Minnesota Firearm News

When it comes to superior gun designs John Moses Browning is considered the best of the best. He invented more calibers, rifles, shotguns, and pistols than anyone else.  His designs have endured the test of time and many are still in major production to this day.

The United States military has a long history of struggling with weapon procurement. The adopted weapon platforms of the United States usually fall within two categories. One, they are poor choices with serious flaws. Two, they are implemented well ahead of when they are ready. The Springfield Armory Model 1898 rifle falls into the former category.

With the opening of our new Indoor Range & Store there have been many questions about the origin of our name and its meaning.  We are fortunate here in America to have been blessed with many freedoms we hold so dear and thank those that have put their lives on the line to defend them.  Our name is deeply rooted in that history.

Every town seems to have a small antique store. Inside is a museum of wonders that ties us to our past. In the firearm industry this is also true. Most gun stores have a selection of historical firearms on hand. To borrow from Rick Harrison, from History Channel’s “Pawn Stars”, “You just never know what will walk through that door”. To that point recently at 2 If By Sea Tactical had a FEG Mod P37 Pistol from 1941 come through our shop.

Guns like the Walther P38 are one of those unique time capsules of history that come through our shop.  A firearm that served on side of oppression during Hitler’s reign, and freedom during the Cold War.  It is a story of conflict and redemption.

Whether it is because of the financial burden of defending oneself in court. Or press hit pieces that follow; or outright bans in states via the Governmental Gatekeepers in their prospective states, Glock has opened up everyone to lawsuits.  What may follow this decision could be dark for our industry and embolden those who want to see the 2nd Amendment erased entirely.  We must remain vigilant and pray that Glock’s decision had actual meaning and is only a blip on the radar.

Today, the Astra 400 is highly prized by collectors and firearm enthusiasts for its historical significance and mechanical reliability. It remains a symbol of Spanish engineering and a testament to the evolution of military handguns during the early 20th century.

For many, firearms are a controversial issue in the world today.  While the purpose of this article is not to get into the controversies and misinformation surrounding guns, we do acknowledge they exist.  The lost part about firearms is that their history is deeply connected to ours here in America.  The manufacturing, designs, and engineering that goes into these weapons is truly amazing.

As a Kid I grew up watching Dr. Robert Ballard the marine geologist that found the Titanic and battleship Bismark.  There was a moment in one of the documentaries he said when he finds a ship at the bottom of the ocean “…the guns are at the ready. Frozen locked in battle to this day…”.  The world of firearms is no different.

Military history is a fascinating part of world history and becomes a lens through which we see the world today.  The firearms that shape that world are truly fascinating and can tell a story of that time in history.  We are fortunate enough to get some examples of these pieces through our shop and get to take a deep dive into their background.

Firearms today are built with ease of use in mind.  Shooters today do not have to worry about much these days when it comes to the actual function and maintenance of their firearms.  Most firearms are semi-automatic (meaning that the fire with each pull of the trigger) and do not require manual loading of the cartridge.  This is a relatively new concept.

Guns such as these really inspire the minds of people everywhere.  Tri-City SWAT here in Minnesota was kind enough to lend one to us at 2 If By Sea Tactical to look at and work with.

Sometimes, in a gun store, something walks through the door that is truly remarkable. That happened recently here, at 2 If By Sea Tactical, when John Moses Browning’s famous shotgun waled through our doors. We recently acquired the Fabrique Nationale de Herstal Full 12 Special Steel. This is a FN made Browning Auto-5 semi-auto shotgun from 1929.