How will the lead ammo ban affect you?

In October of 2013 the state of California passed a ban on hunting with lead ammunition http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/lead-free/ . While more states are looking at the same alternative to traditional hunting, I am looking for ammunition alternatives myself. Not everyone has a friend that works overnight in the Sporting Goods dept at the local big box retailer that can text them in the middle of the night to let them know that they got in 6 boxes of .380 (or whatever).

The Washington Times reported that the only smelter left in the U.S. that produced lead for ammunition closing will have absolutely no effect on the availability or cost of ammunition http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/dec/2/obamas-epa-smelter-closing-will-not-affect-ammunit/?page=all . Most major ammunition manufacturers began making "green" ammo by 2008 when the lead ammo debates intensified. If you do a cost comparison between the two, non-lead ammo is not the same cost as traditional lead ammo.

It makes me wonder if the $11 core charge on a car battery is worth it, or is that something that I should save along with the lead I pick out of the hillside at the shooting range. I have been saving my brass for years. Why not save the lead as well? Many people are making their own bullets http://www.ehow.com/how_2212846_make-ammunition.html and have been for some time. As a child I can remember my father casting .54 caliber balls for his muzzleloader.

As more states are looking at alternatives to lead bullets I will keep collecting lead (and storing it safely) for my personal use. http://ehs.whoi.edu/ehs/occsafety/leadweightsafety.pdf . If it gets to the point where you need to make your own bullets, it will be too late to start collecting lead.

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Smart Guns - Stupid People

The new "Smart" gun in the news have two basic working ideas. The most popular it seems is a .22 caliber model that costs $1399 and works on RFID (Radio Frequency Indicator) technology. You have to have a watch (or ring) that sends a signal to your gun and must be within 6 inches of the gun for it to be operable (a light on the back of the firearm turns green). Thus preventing the gun to work if stolen. Right?



The other, a 1911 model, mostly is set up with fingerprint technology. Because we all know that this is the fastest most reliable safety when you need to defend yourself quickly. Actually with a lot of practice you might be able to pull this maneuver quickly even with all of the adrenaline and fear. Right?




 I am not saying that owning a smart gun makes someone stupid. But how stupid do they think we are? My guns are smart guns (not electronic). They do not need a watch or ring (sold separately). They do not need a fingerprint in the right location. Do you know why they are smart? Because we are not all idiots.

I keep my guns locked up when they are not on my person. SMART.

I learn, study, and practice safety at all times SMART.

I teach my children and others safety and safe practices SMART.

My guns are in a 1200 pound safe bolted to the wall and floor SMART.

Regular Practice SMART.









I have read many news stories over the last couple of days from the pro-gunners and the anti-gunners (some story links below) that jump to conclusions and reactions of what they think the other thinks about and how they will respond to these "safer" firearms. But, there are a few things that are very important that I am not hearing people talk about. Many people assume that anybody that is pro gun is a conspiracy theorist, a nut job, or both. With that as a lead in, here are a few things to consider.

1) We promote Safety. Keep your guns out of reach etc. etc.  Unfortunately, there are many people (sorry southern CA) that will rely on the technology of this new firearm. i.e. "I don't need to put it up, no one can use it anyway" This will happen! This will promote terrible habits.

2) Electronics can fail. According to Murphy it will happen when you need it

3) In battle, the first step is to disable communication. Jam signals. disable electronics. The far left and some in our government (such as those pushing gun restrictions and Smart guns) say that anyone that fears gun grabbers and takeovers are paranoid. That being said, with guns that rely on RFID technology to work, how hard would it be for them (Army, NATO, DHS) to disable any gun that relys on electronic tech?

4) At a price tag of $1399 plus a watch (sold separately) at $400, instead of 1 Stupid gun with too many opportunities for failure, I will instead buy two SMART guns such as these two below.

 http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/02/21/gun-control-smart-technology-personalized-column/5645119/

http://www.digitaljournal.com/tech/technology/new-smart-gun-hits-shelves-and-debate-in-america/article/372297

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2014/02/20/first-smart-pistol-shelves-in-california/