Category Archives: Firearms

Revisiting my Teen years… Lee Enfield No4 Mk1*

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Back in my teen years, back in good old Blighty, I was in the Cadets and then the Weekend Warriors (TA) for s while. I shot on the Company and Battalion shooting teams, our rifle was a Lee Enfield .303. Shot thousands of rounds through one of these. Cut to 35+ years later and I’m now a Citizen of the USA and I walk into my local LGS… I hear angelic music, a beam of light comes through the ceiling, and there on the consignment shelf is a Lee Enfield .303!

I didn’t end up buying it on the spot but went back 3 days later and took it home after waiting for the 10-day jail time to expire. Turns out I bought a 1943 Lee Enfield No4 Mk1*, built-in Chicopee, MS by Savage Arms.

I’ve made it to the range once with it and put 35 rounds through it, shoots great.

– English Bob

Beretta M9 – it’s a Love / Hate Relationship!

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Ever since I got back into shooting in 2018, I’ve been wanting a Beretta 92/M9. Being a part of the generation where we saw Martin Riggs and John McClane toting them, I just had to have one. About a year ago, as the Pandemic Panic buying subsided, I finally found an M9 model. Although it wasn’t my first choice, choices and inventory were limited in Cali. However, this was the first purchase I had buyer’s remorse over because I hated the trigger. It was mushy, had too long of a pull, and the trigger pull was over 11lbs double and 7lbs single action.

So recently, I bought the M’Carbo Beretta spring kit, as well as a stainless steel guide rod. I also added a Factory Aluminum trigger to the parts and sat down last week to attempt to put it all in.

Although I’ve tinkered with small replacements in my guns and built a stripped lower for my AR, I hadn’t attempted breaking down a handgun this much previously. I broke out my Dremel, Flitz, and a punch set, and set to work. Just over three hours later, everything was back together, and the trigger went from over 11lbs to just over 6 double, and a shade over 3 lbs single. It was also much smoother and less spongey.

I took it to the range last weekend, and it was a night and day difference from the previous experience. I went from struggling to keep shots in a silhouette torso at 10 yds to making hits on 4″ plates at 35 yds. I highly recommend the Trigger/Spring kit. I could have shaved an hour off the time, but that seer spring is a pain in the ***!

I think my next improvement may be the Langdon Tactical Trigger transfer bar to shorten up the trigger pull/reset a bit.

– English Bob

Minute of Angle or Milradians for Target Shooting?

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When choosing between mils (milliradians) or MOA (minutes of angle) scopes for target shooting, several factors come into play. Both mil and MOA are angular measurements used to adjust the point of impact on a target. Each system has its advantages and considerations, depending on the shooter’s preferences and shooting style.

Mils are a metric angular measurement system commonly used by military and tactical shooters. One mil is equal to 1/1000th of the distance to the target. Mils offer a straightforward and intuitive method for estimating range and making adjustments on the fly. They are often preferred for long-range shooting and tactical applications due to their compatibility with spotting scopes, reticle designs, and mathematical calculations. The mil system also aligns well with metric measurements, which can simplify range estimation and adjustment calculations for international shooters.

On the other hand, MOA is an imperial angular measurement system widely used in the United States and popular among precision shooters and hunters. One MOA is approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards, making it easier for shooters to make precise adjustments based on the standard measurement of inches. MOA scopes are known for their fine adjustments, particularly for small targets or when shooting at longer distances. Additionally, some shooters find MOA scopes more intuitive, especially those accustomed to imperial measurements.

The choice between mils and MOA scopes often comes down to personal preference, shooting discipline, and familiarity with the measurement system. Some shooters may prefer the simplicity and compatibility of mils for tactical shooting or competition, while others may find the precise adjustments and familiarity of MOA scopes better suited to their shooting style. Ultimately, both systems are capable of achieving accurate results in the hands of a skilled shooter.

It’s essential for shooters to consider factors such as reticle design, adjustment increments, and ease of use when selecting a mil or MOA scope for target shooting. Additionally, shooters should invest time in learning the subtleties of their chosen system and practice using it effectively in various shooting scenarios. By understanding the advantages and considerations of both mils and MOA scopes, shooters can make informed decisions based on their individual preferences and shooting requirements.

– English Bob

Lee Enfield .303, the first rifle I ever shot.

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The first Rifle I ever shot was while I was in the Army Cadet Force in the UK in the 1980’s, the rifle in question was a Lee Enfield .303, most likely a No. 4 Mk I .  A Lot of the ones we used were originally Canadian issued WWII surplus.

The Lee-Enfield .303 rifle, born from the merging of James Paris Lee’s bolt-action design and Enfield’s rifling system, emerged as a pivotal firearm in British military history. Initially introduced as the Lee-Metford in 1895, it boasted a ten-round box magazine loaded by charger clips, a groundbreaking feature at the time. Throughout its evolution, the Lee-Enfield proved its mettle during World War I, becoming the standard-issue rifle for British and Commonwealth troops. Its reliability, rapid action, and high magazine capacity rendered it well-suited for the trench warfare conditions of the era.

Continuing its legacy into World War II, the Lee-Enfield remained the primary rifle for British and Commonwealth forces, showcasing its durability and effectiveness in combat yet again. Its role persisted through the post-war era, as it remained in service with various military and police forces globally. Despite being gradually replaced by more modern firearms, the Lee-Enfield’s impact endured, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture through its appearances in films, literature, and historical accounts.

Produced in several variants and manufactured not only in Britain but also in countries like India, Australia, Canada, and the USA, the Lee-Enfield .303 rifle symbolized British military prowess and ingenuity. Its design influenced subsequent firearms development and played a significant role in shaping military tactics and strategies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a reliable and effective infantry rifle, the Lee-Enfield stands as a testament to the endurance and adaptability of British military technology across decades of service.

– English Bob

My First Firearm.

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I moved to the US in 2001, becoming a citizen in late 2014.  Almost immediately my wife told me I was American now, I should buy a gun!  I had shot in the UK, while a member of the Army cadet’s and on the battalion shooting team.

I thought about it on and off for the next couple of years finally deciding in late 2017 it was time.  My research led me to decide I would most likely get a Compact handgun, most likely in 9mm.  This was due to the cost of ammunition, I wanted to be able to afford to shoot it and didn’t want my first handgun to be a 22.

I went to the indoor range near home and rented 5 9mm Handguns, shooting 10 rounds through each.  Those initial rentals were:

Glock 19
S&W M&P Shield 9mm
A CZ (don’t remember which)
Springfield XD9
Beretta PX4

I ended up going back and putting 20-30 rounds through both the XD and the Glock 19, finally deciding the Springfield XD9 was the one I liked and shot the best.

January 2nd, 2018 I ventured into my local Sportsman’s warehouse to find out what I needed to do to buy my first gun.  The associate behind the counter told me I’d need 2 forms of ID and a Handgun Safety Certificate (Yay California!).  Asking how difficult the test was for the Certificate she looked at me and said “Have you handled a gun, and do you have common sense?”  after I answered yes to both, she said the test was easy, and I would get two chances.

I went back that evening after work, and left with my 10-day wait underway on the soon-to-be mine XD9!

– English Bob