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Making an obsolete cartridge case on a lathe
The S&W Model 15 revolver that remains in service, largely as a K9 training tool, can trace its lineage all the way back to the S&W .38 Military and Police Model first issued to service members back in 1899. Now, some 122 years later, this tried and true revolver is finally headed out to pasture in favor of the Defense Department’s new pistol du jour, the Sig Sauer M17 and M18 series. The last remaining Model 15 revolvers in service will likely fire their final rounds by this coming summer, ending an era.
Revolvers are a different kind of cool. The classic sixgun may never be as efficient as an automatic pistol, but it’s tough to argue that they don’t carry a certain mystique. Revolvers have had a place in national militaries for over 200 years, starting with the Colt Dragoon. They were largely phased out of service with the adoption of the M1911, but a shortage of viable service pistols during both World Wars kept these contraptions in the hands of GI’s throughout. Believe it or not, the military has kept a single revolver in its arsenal until, well, very recently.
The Air Force’s Model 15 revolver has served honorably since 1956, and the gun can trace its lineage back to 1899.
Related: The strangest Spec-Ops firearms in SOCOM’s armory
The History of the Model 15
Let’s go back in time, and I mean, let’s start at the M15 and walk backward with it. The M15 was originally known as the K-38 Combat Masterpiece. In fact, the gun wore the K-38 moniker when it saw adoption by the Strategic Air Command Elite Guard of the United States Air Force. This wasn’t an Air Force wide purchase, but for a specific unit who apparently liked a revolver more than the M1911, the K-38 became their piece of preference. I can’t find clear evidence of why, but my assumption would be that the Air Force was likely having a tough time getting M1911s in a post-WW2 and Korean War world.
Why a Revolver?
Smith and Wesson had the K-38 as a COTS, or commercial off the shelf, product. While specialized hardware is great for the warfighter, COTS makes adoption easy. The K-38 gained its name from the medium frame that S&W designated as a K frame, and 38, which stood for the .38 Special caliber round it used. The K-38 then became the M15 when Smith and Wesson moved to number designations entirely.
Let’s keep walking back further. The K-38 Combat Masterpiece descended from the K-38 Target Masterpiece by trimming the barrel and changing the front sight. The K-38 Target Masterpiece became the Model 14, but it’s directly descended from the Smith and Wesson Model 10. The Target Masterpiece added a long six-inch barrel, a slight rib for a level sight plane, a Patridge front sight and a micrometer adjustable rear sight, with a short-throw hammer and an adjustable trigger.
Related: The 5 worst service weapons the US ever issued its troops
Roots in World War II
The K-38 Target Masterpiece’s legacy comes from the famed Model 10. The Model 10 is the classic .38 Special revolver. This six-shot, double-action / single-action design utilized a swing open cylinder and an exposed hammer. The Model 10 premiered after World War 2 and descended from the Victory Model.
The Victory Model by Smith and Wesson was produced from 1942 to 1944. The serial numbers had a V prefix. After a half million of these guns were produced and distributed under lend/lease programs during World War 2. Another 350,000 were produced for use by the United States during WW2.
A really long name
Before the V prefix and the Victory model designation, we had the S&W .38 Military and Police Model. The M&P 38 Special traces its lineage all the way back to 1899. The Army and Navy ordered three thousand S&W .38 Hand Ejector Models that year, chambered in .38 Long Colt. Smith and Wesson cashed in on some easy marketing after this order and renamed the pistol to the Military and Police model.
The 38 Long Colt tended to be anemic, so S&W developed the .38 S&W Special, aka the .38 Special. Over time the Military and Police model had various changes and improvements. So, the famed Model 15 that is still in some armories today descended directly from a revolver that was first fielded in 1899.
Related: Molotov Cocktail: The world’s most prevalent firebomb
Why the Model 15 revolved has stuck around so long
It worked, and Air Force security forces acted as police officers and worked in rather safe areas. The old M15 revolvers worked well, and they stuck around long after the adoption of the M1911. The M15 served with the U.S. Air Force police from 1962 up until 1992, when the Beretta M9 saw widespread adoption.
1992 is a long way from 2021, however, so why is it still in Air Force Armories? Well, it ties back to the Air Force’s Military Working Dog training program. This program trains K9s and the M15s are used with blanks to accustom the dogs to the sound of gunfire. There Beretta pistols did not have a blank firing adapter, and revolvers simply didn’t need them.
The M15 revolver was an easy choice and a smart financial one. Why replace what works? Well, since these guns have been issued longer than my Dad’s been alive, they are likely getting worn out. Even this long-serving revolver will eventually stop training K9s and have to go the way of Old Yeller itself.
Related: Why the M1 Carbine became an American legend
What’s Replacing the Model 15?
The SIG M17 and M18 series will replace or are in the process of replacing the M15 revolvers across the Air Force. Unlike the M9, these guns will have a blank firing system and will cycle blanks for training purposes. The adoption of the SIG M17 and M18 series will not be complete until August 2022. I doubt there is a huge rush to arm the K9 school, so it’s likely some Model 15s are still in use, or at least still in armories, and may be well into the coming year.
It’s fascinating that the Model 15 stuck around so long and that the design traces its lineage back to the service revolvers of 1899. Has anyone in the comments ever handle an M15 in service? Let us know what you think about it.
A List Of 33 Things We Know About The Coming Food Shortages
Authored by Michael Snyder via The Economic Collapse blog,
Things are far worse than you are being told. Over the past few months, I have been carefully documenting facts that show that global food production is going to be way down in 2022. Unfortunately, most people out there don’t seem to understand that the food that isn’t being grown in 2022 won’t be on our store shelves in 2023. We are potentially facing an absolutely unprecedented worldwide food crisis next year, but the vast majority of the population doesn’t seem very alarmed about this. So I would encourage you to help me get this warning out by sharing this list with as many people as you possibly can. As you will see below, we now have so many data points that it is impossible to deny what is coming.
The following is a list of 33 things we know about the coming food shortages…
#1 The hard red winter wheat crop in the United States this year “was the smallest since 1963”. But in 1963, there were only 182 million people living in this nation. Today, our population has grown to 329 million.
#2 It is being projected that the rice harvest in California will be “half what it would be in a normal year”.
#3 The U.S. tomato harvest will come in at just 10.5 million tons in 2022. That is over a million tons lower than a normal year.
#4 This will be the worst U.S. corn harvest in at least a decade.
#5 Year-to-date shipments of carrots in the United States are down 45 percent.
#6 Year-to-date shipments of sweet corn in the United States are down 20 percent.
#7 Year-to-date shipments of sweet potatoes in the United States are down 13 percent.
#8 Year-to-date shipments of celery in the United States are down 11 percent.
#9 Total peach production in the U.S. is down 15 percent from last year.
#10 Almost three-fourths of all U.S. farmers say that this year’s drought is hurting their harvests.
#11 Thanks to the endless drought, the total number of cattle in Oregon is down 41 percent.
#12 Thanks to the endless drought, the total number of cattle in New Mexico is down 43 percent.
#13 Thanks to the endless drought, the total number of cattle in Texas is down 50 percent.
#14 One beef producer in Oklahoma is now predicting that ground beef “could eventually top $50 per pound”.
#15 At least 40 percent of the United States has been suffering from drought conditions for 101 consecutive weeks.
#16 Overall, this is the worst multi-year megadrought in the United States in 1,200 years.
#17 Europe is currently experiencing the worst drought that it has seen in 500 years. In some parts of central Europe, river levels have fallen so low that “hunger stones” are being revealed for the first time in centuries.
#18 Corn production for the entire EU could be down by as much as one-fifth in 2022.
#19 We are being warned that there will be crop losses in France of up to 35 percent.
#20 It is being projected that crop losses in some areas of the UK could be as high as 50 percent.
#21 It is being reported that there will be crop losses “of up to 50 percent” in some parts of Germany.
#22 Some farmers in Italy have already lost “up to 80% of their harvest”.
#23 Agricultural production in Somalia will be down about 80 percent this year.
#24 In eastern Africa, the endless drought has already resulted in the deaths of at least seven million animals.
#25 In China, they are facing the worst drought that they have ever experienced in recorded history.
#26 India normally accounts for 40 percent of the global rice trade, but we are being warned that production in that country will be way down in 2022 due to “considerable rainfall deficits in key rice producing states”.
#27 A third of the entire nation of Pakistan was under water after recent floods absolutely devastated that nation, and agricultural areas were hit particularly hard. As a result, the vast majority of the crops in the country have been “washed away”…
It has also been estimated that roughly 65 per cent of the country’s food basket — particularly crops like rice, cotton, wheat and onion — have been washed away.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, in an interview to CGTN earlier this week, offered an even starker outlook by saying that “about 80 to 90 per cent” of the country’s crops have been damaged by the floods.
#28 The prices of some fertilizers have tripled since 2021, while the prices of some other fertilizers have actually quadrupled.
#29 One payment company is reporting that the number of Americans using their app to take out short-term loans for groceries has risen by 95 percent.
#30 Demand at U.S. food banks is now even worse than it was during the height of the COVID pandemic.
#31 The World Health Organization is telling us that millions of people in Africa are now potentially facing a very real possibility of starving to death.
#32 According to the World Food Program, 828 million people around the world go to bed hungry each night. Needless to say, that number will soon be much higher.
#33 UN Secretary General António Guterres has publicly stated that he believes that it is likely that there will be “multiple famines” in 2023.
As global food supplies get tighter and tighter, so will the risk of civil unrest.
In fact, this has already been happening…
The risk of civil unrest has surged this year in more than half of the world’s countries, signaling a coming period of heightened global instability fueled by inflation, war, and shortages of essentials, a new analysis says.
According to Verisk Maplecroft, a UK-based risk consulting and intelligence firm, 101 of the 198 countries tracked on its Civil Unrest Index saw an increase in their risk of civil unrest between the second and third quarters of this year.
In recent weeks, we have seen absolutely massive protests in cities all over the planet.
But conditions aren’t even that bad yet.
So what will things be like in 2023 when it finally becomes exceedingly clear that there simply will not be enough food for everyone?
Wealthy countries will have the resources to buy up much of what is available on the market, and that means that many poor countries will deeply suffer.
If everything that you have read in this article sounds familiar, that is because we have been warned for years that such conditions were coming.
In 2023, there will be famines and civil unrest all over the globe.
This is not a drill. An extremely serious global food crisis has already begun, and I would encourage you to get prepared for what is ahead while you still can.
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Winchester Model 92 .44-40
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103 Gun Show Tips by J.S.T. Andrews
Attending a gun show can be quite the experience even for veteran firearm enthusiasts. Whether you’re there to buy, sell or trade at gun & knife shows it’s always good to be prepared. If you’re not already planning a trip to the gun show, now is the time to start!
Gun Show & Knife Basics
- Call Ahead. It’s ALWAYS best practice to call ahead to verify dates, times and the location.
- Be Polite. It will go a long way to provide a great show experience for everyone involved.
- Safety. Make sure all firearms are unloaded and secure. (Resource: Project ChildSafe’s Top Ten Tips for Firearm Safety)
- Guns Aren’t Toys. Don’t treat them like ones.
- Respect. Return firearms, knives and merchandise the way you found it.
- Empty your magazine(s). Even if your carry is open and secured with a tie your magazine should be empty of ammo.
- Wire Ties. Many promoters require all firearms to be wire-tied through the action.
- Check in your firearm(s). Many times it’s required to check your firearm(s) in at the front door.
- Properly handle firearm(s). Nothing is worse than pointing a firearm (even if it’s unloaded and the action is open) at someone.
- Open the Action. Every time you handle a firearm check the action to ensure it’s unloaded.
- Don’t Sweep! Never point the barrel towards someone.
- It’s Sharp! Don’t ever touch the blade or edge of a knife.
- It’ll Snap! Never close a folding knife hard. Not only can you seriously injure yourself, but it can break the handle or backspring.
- One Blade. Only ever open a single blade at a time (including multi-bladed knives).
- Never Interfere. Don’t interfere in a deal between a buyer and seller. Do not comment on any interaction that is not your own.
- Know the State Laws. No Excuses.
- City and County Laws. Sometimes they are different. Check local ordinances before attending a show.
- Practice proper safety for firearms left in your vehicle. (Resource: Project ChildSafe’s Firearms Safety in Vehicles)
Gun Shows Tips for Attendees
- Show Up Early. Some of the best sales and deals will happen in the early hours of the show.
- Check Everything. Don’t stop at the first table you see. Check the entire show before making a purchase.
- On the Contrary, also show up the last few hours of the show. Many vendors will have last-minute specials. (The less they have to bring home the better.)
- Take Cash. Cash is king and sometimes it can help to get you a better deal
- Not all venues have an ATM readily available.
- Many vendors will not accept checks.
- Some vendors will charge a 3% to 4% fee on credit card purchases.
- Dress for the occasion. Is the gun show outside or inside? Make sure you are wearing the appropriate shoes.
- Bring a small dolly. Ammo is heavy. If you plan on purchasing a lot of ammo make sure you have the means to transport it.
- Wear a backpack (when permitted). This helps keep your hands free while browsing.
- Drink Water. You can easily fit a few bottles of water in your backpack. It’s always a good idea to stay hydrated. Time flies when you’re at a good show.
- Find a Coupon. Sometimes gun show promoters will provide a coupon in a local newspaper or ad.
- Have identification readily available. 99% of the time you will be asked to provide a government-issued ID when purchasing a firearm.
- Bring your CCL. Depending on state laws and the type of firearm you purchase, this can allow you to walk out the same day with your new firearm.
- Ask. If there’s an item you’re looking for, ask the dealer. Sometimes they have it behind the table or you simply passed over it.
- Talk to the seller. Adding another firearm to your collection is always good! Make it even end better by getting to know the vendor. It’s possible you might even up to making a lasting relationship (and get good deals from it!).
- Don’t Touch! Often vendors will have a “Don’t Touch without permission” sign. Please respect it.
- Ask before handling. Even without the presence of a sign, it’s not always best practice to open the action on every gun you see a vendor selling. In many states, vendors are required to secure every firearm that’s on display (Thus all but negating Tip #4). Ask the vendor if it’s “okay” to handle the firearm.
- Don’t Grab. Unless an item is being handed to you, never take it from the dealer’s hand.
- Serious Inquiries Only. Don’t ask the dealer to cut the zip-tie if you have no intentions of buying the firearm.
- Don’t dry-fire. Sometimes this can damage the firing pin on a firearm. Ask the seller for permission and do a safety check.
- Haggle. Don’t be afraid to try and get a better deal. What’s the worst they will say, “No”?
- Sometimes it’s a game. This expands on the previous tip because some dealers really do love to haggle.
- Don’t Be Rude. If you throw out a ridiculous offer to a dealer, more than likely you’ll get laughed at.
- Bring a Calculator (or your phone). Don’t trust your math. Don’t trust the dealer’s math. Don’t trust your buddy’s math. Use. The. Calculator.
- Price Check. Use your phone; check other dealers for better deals.
- Internet Pricing. Keep in mind that prices on the internet are not always the “best”. Many times additional fees are added including shipping, handling, transfer fees, etc… Also, know that if you can’t pick up the gun in person it usually has to be shipped to a local FFL (more fees).
- Be Patient. If you’re in a rush you’ll most likely miss the best deals.
- Wholesale. Keep in mind when selling your firearm that the dealer buying it has to re-sell it.
- Be Reasonable. Remember that even though you may have paid $500 for your item last month, last year, or 10 years ago does not mean it still holds the same value.
- Rarity is King. Many collectors will go crazy over extremely rare firearms.
- Bulk Pricing. Often Dealers will offer bulk discounts on ammo.
- Buy Accessories. From working gun shows as a dealer, I know it’s not always possible to give a discount on a firearm. However, throwing in a holster, cleaning kit or accessory was usually applicable.
- Consider Storage.As a gun owner, you have plenty of options for proper firearm storage. Pick the one that’s right for you. (Resource: Project ChildSafe’s Gun Storage Infographic)
- Don’t Believe everything you hear. Dealers are salesmen and sometimes may tell you anything you wish to hear.
- Inform Yourself. Do research before you attend a show.
- Inspect Before You Buy. Be sure everything is in working order.
- No Refunds. In most cases, it’s all but impossible to get a refund. This mainly has to do with legal issues, among other reasons.
- Sell To Dealers. Do not try to sell your items to other attendees unless you have paid for a vending table. It’s acceptable to sell to dealers at the show, but if you find a private seller get their contact information and talk to them after the show.
- Parking. Some shows/venues have a parking fee.
Gun Shows Tips for Vendors/Dealers
- Show up on time. This may sound like a “no-brainer,” but I’ve attended gun shows where 20% of the dealers didn’t show up until noon.
- Be Knowledgeable. Know the items you’re selling. Nothing is worse than talking to a dealer who doesn’t know what type of action the firearm has.
- Be a Teacher. Many times you will get first-time gun owners at your table(s). Help teach them the right way of being a responsible gun owners .
- Deals aren’t always on your table. Keep an eye out for attendees looking to sell their items.
- Don’t Snatch! Unless an attendee is handing you an item, don’t snatch it from their hands.
- Have Accessories. Everyone needs ammo, a holster, safe, and cleaning supplies to go with their new firearm!
- Bulk Discounts. Sometimes you’ll get buyers looking to buy ammo (and sometimes firearms) in bulk. Accommodate them and get the sale.
- Shop around. Most shows will have early hours for vendors to set up. Use this time wisely to “scope out” your competition.
- Be presentable. First impressions are everything. If you don’t look the part, many sales will simply walk by without even glancing at your inventory.
- Tablecloths. While most shows provide the tables they are often not in the best shape. Purchase a few “nice” tablecloths to make your “shop” look better.
- Signs. There’s an endless array of signs to make and/or purchase for your table(s). At the very least, have one large sign to help buyers find you.
- Display the Price. I know, another “no-brainer,” but you would not believe the number of dealers that refuse to display prices. The majority of buyers won’t even ask about prices if they aren’t marked… no matter how badly they want the item. It is perceived as “shady” to many.
- Lighting. Some halls will be dark. It’s always great to bring extra lighting (if the show permits).
- Business Cards. It’s always good to have business cards handy. Even in the technology-driven world, we live in a good old business card that can go a long way.
- Wire-ties. Often gun shows require all vendors to wire-tie all firearms. Be sure to bring extra in case they break or you end up purchasing firearms.
- Accept Credit Cards. It’s so easy to accept a credit card payment these days. All you need is a Clover Flex to collect the charges.
- Bring Extra Cash. Sometimes you’ll have to break larger bills than anticipated, or you might find a few deals you can’t pass up. It’s always good to have a little extra cash.
- Negotiate. Everyone wants to feel special when they purchase an item. Help them purchase it by making them feel special with extras and/or a better price.
- Be Trustworthy. Not only will it help you with initiating sales, but with repeating sales as well.
- Have Specials. If it’s a multi-day show have a different special each day.
- Stay until the end. I can’t tell you how many times a dealer has missed a sale because they packed up early.
- Bring an Assistant. There will be times that you are extremely busy and need some extra help. It also helps for bathroom breaks and the accumulated knowledge.
- Bring a Friend. If you can’t bring/hire an assistant, bring a friend.
- Pack Food. If you don’t have someone assisting you to bring snacks and a lunch to help you throughout the day.
- Know Your Neighbor. You’ll be next to these people for the duration of the show. Get to know them.
- Book Early. It’s always good to secure your spot. Some promoters will even offer better placement for those who book early.
- Bring a Cart or Dolly. Not all venues will have a way to transport your merchandise inside the show. Buy a cart or dolly to help make your life easier.
Gun Show for Tips Promoters/Organizers
- List your Gun Show! This is free and it provides you with great exposure!
- Contact Information. Have multiple ways that both attendees and vendors can get in contact with you (also provide this information to the Gun Show Trader).
- List Show Hours. Nothing is more frustrating than finding a gun show that doesn’t list the times.
- Location. Location. Location. I can’t begin to tell you how many wonderful flyers I’ve seen that include everything… except where the show is held.
- Feature Your Gun Show! Tell us that you appreciate our hard work and reward yourself by becoming a featured event.
- Provide Coupons. Everyone loves a good deal.
- Give Stamps. Often times you’ll have repeat customers. Stamp the hands of attendees to allow them a return visit for free! (This will greatly benefit you at future shows)
- Children are Free! Not all attendees are able to leave their kids at home or get a sitter.
- Discounts. Provide discounts for Active Military, Retired Military, Law Enforcement Officers, NRA Recruiters, etc…
- Treat your attendees as your friends. If your attendees are happy they’ll bring their friends and make for happy vendors.
- Vendors are customers too. Nothing is worse than attending an empty gun show. Treat your vendors with respect and they’ll keep signing up for shows.
- Local Advertising. This is still a great way to promote your shows whether it’s through billboards or newspapers.
- Internet Advertising. There are great ways to get more attention for your gun shows via banner ads on credible website.
- Tweet About It. Tweet with us and we’ll retweet your shows!
- CCL Classes. Dealers love it. Attendees show up just for it. Not to mention it’s another source of revenue.
- Early Bird Hours. This helps get the dedicated enthusiasts in the show early.
- Update Your Information. If anything ever changes on your gun show be sure to inform us. We’ll be happy to make any changes to your listing(s).
Most Important Tip
- Don’t be a Jerk. No one wants to deal with a jerk.
All in all gun shows can be a great experience. This is just a general guideline. Let me know your thoughts on these tips and if you’d like to see more.
Sure, we didn’t expect them to return, but I knew some of them quite well.”
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RIYADH — As in most countries around the world on September 11, a moment of silence was held in the Middle Eastern country of Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Theirs was 15 seconds long, one second for each Saudi national lost in the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001.
“21 years ago, we lost a lot of good pilots,” King Salman reflected during a remembrance ceremony carried live on all major networks from Riyadh. “Sure, we didn’t expect them to return, but I knew some of them quite well. Though Egyptian, Mohammed Atta’s dedication to the cause isn’t to be overlooked, and we grant him the title of ‘Honorary Saudi.’ The man was razor-focused, and I think his body of work speaks for itself.”
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The King reflected on sending some of his dear friends to pilot training in San Diego.
“We all thought my brother, the late King Abdullah, would buy us all new Gulfstreams and needed more pilots. It wasn’t until later we learned that a friend of the family was cashing in some favors over construction contracts.” King Salman then chuckled lightly and exclaimed, “Imagine our surprise when a month after 9/11, it was Afghanistan that was being invaded! We really dodged a bullet there.”
The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal, was quick to point out that many nations lost citizens on 9/11.
“Today, the King shares the world’s grief. Be it a firefighter going back up the stairs to save one more person, a traffic cop shielding innocent bystanders from debris, or the pilot who cost thousands of dollars and hundreds of man-hours to qualify as a pilot on the 737. From Mecca to Medina, we remember these heroes today.”