HeloDude

That right there is the problem. Though I believe that none of the commanders are ok with suicides occurring (leadership does suck, but I don't think they're full of hatred), they only do these kinds of things when they're told to and/or when their leadership puts their asses on the line for having too many suicides, DUI's, etc. I firmly believe that 90.69% of O-6's and above (you can also include BTZ O-5's) will always put their own self interests above what is truly the right thing to do. Often times their own self interests naturally match up with what is the right thing to do for people and the mission (ie take care of wounded soldiers because leadership is told to so and they'll look bad if they don't do it), but other times, these 'leaders' will do whatever is necessary to impress their own bosses and make sure that their own records shine--regardless of whether it's the right (read integrity) thing to do. They are "Yes Men" in the purest form. Again, this is just my opinion...but you know what, it's close to the same opinion of the majority of my peers. And if we're wrong, then there is obviously a disconnect...but a disconnect none the less, and then the leadership should do something about it, because this opinion has negative effects. A leader is someone who inspires you to do what is needed...a manager just tells you what they believe needs to be done and then makes sure go ahead and do it. We have a lot of managers in the upper ranks.

Not sure if any of you guys have seen this, but it's a great reason to get some Starbucks on Valentine's Day. I might even decide to open carry that day, just because...

Quick range report from this weekend after shooting my new M&P .22 Pistol: I got the gun a few days after ordering from KYGunCO.com (great price by the way at $360, not including FFL) and right away way saw that it was packaged like any other S&W--hard case, typical rope lock included, etc. Doing the inspection at my FFL, she definitely looked sharp--just like a full size version of my MP40c. I've read not to dry fire it, but I did a couple of times just to make sure there weren't any obvious issues. Took her to the range this weekend and loaded it with Remington 36 grain, 1280 FPS hollow points (on sale a couple months ago and works well with my M&P-15-22). Shooting at my outdoor range at 7 yards, right out of the box, it worked flawlessly. Sights were dead on and I was getting some nice, tight groupings. The gun felt great in my hand, and needless to mention, had little felt recoil. The slide locks back to the rear after the last round--this is my first .22 pistol, and since I hadn't shot a .22 pistol in over 14 years, I could remember if most .22 pistols do or not lock to the rear after the last round (the Ruger LCP does not). With the help of my buddy, ended up putting about 100 rounds through it without a single failure. My friend was also very impressed and talked about getting one so that he can better teach his girlfriend how to shoot. Bottom line, if you couldn't already tell--an awesome .22! Definitely a solid purchase if you're looking for a .22 to train with and save money when shooting. My only complaint is that the gun only comes with 1 12-round magazine. I've looked online for more mags, but since the gun just came out last summer, they're few and far between. My first 'range report'...hope it helps!

Shipped yesterday, hopefully arrives at the FFL by the end of this week, and in my hands at the range Sat or Sun. I haven't shot a .22 pistol in years...so long that I can't remember the last time, might have been in college. The reviews looked really good and I'll be happy to give a range report afterwards. S&W puts out a quality product IMO, so I doubt there will be any issues. Now if only Kel Tec would stop being a crappy company (via a business point of view) and produce more KSG's so I can get my hands on one without paying double the price on gunbroker.

Texas is a 'Shall Issue' state...if you qualify and do what is required, the state has to give you a permit, regardless of the county you live in, etc.

I love my MP 15-22! Great gun to take out on the range, practice fundamentals, and just a great gun to have fun plinking--and what's best--it's cheap as hell to shoot. IMO, there's no need for a kid to have any special optics on his 22. Teaching the fundamentals just don't require them, besides, he'd be better off getting his son another 22 (pistol) and work on those fundamentals as well. Speaking of .22 pistols, check out this new guy I just bought! Been eying one of these for the past 2-3 months and finally saw a good price and bought one today--should be delivered next week to my FFL. I'm definitely a S&W fan and this will allow me to work on drills at a much cheaper cost. Plus when I take a new chick out to the range, it will be easier for her shoot than one of my .40's.

What is my girlfriend doing 'Tebowing'?

Funny...I've seen her in a lot of 'special' videos

Hence the binary system...1 is you would, 0 is you wouldn't.

Haha...actually it was at jab at everyone, especially including me! But you're my inspiration M2 for buying more firearms ;)

Definitely a valid point to make as it is important to never stop learning and training/increasing your abilities to effectively use firearms. Having said that, as a non LE guy/someone who doesn't regularly handle firearms in my everyday job, shooting also serves a recreational purpose in my life along with its most important role of self defense. Most of us buy guns for the mere pleasure of owning and shooting them, and that's quite fine as it's all about personal decisions in regards to how and what people spend their money. So if guys want to spend a few hundred bucks on a stock that will put a smile on their face, then why not? As for the price of ammo, running cheap 7.62 ammo through an old AK doesn't really cost that much compared to when people are spending hundreds of dollars every few months on firearms that they don't really need. Again, all personal preference. I would argue that most gun owners probably don't have their firearms adequately protected against house fires and theft. A top quality gun safe (not a RSC) costs 5-6K minimum--you're more likely to have a house fire or a break in vs having to engage someone with your AR-15 in a 'tactical' situation. Just another perspective to add to the conversation!

So I know a lot of you guys aren't a fan of the Slide Fire Solutions stock (SSAR), but it's neat to see that they finally came out with one for the AK. M2, are you going to buy one? I'm planning on eventually getting one for the AR since guys have gotten it to work with the MP-15-22. And you never know, I might just buy another AK (a cheap one) and get the SSAK. And yes, it serves no purpose other than to be silly and have some fun shooting. Here's another one worth watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=K6PNxiLRvHI&NR=1

Nice man! And for $8 definitely worth getting!

What kind of AK is it? Who imported it? edit for spelling

Fixed it for you man. These days the Air Force reminds me of this poster...

Your BAH might have went up, but I think you're overall net $$$ to buy guns and booze just went considerably down.

Putting us in our blues every Monday will fix all of this...oh wait...

Agreed. Sq CC can give anything from a harsh warning to a CC directed Q-3. To play devil's advocate on this one--nothing in the FEB reg discusses anything about whether or not a mishap occurred. I know these are Navy birds--but both AC's (IP's) lost their wings for this incident.

Unfortunately it's a dangerous business. My prayers to these brave soldiers and their families. Thank you for your great service to our country.

Rainman shacked this one--if it's a problem with a specific crew, then handle it accordingly with that crew. If it's a problem with a specific squadron or airframe community, then handle it accordingly. I'm tired of seeing emails, FCIF's, etc telling me what to do (or not do) when we're already supposed to know what to do. This is nothing more than leadership trying to cover their ass.

No, the Air Force is full of 'Yes Man' leadership who only knows how to react in a knee-jerk type fashion. What does the first thing a CC tells his people after a DUI in his Sq/Gp/Wg--not to drink and drive, be careful, have a plan, be a 'wingman', blah blah blah. How many times do I have to be told the same thing? Let me know when the reg or policy changes, in the meantime, just let me do my job.

The House has passed a budget (both Defense Budget as well as the overall Federal Budget)...it's the Senate that doesn't do well at passing budgets.

So holsters for CCW... What are you guys using? I'm not too concerned with my pocket pistols (Ruger LCP, Kahr PM40, etc) as those are pretty easy to holster and throw in a pocket, but rather the larger sub compact pistols that you can't put in a pocket. For most of the last year I have been carrying my SW MP40c IWB in a Crossbreed Super Tuck (at the 4:30 position)--wear it at least once/twice a week as I also alternate between my various pocket pistols (especially in the summer with the advantage of cargo shorts). It was decently comfortable, unless I was wearing it for more than a couple of hours, but over the past couple of months it's really started to hurt my back, so much as to the point that I dread wearing it at times. A few weeks ago a buddy of mine at work says all he wears now (for holsters) is a belly band holster...even for his .45. I finally got around to looking at them yesterday (Galco Belly Band) and they seem pretty good. But today, I came across a kind of holster I have never seen/heard of: 3 Speed Holster (link). It's a belly band type holster that from the videos looks like it would be super comfortable (if you don't mind having a gun pointed down at your crotch). Anybody familiar with this brand or any of the belly band holsters for that matter? I'm assuming you could also wear these in the crest of your lower back/6 o'clock position--anybody wear their CCW on their lower back? And one more question for you fellow gun lovers...anybody ever use an ankle holster? I've tried one on briefly a while back and kind of like it...Galco seems to make some nice ones that stay secure. Figured it could help when I'm wearing something more formal and would like to have my J-frame snubbie or PM40. Thanks guys! Oh, and here's the video on the 3 Speed (they also do a pretty good job with 3 more videos after this one going over different ways to wear the holster, how to use it, etc). 3 Speed Holster You Tube Video Link

So looking at the failed Senate vote in 2009 (failed 58 to 39 to make it past the filibuster), compared to the current makeup of the Senate...my math has it passing 62-38. The premise for this is that 45 of the 47 Republicans will vote for the measure (Brown and Lugar said they will not vote for it) and that all Democrats who voted for it in 2009 will vote for it again this year...also adding Sen Manchin, Dem, from West Virginia in the 'Aye' column. The two possible wild cards in my opinion would be Reid and Kirk...Reid because voting this way now will mean it actually passes, and Kirk because he's newly elected from Illinois (might be anti-gun, but this wouldn't affect Illinois since they ban CCW). On a side note, McCaskill will face a super tough reelection in Missouri this year and that might cause her to change her vote from a no to a yes. Having said all of this, I am fairly confident Obama will veto the bill. His administration is already planning on banning shooting on public lands (link)--so much for guys like NSplayr saying Obama hasn't done anything antigun (though his nominees to the courts have been antigun). Even if he did sign the bill, I wouldn't be surprised to see states like California, Hawaii, Maryland, etc (essentially most of the 'May Issue' states) to straight up get rid of their CCW laws/permits.

This just in...the guy making this ad is a bigoted moron. A true believer of gun rights wants as many law abiding citizens as possible owning firearms...regardless of race or creed. Fortunately support for gun rights is (those not favoring a ban on handguns, specifically) is the highest its ever been. Link Also, "Self-Reported Gun Ownership in U.S. is highest Since 1993". Link