Not my only hobby!

[Alan]

For many years (longer than I want to remember), I have been a licensed amateur radio operator. My first love is operating for my vehicle, and that love is reflected in my web site (http://www.k0bg.com).

For even more years (I must be getting really old!), I have been a powder burner. I grew up in a sporting goods store, which is enough said. But I grew tired of the varmint hunting scene about 10 years ago, and gave the vast majority of my gear to my nephew. He enjoys it still.

Somehow, I bought a Crosman PA77, and put a steel breach on it. I like it, but made a mistake and bought a Umarex Octane in .177. Ugh! I recently sent them both to MonkeyDad, whom I believe was going to use one for a raffle, and the other for the Boy Scouts. Since I haven't heard, I suspect that is still the case.

Then, I bought a new Benjamin 397, and did a number or two on it. I like the rifle, and at 25 yards, you can't beat the groupings. But, out there past 25 yards, things get dicy. I then bought a used AT44-10 Long from WAR (.25 caliber), and there were some issues with it. Those have been resolved, but it just doesn't group as well as I want it to.

And then, Travis looped me in once again, and on its way to me is a modified Benjamin Marauder. If it lives up to my (his?) expectations, I'll be delighted. Do I have regrets? Yes!

I purchased a Freedom8, and a bunch of other stuff, because the supplier "knew his stuff". He does, and my eyes were open. But, I ended up spending a bunch more than I expected to. I'll write off most of the errors to not doing enough research. So I have learned that there are some folks you can trust, and some who will take advantage of you.

Certainly, Travis of WAR isn't one of them. But to all newcomers, I'll say this: Research, research, research!

[ShakySarge]

Well, let me be the first Newbie to welcome the not so new guy to the Guild!!! lol

Matt

[Rdsail]

welcome!

[Dcorvino]

Welcome Alan to the Guild

Dave

[Monkeydad1969]

Sorry Alan, just read your email a little bit ago and this thread.  The rifle should be seeing itself on the forum for a contest in the near future.

Joe

[Bob La Londe]

Not my only hobby - either.  I started a reply and decided it would be thread jacking, so I started my own thread.