The Second Amendment exists not to put a target on the backs of deer and rabbits, but to give notice to tyrants.
Sorry, Josh Earnest, But The Second Amendment Isn’t About Hunting
Rifle Build Is Done!
I was wondering if I would ever make it to this point. But I have finally finished the Hawken Rifle or Plains Rifle, whichever. It’s not a true Hawken, but pretty dang close. I’ve put a few rounds through it, and it didn’t blow up! Need a bit more work on sight adjustments and then I’ll give a range report. I never thought it would take me this long. I think it turned out awesomely!
It has some neat little touches that we did to make it unique. The front site is an old Mexican silver coin. We poured a pewter for-end cap. Had to add some metal around the lock as it didn’t line up. The walnut wood grain is beautiful and took the stain and finish well.
I’m really looking forward to taking it hunting this year.
Here’s about midway through it
Below are some pictures.
Savage 99 Takedown
If you’ve been around on this site before, you know I love me some lever guns and especially the 30-30 round. Well, I have a new love. I just picked up a Savage model 99 Takedown in 30-30. I wasn’t even aware it was made in that caliber. Here’s a few pics to wet your appetite. I plan on a longer write up and range report soon.
Range Time
Spent some time at the range this last weekend testing some new reloads for the rifles. Pretty much settled on the bullet and powder for the 30-30. Still working on the bullet for the 45-70 and not real sure about the powder yet either.
On the 30-30, I’ve settled on 3031 for the powder. I didn’t see too much difference with H4895 that I compared it to. The Speer Hot-Cor bullet I used performed tremendously. Now I have to just find more of them! They’ve been out for months. I just want to tweak the charge a bit first and see if I can squeek a bit more performance out of it.
On the 45-70, I’m down to H4895 or black powder, just depends on the round I settle on. More range time needed there (and who can complain about that?). I recently put an Wild West Trigger Kit on it and man, what a difference that made. The rifle had a strong trigger before, now it’s down to about 3-3 1/2 pound pull. Beautiful. Best $90 bucks I’ve spent on that Marlin. I must admit that I was a bit disappointed in the rifle, but that new trigger has made all the difference in it. I can’t recommend it enough.
I also played around with my wife’s crossbow, trying to learn how they work. I know next to nothing about archery. I’m fairly certain that the string needs replaced. I just don’t think it’s getting the performance it should be getting, so I’m guessing the string and cables are probably shot. That’s my guess. I’ll have to take it down to the local archery shop and see what they say.
So that’s the report, great couple of hours at the range. One of the best ways to spend a Sunday afternoon in my opinion.
2013 Summer Biathlon
A couple buddies and I ran the Summer Biathlon this year. This is my 3rd time, but the first for both of them. Let me tell you, if you’re a runner and/or a shooter, this is a lot of fun. Best way to combine 2 of my favorite past times.
If you’ve never heard of this event, basically it’s the same as the Winter Biathlon, only you run rather then ski. It’s a 5k and you shoot between each mile. Believe me, it really tests your skills.
My buddies are Ed and Keith, both first timer to a Biathlon. And this year it was pouring! Still was a great time even though we were all soaked to the bones. Here’s some photos of the event.
New Kansas Hunting Regulations
I’ve been waiting to see how the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission was going to vote on a few new regulations. It’s now legal to use a crossbow during deer archery season. They also dropped the rifle cartridge limit, so all those new AR owners can now use them to hunt during rifle season.
I’m waiting for the actual regs to be posted on the KS Wildlife and Parks web site, but if this article on Kansas.com is factual, the new regs say any centerfire cartridge is now legal. Here’s the quote:
Any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge can now be used for big game hunting during the appropriate firearm season.
I’m not totally sure what I think of that. While I don’t have a problem with a .223, I’m not sure a 9mm pistol cartridge should be legal. I know that it’s all about placement, but really? I’ll guess we see. Overall, I think most of the new regs are a good deal. The good wife is excited about taking her crossbow out.
What do you guys think about the new regulations?
Rifle Build Update 2
The 50 caliber plains rifle build continues, not nearly as fast as I had hoped. We’ve been working on the stock recently and it’s really starting to take shape. There is some really nice looking grain in the stock. Good looking for a kit gun in my opinion. My goal is to have it ready for the Chisholm Trail Spring Rendezvous. It will be sweet to compete with a rifle I’ve built.
Anyway, that’s it for now. Keep your powder dry.