Gun Thread: Fourth May Edition!

Howdy, Y'all! Welcome to the wondrously fabulous Gun Thread! As always, I want to thank all of our regulars for being here week in and week out, and also offer a bigly Gun Thread welcome to any newcomers who may be joining us tonight. Howdy and thank you for stopping by! I hope you find our wacky conversation on the subject of guns 'n shooting both enjoyable and informative. You are always welcome to lurk in the shadows of shame, but I'd like to invite you to jump into the conversation, say howdy, and tell us what kind of shooting you like to do!

Holy Shitballs! How in the ever-loving Hell did it get to be the Fourth May Edition? Going to be a little bit of a quick one again tonight - I'm traveling and naturally left this until the last minute.

With that, step into the dojo and let's get to the gun stuff below, shall we?

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FUNdamentals

When was the last time you focused on fundamentals? Please say it was the last time you went to the range. Please? Lie if you have to.

More revolver fundamentals.

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Weird Stuff

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Revolver Cleaning

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Our Pal Sodium Reactors

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What??!!

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Civil Defense After The Bomb!

Protect your hearing in this case, too!

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NoVaMoMe 2026

What - you thought there wasn't going to be a NoVaMoMe in 2026?

Note: One of the great joys of NoVAMoMe season, at least for me, is being able to cut and paste the entire block of text below and haranguing you to attend the event. Are you attending? Are you focusing on the fundamentals of attending?

Alright, guys and gals, the long awaited and highly anticipated details of the 2026 NoVAMoMe are here! That's right, I finally got my act together and updated the information page for 2026, and need to go over a few details. First, the date is June 20th, 2026 from 11am to 3pm. Nextly, my bestest blog buddy bluebell and I have decided 2026 will continue the longstanding tradition of NoVAMoMe simplification, and want to pass along the changes from prior years.

First, no registration and no advance charge for food. If you would like to attend, send an email to WeaselBell Productions, and let us know. You will be directed to a sekrit webpage with all of the details. We do ask once you have decided to attend to let us know so we can coordinate an expected count with venue management. Once there if you are hungry or thirsty simply order from the onsite menu and pay separately. Cash and credit cards accepted. Next, although fun, we have decided to again take a break from the raffles and mug sales this year. Depending on how it goes, that may be something we bring back in future years. While your generosity is always appreciated, with no prize table, please leave donations and contributions at home, but bring your appetite for a great afternoon spent with your imaginary online friends.

Next, a NoVAMoMe PSA from our pal bluebell

Hi folks - just a quick PSA. If you write for info about the MoMe, please give us a few words in the body of the email just so I know you are a Moron and not a spammer (moron). I do receive spam on this email account because it's sitting right here in my nic, so that's why I'm asking. I don't want to give our details to a spammer. Also, remember to check your spam folder if you don't receive a reply email.
Thanks.
bluebell

Seriously, just send an email then go to the website with the password provided. If you forget, a link to the email is on the main page, left sidebar. If you do not sign up, bluebell will be disappointed. Weasel will be disappointed, too, but it's bluebell you need to worry about.

That's it, people. Don't be a dork. Email WeaselBell Productions today!

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Highway Patrol!

This week's episode: Narcotics Racket!

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The Unearthly!

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Here are some different online cigar vendors. You will find they not only carry different brands and different lines from those brands, but also varying selections of vitolas (sizes/shapes) of given lines. It's good to have options, especially if you're looking for a specific cigar.

Cigarsinternational.com
Cigarpage.com
Famous-smoke.com
Cigarsdaily.com
Neptunecigar.com
Smallbatchcigar.com
Bobalu Cigar Company
Cigarbid.com
Nicks Cigar World New!

A note about sources. The brick & mortar/online divide exists with cigars, as with guns, and most consumer products, with respect to price. As with guns - since both are "persecuted industries", basically - I make a conscious effort to source at least some of my cigars from my local store(s). It's a small thing, but the brick & mortar segment for both guns and tobacco are precious, and worth supporting where you can. And if you're lucky enough to have a good cigar store/lounge available, they're often a good social event with many dangerous people of the sort who own scary gunz, or read smart military blogs like this one. -rhomboid

Anyone have others to include? Perhaps a small local roller who makes a cigar you like? Send me your recommendation and a link to the site!

Ammo Link-O-Rama
I'm really very seriously not kidding around anymore. Buy Ammo
AmmoSeek - online ammo search tool
GunBot - online ammo search tool
SG Ammo
Palmetto State Armory
Georgia Arms
AmmoMan
Target Sports USA
Bud's Gun Shop
American Elite Ammo
Lucky Gunner Ammo NEW!

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Please note the new and improved protonmail account gunthread at protonmail dot com. An informal Gun Thread archive can be found HERE. Future expansion plans are in the works for the site Weasel Gun Thread. If you have a question you would like to ask Gun Thread Staff offline, just send us a note and we'll do our best to answer. If you care to share the story of your favorite firearm, send a picture with your nic and tell us what you sadly lost in the tragic canoe accident. If you would like to remain completely anonymous, just say so. Lurkers are always welcome!

That's it for this week - have you been to the range?

Posted by: Weasel at 07:00 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 CONTENT!!!

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 07:00 PM (QrtBZ)

2 Bang

Posted by: Eromero at May 24, 2026 07:00 PM (LHPAg)

3 Yay! Gubs!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 24, 2026 07:00 PM (Wnv9h)

4 on time, to the second!

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at May 24, 2026 07:00 PM (VyBeY)

5 Good Sunday evening, gub 'ettes and 'rons, and thanks Weasel as always for the forum!

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:00 PM (t2oSI)

6 Scoob!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 24, 2026 07:02 PM (Wnv9h)

7 Hello folks.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at May 24, 2026 07:02 PM (CHHv1)

8 and still $ 4, lol!

Thank you Weasel!

alas, I have not been to the range (in far too long!)

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at May 24, 2026 07:02 PM (VyBeY)

9 4 on time, to the second!
Posted by: sock_rat_eez at May 24, 2026 07:00 PM (VyBeY)

Almost like some people appreciate the Fundamentals of Time!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar (hOUT3) ~ THIS NoVA MoMe in Virginia! ~ at May 24, 2026 07:03 PM (hOUT3)

10 RMBS!!! Getting ready for the MoMe?

I cleaned the rifle yesterday and also ordered some ammo that should arrive next week. :-)

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 07:04 PM (QrtBZ)

11 RMBS!!! Getting ready for the MoMe?

I cleaned the rifle yesterday and also ordered some ammo that should arrive next week. :-)
Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 07:04 PM

Oh, hell yeah. Rifles ready. Might even check zero next weekend. Family obligations have prevented range time this weekend.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 24, 2026 07:06 PM (Wnv9h)

12 Good evening everyone

Posted by: Skip at May 24, 2026 07:06 PM (Ia/+0)

13 Evenin', Skip.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 24, 2026 07:07 PM (Wnv9h)

14 Watching the Sodium Reactor Experiment Construction video and cringing a bit at the technicians just casually loading uranium slugs into the fuel rods, protected only by the kind of clear plastic gloves that bakers use. Guess OSHA was yet to be unleashed upon that lab.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:07 PM (t2oSI)

15 Evening, Weasel, et al!
What MoMe is this? Have y’all been hiding something from me?!

Posted by: RI Red at May 24, 2026 07:09 PM (UxbHU)

16 Evening, Weasel, et al!
What MoMe is this? Have y’all been hiding something from me?!
Posted by: RI Red at May 24, 2026 07:09 PM (

Double sekret MoMe. Moose Out Front shoulda told ya.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 24, 2026 07:12 PM (Wnv9h)

17 Interesting pair of younger (30s) women at the range this past week. Both dual citizens (US-Israel, UK-Israel). American had been a sniper instructor in the IDF. They were shooting an M1A1.

Brit was marveling at the range complex and all the regular people shooting all kinds of guns, said in the UK, nuh-uh, nothing like it. Told her friend to take her to the biggest local gun store, so she could really be taken aback. They had already planned to do that.

I shared one story from the past, in a different America (without the ignorant and ridiculous anti-gun obsessions), and even the American was amazed.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 07:14 PM (U/Byj)

18
Watching the Sodium Reactor Experiment Construction video and cringing a bit at the technicians just casually loading uranium slugs into the fuel rods, protected only by the kind of clear plastic gloves that bakers use. Guess OSHA was yet to be unleashed upon that lab.
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy

Wonder what eventually happened to those guys?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at May 24, 2026 07:15 PM (Cqx++)

19 @#9 *fistbump*

accurate time is important, what can I say?

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at May 24, 2026 07:15 PM (VyBeY)

20 RMBS, I’m out at my secret Evil Villain Island Lair, but will get back in time to mow the grass.
And to do Evil Villain prep stuff for Evil Black Rifle familiarization.

Posted by: RI Red at May 24, 2026 07:15 PM (UxbHU)

21 14 Guess OSHA was yet to be unleashed upon that lab.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:07 PM

May I introduce to you Operation Plumbob

https://tinyurl.com/54t8w3t7

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 07:16 PM (QrtBZ)

22 RMBS, I’m out at my secret Evil Villain Island Lair, but will get back in time to mow the grass.
And to do Evil Villain prep stuff for Evil Black Rifle familiarization.
Posted by: RI Red at May 24, 2026 07:15 PM

*fistbump*

Lawn mowing and Scary Black Rifle prep happening soon.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 24, 2026 07:18 PM (Wnv9h)

23 Wonder what eventually happened to those guys?
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at May 24, 2026 07:15 PM (Cqx++)

Given the year (195

, I'm guessing they went home and fathered three-headed Boomer offspring.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:19 PM (t2oSI)

24 Inadvertent emoji above - I meant to say 1958

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:20 PM (t2oSI)

25 Given the year (195, I'm guessing they went home and fathered three-headed Boomer offspring.
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:19 PM

This is about me, isn't it?

Posted by: J. Random Moron at May 24, 2026 07:20 PM (0sNs1)

26 May I introduce to you Operation Plumbob

https://tinyurl.com/54t8w3t7
Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 07:16 PM (QrtBZ)

Love the Fat Electrician! I heard him talk about the manhole cover on the Unsubscribe podcast, but I'm looking forward to the rest of the video.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:22 PM (t2oSI)

27 17, yeah, rhomboid, it was a different world in the Before Time ... the other day I was telling a couple of young folk who were going to go trap shooting this weekend about riding bicycles with cased shotguns through Lincoln Park to the lakefront trap/skeet range back in the 80s.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at May 24, 2026 07:23 PM (VyBeY)

28 Harry Callahan treated shooting as a match: Heavy double action revolver, light special load. Try it yourself. Four to six inch Model 29 loaded with off the shelf .44 Special compared to a Model 1917 .45 ACP with 230 grain ball or the 125 gr JHP .357 Magnum. Its OK, I have my boomer card on me.

Posted by: Hokey Pokey at May 24, 2026 07:27 PM (YlWIZ)

29 *Puts on hat*
*goes looking for Doof*

Posted by: Perry the Platapus at May 24, 2026 07:29 PM (xcxpd)

30 28 Harry Callahan treated shooting as a match: Heavy double action revolver, light special load. Try it yourself. Four to six inch Model 29 loaded with off the shelf .44 Special compared to a Model 1917 .45 ACP with 230 grain ball or the 125 gr JHP .357 Magnum. Its OK, I have my boomer card on me.
Posted by: Hokey Pokey

The recoil on the 357 125gr is not bad in the same weight of revolver compared to the 44 Special or 45 ACP. Blast is what is a pita which gets worse the shorter the barrel is. Well behaved in a carbine length barrel while adding about 400-500 fps or more while the 44 Special or 45 ACP don't gain maybe 150-200 if lucky. 44 Magnum in a carbine is a different story as is the 41. Slower burning powders benefit from longer barrels.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 07:32 PM (E4rtv)

31 Howdy

Posted by: Puddleglum, drive by pew pew at May 24, 2026 07:33 PM (sAmhv)

32 Love the Fat Electrician! I heard him talk about the manhole cover on the Unsubscribe podcast, but I'm looking forward to the rest of the video.
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:22 PM

He just posted a new WWI video.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 24, 2026 07:33 PM (Wnv9h)

33 Hello, Weasel! USS Seawolf (SSN-575), a half sister to the more famous USS Nautilus (SSN-571), was originally built with a liquid sodium reactor. Commissioned in March 1957, she went through two years of trials before the liquid sodium reactor was judged unsuccessful. Seawolf went back to the yard for removal of the liquid sodium reactor. It was replaced with a pressurized water plant similar to that fitted to the Nautilus.

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 07:33 PM (BCwQW)

34 On fundamentals, dry fire only.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 07:37 PM (E4rtv)

35 20 And to do Evil Villain prep stuff for Evil Black Rifle familiarization.

Posted by: RI Red at May 24, 2026 07:15 PM

Looking forward to it!!
Was fooling around yesterday with the Kestral app on my phone setting up the rifle and bullet specs.

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 07:38 PM (QrtBZ)

36 The American Sodium Reactor Experiment did not, alas, have a happy ending: https://tinyurl.com/5fkarwsd

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:38 PM (t2oSI)

37 The boy in front sounds like Weasel, in many ways. The last point probably doesn't.

https://tinyurl.com/4r8pvn83+

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at May 24, 2026 07:39 PM (qx7Zg)

38 > The American Sodium Reactor Experiment did not, alas, have a happy ending...
_______
I haven't looked, but is this the same technology the Soviets used for the Alpha class SSN?

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 24, 2026 07:40 PM (jehhT)

39 The recoil on the 357 125gr is not bad in the same weight of revolver compared to the 44 Special or 45 ACP. Blast is what is a pita which gets worse the shorter the barrel is. Well behaved in a carbine length barrel while adding about 400-500 fps or more while the 44 Special or 45 ACP don't gain maybe 150-200 if lucky. 44 Magnum in a carbine is a different story as is the 41. Slower burning powders benefit from longer barrels.
Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 07:32 PM

There is iron in the words of whig for all Morons to see.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at May 24, 2026 07:41 PM (0sNs1)

40 26 Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:22 PM

I am subscribed to his channel and even bought some merch.
Love the S.T.E.A.L. t-shirt.

FYI, for October I plan on getting there on Thursday. Have the hotel booked for Thurs to Sun.

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 07:41 PM (QrtBZ)

41 I bought a lever action 22LR. Henry Sporter, really looking forward to picking it up next week.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at May 24, 2026 07:41 PM (P4bJX)

42 How in the ever-loving Hell did it get to be the Fourth May Edition?

Weasel, may the Fourth be with you!

Posted by: The Fourth Shot at May 24, 2026 07:42 PM (0sNs1)

43 Good evening to everyone of the GunHorde and, as always, a bigly thank you to Weasel. Thank you for all the revolver content. Very helpful.

And for Memorial Day, for those who laid down their lives for us, and for those who have served, may we honor them by our actions.

Posted by: Coelacanth at May 24, 2026 07:43 PM (DJPFk)

44 Good evening all
Solved a big problem this week. As I mentioned last week, I'd fallen in love with this pistol owned by SRA Blaster, the Kimber CDS9. The problem was the 15 rd mag which is prohibited in MD. Not to own it, just to buy it. My FFL said I'll sell it to you but I can't give you the mags.I called my range which sells guns in VA and they helped me resolve this and gave me a better price on the gun.
And there's more.

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 24, 2026 07:44 PM (kJmSS)

45 29 *Puts on hat*
*goes looking for Doof*
Posted by: Perry the Platapus at May 24, 2026 07:29 PM (xcxpd)

You won't find me until you learn how to spell better

Posted by: Doof at May 24, 2026 07:44 PM (QMAsf)

46 The recoil on the 357 125gr is not bad in the same weight of revolver compared to the 44 Special or 45 ACP. Blast is what is a pita which gets worse the shorter the barrel is. Well behaved in a carbine length barrel while adding about 400-500 fps or more while the 44 Special or 45 ACP don't gain maybe 150-200 if lucky. 44 Magnum in a carbine is a different story as is the 41. Slower burning powders benefit from longer barrels.
Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 07:32 PM (E4rtv)

Whig is 100% right on muzzle blast and short barrels. 125 grain .357 Magnums out of a 6" barrel Python are quite controllable. 4" is a bit of handful, but still controllable. 3" and 2.5" snubbies are completely unmanageable and a very unpleasant experience. Hokey Pokey, I have a pre-Model 29 (1957 manufacture, I think) that is quite controllable with .44 Special. I also have a Colt New Service from 1914 in .45 Long Colt. Although I haven't shot them head to head, I think the pre-Model 29 is better because it has (for me) better ergonomics. The "coke bottle" grips fit my hands pretty well, and the length of the reach to the trigger for my index finger works better on the S&W than the Colt.

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 07:45 PM (BCwQW)

47 Posted by: Perry the Platapus at May 24, 2026 07:29 PM (xcxpd)

You won't find me until you learn how to spell better
Posted by: Doof at May 24, 2026 07:44 PM

"Be careful what you ask for."
-- Perry the Platÿpus

Posted by: Duncanthrax at May 24, 2026 07:46 PM (0sNs1)

48 There is iron in the words of whig for all Morons to see.
Posted by: Duncanthrax

One could do far worse than having a lever action 357 Magnum carbine matched with a 357 Magnum revolver, especially in unfree states. The old cowboy trick of carrying a carbine and revolver that shot the same ammo still works, especially in places where you have all kinds of crap rules to buy ammo and having to deal with assault rifle or semi auto bans.

Only deficit that a lever action has is difficult to shoot and operate in prone position.

Easy to reload the ammo for it too if worst comes to worst and you can shoot 38 Specials in them for low recoil and blast practice.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 07:46 PM (E4rtv)

49 A gun thread platypus??

PERRY the gun thread platypus!!!

Posted by: Doof at May 24, 2026 07:47 PM (QMAsf)

50 "Only deficit that a lever action has is difficult to shoot and operate in prone position."

Is that why Lucas McCain often went into a barrel roll in a gunfight?

Posted by: fd at May 24, 2026 07:48 PM (vFG9F)

51 There are two CDS9's that are sight ready. SRA Blaster's has a fancy grip which makes the price higher. The CDS9 Classic has a plain grip. Turns out the range has one for rent so I'll be able to see if the grip makes my difference in how well I shoot.
So win/win thanks to Range person Amy who answered all my questions promptly on price and features and Blaster for invaluable technical assistance and letting me borrow SRA Blaster's gun.

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 24, 2026 07:48 PM (kJmSS)

52 The "coke bottle" grips fit my hands pretty well, and the length of the reach to the trigger for my index finger works better on the S&W than the Colt.
Posted by: Ed L
=======
If you get a hankering, look for a 357 Shooting Master in a New Service. Colt subtly altered the trigger reach and grip for the Shooting Master in 357 and the general run of the mill 38 Special. I think they may have made a very few Shooting Masters in 38 Special too. (The New Service in 38 Special is more akin to the Smith 38/44 Outdoorsman in strength).

Border Patrol used 38 Special New Service revolvers for years as did some other government agencies like the TVA.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 07:50 PM (E4rtv)

53 FYI, for October I plan on getting there on Thursday. Have the hotel booked for Thurs to Sun.
Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 07:41 PM (QrtBZ)

Holiday Inn Express again?

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:51 PM (t2oSI)

54 49 A gun thread platypus??

PERRY the gun thread platypus!!!
Posted by: Doof at May 24, 2026 07:47 PM (QMAsf)

*kicks Doof*

Posted by: Perry the Platapus at May 24, 2026 07:52 PM (xcxpd)

55 Is that why Lucas McCain often went into a barrel roll in a gunfight?
Posted by: fd at May 24, 2026 07:48 PM

How many .44-40 shots do you count?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Rl-FGETfS4

Posted by: Duncanthrax at May 24, 2026 07:52 PM (0sNs1)

56 *fixes nic*

Posted by: Perry the Platypus at May 24, 2026 07:53 PM (xcxpd)

57 There's a 2011 called the platypus. It's made to order, and color your want.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at May 24, 2026 07:53 PM (P4bJX)

58 50 "Only deficit that a lever action has is difficult to shoot and operate in prone position."

Is that why Lucas McCain often went into a barrel roll in a gunfight?
Posted by: fd

That and chewing up the scene. But yes, you do have to roll up and to the left (or right)
a bit to operate the lever easily while prone. Trying to operate them sideways while prone is a pita and likely to cause a jam malfunction.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 07:53 PM (E4rtv)

59 53 Holiday Inn Express again?

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:51 PM

Affirmative

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 07:53 PM (g5tO/)

60 Evening, Weasel, and Gun Thread Horde! No gun stuff to report. been roofing.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 24, 2026 07:53 PM (8zz6B)

61 Evening, Weasel, and Gun Thread Horde! No gun stuff to report. been roofing.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 24, 2026 07:53 PM

I don't think Weasel is paying much attention to the Thread this evening, so you *may* escape an entry in your Permanent Record.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at May 24, 2026 07:56 PM (0sNs1)

62 So win/win thanks to Range person Amy who answered all my questions promptly on price and features and Blaster for invaluable technical assistance and letting me borrow SRA Blaster's gun.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice)
======
Kudos. Glad you could make it work.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 07:56 PM (E4rtv)

63 No gun stuff to report. been roofing.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 24, 2026 07:53 PM (8zz6B)
-------
No nail gun?

Posted by: Weasel at May 24, 2026 07:56 PM (vEOHn)

64 Sergeant: "Soldier! Why did you blow your cover and run out of those bushes?!"

Soldier: Sorry, sir. I stayed still when a dog peed on me. I stayed still when a snake crawled over my neck."

Sergeant: "Then what happened?"

Soldier: "Two squirrels ran up my pants, and one said, 'Let's eat one now and save the other for winter. That's when I lost it, sir!"

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at May 24, 2026 07:57 PM (qx7Zg)

65 Weasel, anything burning tonight?

Trying my first Karen Berger cigar, her Cameroon, so far so good.

The bird wars are interesting this time of year. Coopers hawks, another bigger raptor pair, crows, mocking birds. Noisy at times.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 07:58 PM (Pp3EP)

66 Affirmative
Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 07:53 PM (g5tO/)

Got 'er done. Popular place, that one. Looks like it's almost sold out ... wonder why?

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:58 PM (t2oSI)

67 Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 07:58 PM (Pp3EP)
----
CAO Brazilia!

Posted by: Weasel at May 24, 2026 07:59 PM (vEOHn)

68 I haven't looked, but is this the same technology the Soviets used for the Alpha class SSN?
Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 24, 2026 07:40 PM (jehhT)

The Alfas used a lead-bismuth reactor. This reactor was able to produce a lot of power in relatively small volume. The downside is that the high temperatures are quite corrosive and the reactor cannot go cold lest the metal literally freezes in the pipes. Adding chlorides (commonly found with seawater) risks greatly accelerating the rate of corrosion on the piping and mechanical systems. At least two loss of coolant accidents are known to have happened on Alfas, resulting in contamination of reactor compartment. Tom Clancy alludes to this problem with the Alfa class in the prelude to the sinking of an Alfa in his book, "The Hunt for Red October."

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 07:59 PM (BCwQW)

69 One could do far worse than having a lever action 357 Magnum carbine matched with a 357 Magnum revolver

Agree 100%. I had that combo for a long time for the reasons you mentioned. Eventually parted with the rifle but it is indeed a good pairing.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at May 24, 2026 08:00 PM (ceJ0R)

70 No nail gun?
Posted by: Weasel at May 24, 2026 07:56 PM (vEOHn)

Armstrong stapler for the tar paper. Roofing nails for the shingles, which is tomorrow's job. Any luck we will be done tomorrow by 10 AM.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 24, 2026 08:01 PM (8zz6B)

71 Hello, Weasel! USS Seawolf (SSN-575), a half sister to the more famous USS Nautilus (SSN-571), was originally built with a liquid sodium reactor. Commissioned in March 1957, she went through two years of trials before the liquid sodium reactor was judged unsuccessful. Seawolf went back to the yard for removal of the liquid sodium reactor. It was replaced with a pressurized water plant similar to that fitted to the Nautilus.
Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026

***
I built the Aurora models of both! And the Skipjack too.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 24, 2026 08:01 PM (wzUl9)

72 Thanks Whig.
Now I have to figure out what sight to put on it. I tried watching some YouTube's and I like the Holosun on my Glock, but there may be less expensive options. Need to do more research.

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 24, 2026 08:02 PM (kJmSS)

73 If you get a hankering, look for a 357 Shooting Master in a New Service. Colt subtly altered the trigger reach and grip for the Shooting Master in 357 and the general run of the mill 38 Special. I think they may have made a very few Shooting Masters in 38 Special too. (The New Service in 38 Special is more akin to the Smith 38/44 Outdoorsman in strength).

Border Patrol used 38 Special New Service revolvers for years as did some other government agencies like the TVA.
Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 07:50 PM (E4rtv)

I think I've seen a .357 Shooting Master only once. It was darn near pristine and (at the time), out of my price range.

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 08:03 PM (BCwQW)

74 66 Got 'er done. Popular place, that one. Looks like it's almost sold out ... wonder why?

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:58 PM

We may never know......... ;-)

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 08:04 PM (g5tO/)

75 Looking forward to it!!
Was fooling around yesterday with the Kestral app on my phone setting up the rifle and bullet specs.
Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 07:38 PM (QrtBZ)

Do not forget your notepad and pencil, young Padawan!

Posted by: RI Red at May 24, 2026 08:04 PM (6YO2I)

76 Weasel, otimo! Isso e cigarro muito gostoso e bem forte.

That is, quite tasty and pretty strong.

May write this one up if it continues as it is now.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 08:05 PM (Pp3EP)

77 Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 08:05 PM (Pp3EP)
------
Agreed. Great construction and very puffable!

Posted by: Weasel at May 24, 2026 08:07 PM (vEOHn)

78 Shooting full power .357 125 grain loads out of a 4 inch barrel makes a fellow understand why cops were so eager to adopt high capacity 9mm pistols when they became available. I find the muzzle blast to be downright irritating, and I've been pulling triggers for fun and profit for a long time.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at May 24, 2026 08:08 PM (aMrr2)

79 I think I've seen a .357 Shooting Master only once. It was darn near pristine and (at the time), out of my price range.
Posted by: Ed L a
======
They aren't common but sell for under what a registered N Frame Smith would. Shooting Masters never developed the mystique that the Registered Magnums did (probably due to FBI use as much as anything).

I've developed some decent 357 loads using the 125 gr bullet with less blast and still clocking about 1350-1400 out of a 4 inch barrel. W 231- gets you to about 1300 fps. Titegroup gets you to that next level with a bit wider tolerance. The other trick is to go to a lighter 110 gr Hollow Point, lighter recoil and less blast with those as well.

Since I wouldn't hunt with one, don't need the H 110 etc. sturm and blast to push a 158 gr bullet into a bear.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:08 PM (E4rtv)

80 Thinking to set up the lever/revolver combo in 2 calibers, 45 Colt and 357. Have a 45c lever and a few 357 revolvers. So need to add a45c revolver and 357 lever. Reload both calibers already.

In position to acquire an S&W 25-3 cheap, but it’s a commemorative one and shooting a collectible is another decision, though I already do that with other platforms.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 08:11 PM (Pp3EP)

81 Hog hunting is in the ofting again. A group of about 50 piglets ran across the road night before last. They come my way I am ready for them

Posted by: Ben Had at May 24, 2026 08:11 PM (5P5DO)

82 Love the Fat Electrician! I heard him talk about the manhole cover on the Unsubscribe podcast, but I'm looking forward to the rest of the video.
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 07:22 PM

Good smoke. Can confirm.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 24, 2026 08:12 PM (Wnv9h)

83 I picked up a Taurus that has 2 cyliners just so I could see the difference in recoil for 9mm vs 357 in the same platform.
9mm recoils harder in a revolver, that slide and sping cuts the recoil a lot. 357 is still way more tho.

That little experiment cost me $500.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at May 24, 2026 08:12 PM (P4bJX)

84 78 Shooting full power .357 125 grain loads out of a 4 inch barrel makes a fellow understand why cops were so eager to adopt high capacity 9mm pistols when they became available. I find the muzzle blast to be downright irritating, and I've been pulling triggers for fun and profit for a long time.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy

Reloading the right powder and bullet combo makes a 357 Magnum more pleasant.

If you have a K Frame or heavier in it, try switching to the Winchester Silvertip HP 140 GR in 357 Mag-less blast and less recoil/overpenetration than the 158 gr. hunting bullets.

Firing 125 grs in the older K-Frame models flame cuts the top strap and tends to crack the barrel at the forcing cone where it is flattened to allow the cylinder to be closed. New models with sleeved barrels, not a problem.

I prefer Rugers, both the Security series and the GP-100 in 357 Magnum though. You can actually fit a Security series into a Smith K Frame holster for a 357 magnum model of the same barrel length.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:13 PM (E4rtv)

85 75 Do not forget your notepad and pencil, young Padawan!

Posted by: RI Red at May 24, 2026 08:04 PM

Yes Obi Wan, that is always in the range bag.

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 08:14 PM (g5tO/)

86
50 piglets??

Does the state do anything to keep the hog situation under control or are ya'll on your own?

Posted by: four seasons at May 24, 2026 08:14 PM (3ek7K)

87 They aren't common but sell for under what a registered N Frame Smith would. Shooting Masters never developed the mystique that the Registered Magnums did (probably due to FBI use as much as anything).
Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:08 PM (E4rtv)

FBI adoption definitely adds to the collector price for Registered Magnums. One I saw with paperwork showing it was purchased and subsequently used by an FBI agent until his retirement was asking for low five figures a few years back.

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 08:15 PM (BCwQW)

88 One could do far worse than having a lever action 357 Magnum carbine matched with a 357 Magnum revolver

I have an irrational desire for an 1873 Winchester and a Ruger Bisley Vaquero in .45LC both in color-case finish and matching engraving. Sadly, the Powerball is not cooperating with my desires lately.

Posted by: Oddbob at May 24, 2026 08:16 PM (vTZFs)

89 83 I picked up a Taurus that has 2 cyliners just so I could see the difference in recoil for 9mm vs 357 in the same platform.
9mm recoils harder in a revolver, that slide and sping cuts the recoil a lot. 357 is still way more tho.

That little experiment cost me $500.
Posted by: sniffybigtoe
========
I don't like 9mm in revolvers, especially if of the snubbie variety. You can get bullet jump from the cartridge to tie the cylinder as a taper crimp is just not as good at holding the bullet as a roll crimp. Mainly a problem in hotter loadings.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:16 PM (E4rtv)

90 Always thought having 2 different types of firearms with same caliber would be convenient

Posted by: Skip at May 24, 2026 08:17 PM (Ia/+0)

91 I have an irrational desire for an 1873 Winchester and a Ruger Bisley Vaquero in .45LC both in color-case finish and matching engraving. Sadly, the Powerball is not cooperating with my desires lately.
Posted by: Oddbob
======
45 Long Colt is a man (and critter) killer in a revolver. I had to look it up, but in a carbine, it hits about like a 44 Magnum carbine would but I think you would have to pair it with a Ruger as you say above to do that.

I wouldn't shoot that in an Uberti SAA.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:20 PM (E4rtv)

92 My wife would like a .22 revolver. She's shot my .38 S/W but hates the trigger. I do too. It's got a 90lb break. Or close to it. Yes, I know that can be fixed. She's still not enamored with .38.

What ya' got? Purse carry. Car central storage too.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 24, 2026 08:20 PM (jehhT)

93 45 Colt lever is a beautiful Uberti repro 1866, so only “traditional” lower pressure ammo for her. Would be nice with a 357 lever to be able to use full-house 357 loads. Have plenty of H110 for M1 carbine reloading.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 08:23 PM (Pp3EP)

94 92 My wife would like a .22 revolver. She's shot my .38 S/W but hates the trigger. I do too. It's got a 90lb break. Or close to it. Yes, I know that can be fixed. She's still not enamored with .38.

What ya' got? Purse carry. Car central storage too.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 24, 2026 08:20 PM (jehhT)

No love for a .22 semi auto?
Lots to be said for a Ruger SR 22 or a Glock 44.

Posted by: RI Red at May 24, 2026 08:23 PM (6YO2I)

95 Tying the Gun Thread and the American Sodium Reactor Experiment -- apparently the disposal method for the sodium was to transport it in barrels to a burn pit area, shoot the barrel with a rifle to introduce oxygen and induce a reaction, and then let the resulting toxic (but hopefully not radioactive) smoke waft over the surrounding area in what is now Simi Valley, CA.

No word on whether bags and/or bipods were used on the rifle to prevent wobbly shit.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 08:25 PM (t2oSI)

96 Oddbob that’s a good irrational desire. Classy guns.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 08:25 PM (Pp3EP)

97 Tying the Gun Thread ... Experiment together

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 08:26 PM (t2oSI)

98 > What ya' got? Purse carry. Car central storage too.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 24, 2026 08:20 PM (jehhT)

No love for a .22 semi auto?
Lots to be said for a Ruger SR 22 or a Glock 44.
Posted by: RI Red at May 24, 2026 08:23 PM (6YO2I)
-----------
I have a SR 22. She can't rack it. Arthritis. Her preference is a revolver.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 24, 2026 08:26 PM (jehhT)

99 90 Always thought having 2 different types of firearms with same caliber would be convenient
Posted by: Skip

We have a fair number of people in outright hostile jurisdictions to firearms (even ammo purchases) and that carries over if you actually had to use one in those jurisdictions. Revolvers and Lever Actions often slip through the cracks and yet are as potent now as they were in cowboy times.

38-40, 32-20, 44-40 were all classic combos of carbines and revolvers back in those days. But the 357, 41 (hard to find that combo), and 44 Magnum have better ballistics than those firearms of yore and much easier to reload if you had to for ammo.

I've done all reloading tasks using a Lee's hand press with dies for those and a scoop powder measure. Easy peasy. And 38 special and 357 Magnum use the same dies, you just have to adjust the settings a bit. Same for 44 Magnum and 44 Special and I would imagine the same for 41 Mag.

The older cowboy cartridges were designed to get the most out of black powder and have very slight necks angles that are easy to bugger up when reloading.

Modern cartridges that I named above are straight walled cases which makes it easy to reload.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:27 PM (E4rtv)

100 My wife would like a .22 revolver.

Can you at least upsell her to a .22 Mag? Ruger has an LCRx in .22M. No personal experience but hey, it's a Ruger. Kind of like McDonald's -- no surprises.

Posted by: Oddbob at May 24, 2026 08:27 PM (vTZFs)

101 100!

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 08:27 PM (t2oSI)

102 Glock 44 is a pleasure to shoot and easy. It turned out to be an excellent gateway gun for me. Ammo is inexpensive.
I never really got into revolvers. I find the trigger pull to be difficult.

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 24, 2026 08:28 PM (kJmSS)

103 101 100!
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 08:27 PM (t2oSI)

Missed it by that much.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 08:28 PM (t2oSI)

104 I have a SR 22. She can't rack it. Arthritis. Her preference is a revolver.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 24, 2026 08:26 PM (jehhT)

Understood. I hear good things about the Heritage Rough Rider. But check out gunscorner.com for a good list.

Posted by: RI Red at May 24, 2026 08:31 PM (w30OO)

105 My wife would like a .22 revolver. She's shot my .38 S/W but hates the trigger. I do too. It's got a 90lb break. Or close to it. Yes, I know that can be fixed. She's still not enamored with .38.

What ya' got? Purse carry. Car central storage too.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 24, 2026 08:20 PM (jehhT)
8",
The Colt King Cobra 22 is available in 8", 6", 4", 3" and 2" barrel lengths, blued or stainless finishes, and holds 10 rounds. I have a 3" King Cobra in .357. Although the trigger isn't as refined as the Python's, the current King Cobra's trigger is (in my opinion) significantly better than most old school revolvers from the 20th century save the most refined (i.e. Pythons). Yes, it's significantly more than the competition, but that's what you pay for a better trigger and the Colt "prancing pony."

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 08:32 PM (BCwQW)

106 S&W M&P 22 pistol is nice. Eats most flavors of 22LR without problems. Larger frame than the SR22 if such is desired.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 08:32 PM (Pp3EP)

107 92 My wife would like a .22 revolver. She's shot my .38 S/W but hates the trigger. I do too. It's got a 90lb break. Or close to it. Yes, I know that can be fixed. She's still not enamored with .38.

What ya' got? Purse carry. Car central storage too.
Posted by: Martini Farmer

I would get her a handgun that shoots 32 S&W Long. You can buy a 32 H&R magnum and it will shoot 32 S&W Long (or even Short) all day long. Minimal recoil and hits a bit harder than a 22 LR.

The main reason is unless you get a bigger and bulkier revolver (K Frame or above) in 22 LR, the trigger pull is harder on those simply to set off the harder primed case rims of the 22 LR cartridge. Requires more umph. A 32 is center fired and easy peasy to shoot with better ballistics. Does fine in short barrels too.

You can move up to the 32 H&R Magnum which in reality is about like a 38 Special with slightly less recoil.

Charter Arms makes their Undercoverrette revolver which is reasonably priced. Their professional model, I think, holds seven cartridges for about 50-75 bucks more. 3 inch barrel which is excellent for self defense.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:34 PM (E4rtv)

108 This week's project: Do you have a 1911 laying about that you wish had bigger, more visible sights? Maybe it has a damaged barrel too? Cdnnsports.com has the answer:

https://shorturl.at/EimR5

A slide and barrel combo for $150. I have a overly modified, compensated "bowling pin" gun that I used to shoot IPSC with that I want to put back into service. This should do it.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at May 24, 2026 08:35 PM (aMrr2)

109 I never really got into revolvers. I find the trigger pull to be difficult.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice)
========
Requires Weasel's trigger and sight fundamentals to a T to fire double action revolvers well. Snubbies even more so.

But, if you can fire those successfully, learning to handle a double action trigger transfers over to semi autos and rifles. Ironically, the best revolver trigger pulls come from the really big framed revolvers. That is because it is all about leverage and bigger revolvers have longer levers--plus a big cylinder acts almost like a flywheel compared to smaller revolvers.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:38 PM (E4rtv)

110 But the 357, 41 (hard to find that combo), and 44 Magnum have better ballistics than those firearms of yore and much easier to reload if you had to for ammo.

I've done all reloading tasks using a Lee's hand press with dies for those and a scoop powder measure. Easy peasy. And 38 special and 357 Magnum use the same dies, you just have to adjust the settings a bit. Same for 44 Magnum and 44 Special and I would imagine the same for 41 Mag.

A lever in .41 Mag can be a tad challenging, but the more difficult the quest, the sweeter win.

There is a .41 Special, and Starline produces brass for it. I'm unaware of any commercial loadings, but I've never really looked for it. I have downloaded .41 Mag to .41 Special levels, but absent a decent lightweight revolver built for .41 Special, I've never loaded .41 Special ammo, but yes, you can use the same dies, adjusting the settings.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at May 24, 2026 08:40 PM (0sNs1)

111 I have a Henry and Taurus both in.44 Magnum. The Taurus was backup/bear medicine alongside bear spray up in some very back country parts of Montana on an elk hunt. The Henry has taken a _lot_ of deer over the last few years.
My Cowboy rig is paired Uberti .45s and a Uberti 1866 clone in the same caliber. Haven’t used the 1866 on a deer yet though. I’ve loaded the.45 down a little. Finally have the strength back in my left hand enough to control the rifle. It’s been a long 9 months…

Posted by: Coelacanth at May 24, 2026 08:41 PM (50AHF)

112 Volquartsen makes a great .22lr semi that anyone can rack because of the unique bolt you pull back. The spawn has taught many an 'ette how to shoot with it and everyone loves it. She shoots the 4.5" Black mamba. For carry purposes the 3" is perfect.

Posted by: lin-duh in Texas at May 24, 2026 08:41 PM (VCgbV)

113 In position to acquire an S&W 25-3 cheap, but it’s a commemorative one and shooting a collectible is another decision, though I already do that with other platforms.
Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 08:11 PM (Pp3EP)

Buy it. Shoot it. Go hog wild and use it to shoot your Franklin Mint Star Trek Commemorative plates.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at May 24, 2026 08:42 PM (aMrr2)

114 A slide and barrel combo for $150. I have a overly modified, compensated "bowling pin" gun that I used to shoot IPSC with that I want to put back into service. This should do it.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy

Probably take a touch of fitting. That combo has a match barrel which can be a bit tricky depending on tolerance stacking. Remington toward the end of its pistol making, was having some QC issues which this may or may not have. SDS is Turkish, I think.

Sarco also sells 1911 parts including barrel, frames, and slides, I think they get a lot of theirs (or did) from the Philippines.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:43 PM (E4rtv)

115 The spawn has taught many an 'ette how to shoot with it
Posted by: lin-duh in Texas at May 24, 2026 08:41 PM

I remember the spawn chasing kittens. My, how time flies.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at May 24, 2026 08:43 PM (0sNs1)

116 Requires Weasel's trigger and sight fundamentals to a T to fire double action revolvers well. Snubbies even more so.

But, if you can fire those successfully, learning to handle a double action trigger transfers over to semi autos and rifles. Ironically, the best revolver trigger pulls come from the really big framed revolvers. That is because it is all about leverage and bigger revolvers have longer levers--plus a big cylinder acts almost like a flywheel compared to smaller revolvers.
Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:38 PM (E4rtv)

+1 for this. I figured out how shoot a Python in double action using snap caps before I figured out how to shoot my Detective Special in double action. The really refined trigger on the Python definitely helps too.

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 08:43 PM (BCwQW)

117 RI Red to your text courtesy phone. RI Red to your text courtesy phone.

Posted by: TRex - PA announcer dino at May 24, 2026 08:45 PM (IQ6Gq)

118 In position to acquire an S&W 25-3 cheap, but it’s a commemorative one and shooting a collectible is another decision, though I already do that with other platforms.
Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 08:11 PM (Pp3EP)

Most commemorative edition guns don't hold their purchase price in the collectors' market. Unless you have other reasons to not shoot that commemorative edition firearm, I'd buy it and shoot it guilt free if you need a shooter.

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 08:46 PM (BCwQW)

119 There is a .41 Special, and Starline produces brass for it. I'm unaware of any commercial loadings, but I've never really looked for it. I have downloaded .41 Mag to .41 Special levels, but absent a decent lightweight revolver built for .41 Special, I've never loaded .41 Special ammo, but yes, you can use the same dies, adjusting the settings.
Posted by: Duncanthrax
====
I think the ones that shoot it used to just trim down older 41 Magnum cases in length as the old brass could handle Special pressure for a long while but split at teh case mouth or worse at full mag pressure.

I use a bench press for resizing something like a 44 Magnum. I've reloaded for it but only to shoot in FIL's Taurus Tracker in 44 Magnum. Haven't the desire for one myself. 357 is just fine for me.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:47 PM (E4rtv)

120 Coelacanth the Uberti 1866 weighs a ton. Would think unsuitable for hunting unless you’re getting in your curls and other resistance exercise at the same time.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 08:48 PM (Pp3EP)

121 +1 for this. I figured out how shoot a Python in double action using snap caps before I figured out how to shoot my Detective Special in double action. The really refined trigger on the Python definitely helps too.
Posted by: Ed L
=======
Triggers on revolvers are one thing that dry firing (or shooting) them a lot improves. It is also why an old but cared for revolver with honest wear can have a slick trigger due to someone shooting it a lot. Best sort of wearing in to get exact fitting of parts to each other.

It can improve other triggers as well but on old rifles or shotguns, it is best not to do too much of it.

I used to do actual trigger work as I have the stones etc. and had to fix or fit a fair number of old military triggers and after that I did some revolver and semi auto triggers. Something you do by feel and practice with jigs and never alter the actual trigger geometry nor go as far as to stone through case hardening. I don't mess with self defense arm triggers due to risk factors in court. Those are bone stock original.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:53 PM (E4rtv)

122 Idaho and Ed, may well do that. Would provide the revolver part of my 45C combo. And single-action revolvers are exempt from CA’s absurd handgun roster, so no issues with “importing” it. Well, I don’t think so anyway. Actually going to consult a lawyer for the first time in my life, on any matter, about all this.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 08:53 PM (Pp3EP)

123 To finish, arthritis and a loss of hand strength/coordination has pretty much ended messing with mechanical issues by filing/stoning/etc. About the same on woodworking nowadays too.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:54 PM (E4rtv)

124 I think somebody should do somethign crazy and make a striker fired revolver, just to be wierd.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at May 24, 2026 08:54 PM (P4bJX)

125 whig my Model 66 is an example of a “seasoned” trigger improved by use over the years.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 24, 2026 08:56 PM (Pp3EP)

126 Or make a revolver with a fire control unit, just to mess with the ATF.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at May 24, 2026 08:56 PM (P4bJX)

127 124 I think somebody should do somethign crazy and make a striker fired revolver, just to be wierd.
Posted by: sniffybigtoe
======
There are several models of semi auto revolvers. Going way back to a Webley-Fosbery from 1901. I think someone else has repeated that trick, perhaps a Euro manufacturer recently.

The problem with a striker is simply where to put the damn thing on a revolver to get the necessary striking power and then providing positive blocking of the striker. T

here is a reason that the old hammer with a trigger pin or even hitting a transfer bar works.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 08:58 PM (E4rtv)

128 125 whig my Model 66 is an example of a “seasoned” trigger improved by use over the years.
Posted by: rhomboid
======
Firearms are one of the few things that I actually prefer to buy used. Older hand tools before Chinesium became common are another.

Triggers are part of wearing in surfaces but on semi autos, the slides on the older metal framed and metal slides, etc. also get smoother with use.

You can use tools and abrasives to speed it up but simply using them works better with less risk for most people.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:01 PM (E4rtv)

129 I think somebody should do somethign crazy and make a striker fired revolver, just to be wierd.

Weirdness for the sake of weirdness can be fun but usually it's just... weird.

Posted by: Oddbob at May 24, 2026 09:02 PM (vTZFs)

130 I think somebody should do somethign crazy and make a striker fired revolver, just to be wierd.
Posted by: sniffybigtoe

I bet if a fellow did a patent search he would find there are several already on file, and half of them are by J.M. Browning.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at May 24, 2026 09:06 PM (aMrr2)

131 129 I think somebody should do somethign crazy and make a striker fired revolver, just to be wierd.

Weirdness for the sake of weirdness can be fun but usually it's just... weird.
Posted by: Oddbob

I would imagine that someone has already patented such a specimen if you cared to dig through them. You could also shoot an email to Ian at Forgotten Weapons and he might actually know of a prototype or some such that someone made. Back when mechanical and mfg knowledge was more widespread in the US, we had all sorts of inventions with a lot dealing with firearms.

All of that culture fell to the current bean counter mentality of our politicians and corporate managers at the expense of US jobs, industrial knowhow, and key crafts like making the tooling for industry.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:06 PM (E4rtv)

132 May I introduce to you Operation Plumbob

https://tinyurl.com/54t8w3t7
Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 24, 2026 07:16 PM (QrtBZ)

The best line from the video: "doing Mythbusters shit with DoD money"

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:11 PM (t2oSI)

133
36 The American Sodium Reactor Experiment did not, alas, have a happy ending: https://tinyurl.com/5fkarwsd
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless)

--------
As a kid, I lived in the San Fernando Valley fora few years (mid-60s). Part of that R&D park was Rocketdyne. A neighbor worked there. We'd hear rocket motors being tested sometimes. Once the noise was accompanied by a visible tall plume of smoke in the distance. Went high enough to get zig-zagged from, I suppose, different winds at different altitudes. I had no idea about the nuclear stuff. Or the way they handled toxic waste over there.

Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at May 24, 2026 09:13 PM (azNOR)

134 I think somebody should do somethign crazy and make a striker fired revolver, just to be wierd.

Weirdness for the sake of weirdness can be fun but usually it's just... weird.
Posted by: Oddbob

I would imagine that someone has already patented such a specimen if you cared to dig through them. You could also shoot an email to Ian at Forgotten Weapons and he might actually know of a prototype or some such that someone made. Back when mechanical and mfg knowledge was more widespread in the US, we had all sorts of inventions with a lot dealing with firearms.

All of that culture fell to the current bean counter mentality of our politicians and corporate managers at the expense of US jobs, industrial knowhow, and key crafts like making the tooling for industry.
Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:06 PM (E4rtv)

And if it can't make $$ in at least the commercial market (or better yet, big DOW contracts), good luck trying to find anyone willing to spend the $ required to tool up and make the first production run.

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 09:13 PM (BCwQW)

135 Have a good rest of the night all.
Hope to have a range report next Sunday on my rental experience and whether new pistol is in the works. pretty exciting. Been a while since I did this.
Have a great week

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 24, 2026 09:16 PM (kJmSS)

136 I had no idea about the nuclear stuff. Or the way they handled toxic waste over there.
Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at May 24, 2026 09:13 PM (azNOR)

SOP from the NRC for most low level radioactive wastes was to bury it on your property in the 1950's through the late 1960s. Much of this had to get dug up in the 1970s and sent to proper nuclear waste disposal sites.

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 09:16 PM (BCwQW)

137 Welp, 9:17pm thank you time.

Thank you!!

Appreciate your being here tonight and hope to see you next Sunday! I should be around in the comments a little more!

Posted by: Weasel at May 24, 2026 09:17 PM (nyLca)

138 And if it can't make $$ in at least the commercial market (or better yet, big DOW contracts), good luck trying to find anyone willing to spend the $ required to tool up and make the first production run.
Posted by: Ed L

It is very possible, in the near future, that we will have 3d metal printing of such parts. Started in aerospace but now trickling down to almost backyard making (think I saw 60k for used past generation metal 3d printers now)

Soon, if someone can imagine it with AI help, then it can be prototype and easily duplicated. Getting that way on a lot of plastic items, reloading, as an example. All sorts of 3d printed add ons developed by someone to make the job easier. Same for jig making.

That is why we need to bring back manufacturing to the US regardless of what the big investors in globalism and the corporate managers want. We need to release the ingenuity of the American worker again.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:18 PM (E4rtv)

139 Thanks for hosting, Weasel!

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 09:18 PM (BCwQW)

140 Also time for me to retire.
Thx, Weasel, thx all. Good times upcoming!

Posted by: RI Red at May 24, 2026 09:19 PM (6YO2I)

141 As a kid, I lived in the San Fernando Valley fora few years (mid-60s). Part of that R&D park was Rocketdyne. A neighbor worked there. We'd hear rocket motors being tested sometimes. Once the noise was accompanied by a visible tall plume of smoke in the distance. Went high enough to get zig-zagged from, I suppose, different winds at different altitudes. I had no idea about the nuclear stuff. Or the way they handled toxic waste over there.
Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at May 24, 2026 09:13 PM (azNOR)

Although it's horrifying to think about now, that must have been fascinating to see as a kid. Of course, it was all denied by the USG as "swamp gas", I'm sure.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:20 PM (t2oSI)

142 Weasel, THANK YOU.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 24, 2026 09:22 PM (5P5DO)

143 Thanks weasel and others.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:22 PM (E4rtv)

144 That is why we need to bring back manufacturing to the US regardless of what the big investors in globalism and the corporate managers want. We need to release the ingenuity of the American worker again.
Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:18 PM (E4rtv)

IMHO, we don't have a choice. Demographics in China, Korea, Japan, and Europe mean products manufactured in these places (especially China and Europe) may not be able to be made there in ten to twenty years from now. Or sooner, if demographics in these places fall off a cliff faster than predicted.

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 09:23 PM (BCwQW)

145 Although it's horrifying to think about now, that must have been fascinating to see as a kid. Of course, it was all denied by the USG as "swamp gas", I'm sure.
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:20 PM (t2oSI)

Schnorflepuppy, a good number of the bigger places with the bigger problems are in the Superfund database. The site investigation reports and any subsequent cleanup work are FOIA accessible if you really want to know. Not everything has been digitized, I think.

Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 09:26 PM (BCwQW)

146 It is very possible, in the near future, that we will have 3d metal printing of such parts. Started in aerospace but now trickling down to almost backyard making (think I saw 60k for used past generation metal 3d printers now)

Soon, if someone can imagine it with AI help, then it can be prototype and easily duplicated. Getting that way on a lot of plastic items, reloading, as an example. All sorts of 3d printed add ons developed by someone to make the job easier. Same for jig making.

That is why we need to bring back manufacturing to the US regardless of what the big investors in globalism and the corporate managers want. We need to release the ingenuity of the American worker again.
Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:18 PM (E4rtv)

whig, I was just thinking along the same lines -- metal fused deposition modeling (the underlying process behind 3-D printing) already exists, which would enable one-off manufacturing without the costs of tooling up a manufacturing line.

Plus, the very idea that metal 3-D printing will cause so many wet / crapped pants among a certain crowd in the government space makes the dark parts of my soul so very happy.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:27 PM (t2oSI)

147 Schnorflepuppy, a good number of the bigger places with the bigger problems are in the Superfund database. The site investigation reports and any subsequent cleanup work are FOIA accessible if you really want to know. Not everything has been digitized, I think.
Posted by: Ed L at May 24, 2026 09:26 PM (BCwQW)

Yep, my (late) wife was fascinated by EPA brownfields for some reason, and she used to share the egregious ones with me. I've driven past the Piketon gaseous diffusion facility in Ohio, where we used to do the same uranium enrichment that we're currently endeavoring to prevent in Iran, and seen the amount of fences and gates erected around the property -- I can only imagine the levels of contamination therein.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:31 PM (t2oSI)

148 IMHO, we don't have a choice. Demographics in China, Korea, Japan, and Europe mean products manufactured in these places (especially China and Europe) may not be able to be made there in ten to twenty years from now. Or sooner, if demographics in these places fall off a cliff faster than predicted.
Posted by: Ed L
======
We have to as a matter of national security and economics.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:33 PM (E4rtv)

149 Woah. Isn't salt supposed to be bad for you? And you want to make it radioactive?

Posted by: GWB at May 24, 2026 09:34 PM (kU0PQ)

150 I've driven past the Piketon gaseous diffusion facility in Ohio, where we used to do the same uranium enrichment that we're currently endeavoring to prevent in Iran, and seen the amount of fences and gates erected around the property -- I can only imagine the levels of contamination therein.
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:31 PM (t2oSI)

Might not be as much as you would expect. After all, uranium was scarce and expensive, and they would want to be losing as little as humanly possible.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 24, 2026 09:34 PM (8zz6B)

151 Plus, the very idea that metal 3-D printing will cause so many wet / crapped pants among a certain crowd in the government space makes the dark parts of my soul so very happy.
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy
======
And some state governments (west coasters) are already thinking about going overboard with regulations because of it.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:35 PM (E4rtv)

152 guns!

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at May 24, 2026 09:35 PM (xcxpd)

153 Posted by: Ben Had at May 24, 2026 09:22 PM (5P5DO)
----
Bigly eHug!!

Posted by: Weasel at May 24, 2026 09:37 PM (19zcA)

154 So did more shooting with my new G19 stipple job. This time I did an iron sight PSA Dagger slide.

It was not a good fit. The sights are way low and I am also shooting left. So...there were adjustments needed.

After looking at my groups (which were small groups but not on target) I switched to my G17.

We'll try a different slide next week, this time with a red dot.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at May 24, 2026 09:37 PM (xcxpd)

155 whig, I was just thinking along the same lines -- metal fused deposition modeling (the underlying process behind 3-D printing) already exists, which would enable one-off manufacturing without the costs of tooling up a manufacturing line.

Plus, the very idea that metal 3-D printing will cause so many wet / crapped pants among a certain crowd in the government space makes the dark parts of my soul so very happy.
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy

I think it will also bring back small scale local machine shops to duplicate what couldn't be done previously. Being used pretty heavily now in the Suppressor business as well. Some gas baffles could not be manufactured at a good price point before despite being technically superior.

Saw something about the Chrysler building and they are using a 3 D Lidar scan of each floor and room which then feeds into a massive and complete 3d computer model of ventilation, plumbing, electrical centered on a repeatable GPS anchored measurement. Helluva 3D guide for old buildings that have untold layers of being fixed, redesigned, etc without being in the formal plans.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:40 PM (E4rtv)

156 Firearms are one of the few things that I actually prefer to buy used. Older hand tools before Chinesium became common are another.

Triggers are part of wearing in surfaces but on semi autos, the slides on the older metal framed and metal slides, etc. also get smoother with use.

You can use tools and abrasives to speed it up but simply using them works better with less risk for most people.
Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:01 PM (E4rtv)

#Wisdom

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at May 24, 2026 09:40 PM (xcxpd)

157 Can 3D metal printing make parts as strong as heat-treated steel? I seem to remember a lot of concern about MIM (?) components in revolvers.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 24, 2026 09:42 PM (8zz6B)

158 I think it will also bring back small scale local machine shops to duplicate what couldn't be done previously. Being used pretty heavily now in the Suppressor business as well. Some gas baffles could not be manufactured at a good price point before despite being technically superior.

Saw something about the Chrysler building and they are using a 3 D Lidar scan of each floor and room which then feeds into a massive and complete 3d computer model of ventilation, plumbing, electrical centered on a repeatable GPS anchored measurement. Helluva 3D guide for old buildings that have untold layers of being fixed, redesigned, etc without being in the formal plans.
Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:40 PM (E4rtv)

I started crawling down the metal 3-D printing rabbit hole, and found something called the Scrap 1 which is supposed to ship next summer (yeah, right, heard that before) at a <$10K price point. Supposed to print stainless steel, copper, and nickel. Don't know if that addresses AOP's question about heat-treated steel, but I can't imagine that's too far off.

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:46 PM (t2oSI)

159 Metatron (a Sicilian) has thoughts about the DEI Odyssey
youtu.be/DzCd9entvrw

Posted by: gKWVE at May 24, 2026 09:47 PM (gKWVE)

160 157 Can 3D metal printing make parts as strong as heat-treated steel? I seem to remember a lot of concern about MIM (?) components in revolvers.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 24, 2026 09:42 PM (8zz6B)

Howdy, sir. My sympathies on the roofing job.

On another tangent, are you available to travel to Ohio for a similar job? Asking for a friend ...

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:47 PM (t2oSI)

161 Thanks for another great Gun Thread, Weasel!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 24, 2026 09:48 PM (Wnv9h)

162 157 Can 3D metal printing make parts as strong as heat-treated steel? I seem to remember a lot of concern about MIM (?) components in revolvers.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon

Smith and Wesson was an early adopter. They had problems in the late 90's but figured out the process after an uneven start. Same as Bill Ruger figured out using modern casting techniques and materials to build his brand's rep as unbreakable. Everyone in gun manufacturing up to Bill Ruger thought cast was inferior to forged. Bill proved them wrong.

We are now using these 3d printing techniques to make turbines for jet engines, rocket parts, etc. and the interior baffles of firearm suppressors. So I do think additive versus machining manufacturing is here to stay. And modern computers make it possible along with lasers, measuring by scans, etc.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:48 PM (E4rtv)

163 I started crawling down the metal 3-D printing rabbit hole, and found something called the Scrap 1 which is supposed to ship next summer (yeah, right, heard that before) at a
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:46 PM (t2oSI)

I wonder if you could do 3D electroplating in a tank of electrolyte, with the anode being a hair-fine wire of the metal to be plated being extruded through a nozzle that moves about controled by the program?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 24, 2026 09:50 PM (8zz6B)

164 I started crawling down the metal 3-D printing rabbit hole, and found something called the Scrap 1 which is supposed to ship next summer (yeah, right, heard that before) at a
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless)

That is the interesting thing about technology, we see bits and pieces and then suddenly it becomes the norm. GPS was that way. Cellphones another. Space X is doing that for space travel. Takes a lot of behind the scenes development then Whoosh.

And that is how a modern US can avoid the decline and fall of empires. Widely disseminated tooling, knowledge, and abilities of workers.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:51 PM (E4rtv)

165 On another tangent, are you available to travel to Ohio for a similar job? Asking for a friend ...
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:47 PM (t2oSI)

Sorry. Just had my pants pressed, and I'm overdue for a root canal in Alberta.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 24, 2026 09:52 PM (8zz6B)

166
150 I've driven past the Piketon gaseous diffusion facility in Ohio, where we used to do the same uranium enrichment that we're currently endeavoring to prevent in Iran, and seen the amount of fences and gates erected around the property -- I can only imagine the levels of contamination therein.
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:31 PM

-------

Uranium is not highly radioactive, and radioactivity is not created by enrichment. Any radioactive contamination is probably fairly low level. There may have been toxic chemicals used, and uranium itself is a toxic heavy metal kind of like lead, but it's not like radioactivity from nuclear reactors.

Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at May 24, 2026 09:52 PM (iTNuP)

167 Sorry. Just had my pants pressed, and I'm overdue for a root canal in Alberta.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 24, 2026 09:52 PM (8zz6B)

Can't blame a guy for trying, can you?

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:53 PM (t2oSI)

168 I have a friend who maybe 15 years ago now had an idea of using additive manufacturing for repairing obsolete aircraft parts. He and I went to the big CAF air show in Midland to bounce the idea off people actually involved in the industry. Literally no one was even the least bit interested. They would rather continue to pay increasing costs for decreasing supplies of parts than even consider a new process.

Posted by: Oddbob at May 24, 2026 09:54 PM (vTZFs)

169 167 Sorry. Just had my pants pressed, and I'm overdue for a root canal in Alberta.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 24, 2026 09:52 PM (8zz6B)

Can't blame a guy for trying, can you?
Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:53 PM (t2oSI)

Uh, I mean, a friend ... 😂

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 09:54 PM (t2oSI)

170 I wonder if you could do 3D electroplating in a tank of electrolyte, with the anode being a hair-fine wire of the metal to be plated being extruded through a nozzle that moves about controled by the program?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon

Dunno anyone doing that. I do think Electron Beam Physical Vapor Deposition (EB-PVD deposits on parts like slides are somewhat similar to what you describe. Gives almost a diamond like hardness and smoothness to parts.

FWIW, I remembered it as EVP and did a quick check finding my memory faulty. PVD is the term and EB is the specific technique used on gun parts by some companies now.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:54 PM (E4rtv)

171 I have a friend who maybe 15 years ago now had an idea of using additive manufacturing for repairing obsolete aircraft parts. He and I went to the big CAF air show in Midland to bounce the idea off people actually involved in the industry. Literally no one was even the least bit interested. They would rather continue to pay increasing costs for decreasing supplies of parts than even consider a new process.
Posted by: Oddbob

Could be a regulatory issue. FAA gets pretty crabby about parts and Boeing using Chinesium bolts caused a massive standdown to remove those. I think they found out about it when investigating the door blew out in flight.

Posted by: whig at May 24, 2026 09:57 PM (E4rtv)

172 Thank you Weasel.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 24, 2026 09:57 PM (oyck1)

173 Could be a regulatory issue.

That is absolutely true and was one objection we heard. But either someone is going to have to take on the process or the planes will eventually stop flying.

Posted by: Oddbob at May 24, 2026 09:59 PM (vTZFs)

174 ONT nood.

Thanks, Weasel!

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at May 24, 2026 10:01 PM (t2oSI)

175 Thanks for the info on a .22 (or whatever) for my wife. I'll be reviewing some of the suggestions but we're really set on .22. I've got a significant investment in that caliber and I'm not really interested in others.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 24, 2026 10:02 PM (jehhT)

176 Civil Defense After The Bomb! - Thirty seconds into the music of the opening, MiladyJo across the room asks, "Is this a movie from the gun thread?" Heh. Sort-of.

Reminds me of back in the early '70s, when I was a go-fer/mailroom guy for a season at KATV Little Rock, a position from which I could wander around and observe their whole operation, in the sound room of the main production studio, there was a sizable collection of LPs of stock (royalty-free) music of various genre. Must have been there since the '50s, or maybe the '40s.

Posted by: mindful webworker - music to sell cars by at May 24, 2026 10:05 PM (0poB+)

177 There are a number of 3d printed prototypes for pistols and carbines out there, most of them are done with parts kits or home made barrels and PLA or related filament.
The big one was at one time FGC-9 which always looked fun. The files are out there in distribution, they are also videos on Odysee , as well as reviews, and discussion on manufacturing and improvements.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 24, 2026 10:56 PM (rbvCR)

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