Tuesday, May 30, 2023
How To Convert Negative Impressed Checkering to Positive Cut
Impressed checkering is a process where a heated metal die in the shape of the checkering pattern is pressed into the finished stock. The result is a stamping of the checkering pattern. Unfortunately, the points of the individual diamonds are reversed. Instead of the diamond sticking up, there is a diamond-shaped hole pressed into the stock.
There's a way of converting most negative impressed checkering to positive cut checkering with very few tools - it's a project well within the capabilities of most hobbyists.
Saturday, May 27, 2023
DIY Water Chiller
Consider installing a Peltier plate and a fan under a Brita water filter to somewhat chill the water. A large, flat metal plate could be used to transfer heat from the bottom of the water tank. Two water tanks could be combined to produce warm or hot water also.
How to Build a DIY Peltier-Based Mini Refrigerator
If you want a mini fridge but have the budget for a cooler, it might be time to take matters into your own hands and build one yourself: https://www.makeuseof.com/diy-peltier-based-mini-refrigerator/
If you want a mini fridge but have the budget for a cooler, it might be time to take matters into your own hands and build one yourself: https://www.makeuseof.com/diy-peltier-based-mini-refrigerator/
Hot and Cold Water Cooler Using A Peltier Thermoelectric Cooling Module:
https://www.circuits-diy.com/hot-and-cold-water-cooler-using-a-peltier-thermoelectric-cooling-module/
My Diy Peltier Cooler! (version #1): https://www.instructables.com/My-Diy-Peltier-Cooler/
Making a Beefy Peltier Cooler! (version #1):
"Heatpipe heatsinks are really good at cooling CPUs ... so they are perfect for cooling 40mm Peltier chips"
Experiment with a fan on the hot side to see what happens to the temp inside the cooler.
Consider heatsink placement in a wall (that doesn't move) - should make packing the cooler easier. Also look at various heatsink sizes.
A different alternative -
Use a cheap ice-maker to chill water: https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Water-Chiller/
Friday, May 26, 2023
Four Hi-Power Models compared
I like what I've read about the Springfield SA-35, but other variations on the Browning High Power deserve a look too.
" The SA-35 is a Hi-Power clone and is very attractive, with a blued finish and wood grips. Outwardly, it resembles many custom Hi-Powers offered by various smiths over the years. Springfield did away with the magazine safety, beveled the magazine well, installed an easier-to-manipulate safety, an all-black rear sight, and a white dot front sight. It retails for around $700 and comes with a 15-round magazine as opposed to the traditional 13-round mag."
" EAA's Hi-Power is called the MC P35, and it's 100 percent made in Turkey by Girsan. It retains the magazine safety, which also prevents the magazine from dropping free, and it has the ambidextrous safety, which makes it a very true copy of the Mk III Hi-Power last sold by Browning. The sights are good, with a long, tapered, white-stripped front sight that's easy to see and easy on holster leather."
"Overall, I'd rate the SA-35 as performing second best. However, this pistol could really benefit from having its sharp edges turned down and a no-bite hammer or an extended tang."
"EAA Girsan MC P35
I did not like the two white dots on the rear sight. However, the ramped front sight with the long white bar was very quick on target, and I think it gives this pistol a speed advantage. But at the same time, the trigger was a bit heavy, causing me to pull some shots low. ... Other than that, it's not bad right out of the box and would be ideal as a base gun for customization."
I did not like the two white dots on the rear sight. However, the ramped front sight with the long white bar was very quick on target, and I think it gives this pistol a speed advantage. But at the same time, the trigger was a bit heavy, causing me to pull some shots low. ... Other than that, it's not bad right out of the box and would be ideal as a base gun for customization."
"The Hi-Power, in one of the several variations it has been offered in, is probably the most prolific fighting pistol of all time. ... A bit or a lot of custom work only makes this pistol better, and I would advise anyone considering a Hi-Power to at least look at a trigger job, new sights, and having all the sharp edges radiused. Additionally, I'd suggest one of Novak's no-bite hammers; the Commander-style hammer will still allow for some hammer bite. Pick one, make it your own, and enjoy it for the rest of your life.
.30 Super Carry and the S&W M&P Shield EZ: New-Shooter Experiment
Easy to operate and easy to shoot well - after a 22, perhaps the best place to start a new shooter ...
https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/30-super-carry-sw-mp-shield-ez-experiment/473498
https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/30-super-carry-sw-mp-shield-ez-experiment/473498
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Sunday, May 21, 2023
2006 Dodge Magnum Review
One of the last American station wagons, this one was designed to look more aggressive, and to handle in a more sporty manner.
Saturday, May 20, 2023
7 Simple Ways to Lower Your Blood Sugar
How to bring your A1C back to a healthy range and avoid type 2 diabetes. Plus, could ice cream help?
- Exercise 150 minutes a week - a brisk walk will do
- Cut back on processed carbs, especially starchy carbohydrates including:
- bread
- pasta
- noodles
- white rice
- Watch the glycemic index:
Low (55 or less)
- Oatmeal
- Apples, oranges and grapes
- Carrots and other non-starchy veggies
- Quinoa
- Most nuts and beans
- Skim milk
- White potato, boiled (54)
Medium (56 to 69)
- Cherries, cantaloupe and raisins
- Sweet potato, boiled (61)
- Pumpkin
- Macaroni and cheese
- Bagel
- Couscous
- Honey
High (70 and higher)
- Watermelon
- White potato, mashed (83)
- Rutabaga
- Cheerios, corn flakes and many other cereals
- White bread
- Gluten-free bread
- Rice cakes
- Fill half your plate with veggies
Carbs should cover only one-quarter of your plate
Swap in healthy carbsTry to have more foods like quinoa or farro and fewer processed carbs.
Get your daily recommended fiberEat at least 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories (or 28 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet), - in people age 50 and over, 20 to 25 grams a day for women and 30 grams for men. - Get fiber from a variety of foodsVegetables like lentils, nuts and fruits, especially those with edible skin, such as apples and pears, and edible seeds including berries are good sources of fiber, according to the ADA.
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Do-It-Yourself Smith & Wesson J-Frame Trigger Job
https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/diy-smith-wesson-j-frame-trigger-job/473688
TK Custom and Apex Tactical have kits that include an extended firing pin and firing pin spring along with trigger and hammersprings. The longer firing pin is intended to ensure positive ignition.
The hammerspring has to be strong enough to reliably ignite primers. I tested this with TK Custom's springs and firing pin combo in the Model 60. I used 50 rounds each of handloads with CCI 500 standard and 550 Magnum Small Pistol primers. I selected CCI primers because in my experience they tend to be the least sensitive of common handgun primers.
Be sure to test your gun thoroughly with your preferred ammo after changing springs to make sure it fires reliably and also that the trigger returns reliably.
Changing springs is a quick way to reduce the trigger pull on your J-Frame."
"Reduced-weight hammersprings are mostly meant for centerfire guns. Rimfire revolvers typically have stronger hammersprings to help ensure reliable ignition. For example, some rimfire S&W revolvers have 12-pound factory hammersprings. But they, too, can benefit from lighter trigger springs. If you're looking to lighten your rimfire's trigger pull, check with your gunsmith.
TK Custom and Apex Tactical have kits that include an extended firing pin and firing pin spring along with trigger and hammersprings. The longer firing pin is intended to ensure positive ignition.
The hammerspring has to be strong enough to reliably ignite primers. I tested this with TK Custom's springs and firing pin combo in the Model 60. I used 50 rounds each of handloads with CCI 500 standard and 550 Magnum Small Pistol primers. I selected CCI primers because in my experience they tend to be the least sensitive of common handgun primers.
Be sure to test your gun thoroughly with your preferred ammo after changing springs to make sure it fires reliably and also that the trigger returns reliably.
Changing springs is a quick way to reduce the trigger pull on your J-Frame."
9×18 vs 9×19 – Makarov versus Luger
There have been surplus Makarov pistols on sale in the US for many years. Initially they were often converted to shoot the more available (but less powerful) 380 cartridge. 9X18 ammunition is now easier to find in the US, making conversions unnecessary.
"A 9x18mm cartridge is 18.10mm long; the 9x19mm's (9mm Parabellum) casing is 19.15mm long. The 9 itself represents bullet diameter, but this too is not totally exact. The 9x18mm has a 9.27mm diameter bullet; the 9x19mm has a 9.01mm diameter bullet.
Handloaders can use the same primer, propellant, and shell holder for either. Their brass are not interchangeable, however. The 9x18mm's case is 1.05mm shorter, so it will not headspace correctly in a handgun chambered for 9x19mm (and vice versa). Furthermore, the 9x19mm's bullet is not compatible with the 9x18mm's wider bore, and the 9x19mm's substantially higher chamber pressure would also destroy a blowback-operated 9x18mm firearm like the Makarov pistols.
The 9x18mm was designed for an economical blowback pistol, where the recoil spring alone holds the breech closed. This type of operation can only accommodate so powerful a round, and indeed the 9x18mm is the upper limit of what a blowback action can accommodate."
People have successfully trimmed 9mm Parabellum brass (9X19) to reload as 9X18 (search Internet for videos, etc.).
https://www.ammunitiontogo.com/lodge/9x18-vs-9x19-makarov-versus-luger/
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Smith & Wesson Model 645 .45 ACP Handgun
"The third generation of the Smith & Wesson Model 645 double-action semiautomatic pistol, chambered in .45 ACP, was a hit with law enforcement in the late 1980s."
"This new second-generation of semiautomatics was meant to replace the 4500 series of guns, and it came with major improvements. Constructed entirely of stainless steel with a low-luster, bead-blasted finish, the Model 645 was perfect for the sportsman or for law enforcement duties.
That was back in 1985, and partnered with the Model 745—a single-action version with a carbon blue slide engineered as an IPSC competition gun—they were instant hits ...
Still looking for ways to improve the gun, in 1988 the company introduced a third generation of double- action semiautomatics, complete with new serial numbers. The gun shown here is one of those.
The company built the new generation with ergonomics in mind by machining a slimmer grip frame complemented by a new wraparound rubber grip rather than the two-piece one on previous models. Additionally, you could choose between a straight or a curved backstrap."
That was back in 1985, and partnered with the Model 745—a single-action version with a carbon blue slide engineered as an IPSC competition gun—they were instant hits ...
Still looking for ways to improve the gun, in 1988 the company introduced a third generation of double- action semiautomatics, complete with new serial numbers. The gun shown here is one of those.
The company built the new generation with ergonomics in mind by machining a slimmer grip frame complemented by a new wraparound rubber grip rather than the two-piece one on previous models. Additionally, you could choose between a straight or a curved backstrap."
How Federal Made the .31-Caliber .30 Super Carry Cartridge
"For almost two years, Federal discreetly worked to create the all-new .31-caliber .30 Super Carry self-defense cartridge."
"Despite its moniker, the .30 Super Carry is not .30 caliber. The bullet diameter is 0.312 inch, the same as the .32 H&R Magnum, the .327 Federal Magnum, and other ".32-caliber" handgun cartridges."
" The new .30 SC case is essentially the .32 ACP case lengthened from 0.680 inch to 0.828 inch, with about the same diameter. The .32 ACP is slightly semi-rimmed, but the new .30 SC is rimless. The .30 SC uses 100- or 115-grain jacketed bullets loaded to much higher pressures than the other pistol rounds, and that allows it to produce very impressive ballistics."
" The average muzzle energy of the three .30 SC loads shown in the ballistics comparison chart is 340 ft-lbs, not much different than the 9mm's average of 347 ft-lbs for 124- and 147-grain bullets and substantially more than that of the .380 ACP."
" As expected, the velocities were somewhat lower in the Shield EZ's shorter 3.7-inch barrel, about 10 percent less with the CCI Blazer and 14 percent less with the Gold Dot. Interestingly, velocity (and hence, muzzle energy) with the Federal HST load was only 1 percent slower. Obviously, this load is optimized for short-barreled defense pistols."
" In a small, flat, and compact pistol like the Shield EZ, it ought to be a perfect fit for everyday carry. And as popular as full-size Model 1911s chambered for 9mm Luger are these days, I think the .30 SC has a bright future for Model 1911 aficionados."
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Friday, May 12, 2023
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Handloading Lead-Free Frangible Bullets For Pistols
" Handloading frangible bullets requires special attention. Their hard, brittle nature means you must take extra care to avoid damaging the bullet during the loading process. The critical step is crimping. If too much crimp is applied, the bullets can crack or break off. In some instances, the damage is obvious and the tip of the bullet will simply fall off."
" It's not difficult to get the crimp right, but it does require close attention. Some frangible bullets have a rebated nose designed to accept a slight taper crimp when seated to a proper overall length. Other frangible bullet designs lack the rebated nose, and can tolerate no crimp whatsoever. Care must be taken to only remove the flare from the case mouth when running the round through the crimp die. Even the slightest crimp can crack these bullets."
" Frangible bullets are long for their weight, because they are not as dense as lead. This means when they're seated to the same overall length as a lead bullet of the same weight, they reduce the internal space in the case. This raises pressure in handgun cartridges so the powder charge for frangible bullets must be reduced to keep pressures safe"
" Frangible bullets are about the same price as better jacketed bullets. If you shoot steel targets, these are the ideal bullets, and their extra margin of safety easily justifies their cost. They're also the choice for the environmentally conscious shooter, and of course, any range or location where lead is not allowed."
The 38 Special +P+ Treasury Load
The original law-enforcement-only high-speed .38 Special Treasury Load is hard to get, but excellent alternatives abound.
Start low, at +P levels (max):
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