OK, cats are pretty hilarious on their own. Guns? Not so much. Combine the two, and, well, that’s what this blog post is about. So, see for yourself. (By the way, no animals were harmed in the making of this.)
We all know what it means when someone says “get a grip,” but what about if they say “get a laser grip”? Well, it might mean that you’re having some issues with your aim. Or they’re just sharing a shooting secret with you.
For those not familiar with laser grips, it’s a simple device that goes on your gun handle and replaces your factory grip. When you turn on the activation button, the grip emits a red laser beam that will help your aim and fire time. The light is typically positioned on the right panel of the gun handle. Generally, grips are made out of compact rubber or a plastic polymer material.
Laser grips give you numerous benefits, especially if you’re just in training. It will also help you pinpoint a fast-moving target even in a low-light situation. And if you’re shooting from a strange angle, you’ll have a better chance of hitting your target with a laser grip.
There also lasers called laser sights that are placed on the top or near the barrel of the gun. Some people prefer grips over sights because they can still easily holster their gun when using the grip. When you install a laser sight on your handgun, you might have to buy a new holster specifically for laser sights.
Selling lasers systems since 1994, Crimson Trace is the most recognized name in laser grips. The grips are said to be able to approximate the point of impact at 50 feet away.
Jason Masterson, an Army veteran with more than 20 years of experience, tells us all about Crimson Trace laser grips in the video below. Most noteworthy is that the grips can be installed in seconds and have a three-year warranty. The two 2032 lithium batteries that come with the grip boast four hours of use time and have a shelf life of five years.
While four hours doesn’t seem like that long, Masterson reassures that you’ll only have the laser on for a second or two at a time. He also points out that Crimson Trace lasers tout a momentary pressure switch incorporated into the handle that can be switched on without taking your eyes off the target.
And wasn’t Masterson’s rendition of the song “Crimson and Clover” simply breathtaking?
Here’s some laser grip action at nighttime. Be sure to turn down your volume on this one since there’s a really irritating high-pitch noise throughout the video.
The first one involved a Salt Lake City off-duty police officer. He was getting ready for work when his weapon discharged as he tried to put it in its holster, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. The 14-year veteran suffered minor injuries when the bullet entered his hip.
The next one is borderline ridiculous: A Wyoming woman is outside shoveling snow with a revolver in a shoulder holster. The gun slips out of the holster. The woman is then shot in the ankle. But why pack heat while shoveling a driveway?
The woman told police she armed herself because she “was concerned about crime in her neighborhood.” Sounds like a good enough reason to us. Perhaps she just needs a more secure shoulder holster?
Whatever the case might be, both are great reminders to be careful out there!
Commonly worn by law enforcement and military, ankle holsters let you conceal a secondary weapon with ease. There have been countless cases of primary weapons failing for whatever reason, which immediately creates a demand for a backup weapon.
While it will prevent a fast draw, especially if your pant legs are longer, an ankle holster gives that extra edge needed to take down a criminal. Some actually prefer wearing an ankle holster instead of wearing a shoulder or waist holster. The holster becomes exposed if a shirt is tucked in and will draw attention to the weapon. On the other hand, a good gun holster should remain concealed no matter what—whether you are standing up or sitting down.
Much like any other holster, ankle holsters can be made out of leather, plastic or even fabric for both shotguns and revolvers. These holsters generally range in price from $30 to $70. It is typically worn on the leg opposite to the hand you hold your pistol with. Galco, Fobus and Blackhawk all carry types of ankle holsters.
When you buy an ankle holster, there are two tests you can do to make sure it’s the right one for you, as demonstrated in the video below. First stand in front of a mirror with the holster strapped to the appropriate leg, and pull your pants leg down. If there is any bulkiness or signs of your weapon, consider another holster. If you are still having a concealment issues, perhaps choose a wider leg pant or a smaller pistol.
For the next test, sit down in a chair in front of a mirror. Again, if you see the telltale signs of bulkiness, try a different holster, pant or even weapon. It’s important that your ankle holster gives you complete concealment.
If you’re tweeting about gun holsters, we’re listening. Not to creep you out, but to understand the holster-toting community just a little better. We’re keeping our ear to the ground and our eye on the tweets. Here’s just a peak at what we’ve been hearing…
@theBigsexy: Had a pretty good night! Watching Dexter playing with guns and looking for gun holsters online! What man fun!
@Farah_Kz: #Waystoannoypeople wearing gun holsters and putting the remote controllers in them!!! @Thisisjoej
@brian_hickey: Photo: I used to dress my dog up like a cowboy, with gun holsters and everything, but I never thought to… http://tumblr.com/xn35mfs1w
@florido: @shefcgq yes! completely unnecessary; all he’s put in there so far is a gun and i’m pretty sure holsters were invented for a reason
@risbergz: homework… homework… homework i NEED those A’s badly – otherwise no party with the gun holsters:[
@alovething: @reluctantlemmng Sort of! He and Misha are going to wear gun holsters and fedoras. That’s pretty much all that matters.
@ChuckCash: Spy tip – Velcro gun-holsters, a big “no-no” for hit-men and assassins.
@Aville828: Gun show at the hampton convention center 2day. I’ve seen 20.00 tasers and 20.00 gun holsters
@leenakagawa: My buddy Sterling: “Just got the snuggie with gun holsters.” He’s the film loader. Working way too hard…
@mayhemindustry: HeidiTron. Complete with bedazzled gun holsters and Easy Bake Oven.
@crew54: I’m bout to make some homemade Crew54 Snuggies with built in gun holsters cuz we iGoons like that, who wants one, put in your orders now
@PrprincessB: @JustinMadness90 dont worry im sure ur gun has seen more holsters than my holster has seen any guns..so im more concern about my holster :p
@JustinMadness90: @PrprincessB how would you know how many holsters my gun has been to….. rofl what a convo xD
@glenihan: @paigeiam Well I see you made it home safely, despite driving through Kingman, where I’ve seen ppl walking around w/ gun holsters, lol.
@Rozanne_G: @studdastuffy *holsters gun* you’re safe this time.
To be like the aforementioned tweets, here’s a PowerPoint presentation on not-boring tweets. Prepare to be wowed.
As gun safes become more affordable, they become as equally penetrable. And if you’re in the business to truly protect your firearms and valued goods, you’ll want to keep out both thieves and elements like fire that can destroy everything in seconds.
In the video below, Dye the Safe Guy explains that buying cheaper “just doesn’t make sense.” While lighter metals and less costly materials might prove affordable and turn a profit for big box stores, consumers are given a “false security or security on sale.”
Here are five essential features that you’ll want to look for prior to investing your money in a gun safe.
Combination Lock
Some safes cost as little as $200 while the highest in quality safes can set you back more than $5,000. The priciest can be specialized to host a number of locks, digital and manual combinations, key-locking handles or even biometric locks. The only downside to this is that while it might take longer for intruders to crack, it will also slow you down if you’re in a hurry.
The most powerful of safes boast an interlocking dead lock system that will put bolts in place during an extreme attack. Others contain steel hard plates that will shatter drill bits during a drill invasion.
Metal Thickness
Typically, the thicker the metal, the more it will cost you. While an 18-16 gauge metal is very thin and can be penetrated very easily, it is also much more affordable. The basic B-rated safe means that the safe has a half-inch steel door and a quarter-inch steel body.
However, if you’re seeking quality, spot the UL label, which will either be on the top or side of the door inside the safe. That label means that it’s been tested by the Underwriter’s Laboratories, an independent product safety certification organization. The UL tests safes against a burglar attacks as well as fire endurance, fire and impact and explosion hazards.
Do note that the thickness of metal equals more weight, which means you’ll need a sturdy floor to support a heavy safe.
Good Burglar/Fire Ratings
We’ve already learned that B-rated and UL rated safes are thicker, but that also means they are more difficult to crack. The next step up in ratings is high-security burglar/fire safes that boast doors 5 1/2 inches thick and 1 1/2 inches in diameter. These safes start out with a TL-15 rating, which means the safe resisted a burglary attack for 15 minutes using common hand tools as well as more sophisticated electronic tools and drills. Higher ratings than a TL-15 include TL-30, TL-30X6 and TR-TL, which are the type of safes housed in jewelry stores and banks.
Most B- and C-rated safes will have at least an hour fire rating, meaning that’s how long they will hold up in intense heat. High-security safes tout a two- to three-hour fire-resistance range. “It can be really important to look at, especially if you are spending $1,000 or more on a gun safe,” says Dye. “Why spend that kind of money and not have the kind of protection for your documents and paper?”
If you’re looking to store more than paper documents and guns in your safe, that might call for even more protection. According to GunSafes.com, a safe holding media such as computer discs and dvds will begin to melt at 140 degrees. To ensure safety in a fire, look for a safe with a UL 125 rating, which will keep the temperature inside the safe at no more than 125 degrees.
Sturdy Anchors
The main way people bust open safes is to first tip them over. Most safes come with pre-cut anchor holes typically in the interior so you can bolt it down to the floor. That way, no one will be able to knock it on its side and find an easier way in. You can easily anchor the safe to a concrete or a wooden floor.
Specialized Interior
Some might view this as a fancy-schmancy bonus, but if you’re storing a lot of firearms, you’ll want to get built-in racks that will fit the guns you already own. In addition to racks, interior lighting can also be useful, especially if you’re in a rush. A few safes on the market also allow you to put mirrors in the rear wall, which helps brighten up the place a bit.
Pink guns are nothing new. These pistols painted in girlish hues have been auctioned for breast cancer awareness and criticized as a silly marketing gimmick for years. However, with women like Debbie Ferns proving female-only shooting camps, it’s likely we’ll see even more for-her, rose-colored accessories in 2010.
And while not all females require a pink gun and/or accessories, it’s nice to have some options. Here are 20.
1. Hello Kitty Sig Sauer P226 – According to the maker’s website, customization of this product was halted in May 2008 due to complaints from Sanrio, owners of the Hello Kitty brand. Not including the cost of the gun, this particular custom job was $2,100 with Swarovski Crystal on the grips.
2. Sparkly Grips – Featured on Jim’s Gun Supply as a DuraCoat item, it costs $50 to $85 to color and finish any type of gun accessories like scopes and magazines.
3. Ear Muffs – Touted as light weight and comfortable, this ear protection gear has 28 decibels of noise reduction for $34.99.
4. The Lady Di 460 S&W Magnum – Because of her peaceful nature, something tells us that Princess Diana would not be too happy about this 460 S&W Magnum ($657.95). “The most beautiful woman in the world on the most powerful handgun in the world. How can you go wrong?” asks its creator GlamGuns.com.
5. Hello Kitty Machine Gun – The video speaks for itself. Of course, this discovery was made at the Anime Expo.
7. Pink Camo Smith & Wesson – Another product of DuraCoat, it cost $135 for the pink camo touch.
8. Hello Kitty AR-15 – This big gun made CNN a while back, especially since it was at first rumored to be a Photoshop job. As you can see from the photo below, this one-of-a-kind firearm was custom made by Armory Airbrush.
9. Anti-Impact Glasses – Keep your eyes protected and your mind at ease by looking through rose-colored glasses ($19.99) at the shooting range.
10. Rainbow Brite Ammo Loader Kit – Another wonder from GlamGuns.com, this kit ($243.95) contains streamers, glitter and confetti that can be added to a gun chamber, shooting out “a trail of sparkling love with every shot.”
11. Breast Cancer Awareness Benelli Shotgun – Yet another DuraCoat creation. This type of customization would cost somewhere around $125 to $225.
12. Camo Gun Case – This lockable nylon gun case ($19) fits .22 Cricket and Chipmunk rifles with or without scopes.
13. Haydel’s Game Calls – Get a duck’s attention quick with this acrylic mallard call ($16.24) with a soft pink finish.
14. Beretta U22 Neos DLX Pistol – This ultra-sleek gun ($269.99) features hot pink grip inserts that gives it some added style.
15. Pistol Case – This Pepto-Bismol-colored case ($22.99) is pretty self-explanatory. Its exterior boasts reinforced composite; its interior contains egg-crate foam padding.
16. Crimson Trace Lasergrip – Ergonomically designed, this lasergrip is part of the Smith & Wesson Defender Series. And, yes, batteries are required.
17. Hello Kitty AK-47 – The price? $1,072.95. Some might argue that’s a small amount to pay for this über-customized weapon with a hand-crocheted shoulder-stock muffler and anodized titanium plating. But the bad news is, they’ve only made 500.
18. BB Gun – Its website declares that this Crosman 760 pellet gun ($42.99) is “sure to become a collectible!” However, we feel that the limited-edition Lady Di gun probably will obtain that status much sooner.
19. Rifle Sling – If you’re already carrying a pink rifle, why not add a pink rifle sling (17.99) with a hint on camo (or is that bronze?) to the mix.
While there’s been plenty of firm handshakes, wide smiles and flawless product demos, The SHOT Show hasn’t been going so smoothly for some — namely 21 industry executives who were rounded up by the FBI.
According to Business Week, the feds used the show as an opportunity to pinpoint those allegedly willing to pay illegal kickbacks to an African defense minister. “This is one case where what happens in Vegas didn’t stay in Vegas,” Lanny Breuer, Assistant Attorney General, was quoted as saying at a news conference about the case.
On the lighter side, Jim Braaten, an outdoors writer, blogger and photographer, was a Twitter photo rock star yesterday. He snapped pictures of the busy press room and of famed guitarist and gun rights supporter Ted Nugent. “Celebs like Ted Nugent draw booth traffic. The line for Ted’s autograph must be 150′ long. Wowsa!!,” he tweeted as @jim7226, Braaten’s Twitter handle.
Ted Nugent at SHOT Show 2010
And if you’re looking for more pictures, check out a great slideshow on The NRA Blog. Not only does the SHOT Show bring together gun industry bigwigs, but with more than 1,300 registered media, it’s also the largest gathering of the international press who cover the outdoor industry (check out the next video). Media outlets such as PoliceOne.com and the Military Times have had extensive online coverage of the show. Check out PoliceOne.com’s coverage here and Military Times coverage here.
As for the state of the industry, NSSF president Steve Sanetti said its “the strongest” he’s seen it (Isn’t that what industry leaders always say?). Watch his address at Tuesday’s industry dinner.
And now, let’s check out what else has been taking place at the Sands Expo & Convention Center. Outdoor Channel’s Michael Bane took the logical route and did his weekly shooting podcast from show.
Take a look at the laser grips Crimson Trace was showing off at its booth.
More laser talk: Michael Bane chats with Lou Riley about a new series of green laser products from Laser Genetics ND3 series, a product that’s already been labeled a “game-changing technology.”
EOTAC had some new offerings this year as well. Fernado tells us about their lizard-pattern, old-school field jacket.
Outdoor Channel’s catches up with Nick Mundt at the Bushnell booth. He talks about their Bone Collector line of optics, which features a HD flashlight “that is probably the coolest flashlight I’ve ever used.”
Gun Websites gives us a first look at a .22lr rifle, which is said to be styled after the H&K 416.
What would the SHOT Show be without a tip from a pro? Max Michel, Sig Sauer team captain, shows the proper shooting stance.
Find out what TAPCO brought to this year’s show for the AR-15 rifle system.
Watch Mike Kroll of L3-EOTech talk about its line of new sights including SU231, M40GL, EEXP, 512 and G23 Gen II.
Reload in style with the new Dillon Precision’s BFR 50BMG Reloading Machine.
Have an interest in Hydro Weapons? Because that’s what Spencer Ladd of MGI demonstrates in this video.
The SHOT Show even featured a few guns up for auction, including the 10,000,001st Remington 870, up for grabs on gunbroker.com.
You definitely need a place to put all those firearms. Bruce Pendleton, owner of Pendleton Safe, debuts the Pendleton Valuables Management series of gun safes.
And finally, The Outdoor Channel posted this about SHE Outdoor Apparel, specially made gear for wilderness women. “The No. 1 thing that keeps those girls out of the woods is being too cold,” said Pam Zaitz of SHE Outdoor Apparel. “We took care of that last year. But it’s too warm.”
Now onto the tweets, of which there were many. Aside from the general aches and pains that come from endless booth-to-booth walking and unfortunate taxi lines, most attendees only accentuated the positive with their tweets.
@gunnuts_radio: Another day, another load of sweet goodness for gun nuts. #shotshow is jam packed with everything for the hunter and shooter!
@jim7226: Things are hopping on the #SHOTshow floor this morning. Here’s folks checking out the new SigSauer offerings f http://tweetphoto.com/9223613
@BrianJeromeKing: Vegas officials are reporting their PHUN meter is off the charts thanks to @PheasantPhun & @TeamHuntress! #SHOTshow
@ShooterGifts: #ShotShow – Walk it all and get in shape…we’ve been told the show is about 14-18 miles of vendors. Lots to see.
@robertstarling: Minor flooding at most intersections along Rainbow #vegas #shotshow
@thenakedgrape: Food discount tonight for our friends at #shotshow – easy too – just show us your badge. We feature great wines & live… (via @GrapeVegas)
@jim7226: Some #SHOTshow products really make me laugh. At one booth they’re selling survival strobes that would be hardly visible at 30 feet.
@natalietweets: @TXPeddler wow! I haven’t heard any of this. But the show is humongous. You can’t see the forest through the trees here!
@USPALM: Taxi lines. Fail! If you stand in line longer than it takes to walk there, you lose!
@NRAblog: SD Press conference: “South Dakota gets it. we’re not going to regulate the firearms industry out of business.” #SHOTshow
@JCShoe: I wonder how many people will be found still wondering around the endless number of exhibit rooms long after the #shotshow is over?
@JohnBeath: Rain and floods in ‘Vegas today. Raining inside my hotel room. Got some great video interviews at SHOT Show today. www.letstalkoutdoors.net
@techaskew: OMG! I just met LTC James “Maggie” Magellas! We are Free Today because of great men like him! #SOT #shotshow
@nrohrbach: Whoever decided to make the #shotshow shuttle passengers @LuxorLV wait in an uncovered area should be fired. It’s 40 degrees and raining.
@babw: Latest musing: Seen at the 2010 SHOT Show: SHE Outdoor Apparel: While much of the SHOT Show is focused on many tra… http://bit.ly/7t4j7V
We’re back with extended SHOT Show coverage … the kind that makes you feel like you’re actually there — blazing down the bustling show concourse doing meet and greets like a pro and dealing out your business cards like free all-you-can-eat buffet coupons. Er, or something like that.
Day two brought on a barrage of awesome twitpics uploaded to Twitter. Our favorite? Bacon-flavored lip balm (pictured below). According to ShakaTweet, the Shaka Laka lip balm is a limited edition that’s being distributed at the show. So, get bacon lips while you still can!
Martial arts master Steven Seagal made an appearance at the ArmorWorks booth and called the SHOT show “amazing.” “It’s probably the greatest gathering of special technology for police and military that I’ve ever seen in one place,” he said. Watch Mr. Seagal promote the aptly named “Seagal Tactical Gear” line.
Meanwhile Field & Stream, who posted this gem about booth babes last year, is broadcasting live from the show. Here’s yesterday’s footage that features new guns, gear and, um, autographed panties.
Magpul’s truck creation is also turning a lot of heads at the show. “Looks like it’s just like their gear — it’s gonna go anywhere and do anything.”
And now onto the guns… the much-hyped Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard line.
Outdoor Channel’s Michael Bane chats up Corey Gumbert about Beretta’s new TX4 home security firearm, “a tactical shotgun with a very famous, old name on it.”
Land Warrior also had some new products on display including the new M6 SPR, which we should expect to see out in the middle of 2010.
Watch Bill Wahn from First Light USA demo a pretty sweet tactical and home defense light system.
Oh, and for those who didn’t stop by the 2010 Advanced Armament SHOT Show party at the Voodoo Lounge at Rio, you missed 50 plus Maxim girls dancing like this…
And without further ado, here’s the best of SHOT Show Day Two tweets.
@JCShoe: Day two of #shotshow begins. The rain has stopped. I have fifty booths to hit. It’s going to be a busy day.
@CGPRMarblehead: Day one..of SHOT Show..done..heading into day two..lots of energy..tactical side of the business seems very healthy.. http://bit.ly/7jreoa
@robertstarling: Why is it that the food samples from the freeze dried exhibitors tastes as good or better than the pricey concession food? #shotshow #vegas
@jim7226: 1st floor level at SHOT is very crowded. Has to be a record turnout 4 the show. Somehow I always find myself walking behind S-L-O-W people.
@muelleroutdoors: At the SHOT Show today in Vegas with the crew from IMG. It appears to be much smaller this year. Sign of the times!
@wileyoutdoor: Don’t forget to come by Flextone booth #13305 at the #SHOTshow Be sure and ask about the new turkey calls!
@NRA_Rifleman: #SHOTshow photos, still warm! Lots of great products including the intriguing Taurus TCP. http://j.mp/8FfeGA #guns #firearms
@robertstarling: Local Vegas tip: Don’t blindly drop a quarter in slots. Check the payout scale; identical slots side-by-side pay different. #shotshow #vegas
@robertstarling: Definition of “Tweetpit”… trying to get signal out of the basement exhibit area of the Sands! Argh! #shotshow #vegas
@anwags: Day #2 of #shotshow. The dogs are barking, but have much more comfortable shoes on today to walk around.
@cheaperthandirt: Day 2 of #SHOTshow – the doors are open. Will get some pictures this time – gonna swing by the Bushmaster booth and drool over the ACR.
@TankaBar: Just ran out of business cards at the shot show
@jim7226: One thing about the SHOT Show. If you can dream it there’s probably already someone here selling it. Product options can be mind boggling.
@techaskew: Made some new friends and reconnected with old ones today at #shotshow. Our Troops are amazing and vendors provide them great tools! #SOT
@230grain: http://twitpic.com/z174r Once again Remington focuses their attention on the hunting market with another fudd gun. #SHOTshow #hunting
@getgrip: #Shotshow, day 2 and holding strong. Celebs showin up all over. Very impressive display of new prod. See all tomorrow!
@ptecdive: while I feel gross from #shotshow mayhem, I have tix to see #blueman group, so no need to shower twice
@jim7226: Coolest new gadget I saw at the #SHOTshow today wasn’t even being exhibited at the show. Must do some more research before I announce it.
@robertstarling: Local Vegas tip: Unless you like waiting DO NOT get in the Sands taxi line. Go to front of casino! Trust me! #shotshow #vegas @NRAblog
If you’re not in Las Vegas, then you’re not at the No. 1 industry event of the year: SHOT Show 2010. On our sister blog, we highlighted seven things to check out at the show. Yet following the event’s kickoff, attendees have given us much more to share. They’ve been busy blogging and tweeting about, well, everything — from Asian noodles to tactical scopes. Here’s just an iota of what you’re missing out on.
Meanwhile, we’ve collected an assortment of videos covering yesterday’s SHOT Show madness that have been uploaded in the past 24 hours. The video below comes from the Outdoor Channel featuring Bone Collector co-hosts T-Bone Turner, Nick Mundt and Michael Waddell talking guns … what else?! “It’s an animal,” says Mundt about the gun he’s holding in the video.
Jason from Vectronix introduces us to SORD, or Shooter Objective Ranging Device, which, according to CS Tactical, is already in use by Marines and SEAL Snipers.
Another demo, this one of the Premier V8 1.1-8×24 CQB Tactical Scope…
And yet another demo… check out ArmaLite’s AR15 Cutaway.
Still yearning to be in the center of the action? For the remainder of the week, we’ll highlight the top SHOT Show tweets each day. Here’s our favorites from day one…
@HunTTrader: #SHOT SHOW had 70,000 people there yesterday! @HunTTrader was one of them.
@MichaelBane: #shotshow…day 1…breakfast with my friend Larry Potterfield frm Midway USA…AM Shot Show TV interviews…PM Shooting Gallery!
At Gun Holsters Blog, we explore just that -- the wonderful world of gun holsters. But that's not all: We love firearms, too. Expect to see something gun related every time you stop in and say "hi."
