounts to a prohibition on an entire class of “arms” that Americans overwhelmingly choose for the lawful purpose of self-defense.”