THE SAGUARO GUNNER

The online journal of Arizona Weaponcraft Solutions.

A division of Johnnie L. Mock PSP Security Consultants LLC 500 N. Estrella Pkwy, Suite B2-267 Goodyear Arizona E-Mail: awsl@mindspring.com Web: www.azwcsl.com

Issue 1, Vol.4 Jan-Mar. 2013

Welcome to our first issue of 2013. We are a bit behind getting this out. We have had a busy year so far and have done some new classes. Our Intro to the M-1 Garand class was a resounding success and a lot of fun. Both the students and I had a great time. Our first Ladies Only CCW class was small but the ladies were highly motivated and animated and I feel it was a success. I am considering doing one more before the end of the year. Enjoy.

In This Issue
1. Our Upcoming Class Schedule: NRA Basic Pistol 08 June, 2013 2. Handgun Basics: Revolver vs. Automatic 3. DVD Review: Combat Fit 4. Small Arms Review: M-6 Scout Survival Rifle 5. Parting Shot: Boycott Colorado

1. Our Upcoming Class Schedule: NRA Basic Pistol 08 June, 2013

This is a National Rifle Association certified class that is excellent for the new handgun owner, someone considering a handgun purchase, or just wants to get a solid grounding in the basics of pistol shooting. Subjects include pistol knowledge, safe gun handling, basic pistol marksmanship, ammunition, and range firing practice. The handbook to the left is included in the course and is an excellent reference for the beginning hand gunner.

Cost is $85.00 Sign up on our website.

2. Handgun Basics: Revolver vs. Automatic

Many of my students are civilians who will take a CCW class to learn the law in regards to self defense, or a basic pistol class to enhance their marksmanship skills. Many of them are not involved in apprehending bad guys or offing terrorists for a living. When it comes to firearms selection they have many questions as to what the best handgun to use is. The reality is that the best handgun to use to defend yourself is one that will go bang every time you pull the trigger. Beyond that, there are a number of practical considerations involved in selecting the right handgun. O.K. so which is better, revolver or semi auto? Better for what? A firearm is a tool, and tools are selected to perform various functions based on the need. So what is your need? Are you a soldier who may have to defend yourself from multiple armed attackers? Are you a police officer attempting to apprehend a twice convicted felon in an apartment complex? Are you a single mom and you need to defend yourself from someone breaking into your apartment at 3AM? Each of the above has different handgun needs. I will avoid talking about caliber and limit this to action types: revolver or semi-automatic. So which type of pistol do each of the above need? Lets see, and answer why. Soldier: He needs a high capacity magazine semi-automatic pistol as he is in situations where he may face multiple armed aggressors at close range and his immediate need may revolve around the concept of firepower. Police Officer: For many of the same reasons as the soldier, he needs a high capacity magazine semi-auto pistol. Single mom (or other average civilian): It depends. Lets consider some questions:

1. How much experience do you have with handguns? 2. How much time and effort are you going to invest in your defensive marksmanship training? 3. Are you actually going to carry this handgun around, or will it stay in your nightstand? 4. What is your hand size and level of strength?

Lets look at some advantages of each action type:

Revolvers

Easier to learn to manipulate, because there is generally fewer functions than a typical semi-auto. Easier for weaker handed persons to operate as there is no slide to retract against a strong spring. More reliable and not as dependent on ammunition quality. Will function with wider variety of ammunition power levels, and is not dependent on the ammunition for reliable function. Typically more accurate out of the box

Semi-Automatic

Holds more rounds than a revolver. Normally a semi-auto magazine holds 8 to 10 rounds, but there are magazines capable of holding 15 to 30. Faster reloads from previously loaded magazines. Due to popularity, there is a wider choice of accessories such as holsters and lights available. Easy carrying of spare ammunition via preloaded magazines. Usually easier to conceal for a similar caliber gun due to thinner action than a normal revolver.

O.K. now that I have thoroughly confused you let me try to simplify this: If you are a person with smaller or weaker hands, limited in either your budget or desire to an infrequent amount of training, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with a quality double action revolver for self-defense. If you are serious about spending the time effort and money to thoroughly train yourself in defensive handgun arts, then a quality semi-automatic handgun is what you want. So, should it be a single action, double action, or safe action type of semi-auto? We will discuss that in a future article.

3. DVD Review: Combat Fit Vol. I

As most of you know, I think Gabe Suarez is top of the line in the firearms training industry. He now has a couple of fitness DVDs out that are directed towards shooters. Gabe is a rough and tumble guy whose clientele tends to be active types such as military, police, and security contractors. He also appeals to civilians who are serious about defending themselves with their firearms. Being a good shot and carrying a gun are not totally sufficient on the streets of America that in too many places resemble a battlefield. Active shooter incidents abound, terrorist acts continue. Todays civilian could find themselves running for cover, getting out of the line of fire, or even physically combating an aggressor. How about the breakdown of social order scenario? Are you fit enough to survive in the desert until order is restored? This DVD shows you a program that the out of shape person can begin getting back into survival shape without spending a lot of money on equipment or using a gym. Available from One Source Tactical at
www.onesourcetactical.com

4. Small Arms Review: M-6 Scout Survival Rifle

Springfield Armory is well known for its continued production of the militarys M-14 rifle and naming it the M-1A. Many versions are available including standard grade, National Match grade, and a shortened SOCOM model. They also make a very fine line of handguns. They also used to make a highly useful and interesting little survival rifle that should be known better than it is. Their version of the military M-6 survival rifle. They call it the Scout.

This handy little jewel is an over-under single shot .22LR, (or .22 Hornet).410 Ga. shotgun. Of all metal construction, the barrel is slightly longer than the military issue model in order to conform to Federal firearms laws. This rifle/shotgun was developed from the Air Force M-6 Aircrew Survival Weapon. The major difference is the barrel length. The military weapon has a barrel length of 14 but this is too short for a legal civilian rifle so Springfield made it with a barrel of 18.25. The rifle will break down into two parts using the quick detachment pin. As you can see in the photo, the trigger is a rather unique lever and was designed to be used with heavy mittens in sub zero weather. The rear top of the stock has a hinged cover that holds an ammo supply underneath of 4 .410 rounds and 15 .22 LR cartridges. In .22 Hornet, it will hold 9 of those. The rifle pictured is mine and an early model. Newer ones have a sheet metal trigger guard. The rear sight is a flip type for both the rifle and shotgun. Peep sight for rifle, v notch for shotgun. This little guy weighs in at just 4.7 pounds. The newer ones can also mount a scope. A sling with quick detachable mounts and a carrying case with ammo pouches was available. This is a great little combo that you can toss in the back of your vehicle during camping trips or picnics and is light and small enough to be easily carried in your back pack. I love mine and take it often on trips. Evidently they are no longer in production and if you find one for sale, they can be a bit pricy. I have seen them advertised for $500.00 plus. But I wouldnt trade or sell mine for the world. Springfield Armory still sells accessories for them, and I wouldnt be surprised to see it back in production some day.

5. Parting Shot: Boycott Colorado

I love Colorado. I grew up there. My roots are there. I still have family living there. I have two Grandparents buried there. And like many others in a growing movement, I will boycott Colorado. I will not spend a dime there that is not absolutely necessary. And I will urge my fellow citizens to do the same. Why? The leftist state government that currently rules that wonderful state has passed a large number of gun laws that are not only totally useless, but are outright infringements on our civil liberties and Constitutional rights. They are also so poorly worded as to endanger law abiding citizens from other states who travel to or through there, and especially out of state hunters. They are so off the wall that a majority of the states Sheriffs have stated that they will refuse to enforce them! Colorados prime industry is tourism. And as a growing number of hunters pick other states to hunt in, gun owners pick other states to ski in, sport related industries begin moving to other states ect, it is going to start putting a financial hurt on the state. Money talks. For too long supporters of the Second Amendment have been defensive. We need to start voting with our checkbook. THAT will make the real difference in firearms legislation. The Obama administration worked hard to make Colorado a showcase for gun control. And so can we. By demonstrating the financial cost of betraying the Second Amendment. So I urge you to join me and boycott Colorado financially in any way possible until the people there demand that their representatives wakeup. I love Colorado. But I love freedom more.
Disclaimer: Neither the author, nor the author's organization, accepts any responsibility for injuries or damages resulting from the information in this document. Some actions or items of equipment described may be illegal in certain localities or states, and as such, they are not supported by the author or his organization. The reader should understand that training with firearms is potentially dangerous if done improperly and that he alone is responsible for his actions