3 hours ago
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Next Step
Phase 1: Design and Layout, and Phase 2: Construction, are done.
Phase 3: Finishing and Dyeing are next.
9mm round for size comparison.
Phase 3: Finishing and Dyeing are next.
9mm round for size comparison.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Sidebar
I updated the folks in my sidebar just now. Removed a few folks who stopped updating, and added a guy I've been following for a year or more. Frankly, I have no excuse. I've just been lazy. Check out Langiappe's Lair in the sidebar, and meet a fellow gun nut trapped in a beautiful, diverse, colorful, LIBERAL city. He moved to New Orleans recently, and seems to be having plenty of misadventures.
I've hung out with him a few times, and he's a blast. If you don't already read him regular, you should. He's a hoot.
I've hung out with him a few times, and he's a blast. If you don't already read him regular, you should. He's a hoot.
Bowie
With a prolific and large as my clan is, we throw all the children's names into a hat every year, and draw names to see who you buy gifts for. In this way, we each only buy presents for 2 or 3 nieces or nephews, rather than having to buy gifts for a dozen.
One of the nephews that I got this year wants a bowie knife. He got into the Fast-Draw game with Pawpaw, and all the other teenage boys have bowie knives. I scouted around for a bowie at a decent price, finally finding one for not too much money. It's a cheap one, but it's more "costume" than "survival, so I'm not too worried about it. Thing is, it came with a truly horrendous, pleather sheath... in brown, no less. The boy has all of his fast-draw gear in black, so I'm going to make him a proper sheath for the knife. truth be told, when this is all done, the sheath will be worth more than the knife... but as I said, since it's for costume more than function, doesn't it make sense that it be clad in a really nice sheath?
I hope the boy can appreciate good leather.
One of the nephews that I got this year wants a bowie knife. He got into the Fast-Draw game with Pawpaw, and all the other teenage boys have bowie knives. I scouted around for a bowie at a decent price, finally finding one for not too much money. It's a cheap one, but it's more "costume" than "survival, so I'm not too worried about it. Thing is, it came with a truly horrendous, pleather sheath... in brown, no less. The boy has all of his fast-draw gear in black, so I'm going to make him a proper sheath for the knife. truth be told, when this is all done, the sheath will be worth more than the knife... but as I said, since it's for costume more than function, doesn't it make sense that it be clad in a really nice sheath?
I hope the boy can appreciate good leather.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Firewood Folly
In my infinite wisdom, I decided I needed to acquire firewood for our fire pit today. We enjoy sitting outside around a fire with an adult libation, and we don't have much wood. After voting, I headed to a local pallet manufacturer that I heard sold scrap wood for cheap. It was an idyllic 20 minute drive down the highway into the country. When I got there, I was greeted at the office by a charming southern girl that said things like "ya'll" and "them over there" and said everything with a smile and a saccharine twang. Kind as can be, she informed me that I could buy a truck bed full of scrap for a 20 dollar bill, and she was sorry, but I had to load it myself. I gallantly smiled and slightly flexed my muscles as she pointed me to a mountain of wood probably 60ft high and twice that around. Looking behind it, there were several more piles like it.
The scraps were mixed hardwood and pine, and I could pick and choose. I tossed and loaded and cussed for 20 minutes, only selecting hardwood, then climbed into the bed of my F-150 to stack it. After packing it in neatly and tight, level with the top of the bed, I hadn't even gotten to the wheel wells! I gasped for air, having not thought that it would be as difficult as it was (am I really that dumb? did I really think it would be EASY to load a truck bed full of wood?!) and wished that I had brought a bottle of water. Or even better, liquor. Damn this wood!
The better part of an hour later, and I had finished filling the bed. Sure, the last 20 or so pieces were pine, but I was too tired to give a crap about climbing the woodpile AGAIN so I settled for the easy pickings near the base of the wood-mountain.
I stopped at a gas station near the pallet factory, and got a poweraid to rejuvenate myself, and wryly patted myself on the back. I had secured a whole truckload of fire pit goodness! I slowly crept home, savoring my electrolyte laden beverage.
A few blocks from my house, realization set in. I was going to have to unload all that damn wood! Ah, hell! I backed into the driveway, and got as close as I could to where I stack firewood, about 20 yards away. The firewood stared up out of the truck bed balefully back at me. It laughed. Or maybe I did. surely that wasn't a crazed sob that came from my lips?
I dreadfully cleared a path between my preferred firewood location and my truck. with grit and determination, I dutifully wheeled the wheelbarrow over to my truck. I started loading into the wheelbarrow. Was this wood heavier? Surely if each piece weighs this much, my rear tires should be flat! Over the course of the next hour, I made approximately 11 million trips back and fourth between my truck and the wood pile, neatly stacking each piece. Some of the stacks may look like a drunk with the shakes stacked it, but it must be because the wood was uneven. I take pride in stacking wood neatly.
Did you know that firewood has teeth? I didn't. But it must be true. I was stacking wood as carefully as can be (an outside observer may have thought I was worn-out and half-heartedly throwing wood willey-nilly on the stack, but this is a technique I learned from my father. It keeps your neighbors from feeling bad about themselves when they see you preforming nigh-superhuman feats of endurance), when one reached out with its teeth and bit me! Right into my cuticle on my right middle finger! As I said, I was being very careful to stack it neatly in spite of my neighbors oddly standing around pointing and laughing, so I know I couldn't have inadvertently smashed it between 2 pieces of firewood.
Finally the last piece of wood was stacked. I put the wheelbarrow away. I heard the leaf Springs on my F-150 sigh in relief. I'm pretty sure it was the leaf springs. I mean, I know it wasn't me... my sighs are quiet and dignified, not loud and screeching...
Anyway, the wood is stacked, and I am all set for a cheery fire that i can't enjoy, because the rain came in, damnit!
I'm sure that cruel witch at the pallet factory that convinced me that I was getting a STEAL on a truckload of wood for 20 dollars is cackling right now, enjoying my misery that the rain she called in would inflict.
The scraps were mixed hardwood and pine, and I could pick and choose. I tossed and loaded and cussed for 20 minutes, only selecting hardwood, then climbed into the bed of my F-150 to stack it. After packing it in neatly and tight, level with the top of the bed, I hadn't even gotten to the wheel wells! I gasped for air, having not thought that it would be as difficult as it was (am I really that dumb? did I really think it would be EASY to load a truck bed full of wood?!) and wished that I had brought a bottle of water. Or even better, liquor. Damn this wood!
The better part of an hour later, and I had finished filling the bed. Sure, the last 20 or so pieces were pine, but I was too tired to give a crap about climbing the woodpile AGAIN so I settled for the easy pickings near the base of the wood-mountain.
I stopped at a gas station near the pallet factory, and got a poweraid to rejuvenate myself, and wryly patted myself on the back. I had secured a whole truckload of fire pit goodness! I slowly crept home, savoring my electrolyte laden beverage.
A few blocks from my house, realization set in. I was going to have to unload all that damn wood! Ah, hell! I backed into the driveway, and got as close as I could to where I stack firewood, about 20 yards away. The firewood stared up out of the truck bed balefully back at me. It laughed. Or maybe I did. surely that wasn't a crazed sob that came from my lips?
I dreadfully cleared a path between my preferred firewood location and my truck. with grit and determination, I dutifully wheeled the wheelbarrow over to my truck. I started loading into the wheelbarrow. Was this wood heavier? Surely if each piece weighs this much, my rear tires should be flat! Over the course of the next hour, I made approximately 11 million trips back and fourth between my truck and the wood pile, neatly stacking each piece. Some of the stacks may look like a drunk with the shakes stacked it, but it must be because the wood was uneven. I take pride in stacking wood neatly.
Did you know that firewood has teeth? I didn't. But it must be true. I was stacking wood as carefully as can be (an outside observer may have thought I was worn-out and half-heartedly throwing wood willey-nilly on the stack, but this is a technique I learned from my father. It keeps your neighbors from feeling bad about themselves when they see you preforming nigh-superhuman feats of endurance), when one reached out with its teeth and bit me! Right into my cuticle on my right middle finger! As I said, I was being very careful to stack it neatly in spite of my neighbors oddly standing around pointing and laughing, so I know I couldn't have inadvertently smashed it between 2 pieces of firewood.
Finally the last piece of wood was stacked. I put the wheelbarrow away. I heard the leaf Springs on my F-150 sigh in relief. I'm pretty sure it was the leaf springs. I mean, I know it wasn't me... my sighs are quiet and dignified, not loud and screeching...
Anyway, the wood is stacked, and I am all set for a cheery fire that i can't enjoy, because the rain came in, damnit!
I'm sure that cruel witch at the pallet factory that convinced me that I was getting a STEAL on a truckload of wood for 20 dollars is cackling right now, enjoying my misery that the rain she called in would inflict.
Handguns
After work yesterday I went and spent some of the detail money I've been making. I made a deal with my wife that I would work a bunch of details to get us back flush and build up money for Christmas, but I was going to buy a gun and accessories for same if we met our financial goals before the detail ran out.
I bought a G17 gen 4 glock, and upgraded the sights to Ameriglo night sights. I am happy with the purchase. I have carried a Glock 19 gen 3 as a work gun for 5 years. I'm intimately familiar with it, and trust in it daily. I like the platform, and accept it's limitations. It is not a safe queen or range toy, and it's not pretty.
But it's a great tool, and it is well designed for its intended task. I decided to go with the 17 because I like the longer grip. I like the modularity of the gen 4 grip as well, but the base size fits my hand best. the texture is much better than on the gen 3 as well.
I feel very comfortable with my 19, but it is owned by my department, and I really wanted a duty weapon that is mine. I don't want to have to learn another gun -even another Glock- if I ever decide to move to another department.
Looking at my handguns today, I have come to realise that I don't have a need for any other handgun at this point in my life. In fact, I have a few superfluous guns. I'm not getting rid of any, because the 3 handguns that I have that don't fill specific roles all have a place in my heart, but I don't see a need to add to my handgun collection anymore.
In the top left, you see my new G17. I hope to become as familiar with it as I am with my department's G19, below it.
Under the 19, you see a Kahr CW9, which is my constant off-duty companion.
Below the Kahr is a Ruger LC-9 that I got for a song, and is my "truck gun". I don't mind if it gets a little beat up, and it's easy to throw in a glove box when I'm going somewhere. it has a belt holster and a pocket holster and an extra magazine with it at all times, and is basically a gun to have on hand for if I ever get caught out without a gun.
Top right is a Taurus 627 Tracker in .357. It's my woods gun. I generally carry it when hunting as a backup/critter repellant/snake medicine.
Below the Taurus is my S&W 638, which is my deep concealment gun. If off-duty, and unable to carry my Kahr, the 638 slips into a pocket.
Below that is my wife's S&W model 60. It's hers, so I don't ever carry it, but it's a dandy little j-frame.
And in the middle are the "superfluous" guns. the top is a 3-inch model 36 which I just LOVE. A 3-inch j-frame is a thing of beauty that has to be experienced to be understood. it carries like a j-frame but shoots like a k-frame. It's a dream to shoot.
Below that is a grail gun of mine, a 1908 pocket hammerless. What can I say, I've had a jones for that gun forever. I finally scratched the itch, and after shooting it, I'm glad I did. It's a JMB work of art.
Lastly is my Great-Great Uncle's backup, a Ruby in 32. that gun was carried small-of-back without a holster by Uncle Roy for his working career as a Cop in Rural Louisiana in the first half of the 20th century. It has stories to tell, and considering that it may have been a relic of WWII, some of them are likely grim. I'll never get rid of that one, strictly due to the family history.
So that's the handguns. Like I said, I think I've got my bases covered in this department. I guess it's time to start cranking out 9mm on the reloading press, and hit the range!
I bought a G17 gen 4 glock, and upgraded the sights to Ameriglo night sights. I am happy with the purchase. I have carried a Glock 19 gen 3 as a work gun for 5 years. I'm intimately familiar with it, and trust in it daily. I like the platform, and accept it's limitations. It is not a safe queen or range toy, and it's not pretty.
But it's a great tool, and it is well designed for its intended task. I decided to go with the 17 because I like the longer grip. I like the modularity of the gen 4 grip as well, but the base size fits my hand best. the texture is much better than on the gen 3 as well.
I feel very comfortable with my 19, but it is owned by my department, and I really wanted a duty weapon that is mine. I don't want to have to learn another gun -even another Glock- if I ever decide to move to another department.
Looking at my handguns today, I have come to realise that I don't have a need for any other handgun at this point in my life. In fact, I have a few superfluous guns. I'm not getting rid of any, because the 3 handguns that I have that don't fill specific roles all have a place in my heart, but I don't see a need to add to my handgun collection anymore.
Under the 19, you see a Kahr CW9, which is my constant off-duty companion.
Below the Kahr is a Ruger LC-9 that I got for a song, and is my "truck gun". I don't mind if it gets a little beat up, and it's easy to throw in a glove box when I'm going somewhere. it has a belt holster and a pocket holster and an extra magazine with it at all times, and is basically a gun to have on hand for if I ever get caught out without a gun.
Top right is a Taurus 627 Tracker in .357. It's my woods gun. I generally carry it when hunting as a backup/critter repellant/snake medicine.
Below the Taurus is my S&W 638, which is my deep concealment gun. If off-duty, and unable to carry my Kahr, the 638 slips into a pocket.
Below that is my wife's S&W model 60. It's hers, so I don't ever carry it, but it's a dandy little j-frame.
And in the middle are the "superfluous" guns. the top is a 3-inch model 36 which I just LOVE. A 3-inch j-frame is a thing of beauty that has to be experienced to be understood. it carries like a j-frame but shoots like a k-frame. It's a dream to shoot.
Below that is a grail gun of mine, a 1908 pocket hammerless. What can I say, I've had a jones for that gun forever. I finally scratched the itch, and after shooting it, I'm glad I did. It's a JMB work of art.
Lastly is my Great-Great Uncle's backup, a Ruby in 32. that gun was carried small-of-back without a holster by Uncle Roy for his working career as a Cop in Rural Louisiana in the first half of the 20th century. It has stories to tell, and considering that it may have been a relic of WWII, some of them are likely grim. I'll never get rid of that one, strictly due to the family history.
So that's the handguns. Like I said, I think I've got my bases covered in this department. I guess it's time to start cranking out 9mm on the reloading press, and hit the range!
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Finally, a Post!
My lord, has it been that long? Whew! life has been like a rocket-sled on rails, to quote Jerry Reed. I have been working details to pay off a few things and put some money back for Christmas. Between work, Details, Scouts, and housework when the Wife is studying for school, I haven't had time to breathe, much less blog.
But, so goes life. At least I have an awesome one. Being a scout leader is fun, my marriage is strong and happy, and the detail I've been working is mostly fun.
I have had to put Leatherworking on the back burner lately, due to busy schedules, but I did make a shell holder for a buddy that shoots trap. His last name is Cherry, which makes more sense than seeing the shell holder without context.
Anyway, hope everyone is doing great, and the detail I've been working ends in mid-November, so by Thanksgiving, you should be seeing more around here! Have a good next few weeks! If I have time I may post a thing or two, but you'll be seeing more of me before too long, in any event.
Be safe and have fun out there, guys and gals.
But, so goes life. At least I have an awesome one. Being a scout leader is fun, my marriage is strong and happy, and the detail I've been working is mostly fun.
I have had to put Leatherworking on the back burner lately, due to busy schedules, but I did make a shell holder for a buddy that shoots trap. His last name is Cherry, which makes more sense than seeing the shell holder without context.
Anyway, hope everyone is doing great, and the detail I've been working ends in mid-November, so by Thanksgiving, you should be seeing more around here! Have a good next few weeks! If I have time I may post a thing or two, but you'll be seeing more of me before too long, in any event.
Be safe and have fun out there, guys and gals.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Snapshots
2 weeks ago, I went north to see family. Had a blast, it was great to see everyone, I hugged necks, and my Pop helped me process around 100 lbs. of lead into ingots. Thanks, pop. I had a lot of fun standing around a fire all morning with you. It had been too long since we last did something like that.
Afterwards, I spent the week finishing up some leather projects, including a holster for Murphy's Law, because I went and saw him the following weekend (last weekend).
Spent Sunday roaming New Orleans and it's usual haunts, including battlefields, museums, and squares. We even went to an old blacksmiths shop (wink, wink, for those that recognise the picture).
Afterwards, I spent the week finishing up some leather projects, including a holster for Murphy's Law, because I went and saw him the following weekend (last weekend).
Spent Sunday roaming New Orleans and it's usual haunts, including battlefields, museums, and squares. We even went to an old blacksmiths shop (wink, wink, for those that recognise the picture).
Finally, I managed to make a few holsters I've been wanting to make. I've been wanting to make a brace of holsters for my J-frames. The 3 inch 36 is worn strong-side, while the 2 inch 638 is worn cross draw. I tried out the cross draw rig on the way to see Murphy's Law last weekend, and it really worked out well. You can easily access it while driving, but is still comfortable for a long ride.
Cub Scouts is really starting to ramp up, with our first campout in 2 weeks. Life is hell-for-busy right now, but we're getting a lot of fun, quality stuff done, so I'm not complaining!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)