CCA Newsletter

I tried my hand at purchasing some things from an

online auction. While I thought I was bidding on

one lot of armored tool boxes, I was actually

bidding on ten. As luck would have it, I won

nearly all of them. Imagine my estonishment

when I learned that I would be picking up 120 tool

boxes instead of 15… You guessed it. FIRE

SALE! These are yours now for $100 locally and

we can ship via USPS. Add $10 to hand select

yours today. Dimensions

are 24” wide, 18” tall,

and 15” deep. Perfect

for tools or range boxes.

Send us an email with

“Tool Box” in the

subject for yours.

Lindsay has a habit of getting into trouble. We still love her though…

We hit the mother load! August 2012

You’re welcome to follow us on Facebook at “Controlled Chaos Arms”, watch our “Controlled Chaos Arms” YouTube channel, Skype us at “controlled.chaos.arms”, or catch our tweets at “CCAtweet” via our twitter account. You’ve got a number of ways to reach us!

CCA is offering a special package for a limited time. One of our

CCA models, Jacki, is going to be available for a signature series

photo shoot. You build a weapon with CCA or buy a coating

package from CCA and request the “Jacki Signature Package” and

she’ll pose for a photo with your weapon. You’ll get an electronic

copy or signed copy, and your weapon can be signed as well

should you choose. We’re limiting this to only ten total packages

and we are running out of open slots for this special. Waste no

time thinking about this offer and act now. Another one of our

Jacki SS Package build and coating packages can be seen to the

right with Jacki ————->

The “Jacki Signature Series” weapon build or coating package promotion.

More Details

As always you can download our monthly calendar in both the PDF form from our website or as a High Resolution Image for your screen saver or desktop photo. We currently doing the photography for our 2013 calendar and it will be our best yet.

Download all the images from our page by clicking here.

To remove your name from our mailing list, please click here. Questions or comments? E-mail us at mware@controlledchaosarms.com or call 515-344-4443

Controlled Chaos Arms Contact Link Controlled Chaos Arms Training Page

Hidden on our website is a pink breast cancer ribbon. Each month we’ll boost Breast Cancer

Awareness by hiding the pink ribbon somewhere on our website. Find the ribbon, use our

site’s contact tab to tell us where you found it, and you’ll get 50% off your next Cerakote

coating job. Matthew was able to find it after a couple of tours through the site last month. I want

to send out a special thank you to my 3yr old daughter, Kaitlyn, for giving us the idea!

CCA Hide and Seek—inspired by little KK. Last month was fun, why not do it again?

CCA Trainers Notes—Brought to you this month by Keith “Romper” Romp

CCA—Training Calendar Dates—Join our Handgun, Carbine, and other Courses now!

The bug out bag… I am not a big fan of looking at things like getting away from the house in case

of natural disaster or really, really bad things happening. I usually have a few bags packed up, but

will carry what I need depending on how far from home I am and what it would take me to get back

home in case of natural disaster, incident, or whatever bad scenario may happen. I want to address

what some of my plans and equipment include. Some of my items are left out because of OPSEC. I

invite you to do the same when sharing your content with others in order to keep your own OPSEC

intact.

I’d like to talk about what we have and why we need it. For those who are still in the planning

stage this could be a decent reference for you. For those of us who already have a working plan,

this reflection may help you fine tune some things. And for you poor souls who had not thought of

it, or ignore the fact that ultimately YOU are responsible for YOUR OWN safety, this may prove to

be a wake up call.

EDC, or “every day carry” usually refers to what you have on your person at every given time. Be

it in your pockets, on your belt, or within reach, EDC are the items that can be put to work to take

care of you. Most people will draw the line at a sidearm, maybe a spare mag, and possibly a small

flashlight and/or pocket knife. In addition to the EDC, I also carry a rifle with me pretty much any-

where I go. Over the top you say? I am confident with my rifle and more comfortable with it than

my pistol. My wife used to question my carrying everywhere until we were backing out of the gar-

age, and the radio news of the Omaha mall shooting first broke. We were going to the mall as well.

My wife's exact words were "We are just going to the mall. You really don't need your gun." I

took this one step further. If something did happen around me and I had the power to lend aid, but

simply lacked the tools, I really don't know if I could live with that. Thus my choice to carry the

off duty rifle as I travel.

I like to keep a fairly small bag with me or in my vehicle. The bag does not have to be fancy, only

functional and work with your own plan. My small daily bag is an admin pouch that was made to

be placed on a load bearing vest or plate carrier. The bag itself is about 8" by 6" by 2" or so. Con-

tents include one or two spare magazines for my sidearm and some small weapon specific tools.

Generally a Glock armorer's tool, a few extra pins, a spare slide stop, and some loctite. As far as

other tools, I keep an AR front sight tool, a sight tool specific to the Aimpoint Micro Red Dot, and

a leatherman multitool or other folding pliers with several other small tools contained inside. As far

as other contents, I will generally carry a spare charging cord for my cell phone, a second small

flashlight, and one of the battery carriers from Surefire that holds several small lithium 123 batter-

ies and a spare bulb. Lastly in this kit, I carry a small spool of paracord as you never know what

you can use this stuff for, and a small bottle of weapon lube.

The next bag I have is a backpack of medium size, and in this bag I will carry several spare mags

for both rifle and pistol, a spare bolt carrier group for the rifle along with a small bag of spare pins,

springs, extractor, safety detent spring, and a few "O" rings for the extractor. I also keep a small

trauma medical kit in this pack. My trauma pack contains a tourniquet, a few Israeli bandages, a

large triangle bandage, sterile tape, and Quick Clot sponges. I will also keep MREs in this bag, boot

laces, a large spool of paracord, a medium sized fixed blade knife along with sharpening tools,

some water proof matches, and a magnesium fire starting tool. I round out this bag with a small

Otis brand gun cleaning kit, and a small handful of different size zip lock bags.

My next bag is season specific, and I only carry this one in the winter time. In this bag I keep my

thermal winter clothing, mainly a set of thermal underwear, thermal socks, heavy gortex pants and

jacket, along with heavy gortex boots.

Be prepared people. Rely on yourself.

-Romper

Controlled Chaos Arms - Products Section

What’s that? You say you’re doing custom 1911s now? Wow… Don’t

hesitate to contact us about your custom 1911 needs. We’re using Fusion

Kits and hand fitting each piece. These are truly first rate side arms. Get in

on the ground floor of these. ———————->

<—— You’ve all seen AR15 magazines. Dime a dozen, right?

WRONG. The finest weapons built are rendered useless with a poor or

malfunctioning magazine. Instead of buying ‘no tilt’ followers that tilt,

and ‘no memory’ springs that get weak, choose a magazine that won’t

let you down. Store it loaded or unloaded. Use it hard. Enjoy trouble-

free operation. Most of all, enjoy a truly reliable magazine that always

works. Dave did it again folks. He came up with a dry self lubricating

follower, a twisted wire spring like those of the AK47, and a milspec

magazine body that make up the CCA Extreme Duty magazine. Get

yours now while in stock. $25 per mag or $200 for a ten pack.

Support the groups that support you folks. Join the Iowa

Firearms Coalition, the Iowa NRA state affiliate, along

with the NRA itself. Nobody gets more done to protect

your Second Amendment than these organizations.

Cerakote… Everything else is just paint… Recent Cerakote Creations by CCA.

Jan Mickelson has long been one of my favorite talk show hosts. Based right here in Iowa, Jan has

combined sensibility with an uncanny ability to sniff out B.S. from great distances. He recently

became interested in the AR15 platform

while perusing through a Brownells catalog

and reached out to CCA for help and guid-

ance on this new project and passion. Hav-

ing had Jan from WHO Radio, and his son

Scott, from the Iowa Gold Connection in our

firearm training courses, we were eager to

help them take the next step as proud firearm

owners. Both father and son were able to

specify the weapon they wanted to build, and

assemble, construct, and use the weapons

they built with our help and tutoring. God

Bless America folks!

You asked, we listened. CCA now accepting Credit Cards.

We hadn’t seen a genuine need for accepting credit

cards was my standard reply to all those that asked.

Boy did I have that one wrong. We were able to apply

the same precepts I try to adhere to in business to this

as well. We were able to find a friendly processor that

was not only local but a CCA customer. This made

things quick, easy, and of high value was the relation-

ship and dedication to service I depend on. While we

may offer payment options online eventually, we’re

accepting payment in person or over the phone current-

ly. Let us know how we can help you.

A little DIY project...

Rick asked me to make up some target stands ages ago, and while I probably had the best of in-tentions, I simply didn’t get it done. Knowing he needed them for some private instruction at our personal range here at CCA, he called and asked me to leave them laying out for his use… Reluc-tantly I eventually admitted no such target stands had ever been built or assembled. Now we were in a pickle. Rick sent me a quick text with a link to some stands another gentlemen has built years ago that have stood the test of time. I planned on building some quickly with some 2x4s and batch of drywall screws like everyone else. However, as usual, I couldn’t let come to fruition so easily. Paul and I studied the simple build we saw online, looked a few others, and came up with a bit of a hybrid. They ended up extremely functional, so upon Rick’s suggestion, we’re going to share what we learned. Essentially target stands are considered consumable, as the uprights withstand few bullet strikes prior to learning mortality. 1x2s are common for this use, as they are inexpensive, provide a de-cent area to either staple or spray glue targets onto, and they don’t take up much space or come in at a heavy weight. The base should require a bit more thought. We routinely see plenty of wind in Iowa and a method to hold down the target base is wise in order to avoid the target falling down or over. Many folks weight the base down with concrete blocks, sand bags, or tent stakes/nails. Sand bags are notorious for being a pain to lug around and the first bullet that grazes the bag will render it a true pain in the rear for everyone. Concrete blocks fall into the same category for trans-porting, and can prove to be problematic if and when a ricochet occurs. Tent stakes or spikes work ok, as long as you have a means to drive them into the ground and remove them. A plain old claw hammer will work fine for even the most stubborn ground. Keep in mind the ‘nail’ genre stakes seem to work much better and easier to install and remove from most terrain—the plastic yellow “specials” as I refer to them aren’t that great for this, but you can use them if you prefer. Sometimes when I lean back in my chair and stare at the ceiling as I try to visualize what I want to build, I really see some grand things. Ironically, I was staring at the shop rafters, when I noticed some galvanized hanger channel above me. I remember thinking how great that stuff would be for this purpose. Granted, welding galvanized steel isn’t recommend or fun for most of us, but I was using flux core wire and the wind was blowing briskly. The fumes and smoke from welded galva-nized steel can be really harmful, so take caution on this portion of your project. I had lengths of 8ft channel, so in order to minimize cuts with the chop saw while making the base functional, Paul and I settled on mak-ing three cuts total yielding four 2’ chunks. While Paul was cutting and dressing the parts by grinding off the sharp edges, I sought a means to set the width between the pieces that would hold the 1x2 uprights. Most lum-ber isn’t true cut, meaning a 2x4 isn’t 2 inches by 4 inches. Neither are 1x2s. Most 1x2s are just are 13/16ths or just a smidge over 3/4s of an inch. I grabbed a couple of tall sockets from my tool box that held an outer diameter measuring a true 3/4”. I used them to sand-wich between the two upper horizontal bars and used a clamp to hold it all in place. Next, I laid out the base channel pieces 90 degrees from the upper horizontal bars. A few tack welds later, I removed the sockets and clamps, and finished with a couple of beads of weld that would hold things together permanently.

The finished product is really simple, sturdy, and will with-stand a great bit of use. It has enough weight that in most conditions it won’t require additional help to stay upright, but if pesky winds persist, you can add stakes through the slots precut into this type of channel. The horizontal bars are perfect for holding the 1x2s really tight. After all, most all the 1x2 “scrap” type of lumber you’ll find at the local hardware or lumber yard are made from soft timbers like pine so they will allow you to force them into that area even when a bit tight. If your 1x2s are loose, then simply wrap a bit of masking or duct tape around the bottoms of your boards and shove them downward. Another attribute is the fact that galvanized steel will last quite some time resisting the outdoor elements. Plan on passing these onto your children. Best of all is the cost. Cheap. If you don’t see this stuff locally check with the building/electrical con-tractor supply stores or better yet, hit up the local scrap yard. Between those sources you’re sure to find some for a bare minimum of cost. If you’re unable to find some

locally, you can find precut chunks from places like THIS and have them shipped in. A twelve pack goes a long way towards getting a welder to throw a quick bead on these for you if you’re without the tools.

Would you buy an AR15 carbine that is built to be light, dura-

ble, reliable, and contains solely top shelf parts? If so, CCA

has put together a package just for you. We’re using LMT

parts, known to be tough as nails and combat tested. This ro-

bust 16” weapon also comes with a soft case, two of our new

CCA Extreme Duty 30rd magazines, and our CCA take down

tool—everything you need to get started. This weapon system

has a list of available upgrades including the coveted Geissele

SSA trigger, MAGPUL MOE complete upgrade, and your

choice of Cerakote H Series color coatings for your upper,

lower, and barrel. $1100.00 for the complete package.

CCA Value! Complete CCA Carbine Package Link

Patrick and the guys at the Iowa Sportsman have me writing a series of guest articles for an expan-

sion of their already fantastic publication. You’re welcome to read it here, but be sure and check

out their periodical and their website: www.iowasportsman.com

Some of the Iowa Sportsman readers have owned and operated firearms and various weapons for a

number of years. Yet there are others that are new to either or both. Whether you’ve achieved covet-

ed “old salt” status in your firearms community circle or not, many times we all fall into one catego-

ry whether we realize it or not. “Where do I go to buy a firearm?”

This sounds like a pretty easy question to answer, and many of you instantly had a vision of the store

or person you do routine business with upon the very hint of the question. Generally speaking the

vast majority of us fall into a single category for these purposes, and that is one of being under in-

formed.

First we have to find a source. There are many available. Some great options exist for us and they

come at a bare minimum of time, energy, and finance. I always start by asking those I trust, like my

friends and family, where they have done business and ask what things made their experience wor-

thy of a return trip. Placing yourself in the circles where others travel in order to pick up some infor-

mation is always wise. Good examples of this are things like attendance of a Friends of NRA ban-

quet, the annual Iowa Firearms Coalition / National Rifle Association 2A Rally, one of the many

wildlife advocacy group fund raisers like Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Wild Turkey Federa-

tion, etc. or visiting your local Isaac Walton League chapter. A personal visit and holding a few dis-

cussions with people who have been down the road you’re traveling will benefit you whether you are

fresh to the community or you’ve already found an establishment that fits your needs.

While I prefer face to face communication whenever possible, the internet is pretty handy for this.

With the aid of just a few handy searches you can narrow down “Box Stores” like Scheels, Bass Pro

Shops, and many others that have a number of products under a single roof. There are several Feder-

al Firearms License (FFL) finding services available with large lists of entities quite local you can

contact. The means to an end exist readily if you dedicate just a small amount of time to your re-

search and search locally.

At this point you should have a really good idea where you’re headed. Stopping in a box store is a

sure bet, along with smaller gun shops and hunting shacks, and the occasional phone call to the Mom

& Pop shops to learn of their store hours is always a good practice. Many of the smaller stores and

Mom & Pop shops take the show on the road to gun shows and this can be a treasure trove if you

choose to spend some time shopping. What you’re looking for is real simple once you arrive. You

should be treated like you are at thriving car dealerships. Well, not the part where they roll up in golf

carts, but more so the initial greeting once you arrive. I always appreciate instant eye contact and a

greeting to let me know I matter to them. As a small firearms business owner it is incumbent on me

to establish a quick repoire with my customer. Your greeting in many cases can set the stage for all

that follows. After all, we’re really in the infancy of a potential relationship, so it should start begin

on a high note. Product knowledge, a reflection of the market place, and a vision of what can work

well for our needs is necessary for every good retailer.

There are few things I don’t want to see as well. I put the brakes on pretty fast if and when a sales

person starts talking about ‘fit’ in terms of weapons. Persons of small stature or youth weapons

aside, we can’t turn a blind eye to ergonomics. We need to be able to actuate the safety features and

various controls on the weapon, but if you pick up a weapon and hear “How does this feel?” I’d take

flight. Just like your new pair of Nikes, all weapons have a different feel when they are new to you.

Make sure you’re being asked things like “What do you intend to use the weapon for 90% of the

time” and other questions of this nature. There are others I avoid, but suffice it to say you’re looking

for quantifiable results rather than reflections that are subjective. This way you can narrow the scope

of your search and bring a purchase full circle with confidence.

The human condition is very simple when it comes to sales. If you learn to know the person from

who you’re buying, it will be easy for them to go the extra mile for you and help you when you need

it. If you come in the store and your favorite owner or sales person isn’t around, you’ll be starting the

process of relationship building all over again. Thus, find a local source you mesh with and whether

you are a single purchase firearm owner, or a true addict, stick with those you know. This practice

will serve you well in the long run.

Controlled Chaos Arms in the Press...

CONTROLLED CHAOS ARMS

YouTube video from Jeff Burkett of IFC on removing drawer liners from the tool boxes.

Basic Handgun - 8/18 & 9/8 at the Big Springs Range complex - a $20 range fee applies.

Tactical Pistol I - 10/6-7 at the Big Springs Range complex - a $40 range fee applies.

Tactical Pistol II - 11/3-4 at the Big Springs Range complex - a $40 range fee applies.

Basic Rifle - 8/19 & 9/9 at the Big Springs Range complex - a $20 range fee applies.

Tactical Rifle I - 11/10-11 at the Big Springs Range complex - a $40 range fee applies.

Tactical Rifle II - 10/13-14 at the Big Springs Range complex - a $40 range fee applies.

ALL NEW: Defensive Edged Weapons - This course of basic edged weapons training for defen-

sive roles. Dates and locations coming... This course can be organized and held local to you pro-

vided 10 students or more register.

Private instruction is becoming more and more popular. We tailor any type of firearm training for

you and your needs. Whether this is single person, youth, or group instruction, our guarantee ap-

plies—you’re money back if you didn’t benefit from our instruction!

Recent CCA Courses

including Basic Pis-

tol, Tac Rifle I, and

Precision Rifle I.

Quality. Reliability.

Durability.

Controlled Chaos Arms

Customer Corner...

IFC / NRA 2A RALLY: AFTER SOME RECENT MG42 WORK:

LINK TO THE 2A

RALLY—GUEST

SPEAKER GOV.

BOBBY JINDAL!!!

We did some work and finishing on a

pair of MG42s for a customer recent-

ly. Of course it is necessary to fully

function check the weapons after

welding, grinding, rewelding, blast-

ing, Cerakoting, and reassembling the

weapons. Enjoy a quick video that

illustrates how fast they are.