Stuff That Helps You Shoot Better: The Camera
In this video, I describe how taking video of yourself shooting can be helpful to technique, and basic factors that relate to camera specifications.
Sig Sauer M400 vs. Sig Sauer 516 High Speed Video Comparison
In this video, it is fairly easy to see that both the Sig M400 and Sig 516 are cycling at approximately 830rpm and display a small amount of bolt bounce in stock configuration:
Please see my previous SHOT high speed video post for more information. Unlike the video in that link, the rifles in today's post are being shot by the same person. Here's some of what I had to say in that previous article:
The rate at which the bolt carrier assembly recoils rearward can have an effect on reliable extraction and ejection, even if extractor and ejector dimensions and springs are absolutely correct. The period of time during which the bolt is behind the stack of rounds in the magazine, neither traveling rearward or forward, has an effect on reliability in that the magazine may not have enough time to push the next round into place before the bolt comes forward again, resulting in a "bolt over base" malfunction that is most commonly seen on suppressed rifles, as they have much greater rates of fire. Also, high forward bolt carrier velocity can result in extreme bolt bounce, as noted previously, while low forward bolt carrier velocity could mean that there isn't enough force to overcome strong magazine springs, dirt or debris in the action, etc.
Traveling with Firearms by Commercial Airline
Apologies for the poor video quality - I'm traveling with a laptop and a camera, no lighting equipment.
I travel a lot, and sometimes this travel is by commercial airline. In this video, I share some of the federal regulations, airline policies, and general tips regarding the proper way to bring firearms with you when you travel by commercial air carrier.
Inside the Rock River Arms Polymer Single Stack 1911
I took two photographs of the RRA polymer 1911's guts at SHOT 2012. Here they are.
According to the spec sheet, the "polymer frame body" will allow "interchangeable colors." The weight is listed as 2.04lbs.
Note the screw on the forward portion of the trigger guard where it meets the dust cover
Polymer dust cover, trigger guard, and grip/magazine well, but the rails and guts are composed of a steel chassis. Doesn't appear to have a Swartz type firing pin safety.
Here’s Something You’ve Never Seen Before – Two Modified Stgw57s
I am privileged to have several gunsmith friends. When I say "gunsmith," I mean it in the truest sense. They don't play one on TV - they have no trouble finding good work in hard economic times, which should tell you something about their skills and abilities. From time to time, they turn out unique firearms that I had never even considered before. Of course, I don't see too many SIG 510s/Stgw57s to begin with, so that made these photos even more interesting to me.
These are some Swiss Stgw57s that were modified for various purposes. Both are chambered in 7.5x55 Swiss. The first one is, as you can see, set up for target shooting. It's called the "57 Phantom."
Can anyone guess what the strap on top of the barrel is for?
The second one has been shortened. The safety has been modified, and the rifle sports an Aimpoint and a Vltor Modstock. In case anyone is wondering, the Stgw57 does have a recoil buffer.
In case you were wondering about that muzzle brake - yes, it does work, and the rifle is reportedly very easy to control on full auto. Also, it causes most glorious flames to erupt from the muzzle in all directions.
These rifles were modified years ago, and he's been doing way cooler stuff since. Unfortunately (or, perhaps, fortunately), because he is a normal guy with real gunsmithing skills, he is unlikely to be the subject of an American reality show about guns.