July 21, 2016 -- A Quick Run Around the Web

"The Outbreak of WWI - How Europe Spiraled Into the GREAT WAR - Week 1"--The Great War. The Great War Channel started a couple years ago and goes through World War 1 a week at a time as it played out a hundred years ago, plus has miscellaneous videos providing background to the war, specific weapons, or other special topics. I only started watching this channel a few weeks ago, so I have a lot of catching up to do, but recommend it to anyone that is a history or military aficionado. The videos on the prelude to the war are also recommended to preppers as it shows the various elements that can lead to an outbreak of war. Significant to World War I is that the Germans knew that Russia was improving its railways such that it would be able to effectively transport troops by 1915 or 1916, so Germany saw 1914 as the last year in which they could contest Russia.

• "Training classes are NOT, I repeat NOT making you a better shooter….GASP, what did he say?"--Modern American Shooting & Firearms (h/t TFB). The author writes: "Improvement happens with purposeful and regimented practice wherein the tools you gain from those classes can be utilized toward a goal that is worked for. That’s how you make the training classes pay off." He also recommends dry fire practice and has some other tips on improving your shooting.
• "An Armed Citizenry Can Frustrate and Deter Vehicle Attacks"--American Thinker. The author uses Israel as an example.

• Related: "We Live In A Time Of War!"--Gabe Suarez. "You are on your own - leave the house prepared to do battle - every single day! Leave the house prepared to treat any injuries you may incur  - every single day!"

• "The History of the .380 Cartridge"--Ammo Land.
• "History of the .45 ACP Cartridge"--Ammo Land.
• Assault weapon guidance from the Massachusetts attorney general (PDF). The law in Massachusetts appears to track the 1994 federal ban in many respects, including a list of specific firearms, but also bans "copies or duplicates of the weapons" listed. The guidance explains that:

A weapon is a Copy or Duplicate and is therefore a prohibited Assault weapon if it meets one or both of the following tests and is 1) a semiautomatic rifle or handgun that was manufactured or subsequently configured with an ability to accept a detachable magazine, or 2) a semiautomatic shotgun.

1. Similarity Test: A weapon is a Copy or Duplicate if its internal functional components are substantially similar in construction and configuration to those of an Enumerated Weapon. Under this test, a weapon is a Copy or Duplicate, for example, if the operating system and firing mechanism of the weapon are based on or otherwise substantially similar to one of the Enumerated Weapons.

* * *

2. Interchangeability Test: A weapon is a Copy or Duplicate if it has a receiver that is the same as or interchangeable with the receiver of an Enumerated Weapon. A receiver will be treated as the same as or interchangeable with the receiver on an Enumerated Weapon if it includes or accepts two or more operating components that are the same as or interchangeable with those of an Enumerated Weapon. Such operating components may include, but are not limited to: 1) the trigger assembly; 2) the bolt carrier or bolt carrier group; 3) the charging handle; 4) the extractor or extractor assembly; or 5) the magazine port.

If a weapon meets one of the above tests, it is a Copy or Duplicate (and therefore a prohibited Assault weapon), even if it is marketed as “state compliant” or “Massachusetts compliant.”

There are exceptions, so read the whole thing. I wonder if this would include the Ares SCR?

• "INFOGRAPHIC: Concealed Carry 101"--Outdoor Hub. The basic issues of selecting and carrying a concealed handgun. 
• "Gear Review: Vedder LightTuck IWB Holster"--The Truth About Guns.

• Related: "5 Things I Learned After Trying Appendix Carry"--Outdoor Hub.

• "How Do You Test Handgun Reliability?"--Shooting Illustrated. The basic points made by the author are that some guns are reliable with only a few brands or types of ammunition, while others may be reliable with virtually any ammunition in that caliber, so it is up to you test your firearm to determine which is which; and if you find that it is only reliable with certain ammunition, then it behooves you to stock up on that particular type of ammunition so you are not left having to use unknown ammunition during an ammunition shortage.
• "Red Dot Use At Close Distances"--Fleeting Survival. Some thoughts and links to a video about running a pistol with a red-dot site mounted on it.
• Check out how fast this guy is with a semi-auto AR (note: the video loops after 10 seconds or so).