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I Got a Birthday Coming Up, You Know

Wednesday, March 5, 2008 • 8:21 pm


I'm sure I'm going to catch hell from the usual suspects for posting this, but I figure what doesn't kill me just makes me stronger. Besides, Kendall's over there posting his death ray thing, and I know he's getting away with it because he's big cuddly Kendall, but you can have your silly death ray. Despite the claim by the guy in the video that they're not going to manufacture these (yeah right), I'm going to be needing me one as soon as they hit the market:


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Comments:

Now that is Sweet.

[1] Posted by James Manley on 03-05-2008 at 08:36 PM • top

Well, since I’m often called “NRA” for short because of my chosen moniker of New Reformation Advocate, let me take this opportunity of clarifying once again that I am NOT a card-carrying member or promoter of the National Rifle Association.  If Greg wants to pack one of these niftly little collapsible machine guns, the FMG9, well, it might be wise in his case.  And after all, he is a layman. 

Somehow, I don’t feel comfortable packing that kind of heat as a priest.  Of course, there are more than a few clergy who do, and I’m not criticizing them.  A notable example would the orthodox low church hero, the Rev. William Dickson of Ft. Worth, who is famous for his prowess with his beloved 9mm Glock.  No one should mess with him.

But I can’t help wondering: Greg, how in the world do you find this kind of stuff?

David Handy+

[2] Posted by New Reformation Advocate on 03-05-2008 at 08:44 PM • top

David+:

I believe Greg wishes to practice ‘Shalom’ through superior firepower:)
I’ll stick to my H&K;USP 40 Cal and the power of prayer.

Would have been helpful in my previous profession though.

Alasdair+

[3] Posted by Alasdair+ on 03-05-2008 at 09:09 PM • top

You know, the reason why Kendall gets away with posting about the Death Ray is because it is all in the Service of Humanity and Higher Education and Ethical Considerations.

Nobody thinks that really Kendall is secretly longing for his very own Ray Gun.

And we know that you are not posting this article for the service of humanity or conversation about ethical considerations.

Had you been smart enough to say “I wonder if this gun is really appropriate for use since it is based on deceit and camoflage” and then said at the very end of the article “My birthday is very soon” you would have gotten the message across and yet been able to claim the Ethical Thoughtfulness angle.

But no—you have not listened to the 13 Episcopal Therapists that I assigned you some months ago.  And therefore you continue to reveal the Underlying Non-Interest in Dialogue and Inclusion that marks your reign of terror here.

[4] Posted by Sarah on 03-05-2008 at 09:18 PM • top

Whoa.  Suddenly the .410 shotgun I’m getting to discourage coyotes from eating my chickens seems so…. yesterday.  And conservevangelfundy.  I am downcast.

[5] Posted by Cindy T. in TX on 03-05-2008 at 09:27 PM • top

When “The Man From UNCLE” was on TV, my parents gave me a camera that unfolded into a toy pistol. I got a similar rush watching that video.

I would, however, hate to see it go off while in the back pocket.

[6] Posted by Going Home on 03-05-2008 at 09:34 PM • top

#5

Electronet portable poultry netting from Premiere in Iowa.  4000 volts really does the trick.

[7] Posted by wildfire on 03-05-2008 at 09:40 PM • top

It is hard to tell but it looks like the trigger action disconnects from the receiver when it folds.  There should be a hammer bar too, so it should not be able to fire in the pocket.

I do not, however, like the way the guy points it at himself when he folds it…

[8] Posted by James Manley on 03-05-2008 at 09:41 PM • top

Where is this guy walking his dog? Mogadishu? Maybe he needs to trade in his chihuahua for a German Shepherd.

[9] Posted by robroy on 03-05-2008 at 09:47 PM • top

portable poultry netting

Now that’s a niche market if there ever was one!

[10] Posted by MLW+ on 03-05-2008 at 09:49 PM • top

Sounds good, Mr. McCall.  But if my husband gets me portable poultry netting for MY birthday, it’s over.

[11] Posted by Cindy T. in TX on 03-05-2008 at 09:51 PM • top

At least its the back pocket.

[12] Posted by Going Home on 03-05-2008 at 10:01 PM • top

Maybe Christmas?

Seriously, we started using this product about ten years ago after recurring fox problems and haven’t lost a chicken since.  And I’m not exaggerating about the 4000 volts.

[13] Posted by wildfire on 03-05-2008 at 10:04 PM • top

Portable poultry netting sounds like really low tech stun gun sort of stuff, now that I hear about it.  Would you wear it around yourself for protection?  And it you were walking the dog and there was a fire hydrant, how would that work for you or the hydrant or the dog, for that matter?

What we really need are personal force-shields, but I’m thinking the electrified portable poultry netting ain’t gonna cut it, guys!

[14] Posted by dwstroudmd on 03-05-2008 at 10:05 PM • top

Now that’s a niche market if there ever was one!
Yup, CHICKEN FARMERS, LOUD AND PROUD!!!

Oh, wait, sorry, we were talking about Greg’s gun envy…

[15] Posted by Cindy T. in TX on 03-05-2008 at 10:14 PM • top

James Manley #8—I too cringed several times when I saw the video.  It’s obvious the guy has never taken a gun safety course or been roundly chewed out for mishandling a weapon.  He killed himself several times over.  ALWAYS treat a firearm as if it were loaded and could go off.  NEVER assume it’s on safety or that the safety will work.  ALWAYS point a firearm in a safe direction, even if you “know it’s not loaded.”  Those famous last words have killed more people. . . .

Maybe this was a nonfunctioning model, but it should have still been treated like the real thing for demonstration purposes.

[16] Posted by Jim the Puritan on 03-05-2008 at 11:59 PM • top

I’m disappointed.
It only transforms from a flash light to a machine gun.  I had a James Bond Radio as a kid that transformed to a machine gun. 

Where is the music?  Imagine the sound track possibilities!

[17] Posted by Ed McNeill on 03-06-2008 at 01:29 AM • top

Glocks are over-rated. It’s a nifty toy, but if you really want a decent handgun get a CZ-75b.

When I go to church, I get incensed.

[18] Posted by Matthew A (formerly mousestalker) on 03-06-2008 at 04:26 AM • top

I never envisioned Greg to being a mini sub-machine gun type of guy. I thought he was more one for the “street sweeper” or something with a little higher more caliber. Maybe something nice for his wife or daughter, but I never quite imagined Greg going for so small.

[19] Posted by Hosea6:6 on 03-06-2008 at 06:08 AM • top

Mousetalker, my wife and I have several Glocks between us. I’ve never considered them toys till now. I’ll pass on the CA but you can give us Kimbers for our anniversary the end of this month.

I wonder if Fr. Bill Dickson would like to go out with our church shooting group sometime.

bob+

[20] Posted by bob+ on 03-06-2008 at 06:36 AM • top

Cool!

[21] Posted by MasterServer on 03-06-2008 at 07:22 AM • top

Is anyone working on that “two edged sword” thingy that you carry in your mouth to church?

We really need that!

[22] Posted by MasterServer on 03-06-2008 at 07:25 AM • top

#18, CZ-75b? I don’t know.  For Greg, the Israeli Arms Desert Eagle 50Cal.-AE jsut seems more holy.  Granted the Desert Eagle in not exactly concealed easily, but those Israeli Arms people really know how to build a reliable item.  (The one exception would be the 357 Magnum version, manufactured for the US market, that seems to jam on the last round of the clip).

[23] Posted by revrj on 03-06-2008 at 07:52 AM • top

Mother’s Day isn’t too far away, either.

[24] Posted by Carol R on 03-06-2008 at 07:55 AM • top

Dang, reading these comments it’s no wonder those pesky revisionists are trying to move the more orthodox among us out so quickly - it’s before we all come to the next GC packing heat!!  & maybe when they come to change the locks on “their” property we can use the portable poultry netting to keep them at bay.

[25] Posted by johnd on 03-06-2008 at 08:03 AM • top

Sweet!  My birthday has come and gone but Father’s Day is just around the corner.  The cats are getting to old and lazy to kill anything larger than a mouse.

[26] Posted by catwrangler on 03-06-2008 at 08:11 AM • top

This is my kind of thread!  I have a Glock 19 and love it, though it is sadly lacking in the aesthetics department.  The CZ is a fine weapon as well.  My favorite personl side arm, however, was my Colt 1911A1 Government Model .45.  Classic look and feel and loads of stopping power.

[27] Posted by evan miller on 03-06-2008 at 08:28 AM • top

Is that a FMG9 in your pocket or are just glad to see me?

apologies to Mae West

the snarkster

[28] Posted by the snarkster on 03-06-2008 at 08:38 AM • top

Sounds like your birthday is going to be a blast

[29] Posted by Pageantmaster on 03-06-2008 at 10:30 AM • top

Now, if you really want a gun that means business:

check this out

(especially the little red button on the bottom)

[30] Posted by Flute Girl on 03-06-2008 at 11:56 AM • top

I thought The Rev. Dr. Dickson preferred his Glocks in .40.

RevRJ, I would have no reservations about the CZ75.  The Ceska Zbrojovka puts out fine and reputable products.  (I certainly find that they point more instinctively than the H&K;USP—though your mileage may vary.)

Don’t personally own any, though.  :(  Though my birthday’s coming up eventually, too . . . .

[31] Posted by Africanised Anglican on 03-06-2008 at 11:58 AM • top

Okay, I can picture how the portable poultry netting can deter the foxes and coyotes, but what does it do to the chickens?!? 

If you want fried chicken, do you just grab a hen and throw her against the netting?

[32] Posted by Connie Sandlin on 03-06-2008 at 12:58 PM • top

It’s a piddling 9mm, for pete’s sake! The first thing we all need to do is take a step back (metaphorically speaking), take a few deep breaths and then remember the adage

USE ENOUGH GUN!

Any pistol round smaller than 10mm (.40 caliber), is only marginally more useful, in a gunfight, than a knife. And .45 caliber is even better than .40 caliber, if the shooter can manage the recoil effectively.

Finally, the mention of knives and gunfights brings us to the other adage: “The definition of stupidity is bringing a knife to a gunfight.”

Blessings and regards,
Martial Artist

———————-
—”The common belief that whisky<sup>†</sup> improves with age is true. The older I get the more I like it.”—[Ronnie Corbett]

—————
<sup>†</sup>—This applies equally to whiskey, which, it must be pointed out, is not precisely the same thing as whisky.

[33] Posted by H. Potter (aka Martial Artist) on 03-06-2008 at 03:38 PM • top

At a recent afternoon at the range, I tried side by side, my old WWII Walther P-38 (9mm), my Glock 22 (.40 cal) & my friend’s Glock GAP (.45 cal).  I left the SW .40 at home.

Given time, I was most accurate with the Walther, but as MA states above, it is still only a 9mm after all with only an average of 65% take down on the 1st shot.

The new Glock 22 came on target more smoothly & after adjusting for my trigger action, was accurate enough to meet most needs and it has an average take down of 85% on the first shot.

The GAP was sweet, compact and surprisingly forgiving in the recoil.
Of course, with a .45, the take down on the first shot is over 90%.

I’m keeping the Walther for sentimental reasons, as it was a war prize taken by my uncle in the bocage country of Normandy. 

I’m keeping the Glock 22 as it is now my first choice for carry. 

I’d buy a GAP .45 given half a chance. 

The SW .40, is retired.

[34] Posted by Scotsreb on 03-06-2008 at 04:58 PM • top

Martial Artiste: I am all in favor of the .45 ACP cartridge for self defense. I have a Glock 21 (13 in the mag, 1 in the pipe) but my all time favorite (aesthetically at least) is the old GI Colt 1911 model. It is true that you lose some mag capacity with a .45 but you rarely need more than one “hit” with a .45 round.
  It is also true that the .45 drops like a rock over distance but it was designed for close combat, not distance shooting. As I recall, the Colt 1911 was designed during the Phillipine insurrection in response to the need for something that would stop a doped up, machete weilding attacker in his tracks. The standard sidearm at the time was a .38 and it was found that you could do about as much damage to your attacker by throwing the gun at them as you could by shooting them with it. The Colt 1911 solved that problem quite nicely.
    The Thompson submachinegun was also made in a .45 ACP version. That must have been a real hoss. I have fired a .30 Thompson and I can’t imagine what the .45 version was like.

the snarkster

[35] Posted by the snarkster on 03-06-2008 at 05:02 PM • top

I have a SIG-Mauser M2 in .45: small but sweet.  Also it was much less expensive than a 1911*.

In the 80s the FBI did some handgun effectiveness tests, the executive summary of whose results was “shoot anything you like that starts with a 4.”

A couple of notable naval components of Special Operations commissioned a very tricked out .45 for use by people who were going to USE a pistol, not carry it and hope never to draw.

[36] Posted by Ed the Roman on 03-06-2008 at 05:27 PM • top

Snarkster - where have you been?  It’s good to see your still around.

[37] Posted by Wilkie on 03-06-2008 at 07:15 PM • top

Yes - thought you may have been snarked out cool smile

[38] Posted by Pageantmaster on 03-06-2008 at 08:11 PM • top

I just realized someone has sold the Snarkster a lethal weapon. I may rethink my 2nd amendment stand. I mean, it’s like selling a silk rope to the Boston Strangler. Something bad has got to happen.

Seriously snark, good to see your moniker in play again.

I fired a Thompson .45 that belonged to a man named Blood, That was his name for real. I couldn’t hold it down, ended up spraying some cottonwoods. Useless piece.

[39] Posted by teddy mak on 03-07-2008 at 08:16 AM • top

[35] snarkster,

I had the priviliege of a brief familiarization firing (full auto) of the Thompson in .45ACP in December ‘72, shortly after reporting to my first submarine. It required tremendous effort to keep it on target, as it wanted to “climb” (i.e., pivot about its center of mass in the direction of the front sight). Needless to say, I was among those who got back in line as often as possible, all of us having been invited to do so by the Marine gunnery sergeant who was the rangemaster and instructor, until the allotted ammunition was expended.

It was a lovely short range weapon in its era and very useful for “room clearance” if there were only hostiles in the room, because of its relative compactness even with the drum magazine, and because turning the weapon on its side allowed the recoil to “walk” the muzzle across the intended field of fire. Today that mission would probably be better handled by one of the very new bullpup urban assault rifles that use very high velocity ammo.

Blessings and regards,
Martial Artist

[40] Posted by H. Potter (aka Martial Artist) on 03-07-2008 at 10:17 AM • top

Martial Artiste: An interesting thing about the early production .30 and .45 Thompsons was the fit and finish. They featured high quality bluing, walnut stocks, and extremely tight tolerances. They were almost the equal of many top grade sporting firearms.
    I would really like to fire a .45 Thompson sometime. The .30 I fired was a sweetheart. It was quite easy to hold on target.

the snarkster

[41] Posted by the snarkster on 03-07-2008 at 01:51 PM • top

Sorry flutegirl….your vidclip was lost to further discussion on sublime superior high cal. pocket firepower and ....um, portable chicken netting.
(huh?)

[42] Posted by anglicanlutenist on 03-08-2008 at 07:38 AM • top

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