Bertucci Field Watch

I can confidently say it's the best watch I've ever owned. The price has gone up $10 since I bought mine seven years ago, but I remain convinced it's a great deal.

 

I've changed the battery three times since I've owned it, and it keeps incredibly accurate time. I now need a new strap, and it looks as though they have one to fit my my oversized wrists.

Here's my original post from another blog in December 2011:


A couple of years ago, I bought a Marathon watch, because that company makes the watches for the U.S. military. Their watches overall may be as great as their hype, but mine quit, and that sent me on a search for an affordable replacement.

I looked at several possibilities, and I compared customer reviews. Finally, I settled on the Bertucci Field Watch, and ordered one last March.

I have not been disappointed.

Okay, maybe its solid titanium case means that it's overbuilt. But I wanted a rugged watch, and solid titanium is a good start.

Also, the virtually unbreakable bars that retain the strap are molded right into the case. Ergo, no more lost watches due to failure of the retaining bars. As a bonus, the one-piece strap is much easier to install and remove than the standard watch strap.

One feature I really like is that the crystal is inset, which protects it from impact. I like that because I've damaged many a watch crystal in my usual ramming around -- and that includes the high impact plastic crystal on my Marathon (which put it outside the warranty).

Also, this watch is big -- bigger than the pictures seem to indicate. That's because of the really wide wrist band. Bottom line is that it "looks right" on my big, beefy wrist.

And speaking of my beefy wrist, most wrist watches give me a sore spot where the stem abrades my skin. The Bertucci has the stem offset at 4 o'clock (instead of the more common 3o'clock), and it's slightly inset as well. Result? I can wear it, and it doesn't wear on me.

As to the watch's primary purpose, I can say that mine keeps fairly accurate time. I just reset mine to nist.gov time, and found that it had lost 3 seconds over about 2 weeks.

How about minuses?

Well, the extra-length nylon strap is thick, wide and rugged, but still a little too short for my wrist. I fixed it by punching another hole and installing a grommet which almost matches the grommets around the other holes.

Another problem with the strap is that it absorbs perspiration and does require occasional washing. This may be true of all nylon straps, but this is my first, so I can't say.

The black finish on the buckle wears, which you may consider a minus, although I think it adds to the rugged appearance of the watch.

At $99 (and free shipping), the watch is not cheap, but I think the Bertucci offers the benefits you'd find in watches that cost several times more. For me, it has been a good choice.

If you'd like to know more about the Bertucci Field Watch, I suggest you click on the link above and check out the customer reviews.

The Khukuri as a Tool, as Well as a Weapon

When Laura broke the handle on her favorite garden tool -- Grampa's Weeder -- it fell to me to fix it. Rather than buy a new handle, I decided to re-taper the end of the existing handle. This involved turning it slowly while evenly removing fine shavings all the way around.

 Of course, I immediately saw this as an opportunity to develop new skills with my favorite khukuri. I shaved the the handle with the inner curve, the sharpest part of the blade -- the forward portion is for chopping. It surprised me how much fine control is possible with such a large blade. I used my Swiss Army Knife for smooth and dress the work.

Here is how it looked when about 3/4 done:

 

The project proceeded slowly and painstakingly, but it pleased me to see how straight and uniform the taper turned out.

Now, the time I spent to do that was way out of proportion to the cost of a new handle, and I have a backlog of projects I need to work on, but the payoff came in the time I got to spend with a favorite blade, testing its limits, and developing a new skill. Here, I follow the Nepalese who for centuries have used the khukuri as an all-around tool, and because its use became second nature, they naturally carried it with them to war.

In the next post, you will see young Gurkha soldiers training to use a familiar tool as a weapon of war.

Online Source for Ammo

I have never ordered ammo from the source linked below, but when I checked out their shipping costs, they did not seem as high as others I've looked at. Big plus that they support RKBA orgs with their $$.

If anyone has ordered from this company, please use the comment section to share your experience.

Extra Layer of Security (Cheap)

Thanks to my daughter Merrianna for calling my attention to use of a rubber doorstop as a security device. The idea is that, in an active shooter situation, you can keep the killer out of a classroom, office, supply closet, etc. by firmly seating the wedge into the space under the door.

I would recommend that you not think of this as your sole or main defense but rather as part of a larger plan. In addition, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. The marketplace various designs of doorstops made of a variety of materials. It stands to reason that some will work better than others with various door/floor combinations. You will want to test your wedge under various doors and on various floor surfaces (wood, carpet, vinyl). See how well it stops or slows the entrance of a determined person.
2. Bullets pass through many different kinds of doors (and walls). Therefore, in most cases, the door wedge will provide you with concealment, not cover. You should seek cover in the room, putting as much mass between you and the door as possible. Failing that, make yourself the smallest target possible in the farthest corner.
3. The wedge will only work if the door swings toward you. The wedge will do no good on doors that open outward, toward the shooter. A mistake here can leave you feeling foolish . . . and dead.
4. Have a Plan B. To my mind, the best Plan B involves returning fire. In any case, your backup plan must consist of some form of flight or fight. If the situation does not allow for flight, then you must fight. Fight with improvised weapons at hand or empty-handed. Counteraggression can carry with it an element of surprise that just might get you through the situation.

Newest Addition: Gallery Gun

I have always liked gallery guns, but they're kind of hard to find. To me, those .22 caliber pumps represent the apex of plinking fun.

For the past couple of years, I've visited our local pawn shop occasionally, and I've always checked to see if they had any gallery guns. Then, a few weeks ago, BINGO!

Short version, I now own a Savage Model 29, chambered for .22 short, long and long rifle. The original bluing has long since worn off, and a pleasant patina has taken its place. It has some miles on it, but so does its new owner.

 It did concern me that its previous owner might have shot a lot of shorts in it, which can erode the chamber. Long rifle cases could then expand into the depression and be difficult to eject. However, when I tested it the next day, it performed flawlessly, and the action works smoothly, like licking an ice cream cone on a hot day.

I did some research online, and I found that a the octagonal barrel on my Model 29 pushes its origin to before World War II. The low serial number (52xx) makes me wonder if it dates back to the first year or so of manufacture.

The pawn shop had a gunsmith repair and refinish the stock. This photo does not do justice to the nice finish he put on it. In the lower right, you can see the line where the stock was broken.

Hanky-zilla: My Shemagh

Military types have long-since adopted the shemagh, due to its utility. I've included one in my every day carry (EDC), and when I forgot it this past Sunday, I felt almost as though I were going to church naked.

You may be asking, "So, whats a shemagh?" In short, it's a super-sized bandanna. It's a square that usually measures 42" on a side.

Okay, what's it good for?  Here are a few suggestions from an ad I received:

• Dust Protection. Cover your face on motorcycles, truck beds, and tops of chicken buses.
• Sun Protection. Great for when you’re stranded in mid-day heat without shade nearby.
• Towel. Small, lightweight, fast drying, but thick enough get the job done. Perfect for the beach.
• Warmth. Wrap it around your neck as a scarf on the top of a mountain.
• Bag. Lay it out, put stuff in middle, tie four corners together. Instant hobo sack.
• Sarong. While shorter than a normal one, it can still be wrapped around your waist.
• Sweat Rag. Great for hiking, running, or other sweat-inducing activities.
• Arm Sling. Sprain a wrist or break an arm? Perfect for temporary immobilization.
• Emergency Bandage. Help stop bleeding and protect the wound until you get to a hospital.
• Pillow. Thick & soft enough to ball up and sleep with on bus rides or camping trips.
• Weapon. Twist a big rock up in the middle, and you have an instant self-defense tool!
• Concealment. Breaks up head silhouette.  Covers gun.
• Rope. Long enough to be rolled up to tie things together.
• Water Filter. Fold up multiple times and filter debris out of water before boiling.
• Keeping Cool. Soak in cold water and wrap around your neck.
• Signal Flag. Large enough to wave and get someone’s attention.
• Blanket. Good for covering your upper or lower body..
• Pot Holder. Take that boiling water you just filtered off the fire.
• Eye Mask. Sleep during the day or in a hostel when lights are on.
• Poop wiper, nose rag, etc.  The list goes on and on.
• 
  

When I ordered mine from Amazon (Click here to see), it cost me $9.99 with free shipping.

Homemade Body Armor?

Truthfully, I'd be a more than a little hesitant to trust my life to something like this, but I think the idea is fascinating. I'm sharing this here for informational purposes only.

Do not try this at home.



To see the inventor test this homemade armor plate, CLICK HERE.

My Concealed Carry Holster

For concealed carry, I use an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster. It's made by Crossbreed, and I'm very much satisfied with it.

The one pictured above is identical to mine in design. The weapon and holster slide inside the pants, while the clips remain outside, affixed to the belt. This arrangement allows the weapon to hug the body, while the leather back keeps the hammer and sight from digging into flesh. I find mine extremely comfortable.

The pictured holster differs from mine only in its black color. I ordered mine in natural horsehide. (Horsehide does not absorb sweat and body odors as readily as cowhide.)

Mark Craighead designed the holster. Although he has since died, he leaves behind a legacy of faith and customer service that looks a lot like the Biblical concept of servanthood.

1. Mark was often asked about the origin of the name CrossBreed® Holsters.  He was never ashamed to answer that, although there is some reference to the hybrid nature of his designs, the larger meaning behind his company’s name references the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice upon the cross which was made for all mankind. 
2. CrossBreed® Holsters raised the standard for customer service in the holster industry by offering a two week try-it-free guarantee and a lifetime warranty.  This service continues today with each and every holster that goes out the door. CrossBreed® Holsters’ customers are customers for life. (link)

I have no financial stake in Crossbreed holsters. I'm just a satisfied customer.

Concealed Carry in Georgia

When it comes to concealed carry, Georgia does not have reciprocity with South Carolina, so the last time I was in PA, I obtained a non-resident permit. I used it for the first time yesterday, when my daughter and I spent the day helping my dad move into his new apartment.

The hot day made the move rather tiring, but the concealed carry aspect proved completely uneventful. I don't believe anyone even noticed the full sized 1911 under my pullover shirt. Part of the credit goes to an effective and comfortable concealment holster, and the rest to the fact that I have become so accustomed to going armed that it feels totally natural.

P.S. We got the furniture and boxes of belongings into Dad's apartment, and made it safely back to South Carolina. 

P.P.S. In another post, I plan to talk about my CC holster.

My Own Favorite Khukuri

I am writing this on Thursday, 6/26. A little while ago, the dog was in the yard, barking. My daughter Merrianna checked and found that he was barking at a blacksnake resting on a ledge above the porch window.

Now, I realize that blacksnakes eat mice and other pests, but around here, we've found that they prefer hen's eggs and baby chicks, when they can get them. So, I unsheathed my khukuri.

A few minutes later, Merrianna took this picture.

The snake's head hangs by a thread of skin. If he had been against something more solid than the vinyl siding, the blade would surely have totally separated his head from his body. 

As long as my daughter had the camera out, I thought it would be a good opportunity for some more photos. This one shows the khukuri I used to kill the snake -- of the 3 khukuris I own, it is my favorite.

It came with an unfinished handle. I used Tru-Oil to produce a glossy finish, which while protecting against moisture, does not lend itself to good gripping when wet with perspiration. I may remedy that with a layer of camo wrap.

I bought the leather sheath separately because it holds the blade more securely than the traditional wood/buffalo hide that came with it. I added the camo wrap and wound it with a length of para cord. I also created a little pocket for the karda (little knife) and chakmak (steel sharpening & deburring tool).

This shows the back of the sheath.

Two DMT diamond hones reside in a pocket on the back, and below them I attached a little pouch with a magnesium fire-starting block. You may notice the D ring which serves to attach the sheath to a backpack.

While made from the 5160 steel, my blade has a flat rather than convex edge (read easier to sharpen), and it has a couple of shallow rough spots -- grinding marks. It was probably fashioned by an apprentice. Nonetheless, I have found that it holds its edge, and it cuts and chops superbly.

Below you will find a link where I bought the khukuri pictured above. Will you do me a favor? If you decide to order one of these or even another model on the same site, please enter the site through the link below. It will cost you nothing, and I will get a small advertising fee. I will never get rich from this blog, but it's a great encouragement to pick up a dollar here and there through the courtesy of my faithful readers.

Christian Warrior as Sentinel

Yesterday one of my daughters plus husband & 8 children stopped in for a visit before continuing a whirlwind business trip. As they made their way to the car to leave, I stood over a pile of doggy-dooders with my flash light . . . .
Click this link to see the rest of the post and the picture.

Fit and Finish

I've never owned an Ernest Emerson knife, so I'm not necessarily endorsing his product (as if his company needed my endorsement!) But his comments about "fit & finish" vs. performance apply to a lot more than knives.

Here's a link:

Fit and Finish

And, thanks to my barber for sharing the link.

Tactics & Tactical Supplies

Preparedness Dilettante (2nd meaning): I have a tactical shotgun as well as a tactical flashlight, watch and pen.


Wry Observer: Do you have any tactics?


Dilettante: Any what?

Tactical gear and supplies have a single purpose -- to enable you to reach a tactical objective. But to do so, you must use them tactically.

Tactics are simply the actions you take to achieve your objective. If you lack the knowledge, skill or physical capability to take the appropriate action (i.e., if you can't execute tactics), then all the gear in the world is useless to you.

For example, I've recently given some attention to my first aid gear. But it has been a few years since I got my First Responder certificate, so I've been thinking about finding a class where I can refresh my skills. The equipment is not enough.

Also, your tactical gear doesn't have to come from an expensive paramilitary outfit and sport camo paint in order to serve your tactical needs. (Boyoboy, don't you just love how that nifty camo stuff makes you really stand out in a crowd?)

In order put my body in a state of readiness, I like to take a big glass of tactical prune juice, every Saturday morning. It's a tactical supply because it enables me to take action appropriate to achieving my tactical objective.
;-)

4Sevens Memorial Day Discount

First, a personal note: DLR informs me that not only did my son-in-law win the rifle match last week-end (for the second year in a row), but that his wife/my daughter came in a solid 7th place. It's good to know that the RKBA lives even in the hearts of folk who suffer under the yoke of oppression in the foreign state of Illinois.

As you may remember from my review of the Quark AA2 Tactical Flashlight, I have been very happy with the quality and performance of this 4Sevens product. That's why I'm passing on the following message that I received from the company:

From right now through Memorial Day, May 30th, you can receive 15% OFF your purchase at 4Sevens.com!

Simply use the following discount code when checking out on our website: MEM2011

Pressure Bandage

Here's an item I'm adding to my first-aid kit:

Thanks to my barber for drawint this to my attention.

From the Barber's Chair: Every Day Carry

Many of you who read this identify as sheepdogs -- protectors of family, neighbors and the brethren. You have the skills and, presumably, the weapons to fulfill that role.

But how many contingencies are your prepared for? My barber has made EDC a study and a practice.

What is EDC? Here's an explanation from a blog dedicated to the topic:

Everyday Carry, or EDC, generally refers to small items or gadgets worn, carried, or made available in pockets, holsters, or bags on a daily basis to manage common tasks or for use in unexpected situations or emergencies. In a broader sense, it is a lifestyle, discipline, or philosophy of preparedness.

My own EDC items include my Taurus .38, pocketknife, watch, tactical flashlight and Zippo lighter (fire in your hand!). After reading my barber's comments below, I realize I should start on an EDC FAK (First Aid Kit).

I always EDC to the church on my days off. My aid kit is a $2.00 pre-packed johnson&johnson safe traveler kit,that I bought mostly for the plastic container at the dollar general store. I hacked it into an enhanced bump-type kit for everyday use. The music director's pen leaked,and covered her hand in ink. I threw her three alcohol prep pads which remove ink. The other folks around the table remarked that I appear to be well prepared. I declined to show them my Glock 17,and the two surefire flashlights I was CCWing at the time in my tactical tailor three-day pack,my EDC. Thought you'd get a kick out of this....



Even more recently, he sent me another report of using his FAK. This time, he was exploring an old abandoned building with some buddies when the floor collapsed beneath them.


The large,hand-hewn floor joists prevented me from falling an additional 20 feet! That and the Prayers I said before we went in!. Anyway,I had several "dirty" wounds,so I had my EDC bag with us the whole time,so I pulled out the FAK,and used the alcohol prep pads to clean the wounds,continue the mission,and discover the vaults. The punch line is that I think I should just have a 3-day pack full of alcohol prep pads,and dump the rest of the gear!



Okay, now you have the idea of what EDC is about. I'm sure some of you may have already practiced EDC without knowing it had a name.


Do you have any ideas or suggestions for EDC? Things you yourself carry, or think maybe you ought to carry?

Flashlights Meet Flash Gordon?

When I was a youngster, one of my favorite Saturday morning shows was Space Patrol. I also loved to watch the old movie Saturday matinee serial broadcasts of Flash Gordon with Buster Crabbe in the title role.

When I was about six, I got a Flash Gordon T-shirt and a "ray gun" -- this was back before space guys discovered lasers -- for my birthday. The ray gun amounted to a flashlight with a pistol grip and trigger/switch. It was so cool!

How much cooler would it have been, if the Wicked Laser people had been around and built the ray gun around their 4100 lumen Torch? Their flashlight actually sets stuff on fire.

No idea how long a single charge of the battery lasts or the average life of the 100 watt halogen bulb, or how hot the head & body of the light get -- all important issues if you're going to sink $100 into a piece of gear. But if I'd had ray gun like that when I was a kid, I might have conquered Mars (after taking over my neighborhood).



Thanks to my barber for sending me the link to this.

10% Discount on 4Sevens Flashlights

A while back, I reviewed the Quark AA2 flashlight by 4Sevens. It has become part of my standard gear when I'm out and about.

Today, I received the following notice from 4Sevens:

From today through the end of February, we're offering 10% off your purchase of all 4Sevens flashlights and accessories!

Simply use the code LUMENLOVE when checking out to redeem your discount!

So, if you've been waiting for the right moment to add a quality tactical flashlight to your gear, this may be it. Here's the link, and don't forget to enter the discount code when you order:

4SEVENS

My Quark AA2 Tactical Flashlight

The other night, the dog was yelping because she had her dew claw caught in something. I went out to see what was up, and I took my new Quark AA2 Tactical Flashlight with me.

Chardonnay, our dog, was a little skittish, and I needed both hands to free her, so I held the light in my mouth & disengaged the dog's paw from an old chain. The light was set on "Moonlight" (lowest setting -- 0.2 lumens), which was plenty of light for that kind of task.

Speaking of light levels, this flashlight has 5 levels of brightness plus three "flash" modes. The light's hot spot has not dark spots or shadowy rings, and the there is a generous spill.

I like the fit & finish of the Quark AA2, and both the flashlight its holster give the appearance of quality construction that will last. At $59, I think it stacks up well against torches that cost a lot more.

I will carry this flashlight as a utility light & also as a self-defense adjunct.

You can see a detailed critique of the AA2 here .

The 4Sevens instructional video on operating the light is here.

If you decide to order one of these lights, please note that shipping is included in the price, and you can enter the following coupon code (I think it's still valid) for a few dollars off: cpf8

Cheap Ammo

This is from my barber. I put it in the You-Get-What-You-Pay-For Dept.



While the above picture strikes me with its sardonic humor, it also reminds me that without ammunition, a firearm (i.e., a weapon that fires projectiles) ceases to be a firearm (i.e., a weapon that fires projectiles).

How many firearms owners will tell you, "Ammo? Oh, yeah . . . I've got a box of it around here, somewhere"? (Translation: "There's a 20-year-old box of cartridges with eight rounds lying in the garage where it has been exposed to repeated drastic temperature changes.")

Yesterday I noticed an ad for a sporting goods store that has brand-name ammo on sale. Does this mean the ammo shortage is easing?

Maybe I should make a trip down there. How about you?