Skippy’s List: The 213 things Skippy is no longer allowed to do in the U.S. Army

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While working on a post I was sad to find that the Skippy’s List website is no longer active.  Every time I get to talking about the military with a veteran I inform them about “The List” and point them in the direction.

Basically, Skippy’s list was a list of things Specialist Schwartz was not allowed to do in the Army.  Everything in the list were things Skippy (Spc Schwartz) got in trouble for doing, was told never to do again, told he could not do when he asked, or told he could not do proactively by command.

I find it hilarious because, as Skippy pointed out, he was a decorated soldier that served honorably and you can’t do that AND be the focus of such a list unless you were damn good at your job.

I took that to heart, and recognize that the better you are at your job the more fun you can have and not get fired….

Italicized comments are my skippy list items, I have a lot more that Skippy didn’t try, but this isn’t the Big Dawg List.  Now before you think I was some shitbird, I did get in a fair amount of trouble, looking around the last platoon formation before my EAS I had the most hash-marks, and the most awards and ribbons than anyone less than two ranks higher than me.  I was a proud field marine.  I did not do well in Garrison, and I did not like to run.  I did like to deploy and I was good at the field stuff and my technical field.

The 213 Things….

1. Not allowed to watch Southpark when I’m supposed to be working. (I don’t like south park, but I did skip out between lunch and evening formation to go back to the barracks to watch Springer for the last 8 months of my enlistment)

2. My proper military title is “Specialist Schwarz” not “Princess Anastasia”.

3. Not allowed to threaten anyone with black magic. (We had a Sgt named Chicken Bone that did threaten me with black magic – probably because we called him Chicken Bone)

4. Not allowed to challenge anyone’s disbelief of black magic by asking for hair.

5. Not allowed to get silicone breast implants.

6. Not allowed to play “Pulp Fiction” with a suction-cup dart pistol and any officer. (At Tank School at Ft Knox we had a Army Platoon Sgt who did not like my dart board with go army in the center)

7. Not allowed to add “In accordance with the prophesy” to the end of answers I give to a question an officer asks me.

8. Not allowed to add pictures of officers I don’t like to War Criminal posters.

9. Not allowed to title any product “Get Over it”.

10. Not allowed to purchase anyone’s soul on government time.

11. Not allowed to join the Communist Party. (I did stage a minor revolt of the E-3 mafia while at CAX)

12. Not allowed to join any militia.

13. Not allowed to form any militia. (Not a militia, but a workable plan to take Cuba)

14. Not allowed out of my office when the president visited Sarajevo.

15. Not allowed to train adopted stray dogs to “Sic Brass!”

16. Must get a haircut even if it tampers with my “Samson like powers”.

17. God may not contradict any of my orders.

18. May no longer perform my now (in)famous “Barbie Girl Dance” while on duty.

19. May not call any officers immoral, untrustworthy, lying, slime, even if I’m right.

20. Must not taunt the French any more.

21. Must attempt to not antagonize SAS. (In My case British Royal Marines)

22. Must never call an SAS a “Wanker”.

23. Must never ask anyone who outranks me if they’ve been smoking crack.

24. Must not tell any officer that I am smarter than they are, especially if it’s true.

25. Never confuse a Dutch soldier for a French one.

26. Never tell a German soldier that “We kicked your ass in World War 2!”

27. Don’t tell Princess Di jokes in front of the paras (British Airborne).

28. Don’t take the batteries out of the other soldiers alarm clocks (Even if they do hit snooze about forty times).

29. The Irish MPs are not after “Me frosted lucky charms”. (Not allowed to tell the MPs whose barracks was across from ours that I live 500 yards from people trained to arrest me while imitating Jack Nicholson)

30. Not allowed to wake an Non-Commissioned Officer by repeatedly banging on the head with a bag of trash.

31. Not allowed to let sock puppets take responsibility for any of my actions.

32. Not allowed to let sock puppets take command of my post.

33. Not allowed to chew gum at formation, unless I brought enough for everybody.

34. (Next day) Not allowed to chew gum at formation even if I *did* bring enough for everybody.

35. Not allowed to sing “High Speed Dirt” by Megadeth during airborne operations. (“See the earth below/Soon to make a crater/Blue sky, black death, I’m off to meet my maker”)

36. Can’t have flashbacks to wars I was not in. (The Spanish-American War isn’t over). (In my case it was attempting to convince my command I had Tourette Syndrome by randomly shouting curse words)

37. Our medic is called “Sgt Larwasa”, not “Dr. Feelgood”.

38. Our supply Sgt is “Sgt Watkins” not “Sugar Daddy”.

39. Not allowed to ask for the day off due to religious purposes, on the basis that the world is going to end, more than once.

40. I do not have super-powers.

41. “Keep on Trucking” is *not* a psychological warfare message.

42. Not allowed to attempt to appeal to mankind’s baser instincts in recruitment posters.

43. Camouflage body paint is not a uniform.

44. I am not the atheist chaplain.

45. I am not allowed to “Go to Bragg boulevard and shake daddy’s little money maker for twenties stuffed into my undies”.

46. I am not authorized to fire officers.

47. I am not a citizen of Texas, and those other, forty-nine, lesser states.

48. I may not use public masturbation as a tool to demonstrate a flaw in a command decision.

49. Not allowed to trade military equipment for “magic beans”.

50. Not allowed to sell magic beans during duty hours.

51. Not allowed to quote “Dr Seuss” on military operations.

52. Not allowed to yell “Take that Cobra” at the rifle range.

53. Not allowed to quote “Full Metal Jacket “ at the rifle range.

54. “Napalm sticks to kids” is *not* a motivational phrase.

55. An order to “Put Kiwi on my boots” does *not* involve fruit.

56. An order to “Make my Boots black and shiny” does not involve electrical tape.

57. The proper response to a lawful order is not “Why?”

58. The following words and phrases may not be used in a cadence- Budding sexuality, necrophilia, I hate everyone in this formation and wish they were dead, sexual lubrication, black earth mother, all Marines are latent homosexuals, Tantric yoga, Gotterdammerung, Korean hooker, Eskimo Nell, we’ve all got jackboots now, slut puppy, or any references to squid.

59. May not make posters depicting the leadership failings of my chain of command.

60. “The Giant Space Ants” are not at the top of my chain of command.

61. If one soldier has a 2nd Lt bar on his uniform, and I have an E-4 on mine It means he outranks me. It does not mean “I have been promoted three more times than you”. (done that, also not allowed to count all the times I was promoted, demoted and remoted and add to the list)

62. It is better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission, no longer applies to Specialist Schwarz. (Ditto)

63. Command decisions do *not* need to be ratified by a 2/3 majority.

64. Inflatable novelties do *not* entitle me to BAQ or Separation pay.

65. There are no evil clowns living under my bed.

66. There is no “Anti-Mime” campaign in Bosnia.

67. I am not the Psychological Warfare Mascot.

68. I may not line my helmet with tin foil to “Block out the space mind control lasers”.

69. May not pretend to be a fascist stormtrooper, while on duty.

70. I am not authorized to prescribe any form of medication.

71. I must not flaunt my deviances in front of my chain of command.

72. May not wear gimp mask while on duty.

73. No military functions are to be performed “Skyclad”.

74. Woad is not camouflage makeup.

75. May not conduct psychological experiments on my chain of command.

76. “Teddy Bear, Teddy bear, turn around” is *not* a cadence.

77. The MP checkpoint is not an Imperial Stormtrooper roadblock, so I should not tell them “You don’t need to see my identification, these are not the droids you are looking for.”

78. I may not call block my chain of command.

79. I am neither the king nor queen of cheese.

80. Not allowed to wear a dress to any army functions.

81. May not bring a drag queen to the battalion formal dance.

82. May not form any press gangs.

83. Must not start any SITREP (Situation Report) with “I recently had an experience I just had to write you about….”

84. Must not use military vehicles to “Squish” things. (not me personally  but I was there and may or may not have been the groundguide)

85. Not allowed to make any Psychological Warfare products depicting the infamous Ft. Bragg sniper incident.

86. May not challenge anyone in my chain of command to the “field of honor”.

87. If the thought of something makes me giggle for longer than 15 seconds, I am to assume that I am not allowed to do it.

88. Must not refer to 1st Sgt as “Mom”.

89. Must not refer to the Commander as “Dad”.

90. Inflatable sheep do *not* need to be displayed during a room inspection.

91. I am not authorized to initiate Jihad.

92. When asked to give a few words at a military ceremony “Romper Bomper Stomper Boo” is probably not appropriate.

93. Nerve gas is not funny.

94. Crucifixes do not ward off officers, and I should not test that.

95. I am not in need of a more suitable host body.

96. “Redneck Zombies” is not a military training aid.

97. Gozer does not dwell in my refrigerator.

98. The proper response to a chemical weapon attack is not “Tell my chain of command what I really think about them, and then poke holes in their masks.”

99. A smiley face is not used to mark a minefield.

100. Claymore mines are not filled with yummy candy, and it is wrong to tell new soldiers that they are. (the things I was not allowed to tell new marines would be a separate list)

101. I am not allowed to mount a bayonet on a crew-served weapon.

102. Rodents are not entitled to burial with full military honors, even if they are “casualties of war”.

103. My commander is not old enough to have fought in the civil war, and I should stop implying that he did.

104. Vodka, green food coloring, and a “Cool Mint” Listerine® bottle is not a good combination.

105. I am not allowed to bum cigarettes off of anyone under twelve.

106. I may not trade my rifle for any of the following: Cigarettes, booze, sexual favors, Kalishnikovs, Soviet Armored vehicles, small children, or bootleg CD’s.

107. Must not mock command decisions in front of the press.

108. Should not taunt members of the press, even if they are really fat, exceptionally stupid, and working for UPI.

109. I am not authorized to change national policy in Eastern Europe.

110. Never, ever, attempt to correct a Green Beret officer about anything.

111. I am not qualified to operate any US, German, Polish, or Russian Armored vehicles.

112. When saluting a “leg” officer, an appropriate greeting is not “Airborne leads the wa- oh…sorry sir”.

113. There is absolutely no need to emulate the people from “Full Monty” every time I hear the song “Hot Stuff”.

114. I cannot trade my CO to the Russians.

115. I should not speculate on the penis size of anyone who outranks me.

116. Crucifying mice – bad idea.

117. Must not use government equipment to bootleg pornography.

118. Burn pits for classified material are not revel fires – therefore it is wrong to dance naked around them.

119. I cannot arrest children for being rude.

120. An EO briefing is probably not the best place to unveil my newest off color joke.

121. I should not use government resources to “waterproof” dirty magazines.

122. Radioactive material should not be stored in the barracks. (or 327 engines, beer brewing setups, or canoes)

123. I should not teach other soldiers to say offensive and crude things in Albanian, under the guise of teaching them how to say potentially useful phrases.

124. Two drink limit does not mean first and last. (if the commander wanted you to have two forties at family day he would have issued you two forties at family day)

125. Two drink limit does not mean two kinds of drinks.

126. Two drink limit does not mean the drinks can be as large as I like.

127. “No Drinking Of Alcoholic Beverages” does not imply that a Jack Daniel’s ® IV is acceptable.

128. “Shpadoinkle” is not a real word.

129. The Microsoft ® “Dancing Paperclip” is not authorized to countermand any orders.

130. “I’m drunk” is a bad answer to any question posed by my commander.

131. No dancing in the turret. This especially applies in conjunction with rule #113.

132. The loudspeaker system is not a forum to voice my ideas.

133. The loudspeaker system is not to be used to replace the radio.

134. The loudspeaker system is not to be used to broadcast the soundtrack to a porno movie.

135. An order to put polish on my boots means the whole boot.

136. Shouting “Let’s do the village! Let’s do the whole fucking village!” while out on a mission is bad.

137. Should not show up at the front gate wearing part of a Russian uniform, messily drunk.

138. Even if my commander did it.

139. Must not teach interpreters how to make “MRE” bombs. (the stories of MRA bombs….)

140. I am not authorized to sell mineral rights.

141. Not allowed to use a broadsword to disprove “The Pen is Mightier than the sword”.

142. “Calvin-Ball” is not authorized PT.

143. I do not need to keep a “range card” by my window.

144. “K-Pot, LBE, and a thin coat of Break-free” is not an authorized uniform.

145. I should not drink three quarts of blue food coloring before a urine test.

146. Nor should I drink three quarts of red food coloring, and scream during the same.

147. I should not threaten suicide with pop rocks and Coke ®.

148. Putting red “Mike and Ike’s” ® into a prescription medicine bottle, and then eating them all in a formation is not funny.

149. Must not create new DOD forms, then insist they be filled out.

150. On Sports Day PT, a wedgie is not considered a legal tackle.

151. The proper way to report to my Commander is “Specialist Schwarz, reporting as ordered, Sir” not “You can’t prove a thing!”

152. The following items do not exist: Keys to the Drop Zone, A box of grid squares, blinker fluid, winter air for tires, canopy lights, or Chem-Light ® batteries. (there are not flame proof suits to hold targets on the flamethrower range)

153. I should not assign new privates to “guard the flight line”.

154. Shouldn’t treat “piss-bottles” with extra-strength icy hot.

155. Teaching Albanian children to taunt other soldiers is not nice.

156. I will no longer perform “lap-dances” while in uniform.

157. If I take the uniform off, in the course of the lap-dance, it still counts.

158. The revolution is not now.

159. When detained by MP’s, I do not have a right to a strip search.

160. No part of the military uniform is edible.

161. Bodychecking General officers is not a good idea.

162. Past lives have absolutely no effect on the chain of command.

163. Take that hat off.

164. There is no such thing as a were-virgin.

165. I do not get “that time of month”.

166. No, the pants are not optional.

167. Not allowed to operate a business out of the barracks.

168. Especially not a pornographic movie studio.

169. Not even if they *are* “especially patriotic films”

170. Not allowed to “defect” to OPFOR during training missions. (or call for fire on the MP Commander’s tent)

171. On training missions, try not to shoot down the General’s helicopter.

172. “A full magazine and some privacy” is not the way to help a potential suicide.

173. I am not allowed to create new levels of security clearance.

174. Furby ® is not allowed into classified areas. (I swear to the gods, I did not make that up, it’s actually DOD policy).

175. We do not “charge into battle, naked, like the Celts”.

176. Any device that can crawl across the table on medium, does not need to be brought into the office.

177. I am not to refer to a formation as “the boxy rectangle thingie”.

178. I am not “A lesbian trapped in a man’s body”.

179. On Army documents, my race is not “Other”.

180. Nor is it “Secretariat, in the third”.

181. Pokémon® trainer is not an MOS.

182. There is no FM for “wall-to-wall counseling”.

183. My chain of command has neither the time, nor the inclination to hear about what I did with six boxes of Fruit Roll-Ups. ®

184. When operating a military vehicle I may *not* attempt something “I saw in a cartoon”. (or try to jump an M88 going down a hill over a ditch in the dark)

185. My name is not a killing word.

186. I am not the Emperor of anything.

187. Must not taunt officers in the throes of nicotine withdrawal, with cigarettes.

188. May not challenge officers to “Meet me on the field of honor, at dawn”.

189. Do not dare SERE graduates to eat bugs. They will always do it. (or eat bugs – especially not blue coach roach things on the rifle range that send you to the hospital)

190. Must not make s’mores while on guard duty.

191. Our Humvees cannot be assembled into a giant battle-robot.

192. The proper response to a briefing is not “That’s what you think”.

193. The Masons, and Gray Aliens are not in our chain of command.

194. Shouldn’t take incriminating photos of my chain of command.

195. Shouldn’t use Photoshop ® to create incriminating photos of my chain of command.

196. I am not allowed to give tattoos.

197. I am not allowed to sing “Henry the VIII I am” until verse 68 ever again.

198. Not allowed to lead a “Coup” during training missions. (umm not exactly a coup, but maybe a bbq at at remote LP-OP)

199. I should not confess to crimes that took place before I was born.

200. My chain of command is not interested in why I “just happen” to have a kilt, an inflatable sheep, and a box of rubber bands in the back of my car.

201. Must not valiantly push officers onto hand grenades to save the squad.

202. Despite the confusing similarity in the names, the “Safety Dance” and the “Safety Briefing” are never to be combined.

203. “To conquer the earth with an army of flying monkeys” is a bad long term goal to give the re-enlistment NCO.

204. NEVER nail a stuffed bunny to a cross and put it up in front of the Battalion Headquarters sign as an “Easter Desecration.”

205. Don’t write up false gigs on a HMMWV PMCS. (”Broken clutch pedal”, “Number three turbine has frequent flame-outs”, “flux capacitor emits loud whine when engaged”)

206. Not allowed to get shot.

207. The Chicken and Rice MRE is *not* a personal lubricant. (Skippy wanted this noted for the record that this is not something he has ever attempted or considered! It was something we heard at dinner on 22 September 2001 and it was just so obscene it had to go here.)

208. Not allowed to play into the deluded fantasies of the civilians who are “hearing conversations” from the NSA, FBI, CIA and KGB due to the microchip the aliens implanted in their brain.

209. An airsickness bag is to be used for airsickness *only*. (Also not a Skippy-ism…this was the same dinner.)

210. Must not make T-shirts up depicting a pig with the writing “Eat Pork or Die” in Arabic to bring as civilian attire when preparing to deploy to a primarily Muslim country.

211. Don’t ask LTC Steele to sign my copy of Blackhawk Down.

212. Must not go on nine deployments in six years that require a security clearance that I don’t have, even if the Army tells me repeatedly that I have one and I have no reason to question them.

213. Do not convince NCO’s that their razorbumps are the result of microscopic parasites.

Preppers Guide to Preparing for Reality

Preppers Guide to Preparing for Reality
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The community of preppers grew in 2008 with the launch of My Patriot Supply as a leading Online resource and retailer helping U.S. citizens prepare for the worst should a natural disaster or ‘doomsday’ scenario occur. The retailer has become a major part of the preppers community over the course of its first decade in operation.  If you want help preparing for reality, then this company can provide that help.

The community of preppers has largely been misunderstood because of a small number of mainstream TV shows which choose to portray this growing number of Americans as unhinged or worse. However, the majority of preppers are simply concerned citizens who understand a breakdown in society can occur at any time through a natural weather event such as a tornado or hurricane or can take a larger form should an attack on the U.S. create major infrastructure problems. The majority of preppers are not spending their time worrying over the zombie apocalypse arriving but are instead watching The Weather Channel and the news to monitor the global political situation.

Being prepared for any eventuality is the key to the work of My Patriot Supply and preppers across the U.S. who understand there are few options of people or agencies to turn to when a major event leads to the breakdown of a small or large community. In most cases, the decision to become a prepper is taken by those who have either had the first-hand experience of a disaster striking and leaving them with little help from government agencies or those who have woken up to the fact self-reliance is the best option.

Although it has become a commonly held belief because of shows like “The Walking Dead” and movies including “28 Days Later”, the zombie apocalypse is not something preppers worry about each day. As science has so far yet to find the technology capable of reanimating dead tissue there are no reasons to prepare for this fiction becoming a reality.

Instead, many people who may not feel they are part of the preppers community may be shocked to discover they are already getting started with the early stages of preparedness. An individual who has taken the time and effort to think about installing a generator or assembling a disaster emergency kit in case of a major weather event is already a prepper; creating a kit with flashlights, matches, and a supply of canned foods is the first step on the way to becoming prepared for a life where the rule of law may no longer be in place for a short or long period of time.

What the majority of preppers understand is the fact there is a chance of certain situations arising which will result in a period of time when government agencies are unwilling or unable to provide the necessary utilities and requirements for human life. This does not always mean preparing for the worst case scenario but can instead mean creating a survival garden with fruits and vegetables which can be used as a food supply should the usual communication lines of social breakdown. In the short term, this can mean creating a supply of generators and fuel to provide power, heat, and light should the utility supply be knocked out by a storm or a far worse event.

Being a prepper means looking at the chances of certain situations occurring and creating a plan which will protect the individual and their family should a scenario happen. There is a zero percent chance of the zombie apocalypse occurring which means this is a scenario which should be ignored by serious preppers who are looking to create a contingency plan for the future. It is important to remember the government should always be part of the plans being created as no matter why an individual has decided to become a prepper they need to ensure they have taken into account the fact some form of government will always remain in place if and when a natural or human-made disaster occurs.

Although a breakdown in society may take place at some point in the future the rule of law should always be part of the thought process and planning for any serious prepper. Despite the fact a breakdown of society may take place and a prepper isolated for a period of time it is always a good option to become an active member of the prepper community as the advice, tips, and news of the latest technological advances could mean the difference between success and failure in the survival business.

* I added this guest post because I believe in preparing for reality.  Too many people spend way too much time preparing for things that aren’t realistic.  In a world of limited resources, I believe in balance and that I need to spend my time and money on things that give the most benefit to my family.

I like my patriot supply because they good products as well as provide good information with their survival scout newsletters.  To me you can’t go wrong with preparing for reality.

Where to Keep Your Gun Safe: The Essentials

where to keep your gun safe
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With a burglary taking place somewhere in the US every eighteen seconds every single day of the year, it is no wonder that many of us choose to keep a gun in our homes.

Yet, as soon as we make the decision to do this another issue crops up; where to keep you gun safe. This is something that needs some thought put into it or else you could end up worrying that you aren’t as well protected as you had hoped to be.

Clearly, putting the firearm in a safe is the smartest way to get started but where will you put the safe? The truth is that the answer should be fairly obvious one you think about the main factors.

In the Bedroom

One of the most common places to keep a gun is in the bedroom. This makes sense, as it means that you can quickly get hold of the firearm if you are woken up by strange noises in the middle of the night.

Of course, some people feel nervous about having a gun in the bedroom. This is especially true if there are young children in the house who could get access to it. So, you will want to keep it in a good gun safe that only you or other adults in the family can open.

You could put your gun safe under your bed, on the wall next to the bed, or in a small safe in your nightstand. As long as you can open it swiftly in case of emergency you can sleep more easily.

Where No-one Can See It

Would it make sense to put your gun safe in a place where intruders should never be able to even see it? You might also think that hiding it away out of sight is a good idea if there are youngsters around who might stumble across it.

Not everyone uses a professional safe though, which means that this idea can cause more harm than good. Hiding a gun in a box or disguising it in some way means that anyone who finds it has easy access to it.

If you are going to put your firearm inside a good safe then there should really be no need to look for a hiding place. Indeed, some people like to put a big, solid gun safe in an obvious place as a sort of burglar deterrent.

The Living Room

Another idea that you might consider is that of putting your gun safe in the living room. This is likely to be of interest to you if you have a nice collection of firearms and would like to show them off in the likes of a wood cabinet with reinforced glass panels.

The downside of this approach is that your gun may be too far away from you if you need to react to an intruder during the night. If your main reason for having a firearm at home is for home security then you will probably want it to be closer to your bed.

On the other hand, if you use a gun for sporting reasons then this is a good spot to let visitors see your prized firearms. You might then have an additional gun next to your bed for security purposes.

In Different Parts of the House

Naturally, you simply don’t know in which part of the house a burglar could enter. Well, some surprising figures show that about a third of them enter through the front door. Around 30% or so find an easy way in through an unlocked door or window.

If there are no obvious weak spots in your home security then you won’t know where they will enter or at what time this will happen. Most burglaries happen between 6am and 6pm, while people are at work, but it could be when you are cooking in the kitchen, working in the garage or doing anything else.

Therefore, it might make sense for you to have more than one gun around the property. Would you feel more secure knowing that you are going to be near to a firearm no matter where you are when you hear the sound of shattering glass or splintering wood?

Provided that you a great safe to keep the guns in, there is no harm in choosing a number of strategic spots around the house.

Summary

By considering your needs, your lifestyle, and your main concerns it should be possible to find the ideal for where to keep your gun safe. It is then a question of enjoying your property while knowing that you can easily reach for a weapon if you ever need to.  I hope today’s article on where to keep your gun safe was useful.  Please let me know what you want to see on this site.

Bullpups vs. Conventional Rifles: The Ultimate Debate

Bullpups vs. Conventional Rifles: The Ultimate Debate
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It’s an age-old question: are bullpups better than conventional rifles? Or is it visa versa?

I have previously talked to a lot of friends about this, and many asked if I was more for bullpups or conventional rifles.

To help readers determine the answer, I have included information on both and what my opinion is about the ultimate debate: Which one is better?

An important thing to keep in mind is that both have different pros and cons and have contrasting factors that make it hard to pinpoint which one is the best.

What one person could be looking for may line up completely with how a bullpup functions whereas their good friend may prefer the conventional rifle.

This debate has gone on for a long time with opinions greatly divided. Some consider the bullpup to be an innovative design that should be accepted by the military while others—especially those who are used to using it-consider the standard rifle to function much better.

Who is right? Who is wrong?

In my opinion and experience, both work well according to their design, but to offer a glimpse of what they each have and how they could be beneficial for different people, I have compiled the following.

Bullpup rifles aren’t the preferred gun of choice for the U.S. military, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t a viable option for those who are looking for a rifle that may be easier to handle than a conventional rifle.

They look more modern-and even somewhat futuristic-and because of the shorter handle, they are easier to carry and for some, to shoot from. I like the size and length and how compact they are, as well as the idea behind the bullpup–a shorter and more portable weapon.

I like what the original bullpup designers (such as James Baird Thorneycroft) intended to do and the ingenuity they used to come up with an alternative that they thought would work better than the heavier and longer conventional rifle, but I’m not sure that the bullpup has yet reached its potential.

Why I Like Conventional Rifles

Conventional rifles, such as the popular AR-15 and its many off-the-shelf variations, have been around for a long time, which means that any problems that they may have had at the beginning of time have been perfected and they are now some of the most reliable guns around, even if they are somewhat large and difficult to maneuver for beginners.

I like conventional rifles because although they may be somewhat challenging to hold due to the awkward trigger placement, they offer a dual ejection port which means that lefthanded or righthanded shooters won’t need to fear for their faces after shooting.

This is one of the major factors to why many prefer using a conventional rifle and makes a big difference for me. Not only do I prefer it for personal use, but I also think it shows that the conventional rifle was designed more effectively than the bullpup.

I also appreciate the proximity of the trigger to the action as this helps the conventional rifle to function properly (with proper cleaning and maintenance) with very few problems. Because of the placement of the trigger, the conventional rifle actually provides a better trigger pull.

Why I Like Bullpups

Although they may be somewhat challenging to hold due to the awkward trigger placement, they offer a dual ejection port which means that lefthanded or righthanded shooters won’t need to fear for their faces after shooting.

This is one of the major factors to why many prefer using a conventional rifle and makes a big difference for me. Not only do I prefer it for personal use, but I also think it shows that the conventional rifle was designed more effectively than the bullpup.

I also appreciate the proximity of the trigger to the action as this helps the conventional rifle to function properly (with proper cleaning and maintenance) with very few problems. Because of the placement of the trigger, the conventional rifle actually provides a better trigger pull.

The Final Verdict

While the answer to which one is better is mostly subjective for most people, for me, I would have to say that I prefer the conventional rifle.

As someone who has primarily used a conventional rifle, it is difficult to get used to using the bullpup, as it is completely different than the conventional rifle in both trigger placement, as well as its build.

Another thing is that as a left hander, I have a difficult time with the ejection port, and prefer shooting from a conventional rifle as I personally don’t like the trigger placement to be so close to my shoulder.

Another thing that I don’t like about some of the bullpup models is that the ejection ports eject the cartridge directly onto the shooter’s body which is not only annoying, but could potentially be dangerous.

While some of the bullpup models have remedied this with ejection ports facing forwards, this is just one way that bullpups still fall behind.

Bullpups are still a bit behind in their design and I think that they do need some updates and innovative ideas on the manufacturer’s part, as they have the potential to be great rifles for the military and definitely a space-saving option, but the current bullpups aren’t quite up to par with it is expected for those who are used to firing on more reliable and intelligently designed rifles.

With that being said, some people like how small the bullpup is and the trigger placement.

A lot of people appreciate the more modern and compact design that makes it easier to carry and also for those who haven’t handled many conventional rifles, they may appreciate that it is relatively easier to shoot from.

Newer models like the Desert Tech MDR are switching many lifelong conventional fans over to the Bullpup camp.

In Conclusion

The bullpup rifle and conventional rifle both have pros to their build and functionality.

While many people have different preferences and some do prefer the compact build of the bullpup and the trigger placement, the majority of users prefer the conventional rifle.

While this could simply be a matter of habit and what they are used to, I tend to trust a conventional rifle over a bullpup. Both for the ejection ports on both sides and how reliable it is.

That said, newer Bullup models like the MDR are truly changing the game for left-handed shooters. I look forward to testing the rifle myself, and seeing how it compares to conventional rifles.

For the most part, the military in the U.S. has yet to make a big emphasis on the use of the bullpup. Whether this is because it isn’t as good as the standard conventional rifle or because the conventional one is actually better, has yet to be proven. The fact that the bullpup is still in use goes to show that there are some benefits to using it.

What do you think? Do you prefer a standard rifle and find it easier to maneuver and aim with or does the shorter bullpup feel more comfortable for your use?

4 Underrated Guns – Hidden Gems

4 Underrated Guns - Hidden Gems
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While popular guns get covered more than enough, we rarely get to discuss the lesser known, but often still pretty decent firearms out there. Some well performing guns are highly underrated, so we’d like to shed a little light on some of our favorites.

No matter what type of firearm you’re looking for, you’ll see right away that the market is saturated with options. It’s easy to notice which brands and styles totally dominate your shopping experience.

In search of a new hunting rifle, there really is nothing wrong with going for a Remington. However, blindly picking the most popular weapons means you might miss out on some wonderfully unique and well-crafted options.

Even more, just because everyone else is buying a Glock doesn’t mean that a Glock will be right for you.

Expand your horizons; learn what type of weight feels best in your hands – the common ergonomic grip might not fit well in your palm.

Don’t like the look of polymer? There are gorgeous metals and woods out there that may catch your eye! Try out the guns for yourself, dive into the underrated market, and become a well-rounded gun owner.

Walther PPS

A great handgun to be a concealed carry, the Walther PPS should really be a little more popular. This 9mm self-defense firearm is part of Walther’s line of German engineering. If you know anything about German engineering, it’s all about streamlined construction that delivers smooth and uninterrupted performance. Germany can pride itself in some of the most innovative and ergonomically designed features that Americans look for in cars, architecture, and guns!

The founder, Carl Walther, is known for creating the first semi-automatic pistol with his son, Fritz, in the early 1900s. The company has actually been partnered with Smith & Wesson for quite some time, which may explain why not everyone has heard of Walther Firearms as its own entity. S&W has been manufacturing the Walther PPK (another popular model) handgun, and Walther has been manufacturing the S&W M&P 22 pistol. While Walther Arms, Inc. is now its own company, the two brands continue to work as partners.

Walther Arms is mostly recognized for producing handguns for defensive action and competition. These are both areas where the shooter will want streamlined precision and a design that will enhance an expert draw. The PPS weighs a little less than 1.5 pounds, and is just barely over 3 inches long. The most recognizable feature of a Walther handgun may be the uniquely designed grips. These are some of the most ergonomic and, dare we say, comfortable grips on the market today. The PPS grip sports a grooved pattern on the front and rear and raised dots on either side. You’ll see similar grooves on the serrated slide. In self-defense, the last things you want is your hand to slip. The Walther PPS will have your back from start to finish.

Mauser M12

For the hunters out there, we have the stylish and intuitively designed Mauser M12. Highlighted as being a “guarantee for accuracy”, the M12 rifle is definitely an underrated firearm for game hunting. At first glance, this rifle is a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship. However, those sensual curves aren’t just for looks. The German design is focused on perfect balance for some of the most precise shots you’ll ever take (these Germans must be onto something).

The first Mauser rifle was created in 1871 by Paul Mauser and his older brother, Wilhelm. It became one of the first metal cartridge weapons of the German Empire. The Gewehr 98 (referring to 1898) was introduced to the public, and it is now nationally recognized as the company’s most popular rifle. It is better known as the Mauser M98. The manufactured Mauser rifles we purchase today are still created from the original designs from over 100 years ago.

Today, while the M 98 is still a beautiful classic that also shouldn’t go unlooked, we have the Mauser M12. This bolt-action rifle has the same time-tested functionality with some ergonomic improvements. The overall design features a thumbhole stock, which only enhances the ability for the shooter to hunt with accuracy unlike any other. Shots will be more controlled, and it will be faster to re-zero on any optics (if it’s even necessary). The body is made of a combination of solid steel and a high-grade laminated wood, bringing durability and a classic appeal together. The standard barrel is 22 inches in length and you can choose out of a wide range of calibers, from .270 to .30-06 or even the .308 if you plan on going after the big stuff. Forget your Remingtons and Mossbergs. Everyone will be asking where you got your Mauser M12.

CZ 75

The CZ 75 is one of the most popular handguns from the brand. So much so, that there are nearly 20 other CZ pistols based on the original design. There’s a plethora of choices, from compacts, to single actions, and even various metal frames and finishes. The standard CZ 75 is a standard handgun that has unique attributes, setting it aside from your more popularly recognized tactical handguns.

CZ stands for Ceska zbrojovka of the Czech Republic. In the mid-1930s, the company was contracted by the National Defense Council to produce military arms. These included aircraft machine guns, military pistols, and rifles. After the Nazi occupation ended, the company split off to produce aircraft parts. It wasn’t until the 1980s that CZ returned its focus to weaponry, and they produced the slightly more popular firearms you can find on their website today.

It’s highly likely that CZ’s history with aircraft part manufacturing explains their choice of using steel frames.  This is opposed to the commonly seen polymer and alloy.  The CZ 75 weighs just over two pounds. While it may not be best for concealing in an IWB holster, you’ll experience a really solid grip and incredibly controllable recoil.  This means the CZ 75 shots should be crisp and accurate. The lack of popularity with CZ is probably due to their later re-entrance to civilian gun manufacturing, but that’s hardly a reason to pass up the beautiful craftsmanship. You’ll find the CZ 75 priced in the $600 range – around the same price you would be paying for Gen 4 Glocks.

Savage Arms Stevens 320

Finally, we have the Savage Arms Stevens 320 Pump Action Shotgun. It is not a classic design, but this shotgun is one of the most low profile firearms you’ll ever see. Simplicity is key, on this one, giving the shooter the opportunity for expert, one-shot kills. The Stevens 320 isn’t anything new, and you may notice that it’s incredibly similar to the Winchester Model 1300. We could nit-pick all we want to, but the combination of a no-frills design, powerful action, and a low price-point makes the 320 a worthy and underrated competitor on the market.

The American made company, Savage Arms, was established in the 1890s in New York by Arthur Savage. Savage Arms and Steven Arms joined forces in 1920, and history was made. Going up against brands such as Remington, Winchester, and Colt, the firearm duo had to create innovative and modern concepts that could beat out classic best sellers. Savage Arms provided the U.S. military with millions of weapons during WW II. Now, we have effective and up-to-date shotguns, such as the Stevens 320 Pump Action, that combine guaranteed shooting ability with back-to-basics construction.

The Savage Arms Stevens 320 Pump can be purchased with either a pistol grip or semi-pistol grip and a tube style magazine. The stocks are synthetic, and they’re great for securing the butt firmly against your body. The carbon steel barrel is a surprising 18 inches long, all finished in a matte black. This shotgun is normally overlooked because most buyers quickly go to classic appearances, but the Stevens 320 has a lot of power behind it and is really easy to use. Don’t let the price make you question it, either: it’s well under $300. It’s affordable and practical.

In a Saturated Market…

Of course, there are tons of other firearms we could be listing as underrated. It’s difficult to discover weapons that have already been on the market for a while.  Some great guns are being smothered by more popular brands.  Some well known brands, such as Savage Arms, market best-sellers, leaving their lesser known firearms in the dust. Other brands, such as CZ, go practically unheard of because they’re up against universally renowned pistols from Glock, Smith and Wesson, and the like. Whether you’re looking to break away from the pistols, rifles, and shotguns you’ll see in any other shooter’s hand, or you’re interested in expanding your skills on a variety of unheard of weapons, the four listed firearms we have here are a great start to exploring the world of underrated guns.