Sniper Country Duty Roster

Lito.........

Need a quiz answered on why when looking through a scope for a while I can't get it focused right. I've noticed here lately that if I take too long with a shot the sight picture will go out of focus. Even looking away from the scope doesn't help much when I get back on it. It doesn't happen 'as bad' with my 8.5-25's but I have a Premier boosted 20-50 (originally a 8.5-25) that really gives me fits. I can start a string with really good focus and 10 shots in I have to start trying and re-focus. Very frustrating when trying to run a good string in good conditions.

Optically challenged, Bolt out!

Bolt
Focus challenged in............, NC, - Friday, February 1, 2008, at 00:11:19 (ZULU)

[url] A major credit card company has issued a letter to a gun dealer (CDNN) canceling his payment processing services because of corporate concerns firearms were being sold to consumers in other states, in "a non face-to-face environment."

(no direct proof of GCA'68 violations claimed).

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=59970

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, February 1, 2008, at 00:20:54 (ZULU)

Dear Optically Challenged...

HA!~

Boltster Dude...

>" I've noticed here lately that if I take too long with a shot the sight picture will go out of focus. Even looking away from the scope doesn't help much when I get back on it. It doesn't happen 'as bad' with my 8.5-25's but I have a Premier boosted 20-50 (originally a 8.5-25) that really gives me fits. I can start a string with really good focus and 10 shots in I have to start trying and re-focus. Very frustrating when trying to run a good string in good conditions."<

First off, how old are you... (it makes a difference).

Us old guys have a special advantage and a special disadvantage.

Lemme know and then I'll 'splain (e-mail me if it's a secret ;)

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Friday, February 1, 2008, at 04:15:10 (ZULU)

Rod,

<So, are you fellows saying that the current production SS10X42 (and similar) is a SFWA exclusive?>

Yep

jc
Cordova, TN, United States - Friday, February 1, 2008, at 05:08:45 (ZULU)

Yep, getting old sucks, Bolt sleepy and out!

Bolt
Unfocused in........, NC, - Friday, February 1, 2008, at 10:21:04 (ZULU)

>"Rod,

<So, are you fellows saying that the current production SS10X42 (and similar) is a SFWA exclusive?>

Yep"<

And more YUP... SWFA has been the supplier for many years - they contracted for the scopes to be made for them, after Tabasco went TU.

The scope was originally a Tabasco catalog item.

Boltster - I'm on the way out - I'll answer tonight.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Friday, February 1, 2008, at 13:41:28 (ZULU)

Boltster...

Something they Taught us going thru the course was to look at green when our eyes start getting tired and blurry... It is suppose to help relax them. I tried it, and I didn't find it not to work so hey give it a shot. let us know if it works for you.

Morgue

Mourge
Overseas, - Friday, February 1, 2008, at 16:22:06 (ZULU)

Sain, did you ever get my email about the gear we talked about? Look me up at SHOT, and let's talk about it.

Duman, you and Bravo come by the Snipers Hide booth. I'll show you some thing's I've been doing the last couple of years. I'll also show you an ammo belt that I've been working on that'll be going to an operator overseas just as soon as SHOT is over. If I'm not there have Bravo give me a call, he has my number, or have someone there holler at me and I'll come say hi.

SSG Mac, I'll have some of my suppressor covers at the Ashbury International booth. I guess they'll be on display, I had to overnight a bunch of them to Vegas Tuesday. What does your buddy Gary Vance do for Ashbury?

Mourge, I've been using MultiCam for almost 3 years in the gear I make, and completely agree with you. I told Bravo about it a while back, and I think I created a MultiCam monster.

Tony Burkes
Alvin, Texas, United States of America - Friday, February 1, 2008, at 16:28:15 (ZULU)

Geoff,

I remember reading a post somewhere a year or so back where a guy was having a similar problem. Luckily, his eye doctor was also a shooter. He had a set of lenses made up with the right magnification for him right in the center of the right lense. He couldn't do much else with those lenses, but he could shoot pretty well with them.

Bolt,

The focus problem you're having is because your eyes don't focus as fast when you get older, because your brain works slower. I used to be able to see my front and back sight and my target all clearly at the same time. Now, 2 out of three are fuzzy. It sucks.

Sometimes, if I'm looking at my computer screen, and it has a dark background, while I'm reading the text on the left, if there is a bright video screen on the right side, my right eye keeps focusing and refocusing, trying to pick up what's going on on the right side.

LEssons learned today:

1.) Border Collie pups HATE baths.

2.) They LOVE red Kool-aid mix. I'm even gonna have to scrub down and re-paint the kitchen!

3.) My wife is the idiot queen. She left it where they could get it, then woke me up laughing about it. Then left. (okay, leaving was smart!)

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Friday, February 1, 2008, at 17:02:33 (ZULU)

Tony, Gary heads a new operation for Morris. I'll let him explain it to you, but it's gonna stand a lot of folks in that industry on their ears.

SSG Mac
Friday, February 1, 2008, at 17:20:07 (ZULU)

Ha! Snipes took a break on filing and paying taxes. The IRS was not amused, so they had him arrested and tried. The felony charges included Fraud and conspiracy; instead, the jury returned guilty for misdomeanor non-payment.

The government took one in the shorts on what most legal experts thought was a slam dunk.

I'm LMOA, though I figured Snipes was toast, too. The overreach for the gov was the thought crime and of course, fraud, which the jury could not find---Snipes did not file anything--so where was the fraud? Oh, bawhawhawhaw. Can't file these charges ever again, and it is a very narrow shot to appeal a jury verdict.

Between this and the Alabama lawyer case--you can bet the government is taking notice.

Joe M
Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 00:56:59 (ZULU)

Unless Romney pulls a come-from-behind victory, it looks like a choice between McCain, Hillary or Obama. William Buckley said that he always supported the Rightmost viable candidate. That won't be of of much use in this election as all three candidates are Looney-Toon Leftists. McCain is a nightmare.

CDC'
Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 03:01:06 (ZULU)

Isn't retirement supposed to be different somehow? I am soldered and pinned to the farm:)) And youz bums are running down to vegas for SHOT....harumph.

CDC: McCain's win in the general would put conservatives into another 40-year trek thru the wilderness; akin to the pre 94 wanderings as the minority. He will destroy the party---such as it is (the 2000-2006 repubs in congress did enough damage already).

I simply will not vote for him, and I say this knowing that it means the other socialists can win. That is fine by me---I'd rather an actual commie wins than a rino; at least then the aftermath is easily fixed on the guilty ideology. McCain would only muddy up the argument against socialism. ANY and ALL federal involvement in healthcare payments--including medicare---is just a stepping stone towards single payer crap. Medicare, and its full compliment of fraud, is one of the major drivers of the rise in costs (regulatory stupidity is another); these upward pressures, or unintended consequenses of government meddling---are at the root of this "desire" to socialize the whole shebang.

Doing so will kill the dollar---and Weimer Germany will be our historical parallel. The difference, IMHO, is who will have the balls in this country to step up after the mess descends.

Joe M
Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 04:00:44 (ZULU)

Joe M: Any of the three probable canidates will f*** up almost everything (Judges, illegal immigration, taxes, 1st amendment, global warming, GWOT...) that crosses his/her desk. It would be better if the bozo is a Democrat.

Get ready folks, the ride may turn bumpy.

I live at a fairly high elevation on a hill. It snowed on the mountains behind my house. The temperature stayed low enough that the flakes didn't stick together. The wind has been running about 30mph +/- 5mph. So the snow drifted. In fact, my yard has 4 or so huge snow drifts. It is unbelievable. And it is going to melt. I just hope it melts slowly. My down-hill neighbor is spooked.

CDC'
Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 06:09:03 (ZULU)

Boltster...

(I'm BACK ;)

The lens in the eye is like a transparent "Jello" lens of the worst possible quality.

It focuses by having muscles attached around it to squeeze it and make it thicker in the middle to focus closer.

When you are young, this change is almost instantaneous.

When you are young, it is real wiggly, but as you get older, the jell gets thicker and thicker, so the focus and return to relaxed state takes longer and longer.

By the time you are in your 50's, it can take 10 seconds, up to a minute to change... so most ol' guys just don't think they focus at all.

If the scope eye piece is not properly set up so you see the reticle with your eye relaxed, then as you force it to try to focus, it kinds takes a "set" and doesn't want to go back to where it was.

If I use my computer without my "puter glasses" that were made just for the distance thatI am from the screen... my lenses slowly adjust, and then wanna stay that way - if I get up to do something else, the world looks fuzzy for a while, until the lenses go back to their relaxed position.

This is what is happening to you... after a while, your lenses have settled, and don't want to go back to where they are supposed to be, and things look fuzzy and hard to focus.

Go to the articles section and read my article on Parallax.

I talk about eyepiece focusing too...

http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/Parallax.asp

The good news is...

... it gets worse as you get older :(((

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 08:25:08 (ZULU)

Time to invest in trade goods?!? Maybe. But you can't eat gold, and someone starving isn't gonna buy it from you. Food, clothing, medicine, and probably booze seem more the ticket.

CDC, I don't blame your neighbor: the most underestimated thing around is the power of flowing water. Lots of really nice, solidly built stuff has fallen down because the ground it was on left to go downstream.

Joe, color me clueless: which Alabama lawyer case? I've been eyebrow deep at work all this week.

EDITED TO AD: Ther's a picture of one of the things (in this case a new rifle) that Asbury has on offer at SHOT over on the hide.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=459952#Post459952 or click.

SSG Mac
Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 08:28:22 (ZULU)

Joe M...

McCain can't destroy the Republican party - there is nothing left of it - the two Bushes killed it.

There is not a single Republican running - you have the very left party, and the kinda left party... then the Libertarian (who isn't running a candidate), and the Anarchist Party who haven't got enough money to run a candatate.

There is nothing left, and why the democrats are bitching is a mystery to me - both parties are close to the same - I guess it's now down to "my gang over yours", cuz philosophies are not part of the contest.

For the first time in my long life, I may not vote. I've been voting for the lesser of two evils for so long...

... and now I can't find any of the candidates that I can pull the lever for, in a contest of "The lesser of two evils".

These guys are sell out scum.

I'll vote for Ron Paul in the primary, and then just pass.

I listen to these "republicrate" guys on TV and just I wanna puke!!

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 09:12:01 (ZULU)

Optical guru...........

Reticle is clear and crisp per your instructions that I memorized when you first wrote the article. Site picture is what gets fuzzy. So the focus knob thingy isn't going to take care of this without screwing up the parallax? Any way to fix this or am I doomed to guessing where the x is half way through a string? Getting old does suck but if a scope doesn't cure this I'm doomed to five shot strings :(

My eye doc who is also a shooter gave me a script for new bifocals for driving at night and seeing up close. I hate wearing glasses and try to only use them at night or when I'm doing close up detailed work. He also gave me a script for a set of shooting glasses lenses so I can shoot with irons. Haven't got them made yet cause I'm still trying to decide what frames to get for shooting. The frames I have seen are damn expensive so I thought about just using an old set of lenses from my old glasses.

Optically depressed, Bolt out!

Bolt
Out of focus in........, NC, - Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 13:02:45 (ZULU)

Dear Optically depressed!...

If the cross hairs are sharp, and the target is fuzzy - your AO or Parallax thingie is not set right... it is not possible for the hairs to be sharp and the target to be fuzzy, if they are adjusted so they are in the same place.

Signed...

Optical Abby

;) ;)

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 15:34:33 (ZULU)

So, if the candidate of the Republicans only says 50% of what you like, you'll throw him overboard and vote for an AVOWED Socialist, one who has repeatedly said she/he will take your excess money and redistribute it? You'll pout, kick your feet and hold your breath, so someone who espouses everything you hate and fear will get elected, rather than vote for someone who you disagree on in several areas? That, gentlemen, is childish and self-destructive. Geez, get some perspective and think about what you're saying. You NEVER get all you want, all the time. Oh, you can feel smugly self-righteous as the Dems are destroying the country, raping the economy and stripping us of our rights, and say to yourself and your cronies "Well, see? I told you so!" And we'll still be broke, enslaved and miserable. But, you'll feel vindicated. Good luck with that. I'll vote for McCain. Romney. Paul. Anyone with an (R) over ANYONE with a (D).

Charles S. Hunt
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 17:39:41 (ZULU)

McCain is a RINO: Republican in name only, and in very few respects resembles a conservative.

Perhaps if the Democrats get the White House, it would dawn upon the Republicans that they need to return to their conservative roots. I think they need a lesson - 8 years of the current administration spending like a drunken sailor is enough. Right now, it's very hard to tell the two main parties apart.

I certainly won't vote for a Demoncrap - but I may very well stay home.

Lindy
The Northern Occupied Territories of Mexico, Texas, U.S.A. - Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 18:54:23 (ZULU)

Charles: My view is more sinister than you may realize. Think carter on 'roids. If, as i suspect, the country's ability to have the world underwrite our chronic overspending--be it feds or consumers--is at or near tapped out--then the ONLY result from more of the same will be absurd devaluation of the dollar abroad---the debt comes home to roost in a destructive way.

IMHO, we are on our way down this path already--perhaps beyond saving the mess from failure. If no one wants to face this music politically--then I say go for the one who will hasten the process along. Might as well get it over with while I am still young enough to handle it, and the aftermath.

And, whether it is a repub/ socialist or a dem socialist DOES matter; sheep will bleat the curses on the party left holding this potato for generations.

I am thinking in terms of the great depression--which was only great because FDR kinda deepened it with his fixes. The tsunami of all the weaknesses in the economy today dwarf all the ills of '29 by a huge margin. Now, the great depression had an effect---it was blamed fairly or not on Hoover--and the aftermath was this country adopted socialism-lite; the camel's nose under the tent.

My overall view is that to bring this country back from its headlong rush to trample under the constitution in exchange for socialist policies--we need a major amount of pain. Be it civil liberties assaulted by the patriot act, healthcare via government mandate (already here, medicare, and set to expand), the tax code itself (punish the rich!) that actaully pays americans money they NEVER contributed (EIC), or any of the myriad federal usurping of state's rights (education, local laws held hostage by highway funds, etc)--we have simply walked away from the very basis that made this nation great.

The conditions are there to bring about changes. Unfortunately and as is often the case throughout history--the catalyst for change is a sesmic event in a society; my view it will be the collapse of the Fiat monetary system with rampant inflation and economic contraction. If you look at all that is going on, it becomes clear that the only way to slow or stop the bleed is to reign in federal spending. Congress is no longer capable of that. Ergo, hasten the fall!

Besides...chaos is fun:)) You cannot control it--but it can be manipulated! I imagine that this is where the military and LE differ tremendously in thought processes. Chaos; it is what the military does at the very tip of all that choreography. Heheh.

As for McCain: Vote your conscious; I'll vote (or not) mine. My stance is that I will never vote for a socialist. Any thought of party allegience is way secondary to my moral principals. The (R) by anyone's name is only a letter; it is what they believe that I vote for. McCain is no conservative. McCain's stance on Iraq is hardly worth considering. No one who sits in that chair will think differently than McCain once they have the decision matrix in front of them. So, security is a wash---no one wants to be the idiot in history that undoes the lack of attacks. It comes down to domestic policy. And, there's not a spit of difference between Hitlery, McCanadycane, or Osama-Bama for making the government the answer to all your little problems. Except this: If what I believe about the inability of our dollar to absorb further deficit spending (exponentially increased)--then who gets the blame for the collapse is kinda important. If no candidate is standing up for fiscal responsibility, then I will vote for no candidate. Many other feel this way. Perhaps, if I am wrong about the resiliency of the dollar and the deepness of foriegn pockets to underwrite our excessive lifestyles, then maybe the party will take note of my absense and adjust in the future.

Either way, I get to send whatever message I want with my participation in the process.

Calling it childish is pretty shallow thinking. Sheep take what comes at them, with no further thought (just wtach polls change their minds about everything). You are better than that and that sentiment.

Joe M
Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 19:08:31 (ZULU)

Charles...

Actually, if Hillery runs, I'll vote for Hitler to stop her.

But between McCain and Obama, there's no difference - they will both tax the crap out of the middle class, and let in all the Mexicans that can swim.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 20:21:29 (ZULU)

Historically speaking, the next step in human governance, from a representative democracy (republic)is dictatorship. The public allows things to run amok, then clamor for "someone" to "fix" them. The first two dictators are usually not all that bad for a few years. Then it gets messy again. Joe Arpaio for President!

Charles S. Hunt
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 23:13:26 (ZULU)

I don't ever give an opinion or comment but McCain is scary.

If he wins the nomination who is his #2? A conservative Republican or his buddy from Connecticut.

JLU

Joe Udelhofen
Oconomowoc, WI, USA - Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 23:59:49 (ZULU)

Joe M...

I know exactly what you are talking about... sometimes what is needed to some a problem is to givee them an overdose of what they think they want.

If Bush wanted to really do something to make up for his screw ups - and do something for his his country, he and Chaney would resign.

It would leave Pelocy as Pres, kill Hillary and Obama and all the other democrats and liberal Republicans, and Pelocy would founder so badly in one year that even her party could not protect her - and the conservatives (the real ones) would sweep the '08 elections.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Sunday, February 3, 2008, at 03:42:33 (ZULU)

Now that has potential.

jc
Cordova, TN, United States - Sunday, February 3, 2008, at 05:54:01 (ZULU)

Gents,

I just finished doing a thorough clean on an MP5SD it looked like it hadn't been worked over in a while. It was so bad I Had to pound the pins out for break down. It's much better now, well everything except the Suppressor, the carbon build up is appalling. My buddy and I were talking and he said back in the day before there were concerns about HAZMAT and everything that they used to just put it in diesel and let it set for a while and that did a good job on breaking down the carbon.

Since I have been on the job they have told us not to do anything with the suppressor, but as we all know the more its used and the more build up of carbon there is the louder it becomes. We are in a situation where it needs to be as quiet as possible, Does anyone have a suggestion on how to break down and flush out the carbon?

I was thinking about setting it in diesel overnight and then shaking soapy water around in it to flush the broken carbon out and finishing with some alcohol to flush out the water and try to prevent rust.

Would this work or should I try something else? I need to get this done in the next couple days if possible.

Morgue

Mourge
Overseas, - Sunday, February 3, 2008, at 10:25:32 (ZULU)

Morgue, Some mech in the Motor Pool must have that nasty Cold Parts Cleaner Available.

NSN 6850-00-543-7801 Cold tank carbon removing compound.

After a few hour soak even grungy 100,000 mile pistons come out

clean.

Rinse with solvent & Hot Water or Steam !

Just a thought.

Caution as it eats up most Plastic & Rubber parts as well as Skin.

Regards,

Joisey Steve

Steven Dzupin
Ridgewood, New Joisey, US of A - Sunday, February 3, 2008, at 13:21:54 (ZULU)

Mornin' Morgue,

I know absolutely nothing about suppressors so bear with me. In the days of corrosive primers we used boiling soapy water on M-1 Garands and then rinsed them in boiling water. They dried quickly and then we would oil them. The same works on black powder stuff. I would probably try diesel then boiling soapy water. After that I would rinse them in boiling water followed by the alcohol. If they weren't dry enough after the alcohol you could always give them a few shots of ether; but make darned sure all of the ether has evaporated before you fire them. Compressed air would probably be a necessity if you used any ether.

Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway
The sunny Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Sunday, February 3, 2008, at 13:22:33 (ZULU)

Suppressor cleaning: I use Chem-Dip, available at auto parts stores. Soak the suppressor for about 10 minutes, rinse with water, and you're done. With one that hasn't been cleaned, it might take a bit more time. It will clean it as clean as a whistle. Wear heavy rubber gloves, and don't get it on you - the stuff is seriously toxic.

I expect it's like the stuff Steve referred to. Works great on AR/M16 parts, too.

After cleaning, I drop a drill bit that's as close to the bore diameter of the suppressor down it, to make sure that there aren't any loose particles in the way.

I clean mine about every 500 rounds, but it doesn't really need it that often.

Lindy
The Northern Occupied Territories of Mexico, Texas, U.S.A. - Sunday, February 3, 2008, at 13:50:15 (ZULU)

There no Republicans running. The Republican party is running, but there are no Republicans running. I won't vote for any Communist and outside of Ron Paul, that's all there is to choose from.

Hank
Sunday, February 3, 2008, at 16:47:06 (ZULU)

Mourge, you're in the land of the smelly people, right? So access to normal commercial stuff is problematic, not so? See if you can have your TCN/IA buddies get you some carbon tetrachloride or MEK(Methyl Ethyl Ketone) and let it soak in that for a bit(24hrs). Leave it covered outside and try and keep the shit off your skin, use the serious gloves out of the MOPP gear, don't try those LW little surgical gloves you get for handling dead hadjis. Either is going to dissolve, but the surgical ones don't last long enough.

Diesel(real diesel, DF2) is OK, what's working is the additive package they put in diesel to maske it a proper fuel. JP8 doesn't get that, so it won't work as well. If the armorers have the solvent tanks, those work great too, but I never saw any. S/F....Ken M

Ken M
Sunday, February 3, 2008, at 18:12:40 (ZULU)

Mourge,

I've used MEK quite a bit, and never had any skin issues. DO NOT use it in an enclosed area. That is not the kinda shit you want to mess around with. Breathe as little of it as possible. No need for a respirator, just don't use it in an office size room. I used it to clean some spilled enamel paint off of spanish tile in a smaller foyer, and got noticeably buzzed in minutes.

You might ask the guys at silencertalk.com about this.

Travis Morgan
Wichita, Ks., U.S.A. - Sunday, February 3, 2008, at 19:15:58 (ZULU)

If working with carbon tetrachloride, do not use heat. CCl2O = bad.

medicjim
Sunday, February 3, 2008, at 19:17:19 (ZULU)

Carbon tetrachloride:

http://www.inchem.org/documents/hsg/hsg/hsg108.htm

Decomposition of carbon terachloride forms phosgene, carbon dioxide and hydrochloric acid.

The unheated vapour is a hazard too.

Carbon tetrachloride vapour is invisible, heavier than air and spreads along the ground.

Work with carbon tetrachloride should be carried out with adequate ventilation. Breathing the vapour and skin contact should be avoided. Chemical protective clothing, masks and gloves made from materials that provide a high degree of permeation resistance and eye protection should be used. Note that rubber is not a suitable protective material since carbon tetrachloride migrates through it.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Sunday, February 3, 2008, at 21:12:00 (ZULU)

Morgue: What I'd do is find myself a young(er) weapon's guy from first group...then tell him that "I cleaned the piss out of this thing...it still is much louder than it should be...and that YOU ain't able to make it work any better than me." Then, go pick up your freshly cleaned supressor after a few cold ones on the town:))

Joe M
Monday, February 4, 2008, at 00:33:03 (ZULU)

Gents,

Appreciate all the replies, Commercial products are ni on impossible to get out here and its a small group out in the middle of BFE and if we didn't bring it the odds are we aren't going to get it if you know what I mean.

Is the Cold Parts Cleaner anything like carb cleaner? I use Carb Cleaner to clean the $hlt out out of the 240 and the mk 48... I didn't think about trying it on the can, I was thinking along the lines of the least carossive method possible.

You ever notice that most of the things companies make to work on engines does wonders when you are cleaning your gun, got to love that. I am going to have to pick up some of that Chem-dip Lindy refered to, seems like a good tool for the shelf.

Ken,

Add LOTS of water and a bunch of Islands and you put it in the x-ring...

Doc,

I didn't even think about taking the extra step to boil it, thanks for the tip

Joe,

I would love to hand it off to someone but they are going to run into the same problem, only they may just say to hell with it and use the closest chemical compound and then where would we be...

Gents thanks again,

Morgue

Mourge
Overseas, - Monday, February 4, 2008, at 02:26:32 (ZULU)

Morgue-one of the benefits of your current AO is that they've never heard of OHSA. If available, you might be surprised at what you may be able to pick up at Hadji-Mart.

WR Moore
Monday, February 4, 2008, at 03:53:54 (ZULU)

Gents, I'm well aware that various chems are bad shit, hence my recommendations. In the 3rd world, you don't generally get nice safe stuff, but on the plus side, nobody cares if you dump that stuff behind the hooch either. I stand by my recommendations. On the positive side, none of those organic compounds do anything bad to metals, so you're safe in that aspect.

Morgue, 10-4, if you've got SIPR or higher, drop me an E-mail and we can BS on the covered side. I work for EUCOM, not PACOM, but if you need some research done, I can probably help you out. Given our current charter and your presumed mission, it's something I can easily justify to my bosses. S/F....Ken M

Ken M
Monday, February 4, 2008, at 04:36:20 (ZULU)

re: Supressor cleaning

Actually, they warn about carbon tetrachloride and aluminum (and other "reactive" metals).

I believe they would only possibly use aluminum in the outer enclosure of a suppressor, but more typical metals are steel and titanium.

I'm more worried about protecting the end-user.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, February 4, 2008, at 16:32:28 (ZULU)

Gents,

Just returned from SHOT. It was awesome, what little I saw. Left early, my wallet was swiped. Being in Vegas with no ID, CCs, or $$ is kinda tough.

Bravo: Material has been destroyed, you're safe. Please send me your current snail-mail addy. I'll return the incriminating photos of you and the MagPul dudes.... :8-p

InSain: Sorry I didn't get back with you Saturday, Bravo took care of me, and you were "busier than a one-armed paper hanger". It was great to see you (for the 30-seconds or so). :8-)

As usual, there was no shortage of "Tactical T.W.A.T" teams. The winner of "Miss Tactical T.W.A.T SHOT-08 " was the gal in the Aimpoint booth. There was more traffic in that booth than the Holland tunnel. I guess it worked for them, the right combination of DNA and silicone can be a 'good thing'.

Duman
Monday, February 4, 2008, at 18:29:31 (ZULU)

Dillon Blue Land,

Gents,

A good bud GAVE me his 550B along with his tumbler and other reload stuff (deevorce!). Question is that it's been in storage for a while and has some "rusty" oxidation on the operating shaft and maybe on some other small pieces, not gone through all the stuff yet.

Try to wipe off the surface stuff then spray with a dry lube?

Have had single stage presses and used a Dillon a time or two, but any advice on bringin one back to life?

Scott F.
Hillbillyland, MO, - Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 06:31:03 (ZULU)

Gents: The boy called tonight; he says it isn't as bad as he thought it was going to be. Before I could say it--he said, "No kill like overkill, eh dad? Can't be too prepared for adversity." Heheh, so he did hear that! Other good news: he is in an 11B-cycle--so I won't have to play the one-on-one new old boy network to prevent 11C for him. His voice was confidence with a detectable lack of sleep. He had two minutes from dialing; I ven got to hear the Drill lock his ass up:)) But the best part---

Bravo was on hold on line two as the first call came in. Heheh. He probably heard my grin thru the phone...

And, like I've been telling his biomom--the Drills made him write home that first time---if only with the addy. It should be in the mailbox any day now.

There literally was not enough time for me to ask the first question to figure out how best to meddle...darn it!

Looking at it all--I set up the perfect private. If I had another 10 years, I would have set up the perfect platoon daddy; 3 more years a good PL; 12, a great field grade...but it now occurs to me: My job was citizen. I was lucky in that I influenced a private. What comes next is on him and the leaders he falls under. I'll always have his ear--but parting with the other ear was an unexpected loss. Boy to man. It seems like a process until it becomes an event. Whoa.

And to drive home the point of time passing: I'm watching "Hard Days Night" (beatles for those under rocks) made the year I was born.

The Who said back then: " The Kids are alright.."

I raised a para. No shit.

His Godfather will be proud as hell. Mick, the original neanderthal; no poets or artists here, dude. (inside joke--a condition for his excepting the honor))

Joe M
Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 07:26:35 (ZULU)

Scott F: Call Dillon. That press has a "No questions asked" guarantee.

Joe M: I want to have my kids love me, but it's not important that they love me. It's important that I love them. I want to put myself between my kids and the world, but all I can do is to make them strong. It sounds like you did your part.

CDC'
Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 10:14:48 (ZULU)

Many congradulations Joe! Sounds like He's gonna be a good man & soldier: no Father could ask for more. Shoot me his snail-mail addy when you get it & I'll contribute to his pysical fitness, er morale yeah! MORALE.

SSG Mac
Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 10:16:19 (ZULU)

Joe - Congrats, sounds like your son is off to a great start in HIS life. The good judgement you imparted in his upbringing will be his best resource.

Scott F - surface rust on fine tolerance moving parts can be removed using hydrofloric acid. The stuff is very, very toxic and you must not allow it to touch you (I'm not joking AT ALL). OK, ready for the amusing part... you can pick it up at the local grocery store, packaged in a small brown bottle with the brand name "whink", in the laundry aisle listed as a spot remover. Once you've removed the rust, apply oil immediately, as the spots will re-rust within an hour if you don't protect them.

click my name or paste this link to see product packaging

http://www.alwaysbrilliant.com/aa/aspx-products/1-310/2-52768/SC-FROOGLE/bb/Wink%20Rust%20Remover.htm

medicjim
Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 14:47:55 (ZULU)

Test...

Marius
Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 18:48:23 (ZULU)

Scott F. - That Dillon is beyond repair and warranty... send it to me, it'll make you feel better.... hehehehe...!

Seriously, I just bought one in similar condition, tore it down, cleaned all moving surfaces with fine steel wool. Finished with thin film of gun oil, it works fine. If some parts are pitted with rust, have Dillon send new parts. Shouldn't take more than an hour or so.

medicjim - HF ?!? Ugh. "wink" must be a really weak solution, otherwise they couldn't sell it in a bottle (glass).

Duman
Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 21:52:21 (ZULU)

Duman:

Glass is a poor container choice for HF. Probably some kind of plastic is what is used for Whink.

I would probably pick something like Naval Jelly instead (although it has sulfuric acid, so it's not a free ride either).

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 23:17:50 (ZULU)

Gents: thanks. Being a dad sure is one of those "if i knew then what I know now" things; I only had what my dad gave me to fall back on, and those things I picked up along the way...and for a while there--it seemed not enough. My advice for those facing teen years: Stay the course. Adjust within your standards, but keep those standards. I watched as first the rod, then austere groundings, and finally slave labor all immunized him to the desired effect. And things got worse. I was at wits end...but i refused to compromise the standards. All of a sudden, it stopped failing and sorta worked itself out...like magic. I know of one fella who should take heart from this. Not too many years ago, we were both comparing notes on how to drive our message into the thick heads...heheh.

CDC said it best: Love them, and the rest follows.

Rust: I was always partial to naval jelly, if a light scrubbing with a bore brush and gun solvents wasn't working.

In the 80s, we agitated for some MP5SDs, without much thought to anything but the quiet cool factor. Not being careful what we wished for, these showed up almost "at the ramp" for a combat op. The logheads were pissed that we passed on them (trained as we would fight with CARs). But I recall two things: Something that heavy oughta throw more than de-fanged 9mm ball--say something like a 20mm round:)) Underpowered and overweight were not cool factors; the other thing was versatility---none to be had; you either got close or watched the show. For a quiet kill with the same range---why not a sidearm? Now a SAW with a big ol' can---now that would be fun:))

The hard part of being "retired" is adjusting my thinking: I tend to look at things in terms of expendable, durable and end item. Tactically, I think in terms of extended ops, though I am "based" now. The result is I do not stock up on things that I should be stocking up on, and because I am fixed---my choices in firearms doesn't need to be so utilitarian anymore.

Bravo gets a kick outta adjusting these stray thought processes:))

Joe M
Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 23:47:57 (ZULU)

Went out to the facility to visit the boys today. I saw Student Chuck Hunt. I almost didn't recognize him. He had hair on his head and all over his face. Already looks like a contractor. ;)

S/F

Finger

Jim Reifinger
Pearsall, TX, USA - Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at 23:50:10 (ZULU)

Duman - I think you'd be shocked at just how potent an HF solution can be had in the cleaning products aisle. Some day, I'll have to gather up a few of you 'more reputatble' types and share my advanced arson course... nothing like a little 'shock and awe' straight outta the local gocery and hardware store.

The SF types might yawn some, but I have a few 'self taught' features that might even wake them up...

medicjim
Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 00:38:02 (ZULU)

Yeah, and I got the cool 511 pants and a neat ballcap, too! I am having to listen to all the "Team Geritol" and "Does your AARP insurance cover any injuries?" If I can survive the next 27 days, my delta-V will significantly increase, and my drag factor will greatly decrease. We'll see. Now, more Ibuprofen and off to the rack.

Charles S. Hunt
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 02:01:55 (ZULU)

Joe:

Fixed installation - Dude, you have an armory! :-)

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 02:29:21 (ZULU)

MedicJim: I'd take your course! My improvised training was...well, the "ago" is now measured in decades:)) Still can remember a few key ratios though. For the good recipes, of course. The others aren't necessarily so precise (you can fudge 'em and still get effects). And somewhere around here is a pretty cool little loose-leaf notebook full of bad ideas.

Sir Wes: The long awaited is on its way:)) Priority US mail---you should see it before the weekend. Batteries are included, if only cuz I forgot until the tape job was complete.

Joe M
Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 02:43:09 (ZULU)

There is apparently a new 'buff' working my area. He got some good pics of my guys the other day... If anyone is bored, have a look.

Looks to be work safe as far as I've seen so far.

http://www.redvideo.us/

medicjim
Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 02:55:34 (ZULU)

MedicJim and Joe M 's IED School...

Bad Idea...LOL

I have a mental picture of craters large enough to lose a set UPS double bottoms.

Take Pics please?

UnPat

UnPat
Wi., USA - Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 10:18:28 (ZULU)

Gents...

Hmm... personally Joe and Jims Course sounds like a good time... dangerous BWG... but oh so fun...

Was talking to a buddy of mine and he has a TRG-S in 338 LM, as I understand it, its essentially a TRG42 in a regular stock vs the tactical stock the 42 comes in. I looked around found it for just under $1200. Add the muzzle break and a bipod and you are looking at around 1500 probably. Still steep but no where near as spendy as the TRG42 or a AI...

After talking guns with another buddy for a couple days he told me this morning that he ordered one today... I am so bad... BWG...

Cya gents

Morgue

http://www.sako.fi/oldmodels_trg-s.php?m=7

http://gagnonsports.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=_SakoTRG

Mourge
Overseas, - Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 15:22:12 (ZULU)

For the record...

I don't blow stuff up in my arson course, I also do no store highly energetic chemical components. Course prep involves a shopping cart and a trip to the local Atlantic and Pacific Tea company (A&P) grocery. How could that be dangerous?

I really don't need the ATF at my doorstep wanting to confiscate my vinegar and baking soda <g>.

medicjim
Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 17:54:51 (ZULU)

Found on HK enthusiast's website:

"HK [sic] their customer service is last to none. Love the product,

hate the company."

Duman
Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 18:00:24 (ZULU)

The TRG-S was a great product that just didn't catch. I regret not buying several when they were $600 per. Really good starting point for a 338Lap custom, also great is CZ 550 Magnum's.

HK makes no sense anymore, if they ever did. They offer nothing you can't get elsewhere from people who actually want to support their product. "HK: Because you suck, and we hate you."(not my quote)

SHOT review:

BKS(and crew) and Mike Miller are still outstanding human beings. BKS is like a Texas LE version of the Energizer bunny. Unable to link up with Bravo or Duman, sorry to hear about your wallet. Some miserable loathesome **** lifted my swag bag while I left it on the floor and played with guns. All he got was paper and some Nosler 280AI brass. Still, it pisses me off and I spent the rest of the show running "bear bait" ops hoping to have an excuse to maim someone.

Couple new chassis/stock systems for the 700 are looking very promising. Mike can probably say more about one of them.

The JAE chassis system for the M14 looks very good, still no solution to the optics mounting issue, aside from a M25 reciever where the clip slock assembly is replaced with a 1913 rail and the receiver ring is drilled and tapped.

Lots of support for the 338LW is coming. Brass and bullets are on the way from several sources. Winchester is going to be making 416 Rigby brass/ammunition, so 338 LW is probably not far behind.

Gas piston M16 type rifles are coming from all angles. Buyer beware, do your research before buying.

Lots of nifty NV/TI gear. Better info from a more .mil show, I'll probably hit those this coming year.

Lots of new flashlights from everyone. HID is the new high end tech, still very large and $, but if you want 1000+ lumens, it's the only game in town. Still think incandescent light is better for weapons lights, LED just isn't "natural." It does work much better underwater however, too bad none/few of these guys make dive lights:)

S/F.....Ken M

Ken M
Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 19:41:57 (ZULU)

Ken,

This one is working out nicely for me...

http://pelican.com/lights_detail.php?recordID=2010

I use it in fires and as a dive backup. I've been trying to break it for a year or so now....no luck.

medicjim
Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 19:59:48 (ZULU)

Thanks Jim, I currently run a similar 4 cell product from UK(Underwater Kinetics) as a primary dive light but I was looking for something with a good deal more output as well as a rechageable power pack vice 123's, C cells or whatever. The dive market tends to favor battery life over output, just due to their market. I don't care about battery life, I replace/recharge all batteries after every dive. The tactical/LE/EMS market has a similar mindset but most of their products are not water proofed to the required standards. The technical dive gear works but is spendy and the depth hardening($) is excessive for my needs. I simply don't get into the deep deco stuff doing what I'm doing. S/F.....Ken M

Ken M
Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 20:15:17 (ZULU)

Flashlight country:

One of the brighter new kids on the block :-)

http://www.wickedlasers.com/lasers/The_Torch-74-0.html

$300

Currently being reviewed by The Guinness Book of World Records, The Torch is the world's brightest and most powerful flashlight. It is easily capable of melting plastic, lighting paper on fire within seconds, and if you want, frying an egg or a marshmallow on a stick! At 4100 lumens, The Torch is 100 lumens more powerful than The Polarion Helios, the former most powerful flashlight. Incredible? Watch The Torch in action.

Batteries and Universal Charger included with purchase.

Technical Specs

Name: The Torch

Lamp Output: 4100 Lumens with an Adjustable High Efficiency Reflector

Dimensions: 57mm x 230mm

Power Supply: 12x2/3A 1500mAh Cells 14.4V

Battery Lifetime: 15 Minutes

Bulb Type: 100W Halogen

Expected Bulb Life: 2000 Hours

Casing: Aerospace Grade Aluminum

Tail switch: On/Off Button

Warranty: 6 Months

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9862625-1.html

The $300 Torch's 4,100-lumen beam is twice as powerful as a competitor dubbed "The Beast" that goes for $7,000.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 22:36:38 (ZULU)

I like these guys:

http://www.cfrlights.com/

Several dive light offerings.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 22:49:07 (ZULU)

KenM,

One of the guys at the AmericanSnipers.org table described InSain as, "... running around like a Texas ferret." I'm not sure there is such an animal, but it fit.

Sorry I missed you, Tony, Mike, and some others. When I realized I was hosed, I figured the best thing was to head home ASAP and begin the process of acquiring new docs. What I didn't realize at the time, though, was there would be hundreds of miles of blizzards to drive through. That sucked moosecock.

I had the opportunity of watching a gal spin out and go over the edge, off the highway. I drove her car through the snow and sagebrush, and back onto the highway. A few hundred yards farther down the road, it would've been a couple hundred feet down into rock piles. Turns out she was heading to C-Springs, returning to duty. I thanked her for serving, and didn't see her again. She had this annoying habit of calling me 'sir'. A very polite young lady.

Duman
Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 23:47:57 (ZULU)

rod,

Someone will get hurt with a few of the products from those "Torch" guys. Some of those lasers they sell will torch a retina quite rapidly.

Duman
Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at 23:58:42 (ZULU)

Gents,

My buddy who I thought ordered one ran into a problem. It seems Berretta isn't listing it as an item for sale in the US. I talked to my dealer and he is going to contact his Berretta Rep and see what the deal is.

my buddy found a place in Canada that sells them but when he contacted them he was told that they wouldn't ship to the US unless he ordered 2... since he doesn't need 2 he is stumped unless he can find someone who wants the other TRG-s.

Anyways if any of yous are interested hit me up and I will put you in contact with him.

Morgue

Bravo, My inbox ate your last email while I was trying to respond... hitting the points I remember from the email but probably going to miss a couple.

Edited to add :

Gents if you like to get out and about and like packing your rifles in something you should look into is an Eberlestock backpack. The big ones are just to big for stocking with it but if you are hiking in setting up camp and then hunting from there it might work. I have used both the Phantom and the gunslinger and I have nothing but good things to say about it. When I changed Locations recently and had to choose which drag bag got to come and which ones to leave, it wasn't even a contest.

http://www.eberlestock.com/Tactical%20Master.htm

Mourge
Overseas, - Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 02:31:26 (ZULU)

Who won the pistol...? Not me, I'm guessing!

Sharon

Larry J. Porter
Boonies of the Panhandle, Texas, USA!!!! - Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 03:45:12 (ZULU)

All --

1. PistolRaffle - ticket number 511. Winner has been contacted. Don't write and ask me what your ticket number is - LOL. You should have an email with those in it.

2. Mike Miller - get out of the Berkely CA area. They're mentally ill out there. The dirtbag mayor and those crackpot protesters wanting the Marines to leave, blocking the recruiting office. Sorry folks - free speach does not mean mental illness..... (rant off).

We were busy with the garage/shop this year, so no shot show for us. Sorry we missed it. Ima doing the electrical, wiring, alarm, any audio/video, etc that we might want/need... Get your suggestions in now - or don't gripe when you visit - LOL..

Take care all,

Ken

Ken Hunter
Nokesville, Va, Keep America - God Fearing, Armed and Free!!!.. - Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 11:52:56 (ZULU)

Ken,

When I put up my shop a few years back I had the power company run a separate 200 amp service to it. For general lighting there are eight fluorescent fixtures. They're controlled by four switches so I can use only what I need. I put a 110 outlet every six feet. I have two 15 amp 220v outlets for power saws and a 50 amp 220v outlet for an arc welder. Should have put the welder outlet closer to the overhead door so I could have used it outside. I ran speaker wire to the upper back corners for my sound system and co-ax for an eventual TV antenna. The security system I left to the pros. I forgot to put a phone jack next to my bench so I now have to run a line from the other side of the shop. All-in-all I've been quite happy with everything. YMMV.

Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway
The muddy Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 13:57:01 (ZULU)

Ken Hunter, I moved out of Berkeley 1.5 years ago. Clear for air strike! Like I said before as soon as my stepson went to college the agreement my wife had with her ex to stay in family home after divirce, so he continued in same school system was over and we left quickly in night. LOL Now lets see her retire and we can leave California behind also.

Ken M, good seeing you again

On the stocks they show lots of promise. I ahve two right now I am messing with to see how they do. Going out today for first tests. These are by Scott MCree, hell of a nice guy, and he takes abuse well. LOL

On Jae M14 stocks, best I ahve used for M14 with scopes.

They have new Remington oen that has promise and I should have one to test soon.

AI has new M14 stock but have not messed with it.

Mike/Undude

Mike Miller
ca, - Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 16:02:44 (ZULU)

Been a while since I checked in. I kinda got caught up in an invention that's been needed for a while. Can't tell what it is till the prototype comes off the CNC next week, but I can say it'll give people a way to do something they want to do, the way they want to do it. Unlimited uses with unlimited adjustableness "if that's a word". There's other products that do what mine does just not as versatile IMHO As soon as they start selling, I'm gonna give one to a scout sniper or DM for every one I sell to the civilians. My way of saying thanks.

It's funny, the first post I happened to read just now was Lito's idea about Bush and Chaney resigning to leave Mrs Nancy to run the country. That's a hoot but like jc said, it's definately got potential. I actually like Bush, and wish he could stay, but I know there's no way he would get re-elected even if he could run again. I'll probably take fire for that statement, but that's nothing new.

Morgue I'm still gona go with the 42. I don't need another hunting rifle. I don't need another tac either but I want one more. ha Is there any difference other than the furniture, could the "S" be bought and the 42's stock or a MACbros or other high end type be added after? That's a money saving thought to ponder.

Jeff Cooper
Gadsden, TN, - Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 19:39:48 (ZULU)

A question for those who know something about lasers and the like. How is it that laser range finders are limited in power by government restrictions "not sure what they are" and Wicked Lasers and others are able to sell to the public lassers that will burn retinas and flash lights that will burn paper. Being in the flying business I remember a while ago when there were a incidents of pilots reporting green lasers blinding them on approach to landing. I also remember the news saying that green lasers were not even avialble to the public, now there here to use on guns and everything else, yet range finders are limited in their output? Someone educate me on this cause I'm really curious about it. I've been using range finders since they came out years ago but never new they were limited due to the government untill someone mentioned it just a few days ago. Does the military have RF's that work at vastly greater distances that we can't get? I gotta have one, somehow. Lito, if we've discussed range finders and lasers previously, don't start yelling at me. You know I've got CRS, so tell me what you know.

Jeff Cooper
Gadsden, TN, - Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 20:11:56 (ZULU)

Jeff...

The lasers that are public "allowed" are very limited in power. Further limits are made by the manufacturers themselves, "just to make sure".

Also, invisible lasers, like the ones that are used in rangefinders are even more limited, because the public can't see them.

If you are being pointed at with a "Laser pointer" you see it, and can close your eyes or turn away.

The lasers on that website are not very powerful - and they are in the visible range.

As far as flashlights that can catch paper on fire - there's no law or restrictions on the output of a flashlight.

I have a 100 watt quartz flashlight, and it'll light up a house a mile away.

See... I didn't yell at you ;)))

Romney quit today!

Looks like it's McCain, whether we like him or not.

I'm listening to him now - he's making a lot of promises that sound pretty "right"... more so than he has been in years - maybe he finely "got it"??

I'm gonna vote straight "Anarchist party"!

Where's my black trench coat???

;)

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 20:42:07 (ZULU)

Lito,

After McCain (from AZ) campaigned (in CO) for gunshow background checks, I lost respect for him. Useless legislation for soccer moms and squirrel kissers.

As far as the lasers, I was thinking of this one:

http://www.wickedlasers.com/lasers/Elite_Series-69-3.html

when I commented about "torching an eyeball". At 150mW, is this eye-safe? Blink reflex safe? It's been a lot of years since I've looked at laser safety stuff....

Duman
Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 21:19:59 (ZULU)

Duman...

Me too (a lotta years). I have a call into the institute of laser safety stuff.

Class 1 - The real low power power stuff, like the little laser pointers for $5 that you buy at Wally World...

... the laser rangefinders (Like the Bushnell and Leica) are Class 1 lasers, and they are pretty much harmless, unless you are felony stupid (you can kill yourself with a butter knife!!)

Class 2 - lasers are more beefy, and MUST be visible so unintentional viewing cannot happen - if you get hit in the eye, you can't keep looking at it, so there is a built in safety factor.

Class 3 - require special training and are less than 0.5 watts.

Class 4 - lasers are more than 0.5 watts, and require special training and protective goggles, warning signs "Laser in use" etc.

I have a 2 watt pulsed Ruby laser (it weighs ~90 pounds), and it will blow a piece of Formica out of a kitchen counter top... so these puppies can burn skin and do some serious damage.

And I have a Military laser rangefinder, and according to the Army, it is hazardous at 1,200 meters to the un-aided eye (not using bins or scope). It puts out enough power in a single pulse to suck down a large battery in 40 to 50 rangings, while the little Leicas will run on a standard 9v battery for a year or two.

I don't know what the cut-off point between class 1 and class two lasers is, and between class 2 and class 3... these 150 milliwatt lasers are probably in the class 2 category.

When (if) I hear back from the safety institute, I'll post it.

Here is something about the class standards that talk about the transition in classes... and there is another "professional conference " scheduled soon to revise these standards.

Part of the problem is that lasers and their use changes as fast as computers, so what is kinda safe now, is either really safe, or really bad, next year.

Go here:

http://www.hps.org/hpspublications/articles/ansiz136.1.html

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 22:11:54 (ZULU)

Who cares about what McCain says he will do? He is a "Leader" and will do any goddamned thing he feels like doing.

I don't see this working out.

CDC'
Friday, February 8, 2008, at 01:14:34 (ZULU)

Jeff: The Sako "S" version of the TRG is a sporter-hunter, complete with a sporter-weight barrel:)) The 41/42 tactical TRGs have a contour similar to their varmiters. On ranges the 338 is capable of--you may want the heavier model.

Lito: the mil lasers were generally ~100MW, ander had "class IIIB" stickers on them. I often wondered where the scale put these things. The atillas had a 50mw aiming laser with a 150mw illuminator laser opposite. It also got the IIIB rating.

This whole laser conversation reminds me of that flick "Real Genius." Only here, I'd expect someone would be living in a gunsafe...

This primary season is like watching a train wreck in excrutiatingly slow motion. It started out horrible, and is getting worse with each drop out.

Joe M
Friday, February 8, 2008, at 01:41:03 (ZULU)

Movie country:

I remember "Real Genius". Fun movie.

Reminded me of a "The Mad Scientists Club of Mammoth Falls" stories. (I'm dating myself now...)

I vaguely remember:

The Strange Sea Monster of Strawberry Lake (1960)

The Secret of the Old Cannon (1963)

The Great Gas Bag Race (1964)

Boy's Life magazine.

http://www.madscientistsclub.com/

Who says nostalgia isn't what it used to be :-)

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, February 8, 2008, at 01:55:07 (ZULU)

Lito, thanks for the refresher. I need to get 'recalibrated'.

CDC', I agree with you and JoeM. This is gonna be an interesting ride.

JoeM - "Real Genius", with Val Kilmer? If it's what I'm thinking of, he mentioned his 'work' in "optical phase conjugation". I remember reading an article on it, back in the 80's during the heyday of "star wars". It was a theoretical method for targeting laser systems on 'bad birds' coming down. I wonder if the physicists ever got it to work.

Duman
Friday, February 8, 2008, at 02:25:34 (ZULU)

Duman: "...interesting ride..."?

That reminds me of a Chinese curse: "May you live in interesting times."

CDC'
Friday, February 8, 2008, at 02:36:37 (ZULU)

Gents,

Had a great conversation with Bravo today. Nice to have a friend that checks up on you when you're on the binnacle list. We decided (once again) that the current field of candidates is going to leave us voting for "the best bad choice". Standby, I think it's going to be a hell of a ride the nest 4/8 years no matter who wins.

Wife is convinced that we carry on like a couple of "old women". Told her that's not possible 'cuz we talk about "important stuff"...;-)

Joe M., Good to talk with you and I'll be waiting for the package to arrive. Will give you my opinion as soon as possible.

Semper Fi,

Sir Wes

Wesley R Howe
Salem, OR, 97304 - Friday, February 8, 2008, at 03:45:29 (ZULU)

Airborne Missle Laser Interceptor program

http://www.fas.org/spp/starwars/program/abl.htm

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, February 8, 2008, at 06:22:08 (ZULU)

Sir Wesley...

Bravo and I were also speaking about this recently.

I have been voting for the lesser of two evils for so long, I can't remember voting for someone I really liked since Reagan.

But they keep sinking lower and lower each four years.

I guess it's like rotting food - eventually it gets so bad that you gag on it and can't get it down.

I'm probably at that place now - there isn't one candidate I can think of pulling a lever for.

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Friday, February 8, 2008, at 08:50:06 (ZULU)

"...there isn't one candidate I can think of pulling a lever for..."

Not for Prez. And we're facing real challenges. Lots of them.

CDC'
Friday, February 8, 2008, at 10:48:52 (ZULU)

Gents...

The website my buddy tried to order from hadn't been updated since 05. The salesman he talked to said that Sako no longer makes the TRG-S. I will have that confirmed tomorrow but at this point it looks like he is going to have to go with an alternative.

Just wanted to let you know that if you were interested in an "S" you are going to have to find it on the used market.

He was looking at the AR-30 but didn't like the lines. It looks like the next closest alternate is the TRG42, he found one for around 2300.

Later gents,

Morgue

Mourge
Overseas, - Friday, February 8, 2008, at 10:58:41 (ZULU)

Morgue: I know they don't sell them around here (US), and it was a two-stage draw down for them: back in the 90s under Stoeger, TRG-Ss could be had in numerous chamberings. Beretta took over, and then all you could find were the seriously "overbore" 30s--the warbird and 30-378 for about double the previous price point. It was about this time (02) that the discounters were selling the stoegers at 50% of list...which now can be found on GA for a 100-150% profit:)) Knowing all this, you gave me a false hope when you mentioned overseas sales! I thought there "might be a way" to get more:((

For the money (~500-750), these things had slick actions, Sako barrels (nuff said), aluminum bedding blocks, a Sako trigger that ignores all corporate law advice, and a decent propietary rail (that would be reason enough to stay away for some since the better rings are hard to come by). But they shoot!!!!

I never knew for sure---but I figured these were dumped because they were just as good as the model 75s for half the money:)) Now, the model 85s are on the shelves, and I am waiting for the 75s to discount. I'll probably grab a couple when they do---one wood, one synthetic if I can stomach that ugly two tone POS stock...

Joe M
Friday, February 8, 2008, at 11:52:44 (ZULU)

Joe M,

Yeah, sorry about getting your hopes up. Bad intel, took multiple calls to get that one worked out. When its all said and done, I keep looking at that Surgeon action you pointed me at a couple years ago. I go back periodically to drool and the more I drool the more I look... its a process that can end badly :D especially for the wallet... I just have to remind myself thats ALOT of ammo and a new scope, LOL... Though I don't know how long that will last...

We've been searching around all the online sales sites. The prices are ugly. They are asking on a couple sites for a package TRG for over 4k... and one of the packages was a TRG-22... and it didn't even include a scope... if I had been mid drink I would have ruined the computer(good thing its works laptop)

catch ya'll later gents

Mourge
Overseas, - Friday, February 8, 2008, at 12:06:48 (ZULU)

Lito,

"- there isn't one candidate I can think of pulling a lever for."

That conjurs up an image of "Blazing Saddles", the gruesome hooded-guy (with a lisp) pulling the lever on the gallows.

Duman
Friday, February 8, 2008, at 16:27:56 (ZULU)

Lito Thanks for the lesson. I may have to grab one of those flashlight. I'm a flashlight, lantern, spot light junky. I haven't gotten into lasers except for the one time that I had one to play with the cats. They will climb walls/curtians and try to walk across the ceiling to catch the dot. The most fun is to make them chase it across the sleeping Pitbulls. Here's the important question for you. Where can I get one of the mentioned Army range finders. My local surplus store sure doesn't have any, however they did have a really cool propane lantern/spotlight that was so big that the mantels for it looked like tube socks for a size 15 foot. I went back to buy it and it was gone. :>(

Morgue Guess it's back to the TRG 42 for me. I didn't realize that the AI's were as much as they are. I'm figureing 8K for the 42 plus everything I'll need to get it up and running like I want it. Hope the wife doesn't see this. She knows I'm getting one, but has no idea of cost.

Jeff Cooper
Gadsden, TN, - Friday, February 8, 2008, at 18:38:34 (ZULU)

TIME TO VOTE...

(not for the current crop of political assholes...)

Go here:

http://coburn.senate.gov/public/

There is a bill to ban carrying concealed handguns (by the good guys) in national parks.

Considering the number of unarmed hikers and families that have been murdered by the BG's in national parks (not counting the cougar attacks) it would seem that being "heavy" in a national park "...would be a good thing"

But oh, no... I got an e-mail from Sarah Brady, and they are stirring up the usual bullshit and they want to ban CCW in national parks, and one of the reasons is that CCW will cause an increase in poaching!!!

HA! Gotta love those liberal assholes.

Go vote!

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, Da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Friday, February 8, 2008, at 20:35:20 (ZULU)

re: mil-spec rangefinders

Jeff - I doubt any working mil-spec rangefinders are available for "civilian" purchase, new or surplus. The bureaucrats likely would be too worried about someone causing or sustaining an eye injury from the invisible laser.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, February 8, 2008, at 22:21:58 (ZULU)

Hello folks,

'Lito caught my attention today via email wonderin where the hell I was..So I thought I'd better stop by the ol' roach motel, DDR&LJ in hand, and get back acquainted with ya'll.

It's been a busy half year for yours truly. Life and work were going well in the UK, livin the dream, when an opportunity again fell in my lap. One of those ops that keeps you up all night every night. I put some hard thought into it, and decided yes, this is the way I want to go. Again, one of those once in a lifetimes, and I'd had one with the Scotland gig all ready. I don't know how, very fortunate perhaps. But decided yes, it's time to move back to the US. That was in August/September. I gave my resig letter to Border Barrels, thanked them for the time, parted on good terms, and spent October-December moving and vacationing.

Flew back stateside second week of December, and the company said spend some time with family over the hols, so I did. They flew me into Orlando 7 January, which is the day I stepped foot into Knights Armament for good.

It's pretty kick arse here that I will be supplying the barrels for the rigs to the Army snipers. Might not sound like a lot, but we're coming full circle here and hitting close to home. Dad is ex Army sniper, 1-14th 4th inf 'dragons teeth' sniper team, and americal sniper back in 'Nam. I've always been proud as shit of his accomplishments there and him coming home alive. He lost a lot of interest after the war, tried to forget his days over there for a lot of years, sold all his medals in garage sales and shit. I always brought it back to the surface, researched a lot of stuff he didn't want me to know, and I wanted to know everything. He did some cool shit over there, and wanted him to always know he should be proud of it. When I told him I would be outfitting the US army snipers with their barrels on the SASS rifles, I think he almost cried. Think he was half proud. So youse Army snipers are in for some good gear, because there is no way in hell a system I'm part of will let you down. What Knights produced before was good, it's about to get better. It's a whole new ball game now. And that--is no shit.

So that's what's been up the past 3-6 months. JR moved to a warm place, and he's likin it. Saw my first space shuttle launch yesterday..I peed a little. That is one hell of a long range shot. Livin right off Indian River, if I get palsy and take a left instead of a right, I'll be right in the drink, so I'm getting some knowledge on saltwater fishin to pass the time, maybe buy a cork hat just in case..should have rod and reel w/bait tomorrow..It's been real good, company treats the people well, town is just small and big enough at the same time, it's all good.

Enjoyin life, and that's what it's all about..

Later

JR
Brevard County, FL, - Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 00:41:54 (ZULU)

JR, Welcome home, oh prodigal son! No place like it, with all it's warts. Oh, you'll have to get used to saying "ass" instead of "arse" again....

This company (which I'll not name yet)seems to be all right. Normal long-distance corporate snafus, but the personnel and the company values seem to be all right for anyone with personal integrity. I'm tired already, though. I haven't had to act like a noncom since 1985. Takes a few days to get back in the groove. Looks to be a kick-ass contract, though. More later, I need to take my Ibuprofen and crash. Oh, my aching feet....

Charles S. Hunt
San Antonio, Texas, USA - Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 01:48:10 (ZULU)

Joe M...

My Mil laser doesn't have a 3b label on it. It's a AN/GVS-5, and it requires a dark filter to cut the power way down on it, if used near friendlies.

I understand that the new military lasers are eye safe, but I don't know that for sure.

JR...

Welcome back - now stop talkin funny!

'lito

CatShooter
Spring has sprung, Da' creek has riz, I wonder where dem kitties is? - Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 01:51:34 (ZULU)

JR: Good deal all around. Welcome home.

Gentlemen: (Non shooting post) When my kids were tiny, I didn't let them watch tv. They read books. My daughter (13) and my son (11) are upstairs reading "A Midsummer Night's Dream" aloud and having a blast. The language is no barrier at all. There was something about "Hippolyta" and my daughter laughed. My son told her that Hippolyta was Queen of the Amazons and the comparison was a compliment.

That beat my pair of Jacks.

CDC'
Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 01:53:08 (ZULU)

Lito,

Talk funny, aye, dinna ken whae ye ken.

Hey man, it works for chicks..:P

See De Sea:

Don't let the tikes watch the MSND version on TV..will be a big let down..It's a story which can be considered kind of vulgar at times, and best left to the imagination you get in books.

Stateside politics:

Shite. As per..but when I got my FL license, she asked if I wanted to register to vote..Thought that was cool, what party she asks? the all nighter..ok Republican..I don't know. NOT Democrat basically. She said she figured as much? how? So then florida primaries are up and I can't put my vote in but I start paying attention. McCain. As big an asshole as he ever was. Not conservative, he's wishy washy on things I hold dear as conservative. Viet vet, POW, I don't care, he's playing that card and that's not right. What's he doing for us now. Nothing. Career politician. Huckabee..Nope. I can't have a Huckabee prez on my watch. He was just born with the wrong name. Mitt Romney, ok he's sort of conservative like I'd like, but no balls, he dropped out.

God damn is it going to be in my lifetime I see both a woman and/or a black man elected to the presidency? I got nothing against neither gender or race, but does it not look like a set up..aint coincidence. They're playin us.

Hillary with her health care NHS style full med, that is shite. Ask me, I lived in the UK with their 'free' (my ass) health care. Worked a charm, the fuck. The UK would actually like to rid itself of the NHS system but are so into it for so many years they can't..Sound familiar youse VA patrons? Bullshit. If they want to show globalised health care, look at our version, Veterans affairs.

All I want is a government that applies the same rules to everyone according to the Constitution, lowers my taxes, leaves me the hell alone to do what I do best. I like as little governance as possible.

later

JR
Brevard County, FL, - Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 02:21:26 (ZULU)

JR,

Welcome home. I'm sure you'll be able to pick up the language as well as the exchange rate in no time.

Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway
The muddy Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 02:43:50 (ZULU)

JR,

Welcome home, to this side of the pond. If you head west, let me know, the beer's on me.

BTW, do you have any updates on Pete Lincoln? How's he making out with the business? Haven't heard anything from him in awhile.

Duman
Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 05:05:03 (ZULU)

`Lito,

What am I missing? I thought it was already illegal to carry in national parks, I know it is in PA state parks. You can have it in the vehickle but not on your person, if I unner-ferstanicate. I voted and it looks like the good guys are in the lead, but since when does fact or opinion come into play when an agenda needs fulfilled? I`m just now getting into the travel trailer scene and planning a trip out thar west soon and I`d sure like to know when I`m breaking the law while I`m protecting the family. Just want to keep track in the journal. No longer makes any difference to me, just like the election.

Steven S. Racer
somewhere in Dillsburg, PA, - Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 06:23:41 (ZULU)

JR: 1-14th INF was assigned to 2d BDE (lightning) in the 25th ID back in the 80s. Golden Dragons; they had a war trophy from the boxer rebellion by their HQ==big ol' brass lizard. Unit history is cool stuff...and my regiment was the 35th INF; still had to know the other guys too! Americal---many a squad leader, platoon daddy, and later in the 80s--1SGs and CSMs wore that patch. Damnedest thing I ever saw was an ancient staff sergeant in Kuwait (2004) with that patch---I think I mentioned it here at the time. But hey, Welcome home.

Lito: These IIIB labelled items were the newer things that replaced the PEQ2 and PAQ4s. The PAQ4 label only said "exempt" IIRC, I was curious about power and what-not (I usually do not read the fine print on army gizmos). The Atilla had black switches that inserted into slots on the unit for combat use; and there was a set of blue switches that, when inserted, rendered the unit "eye safe" for training. I do not know how reliable the training thingies were--but the full power mode was impressive. It would put a dot out farther than a 5.56mm could travel, heck, the illuminator would light up a swath farther than you could shoot:))

Yeah...I remember the Denali (park) firearms' prohibition; what a crock o' shit. If attacked by a bear, you must take it like a man:)) I never understood the logic in that rule. If poaching is a concern, outlaw that. Wait...didn't they??? So, if poaching is illegal; hunting on posted land is illegal; hunting out of season is illegal--why would you make self defense illegal? Dumb. But when I asked rangers "why" firearms are not allowed--they invariably told me that "hunting here is illegal." So, I ask, why do YOU carry a gun? Protection was the answer...and there it is. None ever made the connection.

Joe M
Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 08:07:42 (ZULU)

JoeM,

See the DDR&LJ made me type funny(Lito, that's some potent stuff!!). at that time 1/14 was assigned to 4th ID, not brigade like I typed, think they were 3d brigade then, and like you said reassigned back to 25thID tropic lightning end of 1970. Anyway, yes the history is interesting, always lookin for more, especially from '69-71..A few years back I'd gotten ahold of his ex CO, now Brig Gen(ret) John T Quinn. He'd have to be old by now..Thought he was living in Florida here, might have to look into that..When 1/14th was disbanded in Dec 1970 is when dad went to Americal div and finished out Vietnam, then back to the states to Ft Knox then Hunter Liggett. I used to know this stuff better.

Dew-man,

Yeah, Piggie Pete is doin well last I'd heard from the scoundrel a couple months ago. Think he thought life would slow down a bit when he quit his full time job, ha!!!He's doin well, and real busy..

later

JR
Langholm, Dumfriesshire, Scotland United Kingdom - Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 10:04:28 (ZULU)

CatShooter: I voted. Just for info, from an Okie, Senator Coburn from Oklahoma has been a straight shooter. He has all the liberals mad at him. Held up their pork and got some of it deleted.

Welcome home JR.

HDR
OK, - Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 17:35:18 (ZULU)

JR,

Glad to hear things gettin sorted.

Email inbound

UnPat

UnPat
Wi, USA - Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 22:33:09 (ZULU)

Litosan............

Another silly question. Can un-corrected vision affect ability to properly focus a scope. I know.......this is getting tedious....

Dang it, Bolt out!

Bolt
Still optically challenged, NC, - Saturday, February 9, 2008, at 23:31:05 (ZULU)

Hey Gents,

I was curious what if there would be any interest in maybe adding a section in the ammo and handloads so people can add their favorite receipes. Something that those of us who are just starting to get into can use and reference that are from people we recognize and trust vs going to some new site and having to get a feel about a hole new crew.

I've been talking to a couple of guys about what powder they are using and got to thinking that it would be cool to have some place that people could add what they are using for quick reference.

Just something to think about. I am not talking about the amount of powder persay just something as simple as someone putting out the bullet weight, caliber and their preference on powder.

I don't know how hard it would be, if its plausible or any interest but just thought I would toss it out there.

If this has been hashed over in the past my bad, chock it up to some time on my hands and too much pondering.

Mourge
Overseas, - Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 10:30:20 (ZULU)

re: Handloads

Not a bad idea, but there are other sites more specifically focused on handloading. Example: http://www.handloads.org/

Rod's current favourite .308 Win LR loading:

155g Lapua Scenar w/moly (Silverjacket)

Lapua brass

Varget to just below powder compression (use long drop tube or vibrate powder to settle in case)

WLR primer

Seat just short of chamber throat - VLD projectiles don't like large jump.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 14:12:00 (ZULU)

Damn........

A beeeuuutiful day and winds 30-40mph within the next couple of hours.

Rod........

Like your idea. I've got a 32" Lilja 3-groove, 1:10 twist 308 barrel that's giving me fits trying to find the right load. None of my standard Varget, 4064 or RE15 loads are working with 190's or 175's. I'm going to try H4350 next to see if a slower powder might help. I have a shooting bud that had the same problems with a 32". He cut 2" off and now it shoots. I'm considering a hacksaw in the near future.

Optical madness......

Going to the back porch for a couple of hours to see why the hell I can't focus these damn scopes. Going to put on my night driving glasses to see if that helps. My eyesight isn't quite bad enough to wear glasses all the time but my eye doc gave me a bifocal prescription for up close and night time stuff. On-coming headlights and road signs at night give me a fit without glasses. He also gave me a script for iron sight shooting glasses but I haven't made up my mind on which frames to get (plus they are reeeeeaaalllly expensive).

Wind blown Boltster, out!

Bolt
Too windy to shoot.........., NC, - Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 14:28:44 (ZULU)

Wind advisory updated to 40-50......... Might be a good day to test some 190's. Not sure I can come up with 42 minutes of wind though!

Calculated Table

Range Drop Drop Windage Windage Velocity Mach Energy Time Lead Lead

(yds) (in) (moa) (in) (moa) (ft/s) (none) (ft•lbs) (s) (in) (moa)

0 -1.5 *** 0.0 *** 2750.0 2.463 3190.0 0.000 0.0 ***

100 -0.0 -0.0 3.2 3.0 2578.2 2.309 2803.8 0.113 19.8 18.9

200 -3.7 -1.8 13.0 6.2 2412.8 2.161 2455.6 0.233 41.0 19.6

300 -13.5 -4.3 30.2 9.6 2253.5 2.018 2142.1 0.362 63.6 20.3

400 -30.0 -7.2 55.6 13.3 2100.2 1.881 1860.5 0.500 87.9 21.0

500 -54.5 -10.4 90.0 17.2 1950.9 1.747 1605.4 0.648 114.0 21.8

600 -88.1 -14.0 134.6 21.4 1808.4 1.620 1379.4 0.808 142.1 22.6

700 -132.4 -18.1 190.4 26.0 1673.4 1.499 1181.1 0.980 172.5 23.5

800 -189.1 -22.6 258.6 30.9 1545.8 1.385 1007.9 1.167 205.3 24.5

900 -260.4 -27.6 340.5 36.1 1426.8 1.278 858.7 1.369 240.9 25.6

1000 -348.8 -33.3 437.2 41.7 1319.4 1.182 734.3 1.588 279.4 26.7

Bolt
Wind update in..., NC, - Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 15:42:10 (ZULU)

Bolt-if your employer has a requirement for safety glasses, get the iron sight glasses done by them:) Mechanics glasses have a bifocal on top and bottom and distance vision in the middle.

Or just check out the local AO Safety emporium. I buy my "magic glasses" myself at the same time I get new work specs. Paid $104 for standard trifocal aviators.

Political county-http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080210/COMMENTARY/13901790

WR Moore
Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 15:59:46 (ZULU)

Wind does get bothersome. There's a 4 foot high retaining wall about 15 yards from my back deck. It is about 50 feet long. The wind deposited enough snow between the deck and the wall to completely fill the lower terrace. There's a 6 foot fence between my yard and the neighbors' yard. About 25 yards of the fence is completely covered in snow.

This stuff is going to melt.

I'm a bit apprehensive.

CDC'
Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 16:11:48 (ZULU)

CDC: The run off will follow "channels"---like a footpath to and from your house or a road/ driveway that is plowed regularly--just as in Alaska each year during "breakup." If you look at the natural contours with an eye to forcing the water around and away--you can pre-plan the run off now. Just dig a nice clear path where you would rather the water to go---following as near a natural drainage as you can; this assumes that the builder of your house had the sense not to put it in the path of a drainage in the first place:)

In alaska, roads became rivers. Even the higher elevations suffered this effect. Blake loved this time of year, he thought the "splash" of slamming a lake on the orad was a hoot (he was 4 at the time).

But the run off problem was solved with a snowblower and a plow blade ahead of time. Once it starts the thaw, the combination of packed snow, daytime melt and night time freeze will make dams that will hold a shitload of water. Blow thru them now while it is relatively easy--and keep the run off paths maintained thru future snows, just as you keep the path and driveway maintained. In fact---take a close look at the approach paths to your house. If they run downhill to your house---get rid of them if they cannot be diverted down hill and away on a steeper path. Unless you want a basement swimming pool:)) On the "uphill" side of your house, you can also pull the snow back off the foundation five feet or more, and build a berm up in a horseshoe around that side of the structure--as the melt goes, this taller, more dense structure will melt more slowly, and form a dam of its own--in the form of a levee protecting your house directly along with the diversion channels.

All of these things were just 'what you did" in Alaska.

With snowfall here this year, I am thinking of doing some engineering myself so I can keep the paths to my fields from washing out. I've been plowing my backforty paths so I can get to the firewood--and now i have rivers pre-dug in exactly the places I do not want rivers!!! Complete with levees leading straight to my main trails. My snow base is only maybe 28" still accounting for melt off and evaporation (windchill is -40 this minute, which is cold enough to evaporate snow--a process that was new to me when I first heard of it)---so, this is enough to worry about--and more is forecast.

Good luck dude. I think that a little pre-engineering will solve the worst of it though. Now, the downhill neighbors will need this same advice: Make the water follow the path of least resistance---and DO NOT let that path be the one you used all winter to and from your house! Heheh.

This is called common sense in Alaska---but common sense that came from "the first time" it bit you in da butt:))

May not be a bad idea to get a high volume pump and some hoses now too. Once the snow starts melting--the prices will go up significantly.

Joe M
Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 17:25:15 (ZULU)

Bolt:

I'm surprised that cutting a heavy 32" brl to 30" would make it achieve desired accuracy. I *can* believe that there was a crown issue. Bad resonance is a possibility.

I believe it was 'Lito who mentioned using a Dremel carbine cutter (ball or cone) as a low-cost means of quickly recrowning a suspect rifle barrel. I would try that first before getting out the hacksaw.

4350 would be a good choice for .30-06 and heavy projectiles. I don't see load data for .308 Win, 4350 and heavy projectiles. I would speculate that there is insufficient case volume with that combination in .308 WIN.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

This is what Hodgdon lists for their powders in .308 Win 175g:

Bullet Weight (Gr.) Order BW Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

175 GR. SIE HPBT 175 H414 .308" 2.800" 46.0 2484 40,300 CUP 49.0 2629 50,100 CUP

175 GR. SIE HPBT 175 Varget .308" 2.800" 42.0 2583 42,600 CUP 45.0C 2690 48,600 CUP

175 GR. SIE HPBT 175 BL-C(2) .308" 2.800" 43.0 2517 39,200 CUP 46.0 2706 50,300 CUP

175 GR. SIE HPBT 175 H335 .308" 2.800" 38.0 2390 38,800 CUP 41.3 2592 50,100 CUP

175 GR. SIE HPBT 175 H4895 .308" 2.800" 40.0 2489 39,100 CUP 42.7 2647 49,000 CUP

175 GR. SIE HPBT 175 Benchmark .308" 2.800" 38.0 2400 40,100 CUP 41.5 2590 50,800 CUP

175 GR. SIE HPBT 175 IMR 4007 SSC .308" 2.800" 45.0 2489 46,100 PSI 48.0C 2666 56,500 PSI

175 GR. SIE HPBT 175 IMR 4320 .308" 2.800" 42.0 2471 44,000 PSI 45.7C 2687 57,600 PSI

175 GR. SIE HPBT 175 IMR 4064 .308" 2.800" 41.5 2500 45,200 PSI 45.6C 2728 59,500 PSI

175 GR. SIE HPBT 175 IMR 4895 .308" 2.800" 41.0 2463 42,800 PSI 45.0C 2704 57,800 PSI

175 GR. SIE HPBT 175 IMR 3031 .308" 2.800" 38.0 2427 42,000 PSI 41.3 2653 59,100 PSI

(always re-check load data, don't take my word for it).

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 18:24:56 (ZULU)

I'm thinking of buying a Remington 700 R5 in 308.

Badger ordnance 20 moa base and rings and a leupold 10 x 40 mark 4 m3 mil dot.

I plan on shooting Black Hills 175gn match bullets or a reload equivilent. I'm thinking of using it in some long range or long range tactical matches.

Nomally I would just go to the matches and see what other shooters are using but my wife(bless her heart) told me to go out and get what I want. I'd like to get a rifle before she forgets she said it;)

Does anyone see any flaws with this set up? Will the standard rings work or will I need to go higher?Will I have to change the bottom metal to a detachable mag set up?

Thanks

Ben

steven sabins
Bryan, Ohio, USA - Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 19:09:53 (ZULU)

Leupy Country,

Somewhile ago Master Rick B. spoke of a 4.5-14 M3 that his bunch were getting to play with. I now see taht they are available to us civie pukes ($1400!). Anyone played with 'em yet and are they worth the chance in upgrade over my 3.5-10 M3? I do like the thought of a little higher top end in magnifriction...

Seems about the perfect thing for my porpises.

Scott F.
Hillbillyland, MO, - Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 20:00:42 (ZULU)

CDC, sir,

Kudos to your eliminating TV from your children's lives. I've not owned a TV for over 11 years and our little guys have never had one in our home, purposefully reading, crafting, shooting (BB guns so far), working livestock, and generally living in the outdoors. Never will I allow that rot and filth to permeate their minds. They'll be subjected to that in their day to day lives when they get older. Their self-sufficiency and ability to maintain in this eroded future will hopefully carry them through.

Love of God and country will carry the day.

Scott F.
Hillbillyland, MO, - Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 20:55:01 (ZULU)

Ben: The remmy with a 5R is a good starting platform, as would be a FNSPR or stealth. They'll shoot reasonably well--though the 1:12s (SPR, stealth--not sure about the remmy 5r) may or may not shoot the 175s decently. My SPR prefers 168s. But in any case, any sub-MOA rifle will get you started--just make sure the stock is comfy for you:) If your scores settle into a spread that matches your rifles "best group" on a bench, then the high dollar add-ons will help. A remmy is a good choice for future customization.

Scott F: You should not buy such nice glass for your dolphins:)) Besides, porpoises would be better off with a speargun. yarhar.

Joe M
Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 20:55:51 (ZULU)

Joe:

re: common sense and Alaskan weather.

Reminds me of a comedy routine about being a new arrival in Calgary, Alberta. "Why didn't someone tell me not to wash my car in the driveway in the winter?".

Other readers - if you don't get it, 'fess up and we'll let you in on the punch line :-)

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 22:20:10 (ZULU)

Snow Country,

Man all yous luck folks with Snow... I would trade this rain and humidity for snow in a heartbeat BWG...

Rod,

Thanks for the link, Its just one of those things. Maybe its just me, I would rather go to a link here that has the basic information from someone who i have talked with and know a little bit about vs going to another site...

Mourge
Overseas, - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 00:05:06 (ZULU)

Mourge:

Glad to help on the load data thing.

Downside of the cold weather is that it's tough to shoot in the snow and ice. We get warmer spells here during the winter, sometime just long enough to clear enough of the snow and ice from the range roads to permit access with a sedan.

I can remember an IPSC match that was partly held outdoors in -15C weather, that was interesting. Shoot a paper target, get a cloud of patches (glue doesn't work very well in weather that cold).

Different practice session years ago in -15C weather with the AR15 pattern rifle. Rifle worked fine, my legs and feet were starting to get cold. That was my epiphany that I *really* needed better cold weather clothing. Denim jeans and cotton socks just weren't doing it :-(

I now know that polypro, Thinsulate, polar fleece and GoreTex are your cold, wet weather friends :-)

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 01:03:51 (ZULU)

Re: Premier Reticles

Looks like Premier Reticles will be coming out with their own optics pretty soon. A variable (3 X 15) with FFP and (of course) a Gen 2 reticle. More to come.....

While I'm at it....

I need to pick up a set of .223 dies for AR loading (nothing competition level). What ya'll recommend? Small base any advantage?

Mk4
Texas, United States of America - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 01:09:28 (ZULU)

Rod,

Your 'washing the car' joke struck an old memory....

I was five years on the force and we were called to a single family home on fire at the top of a large hill. The engine connected to a hydrant at the base of the hill and we fought the fire.

To pump a water system over a mountain, you need to use some extra pressure....this hydrant was running at around 110 psi... our relief valves were set for 90psi back then.... the engine had been losing water for hours....

I found the black ice the hard way....and slid quite a distance down the hill, coming to rest right in the middle of the cross-street at the bottom of the hill.... Good thing for reflective clothing, it took me a couple of minutes to finally get some wind back in my lungs and crawl off the road.

good times.

medicjim
Monday, February 11, 2008, at 01:31:24 (ZULU)

Mourge.

Its a deal...We got hit w/a storm last week wednesday that dropped an inch an hour....its all yours.

UnPat

UnPat
Snobound, Wi, USA - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 02:30:57 (ZULU)

Mk4:

I like the Redding dies with the carbide expander button upgrade for rifle reloading. Midway and others sell them. They're tight enough that I haven't felt the need for small base dies. I've reloaded lots for .223 in AR15 pattern rifles.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 03:06:04 (ZULU)

Winter car wash:

The problem with washing a car outdoors in cold winter weather is that the residual water freezes the doors and locks shut.

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 03:07:15 (ZULU)

Joe M: "...this assumes that the builder of your house had the sense not to put it in the path of a drainage in the first place:)"

I built it. My landscaping can handle water but this is a lot of water and it is close to the house. Something will work; something always does.

On Saturday a hunting buddy and I climbed around in the local mountains. We were hunting predators and watching deer. My backyard has more snow/(sq ft) than the the upper levels of the mountains. It snowed, froze hard then the wind picked way up. The conditions were ideal for forming snow drifts at the lower elevations. That happened four or so times. Lucky me.

On the bright side, we built a snow cave and two sled runs.

Lemons to lemonade. The wife took photos.

CDC'
Monday, February 11, 2008, at 03:22:23 (ZULU)

UnPat,

Outstanding... I would trade the 4-8 inches of rain we have had in the last 3 days for a a few feet of snow. The question is how are we going to work the trade :D

Mourge
Overseas, - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 03:28:26 (ZULU)

...and freezes power windows, mirrors, and will freeze into locks if they aren't sealed well...the power spray carwash down the street is a regular thing for me; I hate salt on my truck for any length of time. As for doors freezing shut--the Superduty's rear doors on the crew will do that just from driving down a wet street. The lower seal is a bad design.

UnPat: Hey, Morgue's one of my few "friends." We gotta do right by him---let's throw in Doyle, Madison, and the department of revenue along with our weather to sweeten the deal:)) And, since I'm married, he keeps the LBFMs:))

Scott, the 4-14x loopy came on the M107s, and it was a decent piece of glass for the cost to me (free). IIRC, these were all M1 turrets. But, if 1400 is what they go for, I would suggest NightForce 5.5x22x50mm; you can shop around these for less than 1400 (but not much less). The NF scope is the best scope in my safe, and I like the MLR reticle; lines aren't so bad if you are slow as i am at mil'ing stuff. And there are 1/4 mil increments top and right in the reticle for extra precision---also good for my "Bolt" eyes. Oh, I couldn't resist the aquatic mammal dig...

Joe M
Monday, February 11, 2008, at 03:41:29 (ZULU)

Rod,

The carbide expander is something I hadn't considered. However, if I'm using Hornady One Shot for lube, that should take care of the case mouth lube...I'd think?

That's usually my process, lube, size...then polish.

Were you talking about the "S" series Redding?

Mk4
Texas, United States of America - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 03:56:04 (ZULU)

Bolt,

On your .308 loads try 46-46.5 grn of VV N550 with the 190 SMK's. Works great for me. YMMV.

jc
Cordova, TN, United States - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 05:10:49 (ZULU)

Joe M,

Ya hadda mention Doyle, didnt ya? Man...Thats just cruel and unusual punishment.I want the guy outta office as bad as you but I just couldnt trade him to Morgue.Oh...Thats harsh....I am tryin to think of someplace we could swap Doyle off too,but even the worst places are too good...I dont have any use for the LBFM's either so he's gotta keep them.

Morgue,

Between this lot and the vacant lot next door there's 2-1/2 acres 18in deep,more than enough to make all the snowmen ya want too and it was -5F(no w/c factor)the last time I took the dogs out.-23F w/the w/c....That should turn all the water you got into a real nice hockey rink,and turnin the headlights on High Beams:)Joe might have more snow and lower temps over by him.

UnPat

UnPat
Wi, USA - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 06:40:12 (ZULU)

on carbide expander button:

The advantage of that is you don't have to worry about lubing inside case necks at all. Which means you don't have to worry about removing any lube from inside case necks either. I also found that a dry neck with the carbide expander was *much* easier to resize compared to a lubricated neck with a conventional expander. That avoided stretching the brass length too.

I was thinking Redding:

Full Length Die Sets For Botttleneck Cases

Full length die sets for bottleneck cases contain two dies. The full length (FL) resizing die contains a decapping rod assembly with a neck expander (size button). The seating die (ST) includes bullet guide, built-in crimping ring and the proper seating plug.

The Redding S dies with the interchangable neck rings are interesting, but you will then need different neck rings for brass with different wall thickness. That becomes an issue if you are using more than one manufacturer's brass. It also is less helpful if you are dealing with case necks that have been distorted inwards beforehand. That is more likely to happen to brass that was previously fired in a semi-auto, like say an AR15 pattern rifle...

rod regier
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 06:53:33 (ZULU)

MK4: Here's another vote for Redding dies with the carbide button. The "type s" with the TiN bushing is pretty slick.

Scott F: It sounds like you and I are of like mind. A couple of years ago, my son's teacher had her students name thier favorite tv show. My kid drew a blank. He didn't have any idea what was on, and didn't care.

CDC'
Monday, February 11, 2008, at 10:23:16 (ZULU)

Re: .223 Dies

Thanks Rod, CDC. Thats the info (and the "why") I was looking for.

BTW, take a look at a new rifle stock.

(click)

Mk4
Texas, United States of America - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 14:32:28 (ZULU)

Joe M.

I set 'em up, you knock 'em down....

By the way, The 4.5-14 I was ho-hummin about had the single turn knob which is the only reason I'd go that way anyhow. Might be better to do a 6.5-20 TMR for $900 bucks (through a buddy)and get Kenton knobs. This is for my 7WSM. 1/4 clicks don't do me no good 'cause my "more precision" resembles a good turkey load.

CDC,

Chilen's are home schooled too, thank God. Heard an interview not long ago with a teacher that didn't know the situation for nor the title of the Revolutionary war. Had a unit study not long ago for our homeschool co-op. Civil War. 9 and 10 year old kids reciting the Gettysburg Address. My 7 rear old knows more about Lincoln than most high school history teachers...

Scott F.
Hillbillyland , MO, - Monday, February 11, 2008, at 15:36:47 (ZULU)

Bravo,

I made a prototype 'cobra' rig, like yours. Note: prototype == first attempt == "it sucks". But, I'm undaunted... there are tons of possibilities.

BTW, if you get a chance, drop me a photo of your vest/rig. I'm putting mine together, and need some ideas. The Blackhawk vest is a corset.... kinda feels funny, putting it on. :8-\

Duman
Monday, February 11, 2008, at 23:39:40 (ZULU)

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