Tim McCoy's Visual Blog | Photography | Design | Life
The SIG…
Chicago has been my home for quite some time, but I’m originally from Arkansas. When I purchased a handgun there, it was simple. I filled out a sheet and paid cash for it. I walked in and out with a gun in 15 minutes. When I think about it today, I find that a little frightening. The process takes longer here in Chicago. You need to apply for a FOID card (Firearm Owners Identification). That takes up to two weeks to receive, if you pass the background check. Before issuing a FOID card, the Illinois State Police runs the name through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), an electronic database maintained by the FBI. The card looks and feels similar to a driver’s or State license. This gives you the opportunity to go to shooting ranges and practice with a rented firearm, along with one person who may not have one. This also allows you to purchase a firearm. Now purchasing one is another matter. You have to wait three days from the time you purchase one, which you can only do in the suburbs (outside of Cook County). A background check goes through NICS. If the instant check goes through a denial, there’s then 3 more days until a final reason is given. If nothing is verified, then you can proceed with the gun purchase.
I own a Sig Sauer P320 Carry. It’s a modular handgun that can be converted to a 9mm, .40 or .45, full, compact, or carry. Even the grips can be changed out depending on the size of your hand. When regularly visiting firing ranges, there are many other things to keep in mind. Without a concealed carry license, (which costs upwards of $500 to obtain here) you have to be extremely responsible and careful when traveling to the range. I have NEVER loaded a gun unless I was absolutely about to fire it at a range. Don’t. Fuck. Around. With. Guns. Period. It is NOT a toy.
Serialized Stainless Steel Frame: Unique design gives you the freedom to change calibers, sizes and fit, quickly and easily.
Exceptional Trigger: A smooth, crisp trigger pull and short tactile reset deliver heightened accuracy.
Striker-Fired Operating System
SIGLITE® Night Sights or Contrast Sights Available
Striker Safety: Prevents the striker from releasing unless the trigger is pulled.
Disconnect Safety: Prevents the pistol from firing out of battery.
3-Point Takedown Safety
Must remove magazine
Must lock slide to rear
Rotate take-down lever for disassembly without tools or trigger manipulation
It’s extremely comfortable and the polymer grip is nice and light.
No safety latch on this model.
Sleek and simple.
Night Sights on the P320. They are filled with Tritium, which is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen with a life span of 12.32 years.
Railing, for a laser (illegal in Chicago) or a light.
The serialized stainless steel frame is a unique design that gives the freedom to change calibers, sizes and fit.
17-round mags. It’s more fun to shoot at the range with enough loaded magazines.
This is the Maglula UpLULA Pistol Magazine Loader. Makes it a ton easier and faster to load a mag.
This is the Maglula UpLULA Pistol Magazine Loader. Makes it a ton easier and faster to load a mag.
Critical Defense, rounds (or cartridges). NOT ‘bullets’ people. These are used for defense and are more expensive than other rounds. Most law enforcement uses these.
My shooting range brands of choice. Please stop calling them bullets. They are called ’rounds’ or ‘cartridges’.
Rounds or cartridges, not “bullets”.
The Sig Sauer P320 with range bag.
The range bag from Osage River. The best option and it’s only $50 on Amazon.
Loaded magazines in my range bag. Don’t call them clips. They are magazines.
These range glasses are inexpensive and comfortable. I’m not big on spending a lot of money on eyewear, as they usually are more prone to breakage.
Mechanix M-Pact Covert, Impact Tactical Gloves
“Minimize damaging, concussive sound with the Howard Leight Impact Sport Black Earmuffs. Air Flow Control™ optimizes airflow for the highest possible level of sound reduction. Built-in directional microphones amplify range commands and other ambient sounds to a safe 82dB level, making communication a breeze. When ambient volumes reach levels above 82dB, Impact Sport Earmuffs block out sounds with a noise reduction rating of 22dB.. Foldable design makes for easy storage. Minimal energy consumption provides long-lasting performance and an automatic shut-off kicks in at four hours. Connects to media players. Runs on two AAA batteries.”
“Minimize damaging, concussive sound with the Howard Leight Impact Sport Black Earmuffs. Air Flow Control™ optimizes airflow for the highest possible level of sound reduction. Built-in directional microphones amplify range commands and other ambient sounds to a safe 82dB level, making communication a breeze. When ambient volumes reach levels above 82dB, Impact Sport Earmuffs block out sounds with a noise reduction rating of 22dB.. Foldable design makes for easy storage. Minimal energy consumption provides long-lasting performance and an automatic shut-off kicks in at four hours. Connects to media players. Runs on two AAA batteries.”
I decided to pick up my own earmuffs. “Minimize damaging, concussive sound with the Howard Leight Impact Sport Black Earmuffs. Air Flow Control™ optimizes airflow for the highest possible level of sound reduction. Built-in directional microphones amplify range commands and other ambient sounds to a safe 82dB level, making communication a breeze. When ambient volumes reach levels above 82dB, Impact Sport Earmuffs block out sounds with a noise reduction rating of 22dB.. Foldable design makes for easy storage. Minimal energy consumption provides long-lasting performance and an automatic shut-off kicks in at four hours. Connects to media players. Runs on two AAA batteries.”
Cleaning your gun is necessary. Don’t neglect it. The green object that looks like a shoe string is a bore snake. It makes it easier to clean out the barrel.
