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Topics - petey

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16
Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / Open Carry "protests"
« on: July 03, 2014, 07:13:23 AM »
I'm getting really sick of companies asking me not to carry in their locations because a group of 'activists' think its cool to carry ARs in the grocery store to prove a point.  Unfortunately, their point is backfiring big time and it is hurting the rest of us.  The more they push their "right to open carry" the more places are going to exercise their right to push guns off their properties.  The latest is Target.  Sure they "asked" customers not to carry without outright banning firearms, but all it's going to take is one nutjob to challenge this request and it will be an outright ban.
So far these open carry clowns seem to have been most effective at enacting gun control.  I support legal carrying in public, but who wouldn't be wary of guys carrying rifles around grocery stores and restaurants. 

17
Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / Great Hunt Today
« on: November 23, 2013, 03:18:39 PM »
Well, what a nice day it turned out to be. 

The season started Wednesday and my wife couldn't play hookey to cover for me this year. (yes, work actually is more important sometimes! ;) )  I couldn't get out to put up my blind until Thursday after I dropped the girls off at school.  It was one of those days where you know nothing was going to work right.  Late start, cranky kids, long drive, etc.  I got out to my hunting spot.  The spot that I've had to myself for the past 7 years that I've been in the club.  Would you believe there was another member signed in on the parcel that I use?  I'm used to having the 220 acres to myself.  I guess I'm spoiled.  I hiked out to my spot with my pop up blind on my back and guess what... he's on MY spot EXACTLY.  So as not to ruin his hunt, I dropped my blind and headed off in another direction.  Thursday was quiet except for some trespassers conveniently getting "lost" a few hundred yards off state property.  I did some scouting and found my NEW spot. Oddly enough I had a stand there already.  It was in sight of where I park my truck.  I figured I'm set for Saturday.

At 5:45am as I'm ready to roll out to my stand this morning, in come this other guy again.  Nicest guy you could meet.  We talked until we realized we should get out in the field cuz its almost legal hunt time.  I was in my stand when he walked by to go out back to another area.  The wind was fierce and I was about sea sick from the swaying pine I was perched in.  I sat until about 8:15 until nature called and I couldn't feel my feet.  I climbed down and decided to stalk out to where I always have my blind.

It finally made sense to me.  This new guy followed the trail of surveyors tape to my spot. As I got there to set up my blind I remembered why I couldn't find my little camp chair.  It was leaning next to the tree where I left it last year.  I set up my blind and sat in it for about 45 minutes.  Meanwhile I'm thinking of the other gate I passed... the upper part of this property where my hunting buddies (by relation actually) always hunted, but they have been out of commission this year.  But the gate was opened.  I figured I'd take a drive over and see who is there. 

I got about 20yds from my blind and I heard a rustle and saw the white fluffy tail bouncing away from me in the thick brush.  I drew up my Vanguard in case there were a few of them or in case I could get a round off.  Would you believe it?  The darned thing made a left turn and doubled back.  She stopped about 50 yds away and I had a small shot window and could only see a head and a shoulder.  I had no time to put my crosshairs on that shoulder and pull the trigger, but it happened.  The thing ran off and I sat there dumbfounded cuz it happened so fast.  But one thing I always remember is that I'm the most unreliable witness out there.  I am usually miles off when I try to guess where the deer was when I shot and where it went.  This time I stood there and marked my spot... examined where my brass fell...  looked at where the deer could have been when I fired... I got this.  I walked back to the truck and called the wife and told her I'd be a while.  Got a drink and a snack and let my heart rate come back to human levels.  I went back to the spot I marked and walked in to the place that I swore I shot.  How relived it is to find that blood splatter.  It was right where it should be and there was a lot of it.  About 20 yds from that spot I found my doe.



I hiked back to the truck and what did I find?  Tommy.  Tommy hasn't been out in 3 years since his boy got hit by a car and died.  He's on the phone with John and Johnny.  John had his knee replaced in Sept and Johnny, (my buddy who married my cousin) had neck fusion surgery the first week in Oct.  I nearly fell over when I found out they were all up hunting today.  John always has the highest, most insane tree stands that people with real knees won't use (myself included).  He hiked in and was in his stand at sunrise.  That's one thing I like about hunting here.  Anytime you hear a shot, you'll gather a crowd.  Tommy helped gut my kill and get it in my truck.  I think he'll be using my blind for a few weeks now because I'm done til muzzeloader season. 

So my Vanguard Sporter .243 with handloaded 100gr Nostler Partitions seen to be the ticket.  I'm actually kind of embarrassed.  I have not shot a rifle since opening day of last year.  I spent time painting and bedding stocks but never made it out to the range.  This Vannie is the only one I hadn't monkied with this year and I guess maybe there is a reason why.  The shot went right behind the front shoulder right where the crosshairs were.  Weatherby just makes it too easy!!   :D

Now Jeremy, the new hunter, confessed to ruining my hunt today too.. He said he got about 100ft past my stand where I was all set up and waiting for legal hunting time and spooked a group of deer into the woods.  He fessed up and said, "I'm so sorry, man, that was YOUR deer.  It was right there waiting for you."  That's okay, there's meat in the freezer and I got a new friend and the old bunch are still kicking.... come hell or high water... its hunting season.

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Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / From FB: A silly question?
« on: September 26, 2013, 05:26:29 AM »
Who would rather be out in the field with their Weatherby today?



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Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / From FB: Mike Schwiebert's Elk
« on: September 26, 2013, 05:23:56 AM »
Just in from the field! Mike Schwiebert, Weatherby's Director of Marketing, just got this nice bull elk at Kessler Canyon with his Weatherby Vanguard Back Country chambered in 300 Weatherby Magnum.


20
Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / From FB: Thompson Long Range
« on: September 26, 2013, 05:20:04 AM »
Congratulations to Josh Smith for winning the Muley Freak Giveaway. It looks like he's already putting that rifle to good use with Thompson Long Range.
Muley Freak & Thompson Long Range long range winner Josh sizing up the 1300 yard target of which he hit! Had a fun couple days! Give us a call to find out just how easy it is to be shooting at 1000+ yards! 1-435-713-4248
Photo: Muley Freak & Thompson Long Range long range winner Josh sizing up the 1300 yard target of which he hit! Had a fun couple days! Give us a call to find out just how easy it is to be shooting at 1000+ yards! 1-435-713-4248

21
Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / Real Celebrities
« on: September 12, 2013, 12:06:15 PM »
From Facebook... Weatherby is giving rifles to some real heroes!   Nice work!

Sgt. Gregory “Scott” Ruske, 28, is the fourth Army Reservist to receive the Silver Star for heroism along with the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He and his fellow soldiers from the 3rd Platoon, A Company, Task Force Gladiator, Combined Joint Task Force 101, were ambushed while on a patrol in Afghanistan's Kapisa province, a remote area not accessible by vehicles, on April 21, 2008. Taliban operatives unleashed a heavy gunfire and grenade assault on them. Ruske immediatley responded, suppressing the enemy with accurate rifle and grenade fire.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation honored Sgt. Ruske by guiding him on his first Tule Elk hunt at Fort Hunter Liggett on the central coast of California.

Yesterday September 11, during his visit, Ed Weatherby presented a Vanguard Series 2 Synthetic package to Sgt. Ruske in appreciation for his service to our great Nation. The package included: a Vanguard Series 2 Synthetic rifle (.308 cal.), Redfield Revenge 3-9x42 scope (mounted and boresighted), adjustable nylon sling and injection molded case.

22
Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / Favorite Hats
« on: July 31, 2013, 05:57:30 PM »
So I went on vacation and as we got out of the car at the first rest area and hour and a half up the road and I realized I forgot my hat.  We happened to pass the LL Bean store in Freeport so i picked up a new one.  I wear a Tilley hat made by our neighbors in the Great White North.  I bought one about 5 years ago In OD and liked the fit so I got another... and then found one on sale and bought another.... Now after my vacation I have collected every color in the canvas and vented hats.  They keep the sun and the bugs off and I know I don't look as goofy as they guys that wear the wide brimmed baseball cap sideways.  I see a few others guys wearing Tilleys now and again, but I guess it has become my trademark. 
I've had favorite hats before... the mets hat my brother gave me, my Yoda's Place ballcap from Kwangju AB ROK, my desert boonie hat that fit just right....
Anyone else got interesting or favorite hats?

23
Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / Texas Explosion
« on: April 18, 2013, 05:13:01 AM »
Hoping all my Texan friends are OK this morning.

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Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / Disgusted by Politicians
« on: February 23, 2013, 01:05:31 PM »
Yes, it's a touchy topic around here. But I voiced my opinion thru Hornady's "Protect Your Rights" campaign.  This is at least the third time I contacted Senator Murphy, but the first response I received.  It clearly shows he has not read, nor does he understand or care, about my views.  Below is the form letter from Hornady followed by the response from Senator Murphy.  (NOTE: I sent a message condemning his comments that if Adam Lanza had magazines limited to 10 rounds "there would still be kids running around in Newtown" and he did not respond.  Have I mentioned how much I hate this guy!!!):

As a voter who believes in the U.S. Constitution, I am writing to express my views on gun control legislation currently being discussed in every level of government.  I am one of over 100 million law-abiding American citizens who responsibly owns firearms for target shooting, hunting, personal and home defense, and collecting. I care deeply about the Second Amendment, and I am  closely monitoring legislation that would restrict my right to keep and bear arms.
 
I am saddened by the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, but I believe that efforts to impose new restrictions on me, a lawful and responsible gun owner, are misguided and unwarranted. The so-called "Assault Weapons Ban," which for a decade restricted the sale of semiautomatic rifles and limited magazine capacity to ten rounds, did not reduce crime, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Justice. And since the expiration of the ban in 2004, violent crime has declined.
 
Your focus should be on real solutions to the problem of misuse of firearms, such as strengthening mental health care and improving the quality of data supporting the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
 
Do NOT pass more gun or magazine laws; instead, work to enforce the thousands of gun laws already on the books and help step up prosecution of criminals who commit violence and misuse firearms.


From Sen. Chris Murphy:
Thank you for contacting me about how we can prevent future gun tragedies. I appreciate your correspondence and hope that you find this response helpful.

Gun violence prevention is a sensitive and complicated issue that can be very divisive. While we may not agree on all aspects of how to best enact change, it is important to remember that we do all have the same priorities at heart: the safety of our children, the traditions of our forefathers, and the freedom of our fellow Americans. I can assure you that I am working hard every day to ensure that all of these priorities can be achieved.

Newtown will forever be a reminder of what can happen when even one deranged person can gain access to a deadly weapon. Newtown was not the first time it happened, but I am committed to making sure it is among the last. Too many lives have been traumatically ended or interrupted by gun violence, and our nation has waited too long to establish real safeguards that are capable of protecting the lives of our children and families. Now is the time to work together to establish stronger common sense gun laws that will simultaneously protect our Constitutional rights and keep Americans safe.

As you may be aware, I recently announced my support for the  Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 , a bill that would take critical steps towards eliminating high-capacity magazines and military-style assault weapons that are designed to inflict deadly harm and mass casualties. Specifically, this bill will ban semiautomatic weapons that can accept detachable magazines and have at least one military feature, as well as eliminating high-capacity ammunition feeding devices. It excludes weapons that are used by military, law enforcement, and retired law enforcement, as well as antique weapons and a specific list of 2,258 makes and models of legitimate hunting and sp
orting rifles and shotguns. Passing this legislation is an important first step in preventing a mass shooting in the future.

But there is still more work to be done. Research has demonstrated again and again that background checks are effective in keeping guns out of the hands of potential criminals, and most American households--gun-owners and non-owners alike--agree on the importance of this safeguard. Unfortunately, 40% of gun sales today do not require background checks because they are private sales, made over the internet or at gun shows through non-licensed dealers. We need to increase the efficacy of our existing program by closing these loopholes and making it harder for dangerous people to obtain deadly weapons.

Further, preventing the next Newtown is not only about reducing access to the deadliest of weapons. Mental illness is a common thread among the perpetrators of recent mass shootings, and identification and treatment of potentially dangerous people must be made a priority. At the same time,  we must recognize that there is absolutely no inherent connection between mental illness and violent behavior, and any steps we take to address these issues must not further stigmatize mental illness or discourage individuals and families from seeking diagnosis and treatment.

As we debate ways to stop gun violence, we must also ensure that the conversation does not stop at Newtown, but encompasses the thousands of victims of gun violence across the country every year. Specifically, too many urban neighborhoods are plagued by unacceptably high rates of gun violence. Better access to mental health care and smarter, more effective common sense gun laws can reduce this violence, and I will do everything I can to address this issue not only in the coming months, but every day that I am serving in the United States Senate.

Thank you again for contacting me about this matter.  I appreciate hearing from you and assure you that I will always do my best to represent the views of my constituents in the Senate.  In the future, please do not hesitate to call me in my Connecticut office at (860) 549-8463 or my Washington office at (202) 224-4041.

            Every Best Wish,

            Christopher S. Murphy
            United States Senator

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Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / Snake Whacking Day
« on: January 14, 2013, 07:01:09 AM »
I see there is a giant python hunt down in the Everglades.
Anybody taking part?  (just curious!)

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Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / Good deal or not? Opinions?
« on: January 10, 2013, 05:26:40 PM »
Local gun shop (one of the few left in CT) is running a sale starting tomorrow morning.  It is for a S&W M&p15 Sport with a magpro 30 rd clip and 40 rounds of ammo.
I'm not really in touch with all the 5.56s semiautos out there so does anyone have experience with this one?  They are asking $839 which is the MSRP so i'm guessing thats about $200 too much, but given the circumstances, they say they have 100 and will start selling at 9am tomorrow. 
I was thinking of popping by in the odd chance its not a total circus. 
Thoughts?

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Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / Hunting Club Woes
« on: January 05, 2013, 11:17:51 AM »
I'm pretty bummed out about some bad new I got today about my hunting club.  We just voted in a new president and executive committee last week (I'm recording secretary) and the new pres gave me a call today.  We got a letter saying that the company that owns the cell tower on our property is canceling our contract.  Its been there for 20 years and they never really put anything on it, but they paid us $15K+ yearly.  That money we used to lease 2 parcels of hunting property.  We have a 220acre parcel that we lease for $5500 yr and a 450 acre parcel.  The big parcel lease is going up to $12000 this year when our lease renews.  We just raised dues to cover the rising cost of our leases. 
So I'm bummed because it looks like we will be getting rid of land this year and once its gone, we'll never get it back. People are already on a waiting list for the parcels we lease.  It also means more people will be hunting the other properties.  You can kiss weekend deer hunting goodbye because our pheasant hunters will be out in the morning. 

So anybody want to lease a cell tower in Colchester, CT?  Guess I'll have to find me a job so I can afford to buy that hunting property I'm still dreaming of.  Guess this will be a year of changes.  Change can be good, I suppose.

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Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / 2nd Grade will Never Be the Same
« on: December 05, 2012, 11:56:54 AM »
I had a great hunt this morning for opening day of muzzleloader season.  Really windy and I got a late start because I had to take the girls to school, but still a great day. Got my spot tweaked for the weekend.

Now a lot of you are from places where when you say "i'm going hunting" you may get a shrug, or a "so what" or a "good luck"  because it's really not a big deal.  Here in CT people are way more ignorant.  Guns and killing things for food are just not a common practice here, and those that do keep it on the DL or surely they live in one of those redneck backwoods little towns.
I was laughing the whole ride up because of what happened at school.  I was all ready to go hunting except for my ML which I wouldn't bring near school grounds.  The bell rang and all the kids lined up, ready to go inside.  All of a sudden I hear "Hey Mr. R!  Why are you dressed like a hunter today??"  I volunteer at the school so many of the kids know me.
 "Because I'm going hunting as soon as you guys go inside."
"What are you hunting for? Or do you just kill any animal you see when your hunting??
 No. Micheal, real hunters don't hunt like that.  It is deer season, so I'm hunting deer
.  By now I've gotten the attention of all three second grade classes, all listening intently.  "Do you have a gun??"
"Yes, I do, but not HERE.  Its safe at home."  I heard a huge gasp, mostly of excitement and curiosity.  One of the mothers made sure to say "thanks for clarifying that you don't have it here."
One of the other second graders piped up "is it a sniper rifle??"  I bit my tongue thinking "some of them damn sure could be" but answered
"Its muzzloader season today so I'm using my ML."  By then they were on their way inside... the teachers didn't quite know what to say.  I'm sure it will be an interesting day in school.  I can't wait until tomorrow because I'm sure there will be a ton of follow up questions.  I didnt get a call from the school, so that's good.  I'm educating our young uns on my side of town.  I can't wait to hear about my daughter's day.

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Around the Campfire (General Discussion) / It'd be wrong of me...
« on: November 20, 2012, 11:16:27 AM »
.... to take advantage of an online store that has 1000 unprimed brass, regularly priced at $59.99 that is now listed as $0 with a savings of $59.99... wouldnt it??

I've taken advantage of mismarked prices online before, but I don't feel right trying to get 1000 brass for free.  What would you do??  (notice a complete lack of details?? ) 

30
Whitetail Deer / Opening Day in CT
« on: November 14, 2012, 10:03:46 AM »
Don't you hate "that guy?"  The one who does nothing all year and shows up on opening day and get his deer?  After a few years of scouting, and trail cams, and moving stands, and coming home from archery, rifle and ML seasons empty handed, I decided to try to be "that guy".  Haven't been to my hunting spot since August.  Showed up there Monday to put up a new blind at the last minute.  Took my one shot at a target with my rifle.  Showed up opening day and at 7:30 had a four pointer walk out on me!  Finally feels good to be "that guy"

But seriously,  if you count the time in the past 3 years that I spent there I guess I did put in the time. This year with the price of gas and my success rate, I opted out of bow season.  I really wanted to use my .30-06, but after taking out the action it isn't zeroed anymore, so I went with my .243.

So this was a milestone hunt for me.  It was my first deer in 3 years.  It is my first deer with antlers (not counting button bucks).  It was the first successful hunt for my Vanguard Sporter in .243.  It was my first kill with my own handloads.  I shot it with 100gr Nosler Partitions at about 60 yrds right thru the heart!!    I was home by 10:30!!  Now I'm enjoying a sip from the bottle of Knob Creek that is my "successful hunt toasting" bottle that has gone unopened for 3 yrs and boy does it taste good.  I also had to rub it in to my hunting buddy who has been taken away from me for the past 4 yrs because he works too much.  Was a great day and I hope you guys are all have great ones as well!!


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