Updated Blog Roll

I've given the Cowboy boot to Porta Cat since he's not posted in a few months and added Gun Punit who's got a lot of good gun news.

CandyGram for Mongo

I always thought Jose should have gone with Mongo for an alias.



Best comedy ever.

Guns Save Lives

I'm continually amazed that John Stossel is still on ABC's 20/20 even though he regularly promotes gun ownership and conceal carry. His latest piece on Real Clear Politics (via Instapundit) is a prime example of the argument against Gun Free zones and gun control laws in general, he summerizes

"If someone gets into your house, which would you rather have, a handgun or a telephone? You can call the police if you want, and they'll get there, and they'll take a picture of your dead body. But they can't get there in time to save your life. The first line of defense is you."

Sadly, I think too many people are too willing to give up responsibility for their own well being, I suppose its easier to let the .gov take care of you than face the chore of doing it yourself.

1911's for Wild Bunch

Michael Bane has a nice little post about the upcoming SASS Wild Bunch match along with a list of 1911's for the shoot. Check it out here.

Why isn't this a category? I mean we have special categories for one handed wheelchair geriatrics who only shoot big bore rounds from Civil War era pistols, but nothing for a group that has taken the name for their governing body. Figures

UPDATE: Of course I've already covered the topic of 1911's for Wild Bunch HERE and HERE.

So tempting

If I had a room full of cash, I'd buy one of these suckers. The F636HT Heavy Duty Long Gun & Handgun System looks to make cleaning up after a match a cinch, plus you can use it for a park'ing tank if the mood suits you (and why wouldn't it?). I figure I'd only have to charge Judge $100 per gun per cleaning to make my money back in 10 years (make that 100 the rate he cleans guns).

Guess I'll have to chalk this one up to dreaming.

Firing Line Prayer

I really do sympathize with Mr. Owens in his Pajamas Media article on obtaining a carry permit in NC. For starters, I too have prayed at the firing line, frankly, sometimes shooters scare the hell out of me! The problem is, you can't tell who by looking at them, sure some look the part, but there are times when I'll take the octogenarian over the 20 something bubba.

I like the idea of a holstered lawyer too (Parades? Really?). However, I am privileged to live in a state without a lot of stupid restrictions on carry, in Indiana, its basically schools and casinos that I can't carry in, I don't really get the casino part, but then I don't go to them too often. Too bad not every state is as unrestrictive to our rights.

Fairwell Tonto Rim

One of the really nice things about living in Southern Indiana as a CAS shooter is that we had a top-notch merchant within a short driving distance. Sure, shopping online is an option and I certainly do that, but there's something to be said for walking in a store and trying things on and seeing the quality, things that don't come across on a web browser. If you haven't guessed by my tone, Tonto Rim is closing down their store here in Indiana and that makes us sad. Sure, you'll still be able to order from them online and one assumes that the Tonto Rim store at Founder's Ranch will remain open for business.

You see, Judge and I saw this one coming, as soon as the owner of Tonto Rim, Denny, opened up that Founder's Ranch store, we figured it was a matter of time before he moved out West and operated from there, heck, that's what I'd do if I was him. Anyway, Indiana cowboys have until the end of February to make it over to Tonto Rim's Seymour store, after that, its adios.

How to light a cigar like a Pro

Here's another tip from Cheap Humidors.

I know lighting a cigar may not seem hard, but I receive many requests from people on how to do it correctly. So I figured this is the best place to share the knowledge.

First, you need the correct lighter. Some cigar buffs use cedar strips for the job, but I find these hard to carry around. Most people prefer to use matches or a butane lighter. When using matches, wooden ones are the best, not only because they look cool but also because they stay lit longer. If you opt for a lighter, make sure it uses butane fuel, because just about anything else that you could use to light the cigar will affect the cigar's taste. Regular fluid lighters have an odor that can be transferred to the cigar if the flame is allowed to touch the foot.

Take the cigar in your hand and light your flame source. Slowly rotate the cigar in your fingers as you lightly toast the tobacco on the foot of the cigar. Try not to let the flame touch the foot as you rotate the cigar in your fingers. Put the cigar in your mouth and continue to light as you rotate the cigar, gently puffing in every few seconds.When the cigar is lit, remove it from your mouth and look at the foot to make sure it is burning evenly. If it isn't, you can gently blow on the foot causing it to ignite the tobacco that is not burning, or you can apply a flame to that area. If you have an area that is burning faster than the other areas, simply wet your finger and apply under the quick burning area to slow it down.

Old West Luggage

Since I've downgraded the size of my gun cart I needed to pick up a bag that I could pack all of my shooting gear. When you're dragging gun belts, holsters, shotgun belts, scarfs, spurs, cigars, cleaning gear, tools, glasses, earplugs, and other sundries you need something to keep you organized. I used to stuff most of it in the big gun cart and then had a little bag for everything else. Well the little bag got a hole ripped in it so I needed something different. Along came River Junction and the Deluxe Heavy Bag.

I have been a big fan of River Junction Trade Company for some time. They seem to carry all of the basics and a bunch of stuff to enhance the cowboy experience. Everything from guns to snake oil grace their catalog and its fun to just browse through it to see what's new. At the first of the year I ordered the Deluxe Heavy Bag hoping that it would be big enough for my needs, and I wasn't disappointed. The picture on the website made it look big, but I have been fooled before. This time it was completely accurate. This bag will hold all of my shooting gear and then some. If you're looking for a piece of luggage to pack for old west shoots I highly recommend this bag. It is solid in construction and huge.

Now I just need to get the snake oil.