Before we begin the Carnival, I'd just like to say a few words about other events in the world this week:
We lost our Pope. I may not be Catholic, and my practice of Christianity may be spotty at best, but I nonetheless had the utmost respect for the Holy Father, and wish God's Grace upon him as he moves beyond our world.
His funeral was today.
My prayers go out to the billion Catholics, and the billions more who mourn with them.
Because my mind has been preoccupited with other matters, I have little time left for the Carnival this week. With that in mind, I hope you all understand if this week's edition is a bit more, shall we say, concise than others. Rather than include lots of editorial content, and numerous excerpts and pictures from our posts, this week we are going to have a plain and simple linkfest. You don't need my help to enjoy all these fine posts; just click and enjoy. Barring more Earth-shaking events, we'll have our usual "full service" Carnival again next week.
And now, on with the Carnival of Cordite!
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New contributor Corrie from Insane Troll Logic writes in with concerns about a blatant anti-gun bias at the popular Snopes website. It's always important to know about anti-gun biases, especially when they come from a source that is supposed to be informational.
Along these lines, American RealPolitik posts about more news media anti-gun idiocy. In the words of Frank J., Know Thy Enemy.
Speaking of Frank J., read this essay on Florida gun laws and the Wild West.
Another new contributor, Jason from The Kallini Brothers, informs us of an anti-gun "educational" program disguised as gun safety. Always beware the wolf in sheep's clothing!
Kevin the Techno Gypsy reports on a .50 BMG shoot, along with family photos.
This inspired me to fantasize about wildcatting the .50 BMG... but it's not simply a post about building a better wildcat, it's about frustrating the gun banners as well!
While the .50 BMG is one of the more lethal rounds, new contributor Andrew of Liberty Cadre is concerned about the police switching to less lethal rounds.
Taking a look another classic, Ken from It Comes in Pints? writes about the Remington Model 8, the first sporting autoloader. Complete with good photos!
Moving from classic to contemporary, Les Jones reviews new Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolvers. Oh, to have money!
Speaking of money, Counter Top again taunts me with TWO posts about "Buy a Gun Day" here and here.
Maybe I can win some guns... Gunner from No Quarters features many links to sweepstakes and such on-line. Just start at the top of his blog and scroll through to find them all, and along the way enjoy numerous other quality posts on shooting issues.
Our friend SondraK wanted us to recognize her friends' special achievement: a husband and wife both winning gold medals in shooting!
Also from SondraK, her favorite sign for the back of the car.
Respected gun guru Kim du Toit writes about rights and privileges and carrying a firearm. Thanks, Kim, for letting us continue to raid your blog for entries! (Is doing so our right, or our privilege?)
Peter, the regular guest of Bad Example, tell us that the best way to win a gunfight is not to have one. Amen to that!
Sadly, though, that's not always possible. The Civilian Gun Self-Defense Blog writes in to tell us there are over a dozen new reports this week.
When crap hits the fan, be ready. With friends like Chris the AnarchAngel, we can learn a lot. This week, Chris tells us about his recent CCW class, as well as "golden triangle" targeting. It's always informative reading Chris' blog.
Cowboy Blob reports in this week with pictures and details from his recent work in competitive shooting with the Cactus League. Man, I wish had the time (and money!) to be involved in league shooting. But for now, I'll have to enjoy it via the web.
Say Uncle has his own Shooter's Carnival, a blog featuring semi-regular posts, all dedicated to shooting. This is in addition to his main blog, which also features some good posts on gun b.s. and a kids and guns "safety" ad campaign.
Following up on earlier news, Individ writes more about the Minnesota school shooting in his open letter to Sarah Brady. I like what he nicknames her...
Denise from The Ten Ring says, More Guns, or More Deterrence in response to charges by anti-gunner Josh Horwitz that gun owners are running amok.
The Heartless Libertarian has more to say about Horwitz, along with several other good posts this week. I think this is another good case of "start at the top of the blog and just keep reading." Good work!
On the legal front, Trigger Finger writes in to tell us about an important case: the en-banc rehearing of Seegars v. Ashcroft. This case is of critical importance, Trigger Finger has a lot to say about the potential implications and the strategy of the NRA.
Finally, the new Second Amendment legal blogger David Hardy from Of Arms and the Law offer up this post on the Joyce Foundation's influence on law review articles. This issue has been getting some attention from the Puppy Blender and Eugene Volokh. Thanks for keeping us informed about this one.
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That wraps up this week's condensed Carnival of Cordite. I'll be back again next week, hopefully with more editorial content, as well as pictures and key excerpts.
We've been getting several offers to guest host in the future. Thanks much! We can always use more.
You can volunteer to host, or submit entries for consideration, by writing to:
c a r n i v a l o f c o r d i t e A T h o t m a i l D O T c o m
Keep an eye on our official Carnival of Cordite blog for important announcements. And in the meantime, keep your powder dry!
I own a SIG 550 and think the NRA is full of shite. Assault weapons like the aforementioned should be banned - Freaks like me having one should be reason enough. Also, the states should make intensive training mandatory before one can own a gun. What a year or two of military training can do to safety and personal responsability with guns is astounding.
Posted by: endevk | Saturday, 09 April 2005 at 08:05 AM
well, there's one reader who just don't get it. oh well, maybe if we all e-mail him and tell him why he's wrong, he'll get some clue.
Posted by: Gullyborg | Saturday, 09 April 2005 at 10:10 AM
Regarding the second amendment, GeekWithA.45(http://geekwitha45.blogspot.com/) is getting ready to post something about Philadelphia's move to severely modify PA's gun regulations, chiefly because the police in the city of brotherly love can't get a handle on the rampant crime there.
At least, that's what I think he's going to post--he keeps talking about some big thing he's working on (g).
Posted by: Lornkanaga | Saturday, 09 April 2005 at 11:06 AM
endevk,
I'll go along with what you say, as soon as the same requirement is made of parenthood--ie, no one should be allowed to be a parent without going through intensive mandatory training.
The responsibility of gun ownership pales in comparison to the responsibility that comes with raising a child, and far too many people are incredibly unqualified yet allowed to care for our most prescious resource.
Posted by: Lornkanaga | Saturday, 09 April 2005 at 11:13 AM
endevk's email address is with an ISP in Germany. Methinks he's a little unclear on the 2nd Amendment thing, and trying to educate him is probably not a good use of our time.
Posted by: rosignol | Saturday, 09 April 2005 at 11:39 AM