ReeferMac

My wife has the Ruger and I've shot it many times, it's a good gun! Doesn't like wimpy ammo, I've shot some lighter loads on it and it didn't eject well. Quality factory rounds or full-power loads with 124 gr. bullets all fired fine. - K

LOL! I got to use an AR with one a while back when Fighting Sheep Dog hosted a Toys for Tot's drive out at Windrock.... Man, what a blast! Clearly though, once you have one, you have to get a complete set. I have a hard enough time affording Ammo as it is, can't imagine what I would go through...

Is this a great group of people or what? ..... And why does it seem everyone but me has suppressors?!

Ditto Sidecarist. My job can and will blow up the phone 7-days a week. You have to set the limits because your employer won't. They will constantly push for more. - K

One of the greatest lessons ever taught to me was to think for myself. -K

Try Simethicone!

Welcome. You are one special lady. He is a lucky guy. Ditto on the range date idea, and getting your permits together. My wife and I did. Make that your gift. Best advice I got about picking out a gun was to go to one of the nicer/larger local gun stores with a range (NOT Academy, Dicks, Bass Pro, etc.), and try every damned one in the case they will let you. Eventually one or some will stand out and you will know which one to buy. Getting the wrong one is an expensive mistake. - K

I like going into Buds to fondle all the exotic and expensive rifles I would otherwise never get to see up close!

The boys over at Vol Market #3 are former Marines, always open carry, on the edge of a rough part of town.... Nary a problem with the locals, and they cash checks (aka - lots cash in the register). Funny how that works?

Please report back here how it goes. Always been curious.... - K

If it's possible, consider renting a place for a year before buying a home, to see if you really like an area (easier than moving!) When we were looking to move down here, we visited several times, and even put an offer in on one place (never worked out). Glad it didn't, as we ended up on the other side of town. We have now purchased land and are building a house, but 45 minutes away from where we first started shopping. Now that we've been here 3 years, I'm glad it worked out the way it did.

LOL@ Different planet. It's funny, takes a while to get used to everyone waving, and the first few times someone chat's you up at the grocery store will be unsettling. It is a nice change of pace, though. Learned to slow down and take it easy real quick. The left-lane drivers will make you nuts, however. We looked at Southern Blount county area (near Maryville), gorgeous views, still some good land available 'cheap'. Oak Ridge is more urbanized and older, so it's a different environment than the surrounding towns. If you make a trip down again give a shout and we'll get lunch! I actually found a fair pizza place in Oak Ridge w/ a former NY'er behind the counter. Little Nicky's got a decent NYC style pie. - K

Well hello there Knifemaker, where 'bouts in Yankee'dom you hailing from? Originally from Buffalo/Rochester area myself, moved down here 3 years ago. It's been great! We're living a little outside Knox, west side on Watt's Bar lake, but I commute to town for work, it's not too bad. Give me a shout if you have any questions. Would HIGHLY recommend visiting this area to get to know the area's, the suburbs are all a little different, each with it's own charm, and it would suck to relocate 800 miles, only to wish you'd bought on the other side of town. - Kevin

I have one of the Ruger American .22's, great little bolt gun. If I'm on my game, I can hit 9 out of 10 at 100 yds on the steel range at the club.

That's what I carry, and am satisfied with it's accuracy.The shooter I think needs more practice than the gun in my case, LOL! - K

This is where I started to believe the calls and stories for the 'end of the American Empire". Much like happened to Rome, I didn't want to believe it, but heard someone say/write (and I'm paraphrasing here), but when the laws cease to be about protecting the people, you know you're nearing the end of the line. This may not be the best example, however it is one of many, where your gut just says things ain't right. Have trust in your instincts, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Ditto, was a very good book. I think the author had another one I found interesting as well.

My local library has up to 8 or 9 I think? I heard the quality waned as they got higher, but so far they're very interesting to read. I sorta wish some of these old folks were still around, would love to learn some of their crafts and trades.

D'oh! Bash and C-shell both have a simple function to do that, but... Winblows systems need not apply.

The Foxfire Book Series

Welcome! That is a beautiful part of the state. I get up there for work a few times per month.

Correction. This is a GREAT group to be associated with! (Glad it all worked out.... now sign your son up for an account at your credit union). - K

Thank you Sir!

I know it hasn't been that long, but it's fairly worn from all the use and washings..... Can we request a reprinting of the 2nd Amendment T-shirts w/ TGO Logo (What part of the "Shall not be infringed don't you understand")? I usually get a lot of compliments when wearing it, but it's fading and getting holes in it. Would love to order another one or two, if it were possible? Thanks. - Kevin

Agree on the issue of critical mass RockHopper. Too many people are ignorant and stupid these days, as a result of the indoctrination routine called "Education". Critical thought and self examination are not merely left untaught, but actively discouraged. Just do what you're told and take this simple math problem that's been unnecessarily complicated and solve it the way you're told - no credit if you don't do it the right way, we are concerned with process, not results! I moved to the great state of Tennessee 3 years ago, from similar circumstances you describe up in NY. I had heard it for years, but it took me a long time to understand and appreciate the concept of 'voting with my feet'. Don't be afraid, it's really not as bad as it seems, and frankly, after the fact now, I can't believe I didn't do it sooner. Wish I would have, would have been easier on the kids! By your description, it sounds like that's no longer a concern for you.... so do it. Get the *&^#! out of dodge, and move somewhere you are welcome. If enough people do so, then those states, area's, regions, neighborhoods, will achieve 'critical mass', and be able to defend against the issues you express concern over.