a guest post written by Big River Jake

Hello dear readers, this is Big River Jake coming to you for the first time in what I hope is a regular vehicle for me to package together what little thoughts I have, and transfer them into your brain via text. If all goes well this will be entertaining, because I have no delusions that it will ever be informative.

The QnD on the FN Five-seveN

Quick stats
Manufacturer:FN Herstal
POU: PDW
General Design: Semi-auto Pistol (Poly)
Action of Arms: Delayed Blowback
Chambering: 5.7x28mm
Weight: 21.4oz
Barrel Length: 4.8in
Capacity: 20 round DBM

My entire lack of experience with the Five-seveN lasted 100 rounds of ammo. Overall fun to shoot. First thoughts on the gun was how good it felt in the hand. I know way too much clout is put into how good a gun “feels” or “points”, but what struck me about the Five-seveN is how much it feels like a steel frame gun. I have handled a lot (very specific number which has never been documented)of Poly guns, but none have the bottom heavy feel of a big steel frame with a lighter steel slide. A Glock feels about balanced, and my little Kel Tec PF-9 feels top heavy, but the Five-seveN has a bottom heavy steel frame weight distribution.

Second thoughts you say? Quality, quality, quality I say, and for the MSRP it damn well should be. One hiccup on the particular rental gun I am reviewing (the USG model) the magazine was less than reliable and had some chewed-up bits which I am most certain was the cause of two failures to feed. After I received a different Mag from clerk, I did not experience any more failures. Also of note, the trigger pull was deliberate,consistent, and intuitive.

Final thoughts, are cloudy. I think the firearm looks very good in most on paper gun reviews due overall to how well engineered and manufactured they are. I am also aware of how many forum wars have been waged on the 5.7x24mm cartridge. All this in mind, I don’t see many people ask the basic question of “does this Gun fill it’s POU?”. I would have to say “Yes”. That POU being a NATO replacement for a PDW 9×19, with better terminal ballistics against soft body armor. That being said US civilian sales are a telling sign that it does not meet the Philosophy of use for personal defence in social situations (or lawful response to dynamic critical incidents). Basically this is the part where I throw the gun review out the window and rant about the 5.7x24mm. The loading that FN sells to Civilians are not adequate to comparable 9×19 loads available. Current Loads can be found online )wikis), but are summarized in one word “improvable”. The 5.7x24mm concept in a 5in barrel has potential, but from evidence I’ve seen (see links) all over penetrate, even when the bullet performs as intended (yaws, or expands). Perhaps if someone was to bring out a new load which would not overpenetrate (maybe a hollow base bullet design like the 5.45x39mm at 2500fps in a 5in barrel) I would completely change my mind considering the complete lack of recoil and shootability, but as it stands right now I would have to say the Five-seveN does not fit any need I, or any readers lifestyle. Unless your lifestyle includes dispatching prairie dogs with ubertacticoolness at 15 yards from a Bugatti.

I know we’ve all seen this video. At least I hope you have. It’s worth watching (or listening to) again.

Just a quick update as I know I’ve been pretty silent lately. Still working towards getting the show back online. I was not able to budget in a recorder when I thought I was and I am having no luck getting my laptop I used to record fixed.

At this point I am guessing it will be another two to four weeks before I am able to get a recorder. If I am able to fix the laptop, I might be able to get the show running again before the recorder comes.

Thanks for the support and I’ll be back soon!

Looks like at the end of January there will be a blogshoot up in Casa Grande. I plan to be there. I’ve been blogging now for about six years total I think, all my various projects combined; and I’ve never met another blogger. Maybe it’s about time!?

Unfortunately I have to put the podcast on hold until I get a digital audio recorder. I just recorded the same episode twice and the audio data corrupted both times while I was trying to save it. The temporary auto-save files were corrupt to. Hopefully I’ll be able to pick up a cheapish one soon to hold me over until I can afford a good one.

Or maybe Santa looked at my Amazon Wish List? We’ll see. Sorry folks.

I’ve been interviewed! Who knew I was interesting enough for a Q&A interview?  Go read it here.

Let me preface by saying this post really has nothing to do with firearms or carrying them. It is straying a bit from the scope of the content I want to put here, but as a gun owner who carries for personal protection, there are always other aspects of security that need to be looked at.

A few weeks ago I noticed quite a few people using an application called Foursquare, on Twitter. If you are unfamiliar, Foursquare is a mobile phone app that allows you to ‘check-in’ at public locations such as restaurants and grocery stores. It then shares that information with the social media networks of your choice.

There is some social media tools or websites that I understand, and others that I do not. Foursquare was one of the latter. I wanted to know why people used it so much, so I downloaded it and started using it. The app turned out to be a game. Check in somewhere, get some points, earn badges, and titles. Now I understand – who doesn’t like earning things, even if trivial?

The one thing that stuck out to me most, after figuring out what specifically this does, and looking at most of the Foursquare check-ins I saw on my timeline in Twitter, one thing I quickly realized was that this is a great tool for someone looking to do you harm. My very first big observation on this was noticing a lot of female people using it to check in, publicly displaying where they are at, on Twitter, so anyone who was viewing their feed could see. If you have a stalker, or someone looking to find an easy target to rob or rape viewing your check-ins, they know exactly where to find you!

So how can you use Foursquare and lessen this risk? The only true way is to not use it, but there are some steps you can take to lessen your exposure. Don’t share to Twitter or Facebook, keep your check-ins inside the app only. Another option is to not update your check-ins until after you’ve actually left the place you’re checking into.

While using this application I got to where I actually enjoyed earning the points you get for checking it. (I’m easily amused, leave me alone)

This past weekend I had checked-in to a few places and pushed those check-ins out to Twitter. Miguel from GunFreeZone.net replied to one of them, asking something to the effect of: “why are you broadcasting that you’re not home and its a good time to go rob your home?”

To that I say excellent question, and its a two-part answer. The first reason is, I am still using this app because I find it fun (the points thing – again, easily amused!) and I have been using it as I was preparing this post (and another article meant for a tech site I am still working on!) The second reason is my own laziness. Most of my check ins using this app have never been publicized. You have the option of not sharing. In this case, I did not unselect the sharing options when I posted them – because I was being lazy.

Now, Miguel brings up another great point. When you are publicly checking in at Starbucks, everyone who sees that check in will figure you are not at home. On Twitter, anyone can view the posts you push out, except for Twitter handles that you have specifically blocked. If someone has been looking to rob your home, and has been watching you, and somehow has found out your social media profiles, or if you have an acquaintance that’s not so good – they know right when to bust in and take your stuff.

Using social media is fun, but think about what you’re doing with it. I know it sounds paranoid, but your safety may just depend on it.

If you listened to episode 22, you’ll have heard I have a cold. It had gone away for a few days and then last Wednesday it came back, full force, and knocked me on my butt again. It has caused another delayed show. I am hoping to be able to get the next one done within the next couple days. It’ll be a mini-cast, featuring a review of an Elzetta flashlight and picatiny mount, and maybe a bit on weapon mounted lights in general.

Ruger has just announced the release of a new revolver in the SP101 line, featuring a 4.2″ barrel and adjustable/fiber sights.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is pleased to announce a new Ruger® SP101® five-shot revolver chambered in the venerable .357 Magnum cartridge and featuring a 4.2″ barrel with improved sights. [full press release here]

I really enjoy my SP101 with the 2.25″ barrel and now I have to add another one to my collection. Built like a tank and sexy too.

Ruger SP101 - Image from Ruger

This week, this is what my EDC looks like. I can’t wait for it to change.

You remember that guy who used to the the Handgun Podcast? He has a blog now. It’s a general content type blog that looks like it’s going to mostly focus on technology and gadgets and such, but I suspect he’ll be back to taking it to the anti-gunners in no time at all.

While you’re waiting for the next Empty Mags Podcast to release (soon™), go have a listen at some of the other excellent gun-related podcasts out there.

Shooting the Breeze: This is a great, laid back, conversational podcast. It covers firearms related current events, and covers topics having to do with carrying concealed, competitive shooting and more. As a bonus, each show includes a cigar and drink pairing recommendation. I quit smoking some time ago, but I still enjoy hearing about the pairings.

Roadgunner Podcast: This is a fun podcast to listen to. The host, Un-named Trucker, talks about carrying a firearm through various states during his travels as a truck driver. Lots of good information, tips for traveling with your gun, funny rants and tangents and a restaurant tip or cooking tip (he was a chef) to boot.

GunDudes: If you’re not listening to the GunDudes and you’re listening to other podcasts, you’re probably doing yourself a favor. These guys are hilarious, crazy, and you’ll lose IQ points for listening – but once you start, you can’t stop and in the end you’ll truly be a better gunner for it.

Handgun World Show: A ton of great information and interviews about practical, every day Joe type firearms usage and ownership, as well as competitive shooting. If you like what you hear on this show, you might also wish to check out Bob Mayne’s Today’s Survival podcast as well.

New Shooter Podcast: This one is by someone who is new to shooting, and who lives in a very anti-gun state. Lots of great information can be found in this podcast for both new and experienced shooters alike.

And of course, check out all the other great shows on the Gun Rights Radio Network!

Linoge over at Walls of the City is trying to raise funds for Soldiers’ Angels. Continue Reading

You’ll notice a new poll up on the sidebar to the right. Please take a few moments to participate. I’d like to know what you think about this site’s layout.

{EAV:fd9752de53f8244c}

This week is going to be pretty light for a few reasons. If I am not able to record another podcast within the next three days, there will not be one this week. So if I don’t talk to yall again before then, have a great Thanksgiving!

There is an article up at Gun Owners of America that lists several flaws with HR822. It brings up some things that I failed to consider. I like it even less now. Go have a read.

Another thing that I think will happen, if this is passed and made law, is that the may-issue states may possibly ban CCW all together. Some states don’t want visitors to be able to carry concealed and if faced with only “allow all” or “allow none” options, what do you think a may-issue state like Massachusetts will do? Goodbye CCW permits for all their law abiding citizens.

Here is why I do not like the national CCW bill that is going through congress right now:

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

If you’ve spent any amount of time on the internet in the last 5 years, there is no doubt that you are either already a member of Continue Reading

Nick over at the New Shooter Podcast recently posted a video on youtube of the AR he just built. Ignoring the California Crap on the rifle, it sure is a nice looking AR and its bound to be a great shooter, with the quality parts he used. Watch the video to see an overview of the rifle and the parts used, and watch the New Shooter Cast for when he is sure to talk about this on his podcast.

I really like the Apex free float tube on the front of that. I may have to introduce it into consideration for whenever I finally finish my BWA lower I have sitting on my bench. I am also extremely thankful for the fact that I can use 30 round mags and don’t ever have to touch a “bullet button”. Nick I think it’s about time you move to the USA.

Have you been doing dry fire practice lately? You should. It is one of the best ways of maintaining your gun handling and trigger control skills, improve a flinch and just be one with the trigger.

Balloon Goes up has some dry fire training tips that may help.

This reminds me that I still would really like to get the SIRT Training Pistol. They even have a laser training bolt for your AR rifle on the way, which resets the trigger. Awesome stuff.