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Doing the Turtle

Tue, 07/15/2014 - 14:59
As Caleb admitted in his essay on the Tactical Turtle Stance, I used to shoot like that too. Caleb accurately observes that this stance is becoming common, particularly with range commandos and the like; mostly with folks who have never received any quality defensive handgun training. Caleb also observes that the Weaver stance is foundation for the art of modern pistol shooting and then offers that, “As IPSC shooters pushed the envelope of shooting performance, Weaver fell out of vogue because it didn’t offer the physiological advantages of modern isosceles.” But, I’d like to throw in my two cents as to why the Weaver stance has fallen out of vogue with modern competitive shooters. In my opinion what this really means is that when you are attacking a pre-determined course of fire and you know where all the targets will be and how you will engage them concerning distances, order and shot placement, the isosolece is a better stance than the Weaver. However, if you are entering into a possible fight in an unknown location with little or no knowledge of what you will have to shoot, where you will have to shoot it, how you will have to move or what you may be tasked to do with your support hand before, during or after the shooting starts, the Weaver stance is the stance of choice. I believe this because it allows a fighting...

Sling It

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 08:50
I’m a believer in a sling on a rifle. I think it should serve as both a means of carry and as a shooting aid. Two of the best I’ve used are the Galco Safari Ching Sling and the Magpul Multi-Mission Sling. The Galco is the best support arm shooting sling I’ve ever used and it has helped me make some shots I could not have made or would have attempted otherwise. It is not a great carry sling. The latter works great for shooting arm support and carry but shooting arm support is not as versatile or bolt working friendly. (This sling needs re-configured for a bolt rifle.) I’ve tried to cobble together a solution several times with pieces and parts of various slings but until receiving the VERO Tactical Sling I have not been successful. By re-configuring this sling (re-positioning and removing some sliders) I’ve managed to adapt it to exactly what I need. Could it be better? Sure. A bit more padding and a wider strap would help but for now, it’s the best answer I’ve found. It provides: 1. Support arm shooting support. 2. Shooting arm support. 3. Support side, muzzle down carry. 4. Strong side, muzzle up carry. 5. Quick access chest carry. 6. Secure back carry. 7. And probably some other forms of carry and support I’ve yet to discover. Watch the video and you’ll see what I mean. Configuration is critical to achieving all the...

Bryce Towsley and His Numbers

Thu, 07/10/2014 - 12:15
I don’t always agree with everything Bryce Towsley says or writes. That should come as no surprise, as I was telling a friend from Oregon the other day, Southerners have an intense distrust of Yankees and foreigners. However, that does not mean Bryce does not know what he is talking about. He is indeed a good shot and he has shot a lot of different guns. He also has some strong opinions about bullets, big and small. His most recent rant about defensive handgun cartridges is a good example. He mentions that “numbers do not lie” and goes on to explain why the 9mm is inferior to the .40 S&W and .45 ACP. He even brings up the fact the the military is looking to replace the 9mm with something of a larger caliber. (Um, the military uses FMG ammo. You cannot compare the performance of FMJ ammo with that of modern expanding defensive handgun ammo and keep a straight face.) I’ll be the first to admit that if you get out the numbers, some cartridges are better – or at least have better numbers – than other cartridges. And many believe these numbers are important. Heck, I write about numbers all the time when it comes to ballistics and ammunition. This is partly because I am an admitted ammunition geek but its also partly because readers like numbers. I’m not the best cartridge in the box...

The 3 0 8 is Great!

Thu, 07/10/2014 - 11:23
About ten years ago while sitting around a campfire in Texas the talk of cartridges came up. A friend was looking to order his first custom rifle and he was curious as to what cartridge he should choose. All of the usual suspects were offered up and my gun-writing mentor, John Barsness, suggested the .308 Winchester. If I remember correctly his comment was, “The 3 0 8 is great!” I’ve never had a soft spot for the .308, probably because of its ballistic twin the .30-06, which I loathe due to an ass of an Uncle who treated anyone who did not use one like a lesser human. Looking back, he treated everyone that way regardless of his or her cartridge affiliation. I tend to lean towards cartridges on either side of .30, like the .24s and .25s for small stuff and the .35s for the bigger things. (If you want to make my knees weak – at my current age that’s not hard to do – hand me a .35 Remington, .358 Winchester of .35 Whelen.) However, you learn by doing and as a gun / outdoor writer you are often handed rifles to hunt with which are chambered for cartridges you have no intention of dating. I look at them as one-night (hunt) stands. Since most new rifles are chambered for the .30-06 and .308, and since I refuse to hunt with a .30-06, I’ve spent a lot of time in the field with the .308 Winchester. Both while hunting and while...

$#!@ Happens, Learn From It

Wed, 07/09/2014 - 09:38
The other day some friends dropped by to shoot. After a few hundred rounds had went down range I stepped up to the dueling tree to face off against one of our visitors. At the go signal I proceeded to empty a full magazine from my Browning Hi Power and did not hit a single plate. Our guest looked at me and I’m sure he thought, “Now I see how these gun writers really shoot!” As it turned out, I had not lost my edge; the rear sight on my pistol was so loose it could be removed by hand. It has slipped all the way to the edge of the slide and as you can expect, this pushed my shots wide. Lesson learned, don’t take anything for granted. Check your gear regularly. Not too long ago I was testing Remington’s new 783 rifle. I’d already pushed about 50 rounds down range conducting accuracy testing. Things were going great, the rifle was shooting just fine and I began to get in a hurry. I switched loads and in my haste failed to put on my shooting glasses. The next time I pulled the trigger there was a loud boom and the rifle kicked rather violently for a .30-06. The bolt was locked closed and I had to pound it open with a rubber mallet. The cause was a case head separation with the factory ammo. The smart guys at the Western Powder’s laboratory suspected the pressures to be well over 100,000 psi. Fortunately, the rifle held up...

The Little Big Gun

Tue, 07/08/2014 - 09:42
“Your husband must be a fool for letting you take a .243 to Africa.” That’s what my wife heard from a few of her hairy chested co-workers before our safari. Apparently those fellows did not realize that I’m a professional gun writer and that professional gun writers know best. Or maybe the gun writer thing was the problem after all. You see gun writers have been preaching this “use enough gun” crap ever since Ruark found out he owed a buffalo money. I’ve had hunters and gun writers tell me that a .243 is only marginal for whitetail deer or that it is best suited as a lady’s or kids deer rifle. I’ve even had some professional gun writers postulate that even larger calibers are not sufficient for deer, much less those hard to kill Africa critters. I’ve always been sort of a rebel and I’ve also always been one who doubts just about everything he hears unless it comes with unquestionable evidence. Maybe it was all those years as a cop or maybe its jut my lack of trust in conventional wisdom or absolutes. Killing an animal has about as much to do with caliber or bullet weight as picking up a girl in a bar has to do with the shoes you’re wearing or the size of your watch. It’s the execution that matters. Bullets must be placed with precision, shoot that kudu in the ass with a .300 Winchester Magnum and you have a problem on your...

Lion

Tue, 07/08/2014 - 09:07
After three weeks in Africa I was ecstatic to get home. I missed my girls, my dog and those magical, mystical mountains I live in. But, I was also once again bitten by a desire I cannot seem to shake. About the time I think I might be over it, it surfaces again. So, once again, you have “The Conversation;” a story I penned long ago when there desire first struck me. “I want to hunt lion.” I said. “I didn’t think you could do that anymore. Is that still possible?” Dave asked with eyebrows raised. “I don’t know. It doesn’t matter; I still want to hunt a lion.” “Why lion?” “Because.” Dave wadded up the plastic baggie his sandwich had been in and wiped at his beard, leaving some mayonnaise stuck to the red hairs. He looked off into the woods at nothing in particular. “It must be expensive, if you can do it at all.” He wiped at his beard again. “Maybe you could hunt mountain lion instead.” “No.” “Is it the danger that entices you? If you shoot well, there should be no danger.” “No…I have done many things more dangerous.” “What about big bears? Grizzly and browns? Still expensive, but doable.” “A bear is not a lion.” “Or buffalo?” “No.” “Well, why? Not that you need a reason but I’m curious.” “Because he is a lion and there is nothing else like him.” “Surely it would cost a fortune and then you may not even take one.” ...

Safari Statistics

Mon, 07/07/2014 - 12:29
For those who like numbers – this is essentially all humans – I’ve compiled some statistics from the recent safari I participated in in Africa. There are a few animals I’m waiting on the data for but the bulk of those taken are represented here. There were 5 hunters on the safari. 22 animals were taken at ranges between 22 and 435 yards. Average shot distance for all animals was 148 yards. 31 bullets + seven finishing shots hit animals. There were 18 one shot kills. The most a single animal was shot was 5 times. Three cartridges were used: .243 Winchester, .25-45 Sharps  and .308 Winchester None of the animals shot with the .243 required a finishing shot. (Gemsbok, Impala, Blue Wildebeest) There were 3 major take-a-ways for me from the hunt with regard to the actual shooting got animals. 1. Shot placement matters most, regardless of cartridge or bullet. 2. Practice beforehand makes a difference. 3. Knowing your limitations and refusing to perform outside of those limitations circumvents failures. If I was to offer some advice to anyone planning a safari it would be to seek some professional training prior to the trip and practice as often as possible. Spend more time learning or practicing then you do worrying about if you have enough gun. Several he-men hunters told my wife she was a fool for taking...

Bad Monkey

Tue, 07/01/2014 - 04:11
When I reached our camp along the Limpopo is South Africa a friend traveling with us gave me a knife. I have a lot of knives and had brought several with me but the knife he gave me was, pardon the pun, a cut above the others.  It’s a folder made in The heart of Dixie and it’s called the Bad Momkey; fitting for sure given where we were. The company’s name is Southern Grind, fitting as well though I can think of things other than knives to apply that description to.  A tanto and drop point blade option are available and the knife I was gifted had the blade design I prefer for general utility and hunting use. Unique to the knife is the short but stout pocket clip which is a feature I really like. The blade has served me well over the last few weeks. One PH used it to cut up onions for lunch and Bat used it to finish off a warthog. I had to pull the knife to end a blesbok that refused to accept the fact that he was a victim of lead poisoning. It has held its edge very well and in two weeks may have become my go to sharp thing, aside from the fact it was a gift from a close friend, handed over in a special place. Like all exceptionally made things, the Bad Monkey is not cheap. However, given the quality and the seriously handy Emerson Wave feature, I’d say it is a bit under priced. I think this sticker,...

Kudu

Sun, 06/29/2014 - 10:37
I was late coming to kudu hunting. It wasn’t until my fifth safari – my first with Fort Richmond Safaris – until I wanted one.   While there it was the free range kudu that intrigued me most. That hunt, which ended during the last legal minute of the last day was the best hunt I had ever experienced…Until this one. Bat wanted to shoot a gemsbok but after his mom took a nice one two weeks ago his mind changed and even more so after meeting and hunting a short time with his new friend Geoffrey Wayland at Fort Richmond. On the second day of the hunt, after Bat had proven his shooting on a big warthog! We climbed Ripkop mountain. We glassed several kudu and Bat finally settled on one. He and I moved into position above the bull and even though I muffed the range estimation, Bat shot well. Now we are both hooked. And, I can honestly say that only a few days after shooting a sable, possibly the most regal animal in all the world, Bat’s kudu hunt was the best hunt of my life.  Well, maybe next to his warthog. We are both hooked now and will hunt free-range kudu again and we will do it with our friends at Fort Richmond Safaris. I’m guessing Mom might want to come along too. The sable might be the most regal animal in the world but it is the kudu that holds the soul of Africa. It’s also the...

FoxPro + CUR Rifle = Dead Jackal

Sat, 06/28/2014 - 04:33
“Can we do that again!” Those were Bat’s words when he shot the first jackal we called in with the FoxPro. He made a good shot right at dusk but I missed the other one. Tried to pull the trigger right after Bat did. That’s OK; having your son shoot better than you on his first safari is not a bad thing! If you are going on safari, take a varmint call!

CUR Rifle Confirmation

Thu, 06/26/2014 - 08:03
The Mossberg MVP CUR is working splendidly in Africa. Bat has already taken a steenbuck, jackel and two wart hogs with a mixture of Nosler Ballistic Tips and Lehigh Controlled Chaos bullets. We are having a wonderful time hunting with Fort Richmond Safaris and it will for sure not be our last. 

Bittersweet

Mon, 06/23/2014 - 11:52
13 years ago he could not walk.  Eight years ago he could not ride a bike.  A few months ago  I watched him dunk his first basketball in a game. Today, I watched him walk away following Geoffrey Wayland, my friend and his Professional Hunter. The headed into the high grass with a warthog in sight.  As they closed the distance my heart rate increased like the rifle was in my hands…I was sweating and shaking. I saw the sticks go up and  saw the rifle go on the sticks. A moment later the warthog dropped and rolled in a cloud of dust as the shot echoed back to me. dust got in my eyes.  I think I yelled something.  Then I was on my feet, headed his way. Lit is a bittersweet thing but at least I’m witnessing as much of it as I can.  No, it doesn’t pay very well but I’ll make the sacrifice and eat bologna for a year. It’s worth it!

“Let’s go, start out easy.”

Thu, 06/12/2014 - 14:27
It is with deep sadness that I must report that until the 4th of July, posts on Empty Cases will be brief. However, that does not mean they will not be adventurous or interesting. Drema and I are off to Africa and it will be here first safari and my sixth. Bat will be arriving on the 21st, the day that Drema flies home. The plans is to start them out easy on warthog or something small and then progress to maybe a kudu or eland. (I plan to talk someone into shooting an eland just so I can eat it.) Preparations have consumed the last week and we are all anxiously awaiting the adventure. Have no fear, Shadowland will be safe. It is being guarded by a very protractive Rhodesian Ridgeback who would like nothing more than to show me a trophy when I return. Just the same, I’ve enlisted the services of several industrious individuals who will be lurking in the shadows in trade for time on the range. I’d seriously consider calling before you stop by if you plan to visit. “Let’s go, start out easy.”  Sean Mercer  (What movie is this quote from?)    

The Way That You Wonder

Tue, 06/10/2014 - 11:18
Life can be long or short in years but can never be full of experiences. The choice is yours, you can sit on the couch and live vicariously through the television or you can get out a live. Sure, if you spend your cash on adventure you might not be able to drive that new four wheel drive pickup and you might not be able to buy that Steyr Scout Rifle you’ve been wanting for years. But, you know what, when your knees hurt and you no longer have the wind to get too far form the campfire, those memories will be worth much more than that fancy truck or that fine rifle. Fortune falls on those who work for it and memories come to those who make them. Yes, it has tied a knot around our budget this year but on Friday I leave for a safari in South Africa with my wife. It will be a few months shy of our 20th anniversary. I’ll revel in the wonder I see in her eyes when she looks across the veldt for the first time and watches the sun creep behind the horizon like it can only do in Africa. I’ll smile around the fire at night as she relates the day’s events, events that will stay with her forever. On the day she flies home our 14-year-old son, Bat, will arrive and he and I will spend several days hunting at Fort Richmond where the idea for the famous Strathcona boots originated. Once again I’ll get to see my favorite part of Africa and...

Too Many or Not Enough and Nightmares

Fri, 06/06/2014 - 09:36
I was re-reading some of Cooper’s comments last night and I found where he hypothesized that we have too many rifle cartridges at our disposal. I’ve heard this from other shooters and it always boggles my mind. When is having too many a bad thing? I’ve heard it said that the only time you can have too much ammunition is when you fall in the ocean or when you are on fire. I’d add that if vampires or undead unicorns are chasing you, too much ammo on your person might be a bad thing. Course, when they recovered your body they could dig it out of a pile of brass. As a side note, at a campfire argument one night a fiend suggested that’s how he wanted to go; in a pile of brass. Another suggested they find his tortured body in a brothel. I tend to be a bit more nostalgic like Stonewall and would prefer to “…cross over the river and rest under the shade…” But back on topic; how could having a lot of rifle cartridges to choose from be a bad thing? Sure, truth told most of us could make it through the rest of our shooting lives with a .22 LR and a .308 Winchester. If you insist on talking big nasty beasties well then, add the .375 to that list and you’re done. But a large part of shooting and guns is not necessarily rooted in practicality and at the same time, varied guns and cartridges give us a vehicle with which to express our...

Still Learning

Tue, 06/03/2014 - 13:54
If you keep an open mind and try new things there are a number of results you can expect. You might learn something, a gorgeous woman might slap you and you could possibly die. Being the inquisitive person I am, I’ve exposed myself to new ideas, concepts and endeavors enough to experience results one and two. Fortunately, I’ve avoided the worst of the possible outcomes. The last two weeks have been what I would call educational. It started with my 14-year-old son, Bat, suggesting we play a one on one game of basketball. I lost and learned he is growing up faster than I would like. Of course, my sport was wrestling and I still hold the edge there. For now. I also gave a handgun with a reflex sight (Trijicon RMR) an honest attempt. For the first 100 to 150 rounds, I struggled to even find the dot. But then, like when you are learning to slip your arm behind a girl in a theater, things began to click. I find it hard to believe it possible to shoot 250 rounds through a similarly equipped pistol and not fall in love with the concept. Another thing I tried was the Steyr Scout Rifle. Yes, I’d shot the platform before. Not extensively, just in a familiarization kind of way. I’ve also used scout scopes for hunting in the States and in Africa. I was less than sold on the concept. So unconvinced was I, that I have written negatively...

Attack – MGM Style

Sun, 06/01/2014 - 16:58
Bat and I set up a new toy on the range today; MGM’s Attack Target. I’ll be putting it through its paces for an article in Shooting Illustrated magazine but I’ll also be posing videos here on how the target works. Set up was easy and we completed the process in about 30 minutes. One of the neat aspects of this target is that it can be used to simulate someone attacking from your front or a target moving from side to side. In the mean time, you can watch the video below to see how this targets sets up and works. There is also coverage of many of MGM‘s other targets. I’m guessing I’ll have to start charging a dollar a drill to keep the line down! Drema don’t mind cooking for guests co maybe she can sell hot dogs for a dollar a piece too. Now I finally know how gun writers get rich; manufacturers pay us to lie about their products and we set up a shooting range and charge for admission and for refreshments. We may get that beach house in Jamaica after all. If we do, I might have to take this target with me.

Watching the Dot

Wed, 05/28/2014 - 23:24
Today I put about 200 rounds through a pistol fitted with a Trijicon RMR. There is a learning curve but once you get the hang of it you can do things! I think the fiber optic / tritium version might be the best option and we will give it a go tomorrow. It definitely qualifies as a “sight you can see.” After the square range work and after plate rack and dozier drills we took them to the Scrambler and I hit every target – one out past 100 yards – and only missed one of the seven with the first shot. I’ve tried this before with open sights and generally run about 50% on the exercise. I like it and with the right holster its concealable.

Hands Down

Wed, 05/28/2014 - 07:56
I travel by air a lot and like most of those who ride airplanes as part of their lives, I need to carry stuff with me. Important stuff like my iPad, my camera and lenses and other nick nacks and do dads that allow me to do my job. I’ve tried every feasible carry on bag I could find that looked like it would serve the purpose in the airport and on the plane AND also be a feasible option on the range or in the field when I arrive at my gun related destination. I’ve just might have found the best answer and I did it by accident. While attending the Guns & Ammo magazine round table where various manufacturers come and present their products to the writers and then let us try them, we are also provided with an abundance of swag. The swag is usually in the form of t-shirts, hats, cute little jump drives, bottle openers and the like. This year Pelican was one of the companies presenting and their swag amounted to a back pack. I didn’t think much about it at the time but when I got home I realized what a gem I’d received. Not only is this back pack sized right and comfortable, it comes with a hard protective outer shell over the pouch where your tablet or iPad might go. Its large enough to carry my camera and a spare lens along with all the other essentials I routinely travel with. Its one of the items...

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