The Smith and Wesson 3rd Model Hand Ejector in .32 S&W Long

The Smith and Wesson 3rd Model Hand Ejector in .32 S&W Long was produced from 1917 until 1942. A further refinement of the I-frame series of revolvers introduced in 1896, it continued the evolution of S&W's first model that incorporated a swing out cylinder.  With more petite dimensions than the J-frame, which is the foundation of the immensely successful S&W Chief's Special, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Model Hand Ejectors are delightful to own and shoot.  They also carry well in a belly band.

The Marlin Glenfield Model 25

Today, I stopped by a pawn shop and spotted a Marlin Glenfield Model 25 on the rack.  With its scuffs, abrasions, and surface rust, the pawnbroker did not seem to believe that it was very valuable and, for $75 out the door, I took it home.  He seemed happy to have sold it and I was quite pleased to get a great rifle for such a small sum.

The H&R 1871 Pardner Pump Compact 20 Gauge Shotgun

A friend of mine noticed a Pardner Pump Compact shotgun at a local Walmart for $179 and expressed interest in it as a low cost, general purpose weapon useful for home defense and hunting.  A youth sized 20 gauge that is heavily based upon the Remington 870, it is drilled and tapped and equipped with a 21 inch barrel, a screw in modified choke tube, sling swivel studs, and a rather short, synthetic stock with a 13 inch pull.  The Pardner Pump is manufactured in China by Hawk Industries, a subsidiary of Norinco, and though I had not shot the version imported by H&R 1871, I still advised my friend to purchase it as I have found riot guns marketed under the manufacturer's name entirely satisfactory in quality, performance, and reliability.

The Astra 200 Firecat

The.25 ACP cartridge, also known as the 6.35 x 16 mm SR, was designed by John Browning and introduced in 1905 with the diminutive Fabrique Nationale Model 1905 Vest Pocket pistol which weighed less than thirteen ounces.  The little handgun was immediately successful and Colt began producing it under license in 1908.  Other manufacturers followed suit with tiny pistols chambered for the .25 ACP cartridge and some were fairly unique while others were just copies of the Browning design. For most of the Twentieth Century, if one desired or required a very small pistol, a .25 ACP was the likely choice and thousands upon thousands were produced with quality and price ranging from very low to quite high.

The Rebellious History of America, Part 2: Rebellions Under the Articles of Confederation

The greatest rebellion in colonial America was the Revolution that secured the independence of the united States of America from Great Britain.   The lowercase "united" in the preceding sentence is deliberate as this was how it was rendered in the Declaration of Independence which also stated:

That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.

The Rebellious History of America, Part 1: Rebellions During the Colonial Era

Most who are familiar with American history know that America was born of a rebellious spirit that led to a successful revolution against Great Britain.  They are also aware that less than eighty years after American independence was recognized by the Treaty of Paris, a bloody struggle known as the War Between the States in the South and the American Civil War in other venues changed the shape of the nation.  However, with the exceptions of the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, which were precursors to the Revolution, many are unaware of the many rebellions that have occurred in America.  

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.