Shorty

Bass Pro in Memphis was loading the shelves when I was there about a hour ago. Had a bunch of Win SXZ in 9, .40 and .45

I like the Gerber Suspension too. The tools actually lock into place which is a nice feature to me.

I have a squirrel highway in my backyard (power lines) should an alternate meat source be needed. Raccoon has never been high on my "I want to eat" list

I just got a Vortex Viper last week. Not the same, but like you said, their products seem to be a good quality. That warranty is nice too. I haven't had a chance to mount it yet, but I played around with it a little freehand and it was nice and clear on all magnifications. I'd like to know how your SPARC works for you just to see the overall quality of their product lines since this is my first experience with Vortex.

I've had mine for about a year now. I've had no problems out of it, but I have the standard clips. Holds my Kimber nice and secure.

Nice pistol. I almost bought one of those, but ran across a used Tactical Pro II at a decent price right before ordering. Fits my hand like it was meant for me. You'll love yours.

I know you don't need them now, but you mentioned Mountain House earlier. They have a heater pouch (Mountain Oven) that comes with 5 heaters in it. I found a few at Dick's Sporting Goods last summer. Their website says they still make them but I don't see them everywhere that sells the meals. They don't cost much either so maybe you'll have another option the next time you need a meal heater.

Isn't there something that the hearing impaired use that is similar to the blinking light idea for when the doorbell/ phone rings? Couldn't you modify that to work with the alarm?

Just my opinion, but I would look for a place to rent in East Memphis. Midtown has small houses, some of the neighborhoods aren't that great (its Memphis) and its full of hippies . Don't get me wrong its not a bad area, you'll just either feel very comfortable there or you wont (its an artsy part of town). As for jobs, that's a tough one. With a Sociology degree you could try Youth Villages, the VA, maybe St Jude or try doing a contract position somewhere until you find something better.

You could always try the TBI too. I think there is a location over in/around Shelby Farms (in Memphis). If you put your resume on the FBI website, you can get them to send you job openings in whatever state of your choosing (non-Special Agent positions).

Not part of the FBI but I read up on it before I applied. From what I was able to gather, they can take a while to respond to your application if they decide they want to interview you, there are basic physical requirements to pass (push ups, sit ups, etc) before you can be sent to the academy (the higher the score the better) and if I remember correctly, they wanted a few years of professional experience (ie "real" job) before you apply. Its been a while since I looked into it, but that's what I can think of off the top of my head.

From what I can remember from going to these places... - Memphis Zoo Can't carry - Graceland Don't know - Memphis in May Seriously doubt it considering the massive security/police force - The Civil Rights Museum Don't know - Pink Palace Museum Can't carry - Peabody Hotel (the ducks) Maybe - Beale Street Can't carry

Thanks for the input guys. This is just going to be an intermediate scope while I save up for something better and to get used to shooting the rifle (it came in today ). I've seen a few other reviews and most people seem to pretty happy with them. I'm not dead set on a Vortex, but I'm leaning that way the more I read on them.

I've read a couple of first hand reviews on another forum but it was hard to judge the quality since they all seemed to be "experts". I did manage to find this review which was more helpful. Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 review | Scopes and Optics Reviews | Gunmart 6.8AR- Did you order from their site or another vendor?

Anybody have any experience or heard anything about Vortex scopes, more specifically their Viper line? I'm looking for something decent and relatively inexpensive(~$500) to start with until I can afford to upgrade to something nice. It will mostly be used for target shooting (100 out to 600yds) on a Rem 700 for now, but I may use it for hunting occasionally. Any input?

If your Fire department doesn't have it, look into your Police/Sheriff's department. Our Sheriff's department has a volunteer Emergency Services division. They teach you pretty much the stuff you are looking for plus a few other things in a 3-4month training course. Their only requirement for training is so many hours per month service. Here's their site so you can get an idea. I was going to do it but couldn't get a physician's sign off in time. Emergency Services

Simmer down Cujo. Going to see about getting it (or at least ordered) this weekend.

The only Kimber I have ever handled is mine, but assuming breakdown is similar, you don't need a "tool" exactly. A paper clip works just fine.

Thank you, thank you

I just got this one last week to replace my old knife. Nothing fancy but I like it.

Ive never looked into it for my 1300 since I use mine for hunting and skeet, but if it were me I would consider looking for a shorter barrel for it. Just my opinion, but I wouldn't want to be trying to maneuver in a house with that long barrel. I keep 00 buck in my home gun. A friend of mine keeps turkey loads in his.

That would be Hellboy? Try "You know what the gourmet here wanted? Hotdogs! You know what they're made of, Chet? Huh? Lips and a**holes!"

If you go looking for choke tubes, make sure you go before any of the "bird" seasons. The last time I went around turkey season, I couldn't find squat. And watch out for the wooden dowel when you go to take it out. The spring will launch it out of there if you don't have your hands on it.

I wouldn't say .357 is too much for your wife. I took my girlfriend to the range and she shot a GP100 and absolutely loved it. We bought some .38 just to compare and she actually preferred the .357.

Good job on the weight loss. I haven't been running like I was when I was training for my half marathon so I've had the slow creep. That's about to change. If you are using those prepared meals as part of your diet, pay attention to the sodium. Those types of foods tend to be higher in salt to make up for the loss of taste from reducing the fat.