BE PREPARED AND STAY PREPARED
BE PREPARED and STAY PREPARED
Over the past several years, United States citizens have been buying AR-type rifles at an unprecedented rate. Until 2013, I had thought there was little use for guns of that type. Even the most accurate and expensive of the bunch shot groups far larger than any realm of acceptability for purposes within their cartridge range. For example, half-inch groups with 223-class cartridges have been laughable to serious varmint shooters using bolt-action rifles for decades. That might be okay for a skinny-barreled 22-250, but certainly not for a 222 or 222 Magnum, including the somewhat less desirable 223 case design. While half an inch may sound small, the area of a circle that size is fully four times larger than the area of a one-quarter-inch circle. So ARs -- quite a bit like the M16 that was checked out to me in 1964, except considerably refined over the past half century -- are not interesting to me. But then, I'm only one person, and no bolt-action rifle has ever sold commercially like the AR types.
So, now countless thousands (I'm being conservative here) of citizens possess a relatively inaccurate rifle that is clumsy and awkward to handle and shoot. The manufacturers are trying to push them off as "modern" rifles for "sporting" use. Said differently, hunting. Bull. It's all about profit, and sales have fallen off dramatically as owners in great numbers have come to realize their shortcomings. However, since about mid-2013, when it became clear that hostile activity in some middle east countries was on the increase, and realizing that neither major political party has any thought whatsoever of controlling our southern border, I developed some feeling of comfort in knowing we have a well-armed citizenry. As a combat weapon, the AR shines. It kicks the AK down the street and into the gutter, no matter what kind of sweet terms are used to describe the AK. Sure, AKs work well when dirty, but when clean they still don't shoot accurately. It's a bullet "thrower," not a useful one-shot-at-a-time precision rifle. Precision is a good thing, and a lot of the ARs are precise enough to do a fine job of protecting our homeland. Homeland Security? That's a group of fat cats in Washington who enjoy steak lunches and haven't done a damn thing toward organizing the citizens so they can be a part of national defense. Hell, they don't trust us. What a bunch of chuckle heads! Here in Idaho, at least in Lemhi County, homeland security will be our responsibility.
Our elected officials will continue to fail us. We'll continue to pay them. There are people in Salmon, Idaho, by the busload who could and would do a better job than most anybody who now occupies a seat in Congress or the Senate, or the Executive Office. One barometer to use in determining this is the southern border. There's a little fuss and press coverage from time to time to appease us, but no real effort. It could be under control as a stop-gap measure virtually overnight, with permanent structure and control in place within about 18 months, but it ain't gonna happen. Not anytime soon. Failing to do so is beyond stupid; beyond irresponsible. Any politician arguing against full control of the border should be impeached. We can only wonder how many dedicated enemies of the United States, from whatever country, cross it every month. Allowing this to happen is clear evidence that these same politicians simply don't care about you, your children, and your grandchildren.
We don't want any radical this or thats in this country. News for you... they're already here. Their numbers will increase. There's no need to grab the binoculars and start looking across the horizon just yet; the assembly of bad guys will probably take years. Meanwhile, maybe we can vote most of the lawmakers out of office and replace them with good citizens who think further than their bank account and stock portfolio. And you can find some comfort in knowing that the gun owners of America will make it very difficult for evil-doers to make a mess of our country. You're part of this. Be responsible in your actions. Visit with fellow responsible shooters in your area to develop a plan of action for various scenarios. Practice to keep your marksmanship honed and to stay fully familiarized with your rifle. Keep your gear in top condition; locked up, but immediately accessible to you. Obviously, you have already correctly figured that my choice is a bolt action, and for close work there will be an 870 Remington 12 gauge close by. We all need to get ready and stay ready, 'cause ISIS and nobody like 'em is welcome here.
JDC