I thought I had linked this last week but apparently missed it somehow: Tuning the FAL’s gas system:

Although there are many choices out there for those looking for a full-size 7.62×51 mm gun, the FAL-pattern rifle can make an excellent choice. Adopted by nearly 100 countries and manufactured in massive numbers, the FAL represents a proven and established design.

The FAL has many positive attributes, including impressive power, good reliability, plentiful spare parts, etc. It also has one other unique attribute—a highly adjustable gas system that allows users to tune the rifle to a particular loading.

Go read the whole thing.

Excellent.

I recently received a Magpul CTR stock, but it’s for a mil-spec extension tube and not a commercial one. So I’ve decided to pick up a mil-spec tube to avoid this issue in the future.

What’s the purpose of this difference?

As always, Brownell’s HowtobuildanAR15.com has a video on the subject of AR maintenance.

Making the Best of the M9

The M9, 9mm Beretta. Civilian-wise we call it the 92F or 92FS, et al. Some guys love it, some hate it. There are civilian cops that swear by it, which baffles me personally, but guns are like boots and beer. Everyone has a favorite, usually held with a devoted certainty that says anyone that prefers a different model is a dumbass. you know what I’m talking about. 1911 guys (of any breed) make fun of Glock guys, who shake their heads at Sig guys, who just can’t understand the S&W guys.

For myself, I prefer the M9 as a boat anchor if a Ruger isn’t available but that’s just me.

One thing brought up in the post is that many people issued M9s just don’t have enough proficiency to use them effectively. Shooting a handgun is a lot different than shooting a rifle, and situations that call for handgun use are usually at close range and in circumstances very unforgiving of error.

FWIW, I decided to go with a .40 for my primary handgun over a 9mm.

And here’s an interesting comment on the post:

FWIW, if you can’t get range time there’s a dry fire drill that can help with drawing, sighting and trigger control, particularly with double action triggers. Put a snap cap in the chamber, turn on a TV set, and practice head shots.

Apart from interview or news shows, the camera cuts to and away talking heads so quickly that it takes a little skill to acquire a target. And, a camera’s depth of field/view renders targets at roughly the POV you’d have at combat ranges — not too close, not too far.

I learned this from a Ranger buddy, back in the 80s. It works, believe it or not.

You just don’t want to let the neighbors see you doing it. Or your kids, wife, or girlfriend.

It’s a little hard to explain why you’re watching GILLIGAN’S ISLAND, busting caps at Mr. Howell.

Advantage: Bear.

2 things:

1) That shot by the dad was a shot of shots.

2) I think the stand up, wave, and yell followed by a run away probably didn’t do anything to help discourage the bear from attacking. At the same time, the bear may have been going to attack anyway and the play dead routine has got to be a tough one in that situation.

Here’s what the Art of Manliness says about surviving a grizzly attack:

• 1. Carry bear pepper spray. Experts recommend that hikers in bear country carry with them bear pepper spray. UDAP bear pepper spray is a highly concentrated capsaicin spray that creates a large cloud. This stuff will usually stop a bear in it’s tracks.
• 2. Don’t run. When you run, the bear thinks you’re prey and will continue chasing you, so stand your ground. And don’t think you can out run a bear. Bears are fast. They can reach speeds of 30 mph. Unless you’re an Olympic sprinter, don’t bother running.
• 3. Drop to the ground in the fetal position and cover the back of your neck with your hands. If you don’t have pepper spray or the bear continues to charge even after the spray, this is your next best defense. Hit the ground immediately and curl into the fetal position.
• 4. Play dead. Grizzlies will stop attacking when they feel there’s no longer a threat. If they think you’re dead, they won’t think you’re threatening. Once the bear is done tossing you around and leaves, continue to play dead. Grizzlies are known for waiting around to see if their victim will get back up.

No one is allowed to send in the “pepper spray and bells” joke. That was funny the first couple dozen times I heard it. The hundred or so more recent times, it’s been beginning to get a little stale.

Xavier has this for us Ruger MkII owners:

There is a tweak to be done on the Ruger MKII magazines, that will make every one of them reliable. After a bit of inspection, I realized that I had a “new” un-tweaked magazine in the mix. The rim of the spent casing was striking the left rear lip of this magazine and causing the stove pipes.

I’ve not had any stove piping issues. In fact, the only problems I’ve ever had with the thing have been a couple of misfeeds that I’m attributing to all the crap all over the ammo in one particular box of Federal cheap stuff. (I meant to post on that when I first ran into it but never got around to it. I’ll have to see if I can manage it.)

One of my mags was bought brand new and hasn’t been “fixed,” but if you’ve got issues maybe give this a try.

On a Glock 29. With pictures.