Nineline

These Mosins are full length rifles, not the carbine version, correct? -9-

That's a nice looking SKS, M2. I remember when a nice one of those cost $225 out the door. How much are they going for nowadays with the current political situation? -9-

I'll jump in again this year too!

Looking through some of the recent posts, it seems that more than a few of us will be at this aviation mecca. For those of you going next week, how about a first-annual BaseOps Oshkosh pow-wow? The best time would probably be an evening mid-week, say Wed or Thurs. Maybe someone more familiar with the better hangouts can suggest a good time/place. What say you? -9-

I'll be taking a Piper Cherokee and parking in the Vintage area. -9-

Well, it's about 12 days away from the start of AirVenture 2009 and I still have an open seat in my plane for someone itching for a ride there and back and willing to chip in for gas. The plane is based in the Kansas City area, so if you're anywhere near a line from there to OSH we can probably work something out. (This includes St. Louis, Des Moines, Peoria, Cedar Rapids, etc.) PM me if you're interested. -9-

I too have the Palm Pre / iPod Touch combo, and I think it gives you the best of both worlds: Wireless internet/touch interface on the Pre (for a lot less per month than ATT), and all the iPhone apps and games that you don't want to live without. Granted, I have to be using WiFi to take advantage of the web apps on the iPod Touch, but that's a very minor inconvenience. -9-

Believe it or not, some things have changed since the mid 80s... even in the Buff! Current progression eliminates the Instructor Nav upgrade; you go straight from Nav to Radar followed by IR. However, the E-dub path still remains the same. For most navs straight out of UNT, you can expect to make IR shortly after you pin on Capt. -9-

For those of you still gun shopping, Budsgunshop.com is having a huge sale on almost everything this weekend, however, you must order online to get the deals. Below is part of the email I was sent... If you're waiting to find the absolute cheapest price on a popular gun, chances are, this is the sale where you'll find it. -9-

Where did you end up parking? Was the showplane parking pretty full when you arrived? -9-

Check your PMs. -9-

After doing some initial planning on my trip to Oshkosh this year, it looks like I may have an open seat in the airplane that I'll be taking up there. Are there any BaseOp'ers here who live in or near Missouri who want to go to Oshkosh and would like to cost-share? I'll also consider dudes who live along the route (GPS direct from Missouri to Oshkosh) and those who don't live near Missouri but can travel at their own expense to somewhere near me. PM me for more info. If you're taking my offer seriously, please include your .mil email address and the closest GA airport to you in your PM. -9-

Any early planners out there for AirVenture 2009? I've deconflicted my calendar so that I can make the trip up this summer, and I'm curious if anyone else here is considering going too. Also, this will be my first time flying a GA plane into Oshkosh (I went a few years ago, but I drove instead.) If I flew in mid-week, would I run into any problems than if I flew in prior to day 1? Does the place ever fill up to where they won't let anymore planes in? Maybe those of you who've flown in before can offer some lessons learned from your first visit... -9-

Thanks for the advice M2 -- I bought it at Bud's a few minutes ago! Hopefully the weather will be nice when I get it so I can break it in at the range... -9-

Question to those who keep up regularly with current gun prices... I've drank the XD kool-aid and decided to buy one. Is $499 for a new in box 5" black XD-45 a good price? And has anyone heard any rumors on if there will be an XDm in 45 ACP anytime soon? -9-

I don't know about other MAJCOM's, but in ACC the waiver authority for TAFCS is your wing commander. -9-

Typically the B-2's only take FAIPs (T-38 tracked) or former fighter/bomber dudes. Once upon a time, they were taking any and all applications, but have since restricted it. However, recently (within the past year or so), they've taken two RC-135 dudes, both of whom were T-1 trained. Considering that these two are the exception to the norm, it probably helped that Offutt's wing king is a one star and a previous B-2 pilot.... -9- Edit: What 123abc was probably referring to in the post above was the enhanced nuke emphasis that the B-2's and B-52's are currently receiving.

How about Air Force Strategic Universal Combat Command? Of course, most of us will shorten it to 'SUCC'. -9-

Speaking of a good deal on ammo, I found some Federal Tactical HST 230gr 45 ACP Ammo (box of 50) for 23.95/box at Ammo to Go. FWIW, this ammo was referenced in an earlier post (#342) by BigFreddie as one of the better self defense/home defense rounds. I'm not an expert on finding cheap ammo, but I did sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night and this seems to be a great deal. Also, M2 is spot on about Wal-Mart having one of the best deals on 45 ACP. My local store sells the 100rd Winchester white box for $30. -9- Edited to fix link.

M2, That price is not a bad price at all from a retail chain, but Bud's has it for $499.99 with free shipping (FFL transfer applies.) FYI, their online prices do reflect a 3% cash discount. I've always wanted a good 1911, but to be honest, the only reason I'm considering it right now is because of the upcoming election. I'd hate to lose this opportunity to purchase one before the price skyrockets. -9- EDIT: Do any of you think that the price of 1911's will be significantly affected with Obama elected? I don't think these were affected much by Clinton's gun ban, but I'm not sure.

Do the prices listed on Budsgunshop.com reflect the 3% cash discount? Also, any negative thoughts on the Taurus PT1911? On the surface, it seems to be a great value. Lastly, I know a local dude who has his FFL, but he insists that he has to charge me local sales tax on it, even if I buy it out of state. Anyone else experience this? -9-

I have a little SA on this topic since I was part of a recently placed Omega order. The only watch available through the program is the Speedmaster X-33, which is no longer available for public purchase. (Search on eBay to find what one looks like.) The price for the watch is $650 for one with a kevlar band and $850 for one with a titanium bracelet. Each watch in the order will have a logo of your choice engraved on the back. If you choose a logo that they have already done, the min order quantity is 10. If it is a new logo, the min order quantity is 15. You can have additional text engraved on the back if you wish, such as your name and callsign, etc. The program requires you to sign an agreement stating that you are in fact a military aviator and that you won't resell the watch within five years. Also, you're limited to purchasing one watch per person. Big picture: It is an outstanding watch at a great price. Hacker has had his longer than I have had mine, so he can probably tell you more about it's durability. The only drawback to the program is the time it takes from placing the order to receiving the watch-- it took our order about 9 months from start to finish! Send me a PM with your .mil address if you would like the Omega Rep's contact information. There is only one person in the U.S. who works these deals, so I'm trying to keep a close hold on their information (read: not posting the info publicly) so that the program isn't abused for future orders. -9- Edited for clarity

While the article is well written and the pics interesting to look at, the real gold mine are the comments at the bottom -- especially the few posted by the village idiots, such as: 25. "I have heard that a B-2 stealth bomber costs nearly a billion USD. Such a small error had caused a billion dollar loss.People should try to be more careful." Great insight, Sherlock! With your advanced deductive reasoning, maybe we should suggest all pilots be more careful when performing their duties. That'll fix everything! -9-

Long time lurker, first time poster; however, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to jump on this one!