The FrankenGun.

  To build or buy, that is the question that preoccupies our people, or something like that. I have had so many  tell me that they will only run "X" maker of rifle, they buy said high dollar rifle shoot it then a year later it looks nothing like the rifle they bought. With all the "swaps" they made to the rifle they are no longer running that "X'' maker's rifle anymore. My first thought after seeing the change is usually, "So why did you buy and not build?"

  I get the fact that "X" makes a great rifle, even bone stock it runs fantastic. The onslaught of aftermarket gadgets and whizbangs for the AR, no wonder humans have a hard time keeping their rifles in a stock configuration. Most manufacturers run components as well as complete rifles, so getting a matched upper and lower can be done without buying the rest of the parts you will be replacing in a year.

  Of course there are the tacticool gimmicks on the market. The replacement stock that allows for the "full-auto" effect. the magwell grip attachment, the bipod foregrip, etc. Don't worry I have had my fair share of these items. Lets not forget the smaller bits and pieces that have been engineered with speed and ease of use by every manufacturer out there, the ambi safety, mag release, charging handles, etc. Though these are not technically gimmicks, everyone makes the most durable on the market. Depending on the circles you run in not having certain makes of these items gets you laughs and derogatory comments from the local "operators." Each of these items where built to fill a niche in the market, as hoakie as it might be, someone thought it a great idea. For those of us not running rampant through the sand, and wholly depending on the quality of equipment to keep us alive. There is nothing wrong with running a particular "gimmick" item. That is if you can handle the ounces added and it functions as needed when needed.

  A guy I know bought a frankengun from a small company in his area and paid a decent penny for the rifle. It had all the names attached to it, right out of the box it had some issues with reliability. Yes, mixing manufacturers can pose an issue in one form or another but with a little finagling and a rotary tool we had it running like the well oiled machine it was designed to be. The price paid for that frankengun out weighs the price of another local frankengun I know of. Just because it was built with "name brand" items did not allow for it to run or be more accurate than the cheaper made rifle. On the other hand one can create a highly accurate frankengun with the right amount of knowledge of parts. Be mindful that there are items in your build that need not be expensive and will not hinder the accuracy or reliability of the rifle. Knowledge on the subject is plentiful, though whether or not it is complete truth or someones personal preference is another matter.

  With all the information rattling around in the webiverse and products-a-plenty online you do have the ability to build that AR pattern rifle with exactly what you want without paying extra for the parts you will be swapping out later. As of this post we are seeing prices of complete rifles dropping like rocks, one should still do their homework to get the best bang for the buck, either building or buy and swap. Either way you go make it what you want, don't be intimidated by the social media operators out there.

Veritas Aequitas, Truth and Justice.

As much as I hate to say it, we live in a grey world; more so, today I think than ever before. With social norms changing and the advent of social media our world has expanded rapidly to include many people we may not have met through what I consider traditional means. Though this for the most part is not a bad thing it challenges us to accept things we may not have considered before. We receive news from so many different sources today it is difficult to weed out what is truth and what is not. So much so that "truth" has become relative. Suffice it to say, truth has become what you make it. This suggestion tears at me to no end, without due process on our part we hear words that tickle our ears and agree that that is now our truth. 

I am a history buff, My collection of books on history almost fills an entire bookshelf. But they are not just any history books. When I decide on a book to purchase or read to give me as accurate "truth" as possible I turn to the back of the book. For me the Index or works cited section needs to be about the same size as a chapter in the book. But it's more than just size, those cited works need to be from the source in the form of personal writings, letters, published works from the subject and so on. depending solely on anothers commentary is really reading that persons opinion on the matter and not what we should be calling truth. I am even skeptical of so-called "experts" in the field that do not cite actual facts from the source itself. May I remind you we are speaking History. Yes, there is their own opinion in their writing of the history, I am not a fool to think otherwise. There is an saying floating around, "opinions are like armpits, we all have a couple and they all stink." 

Today I feel the art of investigation is lost. We depend on others searching out the truth and accepting it as such. Needless to say, I trust very few to bring me a story touting it as truth and myself believing it without my own hunt for what is actually fact vs. opinion. Creating an opinion based upon someones own commentary is foolish and makes us look so when the truth is finally revealed, though in today's society this rarely matters anymore. This is not something that just plagues the news media of today but most aspects of our lives, even in our own circles.

we have become so enamored with answers at our fingertips we have forgotten that everyone has an angle they are willing to use you to exploit it. Either we see what we want or the opposite and jump to defend our positions regardless. Yes, we have a right to our own opinion, lets just make sure ours stink less than the other persons, A.K.A. use facts.

If you are willing to attach your name to something, please keep an eye on your interest. Others will say they are trying to help advance your business or name yet may not have your truest intention in mind. This has been a controversy that has popped up recently in the firearms world. Not the first and I am sure not the last. But before you become that keyboard warrior or die hard supporter get the Truth so Justice may prevail.





 

A lefty view of a revolver. The Ruger LCR

Ruger LCR video here.

Watching me run a revolver is like watching a fish breathe out of water. I have not been a huge fan of them but I do see their usefulness. At some point I should really try to familiarize myself with them more, but I am into speed and function for a left handed shooter in the case of CCW. I have read many stories of lefties running right handed revolvers with a good amount of competency, so it is possible.

A history of Sturm & Ruger from their own site. Quote:

"When Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. opened for business in 1949 with a meager $50,000 investment, the Company faced serious doubts from industry insiders. The "it can't be done" remarks of the experts reflected the widespread view that the manufacture of guns had likely peaked, and was in a state of decline. There seemed to be few new ideas, and the apparent trend was that the large, established-name gunmakers would continue to dominate the market.
But this fledgling company was guided by several well-thought-out concepts, not the least of which was founder William B. Ruger's intent to build each product "to a standard so I would want one even if it was made by our competitors." This fundamental concept, this deceptively simple touchstone of the underlying principles of innovation, quality and value, has proved so compelling that over 60 years later there is no question which company is preeminent in the American firearms industry. Ruger's rise to its present well-earned position has made it a respected company on the New York Stock Exchange since 1990. Ruger produces millions of firearms each year for hunting, target shooting, collecting, self-defense, law enforcement, and government agencies."

Noticeably Ruger has been there for the older generations and has a rich history in hunting. It can be seen in their, for a lack of better terms, stubbornness when it comes to latching on to new technology. Not that a firearm manufacturer needs to delete a thumb safety from their pistols but that is the new trend and Ruger has been slow to adopt the concept. I respect Ruger and have shot many of their firearms over the years.

If you are in the market for a Ruger or any other firearm you can contact Color Country Firearms here. Thank you again for visiting us here at Left Hand Right Gun.

Range safety, the need for a Range Officer.

I have mentioned on Facebook about how when our crew heads to the range I usually step in as an impromptu range officer. Though I have not had formal training in this area of expertise, I do hold safety as my number one priority. Usually I do not shoot during these sessions, I am more worried about action checks and muzzling on a constant basis. Maybe to some degree due to the fact that being hit with a rifle round at a young age. I will try to break down our set up to show how I feel our shooting times go. We are fortunate enough to live in a very rural type area, we have miles of area that can be used for public use and shooting is one of those. as long as we follow our Boy Scout training of Leave No Trace.
And yes, I drew this:

BLUE1: this our peanut gallery, the place to be heckled from and those about to be heckled wait their turn.
RED2: this is our firearm staging area, every firearm action is open and if equipped, magazine removed. of course muzzles are faced away from peanut gallery.
RED3: ammo station.  If the firearm being fired has a magazine the firearm is left at the firearm staging area whilst the firearm magazine is loaded.
GREEN: this is the hot seat. made only for one, save when shooting skeet. this is where you are ridiculed and mocked for your inherent ability to shoot anything including the broadside of a barn.
YELLOW: this is no man's land. this is the area the r.o. patrols while keeping his eye on the shooter for possible malfunctions and for keeping the peanut gallery from becoming too vicious for the shooter to take.

 As our shooting progresses the shooter will either shoot to empty or to malfunction. either way the shooter is instructed to not turn until verification is made that the firearm is clear or malfunction is addressed. To add to this, I always ask and visually verify how many rounds they are shooting so I Can keep a running total in my head. during loading I stand next to the shooter to verify the ammo being loaded is correct caliber for firearm, two heads are better than one so to speak.

Once verification of shown clear the shooter moves back to the firearm bench to place down the firearm and move to the peanut gallery. as far as how many people can go, the fewer the better. Usually 5 is my max for intermediate to experienced. for beginners I try to keep it to me the newbie and one other that is at least an intermediate shooter. If it is a first time female shooter, I drag my wife or daughter along for the Sisterhood experience. I believe that the more we cater to the new shooter and giving them our full and undivided attention we can make a difference in the way they see shooting as a fun and beneficial past time.

There is never a time when firearms are staged in trunks or on the tailgates of trucks. Too many variables at stake. If a shooter has a holster on and is deemed credible to actually carry a firearm on there side it remains empty until necessary. Overkill it maybe but it is what we do to minimize negligence.

Of course there are times when the experienced bunch will tread a different path but safety again is on our minds. we run drills along side each other to build teamwork, plus the fact that having a "battle buddy" out in the world is a comfort to the mind if SHTF while shopping or out on the town. You have worked drills together and know and understand each other's quirks. Two heads on a swivel is by far better than one.

With respect we know not all of our readers have the ability to head to the sticks for a day of shooting. Under those circumstances an indoor/outdoor range will have the qualified personnel to accommodate the need for a Range Officer. With that, even during those times you are not the R.O. it would still behoove one to keep an eye on fellow shooters. Constantly watching for the breach of safety protocol.

As always be safe, courteous and speak up if you witness an infraction.

Kimber Ultra Carry II, a 1911 for carry?

 Kimber 1911 Ultra Carry II video here!
So, here is where I am sure to lose readers. The 1911 is a great gun, Just maybe not that great for carry. When milliseconds count do you really have time to waste making sure you have disabled all your safeties before you can discharge your firearm? I enjoy single action semi's as well as the next guy for range days but not for carry. And whether you like it or not, it is antiquated technology. Browning had tossed this design into the mix for trials for the military. Consequently, the military asked for the beaver tail grip safety.

I own a Star BM which utilized some of the features of the 1911 and has improved some of the design. Not to say the Star is a better firearm, I as an armorer like them much better. Star removed the beaver tail grip safety, mainspring housing and multi-finger sear spring. while adding a captured recoil spring and simplified sear spring system. Is the Star better? not necessarily, but I like the ease of breakdown and overall operation more.

Would I own a 1911? You bet. I would race that pig out! Doll it up nice and fancy and show all my buddies just how badass a 1911 can be. Just won't find me going out of my way to EDC one.

The Cobalt Kintetics BAMF Edge.

 Cobalt Kinetics BAMF vide here.
We began our range day adventure around 9 a.m. The clouds had moved in over night, giving the world a slight dull grey hue,dampening the mood in the world around us. Our drive to Rowdy's Range was full of upbeat chatter despite the weather outside. The parking lot was empty, as one might expect on a Monday morning. With breakfast in tow for the hungry purveyors of the range, we lively stepped on in. A classroom and a competition grade rifle lay just mere minutes away.

With trusty MSR in hand we made our way to an empty classroom to film the introduction. As I stumbled through my own intro of the rifle a hero appeared who had a vast array of knowledge about the rifle. It was as if Colby was born with the Edge rifle in hand. To our dismay, the moments flew by and our short intro was at an end. Though our exciting voyage did not stop there.

The muffled sound of firearms being discharged made the last few steps to the rental counter almost unbearable, with hands shaking and hearts pounding we donned our protective eye and ear pro and headed through the door. 6 lanes of climate controlled freedom lie in wait, lucky for us we had the run of 2 lanes for our shorter than we wished trip.

Cameras set on tripods, phones on selfie sticks we went to work. During our shoot we recovered many fine moments of sheer bliss; as round after round sped down range at 3165 feet per second. Trigger pull was crisp, light and single stage. No creep and reset was almost instant. Recoil easily mitigated and the smell, Oh the smell of expelled .223 rounds is almost heavenly. 20, 40, 60 rounds later (and just mere minutes) our time at the firing line had come to an end. Sadly we packed our gear. With warm empty rifle in hand we trudged back to the rental counter.

Though our brief moment with Cobalt Kinetics was over; we managed to solved the world's problems at the counter. Our discussion with the range cast hit almost every point plaguing the world of firearms and stories of kooky firearms owners. As business picked up we wandered the store perusing their myriad of wares. Particularly their Glock section. Purchases were made, final goodbyes said, we vowed to return for another day at the range.

Left Hand Right Gun would like to thank our local firearms manufacturer Cobalt Kinetics for building a damn fine rifle. A hearty thank you to Rowdy's Range for an unforgettable experience and superb customer service. If you find yourself in our lovely (normally) sun soaked city, drop by for a chat and a shoot at Rowdy's Range. 

Glock 19, for the lefty in your life.

Glock video here!
Yes, this is my personal CCW. So I must apologize for the "customization" that has been done to it. So much for Glock Perfection. I have been accused of being that guy; you know, the Glock fanboy. In some cases they might be right. I enjoy my wife's FN FNS a whole lot more, just because it fits me better. This Glock was anything but perfect until I took a dremel and a burning tool to it. It is close now but so far not yet perfect. I run a Glock because it is easy to manipulate, it is as no frills as I have found in any firearm for CCW. So I guess in that aspect it is perfect, Just not in fit to my hand straight from the factory. But I digress.

When Gaston Glock first began as an entrepreneur he was far from being a Firearms manufacturer. That all changed in 1980 when the Austrian military received an invitation to create a new side arm for the Austrian military.

In 1983 Glock was awarded the contract and an order for 30,000 Glock 17's was placed. In 1984 Norway claimed the Glock as it's new side arm for their military.

in 1986 it caught the eye of many United States law enforcement agencies and became their firearm of choice. in '87 the Glock 18 (select-fire) machine pistol was introduced.

By 1989 more than 350,000 Glock pistols have been sold in 45 different countries. Just ten years later Glock sold it's 2 millionth pistol. Glock has become one of the most innovative and ground breaking successful designs since John M. Browning. Don't forget to check out Color Country Firearms on Facebook for purchase of any Glock models. They are an FFL dealer that can ship to any of the 50 States. Don't forget to subscribe to Left Hand Right Gun on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!