SHOT show 2013

To start off the year, I attended SHOT show 2013, to see what was new in the industry, meet people that have helped make my youtube channel happen, and get my name out there as a videographer. What a trip! I'll first tart off by saying that I am not in my element when I'm in a city, not to mention a crazy place like Las Vegas.

My first day started Monday, where I woke up at 3am, and landed in Las Vegas at 9. I forgot my business cards at home like a rookie, but thanks to google, I was able to search for a printer to do mine last minute. Luckily, I had all my files in my computer, and with my Clear Wire SPOT device, I was able to communicate and send files to the printers, who had them done within the hour. They were delivered to me at the end of the day, since I was going the local transportation route.

I didn't get a chance to do the Media Day thing, but from what I hear and have seen from others who covered the event, it was cold, windy, and aside from all the guns it was miserable.

I settled into my room, and my girlfriend was very thoughtful, and surprised me with a pizza delivery. Mind you, she wasn't able to make it this year, and had ordered the pizza from West Virginia. I was stuffed and couldn't eat another bite. Unfortunately, the room had no fridge, so I fashioned a cooler using the ice bucket, and an MRE bag from my previous meal. It must have worked, because I didn't get sick the next day after eating it for breakfast.

The first day at shot was intense to say the least. I won't go into high detail, but I'll say that I didn't pace myself, and filmed 11 videos, which I then edited and posted later that night. The next few days I would do a lot more meeting great people and companies than filming, although I still managed to get quite a bit up. The icing on the cake was filming with the Gunny for kniferights.org on the last day. He is one down to earth guy, although you wouldn't know it from watching him on Full Metal Jacket.

All in all, I'd say I can't wait to go next year. I don't mind going on a shoestring budget, although it wouldn't hurt to get 3 meals a day. I hope ya'll enjoy all the videos and coverage of the event. Click HERE to see the playlist of the videos I made during my stay in Las Vegas.

Until next time, Take care out there,
Andy

Desert Camo: Snakeskin pattern

First off I'd like to say that I do not paint my firearms to be cool. I paint them out of necessity for concealment for hunting. Since I recreate in both woodland and desert environments, I have both patterns on two different firearms. These are screenshots from a video, if you prefer to watch that.


This is the end result on the mossberg 500 shotgun with a field barrel on it. The magazine tube isn't fully painted, as it wont be visible once the slide is moved forward.

 I'm using the Krylon camouflage series of paint. On this project I used Tan and Brown. It's ultra flat, and sticks well. It only costs a dollar or so more per can than the regular Krylon stuff, but one can will last you through a few projects.

You will need some adhesion promoter. It will further enhance your sticking characteristics of the spray paint.

 You will need this sort of mesh material for your snakeskin pattern. This is from a camouflage net that I used for my ghillie suit hood. It doesn't matter what color you get though, as long as the hole size is good.

Some masking tape is good for your recoil pad, and some modeling clay or a couple rubber erasers will keep paint off your sight posts/bead.

 Start by spraying your entire firearm with adhesion promoter. Allow to completely dry. When it's dry it will be a matte finish.

 Next spray on some base color, in my case it is Tan. For best coverage, and to avoid drops and sags, do two THIN coats of tan. You will be surprised how smooth it will look once it is dry.

 For this step I decided to use a sawhorse, and a clamp on the stock to keep my shotgun upright for this. Lay the mesh over the firearm, covering all that you wish to have painted.

 Spray in quick diagonal swoops to avoid running/dripping paint, and to keep the lines from being too contrasty. Lightly paint the outer edges of the pattern to give a faded look.

That's the business right there, but there are a few finishing touches that you might want to make...

If the lines are too contrasty for your taste, you can lightly spray the top color over the pattern, without the mesh. This will lightly fill in the lines. You can add more depth by filling in one area more than another.

That's pretty much how it is done. If using something like a Cerakote, then you need to layer these colors BEFORE you put it into the oven. Otherwise for regular spray paint, allow 24 hours to dry in order to have a hard durable finish. If you try out this technique, feel free to share the image with us on Facebook! Take care out there- Andy

Mutt Muffs: Dog ear protection

My dog goes (almost) everywhere I go, including on the mountain to shoot. He loves going shooting, but HATES the sound of pistols which is why I searched for doggy ear protection. Mutt Muffs is currently the only successful manufacturers of k-9 specific ear muffs and for Zip, they work pretty darn good. Your milage may vary, but if you get it from them (www.safeandsoundpets.com) they have a 30 day money back guarantee. Worth trying it if your pooch is sensitive to guns, thunder, airplanes, humvees, whatever!

Not a sponsored video, but they kindly sent these over for T&E.

The Good:
- They seem to work for Zip, so mission accomplished!
- Fit is good, so use the size charts :)
- The Muffs make your dog approximately 45% cuter (your milage may vary)
- Comes with a small carry bag

The Bad:
- Strap mounting could be done so that no interruption in the shell is made. Might raise price, but might also increase effectiveness.
- Wish it came with silicone bead on the strap to better grip the noggin. Regular walking/running had no issues, but slippage could happen during vigorous exercise.
- May or may not work with your dog. Some dogs hate stuff on their head- thats the nature of the beast, as they say.


Music by: BeanOne (http://beanone.bandcamp.com)