This week on High Caliber Radio we will look back on firearms news from this past year and we will look forward to next week’s Dallas Safari Club Expo. Corey Mason, Executive Director of the Dallas Safari Club will talk about what you can expect to see at the expo and the Dallas Safari Club’s continued fight for your hunting rights in this country and around the world. Dave Fulson from Safari Classics will be on to talk safari rifles, Texas hunting, The Dallas Safari Club’s Front Line Foundation and how the current political situation in Zimbabwe could impact hunting. We will also take a look at the 113 year old 9.3x74mmR round and Ruger’s No.1 that is now chambered for it. We want to wish all of our listeners a Happy New Year!!!!!
See the Ways Californians Are Circumventing Gun Control Set to Roll Out in 2018
Rich Howell shows off a California-compliant rifle. Proof that Californians will not be denied their 2A rights. (Photo: Reno Gazette Journal).
Necessity is the mother of invention, right? No one knows that better than Californians.
Over the years the state has passed law after law infringing on their right to keep and bear arms. But with every turn of the screw, Californians have fought back, finding new workarounds that allow them to maintain some semblance of their 2A rights while vexing anti-gunners in the process.
With 2018 around the corner. Here are some examples of what Californians are doing to stick it to their overlords in Sacramento.
Law: No more Online Ammo Sales (2018), Background Checks for All Ammo Sales (2019)
Workaround: Buy ammo out of state. Simple as that. For Californians who live along border states like Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon it’ll be relatively easy. For everyone else, it might be a long car ride. Still, go for a road trip. Buy in bulk. And be done with it. Don’t give them the satisfaction or the tax revenue from purchasing from California vendors. Sorry California ammo sellers, you’ll have to take one for the team on this.
Law: Bullet Button Ban (2018)
Workaround: The Bullet Button was a workaround against the state’s initial ban on black rifles with detachable magazines, telescoping stocks, flash hiders, and pistol grips. It’s a simple device that secures a magazine to a rifle so that it cannot detach without the use of a tool (or tip of a bullet) to disengage it.
Lawmakers caught on to the Bullet Button and banned it. As part of that legislation, they are requiring current owners with a bullet button on their rifle to register it with the state. Heck no! To escape this nonsense, just remove the Bullet Button and add a Patriot Pin.
A Patriot Pin circumvents the law because with the device installed a user cannot detach a magazine without opening the action. The beauty of the Patriot Pin is that it’s a rapid way to open the action and, thus, release the mag. Basically, with the push of a button.
SEE ALSO: Meet FN’s New California-Compliant Rifles
Law: Black Rifle Ban
Workaround: Suppose you don’t want to go the route of the Patriot Pin or the Bullet Button. There is a way to have a rifle with a detachable magazine. The tradeoff is you can’t have any features. No collapsing stock, no flash hider, no pistol grip.
The solution is a featureless rifle. An AR with a funky-looking non-pistol grip, a fixed stock and no flash hider. They’re ugly. Hideous compared to standard ARs. But they’ll get the job done. What’s more, it is yet another way to flip off the powers that be.
Law: Ban on Carrying Long Guns in Unincorporated Areas (2018)
Workaround: While the state legislature passed this law, the decision on whether it applies to various areas is actually up to the local counties. Convince the board members in your county not to enact the new rule and it won’t take effect. Easier said than done if you live outside of counties like Los Angeles or San Diego. Nevertheless, give it a go.
Conclusion
Rich Howell (see video below) made an astute observation in an interview with the Reno Gazette-Journal.
“They can pass all the laws they want, and I can guarantee you we are going to find a way around them,” said Howell, the general manager of Olde West Gun & Loan in Redding, CA.
Ain’t that the truth.
Ruger® PC Carbine™
Practical and Versatile
- Interchangeable magazine wells for use of common Ruger® and Glock® magazines. Ships with SR-Series Pistol and Security-9® magazine well installed and an additional magazine well accepting Glock® magazines is included. Ruger American Pistol® magazine well is available at ShopRuger.com.
- Easy takedown enables quick separation of the barrel/forend assembly from the action for ease of transportation and storage. Takedown is as simple as locking the bolt back and verifying that the rifle is unloaded, pushing a recessed lever, twisting the subassemblies and pulling them apart.
- Dead blow action features a custom tungsten dead blow weight that shortens bolt travel and reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise. Bolt is machined from heat treated, chrome-moly steel to ensure strength, structural integrity and durability.
- Reversible magazine release and reversible charging handle to support ambidextrous use or one-handed control manipulation while maintaining a proper firing grip.
- Cold hammer-forged, chrome-moly steel barrel with ultra-precise rifling provides exceptional accuracy, longevity and easy cleaning. The heavy contour barrel provides consistent accuracy, while barrel fluting sheds unnecessary weight and allows for quick handling.
- 1/2″-28 threaded barrel with included thread protector allows for use of standard muzzle accessories.
- Accurate sighting system with adjustable ghost ring rear aperture sight and non-glare, protected blade front sight.
- Soft rubber buttpad with spacers allows the rifle to be properly sized for different shooters or varying levels of outerwear or defensive gear (three, 1/2” spacers included).
- Durable, glass-filled nylon synthetic stock features sling swivel studs for rapid sling attachment and forward mounted accessory rail to allow for a variety of under-barrel accessories such as lights or lasers. The grip features a proprietary texture for enhanced control.
- Light, crisp trigger pull with minimal overtravel and positive reset utilizing proven 10/22® trigger components.
- CNC-milled from an aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum billet, the receiver includes an integrated Picatinny rail and is Type III hard-coat anodized for maximum durability.
- Also includes: one, SR-Series pistol magazine and hex wrenches for rear sight adjustment, buttpad spacer adjustment and charging handle removal.
Built to excel in a variety of roles, from plinking or competitions to home or personal defense.
| Model No. | Caliber | Capacity | Stock | Sights | Barrel Feature | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Length of Pull | Suggested Retail | |
 19100 |
9mm Luger | 17 | Black Synthetic | Protected Blade / Adjustable Ghost Ring |
Threaded, Fluted | 16.12″ | 34.37″ | 12.62″ – 14.12″ | $649.00 | Spec SheetBuy Now |
| 19101 |
9mm Luger | 10 | Black Synthetic | Protected Blade / Adjustable Ghost Ring |
Fluted | 16.12″ | 34.37″ | 12.62″ – 14.12″ | $649.00 | Spec SheetBuy Now |
Ruger® PC Carbine™
Practical and Versatile
- Interchangeable magazine wells for use of common Ruger® and Glock® magazines. Ships with SR-Series Pistol and Security-9® magazine well installed and an additional magazine well accepting Glock® magazines is included. Ruger American Pistol® magazine well is available at ShopRuger.com.
- Easy takedown enables quick separation of the barrel/forend assembly from the action for ease of transportation and storage. Takedown is as simple as locking the bolt back and verifying that the rifle is unloaded, pushing a recessed lever, twisting the subassemblies and pulling them apart.
- Dead blow action features a custom tungsten dead blow weight that shortens bolt travel and reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise. Bolt is machined from heat treated, chrome-moly steel to ensure strength, structural integrity and durability.
- Reversible magazine release and reversible charging handle to support ambidextrous use or one-handed control manipulation while maintaining a proper firing grip.
- Cold hammer-forged, chrome-moly steel barrel with ultra-precise rifling provides exceptional accuracy, longevity and easy cleaning. The heavy contour barrel provides consistent accuracy, while barrel fluting sheds unnecessary weight and allows for quick handling.
- 1/2″-28 threaded barrel with included thread protector allows for use of standard muzzle accessories.
- Accurate sighting system with adjustable ghost ring rear aperture sight and non-glare, protected blade front sight.
- Soft rubber buttpad with spacers allows the rifle to be properly sized for different shooters or varying levels of outerwear or defensive gear (three, 1/2” spacers included).
- Durable, glass-filled nylon synthetic stock features sling swivel studs for rapid sling attachment and forward mounted accessory rail to allow for a variety of under-barrel accessories such as lights or lasers. The grip features a proprietary texture for enhanced control.
- Light, crisp trigger pull with minimal overtravel and positive reset utilizing proven 10/22® trigger components.
- CNC-milled from an aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum billet, the receiver includes an integrated Picatinny rail and is Type III hard-coat anodized for maximum durability.
- Also includes: one, SR-Series pistol magazine and hex wrenches for rear sight adjustment, buttpad spacer adjustment and charging handle removal.
Built to excel in a variety of roles, from plinking or competitions to home or personal defense.
| Model No. | Caliber | Capacity | Stock | Sights | Barrel Feature | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Length of Pull | Suggested Retail | |
| 19100 |
9mm Luger | 17 | Black Synthetic | Protected Blade / Adjustable Ghost Ring |
Threaded, Fluted | 16.12″ | 34.37″ | 12.62″ – 14.12″ | $649.00 | Spec SheetBuy Now |
| 19101 |
9mm Luger | 10 | Black Synthetic | Protected Blade / Adjustable Ghost Ring |
Fluted | 16.12″ | 34.37″ | 12.62″ – 14.12″ | $649.00 | Spec SheetBuy Now |
The Security-9 is a low-cost service pistol suitable for all types of everyday-carry. (Photo: Ruger)
Through the ’70s and ’80s the Ruger Security Six was one of the shooting world’s go-to handguns for personal protection, duty and home defense. Now Ruger’s bringing back the Security brand and while it’s completely different, in a way, it’s exactly the same.
The new Ruger Security-9 is a polymer-framed double-stack pistol chambered for 9mm Luger. It’s a mid-size handgun with a 4-inch barrel and compact grip with a standard capacity of 15+1.
This is the definitive all-purpose handgun today. Following the baseline set by the Glock 19, the Security-9 is the right caliber and the right size to get just about everything done.
And it doesn’t hurt that Ruger’s newest 9mm is priced to move. Even if — on paper — the Security-9 doesn’t do anything new, with its $379 MSRP, it undercuts all its competition.
That means, at full price, the Security-9 will cost less than other mainstream service pistols. With real-world pricing being even lower, buyers can expect to find Service-9 pistols starting around $300.
The how behind the low pricing is a bit surprising. At the heart of the Service-9 is the LCP, Ruger’s wildly successful concealed-carry pistol.
It has simple controls and an even easier manual of arms. (Photo: Ruger)
Unlike the majority of service pistols in this format, the Security-9 is actually hammer-fired. Ruger’s spent years developing their hammer-fired operating system to make it even lower-cost than common striker-fired mechanisms.
The hammer-based firing system is fully-cocked to give the Security-9 a true single-action trigger. Single-action triggers are making a serious comeback in the service pistol market because they handle and shoot better. Single-action triggers also have short and crisp reset points. And with current trigger safeties, they offer the same security as a double-action trigger.
Because it’s hammer-fired users also don’t need to pull the trigger for disassembly. This addresses a real safety concern, particularly for law enforcement and agency use. It also makes the slide easier to rack and everyone likes that.
Another plus for both departmental and private shooters alike is that the Security-9 uses a dead-simple interchangeable sight system. The front sight indexes with a roll pin while the rear sight is adjustable and held in place by a screw.
The Security-9 has a standard white dot front sight with a white outline rear. They also offer red and yellow sights separately for just $9 with more sight options to follow.
See Also: Ruger Drops Floor on Concealed-Carry Costs with New EC9s
Other benefits from using the LCP fire control system include a one-piece sub-frame that provides full-length rails for the slide. This improves reliability and can promote accuracy. It’s machined from lightweight aluminum and it uses an internal hammer catch and spring-tensioned sear for drop safety.
The Security-9 has two external safeties, a passive trigger safety and a manual thumb safety. Hopefully Ruger has plans for a model without a manual thumb safety like with the LCP Pro.
From there on the gun is pretty vanilla. It weighs 23 ounces unloaded and measures in at 5 inches tall and just over 7 inches long. It has a textured glass-filled nylon grip frame with a blued slide and barrel and comes with two steel-bodied magazines. Additional magazines are priced about where you’d expect with a $39 MSRP.
It looks like the new Security-9 is a solid do-everything pistol and is in a good place to inherit the Security brand. With a little time, aftermarket and accessory support, the Security-9 could be at the top of the list for go-to handguns for anyone, especially people on a budget.
***Shop for your new Ruger on GunsAmerica***
ATF Issues Notice to Redefine Bump Stocks as Machine Guns – NSSF Wants Your Input!
The SSAR-15 MOD from Slide Fire Solutions, the inventor of the bump stocks. (Photo:Slide Fire)
Responding to political and public outcry following the Las Vegas concert shooting, the ATF may redefine bump stocks as machine guns. The agency is asking for public feedback before making any changes to their regulations.
After the shooting earlier this year even pro-gun groups like the NRA wanted the ATF to establish bump stock guidelines. Currently there are no regulations on bump-fire devices.
Bump-firing is a shooting technique that has been around for decades. Bump firing uses the recoil from shooting to rock a gun back and forth which allows the user to pull the trigger quickly. Bump-fire devices make it easier to do this without much practice.
The reason these devices aren’t regulated is that they comply with all current definitions of semi-automatic fire. Guns outfitted with bump-fire devices still only fire once for each pull of the trigger.
“The NFA defines ‘machine gun’ as any weapon which ‘Shoots, is designed to shoot or can be readily restored to shoot automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger,’” explains the agency.
“The term [machine gun] also includes ‘the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any part designed and intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any combination of parts from which a machine gun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person.’
The ATF would like to know not only if they should control these devices like machine guns, but also how they could.
“The Department of Justice anticipates issuing a Notice of Proposed Rule-making (NPRM) that would interpret the statutory definition of ‘machine gun’ … to clarify whether certain devices, commonly known as ‘bump fire’ stocks, fall within that definition,” said the ATF in the Federal Register (.pdf). “Before doing so, the Department and ATF need to gather information and comments from the public and industry regarding the nature and scope of the market for these devices.”
“The NPRM is intended as an initial step in a regulatory process to gather information regarding the scope and nature of the market for these devices,” said the NSSF in a statement. “While this step is not proposing a change to current regulations, ATF notes, ‘If, in a subsequent rule-making, the definition of machine gun … is interpreted to include certain bump stock devices, ATF would then have a basis to re-examine its prior classification and rulings.”
The NSSF is asking for all of its members to give feedback on the proposal. They will compile all the comments they receive from members to use in their industry comment letter. For contact info visit the NSSF website.
While the ATF may choose to arbitrarily classify bump-fire devices as machine guns, coming up with a clear definition of what a bump-fire device is will be much more difficult. Proposed legislation to regulate bump-fire devices could be used to ban nearly completely unrelated gun parts.
There are millions of bump-fire devices in use today. They vary from high-quality factory-made bump stocks to simple rubber band rigs.
It would be impossible to regulate all the devices already on the market. And of course, with practice a shooter can learn to bump-fire without any devices at all.