Create Your Own Visited States Map

Been Awhile: New City, New House, New Position . . .

¶ . . . After such a l-o-n-g time, I thought I may pick this up again as I did put a lot of effort into getting it to look like it still does today. All of my little "features" on the page are still, for the most part, relevant to me and my interests . . .
. . . Much has changed since my last postings: I've moved to another (Better, I think!) city, bought a house, and got a job promotion . . .
. . . One thing I'm ashamed to say: I've been here for over two and a half years and haven't shot a bullet here yet! I joined a local club the year I moved here and never made the time to take advantage of it. I can make tons of excuses: I work nights, I work weekends, it rains a lot, but the fact is I have to make the effort to make the time. I've got some new additions to my battery, courtesy of my father, and I'd love to put them through their paces . . .

Up To Tahoe . . .

¶ . . . Again!! This time brought the bike for some lightweight MTB action. I was a little concerned about how secure the rooftop rack would be, but it held tight up and back, at speed, and on the mountain roads. Above picture is at Bridgeport, below are at Fallen Leaf Lake, southwest side of Lake Tahoe. Quite a place. Being after the Labor Day holiday, it was virtually deserted.

Here's Another . . .

¶ . . . one of my newer acquisitions, a Benelli M2 Field. First pic is what it looks like out o' the box, the second after I had it tricked out some for 3-Gun competition . . . 8-round tube, etc. . . .




. . . Yep, about a year ago I finally started in on the 3-Gun game; what a hoot!! I would like to be able to shoot an AR, but here in Kalifornia I must use the M1A. It still works just fine and is a blast, with its Kal-legal tin can/spark arrestor-looking "muzzle brake" and it's not real likely I'll be beating anyone anyway! Unfortunately, I took a promotion at work last year which changed my days off and seriously cut into my Double-T! I've only shot one match this entire year . . .
¶ . . . Check out Mad Trigger for some pretty good video of some of us here 3-Gunnin'-it in Kalifornia. Unfortunately I'm not a movie star yet . . . !

Boom Times Again . . . ?

¶ . . . Not likely, but I was somewhat surprised (and pleased to see "new life") to see a new Ramada Inn built in Virginia City! What's even more astonishing is where it's built! As I mapped it out with GPS and other data I have, it appears to be built right on top of what was known as "The Big Bonanza," the largest lode-strike on the Comstock, in 1873, on the Consolidated Virginia workings . . . !!!



. . . This shot was taken from "C" Street, Virginia City's main drag, looking east down Six Mile Canyon (State Hwy. 79), "D" and "E" Streets below (the hotel itself fronting "E" Street) . . .
. . . How this, or the rest of the town for that matter, doesn't cave in to the miles of tunnels, shafts, stopes, etc., may well be a miracle. Or is it due to then-modern engineering? Square-set timbering, pictured below, may be its salvation . . .

Gun Stuff . . .

¶ . . . Here's my M14, er, M1A, with its DuraCoat finish, in the Am Stripe pattern. It came out pretty well, though I did it twice because I didn't like my original stencilling: that's what comprises most of the effort. If you don't own a compressor, you're better off going to Harbor Freight for a little cheap-0 air compressor for the air brush; forget the propellant cans. They're nine bucks a piece, so you don't have much margin for error, especially if it's your first attempt. You also need to immerse the can in lukewarm water while you're spraying as the can tends to freeze up and inhibit the flow. Note I mounted a Smith Enterprise, Inc. scope mount . . .



. . . I had to go get a cheap-o scope and set of rings, a la Wal-Mart, just to try out the mount. This was just until I can get a Trijicon TR-21. . .


One of my other "projects" was refurbishing my Limited gun, of which I have yet to compete with in its new dress. I also DuraCoated the grip panels while I was doing the rifle. Its a hard chrome finish and I must say I was extremely pleased with it. Also: I had an ambi-safety installed, new Bo-Mar rear sight, and had the front of the slide serrated . . . Now I just need more Double T . . . !!


These were all shot back in March up at the range near Piru. It's a fine place to get some trigger time . . .

On The Comstock . . .

¶ . . . With a higher clearance vehicle and AWD!! One of the items I was able to acquire during a busy 2006 was a new vehicle, the one I've wanted for years. See it in the clip below, as I off-road a bit to a couple of old mines . . .
. . . I name one as the "Belmont-Uncle Tom," but in reality it's "Belmont-Uncle Sam."

Blog Reclaimed . . .

¶ . . . As one may see below, I actually made a post after more than a year! I actually do have some stuff to post and things to see, so maybe I'll pick it up, as I also have a little more time, after a really busy 2006 . . . !!

To Live On The Comstock . . .

¶ . . . A little vid of the Virginia Highlands, using my lightweight movie feature on my camera; a desirable place to live, indeed . . .

1873 .45 Colt Chrono Drivel . . .

¶ . . . Here is the chrono account of the first outing with my '73, for you number crunchers. The one thing of particular puzzlement to me was the high velocities on "the virgin string." Error on my part or just an anomaly? Go figure! Weather was partly cloudy, cold (for here!!) about 50 degrees . . .

. . . First up: Hornady Cowboy Loads, 255 grain Lead Round Nose Flat Point.The claimed muzzle velocity, from the box, is 725 FPS:

                  S1                     S2                     S3
High:    962.7              902.8                909.4
Low :    911.1                877.0                 887.5
Avg. :    943.0              889.6                898.5
E.S. :       51.58               25.83                 21.86
S.D. :       14.49              7.0                    7.28
Total:    10 Shots          10 Shots           10 Shots

Shot#       S1                     S2                     S3
01:          934.0              898.9                903.1
02:          938.5              884.1                889.9
03:          955.2              885.8                895.7
04:          932.4              890.1                907.1
05:          948.4              887.3                909.4
06:          950.9              902.8                887.5
07:          962.7              877.0                893.5
08:          947.0              890.4                901.9
09:          911.1              890.1                900.2
10:          950.3              889.2                894.2

. . . Next, Winchester Cowboy Loads, 250 grain Lead Round Nose Flat Point. Claimed muzzle velocity for these (Winchester website) is 750 FPS:

                  S1                     S2                     S3
High:    903.0              908.5                  899.6
Low :    878.7              880.9                  880.2
Avg. :   892.1               895.8                891.6
E.S. :       24.31              27.57                 19.42
S.D. :       7.81               10.86                    5.91 (!!!!)
Total:    10 Shots          10 Shots           10 Shots

Shot#       S1                     S2                     S3
01:          888.2              901.5                887.2
02:          889.2              907.1                890.9
03:          903.0              890.1                898.0
04:          893.3              881.0                890.6
05:          889.7              908.5                893.5
06:          890.5              880.9                880.2
07:          878.7              899.6                898.8
08:          902.4              903.2                899.6
09:          886.1              902.2                887.2
10:          900.1              883.7                890.1

. . . Hope that's scientific enough!! It took me longer to write this than it did to shoot it!! For a real look at someone who doesn't know what they are doing, look at "View Source" for this entry to see the convoluted way I laid this out!!

The "Current Read" . . .

¶ . . . Not American History or firepower prose, but it's caught my attention. I've always been intrigued by mysterious medieval topics, secret societies; things like the Knights Templar, the Holy Grail, the Spear of Destiny, alchemy, and such. The programs run by The History Channel on these subjects are always real entertaining. Being a Roman Catholic myself I naturally think the "carnal" suppositions about Jesus Christ are bunk, but this not being a "theo-blog", that's all I'll say about that. I guess one might say the book could be historical fiction, as there are many interesting factoids written into and mentioned in the story . . .
¶ . . . The recent appearance of a Gospel by "alleged" uber-traitor Judas Iscariot has also piqued my interest, but one kind of wonders about something "found" in the desert near the Nile after many centuries . . . National Geographic Channel to run a program on this subject tonight . . .

I'll Get One Of These . . .

¶ . . . I forget where I saw this link, but after I read it I decided to go for it!! It describes the process of obtaining an 03 Federal Firearm License, Collector of Curios & Relics, and what it is good for. I just wanted to say I had one and get the dealer discounts from Brownells and Midway. Well, it was pretty simple. I requested the paper work from the ATF via the Internet and then sent the completed forms back and one copy to the Chief of Police and I received it. It took about six weeks from the time I dropped the forms in the mailbox. They send a bunch of stuff, like a big book of states regulations and the best of all, a booklet listing eligible weapons. All of the '73 Peacemaker commemoratives listed are like a history of the United States. If you think, "You never know when I'll come across a cheap Luger," or what have you, check it out. The money you might save on your first parts order will cover the $30 fee right off the bat . . .
. . . Yeah, the Nebelwerfer is in the C & R booklet!! Might make a nice lawn ornament . . . !!

  GET SOME!!

Shooting Report . . .

¶ . . . That is semi-Geek-style in length (Jerry The Geek for the uninitiated!!) Fellow Gunblogger Marc might well be happy I'm posting up a Range Report of the first outing with my '73. He so shames me, as do the rest of you guys, with your frequent posts . . .
. . . The week before I went out I had to get some Shooting Swag, the front rest in the foto from last post was one piece. Here's more:

. . . The new front rest and its rear bag mate . . .

. . . and some Shoot N C's . . .




   . . . and of course, some ammo! I got some Hornady and Winchester Cowboy Loads . . . Man, this stuff costs! I'll be ordering-up some Dillon dies right quick!!

Some new ammo boxes were in order, also . . .

             

. . . Some new gun care products were also on the shopping list . . .

. . . All this before I even fired a shot out of my new rifle. I gotta say, a big part of the fun (And makes all the overtime worth it!! Not like I've been digging trenches or anything!!) of gun ownership is purchasing all the neat goodies "in support of your mission." Like we all didn't already know that . . .!!

. . . Had to reorganize a range box/chest:


¶ . . . Well, as I wrote previously, I made it to the range to try my rifle and chrono the Cowboy Loads, research if you will (Those nuts and bolts in a later post.). This in preparation to "roll my own." My first order of business was to sight in and see how well it may be sighted right out of the box. Mind now, I only had time to shoot 30 rounds of each load and my camera crapped out,preventing me from showing target fotos (How convenient!!) The Uberti '73 has a drift-adjustable front sight, locked down with a slotted set screw. Even from the rests, with my abilities all guns shoot better than I can!! However, the windage at 25 and 50 yards seemed OK, with both the Hornady and Winchester loads. At 25 yards, both loads shot 2-3" high, rear sight at lowest graduation. At 50 yards, they were about 2-3" low, but moving the sight up to the next graduation brought it up into my "aim-point." Keep in mind, my group size is about fist-sized around the "aim-point." This is all not very scientific and the most important thing I learned is I need more practice. I think Brian Enos says you should be able to shoot as good as the gun, but I ain't there yet!!
. . . The trigger on the '73 feels a little heavy, but we'll see about that later and get the opinions of some that are versed in the matter. The recoil is quite light, a pleasure to shoot, but the lever is quite rough on my right hand. I put some gloves on after I shot the first tube. I also found out I cannot just nonchalantly stroke the action to chamber a new round; the bullet will hang up on the breach unless I work it with "authority." Don't know if this is because the gun is new . . . or I didn't lube it up before I shot it!! I wonder if a short-stroke kit is one of the hot mods . . .
. . . I'm real happy with it so far. I still need to take it out to 100 yards, but my time got short before I could trek on over to the rifle range area at the club. I was planning on heading up tomorrow to do just that, but it looks like rain. I want to be able to shoot a silhouette match this month up at Angeles. I went up there as a spectator a couple of weeks ago to check it out. Here's a look at that range:



. . . You might be able to just make out the silhouettes. The top berm is 200 meters (yards?) . . .
. . . Some better fotos should be in the offing: I just bought a new camera (another "promised" posting!!). So if I'm rained-out on the range tomorrow, I'll cruise around trying it out . . .
. . . H/T's to all the frequent posters.

Finally Got To The Range . . .

¶ . . . for some trigger time with my new '73, but I only got off two photos before my lame-ass can't-hold-hold-a-charge battery crapped out!! I got this one off as I set up to chrono and sight in my Para for this week's SWPL Match (Which I'll miss again!! This pesky job!!):


. . . and one of the '73 before it got off its first shot:


. . . Range Report forthcoming when I get another chance to write more, hopefully inviting some more of your comments/advice; I already have some observations to inquire about. I'll say this, it sure is nice and seems to shoot pretty straight right out of the box, but I need to take the Marine out with me to fire it, as he and the gun can shoot better than I can!! I also need him to shoot the camera for some better fotos! Sorry to keep you guys waiting. . .
. . . A new 10/22 is on its way! The Ten-Day is just about up on that one!!

¶ . . . I'm grateful for the "pesky job"; it makes trigger time possible!!

"Stick To Cowboy Loads . . . "

¶ . . . Seems to be the order for reloading ammo for my Uberti '73.  Cowboy Blob  and  Marc at Ninth Stage  were on the spot with rapid replies to my requests for some advice, as I was hoping to be able to push the loads to reach out to the far silhouettes. No hot-shots for me!! Cowboy Loads it will be!!
. . . Here's a good quote from C.B. on the Uberti guns: "I've heard that some Italians who make them are really surprised that Americans shoot the guns!!"

YEEOW!!

It's Mine . . . !!

¶ . . . a brand new '73!! Unfortunately, I'm so tied up at work, I can't cut loose for some trigger time!! Today would have been a good day, too, as there is hardly a soul up at the range on Mondays. When I get a chance, I'll post a photo or two of some corny pose . . . !

. . . The wife had to sleep elsewhere last night!!

Not Very Impressive . . .

¶ . . . I must not be hanging out with enough of the right kind of people!!

Average Grunt You are 75% of a gun nut!

You've been trained in the art of the rifle. When you're handed a firearm, you can generally use it competently. The local firing range knows you on a first-name basis.

My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 63% on knowledge

Link: The Gun Nut Test written by slayer1am on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

. . . A good quiz, though, as it appears to test how well-versed one might be in the craft. Recommended for all Gunbloggers!!

A Witch Hunt . . . ?

¶ . . . Or so perceived. I'll work straight through my off days, a first for me here, so I don't know when I'll get the first trigger time with my new rifle. I'll be taking delivery of it up tomorrow; looks like I'll just get to fondle it for a while!! Oh well, the money's good . . .

. . . Plus-point: Vacation time coming up next week!!

Paid My Dues . . .

¶ . . . For my 2006 membership in my gun club . . . gotta be sure my access card is functioning so I can get some immediate trigger time when I get my rifle!!