I got this holster off ebay for the screaming price of about $20.00. It's used but like brand new, and if it had been worn before I got it, it was worn very little.
It's a smooth, finished leather finish on the exterior, tanned a nice dark brown color on the exterior, and it's unfinished but still smooth on the interior. It's a thin and supple piece of leather, but thick enough to hold a heavy steel frame gun and support it well. Of course, it also works well with lighter weight commanders like the Kimber Pro Carry.
It does not have a reinforced lip around the top of the holster, and doesn't need it for reholstering the gun. It's the perfect medium between thick enough to reholster a gun but not so thick as to be inflexible and uncomfortable. It doesn't stick to your skin but when worn without an undershirt underneath the holster, it stays in place due to the nice finish. So basically the holster doesn't move but it also doesn't stick to your skin. Bravo.
It has a black plastic clip instead of my preferred wide metal clip, but I've come to like their clip version. This clip features a J shaped piece at the bottom that secures the clip under the belt in addition to the clip's spring pressure, to keep the holster in when the gun is removed. This clip is a bit more difficult to remove from some of my thicker (i.e. gunbelts) belts and there have been times that it has been almost impossible to get the clip holster off the belt with the gun in the holster.
This is a good thing. If the holster is properly worn with the belt clip dealiebobber clipping under the belt, then this holster is not coming with the gun when the gun is drawn or removed from the holster.
The holster also has a sweat shield/hammer protector (i.e. to protect your side from the hammer of the holstered gun). It's the perfect size for the Commander, but when used for the Browning Hi Power the traditional hammer sometimes will poke my side when moving in a certain way.
I guess this means I should order one of these for the Hi Power with the request that the sweat shield be enlarged for the hammer of the Hi Power. But since this holster is designed for the Commander, generally these holsters will perfectly fit a Hi Power as well.
This was my third Alessi holster and my favorite IWB holster for the 1911 Commander. It also perfectly fits the Browning Hi Power and has become the go-to 1st choice IWB holster for the Browning as well. Prior to the arrival of this Alessi IWB holster, my go-to IWB holster for the 1911 and Browning Hi Power was the venerable Bianchi rough out suede Model 6.
I'll note that my other two Alessi holsters, also bought used off of ebay, are excellently finished as well. One is a hard molded 3" N frame belt holster which reminds me of the T-Man or Treasury model that used to be made by the late Chic Gaylord, a guru of combat holstermaking. It fits a 3" N frame like a glove with retention yet an easy draw. My other holster is a shoulder holster for the H&K P7 and is the unique "pull through" design wherein the holster retention snap is INSIDE the triggerguard of the P7. Although they make these for other autos like the 1911, I'm a little nervous putting the holster snap IN the triggerguard of a 1911. The P7 IS the gun built for this type of shoulder holster, due to the squeeze cocking system that the P7 uses.
Some of my commander holsters, like an excellent Mitch Rosen molded belt slide/pancake type holster design sold through Galco, won't fit the Hi Power or a 5" 1911. They are wet molded so tight to the Commander size that a full size 1911 or Hi Power simply won't fully insert and can't be forced. That's a well made holster as well.
But this Alessi IWB will also take a full size 5" 1911, and even those with a vertical backside on their front sight. The holster runs about 1/2" long past the Commander barrel, and the 5" 1911 barrel just peeks out a wee bit from the bottom.
Using various full size 1911's with big front sights, I've tried to match it catch in the holster and it won't do it. Smooth draw every time.
As a fellow who has been using one brand of IWB holster (the Bianchi Model 6) for the Commander and Government 1911's and the Browning Hi Power since 1981, it's a sea change for me to go with this new Alessi. I wore the Bianchi model 6 to work the other day with the commander, taking the Alessi in the briefcase just in case. The Bianchi made it about an hour before being switched out because the Bianchi just didn't stay put as well as the Alessi.
I still use the Bianchi Model 6 for J and K frame revolvers, with my favorite trick being to use a larger size .38/357 (K frame snubnose) holster for the 5 shot J frame as well as Colt snubnoses. The K frame snubbie Model 6 holster is just a bit bigger than it's smaller J frame cousin, and holds a J frame a bit deeper and more concealed than the J frame version does.
I won't sell my two Bianchi Model 6 IWB 1911 holsters I have. But since getting this Alessi, only one has been used as mentioned above in the 8 months that I've had this Alessi IWB.
Rating: 5 stars
Excellent holster with above-average construction, super excellent fit and gorgeous to look at (when not wearing it since it's IWB). It holds the gun at just the right spot, offering enough grip for a secure purchase but holding the gun close to the body so it is concealable under a T shirt. I highly recommend.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Saturday, January 18, 2014
SILVER OR LEAD
Things in Mexico have taken a drastic turn of late in the state of Michoacan, where the cartel known as the Knights Templar or Templarios has been under attack by what seem to be well-armed vigilantes. The vigilantes have been grouped, per what I have read, primarily under two men: Dr. Mirales and Mr. Beltran. Dr. Mirales was recently injured in a small plane crash but survived and in his absence, Mr. Beltran has seemed to become the public voice of the vigilantes. However, I've seen news reports lately indicating that Dr. Mirales is back making statements to the media.
Some news reports hold the vigilantes out to either be soldiers for a warring cartel, trying to step into the shoes of the Templarios and just more or less like the Who said decades ago, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss".
Here's an article from today's L.A. Times about the current state of combat in a town of just over 30,000 residents.
Although the photos I've seen show the vigilantes to be armed with AR-15/M-4 and AK-47's and an occasional handgun, I'm thinking these are not the guns of a cartel supplied army. The vigilantes do not appear to be overarmed or over supplied with ammo. Many do appear to be wearing some sort of bulletproof or flak vest, but the vests are not set up like someone going into combat with money to spare would have them, i.e. well supplied with extra magazines, a handgun and magazines, a knife, etc.
In other words, to me the vigilantes do appear to be normal citizen types, particularly in some photos I've seen with their weapon selection (many hunting rifles and hunting shotguns instead of assault weapons) leads me to believe, along with their under-equipped state, that they are getting arms as they go and are not cartel supplied.
TIME magazine featured a photo spread on the conflict, as the Mexican Federal Government moved in. The vigilantes have agreed, as I understand it, to cease liberating communities (i.e. coming in and killing the Templarios) but they have refused to surrender their arms to the Mexican government.
Good for them. There have been numerous events in the past in Mexico that could have served as a catalyst for revolution, but to me this seems to be the closest they have been.
I get much of my information from several websites that feature reporting focused on the cartel violence all over Mexico, and my favorite is BORDERLAND BEAT. I'll link to some others later. And of course, the same reports you see in main stream media reports are often reported in more depth on some of the blogs that cover this tragedy.
So the vigilantes state that they are regular people of Michoacan and that first the cartels came in over a decade ago with the drug trade. Then they began controlling the ports of the state. The cartels expanded into blackmail, kidnapping, extortion and such among the local populations and businesses. It is often alleged that virtually every facet of government is controlled by the cartels, and not just in Michoacan but in all the other Mexican states, if not the national government.
So far, the Mexican Navy seems to be the only entity that is somewhat immune to corruption from the cartels.
The vigilantes say that as the cartels, the latest being the Templarios, began taking over local businesses and such, they also took over lime and avocado farms and took a fee from every basket produced. The Templars either are or were using the large Pacific port in the state to import precursers for methamphetamine and other drugs direct from China by the tanker load as well as taking in cocaine from South America.
That's big money. Enough billions to buy a government.
The vigilantes say that then the cartel members began raiding their towns and villages and taking their wives and daughters for rape and torture and that this was the last straw. They armed themselves and began attacking small villages and towns, killing the cartel members.
There have not been reports of major casualties on the sides of the vigilantes or the citizens of these towns, and they had been exhibiting growing success in attacking the cartel members and moving up in size as to the towns they were liberating from the cartel members.
Finally, earlier this week the Mexican Federal Government moved in and stopped the vigilantes from attacking a town of about 90,000. It seems as if the army did some shooting and apparently an 11 year old girl and several others were killed. The vigilantes are being held at a stalemate by the Federal Mexican Government and being told to stand down and disarm.
As I said, the vigilantes have opted to remain armed but agreed to stand down.
Certainly, anyone with a passing interest in the news knows the high numbers of innocents that have been killed by the different cartels all over Mexico in all kinds of tragic attacks. The gruesomeness (i.e. beheadings) of some of the attacks is unseen outside the third world, and it seems there is much venom and hatred and evil in the motives for the tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, who have died in the past 15 years or so due to cartel violence of some kind.
Mexico now is worse than it was in the days of Pancho Villa, it seems. Lawlessness rages everywhere, as does injustice and corruption. Innocents are killed nowadays, whereas in the past I think an innocent was rarely killed. The state and the federal governments of Mexico seem to be, in large part, bought and paid for, and where it seems the government employees are incorruptible, they are killed.
Some of you may remember the young 20 year old woman, Marisol Valles Garcia, a criminal justice major in college, who several years ago dared to become the police chief of her small Mexican community, Praxedis somewhere near the Texas border. The media heralded her as a brave citizen, fed up with corruption and the cartels and how they affect the lives of average Mexican citizens, even in small towns like the one she hailed from. She is now in Texas, seeking asylum because of the death threats against her and her family.
The cartels, wheresoever located, will not go gentle into that good night if the vigilante movement spreads throughout the country.
The Mexican government of obviously afraid that this vigilante movement might spread to other parts of the country. Perhaps the status quo in the government is afraid their payoffs will stop or are afraid that if the cartels tumble they will be exposed as criminals themselves.
The freedom of the law abiding Mexican citizens in Michoacan is at grave danger right now. These people had lost their freedom. Now, after their fellow citizens dare to start taking back what is theirs from the Templarios, the government comes to the rescue of the Templarios.
Where is the Mexican Navy and why are they not taking out the Templarios that the vigilantes have not gotten yet.
I hope the rest of the citizens of Mexico take the acts of Dr. Mirales and Mr. Beltran and their fellow citizens to heart and do the same in their locale. Take their county back and then go to work on their government.
As the old saying goes, you may choose silver or lead. It is your choice when asked to dance with the cartels. You will take silver, or more increasingly pay silver, or take lead bullets. Soon, the choice for the cartels may be lead or life (if you run now).
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
SHOT SHOW 2014 STUFF (SO FAR) THAT IS COOL
First of all, Sig has been a very busy company. All kinds of new rifles from them, but more importantly something I and many others asked for in 2012: a 22 lr version of their 938 gun. It reminds of the old mini-1911 Llama .380/.32/.22 of the 70's and 80's. I always wanted one of those Llama mini-1911 in .22 but never got one. Now I can convert my 938 as Sig will be selling at .22 conversion kit for msrp of $302 as well as a "longslide" conversion kit with about an inch longer barrel. As Artie Johnson sometimes said on Laugh In, "Very Interesting".
I like the fact Sig made the conversion kit as well for all the current 938 owners as well as those wanting the .22 option for practicing cheaply.
But the great Sig .22 news doesn't end there, friends. The venerable Model 232, which in my opinion shoots better than the Walther PPK/S's I've owned in .380, is now in .22 as well, coming in at 21 oz. with empty mag. I need another 230, an alloy one, because it's a great gun. I think this .22 Sig 232 was priced msrp at $400. Screaming deal! I'll assume and hope against hope it won't be an "umarex-i-zation" a'la the recent disappointing Walther PPK/S in .22, which features a really bad DA trigger pull. I hope it is the same gun but in .22 caliber with real metal and not pot metal.
Both of these guns would be worthy .22's to carry for a wide variety of purposes.
As I've said, I'm not excited about the new .380 Glock Model 42. I would be excited if they said be patient a 9mm version in the same frame will be here later this year. I hope someone asks the question enough times that Glock figures out that a 9mm single stack the size of the .380 would sell like hotcakes.
No word that I've been able to find about Colt and the rumors of possibilities that DA revolvers might reappear in their catalog. One can hope, again, hoping against hope.
Smith and Wesson is bring back the 66 and other guns and lets hope they are not mere shadows of their former selves. I'm sure the Performance Center will spring forth with some cool guns and I've seen a few of them, as well as a ridiculously large-some-kind-of .460 caliber model handgun that resembles a longer barreled and cylindered Governor, kinda sorta.
Enough said there. I'm hoping the 66 is done up more like the Classic line than like their normal dull finished lineup. It would be nice to have a decent Model 66 and a Colt Python on the market at the same time, NIB.
Of course, there are a bunch of rifles and shotguns and accessories that are new. Slide Fire has some kind of mount that you put your M-4 type rifle in upside down and then I suppose it does some kind close to full auto firing, all apparently BATF approved.
Slide Fire has been all over the market with new products like the AK stocks since entering the market with the AR/M-4 platform stock, as I recall about 3 years ago. I remember investigators and cops I work with going gaga over the Slide Fire demos and going and getting a Slide-fire and a S&W M&P-15 Sport (the cheap one) and some 100 round drums and having some fun. Of course, this was before the recent and still lingering ammo shortage. It's a great concept and apparently they make them for bunches of rifles now. Everyone I know has been very pleased with their products, and it's a large group of folks I know that have them, for what that's worth. I really want to get one...it's on Santa's list for next year.
I'm going to see what else I can find of interest in the Shot Show pages...
I like the fact Sig made the conversion kit as well for all the current 938 owners as well as those wanting the .22 option for practicing cheaply.
But the great Sig .22 news doesn't end there, friends. The venerable Model 232, which in my opinion shoots better than the Walther PPK/S's I've owned in .380, is now in .22 as well, coming in at 21 oz. with empty mag. I need another 230, an alloy one, because it's a great gun. I think this .22 Sig 232 was priced msrp at $400. Screaming deal! I'll assume and hope against hope it won't be an "umarex-i-zation" a'la the recent disappointing Walther PPK/S in .22, which features a really bad DA trigger pull. I hope it is the same gun but in .22 caliber with real metal and not pot metal.
Both of these guns would be worthy .22's to carry for a wide variety of purposes.
As I've said, I'm not excited about the new .380 Glock Model 42. I would be excited if they said be patient a 9mm version in the same frame will be here later this year. I hope someone asks the question enough times that Glock figures out that a 9mm single stack the size of the .380 would sell like hotcakes.
No word that I've been able to find about Colt and the rumors of possibilities that DA revolvers might reappear in their catalog. One can hope, again, hoping against hope.
Smith and Wesson is bring back the 66 and other guns and lets hope they are not mere shadows of their former selves. I'm sure the Performance Center will spring forth with some cool guns and I've seen a few of them, as well as a ridiculously large-some-kind-of .460 caliber model handgun that resembles a longer barreled and cylindered Governor, kinda sorta.
Enough said there. I'm hoping the 66 is done up more like the Classic line than like their normal dull finished lineup. It would be nice to have a decent Model 66 and a Colt Python on the market at the same time, NIB.
Of course, there are a bunch of rifles and shotguns and accessories that are new. Slide Fire has some kind of mount that you put your M-4 type rifle in upside down and then I suppose it does some kind close to full auto firing, all apparently BATF approved.
Slide Fire has been all over the market with new products like the AK stocks since entering the market with the AR/M-4 platform stock, as I recall about 3 years ago. I remember investigators and cops I work with going gaga over the Slide Fire demos and going and getting a Slide-fire and a S&W M&P-15 Sport (the cheap one) and some 100 round drums and having some fun. Of course, this was before the recent and still lingering ammo shortage. It's a great concept and apparently they make them for bunches of rifles now. Everyone I know has been very pleased with their products, and it's a large group of folks I know that have them, for what that's worth. I really want to get one...it's on Santa's list for next year.
I'm going to see what else I can find of interest in the Shot Show pages...
Monday, January 13, 2014
EXCITING TIMES
I've read books by Hemingway, and about Hemingway, and he certainly lead and adventurous and exciting life. Lots of side issues going on as well but focusing on the good, he did have an exciting sporting life.
Likewise, I recently saw a cartoon by L.A. Times cartoonist David Horsey bemoaning the lack of motivation in the current generation of post-high schoolers versus the life of the late President T.R. Roosevelt. T.R. had an exciting life as well, and I was unaware until reading the commentary by Horsey that T.R. was the author of numerous books. I'll have to get a few to read. He too, had an exciting sporting life.
I did some googling about both of them, and found out that while President, Roosevelt carried his own handgun. As Vice President, Roosevelt had assumed office when President McKinley was assassinated. There's a couple of interesting stories about his gun totin' here, but I like the one about how, upon seeing Roosevelt with a large revolver (possibly a Colt .45), the apparently shocked President of Havard asked if he habitually carried a handgun,
Roosevelt replied "Yes, when I am going into public places".
Alright, I'm off to read some more Roosevelt stories on the net. Read a lot of stories about Hemingway yesterday. Both were such interesting figures.
Likewise, I recently saw a cartoon by L.A. Times cartoonist David Horsey bemoaning the lack of motivation in the current generation of post-high schoolers versus the life of the late President T.R. Roosevelt. T.R. had an exciting life as well, and I was unaware until reading the commentary by Horsey that T.R. was the author of numerous books. I'll have to get a few to read. He too, had an exciting sporting life.
I did some googling about both of them, and found out that while President, Roosevelt carried his own handgun. As Vice President, Roosevelt had assumed office when President McKinley was assassinated. There's a couple of interesting stories about his gun totin' here, but I like the one about how, upon seeing Roosevelt with a large revolver (possibly a Colt .45), the apparently shocked President of Havard asked if he habitually carried a handgun,
Roosevelt replied "Yes, when I am going into public places".
Alright, I'm off to read some more Roosevelt stories on the net. Read a lot of stories about Hemingway yesterday. Both were such interesting figures.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
SIMPLY RUGGED HOLSTER REVIEW
Over the past several years, I'd been seeing some well made mostly pancake style holsters used in the reviews over at Gunblast, where they never met a gun they didn't love. I do enjoy their personalities, and the photography, writing and details are generally excellent in their reviews, but if they have posted a review of a gun they did not like, please leave me a link in the comments section. I'd like to see it.
Notwithstanding their fan-boy stance on every weapon they review, I do enjoy the holsters they get made by various makers for these reviews. For a time, Rob Leahy over at Simply Rugged holsters was providing holsters, and they looked interesting.
Take the pancake style, for instance, and by the way, Simply Rugged does make other styles. Just check out their website or do as I do and find them on ebay and gun auction sites used.
All of the Simply Rugged holsters I have bought used off of ebay have been of the pancake variety. I've gotten four of them and each is a dandy in it's own special way.
I've got a pancake for the N-Frame 4" that is open bottom and will accommodate a longer barrel gun, like a 6". You need a good strong gun belt, a real gun belt though, when you're carrying that much fire. This holster also works for a 3" Ruger GP100 or a 2.5" or 6" Python. It also fits my 1917 revolvers with 3" and 5" barrels. It will also fit the hard to find a holster for Model 329PD.
I've got a similar pancake for the L frame 3", so it fits several guns well. It fits the Model 13 3" best of all, but will also fit a Model 66 2.5" (which have protruding rear adjustable sights). It also fits the also hard to find a holster for Model 386 sc Mountain Lite with a 3 1/8" barrel. This holster came with detachable belt loops in case you want to use this holster as an IWB holster. Very ingenious. I probably wouldn't use it as such, due to the thickness of the leather, but it's a nice option.
I recently got a J frame pancake holster with five ammo loops on the bottom front of the holster. Although it was made for a 340PD, it runs a bit long and would easily accommodate a 3" barrel j frame as well. The reason for the extra length, I assume, is the loops require some space below the cylinder. Because of the loops and the extra length, it's not a concealment holster, but I plan to have one of these made in a shorter length without the ammo loops. This holster, as opposed to the other two revolver pancake holsters which are plain, is basket stamped and of a very nice design and execution. Another hard to find a holster for gun, the 3" barreled Model 317 .22 L.R. Kit Gun (with fiber optic front sight) fits well in this holster, even though the ammo loops are for .38 Special/.357.
Finally, I have a pancake holster made for the Commander sized 1911, meaning it also perfectly fits the Browning Hi-Power. I've been using it an awful lot lately with the Hi-Power. This holster has a sweat shield that could be a bit larger to cover the hammer of the Hi-Power but it does cover the safety area of the gun. This holster is also a plain finish, and frankly is one of the the best concealing large frame auto belt holsters I've ever owned, and I've used most of the good designs. This holster is made of a bit thinner leather than the three revolver holsters mentioned above. It's still substantial leather and thick, just not as thick as the leather for the larger revolvers.
In conclusion, these are very well made holsters and a screaming deal even when new. They are frequently for sale online, but to me are the perfect "woods and fishing" holster for carrying large guns, particularly large heavy guns. I've gotten some deals on the ones I have, but plan to order a couple from Simply Rugged soon.
There have been times when I was fishing with the lightweight Model 329PD carried in the large pancake holster that I forgot I was carrying it. In my parts, that's a good hog gun with the first 2 rounds loaded with shotshells for snakes. I use the Buffalo Bore load created for the 329PD by Buffalo Bore's owner when defending against hogs.
I'd like to have one of Simply Rugged's Field and Stream holsters, which fits the 30 shot Kel-Tec PMR-30 and an extra mag. I also plan to order a j frame concealment pancake, as I really like the one I got with the ammo looops.
Notwithstanding their fan-boy stance on every weapon they review, I do enjoy the holsters they get made by various makers for these reviews. For a time, Rob Leahy over at Simply Rugged holsters was providing holsters, and they looked interesting.
Take the pancake style, for instance, and by the way, Simply Rugged does make other styles. Just check out their website or do as I do and find them on ebay and gun auction sites used.
All of the Simply Rugged holsters I have bought used off of ebay have been of the pancake variety. I've gotten four of them and each is a dandy in it's own special way.
I've got a pancake for the N-Frame 4" that is open bottom and will accommodate a longer barrel gun, like a 6". You need a good strong gun belt, a real gun belt though, when you're carrying that much fire. This holster also works for a 3" Ruger GP100 or a 2.5" or 6" Python. It also fits my 1917 revolvers with 3" and 5" barrels. It will also fit the hard to find a holster for Model 329PD.
I've got a similar pancake for the L frame 3", so it fits several guns well. It fits the Model 13 3" best of all, but will also fit a Model 66 2.5" (which have protruding rear adjustable sights). It also fits the also hard to find a holster for Model 386 sc Mountain Lite with a 3 1/8" barrel. This holster came with detachable belt loops in case you want to use this holster as an IWB holster. Very ingenious. I probably wouldn't use it as such, due to the thickness of the leather, but it's a nice option.
I recently got a J frame pancake holster with five ammo loops on the bottom front of the holster. Although it was made for a 340PD, it runs a bit long and would easily accommodate a 3" barrel j frame as well. The reason for the extra length, I assume, is the loops require some space below the cylinder. Because of the loops and the extra length, it's not a concealment holster, but I plan to have one of these made in a shorter length without the ammo loops. This holster, as opposed to the other two revolver pancake holsters which are plain, is basket stamped and of a very nice design and execution. Another hard to find a holster for gun, the 3" barreled Model 317 .22 L.R. Kit Gun (with fiber optic front sight) fits well in this holster, even though the ammo loops are for .38 Special/.357.
Finally, I have a pancake holster made for the Commander sized 1911, meaning it also perfectly fits the Browning Hi-Power. I've been using it an awful lot lately with the Hi-Power. This holster has a sweat shield that could be a bit larger to cover the hammer of the Hi-Power but it does cover the safety area of the gun. This holster is also a plain finish, and frankly is one of the the best concealing large frame auto belt holsters I've ever owned, and I've used most of the good designs. This holster is made of a bit thinner leather than the three revolver holsters mentioned above. It's still substantial leather and thick, just not as thick as the leather for the larger revolvers.
In conclusion, these are very well made holsters and a screaming deal even when new. They are frequently for sale online, but to me are the perfect "woods and fishing" holster for carrying large guns, particularly large heavy guns. I've gotten some deals on the ones I have, but plan to order a couple from Simply Rugged soon.
There have been times when I was fishing with the lightweight Model 329PD carried in the large pancake holster that I forgot I was carrying it. In my parts, that's a good hog gun with the first 2 rounds loaded with shotshells for snakes. I use the Buffalo Bore load created for the 329PD by Buffalo Bore's owner when defending against hogs.
I'd like to have one of Simply Rugged's Field and Stream holsters, which fits the 30 shot Kel-Tec PMR-30 and an extra mag. I also plan to order a j frame concealment pancake, as I really like the one I got with the ammo looops.
Friday, January 10, 2014
TIME TO BUY A JEEP AND MOVE TO A MOUNTAIN
The title of this post is a comment I've noticed several times in different news media sites and other types of forums or web discussion places. People will leave it in response to a particularly heinous crime or social crime, which is what I call these mass shootings by those with alleged mental problems. I've even heard random people say it in public.
My wife is convinced that it is indeed time to buy several 4wd vehicles AND move to a mountain. And I am as well. We like where we live now, it's so much better than the big city of Houston where I hail from.
I've written before about our desire to head slightly north and west of Texas to some place that I, El Fisho, can fish for trout. Someplace cold enough to support year round trout and fish like smallmouth bass would greatly interest me. What we're looking for is one of those "generally doesn't snow too much" type of places. We've got several good candidates, but are always looking for others. We'd like to buy some land now and start building a retirement home.
Of course, there are always exceptions, hence the 4wd and many, many *cough, expensive, cough* other devices designed to help humans deal with extreme cold and snow and such. And there's the added vehicle expenses, clothing expenses, all those things we don't spend money on now in relatively fair weather (if you consider droughts fair) Texas.
I do appreciate the difference between a Wrangler and a Rubicon, and we've owned a Wrangler before for a long time. The new 4 door Wrangler hardtop ride much smoother than the 2 door version we owned, but the 6 cylinder, five speed one we had did have a whole lot of power.
Although she's a longtime Texan, the wife was born and reared in snow country, and even went to college in Montana, so she's no stranger to extreme cold and snow for months. Add to that extensive travels to Alaska, the Yukon, Calgary and many other frigid areas of the globe and nation and often in the dead of winter and sub-zero temps and she's rendered all sorts of realities to me about life in snow that involve extra work that we don't have to do now.
We're both really open to places still, and trout are not a controlling factor. We do want to live around waterMany people recommend I check out Arkansas, as land prices there tend to the quite reasonable. One co-worker was looking at a large tract of many acres for something like $74k with a cabin and a live, year round spring feeding a creek passing through the lower part of the property.
Indeed, on a family vacation through Missouri and Arkansas I saw many nice creeks and hundreds of live springs coming forth from roadside rocks in Northwest Arkansas.
Of course, trout are found all over this part of Arkansas, as well as many other species of fish. I just want to do some fishing, preferably heavy on fly fishing but with lazy respites for spinning and even spin/bait casting and bait fishing. I want to do a lot of fishing. I've done a bit of fishing in Arkansas, and the fishing there is indeed as impressive as that in Colorado. I would enjoy doing a lot of fishing in either place.
To me, this sounds like paradise, and I guess Mrs. El Fisho and I should consider northwest Arkansas as well as states like Colorado, southern and western Idaho, eastern and northern California, northern Arizona, Washington and Oregon. The only issue I've ever had with hanging out in Arkansas was the humidity is higher than the western states I mentioned, or at least in some of them.
We have no desire to move to Alaska, although it's a great place still teaming with opportunities for the folks willing to work earnestly and work hard. Wyoming has a lot of jobs for both of us yet that's a serious commitment to a serious winter lifestyle. My wife laughs when I speak of this mythical "place where it snows but not too much".
Over the years, we've considered working internationally in some not bad places but mostly very cold places. That's where the jobs were for us. We've also looked at working in other states over the years, including the northeast in Maine, since that's where I could have taken a job, but we decided to stay.
Ultimately, as much as I like Texas government, it will be time to leave. Find a place with not too many folks, a nice place, and a place that has water. Water will be very important as we grow older. That's why all my friends that have bought places in recent years have sought out properties that had "live" springs producing year round.
The thought is that with filtration and cisterns and storage tanks that water can be kept for times of extreme drought and also for living off the grid as much as possible and with a much cleaner source of water than most water systems.
But back to the title. Time to buy a jeep and move to a mountain. It's a sentiment shared by many, and it's become a response to this world we live in with all kinds of really shocking news about the world we live in (and I'm not talking Miley Cyrus stories here).
It's a philosophy I can easily agree with on many levels. It's always been somewhat of a dream really, to live in a mountainous area with trout streams and lakes nearby, not because of urban strife but to fish and live in peace and quiet. Be more at one with nature, but within easy striking distance of diverse shopping and excellent medical care.
Of course, a Jeep or Subaru or other 4wd is usually part of the deal in mountainous areas because mountains = snow at times and iffy roads. For sure, at times the isolationism appeals to me, but most places we'd consider have some sort of community either there or nearby.
Some might choose the desert. Some might choose the beach. Some might choose some other type of terrain. Since I've seen this comment on numerous forums, and I don't think by the same person, I'll assume it's some kind of common sentiment. That a lot of folks feel like buying a Jeep and moving to the mountains.
I guess we all have to have some kind of dream.
My wife is convinced that it is indeed time to buy several 4wd vehicles AND move to a mountain. And I am as well. We like where we live now, it's so much better than the big city of Houston where I hail from.
I've written before about our desire to head slightly north and west of Texas to some place that I, El Fisho, can fish for trout. Someplace cold enough to support year round trout and fish like smallmouth bass would greatly interest me. What we're looking for is one of those "generally doesn't snow too much" type of places. We've got several good candidates, but are always looking for others. We'd like to buy some land now and start building a retirement home.
Of course, there are always exceptions, hence the 4wd and many, many *cough, expensive, cough* other devices designed to help humans deal with extreme cold and snow and such. And there's the added vehicle expenses, clothing expenses, all those things we don't spend money on now in relatively fair weather (if you consider droughts fair) Texas.
I do appreciate the difference between a Wrangler and a Rubicon, and we've owned a Wrangler before for a long time. The new 4 door Wrangler hardtop ride much smoother than the 2 door version we owned, but the 6 cylinder, five speed one we had did have a whole lot of power.
Although she's a longtime Texan, the wife was born and reared in snow country, and even went to college in Montana, so she's no stranger to extreme cold and snow for months. Add to that extensive travels to Alaska, the Yukon, Calgary and many other frigid areas of the globe and nation and often in the dead of winter and sub-zero temps and she's rendered all sorts of realities to me about life in snow that involve extra work that we don't have to do now.
We're both really open to places still, and trout are not a controlling factor. We do want to live around waterMany people recommend I check out Arkansas, as land prices there tend to the quite reasonable. One co-worker was looking at a large tract of many acres for something like $74k with a cabin and a live, year round spring feeding a creek passing through the lower part of the property.
Indeed, on a family vacation through Missouri and Arkansas I saw many nice creeks and hundreds of live springs coming forth from roadside rocks in Northwest Arkansas.
Of course, trout are found all over this part of Arkansas, as well as many other species of fish. I just want to do some fishing, preferably heavy on fly fishing but with lazy respites for spinning and even spin/bait casting and bait fishing. I want to do a lot of fishing. I've done a bit of fishing in Arkansas, and the fishing there is indeed as impressive as that in Colorado. I would enjoy doing a lot of fishing in either place.
To me, this sounds like paradise, and I guess Mrs. El Fisho and I should consider northwest Arkansas as well as states like Colorado, southern and western Idaho, eastern and northern California, northern Arizona, Washington and Oregon. The only issue I've ever had with hanging out in Arkansas was the humidity is higher than the western states I mentioned, or at least in some of them.
We have no desire to move to Alaska, although it's a great place still teaming with opportunities for the folks willing to work earnestly and work hard. Wyoming has a lot of jobs for both of us yet that's a serious commitment to a serious winter lifestyle. My wife laughs when I speak of this mythical "place where it snows but not too much".
Over the years, we've considered working internationally in some not bad places but mostly very cold places. That's where the jobs were for us. We've also looked at working in other states over the years, including the northeast in Maine, since that's where I could have taken a job, but we decided to stay.
Ultimately, as much as I like Texas government, it will be time to leave. Find a place with not too many folks, a nice place, and a place that has water. Water will be very important as we grow older. That's why all my friends that have bought places in recent years have sought out properties that had "live" springs producing year round.
The thought is that with filtration and cisterns and storage tanks that water can be kept for times of extreme drought and also for living off the grid as much as possible and with a much cleaner source of water than most water systems.
But back to the title. Time to buy a jeep and move to a mountain. It's a sentiment shared by many, and it's become a response to this world we live in with all kinds of really shocking news about the world we live in (and I'm not talking Miley Cyrus stories here).
It's a philosophy I can easily agree with on many levels. It's always been somewhat of a dream really, to live in a mountainous area with trout streams and lakes nearby, not because of urban strife but to fish and live in peace and quiet. Be more at one with nature, but within easy striking distance of diverse shopping and excellent medical care.
Of course, a Jeep or Subaru or other 4wd is usually part of the deal in mountainous areas because mountains = snow at times and iffy roads. For sure, at times the isolationism appeals to me, but most places we'd consider have some sort of community either there or nearby.
Some might choose the desert. Some might choose the beach. Some might choose some other type of terrain. Since I've seen this comment on numerous forums, and I don't think by the same person, I'll assume it's some kind of common sentiment. That a lot of folks feel like buying a Jeep and moving to the mountains.
I guess we all have to have some kind of dream.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
SHOT SHOW 2014 HOPES AND DREAMS
So far, my Glock hopes have already been dashed against the rocks as they have been for so many years now. What, back in 2000, when the Model 36 was introduced I think, I thought surely a thinner single stack 9mm won't be far behind.
But here I am more than a decade later, like millions of other people who appreciate the Glock for what it is. They say perfection in their ads. I've never had a problem with any of my Glocks, and I shot competition with a Model 21 for several years shooting thousands of rounds. I enjoy and use other types of guns, but if it had to be one gun only, it'd be a tough call between a .357 or .44 Magnum revolver and a Glock.
But instead you have a .380 Glock.
But that's besides the point. There needs to be some more cool guns out there that average joe's like me can afford. In recent years, I applaud the gun makers for making affordable guns. The new Remington subcompact 9mm will be retailing at UNDER $400, and that's MSRP not street price. That's a good deal.
There's a rumor Colt might start making DA revolvers again. Of course, the Python and Detective Special seem the likely suspects, but they'd do well to consider the Diamondback and Cobra for self defense markets. Also, I'd really like to have a 4" Diamondback in .22 L.R. and maybe a 3"Cobra in .22 L.R. as well but that's not likely to happen. If we're lucky, we'll get some deep blued Pythons and Detective Specials (and PLUUUUZZZZZEEEEE bring back a nice Cobra in blue in .38 Special) and hopefully the shooting public will buy these guns and more revolvers might get introduced.
My son will immediately want the new .22 German submachine gun that I saw on one page, I believe it's an MP44 copy but I could be wrong. Extra long barrel to be legal so it looks a bit out of place even with the fake silencer treatment.
There is a kinda cool .22 magnum 4 barrel derringer gun coming out, and Taurus has a 1"!!! snubnose made of some kind(s) of light metal and a PLASTIC SIDE PLATE called "THE VIEW" weighing in a 8.6 oz unloaded. Thank's but I'll stick to my 340pd at basically 13 ounces loaded, a few scant ounces more.
I wish the execs at Smith and Wesson and Colt (and let Taurus in as well) would meet with and more importantly, listen to Roy Huntington, ex-cop and Editor of American Handgunner and noted handgun writer and authority.
Roy designs or has done many guns that are featured in various magazine articles. Food for thought, some of them would sell well and make sense. Roy could tell you how to chop a 1917, round the butt and do a few other mods. Make it with the tapered barrel, parkerized with Hogues and even momma can shoot it with a home invasion. I suspect Roy could design several guns me and others might buy.
I'd like to see Smith make a 3" barreled version of the 1917 Classic they recently were or still are selling with the 5" barrel. It's such a great defensive handgun with a 3" barrel and quite concealable with the fixed rear sight in a Bianchi Model 6 for a N frame or in the Galco Combat Master for the 3" N frame. But it would be nice to see make a working man's home defense gun, with options for guys like me who would want it in blue or nickel for an upcharge.
Smith needs a working man's 3" all steel K and N frame self defense gun. Bring back the Model 13 and 65, both in 3". You're already making a Model 10 tribute model, so just make it a 13. A 3" Model 27 in that Deep Blue that Smith is famous for in days of yore. I would like to see a Model 58 4" chambered in .44 magnum, or simply give the fixed sight treatment to a Model 29 or 629. For a woods gun, which could end up being dropped if careless, fixed sights are far less likely to be damaged. Or so my theory goes.
I'd like to see a modern bolt action, reasonably priced, for the excellent 7.39 x 54r caliber. Maybe in a kit with an appropriate scope. Savage, Mossberg, Winchester, Weatherby and Remington could all be making a gun like this to shoot this excellent and cheaper round in something other than a Mosin or one of the AK action models.
I'd also like to see even a single shot H&R rifle for the 5.7 x 28 round, like the .300 whisper gun, but a bolt action would be cooler, better yet if it was cheap.
I wish Savage would bring back the 24 Camper Companion. 20" barrels with a 20 guage with more rifle options this time of .22, .357, .30-30 and 44 magnum. Endeavor to make it lightweight. If they really wanted to get daring, add 7.62 x 39.
I wish CZ would introduce the M6 Scout pistol shown at the 2004 Shot Show. Have it chamber .45 Colt and .410 and .22. Or that Springfield Armory would, along with the rifle version, with the added .45 Colt capability.
But here I am more than a decade later, like millions of other people who appreciate the Glock for what it is. They say perfection in their ads. I've never had a problem with any of my Glocks, and I shot competition with a Model 21 for several years shooting thousands of rounds. I enjoy and use other types of guns, but if it had to be one gun only, it'd be a tough call between a .357 or .44 Magnum revolver and a Glock.
But instead you have a .380 Glock.
But that's besides the point. There needs to be some more cool guns out there that average joe's like me can afford. In recent years, I applaud the gun makers for making affordable guns. The new Remington subcompact 9mm will be retailing at UNDER $400, and that's MSRP not street price. That's a good deal.
There's a rumor Colt might start making DA revolvers again. Of course, the Python and Detective Special seem the likely suspects, but they'd do well to consider the Diamondback and Cobra for self defense markets. Also, I'd really like to have a 4" Diamondback in .22 L.R. and maybe a 3"Cobra in .22 L.R. as well but that's not likely to happen. If we're lucky, we'll get some deep blued Pythons and Detective Specials (and PLUUUUZZZZZEEEEE bring back a nice Cobra in blue in .38 Special) and hopefully the shooting public will buy these guns and more revolvers might get introduced.
My son will immediately want the new .22 German submachine gun that I saw on one page, I believe it's an MP44 copy but I could be wrong. Extra long barrel to be legal so it looks a bit out of place even with the fake silencer treatment.
There is a kinda cool .22 magnum 4 barrel derringer gun coming out, and Taurus has a 1"!!! snubnose made of some kind(s) of light metal and a PLASTIC SIDE PLATE called "THE VIEW" weighing in a 8.6 oz unloaded. Thank's but I'll stick to my 340pd at basically 13 ounces loaded, a few scant ounces more.
I wish the execs at Smith and Wesson and Colt (and let Taurus in as well) would meet with and more importantly, listen to Roy Huntington, ex-cop and Editor of American Handgunner and noted handgun writer and authority.
Roy designs or has done many guns that are featured in various magazine articles. Food for thought, some of them would sell well and make sense. Roy could tell you how to chop a 1917, round the butt and do a few other mods. Make it with the tapered barrel, parkerized with Hogues and even momma can shoot it with a home invasion. I suspect Roy could design several guns me and others might buy.
I'd like to see Smith make a 3" barreled version of the 1917 Classic they recently were or still are selling with the 5" barrel. It's such a great defensive handgun with a 3" barrel and quite concealable with the fixed rear sight in a Bianchi Model 6 for a N frame or in the Galco Combat Master for the 3" N frame. But it would be nice to see make a working man's home defense gun, with options for guys like me who would want it in blue or nickel for an upcharge.
Smith needs a working man's 3" all steel K and N frame self defense gun. Bring back the Model 13 and 65, both in 3". You're already making a Model 10 tribute model, so just make it a 13. A 3" Model 27 in that Deep Blue that Smith is famous for in days of yore. I would like to see a Model 58 4" chambered in .44 magnum, or simply give the fixed sight treatment to a Model 29 or 629. For a woods gun, which could end up being dropped if careless, fixed sights are far less likely to be damaged. Or so my theory goes.
I'd like to see a modern bolt action, reasonably priced, for the excellent 7.39 x 54r caliber. Maybe in a kit with an appropriate scope. Savage, Mossberg, Winchester, Weatherby and Remington could all be making a gun like this to shoot this excellent and cheaper round in something other than a Mosin or one of the AK action models.
I'd also like to see even a single shot H&R rifle for the 5.7 x 28 round, like the .300 whisper gun, but a bolt action would be cooler, better yet if it was cheap.
I wish Savage would bring back the 24 Camper Companion. 20" barrels with a 20 guage with more rifle options this time of .22, .357, .30-30 and 44 magnum. Endeavor to make it lightweight. If they really wanted to get daring, add 7.62 x 39.
I wish CZ would introduce the M6 Scout pistol shown at the 2004 Shot Show. Have it chamber .45 Colt and .410 and .22. Or that Springfield Armory would, along with the rifle version, with the added .45 Colt capability.
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