Posted on 02/23/2011 8:10:07 PM PST by marktwain
Four Americans, including a Seattle couple, aboard a private yacht hijacked by Somali pirates are dead this morning, and readers reacting to the CBS story on-line are wondering why any of the pirates were taken alive. Likewise, after the Seattle Times caught up with the story at about 7:25 a.m., it didn’t take long for readers to suggest that the pirates be taught a lesson.
The incident is hardly a first in that part of the world. Somali pirates have been emboldened by the willingness of some victims to pay outrageous ransoms. Reports indicate that negotiations were underway between the pirates and a U.S. warship nearby.
Today’s dead are identified as Seattleites Bob Riggle and Phyllis Macay, along with Californians Scott and Jean Adam, who owned the Quest, whose home port may be Marina del Rey, where the Adams lived.
Then we should bring the Navy in and blast those Somalian (sic) MF's back into the stone age (or farther back into it). If a Somolian (sic) ship is at sea and is not fishing, blow them up and ask questions later.—Seattle Times reader
Early in the Obama administration, Navy SEAL marksmen took out some pirates holding a merchant captain hostage, but one can now conclude that message was insufficient to convince pirates that attacking boats or ships on the high seas, sailing under the American flag, is a bad idea. It will be up to the administration to take appropriate action. Examiner readers are encouraged to comment below, explaining what you think would be appropriate.
Meanwhile, what can private vessels do to discourage pirates or defend against them?
This column checked on line and it appears that it is legal – with some red tape, naturally – to carry arms aboard.
(Excerpt) Read more at examiner.com ...
You might be right, but I’d plan for the worst. After all, if they meet with resistance on a regular basis, they might decided that its part of the risk...
Thanks....I wondered....do they strip search people at ports, though? And, yeah....if you can’t protect yourself somewhere....don’t go there! Wouldn’t you think though that if you are out on the high seas where Pirates hang out you’d take the risk of having protection?
Obvious, isn't it? Most boats I've been on bigger than 35 foot have some sort of shotgun on board. Smart folks carry some kind of 'Deer Rifle' as well.
Some of the flare pistols are fairly sturdy. You could likely sleeve it for a smaller caliber, such as a .410, much easier. Anyone with a lathe could make such a conversion. A .410 might be a little easier to shoot one handed, as well.
I think that I would like just about any modern scoped rifle for standoff range. Perhaps a .270 so it is not a “military” caliber. You can get a savage 110 brand new with scope for less than $600. If you shop a bit, you can likely pick up a used one for less than $400.
http://buy.auctionarms.com/10043723/savage-arms-corp-110-gxp3-270-win-with-accu-trigger
Thanks...for all the info...very interesting
Jacked should be jacket.
I understood perfectly... Have done numerous similar things...
Had it been me, I would have set up my radar to alert all aboard that another vessel was approaching.
Then, after I broke out my HK-91, (Sniper version) and if the intruders kept on coming and indicate they are hostile, the survivors would quickly learn how to take command of a vessel and turn it back to where it came from.
Not ever owning a Barrett, my experience as only with a waterborne Ma Deuce on navy “small boats.”
But yes, come to think of it, a Barret could be slung like the USCG does from small helos, between strong bungee cords. That could work on a boat. Good luck hiding a Barret though.
The critical item landlubber shooters don’t take into account is the constant motion of your shooting platform.
Imagine sitting on the roof rack of a Suburban driving across rutted fields. That’s close. No “sniper rifle” with a 10X scope will work. You can’t hold it steady enough, and offhand is the ONLY way you can aim and hit anything at all.
Your “shooter’s rest” works AGAINST you, causing your barrel to go up and down and side to side as the boat moves.
I’ve fired pintle mounted Ma Deuce 50s from small boats. It works okay on 60+ feet on relatively calm water, say the riverine environment.
Offshore on a vessel under 60’? Forget it. Your barrel can’t be held steady as the boat moves.
The USCG helo method of strapping a Barret between two bungees in the gunners open door could work. The gun CANNOT be laid across a firm rest that is rolling as the boat rolls.
See my above explanations from about #80 on about shooting effectively on the ocean.
Gotcha.
A bolt is not best in this role. The absolute KEY is fast followup shots, tracking and correcting off of each splash. This incredible advantage is lost with a slow bolt gun.
And no scope over 4X will work AT ALL due to all of the movement.
The short axis HK-91 is an excellent choice for the technique you just described. Any other method would be less effective. Fast follow up shots are absolutely vital!
Awww, here we go again.....
Can somebody post the “Aww Geez - Not This Sh*t Again” picture???
:^)
Sure as hell couldn't hurt. Even if they do kill you, you just might take a few with you.
Yes... I am continuing to post after reading just the article. Life is too short to read an entire thread before posting. ;-)
Sounds like the “spray and pray” pirates will have an advantage.
Thanks. I read your post with considerable interest. Nice to learn from someone with experience.
Would that this were true.
Good idea. Boats sitting at both ends of the route (but still in international waters) where you can return your weapons and get back your deposit before entering a port.
Your post#86 is very interesting. Thanks for posting it.
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