Author: Tom Lindsay

Just a regular guy who likes to shoot and cook barbecue. Leukemia survivor. Bourbon drinker. Chemical Engineer.

The Big Yawn of Gun Culture 2.0

On By Tom LindsayIn Gun Culture 2.03 Comments

I just read this interesting article from AmmoLand about the state of saturation of the AR market (H/T RomeoTangoBravo).

Granted, this isn’t the first article about the over-saturation of the AR market, but it is one of the more interesting, in that it actually talks about what AR makers could be offering that wouldn’t put the AR market to sleep. In fact, I like the suggestions offered, and I don’t even own an AR.

But what struck me most was the first line of the article:

Ho-hum. Yet another AR rifle is being introduced to the market place…. Seems like we are getting to the point where this is happening all the time, aren’t we?

It struck me, because this is the same thing I think every time I read about the latest and greatest bolt action hunting rifle, or $1000 scope. Heck, almost those exact words came in my mind the first time I heard about the Ruger Scout Rifle. I mean, forgive me Colonel Cooper, but a bolt action “tactical” rifle, in the 21st Century? Really?

I guess this confirms my membership in Gun Culture 2.0. I honestly have no interest in hunting rifles, or optics, or tactics. Yes, I realize there are men in Afghanistan right now who are using those rifles and tactics and optics. My brother is one. It’s just, I’m not there.

But hey, it’s a big world, and you’re welcome to your side. That’s also the reason our founding fathers put that amendment first. Knock yourself out.

Just don’t expect me to stay awake for it.

The First Death Knell for "May Issue?"

On By Tom LindsayIn 2AF, CCW, Concealed Carry, RKBA

Alan Gura and the Second Amendment Foundation won another battle today, as a Federal judge ruled that Maryland’s “may issue” concealed permit law, which required that citizens show a “good and substantial reason” why they need a gun for self defense, is unconstitutional.

Quoting U.S. District Judge Benson Everett Legg:

“A citizen may not be required to offer a ‘good and substantial reason’ why he should be permitted to exercise his rights. The right’s existence is all the reason he needs.”

Amen.

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How long until the other “may issue” states’ laws go by the same way?

I am reminded of when I received my first concealed carry permit in Alabama. After everything was set, the Sheriff stuck his head out from his office, and looked me over, and approved the permit.

I didn’t think much of it at the time, because I didn’t know much about “may issue” and “shall issue” permits. But now I know that Alabama is a “may issue” state, meaning, the Sheriff has the last word on who does and does not get a permit. I guess I got lucky.

Of course, I’m white, which may have been a lot of the luck I needed.

Holster Peeve

On By Tom LindsayIn Holster, Rant, Training4 Comments

For the last few years, I’ve seen these holsters advertised in the discount catalogs – a strong side holster with a built-in magazine pouch. Something has always bothered me about these kinds of holsters, and my wife is tired of hearing me talk about it, so I’ll give it away here.

Say I’m using my gun drawn from this holster, and I need to change magazines. But the holster is on my strong side, so I have to move the gun to my weak hand, draw the holster, then either change magazines left handed and then move the gun back to the strong hand, or move the gun and change magazines.

All that extra gun handling, under stress, seems like a great way to drop the gun.

On first glance, it looks like a great way to carry a spare magazine. But for me, that’s way too much to have to learn to make this holster (or kinds like it) a good idea for me. I prefer to just carry a spare magazine in my left rear pocket.

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If anyone has experience with these kinds of holsters, good or bad, please let me know in the comments.

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There, I’m done.