tracker

Thank you everyone for the input. I know my gun well and I am comfortable with it. It has been more than reliable, and yes I know 3 gunning with it will test that even further. I am not looking to go out and "smoke" everyone. As I know that there are MANY (most) shooters out there who are far better than I. But to have fun and learn. At this time I am saving $$$ to go to a rifle and ammo for practice. If I later wish to become more competitive then I will invest in a more specific shotgun should I see the need. please keep the tips coming.

I have been shooting pump shotguns for all my life. I am looking into some 3 gun shooting and cannot lay out the cash for another shotgun. Currently do not own a 12, only 20 gage Rem 870 that I know inside and out. What are some suggestions as for the gun, mods? accessories? Choke selection? Barrel length? And ammo selection. I am a newbie to this. I already own a handgun and have shot production class before. My next purchase will be a carbine. Thanks!

What is a good recoil pad for clays?

I think my wife spends hours watching the little hawklets!

Cameras set up on nests of a red tail hawk and heron. Nest cams

You are in our thoughts....... Rich & Tam and the critters (Dusty, Gypsy, and Rainbow)

Here are some snakes pics I shot, plus some others! My link ENJOY!

My wife reminds me of that!!!! I am 43. I keep well hydrated, I eat on or two banannas a day but I do not suppliment for potassium. Cramping has not been and issue other than 20+ mile mtn bike ride and I know that was from inadequate hyrdration/electrolites. As a rule I avoid all sports drinks. I think it boils down to more frequent and proper stretching. I am cutting back on the coffee as well, which should be better for me :-)

I admit, I love coffee..... I thought I had heard somewhere how coffee (caffeinated drinks) can cause stiffness in muscles. I Mountain bike quite a bit and have no issues, but when I run I quite often pull a muscle in my calf, sometimes on the right and sometimes on the left. I do stretch, maybe as not as much as possible. Even with the stretching I often feel stiff. Is there anything to the caffeine causing stiffness, and muscle pulls? It has only been in my calves. Maybe it is from the biking? It is discouraging as I also like to run. I am active with strength training, which consists mostly of body weight training. I am cutting back on coffee, one big mug in the AM (about 2 cups). I drink some unsweetened ice tea. Mostly water and no soda.

I am glad to hear that I am not the only one! I have been doing well. The snack idea is a good one. I am usually fine with the snacks in the time before lunch it is in the afternoon. For a mid morning snack I usually have a few almonds and a bannana or some fruit. Afternoon usually just fruit........I will try the jerkey, I have learned that for myself I need to ONLY take the small portion for that one snack, if not I will EAT ALL OF IT!!! One thing I also am working on is reducing dairy, I use a small bit of whole milk (1 cup a day max) and some plain yogurt with fresh fruit. That does not sound like too much does it? I dont like low fat versions of things, so I try to just reduce serving size instead. The same goes for sugar, I never use artifical sweetners or products containing them, but intsead I do not add sugar except 1 teaspoon a day for coffee and eat no sweets.

Friday afternoon at work I gave in to temptation, I had a BAAAAAAD case of craving for SUGAR. A co worker had a pop-tart in his toolbox, after whining a bit (me) he surrendered the goods. Like a dug addict I disaperad to a secluded spot in the shop and proceeded to mow down. And yes an hour or so later I felt crappy. Usually I can resist the craving, I had no healthy snacks left and I avoid the vending machines like the plague. The interesting part is that our companies owner keeps fresh fruit stocked in the break room. Usually I will grab something from there, but I suppose just as someone who is hooked on drugs the thought of doing the right thing (going for the fruit)never even crossed my mind. It was a strong craving. Has anyone had similar expieriences? How do you handle them?

I have tried those Ideas. I learned years ago not to preach. I was guilty of that years ago with a family member and it just caused problem. I have been just doing my thing and hoping the Idea would catch on, but it has not. For exercise I have tried to come up with fun Ideas. I suppose when someone has been set in there ways so long it is difficult to change them even when it is for the better. I will keep trying. My progress is going well. I do slip up on occasion. Thanks again for the advice!

I have gradually changed my diet to almost no refined carbs and take on some of the Paleo concepts. My weight was acceptable before but I wanted to gain energy and since Diabetes runs in my family anything I can do to avoid that cannot hurt. So far I have more energy, feel sooooo much better, and sleep better plus I am not getting the cravings for sugar and carbs anymore. The most difficult thing I have encountered along the way is how to convince my wife to try this out? Our taste and philosophy in food varies considerably.I see the same symptoms in her that I had, tired all the time, but she has a difficult time sleeping at night, no energy or desire to exercise. The exercise part was easy for me, I mountain bike, and have a workout routine that includes some running. But how can I convince someone else to try these things? They do help. I realize that getting started is very difficult, but it will get easier. I have tried to make it fun, but fun for one is not always fun for another!

Are you a machinist? We need a few GOOD machinist.

Thanks guys, I will keep that all that in mind. It is so refreshing to be here with all the opportunities for things to do in NC.....year around!!! I am having a difficult (its a good thing!) time deciding what what to do! Mountain biking, dirt track season will be beginning soon, shooting, hiking with my dogs, and much more!!!

We are finally settled in NC and adjusting to our new home and jobs. Have not had much time to shoot. I am more of a "hobby" shooter than a serious competitor. With that being said I would like attend a few matches as time permits. But I am wondering what is in or near Gaston county for practice ranges and matches IPSC IDPA, steel or whichever. Later on I am interested in 3 gun. Are there any ranges where you can practice a stage? Or has steel plates available? I mountain bike a lot in Lincolnton and almost always hear handgun fire, maybe it is a private range? I also enjoy rimfire and skeet and as a bonus my wife enjoy shooting too.

I am wondering how others secure their weapon in their home so it is safe and secure, but available if the inevitable happens and it is required in a hurry? I have a 4 button safe (S&W) that will easily hold my M&P and a flashlight, and spare mag. It has the plate that can be screwed down to the wall or the floor (the screw heads will be covered and non accessible. Are small safes such as this adequate? We have no children. But I do not want to just keep my handgun thrown in a nightstand drawer. What is your preference? Thanks

I remember thinking the same things when I first began. I also was taught never to run with a loaded gun, take your time never shoot fast, and just blasting away was a waste of ammo. The biggest impact left on me from attending a match was how many safety measures are taken......I was impressed! Try to attend a match with the GMPS guys......well run and a a great bunch. Have fun!

This same sort of thing was a very big issue in my previous marriage. The ex always said "but they are family". Ok, so they are. I refused to attent family "gatherings" any more. Then the poo poo hit the fan. I was not going to spend holidays with a bunch of people who bickered and despised each other. And who would bad mouth those who were not present. I was in my late 20's at the time, and always had designated seating at the "kids" table for large holiday dinners at the in-laws.......the ex's response "oh, its just dad being dad"

I can relate to what sam said. Made a big decision to quit a secure job and relocate to North Carolina. Moved down ahead of my wife and doggies.....that was tough being here alone for a few months. In the last eleven years we had not been apart for more than two days at a time. All of that was a gamble and stressful. Then as soon as she moved here with me I lost my dad on December 2 after a long sickness. But as Sam says you will be sore the next day. I also believe that when you recover you will be stronger. I know that this is supposed to be "the best of 2011" topic. So my best of 2011 is about relocating, beginning a new job that is positive, rewarding,being appreciated, meeting new friends, and a fresh new outlook towards what 2012 will bring.

I struggled where to post this. But it was something I have to share. We lost my dad Dcember 2nd after a long illness. My dad was a great father and great husband to my mom. He served our country for 20 years retiring in 1973. He left for SE Asia in 1968 when I was only 4 months old for over a year. Here is why I am posting this here: I want to tell everyone about all the people who cared for him during his last few years. Beginning with my mom, she never showed she was tired. Was there for him 100%. The nurses, Doctors and other caregivers were wonderful. The service was December 6th. My hats off to the Vermont State police (my dad was a longtime dispatcher) for their support and presence at the service. And to the military personel who held a miltary service for my dad after the church service. What I like is that everyone has been wonderful. Great people.

I am not shure where I heard this, but I like it. Never become an expert at anything. When you become an "expert" your mind closes and you stop learning.

Some more good ones "Don't complain about farmers with your mouth full" "Have you hugged a logger today?" "If you get any closer I will flick a booger on your windshield" My favorite.... "WHY BE NORMAL"

I agree, lack of leadership skills. I begin my new job September 26. Its too bad, we have a great team. That is disolving. I am the longest active employee (12 years). The others are watching how this is evolving. He has also announced to new team leader and a few others that there will be a company meeting first week I am gone.

Your boss is going around and tell your co workers(team)that you are leaving this job for another is all my wifes fault. Not the first time this sort of thing has happened. Several years ago things were not going well at all, I was VERY unhappy to be working there. The boss was telling others behined my back that it was because I was "having problems at home". WTF??? I gave my "pre notice" last march. Now I am almost complete with my final two weeks things have really gotten strange, boss will not talk to me or even make eye contact, even travels different routes through the shop to avaiod me. On several occasions has questioned co workers as to why I am leaving. And gets pissed when they tell him "because he wants too"