Labascus blog

Author: Chad Davenport

  • The Crucial Role of Practice: Lessons from the Range

    Why Consistent Practice Matters—On and Off the Field

    How important is practice? In short, practice is the cornerstone of improvement in any endeavor. Whether you’re learning to play an instrument, mastering a sport, or honing your skills with firearms, consistent practice is what elevates your abilities and keeps you sharp.

    When it comes to firearms, the importance of regular practice cannot be overstated. I understand that not everyone can make it to the range every week, nor can everyone just step out into their backyard to practice shooting. But intentionality is key. As the owner of a firearms store, even I find it challenging to make time to shoot as often as I should.

    Let me share a personal example. If you happened to catch the video Karis Cundiff made for us a few weeks ago, her editing skills didn’t show that it took me five rounds with my Savage Model 11 chambered in .223 Remington to set off a jug of Tannerite. A year ago, I would have accomplished that on the first shot. What changed? Quite simply, I hadn’t practiced with that rifle in nearly a year.

    A similar scenario played out during Independence Day weekend. Again, it took me two or three shots to set off the Tannerite. I still hadn’t put in the necessary practice, nor had I checked the zero on my scope. Although a well-stored scope generally holds its zero, my rifle is my go-to piece and often travels with me—whether riding in my truck or strapped onto an ATV. This regular movement, paired with my lack of attention when loading and unloading, caused the scope to drift off. In fact, it was shooting high and to the left by the time I finally took the opportunity to practice and re-zero it. While the deviation was only about two inches, that’s enough to miss a four-inch target at over 100 yards.

    Deer hunters, in particular, are notorious for storing their rifles until just before the season, then quickly firing a couple of rounds and calling it good if they hit within a four-inch circle. While this may suffice for hunting, it increases the risk of missing or, worse, wounding what should have been an easy harvest. Perhaps the scope is still on target, but a lack of practice can easily lead to avoidable mistakes.

    Conclusion

    Consistent practice is not just about refining skill; it’s about maintaining confidence and ensuring reliability when it matters most. Whether you’re aiming for precision on the range or success in another area of life, making time for regular practice is an investment in your own competence. Don’t let complacency or a busy schedule erode the hard-earned skills you’ve built—get out there, practice with intention, and keep your abilities sharp

  • The Timeless Legacy of the 1911: A Comprehensive Guide to John Browning’s Iconic Design

    The Timeless Legacy of the 1911: A Comprehensive Guide to John Browning’s Iconic Design

    Introduction

    The firearms industry has undergone tremendous technological advancements over the last two centuries. Among many innovations in powders, metallurgy, and projectiles, one product from the last century stands the test of time: the Colt’s patented, John Browning-designed Government Model 1911. This iconic handgun has seen action in two world wars and countless other battlefields since its invention. Today, nearly every major gun manufacturer produces some variation of it, making the 1911 a beloved and enduring firearm.

    The Birth of the 1911

    The story of the 1911 began in the 1890s. At that time, the U.S. military was using various revolvers as their common sidearm. With the recent adoption of new service rifles, the military felt the need for a new, self-loading pistol. Six manufacturers submitted designs, and Colt emerged victorious. The superior reliability of Colt’s design was put to the test in 1910, when 6,000 rounds were fired through one pistol. Even after being dunked in water to cool it off, the pistol never jammed. This remarkable performance earned the pistol its designation as the Colt Government Model 1911.

    Evolution and Adaptation

    Though the U.S. military has largely retired the 1911 model from service, many manufacturers continue to produce variations of it. The original design was chambered in .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) and the cartridge remains popular today. The platform has also been adapted to several calibers, with 9mm Luger being the second most common and 10mm gaining popularity.

    Colt’s Ongoing Legacy

    Colt still produces these beautiful handguns, albeit with a hefty price tag and advanced technology. While many enthusiasts dream of owning a Colt 1911, there are more affordable alternatives available that still offer excellent quality.

    My Journey with the 1911

    My fascination with the 1911 began in my childhood while watching war movies. Financial constraints prevented me from acquiring a Colt or Browning initially, but after opening Labascus Armory, I had the opportunity to explore various models firsthand. In 2019, I traded for a Rock Island Armory 1911, which, although popular, did not meet my expectations. I eventually sold it and decided to save up for a Colt.

    In 2020, during the height of the pandemic when firearms were scarce, I purchased a little-known brand 1911, Tisas, a Turkish import. Despite my initial skepticism, the Tisas pistol exceeded my expectations. Though the original plastic grips were unattractive, replacing them with Altamont grips transformed the pistol’s appearance.

    Performance and Reliability

    After making the cosmetic upgrade, I tested the Tisas pistol and found it to be accurate and reliable. My son also acquired one, and we subjected these pistols to rigorous testing, using various types of ammunition. The Tisas pistols never jammed, proving their dependability. Although some enthusiasts discredit this brand due to its import status, my experience has shown that these are high-quality handguns at a fraction of the cost of a Colt.

    Upgrades and Customization

    Common upgrades for 1911 pistols include installing a Wilson Combat spring kit. For my Tisas, I opted for a simple trigger job, smoothing the sear to achieve a consistent five-pound trigger pull. This weight is suitable for carrying the pistol regularly while ensuring safety.

    The 1911 in American Culture

    The 1911 holds a special place in American culture and history. Many gun enthusiasts either own or desire to own a 1911. John Browning’s design has left an indelible mark on the firearms industry, and his other innovations continue to influence American culture.

    Conclusion

    The Colt Government Model 1911, conceived by John Browning over a century ago, remains a symbol of reliability, innovation, and American craftsmanship. Whether as a collector’s item, a personal defense weapon, or a piece of history, the 1911 continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world. Its timeless design and enduring legacy are a testament to the genius of John Browning and the lasting impact of his work on the firearms industry.

  • Harnessing the Hills: Micro-Hydroelectric Energy in Kentucky

    Harnessing the Hills: Micro-Hydroelectric Energy in Kentucky

    The Future of Green and Alternative Energy in the Bluegrass State

    Nestled in the southeastern region of the United States, Kentucky is known for its picturesque landscapes, renowned horse farms, and rich cultural heritage. Among the rolling hills and deep hollows, a transformative energy solution awaits—micro-hydroelectric energy. This innovative approach to green and alternative energy harnesses the natural water flow within small reservoirs, offering a sustainable power source that could revolutionize rural energy production.

    This is a decent example of what I’m talking about, the hills of Kentucky would allow this needing less length from intake to turbine to get proper elevation.

    The Promise of Micro-Hydroelectric Energy

    Micro-hydroelectric energy utilizes the movement of water to generate electricity on a micro-scale, making it a perfect fit for the diverse terrain of Kentucky. Unlike large-scale hydroelectric projects, micro-hydro systems are designed to power small communities or individual properties, using only a fraction of the space and resources. By building small reservoirs just large enough to ensure a year-round flow of water to turbine generators, they can consistently power two or three houses. Although powering two or three houses may seem minor, some farms could build multiple generating stations, providing long-term income and benefiting soil and wildlife conservation. These stations would offer water for wildlife and modest flood control by managing ridge-top runoff. Imagine Kentucky’s rolling hills dotted with thousands of small-scale generating stations, reducing strain on the national grid and reliance on fossil fuels.

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  • The Hard Realities of Homesteading and “Bugging Out” if Society were to Collapse

    The Hard Realities of Homesteading and “Bugging Out” if Society were to Collapse

    If ever faced with the consequences of societal collapse, like many seem to be planning and preparing for, many individuals are considering retreating to rural areas, envisioning a self-sustained lifestyle where they can live off the land. This idyllic scenario often includes growing their own food, raising livestock, and preserving their harvests, living like our ancestors. However, the romanticized vision of rural life often overlooks the numerous challenges and dependencies that would persist even in a self-sustained environment.

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  • The .22ARC in Action

    The .22ARC in Action

    I had the pleasure of seeing the new .22ARC at the range over the weekend, turned out to be a pretty impressive build and I was pleasantly surprised at its performance once we got the zero set.

    A friend came by with his new Ruger American gen 2, I had actually worked on it the weekend previous, The Ruger Gen 2 has a user adjustable trigger pull, but we did a little stone work to smooth the pull. We then put in the order for a set of Tally rings to mount his Burris scope.

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  • How Social are We?

    Chad Davenport

    With a photo or a video and a few words you can be connected around the world.

    Ah, social media how much it has done for our society. With a photo or a video and a few words, you can connect with friends, family and even fans or followers across the country and around the world. This connectivity, while allowing the world to become more connected, has taken a toll on personal connections.

    While my writings may often bring up shadows of the olden days, there are many times that its relevance tries to bring about things that really matter. One of those is personal connection with others.

    I could once again go into a long discussion about the days of yore’ but I’ll try to keep it simple and to the point.

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  • Field Day With a Henry Mare’s Leg 22

    Field Day With a Henry Mare’s Leg 22

    Outdoor Blog, hunting, firearms, new products and regulations

    Smooth action as expected from any Henry product.

    I’ve finally had the opportunity to take a Mare’s Leg out and fire a few rounds this week; it was a great time to finally put some rounds down range with this pistol.

    The lever, the action, and the accuracy are second to none.

    Seeing this type of pistol and wondering just what they purpose was for this led me to do some research on it, learning more about them in a couple hours than I thought I could.

    The Wild West cowboys and lawmen, in the days when horse transportation reigned supreme, everyone carried firearms. Most carried a sidearm revolver and some sort of long gun at the minimum. The problem with the long gun was that carrying a full length rifle was hard to access quickly.

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  • Why so Tough on Suppressors?

    Why so Tough on Suppressors?

    I have maintained since opening my gun shop in 2019 that Congress should prioritize easing the acquisition process for suppressors rather than complicating it

    The cinematic portrayal of a large-caliber rifle firing with nothing more than a faint “ffft” is far from reality

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  • Year in Review 2024

    Year in Review 2024

    When the last year started, I certainly didn’t see it going the way that it did.

    It would have been pretty easy to simply fold up and say it was fun while it lasted.

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       As 2025 is brand new I look back at the year that has just passed and reflect on the lessons learned, the mistakes made and look forward to the new year with hope. In the last six months of the old year, I have been asked several times if we were closing down, I hope to put that question to rest here.

             When the last year started, I certainly didn’t see it going the way that it did.  The business we have spent the last five years building saw some tough times this past year. The economy, or the economy locally, seemed to have very little excess funds to be putting into the type of business that we have here.  While we did see sales regularly, we actually found that the number of sales were about one third of what they were in 2023. This can be blamed partially on some decisions that I made, and I take full responsibility of what those mistakes cost.  I have no illusions about what the past year has cost us, but we have a plan to come out of it stronger.

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  • First Thoughts on Henry Big Boy Revolver

    First Thoughts on Henry Big Boy Revolver

    Admittedly, when Henry made the announcement that they were getting into the realm of handguns, I was skeptical

    To say that this revolver is as good as any other large caliber revolver would not do proper justice to Henry. This revolver, like most other Henry products, is a cut above the competition

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