Kaiser7

Oh. My. God. I forgot about being a train engineer, that was my dream as a kid... Especially steam engines, what's that a 4 axle? And someone did guess it, suppose it's not hard to guess where I'd like to work. I emailed the place a few days ago asking if they were hiring, and such, but didn't get an answer. Rowan is pretty close, so I figure I'll stop by before class haha.

Bought a copy of Skyrim for Xbox 360 for $36. He packed it very well, which is good as I've had video games broken by the post office before. But he sent me an immaculate game, included the booklet, not a single mark or smudge on the disk, and the price wasn't bad to boot! I would definitely recommend doing business with him.

Tomorrow, after I take my grandfather to the hardware store, and before class, I am going to go see if a place I would love to work could use me over the summer. I currently work part time at a Christian gift store (Many Blessings, in Voorhees) but we hardly do any business in the summer, and my hours will be greatly cut. Though I know it's a long-shot, and I don't even know if they're hiring, I'm going to stop at this particular place before school. My face shaved, shoes shined, khakis ironed, and a fire in my eye. I already have a ton of references, knowledge on much of the store's wares, and I have an excellent work ethic, all I need now is some luck. Haha, not sure why I'm posting this, perhaps to get myself psyched up. Perhaps tomorrow I'll name the place, though I'm curious if anyone can guess it.

I can't even read that article. It'll make me too angry. The fact that Zimmerman will likely face charges is evidence to the fact that the government is seeking to get these laws removed. I mean, after all, if one no longer has the right to defend themselves, what need to they have for a gun? It's a way of weakening the pro-2A argument. Of course, perhaps my tinfoil hat is on a little too tightly.

I really want to order my Stag parts, only thing I'm waiting on is to see if anyone here on NJGF has any A3 uppers, or other parts I need for my build. I should probably just go ahead and get the upper and barrel at least I suppose... Glad there's a good manufacturer who can keep up with demand, and still offers a fair price for what seems to be a really good quality product.

^^^This is 100% correct. We discussed similar things in Bio 4. The irony is these environmentalists will decry lead from ammunition, complain about it online, and all that stuff, however they don't seem to realize that a much greater concern should be old electronics. A lot of companies that "recycle" these products simply dump them off in poor 3rd world areas, or China. There they are smashed to bits, and various components heated to obtain the valuable metals such as copper, gold, and silver, inside. The rest are usually either burned, or thrown into rivers, or dumps where the toxic metals will seep into the water supply, and environment anyway. Though many companies who recycle this stuff do it properly, there are many who do not. However, since it is not firearms, or hunting involved, they don't make as much noise about it. Another irony is that in NJ, we actually need more hunters. Because the colonists killed off the big predators here, deer populations have been able to reach their ecosystem's carrying capacity, which is fairly rare in nature. The problem with this is that population growth rarely stops at the carrying capacity, but usually overshoots it, since there are more individuals than the ecosystem has sustainable food sources, they end up stripping almost all the food, and end up starving to death in the long run. Not to mention that the survivors will be weaker since they will turn to lower-quality food sources to survive. Good news though, EPA says they don't have the authority to ban lead ammo. I'm sure they can find someone else who does however.... http://onlineathens.com/sports/outdoors/2012-04-10/epa-says-it-cannot-regulate-lead-ammunition

The build I'm planning on, I've been looking at a lot of Stag parts. From what I read, their standard stuff isn't quite mil-spec, however, since you're likely only going to be shooting the weapon on semi-auto, they're perfectly fine. Apparently they use some really good barrel metal, but it isn't as effective at dissipating heat (or something like that) from sustained fire. I read that they're one of the best values though, price vs. quality wise. Hell, I don't think I've ever seen any complaints about them.

Nice. I've been trying to build my whole thing myself (well, not assembly) it's a pain. It's good that you found some place that has something exactly as what you want haha. I saw a NJ legal one at a PA gun show a few months back, exactly what I'd want, but I didn't have the cash at the time unfortunately....

Not sure if you could tell by my handle, but I'm German. It's a shame to see beautiful Teutonic weapons disgraced that way XD. Just kidding, actually, I wouldn't mind having one like that, because then I could shoot it, and not worry about degrading it. I think all they need is a little gun-oil rub down, right? I know we used to clean rust off of drill rifles that way, Cotton cloth, oil, etc. Not sure if he should really clean them hard though, especially the Winchester, since that could be bad for it if done incorrectly... That is a good way of cleaning external parts, right?

I always wanted to try it, but I figure I'd probably spend a ton of gas, and a lot of time, and not find anything cool. At the same time, I'm really interested in it. It seems pretty cool definitely, but I don't even know how one gets into it.

^^^ Not true for me. being colorblind, "Maraschino" looks brown, "Sky" can appear "grape" and so on haha.

I've heard mostly good stuff about Rayco. I want to stop in there sometime actually. Perhaps they could have used a different tone, but I imagine it was less ignorance of the law, and more a factor of not wanting to deal with the hassle that is HP ammo. Technically, no, it is not illegal, but since it's tacked on to other crimes (IE Speeding) and essentially illegal in everything but name, it's likely easier just to not stock it and give that answer. I won't buy HP ammo just because I figure it's more trouble than it's worth, not to mention if someone buys HP there, and gets into one of those trumped up charges (IE "Assault" levergun, capable of 17 rounds of ammo) or something like that, the media will be sure to mention the "evil HP ammo bought at local Rayco". Since they've already had one crazy lady trying to shut them down, I figure they feel it's in their best interest just to not deal with HP ammo. I know at my job, selling Christian gifts, I'll tell people that there isn't a real demand for Tracks, or some other things when asked. I do this not because I'm trying to lie to them, but because it's easier than explaining how it's a pain to stock something like that due to how varied they are, how much space they take up, etc. I really don't think that they meant to be disrespectful, or anything, they're just trying to avoid headaches for themselves.

I remember when I went to an airsoft training thing at R14, the ground was pretty darn dry then too. We were actually warned to take extra care putting our cigarettes out, the area is pretty dry. I don't think it really can be totally helped, just about anything could start it there. People just need to be careful.

Is it me, or are those K98 sights different than usual? It looks to be sporterized (unfortunately) but I've never seen K98 sights like those.

I believe the army phased out lead in 2008. You know, it's a miracle life can survive on this toxic planet, where lead, uranium, cyanide, sulfur, mercury, and other toxins can be found naturally.... But seriously, I understand for duck hunting, since lead would end up in water there, and due to natural pH balances, slowly the lead would dissolve and be absorbed into the water supply, however for land hunting? For target shooting? That's weird. I doubt deer hunters are just firing aimlessly, spraying lead everywhere ( I mean, I understand shot goes all over, there's no helping that) but it's not like they're laying down tons of ammo. And for ranges, unless you have some really bad shots, the lead will likely just end up in the backstop anyway. HELL, If they're that concerned, why not design a back drop with a hard back that absorbs the impact energy, and which funnels down to a chute under the range to collect the lead? Again, it's just a back-door way of (Well maybe not gun control) but severely limiting legal firearm use, and ownership. If ammo is (more) expensive, it will greatly discourage new shooters.

Haha, with my job, I try to be openminded. I listen to what all religions have to offer. I like Catholcism because they tend to be more open to other faiths (at least now adays, I know many will cite the crusades,which my ancestors took part in). I do not buy into what many claim that, "Science flies you to the moon, Religion flies you into buildings." On the surface, this is true, but most teachings in various faiths discourage this type of slaughter. Ironically, I'm a biology major, by all reasoning, I should be an atheist. However, learning more about evolution, and even of the beginnings of the universe have done nothing to diminish my faith, they have actually increased them. Of course, I do not believe in a strict interpretation of the bible. Jesus spoke in parables to make his teachings simpler to those he was talking to. For early peoples, concepts of "billions of years" would be hard to understand, especially since many likely could not count in the first place. However, if one looks at the story of creation from a less-strict interpretation, it basically parallels the story of the big bang. First there was nothing, then God created the Earth, then brought forth the plants and animals, and then humans. Also, if one is talking about the concept of time, and "7 days of creation" one must also remember that according to religious teachings, God himself is not bound by time. This is a difficult concept, and, coupled with trying to teach this to people, and with the length of time over which the universe was actually created, it is conceivable that it is far simpler to express a being, who is not bound by time, to have created everything in 7 days. That is the view both Atheists, and people of faith should have. There is a Christian tradition in this country, I like the "In God We Trust" on our money. However, I abhor unsolicited evangelism, and the attempts to force others to convert. Those people, in my opinion, do more harm to faith than good. My take on that situation is that if someone wants to come to faith, I will point them in the direction I think appropriate, and I am more than glad to teach those who are interested the things I know. Both sides need to understand that they are both valid. I personally do not believe Atheists, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, etc. are bound for hell. Surprisngly, this belief of mine is one that is somewhat commonly held by members of the Church. It is more important that one does good, and even if not "Christian" acts in a "Christ-like" way, even if they have no belief in God. That is, if you are a good person, and truly do all you can to help others, than that is what is important. We must not forget all faiths are institutions of God, carried out by fallible man, no one religion has it 100% right. However, if we look at the teachings of various faiths, and use the lessons, and examples to try and better ourselves, the world, and the lives of our fellow man, than that is really the penultimate thing religion can do for you. I spend a lot of time thinking about this stuff. I apologize for the long posts, but I LOVE having intelligent, philosphical debates on the nature of religion, and things of that nature. If anyone wants to talk this stuff, let me know, I enjoy it.

I am very religious, I work in a Christian gift store, but I think neutrality is the way to go. Sometimes I think they do come out more aggressively against Christianity than some other faiths. I don't believe they should deny someone their faith, or even pretend it doesn't exist, but I don't think calling stuff "Christmas Break" or putting up a Santa, or something should be considered offensive. Hell, I know if I were a teacher, I'd likely want a small cross, or Scapular on my desk, but I imagine that would be frowned upon. I wouldn't intend to push my faith on others, personally, I feel as though that is not Christian. (Hating others for differences of opinion on such matters is, to me at least, anathema to the teachings of Christ. In fact, though many do not realize it, Islam and Christianity have much in common, the Muslims even tell a tale where they sought refuge in Christian Ethiopia. The Ethiopian king allowed them to stay because, "There is naught but a fine line between our two faiths.") Either way, I don't think it should be forced on the kids, but it shouldn't be totally banned as well. I would pray a rosary before I ate, until the school forced me to stop by threatening detention. I think that often times the separation of church and state is taken too far. It was merely meant to prevent the foundation of a national religion, and to allow for religious freedoms. It was not meant to shame, or condemn others for their faith. I think that in our "Politically Correct" age, we too often take the separation of church and state too far. That being said, one should not be obnoxious with their faith. I find it ironic when Christians use Jesus to justify hatred and anger, when he spoke only of forgiveness and love. At my store, I have a lot of other Christians (honestly, usually born-again) tell me I'm going to hell for being Catholic, or that Catholics are "essentially Satanists." The problem is not with religion, but rather with those who pervert and twist it for their own agenda.

I've done a few of those things, including the elevator one, before.

Bump. Also looking for a low-profile gasblock, a rifle length spring and buffer, and I'm interested in seeing some 12" rails. If no one has an A3 upper, and I have to buy my own, I'll be looking for a bolt carrier assembly, and charging handle.

You won't skew the started shooting portion, as I can't count you since you've never shot. Oh, in case anyone is wondering, I'm doing the periodic talleys to make it easier on myself. I'm no statitician, so my results may very well be off, but they should be close. Anyway, the Average age has gone up, again, to 39.7 years old (60 total responses). I should mention, if you said something like, "I'll be 26 in a few days" or whatever, I counted your age as 26, since, honestly, you're closer to that than 25. As for the average age for user's first time shooting, that is now 22.3 years (41 responses). Again, I am surprised how many older people have only recently gotten into shooting. Their reasons for doing so would be interesting to hear. I imagine that a long time interest in firearms, pursuable once one has disposable income, is a major reason. Perhaps it is the spike in crime? These are all interesting things. I should also mention, if people only gave a number in their post, and didn't indicate what it was, I assumed it to only be their current age, and not the age at which they started shooting. Furthermore, when given things like "Started at 7-8" I just took the lower age. I included BB guns in this talley as well since BB guns, along with .22s are, at least what I imagine, what most families would start their children shooting. Coming from a non-firearm household, I'm not sure of this, but I figured it was a reasonable assumption. Perhaps if I have free time this week, I'll comb through the entire thread and re-talley. I just realized the method I've been using may not work right. Then again, I'll be the first to admit I suck at math XD.

Apparently the state is threatening to sue online retailers of handgun ammo. I'm not sure about rifle (hopefully not). It's a backdoor way of limiting ammo of course...

Another reason behind why I want the 20" barrel for my AR build, if mom sees it, she'll think it's my airsoft gun XD.

+1 You missed an opportunity. If I'm not mistaken Jeff Foxworthy said something to the effect of, "Don't fess up to crimes she don't know about yet." Don't tell her when you find that stuff, so you can get more. However, if she's complaining A LOT, I suppose I could help you out, and take any 8mm (if you have it) off your hands, all for the sake of your marriage of course. XD

New Tally! As of now, the Average age is 37 (out of 37 responses). The median age is still increasing, but I must admit, I'm surprised just how young the average age is. I really would have thought it would be higher than that. Interesting. The average age that people started shooting has decreased (but only slightly.) it went from 18 (17.9 really) to 17.7. (25 responses) What I find most interesting about this is the dichotomy of how people seem to have either started shooting fairly early in life (5-13 years) to much later (30s and 40s). Usually I would have thought most people would have started earlier. Hell, I figured I was relatively late to the game, never picking up a firearm until I was 19. I always figured firearm ownership/use was something that stuck in families, that you'd shoot for the first time fairly young, and perhaps get back into it later in life when you have more money. I'm surprised just how many people didn't start shooting until they were in their 30s. That's a good sign for the firearm community though. It means that more people are practicing their right to bear arms, even if they weren't exposed to it at a young age. Of course, without a total sampling, or even a much larger one, my results may very well be off, however I'm going to keep monitoring this, and seeing what the data says haha.

From me at my Christian Gift-store job, Happy Easter (or belated passover).