Saturday Safety Tip

          Today I pass on a useful little guideline in life, particularly if you find yourself teaching or instructing.
           If your class are so awkward they cannot keep their fingers out of their mouths when they are supposed to be paying attention to you, DO NOT trust them with grenades!



         You see what I mean?

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Desert Eagles

             Recently I have been viewing some footage from a certain video game I have become interested in. One of the many things that amused me about this game was how nearly everyone you encounter seems to be packing a Desert Eagle! No wimpy 9mm Glocks and Berettas in this town! If you do not have a Desert Eagle it is because you have a shotgun, M16 or rocket launcher.

            Desert Eagles are common in action movies and possibly the game is satirizing this. The Desert Eagle (aka “Deagle”) is an interesting weapon in many respects. It is commonly assumed that it was created as a hunting handgun. To quote an old Jewish saying with a considerable element of truth “Jews don’t hunt” so it would be unusual for an Israeli company to develop a hunting handgun. The real origin of the Desert Eagle is more martial. In military operations such as house searches for terrorist caches pistols are often an important weapon, since a free hand may be needed to open doors and cupboards and for other duties. For some reason it seems to have been decided that a weapon with more power and penetration than a 9mm was needed for such situations and the Desert Eagle was developed. Its application as a hunting weapon for the American market seems to have come later.

            Many years back I got to shoot a Desert Eagle belonging to a friend. This was “just” a .357 model and I doubt the .50 AE was available way back then. I recall it have a very nice and smooth trigger. I also seem to recollect I needed to shift my grip to engage and disengage the safety. If a pistol must have a safety I prefer a design such as the frame-mounted  safety of a M1911A1 where it is disengaged by a quick downward sweep of the thumb. The Desert Eagle has the safety high up on the slide and needs to be moved up to fire. I have not handled the newer models of Desert Eagle but I suspect that the safety is still on the slow side to operate. Carry the Deagle hammer down, safety off? When the Desert Eagle first came out this was apparently not recommended. Current models are described as “drop-safe” so this may have changed. Being capable of being brought into action quickly does not seem to have been a requirement of the original Desert Eagle, it doubtless being envisioned that the weapon would be drawn, cocked and readied before commencing on a search operation. It does however amuse me that in the movies you so commonly see the Desert Eagle used as a carry gun when in reality it would take several seconds to get it ready for firing, not to mention the weight and bulk of the thing tucked under your armpit all day.

            Here is a link to a rather nice article on the Desert Eagle. If you wish to know about more practical options for a self-defence carry weapon please buy my book.

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The Harry Solomon Scenario

The other night my girlfriend was talking to me and I was being a good boyfriend and mainly listening attentively. At one point I commented “so what are you going to do?”

As I listened to the answer another part of my brain processed why those words sounded so familiar and significant. Scroll back about 15 years or more when “ThirdRock from the Sun” was the newest show on TV. In one episode Harry Solomon (French Stewart) becomes a barman. People attempt to tell Harry their problems and Harry just continues to polish a glass and sigh philosophically “So what are you going to do?” The joke was people would consider this question, causing them to consider all their options and play out the possible consequences and reach a conclusion. Typically an exchange would go something like:-

“So, what are you going to do?”

“I should tell my boss to kiss it! But if I do that I might lose my job and then we would have to cancel our vacation. I’m going to have to put in the overtime. Perhaps it won’t be so bad and I could use the money. Thanks Harry, you have been a real help!”

            Harry, a usual would be essentially oblivious to the real world and what was happening around him but establishes a reputation as being an excellent barman and a great guy to tell your problems to.

            Once I had identified the origin and significance of the phrase the temptation became too much. A couple more times during the conversation I ask my girlfriend “So what are you going to do?” and watch with interest as this kick-starts her keen mind into problem solving and planning her course of action.

            Sometimes, take time to ask yourself or others an important question. The answers may surprise you. 

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Survival Weapons. Contents.

For those of you who are considering buying my latest book, a quick rundown of what you will find within its attractive green cover should you be wise enough to make the modest investment.

Introduction

           This should need no introduction!

What is survivalism?

            A brief account of what survivalism is and what is often mistaken for it.

The Amorality of Gun Control

            An updated and improved version of my blog post with a similar title. This has been described as “the facts without the political posturing” and should be required reading for anyone who thinks they have an opinion on gun control.

Gun 101

         A very practical and comprehensive chapter on exterior ballistics and other related technical issues a shooter should know about.

Deer Hunting Rifles

           A guide to choosing a large game hunting rifle and calibre and load choices. With some information on using a bolt action weapon for self-protection thrown in too.

Shotguns

           A chapter on shotguns, explaining the sometimes complex seeming topics of shot size, choke, barrel length, pellet numbers and conversion from lead to steel shot. Information on shotguns both for hunting and defence. Includes numerous very useful tables of information.

Handguns for Defence

           A chapter on selection and use of handguns for defence against both two legged and four legged aggressors. Includes information on snap, point and other sightless methods of fast shooting.

Defensive Rifles

           Rifles for self-defence purposes, included fast target acquisition methods. Includes a discussion of common types and selecting the accessories that are most useful. This chapter includes a detailed history of the intermediate round.

Rimfires

          A chapter on the essential .22 discussing takedowns, full size rifles and handguns. Includes a discussion of the .22 as an unconventional weapon.

Rifle and Shotgun Slings

           A short but useful chapter on how to make the carrying sling of your weapon lighter and quieter. Also includes a discussion on ways to use a sling to improve the accuracy of your shooting.

Accuracy and Sighting

          How to sight in your weapon and zeroing range for various weapons. How to adjust fixed or adjustable sights. Types of iron sights and why they are sometimes preferable to scopes. Selecting a scope. Occluded sights, laser sights and removing scope flash.

Survival Knives

         The blades you should really be spending your hard earned money on. A handful of knives that will do nearly any job and won’t break the bank. Other useful implements.

Using Knives

           How to use bladed tools more effectively and safely.

Sharpening

          A detailed chapter on how to sharpen you tools and keep them sharp.

Tactics and Strategy

          Because a weapon is of no use if you do not know how to employ it. Some notes and tips on concealment, moving quietly, communicating without words and avoiding the bad guys.

Improvised and Miscellaneous Weapons

           Hunting weapons that can be built from found materials and that can keep you alive when your store-brought items are out of reach.

 As you can see, terrific value! Buy your copy now at

http://www.lulu.com/shop/phil-west/survival-weapons-optimizing-your-arsenal/paperback/product-21076317.html

         If you have enjoyed this article or it has been helpful to you please feel free to show your appreciation. Thank you.
The Books