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)
Ruger has recently received a small number of reports from the field indicating that LCP pistols can discharge when dropped onto a hard surface with a round in the chamber. We are firmly committed to safety and would like to retrofit all older LCP Pistols. The retrofit involves installation of an upgraded hammer mechanism at no charge to the customer.
We want to remind gun users that, for maximum safety when carrying any pistol with a loaded magazine in place, the chamber should be empty, and the slide should be closed. Any gun may fire if dropped or struck.
How to determine if your pistol needs the retrofit: All LCP pistols bearing prefix "370" (that is, serial number 370-xxxxx) may be affected. Newly manufactured and retrofitted "370" prefix LCP pistols with the new hammer mechanism installed have been marked with a diamond in the flat portion of the slot just behind and below the hammer as show to the right. Going forward, new pistols will be marked with the serial number prefix "371" (serial number 371-xxxxx). Pistols with the "371" prefix are not affected.
Posted 12:03PM Oct 30, 2008 by MCSA
Happy Halloween, all! MISS is shooting zombies at H.P. in McHenry tonight...
Posted 11:43AM Oct 30, 2008 by MCSA
Big news today was the story that Dan Cooper, owner and CEO of Cooper Firearms in Montana has donated to Barack Obama and his campaign. Folks out there are miffed, to say the least...
Dan Cooper, according to every last online source we can find, has not donated a single red cent to either the GOP or McCain. Dan Cooper may think he can lie his way out of this, but the fact stands that he supports Barack Holy Wealth Redistribution Batman! Obama both in word and deed which actively damages those of us who would be his customer. I can't read minds, but it is my opinion that Mr. Cooper is trying to be the last one eaten.
Posted 01:36AM Oct 30, 2008 by MCSA
This weekend is the last urban action shoot for this year. If you haven't done it, consider checking it out, especially this may be the last nice day that you can enjoy outside (60F and Partly Cloudy?).
Posted 11:32PM Oct 28, 2008 by MCSA
There is much confusion over how to vote on the Constitutional Convention for Illinois. The ISRA says vote NO and others say vote yes. Thursday Night 7:00 P.M. OCT 30 at McHenry County College there will be a debate on the issue. The debate is hosted by Sen Pam Althoff, Rep's Jack Franks & Mike Tryon. There will be pro and con representatives giving their view and good discussion.
(This is listed in the calendar too...)
Posted 04:10PM Oct 28, 2008 by MCSA
It seems so!
The ISRA is expressing great concern over reports that Illinois State
Police (ISP) detectives have been visiting the homes of people who phoned
or faxed Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) to express opposition to gun
control legislation sponsored by the senator. The ISRA has recently
conducted a thorough investigation into one complaint, and is gathering
additional information on as many as several dozen other reported incidents
of police questioning citizens who have spoken out against gun control
legislation.
In the case investigated thus far, the respondent reports that ISP
detectives arrived at his home, unannounced, and informed him that their
visit was in response to faxes he sent to Sen. Kotowski. The detectives
then went on to ask the citizen questions about his mental health and other
personal matters. Although the citizen was not arrested, he reports that he
feels that the detectives were there to deliver the message that it's not a
good idea to criticize Dan Kotowski or the gun control measures Kotowski
supports.
"The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right of
citizens to petition the government for the redress of grievances," said
ISRA Executive Director, Richard Pearson. "Of course, the manner in which
citizens exercise that right must not include any threats of harm against
elected officials."
"When we first heard about the ISP visits to homes of people who had
sent faxes to Sen. Kotowski, we were concerned that some folks may have
acted inappropriately," continued Pearson. "However, upon inspection of the
faxes in question, we see absolutely no reason for the ISP to visit
citizens' homes -- other than to possibly put a damper on the citizen's
desire to participate in the legislative process."
"At this time, we are asking Sen. Kotowski to produce any evidence he
may have which illustrates threatening behavior on the part of citizens who
have received ISP visits," said Pearson. "If Sen. Kotowski cannot produce
any such evidence, then we will be asking Attorney General Madigan to
conduct an investigation into the apparent use of the ISP to suppress the
First Amendment rights of persons who express opposition to gun control
legislation."
The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful and
responsible firearms ownership. Since 1903, the ISRA has represented the
interests of over 1.5 million law-abiding Illinois firearm owners.
If you'd like to drop Senator Kotowski a note, you can use his own website to do so:
http://www.kotowski4senate.com/index.php?Path=Public/Contact
If you'd like to give him a call:
Springfield Office (217) 782-3875
Local Office (Mount Prospect) (847) 797-1192 or (847) 797-1195 FAX
Please be respectful and don't stoop to his level...
Posted 03:10PM Oct 26, 2008 by MCSA
The ISRA has a brochure (very well done!) that explains how CCW works. View it here (PDF, new window).
The gif below, also from the ISRA, details which counties will have a county-wide CCW ordinance on the ballot:
Posted 02:58PM Oct 26, 2008 by MCSA
The Action Shooting Sports Association is doing the Fall Frenzy tomorrow.
I'm posting this since there were some rumors since the weather is perhaps going to be iffy.
Call Brad Guth for more info : 708.363.0670
Posted 06:18PM Oct 24, 2008 by MCSA
This ad refers to a 2003 incident when a Wilmette, Illinois restaurateur named Hale DeMar shot and wounded a burglar who broke into his house. DeMar was prosecuted by the town of Wilmette, which had, at the time, a ban on the possession of handguns. To prevent a reoccurance, Illinois lawmakers introduced legislation to offer legal protections to individuals who use firearms in self defense. The bill passed the Illinois state House by a vote of 86-25, and the Illinois state Senate by a vote of 39-20. Illinois state Senator Barack Obama voted against the bill.
Posted 11:54PM Oct 23, 2008 by MCSA
In case you haven't seen these, take a look and get informed... (BTW - In video 4, she gets into it with the crowd over semi-autos. She is wrong: ISSF recongnizes "Rapid Fire" with .22's as a sport and the discipline is part of the Olympics...)
So, with all that in mind, have a slice of Americana: (God Bless Texas!)
Posted 07:39PM Oct 23, 2008 by MCSA
From Days of Our Trailers:
Section 27.42—Firearms
27.42 generally prohibits visitors from possessing an operable and loaded firearm in a national wildlife refuge unless the firearm is used for lawful hunting activities. Under the proposed amendment, an individual will be able to possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national wildlife refuge in the same manner, and to the same extent, that a person may lawfully possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded and operable firearms in any state wildlife refuge, or any functionally similar unit of state land, in the state in which the national wildlife refuge, or that portion thereof, is located. Functionally similar state lands will include, but not be limited to State wildlife management areas and state game areas. Possession of concealed firearms in national wildlife refuges as authorized by this section must also conform to applicable federal laws.
Posted 07:27PM Oct 23, 2008 by MCSA
Come out at 5:00PM tomorrow to the campaign HQ at 5501 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake!
Posted 01:11PM Oct 21, 2008 by MCSA
Oak Park is an overly liberal suburb of Chicago. We've spoken to people who relate police stories difficult to believe. Stories about being ordered not to patrol alleys, not to perform traffic stops on roving gangs of Chicago licensed vehicles, told every crime is to be a detective follow-up, and no proactive policing whatsoever.
The entire story stirred a memory of two years ago, a reporter from the "Chicago Parent" magazine who related a story about picking up three young hitchhiking rapscallions from Austin wandering the leafy streets of Oak Park with some tale of woe, who almost ended up killing the reporter. As you might expect, she felt bad about defending herself and maybe injuring someone who would have killed her over an automobile without a seconds hesitation.
Seems things haven't changed in Oak Park much - willfully blind victims offering themselves up to the lawless element of society. And then wondering why they get assaulted, battered, robbed and even killed.
Posted 07:56PM Oct 19, 2008 by MCSA
In case you didn't know or didn't get the memo (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review):
"I am not in favor of concealed weapons," Obama said. "I think that creates a potential atmosphere where more innocent people could (get shot during) altercations."
Posted 06:00PM Oct 18, 2008 by MCSA
AP article here. Can't help but wonder what effect this may have on our already expensive sport...
Posted 12:35AM Oct 17, 2008 by MCSA
Miss is shooting USPSA the night before Halloween - Zombie targets, etc... Should be fun!
Then we'll be shooting the next week, on Nov 6th.
Posted 12:30AM Oct 17, 2008 by MCSA
After it was mentioned last night, I found some info via the Sangamom Co. Rifle Assoc regarding the RTCF.
Basically it would do a few things:
1.) Allow Macon Co. FOID holders to open carry.
2.) Allow the Sheriff to issue CCW for folks passing a more stringent test.
3.) Recognize permits from other states/counties
4.) Allow reciprocity with states/counties in #3.
The SCRA has a fantastic writeup in their September newsletter (PDF).
Posted 01:56PM Oct 16, 2008 by MCSA
I kicked out the number of entries we display on the page...
Posted 12:17PM Oct 16, 2008 by MCSA
McHenry IDPA switched dates to the second Tuesday! I didn't know until yesterday, so if you're planning on shooting IDPA, check the calendar...
McHenry Co. Conservation District is doing the Trail of History this weekend... Info here!
Lakemoor Gun show this weekend...
Shelby Lynn Wedell Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser October 24th...
Guns of November Raffle through November: Richard Young doesn't do websites, so here is his contact info: 815.338.7757 or P.O. Box 143, McHenry, IL 60051. Tickets are $30.00. Ticket orders must be received by October 25th! Some seriously cool prizes EVERY DAY: Armalite AR-10, Weatherby Mark V, etc. I've made the image clickable, if that doesn't work, ask him to fax you a copy.
USO-style dance on November 22nd...
Posted 10:47AM Oct 16, 2008 by MCSA
Folks read this story about the recent Waukegan robbery. After you've read the article ask yourself the following questions:
1.) Isn't it amazing that the robbers was paroled after serving only 2 year of a 4 year sentance?
2.) "X-Cons Save Our Kids"?!? Seriously, what does that mean? I could understand a name a little less, um, "propaganda-esque", but "X-Cons Save Our Kids", c'mon!?
3.) Of course the robber, Starks was a choir-boy:
This was a very bright young man," Wells said. "He was reaching out to find his path in life."
Except that whole robbing people at gun point and burglary conviction thing...
Why is it that the media seems to do this everytime there is a shooting?
4.) While I do wonder what really happened, I will refer readers to a post we did in July regarding "Dynamic Motion" in a self defense situation. Just because the entry was towards the back doesn't mean that they didn't flinch or turn away from the imment threat. Read the whole thing here. Be sure to follow the link to the Force Science article and watch the animation.
Is it possible that forces like "Dynamic Motion" are in play here?
5.) The Mayor and citizens of Waukegan get it. Any chance that they'd come to support the Pro-2A resolution like Oswego Township did in Kendall County?
"Any time you point a gun at me and if I've got a gun and I've got the opportunity, I'm going to use it on you," Waukegan Mayor Richard Hyde said. "With society the way it is now and with the number of armed robberies you have, you've got to fight back."
Dennis McClintock, 59, a customer who said he lives in the neighborhood, said: "If someone robbed me, I'd defend myself too."
Posted 10:32AM Oct 16, 2008 by MCSA
Saw this video at XavierThoughts' blog. Watch - it is scary:
Wow, less than 2 minutes to break a safe!!
If you're interested, there are two great articles on safes out there with excellent recommendations.
Posted 12:58PM Oct 15, 2008 by MCSA
I didn't report on this in the first place because it was, well, a few states away and since Illinois doens't have any provision for OC or CCW, so it sorta didn't matter. Anyway, she's got her permit back. Here's what happened:
Other folks noticed that she was carrying concealed and called the sheriff, who then stripped her of her CCW permit because he said that you shouldn't carry where you might offend people.
Anyway, she now went before the judge and he's ordered the CCW returned.
Folks, it is either a right or it is not. Just because someone is fearful doesn't mean that you should have to bow to their wishes. CCW'ers are overwhelmingly the good guys out there.
Posted 11:58AM Oct 15, 2008 by MCSA
Other than take a few rabbits here and there, I've never really hunted - That is a situation that I soon hope to rectify. Anyway, wanted to point intersted folks to both the Illinois and Wisconsin DNR Hunting sites.
Illinois DNR is here. The complete 2008 Illinois Hunting Digest is here (PDF)
Wisconsin DNR is here.
An interesting discovery is that Deer hunting is allowed in the Morraine Hills Park, just south of McHenry.
Posted 11:44AM Oct 15, 2008 by MCSA
Think about the implications here, though. This is a presumably educated person, from an ethnic group that was treated like property in this country until a mere hundred and fifty years ago–an ethnic group that wasn’t allowed to vote in parts of the country until a mere fifty years ago–and she advocates tossing out the Bill of Rights in exchange for the dubious safety of a near-total police state. She wants to live in an urban concentration camp, and she actually asks for someone to demand her ID before entering her neighborhood.
She is asking for masters. She wants to put total responsibility for her personal safety into the hands of the government–a government she distrusts on plenty of other matters. She wants to be watched over, controlled, checked for weapons and drugs every day. She wants to be asked about her comings and goings. All of this is an acceptable price to pay for the feeling of safety she gets from this kind of treatment. What’s worse, that feeling of safety is dependent on everyone else getting the same treatment as well.
Posted 10:44AM Oct 13, 2008 by MCSA
Six of us showed up to play ~4 rounds of trap on probably the nicest day of the entire 2008 year - sunny and warm with a light breeze. The rates at the McHenry Sportsman's Club are very reasonable: $4.50 per round of 25. This was my first time playing trap and, not knowing any better, I brought out a "riot gun" which got me a few odd looks from folks...
Kudo goes to Dennis G. who put this whole thing together and brought out some fantastic eats, in addition to trophies! Rick S. and Dennis places 1st and 2nd, respectively.
Posted 10:09AM Oct 13, 2008 by MCSA
Early voting begins today in Illinois. Early voting runs from the 13th-30th. Most of us are centered around McHenry Co, so here is the link to the McHenry Co. Clerk.
Vote Early! Vote Often!
Posted 09:14AM Oct 13, 2008 by MCSA
Looks like the State Line Rifle Association is going to try to bring this before the board again:
If you believe in the American way and the Constitution please come and show your support.
Lake County Pro-Second Amendment Resolution to be brought before the County Board on, Tuesday, October 14th 2008, at 9 am, at 18 N. County St. 10th Floor Waukegan IL 60085
There is a security check at the County Building metal detectors etc. Don’t be armed in any way flashlights, knives etc. Allow extra time. Be there about ½ hr before 8:30 am or even earlier.
We appreciate the support you have shown and would like to see all of you at this meeting.
Come show your support for the Constitution and the Second Amendment.
Info at jsei@att.net or www.pro2aresolution.com
Posted 11:55PM Oct 11, 2008 by MCSA
Please check out the ISRA PVF to learn about the State Gov. candidates that are solid concerning the 2nd Amendment. In our neck of the woods (around McHenry Co.):
For Illinois Senate, Pamela Althoff is endorsed in the 32nd and Dan Dufy is preferred for the 26th.
For Illinois House, Mike Tryon is endorsed for the 64th, Jack Fransk (Democrat) is endorsed for the 63rd, and Mark Beaubien is endorsed for the 52nd.
You can find your district by checking this map (PDF in a new window) - black circles are Illinois Senate districts and white circles are for Illinois House districts.
In addition, the be sure to check the NRA PVF for the Federal Gov. Candiates. Again, in our neck of the woods, they're endorsing Don Manzullo for the 16th District (most of Western McHenry Co/Crystal Lake) and Steve Sauerberg for Senate. I'll also point out here that Don Manzullo was one of the few that called Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to task long ago:
"Mr. Raines: $1.1 million bonus on a $526,000 salary. Jamie Gorelick: $779,000 bonus on a salary of $567,000. This is... What you state on page 11 is nothing less than staggering. "The 1998 earnings per share value turned out to be three dollars and twenty-three cents and nine mills ($3.239) - a result that Fannie Mae met the max, the EPS maximum payout goal right down to the penny. Fannie Mae understood the rules and simply chose not to follow them, if Fannie Mae had followed the, the practices, there wouldn't have been a bonus that year."
(6:20-7:08 in the video.)
Posted 01:06AM Oct 11, 2008 by MCSA
Who doesn't like shotguns? Who doesn't like trap? (If you said, Obama/Biden, you may be right...)
Anyway, don't forget the shotgun shoot this Sunday... I believe that the price is $4.50 or $5.50 per round ( 25 shots ).Check the calendar for directions and info. It will start at 12:00 noon and go till?
Posted 12:23PM Oct 10, 2008 by MCSA
Off duty Chicago Police Officer shoots two after they tried to rob him. I wish Illinois citizens would have the same provision in place to secure their safety and property when out and about.
I'm sure I wouldn't be off the mark if I said that our thoughts and prayers go out to the Conn family, whose son was gunned down in a brutal robbery. However, I think I speak for many when I say it is almost as tragic when the death of an innoent is turned in to a twisted call for the cessation of all of our liberties. It is tragic that they let Father Pfleger get up and pin this on "easy availability of guns", or "assault weapons", or whatever, as sadly, in Chicago "only the outlaws have guns". "How many more?" is what we should be asking before our politicians see the light of reason and restore the position of the second amendment guaranteeing citizens a means to defend themselves.
Welcome to Chicago, where men decide what laws to enforce: Cook County Sheriff won't evict renters in foreclosure properties. Silly me, I thought we were a nation of laws... Lest I be accused of being unsympathetic, I know times are, um, "interesting", but this is madness since an elected officals has decided on their terms that the law doesn't apply. Laws shouldn't be arbitrary - if Dart feels so strongly about it, then perhaps he could ask the judicial system to review instead of singlehanded pulling a stunt like this.
Posted 04:00AM Oct 10, 2008 by MCSA
NEW ORLEANS - City officials have agreed to return hundreds of firearms that police officers confiscated in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, part of a deal to resolve a lawsuit filed by gun lobbying groups.
The settlement agreement filed Tuesday in federal court calls for the National Rifle Association and Second Amendment Foundation to drop their case if the city follows a plan for returning guns to owners who had them seized by police after the Aug. 29, 2005, hurricane.
Posted 11:06PM Oct 08, 2008 by MCSA
California has a "gun-show" ban and the Nordykes are trying to fight it. They haven't had much luck.
Until now: (From Reason magazine)
Nordyke, it now appears, might help with the answer. Last week, four preeminent legal scholars - Michael Kent Curtis, Richard Aynes, Michael Lawrence, and William W. Van Alstyne - filed a friend of the court brief arguing that the 14th Amendment "and specifically its privileges or immunities clause were designed to forbid states from abridging fundamental rights of citizens, including those rights in the Bill of Rights." The Second Amendment, of course, is right there on that list.
Posted 09:11AM Oct 08, 2008 by MCSA
A few of us went out to shoot ASSA's excellent Urban Action match at Bristol (see previous reviews here...) and I figured that I'd plug their upcoming Fall Frenzy workshop.
Posted 07:57PM Oct 05, 2008 by MCSA
I really love air guns - they were my first exposure to shooting and, more importantly, responsibility, while growing up.
The rifle is a very well balanced due to a real walnut stock and is machined very well. These aren't "pump action" toys, but rather precision units that mimic "real" guns. They are pretty capable of ~MOA accuracy (1" at 100 yards, 1/2" at 50 yards) using consistent "diablo" pellets - I'm shooting a tin of leftover Vogel heavy pellets. An interesting aside - the faster the velocity of the pellet, the greater the accuracy degenerates for air rifles. The ultra-fast R1 will throw a .177 pellet at ~1100 FPS, but is actually less accurate than the R10, which shoots ~900 fps. My Anschutz shot at about 600 fps and could shoot a target the size of this period (".") all day at 10 yards. No seriously: click this link to see a PDF of a match air rifle target.
have an adjustable parallax setting. The trick is knowing the range to something - for example, I know how far 25 and 50 yards are in my backyard. If I'm shooting 25 yards with the 50 yard parallax setting, things look fuzzy or slightly out of focus. The big thing in scoping a spring-piston air rifle is making sure that the scope will withstand the reverse-recoil: the spring slams forward. Even well built scopes that are designed for "normal" recoil will fall apart in a few hundred shots.I've almost 50(+/- a yard) yards to a retaining wall in my backyard which is part of a hill. Perfect backstop and perfect target rest. I shoot out of my back door, usually kneeling/sitting with a hasty sling. I usually shoot after lunch (I work from home) since I need to eat in order to get to use the tin fruit-cocktail can that I need for practice.
I start by shooting the bottom of the can at 2X ("sighters", I call 'em) and then try to shoot one into the UPC label and one into the red "DelMonte" logo on the front at 7X. I've noticed my skills come along quite nicely - I hope I make "rifleman" and not "cook" at one of the Appleseed events!
Posted 07:48PM Oct 04, 2008 by MCSA
A few months ago, Para, along with Michael Bane got the leading gun-bloggers together and had them go shoot for a few days with Todd Jarrett.
They now have the entire edited series for your viewing pleasure:
http://www.downrange.tv/show6/
Posted 10:02AM Oct 03, 2008 by MCSA
These are mostly for Don C's Lakemoor show, but I managed to find one for a show in Rockford. If I missed any around here, leave a comment or let me know.
Posted 10:29AM Oct 02, 2008 by MCSA
