Mossy Creek Custom

This morning Gunner reported that Ruger is at it again.  They have issued a recall for their new LCP pistol.  You can find out full information here from their website.

Ruger LCP

If you have been following Ruger’s development of new pistols lately it seems they are having trouble with their research and development.  Earlier this year they recalled their SR9 pistols for the same reason.  When dropped the guns have the ability to go off.

Ruger has always been known for their single action revolver and rifles.  Their pistols have lagged behind latest developments.  In fact my first handgun was a P94 40 S&W.  The gun was fine, but it was bulky and aesthetically unappealing.  Their latest entries in the market have looked better, but at the time I wondered if it would be too little too late.  Now they have debuted two pistols both of which have had serious design flaws.

Why don’t you be the judge in our comments section.  Do you have confidence in Ruger’s ability to manufacture a safe and reliable pistol?  Would you buy the SR9 or the LCP knowing that they have had recall problems?  Look forward to hearing your comments.

This summer we told you that we were trying out some products from Camelback(click here for full story).  Yesterday we tested them through a homemade race in Spring Hill, TN.  Several different models were used for marathon and 1/2 marathon racing, and they performed admirably.  What is great about the Camelback is that you get hydration without carrying around water bottles that end up in trash dumps, or having to find something to hold your i-pod.  Here are a few things we discovered;

1. Clean them regularly by taking the unit all the way apart.  It doesn’t need much soap, but a little will keep the mildew away.  Also, let it completely dry out before storage.  You can buy a cleaning kit for under $30.
2. In hot weather the liquid in the straw is warm and hard to drink.  Some of us spit out the first two or three sips each time, and some blow the liquid back into the reservoir.  Ice is always a good thing to keep your drink cooler for a long period of time.
3. Get the smallest one you need.  No need to be lugging around extra weight.

Overall we are well pleased with how this product delivers.  It is great and versatile for any number of applications.

You have to check out this news story from TX.  A homeowner is shown defending his home and it is all caught on his security tapes.  You have never seen two more surprised individuals.

Click HERE.

A friend called yesterday to see if I could advise him on an ammo purchase.  One of his workout partners is getting an AR for a birthday present from his wife.  That in and of itself should be a blog post.  How great is it when family gets who you are so much they can buy you an AR?  Anyway, my friend wanted to buy some ammo for a birthday present and wondered what he should get.

If you are buying for someone else it is not critical what brand, weight, or actually bullet, i.e. hollow point or round point, that you buy in 99% of cases.  They will be glad that you thought of them and gladly shoot your ammo present.  The only time it matters is if they are using the gun with a scope or they are a precision competitor.  If they happen to fall into those categories, give them a gift certificate to a local shop where they can buy what they want.  Otherwise, buy the cheapest ammo available that gives you the most bang for your buck (pun unfortunately intended).  They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and have a great time using  your gift.

Today we received our new form 4473 for firearms transactions.  Periodically the form is revised to keep patrons and dealers mindful and to make the form better.  This new form does both.  You should notcie that you.  One of the best things is that the form has boxes to check for the questions that certify you are able to purchase the gun.  In the past you were required to write in Yes or No.  This always caused problems becuase people only wanted to write Y or N which was not acceptable.  Some of the questions also make more sense at the end.

If you are a dealer you need to make sure you are using the new form by november 15, 2008.

This month has been a busy month in Nashville.  Every weekend has had a least one gun show going on.  I recently went to one to gauge the temperature of the market, and I spoke with a customer who attended one this weekend where he sold a few things and traded for a few more.  I want to give you a few observations about the current state of the gun business.

1. Ammo prices are up.  With the continuing war in the middle east, the prospect of a non-shooter for president, and the entrance of several large countries into the new emerging first world market, prices continue to rise.  For several years this trend has continued to be a problem for shooters.  It wasn’t that long ago that the Winchester white box of 9mm at Walmart was only $11.  Find that today and you had better score as much of it as you can.  The solution to this is to buy in bulk.  Try to get a few friends to go in with you and buy from some of the on-line sources out there.
2. New Guns are stable.  Prices have not risen that dramatically.  Glocks continue to do well, but their price point is stable.  If you want a new gun, the end of the year may be a great time to buy.  Dealers will be thinking about profit/loss margins.
3. Used Guns are strong.  I have been looking for a Colt Delta Elite 10mm for sometime, and I have learned that I should have bought it a year ago.  People are buying and selling their used guns still, but those prices are continuing to climb.  The exception will be people who bought too many guns and can’t keep them during the economic crunch.  Be looking for these in the paper or at gun shows.
4. Gun shows still sell too much junk.  Can someone actually put on a gun show without all of the peanut vendors and war memorabilia?  I would love to find a gun show!  Especially a show with lots of quality old stuff.

It crossed my mind that many of you will be going to church tomorrow, and probably won’t be wearing your tactical clothing, which means you may not know what is appropriate cutlery.  I remember having a conversation with an elderly woman who told me that every gentleman always carried tow things; 1. a handkerchief and 2. a pocket knife.  I have to admit that I am normally found without either in my suits, but I am going to turn over a new leaf by carrying these two items because I would never want to be thought of as a commoner.  So let’s deal with these two items.

1.  The handkerchief – If you grew up in the country, you probably carried some sort of bandanna with you as a handkerchief.  They were used for everything, but that is not what this lady had in mind.  You need to go to the local Walmart or department store and buy some white handkerchiefs.  Now carrying them is not optional, but using them as a snot rag is definitely optional.  I personally can’t do it.  I see no point blowing my nose and carrying it my pocket, but let your conscience be your guide.  So why carry one?  Never know when a lady will one, and in the south they can be good for perspiration.

2.  The pocket knife – Leave your tactical folder at home when you have on a suit unless you can remove the pocket clip.  You don’t want that nice suit shredded, and a pocket folder on anything but jeans screams no class.  Buy a nice Case knife or a Hen and Rooster folder.

The toothpick or mini trapper are great for suit carry.  You never know when you will need to open something, peel some fruit, or defend yourself from all the dangers that church and the office bring.

You may not be a classy, sartorial type of guy, but carry these two items and most people will never know.

Need a gift for that gun guy whose list is too specialized?  Try some revolver handwarmers.  You can reuse them by heating them in a pot on the stove.  What do you think?

By them here from Think Geek.

Every four years in America a phenomenal thing takes place designed by our founding fathers to make sure our country has every opportunity to reflect the will of the people.  You guessed it; a presidential election.  KEEP READING (Sorry for yelling, but this won’t be what you think).  The transfer of power takes place without coup, military action, blood in the streets etc.  We are truly blessed to be a part of such a wise heritage of leadership that created a form of government that still works today.  The only thing about that change of power is that it always follows a change of agenda.  Obviously you should support candidates that reflect your values and interests, but there are several other things you can do to ensure your interests are protected and none of them involve rallies, marches or campaign signs. You don’t even have to be a Democrat or Republican.  All you have to be is who you already are.

Take someone shooting.  I was reminded of this last night as several friends and I were talking.  I have been delinquent by not taking some of my own family members to the range.  Since I entered the business I have taken countless friends and family out for their first time on the range.  I think you will be surprised at their reaction.  In all my years of shooting only one person has ever declined this invitation, and he happened to believe that guns should be banned.  He chose not to go on moral grounds, and I respect that.  However, I have had many people who thought guns were inherently dangerous change their minds after a day at the range.

What generally happens is that people’s fears are relieved when they see that shooting is not about being militant.  They learn that guns don’t go off by themselves.  They learn that it is a great family atmosphere in many ways like other sports they have participated in through the years.  What generally happens is that they come away with a whole new appreciation for your passion.

By taking your friends shooting, they can see all of the great things about your sport.  Same thing with hunting, reloading, or the shooting sports.  Most people would love to participate if they were invited by someone that could show them the ropes.  Just remember that you will be the most important impression they have on the shooting sports so make it a good one by teaching them firearm safety.  One final thought on this; make sure you start them off with a 22lr.  No Dirty Harry stuff.  We want them to come back!

There is one other way you can make a difference.  Join the NRA.  We are NRA members through and through.  I have a Life Membership, and MCC is also a member.  They are great proponents of your freedom, and they offer some of the most affordable training available to you.  When you join you will receive gun insurance, a magazine and great discounts on other services.

Total cost to all of these radical ways to make sure you continue to enjoy the shooting sports:  less than $50 ($35 for the NRA and $15 for ammo and targets).

Does it matter if you are a national champion shooter?

Does it matter if you have a perfect load for you rifle?

Does it matter if you have a 1st generation Colt Single Action?

Does it matter if you took a trophy buck?

Does it matter if you’ve hunted in Africa?

Does it matter if you win the accolades of your peers?

Does it matter if the gun magazines wrtie about your products?

Not really.

Today I went to a funeral of a young lady who passed away from cancer.  For 6 of her 24 years she battled this disease admirably.  Today she no longer has to fight.  What matters at the end of your life?  Will it be trophies?  Will it be money?  The only thing that matters at the end of life is whether or not there is a promise of tomorrow.  Faith.  Hope.  Love.  But the greatest of these is love as demonstrated by the Father.  When you read this today, make your life count for something and do it with love.