9mm vs .45? Ask Matt.

"A 9mm is fine. Size doesn't really matter. Shot placement matters. Shooting somebody in the face with a 9mm probably feels a lot like getting shot in the face with a .45....since neither one of them will survive for you to ask them how it felt, it's really a moot point. If they do survive, and they're still able to answer, cognitively, your question about how it felt, YOU DIDN'T SHOOT THEM WELL ENOUGH. Save up more money and go to a good school that teaches you to shoot better. Take shot placement over size everytime. I've never known a sniper that spent his time training to shoot a guy in the calf. A bullet is a bullet; learn to shoot for shot placement. "~ Matthew Graham


I like this guy! I've read up on him and he's the real deal. Thinking about taking one of his classes, finances depending. However you lean you have to admit it's a great answer to the debate.

http://www.grahamcombat.blogspot.com/

Welcome

I'd like to welcome Duke to the fold. He's a buddy of Stephen's and has some good stuff to say on his blog(http://downrangereport.blogspot.com/). Maybe he'll class up the joint some...

What a dope...

Ever do something so dumb you can't quite believe it? While fiddlin' around with my blog design, stats, etc I managed to erase every single comment on the blog. Huh. And here I thought I was cleaning out some stuff to make it easier to keep up. Well, that'll teach me to try to organize. So if you see that I erased your comments, it wasn't out of malice, etc. It was out of stupidity. Y'all have a good 'un.

Remember what matters…

As the 10th anniversary of 9/11 draws near, I can’t help but think about the changes that have occurred in our little blue world. Fears, perceptions, life decisions, and attitudes have been formed and remolded dramatically. It was a day, the day, of our generation. Every generation seems to have one or two of them; Pearl Harbor, Kennedy’s assassination, landing on the moon, the Challenger explosion, and ours…9/11/01. We don’t really even have a name for that day, just a set of numbers to remind us of the worst attack on American soil to ever happen. Nearly 3000 people died that day. Young, old, male, female, white, black, Hispanic…all of them died far too early. Some immediately, some after the fact, and some much later due to illnesses from working the “pile”.

Every year around this time you will hear the saying, “remember 9/11”. The question is what does that mean? What do they want us to remember? The networks will have specials and pictorials; interviews with people that were there and experts on terrorism. They want us to remember the moment and event. I want us to remember the days that followed. Volunteers…so many volunteers in fact that many were turned back. Blood banks that were working 24/7 at a capacity that hadn’t been seen in decades. Truck loads of supplies delivered from all corners of the nation. American flags flown from every available pole, on every car, and window. People standing on the street handing out sandwiches and water to workers. Retirees watching small children so their parents could go out and do whatever they could to help. And most of all: Unity. We were once again a Nation, indivisible. No more partisanship-we were a whole. A whole that had not existed since WWII.



What about today? Ten years later. Are we a whole? Sadly, no. America now is as divided as I have ever seen it in my short lifetime. I have a hard time wrapping my mind around that fact. The fact that it took 3000 deaths and the effect on thousands and thousands of lives later to achieve unity and ten years, a literal blink of an eye, to completely unravel it. It’s your fault; you’re a Republican. No, it’s your fault; you’re a Democrat. It’s America’s fault; we are bad people and deserve this treatment by the “faithful”. It’s difficult to really lay a finger on one thing that has fractured this great nation of ours; but I do know one thing: WE ARE BROKEN. Not in spirit or as individuals, but as a United America.



So you ask, “What do I take from this?” This is what I ask of you, all of you. Remember Americans helping Americans. Remember children gathering their pennies to donate to the cause. Remember the rush of young men and women to serve their country in whatever fashion they could. Remember a bunch of guys walking up flights of stairs to do a job. Remember stores being sold out of American flags. Remember standing proudly every time you heard the “Star Spangled Banner”. Remember the pictures of guys in black digging through tons of rubble until every brother was brought home. And remember, please remember, what it was that made you feel like an American again and hold on to it dearly. Why? Because that is what is going to hold us together now, not politicians, not money, not finger pointing. Let us all strive to be a country, the greatest country, The United States of America.

A little humor...

With all the seriousness going on today-violence, earthquakes, economy, and just general stupidity, I felt like we all needed a little break. Just so happens I've been saving these up for a rainy day. So no politics, fussin' or deep thoughts today; just fun. Enjoy.

 Y'all have a good 'un.

Duck hunting with this bad dude?

This is a Russian made KS-23. I was originally developed as a riot gun and shoot 23 mm loads. 23 mm translates to a 6 gauge in American standards. I've shot a double barrel 10 gauge, but dang...6 gauge. The pic below shows a pistol grip version with a foldable stock. I'd like to keep my shoulder thank you very much. Apparently, the Spetsnaz got a hold of it and did some of their own versions; I can only imagine what that was. Anyway, I just thought this was cool; although I don't think this is something you's want fire multiple times. Thinking about though-it may only take one shot to bring down a whole sky full of ducks! Y'all have a good 'un.

DUH....

Whew. Girls...

Man...Fatherhood. I know most of y'all have children or grandchildren and have dealt with all sorts of...well, drama. This morning my oldest(9) was backtalking her mother for the second day in a row and, after a week of poor attitude. Not really sure what the issue is but she and her sisters, as they tried to hold their own version of MMA yesterday, were warned that this was the final warning-period. Well, this morning it started again and I came down pretty hard on her, including a swat to the backside. Now, what's funny about swatting the kids is this-it is really no harder than when we are wrestling around on the floor or rough housing. They love it and squeal in delight when the get the opportunity to "ambush" Daddy and get the best of him. But the oldest...She is the sensitive one. I gave her the speech again and delivered the punishment. It was not fun. I actually had to go back to my room and gather myself and contain the tears that were welling up in me. It is true. It actually does hurt me more than it's gonna' hurt you.

She took it hard and was pretty upset. Tears, swollen, puffy eyes-the whole works. She finished getting ready and took her book bag to the car and was riding her scooter around the driveway. Trying to gather herself. She had already stated she was not hungry and left her breakfast on the table. I warmed her sausage and biscuit up and carried it outside to her and sat it down on her wagon. I told her she needed to eat something and that I loved her no matter what she thought at that moment in time. After the axe falls, I always try to make them understand that I do truly love them and have only their best interest in mind. Well behaved, Godly, intelligent girls. That's all I ask for. I will hug them while doing so and kiss their little heads, sometimes because the are doing the stiff-as-a-board, no hug-back, I don't like you right now thing. But, sometimes they look up through the tears and give me the ol', "I'm sorry, Daddy-I love you" and it almost breaks my heart to know that I caused this heartache they are experiencing.

So...I hope I can survive the next few years. I remember never really being an emotional person, pretty much all the way through college. I didn't cry at movies or funerals or the such. Passionate maybe, but never emotional. Stoic, I guess you'd say. I softened a little after marriage but I have to say though; these three little fairies hold my heart in their hands. I'd gladly step in front of the proverbial train to save them if need be. I hope they realize that. I just may be in trouble if they ever figure out to use their powers against me, though. Oh well. Dear Lord, just help me through...

Y'all have a good 'un. And make sure to hug and kiss the little ones tonight.

Which martial art for the youngins'?

Well, a comment I just left on Stephen's site, Standing Outside Looking In, got me to thinkin'. What martial arts form is best for my girls to learn? At the risk of sounding plumb crazy, I really do want them to learn how to tear an attacker apart. And...at the risk of hurting feelings out there, most of the forms seem too much like a show or too specific to me. I've spent some time watching the Gracies on Youtube destroying any takers. That includes karate, tae kwon do, kempo, and on down the line. It seems Brazilian jiujitsu is the way to go with a little Krav Maga thrown in. I have downloaded the USMC's combat martial arts program and am reading it, but am no instructor by far. I will say I have watched some video of it in action as well, and I like the fact that these guys are looking to kill or maim their enemy.  I spent six years as a wrestler in high school, have had some training, and am firmly convinced, one on one, that if I can get most zombies on the ground I can do some serious harm( I don't plan on fighting fair). That seems to be the basic idea of the Gracie style. I'm not really sure what to do, because as a thirty something guy I have no problems with really hurting someone if need be to protect the family, but how and what do I use to train my girls?  So...here's the hunnert dollar question-What style do you suggest? Thanks for your time and y'all have a good 'un.

I love me some hog...

My sweet honey and I were joking this afternoon about my love of the pig. Bacon, sausage, tenderloin, ribs-need I go on? Anyway, Jacked Up Glock Mom was talking about canned meat options the other day and it made me think of a home canning article I read a while back on ruralrevolution.com. I posted the link on her comment page, but thought you infidels out there in the ether might like to read this article as well. It's a pretty cool process and sounds like a tasty way to tuck away some good ol' comfort food.

http://www.rural-revolution.com/2011/01/canning-bacon.html

Quote of the week

"Stand your ground!

Don't fire unless fired upon!

But if they want to have a war, let it begin here!"

Capt. John Parker, Lexington Minutemen, April19 1775

Three girls. Do I disagree?

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Charge-Dad-threatened-to-shoot-teen-daughter-s-1833773.php

Check this out. Seems Dad was packing heat. Bad choice on junior's part. Do I agree about what happened to the daughter. No. But ...I doubt we're getting the whole, or even real, story here from the kids.

Thank-ye kindly

Just a quick thanks to the followers on my blog. Welcome to The Gomez Clan, Matt, Mudbug, JohnnyBgood, Kellie, Midwest Patriot, Lila, and of course the man, Stephen. I appreciate it folks. It's always great working to a crowd.   Y'all have a good 'un.

PS-I added this pic just cause I really like it.

It could never happen here...

http://news.yahoo.com/britain-burns-riots-spread-uk-cities-013736610.html
Well, all it took was an excuse. Some say it was racial, some say it was over entitlements being cut. Doesn't really matter. All the sheeple need is an EXCUSE. London has had some of the worst rioting, over the past few days, than it has had in decades. Numerous arrests, massive damage, looting, etc. And all it took was a cinder...a spark. Now, I'm not going to get into the fact that handguns, hell, most guns are illegal there. How do you fend off someone who wants to steal from your store or home or worse, harm your family. I guess you could beat them about the head and face with a chair leg. Or, you could set up some cool booby traps like that kid in Home Alone. That ought to do the trick.

Anyway, it's happening in London. A country very close to our own in culture, language etc. Canada is the next best thing, but I think everyone there is too mellow to riot. Who knows. All I know is that this is bad juju; I hope the idiots here don't read the news and get any ideas; it wouldn't take much. Read the link and see what you think. Keep your ears and eyes open and your family close. Y'all have a good 'un.

New followers

To all my newest followers out there in the ether-first of all thanks. Secondly-if you have a blog I would like to return the favor and see what y'all have to say 'bout things and such. The problem is, my old, run down, slow dinosaur like computer doesn't always get along with Blogger so well sometimes. Often I can't get to your blog by checking with my "followers". What does seem to work is that leaving me a comment allows me into some mystic data portal letting me find your profile and following YOU. So, if I haven't returned the favor, it's not cause I didn't want to, it's cause I can't find you. So...thank you and leave a comment at the beep. Y'all have a good 'un.

With all due respect...

Below you will find the link to a great video I just saw on Youtube. I've been carrying on about the way the Gov'munt's been acting lately and this guy says it so much better than I ever could. So...sit back and watch this short one and get a load of the "with all due respect" line. I like it. I may even write him in for Prez. Y'all have a good 'un.

Have they forgotten? Have we?

"If you show up for a fair fight, you are not prepared."

Marine scout /sniper instructor

Just a quick post tonight. It feels like this is what we have come down to lately with this debt ceiling deal. It seems like we, as Americans, feel as if we should play fair with the world; and they certainly take advantage of it. We give money to the nations of the world to have them turn around and flip us the big ol' bird, then we apologize for being America. This is what we get for "helping" As my wife is so fond of telling my children,"life is not fair; get over it." So...here is me getting over it. But, I will not be caught flatfooted. I will be prepared to take care of my family when need be, as I'm sure most of you will as well. This ol' boy will not be showing up for a fair fight. That being said-y'all have a good 'un.