I took this shot of the famous Catalina Casino from the Descanso Beach side – a side not regularly seen since this is not visible in the town of Avalon. Click for the big picture.
Read the Fine Print
Last summer, we bought some Winchester© shotshells in both 12 and 20 gauge in, 2¾”, #8 shot. They were a bargain at Wal-Mart, so why not? We got 250 rounds of 12 gauge and 20 gauge. They were packaged as Winchester “Universal” loads.
When we finally took them to the range and started using them for target practice, both gauges gave us problems with jamming in the barrel, misfeeding, failing to eject and generally a nuisance to deal with at the range. We used all three of our Remington 870s and experienced the same problems with each.
Image right: the fine print – click to enlarge.
This was printed on the box:
Universal loads are a great value, ideal for dove, quail, grouse and recreational target shooting.
…
Try Universal ammunition for fun and practice. Then, when you’re ready to do some serious hunting or target shooting, pick up a box of Winchester Super-X®, Supreme® or our famous AA® Target Loads.
Let me see . . . “When you’re ready … serious …” – get some real ammo?
I did some research and found that in the forums here and there, shooters out there had the same problems. No more “universal” for us. No fun shooting with so many mishaps.
Remington and Estate game loads (number 7, 7½ or 8 shot) have seldom, if ever, given us problems.
The Orchid Slide Show
Out of the photo album from last weekend, I present the Orchid Slide Show. Sadly, this is but a few of the many beautiful orchids that we saw at the show.
Hen and Chicks with Gun
Check out this interesting still-life that Damsel composed last April. I have been looking through some of the old photos as I transfer them to a recently-acquired mass storage external drive. I saw this one among them and thought it was quite nice. Click for the wallpaper/screen-saver size.
The Orchid Show
Yesterday, we went to the recycle center to redeem paper, aluminum cans and plastic bottles. Just across from the center, is the Botanic Garden; we noticed that the Orchid Show and sale were in progress this weekend! I don’t know how we overlooked it, since we have gone to every show for the last several years.
By the time we made the discovery, we were already committed to a full Saturday. If we’re going to go this weekend it would have to be Sunday – and (gasp) forego our weekly session on the shooting range. So, we bit the bullet (sorry) and went to the garden and show this morning.
We weren’t disappointed. The orchids were all beautiful, both those in the show and those for sale in the patio. I bought a nice phalaenopsis for less than half what you would pay in a retail store. I took this picture while transporting it to our home. Click for big.
Pete Talk
Pete Brownell, the third-generation Brownell to be president of Brownell’s, a major gunsmithing and firearms supply firm, posts an important message for firearms enthusiasts.
September 26, 2008
Pete Talk About GunsDear Folks,
This year we’re facing one of the most pivotal Presidential elections in our country’s history and certainly one of the most hotly contested races in modern memory. These next 2 weeks are weeks of “Last Chances” as the election comes even closer on November 4. As all of you know, if you’re not registered you can’t vote. (Some states do allow same-day registration but to stay on the safe side, I’d go ahead and get it done if you haven’t already.)
If the past two Presidential elections are any indication, this years race will almost certainly come right down to the wire once again. The days of Reaganesque landslides are over. When you hear folks say that they don’t vote because their one vote won’t make a difference well…they do and just a handful of votes have decided who won the Presidency. Get out and register: it doesn’t matter if you affiliate yourself with the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, the Independents or any other party. Register and take a good hard look at each candidates views on the issues that impact you, and our industry the most. One of the most valuable items you’ll ever receive in your lifetime is that voter registration card.
Read the rest of Pete’s remarks.
Get your fellow sportsmen and shooters to register and vote – It’s really important this time.
Cross-posted at The Wandering Minstrel.
Contented
Going through the electronic photo album, I ran across this image of “Bear,” our Lab-Shep family companion. She just finished her “Frosty-Paws” doggie ice cream treat and rolled onto her back in her characteristic gesture of contentment. After a tough week on Wall Street, this is something we should all do – have some fun and be contented. Click the image for big.
