Scott emailed me with information about his new business called PayWithAmmo.com. It is an online marketplace/auction website for firearms and related products and services.
The difference between it and other sites, such as gunbroker.com, is that all transactions are done in ammunition. You can either pay the equivalent dollar value at an exchange rate set with the current price at Ammoman.com or ship 9mm ammunition. The ammunition must be new, brass cased, boxer primed, FMJ and in the designated grain weight (115-124 grains for 9mm ammo).
I asked Scott why he thought this was a better system than using dollars:
All ammo must be new, brass cased, boxer primed, FMJ and for 9mm the bullet must weight between 115 and 124 grains.
The benefit of selling in ammo and not dollars is that ammo is, like gold, is “real” money, that is: 1,000 rounds of 9mm will always be 1,000 rounds of ammo and 1oz of gold is always 1oz of gold; there is no inflation or depreciation. Thus, if a particular rifle is presently valued at 5 thousand rounds of 9mm, all things remaining equal, next year the rifle should still be valued at 5 thousand rounds of 9mm. In dollar value, the rifle has to have “inflated” in price due to inflation, (more dollars needed as value of dollar declined), even if the list price has remained unchanged.
Sites like e-gold cost money as there are storage costs and if someone were to take delivery of the gold, once in their possession, gold has no intrinsic value except as a paperweight.
Pay With Ammo (”PWA”) seeks to provide a solution to those who rather invest in a commodity that has an inherent value, ammo.
The problem is ammo, unlike gold, doesn’t have a ready secondary market to convert back into dollars. Thus, PWA, would like to provide a means for a person who has made a sizable investment in ammo to be able to trade that ammo for goods and services. If PWA takes off, ammo can become a somewhat “liquid” asset that can be used when needed to acquire goods/services.
It is not hard to sell gold and gold does have industrial uses such as in electronics, medicine and jewelry although the demand and price of gold far exceeds that of its industrial uses. On the whole I agree with Scott and I like the concept he has come up with.
I also asked him what happens if an odd number of rounds such as 27 or 219 are the price of a good or service on the website:
Right now, if someone swaps dollars for 10, 20, or even 50 thousand rounds of ammo for personal use, they are pretty much stuck with it. With PWA, however, they can swap a couple thousand rounds for a new gun, accessory or even a service…the options are basically limitless.
If something is priced at less than 500 or 1000 rounds, if someone doesn’t have the ammo on hand and ready to ship, they will just have settle the account in dollars at the daily exchange rate.
I will be keeping my eye on the website to see how it progresses.
James Yeager and associate put 1000 rounds, 68 magazines, through a Glock 19 in just under 14 minutes. 4 stoppages, some of which were attributed to bad ammo. The guide rod melted right off but it continued to function.
Part 1
Part 2:
Thanks to Jay for emailing me this video.
There is a discussion about this video at AR-15.com.
The Palm Pistol is an ergonomically innovative single shot double action only defensive firearm chambered in 9mm that may be fired using either hand without regard to orientation of the stock. Suited for home defense, concealed carry or as a backup gun. It is also ideal for seniors, disabled or others who may have limited strength or manual dexterity. Using the thumb instead of the index finger for firing, it significantly reduces muzzle drift, one of the principle causes of inaccurate targeting. Point and shoot couldn’t be easier.
I do wonder how useful a single shot 9mm is but they are pretty up front about the disadvantages of their product in the product specification PDF. It will be interesting to see if this goes into production.
This type of palm held squeeze to fire pistols have been around for quite some time. James has a write up about them here.
Earlier this year at the Singapore Airshow, Singapore Technologies Kinetics, otherwise known as ST Kinetics or STK, the Singaporean firm who make the Ultimax 100 machine gun, announced their a new PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) type sub machine gun called the CPW (Compact Personal Weapon).
I think that is a kids hand. Photo from textfiend.net.
According to the STK brochure and the pieces of info I picked up on the internet:
Can be holstered
Lighweight
7″ Barrel
Multi-caliber. Currently available in 9mm (30 round magazines)
Translucent pistol grip to check rounds in the magazine
Comes standard with reflex sight. Iron sights are an optional extra.
Retractable stock
Low recoil
Low cost
Specs:
Length: 350mm Barrel Length: 180mm (7″) Mounting system: 2 sets of picatinny rails Weight without accessories: 1.5kg (3.3 lbs). Firing modes: semi and auto (selector can be seen on above photo) Method of operation: delayed blow back Rate of fire: 900 to 1100 rpm.
Click to expand.
I would assume they will also offer a typical PDW round such as the MP7’s 4.6×30mm or the P90’s 5.7×28mm.
The gun looks very similar to the MP7 and I think would be in direct competition with it. It weights less (MP7 weights 4.19 lbs/1.9kg), is slightly shorter in length and has a similar rate of fire. I think the CPW’s main selling point is cost.
A couple more photos:
This looks like a prototype. It has a slightly
different trigger to the one above.
Gunner’s Journal has a very in depth post about the Hi Power pistol. Highly recommended.
Browning Hi Power Mk III
As much I as I like these handsome pistols for informal target work, small game hunting, or just knocking around in the woods, their original purpose was for “serious” matters in one area of the self-defense arena, military service. Like its Browning-born predecessor, the 1911, the single-action Hi Power’s initial reason for existence was as a military sidearm and not individual civilian self-protection. It is nice that both readily lend themselves to this, however.
Yonkers, New York, January 10, 2007 - Kimber® has announced the new Aegis family of premium 1911 pistols chambered in 9mm. The Aegis II™ was the first ultra-compact 9mm pistol in company history. Introduced in May 2006 as a limited edition, demand was so great that it has become a family of three pistols. This year, the Aegis is renamed the Ultra Aegis II™. It has a 3-inch barrel, compact frame and comes with an 8-round magazine. The Pro Aegis II™ has a 4-inch barrel, full size frame and 9-round magazine. The Custom Aegis II™ incorporates a 5-inch barrel, full size frame and 9-round magazine.
Aegis pistols have a striking appearance. The matte black slide contrasts with the satin silver frame, and both are complimented by slim rosewood ball-milled grips that improve fit to smaller hands. The flat top slide has the premium KimPro IIâ„¢ finish, wide cocking serrations and Tactical Wedge Tritium night sights. The aluminum frame is finished in satin silver KimPro II, has 30 LPI checkering on the front strap, a high relief cut under the trigger guard, bumped and grooved beavertail grip safety, a solid target trigger and matching silver small parts. As with all Kimber pistols, the trigger, chamber and barrel are match grade.
One of the most important Aegis features is the carry melt treatment on both frame and slide that rounds corners and edges. The hammer, thumb safety and magazine release button are bobbed, further reducing the profile and ensuring the pistol will not snag on clothing or holsters.
Proudly made in America and available at over 2,000 Kimber Master Dealers across the country, each Aegis carries a suggested retail price of $1,195.
The recently launched Ruger SR9â„¢ 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.
Super Redhawk in .480 Ruger
Ruger has finally sorted out the problems they were having with the Redhawk .480
The Ruger Super Redhawk revolver chambered in .480 Ruger, specifically designed with the big game sportsman in mind, is back. Production had been suspended early in 2007 to address a fired case extraction issue. After a complete analysis, it was determined that to provide easy and sure extraction, all .480 Ruger Super Redhawk Revolvers, including the easy-to carry Alaskan, will now feature 5-shot cylinders. Beginning in 2008, they will also feature a Hogue® Monogrip® for added comfort. The Target Grey® All-Weather® version adds a low glare matte finish preferred by hunters.
The .480 Ruger cartridge offers handgun hunting performance without the heavy recoil experienced by other big game calibers. This cartridge offers power without excessively heavy recoil using Hornady’s .475†diameter, 325 grain XTP Magnum bullet. The .480 Ruger cartridge can produce a muzzle velocity of 1350 fps - nearly one-third more muzzle energy than the standard .44 Magnum cartridge, with substantially less recoil than the other big bore hunting handgun cartridges. This exciting cartridge developed by Hornady can be said to effectively “split the difference†between the powerful .44 Magnum and other super-powerful, heavier recoiling hunting cartridges.
M77 chambered in Ruger Compact Magnums
I could be wrong but I think this is the first rifle to be chambered in the new RCM cartridges.
The Ruger Compact Magnum cartridges, developed in conjunction with Hornady Manufacturing Co., are extreme cartridges for extreme hunting. Based on the beltless .375 Ruger, the .300 and .338 RCMs are engineered to offer .300 and .338 Win. Magnum performance in a more compact package. With their short actions and 20†barrels, the M77 Ruger Compact Magnums are today’s “mountain rifles and brush guns.â€
The new cartridges are chambered in the compact action Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifles with features that include the smooth and crisp Ruger LC6â„¢ trigger for improved out-of-the-box trigger pull, and a red rubber recoil pad that provides more effective recoil reduction. Other features of the Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifles appreciated by knowledgeable shooters are the Mauser-type controlled feeding and powerful claw extractor, 3-position safety, hammer forged steel barrels and free Ruger patented scope rings. The design of the patented steel floorplate, which bears the distinctive Ruger logo, provides easy unloading and eliminates accidental “dumping” of ammunition.
Two compact-action models of the Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifles chambered in the new Ruger Compact Magnums are available. The matte blued version features the M77 Hawkeye’s slimmer walnut stock with wrap-around cut checkering on the forearm and more rounded contours on the bottom of the stock and top of the pistol grips. The matte stainless version features a synthetic stock with a new recoil pad.
The new cartridges designed by Hornady Manufacturing provide unmatched ballistic performance in compact rifles, less felt recoil, longer barrel life, and superior performance at all temperatures. The .300 RCM is available in 150, 165 and 180-grain SST offerings. Each .300 RCM load exceeds comparative .300 Win. Magnum loads from a 20″ barrel. Muzzle velocities for the .300 RCM are 3,170 fps, 3,030 fps, and 2,900 fps, respectively – from a 20″ factory barrel. The .338 RCM is available in the newly developed 200 gr SST, and 225 gr SST offerings. Velocities for the .338 RCMs are 2,850 fps and 2,710 fps respectively, easily out performing the .338 Win. Magnum at equal barrel length.
SIG have just launched the new SIG SAUER P250 pistol. What makes this pistol interesting is its ability to change calibers!
The frame and fire control groups are available for calibers 9mm, .45, .40 S&W and .357SIG can be changed into three different families of grips: Subcompact, Compact and Full (each available in three sizes). Two types of triggers, standard and short. Very cool!
Overall there are (including left/right hand configuration) 144 different combinations, not bad straight out of the factory.
From SIGSAUER.com
The P250, a modular pistol that allows the shooter to change caliber and size at will.
The SIG SAUER P250 was designed specifically to address the future needs of the military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters around the world. The P250 will be available in the most popular calibers;(9mm, .357SIG, .40S&W and .45ACP). The P250’s innovative design enables the shooter to quickly remove the functional mechanism and place it into the polymer grip of his choice. This allows an immediate change in caliber and size;(subcompact, compact and full). And after any change the pistol delivers both outstanding accuracy and reliable functionality.
It’s modularity not only provides incredible ease of maintenance, but also provides a solution for accommodating different hand sizes - there are 6 different ergonomic combinations for each size, accomplished by changes in grip circumference and trigger style. Now you can own the world’s only modular shooting system globally engineered to deliver the “to hell and back” reliability you’ve come to expect from Sig Sauer.
Caliber 9mm Trigger Pull DAO 5.5 - 6.5 lbs Overall Length 7.20″ Overall Height w/ Mag 5.12″ Overall Width 1.3″ (Std. Grip) SightRadius 5.79″ Sights SIGLITE® Night Sights Weight w/ Mag 24.60oz Magazine Capacity 9mm 16 Rounds Grips Interchangeable Polymer Finish Nitron® MSRP $699.00 CA Compliant No MA Compliant No
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ruger are now offering a version of the SR9 with a blackened stainless slide
The recently launched Ruger SR9â„¢ 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.
Federal agents said Monday that these guns were found in T.I.’s home. The rapper, whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr.. was arrested over the weekend on federal weapons charges. He was ordered to remain in custody at least until Friday.
The machine guns: two mac-10’s and one MP5K, with suppressors:
High cap magazines seem to be in fashion
The firearm in the middle of the above photo appears to be a Calico 9mm LIBERTY III pistol with the distinctive 50 (or 100) round magazine that sits on top.
Hi, welcome to my blog! This blog is dedicated to all things firearms related. I hope you enjoy it.
I want this blog to appeal to a worldwide audience and so I will be focusing on firearms and shooting rather than country specific politics. There are already many great blogs defending your rights!
Hi, welcome to my blog! This blog is dedicated to all things firearms related. I hope you enjoy it.