wornsoles

X-rated pictures? You mean I missed 'em?

I'm a hunter and always interested in new products and, in particular, better patterning chokes. I visited your new website and noticed "steel" shot was mentioned when viewing your competition choke line, but wasn't mentioned at all for the hunting line. You might want to indicate which chokes in your hunting line are OK for "steel" and which might perform best for "steel." Just a thought!

Hookster and StrangerDanger--Thanks for the information and link. While I haven't had any problems with the stock follower in my SBEII, these look like a higher-quality improvement. I used the link to order one of the SS followers. I'll see how it works out after it's installed and post a warning if there are any problems.

Hookster--Why the aluminum over the SS? Function? Weight? Have you tried the SS?

Hey Tex, That's a great suggestion! Maybe a call to Customer Service is in order?

texas skeeter, Thanks for the explanation. Now I understand.

Hmmm...does this mean you now deserve/command more respect, are more knowledgeable, are more experienced, or what? Obviously, I'm just not at your level yet.

Steve, Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to post a great story with great pix. I've really enjoyed your many hunting trip accounts.

I almost hate to ask, but what was the "fix?" Thanks.

It's not an "insurance thing." Since the original Gun Scrubber damaged synthetics, they now have produced an additional product which they claim is safe on synthetics: http://www.birchwoodcasey.com/sport/maintenance_index.asp?categoryID=2&subcat=3 Regardless, I believe Tucker's recommendation is the best choice. Gunscrubber was engineered to clean internal parts, not as a surface protectant.

Always move the rear sight in the direction you want to move the POI.

You mean you think there is somewhere worse than CA?

CA--probably just confirms any guess anyone might make.

Actually, you're lucky. I've had to purchase the gun on the first trip and wait for it to be delivered to the dealer. Then, a second trip was required to fill out the paperwork for registration after it arrived and they had the serial number. A third trip was then necessary to pick it up after the ten-day wait period.

That's a very funny thought! It must have been breast of... because all I can remember are lots of them.

Thanks for the update. It's always nice to get thoughtful first-hand information.

Why steel? Just curious.

Me too! It looks like it went to everyone.

I'll bet tucker's suggestion is a good one. There are definitely better prices available to someone with a little knowledge and effort. I probably wasn't clear enough. My .22-250 is my dedicated varmint rifle, shooting not larger than 3/8" groups at 100 yards. It drops coyotes in their tracks and literally "mist"-ifies ground squirrels. While my '06 was meant for big game only, I've dusted a few coyotes while big game hunting when they offered the shot when it didn't interfere with the deer/elk/antelope hunt. It shoots an honest one-hole group at 100 yards with 165 grain Hornadys. That accuracy is what prompted me to buy the Tikka .22-250. The specific .30-06 load it prefers is 57.0 grains IMR 4350 with a WLR primer and a Hornady 165 grain BTSP bullet seated just off the lands. It also shoots the Hornady 165 SST-IB bullet with the same primer/powder combo into But, I don't take the '06 out expressly to shoot varmints even though it is obviously capable of the task. I've never tried sabots. My previous primary big game/varmint combo rifle was a Remington 700 .270 with a VXIII 3.5-10AO. It's a great rifle, but I used the AO feature less, for whatever reason, than I do now. I had great success with both 130 and 150 grain bullets for deer and 100 grain bullets for varmints. This is probably more than you really wanted to know.

I've had exceptional service from a half-dozen Leupold scopes. I put a VXIII 4.5-14x40AO on a Tikka .30-06 about 8 years ago for deer, elk and antelope. I liked the setup so well I bought another Tikka in .22-250 and mounted it with an identical Leupold for varmints (mostly 'yotes and ground squirrels), but also ended up using it on javelina. While the AO feature has been useful and has helped my long-range confidence, I don't use it a lot and certainly don't consider it necessary. On the other hand, the only negative I've found is the added cost. With the Tikkas, I was able to get away with the low 1" rings.

I look at those photos and your interest in accessories and I have to think,"Are you OK?"

What is your reason for not cleaning it before it's initial firing? I believe most would agree that it's been standard practice to clean a new gun before shooting it, and for good reason. Out-of-the-box guns have been prepared for shipment and storage, not firing; and, occasionally, have a problem or two which can be identified and corrected through initial maintenance. Whenever you do choose to initally clean your new gun, you will find lubricants and preservatives which can impede or adversely affect its function (I found heavy grease in the recoil tube of my SBEII). You might also find packaging material in inappropriate places. I agree with agm65ccip that you don't absolutely NEED to clean it before firing. But, as he also told you; cleaning it first certainly won't hurt and can prevent problems.

Hmmm...Something's been misplaced? Post? Brain?

large lens frame polycarbonate lens (safety) "distance vision" prescription

In my opinion, both Mr. Mac and Novaking are right on! The key here is what do you "want." Any type of action will work just fine for turkey hunting. The type of stock is most certainly personal preference, as I have seen all stock types used effectively for every type of game you can imagine and even on the trap range (pistol-gripped 870 shooting trap last month!). On the Stoeger Vs. Benelli SBEII question, the SBEII is, in my opinion, a much higher quality gun and more versatile due to its ability to handle 3.5" loads, which some do prefer for turkey. But, as Mr. Mac states, the Benelli is considerably more expensive. Bottom line: Any of the three guns you mention will do the job just fine, and probably none better than any other. But, of the two "new" guns you're considering, the SBEII is, in my opinion, the better choice; actually, the best choice of all three for it's "versatility." But, it is all up to your personal preference.