Sunday, November 25, 2012
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Making gun stores a better place, one customer at a time.
I was digging through my old posts, and found one called Gun Store Jerks, wherein I explain why gun store employees and owners shouldn't feel justified in acting like jerks.
Having had the opportunity practice what I preach twice before, I realized I was already had my third opportunity.
I couldn't stand the way I was usually treated at gun stores; ignored, eye-rolled, abandoned, sighed at, laughed at, and generally made to feel that I was putting upon the employees with my mere presence.
So when I started working at one, I had the opportunity to change all that, and you know what?
After customers laugh derisively at me, point guns at me, argue with me over verifiably wrong second-hand opinions, wave loaded guns around, break safety rules after being told multiple times not to, and persist in knowing absolutely nothing about firearms and demand I teach them all I know?
I still refuse to treat them badly.
Customers gonna cust. They'll do it in every industry because they're customers. My job is not to stand around all day and wait out the clock, my job is to wait on customers, and provide my firearms knowledge and opinion when asked.
When a customer wants a Kimber as his first gun because his bud told him they NEVAR jam because they say "Custom Shop" on the side? I offer my opinion, and if it is ignored, oh well. I grab the 4473. Customers gonna cust.
When a customer who has never shot a gun before wants a snub nosed revolver for home defense? I tell them a shotgun is ten times easier to use, costs half as much, offers "rack-ability," is cheaper to practice with, and is about three times more effective at stopping someone. I do my level best to explain why a shotgun is a better choice for them, and if they insist? I grab the 4473. Customers gonna cust.
When a customer tells me about how he was in the military in the 70's and shot a 338 Lapua at 3,000 yards and could hit a quarter "not every time, but about every other time." I just smile and say, "Wow! You shot .000000001 MOA out of a rifle that didn't exist with a cartridge that hadn't been designed yet past the curvature of the Earth? Pull the other one so I don't walk in circles all day." Just kidding. I just smile, nod, and walk away. Customers gonna cust.
There is no precedent that lets gun shop employees treat their customers like crap. Don't act like there is.
Having had the opportunity practice what I preach twice before, I realized I was already had my third opportunity.
I couldn't stand the way I was usually treated at gun stores; ignored, eye-rolled, abandoned, sighed at, laughed at, and generally made to feel that I was putting upon the employees with my mere presence.
So when I started working at one, I had the opportunity to change all that, and you know what?
After customers laugh derisively at me, point guns at me, argue with me over verifiably wrong second-hand opinions, wave loaded guns around, break safety rules after being told multiple times not to, and persist in knowing absolutely nothing about firearms and demand I teach them all I know?
I still refuse to treat them badly.
Customers gonna cust. They'll do it in every industry because they're customers. My job is not to stand around all day and wait out the clock, my job is to wait on customers, and provide my firearms knowledge and opinion when asked.
When a customer wants a Kimber as his first gun because his bud told him they NEVAR jam because they say "Custom Shop" on the side? I offer my opinion, and if it is ignored, oh well. I grab the 4473. Customers gonna cust.
When a customer who has never shot a gun before wants a snub nosed revolver for home defense? I tell them a shotgun is ten times easier to use, costs half as much, offers "rack-ability," is cheaper to practice with, and is about three times more effective at stopping someone. I do my level best to explain why a shotgun is a better choice for them, and if they insist? I grab the 4473. Customers gonna cust.
When a customer tells me about how he was in the military in the 70's and shot a 338 Lapua at 3,000 yards and could hit a quarter "not every time, but about every other time." I just smile and say, "Wow! You shot .000000001 MOA out of a rifle that didn't exist with a cartridge that hadn't been designed yet past the curvature of the Earth? Pull the other one so I don't walk in circles all day." Just kidding. I just smile, nod, and walk away. Customers gonna cust.
There is no precedent that lets gun shop employees treat their customers like crap. Don't act like there is.
Friday, November 16, 2012
I feel 50 times better.
Holy crap, this is good.
Bill Whittle: Where do we go now?
One hour long, watch the whole thing.
No, really: Watch the whole thing.
"Lesser sons of greater fathers."
"It's already collapsed."
"Take care of our own."
Bonus: Bill takes more questions at the virtual president.
Bill Whittle: Where do we go now?
One hour long, watch the whole thing.
No, really: Watch the whole thing.
"Lesser sons of greater fathers."
"It's already collapsed."
"Take care of our own."
Bonus: Bill takes more questions at the virtual president.
IDF Pinpoint Strike on Ahmed Jabari, Head of Hamas Military Wing
Straight from the IDF.
When you encounter evil, it is your responsibility destroy it.
When you encounter evil, it is your responsibility destroy it.
Don't lie flat
Go mini-Galt. Starve the beast, stay uncomfortable, don't lie flat.
JP gave me this link, and it's worth your time.
JP gave me this link, and it's worth your time.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Therapy deprived
AKA: Cordite deprived.
We finally finished moving out of the in-laws' basement, and I regained ease of going to sleep under my own roof. Unfortunately, the moving has been taking up all of our free time, so there have been no range trips to try out the new addition.
Normally, this is not a big deal, but these are not normal times, and I need some trigger therapy.
We finally finished moving out of the in-laws' basement, and I regained ease of going to sleep under my own roof. Unfortunately, the moving has been taking up all of our free time, so there have been no range trips to try out the new addition.
Normally, this is not a big deal, but these are not normal times, and I need some trigger therapy.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
What is old is new again.
I wrote this over a year ago. It's more relevant now than it was then.
Good guys don't wear masks... yet.
Good guys don't wear masks... yet.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
You really have no idea what you've just done.
I'm not mad. I'm just disappointed.
Ok, maybe a little mad too.
Voting yourself free stuff without creating anything doesn't work. Actually, it's worse than it not working, it actively sets you up for a terminal failure.
Not long ago, hurricane Sandy victims were crying out for the government to give them food because it had been... three... days...
These people, literally, did not have the ability to survive on their own for 72 hours.
I feel sorry for 50% of America, because they really have no idea what they've just done.
Folks like us? We'll be fine. We're survivors. We're hard to dissuade, we persist, we emerge victorious, even if it's only because we refuse to surrender.
Folks like you?
You'll be dead.
But that's not a threat; because you won't be dead by our hands. You'll be dead by your own machinations.
This election was just the opening act of a mass suicide.
The truth is too important to ignore, and if you ignore it long enough, you will fall victim to it.
I don't know if you'll starve to death waiting for FEMA to save you after a natural disaster (when they've closed their office due to inclimate weather), if you'll be stabbed with a screwdriver by a recently paroled lifer because you just voted down the three strikes law that brought crime stats down to 1950s levels, if you'll fall victim to simple government incompetence, or if you'll just sing kumbaya in a circle until you waste away.
The point is, we will win because you reject reality.
I just feel sorry that I won't be able to help all of you. (Not that you'd dare ask for help from neighbors or from a *gasp* church, that's what the government is for)
A hard rain is going to fall, and you people don't believe in umbrellas.
I'm sorry. Really. I did all I could to help you, but you are hell-bent on seeing how deep the rabbit hole goes. If you stare into the Abyss long enough the Abyss stares back into you.
Prepare yourselves, because you're pulling back the veil on humanity, civilization, and socialism, and
it
will
be
EXCRUCIATING.
Good luck to you. You're going to need it.
Ok, maybe a little mad too.
Voting yourself free stuff without creating anything doesn't work. Actually, it's worse than it not working, it actively sets you up for a terminal failure.
Not long ago, hurricane Sandy victims were crying out for the government to give them food because it had been... three... days...
These people, literally, did not have the ability to survive on their own for 72 hours.
I feel sorry for 50% of America, because they really have no idea what they've just done.
Folks like us? We'll be fine. We're survivors. We're hard to dissuade, we persist, we emerge victorious, even if it's only because we refuse to surrender.
Folks like you?
You'll be dead.
But that's not a threat; because you won't be dead by our hands. You'll be dead by your own machinations.
This election was just the opening act of a mass suicide.
The truth is too important to ignore, and if you ignore it long enough, you will fall victim to it.
I don't know if you'll starve to death waiting for FEMA to save you after a natural disaster (when they've closed their office due to inclimate weather), if you'll be stabbed with a screwdriver by a recently paroled lifer because you just voted down the three strikes law that brought crime stats down to 1950s levels, if you'll fall victim to simple government incompetence, or if you'll just sing kumbaya in a circle until you waste away.
The point is, we will win because you reject reality.
I just feel sorry that I won't be able to help all of you. (Not that you'd dare ask for help from neighbors or from a *gasp* church, that's what the government is for)
A hard rain is going to fall, and you people don't believe in umbrellas.
I'm sorry. Really. I did all I could to help you, but you are hell-bent on seeing how deep the rabbit hole goes. If you stare into the Abyss long enough the Abyss stares back into you.
Prepare yourselves, because you're pulling back the veil on humanity, civilization, and socialism, and
it
will
be
EXCRUCIATING.
Good luck to you. You're going to need it.
The American Crisis
These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.
~Thomas Paine, 1776
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Hassled for Open Carrying Part 2
First hassling is here.
While open carrying in Wal-Mart, I was hassled by a patron.
He had a large frame and a large, semi-lean body, a black fleece, and a 5.11 tactical hat (no, really). So you already know where this is going. He's a cop.
I noticed him reacting to me, and kept him in my peripheral while continuing to act normal, because when you act like it's normal, other people act like it's normal.
When my wife and I were ahead of him in the girls' toy aisle, he pushed his cart closer and passed my wife behind me.
"You can't carry that."
Turning and smiling, I replied as innocently as possible, "Which?"
Nodding to the gun on my hip, "You can't carry that in here."
"Yes I can."
"Are you a cop?"
"Nope. Just a private citizen carrying openly."
"Well you can't carry that in here."
"I've carried in here dozens of times, and have never had any problems. I pretty much open carry everywhere without any issues. Are you a cop?" (I asked, as if I didn't already know.)
"Yeah, and I have to show up when people call to complain about people like you."
*Shrug*
"Do you have a concealed carry permit?"
"No. The state of Kentucky does not allow me to apply for one."
"Yeah, well, there are a lot of dangerous stupid people and drunks around this time of night, and it only takes one of them to make a bad situation with people like you. You're better off just leaving it in the car."
I was thinking "Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion, man." so hard that I'm pretty sure he heard me.
*Shrug*
So, there are dangerous people around, so it would be better if I were unarmed? It sure didn't look like he was carrying, so maybe he was planning on kung fu fighting any "dangerous drunks" he ran into.
I believe this was the last thing I said before I just turned and walked away. When Mrs ET reads this she might have some changes or updates, I'll add them if necessary.
We continued shopping, and passed by this guy again, who was busy on his phone rather than shooting me daggers or working himself into a huff. My wife felt like he expected us to rush out of the store in disgrace. Not a chance.
To his credit (what little there is to give), he didn't go to the manager and lodge a complaint "as a concerned civvy-- I mean- civilian-- I mean regular normal person." Then again, maybe he did, and they just didn't do anything. I've talked to one of the managers there while open carrying with no issue. He glanced at my gun a couple times, but was professional and helpful.
So, the two times I've been hassled for Open Carrying have been by cops. All the other regular normal people just don't care.
Read more about my experiences open carrying here!
While open carrying in Wal-Mart, I was hassled by a patron.
He had a large frame and a large, semi-lean body, a black fleece, and a 5.11 tactical hat (no, really). So you already know where this is going. He's a cop.
I noticed him reacting to me, and kept him in my peripheral while continuing to act normal, because when you act like it's normal, other people act like it's normal.
When my wife and I were ahead of him in the girls' toy aisle, he pushed his cart closer and passed my wife behind me.
"You can't carry that."
Turning and smiling, I replied as innocently as possible, "Which?"
Nodding to the gun on my hip, "You can't carry that in here."
"Yes I can."
"Are you a cop?"
"Nope. Just a private citizen carrying openly."
"Well you can't carry that in here."
"I've carried in here dozens of times, and have never had any problems. I pretty much open carry everywhere without any issues. Are you a cop?" (I asked, as if I didn't already know.)
"Yeah, and I have to show up when people call to complain about people like you."
*Shrug*
"Do you have a concealed carry permit?"
"No. The state of Kentucky does not allow me to apply for one."
"Yeah, well, there are a lot of dangerous stupid people and drunks around this time of night, and it only takes one of them to make a bad situation with people like you. You're better off just leaving it in the car."
I was thinking "Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion, man." so hard that I'm pretty sure he heard me.
*Shrug*
So, there are dangerous people around, so it would be better if I were unarmed? It sure didn't look like he was carrying, so maybe he was planning on kung fu fighting any "dangerous drunks" he ran into.
I believe this was the last thing I said before I just turned and walked away. When Mrs ET reads this she might have some changes or updates, I'll add them if necessary.
We continued shopping, and passed by this guy again, who was busy on his phone rather than shooting me daggers or working himself into a huff. My wife felt like he expected us to rush out of the store in disgrace. Not a chance.
To his credit (what little there is to give), he didn't go to the manager and lodge a complaint "as a concerned civvy-- I mean- civilian-- I mean regular normal person." Then again, maybe he did, and they just didn't do anything. I've talked to one of the managers there while open carrying with no issue. He glanced at my gun a couple times, but was professional and helpful.
So, the two times I've been hassled for Open Carrying have been by cops. All the other regular normal people just don't care.
Read more about my experiences open carrying here!
Voting for love of country
I was the first one at a the polls in my precinct.
Up early, I finally saw Orion for the first time since we moved. At no other time, early morning or 2am had I found The Hunter since we moved here over four months ago. It was a cathartic experience.
I overdressed for the cold, wearing my heavy coat over the shirt I set out for today. "TAKE BACK YOUR REPUBLIC" and under the striking snake: "TIME'S UP." Normally a little too provocative for my taste, but this is America, so if you don't like it, you don't have to look at it.
It was about 30 degrees, enough for the cold to sting, but not enough for it to bite. One person arrived shortly after me. We stood outside the door and talked about how glad we were to get it over with, while we rocked and fidgeted to keep warm.
Another man joined our vigil. Then another. Then another.
By the time the polls opened there were over 30 people lined up. There were even more by the time I left.
You don't have to bust the doors to vote. They're open from 6am to 6pm. Absentee and early voting is easy. So why did everyone show up?
You know why.
Up early, I finally saw Orion for the first time since we moved. At no other time, early morning or 2am had I found The Hunter since we moved here over four months ago. It was a cathartic experience.
I overdressed for the cold, wearing my heavy coat over the shirt I set out for today. "TAKE BACK YOUR REPUBLIC" and under the striking snake: "TIME'S UP." Normally a little too provocative for my taste, but this is America, so if you don't like it, you don't have to look at it.
It was about 30 degrees, enough for the cold to sting, but not enough for it to bite. One person arrived shortly after me. We stood outside the door and talked about how glad we were to get it over with, while we rocked and fidgeted to keep warm.
Another man joined our vigil. Then another. Then another.
By the time the polls opened there were over 30 people lined up. There were even more by the time I left.
You don't have to bust the doors to vote. They're open from 6am to 6pm. Absentee and early voting is easy. So why did everyone show up?
You know why.
Monday, November 05, 2012
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Catching up to the new normal
We're moving out of the in-law's basement into an apartment, so we've been busy packing and taking loads over when we can. Mrs ET is getting more preggers but she's doing quite well.
Moving out is a great feeling. Even though we are going to be on a narrow budget, there's something comforting knowing that you are in charge of your living space. Don't get me wrong, the mother in law was a great host, there's just an intangible dull pain you get living under someone else's roof. Maybe it only happens to libertarians.
The gun shop is going well, we had a run on shotguns and carry pistols for a while, but that seems to have abated, which seems to indicate it might have been Sandy-related. The shop has been pretty busy, but not nearly as busy as it was the last election. I think everyone already knows what's going to happen.
I'm still expecting the job front to kick into overdrive the day after the election, but I've stopped taking things for granted, and know that we'll be able to keep on keeping on even if it takes much longer. It's hard to go from making more than enough money to making barely enough, but it's a small price to pay when I remind myself that we live in Kentucky.
This place really is special. Lexington in particular. I have a hard time putting it into words, and will give it its own post where I can try to do it justice, but suffice to say: I still catch myself staring at the beauty around me. I can't wait for winter.
There have been a few must-haves, but nothing too fancy. The shop actually wound up with a Microtech Troodon, which has been on my want list for a long time, but I didn't want it nearly as much as a Mcusta that blew me out of the water. I went home, posted a shotgun on Armslist, took the first offer, met up and sold it the next day, and drove straight to the shop to buy it. I can't believe it's a production knife. This thing is art. A R T. It bumped the 940 I carried since I was 16 from the EDC slot. The Mcusta is so good that not a single fuck was given.
I managed to keep my hands off of all the pretties in the shop (being broke helps!), but just had to have a beautiful Glenfield 25 bolt action .22. I sold another shotgun to a friend and picked up the Glenfield for $80. The spiral rifling is incredibly sharp. So sharp that someone either never fired it, or meticulously cleaned it after every range trip. The sights are a welcome relief from the usual "classic 22" style, which consist of a round bead front sight and horns covering a tiny slider with a notch on the rear sight. I can't stand those sights, so I loved that the Glenfield had a square front sight post, and a flat open rear leaf sight, making the sight picture crisp and clear. Speaking of crisp, the trigger is a short, semi-heavy break that still manages to catch a seasoned trigger finger such as mine off guard. Overall style is wonderful. The stock has a classic cut and the long heavy barrel really adds to the appeal of the rifle. The front sight is screwed in close to the crown, making the prospect moving the sight back and getting the barrel threaded quite straightforward. The receiver is thick enough that tapping it for an aperture sight wouldn't be hard, but so far, I'm enjoying the additional visibility offered by the open sights. I can't wait to shoot it, and will update when I do. Being in varmit country, a long barreled .22 bolt gun can be very useful. Especially one with a can. The bolt is turned down near the receiver, making it more difficult to run lefty, but it's not really built for speed, and I think I'd like it less if the bolt was sticking straight out. The only thing bugging me about it is the balance, which, given the heavy stock and long heavy barrel, is right on the magazine, making for uncomfortable one-handed carry. I have plans to cut into the stock, either to lighten it or to put in a compartment for ammo à la the M6 survival rifle. Oh yeah, that reminds me...
I ran into a Savage 42 at a local shop, and began scoffing immediately. I picked it up and scoffed, I shouldered it and scoffed, I checked the sights and scoffed, I balanced and handled it and scoffed, I looked at the price and scoffed. By the time I was done scoffing, much to my chagrin, I liked it. Alright Savage, you did kind of alright. It's not the right kind of style, but it is a kind of style.
More detail on all of the above will follow as things slow down. See you guys on the other side.
Moving out is a great feeling. Even though we are going to be on a narrow budget, there's something comforting knowing that you are in charge of your living space. Don't get me wrong, the mother in law was a great host, there's just an intangible dull pain you get living under someone else's roof. Maybe it only happens to libertarians.
The gun shop is going well, we had a run on shotguns and carry pistols for a while, but that seems to have abated, which seems to indicate it might have been Sandy-related. The shop has been pretty busy, but not nearly as busy as it was the last election. I think everyone already knows what's going to happen.
I'm still expecting the job front to kick into overdrive the day after the election, but I've stopped taking things for granted, and know that we'll be able to keep on keeping on even if it takes much longer. It's hard to go from making more than enough money to making barely enough, but it's a small price to pay when I remind myself that we live in Kentucky.
This place really is special. Lexington in particular. I have a hard time putting it into words, and will give it its own post where I can try to do it justice, but suffice to say: I still catch myself staring at the beauty around me. I can't wait for winter.
There have been a few must-haves, but nothing too fancy. The shop actually wound up with a Microtech Troodon, which has been on my want list for a long time, but I didn't want it nearly as much as a Mcusta that blew me out of the water. I went home, posted a shotgun on Armslist, took the first offer, met up and sold it the next day, and drove straight to the shop to buy it. I can't believe it's a production knife. This thing is art. A R T. It bumped the 940 I carried since I was 16 from the EDC slot. The Mcusta is so good that not a single fuck was given.
I managed to keep my hands off of all the pretties in the shop (being broke helps!), but just had to have a beautiful Glenfield 25 bolt action .22. I sold another shotgun to a friend and picked up the Glenfield for $80. The spiral rifling is incredibly sharp. So sharp that someone either never fired it, or meticulously cleaned it after every range trip. The sights are a welcome relief from the usual "classic 22" style, which consist of a round bead front sight and horns covering a tiny slider with a notch on the rear sight. I can't stand those sights, so I loved that the Glenfield had a square front sight post, and a flat open rear leaf sight, making the sight picture crisp and clear. Speaking of crisp, the trigger is a short, semi-heavy break that still manages to catch a seasoned trigger finger such as mine off guard. Overall style is wonderful. The stock has a classic cut and the long heavy barrel really adds to the appeal of the rifle. The front sight is screwed in close to the crown, making the prospect moving the sight back and getting the barrel threaded quite straightforward. The receiver is thick enough that tapping it for an aperture sight wouldn't be hard, but so far, I'm enjoying the additional visibility offered by the open sights. I can't wait to shoot it, and will update when I do. Being in varmit country, a long barreled .22 bolt gun can be very useful. Especially one with a can. The bolt is turned down near the receiver, making it more difficult to run lefty, but it's not really built for speed, and I think I'd like it less if the bolt was sticking straight out. The only thing bugging me about it is the balance, which, given the heavy stock and long heavy barrel, is right on the magazine, making for uncomfortable one-handed carry. I have plans to cut into the stock, either to lighten it or to put in a compartment for ammo à la the M6 survival rifle. Oh yeah, that reminds me...
I ran into a Savage 42 at a local shop, and began scoffing immediately. I picked it up and scoffed, I shouldered it and scoffed, I checked the sights and scoffed, I balanced and handled it and scoffed, I looked at the price and scoffed. By the time I was done scoffing, much to my chagrin, I liked it. Alright Savage, you did kind of alright. It's not the right kind of style, but it is a kind of style.
More detail on all of the above will follow as things slow down. See you guys on the other side.
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Open carried to the bank, Jet's Pizza, ReStore, Hancock Fabrics
I really wish I had something to add here. Almost nothing happened. I held the door open for an older woman at Hancock Fabrics, and her husband chuckled at me and asked if there was a robbery going on.
Read more about my experiences open carrying here!
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