Gun Thread: Final June 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 Final June Edition? Adios June! Coming soon: July Editions!

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

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FUNdamentals

I will begrudgingly admit that gun cleaning is a sort-of fundamental. For a long time I was a "clean it after every range session" kind of guy, but have since been cured of that affliction. OK, I am a little bit kidding. Truth is, firearms will keep working as advertised with a fair amount of neglect, so my range guns don't typically see a lot of regular deep cleaning, but I do make sure they're properly lubricated. The exceptions are my carry guns, which I keep pretty clean.

Anyhoo, do you clean your firearms after every trip to the range? I think for many that's just part of the fun of shooting and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. Regardless of frequency, you do need cleaning stuff and there are a bunch of products available. Do they all work the same and are they worth the money?

Let's find out.

So which cleaning frequency camp do you fall into, and what products do you use?

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S&W Model 52

I am pretty certain I need one of these.

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.950 Caliber

A muzzle brake? Seriously? Have we become a nation of girly-men?

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.22LR Revolvers

Our pal Hickok45 takes a look.

Why don't you put a muzzle brake on these too?

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Protection Against Atomic Attack!

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Our Pal The American Farmer

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Highway Patrol!

This week's episode: Dan Hostage!

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Creature With The Atom Brain!

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Cigar Central

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!

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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 st!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at June 28, 2026 07:00 PM (Wnv9h)

2 Here!

Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 07:00 PM (jkyX4)

3 Darn you, RMBS,
*shakes fist*

Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 07:01 PM (jkyX4)

4 Hey everyone!

Posted by: Lurking in Garland at June 28, 2026 07:01 PM (j9Bn5)

5 The Others have been summoned.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at June 28, 2026 07:01 PM (Wnv9h)

6 Greetings!!!!

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at June 28, 2026 07:03 PM (g5tO/)

7 I drink gin and vermouth just like....uh... me.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at June 28, 2026 06:16 PM

*buffs nails on shirt*

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at June 28, 2026 07:03 PM (Wnv9h)

8 Good Sunday evening, gub 'ettes and 'rons, and a special June-is-fleeting greeting to our host Weasel!

Posted by: Schnorflepuppy (OT but harmless) at June 28, 2026 07:03 PM (xVpNO)

9 Good evening everyone

Posted by: Skip at June 28, 2026 07:03 PM (Ia/+0)

10 copy/paste fail.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at June 28, 2026 07:03 PM (Wnv9h)

11 When I went to Army Infantry training in 1975 we had to crouch down in a concrete hole and let a tank run over us, it was just like that hole in the atomic attack video.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at June 28, 2026 07:03 PM (0N4FZ)

12 See, I type two more letters than he, and it costs me a first.

Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 07:04 PM (jkyX4)

13 Good evening. I pretty much only shoot target rifles. They get cleaned between 150 and 200 rounds. Which is documented in the round count logs I keep.

Posted by: Blake - semi lurker at large at June 28, 2026 07:05 PM (t5Z/c)

14 Good evening to everyone. Making plans for shooting next weekend.

In the meantime, have a great week everyone and thank you to Weasel.

Posted by: Coelacanth at June 28, 2026 07:05 PM (6dH/9)

15 Hello, Weasel! I clean after every range trip thanks to the Big Green Machine and Sergeant Major Barton in ROTC.

Posted by: Ed L at June 28, 2026 07:06 PM (BCwQW)

16 Howdy!!

(sips beer, goes back lurking)

Posted by: Puddleglum, drive by pew pew at June 28, 2026 07:09 PM (sAmhv)

17 .950 caliber?

Work on your fundamentals AND fell three or four pine trees with every trigger pull.

What's not to like about that gun and ammo!

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at June 28, 2026 07:11 PM (HlyYF)

18 I pretty much only clean when the working parts of the gun remind me of the surface of a gas station* restroom sink. I sincerely believe that more barrels have been ruined by over-cleaning than by under-cleaning.

* Bucc-ee's excepted, of course. None of my guns are "fabulous."

Posted by: Oddbob at June 28, 2026 07:12 PM (vTZFs)

19
IMPORTANT AND MANDATORY GUN THREAD STYLE GUIDE UPDATE

Our host and mentor, Weasel issued a pronouncement in a comment on a Thread earlier this week, which is now being codified in the Gun Thread Style Guide.

A miss* will no longer be referred to as a "miss".

Henceforth, it is to be referred to as an "unplanned lateral excursion".

Please update your Style Guides accordingly.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

* While most of us aren't Weasel, and don't consider dropping the fourth shot of an otherwise admirable five-shot group into the 7-ring a miss, we do sometimes have shots end up in other-that-desired locations, up to, and including, a longitudinal wall of a large livestock shelter facility.

It doesn't matter. All such deviations are to be referred to as "unplanned lateral excursions.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at June 28, 2026 07:12 PM (0sNs1)

20 2 Here!
Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 07:00 PM (jkyX4)

3 Darn you, RMBS,
*shakes fist*

12 See, I type two more letters than he, and it costs me a first.
Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 07:04 PM

An unplanned temporal excursion.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at June 28, 2026 07:16 PM (0sNs1)

21 Posted by: Duncanthrax at June 28, 2026 07:12 PM (0sNs1)
----
Sounds good to me!

Posted by: Weasel at June 28, 2026 07:17 PM (/IR4F)

22 Range report for this week:

I made my gun range down in the 100-year floodplain so I would still have a nice natural earth backstop with plenty of room for error by new shooters.

Our creek went about 13' over normal elevation during the flood last weekend.

I anchored my nice pistol bench to the ground. My rifle bench was just leveled on slightly higher ground, but not anchored.

Ground is still not dry enough to drive in, but I fear I may have lost my rifle bench and my pistol bench will be damaged.

God certainly has excellent aim when HE targets a location for training thunder storms!

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at June 28, 2026 07:19 PM (HlyYF)

23 Shot mixed bag of reloads yesterday in our silhouette match with expected results. Had fun but didn't score well. But that's fine as I got rid of ammo I thought questionable.

13 for 20, far cry from the 18 I shot a while back.

Posted by: Blake - semi lurker at large at June 28, 2026 07:20 PM (51aVQ)

24 I learned to clean every time because I used to shoot surplus military ammo and I dislike rust.

I went shooting last week. I bought an Ortgies in .32, and discovered that the recoil and striker springs were shot (not unusual for a 100 year old automatic) so I ordered a set from Wolff Gunsprings ( gunsprings.com) via a friend who has an account. Once I got them in, I switched out the recoil and striker springs, and we went on a trip to the range.
The Ortgies is a snappy little .32 that can be quite accurate! It was dead on at the 25 yard range, and I got all the shots on the target frame at 50 yards, and 5 on the paper plate sized target

I also took the 9 mm Star BM out, since I had to replace a broken barrel swivel (Spanish steel again) and I had to do a function test; once again it astounded me by being as accurate as ever.

Posted by: Kindltot at June 28, 2026 07:21 PM (rbvCR)

25
Part combo build Sig Sauer P365 ready for plinking in the woods tomorrow.

Unrelated: John Bolton deserves time, plea agreement be damned.

Posted by: Auspex at June 28, 2026 07:24 PM (Y8DZL)

26 Good CLP video. I use the Break Free CLP most of the time. Will try the Clenzoil.

Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 07:24 PM (jkyX4)

27 After watching a Langdon Tactical video on how to field strip and clean a Beretta PX 4, I've become a fan of the Lucas Oil Extreme Duty line of firearm solvents and lubricants.

A little dab 'll do ya.

Posted by: mrp at June 28, 2026 07:25 PM (rj6Yv)

28 Good evening Horde. Thanks Weasel!

Productive day at the range today. Not a lot of other patrons.

I focused today on sight lines on gub stability. I need glasses to see the iron sights clearly, but my glasses make the target look like an amorphous blob. I've been trying without the glasses on the logic that I like seeing what I'm aiming at and a self-defense situation likely won't allow time to put on glasses.

Success! Put many well grouped holes in or near the center of the paper. Declared victory and went home.

Posted by: TRex - equal height, equal light dino at June 28, 2026 07:26 PM (IQ6Gq)

29 Good CLP video. I use the Break Free CLP most of the time. Will try the Clenzoil.

My biggest problem with CLP is finding one in a container that doesn't leak.

Posted by: Oddbob at June 28, 2026 07:28 PM (vTZFs)

30 Mosins: every time, as I use Soviet-bloc surplus ammo.

M1 Garands: slipping a bit, used to be every session - bore, that is - plan to resume that. Full disassembly only annually to preserve lock-up with the stocks.

M1 carbines: snake bore at least every time.

Revolvers (centerfire): if lead bullets, every time.

Semi pistols: every few sessions.

Semi rifles/pistols, always check lubrication.

Wipe down metal on everything every time I handle them.

Posted by: rhomboid at June 28, 2026 07:31 PM (SJWZc)

31 firsticle

Posted by: Eromero at June 28, 2026 07:31 PM (LHPAg)

32 Good evening all, and thanks for the thread Weasel.
Looking forward to looking at the CLP video. We usually clean between 200-300 rounds.
Range report: Not practicing weekly adversely impacts results, so that is being rectified. Started off weak (hope that is still the correct term) today, but pulled it together for a stronger mid and final sessions. Worded on trigger pull and my nemesis flinching, with good results. One would think they would be burned into my brain by now.

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at June 28, 2026 07:33 PM (IQ6Gq)

33 Greetings!!!!
Posted by: Scuba_Dude at June 28, 2026 07:03 PM

Scoob!

You have a serious MA doppelganger. I was at the bank yesterday and I looked up to see a guy who, in partial profile, looked exactly like you. Same build, same hair..everything. Weird.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at June 28, 2026 07:34 PM (Wnv9h)

34 Maybe the last fully armed WWII aircraft. P-40 with all her teeth...
https://youtu.be/NEUO3myf55Y?is=pHymruZJiRWeXYdj

Posted by: tRusty Hudson at June 28, 2026 07:35 PM (ZfTMG)

35 Range report:

Been shooting mostly .22 from the Ruger Mark IV. I’m focused on trigger pull. Straight back. No flinch. Fast. Slow. Medium. Got pretty ok. Shot mostly at 10-15 yards where a flinch is amplified.

Shot the Dan Wesson Patriot today. 1911 in .45.
Seven yards. Most shots went through the same hole. Trigger pull has improved.

Posted by: nurse ratched. at June 28, 2026 07:35 PM (yEz+x)

36 Just came into possession of 2 Model 18s. A -3 and a -4. Not a big rimfire guy but hope to practice with them as it’s good revolver training.

Posted by: rhomboid at June 28, 2026 07:35 PM (SJWZc)

37 Has anyone shot a S and W 52? Wondering if it has any advantage over the 38 Masterpiece revolver for competition. Maybe the 52's trigger was easier to use than the DA trigger on the revolver, although my K-38 has about the best DA trigger I've ever used.

Posted by: JTB at June 28, 2026 07:36 PM (yTvNw)

38 Thanks Weasel - 'nother thanks on the CLP video. Been wondering lately if I should try other products; will give Break Free and Clenzoil a try.

Posted by: Patches at June 28, 2026 07:37 PM (338iJ)

39 Part combo build Sig Sauer P365 ready for plinking in the woods tomorrow.

Posted by: Auspex at June 28, 2026 07:24 PM (Y8DZL)

The SIG P365 is great for building your "perfect" carry gun. Mine is a 3.8 inch barrel and slide on the short standard grip. A "365L" so to speak.

When I'm in a Free state, I can put in a 12 round magazine with a grip extension and turn it into an XL size. When I go to a Slave state, I put in a ten round magazine.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at June 28, 2026 07:37 PM (ntqEh)

40 I don’t clean guns very often. Maybe every several hundred rounds.

But when I do clean them, it’s as thorough as I can handle by myself.

Posted by: nurse ratched. at June 28, 2026 07:37 PM (yEz+x)

41 Good evening gubthreaders and all the ships at sea!

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at June 28, 2026 07:39 PM (fKauK)

42 Posted by: Patches at June 28, 2026 07:37 PM (338iJ)
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Howdy!

Posted by: Weasel at June 28, 2026 07:42 PM (levDv)

43 New Dr Felton video today on each country rifles, production cost and what would be today.
Of course M-1 is top cost.

Posted by: Skip at June 28, 2026 07:42 PM (Ia/+0)

44 I have a large spray can and a small bottle of CLP. The spray can is for things that need a larger amount of lubrication like an AR bolt and bolt carrier. The small bottle is for applying small drops on things that need only a little CLP like slide rails on a semi auto pistol.

Posted by: Ed L at June 28, 2026 07:42 PM (BCwQW)

45 Also just added an H&K P7/M8 to the stable. Look forward to learning its peculiar operation.

Anyone know if the P7s have any ammo quirks, like short chamber ledes or anything? Typically only shoot my own reloads, which are now 124g (think the manual recos this bullet weight).

Posted by: rhomboid at June 28, 2026 07:43 PM (SJWZc)

46 I am posting from the free state of Florida.

Here's a thing. Because I work in a Federal facility my carry habit is a bit rusty. As we were about to hit the road I pulled out my EDC (P365XL) and checked to make sure the dot was good. It was not. The Romeo Zero is a remove to replace battery item and we were about to hit the road so I grabbed my backup EDC which is a Kel-tec PF9. It is less rounds and a less good shooter but that thing about the gun you have. It IS however smaller and lighter and ultimately more concealable.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at June 28, 2026 07:44 PM (fKauK)

47 Also just added an H&K P7/M8 to the stable. Look forward to learning its peculiar operation.
Posted by: rhomboid at June 28, 2026 07:43 PM

Now comes the quest for magazines!

Posted by: Duncanthrax at June 28, 2026 07:45 PM (0sNs1)

48 What’s burning Weasel? Finishing a Karen Berger Ixtelli on the porch. Not sure worth reviewing but pleasant enough.

Posted by: rhomboid at June 28, 2026 07:46 PM (SJWZc)

49 New Dr Felton video today on each country rifles, production cost and what would be today.
Of course M-1 is top cost.
Posted by: Skip at June 28, 2026 07:42 PM (Ia/+0)

US Army Ordinance was always a proponent of old school gunsmithing when it came to its service rifles. Eugene Stoner's AR-15/M-16, designed in part to speed production by using plastic and aircraft grade aluminum instead of furniture grade walnut wood and steel, fell into disfavor with US Army Ordinance for this (and other) reasons.

Posted by: Ed L at June 28, 2026 07:47 PM (BCwQW)

50 Duncan, actually fortunate in that respect - pistol came with 8 mags. Neither mags nor pistol have seen much use.

Posted by: rhomboid at June 28, 2026 07:48 PM (SJWZc)

51 CLP: All my AR-15s get Magpul grips with the storage compartment and a Magpul oil bottle filled with whatever brand of CLP I have handy.

Yes, I know your homemade blend of 30-weight motor oil (used and strained through a bandana) and kerosene only costs you 15 cents per gallon to make, and you've been using it ever since you were in the Parachute Ski Marines. Good for you.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at June 28, 2026 07:49 PM (ntqEh)

52 No range time though I have seen some promising locations in and around Dallas and Fort Worth on my visit to the area to see Rush. I may have to bring the guns next time I am here.

Posted by: Cow Demon at June 28, 2026 07:49 PM (gumUy)

53 What’s burning Weasel? Finishing a Karen Berger Ixtelli on the porch. Not sure worth reviewing but pleasant enough.
Posted by: rhomboid at June 28, 2026 07:46 PM (SJWZc)
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I seem to be stuck on the Brick House maduros lately!

Posted by: Weasel at June 28, 2026 07:52 PM (Q9ilg)

54 Anyone know if the P7s have any ammo quirks, like short chamber ledes or anything? Typically only shoot my own reloads, which are now 124g (think the manual recos this bullet weight).
Posted by: rhomboid at June 28, 2026 07:43 PM (SJWZc)

The P7 was designed as a NATO standard service pistol, so it should work best with 9mm NATO standard loadings. These are a bit hotter than US 9mm commercial loads.. My P7 PSP has worked well with most commerical loadings. But I've also been told that you should NOT use unjacketed lead bullets because 1) the polygonal rifling can shave lead from the bullet and 2) that lead can clog the gas port that's required to be open in order for the P7 series pistol to operate properly.

Posted by: Ed L at June 28, 2026 07:53 PM (BCwQW)

55 The Felton video about World War Eleven rifle costs says the M1 Garand would have cost $666 in 2026 dollars.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at June 28, 2026 07:56 PM (ntqEh)

56 I seem to be stuck on the Brick House maduros lately!
Posted by: Weasel at June 28, 2026 07:52 PM

Those were pretty good smokes.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at June 28, 2026 07:56 PM (Wnv9h)

57 What frosts me is that every time I hit the road, the question comes up if I should take my guns with me or not. I decided I was going onto federal property so therefore, no guns.

I get to the base I was going to visit and for the first time, ever, I find that I could not go on base with a civilian in my vehicle. So I was turned away at the gate. Had I known that would be an issue I would have taken my guns. Bah.

Posted by: Cow Demon at June 28, 2026 07:57 PM (gumUy)

58 Virginia gun laws are the usual mess. People are trying to beat the rush for July 1 deadline on "assault firearms." Virginia State Police are delaying required background checks. So, you know, back the blue or something.

The two assault firearms bills - one on sale, manufacture, transfer etc along with mags >15 rounds as well as the carry on or about one's person in any place open to the public are currently enjoined but apparently the restraint is only against the Virgnia State Police enforcing it. The court order is until December 31 or until a higher court overturns it.

Makes things...murky.

Meanwhile, the law making possession, maufacture, etc. of unserialized firearms a felony remains in place but takes effect July 1, 2027.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at June 28, 2026 07:57 PM (fKauK)

59 Weasel the Brick House maduro is a good place to be stuck. One of my early faves.

Posted by: rhomboid at June 28, 2026 07:58 PM (U/Byj)

60 CLP: All my AR-15s get Magpul grips with the storage compartment and a Magpul oil bottle filled with whatever brand of CLP I have handy.
…

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at June 28, 2026 07:49 PM (ntqEh)

Good reminder. I know various of my rifles have storage, but I’ll be darned if I remember which have something in them.
I’m afraid I might find M&Ms.

Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 07:58 PM (E9nGU)

61 Thanks Ed L - for some reason I figured you might have knowledge to put to me.

Fortunately I only use jacketed/plated 9mm - and must do a few extra push-ups because I didn't even know the P7 has polygonal rifling. Dang.

I'll have to see if my current standard 9mm load works well.

Posted by: rhomboid at June 28, 2026 08:00 PM (U/Byj)

62 I get to the base I was going to visit and for the first time, ever, I find that I could not go on base with a civilian in my vehicle. So I was turned away at the gate. Had I known that would be an issue I would have taken my guns. Bah.
Posted by: Cow Demon at June 28, 2026 07:57 PM (gumUy)

If you're going to a military base (not on official business), you usually need a sponsor on base to get you on the installation. Some bases will allow you to fill out paperwork at the visitor center so they can run a background check on you and your passengers, especially if there are things on base that people might want to see (museums, etc.). Others won't let you on base if you don't have official business there. It all depends on the individual base commanders and the tenant commands there.

Posted by: Ed L at June 28, 2026 08:02 PM (BCwQW)

63 That .950 is pure ass American. Monster trucks, Motorcycle Jumping and the .950.

That was awesome.

Posted by: polynikes at June 28, 2026 08:02 PM (04gcy)

64 Good Hickok 45 vid on .22 pistols, Weasel.
I think people should do a lot of .22 shooting.
Not only for fundamentals, but because it is fundamentally fun!

Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 08:05 PM (E9nGU)

65 If you're going to a military base (not on official business), you usually need a sponsor on base to get you on the installation. Some bases will allow you to fill out paperwork at the visitor center so they can run a background check on you and your passengers, especially if there are things on base that people might want to see (museums, etc.). Others won't let you on base if you don't have official business there. It all depends on the individual base commanders and the tenant commands there.
Posted by: Ed L at June 28, 2026 08:02 PM (BCwQW)
-----
They keep not letting me into Area 51.

Posted by: Weasel at June 28, 2026 08:05 PM (GSBVY)

66 I have an ask. Would you please contact bluebell for Grammie 's address and send a card to a dear lady that, although she doesn't carry a .45, has been a huge part of this community.

Posted by: Ben Had at June 28, 2026 08:06 PM (afJtY)

67 Earlier today I put ' oil all the guns in the safe' on my to do list.

Posted by: polynikes at June 28, 2026 08:07 PM (04gcy)

68 1954 on the farm, that was my life. It was a great life.

Posted by: Eromero at June 28, 2026 08:07 PM (LHPAg)

69 Cleaning of said target rifles: Wipe-out, as advised by Weasel, followed by Bore Tech Eliminator. Nylon brushes, naturally.

I tend to be wary of carbon build up.

Posted by: Blake - semi lurker in marginal standing at June 28, 2026 08:07 PM (UJMvS)

70 I think people should do a lot of .22 shooting.
Not only for fundamentals, but because it is fundamentally fun!
Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 08:05 PM

And if you really want to get your fundamentals humbled, spend some time with a recoilless match air rifle.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at June 28, 2026 08:07 PM (Wnv9h)

71 No range time but I did touch a GAU-8 attached to an A-10 today, after listening to a concert of patriotic music while seated with a F-80 Shooting Star on my left and a SR-71 Blackbird flanked by a U-2 on my right.

Posted by: fd at June 28, 2026 08:07 PM (MWfyi)

72 Ohhh M&Ms! Now I am craving those...thanks Red!

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at June 28, 2026 08:07 PM (IQ6Gq)

73 I seem to be stuck on the Brick House maduros lately!"

A good smoke. Broke into the other humidor and had a Ghurka Assassin... from about 15 years ago. Fantastic smoke, it was. Still have a couple more...

Posted by: man at June 28, 2026 08:07 PM (XuXeR)

74 Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 08:05 PM (E9nGU)
----
It seems highly undercelebrated!

Posted by: Weasel at June 28, 2026 08:07 PM (GSBVY)

75 Think I saw that the feds just closed access to some (distant) high vantage point that is the best for observing Area 51. Friend is involved with development projects in NV and several of the plots of fed land involved had "Area X" designations.

Posted by: rhomboid at June 28, 2026 08:08 PM (U/Byj)

76 They keep not letting me into Area 51.
Posted by: Weasel at June 28, 2026 08:05 PM (GSBVY)

They tell me the same thing at Suitland (home of Naval Intelligence), the Naval Research Lab, and Thurmont (aka Camp David).

Posted by: Ed L at June 28, 2026 08:10 PM (BCwQW)

77 RMBS, uptwinkles on the recoilless rifle!
Oh.
Air rifle.
Never mind.

Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 08:10 PM (E9nGU)

78 Ohhh M&Ms! Now I am craving those...thanks Red!
Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at June 28, 2026 08:07 PM (IQ6Gq)

We did go over storage space in the AR 15 platform, right?

p.s. my self-imposed island exile is coming to a close. Back on the range later this week.

Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 08:13 PM (E9nGU)

79 Did you know Glock made an AR-15 but only available to military and police. The GR 115.

Posted by: polynikes at June 28, 2026 08:14 PM (04gcy)

80 Guns!

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at June 28, 2026 08:15 PM (xcxpd)

81 I clean my 9mm after every range trip. I generally use my 45 each trip too, but I hate chasing the spring down from some unknown, and always changing corner or the shop. So it gets the special treatment only after every other use.
The 12ga semi-auto gets cleaned each time, but it’s easy. Inertia-cycled model, rather than gas operated, so it’s very basic.
My mini 14 never gets used, so just an annual oil job with no disassembly.
I love the Hoppes #19(?). Works good, and like the smell.
Gunscrubber strips the everything off everywhere, so I don’t use it.

Speaking of gun cleaning, I am, and have had a few JR Cigar Cohiba clones today. Absolutely my favorite, everyday cigar.
Oh, wait. That might have been a tangential comment. Sorry.

Posted by: Gunslinger at June 28, 2026 08:15 PM (Mxkwh)

82 Hi
I'm here. Have nothing to report sadly. Maybe next week. Anybody have any "fireworks" planned for the fourth?

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at June 28, 2026 08:16 PM (kJmSS)

83 RI Red, for those that have very limited range time an air rifle does make for building muscle memory and target acquisition that can be done in a back yard.

Posted by: Ben Had at June 28, 2026 08:16 PM (afJtY)

84 We did go over storage space in the AR 15 platform, right?
Posted by: RI Red
**********
Negative. But you had me at M&Ms.....

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at June 28, 2026 08:16 PM (IQ6Gq)

85 I have a friend who as a contractor flew over Area 51 in a B-1.

Posted by: blaster - Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat at June 28, 2026 08:18 PM (fKauK)

86 Hi Sharon!

Have you found a rifle yet?

Posted by: nurse ratched. at June 28, 2026 08:18 PM (yEz+x)

87 S&W model 52

Hey! I have one of those!

Posted by: screaming in digital at June 28, 2026 08:18 PM (/4R5g)

88 Another range day yesterday, with Bubba Fly and my G44. So a very Glock day and I'm ok with that.

The G17 I have is heavily bubba-fied with a Romeo One optic, custom stippling and a double undercut. All that means is: optic means old eyes can put holes in paper, stippling means the Gen 3 Glock isn't slippery, the double undercut means no Glock Knuckle and I can shoot it all day.

I may replace the trigger shoe at some point. Anyway, I shoot it well, had a pretty good Dot Torture drill, just a few strings low left and that's due to me forcing the break.

The G44 is for relaxation after the drills and it's fun. I would love to burn more 9mm but honestly, I'm poor now and I can't afford to put 200 rounds of 9mm downrange anymore. So I'm filling in the relaxation portion of my range visits with .22lr. And that is good.

Anyway, I've continued to be happy with Glocks. I shoot them well and if the ammo doesn't poop the bed, then it runs like a truck. A good truck, not a GMC POS.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at June 28, 2026 08:19 PM (xcxpd)

89 Posted by: screaming in digital at June 28, 2026 08:18 PM (/4R5g)
----
Lucky!

Posted by: Weasel at June 28, 2026 08:19 PM (GSBVY)

90 If you're going to a military base (not on official business), you usually need a sponsor on base to get you on the installation. Some bases will allow you to fill out paperwork at the visitor center so they can run a background check on you and your passengers, especially if there are things on base that people might want to see (museums, etc.). Others won't let you on base if you don't have official business there. It all depends on the individual base commanders and the tenant commands there.
Posted by: Ed L at June 28, 2026 08:02 PM (BCwQW)

My retiree’s card should have been enough and would have been had I not had a civilian passenger. First time in my lifetime of entering military facilities as a dependent, AD or retired that ever happened. Oh well.

Posted by: Cow Demon at June 28, 2026 08:20 PM (gumUy)

91 87 S&W model 52

Hey! I have one of those!
Posted by: screaming in digital at June 28, 2026 08:18 PM (/4R5g)

I almost bought one, kinda wish I had but...I have too man guns that don't get enough love.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at June 28, 2026 08:20 PM (xcxpd)

92 Still don't understand Glock not making their own PCC. It's like leaving millions of dollars on the table.

Posted by: polynikes at June 28, 2026 08:20 PM (04gcy)

93 RMBS, uptwinkles on the recoilless rifle!
Oh.
Air rifle.
Never mind.
Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 08:10 PM

*Spock eyebrow*

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at June 28, 2026 08:20 PM (Wnv9h)

94 Negative. But you had me at M&Ms.....
Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at June 28, 2026 08:16 PM (IQ6Gq)

The old school commercial Colt AR-15A2 and military M-16A2s had fixed buttstocks with a storage compartment for a cleaning kit that more often than not was used to stash M&Ms or Skittles during rifle range qualifications or training exercises.

Posted by: Ed L at June 28, 2026 08:21 PM (BCwQW)

95 RI Red, for those that have very limited range time an air rifle does make for building muscle memory and target acquisition that can be done in a back yard.
Posted by: Ben Had at June 28, 2026 08:16 PM (afJtY)

For sure. I remember Jr.’s first gun purchase with his own money: Kittery Trading Post in Maine - great store. Break action air powered pellet gun. He learned a lot of fundamentals.

Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 08:22 PM (E9nGU)

96 Posted by: RI Red at June 28, 2026 08:22 PM (E9nGU)
---
KTP - love that place.

Posted by: Weasel at June 28, 2026 08:23 PM (GSBVY)

97 The model 52 has the sweetest trigger ever. I rarely shoot it because it's so special, and last time out the 1 mag I have didn't want to cycle properly. Last time I checked mags were hard to find and spendy.

I'm commenting from the Rush concert so when they take the stage I will disappear.

Weasel if y'all want pics & notes about my 52 I'll be glad to send sometime

Posted by: screaming in digital at June 28, 2026 08:23 PM (/4R5g)

98 Among the items I passed on recently were a Model 57 and 2 Taurus .41 mags. I know there's a .41 mag cult, but I decided not to join it. Caliber creep has been successfully resisted for years, can't go wobbly now. Plus I have no specific use for .41 mag. If I spent time in the bush in Alaska I would.

Posted by: rhomboid at June 28, 2026 08:24 PM (U/Byj)

99 My retiree’s card should have been enough and would have been had I not had a civilian passenger. First time in my lifetime of entering military facilities as a dependent, AD or retired that ever happened. Oh well.

Posted by: Cow Demon at June 28, 2026 08:20 PM (gumUy)

A lot of bases have tightened up security with the recent unpleasantness going on in the Middle East.

Posted by: Ed L at June 28, 2026 08:25 PM (BCwQW)

100 Hi Nurse
Was thinking about you last week and remembering that I met you for the first time at my first MoMe in NoVa.
I haven't found a rifle yet but I did get the Henry catalog this week. They make a lot of different models. lol
Saw your comment about the Ruger MarkIV. I think that was the first pistol JesseinDC had me shoot. I am not enjoying my Glock22 even though i love the 9s. Maybe need a Buckmark or a Ruger. Hmmm

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at June 28, 2026 08:25 PM (kJmSS)

101 I'm commenting from the Rush concert so when they take the stage I will disappear.

Weasel if y'all want pics & notes about my 52 I'll be glad to send sometime
Posted by: screaming in digital at June 28, 2026 08:23 PM (/4R5g)
----
Enjoy! Anika has been tearing it up. So cool.

Sure! No rush, but happy to feature it.

Posted by: Weasel at June 28, 2026 08:25 PM (GSBVY)

102 I mentioned a week or two ago I scored a High Standard Sentinel .22 revolver. I've always liked them. A lot of thought went into the design, with much attention to getting the forcing cone right. A 250 round session this week proved it. Extremely accurate, producing half dollar size groups at about 20 yards (off a rest of course). I was doing most shooting left handed due to the cane and didn't have bad aches and pains in the hands after the session even with the heavy DA trigger. I'm now on look out for one of the Snubbies with the birds head grip for EDC (yeah, I know, .22). You have to make allowances when the arthritis gets bad.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at June 28, 2026 08:26 PM (gm9Sb)

103 35 Range report:

Been shooting mostly .22 from the Ruger Mark IV. I’m focused on trigger pull. Straight back. No flinch. Fast. Slow. Medium. Got pretty ok. Shot mostly at 10-15 yards where a flinch is amplified.

Shot the Dan Wesson Patriot today. 1911 in .45.
Seven yards. Most shots went through the same hole. Trigger pull has improved.
Posted by: nurse ratched. at June 28, 2026 07:35 PM (yEz+x)

Do not mess with the Nurse if she has a 1911 of any kind. She is good with them.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at June 28, 2026 08:27 PM (xcxpd)

104 Hey! I made a funny! No rush. Get it?

Hahahahaha

I crack myself up.

Posted by: Weasel at June 28, 2026 08:28 PM (GSBVY)

105 Weasel is a funny guy.

Posted by: Ben Had at June 28, 2026 08:29 PM (afJtY)

106 92 Still don't understand Glock not making their own PCC. It's like leaving millions of dollars on the table.
Posted by: polynikes at June 28, 2026 08:20 PM (04gcy)

Yeah, never understood what Glock does or why since Gaston stopped driving development.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at June 28, 2026 08:29 PM (xcxpd)

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