bigbill

I was never interested in the ak 47 until I seen the brand new Russian mishmash saiga sporter that's manufactured in the same building as the ak 47 by the same people. The saiga feels a tad rough at first action wise but once you lube the action and sear with moly it feels like a different gun and the action and trigger is so smooth. Remember the saiga is a brand new Russian ak47 in a sporter version. I love mine. I have a 16" barrel and a 22" barrel in 308win for hunting. I never shot an ak 47 till I shot the saigas. The Russians at izmash believe the 308 & 223 are a tad more accurate over the Russian calibers they think it's the design of our brass case. Shooting 1 1/2" groups with a 16" barrel using surplus ammo is awesome for a ak 47. There are a lot of new bolt action rifles that can't do that. With better ammo the saigas in the American calibers will shoot 1/2" moa' s and even better at 100yds. The 1/2" moa' s have been reported with new over the counter ammo. The tighter groups have been with quality reloads. If you still live in a free state where an ak 47 can still roam free I'd say get a saiga. I would wait till they import them again soon there is a premium price on them right now. Do not miss out on this fun rifle. It's the hottest gun to hit our shores since the sks. Bill Btw, When I talk about shooting tight groups I make sure it's no fluke. I shoot the first group the my son has to shoot the next tight group either equal or better to mine before I accept it and post it.

The Russian ak47 design has to be one of the baddest rifles I have ever shot. The rotating bolt reminds me of the bolt in the m1 garand. The gas piston design on the bolt carrier has been around for a while used in different rifles The svt-40 tokarev and the sks use the gas piston designs. The rotating bolt allows the fired case to be removed sooner as it rotates when it leaves the chamber. I think the design of the ak47 rifle was made by taking bits and pieces from other rifles and making the design even better. The Russian izmash saiga sporters are a brand new sporting rifle. Your buying a brand new Russian rifle not some importers butchers rework. With its sheet metal stamped receiver and chromed line bore and chamber she can shoot 1 1/2" groups at 100yds with no scope in 308win. That's really impressive. Using surplus 308 ball ammo.

I'm 63yo but I feel like a kid when I have a bass on.

The Rapala Orginal Floater is still one of my favorites. You can reel it slow, jerk it or let it sit any way we present it she'll work. The rapala orginal minnow in the countdown in blue & yellow jointed we can drop it till it stops them get jiggy with it. The bass love this jointed lure. I use this off a low bridge were I know a hole or pocket in the rocks is. There's a bass there every time I hit that spot. I'm sure it will work when the bass are suspended under the boat too. Any floating crankbait can be used topwater. In the low light as it gets dark I put on a Norman thin N in chartreuse killer. Cast it out let it sit and just twitch it. During the satellite I use the bomber FAT A or model A in redapplecraw and pause over the open weed pockets and twitch it. It pulls everything out of the submerged weeds. The rapala glass shad rap. I just cast it out and reel it slow. With spooks I hold the rod tip down and reel it slow. Making the spook run under the water. Once it's under the water I twitch it making it dart every which way and erractic. Don't forget the scents

You know I feel really like Santa just because of the smiles I get when I give them little things. I been married for forty years in the spring. I'm still working on my marriage to keep it a success. It never stops let's face it. I try to stop and listen more lately. I make sure it's all good. I can never figure out what she really likes or wants with her being an accountant she's cheap and won't spend money. We all just surprised her on her 60th birthday. My kids wanted to pay but dad picked up the $1,000 tab for the birthday bash with family and friends plus coworkers. It meant more than money to me. We really kept it under wraps for a month too that was hard. She never bothers me about any of my hobbies. She's a great mother to my children, a great partner to me. She keeps both of my feet planted on the earth. Remember you get out of a marriage/partnership what we put into it. God bless, bill

Our grandsons and granddaughters if you have any yet, I don't have granddaughters yet. But my point is I haven't seen the grandson in a while Once he was as tall as the lighted Santa. Now he's a head taller than santa. They grow so fast now is the fun time to spend with him. He's asking me to take him fishing already. I purchased him a short rod with a spincast reel. He also has a 5' rod with a spinning reel too. I hope he breaks the record for lmb. Merry Christmas, gotta go I smell my stromboli cooking already. Tonight we party, tomorrow is the feast, on Thursday it's why did we eat so much. I love the holidays for the gatherings and foods but it's so commerical in some ways. Enjoy happy holidays if that works too. I'm going to have my first drink in fourty years with my son.

Yes I know but it's still designed here. I worked for one of the top ten successful companies in the world and you need to take risks and stay motivated to compete. Remember most of the new ideas in technology came from the USA. I built 25 Inc machines that load and unload themselves thru robotics, there all connected by computerized cars on train track. There isn't a human on the machine floor. This is what I mean by making changes and upgrading your out put numbers in production. The company decades ago was caterpillar that's why there on top today. The old saying is you snooze you lose. Bill Now with all my life's experiences and knowledge why can't I land that new state record that I have had my hook in so many times now. I'm looking for your guru knowledge for doing that. For I'm into bass so bad as I am into building things. I just bought all new equipment and I'm waiting for spring. I'm going to practice as soon as the ice is off testing and adjusting every lure so it runs perfect. I have better quality tuned rods for a harder hook set. I'm using supercast reels which allows me to run heavier line so I can still cast farther from shore. Now is my time the moon, the planet's will be all in my favor. I can feel the force. "Luke I'm not your father"(star wars)sorry. I'm going to fish as hard as my body will allow I "GOTS" to do this soon.

I even went to dabble in gun smithing too lately. Failure is no an option. I was in charge of the test lab floor and designed and fabricated stuff on my own with nothing n paper to go by. I cut down the design time by freeing up the engineers to do there r&d work while I handled the test part of it. This was way easier than building 200,000lb machines and picking up 400lb parts by myself. We have lot that fly by the seat of your pants engineering. There so scared and held back by there own fear of failure in front of there peers. I could careless. They were so jealous of me the trained me on the CAD system but wouldn't let me use it. As a kid I made toys out of shirt cardboard tape and glue. I made a snowblower from an erector set. When they wouldn't let me design on the CAD system I went back to my roots as a kid and drew up my parts on paper and cut them out so they interfaced and fitted into each other. Time wise I kicked there butts anyway. We have lost that get out of my way designing. When they spoke about a design or an idea I had flash cards going on in my mind. I had the design down by the time I got to the lab. They feared me rather than use me to my full potential. I never peaked. Right now with all my experiences in welding, fabrication, machining and hydraulics I'm bulding a front end loader and backhoe for my international harvester 154 tractor. After being sick this year I will finish it in the spring. My oldest son has two degrees in engineering and I been educating him with the hands on. My youngest son too. I'm teaching them you can do anything in life that you put your mind too. Success is in your hands just stay motivated and see it though. I'm a high school dropout who never gave up. I was smart but quit school to make money so we could eat. I got my GED without studying. I was college material but we had no money to send me. Making those little card board toys as a kid made my mind develop. I was aways into designing things and making them. I do regret not going to school but the desire for success comes from within. Never say it can't be done I remember hearing those words so many times when I have it already halfway done in my shop. I would laugh every time someone told me I couldn't do it. What has America become? I lost so many good paying jobs to cheaper imports mainly because the American companies refuse to change there ways to compete. I worked only three months per year in '83, '84 & '85. I made only 10k per year with three kids to look at me to support them. They were little but all ate like me. This made the fire rage inside me when I got job at Otis and became the group leader in the lab. The change was now in my control. After them sending me to all the American welding society courses to learn everything about fabrication it was my turn to give something back. I speeded the build process up for testing the new designs. I could make big changes starting on Friday night's working the weekends so they could test on day mornings. To be number 1 in the world you have to work hard to stay creative and remain number 1. It was up to me to get back at all the imports that got me laid off in the past. This unseen war started in '83 during or first recession it should of been a wake up call for everyone. I could see what was happening but it fell on deaf ears. At Otis I told my boss to handle the inside politics and let me do the work. It worked. It's a tough world out there to compete in when most people don't want to work. There is no carrot held out in front of them. There's no drive to win. They sit back and say, accept this is all I'll ever be and all I'll ever have. There's no motivation or drive to become better at something. My Dad always said to be the best you can be at something, give it your all and it will pay off. God bless, bigbill

I been buying up the US reel supercasters in baitcasters and spinning reels. Because the company is for sale plus the product makes sense to me. I collect different fishing stuff too. I'm going after some made in the USA ardents too. I kind of have my own fishing museum from early steel fishing rods, collapsible steel fly rods to bamboo rods to the early 60' 70's stuff.

Don't forget the awesome foods tonight and the homemade pasta and prime rib roast tomorrow. Oh God I have to put up smelling all this stuff cooking. Yep a smaller sized dish will help this year maybe.

When I worked for Otis Elevator World Headquarters Engineering we developed and tested other designs from all are engineering groups from around the world here in the USA. Then it was send to other countries for manufacturing. We have manufacturing in many countries even China. It's survival of the smartest. I never seen a company life test there products like this before they go out to serve the public. Sometimes I got to have fun like working on Disney's tower of terror project. I've had a lifetime of fun building things from rebuilding machines, to building 200,000lb lathes with 144" chucks, to 155mm howitzers for the US army, to machines that manufactured parts for the m1 Abrams chrysler tank, to elevators that move millions of people. Boy it was a fun life. I built machines that we're accurate to the millionths. There isn't one thing you don't touch everyday that I had something to do with. I made machines to machine disc brakes for every car manufacturer in the world even sent lathes to China. Too bad our free enterprise system is our downfall. The only thing made in America is our children. Thank God no country can copy that yet. Life went by so fast.

We make Italian sausage from pork butts. But we didn't grind some of it we either shredded it and cut some chucks. The real Italian sausage is different than the store bought stuff.

I bought my 3 1/2yo grandson a new rod setup first. Then I got him all the RC construction equipment I could buy. I had his dad make 3/4" square blocks We can load them in the dump truck. Old grandpa is going to play with the grandson for sure. It's just entry level RC stuff. It's more hands on dexterity for the kid. I'll be buying a little dirtbike soon.

Merry Christmas to everyone here and to there families. Enjoy the reason for the season. It's a time for bonding with family and friends. Don't forget to play with the kids and there toys.

Why do they hunt deer during the rutting season? The bucks get preoccupied and stupid. There's truth in what you say man is no different. Bill

I just crack myself up and laugh at everyone inside. My wife's girlfriend is like a sister to me that I never had. I went birthday shopping for her and gave her boots similair to uggs. I gave her and my wife nice warm Browning socks, rings (not expensive) insulated gloves and hats. I just want them to be warm so they don't get sick. I'm just being nice and thoughtful. Of course everyone has there minds thinking bad thoughts. But I gave my daughter and my two daughter in laws the same thing. Now I'm going to my cancer center with some wristwatches to do a grab of gifts for the techs that we're nice to me for my cancer radiation treatments. I bought some biker stuff for one of the gals there who rides Harleys and takes kids fishing too. I'm being really nice to everyone this year. I laugh inside when I can tell what people are thinking. I guess it's human nature. I been also bringing the gals at the cancer center Bridgewater chocolate too every so often to say thanks for the way they treated me. These aren't cheap chocolates but I want to say thanks and I'm still here because of what they do. The cost means nothing. It's the new friends I have made. What's wrong to being nice to people who treat you nice. Does it have to make rumors fly? How can people be so ignorant? Merry Christmas, God bless, remember Jesus is the reason for the season. Bill

In my tackle room I use the adjustable strip shelving. I mainly use the 12" brackets on them with 3/8" plywood cut in 12" wide strips 8'long. I use the large green spinner bait boxes for storage. I also have labeled cardboard boxes for my over stock. I also use 18 tackle boxes for my first line defence. Five of the tackle boxes are an assortment of everything. They go fishing with me. My vertical rod rack holds 36 rod setups ready to go. I still need another rod rack. They keep on saying the world will end whenever? I have enough tackle so the future generations can still bass fish. And eat too it's just the old boy scout in me. Got matches?

Since my 145# female rottie passed away, part of me died with her. She was an awesome partner. She could talk to you with her eyes. I been thinking of getting a rottie female pup and try giving her all the love I gave the first one to see if I can get another one who is friendly too. It would be more exercise too walking it. I'd have to wait for the two kittens I took in that no one wanted to get bigger so the pup doesn't chew on them. I may look for an adult rottie in a shelter first maybe.

I been buying up the hard body and soft body swimbaits. No room in any of the 17 tackle boxes. Im going after number 18# now. the stock market is going to fall soon when I stop buying and start saving money for sure. Im maxed out on all fishing stuff. I figure with the water shed nearby I can feed the family and neighborhood if I had too.

The first time I tried these I was hooked on the 1/8OZ Carolina rig with a 24" leader. The fish were hooked too. They kind of make me lazy just letting them fall. Fishing facts 101; You know split shot fishing with black rubber worms in the weeds gives me time to eat lunch.

Im ready for spring bass fishing. All new lews rods, new spinning and baitcaster reels, my tackle boxes are cleaned, washed and restocked. I never been this ready??? I cant wait to try all the new stuff out. Ill be out there practicing as soon as the ice is off. The weather is playing games temperature wise so I cant go ice fishing yet. Id like to get on the inusulated hunting clothes and just sit there jigging. A good coffee in one hand and a burger in the other. Just out there enjoying nature during the stick season on a ice cube. Bill Merry Christmas, Tis the season and jesus is the reason. Godbless. For some reason my misses just got rid of our piano that came with the house. I think Santa is bringing me a new recliner. Oh man I can watch TV horizontal in the living room. Cant wait. I been looking at the RC construction equipment for the grandson, heck I want those too they look like fun? The difference between men and boys is the price of there toys.

Been there done that on somedays your not alone. I been using the bore sighters but I just purchased the lazer bore sighters and they work awesome. To get some rifles on paper were we cant use a bore sighter in the past before the lazers we used a spotter who watched the 100yd berm to see where its hitting and adjust it close so we could put it on paper. Most of the time now im zeroed in three shots. With my 338wm the last two shots I took the X out by putting two bullets thru the same hole. Benchrested of course. Shes my bear rifle.

I purchased many lures at discounted prices that are awesome designs but there colors were blah looking. Plus I added some pike sized lures and sent them all to Terry Clark custom lures and had him work his magic. My only problem is they look so awesome I'm not sure wether to frame them or fish with them. There sitting here in a box till I deceide what to do with them. His work, talent looks great. I turned the dull pike sized lures into big bass lures.

I'm in the 320's now from close to 400# when I started. I lost 60# years ago riding a 78 husqvarna 390cr motocross dirtbike in 3 months. I hammered this bike or should I say it hammered me. Bike #1 vs human #0. Then I stopped riding for 10 years. The weight piled back on little by little. Now my doctor is screaming at me to get back on the dirtbike. If he only knew we are doing 100mph down the straights in 6th gear and still when I wick it the front wheel is in the air. The rush is like landing my 10# bass only slower and safer. Next I'll try the gym while looking for a 500cc motocross bike to build. The dirtbike works every muscle group. I started riding with my youngest son to keep him out of trouble and busy doing something. I was having him chase me for a while but then I was trying to catch him. In his first two hare scramble netra races he came in 11th on his first race of 40 racers and 6th in his second race. I knew the kid was fast but I didn't tell him. I just kept pushing him. My point is to quietly get involved with your son or daughter and ride to lose weight. I have to hit the gym next I'm sure they will laugh at me. That's ok. I'll ride again in the spring. Right now 300# is my goal by spring. Getting to 250# is my goal for next year. It's very hard when your misses is a great cook. A smaller sized dish helps.

Stitch were truly blessed right now we made it thru all the mile stones to Christmas brother and In looking beyond now brother were golden. Just when things looked dark and gloomy for us the brightness of our Lord and savior came though and blessed us and gave us a second chance. We caught the football of life and we have to run with it. My point is to set new goals and go for the gusto of what life has to offer us. Don't forget our awesome support group here and at home. My big thanks to all of them. Don't forget to hug them all everyday, tell them you love them everyday. Now just go out and enjoy life "everyday". Our creator listened and took care of us. God bless, bill