There Goes The TV Remote...

Snow & Ice + Wife = 8 Long Weeks

Last Saturday, my wife decides to take a few photos of the snow from the night before. What she ended up with was an education....

She learned that house shoes suck as snow shoes.

Bath robe is not near warm enough when you lay down on the cold driveway.

Both feet are needed to get from point A to Point B.

Going to the E.R. requires 6 1/2 hours of waiting.

She finally admits that a Lay-Z-Boy would have been a smart purchase.

And finally, the things she has learned that really suck for me...

She now knows I can cook, do dishes, clean clothes, pick up after myself and she has learned that I CAN remember to put the toilet seat down.

She will recover in about 8 weeks. I have a feeling this will haunt me for the rest of my life.

Mark

Another Day With Bad Guys...

Spent the day at the range with the wife. The weather was perfect. We decided to spend a little time creating a 4 target course. My shooting results were not the best today. I have decided to take off all the magazine extensions for my G26 mags. Without a doubt, I do better with the stock 10 round magazines.

Also had a chance to finally sight in my 10/22. The rifle range was a bit crowded so I did not take any photos. The good news is the 10/22 is shooting good and sighted in. The bad news is I forgot to use Loc-Tite when I installed the Base mount and scope. So it's back to square one.

A day at the range is always better than a day at work. Thank you Mr. King.

Mark

Girls With Guns

As far as the "chic in the honda" target...

It only took one magazine to end the situation.

Mark

A Day At The Range...

I spent the day at the range with my wife today. Weather conditions were great and we had a blast. Week days are always nice because the chances are good that you have the entire range to yourself. I picked up a few bad guy targets a few weeks ago and they proved to be ideal. It was refreshing to use the large photo targets as we usually shoot smaller paper targets and steel plates.

Mark

I Thought My Christmas Was Good...

"He who hath the biggest trash pile, haddeth the best Christmas."

- Southern Man Cave

I now know where the Joneses live. This is what it must look like after winning the lottery just before Christmas. When I first saw it, I thought "Damn! I need to take a picture of that." I am proud to say that after Christmas this year, my trash can did not spilleth over.

Forgive the image quality, it was a recon mission with my cell phone.

Mark

A Perfect Pair

551 Griptilian & 556 Mini Griptilian

I recently added two more Benchmades to my collection. I wanted a Mini Griptilian like my wife's (not pink) and could not resist getting his bigger brother also. I do not want to come across as some Benchmade Axis-Locking narrow-minded fan boy, but compared to all other knives I have held... all others suck!

To quote Muhammad Ali:

"Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee!"

Fast, Smooth and sharp as hell!

Steel: 154CM (Good all around steel.)

Blade Style: Mod. Drop-Point (Good utility shape.)

Locking Mechanism: Axis (Great design.)

Handle Material: GTX (Secure and solid feel.)

Both of these knives are very grippy and light enough for every day carry. These two will be replacing the SOG Flash I & Flash II respectively as my every day utility blades.

The best part of buying a new knife is now I can focus on my next one.

Mark

The NUTNFANCY Project

http://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy

Earlier this year I stumbled across a video review of the Glock 17. A month or so later, I googled a video review of the Ruger 10/22 rifle. A few weeks later, I ran up on a video review of the Ruger LCP. That same night, I found a video series reviewing the Kel-Tec SU-16C. I started noticing a pattern. I did what tens of thousands of other gear nuts around the world have done and clicked on this guy's name to see what other videos he had posted. That is when I discovered the most insanely-cool collection of reviews, adventures, philosophy and dangerous things known simply as "The NUTNFANCY Project", or TNP.

With well over 500 video documentaries organized in dozens of categories known as play lists, you will quickly find yourself lost in the never ending selection. His reviews are second to none. It is obvious that he is passionate about the products he reviews and has extensive experience with the topics he covers. I have greatly enjoyed the hours upon hours of video I have watched and can not begin to tell you how much I have learned in the process.

He has turned my knife interest into a sickness and has taken my shooting and outdoor activities to a never before seen level. Unlike many of the TNPer's out there, my wife is also a huge fan. She subscribes and watches on a regular basis. I have made about a dozen purchases based on NUTNFANCY's reviews and have been extremely happy with those purchases.

Keep it up NUTN'.

Mark

Pass the Cool-Aid

Benchmade 940 Osborne

It was a tough decision. I could not decide between the green 940 or the red 960. As the photo shows, I went with the green 940. I have quite a few black handle blades and wanted something other than black. After all, this was not going to be another $30 pocket knife. I really like the lines and design elements of all the Osborne designed Benchmades. So far I have been happy with the decision.

Specs:

Blade Shape - Modified Reverse Tanto. (nice tactical look but good belly for utility)

Blade Length - 3.40 (very capable)

Closed Length - 4.47 (a bit larger than my ideal pocket knife length.)

Handle Material - Aluminum (thankfully not as slick as you would think)

Locking Mechanism - AXIS (smoooooooth)

Blade Material - S30V (first experience with this steel)

Even though the handle is made of aluminum, it has somewhat of a chalky feel. Like the Mini Griptilian, the deployment is fast and smooth. As an added bonus, I have learned that the AXIS mechanism allows you to fine tune the action by way of a locking nut. The black hardware accents the green handle very well. The more I use this knife, the more I like the blade style. Very functional. I have always liked the looks of a tanto but usually opt for a style with more of a belly for utility purposes. There is a purple spacer on the back spine for both aesthetics and added gimping. I was surprised at how light this knife was weighing in at 2.90 oz.

The only downside would be the sharpness of the blade. I do not believe it was even sharpened at the factory. The Mini Griptilian was razor sharp. I mean I could have shaved with this knife out of the box. Fortunately, Benchmade is going to resolve this issue. I will have to send it in but all is not lost. There is a Griptilian headed my way.

Mark

Chasing Butterflies

Benchmade 555 Mini Griptilian

Earlier this year I ran across a few Benchmade brand knife reviews online. I have never owned a Benchmade but knew about their reputation as a premium knife company. Due to the glowing reviews, I was inspired enough to visit Benchmade.com.

My wife did not have an EDC blade for her purse. I ran across a Mini Griptilian model 555 sporting a pink handle. I put 2 and 2 together and ended up finding a perfect birthday gift for my wonderful wife. My wife has everything. If she sees something she wants, she gets it; extremely hard for us to exchange gifts because I am the same way.

She loved it. I loved it. I wanted one. As a matter of fact, I was so impressed with the axis locking mechanism and the feel of this knife that I would have gladly carried this knife if she did not like it... even with the pink handle. Yes, it felt that good.

Specs:

Blade Shape - Modified Sheepsfoot (Looks good but also practical.)

Blade Length - 2.91 (Perfect size blade for EDC.)

Closed Length - 3.87 (Not too large but large enough.)

Handle Material - GTX (Very solid material. Very good grip.)

Locking Mechanism - AXIS (The smoothest knife action I have ever experienced.

Blade Material - 154CM (I am no steel expert but suffice it to say 154CM is not 420.)

This was a home run. She loves it. I want one so bad I can't stand it. Thank you Benchmade!

Mark

Living The Life...

Let's see. I work 12 hours at the office. When I come home I have a never ending list of projects, home maintenance needs, a honey-do list a mile long and bills to pay.

Meet Spinner & Buzz. Our twin domestic short hair cats that we brought home a little over a year a go from the animal shelter. Doing their best to fill up the litter box and eating at will all day & night long, is what they do while I am at work.

The other day I came home wanting to relax in the "Southern Man Chair", pop open a cold Bud, and enjoy a few hours of SEC football.

Didn't happen. Apparently, this is their house and they have now taken over the easy chair. It's not the first time I have been sent to the couch and probably not the last.

Mark

Man Cave on Location: Chattanooga

This past weekend, Dave and I met in Chattanooga, TN for a weekend of guns, cards, beer, cigars, and more guns. We started off the weekend at an outdoor public gun range on Friday sending several pounds of lead down range. Then we headed back to the hotel for some ice cold Bud, perfectly humidified cigars, and a friendly game of Texas Hold 'em. I am not much of a poker player but ended up sending Dave home with lighter pockets.

The weather was perfect. We were only able to stay one night but maybe next year we can talk the wives into two nights. I am already thinking about a destination for next year. I had a great time and look forward to doing it again.

Mark

The Tenth Anniversary Decision!

I came home from a hard day at the office. As I start to sit down, my wife (who took the day off) says "Honey, before you sit down, will you go get the rest of the stuff out of the trunk?" I had only seconds to respond. Do I tell her "NO" and "get me a beer on your way back in" or do I bite the bullet and clean out the trunk? I bit the bullet and I'm damn glad I did. When I opened the trunk, there was a long, white box that said "Ruger" on the side.

For the past several months, I had talked about getting a Ruger 10/22 rifle. We already have a few .22 rifles but all of them are old hand-me-downs given to us by our fathers who got them from their fathers. These are priceless and could never be replaced. Even though they are fun to shoot from time to time, I would prefer to have something I would not be afraid to really use. I had one picked out but never told my wife which model. Our 10th anniversary is this month and she goes out and buys the one pictured - the exact model I had in my head.

It is a 10/22 semi-auto Target model with Bull Barrel, Fajen Legacy fully-adjustable stock and upgraded trigger assembly. All that I need is a nice scope, half a dozen magazines and she will be good to go. (The gun, not my wife.)

My wife is the best and I would hate to think what would have happened had I opted for the beer. This is definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made. (Both the gun and the wife.)

Mark

UpLULA from Maglula

Several months ago, I ran across a very unique product. It is called the UpLULA universal pistol loader. It is made in Israel and has proven to be worth its weight in gold. You will be hard pressed to find a negative review of this thing online - and for good reason. I have had success with the following magazines:

Glock 26

Glock 19

Glock 17

S&W Model 669

S&W M&P9c

S&W M&P 9mm. Full size

Beretta 40 Cal.

Ruger .380 LCP

Ruger P94 9mm.

Colt 1911 Single stack .45

Radom 9mm.

Taurus 9mm. Compact

I have yet to run across a magazine this thing can't handle. Not only is it compatible with every magazine I have tried, it is easier to use than any of the factory speed loaders that shipped with the firearms. Superb quality, durable, and inexpensive. I have no complaints with this product and coming from me, that is saying something.

I give it a solid 10 rounds!

Mark

Printable Targets #3

This is the last of the target uploads. These two are designed to show you what you might be doing wrong based on where you hit the target. NOTE: these targets are designed for right-handed shooters. They are very good targets and will improve your handgun shooting. Just click the image to enlarge. I get better results by saving the images then printing them via a image editor. Some browsers tend to scale the images back. Have fun.

Mark

Printable Targets #2

These are the two I use the most. Basic 1 inch rings with fades. Just click the image to enlarge. I get better results by saving the images then printing them via a image editor. Some browsers tend to scale the images back. Enjoy.

Mark

Printable Targets #1

I wanted to post a few of my printable targets primarily for me to have access to print them from any computer and for others who might find them useful. These two are your basic 1 inch ring targets. Just click the image to enlarge. I get better results by saving the images then printing them via a image editor. Some browsers tend to scale the images back. Safe shootin'.

Mark

It's Not Rocket Science!

Why is it that when my wife shops for groceries, she spends $150 + and I am able to make it in and out for around $50? It's not like I am only buying junk. Take today for example. My proof is in the photo.

Basics:

Eggs (On sale)

Milk (On sale)

Loaf of Bread (Not on sale but we needed it.)

Parchment Paper (the only item my wife said she needed.)

Breakfast:

Large mixed fruit bowl

Lunch items:

Lunch meat (On sale)

Cheese slices (On sale)

2 bags of chips (On sale)

Dinner items:

Ground Beef (On sale)

Lettuce for salads

Snacks:

2 packs of peanut butter & Cheese crackers (On sale)

2 packs of Publix cookies (On sale)

Other:

Couple 4 packs of Red Bull (It gives me wings.)

1 White Chocolate Kit Kat that called my name at checkout

Game over! Even after tax, I cashed in at a little over $50. Throw in a case of beer and we are still only talking about $75. I do not get it.

Mark

1 Month And Counting...

The days are getting shorter and that means the start of the 2009 college football season is almost here! A few months ago, I had the privilege of meeting Mark Richt, the head football coach for the Georgia Bulldogs and an all-around, class-A guy.

I volunteered to take photos for the event and did not have time to get in front of the camera with him. My wife has already starting to plan a few football parties and the excitement is building. With the X-Games now over, I can now focus on Athens, Georgia and the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Go Dawgs!

Mark

Closet Find

Stuffed way in the back, on the highest shelf in the closet, beneath the blanket of various fishing hats and old clothes, I found an old wooden box that I have not opened in quite some time. This is a collection of Case Knives I inherited from my Grandfather. The one thing that he was known for was his love of knives and his modest knife collection. But not just any knife would do.

He was a Case die hard through and through. He told me many times that some knives are meant to be used and some are never meant to be sharpened. This collection was some of the ones never to be used. But you can see from the wear around the latch that even though he never cut anything with these knives, the case has been opened quite a few times. If I had a dime for each and every time he opened this box, I would be able to pay off a credit card or two.

I found this box today while doing some closet organization. I decided to take a photo to have on my computer and thought I would post a blog entry. I learned the need of a good knife from him and to this day, I have carried a pocket knife damn near ever day of my life. Every time I buy a new knife, I think about how much I would like to show it to him.

Mark

The Smell Alone Is Worth A Visit.

A new cigar shop opened not far from my place of employment. After work, I went in to check it out. As I always do when visiting these shops, I asked for the owners' recommendation. The LegendArio by Camacho was the recommend stick I headed home with. It is much cheaper to order from online retailers, but I have always enjoyed the experience and smell of a quality cigar shop. Forgive the out of focus photo. It was starting to rain and I wanted to get a shot before this guy turned to ash.

It was a long enjoyable smoke. The rains came down and I savored every draw. To me, the perfect setting for a good smoke is late in the evening with a good, hard, steady rain to help drown out the stresses of everyday life.

Mark