Categories
social media

Instagram Has Been Killing My Accounts

I created my third Instagram account in February 2023. My first one got nuked with no notice. I’m not sure why, because it was automotive-affiliated, had nothing but car photos, and wasn’t really used all that much.

I opened my third one so that I could visit Alpha Foxtrot’s Instagram account. You need an account to browse and read comments. Beyond visiting that one account and viewing the photos of firearms (I didn’t leave comments or upload any photos), I didn’t use the account.

I tried to log into the account today and found that the account was suspended after not being used maybe 3 weeks and no activity that violated usage of the account. There was no posted reason as to why it was suspended. I was given the option of disputing and I took it, after which I was immediately able to log into my account. I looked at the account status and there is no hint that it was suspended. I also looked at my account’s activity (to determine if it was hacked), but it was empty of activity logs.

Either someone suspended the account because of it’s name (username is ‘r2kbaaa’) or because of me viewing firearms.

WTAF. So, someone can post photos of firearms and that’s fine, but a person can’t view those same photos?? Or, no one can use any username related to the right to bear arms?

Those aren’t grounds for suspension/deletion per their acceptable usage policy. I can’t ask about it because I refuse to navigate their pages to try to find a way to converse with a moderator (Instagram is owned by Meta, which also owns and was/is Facebook).

Categories
1911 2011 handguns

Thoughts on 1911s and 2011s

So, my bonus is on the way.

I still haven’t decided on which gun to get – Bul Armory SAS II Ultralight or the Alpha Foxtrot S15 1911.

Looking at Bul Armory’s website, they’re selling directly from the website, which is good because Gunbroker has a high markup and all I’m seeing is examples for bidding only. MSRP is a lot lower than I’d thought. I’ve also been wondering on the Comp edition, but it’s $300-400 higher and the comp can’t be removed (plus, it may require a custom holster to accommodate the comp).

I checked Gunbroker and up until now, the AF S15 was available – they’re now sold out, but I suppose I can reach out to the manufacturer’s web page.

On top of that, the EAA Girsan Witness 2311 appears to be on the verge of being released to the public. I’m seeing placeholder listings at Wikiarms.com (specifically at Search “eaa witness 2311” for sale | WikiArms AmmoEngine). These have a starting MSRP of $999 but many of the listings are below MSRP. They’re selling 10mm in 4.25″, 5″, and 6″, and they’re selling 45ACP in 3.5″, 4.25″, and 5″. I do not see any listings for 3.5″, which they’re supposed to be selling.

The con with the 2311 is that I do not know anything of the gun. For example, I’ve no idea on the gun’s metallurgy, nor the reliability of EAA 1911s in general. It’s also a first run for them, so they’re bound to make some mistakes. I’ve no idea of their warranty coverage and customer support dependability. I might just wait a bit for the 2311.

I was also looking at getting the Canik Mete MC9 but it’s currently having issues and I don’t actually need that gun – it’s a want that I can buy later on (ie, there’s no rush).

So, it’s still either the Bul Armory Ultralight or the AF S15 1911. I might have to flip.

Categories
22TCM9R Glock 19

With Difficulty, I Found and Bought A Glock 19 22TCM9R Conversion Kit!

I was perusing Armscor’s website, looking for nothing in particular, which I do from time to time when I’m bored. At one point in time, I was considering purchasing the 22TCM9R conversion kit for the Glock 19, but I could never find it in stock (I’d usually check at the Armscor website and on Gunbroker).

When I checked tonight, they had them in stock, so I ordered a kit!

The kit consists of a recoil spring assembly with an adapter ring for use with the Gen 4 Glock 19, and the barrel.

There are two kit versions:

  • Old Version – will include Glock 19 Gen 4 adapter ring.
  • New Version – will NOT include Glock 19 Gen 4 adapter ring.

I’ve the Gen 4 Glock, so I ordered the old version of the kit. They’re currently priced at $142, which is a LOT cheaper than I last saw, almost certainly due to the fact that the previous kits included a slide.

So, I’ll be reviewing this conversion kit in the near future!

Categories
1911 appendix holster

Daughter Bought Me A Tenicor Velo 4 Holster !

So, my wish was granted. My daughter bought me a Tenicor Velo 4 for Christmas and presented it to me maybe 4-5 days before Christmas!

I tried carrying with with it.

It will NOT carry center-appendix, as it appears to be built more with 1-2 o’clock in mind (I’ve the right-side holster). The wedge is oddly placed for my body type (I’m 5’7″, 185 lb, medium build with 29-30″ in-step, a tad thick in the waist @ 32 inches). Keep in mind that I’m trying to carry the RIA MS 1911, which is 4.25″ in barrel length and has a full-sized grip.

The wedge is problematic, as it doesn’t sit well in the leg/pelvic crease and is peaky, so creates a hot spot for me. I need a bit more wedge but need it wider and not peaky.

The holster also has minimal ride adjustability and no cant adjustability.

At this point, the Crossbreed The Reckoning holster I bought carries a LOT better (I’ve customized it a bit).

I almost told my daughter to return it and to get the Certum instead, but wanted to give the Velo 4 a fair chance first.

I decided to try carrying it a bit more, moving it around to try to find a sweet spot (which I did for the Crossbreed as well – I carry that centerline appendix).

After a few days of trying, I still couldn’t carry it well.

I decided to try a custom wedge via the yoga block method. I bought a yoga foam block and cut out a decent sized rectangle. I then began whittling the rectangle into a wedge, hollowing out a pit for the holster’s integrated wedge to sit. The most difficult part of this process was hollowing out an area to fit the integrate wedge, as I had to ensure it was smoothed out in that area so that the velcro (loop side) would stick in that area. Another difficult part was sticking velcro to the holster itself.

It ended up being a large foam block of wedge to velcro to the holster. Initially, after test-carrying, it was too big, so I removed it from the holster and whittled it down to a smaller shape.

I carried it today during a 5 hour drive.

It wore well the whole drive. There were several instances of me getting in/out of the car, walking around, visiting the men’s room, and pumping gas.

It wears a LOT better than without the foam.

I will probably still try the Certum as another great appendix option (that one should carry just as well and also offer far more adjustability in ride height and cant, while also giving the option of strong side carry.

Pics are here.

Oh, and my wife bought me 200 rounds of 9mm Inceptor ARX self defense ammo – my mother bought me 50 rounds of the same ammo, too!

Note: I don’t entertain the notion that Inceptor ARX is gimmick ammo. I’m aware that some folks think that this ammo performs poorly in gel tests, but I’ve also seen great gel test results. There’s also this.

I’d been looking for 9mm Inceptor ARX for a while but could never find it in stock. I found a stash at Midway, and it was on sale too – I added it to my Elfster Christmas wishlist. Between my wife and my mother, they must’ve bought the whole supply I found, because Midway is now out of stock.

Categories
1911 AIWB appendix concealed carry holster

Crossbreed Holster – The “Upgrade” Clips are Polymer!

So, I ordered the 5-hole belt clips for the Crossbreed holster I recently bought.

The package arrived yesterday. When I opened it, I was disappointed. They’re plastic. The original clips are metal.

On the left is the original clip (metal); on the right is the 5-hole clip cost extra ($10) – it is plastic.

Crossbreed is all over the place with this holster.

I’d complained in an earlier post that they should include some type of wedge system. Yeah, it’s a hybrid holster, but it needs something to help with grip tuck (something more than just the claw).

I now believe that the claw that they have should stick out more, as well.

I also believe they should include 5-hole clips with every holster – why nickel and dime folks to death with pricing of parts that are actually needed to dial in the holster? An appendix holster that has no adjustability of ride height or cant is a bad holster, in my opinion.

And on top of all the above, and I posted about this a few days ago, the shell for the Commander-sized 1911 is not deep enough; they have 4″ 1911s listed as an option, but that’s a non-standard size as far as Commanders go. The standard sizes for 1911s are 5″, 4.25″, and 3.5″, not 4″ and 3″. I had to cut the muzzle portion from the shell just to get the gun’s trigger inside the shell.

I pretty confident that I’m not going to continue using this holster. I just waiting for the chance to get a Tenicor, then this one will be sold or go into my box of unused junk holsters.

Categories
1911 AIWB appendix concealed carry gun belt holster

I Added A Wedge to My Crossbreed Hybrid Holster

I was able to rig up a wedge to the Crossbreed The Reckoning holster.

I used heel gels (ala Dr. Scholls) and velcro.

I carried using the holster most of the day. It’s a HUGE improvement! The pelvic hot spot is no longer a hot spot.

At first I thought I needed more wedge, but I’ll play around with the holster height – I can affort to raise it a bit so that the muzzle is not right above my junk (remember though, this is a Commander-sized 1911 I’m trying to appendix-carry).

Once I get the 5-hole clips, I’ll have better cant and height adjustment.

Every day, I feel that I’m getting this thing dialed in a bit better. The thing is, this holster isn’t exactly cheap. I shouldn’t have to be tweaking things like this. IMO, ALL AIWB holsters need to include a wedge (possibly adjustable). Yeah, I realize that each body is different, but if I’m going to spend $100+ for a holster, it needs to be better configurable. Another thing: Crossbreed should be including 5-hole clips with these, as the holsters are marketed as AIWB-capable. They already included the claw – why the claw and not also a wedge and 5-hole clips??

Pics of the holster (on and off the body):

This will give approximately 1/4″ of leverage and pushes the grip into the stomach, helping with less printing of the grip. And yeah, the leather is already wearing (and this photo is zoomed-in).
Secured with velcro. Velcro is stuck to clear packing tape (sticks better this way than directly to the leather).
This protruds out a bit, purposely – I wanted a good buffer since this area is a strong pressure point.
How it looks now.
This is pre-wedge install.
This right here is what counts! This is MUCH better than the above picture – less printing!
Categories
1911 AIWB holster

I’m Currently Experiencing Issues Carrying at the Appendix Position

For now, I’m back to carrying strong side.

The issue is that I’m having some issues carrying at the appendix position. Part of it is a holster issue. The Crossbreed Reckoning needs a wedge – the claw alone won’t tuck the 1911’s grip into my body enough and the gun’s muzzle is putting pressure on my lower abdomen. Also, I doubt that I’ll be able to bend over fully while carrying a Commander-sized 1911, but will better assess things once I’ve made some customizations.

I ordered some velcro patches and a set of Dr. Scholls heel gels. I’ll be attempting to make my own wedge (the velcro has adhesive to stick to the Reckoning’s leather backing).

I’ll ensure I add enough velcro so that I can fine-tune where the wedge is placed on the holster, so that I can better adjust it to hide my 1911. I will use a hair dryer after the velcro is placed on the holster so that it sticks better (I’m hoping the leather allows the velcro to stick without issue – it’s not soft suede).

I’m also going to order a set of clips that offer better adjustability (5-hole clips for this holster are here). Doing this will allow me to better place the holstered gun so that it’s not awkward for me.

The above-mentioned customizations will hopefully have me carrying AIWB full-time soon.

Categories
1911 9mm RIA Rock Island Armory

Range Visit Summary For 11/15/2022

I visited the range for the first time since April 2022. I’m still focusing on 1911s, and I’m preparing to carry my RIA Rock Ultra MS in 9mm.

Why carry the 9mm instead one of my 45ACPs? The two 45ACP 1911s I have are the Metro Arms American Classic Commander and the Tisas Duty (full-sized). I’ve found that even though the heavy metal frame soaks up a good bit of the recoil of those 1911s, 9mm shoots even better from the 1911 frame. As well, 9mm is cheaper and easier to find, locally or otherwise.

Another thought: If I end up ever having to defend myself, I’d have to temporarily give up my gun for case evidence. I do not want to give up any gun but of my 1911s, the ugliest is that 9mm Rock Ultra! While it’s the ugliest, I shoot it the best, by far!

I didn’t want to bother with capturing video footage during this range visit, so I have none, but I did keep the targets and I’ll post them down below.

The below pictures are in chronological order of when I shot at them. Each second picture is a picture of quick range notes (written on the back side of each target).

I shot between 7 and 10 yards – anything further and I struggle to see where I need to hit (all but one target are designed to be shot from 7-10 yards. My actual range notes will be at the bottom of this page.

I’ve two holsters that’ll fit the Rock Ultra without issue, but I’m wondering if I should try carrying appendix – I’m eyeing a holster but need to know if I can commit to it before spending $100-120 on a AIWB holster.

I also just bought two extra 10-round mags so that I can use my two WC mags for carry duty.

Photos of the targets:

I numbered in which order I shot at each mini-target.
I numbered (and circled the number) in which order I shot at each mini-target. I also counted each hit per mini-target.
I aimed between the dead space between the right-side mini-target, attempting a group of five.

Range Notes:

**********************

I brought 350 rounds with me, but only shot 228 (one box of 50 was half empty).

I brought the following brands:
Norma 115-gr FMJ (100)
Federal Hi-shok 115-gr JHP (50)
Belom 115-gr FMJ (50)
Fiocchi 115-gr FMJ (28)

Of the total, there were 8 FTFs and one FTE (stovepipe). It was with one brand of ammo – the Federal Hi-shok JHP. The FTFs were almost certainly due to the hollow points – I expected as much. The FTFs only occurred at the top of each mag (top 3 rounds). After the 2nd-3rd round, the issue stopped. It stopped after 3 mags, as well. Note that the mags were Wilson Combat mags and two ACT mags. It happened with both mag brands, so this wasn’t a mag issue.

This gun is accurate as all hell! I ate the middle out of a target at 10 yards (shot 50 rounds). It’s flat-shooting. Yeah, the initial grouping had opened up but I found I had to just be steady (and watch my breathing as well) to get tight groups.

I will probably begin to carry this gun, which is why I put so much ammo through it this range session. I just need to refer to my notes on which JHP this gun didn’t have issues with – I think I shot some 9mm SD ammo through it last range visit.

Rock Ultra MS in 9mm
Categories
article mass shooter mass shooting

USA Today Opinion Article: Why the Fear of Mass Shootings is pervasive

Warning: This article is using misleading statistics. I’ll leave it to you to read the aforementioned article, but will provide some relevant quotes from the article:

Survey after survey has found that fears of mass shootings are not restricted to school settings. Nearly half of Americans reported in 2019 being worried that they or a family member will fall victim to a mass shooting, and a third say they avoid certain public places because of the threat of a mass shooting.

Here’s another.

Although feelings of anxiety and apprehension must not be dismissed, fears are not always consistent with the risk. But unlike fear of flying or of sharks that can be controlled by avoidance of airplanes or oceans, students cannot choose to dodge school (other than home schooling), and always buying groceries online so as not to face the possibility of supermarket shootout is hardly ideal. One could decide never to attend a holiday parade or a concert, but staying indoors for fear of the unthinkable is an overreaction.

As well:

If there is anything about mass shootings that reflect an epidemic, it is in the spread of panic. It might help restore some sensibility, however, to address two major reasons why fear of mass shootings is so pervasive: misleading statistics and gratuitous news coverage.

And lastly:

The media obviously shouldn’t ignore massacres when they occur. However, by relaying accurate statistics about the risk and avoiding coverage that is more alarming than informing, we can confront the real problem of gun violence without hype and hysteria.

In my opinion, the media is purposely doing this to further indoctrinate folks into thinking guns are bad. I’ll agree that gun violence is bad, but guns are tools…it’s the human behind the gun that’s the issue.

That’s the first article in a LONG while that cuts against the media “grain”. I’m actually surprised it wasn’t buried (it showed in my browser when I was searching for weather info in a Microsoft Edge browser). It’s actually refreshing to see such articles and more such articles need to be published, as a counter to the media’s abuse in spamming readers with skewed and misleading gun violence articles.

Categories
active shooter anti-gun liberal mass shooter mass shooting

Never Let a Good Opportunity Go To Waste…

Never let a good opportunity go to waste, even if you’ve to be untruthful and misleading.

Snippets of the article:

The CNN story states that the Supreme Court Justices who dissented in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, INC. vs Bruen, cited data from the Gun Violence Archive, or GVA, which falsely claimed there have been 277 mass shootings since the beginning of 2022…an average of one mass shooting per day.

It is not until later in the story — much later — that CNN mentions the misleading definition the GVA uses to define a mass shooting, which the Second Amendment Foundation first exposed.

“When most Americans hear the term ‘mass shooting,’ they picture a crazed gunman stalking the halls of a school or a shopping mall, coldly and randomly executing innocent young victims,” CNN wrote, quoting from the Second Amendment Foundation’s July 2021 story. “What does not come to mind are rival drug crews shooting it out in Chicago or Detroit, or a madman murdering his entire family.”

Not included in the CNN story was a full explanation of the vast differences between the GVA’s definition of a mass shooting and how the FBI categorizes the crime, or the massive discrepancies the two definitions produce.

This type of deception is becoming an art form for the Liberal media organizations.

Read the full article at CNN Tries to Prop Up Their Debunked Source for Misleading Mass Shooting Data – The Truth About Guns