Who Is This God Person, Anyway?

I never cease to be amazed by those who claim to know ‘all about Christianity’, ‘all about the Bible’ and ‘all about God’ and then proceed to demonstrate their entire knowledge comes from a drunken (not having a drink, but drunk) friend in a barely coherent two minute ramble.

For the record, all anyone knows about God; and all anyone knows about Christianity comes directly or indirectly (as in studying and then processing the information) from the Bible. In my experience the untruths regarding God come mainly from poorly understood Bible passages and the untruths about Christianity from a denial of Christian principles.

There have been and are far too many examples of sinful misconduct in Christian circles including a pastor or two. All those examples are examples of non-Christian (non Christ like) conduct. The choicest and most common claim is that pastor “A” had a sexual affair with a much younger person (female or male, it doesn’t matter) other than the miscreant’s spouse. No Christian teaching encourages or even allows such conduct. No Christian teaching encourages or allows ‘covering up’ misconduct.

Do Christians misbehave? Of course! Does this offend God and cause Him pain? Yes. Is this unforgivable or evidence of not being a Christian? No. Christianity is limited to those who have asked for God’s forgiveness, worship God and follow His teachings. Christianity is not earned (helping little old ladies across the street, kissing babies, giving to ‘good causes’, not going to movies or a varieties of dos and don’ts) but by the gift of God. But it must be asked for directly and knowing such asking obligates one to obedience.

So, who is God? God is the single power behind all discernible powers in the Universe. God is the sole Creator of all things, material and forces – including scientific ‘laws’ – in the Universe. God is the sole concept source, designer, constructor and maintainer of the Universe and all therein.

God is the entirety of the Trinity. The Trinity is Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost in the wording of the King James Translation). These three are called ‘persons’ (again in English dating from long ago). I don’t particularly like the term, but I haven’t come up with anything better to my thinking. In fact, the usage ‘three persons’ suggests that God is split into thirds at times. Not so. They are One. If that is puzzling, it’s puzzling to Christian Thinkers and Theologians forever. Much in the same way Dr. Einstein’s “Relativity’ would be puzzling to Og, the cave man who invented the inclined plane and everyone thought he was a genius.

Please note: The above qualities are not limited. There is no ‘except for’ limitation. He does Himself ‘limit’ Himself – a weakness of human language and thinking – in the sense He chooses to refrain from some actions for His own purposes. He does not ‘fix’ certain problems as they arise, as He has plans which He will carry out when He gets good and ready.

Of importance: God’s plan supersedes any human evaluation. When the weather is too cold or too hot, God knows what He is doing. When one has the blue kluds, the flying kluds or covid or cancer, God knows what He is doing. Your or my approval is not required. That is hard to accept (I don’t do so well all the time) but is easier when one realizes God really does know what He is about. That in turn gets easier when one knows Him.

God is Eternal. God was not ‘born’. (Jesus Christ as a man was born, but as part of the God Head, Jesus did not begin existence at the moment recorded as His birth.) So God has existed forever. God will not die. Jesus died, but only as a specific case. So God (all three ‘persons’ will live forever. And understand, God did not live yesterday or last week or when He gave Moses the Ten Commandments, but He lives then just as He lives at this moment.

Going back to the third paragraph about Christian misbehavior. When forgiven by God, He forgives totally. All one’s sins. Past, present and future. As He lives Eternally, all of one’s life is God’s ‘right now’.

This also removes all the problem of “Why did God allow (whatever) to happen? That was wrong!” How many times have we – all us humans – said “If I’d have known then what I know now…” God knows now what we’ll know in the future.

To fair, some of this is hard to take. Hard to accept. Hard to believe. No question. Much of that is due to a faulty comprehension of God. God is not a human or humanish being or an alien who is really, really smart and knows a lot and has a lot of tricks. God is the only self existing being in the Universe and has alway lived.

By the way, one doesn’t have to understand this all at once or even understand it all. If you do not know Him, it is enough to know He is on your side and will accept you – on His terms – warts and all. He’ll accept you – on His terms – even if you are perfect.

The New Rifle

At long last, I bought a ‘new’ (modern?) rifle in .22 long rifle caliber.  I have a couple ‘old’ ones, one that I inherited from my father, and one that came to me from my deceased brother.  And I have a Remington 541 that has been run hard and put away wet.  That’s a ‘modern’ rifle, and I purchased it about forty years ago.  

The new (to me, it is pre-owned) rifle is as the title states.  For those who don’t know, it is a bolt action made like a serious rifle, not an advanced toy.  

I bought it at the local Gun Show from a vendor – with a table.  It has just enough bumps and nicks in the stock to look lightly used, but the bore and bolt face do not look abused.  

It is a rather nice rifle.  It is blued and has a wood (dark finish, not sure what) stock.  It is assembled like a real – centerfire – rifle.  It is for grown ups and long term use.  Oh, yes; the bolt handle is long enough to use without looking.  

The only flaw is the trigger is a bit heavy and is a long pull with a good deal of creep.  I did find a You Tube (I think) video on adjusting the trigger.  I haven’t started that process yet.  But I’m getting ahead of myself.  

Upon a suggestion of a friend, I bought an old Weaver K4 ‘scope and mounted it.  As part of that process, I bore sighted the rifle and soon visited my shooting club.  

We (the club) have a fifty meter indoor range.  It is suited for most any caliber used primarily in a handgun – to include rimfires.  Included is a photo of the initial sight in.  

I fired one or two groups and adjusted the scope to center the point of aim.  I fired this group at the fifty meter line, from a bench rest.  I used CCI standard velocity (lead) ammunition.  The target is a NRA 2700 pistol twenty-five yard center.  

Target One

That is a five shot group. The shot high and right of the main group is not called and I cannot explain it.

After a couple weeks, I had obtained some CCI .22 long rifle “AR Tactical” (marketing!) ammunition.  This ammunition is a copper plated bullet of forty grains, muzzle velocity is advertised as 1200 fps.  I find no information on from what arm this result was achieved; nor have I chronographed this ammunition from this rifle.

Somewhat of an aside.  Based on use, I like CCI .22 rimfire ammunition.  My experience with handguns is strengthened with this “AR Tactical” ammunition in this rifle.  The ammunition seems of acceptable quality as to grouping on target and proper functioning. 

Target Two

This is the second occasion target.  It is an 8.5×11 inch sheet of typing – excuse me, ‘copy’ paper.  Fired at 25 yards, from the offhand, unsupported position.  I will add, the first offhand shooting I’ve done on paper in some time.  Aiming point was the center of the paper.  There are fifteen shots in the group.  No adjustment to the sight made.  

This is a closer look at the grouping.  

Close up of Target Two

From right to left, the group measures 2.5 inches (to the nearest eighth of an inch).  From top to bottom, 3.5 inches.  One optimistically observes by discounting the bottom three shots, the top to bottom measures 1 5/8 inches.  Again on a self-promoting binge, the first five shots (string) contains the two bottommost shots and the upper right hand shot.  My subsequent strings were not fantastic, but notably better.  

One notes with some embarrassment one should place a bit of ruler in the photo to give an idea of size rather than mere claims.  

I do need to practice more with this rifle.  The ammunition famine seems to be over, and hopefully will soon be just a memory.  

At any rate, my next foray with this rifle will include the chronograph and targets with aiming point.  Prior to that, I’m going to see about ‘adjusting’ the weight and creep of the trigger.  

Holding on the ‘center of a sheet of paper’ is a rather nebulous aiming point.  As the protagonist of “The Patriot” said, ‘Aim small, miss small’.  

All in all, promising.

Third session.  Dug chronograph out of attic, gathered all the impedimenta needed for my purposes and went to range again.  

Assembled chronograph and stationed it, being sure my rifle would not put a bullet through anything serious.  Turned on lights to enable indoor function of the chronograph.  (Looks okay.)

Loaded rifle.

Fired a careful shot.

The chronograph displayed error code meaning at least one of the sensors could not ‘sense’ the bullet.  Adjusted all components accordingly.  

Fired a second careful shot.  No response.  The same error code, either again or the same one.  

No matter what I did, the chronograph would not work.  Arggggg!

So I finished the ten shot group and had Target # 3.  (#’s 1 and 2 were mentioned above.)

Just for the record, the bullseye in the center is one (1) inch in diameter.  All groups were fired at 25 yards and were slow fire, from a rest.  The rifle had been sighted in with CCI Standard Velocity ammunition.  I was using a different ammunition this time – CCI ‘AR Tactical’ ammunition, with a brass plated 40 grain bullet and an advertised velocity of 1200 fps.  I wanted to get as tight a group as possible and rejudge the scope setting.  

The group is shown in the photo.  On line with the top of the aiming point and about 5/8” right.  But all the rounds were close.  

So I carefully moved the scope setting three (3) clicks to the left (that is, four left and then one right to allow for slack) and fired another group.  Resulting in Target # 4.

Another ten (10) shot group.  Benched at 25 yards.  Excellent results.  As shown, the group is at the top of the bullseye and centered side to side.  Perhaps a trifle leaning to the right, but I don’t think the scope will allow half clicks.  I prefer to have the rifle shoot high at close range to allow for bullet drop at further ranges.  Essentially a version of ‘battle sight zero’.  I suppose ‘hunting sight zero’ could be used, but with me it’s more ‘tin can zero’.

Bereft of velocity information but delighted with the group size and zero, I packed up all my ‘stuff’ and headed home.  

Then I realized two things.  

I have no fiddled at all with the trigger settings, which are adjustable.  I doubt if any prior owner did, either.  The trigger pull is long and creepy; I cannot imagine anyone would want it that way.

I have not at all done anything in relation to the video I mentioned earlier about adjusting the trigger.  

Secondly, I suddenly realize I have a spare Leupold VX Freedom 1.5x-4×20 scope at home that probably will function and fit as well or better than the Weaver on it now.  Now I have to center the aiming point again.  Such is life.

More on this later…

Some time has passed. It is now on the long side of half-past August. I managed to get out the outdoor range again, with this rifle (and another, but that’s a different rifle).

I did make a stab at adjusting the trigger pull. One removes the stock and that exposes the adjustment screws. One screw adjusts trigger pull and the other adjusts the amount the sear is engaged. It seems now to be just over two pounds and nearly no creep.

I decided to take the chronograph again. This time it worked. I think the combination of self supplied lighting and .22 caliber prevented the screens from reading correctly (at all, it seems). According to the Caldwell chronograph, the CCI AR ammunition averaged 1240.8 – call it 1241 fps for a five round test. Not a real barn burner, but seems to be consistent and reliable. I will not likely be hunting elephants or enemies of the Republic with this rifle.

The scope seems to be regulated pretty much. I have a suspicion I will be fiddling with a click here and there for a while.

Chronographs I Have Owned

As noted in these memoirs, I have measured velocities of various firearms and loads thereof.  I have had at least six devices (I have a niggling suspicion I have forgotten one) prior to the one I just purchased.  They are here noted.  Three Shooting Chrony chronographs – two of which I shot, just a little – and one that is of questionable age and doesn’t work right much of the time.  Two CED (Competitive Edge Dynamics) M2 machines, One Labradar unit and I just purchased a Caldwell ‘upside down’ machine with built in LED lights and the potential to get an ‘app’ for a smart phone – which I refuse to buy.

I have not run the Caldwell machine to measure any velocities yet.  Other than being a little difficult to fit together – but it is new and the parts are not used in conjunction as of yet – I have no idea of how well it works or how long it lasts.  Oh, the basic instructions are somewhat vague in parts.  (One must put the light mechanisms onto the base (part that attaches to the tripod) ‘right side up’ so the tripod fits.  It doesn’t say so.)  So I have no real critique.  I do like the idea it has an internal rechargeable battery vice replaceable AAs, AAAs or nine volt items.  ( I fear the internal battery will fail, but that hasn’t happened yet.)

So far, the Shooting Chrony’s have been the most satisfying.  I did shoot two of them (just a little) and the third one seems to be getting old and somewhat unstable.  I used it day before yesterday and yesterday both.  It seems to have changed velocities for a particular rifle and load between the two days.  And it tells me one of the light sensors (the ‘go’ and ‘stop’ signals for the calculator) is failing to register the shot passing over.  I switched to a new battery for the second day and it worked.  For about ten rounds.  The truth is, I think I’ve had that particular machine for more than ten years.  Nothing lasts forever.  I’m not as able as I used to think I was.  I would just buy another, except I cannot stir up anyone at their website and it seems they only deal through contracted vendors.  I quit dealing with Amazon when Mr. Bezos announced he didn’t want us ‘deplorables’ as customers.

The CED device worked well for just over a year.  Then one of the sensors started sporadically working.  As it happens, CED feels the sensors are subject to aging and are not covered under warranty.  So I paid for a replacement sensor.  That worked for a bit and then a sensor quit working.  So I replaced it.  At about the three year mark (perhaps sooner) I bought another CED full unit.  However, the sensors need constant replacement.  Currently the sensors cost thirty-six and change dollars, plus shipping.  So I consider it less than reliable.  Which is too bad, as I like the machine and the readout and such.  When it works, it is a delight.  When it quits working, it is a target forbidden on my range as it leaves shards.

The Labradar.  What a dream!  No timers, it ‘hears’ the shot and tracks the projectile by doppler radar (like a speed trap).  It has a good package look, it has an excellent display and reader board.  It is easy to set up, no wires to string, no light shades to mount.  The operation is a bit involved, but not impossible by any means.

The first three or four times I used mine, it worked quite well.  Then the device started getting confused by stuff downrange (that are part of the range and nothing I can move).  Then it decided it would not track the downrange projectile.  Now it’s deaf; it won’t hear the go signal.  I’ve changed batteries as needed, and now have the rechargeable battery sold by Labradar for the device.  To be fair to Labradar, they have responded to an email in the past.  Didn’t help any, but what they told me – how to make it work – made sense.  I’m getting ready to send them another message; we’ll see how they answer before beginning the lynching.

Now the Caldwell.  It has a simple display, quite similar to the Shooting Chrony.  But I rather imagine ‘multi-section’ readouts are pretty much the same.  I’ll try it out in the next couple days and see how it works.

20200916:  It is the next day.  The Caldwell chronograph gives a read out of each velocity.  I think.  The velocities seem quite low.  The last readings from the Chrony for the particular load and rifle combination were in the middle 2200 fps level.  That was day before yesterday.  Today they were around 1900.  Same range, same (more or less) weather.  Same shooting bench.  The (rechargeable)  battery went down shortly thereafter, so the low battery might be the problem.  I am home again recharging the rechargeable battery.  I like that feature, presuming it works as advertised.  Tomorrow.

Passage of time:  It is now the 27th July of 2021.  I attempted to use the Caldwell unit about two weeks ago – on the inside range – and it didn’t work.  Gave me an error message the sensors are not seeing the projectile.  Usually # 2 but at least once #1.  I did have the lights on.  

To be fair, I intended on checking velocities from a .22 long rifle rifle.  The rifle is mentioned in another blog article.  (Zastava)

I’m planning on cleaning the sensor ‘fronts’ with the same stuff as I use for my spectacles.  Then try it again outside with natural light.  And a larger caliber – probably .38 Special.  

I’m going to publish this. I’ll add more to subject when I get more results. And satisfaction.

Virus Panic is Over, Evidenced by Spending

I went crazy and bought three new guns and traded for a fourth.

Many of the restrictions of the COVID panic are gone as the number of ‘cases’ keep dropping. That means the entities known as “Gun Shows” are operational again. So I have been to three shows – similar to ‘flea markets’ – two gun shows and one ‘militaria’ show. Gun shows are primarily firearms (new and collector) and immediately related items like ammunition, accessories (holsters, replacement grips, telescopic sights and such) and some military related items like books, pictures of soldiers and military activities since the Civil War and Matt Brady and surplus items. (The old style green woolen ‘Army blanket’ was warm, most storable and cheap; they’re all gone. Modern blankets are pretty good, but not as good in my opinion.) “Militaria” shows concentrate on military paraphernalia like training books, uniforms (of as many eras as can be found) rank insignia, decorations, and some military small arms of various eras. They are somewhat connected.

I attended the Grand Island spring gun show on the first weekend of February. I was looking for my typical World War One military rifles, sporting rifles of the era, .32 ACP handguns and one or two modern rifles that may or may not be there. (They weren’t.) I was looking.

I did find a vendor to sharpen my sort of boy scout knife. It isn’t a real Boy Scout knife, but it is of much the same design. Has blade for cutting or whittling; can, bottle openers and leather awl. Made of stainless steel and handy to have in one’s everyday wear pocket. One vendor had fifteen loose rounds of British governmental made and issued ammunition for the British .303 rifles. I bought them for my display; they were older and had cupronickel jackets – which are outdated.

Looked at all the tables of interest, said hello and chatted a bit with a number of old friends, both vendors and other lookers. Literally on the way out, I saw a rifle laying on a table and thought, “There’s a nice looking M1917 rifle.” Then I looked at the tag. It was not an M1917, it was a P14 British rifle. I didn’t have a P14 yet. I haven’t ever to my knowledge seen a real P14 in the wood and steel. (If you do not know the history of the P14 and the M1917 U. S. Rifle, look it up. Great story. They are brothers.) So I took it home. It’s been cold and gloomy, I haven’t shot it yet.

Weekend of the 12th and 13th March was the Militaria show. They had a lot of stuff, but what caught my eye was a 1893 Mauser known as the “Spanish Mauser” carbine. It was in good, original shape. No the nation of Spain was not involved in WW1. They were neutral. But the rifles of the era count in my collection; it is of WW1 era manufacture and type. I have it at home now. I haven’t shot it yet.

Last weekend (19th and 20th March) was the Hastings Gun Show promoted by the club of which I am a member. I had a good weekend. I found a used but well preserved ‘Zastava’ rifle in .22 long rifle. It is a bolt and has one – count ’em – one five round detachable magazine (I do not plan on taking the Rock of the Marne with it). I have just this morning (Tuesday after) shot it – local range has indoor .22 range – with the equipped iron sights. My old eyes demand I get a scope for it. That will probably be easier on both of us.

Also at the Hastings Show, I found and obtained a(nother) Colt 1903 Pocket Pistol in .32 ACP. Very clean, excellent barrel. I shot it this morning the same time and place I shot the Zastava rifle. The sights are horrible, a razor blade front sight to be lined up with a tiny half-moon notch in the rear sight fixture. At seven yards, six shots printed about 5/8 inch wide and about 1 5/8 high. With those sights it was easier to maintain windage than elevation.

So, as to the panic being over. There were people out and about. The gun shows were pretty well attended partially due to being cooped up for so long and not much else to do. Not to mention all that money they have been forced to save because there wasn’t anywhere to spend much. Mostly, I think they wanted to return to anything resembling normalcy.

I started writing this in late March or early April. Many of my expectations have come to fruition. And of course, it is much easier to prophesy after the fact. (I attempt to be honest.) Goods are returning to store shelves. Slower than one would want, to be sure, but returning.

Prices are up. Commonly blamed on ‘hoarding’ and with some justification, much of it comes from the severe lack of transportation to get goods to market. The firearms industry, clothiers and auto parts stores are all having problems getting deliveries to their retail outlets from suppliers.

Not to mention the nation installed a democrat as President. Massive government spending – especially handouts, no matter to whom or why – creates inflation.

But all is not bleak. As Steven King said in one of his stories, “The effective half-life of evil is always relatively short” (from The Stand). And as God says, “I am that I am!” Meaning, He has all the cards.

Smith & Wesson Model 10-5 (1962)

While looking for a nameless 7.65 Browning pistol, suggested to me by a friend…
The pistol was post WW2, making it a bit too new for my collection. But I did see and purchase a revolver chambered in the widespread and common caliber of .38 Special. It is as the title describes.

This particular revolver has a two inch barrel. This configuration was intended for plain clothes police under the reasoning it would be easier to hide. In my experience, they are no easier to hide than a four inch. But the short version is far more cool. All the private eyes in the 1950s and ’60s television shows carried this revolver.

The revolver is in pretty good shape. When found it was a bit rusty – but only on the surface, and was terribly filthy. I know how to clean.

The rust was all superficial. There were spots of rust on the barrel and top strap. A combination of oil (I use penetrating oil/lubricant) and very fine steel wool will remove the rust spots without damaging the bluing underneath. Then the arm was detail stripped and the major parts were run through a sonic cleaner. Following that, I used WD-40 (the WD stands for ‘water displacement’) and wiped everything with a clean rag (shop rag).

Upon examination, there is no holster wear. So it was not carried in a holster for any length of time. The rust spots noted are most likely the result of being kept in a drawer of the chest of drawers so common in homes. Some dampness found a way in. The stocks have some bumps. they are used. (Upon reflection, the stocks are more beat up than the metal parts.) They are the original stocks by the way. (S&W numbered stocks on the inside bottom of the right piece.)

The photos show the rust spots. This is after cleaning and removing the rust. (Next time I’ll photograph prior to the process.) (Yes, I should make the photos of such things more uniform. I’ll work on it.) It’s really not bad at all.

As much as I like the S&W revolver, I do have two criticisms. One is the horrible short extractor throw on the two inch versions (only gets about half of a .38 Special cartridge out). The second gripe I have is the stocks are designed for persons with malformed hands. The middle finger does not belong behind the index finger.

The short extractor rod is what fits on a two-inch barreled K frame. (A common alteration was to shorten a four inch ‘pencil barrel’ to three inches, remounting the front sight, allowing for a full throw.) Also when this feature (the two inch barrel) was added, users were expected to actually hit the target or adversary seriously within the first six rounds. Not firing ten or twelve wild shots into the air. But I digress…

In the old days, when these were in production, I would replace the stocks with a suitable aftermarket product. Pachmayr grips were very popular, and I must admit they are comfortable and very utile. However, I preferred Herrett Shooting Star grips. (I was a snob then as well. Herrett grips are comfortable and very utile AND rather handsome. However, this is not the old days and these grips have the diamond around the stock screw, so I am not going to replace them. I’ve ordered a Tyler T-grip. An excellent way to make a revolver much handier and not increase bulk; only increases weight about an ounce.

Speaking of weight, the revolver weighs one pound, twelve ounces, unloaded. It will fit in most trouser front pockets and not sag. It is just heavy enough to allow most any sensible (not over loaded) ammunition and control doing so.

Trigger pull is good to excellent. Using a Wheeler electronic trigger scale, the single action breaks at 3 pounds, 11 ounces: double action requires 10 pounds, 11 ounces. The single action is crisp and free of creep. The double action is smooth and uniform all the way and the hammer releases instantly without ‘jump’ of the arm. One of the nicest double action pulls I’ve found without a revolver ‘smith working on it.

I am waiting the T-grip to arrive to shoot this.

As yet, I’ve not decided to put this revolver in my selection of carry handguns. But all my modern handguns are on the possible list; hence the T-grip coming. And I have appropriate ammunition.

How Cold Is It?

Last night, this AM around sun up, the on-board computer in my car declared the outside temperature to be -17 degree Fahrenheit. That is -22 degrees Celsius for all of you who are familiar with that system.

I’m sure others have had colder times and such, but that’s the lowest I recall in the ten or so years I’ve lived in Nebraska. It is to the best of my knowledge, the coldest I have experienced. (Sort of a personal best, or worst.)

I am looking forward to spring.

Mystery Solved!

I have long – since the late 1960s at least – why ‘modern’ rock music must be played so loud. It is not as if any of them have lyrics worth hearing. Finally, I understood. The volume must be great to penetrate the haze surrounding the brain, caused by various recreational pharmaceutical products. Mystery solved!

Controlled Feed or Push Feed?

Controlled feed actions are those in which the cartridge coming from the magazine and being inserted in the chamber is somewhat locked into the bolt – held by the extractor – from the time it is free of the magazine, during firing and until free of the arm. Where upon the bolt ‘grabs’ the next cartridge in the same manner.

As with most things there are two major camps of rifle enthusiasts. Probably not as staunch as large versus small calibers, but still a distinction. Bolt action rifles are – a single distinction, not a combination of factors – into ‘controlled’ and ‘push’ feed systems.

Push feed actions are those which the cartridge in the magazine is merely pushed from the magazine and into the chamber. If not before, the extractor ‘snaps’ over the rim of the cartridge upon chambering. The extractor then extracts the fired – or unfired, as the circumstance dictates – cartridge from the chamber.

The controlled round function has existed since the late 1800s, 1880 or so (I’m not really sure of the date, and I do not find that information important). The push feed type rifles have existing long prior, as any rifle which can be loaded by dropping a round into the mechanism must then have the extractor ‘snap’ over the extractor rim, groove or whatever. So any single shot or rifle with a magazine cut off is push feed unless a rather complex mechanism is involved. I don’t know of any, but I’m not God nor Batman. By the same token, controlled feed rifles are those that are feed only from a magazine.

The controlled feed system was developed for primarily military use. This was in the day of infantrymen being equipped with bolt action rifles and transitioning from selected single shot fire to magazine fire as the officer in charge decided. Controlled feed was considered important for at least two reasons:

A controlled feed rifle can ignore gravity to some extent. Operating the bolt will chamber a round (presuming cartridge or cartridges are in the magazine) in awkward positions. Like shooting from prone in an irregularity in the terrain. Or hanging upside down from a tree.

Reason number two is far more defensible. If one ‘short strokes’ the bolt – that is, does not retract the bolt far enough to eject the fired cartridge – with a push feed, the next round in the magazine will be pushed by the bolt forward creating a ‘double feed’ malfunction and ‘jam’. That cannot happen with a controlled feed mechanism. Since many armies used young men, the tendency to panic was extremely possible when under fire. So the controlled round design was less likely to have that jamming problem.

One notes that nearly all semi and fully automatic weapons currently are push feed. The human factor of not properly operating the bolt doesn’t exist.

So, which is better? Pretty much all bolt action rifles in the current era are for sporting purposes. Battle is now replaced by the possibility of a rather enraged, clawed, toothed, hoofed, just plain huge or some combination thereof. A controlled feed action might be preferred for those times.

But for any occasion, if one retracts the bolt back fully: the fired cartridge will extract and the next round will chamber (presuming the chamber is relative free of obstacles). Then, move the bolt forward, smartly, completely and expeditiously. One might train and condition one’s mind and hand to perform in that manner.

I Seem to Changing

My reloading has changed priority. I load few handgun rounds anymore. I used to reload for a number of handgun rounds. Among other things, there are simply a number of calibers I just do not shoot anymore.

As a list, I used to load and no longer load: .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, 9x19mm (Luger or Parabellum), Super .38 (a shock to recognize), .40 S&W. None of those calibers do anything that I need done anymore.

Additionally, the calibers I do shoot (and had loaded) were the ‘standard’ loading only of .45 ACP (hardball), .38 Special (standard 158 grain RNL), .32 ACP standard and 9x19mm (hardball, of which I have more than I can use). I can purchase those in sufficient quantity to meet my needs for practice or informal casual shooting.

I happen to have four hundred rounds or so of Federal 230 grain Hydra-Shok ammunition for serious defensive use. I also have 9x19mm hardball. Those are from long ago and a serendipity. I wish I could claim genius and good planning, but they just fell from the sky.

Handgun rounds I will continue to load – probably in fits – are .38 and .44 Special, .45Auto Rim – in loadings not commercially available, .45 Colt, .44 WCF just because they are expensive and hard to find.

.22 long rifle doesn’t allow my preference. Such is life.

Two calibers, .32 WCF and .22 Hornet I may or may not load. Both rifles, I like them but they seem to be difficult. Not sure if I’ll continue to fight the battle.

I will continue to load ‘hunting’ caliber rifles. Rifle calibers which will manifest accuracy and or configurations I desire. Included are 6.5x55mm (Swede or whatever they call it these days), 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schonauer, .256 Manlicher (known also as 6.5×53.5Rmm Dutch Mannlicher), .257 Roberts (+p), 7.62x39mm (heavy bullet), 7x57mm Mauser, .308 Winchester, .30 Scott’s Improved and .303 British, which I enjoy shooting.  The .35 Whelen, .375 Ruger, .45-70 Govt (for a sporterized 1903 action). .450/400 NE 3 inch(in a Ruger No 1), .458 Winchester (for a sporterized 1903 action) and 9.3x74Rmm are all more powerful hunting rifles which are NOT fun to shoot.  Or perhaps I should word it, they are fun to shoot; but not fun to shoot very much at one sitting.  

My World War One collection has some odd calibers I will not load much. 8x51mm Lebel comes to mind. PPU makes it ready for use. 8x56Rmm is an oddball which I load only not to fire antique ammunition. 6.5x52mm Carcano is not so useful other than an oddity. 8x57mm Mauser is another caliber rare in original loading. And so on…

I have little idea why I started this track other than to share that activities change and so does what one does regarding such.  At some point, one must admit to one’s self they just can’t carry a 50 pound back pack like in the ‘old days’.  I confess, I don’t ‘bounce’ as well as I did at eighteen.

 

I Really Appreciate CZ – USA

I am just a bit torn (mentally) in beginning this essay. On the one side, I wish to share with you all how great a company CZ USA is; their high standards of customer care and just how delighted I am. On the other hand, I do want to open the floodgates of ‘self-interest’, causing an avalanche of semi-truthful claims to their Warranty and Service section to get the benefits thereof.

I have a CZ 527 Carbine. I must confess they seem to add and remove ‘variations’ often. (Which is not a criticism, just a difficultly I have in keeping track.) The one I have was sold with a ‘rustic’ (their term, not mine) stock made of real wood, and in what to my eye looked green tinged; not of old fashioned spirit. But it was quite attractive and most functional. It broke.

The stock suffered a crack (I didn’t fiddle or examine to determine how serious) at the ‘point’ of the rear of the receiver where it fits into the inletting (cut out) in the stock. One notes this is common injury and it usually superficial. (Usually.)

Having read about CZ’s customer service and warranty work, I sent an inquiry to CZ-USA about it. They sent me a FedEx shipping label to send it back. This was late October of this year. (I wasn’t keeping track of all dates.) They sent a notice of receipt, and not terribly long after an email telling me the problem had been diagnosed; then fixed by fitting out a new stock (including the barrel bedded).

The ‘bad news’. All the ‘rustic’ stocks are gone. (That carbine model configuration has been discontinued.) The only stock available – and what they used – is Turkish Walnut. Holy Kiss a rabbit! Turkish Walnut! I prefer a Walnut stock to the ‘rustic’. Go figure.

Now, the good news. I have my rifle back. It is gorgeous. The magazine fits. I have not shot it yet – although December has days running in the 60’s and little wind. CZ-USA has given me no notice of a bill. None. I did pay the one way shipping by FEDEX. I expected to pay something for the work. Nothing. I rather expected them to glue the crack carefully, gently push it all back together and perhaps a discreet screw, pin or dowel. They gave me a new walnut stock and fitted it!

I have a CZ rifle in 6.5x55mm, the carbine in 7.62x39mm and a .257 Roberts from BRNO (the spiritual and possible physical father of CZ). They are all fitted wood to metal well, operate smoothly and just look good. Did I mention I really like CZ?