Tag: Guns and such

Combat Controller sends me this overview, with a single word:  “Interesting.”

Theory (based on sample data):  revolvers may be more lethal than semi-autos.

Here’s what we’re talking about:

I admit that the numbers used in the article are quite impressive, but I’m a little leery of them because:

• the universe was New Jersey
• only four years’ data

I have another idea, but basically there is no data (as quoted):  gun type by caliber.

I could make all sorts of suppositions about this in the absence of that data:  handguns are generally loaded with .38 Spec or .357 Mag — most likely .38 Spec, according to a large FBI study which concluded that over a ten-year period of time (nationally), the most commonly-used gun to commit crimes was a S&W .38 revolver.  I think we can ignore the outliers:  .44 Spec/Mag, .45 ACP and so on.

Automatics, however, come in a plethora of caliber choices:  .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .380 ACP and then the popular ones:  9mm Para, .40 S&W and .45 ACP, with the preponderance likely being towards the 9mm and smaller.

Could it be that the higher lethality of revolvers is because they’re skewed towards the .38 Spec, whereas the autos are more likely loaded with 9mm and smaller calibers?

I don’t know the answers, and I don’t think anyone can know them either, because of the small sampling universe and short time period.

Whatever;  I’m comfortable with my choices:  1911 .45 ACP, S&W Mod 65 in .357 Mag, and (backup) S&W Mod 637 in .38 Spec+P.

I’ll be talking about a more interesting recent development in self-defense chamberings later on in the week.

We all know about rescue dogs, cats, etc. — but what about guns?

Longtime Reader Dave L. sends me his story:

Hi Kim
About 2 weeks ago I told you that I’d ordered one of those ex-Italian M-1 Carbines from Midway. I finally got it cleaned up and ready for the range and I thought that you might enjoy seeing a couple of pictures.
The carbine in the picture is a 1943 manufacture Winchester. The wood was black with dirt and Cosmoline and the action was filled with Cosmoline as well. I cleaned the stock up with Simple Green and a nylon scrubbing pad and the dirt came off pretty well. As you can see the wood has some dings but I think that’s part of the character of this almost 80 year old rifle. I applied a couple of coats of tung oil and I think that it looks okay. I also used Simple Green and Gunk engine cleaner and degreaser on the metal. The bore is excellent and I’ll bet that the round count is very low. [One hopes not for long — K]

As you can see my rifle has the late production adjustable sight and late lever safety. The sling and mag pouch are reproductions that I found on Amazon (forgive me) for about $30. I have two 15 round and two 30 round magazines that are recent Korean production. I know that finding good magazines has always been a problem for the carbine but mine will just be a range toy due to the limited supply of ammunition. I have other rifles that I can use for serious social purposes.
Right now I have 100 rounds of Prvi that I found on the Net. I will eventually pick up some reloading dies should small rifle primers ever miraculously fall from heaven.
As I said earlier, sometimes a guy has to spend the money so that he doesn’t spend the rest of his life regretting his safe, sane and sensible actions.

You see?  An old, decrepit and sick gun has been restored to health, has found a good home and can now enjoy the rest of its life in loving hands.

If I may add just one thing, Dave:  long after you’ve forgotten how much you paid for it, you’ll still be enjoying it.

Well done.

Reader Old Texan sent me this video, and ten minutes after watching it, I was still giggling like a little girl.  Hell, I laugh every time I think about it.

Enjoy.