TheWombat

21 years is the maximum allowed for the crime committed in Norway. However they also have the ability to keep him longer if nearer that time it appears heis not suitable/fit to be released. I doubt he will be released any time soon. TheWombat.

In May MrsWombat and I drove down to Atlanta and had a chance to experience life in the 'real world' where I was able to carry the Walther PPS. The PPS proved itself as easy to carry in my IWB holster, however we had to cut our planned trip a little short and missed the chance to go to the Aquarium and Coca Cola world. Therefore we took the opportunity to fly down for a long weekend break during this last weekend and do some sight seeing and catch up with a friend. I was surprised to find we had to walk through metal detectors to enter the Aquarium, Coca Cola World and the CNN headquarters - I guess they are serious about their no firearm policy! CNN had plenty of armed police and security guards around and all three places made more than a token effort to ensure weapons were not carried in. The highlight of the trip was the opportunity to head out to a 100 yard outdoor range - it was free to use and mostly deserted. There was one other couple there when we arrived, and after they left two other individuals arrived. All pleasant, professional and safe. My friend had brought along just a small sample of his 'toys' which included Springfield XDM, M&P with Apex Trigger, and two Glocks - one with around $500 of aftermarket trigger and barrel that he uses in 3 gun competitions. I have to say the Glock 17 with the trigger/barrel was very nice! After the warm up with the pistols I switched over to his AR-15 - my first time shooting and I learnt that if I blade my upper body rather than standing front on then I get a nice bruise on my shoulder! I know better for next time. The best part was trying my friend's Remington 700 Police Special with 20" barrel and 18x scope. After some warm up at 50 yards we moved the target to 100 yards and I managed some nice groups. The 5 shots below in the red square were at 100 yards! My friend was able to collect me from my hotel, with the firearms in the car and not having to worry about taking a direct route from home to the range. Now if only NJ had similar common sense laws! TheWombat

There are some very good videos on YouTube - I've used them a few times to do a fairly detailed strip (not just a field strip). Also worth looking on the SigForum as there is a very good link/thread about lubricating the P226 which needs more oil/grease than the Glock. For my Sig P226 USPSA I just use CLP to clean with a Hoppes Bore Snake and 9mm JAG/patches, followed by some additional SlideGlide grease. After a big session I may use some additional cleaning solution - but that is fairly rare. I replaced my Sig P226 grips as I wanted a bit more 'bite' so went with some Hogues. If you search I've posted some photos in my previous threads. Enjoy! TheWombat

Wow! Anthony you scrub up pretty darn well!!!! Well done :-) TheWombat

I have the Viridian C5L and X5L gen 2. Green dot and light, you can see photos on my other posts. A number of people find the green laser dot easier to see. However to be honest while I have used the light and can see the value of it I find having alaser dot more of a gimmick than something I would really use. On a GFH low light class the laser made it very obvious as to where I was located. Not ideal! TheWombat

MrsWombat and I will probably move to the iPhone 5. She currently has an iPhone 3GS, I have a BlackBerry Bold and iPad 1. There have already been pictures of an adaptor for the old to new connectors so that shouldn't be an issue. While I like the new Windows Mobile OS it just doesn't seem to be taking off. With the news tablet unveiled we may see this change. My preference is to have tablet and phone with same OS so I can have the same Apps etc. It will be interesting to see how evolutionary (or revolutionary) the new iPhone will be. TheWombat

There are a couple of signs up at the range for these that I saw when I was there on Saturday morning TheWombat

Here's another dot drill target. http://pistol-training.com/drills/dot-torture TheWombat

No need to carry the permit. I do keep a photocopy in my bag - but there really is no need to. TheWombat

I've recently been watching Make Ready with Travis Haley - a training DVD. There were some useful tips and tricks in the DVD and some interesting drills. I tried his Finger, Eyes, Feel Drill today at RTSP. The purpose is to be able to hit 5 x 1inch circles at 3,4,5,6 and 7 feet distance. I thought 3 foot would be easy but it quickly highlighted some inconsistent trigger control. Of the 75 circles (3 sheets of paper with 5 rows of 5 circles) my best result was 4 out of 5 circles being hit with 5 shots. My current goal is to be consistent at hitting a full sheet (25 circles) with 25 shots at 3 feet. You can download the targets from his website, and he includes some others as well. I've attached a screen capture of the target I was using. Definitely recommended as a good training exercise. I'll be trying this again. Looks easy - it wasn't! TheWombat

Comcast for Internet (as limited alternatives) Skype for phone - simple, easy, cheap - gives us a proper phone number as well Internet TV on demand (e.g. Netflix) for TV We saw our bill drop by > $100 a month by cutting phone and TV. :-0 TheWombat

My experience is that you're better of learning from a qualified instructor who you don't have a relationship with. The fact that someone goes shooting weekly/daily/monthly doesn't necessarily mean they'll be good at instructing you. Just my 2 cents worth TheWombat

So what metrics could be reported on that are pro-gun or to refute anti-gun 1. The number of shootings with illegally owned guns vs legally owned guns ( use stats from the police/FBI) 2. The number of times a legally owned firearm has been used to protect an innocent (use stats from the police/FBI) 3. The number/percentage of legal firearm owners who carry each day/week without doing anything illegal 4. The number of times a 3rd party CCW carrier has stepped in to an altercation and saved lives 5. Comparison stats of the numb of innocent civilians killed through firearms vs killed in vehicle accidents, drunk drivers, etc Etc Thoughts? TheWombat

My understanding was that there was a correlation between cities/states with the strongest gun laws having higher crime rates. i.e. evidence that 'an armed society is a polite society'. I'm therefore somewhat surprised with the link below which suggests that some of the states with the strongest gun laws have the fewest gun-deaths per capita etc and that NJ has some of the fewest gun deaths (per capita). http://blogs.lawyers.com/2012/08/hundreds-of-millions-of-guns-in-america/ Apart from specific queries on the statistics being quoted, I'm also posting the article for another reason. The Brady Campaign has < 28,000 members and a budget (2010) < $4M. The NRA has 4.3 million members and a budget (2004) > $205M The SAF has > 650,000 members and an unknown budget We also have the actual firearm manufacturers themselves whose revenues will be large. *note - the above numbers are taken from Wikipedia. Yet it seems that the anti-gun community is able to be more effective in pulling statistics together in an easy to view format that support their cause. From a quick glance the Lawyers.com presents an interesting anti-gun stance. I'm not entirely sure whether it is the way they are interpreting the stats, or the 'per capita' aspect or something else that is supporting their message. The Pro-Gun community is not going to be successful in 'converting' the anti-gun community (and vice versa), therefore our goals should be: 1. Objectively refute the stats/claims made by the pro-gun. E.g. post in the media/web the attached 'guns in america' with the 'correct' interpretation and the errors - plus a pro-gun objective version. 2. Focus on the 'neutral' middle grounders on gun-ownership to ensure they don't become antis due to the media or the low number of mass shootings that occur which become headline news. With the predominantly anti-gun media our options may be limited, however it does feel to me that the anti-gun community is better at getting into the news, quoting statistics (correct or not) etc. I may have overlooked something, but I do find it difficult to easily find a one page overview of stats that really supports pro-gun that is able to be shared with the neutral crowd. TheWombat

As a fairly new shooter I recommend you attend an NRA Basic Pistol class. Plenty of organizations handle this - I personally like Gun For Hire however others out there as well. They'll take you through semi-autos and revolvers, how to disassemble, clean, operate etc. You'll also get a few different firearms to try. I personally wouldn't recommend a 1911 as a first firearm, however that is just my personal view. I believe it's better to start with a Striker Fired (Glock, M&P, Walther PPQ, Springfield XD/XDM) or a DA (Sig/Beretta) as a better starting point. If you are set on .45 instead of 9mm then look at the Glock 21, Glock 21SF, M&P and Springfield XD or XDM. Once again just a personal view, I'd suggest starting on 9mm to begin with - ammunition is cheaper. TheWombat

Unsure - there are no specific markings on them. The EB website just states: "Slim wood grips for a thinner width." They comprise small diamonds. Probably work fine for many people, however I find I prefer grippier grips. TheWombat

I've just added some VZ Operator II grips. I found the original EB grips to not provide me enough grip. The Operator IIs have a LOT more bite. I may see how it feels to shoot if I get to RTSP this weekend. :-) TheWombat

Some Random Points: Glock 21 SF - The SF stands for Short Frame rather than Slim Frame Hollow Points are legal for Home Defense in NJ If funds are short then go 9mm or .22 for your first firearm. The cost of Ammunition is far higher than the cost of the firearm. Definitely recommend going to a course or two asap - you can usually try different firearms in the courses which will give you additional insight in what you like/don't like and the pros/cons Glocks - think about whether you want Gen 3 or Gen 4 Beretta is totally different from XD/XDM and Glock in terms of weight, trigger etc Assuming you like them then I'd suggest the Glock for your first firearm on the basis that accessories/holsters/upgrades are cheap and plentiful, and it makes a good HD firearm (no safeties etc to worry about). TheWombat

Another question is how heavy do you want the firearm? My wife bought the Kimber Aegis II as she wanted the lighter weight frame. TheWombat

:-) TheWombat

Photos of EMP with single sided safety, original and modified magazines. Original and Modified Magazines EMP with Original Magazine EMP with Modified Magazine EMP with Modified Magazine and Milt Sparks Holster TheWombat

I am in favor of carrying concealed at home for a couple of reasons: 1) Considering we're in NJ and have limited ability to carry outside our home, I want to ensure that when I travel to a location that I can carry concealed that I am comfortable and it becomes 2nd nature. The last thing I want is to be constantly checking my shirt/holster/firearm because I am unused to carrying concealed. 2) A nice neighborhood is exactly the type of place that someone would look to invade as there is more chance of prescription medication, high value products, money etc. While statistically the chance is low, do you really want to be in a situation where you don't have the firearm when you really need it. My main reason though is 1). For children in the house I think it is better to CCW and ensure they become familiar and aware of firearms. They are more likely to respect them. TheWombat

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Looks like the 15-22 has been added to the shopping list for sometime in the next 2-3 months. :-) TheWombat

I can also recommend Logman's EMP modifications. I posted 3 EMP magazines to Logman on Monday morning, I received a package in the post today (Friday) with the 3 modified magazines. 5 day turn around including shipping to/from CA is pretty amazing. A+ for turnaround time (5 days including return shipping from NJ->CA) A+ for quality of welding and finish of the magazine base The only thing I could think of as a possible improvement could be to move the holes to see the number of rounds either just on the 'EMP' side of the magazine, or just on the back/rear of the magazine so they don't cover the 'MFG in Italy BY MecGar, For Springfield Armory'. Other than that very minor item the resulting modification looks like a true manufacturer product. Overall am very pleased and won't hesitate to recommend. TheWombat

I posted 3 EMP magazines to Logman on Monday morning, I received a package in the post today (Friday) with the 3 modified magazines. 5 day turn around including shipping to/from CA is pretty amazing. A+ for turnaround time (5 days including return shipping from NJ->CA) A+ for quality of welding and finish of the magazine base The only thing I could think of as a possible improvement could be to move the holes to see the number of rounds either just on the 'EMP' side of the magazine, or just on the back/rear of the magazine so they don't cover the 'MFG in Italy BY MecGar, For Springfield Armory'. Other than that very minor item the resulting modification looks like a true manufacturer product. Overall am very pleased and won't hesitate to recommend. MrsWombat took her EMP to RTSP to test the single sided safety last week and it worked well. Next week she'll be trying her modified magazines. A happy MrsWombat. She'll also be trying my PPS - I wonder which she will prefer! thanks TheWombat