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I will admit, I've always just used whatever cheap Torx wrenches I have around the house to work on my knives. I got really, really tired of stripping heads. It seems like the cheap wrenches allow you to get sorta tight, then either the wrench (most of the time) or screw (it's happened to me) strip and then you cannot really get it tight again. So, a few weeks ago I contacted Spyderco and they sent me three brand new screws for my Yojimbo 2. I figured that would be an appropriate time to purchase some quality Torx wrenches. I did my research, and I found a brand called "Wiha". Perhaps some of you have heard of them, I had not. They're not cheap, but the are by far the best quality Torx wrenches of this size I've ever used. I actually worried I was over-tightening the screws this time. Nothing slipped, stripped, etc. All good to go! Wiha 36392 L-Wrench Set Anyone used these before?

Recently I was asked if I could make a Rhodesian style holster for a 1911 so I did some research and made up this prototype holster... I have only seen these in pictures so I'm hoping I did it justice. What do you all think?

Exactly. JIT isn't applicable to everything. Business schools teach one thing, how to run a widget factory. If your factory makes widgets and demand rarely changes, the method they learned works fine and you don't need any inventory. When you don't make widgets, demand is variable, and some items have long lead times, having some stock of hard to get things can save you lots if pain down the road. But they're not taught to think that way. Month to month is about as good as it gets. And this is why I disagree with the bailouts to some degree. Businesses must be allowed to fail, even big ones. It's the only way they'll learn. I like to say we don't have a 5 year plan, or even a 5 month plan. We have a 5 hour plan. We have production meetings twice a day, and there's about 5 hours of useful work that gets done between them. Its absurd.

I don't post much anymore, but I will add my 2 cents on this. First, I am affiliated with both ACLDN and USCCA, so take it for what it's worth. 1. I know that ACLDN has not had any claims. I am not sure if USCCA has paid any claims or not. However, there are two (possibly more) explanations: (i) people who would purchase this type of coverage are much less likely to get into a situation that would require coverage; and (ii) the number of prosecutions for true self-defense shootings are very small. So, most people looking into this coverage (or actually purchasing it) are very unlikely to need it. However, if you do ever need it, just like any other insurance coverage. We buy all kinds of insurance that would rarely be used. 2. The biggest differences in these coverages are (i) coverage for civil liability and (ii) payment of "compensation while in court." Some of the lower cost coverages provide cost of civil defense, but not for a judgment. If the civil judgment coverage is important to you, you should probably check with your homeowners and/or umbrella policy insurer to see if you already have coverage on that. Many of those insurers exclude such coverage, but not all do (particularly if the shooting is just "negligent" or accidental). Virtually no coverage will cover intentional act and you'll likely be in jail, anyway. The only other major difference is expert witnesses and their fees. Experts will be expensive. I've never had an expert witness in any case that cost less than $15k. Getting access to the "best" experts would also be a big plus. Some of those coverages advertise having access to certain experts.

I don’t know that you can truly appreciate a screwdriver with good tool steel that’s been appropriately hardened until you’ve used one.

They are. Companies that are procuring PPE (and that's what most of it is - middle men trying to leverage existing relationships in China to get product) are making a bunch of money. Your home state of Illinois gave a check for $3 million to a guy in a McDonalds parking lot to try to get some masks before they went to a higher bidder. But, even with the government paying - the typical business school model isn't going to support building new lines. Because when this is done - you'll have excess capacity and shareholders wanting blood for spending money that could have gone into their pockets. Now, I would fully support something I think you'd agree with - and that is building capacity to make critical PPE onshore here in the US. But, you're going to have to pay for that somehow - and this is a case where the market probably isn't going respond appropriately. To any company - masks or gowns or whatever are essentially fungible commodities. That is, they're going to consume them from wherever they're cheapest regardless of the origin. They'd be hugely penalized for building at higher cost here what they could simply buy somewhere else. To get it balanced out - you're going to have to have the government declaring it critical, and entering into a long term contract to get them produced here - probably at a higher marginal cost than in China. Problem is, the market simply isn't going to correct for times like this where there is a spike in demand - and "oh we've sent all of this offshore with our blessing because it looked cheaper." They're too short sighted - or rather - they don't care. You're going to have to have someone step in and say, "no, we need to retain some of this capacity here."

The worst part is that none of them would agree that they made poor decisions. They're just doing what they've been taught, that's how you run a business in America. And it's not their money or livelihood at stake. Their golden parachute is secure, so even if it did fail, their personal loss is minimal. Most of these CEO types have zero personal motivation beyond power and influence. They're a contractor, a hired gun. Win or lose, they're richly rewarded.

That's correct. Up until March there was, to an extent. Kimberly Clark has DC's and production sites all over the country. Fun fact, some of their TP is made in Loudon TN. But from what I'm told, those are all empty now and the mills are running 24/7. It's probably going from the production line directly to a waiting truck. I'm actually exchanging text messages with a girl that's going to come cut my hair at my house. I'm pumped. I'm still fuming over this. I just read that United is already announcing layoffs even though they took a bailout. I was confused by this, as I thought one of the rules is that they had to keep people on the payroll. I looked into it more and saw they only have to employ people through September and the layoffs start October. I again want to mention that they are not even required to pay back most of the money. It was free, tax payer funds. Why the hell did we bail them out if they are still going to let go a substantial number of employees. I really don't get it. They should be required to pay back every penny, with interest. Instead we just have them a giant wad of cash and they still get to fire people.

Yeah, any case study in any business school would say they were good decisions. Here's basically where we are in 2020. Let's say I walk into a boardroom with a big pile of cash that our business has made. A big pile - let's say a $7 trillion dollar pile. And I ask the board what they want to do with that money - we could invest in new factories, we could acquire competitors, better benefits for workers, whatever - maybe some combination of the above. But, since my board is filled with 'investors' - who really want to take money off the table and "invest" in some other stuff - they see my big pile of money and my suggestions and say, "what if we gave a chunk of that money back to shareholders?" "We could do a share buyback and make everybody's investment more valuable." That hypothetical $7 trillion is the amount of share buybacks that the S&P 500 has undertaken since 2009. Put it another way - it's more than 90 cents of every dollar in profit they've made. I'm not saying it's right or wrong - that's just where we are right now. So, look at another example. We bailed the airlines out after September 11th. We bailed them out in 2009. We just gave them another $50 billion bailout. But, since 2009 - they've spent 96% of their free cash flow on buybacks. They could have their own rainy day fund well funded. But that's not where the money has gone. It's gone straight into the pockets of their majority shareholders - knowing that the taxpayers will dump another big pile of cash into their coffers when it's needed because they're "too big to fail." There are a lot of ways to address this problem. I could list a bunch that would be palatable to people of different political tastes. Unfortunately we don't seem to have an appetite for any of it. And so here we are.

The free market really only works when failure is an option. We've removed a lot of the risk associated with failure once you're big enough. The thing that really galls me in so many of these cases is that we're actually rewarding the people who made the poor decisions in the first place - and in doing so incentivizing the same behavior in the future.

The bolded portion is the money quote here folks. Our supply chain is built on a Just In Time logistics model. It is wholly inadequate to handle sudden surges in demand or interruptions due to acts of God. There aren’t warehouses to hold supplies of stuff, the warehouse have just enough room in them to hold a few days to a week’s worth of stock. We get taught this lesson every time there is a natural disaster of any type, but just as soon as we clean up the mess and get caught up, we ignore the lessons we learned and go back to business as normal.

Up until about 6 weeks ago, America did about 40% of their pooping at work or at school. Now they're doing all that at home. Same with eating out. The week before March 11, Americans ate more than 50% of their meals outside of their homes. Supply chains in America have optimized for efficiency - and they're rewarded mightily for that by shareholders. That's the behavior they've optimized for. @Erik88 could probably go into more detail - but those production lines at Charmin, Cottonelle, etc are running 24/7 churning product out that goes directly from the production line into trucks and straight to your local grocery store's shelf. There's not a giant warehouse of excess toilet paper somewhere. The kicker is, that it's going to take the supply chain some time to readjust. They're also not going to go out and invest in new production lines - because it would be a stupid investment. At some point you're going back to work and that capacity would be wasted. The interesting detail in all of this is what's become of the commercial toilet paper makers - the Georgia Pacifics of the world. They have plenty of product - but it's not in a form that consumers usually consume. It's rougher and usually packaged in single rolls shipped inside giant boxes. They don't have the relationships with grocery stores to get it onto shelves - because most of the time the consumer isn't going to want it. Uline - one of the major commercial distributors has all you could possibly want right now: https://www.uline.com/BL_1106/Toilet-Tissue-and-Dispensers I've noticed some more enterprising restaurants using their ability to simply up their regular order of toilet paper to make available to their customers. Toilet paper, meat, PPE - we're seeing where the assumptions built into the normal operation of supply chains and logistics really break down. The free market doesn't really care if you live or die. At the same time - it should be recognized that it's only because of the "essential" folks like @Chucktshoes driving the trucks that continue the illusion of normalcy in these strange times. You can look at all of this in one of two ways. Either, you can look at our supply chains as a marvel of modern efficiency and financial engineering. Or, you can look at it and realize that this whole facade has duct tape and bailing wire holding it together in some key places. Actually, both can be true at once.

So as not to cause a gunshot panic, I'd just slash the Achilles tendon and move away six feet. - OS

Probably a good way to get shot.....old men tend not to have much of a sense of humor.

I don't post much about knives here. I suppose it is a shame because overall I really enjoy knives just as much as I do firearms. Thus, I decided to post about my favorite knife of all time and my current EDC. Spyderco Yojimbo 2. It features of a wharncliffe blade profile and a Spyderco compression lock. I'll be honest, for years I discounted many of the Spyderco knives because I thought that the "compression lock" was the same as a linear lock. I couldn't be more wrong! Two things happened. I realized that no folding knife can take the place of a fixed blade. In other words, any/all locks will fail under the right circumstances. I watched this video. This, along with other research, gave me enough confidence that the compression locks are quite a bit better than linear locks. You can read more about different lock types offered by Spyderco here. I'm sorry, I just have a prejudice against linear locks. No offense implied to anyone that likes them. I present to thee...the Yojimbo 2! I'm not exaggerating when I state that it is my favorite knife ever. I just feels perfect in the hand and in the pocket. Just decided to post some pictures of it today since it has been on my mind. Spyderco showed off a "Yojumbo" a few days ago. I'm lusting.

Its not bad enough that I have an irrational fear of wasps. (They are truly the Devil) But now these have made their way here. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/02/us/asian-giant-hornet-washington.html

Dave's situation is pretty common, actually. If you know you don't have a disqualifying conviction, it is typically one of two things: (i) a charge that is not showing a disposition (like Dave's) or (ii) someone with a similar name is popping up on your record. The first is much more common, particularly if an arrest occurred many years ago. As many states began computerized reporting, they spent time entering old records and mistakes in entries became pretty common. On a similar note, I have seen several instances where someone was involuntarily committed for a mental evaluation at some point in the past. Sometimes those show up with a teenage who was having trouble at home, other times it is more serious. However, after the Virginia Tech shooting, those things started getting reported to the FBI too. Errors showed up in those records, as well. In both cases, you HAVE to deal with the problem in the court where the charge/entry occurred. I get several calls a month from people wanting to fix the issue in TN, even though the charge/entry is from another state. TN courts have no authority to fix any of that stuff unless it is in TN. Unfortunately, even when it is a TN charge/entry, TN's laws for fixing some of these issues are not great and can't be dealt with as easily as other states (for example, Washington state and Ohio - among others - that have specific laws allowing corrections, expungements, or restoration of rights). If your issue does not actually prohibit you and cannot be fixed otherwise (like someone else's record showing up on your record), there is a federal program (called the Voluntary Appeal File or VAF) that will set up a unique identifier number (sort of a SSN for firearms purposes). Those typically resolve these issues when nothing else will.

You can get a good deal on a Nikon scope right now - but the buyer needs to be aware going in. Nikon is known for their glass and has made some great optics - but they’ve announced that they’re exiting the scope business altogether. Getting scopes repaired under warranty claims may be an issue.

Or a gunsmithimg screwdriver that actually fits the slot. Sometimes good tools can actually save you money.

The most amazing thing happened, you won’t believe it.... i filed an ebay complaint and it magically shipped immediately. I may get a brick, i may get a green dot..... who knows. Zero’d the Viper red dot. Kinda feel lazy using it. I like the dot, but i like iron sights. I do better with them, but this was my first time with the dot. I don’t see anything changing however. People who say they can’t find the dot easily must not know where the front of the gun is. If you are used to aiming true the dot will simply be there. I just feel like the dot isn’t showing me a dead true aim in all directions like the iron sights. I’d prefer crosshairs on the dot For a reference of dead true instead of “the dot is probably on target”. Kinda undecided. once i got the dot zero’d then this happened.

Hmmm.....I wonder if I could make a fixed blade version of that Yojumbo....

As labor costs in China go up, among other things, you’re starting to see some of this happen already - especially with smaller companies. Unless you’re huge like Apple and can really exert control on your supply chain - you’re simply at their mercy. And you’ve got no clout. Add in transport costs, shipping times at sea, and port delays - and you’ve got a bunch of firms deciding it’s just not worth it. There are certainly a bunch of ways to skin a cat - but I’d argue that when corporate CEOs who make tens of millions of dollars annually pay less taxes than I do - people are going to notice.

Congrats 73 KJ1D

And he got to ride in one the next day

I would lean toward a 1-3 or 1-4 with a basic reticle. Maybe something like one if these: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019637344 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/102210195?pid=246030

Since my hunting rifle is also my range rifle, it has more of a "tactical" reticle. I didn't get a super busy reticle though so it's not annoying at all....to me. That said, EuroOptic is running closeout sales on Nikons. They have a 1-4 with a pretty simple reticle. https://www.eurooptic.com/Nikon-M-TACTICAL-Riflescope-1-4X24-Matte-MK1-MOA-16521.aspx Or a 1-6 with an illuminated center dot https://www.eurooptic.com/Nikon-BLACK-FORCE100-1-6x24-M-IL-FORCE-MOA-Riflescope-16660.aspx Or plain duplex reticle on a Leupild VX3 https://www.eurooptic.com/170683-Leupold-VX-3i-35-10x40mm-CDS-Matte-Duplex-170683.aspx

The folks here doing the most grumbling about the razor thin margins of JIT are mostly in the logistics sector pointing out the weaknesses we see in it while acknowledging the benefits it holds for short term profitability. It shouldn’t be a zero sum game, but prioritizing quarterly profits over longer term financial health has made it such.

I would suggest trying to find a used holosun 407C, likely find one for around $130 and it's a proven platform.

I wonder how the IRS would view big fat rainy day cash funds. I was not arguing for more bailouts for airlines. I do question how those who are not manufacturers expect manufacturers to maintain profit and competitiveness (and therefore stay in business) if they are to abandon their JIT business model and adopt a “we are gonna set aside a huge stack of inventory just cuz” plan. We demand low prices and JIT helps achieve them. I doubt the people grumbling about JIT would readily accept the resulting much higher prices required to maintain the emergency stockplies people are apparently expecting.

I have TP and 55 gr FMJ for anyone who can hook me up with a black market barber

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I was worried about the angle, but from what I looked at it was hard to tell some looked like a strait drop and some looked like they had a cant. I my have to take you up on getting a closer look at your holster, after I made this one I really like the style. I'll PM you once I get back from the post office.

I think where people are taking their dumps might have something to do with it as well. Think of all those people who did their business at work who are now doing it at home, or kids formerly at school, or any others that choose to use public facilities. Those are all sources of TP that often come from something other than the regular retail supply chain. Now, more folks are having to buy their own, or at least more of it, from regular stores.

The same reason people started hoarding ammo. Fear. Once word got out that people were hoarding toilet paper it became something we all had to have because everyone else was doing it.

Yup. We were forced to deal with our messes openly in a way they never were. I believe that allowed us to make a lot more progress on dealing with those issues. The northern cities didn’t go through that as much as therefore are still highly segregated and the amount of casual racism that can show itself is frankly quite shocking at times.

Some of the worst racists that I have ever met were from up north and California.

Can't beat a foodsaver.

Looks great, the only thing I can see that you could change is the angle of the belt loop. On my Thad Rybca Rhodesian Holster the belt loop is straight. Other than that you did a great job, I would be proud to own that holster. I could send you my orginal for you to examine in person, just PM me.

went to the store this evening. Didn't plan to but we are participating in a zoom dinner tomorrow night and we decided to splurge a little. Shelves were decently stocked. Was in and out in just a few minutes. 3rd visit in 2 months. Grayfox54 it sounds like you could do with a bottom of the line food saver. By those family packs to save money. Wild yeast is easy to harvest in our area. YouTube is your friend for that. Mark

Check this hornet exterminator out. Of course it will do that to hummingbirds too. https://gfycat.com/shadowyhandmadecalf

I think what is happening here is that the manufacturers and their assemblers look at a 1911 like an AR. They simply assemble em and assume they will work... It takes time to adjust the old internal extractors... They simply roll the dice n wait on the complaints. Sigh... leroy

Appreciate the attempt I’ve got an RMR myself gathering dust

I'm stocked up on flour and yeast since I make bread, rolls, pretzels, bagels and the like. The wife goes every ten days or so... we are doing well on most everything we want including meats. Like most everyone else we normally don't buy family packs of meat but were forced into it. So we divided it up and packed it away in the freezer. We have bought a lot of our stuff lately on line so we are set. Unlike a lot of folks we have been moderate "preppers" for years so we aren't going to do without anytime soon. We have a small garden going with everything we want in it and still have some canned items from last year.

I've had mine for a few years, don't use it much, but glad I have it. KK4LNX

45+ years.... Was president of my high school amateur radio club. Don't need the extra class but have a general ticket. Good luck.. Learn Morse anyway. Its a great skill... WX2....

Congratulations! I've had a license for over 40 years, an extra class licensee over 20 years. Yup, had to do code for all of the classes, except Tech and Advanced. 73 and good luck with your coming exams. VA2HGS 4S7ASG KA2---

It's not really 2-stage but can sort of be compared to one. There is basically the DA pull and the SA pull. When the slide is racked, the striker is caught by the SA sear. The trigger is fully forward on that first shot, but a very light pull will move it halfway back to SA mode, where it stops; and another 1/2" or so of travel will fire it. Every shot then will be in SA mode, which is what you want. The DA pull only comes into play after you decock the cocked striker, or if you need a second strike on a balky primer. And it's a heavy pull, especially with a newish gun, and it's something you want to avoid, so a DAO model would be of little interest to me, especially since everything bad about the P99 trigger makes itself worse with the DA pull (IMHO).

The 2 stage trigger on the P99 AS was ahead of its time and was and is a truly great trigger.

I've had a P99 since 1996 which was the first year. Yet to find anything it wont feed reliably and to this day it still sits loaded in the safe with a hicap loaded and ready. It's the AS model with 2 stage trigger and slide mounted push button decocker. Never had a PPQ but i think everyone should have a p99 in their stable.