MacGyver

Garufa's right about the water, and that's probably worth mentioning since you stated an interest in Lanier.    I've got a boat in my driveway right now that used to be on Lanier.  Lanier is the main water source for Atlanta, and they're consuming at an massive rate. My dad got tired of not being able to put the boat into the water without backing off the ramp and going another 60 feet into the mud.  Atlanta's consumption of water isn't going down, and there's going to come a day pretty soon when Lanier just isn't accessible the casual boater without some new ramps/infrastructure.   Add to it the safety factor of having so many people on the lake on any given weekend, and you can keep Lanier.

Atlanta native here.  Don't do it.  That place is unsustainable. 

You've got our prayers, Doug. And, while I know you've got family local, please let me know if there's anything our community here can do to help.

I guess he's got to pay the mortgage after leaving Magpul.

I did love that hat.

If you're behind that rifle in my avatar, I'd argue you can wear a hat in any color you please...:)

Unfortunately the "formerly red" hat has gone onto its final reward. I use a DDLES lower (now QuarterCircle 10 - I guess they bought the tooling post litigation). It's been reliable. I know some of the early Lone Wolf receivers had issues. I like it enough that I've been thinking about doing a .45 build and using the MagPul MagEx extensions for the G21 mags.

Every time I see this stupid thread come up, I start to drool thinking it's finally been released...Only to have my hopes dashed.   I've really come to love and accept the dedicated 9mm AR.  Using common 9mm Glock mags across platforms is a big plus in our house.   That said, I'm sure Sig is going to get some of my money when this thing finally hits the street.

Seems like the problem that this product is 'solving' would exacerbate a greater one- namely failing to fully seat that 30 round mag on what is now a closed bolt carrier.  That's going to cause a failure to feed that's going to take you longer than the .whatever seconds this thing supposedly saves you.   The other major issue I'd see this causing is that by training on this, you can really only use this mag.  Imagine loading a Pmag after using this thing.  Training scars lead you to drop the bolt and load a new mag.  You think you've got one in the chamber, then when you really do need it...click.   I hope I don't see anybody on the range with these.  The thought of a bunch a yahoos running around with hot weapons while changing out mags, talking to their friends and checking out the poor lady who just came to shoot is frightening.

Great looking blade!

I stopped in at their new store just north of Atlanta on I-75 the other day. I have to assume it was a bigger footprint store because it was huge and they had tractors. I was hoping to pick up a sabiki rod with a gift card, but I struck out. Nice selection, though. I always like pursuing their classic firearms room.

I'm afraid it might be too little, too late.  Mind you, we don't consume a ton of sports, but we cut the cord a year or so ago.  My wife wasn't sold on it at the time, but was just as peeved at the constantly rising cable bills as I was.   I mentioned this to her a little while ago, and she replied, "I don't know that I'd be tempted to go back - even at that price.  I just don't miss it."   I'd love to see unbundled cable on principle, but I don't know that it will affect our family.

Yep, I noticed Federal 9mm at pre-Newtown price of $9.97/50.

We need to get a middle Tennessee carpool together to hit the Knoxville show.

I run one of the Glock mag based lowers. You're right that you've got to profile your bolt carrier to let it clear the feed lips. But, I love the platform. The Glock based design does have a bolt hold open option. Mags aren't cheap, but they're reliable and cheaper than Colt mags. And, no one ever complains about factory Glock mags. I run a milspec hammer. You're welcome to check it out if you like.

I've been on my own for 10 years in March. Not having a guaranteed paycheck on Friday will keep you honest. With small kids, I'm our sole breadwinner, so it can be stressful. Even with the stress, I'm not sure I could go back to the man. It would really have to be the right deal. That said, there's an old saying, "nothing parties like a rental." It's definitely worth spending some time with some folks who have done equipment rental.

If I'm carrying on my side, it's riding with a light. Period. Full stop. The Raven Phantom LC series carries it tight enough that it's not adding extra bulk. The added weight out front seems to help a bit with muzzle flip, but I don't put too much emphasis on that because so does a good grip. But, if you need the light, it's going to be a deal breaker without it. Come by and grab the G19 or the old Warrior. Spend some time with them at the range and you won't go back. Pocket pistols are great, but if I'm going full size, I'm going with an X300.

That's more like it :)

2015 is going to be the year I finally get my act together.  :)

I need to try one of those out. Decent price on them, too.

I don't know that those FRN "scales" are removable.  Most of Spyderco's FRN offering is integral to the frame.    Have you looked at the Dragonfly?  I've been running one of the G-10 models for about a year and a half.  It fits perfectly in that otherwise useless watch pocket in a pair of 501s.  The scales are removable - though the G-10 scales are pretty nice.  Plus, it's a VG-10 blade, so it's pretty durable.  They may make a manbug with the removable G-10 scales, too.   If you get up to Nashville anytime soon, you're welcome to swing by and check the Dragonfly out.

It does take a bit to get your legs underneath you.  I've been paddleboarding for several years, and even so, the transition to standing in the kayak is tenuous.  The leash helps a lot.

I originally moved to the 300 Blackout platform to shoot heavy and slow.  And while it is great at that, I've got a 338 Spectre that excels in that category with a bigger hole and a heavier 300 grain bullet at the same velocity.  So, I've been working with the 300 Blackout on the other end of the spectrum, and I'd argue it's highly underrated for shooting lightweight bullets fast.  Loading 110gr bullets at supersonic velocities (~2350fps) have given excellent results.  Sure, it's not going to be as quiet, but it's pretty much become my go to hog round. 

I'll be anxious to hear how you like the Lure. I've been running their Moken 14 for about 6 months and love it! FeelFree makes a great boat.

5.56 and 300 Blackout are way different animals when it comes to barrel length needed to fully consume powder.  Like was mentioned above, 5.56 is going to have a lot of powder still being consumed as it exits a short barrel.  300 Blackout was designed for full consumption in 8.5" barrels.  As such, erosion is going to be much higher in a 5.56 with a short barrel than it is in a 300 blackout.  The 338 Spectre can use short barrels effectively, too.