M2

Steve Considering that our justice system was adopted from yours, you should know that he is innocent until proven guilty... Cheers! M2

All true on the airline info, I fly with my guns all the time and all you need is what brabus said, but check with the airlines beforehand as many have different policies on it. Usually their web site will have the info. Otherwise, you can ship them via your HHG, but again check with TMP prior on how to do that. But even though Hawaii has a restricted may carry law (Not many permits are issued, as the standard of "exceptional" case is tough to prove. In the last 15 years, no law abiding citizen applying for a permit to carry a concealed firearm in Honolulu has been granted one -- not one domestic violence victim, not one person whose life was in danger, not one person working where they may be robbed at gunpoint. And the police chief has no plans to change that under Hawaii’s current law), it doesn't mean you can't keep a gun in your house for self-defense, it only means you can't carry it around. Cheers! M2

Everyone needs raise a glass for ClearedHot, who is celebrating a major milestone in his career today! Those who know him know what I am talking about, and the rest of you will just have to take my word for it; but it is a substantial achievement for any Air Force officer and I can think of no one more worthy than CH! CH, I wish I could have been there to celebrate with you, but my schedule just wouldn’t allow it. But I will toast your accomplishment this evening in line with Air Force traditions! Cheers! M2

This came out today...interesting... Cheers! M2

Port Dog Great to hear! I am a .45 fan, but the 9mm is just as effective of a round; what's most important is shot placement! The great thing about 9mm is it is cheaper than .45, so you can get more range time in! Once you get more comfortable with the weapon, see if your range has practical shooter clubs that will teach you how to handle it during a more dynamic situation. Too many people think they can shoot because they can hit a paper target while standing and aiming; but it is more important to "get off the X" in a threatening situation and learning to shoot on the run will serve you better if you ever need it. As for hand size, I also have small hands for my size but the XD was the best double-stacked semi-auto I found. A single-stack handgun such as the 1911 is easier for me to handle, but the flip side is a much-decreased ammo capacity (7+1 vs 13+1 in my XD45). Plus, "plastic" guns are much easlier to conceal carry, at least for me. Congrats on the purchase! Respect that weapon, treat it well, and it will serve you a lifetime! Cheers! M2

I sure hope that's sarcasm... Cheers! M2

** Thread Revival ** Hacker Did you ever try the ESS ICE sunglasses that were issued to you? If so, any thoughts? I had a set that I liked, and recently picked up a set of the new ICE-2X NAROs at Panzer Barracks in Stuttgart. I like 'em for range glasses, and think the new smaller NAROs might work better under the motorcycle helmet. I've never owned a pair of Oakleys in my life, and would be interested in hearing how they compare. What prompted this thread revival was I saw a nice set of polarized iridium Oakley Whiskers for $205 at La Cantera (a.k.a. San Antonio 90210) but the more I spend on stylish sunglasses, the more likely I am to accidentally smash them to bits. As such, stronger, cheaper sunglasses such as the ESS ICEs are preferred. Cheers! M2

What do you think this is...Iron Eagle??? Cheers! M2

Escuse me while I call you out...just a few posts about the one you just made... You stated... So what was it, you only read the important stuff, or you didn't read any of it and just took the tests? Never mind, I already know the answer; but you've got 2 years to get your shit together. I would start now... Cheers! M2

I'll throw a dime on top of that, Cap-10 nailed it...STFU and take the online training. I know you cadets think you are smarter than the USAF, but even old retired shits like myself who don't even need it are taking the SERE CBT. Why? 'Cause you can never be too smart or too good looking! I know, I've tried both... And you can pat yourselves on the back for figuring ways to get around the training, but what is the real objective here? This isn't the CBT on human trafficking or some other useless subject, as Cap-10 said there is info that you either forgot or never retained in the first place. Take the time to go through this and see if you might make yourself a little smarter (or at least better looking!). Cheers! M2

Listen to Bluto, he's giving some good advice. For more info on the Dragon, go to the Tail of the Dragon web site. It even has a link to the Two Wheels Inn. Have fun; but be careful. The Dragon takes several motorcyclists every year. I see where it took its first on 28 April, a 'Busa rider from Maryland. And if you really want a motorcycle adventure, ride the Alps. Nothing comes close. Cheers! M2

For any and all of your NW carry questions: Concealed Carry.net NM page Cheers! M2

Just a few quick things to always remember... - School first, ROTC second. - The "education" goes far beyond the academics. It is a once-in-the-lifetime experience to go to college. Use the time well. - It all ends if you get bad grades, so unless you want to work at a grocery store for the rest of your life, find a good balance and maintain it. - Chill. Ain't no one shooting at you, so don't stress it. - Don't risk any unprotected sex. Sounds funny, but I've seen several dudes fall because they knocked some chick up. And it usually isn't 'Miss Right,' just 'Miss Right Now.' Paying alimony and child support down the road means you don't get to buy the Jeep you always wanted. Instead you'll end up with a Kia. - Cut your hair and wear decent clothes to the interview. A suit may be too much, even a tie is a little over the top but you can probably get away with it. Just dress nicely (no shorts or jeans, and a collared shirt), shave and have fresh breath. Be friendly and yourself, and don't BS or asskiss. Let them judge you on you, not someone you are not. - Finally, good luck, you can never have enough of it! Cheers! M2

For those who question the use of a shotgun for home defense, get one and go shoot it at 10-15 feet. It is not a blunderbuss, the pattern at that range is very contained, at most 6-8 inches. Plus, shotgun pellets are far less likely to overpenetrate the target like some smaller handgun ammo. Anyone interested in the "truth" behind ammo and penetration needs to visit the Box 'O Truth web site. Great stuff! And here is the section on shotguns...notice that at 12' the spread was only 3.5" with Remington 2 3/4", #4 Buck, 27 pellets. Smaller pellets than 00 Buck, but more of them (27 vs 18 from a 3" 00 Buck shell). And there is more great info on tests with other shotgun shells...and be sure to read the 'Lessons Learned' at the end. I seriously doubt you will engage someone at a distance greater that 10-15 feet, and if you are, then you need to consider an assault rifle like an AK-47 which only sets yourself up for all kinds of legal headaches as if the threat was that far away, why did you really need to engage it in the first place? My Mossberg is 18.5" long, the minimum allowed by law (sawed-off shotguns belong that length are illegal), and with the pistol grip I have the ability to move throughout the house and still keep it pointed in the right direction. Trust me, although I have never had to use it, I have trained and practiced with mine as you should do with any weapon you plan to use for home defense. And you want Buckshot, as Birdshot is not nearly as effective on a human target. And instead of overpenetration, you might want to worry more about underpenetration (no jokes, please) as given the situation you want to be sure that if the bad guy is hiding behind your couch, you can still "reach out and touch him." And before someone suggests one of those "snake guns" revolvers that shoot .410 shot, such as the Taurus Judge; they may be good for snakes and maybe pissing off a human assailant; but unless you are loading it with slugs, it really doesn't make for a good self-defense weapon. Plus, they are huge and not easily concealed. Cheers! M2

There is an old saying that for home defense, a handgun is only to get you to your shotgun! The best thing would be a combination of both, and decent ones can cost you as little as $850 for everything if you shop around. I keep all my handguns locked up in a location very close to where I sleep. I have a number pad combination safe that I can open within seconds even when half asleep (I've done it several times). It is very secure and I don't worry about leaving all my guns loaded in there. My main "go-to" gun is my Springfield Armory XD45ACP, 13+1 rounds and very reliable. One will probably run you about $500-550, but you'll have to shop around. I have a LaserMax "target illuminator" on it but that is an expensive luxury; but it is also my carry weapon so I want it to be highly functional. In the closet I keep a Mossberg Persuader 12-gauge shotgun loaded with 3" magnum 00 buckshot rounds. Mine is the pistol-gripped model, and I keep it with shells loaded in the tube but none in the chamber, and unlocked, on the top shelf of the closet. The wife and kids know where it is and keep away from it, and only the wife also knows how to operate it (load a shell and take the safety off). I have a 120-lumen SureFire 6P flashlight mounted on it to blind the hell outta whoever I am pointing it at. It is the criminals last warning before they get peppered, and if you haven't ever seen what a 3" magnum 00 Buckshot fires, it is 18 pellets that are almost a quarter-inch wide! Anyhow, the Mossy will cost you about $350-400 and again you might be able to find it cheaper if you try. Just some suggestions, hope they help! Cheers! M2

Just goes to show you that being a golden child is worth the trouble, even if that means being some freak long-distance runner. Had this been your average tac airlifter or someone who spent their career actually flying for the Air Force, and not involved in some stupid recruiting effort such as our “professional athletes” or Tops in Blue, their nuts would have been fried on the BBQ. Wave bye-bye to Jill, she was stupid and got away with it, despite everyone knowing the true story. But karma is a bitch, and I hope at least her hubby was smart enough to kick her ass to the curb. The Air Force sure as hell wasn’t… Cheers! M2

Stuck Yep, it was yours truly that mentioned Piece of Cake. I bought the book when it first came out, and I would highly recommend getting it if you can find a copy as it is probably Derek Robinson's best work. The miniseries was great but it left out a lot from the book. Still, you can't beat the flying scenes! Although not about flying, a similar miniseries titled Danger UXB about a bomb disposal officer in London during WWII and was done as well as the Piece of Cake series. It is on my list of DVD sets to buy... Cheers! M2 I thought the book was much better... Cheers! M2

Nothing wrong with being a bum! As for your question, call your safety office! Cheers! M2 You forgot one important point... 4.6.6. All other retirees, contractors, dependents, and civilians who operate a motorcycle while on an AF installation are encouraged, but not required, to attend an approved motorcycle rider safety course. Outstanding! Cheers! M2

Yeah, you're good. As long as you've taken any MSF course, you don't need to take it again on base. Well, except that I think some commands require you to retake it every two years. I remember when I took my first USAF motorcycle safety course back in June 1982 ("Motor Cycle Challenges Course VII, IAW AFR 50-24" I still have the training certificate, the old blue ones that have the moon, a satellite, a rocket and some kind of futuristic jet on it...anyone remember those?), we were told it was the only course we would have to take during our entire career. Well, that may have been true at the time; but it sure wasn't true years later as I had to take it several more times during my career. I haven't ridden to work for years, but I would suspect that with the base decal program gone, if you have all the proper gear on and show your ID, you most likely won't even be asked for a MSF card. Hell, I don't even know where mine is... Cheers! M2

Great story! I think this is the way it should be. We had a cool NCO at my AFROTC Det that ended up with most of ours, but I still think it should go to whoever gives you your first "operational" salute. Cheers! M2

Call a local motorcycle shop (not a Harley dealership) and ask about MSF courses. I think they run about $75 for the beginner or the experienced rider course. There is nothing the H-D course could teach that would be worth that money. I suspect a lot of the time is spent learning how to "polish your chrome" (STS)... Otherwise, I would keep trying the free on-base course. So you show up and it's full...all you lose is about a half hour of your time. But you'll never know until you try... And see if any other military installation near you has it. Cheers! M2

Again I ask...when did the USAF get helicopters?? Seriously, tell them you want to fly helicopters and they send you to see the nice man in the white coat. They will attach electrodes to your cranium and give you a couple of volts of the lightning and if you still want to fly them, they double the dose. Seriously, this is what helicopter flying is all about....

Yeah, as Mike pointed out, your VA permit is not recognized by MD, so you can't carry. Here is a map of the states that recognize your permit: Maryland isn't the most gun-friendly state, and note that WV, MI and FL don't recognize your non-resident permit either. I have the XD45ACP, as I love the .45 caliber, I consider it the consummate American round and it is nice to be able to use the same ammo with my 1911. Plus, with 13+1 capacity, it's sufficient for most SHTF situations. I don't always carry an extra magazine, as after 14 rounds if the situation hasn't ended I will be working towards my exit ("Gimme three steps, give me three steps towards the door"). It is idiotic to stand your ground and fight, you need to be off the 'x' and on the move! About the only time you do that is when you are defending your home, at which the XD is only to give me something to shoot until I can get to the bigger toys. As the old axiom goes, you can never have enough firepower or ammo! The XD does have the trigger safety, as well as the 1911-style grip safety. As discussed earlier, they are now available with a thumb safety but I think that is a little too much. I don't have the requirements that the military and law enforcement agencies have for a thumb safety, I want a weapon I can grab and fire. But the bottom line is you should get the gun you fire well. Caliber is not nearly as important as shot placement, and a well-placed 9mm will be better than a badly-placed .45 shot. But there was an FBI study titled 'Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness' that concluded: "Given desirable and reliable penetration, the only way to increase bullet effectiveness is to increase the severity of the wound by increasing the size of hole made by the bullet. Any bullet which will not penetrate through vital organs from less than optimal angles is not acceptable. Of those that will penetrate, the edge is always with the bigger bullet." It is a great report, you can easily find the full report by Googling the name. There may not be a huge difference in caliber sizes, as Hacker's chart shows; but even that little deviation between calibers can make the difference in between striking a vital organ and not. Plus, you greatly increase your chances by using JHPs, which I will only use in my carry weapon. Hope that helps! Cheers! M2

Box Ain't no way anyone would want to carry one of those as a CCW. Small frame? Compared to what? I considered one for when I am out hiking in my beloved Texas Hill Country, .410 revolvers make for good snake guns. But the reviews I read where not that impressive, and once I got the chance to hold one in person I knew it was just a novelty gun. Sure, I'd still like to have one, but my list of desired weaponry is long and distinguished. For concealed carry, there is no better option that the XD45ACP...easy to carry, 13+1 of .45ACP, and completely reliable. Cheers! M2

Yeah, it's called a paycheck. You got the education, now you need to pay whatever institutions were kind enough to lend you the money to get it. If you wanted a free education, you should've gotten a scholarship or gone to the Academy. That said, I think some states will forgive some or all of the loans they give if you serve a certain amount of time in a combat zone. You'll have to do some homework on that yourself; but otherwise, man up and pay your debts! Cheers! M2