M2

Instead of starting a new thread, I thought I would just tack this on to the most recent thread on the Spectre... Cheers! M

Maybe now they'll quit bugging us for pics of the inside of one of them... Cheers! M2

The Bersa Thunder is about the same size as a compact XD, which I would prefer for reliability. Another option would be a Commander or Officer sized M1911, but I have reservations about the reliability of shorter M1911s. I shot a brand new Para PDA a few weeks ago, and it had a few FTF/FTEs; but as it was new I would expect it to get better once it broke in a little. And whereas the Kel-Tec P3AT may have great customer service behind it, I've shot one and it wasn't something I would consider for a primary conceal carry weapon. Too small for me and hard to control with my big paws. I work with a guy who does carry one (the one I shot, actually), and he likes it; but for me I would go for something bigger. Like I said, I carry a full-sized XD45 Service all the time (I've got it on me as I type, as I haven't had a chance to put it away yet), and I have no problems carrying it in shorts and a t-shirt. As a matter of fact, that is how I am usually dressed when I carry it. About the only thing you have to do is wear a size up on the shirt, and with retirement I already have a need for larger shirts! All I use is a Uncle Mike's neprene IWB holster and I have never had a problem after years of carrying this way. I also carry using a vertical shoulder holster on the motorcycle, again without any problems. If I ever find I need to use a gun, I want to have the most gun I can have! Cheers! M2

BF Yeah, specifically from AJC Sports down in Clute (near Galveston). I had made arrangments with them over a month ago, and the price of the Loaded went up to $910 but they still sold it to me for the quoted price of $875. The Operator was $910, which isn't bad considering I've never been able to find either of them for under a grand. My XD will stay my carry/HD-until-I-can-get-to-the-shotgun weapon; I like its capacity (13+1) and have a LaserMax on it. Plus I don't mind if it gets banged up, that is why I got it. Plus, it is extremely reliable, just like an AK. I may carry a 1911 on occassion; but my preference will be for the XD. I also have a few revolvers that I normally don't use, one is a Colt .357 Magnum (pre-Python) from 1952 that is an heirloom, and the other is a cheap-o Taurus .38 Special that is what I usually give to the wife. She also loves the 1911s and I may look for one for her. RegularJoe Trust me, I will be paying for these. Most likely in the form of a new washer and dryer, and some jewelry from James Avery. She also got a new phone last week, but to be honest it is all worth it. Any wife than actually encourages you to buy guns is worth taking care of! With the way the stock market is going, I am beginning to think I should have also bought a couple thousand rounds of ammo as well! Cheers! M2

'2' Mary and Don rock! Cheers! M2

Well, it was a good day in S.A.! I brought home two more 1911s (the top two in the pic).... The shop I had been talking to had the black stainless I asked about. They had a price of $910 on it; but as they quoted me $875 about two months ago they sold it to me at that price. Then, I was looking at the Lightweight Operator that I handled two months ago and noticed it went up in price as well, from $875 to $910. I had just bought the Loaded Target and was just showing the Operator to my wife, explaining about the increase in price, when she says "Well, you had better buy it now, before it goes up any more!" Well, she didn't have to tell me twice! Luckily, I was still at the table so the paperwork only involved writing them another check and adding it to the other paperwork I had to fill out. So now I guess I am officially a 1911 collector! The black stainless Loaded Target is more beautiful in person; but the Lightweight Operator and its Armory Kote finish was just too hard to pass up (especially when the wife tells you to!). It has an aluminum alloy frame and a match-grade barrel, and is very nicely balanced. Both have Tritium 3 dot sights on them, and I have to say I am now in 1911 heaven! And my wife kicks ass! I am a lucky man to have her! Cheers! M2

For some reasons the spammers are getting through again. I've deleted two Viagro threads in the past two days. I've been suspending their accounts for 1000 days, as I am not sure how or if I can delete them. If I can, could someone please instruct me how; otherwise 'scieshyInseno' needs to be deleted. Cheers! M2

Contrary to popular myth, there was only one A-10B made (<-- click on link for the Fairchild promotional video for the N/AW), tail number 73-1664, built from the first of six A-10 DT&E aircraft... Cheers! M2

Ah, the good old days! As LJDRVR stated, I was also a SP augmentee; but in USAFE. I actually chased a few Brits off the fence, most just simply trying to take pictures of a/c (the Brits are massive birdwatchers) but a few seemed to be climbing higher than they should have so they may have been trying to get on. We were suppose to confront them with what was called the "UK Challenge" (I can still run it); but most of the time I would just yell at them and they would haul ass! Their problme was timing, 90% of the time the perimeter protection posts we were in were unmanned. But with the cammo nets over them, they didn't know they were occupied. We had some CND nut jobs hop the wire on occassion trying to get up to the planes, so we had to take security pretty serious. I remember one guy was standing in the top of the perimeter fence leaning onto the restricted area fence. When I yelled at him, he fell in between the two. Technically, he was on the base but I decided to give him a second or two to see what he was going to do. He leaped over the perimeter fence like a gazelle! I can tell you from firsthand experience that being a sky cop sucks. Most are cool and don't live to jack people up; but there are always the few that give them all a bad rep. By the way, this was in today's AFA Daily Update... I don't doubt the low retention rates, but I gotta call BS on this! I doubt SF have been working 12-hour shifts for over a decade, and they've had civilian cops on the gates for years. Sounds like someone is making excuses... Cheers! M2

Linda I don't know what you're talking about! (That's the one great thing about being a mod, being able to re-bury your mistakes once they are discovered! ) Besides, anything that brings you out from the shadows is a good thing! I hope all is well with you, my friend! I need to get out your way and buy you a few :beer: Or, you can always visit San Antonio and we can throw some TexMex into the mix! Cheers! M2

Guys This is off-topic, but related to this thread so I am posting it here...please bear with me. A few days ago someone posted the name of a GO at the 'Died, then sent me an email has he was later concerned that it may have OPSEC issues. He deleted his post, but since he was quoted a few times, he was worried about those replies that quoted it. So, he sent me a message; and I have since gone in and changed the name to 'a named BG.' First of all, I want to thank that individual for letting us know about his concerns. I am not 100% sure that it was even an OPSEC issue, but to be on the safe side we removed it from all posts. There is nothing wrong with asking the mods to go back and remove/edit posts if you later realize that there might be some info of concern in them. That is what we are here for. Also, it makes our jobs easier knowing we can trust everyone to help us out in keeping this site OPSEC-violation free! Most times we mods do get several people reporting a post that might have OPSEC issues with it, but not always; and that is where the rest of you help us out considerably. As you may know, I think a big fan of BaseOps the forum. I also had the pleasure of knocking back a few beers and eating TexMex with the BaseOps, man himself, a few months ago. He has worked hard to turn this forum into one that literally benefits thousands, and has entrusted a small group of moderators to keep it on track. But that responsibility extends to everyone that uses this forum, and whereas most of the time deleting posts ends up in a bitch session about overzealous moderators; this one was an example of how the system should work. So, again my thanks to the individual who contacted me about his post. Secondly, I want everyone to know that despite the comments of a few, the moderators are here to help. You may not agree with some of our actions; but if you have a conflict with one mod feel free to contact any of the other mods, and we will sort it out. Lastly, I am grateful to see this kind of self-policing going on. It isn't easy admitting you may have made a mistake, but it is a sign of maturity when you worry more about the consequences than your own image. That speaks highly of the person who essentially reported himself. As such, the problem was fixed, which is always more important than the crap you get about making a mistake. I can tell you I make them all the time, and what is most important is not that you made a mistake, but how you handle it. In that regard, this person did an outstanding job! OK, back to thread. For everyone else, keep in mind that things that occur at deployed locations, and those who do them, are a bit more sensitive than stuff going on back at home station (most of the time, unless you are inadvertantly flying nukes on a cross-country!). Post all the great stories and advice from these forward locations, but please be a little more sensitive to the details as it can result in problems none of us need! Cheers! M2

In LJ Driver's defense, he may not have seen the buffoonery in the previous thread (that no longer exists)... At least I hope so. That had to be the most blatant display of low/no SA I have seen in a long time! Just for LJ Driver's edification (and anyone else who is interested), a bonehead who shall not remain nameless (di1630) posted the AMS automated email message concerning the RC-12 complete with the caveat that said it was not for public release! Not surprisingly, numerous people reported the post, and the entire thread was shut down (by me). I understand there is a lot of info on it via open sources; but the problem is that this site already falls under the scrutiny of the USAF and stupid moves like posting unclassified but non-releasable information (which includes FOUO) on here only causes us great asspain! If people want to share official or sensitive information, it should be done via official channels such as .MIL email addresses or SIPRNET. This saves us from a lot of grief, so we appeciate everyone's cooperation! Cheers! M2

1) If she is mentally able to run a marathon, then she is not suffering from stress disorder. 2) Her "service-related" disability, for which she was "medically retired," was based on a lie. She is fleecing the government and US taxpayer out of money as she claims to be "suffering" from her made-up ordeal. She doesn't appear to be "suffering" in this picture. 3) As someone who "earned" his retirement by serving for almost 25 years, I take great offense that this woman is being supported by the USAF when there are servicemembers out there who are really suffering from PTSD and who actually were in situations that caused that condiion who are not receiving the same royal treatment as this bitch. 4) I hate runners. If I need to go 26+ miles, I drive my Jeep. So what if that takes $8 in gas to do, marathon runners fall in the same category as Prius drivers...smug assholes! Questions? Cheers! M2

Still wearing the hair dye as well. I don't see how someone who is "medically retired" can run marathons. As much as I despise the tabloid-approach that militarycorruption.com uses, I have to give them credit is that they are the only ones keeping this issue in the forefront. And the bitch is still a fucking freakshow, no matter what her abs look like! Honestly, that picture makes me want to Cheers! M2

SPO I'm sorry to hear that you may have to take emergency leave, but if that does happen the sooner you get the ball rolling the better. I hope you've kept your SRO/Flt CC informed of your situation, so they can be prepared to act if necessary. Also, as stated emergency leave is chargeable; but being on emergency leave status gets you priority on both military and some civilian flights, so if you need to get somewhere quickly, I would recommend using it. That is why the military has it. Go back and read the reg blurb I posted earlier in this thread, it will help you be prepared as well. Best of luck to you, and I hope everything works out. Cheers! M2

BF Thanks, I've been to Drury's on numerous occassions but I am not interested in getting a Glock whatsoever. My next purchase, which hopefully will happen at the next SAXET show if everything goes as planned, is one of these... And if the price is right, one of these as well.. After that, I am saving my money for a Saiga 12... Cheers! M2

BF You can also find XDs in that price range (~$500) or better at gun shows (I've seen XD-45ACP Service models for $480), which in my opinion is a better weapon; but kudos to Glock for having a military/LE program (and I think it extends to firemen as well). I've also heard good things about Bud's Gun Shop, but I have never bought from them myself (by the way, I fixed the URL for you, the one you used was hosed up). Cheers! M2

First, the "the Air Force hacked us" claim is BS. Don't drink the Koolaid here, more likely they took their web site down to add to the sensationalism of the story. Secondly, be wary of the "evidence" MCC is presenting. Honestly, who is to say they aren't making it all up? If they can't provide the source of the information, it is no more evidence than some of the speculation that occurred here. That said, I know Metzger is lying out her ass and that for some reason the Air Force is afraid to tell the truth. Why is beyond me, but anyone who thinks that her colonel daddy could put this all together has been watching too much TV! And I seriously doubt this "case" would ever make Nuremberg Trials ever look like small claims court. Don't tell me you're comparing the acts of one spoiled, whiny, psychotic little bitch with the prosecution of Hermann Göring and 23 other important captured leaders of Nazi Germany? Based on the mass media reaction, no one cares about this and that makes Big Blue very happy. They've got more important fish to fry, like trying to determine which uniforms need to be worn from Tuesday to Friday (Monday has beeen taken care of!). The truth is out there somewhere, and I would rather hear real facts than articles that stories on par with alien abductions! Cheers! M2

Well, everyone knows what a big fan of the XD I am; and if I had to recommend any handgun it would be the XD. I recently shot a Para-Ordnance PDA which is a DA .45 and I wasn't impressed. You'll want a shorter trigger pull. And the XD is about as reliable as a handgun can get. The early ones had a little rust problem, but SA sorted that a long time ago. And the XD has two safeties, the second one is on the trigger; and I prefer safeties that are easy to take off. I can grab the XD and shoot, no worries about thumbing something. Most will agree that shot placement is more important than caliber; but others (to include the FBI) say that when you do hit the target, you want to hit it with the biggest round you can to improve the odds of doing damage. I am a .45 man myself, and yes ammo is not cheap but I can get 100 rounds for $30 at WalMart ($23 on sale at Sportsman’s Warehouse) and it is more important to make good use of range time than it is to shoot a lot. I see too many people standing at the range, taking their time to align up their sites and aim before they shoot. No weak hand shooting, no quick acquisition of the target, nothing. Even better is to get in a practical shooting like I mentioned in my earlier post. Make the best of your range time versus shooting a lot. Other than getting used to a new gun, there is little merit to doing a lot of static shooting. And the recoil of a .45 is no worse to handle than any 9mm I have ever shot. Hell, my wife shoots my M1911 without a problem, so don’t worry about recoil. Bottom Line: If I could only own one gun, and my life depended on it, it would be a XD-45ACP. Cheers! M2

Chilton's Air Force, so you know he's gonna line up with his Service boss. Memo came out on 10 Sep, making it mandatory starting next Monday (15 Sep)... I'd post it here, but I've only got a .pdf version of it so if anyone knows how to insert that into a post please let me know. Still, everyone here was in blues/Class Bs/etc on Monday, 8 Sep; and pretty pissed off about it! Most guys haven't worn blues in years! Cheers! M2

I've got a 30GB Zune and it also rocks! The only thing I don't like about it is the desktop application is a bit sporatic; but otherwise I get great battery life and love the fact that I can download podcasts of 'Car Talk with Click and Clack' to it. I also have a huge playlist of acid jazz to relax to. Makes those long airline rides more bearable... Cheers! M2

Yeah, I used to get the same thing when I try to add a URL or something...it said 'This website is using a scripted window to ask you for information. If you trust this website, click here to allow scripted windows..." but it only allows me to temporarily allow scripted windows. To fix it, go to ‘Tools’ and ‘Internet Options,’ then under ‘Security’ select ‘Custom Level.’ I had to scroll down to where it said to allow for scripted windows to run. I am sure there is an option there for your problem as well... Cheers! M2

Yes, and be prepared to be as many states will not take the bill of sale for the vehicle but the actual book value to determine the tax rate! Your best bet is to buy the "tax free" (a misnomer, like "FreeCreditReport.com") when you first get overseas, then when you ship it home and register it, it is three years old and has decreased somewhat in value for tax purposes. Sorry to pee in your Wheaties, but that’s the gouge. Cheers! M2

But, as Toro and HD noted, you can get a one-year IDP from AAA for $15; or a three-year IDP from ADAC (German Auto Club) or elsewhere in Europe for €20-30 ($30-45). Why waste time and effort over there trying to get one, when you can get 'er done quicker and cheaper before you go? Cheers! M2

Loads of Army and Marines MF'ing the Air Force this morning at the STRATCOM organization where I work! Yep, everyone is being made to join in on the fun of wearing the same uniform on Mondays! So anyone at a similar Joint organization like STRATCOM can expect to be beat on severely because the CSAF wants to instill a 'warrior ethos' into the troops by wearing blues on Monday. It's been said, but I will say it again. If this is the most urgent decision a new CSAF has to make, then the Air Force must be in pretty good shape... Unfortunately, it is not. Cheers to you, guys! It is great being a retiree! M2