06.04.08
Posted in Christian, Uncategorized at 6:18 pm by
A while back I came across a site called www.efolkmusic.com and later www.efolkmusic.org spun off of it. This is a good source for folk, bluegrass, celtic, gospel, country and old time music. You can buy the music by the track or order CD’s and other merchandise. Since we’re overseas it’s been easiest for me to just download and then burn my own CD’s. Also, this way I get a good variety on each CD and music that I like. We’re in the land of Vallenato, Merengue, Salsa, Champeta and other sounds which I find hard to adapt to. efolk, on the other hand, offers music that speaks to MY soul. :) And also there’s a lot of “unknown” artists that you won’t find at your local wallyworld or bulkmusic store. And if you’ve got a folk, bluegrass or other such band - well, they offer a chance for you to gain a wider audience for your work.
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04.30.08
Posted in Family, Miscellaneous at 9:04 pm by
Well, it’s been almost a week since she came into our lives. We’d talked about picking up a pup and checked our local pound. They had few younger dogs to choose from, and of those only two that looked like what we wanted, small non poodle type pups. Well, I picked one out and made arrangements for her to be spayed and then I’d pick her up. When we came by on the appointed day, she’d contracted the parvo virus and didn’t survive. And nothing else in the pound caught our eye. So we went to the neighboring city pound and there we found much better conditions for the animals as well as a way to check them out better, we could actually interact with them in an open yard. There was one little black pup that caught my eye, but she was more than shy, she seemed terrified of people. They had three month old or so pups that looked about ready to burst from their overstuffed tummies, but they had a lot of poodle in them (apparently) and I didn’t want one THAT young either. There was a three legged bitch that kept following me around, but she was much older than we’d thought and I wasn’t sure about my ability to adjust to the needs of a three legged animal. And there was an ugly mutt with a severe undershot jaw and a hairdo that looked like something out of the movie “Gremlins”. But the one that really stood out was a small black and tan bitch about three to four months old that while not overly friendly wasn’t extremely shy either. And when I saw her brighten up at the sight of the folks who cared for her, well that clinched the deal. So we asked for more info and they said she’d shown up with one eye hanging out, apparently abandoned on the street and who knows WHAT happened. But they got her eye back in and she’d healed up well. So we signed on the dotted line and brought her home, with a commitment to take her back for her shots and spaying once she’d overcome the swelling still found around her eye. No permanent damage apparent there, but she also has a hernia. Poor thing, she’s had a rough life, but you can’t tell it now! She does well in the backyard on her own when we’re out, no whining or fussing at all. And when we’re in the house and let her in, she’s right behind us, nipping our heels and letting us know she loves attention. She’s no longer the shy little scrawny pup we picked up just five days ago, she’s really blossomed out and is already gaining weight. Our main worry is that she’ll not be as small as we’d thought, if she keeps growing like this she may outgrow her crate! Anyway, enough for words. I’ll toss in a couple thousand words’ worth below…
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04.19.08
Posted in Christian, Faith, Firearms, Freedom, Politics, Religion at 6:12 pm by
233 years ago today a group of simple village and farm folk stood up against the forces of an empire which desired to force upon them its ideals and laws. They “fired the shot heard ’round the world” and after several long years of war they attained their goal - a free and sovereign nation that was built upon Biblical principles with freedom for all. May we all be grateful for the legacy passed down to us by those brave men. It is because of their resolve and dedication and sacrifice that we enjoy the freedom that we have a US citizens.
Now we have candidates to the presidency of the US who would take away the very freedom by which our nation was founded. We have a candidate who denigrates “fly over land” as “bitter people clinging to their guns and religion”. I stand amazed at the current crop of candidates and can only wonder what happened to the spirit of the men who stood that April morning against the forces of a far off king and set the stage for a grand new nation’s entrance upon the stage of the world. Oh that their spirit may spring once more to life in the hearts of my fellow citizens.
Concord Hymn
by Ralph Waldo Emerson
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled;
Here once the embattled farmers stood;
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps,
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream that seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone,
That memory may their deeds redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
O Thou who made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free, –
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raised to them and Thee.
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04.07.08
Posted in Freedom, Miscellaneous at 9:03 am by
Lately I’ve noticed a tendency on certain internet communities to bash all law enforcement officers for the actions of some. This is a worrisome trend and although I understand WHY folks distrust people in uniform it is something that needs to be addressed. It does not behoove a fair man to use of a broad brush in characterizing any group of people. Yes, there is a disturbing trend in our law enforcement circles to take upon themselves powers not granted to them by the US Constitution. And yes there is a disturbing trend towards militarization of our police forces. And yes there is a disturbing trend towards an “Us vs Them” attitude amongst those who are charged with enforcing our society’s laws. However, there are also many good men who wear the uniform and who put their lives on the line daily in an attempt to reign in the criminal element that lives amongst us.
Over the years I’ve seen abuses committed by people in other walks of life as well. The priest, preacher or other religious figure who abuses his position for personal gain or sexual gratification is beneath contempt. The teacher or professor who hands out good grades in exchange for sexual favors is likewise the scum of the earth. And yet we realize that these are the exceptions to the rule. In the same way, the person who utilizes a firearm to commit a crime is despicable - but in no way is he representative of the majority of the gun owning public.
Just as in any profession, the bad apple gets the press. Those who use a badge to bully and intimidate are the ones who get all the attention. What about those who are doing their best to do the right thing?
The old adage of “walk a mile in their shoes” is one that we should take into consideration. When the cop pulls over a vehicle he doesn’t know if he’s going to find a parish priest late to mass, a soccer mom talking on a phone or a serial killer with a gun in hand and a corpse in the trunk - or just John Q. Public with a chip on his shoulder and disdain for the man behind the badge. The cop, by the very nature of his job, gets to focus in on the seamier side of life. His job is to deal with those who break the law. And since that is what he sees the most, he may very well begin to believe that ALL people are that way. This does not excuse him, but it does help one to understand WHY he has become what he has become.
Some of my friends are either currently serving in law enforcement or have been in law enforcement. To a man they are honest citizens who’s only concern is to do a good job and get home at night to the wife and kids - alive. I believe they are representative of the majority of law enforcement. And my friends are NOT the ones who will kick down doors to enforce anti-constitutional laws and mandates. However, they are also members of smaller town and city departments where folks still have the basic values upon which our nation was founded.
We are at a critical time in our nation’s history. For too long we have sought to improve our society via human philosophies rather than solid Godly principles. And we are reaping the results thereof. We’ve taught folks that there is no personal responsibility and then wonder why our corts are clogged with “not my fault” suits. We have taught that criminals have more rights than tax paying citizens and then wonder why our streets run red with blood. We turn repeat violent offenders out on the streets and punish the law abiding for the crimes the perps commit.
In other words, the perceived problems in law enforcement circles are mere symptoms of the greater ills suffered throughout our entire society. Rather than bashing all police officers for the actions of the over zealous and overbearing jack booted thugs that some are, why not seek positive steps to turn our nation back to a better time? We need good men to step up and fill the ranks of our legislative, executive and judicial branches of government on all levels. We need good men to step forward and fill the ranks of law enforcement and military positions. We need good men to step forward and fill the ranks of our educational establishments. The problem is that there are fewer and fewer good men because too many have taken the position that there’s no such thing as good and bad.
The problem is that we bash law enforcement for the ills that our entire society are guilty of. Instead of scapegoating all cops for the actions of those who abuse their position, why don’t we take responsibility for the changes that we as individuals can make in society - and make a difference by our example?
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03.12.08
Posted in Firearms, Friends at 8:14 pm by
Well, last month I was in the US of A for a couple weeks. Got a chance to toss some lead down range. THAT was a blast! :-) Got to hang out with Hoot and Miss Beth from the Sixshooter Community Forum. Got to hang out with Jim Taylor, Hiram and Fungus Sam, not to mention Miss Twyla and Miss Emily. Got to hang out with my brother Amerileiro. Got to hang out with my sons. And my sister and her family. Stayed overnight with friends in Yale. And stayed overnight with mcassill and Miss Heather. Stayed overnight with friends from my college days the night before I left the country. And …well I had a great time.
While up there I also acquired a Taylor Throat Reamer. My understanding is that Alan Taylor, Jim’s dad, is the one who originated this idea. It reams out the throat on a revolver to remove the constriction some of them have after the barrel is screwed in to the frame too tightly - usually from the manufacturing process. And the PPPPPP definitely had such a constriction, not to mention that the forcing cone was pretty close to non-existent as well. So the reamer came back with me. Once I got settled in and caught up a bit I decided to give it a whirl.
The PPPPPP got stripped down and the reamer was placed through the frame window, entering the rear of the barrel. I screwed the adapter to the rod and put some oil on the threads so it would release easily from the reamer. Then I loaded the reamer up with my Lanolin/ATF lube/preservative and set to work. Just gently rotating the reamer and backing up when I got too much of a bite and starting again, a bit at a time, easy does it. About halfway through the job I decided to check things out. That’s when I found out that the reamer was fixed to the adapter and the rod was the part that came easily out. PANIC ATTACK! Well, not really, but I was a bit concerned. Got some ideas from the guys on the forum - chased down some Loctite type compound and proceeded to loctite the adapter to the rod after a thorough degreasing of the surfaces. Left it in for six hours and had to give it a try. NOT a good idea- the rod unscrewed from the adapter and we were in the same position as before. More goop on the threads and this time it sat overnight - for about twenty hours this time. Since it was the weekend and the powers that be had decreed suspension of all permits there was little call to be in a hurry, but still I went ahead and tried it. Whewwwwww!!!!! Out came the adapter with the rod and the reamer slid out the rear like it was supposed to. So I loaded it back up with oil and finished up the job.
The next step was to slug the barrel again. This time it came out a uniform .357″ like it was supposed to be. Oh, some of the loctite had migrated to the barrel wall. A bit of oil and a tight fitting felt patch on the jag and out it came. I then used a tight patch and some JB Bore Paste to thoroughly clean the barrel and slick it up. This is something I’d read a lot about but never used before. When I was done the inside of the barrel was prettier than the day I brought it home. Nice and shiny.
So, was it a worthwhile investment in time, effort and $$$? A trip to the range would tell the tale. So later that week I packed up the PPPPPP and the new Gamo and the old Crosman 1377 and off to the range I went. Four targets were set up at ten long paces and I used a Taylor-Taffin style rest to brace the PPPPPP as I shot. The first group was not much to brag about - plus I set it a good 10 feet further away than I’d usually shot. That’s when I moved it back to 10 paces from the bench. The next three six shot groups were about half the size of previous groups shot at this distance. Nothing to brag about on an Olympic level, but still a decided improvement. And when I got home the bore cleaned right up, with less patches and solvent than it’d ever taken before - and there was no leading at the rear of the barrel like before either.
So yes, it was worth the investment in time, effort and $$$. The PPPPPP now shoots better, cleans easier and no longer shaves lead. I’d recommend the Taylor Throating Reamer to those who have similar problems with their sixguns. You can pick it up from Brownells. And if you’ve got more than one sixgun, it comes out even cheaper per piece. 
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03.06.08
Posted in Christian, Faith at 9:40 am by
Last month I was privileged to travel to Hastings, Minnesota to participate in a “Truth Project” training seminar. I’d been able to view some of the material, but did not know of the teaching aids and training material available on the ‘net. The temptation is glorify or deify the leader of any kind of movement. This is true of the “Purpose Driven” series as well Maxwell’s leadership materials. It will also probably be true of the “Truth Project” as well - but I hope not. Dr. Del Tackett expresses from the very beginning a desire to see individuals be transformed as they come into closer contact with God and His Truth. The focus is on God and how He manifests Himself through His creation and His Word - may that focus not change to the person of the one who set up the series.
For those of us who are fascinated by history, science, law, morality, etc, the series provides some fascinating material. As I watch the videos I find myself thinking “I KNEW that, why couldn’t I express it so well?” This series is geared towards the Church, God’s people. It is designed to help God’s people draw near to Him, to allow Him to transform them through a renewing of their minds. In Hastings I was told that another series is being planned as an outreach toward unbelievers. Let us uplift this project in prayer and keep the ones who are working on it before the Throne of God as they seek ways to open the door of truth to a world that does not believe that Truth even exists.
One of the most exciting pieces of information (for me) is that the “Truth Project” is coming out in Spanish, probably before the middle of the current year! WOOHOOOOO!!!! Am I excited? Yes! Much of the content is similar to what I’ve been trying to teach folks here. My prayer is that the presentation will be much more polished than my own, allowing folks to assimilate the information and draw nearer to our Lord and Savior.
Did I happen to mention that the “Truth Project” is something I’m excited about? I’d encourage you to look into the “Truth Project” as well.
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02.16.08
Posted in Firearms, Freedom at 8:45 am by
Once more it happened. The “authorities” had taken all the “proper” measures. Put in place all the “proper” laws, rules, regulations and controls. And then - well someone didn’t toe the line that they had drawn. It happens all the time, every day in fact - somewhere or several somewheres in the world. And yet one can predict the typical reaction of the sheeple - another call for more rules and regulations to control inanimate objects.
Northern Illinois. West of Chicago. One of the areas of the country in which the God given right to self defense has been limited by ignorant or malevolent (take your pick) authorities. And the results are predictable - some person in search of “revenge” or their “fifteen minutes” (hours? days? whatever the media will give them now) of fame takes an inanimate object and utilizes it to inflict death and destruction on unarmed people. And again, just as predictably, folks start blaming the object instead of the person who used it for harm.
Why are these things happening in precisely the places where folks think they should be “safe”? And their logic tells them that they are safe there, after all, don’t they have the rule of law to protect them? But as the founding fathers pointed out, a republic is only fit to govern a people that is morally, mentally and spiritually fit for freedom. It will not work for a people that have given up their moral, mental and spiritual obligations - which our current society has done for the most part. Where do you find a citizen who is willing to “call a spade a spade” when it comes to what is right or wrong? If one stands up to denounce homosexuality, abortion, sexual promiscuity or any other “sacred cow” then one is shouted down by the mantra of “we must be tolerant” - and so our society has become “tolerant” and given up their moral compass in exchange for the fluctuating, inconsistent and uncertain guidance of “anything goes”. Where do you find a person who takes time to think things through anymore? People want answers NOW - if at all. An excellent example is in the area of mathematical instruction. Kids are not being taught the very basic mathematical principles. They can rarely do any functions in their heads - it all has to be filtered through a calculator. And rather than knowing what is going on in the world around them, folks are mesmerized by the latest “American Idol” or other such “reality” show that has no bearing on real life. And when it comes to a right relationship with God - well folks either delegate that to the church or deny He exists at all.
When it comes to “ensuring safety”, there is no longer a consensus that safety is an individual concern. No one remembers the wise words spoken long ago: “He who gives up freedom in exchange for safety, deserves neither freedom nor safety.” One must be responsible in order to enjoy the fruits of freedom and ensure safety for oneself and one’s family. But our society teaches us that we are NOT responsible - unless taken to a court of law and forced to pay for another’s stupidity because THEY can’t be held responsible for their own stupidity (reference the McDonalds coffee case).
So “It ain’t supposed to happen!” but it will, time and again, until our society wakes up and realizes that inanimate objects are NOT the problem. The problem is that individuals utilize them incorrectly and other individuals are denied the means to defend themselves and others from them. It’s about people, people who have strayed FAR away from their Creator and who choose to violate His principles of conduct.
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02.13.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 12:50 am by
Well, the past couple weeks have been quite busy. Since I got up to the US the weather’s been interesting, just like I like it. ;-) Got some snow and ice and genuine winter weather. Haven’t had much chance to compute, but there’s an article or so in the works as time allows.
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02.04.08
Posted in Christian, Faith, Firearms, Freedom, Politics, Religion at 8:19 am by
With 2008 being a presidential election year, we are now about past the middle of the active electioneering that’s been going on since last year. There’s a recurring theme I keep hearing from dyed in the wool members of the supposed “conservative” party and that is “Anyone but a Democrat!” It matters not what the so called “Republican” stands for, all they need to do is say “I’m a REPUBLICAN!” and folks will vote for them. But that’s not what bothers me the most, and is only partially the reason for this post.
What really “gets my goat” is the attitude that “We have to vote for the ‘lesser of two evils’.” The lesser of two evils - is still evil. Let’s see. On one side we have Democrats who are in favor of the sodomite agenda to demean and dishonor marriage by twisting it to include their unholy unions. And they are also in favor of executing unborn children who have done no harm to anyone. And they are in favor of prohibiting the free use of weapons by ordinary, upright citizens. And they are in favor of granting amnesty to the millions of foreign nationals who have violated our laws and invaded our land. On the other hand we have Republican candidates who are in favor of the sodomite agenda to demean and dishonor marriage by twisting it to include their unholy unions. And they are also in favor of executing unborn children who have done no harm to anyone. And they are in favor of prohibiting the free use of weapons by ordinary, upright citizens. And they are in favor of granting amnesty to the millions of foreign nationals who have violated our laws and invaded our land. So, what’s to choose from? Does it really matter which party drags the country into the mud?
Now, I know I’m generalizing and not all the candidates openly support the issues outlined above - but they ALL have abominable track records on one or more of the issues above, issues I’m convinced are of vital importance to the nation. And yet, when one says “Send me a truly conservative candidate who will obey and enforce the US Constitution, uphold moral values, secure our borders and decrease the interference of the Federal government in individual citizens’ lives” people tell me “If you DON’T vote Republican you’ll be putting a DEMOCRAT in the oval office!”
I’ve got news for the Republican party. If they want to REALLY do something POSITIVE and garner the support of the sector of the US population that holds onto traditional values -THEN QUIT TREATING US LIKE IDIOTS BY OFFERING UP LIBERALS IN CONSERVATIVE CLOTHING!!!! If the Republican party endorses a liberal candidate and tries to cram them down the throats of voters with strict conservative beliefs - they are the ones who will be responsible for keeping conservatives away from the polls. Telling us that WE are responsible for the failure of a liberal Republican to win the presidential race is like telling a woman that she is responsible for the actions of a rapist.
I’ve made it clear that I will not be kidnapped. I will not go along with evil men merely because they threaten my life. Nor will I go with them because they threaten the lives of someone else. I will not go along with them because I do not agree with what they are doing. If they kill someone else or if they kill me because I refuse to cooperate - THEY ARE THE ONES WHO PULL THE TRIGGER - NOT ME. In other words, any innocent blood shed is not by my hand but theirs. In the same way, those who offer up a liberal, pro sodomy, pro abortion, pro amnesty for law breaking aliens, pro higher taxes and anti second amendment (or any combination of the above) candidate and say “Vote for them or else” are giving me the same option as those who would attempt to force me to acquiesce to their demand to accompany them at the point of a gun. I simply will not be coerced into violating my principles.
To those who are running the supposed “conservative” party I say “Give me a REAL conservative or I’ll seek out my own. And so will others who are also tired of voting against someone. Give us a leader who will honor the Constitution and the foundations of our nation, give us someone to vote FOR, who represents our values from the heart - or YOU will be responsible for the continued downward spiral of the nation as we sink lower and lower into the moral abyss - one “lesser evil” at a time.
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01.26.08
Posted in Family, Firearms, Friends at 9:13 am by
The last month has been quite busy and I’ve simply not taken the time to post anything. We’ve had plenty of guests and other activities to keep us busy. I did manage a trip to the range when a family stopped in with us for the week. When the lady found out I pack a pistol she almost had a conniption fit. “Aren’t you SCARED? That’s SO DANGEROUS!!!” After some discussion and explanation I finally convinced her to come up to the gun club with us. So we packed up the van and both families and headed up to the range. It was a great day, we had the place to ourselves. I broke out the Crosman 1377 and the East German scoped kids’ air rifle. One thing at a time, starting with a lecture on safety and proper gun handling. Well, things went well. The oldest girl hit well right off with the Crosman. I was impressed. We were shooting up close with only a couple pumps or so and she was hitting the quarter sized bullseye fairly frequently. The son didn’t do that well. The younger daughter did OK and we even got both dad and mom to shoot. Dad had spent some time in the army and did OK. Mom finally got over her nerves and gave it a try.
Then we moved on to the rifle. The stock’s been cut off for kids which makes proper stock weld and such nearly impossible for an adult, but we still had fun. They did better with the scope than with the open sights. Everyone got a chance to try off hand, sitting braced against a stump and prone. The mom only shot off hand and the dad shot offhand and prone.
Then I broke out the PPPPPP. :-) That’s the one that started the whole exercise when the mom found out about it. Ammo’s scarce and expensive but I gave everyone who wanted to try a chance to fire two rounds. Two rounds of 38 spl may not seem like much, but down here it’s a big deal. Again, the older girl shot well. Even with the lousy sights she managed a fairly tight group (can you call two rounds “a group”?) near the center of the target. The younger girl managed to group both her shots just a half inch or two apart - on the top edge of the target paper. I’m not sure what she was using for a sight picture but at least she was consistent! The son again showed less aptitude with the short gun. I don’t recall that the father shot the 38, but the mother did. It took some talking and teasing but she finally consented. One round and I couldn’t see where she hit (I’m guessing she under shot the target). She was “happy” with her shot, she’d shot a “real gun” and that was plenty. But some more joking around and she finally tried the second shot - and nailed the target near the center that time.
I don’t think I made shooters out of the family, but I know I DID give them a different perspective on firearms. And the older girl had a REAL blast - posting pictures of herself shooting the Crosman on her facebook profile upon her return home. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of patience and careful instruction to turn a hostile audience into a more accepting one. Later that afternoon we went up to some thermal springs with them. There they ran into some folks they knew from “back home”. And the formerly hostile to firearms mom told her friends about her trip to the range and “he was very insistent on safety and we had a good time.”
Also this year I’ve started messing around with airguns more. The ‘net is full of modifications for the old Crosman 1377. It was an eye opener to me when I started seeing all the things folks are doing with them. My concern was to find a good rear sight to replace the cheesy plastic hunk of junk that comes on them from the factory. WOW! They offer steel breeches, modified valves, metallic pistons, fancy grips, rifle stocks (tubular, skeleton, thumb hole, ambidextrous, you name it), muzzle brakes, barrel bands, extended probe bolts and who knows what all else. It would be easy to drop several hundred dollars to “trick out” the old Crosman. Well, I ain’t got that kind of money so I won’t be doing it, but perhaps I can pick up a couple of parts while up north and make the Crosman a bit more user friendly.
Also, I got out the old Daisy 120 rifle that’s been quietly rusting in the closet. One of the kids lost the rear action screw years ago and also the rear sight disintegrated. Plastic is NOT a good choice for making certain parts of firearms (or ANY parts for the most part). Rummaging around in the parts bins I found a nut and bolt that would work and the action is now once more fixed in the stock. The chinese “Dremel” came out with a cut off wheel and the screw stud for the rear sight came right off. Then an old Daisy 880 I picked up for parts at a (rare) Colombian yard sale got stripped down. The pumping mechanism is mostly absent. The barrel is a rifled brass tube held inside the sheet metal barrel shroud via the front sight and a clamp on power plant. Hmmm…. I wonder if I could set that up to free float with a metal breech on the Crosman? Time will tell… in the meantime I pulled the rear sight off and measured it up against the 120. Two wide to fit in the groove. Out comes the chinese “Dremel” again with the cutoff wheel. The sight gets stuck in the little vise I finally picked up and work commences… after grooving one side and starting on the other the battery ran down. :( Out comes the hacksaw - it hangs up on the tough steel and narrow kerf from the “Dremel” After some maneuvering around the little ears finally got removed and the edges filed down smooth. Thank God for access to a vise to hold it still for filing. The old 880 sight is now almost affixed to the 120 via a cannibalized screw from the 880. It’s not quite right but shows some promise - now to find a screw that will work, or I’ll just have to tap the hole out to a larger size - if I can find a larger sized screw.
Well, I’ve rambled enough for today. I’d better get busy and get some things done ’round the office and house. I put out some notices that I’m looking for Crosman “parts guns” on a couple of forums. It’d be cool if I could find a couple to play with and bring back with me next month. I’m officially intrigued with the whole Crosman 22XX and 13XX series of pistols.
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