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.

Three Words:
Double Barreled Pistol

So unnecessarily awesome. So impractical. Yet I find myself wanting one...

Favorite Gun?

What's your favorite gun? Have a few favorites?

Let me know!

I would love to do reviews on other peoples' favorite guns!

(Instead of doing mine every time.)

Heyo! In lieu of a review today, I wanted to post this video by a prominent Youtuber who goes by FPS Russia. The review is about an awesome rifle, the  DRD Paratus 18. It is a pretty detailed review, complete with a near-death experience!

Paratus 18 "suit case" rifle

Paratus 18 all packed up!

The M14


This rifle is essentially an M1 Garand that features a detachable box magazine and has fully automatic capabilities.  The M1 was semi-automatic only and used an en bloc clip for loading ammunition.

En bloc clip for the M1 Garand

During the Vietnam War, the M16 was a brand new rifle, using polymers and plastics instead of wood. Soldiers did not like this and opted to use the M14 because it was a "real gun". The problem with the M14 is it used a large round (30-06 or .30 caliber). As a result it was very difficult to control when fired in full auto. When tested it proved to have issues with durability and faulty construction. People still love it though. They are highly sought after, hard to find, and incredibly fun to shoot.

Nowadays you will find the M1A.

Doesn't take long to notice that it looks a lot like the M14. Better construction, use of synthetic polymers and semi-auto only function makes it an exceptional marksman rifle. Sharpshooters in the military often carry variants of the M1A. It can be fitted with various scopes, butt stocks and other accessories to suit the individual needs of the shooter.

Next week I will be talking about the M14!

The Complete Package: 

The FN P90

The P90 is one of my all time favorite weapons. It is lightweight, compact, and 100% ambidextrous. Production of this funny looking gun started in 1990 (hence the "90" in P90), and was actually designed around the ammunition it uses. As body armor became more effective, the standard sub machine gun round (9x19 Parabellum) was becoming less effective, the demand for a compact, armor-piecing round. As a result the 5.7x28 round was developed.

(L to R) 9mm, 5.7x28, .45 ACP

This small, pointed round is capable of piercing body armor and with the P90's magazine holding 50 rounds, it is a weapon that keeps on "giving". The magazine on a P90 loads in at the top and the rounds are actually stored sideways. As the round feeds through the magazine it is turned 90 degrees by a ramp inside of the magazine. This is what makes the P90 able to hold such a large amount of ammunition, without sacrificing mobility. The fire selector switch is located right beneath the trigger. The charging handle is located on both sides of the gun, and the spent casings eject directly out the bottom.

A field stripped P90. The P90 can be taken apart in seconds without the use of tools.

I could go on for pages about the P90. The unique design, function, and creativity behind this weapon are second to none. Some weapons have tried to compete like the H&K MP7. They have all fallen short in overall effectiveness. The P90 is definitely on my wishlist for the future.

Thanks for reading!

Safety First!

(No exceptions.)

Guns are in fact dangerous. That isn't really a mystery, but all too often tragedies occur when they really should have been prevented. So today I am going to list all of the general aspects of gun safety.

Storing Your Weapons

• When storing your guns make sure the weapon is unloaded. Meaning there is not a round in the chamber. In my experience people accidentally put their finger on the trigger most often when picking a gun up.
• Always lock your guns up! I would recommend a safe or something that requires a combination to get into it. Keys can be taken. Also, if children are present keeping weapons locked away is an absolute must.
• Not to be redundant, but if you ever retrieve your weapon make sure it is unloaded! When taking it out as well as putting it away, get into the habit of working the action multiple times, and visually look into the chamber (Do NOT look down the barrel). If you still are not sure at this point for any reason, stick your finger in the chamber and make sure there is not a bullet in there. Then point the gun in a safe direction and pull the trigger, just to cover all of your bases.

Going out to shoot?

• To start things off, before you pack all of your things for the shooting range, make sure your weapon is again, unloaded. 
• If you are driving, and if you do not have a concealed carry permit, it would be wise to have the guns somewhere in the car where you cannot easily reach them (the trunk for instance). Also make sure they are all in cases. If you ever get pulled over, police officers will be on edge if your weapons are just laying out.
• So you're at the range and everything is set up. Golden rule: Keep that gun pointed down range at all times. Obviously if you or anyone else is going down range unload the gun and make sure it's safe. You still need to keep it pointed down range. The reason being that if it is side ways or facing back and for whatever reason goes off, Or if someone pulls the trigger while picking it up, there is a lot less of a chance that someone standing at the firing line will accidentally get shot.
• Do not put your finger on that trigger until you are ready to shoot. Pretty self explanatory 
• Be aware of other people at the range. It is crucial to make sure no one is standing farther ahead or behind you while shooting. Everyone shooting needs to stand in a line, with onlookers standing behind them. If you want to go downrange to change/check your targets, make sure any other shooters are aware, and that you get confirmation that it is okay to go downrange.
• And if you are hunting, please make sure you actually see what you are shooting at before you fire. Every year people are injured or killed by firing at what turns out to be another person in the forest.

Guns are a lot of fun! So have fun and be responsible!!!