Bullseye Shooting-The Post Season.

Our winter bulleye league let out a month or two ago, I didn't really keep up with updates but I finished with a 511 average and ended up with a NRA Sharp Shooters badge and nine bars, not bad for a first time bullseye shooter, but I don't know if I'm going to stick with it it. I think my time would be better spent either reloading for IDPA/USPSA or just working from the holster in the basement with the snap caps and improve my mag changes. If I needed another reason not to do it next year, my wife was sworn into the USMC Reserves yesterday and will be shipping to Recruit Training on Oct 12th this year (Go get 'em honey! GET SOME!) and I wouldn't feel right leaving my son in day care longer than needed to go plink with the .22.

I think that with the money I would have spent on a new bullseye gun, better optic, and probably a new spotting scope would be better used on a Dillon given my grievances with my Lee (No, I haven't replaced it yet, but the time is drawing near), the local "major" sporting goods stores, Scheels is now carrying Dillon presses in stock and I'm just running out of reasons to get one.

On a side note, I mailed in my application to the Illinois State IDPA Championship that is to the held in July, a couple of us from the club will be traveling out and will hopefully make a good run at things. In the mean time I think I'm going to get the Baer outfitted with some new Heinie sights and maybe an ambi-safety.

Iowa to be Shall Issue as of 1-1-11

Governor Culver Signs Bill Standardizing Weapon Permit Process

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver today signed into law Senate File 2379, legislation that standardizes the weapon permit process across Iowa.

Iowa has historically been a “may issue” state, meaning that decisions on whether to issue an individual a permit to carry a weapon were made at the local level at the sheriff’s discretion, with inconsistencies among counties. Senate File 2379 makes Iowa a “shall issue” state in which individuals will be granted weapon permits unless they meet certain criteria for denial.

“I am signing this bill because I believe there doesn’t need to be any conflict between the freedom to carry firearms and public safety,” Governor Culver said during a signing ceremony at the State Capitol. “Instead, I believe that law-abiding citizens who are placed in situations in which their life and property are threatened should be able to protect themselves, and their families. When firearms are used properly by people who are trained in their use, public safety can increase in terms of crime prevention.”

The law does not grant automatic approval of application for permits for people who are likely to be a danger to themselves or their communities, but it provides that Iowans start with an assumption that an application will be approved, with reasonable safeguards for public safety. Sheriffs will be required to deny permits based upon applicants’ previous illegal acts, age restrictions (applicants must be over 21), and to applicants who are likely to commit a violent act with the firearm. People denied a permit under these limitations may appeal their case to an administrative law judge. Applicants for a carry permit must be knowledgeable and trained in firearm safety, and continue to show proficiency in control of the firearm.

“This bill strikes an appropriate balance, recognizing the rights of law-abiding Iowans guaranteed by the Second Amendment and the duty of local law enforcement officers,” Governor Culver said. “We all have a role to play in public safety. I believe this is a good bill that has the potential to keep Iowans safer.”

A sigh of relief as we were getting close to a veto due to inaction. Can't wait till 1-1-11 to ditch my nanny permit. Odd that as I'm typing this I am enjoying the fact that MI honors all State's permits (Yes I am thumbing my nose at my Sheriff) and am able to carry. This will be one happy new year indeed.

The Enhancements Begin!

As previously mentioned, I plan on upgrading my ARs with some odds and ends. The first two items for the Noveske have been purchased. I received my BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle yesterday (as well as some replacement gas rings...I had an oops while cleaning my bolt) and my American Defense Recon-X mount was ordered today.

We're going to have a short rifle side match after our monthly IDPA shoot and it will be interesting to see how I like the Millet DMS.

SOG(s) for me!

Prior to moving to Iowa I was searching for a smaller fixed blade tanto for carry while riding out the may issue mess. I never really found anything that did it for me, I managed to find an old Cold Steel Mini Tanto (no longer in production) but the handle was super slim...for me. The wife loves it.

I've kept looking and found what seems to be just what I was looking for. There aren't that many sub-five (5" being the largest thing you can carry in Iowa without a PTCW) inch tantos of reputable make and while I'd rather have a straight edge, the combo edge of the SOG Mini-Tsunami will have to do.

It even appears to come with a usable sheath. Score one for JD....or make that two. I found two of these for sale on the net, and unless they were posted by the same guy, I'll be a proud owner of twins.

I've been using a couple of good folders for the time being but I'd much rather have a fixed blade option.