Being that I work at OOW, a manufacturer of firearms, I am constantly surrounded by “gun guys”- dudes who love firearms and make it both a passion and a profession.

Some people just plain don’t like guns. That’s fine… firearms, like anything else in life, aren’t for everyone. In fact, I am even more okay with people that don’t like firearms not buying, selling or carrying firearms around. Why should they?

So you have your “gun guys” (or girls) and those less enthused about the whole gun thing. In a strange way, they are two well defined groups.

Guns have become so pervasive in American culture that taking them away by trampling on the 2nd Amendment would be removing more than just the pieces of metal- even more than the loss of jobs, paychecks, and benefits- it would be castrating a part of who Americans are.

I can think of two good examples just outside my office door.

There’s Steve, the charismatic ex-Marine who just doesn’t know how to do things the wrong way.

Then there’s Chris, the good-’ole-boy with a twang in his voice and a twinkle in his eye.

Both men come from different places in life, but both are merged personally and professionally because of firearms. Each of them reached their passion in their unique way, but both can revel in it because of the freedoms that Americans have to buy, sell, own, and in some cases, manufacture firearms.

I cannot imagine how different these men, both licensed firearms owners, would be if these freedoms weren’t available.

Would Chris have applied his technical savvy and mechanical expertise to say, the automotive industry?

Would Steve have taken his by-the-book, rock-solid consistency to the health care field to improve lives?

It’s difficult to imagine the doppelgangers of these men without a handgun neatly cradled in a holster on their side.

It truly would be a parallel universe.

But some people still want to take these things away.

The truth is, gun dudes like Steve and Chris are the norm, not the exception.

A few bad apples here or there cannot underscore the fact that both men would, in an instant, help a stranger in dire need or a life-threatening situation, even if it meant drawing their firearm.

What makes them good men is that they would loathe doing so.

This is what you get by keeping firearms legal, and keeping the red tape from destroying the chance for good people- gun people- to arm themselves.

The gunmen that commit heinous shootings and senseless acts aren’t good people like Steve or Chris in the down home sense of the word… they are the people who, if a gun wasn’t available, would find another way to cause destruction. Their goal for causing pain supersedes the vessel in which they choose to carry out their endgame.

The resourceful nature of a mind bent on violence cannot be eradicated with legislation against firearms… no way, no how.

Yet gun opponents don’t realize that putting more barriers up to keep good people from arming themselves handicaps those same people in a game where the stakes can quickly be calculated in terms of life-and-death, against an opponent that sometimes doesn’t care about winning or losing.

Every time I pass a “gun guy”, I shudder at the thought of that parallel universe- one ruled by fear- where the wicked have a red carpet rolled out in front of them to terrorize good people.

The fact is I would feel much safer roaming the streets knowing that guys like Steve and Chris are out there with the means to protect themselves and each other. It’s because I know a bit about the character of these men that I can say something like that.

And that’s the overall point- people who take the time to lawfully arm themselves- to go through the process- are more often than not people of character. Every time I meet another “gun guy”, the point is driven home further.

These men wouldn’t just draw down on anybody- only those that want to use weapons as a tool for doing very, very bad things- because such a scenario represents something more than just a criminal act.

It’s an attack on a way of life.

The men that have holsters on their hips or a license and a concealed weapon are protecting more than just their lives, or the lives of the innocent- they are making a case for the preservation of the good things about this great country.

Take guns away and America is different- much weaker in a profound way.

Some of the fabric of this union is woven with the individual that adds to the collective strength of the community, not stands apart from it- the individual that says “I am going to protect myself and those I love” and arms themselves to do so.

How docile would the other scenario be?

It would be a paradigm shift from “I am going to protect myself and loved ones” to “somebody else protect me”.

This is the critical crossroads of the issue, and in a larger scope, a fulcrum for where America will soon be headed. One tilt in the wrong direction and the freedoms that make the “gun guys” the good guys can quickly vanish.

Every time I step outside of my office, I appreciate men like Steve and Chris more and more. I would trust these men with my safety if the need called for it.

Can I say the same about some faceless government goon charged with my protection?

Here’s toasting the freedoms of America, and the hope that I never have to answer that question.

-Sean

To read more articles from this author, click this link to subscribe to his personal blog- look for the subscription box or RSS feed on the right hand side:
http://theseanroy.com/life/the-firearms-factor/

Whether you’re already a “prepper”, survivalist, trying to get prepared for an emergency, or simply looking for information on these topics… this post is for you.

Born out of my original interest in the whole “Prepper Movement” that’s sweeping the nation – as evidenced by the “Doomsday Preppers” T.V. show…

I went hunting for info and a low cost way to “dip my toe” in this movement and see how it applied to me. So, after an admittedly small amount of research, I bought a small information product (which you can see here: “37 Critical Items You Must Have” ) and started down the rabbit hole.

Then I started talking with some friends and ultimately the OOW family, sending an email about the product which some people also bought and were kind enough to provide links and advice about other resources.

This post is a compilation of the websites and resources submitted by those knowledgeable, even “old hat” members, subscribers and general good people of the OOW family.

It’s a living, breathing post that I hope will grow and expand and become a useful “go-to” resource for everyone.

So, if you don’t see a website or resource in this post that you think should be here, please submit it via email to: oow@ohioordnanceworks.com

When I get the submissions, I’ll look them over and add them to the list.

As you’ll see I’ve tried to arrange everything topically for handy reference.

So, without further ado:

SKILLS TRAINING:

Stress Shooting: http://stresshooting.com/

PHYSICAL FITNESS:

CrossFit: http://www.crossfit.com

MEDICINE:

Armageddon Medicine: http://armageddonmedicine.net/

Surviving Healthy (legitimate prescriber of human antibiotics): http://www.survivinghealthy.com

CLOTHING:

Brigade Quartermaster (clothing, tactical): http://www.brigadeqm.com/default.asp

RUCKS/PACKS:

Mission Outfitters (Chief Recce, the very best ruck): http://mission-outfitters.com/chiefrecce.aspx

EYEWEAR/GLOVES:

Military Warfighter (eyeware goggles for blowing sand protection): http://www.militarywarfighter.com/ESS_740_0207_p/ess-740-0207.htm

WileyX (great tactical gloves, eye protection/goggles): http://www.wileyx.com

COMMUNICATIONS/ GEAR:

Ham Radio Outlet: http://hamradio.com/

EQUIPMENT/TACTICAL:

I.T.S. Tactical: http://www.itstactical.com

LC Industries (plate carriers, tactical equipment): http://shellbacktactical.com/tactical-armor-plate-carriers.aspx

Safecastle (survival products, ceramic plate): http://www.safecastle.com/kejo-ceramic-plates.aspx

OPTICS/BINOCULARS:

JRH Enterprises (survival products, great place for night vision): http://www.jrhenterprises.com/

STANO (NVGs): http://www.night-vision.com/nightvision.html

ORIENTEERING/LAND NAVIGATION:

Brunton (the best compasses/pocket transit): http://store.bruntonoutdoor.com/navigation/professional/geo-pocket-transit-0-360-deg/

FOOD/FOOD PROCESSING/FOOD STORAGE:

Walton Feed (bulk grains): http://en.leica-camera.com/sport_optics/geovid_binoculars/

Wise Foods (Freeze dried): http://wisefoodstorage.com/

Country Living Grain Mill: http://countrylivinggrainmills.com/

Diamont Grain Mill (the very best hand powered): http://countrylivinggrainmills.com/

Lodge (the best cast iron cookware): http://www.lodgemfg.com/Logic-product.asp

Beans and Lentils (bulk): http://www.bucket-o-beans.com/

Nutriom (powdered eggs): http://www.nutriom.com/?gclid=CPiKn4_JkKkCFZJe7Aod6H8iog

Baytech (new food grade plastic buckets and gamma seals): http://www.bayteccontainers.com/

Tattler (reusable canning lids): http://www.reusablecanninglids.com/

Ready Nutrition (prepared long term food): http://www.thereadystore.com/

Engel (high quality, rugged AC/DC referigerators): http://www.engel-usa.com/

SHELTER:

Kirkham’s Outdoor Products (high quality canvas tents): http://www.springbar.com/shop/proddetail.php?prod=3599-CW0810

SECURITY:

Razor Wire: http://www.academyfence.com/industrial-fence/razor-wire/

MURS Alert (RF driveway sensor): http://shop.murs-radio.com/

FIREARMS:

Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc. (Shameless Plug): http://www.ohioordnanceworks.com

FLASHLIGHTS/TORCHES/HEADLAMPS:

Peak Beam (the very best flashlight): http://www.peakbeam.com/

Surefire (the best headlamp, flashlights and tactical equipment): http://www.surefire.com/illumination/headlamps.html

BOOKS/MANUALS/ETC.:

Global Security (US Military field manuals): http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/

Patriots: Patriots: Surviving the Coming Collapse

The Encyclopedia of Country Living: The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 40th Anniversary Edition

BASIC RESOURCES:

The Survival Podcast: http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/

The Survival Blog: http://www.survivalblog.com/

Tactical Edge Inc.: http://www.tacticaledgeinc.com

MISC. USEFUL STUFF:

Geiger Counters: http://www.geigercounters.com/index.htm

Lehman’s (non-electric products): http://www.lehmans.com/store/

NOAA (Space weather alerts, advance knowledge of CME arrival): http://www.swpc.noaa.gov

The Art of Manliness: http://www.artofmanliness.com

/END OF RESOURCES LIST/

So far, that’s the list… Any errors are mine.

Please email me any additions that would help make this an even better resource for the whole OOW family.

Thanks,

Bob

Here is an interesting article… read and leave a comment.

http://theseanroy.com/life/the-firearms-factor/

The men of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines had encountered heavy resistance on the road north. Deafening artillery fire erupted from the Navy ships beyond the beaches, leaving plumes of smoke and displaced earth where Japanese defenses once stood. Episodic bursts of machine gun and small arms fire sounded out over the tropical terrain from both sides of the battle. The enemy lobbed mortar rounds in the direction of the advancing Americans, and the rattle of Japanese armor could be heard harassing Marines.

The Marines continued their slow progress toward the town of Finegayan on the Island of Guam. The village, which sat sandwiched between Tumon Bay to the west and Mount Barrigada to the east, had become a focal point for the seizure of the entire island by American forces on their way through the Pacific.

The taking of the Marianas Island chain would be a strategic power play, and it started with the recapture of the American military base on Guam that had been overrun by the Japanese shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Private First Class Frank Witek was a Browning automatic rifleman with the 3rd Marine Division during the invasion of Guam. While there, he served as a scout behind enemy lines in addition to carrying the 1918 BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) for his platoon.

While advancing on Finegayan, PFC Witek and his platoon were surprised by a well-camouflaged enemy machine gun position. It was a deadly ambush that sent PFC Witek’s platoon scrambling for cover amidst an air of hot lead and temporary confusion.

Where most men would shrink away from the action, run for cover and live to fight another day- there was Frank Witek and his BAR. Witek was a veteran of at least three major battles while serving at
Bougainville, and was no stranger to the dangers of combat. He stood tall, fearlessly exposing his body to deadly enemy fire, and emptied a full magazine from his BAR into the enemy stronghold. While his BAR hammered out rounds, a platoon of his comrades rushed for cover.

The platoon began to regroup and consolidate lines while Witek covered the retreat of a severely wounded fellow soldier. While returning fire, PFC Witek killed eight Japanese.

Shortly after, when his platoon was again pinned down by enemy fire, it was PFC Witek that showed the courage to act boldly.

He advanced on the enemy position by his own initiative, past his own platoon and tank emplacements.

Alternately throwing hand grenades and firing his BAR, he came within ten yards of the enemy when he destroyed the machine gun position and killed an additional eight troops.

It was during this daring assault on the Japanese positions that PFC Witek was struck down by enemy rifle fire and killed.

His actions saved many American lives and depleted the enemy firepower enough for his platoon to take Finegayan and eventually seize control of the island.

On August 10, 1944, one week after the battle for Finegayan, General Roy S. Geiger declared that all organized resistance on Guam had ended. The American forces had liberated the Guamanian people and reclaimed the military base that had been taken over by the Japanese. The strategic hold on Guam would give American forces a presence in the Pacific that would enable them to take the fight to Japan.

For his bravery, initiative and selfless work, PFC Witek was posthumously awarded the Medal Of Honor.

On Sunday, May 20, 1945, Frank Witek was honored at Soldier Field in Chicago in front of a crowd of 50,000 people. His mother, as well as General Alexander A. Vandegrift, Commandant of the Marine Corps, were in attendance.

His body was initially buried in the military cemetery in Guam, but was later moved to Illinois to Rock Island Cemetery, where it rests today. Frank Witek was 23 years old.

Stories like that of PFC Frank Witek exemplify the best in the United States Armed Forces. Remarkable men performing courageous acts above and beyond the call of duty are one of the reasons that the BAR remains a sentimental favorite amongst collectors, veterans and enthusiasts.

You may have seen a certain star before in movies, television shows and video games without ever knowing the name of the character.

When the cameras aren’t rolling and real work needs to be done, there isn’t a day off to be had. No name in the credits, no star on Hollywood Boulevard and hardly any fanfare.

What is this character’s name?

The Barrett .50 Caliber Sniper Rifle.

This baby has been blowing away bad guys, good guys (and audiences) alike since it became available in 1982.

It was produced by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing gun guru Ronnie Barrett, who personally designed each part of the weapon and fronted his own cash for its mass production.

The M82 Barrett .50 Cal, or “Light Fifty”, saw its first conventional military success when an order was purchased by the Swedish Army in ’89. Shortly afterward, it was used by the United States Military in Kuwait and Iraq during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

A worldwide star wasn’t just born, it was built.

The obvious success of the weapon system led to the .50 caliber Special Application Scoped Rifle (SASR) and its variants being widely adopted by military organizations around the world.

The M82, M82A1 and others in this series are effective weapons against personnel while also seeing frequent action in anti-materiel roles.

Developments in ammunition have increased the capacity for the rifles to be used against armored targets, vehicles and structures. Their popularity has staying power because, frankly, there hasn’t been armor developed yet that can withstand them.

Yeah, but… are they legal?

They sure are- .50 caliber rifles are legal in 49 states, with the exception being California.

Whether it makes a cameo appearance or takes a lead role, this is one rifle that is formidable on the battlefield and glorified on the “big screen”. Of all the rifles for sale out there, the M82 family exemplifies getting the job done. It is durable, versatile and deadly… and perhaps the biggest action star that never uttered a line.

-Sean

Check out this video – it features an OOW manufacture M2… Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

We get a bunch of AK style firearms in for repair here at OOW. Most of them have a common issue revolving around the initial receiver build. Specifically, there’s usually excessive spacing for the topcover that results in problems when the firearm is fully assembled.

Chris, our lead armorer, has a simple solution to this problem that we’ve outlined below. But before we get to that, I need to discuss a fact that you may or may not already know.

Our AK receivers are manufactured intentionally long. About 0.100” too long to be more precise.

Why?

It lets you custom fit many different parts sets by trimming the receiver to fit.

Here’s where some people get into problems.

You see, Chris tells me that most people merely build up the receiver as is, without trimming it to fit their set. The result is that they end up with that excess around the topcover that bedevils their efforts at final assembly.

Here’s how to avoid that mistake from the get-go:

First, Install the trigger guard – trust Chris, he says to do this first, so unless you want him fixin’ your gun, just follow along.

Next, fit up the trunion to the receiver and insert a magazine to ensure all the parts are in the correct location.

Then, drill and rivet the trunion.

Finally, fit the rear stock mount. You need to confirm it’s correctly located by affixing the topcover and then moving the rear stock mount in or out of the receiver for a correct fit.

So there you have it. Simple steps to keep your AK build project going smooth. Remember, be patient, always check fit and function of your parts before assembling them, and have fun.

You’ll reap the rewards and satisfaction of building your own AK style firearm as long as you’re armed with a little bit of caution and patience. Enjoy.

Leave a comment below and let us know if this is helpful or not!

- Bob

Lately we have been doing some poking and prodding in our market to determine just what the people are looking for.

We have begun the process of R&D on some old favorites that hit pretty close to home, and we are trying to guage interest from the market.

The first idea, and one being researched independently by our master armourer, is getting together the legendary yet rare Colt R80 Monitor. Yes, the same Colt Monitor that the FBI armed themselves with back in the days of Bonnie and Clyde when the Thompson just wouldn’t do the trick.

We would be talking a semi-auto version of the historic piece, not full auto. Since it is similar to our already awesome semi-auto BAR in a few ways- it becomes a realistic possibility.

The second idea, inspired by some initial feedback, is producing a FN-D BAR in semi-auto. Maybe just the receiver, maybe the entire thing.

We would love to continue to bring you the same quality with these potential new projects that we have delivered on our other products- at a realistic price point.

Leave us a comment, give us a call or send us some smoke signals. We don’t care how you do it, but we want to know what you think about these possibilities.

-Sean

With the dawn of semi-automatic handguns and the many improvements that have come with magazine-fed pistols, I was left wondering why revolvers still hold a significant share of today’s market.

After all, there must be some reason legendary detectives like Colombo, Frank Drebin and Lenny Briscoe rolled with six-shooters. The answer, I found, goes a little deeper than them being from the “old school”.

Despite some of the obvious advantages of semi-automatic pistols such as faster reloading time and the capacity to hold more rounds, they don’t outstrip their revolving counterparts in every facet.

Besides being simpler to operate, revolvers can arguably be more reliable. For example, when a semi-auto pistol misfires, the user must manually cycle the action to extract the round; The cycling action of a semi-auto pistol is reliant on the energy produced by the actual firing of the cartridge itself. If a revolver misfires, the user can squeeze the trigger (or cock the hammer) again and its on to the next round.

Revolvers can hold an advantage over magazine-fed, semi-auto pistols in the ergonomics department as well. No mag in the handle means it can be smaller, giving the revolver the ability to fit smaller hands. This size factor can also be advantageous in terms of concealment.

Without the need for delicate springs constantly exerting pressure in key areas, revolvers can sit around and stay loaded for longer periods of time without maintenance. Eventually the need for maintenance is necessary, but they aren’t as reliant as semi-autos on lubrication and continuous care. This is ideal for home defense situations, where the owner isn’t constantly using or firing the gun.

While these comparisons deal in generalities (not all guns are the same), the basic principles are what keeps the revolvers relevant in today’s market. Unless someone invents some kind of laser-beam death ray, I don’t see the “old school” revolvers being retired completely from duty anytime soon.

Check out our stock of pistols and revolvers.

-Sean