Gather Milkweed Pods this Fall to Support Migrating Monarchs

Gathering milkweed seeds now helps support future populations of monarch butterflies.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – As fall approaches, eastern monarch butterflies are migrating through Ohio on their way to overwintering sites in Mexico, and milkweed seed pods are ready to be picked, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Monarchs travel between 50 and 100 miles per day on a journey that may cover several thousand miles in total. By gathering dried milkweed pods this fall and planting the seeds, you can support next year’s monarchs.

Various species of milkweed are the sole host plants for monarch caterpillars. Each spring, eastern monarchs lay eggs on milkweed as they migrate north from Mexico. After several generations, monarchs reach their northernmost range in southern Canada. By the fall, a super-generation migrates all the way to southern overwintering sites.

Migrating monarchs rely on adequate food resources along their journey. Native flowers provide monarchs with the fuel needed to reach overwintering areas. Look for monarchs in the coming weeks in forests, fields, gardens, and waterways as they migrate through Ohio. Migrants may travel individually or in groups.

Monarch butterflies are in decline across their range, as are many other pollinating insects, because of the loss of prairie and grassland habitat. One of the most important ways to help declining butterflies and other pollinating insects is by conserving tracts of unmown grasslands. The Division of Wildlife manages habitat on many of Ohio’s state wildlife areas to provide these grasslands that provide nectar-producing plants.

All Ohioans can play a role in supporting monarchs by planting milkweed. Read more

Wildlife

CCRKBA Rips Newsom’s “Gun Control” Constitutional Convention Plan

BELLEVUE, WA – Passage by California lawmakers of anti-gun Democrat Gov. Newsom’s call for a constitutional convention to push a 28th Amendment dictating gun control measures is a horrible move which should be rejected by all other states, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms says.

Newsom’s proposal, announced earlier in the summer and explained by the Los Angeles Times, would mandate “universal background checks” on all firearm purchases, raise the minimum age to purchase firearms to 21 years, create a “reasonable waiting period” on gun purchases and ban the sale of modern semiautomatic firearms—the so-called “assault weapons” anti-gunners despise—in a package that would essentially destroy the Second Amendment, which has been their goal for decades.

“Gavin Newsom’s proposal would effectively turn the right to keep and bear arms into a government-regulated privilege,” CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb stressed. “As we just witnessed in New Mexico, an anti-gun-rights governor could use such a constitutional amendment to effectively disarm the citizenry as a ‘public health emergency’ without any recourse of legal challenge. We’re actually very fortunate that New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham attempted such an outrageous infringement on Second Amendment rights, just so the nation could see how extreme she, Newsom and other like-minded politicians would become if they could legally get away with it.

“Newsom and his ilk are pushing this scheme under the guise of ‘gun safety,’ when we all know better,” he continued. “This is a poorly disguised attempt to nullify the right to keep and bear arms and underscores the need for every gun owner in America to tell their state lawmakers to oppose Newsom’s resolution. This is nothing more than an effort to fool the people into surrendering their gun rights, which have been protected for more than two centuries, and recently affirmed and reinforced by three consecutive Supreme Court rulings. Read more

Gun Control

Streamlight Introduces Speedlocker Portable Locking Storage Container

Securely Stores Valuables; Patented Mechanical Keypad Provides Quick Access

Eagleville, PA – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, launched the new SpeedLocker®, a portable storage container with a secure, non-electronic keypad locking system that provides fast, one-handed direct access to valuable items at home or on the go without the need for batteries or a power source.

Measuring 12.4 inches long, 8.2 inches wide and 2.78 inches high, the lightweight container is designed to carry a variety of items that require safe, secure storage, including various compact firearm models. The container’s foam insert helps to protect and secure stored items.

“Streamlight developed this portable storage container to help ensure that customers’ personal items are protected and out of reach from unauthorized persons, while still providing fast, one-handed access,” said Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight’s Chief Revenue Officer. “It securely stores personal items, such as a wallet, car keys, travel documents, or compact pistols.”

The SpeedLocker’s patented mechanical keypad provides for 31 lock combinations, and comes with an Allen key to change the combination.The container is air-travel suitable when used with the supplied padlock. It also comes with a front name plate that can be personalized for ownership identification. Read more

General

Streamlight Launches the Ultra-Compact EDC Wedge XT

 

Slim, High-Performance Light Designed for Easy Pocket Carry, One-Handed Use

Eagleville, PA – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, launched the USB-C rechargeable Wedge® XT, the latest in its line of high-performance everyday carry (EDC) lights. Delivering up to 500 lumens for two hours on high, and measuring just 4.25 inches, the new light features a flat, low-profile design that allows for concealed carry in either pocket, and a tactical push-button tail switch for easy, one-handed use.

“Like the popular Wedge® EDC light, the unique, ergonomic design of the Wedge XT makes it the perfect concealed carry light for patrol duty, tactical manuevers, and automotive, industrial, or DIY uses,” said Michael F. Dineen, Streamight’s Chief Revenue Officer. “It’s also perfect for outdoor uses, including hunting, camping, boating, or just about any activity where you need a dependable light on hand for instant, bright illumination.”

The new light features an intuitive tail switch that provides tactile control over the light’s momentary or constant-on operation. A Five-Tap™ lockout feature of the switch also prevents the light from turning on inside a pocket or bag. A handy deep-pocket clip secures the light to any pocket or other places for easy access.

The Wedge XT uses power LED technology to provide two output levels: On High, it offers 500 lumens, 1,900 candela, an 87-meter beam distance and a run time of two hours. The Low setting provides 50 lumens, 200 candela, a 28-meter beam distance and a run time of 11 hours. A TEN-TAP® programmable switch allows users to select from two different programs: high/low or low/high. Read more

Optics

Invasive spotted lanternfly: See it. Squish it. Report it.

Now is the prime time to be on the lookout for the invasive spotted lanternfly! Late summer to early fall is the most likely season to spot the colorful planthoppers, and the departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development are urging Michiganders to report any potential sightings of these destructive invasive pests.

“We’ve heard reports of spotted lanternflies swarming New York City and covering beaches on the Jersey Shore. We’d like to prevent similar scenarios in Michigan,” said Rob Miller, MDARD’s invasive species prevention and response specialist. “Everyone can help by looking for spotted lanternfly and reporting suspected sightings.”

The spotted lanternfly spreads to new locations by hitchhiking or laying eggs on vehicles and equipment that have traveled through infested areas. If you are returning from out of state, it’s important to look for and destroy spotted lanternfly insects and egg masses that may be hiding on cars, trailers, firewood, camping gear or anything that’s been outside.

The Michigan Invasive Species Program’s new campaign – “See it. Squish it. Report it.” – reminds Michiganders and visitors of the simple steps they can take to prevent new introductions of spotted lanternflies in the state. Read more

Wildlife

Register Now for AKIT’s Annual Free to Carry Auction

Proceeds will help fund federal legislation advocacy

CODY, WY – We’re just days away from the start of the American Knife and Tool Institute’s (AKTI) annual fundraiser – the Free to Carry online auction Sept. 22-24, 2023. It’s time for bidders to register for the auction and look at the vast array of items being auctioned off this weekend.

Among the items in this year’s auction is a gorgeous folding knife custom-made by Ken Steigerwalt from Pennsylvania. There’s also a one-of-a-kind W.R. Case & Sons prototype Trapper, lots of hunting gear, and a collection of commemorative knives celebrating 25 years of AKTI’s work as the leading advocate for the knife industry and knife users.

Free to Carry is AKTI’s vital fundraiser. Proceeds from the 2023 event will help fund the organization’s push for a bipartisan passage of the federal Interstate Transport Act, critical legislation designed to protect those who travel across different states with knives.

Several leading brands in the knife industry have generously contributed as sponsors to AKTI’s 25th anniversary year. They are American Outdoor Brands, Buck, CRKT, Fox Cutlery, Gerber, Leatherman, Spyderco, and W.R. Case. Additionally, The Evans Group and Lanksy Sharpeners have signed on as Free to Carry Sponsors.

Additional information can be found at www.akti.org or by clicking on this link to the auction site. Read more

Contests

SEVR Fall Sale

Gear up for hunting season with great deals on the full SEVR lineup of broadheads. Archers can take advantage of some of the best pricing of the year during the SEVR FALL SALE that is going now for a limited time.

SEVR’s exciting 2023 broadhead line-up features the all-new Ti 1.75—a perfect fusion of cut diameter and penetrating blade angle. SEVR offers three blade diameter: 2.0 inches, 1.75 inches, and 1.5 inches. The titanium 2.0” option optimizes cutting efficiency for improved blood trails, while the 1.5” employs the same fundamental design but incorporates a blade configuration tailored for hunters seeking enhanced penetration and for larger game animals. The steel Robusto™ 2.0, weighing an FOC-boosting 150 grains, offers heightened accuracy and momentum.

For a limited time, SEVR is running their full line of broadheads at some of the best prices of the season—Visit sevrbroadheads.com today.

Archery

ZeroTech Optics Introduces the Thrive HD Micro Reflex Optic

Nashville, TN – ZeroTech Optics, a leader in optical innovation, proudly unveils its latest masterpiece – the Thrive HD Micro Reflex Optic (THDM21). This state-of-the-art addition to the ZeroTech range is not just another optic; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to reliability, durability, and cutting-edge technology.

At the heart of the Thrive HD Compact Reflex sight is the advanced shake awake technology. This ensures that the optic is always ready on demand, eliminating the need for manual activation. Whether you’re in a high-pressure situation or simply out for a leisurely day at the range, the Thrive HD ensures it’s always ready to go when you are.

One of the standout features of the Thrive HD is its unparalleled durability. Designed to withstand the harshest conditions, this optic is recoil proof, waterproof, and fog-proof. Whether you’re in torrential rain, dense fog, or rough terrains, the Thrive HD promises unwavering performance.

Built on the RMSc footprint, the Thrive HD Micro Reflex seamlessly mounts to all RMSc compatible firearms and mount interfaces. This ensures that users have a wide range of compatibility options, further emphasizing the optic’s versatility.

Key Features Include: Read more

Optics

Garmin tactix 7 AMOLED Edition

Garmin announced the tactix 7 AMOLED Edition. Featuring an easy-to-read adaptive AMOLED display with both traditional button controls and touchscreen, the newest tactix 7 provides dedicated tactical, training and performance features, wrist-based navigation, and comprehensive health and wellness monitoring. With the new night vision compatible flashlight and up to 31 days of battery life, this high-performance smartwatch will be ready for service even on the darkest night.

Garmin unveils tactix 7 AMOLED Edition: Mission-ready in the brightest day or darkest night

Modern tactical watch features new adaptive screen, optimized heart rate sensor,

and dimmable green flashlight with night vision compatibility

 

OLATHE, Kan. – Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced the tactix® 7 AMOLED Edition, the newest addition to the tactix 7 lineup. Featuring an easy-to-read adaptive AMOLED display with both traditional button controls and touchscreen, the newest tactix 7 provides dedicated tactical, training and performance features, wrist-based navigation, and comprehensive health and wellness monitoring. Thanks to the new night vision compatible flashlight and up to 31 days of battery life, this high-performance smartwatch will be ready for service even on the darkest night. Read more

General

The Genius of the Modular AR 15

By Raul Mas

The Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR), most of which are based on the AR-15 design, has become the most popular long gun in America today.  A recent report <https://www.nssf.org/articles/commonly-owned-nssf-announces-over-24-million-msrs-in-circulation/?hilite=MSRS> from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) suggests that almost 25 million of these firearms have been produced or imported into the United States since 1990.

Despite media efforts to brand them as “assault rifles” and “weapons of war”, most gun owners know that the MSR is simply today’s version of semi-automatic rifle technology dating back to the turn of the 20th century and Remington’s introduction of the Autoloading Repeating Rifle.  First introduced in 1906, the gun was later renamed the Model 8 <https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/the-remington-model-8-a-look-back/> in 1911 and it became a commercial success; despite stiff competition from popular lever action designs that had “won the West” and the Winchester Model 54 bolt action rifle introduced in 1924.  Semi-autos became increasingly popular after World War II as surplus M-1 Garand rifles and M-1 carbines began making their way onto target ranges and hunting fields.  By 1964, the Colt AR-15 rifle also made its commercial debut:

The civilian semi-auto AR-15 made its commercial debut in 1964. Here’s an early Colt advertisement.
One main reason for the popularity of the AR-15 is its modular design.  They are easy to take apart, customize or even build from scratch using component parts. As a result, an enormous aftermarket of AR-15 parts including barrels, fire control parts, bolt carriers, upper receivers, buffers, and other parts are now readily available to build on a lower receiver purchased through a federal firearms licensed dealer.

While the internet is full of AR-15 videos and information, a lot of it is missing the detailed knowledge necessary to properly inspect, measure, gauge and assemble your parts into a safe and reliable rifle.  By safe and reliable, I mean one that is chambered and headspaced correctly, where the gas system is neither overgassed or undergassed, where the parts are torqued to the correct specifications using the proper tools and torque values, and with the appropriate lubricants or sealants.  In addition, the rifle must feed factory ammo correctly with G.I. issued M4 magazines or quality commercial magazines.  Finally, the receiver extension components should produce reliable cycling, including the appropriately timed extraction and ejection of the spent cartridge cases. Read more

Firearms
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