M2

I know which one you mean, the one it appears wxpunk voted in. I'll lock it up...

Nope, you cannot "cash & carry" a gun in Texas without being a resident or on PCS orders (unless it is a C&R and you're an 03 FFL). At best you can purchase and have it shipped to a FFL where you're going. That’s Federal law, since technically you are not a resident of Texas; and don’t try get around it by buying from a private seller (Texas allows F2F transactions) as it is interstate commerce and requires an FFL. Get caught, and kiss your career goodbye! But the large monthly gun show in San Antonio is this weekend (3-4 July), at the SA Event Center at 410 and Marbach. Doors open at 0900, get there early as parking is a pain in the ass! Some dealers at the show may be willing to ship a firearm that you purchase from them… As for shooting, if you are up by Randolph than look into Bracken, Dietz or Cedar Creek ranges. There’s also a range on the SE side of town but the name escapes me at the moment. Stay away from the Bullethole if you can, that place is a clusterfuck and you stand a good chance of being accidentally shot by some of their “clientele.” You can also try Camp Bullis on the weekends (0800-1200), but call first (210-295-7577/7529) as the range is not always open and they will give you instructions on how to get to it. Oh, and the last time I was there a few weeks ago, they were still under a caliber restriction for rifles of .223/5.65. Cheers! M2 p.s. Here's the link for Bullis

Agree with you (and T-bonez) on the barrel break-in issue, it's probably not necessary especially for someone like me used to old Soviet hardware. As for police departments using the XD, there are a few that do; but I think Glock has locked that market in so tightly that it's tough for anyone to get in. There's nothing wrong with Glocks, I was a big fan until I discovered the XD; but since then I realized how much better the Springfield is! Cheers! M2

Well, I have a XD-45 Service (4") and a Mossberg Persuader, the latter being a pistol-gripped pump-action shottie loaded with 3" magnum 00-buckshot shells, which I think is a pretty good set-up for self-defense either at home or out and about... Now, if I could only convince the Frau to let me get one of these, I'd be all set! Cheers! M2

I had a chance to "fondle" a new Springfield XDm-45 weekend before last, it's a very sweet pistol but I'm still not convinced it is that much better than my XD-45. I shot a XDm-40 a few months back and it's great, but again nothing that would sway me away from the "original" XD. Now, if I were in the market for a new polymer semi-auto, then I would seriously consider it. As a matter of fact, I would put anything from the XD series ahead of everything else in the class; but most of that confidence comes from the outstanding experience I have had with my XD. Did I mention I am a fan of the XD series? Cheers! M2

T-bonez Interesting article, and one more along the lines of what I subscribe to as I am not one of those clean freaks when it comes to firearms (which is why I mainly stick to old Soviet milsurp, the stuff that was designed with tolerances for lazy users!). I work with a guy who got a DPMS LR-308 who forgoed (forwent?) the break-in process and he doesn't seem to be having any accuracy issues with his rifle... I will ask the guy I am using as an FFL, as he builds ARs and knows his shit. Thanks for the "dissenting view," it would be a lot easier following it than that "break-in" procedure Savage proscribes... Cheers! M2

T-bonez That was straight from the Savage web site. Since most of my rifles have already been "broken in" (in such garden spots as Stalingrad ), I'm pretty new to this. And of course, there is another rifle catching my eye, a Savage Mark II BTVS .22 Rifle with Mueller Scope for sale for $475 on Texas Gun Trader... If the seller is willing to negotiate on the price a bit, I might just drive up to check it out. I've been contemplating joining the Boerne Schuetzen Verein [shooting Club] which has been around since 1864. Only .22 caliber target rifles are used at the club, using standard velocity ammunition, so this should be more than adequate. Last year I was out and about in the Jeep just south of Luckenbach when I came across the Grapetown Schuetzen Verein. I stopped and jawed with the folks there for a bit, and quite enjoyed watching them shoot. It was also a very festive environment, in true German fashion! These clubs use the old German style of shooting from stair-stepped wooden ramps at a target 100 yards away. Most are from the mid-to-late 1800s, and at their peak at the start of the 20th century there were over two hundred; but now there is only about 20 throughout the state. The oldest, started in 1849, is just up the road from here in New Braunfels. I think it would be quite a lot of fun to get my son and myself involved in one of them... Cheers! M2

Will do, but understand the first trip to the range will be focused on properly breaking in the barrel...50 rounds using the following procedures: I probably won't get an accurate idea of how she shoots until the second trip to the range. Cheers! M2

I think you'd like the Sprint a lot better than the 'Busa! From what I've heard, it's a very good bike; and this review agrees. As for the CBR600F3, it's probably one of the best bikes in its class. Honda sold millions of them, and they are great for all kinds of riding. If there would be one concern, it would be the age of the bike (it's a 15-year-old sportbike). Look it over good, and hopefully the owner will have taken good care of it and have the maintenance records. If not, just be sure to check for any indications of crash damage. But all in all, those are two great choices!

The latest addition to the collection...a Savage Edge XP in .308...and a real bitch to find as they are quite popular right now... Luckily, Bud's had them in stock for a few hours last night, so I jumped and got my order in. Just about $300 with shipping, and from all the reviews I've heard so far, it's a great shooter! Sure, it's an entry level hunting rifle; but I wanted something good for 200-300 yards and this will do the trick. Plus, with .308 I will able to take down most anything in Texas, to include a chupacabra! Hopefully it'll get to my FFL in a week or so. I'll post up a range report once I get a few rounds through it. Cheers! M2

For some reason this last poster didn't show up in my last post... And here are a few more... And not boobs, but I still like it! Cheers! M2

I had a bud with one in Belgium that I used to ride with. In the straights he could walk away from me, but in the curves I could catch him easily. I don't like 'em that much, there are much better performing bikes out there and too many of them that I've seen end up looking like they came from the movie Torque...

I credit the company, and not douchenozzle himself, as his previous track record would indicate a big "fuck them" attitude. So good on Massey, and Foglenuts still remains an asshat!

In your dreams, cupcake!

Maybe in some ways it is a good idea to ban Spice...

The usual knee-jerk reaction… Based on the above guidance, caffeine and laxatives are illegal as well! However, Red Bull and Monster Energy drinks are still OK… Cheers! M2

Not a poster, but a video. Still worth viewing... Cheers! M2

Just finished watching Surrogates with Bruce Willis. It was a last-minute selection at RedBox, and both the wife and I were quite impressed! It was a great sci-fi flick with an excellent premise and a plot that kept its pace throughout the movie. For just a buck rental, it was well worth it; it was probably one of the best movies we've seen in a long time. Nothing overly spectacular in the special effects department, but that is what make it such a good film, it wasn't like Avatar or the Transformer series where it seemed like the CGI was used to prop up a weak script. Well worth the rental, especially if you enjoy sci-fi flicks that actually have a good storyline! Cheers! M2

T-bonez I emailed a buddy and he concurred that he knew of no laws in Texas that would prohibit your shipping a pistol here for work. Since Novak's is an FFL, it's legal to do so from out of state. However, he did add a good point, that being that maybe an FFL would be cheaper depending on what they charge. He felt it might be less expensive because an FFL can ship via USPS for around $20. Thus, if they charge $20 for their services, that would only be a total of $40. He thought the FedEx air shipment would probably be more than that... Just food for thought. I will see what my 01 FFL bud says and let you know on Monday. Cheers! M2

T-bonez Most of my encounters with FedEx haven't been positive; but I am sure you can ship a firearm to a licensed company without going through a FFL. A few years back, I sent a Yugo M70AB2 back to Century to get the front sight uncanted and had to go to a specific FedEx location to do so. The kid behind the counter was a bit surprised when I told him I needed to ship an AK; but he didn't have any problems with it. I am almost absolutely certain Texas has no laws against it, as it is a very gun-friendly state; but I work with a guy who is an 01 FFL and also manufacturers ARs so I will confirm that with him on Monday. I am pretty sure you are just dealing with the the usual idiots at Fedex...you've already found this, but for anyone else who may run into this same problem here is FedEx's policy (scroll down to 'Firearms'): If I recall correctly, pistols have to go via air transport and rifles ground, but they'll know that. I'd try another FedEx location... Good luck! M2 p.s. Tim, just need to confirm there are no state or local laws where you are that would require going through an FFL, are there?

The clip is from Episode 3.1 of A Bit Of Fry & Laurie, which aired on 9 January 1992...scroll down to 'Alan and The Department.' Cheers! M2 p.s. Or, watch it here...

It didn't last long, I snagged a Czech-built 91/38 Mosin carbine at the SA show a week later...

I wish I could, but about all can do is offer to buy a couple of rounds the next time you're in SA!

I'll throw the offer out...anyone stuck at the 'Deid who finds themselves in desperate need of stuff like rank or whatnot, send me a PM. I'll be more than happy to help out (within reason, of course). It's the least I can do. Cheers! M2