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The Technology of the Firearm and its Unchanging Nature
By:
Jesse Mathewson
When it comes to discussions surrounding technology, people tend to gravitate to circuits and wires and fail to consider other applications. One of my chief pursuits for the past couple of decades has been all that surrounds firearms. And the one thing I have learned with firearms is that if it works for you, don’t fix it.  As an instructor, it is important that I remember the platform does not matter as long as it functions and the person can work with it accurately and reliably. Reliability is not a matter of opinion; the standard for tests of reliability are quite simple. A carry handgun should be able to cycle and accurately shoot 250-500 rounds of your chosen carry ammunition at ranges between 3 and 25 yards. This should be accomplished without single failure, cleaning, or issue, regardless reason believed to have occurred. A carry carbine should be able to do the same with the exception being distances, preferably 25-300 yards. Accuracy is also extremely important and is reliant almost completely on the person shooting, and to a small part on the platform. This is where training comes in and no amount of additional tools or special tactical accessories will make you a better shooter. When looking for a instructor, don’t look for the guy or gal that looks coolest; look for results. Go to your local IDPA (The International Defensive Pistol Association) or steel challenge matches and watch two or three in action. Look for the person who is balanced and flows effortlessly through the match. Odds are this person will not always win, however, they wont be far behind. This is the person you want to approach, and do so with an open mind and ears. Listen, learn and practice. Firearms themselves are really just variations on a few simple principles. Combustion, compression, and expulsion. Gunpowder, the basic component, is composed of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate. Modern gunpowders have varying burn rates and abilities based on the size of the cartridge case holding it and the density of the blocks or flakes it is compressed into. The firearm is essentially a holder for the cartridge, which holds the powder and the bullet. While there are thousands of variations on the size, shape and characteristics of each firearm, they are still just bullet slinging devices. This technology will fundamentally change until what is used as a projectile and propellant changes. What has changed over the years are sizes of cartridges, bullet types and as a result the size, weight and inherent accuracy of the machine holding these components, otherwise known as the firearm. Some of these tools known as firearms are capable of shooting many rounds one after the other with only one triggering movement by the human in control. These are machine guns or assault weapons and while they seem to be quite dangerous, the reality is that in the hands of even capable individuals, these are generally not as easy to use as a good semi-automatic firearm. The standard tool available for civilian use without special permits or licenses are either single shot weapons that must be reloaded between shots, or semi-automatic firearms that can discharge a bullet with each depression of the trigger. With the exception of either double barreled shotguns or single shot handguns and rifles, all firearms are some form of semi-automatic in function. Even revolvers are technically semi-automatic in function; they fire a round for every complete press of the trigger. Where firearms really differ is in their cartridge capacity as well as reliability and accuracy.
As anarchists, freedom seekers, or liberty-minded individuals, it is necessary to promote the proper education and usage of firearms among those around us - especially our children. Some may disagree, however, since there is no state that is without its potential for violence as a result of war or mandate, and I would suggest learning to use firearms properly and procuring some for yourself. With proper care and storage, you can easily pass down quality firearms to your children and so on along with the ammunition that should be gathered in sufficient quantities for use. Proper storage of ammunition should include the following, and if you do this you can easily expect to have ammunition available for decades after the time you purchased it:
Firearms should be stored soaked in grease or damp with oil and wrapped initially in Mylar gun bags that allow you to remove air, than place them in stainless steel or heavy plastic containers. Ammunition can be stored loosely in small watertight steel surplus ammunition cases with a couple ounces of desiccants mixed in with it. You can also store it in its original packaging, but just make sure that it is not damaged or that it has been wet at some time. I prefer to store loose if possible simply because I can clean and dry the ammunition before storage. After storing it, make sure you label it properly with long lasting label markers or engravers. Lastly, you can place all of these protected components of the firearm, magazines, ammunition and minor tools as well as spare springs etc., inside of a large container made for that purpose, or made from parts purchased at your local hardware store. The end result is that even with advances in technology, a firearm is a significant advancement from bow and arrows, spears and swords. It pays to be ready and willing to learn to ensure one becomes capable of passing on proper life saving information to their children. The use of firearms is a martial art, and it can be used to feed you and your family or defend the same. What are you doing to ensure you stay safe? Free the mind and the body will follow Jesse Mathewson is the author of the popular blog, jessetalksback.com and provides commentary to many varied places based on a background that includes education in criminal justice, history, religion and even insurgency tactics and tactical training. He is also co-host of the Outright Arizona Podcast. His current role in his community is as an organizer of sorts and a preacher of community solidarity. As a voluntaryist and atheist his life is seen as crazy and wild by many, though once they get to know him most realize he is a bluntly honest individual who will give you the shirt off his back if he believes it is necessary to help you.
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