> Cowboy Action Shooting Tips & Techniques : How to Load a Cap & Ball Black Powd

Shooting a traditional cap and ball, a blackpowder muzzleloading pistol is both an exciting and historical experience. The loading, however, must be done carefully, with close attention paid to safety. By following a few simple instructions, the pistol can be correctly loaded and safely fired. Always wear eye protection when loading or shooting any firearm.
Things You'll Need:
• Blackpowder pistol
• Blackpowder
• Percussion caps
• Powder measure
• Patches
• Lead ball
• Ramrod
1. Step 1
Check to see that the firearm is unloaded and in the half-cock position. Also, make sure that there is no percussion cap on the nipple. It's a good idea to mark the unloaded position by dropping the ramrod down the barrel and placing a scratch at the exposed exit point. This should also be done for the powder load and the patched ball positions. By using the ramrod, the shooter is always aware of the situation at the bottom of the barrel.
2. Step 2
Check that the lock and triggers are functioning properly. With use they can move out of adjustment. In both the half-cock and full-cock positions, make sure that the hammer will not fall by strongly pushing it forward. With a single trigger, in the full-cock position, the hammer should only fall when moderate pressure is applied to the trigger. With double-set triggers, in the half-cock position, it should not be possible to make the hammer fall by applying strong pressure to either the hammer or the front trigger. In the full-cock position, strong pressure on the hammer should not make it fall. Light pressure on the trigger will make it fall. When using a double set-trigger, the rear trigger is used to increase the sensitivity of the front trigger. The front trigger fires the weapon. Make sure the front trigger is set at an appropriate level of sensitivity to insure safe operation.
3. Step 3
Do a quick check for barrel obstructions. With the pistol unloaded and in the half-cock position with the barrel pointed in a safe direction, place an appropriate percussion cap on the nipple. Bring the pistol to full-cock. Fire the cap at a leaf or blade of grass. This clears the nipple and ignition channel of any excess oil or residue. If the object moves, the barrel is clear.
4. Step 4
Load the powder. Use only blackpowder or Pyrodex. See the instruction manual for the recommended load. Pour the appropriate amount of powder into a calibrated powder measure. With the pistol in a loading stand, pour the powder down the barrel and give the side of the barrel a sharp shake with the hand. This sets the powder. Place the ball on the center of a pre-lubricated patch and place them both on the muzzle. The patch is between the powder and the ball. Using the short end of a ball starter, set the patch and ball a short distance into the barrel. Now use the long end to set it further down. Use the ramrod to move it down onto the powder charge. Make sure the ball is set firmly on top of the powder.
5. Step 5
Fire the pistol. With the pistol pointed down range and in the half-cock position, place a percussion cap onto the nipple. The pistol is now charged and ready to fire. Place the pistol in the full-cock position, aim and fire.

Gun supporters say colleges trample protest rights

Colleges nationwide have unconstitutionally barred students from handing out literature, protesting and gathering in support of the right to carry weapons on campus, students and an advocacy group say.
Read full story from Daily Record

Black Powder Guns 101

Gun powder also called black powder, is made of pyrotechnic composition which is an explosive combination of potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulfur that flames quickly and can produce a number of hot solids and gases that can be used as a propellant in fireworks as well as fire arms.

Black powder guns are guns that are loaded with black powder. Similarly looks like the common guns that you see today where you put a bullet in and shoot. It is the number one way to shoot something. When you see a black powder gun, Civil War era can come into your mind where you think of the buckskin clad hunters. Most hunters prefer to use this since it is more accurate for long distance shots compared to the traditional guns of today in fact they prefer this than the newer ones.

Today’s hunters are using black powders also known as muzzleloaders, because the majority of the states are implementing a muzzleloader gun-hunting season. In fact, over 200,000 permits were issued to muzzleloaders last year in many states. It’s also used for many years now. The name black powder was created in the late 19th century to make a distinction between the previous gunpowder formulations to the new smokeless powders and semi smokeless powders. During the 1890’s, black powder guns are referred to as gunpowder or plainly powder. It was only named black powder after the white powder was invented so that they can tell the difference between the two. Nowadays, black powder guns and muzzleloaders can be seen in many websites. It is very informative that it can even tell you what powder to use and how to make your own from a kit.

Smokeless powder may require precise loading of the charge to avoid damage due to overloading. Though such damage is still possible with black powder, loading can be performed by means of capacity than exact mass. Usually, high explosives are favored for shattering rock; however, since it has a low shattering effect, all the more that black powder can avoid breakage and thus resulting to more stones with good working condition as compared to some gunpowder. Consequently, the black powder was created to discharge stone marbles and granites which are normally used for monuments. Gun powders are usually used for fireworks. It is mixed with chemical compounds that can produce your desired color.

However, Black powder has fairly low energy density compared to modern smokeless powders and it can produce a thick smoke that can damage aiming or reveal a shooter's position. Black powder arms must be cleansed both inside and out to remove the residue. Its burn rate can be changed through corning. Through corning, it can compress the fine black powder meal into blocks with a fixed density. After that, the blocks are broken up into granules. Afterwards, the granules are sorted to size to give numerous black powder grades. Black powder uses sodium nitrates that can likely be hygroscopic not like the black powders where nitrate used is saltpeter. Since black powder can be stored unsealed and can remain feasible for centuries provided no liquid is ever introduced, muzzleloaders are known to fire after hanging on a wall for decades in a loaded state, provided they remain dry. Now, powder that normally use sodium nitrate that are intended for blasting should be sealed from moisture in the air to remain stable for a long time.

Gun powders have been classified as Group A or Primary Explosive substance by the UN Model Regulations on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods and National Transportation authorities. It is intended for shipment since it burst into flames so easily. Shipment of this item is under extra precaution since this can cause fire if not given extra care. Safety Measures are of top priority for Black Powder Guns.

KEL P-3AT 380ACP OD GREEN GRIP

The P-3AT is a semi-automatic, locked breech pistol. It has been developed from the highly successful P-32 pistol with negligible increase in weight and size. The slide stop has been eliminated and the magazine capacity reduced to 6 rounds due to the larger cartridge. Thanks to its locking dynamics and superior ergo design-- perceived recoil and practical accuracy are comparable to much larger guns. The P-3AT is mainly intended for plainclothes police officers as a secondary weapon, or for concealed carry by licensed citizens. The small grip size and light trigger pull make the P-3AT ideal for female shooters.

The Best Survival Gun for a Woman• By CL Hendricks

What is the best survival gun? As a woman, that is a question I’ve been asking of those who are more experience with both survival and guns. For myself I know I want something that is easy to handle, isn’t going to break my shoulder when I fire it and has affordable ammunition. Another criterion is that it has enough fire power to produce a kill shot.
After asking several people, plus weighing in my own experience, I’m come to the conclusion that there are actually several guns that every woman should have in a survival situation. However, if one is limited to only having one gun my choice is a .22 rifle.
Here’s what an acquaintance had to say about the .22: “Most bang for your buck is a 22 long rifle rimfire cartridge. There are many good 22 rifles for sale. I'd recommend a Ruger 10/22 semi-automatic carbine or rifle. You can't reload 22 rimfires so stock up a lifetime supply, they're cheap; $15/500 rounds or less on sale. A 22lr would be adequate for deer in a pinch, but certainly would not be my choice. For years the world record grizzly bear was taken by a young girl that crawled up on the bears back and shot it in the spine.”
From my own experience I know that a .22 will work for small game like squirrels and rabbits. I also know that my ex-husband brought down deer with just a .22 rifle using .22LR ammunition. He also took down an elk with one well-placed shot with the same rifle and ammo.
Since it is important that one feel comfortable with the gun one’s using, I believe the .22 will be the best choice for me. They are lighter weight. I’m already familiar with how they handle, having shot them in the past with a good degree of accuracy. Also as mentioned above, the ammunition is fairly cheap, especially when compared to other ammo.
Now, I just have to research the best make and model, although I already know that the one I want must NOT be a single shot. If I have to use it for self-defense from either four or two legged predators, I don’t want to have to stop and reload to get off a second shot. I definitely want a model that has some kind of magazine for loading with multiple bullets.
While I’ve been advised that stainless steel is better than blue, I know that if all I can get is blue that’s what I’ll get. I do think that a composite stock will be lighter weight than a wood stock.
Lastly, it is possible to purchase a good .22LR for under $200. Since that’s more my price range, that definitely makes it a good choice for me.
The same acquaintance mentioned earlier had this to add:
For self defense the #1 gun rule is: "Have a gun…any gun. If all you have is a 22 then use it.”
#2 rule is: “Use a gun of a small enough caliber that you can practice with it without fear of recoil or sound blast, therefore becoming good with it.”
Finally: “A .22 bullet in the eye socket beats a .44 in the wishbone every time.”
I’ve reached the conclusion that the best survival rifle for a woman, or at least this woman, is definitely a .22 rifle with a magazine and a composite stock. Now I just have to get it, and I plan on doing that before it gets even more difficult to purchase a gun.

Big Box Mart

In this funny cartoon, an honest factory worker learns the truth about his favorite department store: that there's a very high cost for everyday low prices. Namely, unemployment!

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Just How Important Gun Safety Is For Kids By Tom Husnik

There are thousands of websites on the subject of Gun Safety. If that doesn’t tell you just how important this subject is…nothing will! Police Departments all around the country, medical groups, gun safety organizations (including the NRA), and thousands of other agencies, organizations, and associations have all dedicated websites to this subject.
Articles appear discussing the 10 commandments of gun safety, 45 rules of gun safety, what kids should be taught about gun safety, what parents should know about gun safety, and millions of other helpful hints, tips, rules, commandments, etc.
But… there is one common theme that is present in every article referencing gun safety and that is this… if you have a gun in your home it should be stored in a gun safe or minivault, you should have a trigger lock for your gun, ammunition should be stored in a separate place, and you should keep the key in a safe place where no one can find it but you!
• How else do you account for the fact that over 35,000 kids bring a gun to school each year?
• How else do you account for the fact that there are almost as many deaths each year from gunshot wounds as by auto accidents?
• How else do you account for the fact that most teen suicides are caused by guns?
In a modern world where guns and gun violence can be seen virtually every minute of every day on TV, in the movies, and on video games, what message are we sending if we fail to educate and inform our children about gun safety?
When do we start? Experts tell us that when a child is first aware that guns exist is the time for the education process to begin. None of us would ever let our small kids play on a busy street. But many of us, especially those of us who have guns in our homes, wait until it is way too late to talk to our kids about gun safety. Is there anything more inquisitive than a child? Thinking back to when we were kids ourselves, what is one of the absolutely first things we did when we were left alone? We started to explore! Honestly now, didn’t you know where more things were in your house than your parents did? Weren’t they always asking you where something was? Well, not much has changed in the meantime!
If you have a gun stored in a dresser drawer…get a gun safe!
If you have a gun hidden under your bed…get a gun safe!
If you have a gun sitting on top of the closet shelf…get a gun safe!
I have spent the better part of my career as a Public Safety Director. The amount of times that my Police Department responded to calls for service where a gun was involved is staggering! I learned several very important lessons:
• Guns and alcohol do not mix.
• Guns and children do not mix.
• And finally…and most importantly…you do not get a second chance to do the right thing!
You have a chance to do the right thing today! If you don’t have one, get a gun safe or minivault. If a close friend, relative or neighbor you know has a gun, these also make excellent gifts and show that you care. An old axiom states that there are lies, damned lies, and statistics! Don’t let someone you love become a statistic. Secure your gun---Today! Gun Safe Or Minivault

Time for Some Campaignin'

In our first election satire since 2004's "This Land" and "Good to be in DC", we bid farewell to Bush and give Obama and McCain a proper JibJab hazing! And, of course, who could forget about Hillary and Bill? This rip-roaring musical romp gives the election process the proper spanking it deserves!

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National Park Service Carry

We'll see if the Obama Justice Department actually defends the law: Judge Blocks Bush Rule Allowing Concealed Weapons in National Parks.

More Women Buying & Carrying Weapons

An unprecedented number of women are taking their protection into their own hands by getting a gun. Gun stores are seeing more women customers than anyone can remember. Many women are also getting permits to carry a concealed weapon.

Local 12 Reporter Liz Bonis shows us why many women are in a hurry to arm themselves.

When Jenny Jeffery recently made the decision to get a license to conceal and carry a weapon she says it wasn't because she feels threatened right now, but rather:

Jenny Jeffery, Gun Owner: "What I saw, where society was going as a whole, and the need to step up and be proactive in my safety and that of my family."

Apparently, Jeffery is not alone. Homer Cole has owned Shooters Supply for nearly a decade. Read full story from WKRC-TV Cincinnati

Americans Buying Guns at Record Rate - Glenn Beck goes shooting - Obama gun bans, confiscations

I would buy guns like mad, but I already have plenty of them, and my ammo supply is also adequate. Although, I could use more food and survival equipment, I'll have to work on that.

With that said, I still can't help myself, so every time I get one of those stimulus checks from China, I use it to buy another gun. When I got my last check I went out and bought a Kel-Tek PLR-16. It's one of those pistol type AR-15s, its really cool, and could be very useful in the future if all Hell brakes loose. I also have a regular Colt AR-15, so don't worry about me.

CNN Fakes Gun News says NRA's Wayne LaPierre - C-PAC speech - Assault Weapons Ban - Mexico

Now whose news is fake? It's not Fox News, it's CNNs. All I have to say is that Obama and his anti-gun team are not Patriots and that there will be a place for them some time in the future, I will say no more.

Glock 22 RTF, 40 Full Size, Adjustable Sights, 15 Rd Mags

The new and improved GLOCK 22 RTF-2 "Rough Textured Frame" includes new enhancements including improved grip frame, and angled cocking serations for improved tactical handling.
Uses existing GLOCK 22 .40 mags.

Magnum Research Desert Eagle XIX 50AE, 6 Inch, Brushed Chrome, 7rds

The Desert Eagle is precision cast and machined to strict military standards from high quality steel. The barrel is locked in place, assuring a high degree of accuracy. The polygonal rifling reduces barrel wear and enhances the obturation between the bullet and the bore, thus increasing accuracy. When the last round in the magazine is fired, the slide remains in its maximum recoil position,permitting rapid change of magazine and immediate chambering of a round for instant resumption of firing. The 7/8" dovetail rib on the barrel has cross slots to accommodate scope rings.

FN Tactical Police Shotgun 12GA, 18 Inch, Ported, Fixed Choke, 8rds

Shotguns for law enforcement applications are being called upon to perform in ways unheard of a few years back. The variety of buckshot loads in use today requires something other than the old fashioned fixed chokes. And with the widespread use of body armor and tactical vests, stock lengths identical to sporting shotguns no longer makes sense.
FN Herstal recognized these trends and developed a pump action shotgun to address the specific needs of modern law enforcement.

The Gun National News

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Cimarron Firearms a Blast from the Past by: Chad Reimer

Cimarron firearms are literally a blast from the past. They provide the user with a great firearm for reenactments, cowboy-style shooting, or collectors looking for a piece of historic nostalgia. The best part of the Cimarron product line is the detail to historic accuracy, making the majority of parts at the Uberti factory in Italy, which is known for producing a wide range of Beretta old west style parts. While the parts come from high-quality European manufacturers, the Cimarron firearms are all assembled in the USA to ensure the same quality of the original designs.

Since their start in 1984, Cimarron guns have been a staple in the industry for those who want to own a piece of history without breaking the bank. Maintaining the level of accuracy is done by having a wide variety of 19th century Colt revolvers to compare and ensure that all firearms leaving production lines are built to these same painstaking standards. Unlike many other firearms companies reaching for the same niche market, Cimarron is one of the first official sponsors of cowboy action shooting sports and they even help to organize similar activities.

Besides a handful of revolvers, Cimarron side-by-side shotguns are among some of the most popular firearms in the Cimarron product line. They use the very effective century-old design that customers depend on. Many Cimarron firearms owners, such as myself, are not really cowboy action shooters, and instead rely on the Cimarron as a dependable shotgun for when in the woods or just hiking around rural America. The Cimarron side by side gives the user the ability to keep a slug and bird shot ready at a moment’s notice; keeping the predators at bay is what sold me.

Despite my personal feelings, I still believe the Cimarron lever action is also a must have; today, they are almost unmatched for reliability. They are operated by the user, unlike dirty gas systems or piston systems which add felt recoil. These rifles are the perfect example of the old adage, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Cimarron not only makes the time-tested designs, but makes them fit the same specifications that made them so great in the first place.

No matter what type of shooter you are, Cimarron firearms have a place in the hearts and hands of most Americans. These firearms come with a flawless American Walnut grip and superb finishing to ensure that they will never disappoint even the most particular of collectors. So when you’re looking for a new firearm that has to be quality, or looking for the right gift for somebody special, the Cimarron firearms are sure to deliver the solid design that companies like Colt and Henry depended on to make their name. Throughout my years in the firearms industry, the Cimarron name is still the best for the money when looking for a piece of old west history. Don’t get caught with a cheap knockoff; when it has to be reliable, it has to be Cimarron.


About The Author
Chad Reimer is a firearms specialist for the largest firearms dealer in the USA. http://www.cimarron-guns.com

New York: County attorney says proposed local ammo law is constitutional by John Haughey

The Albany County attorney has found that a proposed local law requiring gun shops to register sales of ammunition is constitutional and is not pre-empted by state statute.
Gun advocates have rallied against proposed Local Law A since it was introduced at a March 9 meeting of the Albany County Legislature. The measure was sent to the legislature's Law Committee for review, and Committee Chairman Bryan Clenahan asked County Attorney Craig Denning for a ruling on its constitutionality.
The law would require certain record-keeping by the shop owner. It would regulate the storage, possession and sale of ammunition and require dealers to record each ammo sale and the caliber, make and model of the firearm for which the ammo purchase was made.
The measure is still before the Law Committee and a public hearing is set for 7:15 p.m. May 26 at the County Legislature Chamber in the Albany County Courthouse.
For more, go to: http://www.timesunion.com/