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!

America's Hunting Heritage

Fall is here, the leaves are changing color and the mornings are cool. My eldest son and I are going to try our hand at deer hunting next month. Of course we'll be taking along our trusty old Mosin Nagant rifle, and I hope we can take a deer with it, and put some venison meat in our family freezer. We've only shot the rifle at the local gun range at paper targets, but I've always wanted to try it out for hunting. Our deer hunting will only be a day trip, and I'm just planning to walk the woods in the hope of spotting a deer. Hunting for me is not exactly a passion, but I do enjoy the outdoors, and hunting is a good way to do so. Hunting is a cherished tradition in America, and we are blessed to live in a country where hunting rights are protected and preserved. Many countries don't have the luxury of large tracts of public land to hunt on, nor laws that allow them to do so. America has a long tradition with hunting that goes back to the Pilgrim fathers and colonies of the 17th century. Hunting is a valuable activity for the economy, and promotes preservation and protection of natural resources. Bye for now, and happy hunting!

Americas' Energy Resources

Here are my thoughts, and personal views on energy production in America, and the damage to the nuclear power station in Japan recently.
Opponents of nuclear power speak of the danger of nuclear power plants. I agree that they pose a serious risk to people and the environment because of the risk (however small) of meltdown, explosion, and the inherent danger of nuclear waste material. However, I feel that many things in our daily life pose a danger to us, and with a higher probability or risk as well.
The security of any nation can be linked to its energy dependence. We in America are truly blessed by God, with abundant natural resources, and a high level of scientific and technical knowledge. I think of the Japanese empire in the 1930's, and its nearly total dependency on raw material and energy imports. That fact alone, was one of the major reasons for Japan attacking Pearl Harbor, and World War Two in the Pacific.
America needs large amounts of dependable, and inexpensive energy to operate and maintain our lifestyle. We truly cannot afford to put artificial limits on our energy production. I feel we need to drill for oil here in America (Alaska too!), and continue mining for coal and natural gas. AND we also need to promote investment and exploration of solar, wind and other renewable sources of energy.
We are so blessed as a nation, and I feel we can have a greater measure of energy Independence, and a clean environment! So, don't fear, but trust in God, and take pride in America!

Signs Of The Times - 'The End Of Days'

Have you noticed the turmoil in the news today? Earthquakes everywhere, major flooding, unusual severe weather; major uprisings in the Middle East; an upward trend of violence and hatred here in America, and worldwide; economic recession, depression and collapse. You may be interested to know that there is a book that foretells and speaks about all these things and more - the Holy Bible!
As a Chistian man, I can tell you that I'm not surprised by all the news headlines I see today. What I read in my Bible talks about all these same things, and much more. I am troubled by the world today, the same as you may be, but I take strength from my faith in Jesus Christ, and reading the Holy Bible.
As long as I have Jesus Christ in my heart, I really have nothing to fear or worry about! Do I still worry? - of course I do, I'm only human! But Jesus Christ gives me a 'peace that passes all understanding'.
If you don't know Jesus Christ as your lord and savior, can I invite you to pick up a Holy Bible and read it!?
Or attend a local christian church service some sunday! Remember that God loves you, and wants you to come home to him today!