Saturday, April 08, 2017
Trying out a new handguard
Once upon a time had a post about becoming an EBR owner. It's worked well, but I wanted a different, specifically longer, handguard. Which idea got kicked around for far too long. Few days back decided to do it, and after some looking around settled on this Matrix model.* It requires a low-profile gas block, and since they carry one in the right size decided to go with it.
Shipping was pretty quick, and the unit looks well-finished. Very slim and light. Like everyone else nowadays it comes with their own proprietary barrel nut, and I needed a 1 3/16" crowfoot wrench for it; I lucked out, there's a tool & equipment shop in town that had one(Delco, nice people).
The process started with using a upper receiver vise block and a strap wrench to unscrew the original handguard. Which wound up requiring soaking a little penetrating oil into the threads, and damn near took looking for a bigger wrench to break loose.
That was followed by getting the barrel nut off. Which had me cursing the bastard who put it on, because - using the proper wrench and all- it damaged two(actually, four) of the holes in the damn thing.
Wound up using some heat on the nut, followed by penetrating oil to the threads and some time to soak in. I'm not exactly svelte, and after all that it still took putting almost all my weight on the wrench to break it loose. I think they way over-torqued it.
Putting the new barrel nut(with proper grease) on and torquing it down was easy. The new gas block, on the other hand, by my caliper measured a few thousandths below the size it was supposed to be, and I had to polish it out a bit to get it to fit. Which brings up another story:
Getting the gas tube out of the original block was a great big PITA. That roll pin would not come out, and I finally decided to try drilling. Didn't expect it to work, but the bit cleaned out the pin with no problem. So didn't have to order and wait for a new gas tube.
The Matrix handguard uses a system similar to the Diamondhead, the handguard slips over the barrel nut and uses a set of pinch bolts to lock it in place. I'd done some research, and nobody who'd used one had any problems with slippage, and once clamped on this seems very solidly locked in place. I don't foresee problems there.
Here's the finished installation.
Good, bad, and general observations:
Very slim and light.
The rail doesn't exactly match up to the rail on the upper(it's a fraction lower). I'd be surprised if it had, considering the number of uppers from the number of makers out there. The difference might be a problem if you had an optic mount that had the front on the handguard and the back on the upper; otherwise, don't think it's a problem, other than if the difference is more than some iron sights can adjust for.
The fit of the barrel nut is good, and the fit and finish on the handguard also.
That slim design means check the gas block to make sure it clears the inside all the way 'round. The bottom of this block just about contacted on the bottom where the set screws are, so- since I'd already had to polish the inside a bit- I ground a touch off to be sure of clearance when things get hot.
Something that fits in the 'customer service' category: before buying I'd contacted them(they suggest Facebook) with a couple of questions, got pretty quick answers. When I ordered, did not receive any confirmation e-mail(which they say they'll send), and never received one saying that it'd shipped. Annoying, but not horrible. However, when I e-mailed and told them about those oversights, no response at all. That's troubling.
Now I need time to hit the range and see how this holds up.
*I'd seriously thought about this Diamondhead. I've got a AR-10 model on the .338 project rifle, and love it. Two problems: one is cost, and two is weight. With the heavy barrel on this, I wanted something light. And the Diamondhead is pretty spendy, so.
Shipping was pretty quick, and the unit looks well-finished. Very slim and light. Like everyone else nowadays it comes with their own proprietary barrel nut, and I needed a 1 3/16" crowfoot wrench for it; I lucked out, there's a tool & equipment shop in town that had one(Delco, nice people).
The process started with using a upper receiver vise block and a strap wrench to unscrew the original handguard. Which wound up requiring soaking a little penetrating oil into the threads, and damn near took looking for a bigger wrench to break loose.
That was followed by getting the barrel nut off. Which had me cursing the bastard who put it on, because - using the proper wrench and all- it damaged two(actually, four) of the holes in the damn thing.
Wound up using some heat on the nut, followed by penetrating oil to the threads and some time to soak in. I'm not exactly svelte, and after all that it still took putting almost all my weight on the wrench to break it loose. I think they way over-torqued it.
Putting the new barrel nut(with proper grease) on and torquing it down was easy. The new gas block, on the other hand, by my caliper measured a few thousandths below the size it was supposed to be, and I had to polish it out a bit to get it to fit. Which brings up another story:
Getting the gas tube out of the original block was a great big PITA. That roll pin would not come out, and I finally decided to try drilling. Didn't expect it to work, but the bit cleaned out the pin with no problem. So didn't have to order and wait for a new gas tube.
The Matrix handguard uses a system similar to the Diamondhead, the handguard slips over the barrel nut and uses a set of pinch bolts to lock it in place. I'd done some research, and nobody who'd used one had any problems with slippage, and once clamped on this seems very solidly locked in place. I don't foresee problems there.
Here's the finished installation.
Good, bad, and general observations:
Very slim and light.
The rail doesn't exactly match up to the rail on the upper(it's a fraction lower). I'd be surprised if it had, considering the number of uppers from the number of makers out there. The difference might be a problem if you had an optic mount that had the front on the handguard and the back on the upper; otherwise, don't think it's a problem, other than if the difference is more than some iron sights can adjust for.
The fit of the barrel nut is good, and the fit and finish on the handguard also.
That slim design means check the gas block to make sure it clears the inside all the way 'round. The bottom of this block just about contacted on the bottom where the set screws are, so- since I'd already had to polish the inside a bit- I ground a touch off to be sure of clearance when things get hot.
Something that fits in the 'customer service' category: before buying I'd contacted them(they suggest Facebook) with a couple of questions, got pretty quick answers. When I ordered, did not receive any confirmation e-mail(which they say they'll send), and never received one saying that it'd shipped. Annoying, but not horrible. However, when I e-mailed and told them about those oversights, no response at all. That's troubling.
Now I need time to hit the range and see how this holds up.
*I'd seriously thought about this Diamondhead. I've got a AR-10 model on the .338 project rifle, and love it. Two problems: one is cost, and two is weight. With the heavy barrel on this, I wanted something light. And the Diamondhead is pretty spendy, so.
Friday, April 07, 2017
Thursday, April 06, 2017
"Why do people hate us? We're just doing our jobs!"
Because part of your job is being a thief.
And on top of the theft, and "Screw actual criminals, these people are easier to mess with" attitude,
It is unclear whether structuring forfeiture cases make up a small or large percentage of all IRS forfeitures, because the IRS does not publish that information and denied FOIA requests to make it public.
Let's ask question: who the HELL is the IRS to not provide this information, and to tell FOIA requests "We won't tell you"?
I've asked it before: We're supposed to trust these bastards? About anything? Why?
Yale is no longer a university; it's an asylum being operated by inmates.
Yale is being sued for violating the Title IX rights of a male student accused of rape because it first punished him for writing an essay that called rape “an irrational act.”
...
Because Yale punished Doe even after the allegations against him collapsed, the university discriminated against him because of his sex in violation of Title IX, he argues.
Berkowitz says Yale has “reached a new low in the annals of campus policing of speech” if Doe’s claims are accurate:
Well, the Rotary Club can kiss my ass. Get this:
The decision itself, according to the document, was made by RI’s 19-member Board of Directors, four of whom are U.S. citizens, and all of whom were elected by RI’s membership. It acknowledges that RI’s constituent clubs were not involved in the decision, but claims that the board has the “basic responsibilit[y]” for RI’s “name and reputation.”
I'd bet this involved "You Americans are irrational about guns, and we don't like it!" combined with "Oh yes, things are SO much better in other countries, so we should be more like them!"
Well, when your party bases everything on "Who's the biggest victim we support now?", this crap is what you get.
And on top of the theft, and "Screw actual criminals, these people are easier to mess with" attitude,
It is unclear whether structuring forfeiture cases make up a small or large percentage of all IRS forfeitures, because the IRS does not publish that information and denied FOIA requests to make it public.
Let's ask question: who the HELL is the IRS to not provide this information, and to tell FOIA requests "We won't tell you"?
I've asked it before: We're supposed to trust these bastards? About anything? Why?
Yale is no longer a university; it's an asylum being operated by inmates.
Yale is being sued for violating the Title IX rights of a male student accused of rape because it first punished him for writing an essay that called rape “an irrational act.”
...
Because Yale punished Doe even after the allegations against him collapsed, the university discriminated against him because of his sex in violation of Title IX, he argues.
Berkowitz says Yale has “reached a new low in the annals of campus policing of speech” if Doe’s claims are accurate:
Surely no female student would incur criticism, much less censorship or punishment, for providing weighty philosophical authority in support of the proposition that rape is wrong.
If Doe’s story is true, Yale is no longer satisfied in enforcing correct opinions. To utter the correct opinion, Yale also demands that you be the correct sex.
Well, the Rotary Club can kiss my ass. Get this:
The decision itself, according to the document, was made by RI’s 19-member Board of Directors, four of whom are U.S. citizens, and all of whom were elected by RI’s membership. It acknowledges that RI’s constituent clubs were not involved in the decision, but claims that the board has the “basic responsibilit[y]” for RI’s “name and reputation.”
I'd bet this involved "You Americans are irrational about guns, and we don't like it!" combined with "Oh yes, things are SO much better in other countries, so we should be more like them!"
Well, when your party bases everything on "Who's the biggest victim we support now?", this crap is what you get.
Tuesday, April 04, 2017
And when you've been pushing for 'accusation = guilty' for men, sooner or later
it'll work around to women.
Coastal Carolina University has suspended its cheerleading program amid allegations that the cheerleaders were involved in a prostitution ring. There have been no prosecutions, and there don't appear to be any on the horizon, so controversy surrounds the school's actions:
Sucks to be on the bad end of that stick, doesn't it?
I'd say letting thugs control the schools is far worse, but I'm not as smart as the ACLU.
"WE WANT HILLARY! AND IF WE DON'T GET HER-"
Coastal Carolina University has suspended its cheerleading program amid allegations that the cheerleaders were involved in a prostitution ring. There have been no prosecutions, and there don't appear to be any on the horizon, so controversy surrounds the school's actions:
Sucks to be on the bad end of that stick, doesn't it?
I'd say letting thugs control the schools is far worse, but I'm not as smart as the ACLU.
"WE WANT HILLARY! AND IF WE DON'T GET HER-"
Trump was a nut to say he was wiretapped. Yeah.
Former President Barack Obama’s national security adviser Susan Rice ordered U.S. spy agencies to produce “detailed spreadsheets” of legal phone calls involving Donald Trump and his aides when he was running for president, according to former U.S. Attorney Joseph diGenova.
“What was produced by the intelligence community at the request of Ms. Rice were detailed spreadsheets of intercepted phone calls with unmasked Trump associates in perfectly legal conversations with individuals,” diGenova told The Daily Caller News Foundation Investigative Group Monday.
“The overheard conversations involved no illegal activity by anybody of the Trump associates, or anyone they were speaking with,” diGenova said. “In short, the only apparent illegal activity was the unmasking of the people in the calls.”
And another familiar name:
Joining Rice in the alleged White House operations was her deputy Ben Rhodes, according to Fox.
Yeah, this crap is illegal as hell. And everyone involved needs to go to jail for it.
EVERYONE.
“What was produced by the intelligence community at the request of Ms. Rice were detailed spreadsheets of intercepted phone calls with unmasked Trump associates in perfectly legal conversations with individuals,” diGenova told The Daily Caller News Foundation Investigative Group Monday.
“The overheard conversations involved no illegal activity by anybody of the Trump associates, or anyone they were speaking with,” diGenova said. “In short, the only apparent illegal activity was the unmasking of the people in the calls.”
And another familiar name:
Joining Rice in the alleged White House operations was her deputy Ben Rhodes, according to Fox.
Yeah, this crap is illegal as hell. And everyone involved needs to go to jail for it.
EVERYONE.
Monday, April 03, 2017
Well, I'd hoped for the outdoor range this week, but:
Foot injury/bug bite/whatever is making walking less than pleasant,
Appointments,
and
Weather. Rained this weekend(lightly for most of it), and a pretty good chance tomorrow. If it doesn't rain any more after that, maybe later this week. Things I'd like to test, as well as just plain shooting outside, the way it should be done.
Appointments,
and
Weather. Rained this weekend(lightly for most of it), and a pretty good chance tomorrow. If it doesn't rain any more after that, maybe later this week. Things I'd like to test, as well as just plain shooting outside, the way it should be done.
Some tab clearing, some bitching
Since they're following the lead of the Confederate States of America, when do we start referring to NYC, LA, San Francisco and other 'sanctuary cities' as the Confederate Cities?
Speaking of,
"We don't care what crimes they've committed, don't talk to the feds!"
A step toward stopping all the theft under color of law, at least by some federal agencies.
I don't find any mention of flogging for officials who violate this, but it is a step forward.
Oh, I hope so. Even a small population would be wonderful.
A politician who gets information and actually deals with it? Amazing!
Translation from OBLM-speak:
"This is what it looks like when a college official with some brains and balls tells us to fuck off."
They still want to claim that bitch Gorelick is innocent of the crap she did.
But it's not racist or discriminatory when they do it.
Translation: "Obama's a chickenshit, but when He does it, it's genius! Also, I'm an idiot."
"...Sometimes you need to develop a reputation for holding your ground. Libya is a perfect example of that. Syria is a perfect example of that. Afghanistan is a perfect example of that.”
Sorry, had to stop laughing and choking.
So, the Council for the Prevention of Islamophobia is made up of fucking idiots.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali? A white supremacist? Really?
Speaking of,
"We don't care what crimes they've committed, don't talk to the feds!"
A step toward stopping all the theft under color of law, at least by some federal agencies.
I don't find any mention of flogging for officials who violate this, but it is a step forward.
Oh, I hope so. Even a small population would be wonderful.
A politician who gets information and actually deals with it? Amazing!
Translation from OBLM-speak:
"This is what it looks like when a college official with some brains and balls tells us to fuck off."
They still want to claim that bitch Gorelick is innocent of the crap she did.
But it's not racist or discriminatory when they do it.
Translation: "Obama's a chickenshit, but when He does it, it's genius! Also, I'm an idiot."
"...Sometimes you need to develop a reputation for holding your ground. Libya is a perfect example of that. Syria is a perfect example of that. Afghanistan is a perfect example of that.”
Sorry, had to stop laughing and choking.
So, the Council for the Prevention of Islamophobia is made up of fucking idiots.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali? A white supremacist? Really?
Helluva place to find a Medal of Honor
One of my journalistic quests for the last two decades has been the
search for any personal effects belonging to the soldier seated third
from the left. The man under that hat is Medal of Honor Recipient First Sergeant George Jordan. He also held a Certificate of Merit – the two
highest commendations a U.S. soldier could receive in his era.
Jordan was born in 1847 in Williamson County, Tennessee, enlisting in the Army six months after President Andrew Johnson signed the 1866 bill allowing African-Americans to serve in the post-Civil War Army. Jordan educated himself, learning how to read and write, and joined K Troop four years later. He remained there throughout his career, proving to be one of the best field commanders in the Army west of the Mississippi. No one buffalo soldier so epitomized their motto of “We can. We will.” The white officers in charge of the all-black units often trusted Jordan with half of their commands because of knowledge and skill in the field. He served 30 years in the Army and retired.
Read it. And consider this:
Mize said during the time the sisters possessed the barrel, most of the old photos of black soldiers, personal items and Jordan’s military accouterments got parceled out. The Medal of Honor itself was saved only by the shining brass that made it a useful Christmas tree decoration in a historic home. Hundreds of people passed by it for years never noticing what it was.
Damn.
Jordan was born in 1847 in Williamson County, Tennessee, enlisting in the Army six months after President Andrew Johnson signed the 1866 bill allowing African-Americans to serve in the post-Civil War Army. Jordan educated himself, learning how to read and write, and joined K Troop four years later. He remained there throughout his career, proving to be one of the best field commanders in the Army west of the Mississippi. No one buffalo soldier so epitomized their motto of “We can. We will.” The white officers in charge of the all-black units often trusted Jordan with half of their commands because of knowledge and skill in the field. He served 30 years in the Army and retired.
Read it. And consider this:
Mize said during the time the sisters possessed the barrel, most of the old photos of black soldiers, personal items and Jordan’s military accouterments got parceled out. The Medal of Honor itself was saved only by the shining brass that made it a useful Christmas tree decoration in a historic home. Hundreds of people passed by it for years never noticing what it was.
Damn.
"You are guilty of WrongThink, therefore racist!
Even if you are nice!"
Guy needs to have zero contact with this nut. No words, don't open doors, nothing. Because she wants to destroy him.
"We are a multicultural play group. Unless you're white. Then you and your kids have to go somewhere else."
And get this from the ass-covering:
Following the controversy, Education Minister Rob Stokes had instructed the centre to allow all families to attend the playground.
“I was disappointed to hear that a mum and her young child felt they were not welcome… This is not acceptable. Everyone, regardless of their background, should feel included in these wonderful community activities.”
'FELT' they were not welcome? They were TOLD they weren't welcome, you slimy bastard. Only reason you're pulling this back is because you were called loudly and publicly on this bullshit.
'Higher' Education.
Another from Australia and the Ministry of Approved Speech:
People need to be criminally investigated for this. Hell, people need to go to jail for this crap.
Guy needs to have zero contact with this nut. No words, don't open doors, nothing. Because she wants to destroy him.
"We are a multicultural play group. Unless you're white. Then you and your kids have to go somewhere else."
And get this from the ass-covering:
Following the controversy, Education Minister Rob Stokes had instructed the centre to allow all families to attend the playground.
“I was disappointed to hear that a mum and her young child felt they were not welcome… This is not acceptable. Everyone, regardless of their background, should feel included in these wonderful community activities.”
'FELT' they were not welcome? They were TOLD they weren't welcome, you slimy bastard. Only reason you're pulling this back is because you were called loudly and publicly on this bullshit.
'Higher' Education.
Another from Australia and the Ministry of Approved Speech:
Professor Triggs told the sell-out audience “there has never been a more important time to stand up for laws which prohibit racial abuse in the public arena.”
“Sadly you can say what you like around the kitchen table at home,” she said.
People need to be criminally investigated for this. Hell, people need to go to jail for this crap.
Sunday, April 02, 2017
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