I was excited to see a multi-part video over at the Firearm Blog that details field stripping an AN-94 Abakan, because I never saw the inside of one to really understand how it worked. Now that I’ve watched the videos, I’m even more confused as to how it works. I guess it needs some translation from Russian. It’s hard to see how a gun with so many springs, pulleys and cables can be reliable. I also question the accuracy of a firearm where the entire barrel can reciprocate in the stock. It would be interesting to get a hold of on in real life, but unfortunately, a civilian legal AN-94 would be vastly different internally.
Month: August 2012
Why are anti-gun activists …
Another Problem with Philadelphia Permit Process
The Uniform Firearms Act is pretty clear on this:
The application for a license to carry a firearm shall be uniform throughout this Commonwealth and shall be on a form prescribed by the Pennsylvania State Police. The form may contain provisions, not exceeding one page, to assure compliance with this section. Issuing authorities shall use only the application form prescribed by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Except the Philadelphia police illegally require extra forms that are not prescribed by the State Police, notably two reference sheets. In addition, they require fingerprinting, which is not prescribed as part of the process. They require military discharge papers for those who were in the military, which are not part of the prescribed process. They conduct interviews with applicants. They require naturalized citizens to bring their naturalization papers. None of this is in the spirit of “shall be uniform throughout this Commonwealth.”
Either these issues need to be addressed, or Chief of Police’s authority to issue permits should be assigned to the State Police instead.
Philadelphia’s Permit Denials
We have a list of approximately 29 names that were listed yesterday, which provides us a handy means of actually looking to see whether there is just reason for denial of a permit for some of these individuals. I will not reprint full names or addresses here, nor will I link to dockets, but I will go through every name and find their court records, which are online in Pennsylvania. Keep in mind that with common names, confusion is possible, and also that there could be out of state records that we don’t have access to.
The City of Philadelphia’s Legal Argument
Unfortunately, I think it’s plausible. From the updated post from yesterday:
“The legal department has determined that this is public information. Its publication is legal. An individual who is denied a permit and files an appeal, that person has waived their right to confidentiality. All that said, within the government, there is a concern about the propriety of publishing the information, and so we’re looking at this again. On the one hand, city government wants to be transparent and believes in the concept of open data. Access to information makes for strong citizenry and effective government. But on the other hand, there are public safety concerns with regard to this information.
So the appeals process in Philadelphia is that you first appeal to a board, which will review your case. My understanding is that it is very rare for the board to overturn the determination of the Philadelphia Police. The next step is an appeal in Commonwealth Court, and court records are public information. So the city is suggesting that once the appeal is made, because it goes to a court case which is public record, it no longer becomes private information protected by the Uniform Firearms Act.
This isn’t over, by a long shot. More to come.
Holsters, People, Holsters
Looks like someone in Nevada pulled a Plaxico in a movie theater (except for the whole carrying illegally part):
Witnesses told police the man’s gun had gone off when he adjusted his position in his seat. They said he quickly got up, apologized to other patrons sitting near him and left the theater before police arrived.
Officers later found the man at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Reno with a gunshot wound to his buttocks. He told them his gun – for which he had a valid concealed-carry permit – fell out of his pocket and discharged when it hit the floor.
His story sounds like a load of crap to me, but either way, a properly holstered firearm isn’t going to do this. I also wonder if he violated Uncle’s rule 5. Even for pocket carry, the gun should be in a holster made specifically to fit in a pocket. It’s amazing to me how many of these incidents happen in states that mandate training, where any instructor worth their salt is going to tell you to carry your gun in a damned holster. Nevada’s training requirements are considerably more stringent, even, than most states that require training.
The problem is, if you take a moron, and run him through a training course, at the end of the process all you have is a moron who’s had some training. It doesn’t change fundamental fact that the person is a moron. Just because you take a few piano lessons, doesn’t mean you’re on your way to being the next Vladimir Horowitz. Some folks will never get beyond Mary Had a Little Lamb, no matter how much instruction you give them.
The New Insurrectionism
Elections. Our opponents have truly become a parody of themselves. It would be sad if it was happening to anyone else who did not so richly deserve it.
How New York City Maintains a Low Crime Rate
Shooting at Family Research Council
You’d think another domestic terror shooting incident would be all over the media, but you’d be wrong. I think Fox has been the only main stream media outlet I’ve seen covering the shooting at Family Research Council. I read about this on Instapundit earlier. Thirdpower notes that all the gun violence ownership prevention groups are silent on this one. Of course they are. Doesn’t fit the narrative. Plus, all these gun violence prevention people have been doing nothing but ginning up mouth foamers, and encouraging hateful rhetoric against those who advocate for the right to keep and bear arms. Should we be surprised that some on the left are choosing to act in this climate of hate?
I am not FRC’s biggest fan either, and disagree with a great deal of what they advocate. But in this country, we don’t shoot people because we disagree with them. Decisive and quick action by the security guard, after he had been shot, probably prevented this from turning into a mass shooting. Looks like everyone is going to be OK, though.
Why There is No Negotiation on “Florida Loophole”
As long as the information is public, look at some of these reasons for appeal:
I am pastor of a church; I carry large sums of money to bank at least 2-3 times a week. As a businessman, I was robbed once. I could very well be a target for the automobile I drive and my appearance.
Pastor of a church, real danger to society there.
I answered all questions on the gun permit application truthfully. The previous referred to in the denial letter occurred more than thirty years ago.
Previously denied for a permit 30 years ago when the city was may-issue? This is now a ground for denial? This is illegal.
 I don’t think it was right for them to take my license. I was the victim. They came into my home and I shot a warning shot.
So someone breaks into your home, you fire a warning shot (admittedly not wise) and that’s ground for a permit revocation?
The reason why my gun was left in my car was due to the fact that my brother asked me to watch my nephew for a few minutes and I was on my way out. My nephew likes to grab on me and hang on me and I was afraid he would grab my weapon. I never leave my weapon in my vehicle and would never do it again.
Leaving a gun in a locked vehicle is grounds for revocation of a license?
I was wrongly accused of being a bartender. I was not arrested or charged with any crime.
So we’re denying based on profession?
There’s an old saying we often tell children: if you can’t play with the toy nicely, you can’t have the toy. The end result of this is going to be the character and reputation clause being removed, since the City of Philadelphia is incapable of not abusing it. Most of these folks have arrests, many of them long long ago. Arrests should not be grounds for denying a fundamental constitutional right. The character and reputation clause is therefore unconstitutional, and should be removed from the Uniform Firearms Act.
Whether the City realizes it or not, they have given actual hard evidence that yes, they are abusing the permit process, and with that hard evidence, we are going to redouble our efforts to stop them from doing it. There can be no negotiation on closing the Florida Loophole until this abuse is taken seriously.