May 11, 2016 -- A Quick Run Around the Web

Some firearms and self-defense links today:

• "Tim Lynch On The Art Of Tactical Listening"--The Captain's Journal. Hershel Smith's post has to do lessons to be learned from the SEAL's conduct of Operation Red Wings (the operation that is the subject of the book and movie, Lone Survivor). Smith had posted comments regarding the operation in a 2014 post. Lynch, an ex-military blogger who has considerable experience operating in Afghanistan, added some of his own comments about the SEAL's behavior, including that the SEALs ignored advice and suggestions from the Marines that had been operating in the area (including warnings that their communication gear was not suitable for the terrain) and substituted their own insertion plan for the one developed by the Marines that were originally going to head up the mission. Basically, Lynch and Smith conclude that the SEALs in that particular situation were unwilling to listen to or learn from others. Smith concludes: "If you have the attitude that you have nothing to learn from those around you, then regardless of how much money has been spent on you, regardless of how highly regarded you are, regardless of how good you are, regardless of how much you know and what you can do, you have no business leading other men and you will never excel at your station in life." It is that willingness to learn that is "tactical listening."
• "In Defense of Open-Bolt Firearms for Civilian Use: Why submachine guns should have a legitimate place in the arsenal of free people" by Oleg Volk at All Outdoor. If you have looked into the use of submachine guns in combat, you know that tactically they have (in spades) most of the advantages of a shotgun, but with less recoil and size. Volk argues that there is merit to using a submachine gun for home or personal defense, including those operating from an open-bolt ... except that they have been regulated into non-existence. Anyway, an interesting read and, of course, coming from Mr. Volk, nice photographs.
• "Need to Keep an Eye on This"--Silicon Graybeard. Nice compilation of information from various sources concerning the new 2-piece casing from Shell Shock Technologies. The casing is made of two parts: an aluminum head and extruded stainless steel cylinder forming the wall of the casing. Their 9 mm casing is reportedly 50% lighter than a standard brass casing; and promise a significant cost savings. The cases are also supposed to offer other advantages over brass. And they can be reloaded.
• "What!!! You’ve Never Shot Your Carry Gun!?!"--Gun Nuts Media. The author writes: "If you read my previous post discussing the first 50 rounds fired through my Dan Wesson ECO you will know that it malfunctioned 12 times within the first 30 rounds.  This only proves that you should qualify any gun you hope to conceal carry or use in defensive of a life." He also goes on to discuss the need to sight your weapon in with the ammunition you will be carrying. 

While it may seem obvious to break in a new weapon, I do know people that haven't done so. You can never expect a weapon to function flawlessly straight from the box (although you certainly hope that it will). Even revolvers may not function reliably when brand new (specifically thinking of a brand new Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum that an acquaintance was having issues with it not advancing the cylinder). 

• "The Gunsite Advanced 350 Drill"--Shooting Illustrated. Another test of your shooting skills.
• "What is in a name: Fowler, Fowling Piece or Shotgun."--Muzzle Loading Shotguns. The history of the use of the terms fowler, fowling piece, and shotgun.
• "Interview with a future criminal"--Tactical Professor. The author's run-in with three budding criminals allow him to review signs to look for, responses to being approached by a stranger, and what went right and what could have gone wrong. Interesting read.
• "Whites and blacks in Chicago are living in two totally different cities"--Bayou Renaissance Man. He writes, in part:

I've had the (mis)fortune to work in several inner-city areas of some of America's most blighted cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and New Orleans.  It's a scary experience if you don't know what to expect, because in some of those areas it's literally like being in a foreign country.  One of the reasons I was able to get results working there was that I regarded such areas as similar to tribally divided suburbs in some African cities I've known.  If you treat the gangs as tribes, warring with each other, a lot of things become clear about the society and culture you find in such areas.

• Hillary wants to be America's top gun salesman. "Hillary Clinton Picks a Doomed Fight With Americans Over Guns"--Reason.com. From the article:

"If Congress refuses to act, Hillary will take administrative action" on restrictions, her campaign boasts. The Washington Post adds that that a President Clinton would be "relying on the executive power of the presidency to further gun restrictions that would have little chance of becoming law."