AirGuardianC141747

Makes sense, we had “degree preferred” many many moons ago and nobody was touched below 5,000 hrs mil time and plenty of PIC time when I was hired about a decade and a half ago. Not the case now by any means. Delta, FedEx, UPS, etc. at that time and most others had “mandatory” in their hiring process and no big deal for mil guys although Widget did not only care about your GPA, but were focused on the length of time to complete the degree. Now it’s portrayed as “preferred” as the times have eased bit by bit within 10 years or so. Granted, there was the 250 hr min pushed to 1,500 hrs for the basic entry - mil and aviation educational institutions aside. Definitely not like it was for the lost decade of pilots after 9/11 which dictates the cyclic nature of our industry. It all just ebbs and flows like many opportunities in life. Airlines hire until they don’t, furloughs happen likewise and companies grow or disappear overnight all situation dependent. When you retire will be the only time one can judge looking back if they had a great career, etc. If you did I will say timing had to be a big part of it. As we know it’s never too late to be ambushed by reality so stay frosty. *As ID mentioned, you will go thru the training anyway. The funny part for my class was that only one of us had the 747- 400 Type Rating and he was an AF guy. Took me forever to figure out how he got the AF to pay for it. Turns out he was part of the AF 747-400 Laser Test Group. He was never in class and just learned airline specific nuances while sitting on the beach for nearly three months for OE. “Call me if you have any questions” he said.

Doubtful if basic type ratings with no significant hours behind them mean a whole lot anymore. Remember those times long ago when Southwest demanded a 73 type rating and FedEx, etc. would slap you in a quick sim; therefore, many were getting a few hours in types to prepare - that’s gone to the wayside like the Dodo bird. Remember when 4 year degrees were a thing… Those delineator’s are long gone it would seem. My interview at Giant is waaaay different this past decade from almost 15 years ago and it still fluctuates depending upon who is driving the train or upsets that have occurred from within. Timing is everything especially for those who hit the front end of the hiring wave and ran up the seniority flag pole quite rapidly. It’s rather slow comparatively for now, but this is a cyclic industry no doubt. Brabus is on point, your military flying career significantly outweighs anything the airlines or I do now regarding air/land only routines. Easiest gig ever when personal cost vs pay vs pressure analysis is weighed overall.

Or landed mistakenly on the taxiway at Balad on NVGs. I remember that tower call when we were about to land #2. Nice job guys, just taxi straight ahead to park. Doh!

Pic on Page 246. I modified the Ruger Marlin 357 SBL with hand guard and stock modifications. Made more sense with 357 revolvers lying around. I couldn’t bare to modify the Ruger Marlin 45-70 version when I received it since it was just too gorgeous = I ordered the 357 version and the quality with Ruger is even better than the original my friend has. Stay away from Remington versions it’s simply atrocious what they did to the Marlin name. Absolutely painful waiting for about three years while Ruger brought about 100 semi’s worth of equipment to their North Carolina facility to revive the brand, but definitely worth it… now.

^^^^^This^^^^^ Totally agree for myself specifically. Hours upon hours wasted cleaning in the early nineties especially when the AR type wasn’t so “prolific/Lego Gun” for the civilian masses. I absolutely despised it and was able to shoot a few other piston driven weapons from Team guys and I was easily swayed to instant jealousy (I am not a Team Guy by any means, but they took pity on me thankfully). Most piston’s weapons have at least a folder variant unless it’s an IWI Tavor, Bullpup types, etc. It’s been a known factor for a long time hence AKs, FALs, AUG, etc and understand their environment of use which is unrelenting. Even my poor attempted copy (Sig 556) of the Swiss SG 551 series still chugged on past a couple thousand rounds before I rotated it too the adverse conditions exit port. Everyone has a choice with great strides in ammunition tech these past couple of decades which is fantastic and the AR has come so far from its original self. So much better now if you’re into them. *I shuttered a bit when you mentioned after blank shooting cleaning parties.

Good point and on any DI folder it’s just a better way to stash them and nothing much more. Have a few DI types, but definitely prefer the piston for the true ability to continuously fire while folded, easier to clean, less issues if your lazy like myself at times cleaning wise and doesn’t really crap where it eats. Maybe a little weight up front, but during stressful times my guess is you won’t notice it. My cleaning schedule is twice a year at best normally once diligently doing them all for a few days. As many have mentioned before get a can no matter what you decide to use if able - I still suffer from hearing loss from mock clearing rooms at a couple of shoot houses with some Army folks in the early nineties. Multiple flash bangs being thrown around recklessly wasn’t a good thing. Did learn a few things though. *Earlier last year my foolish self didn’t secure my headset quick enough prior to my bud popping off the 308 shooting out from inside cover. Trust me, within confined spaces get a can regardless of the ear attempting to block the shock and/or at least some good headsets by your bedside. Still have some impact from that stupidity.

Great video. So many types of ammunition whether it’s in 9mm, 45ACP, etc I definitely don’t want be hit by any of it. If you can shoot well with it go for it. Useless to carry something you suck shooting with comparatively speaking like the 40 and myself specifically many moons ago. Several of my friends shoot it extremely well and I already have too many calibers to reach for despite attempting to keep my stash variety controllable which was a false hope… *I enjoyed shooting my friends 1911s, 2011s, etc and wanted one so bad until “Honest Outlaw” on YouTube went over the considerations on having one. I am rather stupid hard/excessively mean to my CCW inventory and do not have the willpower to soften my manual of arms to be trusted (Stupid me needs Stupid Simple to survive). Still will end up with one, but it will be a tight tolerance showcase fun gun to drool over 😉

Agreed, never stated 5.7 was applicable to normal self defense situations as it was derived for military use hence body armor not a normal civil state thought process. Most of the current CCW models are geared towards civilian defense measures and not duty criteria. While several sub-compacts have been derived from full size military versions these concealment versions definitely cater to the civilian defense market. Despite having a 5.7 from the original manufacturer many moons ago it hasn’t been a CCW for myself. With the major improvements with 9mm well over a decade ago I have stayed with it. Round count is your choice and during winter heavy clothing I prefer the compact types with 17/18 rds and my summer carry runs 13/15 rds among my rotations. Either way whatever you choose train with it. Better to have something vs nothing, better to be familiar and capable with it than anything. I always need to train more, unfortunately I get caught up with shooting the latest and greatest addition even though I do bring the carry options and shoot at least a few mags at my neighbors farm. Definitely not enough. Side note only: Not many events on the blotter of those encountering body armor during a self defense encounter like Lord Ratner said, but if you want to defeat armor speed is king caliber wise. Rifles bring on a whole new level of penetration. 5.7 definitely is pricey, but there was a time when some could be had for $20/50 rds when FN overloaded the market with some now banned steel core. ATF put a stop to that real quick unfortunately. SS190 (restricted) or more likely the SS192 was controversial. Current lots are just sporting rounds for the most part.

5.7 originally designed to meet NATO specs as we know to include the body armor parameters. Makes sense when those caught behind enemy lines could have a better chance of slowing down/keeping the heads down of the advancing party with AKs perhaps while their air chariot egg beater arrived. It was a decent theory and a good choice, but as said before there are so many choices of home defense, etc rounds it’s mind boggling. *If you have access to the premier rounds to defeat body armor than it is undeniably a game changer if required. Extremely accurate, light weight, high round count, extended range and velocity have their merits and many have mentioned situation dependent. Fun is up there as well.

Niiiice!

When the PSA JAKL 308 version is released count me in. That will be quite solid based on the baby brother version. I just appreciate the all ambi controls and side charging handle hardware as it becomes very intuitive and you don’t lose your line of sight so abruptly on most other platforms. It should be fun being a Elephant Seal Team Sofa Warrior.

ClearedHot mentioned/displayed pic earlier of the Beretta a300 ultima patrol. Definitely a fantastic piece of work manufactured here in TN and for the right price. Yesterday my dealer mentioned to me in passing would you like another Beretta 1301 we have a few left? Reason - ATF just banned the import of the 1301 for 922r compliance and production is on hold. If you had your eye on one it’s probably a good idea to snag any left on the shelf. I believe they are rehashing it to a 5 round system which is saddening. There probably will be a US mod to reincarnate the original capacity if they go thru with it. I absolutely dig the 1301 although a bit pricey to start with to include some other mods I have done. The a300 is more than adequate and even has a couple other features my 1301 didn’t have initially; therefore, no true reason to add another to the inventory especially after nabbing the younger brother a300 for under $800. No worries if you own a 1301 - just lucky I guess.

I considered the earlier 9mm version of the Stribog a few years ago and the feeding issues due to the straight mag (theirs specifically) was a concern for me. No feed, No fight! They did make improvements since then so hopefully that transferred over to the .45 ACP.

Yup, I agree. I did modify 357 version and it works well.

Also, I’m screwed in the old western movie reach back memorabilia watching these lever action movie heroes go to town. Even the opening of the series “The Rifleman” starts out just daring you to not buy one of these lever actions to include a live cocking plus stare down at the end. Unsure why he does it as he’s out of ammo, but undeniably cool. I dare you Lord Ratner to watch 30 secs of the opening scene. You will hunt me down with one. Definitely placed a time stamp on myself and it was worth it.