Supporting gun ownership and sportsmen's rights in response to the flurry of anti-gun and sport legislation under consideration in Congress and the Illinois State Legislature.
(If you would like to include your organization or events on our calendar, please contact us and we'll accommodate you)
Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
Lest we forget why we're celebrating, it is because some folks had the gumption to say "enough is enough!"
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
Additionally, if you have time this weekend and want to get out and shoot, ASSA is running an Urban Action Match at Bristol. Check the calendar for information!
Lastly, I'll be starting the process of moving this blog and site to our new (free) hosting provider. This new site will have our new logo and design. Stay tuned!
Posted 06:32PM Jul 03, 2009 by MCSA
Beginning tomorrow, July 1st, Nevada will no longer recognize Utah and Florida permits!!
They decided to drop the Utah permit because there is no live fire portion. They're dropping the Florida permit because Florida extended the terms to 7 years and Nevada wanted a background check every 5 years.
Posted 10:50AM Jun 30, 2009 by MCSA
Interesting what some length some folks will go to. We are not advocating this, just putting it out there for informational purposes.
Posted 03:04PM Jun 29, 2009 by MCSA
We'll be taking another small group of first time women shooters for some one-on-one instruction with the .22 to HP Shooting Center on Thursday, July 30th.
The event will be FREE, but requires signup via email: mcsa56@gmail.com
If you know anyone interested, please spread the word - we'll be capping it at 8-10 shooters.
Posted 02:14PM Jun 29, 2009 by MCSA
This is interesting... http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/family/19844389/detail.html
Chicago has the dubious distinction of holding four places on a list of the 25 most dangerous neighborhoods in the nation.
Using crime data compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, NeighborhoodScout.com made a list of areas with the highest predicted rates of violent crime in the United States.
UPDATED: As if that wasn't enough, now there is news that states that Cook Co. also takes a ranking place on the level of STD infections: (SunTimes Article)
With Cook County boasting the dubious distinction of first in the nation in reported cases of gonorrhea -- and second in reported chlamydia cases -- the Chicago Public Schools will begin testing teens, who represent 60 percent of new reports.
Approved by the Board of Education this week, the pilot education, testing and treatment program will be run by the city Department of Public Health in six high schools at no cost to CPS.
Way to polish that Olympic bid...
Posted 10:30AM Jun 26, 2009 by MCSA
I was asked to remind everyone that the NRA is still giving away free memberships:
https://www.nrahq.org/nrabonus/accept-membership.asp
Posted 03:13PM Jun 25, 2009 by MCSA
June 27th, from 10AM - 4PM in Bonfield, IL
Check out the flyer here: http://isra.org/calendar/isra-range-open-house-2009.pdf
Posted 03:09PM Jun 25, 2009 by MCSA
We covered this a little while ago, but it merits a reminder!
ISRA Rally Tomorrow, June 26th, from 11-1 at the Thompson Center (100 W Randolph)
If you work downtown, take your lunch hour and head over.
If you can snag the day off, head in with Metra or something.
If you're on vacation, enjoy your time away from Illinois.
Posted 11:25AM Jun 25, 2009 by MCSA
David Codrea of War on Guns and the National Gun Rights Examiner plugged the Chicago Appleseed Site today.
Yesterday, several bloggers plugged the site for us too - most notably Tam from View from the Porch.
Many thanks to everyone who's helping out - Make no mistake that we're are committed to defending out rights and heritage and we hope our participation in this event shows just that!
Finally, if you live in Southern Wisconsin or Northern Illinois, want to learn to shoot, but haven't yet: sign up!
Posted 09:45AM Jun 24, 2009 by MCSA
After the "Mexican Gun Canard" somehow got resurrected, we now have the Jamaican Gun Canard...
Interestingly enough, since the Jamaican's submit many of the guns to the BATFE for tracing, they are able to pursue the straw purchasers and look 'em up for the long haul. (make that "hopefully lock 'em up for the long haul..." You know the courts these days...)
Update - By the way, if you haven't read the GAO's report on Mexican gun smuggling, read Sebastian's analysis first and keep in mind that the GAO was directed by Congress, which is now pretty much anti-gun.
Posted 08:08AM Jun 22, 2009 by MCSA
Created a landing page for the event - http://www.chicagoappleseed.com/
It's basically an online flyer that lists What, Where, Equipment, etc...
Posted 10:56AM Jun 19, 2009 by MCSA
Posted 12:25AM Jun 19, 2009 by MCSA
I guess Brownell's has a new website... http://www.brownells.com/
Looks pretty sweet - the old one was always though to navigate.
Posted 04:09PM Jun 18, 2009 by MCSA
Adam Andrzejewski is going to speak at our monthly meeting tonight at 7:00PM!
Mr. Andrzejewski is running for Governor in 2010. Learn more at Adam for Illinois!
Posted 12:39PM Jun 17, 2009 by MCSA
32 years after coming to the US and getting his citizenship, my pops finally bought a gun, making him a true American!! He picked up a nice blued target model Ruger MkIII .22. Long barrel, target sights, and a decent trigger pull compared to the other MkIII's there. He liked the 22/45's, but said they were too narrow and that he'd rather have a steel gun.
Looking over the gun, it is interesting that not much has changed since the Standard - yes, they moved the magazine release lever, added a slide lever, etc, but you can put a MkIII top end on a older MkII or MkI just fine... (You know in case you want a nice unit from TacSol...)
Anyway, what Ruger did add was an infernal magazine disconnect safety - drop the magazine and you can't fire the gun. Some folks think this is a safety feature, but I don't agree. The real safety is between your ears and anyone that thinks otherwise is seriously misguided. Caleb has a great post about it from the perspective of competitive shooting.
Anyway, after a little digging, I found out that it is entirely possible to remove the part. I'm not advising anyone to do this, just merely pointing out that the knowledge is out there. Specifically here:
Remove the Magazine Disconnector: Ruger MkIII.
Posted 07:18PM Jun 13, 2009 by MCSA
I've got it! "Marketing"...
http://www.tacticalcorsets.com/
What next, tactical pens? (Actually, my TuffWriter is pure awesome!)
Posted 02:18PM Jun 12, 2009 by MCSA
Officials say inspections at Sturm Ruger & Co. in Newport identified many mechanical, respirator protection, electrical, lead, and fire hazards.
I've got to agree with Caleb that I don't think this is some plot by "the gov" to shut Ruger down...
Posted 08:42AM Jun 12, 2009 by MCSA
Kane Co. is the 91st county to pass the 2nd Amendment Resolution! It passed 19-4!
Posted 08:23AM Jun 12, 2009 by MCSA
If anyone wants to learn how to put together FALs or ARs, this might be up your alley: CareerBuilder Listing.
Posted 08:23AM Jun 12, 2009 by MCSA
Glock iron sight picture
Well, technically speaking, that'd be a plastic sight picture since stock Glock sights are plastic. Ok, all kidding aside, the sights are pretty simple to use - put the big white dot into the "basket" (the rear sight is outlined on the sides with a while line...).
Or, just line up the tops...
I think that stock night-sights are made by Trijicon or Meprolight, can't remember...
Most folks swap 'em out for something different: some like XS Big Dots, some like Warren Sights. I put a set of Ameriglo's on.
One-handed bandaging
... is tough to do!
The Olaes bandage from TacMed Solutions makes it easier since the roll won't roll away from you. The Israeli-style bandages are tougher to do one handed.
My advice? Get a pool float tube (The big foam Sitcks for kids, you know?), cut it in half or to the length of your arm. Now put that in a sweat shirt and wear it. Use only one hand, then the other to practice this valuable skill. A little bit goes a long way!
(See the picture of the guy wearing a camo jacket at the end.)
Airgun shooting in Illinois
If you want to shoot competitively, join the Arlington International Airgun Club (AIAC). They shoot junior Olympic rifle and adult pistol. Tough stuff.
If you want to shoot informally, check your local laws. Some folks shoot in their backyards or basement, especially if their neighbors aren't too weirded out by it...
Posted 08:18AM Jun 10, 2009 by MCSA
Add to the calendar!
June 26th, from 11-1 at the Thompson Center (100 W Randolph)
Posted 08:18AM Jun 10, 2009 by MCSA
Catching up with last Sunday's Tribune:
Just two weeks before young Chicago Police Officer Alex Valadez was shot down on the edge of a vacant South Side lot, his alleged killer, Shawn Gaston, was in court, accused of another probation violation on a felony gun charge.
??That's right, another probation violation.??
It wasn't Gaston's first alleged violation of probation. It wasn't his second. It was his third, Cook County prosecutors confirmed late last week.
Posted 08:18AM Jun 10, 2009 by MCSA
Saw this at Joe Huffman's blog... He's got some additional sources too, so read it if you're interested.
If you carry a "flickable knife", such as a Benchmade, a Spyderco, etc, you might consider following these development...
In New York Ruling Letter ("NY") G83213, dated October 13, 2000, CBP determined that "a folding knife with a spring-loaded blade [which could] be easily opened by light pressure on a thumb knob located at the base of the blade, or by a flick of the wrist" was an "inertia-operated knife" that "is prohibited under the Switchblade Act and subject to seizure. See 19 C.F.R. §12.95 (a)(1)." In NY H81084, dated May 23, 2001, CBP determined that 18 models of knives ‘‘may be opened with a simple flick of the wrist, and therefore are prohibited as inertial operated knives."
... it appears they are pushing toward calling any knife you can open with one hand as a switchblade. And who does the testing to determine if whether the knife "may be opened with a simple flick of the wrist"? Will the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives, Knives, and Sharp Pointy Sticks have labs full of technicians with calibrated wrists such that you can send your knife in for periodic testing to make sure the retention spring hasn't gotten too weak?
I have to wonder if a Second Amendment test case can't be brought up on knives in one of the states in the 9th Circuit where incorporation has already been made (or in D.C.). What is the government going to say, "Sure, the Second Amendment guarantees you the right to carry a handgun to defend yourself but we can't let people own something as dangerous as a knife in their own home! Think of the children!"? Actually, they might. But it would be pretty funny seeing them laughed out of court when they do.
Posted 11:46AM Jun 09, 2009 by MCSA
You've got to be kidding me... We've lost our minds.
Graduating midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis are being told in writing to leave at home or in their vehicles all "ceremonial swords" and anything else "that might be considered a weapon or a threat by screeners" for Friday's outdoor commencement ceremonies featuring an address by President Barack Obama.
Inside the Beltway has obtained the academy's list of prohibited items for this year's graduation exercises, which, besides ceremonial swords, includes umbrellas.
Posted 10:11AM Jun 08, 2009 by MCSA
Today is the 65th anniversary of D-Day.
Thank you, veterans...
Posted 01:24AM Jun 06, 2009 by MCSA
Tuens out that Ernest Borgnine will be at the Chicago Borders on Michigan Ave. for a book signing event to commemorate his new autobiography on July 20th starting at 7PM.
His book may be good, but I'm going to take my "Wild Bunch" poster with hopes that he'll sign it for me...
Posted 01:20AM Jun 06, 2009 by MCSA
Was in the city last night and while my wife stopped to get something in Walgreens, I picked up the Sun-Times (6/4/2009) and started reading about the terrible tragedy regarding Officer Valadez.
So much has already been said about the two thugs that "allegedly" shot the officers and so much has been said about Valadez himself that I found myslef just flipping pages for something else.
I ran across a blurb about Ernest Borgnine and started reading (he was in "The Wild Bunch", you know?) and found myself shaking my head in agreement. Seems that someone at the Sun-Times, Stella Foster, get's what is missing from the "criminal justice" system in Cook Co:
Certain parts of this city are like a showdown at the OK Corral with guns blazing. No one is safe as long as gangs of thugs can brazenly roam our streets terrorizing innocent citizens. Even though handguns are banned in this city, the word apparently has not trickled down to the ears of these scumbags. And as I have said before, If you think these thugs are going to just turn over their guns because you want them to ... well, think again! I know what the law enforcement officials should do instead of just banning guns ... but if I said it, I would be run out of town!
Posted 08:38AM Jun 05, 2009 by MCSA
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Chicago ban on the possession of handguns can stand.
This conflicts with the ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Nordyke v King.
Looks like this'll be heading to the Supreme Court soon...
If you're really interested, be sure to listen to the oral arguments and read the city briefs at the ChicagoGunCase.com site.
Posted 08:47PM Jun 02, 2009 by MCSA
Wow, hi guys... Please don't bomb anyone, eh?
Maybe you're here because of the Wookie/Sniper thing? If so, one thing I don't get is why those guys are carrying AK's if they're snipers? I could totally understand a Dragunov, but an AK, worse still, an AK with NO optic?
I mean, I love my AK, but I'm only able to wring ~3-4 MOA out of it depending on ammo... Granted shooting 4 MOA with irons is a solid hold, but still...
Posted 02:15PM May 28, 2009 by MCSA
Gun violence stats
You might consider the Bureau of Justice Stats... Keep in mind that stats are only as good as the denominators (population that you're examining.) and are subject to a lot of discussion, etc...
Wheel gun .22 conversions
In the past, some folks (like Ed McGivern) had some wheel guns fitted for .22 rimfire. Nowdays it si better just to buy a dedicated .22 if you're interested in blasting away. That said, Ruger's Single Six (.22 caliber) does come with an interchangable cyclinder for .22 WMR.
If you want to refit an older, possibly sentimental gun, you might try Bowen Classic Arms or Grant Cunningham.
County rules/regs for shooting on your property
I called the sheriff's office of McHenry and they stated that if you live in an area with no restrictions you can shoot as long as you have a suitable backstop/berm and are shooting 200' away from any inhabitable structure. They said that the County Conservation office had more info and that would appreciate a call/heads up if someone was planning on shooting so that they don't send deputies with guns drawn to your place while you're banging away.
Open carry in illinois
Is a no-no in public unless you have a hunting permit during hunting season and are in a designated hunting area.
Bullet shortage
Not only are bullets in short supply, primers are tapped out too. There continues to be a shortage of complete, manufactured ammunition too...
25 yard parallax
Shooting a .22 or an air rifle? Anyway, Pyramid Air Rifles has a description of parallax. Get a scope made for air rifles if you're shooting one as the spring's recoil will destroy other scopes... Also, most have a knob to correct for parallax.
Posted 01:58PM May 28, 2009 by MCSA
Judge Sotomayor's record suggests hostility, rather than empathy, for the tens of millions of Americans who exercise their right to keep and bear arms.
Posted 09:15AM May 27, 2009 by MCSA
I'm frantically cutting clothing off of "Hector", looking for a wound that is gushing blood and starting to form an Olympic-sized pool on the ground. As I cut along the seam of the BDU's, I notice a small entry wound and a wicked mid-to-lower thigh exit wound.
All of this I'm now practicing on "Hector", who, up until recently, was my rapidly leaking medical dummy. "Hector" is constructed of pool floats cut to length, whose hollow cavities have been packed with rawhide "bones" (get it?) and vacuum tubing, the ends of which exit at realistic silicone wounds. Fake "blood" is pumped through the tubing by Briggs to mimic arterial or venal bleeds. The effect is chillingly realistic and transports the care-giver to an adequately realistic view of the situation in the heat of the moment.
Since there was a wedding coming to the VFW, and we had no intentions of turning the Bride's special occasion into a zombie wedding, we moved our gear into the board room and broke for lunch. Upon returning, we jumped into Robb's power point lecture, which I must confess, after a lifetime of lame power point presentations, was probably one of the most salient and well put together I've ever seen: to the point, simple, and full of good info.
After that, we broke out the training bandages, both Israeli-style bandages and TacMed Solutions Olaes bandages, and practiced treating our partners, ourselves and on a fake-disabled appendage which was really just a pool float cut to arms length and stuffed into a sweatshirt all designed to keep you from cheating by using your "disabled arm". Posted 11:42PM May 25, 2009 by MCSA
Must confess that I had a very relaxing weekend with my family... Sorry for the lack of posts.
Was in the car driving back from some errands tonight when I came across a program about Winston Churchill on Chicago's WBEZ (NPR). Fascinating! Listen here.
While listening, I came across a fantastic quote. Thank you to all that have, or do currently, serve:
"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."
Posted 10:58PM May 25, 2009 by MCSA
If you like explosions and the like, go see it. Expect to be confused by the ever increasing complexity of the plot - seriously it's almost like a Star Trek episode or movie at this point... Simple question to Hollywood: why is it that EVERYTHING in seemingly EVERY movie has to be explained with some sort of time travel unravelling the future? Can't anyone there write a decent script?
So, in short, the Terminator movies, much like the machines portrayed in their various incarnations, freaking refuses to DIE!!
I'll be back... I'm sure you will... but I dunno if I'm going to pony up a solid days worth of $$ to see the next one...
Posted 11:07PM May 22, 2009 by MCSA
President Obama just signed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure act, which had the National Parks Carry Amendment tacked on; If you have CCW permit in a state that contains a National Park, you can now carry concealed.
A win is a win, but I can't help but feel that more government control over lenders isn't a good thing...
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12430323
Posted 04:44PM May 22, 2009 by MCSA
She was a smart cookie... Interesting read, because, of course, I, um, "just read it for the articles..."
http://www.playboy.com/articles/ayn-rand-playboy-interview/index.html
It is not self-sacrifice to die protecting that which you value: If the value is great enough, you do not care to exist without it. This applies to any alleged sacrifice for those one loves.
Posted 11:48AM May 22, 2009 by MCSA
Lynn Garnard is offering a few NRA certification courses. Please check the calendar for details...
Posted 12:31PM May 21, 2009 by MCSA
Last night a representative from an ambitious local organization, Patriots United, came out to our meeting to let us know what they're about.
Patriots United is focused on holding elected officials accountable for promises made during their election campaigns.
They are also committed to:
They are 100+ members strong and will be holding a meeting at 7:30 this Friday at the Woodstock VFW.
I'm guessing that in the future we'll be working closely with them...
Posted 10:34AM May 21, 2009 by MCSA
ISRA and IllinoisCarry are sponsoring another pro-2A rally in Chicago.
Friday, June 26th, 11AM - 1PM.
100 W Randolph at the Thompson Center
(Hint: Take Metra, then enjoy an afternoon in Grant Park... It's about a 5 block walk.)
Posted 10:22AM May 21, 2009 by MCSA
The McHenry IPSC Shooting Society is running their final shooting match as a man-vs-man elimination:
Match will be a man-on-man steel shoot. Heads up: no power factor, no "box" the gun has to fit inside, just knock the plates down.
Double elimination and a practice/qualifier run so you'll get a minimum of 3 runs at the steel.
Check their site for more info: http://miss-uspsa.blogspot.com/
Posted 09:37AM May 19, 2009 by MCSA
