Shaft34

Another blow to freedom in CA today! The State Senate Passed SB 374, an additional "assault weapon" ban. Essentially, all firearms meeting their definition will need to be registered or disposed of. No further purchases allowed and cannot be passed down to children. Furthers the impact of the previously passed bans which named specific firearms and features. The "bullet button" type device is no longer sufficient. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billVotesClient.xhtml Still needs to be signed or vetoed by Gov. Brown. Most certainly will be challeneged in court if signed. Will have legal ramifications (either good or bad) for other states attempting to impose or that have already imposed such bans.

Yes, I shoot reduced course matches twice a month at local ranges. Occasionally make it down to the Sac Valley Shooting Center to shoot the full course (200/300/600 yds) or long range prone. Started my last year at the Zoo in order to qualify for a CMP M1, took a several year break, then started again when I moved to Beale in '09. Two main types: NRA and CMP. With the NRA you can do Service Rifle or Match Rifle. With CMP it is all Service Rifle type events, but that has started to include more "vintage" style matches. Just kind of depends what you want to do and what is available in your local area. Truthfully, it can be a challenging discipline to shoot and doesn't offer the excitement of the action shooting events that are popular these days. It tests how well you can master the fundamentals of rifle shooting. I can say that it has greatly improved my shooting skill and confidence overall. It does require a little bit of dedication and study to learn the positions and how to shoot in a match. I think a lot of people these days are intimidated by the structure and the appearance of needing a lot of gear. In reality, you really just need an aaccurate rifle, decent sling, magazines, and good ammo. Cheaper than getting heavily involed with 3 gun, Trap, or long range sniper type stuff generally. Go watch a match or find clinic in your area to attend. If you don't already own a qualifying rifle, I would hands down recommend an AR type. The requirements for a Service Rifle pretty much call for a M16A2/A4 type. By far, this is the most accurate, affordable, and easiest to shoot combination out there. M1/M14 types are tempting (and fun), but are more expensive to shoot and make accurate. By all means, shoot a M1 and surplus Ball ammo starting out, but you will quickly learn its limits. Especially now that M2 ball and other surplus .30-06 is not that cheap anymore. A decent AR (with good sights, match barrel, and float tube) can be had used for under 1k. Register and read up at the National Match forums. Lots of good advice and other shooters to answer your questions (including some national champ types). https://www.usrifleteams.com/forums/index.php?act=idx PM me if you would like to know more. Keep it in the black!

I say we start with AETC...

Plus...learning to fly in T-28s and T-33s must have been awesome Huggy!

There are two ACSC programs: Distance Learning and the OLMP (On-Line Masters Program) The one you want is the Distance Learning (correspondence course) - https://acsc.maxwell.af.mil/distance-learning.asp From what I've read, they have revamped the Distance Learning program to include the use of the Blackboard system (used by the OLMP), which adds some more interactive course work compared to the old style correspondence testing system. I did the OLMP and my only experience with correspondence was the old scanned paper SOS tests, where you had to send in each answer sheet and wait a few weeks to find out if you passed. Sounds a lot more convenient than that, but hopefully someone currently enrolled can fill in the gaps for you. Copy and Past from link above: The core content of the new ACSC DL program does not deviate extensively from the current program and continues to offer the same seven core courses as the current 5.2 program. However, the new program offers a completely different learning experience in that students are able to more actively engage with the material. In addition to lesson narratives, reading materials and lesson progress checks, students will encounter videos, computer-based interactive learning activities and “game-like” exercises all available in an online environment. Self-paced is enhanced by collaborative, online facilitated courses that enable students to engage in course concepts via faculty-guided, peer-to-peer interactions. And great news as all assessments are online…no need to travel to the test centers anymore!

Huggy...you asked.

Thanks for posting that Spoo! Kuma, That is copy of the history section we put on the new two-seat litho. Pick one up next time you're in the squadron...we have special deal for you!

Not an expert in this area by any means, but you definitely need to so some research when looking to shoot a Gew 88 rifle. I had a Gew 88/14 which had been modified by the Turks to fire the regular spitzer ammo. There was a small notch in the top of the receiver bridge to allow for the longer pointed bullet. A couple things to note: The Gew 88 used a .318 diameter bore, while the Gew 98/K98 used a .323 bore (the standard 8mm bore today) The 88 rifles are really old, so question the quality of steel work before firing a high pressure load (any load designed for a 98 is bad juju for a 88) I don't know of anyone making ammo specifically for the Gew 88 rifle with a .318 bore. Maybe you can find a custom ammo maker some where who would do this, but it would cost you a lot. More than just buying basic reloading gear and doing it yourself. The best bet is loading some regular 8mm brass with lead bullets swaged to >.318 (like .321 or whatever the land diameter is for your rifle) and use a mild load. Here is a good thread on Gunboards discussing this very issue: https://forums.gunboa...-and-Ammunition Another from arf.com: https://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=6&f=14&t=260534 Good luck!

According to the article above: State Senator Eric Adams, a former NYPD Captain, told us he's going to push for an amendment next week to exempt police officers from the high-capacity magazine ban. In his words, "You can't give more ammo to the criminals" Nothing like creating a special class of citizen (or caste). I guess it is ok if the criminals have more ammo than just ordinary people. Pretty much sums up the situation we have here in CA and now they have in NY.

I agree Hacker! After shooting this A4 clone more last week I am thinking about getting an 03A3 for the CMP Vintage category. Not sure if I'll build one or just get one from JRA. https://www.jamesriverarmory.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_new.tpl&product_id=208&category_id=43

Not sure. I believe the gentleman I bought it from in Tennessee had most of the work done locally or did it himself. There are sources out there with pre-modified bolt bodies you can swap. Besides the bolt, it is pretty much just a drill and tap operation once you've acquired the correct parts. Originally I planned to buy a complete clone from Creedmoor Sports or James River Armory, but I got this rifle via a trade for my Kimber 82G target rifle. If you're looking for a similar rifle I would just go with one from those distributors/builders: https://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/1903-A4-Sniper-Rifle.html https://www.jamesriverarmory.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_new.tpl&product_id=257&category_id=45

Picked up a Model 1903A4 sniper rifle clone last week and took it to the range today! Basically this is a Remington 1903A3 rifle with a modified bolt handle, no front or rear sights, Redfied scope base, Redfield vertical split rings, and a 1" Weaver K2.5 scope. The correct scope would be a Weaver 330 (M73B1 I think), but the K2.5 are easier to get and legal for Vintage Sniper according to the CMP rule book. There are some new reproductions out there by Hi-Lux, but I found this K2.5 in a gunshop for $35 versus $300+ for the repro. The guy I bought it from had also put the action in a new 1903 C stock from the CMP. Scope is a little foggy, but easy enough to see the target and get a decent group ( 1 5/8") at 100 yds. We have some gongs set up at 200 yds, so it was fun to sling up in prone and listen to the immediate feedback. Just used some Rem 150gr Cor-Lokt I had, but plan to develop a load soon. Probably start with the Speer 125gr TNT for the 100-200 yd range and then a 168gr of some flavor for the longer ranges with H4895 powder. Vintage Sniper is normally shot at 300 and 600 on the standard High Power targets. Overall, a fun gun and didn't recoil quite as much as I expected for a .30-06. Although, my shoulder is feeling the effects of that steel buttplate. Edit: Forgot to mention the rifle still has the original 8/43 barrel. Also, looking at the picture below, the post reticle in the scope is just as wide as the target black at 100 yds. Very similar to shooting an M16A2, M1, or M14 with iron sights. I need to work on keeping the reticle centered more based on the shots spread out east-west on the target. And a click or two down!

I'd like to see you and UltraLord stick around a while longer... 2020 is just right for my 1st retirement in 2019.

Huggy - think you can extend your 2nd retirement to 2020?

Take a look at the TC Hot Shot youth rifle too. Small size, single shot, and easy to operate - seems like a good fit for teaching a young one. Comes with a peep sight already installed and slightly cheaper than a 10/22 with all the goodies. https://www.tcarms.com/firearms/youth_hot_shot.php

No kidding!

True story...lots and lots of extra TDYs out there besides the normal AEF rotations for F-16s. I spent at least half of my 2.5 yrs at Hill on the road doing various good deeds around the world. Then there are the fun ORE/ORI type activities while you are home. Makes for a busy life...but most definitely worth it for a time. I can't imagine it getting any less demanding since they have closed more active squadrons in the 2 yrs since I left.

I have heard that AMSEC safes are about the best value, but I ended up getting a Browning from the local dealer for a great price with free delivery (friend of mine). One thing I like about the Browning is the ability to store about 8-10 rifles on the door. Also, the max capacity number listed isn't very practical...the guns will be all jammed in there and not accessable. The things to consider, beyond price, are the gauge of steel used in the body & door, and the type of fire protection material used (gypsum board or some sort of concrete fill). You need to find the right balance between cost, construction, fire protection, and capacity that works for your set up. Take into account any delivery fees too, these suckers are HEAVY.