Hat Tip: SayUncle

Few people would claim to find the sound of automatic weapon fire comforting. To me, it signals the beginning of the bi-annual Knob Creek Machinegun Shoot in West Point, KY. This festival of gun enthusiasts brings out some of the most varied and exotic hardware you will ever see, and, if you’re lucky, get to handle. For the newcomer, it can be a bit overwhelming, so I’ve compiled a short list of tips to get you through the weekend.

Taken by Oleg Volk at a Knob shoot earlier this year.

Tip #1: Bring your walking shoes (or boots if it’s been raining)

In addition to the shoot there is also a large vendor section. After three trips through at an hour plus a piece, I could still stumble across something new. When an MP5 starts to look mundane, turn a corner and you’ll find an FN SCAR, or a Kriss sub-machinegun. Of course, don’t forget to make a trip down to the lower range for the jungle walk and machine gun rentals, which leads me to my second tip.

Tip #2: Bring a bag full of money

The phrase “ammo shortage” seemed like a distant memory when you took a look around the vendor area. Reloading supplies, cases of ammo, and all the black rifles, which were oh-so-scarce a few months ago, littered the tables. If it weren’t for some semblance of self control on my part I could have emptied my checking account in minutes walking away with enough rifles and ammo to last me for months.

Assuming you don’t spend all of your money with the vendors, there is no quicker way to turn Benjamins into fire and noise than the machine gun rentals on the low range. Where else would yours truly get his hands on an H&K UMP to let off some steam with? The smart money is on the jungle walk though. Thirty-five dollars buys you an Uzi, two 20 round magazines, and a forest full of evil communist steel plates that need dispatching. I did it in 3:23 and 15/18 targets, not bad for a newbie.

Tip #3: Bring earplugs . . . and ear muffs

Guns are loud, so it stands to reason nearly one hundred people in a line discharging automatic weapons, at barrels full of TNT and diesel is extremely loud. Some might criticize you for your choice in ear protection; but trust me, you can enjoy the shoot just by the concussion you feel in your chest and the fireballs that accompany the aforementioned explosions. Plus you’ll want to watch it again, and it’s not as fun with a headache.

The idea of a Mecca for your hobby can be overused, but this is unequivocally a necessary lifetime experience for the gun-nut in all of us. Whether it’s your first time, or your tenth time, pack up your bags, and head on down for some good ole Kentucky hospitality. At the end of the day when your walking back to your car and you hear the echo of machinegun’s off in the valley, you’ll understand that comforting feeling, that at least for one weekend and in one place, people are still exercising their God given right to blow the hell out of stuff.

For many of us, our window to the world of guns is books, magazines, and the internet. Unfortunately, when you see a word or a name that you aren’t familiar with, you tend to do what you learned to do in school, sound it out in your head. This has lead to a plethora of often mispronounced words and names in the firearms community, and it makes us all look like rubes. I would like to point out some often heard examples along with the proper enunciation of each. Please note that I am neither German nor Scandinavian and I speak no languages other than American English, but I have asked and been corrected by people who do speak these languages.

Heckler & Koch

Probably one of the most well-know arms companies in the world is known by its initials because nobody seems to know how to pronounce the last names of its founders. And everybody says their marketing department is SO great...

How most people say it: Heck-ler and C-au-k like “Cock”, or Coach, or KA-t-ch (?)

How it’s actually pronounced: “Heck-ler and Coke” Example: “Well, I’ll have a coke, then.”

Why is it mispronounced? “Cock” would be a very appropriate name for a gun company “Cock your hammer!” or “Those guys at H&K are a bunch of… Germans.”

Krag-Jorgensen

America’s first military repeater is also the most mispronounced of all service rifle names. No less and authority than the late great Col. Jeff Cooper corrected me on the proper way to say this name, and ultimately, he was incorrect.

How most people say it: Ker-Ag ,or Ker-egg Jor-gen-son

How it’s actually pronounced: Kr-Ah-g (like “Frog”) Yor-gen-sen.

Why is it mispronounced? A popular ballad during the Spanish-American War and the Pilipino Insurrection had a refrain that went “Underneath our starry flag, civilize ‘em with a Krag!” which certainly had a better ring to it than “If you want to eat a frog, do not shoot him with a Krag”. The proper enunciation may have been intentionally bastardized for pop-culture.

Makers of everything from Weed whackers to Motorcycles to full-auto military rifles, this name seems to dumbfound even the people who sell them. A Swede who was a former employee of the firm in the 1960’s told me how to say it.

How most people say it: Husk-a-varn-a, Husk-Q-var-na

How you’re supposed to say it: Who-sk-Var-na

Why is it mispronounced? It’s Swedish.

These Serbian makers of high quality ammunition available at bargain basement prices have rapidly earned popularity in the US. After being sold for a number of years under different names by different distributors, they are now selling ammo under their own name and confusing many people with their Balkan-esque spelling.

How most people say it: Pervy Party-san

How you’re supposed to say it: PR-iv-A Part-iZ-on

Why is it mispronounced? Triple Consonants don’t make a whole hell of a lot of sense to most English speakers.

I have it on good authority that these are correct, but nobody’s perfect. There are lots more of these, but we’ll save those for another post. Let’s hear some suggestions for gun related names and words that are often mispronounced or which are confusing in the comments!

UPDATE:

Roy recorded himself pronouncing Heckler & Koch, Walther, Sauer, Luger, Mauser, Blaser, Weihrauch and Schmeisser.

Stefan recorded himself saying Anschütz, Heckler & Koch, Mauser, Sauer, Steyr Mannlicher, Walther and Weihrauch.

Ordinary 12 gauge, BB Birdshot.

Well, I got some of that, but was I satisfied? NO! I needed something I could really use to “Reach out and touch…” Something that would penetrate at range with some accuracy.
I got a mold fabricated: 25.3mm thick Steel, drilled through at 16.5mm wide, and drilled right through to the other side.

A nut was welded to the bottom carefully to take a 10mm bolt that would serve to create a hollow on the planned slugs.

I opened up a 12 gauge BB shell using a basic knife to remove the lead shot.

Using modified sharp-nose plies I removed the plastic cover of the Shell.

The lead shot is poured out and cleaned, and the plastic bits removed…

A felt wad is pushed into the empty shot-shell, seated very well into the shot-cup. The diameter of the wad is same with the Shot-Shell.

The Lead Shot is poured into a Ladle, and melted. Working with Lead is VERY hazardous: ensure eyes are protected, use safety gloves, ventilate properly!

The Mold is carefully placed on a good flat surface.

Molten Lead is carefully poured into the mold.

The Bolt at the bottom is unscrewed carefully. NO wiggling it around!

Use a pointed item to push the cooled slug out…

You may have to knock it a bit to get it out…

This is the produced Slug…

There is a correctly centered hollow. So centre-of-balance is forward, like a Shuttle-cock…

More pictures of the finished slugs. Nice factory-like finish…

Next: Insert the Slug into Shell case…

Some force is needed to get the Slug into the Shell-case. This is due to the Roll-crimp which was not touched originally…

You can see the Slug inside the Shell-case, centrally placed, snug against the crimp…

LAST STEP: Glue or epoxy is used to seal and waterproof the Shell-case properly. Left standing upright to dry/ cure.

Glue or epoxy is used to seal and waterproof the Shell-case properly. Left standing upright to dry/ cure.

Slug is ready to be FIRED!

I test-fired a few slugs today (16 August 2009)! Perfect performance (for what i had at hand…).

5 slugs fired at 30 metres (33 yards, 98.4 ft). Target was piece of metal plate about 1.5ft x 1ft, 2mm thick. 3” x 3” bullseye painted on.

Target taken at 30 meters distance.

Close up.

Distance Fired: 33 yards
Sights: Bead sight
Ammunition: 5 home-made slugs

5 shots on target. Not bad!
1 round high/ left
4 rounds in/ near the bullseye.

This looks like a 2” to 3” group at 33 yards!

I couldn’t wish for better from home-made foster slugs!

MASS PRODUCTION COMMENCES! LET THE ZOMBIES COME!!

—
Y-man
16 August 2009

Steve says: I big thank you to Y-Man for the excellent howto. His ingenuity is amazing and is an inspiration to me!

Beautiful!

As you can see in the photo some dremel work is required but it is a pretty straight forward procedure.

Part 1

Part 2

Fascinating! Start hoarding your spent primers, you may be needing them.

Hat Tip: Tech, Guns, and Food

Read it here.

Bought one 12/6. First shot perfect bulls-eye. Range officer said I might as well go home.

A little hand pain atfer a box of ball rounds- all tight groups. Still a lot more confortable and fun than shooting my LCP. 5 ounces heavier but shorter and fits in by back pants pocket better and have carried it there since I bought it.
I think it is the CZ design but better quality materials and tooling being made in America. You can tell how nicely made it is as soon as you chamber a round.

It also has a unique design. Barrel ported and beautiful. Hammer forged and twists to disengage slide from frame, no pin. Has 2 small rods and springs on each side instead of 1 big one in the middle. Leave it to the Czechs. I think the big trigger guard is for a pilots glove. After all if it is the Kevin design, ZVI is a weapons designer and manufactures weapons and ammo for jet fighters. My guess is they made it to be a small carry for a downed pilot.

Just happened to be in the gun shop getting a credit on my returned Kahr 9 mm and was introduced to this thing. Almost didn’t buy it because it was unknown to me but just from the looks of it I knew it wouldn’t be there when I returned to get it.

I’m sold, great gun.

Click to expand the photos.

A big thanks to CBN3 for the great photos and review. If you purchase a recently released firearm and want to write a quick review and/or provide some photos, please contact me.

And … can be carried through airport scanners. Build one before they are banned!

DIY Peg Mini-Gun – Click here for this week’s top video clips

Hat Tip: Foot Pounds

Not knowing that one can control gas-flow on this weapon has led to countless customer-service calls to DSA, complaining that the rifle ‘doesn’t work.’ The following is laid out in great detail in the Owners’s Manual, of course, but we are happy to explain to each owner how the gas-regulator works and then walk them through correct gas-regulator adjustment. Invariably, when we’re finished, like a miracle, the rifle suddenly runs fine! ….

More here.

It features:

• Polymer Frame
• Slim Profile
• Striker-fired
• 1911-position manual safety
• Fits in Glock holster (UPDATE: See holster list below)

Read a review here.

Watch a video of it here.

UPDATE:

More info at Ruger.com:

Models: SR9 (17+1 capacity) SR9-10 (10+1 capacity)
Price: US$525 for both models

Features:

• Weighs 26.5 oz., in a package of just 5.52″ H x 7.55″ L x 1.27″ W
• Reliable, striker-fired ignition
• Easy, “Semi-Double Action” trigger-pull – 6.5 pounds.
• 17+1 Capacity. (Note: 17-round magazines are not available in all states and locales; 10-round magazines are available where required to meet state and local regulations limiting magazine capacity.)
• Chambered in 9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19).
• Short trigger reach.
• Unique reversible backstrap (flat or arched) to accommodate grip preferences.
• Slim, ergonomic grip features a 17-degree grip angle and three, 22 lpi checkered panels that provide a sure grip without being abrasive.
• Patented Ruger camblock helps absorb recoil.
• High-visibility 3-dot sight system is click adjustable for elevation and drift adjustable for windage.
• Picatinny rail accepts modern sighting devices (lights, lasers, etc.).
• Ultra-slim stainless steel slide.
• Ambidextrous magazine release.
• Ambidextrous 1911-style manual safety.
• Internal trigger bar interlock and striker blocker, trigger safety, and magazine disconnect.
• Visual and tactile loaded chamber indicator.
• Suggested retail price of just $525, including hard case, extra magazine, magazine loader, padlock, and instruction manual.

SR9 Specs:

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19)
Capacity: 17+1
Finish: Stainless
Grip: Glass-Filled Nylon
Barrel Length: 4 1/8″
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:10″ RH
Overall Length: 7.55″
Weight: 26.5 oz.
California Approved: No
Massachusetts Approved: No
Front Sight(s): Drift Adjustable
Rear Sight(s): Adjustable
Other Features: Ambidextrous Manual Safety and Magazine Release, Reversible Backstrap and Magazine Disconnect
Suggested Retail Price: $ 525.00
Miscellaneous: Ruger’s First Striker-Fired Pistol

SR9-10 Specs:

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19)
Capacity: 10+1
Finish: Stainless
Grip: Glass-Filled Nylon
Barrel Length: 4 1/8″
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:10″ RH
Overall Length: 7.55″
Weight: 26.25 oz.
California Approved: No
Massachusetts Approved: No
Front Sight(s): Drift Adjustable
Rear Sight(s): Adjustable
Other Features: Ambidextrous Manual Safety and Magazine Release, Reversible Backstrap and Magazine Disconnect
Suggested Retail Price: $ 525.00
Miscellaneous: Ruger’s First Striker-Fired Pistol

More here.

UPDATE:

Ruger has posted a list of compatible holsters:

Hunter Leather:
5029 Belt Slide
5229 Open Top
5129 Shoulder Holster
1300 #13 Inside the Pant 1300

Galco:
CT5224B Cop 3 Slot
84122 Fletch Holster
84155 Classic

Bianchi:
7001 Thumpsnap – Holster-Size 13
7115 Thumpsnap Duty – Holster-Size 13
105 Minimalist-Size 13/15

Uncle Mike’s:
Nylon All Size 15
9521 Pro-3 RH and LH
9821 Dual Retention
9921 Tactical Thigh

Safariland:
4062-23-21 Inside the Pant
527-836 Belt Slide
070-383-161 SS111 Duty Holster

The list is here.

UPDATE: Some more photos:

The safety on and off:

The back of the striker is visible when the action is semi-cocked. Nice.

Loaded chamber indicator:

Stripped:

The manual can be downloaded here (I have mirrored it on this site because the ruger site is *very* slow at the moment).

UDPATE:

The Unforgiving Minute has a less than positive review:

CAUTION: Dry firing your RUGER SR9 with the magazine removed may result in damage or unnecessary wear to the striker blocking mechanism.

Didn’t we just go through this with the P345? Guys, if you just HAVE to include a mag safety, at least go to the trouble of engineering it so the damn thing won’t break like that.

More here.

UPDATE:

Some videos about the SR9.

Ruger SR9 History

Ruger VP Bob Stutler explains the 20-year journey Ruger has taken in the evolution of their handguns to the new SR9 starting with the Ruger P85 centerfire autoloading pistol.

Watch it here.

Ruger SR9 Features

Ruger VP Bob Stutler points out the various features of the new Ruger SR9 including the reversible backstrap, low-profile sights, ambidextrous safety, and high capacity 17-round magazine.

Watch it here.

UPDATE

GunBlast have done a comprehensive review:

While on the subject of the SR9 trigger, I have heard early reports from those who have handled, but not necessarily fired, the SR9 that the trigger pull is somewhat gritty. Mostly this is due to dry-firing the weapon without a magazine in place. Ruger warns SR9 owners to not dry-fire the pistol without the magazine in the gun. The SR9 has a magazine safety, which is located in the slide… The trigger pull on my sample gun exhibited these same traits when dry-firing the pistol without a magazine in place. However, while actually firing the pistol, it has a pretty decent trigger pull… After shooting the SR9 extensively, the trigger pull has also improved somewhat. It compares favorably with the trigger pull on other pistols of its type.

The sights on the SR9 are a very good design. The front is drift adjustable for windage, and the rear is adjustable for windage and elevation. They are much better sights than those that are supplied with most competitive pistols.

I like many features of the SR9. It is very user-friendly to left-handed shooters like me. It is slim. It is reliable, rugged, and backed by the famous Ruger reputation for customer service. I like the thumb safety. I like the large trigger guard that can easily accommodate a gloved finger. I like the steel magazines. I love the slim grip! I also like the fact that it is American made.

More here.

UPDATE

Ruger are now offering a version of the SR9 with a blackened stainless slide

The recently launched Ruger SR9™ pistol, the first striker-fired pistol from Ruger, is now available with a blackened stainless slide. The multi-step blackening process improves both the durability and corrosion resistance of the stainless steel slide by creating a surface hardness of 68Rc. The extra hard finish also reduces scratching and holster wear.

Looks nice, but I think the stainless slide looks better.

UPDATE

I came across a video of an SR9 in action

UPDATE

A very nice photo taken by ScaredOnce and posted at PAFOA

UPDATE

A OD green frame model is now available. Looks nice.

UPDATE:

Jason took some great photos and has licensed them under a Creative Commons Lisence. I have uploaded one of them to the wikipedia Ruger SR9 page. Thanks Jason

This is useful if, for example, you are using a scope with a parallax setting at 100 yards and you wish to use it on a rimfire rifle where a setting of 50 yards is more appropriate.

How to bore sight a rifle by Chuck Hawks

If you are new to shooting and don’t know what bore sighting is then I recommend reading the article. Bore sighting allows you to more or less sight your scope (align the cross hairs with the point of impact at a certain range). Then when you get to the gun range you at least know you will hit your target. You can then adjust the scope by seeing where your shot went and changing the windage/elevation accordingly.

Laser bore sighting devices can be purchased to help with bore sighting:

From opticsplanet.net:

Measure 25 yards, you may use a vice or gun rest to assist in holding your weapon on target. While the laser is on the bull’s eye, you can now observe how many inches your scope or iron sights off target (the laser will put you within 1.5 to 2 inches of dead center).