15Sept05

Colt's new NRM

Colt is now making and marketing the NRM, or "New Rollmark" or "New Series 70" 1911 pistols. Colt is still offering their current "Series 80" 1911s also. The new Series 70 pistols, designed to directly compete with the Kim ber Warrior and the new Detonics 1911s, are sold as a "Custom Shop" item, signifying nothing, except that they apparently now consider themselves jus tified in turning out guns with no trigger-activated or grip-safety (Swartz) firing-p in block.

As with S&W, we all wish Colt would reclaim some of their proud heritage an d rebound as a serious competitor for Glock and SIG, but their labor problems

(Teamsters) probably nix any possibility of that.

/John

15Sept05

On Leupold Scopes, from one of our instructors:

"I have a Leupold (M8 2.5X IER) Scout Scope, forward-mounted on my M1A. After our last course, I noticed the reticule (coarse cross-hairs) was brok en. The wires had come loose.

I got on the phone with Leupold. Their agent was sharp and knowledgeable and admitted that they had a reticule breakage problem with the early vers ion of the Scout Scope, which I had. The issue is not recoil but the way the reticule is mounted in the tube. Tightening the rear mounting ring can cau se the reticule to break. Fortunately, they have a upgrade that fixes this problem.

He said they would happily upgrade the scope and install a reticule style o f my choice, all at no charge. They have it as I write this. I don't know i f my experience is typical, but for Leupold to own up to the problem and then

fix it promptly at to cost to me is great customer service."

Comment: Leupold is our best domestic scope maker, and the customer service

described above is typical. They deserve credit for making a sound product

and for taking care of their customers.

/John

15Sept05

On Tape Loops, from a student:

"I want to tell you about a recent experience that illustrates the effectiveness of a well-rehearsed 'tape loop.' My wife and I were in Atlanta two weekends ago for a Convention at the downtown Hyatt. Like many big towns, Atlanta has 'anti-begging' laws, but they are largely unenfo rced.

Sure enough, we were approached by a local sleaze who tried the old, =80 Hey mister; can you help me?' ruse. I was ready for it, and, halfway th rough his sentence, I interrupted, raised my left hand in a half-wave/half-dismissive

chop and said politely, but firmly, and in a clear voice, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear, 'Sorry sir; we can't help you.' We continued walking without so much as dragging a foot.

It was as if he walked into an invisible wall! He turned to his right and drifted aimlessly away without another word. Fortunately, my tone left no doubt in his mind that he had selected his 'victim' most unw isely!

Your tip on memorizing and rehearsing short phrases came in handy that evening, and this was the first opportunity I've had to use it. It worked! "

Comment: Successful disengagement can usually be accomplished via posture and firm verbalizations, but you must be practiced and have your "ta pe-loops" ready to go!

/John