Project Vera – Update

On January 31, 2013 By Tom LindsayIn AR, Gunsmithing, Projects, Vera1 Comment

Some time back I took the plunge started building an AR-15. As with my other guns, I planned to build this with someone else’s money, so it’s taken about 8 months to complete.

So far, I’ve completed the lower. Here’s the specs:

The lower is a an aluminum billet lower from New Frontier Armory, While they have made a name with their polymer lower, I went with the aluminum.

The lower parts kit is from DPMS, via Lakeside Guns. Assembly wasn’t too difficult thanks to several Youtube videos and a resolve to be patient.

The stock is a collapsible Tapco stock, made right here in Kennesaw. I also added a padded ERGO grip, that I got from Adventure Outdoors along with the stock.

Then, the pause. I had to earn more money to finish the project. In the meantime, I picked up some PMAGs, so I can be ready.

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Time passes. I cut grass, save money, and wait.

In the meantime, I do my research. Based on my experience putting together the lower, and on my research, I decided to let a professional put together the upper. For one thing, most of the houses that did this (and the one I would choose) test fire them afterward, so I would know it was a good assembly.

Finally I made a decision, and started to look for the right combination of specifications.

Here is what I ordered:

It’s the MWA-16 upper assembly from New Frontier Armory, the same company that made my lower. Here are the specs:

A3 Upper Receiver forged from 7075-T6 aluminum with extended M4 feed ramps and T markings
16” MATCH GRADE M4 profile stainless steel barrel (from Black Hole Weaponry) with a black finish
1 in 8” Twist with 3 groove polygonal rifling and M4 Feed Ramp
1/2 x 28 threads / .750″ diameter gas block/YHM front flip up sight / gas block combo
Chrome lined MIL-SPEC bolt carrier group
MAGPUL MOE Handguards
MAGPUL MBUS rear flip up sight

What I really like is all the extras like MAGPUL furniture is already included.

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So, I finally got on line, and placed my order. Bad news, this was 2 days after the school shootings in Connecticut, and the frenzy was already on. I was first told one to two weeks lead time, but it has now stretched to 6 weeks.

We will see. All I know is I’m willing to be patient, I’ve waited this long.

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In the meantime I have adhered to The Diaper Rule, thus: when my kids were young, I knew whenever I was at Walmart, I should pick up diapers. I knew I would need them. Similarly, when I was at the gun store, I bought a PMAG. I now own 4 PMAGs that I paid $15 each for. And, sadly, the stores I go to don’t have any more in stock.

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Where can I order a Skittles dispenser?

Groupon’s Response

On January 25, 2013 By Tom LindsayIn Self Defense5 Comments

In the wake of the Newtown Connecticut school shootings, a lot of businesses have made rash reactions to either appease their hoplophobic clientele or the media, and decided to curtail selling certain guns or services. Groupon has decided to stop offering deals on any firearms related ventures. This led me to send them an email cancelling my account.

I just got a response, which is surprisingly to the point. It won’t change my decision, however.

Hi Tom,

Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us.

We understand that this is a sensitive topic, and that some of our customers may not agree with our choice to pause the promotion of firearm-related deals. Groupon has always aimed to offer a diverse range of products and services to meet the various tastes and interests of our subscribers. However, at this time, enough customers and merchants have voiced their opinions that we believe a hiatus is warranted.

Please note that we have never sold guns, and this hiatus only applies to firearm-related deals including shooting ranges, clay pigeon shooting, and concealed weapons training classes. We have not made a final determination regarding this category — we are simply taking a break and may reevaluate in the future.

We genuinely appreciate your opinion and the feedback you’ve given us. I’ll be sure to share your comments with the appropriate people.

Regards,

Michelle M
Groupon Customer Support

What I Just Sent to Groupon

On January 23, 2013 By Tom LindsayIn Gun Culture 2.0, Gun Rights, Politics, RKBA3 Comments

Over the last couple of years I have used Groupon for discounts at restaurants and attractions. However, Groupon recently decided to cancel all its deals for gun ranges and shooting activities, based on “performance and customer feedback.”

So, in what seems to be a recurring theme, I just sent this message to Groupon’s customer service feedback center:

Because of Groupon’s recent decision to stop selling Groupons for shooting activities, once I use my outstanding deals, I will never buy another deal, and I am unsubscribing from your notices.

People who shoot guns are engaging in a legal activity. The fact that they do so at companies who use your service, such as gun ranges, means they are also doing so in a supervised and safe manner. Your discrimination against an activity is unacceptable.

Goodbye.

Seconds later I received this email:

Hi Tom,

Thanks for your submission! Although we typically respond to most emails in less than 24 hours, we’re running a little behind right now. You should hear from us in about 48 hours. Sorry in advance for the delay!

Regards,
Groupon Support
support@groupon.com

I doubt if I will get a response.

Rolling Back My SKS

On January 21, 2013January 21, 2013 By Tom LindsayIn Self Defense, SKS3 Comments

One of the things I’ve enjoyed doing over the last 18 years or so is adding little touches to Sergei my SKS. You can read the full story here.

Sadly, over the last year I’ve had some problems with the magazines that have led me to conclude that they are not reliable enough to risk my life on. Since I don’t own any gun that wouldn’t be called on to defend my family if the time came, I have no choice but to undo 18 years of upgrades. Fortunately, this wasn’t hard.

Starting with the rifle as configured, with folding stock and detachable magazines . . .

I disassembled the gun completely, except for the gas tube hand guard.

After taking the opportunity to clean and lubricate, I then reassembled with the old wooden stock and the fixed 10-round magazine. I also re-attached the sling and adjusted it for a good fit.

I then spent 15 minutes loading stripper clips and getting them ready to go.

Now, I have an old fashioned, great shooting SKS.

I’ll write more later about my problems with the plastic 30-round detachable magazines, but suffice it to say that the top of the magazines split at the back, leading to failures to feed. Fortunately, the PMAGs I recently bought for my AR project are all one piece at the top and not subject to this mode of failure – a much better design.