Review of the Pheonix Arms HP22A Handgun

https://www.phoenix-arms.com/pages/hp22a

     I want to start off by stating that I am new to guns and shooting and far from any kind of expert. I realize guns can be a hot topic, for many different reasons. In America it is a 2nd Amendment right to own a firearm. Unfortunately many people use guns to cause harm and to kill each other, and in no way do I condone that behavior. I am for common sense gun laws that will truly make a community safer without eroding our right to bare and keep firearms for self-defense, sport, and hunting. Without further ado, let's get to my review of the Phoenix Arms HP22A.
     The HP22A model is a compact handgun in the 22lr(long rifle) caliber. It is made in Ontario, California and is one of the two guns produced by Phoenix Arms. It is semi-automatic with a 10 round magazine capacity. The model I own has a 3" barrel, but you can also buy or find them with a 5" "target" barrel for better long-range accuracy. It has multiple manual safeties, with one on the slide lock, one blocking the firing pin and an external hammer. It weighs in around 20oz and is 4 by 5.5 inches in length. Available in Satin Nickel or Black Matte finish.

I happened to stumble upon this gun at a local gun shop during it's grand re-opening under a new owner. I wasn't really looking to buy anything, but once seeing the price tag and the look and feel of the HP22A,  I couldn't pass it up. My Dad actually had it in his hands ready to buy it, but went with something else, leaving me with the last one they had in stock. I bought it brand new for $129.99, a steal when most 22lr handgun can run $300-500 easy. I liked the compact feel of the gun, and even with the low price, seems to be well-made. Add the fact that I didn't own a 22 and with the ammo being cheap and available, it was a fine addition to my collection.

http://www.guns.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Phoenix-Arms-HP22A-2.jpg

     Shooting this gun is a lot of fun. I have around 600+ rounds through mine, with only a few  malfunctions. It has low-recoil, decent grip, is small and light-weight and is ridiculously safe with all the different safeties. The accuracy is pretty good at short-range, the rear sites adjustable if need to be. Racking the slide to chamber a round and cocking the external hammer can be done in one motion, or can be done separate for those with weaker hand strength. I do believe this is an ideal gun for a new shooter or elderly shooter with weak grip, due to the low recoil and ease of operation. The safeties will help keep a new shooter from shooting them self and other's around them, and that's always a good thing.  Did I mention this gun comes with a life-time warranty, and Phoenix Arms has good customer service. Can it get much better??
 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/214554369719991023

Now to the cons. The safeties are the biggest turn off for most people, because they can be down-right confusing and unnecessary in my opinion. Do you really need a slide safety when you already have a firing pin block safety and an hammer you can decock? The great state of California says "Yes you do!" The slide safety stops the magazine from being able to be pulled from the gun when in fire mode, and stops it from going in as well. This safety can be modified and basically taken off with plenty of YouTube videos showing how to do so, but just be warned that it will void the warranty if you need to send back for repairs. Another small con for some is that it can only use standard velocity 22lr ammo, using a higher velocity round can lead to the frame cracking and other problems with the gun. Self-defense can be another factor to consider, with this gun not really being the best option. It is small and can fit in a purse or pocket for concealed carry, but only shoots standard 22lr and those damn safeties! If your looking for a self-defense gun, The HP22A is better than having nothing but probably not the best choice.
    In conclusion, The HP22A is an inexpensive gun that almost anyone can shoot and enjoy. It may not be the highest quality brand-name gun with all the latest bells and whistles, but it does go bang and is reliable. It's great for new shooters just getting into the sport, and a good option for elderly or other people looking for low recoil and safety. Very easy to take apart and maintain, with a lifetime warranty with good customer service for when something does break. Great handgun to practice with at the range and to learn how a semi-automatic works. Could even be an option for concealed carry, depending on the individual. I highly recommend this gun if you can find it, a great of value for the money.  

http://www.easybakegunclub.com//photo/820/Phoenix-Arms-HP22A.html

         

Review of the movie Dark City

I have been on vacation this week, and one tradition I stick to is to try new things and break away from my routine. It doesn't matter what it is, just something different from the usual daily grind. I would like to share an awesome movie from the late Nineties, titled Dark City I happened to see, thanks to my Mom finding the DVD at a yard sale and letting me borrow it. Still in the plastic wrap, someone truly did not know what they had, and gave it way for around a dollar. Gotta love a yardsale!

http://www.shortlist.com/entertainment/films/the-30-coolest-alternative-movie-posters-ever#gallery-25

 

 

http://img.movieboom.biz/movie/frame/3635/2.jpg

   Dark City was released in 1998 and starred Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt and Rufus Sewell. It was directed and written by Alex Proyas, who also directed The Crow. The movie was a joint production by New Line Cinema and Australian Mystery Clock production, with the majority of production shot in Australia at Fox Studios Australia. Dark City is in the Sci-Fi/Neo Noir genre. It received very minor success at the box office, but has received mostly positive critic reviews. Roger Ebert rated 4 stars and claimed it was the best movie of 1998, Rotten Tomatoes has it at 74% fresh, and IMdB 7.7 out of 10.
     Dark City starts off in a dimly lit hotel room, the main character John Murdoch(Rufus Sewell)
awakening to a grisly murder scene, suffering from amnesia with no recollection to what has occurred. Dr. Daniel Schreber(Sutherland) calls to give Murdoch the heads up that a group of men are on the way and after him, and encourages him to leave the hotel at once. As he is leaving the room, a group of strange men, pale skinned and dressed in all black, are getting off the elevator and heading his way. Murdoch finds out that he is wanted by the police and the strange men, known as The Strangers,  for a string of murder's he doesn't remember committing. He also finds out he is married to a woman named Emma(Connelly), and that something just doesn't seem right about the city that never sees daylight. The movie is about Murdoch's exploration of the city and finding the answers to all his questions.

https://stylenoir.com/film-review-dark-city/

      The visual and cinematography of Dark City is plain awesome and what makes it such a great movie. With elements of both Sci-Fi and Noir, both combine nicely to create a beautiful landscape and experience for the audience. The city itself is a mix of modern and old, with no distinct year or era, a dark, cold, and mechanical feel that is reminiscent of the silent movie Metropolis. Art Deco signage, old automobiles, and throwback clothing are all present. The atmosphere and story line are similar to the more popular Matrix movies or Inception, though Dark City did release a year before The Matrix.

     I  give this movie two thumbs up, and recommend it as a must-see if you are a fan of Sci-Fi or Neo Noir/Crime/Thriller films. The story line is complex and fairly deep, asking questions about human nature and what exactly makes us who we are. Dark City may have not captured a huge audience at the time, but I do see it as a cult movie that was well made and thought-provoking. I believe it will continue to be at home during midnight showings and art-house cinemas for a long time to come.