Update and Random Thoughts..

Well, the sear spring I tightened on the Mosin rifle eventually did break. I replaced it with a surplus part this past spring, from Liberty Tree Collectors - a great place to find surplus parts for many old military rifles. Shot the Mosin a little at the range this past May, always a fun time! I love to hear the old rifle go BOOM and feel the push against my shoulder.

A warning to America, and to all freedom loving countries and peoples around the world - Never stop fighting for your liberty and freedoms! America is a shining example of the beauty and goodness of a democratic republic, combined with a Constitution and the protection of personal liberty and freedom. America is under attack from radical muslims, progressive liberals, communists and atheists.

Looking forward to going to the range with my Hi-Point C9 pistol in a week or so! The 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is also being threatened - stand up and defend it, and all our cherished liberties and freedoms. A civilized society must protect itself from tyrannical governments, as well as criminal elements.

Lastly, as a Christian man, I urge everyone to seek Gods face and call out to His Son - Jesus Christ! Open the Holy Bible and read Gods word and meditate on it. Attend a local Sunday church service. May God bless America and the nation of Israel.

Do-It-Yourself Gun Repair

Well, I finally fixed my Mosin-Nagant. I took it apart and found that the sear spring was loose, and tightened up the screw. Now the trigger and gun work normally again! I was surprised how easy it is to take this rifle apart and put it back together. A very simple, but well made rifle! (Thank you Sergei Mosin and Leon Nagant!) Can't wait to shoot it at the range next month. As a reminder - I still caution anyone who works on firearms and isn't a gunsmith or armorer. Safety first and be careful! Happy shooting!

Gun Control and Gun Violence

I have some more thoughts on the subject of gun violence after the recent Connecticut elementary school shootings. I believe we need to separate the violent act from the gun itself. Massacres such as these could also have been committed with weapons other than guns, such as various knives, swords and bow & arrow. I believe we need to protect society from the violent criminal or murderer by keeping them separated from civil society and law abiding citizens. We need stricter laws against violent crime and greater help for the mentally ill - especially those who have violent tendencies or psychosis. Infringing on the lawful rights of law abiding citizen gun owners is the wrong approach and only serves to weaken society and pose a greater danger to responsible citizens. Stop blaming gun violence on the gun and put the blame where it belongs - on the criminal murderer.

A Tip For Firearms Buyers

Last time at the range, I experienced several failures with my Mosin rifle. The gun would repeatedly fail to fire and the bolt would fall out on several occasions. I spoke to a gunsmith, and the problem is most likely with the sear spring. The gunsmith won't work on surplus rifles and I don't trust myself to repair firearms as a safety issue.
My point is, that on further reflection, be aware that when buying a surplus firearm, you do not have any warranty and the parts themselves that make up the gun may be old, worn out or broken. This is something I didn't consider before buying the Mosin rifle.
I recently purchased a new Hi Point C9 9mm pistol online. The gun comes with a 100% no questions asked warranty on parts and labor and sold for $149.95 - which is among the lowest priced handguns you can buy today.
I still recommend surplus firearms as a good bargain, but buyer beware!

A Cherished Privilege

Another presidential election is coming near, here in America, and it's critical for all American citizens to make the effort to vote. Voting rights are an important part of what makes the United States a great nation. As Americans, we should always cherish and respect our liberty and freedom. Many nations and peoples around the world have much less freedom, and live daily under repressive governments or countries where their freedom is severely restricted. Americans often take our liberty for granted and we don't fully appreciate what a good country we have the privilege to live and work in! So, get out this November 6th and vote! May God Bless America.

States Rights and the Rising Power of the Federal Government

I want to give my 'two cents worth' on another news story I heard recently, and give my humble views on the power of federal government here in America and States rights.
I'm speaking about a recent story of a young Asian man and student, who was wrongly detained by the DEA or Drug Enforcement Agency in one of their operations. The story said this young man was detained (later to be determined without just cause) and placed in a windowless cell. He was left alone and forgotten(?) for five days without food or water or toilet facilities. The latest news is that he is now suing the DEA for millions of dollars. Good for him!
How did we Americans get to this point in history where we have forfeited our individual rights and liberties? Over the succeeding decades, the states have slowly given away their power to the federal government and prostituted themselves for the sake of money from Uncle Sam. I can only pray and hope that people are waking up to this danger, and turning back power to the States and more importantly- the individual citizen. Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler of the 1920's and 1930's rose from the common people of Germany! It was a long time in the making, but it finally happened, and please don't think that it couldn't happen here in America. Don't ever take your freedom for granted - many American soldiers have shed their blood and died to protect your freedoms. May God Bless America!

Opportunity in America - 'The Land Of The Free'

Well, my eldest son and I didn't go hunting after all - I couldn't justify the cost of gas to drive to and from the state forest. My wife and I just happened to be pinching pennies at that time, and money was tight. Oh well, we went to the local gun shop/range in December and had some fun with target practice. We rented a Smith & Wesson model 686 in .38 Special. The gun was very comfortable to shoot and handle, and quite accurate. Every now and then we pay a little extra to rent a handgun, and it gives us an opportunity to shoot some different firearm types. We'll try again next fall for another day trip to go deer hunting together.

Just like the title of this blog, I'm grateful and proud to live in America where we have the freedom to own guns, hunt on public land and all the other freedoms we enjoy and take for granted. I lost my job in November, 2010 and returned to college in May, after four months of steady job hunting with no results. I'm attending online college for a two year degree in computer software development and so far I'm earning a 3.5 GPA. My unemployment insurance runs out in February, so I'm now signed-up with a local temporary employment agency. America is still the land of opportunity. God Bless America!