My AK-47 Review Part Two

First of all, I'm very proud of this gun. I feel like owning a piece of history, as the AK-47 is probably the most iconic firearm EVER in the history of the world. It is the most numerous, and most recognizable rifle in the world, and I got it in its original 7.62 x 39 mm caliber.

The trigger pull was surprisingly light, and smooth, not coarse at all. Pretty nice, actually, and totally opposite of what I was expecting. It does bother me that when you pull the trigger, there is a heavy chunk of metal that goes forward to hit the primer. I think this will have some effect on the gun's accuracy, especially at long range. As far as I know, the AK-47 is not supposed to use an open bolt principle, but it sure feels that way.

The gun does feel heavy, in fact, front heavy, but you can probably blame that on the light folding stock. I would imagine that the fixed stock version would probably feel more balanced.

My AK-47 Review Part One

Ohmygod-ohmygod-ohmygod-ohmygod-ohmygod-ohmygod ...

Those were the first thoughts that went thru my mind when I first saw the AK-47 that I bought at the store. It didn't feel as heavy then, credit that to the adrenaline coursing thru my veins because of the excitement. Anyway, checkout was a quick haze, and driving at around 100 mph I finally reached home to play with my new toy.

The unit came with a free nylon carrying case, labeled "Tactical Edge", which seems to be the brand for accessories for Twin Pines.



The bag has ample pockets for some magazines, and some documents, like the manual, license, etc. Very convenient storage for the unit.

My SIG P250 Review Part Two

Got to fire my SIG-P250 again recently, and just sharing some of the observations I found while shooting it. 

'Slide Locking Problem'
My first two shots went fine, but then after that, each and every shot started locking the slide back, so I had to release it using the slide release lever.  After about five shots of this happening, I switched magazines, thinking it was something wrong with the magazine.  But the same thing happened again with the other magazine, confirming that it was likely due to the gun itself.

Take note that this did not happen during my first shooting session a couple of months ago.  About the only difference in between shooting sessions, was the fact that I tried to clean the gun thoroughly after the first session.  I was then starting to suspect it was something to do with when I disassembled the gun. 

My SIG P250 Review Part One

Finally got my filthy hands on my precious "SIG SAUER P250 Compact (Special Configuration)", which is what the label on the case says about the unit.

'First Impressions'
The gun is handsomely blocky, typical of SIGs, and the lower receiver is gorgeous to look at, just as it is on the picture. The grip is not so wide, perfect fit for my hand. The checkering on the front and back strap, along with the polymer material, is very nice to feel.

The front and rear sights are large and easy to align, and they have the three-dot sighting system. The dots are also luminescent, so you can easily see them under low light or under a dark environment.

Slide spring when cocking back seems relatively light, compared to my Norinco Model 59 (Makarov copy), or that of an M1911.

When the magazine is removed, my little finger loses an area to grip on to.

Issued Firearms Serial Number Tracking

One problem the AFP is facing right now, is the issue of SOME (not all, but SOME) AFP personnel selling issued firearms for profit. There has to be a way to contain the problem as much as possible, & one possible solution revolves around the traceability of firearms using Serial Number.

All firearms produced by the manufacturer are stamped w/ its own, individual Serial Number (S/N). This is one way the manufacturer keeps track of its firearms. These records could be used innovatively to keep minimize military firearms trafficking.

A firearm's S/N could, of course, be tampered with, & the skill of some gunsmiths are such that they can reportedly change a S/N without leaving a visible trace that it has, indeed, been tampered with.

Norinco Model 59 - Trigger Smoothening

I'm into "modding" (i.e., making personal modifications) a lot these days, it started with my Motorola V3 RAZR earlier this year. Thanks to the internet, information about almost anything is so much easier to find these days. So, it would come naturally I guess that I would end up modding my Norinco Model 59.

The Norinco Model 59 is basically the Chinese copy of the Russian Makarov Pistol, but chambered in .380 ACP. It will probably be a family heirloom, since it was previously owned by my late father. The gun has a couple of nice features, but also has some disturbing qualities, foremost of which is its Double-Action (DA) trigger pull, which is both HEAVY, and ROUGH.

I sought to find aftermarket parts to try to solve the problem. But, after visiting some gun shops, it seems that in this country, while 1911 parts are almost dime a dozen, Norinco, or Makarov parts apparently are not.

Arms & Defense Show (Nov. 2006)

* I used to go a lot into these gun shows, almost every year, up until about the last 2 years. I just got a bit tired of seeing the same stuff over & over again, I guess. Never got to buy a lot of stuff, since I'm not a regular shooter, anyway. But I was glad I went this year.

* The booth that I enjoyed the most, was the SHOOTER'S booth, wherein they were showing their indiginous made firearms. I loved that Ingram copy they have, & were it not for the relatively high cost of maintaining 2 firearms, I would've loved to buy that. It was cute, & great-looking. And affordable. I suspect its likely to be Open Bolt, though, so am not sure about its accuracy, meaning not sure if it will be enjoyable to fire on the range.

* Another winner for me on that Shooter's booth, was the "rifle-ized" pump action shotgun. Magazine-fed, w/ a front grip for the pump, great looking, & again at an affordable price. A bit too heavy, though. Had a hard time lugging it around, w/ an EMPTY magazine. If they can lower that gun's weight a bit, I'll be taking a long, hard look at it.