Friday, March 20, 2009

Why I Joined the Outdoor Bloggers Summit

I support the Outdoor Bloggers Summit

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"I was about to slap my partner on the shoulder, when I heard a "WOOF, WOOF, GRUNT!"

The unmistakable sound of something crashing through the palmetto, scattering undergrowth and all in its path, was heading straight for us. The guide, who was about to stick the hog, was startled and tripped over the hog on the ground in front of him, stumbling headlong into me, pocket knife coming dangerously close to neutering me. My friend, whiter than ever, was clutching the now useless rifle by the barrel, evidently intending to use it as a club in a futile last stand against the enemy.

I remembered my Ruger MKII and tried to grab it out of the cargo pocket."


Charged!!! Hog Hunting Adventures

That pretty much started my writing career, however you might define it. I always enjoyed spinning a good yarn, and writing is something that I've done on and off ever since 2nd grade at PS 89 when my article on cuttlefish got me published. My proud mother was certain that I was headed for a life as a literary giant. Though, I think she had Tolstoy in mind not Ranger Rasch the Rock Kommando and his Merry Band of Miscreants. (Mom, life's just not fair...)

I actually got into blogging through Todd Hill, my friend and knifesmith at Primitive Point. His blog really showed me that you could share ideas across the vast space of the net, and across continents.

That's how SBW, The Suburban Bushwacker, bumped into me. He was a Primitive Point fan also, and through his tutelage, advice, and friendship, I was able to grasp the complexities of the blogsphere. It was also through SBW that I found the Outdoor Bloggers Summit.

Wow!

I was trying to figure out when and where I first commented on the Outdoor Bloggers Summit. All I know is that there was a world of information available to me. The folks that were already members were more than willing to share important information, camaraderie, and a laugh.

When I think of all the wonderful people I've met through the OBS, I just consider myself very fortunate.

Folks like Holly at NorcalCazadora, Phillip over at The Hog Blog, guys like Mike owner of Native Hunt, Rick at Whitetail Woods and so many others that I communicate with frequently. These are people that I now consider my friends, each and every one of them. Without the Outdoor Bloggers Summit, I would never have met all those wonderful folks.

Kristine, Empress Over all that She Surveys, has also been at the forefront of my education and the vast improvement in The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles. Her diligent efforts in bringing us together, and finding guest bloggers that know their stuff, has been instrumental in many of our efforts to improve and grow. Holly has been my mentor as much as my friend. Othmar Vohringer has always had a kind word and good advice. And Phillip, who let a perfect stranger (Me) bunk with him at the SHOT Show, and then taught me how to break into the "World of Media."

When you join the Outdoor Bloggers Summit, you don't just join another little group of like minded people. No, you join and tap into a critical mass of people passionate about their explorations of the great outdoors. You get Doug's comments on hawking at Doug's Harris' Hawk Blog. Hodgeman shares his thoughts about Alaska and other expansive subjects, where else but at Hodgeman’s Thoughts. You get smart, capable women that can hold their own at Deer Passion, Borderland Adventures: Her Perspective, and of course, NorcalCazadora.

The Blogroll is a virtual who's who of real people that write real stuff.


Everyone is welcome to join the Outdoor Bloggers Summit. All you need is an abiding respect and passion for the outdoors.

Writing ability, on the other hand, is definitely optional...

So, what are you waiting for?

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Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Hunt Continues...

Whitetail Woods: Custom made Turkey Box Call

Friends,

My good friend and fellow reviewer, Rick Kratzke, has posted a great custom turkey call by Ed Blankinship of Gobbler's End Turkey Calls.

Whitetail Woods: Custom made Turkey Box Call

Check it out it looks like a real winner!

Regards,
Albert

Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Range Reviews: AGI Armorer's Course AR-15 Rifles

© 2009, 2010 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
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AGI Technical Manual & Armorer's Course AR15 DVD

You know, they say that the best investment you can make, is one that you make in yourself. And in these uncertain times, it is absolutely more true than ever. With the investment that many of us have made in our firearms, don't you think that knowledge is cheap insurance? With American Gunsmith Institute you invest in your skills and education at very reasonable prices.

When I received AGI's AR15 Technical Manual & Armorer's course, I eagerly tore the plastic off the DVD case and popped the disc in my computer. I have been looking forward to the opportunity to view American Gunsmith Institute material for a very long time, and when the opportunity to do so came, I jumped at it.

After spending ten minutes trying to get Windows Media Player to work right, I finally got to watch the DVD. Windows... Sheeeesh...

First things first, the DVD is digitally remastered from VCR tapes. So those of you that have only the very newest, you will find that the weapons themselves are a little dated. But other than stylistic changes to the AR15/ M16, there are no functional or mechanical differences between an M16A1 and M4. Bob Dunlap gives a very detailed and educational lecture along with a demonstration of working with and gunsmithing the AR platform. Bob is a down to earth type of narrator and instructor, so you won't get bogged down with jargon and technical discussions; but you will know the details when you're done.



The course is divided into:
  • History of the AR15: Bob delves into the history of the AR15, Armalite and Eugene Stoner.
  • Design and functions: Bob displays and explains how all the inner workings operate both individually and in concert with others.
  • Complete disassembly and reassembly: Bob tales us through a complete disassembly, from the bolt and gas tube, to the very last pin.
  • Proper cleaning and lubrication: AGI's own cleaning method is used and explained. Don't worry, it's not proprietary and I will be writing a post specific to their method, with a comparison to traditional methods.
  • Trouble shooting and repair: Bob covers all the usual suspects, and a few you might not be aware of.
  • Tuning Tips: Magazines, ramps, and barrels, extractors and ejectors; tips that you can use and perform easily.

Even if you are intimately familiar with the AR15 or the M4, an astute observer will pick up enough information to make his next AR that much more reliable and accurate.

The beauty of the DVD type courses is that you can refer back to a section with nothing more than a click of the mouse or remote control. Need to see how the bolt is assembled? Just go to that section and play it again. Forgot which spring went where? Check the included schematics.

The only thing that I think could stand some improvement is the schematics. They are taken directly from an Armalite AR-15 parts list. I think something a little more detailed and with better resolution would be better.

AGI has their Bulletproof Guarantee:

All of AGI's courses are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with any AGI video or product purchased directly from AGI, you may return it up to 90 days from the purchase date for a full refund (less shipping). The only question we will ask is "How did we fail you?"

How can you beat that?

I was pretty impressed with AGI's Technical Manual & Armorer's course, I learned quite a bit, to the point were I feel confident that I could take a box of parts, and put together a fully functional AR. I would rate this course a solid, definite buy for any AR owner.


And remember, it's made right here in the
United States of America!

AGI

AGI Technical Manual and Armorer's Course AR-15
MSRP: $39.95

This review can also be found at The Range Reviews: Tactical AGI Armorer's Course for the AR15

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Cheapest Ammo: Ammo Engine

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Here is a great site I found through my friends at the Firearms Blog:


Click on it, sort out whether you want handgun or rifle, and then choose your cartridge. It will list the retailers in which ever way you prefer.

The list is updated frequently. I was amazed at just how much prices have risen, I could conceivably trade some of my 458WM cartridges one to one, for really good cigars!

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Hunt Continues...

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

DoD Reverses Brass Destruction Policy

I just received the notification at 10:45 PM.

Thanks to all the folks that wrote, called or e-mailed their Senators and Congressmen, DoD has rescinded the order to mutilate all spent cases as of 16:30 hours on 3/17/09.

I was going to write a commentary on the DoD destruction order, and let everyone know about this backdoor attempt to limit firearms use, but for once the letters and calls did their job!

This proves once again, that as a united force, they can't stop us!


Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Hunt Continues...