blog: July 5

WELCOME UpLULA MAG CHARGERS!

OK, I admit that I am a wuss when it comes to charging my magazines. I want it as easy as possible for me. I have used a variety of mag chargers some with more success than others. These ARE the best so far!

I can charge those pesky and annoying "10" round factory Glock mags as if they were real magazines:) I borrowed a neighbours AR mags to try the AR version and they are slick as well.

If you want to charge your mags easier(yes, charge, not load; you load a firearm and you charge a magazine:) then these are the answer. They work for any mag, single or double stack, any cartridge. Gotta get you one of these.

The pistol version is $40, AR15 is $35, taxes and shipping extra, of course.

I look forward to your order.

See you on the ranges and at the matches,
Murray "DOC" Gardner.

blog: July 5

OK, I DON'T HAVE A SPECIFIC TOPIC BUT...

Thought you might find this as much fun as I did.

While I don't have a lot of time to surf the web, I do run across things that I find interesting. And as this is MY web page, you get stuck reading about what I think is interesting!

This should give you some information and make you shake your head asking, "What, HUH?"

blog: May 23

Welcome Blade-Tech Holsters

As I am always thinking about my clients' needs and wants, I continually research new products. In my search for reliable and cost effective holsters, I have found that the Blade-Tech line is what I would use and recommend to my clients. I anticipate the first order to arrive this week. I have used Blade-Tech in the past and found their products do what they advertise and more.

The prices are very reasonable for such good quality merchandise and will serve the needs of most IPSC shooters and others looking for high quality holsters.

As always, thank you for your business and support.

See you at the matches,
DVC
Murray "DOC" Gardner.

	Injection Molded Belt Holster Injection Molded Belt Holster $35 Currently available for Colt 1911 5"(and similar) and Glock 17/22/31(and as noted below). If your model is not here, contact me for delivery time. Blade-Tech now draws from its own injection molded capabilities and its many years in the holster business, to produce low cost, high quality polymer holsters. These holsters are made from a specially formulated polymer made for this type of injection molding. Stronger and more heat resistant than sheet material. Injection Molded Belt Holster - Will fit 1911, Glock 17/22, 19/23, or 26/27 Beretta 92 series, Brigadier, Vertec. The Beretta holster, with a slight adjustment in the tension screws will fit the 92/96 series as well as the Brigadier and Vertec series. Straight Drop only Right Hand only Note: (THE HOLSTER FOR THE GLOCK 17/22 WILL ALSO FIT THE GLOCK 34/35, BUT IT WILL EXTEND THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE HOLSTER APPROX 1 INCH.) This holster will not work for any 1911 with rail at this time.
	Drop & Offset Holster Drop & Offset Holster $86 Currently stocking CZ-SP01, Glock 17/22/31, STI Edge, SW M&P, Colt 1911 5"(and similar such as Para). If your model is not here, contact me for delivery time. The "offset" feature of this holster allows for a greater degree of outward cant, which positions the grip of your pistol away from the body in a vertical position for more positive indexing. This popular holster also features a "drop", which lowers the placement of the pistol for an easier reach, allowing the arm to remain more extended. The Drop & Offset holster is very popular for range work and is perfect for women's carry. The loop is adjustable for three different cants, Straight Drop, FBI cant, Muzzle Forward.
	Revolution Holster Series REVOLUTION HOLSTER SERIES $54 Currently stocking Sig 226 series. If your model is not here, contact me for delivery time. Blade-tech uses it's extensive knowledge in kydex© holster making to bring you the Revolution line of holsters. Using a proprietary blend of polymers, Blade-Tech has engineered these holsters to offer lifetime performance in a wide range of conditions. The holsters won’t become soft in extreme temperatures (over 300º F) and won’t become fragile in low temperatures. Holsters come with a Sting Ray belt loop (adjustable for a 1” to 2 1/4” belt).
	Black Ice Black Ice ASR Drop and Offset Holster (DOH) $101 Currently sampling STI Edge with carbon fibre finish. The finish makes the price a bit higher but if you want a snappy looking and different holster, this would be the one. Deep channel to allow smooth draw while in the seated position. Broad opening allowing a faster no binding draw under stress and allows for a fast re-holster. Tall sight channel to accommodate aftermarket night sights or fiber optic sights. Positive tension lock trigger guard™. Adjustable tensioning screws. Thermoformed Kydex™

blog: April 6

Time to Get to Work

First, check out the new prices on Dillon and other items. The Canadian $ has been holding relatively steady for awhile and these new prices reflect not only that but also the 2010 price changes I have received.

You will find that although a high Cdn$ makes export business suck, import business such as mine benefit which means so do you!

Second, I have found some new products that make a shooter's life, read my life, easier.

Brass Picker 1000

For years I have heard everyone bemoan the fact that there is no "brass magnet" to pick up those empty cases we all so dearly need to keep reloading. I have spent 35 years bending over picking up brass. That is now over!

   

With the "Brass Picker 1000" you do NOT have to bend over. Just follow the instructions and dump your brass into the bucket. It works on almost all surfaces but NOT on gravel. We can live with that.

For $59 you get the Brass Picker 1000 and a bucket attachment for the bucket that you provide. Every time I use mine, the crowd goes wild. To paraphrase Scarlett, "I'll never bend over to pick up brass again!"

Shell Sorter

But, I hear you say, how do I make certain I don't end with that pesky 9mm or .45 brass when all I want is my favourite .40 brass? I'm glad you asked because I have that problem "sorted" out too with the "Shellsorter 1000". This has made sorting brass a breeze. Use your Brass Picker 1000 to pick up the brass and drop it into your bucket. Then throw the contents of the bucket into your Shellsorter 1000, shake like a gold pan and "Ta-Da", .45 stays in the yellow tray, .40 in the blue tray and 9mm in the bottom black tray. Too easy!

   

All that Shellsorter wonderfulness is available for only $54. I know!

Order yours today and be the first one on the block to show how brass picking/sorting SHOULD be done.

Ghost Holster Special

Celebrating 60,000+ Visitors to mdgardner.com, while supplies last. Thank you for your business!

Along with these new items I am always searching for better and more useful products. Stay tuned for even more in the future.

See you on the ranges and at the matches,
Murray "DOC" Gardner.

blog: March 5

WHO OWNS YOUR OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL PODIUM NOW?

14, count them, 14 Winter Olympic gold medals. The record breaker and done here on home turf. I cannot tell you how proud I am to be a Canadian! Our athletes put us on the map and they put the world on notice, WE BELIEVE.

And did they perform or what? I watched hockey, which I have no use for, like a lifetime fanatic. No fighting in Olympic hockey, that's my type of hockey. And better, we won in a story book ending that could not have been scripted. Magic like we never dreamed.

I watched bob sled (I rode in one in Calgary, WOW! what a rush!), luge, skeleton(those folks are NUTS!), figure skating, speed skating and more. Our PVR saved tons of time and allowed replays. Get one!

What impressed me tremendously was the pride and nationalism shown by Canadians. Our national identity and pride are out of the closet. Loud and Canadian proud, never hold back. Let's see that red and white sea of colour from Vancouver become an epidemic everywhere, Canada and abroad.

I have always been fiercely proud of the Canadian flag when I wear it on a uniform and you can expect to see more of that from me in the future. I hope you caught the fever and take the same approach.

During the Olympics, I was hired to drive Molson/Coors VIPs and staff around to venues, hotels, the airport or where ever they needed me and 15 others. 4:30am is a DREADFUL time to get up and although I enjoyed the experience, I am not missing that wake up call:) You can see from the photo that we were always busy and never had any time for recreation:))

Being downtown more than usual, I had the chance to try the Japadog on Burrard. As a hot dog junky, I was impressed. Try one! With the Olympics behind us, see you on the ranges.

And it would not be right if I did not encourage you to start to get reloading and shooting. I have lots of stock on hand and hope to be able to help you get more involved in 2010.

See you on the ranges,
Murray "DOC" Gardner.

blog: February 14

BELIEVE! GO CANADA GO!

XXI Winter Olympics 2010

Vancouver is buzzing with activity as the Olympics begin and carry on until the end of February.

In 1988 I attended the Winter Olympics in Calgary AB and had a rush of excitement when I attended the biathlon event, but this is a whole bunch different.

I have the great good luck to be driving for Molson/Coors during this event and just completed my first day yesterday. The photo shows my "ride", a big old GM Suburban; GPS navigation, On Star, heated leather 7 passenger seats, tinted windows, GREAT motor and lots of storage space. Not time to replace my DVC Santa Fe just yet but certainly something to consider in the future to bring more mdgardner.com goodies to matches.

And look, they choose my favourite colours, red and black for the uniforms! I KNEW they had good taste. :) Yes, I know, no shorts. Listen, THEY sign the cheque, they set the dress code. My wife does the same when I go out to special events with her. :)

THIS IS A GAS!

The Olympics are the biggest thing to hit Vancouver since Expo 86 and I enjoyed the daylights out of that. This event is not as long but you can feel the hum of Metro Vancouver as it kicks off today. The torch is just finishing its 45,000 km Canada wide journey and the last of the 12,000 Canadians to carry it is wrapping up today. The Torch Relay has definitely tied us together as a host country.

Mother Nature could have picked this year to show a bit more snow but you would be astounded at the ability of Vanoc to make snow at Cypress when brown seems predominant. It looks like a desert golf course where there are the beautiful green fairways and greens surrounded by sand. Here, the white snow is surrounded by green and brown. Still works.

If you don't feel a tug on your heart over this, turn in your Canadian Citizenship and go join Al Qaeda...OK, maybe I got a bit carried away there, but as a Canadian, it makes me beam with pride about my country.

I know that this event certainly ramps up my Canadian patriotism. Having represented Canada many times at international events and competed under our flag allows me to relate to the fantastic athletes we have representing us at this XXI Winter Olympics. The Canadian Maple Leaf is world recognized and this does even more to make the world know us. Wait until the World sees how many medals we win!

Business in BC will feel the impact after the World comes to our place and realizes the gem it truly is. That can only be a good thing.

During this period in February, expect delays in reaching me by phone and/or email. I will attempt to respond at the end of each day but I will beg your indulgence and forgive me if I am a bit late.

Once the Olympics are over, it will be time to start in earnest training for 2010. Matches are listed and we are shooting some Club steel matches in February to warm up. The Nationals are here in Metro Vancouver and, although not quite as big a deal as the 2010 Winter Games, they are certainly something that we all should attend. I will!

See you on the ranges,
Murray "DOC" Gardner.

blog: December 17

About that PAL you have...

I just received my renewal notice and found some interesting bits in there. As my goal is for us all to have as much good information as we can, please consider what I found in my attempt to reach that goal.

The form came to my home a good 90 days before my PAL is due to expire. Remember, ATTs will expire on your birthday as well, so that is another chore. My driver's license expired this year so that saved me a bit more work in one year.

The form is quite good. It is pre-filled out with all my info and I can note changes if needed. You should know that if you move and do not advise the Firearms Centre that you have moved, you are in contravention of the law. You and your firearms are registered and it is up to you to call and tell them, at 1.800.731.4000, that the move has happened. NOT 5 years ago, but when it happens.

The upside for renewals is the waiver of a fee. Yes, FREE! Of course, there is a cost to processing the forms, you just do not contribute directly to it. Be certain to thank all of your friends who are not pro-firearms for subsidizing your shooting sports. The renewal fee has been waived since May 17, 2006. Now, if we can get that long gun registry axed, we'll be another step ahead.

Anyway, I filled out the form, had my lovely wife sign off that life is good, got my mug shot at Costco ($7 and less than flattering). Off in the mail and we'll see how long it takes.

Remember that waiting and putting this off is a REALLY BAD idea.

You end up with no license plus you have guns that they KNOW you have, as they are registered. And, they know where you live...if you told them you moved. If you did not tell them, that just compounds your grief. :(

Once you have a renewed PAL, it will be time to consider buying a new firearm. That means you will need to see me for a calibre conversion for your Dillon press along with dies, etc. You KNEW it would eventually come around to business! :)

Watch for some new lines in 2010, most likely after February once the Olympics are over. Oh yeah, I have found a way to be involved in that and am very excited about it. Tell you more once it is over.

See you on the ranges,
Murray "DOC" Gardner.

blog: November 1

Season Wrap Up

The shooting season has finally wrapped up. With the exception of some exotic trips to maybe FL, AZ or CA, that is it until 2010. Those of you in REALLY cold parts of Canada with indoor ranges should be able to keep pulling the trigger but here on the Wet Coast, yes, Wet! :) it is time to drop back, start reloading and getting stock piled for 2010. Match schedules, reloading match and practice ammo (if you are not reloading, now IS the time to get that going), checking out new gear, sorting any gun problems and on and on. Never real down time, just different time to prepare.

It has been an interesting year. As I get older and have to adjust to vision and physical issues that, like all young bloods, I never thought I would have to entertain. Having said that, it ain't over and I do plan to make you watch over your shoulders for me:) Speaking of that, I have been working at overcoming something called "frozen shoulder". Try making a draw without being able to have full shoulder rotation. Might even have to think about draws being over a second:) NOT!

I am hoping to soon hear that my Open Division gun(guns are Divisions, people are Classes:) may be ready. It has been a while but I have started to stockpile ammo for it so I am ahead of that curve. Returning to a Division I have not shot since 1999 will be challenging. The decision of cartridge, gun, etc. has been fun as I have not done that for a few years. Once up and running I will keep you advised.

It has been a different year for products. Support from Double Alpha, CED, Dillon, RU Ready, CR, SmartReloader has been wonderful. The struggling global economy has made us all tighten up and make more effort to stretch our dollars. I am grateful to all of you who continue to support my business with your legal addiction.

Finally, 2010 looks as if it will be the recovery year and I am looking to shooting at least as much if not more than in years past. Join in and keep pulling the trigger.

See you on the ranges,
Murray "DOC" Gardner.

Christmas Specials

A little something special for the well dressed IPSC shooter now on sale. Remember, your purchase also supports the IPSC Canada national teams.

Caps :: Regular Price $22, now $15

The red cap reduces your times by 20% and the black one increases your A count by 25%. ;-)

Long Sleeve T :: Reg Price $22, now $15

For something that keeps you warm, looks smart and improves your performance:), a long sleeve T-shirt in either black as shown, or white, is the answer. The question is elusive, but this is the answer.

Hoody :: Reg Price $49, now $35

Here is the answer to the question, "How do I keep my neck warm and the cold/wet off my neck?" I know I have become a big fan of these very warm and comfortable hoodies. Worn under a golf shirt they do the job throughout winter and even in the cool/wet of spring and fall.

Some sizes may not be available and the sale is subject to availability. As usual, taxes and shipping are not included.

To order, call DOC at 604.889.3822.

blog: September 18

What's Up, DOC?

I noticed that I have not done a blog since July. A lot has happened and more is about to happen.

First, although I had a disastrous Nationals, I managed to take the Super Senior National title ... again. :-) Thank goodness they have something for us OF's.

At our Provincials I started to use some special lens glasses to help see sights/target and so on and had a bit more success taking 3rd in the match and 2nd overall for the year which again puts me on the BC Standard Division Team. Listen, some of you younger BC shooters: Come on, get me off the team! Some of you are doing a great job and I am so very pleased at your success but really, between Randy Fisher and I, we are 115 years old! Having said that, I am very encouraged by the effort being made by some of the younger shooters. They are showing the dedication and effort to the sport that was my burn when I was there. Keep it up guys. I REALLY want to go to Open! :-)

When I do finally get an Open gun I will share my thoughts with you. This won’t be my first time shooting Open but more of a re-awakening of a past activity.

Are you ready for 2010? What do you mean it is too early? I have already booked my IPSC Canada Nationals date, first week of August, here in Vancouver. You should, too. The Provincials are also plugged in and some Qualifiers and Club shoots. You don’t "find" time to shoot, you have to MAKE time the same as you do with reloading. Yes, I am already starting 2010 ammo to complement the rest of the 2009 supply. If you don’t want to be caught flat footed next year, start stockpiling now. You are aware of the shortages in ammo and components in 2009 and 2010 won’t necessarily be better and it certainly won’t be cheaper. ‘Nuff said.

What about new products? Glad you asked.

blog: July 1

50,000 Visitors - Thank You!

WOW!

Over 50,000 visitors since this web page began in 2005. That's 12,500 a year and over 1,000 per month. I want to thank every one of you for your interest and for your business.

I have been at this game a long time and have watched as the trade and game have matured. In the way back days, you needed a store front and had to be there the 24/7 thing. Now, with the web, I can reach more clients and provide them with products and services such as we had never imagined when the Colt .45 ACP was the dominant IPSC gun.

Today's new guns and gear reflect the dramatic changes in the shooting sports in over 30 years. With the changes that are always coming, I have tried to find products that I use so that I can endorse them to my clients. If I won't use it, I won't sell it. Simple philosophy that seems to be accepted by my clients. That business model is working and I want to thank those who continue to make it work.

The new web page layout is thanks to my "Web Goddess", Tracey Martinsen, who is also a damn fine pistol shot and further proof that women can be better shooters than they, or most men, think. She is always keeping the pages tuned up and looking after the web stuff so I can look after you, the clients.

I hope you find the new products of value and interest and that my web pages keep you coming back to move you to success and enjoyment of safe shooting.

Best wishes to everyone of you,
Murray "DOC" Gardner

blog: June 10

Improved Electronic Hearing Protectors!

$65

Always on the outlook for better products for my clients, I have now added a more improved electronic hearing protector. (The old, larger version is no longer available.)

If you haven't had a pair of e-muffs before, you owe it to yourself to give them a try.

These new units are smaller and have STEREO sound adjustments. As well, they come in three colours to coordinate so we not only shoot good but we look good:) I'll be wearing the red ones, of course.

When worn properly and given adequate care, this sound muffler provides excellent protection by filtering out high frequency noise caused by machinery, motors, saws and gunfire.

These specially designed over-ear hearing protectors not only protect your hearing but also allow you to hear normal conversation, range commands, and even the sound of game in the woods. The SR112 features an electronic amplification mechanism that clarifies low pitch sounds, but shuts down within milliseconds when sounds above 85dB occur.

Great Deal on Regular Hearing Protectors!

$25

For those of you who need good protection but don't want electronic hearing protectors, try these. They are slim line the same as the electronic but without the hardware. The price is very attractive and these units will give many years of valuable use.

CED Products Now Available at mdgardner.com

Range Bags

I have added the CED line of products. The first two that I think you will find interesting are the CED Professional Range Bag in colours including black, red, blue, navy and green. These bags sell for $85 each.

Timers

I also have the CED7000 timers for $165.

The CED7000 Shot-Activated Timer is truly a breakthrough in technology. No other timer to date offers this combinations of advanced features, compact size and lightweight. This is truly the "next generation" Shot Timer here today!

Watch for more CED products soon.

Dealers, you will find some margin when you carry these items.

More new products are coming, visit this page often.

See you at the matches,
Murray "DOC" Gardner.

blog: April 12

New Rules for 2009

IPSC Canada has finally had to come up to speed with the rest of IPSC and made the box with mag inserted rule affective by the end of July 2009, in time for the Nationals in Halifax NS.

To that end, those of you who have been using the 10 shot .45 ACP mags in single stack will have to make the adjustment. The double stack STI crowd also have to step up and make their guns/mags fit the box. Bye-bye big mag pads and blocked long mags! :(

And, as always, mdgardner.com is at the forefront of helping you.

For the single stack crew, I have in stock MecGar stainless steel 8 shot mags with a bumper that fits mag wells and the box rule. Only $39 each, taxes and shipping, of course, extra.

Those of you with double stack mag STI guns, like me, have to make changes as well. I have the altered mags that work but trying to clean them between stages is brutal! If you do get the followers out, putting them back in is a challenge before the next stage.

To make this go away, I am now using the good old 10 shot only dented side 126mm STI mags. A bumper is easy to find that comes off quickly for cleaning. As well, they go into the box easy as pie. They are $80 each.

Both of these are high quality reliable products, what else would I sell you? :-)

See you at the matches,
Murray "DOC" Gardner.

blog: January 29

Double Alpha Now in Stock

I am now carrying Double Alpha products. Last year I started to using and testing their belts, mag pouches and other products. They more than met my expectations and their prices are VERY competitive.

For a limited time, here are some special prices as an introduction to the product line.

DOUBLE ALPHA BELTS

$60