Saturday Meme Drop

by Midwest Chick in Midwest Chick's Place on 2026-04-25T10:30:00Z

Meme Dump!

by Tam in View From The Porch on 2026-04-25T10:00:00Z




Preparedness Notes for Saturday — April 25, 2026

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-04-25T07:04:41Z

On April 25, 1644, the last Ming Emperor Chongzhen hanged himself from a tree on Jing Mountain, Beijing, rather than be captured by the forces of Li Zicheng, the Chinese peasant rebellions leader — who soon after ruled over northern China briefly as the Yongchang Emperor. Thus ended the Ming Dynasty. — Today is the birthday of physicist, inventor, and entrepreneur Guglielmo Marconi (1874–1937). He was known for his pioneering work on long-distance radio transmission as well as for the development of Marconi’s law and a radio telegraph system. He is often considered the inventor of radio. — Just a …

The post Preparedness Notes for Saturday — April 25, 2026 appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Simple and Proven Ham Radio Antenna Construction, by Hoofer

by SurvivalBlog Contributor in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-04-25T07:03:23Z

As a public service, I’d like to share my ham radio antenna designs with SurvivalBlog readers. We handed out these antenna-building diagrams, free of charge, at Hamfests.  We sell laminated copies of wall charts and pocket band charts. Below, I am including drawings for Fan Dipoles and OMTA Verticals. (The original idea was Robert Wilson, a nice guy, we shared several ideas, but, after improving on his “math-inspired idea”, we designed and built many iterations of a more practical design.)  For the Fan Dipoles we sell a kit without wire, or a complete build.  Please note that the Fan Dipole …

The post Simple and Proven Ham Radio Antenna Construction, by Hoofer appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Editors’ Prepping Progress

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-04-25T07:02:25Z

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make both long-term and short-term plans. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities and planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, ranch improvements, bug-out bag fine-tuning, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year.  We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in your e-mailed letters. We post many of those — or excerpts thereof — in the Odds …

The post Editors’ Prepping Progress appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

The Editors’ Quote Of The Day:

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-04-25T07:01:10Z

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things. Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is …

The post The Editors’ Quote Of The Day: appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Texas was free – if imperfect

by TPOL Nathan in The Price of Liberty on 2026-04-25T01:00:00Z

Texas' history is often misrepresented and condemned by modern historians and writers. The truth is much different: not all good, but far from all bad. Continue reading

Sporting Chances

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-25T00:18:32Z

Millionaire US big game hunter, 75, is trampled to death by five elephants while hunting antelope in central Africa [More] I didn’t know and AI couldn’t answer my question either. Why not? Looks like he was fine either way. Now look at all the celebratory comments. Every one I’ve seen, to a man (!) is … Continue reading "Sporting Chances"

The post Sporting Chances first appeared on The War on Guns.

When Glock announced the sixth generation of its iconic striker-fired polymer pistol series in December 2025, the firearms community responded with the usual mix of cautious interest and the usual skepticism. For me, the release was really bad timing, as I had just bought another G45 Gen 5. Was this a genuine leap forward, or just a facelift on an already mature platform? I decided the best way to answer that question wasn't a bench test or a controlled range session. It was to throw a brand-new, straight-out-of-the-box G17 Gen6 into the deep end of a two-day beginner practical shooting course and see what happened. One thousand rounds later, we have some answers.
Exclusivity is often claimed, but rarely defined. The Caracal 2011 UAE 50th Anniversary was produced in a single run of just 50 pistols, each marked with a unique serial number from UAE01 to UAE50. These were made available only through a controlled release, with early allocation tied to ADIHEX 2021 and no repeat of those commemorative serials. Beyond the numbering, the build itself reflects a different approach compared to standard production pistols. Let’s take a closer look at the details, which even includes custom-made ammunition!
The Winchester Model 1200 is a bit of a paradox. In my experience, these shotguns generally work pretty well; they’re easy to fix, they’re light, and they are affordable. You’d think they’d be popular, but they aren’t. Not with gun keeners, at least; gun writers and dedicated enthusiasts seem to have little interest in them, if not outright hostility. And yet, I don’t think that’s the fault of this shotgun at all—it’s the fault of the gun that Winchester made before it.

More Blue Corruption in Social Services

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-24T20:58:00Z

4/24/26 ZeroHedge:

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) is facing fresh accusations after Republicans flagged her reported push to direct more than $1 million in federal taxpayer funds to a small Somali-led nonprofit whose listed project address matches a Minneapolis restaurant.

The nonprofit, Generation Hope MN, describes itself as providing addiction recovery services, peer support, job training, and mental health support for the East African community. The address tied to Omar’s earmark request - 326 Cedar Ave S / 411 Cedar Ave S - matches Sagal Restaurant and Coffee, a Somali eatery. Conservative investigator Angela Rose documented the site in a video, using Google Street View archives and on-site footage to show minimal or no clinic signage over years, with the building primarily operating as a restaurant. The owner has confirmed Generation Hope uses upstairs space in the multi-tenant property, but critics highlighted the optics amid Minnesota’s fraud history. ..

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and other Republicans flagged multiple concerns: the restaurant address, three directors listing the same residential home address in filings, and the organization’s limited demonstrated capacity for large-scale treatment services. House Republicans stripped the earmark from a FY2026 spending package in January 2026. GOP senators later requested a formal DOJ fraud investigation into Generation Hope MN.

I wonder hown much of that million plus was going into Rep. Omar's pocket.  4/18/26 New York Post:

 Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar blamed an accounting “discrepancy” for errors in a financial disclosure that listed her net worth at up to $30 million – while doubling down that she is not a millionaire, a report said. 

She says it is more like $95,000. I have a pretty clear picture of my net wealth. I would never accidentally misstate my net wealth as $50 million.

Yes, Racism Remains a Problem in Some Parts of America

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-24T20:43:00Z

 4/23/26 The College Fix:

A petition launched by a freshman at Harvard University argues that campus leaders’ efforts to reform grade inflation at the Ivy League institution is racist.

The lobbying comes as a Harvard faculty consider capping the number of A grades they give out in each class. That proposal came after a report published last fall found that 60 percent of all undergraduate grades are now As.

The petition calls on Harvard to reject the proposed reforms, arguing they are “flawed” and “racially harmful in effect.”

“We center racism as a core concern, contending that although the policy is framed as neutral ‘differentiation,’ it functions as a system of ranking and sorting that mirrors and reinforces existing racial and socioeconomic hierarchies,” the petition states.

Yes, this guy is arguing that BiPOCs can't make it without grade inflation. In 1955, you could find Americans who believed that blacks lacked the intelligence to compete with whites. In the 19th century, even many abolitionists supported returning blacks to Africa (one that most had never seen) because they were thought unlikely to be able to compete on equal basis with whites.

Now, if this student wanted to argue that kids coming from poverty were going to have trouble competing, that might be an interesting argument, but not every BiPOC is coming from poverty and there are white Harvard students who also come from poverty and underprivileged backgrounds.  (At least I hope so; there are plenty of J.D. Vances out there.) But no, this/student is playing the white supremacist tune, saying every black is inferior.

Fiocchi Ammunition , operating under the CSG Group , has introduced a new line of counter-drone ammunition engineered for standard-issue assault rifles, addressing a critical gap in infantry-level UAV defense. The new ammunition is available in 5.56x45mm NATO and 5.45x39mm, with a 7.62x51mm variant already in development.

Some Changes Around Here

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-24T17:29:07Z

I’ve been wasting time I don’t have deleting spam comments, mostly for porn and foreign language hackers, and I noticed name and email address were not required in settings so I changed that. I thought I’d set it up that way originally, but for whatever reason it’s set now. I just tested it and I … Continue reading "Some Changes Around Here"

The post Some Changes Around Here first appeared on The War on Guns.

Off to Unfouled Nests

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-24T17:11:11Z

Blue state residents ‘fleeing in droves’ after ‘insane’ progressive takeover, says top state attorney [More] How they gonna vote in their new home? Anybody hear this guy include “citizen disarmament” among his reasons for leaving…?

The post Off to Unfouled Nests first appeared on The War on Guns.

Zanders Sporting Goods  has teamed up with Missouri-based CMMG to release a firearm you won't find anywhere else: an exclusive suppressed .22LR built on CMMG's MK4 platform, finished head-to-toe in a striking multi-bronze anodizing. Suppressed .22LRs happen to be a favorite kind of firearm for me, so hang on while we discover the details.

We’re the Only Ones All Flocked Up Enough

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-24T16:29:28Z

He didn’t commit a crime, but Flock cam alerts keep getting him pulled over [More] That it happened was inexcusable. That it hadn’t been corrected is unforgiveable. I hope he sues all involved, including rope-selling capitalist Garrett Langley. He can afford it. [Via Michael G]

The post We’re the Only Ones All Flocked Up Enough first appeared on The War on Guns.

A Better Idea

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-24T16:06:21Z

Kellogg: Arming the Iranian People ‘a Good Idea’ [More] Hey, how about “America First“? [Via bondmen]

The post A Better Idea first appeared on The War on Guns.

We’re the Only Ones Self-Checking Enough

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-24T15:57:05Z

The official cause of death has not been determined, but officials don’t suspect foul play, according to the office. Officials are conducting an internal review. [More] Sounds like what’s needed is an EXTERNAL review. If the guy did it, hang him after full due process. Regardless, the state has an obligation to keep its prisoners … Continue reading "We’re the Only Ones Self-Checking Enough"

The post We’re the Only Ones Self-Checking Enough first appeared on The War on Guns.

Speaking of ‘A Holes’…

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-24T15:45:11Z

Sometimes I miss the old days. [Via bondmen]

The post Speaking of ‘A Holes’… first appeared on The War on Guns.

The end of the week brought delightful weather for sitting outside. On Thursday, I took advantage of it and enjoyed a couple of fine cigars in pleasant outdoor settings.

In the afternoon, I spent a few hours at Slow Burn Cigar Company, a new-to-me shop in Remington. (More on that in a future post.) It was such a nice day that I joined others on the outside porch rather than smoke in the lounge.

After dinner at home, I retired outside to the screened porch to enjoy a Crowned Heads Broadway. 



The Crowned Heads Broadway is a relatively new release from Crowned Heads. Coincidentally, it is the first cigar introduced under the company’s updated branding, with the logo displayed prominently on the primary band and a supplemental band identifying the specific line. I’ve had several of the 4 3/4 x 50 Robusto Extra vitola resting in the humidor for about four months.

The cigar features a dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The remainder of the blend is Nicaraguan tobacco, incorporating leaf from the Estelí, Jalapa, and Ometepe regions in the filler. That combination creates a rich, savory smoke that opens with notes of espresso, dark cocoa, and black pepper. Occasional but fleeting hints of sweetness emerge throughout.

As the cigar progressed, the pepper intensified and the profile grew bolder. Medium-full bodied at the start, it moved solidly into full-bodied territory during the second half. The final puffs delivered a concentrated wave of black pepper and dark richness.

My original intention was to pour some New Riff Distilling Bottled in Bond with the cigar. When I set the bottle down after pouring, I realized I had grabbed the New Riff Single Barrel by mistake. That worked out just fine — perhaps even better.



New Riff Single Barrel is a high-rye bourbon, offering a pleasant rye-driven kick. This bottle is labeled at 110.3 proof — assertive, but not overwhelming. Rye spice dominates the nose, accompanied by cinnamon, brown sugar, and sweet fruit notes. There is a touch of proof-driven warmth on the palate, though not enough to warrant adding water. Caramel sweetness and dark fruit balance the spice, creating a robust sipping experience.

The pairing, though unintended, turned out to be especially fitting. The bold and spicy New Riff stood up well to the richness of the Broadway, particularly as the cigar’s pepper and espresso notes intensified toward the finish.

As I smoked and sipped, I put on music from the 1960s and ’70s rock band Traffic in honor of the recent passing of founding member Dave Mason. The music stirred a wave of nostalgia and reflection.

The cigar and bourbon, combined with the spring weather and good music, created a serene and relaxing atmosphere — just the right way to get an early start on the weekend.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Menace to Society…?

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-24T15:35:19Z

And just happened: I’m sure more will be forthcoming, so if you want to know more, I suggest you follow his feed. [Via Andy M] Related UPDATE [Via bondmen]

The post Menace to Society…? first appeared on The War on Guns.

Promises, Promises

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-24T15:26:30Z

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick Says He Would Leave GOP if Pennsylvania Had Open Primaries [More] So, he’ll just make it official? He’s running unopposed? Probably because he’s got a f_ton of money, with the top donor being AIPAC. Any gun owner who votes for this traitor because “he’s not a Democrat” is a willing dupe. Republicans … Continue reading "Promises, Promises"

The post Promises, Promises first appeared on The War on Guns.

The HX-Ti³ is Hausken's latest suppressor, developed for hunters and shooters prioritising low weight, strength, and reliable field performance. It represents the company's answer to a growing demand: suppressors that don't just silence, but become a seamless part of the rifle system without the bulk.

Pryor Restraint

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-24T14:57:30Z

“Because machine guns are not protected by the Second Amendment as weapons in common use for lawful purposes, we affirm,” wrote Chief U.S. Circuit Judge William Pryor, adding the 11th Circuit joins “several sister circuits in holding that the Second Amendment does not protect the possession of machine guns.” [More] Don’t believe him? How ’bout … Continue reading "Pryor Restraint"

The post Pryor Restraint first appeared on The War on Guns.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find Out What It Means to Me

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-24T14:40:27Z

 His mom, Selma Allen, claimed it was actually the victim had bullied her son at school and described him as a “humble” Christian. “She was being a bully to him, that’s it,” Allen told The Post after her son’s court appearance.  [More] Everything you need to know right here about the victim/entitlement/reparations mentality that the … Continue reading "R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find Out What It Means to Me"

The post R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find Out What It Means to Me first appeared on The War on Guns.

Bargain – T3 Gear…sitewide 50% off

by Commander Zero in Notes From The Bunker on 2026-04-24T14:13:19Z

Got a notice in email of a 50% off sale at a vendor I like. Passing it on to you guys. A small shop that makes a couple items that I very much like. The first is their T3 Bolt … Continue reading

Some People Are Painfully Tone-Deaf

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-24T14:07:00Z

4/23/26 Daily Caller:

A Virginia state senator told colleagues he understands rural America because he grew up watching “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

Democratic state Sen. Lamont Bagby made the claim during a floor debate on the state’s gerrymandering amendment, according to video posted by WJLA reporter Nick Minock. Bagby pushed back on Republicans who argued Democrats have no grasp of rural life.

“I grew up watching the Waltons. I grew up with Opie. I even watched the Dukes of Hazzard. I think I know a little bit about rural America,” Bagby said, apparently referencing “The Waltons” and “The Andy Griffith Show” alongside the hit CBS series. He then rattled off characters from urban-set sitcoms to argue he fights for all Virginians. “I’m not just here for Theo. I’m not just here for Arnold or Willis. I’m here for Opie, John Boy. Blossom, Topanga.” 

 

Available from Morphys here: https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/_A__SPRINGFIELD_MODEL_1867_TRAPDOOR_CADET_STYLE_RI-LOT661752.aspx When the US military academy at West Point opened in 1802, one of the things it did was train cadets in rifle drill. The cadets were as young as 14 [...]

The post Model 1867 Trapdoor: A Unique Rifle for West Point Cadets first appeared on Forgotten Weapons.

From stone-age man to modern EDC, the fixed blade knife has served humanity well! Here are just a few of our favorites and what we carry daily!
In Gasparilla Sound, 11 year old angler Ella Griffioen lands a record-setting bull shark, measuring 7 feet long and weighing over 250 lbs.
The gap between what academy training builds and what the street requires has nothing to do with individual officers not trying hard enough.
Quote of the Day The Democrat Party’s entire 2026 strategy is a single, malignant sentence: “Promise revenge, and the base will crawl over broken glass to hand us the keys again.” They’re not even hiding it anymore. Impeachment? Not for … Continue reading

Thank God It's Memeday!

by Tam in View From The Porch on 2026-04-24T12:26:00Z




Police Murders Drop in 2025, First Quarter of 2026

by Dean Weingarten in GUN WATCH on 2026-04-24T11:48:00Z



In 2025, the number of officers feloniously killed each year has dropped to the lowest level since 2013.  The Officers Down Memorial Page (ODMP) appears to have more complete data than the FBI Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) data. The LEOKA data depends on voluntary reporting from law enforcement agencies. The ODMP evaluates officer deaths which are submitted to it. The largest discrepancy noticed was in 2013, where ODMP listed 37 officers feloniously killed in that year and LEOKA lists 27.   In 2025, the two numbers are the same.  

The Crime Prevention Research Center has compare the first three months of 2026 with the first three months of 2024 and 2025, using the LEOKA data.  You can see 2026 is lower than the previous years for the first quarter. 

 

 The number of officers feloniously killed has been dropping since the 1970s. There are reasons for this drop. It has not been smooth. The numbers are relatively small, so there are significant changes from year to year. The chart below shows the numbers of officers killed feloniously with firearms from 1963 to 2014

 

 The number of officers feloniously killed with firearms is a pretty good fit to the number of officers feloniously killed, because most homicides of officers in the line of duty are committed with firearms. There are several reasons which may explain the drop. First is the introduction of soft body armor, especially the Second Chance vest in the early 1970s. There was better training on firearms retention, and the use of retention holsters. We also developed much better communications and emergency response systems, as well as better emergency room care. Together these things resulted in a two thirds drop in the numbers of officers killed in felonious attacks. The officers killed numbers tend to follow the overall homicide numbers which also dropped significantly since the 1990s.  The numbers in the first Trump term are lower than the numbers during the Biden administration.

Analysis:  As we continuously improve the technology used by the police, the officers killed feloniously will continue to drop. Robots are already being used to search houses. Cameras everywhere make criminals easier to find, and crimes easier to solve.

©2026 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch
 

 


Officers reportedly canvassed the neighborhood where the shooting occurred, interviewed witnesses, collected evidence, and executed a search warrant at the home.

Detectives were able to determine that the two individuals had engaged in a verbal altercation, which eventually escalated into a physical confrontation after someone pulled out a gun. Investigators believe a fight over the gun took place, which left both individuals shot.

According to SPD, a woman told police they had all been drinking.


More Here


Detectives said that during the robbery, one 44-year-old customer refused to give money to the masked man and a struggle ensued between them.

The masked man then shot the customer at close range multiple times, deputies said.

Meanwhile, the on-duty manager got a handgun from an office in the arcade and shot once in the direction of the masked man, the sheriff's office said, adding that the suspect was not hit and fled from the arcade.


More Here


Weekend Knowledge Dump- April 24, 2026

by Greg Ellifritz in Active Response Training on 2026-04-24T11:02:19Z

Knowledge to make your life better.  If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend.   Where is The Safest Place to Sit to Avoid Danger? Some things to consider when you are out in various public venues.     Capability or Size? What’s Best For Pistol-Mounted Lights If you […]
If hate doesn’t exist, fund it. So many groups today are doing it, but finally one may pay for it. The Southern Poverty Law Center just got indicted for money laundering, etc. They literally paid neo-Nazis, KKK members, and their ilk to get out there are do their thing so that the SPLC could point […]

Preparedness Notes for Friday — April 24, 2026

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-04-24T07:04:08Z

On April 24, 1913, the Woolworth Building was opened in New York City by Frank Winfield Woolworth. It was completed at a cost of $13.5 million. At 792 feet, it was then the world’s tallest building. It is pictured above (at center) in 1965. — April 24, 1944: The first Boeing B-29 arrived in China after flying “Over The Hump”. — And on April 24,1990 STS-31 was launched. It was the 35th mission of the US Space Shuttle program. It  carried the Hubble Space Telescope. — Today we present a short guest article by our friend Hub Moolman, of South …

The post Preparedness Notes for Friday — April 24, 2026 appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Silver Prices Will Still Go Much Higher, by Hubert Moolman

by SurvivalBlog Contributor in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-04-24T07:03:51Z

Silver is trying to get back into this important channel previously pointed out:       (Click to expand.) This puts the current bull market in a similar position to 2004 in the previous bull market. In other words, it is still very early in this bull market. If you consider the current bull market structure in this context, then it should be apparent that silver prices are currently not as overextended as many may think. It would be like saying silver at $5.60 in 2004 was overpriced. Silver is currently only about 58% higher than its 1980 peak (the …

The post Silver Prices Will Still Go Much Higher, by Hubert Moolman appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Economics & Investing Media of the Week

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-04-24T07:02:46Z

In Economics & Investing Media of the Week we feature photos, charts, graphs, maps, video links, and news items of interest to preppers. The public domain photo above of drought-cracked clay soil was taken by Bert Kaufman. Economics & Investing Links of Interest UBS Warns Drought Shock Unfolding Across Breadbasket Of America World Silver Survey, 2026 Aluminum Market Descends Into Supply ‘Black Hole’ Are Credit Card Numbers Going Away? War turns sulphur market toxic in acid supply shock. Uranium Supply Crunch Worsens Amid Kazakhstan’s Plan For Strategic Reserve. Andurand’s “Hedge” Fund Lost 52% In First Two Weeks Of April On …

The post Economics & Investing Media of the Week appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

The Editors’ Quote Of The Day:

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-04-24T07:01:52Z

“The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence.” – John Adams, from A Defence of the Constitutions of the Government of the United States of America, 1787

The post The Editors’ Quote Of The Day: appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Fun With Batteries

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-24T04:46:00Z

A couple years ago, with the help of a nuclear scientist who is handy with a soldering iron, i built a largely American astronomy power supply. 

What is an astronomy power supply? Amateur astronomers need typically a 12V power supply to power their equatorial mounts and the increasingly complex gadgetry for modern astrophotography. These are pretty much all made in the PRC, so after the last stopped recharging, i said I would make my own.

The  LiFePO4 battery was from Dakota Battery in Seattle. Very little of the other parts seem to be made anywhere but the PRC now: a 12V cigarette lighter socket, and a really cool digital voltmeter display. It works with most of the mounts that I have that need 12V power.

A couple years back, I bought a Losmandy G811G mount. This is a very fancy go-to mount. Pick an object and across this sky it roams. I was never able to get it to work, partly out of frustration because thousands of others use it just fine. (SuperGrok may have figured out what I was doing wrong.)

So I rolled it out a couple nights ago, and before doing the needed setup, I grabbed the hand controller and told it to slew across the sky. Beep! RA STALL. This usually means you do not have enough voltage.  The port says 12V-18V but moving those motors actually needs more like 14V. The battery was at 13.3V. After a couple attempts, it was down to 10V. It turns that this little power glutton tucked more ampersand than it could give. 

SuperGrok said get a larger capacity battery. I ordered a 20Ah Dakota. When it arrived, the built-in voltmeter said 13.1V. The Dakota 3A tender could not raise that at all. It turns out something called the Battery Management System decided to protect by refusing to charge. After much study, I learned you defeat BMS by wiring a higher voltage battery positive to positive and negative to negative then disconnect and resume charging. So no astronomy tonight?

The older Losmandy GM8 mount is far less demanding. It runs just fine on 13V. Do I rolled the 5" f/9 apochromat out. I had forgotten how sharp and crisp it is. With a 50mm eyepiece (22x) Jupiter's cloud bands were easily visible. At 32x, even more details.  Then I remembered the last time I used it, i had some focuser difficulties that I did not adequately address. Evening over.

Also, the tripod at its lowest position. This is good for sitting in a chair to look at stuff below 45 degrees altitude, but the Moon was  almost at the zenith and Jupiter was not much below it. I was down on my knees and rear.  Clumsy.  I think i will raise it up tomorrow.  It will still be some work looking at the zenith but it will be worth the effort to be standing up.

Murder most foul… not in today’s media

by TPOL Nathan in The Price of Liberty on 2026-04-24T01:00:00Z

Weasel words rule in jurisprudence and the media today. Heaven forbid we speak openly about events or people. Continue reading
For the last two years, if I was wearing something with pockets, the Streamlight Wedge XT  was in one of them. This little EDC light is a handy tool to have around, and I have used it extensively. So after all that time, am I staying with it, or getting something else?
I am learning a lot reading this book. I was never terribly clear on all the religious disputes behind the English Civil Wars but this gives details that are new to me. Calvinists dominated the Church of England and were therefore advocates of predestination--the idea that God chose which persons were doomed to Hell and which were from before the beginning of time guaranteed salvation. (This has/always struck as a weird idea but let's not get distracted.)

Arminianism is the belief that we have free will and choose to follow God and thus salvation through belief in Jesus as Son of God. 

The Calvinists, including the emerging cranky Puritans and Pilgrims, considered this crypto-Catholicism for reasons that are unclear, but may just have been that Anglicans who favored high liturgy (lots of robes and ceremonies which just smacks of Popery) leaned towards Arminianism. 

Like I said, I am learning a lot.
Capacity isn’t usually the headline with revolvers, but the Smith & Wesson Model 327 Performance Center  changes that equation. With an eight-round cylinder in .357 Magnum, it pushes beyond the traditional six-shot format while keeping the revolver manual of arms intact. That alone makes it stand out in a market largely dominated by semi-autos for higher capacity.
Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner . Last week, we went over the various types of holsters you can carry in Part 2  of our holster rundown. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here  to check it out. This week, we are going to wrap up our holster rundown series by looking at some of the accessories for concealed carry holsters. With a variety of options and additions available on the market, there are plenty of options to look at when ordering a Kydex or leather holster. What accessories are worth the money, what may be a waste of money, and how do you tell the difference?

The Usual Suspects

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-23T22:46:55Z

Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., all voted against a modified version of the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act early Thursday morning. [More] Search this site — and the old one — for each of these names and tell me this surprises you.

The post The Usual Suspects first appeared on The War on Guns.

Weather or not II

by Commander Zero in Notes From The Bunker on 2026-04-23T21:36:02Z

It changes just. Like. That. <snap of fingers> Guess the snowshoes are gonna be standard equipment on the SxS.

By Dave Workman An online publication, Legal Reader, is reporting how Americans own guns for many reasons, and oen thing the most recent data shows is that “female gun ownership (has) increased by 5-15 percent since 1980, while male gun ownership decreased by 11 percent.” This tends to confirm what the National Shooting Sports Foundation […]

The post New Report Says Data Points to Rise in Female Gun Ownership appeared first on Liberty Park Press.

The Cost of Doing Business

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-23T19:58:16Z

Law enforcement responding to ‘active shooter’ at Mall of Louisiana [More] Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Check for updates here.

The post The Cost of Doing Business first appeared on The War on Guns.

That’s Pretty Close to Vindication

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-23T19:12:33Z

DOJ moves to vacate Jan. 6 seditious conspiracy convictions of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders [More] Tyrants thought they could destroy an idea by destroying men. [Via Jess]

The post That’s Pretty Close to Vindication first appeared on The War on Guns.

Rules of Engagement?

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-23T18:55:12Z

When you listen to Hasan Piker speak it becomes very obvious why Lenin and Stalin killed so many people. He appoints himself judge, jury and executioner – anybody who ideologically opposes him is guilty of vague crimes like “social murder” and can therefore be executed. [More] He should be careful what he wishes for: [Via Michael … Continue reading "Rules of Engagement?"

The post Rules of Engagement? first appeared on The War on Guns.

A Frostback’s Case for Disarming YOU

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-23T18:49:09Z

In any case, in what follows, I argue (I strongly believe, soundly) that not only (i) owning, carrying, and/or using guns, but also (ii) The 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution, and (iii) their necessary consequence, gun violence, are all rationally unjustified and immoral on broadly Kantian ethical grounds, and that therefore, (iv) Gun Abolitionism … Continue reading "A Frostback’s Case for Disarming YOU"

The post A Frostback’s Case for Disarming YOU first appeared on The War on Guns.

Been saying exactly that for years– right down to repeatedly citing that New York Times paragraph, only to be ignored by the gun groups and flat out insulted or just put down by louder voices, none of whom have the integrity to take my challenge and all of whom deflect, run away, and even block … Continue reading "‘No More Important Issue to 2A Than Immigrants Voting for Democrats’"

The post ‘No More Important Issue to 2A Than Immigrants Voting for Democrats’ first appeared on The War on Guns.

Primary Arms Optics has released the SLx 1x MicroPrismT, an updated version of their popular 1x MicroPrism built around an H1/T1-compatible footprint. The practical upshot: it works out of the box with the wide range of aftermarket mounts and risers already in most shooters' collections.

There Are Lots of Chemistry Videos on YouTube

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-23T17:42:12Z

And only some of them are instruction on making things that go boom! I ran into this video that is full chemistry nerddom. "The densest element on Earth has almost no uses." Osmium of course. I knew it was used at one time for ballpoint pen balls, although apparently no longer. It was however used for fountain pen nibs. I am old enough to have used a fountain pen. Of course, I am old enough to have learned on a manual typewriter  




The Better Choice

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-23T17:39:58Z

Vivek: “The idea of a heritage American is about as loony as anything the woke left has actually put up”; Casey Putsch is the real deal on guns; and in re Democrat/media/Vichycon Alliance allegations of racism… [More] The post I’m replying to merits your attention, particularly if you’re an Ohio gun owner only influenced so … Continue reading "The Better Choice"

The post The Better Choice first appeared on The War on Guns.

Great Moments in Packaging Abuse

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-23T17:15:41Z

Fedex delivers package. Okay.
Inside is a Priority Mail box. Not okay, these are reserved for Priority Mail.

Inside the Priority Mail box is a Priority Mail envelope.
Not getting better. Inside it in bubble wrap are the little containers of scent that our wives use in outlets to keep the house smelling nice.

Someone clearly learned about the nesting Russian dolls and thought it was a how-to.
Leapers has announced the UTG Pro Extended Cocking Handle for the MP5 and MP5K, a one-piece steel replacement cocking handle designed to address ergonomics on a platform that was built with right-handed operation in mind. It is made in the USA and priced at $29.97.

Is All Blue Public Assistance Corrupt?

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-23T16:56:00Z

Implausible growth in Minnesota autism cases and treatment. 97% survival rates for hospice agencies in Los Angeles County, some of which are apparently sharing addresses with tire stores and burrito shops. 4/22/26 KIRO:

Mayor Katie Wilson of Seattle said all options are on the table after a forensic evaluation found $13 million in public funds are unaccounted for at the King County Regional Homelessness Authority.

According to the evaluation, the financial troubles do not end with the missing money.

A 43-page report outlines the findings of the investigation. It states in 2025, more cash was leaving the authority than coming in to the tune of more than $40 million.

The evaluation was ordered by the city and county in August in response to a series of financial issues. It covers the KCRHA from mid-2021 to mid-2025. Among the money mishandling it cites are $1.26 million in interest charges, $2.96 million paid to a staffing company and $6.4 million in unapproved overspending in 2025.

“I think we need to take this seriously,” Maritza Rivera of the Seattle City Council said. “We need to disband KCRHA.”

This is not just defrauding taxpayers; it is reducing aid for the needy, instead of the greedy.

It Is Always Nice When Police Get Out Ahead of This

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-23T16:48:00Z

4/23/26 CNN:

A former police officer and sheriff’s deputy was arrested in Florida on Wednesday after authorities found information suggesting he planned a mass shooting at a festival in New Orleans, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

Christopher Gillum of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is wanted in Orleans Parish on a charge of making terroristic threats. “Authorities obtained information Gillum planned to travel to a festival in New Orleans to conduct a mass shooting and then commit suicide by cop,” the sheriff’s office said.

The question, of course, is what information did they have. 

Hung Back

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-23T16:21:11Z

Another Trump loyalist is taking over as acting head of the Navy: Undersecretary Hung Cao, a 25-year Navy combat veteran who ran unsuccessful campaigns for the U.S. Senate and House in Virginia. [More] Let’s hope he bring more boldness to this new position than he did to his campaigns. [Via Andy M]

The post Hung Back first appeared on The War on Guns.

Urgent and Final

by admin in The War on Guns on 2026-04-23T16:13:28Z

April 28th is the last day to register to vote in the May primary election. [More] I wonder how much of not having more good choices to vote for stems from not being personally involved in the fight while it’s still easy, compared to what it could be like when the choice becomes more existential.

The post Urgent and Final first appeared on The War on Guns.

Chattanooga Shooting Supplies has announced two exclusive colorway variants of the Smith & Wesson Performance Center Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp , available through its authorized dealer network in limited quantities. The two new SKUs each pair a distinctively colored polymer frame with a Performance Center Gray Armornite slide. SKU SW14847 features a blue titanium frame, while SKU SW14846 goes with a midnight bronze frame. Both are otherwise identical to the standard Carry Comp configuration.

GForce’s American Jawbone PDW [REVIEW]

by Mike Searson in Recoil on 2026-04-23T14:58:03Z

Offering a lot more firepower than it's nakesake, the GForce Arms Jawbone is a 9mm PDW with a little extra under the hood.

Moving is Getting Serious

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-23T14:07:49Z

I ordered boxes for my telescopes.  Finding 16x16x72 for the 8" f/7 was impractical but 16x16x36 can be mated to the right size. Ditto 12x12x36 for the 5" refractor. The big Dobsonian disassembles into a lower cage and an upper cage. Both will fit in 30x39x20 boxes. 

A friend has some DCM shipping boxes for my long guns. I need to check with UPS for any strength specs on shipping ammo.
Quote of the Day Democrats do not have a monopoly on tribal loyalty over policy. Republicans talk a good talk about economic freedom and gun owner rights, but don’t really do much about it, they opposed gay marriage and grudgingly … Continue reading

THE FIVE POINT CHECK LIST, REVIEWED

by Mas in on 2026-04-23T13:00:00Z

The treatment for one illness may be fatally contradicted for another. So it is in medicine, and so in can be in law, specifically self-defense law. A classic example is the advice, “Say nothing to police except ‘I want to call a lawyer!’ after you’ve shot a criminal in self-defense.”  Not talking to police is great […]
After CCW Safe acquired the Armed Citizens’ Legal Defense Network, Inc., Former members of the ACLDN might have questions about renewals and how those will now work. Michelle Cerino breaks down the process of renewing with CCW Safe.
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we sit down with Rafael Del Valle, U.S. Sales & Marketing Director for Bersa Firearms. For decades, Bersa Firearms has produced very popular and reliable firearms for Militaries, Law Enforcement, and civilians, offering everything from compact Thunder 380 pistols for concealed carry, to newer high-capacity TPR9 duty guns with threaded barrels, striker-fired BP series micros and full-sizers like the new BP9FS and BP13, double-stack B1911 and M2XI 1911s with bull barrels and 20+ round mags, plus new American Kennesaw-built BAR15 AR rifles and BAR9 pistols. Today, Rafael gives us a peek behind the curtain of one of the world's most well-known firearms manufacturers.

Wyoming Self-Defense Reimbursement Bill Dies in House Vote

by Dean Weingarten in GUN WATCH on 2026-04-23T11:45:00Z

Wyoming lawmakers introduced a bill this year that would have given real protection to people dragged through the criminal justice system after using lawful self-defense. House Bill 14, titled Protecting self-defense-reimbursement and amendments, would have required counties to reimburse defendants who were found not guilty, had charges dismissed, or were otherwise released from prosecution because they reasonably used defensive force under Wyoming law.

But the bill did not make it out of the House. HB0014 failed introduction on February 10, 2026, by a 29-32-1 vote.

HB0014 was aimed at one of the most abusive realities of modern self-defense law: even when a peaceable citizen does everything right and ultimately beats the charge, the state can still leave that person financially wrecked. Lawyer bills, bail costs, lost work, and the stigma of arrest do not disappear just because a prosecutor loses.

This bill tried to address that by making the government pay when the system comes after someone who lawfully defended himself, his family, another person, or property. The bill text says the county “shall reimburse” reasonable costs, including attorney fees, bail costs, loss of time, and even costs tied to seeking expungement. From wyoleg.gov:

If a person who is subject to criminal prosecution is found not guilty, has had the charges dismissed or is otherwise released from custody or further prosecution because the person reasonably used defensive force in accordance with W.S. 6‑2‑602, the county where the person was charged or subject to criminal prosecution shall reimburse the person for all reasonable costs, including loss of time, bail costs, attorney fees and other costs and expenses involved in the person’s defense, including the costs of seeking or receiving an expungement under W.S. 6‑2‑605.

Under proposed W.S. 6-2-604, reimbursement would have been available when a defendant was found not guilty, when charges were dismissed, or when the person was otherwise released from custody or further prosecution because the person reasonably used defensive force in accordance with W.S. 6-2-602. That is broader than a simple acquittal-only rule and would have covered cases that never made it to a full trial.

If a defendant was acquitted at trial, the trier of fact would decide whether the person was eligible for reimbursement because the acquittal rested on lawful self-defense, but the court would determine the amount of the award. In dismissal or no-prosecution cases, the defendant could file a petition in the county court where the case arose, and the court would decide both eligibility and the reimbursement amount. In other words, the bill did not make the jury set the dollar value of the award.

HB0014 also would have added an expungement mechanism tied specifically to successful self-defense cases. A person found not guilty, released, or whose charges were dismissed because of lawful defensive force could petition for expungement in the county where the prosecution occurred. If the person was acquitted because of lawful self-defense, the bill says the court would advise that person upon acquittal of the right to immediately file for expungement. There would be no filing fee for the expungement petition.

(g)  If the court enters an order of expungement under this section, the person shall be deemed to have never been arrested, charged or prosecuted with respect to the matters and charges that are subject to the order of expungement, and the person may so swear under oath.

Bill HB14 is sponsored by 23 representative(s): Brown, G, Allemand, Banks, Brady, Campbell, K, Guggenmos, Haroldson, Heiner, Hoeft, Knapp, Locke, Lucas, Ottman, Riggins, Schmid, Smith, S, Strock, Styvar, Wasserburger, Webb, Webber, Wharff and Winter. The bill is sponsored by 4  Senator(s): French, Ide, Laursen, D and Pearson.

The Wyoming Senate has 31 members: 29 Republicans and 2 Democrats. The Wyoming House of Representatives has 62 members: 56 Republicans and 6 Democrats.  Governor Gordon of Wyoming took time to appear at the Governors Forum at the SHOT Show. He appeared to be a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. He does not appear to have made a statement for or against this bill.

Wyoming is following Washington State’s lead. In Washington, there is a self-defense reimbursement statute, RCW 9A.16.110. The Washington statute is used infrequently. The Wyoming bill goes a bit further than the Washington statute, as it includes particulars for expungement. The bill’s supporters expect it will also be used infrequently. The bill is expected to prompt prosecutors to be more careful in prosecuting self-defense cases.

For gun owners, the principle behind HB0014 is easy to understand. The right to armed self-defense means less if the state can prosecute a lawful defender, fail to convict, and still leave him bankrupt and branded. Anti-gun politicians and activist prosecutors love to talk about “process,” but process itself becomes punishment when the innocent are forced to spend months or years and tens of thousands of dollars proving what should have been obvious from the beginning.

A reimbursement statute does not give anyone a free pass for criminal violence. It simply tells the government that if it comes after a person who lawfully used defensive force and loses, taxpayers—not the innocent defendant—should bear the cost.

HB0014 is dead for now, but the idea behind it is sound. If states are serious about recognizing self-defense as a fundamental right, they should also recognize that an innocent person cleared on self-defense grounds should not be left holding the bill for his own vindication. Wyoming had a chance to move in that direction this year. The House chose not to.

©2026 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Gun Watch


Weather or not

by Commander Zero in Notes From The Bunker on 2026-04-23T11:37:54Z

Montana is one of the most unpredictable climates I have ever been in. This state holds the world record for biggest temperature swing in the one day..over 100 degrees. Going from -54 to 49 in the span of 24 hours. … Continue reading

UCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - The Pima County Sheriff’s Department says a suspect is dead after being shot during a robbery attempt Monday evening, April 20.

The PCSD says deputies responded to a residence in the 3600 block of West Avenida Fria for a reported shooting.

Detectives believe three male suspects, at least one of whom was a juvenile, attempted to rob a teen at gunpoint.

During the encounter, the PCSD says the victim fired his own weapon and hit two of the suspects.

More Here 


One victim was allegedly seen pointing an AK-style weapon at the person who ended up being the shooter.

The three victims, according to Detroit police sources, were the aggressors in this situation and began beating the shooter in his vehicle.

Detroit police sources also said late Tuesday (April 21) that the Wayne County prosecutor’s office has denied charges against the shooter.


More Here


Tab Clearing...

by Tam in View From The Porch on 2026-04-23T11:18:00Z


.

Meme Dump!

by Tam in View From The Porch on 2026-04-23T11:01:00Z




Thursday Meme Drop

by Midwest Chick in Midwest Chick's Place on 2026-04-23T10:30:00Z

Preparedness Notes for Thursday — April 23, 2026

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-04-23T07:04:17Z

On April 23, 1014, the army of King Brian Boru of Ireland defeated Viking forces at the Battle of Clontarf, freeing Ireland from Viking control. (The imaginative painting above was rendered by Hugh Frazer, 1826.) — And on this day in 1940, a dance hall fire killed 198 people in Natchez, Mississippi. — Today’s feature article is by  SurvivalBlog staff writer Tom Christianson. — We are seeking entries for Round 124 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $984,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 124 ends on May 31st, so get …

The post Preparedness Notes for Thursday — April 23, 2026 appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Savage Model 220A in 20 Gauge, by Thomas Christianson

by Thomas Christianson in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-04-23T07:03:50Z

My maternal grandfather owned two shotguns. One was a rusty old 12 gauge with a cracked buttstock and a broken butt plate. The other was a nice little Savage Model 220A in 20 gauge. When I was in my teens, I said to Grandpa, “I would like to try to repair that 12 gauge for you. If you like the work, you can give me the 20 gauge in payment.” That was a foolish offer on my part. Why would Grandpa want to give up a dandy 20 gauge just to get a battered old 12 gauge repaired. But for …

The post Savage Model 220A in 20 Gauge, by Thomas Christianson appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-04-23T07:02:38Z

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from JWR. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. In today’s column, new advances in UGVs. US Army’s Unmanned Hunter Wolf UGV in Field Tests Over at Modernity: US Army Trials Unmanned Hunter Wolf Robot With Gun, Radar In Combat …

The post The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

The Editors’ Quote Of The Day:

by James Wesley Rawles in SurvivalBlog.com on 2026-04-23T07:01:19Z

“As to the history of the revolution, my ideas may be peculiar perhaps singular. What do we mean by the revolution? The war? That was no part of the revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected from 1760 to 1775, in the course of fifteen years, before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington.” – John Adams, from a letter to Thomas Jefferson, August 24th, 1815

The post The Editors’ Quote Of The Day: appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Speech Therapist

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-23T03:21:37Z

I went to a speech therapist today. As you know since my stroke (or actually a couple years after it), i have battled with twi seemingly related problems: a swallowing issue that feels like something stuck on the right of my throat, and difficulty speaking as loudly and clearly as I used to be able to do. The more tired I get, the worse it gets.  This is most apparent in a six hour long deposition.

The speech therapist started by running a camera through my nose to inspect my vocal chords. She pointed to the muscles immediately adjacent to my vocal chords being red and enlarged.  She said these muscles are working too hard because of stress. These muscles are adjacent to the muscles that shut the breathing passage from the esophagus and this likely explains the globus sensation. Fixing one by exercise may fix both, perhaps in just a few weeks.  These are the only areas of my health that are a source of frustration. 
Via email from Blackwing1: This probably first appeared on October 13th, 1965. But this mindset in U.S. politicians goes back to at least FDR. And internationally it goes much further. It is not quite so blatantly as Linus’s delivery here, … Continue reading

The nanny state being pushed

by TPOL Nathan in The Price of Liberty on 2026-04-23T01:00:00Z

Portapotty and restroom wars go political in Colorado. Continue reading

TFB Review: Tyrant CNC TWS 365 Chassis

by Matt E in The Firearm Blog on 2026-04-23T00:00:00Z

Welcome back to another TFB review and today, we have something really interesting that just hit the market. The Tyrant CNC TWS 365 chassis system allows you to turn your P365 into a PDW system with a quick swap into this chassis. I have had the new TWS Chassis for the last couple of months and had some time to develop opinions on the system. Let's take a closer look at the Tyrant CNC TWS 365 Chassis.

Another Wednesday

by Pawpaw in PawPaw's House on 2026-04-22T23:44:00Z

 I started today with a routine eye exam.  Nothing much changed, but they dilated my eyes.  Crap.  I walked around blurry for most of the day.

I see that the Southern Poverty Law Center got indicted.  It couldn't happen to a more deserving bunch.  The SPLC was founded in the early '70s to combat racism.  Over the past 20 years they have become a far-left organization that tries to stretch the definition so that they can still be relevant.  Over the past decade they would put out lists of "hate groups" that included the Catholic church and Turning Point USA.

Over in Iran, it appears that the IRGC has taken over what little remains of the government.  The Gay Ayatollah is only a figure-head and the IRGC is running the place.  Vance and crew didn't leave for Pakistan because no one really knows who is in charge and the negotiators from Iran are a little squirrely.

Today is just Wednesday.  Who knows what is going to happen tomorrow.

We continue to travel in the realm of strange and unique firearms. What could be odder than an Arsenal Firearms AF2011-A1? Apparently, it’s the world's first production double-barreled semi-automatic pistol, built to commemorate the centenary of the Colt 1911-A1. These images are from a range session last year in the Czech Republic.

Wheelgun Wednesday: The Colt BOA Is Back

by Eric B in The Firearm Blog on 2026-04-22T23:00:00Z

Forty years of waiting ends with this Wheelgun Wednesday, as the CNC Firearms x Colt's Manufacturing Company BOA collaboration is officially unveiled. Originally introduced in 1985 as a limited run, the BOA never had the chance to become common. Among serious collectors, it occupies a rare position in Colt's history, defined not by how many were made, but by how few.
Countless children worldwide have taken their first shots not with a .22LR rifle or a .410 shotgun, but an airgun, particularly a BB gun. But if state senators of New York have their way, they’re going to make BB guns (and other air rifles) sold in their jurisdiction lame and non-functioning through Senate Bill S9215.
Glock is bringing additional capacity to some existing pistols. In a social media post , we got our first official look at new 15-round magazines coming to the G44 .22 LR pistol and the slimline 9mm models. Let’s take a look at what we know.

This Should Reduce Victim Studies a Lot

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-22T17:20:00Z

4/19/26 University Herald:

The U.S. Department of Education published a sweeping Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on April 17 that would — for the first time in the history of federal higher education policy — hold every postsecondary program at every type of institution to a single earnings-based accountability standard, with the loss of federal student loan eligibility as the consequence for programs that fail.

The proposed rule, the third and final of three rules the Department has issued to implement the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed July 4, 2025, is now open for public comment through May 20, 2026 at regulations.gov. The Department may modify the rule in response to comments before publishing a final rule, which is expected to take effect July 1, 2026.


This is one of the most consequential higher education policy proposals in decades. Students, faculty, and anyone considering enrolling in a college or university program should understand what it proposes — and what it does not.
The Core Mechanism: The Earnings Premium Test

Under the proposed rule, every postsecondary program — from an eight-week culinary certificate to a doctoral program — must pass what the Department calls an "earnings premium test." The test compares the median earnings of a program's graduates against a benchmark based on the education level of typical workers in the broader labor market.

For undergraduate degree programs, the median earnings of graduates must exceed the median earnings of working adults aged 25 to 34 with only a high school diploma. For graduate programs, graduates' median earnings must exceed those of working adults aged 25 to 34 with only a bachelor's degree.

If a program fails this test in two of three consecutive years, it loses eligibility for federal Direct Loans — meaning students enrolling in that program can no longer borrow federal money to pay for it. Programs that fail cannot simply restart under a new name; the rule includes provisions preventing institutions from enrolling new students in "substantially similar" programs for at least two award years following closure.

Is there value in programs that do not contribute to a decent paycheck?  Certainly. But the government need not subsidize a program that satisfies your desire to learn about Victim Studies.

Magpul has announced three new M-LOK accessories aimed at supporting hand control and consistent indexing: the M-LOK SVG Short Vertical Grip, the M-LOK Thumb Shelf, and the M-LOK Index Stop. All three are around the corner, for sale for almost nothing, and available for May 2026 delivery.

Herostratic Murder

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-22T16:10:00Z

4/22/26 KOMO:

MEXICO CITY (TNND) — The gunman who opened fire atop one of the historic Teotihuacán pyramids in Mexico on Monday carried notes and materials related to past mass shootings in the United States, officials said Tuesday.

Julio César Jasso Ramírez, 27, shot into a crowd of tourists, killing a Canadian woman and injuring 13 others. Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez said six of the injured have since been discharged, while seven remain hospitalized.

When security forces responded to emergency calls at the Pyramid of the Moon, Ramírez climbed higher up the structure before being shot in the leg by a National Guardsman. He then used a .38-caliber revolver to take his own life, officials said.

If "herostratic" is not in your vocabulary. Herostratus destroyed one of the Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus:

Herostratus, who by pure coincidence destroyed the world wonder on the same night Macedonian conqueror Alexander the Great was born [not correct], is a man about whom nothing is known. His social status was likely poor because he was either a former slave or the son of a slave, according to historians. The arsonist, who upon his arrest stated that he committed this unimaginable crime because he was seeking kleos: infamy, reputation, may have been best described by the Russian poet Semyon Nadson. Nadson hypothesizes that Herostratus' determination to destroy the Temple of Artemis was motivated by the sobering understanding that he was but a "maggot squashed by destiny, in the midst of the countless hordes," and that doing so was the only way for him to make his mark on history.

The Ephesian authorities believed that the death penalty did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the offense. Herostratus was sentenced to death as well as damnatio memoriae, which forbade mentioning his name in writing or conversation moving forward. This was done in order to severely punish the fame-seeking criminal.

See how well it worked? You have no idea who he was. This is not the first mass murder seeking kleos. My first peer-reviewed journal article discusses another such case and how news coverage encourages this, especially with guns. The 2019 El Paso mass murderer  consciously modeled himself after a Christchurch mass murder. 9/5/19 AP:

The El Paso massacre is the latest attack in which the gunman appears to have praised the March 15 shootings in Christchurch, where an Australian white supremacist is charged with killing 51 worshippers at two mosques.

Authorities are investigating the possibility that Saturday’s shooting in El Paso was a hate crime, and are working to determine whether a racist, anti-immigrant screed posted to the 8chan board shortly beforehand was written by the man arrested in the attack. Though he was targeting Latinos rather than Muslims, the first sentence of the online rant expressed support for the Christchurch shooter.

While the El Paso murderer seemed driven by hatred of Hispanics, the Christchurch murderer:

The attacks were mainly motivated by white nationalismanti-immigrant sentiment, and white supremacist beliefs. [monster name redacted] described himself as an ecofascist and professed belief in the far-right "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory in the context of a "white genocide". 

Curiously he was an Australian immigrant to New Zealand. The news media's pursuit of clicks makes these monsters famous. If you are a sad little person who feels that your passing will leave no mark on the world, chasing your "everyone will be famous for 15 minutes" may make twisted sense.

Earth Day

by Borepatch in Borepatch on 2026-04-22T16:01:00Z

I would have something to say about this nonsense but The Silicon Graybeard has it pretty much covered.

Miguel, too

Tobacco is a Vile Habit

by Clayton Cramer in Clayton Cramer. on 2026-04-22T15:42:00Z

 Nonetheless, this is the sort of nanny state behavior that shows a complete lack of trust in education of people to look out for their own good. I can also see how this is going to lead to a business opportunity for those born before 2008. 4/21/26 Guardian:

A bill banning anyone born after 2008 from buying tobacco in the UK has completed its progress through parliament in a move that ministers hope will create a “smoke-free generation”.

Under the tobacco and vapes bill anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be able to be legally sold tobacco across the UK, in an effort to save lives and reduce the burden on the NHS.

The bill will become legislation when it receives royal assent next week. Its long journey through both houses of parliament began when it was introduced on 5 November 2024 and ended on Tuesday, when the House of Lords approved amendments made by MPs in House of Commons.

Ministers hope it will end the sale of tobacco products altogether over time and break the cycle of addiction and the disadvantages associated with tobacco.

Smoking leads to 400,000 hospital admissions and 64,000 deaths a year in England alone and costs the NHS £3bn in treatments for tobacco-related illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. It is estimated to involve total costs to society of between £21.3bn and £27.6bn a year in England, mainly through lost productivity.

The more the government does for you, the more excuses they have for telling you what to do. Can a ban on red meat or even meat in general be far off.

When I was young, outside liquor stores, young women would approach me to buy them beer. I never did it, but I can see how a greedy person or of low morals could have taken advantage of this. Tobacco is the same problem.

Wilson Combat has announced the return of the Sentinel, described as the smallest 1911 the company has ever produced, alongside two new Sentinel XL variants. The relaunch brings three total configurations to the lineup, all hand-fit in Berryville, Arkansas, and all carrying Wilson Combat's 1.5-inch-at-25-yards accuracy guarantee.

M26 MASS (Modular Accessory Shotgun System)

by Ian McCollum in Forgotten Weapons on 2026-04-22T13:27:51Z

Available from Morphys here: https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/_N__VERTU_CORP_C_MORE_COMPETITION_M26_MASS_12_GAUG-LOT661207.aspx The M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System (MASS) was designed by C-More Products company as a new shotgun option for the US military. First prototyped in 1999, it was not actually [...]

The post M26 MASS (Modular Accessory Shotgun System) first appeared on Forgotten Weapons.

Magpul has updated its Enhanced Lever Gun (ELG) M-LOK Hand Guard to fit all modern Marlin lever-action rifles, including those produced by Ruger and Remington. The original ELG Hand Guard was compatible only with the Marlin 1895 in .45-70. The updated version extends that compatibility to the 1894 and 336 models across all current chamberings, achieved through a clamp swap to match the appropriate magazine tube diameter. MSRP is $79.95, available in Black, FDE, and ODG.
Quote of the Day The 2nd Amendment was moral turpitude in and of itself. The possession of a gun is the mark of a person with a violent mind and bad character parading behind the nonsense, unprovable claim that our … Continue reading
Our young, enthusiastic contributor named “Rose” (and her sister) sent our publisher a lovely Victorian Puzzle card for her birthday, and we wanted to share her directions about how to recreate this lovely, historical item for someone in your life.

Starting a scorecard

by Midwest Chick in Midwest Chick's Place on 2026-04-22T12:59:21Z

Needing to start a scorecard to keep track of federal Representatives resigning due to malfeasance. Right now we’re down 1 Republican and 2 Dems. Of course I’m waiting for the big ones–Omar and her cronies.
Despite my optimism in de-winterizing the screened porch last week, Mother Nature had other plans. The past few days turned notably cooler, even bringing a couple days of frost warnings. As such, it was a bit chilly when it came time for our Sunday afternoon cocktails and snacks. I assumed we’d retreat indoors, but Colleen suggested we sit out on the porch while I enjoyed a cigar.

I’d been eyeing the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Toro resting in the humidor for three months now, and decided its full-bodied profile might serve as a fitting counter to the chill.

My first inclination was to pour a bourbon with the cigar, but I opted for a cocktail instead. I settled on the Revolver — a richly flavored mix of bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters that leans decidedly dessert-like.



The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Toro is a 6 x 54, softly box-pressed Nicaraguan puro. It was originally released to celebrate Montecristo’s 85th anniversary, with the intent of reimagining the original 1935 Cuban profile using modern Nicaraguan tobaccos. I have enjoyed a few Cuban Montecristos on European trips, I recall only one New World Montecristo prior to this — the milder White Series, which didn’t quite suit my preferences.

The 1935 Anniversary delivers a core of dark roast coffee, earth, and bitter cocoa. A moderate dose of pepper and baking spice — especially on the retrohale — adds definition. In the latter half, notes of leather and malted chocolate emerge. The profile remains rich and well-balanced throughout.

The cigar produced copious amounts of smoke, contributing to its overall richness. Even at rest, it gave off steady plumes — at times bordering on excessive when I was actively smoking.

An exceptionally enjoyable and bold smoke, the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary paired beautifully with the Revolver. The cocktail mirrors the cigar’s espresso and cocoa notes, while the hint of orange lifts and brightens the heavier flavors. The interplay between the drink’s coffee character and the bourbon’s sweetness complemented the cigar particularly well. The dark, warming profile of the cocktail also felt right at home in the cool air.

The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua has received high praise, including recognition as the #2 Cigar of the Year from Cigar Aficionado in 2021. Priced in the mid-range, it delivers an exceptional smoking experience. It’s one I could easily see adding to the humidor for special occasions — or simply for a rewarding late-day smoke.

Cooler weather is set to linger through the week, but with dark, bold pairings like this, that hardly seems like a hardship. Before long, I’ll be reaching for lighter, more refreshing combinations — but for now, this suits just fine.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

So that’s done….

by Commander Zero in Notes From The Bunker on 2026-04-22T11:23:45Z

“Remember this Saying, That the good Paymaster is Lord of another Man’s Purse. He that is known to pay punctually and exactly to the Time he promises, may at any Time, and on any Occasion, raise all the Money his … Continue reading

According to the American Suppressor Associations (ASA), the official number of silencers/suppressors registered in the United States of America was 5,776,685 as of the time they Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firarms, and Explosives (ATF) responded at the SHOT Show in January of 2026. This correspondent obtained information from the ATF on January 22, 2026. At that time it was stated the information had already been released, and over 150K National Firearms Act (NFA) applications had been approved in January of 2026 to that date.

The graph for registered silence numbers has been created using the cumulative numbers for January of each year from 2011 to 2026. When numbers were not available for January, linear interpolation was used to approximate the January number. Each year had at least one reference number.  2017 had three reference numbers, none of them for January.

The number of registered silencers has been compounding at a rate of about 22.6% per year.  That rate is roughly the same as doubling every 3.2 years.  If such a rate continues, there will be about 50 million registered silencers ten years from now.

It is unlikely there will be 50 million registered silencers ten years from now. This correspondent believes the registration requirement will be removed well before 10 years. It could be removed within two years, given the lawsuits now in play. 50 million silencers in the hands of American gun owners, ten years from now, is plausible.

Silencers are very popular firearm safety accessories when they are not restricted by oppressive governmental policies.  Silencers can be made inexpensively with economies of scale. Even the best, most technologically advanced silencers/suppressors will come down in price as economies of scale come into play.  In New Zealand, silencers had, until 2019, been an over the counter commodity, similar to purchasing a rifle scope in the United States. Silencers were relatively cheap.  From a Gun Watch article in 2015:

Silencers are often referred to as suppressors. The best descriptive term is gun muffler. In New Zealand, which has a strong tradition of gun ownership, gun mufflers are unregulated and cheap. They are for sale over the counter or in the mail. The above ads or similar ones can be seen on the online buying and selling site for New Zealand, trademeco.nzFrom trademe.co.nz . . .

This Silencer will fit any centrefire rifle with 17CM of exposed barrel with a diameter smaller than 19mm.

Takes away the loud crack (down to about a 22 magnum noise) and helps protect your ears from permanent hearing loss.

Super strong tooling grade alloy construction designed to withstand bursts of Full Auto fire, making it virtually indestructible on a hunting rifle and keeping the weight down to just 370 grams.

There is no licence required to purchase these in New Zealand.

Rimfire gun mufflers are commonly available for under $20. Consider that a New Zealand dollar is current valued a .65 U.S. dollars.

Silencer prices in New Zealand have increased, but they are still available through the mail.  The exchange rate is now about .59 USD to 1 New Zealand Dollar. At the current exchange rate, quality .22 rimfire suppressors can be had for about $36 USD, and quality high power rifle suppressors can be purchased for prices ranging upward from $120. The highest price showing was about $450 USD.  The New Zealand market is tiny compared to the United States. About 400,000 people in New Zealand are firearms owners, with about 1.77 million firearms.

Current prices for a silencer in the United States run about $350 to $2000. Those prices will drop with deregulation and economies of scale.

There are over a hundred million gun owners in the United States, with over 540 million firearms. A market for 50 million silencers in the United States, once the regulatory burden is removed, is entirely possible.

 

©2026 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included. Gun Watch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







TX: Houston - Homeowner shoots, Wounds Intruder

by Dean Weingarten in GUN WATCH on 2026-04-22T11:08:00Z

Houston police officers responded to a shooting call at a home in the 300 block of Truman Street around 2 a.m. According to investigators, the homeowner was awake and inside the house when a man broke in. The homeowner got a firearm from inside his home and shot the intruder once.

More Here


TN: Nashville - Son Shoots at Robbery Suspects, Hits Victim

by Dean Weingarten in GUN WATCH on 2026-04-22T11:06:00Z

Officers responded to a house in the 5100 block of Rhett Drive just before 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Authorities said a woman had just arrived at the house with a friend when three to four men attempted to rob them in the driveway.

The woman’s son reportedly witnessed the altercation and fired a shot toward the suspects, but that gunshot struck the passenger in the shin.

More Here


Feeds

FeedRSSLast fetched
Tech, Guns, and Food Blog XML 2013-02-13T07:12:09Z
bubbleheadgunnut XML 2014-05-17T01:39:08Z
357 Magnum Archive XML 2020-10-24T14:31:19Z
Gunbot! XML 2025-04-14T03:02:32Z
Hobbit@Law XML 2014-09-09T14:35:05Z
Gun Blogger Rendezvous XML 2025-07-12T23:34:51Z
The Price of Liberty XML 2026-04-20T21:51:25Z
pistol-training.com XML 2026-04-18T19:05:05Z
Cowboy Blob's Saloon and Shootin Gallery XML 2025-12-19T16:25:58Z
The Gun Writer XML 2026-04-25T10:24:34Z
The Minuteman XML 2021-02-06T19:56:46Z
Blog O'Stuff XML 2026-04-24T08:23:47Z
View From The Porch XML 2026-04-25T10:00:00Z
To Which I Replied... XML 2026-01-26T22:19:25Z
Midwest Chick's Place XML 2026-04-22T20:22:44Z
Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership XML 2026-03-16T03:14:44Z
Laptop and a Rifle XML 2022-04-21T18:15:01Z
GUN WATCH XML 2026-04-25T00:40:55Z
The New Rifleman XML 2025-01-29T01:07:11Z
The Clue Meter XML 2026-03-05T11:47:42Z
Mindless Bit Spew XML 2026-03-24T10:36:16Z
FreeThinker XML 2026-02-17T19:16:04Z
She's a Garand Gal XML 2025-03-12T13:34:25Z
Guns & Coffee XML 2026-04-04T07:47:42Z
Home on the Range XML 2026-04-25T00:27:32Z
Cogito Ergo Geek XML 2026-04-25T01:58:47Z
Lagniappe's Lair XML 2026-02-24T07:48:13Z
John Lott's Website XML 2026-04-25T07:22:36Z
Civilian Gun Self-Defense Blog XML 2026-04-01T20:22:45Z
Non-Original Rants XML 2025-08-24T03:09:58Z
Rifleman Savant XML 2026-03-04T01:41:26Z
Borepatch XML 2026-04-25T00:30:47Z
Of Arms and the Law XML 2026-04-15T18:38:39Z
The Displaced Louisiana Guy XML 2025-05-24T07:00:44Z
Assorted Meanderings XML 2026-04-24T22:31:01Z
The Arms Room XML 2026-02-06T23:54:01Z
Mr. Completely XML 2026-04-14T18:49:54Z
PawPaw's House XML 2026-04-25T10:10:52Z
The Michael Bane Blog XML 2026-04-24T12:12:59Z
The Firearm Blog XML 2026-04-25T10:53:01Z
Home XML 2026-04-25T10:53:01Z
Sipsey Street Irregulars XML 2026-04-24T08:23:40Z
Blog – Julie Golob XML 2025-12-05T19:30:46Z
Notes From The Bunker XML 2026-04-24T14:13:19Z
New Jovian Thunderbolt XML 2026-04-25T09:08:33Z
BLACKFORK XML 2025-11-20T09:23:17Z
Recoil XML 2026-04-24T13:00:32Z
DefenseReview.com (DR): An online tactical technology and military defense technology magazine with particular focus on the latest and greatest tactical firearms news (tactical gun news), tactical gear news and tactical shooting news. XML 2026-02-20T07:47:05Z
Monster Hunter Nation XML 2026-03-19T14:47:06Z
Weer'd World XML 2026-04-09T20:25:26Z
Gun Culture 2.0 XML 2026-01-08T00:46:50Z
Irons in the Fire XML 2026-04-25T03:44:53Z
SayUncle XML 2024-07-08T18:19:27Z
The War on Guns XML 2026-04-25T00:18:38Z
XML 2026-04-22T17:01:54Z
Shakey Pete's Shootin' Shack XML 2025-12-16T02:31:33Z
The Smallest Minority XML 2025-08-08T14:18:08Z
2nd Amendment Archives - Liberty Park Press XML 2026-04-23T20:01:29Z
The Ultimate Answer to Kings XML 2026-01-09T21:54:50Z
BALLSEYE'S BOOMERS XML 2026-04-20T22:12:57Z
Clayton Cramer. XML 2026-04-25T10:14:45Z
Musings Over a Barrel XML 2026-04-25T07:21:41Z
Never Yet Melted XML 2026-02-02T14:40:11Z
Gun Nuts Media XML 2024-10-01T14:11:18Z
The Freeholder XML 2025-05-24T06:59:32Z
Shall Not Be Questioned XML 2022-07-21T14:04:39Z
Day At The Range XML 2026-04-14T01:51:31Z
Oleg Volk XML 2020-04-15T05:45:13Z
The Smallest Minority XML 2026-02-11T00:33:32Z
A Girl and Her Gun XML 2017-02-02T03:09:10Z
Cornered Cat XML 2021-01-31T13:25:27Z
The View From North Central Idaho XML 2026-04-23T03:10:55Z
SurvivalBlog.com XML 2026-04-25T02:35:48Z
Active Response Training XML 2026-04-24T08:11:14Z
Forgotten Weapons XML 2026-04-06T17:32:02Z
Joy of Shooting XML 2025-11-13T23:34:30Z
The Zelman Partisans XML 2026-04-13T21:24:23Z
Hunting, shooting, fishing and adventure for women by women XML 2026-04-22T13:00:31Z