12/11/2024 – I was going down the driveway, second pass of the morning with the tractor pushing a snow blower, when I noticed my ears were really cold. My goobalini had rolled itself up over my ears and was, again, perched at the top of my head. Bullet head.
Bullet head is a condition where the skull tapers into a diminishing radius above the ears. So there is no near parallel surface for the knit cap to grip and, therefore, its elasticity causes the cap to roll upward to the crown under its own power. A werewolf like mane kept knit caps in place in my youth but, now with scant fuzz on top, it ain’t happening.
This past weekend, I had the choice of writing about and shooting, a soon to be released pistol that has been in my possession for a few weeks, or installing a back up camera in Chuck. Actually, Chuck III, my old 2006 Chevy Silverado half ton. I chose the camera install. Why?
The manufacturer of the pistol is terrific, by reputation and by products, and the pre introduction firearm was more of the same. I looked at it, photographed it, took it apart, put it back together again, and shot it… all more than once. I could not think of a single thing I wanted to write.
“It is very… black”, “It… shoots”, “The grip is… plastic”, “It is a… striker”, “It is chambered for the 9mm Luger”. As a person with a life long association with hypertension, I did not feel as though the product put me at risk.
I read the spec sheet, I read the sell sheet, and all I could conclude was that they cost reduced an already low cost pistol, with basic features, and marketing it as a “tremendous” achievement.
This is what happens when engineering, or social media, drives the product marketing effort. Engineers tend to recognize design finessing as major, and social media fixates on trivial differences, neither stopping to think if the consumer would realize any benefit in the product’s intended applications.
So where are the pictures? Why aren’t I calling out the manufacturer for this release? Two reasons. The first is that the manufacturer is a good one, and they are just doing what they believe the market demands, and practicing fiscal responsibility. Something all major firearm manufacturers are doing. Not unlike Roger B. Smith’s transformation of GM, with centralize manufacturing, corporate engines used across car divisions and designs that lent themselves to automation.
The second reason for omission of model specificity? My jaded perspective, which is no longer reflective of modern gun owners. The firearms of my youthful daydreams were fine double rifles, hand engraved and inlaid metal, beautifully grained walnut stocks with fine checkering. A good hunting rifle was a clean Winchester Model 70, or A Marlin 336. Not as fancy in grade, no embellished metal, but nicely fitted walnut stocks and deep blue finishes.
Handguns, both revolvers and auto loaders from Smith & Wesson and Colt, were made like watches, all steel and precise in part fitting, even with a lot of hand fitting from highly skilled labor. Now I see manufacturers touting MIM bits and pieces as advancement, when all they do is make for disposable assemblies and reduced cost, not performance enhancement.
Yet, firearms are generally more reliable and, probably, more accurate. They have a useful, if not long, life expectancy, and computer aided design and automation are producing the firearms current consumers demand. Which leaves me with a “It’s not you, it’s me” departing scenario. I have not turned against firearms. I have my own, and the right type and vintage for me.
I am offloading a lot of gear and equipment that supported publishing Real Guns, with most of it going to local younger guys who are enthusiastic in their firearm interests. I am truly happy for them. If I can contribute to their interest/development, that works for me.
And, with the backup camera installed on my long bed work truck, I can stop scraping pedestrians off the tailgate at Home Depot. I apologize for my poly board camera monitor mount prototype. I could not dash mount it and further obstruct my windshield view. However, I think I can improve the aesthetics in Beta 2.
I hope you are all doing well with holidays near. Family, faith, peace on earth, good will to all.
Merry Christmas Joe
Same to you, Robert.
Joe you have a merry Christmas
Thank you, Brian. You also.
My reaction was pithier than yours: I bought a Glock sometime in the mid-80s. Even with feeble math skills that’s 40 years ago. And I’m supposed to get excited about this release to the point of rushing out to purchase one?
And then I thought of all the other designs this company has ripped off. Hey, if it’s their strong suit, run with it. I own numerous models of the brand and some are category favorites for me. Fabulous guns which bring pleasure owning & shooting.
Maybe I’m just not on board with
the critical role marketing plays in our modern world. At any rate, I applaud your choice on the backup camera installation!
There are so many cameras! Took a stab at it, and this seems to be OK.
Amen. I had a similar reaction when I read their email announcement this morning. If I was in charge of procurement for a police department or similar agency, I might be interested. Like most R products, I expect it to be robust and function well, on top of being economically competitive. But it’s not for me.
Maybe some unsquished pedestrians will buy you a cup of coffee to celebrate your new backup camera. Happy Holidays!
Yes, coffee seems a minimum. Happy holidays to you also, Scott.
Merry Christmas Joe. All things come to an end. Hickok45 just put out a video on his Model 29 and its 50th anniversary. I bought mine in 1978 so it’s getting close. Perhaps a retrospective?
Merry Christmas to you also David.
Have seen a review of it and agree with your assessments whole heartedly. Not going to buy one. Too much red tape in NJ to purchase handguns. Have enough reliable handguns to fit any of my needs. Think SCOTUS is going to solve that problem sooner than later or I might just be moving to warmer environments. More interested in a new semi-auto hunting rifle. Thinking Benelli switch barrel R1. Yeah, I know their pricey but have wanted one for a while. Going to take the plunge.
Sounds like a plan, John. Pricey seems OK for good products, as they are enjoyable to use and they often last a long time.
Bought my first NJ handgun in ’70. Had to submit an application to the chief of police, live through a wandering 6 month background check where they actually called references before I could gun shop. The second, a year later, took a month. They do like their processes.
Joe
Please excuse my thoughtlessness. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I doubt it was thoughtlessness, John. Merry Christmas and a Healthy, 2025 to you and yours.
Joe