Gun Maintenance: Extractors Do Need Periodic Cleaning

You may recall I replaced my first extractor with an Aftec when I was blindly searching for reliability. Now, of course, I know you need to clean the extractor channel periodically, but taking the Aftec extractor out is a pain in the ass. So, if you're like me, it doesn't happen as often as I would like. I figured maybe one good clean a year would suffice. Turns out fate has a way of slapping your ears.

Recently I've experienced two bad jams, which appeared to be extraction related. So I decided I better clean and tune my extractor, as it is the most logical place to start. Now, because I don't clean my Aftec often enough, I always have to reinvent the wheel, namely relearn how to remove and reinsert the thing. YouTube helps enormously.

Once I had the extractor out, I checked the hood and the springs. They were fine. I always carry spares anyway, just in case. Next was to use earbuds, to clean the extractor channel. Well it was a tight fit. I didn't recall it being that tight. So I applied a little bit of elbow grease, then suddenly a large piece of black crud popped out of the front end. Holy crap, I was surprised anything was even working. So I set about completing my thorough clean, and reassembled the gun. I then checked the extractor for alignment and grip. All seems good. Note to self: I must really do this more often.

IPSC: The Nubilous World of Target Arrays

It's always been a murky subject, coming up with target arrays that are acceptable to IPSC. For example, the target below does seem to be impractical, however those that have had to find innovative ways to present targets indoors, find that it is a great space saver, and is easy to score.

I'm not arguing for the use of any particular target arrays, simply that it has always been a murky field, where you usually only find out after the fact that an array wasn't acceptable. Well, no longer.

As of July 2013, IPSC has issued a 13 page document entitled "IPSC Target Array Handbook - June 2013", which gives you clear guidelines as to what is an acceptable array. This is certainly a handy addition to any MD or RM's toolbox. For my USPSA readers, please note these arrays do not apply to you.,

USPSA: 2013 Utah State Championship

I spent the last weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, competing in the USPSA State Championship. Some of you might wonder why, given that it is one helluva trip from Canada. Well, there are many reasons. I like the style of matches, I like the people, it's very affordable and, besides, I won my class the previous year.

This year I happened to be squadded with Christopher and Leighton Oosthuisen, who also happen to have a South African connection. Okay, it wasn't serendipitous. I had witnessed these two compete at the USPSA Area 1 Championship, when I was working as a match official, and when I saw that I could be squadded with them, I took the opportunity. I didn't regret it.

The match was it's usual style; fast, high round count, plenty of steel. I was amazed at how much better I shot, simply because I had a few hard charging competitors on the squad. I ended up achieving 80% of the winning performance, and winning my class again. Check out my video below.

   

While you're at it, also check out the match video of the Open Division Utah State Champion, Christopher Oosthuisen. Enjoy.