Frame the Gun Debate with Facts

In the coming days there will be discussions and proposed changes to firearm regulation in the United States.  I find that most government regulations are driven by good intentions but so is the road to Hell.  The gun debate is driven by the good intention of reducing the murder rate in the US.  Unfortunately, historical data shows us that gun control has little or no effect in reducing crime.  Taking guns out of the hands of law abiding citizens does not reduce crime.

2011 FBI Murder Statistics

12, 664 - Total Murders
8,583 - Murder by Firearm - 68% of total murders
6,220 - Murder by Handgun - 49% of total murders
323 - Murder by Rifle - 3% of total murders
356 - Murder by Shotgun - 3% of total murders
1684 - Murder by unclassified firearm - 13% of total murders
1694 - Murder by knife - 13% of total murders
1659 - Murder by other weapon - 13% of total murders
728 - Murder by hand - 6%

Gun control proponents are discussing limits on handguns, rifles and shotguns.  If you look at the statistics above, rifles and shotguns are only used in 6% of murders.  Based on the FBI statistics, the human hand should be regulated in the same manner as rifles and shotguns.

Ruger Mini-14/30 Barrel Twist Rates

Hopefully this data will help you choose the optimum bullet weight for your rifle. 

Mini-14 and Ranch Rifle: Series, date of manufacture, twist rates

180 Series Mini-14Beginning
Serial Nbr
180-00001--1974--1 in 10
180-05101--1975--1 in 10
180-28282--1976--1 in 10
180-59251--1977--1 in 10

Mini-14
Thin barrel, ejector is in the bolt, no scope ring scallops cast into the receiver.Beginning
Serial Nbr
181-07488--1978--1 in 10
181-48351--1979--1 in 10
181-84879--1980--1 in 10
182-45601--1981--1 in 10
183-03581--1982--1 in 10
183-40455--1983--1 in 10
184-17175--1984--1 in 10
184-26063--1985--1 in 10
184-95448--1986--1 in 10 and 1 in 7
185-14140--1987--1 in 7
185-50455--1988--1 in 7
185-56556--1989--1 in 7
185-81009--1990--1 in 7
186-05029--1991--1 in 7
186-18250--1992--1 in 7
186-20065--1993--1 in 7
186-31116--1994--1 in 7
186-42502--1995--1 in 7
186-58133--1996--1 in 7
186-66855--1997--1 in 7 and 1 in 9
186-81445--1998--1 in 9
186-87432--1999--1 in 9
*196-06325-2000--1 in 9
*196-44553-2001--1 in 9
*196-80982-2002--1 in 9
*196-99207-2003--1 in 9
*197-12180-2004--1 in 9
* Mini-14 serial numbers rollmarked with Mini-14 Ranch Rifles beginning in 2000


Ranch Rifle
Thin barrel, ejector in the bolt stop assembly, scope ring scallops cast into the receiver, buffer system using the recoil spring assembly.Beginning
Serial Nbr
187-00001--1982--1 in 10
187-02611--1983--1 in 10
187-13218--1984--1 in 10
187-27226--1985--1 in 10
187-50919--1986--1 in 10 and 1 in 7
187-59308--1987--1 in 7
187-70033--1988--1 in 7
187-84127--1989--1 in 7
188-01157--1990--1 in 7
188-30499--1991--1 in 7
188-50902--1992--1 in 7
188-66901--1993--1 in 7
188-71086--1994--1 in 7
188-85981--1995--1 in 7
195-06037--1996--1 in 7
195-27761--1997--1 in 7 and 1 in 9
195-44221--1998--1 in 9
195-63542--1999--1 in 9
196-06325--2000--1 in 9
196-44553--2001--1 in 9
196-80982--2002--1 in 9
196-99207--2003--1 in 9
197-12180--2004--1 in 9


New Mini-14 Ranch Rifle
580 Ranch Rifle (early version): Thin barrel, ejector in the bolt stop assembly, scope ring scallops cast into the receiver, buffer system using the recoil spring assembly, new tooling resulting in a slightly different look to the receiver (more rounded edges, etc.)
580 Ranch Rifle (later version)-581: Thicker flanged barrel, ejector in the bolt stop assembly, scope ring scallops cast into the receiver, buffer system using the recoil spring assembly, new tooling resulting in a slightly different look to the receiver (more rounded edges, etc.)Beginning
Serial Nbr
580-00001--2005--1 in 9
580-15286--2006--1 in 9
580-32382--2007--1 in 9
580-50951--2008--1 in 9
* 580-76276
and 581-00000--2009--1 in 9
* 581-48753--2010--1 in 9
* 581-71056--2011--1 in 9
* 581-95645--2012--1 in 9
* New Mini-14 Ranch Rifles rollmarked with Mini Thirty Rifles beginning in 2009.


Mini-30Beginning
Serial Nbr 
186-00501--1986--1 in 10
189-00001--1987--1 in 10
189-15143--1988--1 in 10
189-17652--1989--1 in 10
189-25005--1990--1 in 10
189-38805--1991--1 in 10
189-51041--1992--1 in 10
189-52528--1993--1 in 10
189-59348--1994--1 in 10
189-65480--1995--1 in 10
189-75697--1996--1 in 10
189-82126--1997--1 in 10
189-84971--1998--1 in 10
189-89313--1999--1 in 10
189-96162--2000--1 in 10
*196-06325-2001--1 in 10
*196-44553-2002--1 in 10
*196-99207-2003--1 in 10
*197-12180-2004--1 in 10
* Mini Thirty serial numbers rollmarked with Mini-14 Ranch Rifles beginning in 2001


New Mini-30Beginning
Serial Nbr
581-01002--2006--1 in 10
581-05892--2007--1 in 10
581-06747--2008--1 in 10
581-11910--2009--1 in 10
581-48753--2010--1 in 10
581-71056--2011--1 in 10
581-95645--2012--1 in 10

British Berkefeld LP2

We were able to get our hands on a few British Berkefeld LP2 water filters so get yours while they last.  Each LP2 comes with two 7" Supersterasyl ceramic filter elements.  The LP2 upper unit can be stowed in the lower unit for storage or transport.  This is the perfect low cost "Berkey" when you wife will not let you keep your homemade bucket filter on the kitchen counter.  At $139.99, this is one of lowest price Berkey water systems anywhere!

Product Review Contest

We just added a product review function to our website.  We will be selecting the best product review each month and awarding a prize to the reviewer.  The prize at the end of September will be a FOURSEVENS t-shirt.

Happy Memorial Day!  

 Lindon Farms Freeze Dried Fruit and Vegetables 25% Off!

Lindon Farms Fruit 150 serving, Fruit 300 serving, Veg 160 serving and Veg 320 serving buckets are 25% off our already discounted prices thru 6/1/12 in honor of our veterans.  As always, we offer free shipping on all of our free dried food products.

SunflowerAmmo.com is now the exclusive retailer for Mo-Rod products!

We stock Mo-Rod Ruger Mini barrel stabilizers and the Mo-Reaper muzzle brake.  Save $20 by buying the Mo-Rod / Mo-Reaper Combo for your Ruger Mini 14/30/6.8.

SunflowerAmmo.com Photo Contest Winner

Kevin was the winner of the SunflowerAmmo.com photo contest.  We had a lot of great entries but Kevin's picture captured a great glimpse into our customers America.

SunflowerAmmo.com Photo Contest

SunflowerAmmo.com Photo Contest

Customers at SunflowerAmmo.com receive a SunflowerAmmo.com sticker with ever purchase.  E-mail us a picture of what you did with your SunflowerAmmo.com sticker.  Send your emails to customerservice@sunfloweroutdoorsports.com.  Contest will run thru the end of the year. The best picture will receive a prize package worth over $125 including:

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit
Gerber Option 50 Flashlight
Gerber Shard
Gerber Ceramic Pocket Sharpner
Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter
Cold Steel Urban Pal

note - entry into the contest gives SunflowerAmmo.com the right to publish your picture and add you to our newsletter.

127 Hours - The Movie and being Prepared

I recently watched the movie, 127 Hours.  It is based on the true story of a hiker in Moab, Utah.  He was hiking alone when a rock fell on his arm leaving him trapped.  After 127 hours, he cut of his own arm in a final attempt to free himself.  He survived and went on to write a book about his ordeal upon which the movie is based.

As I was watching the movie I was more concerned with what he did wrong right and before and during his ordeal than the movie itself.  My thoughts are as follows:

Mistakes
1) Heading solo into the wilderness.  I only call this a partial mistake because I know many people love the solitude and reflection available on a solo trip.  You just have to remember that a solo trip is deadly serious and prepare accordingly.
2) He set out on a trip without telling anyone where he was going or when to expect him back.  This is critical when venturing into the wild but can be just as critical in everyday life.  Did you let anyone know the last time you took a weekend road trip?  Do you provide your spouse with a copy of your travel plans when you take a business trip?
2) Gear Quality - He broke a cheap, Chinese made multi-tool and had trouble with gear not being accessible when he was trapped.  There are certain items that have to work when needed.  A few that come to mind are firearm, ammunition, knife, batteries, flashlight, watch, compass, backpack, rope, canteen, vehicle etc.  Most of us are tempted by inexpensive gear.  Just remember to determine if that inexpensive gear is cheap.
3) Gear availability -  Some of his gear was not available for use due to how he was trapped.  He had access to most of the gear on his person.  Do not keep all of your gear in your pack.  Two is one and One is none.  Spread your gear between your person and your pack.  This rule applies everyday so keep this in mind when selecting your EDC gear and if you carry it on your person or your computer bag/briefcase/vehicle.

Positives
1) He kept a positive attitude for the most part and visualized why he wanted to live.
2) He was very resourceful in utilizing what gear he had available.  The 127 hours was spent trying to free himself multiple ways before resorting to cutting off his arm.  At one point he set up a pulley system with his climbing gear in an attempt to move the rock.

While watching the movie I thought of the "I Survived" television series on the Biography channel.  I end up going thru the same negative/positive analysis when watching this series.  The two things that stand out in every story are the will the survive and resourcefulness.  Your are going to have to be resourceful in any survival situation but the better prepared your are with gear and knowledge the better your chances of survival. 

Use the Coupon Code "freebracelet" to Receive a Free Paracord Bracelet

One of our vendors ran a special on generic paracord bracelets with a survival whistle in the clasp.  They are not the same quality as the Survival Strap Paracord bracelets we sell so we are giving them away!  The bracelets are 9.5" and will fit a 7.5" to 8" wrist.  Bracelets are brown, woodland camo and ACU camo. Color will be random.  Use the coupon code "freebracelet" on a $20 purchase and you will receive a free generic paracord bracelet.  The coupon code will work as long as we have free bracelets available.  No rain checks.

September is National Preparedness Month!

"It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” — Howard Ruff During the month of September we are offering the following offer on select Wise Food products: Buy a 1080 Serving Package, get (2) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $69) Buy a 1440 Serving Package, get (4) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $138) Buy a 2160 Serving Package, get (6) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $207) Buy a 2880 Serving Package, get (8) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $276) Buy a 4320 Serving Package, get (10) 72 Hour Food Kits FREE (retail value of $345) We are now also carrying Chef's banquet long term storage food in addition to Wise long term storage food.  The largest difference between the two brands is packet size.  Wise foods come packaged in 4 serving packets.  Chef's Banquet comes in 5-10 serving packets.  The Chef's Banquet line is less expensive primarily due to the economy afforded thru reduced packaging. FREE Shipping on all long term storage food at SunflowerAmmo.com ·Cookies are disabled. In order to shop on this Web store, you must have cookies enabled. For instructions on how to enable cookies, please see the help section of your browser. Once cookies are enabled please refresh the current page.

Basic Emergency Supply List

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) Local maps Cell phone with chargers Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit: Prescription medications and glasses Infant formula and diapers Pet food and extra water for your pet Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container Cash or traveler's checks and change Emergency reference material such as a first aid book Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate. Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate. Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners. Fire Extinguisher Matches in a waterproof container Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels Paper and pencil Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children