Massad Ayoob's Blog, page 41

WHEN THE TRUTH IS IN FRONT OF PEOPLE, AND THEY STILL CAN’T SEE IT.

In the 1/4/22 Chicago Tribune, community activist Arne Duncan wrote an op-ed titled “My Group’s Violence Prevention Efforts Have Taught Me What Works and What Doesn’t.” Duncan writes,“… there is a profound lack of understanding among leadership about everyday life in our high-crime communities. For example, Chicago confiscates more guns than any other city in America, […]

IF YOU OWN A 1911 PISTOL…

…you do know it’s a bad idea to slam the slide closed on an empty chamber, right?  With this platform, it’s best to ease the slide forward by hand to close it when the gun is empty. Here, from our friends at Brownell’s, is an explanation why: If you’re not familiar with those Brownell’s guys, […]

WELL, WHADDAYA KNOW…

When last heard from, the old guy here was talking about New Year’s Resolutions, and how a resolution not to buy any guns in 2022 would get in the way of my quest for the elusive S&W Model 12 4” barrel revolver I’ve been wanting for my collection. My lovely bride and I spent Christmas […]

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS…

The New Year’s Resolutions are an American tradition.  I’ve tried the resolution, “I’m not going to buy any more guns this year.” Just about every time, that resolve has melted in the face of a new acquisition I thought might work better in shooting competition, or fill a hole in the collection.  I’m at a time […]

THOUGHTS ON THE POTTER VERDICT

[image error] OK, let’s put the Christmas spirit back in the box and talk about current events. I’m interested in your thoughts on the conviction of former-Officer Kim Potter in Minnesota, found guilty of Manslaughter in both the First and Second Degree last week in the death of 20-year-old Daunte Wright.  This was the case in which […]

HAPPY HOLIDAY

[image error] Christmas Eve is upon us.   It’s been a tough year for America. The Mrs. and I wish you all a wonderful holiday, whatever  your belief system.  In our country, this is a traditional time for family, friends, and good spirits. This being a gun blog, feel free to share here firearms-related gifts given and received. Let’s […]

PETER PAN: A CONCEPT REVIEW IN FOUR BOOKS

All us boomers remember Peter Pan. Walt Disney presented him to us, just as he did Davy Crockett. That’s why little boys of my generation wore coonskin caps in the 1950s. I remember playing Peter Pan with my dad, using WWII souvenirs: he was Captain Hook with a Japanese katana, and I got to be […]

CHRISTMAS AND GUN-RELATED GIFTS

In my circle, guns and related gear are high on the holiday gift lists.  My lovely bride is a self-styled “shooter-chick” and it’s a rare year when a firearm isn’t under the Christmas tree for one or the other or both of us. Buying a gun for someone else always involves the specter of an […]

LAST CLASS OF THE YEAR

We wrapped up teaching for the year last Friday with a MAG-120, our third-level class. The numerical designation of the class indicates the number of cumulative hours training with us at Massad Ayoob Group.  All 25 students passed the extremely difficult triple-speed handgun qualification.  (Kudos to the top shot in class, Jonny Bath, who passed it […]

GREAT READ COMING

My friend Stephen Hunter is one of my favorite authors.  My two favorite novels of his are “Dirty White Boys” and “Pale Horse Coming.”  Well, let me introduce you to “Great Read Coming”: Steve’s newest book, “Targeted,” becomes available this coming January 18, and is available on pre-order now: about $29 in hardcover and $15 on Kindle. […]