Clint Smith on Defensive Firearms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R00cdYREFLc

 

Clint Smith on Defensive Firearms
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Clint Smith is an expert on the use of Defensive Firearms.  He is a Marine Corps Infantry vet, SWAT officer, and has been running Thunder Ranch since 1993.

Since I Graduated high school in 1993 I readily admit that he has probably forgot more about defensive firearms use than I know.  And that’s okay with me as I haven’t stopped learning yet.  This video is a great tool use to learn some great concepts and proper mindset on the proper use of a defensive firearm.

I like his style, this thought process, and how he teaches.  When I teach firearms classes, there are several techniques and lessons that I share that I gleaned from Mr. Smith.

I have searched YouTube for good training videos to share, and I have found several clips of Thunder Ranch training videos.  Think of them as advertisements for their full length training videos.  (I don’t gain anything from this, but I do think there videos are a valuable and worthwhile purchase.)

Clint Smith is entertaining, but his content is unparalleled.  I love watching him and have used many of his videos to influence my training style.  Its good to be entertained as you are educated.

Cheap CETME/G3 Scope Mount

 

Cheap CETME/G3 Scope Mount
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I do not normally advocate mixing airsoft with “real” gun gear.  However, on occasion it works if you know what you want.  Just understand that airsoft accessories are not built as strongly as accessories build for actual guns.

I would not use airsoft lasers or airsoft rated under barrel flashlights or optics because they cannot handle the vibration.

In this case, I was able to find some Cheap CETME/G3 Scope Mounts for $10, where actual CETME claw mounts are over $100 for the exact same design.

The claw mounts bolt to the receiver and I tightened them down just as I would the actual gun rated mounts.

They have held up to about 100 rounds of sustained fire.  Not quite rapid fire, but one good shooting session.

This isn’t my main rifle, and is really just an experiment gun.  If it was a gun that I foresaw using for defense of my life I would buy the higher dollar mounts.  Life is not worth risking over $90.

Wither you use the $10 or the $100 mount be careful as you tighten the claw mount, people have been known to tighten it so much that they “crushed” the receiver mounting points.

How to Extract Nitrocellulose from Ping Pong Balls

How to Extract Nitrocellulose from Ping Pong Balls

 

How to Extract Nitrocellulose from Ping Pong Balls
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Ping pong balls are made of nitrocellulose, I am sure that many would like to create non-nitro based balls, but industry has never been able to create ping ping balls with the same bounce as the nitrocellulose based balls.

Now, while extracting nitrocellulose from ping pong balls is easy, the nitrocellulose is adulterated with camphor.  This turns the explosive potential of the balls down while making them more plastic.

Now, while I like to extract the nitrocellulose to make nitrocellulose lacquer for making e-matches (electric initiators) for my rockets, woodworkers have long used nitrocellulose lacquer for fine furniture and musical instruments.

How to Make Nitrocellulose Lacquer:

  • Ping pong balls, acetone, scissors, a wooden stir stick, and a glass jar with a tight fitting lid.
  • Simply cut up 4 or 5 balls, and cover them with twice as much acetone as you need to cover the balls.
  • Let sit overnight.

Additionally, I like to add in some double based (smokeless) gunpowder that I save from my mistakes while reloading.  It gives me a hotter flame for igniting my model rockets.  Additionally, it allows me to waste less powder when reloading.

So now you know how to extract nitrocellulose from Ping Pong Balls.  Its easier than editing actually, I just realized that for some time this said nitroglycerine.  I guess that was a Freudian slip, because it would be really neat to have a easy way to get nitroglycerin, but it would probably be illegal, and I would not want to break the law.

How to Deprime Shells without Reloading Tools

 

Shooting: Deprime Shells without Reloading Tools
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Reloading does not have to be fancy or expensive.  You can buy a starter kit for well under $100 if you take your time and only get the essentials.

I have spent hours using a $20 hand reloader and a hammer to reload 20 gauge shotshells.

In the video below, I wanted to show you just how simple a set up you can get away with.  In the video you can learn how to deprime shells without reloading tools.

The technique shown works with shotshells as well as rifle and pistol cartridges.  As long as the rounds are not berdan primed this technique will work.

It can be adapted to use a large nut, or a hole in a workbench, you can use a nail or a punch, and anything you can strike with can be used as a hammer.  Let your needs decide.

However, while you can get away with this, it is much easier to use better tools.  I find that while I can reload with simple tools, it takes longer and when I factor in the value of my time, sometimes it is worth it to spend money for tools that let me work more efficiently.