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Their subs are a whole other beast though.

Honestly, I wouldn't pry too much into the subject. The primary difference between the two is that PWS had BATFE rule that their line of comps were not flash suppressors, and had this in writing. However, Rainier Arms, and a few other notable companies, never got that chance to get a ruling in paper. If you're truly not comfortable, there are plenty of other options available that are most definitely legal.

Its true, China's military has been worrisome for quite some time, though I'd say a lot of that has to do with their mindset and techniques (not necessarily because of just tech). And no, not a history major , I just read a lot growing up, and listened to the stories my grandmother and grandfather told me (who went through a few of those occupations and wars you noted, matty). Though, I'll admit I've done my fair bit of reading about said subjects in the recent past. As for western powers against a united Korea, its just a personal theory (hence it should be taken with a grain of salt). The way I see it, the ingenuity, education, emerging tech, growing economy (notably manufacturing), military tech, and trade agreements of South Korea + sheer military might and nuclear power of North Korea... well, on the surface it looks like a potent pair. I definitely acknowledge the relations between the Koreas is far more complicated then that, and to not include that would be stupid of me. Between emotional tensions, clashing of ideology, and the stress the amount of "refugees" would put on the system ROK has put into place... well, I agree that it could be a totally different picture once the painting is done. But I do look back on civilizations of the past, and how they organized their social institutions-- and the pieces would practically be there. Would a united Korea even want to be 'the' top dog? Eh, I don't think so, as it was never in their nature. Do they want to be 'a' top dog? Of course, who doesn't? But I don't know if the US would see it like that, instead of just a power grab.

Hola y bienvenido, disfrute de su estancia

My thoughts and condolences to those affected first hand by this act. Crazy is crazy, and there is no explaining such acts. Unfortunately the scum responsible for this act does highlight the "lone wolf" theme that was initially discussed, and has become a reoccurring theme when discussing "homegrown terrorism." Stuff like this makes it important to realize that all of us who are a part of such a community must be respectful of the ROL (and go about trying to change things within the ROLs), and vigilant and police ourselves; or all of us risk the possibility of being broad-stroked as a loony lupis. Again, my thoughts and condolences to those in AZ right now.

I think a lot of people forget or are not aware of the turmoil, and downright horrors, inflicted upon the East Asian societies by western powers going back a hundred years and some change. Now, I can't say I know for a fact as I was born and grew up in the US; but having parents and grandparents, and extended family, from that region of the world-- the last thing any of those countries want is to come to fisticuffs with anybody. I'd say its not necessarily about the exchange or whatnot between the East Asians and western powers, or other geopolitics that could/would/have involve western powers. What I deduce is that this is a show of force in the defensive-sense. And by that I mean these countries, notably China, just want to be left alone; and while though expanding on the economic front, not succumb to the "spheres of influence" of the past. Is that feasible? I don't know. Politics is a continuation of economics, and countries have become cold-shouldered and gone to conflict for far less-- and I don't know how the US feels about the fact that the tides are shifting in a sense (nor what it would do to maintain its control). I think its the same reason why the US and other powers in the region do not want to see a united Korea (or conflict, which would most likely end in a united Korea one way or another). Any government stating that the loss of life as a primary reason to not go to conflict is lying through their teeth. Ultimately, there are winners and losers, and a united Korea could really tip the scales. I know my post tip toes on the discussion of politics, but understand its 'geopolitics,' which is commentary on current affairs

I have only read what the guys at RA had to say about the legality of it, and, like all companies these days, they can't get a letter or anything that says that it is "good to go" from BATFE... so, because of that, I've heard conflicting things. I haven't personally seen one first hand, so, I can't really comment.

The chick, Alison Haislip, is actually a Jersey product... so, yea, I guess some more relevance to this forum (beyond the guns of course)

Ha, no worries-- "what happened, happened; and couldn't have happened any other way." But on the note of the UBR, I have a hard time defining it as a collapsible stock. Does it collapse? Sure, in a way I guess. Considering the default setting is in its closed form, I would argue that it actually is an "expanding" stock versus a collapsing one. But of course the wording "adjustable" could be used, and then I have no argument. But is adjustable really that evil? I could understand the concern for folding stocks (and how they might make it easier to conceal... though, lets be honest, a rifle with a folding stock that is also concealed is probably SBR'ed, which means its also somehow in NJ illegally [for the most part, I know there can be exceptions]). Oh well.

My range bag itself is quite simple, and no behemoth like Petey's Just ammo, lube, Gerber, ear/eye pro, tape, and notebook & pen. As for the emergency duffel in my trunk? Well, that's a whole different beast...

I come from that school of thinking that defines 'integrity' as "doing the right thing even when no one is looking." I also believe that since we [citizens] are always talking about our individual freedoms and how they shouldn't be trespassed upon by an authority figure (as long as we're not going against the ROL), it is our responsibility to police others in our own community. Am I going to report someone if I see something blatantly non-compliant? No. Will I say something to that individual? Definitely; and that is because that individual reflects not just the community, but me as well (as I am a part of said community). Ultimately though, it is their choice and actions (and consequences).

The larger idea behind documentaries is that while the information might not necessarily be fairly accurate, or managed well; what these do is make people think beyond the cookie-cutter that the majority culture has set forth (or allow the viewer to consider alternatives, and make their own decisions). Now, understand that I'm not bashing anybody or saying that Moore (and others like him) are morally right in the way they go about what they do. However, social change for the betterment of society (mind you this is not the same as "for the greater good") starts with a call to arms, and then mobilization to correct the injustice. Seems like a fine line to walk because there will be plenty of opposition, and little support (i.e. slavery, women's suffrage, minority rights, etc). What annoys me about these types of documentaries is that people put them on a pedestal without taking the time to research/learn about the topic, and take documentaries (which always have an agenda, whether its overt or through reflexivity/positionality) as the definitive source of their knowledge.

Ultimately reminds me of this entry on a blog I read up on: http://youarenotsosmart.com/2010/09/11/the-texas-sharpshooter-fallacy/

Not to stray too far off topic, but I think people have to realize that the combat operations have shifted dramatically (when going from Iraq to Afghanistan). Stand off is far more important now, as is the ability to really utilize a hard hitting, further traveling, round... hence the change IMO. Otherwise, from my experiences, M855 has no AP capabilities.

Hmm, thanks for sharing, Eric. Seems like those reports of trauma or lightning strikes might be losing steam. Also interesting how not many media sources are following up on the story. I'm not a biologist/naturalist or ornithologists, but maybe it has to do with something affecting the frequency of their senses? I haven't read enough reports to know whether or not it was the fall that killed them or something prior; so, disregard if I sound crazy.

Hello and welcome

The birds story was a pretty interesting one... a certain alphabet agency comes to mind, though I thought they had shifted focus to different types of projects.

The Daniel Defense Omega X rails do not require the removal of the delta ring, and function as free floating. These are also the cheaper tier of DD rails. Most other FF rail systems that I can think of off the top of my head do require the removal of the delta ring. If this isn't an issue, I'd recommend KAC as well; but also Troy, PRI, MI, Larue, and YHM. I personally would love to have the PRI or Troy TRX, but I'm happy with my DD Omega 7 rails (though I must admit its overkill as I hardly use any of the real estate as I simplified my rifle a couple months back).

Some of you may have already seen the commercials for this new series by TNT. Its called "Falling Skies" and the premise is that it takes place six months after an alien invasion. Pretty good cast (its TNT, what else would we expect!), including Dale Dye in hopefully a featured role. I'm hoping that it isn't too cheesy, and is a more visceral experience than most post-apoc shows/movies (that seem to romanticize it). I want to see dirty finger nails, and scruffy beards all around! Trailer here (from IMDB): http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1185651481/ Site here (TNT): http://www.tnt.tv/series/fallingskies/

As its already been noted, it boils down to stopping the threat. I think if anybody used anything (9MM, 45, a lamp, kitchen knife), they will come under scrutiny regardless. But it seems that as long as the action is justified, how could it be argued otherwise? I think where a person has to be careful is knowing when a threat is present, and when there is no longer a threat. An actor is not a threat when their back is present and are fleeing... nor would unloading numerous magazines (though I understand this one can be argued as lawyers can start throwing around BS about how a person reacts in stress environments, etc, losing track and falling back on training, etc). And otherwise, it seems like this is a circular argument.

Happy New Year!

I've been using Blazer 40g LRN and CCI minimags with no malfunctions as of yet. My only gripe, albeit small, is that the magazines tend to seat a bit tight when the magazines are fresh and clean (and do not drop as freely). Once they get a bit dirty, doesn't seem to be an issue.

Good stuff here, and I'm convinced to put in an order for 'Lights Out' as well. Must admit I don't know much about the story, and probably best to keep it that way til I can read it for myself! (Of course I know it has to do with the power going out.) I also agree that 'Patriots' was just... well, not that great. I think there were interesting projections, and maybe some small tidbits on technical things (albeit those were the parts I found a bit 'too detailed'). OSA though was a far better read, but I do have to agree that certain aspects were a bit of a broad stroke. To include intricacies that plague society would have made that story almost impossible to write, so I don't hold that against Forstchen (plus I think it would seem a lot like "The Road"). For a more technical read, I recommend Krepinevich's "7 Deadly Scenarios". Its not a fiction work per se, but does tread that line by using hypothetical scenarios. Like I noted, it is a bit more technical though-- however he does manage to make it a decent read.

Eh, I don't know about that. What defines a "contemporary/modern military"? Is it the ability to wage conventional warfare thanks to advances in technology that tip the scale? Or is it the modernity of the nation? Either way, when looking back on history, warfare and different military forces (relatively speaking) have all suffered when dealing with certain types of opposition. To cut the history lesson short, that type of opposition has taken the form of insurgency. This was an issue with the Romans, Persians, Brits, and the US (both in Vietnam and currently). Counter-insurgency has evolved, but the concept of asymmetric warfare (and its effectiveness against more "advanced" military forces) is as old as written language (David vs. Goliath?)

Hard to tell with the drifts that have been forming because of this constant wind, but I'd say around 18'' (this being at the border of Mercer and Middlesex County). No plows through the neighborhood either-- though that's how it has always been (even though the town's Public Works' warehouse and offices are located behind the neighborhood, and have to drive through the center of this neighborhood to just get to the rest of town).