Mr. Jones

I think airsoft is a great training method because of the realistic equipment that is available, but at a caveat of price. You can get realistic airsoft AR platform rifles, sniper platforms, and even shotguns and explosive devices- but they are very costly on initial purchase. A good airsoft AR is going to run $500+ on a good day, and more SWAT or tactical geared versions approach $1k. To be honest, it might cause more harm than good to train people with the toys then expect them to transition to the real thing. As you say, it's more about movement and teamwork- with weapons. I think that handing your team 7 pound, customizable, magpul style airsoft rifles will better prepare them for lugging around the real things. Even little things like basic operation of various levers and switches ideally would be uniform between the airsoft trainer and it's centerfire counterpart; being able to customize each rifle to suit the shooters preferences is desirable as well. So while your initial expenditure could be potentially large, the benefit over time is probably worth it. As you mentioned, simunition is expensive, it's just a question of how many rounds of sim training does it cost before airsoft is more efficient. Consider the cost of 1 year worth of sim training versus 1 year worth of airsoft: what are the initial cost differences? what are the eventual cost differences? Overall, it's a great way to train, even as a civilian, I feel better prepared for dangerous situations through the lessons learned in airsoft and paintball. Some outings have been very educational as well as fun; and even had a friend home from service that taught us how to stack up and breech as well as other pointers that made everyone much more effective in combat. Even my little boy knows to fire a pistol from kneeling and go prone to snipe from our minigames we hold in the yard. If it can do that for a bunch of weekend warriors and a handful of 6 year old kids, I can only imagine the benefit to any professional team. And yeah.. my wife prefers to dual wield matching Uzis- she is screwed when I get my m249SAW :grin:

Never thought of rice either, good idea. Explains why many Asian have that "dry" sense of humor ;D Lord, I apologize.

I think the only time I have heard anything that really stood out as funny or even ignorant is when a younger guy started talking about how he filed "this" down and bent "that," and made his AK full auto. When he left, the off duty game warden made sure to write down his plates and get his info from the shop owner ;D One thing that does bother me is going into a shop and getting "schooled." It has happened more than once when I mentioned AR15s or Weapons Qualification (anything remotely "military") that I'll get 1-3 retired military start trying to school me about firearms and sometimes simply remind me that I am not a soldier. This is not helpful information or interesting conversation, which I do genuinely value; this is condescending, pointless, "you can never understand firearms (or anything) unless you serve a tour of duty," kind of gang bang. Then god forbid you get like 3 or more of them; Guess what- being able to spit out abbreviated acronyms and bombarding me with obscure references to foreign conflicts does not earn my respect, it doesn't even confuse me like a typical civilian (I have military, first response, civilian LE, and militia experiences; though no tours). This kind of behavior just makes me sad for the guys who are trying to make themselves seem bigger than they are. Don't get me wrong, I have more respect for anyone who would trade their lives for their countrymen, but these kind of guys remind me of the kids in high school that would stay in their own little gang and chastise anyone outside that group. When the salesperson referred to the State Guard (to whom I am reenlisting) as "weekend warriors," I took my business elsewhere. I'd like (pay money) to see him call the MCPO of 2nd BN a "weekend warrior." I hear that highly decorated, retired Master Chiefs love that sort of thing ::)

I've always been taught similar "2 shot method" but repeat the process 3 times. Start at 25 yds and then '2 shot method' Move to 50 yds, repeat the 2 shot method Move to 100 and "2 shot" one last time. This allows you to setup your optics to cover a wider range. Typically, you can split the difference between 50 and 100 yards for best real world performance. Usually it's only 1 MOA between the two, so during actual shooting you just compensate slightly.

My brother reloads on a nearly professional level, he adds fine sawdust to each ammo can to absorb moisture. While i am sure it's not the best option, and certainly not the most technologically advanced; some of his ammo is decades old and still performs well.

That's what the legend/myth states. Although in those days it would likely result in infection and death. It would be a crime to remove one of those magnificent, quivering, firm yet supple, mams. C:-)

Very nice deal! Mine topped $500 :-[ Still worth it to me, but woooo it was alot of $20 bills. Youo'll need the savings to supply your own optics, unfortunately

This was made specifically for the 522 mags, but will work with any conversion mag as well. Some have reported that the interior of the loader needs filing or sanding to make it operate smoothly; others have used them right out of the box with no problems. I have one myself, but quit using it much after I modified my magazines with pull strings to retract the follower.

Ya know, I cannot remember anyone ever approaching me about, or complimenting my AR15 or my old winchester 308. I've only owned the 522 for 4 months and have met at least 3 new friends at the range as well as many comments and looks. Oddly enough, it is usually older gents, maybe 60 plus, than come over to ask about it. I figured the older guys would see it as a joke, but they seem to just love the whole tactical scene more than they readily admit. What really makes me proud though is when someone assumes it is a 550 or a 556 with a .22 conversion. Sig did a fine job of not making this rifle a "toy," and it shows. When i first got her, i was self conscious about taking her out of the case at the range. I didn't want people to think I was trying to play "SWAT team," it took me years to not feel odd with a dropleg pistol holster. But everyone has been very receptive and show interest in the rifle, so I am happy to walk around the range with her slung across my back.

It's hit or miss on many "clones" and you should try to find user reviews when possible. Always see what other buyers said if they allow reviews at the sales website. Further, you can do a google search for that product and see if people have anything to say about it. From what I have read around the net, it seems like the general consensus is that airsoft and paintball optics and accessories can be suitable for .22 usage. As with all lower priced products, however, do a little homework to try and ensure you make wise purchases.

Hey, very nice! Good "sharpshooter" look to the build. I really like the adjustable stocks like that, but don't have a rifle to use one on, yet... >:D

Now that is a hell of a find! Looks like some decent work in the pics, but their site is not too extensive. In any event, if they can cheaply recreate designs from CAD or other 3d renderings, I am all over that.

It just kept getting better and better as I scrolled down! 17 hours on farmville lolol Her expressions are priceless. I love this woman, she is going to be just fine 8)

I recommend that you disassemble and reassemble your rifle regularly, especially until you feel comfortable enough to do it in your sleep. This not only provides an intimate knowledge of your rifle's inner workings; it provides an intimate relationship with the rifle itself. Of course, you should not go about removing spring pins with a hammer and rivets with a drill, but anything that can be taken apart and turned over in your hands while you analyze it's function- good to go. Just read and watch the tutorials, proceed slowly on teardown and examine everything closely. Firearms have little things tucked here and there to save space, it's fun to finally have a lightbulb turn on when you realize what the little hole is for, or why they beveled this edge here. You will also get a better idea on what is realistically needed during a cleaning. It took me a couple of weeks, but I learned I could clean my entire Sig522 by releasing just one receiver to lower mounting pin. After some time, you will start to understand what each part does, and be able to see it doing it's job in your mind. No amount of craftsmanship, no matter how high quality the materials, these things make a gun- your understanding and knowledge of the rifle are what will determine it's longevity and function, they are what make it your rifle. There are many like it, that one is yours- master her.

I... I.. just wow- speechless. Huh? How is forcing people to obey religious law not oppression? How is covering something with black cloth to hide it from view, not censorship? The essential purity of of the Blackberry? Do Muslims eat peyote much? Ahaha lol, really? Allah is so lucky to have such intelligent and loyal sheep. Bwahaha.. whut?! Let me rephrase this a few ways to unveil the hilariousity: I could go on and on, and I will, but not today. I have to agree with Rodent to a large extent. I have tried very much to understand the culture and ideals of Islam, and it's things like this that derail any notion of a sane religion. Kinda like when that Danish neswpaper had those drawings of Allah, and all of Islam freaked out. On the news we have clerics and Imams saying, Islam is peaceful, Islam is love and loyalty to Allah. Then you see footage from the streets where Muslims are throwing rocks and molotov cocktails, screaming for someone, anyone, to be beheaded. Fuck, they didn't even care who, just as long as someone was beheaded. I would love to see Jews start throwing rocks and waving surplus assault rifles every time someone eats pork. Can you imagine a crowd of Catholics screaming for blood because someone drew a picture of Mary? Or millions of Christians.. well, Christians just run around in circles by default, bad example. The best part is that the police protect them when they are screaming death threats and swearing the downfall of America... (death threats are illegal, btw) Yet, the police are quick to arrest and hamper citizens screaming for financial reform and civil equality... (Demonstration is Legal btw) I dunno; I've genuinely tried to understand and accept them, but I got to the point where it was just futile. I should dig up my old college paper I wrote about Islam, I had a number of examples that show how the religion is built with fear and uncertainty to allow the powerful to control their populace. Ever see Saddam bow his head to Mecca? No you did not; and it was not because he forgot it was 3:00.