OAUSA Net - 11/5/15 & 10/29/15 - Firearms

[DaveK]

NET UPDATE FOR SECOND SESSION

The net this week will be a continuation of the Firearms Net of last week. There was just too much to cover in the time we have for the nets. I have added posts #14, #15, #16 and #17 as new material for this net. All of the rest of the posts are still relevant and we will refer to them during the net. Also, check out the product spotlight in post #17.


NET PREVIEW FROM LAST WEEK
Our net this week will be generally on firearms. We will cover several related topics such as cleaning, storage, hand loading, sighting, safety, new products and wherever the discussion takes us. Usually this net involves so much that it takes two sessions to cover the areas that are of interest. So, we are reserving the following week (November 5, 2015) for the conclusion of this topic. For this second session, if there is enough interest, and time permits, we will do a roundup of current legislative and judicial laws and court decisions. Post your preference.

Several posts will follow this one describing new products and old products that we will discuss on the net. The shooting sports are diverse and we want to include your ideas and suggestions on this topic. Don't hesitate to post some of your discoveries and tips.

[DaveK]

So, I thought I would kick off this discussion with one of the most important topics that we will cover - cleaning your firearm. For simplicity, I will break down this topic into 3 areas:

1. Cleaning the bore;
2. Cleaning powder fouling and dirt on the inner workings of the firearm;
3. Cleaning and protecting the exterior of the firearm for rust protection.

At best, failing to properly clean your firearm will result in a loss of accuracy. At the worst, it can result in the failure of the firearm to function at all.

CLEANING THE BORE

Everyone knows that cleaning the bore is important. Depending on the type of ammunition you are using, it can be very easy to foul the bore to the point where accuracy drops off the cliff. Failing to clean the bore after firing can lead to rust and pitting, both of which will have an impact on accuracy and even the value of the firearm. There are many excellent products on the market that will help you keep your bore in "like"new" condition, but there is one product that takes this cleaning process a giant leap further - Outers "Foul Out" bore cleaning system. It works on both copper and lead and is the easiest cleaning you will do.

Below are pictures of the results of using Foul Out on a rifle which had been cleaned several times with traditional bore cleaner. As seen, Foul Out removed the remaining copper fouling from the bore.

Foul Out solution

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Foul Out unit

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Foul Out unit working

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Copper fouling on the cleaning rod and a cleaning patch

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[toms]

This is my list of the top 10 gun safety rules. There are a ton of other safety rules that apply when hunting, at the range, at home, etc.
Let me know if you would add or substitute one of the rules in my list.

Top 10 Firearm Safety Rules
1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
2. Point the muzzle in a safe direction. Always know where it is pointed. Never point it at a person or anyone you don’t want to shoot.
3. Immediately on picking up a firearm check that it is unloaded.
4. Only pass or accept a firearm that is unloaded and the action is open for inspection.
5. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
6. Avoid alcoholic beverages or other mood altering drugs before and during shooting.
7. Protect your hearing and eye sight. Wear ear and eye protection.
8. Before handling a firearm, understand its operation.
9. Make sure your firearm is in good mechanical condition before firing it.
10. When not using your firearm, make sure it is stored safely

[toms]

Gun Care
There are hundreds of solvents, greases, and protective solutions on the market. I use quite a few of them when cleaning my firearm but this is the one I wipe it down with before I store it away and anytime later that it is handled but not fired.

Barricade Rust Protection by Birchwood Casey

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Barricade Rust Protection rapidly drives out moisture from metal pores and deposits a transparent protective coating which seals the surface. It’s the best way to protect your firearms from rust. Withstands 500 hours in ASTM humidity test and 96 hours in ASTM salt spray test. Barricade Rust Protection is also an excellent penetrant for loosening rusty or frozen parts, as well as a good lubricant and an effective bore cleaner.

I still have a can when it was called Sheath Rust Preventive with FPR. FPR = finger print remover!

https://www.birchwoodcasey.com/Cleaning ... ction.aspx

[DaveK]

Any one who has been shooting for any length of time knows that one of the most important pieces of protective gear that you must have is ear protection. It is no surprise that many older shooters suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss due to poor hearing protection over many years of shooting. Hearing loss is a cumulative thing, meaning that each assault on your hearing adds up and after a few years, noticeable hearing losses get worse and worse.

Today there are essentially two types of hearing protection - earplugs and earmuffs, and when used correctly, they can be very effective. The effectiveness of these devices is rated by the number of decibels by which the device can reduce noise. This noise reduction rating is reflected by a numerical designation, on a scale of 0 to 30. The higher the rating, the more effective the device. Here are two examples:

Ear plugs

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Also, checkout Laser Lite plugs, http://www.howardleight.com/ear-protection/earplugs .

In the last several years, advances in technology have enabled hearing protection to rise to a new level. In particular, the Sound Gear Company (http://www.soundgearhearing.com/collect ... s-shooters ) has developed an ear plug device that not only offers 25 dB of sound suppression, but it doesn't suppress anything until the noise level (the shot) exceeds a certain level. The most amazing thing about these plugs is that, in addition to excellent hearing protection, they offer a 15 dB gain allowing you to hear much better when using the plugs. From their website:

SoundGear In-the-Canal is the smallest and lightest dynamic digital hearing protection product on the market. Ready to wear right out of the box, it rests discreetly inside your ear to deliver natural wind reduction and superior sound quality.
Suppresses noise at 93dB
25dB NRR
15dB of Gain
Our complete kit comes in a convenient carrying case and contains:
One pair of SoundGear digital hearing protection devices
Two pairs of orange silicone sleeves - (1) small (1) large
Two pairs of black silicone sleeves - (1) small (1) large
Two packs of batteries (Size 10)
One cleaning brush
1-year limited warranty
30-day risk-free trial*

[DaveK]

Sighting in your rifle is one of those things that every shooter should learn how to do. Assuming that your rifle is capable of delivering acceptable accuracy and assuming that you are using quality ammunition that will deliver consistent results, the rest is up to the you to make the rifle and the ammunition live up to their potential. The following three methods are necessary to begin the process of sighting in your rifle. These steps are only the beginning, but they will will allow you to get your first shots "on paper". The remaining steps to sighting in your rifle will involve several additional shots, followed by adjustments to the scope. We will discuss this on the net.

1. Bore sighting (see http://hunting.about.com/od/guns/ht/htboresight.htm);

2. Using a collimator and arbor (available on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002L ... entries*=0 );

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3. Using a laser bore sighter.

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[lrsrngr]

KK6CTT for a forum check-in please...

In keeping with last week's topic concerning batteries here is the deal we've waiting for. Interstate has the 25% off deal a few times a year with free shipping and now is that time from 29-31 OCT: http://www.interstatebatteries.com/?cmp ... 1384038083

Tips:
-Foam ear plugs can be pinned inside your hat(s) so that you are never far from having ear protection.
-A torque driver is a must when trying to get the best accuracy out of your equipment. I torque my receiver and all my scope related equipment.
-Take the time and use the right size bits to avoid chingering up your screw heads.
-Make sure you use a dab of thread lock (temporary) to keep all those important screws from backing out.
-Bore snakes are great in a pinch.
-I don't go anywhere without my multi-purpose shaving brush. Great for dusting and another for applying just the right amount of rust preventing oil...not too thick...not to light.
-A decent range finder is nice for those times you go out to shoot away from a formal range where you usually shoot at known distances. It is always nice to understand what distances you are shooting and hitting/missing so that you gain insight into your equipment be it the firearm or the ammunition.

-CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF AND SET THE GOOD EXAMPLE OF BEING A CONSCIENTIOUS FIREARM ENTHUSIAST AND STEWARD OF THE RANGE YOU USE (ESPECIALLY PUBLIC LANDS).

[DaveK]

Storage of your firearms is not just to keep them from falling into the wrong hands, but also to protect them from corrosion. Rust can be one of your worst enemies and it may do more harm than years of use. Although firearm owners in beach communities need to be more conscious of moisture, everyone will need to protect against this problem. Regardless of whether you store your guns in a safe or in the closet, there are several products that will help keep things dry.

Silica packs

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Dehumidifier Rods

From the Midway USA website (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/113835 ... uctFinding):

The GoldenRod Dehumidifier Rod is designed to handle humidity from the interior of your safe, locker or cabinet and protects against rust by generating a low level of heat that removes moisture from the air. All GoldenRod Dehumidifier Rods come with a detachable plug for easier mounting. This model must be mounted horizontally at the bottom of an enclosure to work properly.

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[toms]

Quick Access Gun Safe

This one is made by Gun Safe and is one of the few I could find that does not rely on biometrics. It is all push button.

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MV500 OVERVIEW
ROCK-SOLID CONSTRUCTION
• Outside is constructed of heavy-gauge steel.
• Soft foam on the inside protects the pistol.
• High-Strength lock mechanism performs reliably, time after time.

FOOLPROOF SECURITY
• Precise fittings are virtually impossible to pry open with hand tools.
• Built-in computer blocks access after repeated invalid keypad entries.

ADVANCED ACCESS
• Conveniently located keypad is easy to use.
• Unique No-Eyes® Keypad allows for quick access.

http://www.gunvault.com/mv500-std-microvault.html

Here is a closer look at the key pad

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Jotto Holster

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Do you hide your concealed carry under the seat, in the side door pocket or even the glove box of your vehicle when you can’t carry? What about stowing it away in your nightstand? With the NRA® Handgun Holster by Jotto Gear, you'll now be able to lock-up your handgun when you can't carry. Proudly made in the U.S.A.

Featuring a familiar holster design, but made with steel, the NRA® Handgun Holster by Jotto Gear comes with mounting brackets to give you a choice of where you want to lock your handgun when you can’t carry; it can easily be mounted horizontally or vertically in your vehicle, home or office. Made in the USA and designed to fit most* semi-automatic handguns, the NRA® Handgun Holster features a unique Quick Flip Locking Bale to lock the handgun in the holster and works with most tactical lights and laser grips. The Gould and Goodrich black leather lined steel holster body keeps handgun clean and free of scratches.

http://nrajottogear.gojotto.com/nra-han ... -desk.html

[DaveK]

Eye protection is a must for anyone who shoots. In most cases there is no second chance when it comes to damage to your eyes from fast moving projectiles. For the most part, this is a "you get what you pay for", proposition. This is not to say that you have to spend hundreds of dollars to get adequate protection, but you should know what to look for and be prepared to spend a reasonable amount for decent eye protection. Here are some of the basics of good eye pro:

1. it must be compliant with MIL-PRF-31013

2. the lens must be one piece (as opposed to one lens for each eye).

3. the one piece lens must be connected at the top by a continuous bar

4. a wide, comfortable, and preferably soft rubber nose piece is critical.

5. it must fit well.

Lucky Gunner Labs has written an excellent article on eye protection and is is a must read for anyone who shoots. The article can be viewed here: http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/eye-pro ... es-review/.