Odds ‘n Sods:

Most of New Orleans still without power; patience ‘wearing thin’. (Thanks to G.G. for the link.)

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I will be a guest speaker (via teleconference) at CharlottePrepCon, on September 8th.

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F.G. sent this: Guns in America, a Statistical Look. The article mentions that there are more than 129,817 federally licensed firearms dealers in the United States, compared to 36,569 grocery stores. F.G.’s comment: “Is this a great country, or what?”

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To round out our family battery here at the Rawles Ranch, I’m looking to purchase an antique Swiss 7.5mm Model 1896/11 Schmidt-Rubin straight-pull rifle from a fellow private party. Must have a nice bore and be in very good mechanical condition. Model 1896/11 rifles with serial numbers under 236,500 are Federally exempt antiques. I am ONLY looking for a Model 1896/11 arsenal conversion in the antique serial number range–not any other model. I might consider a sporterized Model 1896/11 if it was nicely done and it is priced right. Oh, and I’m also in need of 10 to 20 original brown cardboard stripper clips (“chargers”) for Swiss 7.5mm Schmidt-Rubin rifles. Please e-mail me if you have any of those available.

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Reader R.P.C. mentioned this: Three charged in $200,000 Pennsylvania. home invasion slaying. R.P.C.’s comments: “The local news is reporting that these men knew of the $200,000, and the cash in his safe was the target. I think that it speaks to the value and need for vigilant OPSEC. My other thought on the matter is that he was armed and used deadly force attempting to defend himself. Had he more practice, better access (ready on his hip, multiple firearms strategically placed, et cetera), or a firearm designed for defensive purposes he may have even survived the attack. What is interesting is that in the end he had the last laugh. The invader he shot was forced to seek medical attention, and that is how these three criminals were caught.”