Calico Liberty Series

Click to view page
"Gun" (January 2006) from Japan ran an article on the Calico carbines and it got me interested in this firearm. I've been having trouble finding their home page. I'll keep looking for it. For now, here's some information on where to pick one up, if you're interested. I'd like to try one out at the range for kicks. They look like fun to shoot.

The first gun I wanted to buy

I remember as a young teenager being fixated on this "little revolver", hoping there was some way for me to clandestinely order it through the mail. Alas, it ofcourse never was to be.

Now, I'm much more interested in the North American Arms .22M/LR revolver. I can't wear it on a belt, but I can carry it in my pocket as a backup. Of course the 22Mag isn't something I'd like to rest my life upon, but it's better than nothing. What a fantastic design!

The allure of airsoft

I have to admit that I don't understand the obsession in airsoft. It can be a useful tactical tool for force-on-force training, combat simulations, and for teen-age fun. But these things and all their accessories are expensive. I've seen stores here in Japan import authentic tactical accessories (scopes, holsters, etc.) for their airsoft customers. I can almost understand spending $200+ for a reddot scope for a plastic BB gun since the Japanese cannot easily own their own fireamrs. But in America you can buy many of the same Airsoft models in their real forms. Yes, the real thing is 2-4 times more expensive, but they are the real thing. I realize how lucky I am to be an American gun-owning citizen.

M4A1 Carbine
M4 S-System
8.4V Battery Packs
G18C

Wish List: Kahr PM9094

Black Polymer Frame with Black Tungsten DLC SS Slide PM9094
I'm very interested in a subcompact carry pistol. I have a G27, but was looking for something even smaller in the 9mm cambering since I weigh a buck-forty soaking wet. Earlier I was interested in the Rohrbaugh R-9, but I've formally been converted to the Kahr. I'll have to see if Parros can easily get one for me. :-)
Some reviews of the PM9:

• Another PM9 Review
• Firingline Forum

Wish List: Safariland 6004 Holster

Safariland 6004 Holster
I'm still looking around for concealment holsters, but this is the one I'm looking at for tactical uses.

Goodbye Bushmaster .308 & Bullpup

It'll be sad to see the .308's go. I was just considering one after reading a good review of them in a 2005 American Rifleman article.

Wish List: A thing of beauty - Leupold Mark 4 CQT

I've been looking around for combat optics and think I've settled on the CQT. I've been reading that it has a beautiful field of view, quick-handling, and has magnification that would be perfect for "reaching out and touching" a target at 500 yards.

Originally I was looking at the EOTech holosight, but I've opted for the option of magnification.

Japanese Gun Laws

I was always under the impression that it was illegal to own guns in Japan. I found this interesting article that very clearly provides folks with information about the lengthy process of obtaining a license for gun and ammunition ownership. The article clearly states that gun ownership is for hunting and sports competitions only.

Alternate link.

Useful links on Ammo

Self Defense Ammo
Making Blackpowder
Stopping Power
Stopping Power Chart
22 Ballistics
Handgun Recoil Chart
A dialog about stopping power
Reader's Choice Pistol Calibers
Reloading Handgun Cartridges
.40 S&W Protection Ammo
Terminal Ballistics
The dangers of shooting .40 S&W in a 10mm pistol

Wish List: Tactical Weapon Sights

Christmas Day came early!

Well, it was more of a weekend. This past weekend I purchased a Ruger 10/22, a Bushmaster Modular Carbine, and a Glock-17! I can say how excited I was.


There were a few different 10/22's Parro's had in stock so it took a little while for me to chose which model I wanted. The JZ laminate was a little too "rainbow" for me, though I might have gone with that model if I had known earlier that the laminate stocks came from Vermont. I also bought a couple extra rotary mags to go with it.

I almost immediately chose which AR I wanted. The modular carbine looked great in their catalog, but I wasn't set on the fluting and the skeleton stock. After talking to the guys at Parro's, I was happy to get a model with the fluting and the model I purchased featured the newer six-position collapsible stock rather than the fixed-length skeleton stock. It also has the A2 style birdcage flash supressor rather than a fixed IZZY style since the barrel is a full 16" long. I bought five extra 30 rnd. magazines and a 20 rounder in case I wanted something smaller for some reason.

Getting the Glock after the Bushmaster was almost a boring chore. I'm glad I now have a full-sized tactical pistol that I can mount a weapon light to. I grabbed an extra 17 rnd. mag for that pistol as well.

Now I just need some range time with these new goodies.

Bitin' at the bit

I can't wait to get back to Vermont. I've been checking Parro's online to see what they have in stock and it's looking good. Looks like I'll be able to grab a G-17 and a 10/22 variant on my first day back. Then I'll be able to score a G-19 and a Mossberg 590 the next week! (If that's still what I want to do) I still have to find suitable places to shoot. It seems like a waste to get a membership to a Gun Club for such a limited time, but it does make sense for the amount of time it'll save us.

Summer Purchase Plan

Ruger 10/22
Mossberg 590
G17 AND a G19 if they have a new one in stock
Pierce +1 Grip
Pierce Grip
BoreSnake
Storage Bags
and lots of ammo

Once I can store my weapons outside of NJ, I'll be looking to score an AR-15. Then, after some testing, I'll seriously look into picking up a shotgun. I'll have to stock up on magazines, parts, ammunition and surival gear. I'm not looking to become a collector. I'd just like to have the tools I hope I'll never need to rely on. I also hope they don't negatively change the gun laws on us in the next few years.

I've just made a change to add a G19 to my collection if possible. If I remember correctly, I should be able to purchase one handgun a week without restrictive additional ATF/FBI paperwork. I should also be able to order a bunch of ammuntion for storage and have it sent to my parent's house where I can pick it up later in the summer. I just need the company to waive my signature on the shipments.

Wish List: Weapon Light

A good light is a must for self defense. I'm impressed with the light output of 65 lumens for this little light. I'll have to check the reviews online, but an article in Guns rates these lights very highly. Weighing in at almost $200 is equally impressive - ouch. I'm not excited about running off 123A's, but they do last a long time.

This model by Insight features a laser and 125 lumens of light. I wonder which light is better?

B List: S&W AirLiteSC

I saw this in an American Handgunner issue and it looks like a fantastic revolver. Obviously great for CCW or for keeping around the house. It's pricey at over $800.
Defense Review Article

GlockTalk Thread

Choosing a Survival Weapon

I can't help wonder how close the "end" of "America as we know it" is. I love my country. I love its culture. I like many aspects of our society. I know we're in trouble. I believe we can get out of it and improve our standing in the world community. I also know that things could easily go very bad too. I doubt we'll see an apocalypse, but I wouldn't be surprised about a national-level break-down of order and social foundations. I'd like to be prepared. One either is or isn't... and I'd like to be ready. In addition to preparing myself mentally and physically I know I need to have the right supplies and weapons to protect those I love. Here are some articles about selecting a weapon useful for "survival" situations.

Article from survival-center.com
The weapon debate is as old as guns themselves. The question of what caliber is best for a battle weapon will go on for years... Here is what I recommend for weapons in the survival camp. (continues...)

Article from Alpine Survival
GUNS TO GRAB for hunting, survival, and protection. (continues...)

Article by Michael Worley
How many of us have really evaluated the weapons that we have put aside for Survival usage? I recently looked at my personal weapons choice and several lights came on, the weapons that would probably get the most usage were those that were getting the least amount of attention. (continues...)

Article from OutdoorLife.com
When I think about survival guns for outdoorsmen, I think of three scenarios—the first involves using the firearm as an audible signaling device. The second involves providing meat to stay alive. And the third involves self-defense. (continues...)

Article from Equipped to Survive
A firearm can be useful, but it generally isn't all that important in the lower 48. However, in some areas a gun is a good idea for protection and it is required equipment when flying in Alaska and remote areas of Canada. (continues...)

Article from Best of Survival Talk
Picking the best gun or guns for a survival situation is a recurring topic or Survival Talk. The thread below is one of the most-detailed threads to date on this topic. (continues...)

Article about buying a gun
So, you're thinking of buying a gun... It's not a bad idea, but before you make that move, you should learn as much as you can about guns so you can make an informed choice. (continues...)

B List: Ruger Single Six

I've created the "B List" for cool guns I'd like to have one day, but those that aren't what I'd condsider to be "must-have's" for myself. The Ruger Single Six would qualify. It looks like a great shooter, but I already have a Browning Buckmark. Maybe my girlfriend would like to have a Single Six of her own.

B List: Henry Survival .22

I was looking to get a "survival" firearm and this Henry model kept popping up on the internet. It seems like a good back up for the Ruger 10/22 that I want. I think it might be nice to have on ready in the car for emergencies, when there's nothing else. I'll have to check on the laws about that one though. Nice design and a handy caliber.

Wish List: BlackHawk Pack Mat

I first read a rave review of this convertable shooting mat from the October 2001 SWAT issue and I just had to look it up. They are expensive ($235), but damn what a great idea!

It pays to ask: Target Practice on Vermont State Lands

> Hi Mike,
> Is it legal to safely use firearms for target practice away from other people and buildings in State owned and other publically owned lands?
> Thanks

Date sent: Mon, 30 May 2005 05:58:42 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Target practice
To: mike.fraysier@anr.state.vt.us

Hi:
Yes, it is legal to use state lands for target practice. Where we sometimes have problems is where a de-facto firing range becomes established in an inappropriate location on state lands which interferes with other users, management objectives, bothers nearby neighbors, and/or becomes trashed due to overuse.

However, if one uses common sense, picks anb appropriate location, is safe about it, and picks up after themselves, then there should be no problems. Although it is not required, you may want to check with our district office that is responsible for managing the state lands that you are interested in using. They may be able to give you some advise as to where best to go, etc. Let me know what state lands you are interested in and I can provide a district contact.
Thanks for asking!

Mike Fraysier
ANR Lands Director

Wish List: Ruger 10/22

This one is a no-brainer. I should buy two of these. One for me and another for my girlfriend. It's a good rifle and one that should be at the top of my wish list.

Wish List: Rohrbaugh R-9

This little baby is incredible! I read about it in American Handgunner and I was very impressed. Made for concealed carry and experienced users, this 9mm pistol is super compact yet packs a punch using any standard ammo. I'd love to pick up a sighted version. The worksmanship is impressive and I read that this sucker is amazingly accurate if you can shoot it well. I'd have to arrange an FFL transfer since there aren't any dealers in the Green Mountain State. Very cool!

I believe I'll be choosing the PM9 for easier availability and the ability to shoot high velocity loads if I choose to.

Wish list: Mossberg SP 590 12 ga

I can't deny the overwhelming advice to pick up a 12 ga for home defense. I don't think I'll get a chance to fire one before I buy, but I should be able to learn to handle a 12 ga. I just hope my girlfriend can learn too. The 12 ga sounds more attractive for the larger selection of rounds and it seems to be the most abdundant of the shotgun shells. A light and a SideSaddle shell holder should be the perfect mates to round out the package.

Parros has a 590 for $409. The unfortunate thing about their website is you can never quite tell what they have in stock. I've tried emailing them, but Henry doesn't write back. I'm paranoid that he's a little elitist, but he has a great shop and great prices.

My Glock 27

I went through some considerable trouble to buy this "little" baby. I was unaware that it is against federal regulations to buy more than one handgun a week without filling out additional paperwork. I was on a tight time schedule to meet friends and so I had to leave and come back. I made an extra 300+ mile trip just to buy this gun. I don't regret it for a second although I've found that I can barely handle the .40 caliber.
I have pretty small wrists and my hand/arm strength isn't what it used to be when I was more physically active. I found that the pistol kicked pretty hard and that I'd limp wrist near the end of the clip which yielded occasional jams. Not good. I've always dreamed of owning a .45 caliber, but looks like I'll have to hold off on that for a little while until I can improve my pistol handling. True, there's a lot less purchase when gripping a G27, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm not ready to shoot this pistol defensively. A extender off the mag might help, but I don't plan on relying on one. Until then, my next pistol will be a Glock 17 in 9mm.

My Browning Buckmark

This was my very first firearm purchase. I bought this when I was home for the summer. I immediately fell in love with it, though I fear I might have damaged the edge of the inner barrel when I was cleaning it. I'm new to this and I might have hit it with the edge of my cleaning rod. It's a joy to fire.

Gun Politics and where I stand

This is from an article about the different aspects to the issues of gun ownership. I have included my own personal agreement and dissention from these popular stances.

In summary, those who support greater restrictions on firearm ownership believe some subset of:

1. (I disagree) that there is no fundamental right to own firearms
2. (I disagree) that gun control legislation may reduce violent crime
3. (I agree) that guns are more dangerous to the owners than intended targets because most gun related deaths are a result of domestic violence, accidents and suicides
4. (I disagree) that guns are often of little use as self defense for the typical owner because in the incidents where a hostile encounter with an armed criminal occurs, the criminal is usually more experienced and skilled with his/her weapon
5. (I agree) that even against unarmed criminals, the presence of a gun serves most often simply to escalate the likelihood and/or severity of violence
6. (I disagree) that citizens have no need to own guns to protect themselves against crime, since this is the task of the government
7. (I disagree) that citizens of First World countries today have no need to protect themselves against their governments if they are vigilant enough to confront government wrongdoing before violence is necessary, or that even if such a need should arise, it would be hopeless anyway to take up individual small arms against the sort of modern military technology that a government could bring to bear.

Those who favor maintaining or extending the private ownership of firearms believe some subset of:

1. (I agree) that owning firearms is a fundamental right
2. (I agree, however how can anyone know another person's intentions?) that the government has no right to interfere with an individual's right to own firearms as long as the individual is not harming or intimidating fellow citizens
3. (I don't necessarily agree, changes in crime rates are multi-variable and I have yet to hear of conclusive evidence of this fact, though there is a limited intuitive truth to this statement) that guns in the hands of the populace decrease crime
4. (I agree) that citizens have a right to self-protection
5. (I don't necessarily agree, see above) that an armed populace decreases the overall risk of violent crime, because it provides a deterrent effect for criminals who cannot know whether their next prospective victim, or someone nearby, will turn out to be armed
6. (I agree) that law-abiding citizens have a responsibility to provide their own protection because governments cannot be held civilly or criminally responsible for failing to provide such protection
7. (I disagree) That carrying firearms properly makes one safer, not less safe; for the same reason that police forces carry firearms
8. (I disagree) that gun ownership protects citizens from the excesses of government
9. (I agree that guns provide) the possibility of revolution, if necessary

So, where does that leave me? I suppose I'm generally a supporter of gun ownership with some restrictions (basically those defined by Class 3 firearms). I don't see much use in anti-assault weapon laws like those of NJ.

Defining a Liberal

I suppose this is a good place to start out. I consider myself a liberal through the common definitions:

• I embrace multiculturalism, human rights, civil liberties, freedom of speech and the press, free market and trade, a constitutional government, a limited degree of governmental intervention in the economy, an open mind to ethical issues, financial aid.
• I am a child of a capitalist society, however I am vexed by the class-based system in that it is not fully democratic or participatory.
• I find the concept of a truely open society very interesting, where the politics and laws continually evolve to meet the needs of the people.

I know this leaves a lot to be described. Keep in mind, this is only a beginning point for me.

Can I store an AR-15 in New Jersey?

I think I'm going to have to call a lawyer in New Jersey about the legality of storing an AR-15 at my folks place in NJ. I know there's a law against ownership of this kind of gun in the state of NJ, but technically my parents aren't the owners, users, or would even be aware of the firearm.

It is unlawful to knowingly possess any handgun, including any antique handgun, without first having obtained a Permit to Carry. It is unlawful to knowingly possess any rifle or shotgun without having first obtained a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FID).
Exceptions. No Permit to Carry or FID is required:
To keep or carry any firearm about a person's place of business, residence, premises, or other land owned or possessed by him; a place of business shall be deemed a fixed location.

New Jersey law restricts the ownership of certain semi-automatic and other firearms based upon their military appearance.

High Capacity Magazines or Feeding Devices.
New Jersey prohibits the manufacture, transport, shipment, sale or disposal of large capacity ammunition magazines, unless the magazine is intended to be used for authorized military or law enforcement purposes. N.J. Rev. Stat § 2C:39-9h. New Jersey law defines “large capacity ammunition magazine” as a box, drum, tube or other container which is capable of holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition to be fed continuously and directly into a semi-automatic firearm. Section 2C:39-1y.

My question is how can I own and M4 with hi-capacity magazines while I'm out of the country?

Wish List: My dream firearm...

Ever since I was just a young teenager, I always dreamt of owning an AR-15/M4. If all goes well this summer, I will be able to buy this carbine. I don't know if I can even shoot it for some time, but it doesn't matter. I'd just love to have one.