1911 Grips - Album #7 Video - Now Showing on You Tube!!!

Our latest video, Album #7, is NOW SHOWING on You Tube... check it out!




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Thanksgiving Turkey Trivia

 Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Since y'all like trivia so much, here is another collection on the unlucky bird that we eat on this auspicious event. Enjoy!

Benjamin Franklin argued that the turkey, and not the bald eagle, should be the national symbol of America. He claimed that the “vain and silly” turkey was a far better choice than the bald eagle, which he thought was a “coward.”

Even though they are generally seen as large and ungainly, turkeys:
   • Can fly up to 55 MPH over short distances
   • Run up to 25 MPH on the ground
   • Have excellent hearing but no ears
   • Have a poor sense of smell
   • Can see in color
   • Have a 270 degree field of vision, making them difficult to sneak up on
   • Sometimes sleep in trees

Over 45 million turkeys are prepared and eaten in the United States for Thanksgiving each year.

The five most popular ways to eat the leftover turkey from Thanksgiving includes: soups or stews, sandwiches, casseroles, stir-fries and salads.

Age does matter. Older male turkeys are generally considered to be tastier than young males (stringy) or females (tough).

Young turkeys have a number of unfortunate names including “fryer” when they are less than 16 weeks old, and “roaster” when they are between 5 and 7 months old.

Only male “Tom” turkeys gobble, and they can be heard a mile away; the females only cluck or click.

The “Turkey Trot” dance was named after the short, jerky steps that turkeys make.

The Native Americans called turkeys “firkees,” which some believe to be the origin of the word. However, when turkeys are spooked they make a “turk turk turk” sound, which is where the name likely originates.

Turkeys may “gobble gobble” in English, but in Portuguese they say “Gluglu gluglu.”


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Freedom Isn't Free - Veteran's Day 2010

A tribute to all the veterans out there...
Thank you for your sacrifice and service!!!

I give special discounts to current & former Law Enforcement & Military personnel as tribute of my appreciation. Send me an email.




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When is a Springfield not a Springfield?

The Springfield 1911 is one of the best guns in the world. I know, because I have a TRP & it's one of the most accurate handguns I've ever shot. But have you heard that the current Springfield company is not the legendary Springfield Arsenal that George Washington helped establish?

According to my exhaustive research (a few minutes on the web), in 1776, Henry Knox, Chief of Artillery for the Continental Army, passed through Springfield, MA on his way to deliver heavy cannons captured at Fort Ticonderoga to General George Washington for use in the siege of Boston.  During his short visit, Knox was impressed with the town’s strategic location for America’s War for Independence.  A year later, Springfield became the location for the principal arsenal for the northern states during the war.  The site was used for everything from the assembly and repair of small arms, to the manufacture of wagons, saddles, fuses and cartridges, as well as a storehouse for powder and other instruments of war.  Eleven years later, in 1794, the National Armory at Springfield was established by President George Washington.

For the next 192 years, the Springfield Arsenal would be the birthplace of such famous weapons like the 1903 Springfield and the M1 Garand, as well as machinery like the Blanchard Lathe which allowed for faster production of wooden stocks.  However, in 1968, amid controversy, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara closed the armory that was established by our country’s first President.  Not another firearm would ever come from its hallowed halls, and none have come forth since.

That same year, Elmer C. Balance registered the trademark “Springfield Armory” for his new company that made civilian versions of the venerable M14 in San Antonio, TX.  Shortly thereafter, he sold his company to the Reese family.  The new owners expanded the line into handguns, particularly the M1911 with tremendous success.  The company was eventually moved to Genesco, IL where it resides today.  It has no association or connection to the original Springfield Armory other than the name.

Although their M1A rifles are manufactured at the Illinois facility, all of Springfield Armory’s handguns are all manufactured by different companies in other countries according to Springfield Armory’s high standards.  Their M1911 derivative pistols are manufactured by IMBEL in Brazil, and the XD series pistols are Springfield Armory stamped HS2000’s manufactured in Croatia.  Springfield Armory also boasts on of the finest 1911 custom shops on the planet.

So, when Springfield Armory says that they’re “The First Name in American Firearms” ...that is true.  But what’s in a name?  In this case it’s history, tradition, and good old American ingenuity.  Fortunately, Springfield, Inc. seems to be continuing that tradition just fine.

Don’t you think?



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Ancient Origins of Halloween

Did you know that one quarter of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween? I guess most of that end up in parents' bellies when their kids aren't looking... LOL! But what are the origins of this annual event that wreaks havoc to our waistlines? This made me ponder... what will an amateur historian like me do when faced with a question like this? I sought history.com for answers of course!

According to the website, Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred.

On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.

To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.

By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.

The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.

By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween. Even later, in A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas.

Now boys & girls, that is the ancient origins of this event that we celebrate every year... so please... easy on the tootsie rolls!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! Be safe.

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Tactical vs. Practical

In the world of firearms, there exists more add-ons and accessories for our toys than for our wives wardrobe.  The 1911 and AR-15 are perfect examples of two of the most highly accessorized (or customized, if you prefer) firearms on the planet.  There are literally THOUSANDS of items available for both platforms that can transform your weapon from that boring, out-of-the-box plinker, into a massive, hulking, purveyor of doom.  Many upgrades do make the gun shoot better and more accurately, like match grade barrels and triggers, while others aid in target acquisition.  However, when does it become too much?  When does the ‘Coolness Factor’ overtake the practicality of the accessory?  I’m all for making your weapon shoot as well as you can make it, but do you really need that third laser/light combo on your battle rifle?  

Remember, the more things you put on a weapon, the more things you have to maintain and think about. Plus, there are more things that can go wrong with the very thing that may be called upon to save your life. Batteries die, but iron sights will always work. Even after an EMP. Just food for thought.

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Cowboy X: Lessons from Sesame Street...

We should all learn from this tale from Sesame Street of my childhood. Living in Sniddler's Gulch then was very much like our way of life today... Politicians constantly peddling their goods and their so-called solutions to the unwary masses and often ending up where we began...  When will we learn?!

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1911 Handgun Conditions of Readiness

Do you carry your 1911 on a daily basis? Maybe once in a while? As a CCW perhaps? Well, how do you carry your firearm in terms of the Conditions of Readiness? Y'know, the legendary Jeff Cooper's system that defines the state of readiness of 1911-type handguns....

Condition 0 - A round is in the chamber, hammer is cocked, and the safety is off.
Condition 1 - Also known as "cocked and locked," means a round is in the chamber, the hammer is cocked, and the manual thumb safety on the side of the frame is applied.
Condition 2 - A round is in the chamber and the hammer is down.
Condition 3 - The chamber is empty and hammer is down with a charged magazine in the gun.
Condition 4 - The chamber is empty, hammer is down and no magazine is in the gun.

I found this very informative video on YouTube explaining these conditions. I also found a cool article on sightm1911.com about the advantages & disadvantages of each.



According to the article and as stated in the video as well, Condition Two is way problematic. The chances of an accidental discharge is so high that it's not worth it...

Condition Two is problematic for several reasons, and is the source of more negligent discharges than the other conditions. When you rack the slide to chamber a round in the 1911, the hammer is cocked and the manual safety is off. There is no way to avoid this with the 1911 design. In order to lower the hammer, the trigger must be pulled and the hammer lowered slowly with the thumb onto the firing pin, the end of which is only a few millimeters away from the primer of a live round. Should the thumb slip, the hammer would drop and fire the gun. Not only would a round be launched in circumstances which would be at best embarrassing and possibly tragic, but also the thumb would be behind the slide as it cycled, resulting in serious injury to the hand. A second problem with this condition is that the true 1911A1 does not have a firing pin block and an impact on the hammer which is resting on the firing pin could conceivably cause the gun to go off, although actual instances of this are virtually nonexistent. Finally, in order to fire the gun, the hammer must be manually cocked, again with the thumb. In an emergency situation, this adds another opportunity for something to go wrong and slows the acquisition of the sight picture.

These experts agree, Conditions One & Three are the intelligent ways to go... Now, if only they allow me to carry CCW in California...


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The WINNER of the October 2010 FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest

Congratulations to Davis O., aka KYquartermasters, for winning this month's contest!!! Check out his submission below. He won a new set of Gray Punisher grips!!!

Thanks for all of those who submitted. If you missed it or didn't win, don't worry... we will do this every first Friday of month! You will have one week to post your video response. Until next time!!!



The winning video & some of the other entries...








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1911 Function Check: The Basics...

Here in our blog site, we strive to compile & share helpful resources for 1911 gun owners to better enjoy their experience with their firearms... SAFELY. One of the basic things that a responsible gun owner should know is how to do a Function Check on his or her firearm. It is recommended that you do this when you're buying a new or used 1911, or if you've replaced some internal parts. I found a cool website, called coolgunsite.com, that shows the different steps with illustrations. Click here.

But I found an even better resource... a video of our good buddy, Lima, aka Limalife (guest host of the September 1911 Contest), explaining how it's properly done. This is one of the reasons why I'm a big fan of her videos... she knows her stuff!




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FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest - October 2010

Hello folks! Our buddy, Jeff (aka Cutlerylover of youtube fame) is baaaaack! He and your friendly neighborhood grip makers are here again to bring you our monthly 1911 grips giveaway contest. All you have to do is post a video response & we will pick out the winner at the end of that week. Try to make us laugh, cry, think... or whatever you want! The more entertaining the better! We will do this every first Friday of the month.

This month we're giving away one of our new designs... the Gray Punizher grips! Good luck!

Click here to see all of the video submissions.






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Extreme Speed Reloading

Hey folks, found another cool video... this time, by ShootingUSA.com. Man! I wish I had the time & the resources to practice often!



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The WINNER of the September 2010 FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest

Congratulations to Patrick B., aka Patbehne82, for winning this month's contest!!! Check out his submission below. He won a new set of Red Punisher grips!!!

Thanks for all of those who submitted. If you missed it or didn't win, don't worry... we will do this every first Friday of month! You will have one week to post your video response. Until next time!!!



The winning video & some of the other entries...

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California AR-15 Field Strip & Function Check...

Hey guys! I've been watching a lot of AR-15 videos lately & here is another interesting one I found on YouTube. Being a California resident (yeah, don't laugh), I unfortunately have a CA-legal AR-15, which a lot of my buddies from Texas scoff at... :) This video is quite informative and I like how it was presented. Enjoy!





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FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest - September 2010

Since our buddy, Jeff aka Cutlerylover, was busy this month (he moved to a new place), Lima (aka Limalife of YouTube fame) has kindly agreed to host the contest this month! All you have to do is post a video response & we will pick out the winner at the end of that week. Try to make us laugh, cry, think... or whatever you want! The more entertaining the better! Better late than never, right? :)

This month we're giving away one of our bestsellers... the Red Punizher grips! Good luck!





Check out the past contests... click here.

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The 9/11 Attacks: A Tribute...

I can't believe it's already been 9 years... Here are some facts about the September 11 Attacks:

Date:          September 11, 2001, Tuesday
                  8:46 am - 10:28 am

Locations:   New York City, NY; Arlington County, VA
                  and Shanksville, PA

Injured:       6,000+

Casualties:
     World Trade Center       2,606     New York, NY
     American 11                      87
     United 175                        60
     Pentagon                         125     Arlington, VA
     American 77                     59
     United 93                          40     Shanksville, PA

     Total                            2,977*   (including the 19 hijackers)

More than 90 countries lost citizens in the attacks. All the deaths in the attacks were civilian except for the 55 military personnel killed in the Pentagon. At least 200 people jumped to their deaths from the burning towers landing on the streets and rooftops of nearby buildings hundreds of feet below. A total of 411 emergency workers who responded to the scene died as they attempted to rescue people and fight fires. The New York Fire department (FDNY) lost 341 firefighters and 2 paramedics. The New York City Police Department lost 23 officers. The Port Authority Police Department lost 37 officers and 8 additional EMTs/paramedics were killed.

WE SHALL NEVER FORGET!

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Labor Day: Why do we celebrate it again?

Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parties. Speeches or political demonstrations are more low-key than May 1 Labor Day celebrations in most countries, although events held by labor organizations often feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office, especially in election years. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Yeah, we are spending the day at the beach. Labor Day also marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons. NCAA teams usually play their first games the week before Labor Day, with the NFL traditionally playing their first game the Thursday following Labor Day....

But do you know why we celebrate it?

The first Labor Day in the United States was observed on September 5, 1882 in New York City, by the Central Labor Union of New York, the nation's first integrated major trade union. It became a federal holiday in 1894, when, following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with the labor movement as a top political priority. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. The September date originally chosen by the CLU of NY and observed by many of the nation's trade unions for the past several years was selected rather than the more widespread International Workers' Day because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would stir up negative emotions linked to the Haymarket Affair, for which it had been observed to commemorate. All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the territories had made it a statutory holiday.

The Pullman Strike...

The Pullman Strike was a nationwide conflict between labor unions and railroads that occurred in the United States in 1894. The conflict began in the town of Pullman, Illinois on May 11 when approximately 3,000 employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company began a strike in response to recent reductions in wages, bringing traffic west of Chicago to a halt. The American Railway Union, the nation's first industry-wide union, subsequently became embroiled in what The New York Times described as "a struggle between the greatest and most important labor organization and the entire railroad capital" that involved some 250,000 workers in 27 states at its peak. President Grover Cleveland ordered federal troops to Chicago to end the strike, causing debate within his own cabinet about whether the President had the constitutional authority to do so. The conflict peaked on July 6, shortly after the troops' arrival in the city, and ended several days later.

The strike was broken up by United States Marshals and some 12,000 United States Army troops, sent in by President Grover Cleveland on the premise that the strike interfered with the delivery of U.S. Mail, ignored a federal injunction and represented a threat to public safety. The arrival of the military and subsequent deaths of workers led to further outbreaks of violence. During the course of the strike, 13 strikers were killed and 57 were wounded.

Now when you're at the beach celebrating, think about why we have this holiday... it's a way the federal government tried to appease the labor unions for those who died during the 1894 Pullman Strike!!!


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How the AR-15 Functions...

Hello folks! Here's another interesting video I found on YouTube. This time it's a very informative one on how my favorite rifle functions... the AR-15! It shows the different parts & how they work together. Enjoy!





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Who said that the 1911 wasn't safe?

I always hear that the 1911 was dangerous to carry because it just ain't safe. Maybe most of your polymer guns seem to be "safer", but the 1911 has three safety features that make sure that you won't shoot your foot. Here is a video explaining all these features.

Exercise your right to bear arms... SAFELY!





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The WINNERS of the August 2010 FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest

Congratulations to Glocklife AND Edpark1911 for winning this month's contest!!! Yes, we do have 2 winners this month! Check out their submissions below. They both won new sets of Infidel grips!!!

Thanks for all of those who submitted. If you missed it or didn't win, don't worry... we will do this every first Friday of month! You will have one week to post your video response. Until next time!!!









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1911 Handgun Complete Disassembly & Assembly

Do you know how to completely disassemble your 1911 handgun? When I say "completely", I mean to each & every part? ...and assemble them again? These videos I found on YouTube are excellent references.







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FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest - August 2010

Hello folks! Welcome to the 1911 Grips Giveaway Contest for this month! All you have to do is watch Culerylover's video posting on youtube & post your video response... and we will pick out the winner at the end of the week. Try to make us laugh, cry, think... or whatever you want! The more entertaining the better! We will try to do this every first Friday of the month. This week you are going to win our one of our bestselling grips... the Happy Face grips!

Good luck, guys!!!




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1911 Handgun Parts Animation

Are you wondering how many parts does your 1911 handgun have? ...and, how do these parts come together? Or, do you just want to know how the 1911 operates? This animation I found on YouTube answers these questions & much more. It's very informative, perfect for the gunsmith wannabe like me... Enjoy!!!




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Fun Presidential Trivia

Did you know that...

****************************************

...every U.S. President with a beard has been a Republican?

In case you're curious, the five bearded presidents were
Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant,
Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, and Benjamin Harrison.

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...George W. Bush is related to two former presidents?
...his father, George H. W. Bush (1989-93),
and his fourth cousin five times removed-- Franklin Pierce,
president from 1853 to 1857. 

Barbara Pierce Bush is the only woman in US history to be the 

wife of one president, mother to another, and fourth cousin of another.

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...the first president to be born a citizen of the United States 

was number eight, Martin Van Buren?
He was born on December 5, 1782,
six years after the signing of the Constitution. 

Because all previous presidents had been born 

before the American Revolution, they were actually born British subjects.

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...Civil War Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, 

named at birth for the notorious Indian Chief, 

added William as his first name?

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Strange History: Conduct Cases in the US Congress (c.1790s-1860s)

Hello folks! Here's another installment of Strange History. These conduct cases compiled by Leland Gregory makes our modern congressmen seem like pussycats...

Most people think our forefathers were gracious and eloquent men of class and honor -- not like the members of Congress we have today. Well, I hate to burst the bubble, but here are verbatim excerpts from the Historical Summary of Conduct Cases in the House of Representatives by the Commitee on Standards of Official Conduct:

Representative Matthew Lyon [VT][1798] "Disorderly behavior" [spat on Rep. Roger Griswold after an exchange of insults], [Jan.30,1798]; charge added of "gross indecency of language in his defense before this House" [Feb.8, 1798]

Representative Roger Griswald [CT] and Representative Matthew Lyon [VT] "Disorderly behavior" [Rep. Griswald assoulted Rep. Lyon with a "stout cane" on the House floor before the House was in session and Rep. Lyon responded by attacking Rep. Griswald with fireplace tongs], [Feb. 15, 1798]

Representative William J. Graves [KY] and Representative Henry Wise [VA], Breach of the privileges of the House Representative Graves killed Representative Jonathan Cilley [ME] in a duel over words spoken in debate; Rep. Wise acted as a second [Feb. 24, 1838].

Representative Philemon Herbert [CA], [1856] Arrested for manslaughter [May 8, 1856]; imprisoned prior trial; acquitted [July 1856]

Representative Lovell H. Rousseau [KY][1866] Assaulted Representative Josiah Grinnell [IA] with a cane outside the Capitol for alleged insult spoken in debate [June 14, 1866]

Source: "Stupid American History" (pp.67&154, 2009) by Leland Gregory

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The WINNER of the July 2010 FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest

Congratulations to Gerry K. aka Krazy45cat for winning this month's contest!!! Check out his submission below. He won a new set of Happy Face grips!!!

Thanks for all of those who submitted. If you missed it or didn't win, don't worry... we will do this every first Friday of month! You will have one week to post your video response. Until next time!!!



The winning video & some of the other entries...








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Strange History: Presidential Slaves

Hello folks! As an amateur history buff, I love reading stories about the past that are not found in any of the history books when we were growing up. Stories that are so wacky and unbelievable that they're stranger than fiction. This week, I am starting a blog series I call "Strange History" where I am going to share some of these incredible stories that I dug up over the years.

I bet you haven't heard this one... Two of our former presidents were indentured servants or "debt slaves". It has been estimated that indentured servants comprised almost 80% of the total British and continental emigration to America prior to the Revolution. Like slaves, servants could be bought and sold, could not marry without the permission of their owner, were subject to physical punishment, and saw their obligation to labor enforced by the courts. But unlike slaves, servants could look forward to a release from bondage. If they survived their period of labor, servants would receive a payment known as "freedom dues" and become free members of society. Here is an excerpt I found recently...

When they were boys, future Presidents Millard Fillmore (13th President) and Andrew Johnson (17th president) were indentured servants. An indentured servant is a laborer under contract to an employer for a specified period of time, usually three to seven years, in exchange for necessities such as food, drink, clothing, transportation, and lodging. The master basically owned the indentured servant, who had hardly any rights, until the term of contract was met. Andrew Johnson was indentured to a tailor, and he ran away. The tailor placed an advertisement in the Raleigh Gazette (North Carolina), offering a reward of $10 for the capture and return of future President Johnson. Fillmore served his master, a cloth maker, for several years and was able to purchase his freedom for $30. Sometimes I wonder if we would have been better off if they stayed indentured servants.          -"Stupid American History" (2009, p.24) by Leland Gregory.

It's interesting how our society has gone a looong way since then.... or maybe not. Today, many seem to be slaves to masters that are called by a different name... credit card companies!


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Fireworks on the 4th of July

I love fireworks... & I love the 4th of July! Here is a video of the fireworks display in our town I took from up a hill. Enjoy...






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Fun Facts: Independence Day

Happy Independence Day!!! Here are some fun facts from purpletrail.com....

On July the 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress. Thereafter, the 13 colonies embarked on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. This most American of holidays is traditionally celebrated with parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country. As you send out your July 4th party invitations, take a minute to think about how much you really know about what we are celebrating.

Did You Know…

• The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation. The colonists had no say in the decisions of English Parliament.
• Betsy Ross, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee.
• Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.
• The Liberty Bell sounded from the tower of Independence Hall on July 8, 1776, summoning citizens to gather for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.
• June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress, looking to promote national pride and unity, adopted the national flag. “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
• The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’
• The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in 1804.
• Before cars ruled the roadway, the Fourth of July was traditionally the most miserable day of the year for horses, tormented by all the noise and by the boys and girls who threw firecrackers at them.
• Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826.
• The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign at the same time, nor did they sign on July 4, 1776. The official event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 men signed it.
• The names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were withheld from the public for more than six months to protect the signers. If independence had not been achieved, the treasonable act of the signers would have, by law, resulted in their deaths.
• Thomas McKean was the last to sign in January, 1777.
• The origin of Uncle Sam probably began in 1812, when Samuel Wilson was a meat packer who provided meat to the US Army. The meat shipments were stamped with the initials, U.S. Someone joked that the initials stood for “Uncle Sam”. This joke eventually led to the idea of Uncle Sam symbolizing the United States government.
• It was only in 1941 Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

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FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest - July 2010

Hello folks! It's the first Friday of the month again & we're giving away another set of 1911 grips! All you have to do is watch Culerylover's video posting on youtube & post your video response... and we will pick out the winner at the end of the week. Try to make us laugh, cry, think... or whatever you want! The more entertaining the better! We will try to do this every first Friday of the month. This week you are going to win our one of our bestselling grips... the Happy Face grips!

Good luck, guys!!!




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Latest YouTube Reviews of our 1911 Grips...

Here is the latest video review of our grips on YouTube. These were done by independent reviewers. This latest one is a review of one of our best sellers... the Punizher Skull grips!!!

Click here for more Product Reviews.




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It's June 14... Do you know it's Flag Day today?

If it were not for my 10 year-old daughter, I wouldn't remember that it's Flag Day today. Like many Americans, I am guilty of not knowing how to celebrate it... How do we celebrate this event?

Flag Day, is supposed to be a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation, with a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans... Americans who have spilled their blood protecting it. Heck, it even stands proudly on the surface of the moon!

How do we properly display our flag? I found these guidelines from an old Boy Scout handbook...

• The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.
• In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.
• The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.
• The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.
• After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's  called "half staff" on land ,and "half mast" on a ship.
• When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house or building).
• The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.
• The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.
• Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period.
• Fold your flag when storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.
•  When your flag is old and has seen  better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Do not throw it in the trash.

Did you know that there is a very special ceremony for retiring the flag by burning it? It is a ceremony everyone should see.Your local Boy Scout group knows the proper ceremony and performs it on a regular basis. If you have an old flag, give it to them. And, attend the ceremony. 


So raise the flag today... and everyday with pride!


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Google Search: I want NEW 1911 grips!!!

Are you looking for NEW grips for your beloved 1911 handgun? Well... why don't you google it? :)




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The WINNER of the June 2010 FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest

Congratulations to Chris P. aka X4CTO for winning this month's contest!!! Check out his submission below. He won a new set of the Punizher Skull grips!!!

Thanks for all of those who submitted. If you missed it or didn't win, don't worry... we will do this every first Friday of month! You will have one week to post your video response. Until next time!!!



The winning video & some of the other entries...







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Awesome YouTube Video of the Month: "FOP 3 Gun Helmet Cam"

Hello folks, this month we are starting a series that we call "Awesome YouTube Videos". Every month, we will choose an interesting video that we think gun-nuts like you will enjoy. This month, we chose a video posted by Matt Burkett (http://www.youtube.com/user/mattburkett) posted in January of 2008.

This video ROCKS!!!  ... Enjoy!!!





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FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest - June 2010

It's the first Friday of the month again & we're giving away another set of 1911 grips! All you have to do is watch Culerylover's video posting on youtube & post your video response...  and we will pick out the winner at the end of the week. Try to make us laugh, cry, think... or whatever you want! The more entertaining the better! We will try to do this every first Friday of the month. This week you are going to win our one of our bestselling grips... the Punizher Skull grips!

Good luck, guys!!!




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Remembering our Heroes on Memorial Day 2010

It's Memorial Day on May 31, 2010... Do you know why we celebrate it? I sure hope so! It's for remembering all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the things that we stand for... Freedom & Democracy! Here's to all of our fallen brothers & sisters who gave their lives for these ideals... our nation's true Heroes!






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Our Video's 1st Year Anniversary on YouTube

Hello folks! We just wanted to announce that it's our video's First Year Anniversary today! It's pretty humbling that even after 20,500+ views, people are still watching it at a rate of about 1,600+ views a month...

Thank you for your patronage!






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We are now availble at The Sportsman's Guide!

We are pleased to announce that one of our bestsellers, the Red Punizher, is now available on the The Sporstman's Guide's internet & mail-in catalogs! We are truly excited about this partnership and we hope that it will last a long time! Click on either image below to check it out...

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The WINNER of the May 2010 FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest

Congratulations to Kyle S. aka ShireyPokerKing for winning this month's contest!!! Check out his submission below. He won a new set of Red Flame grips!!!

Thanks for all of those who submitted. If you missed it or didn't win, don't worry... we will do this every first Friday of month! You will have one week to post your video response. Until next time!!!




The winner & some of the entries...








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FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest - MAY 2010

It's the first Friday of the month again & we're giving away another set of 1911 grips! All you have to do is watch Culerylover's video posting on youtube & post your video response...  and we will pick out the winner at the end of the week. Try to make us laugh, cry, think... or whatever you want! The more entertaining the better! We will try to do this every first Friday of the month. This week you are going to win our one of our bestselling grips... the Red Flames!

Good luck, guys!!!





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New CKG Stickers are now available!!!

Check out our new bumper stickers! They are available at...
our NEW Gift Shop.

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"Depussification" by YouTube's Nutnfancy

My YouTube amigo, Nutnfancy, posted a video blog yesterday that struck a chord in me... I hope that you guys, especially the parents, grandparents, uncles/aunts, teachers, pastors, coaches, & other role models watch this & be reminded of our DUTY to teach our youngsters of today lessons that make us better people... lessons like the value of integrity, hard work, excellence, dedication to one's chosen career & above all, to never succumb to being mediocre. With Nutnfancy's permission, I am re-posting his video & article in verbatim...

April 22, 2010 — Our ease of life is a curse to many. A large majority of our citizens are pussies. They are not equipped to handle difficult circumstances, ensure their own self-reliance, face and conquer hard work challenges, and rise to the occasion when circumstances become tough. They are immersed and possessed by the artificial "PUSH-BUTTON" World (PBW) which consumes their existence. In fact they are often addicted to it and when, not if, this PBW comes crashing down around them, many will give up their will to live. That is shocking but true. As a society we have far strayed from the hard work, self-reliant, can-do principles that our forefathers used to create the very societies which we now enjoy. To integrate these principles of mental toughness and tenacity in the face of hardship is to "depussify" our children and perhaps ourselves. The easy life is indeed wonderful and is to be enjoyed fully. These are GREAT times full of amazing luxury, food, technology (like YouTube!), and gear that makes our lives easier, safer, and recreational. But all parents should strive to depussify their sons and daughters and encourage and teach meaningful skill sets that don't require a video game, electricity, or makeup. This can be done through fun but challenging family outings like backpacking, fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, and shooting adventures where we leave the PBW behind and strike out on a multi-day excursion, far from society, to live "real." You should prove to yourself (and your kids) that you have the skills and confidence to be comfortable when you are really away from it all. No phone, no cars, no MTV, no texting, no games...just you out in the wilderness making life work for you. My father is responsible for setting me on this pathway, and like all good fathers, he realized that protecting his children against the harsh realities of work, discomfort, hunger, accountability, and exertion would create an entitlement, spoiled attitude in his children. He made the hard choices for us kids and we have benefitted greatly from his parenting. Coming from the poorest of circumstances, he lifted himself up and achieved success as a decorated USAF Combat Pilot in Vietnam and then later in life, a successful businessman. He gave us a higher standard of living but did not let it muddy the waters of his parenting resolve. My childhood was a wonderful series of amazing and challenging outdoor adventures (that I later built upon apart from Dad) that I shared with my father. But while we had fun and overcame the terrain, weather, and discomfort challenges that accompany real outdoor adventures, my Dad was laying the groundwork for his sons to become men of substance. The military teaches the same things and those individuals with proper upbringing (like "InadvertentSmell" who has great parents) will excel in that "buck stops with you" environment where your actions or lack thereof can get people killed. In TNP, I advocate the making of fun and memorable family and friend adventures but they often will serve this larger purpose of depussification for all "attendees"...even yourself. The prepared individual will FIRST be mentally tough, having gone through many such experiences that stock his or her mental reservoirs of confidence in trying circumstances. As a parent, guardian, brother, sister, teacher (or just you alone!), look for opportunities to go out and live these "proving" experiences. This prepares you for the harsh realities of natural disasters, economic hardship, survival situations, and maybe even societal collapse. Enjoy the PBW and have fun. But be a man or woman of substance. Understand that is all an illusion, dependent on a very delicate economic foundation, and at any given time fate may call on you to survive just as ancestors did hundreds of years ago. Teach toughness, teach readiness, teach self-reliance, and don't be a pussy. I am grateful I had a Father who did just that.

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The WINNER of the April 2010 FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest

Congratulations to Scott (9bymyside) for winning this month's contest!!! He wins a new set of Aequita/Veritas grips. Congratulations also to Theo (willwizard) for winning a new set of Dragon Scale grips... just because his Mario Bros.-inspired video kicks A$$!!! Hehehe!!!

Thanks for all of those who submitted. If you missed it or didn't win, don't worry... we will do this every first Friday of every month! You will have one week to post your video response. Until next time!!!



Some of the entries...






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FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest - APRIL 2010

It's the first Friday of the month again & we're giving away another set of 1911 grips! All you have to do is watch Culerylover's video posting on youtube & post your video response...  and we will pick out the winner at the end of the week. Try to make us laugh, cry, think... or whatever you want! The more entertaining the better! We will try to do this every first Friday of the month. This week you are going to win our one of our bestselling grips... the Aequitas/Veritas grips!

Good luck, guys!!!




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The WINNER of the March 2010 FREE 1911 GRIPS Contest...

Congratulations to Steve (gwargwar1981)!!!

Thanks for all of those who submitted. If you missed it or didn't win, don't worry... we will do this every first Friday of every month! You will have one week to post your video response. Until next time!!!



and the winning entry...



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Gun Control & the 2nd Amendment

I am re-posting an email I got from one of our clients, a big 2nd Amendment advocate, retired US Army Major Duane F. He's a veteran of Korea & Iraq and a retired New York guard. I think all of you gun-nuts like me will like this article...

A Little Gun History
After reading the following historical facts, read the part
about Switzerland twice.

A LITTLE GUN HISTORY
In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control..  From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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In 1911, Turkey established gun control.  From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.
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China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Guatemala established gun control in 1964.  From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Uganda established gun control in 1970.  From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: 56 million.
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It has now been 12 months since gun owners in Australia were forced by new law to surrender 640,381 personal firearms to be destroyed by their own Government, a program costing Australia taxpayers more than $500 million dollars. The first year results are now in:

List of 7 items:

Australia-wide, homicides are up 3.2 percent.
Australia-wide, assaults are up 8.6 percent.
Australia-wide, armed robberies are up 44 percent (yes, 44 percent)!

In the state of Victoria alone, homicides with firearms are now up 300 percent.  Note that while the law-abiding citizens turned them in, the criminals did not, and criminals still possess their guns!

While figures over the previous 25 years showed a steady decrease in armed robbery with firearms, this has changed drastically upward in the past 12 months, since criminals now are guaranteed that their prey is unarmed.

There has also been a dramatic increase in break-ins and assaults of the ELDERLY.  Australian politicians are at a loss to explain how public safety has decreased, after such monumental effort, and expense was expended in successfully ridding Australian society of guns. The Australian experience and the other historical facts above prove it.
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You won't see this data on the US evening news, or hear politicians disseminating this information. Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws adversely affect only the law-abiding citizens. Take note my fellow Americans, before it's too late!

The next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please remind them of this history lesson. With guns, we are 'citizens.' Without them, we are 'subjects'.

During WWII the Japanese decided not to invade America because they knew most Americans were ARMED!

If you value your freedom, please spread this anti-gun control message to all of your friends. The purpose of fighting is to win.  There is no possible victory in defense.  The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either.  The final weapon is the brain.  All else is supplemental.
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SWITZERLAND ISSUES EVERY HOUSEHOLD A GUN! SWITZERLAND 'S GOVERNMENT TRAINS EVERY ADULT THEY ISSUE A RIFLE. SWITZERLAND HAS THE LOWEST GUN RELATED CRIME RATE OF ANY CIVILIZED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!!

IT'S A NO BRAINER! DON'T LET OUR GOVERNMENT WASTE MILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE ALL LAW ABIDING CITIZENS AN EASY TARGET.
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I'm a firm believer of the 2nd Amendment! If you are too, please forward. Think how powerful our government is getting! Many think these other countries just didn't do it right.

Let us all learn from history!


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FREE 1911 GRIPS: Some of this Months YouTube Entries...

We got 19 video submissions on out very first giveaway contest on YouTube. Here are some of this months entries...

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