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- Ed Byrnes from Ypsilanti on Contact Me
May TriggerTalk Courant Article – Modifications and Customizing your Guns
The creative juices flow in all of us: for some it is expressed in Art or Music, others design buildings or vehicles. For “Gun People” it often surfaces in the way we choose to modify our firearms. This is not a new idea, the advancements in firearms over the centuries often sprang from the inspiration of someone using a firearm and thinking “if only I could do (insert your preference here) a little better”.
That list is growing: Shoot farther, Better accuracy, Better sights, Optics for distance, Better trigger feel, Harder hitting, Reduced recoil, Collapsible stocks, Lighter, Shorter, Smaller, Easier to carry, Accessory mounts, Lasers, Lights, etc…the list goes on and on.
In today’s world there are guns made specifically to accommodate this desire to personalize your firearms. Depending on your age they are adult versions of: Erector Sets, Lincoln Logs, Plastic Bricks or the Legos of our day. Over the next few months we will talk about the most popular styles people are modifying. Semi-Auto Centerfire Rifles such as the AR15, Rimfire rifles using the Ruger 10/22 and handguns such as the 1911 and Glock series.
The Modern Sporting Rifle has to be the most misunderstood firearm in modern history. The exact design qualities that make the gun so versatile are pointed out by the anti-gun crowd as evil features that must be prohibited.
The AR15 and similar style firearms are designed as modular platforms. Major components are easily interchanged with parts that have been “improved”. I say improved because in my opinion not all modifications actually improve the function of the gun and in fact there are times the combination of these can actually deteriorate the usefulness. Just because you CAN do something, does not mean you SHOULD do it!
The number one function of a firearm that must never be compromised is reliability, they must go “bang” every time the trigger is pulled. However, in pursuit of excellence the changing of springs, pins, hammers, triggers’ buffers, gas blocks and other functional items are often swapped out based on advertising claims of improved performance. Sometimes changes are made purely for appearance. In reality the function of the gun is a delicate dance or balance of forces and reactions.
Whether the gun is gas or recoil powered, locked breech or blow back operated, the energy created when the round is fired interacts with the mechanics of the gun to open and extract the empty casing, eject the spent round, buffer the bolt to prevent damage, reverse the direction of the bolt, pick up a fresh round, re-cock the hammer or striker, load the round in the chamber without jamming, close and/or lock the bolt and be ready to fire again.
Changing this balance of forces can result in failures to function or operating with reduced safety. Depending on your intended purpose for your firearm I would not suggest this type of modification on your primary carry gun or main home defense gun. If this project is an extension of your hobby and you are looking to perform an extended science project, welcome aboard!
We will get to Sights and Optics soon, but the heart of your guns accuracy is the trigger. Most people simply accept the trigger their gun came with. Pick up most factory guns and you will experience a compromise in trigger function. A battle between what the engineers would like to have and what the corporate lawyers will allow based on their concept of safety. Clearly it must be smooth, not scratchy, and predictable, while preventing inadvertent activation and a negligent discharge. Once you have experienced a really good trigger you will never go back!
Next month we will review some available Trigger upgrades for your AR style rifle.
March 24th 2018 Show
**Major Announcement**
Many of you are aware that our Radio Station Co-Owner Linda Hughes passed away on March 15th following a tremendous battle with Breast Cancer.
Her Husband, Station Co-Owner and my good friend Thayrone has asked me to add her time slot from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. to TriggerTalk Radio expanding it to two hours.
Beginning today the show has been expanded to two hours. The file size has increased so I increased the compression on the MP3 files to make it easy to still download the files.
I have not noticed any degradation in sound quality, but if these files are too large for you too download I will need to break them into Hour#1 and Hour#2.
Please let me know if you feel the sound quality needs to change.
Linda, I love you and it is my privilege to add your time slot to my show! I will do you proud!
Dick
March 2018 TriggerTalk Article: Now What?
Like many people you may have spent eight of the last nine years buying some of the guns that you felt you needed to have, wanted to have, and maybe you even stretched a bit to acquire something you were worried you might not be able to get at a later date.
Much of this was brought on by the constant drum beat of anti-gun people blaming you and I, and “Easy Access” to guns for every incident caused by criminals with evil in their heart.
Make no mistake, those people still want to limit our 2nd Amendment Rights, but fortunately with the current administration at the helm we can take a moment to catch our breath.
You may be asking yourself “Now What?” There are many ways to enjoy the shooting sorts while honing your skills. People have often told me that somewhere along the line they realized that shooting guns is really fun!
Shooting as a hobby? In addition to self-defense and proficiency training. Many people find a new hobby as they explore the shooting sports. The history surrounding gun development has resulted in a rich selection for gun collectors, especially if they decide to collect around a specific type, brand or model of firearm. This can range from relatively inexpensive small .22 Rimfire rifles and handguns, up through powerful hunting rifles and fancy elite shotguns.
Even different types of handguns can become an area of focus for collecting, such a Single Action Revolvers (think Cowboy pistols), or perhaps a certain favorite or rare caliber. I personally have a thing for what might be called “Ugly Pistols like the Nagant M1895, they certainly are not beauties, but unique and functional.
Perhaps you purchased a home defense shotgun and took it to the range to practice. While there you noticed a group of folks and a rhythmic cadence of “Pull” followed by a shot caught your attention. Did you wander over to ask what was going on? If not do it the next time you are at the range.
You will likely find those Trap shooters very welcoming and happy to introduce you to their sport.
Did you buy a handgun for self-defense? Training is especially necessary to properly handle small guns. Look into finding a local club chapter of the International Defensive Pistol Association. IDPA offers you a chance to sharpen your handgun handling skills beyond target shooting at paper targets and adds the fun of competition and comradery. I have found the IDPA folks to be very inviting to new shooters and will help you feel comfortable and be successful at your first practice or match.
Long Range shooting from 600 to 1000 yards has become more popular with the introduction of special calibers with extremely aerodynamic projectiles. There is a very satisfying feel that comes with ringing a steel gong from over ½ mile away.
Many of you purchased your first gun at a Gun Store that has a range attached. Look into the educational and social shooting events at these stores. More than just offering classes for basic shooting, most will offer training in tactical shooting and advance techniques as progress with your skills. Virtually all ranges will have training for all skill levels and some offer “Women’s Only” shooting nights and classes if that interests you.
Next month we’ll talk about collecting around a specific model, and updates to a modular style rifle.
March 10th and 17th Show
Hi Guys!
Finally got the show files up from March 10th and the show was repeated March 17th
Sorry for the delay, this has been a tough week, On Thursday March 15, Linda Hughes the wife of Terry Hughes (Thayrone X) one of our two Co-Owners here at WAAM passed away about after a battle with Cancer.
We are heartbroken for the loss of our friend, co-worker, and fellow on air host. Linda was the host of the American Dream, the show right after mine as well as the General manager of the station.
Additionally I was out of state on March 15th through 18th to assist my Father after Hip replacement surgery. This next week I will back live in Studio.
Thank you for listening,
Dick Cupka