Hello folks, 12-Gauge Chimp here with a new edition of random thoughts.
As you all may remember, I was on vacation this last week and I managed to stop by one of my favorite surplus stores in Southeast Texas. This place is packed with deals on military surplus stuff and I managed to snag some cool stuff. I was looking for a GI pistol belt and a Y-harness for a survival belt project I've been working on, but instead of buying those items I bought a .50 caliber ammo can and a couple MREs. I spent a bit more than I wanted to, but in the end it was worth it.
I got back home and proceeded to fill my new ammo can with shotgun shells and I came to find that I need more ammo and ammo cans. When you can fit all of your ammo supply into a single .50 caliber ammo can, it's time to buy more ammo. It's a good thing I have a reliable source for 12 gauge shells and other ammo.
I'm still in the process of buying the Mossberg Plinkster I mentioned a couple of weeks ago and I hope to have the rifle in my possession by the middle of July at the very latest.
Well, that'll do it for this edition of Random Thoughts. As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Updates for June 2010
Hey folks, 12-Gauge Chimp here with some updates for the month of June.
First of all, you may have noticed the new look of the site. I got bored with the original look of my site and decided to change some things around. I think it brings a whole new feel to the site. What do y'all think ? Feel free to comment on the changes because I love hearing from you folks.
I will be on vacation starting Monday June 14th, so the site won't be updated until I get back. Hopefully, when I get back I'll have a new gun or knife review posted because I'm going to be cruising the military surplus stores in my state. Who knows just what kind of deals I'll find and what kind of stuff follows me home. Whatever happens I promise to post a review and maybe a new edition of random thoughts when I return.
Well, that's pretty much it for the updates for June 2010. As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
First of all, you may have noticed the new look of the site. I got bored with the original look of my site and decided to change some things around. I think it brings a whole new feel to the site. What do y'all think ? Feel free to comment on the changes because I love hearing from you folks.
I will be on vacation starting Monday June 14th, so the site won't be updated until I get back. Hopefully, when I get back I'll have a new gun or knife review posted because I'm going to be cruising the military surplus stores in my state. Who knows just what kind of deals I'll find and what kind of stuff follows me home. Whatever happens I promise to post a review and maybe a new edition of random thoughts when I return.
Well, that's pretty much it for the updates for June 2010. As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Guns and Gear Review # 8: Ka-Bar K2 Agama
Hey folks, your old pal 12-Gauge Chimp here bringing you another knife review. Today I'll be reviewing the Agama made by Ka-Bar.
Here's the factory specs on the Agama.
Blade length: 3.75 inches
Blade material: 3cr13 stainless steel
Handle material: Black G-10 scales
Overall length: 8.38 inches.
I had not planned on purchasing another knife this year, but I was considering replacing my EDC knife with something a bit better made. Before I got the Agama, I carried an assisted opening knife based off of the Kershaw Leek design. I still plan to carry both knives, but the Agama will be my main edc knife from now on.
The Agama is a pretty cool folder with a partially serrated edge and a G10 handle. The blade is fairly sharp for a production knife and will sharpen fairly easy. I wish I could say the same about the assisted opener I usually carry, but what can you expect of a 5 dollar knife. The Agama cost me a little over 13 dollars US, but it usually sells for 39 dollars US. I ended up getting it during a weekend sale at the sporting goods shop I frequently shop at. Since it does not have a traditional thumbstud to open it, I had to practice opening it with the hole that is cut in the blade. After a bit of practice, I can open the Agama with ease.
I haven't gotten around to actually cutting anything with it aside from a sheet of paper I used to test the blades sharpness.
Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and I'm also happy that I finally own a Ka-Bar. Granted, it's not a traditional Ka-Bar, but I will eventually add one of the legendary Ka-Bar USMC fixed blade knives to my growing collection.
The Ka-Bar K2 Agama folding knife gets a 5 out of 5 and the 12-Gauge Chimp seal of approval.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Here's the factory specs on the Agama.
Blade length: 3.75 inches
Blade material: 3cr13 stainless steel
Handle material: Black G-10 scales
Overall length: 8.38 inches.
I had not planned on purchasing another knife this year, but I was considering replacing my EDC knife with something a bit better made. Before I got the Agama, I carried an assisted opening knife based off of the Kershaw Leek design. I still plan to carry both knives, but the Agama will be my main edc knife from now on.
The Agama is a pretty cool folder with a partially serrated edge and a G10 handle. The blade is fairly sharp for a production knife and will sharpen fairly easy. I wish I could say the same about the assisted opener I usually carry, but what can you expect of a 5 dollar knife. The Agama cost me a little over 13 dollars US, but it usually sells for 39 dollars US. I ended up getting it during a weekend sale at the sporting goods shop I frequently shop at. Since it does not have a traditional thumbstud to open it, I had to practice opening it with the hole that is cut in the blade. After a bit of practice, I can open the Agama with ease.
I haven't gotten around to actually cutting anything with it aside from a sheet of paper I used to test the blades sharpness.
Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and I'm also happy that I finally own a Ka-Bar. Granted, it's not a traditional Ka-Bar, but I will eventually add one of the legendary Ka-Bar USMC fixed blade knives to my growing collection.
The Ka-Bar K2 Agama folding knife gets a 5 out of 5 and the 12-Gauge Chimp seal of approval.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Random Thoughts # 10: Buying a new gun
Hey folks, your old pal 12-Gauge Chimp here with a new edition of random thoughts.
After perusing the used gun ads online, I found a gun I could actually afford. I found an ad for a Marlin Model 60 .22LR rifle and the price was definitely in my price range. After a bit of looking around and contemplating, I found a brand new rifle of the same brand and model for a little bit more money. I decided that rather than gamble on a used rifle, I could just go ahead and buy a new one instead. I did a bit of additional looking around and I found a better deal on a .22LR rifle.
Instead of buying the Marlin Model 60, I have decided to buy a Mossberg Plinkster. It's a bit cheaper in cost than the Marlin and it uses detachable magazines versus the tube magazine of the Marlin. With it being a new rifle, I'm going to have to fire a couple hundred rounds through it to smooth out any manufacturing blemishes in the action and barrel, but that's half the fun of owning a new gun. That and I can easily afford to blow through a couple hundred rounds of .22LR ammo in one range trip. If I try that with any other caliber, my wallet is screaming profanities at me in several different languages.
If all goes according to my plans, I should have the Mossberg Plinkster in my possession within the next few months. Stay tuned for a range report and a review to come soon after.
Well, that'll do it for this edition of Random Thoughts with 12-Gauge Chimp.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
After perusing the used gun ads online, I found a gun I could actually afford. I found an ad for a Marlin Model 60 .22LR rifle and the price was definitely in my price range. After a bit of looking around and contemplating, I found a brand new rifle of the same brand and model for a little bit more money. I decided that rather than gamble on a used rifle, I could just go ahead and buy a new one instead. I did a bit of additional looking around and I found a better deal on a .22LR rifle.
Instead of buying the Marlin Model 60, I have decided to buy a Mossberg Plinkster. It's a bit cheaper in cost than the Marlin and it uses detachable magazines versus the tube magazine of the Marlin. With it being a new rifle, I'm going to have to fire a couple hundred rounds through it to smooth out any manufacturing blemishes in the action and barrel, but that's half the fun of owning a new gun. That and I can easily afford to blow through a couple hundred rounds of .22LR ammo in one range trip. If I try that with any other caliber, my wallet is screaming profanities at me in several different languages.
If all goes according to my plans, I should have the Mossberg Plinkster in my possession within the next few months. Stay tuned for a range report and a review to come soon after.
Well, that'll do it for this edition of Random Thoughts with 12-Gauge Chimp.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Guns and Gear Review # 7: Buck Nighthawk fixed blade
Hey there folks, 12-Gauge Chimp here with another knife review. Today we're going to be looking at a knife that has been in my collection for quite some time. I will be reviewing the Buck Nighthawk.
Here's the factory specifications of the Buck Nighthawk.
Blade type: Modified clip point
Blade length: 4 -7/8"
Blade material: 420HC Stainless steel
Overall length: 10 3/8"
This was my very first high end ( to me anyway) knife purchase. I paid around 39 dollars US for it at a big box sporting goods store in 2005.
It's not exactly the knife of choice for most folks, but for a beginner or someone who's new to fixed blade knives, it works perfectly. It is a very well made knife which is what Buck is known for. The blade is partially serrated, which is great for cutting things like rope. I haven't done a whole heck of a lot with the knife, aside from cutting some rope and shaving a bit of hair off my arm to test the sharpness of the blade.
The blade of the Buck Nighthawk is made from 420HC (high carbon) stainless steel with a black anti-rust coating baked onto it. The handle is made of a high impact nylon with a green rubber inlay. This is meant to act as a no slip grip and cushion the users hand when hacking or cutting. The sheath is comprised of ballistic nylon with an ABS plastic insert to keep the blade from wiggling back and forth in the sheath. The Buck logo is embroidered on the sheath in white and it's a well put together sheath.
Overall, the Buck Nighthawk is a well made knife and is a great addition to any collection. It's a knife that can withstand a ton of abuse and will not fail. It's also great knife to take with you when you go camping.
I'm going to rate this knife as a 5 out of 5. It's one of the best knifes for a beginner in fixed blade knife collecting and it is one of the best low cost knives out there.
I hope you have enjoyed my review of the Buck Nighthawk and as always this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Here's the factory specifications of the Buck Nighthawk.
Blade type: Modified clip point
Blade length: 4 -7/8"
Blade material: 420HC Stainless steel
Overall length: 10 3/8"
This was my very first high end ( to me anyway) knife purchase. I paid around 39 dollars US for it at a big box sporting goods store in 2005.
It's not exactly the knife of choice for most folks, but for a beginner or someone who's new to fixed blade knives, it works perfectly. It is a very well made knife which is what Buck is known for. The blade is partially serrated, which is great for cutting things like rope. I haven't done a whole heck of a lot with the knife, aside from cutting some rope and shaving a bit of hair off my arm to test the sharpness of the blade.
The blade of the Buck Nighthawk is made from 420HC (high carbon) stainless steel with a black anti-rust coating baked onto it. The handle is made of a high impact nylon with a green rubber inlay. This is meant to act as a no slip grip and cushion the users hand when hacking or cutting. The sheath is comprised of ballistic nylon with an ABS plastic insert to keep the blade from wiggling back and forth in the sheath. The Buck logo is embroidered on the sheath in white and it's a well put together sheath.
Overall, the Buck Nighthawk is a well made knife and is a great addition to any collection. It's a knife that can withstand a ton of abuse and will not fail. It's also great knife to take with you when you go camping.
I'm going to rate this knife as a 5 out of 5. It's one of the best knifes for a beginner in fixed blade knife collecting and it is one of the best low cost knives out there.
I hope you have enjoyed my review of the Buck Nighthawk and as always this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Random Thoughts # 9: UCW 7.62x39mm ammo
Hey there folks, your old pal 12-Gauge Chimp here with a brand spanking new edition of Random Thoughts.
I recently found out the sporting goods store where I purchased my Mosin-Nagant had a small supply of Winchester military grade buckshot. Being the sucker I am for military stuff, I decided to buy a couple boxes. Well, when I went to purchase a box or three the manager of the store informed me they had sold out and he didn't know when they'd get any more in. Disappointed, I glanced over at the ammo shelves and noticed they had quite a few boxes of UCW 7.62x39mm ammo. I've heard of this ammo, but had never seen any in the shops I frequent. I bought two boxes and am eagerly awaiting when the weather heats up so I can get out to the range and test this ammo in my Model 59 SKS. Unlike my Mosin, my SKS will eat any kind of 7.62x39mm ammo I can get ahold of and that includes lacquer coated ammo.
Now that I think about it, most companies that produce lacquer coated 7.62x39 ammo have switched to a polymer coating. No matter, my SKS can and will chamber and fire the stuff.
Enough about my guns, on to the ammo.
It's made in Russia by the Ulyanovsk Cartridge Works and is imported into the US by various companies. It's Berdan primed and non-corrosive, which is a plus in my book. Most commercially made ammo coming out of Russia is non-corrosive and only the military surplus ammo is corrosively primed.
One thing I did hear about the ammo is that some folks in my area who had bought it claimed it jammed their AKs or SKS's. I told the counter guy that if folks would clean their guns once in awhile, they wouldn't have that problem. Folks, just because an AK or an SKS is tough, reliable and idiot-proof, it doesn't mean you never have to clean it.
That'll do it for this edition of Random Thoughts with 12-Gauge Chimp. Stay tuned for the next edition coming soon.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
I recently found out the sporting goods store where I purchased my Mosin-Nagant had a small supply of Winchester military grade buckshot. Being the sucker I am for military stuff, I decided to buy a couple boxes. Well, when I went to purchase a box or three the manager of the store informed me they had sold out and he didn't know when they'd get any more in. Disappointed, I glanced over at the ammo shelves and noticed they had quite a few boxes of UCW 7.62x39mm ammo. I've heard of this ammo, but had never seen any in the shops I frequent. I bought two boxes and am eagerly awaiting when the weather heats up so I can get out to the range and test this ammo in my Model 59 SKS. Unlike my Mosin, my SKS will eat any kind of 7.62x39mm ammo I can get ahold of and that includes lacquer coated ammo.
Now that I think about it, most companies that produce lacquer coated 7.62x39 ammo have switched to a polymer coating. No matter, my SKS can and will chamber and fire the stuff.
Enough about my guns, on to the ammo.
It's made in Russia by the Ulyanovsk Cartridge Works and is imported into the US by various companies. It's Berdan primed and non-corrosive, which is a plus in my book. Most commercially made ammo coming out of Russia is non-corrosive and only the military surplus ammo is corrosively primed.
One thing I did hear about the ammo is that some folks in my area who had bought it claimed it jammed their AKs or SKS's. I told the counter guy that if folks would clean their guns once in awhile, they wouldn't have that problem. Folks, just because an AK or an SKS is tough, reliable and idiot-proof, it doesn't mean you never have to clean it.
That'll do it for this edition of Random Thoughts with 12-Gauge Chimp. Stay tuned for the next edition coming soon.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Updates for February: I'm still here.
Hey folks, your old pal 12-Gauge Chimp here with some updates.
You all are probably wondering where I've been these last couple weeks. Well, I have had a lot of things come up and haven't really had time to update the site like I would like to. That being said, I have a couple updates for you all and here they are.
1. I am in the process of ordering an actual Nepalese kukri. Hopefully I will get the knife within the next few months and I will post a review and what I think of it as soon as I can.
2. No new guns just yet. I know you are all wondering when I will be doing another gun review and I am eagerly awaiting adding an AK and a CZ-82 to my collection. I know I mentioned buying another Mosin Nagant rifle awhile back, but instead changed my mind. I have now buckled down and decided to buy the CZ and AK when I am able to and this will be the last time I mention buying a new gun or guns for the time being. No more changing my mind.
3. I will try to post some more knife reviews as soon as I can. I just haven't bought any new knives in a few weeks. Actually I did, but they were just some cheap knockoffs of the Kershaw Leek assisted opening knife, nothing really review worthy about them.
4. My site is on the first page of search results for " Mossberg Bullpup review " on Google. That is pretty cool.
Ok, that's pretty much it for updates for this month. I hope you folks will continue to visit my blog and remember, if you like something on my site feel free to comment on an entry or if you really like the site, become a Friend of the Chimp.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
You all are probably wondering where I've been these last couple weeks. Well, I have had a lot of things come up and haven't really had time to update the site like I would like to. That being said, I have a couple updates for you all and here they are.
1. I am in the process of ordering an actual Nepalese kukri. Hopefully I will get the knife within the next few months and I will post a review and what I think of it as soon as I can.
2. No new guns just yet. I know you are all wondering when I will be doing another gun review and I am eagerly awaiting adding an AK and a CZ-82 to my collection. I know I mentioned buying another Mosin Nagant rifle awhile back, but instead changed my mind. I have now buckled down and decided to buy the CZ and AK when I am able to and this will be the last time I mention buying a new gun or guns for the time being. No more changing my mind.
3. I will try to post some more knife reviews as soon as I can. I just haven't bought any new knives in a few weeks. Actually I did, but they were just some cheap knockoffs of the Kershaw Leek assisted opening knife, nothing really review worthy about them.
4. My site is on the first page of search results for " Mossberg Bullpup review " on Google. That is pretty cool.
Ok, that's pretty much it for updates for this month. I hope you folks will continue to visit my blog and remember, if you like something on my site feel free to comment on an entry or if you really like the site, become a Friend of the Chimp.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
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