leroy

Well said. I remember the elections right after the infamous Gun Control Act of 1968. It finished a 30 year veteran senator from Tennessee; who, if it hadn't been for his vote for this infamous bill, would have been unbeatable. His name was Albert Gore, Sr. Actions do have consequences. Keep up the good work. Kind regards, LEROY

Thank you Sheriff Gobble for saying and doing the right thing! The folks in Bradley County have done a great job in electing you!! Keep up the good work!! Kind Regards, LEROY

Amen brother!! The closer you get to the "citidels of idiocy" ( read that: colleges and universities) and the more ghetto rats on the dole (all colors!! -- no discrimination here!!); the greater the demigogery by the political class. Knoxville and Nashville are great examples. Memphis seems to be a whole other world; much more like Chicago than Tennessee. It is sad, indeed. That's why we need to hold our local officials accountable. All politics starts at the local level -- that's why i'm so proud of many of the current Republican (and some Democrat) state polititians because of their actions on the RESTORATION of gun rights to law abiding Tennesseeans. PS -- RONALD REAGAN SAID TO THE RUSSIANS: "TRUST BUT VERIFY" -- a very wise course of action with any polititian. LEROY

Thanks for the advice; it's greatly appreciated. Here are some questions: I like the idea of the extra punch that the x39 has. The big problem with the AK seems to be accuracy -- the AR seems to fix that problem. Many thanks to all who have opined. Kind regards, LEROY

I second Mugster's advice. Just went thru all this with an old 1911 lw commander for carry. A long trigger, trigger job, and good sights (those you can see -- take a close look at all of em) made the most difference in shooting. All the neat stuff; like beavertail safties (unless you have small hands), two piece guide rods, on and on; seem to be just stuff to have; and that's ok if you like them. An ambidexterious safety is a good thing if you are left handed (I am). It has been my experience that most 1911's shoot better that their owners can hold; so accuracy is always good. I don't like to do anything to a pistol or revolver that reduces the potential for reliability -- many "accurizing" accessories do just that. That said; it is probably a good idea to find a 1911 pistol smith that you like; talk to him, and tell him what you would like to do. Then you will have exactly what you want. Nineteen eleven stuff is kinda like AR 15 stuff; there's lots of toys out there that are really neat. Pick out the one's you like and get someone you trust to install 'em and make sure that they work and are reliable. The 1911 is a great thing; originally designed as a calvary arm -- the only acceptable replacement for the great colt single action army (Take the time to google for some punitive expedition pictures). Enjoy!! Kind regards, LEROY

For what it's worth; in the infamous picture of Gov. Bredesen making his restraurant carry veto speech; the guy standing next to him is the Knoxville Chief of Police. A Haslam appointee. I believe that Mr. Haslam has lots of explaining to do to Republicans who honor the Second Amendment. LEROY

Dear folks:____________ What are your opinions on 7.62 X 39 uppers for AR type rifles? What have been your experiences as to reliability and accuracy? What types of ammo are best? Thanks in advance. Kind regards, LEROY

This is a great truth. There was an opinion piece in Pravda yesterday (5/30/09) about this very issue. They cited poor education, pop culture, etc as the reasons for the change to socialism and generally mocked our foolishness. I am old enough to remember the Kruschev "We will bury you" speech. It appears that old Nikita and Joe McCarthy were right. Let's work hard to reverse this sorry state of affairs. PS -- I really like this quote on ewpking's post; its great, and sadly true: "When the eagles are silent, the parrots (read: fools) begin to jabber" - Winston Churchill Keep up the good work, Kind regards, LEROY

Amen brother!! Well said!!! It works for mayoral candidates too; we need to know where mayors stand on second amendment issues as well. They appoint Chiefs of Police. Keep up the good work, LEROY

Thanks goodness some of the Chiefs of Police are pro-gun; many simply are not. LEROY

I lifted this little part of an article in the KnoxNews here in Knoxville. I think it is very interesting and points out something that everyone should be aware of. Ive hilited some pertinent things: Knoxville Police Chief Sterling P. Owen IV was on hand for Bredesen's news conference and signing of the veto message, along with police chiefs of Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga. Owen is currently president of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police, which was holding a meeting in Nashville on Thursday. "This is a matter of safety for officers and citizen safety," (If this was about citizen safety, Owen would have endorsed it -- my edit) Owen said. Memphis Chief Larry Goodwin referred to two recent killings in Memphis where the alleged killers held handgun carry permits: "In Memphis, we're keeping score. It's handgun permit holders two, unarmed citizens zero (Chief Goodwin failed to point out that police did not stop this incident -- the simple fact is that the police cannot protect you. No doubt Chief Goodwin has a low opinion of the handgun permit laws. He conviently forgets that criminals don't bother to abide by the law (that's why they call them criminals, he also appears to have adjudicated these cases before trial -- my edit) ," he said. When you go to vote in any local election, especially in the Mayoral Election; you need to remember that you are voting for the person who will pick your next CHIEF OF POLICE. Sterling Owen was picked by a REPUBLICAN. It is simply a fact that many chiefs of police are anti-gun. They can be anti-gun because they are not directly accountable to the people of the county who elect them. Sheriffs and their respective departments are much more responsive and reasonable because they have to be -- they are elected. In summary, you would do well to look deeply into the opinions of any candidate who runs for local office; they may pick people who don't hold the right to self defense and the Second Amendment in the same high regard that we do.

Phil Bredesen is an elitist first; that means he knows better that you, the legislature, or anyone else what is good for the people of Tennessee. Folks need to remember that Phil Bredesen is a DEMOCRAT. Thats says (to me) that he has no problem thwarting the will of the people of the state; because he, more than anyone, knows best. I believe that Bredesen's veto will be overridden. The people of Tennessee need to take due note of these actions when the next gubanatorial election comes up. LEROY

Amen brother!! Well said. They are looking for a crisis as an excuse to gather up guns and everything else. Let's hope and pray that they don't get the opportunity. Kind regards, LEROY

Thanks to all of you who have taken time to point me in the right direction and give your advice and council. I've spent a good while watching the Brownell's how-to videos as well as looking on the AR15.com site this evening. You all have inspired me, and I think i am ready to round up a lower, scrounge parts, and start to work. In regards to the 458 SOCOM; do any of you know of anyone who has tried to use the flash copper plated lead bullets for it? My original thought with the 50 Beowulf was to use them -- several of the plated bullet guys (berry, etc) make copper plated bullets for the 500 s and w; that's why i was thinking of the beowulf. I haven't taken the time to check to see if anyone makes a plated .458 bullet. Think about this and please give me your thoughts. The downsides of this idea may be availability of plated bullets and potential problems with fouling the gas port and tube on the AR. Again, thanks for all the recommendations and help. Kind regards, LEROY

Well said!! This is, at it's heart, about the constitution. If you follow the constitution; all this other stuff works its self out. If the Republicans don't figure this great truth out; they will be extinct very shortly. I believe that there are some "real people" out there; the lady that is chairman of the TN Republican Party is one of them. Our state senator, Tim Burchart is another. I'm sure there are others. Keep up the good work!! Kind regards, LEROY

It shouldn't be a surprise that Oboma would recommend and try to appoint a radical activist judge. This is just another proof of who today's Democrat Party is. The leadership of the party is made up of socialists who have no regard for the constitution or the bill of rights; and they will work overtime to re-do our nation in their own image. We need to work hard to defeat this bunch of traitors before they destroy this country. LEROY

There's lots of truth in your observations. I feel like most folks yearn for honesty in government. You are also right in that the character and world view of each person; be they polititian, child, or next door neighbor is the most important thing you can have. It is a fact that factions within both political parties are dirty and self serving; it's basically a people problem. That is why it is vitally important to populate these parties with people who are honest men and women of character. With regard to a third party; I do not think that a third party is viable -- it simply takes too long to build strength; and I don't think we have the time. That means you need to pick an existing party and work to make it what it should be. There are those who believe that if the Republicans dont get their bearings and go back the the philosophies of smaller government and constitutional principles that the party is doomed. I share that view. I have a 20 year old son who thinks if the Repubs. dont straighten up; they will morph right into the Democratic party; and a new party will take their place. It is my view, that if this happens, this country and the freedoms we now enjoy (including the right to bear arms) will be taken away and we'll look like europe; Britan in particular. This would be catastrophic for those of us who believe in American principles and love liberty -- the people of Britain and europe are effectively serfs; not citizens. The only rights they have come from polititians in government. I believe firmly that we are living in some of the most dangerous times in American history, and the danger is not outside the country---it's inside. Do not be fooled into believing that the Democratic Party as it is currently constituted and headed up is a force for freedom; it simply is not. Those who sit at the head of the party and call the shots are, for the most part, radical socialist who are capable of being just as bad or worse than Stalin or Mao. They would have no problem in tearing up the Constitution and rescinding the Bill of Rights and making us all serfs. I will grant that there are factions withing the Republican party who are self-serving elites full of silly ideas. The most silly of which is that Republicans should be like Democrats; I'ts an idiotic philosophy. I firmly believe that citizens who love liberty had better start working with their time, talents, and pocket book to rehabilitate the Republican party; or we will be serfs. A wise man once said :"There are four boxes protecting America; the soapbox (this forum is one), the ballot box (we're discussing it now), the jury box, and the cartridge box." The jury box is getting pretty corrupt for the most part. Let's hope and pray that we and our children dont have to use the cartridge box. Kind regards, LEROY

Dear fellow TGO'ers: Have been thinking for the last few months about home building a multicaliber AR lower. I've got plenty of time on my hands and I figure that it could come in handly sometime. In all my years of shooting; I just never fooled with an AR -- we always fooled with shotguns, bolt and single shot rifles, and my real love; big caliber revolvers and 1911's. I've tinkered and took things apart all my life; so i.m not too worried about breaking things or putting them back together (sometimes wrong!!). I guess that boils down to a pretty basic understanding of mechanical stuff. My goal for this lower is to shoot everything from a good precision 223 up to adding a 50 Beowulf (been thinking about loading some hard cast lead plated bullets like the guys use in the X frame smith 50's). The precision 223 would be something on the order of a heavy barrel a4 type set up with an 18 inch barrel and a free float handguard. The beowulf would be whatever it is from Alexander arms. Basic specs follow: 1. Would like a good, reliable multicaliber lower that wont break or fail to feed or give trouble with magazines-- any ideas about brands; or does it make any difference? 2. Would like a good, clean 3 pound trigger -- what kind is best? Where to find it? 3. Would like either a good, serviceable six position stock; or a short stock --- what kinds are best buy and most rugged considering the Beowulf recoil? Or should I do two lowers; one for the little calibers and one for the big? 4. Where is the best place to buy the pins, springs, hammer, buffer, etc to build out the lower? Names, locations, websites, and contacts would be great. 5. Recommendations on assembly literature and diagrams -- ain't got a clue outside of the exploded views i've seen where these parts go to gether. 6. Recommended tools for assembly. 7. Things to look out for in fitting all this together; including observations and recommendations on what is important and what is not. Please think about this stuff and let me know what you think. Thanks in advance! Kind Regards, LEROY

I think this is a good observation and agree in part with " But the real point to this, is the Anti-Gunners don't have the votes (read this as are too smart now to vote to) to stop Pro-Gun laws, little alone have the votes to PASS Anti-Gun Legislation. That is huge!!!" On a larger scale, I would advise against believing that the Dems are suddenly turning pro-gun and pro-liberty; they simply are not. You cannot SURVIVE and be an "insider" and a great influence in the Democratic party and be pro-gun. The old time "Blue-Dog Democrats" ultimately turned in to Republicans for this very reason (among other things). I doubt the Dems will try to do anything with gun legislation in this first Oboma term; they will wait for the second term and try to pass all the legislation they can; probably using some pretext to do so. This is simply a long term strategy; not a turn about in the party thinking and overall goals. Dont be fooled into believing that today's Democrat Party is the same one as the one that elected Roosevelt and Truman, were patriotic, and supported individual liberties -- they simply are not. They are far more like the socialist trash that destroyed Russia and enslaved millions. They are the greatest threat to this country today. Kind regards, LEROY

For what its worth. I'm 62 years old and have been watching politics all my life. I remember well when Jimmy Carter was elected (for 1 term, thank God) in 1976. There was one reason for Carter's victory. The American Electorate was made mad and disgusted because Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon -- nothing else. This action by the Repubs. gave the impression to the average american that the political class was above the law; Americans simply don't like that. Make no mistake, the Republicans lost the last couple of elections for three basic reasons: 1. Senate and House seats were taken by Democrats who promised to be more fiscally responsible and conservative than their Republican opponents -- That's yet to be proven; but it played pretty good because the Republicans showed no fiscal restraint. 2. McCain is not a real small government Republican. No matter how much you admire John McCain (and i do admire this personal character and hero military service in Viet Nam); he was a terribly weak candidate simply because he is not a true conservative and lots of Republicans simply would not vote for him. The "maverick" and "Republican rebel" personna he has cultivated for the last 30 years says two things. First, he is not conservative; he is simply a 60's hippie with a backbone that loves this country. Secondly, he espoused many of the things that the Dems espoused -- no torture, global warming, etc. That persona plays far better to the hippie class, the tree huggers, and the foolish that it does to the conservative base of this country. 3. The Bush Whitehouse and the Republicans did not forcefully answer their critics (The Bush Whitehouse made no attempt to answer their critics for over 7 years when it would have been easy to do so.), nor have they on the whole acted with fiscal responsibility. They have expanded government (read that spent money and created bigger government) just like the Democrats, and they done some incredibly stupid things that have offended the sensibilities of lots of Americans. You simply can't do these things and win elections. Ronald Reagan always answered his critics quickly and affably; making them look stupid. He also constantly talked about making government smaller and more efficient. George Bush never learned that lesson. Additionally, the Bush Whitehouse failed to finish Iraq and Afganistan in about 6 to 9 months while they had the backing and approval of the American people. In summary, I firmly believe that all this came home to roost in the 2009 election. People were sick of Republicans being polititians first and not doing what they promised to do.. There is truth in the observation that some people -- the young (generally, those of college age who don't have to work and pay taxes), the foolish, the lazy, the socialists, the liberal intelligencia, the media, union bosses (notice i said bosses, not the average union member), the education establishment, and the ghetto rats want bigger government because they are part of either the uninformed or "something for nothing crowd"; but they don't make up the majority of the voters in this country. Most folks do not agree with what Oboma and the collectivists are doing now to the financial and auto industries -- they simply voted for him as a protest against the Republicans; thinking that anything would be better. It appears that they were wrong. Oboma and the Dems simply lied about what they would do and blamed Bush and the Republicans for everything -- It was a trick and it worked. My bet is that you will start seeing some change in the 2010 congressional elections. Now is the time for the Republicans to get back to their core values, get a backbone, and get busy raising up some real conservative candidates (like Bobby Jindal or Sarah Palin -- I'm sure there are others as well.. ) and go after the Dems. head to head, pointing out the vast differences between the socialists we now have and what true American values are in government. If they dont; another group will rise and take their place. That's they way i see it this evening. Hope some of it made sense to you, and makes you not feel like the "Lone Ranger" awash in a sea of socialist -- communist trash. Kind regards, LEROY

A very wise observation. I heartily agree!!!!

A very wise observation. Colin Powell is far more worried about being adored by the political class and the elites of this country than he is about being an American. I believe he covets the position of being thought of as an "Elder Statesman" . Colin Powell is nothing but a product of the political class moved along by affirmative action in both the Republican and Democratic Parties. He is, in fact, the product of these programs. He is neither a patriot or a peace maker; he is an opportunist. Colin Powell is the reason that Gulf War I brought on Gulf War II. I also believe the has done great damage to the Republican Party by being thought of as a Republican; he simply is not. He is the Jimmy Carter of the U. S Army.

It's great aint it!! HEHEHE I'ts evidently a lot tougher to run the government than it is to criticize it. Let's hope that the Dems keep up the good work!!!!

I like the inside the pants behind the kidney carry or the close to the body outside the pants high carry. Get a good holster whatever you do -- it will be the cheapest in the long run; and it will work. As others have said; the belt is just as important as the holster; buy a good one. I like the Andrews MacDaniels II for inside the pants carry. They also make a great "inside the car" crossdraw; but it's not concealable by normal standards -- be sure you check it out. It's called the Carjacker. Check them out here: Andrews Custom Leather . The greatest holster for close to the body high carry is the Mernickle PS6. Check them out here: MERNICKLE HOLSTERS . You can get by with an average belt (I use a Wilderness Tactical nylon) for the McDaniels. You need a stiff belt for the Mernickle (he makes one). Both these folks are great to deal with. For what it's worth; some folks like Milt Sparks; i do too, but they are way too slow to make and ship their product (I'm sure due to heavy demand). I also think they are too expensive. Hope this helps. Kind regards, LEROY