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Can you explain the effectiveness of drones when there is little to no manpower to back them up on scene? This beyond basic recon? They aren't going to be firing Hellfires at these folks, mind you. Do you think there would honestly be much response regardless? The ROE will probably take away any bite from the presence of US military, making them simply bodies filling a slot until a better, more able body comes along to fill said slot. So, maybe some patrols, maybe some training; but I would imagine a lot of sitting in trailers staring at intel-- and passing that info off to CBP and other LE entities. UAVs require less logistics, and, aside from the maintenance crew, the operators don't even have to PCS/TDY/"deploy"/etc. It also protects troops from getting unnecessarily hurt or suffer from other non-combat related injuries (like heat injuries). UAVs can also cover exponentially more ground with, possibly, more capabilities. And, if there are situations of possible engagements, equipment is in harm's way and not bodies... and unless the coyotes and drug runners have some advanced systems, they're not taking down a UAV most likely. I too agree that some action is better than no action. Its just that to me this seems so inefficient (beyond those normally expected of our military ) that this seems like more of a charade than actual action.

From my understanding, one of the things that the NG will be bringing to the table is to ad hoc in lieu of more CBP agents. The US military has been involved in watching the border forever, and its not much surprise to see that beyond filling in for certain CBP roles until more agents are available that the main work will be ISR. This type of work... well, everyone will be issued full battle rattle, but they might as well not because it'll just be a waste of logistics and a PITA for everyone there (let alone working in that heat w/ that gear). ISR is a lot of 'hurry up and wait' stuff, and the fact that this administration is wasting money by sending troops there when they could probably do the same with less by just allocating other resources (like our unmanned drones). This administration has LOVED using UAVs, but public opinion is, seemingly, calmed by hearing about 1200~ NG troops going instead of hearing about XXXX drones. Don't be fooled that this move is going to make much of a difference... but its a good gesture I suppose.

I hate living on the border between Philly and NY sports' domains. I get stuck listening to whiny fans from both sides, ugh. As for the New Meadowlands (or whatever it ends up being called) getting the 2014 bid, I'm pretty excited. Its not really going to showcase much except for the new stadium in terms of the locale (though I could imagine NYC will get a huge boost as well)... at least not as much as the weather. I'm definitely getting tickets as soon as they become available, even if I'm not in the local area by 2014 (hopefully not). Should be a pretty awesome time, even with the dreary February conditions we get.

I'm probably going to make it out on Sunday (given they're open). My best friend wants to invite a mutual friend of ours out to the range. It'd be her first time, I believe, and Sunday is the only day everyone is available... so, probably going to save myself the drive and ammo for that day.

Ah, my bad. I read the first part, and not the second. The hours are 1-8PM for Fridays.

AR and XD. I'm a decent shot with both, and have optimized both systems keeping in mind worst-case scenarios. AR is chambered for 5.56/.223 and the XD is in .40SW. I'd say I have enough ammunition, but who really does? Rather, I have enough ammunition that I would want to carry comfortably, since the scenario you painted calls to bug-out. I could use another magazine or two for my XD, and maybe an extra one or two spares for my AR. I still need to invest in another bolt/BCG for my AR, and maybe a .357SIG barrel for my XD for some extra flexibility. Also have other resources ready to go, just need to spend the couple minutes grabbing them, and strapping on the beaten boots. Probably take me no more then 5 minutes or so. Now, if I have someone else with me, I'd give them my 870, and make them my water mule.

If you're shooting an AR at SS, either have frangible ammunition or be prepared to buy some there. It is pretty expensive stuff regardless. That's of course if they haven't changed their policy since.

Range 14 has Friday hours from April til... December? Something like that, so, regardless they're open on Fridays now and for the summer.

A milsurp (I need to start researching them), maybe a 1911 finally... and, if I can convince myself otherwise to dump any other major purchases for the next year or so, an FN SCAR... probably not :cry:

I love bolt-actions, even if I've never owned one or really had much time behind the trigger of any in particular. If I wasn't held back by my lifestyle, I would have probably bought a Mosin by now... hmm, maybe once some things clear up I guess I'll make that purchase. As for OP, very nice. I originally wanted to get an SA M1A, but couldn't justify spending the money [at the time]. Very nice.

Logistics is a huge aspect of anything, right? And I've asked myself the same questions you brought up. While it is necessary to have the "sheep dogs," someone has to do the other tasks to survive. Unless people revert back into a nomad society (which is unfeasible really in this day and age), its necessary that a laundry list of tasks be completed just for day-to-day survival. So, it would definitely be advantageous to have logistical support, moreso in the form of family (as they can be, normally, more trusted). I think in most any disaster scenario, the pros outweigh the cons regarding numbers. More tasks can be completed, which leads to more stabilization, etc. Security is reinforced through the concept of "strength through numbers." Also to note is the intangible of keeping morale up. Humans are social creatures, and need a level of interaction to keep up spirits. The downsides though are more mouths to feed. More hard decisions to make. And possibly more possibilities of fracture (though through other concepts, albeit reinforced because of numbers). Seems to me its a matter of numbers and knowing the people involved. There are some functions [families] that are large, and are use to that type of interaction. In a disaster situation, would they be 'ok'? Sure, maybe. But other functions that are maybe more along the lines of the nuclear family setup may not be use to more then four or five families (roughly four units per). Point is? There is no real cookie-cutter mold, and that's the reason why this 53 page epic even exists [as we share ideas] :clap:

Its a brand of neo-colonialism. By keeping our fingers in almost every [honey]pot, the US 'dependence' creates, in turn, a dependence on the US as well. Of course a theoretical ELE-inducing war would have no rules, but if the concept of neo-colonialism holds true, would there even be a WW3? Cascading dice are hard to judge where they'll land, but it would seem doubtful that anybody would risk it. I wouldn't mind American-made either, but I agree with what the US is doing now with their contracts. It acts as a deterrence, and possibly a fail-safe if need be. The cruddy thing about the SCAR MK17 (SCAR-H) that comes in 7.62 is that FNH has no current plans for civilian versions. Word is that FNH is usually pretty good about bringing things to the civilian market, but I could imagine they're a bit preoccupied for the time being trying to win a huge contract

I have heard that actually, but only through "a person who knew a person's brother, etc." I thought it was just haters hatin' on Ponies... but I guess its true then. And I'm surprised that BM would care enough to actually shore up their QC, haha. They dropped the ball so hard on the ACR's at first (though fixing some of the wrongs regarding that too, kind of), I thought they were just banking on their name. Its good to hear of course.

The rock box is a whole different beast then the sand box. In Iraq, as noted, most engagements are done within 100M, and usually if any shots are fired, its into a dusty haze, etc. Afghanistan is more wide open spaces, terrible terrain, etc. What's interesting about this article is that ABC News didn't reveal that FNH's SCAR MK16, MK17, and MK13 have reached milestone C (Original source: http://soldiersystems.net/2010/05/11/sc ... lestone-c/). How it relates to this article is that the SCAR MK17 (7.62 NATO) will most likely will become the official MBR of SOCOM (and maybe 'big Army' eventually). Its already in theater with SOCOM units being tested (as well as Multi-Cam unis), and hopefully will get the stamp of approval soon.

I just realized what model this was after re-reading the thread. And, simply, its what I really want for my next rifle I was about to get one (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-M ... vtrx11.htm), but the next day it was OOS. How do you like the "pencil barrel"? I've seen the numbers of how much weight it shaves off at the end, but I have to admit I'm skeptical until I get one for myself. Gosh, I really want to get one more now.

Yea, buddy. I'm loving this game. I was pretty psyched about it months ago, and its lived up to every expectation. The game fulfills my urges to head back out west-- but then also makes me miss the hell out of it. But yea, great game. Its definitely a bit easier then GTA4 (same studio), but doesn't take any of the fun out of it.

I think he forgot the 'flash' part, referring to the muzzle device.

To clarify, the highlighted word was "can" in my previous statement. The way we, as forum members who know what to expect, view the perspective of things here on the forum differs from what would be expected by a newcomer. With that said, does the attitude of the forum alienate all of those newcomers? No, obviously not as the growth and increased interaction amongst members would show otherwise. The argument then posed would be, "well, if they are pushed away from the group, who cares?" as you eloquently put in response. While I agree with Maks that its not in any of our rights to push our beliefs on anyone else, what must be there to begin with is the opportunity. Without the opportunity, what gain is there really? The exclusivity of the group stays within the exclusivity of the group (disregarding family members as they are essentially an extension of that exclusivity), and the growing trend of elitism continues-- without much consideration due to the fact that the taxers would never admit that they tax too much. Is it always hostile? No-- for the most part it isn't at all. I agree, as I've said in other threads, that this forum specifically is pretty easy on the mind because it lacks in its shortcomings like arfcom, xdtalk, etc. Does it require more moderating? No, I agree that people should be simply responsible for their actions. However, this is something worth discussing because this transcends simply being an issue of the forum. This is a matter of a reflection of the community. My post was not a damning piece to point out the shortcomings of the forum as it is-- it was a warning, more/less, of what could occur as time progresses... a long-term diagnosis. The elitism and group think are not prevalent in this exact moment, but, with time, if people don't look beyond their walls-- it will happen... its bound to happen. The more people = the more of what I'm saying, unless there is strict moderation (as is the case with most every forum I can think of right now). But hey, good luck. I've overstayed my welcome, and I guess I'll let old dogs lie. A couple thousand members from now [along with my early "congrats"] just remember what I've said today.

My issue with the forums as I've voiced privately is the growing trend of elitism (generally speaking) and group think. Its a common issue with any forum, but I've noticed here particularly that in many cases, the "homey" feel of things can alienate newcomers. I don't think its necessarily a bad thing as this is a local forum to began with, and many of the members have met or are/have become associates/friends with each other (which proves that it is fine with many). Further, what a person decides to do regardless of what the rules or etiquette states is their choice alone (though, consequences can be cruel as this is still a privately owned entity), and to take away that choice would be "un-American." But is there backlash? Yea, I would think so. I have learned my share, and become a bit more conservative from the different facets that have emerged from this forum. However, in many ways this forum continues to not embrace the concept of educating the anti's and fence-sitters (in regards to firearms), if not being downright hostile. Would it be a broad paint stroke to say that's the whole problem with the entire firearms community? Probably as those on the other side of the line are as irrational. However, why continue to push away the same people we say we're trying to educate? Hypocrisy, definitely. I've learned my lesson and I keep most of my opinions to myself. I try to be technical and blunt because: 1. Most people won't read a post beyond the first few sentences 2. Many people in this community are victims of group think, and won't look beyond there peripheral. The first one I'm guilty of, so, I can't hold that against people. The second one though is a continuing trend that feeds the constant irrational "battles" between pro-2A and anti-2A (as both are guilty of it). While I think its ridiculous myself that a person wouldn't look beyond the "walls of their house," again I can't hold that against them because this is a free country-- and people are entitled to whatever they wish. Thanks for the support for those who have PM'ed me personally. In that same breath though, I do wish more people would speak out. Like 'shock jocks,' a loud few paint, sometimes, a terrible picture of the greater whole-- and that's not fair. So, take a stand for yourself-- even if it means taking some flak on occasion. I do agree with the principle that it does get repetitive when people continue to beat a thread to death... and, please, use the search function first if it is a general question. Or, hey, do want you want!

Decent machining. If you opt to go that route (getting a Del-Ton), it would be wise to double check the bolt carrier and feed ramps (located on the upper). There's really only a handful of companies that do the correct machining on the bolt carriers-- most notably that the gas keys are staked properly (BM is notorious for being the 'suck' in this regard), but with the correct tools-- the owner can address it if the company hasn't. And no, this isn't one of those "tacti-cool" things. If the machining is screwy here, it can cause serious malfunctions.

I'm pretty light weight myself, bringing about 150-200 per.

My old unit use to train and qualify on the local police range. We provided our own ammunition (had to use frangible rounds), as well as did a full police call (trash/brass/a**) so that none of the responsibility would fall on the police or other area workers (and so we wouldn't be taking advantage of the local populace's taxes)-- not to mention paying for the rental fees. Even then, we were eventually asked to go elsewhere because of liability reasons (no accidents or close calls). I think it would be a pretty ideal setup to be able to use the facilities, but I'm a bit skeptical of it working out. Regardless, if I was a resident of EB, I would be writing to whomever myself to see if it could happen. Good luck, and keep us updated.

Send me a PM when you're done, jermz, if you're more comfortable with that approach (I preach OPSEC myself). I do want to make it a project myself for the summer, and I'd be interested in how it all comes together in the end. But here's a non-OPSEC question, for the most part, how much space do you have on the inside? Shane, thanks for sharing that link. If I had the means and the finances (and a suitable location), I'd love to have one of those doors. Hopefully vault doors will still be reasonably priced and available once I become a home owner myself

I think its a pretty neat project, and I also mean no offense when I critique your design. If anything, we're scrutinizing it because we want you to see all the different angles so you don't miss something crucial. I still stand by my initial wall comment as the major issue. I've been drawing up some plans for a room like what you're doing-- and I was considering lining the inside with a cinder block wall to help reinforce it to address that issue I had brought up. Either way, good luck, mate-- let us know how it works out in the end.