Popular Posts

4/30/2013

Guest Post: Ladies & Guns

By April


It used to be that only the toughest women conceal carried a firearm. Those women needed protection while their husband was out on the range. Or those who didn't have a husband, and needed to be able to defend herself and her children, as well as her property. However, over the past few years, women and gun ownership have dramatically increased.

Due to this increase, we, as ladies have also created a new niche for firearm manufacturers. Most women would probably have a difficult time concealing a 9mm in the pocket of her pants or in her jacket pocket. By nature, women generally have a smaller frame than men do, which means smaller clothing and smaller pockets and less room for concealing a weapon.

4/29/2013

AR Trigger Group Pins

Here is the knowledge share we enjoyed yesterday

"It's Sunday night, it's raining, let's learn somethin. Tell me, what's the difference between a small or large pin trigger group in an AR15?"

4/29/2013

Gun Nuts Post: CNBC takes on the AR15

CNBC Rise of the AR-15Last Thursday I was glued to my TV for an hour while CNBC Prime showed "The Rise of the AR-15". The only thing pulling my attention from this show, was the twitter feed discussion going on simultaneously. Even producer, Brian Sullivan made sure to be part of the conversation, which attracted all kinds. Right from the beginning, many tweeting gun-folks were on the defensive, claiming Sandy Hook didn't involve an AR-15, and other details of the show were incorrect, but half way through the show, many were noting a very balanced vibe.

Not to be argumentative with anyone, but I first had to correct one or two of the tweets who still believed that at Sandy Hook, the AR-15 was found in the trunk of the car. Fortunately, these corrections were not met with any resistance (and now, hopefully, that misconception has been cleared up.) The show interviewed a victim of the Arura, CO shooting, who did not blame the AR-15 for that event. Don't get me wrong, she wasn't in the process of building her own, but she didn't say they should be banned either. Later, a dentist from Florida was seen at the range with friends, other professionals, explaining that they are the face of the typical AR owner in America. According to the narrator, these men spend their recreational time, not on the golf range, but at the shooting range.

The rest of the article can be found on Gun Nuts
©2013 ArmedCandy,LLC

4/29/2013

22TCM is Out!

By Gabby

The 22TCM seems to be dribbling on to the market. A few online stores have the ammo, but at the moment, I think the price is a little high (what else is new?) The beauty of the 1911 Rock Island Armory has created for the 22TCM, is that it can also shoot a 9mm round.

4/28/2013

AR Build Diary

By Gabby

Just ordered a bolt carrier group! While most web sites are listing products as "sold out" or "back ordered," I found one, who listed a Nickel Boron complete Bolt Carrier Group, at a reasonable price (and it didn't have any of those words next to it.

4/26/2013

AR Build Diary

By Gabby

April:
Anodized receivers by Tactical Pretty• Photos of my anodized upper and lower were just sent from Tactical Pretty and, surprise, the lower has a built in trigger guard. Guess I won't need the "deluxe" trigger guard in my lower parts kit, after all.

• Also noticed that there is no place to attach a port door and no brass deflector or forward assist. I did some research and found that this is called a "slick sided" upper. It looks really cool and definitely would not be considered "military style" but not having a port door gives me pause, will dirt get in there and cause trouble? Without a deflector will I take too much brass to the face?

4/25/2013

Defined: "AR"

AR in AR-15 stands for "ArmaLite", the company where the gun was first invented and manufactured

4/25/2013

Review: CZ ProTek

By Gabby

CZ makes a concealable 9mm
Man, this ammo shortage is really cramping my style. How can a gun blogger review a firearm that they can't feed? I'm thinking of raising the level of the situation from "shortage" to "crisis". I'm also considering concepts like "The Ten Round Review", but I'm still hoping it won't come to that. In the mean time, I've been giving a careful once-over to the ProTek by the CZ Custom Shop. Getting a chance to hold it, and dry fire it at SHOT, just wasn't enough. This is not a gun you would ever see at a rental counter or even in a display case, so getting in depth with it, seemed that much more necessary. Does it make a good concealable 9mm? Is it a women's gun?

4/24/2013

Gun-Shaped Whatsit Wednesday

gun-shaped whatsit
It's gold, but this Desert Eagle isn't made of metal.

Find the answer below

4/23/2013

HBO Documentary: Gun Fight

By Gabby


I couldn't sleep the other night, so I began shuffling through HBO's offerings and a documentary caught my eye. It's called "Gun Fight" directed by Barbara Kopple. The cover image (pictured right) proved to me that the film makers had done, at least, an iota of research into the pro-gun perspective, so it might be a fare discussion.

4/22/2013

New Gun Nuts Post

Gun Nuts Post ImageA day or two after the Connecticut shooting, when I was still working at the gun range, the conversations swirled about how such an event would affect the gun-loving community. We had already seen sales of firearms increasing, but it was Christmas time, so that was kind of normal. People were worried about what laws the Obama administration would try to enact. Would they make all of our current activities completely illegal? Were they going to ban new semi-automatics? Would they tax ammunition? Nobody had any idea what laws might be recommended, but everyone was in a frenzy, because we were under attack!

Pretty soon it was common to see a store that were completely out of a certain caliber. People began accepting lower quality reloads for their range sessions. More random brands were appearing in gun stores and selling for the price we had paid for new brass, only a few months earlier. Many paid these prices with no information about what components has gone into these rounds or what affect they might have on our firearms.

Read more at Gun Nuts

4/21/2013

The "Universal Background Checks" Bill

By Gabby

Watching The Daily Show on Thursday night, it seemed that some folks, who are outside the gun world, are having a hard time understanding the reasons the Manchin-Toomey-Schumer bill was voted down. Because they don't grasp our thinking, they are turning to their default reasoning, "the NRA made them do it". So once again I will take on the challenge of explaining the thinking of pro-gun-rightsists, while calmly speaking the language of those in the middle and avoiding the phrase, "...because the Second Ammendment says so!"

To listen to John Stewart explain it, you would think that the bill said, "If a person buys a gun online or at a Gun show, they will have to submit to a background check in order to make the purchase. This will stop criminals from using these methods to procure guns." Of corse, we know, legislation is never as simple as that.

4/18/2013

What if...? Your Defense After You Pull the Trigger

By Gabby

If someone broke into your home and you used a gun to defend your family and your property, what would you do next? I'm not asking if you call 911, go check on the kids or hide under the bed. I'm referring to the practical to-do list that follows.
What should you say when the police arrive?
Will you go to jail?
Who will bail you out?
Will you need a lawyer?
Who should your family call?
Is anyone hurt or traumatized?
Who will clean up your home?
Where will you and your family stay if your home is deemed a crime scene?
Where will you get the cash to pay for all these incidental expenses?

4/17/2013

Gun-Shaped Whatsit Wednesday

This one's been around before, but it was so tough, I thought I'd be worth another go, enjoy!gun-shaped whatsit


Answers will now be hidden below

4/17/2013

Review: iPhone Knucklecase

By Gabby


"I can't live without my iPhone" used to be a shallow statement made by the overly connected... Until the Knucklecase! True, it's not a gun, but I defy you to name any other self-defense tool that you might keep in your grip almost all day long. The manufacturer clearly states on their website that the Knucklecase is only a handle, not a weapon, and I will repeat this, so that nobody sues me. However, if you have a solid aluminum item, shaped like brass knuckles, in your pocket and you find yourself under attack, please, you it! The case would be really handy for those in cities where concealed carry is especially tough. (That's a hint to my sister in NYC and a certain gun-girl in LA who lives on her phone *wink wink*.)

4/17/2013

The Mindset of "Safety" for Gun Nuts

Today's Gun Nuts Post:


Once again the 4th hour of the Today Show has me all riled up. Yes, I realize, even the hosts use quotation fingers, when calling themselves News, but their statements this morning once again, clearly depict a mindset that needs fixing.

Read the rest at Gun Nuts

4/16/2013

Guess What!!?!

By Gabby

Something awesome just arrived at my door!
It will be the begining of a big project...
Take a guess at what I got:

4/15/2013

Video Games are Evil

Here is my latest Gun Nuts post:

Remember Duck Hunt?I will begin by saying that I have never found any excitement or enjoyment in video games. Therefore, it would not change my life, in the slightest, if every game were to suddenly self-destruct. But since some people seem to appreciate playing these games, I will attempt to avoid offending those delicate sensibilities.

Read the rest on the Gun Nuts site

4/14/2013

How Can I Empower an Abused Girl?

By Gabby

The other day I heard a story about a girl who has a man in her life who is verbally and physically abusive. He comes to her house, for what appears to be an innocent visit, speaks kindly to her roommate, but as soon as the other person leaves the room, he says horrible things to the girl and puts his hands on her. When the roommate returns he becomes sweet again and so, the roommate doesn't believe her. The abuser knows that the girl has no car and takes the girl's phone so that she is unable to call for help or easily get away.

When I heard this story I immediately asked, "Why doesn't she run to a neighbor's house? Why does she let him in? ..." But I began to realize that this girl lack's the emotional strength to help herself. I don't know her, but I automatically want to defend her. I want to tell her to get out of there! I want to go over and play bodyguard for her. But then I rethink my reaction. It won't help if I sit at her front door with a pistol on my hip. This is her fight. She has to chose not to be a victim. So again I thought, How can a girl like this be empowered to be a strong woman?

4/11/2013

Video Review: Galco Carry Safe

Galco Carry SafeBy Gabby

Before we get to the review video I want to take a moment and address "Purse Carry".
Incase you haven't heard me say it before, I tend to shy away from concealed carry in a purse or hand bag.
I have three reasons for this:
1. We girls tend to put our purses down all over the place or carry them very nonchalantly. This can lead to all sorts of trouble.
2. When you reach for your gun in a purse, it may be difficult to get a solid grip depending on where your bag is hanging at your side.
Carry Safe hooks to the inner pocket of any purse
3. If you don't use a bag made specifically for concealed carry, you're gun is likely to float around with all the junk in your hand bag.

However, we ladies may require "purse carry" at some point in our fashion carriers and so, I implore you to spend extra time practicing this method before you conceal carry on the street.

4/10/2013

A Girl & A Gun in North Georgia

By Gabby

A Girl & A Gun Women's Shooting League Cumming GALast week I took a long drive up to Cumming, GA to be at a meeting of the women's shooting league, A Girl & A Gun. This is the first chapter of A Girl & A Gun in the state, but more are already in the works. The league was established around the beginning of the year, but this was my first opportunity to meet a group of gun-gals who were also local. The local part was especially exciting to me, since, for the past two years I have been blogging in the southeast, knowing that this region must be crawling with gun-girls, but rarely meeting any.

4/10/2013

4/10/2013

New Gun Nuts Post!

I coulda been a contender: Why I'm not diving into competitive shooting

20130409-182219.jpgWhen Caleb hired me to write for the Gun Nuts team, his instructions were simply to write about anything I wanted, as long as it related to guns. I considered his knowledge of me and my gun background and decided that my main focus was to be less technical and more emotional. If we're being honest, most Gun Nuts readers have more technical knowledge than I ever will, so I continue to focus on my niche.
Read more at Gun Nuts
©2013 ArmedCandy,LLC

4/08/2013

IDPA match at Sharp Shooters USA

By Gabby

Sharp Shooters
Today I am at Sharp Shooters in Roswell, GA to watch the weekly IDPA competition. Before I discuss the competition, I must address the range itself.

First Look at Sharp Shooters USA:
This place is gorgeous! Clean, organized, well staffed, but also beautifully appointed, with leather seating, marble countertops and hardwood floors. Designed to recognize that the place is clearly a sports facility, Sharp Shooters is comfortable but not to the extreme of becoming a facility focused on hospitality, that would be missing the point. With three rooms containing a total of 24 lanes, the soundproofing is clearly exceptional. Ventilation is excellent and functioning at a high level, even when standing down range.

4/08/2013

Gun Nuts Post: Teach Your Children Well

Gabby writes about teaching guns to your kids:

Gabby as a nannyNew shooters, who are moms of young kids, often ask, "How do I keep a gun in my home so that my kids can't get hurt." I usually have to give two responses. First I say, "If you carry concealed at all times, including in your home, your kids will never be in the presence of your gun without your supervision. This will keep you AND your children safe, plus it offers an added bonus. Your kids will see your gun on you, and you will be able to educate them on gun safety." This is usually met with the look that says, yeah but I'm not gonna do that, so, what else you got?
Read more at Gun Nuts

4/07/2013

Advice: TSA

Fly a lot? Shoot a lot?
There's no telling what could be floating in the bottom of my purse sometimes, just like there's no telling which TSA agent I will meet in any given city, and what kind of power-trip they might be on...
I've found that some cities are more strict than others and every TSA agent has a different set of rules that they will uphold depending on what side of the bed they woke up.
So here is my solution, I now travel with a self addressed stamped, padded, envelope. I gave it a little extra postage, just in case. This will save time if the TSA finds something in my bags they want to confiscate.
Good luck!
©2013 ArmedCandy,LLC

4/05/2013

Before You Buy, Explore

By C-Mag


thumbnailAs a volunteer safety officer, I enjoy teaching new shooters the ropes. Usually, new shooters allow me to lead them through their first steps into the gun world, but every once in a while, I provide instruction to someone who has already purchased a gun. These people worry me most, because of their complete lack of knowledge about operating and maintaining a firearm.

I consider owning and operating a firearm similar to owning and operating a car. Not only should one know how to drive a typical car, but one should become especially familiar with a vehicle one owns and plans to drive regularly. A gun owner should know how to maintain and lightly service their gun, similar to changing the oil and topping off wiper fluid in a car. They should know their gun's personality and quirks, like which magazines feed best, or which brand of ammo the gun likes/dislikes. Truly understanding a gun will not only increase chances of wielding it well in an emergency situation, but it will also help improve safety at the range and at home.

And now, it's story time:

4/03/2013

Whatsit Wednesday!

What's in this bullet shaped device?
Wednesday Whatsit

4/03/2013

Concealed Carry in Places of Worship for Gun Nuts

Gabby's latest post for Gun Nuts goes something like this:
photo curtesy of Nydailynews.com & GettyEvery year, sometime around September, the Jewish High Holidays occur. This time is the holiest part of the Jewish calendar, and many Jews, who would not otherwise take part in any other Jewish activities, appear at synagogue with rest of us. Synagogues hire guards to peek into purses and pockets and to look tough. At the same time, the Mayor of the City of New York spares uniformed police officers to keep close watch on the buildings in which Jews gather.
Read more at Gun Nuts

4/01/2013

Review: 50 Cal Bullet Pen

By Gabby

50 Cal Bullet PenLooking to have some fun at your local range this April Fools day? Whip out one of these 50 Caliber Bullet Pens as you are walking into your lane and casually ask,
   "OK if I shoot this one again?"

4/01/2013

CCW App Review for Gun Nuts

Another post for Gun Nuts from Gabby:

Concealed Carry AppThere are many reasons to cross a state line while carrying concealed and if you've ever done so, you probably had to muddle through state laws, county laws and federal laws, not to mention the piles of websites that claim to interpret these laws into plain English but were updated last year at best. It's hard to know who to trust and we law abiding citizens want to make sure we do it right.

Read the rest at Gun Nuts