How can I improve Gun Bites?

Blogging is a relatively new to me, so that being said, I do not know much about it. That is why I want reader opinions on things they would like to see, if I could improve design, etc. Help me out and tell me your thoughts.

As incentive, and for your viewing pleasure, Homer Simpson firing an m134 handheld Gatling gun

Something awesome.

Mk.19 Grenade Launcher

Big deal another grenade launcher, right? Well how about a fully automatic grenade launcher? 

That's right.

This awesome display of military might can fire up to 325 40mm HE grenades a minute from a belt fed magazine. It can be mounted to a tripod as you can see above, but it is also frequently mounted to small attack boats and various armored and light armored vehicles.

40mm Grenade used in the Mk.19 with cutaways.

I can't buy one, I can't afford one (I would imagine). I just want to shoot one.

Is That Another AK-47?

Nope.

It's the Saiga-12.

A Saiga-12 modified with an aftermarket pistol grip, adjustable stock, and flash hider

Have you ever wanted an assault rifle? Have you ever wanted a shotgun? Have you ever wanted an assault rifle that fires shotgun shells? I did. That's why a few years ago I picked up an IZHMASH Saiga-12 shotgun! Made by Russia, this fully automatic (or semi automatic if you're a civilian) assault shotgun is capable of putting out a devastating amount of firepower in a short period of time. Magazine sizes range from 5-rounds to the bulky 20-round drum magazine. Conveniently, it can be taken apart almost exactly like an AK-47 and is even easier to clean due to the larger bore size.

This stock Saiga-12 looks like a bizarre rifle, though one may prefer the rifle stock over a pistol grip.

I have yet to encounter someone who owns a Saiga that does not modify it in some way. It is relatively easy, and the parts aren't overly expensive. A stock Saiga-12 will cost you around $700-$800 so it won't break the bank. In addition this solid weapon gives you a platform to build the shotgun you want, without having to pay for everything all at once. For the price it is definitely one of the coolest guns around. I highly recommend that gun enthusiasts consider adding it to their collection.

Love it or Hate it

The AK-47

I chose this picture instead of the typical wood, fixed stock AK-47 because it looks exactly like mine!

Easily the most recognizable, mass produced member of the assault rifle family, the overall design of the AK-47 has undergone few changes in the past several decades. The Russians pretty much hit the nail on the head in their first try. Accounts of the AK-47's ability to withstand an absurd amount of abuse and still function are legendary. People finding them buried in the ground, bolt rusted shut. Then cleaning the weapon and firing it without issue, You can throw them in water, mud, sand, you name it, and the AK-47 doesn't skip a beat. The rounds fire from it are nothing to bat an eyelash at either. The 7.63x39mm round is heavy, powerful, and has considerable knockdown capabilities. It's American counterpart, the M16/M4 fires a 5.56x45 NATO round which has more range, and increased accuracy, and trades the raw power the AK-47 delivers.

L to R: 5.56x45, 7.62x39

Cleaning the AK is incredibly easy as well. It takes about 20 seconds to disassemble and has a limited number of moving parts. There are not a lot of fine/small parts that break easily. The AK-47 operates in any condition, for as long as you need it to. Also since it is a common weapon that our military does not use. The ammo is pretty cheap when compared to the M16 family. Let me rephrase that. You can buy the cheap, awful ammo that would muck up and cause accelerated wear and tear on your weapon, the AK-47 fires that ammo all the same. 

Powerful, durable, and downright sexy. My AK-47 will almost definitely outlast me.

Gen 4 Glock 19

This user friendly, rugged, and downright ugly pistol is the Glock 19. Chambered in 9x19 parabellum (9mm) and sporting a 15 round magazine, it is not the most powerful handgun out there, but it's versatility is second to none. It can take a beating, get thrown in dirt, run over, and dunked in a pond and the G19 will shrug it off and keep working. The 9mm round isn't overpowered, giving the user more control while rapidly firing. The trigger guard is enlarged to accommodate the use of gloves, and a built in accessory rail on the front allows you to attach laser sights and flashlights (bayonets too if you feel the need). All Glocks feature a series of internal safety measures to stop accidental discharge. In addition the trigger has a safety positioned on trigger itself. This keeps the weapon from firing in the event it is dropped struck against something. The little tab in the middle of the trigger has to be pressed inward in order to fire. 

A Glock, field stripped for cleaning

The Austrian made Glock can be easily disassembled by pulling down on two tabs located above the trigger guard and cleaning one is as easy as can be. At a price tag of around $500-550 the Glock 19 is affordable, dependable, still ugly, but operational for a lifetime. Law enforcement, and civilians love the Glock for all of these reasons. I know I do. 

This week's upcoming posts!

This week I'll be doing a review on three of the guns I own.

• Gen 4 Glock 19
• Yugoslavian AK-47
• Saiga 12

Just found this...

Again impractical as it gets. I do however want one of those as well.