Make Custom Paintballs

Make Custom Paintballs

Before paintball was a sport, inventor James Hale patented the first paintball gun as a tool to mark livestock and trees. One year later, in 1981, twelve players in the state of New Hampshire decided to take a normal game of Capture the Flag and add an interesting twist---paintball guns. Now the game is a popular pastime, and players are looking for inexpensive ways to customize their equipment.

Instructions

Reusable Hot Glue Paintballs

1. Dip the model paintball halfway into the bowl of flour to make a mold of half of your paintball.

2. Continue making the molds until you have twice as many molds as the number of paintballs you desire.

3. Fill each mold with hot glue. Let dry for 10 minutes or until set.

4. Glue two half-molds together to form a sphere. Let dry 10 minutes.

Reusable Modeling Clay Paintballs

5. Break off a small piece of modeling clay about the size of your paintball. Roll the clay into a sphere.

6. Drop the clay ball through your insert (the loader tube of you paintball gun). If the ball sticks, remove a bit of clay. If the ball slips through too easily, add a bit more clay. Continue until you have a good size ball approximately the same size as your paintball.

7. Weigh the ball. Use this weight to measure out the rest of your paintballs.

8. Roll each piece of modeling clay into a ball. The balls do not have to be perfect spheres, but they should be circular in shape.

9. Let the clay balls dry for two hours.

Paintballs that Splatter

10. Position the open end of a twisting balloon over the opening of a squeeze bottle of ketchup.

11. Squirt a small amount of ketchup into the balloon.

12. Push the ketchup to the closed end of the balloon.

13. Tie off the balloon. Trim excess balloon.

Tags: your paintball, clay ball, clay into, Custom Paintballs, Make Custom, Make Custom Paintballs, piece modeling

Christian Challenge Activities Used At Youth Camps

Games can keep kids busy and entertained.

With a group of kids running around, youth camps can get pretty crazy. Fortunately, there are a ton of Christian activities that can keep them busy and entertained, including games, challenges and crafts.

Jericho's Castle

Have the kids stand in a circle. Place a cone in the middle of the circle. This is Jericho's Castle. Pick one of the kids to be Jericho. Jericho stands in the middle of the circle and straddles the cone. Give one kid in the circle a small, inflatable ball. The kids need to try to knock the cone over, thus bringing down the Castle of Jericho. They pass the ball around the circle until one of the kids has a good shot to knock over Jericho's Castle. It is Jericho's job to guard the cone to make sure it is not knocked over. The kid who knocks over the cone then switches places with Jericho to become the new guard.

Bible Trivia

This game requires some preparation. Before you are ready to play, you need to compile a set of Bible questions. Make sure that your questions are relative to the ages of your children. The more questions you can put together, the better. When you are ready to play, split the kids into groups of at least two, depending on the number of kids you have. The idea is to limit the number of groups you have to no more than five. When the groups are established and kids are ready, ask your Bible question aloud. The first group to raise a hand and answer correctly gets a point. The group that reaches 10 points first is the winner.

Rise and Rejoice

Seat the kids around a table or on the floor. Choose four kids to be disciples. Everyone else is sick. Have the kids that are sick place their heads onto the table and cover their eyes with their forearms. No peeking. When the sick kids are settled, instruct the disciples to go around and heal one child by lightly touching the sick child's arm. When a sick child is healed, he is to rise but keep his eyes closed. Once all of the disciples have healed one kid, the leader announces that everyone can open their eyes. One at a time, each healed kid is allowed one guess as to which disciple healed him. If he chooses incorrectly, the disciple is allowed to stay a disciple into the next turn. If he chooses correctly, the healed child then gets to switch places with the disciple, but only after yelling "Rise and Rejoice."

Tags: Jericho Castle, busy entertained, Castle Jericho, Have kids, middle circle, places with, ready play

Christian Camps For Kids

Attending Christian camps can enhance your child's spirituality.

Sending kids to camp has become increasingly popular. Some parents choose to enroll their child in Christian-based camps, hoping to increase their child's faith and knowledge in God. Many types of camps exist including day camps at your local church, overnight denominational excursions or month-long camps focusing on specific Christian themes.

YMCA

The YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) was founded in 1844 by 11 friends who organized the group to provide Bible study and prayer for young men. Through the years, the YMCA has evolved to include locations in over 10,000 neighborhoods across the United States. Many locations host overnight, day or specialty camps. Check online for camp locations. In addition, an annual YMCA Christian Values Conference is held in North Carolina for both junior and senior high school students.

Mission Trips

Many youngsters choose to go on a Mission Trip to experience life as a missionary. Teen Missions International, located in Merritt Island, Florida hosts a two-week primitive camp for those ages four to 13. The primary purpose of the camp is to teach teamwork and unity amidst realistic conditions on the mission field. Group work camps engage young people to provide hands-on help in the real world. Attendees help families who can't afford to make repairs or are disabled, assisting with basic carpentry, painting and drywall.

International Christian Camp

Attending a Christian camp in a different country can be a life-changing experience. CFOI (Camps Farthest Out International) hosts over 125 camps in Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Camps are held throughout the year, usually for two to three days, and include meditation, singing, devotion in motion (balancing the body, mind and spirit) and sharing God's faithfulness. Look online for a location near you.

Specialty Christian Camps

Several organizations host youth camps focusing on specific activities such as sports, arts, dance and music. Kanakuk Kamps in Missouri specializes in sports camps for youth ages seven to 18. Kanakuk offers one-week, two-week and month-long camps ranging in price from $950 to $3,550, as of 2011. Over 70 sports and activities are offered, both traditional (football and soccer), as well as non-traditional (rappelling and rafting). Christian athletes run the camps and serve as mentors for the kids.

Green Pastures Christian Campground and Retreat Center in Meredosia, Illinois strives to recapture the arts through its Christian Performing Arts Camp. The camp is held for two days in June and is open to those in grades five through 12. Campers obtain hands-on experience, performing both independently and in groups focusing on dance, music, drama and art.

Tags: Attending Christian, camps focusing, camps focusing specific, Christian Camps, dance music, focusing specific

Christian Campgrounds In Georgia

Located in an area known as the "Bible Belt" in the southeastern United States, it should come as no surprise that the state of Georgia is home to many Christian-based camps and campgrounds. Some of these camps are meant for daily visits, while others invite longer stays. Some are meant for children, while others are geared toward adults and families - but the purpose of these camps the same.

Trinity Woods Summer Day Camp

Trinity Woods Summer Day Camp provides an outdoor alternative to day care in a Christian setting. Outdoor activities are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day, though children are able to attend daily camp from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. if necessary. Trinity Woods Summer Day Camp is typically open from May to July.

Trinity Woods Summer Day Camp

1899 Tucker Road

Macon, Georgia 31220

478-474-8393

trinitywoods.org

Camp Westminster

Camp Westminster has provided Christian-themed camping for over 50 years. Located just 20 miles away from the city of Atlanta, Camp Westminster consists of 120 full acres of Georgia wilderness. Activities include prayer, Bible studies, horseback riding, basketball, fishing, hiking, volleyball and even paintball for children aged 10 and older.

Camp Westminster

2412 Lake Rockaway Road

Conyers, Georgia 30012

770-483-2225

campwestminster.org

Woodland Christian Camp and Retreat Center

The Woodland Christian Camp and Retreat Center was originally established in 1969. Since then, it has provided the area with Christian-themed camping and recreation. Activities include Bible studies, campfires, games, hiking, basketball, volleyball, disc golf and archery. A separate music camp program, as well as a sports camp program is also available.

Woodland Christian Camp and Retreat Center

90 Woodland Camp Road

Temple, Georgia 30179

770-562-3103

woodlandcamp.org

Pine Eden Christian Retreat Center

The original vision of the Pine Eden Christian Retreat Center was realized in the year 2000, but it was until 2001 that the groundbreaking of the site finally took place. Located on 17 acres of land, the Pine Eden Christian Retreat Center is meant solely for followers and believers of Christ. On-site facilities include cabins, dining hall, study center, open-air pavilion and a chapel.

Pine Eden Christian Retreat Center

1942 Barnes Mill Road

Hamilton, Georgia 31811

706-628-5883

pineeden.com

Camp Charis

Camp Charis combines a classic, pioneer camp setting with Christian themes and values in order to provide an entertaining camp for children. Encompassing 170 acres in southwest Georgia, Camp Charis provides rustic cabins and authentic covered wagons for the children to sleep in at night. Activities at Camp Charis include Bible studies, fishing, hiking, canoeing, basketball, tennis, crafts and games.

Camp Charis

3574 Spence Road

Pelham, Georgia 31779

229-294-2294

campcharis.org

Tags: Retreat Center, Camp Charis, Camp Westminster, Christian Retreat, Christian Retreat Center

Install A Viewloader Paintball Loader

The paintball loader is typically attached via an elbow.

A paintball loader, which is also sometimes referred to as the hopper, is the part of the paintball marker that holds the paintballs. It loads them into the breach of the paintball marker so they can be fired. Paintball markers have an open feed tube on the top of the marker, through which paintballs will fall into the breach from which they can then be fired; the loader attaches here. Though Viewloader makes several different loader models, you should be able to install all of them in the same way.

Instructions

1. Examine your paintball marker. Your paintball marker may be a side loader, in which case the feed tube will be offset to one side of the marker or the other. You may also have a vertical loader, in which case the feed tube will come directly out of the top of the marker.

2. Insert the elbow onto the feed tube of your paintball marker. If your paintball marker is a side loader then your elbow should have an angle. If it is a vertical loader then your elbow should have no angle. Some vertical loaders do not need an elbow so the loader can be inserted directly into the vertical tube.

3. Insert the loader into the other side of the elbow. Make sure the loader is aligned with the marker, so it presents the smallest possible profile to an opponent shooting at you.

4. Tighten both sides of the elbow by turning the screws on either side of the elbow. Both screws should have ends that can be tightened by hand.

Tags: paintball marker, feed tube, your paintball marker, loader which, should have, case feed

Know What Airsoft Gearbox Version To Use

Airsoft guns can wield impressive firepower with the correct gearbox upgrades.

If you plan on charging into the playing field and wielding a custom Airsoft gun to defend your team, you will need to know the proper way to customize it first. Proper customizations can include simple optics or battery upgrades, but pros even upgrade the internals, including the gearbox. As Airsoft guns become more standardized, several companies have started using different versions of gearboxes. The word "version," however, is misleading. To upgrade, you don't move up a version; you use an upgraded gearbox of your current version. Most guns only function with one type of gearbox. There are seven versions of gearboxes on the market as of early 2011.

Instructions

1. Find the manufacturer of your gun. The retail box should have this information. You are able to utilize the "version" upgrades if your gun is made by Classic Army, ICS, or Tokyo Marui.

2. Check the name of the gun. Usually it is a series of letters and numbers, like AK-47 or M-16. The retail box should also yield this information, or you can check the manufacturer's or retailer's website.

3. Use a Version 1 gearbox if you have a TM (Tokyo Marui) FAMAS SV or FAMAS F1.

4. Utilize Version 2 gearboxes if your gun is a CA (Classic Army) CA36C, 15A4RIS, M15A4SPC, 15A2 Carbine, M15A2 Tactical Carbine, M15A4 Carbine, M15A4 Tactical Carbine, MP5A2, MP5A3, MP5A4, MP5A5, MP5SD2, MP5SD3, MP5SD5 or MP5SD6. Version 2 also goes with the ICS MP5A2,MP5A3, MP5A4, MP5A5, MP5SD2,MP5SD3, MP5SD5 and MP5SD6.

5. Buy a Version 3 gearbox if your weapon is a Classic Army CA36C or Tokyo Marui G36C.

6. Use a Version 4 gearbox only if your gun is a Tokyo Marui PSG-1.

7. Adopt a Version 5 gearbox only if your weapon is a Tokyo Marui UZI.

8. Employ a Version 6 gearbox if your gun is a Tokyo Marui Thompson M1A1, P90 or P90TR.

9. Use a Version 7 gearbox if your gun is an ICS M4A1RS, M4A1MS, ICS A1 R.I.S. or C15FS.

Tags: Tokyo Marui, Version gearbox, gearbox your, Classic Army, Version gearbox your

Places To Go For A Birthday Party

A birthday party is the perfect time to celebrate exactly the way you want. It only comes once a year, so you can make reservations at your favorite restaurant or plan your beach getaway well in advance. If you know what your guests will enjoy, and even more importantly, what you will enjoy, finding an interesting place to celebrate your birthday will be easy. Does this Spark an idea?

Amusement Park

Try a safari ride, a roller coaster or a water slide. Almost everyone loves going to an amusement park, so it will be no problem getting people to go. You don't want to pay for 30 kids to gain entrance to Six Flags, so work out a plan where each child brings an equal amount of money. Most amusement parks offer birthday and group discounts, so this party actually could be cheaper than you expect.

Rock Climbing

Check for any sports clubs or rock climbing centers in your area and check for their group or birthday rates. This could be a fun and creative way to start out your day of celebration. Most centers offer one-on-one lessons and group contests to make things more exciting. Combine this with a nice dinner and you'll be able to enjoy a celebration that consists of both relaxation and adventure.

Restaurant

If you have a favorite place, try to reserve a table for you and your guests. You may be able to eat at a themed restaurant or a place like Dave & Buster's, which is like a grown-up Chuck E. Cheese's. If the birthday boy or girl is really young, Chuck E. Cheese's is great. The older crowd can take in a dinner show or a dinner and dancing cruise. And the best part is the waitstaff will sing you "Happy Birthday" if you'd like.

Music and Dance

Many people in the 18-to-25 age demographic like to go bar-hopping or hit a club to celebrate their birthday. You can start your celebration at a restaurant and make perfect exit to your VIP reservations. Call your favorite club or bar and see what type of birthday reservations you can make. Many places will give you discounts on tables, bottles and seating areas. If you really want to go all-out, rent a limousine or a party bus to travel from bar to bar.

Paintball

For some people, trying to get enough people for a paintball match is extremely difficult. Your birthday is a great reason to get everyone together. Find out if there are any paintball fields in your area and see what their group rates are. If you're lucky and have enough money, you may be able to rent an entire field. Expect to go to war with your closest friends all day.

Laser Tag

If paintball is too extreme for you or you can't find any paintball fields nearby, try going for some laser tag instead. This option will probably be less expensive and is definitely less dangerous. Many laser-tag facilities have discounts for groups of 20 or more.

Movies

A movie is always a nice way to celebrate a birthday, especially if there's a movie you really want to see that is just coming out. Checking movie times is as easy as a click on the computer. Find a movie and pick a time that your friends can make it. The theater you're going to may offer special packages for birthday celebrations, but if not, the money situation is going to have to be worked out among the party-goers.

Tags: Chuck Cheese, paintball fields, really want, start your, start your celebration, their group, will enjoy

Chicago Bachelor Party Ideas

Give a buddy a bachelor party he'll never forget.

Planning a bachelor party in Chicago for a best buddy does not have to be a daunting task. An endless number of possibilities exist in a city as diverse as Chicago. When brainstorming ideas for the party, consider the groom-to-be's personality and interests, how many guests will be invited, and whether the party will be a daytime or nighttime affair. Does this Spark an idea?

Nightclubs

Chicago at night

If the groom-to-be loves the nightlife and clubbing, book a private party at District Bar in the trendy River North area of Chicago. The bar has a speakeasy-inspired revolving bookshelf passageway that leads to a private party room. End the night enjoying a premium cocktail at the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Building for spectacular views of the city.

District Bar

170 W. Ontario

Chicago, IL 60654

312-337-3477

districtbarchicago.com

The Signature Lounge at the 96th

875 N. Michigan Ave.

Chicago, IL 60611

312-787-9596

signatureroom.com/Signature-Lounge/

Steakhouse Dinner

Steak dinner

For the hungry guy, Chicago has some of the best steakhouses in the country. Try Benny's Chop House or Kinzie Chophouse for an authentic Chicago experience. Both chophouses have private party rooms. For a more intimate feel, Tango Sur in the Lakeview neighborhood specializes in Argentinian beef topped with chimichurri. Tango Sur is BYOB, so everyone can bring their preferred beverage to toast the groom-to-be.

Benny's Chop House

444 N. Wabash

Chicago, IL 60611

312-626-2444

bennyschophouse.com

Kinzie Chophouse

400 N. Wells St.

Chicago, IL 60654

312-822-0191

Tango Sur

3763 N. Southport Ave.

Chicago, IL 60613

773-477-5466

Beer Tasting

Drink up

Arrange for a private group tour at Half Acre Beer Company, in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago. Learn about the brewery's history and the beer-making process and taste the final results. To keep the suds flowing, book a Chicago Trolley for the night and make it a pub crawl. Typically, a trolley package includes five bars. Choose a theme like North Side pubs, South Side pubs or Irish pubs.

Half Acre Beer Company

4257 N. Lincoln Ave.

Chicago, IL 60618

773-248-4038

halfacrebeer.com

Comedy Club

A night of laughs

Plan a group outing to a favorite comedy club. The most popular venues in Chicago are Second City and Zanies. Alternatively, try an offbeat local theater like the Annoyance Theater & Bar or The ComedySportz Theatre.

Second City

1616 N Wells St

Chicago, IL 60614

312-337-3992

secondcity.com

Sporting Event

Lucky strike

Arrange an outing to a sporting event. Book a group package to a Cubs or White Sox game that includes food and drinks. Other fun, more active ideas are a day of paintball at CPX Sports in Joliet or an afternoon of WhirlyBall, a game that combines lacrosse, basketball and bumper cars and is offered at several Chicagoland locations. For the more laid-back group, bowl at Diversey River Bowl, where a Rock & Bowl party package includes three hours of bowling, shoes, food, beverages, music and a light show.

CPX Sports

2903 Schweitzer Rd

Joliet, IL 60436

815-726-2800

cpxsports.com

Diversey River Bowl

2211 West Diversey Parkway

Chicago, IL 60647-5900

773-227-5800

drbowl.com

Tags: private party, Acre Beer, Acre Beer Company, bachelor party, Beer Company

Homemade Antifog For Scuba Masks

Before fitting your SCUBA mask, apply two drops of anti-fog solution to prevent fog buildup.

SCUBA divers, swimmers, mountain climbers and certain equipment operators rely on unimpaired vision to safely navigate. If fog collects on their masks or goggles, not only is it potentially dangerous, but it is also difficult to prevent the fog from immediately rebuilding. Fog also collects on windshields and bathroom mirrors when the temperature moves between hot and cold. Commercial anti-fog solutions do a fine job of preventing most fog accumulation, but it's easy to make a homemade anti-fog mixture for your SCUBA mask. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Vinegar-Based Solution

1. Pour vinegar and 1 qt. of tap water in a bowl, according to a Kitchen Crafts & More recipe.

2. Mix together with a spoon.

3. Pour the solution into the spray bottle through a funnel.

4. Apply a couple of sprays with a lint-free cloth to a mask, mirror, windshield, glasses or goggles to temporarily prevent fog collection.

Ammonia-Based Solution

5. Pour ammonia, alcohol, liquid dish detergent and 1 qt. tap water in a bowl.

6. Mix together with a spoon.

7. Pour the solution into the spray bottle through a funnel.

Baby Shampoo-Based Solution.

8. Combine baby shampoo and 2 cups of water in a bowl.

9. Mix together with a spoon.

10. Pour the solution into the spray bottle through a funnel.

Tags: bottle through, bottle through funnel, into spray, into spray bottle, Pour solution

Disassemble A 380

It is necessary to disassemble and clean your .380 after 1,500 rounds.

A .380 handgun is smaller than most and, therefore, is a bit easier to disassemble. Proper maintenance and cleaning is essential to keeping a handgun operational, making it necessary to take the gun apart to clean the areas that would be inaccessible otherwise. Just be certain to handle your firearm with care and take every precaution before beginning to disassemble it.

Instructions

1. Remove the clip from the .380. Point the gun away from yourself and others and slide the magazine catch inward until the magazine can be removed from the pistol. Pull the slide back to remove any bullet from the chamber. Visually inspect the chamber from behind by holding the slide in the rear position to make sure no bullet remains.

2. Keep the slide in its rearmost position and push up into the small notch on the bottom. This exposes the slide retainer pin in back of the frame.

3. Remove the retainer pin by using a 1/8-inch pin punch to release it from the frame.

4. Pull the safety out of the groove, which will allow the slide to return to its normal position.

5. Pull the slide back again, but only about 3/8-inch. Pull it upward. Keeping your grip on the slide, hold it up and push forward. This will remove the slide from the frame. The .380 is now disassembled and ready for maintenance. Reassemble the gun by reversing the disassembly procedure.

Tags: from frame, Pull slide, Pull slide back, slide back

Invert A Mini Burst Disk

The paintball gun has a mini burst disk.

Many CO2 canisters have a burst disk to prevent the tank from exploding when pressure builds up inside. A mini burst disk is found on a lot of paintball guns that use CO2 compressed gas cylinders to give the gun power to shoot paint balls. A lot of the paintball guns on the market have dual burst disks installed. One burst disk is the high-pressure burst disk, used for when the tank builds up too much pressure. The second low-pressure burst disk, the mini burst disk, is a backup precaution for when the regulator fails. Inverting a mini burst disk does not mean turning it over. It refers to which way the pressure release hole is pointing. A lot of the older model mini burst disks point toward the tank, which creates a safety hazard. You want the pressure release hole to point away from the tank.

Instructions

1. Lay the CO2 tank on its side with the regulator facing perpendicular to you. Screw on the pressure release adapter clockwise until it is hand tight. Screw the adapter's pressure release valve clockwise to begin releasing the CO2 pressure in the tank. Remove the adapter by turning it counterclockwise after you cannot hear or feel pressure coming out of the adapter's pressure release valve. Use this method on all brands of CO2 tanks used on paintball guns.

2. Push the pin valve on the end of the regulator with your finger to determine whether all the pressure is out of the tank. Locate the mini burst disk, or low-pressure burst disk, by turning the gauge toward the table face down; the mini burst disk is just above the gauge when the gauge is turned in this direction.

3. Take the 3/8-inch wrench and slide it over the end of the mini burst disk. Turn the disk counterclockwise to loosen the part. Use your fingers to finish unscrewing the disk. Wrap the threads of the mini burst disk with Teflon tape. Wrapping the threads with Teflon tape will tighten the fit of the mini burst disk, preventing it from turning toward the CO2 tank when fully seated. Screw the disk back in place with your hands first. Tighten it the rest of the way with the 3/8-inch wrench.

4. Remove and wrap more Teflon tape on the threads of the disk if it is not facing in the opposite direction and away from the tank. Adding more Teflon tape will allow the disk to tighten down sooner, inverting the pressure release hole of the mini burst disk.

Tags: burst disk, mini burst disk, mini burst, burst disk, pressure release, mini burst

Cheap Way To Anodize Aluminum

You can anodize aluminum to make colorful creations.

Anodizing pieces of aluminum allows you to add color in a cheap and durable way. Anodizing aluminum is a popular way to spruce up any aluminum-clad object. Paintball guns, decorations, model cars are three popular applications for anodizing.

Instructions

Applying Current to the Aluminum Object

1. Use the aluminum wire and foil to make a negative ground. This can be done by shaping the end of the exposed wire into a flat round shape and covering that part with the foil. This should create a shape that is 3 inches wide. This flat round shape will be placed in the bottom part of the rubber bucket with the other end coming out of the top of the bucket. The size of the bucket will depend on the size of the object you wish to anodize.

2. Attach the other end of the negative grounding wire to the negative battery terminal. Usually, this is done through the use of a clamp, but it depends on the type of battery charger you have.

3. Create the anodizing solution by combining two parts acid to one part water in the rubber bucket. Pour slowly to prevent splashing.

4. Attach the positive lead from the battery charger to the aluminum piece that you wish to anodize. Put this in the sulfuric acid and water mixture and completely submerge it. Do not allow the two leads (positive and negative) to touch.

5. Turn on the charger and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes. The part will begin to bubble and fizz.

6. Turn off the battery charger and disconnect all items. Remove the aluminum part from the bucket and rinse with cold water.

Adding Color to the Aluminum Object

7. Create a mixture of dye and water within a container. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the dye bottle for mixture proportions. This container must be appropriate for heating on the stove top. Cake pans are a good choice.

8. Place the aluminum object in the pan making sure the entire piece is submerged. Turn the stove burner to a low setting, and place the pan on the stove top. Turn the part every few minutes to ensure it gets even coloring. Keep the aluminum object over heat until the color is slightly darker than what you wish it to be.

9. Remove the aluminum object from dye mixture and place into a pot containing clean boiling water. This step will "seal" the color onto the aluminum object. It also lightens the color a bit, which is why you make it slightly darker in the previous step.

Tags: battery charger, aluminum object, aluminum object, flat round, flat round shape, Remove aluminum

What Materials Can Be Anodized

Some metal items can't be anodized.

The process of anodizing is an alternative to painting and finishing metals to avoid corrosion. Many people rely on professional anodizers to perform this process; others do the job at home. First, though, you should make sure that the metal you intent to anodize can handle -- and be served by -- the process. Does this Spark an idea?

Car Parts

Many people like to anodize their car parts to keep them from rusting early. Professional anodizers will heat and dip these parts in chemical solutions and dyes to perform the process. The do-it-yourself version of this process involves a battery, nitric acid, commercial dye and safety equipment. Car parts and other materials made of aluminum, zinc, stainless steel, magnesium or titanium alloys are candidates for this process.

Gun Parts

Whether for firing or collecting, keeping your weapon free of rust and other corrosion is imperative to preserving its worth and usefulness. In addition to regular cleaning and oiling, protect your weapon by having its parts anodized, as long as they're made of suitable alloys. Check with the manufacturer before moving forward, though, to ensure which parts are suitable to be anodized.

Other Materials

According to Focuser.com, horseshoes made of aluminum or other alloys are well-served by anodizing, as are certain parts of paintball guns. Billet aluminum is best suited for this, however, since cast aluminum's additives lend the final product a poor finished appearance. This process can be performed throughout -- and not just in the beginning -- of a part's life too, as it adds only about .001 inches to the dimension of the part. Make sure this slight increase won't alter the performance of the part.

Coloring Process

Adding a dye of your choice during the anodization process can give your horse's shoes -- or gun, or car part for that matter -- a certain color. If left without dye, the anodization process may or may not slightly change the color of your part. According to AAA Anodizing in Piney Flats, Tennessee, the color change can also be affected by buffing and various other polishing or dipping methods.

Tags: anodization process, made aluminum, Many people, this process, your weapon

Assemble A Paintball Marker

The assembly of a paintball marker (paintball gun) is not complicated, but it's important that you do it correctly. The paintball marker comes in various types: pump action, semi-automatic and some are even programmable for three-shot bursts. Some are programmable to be fully automatic.

Instructions

1. Select the right sized barrel for the paintball marker. There are many different sizes and having the right sized barrel makes the marker more accurate. The best way to find out if the barrel is the right size is to insert the paintball in the end of the barrel that screws into the gun. By blowing into the threaded end of the barrel, the paintball should come out the front with little resistance.

2. Attach the hopper to the paintball marker. The hopper is the part of the assembly that holds the paintballs. It's normally mounted on the top of the marker. Slide the hopper down over the sleeve of the paintball marker where the paintballs enter the hole. Tighten the screw at the base of the hopper.

3. Choose the kind of pressure tank you want to use. There are two different types of pressure tanks. One is liquid CO2, which turns into a pressurized gas when entering the marker and the other is nitrogen. This is just compressed air. You'll have a rubber "o" ring on the end of the tank where it screws into the marker. Make sure this ring has no cuts on it or the marker will leak air.

4. Finish the assembly of the paintball marker by screwing the tank into the end of the gun. You'll hear a hissing sound. This means your gun is pressurizing. Screw in the tank until it stops turning. Check for leaks on the marker.

Tags: paintball marker, assembly paintball, assembly paintball marker, barrel paintball, right sized, right sized barrel, screws into

List Of Banned Items For Air Travel

Pocket knives may be packed in checked luggage, but never in a carry-on bag.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) bans certain items for air travel due to their potential to cause harm, whether intentional or accidental. Some items may be packed in checked luggage (but not carry-on) while others are banned completely. When in doubt, it's advisable to either pack the item in question in checked bags or simply leave it at home to avoid problems.

Sharp Objects

Razor blades are allowed in checked and carry-on bags.

The TSA allows most sharp objects to be packed in checked luggage, provided they are properly sheathed for the protection of baggage handlers. Scissors are one exception; they may be packed in carry-on luggage as long as the blade length falls under four inches. Other sharp objects, including razor blades, box cutters, ice picks, meat cleavers and swords, are forbidden in carry-on items only. Disposable razor blades for shaving and extra cartridges are permitted in both checked and carry-on luggage.

Sporting Goods

It's better to leave unnecessary sporting goods, like baseball bats, at home.

All sporting goods are prohibited in carry-on items due to their potential to cause serious injury. Baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, bows and arrows, ski poles, and spear guns may not be brought into the airplane's cabin under any circumstances. Although some sporting goods may seem innocuous enough, it's better to err on the side of caution. If you don't absolutely need the item during your trip, leave it at home and rent a substitute at your destination. Never pack anything in carry-on bags that could reasonably be construed as a weapon.

Guns & Ammunition

Guns and ammunition are usually allowed in checked bags if fully disarmed.

Properly packed guns are allowed in checked luggage but never in carry-on luggage. Travelers wishing to pack ammunition, however, must check with their airline before packing it; some airlines do not allow ammunition at all, even in checked luggage. All guns -- including small personal firearms, flare guns, BB guns, and compressed-air (paintball) guns --- must always be completely disarmed and unloaded and packed in a locked container with hard sides. All guns, ammunition, gun accessories and even gun replicas must be declared to the airline at check-in.

Tools

Axes and other sharp tools must be sheathed to protect baggage handlers.

TSA allows all tools in checked bags if they are sheathed to prevent injury. Axes, hatchets, crowbars, hammers, cattle prods, drills and saws must be properly packed and checked. Screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers with a length shorter than or equal to 7 inches may be packed in carry-on baggage.

Chemicals

Spray paint and other aerosols are not permitted at all in any luggage.

The TSA has a long list of prohibited chemicals. Anything explosive or flammable is completely forbidden, including fireworks, chlorine, lighter fluid, any kind of gas, bleach, matches or aerosol. The TSA allows one book of matches in carry-on luggage, but matches in checked bags are absolutely forbidden. Small compressed gas cartridges (up to four - two vests and two spares) are allowed in checked and carry-on luggage.

Tags: carry-on luggage, checked luggage, allowed checked, checked bags, packed checked

Join An Airsoft Team In Utah

Finding an Airsoft team in Utah is easier through UCA.

Airsoft is a game of precision and strategy, employing military tactics with game play. Normally, Airsoft is played as a team sport, with opposing teams attempting to accomplish a mission such as capturing the other side's flag. Sometimes, it is a bit of a challenge to break into an Airsoft team if you are new to the sport. Fortunately, Utah residents can contact an organized group called Utah County Airsoft (UCA) to join a team.

Instructions

1. Visit UCA's website. To join UCA-sponsored Airsoft games, you must know the UCA's "Rules of Engagement" and "Code of Conduct." These sections outline acceptable and unacceptable behaviors during games. They also describe required gear and general rules for play. For instance if you are hit, you either have to wait for a medic to "heal" you or go to a spawn point for a specific time before reentering the game.

2. Fill out the template under the "Contact Us" tab. Explain that you are new to the game and want to join an Airsoft team. UCA will let you know when the next "Newbie Day" is.

3. Attend a game on "Newbie Day." UCA has four open games per year open to anyone. One or two of these open games is specifically for "Newbies." This is a chance for you to meet seasoned players and find someone who is willing to mentor you.

4. Attend a closed event. UCA has eight closed events per year for members and their guests only. Once you find a mentor at "Newbie Day," work with him and let him know you are interested in joining the UCA and finding a permanent place on an Airsoft team. Your mentor can then invite you to attend a closed event. You must attend two closed events before becoming a UCA member.

5. Wait for your invitation to join UCA. If UCA decides that you are ready to join, it will send you an invitation. Fill out your paperwork to become a member. If you do not receive an invitation after your second closed game, keep working with your mentor and attend open games to pick up the proper skills.

6. Apply for membership. Go to the website and download and print the application and UCA Safety Waiver forms. Submit the forms to a UCA officer along with your $15 yearly membership fee. UCA will then send you a set of dog tags, patch and membership card showing that you are a member.

7. Join a UCA team. At this point, you should be well acquainted with several members within the UCA organization. You are now ready to join a permanent team to compete in closed events.

Tags: closed events, open games, Airsoft team, Airsoft team, attend closed

Fix An Airsoft Gun

Airsoft guns are replica weapons designed to shoot plastic pellets. Most are manually operated, with a spring propelling the pellets. They've become popular with people who want to shoot targets or play recreational war games without the danger of real weapons or the mess of paintball. With the increasingly popularity of Airsoft, more users are discovering the hardware's limitations, which has spawned a grassroot's movement of custom enhancements and personal repairs.

Instructions

1. Discharge your Airsoft gun as completely as possible. While the broken component may partially prevent this, be sure to do everything possible to empty clips, pellet bins and chambers.

2. Remove the clip and any other accessories. A broken Airsoft gun is likely due to the main components of the gun, rather than the accessories, which are often cosmetic and less prone to damage. Removing them will allow you easier access to those components in need of repair. Unscrew and remove plastic trim from active barrel. While not applicable to all Airsoft guns, many have a separate layer of trim that enhances the cosmetic appeal of the gun, but is not actually essential to the Airsoft's operation. Unscrew any barrel trim or rails.

3. Plunge the barrel. Typically, Airsoft guns come equipped with a plastic rod intended for use in dislodging stuck BBs. Push the rod in as far as possible, then apply a small amount of pressure. Wiggle the rod, but do not shake the gun.

4. Unscrew and remove the side panel of the Airsoft gun. There are likely to be a number of screws, possibly in two different sizes, so be prepared to keep track of where each came from. Once every screw is removed, the gun should pull easily in half, revealing the inner components.

5. Realign the spring. Another likely cause of damage to your Airsoft is the detachment of the spring from the firing chamber. Whether this is the case should be evident upon opening the gun. If the screw is not flush and horizontally aligned, one side has likely come loose. The spring typically rests on a central plastic column. Simply squeeze the string and reinsert the loose end back on to the mounting point.

6. Glue together damaged components. Why you have the chamber open, look for stress fractures that could indicate where plastic components have been broken off. If the material is black, then stresses may be evident by white or lightened plastic. Re-glue any bits of broken off plastic that may be lying loose inside the case. Allow to dry for 12 hours.

7. Screw the gun panels back together and reattach any trim and accessories.

Tags: Airsoft guns, components have, Unscrew remove, your Airsoft

Carnival Flash Shooting Game Tutorial

A computer mouse is all you need for this shooting gallery...

"Carnival Shootout" is a flash-based game that can be played over the Internet without the need to download the game to your hard drive. The game is reminiscent of a shooting range at a carnival (hence the name) where the goal is to shoot various moving targets for points by using the mouse to control your gun. Shooting targets with white flags deducts points from your overall score. The game is simple to play.

Game Mechanics

The mouse and the left mouse button are all you need to play "Carnival Shootout." Use your mouse to move your target around the shooting gallery and the left mouse button will fire your gun. You get six shots before you need to reload. Clicking the left mouse button once more fills up your gun again. An indicator on the right side of the screen shows how many shots you have left before a reload is needed. Animals move back and forth across the screen and each one has a target on it. You earn points by shooting the animals and bonus points for shooting the target specifically. Occasionally, an animal will cross the screen with a white flag. Shooting it will decrease your score. If you hit the target of an animal carrying a golden flag, you get bonus points and a special animal will appear. Hit the golden ball of this special animal for an extra point bonus. A minimum score is required to advance to the next level.

Additional Tips

Instead of chasing the targets around the screen, you can plant your mouse in the center of the screen and wait for the targets to come to you. Time their movement and you can catch them coming in without much movement of the mouse. A mouse is generally easier to use for this game than a touchpad but either one will enable you to play the game. You can also adjust your mouse pointer speed to take faster aim at the targets. Keep track of how many rounds you have left before needing a reload to make sure you don't miss a chance at bonus points when your gun is empty.

Tags: bonus points, left mouse, left mouse button, mouse button, your mouse

Load An Airsoft Gun

Airsoft is a sport growing in popularity around the world, offering an enormous range of replica weapons for a variety of game scenarios. Loading an Airsoft weapon will vary by the type of gun, as well as by manufacturer. Most Airsoft guns feature a removable magazine into which the ammunition is loaded. It is not a difficult process, and almost anyone can load one of these weapons.

Instructions

1. Make sure you have the correct caliber BB. Airsoft ammo is available in 5.98 and 6 millimeters, and the size matters significantly.

2. Engage the safety and eject the magazine by pressing a small button located on the side of the Airsoft gun.

3. Look for a U-shaped opening at the top of the magazine, and pour ammo into the magazine through this hole. Depending on the model and manufacturer it may be necessary to pull down or depress a lever operating a spring to load the ammunition.

4. Push the magazine back into the gun until the latching mechanism engages with a clicking noise. Make sure it is securely in the gun by tugging gently on the bottom of the magazine.

5. Pull back the slide or cocking mechanism, loading a BB into the gun. If the gun does not have a hop-up mechanism, it may be necessary to tilt the gun to one side to load a BB.

Tags: Make sure

Facts About Stun Guns

Facts About Stun Guns

The stun gun, with some brands also known as Taser guns, administers a 50,000-volt electrical shock that disrupts muscle control to disable a person. The safety of the weapon depends on the health of the individual who is shot. The gun is used by law enforcement, private security and military personnel. Civilian use in some U.S. states is permitted with restrictions.

50,000-Volt Jolt

A battery-powered air stun gun uses compressed air to discharge two electrical darts attached to a wire that emits a five-second, 50,000-volt charge and can strike at a distance up to 21 feet.

British Police Use

From 2003 to 2007, British police officers who are authorized to use firearms used the stun gun in 800 incidents throughout the United Kingdom.

Substitute for Firearm

Since September 2007, British non-weapons expert police officers, who do not carry firearms, have been permitted to equip themselves with stun guns.

Recognized Weapon

The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms listed the Taser stun gun as a firearm in 1976, and soon private companies began marketing it as a self-defense weapon.

Legality

Stun guns are illegal in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin, Rhode Island and Illinois, but legal with restrictions in such states as Indiana, Ohio, Washington, North Carolina, Florida and Connecticut.

Deaths

Amnesty International reported that from 2001 to 2006, an estimated 160 people have died after been struck with an electrical charge from a stun gun.

Tags: 2007 British, About Stun, About Stun Guns, Facts About, Facts About Stun, police officers, with restrictions

Abbreviate Words For License Plates

Personalized license plates, also known as vanity plates, allow you to make a statement that's seen everywhere your vehicle goes. How many letters and numbers are allowed on a license plate varies from state to state (and from country to country as well). Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles will be able to tell you exactly what the requirements for a vanity license plate are in your state, as well as how much the plates typically cost. Depending on what you're trying to say, you may reasonably expect to cram between one and three words of a phrase onto a license plate.

Instructions

1. Identify any sounds in the word or words you chose that correspond directly to letters or numbers. You're abbreviating things almost as if you were trying to make a short, quick text message. For example: "You" becomes the letter "U," "Are" becomes the letter "R," and since the -ate part of "Late" sounds just like the numeral 8, "Late" becomes abbreviated to "L8."

2. Remove any extra vowels. For our purposes, "Y" is not a vowel. So if you want your plate to say "Good Boy," you'd remove all the extra vowels (the O's) and reduce it to "GDBY."

3. Read over your abbreviated plate and try to think of any possibly misinterpretations of it. In the above example we wanted the plate to say "Good Boy", but our first abbreviation, GDBY, could also be mistakenly interpreted as "Goodbye." Experiment with adding back in one or two letters until you find a combination that both fits on the plate and clears up the ambiguity. In this case, we can simply add in one O and end up with "GDBOY."

4. Fill in any remaining characters in your allotment by approximating sounds. If you'd like to make the above plate's meaning even clearer, for example, use a U to help approximate the sound of "Good" without adding in two letters: GUDBOY.

Tags: license plate, becomes letter, extra vowels, letters numbers, plate Good

Sew Nylon Webbing

Nylon Webbing

When making a project with nylon webbing, it is often necessary to sew layers of nylon webbing together. Nylon webbing is a strong and stiff synthetic material. The thickness of nylon webbing makes it a challenge to sew. It is possible to machine stitch nylon webbing; however, a heavy duty needle and upholstery thread must be used. If sewing nylon webbing by hand, also use a heavy upholstery thread and strong hand needle.

Instructions

Machine Stitch Nylon Webbing

1. Place the recommended sewing machine needle into the sewing machine and thread the machine with the upholstery thread.

2. Place the layers of nylon webbing into the sewing machine. Start sewing slowly and make sure that the machine is handling the heavy duty layers of webbing.

3. Sew the stitches with an even speed. Finish the stitching and remove the webbing from the sewing machine. Clip the stitches.

Hand Sew Nylon Webbing

4. Thread a size-18 hand sewing needle with an 18-inch length of upholstery thread. Pull the thread so that it is doubled and knot the ends.

5. Place the nylon-webbing pieces together and insert the needle through both layers of webbing along the edges of the webbing.

6. Stitch whip stitches along both edges of the nylon webbing to sew the nylon webbing layers together. Make an overhand knot and clip the thread when finished sewing.

Tags: nylon webbing, sewing machine, upholstery thread, heavy duty, into sewing, into sewing machine, layers nylon

Camp Sites At Darien Lake

The popular Darien Lake Theme Park in western New York state, about an hour away from Niagara Falls, offers various types of lodging accommodations for its guests. One of the most popular is its campground featuring about 1,500 campsites. Pets are allowed on every campsite. Visitors must submit a record of pet vaccinations upon checking in. Campsites are typically rented in packages, which includes unlimited use of the theme park, shows and free parking.

RV Sites

Darien Lake Campground has about 350 recreational vehicles that are placed in the campground for people to rent. They are all nonsmoking and sleep six. These 35-feet RVs each have a full-size bed, two sets of twin bunk beds and a bathroom. Most are equipped with a table, stove, refrigerator and oven. All are air-conditioned. There are four tiers of RVs. The top tier is the closest to the park, and features the newest models with the most amenities, including microwaves, a gas grill and an outdoor campfire ring. The least-expensive tier is furthest from the park and features 1991 and 1994 model Wilderness and Kingston RVs.

Trailer Sites

The campground has sites for you to park your own trailer. All sites have electricity and water, but not every site has utility poles, so it's wise to bring along extra outdoor extension cords and water hoses just in case. Some sites are wooded, some are not.

Tent Sites

Tent sites are available for the more adventurous campers. Nearby Darien Square has a laundromat, showers, a country store, a paintball arcade and a cafe and a pizza place if campfire cooking is too overwhelming after a day of playing in the theme park. Check in time starts at 2 p.m. each day, with check out time at 1 p.m. on the last day of your reserved visit.

Tags: Darien Lake, park features, Sites Darien, Sites Darien Lake

Create A Call Of Duty 4 Server

Playing "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" online can bring an entirely new gaming experience from the single player campaign. Gamers can choose to play with random players around the country or decide to create their own servers dedicated to running the game for a select group of individuals.

Instructions

1. Locate the Call of Duty 4 program folder on your computer. Do this by accessing your C Drive, then select Program Files, Activision, and finally Call of Duty 4. Right click on iw3mp.exe and send it to your desktop.

2. Right click on the iw3mp.exe file you sent to your desktop and click on properties. In the Target box, after the text, type in "+set dedicated 2 +set fs_game "mods/cod4_server" +set net_port 28960 +exec server.cfg +map_rotate" without quotation marks. Hit apply and leave the options menu. Rename your iw3mp.exe file as "CoD4 Server".

3. Open your web browser and type in http://192.168.1.1 then press enter. You will be prompted to enter a user name and password. Leave the user name blank and type "admin" as your password.

4. Click the Status tab and then click on Local Network. Locate your IP address and write down the last 3 digits. Next, click on the "Applications" tab. Create a new application and name it CoD4. Then choose a port range of 28960 to 28960. Enter the last three digits of your IP address in the box marked "Internal IP" Save the settings and close your browser.

5. Double-click on the icon you labeled "CoD4 Server" to being running the server. Now launch the game from another PC and locate your server under the "Local Tab". You may need to enter the IP address of your server to locate it.

Tags: Call Duty, click iw3mp, CoD4 Server, iw3mp file, Right click, Right click iw3mp, user name

Build Airsoft Tree Forts

Airsoft, a game similar to paintball played with small plastic BB's as opposed to paint pellets, is a popular game combing military strategy as well as accuracy with a gun. When constructing a field for Airsoft, a well-placed tree fort can provide a unique tactical experience.

Instructions

1. Identify a suitable tree. In addition to being in a location which will allow for fun tactical use in the game, you want a tree which forks out three directions, all of a solid width to support the fort.

2. Cut steps to climb into the fort of of the 2x4's. Steps should be about two feet wide, and you will need one placed every two feet from ground level to the level of the fort.

3. Create a frame for the fort by cutting three 2x4's, each long enough to span one of the three gaps between the tree's three forks, and nailing them in place as such, creating a triangle.

4. Cut the 2" by 8" planks so that they can create a floor atop this frame, and nail them in place.

5. Walls can be made for your fort, if desired, by nailing two three-foot-long 2x4's to each of the sides which the rungs do not lead to.

6. Cut two pieces of plywood to match the wall posts added on the two sides of the fort.

7. Use the power screwdriver to attach the plywood to the beams and finish your walls.

Tags: them place

Hockey Camps In Illinois

Practicing during the offseason can give players much-needed time on the ice.

Hockey camps are held in ice arenas located throughout the state of Illinois. During the offseason, players attend hockey camps to improve their stickhandling, skating and shooting skills. Many of these camps are offered to adult as well as youth players. Goaltending camps often are separate from skater camps, but some hockey camps offer both. By attending camps, players can maintain familiarity on the ice during the offseason.

CCH Xtreme

CCH Xtreme is a hockey camp founded by Atlanta Thrasher's Chris Chelios. CCH Xtreme offers developmental hockey training to youth and adult players. Camps and clinics offered at CCH Xtreme include shooting and scoring, defenseman clinics, goaltending camps, and stickhandling clinics. CCH Xtreme camps are offered at more than 20 arenas in Illinois during the summer.

CCH Xtreme

31W330 N. Aurora Road

Naperville, IL 60563

630-851-0755

chelioshockey.com

Puckmasters Hockey Training Centers

Puckmasters is a year-round hockey training facility available to youth, high school and collegiate players. It is an international organization with training camps in 25 locations in the United States and Canada. Summer camps focus on increasing skater and goalie skills and physical conditioning. It employs a three-phase system in three different environments that trains players on all levels of play. The Puckmasters in Illinois is located in Lake Bluff, about five miles south of Waukegon.

Puckmasters Hockey Training Centers

29850 N. Skokie Highway

Lake Bluff, IL‎

847-688-9966

puckmasters.com

National College Development Clinic

National College Development Clinic is a traveling clinic instructed by NCAA hockey coaches. It offers two-day clinics for youth players that focus on physical and mental aspects of the game. Players receive one-on-one personal skill development with an NCAA instructor. The clinic offers sessions every summer at the Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville, about 15 miles northwest of Chicago.

Edge Ice Arena

735 Jefferson St.

Bensenville, IL

630-766-8888

bensenville.il.us/index.aspx?nid=114

Tags: camps offered, College Development, College Development Clinic, Development Clinic, Edge Arena

Specifications Of A 50cal Barrett Sniper

Barrett built its .50-caliber rifle for long-range firing from a prone position.

In 1982 Barrett Firearms Manufacturing developed the M82 or "Model, 1982," its first .50-caliber sniper rifle. The company developed this rifle for military and police force use. Barrett has reconfigured the weapon several times over the past three decades. It currently sells the M82A1 and M107A1 variants as its .50-caliber weapon to military and police forces in more than 30 countries. At the time of publication,, U.S. forces are using this long-range sniper weapon in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Design

Barrett designed its .50-caliber rifle for long-range interdiction against personnel and vehicles. Both the M82A1 and M107A1 feature a 10-round box magazine that sits in front of the trigger mechanism. The company also manufactured a bullpup configuration .50-caliber rifle, the M82A2, which places the box magazine behind the trigger guard. Barrett intended to offer these bullpup models as a shoulder-fire anti-helicopter weapon, but discontinued production.

Barrett's .50-caliber rifles use a semi-automatic rate of fire and a rotating-bolt recoil action to eject and load the next round. The company built the stock of each weapon from a composite material and both rifles feature a chrome-lined barrel. M107A1 models use an aluminum rail, aluminum receiver and a stock-mounted monopod for prone or seated firing. The M82A1 features a steel rail and receiver, and includes a removable receiver mounted bipod for prone or seated firing. Barrett installs a muzzle brake on each weapon that reduces the recoil to a manageable 36 foot-pounds, directed backward into the shooter's shoulder.

Dimensions

Both of Barrett's M82 variants feature two barrel lengths, 29-inch or 20-inch. This latter barrel gives the rifle greater versatility in urban deployment. Each rifle has an overall length of 57 inches with the 29-inch barrel or 48 inches with the 20-inch barrel.

Barrett bored the 29-inch barrels with one rifling twist at every 15 inches and the 20-inch barrels with one rifling twist every 12 inches. The long barrel variant weighs 30.9 lbs. while the shorter barreled rifle weighs 29.7 lbs.

Barrett also offers a model with a non-detachable magazine. This rifle has a 29-inch barrel, 55.75-inch overall length and 32.5-pound weight.

Ballistics

Both the M82A1 and the M107A1 fire the .50 BMG: a 12.7-by-99 mm .50-caliber round originally designed for the Browning Machine Gun. These rounds leave the barrel with a muzzle velocity of 2,800 feet-per-second and a muzzle energy of 11,500 foot-pounds. According to the company, a round from this weapon can pierce a concrete wall or an iron engine block to disable a vehicle. Barrett specifies the operational range at 2,000 yards with a maximum range of 7,450 yards.

Sights

Barrett installs a flip up front ring sight and flip up peep rear iron sight on both versions of the M82. Operators can adjust the rear sights for different wind conditions and elevation. Both variants include an M1913 Picatinny rail system for mounting a variety of optics or scopes.

Tags: 50-caliber rifle, M82A1 M107A1, 29-inch barrel, 50-caliber rifle long-range, barrels with, barrels with rifling

Repair Laser Pointers

A laser pointer, for all its sophistication, relies on a push button switch to work. The constant pushing of the button can result in it breaking and rendering the laser pointer useless. Repair a laser pointer whose switch has broken by replacing the switch. The procedure is straightforward--similar to that of replacing a switch on a disposable flashlight--and does not require any special skills. A few common household tools and a replacement push button from a hobby store or electronics shop are needed.

Instructions

1. Unscrew the battery cap from the back end of the laser pointer. Remove the batteries from the battery compartment.

2. Unscrew and remove the reflector from the front of the laser pointer.

3. Clamp the jaws of the needle-nosed pliers around an edge of the laser module that is inside of the front of the laser pointer. Be sure not to touch the laser diode that is at the module's center. Pull the laser module out of the laser pointer using the needle-nosed pliers.

4. Place the laser pointer horizontally on a table with the push button facing up. Insert the tip of a flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver into the seam between the push button and the laser pointer's casing on any side. Wiggle the tip of the flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver to loosen the push button. Repeat this procedure around the push button.

5. Pull the push button out of the laser pointer's casing until there is sufficient room for grasping a corner with the jaws of the needle-nosed pliers. Pull the "On" button out of the laser pointer. Discard the "On" button.

6. Wipe the hole with an edge of a lint-free cloth. Insert a replacement push button into the hole now vacated on the laser pointer. Press the replacement push button into the hole with your fingers until it is seated snugly inside the laser pointer's casing.

7. Reinsert the laser module into the front of the laser pointer. Screw the reflector back onto the front of the laser pointer. Reinsert the batteries and screw the battery cap back onto the back end of the laser pointer.

Tags: laser pointer, push button, front laser, front laser pointer, button laser

Strip A Ruger Mini 30

Strip a Ruger Mini 30

The Ruger Mini 30 semi-automatic rifle is a variant of the popular Ruger Mini 14 series of rifles. The most prominent change between the two rifles is the recalibration of th Mini 30 to the 7.62x39mm cartridge, which is also used in the AK47 assault rifle. Assembly and disassembly of the two rifles is the same. Amateurs should never disassemble the rifle beyond that recommended by the rifle's owner's manual.

Instructions

1. Ensure the rifle is unloaded. Place the rifle on safety by pulling the lever in front of the trigger guard fully to the rear. Press the magazine catch, which is located directly behind the magazine, forward and pull the magazine down and out of the rifle. Grasp the slide handle and pull the slide fully to the rear. This will eject any cartridge still in the rifle. Holding the bolt to the rear, visually inspect the chamber to ensure there are no remaining cartridges.

2. Insert a metal rod or screwdriver, 1/4-inch diameter, into the hole on the rear of the trigger guard. Lift up on the rod to pry the trigger guard out of its latch.

3. Fold-down the rear sight and lay the rifle upside down. Lift the entire trigger housing out of the rifle. With the trigger guard latch released, you can easily remove the trigger assembly.

4. Lift the rear portion of the receiver up and out of the stock. While grasping the receiver/barrel assembly, pull the stock to the rear to separate it from the receiver/barrel.

5. Turn the receiver assembly upside down. Locate the recoil spring located about midway between the end of the barrel and end of the receiver. Grasp the spring and compress it slightly, while at the same time lifting it out of the receiver. Be careful not to let the spring loose. It is under tension and can fly out of your grasp with considerable velocity. It's a good idea to wear eye protection during this step.

6. Use the screwdriver or 1/4-inch rod to push out the buffer cross-pin. This pin is located where the end of the guide rod and spring enter the receiver. This frees the buffer bushing, which you can now lift out of the receiver.

7. Pull the slide handle to the rear until the tabs on the handle align with the notches on the receiver. You will need to pull the slide nearly to the rear to align them properly. Once the tabs are aligned, you can pull the slide handle out of the slide.

8. Turn the receiver so the top is pointing up. Locate the small protrusion on the left side of the receiver, which is the bolt lock cover plate. Use a soft punch to gently tap down on this protrusion until the plate slides off. Depress the bolt plunger, which is the button on top of the receiver that allows you to close a locked bolt, while at the same time pulling the ejector/bolt stop out of the chamber covered by the bolt lock cover plate.

9. Pull the bolt forward and rotate it to the left. Lift the bolt from the receiver. Any further disassembly requires special tools and skills, and is not recommended. At this stage of disassembly, you can clean and maintain all essential parts of the rifle.

10. Reassemble the rifle by following the disassembly directions in the reverse order.

Tags: Ruger Mini, trigger guard, pull slide, slide handle, bolt lock

Clean A Viewloader Triton 2 Paintball Gun

The Viewloader Triton 2 Paintball gun is touted as being a reliable, accurate gun for a first-time player or an experienced veteran looking for a solid back up or "knock around" gun. The Triton is inexpensive, yet comes with quality parts and a body that is easy to disassemble. The only way to keep your Triton functioning as optimally as it can however, is to clean it regularly. Cleaning the Viewloader Triton 2 is quite easy and can be performed by even a novice gunsmith.

Instructions

1. Use the Allen wrenches to remove the action bolt (a circular piece of metal on the back of the grip) at the rear of the gun body. Remove the front and rear mounting bolts on the trigger guard.

2. Unscrew the barrel and slide the action bolt out of the gun body. Use the gun lube and a few patches from the pistol cleaning kit to wipe out the inside of the gun body and the action itself.

3. Push four to five dry-cleaning swabs through the barrel with the pistol cleaning rod and then swab the inside of the barrel and gun body with a lubed swab. Put a dab of oil on the springs and any pivots on the interior of the gun. Also, drip a bit of oil on the trigger.

4. Reassemble the gun by sliding the action back into place in the body and securing the trigger guard with the mounting bolts. Screw the action bolt back in at the rear of the gun body and then screw the barrel back on the gun.

Tags: action bolt, Viewloader Triton, mounting bolts, pistol cleaning, rear body

Host A Nerf War

A local park or playground can provide for ample space, and good hiding spots, for a Nerf war.

Nerf wars can provide fun for many occasions, such as a child’s birthday party, or an adult’s, a day at the park, or even just a summer gathering. Nerf wars are also a safer alternative to other war games, like paintballing, as nerf darts are soft foam that have little potential to injure. If you want to throw a nerf war for friends, or for your child’s friends, here are some ideas on get your nerf war going.

Instructions

1. Set up a location to have your Nerf war. You want a relatively open space, with some areas to hide (e.g., behind trees or tables). Examples of good spaces are a local park, your backyard, or even a whole neighborhood.

2. Pick a date. Once you have a location, choose a date that will work with your location, ensuring that it will be available on the day you pick. Make sure to choose a date that's at least a couple of weeks away, in order to give guests ample time to fit it into their schedules.

3. Find stores near you that sell foam Nerf products. These may include Nerf guns and darts, although depending on the store you may also have Nerf bow and arrows and other types of weaponry. Make a note of these stores, so that you can include them in your invites for guests who might need to buy weapons.

4. Decide on a length for your war. Keep it somewhere around an hour for short wars, to four hours. Determine a length so that guests can know how much time to expect the war to last, and you can decide if you need to set up any snacks or water breaks.

5. Decide upon rules for your specific Nerf war. Nerf war rules can vary, from two teams fighting one another, to every man for himself. You can have teams, each with a safety zone, with the goal being to shoot every member of the other team until they are all out. Or just do singles where everybody is their own team, and the winner is the last person in the game.

6. Decide what kind of food and refreshments you will provide. A Nerf war host should at least provide water and some sort of snack, to keep players' energy up, but you can also opt to have a lunch or dinner break planned, or even a pot luck to follow the war.

7. Make invitations and send out accordingly. Include date and time, location, duration, the rules and info on what stores in your area sell Nerf products. Also tell whether guests whether they will need to bring food, such as for a potluck or lunch break, or extra refreshments.

8. Prepare food and refreshments the night before your Nerf war. If you want to have a food table set out with snacks, prepare snacks in advance. If on the other hand you are doing some sort of meal or potluck following the match, make sure you have food prepared and know which guest will be bringing what.

9. Set up any food tables as well as the playing field so that they are ready for guests on the day of your war. Once guests arrive, explain rules one more time to ensure everyone is on the same page, and make sure teams are ready. Also designate a stopping time if needed, and when food will be served.

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Customize A Baseball Uniform Design

Learn about ways to customize your baseball uniform.

While a baseball uniform is meant to dress every player in a cohesive manner during game play, there are ways to customize the baseball uniform so that it's specific to you. This will allow you to stand out on the field and give you a sense of individuality while still maintaining team pride and spirit. Before customizing, check with your team and league rules to make sure you're not violating any baseball uniform policies.

Instructions

1. Add your last name to the back of the baseball jersey. Many players choose to have their last name printed above the numbers on the back of the uniform. This can usually be accomplished by purchasing iron-on lettering from your local craft store--or having your local sport shop print the name for you.

2. Place numbering to the sleeve of your jersey. Sleeves of a baseball uniform are often open for customization. You can purchase smaller iron-on lettering which can be added to the short sleeve of your left or right arm.

3. Wear a shirt underneath your baseball uniform. Many baseball uniforms are designed for warm weather play and have short or no sleeves. You can customize your baseball uniform by wearing a three-quarter shirt, turtle-neck or t-shirt under your uniform. Try and match the color of your baseball uniform, otherwise an umpire may make you remove the under shirt if it's distracting or confusing to the other team.

4. Sew or iron on patches to the sleeve of your jersey. It is popular to add league or tournament patches to baseball sleeves. These usually detail the league you play for, or the tournaments you have participated in.

5. Determine the length of your pants and stirrups. Baseball players usually have a lot of leeway on how they like to wear their pants and stirrups. Some players choose not to show stirrups and have the pant bottom flush to the cleat, while other players like to wear shorter pants which cuts just below the knee and then show a lot of stirrup. Customize your uniform by deciding how you like to wear your baseball stirrups.

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California Pellet Gun Laws

Pellet guns can be dangerously confused with their real counterparts.

Pellet guns are designed to shoot non-spherical metal projectiles of varying diameters. Pellet guns often look similar to firearms, but use less pressure to fire. While the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed", the state of California has nevertheless introduced various laws designed to protect its citizens from harm caused by pellet guns.

Advisory Warning

Californian law considers pellet guns to be imitation firearms. Shops that sell them are legally required to display a clear advisory warning on their packaging. The warning should state that the product may be construed as real by police officers and that altering an imitation firearm to make it look more realistic is illegal.

Sale and Distribution

Anyone found selling, distributing, shipping, manufacturing, purchasing or transporting a pellet gun for commercial purposes could be in receipt of a fine amounting to $10,000 for each violation.

Threatening Acts

Using a pellet gun to intimidate someone so that they have a fear for their personal safety is a misdemeanor. This includes drawing the gun or exhibiting it in a threatening manner.

Brandishment in Public

Exposing or displaying a pellet gun while in a public place will result in the gun's owner being found guilty of either an infraction or a misdemeanor, depending on whether it is their first, second or third offense. The misdemeanor charge is brought when it is the third offense.

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Ideas For Corporate Parties

Bowling can be an entertaining corporate party activity.

For corporations, a party can be a way to provide employees with an informal get-together without the pressures of work and deadlines. A corporate party presents an opportunity for your staff to get to know each other in a social setting, which can increase trust and friendliness in the workplace. As you plan an event, consider ways you can make it special for employees and their families. Does this Spark an idea?

Employee Awards Dinner

If your company is large enough, hold an employee awards dinner to celebrate the hard work of your staff. Set up the event in a space away from the office to create a festive atmosphere, and invite each employee to bring a guest. Make the event a formal affair to give your employees a chance to see each other in non-work apparel and to make the evening a formal occasion. Host a dinner, ask high-ranking managers to give short thank-you speeches, and present high-performing employees with awards for their work. By recognizing your staff in public, you will make the awards more meaningful and provide additional motivation. You might also hire a band for dancing, or find a string quartet to play during the cocktail and dinner hours.

Activity Party

Many corporate parties can be stuffy affairs; get employees interested in your event by planning it around an activity. You might rent out a bowling alley, for example, or spend the day at a local ski hill. If you will be inviting families to the party, hold it at a sports and recreation center where employees and their children can play in the batting cages or on the miniature golf course. For a competitive business, consider holding a paintball competition with a party afterwards to give your staff the chance to let off some steam in a non-professional environment. When possible, choose an activity that is accessible to people of all skill levels to make the event welcoming to the majority of your corporation.

Goal Reward

Motivate employees in your company to work harder to achieve a specific sales goal by promising them a party as a reward. You can schedule a party each time the company increases its sales by a certain percentage, for example, or plan one when you break through a new barrier in performance. Depending on the atmosphere of your office, you might hold the event during work hours to give employees a break from work, or invite everyone out for a celebration in the community. To make the party a viable motivational tool, you will need to plan events or activities that make it worth your employees' efforts; give them a raffle for an extra vacation day, a free dinner at a swanky restaurant, or a cocktail party with an open bar, for example.

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California Law On Guns In State Parks

A holstered gun such as this can't be displayed in a California state park.

California has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, and that also applies to state parks. Unless you have a concealed weapons permit, carrying a loaded or unloaded gun is illegal. The gun laws for federal parks located within California are more relaxed, however.

Loaded Firearms

According to the California Code of Regulations, it's illegal to carry a loaded firearm of any type in any of the more than 270 state parks in California. State law prohibits loaded guns in state parks at all unless they are locked inside a car trunk or are similarly inaccessible.

Unloaded Firearms

State regulations say that unloaded guns, defined as "firearms not having a cartridge in any portion of the mechanism," may be possessed within temporary lodging in California state parks--i.e., tents--or in vehicles when the weapons have been "rendered temporarily inoperable or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use."

Air Guns

It is illegal to carry a loaded air gun in California state parks. Air guns--also called air pistols and air rifles--are weapons that shoot projectiles, such as BBs, via compressed air. Although they technically aren't firearms and sales of them are unregulated in California, the law banning them in state parks is identical to that of loaded firearms.

Exceptions

Loaded weapons are allowed in some designated archery ranges where the state Department of Parks and Recreation "finds that it is in its best interests," according to the regulations. Additionally, three types of people are exempted from the loaded weapons ban: California peace officers who permitted to carry firearms, honorably retired California peace officers who have concealed weapons privileges and citizens of the state who have concealed firearms permits.

National Parks in California

In a difference from what's allowed at state parks, federal law allows the carrying of concealed, loaded weapons in all California national parks, as long as those gun owners comply with state firearms laws. However, weapons aren't allowed in buildings inside California federal parks where people work, such as visitor centers.

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Activity Gifts For Him

A go-kart race is an exciting type of gift.

If a man in your life, whether it's your husband, boyfriend, son, child or friend, loves adventure, an activity-related gift might be the best option to get him. You can give this type of gift for his birthday or other occasions throughout the year, and can range significantly based on where you live and where his interests lie. Prior to booking the activity, you may wish to drop a few subtle hints to determine if the experience is something he'd enjoy.

Go-Karting

When many people think of go-karting, they may think of karts geared toward children. But many cities offer high-speed go-kart facilities that are ideal for adults. In these facilities, you can book multi-lap races with a group of friends, wear fire suits and navigate your way around a track at high speeds. Some such facilities include digital scoreboards to keep track of the racers as they move around the track. If you know a man who's into racing and loves a thrill, a high-speed go-kart activity might be appreciated.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing isn't for everyone, but if you're buying an experience-based gift for a man who isn't afraid of heights, enjoys new challenges and is physically fit, rock climbing is an option. Rock climbing facilities can range from indoor adventure centers to outdoor facilities to businesses set up at actual mountains. Whatever the case, these facilities offer safe climbs for beginners, and your friend or family member may become instantly addicted to the challenges of this sport.

Water Sports

A water sport such as white-water rafting or kayaking may be an activity that intrigues the gift recipient. If you live near a river, there may be a rafting business that caters to groups of thrill seekers. You can buy him this experience as a gift and invite several members of his family and some friends to complete the adventure. After a group has been through a set of rapids in a raft, it will have plenty of fun telling stories about the activity. Kayaking lessons won't mean an immediate foray into exhilarating white water, but if the man you know is into adventure, this type of activity may also be appealing.

Skydiving

Skydiving isn't for the faint of heart, but many people find it gives them an extreme rush of adrenaline. If the gift recipient is a thrill seeker, a skydiving trip may give him the ultimate rush. Skydiving schools give him on-the-ground training about the experience he'll soon undertake, then he gets to jump out of a plane while strapped to an expert who will make sure he has a safe landing.

Other

Other activity-related gift ideas can depend exactly on what the gift recipient enjoys doing or has an interest in. Some ideas include a hot-air balloon ride, small airplane ride, paintball, cooking class, all-terrain vehicle adventure, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing and a one-on-one lesson in virtually anything within his area of interest.

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