Viewpoints

Got a subscriber note through customer service from Russ Rothman in Florida. He wrote, "I enjoy most of your reports on guns and ammo, and related products, but don't like the Republican Party propaganda. Why don't you report on firearms, and leave the Republican propaganda to the Koch brothers and Karl Rove? The economic, foreign, anti-scientific and mean-spirited policies of the Republican Party are bringing the American people down, and you're helping them. I cannot in good conscience support that."

I have just read Ray Odorica's review of three takedown 22 rifles, including the Browning SA-22. Ray complained about the need to remove the rear sight in order to mount a scope, as well as the exorbitant cost of a scope base and rings for this rifle. Leupold makes a steel barrel mount base (Product #50014), which mounts over the existing iron sights and uses standard dual dovetail steel rings. Both the barrel mount base as well as the rings are solid steel. The total cost of rings and mount from Midway: $46.95. I do not think Ray will find fault in any Leupold product.

In an evaluation of 45 ACP subcompacts, Gun Tests magazine asked how best to package the big bullet in a small concealable machine. The $687 Glock G30SF feeds from a high-capacity magazine with rounds compressed in a staggered column. Its ignition is via a striker system, and the frame is polymer, not steel.

The 2013 U.S. Army Junior Air Rifle Championship, conducted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, is underway. The USAMU is keeping with its long-standing tradition of supporting America's youth by sponsoring the event for the sixth time after a one-year hiatus.

Colonel Jeff Cooper, one of the masters of self-defense handgun methods and training believed that the 1911 was the perfect combat handgun, writes CTD Suzanne on the Cheaper Than Dirt! blog.

The Cook County Board's plan to punish citizens who purchase firearms has gone from bad to worse with the announcement of a so called 'compromise' plan, according to a release today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA).

Fast & Furious is in the news again. The Obama Administration recently filed court papers to get the lawsuit filed by the House of Representatives against Attorney General Eric Holder thrown out, according to the Gun Owners of America.

According to a story in The Oklahoman newspaper (Oklahoma City), Kendra St. Clair, 12, was at home alone in Durant, Okla. when a man began banging on the front door. Frightened, Kendra called her mother at work, who told her to retrieve a .40-caliber pistol and to hide in the bathroom closet.

Two lawmakers investigating Fast and Furious are demanding an update on personnel actions taken by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives after a lengthy investigation by Congress and the Justice Department inspector general.

In Oklahoma, anyone with a handgun permit can soon openly carry a firearm. Senate Bill 1733, signed by Gov. Mary Fallin on May 15, amends the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act to allow the open carrying of a firearm with a license and a few restrictions. After the bill goes into effect on Nov. 1, the more than 140,000 Oklahomans with a handgun license will no longer be required to have their weapon concealed in public.

The NRA has started a new program — Firearms For Freedom — that allows gun owners to donate firearms to help fund the NRA and the fight for 2nd Amendment rights. Clifford T. Burgess, the NRA Firearms For Freedom program coordinator, said the new program was an opportunity to leave a financial legacy for the next generation of America's gun owners. Burgess said, "Many NRA members ask if there's a way they can contribute firearms to help support NRA programs. The answer to that question is yes."

Reader Bob has a ‘10-ring' rattletrap AO pistol that looks like it was beaten on a rock. Still shoots great. Also, we list an online source for the S&W lubricant, but supplies are likely short.