Coach

A while back I was researching the barrel break in process, and it seemed then that nobody could really articulate what it *actually* did. Some were of the opinion that it was a gimmick by barrel manufacturers that actually led to faster erosion, others swore by it but couldn't really give a good explanation of exactly how the break-in process improved the steel. I would love to hear from the guys on here who really know the truth about barrel break-in, and why/if it really is important.

Thanks Gino. Friday turned out to be a cluster...well, let's just say it didn't work out that well. I was trying to buy a boat, met the guy at Roosevelt and within 2 minutes on the water the steering system disintegrated. Off to the mechanic, guy still wanting me to "make an offer"... I really appreciate your willingness to hang on to stuff that you are trying to clean out. I'll give you a call this week.

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to let this one pass. It's a good looking boat, great motor, but as you guys have pointed out, it has not been maintained well, and already shows signs of a boat that will take more money to keep on the water than I would like.

Everybody had zipper issues with the Primos Vision. You can see the same comments all over if you search the web. Aside from that, they're a great blind for the money.

Hey Gino, were you able to set aside a couple racoon traps? I will be passing through Payson mid-day tomorrow. I'll give you a call.

That is a REALLY nice looking mount. Very life-like. Great looking mount for a great deer.

They sure love F250s. Mine was stolen twice. The first time right from the parking lot at Sea World. It turned up in Tijuana in surprisingly good shape. The second time sheriff’s deputies chased the thief through some nasty country somewhere down around Saguaro Lake. Once my truck was beaten to crap, the guy got out and ran. Thankfully, they totaled it.

I saw one near Pinedale last year for the first time. Very cool looking doe.

Didn't make it out, but planning to try out a new spot this day after tomorrow. A lot of hiking, but maybe we'll get away from the crowds.

Holding my breath for the MSM to run this....gasp....

I'm in the same boat. I want to get a good wall tent, but I'm also looking at the Alaknak. There is something to be said about sleeping in a quality wall tent. Some guys I know and hunt with have a nice canvas wall tent and every hunt, as a tradtition, the guys will sign the tent with their outcomes. It's unofficially called "camp cantaloupe" because of one of our young hunters on an anteloupe hunt referring to his "cantaloupe" hunt. You can compare canvas to high-tech materials all day, but every time I step into "camp cantaloupe", I know I am amoung friends, will sleep warm and dry and hopefully be able to write something new on the wall about the latest adventure. There's nothing like the smell of a good, cotton wall tent to bring home the spirit of the hunt and the people you shared it with.

Man - that is really sad. My wife and I had our honeymoon there many years ago, and were hoping to go back for our anniversary this year.

Applied for ML coues and archery pronghorn. Any idea when the results will be out?

I'm considering heading out there Wednesday. Will let you know how it is. The last couple years have not been nearly as good in my old spots. Lots of pressure and big fish are harder to find.

Looking like a pretty bad fire season so far. Dry with high winds. I thought we might have to evacuate in Pinetop/Lakeside if the Locust fire had gotten loose. Thanks to the firefighters out there getting it under control.

+1 for Jed - simply amazing strings. I have one on an 05 Allegiance he installed when the bow was new. I have no idea how many thousands of shots have been fired through that bow, and every time the peep turns exactly the same. You've got to see the huge jig he uses to pre-stretch them. He's not still in his Verizon shop in Show Low, but he posts here a lot as SneakFreak. Feel free to PM me as well and I can get in touch with him. He does great work.

Best of luck, TJ. It's getting tough around my neck of the woods for sure. Got up at 3 AM to take Matt out again, and it was rough. I'm sure you'll get it done, and I look forward to your story AND PICTURES!

I went out this morning in the area NW of Greens, and it was really bad. No talking at all, TONS of people. I think it's time for some fishing.

Nice! Way to keep it all fun for the family despite the stressful setbacks! Great job, and great bird.

Nice job TJ! Great pictures too.

So would you put the Zen Ray's on the level of the Razors or Vipers? The one thing I really like about Vortex is the warranty. If the Zen Rays and vortex are comparable in quality but the Vortex equivalent is just a little more in price, than I would go with the Vortex due to the warranty. Does Sportsmans carry the Zen Rays?? I looked at some 10x42mm Diamondbacks at Gila Outdoor and they were clear as can be. Especially considering the price! I thnk they were way better than the Leupolds I had and better than Nikons I looked through. I didn't have the Razors or Vipers to compare against. I was wearing Swaro SLC 10x42 when I looked through the Zen Rays, and I was very impressed with the clarity and contrast. The only Vortex binocs I've bought have been the Diamondbacks for my boys and there is no comparison there - the Zens were far superior. Apples-to-apples, I think the Zens compare very well against Euro HD glass that costs many times more. The guy that brought these binos with him has the swaro ED HD, and decided to use these on a hunt that he had waited 16 years to draw, for what that is worth. I can't give you a good comparison against Vortex higher-end glass, as I've never looked through them in the field. I can tell you that the Zen Rays were as clear and bright as Swarovski and Leica models I have looked through. As for warranty, I'm a huge fan of Vortex, and have no idea how Zen handles their warranty.

Here's a load that works very well out of mine: Powder: IMR4350, 56.0 grains Bullet: 140 gr. Nosler Accubond Case: Winchester Primer: Winchester WLRM

Big Zero finally found something to run on in 2012. Of course he'll take credit for "doing what Bush couldn't do." The real credit goes to our outstanding military personnel. Great job to the men and women in uniform who tracked him down and took him out.

Not to change the subject, but what lift do you have on your taco? I like it. Feel free to PM me if you want so this thread doesn't get derailed.

That is a sweet rifle, and the price is great. If I didn't already have one I would jump on it. Bump for a great gun.