Thursday, February 24, 2005
Left Hand 1911
This is going to be of limited interest but as a Southpaw myself, I took notice- Dlask, a Canadian firm, are offering the venerable 1911 in a completely left hand version- with left ejection port, release, slide release and safety. That's pretty neat if you're a lefty. I haven't really heard much about the company or their products until now so I can't really comment further, but I'm sure that a lot of left-handed shooters would like to see other 1911-makers offer the same options.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
ISP Issues
My ISP has been giving me a really bad service lately- emails not coming in, websites I can't access, newsgroups unavailable. It's a real pain but they tell me that it's due to maintenance and because I can't deal with the thought of changing my email address I'm going to stick with them for a while yet. In the meantime, I occasionally have to access my email online and I'd be lost without this website- Pandamail. Simply type in your details and you can access any email account from their website. The best bit is that it's a free service. Very useful if your ISP is playing silly buggers or if you're away from your own machine and want to check your account.
9/11 News
This is the one news story that really struck me today. And it must be terrible to be one of the families whose loved one has not yet been identified. There's not much else I can say about this.
Saying it has exhausted all DNA technology, the New York City Medical Examiner has halted the process of identifying human remains from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center site.
Of the 2,749 people known to have been killed at the World Trade Center site, only 1,585 -- or 58 percent -- were identified on the basis of recovered physical remains.
The medical examiner's office received a total of 19,916 human remains, which included fewer than 300 intact bodies or torsos. It identified 10,190 body parts, some as small as a finger tip, primarily through DNA testing. About 9,726 remains remain unidentified.
Saying it has exhausted all DNA technology, the New York City Medical Examiner has halted the process of identifying human remains from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center site.
Of the 2,749 people known to have been killed at the World Trade Center site, only 1,585 -- or 58 percent -- were identified on the basis of recovered physical remains.
The medical examiner's office received a total of 19,916 human remains, which included fewer than 300 intact bodies or torsos. It identified 10,190 body parts, some as small as a finger tip, primarily through DNA testing. About 9,726 remains remain unidentified.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Another stupid anti-gun measure
ACE reports today on a completely asinine measure being suggested in (you guessed it) California. The proposal is make it a requirement to micro stamp a gun's serial number on the firing pin so that this will be transferred to the bullet when fired so that the police can more easily identify the gun used in the commission of a crime. I've left a few comments at ACE's place on the subject but I'm so flabbergasted by this that I felt compelled to have my own little rant on the matter here too. First off, the law will only apply to semi-autos so whoever came up with the idea knows that the stamping process will not transfer the serial number to the bullet but only to the case. This is an important point because I'll bet that when it comes to reporting this proposal the press will not distinguish between the two- and I'm sure that anti-gun types will not comprehend the difference anyway.
There are several very obvious flaws to the plan. First is the increased cost to manufacturers by not only having them stamp each individual gun, but also making separate lines for California and the rest of the US. Second is the fact that any law passed will only apply to weapons made after the law is passed- so to avoid it a criminal merely has to keep a pre-law semi-auto. Third, the details of each individual gun will be stamped on the case by the firing pin- an item which is easily changed and the sale of which is not regulated at all. Fourth, by collecting any spent brass the measure is defeated.
The point of the proposal is not to defeat crime or to speed up the process of solving crime, rather it seems to be yet another attempt by the anti-gun crowd to control firearms. Much like the proposed tax on ammunition to pay for the cost of armed crime which another moonbat suggested some months ago. Now they want to make semi-autos either more expensive or harder to own. Slippery slope, my friends, slippery slope.
There are several very obvious flaws to the plan. First is the increased cost to manufacturers by not only having them stamp each individual gun, but also making separate lines for California and the rest of the US. Second is the fact that any law passed will only apply to weapons made after the law is passed- so to avoid it a criminal merely has to keep a pre-law semi-auto. Third, the details of each individual gun will be stamped on the case by the firing pin- an item which is easily changed and the sale of which is not regulated at all. Fourth, by collecting any spent brass the measure is defeated.
The point of the proposal is not to defeat crime or to speed up the process of solving crime, rather it seems to be yet another attempt by the anti-gun crowd to control firearms. Much like the proposed tax on ammunition to pay for the cost of armed crime which another moonbat suggested some months ago. Now they want to make semi-autos either more expensive or harder to own. Slippery slope, my friends, slippery slope.
Writing Exercises
As all writers will know there are times when the mind just goes blank and words don't seem to flow. When it happens in the middle of a story I'm usually tempted to write on and them come back later and fix it- but sometimes this doesn't work as I prefer not to plan ahead too much, I'd rather let the characters and story lead me forward. When things aren't going well, writing on like this can kill a story. So, many times instead I'll either try another story- I have a big file of ideas and part-completed works- or else try a writing exercise.
Writing exercises come in various shapes or forms and you can easily Google up sites with dozens of them. Some don't appeal at all to me- write a personal ad, that sort of stuff. No, I'd much rather do one of the following:
1. Take a picture and write a plot/story around it. One of the reasons I have a big collection of jpegs on my PC. One variation around this that I'll do is to pick a picture of a gun and create a character/situation from it.
2. Grab a book off your shelf and take the first line or even paragraph and then start writing your own story to follow on.
3. Take a movie that you liked but which was flawed and do a re-write to fix the mistakes or take it in a different direction. Too many examples to list!
A new technique I've just discovered involves a book that a friend very generously gave to me at the weekend- Radio Times Guide to Science Fiction. It has a long list of obscure movies and serials in it with capsule descriptions of the plot- a team of deep space explorers discover a crazed killer amongst their number, for example- and I'm using those threadbare descriptions as jumping off points for my own stories. Very, very useful for those slow days when nothing seems to be going right.
Writing exercises come in various shapes or forms and you can easily Google up sites with dozens of them. Some don't appeal at all to me- write a personal ad, that sort of stuff. No, I'd much rather do one of the following:
1. Take a picture and write a plot/story around it. One of the reasons I have a big collection of jpegs on my PC. One variation around this that I'll do is to pick a picture of a gun and create a character/situation from it.
2. Grab a book off your shelf and take the first line or even paragraph and then start writing your own story to follow on.
3. Take a movie that you liked but which was flawed and do a re-write to fix the mistakes or take it in a different direction. Too many examples to list!
A new technique I've just discovered involves a book that a friend very generously gave to me at the weekend- Radio Times Guide to Science Fiction. It has a long list of obscure movies and serials in it with capsule descriptions of the plot- a team of deep space explorers discover a crazed killer amongst their number, for example- and I'm using those threadbare descriptions as jumping off points for my own stories. Very, very useful for those slow days when nothing seems to be going right.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Russian Enfield
While I'm on the topic of Enfields (see the last post) how's this for something a little different? A Lee Enfield No. 4 rifle rechambered for 7.62 Russian and capable of taking AK magazines. I'd say that this would be a tad more accurate than the standard AK and the calibre is certainly cheap to shoot, but even at that I'm not quite sure about it. Maybe Cooper is rubbing off on me- what is the need for this? I'm not such a fan of 7.62 Russian that I'd want this as my primary weapon in that calibre, but perhaps if I already owned an AK and was looking for something with more accuracy I might be tempted by this- again, compatible ammo and mags would be very useful. However, even at that, I think that a full-size Enfield would be a better choice that this 'shorty' jungle gun.
A curious item.
A curious item.
45 Carbine
I've often wondered at the amazing lack of .45ACP calibre carbines available, especially considering the enormous popularity of the round and the 1911 pistol. Surely a carbine in the same calibre would make an ideal companion piece and/or home defence weapon? Or how about a carbine not only in the same calibre but which also takes 1911 magazines? Up until now your only option for this would have been the now-discontinued Marlin Camp Carbine (if memory serves me well)- but don't despair, there is another option if you don't want a lever action to go with your .45: Valkyrie Arms manufacture a range of carbines based on the WW2-era DeLisle. As well as the traditional "Commando Carbine" (suppressed and faux-suppressed versions on offer), they offer a DeLisle 2000 and a Sporter. All take standard 1911 clips. Surely there must be a massive market for a handy carbine like this?
With a sixteen and a half inch barrel the Sporter would be my personal preference. Though I'd like to lose the rail and see it fitted with iron sights- perhaps an XS Sights ghost ring set up or even their Express sights. If there was to be a rail mount I'd like to see it moved a little further forward in more of a scout configuration, but maybe that's just me. For the ranges involved in personal defence I'd rather have the XS set up than the red dot sight
Of course the DeLisle is a bolt action but I don't see that as much of a drawback- the benefits far outweigh this minor quibble and if the action is anything like it's grown up Enfield cousin it'll be fast. There isn't really a semi-auto option around (bar the Beretta CX4 Storm so far as I recall) but I'd like to see one based on the M1- it's just the right size and weight and while the .30 cal round would suffice for defence it's not exactly a popular round for handguns. Imagine instead an M1 carbine modified to accept 1911 magazines- now there would be a pretty neat package.
With a sixteen and a half inch barrel the Sporter would be my personal preference. Though I'd like to lose the rail and see it fitted with iron sights- perhaps an XS Sights ghost ring set up or even their Express sights. If there was to be a rail mount I'd like to see it moved a little further forward in more of a scout configuration, but maybe that's just me. For the ranges involved in personal defence I'd rather have the XS set up than the red dot sight
Of course the DeLisle is a bolt action but I don't see that as much of a drawback- the benefits far outweigh this minor quibble and if the action is anything like it's grown up Enfield cousin it'll be fast. There isn't really a semi-auto option around (bar the Beretta CX4 Storm so far as I recall) but I'd like to see one based on the M1- it's just the right size and weight and while the .30 cal round would suffice for defence it's not exactly a popular round for handguns. Imagine instead an M1 carbine modified to accept 1911 magazines- now there would be a pretty neat package.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
More links!
Kevin, of Smallest Minority, has been good enough to leave a few comments and to add my humble site to his links. I've been to his site a few times in the past and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to any pro-gunners- or even any antis who have somehow stumbled past here. It's pretty erudite stuff. Many thanks, Kevin.
I also discovered today that my site is linked to by, deep breath, Cowboy Blob's Saloon, Humidor and Shootin' Palour. There's some gun stuff, some military stuff and even some ferret pictures. Go have a look 'round. I'm going to have a good look there today myself. Again, thanks for the link.
If you do link to me, let me know- it's always interesting to see who's reading.
I also discovered today that my site is linked to by, deep breath, Cowboy Blob's Saloon, Humidor and Shootin' Palour. There's some gun stuff, some military stuff and even some ferret pictures. Go have a look 'round. I'm going to have a good look there today myself. Again, thanks for the link.
If you do link to me, let me know- it's always interesting to see who's reading.
Bad News
Take a moment to say a prayer or give a thought to Adam Plumondore- of Kim du Toit's Walter and Adam fund. The Army sniper was tragically killed by a car bomb in Mosul. There's not a lot which can be said when a young man, he was only 22, is killed in the service of his country but my thoughts are with his family and friends.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
New Site
Thanks to a mention in ACE today, I bimbled along to a new (to me) website today- Gun Places (regular visitors will also have noticed that I've updated my links listing on the right hand side of the page). Gun Places is a links page for everything from gun makers, holsters, sights, ballistics and forums. It's a great reference source and there are quite a few sites mentioned there that will shortly be added to my bookmarks.
It was a bit of a shock therefore to see my humble website listed on the blogs page of Gun Places! Cheers for the link! The blogs page is also worth checking out- familars like ACE, Blackfive, Murdoc Online, Kim du Toit and Right Thinking Girl to a whole bunch I've never even read- I'm going to have to find a few hours to check some of these guys and gals out. I'd definitely recommend popping along to check it out.
It was a bit of a shock therefore to see my humble website listed on the blogs page of Gun Places! Cheers for the link! The blogs page is also worth checking out- familars like ACE, Blackfive, Murdoc Online, Kim du Toit and Right Thinking Girl to a whole bunch I've never even read- I'm going to have to find a few hours to check some of these guys and gals out. I'd definitely recommend popping along to check it out.
Gas Piston AR
It looks like at least one manufacturer has spotted the interest generated by the HK M4 with its gas piston- DSA is now offering the Z4 GTC (Gas Trap Carbine). Defense Review reports on a Shotgun News review, which noted that the weapon can push out the Black Hills MK262 round at a very respectable 2751 fps from its 16” barrel. Hopefully this is the start of a major trend to breathe some life into the AR line by offering the gas piston option- surely rebutting the most frequent criticism of the platform.
On another note, DSA also offer a nice 10.5” barrel CQB AR called the CQB MRP, which features a quick change system to swap out barrels. I wonder if the gas piston option will be offered across their line at some point in the future?
On another note, DSA also offer a nice 10.5” barrel CQB AR called the CQB MRP, which features a quick change system to swap out barrels. I wonder if the gas piston option will be offered across their line at some point in the future?
Monday, February 14, 2005
Not much to blog about...
So instead here are some guns to have a look at from the fantastic Collector's Firearms. This is always a site for sore eyes (forgive the bad pun). First up, a mint condition Venezuelan 7mm Mauser. Damn, but I'd love to own that. Next is a curiosity piece- a Volquartsen match grade Luger. Yeah, a Luger. Not quite sure what to make of this but it's certainly an unusual weapon. Next up is a big bore- a .54 calibre custom percussion rifle. I'm not much of a black powder enthusiast butI'd certainly be interested in popping off a few shots with this. Keeping with the old school theme, this is a .455 calibre Smith and Wesson Hand Ejector- very nice and a bit different from the Webley which I normally associate with this round. A beautiful modern cousin can be found here- in this Smith & Wesson Model 25 Heritage in .45 Long Colt. Wow, what a fantastic gun in a great calibre.
Finally, a clutch of .45 ACPs, the king of the handgun: an HK USP Tactical, the new Sig GSR 1911, another Smith and Wesson- this time a Model 945 semi-auto (I've never really taken to the look of the SW auto- the grip angle looks all wrong, but this one seems pretty functional) and, you guessed it, another SW, this time a wheel gun- the lovely Performance Centre Model 625.
Oh yeah, and for all you big bore fans, here's one last one- the best looking SW Model 500, the Performance Centre Hunter. That looks like it'd kick like a mule, even with that enormous muzzle brake.
UPDATE - Lots of dead links in this one now so here's an image of the Volquartsen Luger I saved to my hard drive. It has an eight and a half inch match fluted barrel with compensator, match throated chamber and crisp trigger job. Sadly, Volquartsen don't appear to be offering this item any more.
Finally, a clutch of .45 ACPs, the king of the handgun: an HK USP Tactical, the new Sig GSR 1911, another Smith and Wesson- this time a Model 945 semi-auto (I've never really taken to the look of the SW auto- the grip angle looks all wrong, but this one seems pretty functional) and, you guessed it, another SW, this time a wheel gun- the lovely Performance Centre Model 625.
Oh yeah, and for all you big bore fans, here's one last one- the best looking SW Model 500, the Performance Centre Hunter. That looks like it'd kick like a mule, even with that enormous muzzle brake.
UPDATE - Lots of dead links in this one now so here's an image of the Volquartsen Luger I saved to my hard drive. It has an eight and a half inch match fluted barrel with compensator, match throated chamber and crisp trigger job. Sadly, Volquartsen don't appear to be offering this item any more.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
A General Speaks
I'm lagging a few days behind the news at the moment- in addition to being laid low by a nasty chest infection my PC also decided to fail on my causing a fresh Windows install. Arrgh! Anyway, on the topic of the USMC General saying that it was fun to shoot terrorists- how about this quote from Patton-
"We'll win this war, but we'll win it only by fighting and by showing the Germans that we've got more guts than they have; or ever will have. We're not going to just shoot the sons-of-bitches, we're going to rip out their living Goddamned guts and use them to grease the treads of our tanks. We're going to murder those lousy Hun c**ksuckers by the bushel-f**king-basket. War is a bloody, killing business. You've got to spill their blood, or they will spill yours. Rip them up the belly. Shoot them in the guts. When shells are hitting all around you and you wipe the dirt off your face and realize that instead of dirt it's the blood and guts of what once was your best friend beside you, you'll know what to do!"
I wonder how the press would have reacted to that? The whole speech can be found here.
"We'll win this war, but we'll win it only by fighting and by showing the Germans that we've got more guts than they have; or ever will have. We're not going to just shoot the sons-of-bitches, we're going to rip out their living Goddamned guts and use them to grease the treads of our tanks. We're going to murder those lousy Hun c**ksuckers by the bushel-f**king-basket. War is a bloody, killing business. You've got to spill their blood, or they will spill yours. Rip them up the belly. Shoot them in the guts. When shells are hitting all around you and you wipe the dirt off your face and realize that instead of dirt it's the blood and guts of what once was your best friend beside you, you'll know what to do!"
I wonder how the press would have reacted to that? The whole speech can be found here.
Walking Stick Fighting
ACE posted a link on Sunday to an article on using a walking stick for self-defence. It's an interesting read. As I sometimes need to use a cane to get out and about it's something I have more than a passing interest in. My own taste is to wield the cane in the same manner as a bokken or samurai sword- two handed grip. The basic moves are not too hard to pick up and blows can easily be aimed to the head, shoulders or throat of an attacker. I was hoping to find some Eskrima classes to take but I can't find a single teacher in the whole of Northern Ireland (if you know better do let me know) so I'm going to have to look into self-teaching some techniques.
A sword cane like ACE's would quickly land me in prison here (and there's a campaign on to change the law so that anyone caught with a blade over three inches faces a minimum sentence of five years- the same as for illegal forearm possession) so I've been considering purchasing a Cold Steel White Wax Wood cane instead. My own stick would probably snap under too much pressure and the Cold Steel variety is exceptionally good value. Of course, the more expensive Walkabout is also very appealing and the lack of a hook handle means that it could very easily double as a bokken. My other choice of course is to purchase a traditional knobkerry or shillelagh, which I'm sure would deliver a very nasty blow- the knotted surface and the knob-shape handle would both inflict a great deal if pain.
A sword cane like ACE's would quickly land me in prison here (and there's a campaign on to change the law so that anyone caught with a blade over three inches faces a minimum sentence of five years- the same as for illegal forearm possession) so I've been considering purchasing a Cold Steel White Wax Wood cane instead. My own stick would probably snap under too much pressure and the Cold Steel variety is exceptionally good value. Of course, the more expensive Walkabout is also very appealing and the lack of a hook handle means that it could very easily double as a bokken. My other choice of course is to purchase a traditional knobkerry or shillelagh, which I'm sure would deliver a very nasty blow- the knotted surface and the knob-shape handle would both inflict a great deal if pain.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Killzone
Though I own a Playstation 2 I’m not much of a gamer. As far as I’m concerned gaming began with Doom and ended with Half-Life (and I’m hoping to get my mitts on the latest incarnation of both games as soon as I can find a decent, not too expensive graphics card). However, for Christmas I did get a couple of games from my too-generous Other Half- The Getaway 2 and Killzone. The latter game is, simply, fantastic.
It’s a first person shooter which takes place some time in the future. The basic premise of the game is that your homeworld has been invaded and now it’s time to kick ass. A couple of things make this game stand out- first, the whole concept, the design of the world and, especially, the weapons is fantastic. It’s a fabulous looking game and it looks realistic. Second, as the game progresses the trooper you play hooks up with various other characters- an assassin, a spy and a machine gunner. As soon as you team up you get to play either as the original trooper or as one of the new characters. So far I’m about three quarters of the way through the game and I’m sticking with the assassin (night vision and a nifty silenced weapon). From what I can tell the nature of each level is different depending on which character you choose to be- offering the chance to play all over again. It’s not often I’m that impressed with a game but Killzone is, in my opinion, superb. Very playable and very addictive. Definitely one to check out if you have a PS2.
It’s a first person shooter which takes place some time in the future. The basic premise of the game is that your homeworld has been invaded and now it’s time to kick ass. A couple of things make this game stand out- first, the whole concept, the design of the world and, especially, the weapons is fantastic. It’s a fabulous looking game and it looks realistic. Second, as the game progresses the trooper you play hooks up with various other characters- an assassin, a spy and a machine gunner. As soon as you team up you get to play either as the original trooper or as one of the new characters. So far I’m about three quarters of the way through the game and I’m sticking with the assassin (night vision and a nifty silenced weapon). From what I can tell the nature of each level is different depending on which character you choose to be- offering the chance to play all over again. It’s not often I’m that impressed with a game but Killzone is, in my opinion, superb. Very playable and very addictive. Definitely one to check out if you have a PS2.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Good News
I read this and had to doublecheck that I wasn't reading some sort of satire page- the British government seems to actually be listening to the demands of the general public on the topic of self-defence in the home. According to new guidelines being issued (the law has not yet actually been changed but the Tories are campaigning for just that) it is perfectly reasonable for a person to attack and even kill a burglar in their home (even using a weapon at hand) so long as you act as you "honestly and instinctively believe is necessary in the heat of the moment". This is a pretty remarkable step forward considering our Labour government. Obviously this is an issue with which the Tory party could have stolen some votes come election time. Thank goodness for the opposition.
The Tories are campaigning for the law to be changed so that only "grossly disproportionate" force (as opposed to that vaguest of things "reasonable force") would be prosecuted, a change I would gladly back as I'm sure the Crown Prosecution Service and most judges would not believe that stabbing a burglar with a knife or taking a tomahawk to him would be "necessary in the heat of the moment". Only time will tell if these guidelines are actually giving homeowners back some right to protect themselves or if it's nothing more than a ploy to win votes.
Now, if only the government would read this and understand that the right to defend one's family and home is one thing, but the means to do so is quite another matter entirely. Maybe all is not lost and one day gun culture will begin to mean something other than armed gangs.
The Tories are campaigning for the law to be changed so that only "grossly disproportionate" force (as opposed to that vaguest of things "reasonable force") would be prosecuted, a change I would gladly back as I'm sure the Crown Prosecution Service and most judges would not believe that stabbing a burglar with a knife or taking a tomahawk to him would be "necessary in the heat of the moment". Only time will tell if these guidelines are actually giving homeowners back some right to protect themselves or if it's nothing more than a ploy to win votes.
Now, if only the government would read this and understand that the right to defend one's family and home is one thing, but the means to do so is quite another matter entirely. Maybe all is not lost and one day gun culture will begin to mean something other than armed gangs.
Diet
Of late, I've been trying to not only get my fitness back but also lose some weight. In my Marine days I struggled to get over 11 stone. In the past couple of years, my weight has soared up to just over 14 and a half stone. Not good.
Since Christmas though, I decided that enough was enough. Doctors, chiropractors and physiotherapists have all been unable to help me with my back injury so I've had to try and sort it out myself. Hence my Concept 2 rower and kettlebell. Throw in a slightly healthier diet and my weight has dropped to 13st 3lbs. Just over a stone in just over a month. Not bad. I'm hoping a slimmer me will take a little stress of my spine.
I'd rather not get down to 11st again but a muscular 12 would do me just fine! Rowing has strengthened my back a little and I'm hoping that the kettlebell will mobilise the joints some. Blogging on it has also helped keep me motivated. More updates when I'm doing well.
Since Christmas though, I decided that enough was enough. Doctors, chiropractors and physiotherapists have all been unable to help me with my back injury so I've had to try and sort it out myself. Hence my Concept 2 rower and kettlebell. Throw in a slightly healthier diet and my weight has dropped to 13st 3lbs. Just over a stone in just over a month. Not bad. I'm hoping a slimmer me will take a little stress of my spine.
I'd rather not get down to 11st again but a muscular 12 would do me just fine! Rowing has strengthened my back a little and I'm hoping that the kettlebell will mobilise the joints some. Blogging on it has also helped keep me motivated. More updates when I'm doing well.
Nitro Express Revolver
ACE posted a picture of a fictional .50 BMG revolver (though he has also posted about a real prototype .50 BMG handgun) and it not only brought to mind Magnum Research’s oversized BFR .45-70 revolver but also the totally insane concept of the .600 Nitro Express Revolver made by Pfeifer Zeliska. Yeah, you heard right- a Nitro Express revolver. There’s a pic of the beast here with a link to a .pdf about the weapon (sadly in German which I don’t understand).
Quite why anyone would want a gun like this is absolutely beyond me- it’s enormous and surely a nightmare to shoot, never mind the fact that it would be virtually impossible to use it for hunting- and seems to exist for no other reason than an exercise in engineering. Although that’s a good enough reason for me- there’s talk of an .800 Nitro Express on the way (sorry, can’t recall where I heard that) and while I can’t see a real need for it (has someone discovered a lost valley of dinosaurs?) the fact that it can be made is intriguing. Now, if only the world of military cartridges and firearms had the same fast development, we’d maybe be seeing some exciting new developments (G11 anyone?). Anyway, I’d take a nice Holland and Holland double rifle or a Heym bolt action in the .600 NE over the Pfeifer any day.
Note: This post was actually written last week- and yet ACE still beat me with a post on the same topic on his site! Seriously folks- bookmark him now, one of the best websites around at the moment with some fantastic weapons topics appearing frequently.
Quite why anyone would want a gun like this is absolutely beyond me- it’s enormous and surely a nightmare to shoot, never mind the fact that it would be virtually impossible to use it for hunting- and seems to exist for no other reason than an exercise in engineering. Although that’s a good enough reason for me- there’s talk of an .800 Nitro Express on the way (sorry, can’t recall where I heard that) and while I can’t see a real need for it (has someone discovered a lost valley of dinosaurs?) the fact that it can be made is intriguing. Now, if only the world of military cartridges and firearms had the same fast development, we’d maybe be seeing some exciting new developments (G11 anyone?). Anyway, I’d take a nice Holland and Holland double rifle or a Heym bolt action in the .600 NE over the Pfeifer any day.
Note: This post was actually written last week- and yet ACE still beat me with a post on the same topic on his site! Seriously folks- bookmark him now, one of the best websites around at the moment with some fantastic weapons topics appearing frequently.
Most Powerful Shoulder Fired Rifle?
I mentioned the .577 Tyrannosaur not so long ago and ACE followed up with a much more exhaustive post on the calibre, including a terrific Cooper quote. Classic. Now, while I’m all for the bigger is better school I’ve got to say that more modest cartridges shouldn’t be overlooked. Some years back Guns and Ammo did an article on the 7mm x 57 (I believe it was by Ross Seyfried) and I’ve been an admirer of the cartridge ever since. Used by long range marksmen during the Boer War, the 7x57 also served well in an entirely different use in Africa- being used to take up to and including elephant! That’s a pretty versatile round.
Having said that, the bigger and better theory holds a certain appeal and so I’ve got to mention another big game cartridge/gun, the .585 Nyati, which could hold the title of the most powerful shoulder fired rifle (shoulder fired being an important qualifier there) with a muzzle energy exceeding 10,000 foot pounds. According to Accurate Reloading the .577 Tyrannosaur can be taken to an mv of 11,000 but power isn’t just about muzzle energy and I’m assuming that lots of people will have lots of ideas on exactly what constitutes the ‘most powerful’. Again, if you have an opinion of this do let me know. I’ve not been able to track down much useful information on the .585 Nyati myself so if anyone (ACE?) can do better, feel free to do so. Any links are appreciated.
Having said that, the bigger and better theory holds a certain appeal and so I’ve got to mention another big game cartridge/gun, the .585 Nyati, which could hold the title of the most powerful shoulder fired rifle (shoulder fired being an important qualifier there) with a muzzle energy exceeding 10,000 foot pounds. According to Accurate Reloading the .577 Tyrannosaur can be taken to an mv of 11,000 but power isn’t just about muzzle energy and I’m assuming that lots of people will have lots of ideas on exactly what constitutes the ‘most powerful’. Again, if you have an opinion of this do let me know. I’ve not been able to track down much useful information on the .585 Nyati myself so if anyone (ACE?) can do better, feel free to do so. Any links are appreciated.
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