PTR Industries manufacturers a customized variant of the HK-91.
I was fascinate by their 50 round magazine. It was very heavy but featured and interesting and smooth operating mechanism for loading.
Connecticut…a heritage… (revised & updated)
I am a former resident of the State of Connecticut. It is a state with a very unique heritage. Many great names, (though sadly, a few are defunct or merely names owned by foreign conglomerates). However, there is a lot of firearm history in the Connecticut River Valley, many great names including Colt, Marlin, Winchester.
Connecticut firearm manufacturers:
Colt Firearms (Hartford, CT)
Marlin Firearms (North Haven, CT)
O.F. Mossberg and Sons (North Haven, CT)
Sturm, Ruger and Company (Southport, CT)
Remington Arms Company / Union Metallic Cartridge Company ( Bridgeport, CT)
Winchester Ammunition (New Haven, CT)
Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company
Smith & Wesson (is just over the board in Springfield, Mass)
Even the NSSF is in Connecticut
National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) (Newton, CT)
A recent post on Say Uncle encouraged me to revise, update and re-publish this post. He inquired why companies like Remington endure in such anti-gun states as New York. It’s hard to grasp the answer. Yes, there is a fair amount of undertaking to relocate a factory. But this is done all the time. And infact many companies have moved their factories (Ruger moved a lot of production to Arizona and New Hampshire), but some still retain their corporate headquarters in Connecticut.
I think in order to understand this reticence in departing Connecticut one must look at the history. Let’s start with Eli Whitney, sure he is most famed for the invention of the cotton gin, but he was instrumental in the firearm industry. Standardizing parts for mass assembly. Prior it was common for one maker to construct an entire rifle, fitting each part. Eli Whitney structured his business around the parts, being made to an exacting specification so that they could fit together with any production units. Beyond the immediate tangible benefits in production, there is an added advantage in that field repairs are much easier when you can salvage parts from two broken muskets to fashion a single working one.
First contract of Eli Whitney as a firearms manufacturer, 1786. Signed by Oliver Wolcott, Secretary of the Treasury. (Courtesy of Wikipedia/WikiCommons)
The first pistol factory in the U.S. was constructed in Connecticut (and a couple others followed within the same year or so.
“In 1810, Oliver Bidwell built the first pistol factory in the United States on the Pameacha River in Middletown, winning a contract with the United States War Department for handmade pistols.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Connecticut_industry
“By 1904, Connecticut’s firearms industry was producing four-fifths of the ammunition and more than one-fourth of the total value of all firearms manufactured by nongovernment factories in the US.” http://www.city-data.com/states/Connecticut-History.html
Think about 80% of all ammunition came from Connecticut. And 25% of all firearms. That’s why I advocate that there is really no place in the nation, and perhaps no place in the world that has quite the firearm history an legacy as the Connecticut River Valley. (Note, Italy with it’s very long firearm history, probably has the best competing argument. )
In fact, Connecticut has born the nickname “the arsenal of democracy.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Connecticut_industry
Yes, it’s very bittersweet when you compare the history with the present day status of the region.
Do you know “Cane-Fu”…grannies learn to kick some butt!
While we mostly focus on firearm related defense here at the N.U.G.U.N. Blog, we believe that defense and a ready mindset in general is important to the well being of the individual and society as a whole.
A reminder that simply be alert, prepared, and willing to fight is often enough to greatly increase your odds of survival when facing a predator(s).
This news clips features my former Sensei in Connecticut who has been offering martial arts instruction to the elderly. With a focus on using what they have available to them. While many do not have the strength of a younger fighter, a large portion are cane-wielding.
Fun little video…enjoy!
New Haven, CT (former hometown) – 4th most dangerous city
New Haven, CT has come in 4th for most violent cities following Detroit/Flint, Michigan and St. Louis.
Having lived in the city of New Haven for many years, I can attest to the caliber of law enforcement the city has. Good/effective cops are passed over for political/social reasons. Many of the police are sub-par, & unprofessional.
When I was in high school, I was jumped by a mob that was racially motivated. Right before this happened, I watched a pair of mounted police see the crowd and activities and turn their horses around and leave.
Of course, this is the same city that when I dialed 9-1-1 to describe and on-going incident responded “It’s New Haven, whad’ya want us to do about it” for which the city would later send 3 police cruisers in response to fill out paperwork. 80% of my experiences with New Haven police have been negative.
Not all the police officers in New Haven are bad. But overall, it’s an ineffective force. In a state that doesn’t make for easy access to handguns for it’s citizens, and a city which does it’s best to discourage legal ownership.
The irony is that the City of New Haven always seems to do better under Republican Presidents, and has high violence under Democrat ones. No real reason for it that I see. But the city has had a Democrat mayor since 1954. I think the city needs a change. Not saying New Haven should elect a Republican. Just something other than a Democrat, and in particular, someone other than Mayor John DeStefano. I think it’s about time New Haven got rid of it’s mayor. He’s been their since I graduated high school. Clearly, he’s doing a lousy job.
http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/new_haven_cty/nh-fourth-most-violent-city-in-america
Marlin Shutting down Connecticut Factory
Per the Shooting Wire, Marlin Firearms will be closing it’s manufacturing facility in North Haven, CT.
http://www.shootingwire.com/archived/2010-03-29_sw.html
Growing up my father had two firearms. A Ruger Security-Six and a Marlin .22, both of which were Connecticut companies. In fact, there might not be any place in the world as richly steeped in firearm manufacturing as the Connecticut River Valley.
–
It is always sad to see smaller companies with long legacies be gobbled up by corporate entities. Some would say “It’s just capitalism!”, but it’s really not. There are so many tax breaks and loopholes a larger corporation receives that a small family owned business just cannot access. It puts the small/medium, non-corporate business on a very challenging business field.
I hope Marlin will remain a high quality product. But it is sad to see it lose it’s identity. I spent much of my youth in New Haven, Connecticut. I worked in the former Winchester factory complex, after it had been converted to business space.
I think we are entering an era in the firearms industry which is very similar to the automotive industry several decades ago. When all the founders, and their families are gone – and the industry is not just ruled, but completely filled with big corporations.
It’s my hope that smaller, independent companies like Ruger will continue and not be gobbled up by monstrous consolidating corporations.
Cabela’s – Nightmare Shopping Experience
For the past several days I have been out-of-state visiting friends and family. Hence, the shortage of blogging. It’s been nice seeing old friends, and showing off Jericho to my family.
One event this week I feel compelled to blog about. My mother recently received her CCW permit (a requirement for purchase of a handgun where she lives). When I was very young we lived in San Diego, and at that time we owned a .22 rifle and .357 Ruger Security-Six. However, we ceased being a gun owning family when we moved to Connecticut.
About a year ago my mother had an incident in which she rented an apartment to a convicted Federal felon. We dealt with three different law enforcement branches (local police, post master, and parole officer). My mom decided it was time to once again become a firearm owner. So having received her CCW permit, it was time to purchase a firearm (or two). Knowing I was coming up she waited for me so that she’d have some guidance in purchasing.
We decided to go up to the brand new Cabela’s. There are sadly a lot less firearm dealers in Connecticut than in Pennsylvania. A true shame as Connecticut’s firearm heritage is vastly rich. In fact, Connecticut could easily be called the “gun capital” of America from a historic perspective.
So after an hour drive we arrived at Cabela’s, with family in tow. My mother and I went upstairs to the firearm racks while my wife took our two children through the store looking at all the fish, bears (“grrrrr” as my daughter would say), and other animals.
We grabbed a ticket from the counter and spent some time looking at the glass cases filled with handguns. We made a mental list of a few prospective purchases. Finally, it was our turn with the service rep. We handled a variety of handguns (which I will be detailing in a follow up post). We settled on two firearms we wanted to purchase.
We had decided to take advantage of a Cabela’s promotion to earn $25 in points. So we were instructed to go downstairs to sign-up for the credit card. Upon going downstairs we were informed that they were have computer problems but they should be up shortly. 30 minutes later they were still down. It was quickly beginning to be obvious that they were going to be down for a while. They said we could fill out an application and they would process it later that evening. We asked would we still receive the discount – and were told no. Not unless we came back and made another purchase.
My mother asked to speak to a manager. He agreed to give us a $10 gift card in lieu of the loss of discount. But it took nearly an hour before we finally received our gift card. Okay, so we were now ready to purchase the firearms. We went upstairs, only to be told that the computer system that was needed to conduct the firearm purchase was a part of the same system as the credit card processing system and was also down.
Now realize that during all of this time my wife is trying to manage a newborn and a two year old who is increasing getting more restless. We spent some time shopping for accessories in hope that the computer system would come back up. No such luck…
So after an hour drive, and 3 hours at Cabela’s, we had an hour drive back home – empty handed. The feeble $10 gift certificate not even coming close to the cost of the gas wasted in traveling to Cabela’s. We would have to take a second trip on Monday. An hour up, and an hour back down. This time we were able to get the credit card application processed and to purchase the firearms. But we still ran into problems. Somehow my mom’s new Cabela’s credit card was issued with an expiration date of 2007. Which delayed out purchase. Finally, we arrived home with all the goods in tow.
***
This is by far the worst shopping experience I have ever had in the firearm purchase realm. While many of the employees were apologetic. One employee seemed on the virge of tears, frustrated that I was so dissatisfied and planning to call corporate headquarters. Frustrated because the means to resolve my frustration was out of his hands.
This is a clear case of over-computerizing. Computers facilitate processes. But the failure of a computer system should not eliminate a store’s means to operate and conduct sales. Cabela’s corporate office should have provided it’s employee’s with a means of conducting such sales and processing. Even if it was nothing more than calling a central office and processing via phone. Cabela’s very nearly lost a $1,000 sale. Frankly, Cabela’s owes my wife an apology.
Rest assured I will be contacting Cabela’s corporate office.
CT considering micro-stamping law…
Connecticut is considering the following microstamping bill proposed by Connecticut State Senator Looney (yes, that’s his real name)
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/TOB/S/2009SB-00353-R00-SB.htm
If you live, work in, or own property in Connecticut. Please write your legislators and your governor.
Governor
http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?a=1317&q=257276
Senate
http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/slist.asp
House of Reps
http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/hlist.asp
Judiciary
http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/MemberList.asp?comm_code=JUD&doc_type=
List of Judiciary email addresses:
McDonald@senatedems.ct.gov
mlawlor99@juno.com
Handley@senatedems.ct.gov
Gerald.Fox@cga.ct.gov
John.A.Kissel@cga.ct.gov
Arthur.ONeill@housegop.ct.gov
Bill.Aman@cga.ct.gov
Ryan.Barry@cga.ct.gov
Jeffrey.Berger@cga.ct.gov
Charles.Clemons@cga.ct.gov
Eric.Coleman@cga.ct.gov
Matthew.Conway@cga.ct.gov
Christopher.Coutu@housegop.ct.gov
Patricia.Dillon@cga.ct.gov
Doyle@senatedems.ct.gov
Mary.Fritz@cga.ct.gov
Bob.Godfrey@cga.ct.gov
Gomes@senatedems.ct.gov
Minnie.Gonzalez@cga.ct.gov
Kenneth.Green@cga.ct.gov
Gail.Hamm@cga.ct.gov
William.Hamzy@housegop.ct.gov
John.Hetherington@housegop.ct.gov
Ernest.Hewett@cga.ct.gov
Gary.Holder-Winfield@cga.ct.gov
DebraLee.Hovey@housegop.ct.gov
Bryan.Hurlburt@cga.ct.gov
Themis.Klarides@housegop.ct.gov
David.Labriola@housegop.ct.gov
Michael.McLachlan@cga.ct.gov
Meyer@senatedems.ct.gov
Bruce.Morris@cga.ct.gov
Melissa.Olson@cga.ct.gov
Peggy.Reeves@cga.ct.gov
Kelvin.Roldan@cga.ct.gov
Andrew.Roraback@cga.ct.gov
TR.Rowe@housegop.ct.gov
Joseph.Serra@cga.ct.gov
James.Spallone@cga.ct.gov
Joseph.Taborsak@cga.ct.gov
William.Tong@cga.ct.gov
Toni.Walker@cga.ct.gov
Elissa.Wright@cga.ct.gov
***
Below is the letter I sent, as I own property in Connecticut, for reference; though it alludes to a few personal events of significance. :
SB 353
I am writing you concerning the proposed bill number 353. This bill proposes mandating microstamping as a requirement of the sale of all semi-automatic pistols after 2011.
It is my expectation that you will veto this bill were it to come to your desk.
First off, this legislation is just foolish. As it will not accomplish any of the goals stated by it’s proponents to reduce crime.
Most people take less than 30 seconds to figure out how to by-pass this whole scheme. They’d just file off the micro-stamping. Easily done. And this is exactly what criminals will do.
And why is this applied only to semi-automatics, when revolvers are the most commonly used firearm by criminals?
All this bill will do, is make it all the more difficult for law abiding citizens to arm and protect themselves and their familes. In direct violation of the protected rights outlayed both in the U.S. and Connecticut constitutions
“SEC. 15. Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself and the state.”
As someone who on the three occasions he felt the need to call 911. Received zero response from the New Haven police department. Considers impeding in any way my right to defend myself as both reprehensible and morally wrong.
It is my expectation that if this bill were to come up for a vote that you would vote it down.
