Happy New Year!

Wishing all a Happy New Year that is filled with expectations and with the hope of a better world ...

And the same song in traditional Scottish bagpipe instrumental ...

Bore Cleaning the AR-15 (and other bores)

As a former US Army armorer, as a secondary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), I can tell you I have come up against some dirty, fouled weaponry. Therefore, the importance of cleaning your weapon to ensure consistent accuracy and long life, cannot be overemphasized. I cannot remember how many times I had to refuse to accept an M16 that was not clean from turning in their assigned rifle to the unit arms room. It did not make me popular, at times, but it was my duty to ensure that all weaponry in the unit arms room was battle ready. 

Surf-N-Turf Dinner For Two - Two Recipes

This recipe was inspired by Lake Geneva Meats in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin – a well-known meat market, who also has great recipes, some can be found on YouTube.

It has become a tradition to serve a “Surf-N-Turf” dinner for New Year's Eve at Lake Geneva Meats. Since I love Surf-N-Turf meals, I thought I would include this recipe with a Lake Geneva Meats video (end of article) to add to the recipes I am posting for the upcoming holidays. The pair of recipes that follow can be a dinner for two on any special occasion.

Will US DOD Replace M9 Beretta, If So, With What?

Beretta M9

Despite that Beretta fixed the slide problem of the Beretta 9mm military service pistol with the Model 92-FS, it appears that the Department of Defense and US Army is looking to replace the Beretta M9 with something else after 25 years of service that replaced the Colt M1911 that served the US military for 75 years.

So, beginning in 2012, there has been a search for a possible replacement for the Beretta, which, by the way, is a great semi-automatic pistol in my opinion. I have admired the Beretta shotguns for years, the oldest firearm manufacturer in the world; especially interested in their new line of assault rifles (beyond their 9mm carbine) that is represented in the Model ARX 100 carbine that is so impressive.

Federal Government Offers Bounty for Released Prisoner

Remember when Obama released Gitmo prisoners that many stated it was a big mistake?

Along with that bad idea, it was decided to try those prisoners in a civil court as common criminals instead of a tribunal for crimes against humanity?

Revolver Inspection and Maintenance

Left Click to Enlarge

Despite the popularity of semi-automatics, there are plenty of revolvers around, some for cowboy-action shooters and others used for home defense and concealed carry.

Some revolvers have been made by manufacturers have cost-cutting modifications, but are not as good as the old made-for-hard-use 'wheel guns'. It is true modern revolvers that are made with CNC machines are consistent in its making over the older firearms, but the material used is less quality. That is pretty much the story of many things manufactured today – cost more but not made as durable. Automobiles are good examples, the sheet metal being thinner on a modern vehicle that that used on cars made in the 1950s; their cost increased because of the cost of steel and the tech marvels installed.

Weapons of Choice: Colt M2012 and Armalite AR-30/AR-31

The Colt M2012 family of bolt-action rifles had two new models added to the line. The M2012MT308T is chambered for .308 Winchester, designed for long sessions at the range, as well as ruggedness and accuracy. It comes accurate out of the box even including the target it was tested on. Colt has teamed up with Cooper Firearms of Montana that is part of production of the M2012MT308T, M2012LT308G, and M2012LT260G. 

Dead Zones: A Threat to Aquatic Life

Scientists and politicians have been spending funds on the alleged climate change phenomenon, formerly called “global warming” by alarmists like Al Gore, a politician with no degree in science, but has made money, a documentary film award, and Nobel Prize for his effort. Gore and several financiers have also made plans on how to make money on the scientific consensus. The mainstream media has been a willing accomplice in the fleecing program.

Climate has its fluctuations, as history reveals in recurring ice ages and warming periods. But those same alarmists would have the people believe, and too many do, that politicians and scientists they ensure funding, can solve the problem with a political campaign and draconian legislation that does nothing but suck up funds in an already alarming deficit.

The media, those politicians and their accomplice “scientists” have downplayed a dangerous factor on the oceans (and some freshwater lakes) called dead zones.

I am not referring to the 1983 film based upon Stephen King's novel, The Dead Zone; but a real-life dangerous situation caused by human pollution.

Big Government, Big Brother Scenario in Anti-Gun Video

Charles Cook shows a compelling anti-gun video at that depicts what has been predicted - federal control of our education system is turning our children into 'patriots' of the state, where children turn in their parents. 
In this case, the mother exercises her Second Amendment rights to protect her dwelling, herself, and her son. And where does such things end? 
Michael Bloomberg not only wants to take away Second Amendment rights, but other rights - like what you drink and eat. Where does Big Government end and rights and liberties begin? Freedom of choice is part of the natural law that Thomas Jefferson was talking about in the Declaration of Independence. 
People like those supporting the PSA and other gun-control movements think that if firearms are outlawed and citizens do not have them that violent crime will go away. In countries that forbid firearms that concept is blown out of the water with reality; as well as here in the United States.
Big Brother government is heading our way, just like the novel 1984, unless We the People insist that the constitutional republic be returned in the manner and form that the Founders created - not what the political and social elite wants everyone to do. 
The hypocrisy of the leftist cult today is clearly defined in the Samuel L. Jackson PSA video, an actor who has performed violence on the screen like that in Pulp Fiction. Or how about Django Unchained?

Christian Persecution in US Armed Forces

Allen West, formerly an officer in the US Army and former member of Congress posted:

I received a very disturbing letter and call to action from a mentor, friend, American warrior, and Executive Vice President of the Family Research Council, Lieutenant General Jerry Boykin. … as you can see in this below letter of admonition, CPT Lawhorn’s commander at Ft. Benning, Col David G. Fivecoat issued the Army Chaplain a letter of concern for speaking of his faith –a letter that will go into CPT Lawhorn’s personnel file that has adverse consequences for selection for promotion. … Ladies and gents, please join in and sign the petition to have this letter removed and perhaps a letter of reprimand should be placed in Col Fivecoat’s personnel file. Thus incident is appalling and we should all be outraged over the persecution of Christian faith in our military.

The letter is posted at Allen West's website.

Archaeologist Working on Egyptian Cemetery with One Million Burials

Kerry Muhlestein

With all the unrest occurring in North Africa, Arabia and Middle East one wonders how archaeologists are able to ply their trade; but a couple of days ago it was announced by associate professor, Kerry Muhlestein, at Brigham Young University and his team had found an ancient Egyptian cemetery dig site  at Fag el-Gamous site for the Study of Egyptian Antiquities Scholars Colloquium in Toronto contained an estimated one million burials, some that were not mummified. 

Kerry has a BS in Psychology with a Hebrew minor as well as an MA in Ancient Near Eastern Studies and a Ph.D. From UCLA in Egyptology. 

Holiday Hunt in Wisconsin

The Holiday Hunt for anterless deer from December 24^th to January 1^st, 2015 will soon begin in the Southern Farmland Zone in Wisconsin.

This is the first year antlered bucks will not be harvested during the Holiday Hunt that includes archery and crossbow hunters.

All hunters, except waterfowl hunters, must wear blaze orange during the hunt.

A map of the management deer zones is available in PDF, as well as at the DNR site by entering the keyword “deer” in search box.

LeMat Revolver of the Confederate Army

Firearms in the 19^th century was a time in American firearm history that produced several innovative firearm designs.

One of these was the LeMat revolver that was offered in .42 or .36 caliber cap-n-ball revolver invented by Jean Alexandre LeMat of New Orleans in 1856 and financed by P.G.T. Beauregard in 1859, it was produced in Liege, Belgium and Paris, France. It has been estimated that 2,900 were produced and shipped through Birmingham, England where they were proofmarked.

Fiscal Year 2015: Important Provisions in Legislation Sponsored by NRA

Congress approved the Fiscal Year 2015 Appropriations Act, but what few people know is that several pro-gun provisions were included in the Act. It regards something called Operation Choke Point to prevent the Obama administration from implementing its anti-firearm agenda.

It disallows the Department of Justice from intimidating financial institutions or severing financial services to legally-operating ammunition and firearm dealers. The bloody carnage caused by Eric Holder's Fast-N-Furious program like the 2013 gang assault on a Phoenix, Arizona apartment complex where the weapon used (AK-47) was part of that program.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Progressive Scrooges Continue Their Culture War

Contrary to a seemingly popular belief, instituted and maintained by progressive socialists, Christmas was not celebrated before Christianity. Santa Claus is based upon a real historical person: Saint Nicholas.

Hello? What part of Christmas is Christ's name? Wikipedia has an entry dedicated to the Christmas Controversy. A little common sense research can answer most of those questions, referred to as 'controversy'. The rest is either tradition or whatever the church dictates, or rather the myriad of Christian sects dictate. Christmas is an historical event, whether it is viewed as religion or world history; but we all have seen how Progressives love to rewrite history - look what they have done to the educational systems history textbooks. Athiests and Progressives have ventured into an all-out war against Christmas; while they ignore or appease Islamic Jihadists, the true radical religious danger that is global. 

Weapons of Choice: Beretta Pico and Nano Semi-Automatic

The Beretta Pico, introduced in October 2014, is a new line of firearms the prestigious company offers that is the smallest conceal carry semi-automatic on the market, so far. It is only 18mm wide and is chambered for the .380 semi-auto cartridge. It has adjustable sights, a low-recoil mechanism and a tough finish that will last for decades with proper care. It weighs only 11.5 oz unloaded and is a double-action only pistol. Stainless steel and polymer constructed, it is easy to maintain and sweat resistant. 

Islamic JIhad Attack in Australia

Syndey Under Siege, Free Beacon photo

A testament that draconian gun control laws does not prevent crimes as the hostage crisis that recently occurred in Sydney, Australia. that ended up with three dead including the Islamic gunman from Iran. Countries just about everywhere in the world are having trouble with Muslims who immigrate and when established want to change that country into a medieval caliphate and/or commit atrocities. Islamic Jihadist had a criminal record that included murdering his ex-wife and rape.

Weapons of Choice: CMMG Ak47 Mutant

CMMG makes AR platform rifles in .22Lr (Mk4), 5.56mm (Mk4), .308 WIN (Mk3), 300BLK (Mk4), and 9mm (Mk9). Now there is the Mk47 in 7.62x39mm (Russian-AK ammo) it calls the “Mutant”. It is an AK47 platform with the modular ability of an AR-15, where you can upgrade the trigger, pistol grip, and stock.

Mk47-Mutant-T, click to enlarge

They Call It Puppy Love

Over the decades, Budweiser and Coca-Cola has had some innovative commercials that have become classics, often harking to a time of nostalgia.
The recent Super Bowl Budweiser commercial hits home for dog lovers as well as equine lovers, using Labrador Retriever puppies and the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses that used to pull loads of beer barrels in great freight wagons. Traditionally, Dalmatians have been used in Budweiser/Clydesdale commercials, sitting on the bench seat of the Budweiser beer wagon.

'Tis The Season: Door Peninsula

Christmas season is here and the holiday of the year is approaching all over the world, as well as Door Peninsula. The Peninsula is not just a geographical location of interest selling merchandise for seasonal tourists and local folks living here full-time. It is a place where people produce, grow and create products that helps make the economy revolve.

Here at the Peninsula we boast about items made and produced by talented and productive folks in Door County.

Second Amendment News: December 2014

Is it not a shame that a state named after our first president has retained state legislators on a path to counter against the Second Amendment, one of the 39 delegates of the Constitutional Convention who signed the US Constitution?

Recently I-594 was passed to create a massive government database of law-abiding handgun owners. Legislators of that state attest that it is only a beginning of draconian gun control laws sponsored by a group of anti-gun folks of Washington state who have raised $7 million as they join Michael Bloomberg in the march against the Second Amendment.

In The News: December 2014

Comedian Jay Leno was scheduled to appear at the annual dinner of the National Shooting Sports Foundation 2015 SHOT Show in Las Vegas on January 20^th. He gave in to pressure from the Michael Bloomberg funded Mom's Demand Action anti-firearm group when they organized a social media campaign against Leno. Shannon Watts heads the group and has armed security people protecting her, just as Bloomberg has his security people. Watts has been caught lying in several interviews. Watts also has said that open carry in restaurants is an example of anger and hatred of women – and other nonsensical statements. In the following video Watts will not respond to questions by Loesch because she said she was insulted by Blaze – but has frequently, in her hypocrisy, has wrongfully accused others, insulting anyone who do not believe that Americans have Second Amendment rights, as shown in this video:

Gun Control Should Not Be a Health Issue

One of the things about the government getting involved with health care that I warned folks about was that 'medical professionals' have gotten into the gun control fray; which started when the CDC (Center for Disease Control) got involved with gun control using the excuse that it concerned 'public health'.

Mike Weisser at a Huffington Post blog calls himself “Mike the Gun Guy” - but it is misleading like 98% of what progressives write about. It should be: 'Mike the Anti-Gun Guy'. Oddly, he states he has been in the gun business as a retailer, wholesaler, importer, and firearms trainer with an NRA life membership – having a Ph.D. In economic history. Is it not hypocrisy to make a living for 35 years selling firearms and then provide ammunition for the anti-gun movement?

Heroes: Louis Zamperini

Louis Silvie “Lucky Louie” Zamperini was born on January 26, 1917 and died July 2, 2014. He was an Olympic distance runner, World War II prisoner of war survivor and inspirational speaker. His story was told by Laura Hillenbrand who wrote the best-selling book, Unbroken; which was adapted into a film that will be released December 2014, directed and co-produced by Angelina Jolie. Hillenbrand also published another best seller, Seabiscuit: An American Legend. The stars of the film are: Jack O'Connell, Garrett Hedlund, and Domhnall Gleeson.

Kitchen Herbs and Homeopathic Remedies

When religion was strong and medicine was weak, men mistook magic for medicine; Now when science is strong and religion is weak, men mistake medicine for magic.

• Thomas Szasz, The Second Sin

Doctors and patients today have returned to the knowledge of homeopathic medicine, the ancient world of herbs and spices as preventives and methods of maintaining the needs for a healthy body. 

Herbology (Herbalism) has become a scientific genre, not just something listed in a Harry Potter novel. Indeed, there are courses one can take on the subject and even obtain a degree.

Finding Quality in the High-Tech Era

Old-Fashioned Quality

I have always liked gizmos and gadgets, it seems a lot of males do for some reason. The world of electronics has come a long way over the decades with all sorts of bells and whistles – and a growing price tag. One could live with that if the quality remained the same as, say, thirty years ago. But overall it has not.

My mother had a toaster that lasted for twenty years and a coffee maker (early Mr. Coffee) that lasted almost ten years.

Today I threw out my coffeemaker that lasted a little over two years before the electronics went haywire. I am replacing it with an old fashioned peculator, since the toaster hardly two years old was shorting out. What good is the UL Approved symbol when manufacturers don't make quality products? It may have been one that slipped by the inspector, but I think it just was not made to last.

Sherlock Holmes: Elementary

Signet Paget illustration, 1893

A recent article about Stacey Solomon, former Queen of the Jungle and English singer, who is a bookworm and fan of Shakespeare and Sherlock Holmes. It struck me how a fictional character could have such fans after so long. Indeed, the character Indiana Jones may well be another immortalized character.

Sherlock Holmes has been a world renown figure, an English icon, popular in the United States for more than a century depicted on film by various actors; especially famously portrayed by Basil Rathbone. He was created by an imaginative Scottish author and physician, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh Medical School. Holmes is known for his logical reasoning, his talent for disguise, and the first use of forensic science in solving mysterious cases of crime. His nemesis, Moriarty, is also famous along with Holmes' companion and friend, Dr. John H. Watson who introduces the famous sleuth detective and narrates in all but four stories published as a series from 1887 to 1927. The stories take place from 1880 to 1914.

Weapons of Choice: S&W Model 66 - K-Frame Returns

Model 66 (Click to enlarge)

Smith & Wesson Model 66 revolver has a rich history, once widely used by law enforcement until the semi-automatic took over in popularity. It is still a good handgun for concealed carry and home defense. In .357 Magnum caliber, you can shoot the cheaper .38 Special ammunition at the range.

S&W made the Model 66 has a light trigger with smooth action and now is available in the original K-Frame that made it so popular. It is an all stainless steel revolver that is a beauty to own and rugged for constant range use.

Code of the West and American Society

John Wayne was the embodiment of the silver screen cowboy, and was quoted saying:

A man's got to have a code, a creed to live by, no matter his job.