What are the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions?

The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, respectively authored by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, were responses to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, which were enacted during the Quasi-War with the French Republic.  This was an undeclared naval war that resulted from economic considerations of the Jay Treaty with Britain that followed the American declaration of neutrality and further inflamed a French government already upset by America's refusal to pay its war debt under the auspices that the obligation was to the French monarchy, not the Republic.  Consequently, the French began seizing American ships that were trading with Britain and Congress issued "An Act further to protect the commerce of the United States" which authorized military action against France.

The Polish P-64 for Concealed Carry

Last year, I mentioned the Polish P-64 in "Defensive Firearms for Tight Budgets".  The P-64 is an attractive,  compact pistol in 9mm Makarov caliber that can be acquired at a bargain price (sometimes less than $200).  Resembling a Walther PPK and occasionally mistaken for a Makarov, perhaps due to its chambering, the P-64 is a double action, blowback pistol with a design that is distinct from both.   Accurate and reliable, with good fit and finish, an overall length of 6.3 inches, and a weight of 22 ounces, the P-64 is attractive for concealed carry.

Cigarette Tins Vs. Cases

Recently, I picked up cigarette tin emblazoned with the Daughters & Ryan Ramback logo.  D&R is known for quality tobacco and I use Ramback king sized filter tubes almost exclusively when I use a table top injector to make my own cigarettes.  The cigarette tin has a bold appearance that matches the packaging  of Ramback tubes and I picked one up for the heck of it, perhaps out of brand loyalty.

The Parker Project

Note: The following article was written by my friend, William "Butch" Reid, an accomplished trap shooter who has graciously provided it for readers of this Blog.

Three days before my forty fifth birthday,  I finally acquired a true, American classic. After years of searching for a fine double that my budget could endure I am now the proud owner of a Parker Brothers V grade side by side in 16 gauge. On my routine weekend searches at the local gun dealers, I stumbled upon this little diamond in the rough setting on a shelf behind the counter, out of public reach. 

I recognized the Parker screw pattern on the bottom of the receiver and inquired if it was for sale. As luck would have it, the gun was available and When it was handed to me, I knew it would be mine. As I held it, I marveled at its light weight and graceful lines which were marked by a thin receiver and barrels that make it feel like a natural extension of the body that balances exactly between the hands, just as it should.  The Parker side by side is fast swinging and perfect as a flushing game gun. 

Ugly Guns

Note: The following article was written by my friend, William "Butch" Reid, a skilled, competitive trap shooter.  He has graciously shared it for readers of this Blog and it is hoped that he will become a regular contributor.

My love affair with the scattergun started at the grand old age of 12 when I became the sole inheritor of a 1950’s era Stevens 311 side by side.  This blocky, heavy, and unbalanced gun was complete with double triggers and chokes tight enough to head shoot hummingbirds at 40 yards. This was the gun that I learned to wing shoot with.

These painful lessons began on the opening day of dove season. Our yearly allowance of hunting was on opening day at my great-uncle, Newman Ferguson's farm in Sedalia, North Carolina: a small, 65 acre farm that held just enough cut corn for a decent day of hunting.

Am I Carrying a Semi-automatic Pistol when I Should Be Carrying a Revolver?

Nowadays, many seem to look down upon the old double action revolver.  While they may consider it to be a good "starter handgun" for a novice because it is simple to operate, they prefer semi-automatics-- 1911s, Berettas, Glocks, SIGS-- the list could go on and on.  They like the advantages these pistols offer such as a flat profile, magazine capacity, and fast reloads; they may also prefer a certain trigger, such as that of he single action 1911.  While semi-automatic pistols can provide advantages, many who carry them would be better served carrying a revolver.

Gambler Tube Cut Full Flavor Cigarette Tobacco

While I most often purchase pipe cut tobaccos due to their attractive prices, I bought a 1 and 1/2 ounce a bag of Gambler Tube Cut full flavor cigarette tobacco today to tide me over until I could get to the tobacco shop that I prefer to do business with.  This tobacco, which is sold by several local retailers, is distributed by Republic Tobacco, L.P. which is well known for products under the Top, Drum, and 4 Aces labels that includes injectors, rollers, cigarette papers, and cigarette and pipe tobaccos.