A Shot from the Snark-ebus

[bigghoss]

Love the 30, just wish I could find one. Also the problem with the cartridge is finding decent brass ammo. I know it's out there, but nowhere near as plentiful as say 5.56... and I'm not interested in putting steel cased ammo through a semi-high cost rifle.

I do have a couple 14s, though.

I'll have to get a couple vids up of the wife shooting it. I taught her how to shoot this passed year. She went from being afraid of guns(her reaction to her first shot fired is hilarious) to having a lot of fun. Good stuff.

I read a review when they first came out, it'll handle steel cases just fine. Any gun that won't probably isn't worth the price tag.

The big problem with steel-cased ammo is when you shoot it and then shoot brass cases, particularly in an AR15. The steel cases don't expand well like the brass ones so your chamber fouls up more. That and the lacquer that's on a lot of them gets mixed with the fouling and it can get sticky. Then after the chamber is gummed up the brass case expands like it should into the chamber which is tight and sticky from the crap the steel cases left behind and it gets stuck in there hard. I saw one where the guy had to use a cleaning rod and smack it with a hammer to drive the stuck case out.

Steel cases aren't really a problem for the most part. Other than the issue above the only other problem I'm aware of is some guns not cycling them because they don't seal the chamber as well and you end up not getting enough force to cycle the gun. My DPMS will short stroke quite a bit with regular Wolf ammo. It spits out the spent case just fine but doesn't quite cycle far enough to pick up the next round from the magazine so you end up with rounds in the mag and an empty chamber. I've heard some people claim steel cases are hard on extractors but I don't recall any actual evidence of this.

 

[GSO1962]

this was the case a while ago.

apparently they're being blown out below cost? tempting to get a couple sets. cheaper than Ethan can get/sell them

then again, how many of the same kitchen knives does one need?

I believe the Biscuit would say at least 6...

Or is it a "closet full"?

 

[Bladite]

yes - you cut a rectangular hole in one board 1.5" tall by 5.5 or 6" wide.
you rip a strip off each side of the other 2x12 that's roughly 3" x 33".
the tighter the fit top to bottom, the closer to a 90 degree angle between seat and back when new -- this angle will "relax" over time, so building in a lot of slop is not the best of ideas. (my chair has a short bottom board and has been in use for 16 or so years - that's why it's so comfy.)

 

[bigghoss]

My dad picked one of these up a little while back. The cool thing is walmart's, for whatever reason, comes with the laminated wood stock which normally is sold with the higher end models. It's a really good deal.

Gosh, how can I say no?

I picked up a couple of Russian Mosin 91/30's and they kick like mules. Not fun at all. Oddly enough, the Chinese Type 53 (which is a clone of the M44...the Russians shipped machine tools to China rather than giving them the plans) that I got at the same time was very pleasant. My assumption is the shorter barreled carbine generates less muzzle velocity and therefore less recoil...but it's only a theory. I need to get a second one or an M44 to verify....

And there is no arguing that the 10/22 is a ton of fun. I've got one with a threaded barrel and only have about 7-8 months more to wait for my tax stamp to pick up a suppressor for it.

I don't know if I've ever shot a 91/30. Shot two or three M44's. My buddy says it kicks his butt, you defiantly know you're shooting a serious rifle but I don't mind it as much. I probably have a better technique than he does though. His tiny little wife though it was fun. I'd like to get a carbine without the bayonet like an M38 or something. The one I'd really like is made from a 91/30 but one of those countries cut them down to carbines, I think they're 59/30's or something. Apparently the longer rifles had a different twist rate that stabilizes the bullets better. Hickok45 did a video about them but I forgot at least half of it. I really wish I could get some good mosin stripper clips. I got some reproduction ones that suck, totally worthless.

 

[TMHunt]

I think I'm losing my mind...... Id like to have your guys opinion...... As most of you know, knife making is part time for me, I have a 40 hr. a week job that I hate, but it still provides, on top of that, I'm making knives and ever since I was inked in a few different magazines its gone through the roof. AND, one of my best friends in life started a business and Ive been working part time for him as a metal fabricator. Now, add em up fellas, that's three jobs I'm workin right now. Heres the sick part, If Im not sleeping, Im working, and working my ass off, the thing of it is, Im happier now than I have been in months, I am in no way trying to brag on myself because if I was on the outside looking in I would call me a idiot. Its not about the money, am I just so shallow that I have to keep myself occupied 100% of the time? 2 of the three jobs I have take advantage and encourage my creativity. Is that what im after? I just turned 40, am I going through a midlife crisis? Or am I just one sick bastard that likes to be worked like a barrowed mule? I don't think the last is true. I don't get it, any of you wise bastards got any input or advice? Im drawing a blank? Do I save it for Church tomorrow?

 

[tradewater]

Solid. Needs a seatbelt and it's ready for the gathering.

 

[james terrio]

One of Erik's camp chairs. Surprisingly comfy, and it takes up almost zero space once it's taken apart. :thumbup: Seatbelt and shoulder harness might be a good idea now that you mention it...

 

[Guyon]

I'm trying to decide if I need to order another set. Since my set got stolen :grumpy::thumbdn:

The whole not really working much thing makes it hard to rationalize though as well.
Oh, and the Esee warranty does NOT cover theft. I figured as much but decided I might as well ask

With shipping, it works out to less than $12.75 per knife. I grabbed a spare set.

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

I've fired steel-cased Tula from my DDM4v7, mixed with brass of various varieties, when I was putting it through the wringer. Shot up about 500 rounds, with steel and brass mixed in the mags and everything, mags left in the dirt, etc. No issues of any kind at all. No FTF, no FTE, nothing. Love that gun. Hopefully the one I'm building will perform as well. Then again, the new one is a .223 Wylde instead of a 5.56 chamber. We'll see how that affects things.

I have a Marlin 336 also, which I love. Great gun.

Todd, my wife and I are the same way. Hate to NOT be occupied with something. Lazing about is nice on the short term, but it's not fulfilling at all. It's a lot better to be occupied, especially with something that you love to do. I also found life was REALLY dull until I got into knifemaking. Engaging that creative impulse is incredibly important. Keeps the mental juices flowing. Otherwise you probably feel like you're stagnating. I think that's 100% normal, honestly. Most people who aren't happy with what they're doing, are unhappy because it's just the same old thing, and they're not challenging themselves and doing something mentally stimulating. Sounds more like a mid-life epiphany than a crisis to me.

 

[Guyon]

Solid. Needs a seatbelt and it's ready for the gathering.

Ethan really needs to install a seat belt on his riding mower.

 

[Chameleonbear]

I think I'm losing my mind...... Id like to have your guys opinion...... As most of you know, knife making is part time for me, I have a 40 hr. a week job that I hate, but it still provides, on top of that, I'm making knives and ever since I was inked in a few different magazines its gone through the roof. AND, one of my best friends in life started a business and Ive been working part time for him as a metal fabricator. Now, add em up fellas, that's three jobs I'm workin right now. Heres the sick part, If Im not sleeping, Im working, and working my ass off, the thing of it is, Im happier now than I have been in months, I am in no way trying to brag on myself because if I was on the outside looking in I would call me a idiot. Its not about the money, am I just so shallow that I have to keep myself occupied 100% of the time? 2 of the three jobs I have take advantage and encourage my creativity. Is that what im after? I just turned 40, am I going through a midlife crisis? Or am I just one sick bastard that likes to be worked like a barrowed mule? I don't think the last is true. I don't get it, any of you wise bastards got any input or advice? Im drawing a blank? Do I save it for Church tomorrow?

It could be a midlife crisis, but this is how I see it (mind you, this is my view yours is probably going to be different) your 40 hours job you realize you need it. It's the necessary evil so you put up with it. Your knife job while it's a lot of work it's what you love doing. It's your passion (at least how it seems). The job where you're helping your friend, you're helping your friend. You seem to be the type that will do anything you possibly can for someone. So the knife/truck shop more than make up for how frustrating your 40 hour job is.

Plus, you're friends with Murph so you're obviously a masochist.

 

[Guyon]

I think I'm losing my mind...... Id like to have your guys opinion...... As most of you know, knife making is part time for me, I have a 40 hr. a week job that I hate, but it still provides, on top of that, I'm making knives and ever since I was inked in a few different magazines its gone through the roof. AND, one of my best friends in life started a business and Ive been working part time for him as a metal fabricator. Now, add em up fellas, that's three jobs I'm workin right now. Heres the sick part, If Im not sleeping, Im working, and working my ass off, the thing of it is, Im happier now than I have been in months, I am in no way trying to brag on myself because if I was on the outside looking in I would call me a idiot. Its not about the money, am I just so shallow that I have to keep myself occupied 100% of the time? 2 of the three jobs I have take advantage and encourage my creativity. Is that what im after? I just turned 40, am I going through a midlife crisis? Or am I just one sick bastard that likes to be worked like a barrowed mule? I don't think the last is true. I don't get it, any of you wise bastards got any input or advice? Im drawing a blank? Do I save it for Church tomorrow?

I bolded what I think is the important part. Unless it's putting a strain on family, I'm not sure there's a problem.

 

[james terrio]

...Im happier now than I have been in months, I am in no way trying to brag on myself because if I was on the outside looking in I would call me a idiot. Its not about the money, am I just so shallow that I have to keep myself occupied 100% of the time? 2 of the three jobs I have take advantage and encourage my creativity. Is that what im after?

Probably - that counts for a whole lot in a person's general well-being.

Work all three and save all your money until you just can't stand it anymore and/or your wife threatens to leave you for never being around... then quit the job you like least (and I bet I know which one that is). Life is way too freaking short to deal with people you despise every blankety-blankin' day.

 

[gytheran]

I thought they were fit with birch instead of walnut, and that was how they kept the cost down.
At this point I'd expect laminates to cost less than a solid block of good wood.
For quite awhile I drooled over the XLR version, but still wanted a shorter barrel - no more than .22". In the end I went used, and amazingly my rifle cravings subsided enough to be ignored for awhile.

That's how they're listed on the website for sure, but all of the ones I've seen in Walmarts in two different states(Oklahoma and Maryland) have been the laminated stocks.

 

[Guyon]

I believe the Biscuit would say at least 6...

Or is it a "closet full"?

That only applies to stoves. I don't have that many knife duplicates. Some quasi-duplicates in Beckers because of Camillus/Ka-Bar distinctions, but overall, not so much.

 

[Bladite]

7.62x54r is a little more than .308 last I checked. I'd look for a mauser that's been converted to .308. They aren't hard to find but they are about twice as much as a Mosin. My M44 is fun to shoot. Big boom, but decently accurate. Trigger is mushy but light. If you get one with a stiff trigger they are easy to modify and lighten.

.308 is pricey to shoot as a plinker imho

an M39 Mosin is fantastic if you can get one.

or you can buy a known good barreled 91/30, or any good carbine (esp with bad wood), add the archangel stock and have a studly thing: bonuses: 10 round magazines, after-market ready bent bolts, ability the mount a "scout scope" by knocking out two pins on the original sights, and swap in - solid; AND you can then double your build costs by adding a Timney trigger group made for Mosins + get an additional safety.

trivia: Mosins have a perfectly good safety. most Mosin users have no idea how to use it. as well, there's some cool tricks to learn. good rifles. they suck to scope, but otherwise...

would love to get me a PRETTY sks, one of the clean teak ones. i'm very picky. all my Mosins are *exceptional* and in amazing condition. no bad wood there. two M39s. happy boy.

Ruger 10/22s. so many kinds. first time buyer? i'd suggest the take down model in polymer and stainless. easy peasy backpacker, very "safe" because you can break it down and more easily lock it up. stainless. no weather issues. ever. the new Ruger 25ish round magazines are quite good. scopeable. triggers can be upgraded. good kit.

for the money, pricey, but i want to own the "nordic" version of the 10/22. also known as the SR-22 ready to go. "tactical" lol... http://ruger.com/products/sr22Rifle/images/1236.jpg

or go 10/22 "ATI Destroyer Gray" http://ruger.com/products/1022DE/images/11113.jpg'

just stay away from hipoint

 

[gytheran]

I read a review when they first came out, it'll handle steel cases just fine. Any gun that won't probably isn't worth the price tag.

The big problem with steel-cased ammo is when you shoot it and then shoot brass cases, particularly in an AR15. The steel cases don't expand well like the brass ones so your chamber fouls up more. That and the lacquer that's on a lot of them gets mixed with the fouling and it can get sticky. Then after the chamber is gummed up the brass case expands like it should into the chamber which is tight and sticky from the crap the steel cases left behind and it gets stuck in there hard. I saw one where the guy had to use a cleaning rod and smack it with a hammer to drive the stuck case out.

Steel cases aren't really a problem for the most part. Other than the issue above the only other problem I'm aware of is some guns not cycling them because they don't seal the chamber as well and you end up not getting enough force to cycle the gun. My DPMS will short stroke quite a bit with regular Wolf ammo. It spits out the spent case just fine but doesn't quite cycle far enough to pick up the next round from the magazine so you end up with rounds in the mag and an empty chamber. I've heard some people claim steel cases are hard on extractors but I don't recall any actual evidence of this.

Oh, I completely understand. I just prefer not to shoot the steel cased ammo unless I absolutely have to. Growing up, we'd shoot steel cased through AKs and SKSs... back when they were sub-$100 guns... lol

 

[gytheran]

Gosh, how can I say no?

Really carefully?

 

[GSO1962]

I think I'm losing my mind...... Id like to have your guys opinion...... As most of you know, knife making is part time for me, I have a 40 hr. a week job that I hate, but it still provides, on top of that, I'm making knives and ever since I was inked in a few different magazines its gone through the roof. AND, one of my best friends in life started a business and Ive been working part time for him as a metal fabricator. Now, add em up fellas, that's three jobs I'm workin right now. Heres the sick part, If Im not sleeping, Im working, and working my ass off, the thing of it is, Im happier now than I have been in months, I am in no way trying to brag on myself because if I was on the outside looking in I would call me a idiot. Its not about the money, am I just so shallow that I have to keep myself occupied 100% of the time? 2 of the three jobs I have take advantage and encourage my creativity. Is that what im after? I just turned 40, am I going through a midlife crisis? Or am I just one sick bastard that likes to be worked like a barrowed mule? I don't think the last is true. I don't get it, any of you wise bastards got any input or advice? Im drawing a blank? Do I save it for Church tomorrow?

Not that I know you at all, but I'll throw out an opinion based on what you've described and on your other posts I've seen.

I don't think it's shallow at all. Some personality types thrive on a high level of chaos, or optempo as we call it in the Army. You get restless, bored, and start dreaming up mischief to stir the pot if you aren't kept busy enough. Before retirement, the Army offered free career counseling to help us "figure out what we wanted to be when we grew up" or at least left the Army. The offered some aptitude tests including one that tested your tolerance/preference for chaos. I scored pretty well towards the high end, and would venture you would too. Nothing wrong with it, it's just how some people are wired.

Secondly, I do think you probably do thrive on creative activities. The whole right brain/left brain sort of thing. Getting to use the right side of your brain must make you happy and give a great sense of accomplishment. You should enjoy it!

Sometimes we have to stick with a job we don't like so that we can pay the bills and support the activities that we love. Such is life. Someday you'll be able to do what you love full time. Until then, hang in there! You are 100% normal from what I've seen here.

 

[daizee]

Now, add em up fellas, that's three jobs I'm workin right now. Heres the sick part

I much prefer working on something constructive to sitting on my ass watching TV. I'm not so good at recreation either.
Sounds to me like you're headed for a good place.

As for 40, well... I'm right behind ya and got no advice there.

Dunno how I missed posting this critical picture for the adults (sorry for the low light):

Yes, that's the Butternuts Moo Thunder Stout to the left of the Left Hand. (haha)