Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Simulation

This sounds pretty awesome. I want to try it out. Perhaps a trip to South Carolina is in order? If only I didn't have school and research and such...

Simulation helps residents use guns for self defense - WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, Sports

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Cleaning

Successful Disassembly!
I have to admit, I've been a girly-girl about cleaning so far.  Paul was happy to do it and I was happy to let him.  But one of the requirements for the KY CCDW was being able to clean my own gun.  I knew how to clean the Beretta, it's super easy to take apart.  But, I wanted to shoot the class with the Glock, thus I had to be able to take it apart and put it back together.


Well, let me just say thank you, thank you, thank you to Kathy at Cornered Cat.  I tried several times to get the Glock apart the way Paul did with his big man hands, but I just couldn't make it work. At one point I was about ready to say I'd shoot the Beretta since I could break it down.  But, I finally remembered seeing an article on cleaning Glocks by Kathy, so I pulled it up and had the Glock in pieces in about 2 minutes!  If anyone else is having trouble taking apart their Glock, I highly recommend her instructions. I had it apart in no time during my CCDW class last weekend.

Actually, I think I can now take it apart faster than Paul!  Though it's still harder than the Beretta.  But it's clean and I can keep it that way.  I used a whole pile of q-tips and wipes to get it clean this time.  I blame the magical carbon fairy!  Black gunk kept appearing in places I knew I'd cleaned!


Monday, November 28, 2011

Concealed Carry Comparison

As I was looking at the KY laws for concealed carry, I got to wondering about other states, both for reciprocal carry and their requirements.  Kentucky recognizes any permit from another state.  Most are fairly similar, written test, class, shooting requirement.  But within that framework there is a fair bit of variation.  I wanted to talk about this variation, but there is not feasible way for e to look at all 50 states.  So, I opted for the states my family lives in, where I've lived previously, and a couple places I travel to regularly.
Map of States that do and do not honor a KY CCDW permit

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Back after this Break!


Italian wheellock carbine rifle, known as the Mayflower Gun, held by national Firearms Museum Senior curator Doug Wicklund for NRAblogI hope everyone is enjoying Thanksgiving.  I'll be back next week, but for now, I'm enjoying the holiday with my family!  In the meantime, check this out:

"Almost 400 years ago, a 20-year old cooper by the name of John Alden traversed the Atlantic on the good ship Mayflower. Along with his fellow travelers, Alden carried with him a collection of hopes, dreams, and a modified .66 caliber Italian single-shot wheellock carbine. That rifle, known as the Mayflower gun, now resides under glass here at the National Firearms Museum.
The Mayflower Gun could very well have been "one of the guns responsible for the first Thanksgiving," says Senior Curator Doug Wicklund of the National Firearms Museum."

Read the rest of this article here:
The Mayflower Gun: A Piece of the First Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

CCDW After-action Report

I completed the requirements for my KY CCDW license this past weekend.  All that's left now is paperwork and waiting.  I thought I'd briefly go over what the course covered.

I got really lucky and we did a small class in my living room with a good friends who is an instructor and two other friends as class-mates.  Paul had taken the CCDW course years ago and opted not to re-do it with me (Can't blame him for that, it's a little tedious!).

First up we all set our guns down on the table, mags out and chambers open, ammo in the other room.  Our instructor, John, checked and flagged them all while we were watching the law video.  After introductions and basics all around, we sat down for the two-hour video produced by the Kentucky DOJ, Criminal Justice Training Department. (According to Paul this was a 4-hour video when he took the class!)  This was the worst part of the course.  Two hours of lawyers reading you the laws.  Minimal explanation.  John pointed out that they can't explain things as this could be taken as legal advice and they don't want to do that and have it come back on them later.  But, the two hour video as pat of the course is the best way to ensure that we have all actually 'read' and are familiar with the laws.  Sigh...

 After the video things got more interesting.  We did the required basic handgun safety, going through the 60 page CCDW handbook.  This included parts of the gun, stance, grip, aiming, etc.  We also talked about the variety of ways to carry concealed and differences in  holster styles.  After discussing how to clean weapons and showing that we knew hot to disassemble and put back together our pistols, it was test time.  The written test was 25 mutliple choice questions, and really, fairly simple.  We all mamanged to get 100%.   Woot!  Then, off to the range!  Range time went just as well as the written test.  All 3 of us passed with flying colors.  No misses in all 60 rounds. 

I'm glad to have taken the course in a relaxed setting with friends, there was lots of chatting, laughter, and jokes.  All in all, not a bad way to spend a Saturday, and in 3-5 months after everything is processed, I'll be able to carry concealed.  If I so choose.  Not that I think I will right now...but the option will be there.  





Monday, November 21, 2011

H&K p2000

Rented this a couple weeks ago at the range and am just now getting to writing up my thoughts.




Sunday, November 20, 2011

Passed!


It's done and I've passed the CCDW class and tests.  100% on the written and all but 4 of my 2 shots were in the 9 range of the target.  All 20 on the target...we won't talk about those two at the bottom though, they made the boys nervous. Teeheehee! Thanks to John and my fabulous classmates for the fun day.  Well, fun if you don't count the two-hour law video...


The target was HUGE!  I think I could have thrown rocks at it and been fine.  
Lots more to learn now, but I'm happy to have completed this milestone!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

CCDW Requirements

Kentucky’s license to carry concealed deadly weapons law became effective October 1, 1996 and is contained in KRS 237.110 through 237.136.  The licenses are issued and renewed by The Kentucky State Police.

The laws are wordy and tedious to read, so I'll summarize.  Granted, these rules really only affect those of us following them, and not criminals who are going to do what they want regardless of a license or law.  

The law itself is in plain text, my comments are in italics.

The applicant for a carry concealed deadly weapon (CCDW) license must:
  • Meet one of the following residence requirements:
    1. United States citizen who has been a resident of Kentucky for six (6) months or longer;
    2. US citizen in on active duty in the Armed Forces, assigned to a posting in the Commonwealth for six (6) months or longer;
    3. Is lawfully admitted to the United States, is permitted by federal law to purchase a firearm, and has been a resident of this Commonwealth for six (6) months or longer;
    4. Is lawfully admitted to the United States, is permitted by federal law to purchase a firearm, is, assigned to a military posting in the Commonwealth for six (6) months or longer
  • Not under indictment for, or convicted of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year;
  • Not a fugitive from justice; wouldn't this be a great way to get found?
  • Not an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; are you going to admit to your addiction?
  • Not adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution;
  • Not dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces;
  • Not be subject to a domestic violence order or emergency protective order or convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; good, this keeps more women safe!
  • Not be prohibited from the purchase, receipt or possession of firearms and/or ammunition under federal or state law;
  • Not committed to a state or federal facility for abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance or convicted of a misdemeanor relating to a controlled substance within the previous three years;
  • Not have two or more convictions for operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol within the last three years;
  • Not owe a child support which equals or greater than one year of nonpayment;
  • Have complied with any subpoena or warrant relating to child support or paternity proceedings;
  • Have convicted of a violation of assault in the fourth degree or terroristic threatening in the third degree in the previous three years;
  • Demonstrate competence with a firearm by successful completion of a firearms safety or training course offered or approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Training.
The State Police Website also makes it very clear that if you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence you are not only ineligible to possess a CCDW license; federal law prohibits you from possessing a firearm.

Friday, November 18, 2011

So Excited!

Tomorrow I'm taking my KY CCDW course.  I don't know that I'll ever want to carry concealed, but it's nice to have the option.  I'll be taking it from a good friend John, along with another friend and one of my husband's Kung-Fu students.  As usual I'll be the only girl, but I never let that stop me!

To prepare I've been looking up the Kentucky laws and requirements online.  I'll summarize those for you tomorrow.  I also made one last trip to the range to make sure I'll pass on Saturday.  Kentucky requires 11 our of 20 rounds to hit the torso of the target at 7yards.  I don't think I'll have any problems with that, but I'd really rather have all 20 in!  I plan to use our Glock 21 as it's the gun I'm most comfortable with right now. 

In Kentucky,the CCDW course is fairly simply compared to many of the other sates that I've looked at.  There is 6 hours of classroom instruction which covers the relevant laws, safety, and other basics.  The shooting requirement is what I described above.  Other than that, it's all paperwork and a background check, which takes 3-4 months apparently.  

After passing and getting my CCDW liscence I'll be allowed to carry quite a list of items:
  • A weapon of mass destruction;
  • Any weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or other serious physical injury, may be discharged;
  • Any knife other than an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife;
  • Billy, nightstick, or club;
  • Blackjack or slapjack;
  • Nunchaku karate sticks;
  • Shuriken or death star; or
  • Artificial knuckles made from metal, plastic, or other similar hard material
I'm not exactly sure how one conceals some of those things.  Weapon of mass destruction!?!? 
I'm sure there will be pictures and stories and info and everything else all next week. Stay tuned!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The match pistol


Again down in TN.  I tried out Seth's .22 ruger that he has fitted out as a target match pistol.  It's a Ruger, with big comfy grip, scope, etc.  We had it on beanbags for stability and were shooting the reactive targets.  I felt like it would stand up on its own.  all you had to do was line up the sights and pull the trigger.  Easy, fun, almost too easy!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Obama's Changes to Public Land Use

I came across this article on my Facebook feed today. 
Obama Pushing Shooters of Public Land

Granted, it doesn't affect me as yet since so far all my shooting is on private property or at a range.  But I know this will affect a lot of people and if this goes through, what's next?

Here is the important paragraph:

"When the authorized officer determines that a site or area on BLM-managed lands used on a regular basis for recreational shooting is creating public disturbance, or is creating risk to other persons on public lands; is contributing to the defacement, removal or destruction of natural features, native plants, cultural resources, historic structures or government and/or private property; is facilitating or creating a condition of littering, refuse accumulation and abandoned personal property is violating existing use restrictions, closure and restriction orders, or supplementary rules notices, and reasonable attempts to reduce or eliminate the violations by the BLM have been unsuccessful, the authorized officer will close the affected area to recreational shooting." 

I love that the issue of litter, plant destruction etc is apparently limited to shooters.  No chance that these issues may arise from hikers or ATVs going off trail?   I'm more likely to pick up trash when I'm out.  Most gun enthusiast I've met are also concerned about the environment, especially impacts on wildlife.  We aren't likely to do anything that would seriously harm the animals and thier habitat.  And we definitely aren't out to scare people.

"Officials say the administration is concerned about the potential clash between gun owners and encroaching urban populations who like to use same land for hiking and dog walking.  'It's not so much a safety issue. It's a social conflict issue,' said Frank Jenks, a natural resource specialist with Interior's Bureau of Land Management, which oversees 245 million acres. He adds that urbanites "freak out" when they hear shooting on public lands."

Is banning shooting on public lands really the best solution here?  If the 'urbanites' (love that term BTW)  can't handle the idea or sound of shooting, perhaps they need a basic gun safety course, or a different place to walk dogs and hike?  There are lots of areas that are designated for those areas that are already gun free.  As opposed to removal of another person's hobby, perhaps we can find a way to work together?


What do you think?  Anyone readers shoot on public lands regularly?


Glock 36

On of the many guns I tried out down in TN, you'll be reading about all of them over the next couple weeks.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Ammunition Anatomy

I really wanted to call this Anatomy of a Bullet, but that's technically incorrect, and I'll explain why below.

As I'm shooting, I tend to think of questions, rather than keeping my mind on what I'm doing.  Maybe that's why I keep missing? Anyway, I figure the best way to get these questions out of my head is to answer them.  Today, we are going to look at the anatomy of ammunition!  I'm specifically looking at centerfire rounds, though the principles are the same for rimfire and shotgun shells.

There are four basic parts to each round.



1) Casing
From Starline Brass
Cartridge cases are generally brass.They contain the powder and primer and hold the projectile in close proximity to these explosives.  The crimp is the part of the cases that crimps or curves inward to hold onto the projectile.  The head (closed end) of a casing seals the back of the chamber to force the gasses forward and expel the projectile.  The base of the casing has a rim that is gripped by the extractor to remove the empty casing or to prevent the round from moving to far into the chamber of a revolver.

2) Projectile

This is the bullet, and why I couldn't title this post anatomy of a bullet, as that would be over fairly quickly.  I'll have to get to ballistics eventually though!  Most bullets are made of lead and some have copper or other jackets. In general, bullets are designed to expand on impact.  There are frangible (breakable) and other types of specialty rounds for unique uses.

3) Powder
Powder is the general term for the compound that produce gasses to push the projectile out of the barrel.  Historically this was black powder, which is a combination of charcoal, sulfur and saltpeter.  Most modern powders are 'smokeless' compounds of nitrocellulose and/or nitroglycerin

4) Primer
This is the collective term for the chemical primer compound, cup and anvil which is located int he head of the case.   When the primer is struck, it ignites the priming compound.  The flame travels through the flash hole to ignite the powder. 




How does it all work together?
  • The firing pin impacts the primer
  • Ignition of the priming compound
  • Flame moves through the flash hole of the casing
  • Ignition of the powder
  • Burning powder creates large amounts of gas that expand the case to seal the chamber 
  • Gasses push the bullet down the barrel 


If you'd rather see this information in video form, check this one out.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Beretta 92FS

This is my husbands preferred gun.  He's had it for longer then I've known him and easily put 10,000 rounds through it.  It was my first real experience with a handgun.



Sunday, November 13, 2011

The big questions: WHY?

Why do I want my own handgun?  We have two in the house that I am perfectly capable of shooting accurately, even if I don't 'love' them.

Short answer, I just do.  Long answer, well...

1) I enjoy shooting for sport.  I like shooting skeet and clays with a shot gun and have found that target shooting with a pistol is also quite enjoyable.  It's a new skill that takes time to master, and I like mastering skills.  Especially practical ones.  Skills are easier to master if you have equipment that is yours; suitable, and comfortable for you.

2) My husband shoots.  We like doing things together (novel I know!).  I can't continue to shoot his guns all the time if we shoot together.  Plus, I feel more invested in our time together if something is mine and not just hanging with him while he shoots.

3) Safety.  This one gets raised eyebrows on occasion.  Not a lot among our close friends, but they tend to think the same way.  If I have a gun that's mine, I can carry it with me.  I'm not often in scary places, but who knows where life will take me.  Better to be prepared with the skill, knowledge, and equipment before I actually need it.

This is where the debate arises for many people.  "Why/where would you need a handgun?"  "The police are there to protect you if needed."  "Would you really shoot someone and if not, why carry?"

All of these are things I've heard and they are valid questions.  I could answer them with my opinions, but being a scientist, I'm going to take the time to research some of the fact, figures, etc behind the issues and report back to you all here.  Consider this fair warning of numbers and statistics to come!

What questions have you run into when people learn you own/carry guns?  How do you answer them?






Saturday, November 12, 2011

Weekend in Pictures

These are from last weekend in TN.  Enjoy!  I know we did... 


Not all of these are mine, but I LOVE the splatter targets.
My first time with reactive targets.  I like to make them dance!

Scope on the .22 pistol.  It's like cheating. 

My husband with the scoped .22 match rifle.  It was subsonic, thus the lack of ear protection. 

Friday, November 11, 2011

Veteran's Day

A Nation's Strength
Walt Whitman
Not gold, but only man can make
     A people great and strong;
Men who, for truth and honor's sake,
     Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,
     Who dare while others fly --
They build a nation's pillars deep
     And lift them to the sky.




The University of Kentucky's Nunn Center for Oral History has been working hard to get their stories online.  I highly recommend checking out their Veterans and Conflict page today.  There  are some great stories from some amazing people.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Rimfire v. Centerfire

Terminology Lesson 2: Rimfire versus Centerfire

These terms refer to the way that the cartridge of the round.

In centerfire, the firing pin hits the primer, contained in a firing cap, in the center of the base of the catridge.  If you look at the casing after firing centerfire, you see a round divot in the center, as below.  Centerfire ammunition is the most common style for military and law enforcement.  Centerfire cases are made of thicker metal than rimfire, which allows them to withstand higher pressures, and thus can be fired at higher velocities.  In addition, most shotgun shells are centerfire, though they typically use a  plastic casing.  Centerfired casings can be reloaded (another topic for later, replacing the primer, gunpowder, and projectile.
From a 9mm Beretta 92FS


In rimfire, the firing pin strikes the rim of the cartridge base.  The rim acts as a percussion cap for the cartridge.  The firing pin leaves a notch type depression on the edge of the casing, as below.  Rimfire casings must be made out of very thin material to allow for the necessary deformation by the firing pin to ignite the primer.  This deformation means that the cartridge cannot be reloaded.  However, this thinner casing allows for rimfire ammunition to be much less expensive than centerfire.  Almost all modern rimfire guns are .22 caliber or smaller, though historically rimfire was used in firearms up to .44 caliber. 
From a .22 match rifle



Extra bit:
Semi-automatic vs. revolver ammunition.  Semi-automatic casings have an inset rim (but are generally referred to as rimless) that allows the extractor to remove the casing after firing.  Revolver rounds have a rim at the base to prevent the round from moving too far into the cylinder, which would prevent the firing pin from reaching the base and firing the round.  I'm on the hunt for a good picture of the difference, we don't have any revolvers in the house...



As always, I hope you learned something.  I know I did in writing this! What do you shoot?  Everything in our house is centerfire, but I got to play with a friend's .22 match rifles and scoped target pistol this weekend.  Tons of fun!

Do you have a terminology (or other) questions?  I'd love to write about anything y'all think is important.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Emily Gets her Gun

If you aren't following Emily's quest to learn to shoot and own a handgun for home defense in Washington D.C., you should take a look.  An unique perspective on rights in the nation's capitol.

You can find her articles here.

I think one of the most interesting quotes in her conversations with politicians came from Newt Gingrich: “The Second Amendment does not give you the right to bear arms - you already have that right - it says your right ‘shall not be infringed,’” he told me. “It’s integral to political liberty. It’s a core political right of the American people.”

Definitely food for thought.  

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

A Weekend Away


I had to run down to Nashville for a work errand at the end of last week.  Since it was a Friday, I convinced my husband to hop in the truck with me and spend the evening and Sat morning with some friends in the area.  After a relaxing afternoon at the Nashville zoo, we headed out to their house and met up with Seth (also a gun guy). 

While waiting for Gwen to get home from work, we got to chatting about firearms, as you do.  He brought out  acouple of .22 match rifles that he had recently purchased.  It was mentioned that I had never shot a .22, and off we went to the back yard (they live in a nice rural area) to shoot.   Lots of fun ensued (I declared that scopes feel like cheating!), followed by dinner and wine, and relaxing around a fire. 

The next morning, the boys and I proceeded to shoot lots of guns (I have a list so that I could remember them all!) while Gwen ran out to the farmer's market.  It was a lovely way to spend a crisp Fall morning with friends.  We finished off with lunch at a local BBQ place before heading north.

So, as you can tell, I have lots of guns to give you my opinion on, you'll be hearing all about them in due time, I promise!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Walther PPS

I tried out a Walther PPS at the range a couple weeks ago. 

Stock photo from waltherpistols.com


Sunday, November 6, 2011

Adventures at indoor ranges

Buds Gun Warehouse in Lexington is our local indoor range. I already wrote about Bud's and gun stores in general later, it's a whole new world!



I'd never shot at an indoor range before a couple weeks ago.  Now, I've been thrice.  The first time was mid-day on a Wed.  My husband and I and one other couple were the only people there.  It was fairly quiet and relaxed feeling.

The second time, completely different story.  Thursday evening, about 7pm.  CRAZY BUSY!  Every lane was in use and there was a USPSA group doing a competition on the reactive metal range.  (Gotta get in and try that out sometime, it looks awesome!)  But, back to the regular range.  It was busy, and loud.  Not ever unsafe, Bud's is awesome about safety.  But there was rarely more than 30-60 seconds without someone firing.  Plus, it was a rifle night, so some of the guns were big and loud.

I've also found that indoor ranges echo a lot.  The sound just hangs around.  It's much louder than shooting outdoors.  If you are a first time shooter or at all timid about loud noises, I'd recommend shooting outdoors or going when the range is likely to be empty.

But it's warm, which is awesome this time of year.  Plus, it eliminates all that walking down the range to check and reset targets.  Bud's is automates, you push a button to get the target to you and then back out to whatever distance you want.  In addition, since you aren't walking down the range, you don't have to wait for a cease fire to check your target.  Very handy.  I love being outside and shooting outside, but the indoor range definitely has it's perks

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Manhandling 101

In reading about handguns, specifically semi-automatics as that's what I'm interested in, I've read several times that women are often timid in racking the slide or otherwise manhandling the gun.

I've not run into this problem myself, but then, I deal with cattle for a living and grew up riding horses.  I learned (wo)manhandling young.  When a 1000+ pound animal steps on your foot you shove -- hard!

Guns are made to take a beating, but are designed for the male physique.  Female musclo-skeletal design means that the body position and motions that work for a guy may be tough for you and I to use easily.  If you are anything like me, being told you can't do something because you're a girl is not even close to okay.  If some of the more physical aspects of shooting are difficult for you, make sure you gun is empty, find a safe place, and practice those techniques. Get comfortable with them before you head to the range.

Kathy over at Cornered Cat has taught a lot of women to shoot and has addressed this issue very well.  Check if out here.  She has a bunch of great articles on technique and safety for beginners, but they are a good refresher for experienced shooters as well.  Take some time and wander her site.  I have!


Friday, November 4, 2011

What to wear?

Isn't that the question every morning?  And even more so on your first outing to the range.

I think this is another area where guys don't have the same set of worries we women do.  I mean, what guy has gotten all his gear together, grabbed the range bag, and realized while walking out the door that perhaps the V-neck sweater was the wrong choice of top?

So, what do I wear?

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Review: Glock 21

We acquired this gun recently in a trade and I really enjoy shooting it.




Specs:
  • Length: 7.59 Inches
  • Overall Width:1.47 Inches
  • Barrel Length: 4.6 Inches
  • Line of Sight: 6.77 Inches
  • Weight (unloaded):26.28 Ounces
  • Weight (loaded): 38.28 Ounces
  • Caliber: .45 auto
  • Capacity: 10
  • Height: 5.47 Inches
  • Action: Safe Action
  • Trigger Pull: 5.5 Pounds (ours was lightened, but I don't know what to)

I wasn't sure I'd like this the first time out.  It's a .45, larger than anything I'd ever shot.  However, I loved it.  It is comfortable in my hand and very much a point and shoot for me. I don't feel the recoil as much from this gun as I do from my husband's 9mm Beretta. It comes right back down onto target after each shot.  Simple and crisp.

It's a bit large for my hand, so that I have to shift the gun to hit the mag release, but I don't have any trouble holding it or getting my finger on the trigger.  It fit's the husbands hand well also, which is good since we share everything!

Husband doesn't love that it does not have an external safety, but other than that, we both really like this gun.  I can get fairly tight groups (for the beginner that I am) at 7yards.  We'll see how it goes as I shoot further.  (I'm getting ready for the CCDW test which is at 7 yards)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Jeopardy!

I'm watching Jeopardy tonight, and Alex introduced the first round categories, one of which is Handguns.  After which he says 'ooh' before moving onto naming the next category.  This surprised me. I don't watch Jeopardy often, but I don't think I remember him editorializing like this before.  My question is why?  It can't be that he thinks the category will be difficult, that's the point of the show.  So then, is it because handguns are "scary"?  The contestants managed to answer all except the $1000 clue correctly.  I guess they are comfortable with handguns, at least in knowledge. 

Can you get them all right?  I'll post the correct responses tomorrow.

$200 - "Head to the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum to see this woman's pair of gold-plated six shooters"

$400 -"'Weekend' slang name for a cheap & easily obtained handgun"

$600 -"The Handgun Violence Prevention Act was named for this former press secretary"

$800 - "Weighing about 5 lbs., 1847's "Walker" model was the heaviest handgun ever made by this company"

$1000 - "This Olympic event utilizes both a pistol & a sword, but not at the same time"

Semi-automatics: How do they work?

Being me, I like knowing how things work when I'm going to be using them.  At least the basics that is.  To that end, I wondered how all the internal spring etc of a semi-automatic pistol work together to load the ammunition, eject the casing, and cock the hammer.  I found this you tube video. 


Please ignore the cheesy 1980s-ness of it  It does a great job of explaining the process, despite horrifying mustaches.

If you want even more detail, try this Glock video.  You'll have to read, but it does show every little part.