AVB-AMG

So much for traveling discreetly incognito in a purple Cadillac....

Old Glock Guy: I agree with you... But acquiring the necessary items for a bug out bag(s), at the very least, puts them in a location that you can find them if and when you really need them.

I just finished the LIGHTS OUT book (audio version, narrated by Ted Koppel). He starts off by essentially explaining how computer hacking via the internet is the 21st Century’s weapon of mass destruction. He goes on to describe a hypothetical scenario where a knowledgeable computer hacker, whether an individual with malicious intent, or part of a state regime that is intent on inflicting severe damage to the US, (such as N. Korea, Iran or ISIS), could hack into key elements, (custom transformers), of our electrical grid and cause tactical damage that could then trigger a domino effect of damage and destruction. The resulting damage could take anywhere from 6 months to 2+ years to repair with new replacement transformers needing to be manufactured, shipped and installed. In the ensuing darkened landscape, most people would abandon civil law and order and our society would degenerate very quickly to the survival of the fittest, (those who already have and/or are able to obtain water and food). The weak, elderly and urban dwellers would be the first to die…). His excellent journalistic process of interviews, research and tenacity has revealed that once again, even with wake up calls in the form of the blackout in the northeast back in 2003, followed by Hurricane Katrina, followed by Super Storm Sandy, the vast majority of our States have no contingency plans to deal with a major regional, let alone national interruption of the electrical grid. This should be a wake up call to all of us to not rely on any outside assistance and do what we can reasonably do to prepare ourselves and families with enough water and food to last at least 2-3 weeks and ideally around 6 or more months. Unfortunately, most Americans will not do this for all sorts of valid, as well as lazy reasons. The federal government is not prepared for this type of widespread disaster. Our Federal and State Governments are going to be reactive instead of being proactive for this type of situation. The appointed Dept. heads assume that FEMA can handle it, even though there is NO PLAN to do so.... Essentially, and what I find quite ironic, Koppel’s prediction that it will be the Mormons out west in Utah, as well as in other areas, that will most likely fair the best if the power goes out, since they have been preparing for a sustained self-sufficiency via a very disciplined approach required by all practitioners of their religion. The rest of us are screwed.... After reading his book, I realize that our society/country is so utterly dependent on electricity that without it we will rapidly regress to an early 19th century way of life, as well as see a degeneration of civil, law abiding society. Those of us who survive the first six months, which will not be many, will most likely develop many smaller feudal like communities that have resorted to a more military like lifestyle, that can be defended from roving and raiding MadMax like gangs. It will truly be a survival of the fittest, overcoming the inevitable starvation and disease epidemics that are sure to follow. This is one of the first books by a respected mainstream journalist to bring this frightening and sobering possibility to the attention of most Americans. AVB-AMG

Now that is the most amusing statement I have read on NJGF.... Bravo!

At this point, North Carolina looks very appealing to us, for many of the same reasons given by others already in this thread. We have relatives in the Chapel Hill area with their children at in-state schools. We have a vacation home on the Outer Banks of NC which we have enjoyed for almost 20 years. But that is not where we will move to as our permanent residence. Our experience has taught us to have respect for, along with the realization of the devastating power of Mother Nature in the form of annual nor’easters/hurricanes, as well as the corrosive effect of salt air on traditional building materials, as well as having to deal with the massive influx of vacationers and corresponding traffic during the warmer months. I think most folks here understand the gun laws comparison between NJ and NC and how much easier life would be in that regard in NC. We look forward to this exploration. Specifically the Ashville, NC area looks very promising to us, so over the next couple of years we will explore that area further to see if that is where we want to be. I am intrigued by the music scene there and all of the craft breweries and distillers in that area, as well as its location in the Blue Ridge mountains and proximity to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Yes, Ashville, NC and Portland, OR, like Austin, TX and many large towns / small cities in TX, all have some of the fastest growth rates in the US with many folks like us deciding to move there, for many of the same reasons. Will these towns/cities change politically and socially with the added influx of people from other states? Of course they will. But compared to staying in NJ with all of its issues and aging infrastructure, I think it will be a very good idea to seriously consider making the move...

Let me elaborate on a number of these motivating issues: Population Density - As we all are aware, NJ has the densest population of any state in the US. When flying into or out of EWR Airport I am always amazed at the crowded proximity of houses in the suburban ring cities and sprawling suburbs. My observation and experience is that daily automobile traffic volume has been increasing over the past several years to the point of making a drive commute ridiculously long and frustrating. Rudeness – Yes I know NJ is known for and for some people (C. Christie), proud of our recognized general rudeness. Most people in NYC and northern NJ are always in a hurry and can be very rude to others, whether as drivers or even face-to-face, compared to many people outside of the NYC metro region, based on my experience. I am always appreciative of how nice and courteous most people are to strangers outside of this area when I am traveling. Cost of Living - We all have worked hard to make a good living and part of the reason many of us live in NJ is that many jobs here and certainly in NYC, pay salaries and bonuses that are usually higher, or significantly higher than elsewhere in the country. But we have also had to endure some of the highest real estate taxes in the country. We now pay over $18k/year for our home on less than a quarter acre lot, albeit in a nice town in north/central NJ. So even if and when one pays off a house mortgage, these R.E. taxes will continue to be an escalating burden on what will for most, be a fixed income. Another real important incentive to move elsewhere is that NJ has the lowest estate tax exemption of any state in the US: $675,000. (FYI - New Jersey's $675,000 exemption has been in place since 2002; the federal estate tax rate is 40%, New Jersey imposes a top estate tax rate of 16%). So much for leaving any significant $$ to your children or other beneficiaries when you die if you are a legal resident of NJ. Tires, (yes tires….) - I am serious. As a previous poster on this thread has pointed out, we NJ residents spend a fair amount of money on replacement tires for our vehicles due to the poor road conditions, as well as necessary winter tires to allow us to traverse the snow covered roads in the 3+ winter months. Also, don’t get me started on the cost of Automobile insurance in NJ, another area where this state usually has ranked at the top, being one of the most expensive.

mipafox: I have just read this entire lengthy tread that you started back in August 2014 and have found it entertaining and interesting and will add my .02, (or as you know me, more like $1.00 in a long-winded multiple post....). After 17 years of living in New Jersey, my wife and I are now contemplating when we will want to retire and along with that decision, whether or not to move out of NJ to another state, sometime in the next 5+ years, or possibly even sooner. We both lived in Manhattan for many years before moving to NJ, while I still have been working in Manhattan and commuting and she works in NJ and NYC. Like many, we are trying to figure out where the best location for us will be for retirement as we consider downsizing for the next chapter of our lives. Our selection criteria for any new destination includes the following, compared to NJ: - lower state income tax - lower real estate taxes - higher ceiling for estate tax - lower cost of living - recently quality constructed condominium townhomes or smaller houses - good access to quality healthcare facilities - better weather (less snow) - more friendly people - less traffic congestion - less population density - proximity to a college/university for continuing education - proximity to beautiful state and national parks - access to abundant potable water, (something that people in the southwest US are now realizing!) - a general sense of political sanity, (as opposed to either dogmatic right-wing or left wing governance) AVB-AMG

I join millions of others, offering my sympathy and shared outrage about the tragedy and sickening acts of cold blooded mass murder in Paris, along with the inhuman effect on people they’ve caused. Yet is recoil in the knee-jerk reaction of many people on social media, making all sorts of accusations and linking this tragedy to their other pet issues. As we are well aware, social media, for all its good, offers a platform for anyone, even those with the barest of grasps on reason and the English language, to become extremely critical loudmouths in need of public validation. Too many people with too many platforms, and no real facts to justify their statements, much less making intelligent 'arguments' for anything, instantly broadcast wild assertions. I think we can rightfully assume that the families of those killed, are not thinking of ANY of this. They are in a deep shock, disbelief and grief. Do we as a society have any ethical and/or moral obligation to restrain ourselves from expressing unsubstantiated opinions as facts? I think ideally that we should all try to shield them from being further assaulted in mere hours after the events, from ill/non-informed theories, and honor their precious murdered loved ones. Have we not learned anything from 9/11…? Now, two days later, as more facts regarding the Paris attacks are becoming public, I think that we can appropriately start discussing very real and rational European fears of attempting to incorporate hundreds of thousands, up to perhaps millions of resettled Middle Easterners within European nations. I think the Paris tragedy could be the straw that broke the proverbial back of the open borders of the European Union. The altruistic and welcoming attitude of a number of European countries at the beginning of the migration of the Syrian refuges is now beginning to change with the reality that the number of refugees is greater than their respective countries social welfare programs can handle, let alone afford. Now, an even bigger concern is the recognition that quite likely in this mass exodus, has been and will be a number of Islamist terrorists infiltrators, who are just as determined to maim and kill as the Paris terrorists. The dream of an open border Europe was an short lived experiment that has probably now ended in the face of this very real concern. AVB-AMG

I do not think "Lights Out" is fan fiction. My take is that it is a well researched question about an important topic concerning the current vulnerability of the electrical power grid in the US, followed by a number of possible "what if" scenarios. For me, it is a very sobering wake up call on what we should and can do individually, as a family, as a state/region and maybe most importantly, as a country, to prevent what could become a real catastrophic disaster.

Alex: I share your preference to read the hard cover printed version of any book. Yet, for a number of us who have lengthy commutes, specifically where we are driving, to and from our places of work, the audio version of a book, if available, allows us to "read" more books than we would otherwise. AVB-AMG

Same here.... I just downloaded it to my iPhone and will start listening to that one this morning Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I just finished the book Lights Out, by Ted Koppel, (audio version, narrated by Ted Koppel). He starts off by essentially explaining how computer hacking via the internet is the 21st Century’s weapon of mass destruction. He goes on to describe a hypothetical scenario where a knowledgeable computer hacker, whether an individual with malicious intent, or part of a state regime that is intent on inflicting severe damage to the US, (such as N. Korea, Iran or ISIS), could hack into key elements, (custom transformers), of our electrical grid and cause tactical damage that could then trigger a domino effect of damage and destruction. The resulting damage could take anywhere from 6 months to 2+ years to repair with new replacement transformers needing to be manufactured, shipped and installed. In the ensuing darkened landscape, most people would abandon civil law and order and our society would degenerate very quickly to the survival of the fittest, (those who already have and/or are able to obtain water and food). The weak, elderly and urban dwellers would be the first to die…). His excellent journalistic process of interviews, research and tenacity has revealed that once again, even with wake up calls in the form of the blackout in the northeast back in 2003, followed by Hurricane Katrina, followed by Super Storm Sandy, the vast majority of our States have no contingency plans to deal with a major regional, let alone national interruption of the electrical grid. This should be a wake up call to all of us to not rely on any outside assistance and do what we can reasonably do to prepare ourselves and families with enough water and food to last at least 2-3 weeks and ideally around 6 or more months. Unfortunately, most Americans will not do this for all sorts of valid, as well as lazy reasons. The federal government is not prepared for this type of widespread disaster. Our Federal and State Governments are going to be reactive instead of being proactive for this type of situation. The appointed Dept. heads assume that FEMA can handle it, even though there is NO PLAN to do so.... Essentially, and what I find quite ironic, Koppel’s prediction that it will be the Mormons out west in Utah, as well as in other areas, that will most likely fair the best if the power goes out, since they have been preparing for a sustained self-sufficiency via a very disciplined approach required by all practitioners of their religion. The rest of us are screwed.... This is one of the first books by a respected mainstream journalist to bring this frightening and sobering possibility to the attention of most Americans. AVB-AMG

T Bill: I think this is the dilemma faced by many people today. The argument and choice is between: Does one take a job in NYC where the salaries are usually, but not always, much higher than most other locations and make the sacrifice of the longer and more arduous commute OR find comparable work in your chosen field in a location closer to your home, resulting in a shorter daily commute, but where the salary/income would be significantly less. For many people, doing the type of work they enjoy and want to do may primarily be located someplace (i.e. NYC) very specific which requires choosing to either pay the expensive cost of living there or a more affordable location in a suburb farther away. For many professionals, the type of work they want to do really can only be found in a major urban center. While money may not be the answer for many people, a higher income does help support a lifestyle and living costs for most families that are only increasing on an annual basis. Those of us in NJ know how expensive it is to live here, starting with the real estate taxes, but that cost pales in comparison to what living costs, primarily housing (renting or purchasing), currently is now in Manhattan, which is ridiculous, with Brooklyn not far behind. We all must weigh the commute time vs. income options and decide what our priorities are and then decide if the time, length and stress of the commute is really worth it and if so, for how long. Many people say they can and will do it for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years and then either move elsewhere or retire. But if one's health is degraded due partially to the long commute then one should ask themselves is it really worth it.... Not a simple or easy choice, even if we all recognize the clear advantages of a shorter commute.... Just my 2 cents... AVB-AMG

Krdshrk: Congratulations! I am most envious of a 20 minute commute each way, which really does give you back more time for yourself to do as you please. I continue to have an approx. 1hr. 15 min. to 1hr. 30 minute commute each way from my home in NJ to my office in Manhattan, the exact time is dependent on traffic congestion, accidents in either direction and bad weather, etc. Yeah, I am one of those knuckleheads who drives my car for my commute, primarily because my company subsidizes me to do so. So while the $cost is not as great as it would be without the financial assistance, the almost 3 hours per day of commuting does takes its toll mentally and physically on anyone. Like many of the posters in this thread have already done, I look forward to eventually no longer having such a long commute and having the choice to either drive, bike or walk to my destination. I truly believe that these horrendously long commutes tend to prematurely age anyone who does it, plus adds to the daily stress by having to address aggravating actions on the highways and on city streets by other discourteous, belligerent or aggressive drivers, oblivious pedestrians, daredevil bicyclists and bored PANYNJ police officers looking for a reason to stop and ticket drivers. I never cease to be amazed at how some drivers fail to understand and/or accept the concept of alternating when merging from multiple lanes down to 1 or 2 at various choke points, i.e. the entrance to the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel. Of course the worse and scariest scenarios involve having to deal with other drivers who are distracted due to their idiotic multitasking of driving and texting/emailing or reading whatever on their smart phones while driving. It is a problem that seems to only be getting worse. So enjoy your short and hopefully safer 20 minute commute to your workplace.... AVB-AMG

Parker: I just checked out his web site and he has some beautiful shotguns, covering a broad price range! Thank you for the referral. AVB-AMG

rifleman: That is a good point... BTW - I visited the retail store of Griffin and Howe in Bernardsville, NJ a couple of weekends ago. That visit was also suggested to me by one of the instructors at GFH/Woodland Park Range when I attended their members outing up at Fairfield Farms Trap, back on Oct. 16th. I have to say that they have a very impressive selection of mid-range to very, very high-end shotguns, with prices to match! I was very appreciative that they were very helpful and demonstrated quite a few distinctions between a number of shotguns that I am considering, as well as added some new contenders to my list, including a Caesar Guerrini. (Why is it that the some of the nicest shotguns are made in Italy, just like some of the most beautiful automobiles.....?) As a result of this visit, I have decided to take a lesson and "test drive" a number of shotguns at the Griffin & Howe Shooting School in Andover, NJ., as part of my exploration of the feel of various different shotguns. I will report back what I have discovered. AVB-AMG

My wife and I both voted... as we have in every election since we reached voting age many years ago. From what I have read today, approximately 34% of registered voters in NJ actually voted this past Tuesday. That is really pathetic! What a sad commentary on the downward spiral of our so-called Democracy! Citizens who choose not to pay attention to politics, nor educate themselves on the issues and where each candidate supposedly stands on those issues, have abdicated their right to criticize the results of these elections. Their abstention to participate in this vital process is a total disrespectful travesty to one of the key reasons why so many American soldiers have fought and died for, over so many wars in years past. I think that it is time to consider making voting a requirement of all US Citizens, like paying taxes. I understand there are some valid reasons against this idea, but if we are going to save our Democracy then we are going to have to figure out how to increase the public's participation in the process, get their head in the game realizing that their vote does count. We need to figure out how to reduce their growing apathy, disenchantment, disillusionment and disgust in the American political system. I understand why many feel this way but the answer is not to give up on the system, but to figure out how to fix it. Alexander Hamilton wrote the following, from The Papers of Alexander Hamilton: "A share in the sovereignty of the state, which is exercised by the citizens at large, in voting at elections is one of the most important rights of the subject, and in a republic ought to stand foremost in the estimation of the law. "

Parker: I share your aesthetic preference for a more traditional shotgun look of a brushed, satin or polished metal receiver and a polished figured wood stock and fore-end. That look has transcended fleeting fashion fads and is reflected in the higher $ value of used shotguns. Having said that, I also appreciate smooth, clean looking receivers, as opposed to highly figured engraved ones that may appear heavily ornamented. Again, this is just my personal preference.... AVB-AMG

Germaine to this topic is a recently published book by the former ABC Anchor/Reporter Ted Koppel, who many of us watched regularly, and respected as the host of ABC’s Nightline, starting back in the early 1980’s. His new book is titled: Lights Out: A Cyberattack, a Nation Unprepared, Surviving the Aftermath His premise is that not only is a major hacker attack on the US power grid possible, but is highly likely and would cause massive devastation and death. He explains how our country both in the public sector and in the private sector, is shockingly unprepared, something that most NJGF members already understand and would agree with. It should scare most people to demand that electric companies and the government at all levels, should undertake the necessary safeguards to prevent or at least limit the massive destruction this type of cyber attack would cause regionally and nationally. I purchased the book and have just started reading it…. AVB-AMG Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I am going to take most folks advice to continue “test driving” as many shotguns as I can reasonably try and postpone my purchase until the spring of 2016. At this point, based on my originally stated criteria to ultimately get a high-quality fit&finish, dedicated shotgun for trap/skeet/shooting clays and the vast level of experience that many here have shared, I think I will focus my attention on the quality manufacturers of the “big 3 B’s” (Beretta, Benelli and Browning), and consider 12-gauge with either a 28” or 30” barrel length and interchangeable choke tubes. While I am still leaning towards an O/U, I am not counting out a semi, understanding the pros and cons of both and the whole felt recoil issue. Yes, it will be expensive, probably in the $2,000-$3,000 range, so I will be saving up for it over the next 5-6 months. Whatever it is, I will most likely purchase it new, in order to get the mfgr’s warranty, since I do not plan on selling it. Can I buy a less expensive shotgun? Of course… But I do believe that for the most part you do get what you pay for. Based on you’re experiences and suggestions, I am intrigued by and specifically want to try shooting the following shotguns in this process to help me decide: • Beretta A400 Xcel Multitarget • Beretta 686 Onyx Pro • Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 • Beretta 692 (Ok, this is a beautiful gun that I want to try, but realistically way out of my price range….) • Benelli Super Sport and Vinci Super Sport • Browning Crossover Target Also, I have never tried any gun specifically made by Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre (FN) from Belgium, (now known here as FNH USA) and will see if I can get my hands on a FN SC1 O/U , which looks like a very nice shotgun on their web site. One concern with this gun is that some owners have experienced an issue of the wood forearm splitting into two after shooting many many rounds, (30,000+). (I wonder how many years it would take me to shoot that many rounds….?) I find it rather interesting that all of these companies are somehow related through historical sharing of manufacturing or ownership today, but guess that consolidation is where the shotgun manufacturers are going. Again, thanks for all of the comments, suggestions and recommendations. AVB-AMG

I found this past weekend's podcast show with Evan Nappen to be quite interesting since he discussed and clairified the legal perspective of vehicle searches by the Police in NJ.

I have been a guest of friends at various outdoor ranges over the past 8 years around the country and have enjoyed shooting trap, skeet and sporting clays with borrowed shotguns. Of those, I probably enjoy the sporting clays the most. I have shot a wide variety of shotguns of different styles, lengths, weights and prefer ones with less recoil. Here is the challenging question: What would you recommend to someone (me) who is interested in finally purchasing one and only one shotgun that I could effectively and successfully use for all three sports on a recreational level? I assume that I would not be formally or seriously competing in any of those three clay venues, but want to be proficient, (say 15 out of 20 hits), so I understand that this would be sort of a compromise shotgun, most likely an over under 12 gauge, but am not sure. What would the ideal total gun weight be, as well as barrel length? Also, reading various threads in the Shotgun forum, it seems many folks make an initial purchase of a more affordable / entry-level shotgun, then realize they appreciate one that has other design or aesthetic features and maybe a higher level of quality fit and finish and is usually more expensive and end up eventually buying it. Since this would be my only shotgun I am willing to spend more than if I were to buy a separate shotgun for each type of clay shooting and would want a higher quality gun from a reputable manufacturer. In this case, what is the price range I am looking at and the manufacturers you would steer me too? Or am I kidding myself? Should I just spend less money for a shotgun that is ideal for each type of clays? Any thoughts and recommendations would be most appreciated.

Nickjc: Pour yourself a nice big Boddingtons and read my PM at your leisure. When you have a chance please respond and we will move on. One thing I have learned as we all grow older is that life can present all sorts of curve balls and for those of us over 50 yrs of age where friends and loved ones are dealing with even more important health issues that are quite sobering, I try to keep all of this in its proper perspective. Let's all be grateful for what we have, most importantly our health, so we all can continue to enjoy our respective passions as we grow older. Respectfully... AVB-AMG

tattoo: At the end of the day, that is really what it comes down to.... For those who have a rural environment where they do not have any restrictions it is one situation. For those who must deal with a public range, it is abiding by their rules. AVB-AMG

Nickjc: Your example and expressed concern is justifiable paranoia that makes sense in the context of an internet blog posting. I had not really thought of that, and understand and accept your important, (and unfortunate) point, so thank you for elaborating...... Maybe your tentative caution on that good point is part of why you may think that I am some sort of internet troll, if so, it explains much. Sorry for the verbose PM I sent, but I hope it helps explain better to you of where I am coming from. Also, FYI - Boddingtons used to be on tap at a local pub/restaurant in my home town and is now cycled through quarterly with introduction of ever more really good craft / micro-brewery beers. All the best! AVB-AMG