Setting Up Your AR-15 – Do You Need BUIS?
Back up iron sights, or BUIS, aren't very expensive compared to the cost of a rifle, but can add up to a few hundred dollars. Are they a worthy purchase, or is your money better spent elsewhere?
Oh, What a Difference a Muzzle Device Makes
While at the range doing other stuff, I noticed that I was seeing a lot more muzzle flash because of the overcast conditions. Using the same ammunition (Prvi Partizan M855) in two different 16" barreled AR-15s, I was able to compare the performance of the Spike's Tactical Dynacomp and the Primary Weapons Systems TTO. The image below is representative of the amount of flash seen both with the naked eye and on video, though these are still photographs.
Although there is a large difference, the amount of flash seen in front of the Dynacomp is still what I would consider unacceptable for nighttime two-way range use. Brakes and comps are fun, but true flash hiders, like the Smith Vortex and the AAC Blackout, exist for a very specific reason. I have yet to encounter a muzzle device intended primarily to reduce recoil that provides acceptable levels of nighttime flash - that is, equal to or less than the A2 flash hider - and yes, I've used various examples of the BattleComp. For "fun purposes," I really like the TTO - the muzzle doesn't move, and it throws huge fireballs. New shooters love it.
How Much Handgun Is Too Much Handgun…
...and how powerful should your handgun ammunition be?
Recently, I was doing some benchrest accuracy shooting at a local range. During a pause in the firing, I overheard some other shooters discussing some hand loaded ammunition one of them was testing in a small revolver. Although it sounded pretty ferocious from where I was sitting, one of the first comments I heard was how the shooter was able to "control" the heavy load. When I looked over, I could see that every shooter was in fact having extreme difficulty controlling the weapon. I then got to thinking about how subjective the word "control" is, both in general, and how it relates to firearms.
These shooters – and, I believe, many others – define "control" of a firearm as anything short of it flying out of their hands, or striking them in the face. As long as you don't lose a tooth or watch the weapon sail over your shoulder, it seems, it is "under control" and a viable choice for carry or self-defense.
In my opinion, control of a firearm means that I can make rapid follow-up shots, and no less. If the recoil is so intense that I have to adjust my grip after every shot, I don't define it as a weapon that I can easily control. If I have difficulty making rapid follow-up shots, I don't say that I can control the weapon easily. I see no point in claiming something that simply is not true, especially when my personal safety is involved – after all, if I can control a very powerful weapon, shouldn't I use it for carry?
I've heard many people say that new shooters should buy the largest handgun (in terms of caliber) that they can easily control or shoot. The problem with this is that there are varying levels of control. I can easily control a 1911 in .45 ACP, but I don't always carry one. I can shoot a 9 mm Luger pistol faster and with more accuracy and precision than I can shoot an otherwise identical .40 Smith & Wesson pistol, but sometimes I carry a .40 instead of a 9 mm. For new shooters, I think that the price of ammunition is a far more important factor than whether or not they can subjectively "control" a 40 Smith & Wesson handgun better than they can "control" a 45 ACP handgun, or vice versa.
Experienced shooters should also take their real ability to control firearms into consideration. For example, I find that my new Kahr CW45 is at the upper limit of what I would consider controllable with standard pressure ammunition, and +P ammunition is simply uncontrollable. I said so in my YouTube intro to the CW 45, and a few commenters responded that they didn't think it was hard to control at all. Between that video and this article, I know that I've thrown down the gauntlet for someone to say that they can easily control a CW 45 firing +Ps, so take this into consideration.
Recently, I ran into my friend Mike Pannone at the range. Not only is he a far more experienced shooter than I, but his muscles are considerably larger and more impressive. Here's what it looks like when the weapon is in full recoil and he is doing his utmost to control it. This was not his first shot, so he knew what to expect:
I think that Mike would have a much better chance of controlling it than I, but even with his strength and experience advantage, it nearly broke his support side grip. Sure, the weapon didn't fly out of our hands, but this weapon and ammo (CW45/Federal 230gr +P JHP) combination was not something that either of us felt we could make rapid hits with.
I know that there is a lot of testosterone involved when men gather to talk about things such as guns, but I'm not afraid of the loss of face that will result from admitting that I just can't control a Kahr CW 45 firing +P ammunition very well. It is of no advantage for me to claim otherwise.
How To Tell Your Date That You Have a Gun
I wasn't sure what to call this article, or even if I should write it. I'm not even sure if it will be very useful to a large portion of my audience, many of whom seem to be married, in long-term relationships, etc. However, I think it is a topic that some people will be interested in.
It's been almost five years since my divorce, and in that time I've had several "longer-term" relationships, as well as plenty of first dates, second dates, and relationships that lasted a few weeks to a few months. Some of my dates came from conservative families and grew up shooting; some of them were on the left side of the political spectrum and had never held a firearm in their lives. With only one or two possible exceptions, they have all been aware that I work in the firearm industry and/or carry a firearm at all times – and yet, none of them were alarmed by the fact that I carried. In this article, I'll explain the nuts and bolts of carrying and dating, as well as my opinions on when to broach the subject.
When to Carry
I have heard several people suggest that on first dates, one should not carry concealed, in order to find out whether or not she (or, perhaps, he) is afraid of guns. The logic behind this mystifies me. I am who I am, and on a first date that is who I present. Part of who I am involves my very practical attitude towards life, and part of that involves carrying a firearm for self-defense. Therefore, I carry on the first date, and every date or outing after that. I might not tell them I am carrying on the first date, but there have been times where I have done so, and gone on to have further dates with those women. I have never had the fact that I carry a firearm affect the outcome of a date or a relationship.
I have found that most people who think that they are afraid of guns are actually afraid of people they don't know with guns. If you present yourself as a rational, intelligent, polite, clean cut human being, even the most anti-gun date will at the very least be intrigued as to why someone like you - someone that they would normally enjoy being around - would choose to carry a firearm. They are unlikely to suddenly decide that, after spending hours or days with you finding out that you are not an obvious psycho, the simple fact that you carry a gun changes who you are.
Try to understand how you are perceived by others, rather than how you see yourself – do you think that a member of the general public, neither anti-gun nor pro-gun, would be comfortable knowing that you are carrying a firearm?
How to Carry
You need to be confident in the way that you carry. I would not recommend carrying on a date if you have just started carrying concealed. The longer you carry, the better you will become at sitting, standing, bending over, and moving in a manner that does not highlight the fact that you are carrying.
Also, you need to be confident in the equipment that you use to carry. A quality belt and a quality holster go a long way toward securing your firearm on your person - and if you're confident that your firearm is secure, you're not likely to fidget and constantly reach to make sure that it is still in place. Doing so only draws attention to yourself and that location on your body.
As always, the method in which you choose to carry is highly dependent on what you plan to do. If I'm going out to a club or bar and might end up dancing, I carry a small revolver on my ankle – I have found that it is rare for that location to interfere with dancing, whereas my waist is constantly being touched by a hand, or another part of a woman's body. In addition, making it through a crowded dance floor with a firearm on your waist is not an easy feat. I have "tapped ankles" with people before, but this is pretty rare, and it has not caused any problems. Needless to say, appendix carry (front of waist, generally at or below the belt) and dancing do not mix well.
On dates where dancing is not likely, I often carry strong side, either inside or outside the waistband. Of course, physical contact is always a possibility, but casual brushes are not likely to arouse suspicion. Even long hugs won't generally elicit comments. Women probably have a million and one things going on in their heads at any given time, especially when they're hugging a date, and "Is he carrying a gun?" is most likely not one of them.
If you're carrying on the waist and plan on sitting next to your date, you might consider positioning yourself so that they are not on your "weapon side." Pocket carry of a small revolver or semi auto is an option here. If it is felt, it will come across as a cell phone in your pocket, not a gun.
How Not to Carry
Dating and alcohol often mix well. Guns and alcohol do not. I almost always have drunk friends to look after when I go out on a Friday or Saturday night, so I avoid drinking because I'm probably going to be driving them home. Most people accept this explanation at face value even if my friends are not next to me at the time, and do not press me to have a drink (My friends know that I am carrying and will end up driving them home, but they still ask me to drink).
The same reason generally passes muster on a date as well. Most women do not relish the thought of getting into a car with a drunk driver. On the other hand, it is socially acceptable to have a glass of wine with a nice dinner. Only you can make the right decision for yourself here.
It is important to note that I live in Arizona, where it is legal to carry in an establishment that serves alcohol, as long as you do not consume any alcohol, and as long as the establishment does not prohibit carry. You should understand the laws in your area and decide whether or not you want to break them.
When to Whip It Out
Telling your date that you are carrying a firearm can be tricky. I can't impart good judgment through a written article, but you need to be attuned to the signals that she is sending you. I don't always suggest shooting as a possible future date, because I see it as being one or two steps behind telling them that I am carrying. When I do, though, I watch for reactions – did she brighten up and smile at the prospect, or is she unsure? If it's the latter, you might want to let the subject go for a while. As a side note, most women thoroughly enjoy going shooting for the first time - if you conduct yourself in a safe and responsible manner, and treat them with respect.
I am at somewhat of an advantage compared to other people when it comes to bringing up the subject of guns. If asked what I do for work, I generally respond with "photographer" or "writer." If pressed further, I'll explain that I work in the firearm industry. Surprisingly – or, perhaps, not surprisingly – I rarely get a negative reaction to this.
You might be able to bring up the subject if asked about your hobbies. If it doesn't seem that she is going to ask what you like to do, you might ask about what she likes to do – and you'll probably score a few points for being the first to ask that question anyway. See how she reacts to learning that you enjoy shooting – it's better to start there, with a simple description, then it is to launch into any further explanation. Again, carefully watch her reactions.
I generally try to bring this subject up when the date - and the conversation - is going well. Filling an awkward silence in an already strained conversation with "I have a gun" is probably not going to turn out well.
I have made some missteps in this area. A long time ago, I went on several dates with one particular woman, and could not think of any good way to bring up the subject. Finally, during a lull in the conversation, I said "I have something to tell you..." and then proceeded to pause dramatically for several seconds as I thought about how to phrase what I was about to say. After what probably seemed like an eternity to her, I then said "I carry a gun." She immediately blurted out "That's it?!"
Apparently, she thought I was about to inform her that I had AIDS, children from several different baby mamas, or was a felon. Finding out that I carry a gun was somewhat less frightening than those other options. The only thing on my mind was carrying, so at the time, I didn't understand how she would see that long pause from her side. It's important that you take this into consideration when you choose how to let your date know that you have a gun.
After You've Whipped it Out
Once I have informed my date that I am carrying, I generally ask if this bothers them. Although I suppose it is possible that all of them answered out of fear, I have yet to encounter a response that was anything less than a comfortable "No, that doesn't bother me." If you have presented the right impression up to this point, you are not likely to encounter a different answer.
Although this question might be taken as a willingness on my part to not carry a gun if it bothers them, it is not. I am genuinely interested in their mental well-being – and I'm equally committed to not surrendering my principles.
Expect further questions on why you carry, if not right away, then at some point in the near future. I normally explain my feelings on personal responsibility and self-reliance, although this depends on the situation.
Even though she now knows that you're carrying, don't take this as a license to suddenly carry in a manner that's going to make her uncomfortable. I don't relish the thought of having a gun rubbed on me, and I don't imagine anyone else does, either.
Keeping It in Your Pants
Sometimes, things move too fast. You might not be able to bring up the subject at the perfect time, especially if you have already reached a point where clothes are flying and hands are exploring. This is where ankle carry becomes a great option. I have yet to meet a woman with a foot fetish, and it's fairly easy to slip off an ankle holster along with, for example, a shoe.
As I mentioned above, you need to have confidence in your equipment – and the firearm should be secured in the holster even if the holster is no longer attached to your body. You don't want a Glock sliding across the hardwood floor of her living room towards her cat. Beyond that, though, you don't want to be spending time making sure that the pistol is still in the holster. She won't appreciate any distractions at this point, especially if she suddenly notices that you are holding a gun while fumbling with her bra strap. That would send the wrong message.
Final Thoughts
While I don't suggest that you overdo it, being attentive to what she has to say, as opposed to only half listening to what might seem like an unending monologue, has many benefits. Not only will you find out when – and possibly how – to tell her that you're carrying, you'll also find out other things that might be beneficial for a future relationship. After all, you're carrying a gun to preserve your life, her life, and the possibility of that exact relationship. Don't let nervousness about letting her know that you carry get in the way of that.
The “Modern Sporting Rifle,” Isn’t
Ever since I first heard it a few years ago, I haven't liked the term "modern sporting rifle." I thought I'd let things play out before commenting (for the record, I don't really care what these rifles are called, as long as I can legally acquire and own them).
It seems that I'm not alone, although the NSSF isn't terribly excited about the opinion of us bloggers.
The NSSF invented the MSR campaign several years ago as a way to sell (literally and figuratively) the AR-15 and its derivatives to the masses, and ostensibly to convince the public that semi-automatic, magazine fed rifles are not the menace that they are portrayed to be by anti-gun folks. I understand the need for, and appreciate the spirit of, their efforts.
I find that there are a number of problems with the program's execution, however.
#1 - The NSSF entered into the project without proper research or knowledge. Witness their "educational" video where the Remington R-25's forward assist is pointed out as a "bolt handle. "Simple mistake? Maybe. How about suggesting that the R-25 is the quintessential modern hunting rifle; the practical, if not literal, descendant of the 7400? The 7400 is referred to as "your grandfather's rifle" even though it was introduced in 1981 and its predecessor, the 740, was developed at the same exact time as the AR-10. It's as if the NSSF's history books start only when a major hunting rifle manufacturer started turning out ARs.
#2 - The NSSF's actions were unilateral. The term "modern sporting rifle" is simply awkward, and I don't recall seeing any discussion of the term or the plan in major print or digital publications prior to it being set in stone. I'm not saying that they had to seek anyone's approval - especially those in the blogosphere - but this program has an effect on us all. While the NSSF's MSR program seems to be in line with sales of Realtree camouflaged AR-15s, it doesn't have much to do with the sales of other - and "blacker" - rifles, despite its stated purpose.
#3 - The NSSF's own data shows that even varmint hunting is less popular than other uses among "MSR" purchasers, with self defense being second only to target shooting as a listed use. I'd be interested in the methodology used to collect this data (the appropriate link on their website is dead) - target shooting is a pursuit that both self defense and varmint hunting oriented buyers might also give as a reason for buying the rifle, if given a multiple choice questionnaire. Despite this, the NSSF's entire campaign seems centered on selling the AR as a hunting and target rifle only.
#4 - Just as the M1 Rifle and the 740 were less popular than the Model 54 and sporterized military surplus bolt action rifles were for hunting after World War II, you're not as likely to see an AR-10 or AR-15 as you are a Remington 700 when in the field during hunting season today. That's because the semi-auto rifles are unnecessarily expensive and generally heavier than their hunting-oriented bolt action counterparts. Why would I buy an 8lb R-25 for $1200, sans optics, when I can buy a 6 1/2lb Tikka T3 Lite and put a decent Leupold scope on it for hundreds less?
#5 - Walk in to any gun store, and you'll see black carbine ARs far outnumber woods camo hunting-oriented ARs. This is because the market wants - or wanted, until things slowed down - semi auto rifles for defensive purposes or general shooting enjoyment. The NSSF ignores this, and, if we judge by text volume, would rather tell you that the "MSR" is a hunting rifle in scary clothing than an effective self-defense weapon.
#6 - The NSSF puts a lot of emphasis on the "MSR" being cosmetically similar to the military M16/M4 type rifles, but completely different otherwise ("The rifles do resemble military firearms such as the M4, but the similarities are cosmetic only"). This is a disingenuous argument. As any regular reader of this blog knows, rifles such as the Colt SP6920 are all but identical to the M4 carbine used by the USMC. Sure, the barrel is a tad longer, and it's semi-auto only instead of semi/burst. But burst is stupid and useless, and practically no one in the military uses it. Again, the black rifle market has been built up on the concept of selling the most "mil-spec" rifle possible to the masses.
I think it's a mistake to cling to the defense of "sporting purposes." Defensive purposes are named only twice on the entire site, compared to literally dozens of mentions for "hunting." There is no mention of any use other than hunting or target shooting in their very well-produced 5 minute video on the subject.
I know that NSSF stands for National Shooting Sports Foundation, but just as concealed carry has become legally acceptable (to one extent or another) in an incredible 49 states, the use of firearms for home defense has become more legally and socially acceptable, especially with the introduction of "Castle Doctrine" laws. If we can get rid of the "sporting purposes" clause that limits firearm imports, we'll be able to purchase new, high-quality rifles from other first-world nations - but that's probably not something that Remington is very excited about.
The NSSF says this program was meant to correct "misperceptions among gun owners and non-gun owners alike" regarding the AR-15. In attempting to do so, they have introduced an entirely new set of misperceptions.