Erna's First Day on the Range

Erna Mag Dump

Project "Erna" Update

Update---

The Sig556 Finally arrived and I was able to put a few of the basic components on. More pics will come once the project is complete! (and the stock is currently locked and in compliance with California law... These pics were taken shortly after installing Double Diamond stock adapter and the Magpul UBR)

1969 Walther PPK

FOR SALE

Specifications---

Country of Origin: German

Overall Length: 6.8"

Barrel Length: 3.9"

Height: 4.3"

Width: 1.2"

Weight: 24.1 oz

Caliber: .380 auto

Rifling: 6 grooves, RH twist

Capacity: 7 + 1 rounds

Review---

Coming Soon!

Pictures---

Please excuse the quality of the pictures. These were taken when the Walther first came into my possession and I was having it identified and appraised. New glamor shots coming... eventually.

KelTec SU-16A

FOR SALE

Specifications---

Caliber: .223 Remington

Weight Unloaded: 5.0 lbs

Length (Open): 37.4"

Length (Closed): 26.4"

Barrel Length: 18.5"

Magazine Capacity: 30

Barrel Diameter: 3/4"

Twist: 1:9"

Bolt Travel: 4.1"

Trigger Pull: 5.5 lbs

Barrel Weight: 26.1 oz

MSRP: $665.00

Optics---

UTG 30mm SWAT 3-12x44 F.S. IE Scope with AO Mil-Dot, EZTap R/G (link)

Review---

Coming Soon!

Pictures---

Project "Erna" UPDATE

Update---

The decision for optics was certainly a tough one for this rifle system. Originally it was between the EOTech 512 and the Trijicon TA31F ACOG. Ultimately it came down to the overall quality and magnification on the Trijicon ACOG that pushed it into the lead, coupled with the ability down the line to attach Trijicon's RMR to the top of it for close range shooting. It is quite an impressive piece of engineering. I greatly enjoy the fact that it operates by fiber optics and tritium, which eliminates the need for a power source but still offers a very clear illuminated reticle. The sight even comes in it's own little custom miniature Pelican case and includes a high quality lens pen. More review to come once the bad boy gets slapped on Erna.

Project "Erna" UPDATE

Update---

The Sig STOPLITE Vertical Grip/Flashlight/Laser is ready to be attached. I must say, this particular piece of hardware exceeded my expectations. The 700 lumen light is absolutely blinding, the the laser is visible clear as day up to the 50 yards I can actually test it at the moment.

Project "Erna" UPDATE

Update---

The AR-15 Stock Adapter finally arrived from Double Diamond. It appears to be made from outstanding quality materials and specifications. The Magpul UBR stock mated up with it quite nicely.

Project "Erna"

Project Name: "ERNA"

STATUS: IN PROGRESS

Project Details---

-SIG 556 Classic SWAT (link)

-TA31F: Trijicon ACOG 4x32 Scope with Red Chevron BAC (link)

-Double Diamond AR-15 stock adapter for SIG 556 (link)

-MAGPUL UBR Collapsible Stock (link)

-MAGPUL UBR Aluminum Strike Plate (link)

-MAGPUL XTM Rail Panels (2x) (link)

-KZ Sig 556 2nd Generation Upgraded Charging Handle (link)

-KNS Push Button Pivot Pin - SIG 556 (link)

-STL-300J: SIG STOPLITE Vertical Grip/Flashligh/Laser (link)

-Plano Gun Guard 108190 All Weather Rifle Case (link)

REVIEW: Henry Repeating AR-7 "Survival Rifle"

Specifications---

Model: US Survival AR-7 (H002B)

Action Type: Semi-Automatic

Caliber: .22LR

Capacity: 8 Round Magazine

Length: 35" (assembled) 16.5" (stowed)

Weight: 2.25 lbs.

M.S.R.P.: $275

Review---

I originally came across this rifle while on the hunt for a .22 to round out my collection. At first it was between a revolver or a rifle. For a number of reasons, the rifle originally won out. Next came the debate of what rifle. One day I sat down and gave hard though as to what roll this new firearm would be playing in my arsenal. First and foremost, the reason I was purchasing a .22 cost. A .22 would be both on the lower price range to purchase, and .22LR is practically free to shoot. The next priority would be to fill the position of a low recoil firearm for the first time shooters I take out. With those traits in mind I went back and forth between the Ruger 10-22 and the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22. The Ruger 10-22 was the standard in in .22 rifles. I was quite familiar with them, but I felt as if it was not quite the right fit. The Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 was a gorgeous clone of the S&W M&P-15 and had a great assault rifle feel, but in the end it was attempting to be something it really wasn't. Finally in some random search, I came across the AR-7 again. I was first introduced to this rifle when I was fresh out of the military as a field survival rifle that was once standard issue to pilots. The AR-7 seemed to fit the bill perfectly. It was an inexpensive rifle that would not only be fun to shoot, but would fit a very practical roll in my arsenal as a backpack rifle.

When I was first handed the AR-7 at my local gun shop, I was astounded at how light it was. I was expecting it to be fairly light considering the nature of the rifle, but somehow the AR-7's scant 2.25 pounds still surprised me. Once assembled it had a very solid feel, it didn't feel like a toy (even though a few smartass patrons at the shop went out of their way to point out that it looked like one). I couldn't wait to get it out to the range and fire it!

When we finally made it out to the range, an excruciating three weeks after taking possession of the AR-7, it was the belle of the ball. Everyone was talking about it, from it's slightly unusual looks to the incredible stowing aspect of the rifle. One of my good friends who joined us, Jason, brought his Ruger 10-22 with us to give a bit of a comparison. Once again the contrast in weight was the first impression. The Ruger weighed many times more than the AR-7, enhanced even further by the fact that the Ruger was sporting optics.

I loaded up the first magazine with CCS .22LR Mini Mag 36 grain hollow points and addressed my target. My cheek sat at a comfortable position on the slightly over-sized stock, and the peephole sights provided easy target acquisition. Next was my biggest surprise of the day. I lightly pulled on the crisp trigger and felt almost nothing. I paused, turned the rifle on it's side and pulled back the bolt to make sure there was a fresh round in chamber. Perplexed, I sighted in on my target once again and was met with the same response. Somehow this little bitty rifle managed to produce even less recoil than it's heavier brother the Ruger. The rifle would barely move after each shot, allowing for extremely tight clusters at a very reasonable rate of fire.

We had some target issues that day at the range. Every time SOMEONE (coughJaycough) would shoot one of the targets we had set up, he would knock it over. This created the need to call a cease fire and reset all the targets. After the first two times, we would leave the targets down and just all shoot at the same slightly longer range targets. Sadly, because of this, I was unable to get any pictures of a dedicated target and groupings, but those will come again at a later date!

Overall, I would recommend this rifle to a friend, but only if they are looking for a good .22 plinking rifle with the intention of having it on hand as an emergency survival rifle and was willing to shell out a little bit more money for this feature. The only drawback so far is the price. It's a little bit more expensive than the Ruger, and I feel it would be a much better deal in the low $200 price range.

Price: 5/10

Accuracy: 8/10

Ease of Operation: 10/10

Maintenance: TBD

Ability for customization/addons: 2/10

Practicality: 9/10

Overall Enjoyment: 9/10

The First Shot

In front of me stands a man with wild eyes, bushy hair, a terrible mustache and a gun he is pointing menacingly in my direction. Though my attacker is made only of paper, I’m nervous and my palms are just starting to sweat. I look down at the table in front of me and there is a revolver. The handgun is black as night, with a faint bluish tint you can only really notice when the light hits it just right. “Smith & Wesson .38 Police Special Revolver” is etched faintly along the side of the barrel, worn from years being placed and drawn from its matching leather holster. The grips are wooden, stained a deep coffee color, and I can feel their textured pattern as I pick up the firearm. It is heavy in my seven year old hands and I strain ever so slightly to steady the weapon. I press the ejector rod, releasing the cylinder and exposing its six empty chambers. I pick up the first of the shiny brass rounds, deceptively heavy for their size, and place them gently into each one of their chambers. Once I finish dropping the last round into place, I snap the cylinder back into position and the object in my hand transforms from a simple collection of steel components into a powerful tool capable of taking a life. I glance back up at my would-be attacker; raising the weapon up to my field of vision and closing one eye to take aim for the center of his chest. Now comes the moment that I have been waiting for, the culmination of all my preparation and everything I have been taught. I strain to pull back the hammer with one, giving in and eventually using both thumbs to pull it back. Unlike my father whom I have watched effortlessly pull it back a thousand times with only his right thumb. The pistol sways slowly from side to side as I remember my father’s words “Don’t hold your breath. Control your breathing and pause at the end of your exhale. When the moment comes, squeeze, don’t pull.” I squeeze the trigger and the handgun leaps in my hands. I could feel the recoil resonate through my hands and up my arms in to my chest. I could feel the percussion from the blast in my ears through the hearing protection I wore resemble some bizarre, oversized headphones. The hair on the back of my neck stands up straight and my entire body is overcome with goose bumps. The mildly acrid smell of gunpowder now burns my nostrils. Readdressing my target, I could see a perfectly round hole, a little smaller than a dime, dead center in the chest of my paper assailant.

From that very first shot, I was hooked on shooting. The feeling was exhilarating every time I pulled the trigger, but once that initial high wore off, I realized there was so much more to it. My father instilled in me the utmost respect for firearms long before I was ever allowed to pull the trigger for the first time. “Guns are not toys.” He would tell me. “They are tools designed with the purpose of taking a life. They are to be treated with great respect.” I never once remember being afraid of guns, I suppose my curiosity initially got the better of me. I wanted to know absolutely everything I could know about firearms and about shooting.

Every Sunday night my father would come home and head straight to the garage with his range bag. Running all along the back of the garage was his work bench, meticulously clean and organized; not a tool out of place. I would watch him take his weapons out of the olive green nylon case he carries with him when goes to the rang, the Smith & Wesson revolver, the Beretta M92FS 9mm, and then from long gray ballistic plastic hard case, his 12 gauge shotgun. I was always particularly fascinated with the Beretta. My father would start to break down the more than 70 individual components that made up the machine. He would describe each part in vivid detail, telling me not only what each part was, but also the purpose it served and how it functioned with all the other components. This lesson has not only given me a greater comprehension of shooting, but has stuck with me in all aspects of my life to this day. When faced with a problem, I think back of those nights huddled over the sterile white work bench. I picture my obstacle, just like that faithful handgun, and break it down piece by piece. I analyze each individual component and how it relates with its counterparts. If a piece is found flawed or worn, I take the steps necessary to fix or replace them.

Only once I fully comprehended every component of a firearm, and had a healthy respect for its capabilities, did my father even begin to teach me how to shoot. My father and I would stand in the garage where he had series of targets mounted on the wall. My favorite one was a medium sized target, about a foot and a half square. It consisted of a grid, with each square exactly one inch by one inch. There was one round target, about six inches in diameter in the center, and four more smaller ones about two inches in diameter in each corner. This was a true marksman’s target. The only thing that this target was designed for was sheer accuracy; it did not mimic a human or an animal. I would square off against this target, body turned slightly away from it with my left foot pointed directly at it. My right foot was about shoulders length away and turned 90 degrees. My father would offer me critique as I would find the proper position. “Bend your left knee just a little more.” “Turn slightly away from your target.” “Lean forward slightly.” Once I had found a comfortable position, I would unholster the Beretta, unloaded and safety engaged, and raise it towards the target. Gripping it with my right hand, I would bring my left hand up to meet it and pulling back towards me firmly, creating counter-tension to stabilize my aim. Finally having mastered the basics of my stance my father instilled upon me my next lesson. “Know your own self, but always be aware of your surroundings.” Situational awareness is one of the single most important aspects of shooting. Being aware of oneself and ones’ target is not nearly enough, one must be aware of what is behind and around the target, what may cross the field of fire, and more. This, as well as many other lessons, can be applied in other aspects of my life. When approaching every situation, it is important not to fixate on on objective, but be aware of all other influences on the situation.

Shooting has been a major influence on my life and has helped me grow as a person. My father was instrumental in this development, and the Army helped refine it even further. As an adult, I find myself using the fundamentals of shooting; respect, patience, comprehension, situational awareness, accuracy and practice, to master new endeavors. This has given me great advantage in my professional and personal life by giving me a system to approach problem solving, among other things. I now take what I have accumulated over the course of 20 years of shooting and teach a monthly class on firearms safety and marksmanship. I hope to not only help create safe and knowledgeable shooters out of my students, but also pass on some of the core life lessons I’ve learned as well.