If you missed the earlier article, please read it before continuing, as this review continues from that point and doesn’t repeat the same information.
The great thing about this pistol – and it really is a great thing, compared to some of its rivals – is that it’s boringly reliable. Many .22 firearms are very "picky" about what ammunition they like. Some will shoot well with this round, but not with that one. The "pickiness" may even be visible among pistols of the same make and model. Not so with the P17. I’ve fired seven different rounds through it so far:
All performed without a hiccup through the P17, which surprised me. I was expecting at least a few mis-feeds or failures to fire, on the basis of many years’ experience with .22LR pistols. This one didn’t even blink.
The P17 also shot relatively "clean". .22LR rounds are notorious for leaving powder and lead fouling behind them, requiring some pistols to be cleaned after a few hundred rounds in order to continue functioning smoothly. (That happened to me most recently with a Ruger Mk. IV, which surprised me; earlier marks had not given rise to that problem.) The P17 got dirty, sure, but its function never wavered, and its action remained as smooth as ever, even during a thousand-round torture test run over several days without cleaning or lubrication. That’s a good sign.
The sixteen-round magazines (three are provided with the pistol) are a big plus point. Most .22LR pistols I know are sold with 10-round magazines, and only two of them at that. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it means more frequent reloading in high-round-count usage. The P17 can shoot 48 rounds to an "average" pistol’s 20 before needing to reload its magazines, a 140% improvement over the lower-capacity weapons out of the box. That’s very useful.
Accuracy was fine, well up to industry standards. The P17 isn’t a target pistol with finely-adjustable sights, but it’s well up to plinking use, and I wouldn’t object to an informal target-shooting competition with it. The trigger is very controllable, with an easy let-off that makes accuracy easier. The checkering on the grip isn’t anything to write home about, not providing much friction against your hands; but we’re talking about minimal recoil here anyway, so that’s not an important factor to me. Certainly, I’ve found the gun very controllable through hundreds of rounds. If you want something with greater friction, you can install a grip sleeve, or add something like skateboard tape to the front and rear straps.
Perhaps the nicest thing about the P17 is its price point. Its recommended retail price, complete with 3 magazines, is only $199.99! That’s astonishing value for money in today’s market. It definitely vaults the P17 to the top of the list of rimfire pistols I recommend to others.
For another perspective on the P17, here’s a brief review from the NRA Gun of the Week channel.
I really can’t think of any negatives about the P17. Keltec has come up with a winner here. I’ll put my name on the list to buy a couple from my local gun shop, when they eventually get them in stock. The current shortage of firearms, thanks to panic buying following the coronavirus pandemic and George Floyd-inspired riots, means I’ll probably have to wait a long time . . . but the P17 is worth waiting for, IMHO.
In case you’re wondering, no, I’m not being compensated in any way to do this review. I value .22 pistols very highly as a training tool, and as a defensive weapon for disabled shooters who can’t handle the recoil of anything more powerful (see my earlier article on the subject). That’s why I wanted to review the P17. Now that I’ve done so, the two review guns (generously donated by Keltec) will be passed on (free of charge) to two disabled shooters, who need them far more urgently than I do!
Today is gonna be busy for me, but I wanted to leave you with something entertaining. I caught this via Legal Insurrection and it is a Zoom meeting among the NYC Community Education Council for Manhattan District 2 members about some Karen (AKA Robin Broshi ) accusing another member of racism for having a brown kid bouncing on his lap as if it was a woke prop or some horseshit like that. It becomes a “Who is woker than me?” fest after that.
It is along meeting, but just fast forward to the scenes with Ms. Broshi in it and let it rip. Don’t worry, you will figure out easily who she is.
Make plenty popcorn.
After you are done laughing, remember this sobering thought: This people and people like them in your locality, decide what your children are supposed to learn.
In Netflix’s New Transformers Trailer, Even Optimus Prime Is So Very Tired
https://ift.tt/3gz0I2V
Optimus Prime is having a rough day or six in the final hours of the war for Cybertron.Screenshot: Netflix
Trailer FrenzyA special place to find the newest trailers for movies and TV shows you’re craving.
Another day, another war for the fate of Cybertron, and things are looking dire in Netflix and Rooster Teeth’s take on the latest version of the Transformers origin story. So dire that even Optimus Prime, scion of hope and occasional truck, is getting a bit defeatist.
Netflix just dropped the latest trailer for Transformers: War for Cybertron: Siege, the first in a planned three-show series (of six episodes each) it’s developed with Hasbro, Rooster Teeth, and Godzilla: Monster Planet’s Polygon Pictures. Inspired by the recent toylines from Hasbro—named Siege and Earthrise, and to be followed up by a third, currently untitled series—the show depicts re-imagined takes on the first generation of Autobots and Decepticons as we knew them in the beloved Transformers animated show, as they fight for the fate of Cybertron in the final hours of their infamous civil war.
It’s a tale told many times over, most recently in the glorious opening sequence of Bumblebee, but this latest iteration being a whole TV show to itself gives us a chance to explore the impact the titular war has on its participants, even if we know it’s really not going to go all that well for the good guys. Especially Optimus Prime, who’s beginning to realize that in this trailer, as he grapples with the idea that his leadership of an Autobot resistance against Megatron—who’s planning to use the source of all Cybertronian life, the Allspark, to forcibly convert the Autobots to his Decepticon ethos—is just prolonging misery through extended periods of murder.
Wow, dude. Why don’t you just call yourself Pessimus Prime with that attitude?
G/O Media may get a commission
You’ll be able to see for yourself why Optimus is so glum when Transformers: War for Cybertron: Siege drops on Netflix on July 30.
For more, make sure you’re following us on our Instagram @io9dotcom.
Best Batons for Self-Defense: The Good, the Bad, & What to Buy
https://ift.tt/38wE6gN
The baton is one of the oldest weapons that’s still used today – and with good reason!
A wide variety of cultures and civilizations have been using batons and other clubs for thousands of years.
After all, who can deny the value of a hefty piece of wood or metal in the ancient game of survival?
We should all be as ready as Rosa. Gotta love that quick release!
These days, firearms tend to be the go-to when it comes to putting meat on the table. But that doesn’t mean the modern baton has lost its value. Police, security guards, and military powers around the world still use truncheons as defensive weapons.
And you can too!
Talon Infinity Baton, 50cm
For many people, batons are a popular and budget-friendly option for personal and home defense.
Have we perked your interest yet? Good.
Today, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of owning a baton and review my top baton choices for self-defense.
Disclaimer: we’re not lawyers so you should check your local laws for baton ownership and use!
Table of Contents
Loading…
Why a Baton?
Alright, fine. We know a baton may not have the same visual impact or “cool factor” as a firearm, at least at first glance. But we aren’t snobs, so let’s start by discussing why you should consider a baton for your self-defense needs.
Pros:
Less Lethal: A baton doesn’t require the use of lethal force. As a situation escalates or deescalates, you can quickly adjust your level of force without switching defensive tools.
Batons are a less lethal method of self-defense. Even in the far future, Fry will be okay. Probably. Remember, a baton is still a weapon.
Multipurpose:Batons are great for broad strikes and jabs, blocking attacks, and can even sweep an attacker’s legs out from underneath them. They can also be useful in other emergency situations, such as breaking windows to escape your car or home.
Simple: Batons are easy to use. They require no power or ammunition, can’t suffer from mechanical failure, don’t expire, require little maintenance, and rarely need replacing. Talk about reliability!
Affordable: A high-quality, lightweight, and concealable baton can run around $100, but it’s also easy to find equally effective options for less than $50.
Easy to use, affordable, and legal to carry? That is a win-win-win situation!
Effective: You can do pretty significant damage with a baton, even without a lot of strength or strict form.
Legality: Batons are legal in many places where other weapons aren’t and generally don’t require a permit or registration. This is especially true for items that can serve as a baton but aren’t strictly made for self-defense, like baseball bats or hefty flashlights.
Relatively Easy to Conceal: Batons, particularly collapsible models, can easily slip into bags and deep pockets. At home, you can covertly rest the weapon next to your bed, in a nightstand drawer, or by the doorway.
Safe: With a baton, you don’t have to worry about accidental discharges, and there is very little risk of self-injury. Plus, they are typically bystander-safe, so long as you don’t go wild.
Don’t Be This Guy. He has the right spirit but needs to complete a few more safety courses.
We condone only responsible baton-use in this house!
Ready to Buy? Consider These Drawbacks First
Are you feeling the tingles of baton envy yet?
We share the hype, but before you race off to the store, let’s examine the downsides of baton ownership.
Cons:
Less Lethal: Guns are more effective at stopping or deterring an attacker. It’s just a fact.
But Still Lethal: A single baton strike – intentional or accidental – canresult in severe and even fatal injuries. A baton may be “less lethal,” but it’s still a weapon that needs to be handled with respect and consideration, much like any firearm.
Be careful! You could face serious legal repercussions for intentionally or accidentally harming someone with a well-placed strike.
Expense: Yes, batons are more affordable than handguns, but they’re often more expensive than other handgun alternatives, like pepper spray and stun guns.
Training: Compared to other defensive weapons, batons are relatively easy to use. That said, you still need to train if your goal is to be effective during an altercation. Practice makes perfect, after all, and you want to keep your skills up.
Range: A baton is a melee weapon. It doesn’t provide the range of a firearm, pepper spray, or taser. This could leave you in a vulnerable position if your attacker is armed with a ranged weapon.
The same principle applies to batons.
Legality: Batons are legal in most places but not everywhere, including states like California. Check your local laws before purchasing or carrying any weapon.
I’m Buying a Baton! What Are My Options?
Shopping for a new weapon can be exciting and overwhelming, especially online. It’s important to do your research before taking the plunge and coughing up your hard-earned cash.
To help you start the process, let’s take a look at a few batons that rate highly as self-defense tools.
1. ASP Batons
Armament Systems & Procedures (ASP) manufactures an impressive collection of expandable batons, but three products are a cut above the rest: the Talon Infinity 50cm, the Friction Loc Baton 21”, and the Agent Infinity Concealable Baton 40cm.
These batons may be pricier than other options, but it’s a reflection of their quality. Plus, your purchase comes with a lifetime warranty!
Talon Infinity Baton, 50cm
ASP advertises the Talon Infinity 50cm as the “most advanced tactical baton in the world, period.” To ensure precision and reliability, the manufacturer specifically designed this product with a limited number of moving parts and offer a textured Vector grip option.
Made from 4140 steel, this high-quality baton opens with a quick flick of the wrist and closes into the scabbard with a push of the end cap. Its retracted length is a little over 8”, so you’ll probably need a holster or bag to carry it comfortably.
The weight for this product varies because ASP offers a Steel model at 18.3 ounces and a lighter Airweight edition at 11.2 ounces.
Friction Loc Baton 21″
Another popular baton is ASP’s Friction Loc Baton 21″. This model is a tactical impact weapon commonly used by law enforcement personnel across the United States.
The Friction Loc Baton 21” has a slender shape and telescoping construction that allows for fast strikes. It’s lightweight and easy to conceal at a retracted length of 7.70”, making it a fine defense option for police officers or the casual user going about their day (or night).
Opening an ASP baton be a little tricky to master. The manufacturer’s intended method is much faster than trying to pull the tip out of the baton manually, especially when an attacker is charging at you.
This video illustrates the concept:
Practice makes perfect!
Like the Talon Infinity 50cm, this product is available in two models, Steel (16.3 ounces) and Airweight (8.9 ounces).
Agent Infinity Concealable Baton, (Steel) 40cm
ASP’s Agent Baton series was designed to be a low-profile weapon for investigators and undercover operatives, which means you can safely rely on its fine line grip and striking potential in a pinch.
The Agent Infinity Concealable Baton 40cm is manufactured with a 4140 steel striking surface and weighs in at 13.2 ounces. It retracts down to 7.75” with a push of the cap, and you can easily attach it to your waistband with a scabbard.
If you need a lighter option, the Airweight model is only 7.3 ounces—less than a pound!
However, this product isn’t quite as reliable as the Friction Loc Baton 21” when it comes to long-term maintenance. The ASP website recommends purchasing its Glide Baton and Cuff Lubricant to keep your Agent Baton in excellent working order.
What’s your take on ASP batons?
Readers’ Ratings
Be the first to rate this!
Your Rating?
2. Smith & Wesson Heat Treated Collapsible Baton
Smith & Wesson (S&W) are best known for their firearms, but guns aren’t the only form of self-defense they offer. This trustworthy brand also produces an affordable alternative to the ASP Tactical Expandable Baton.
The S&W Heat Treated Collapsible Baton is a friction lock baton with a comfortable foam handle. It comes in four sizes: 16”, 21”, 24”, and 26.”
Aluminum tubing combines with steel to make this product lighter than the ASP, though not as durable. It’s probably not the baton of choice for law enforcement or security guards, but it can get the job done for most casual users.
A word of warning: This product comes with a belt sheath, but customers have reported that it’s not very user-friendly, as it can be somewhat tricky to pull the baton out.
This compact collapsible model is very comfortable to both hold and carry. It can be purchased with either a foam grip or a fluted rubber “Super” grip, and the kit includes a polycarbonate front draw holster in your choice of plain black or a basket weave pattern.
The patented AutoLock system ensures that the baton stays open no matter how much jabbing you do, and closes with the press of a button located on the Hindi cap.
Monadnock’s AutoLock Baton is designed with rotating shafts that help prevent an attacker from grabbing the length of the baton and ripping it out of your hand.
Want to know another cool feature? The power safety tip is weighted to add mass to your strikes.
The baton that comes in the kit is 22”, but you can also purchase the baton, holster, and Hindi cap separately. When purchased individually, the baton comes in the following sizes: 16”, 18”, 21”, 22”, and 26”.
Because this model isn’t collapsible, it’s best to keep this 19” bad boy at home or in the car.
The company also manufactures a 14” long mini version, but it’s probably still too big for daily carry unless you’re lugging around a bag or have exceptionally large pockets (we don’t judge).
Both products have three electrical arc contact points for greater contact area, which is more than most stun guns have. Those contact points produce loud, visible sparks to aid with deterrence.
The full-sized version has a fluted rubber grip, while the Barbarian Mini has a foam grip.
In addition to the power switch, these rechargeable batons promise “triple level safety,” so you can have the stun gun ready to spark without the risk of accidental discharge.
If the stun gun doesn’t do the trick, you can always rely on the spiked top to add some extra oomph to your hits or the rough tip to make your jabs just a little bit more painful.
Need a flashlight? Both Streetwise Barbarian models include 180 lumen LED light with three settings: full strength, half strength, and a blinding strobe – you can never be too safe at night!
A flashlight is always handy!
The case is made from shockproof military-grade aluminum alloy. It has a wrist strap to aid retention and a metal belt clip.
Cold Steel’s Brooklyn Series is predominately advertised for actual sporting use, so it makes sense that their products look like standard baseball bats.
But considering Cold Steel’s history as a manufacturer of knives, swords, spears, axes, and other weapons, it’s easy to figure out their actual intentions for this product line.
Cold Steel Brooklyn Whopper 38″
Since bats are legal pretty much anywhere, this product is a favorite for truckers and people with similar careers who are constantly crossing state lines.
These bats are comparatively affordable and highly durable. Made from polypropylene, a hard polymer, these bats hithard and are almostimpossible to break.
They’re fairly heavy for their size, but they are well weighted for swinging, and the narrow grip, combined with the knob at the end of the handle, helps keep the bat from pulling out of a user’s hands.
The larger sizes aren’t easy to use single-handedly, particularly for smaller people, but most won’t have any problems using the Shorty with one hand.
5. Maglite 6D Cell Flashlight
For something less sporty, how about a Maglite?
Maglite 6D Cell Flashlight
I keep one by my bed, mostly for power outages and the like, but it’s nice to know it can also be used as a 19” baton.
Within the 6D cell size, you have two options, the Premium version and the Classic version. The Premium version is several times the price of the Classic, but it has a bunch of cool features that are worth the cost.
I recommend going with the Premium version that has a 694 lumen LED light and a 415-meter range.
You can choose between four functions that have three light settings:
General (default): Full Power, Low Power, and Eco (reduced brightness)
Outdoor: Full Power, Low Power, and Strobe
Law Enforcement: Momentary Brightness (the light comes on as long as the button is depressed), Full Power, and Eco
Tactical: Momentary Brightness, Full Power, and Strobe
The light has a 71-hour battery life when utilizing the Full Power setting. Pretty impressive! You can also extend the battery life by using the Low Power setting (73 hours) or the Eco setting (a whopping 177 hours).
Of course, the more budget-conscious can get the Classic model. At 19.5″ long, it boasts a 178 lumen incandescent bulb with a 338-meter range and a single light setting that delivers an 11-hour battery life.
Both Premium and Classic models are water-resistant and weigh 50 ounces (a little over 3 pounds).
Fun fact—you can adjust the beam from a spotlight to a floodlight by turning the head of the flashlight.
Now, if you just need a normal flashlight because you’re not Conan on a mission, you should check out our review on Best Everyday Carry Flashlights. Or, if you’re in the market for options with a bit of gravity to them, try our post on Best Tactical Flashlights!
Our In-House Tested Tactical Flashlights.
Conclusion
Batons are handy self-defense tools, and any of these products would serve you well.
Never leave home without your trusty baton.
However, like any weapon, you need to train with a baton to make sure you can use it effectively. This doesn’t mean swinging it around a few times; you need to make a habit of practicing with your baton to improve your technique and muscle memory.
Still have questions about batons? Have a favorite baton or a tip for buying or using batons? Let us know in the comments. If batons aren’t your thing, but you still want a less-lethal option, check out our guides to the best pepper spray and non-lethal weapons and ammo.
All complex applications require a database of some sort to store information.
MySQL is one of the most popular databases that is used on the web. Most of a businesses
time and value is put into a database and its key to keep that data secure. SnapShooter uses
MySQL to help manage and backup customers servers and databases.
In this guide we will explore the mysqldump utility in depth. We cover the ways
you can make a backup as well as the common errors users experience when using it.
Table of Contents
What is mysqldump?
MySQL is an open-source and one of the most widely used relational database
management system. It is used to store anything from a simple name to a picture gallery or a
large amount of information in a network. mysqldump is a part of the MySQL
relational
database package that is used to dump (backup) a database or a collection of databases into
a simple text file. The text file is a set of SQL statements that are used to reconstruct
the database to its original state.
Generally, mysqldump is used to export the database to a backup file (like we
do at SnapShooter) and also
used to move the database to the other host. The mysqldump command also generates output in
XML, CSV and other delimited text formats.
Basic How to use MySQL Dump
The basic syntax of Mysqldump command is shown below:
If you want to import all databases, run the following command:
mysql -u root -ppassword < alldb_backup.sql
MySQLDump what does the –quick flag do?
mysqldump works by retrieving and dumping table contents row by row or
retrieving the entire
content from a table and buffer it in memory before dumping it. This will cause a problem if
you
are exporting large tables.
Use mysqldump command with –quick flag reads out large tables in a way that doesn’t require
large amounts RAM to fit the full table in memory. This will provides extra safety for
systems
with little RAM and large databases.
Can you use Where clause with MySQLDump?
Of course, it’s easy to use a where clause with mysqldump command. If you have a
database with lots of tables and each table has a billion records, and if you want the
records for a specific year, then you can use where clause with mysqldump command. Where
clause allows you to pass a string for the condition and fetch the specific records as you
need.
For example, fetch all records from the table named mytable and database named
wpdb where the field date_created is greater than ‘2018-02-01’, run the following command:
mysqldump: error 2013: lost connection to mysql
server during query when dumping table?
You should increase the max_allowed_packet, net_write_timeout, net_read_timeout
and innodb_buffer_pool_size value to appropriate levels to fix the error.
To set the above value, edit the MySQL configuration file :
nano /etc/mysql/my.cnf
Add the following lines under the [mysqld] and [mysqldump] section:
Save and close the file when you are finished. Then, restart the MySQL service to effect the
changes.
service mysql restart
Or
systemctl restart mysqld
mysqldump when using lock tables?
By default, mysqldump command will perform a lock on all tables until the
backup is complete. But this is a poor option in a live environment where the database is
extensive, and uptime is necessary.
Primarily it’s used for protection of data integrity when dumping MyISAM tables. MyISAM
tables
require this locking because they don’t support transactions.
If you use a mix of MyISAM and InnoDB tables, then dump your MyISAM tables separately from
InnoDB tables using --lock-tables option.
InnoDB is the default table storage engine nowadays. So you can skip the lock
tables option by
using --skip-lock-tables to stop the behaviour and --single-transaction to run mysqldump within
a transaction.
Couldn’t execute ‘show create table x’ Table
does not exist (1146)
Some times the table was deleted during the backup process. In that case, you can restrict
certain tables from the mysqldump command using the –ignore-table option.
You will need to specify both database and table names as shown below:
mysqldump got error 1044 when selecting the
database
You will get this error if you are trying to dump the database with the user which has not
enough privileges to access the selected database.
To fix this error, assign proper privileges to the user to access the database.
First, login to MySQL with the following command:
mysql -u root -p
Provide your MySQL root password then grant all privileges on the database to
your user:
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON wpdb.* TO 'your_user'@'localhost';
Next, flush the privileges and exit from the MySQL with the following
command:
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;
mysqldump access denied for user when trying to
connect
There are several reasons for this error. Most common reasons for this error are
listed below:
1. Wrong mysqldump Command
One of the common reasons for this error is that when you use the wrong format
of mysqldump command.
For example, the general syntax for taking database backup using mysqldump is shown below:
mysqldump -u user -ppasword database > database.sql
You will get the above error if you take a database backup without specifying a username and
password as shown below:
mysqldump database > database.sql
You should get the following error:
mysqldump: Got error: 1045: "Access denied for user 'user' @ 'localhost' (using password: NO)" when trying to connect
2. Wrong user credentials
You will also get the above error if you use the wrong username and password
while connecting to
the database. Therefore, MySQL can’t verify the authenticity of the account and throws this
error.
3. Remote host does not allowed to connect to database
You will also see this error if you are trying to backup the database on the
remote server.
Because, remote host disallow external connections and they only allow to connect from the
localhost.
To fix this, configure your MySQL server to allow connections from the remote
host.
How to mysqldump backup large database
Some useful tips and tricks while using the mysqldump for a very large database.
1. How to Compress mysqldump Output
It is a good idea to compress the database backup in gzip format to reduce the
size of the
database.
Run the following command to dump the database named wpdb and gzip it at the
same time:
If you want to restore the compressed database, run the following command:
gunzip < wpdb_backup.sql.gz | mysql -u root -ppassword wpdb
2. How to import the large MySQL database
First, login to the MySQL shell using the following command:
mysql -u root -p
Provide your MySQL root password then set network buffer length to a large byte
number as shown
below:
set global net_buffer_length=1000000;
Next also set maximum allowed packet size to a large byte number as shown
below:
set global max_allowed_packet=1000000000;
Next, disable foreign key checking to avoid delays, errors and unwanted
behaviour as shown
below:
SET foreign_key_checks = 0;
SET UNIQUE_CHECKS = 0;
SET AUTOCOMMIT = 0;
Next, import your dump file with the following command:
source /backup-path/wpdb.sql
Once you are done, enable foreign key checks with the following command:
SET foreign_key_checks = 1;
SET UNIQUE_CHECKS = 1;
SET AUTOCOMMIT = 1;
3. Separate databases into separate data files
If you have a large database, then you can also split them by separate into
separate data files.
You can create a new file with a list of all databases using the following
command:
mysql -u root -ppassword -A --skip-column-names -e"SELECT schema_name FROM
information_schema.schemata WHERE schema_name NOT IN ('information_schema','mysql')" >
db_list.txt
Once you have the list of databases, you can run a loop with mysqldump command
through the list
as shown below:
for DB in `cat db_list.txt`
do
mysqldump -u root -ppassword --hex-blob --routines --triggers ${DB} | gzip > ${DB}.sql.gz &
done
wait
Mysqldump without password
When you dump a database with mysqldump, you will need to specify a username and
password with the command. If you don’t want to specify a username and password with
mysqldump command every time, you just need to create a file in your home directory with
MySQL credential. This will disable the mysqldump password prompting.
To do so, create a new file in your home directory:
nano ~/mysql.txt
Add your MySQL root credential, as shown below:
[mysqldump]
user=root
password=password
Save and close the file when you are finished.
Now, you can specify your MySQL credential file using the option –defaults-file
as shown below:
You’ll Look Forward to Cutting the Lawn When You Turn Your Riding Mower Into a Tank
https://ift.tt/2NPq1kW
A house with a sprawling lawn might be the aspiration of anyone stuck in a tiny apartment, but there’s a downside to that dream: your lawn doesn’t cut itself. To make the weekly chore more bearable, Jason Hibbs of Bourbon Moth Woodworking turned his riding mower into a miniature tank that mows down everything in its path—not just grass.
Hibbs’ tank wouldn’t survive a minute on the battlefield, after all his expertise is with lumber, not armor plating. But even with reduced visibility given the driver hides inside while peering out a small window (the turret has an opening lid if you’re willing to stand while driving) a riding mower suddenly becomes something you’ll want to drive, even if it’s just in criss-cross patterns across your lawn.
The tank isn’t to scale, so Hibbs can probably expect a critique or two from anyone who’s watched a History Channel World War II documentary, but in addition to authentic looking treads that actually roll, he’s gone the extra mile to incorporate a working potato cannon into the barrel. It doesn’t help much with the mowing, but it’s a good way to keep the neighbors off your lawn after you’re done meticulously manicuring your green space.
A frequent UX fantasy I have: I want occasional-use products to disappear when I don’t need them. Ladders evoke this feeling often; we’ve got three on the property that we use regularly, and all three are a PITA to store and transport.
So after seeing this cleverly-designed Murphy Ladder, I covet it:
Tabler Icons: A Set of Over 500 free MIT-licensed SVG Icons
https://ift.tt/3ilC5Zb
Tabler Icons is a set of over 550 free MIT-licensed high-quality SVG icons for you to use in your web projects. You can add Tabler Icons to your project via an NPM module, or paste the SVG code directly in HTML:
Using the stroke-width CSS property, you can get different icon variants based on the stroke width you need:
Learn More
To learn more about this package, get full installation instructions, and view the source code on GitHub at tabler/tabler-icons. Also, check out Tabler UI Kit, a premium open-source dashboard template based on Bootstrap.
Best Ammo Brands for Plinking, Accuracy, & Self-Defense
https://ift.tt/2VC7Tz8
Is your favorite brand of ammo out of stock and you’re wondering what to buy instead?
A collection of 6.5 Creedmoor we use for testing
Let’s talk about the best ammo brands out there for hunters, target shooters, and those looking to defend themselves
With times being what they are, many of us are thinking about stocking up on ammo.
If you’re looking for another brand because your preferred flavor isn’t available, or you just want an idea of which brands suck and which ones don’t, here’s an overview of the best ammo brands around.
Those who bought ammo BEFORE it all sold out
Just because something isn’t on this list doesn’t mean it isn’t good ammo, it may just mean it’s a little overpriced, hard to get a hold of, or ya know… maybe it sucks. Still, there’s plenty of good ammo out there.
But the best is right here.
You heard us–the BEST.
Ed. note: This isn’t in order of best to worst–just the order we felt like typing it in. We know you like Hornady best, but please be gentle in the comments. We have feelings, too. <3
And yes…almost everything is sold out but stock is slowly trickling in…
Best Ammo Brands
1. Federal Premium
Federal Premium Ammunition has been around in one form or another since the 1920s, and they’ve become one of the premier ammunition manufacturers during that time.
Federal Logo
They’re so prolific, you’re almost guaranteed to find Federal ammo on the shelf just about anywhere ammo is sold (assuming the panic buyers haven’t snapped it all up).
Federal American Eagle Ammo
No matter what type of ammo you’re looking for, they’re sure to have some options available, from cheap birdshot and plinking-grade .22LR all the way up to more expensive match-grade centerfire rifle ammo for you PRS folks out there that don’t reload your own.
SW22 with Federal .22LR
Gold Medal Match is a good option if you’re looking to hit something really, really far away.
They also have several of their own calibers floating around, such as the .224 Valkyrie that was all the rage a few years ago, and some other more esoteric things like the.327 Federal Magnum.
No, that’s not a typo. It really is a thing that exists and its for… stuff.
.327 Federal Magnum compared to other .32 calibers
Ostensibly, it’s another stab at .357 magnum power with a smaller cartridge, which allows for a full six shots in a revolver where .357 magnum would leave you with just 5.
Should you rush out and buy one? Maybe not, but it is pretty cool, and I bet none of your buddies have one. And don’t worry, Federal and other manufacturers make plenty of defensive and target loads for it.
Federal American Eagle 5.7x28mm
Finally, their American Eagle line (the red box on every ammo shelf) is a great budget option that can really run with some of the more expensive stuff, particularly their 9mm and .45 ACP.
Cascade Cartridges, Inc has been around since 1951, when the company was founded by Richard Speer (brother of Vernon Speer from… Speer, which we’ll cover next) and Arvid Nelson.
Cascade Cartridge Inc Logo
If you haven’t heard of CCI, or at least seen it on store shelves, you’ve probably never bought any ammo at all. They are probably the biggest name in rimfire ammo, and with good reason.
Richard Speer
Their Stinger and Standard Velocity .22LR are two of the most popular rounds on the planet, and you can find them for sale just about everywhere.
CCI/Speer Bulk Ammo is a popular pick for plinking!
Their Mini-Mag .22LR is also one of the best of the best, and is an industry-standard. For this reason, they’re mostly associated with rimfire ammo, including .22LR, .22WMR, and .17HMR. As far as the latter goes, their V-Max stuff is top-notch.
They don’t just make awesome rimfire ammo though. Far from it in fact. CCI actually makes one of our most-beloved handgun practice ammo lines, Blazer Brass.
Our favorite practice ammo
This is some of the best budget-friendly centerfire ammo on the market, and you best believe we’ve shot many, many thousands of rounds of it. For cheap plinking ammo that could do as competition ammo in a pinch, it’s not bad.
Speeris owned by the same parent company as CCI (and just about every other shooting sports and outdoors company on the market) and as I mentioned was founded by Vernon Speer, brother of Richard Speer, the founder of CCI.
Speer Logo
The idea, at least as I was told, was that CCI would make cartridges and primers and Speer would make bullets. Today, Speer does make a lot of bullets, and they’re very popular with reloaders, but they also make some really excellent high-end defensive ammo.
Vernon Speer (left) and Jack O’Connor
They’re actually one of the premier manufacturers of defensive ammo in general, and many major police departments and government agencies trust Speer hollowpoints above all else.
Speer 230 gr Gold Dot
Speer is so beloved by LEO shooters that they actually have a line of ammo called “Lawman” that’s designed specifically for duty use.
Speer Lawman 357 sig
They also make the ever-popular Gold Dot line that is one of the industry standards for carry ammo (I happen to have them loaded up right now in fact).
Speer Gold Dot 45 ACP 185gr
Oh, and just like CCI, they make all their stuff right here in the USA. Lewiston, Idaho to be specific.
4. Sellier & Bellot
Sellier & Bellot, or “S&B” as you’ll see it a lot, is a Czech manufacturer that has been making ammunition since the days of percussion caps.
Sellier & Bellot Ammo Logo
They’re actually one of the oldest continuously-functioning companies in the entire world. They made a lot of the percussion caps for the French infantry following the death of Napoleon.
In other words, while the name may be unfamiliar to those outside Europe, Sellier & Bellot is a company worth being aware of.
Their huge catalog also includes things 6.5×55 and 303 British, so if you have an older European gun, particularly a milsurp of some kind, there’s a good chance they make ammo for it.
S&B 303 British
Really, there’s a good chance they’ve been making ammo for it since the beginning!
5. Prvi Partizan
Prvi Partizan is another European manufacturer worth knowing. They are another company with a long history, going back to 1928. They’re a Serbian company that primarily made ammunition for the Serbian Army and national police units.
Prvi Partizan Logo
Today, Prvi Partizan ammo is available all over the world, including your local sporting goods store.
They are actually the third largest ammo supplier to the US believe it or not, so you should have no trouble finding their products.
And if you happen to have, say, a rifle you picked up at a gun show that’s chambered in something ridiculous like 7.65x53mm Argentine, there’s a good chance Prvi Partizan makes rounds for it.
Prvi Partizan 7.65×33 Argentine
They’re actually one of the only manufacturers that actually makes 8mm Lebel anymore, so if you have one of those historic guns and you actually want to shoot the damn thing, Prvi Partizan is a great place to start looking.
PPU 8×50 Lebel
Of course, they also make some more standard offerings as well, and they’re all rock solid.
Seriously–they make everything.
Prvi Partizan is one of the easier-to-find budget plinking options around us, and I bet you can get your hands on some as well. It’s definitely military-grade stuff and it’s a long way from match quality, but it does go bang every time.
6. Wolf
Oh Wolf.
If you know anything about ammo, you know that Wolf, like Tula below, is not necessarily a byword for quality. They produce primarily steel-cased rounds for military firearms.
Wolf Logo
If you’re looking for 9mm, 5.56, or 7.62 and you aren’t going to be defending life and liberty with them, Wolf isn’t so bad.
Yes, it’s low-quality ammo. No, it’s not going to stand up against the more expensive offerings, even Prvi Partisan’s budget stuff. But it’s also cheaper. Much cheaper, in some cases.
@ Tula and Wolf
And let me be clear, the stuff is not dangerous. Well, to the shooter, assuming they’re following proper firearms safety.
They mostly make FMJ ammo so not the best options for hunting or self-defense, but there’s something to be said for the “buy it cheap and stack it deep” mentality, particularly if you’re looking for training ammo.
If you shoot like this at the range, you’re gonna want Wolf ammo.
And that’s why Wolf (and Tula) are on this list of “Best” manufacturers. When you want to rip through 200 rounds at the range with your buddies without having to hide the credit card bill, look no further.
There’s a certain gleeful joy in turning money into noise, and we’d be the first to admit that sometimes you have to pew pew just for the sake of pew pew.
Wolf .223 steel case
So with that in mind, remember that just because something isn’t the top of the line, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time. In the case of Wolf, if you’re looking for ammo that goes bang and won’t break the bank, look no further.
7. TulAmmo
Unless, of course, you’d rather pick up some TulAmmo. TulAmmo is made by Tula, a Russian arms company about three hours drive South of Moskow.
TulAmmo Logo
You Mosin Nagant fans probably recognize the name and yes, this is the company that made several bajillion Mosins for the Russian army. This company helped beat the Nazis.
100 Nazi Scalps, courtesy of Tula!
Today, their ammo is widely known as one of the better cheap and cheerful options when it comes to plinking rounds.
Until about a decade ago they actually made all of Wolf’s ammo, so they’re very similar but I’ve always had better luck with TulAmmo. Your mileage may very.
Tulammo
That said, both are good, both specialize in polymer-coated, steel-cased ammo in military calibers, neither are going to win any accuracy awards, and neither will cause you to spend very much money when you want to go shoot something.
Overall, don’t tear yourself up choosing between the two. Go with the cheaper option, that’s what you’re here for right?
8. Hornady
Hornadyis a name you’re probably already aware of, but we’re going to talk about them anyway just in case because holy crap they make good stuff.
Hornady Logo
Seriously, Hornady is far and away the best major manufacturer of premium ammo. There might be better stuff out there in some cases, but for sheer consistency and availability, Hornady takes the gold medal here.
If you’re looking for off-the-shelf ammo that can compete with hand loaded stuff, this is the place to start your search.
Hornady ELD Match 140gr 6.5 Creedmoor
Their ELD-M line of centerfire rifle ammo is particularly good and is a favorite around the office for testing long-range setups, especially in 6.5 CM, .308 Win, and other rifle cartridges in that class. They developed 6.5CM so it makes sense they’d do well with it.
(Insert Obligatory Creedmoor Meme)
Beyond that, Hornady makes some of the finest defensive munitions ever devised by man, with their Critical Defense and Critical Duty lines both being extremely popular with concealed carriers and police officers respectively.
Hornady Critical Defense 9mm, post-firing
9. Winchester
Winchesteris a legend in the gun world, and their ammo is a big part of that reputation. “Winchester white box” is the gold standard for a middle-of-the-road ammo offering almost anywhere you go.
Winchester Logo
They began making ammo back in 1873 and were one of the first companies to really bring together ammo and firearms manufacturing. They’re responsible for helping make firearms such an institution in America, particularly after the first World War.
Winchester White Box 7.62x39mm
Winchester makes their products in Alton, Illinois, and that includes their rifle, pistol, and shotgun offerings.
Besides their standard “white box” offerings that come in every common caliber you can imagine, plus several 12-gauge flavors as well, they have defensive ammo in their Silvertip line and they leaned into the law-enforcement market with the Active Duty line.
Winchester Active Duty 115gr 9mm
Rest assured, whatever ammo you need, you can find it in a Winchester box, and you can rest easy knowing you’re buying quality.
10. PMC
PMC ammunition is made by Poongsan Corporation (no I didn’t make that name up) in South Korea. They specialize in everything from small arms ammunition all the way up to artillery shells. In other words, if it goes boom, they know about it.
PMC Ammo Logo
The company has only been around since the late 60’s, but in that short time they’ve become one of the most prevalent manufacturers in the world.
Every piece of ammo they make is manufactured to the standard of South Korean and NATO allied militaries, so you know it’s good stuff. Not great, mind you, but no military ammo is going to win you accuracy medals.
Yee-up!
This is good, honest, hard-working, and dependable ammo. Very working class stuff here, and that’s why we love it.
They offer mostly centerfire rifle and pistol ammo, with an emphasis on military style FMJs. Not a lot of hunting options, but for ratting away for the apocalypse, or just general target practice, PMC is good stuff.
I’m going to end this list with one of my personal favorite ammo brands, Fiocchi.
Fiocchi Logo
Fiocchi is an Italian company that was founded in 1876 by Giulio Fiocchi, and the company is still in Fiocchi family hands, making it one of the oldest family businesses still operating. They are based out of Lecco, Italy and their products make their way around the world.
Fiocchi is a huge manufacturer, and they produce a genuinely staggering amount of ammo for all kinds of centerfire and rimfire firearms, but their big thing has always been shotgun shells.
Fiocchi Rubber Buckshot for less-lethal measures
Of course, it’s a lot easier to get a hunting shotgun in most European countries, so people tend to gravitate towards those over pistols and rifles, but still.
The company also makes handgun and rifle ammo, and like Prvi Partizan and others they make some interesting niche cartridges like the historic .455 Webley and .303 British.
Oh, and to make things even better, even though it’s an Italian company, over 3/4ths of the ammo sold under the Fiocchi name in the US is manufactured by American workers in Missouri.
There are a number of great ammo brands out there, and hopefully, now you have a better idea of the ones that best suit your individual needs. No matter your intended purpose or budget, there’s a huge variety of manufacturers making great ammo you can use.
Empty trays? Time to buy more!
There’s really never been a better time to be buying factory ammo because we, as shooters, have a broader selection of quality ammo than ever before.
I hope if you were overwhelmed by the sheer amount of ammo manufacturers, or just wanted to know what was worth picking up at the store to try, maybe now you’ll have a better idea the next time you’re staring at the wall of cartridge boxes wondering what to spend your hard-earned dollar on.
G20 and plenty of ammo
What’s your favorite ammo brand? Do you have another go-to option that we didn’t include on this list? Want more links of in-stock ammo and the places to get them…check out Best Places to Buy Ammo Online!
