Here you will find articles that don't fall into another category (or that I forgot to assign a category to), so look out you might find anything here!
I didn’t think that I’d like riding an electric bike but here we are and I now own two… this one was delivered a few days ago and I just got it put together today. Assembly took me about 45-minutes from the time I opened the box to putting the seat on.
The bike is the Jasion EB7 2.0 Electric Bike (click here to check the current price on Amazon, or at the companies website) ,and it does look sharp. Looking forward to putting some miles on this one…
We all know that life is stressful and can at times be EXTREMELY stressful! And some people deal with stress much better than others. However, for me it depends on the trigger even, in other words it depends upon what is going on in my life that determines my stress level…
For example someone in my close family had a medical issue show up recently, and it’s still ongoing, and that is one of my BIGGEST stress triggers, and yes, I’ve been stressed to the max lately.
Thankfully, it’s looking like it might not be life threatening, however, we have to get another test done and see the results before knowing for certain. So still stressful but not as much right now…
And then I’ve been looking at a property with two mobile homes and 20-acres… that’s in Kentucky. Ninety-five percent of my kin folks like in Kentucky actually. And while I have a good place and tank God for it, I have to admit that having 20-acres and move level area to work with beats my 3-acres of steep hillside…
However, I’ve messed up before when it’s came to choosing, buying and moving to a new property and fear doing it again and I’m not getting any younger so I don’t have but maybe one more move in me at this point.
And then there is the state of the economy, the housing market, and the possibility that I couldn’t sell the one that I have now to pay off the other… since I DO NOT want to be in any debt!
And we all know that the world is basically unraveling and the string is about to break! Corruption in government, the economy, open border, supply chain issues, the whole WOKE agenda, the globalist take over, the AI threat, world war three, and on and on… it’s a jungle out there!
And let’s not forget the stress of dealing with YouTube’s “community guidelines” and trolls and even harassment from people who think that they are hidden behind a fake name and profile photo.
Then there is the stress of running an online business with no help what-so-ever. I come up with the ideas, the content, do the editing, comment moderation… everything, since this is a one man operation and have to do it over and over and over again.
And after doing all of that I still get the trolls and welfare preppers who think that I should send them free copies of my books at my expense! And then they get pissed when I say no, and processed to go on the attack and do everything in their power to cause me trouble and to destroy everything that I’ve worked so hard to do.
So, how do I deal with all of this stress you ask… that’s a good question.
First off prayer helps a lot. I pray for strength and guidance. Staying busy and taking walks are also a huge help. And I take two herbs that work great when I take bother together… Nature’s Way Valerian Root and Nature’s Way Premium Herbal St. John’s Wort.
I take one of each three times a day and it certainly helps with my stress and anxiety. How do you deal with your stress? Let me know in the comments below and maybe you can help others who read your comment to use what you’ve learned to help themselves.
by Jesse Mathewson
As I get older I am less likely to follow trends and popularity contests than ever before. This is definitely the case with firearms. Having learned that quality in firearms can be had from many manufacturers and with many designs, owning a firearm just because Tom, Dick or Mary down the street do, lost its appeal years back.
The Ruger 10/22 is a solid firearm and while my experiences may be abnormal, they should not detract from its value.
Ruger as a company has a difficult recent history, while they have been innovators in firearms since 1949. Bill Ruger designed the first 22lr handgun based on the Japanese Nambu, German Luger, and the Colt Woodsman. This design became known as the Ruger standard, its progeny becoming the MkII and MkIII. The 10/22 was put into production in 1964 and has remained in production since that time.
The first rifle I shot was a 10/22 built-in 1965 or 1966. My first memories of shooting were having my father assisting me in holding his venerable 10/22 as we shot at a truck tire with a piece of cardboard in it that had been rolled across the barnyard, I was 3 or maybe 4 years old at the time. This 10/22 had a fully wooden stock, stock sights, and action.
There was no internet at the time and mail order gun parts simply did not exist. If a firearm did not work well, you fixed it yourself or if you were fortunate enough to have a gunsmith that knew how to work on these new fangled guns, you took it too them.
My first 10/22 was purchased when I turned 22, the internet had started to become a real thing to use and extra bits and pieces were becoming more available. Like my fathers 10/22, the magazines and rifle were extremely picky with ammunition types.
Unlike my fathers using CCI stingers did not fix my issues. In fact, after 2 or 3 years with this particular rifle, I decided to sell it and move on. It was a decade later that I ended up purchasing another version.
While this particular rifle was much better, on the whole, the magazines it came with were dismal failures. After spending almost $60 replacing two magazines at the time, I finally had a decently running 22lr. When I say decent I mean decent, accounting for ammunition failures with inexpensive 22lr the rifle itself had several springs replaced and a new firing pin installed before it became reliable enough to use in a local rimfire match.
Ruger 10/22 comes stock in several configurations these days, however, for many years it came with the following only.
Accuracy is something that I value, and a rifle should be more accurate than a pistol, my MkII handgun was very accurate from 0-50 yards and the 10/22 (all 3 I have used or owned) were also very accurate with even sub-par ammunition. 50 yard 10 round groups saw 1.5” groupings as a normal day.
This aspect is one I have never been able to complain about. When it worked, the 10/22 my versions, were more than accurate enough for squirrels, rabbits, and feral dogs. I personally took hundreds of these small game animals over the years and after moving to the Southwest border, a few dozen feral dogs, cats, and even javelina, all with the 10/22 and CCI stingers.
These days there are several dozen brands of 22lr, at the time I began using it you were limited to whichever brands were available from the local hardware store or farm and supply store. In small town, Illinois pre-1986 this meant CCI, Remington and Winchester ammunition in 50 count boxes. These were the days before big box stores reduced the quality along with the price.
Admittedly 22lr as a rimfire loading will never be quite as reliable as good centerfire ammunition. I can say that Eley, CCI, and Aguila have always been as reliable as low to mid ranged center fire loadings for myself. As of 2008, I had been using Aguila and Eley almost exclusively for my 22lr firearms. When you match the ammunition to the firearm, choosing reliability and accuracy as benchmarks, you will quickly find your firearm to be your favorite regardless brand name.
Reliability in my experience has been a mixed bag with the Ruger 10/22. Until the mid to late 90s magazines were factory 10 round magazines. Butler Creek made some less expensive versions, my first experience with these was around 1994 or so. They did not work well, in comparison today’s KCI Glock magazines have a better success rate than the early Butler Creek 10/22 magazines. Currently, the most reliable “extra-capacity” magazines for the Ruger 10/22 are the Ruger BX Series Magazine.
Other issues that have been seen in numerous 10/22 rifles, feeding was and remains ammunition dependent. Standard velocity rounds in the older models had a relatively high rate of failure, double feeds, cycling issues and more. With today’s offerings, you have enough non-Ruger components on the market to make an entire “10/22” without even using Ruger parts on the gun. This has led to even more failures, unfortunately.
Most of the issues I saw personally were magazine related, secondary only too ammunition related failures. Again, if you match good quality 22lr ammunition to the rifle and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Swapping out stocks, barrels and more will begin causing issues and should be avoided unless you have a specific goal you are headed for and the gunsmithing abilities to do the swaps properly. Like working on a car, virtually anyone can change the oil, some of us can change brakes, very few of us can do these things quickly and right.
I have never seen a 10/22 in any configuration (minus the very expensive Volquartsen configuration professionally installed and tuned) that could keep pace with a CZ 455 22lr or similar. This being noted, I have personally cut playing cards at 25 feet or so with a stock 10/22 with stock sights. There is a definable point at which accuracy requirements become more expensive than you will ever use.
Most of us shoot paper behind our house, for this purpose and for hunting all manner of small game the stock 10/22 is very well suited. Certainly, I have found and own or use far more reliable, more accurate firearms. This specific firearm is, however, well made and when matched to good ammunition with solid magazines can be more than reliable enough for trap lines, prepping and more.
If you read many of the firearms reviews I have written you will quickly see that I am not a fan of most aftermarket add-ons applied today. For this rifle, there are just 3 items you can and should replace to make it a solid training, plinking, and small game hunting rifle.
For 22lr firearms I have not seen a need for expensive scopes and bi-pods, even though you can take game past 100 yards with a 22lr, the reality is, the round is best for game under 50 yards. Unless you have a firm rest for your firearm or know how to use a sling wrap appropriate for sitting, standing or laying down; a scope can be detrimental.
If you decide to add a red dot at some point, this option has become more viable in recent years’ thanks to vastly improved metallurgy, construction practices optics and battery life. It is not necessary for the 10/22 in most cases.
If you decide to purchase one of these rifles make sure you clean it well and lubricate properly before taking it to the range. To do this you need to safety check the firearm, ensuring it is completely unloaded and safe to work on. For added safety remove all ammunition from the room. Visually and digitally check the action.
Rotate the rifle so that the bottom is facing upwards. Using solid gunsmithing tools/screwdriver remove the screws from in front of the trigger guard. Loosen the screw holding the band on front of the stock, your model may not have this band. Remove the band carefully and the stock will come off rather easily. Once you do this you can access the important parts for a solid cleaning session.
Breaking it down further than this is at best difficult without 4 hands or a true gunsmithing set up. Once you clean this firearm you will want to lubricate it. Again I suggest using Ballistol or Hoppes oil for this firearm. Wipe the pieces down with a clean cotton cloth that has a small amount of lubricant on it. Put the rifle back together.
Cycle the action back and anchor it open. Rotate the gun until the ejection port is facing upwards. Drop 3 drops of oil into the receiver. Using the cloth from earlier you can wipe the interior down again. Let the bolt fall closed and work the bolt several times to help the lubricant get into all the areas necessary for proper function. This is a very basic approach that will allow solid function of the firearm.
As with all the articles, please comment and let me know if or what I missed while putting this together. Being a human I regularly make mistakes and if you find one rest assured, it will not be the last.
Please watch and share… It’s extremely important.
Why do we never believe them? For centuries, the global elite have broadcast their intentions to depopulate the world – even to the point of carving them into stone. And yet… we never seem to believe them. But it’s happening now!
I remember my Shotokan instructor telling me, “no matter how good you are or how many trophies you win, on the street you never fight fair”, good advice and words I took to heart.
A “real fight” without referees and judges calls for a different mindset than a competition between two athletes squaring off in a ring.
In a real fight anything goes and your very survival may depend on you not playing by the “rules” if you fight to survive you fight dirty.
I remember reading an old Chinese proverb that said “he who strikes first wins”, never be afraid to throw the first punch.
Strike without warning, allowing no time for preparation or defense for your adversary. This is called a sucker punch – if you must fight, it is a powerful weapon, use it.
After throwing the first strike don’t just stand there – keep striking until your target is no longer a threat.
Forget all those Chuck Norris movies where he allows his opponent to get back up on their feet after being knock down. If he goes down, finish the job while he is still in this most vulnerable position.
This one should be obvious. Never fight “nice” be violent, fight like your life depends on it, because it does. You’re not fighting to get the other person to submit. You’re fighting to save you skin.
Bite, gouge the eyes, pull hair, rip at the throat, attack the groin etc. Fight life a crazed madman.
Anytime you’re in a situation where there is a chance of aggression, start looking for anything that could be used as a weapon. These are called weapons of opportunity and are usually within arms reach, you just need to think outside the box.
Common items such as a pens, keys, rocks, ash trays or even a rolled up magazine can be used as effective weapons to attack vulnerable parts of the body.
Humans naturally protect their eyes, most will flinch, cover or even close them as a protective measure against perceived danger. We can use this to our advantage.
Throwing anything toward the eyes will move your opponent off guard and into a vulnerable position allowing you opportunity for an effective attack.
by Jesse Mathewson
It is no secret that I enjoy firearms as well as knives. Having spent much of my life using tools in the projectile and bladed category this enjoyment is well founded. My first memories of shooting were having my father assisting me in holding his venerable 10/22 as we shot at a truck tire with a piece of cardboard in it that had been rolled across the barnyard, I was 3 or maybe 4 years old at the time.
My review of the Colt LE6920 M4 carbine (and others) is a result of the love and respect instilled in me by my father.
Colt began as a company in 1855, Samuel Colt, arguably one of the most influential firearms manufacturers and designers at the time already had several firearms designs under his belt. He is best known for the Dragoon, Ring Lever Rifle and the most famous old west handgun, the Colt Walker 6 gun. Obviously I am leaving out many valuable additions, however, this is a review of the more modern AR15 variant the Colt LE6920 M4 carbine.
It should be noted that one of the chief benefits of the firearms he originally manufactured were the parts interchangeability and the production line approach to manufacturing. Henry Ford was not really the first, though he was the most famous in this regards.
For anti-gun naysayers, there is a truly amazing history to be found, and many advances that were made in manufacturing, parts interchangeability, and metallurgy that directly impact all life in a positive way that came from firearms manufacturing.
When I first got the Colt LE6920 M4 carbine I was underwhelmed, after all, I had just plunked down almost $1000 for a non-precision, non-hunting, defensive firearm. This is not small change for someone making under $25,000 annually. My opinion of the firearm was quickly changed by the reality/facts of the firearm itself. This is a very well-built firearm.
While not as accurate as an LWRC or Daniel Defense premium model, it is very much capable, with good ammunition, of seeing 1-2 inch groups at 100 yards while benched and using only a sling rest I have easily put 30 rounds into a 3” circle with it.
Lower and upper are made of 7075 aluminum and forged by Cerro (mine was, some may not be!) it is a low shelf lower.
As we can see it is really just an AR-15 with the capability of being a bit more. It was designed for Law Enforcement and military use and the version we can buy as civilians is literally identical to what is sold to LE (minus the potential for burst/full auto which many LE agencies avoid for standard patrol people anyhow.)
It allows mounting of optics easily with the standard 1913 rail on the top of the receiver. Though the handguard is a standard patrol/ milspec approach, it can be swapped easily for a Magpul MOE for-end for added versatility.
Accuracy was a mixed bag, this is the reality for most firearms. Even with modern machining and computerized approaches accuracy is flexible at best and depends on ammunition type, bullet weight, and even the sun, wind and whether the moon was full or not.
Seriously, I have two very expensive firearms that shoot best on new moon months, (I am obviously joking folks). I found my LE6920 did best with MEN 56 grain NATO spec and Fiocchi 69 grain 223 rem. Both groups of 5 rounds with these loads were under 2 inches off of a sandbag at 100 yards, it was a clear day with a small breeze and it was hot. Standard Arizona shooting weather includes breezes, heat and a clear sky.
My worst groupings with this firearm were with Federal big box 55grn and Wolf standard 55grn, both were over 4” with the Wolf loadings coming in slightly under the Federal. I should mention that I do not use bi-metal bullets in my firearms anymore. It is not because they are not reliable or accurate, which with some is an issue.
It is simply because when you calculate the heat of the round and steel on steel wear, the life of a barrel does, in fact, go down enough to make it difficult for me to justify even at 2-4 cents difference per round. I have worn out several barrels over the years, and simply do not enjoy replacing barrels before what I believe the lifespan should be.
Reliability was very good, again this is sometimes an ammunition based metric. Of the AR-15s I use, this is among the most reliable one I have owned. Every single new gun I buy gets stripped down and cleaned before shooting. No factory lubrication on AR15s can make up for sitting on a shelf collecting dust while waiting to be sold.
Take your gun apart and clean it well, then lubricate it per the accepted approach. I use 2-4 drops of Ballistol inside the channel where the bolt carrier group will ride, cycle the bolt several times to get the oil spread about well and add a couple drops to the side of the BCG you see through the ejection port. Cycle the bolt a few times again and go shooting.
After around 50 rounds of initial use, remove the BCG and wipe it down, replace the BCG and put 2 drops or so on it. Then run it through the next 450 or so rounds. My standard initial testing is 500 rounds for reliability. This includes 3-4 magazines or 120 rounds as fast as you can pull the trigger, without a cool down in between.
This stage is essential as fast, high rates of fire will raise the temperature substantially and will quickly show problems if they exist. While I have never found a perfect firearm as far as reliability is concerned, this one is very close to that. In fact, I did not have any issues until I was over 1000 rounds in with it.
It had begun cycling sluggishly and failed to eject a round, and I quickly remedied this and have not had any non-ammunition related issues since.
Shooting this firearm is not difficult, though the trigger leaves a bit to be desired. It is a milspec trigger, nothing special and allows function well. The premium trigger from Palmetto State Armory is a much better feeling, though, the Colt trigger works very well. It is very easy to polish the trigger, or just shoot it a few hundred times and it will polish itself.
As with most well made defensive firearms, I do not suggest adding things to it, this approach leads to more failures than any other. If you want a sporter AR-15 with a 2lb or less trigger and sub moa groups, build one from scratch. This particular gun is designed for use as a defensive tool and excels at the role!
Negatives are quite a few in actuality. From the factory, there is no ability to mount a light, something I really need on my defensive tools. Additionally, it is very expensive for what amounts to being a standard, well made, but a still standard milspec firearm. If you have the money, or if you are not looking to collect multiples of this type firearm and just need one good performer, this is the tool for you.
However, if you are outfitting more than yourself and like myself make substantially less than Bill Gates, there are other choices that will function perfectly well and do the job for substantially less.
My only other real complaint is that for the money you spend there is no reason that Colt does not manufacture all parts in-house, they do outsource many of the major parts for this and other firearms they sell. None of the “issues” are really a problem, except for people who nitpick, like myself.
Overall this is a firearm that with a little care from you, can be passed down to your children. It is well made, durable and on the higher end of cost, but not exorbitantly so. I can recommend the Colt LE6920 M4 carbine with two thumbs up and would not feel under armed using one for personal defense or for patrol as a combat person. There are other versions of the 6920 available and right now is really a buyers market for firearms of all types.
Be sure to comment below if you have had any experiences with a Colt LE6920 and let us know. As I have only used this one carbine, I cannot speak to the overall ability of the 6920 series. Again, comment below and let me know how yours run.
Free the mind and the body will follow…