R_Bert

Well, they both have their issues. The PLB does transmit a beacon in the 400 Mhz spectrum which can be used by the system to do doplar location using the low earth orbit satelites, but it is only good to about 3 kilometers precision (LEO sats are always moving vs fixed GPS sats). Nowadays, the PLBs use GPS input for better precision. When sniffing on the ground for the beacon, the 400 Mhz spectrum still requires specialized radiolocation ("fox hunting") equipment, and the signal can be tough to sniff out. The SPOT does indeed "beacon", just through the GPS system. I tested mine out over the last few days, and setting in the seat of my truck, under the edge of the garage eve (obstructed 180 degrees by the house), the tracking mode beaconed every 10 minutes for over 150 updates. Its errors were easily within a 50' radius. When I tested the "assist" mode, it continued to ping me on text and email until I shut it off. BTW, a few years ago, I evaluated several asset tracking systems for the Department of Energy, including DOE Transcomm, GlobalTrak, and other commercial subscriber systems. We glanced at SPOT, but it's asset tracking user functions were limited. As far as precision and reliability, and emergency notification functions, my test results over the last few days are certainly on par with the cost of service (cheap). I will report more, and post a breadcrumb trail when we actually do a run in the boonies. B.

BTW, I keep handy a small pair of channel lock pliers with the jaws wrapped in rubber tape (Scotch 130C at Home Depot, etc). It is a useful finger saver for easily snugging down and releasing the .223 case in that shell holder/mag driver. Just snug. Don't ape it, and it will greatly reduce the number of times the case gets ejected during trimming on the RCBS prep station.

"aw jeeze. A skidmark !"

Great. Now set up your RCBS Prep station for trimming to length. Order one of these - Lee Case Trimmer Cutter and Lock Stud - MidwayUSA . Center drill and tap the base for a 8-32 thread. It is hardened steel, so yes, it is tough. Use carbide tools or get a machine shop to do it. Insert and locktight (on the base end, not the prep station !) a 8-32 stud (cut off a screw). Leave about 3/8" sticking out, and about 3/8" threaded inside the base. Order one of these - Lee Case Length Gage and Shellholder 223 Remington - MidwayUSA . Insert the length gage into the face of the cutter, just barely flush with case. Be careful, the cutter *will* shave the gage if you twist it in too hard, and you will end up with cases trimmed too short. Use the shell holder with the lock-stud that comes with the cutter above to complete the shell holder, which slips into a magnetic screw driver. Thread the modified cutter/gage assembly onto a prep-station shaft. You are ready to trim ! B.

If you are just starting, don't overlook the Encore. I have several, including a Pro Hunter pistol 15" in .308 Win. It is a sweet gun, although like all pistols chambered in a rifle caliber, it has an attention getting recoil (but is managable).

When you chamfer (inside) and debur (outside), there is no need to do more than 1-2 turns. In my case,I use a RCBS prep station, and with one turn, I see no noticable difference in case length. RCBS Prep station - RCBS Trim Mate™ Case Prep Center, Tools & Accessories, Reloading, Shooting : Cabela's Setting up the prep station for trimming brass - This example is for .308, but I do the same for a number of other calibers also (including .223 Rem).If I really want to get precise (the RCBS adaption has +/-~.0005 wobble but is *very* fast), I use a Wilson-Sinclair Ultimate, which has a very nice micrometer and stand adapted to the reliable and well known Wilson trimmer - Sinclair Stainless Ultimate Trimmer - Sinclair Intl . This thing is pricey, but it really works well. (I got it because Lee does not make a case length gage for .204 Ruger that I can use with the RCBS). B.

Thanks for the comment, I had forgotten about the PLBs. An apparent disadvantage to the PLB (in our case) is that it has to be activated by the user (who has to be concious enough to trigger the device). I am hoping to watch my dad a bit closer with near-real-time tracking.

http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php We are thinking about getting one of these for my Dad (who is 78, and an avid hunter). We will probably the Satellite Messenger. Anybody using these and particularly with off-road assistance ? Thanks, Bert

Motivation, enthusiasm. (looking for a job take a lot of fun out of stuff). I got plenty of equipment. More than anyone can reasonably expect to deploy.

unnecessary, but thanks. You have some really good opinions, and I find you to be one of the more interesting posters on the forum (although I am baffled at your take on turkey:dropjaw: ). I think we (and all of us, even) agree on far more than we disagree. I will try to focus on that when things start getting dicey. Warmest, Bert

Folks, I sincerely apologize for causing offense. I only brought the topic up to ensure that I was correctly understanding the reg guide, that in fact I could use a larger caliber gun with a barrel less than 4". I never intended to attempt to take an animal with an underpowered gun. I did not intend, nor do I wish to be divisive on the forum. I doubt if I will post very much in the future. I have learned my lesson. Bert

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Unfortunately, there is no easy way to apply field enforcement of muzzle energy. The enforcement officers are typically degreed in biology, forestery, fisheries, etc. and sometimes criminal justice and law enforcement, not engineering, or physics. Not only would barrell measurements have to be made, loading, and bullet weight, and ballistic coeficient would also be a factor. Even using a iPad app, it would take 15-20 minutes to even marginally verify compliance with muzzle energy in the field. Enforcement on the basis of ballistics would be even more of a nightmare than a four inch limit, not to mention the fact that a .22 Long Rifle can develop over 100 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. No, I think it boils down to a matter of instilling ethics and personal accountability, and there unfortunately will always be yahoos. B.

BTW, you and I are in agreement on yahoos and use of common sense. I personally won't shoot large game with any less than 500 - 700 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, and prefer over 1000 ft-lbs.

No need to apologize ! Heck, I can't make sense of most of the reg guide, which is why I posted on this. Not only that, TWRA will quickly tell you that the reg guide is not the final word. Sometimes, the devil is in the details.....

Look at the muzzle energy graphs across the calibers at BBTI - Results and you will see why arbitrarily assigning a minimum length of 4" is meaningless (especially at .25 Caliber). - 4" at .25 cal was a poorly thought out rule (in terms of math & physics), and now with HCP on WMA's is impossible to enforce.

Any supporting info ?

As far as ballistics, it depends on the caliber. As far as aim, the longer the better. As far as accuracy, well, that also depends on the gun and the shooter. I have several longer barrel guns that I do not perform as well as I do with shorter versions. What made little sense last year was the fact that a one could not use for example, the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan (.44 Mag, .480 Ruger, and .454 Casull which have plenty of power to take a deer), but could use a 4" of anything down to and including .25ACP.

If I read the regs right, there is a reg change this year regarding the use of handguns. It appears that there are no limitations are placed on length of a handgun barrel used for hunting (last year was 4" or more on centerfire) Simplification of regs is a good thing. Yay Commission and TWRA! Before someone squeels, yes.. use common sense and the right tool for the job. B.

Its easy to do, almost did it myself the other day. Noodling around new threads. Read one, and down at the bottom was "related posts". Clicked on a related post with an interesting title, worked on my comments, and fortunately, noticed that it was an old thread, floated to the top. (and obviously no one reads completely through a thread before posting ) B.

Absolutely. A fitting reward would be to buy him a firearm. B.

Considering the LCP is a part for part copy of the P3AT, even down to most of the part#'s, You won't find much difference between the two. Search KTOG for LCP & P3AT parts diagrams (or P3AT vs LCP) and look for yourself. I have seen used P3AT's for $190 - $225 lately. New in parkerized is $266 delivered from Bud's. On function, worst case scenario polish the feed ramp a bit (easy to do) and you will be fine. As for carry, I have the P3AT, PF-9, and Glock 26 that I rotate through depending on weather and dress requirements. All three serve their purpose well and function fine. Obviously, for deep concealment or comfort, the smaller gun wins out hands down.

More than likely, parents already know (or even participate). It's really hard to hide pot smoking from parents, *unless* they choose real hard to ignore it.

More likely, It's a family affair to begin with. Kid probably supplying Dad with weed, not the reverse. As far as Neighbors acting like Neighbors....well....that changed a long time ago. When I grew up (late 60's - early 70's, If I misbehaved around the hood, I got two beatings. One on scene, and one when I got home. When's the last time a neighbor spanked someone else's kid (it used to be common)? The one neighbor I have that I could approach on the pot question is not just a neighbor. he is a very close friend, and I would not have had to ask the rhetorical question to a gun board. It would have been a no brainer. Honestly, If the relationship with the neighbor is not good enough to be a no-brainer, then I suggest "ignore". Otherwise, it is only seen as "meddlin", and you end up with a neighbor that hates you.

Hence the option of "ignore".