tartanphantom

  For me, the best smoking briar (easiest break-in, driest, coolest smoke) is Algerian briar. However, it's not necessarily the best looking, due to higher instances of sand pits, which often require filling if they are on the pipe exterior. Sardinian briar is usually grown in less sandy soil (often simply found growing in mountain rock crevices), in a milder climate, and tends to be slightly harder than Algerian. The Sardinian briar often makes for more attractive pipes due to the straighter woodgrain and fewer sand pits in the briar... it's easier to work with than the Algerian in the sense that, although the Sardinian briar tends to have a more dense grain, there is usually less time spent filling in sand pits and there tends to be fewer natural "soft spots" in the wood-- however, if you aren't carving a smooth finish, then this really doesn't matter. A trade-off is that a pipe made of Sardinian briar usually has a longer break-in period, largely due to the wood density.

  You beat me to it-- I was gonna say that since the official custom Hi-Point holster was included, it looks like a great deal! :rofl: Keep in mind that the standard holster for these pistols is a pair of UnderArmor elastic-waist basketball shorts-- preferably with either a Cleveland Cavs, Miami Heat, or Chicago Bulls logo emblazoned on them.

Like most of the gambling odds in Las Vegas, this lifetime permit is specifically tailored for people with bad math skills.

I've been heavily into single malt scotch for well over 20 years now-- There was a time years ago when I even got special proprietor import bottlings through Fed Ex from an out-of-state collector's club (yes, I know that was considered a no-no under TN law ). I can say with some chagrin that I over the years I have probably passed more $$$ through my kidneys in the form of single malt scotch than I have spent on ammunition. :stunned:   Fine single malt should be served "neat" (straight with a splash) at reasonable room temperature, or at cellar temperature (no colder than 55 degrees)--with a splash or two of distilled water (or water from the distiller's source, which is pretty much impossible to get here in the USA). The water simply serves as a vehicle to liberate the nose of the scotch and give it "legs" in the glass-- not to cool it. If you nose (deep sniff) a glass of scotch before AND after adding a splash, you'll understand what I'm talking about. The small amount of water tames the alcohol in the aroma, and allows the aromas and flavors to come out ahead of the alcohol. Keep in mind that the goal is NOT to dilute the scotch, but merely "wake up" the flavors. However, a special case must be made for "cask strength" bottlings, as they have not been pre-cut (diluted) by the bottler... In this case, you may add slightly more water to taste, as it the additional water will be necessary to overcome the aggressive nose of the higher alcohol content-- a "cask strength" bottling will usually say so on the label, but if not, anything above 90 proof is generally considered "cask strength" in the scotch world. Also, if you're drinking single malt at a glass temperature above 55 degrees, you're missing the whole point of single malt-- the chill from ice substantially reduces the ability of your palate and your nose to detect and appreciate all of the flavor and aromatic subtleties in a good single malt.   I'm not saying this to put anyone down, but If you can't handle your scotch without ice or soda, don't waste money on Single Malts-- just buy a decent blended Scotch, (and don't pick it from the bottom shelf at the liquor store-- that's the cheap stuff). Drinking single malt over ice is like drinking port or cognac over ice... you just wasted your money-- but hey, it's your money.   LINKS2K-- the single malt scotch world is as diverse (if not moreso) as the world of wine. You can chart your own course unguided, but that can be rather expensive, especially if you start with scotch from the "wrong" region. What I mean is that scotch from the lowland distilleries  and the Speyside distilleries is very, very different as opposed to scotch from the Islay and Campbeltown distilleries. If you are a true neophyte when it comes to scotch, and you don't have an experienced person to help guide you, I would highly recommend buying a copy of The Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch by the late Michael Jackson (not THAT Michael Jackson!). The last edition was published in 2010, so it is still pretty up-to-date.   As a general rule, most beginners do not start with Islay or Campbeltown malts, as they can be rather brutal to the inexperienced palate. Lowland and Highland (Speyside) malts tend to be lighter in body and flavor than their western maritime (West Scotland) cousins, and are a very good place to begin your journey. The lowland scotches are a little less well-known in the US, but there are some good brands out there-- Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie being two of the more readily available.   As far as highland and Speyside (a specific highland scotch-producing region) whiskies go, There have already been a couple mentioned here-- Glenlivet and the Macallan, both of which are very fine representatives of the highland whisky style. Aberlour has also been mentioned, and it also happens to be one of my personal favorites for the money, and also happens to be the biggest selling single malt in France.   I'm not even going to get into recommending Islay or Campbeltown malts yet, because unless you are a true daredevil, it may put you off of scotch completely... ride the highland malt "tricycle" for a while before moving up to the Islay malt "Harley Davidson"... know what I mean?   One more thing-- don't get too hung up on the "age" of the scotch-- it's largely a marketing tool, and many times is a rather overrated yardstick, and often yields differences subject to the law of diminishing returns (and a diminishing pocketbook). That's not to say that different age bottlings of the same brand are not different-- they usually are-- however, if you are not experienced enough to detect the differences, then you haven't gained a whole lot, other than to say "I just spent $150 on this bottle of scotch..." To give you a parallel, It's pretty easy for even the most inexperienced smoker to tell the difference between a $1.00 cigar and a $10.00 cigar--- but telling the difference between an $10.00 cigar and a $25.00 cigar takes a little more experience, a little more money, and sometimes a little more foolhardiness.

Thanks all for the suggestions. Will give these places a call tomorrow and see if they can accomodate me.

Congrats. I've got one as well, with the frame-mounted Laserlyte. It's been an extremely reliable pistol for me, and I carry it quite a bit in the summer when clothes are lighter, as it's pretty easy to conceal due to the thin profile.   There were reports of the older ones having feed issues, needing fluff & buff on the feed ramp, etc... but never had that problem with mine, as it was made about 3 years into production. I've fed it all kinds of ammo, even the Tula you've got pictured-- with nary a problem. Never did like the grip checking though, I put a Pachmayr sleeve on mine and it's good to go-- super comfortable now. Never had a problem with the mag bottom biting me either, and I use both the standard and the +1 mags.   The slide lock IS stiff initally, but will loosen up some with use. Just don't use it as a slide release, as there are many instances of the lip of the lock notch on the slide wearing down from people doing that. Remember, its a slide LOCK, not a slide release. Just pull back on the slide slightly, then depress the slide lock before releasing. Sure, it's not as cool as letting the slide spring forward with just the press of a button, but it'll last much longer if you do it the "granny" way. :up:

Work has brought me to Chattanooga for the week... just pulled out my Gerber Firestorm to use it, and it is in dire need of a good sharpening.   Is there any place in town that can put a good edge on it for me? It's got one of those tricky little tanto blades with a straight/serrated combo blade edge. Yes, I know I could do it myself, but I'm away from home and that's not a practical answer at this time.   Any suggestions appreciated, thanks in advance.

I agree, JAB.

  Chipotle's products will keep me away long before I ever even see the gunbuster sign on their door. Love Tex-mex in general, but Chipotle's food is way overrated, and even if they encouraged legal carry I still wouldn't darken their door. But that's just me.

Check out the comments on the Tennessean article-- the "tolerant" crowd is practically pissing themselves in the comment section. Of course, the commensurate name-calling and insults are there too. I know it's wrong, but It's really hard not to gloat over these "blood-in-the-parks-it's-for-the-children-the-sky-is-falling Chicken Little types :panic: .   Must exercise restraint, though. Not gonna sink to their level. :whistle:

  OK now, stay classy, fella. :slap: ;)

  correct. Effective today.

read 'em & weep, gun grabbers.... it's a done deal. :up:   http://www.tennessean.com/story/insession/2015/04/24/haslam-decision-on-guns-and-parks-bill-could-come-friday/26297265/     I guess it's time to send Haslam a "thank you" note email on this one... whether he deserves it or not. Of course, it's highly likely that this is merely part of his plan to triangulate for a future senatorial seat, but that's another battle for another day. At least it's done.

  See? You're beginning to see the "progressivism" in its true light. :up: Modern Liberalism is truly a mental disability-- not at all grounded in pragmatic reality. Groupthink only enforces prejudicial tendencies and is but one step away from a lynch mob.

  Wow... you actually went there... :dunno:

Well, over the last year there has been an on-again/off-again rumor about Outpost Armory opening their own range, including both indoor and outdoor lanes. Don't know the status of it right now, but if it ever gets up & running there could be problems for other local ranges if they fail to adapt. (there is only ONE in Murfreesboro right now).

Yet another example of our "pro 2A" legislature passing something that "feels good" but does absolutely nothing when applied to the real world-- as if the mindless rabble of citizens can't do 3rd Grade multiplication. If we're going to clean house of the RINOS and their sycophants who prefer the status quo, it will take a massive organized effort across the entire state well before any actual election. And unfortunately, we will probably have to do it without the help of the NRA-- who apparently operates under the misconception that TN has "gun friendly" lawmakers. Sure, I know the NRA/ILA has bigger fish to fry in states like NJ, CA, NY, MD and IL, so I understand that TN is pretty low on the totem pole when it comes to 2A restoration issues... so we don't get their attention much. Judging by tepid legislative results of the last few sessions, TN is apparently fine the way it is from the NRA's viewpoint.

  My wife holds her "Well-Armed Woman" chapter meetings at On Target on the 3rd Tues. evening of each month. Since the group is ladies-only, I'm usually not there, but she has had me in a couple of meetings to speak on various topics such as firearm maintenance and longarms discussions, so ya never know...

Glad that the OP's  experience has improved. Now, if they would only bother to clean and service their rental firearms every now and then... "dirty" is an understatement for the ones I have handled there... almost to the point of being hazardous on a couple of the 1911's I attempted to use.

I was there all day today, won't be back again until Sunday due to a prior commitment, but I'll probably be sporting the same pigskin Miss. State cap as I have on in this (crappy quality selfie) pic w/ Cam Edwards:

  There maybe more truth the the second part of your statement than you think.

If the shuttles are run by MTA, they are not posted.

  IMO the best way to go... no need in showing your ass... or your sidearm. The last thing I want to see is a certain resident Tennessee pot-stirrer OC'ing an uncased AR15 on Broadway (cough cough L. Embody... cough cough) "just because he can". Even so, I'm slightly more apprehensive about out-of-staters coming to town packing heat without checking the state laws first for some of the more nuanced provisions. I mean, most of the laws & regs have been discussed here ad nauseum, but much of what seems like old hat to most of us may be surprising to the uninformed...

  The only thing that the CTD booth-workers will get from me is a head-shake and a disgusted Elvis sneer.     Freakin' ammo buzzards...

  from the NRAAM website:   "During the 2015 NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits, lawfully carried firearms will be permitted in the Music City Center with the proper license in accordance with Tennessee law. Bridgestone Arena prohibits the possession of firearms. When carrying your firearm, remember to follow all federal, state and local laws."     In other words, carry at the main convention center is OK if you have a permit, but carry at the Bridgestone arena is not permitted at all (mainly for the Alan Jackson concert, if you are going).   Still not clear if permitted carry at the convention center means fully loaded and holstered, or if (like many gun shows) they will make you check your ammo & mags/peacebond your firearm... haven't seen anything about this either way, I would be surprised if it was the latter, that kind of makes the concept of carry pretty pointless.