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Shopping On-line!
Convenient!
We have a tendency to shy-away from things that are unknown or we don’t understand. I for one went into the electronic age dragging my feet and screaming/hollering all the way. But, the more I got into it, the more I realized its true merits. This includes researching and shopping for things on the Internet. If your intent is to purchase a quality item at the lowest price, you should do your research on the Internet.
There are many Internet search engines (Google, Bing, etc.) that will help to simplify the buying process. They will assist in developing the data needed to determine product quality, as-well-as the information required for cost analysis. It has been my experience that prices on-line are normally a little cheaper than like items bought at the corner retail store. If it is a high dollar item you‘re purchasing, the tax savings alone could save you a bundle.
One of the nice things about shopping on-line is that the items are normally sent to your front door. Shopping for things like camping gear can be both fun and educational. If you are a show-me person, many times there will be video tapes/subject experts showing and further explaining the product.
Camping Gear Replacement Items!
Perfect!
I’m in the process of doing my end-of-season camping gear inventory. Inventory reflects that there are several items that need to be replaced. This includes a tent (4-5 person), a couple battery operated lanterns, and possibly a new 4-burner stove (propane). Total cost of these items will be several hundred dollars. However, being a prudent shopper, I want both quality and savings.
As Granddad used to say, there has got to be “method too this madness. You don’t go food shopping when you’re hungry”. The same principle applies when buying camping gear. You need to first determine exactly what you want as compared with the maximum price you can afford. This preliminary research can be done by going to a local sporting-goods store or referring to the respective Manufacturer’s website.
Experience has shown that bargains in camping gear can be obtained but you need to do some leg work. Once you have determined the item wanted (can afford) by Nomenclature (name), Manufacturer, and Model Number – you can go-out with confidence and buy the item needed. Whether it be a seasonal sale at the local sporting goods store or a reputable on-line shopping site, you are prepared to make item price comparisons. Make sure the prices compared include taxes/shipping and handling.
An Option!
More Bang for the Buck!
Using air rifles for small game hunting is becoming more and more popular each hunting season. These low caliber guns are useful for hunting small game like birds, foxes, rabbits and squirrels
There are different caliber air rifles for different uses. The .177 caliber is used mostly for target practice. Whereas, the .22 and .25 caliber weapons are more suited for hunting. The ideal hunting air rifle has the properties of providing 1000 feet per second velocity; an automatic cocking safety system and single shot.
Like their big brothers, there’s a full range of telescopes that will assist the firer during limited visibility and with shots at distant ranges. The operation of air rifles are comparatively easy and can lull the inexperienced hunter into a lack of hunting awareness and concentration. The same marksmanship techniques and principles apply as with larger caliber weapons – be aware of your surroundings and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
It’s the Economy Stupid!
The Great Outdoors!
On the fourth Friday of each month, a group of us gather at “Mom’s Kitchen” for breakfast. The food is adequate but the dialogue, atmosphere, and camaraderie are priceless. Each time I go, I always come away with a reality check. This temperature reading normally focuses on one of two things: the US Economy or World Affairs.
This last breakfast, the conversation started with what we should/shouldn’t be doing in Libya but settled down to the US Economy, and how the high price of gas and other goods were going to force a change in summer vacation plans/camping trips; gone would be the 2-3 week trips to places not even pronounceable.
I suggested that a good camping trip doesn’t have to be an expensive venture. What is important, is that you find something that would be interesting and enjoyable for all participants. Website – USA.gov covers all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These respective tourism websites provide ideas for vacations and more. However, regardless of the WHO – WHAT – WHEN – WHERE, the camping trip will still need proper planning, preparation of camping gear and feasible transportation.
A “Grand Dame”!
WOW, No Excuses!
I’ve always had a fondness for the Colt .45 (M19A1) pistol. I carried one in the military and became a believer when I personally experienced its durability and knock-down power.
However, trying to compare it with one of the ultra modern Glocks, S&W, or even Colt pistols is like comparing apples with oranges or even trying to be objective when evaluating one of the great Cinematic Dames of yester-year as compared with one of the young movie queens of today – it’s all in the pudding!
But, to further complicate it, if you could take your old trust military issue .45 cal. pistol and give it the proverbial cosmetic uplift of handmade laser grips; guaranteed, this would give you the confidence and ability to keep up with the youngsters and be truly ready/qualified for the “Big Time”!
Safety First!
Be Safe!
When it comes to Airsoft there are few things more important than safety. Because Airsoft guns fire small plastic pellets at high velocities they pose a unique danger to the ill-equipped with the greatest danger being that to our eyes. Most people believe if they just put on safety glasses or sunglasses they’re eyes should be safe. But because standard glasses, and even most safety glasses leave a gap for a BB to sneak through they simply aren’t adequate protection. That’s why you should be sure to wear full protection ballistic goggles to protect your eyes. You only get two of them.
Another oft-overlooked aspect of Airsoft is one of its greatest strengths. One of the things that makes Airsoft so much fun is that the guns are replicas of their real-life counterparts. They even have moving parts that function in ways similar to the firearms after which they’re modeled. Because of this they often are mistaken for the real thing and this can put Airsoft owners in a dangerous position. Even Crosman Airsoft guns can be mistaken for a real gun and can frighten people who are unfamiliar with the sport. For this reason it’s critical to keep your gun out of sight at all times when not in a game. Don’t leave it visible in your vehicle or on your person and you will be preventing a potential catastrophe both for yourself and for the sport in general.
Airgun Accuracy!
Accuracy Counts!
Shooting is a learned skill that is acquired through practice, practice, practice. It includes a diligent adherence to the previously discussed Shooting Fundamentals and Basic Marksmanship Principles/Techniques (Blog’s Marksmanship Category).
However, with Airguns (including softair), a person needs to be extremely cognizant of weather conditions and the airgun’s firing characteristics:
- Wind Factors - Because of relatively low muzzle velocities and lighter ammunition, the slightest wind will affect your aim. Obviously, this would apply to a head, tail, or crosswinds.
- Temperature Factors – Depending on the gun, cold air can seriously affect its performance. Pneumatic guns are notoriously erratic during cold/cold winter weather.
- Gun Limitations- Don’t expect positive results, if your shooting scenario is unrealistic. If the gun’s maximum effective range is 400 yards, you won’t be able to hit a target consistently at 450 yards.
With airguns, practice during all seasons and weather conditions becomes very important. Knowing and understanding the systematic quirks of your gun are critical.
Airsoft vs. Paintball!
True to Form!
The Sport of Airsoft and the Sport of Paintball continues to debate feverishly over bragging rights as to which sport is the best. So many of the answers to questions asked are subjective in nature – it depends on the game being played, the established ground rules, and even which side of the street you were born/raised on.
There are some differences in the cost of guns and ammo for each sport. Understandably, Paintball ammunition is much more expensive than Airsoft ammo; but, conversely, a Paintball hit is immediately identifiable; and, other than ”ouch”, airsoft isn’t. Even though you can get several hundred dollars wrapped-up in either a Paintball or Airsoft weapon, exact cost can/will vary drastically based on each gun’s specifications.
Unlike Paintball guns, some Airsoft Guns are 1:1 scale replicas of an actual weapon. This means that they look like the real thing. Even metal components are used so the weight comparability is maintained. These non-lethal weapons are so real looking that each gun must have a federally mandated orange tip on the muzzle to signify their legal possession/usage status. The jury is still out on which sport is best!
A Gun is a Gun is a Gun!
Is it Real?
Many parents decide that it’s perfectly safe to give their children an airsoft gun because it’s only airsoft. And while air soft guns are not powerful enough to pierce the skin, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with its own host of dangers and potential problems. After all, just because it’s an airsoft gun doesn’t mean that it’s not still a gun. For that reason, make sure that your children know to never aim the gun at the eyes. These guns can cause permanent damage or even blindness, so safety goggles and face protection should be used at all times.
The guns should also always be used with the aid of common sense. While common sense is a subjective thing, decide whether you think your kids are mature and aware enough to have one of these guns in their possession. After all, if your kid takes the airsoft gun to school or in another public place because they don’t know any better or because they think it’s funny, it can result in some serious consequences. In school, it can be expulsion; in another public place, the cops might unnecessarily get involved.
Selecting the Perfect Airsoft Battlefield!
Must Be Realistic!
There are a lot of different kinds of locations that can make suitable airsoft battlefields, but to create the perfect battlefield, it’s important to know the factors that make it ideal. The best airsoft play involves incorporating tactical action with opportunities for brute force. Nobody wants to play with airsoft players who hide behind barriers all the time and fire their air soft guns when convenient, even though this might be the best way to win.
The most enjoyable airsoft battles involve movement, and as such, it’s important to chose an area that has concealment, but not concealment from all directions. Airsoft players shouldn’t have the ability to hole up in a location with one exit and wait for other players to come. Keeping players moving will lead to a more successful airsoft battle and a more enjoyable time for all involved.
The best locations tend to be wooded areas that have small variations in altitude, like little hills or valleys that can expose different players and provide concealment for others. Urban settings can be fun provided there are multiple exits and entrances to rooms, or certain rooms are avoided for concerns of fairness.
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