Clod Stomper

Thanks everyone.     What I had in mind was getting an idea of its value from a lumber company.  THEN, try to get the tree service to cut the price by what THEY could sell the log for.  But it sounds like they may not be able to get that much.  Oh well.     I'll get a tree service out here to give me an estimate.  Even if I could get them to take off one or two big limbs, I could drop it myself without destroying the house or outbuilding.     Thanks,   Will

Does anyone know a lumber company in or around Knoxville who mills their own lumber?  Here's my situation...   Right next to the house, a huge oak died this year.  It's been dropping widowmakers already.  Probably because it's been so wet and one large limb was already dead.  I can't afford what it would cost for a professional to take it down right now.  BUT it has a straight trunk for about 30 feet with only one major flaw.  It should have some good boards.  SO, I'm going to try to find out approximately what the trunk itself would be worth and negotiate with a tree company to offset the cost of taking it down.     Does that sound like a good idea?   I would fell it myself, but there is only one way it can fall and there is one huge limb that would do some serious damage to the house.   I did a search, but I can't tell which, if any, lumber companies mill lumber and could give me an approximate value.   Thanks for any suggestions   Will

I have used Duracoat quite a bit. It works really well. My only complaint is that it adds thickness so it can't really be used on parts that have to remain the same dimension. I haven't yet tried Cerakote, but I want to. I understand that it's a bit more "involved" process. FYI, I think Predator Custom switched from Duracoat to Cerakote a couple years ago.

Just a precaution about light loads.  They can be more dangerous than overcharging.  It depends on the powder.  Some powders can be susceptible to "detonation" rather than ignition if the primer lights the whole charge at once.     It's rare, but it supposedly has happened.     So, just as I wouldn't go over the maximum published charge, I will not go under the minimum charge either.

Don't know about carriers, but as far as phones, my dad has had a Motorola flip phone for many years and it's still going.  It's in very rough shape, but still works.  His is through US Cellular.  I have a similar prepaid Tracfone.  I bet you can get one through most carriers.

You don't have to commit a crime to be arrested.  That's one of the problems.  I wonder if we'll see an increase in arrests in some of the more statist locales simply to add more individuals to that database.     And we won't have to worry about insurance companies asking for it. In a few years, they'll be out of business, the IRS will be in charge of our health care and they won't have to request the info, it will be right there in the database for the checking.

They have pretty much said that the whole purpose is to put the info into a national database. I agree. After conviction, fine. Or if DNA is pertinent to the case and is court-ordered. Otherwise this is just more 1984.

Didn't see this posted elsewhere. http://www.wbir.com/news/article/276662/16/Supreme-Court-OKs-DNA-swab-in-serious-arrests

Wait. They can carry firearms in public in the Phillipines? Will wonders never cease to amaze me.

Caster said it. I (usually) will not shoot anyone else's handloads. The only exception being the 2 or 3 people I trust. I almost exclusively shoot my own handloads. Second choice is factory. Third is trusted handloads. Will

My best experience with riding mowers has been with Cub Cadet and John Deere. I'm using a Husqvarna right now any it sucks on hills. No traction or stability. Would be fine on level ground, but if you have significant slope, don't get a Husky.

I think I found your problem. :) J/K. Sometimes a couple can help focus.

Shipping costs really suck everywhere I've shopped in the last few years. Midway has such good customer service, I'll ignore some extra shipping costs. Seriously, I doubt ANY corporation (gun-related or not) could match their level of customer service. Brownell's is close, but still second. No, I'm not an employee of Midway. Just a very satisfied customer.

You can, but you'll need to have your barrel threaded for screw-in choke tubes. Just kidding, if course. It won't hurt anything. Just be sure to wear eye protection because the shot is more likely to bounce back and put your eye out.

I am cross-dominant as well. Right hand/left eye. I shoot long guns left handed and handguns right handed. Teach her that way while she is still young and it will be perfectly natural for her for life. Trying to shoot a rifle right handed with a dominant left eye is an exercise in futility.

I have a Polytech M14S. They used to be a great deal when they were 400-500 bucks. They have forged receivers, but allegedly the bolts can be soft which can lead to excessive headspace eventually. I know my bolt will close on a no-go gauge. I don't think I've tried a field gauge. Now, the only ones I've seen for sale are 800-1000. I wouldn't pay that, but I'd scoop one up if it was $500. Replace some parts with USGI or quality aftermarket and you have a rifle that's better than a Springfield for less dough.

Hate to tell you this....  but the M-16 predates the Mini 14.     Also don't want to hijack the thread...   I assume that the ammo was issue.  In most incidences such as this, the accused culprit is handloaded ammo.  I doubt that this is the case here.  Whether it was a stuck bullet (doubtful) or SEE, the issue ammo is most likely the cause.  I'll certainly be interested in further investigation.   And this is what I absolutely love about the AR platform.  Almost any catastrophic failure will not seriously hurt the user.  Conversely, I am acquainted with (friend of friends) a person who experienced a KB with a bolt rifle.  Practically ripped half his face off.  Looking at the scar, he looks lucky to be alive.     I don't shoot centerfire bolt rifles much anymore.  But I feel perfectly safe firing an AR.  Even with handloads.   Will

I have attended several Appleseeds.  Great value for the training.  I even set up a table at a gun show several years ago to promote them.  They teach the history of the beginning of the Revolutionary War as well as practical rifle marksmanship.     There were a few Appleseeds a few years ago in East Tn.  A couple near Kingston and one between Knoxville and Maynardville.  I don't know why those places quit hosting.  I earned my Rifleman patch at one of those.  Unfortunately, I haven't been keeping up with the Appleseed Project lately.   Will

Hey!  That's when I started!     My Dad had me shooting a .36 cap-and-ball when I was 2.  

Exactly.  I saw the same thing with the ones at Walmart.  It's ridiculous.   I'll probably stop by Greene's next week.  I also think I know where that surplus store is on Alcoa Hwy that gjohnsonIV mentioned.  It's pretty nondescript, but I've passed it thousands of times.   Thanks,   Will

Yes, thank you. I hadn't thought of surplus stores. I'll check them out.

A little pricey, but that's about what I would expect for a high quality metal jerry can. Looks like the ones I used to use when I worked with NPS and they were really good. I hope to find something a bit cheaper, though. I may end up getting those eventually anyway. I'll check the surplus stores first though. Thanks. Will

I need a couple more 5-gallon fuel cans. I refuse to pay $20 for a crappy plastic can at the Walmart or Lowes. The "safer" they make the nozzles, the junkier they get. So can I get any leads on a good metal can in the Knox area? I would also buy a plastic can if it's reasonably priced. Sportsman's Guide has metal "jerry" cans for less than 30 bucks but if I can get some locally and save on shipping, I'd rather do that. Thanks, Will

No, the jig is not necessary.  It just makes it much easier to locate holes.  If you have a mill and know how to use it, you'll be fine.  I finished my 80% lower without a jig and I'm not a machinist.  It is a bit sloppier than a factory lower, but it works.   That said.  If I finish another one, I'll use a jig.   Will

  I guess you just made clear where you stand.  I wish I could change your mind, but I'm not a very persuasive person.   Just keep in mind that the elitists and power-hungry will not stop with "dangerous"-looking rifles and handguns.  If they get those, they will come for handguns.  Then bolt rifles, then shotguns, then single-shot rifles, etc., etc.  If they believe they have the power to control, or confiscate, one type, they will give themselves the power to take them all.     If you are referring to only restricting ownership by the mentally ill and/or violent criminals, then I am right there with you.  However, if a person cannot be trusted with a gun, then they should not be trusted to operate a vehicle or have access to any other implement with which to do harm.  I mean to say, they should be in prison or a mental institution where their every move can be controlled.   As an aside... Back when the first "AWB" passed, I showed one of the rifles affected by the ban to a relative.  Most of my relatives are enthusiastic hunters, btw, as was I at the time.  He asked if it was a rifle that one could use to hunt.  I replied that it was (it was a Kalashnikov pattern rifle).  So he then says "Then how can they ban it?"  A complete short-sighted lack of understanding of not only the 2nd Amendment, but of law and government in general.     Regards,   Will