The Smith & Wesson Model 442 Remains One of the Best Options for Concealed Carry

S&W Model 442

Yesterday, my buddy "Butch" Reid, who has offered material and inspirational contributions to this blog, came visiting and he brought along his new, Smith & Wesson Model 442.  A "hammerless", double action only, +P rated revolver in .38 Special caliber with a lightweight, alloy frame, the Model 442 was introduced in 1995.  It descends from the Chief's Special (Model 36) and Centennial (Model 40), introduced in 1950 and 1952 respectively, and shares their reliable and time tested, J-frame design with its five shot capacity. 

An Analogy Between the Bible and the Constitution

The Holy Bible and the United States Constitution are two of the greatest documents in history and both suffer from the interpretative conventions of man. To effectively use them, it is necessary to recognize that they were intended to provide timeless, unchanging guidance to ensure salvation and liberty, respectively. The best understanding of either is provided by the era, society, and language in which they were written and their earliest expositions.

Fixing Your Swiss Army Knife

As I noted last year in "Swiss Army Knives", I have long been a fan of knives produced by Victorinox, the company that traces its lineage to Karl Elsner, who designed the “Schweizer Offiziers und Sportsmesser” or the Swiss Officers and Sports Knife.  These useful tools are of high quality and "Victorinox guarantees all Swiss Army Knives to be of first-class steel and provides a lifeme warranty against any defects in material 

and workmanship."  (Swiss Army Knives/Flash Collection Warranty) 

Why the Confederate Flag is Reviled Today

In the one hundred and fifty-one years since the South was invaded by a tyrannical Federal government, she has been anathemized and her symbols vilified.  Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne is said to have remarked: "Surrender means that the history of this heroic struggle will be written by the enemy; that our youth will be trained by Northern school teachers; will learn from Northern school books their version of the War; will be impressed by all the influences of history and education to regard our gallant dead as traitors, and our maimed veterans as fit subjects for derision."  These words were prophetic.

The Rock Island Armory Standard GI Series 1911: Good Quality and Performance at an Attractive Price

Photo from the
Rock Island Armory
website.

I have read favorable reviews of the Rock Island Armory GI Series pistol, which is made by Armscor in the Philippines, but I did not have the opportunity to shoot one until recently.  A military spec 1911 with a parkerized finish, it lacks the bells, whistles, and price of many Government Models that are currently on the market. The plain old 1911, as it was designed by John Browning, is a fine pistol with an enviable service record that spans over seventy years and the Rock Island 1911 upholds this distinguished heritage and reputation.

Tarring and Feathering and Other Patriotic Acts

Tarring and feathering is an ancient punishment that consists of stripping a malefactor, pouring hot pitch over him, and then rolling him in feathers.  Instituted by Richard the Lionheart for thieves and felons, it was resurrected by angry American colonists and used against the vilest reprobates: tax collectors and friends of tyranny.  In 1766, Captain William Smith, an informant of the British Customs service, was tarred and feathered in Norfolk, Virginia.  Soon, Customs employees met the same fate and the practice soon spread to become a popular retribution employed by Patriots against enemies of liberty.

America Would Be Better Off Following Washington's Example

In 1795, in a letter to Gouverneur Morris, George Washington stated: 

My policy has been, and will continue to be, while I have the honor to remain in the administration of the government, to be upon friendly terms with, but independent of, all the nations of the earth. To share in the broils of none. To fulfil our own engagements. To supply the wants, and be carriers for them all: Being thoroughly convinced that it is our policy and interest to do so.