My Life in Fandom: Return of the GERWALK

The 1980s were a golden time for giant robot fans. While the number of Super Robot shows decreased, the rise of the Real Robot subgenre that debuted in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam exploded in earnest with Super Dimension Fortress Macross in 1982. That series's signature mecha, the VF-1 Valkyrie, is famous for being a Real Robot with three modes: Fighter, GERWALK, Battroid. That middle word is in all-caps because it's an acronymn, and the Macross franchise isn't the only mecha property to use it.

"GERWALK" means: ...Ground Effective Reinforcement of Winged Armament with Locomotive Knee-joint. The GERWALK form allows flight, VTOL (vertical take off and landing) and walking on the ground., and this quality came out in full force in the studio's second "Super Dimension" series: Super Dimension Century Orguss

Orguss heavily features GERWALK mecha designs, as noted at GEARS Online's collection of imagery from the series and its concept artwork. Though not mentioned explicitly, there is one big reason for why GERWALK style mecha are so prominent in this setting: they are cheap as hell to construct.

Why? Because GERWALK is one step away from BattleTech's paradigm of Mech-as-Walking-Tank; put a cockpit and an engine in a box, bolt on a pair of legs, and GO! There is no need even for the expedient of allowing the legs to fold back and make the mech have a Fighter mode- something Macross did with the Zentran Reguld Battle Pod. The Crusher Joe movie (one of BattleTech's image sources) also had such a mech.

But the concept didn't stop with Orguss. While the name went away, the idea matured a little more with the production of Aku Daisakusen Srungle While the title mech, a true transformable super robot, only uses that mode part of the time the pilots at its controls use GERWALK mecha ("Trekkers") when outside of the hero unit. The enemies, naturally, have their own; it's the last time GERWALK style mecha get so prominent a display for a long time after that show's conclusion.

Not that they'll ever be gone for long. I'm not the only one to notice how cheap and easy GERWALK mecha are, which makes them ideal mook mecha across the board. It's what I'm doing with my own Star Knight Saga, and I'm not skimping on the easy transition to flight mode.

Hell, even Uncle George noticed back in the days with the AT-ST and the AT-PT (the latter for the prequels, and one of the more interesting personal-scale mechanical designs). So yeah, I'm giving GERWALK its due- and that includes the word itself (and what it stands for); I'm adding this to the setting bible, including its real--Real World--origins. I'm writing my stories in part as loving homage, so why not give some overlooked ideas some time to shine?

If you're looking forward to seeing the GERWALK return, then watch out for my IndieGoGo campaign to crowdfund Star Knight's first entry, coming soon.

My Life as a Shooter: Wish List Addendum

So, since you can't order firearms from Amazon, I'm doing this as a Wish List addendum. I have no expectation that anyone will be so generous as to make them happen, but I've been a really good boy this year and Santa is welcome to leave a rifle under the tree for me. Yes, this is me doing a not-that-serious post.

• Mauser K98k: Yeah, I want a Mauser. Duh. This specific model most of all, but any decent shooter will be welcome. Yes, including those Spanish Mausers in 7.62.x51mm NATO and those Swedish Mausers in 6.5x55mm. Yes, including those Yugoslavian models. Accessories and ammo welcome.
  
• SLME No.4/Mk.1: Also in that "Duh" category, and much the same here. No.1s are welcome. No.5s are welcome. So long as it's a decent shooter, I'm happy. Just throw in a box of ammo.
  
• Mosin-Nagant M44: I have a 91/30, so I want the shorter ones (so a M38 is fine), and more ammo is welcome.
  
• CZ 527 Carbine: I want this specifically in 7.62x39mm, for the reason I mentioned previously. Extra magazines, a sling, and ammo are welcome.
  
• Marlin 336/Winchester 94: In short, I mean "lever-action rifle in .30-30 Winchester with a side-loading gate on the receiver" because this is meant to be built into a lever-action scout rifle. Ammo and other bits for the built quite welcome. Such a rifle in .357 Magnum is fine, but not top on the list.
  
• Ruger 10/22: I don't have one. I have two other rifles in .22 Long Rifle, but not one of these; prefer to have it set up for Appleseed. It's a good rifle, Brent, so why not?
  
• CZ 455: I have a friend with the 452, and it a fantastic squirrel rifle. Hard to find now, but the 455 seems to be just as good if not better, so why not?
  
• Marlin 39/Winchester 9422/Henry Small Game Rifle: I mean "lever-action rifle in .22 Long Rifle", and I prefer a 20" barrel (which is why I specified the Small Game Rifle for the Henry), but any decent shooter is welcome and you can't have enough .22LR ammo on hand.
  
• I don't have any ARs, AKs, SKS (et. al.). Not high on the list, but not going to be turned away so long as it's a solid shooter.
  
• Mossberg 500/Remington 870: I mean "pump-action shotgun in 12 gauge with full-length magazine tube". #1 or 00 buckshot please for ammo.
  

Okay, longarms sorted. Now, handguns.

• Ruger Mk.IV Target: Oh hot damn, this pistol puts a smile on my face and a spring in my step. It looks and feels like a perfect bottle-popper, and I want one something fierce. A few spare magazines wouldn't hurt, along with more ammo. So long as it's the Target model, I don't care if it's Blued or Stainless.
  
• CZ 75 SP-01: Look, if I'm going for a solid service pistol, I want one with style- and the CZ SP-01 has it in spades. (As does the 75B, which I will also welcome with a smile.) In 9x19mm Luger, should anyone doubt that; for you .45 ACP supremists, get me the CZ 97B instead. Mags, ammo, etc. welcome.
  
• Ruger GP100: By this, I mean "a service revolver in .357 Magnum or .38 Special", so 3-4" barrel- no snubs or long barrels. .45 ACP fanboys, go with a Smith & Wesson 625. .45 Colt fanboys, just get a Single-Action Army type w/ a 5' barrel. Ammo, etc. welcome.
  
• Coonan: Yes, the semi-auto in .357 Magnum, because if I'm wishing then I want a moonshot mixed in and this is mine. This specific model with adjustable night sights is what I have in mind.
  
• Browning Hi-Power: I prefer the Practical, but I don't give a fuck about specific models, or even if they're licensed knockoffs (e.g. Israeli Kareem), so long as they're Hi-Powers that are good shooters. 9x19mm Luger, of course.
  

Okay, sorted. Here's hoping that my firearm fancies become rustless realities. If you're wanting to make something else happen, hit up my lists at Amazon and Steam.

It's About Terrorism, Not Guns

Utterly ridiculous, but sadly predictable. Now Jeh Johnson is saying gun control is a matter of homeland (national) security and something has to be done that doesn't infringe on the 2nd amendment *AS INTERPRETED BY THE SUPREME COURT. We could ask Scalia what he thinks about that, but he's dead. Others are calling for a complete repeal of the 2nd Amendment, while still others are calling for everyone who buys a gun to have to go to a doctor to be declared mentally fit. All that on top of a renewed push for the "no-fly no-buy" loophole legislation, which, considering the guy supposedly worked for a top DHS contractor, he was vetted more than most people to buy guns by the very agency that claims it is securing the homeland! So tell me again... how would the "no fly no buy" list have magically prevented Orlando? Answer: it wouldn't have.

Fuck me. It's cult thinking writ large. It's a handful of malicious actors using a far larger body of true believing fools to gain power. Due Process? What's that? Inalienable rights? What? Fucking liars, thieves, frauds and traitors- the lot of them.

And yes, when you push for public policies that demonstrably give aid and comfort to the enemies of the nation and the country, that's sedition on its face and it's treason when you're also a citizen. Gun Control is Treason. Truthstream Media here has the right of it, and if this goes on then the ultra-nationalist coup becomes inevitable and the second American Civil War enters our history. They apparently want it. I don't, but I'll deal with it should it come.

What we have here is Narrative Warfare. The violation of Due Process, the weaponization of the medical system, and fraud on such a scope and scale that I'm astounded at the audacity of it. What we've got is a Terrorism problem. We need to be armed and armed well, as individuals, to deal with it when and where it occurs- and every last fucking government response shows that they CANNOT protect us as they claim, even if they want to (and they don't).

My Life as a Shooter: Choosing Your Hi-Power

Sootch says:

"Browning Hi-Power: Commercial vs Surplus. With limited numbers of Surplus Browning / FN Hi-Powers being imported by Century Arms into the U.S. and the scare availability of Commercial Models, here are some thoughts on which to buy. Both Surplus and Commercial Hi Powers are showing up on Gunbroker.com."

I want a Hi-Power. As I am unable to afford one right now, I'm hoping for the blessing of a gifted one while eyeing the future availability, and that means keeping an eye on what's available from where. While I prefer the Practical over the others, getting a surplus model is still a win for me. With that in mind, Sootch's video below gets into the details of Commercial vs. Surplus Hi-Powers.



(By the way, my birthday in October.)

My Life as a Shooter: The Scout Rifle

In the firearms world, a scout rifle is a bolt-action (sometimes a lever-action) rifle intended to be a general purpose firearm capable of good usage in hunting and defense. The Wikipedia article does a decent job explaining the idea and its origins.

While there are a number of commercially-available bolt-action rifles intended to be (and sold as) scout rifles, I'm thinking of going with a lever-action rifle as my basis thanks to reading this Chuck Hawks article. Where I live, lever-action rifles chambered in .30-30 Winchester are very common. (Most of them are Marlin 336 models, but that's neither here nor there.) Therefore, acquisition is easy and won't be impeded by treasonous statutes. The ammunition is not regarded as "military" either, so stockpiling both the usual round-nosed offerings and Hornady's LeverEvolution cartridges with the polymer tips won't be hard.

The build in the Hawks article is mostly a matter of getting the rifle itself, followed by the aftermarket iron sights, the forward rail section, and then the scope. Everything else I can buy easily at the Fleet Farm store near the house, including the ammunition and a sock or case should I not want to hang it up or stick it in a safe.

Sootch here has a video that explains the hows and why behind this choice. While the rifle (a Marlin 336) is not scout-configured (the scope on a Scout Rifle has its mounting forward of the receiver, over the barrel; see the Hawks article for an example picture), everything else is on point.



If you live in a place where hunting rifles are allowed, and you're wanting to be prepared, consider setting yourself up with a Scout Rifle- either purpose-built or taking a hunting or surplus rifle and making the changes needed. Remember: bolt-action or lever-action, in a potent caliber that is easily gotten with minimal or no official scrutiny, and sufficiently affordable that you can practice on a regular basis. I'm with Hawks in the opinion of preferring "hunting" over "military" chamberings, but if you do go with one that's easily gotten.

(Note: For this reason, I do consider the 7.62x39 cartridge an acceptable "military" cartridge despite it not being a full-powered rifle cartridge, and therefore consider the CZ 527 Carbine in that caliber another acceptable basis for a Scout Rifle despite the lack of magazines with a capacity of 10 or more rounds.)

So, if you're in a position to consider doing so, consider having a Scout Rifle in your inventory. If you have only one rifle, make it a Scout and forget the rest.

My Life as a Shooter: The Ares SCR

Ares Defense is an American firearms manufacturer, and the SCR is their attempt to make a rifle that is legal in all 50 states in the United States while taking advantage of the AR-15 platform and its dominant position in the American firearms community.

Its first model got some knocks, and there is a revised model out now that got a video review uploaded on Leap Day. I've embedded it below.


I don't live in a ban state. Minnesota's only restriction is that you have a Permit to Purchase (which is free to acquire, and only certifies that you passed a criminal background check), and that's not applicable to private sales (but nonetheless is commonly demanded by sellers for the very reason I just mentioned). Therefore, you'd think that the SCR wouldn't have much of an appeal here, and I think that is wrong.

The Ares SCR is the spiritual successor to the M1 Carbine.
The sporting-style stock, especially when coupled with an AR-15 upper receiver that didn't look like a scary black rifle to gun grabbers, really does bring out the spirit of the M1 Carbine: a semi-automatic carbine, chambered for an easily-acquired cartridge, that's perfectly adapted to its intended operators (ordinary civilians) and uses (hunting, personal and home defense) and friendly to shooters of all ages and sizes.

Even I, in a free state, want one of these. Coupled with a Mossberg MVP Predator or Patrol (so I have a bolt-action rifle that uses the same ammunition and magazines), and I have a very handy all-around semi-automatic carbine that can fulfill whatever role I reasonably would need it to fulfill. I won't be nailing rodents, or rhinos, with it but it easily does what formerly the Ruger Mini-14 prided itself as being (and makes that series obsolete).

So yeah, I want one of these. Consider a Model 2 SCR added to the Wish List, folks, and remember that when my birthday rolls around this Fall.

My Life as a Shooter: God Bless the M1 Carbine

The M-1 Carbine .30 Caliber, Designed right before WWII and issued to U.S. Troops all the way through Vietnam. Made to be an intermediate caliber for rear echelon units to replace the handgun for self defense, they saw action in every theater of war. Light, Handy and a real classic. - From Sootch's video

Of all the small arms of the World Wars, the M1 Carbine turned out to be my favorite, and I would be thrilled if I ever received one as a present. The setup in this video--strap, slipover magazine pouch, no Bubba jobs--is how I want to run this incredible carbine.

The ammo is available where I am, and suitable for the same purposes that I'd use the CZ 527 Carbine, the SKS, or a lever-action rifle in .357 Magnum or .30-30 Winchester. Sure, I want a M1 Garand, a Gewehr 98, SMLEs, M1903 Springfield, etc. but nothing excites me like the M1 Carbine.

Sootch demonstrates all the reasons: light, recoil is not a factor, very handy, solid in its effective range, and (via replica makers) still available (and that means parts are not hard to come by). The costs Sootch quotes is not what I've seen at the local shows; it's been cheaper here, but I don't know how long that will last.

But if I got one, this would be my semi-auto of choice for most purposes. I may get others, especially an AR-15 and an AK-47, but this sweet classic carbine has my heart. Aesthetics, effectiveness (especially with good ammo usage), handiness, and a proven record of service appeal to me far more than the latest techno-wonders out of the SHOT Show. Give me ones of these and I am a happy man.

Narrative Warfare: You're On Your Own, Europe

The invasion of Europe, under the color of a refugee crisis, has done more to bring reality back to the face of the West's slumbering sillies than anything else in recent years. One of the most persistent follies is the denial of the duty upon the individual to defend themselves from predation by others. Always the same line of bullshit, that government will be there, and even if it isn't it still has to be the only one that can.

Well, it's quite clear now that this is a fraud. That government? Made up of people just like you, and they aren't keen to die uselessly either- even when it's their job. Stop counting on them.

Police flee for their lives at Swedish migrant camp after they are surrounded by screaming mob as they try to relocate ten-year-old boy ‘who had been raped multiple times’

The attack allegedly happened in the town of Västerås in central Sweden. Staff at the refugee centre feared the 10-year-old boy was being abused. They failed to remove the child after the refugee would not let the child go. Ten police officers failed to save the child after being attacked by the mob.

Your governments don't care about you. They actively betrayed you to make this crisis in the first place. They're loyal to someone other than you, the people they supposedly (but, never, actually) serve. You've been left to die, or worse, by the very "authorities" you trusted to protect you.

It does not matter what some jackass in a suit says; you have the duty to go armed. It does not matter what you think; you have the duty to go armed. It does not matter what some git in a black robe, or some ink on a page, says; you have a duty to go armed. YOU are the only one in this life that you can count upon to protect you, your property, or your dependents. You, therefore, have the duty to be armed and the obligation to acquire and maintain ALL of the skills and tools necessary to fulfill this duty AT ALL TIMES.

Guns control--arms control--is for SLAVES. Free men go armed.

The following video reminds Americans that the US government has no duty to protect either- and you Europeans can count on this being the case where you live. While you can, dig that up youselves.


You're on your own, folks. Government is, at best, indifferent to you; in most cases, they are actively preying upon you and not to be trusted.

My Life as a Shooter: Yes, That Is a Sturmgewehr,

We dropped by Hill & Mac Gunworks booth to check out the new STG-N. This rifle is an awesome homage to the original Sturmgewehr STG-44 in every way with many modern features that folks will enjoy. H&M will also offer this firearm in a pistol for as well and in several calibers including the original 7.92 Kurz.

Yep, this is the IV8888 folks what work for Moss Pawn & Gun attending--as Media--the 2016 SHOT Show. They're releasing a lot of short videos such as this one, and I am pleased that new centerfire-chambered STGs are soon to arrive at the Friendly Local Gun Shop. I'm even more pleased that the option includes the original chambering, regardless of how rare or expensive such ammunition is, and despite these not being select-fire rifles. (You can also get it in .22 Long Rifle.)

This is immediately on the Wish List, one in the original and one in a more common cartridge, and I want to focus on using them in terms of Living History applications (in addition to just enjoying a replica of a historical game-changing firearm; your ARs and AKs come from this rifle).

My Life as a Shooter: Revolvers Are Still Cool

Sure, I like autoloading handguns as much as the other guy, but revolvers have their own appeal- and not just aesthetic. While revolvers are increasingly squeezed out of institutional use, they still have their place in the world (and not just in Cowboy Action Shooting), so of course I'm keen to add a few to the collection.


The classic Colt Single-Action Army
Of course the iconic sidearm of the West has a place in my collection, and I intend to add at least two in time. Chambering in .45 Colt or .44-40 Winchester Center Fire (the more popular of the two in the period) is period-appropriate, but I'd rather go for .357 Magnum or .38 Special for one and .22 Long Rifle for the other. For my purposes, these are guns meant for recreational usage; I can use them defensively, but I have more modern options for those roles (and if you're familiar with this model of handgun, you know why).


The New Model No. 3
But, of the popular revolvers of the era, the top-break Smith & Wesson No. 3 is what I would rather carry. Historically chambered in cartridges that aren't readily available anymore, contemporary replicas include options for .38 Special (though I would prefer .357 Magnum) so that's what I would add. Alas, a .22 Long Rifle model is not available. The purpose is the same as above; carry is a tertiary purpose, as I'd rather have something more contemporary for that.


If you're gonna carry a revolver, it's likely to be one like this.
When it comes to contemporary revolvers folks like to carry, a snub-nosed revolver is most common. Both Colt as well as Smith & Wesson dominate this, but none moreso than Smith & Wesson nowadays. The pic above is from the Bodyguard line, specifically Bodyguard 38, but I'm eyeing the 649. (Not that I will complain about getting any model in this line.) I want the option to fire in Single-Action, as this model allows. Others are Double-Action Only by removing any bit of the hammer from external manipulation, and some don't shroud the hammer (as the Bodyguard does) which limits its carry effectiveness.


Most service revolvers look something like this.
The only other revolver I'm looking to add is what is termed a "service revolver", as it formerly was the sidearm of military and law enforcement personnel world-wide. With barrel lengths between three and four inches, these are not that concealable, but can be with some forethought; for my purposes, this is something I use as a home defense backup arm (backing up a shotgun or rifle).

The Smith & Wesson Model 19 pictured above is in .357 Magnum, which is ideal due to its ability to also use .38 Special; acceptable would be a Model 10, a Model 13, a Model 15, or their stainless steel counterparts (Models 64, 65, 66, and 67) as they are in .38 Special or .357 Magnum- both widely available cartridges capable of pairing with a lever-action rifle or carbine chambered for the same cartridge.

(Yes, I'm aware of Ruger's offerings; they're fine, even preferred in some instances. No need to tell me so.)

My Life as a Shooter: I Insist On Both Kinds of Cool

When it comes to handguns, I am atypical from a lot of my fellow Americans. Having had the opportunity to handle and fire a large number of models, and deciding what to spend my own money on, I found that a lot of the popular choices just don't do it for me. I settled on two, one being very much an improvement upon the other, that I wanted most in my collection.

The Browning Hi Power is the first, and older, of the two designs. I had a sense that single-stack magazine designs weren't a good fit for me, and then I saw one of these with a duo-tone finish at a local gun show. I lamented that I did not have the $700 at the time to take it home, even if it was in that ridiculous .40 Smith & Wesson chambering.

It felt perfect in my hands and pointed so naturally that I knew it would be only a matter of time before I could trade it for one chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. (That, by the way, is also known as "9mm Luger" and "9mm NATO"; I specific "9x19" because there are three other "9mm" cartridges and they are NOT all the same.) Subsequent handling of other Hi Powers confirms that this was not a fluke; I would, in time, buy a Hi Power knock off to scratch this itch until I could get a real Hi Power (preferably a Practical). Handles perfectly, shoots perfectly, and beautiful to boot; I can't go wrong with a Hi Power.

But I can do better, for cheaper, and that's where the CZ-75B comes in. Most of CZ's handguns are fantastic, and only until recent years did they get into the polymer frames that many other manufacturers use now. The 75 is a service pistol, but it has variants that are compact (the P-01 is one I have my eye on) and bigger variants (like the superb SP-01), and even now you can get a CZ-75B at or just below $500 if you're vigilant (and the Omega version is all I want in a 75B). The black polycoat will take beatings and hold, and chambered in the nigh-ubquitous 9x19mm cartridge it will be useful damn near everywhere in the world. This, and not the Glock, should be the world-standard for handgun design and rollout.

Alas, I don't have one (yet), but I do have a CZ-82 (in many ways the predecessor to the CZ-75 P-01, chambered for 9x18mm Makarov) and that too (as is true of the CZ-83, chambered for .380 Automatic Colt Pistol/9x17mm Browning (aka Short, aka Kurz)) points and shoots so very well for me. I love it, and won't part with it; I'll sell my Hi Power knock-off (an Arcus 98DAC) first. CZ makes some of the best firearms in the world, for prices that are cheap considering their quality, and--as with the CZ 527 Carbine I mentioned previously--I am astounded that they aren't more widely praised in the U.S. shooting community.

I can go without having any Glocks, Smith & Wesson M&Ps, any 1911s, Springfiend XDs, etc.; while respectable, and good for institutional users, if I'm going to spend my own money then I demand both effectiveness and aesthetics (the first and second kinds of cool, respectively), and I get that with Hi Powers and CZs (both of which are ALSO widely used by institutions, so there is no excuse).

I'm going to carry, use, maintain, and otherwise be close with my firearms as I would my cars and my computers- I damn well better be fully satisfied in all respects, because I'll be with them all the time, and I need no niggling flaws to undermine my relations with my gear. If my Norse ancestors went the extra mile to get a spear, axe, or sword that had the full package then I can bother to spend the time to ensure that my firearms are no less worthy.

My Life as a Shooter: The Little Carbine That Could

If there is one gift that I'd like for Christmas this year, it's a new rifle. I've had my eyes on this since I first heard of it a few years ago, but knowing now that it's still available and still rocks the house, I've put it on the Acquisitions List as a high-priority acquisition. I love CZ firearms, and this bolt-action carbine is no exception. It's just two steps out of spec to fulfill Jeff Cooper's Scout Rifle concept as-written, but that's good enough for me; this would be the jack-of-all-trade rifle that Cooper wanted the Scout Rifle to be. In particular, I want this in 7.62x39, w/ a few spare magazines.



Okay, fine, that's the company's sizzle reel. You want some substance? Here you go:



More meat? Fine.



Okay, you get the idea. That rifle is small, light, and handy yet stout enough to easily handle steel-cased ammunition from the former Warsaw Pact region. Put in commercial soft-point loads and it's a legit deer rifle that's ideal for a region like Minnesota, where flora restricts effective range to what that 7.62x39 cartridge allows. If necessary--just like the lever-action rifles that are favorites for deer hunting here--it can be put to use for homestead and personal defense because it uses a cartridge that militaries adopted.

This is just how I want to use it: a jack-of-all-trades rifle. For me, that means shooting at a range or private land most of the time with the very viable option of hunting any game in the Upper Midwest as Primary and Secondary considerations. It's not a safari rifle. It's not a battle rifle. It's not a squirrel rifle. It's a scaled-down Mauser, a mini-Gewehr 98, and as anyone familiar with Europe in the World Wars can tell you that's a hell of a pedigree. While an AK would be better for fighting, this carbine will do the job if put to it; I just have no ambition to do so.

May I be so lucky as to get my wish.

Blog Recommendation: Forgotten Weapons

Firearms. I love them, especially the old and the quirky. While you can find plenty of channels at YouTube, and plenty of blogs, talking about the latest and greatest as well as iconic classics there are very few like Forgotten Weapons. These are guys after my heart, talking about prototypes that went nowhere, firearms now disdained or neglected despite past prominence or importance, and so on. (They also have a YouTube channel and a Full30 channel.)

You need not be a shooter, or even someone who likes guns, to appreciate this blog and its video channels. You do need some appreciation for the history of firearms, and how technological development works in practice, to get the full benefit because being able to situate specific weapons and their individual stories within the larger context of Man's history. Like it or not, the history of weaponry and warfare is a central pillar to the history of Mankind, and being able to study past developments and deduce the patterns that repeat in these episodes will make you better able to make useful decisions in making the future that you want to see.

On a related note...

I have a certain affection for the SKS, and I do wish--despite the dominance of the AR-15--that a rifle much like it (traditional stock design, fixed internal magazine fed by stripper clip, but Garand-style sights; skip the bayonet) existed, but chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge instead. That sort of desire, until now, was not commercially viable; with the rise of manufacturing technologies that decentralize design and production, it will become viable soon- along with other firearms I want, but do not exist.

And this sort of thing is what counts as a Lazy Sunday post for me.