Leaderboard

Some people do not like it when you interchange the term clip and magazine. A Garand uses a clip, a M14 uses a magazine. BC, your are an inspiration to us all! Great work!

First and foremost, make sure the magazine is seated and locked in place properly. It's easy enough to bump the mag release and have the magazine drop fractionally out of place. It's not necessarily visible but if this happens, it's common for the magazine to fall out of the gun under recoil. Second thing might be to confirm that the magazine is fully loaded. Third would be to make sure that the top cartridge is seated clear to the rear so it doesn't tie up the gun as they slide cycles. These are routine behaviors a seasoned semi-auto shooter does almost subconsciously .. instinctively. Revolver shooters have their own practices ... slightly different for single action vs double action shooters, but equally instinctive for seasoned shooters. They become as ingrained as putting on your seat belt. For noobs, the processes aren't so automatic and require conscious thought. MIB

wiia, my ability to hike 40km out from a disabled vehicle to safety just isn't there any more. Some major invasive surgery 2 years ago has significantly reduced my stamina. I can still safely do 10 km, but then peter out for the day. I'm also aware that my bones are much more brittle now, at 73, than they were at 60, so I choose less challenging terrain when off trail. I still do it, but with less gusto than in my youth.

Update as such - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/monsterxradio/2018/01/29/monster-x-radio-excursion-to-the-olympic-project-nest-site

99.5% of my ventures out are solo. Usually no more than 3 nights but often just a day trip. I agree that going solo has the advantage of more focus but I'm not certain that is always a good thing as so many sightings are by folks just out there doing whatever and paying no particular mind. I get out into the North Woods, it's a few hours drive in, often don't see another person or vehicle for 3 days so I go prepared. That includes a PLB and GPS. Topo maps and knowledge of the "box" or defined area I'm bushwhacking through. IE, where the river or stream is in relation to visible peak or ridges, which way the nearest logging rd runs because they are often not on maps..and I'll meander within that "known" area. And I also carry one of those large caliber pistols...cause one never knows.. Just being out there, in the middle of "nowhere" solo is something, feeds the soul I guess, but the occasional company is a nice change.

I have had better luck in small experienced groups wiiawiwb. There is also a safety factor in numbers. Whether or not the Bigfoot/Sasquatch is a threat, there are other critters out there we all are aware of that are a definite danger. Anyone who treats the remote woods like it is just a sterile Disneyland excursion is setting themselves up for possible disaster. case-in-point. I was out by myself scouting out a remote creek bank near the area where my first close encounter occurred while night fishing with my son. It was a cold clear beautiful day as I made my way through the woods. I was about 50 yards from the creek along a game trail that ran perpendicular towards the creek, Suddenly, I heard this deep guttural growl and a dark shape came charging up the creek bank about 100 yards from me. It came into view and was a large barrel chested Pit Bull dog. His head was held high sniffing and obviously had caught my scent searching for the source. Then two more of these dogs came out of the brush following the leader. One was a tri-color and the other dark brown. They raced up the bank in a fast trot until the leader saw me trying to hide behind a much too thin tree. There was no where to run hide or climb!! All three dogs broke into a fast run towards me with ears pinned back and giving a constant growl. Now if I was a casual day packer totally unprepared for this, I wouldn't be typing this reply now. When the dog first broke out, I instinctively had my 45 ACP out(Which I legally carry), checked the clip and had it off safety and held ready by my side. I tracked the dogs closing on me hoping they would turn away. When they got about 50 feet away, I double tapped two rounds in front of them sending dirt, pieces of wood and possible hollow point shards into their faces. All three skidded to a stop squinting and turning their heads from the debris slapping their faces then turned tail and ran back the way they came. I turned the other way and scatted out of there. Many asked my why I didn't shoot them. Even though I hate the breed, I have owned dogs all my life and just didn't want to kill them unless absolutely necessary. My point is this. Unexpected things can happen out there and if you don't have plans in place for this bad things will happen. I am retired law enforcement and NEVER go out in the woods without a large bore handgun discreetly tucked away on my person that no one will see unless its needed. I could add snakes, broken legs etc. etc...That my two cents here folks...be safe!

I take heart in believing that he is now in a place where all of his questions are answered.