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!!! 

Not your average shotgun:

The SRM 1216 

Despite the 1216's  unconventional look, this firearm is the most versatile and cutting edge shotgun design that I have seen. Lightweight, and highly mobile construction makes it perfect for close quarters combat. In addition it is also ambidextrous (for all you left-handed shooters). Now here is where this weapon sets itself apart. 

The magazine.

The 1216 was named for its magazine which holds sixteen 12-gauge shells. Each chamber holds 4 shells and once you empty one chamber, a push of a button and a twist of the wrist and the next set is ready to go. At first I thought, "There is no way this can be practical." So I did some digging and watched this video. With a magazine that consists of four separate tubes, you can load different types of shells into each tube (and label them!) This way law enforcement or military personnel have the ability to carry less-lethal rounds along side buckshot and slugs.

Boasting a $2500 price tag, it is not a part of the typical home defense budget. Any avid shooter or collector would be proud to add the SRM 1216 to their arsenal.