tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82047701938192660182023-11-16T07:30:20.900-05:00Beretta BlogGet advice, the inside scoop, or just relax and enjoy the outdoorsBerettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13534172546238171038noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-65415968612831668072013-02-07T07:30:00.000-05:002013-02-07T07:30:01.593-05:00Don't Give Up.<i>by Phil McNaughton- Guest Contributor</i><br />
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A few months ago, gun control was a rare discussion at the
dinner table, on the news, or around the water cooler. It felt like the winds had changed and we were heading for calm waters. Then a storm erupted, and now gun control seems to be front
and center on everyone’s mind. The tragic misguided actions of a few disturbed
people have turned the spotlight on us, the legal, responsible, safe gun owners
and firearms enthusiasts of America.
Unfortunately, that spotlight is full of misguided rage and ignorance.</div>
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Everyone seems to have an opinion about gun control these
days, including politicians, journalists, actors, musicians, soccer moms, the
mail man, and even my brother’s dog, who barks every time certain politicians show up on the TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
been taking it all in, like you, from day one, but the reactions I’ve
encountered at the range over the situation are (<a href="http://blog.berettausa.com/">CONTINUE</a>)<br />
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Our blog has a new home. You can continue reading this article on our new blog. <a href="http://blog.berettausa.com/">Click here to visit</a>.</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-19718479161600091042013-02-06T16:19:00.000-05:002013-02-06T16:19:02.931-05:00Beretta's new Blog HomeJust like every healthy family, we're growing.<br />
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And, like every family that grows, we've been looking for a new home.<br />
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Starting immediately, our new blog will start residing within our website, BerettaUSA.com<br />
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To visit our new home, <a href="http://blog.berettausa.com/" target="">just click here</a>.<br />
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Obviously, you'll be able to continue following us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BerettaUSA" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/beretta_usa">Twitter </a>and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/berettacommunity">YouTube</a>.<br />
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To make sure this transition is smooth, we will continue posting an introduction to our new posts, from time to time, right here on this blog. If you like what you read, all you have to do is click on "CONTINUE" to read the full article.<br />
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Our blog will continue to provide informative and entertaining details about the wonderful life behind the Second Amendment.<br />
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<i>Matteo Recanatini</i><br />
Web & Social Media ManagerBerettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01208932818398996934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-76347642405850088382013-01-07T06:30:00.000-05:002013-01-07T06:30:04.285-05:00An Honest Look At The Concealed Carry Purse<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">T</span>he Concealed Carry Purse, people either love them or they hate them. To carry your firearm in a concealed carry purse is your decision to make and there is no right or wrong answer. What there is though, is what is recommended. You are an intelligent woman who can consider all of the information, the risks and the pro's and con's and make an intelligent decision for yourself if a concealed carry purse is right for you. Why do so many fiercely counsel against this popular mode of carry? Likely for two reasons. One, there is serious risk anytime our guns are not on our bodies and two, it limits our ability to respond as quickly as possible and those seconds could count! These are very real issues that must be considered and consciously accepted by you when making the decision to holster your gun in a concealed carry purse. I trust you will do this.</div>
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What do I think about concealed carry purses? First, I must tell you that I believe my role is to provide information and resources and let you make your own decisions. My opinion is just that, my opinion and really only matters to me in making the decision for myself. What do I know? I know that awareness and practice are key. Do I carry in a concealed carry purse? Yes, sometimes I do. Why? Because there are times that if I didn't, I wouldn't have my gun with me, and that is not an option for me. (As long as it is legal) </div>
I know myself - I know my capabilities - and I practice. <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Having your gun holstered somewhere ON your middle is BEST. It is close, it is safe and it easy to get to. You really can't argue with that. On The Body is the safest and best way to carry your gun, Period! Can you carry safely in a concealed carry purse, yes you can. The proper purse, meticulous awareness, and practice drawing/shooting from one is the key. </span></div>
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<li style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Am I willing to carry my purse cross-body to minimize risk of someone taking my purse?</span></li>
<li style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Can I keep it on me and store it properly when it must be off my body?</span></li>
<li style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Will I vow to always have my gun in a holster in a designated compartment of the purse?</span></li>
<li style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Am I disciplined enough to practice the awkward draw and use of my gun from the concealed carry purse? (yes, you may very likely need to shoot through the purse to not loose the precious seconds)</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">These are just a handful of important questions to ask yourself. It is your decision, one that it is important you make honestly and thoughtfully. If you can't answer these questions with confidence, than even if you think this is the best option for you because of the convenience, it likely is not a good choice for you.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/An-Honest-Look-At-Concealed-Carry-Purses" target="_blank">Read about training with a concealed carry purse</a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Carrie Lightfoot is owner of The Well Armed Woman and quest contributor for the Beretta Blog. Join the dynamic group of women shooters on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWellArmedWoman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2600ac; text-decoration: underline;">Facebook</span></a> or<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/WellArmedWoman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2600ac; text-decoration: underline;">Twitter</span></a> and visit <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2600ac; text-decoration: underline;">www.thewellarmedwoman.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make sure you follow <a href="https://www.berettausa.com/">Beretta </a>on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BerettaUSA">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Beretta_USA">Twitter </a>or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/BerettaCommunity">YouTube</a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not necessarily represent Beretta.</span></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-27253824219536054782013-01-04T11:50:00.003-05:002013-10-29T10:43:52.173-04:00Things that go crash in the night...The word 'gun' conjures up different images, depending on who is thinking it. We think of guns as tools of the trade, as hunting implements, as devices for our hobbies.<br />
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<b><a href="http://beretta1.sites.hubspot.com/bid/258500/Things-that-go-crash-in-the-night">READ THE REST OF THE STORY IN OUR NEW BLOG HOME. CLICK HERE.</a></b></div>
</b>Berettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01208932818398996934noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-60634664654499842232013-01-02T12:53:00.000-05:002013-01-02T22:26:04.740-05:00A Call To Women Gun Owners - Speak Up<br />
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I wanted to speak to you, the American woman gun owner, face to face.</div>
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The looming changes and restrictions to our rights to to be able to match the weaponry of the violent criminal who wants to do us harm are coming. As women - we already have the disadvantage, the application of the proposed legislation would leave us ill equipped and on an even more un-level battlefield. I believe the path we as a nation are about to head down leaves us extremely vulnerable to more restrictions that will jeopardize our Second Amendment rights. Now is the time for us, collectively, the millions of women like you and me who exercise our right to defend ourselves, our loved ones and our homes, to enter this debate with passion and might.</div>
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Thank you for listening and uniting to effect policy.</div>
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With great respect,</div>
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Carrie<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Carrie Lightfoot is owner of The Well Armed Woman and quest contributor for the Beretta Blog. Join the dynamic group of women shooters on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWellArmedWoman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2600ac; text-decoration: underline;">Facebook</span></a> or<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/WellArmedWoman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2600ac; text-decoration: underline;">Twitter</span></a> and visit <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2600ac; text-decoration: underline;">www.thewellarmedwoman.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not necessarily represent Beretta.</span></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-63449092739521313582013-01-02T12:44:00.001-05:002013-01-02T12:44:17.060-05:003 Concealed Carry Tips For People With A Disabilities<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was
diagnosed and treated for a rare muscle tumor when I was 17. The cancer was so
rare that I was only the 7<sup>th</sup> person diagnosed with it and the first
person to ever survive it. I was sent to <a href="http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f87d4c2a71fca210VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD">St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital</a> in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Memphis</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">TN</st1:state></st1:place> which is an awesome hospital
and I strongly recommend that you help support they hospital with donations or
fundraisers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent 6
months in treatment and have been in remission since December of 1997. Eventually
the side effects of the radiation treatment set in and the scar tissue in the
radiation area set up like concrete. I reached the point where I couldn’t move
my left hip or knee. I walked with a very pronounce limp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In March
2010, I broke my bad leg. My femur snapped where the good bone and the
irradiated bone met and the bad bone shattered into 3 pieces. Two years, ten
months, two surgeries, a bone graft and two titanium rods later (the first
non-slip rod slipped), and I am still on crutches and will be for the
foreseeable future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bone
started mending after the second surgery but the healing is slow due to the
poor circulation in the radiation area and also due to the poor condition of my
femur bone. The doc was shocked when what looked like dead bone started healer.
I guess it was just mostly dead. Thanks to God for the miracle of the human
body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve told
you all of that so that you can know that I know what it is like to live with a
physical disability. As you know from my previous posts <span style="color: #0647ab;"><a href="http://berettausa.blogspot.com/2012/05/crutching-around-with-ccw.html">Crutching
Around With A CCW</a> </span>and <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://berettausa.blogspot.com/2012/07/3-problems-with-carrying-gun-while-on.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">3 Problems With Carrying A Gun While On Crutches</span></a> </span>I
now have a concealed carry permit and have been working out the best way for me
to carry a concealed weapon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are 3 Tips
for folks with a disability that conceal carry:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Don’t Let
Someone Else Tell You What Is Best For You</b> – talk to people, get opinions but
when it comes down to it, you need to carry what works for you. Don’t let
someone tell you that you should be carrying a .45 for the stopping power when
your arthritis will barely let you use a .22. The choice of a carry pistol has
to be what works best for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When is
comes to how you will carry concealed, you will need to figure out what works
best for you with that too. In your case, a lot of the recommended conceal carry techniques
and holsters may not work for you. Don’t let someone else tell you what is best
for you. You need to work it all out in a way that best suits your needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Practice Your Way</b> –
Once you have the best method that fits your situation, practice, practice,
practice. This applies to everyone but more so to someone with a disability
that might impede their ability to draw their weapon. Sorry but that’s just the
way it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Don’t Carry
a Gun</b> – I know that sounds radical but hear me out, if your disability doesn't allow you to draw or shoot your pistol or allows an attacker a more than
average chance of taking your pistol away from you, don’t carry one. You are responsible to be able to defend yourself and your loved ones. If your disability makes carrying a pistol a danger to others either by your inability to fire the weapon safely and accurately or by the potential of your weapon being used against others then you should seriously consider not carrying a pistol.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, you could carry a knife and tactical flash light. In a pinch, those two items are quite
effective. I am not sure where I heard this saying but is has stuck with me (I
am paraphrasing): Someone can take a gun away from you without getting shot,
but no one can take a knife away from you without getting cut.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you
think? Anyone else have some tips that you want to add?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post and its contents are the
views and opinions of the author only, and do not necessarily represent those
of Beretta.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out <a href="http://www.beretttausa.com/">www.BeretttaUSA.com</a> and make sure you
follow Beretta on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BerettaUSA">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/beretta_usa">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/berettacommunity">YouTube</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can check me out on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/thejasonparks">@thejasonparks</a>
and on Instagram</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a class="ig-b- ig-b-v-24" href="http://instagram.com/jason_parks_brothers_farm" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><img alt="Instagram" src="http://instagram.com/thirdparty/static/images/badges/ig-badge-view-24.png" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420249793473748590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-1473851566114457432012-12-11T09:23:00.000-05:002013-10-29T10:47:24.516-04:00Deer Hunting Gear<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By <st1:personname w:st="on">Jason
Parks</st1:personname> – Guest Contributor</span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGnFd1JMu9PAMaZByYMDsXNcYNqWbHZrWVWrxYn5LFYWU3X-Enq7PLbe8piz2_80fmLFfOUs_x2fInsSdBE9mdl3nhueaFpEnBcPsbFgfkDW36QubYEfKqPjQ7UMINXsgu09rItz7SRE/s1600/deer-stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGnFd1JMu9PAMaZByYMDsXNcYNqWbHZrWVWrxYn5LFYWU3X-Enq7PLbe8piz2_80fmLFfOUs_x2fInsSdBE9mdl3nhueaFpEnBcPsbFgfkDW36QubYEfKqPjQ7UMINXsgu09rItz7SRE/s200/deer-stand.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise in the Ozarks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it comes to going out into the woods, there are some
items that you really need to have with you no matter what, like matches, water,
knife, flashlight, etc. When it comes to hunting, that list gets expanded
somewhat.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel that I pack like my wife when I venture out into the
deer woods. Then I see all the stuff my friend Boone takes with him and don’t feel so bad.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a list of what I carry with me when I go deer
hunting.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRClt72PyJUmJ2xA47o8MAELZcJejuC8eHxcjBmLvDAG8UmnKiiOMq8kpXJrCeh23sSvUjcG4V2bQ-Fd4iH5Ij7QJIGDlr31uI-qHJtQZTcKu2BaFcUHc-SSN2lInNH-W9T259ZbtKkZQ/s1600/Remington+7400+Carbine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRClt72PyJUmJ2xA47o8MAELZcJejuC8eHxcjBmLvDAG8UmnKiiOMq8kpXJrCeh23sSvUjcG4V2bQ-Fd4iH5Ij7QJIGDlr31uI-qHJtQZTcKu2BaFcUHc-SSN2lInNH-W9T259ZbtKkZQ/s200/Remington+7400+Carbine.jpg" width="150" /></a><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My rifles:</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://beretta1.sites.hubspot.com/bid/258503/Deer-Hunting-Gear">READ THE REST OFTHE STORY IN OUR NEW BLOG HOME. CLICK HERE.</a></span></div>
</div>
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420249793473748590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-24923386745496918862012-11-20T06:00:00.000-05:002012-11-20T09:12:25.540-05:00Smoke Sticks<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By <st1:personname w:st="on">Jason
Parks</st1:personname> – Guest Contributor</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcy2StE1qW1VMdtmwZ1dRe3gSqxiAIhc4ZpQLohPPpR2S8-2I0QdoVmK-N87O8wY5yzW0o-DftSARqDnt5wbAGFACzXLY3WdBYv0roW_dIQVXSIYISc41LVwKrWxiPEKkUEWzN6voXnNo/s1600/blackpowder-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcy2StE1qW1VMdtmwZ1dRe3gSqxiAIhc4ZpQLohPPpR2S8-2I0QdoVmK-N87O8wY5yzW0o-DftSARqDnt5wbAGFACzXLY3WdBYv0roW_dIQVXSIYISc41LVwKrWxiPEKkUEWzN6voXnNo/s200/blackpowder-1.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smoke
sticks, better known as black powder rifles or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muzzleloader">muzzle loader</a> rifles, are a fun and
challenging way to deer hunt. You can also hunt squirrel or dove hunt with a
black powder shotgun if you want to diversify a little, or even hunt with black powder pistols.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For what is
supposed to be a primitive weapon, black powder rifles have come a long way in
the last decade. Now you have breach open rifles with shotgun primers, <a href="http://www.hodgdon.com/pyrodex.html">pyrodex</a> pellets and sabot bullets.
Granted you can reach out a lot farther with these rifles than you can with a
traditional muzzle loader but I am not a big fan of the new in-line muzzle loading rifles. I just like old guns I guess. I have considered upgrading
to a flint lock but have never gotten around to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-rKy4nbVDxgiN3Byo_k7KP3gJny1UQAFCapOy1YUQLkhvh4DfLTd6SagTRLdyGLDg7WiffowuK8poHoJVR2gO-vk0gUJxdGk3L4SXtyQzw3HqFVyqmAZTlBIZtWU0yxvvkDxXphyphenhyphenl8o/s1600/blackpowder-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-rKy4nbVDxgiN3Byo_k7KP3gJny1UQAFCapOy1YUQLkhvh4DfLTd6SagTRLdyGLDg7WiffowuK8poHoJVR2gO-vk0gUJxdGk3L4SXtyQzw3HqFVyqmAZTlBIZtWU0yxvvkDxXphyphenhyphenl8o/s200/blackpowder-5.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I assume
that most of you know what a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muzzleloader">muzzle loader</a>
rifle is, but just in case, a muzzle loader is exactly what is sounds like: a
rifle you load from the muzzle that is fired by an external hammer and primer cap. This is pretty much what every gun was before
the invention of paper and cartridge ammunition and the new guns to shoot them.
The more well known muzzle loaders in <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">America</st1:country>
are the <st1:state w:st="on">Pennsylvania</st1:state> and <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kentucky </st1:place></st1:state>hunting rifles and the Springfield military rifles which were later converted to breech loader rifles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-rKy4nbVDxgiN3Byo_k7KP3gJny1UQAFCapOy1YUQLkhvh4DfLTd6SagTRLdyGLDg7WiffowuK8poHoJVR2gO-vk0gUJxdGk3L4SXtyQzw3HqFVyqmAZTlBIZtWU0yxvvkDxXphyphenhyphenl8o/s1600/blackpowder-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My muzzle loader is a Thompson Center Renegade .54 caliber rifle. Why .54 caliber?
It was on sale. Most in-line black powder rifles are .50 caliber as are most
traditional muzzle loaders However there are a lot of other calibers available
in the traditional style muzzle loaders such as .36, .45, .58 and even .72
caliber. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_bkt2Sy1eX3N9evTWjLORstczl9hlYILZpHdsWqn31wi7Sn-jloBY6k_qHtTc-O_Jgh-4b5rgTB3HIhOdpWxLzfMTqOzC8wL4ZA_2EjvDVCESzs2YKqoz6FsfXWD5T_mSJiBIGwlxQ0/s1600/possibles-bag-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_bkt2Sy1eX3N9evTWjLORstczl9hlYILZpHdsWqn31wi7Sn-jloBY6k_qHtTc-O_Jgh-4b5rgTB3HIhOdpWxLzfMTqOzC8wL4ZA_2EjvDVCESzs2YKqoz6FsfXWD5T_mSJiBIGwlxQ0/s200/possibles-bag-8.jpg" width="199" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To shoot a black powder rifle you need some supplies: powder (powder flask
is optional), power measure, caps, patches, lubricant, bullets, ball starter
and a cleaning kit. Most hunters have what is called a “possibles bag” that
they use to carry a lot of this around in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loading and
shooting a black powder rifle is fairly easy. The best way to learn how is to
get someone who does it to show you. There are probably some YouTube videos you
can watch. However you learn, I would like to encourage you to give it a try. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would
also like to encourage you to go the traditional route to help preserve the
spirit of primitive hunting that in my opinion is lost when you use a modern
in-line black powder rifle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some tips that I have learned through the years:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure your rifle is empty
before you load it. You can do that by popping a cap with the rifle
pointed down range in a safe direction.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fire a cap on an empty barrel
to prep your rifle for loading by drying out the nipple. I like to add a
little powder in the barrel to help dry out the barrel on damp mornings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another way to make sure your
rifle is unloaded is to mark your ram rod to show “Empty”.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark your ram rod to show
loaded as well. I have mine marked to show when the bullets seated all the way for
different grain loads i.e 60 grains, 90 grains etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some (maybe all) traditional
black powder rifles (like mine shown) will probably shoot round balls more accurately than
sabots compared to in-line muzzle loaders that will shoot sabots better
than round balls. Mine does.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never, ever stand over the
barrel of your rifle when you pour in your powder especially after you
have just shot it. Having a stray spark lighting up the powder while you
are standing over the barrel will ruin your day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always use a powder measure.
Never pour you powder straight into the barrel.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You need to lubricate the patch so that the patch and ball goes in easier. There are commercial lubricants available. I put the patch in my mouth and get it wet with saliva instead of using messy lubricants. It works. Unsanitary? Probably, but it hasn't killed me yet.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you are ramming the bullet down the barrel, be sure not to grip the ram rod too high. You will most likely break the ram rod if you do. A grip about 6-12" above the barrel works best. Also you will eventually accidentally pull the rod too far out and will jab your hand with it so get ready for it. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always make sure your bullet is
properly seated in the barrel, tight against the powder. When ramming
your bullet in you will eventually get to a point where you do not have
enough ram rod to grip properly. When you get to this point, take your ram
rod, place it in the barrel, raise it about half the length of you barrel
and throw it like a spear down the barrel. Do this multiple times. This basically taps the bullet
into place with the momentum of the ram rod. When the bullet is seated,
the ram rod will bounce.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you fire the rifle and the
cap pops but the rifle does not fire, KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE
DIRECTION! Sometime the rifle will go off a second or three after you have
pulled the trigger. I have had it happen to me several times and have seen
it happen several more times.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the rifle does not go off
after about 10-15 seconds, replace the cap with the rifle pointed in a safe
direction and try again. Wet weather and condensation is usually the
culprit when this happens.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep your rifle's hammer in the half-cocked position while you are in your stand so that if you happen to snag the hammer and it snaps down it will stay in half cock and you will not accidentally discharge the rifle. The half-cocked position of the hammer will keep the hammer from striking the cap and will not fire if the trigger is pulled. Basically, it is the "safety" of the black powder rifle. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never, ever carry your black powder rifle loaded with the hammer down on a cap. Snagging the hammer and snapping the cap with fire the gun. See the previous note.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hard core black powder shooters clean their rifles after every shot. Muzzle loader rifles are dirty and that will affect your accuracy. I don't do that. I clean mine after about 8-10 shots or every 3-5 years whichever come first.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, I do want to encourage
you to try hunting with a muzzle loader if you don’t already but I also
want to encourage you to practice and hunt with someone who has experience
with muzzle loaders until you get the hang of it.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That’s all
I have on black powder rifles for now. As I finish this up today (October 19,
2012), muzzle loader season opens tomorrow and my truck is loaded and ready to
go. I will see you all when I get back hopefully with a buck and if not, a lot of pictures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have
any tips or lessons learned that you want to add to my list?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post and its contents are the
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Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420249793473748590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-87739022927062132322012-11-13T06:00:00.000-05:002012-11-13T06:00:10.912-05:00Duck Calling Techniques<i>By Brad Wilson - Guest Contributor</i><br />
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<a href="http://jbcustomcalls.townsquareinteractive.com/files/2012/07/Duck-wood.jpg?w=740&h=555&a=t" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://jbcustomcalls.townsquareinteractive.com/files/2012/07/Duck-wood.jpg?w=740&h=555&a=t" width="200" /></a></div>
So we have talked about what to look for in a duck call, now it's time to figure out how to make this thing work! Follow along for the very basic techniques that you need in order to be a better caller and in turn increase your chances of bringing the ducks into shooting range.<br />
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The very first thing I like to tell people that are wanting to learn how to blow a call is you need to understand how to hold your hands. I put the middle of the call where the barrel and insert meet right in the "Y" of my pointer finger and thumb and then wrap those 2 fingers around the call. I can then use my other 3 fingers and my other hand and fingers to control the back pressure that is needed when calling. Back pressure can actually change the depth of the sound.<br />
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The next thing to understand is that you NEVER, EVER, EVER use the air in your cheeks to blow the call. The air should come from deep down in your diaphragm. If your cheeks are poking out like a blow fish when you are blowing a call then you are doing it WRONG! Learn how to control the volume of air coming from your diaphragm and you can control how loud or soft the tone you produce is. This is critical when you are trying to get birds to finish.<br />
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The last thing you need to know is sometimes it is better to just PUT THE CALLS DOWN! Sometimes calling can actually deter ducks from committing. This normally happens later in the season especially in heavily hunted areas.<br />
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4 calls you absolutely must know are the hail call, the feed call, a basic quack, and a whistle. The whistle is something every duck hunter should carry in his bag. I personally believe that a whistle can be more effective than a duck call in quite a few situations. Some people say "tick" others say "cat". I personally like "tank" when I am calling.<br />
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<li>Hail Call - The hail call is something that should be used VERY sparingly. The only time I will use a hail call is to initially get the attention of some birds that are passing in the distance. My rule of thumb is if the birds look like they don't want anything to do with you then a hail call could work. Do not use the hail call if the birds are within 1-200 yards or coming straight at you. The call should be loud and long and then taper off in length and volume. Example: taaaaaaaaaaaank, taaaaaaaank, taaaank, taaank, taank, tank, <span style="font-size: x-small;">tank</span>, <span style="font-size: xx-small;">tank</span>. I will do this once or twice and if the birds don't turn then I am wasting my time and chalk it up to the birds being on a mission that doesn't involve being shot by my <a href="http://www.berettausa.com/xtremeduckers.aspx" target="_blank">Beretta A400 Xtreme.</a></li>
<li>Feed Call - I use this quite a bit. When birds are working I will use a combination of feed calls and quacks. I use "taka, taka, taka" when I am running a feed call. I will increase and decrease the volume of air I put out as well as the back pressure I control with my hands. Example: takatakatakatakatakaTAKATAKATAKATAKATAKAtakatakataka.</li>
<li>Basic Quack - These are just basic "tank..........tank....tank tank....tank" and used when birds seem to be committed. If the birds are very committed I will do an occasional quack that is very faint just to keep them confident in the spread. Again, using the basic quack in conjunction with the feed call can be hypnotic and deadly to unsuspecting birds.</li>
<li>Whistle - A whistle can really seal the deal when you have birds working. Mallards, pintail, teal, widgeon, and wood ducks can all be replicated with a simple duck whistle. A good caller can even get a gadwall sound with a whistle. Gadwall are very nasally though and this should be one of the advanced calls you should master after you have all the basics down. When it comes to different whistle styles for different species your best bet is to search the web for sound clips of the different species.</li>
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These are the basics that I use in the blind along with some advanced calling that we will go over in the future. If you can get these basics down then your chances of getting ducks to finish will multiply 10 fold on your next trip out to the blind. If you have any questions feel free to comment or contact me at one of the links below.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brad Wilson is an avid outdoorsman targeting waterfowl and saltwater fish and is a guest contributor for the Beretta Blog. He can be reached on </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/reddirt6string" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> or </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/reddirt6string/videos" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">YouTube</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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Brad Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01439545510261690800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-73683503428827089732012-11-06T06:00:00.000-05:002012-11-06T06:00:00.190-05:00Here Birdie, Birdie!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>By Brad Wilson - Guest Contributor</i></div>
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One of the most misused and abused items in a duck hunter's blind bag is the duck call (or kazoo depending on who's blowing it). We have all heard it plenty of times, off in the distance that dreaded sound of "Barney" tooting his horn and the only thing on this planet it sounds good to is himself. What "Barney doesn't understand is that many times less is more.</div>
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When to call is at the utmost priority when it comes to duck hunting. Second in line is how to call closely followed by what to call with. I am fortunate enough to have a good friend that is also a very well known call maker. Here are some things to look for when you are trying to pick a call that is right for you.<br />
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<li>Know the basics of calling. If you don't know how to properly blow a call then there is absolutely no sense of spending the money on a quality call.</li>
<li>If at all possible, meet the call maker. If you can't meet them personally then read some testimonies on the internet. most call makers have a website or have been talked about on forums.</li>
<li>Customer service! Service after the sale should always be a phone call away.</li>
<li>Find a call maker that is fairly local if at all possible. This will help when you run into problems with your custom call. If you ahve never owned a custom call, trust me when I say you will eventually need some help.</li>
<li>Look for craftsmanship and attention to detail. If a maker's "name" is Chang, Ching, or Chong then you are buying mass produced calls from China. Don't settle for cheap imitations!</li>
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Pair this outstanding craftsmanship and customer service with a little bit of know how, and you too can improve your outcome in the duck blind. Stay tuned for a future entry outlining some of the basics of duck calling.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brad Wilson is an avid outdoorsman targeting waterfowl and saltwater fish and is a guest contributor for the Beretta Blog. He can be reached on </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/reddirt6string" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> or </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/reddirt6string/videos" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">YouTube</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not represent those of Beretta.</i></span></div>
Brad Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01439545510261690800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-21715325272140309622012-10-31T10:32:00.000-04:002012-10-31T10:32:17.308-04:00Going Through The Change<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">by Carrie Lightfoot - Guest Contributor</span></div>
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Photo: Change of seasons by Silveryn</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I suppose I could be writing about the change of seasons as we all are invigorated by the crisp weather and the changing leaves. Or, I could even be writing about THE CHANGE. You know: the change that involves hormones and hot flashes! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">No, I won’t go there<span style="font-size: small;">;</span> not today. The change I am talking about is the very profound change that a woman goes through after making the decision to own a firearm, goes through the very important process of deciding which firearm is right for her and training to properly, safely and proficiently learn how to shoot it to defend herself. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It changes us profoundly. We feel different and we move through our daily lives differently. We in fact are different. How so? We have confidence. With this new sense of confidence we start to look people in the eyes more when we are out and about. We scan the environment with new keen sense of awareness of possible risks and people out of place. We walk through parking lots, restaurants and other public places more prepared and with the confidence that given the worst possible case scenario, we know we are fully prepared to give it all we’ve got to defend ourselves. This not only changes us in the realm of self protection, it also effects every aspect of our lives and relationships.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I believe society breeds high levels of insecurity in women, socially, emotionally and physically. We seem to always be the “weaker one” or the one “not good enough”. The ability to level the playing field, or more appropriately the battle field, is extremely significant for a woman. We feel less like a victim and more like an empowered, fierce force. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The role of self protector doesn’t come naturally for most women. We are raised to believe we are protected by others. Today, this just isn’t an option for it is not possible in this crazy world, with out crazy schedules to be protected by our men, our police or others all of the time. Women are taking on this role with courage, intelligence and passion.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So we are changed on the outside because we now carry a firearm and are equipped to defend ourselves, but we are also changed on the inside because we carry a new sense of confidence that impacts every area of our lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Carrie Lightfoot is owner of The Well Armed Woman and quest contributor for the Beretta Blog. Join the dynamic group of women shooters on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWellArmedWoman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2600ac; text-decoration: underline;">Facebook</span></a> or<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/WellArmedWoman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2600ac; text-decoration: underline;">Twitter</span></a> and visit <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2600ac; text-decoration: underline;">www.thewellarmedwoman.com</span></a></span></span></span></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-27705891370971127582012-10-25T12:06:00.001-04:002012-10-25T12:06:47.313-04:00What A Weekend!<i>By Brad Wilson - Guest Contributor</i><br />
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Hunting season! I had the pleasure of spending the weekend chasing dove with a great group of guys. My younger brother is getting married in a few weeks so myself and a few of his friends put together a bachelor weekend at a friends ranch just outside of Weesatche, Texas. There was great food, clay targets, shotguns, rifles, pistols, a decent number of dove, and an all around great time with some good people.<br />
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The weekend looked like it might have been a wash in all literal sense of the word. Friday night and Saturday morning was an ongoing rain event that dropped 2-5" of rain in the area. Saturday afternoon the rain came to a halt and the timing couldn't have been any better. We were able to get a few rounds of skeet in before we all went out in the field to put a minor dent in the Texas dove population. The final tally of birds in hand was 9 mostly due to the birds being spread out from the weather. We stayed out until dusk and then made the short drive back to the barn.<br />
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Upon arrival at the barn we found that my dad, the cook for the weekend, had carved up the brisket that had been on the pit for about 12 hours as well as 6 beer can chickens accompanied with a pot of beans. One thing about Texas country boys, WE CAN EAT! Within an hour all the food was devoured, cold beverages were being consumed, washers were being thrown, and college football was on the big screen. It was definitely the absolute best bachelor weekend I have ever been lucky enough to attend.<br />
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I'm dedicating this post to my brother. Jared, I hope that your marriage is filled with good times and an eternal bond with a wonderful woman. You are a hell of a man and I am thankful to be able to call you my brother. I am extremely proud of you, and I love you.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brad Wilson is an avid outdoorsman targeting waterfowl and saltwater fish and is a guest contributor for the Beretta Blog. He can be reached on </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/reddirt6string" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> or </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/reddirt6string/videos" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">YouTube</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not represent those of Beretta.</i></span></div>
Brad Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01439545510261690800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-49207637485941314672012-10-22T07:00:00.000-04:002012-10-22T07:00:12.544-04:00Let's Go Duck Hunting<i>by Adam Brassfield - Pro Staff Contributor</i><br />
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Duck season is here! Seems like it has been forever. I know you have not heard from me in a while but I have been traveling all over the U.S. conducting hunting seminars. It is funny because in certain places people are so excited about the sport of waterfowl hunting then there are others that it goes over like a pregnant pole vaulter. <br />
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Yes, everyone has their sport or hunting adventure but if you have never experienced the sound of wings whistling eight feet over your head or watching a group of mallards fall in your duck hole then you are missing it let me tell you.<br />
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Many of us have had to listen to all of our wonderful politicians lie like two dogs fighting over a bowl of green beans. I would rather stare at the sun with my binoculars than to sit and listen to that mess. That is why I am so glad hunting season is here. My<a href="http://www.berettausa.com/products/beretta-a400-xtreme-unico-ko-max4-12ga-35/" target="_blank"> Beretta Xtreme</a> is itchin' to bark and bark is what it is about to do.<br />
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Have you seen the duck reports this year? They are unbelievable! Mallards have had a huge increase and just about every duck has high counts. It is going to be a great year for all of us. This is our opportunity to get someone into the sport that has never experienced what you and I have in the duck blind. Over the course of the seminar season I have met more people who have never been duck hunting. This is not good. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vb8P-CjNdwuiWVtaS8Fu5hlb4aBQKoJyDb3HolxeE-TMoUr0ak4LxBi4tNh9YcXF5gDA6XVzel-JvddXQgVxivKmdpruFvxe3wCckcToe4A7u91-keOusQt4z0jyGeUkX5iSH_-fAqh-/s1600/AdamSpeaking9.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vb8P-CjNdwuiWVtaS8Fu5hlb4aBQKoJyDb3HolxeE-TMoUr0ak4LxBi4tNh9YcXF5gDA6XVzel-JvddXQgVxivKmdpruFvxe3wCckcToe4A7u91-keOusQt4z0jyGeUkX5iSH_-fAqh-/s320/AdamSpeaking9.gif" width="320" /></a>We have to step up to the plate this season and give them a good reason to quit watchin' what the hell is wrong with all the Kardashians! Our sport is incredible, the outdoors are beautiful and we should start acting like it. Take a friend, your children and, God forbid, take your wife to the duck hole. Let's not put it off until the next year.<br />
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Adam can be found on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/hunters247waterfowl" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not represent those of Beretta.</i></span></div>
by Adam Brassfield - Pro Staff Contributorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12694463212306500775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-75945331233013569862012-10-15T07:00:00.000-04:002012-10-15T07:00:22.908-04:00Are You Ready?<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">by Carrie Lightfoot - Guest Contributor</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Election season is deeply upon us. Sadly with that comes quite a bit of dirty politics, annoying ads and an endless onslaught of phone calls! It is quite easy to “tune out” and just go MIA from heated conversations and the stress of hearing all of the doom and gloom or to be lulled into thinking that your vote doesn’t mean anything. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Responsibility comes naturally to us as gun owners, we are fully aware of our responsibility to “Bear our arms” legally and safely. We each have a deep rooted and almost religious understanding of what freedom means. Do we really understand how easily we can loose these freedoms? Are we also willing to take responsibility to protect them?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I spoke with and listened to Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association last night give a passionate talk about the very real and very present threats to this and other foundational freedoms we each are so blessed to have. He said something that struck me as very profound. He shared that we are only as secure as our ability to protect ourselves. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Think about that for a moment. It is a simple statement yet profound as we look at it personally and nationally.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> It speaks to our ability to protect ourselves from a violent criminal but it is also profound as we look at it in terms of how our country is governed. Our ability to protect ourselves is one that is granted to us as US Citizens by our government.. Yes I believe that the human right of freedom is one that comes from God, but as US Citizens we also accept the fact that these laws and even our rights are decided and determined by our elected government. These, as Americans we agree to live by. Our “ability to protect ourselves” therefore comes from our government. The deepest beauty in our democracy is that we have a voice - WE elect the people that are in essence our government. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am not a politician and won’t pretend to fully understand all of the nuances of the political game being played with our 2nd Amendment rights. But I do know that lurking just below the surface - pressing hard up against our rights as we currently know them is a very real threat. One that no matter how much we complain, argue and defiantly cry out “From my cold dead hands”, jeopardizes them. Our rights as citizens of this country are in the hands humans, of elected politicians. Electing and putting the right ones there is our job alone. Yours and mine, period. We must take the responsibility and we must also be held accountable for the outcome.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Did you know that our 2nd Amendment was almost lost? In 2010 the Supreme Court upheld this fundamental right to bear arms by just 1 vote! Are you aware that the next President of the United States will likely be appointing 1 to 3 new Justices to the Supreme Court during the next presidential term? The election of our next President is crucial. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We have all heard about the UN Arms Treaty and were relieved when it was dropped during this years discussions. The reality is - it will be back in full glory next year.! Our Senate however, must ratify such a treaty if it were passed for it to be honored here in the US. Who those Senators are whom will be making that decision is critical. You will be deciding that NOW.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There are many more examples of legislation both nationally and at the state level that are part of the cancerous efforts to eliminate our 2nd Amendment rights.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Should you be scared? Yes, you should. Not scared stiff and immobilized but scared into action.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is the point of this article? It is NOT to begin an argument over any of these issues and not to tell you how or who to vote for. It is to challenge you to take responsibility for your government. Take the time to understand the significance of this election season and educate yourself on the politicians and the issues. Support those organizations that are working to protect your rights and of course to inspire you to VOTE . Talk with your family, friends and co-workers and “Rally The Troops” to do the same. It literally may be now or never. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Are you willing to take your chances? I’m not and pray you aren’t either.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.nraila.org/">http://www.nraila.org</a></span>/</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Carrie Lightfoot is owner of The Well Armed Woman and quest contributor for the Beretta Blog. Join the dynamic group of women shooters on Facebook orTwitter and visit www.thewellarmedwoman.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Make sure you follow Beretta on </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/BerettaUSA" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/Beretta_USA" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/berettacommunity" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">YouTube</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-72415777308011474912012-10-09T07:00:00.000-04:002012-10-09T07:00:07.739-04:00Dove Season Opener<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dove Season Opener</span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By Keith Hollar – Guest Contributor</i></div>
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This year I
got the opportunity to go on a dove hunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
It </span>was me first hunting trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of the reason I started to get into clay
shooting was so I could at least hit something when I went on this hunting
trip.</div>
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So after
meeting early in the morning on the day before dove season opened and loading
up the trucks my dad, me and six other guys set out on the about four hour
drive to Parker, Arizona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at
the vacation house that belongs to the brother of the guy who sets up the trip
every year, Neil, to turn on the air conditioner and unload the vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wisely decided to wait until the early
evening to go out scouting since the afternoon temperatures were in the low
100’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove out on Indian land and
scouted a couple areas south of Poston, Arizona that evening and made a
decision on where to go the next morning.</div>
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At the early
hour of 4:30 a.m., with the temperatures already in the high 80’s, we got on
the road for the almost 45 minute drive to the spot we chose to start the
opening day on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all spread out into
different areas of the field to try our luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As things got light there weren’t that many birds flying around and not
a lot of shotguns going off either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
the end of our time out hunting that day I only got one bird and I think we
only had 17-18 birds between the 8 of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From what the guys who had done this before were telling me, this was
definitely not normal and it was probably the monsoon rains that had come a
couple weeks before and drove the birds off.</div>
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On day two
we decided to go to about the same area but to a location that we were getting
some success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got there early and set
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I selected a bush that would come to
find out was not the wisest choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While I did bring down another two birds, the mosquitoes ate me
alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had at least a hundred, and
probably more, bites even though I was wearing long sleeves, pants and bug
spray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was over a week before they
finally stopped itching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he
traditionally does Neil made us dinner this second night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally he does it on opening day but
because of the low amount of birds we got he had to wait until the second
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The recipe he chose was a wild
rice, mushroom, celery, white wine and dove casserole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty good.</div>
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The third
and final day we decided to try a completely different location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was met with about the same results, not
a whole lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hardly saw any birds and
only shot at a couple and missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the three days I only shot a little over
a box of shells.</div>
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Overall I
had a pretty good time, although I was glad to get home after being out of town
for most of August.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do think it is
something I’d like to do again, although the 100 degree weather was a little
tiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe next year I’ll try my hand
at quail.</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not necessarily represent Beretta.</span></div>
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Keith1911http://www.blogger.com/profile/13131851646647347388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-38236275749030359632012-10-05T10:20:00.001-04:002012-10-05T10:24:04.494-04:00My first time with a 92<i>By Brad Wiltman - guest contributor</i><br />
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I was out shooting it with a couple of good friends of mine. </div>
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It was kind of a bachelor party shooting day. </div>
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When I fired my first-ever shot
of my Beretta 92FS. I was in love right away. The round hit exactly where I was
aiming. The target was about 15 yards away. It was at a farm where there was a
pile of dirt above a hole for landfill. There was a white flat piece of
cardboard almost to the top of the berm. Don’t know why or how it was there.
But it was a perfect object to shoot my first round at.<br />
<br />
It seems childish, I
know. I was so excited to shoot my Beretta for my first time that I couldn’t
wait to put up any targets. So I shot at the first thing I could find. And I
couldn’t believe how well it shot. You just got to love the gun when it hits
bullseye for your very first shot with it. </div>
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After that, we set up a couple of shooting challenges. One
friend had his 9mm and I had mine. We lined up spent 12 gauge shot gun shells
along the ground about 7 yards away. Each had 10 to shoot. Whoever hit all 10
first would win. It was as if I couldn’t miss.<br />
<br />
We then put one shell in the center.
21 shells total. Each shot 10 to hit the one in the middle. That was so much
fun, that I shot about all the ammo I brought just doing that. This gun is just
all out fun!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Make sure you follow Beretta on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/berettausa" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/beretta_usa" target="_blank">Twitter </a>or <a href="http://youtube.com/berettacommunity" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not necessarily represent Beretta.</span></div>
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Berettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01208932818398996934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-41323225660153004282012-10-01T07:00:00.000-04:002012-10-01T12:48:47.925-04:0010 Reasons To Go Deer Hunting Instead of Duck Hunting<i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By <st1:personname w:st="on">Jason
Parks</st1:personname> – Guest Contributor</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttVwY5GrUmfzDpmfiyeabjwdWlsf8_rzORvIiFZ-eDbtAI_j56rY62W6hcrFlUh3ma3swRKD-TfS8yISOLattHTVkVEhsbP_YBtSV-iTulXtGlZipRZlYxleon1Mbxo7nMy1d4f9MhIU/s1600/Dog+hunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttVwY5GrUmfzDpmfiyeabjwdWlsf8_rzORvIiFZ-eDbtAI_j56rY62W6hcrFlUh3ma3swRKD-TfS8yISOLattHTVkVEhsbP_YBtSV-iTulXtGlZipRZlYxleon1Mbxo7nMy1d4f9MhIU/s320/Dog+hunting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Tigerdroppings.com</td></tr>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deer tastes a lot better than duck.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have a much better chance of not drowning while deer hunting (except for that one time with my father-n-law and in my defense I was laughing too hard stop the boat).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deer hunting is quiet and precise while duck hunting is noisy and scatter shot.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you get cold deer hunting you can walk around. What are
you going to do when you get cold duck hunting in the boat or blind, go for a swim?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have seen the duck hunting shows. You folks miss. A lot.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No waders needed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You don’t have to worry about dropping your gun in the
water…usually (see #2).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Campfires are bad news in a blind.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You do not need calls, decoys, blinds, dogs and boats
to hunt deer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Assuming the average deer yields 50 pounds of meat, how many ducks do you need to get the same amount of meat and how many times can you eat duck?</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK. I am just funnin' with you all. I know that A LOT of you are duck hunters. I have to admit I have never been so I asked a friend of mine to take me this year. I will be sure to let you know how it goes, if I survive, but I stand by the fact that you don't need waders to hunt deer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post
and its contents are <u>absolutely</u> the views and opinions of the author <u>only</u>, and do not
necessarily represent those of Beretta. <b><u>Especially this time!</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure
you follow Beretta on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BerettaUSA">Facebook</a>,
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/beretta_usa">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/berettacommunity">YouTube</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can
follow (or send the death threats) Jason on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/thejasonparks">@thejasonparks</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420249793473748590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-69884798841434848692012-09-24T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-24T07:00:07.948-04:00A Man's True Best Friend<i>By Brad Wilson - Guest Contributor</i>
<br />
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<a href="http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd61/thewilsons4ever/IMG_20120831_232310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd61/thewilsons4ever/IMG_20120831_232310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As I sit here trying to figure out what I plan to let flow from my fingers on to the keyboard, I look up on the wall at the beautiful pintail that came from a stellar trip to the Laguna Madre. Then I start to think about the fat greenhead that is resting on a piece of driftwood on my buddy John's wall in his living room. That particular bird was taken off of a marsh pond in the back lakes of Trinity Bay. As I think about hunts that I have been on and cold boat rides, beating the crowd to the public spots and hot September mornings waiting for that huge wad of teal to grace our presence, I know there is something that I am suppose to be typing but I just can't pinpoint what it is. I then get a nudge from Aeva, my yellow lab. Whether she is wanting to go outside or if she is really trying to tell me "daddy, tell 'em about ME" is beyond me, but it is the nudge that I needed.<br />
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See, Aeva has been with me longer than my wife, longer than my kids, and longer than most of my guns that are in the gun safe. She is a hell of a water dog and has served me better than any dog I have ever had, and it is a pleasure to call her family. She has probably made in the upwards of 1,000 retrieves from the Lower Laguna Madre to the upper reaches of the Lower Trinity River. She is not just my dog, she is one of my best friends.<br />
<br />
That pintail that rests on my wall was taken on a hunt with a fine group of guys that I had the pleasure of sharing a blind with. It was getting close to dark and I had told my group that we would be heading in after the next volley. I knew that the pintails in this particular area were using this flyway to head into the fresh water ponds after a long day of sitting in the salt marsh. About 10 minutes before legal shooting time was up I caught something out of the corner of my eye. This particular single bird was about 150 yards up and locked up on the decoys. I let my guys know that we had a hot one committed and to get ready. At about 60 yards for some unknown reason the fat sprig decided this was not the place for him and decided to backpedal and get the hell out of dodge. That's when I dent a prayer shot up and connected. The bird folded up and started falling. When it hit the water all you heard was a thud followed by a huge splash. At that point the bird righted himself and started to swim. I went to heel Aeva up, but she was already by my side so I sent her on one of many missions that we have shared together. She gets within 5 feet of the bird when he starts diving on her. At that point all the training and time that we have spent fetching dummies in the pond was thrown out the window. You see, Aeva has a natural instinct that any hunter would pray for. With her tail in the air like she was on point, Aeva started swimming in circles waiting for the bird to surface. HE popped up about 3 feet from her snout and immediately went back down. This seemed like it was going to be a lost bird. He popped up again about 4 feet from her and went back down, but this time Aeva did something that can never be taught in any training program. Aeva dove in the 4 feet deep water with determination on her side. She was down for a good 10 seconds when she rose from the depths of the bay with one of the nicest pintail drakes I have ever seen in my life! She came back to my side, tail wagging, and released the bird in my hand when I gave her the command and then went back to her spot in the blind and sat waiting.<br />
<br />
That day brought a tear to my eye as I knew that what I had, my best friend, my companion, my family was one of the best retrievers to have ever walked the face of this earth. To say I was proud is a huge understatement. Words can not describe the feeling I had.<br />
<br />
As she lays at my feet right now, I look down at the 9 year old yellow lab and start to wonder how many more years she can do this. How many more retrieves does she have in her? When is it time to call it quits? That is an question that only she will be able to answer, but I know that she will be a hard charger until that day comes.<br />
<br />
I dedicate this entry to my dog, Aeva. SHe has taught me many things in life, and she has been there for me no matter what. She stands by my side and thinks I hung the moon and for those very reasons I owe this entry to her.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brad Wilson is an avid outdoorsman targeting waterfowl and saltwater fish and is a guest contributor for the Beretta Blog. He can be reached on </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/reddirt6string" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> or </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/reddirt6string/videos" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">YouTube</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not represent those of Beretta.</i></span></div>
Brad Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01439545510261690800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-45990328772617769232012-09-17T07:30:00.000-04:002012-09-17T07:30:00.971-04:00When you've got to go.... You've got to go!<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">by Carrie Lightfoot - Guest Contributor</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The ladies' room, potty, doing your business, going to the bathroom, or even powdering your nose. Whatever you call it - we ALL have to do it! The problem is, what in the world do you do with your concealed firearm when you do? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For some obvious reasons, men have it a little easier in this department, well... most of the time. There is quite a bit of confusion and not a lot of discussion on this “interesting” topic. In a recent discussion on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWellArmedWoman" target="_blank">The Well Armed Woman Facebook</a> page, the lack of information clearly results in less-than-safe solutions. So, what should you do? You don’t want anyone in the next stall to see your firearm, freak out and call 911 when you’re simply answering Mother Nature’s call. You don’t want it to fall on the floor and slide over to into the next stall with a mother assisting her young child and you certainly don’t want to do anything that could risk an accidental discharge. So what do you do? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The answer is quite simple. The less you do the better! Any time your remove your firearm from its holster you create risk. A well-made "in the pants" or "on the waist" holster should hold your firearm snug, even if you accidentally turn it upside down. If yours doesn’t, get a new one. Not everyone likes a thumb break but here is a good place where they come in handy. Keep your hand on the HOLSTERED firearm as you carefully slide down your pants and keep your hand on it. Keep the top of your pants up off the floor and out of view from “neighbors”. If you’re wearing a belt, this is even more important as once you undo your belt - the weight of whole package takes on a mind of its own. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The problems arise when you remove the firearm to get comfortable. Some of you are placing it on the toilet paper dispenser, the back of the toilet and even hanging it by the trigger guard on the hook on the door. These are no safe solutions and yes, even the most responsible and conscientious gun owners can leave and forget their firearms behind. It has happened, perhaps it has even to you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Many women are wearing bra holsters and belly bands. With these holsters this challenge is eliminated. For those of you that carry in your purse, as awkward as it may be, place your purse on your lap or even hang it over your body cross body style. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If for some reason not addressed here you MUST remove the firearm from your body, keep it holstered and hold it or keep it on your lap while you’re “busy”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All of this “work” just to do your business may seem cumbersome, uncomfortable and even a pain in the neck. The truth is, this comes with the responsibility of safe gun ownership. If you really think about it, we are very lucky to even have the right and opportunity to be a little uncomfortable this way. So... Give thanks and go take care of business! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Carrie Lightfoot is owner of The Well Armed Woman and quest contributor for the Beretta Blog. Join the dynamic group of women shooters on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWellArmedWoman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2600ac; text-decoration: underline;">Facebook</span></a> or<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/WellArmedWoman"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2600ac; text-decoration: underline;">Twitter</span></a> and visit <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2600ac; text-decoration: underline;">www.thewellarmedwoman.com</span></a></span></span></span></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-4922370982897357782012-09-10T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-10T07:00:05.928-04:00Top 10 Reasons I Hunt<i>By Brad Wilson - Guest Contributor</i>
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As a new hunting season approaches there are a ton of things that run through my head in preparation for what is to come in the next few months. Is the boat ready to go? Are the decoys rigged up? Did I make all the repairs on equipment that needed to be made? Last week I was out in the garage answering all these questions. I pulled out my old blind stool and sat down in it and started thinking about things. One question that kept coming back to me was WHY? Why do I go to the extents that I do to chase fowl? Why do I spend the amount of hard earned money on this sport? Why do I wake up at 3:00 AM to run a boat for 30 minutes in 30 degree weather, trounce through marsh mud that rivals some of the deepest quicksand around, and then spend 45 minutes setting out decoys just to shoot some waterfowl?<br />
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Here is my top 10 reasons I do what I do to chase waterfowl.<br />
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10. The smell of gunpowder at sun up as a group of greenwing teal buzz the decoys.<br />
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9. I have a chance to be out on the water. Growing up on the Gulf Coast, I have saltwater running through my veins!<br />
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8. Seeing a bird crumple in mid air after I pull the trigger on my Beretta A400 Xtreme!<br />
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7. Watching my yellow lab, Aeva, charge hard after that bird that just crumpled.<br />
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6. Enjoying a hot cup of coffee and a blind breakfast during that first lull.<br />
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5. Because duck breast, jalapeno, and cream cheese all wrapped in bacon and grilled tastes Mmmmmm Mmmmm GOOD!!!<br />
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4. Knowing that I am in GOD's country and I am doing what he intended for me to do.<br />
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3. I am able to share that blind with some of my closest friends.<br />
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2. I can spend time with my kids that I cherish so much.<br />
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And the <b>number one</b> reason I do what I do to chase waterfowl:<br />
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Passion! I have a passion for the outdoors and everything that it stands for. I have passion for sharing those times with my kids and friends. I have a passion for what God has graced me with.<br />
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I take this time to be thankful for those ten things and many others that I am afforded in this great nation and have been so graciously given by the Man upstairs.<br />
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So what is on your top 10 list?<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brad Wilson is an avid outdoorsman targeting waterfowl and saltwater fish and is a guest contributor for the Beretta Blog. He can be reached on </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/reddirt6string" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> or </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/reddirt6string/videos" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">YouTube</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not represent those of Beretta.</i></span></div>
Brad Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01439545510261690800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-19079605558642164452012-09-03T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-03T07:00:04.378-04:00How About a Duck Recipe?<i>By Brad Wilson - Guest Contributor</i>
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One of the most asked questions that I get from people that don't really care to eat ducks or geese is "how do you cook it?" My answer is short, sweet, and boy does it taste good! GUMBO!!! After the jump (that means click on the link that says "MORE"), I will share a recipe that was shared with me and I have perfected. This stuff will make ya slap yo momma!!!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>What you need:
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2 lbs. cubed duck meat<br />
1 lb. raw peeled shrimp<br />
1/2 lb. raw cubed fish<br />
1 lb. smoked andouille sausage<br />
1 lb. okra<br />
2 lbs. bacon scraps<br />
1 cup of flour<br />
1 can tomatoes with onions & peppers<br />
1 can tomatoes with chilis and lime<br />
1 can roasted tomatoes<br />
2 onions chopped<br />
2 bell peppers chopped<br />
6 stalks celery sliced<br />
3 cloves of garlic chopped<br />
3 bay leaves<br />
3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce<br />
1 Tbsp Franks hot sauce<br />
1 tsp dried thyme<br />
1 tsp cayenne pepper<br />
salt<br />
pepper<br />
Tony Chachere Cajun Spice<br />
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Fry the bacon scraps until it is nice and crispy then remove. Keep about half to throw in the gumbo.<br />
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In half the bacon oil add the flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper. Cook your roux on medium heat until the flour is browned to your taste. Mine normally takes about 15 minutes. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO CONSTANTLY STIR YOUR ROUX!!! If not it will burn and ruin your gumbo.<br />
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With the leftover bacon grease, sear the fish, shrimp, sausage, and duck meat and set to the side.<br />
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Put the roux in big pot and add the shrimp, fish, sausage, onoins, bell peppers, garlic, 1/2 the bacon. Turn up the heat to high and cook and stir for 2-3 minutes.<br />
Put the duck in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Once it begins to boil, put the shrimp peels in the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes.<br />
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Strain out the shrimp peels and discard of them.<br />
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Place the duck and it's water, okra, the 3 cans tomatoes, celery, bay leaves, Worcestershire, Franks, thyme, cayenne pepper, Tony Chahceres to taste in the big pot. Add water to the concoction to make it like a thin soup.<br />
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Turn heat down and simmer about 2 hours or until the desired consistancy is reached.<br />
Serve it over white or dirty rice.<br />
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I have made this for a number of people and I have yet to find someone that didn't like it. Be sure to let us know how your next meal turns out when you decide to cook this favorite of mine.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brad Wilson is an avid outdoorsman targeting waterfowl and saltwater fish and is a guest contributor for the Beretta Blog. He can be reached on </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/reddirt6string" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> or </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/reddirt6string/videos" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">YouTube</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not represent those of Beretta.</i></span></div>
Brad Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01439545510261690800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-53143807646108213242012-08-27T10:52:00.000-04:002012-08-27T10:52:00.492-04:00Swapping Guns With Social Media<br />
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year ago I joined two Facebook groups that were formed for the purpose of
buying, selling and trading sporting goods locally. One group focuses on a
closer geographic area to me while the other has a wider geographic reach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">At first the
pages mainly listed guns then gradually as more people joined the groups I
started seeing other items like tree stands, boats, ATVs, trucks, golf clubs
and even dogs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I have purchased
two guns from individuals listing on these sites and both times were a lot of
fun. I was a little hesitant at first about buying a gun from a complete
stranger, but you can tell a lot about a person when you are haggling with
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Here is a
sample of one of the posts:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsXjnveIUhDflFx4P7XoR3T_-_1uJ3x3WmA1YYiYtD3K9DfZYYqmi0o4vxma76M06jS30yO2KAglkaELMvdsq-T9pbXm0PICWrkU5BnvPBR934GROV86FvtTrmQToHt-54dTiDTgzGaQ/s1600/facebook-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsXjnveIUhDflFx4P7XoR3T_-_1uJ3x3WmA1YYiYtD3K9DfZYYqmi0o4vxma76M06jS30yO2KAglkaELMvdsq-T9pbXm0PICWrkU5BnvPBR934GROV86FvtTrmQToHt-54dTiDTgzGaQ/s640/facebook-1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I have made
several observations about the sites that I want to share with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">First,
these swapping pages on Facebook are a great way to bring sportsmen together.
The only other time you might get even part of this group together is at a gun
show. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Second, listing
on these pages is more advantageous than classifies ads due to the ability to
post multiple pictures which allows potential buyers to get a good look at the
seller's items. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Third,
these pages are a seller's market. Items are usually listed at or above fair
market value. Based on what I see, the majority of the people selling don’t
come off their posted prices, but there is a lot of haggling via personal messages between buyers and sellers that you can’t see so there is no way to tell how much people are negotiating
or coming down off listed prices. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Note:
trolls that are abrasive or verbally abusive are usually quickly blocked by the page admins so members don't have to
deal with them. Here is the definition of an <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=internet+troll" target="_blank">internet troll</a> according to <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/" target="_blank">UrbanDictionary</a> if you don't know what a troll is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Fourth, these
sites provide a free service by allowing their members to list items to sell or
trade. At no cost, it is also cheaper than exhibiting or attending a gun show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Last, since
these pages have started I have noticed a sharp decline in gun related
classified ads. I think we will see a complete migration away from classified
ads on guns in the future and any other items listed in classifieds as soon as
someone creates the page for it. I can even see the potential of how pages like
these could replace local gun shows if done correctly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Facebook
gun trading pages are a great way for folks to buy, sell and trade guns, bows,
knives and other sporting goods and will probably continues to grow as a medium
for sportsmen and gun enthusiast to connect...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">...as long as "they" will
allow the sites to operate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">What do you
think about this sudden growth of these pages?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Make sure
you follow Beretta on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BerettaUSA">Facebook</a>,
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/beretta_usa">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/berettacommunity">YouTube</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">You can
follow Jason on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/thejasonparks">@thejasonparks</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">This post
and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not
necessarily represent those of Beretta.</span></div>
</div>
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420249793473748590noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-86504838812511009302012-08-20T07:00:00.001-04:002012-08-21T10:52:58.275-04:0010 Gun Wish List<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">By <st1:personname w:st="on">Jason
Parks</st1:personname> – Guest Contributor<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">10 guns I
can’t afford....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">…right now…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">….but wish I had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In no
particular order:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. <a href="http://www.knesekguns.com/commercial/Nighthawk-10mm-Long-Slide" target="_blank">NighthawkLondslide 10mm</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I generally prefer short barreled pistols, but this one is the exception. I have always liked the look and feel of long slide 1911 pistols. I tried to buy or trade one away from a good friend of mine, but he never would let go of it. As long slides go the Nighthawk is the coolest one I have see so far. It comes in 10mm so the only thing that would make it better is if it was in .45 ACP. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(Picture </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">courtesy</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> of </span><a href="http://www.knesekguns.com/commercial/Nighthawk-10mm-Long-Slide" style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.knesekguns.com/commercial/Nighthawk-10mm-Long-Slide</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuBxD2b_RsOxKlqM1L30Lp0QM9cecVyJdVSvBqq2DbkknPUehhbatKEyqRpCrjocQZZ21s8RbsIx_5TzCpOKHw3b2tGpy8q-Saa961wbJawrqsLEePc3moJv1X81S52XmMu2lE7WZjYw/s1600/Nighthawk10mmlong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuBxD2b_RsOxKlqM1L30Lp0QM9cecVyJdVSvBqq2DbkknPUehhbatKEyqRpCrjocQZZ21s8RbsIx_5TzCpOKHw3b2tGpy8q-Saa961wbJawrqsLEePc3moJv1X81S52XmMu2lE7WZjYw/s320/Nighthawk10mmlong.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. <a href="http://www.knesekguns.com/commercial/SW-Model-325-Thunder-Ranch" target="_blank">Smith& Wesson Model 325 Thunder Ranch .45ACP</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In a world
where tactical semi-auto pistols reign supreme, I like the direction Smith
& Wesson went with this pistol. Given the choice between Smith & Wesson
Model 325 Thunder Ranch and a tactical semi-auto, I would have a hard time
deciding on which to get. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(Picture </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">courtesy</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> of </span><a href="http://www.knesekguns.com/commercial/SW-Model-325-Thunder-Ranch" style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.knesekguns.com/commercial/SW-Model-325-Thunder-Ranch</a>)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH2j_Npuki5EQ44xfn_dp0MKiIch8lFeC2dkvYGK7vvG46HuM1KaPAkkSoRr01JfwhkSJ6sr_yZhN1y28f3oAF0ThgGMW_YqddtwpYHm3EAwK5rZzyAOeLUQOOJWZQN6AvCcV2ZA3_vY/s1600/SW45thunderranchrev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH2j_Npuki5EQ44xfn_dp0MKiIch8lFeC2dkvYGK7vvG46HuM1KaPAkkSoRr01JfwhkSJ6sr_yZhN1y28f3oAF0ThgGMW_YqddtwpYHm3EAwK5rZzyAOeLUQOOJWZQN6AvCcV2ZA3_vY/s320/SW45thunderranchrev.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">3. <a href="http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/winchester-model-95/" target="_blank">WinchesterModel 1895</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is one awesome rifle.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I would
prefer an original 1895 <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Winchester</st1:place></st1:city>
in .405 but would not complain if it was in .30-06 or 7.62x54R. I love old, large caliber, lever action rifles like
the .405, but it would be really cool to have one that shoots .30-60 like my
deer rifle. Who wouldn’t want to own a piece of history like a Model 1895 <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Winchester</st1:place></st1:city>? </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(Picture </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">courtesy</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> of </span><a href="http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/winchester-model-95/" style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/winchester-model-95/</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WOrTLRbqWa0dsq4WutjGHzl7BL_nMEXUkM6s9s2YBQpdCcxr_BIzsMV2oAVMN0xMW1rkNtLRgaRgOGDd_IF2bG8KwPNyy6skikEX-y_PK1z92TTbUQdFAquxctbNOeRA4nHOfXmLA1k/s1600/winchester-1895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WOrTLRbqWa0dsq4WutjGHzl7BL_nMEXUkM6s9s2YBQpdCcxr_BIzsMV2oAVMN0xMW1rkNtLRgaRgOGDd_IF2bG8KwPNyy6skikEX-y_PK1z92TTbUQdFAquxctbNOeRA4nHOfXmLA1k/s320/winchester-1895.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">4. <a href="http://www.uberti.com/firearms/springfield-trapdoor.php" target="_blank">Springfield TrapdoorCarbine .45-70</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am a big fan of .45-70’s and of carbines. The 1873 Trapdoor
Springfield is the original .45-70. The Springfield Trapdoor Carbine is the
Alpha Prime Numero Uno of .45-70 carbines and I want one. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(Picture </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">courtesy</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> of </span><a href="http://www.uberti.com/firearms/springfield-trapdoor.php" style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.uberti.com/firearms/springfield-trapdoor.php</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCYe_15Ga71WqVrOufaVgpRT9TKL1ITJxgD0JE5LAPImYaJB43mIiAWWQ48wLOJLnjL_OC0cX5rYa2R9Rrp5Ev1RgQTODhbilxCcP-slawnQoa5p7PSOTOiR0YU661p2wcQojwm-_qRo/s1600/springfield_trapdoor_carbine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCYe_15Ga71WqVrOufaVgpRT9TKL1ITJxgD0JE5LAPImYaJB43mIiAWWQ48wLOJLnjL_OC0cX5rYa2R9Rrp5Ev1RgQTODhbilxCcP-slawnQoa5p7PSOTOiR0YU661p2wcQojwm-_qRo/s320/springfield_trapdoor_carbine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">5. <a href="http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/60304" target="_blank">USSGDouble Rifle .45-70</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Every
hunter alive wants a double rifle, but few can afford them. Once again, the
USSG Double Rifle comes in .45-70, but I didn’t know this one was available until I
started this post. As double rifles go, this one is almost affordable. The next
step up costs 5 times as much. I might be able to afford this one if I liquidate
some inventory and clean the kitchen every night for the next 8 years and vacuum for the next 12 years and.... </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(Picture </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">courtesy</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> of </span><a href="http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/60304" style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/60304</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwURm8-pTSXMkwGFSP1f6YO2va0HDbZw-5SgLVmb-Hh53rRj9RcD5FU3ZivtsZneeE8QYrS0CoXbVb6OQ8q7YG20Kezlud_6bNBswSttUtKwmpsuQI2drdQlUfWE1UBALS1wpQ3HysLdE/s1600/USSG-45-70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwURm8-pTSXMkwGFSP1f6YO2va0HDbZw-5SgLVmb-Hh53rRj9RcD5FU3ZivtsZneeE8QYrS0CoXbVb6OQ8q7YG20Kezlud_6bNBswSttUtKwmpsuQI2drdQlUfWE1UBALS1wpQ3HysLdE/s320/USSG-45-70.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">6. <a href="http://wildwestguns.com/copilot.html" target="_blank">Alaskan Copilot .45-70</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A take
down, lever action .45-70. What more could I ask for? </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(Picture </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">courtesy</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> of </span><a href="http://wildwestguns.com/copilot.html" style="font-family: Arial;">http://wildwestguns.com/copilot.html</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xVDq9Fa2TdnyyCS6uHfNPz5p0TU0i6UFmb_4YN6Maqp324_72OXX6jkUpIWH1Qh1QRDv1txkUUOnyTehnX6JyvzM-Eo-3eiL1pezGUTEPRkrDiBMSbnRLm_n4zQZdLsc29hFy0xxzSw/s1600/bigcopilotred1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xVDq9Fa2TdnyyCS6uHfNPz5p0TU0i6UFmb_4YN6Maqp324_72OXX6jkUpIWH1Qh1QRDv1txkUUOnyTehnX6JyvzM-Eo-3eiL1pezGUTEPRkrDiBMSbnRLm_n4zQZdLsc29hFy0xxzSw/s320/bigcopilotred1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">7. <a href="http://www.knesekguns.com/commercial/Kimber-Stainless-Ultra-Raptor-II-45ACP-3200196" target="_blank">KimberStainless Ultra Raptor II .45ACP</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Small,
stainless and .45 ACP, this Kimber would probably be my first choice for a conceal
carry pistol. Sorry Beretta. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(Picture </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">courtesy</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> of </span><a href="http://www.knesekguns.com/commercial/Kimber-Stainless-Ultra-Raptor-II-45ACP-3200196" style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.knesekguns.com/commercial/Kimber-Stainless-Ultra-Raptor-II-45ACP-3200196</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFxFJDscm3pFV11rQq200iZvlWhpsV-KFDi4ME6vCBC6sNq4O-CTPJlt6IiPeGPq05WClL4zvMzwghbFZKXZKf6hVlwfj5gN6ITovL0bVrRXezVkGniRTh-1K1PpNNaOUV1VoUXullVk/s1600/kimber-ultra-raptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFxFJDscm3pFV11rQq200iZvlWhpsV-KFDi4ME6vCBC6sNq4O-CTPJlt6IiPeGPq05WClL4zvMzwghbFZKXZKf6hVlwfj5gN6ITovL0bVrRXezVkGniRTh-1K1PpNNaOUV1VoUXullVk/s320/kimber-ultra-raptor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">8. <a href="http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifle-mares-leg.cfm" target="_blank">Henry Mare’s Leg .44Magnum</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I grew up
watching Steve McQueen bring in the bad guys with this gun on </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051327/" style="font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">Wanted Dead or Alive</a><span style="font-family: Arial;">. Ever
since then, I have wanted a Mare’s Leg. There are several out there now to choose from, but I like </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Henry's </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">brass receiver and octagon barrel. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(Picture </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">courtesy</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> of </span><a href="http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifle-mares-leg.cfm" style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifle-mares-leg.cfm</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUpPOYg8jN1TuiowGPLDjI1joqeKbi_JYKkgh85ln6O5KDhrCd9dqV1JjDDXUwfpCYyiAj0LCxIJlFwVgbMi4GfwR6nyqeD6SuvrTOkYH1OAGSoHajk3duqC3mwF42D6J_wH5cAlquvU/s1600/henry-mares-leg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUpPOYg8jN1TuiowGPLDjI1joqeKbi_JYKkgh85ln6O5KDhrCd9dqV1JjDDXUwfpCYyiAj0LCxIJlFwVgbMi4GfwR6nyqeD6SuvrTOkYH1OAGSoHajk3duqC3mwF42D6J_wH5cAlquvU/s320/henry-mares-leg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">9. <a href="http://www.uberti.com/firearms/top-break.php" target="_blank">Uberti Top Break 2ndModel No. 3 .38 Special</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If I were
to take up Cowboy Action Shooting full time, this pistol would be my first
choice. I prefer short barreled revolvers especially when it comes to single
action pistols and the ease of loading and unloading a top break pistol is
obvious. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(Picture </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">courtesy</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> of </span><a href="http://www.uberti.com/firearms/top-break.php" style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.uberti.com/firearms/top-break.php</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvVh7ci93L67MduI3-X3dXmif6RXq0mEXlQKXK0Q92fcgEhMrHFyA6DH1yE_HoOU-_mTMX8rxmIszM9Q7XVfUcjiM_ji3ZXnNyKRiIAfoE7iDw6G-iF9k_kiQAVbSRl-MThd8AL34TNE/s1600/top_break_no3_2nd_3_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvVh7ci93L67MduI3-X3dXmif6RXq0mEXlQKXK0Q92fcgEhMrHFyA6DH1yE_HoOU-_mTMX8rxmIszM9Q7XVfUcjiM_ji3ZXnNyKRiIAfoE7iDw6G-iF9k_kiQAVbSRl-MThd8AL34TNE/s320/top_break_no3_2nd_3_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">10. <a href="http://www.berettausa.com/products/a400-xplor-light-ko-12ga-3/?F_All=Y" target="_blank">BerettaA400 Xplor Light KO 12 gauge</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Like I have
said, I like light, short barreled guns. I also prefer semi-automatic shotguns
over pump or double-barreled shotguns. I didn’t add this one to kowtow to
Beretta. I have a semi-auto shotgun that I am very happy with. It is not a
Beretta, and it is not a 12 gauge. But if I needed a new shotgun, the Beretta
A400 Xplot Light KO would be at the top of my wish list. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">(Picture </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">courtesy</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> of </span><a href="http://www.berettausa.com/products/a400-xplor-light-ko-12ga-3/?F_All=Y" style="font-family: Arial;">http://www.berettausa.com/products/a400-xplor-light-ko-12ga-3/?F_All=Y</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNSMkA4n0zjq55sBEr5PEkHd4fyUd1h-hMC1H-DnaHyzOD_oZHp1wdDQDMwUkxYDhyjKDPNuc5PmBBmY7-DCIa13apdhLJR-qNo2jZlN2nhe2gnp7FRrfv5mbLKIKdsvF0q4Jd4uHuU4/s1600/beretta-Xplor-LIGHT-KO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNSMkA4n0zjq55sBEr5PEkHd4fyUd1h-hMC1H-DnaHyzOD_oZHp1wdDQDMwUkxYDhyjKDPNuc5PmBBmY7-DCIa13apdhLJR-qNo2jZlN2nhe2gnp7FRrfv5mbLKIKdsvF0q4Jd4uHuU4/s320/beretta-Xplor-LIGHT-KO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bonus:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">11. <a href="http://airbornecombatengineer.typepad.com/airborne_combat_engineer/2007/05/medusa_revolver.html" target="_blank">Philips& Rogers Medusa Model 47</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I might be
able to afford this pistol if I could ever find one. If you are not familiar
with this revolver, it is a .38 caliber pistol that has the capability to shoot
25 different types of ammunition including .357 Magnum, 9mm, all types of .38’s
and 7.62x25. This is one of those if I could only own one gun types of pistols.
In a survival situation, this pistol is the one to have. (Picture courtesy of </span><a href="http://airbornecombatengineer.typepad.com/airborne_combat_engineer/2007/05/medusa_revolver.html" style="font-family: Arial;">http://airbornecombatengineer.typepad.com/airborne_combat_engineer/2007/05/medusa_revolver.html</a><span style="font-family: Arial;">)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiLRLOOyUVtGlh6AN7m7zG-66QOktzGuRRfFd9ZGrvaxTrWwPnVWf0iH9RT72_1fcbPKAGb5xATsuBCW8tkAXn0yBjKRIsttvtPricbWbL9mF1TcYrSLy3IUZsa8Up4oIejZNJBb-4PU/s1600/medusa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiLRLOOyUVtGlh6AN7m7zG-66QOktzGuRRfFd9ZGrvaxTrWwPnVWf0iH9RT72_1fcbPKAGb5xATsuBCW8tkAXn0yBjKRIsttvtPricbWbL9mF1TcYrSLy3IUZsa8Up4oIejZNJBb-4PU/s320/medusa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So what
guns are on your wish list?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This post
and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not
necessarily represent those of Beretta.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Make sure
you follow Beretta on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BerettaUSA" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/beretta_usa" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/berettacommunity" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">You can
follow Jason on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/thejasonparks" target="_blank">@thejasonparks</a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420249793473748590noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-70159726979304215042012-08-13T10:49:00.000-04:002012-08-13T10:49:33.543-04:00Conservation, It's Our Duty<i>By Brad Wilson - Guest Contributor</i>
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Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Coastal Conservation Association, and many other conservation groups across North America are some of the greatest organizations to be a part of for hunters. They fight not only for the rights of the wildlife that we love to hunt, but the also fight for the hunters' rights as well as our rights as gun owners. We'll talk about some of the things these organizations do after the break.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>I have been a member of Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, and CCA for quite a number of years. I have served on the board of our local Delta chapter and have really been able to see where all of the contributions go and how much these great organizations do for wildlife and the sport that we cherish. One thing that I see a lot of is people that like to try and say why one organization is better than the other, but that is the wrong stance to take.<br />
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<a href="http://static.texashuntfish.com/pics/2007/02/06/mid/4ea8683f-c671-44f1-9f95-3070a8d9c14e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://static.texashuntfish.com/pics/2007/02/06/mid/4ea8683f-c671-44f1-9f95-3070a8d9c14e.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Without DU we wouldn't have some of the best waterfowl habitat in the world. Their attention to where ducks migrate to and from is some of the best I have ever seen in my many years as a waterfowler. From the Prairie Pothole Region to the Texas Gulf Coast, DU has some excellent projects that are prime grounds for waterfowl from all over the country.<br />
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<a href="http://www.deltawaterfowl.org/chapters/downloads/LogoT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://www.deltawaterfowl.org/chapters/downloads/LogoT.jpg" width="200" /></a>On the other side of the proverbial fence is Delta Waterfowl. Delta is about nesting and predator management. One of the biggest adversities that waterfowl have to overcome is predators. Whether it is skunks or uninformed farmers, nests are at risk since most waterfowl nest on the ground. With the constant implementation of nesting houses we are putting a dent in the danger that the predators pose.<br />
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One thing to remember, without our help and constant involvement in these conservation organizations that continue to help our habitat flourish, our future as hunters will be thrown out with the bath water. Be sure to join today!<br />
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<a href="http://www.deltawaterfowl.org/" target="_blank">Delta Waterfowl</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ducks.org/" target="_blank">Ducks Unlimited</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brad Wilson is an avid outdoorsman targeting waterfowl and saltwater fish and is a guest contributor for the Beretta Blog. He can be reached on </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/reddirt6string" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> or </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/reddirt6string/videos" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">YouTube</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Make sure you follow Beretta on </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/BerettaUSA" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/Beretta_USA" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/berettacommunity" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">YouTube</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not represent those of Beretta.</i></span></div>
Brad Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01439545510261690800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204770193819266018.post-66794533415794396762012-08-07T16:38:00.000-04:002012-08-09T10:26:16.734-04:00My First AR Build<i style="background-color: white;">by Keith Hollar – Guest Contributor</i><br />
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Yes, I know
Beretta doesn’t make one, but this was something that I thought might interest
a lot of readers. Recently a local shop
posted on <a href="http://www.calguns.net/">CalGuns</a> that they would be
offering a class on how to build an AR and you get to take home the rifle you
built. The price was very reasonable so
I headed up to <a href="http://www.globalarms.org/news.php">Global Arms</a> in
Glendale to fill out the registration on the receiver so my 10 days would be up
and I would be able to take it home on the day of the build. I have done some minor gunsmithing in the
past and I’ve been looking at getting an AR for a while so I thought this would
be a great way to be introduced to the rifle.</div>
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When I got there
the day of the class my parts were in two boxes along with the tools I would
need all laid out ready for me to go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Qg16PAY925ndM5tylS0Q3iBHTJ7cbX2pVYqhZKD9t3O0ZLIwhdvtce50TK6i5HE2BH1nMc8QibLN9Uy3XIBuUsymgGJPSQHoXiOu2MLpWqA4Qd4otuK2AzJGtRDIXowM1NtwiOtl7vo/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Qg16PAY925ndM5tylS0Q3iBHTJ7cbX2pVYqhZKD9t3O0ZLIwhdvtce50TK6i5HE2BH1nMc8QibLN9Uy3XIBuUsymgGJPSQHoXiOu2MLpWqA4Qd4otuK2AzJGtRDIXowM1NtwiOtl7vo/s400/IMG_0472.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We got started
with Dirk, the head gunsmith and instructor, giving us all a short history of
the rifle. We then got down to building
the upper first. We were shown the
correct way to install each of the surprisingly few parts to the upper. While we were all trying to get the parts to
fit correctly the owner, Harry, was walking around giving us help as well. Once we got the upper finished we logically
moved on to the lower. This was a little
more difficult for me as there were some small parts and those darned roll pins
to get in. However after some patience
and a little application of force I got it put together correctly. Here is the finished product:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwclCDGR_dbyPketqasQR7kJGQq7yOE19y2V9PHEzJtbFmZwQ1GQk-SVj2_496j8r7N4eAYCCamM0ftJuuy-Q6jJtkvoYwhOZWLRpryv9x2PaU7QvyvThhpCkKPv8ZLG1wGu_uPmgD0y0/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwclCDGR_dbyPketqasQR7kJGQq7yOE19y2V9PHEzJtbFmZwQ1GQk-SVj2_496j8r7N4eAYCCamM0ftJuuy-Q6jJtkvoYwhOZWLRpryv9x2PaU7QvyvThhpCkKPv8ZLG1wGu_uPmgD0y0/s400/IMG_0474.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My rifle
differed a bit from their standard kit because I wanted the Magpul furniture so
I upgraded to that. At the time of this
writing I have unfortunately not been able to shoot it but will soon.</div>
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I was very
happy with the class because it was very informative and Dirk didn’t mind
answering our questions or going over something again when we didn’t get it the
first time. I also feel pretty confident
that if something goes wrong with the rifle or I want to upgrade it I will be
able to fix or replace the part. I do
hope that I get to do something like this again either here or at another shop.</div>
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So have any
of you done or wanted to do a build like this before? Any thoughts or questions? </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make sure you follow Beretta on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BerettaUSA">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/Beretta_USA">Twitter</a>, or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/BerettaCommunity">YouTube</a></b></div>Keith1911http://www.blogger.com/profile/13131851646647347388noreply@blogger.com1