Catching up

I can't believe it's been over a year since I've posted. Guess I suck as a blogger. Well I've been busy! (Who hasn't?) Since June of 2009:

1. We found out my wife was pregnant and we had our first baby. OK, I could probably stop there since that was such a huge change–it really effected our entire lives. I definitely haven't been shooting as much as I'd like, but it comes at a great trade off.
2. I picked up a Savage Weather Warrior 16 FCSS in .308 Winchester with a Nikon Pro Staff 3-9x40 BDC scope. It's a great rifle that I'm still learning to shoot well. I love the stainless finish, AccuTrigger and AccuStock. This is my first bolt-action, so I don't have any other experiences to compare it to. I wonder if the bolt is stiffer than others. I've seen guys cycle some Remington's with just a flick of their wrist and I can't really do that. I might need to work on my technique, but I need to keep it in the context of hunting, since that's what I'm really planning on using the rifle for. I think the trigger is wonderful, and haven't touch the adjustments since I don't want to go with too light of a pull. I've used it for the past two deer seasons. Unfortunately, I haven't harvested anything yet.
3. I now have a Benelli Vinci RealTree APG 26" that I used for the turkey season and shooting clays. It's a totally different beast than my Mossberg 590, no surprise there. It's a very smooth autoloader and the only problems I've had were with handloaded shells.
4. I started handloading 12 gauge shells with a Lee Load-All II (?) reloader. I've handloaded about 350 shells and love it. It's perfect for me for the amount that I'm shooting. I was surprised how expensive lead shot is, but otherwise am really happy that the whole set up is really saving me some cash.

I'm sure there's lots more I'm forgetting but I had to try and cover what I could remember so that I can start from somewhere.

Hunter Education

Preparing for the 2009 Flintlock Season

I'm thinking about buying a Thompson Center Firestorm with a SS barrel. I've found one for about $449 NIB. Not a great deal, but not too bad either.

First, I wanted to contact the PA Gaming Commission to make sure that this type of flintlock would be acceptable for use during PA's Hunting Seasons. I was told on the phone that this model would be OK for use during the flintlock season. I didn't want to spend the money only to find out they didn't allow the use of synthetic stocks or something else.

I read a GunWeek Review on the Firestorm and a forum post on HuntingPA about the Firestorm that sounded pretty good and a friend mentioned that he was looking at one of these models as well. I only wish it came with a nice wooden stock and brass accents like the Hawken.

From the research I've done this week, I think I'll go with one. Happy Birthday to me!

UPDATE: I just picked up the Firestorm and it looks great. My wallet isn't so happy about the fact that flintlocks require a whole range of dedicated accessories and cleaning tools, but I think it's cool. It's a modern flintlock, but to me it's still a great tribute.

Going Hunting (I hope)

There's a guy at work, Dwight, I love shooting the shit with. We'll start off talking about work and in 15 minutes or so we'll finish up with business and begin going on about almost anything. We're both techies and Mac Users, so there's lots to go on about.

I was telling him how I had wanted to learn to hunt years ago, when I didn't even own a gun. There was a sales rep who used to come into a store I worked at and he offered me a trade. He'd take me hunting (muzzleloading) if I shared my wood-lore in return. I've always regretted not taking him up on the deal.

Back to today, Dwight said that he'll be going out soon with his father to go hunting during the flintlock season and I quickly invited myself along. He said OK and I've been amped all day today.

Now, I still don't own a gun, well a flintlock that is. Even if I did just get one, I wouldn't actually bring it in the field since I probably couldn't shoot it well enough to hunt game. I don't own any camo, so that I'll have to work on.

My wife is great. She was happy for me. We'll see how that continues.

Now I'll need to begin thinking about everything I'll need for a day in the woods. After I figure that out, I'll need to begin thinking of a rifle for next year.

• I wonder what I should do in exchange for this great opportunity with Dwight and his father. It really means a lot to me.
  
• What are the licensing laws here in PA?
• What's up with the hunter safety course?
• What kind of clothing will I need to get?
  
• What kind of gear will I need to bring with me?
  
• What kinds of rifles should I be thinking of for next season?
• http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/mzModernFlint.php
  
• http://www.cva.com/
• What are some good articles I should begin reading up on for the season?

UPDATE: I just realized that I'm traveling most of the hunting season. Crap.