Growing up in West Texas my little brother ran with a pretty unique group of guys. It seemed like they were always into crazy things and spent more time playing than working. I figured none of them would amount to much, but as time went by most of them adapted to normal lives and became a part of civilization as the rest of us know it. One of the guys was developing a talent for drawing and through the years I would see a pencil drawing or something else that he had done and realized they were pretty good. I lost contact with this group for many years until just a short time ago when I received an email from my brother asking me if I liked any of the wildlife prints he had just acquired from an artist. The pictures of the prints from the originals were beautiful. I mean these things are the kind of drawings that become Duck Stamps, Conservation Stamps and Outdoor Magazine Covers. I really like the artists work and wanted to know who it was that had done these beautiful waterfowl. I was really surprised to find out it was Ben Beaty of Houston, Texas. What a talent he has become through the years. Ben, I just thought I would tell you and others you have come far in your skill. If you like Ben’s work he can be contacted at the following address.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
A Texas Wildlife Artist with Talent
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Today's AR-15 Black Rifle
I have recently become a fan of the AR-15 rifle. It is the civilian version of the military’s M-16 rifle. It fires one round with each pull of the trigger. With all the advancements it is rapidly becoming the rifle of choice for many predator and varmint hunters. The number one requirement for a varmint rifle is accuracy and one does not automatically think of the AR-15 as accurate or at least most used to not. With the new free floated barrels and the proper rifle twist for the bullet weight many shoot well under MOA. The AR-15 also has very little recoil because of the gas action and buffer spring system.
I recently purchased my first one and the females in my family have laid claim to this rifle that many call an assault rifle. It is the perfect rifle for someone that does not want recoil and wants to be able to see the bullet impact the target. It also allows for a follow up shot without having to take ones head away from the scope as there is nothing to bolt or lever.
A friend of mine recently assembled his own custom AR-15 from parts available from several major companies. This way he was able to build exactly what he wanted. Since my daughter will be shooting mine this fall I think I will go the assembly route and try to save a little money. I want to build a lightweight model but with a 16” stainless steel barrel and lightweight stock. I want it rifled 1 turn in 9 inches for accuracy with 50-60 grain bullets. I am choosing the flat top model receiver so that I can mount a scope on the rifle. I have already ordered my parts so I feel I can give you some links to parts suppliers. I got nothing free from any of them but made my choices based on reviews and opinions of others that had used their parts in the past. You can buy all the parts and assemble them yourself or just order a completed upper half and lower half. Then you just put the two together and you’re ready to go hunting. Remember the lower receiver is considered a firearm and must be sent to your dealer or have the dealer order it for you.
Have fun building your own. Wild Ed
http://www.midwayusa.com/
http://www.rockriverarms.com/
http://www.model1sales.com/
http://rguns.net/