Rent Laser Tag Equipment

The kids are bored, the family's coming for the weekend, and you're wondering what to do. Choose up sides and pit team against team when you rent laser tag equipment for fun get-togethers or special events. Laser tag is a safe yet active game that everyone can play, from kids to parents to seniors. Even people who aren't "team players" will get involved in this sport of skill, strategy and imagination.

Instructions

Rent Locally

1. Locate a laser tag rental outlet in your area. Laser tag equipment is often rented along with paintball equipment or with other sporting goods, such as skis.

2. Rent by the weekday or get a weekend package. On a per-player basis, expect to pay less than you would for a day at an amusement park or ski resort.

3. Enjoy unlimited play in the venue of your choice.

4. Return the equipment in its original condition in order to recoup any deposit you may have paid.

Rent Globally

5. Expand your equipment choices by renting from an online store. You may find more sophisticated taggers or game formats with more rental outlets to choose from. Find information about renting equipment at the International Laser Tag Association website (see Resources below).

6. Find out the return policy and details before you rent so you'll know when to schedule your order and how much time you can have to play the game.

7. Play as long as you like in a forest, park, backyard or other outdoor setting.

8. Return your equipment in good condition via the original shipping method. Some shops include round-trip shipping and offer preprinted labels, while others will require a trip to the post office or express mail service.

Tags: your equipment

Be A Great Airsoft Sniper

Airsoft is a similar sport to some styles of paintball, usually pitting teams against each other in a wilderness or open area with structures that approximates a war zone. Airsoft snipers are responsible for stealthy movements, staying hidden and eliminating enemy targets before they are recognized.

Instructions

1. Find a good gun. While many airsoft players prefer to use a handgun or a small sub-machine gun because they are quicker and easier to fire, a sniper's first considerations must be range and accuracy, not speed. Choose a full rifle model with an extended barrel and a heavy stock for stability. A longer barrel will also increase the muzzle velocity, which will increase the effective operational range of the weapon.

2. Camouflage yourself well. Most of a sniper's time is not spent shooting; its spent hiding. Camouflage may well be your most important asset. Choose camouflage patterns that are appropriate for the area where you will be playing: use forest green camo for woods games; drab camo for urban settings; and white-based camo for games in the snow. Consider a ghillie suit as well, which provides netting that you can fill with local vegetation to increase your disguise. Top off a camouflage job with face paint of the same color(s) as your camo.

3. Learn to move silently and inconspicuously. The movements of a good sniper require great patience and the ability to sit, lie or crouch for extended periods of time without moving, sometimes in uncomfortable positions. Practice moving without breaking twigs and rustling leaves, and learn to look all around before making movements to avoid giving away your position.

4. Practice your shooting and learn when to take shots. Take your time setting up shots. A missed shot can give away your position, so it's worth your time to set up carefully and make sure your first shot is a hit.

Tags: away your, away your position, your position, your time

Use Open Office To Make Birthday Invitations

Create invitations for your birthday party with Open Office.

If you have an upcoming birthday party, you can use Open Office to make your invitation cards. Open Office includes a variety of templates you can download from the Internet. The templates come with an existing layout, making them easier to modify. You can change anything from the text to the picture on the birthday invitation. When you're done, simply save it until you're ready to send the invitations or print them right away.

Instructions

1. Select "File," "New" and "Templates and Documents" from the OpenOffice Writer menu. Click "Get more templates online" at the bottom of the "Templates and Documents - Samples" dialog box. You are directed to the OpenOffice Services page.

2. Type "invitation" into the search field at the top, left of the page and click the "Search" button. A variety of invitation templates appears.

3. Select the invitation template you want to use, such "Kids Party invite." Click the "Use It" button. The "File Download" box opens.

4. Click "Save" to download the template. The "Save As" dialog box opens. Navigate to the folder on your computer where you want the file saved and click "Save."

5. Close the web page and return to OpenOffice Writer.

6. Click "File" and "Open" in the menu and double-click the template you recently saved. It loads in OpenOffice Writer.

7. Place your cursor over the existing text to modify it. Add your birthday party's date, time and place. Include the RSVP and any other details you want to add.

8. Customize the title or leave it as is. To change an existing image on the invitation, click on it and press "Delete." The image is removed. Select "Insert," "Picture" and "From File." The "Insert picture" dialog box displays. Double-click the image you'd like to use.

9. Select "File" and "Save" from the menu to save the invitation card.

Tags: Open Office, birthday party, OpenOffice Writer, Select File, Templates Documents

Install The Impulse Blackheart Board

Rapid fire guns are necessary to be competetitve in some tournements.

The Blackheart Board is a board manufactured by Smart Parts to replace the original board in an Impulse paintball gun. It is advertised as a full-featured upgrade board for the Impulse. It also works with the Ion Epiphany SP-8 and the Shocker. The Blackheart offers a higher maximum rate of fire, with an easily adjustable fire rate. The board features the ability to fire 20 shots per second. It is used primarily for tournament level guns.

Instructions

1. Open the gun's grip. Unplug the battery. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws connecting the grip to the body of the gun. There should be two screws.

2. Remove the barrel of the gun by twisting it counter-clockwise. Set it aside. Remove the screw just above where the barrel was attached to the body of the gun.

3. Pull down gently on the grip. You will see a blue tube. Remove the tube and its fittings from the gun using an allen wrench. Set the grip, tube and fittings aside. Pull the metal frame from the plastic body of the gun. This will cause a small circuit board, the vision eye board, to pop out. Locate the wires running from the primary board to the eye board. Unhook these wires and remove the smaller board.

4. Remove the main board as far as possible. There should be three hoses still connecting the board. Use the allen wrench to remove the hoses, and reconnect them in their corresponding place on the new board. They are different sizes, so each will only fit in one spot.

5. Slide the new vision eye board into place, and connect it to the plug on the main board. Slide the new primary board into place.

6. Reattach the blue hose using its fittings and the allen wrench. Pull the battery wire from the new board through into the battery compartment. Replace the three screws you removed, and the battery.

Tags: allen wrench, Blackheart Board, board Impulse, board into, board into place, into place, main board

Put Air In A Portable Air Tank

Portable air tanks are useful as a means of providing compressed air to pump up tires or other equipment in remote locations. Portable air tanks are filled with air from large, stand alone compressors via a refill valve on the rear portion of the portable tank. Putting air into portable air tanks is easy and anyone can do it with a little bit of practice. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Unscrew the refill valve on the rear of the tank. Don't worry, this will not release any air left in the tank, it simply opens the valve to accept air.

2. Attach the compressor hose to the refill valve on the portable air tank and turn the compressor on.

3. Depress the compressor hose handle and allow air to start flowing into the tank. Watch the air pressure gauge on the front of the portable tank to determine when the tank is filled.

4. Pull the compressor hose off of the refill valve when the gauge indicates the tank is full and turn the compressor off.

5. Screw the refill back down tight and use the portable air tank at will.

Tags: refill valve, compressor hose, portable tank, compressor hose refill, hose refill, hose refill valve

Build An Airsoft Launcher

Several clubs in the United States devote time and energy to MILSIM using airsoft guns and launchers. Penn State Airsoft Club defines MILSIM as military simulation by civilians for fun. Players use military conduct when operating MILSIM games. This is also another word for airsoft. Several states have devoted airsoft clubs where players can make weapons, meet at agreed upon locations and use tactical plans to destroy the "enemy."

Instructions

1. Put down newspaper or tarp on a solid work surface. Make the copper cap first by placing the spring on the work area. Affix the copper cap to one end of the spring and apply bonding glue where the cap meets the spring. The bonding material needs one full day to dry.

2. Lay one PVC pipe on the work surface. Use the drill to make a hole into the side of the pipe one inch from the bottom. Make another hole in the middle of the pipe or six inches from the bottom.

3. Put the spring into the pipe in the end opposite of the copper cap. Push one nail into and through the bottom hole. The nail goes into the spring to secure the two pieces together.

4. Take the pipe fitting and screw it in on the bottom, to the side of the hole. Screw the second piece of PVC pipe into the pipe fitting. This will join both sections of PVC pipe together. Cut the second PVC pipe into a point using the hacksaw. Stock is stored in the point. The point should only be 1/3 to 1/2 the length of the second PVC pipe.

5. Use the 1/2-inch PVC pipe and slide it into the first piece of PVC pipe. Force the copper cap down with the pipe; this compresses the spring.

6. Use a nail to hold the spring in place. Locate the copper cap on the airsoft launcher; push nail into the hole in front of the cap.

7. Form modeling clay into a cylinder. Push the cylinder into the pointed end of the second PVC pipe; the cylinder should lie against the nail located in the center of the PVC pipe.

8. Take the launcher outside. Face the pointed end toward your body and place on your shoulder. Use a pre-made target to aim the launcher at. Fire the rocket by removing the nail from the center of the pipe.

Tags: second pipe, center pipe, from bottom, into pipe, nail into, piece pipe, pipe fitting

Paint A Paintball Gun

Customizing a paintball gun can be a fun and innovative way to blend in with your surroundings or to stand out from the crowd. Custom paint jobs are simple and can be designed any way the user would like. The most difficult and the most time consuming part of the job is the preparation that leads to painting. Regular spray paint in the colors of your choice are cheap and readily available at auto stores or home stores.

Instructions

paint a paintball gun

1. Disassemble the paintball gun. All guns come with a tool kit to help clean and disassemble the gun. All of the internal components need to be removed from the gun including the bolt and any electronics.

2. Sand the paintball gun with 300 to 400 grit sandpaper. Every surface that will be painted needs to sanded. When you sand, the goal is to remove the paint and not the finish on the metal. You do not even need to fully remove the paint, just rough up the surface so that the new paint will have a textured surface to which it can adhere.

3. Wash off the gun with water and a little bit of soap. You need to remove any debris left from sanding as well as any oil and grease. These substances all can cause corruption to the paint finish and prevent the paint from drying properly.

4. Dry off the gun and allow it to sit for about one to two hours. Be sure the gun is dry inside and out before proceeding.

5. Tape off any areas of the paintball gun that do not need to be painted. This would include any holes on the inside of the gun and areas where any moving pieces will be placed. Hang the gun up by a wire or string to allow access to all sides for painting.

6. Place the mask over your face and spray the paintball gun with a layer of primer. Use long even strokes to cover the marker with a thin layer of paint. Do not worry about trying to cover the entire gun as you will probably cause streaking and runs. Allow the first layer to dry for approximately one hour and then spray a second layer of primer on the gun.

7. Gently rub the surface of the marker with the sandpaper to create a rougher surface that will allow the base coat to adhere to the primer. Spray the base color on the gun in long even strokes and hold the spray can about 6 to 10 inches away from the surface of the gun. Allow the paint to dry for one to two hours and repeat the process.

8. Allow the gun to sit overnight and dry. Once the gun has dried for 12 hours, spray on clear coat using the same technique as used in the previous paint sessions. Once the clear coat has been allowed to dry for 12 hours or more depending on the paint used, you can remove all the tape and reassemble the paintball gun.

Tags: surface that, clear coat, even strokes, layer primer, long even, long even strokes

How Much Hearing Protection Is Needed When Shooting

Extremely loud noises that surpass a high amount of decibels (dB) can result in damage to the inner ear which leads to hearing loss. Hearing protection is required when firing guns. There are different types of material to protct your ears. Even using the "fingers in the ear" method can save your hearing in the long run.

The Facts

It is suggested by Earplugstore.com that anyone who uses guns on a regular basis use ear plugs plus a muff worn over them. This combination can add up to at least 36 NRR, which is nearly the maximum protection you can get without stepping into a portable hearing protection device. The NRR rating of ear plugs is usually 6 while an Ultimate 10 muff is usually 30 NRR, adding up to 36 NRR.

Features

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is only required by law to appear on any label of every hearing protector sold in the United States because of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) labeling regulation. The law was passed so the user will deduct the NRR from the dB level at hand to get the dB level at the ear. For example, if your noise level at hand is 100 dB minus the Hearing Protector NRR of 25 dB, then your noise level at the ear would be 75 dB.

Types

Besides wearing your typical ear muffs for protection, there are multiple types of ear plugs to choose from. Poly urethane foam ear plugs are disposable and are known as the softest foam plugs on the market. They come in different sizes and are used by rolling them in a small cylinder and placing them in the canal of your ear. Within seconds they will expand. Another form of ear plugs are PVC foam plugs, which have a stiffer material than poly urethane plugs. They are easier to place inside the ear.

Fun Facts

It is essential to wear some sort of hearing protection while shooting guns. A talking voice will usually measure up to 60dB while a chainsaw can reach up to 100dB. Any sound level above 85dB is considered harmful to the ear. The blast of a gun will generally reach 150dB.

Warning

Using rifles and handguns without wearing proper hearing protection will result in permanent hearing damage. Even smaller weapons like .22's can create a dangerous dB level for your ears. Your hearing can never be repaired, and it will only get worse after being damaged.

Tags: foam plugs, hearing protection, level hand, noise level, your ears, your noise, your noise level

Change An Hpa Regulator

HPA regulators regulate the pressure in canisters used with paintball guns. Occasionally an HPA regulator will break or become faulty and need to be replaced. While many paintball enthusiasts will recommend that the tank be taken to a professional for repairs, it is often difficult to find a repair shop that has the necessary tools to replace an HPA regulator. Someone who is knowledgeable about his paintball equipment can replace the HPA regulator himself at a much lower cost than a repair shop.

Instructions

1. Bleed all of the air from the tank. This is important. Make sure all of the compressed air is out of the tank prior to working on it. Leaving air in the tank can cause the regulator to burst off the tank or the tank to explode, causing injuries.

2. Wrap the tank in the protective mat and secure it in the vise. Using the protective mat keeps the tank from being dented or scratched by the vise. The mat also helps to secure the vise grip on the tank.

3. Carefully remove the regulator gauge, burst disk and fill nipple. Make note of where each piece fits. Replace any ruptured burst disks with new ones.

4. Remove the regulator from the tank using the strap wrench. Do not get anything into the tank. Foreign objects in the tank once it is filled can cause an explosion.

5. Use the brush and rubbing alcohol to clean any debris from the regulator valve threads. Replace the O ring on the tank.

6. Screw the new regulator halfway in by hand. Use a small amount of loctite on the regulator threads, then finish screwing in the new regulator by hand. Use the strap wrench to tighten the regulator.

7. Replace the regulator gauge, fill nipple and burst disk. Wrap thread tape around the regulator gauge and fill nipple approximately five times. Use the crescent wrench to secure. Allow the loctite to cure for 48 hours before filling the tank for use.

Tags: fill nipple, regulator gauge, burst disk, from tank, gauge fill

How Are Stun Guns Made

Stun Gun Basics

A stun gun is a device used for self-defense and law enforcement in many countries around the world. It works by dumping an extremely high voltage, low amperage electric current into its victim, causing his muscles to contract and inducing a state of stupor and unconsciousness. Amperage is the measure of how much electricity is flowing through a circuit, while voltage is a measure of how hard the electricity is pushing. High-voltage, low-amperage stun guns are ideal for self-defense because the voltage contains enough "push" to penetrate through clothing and give a painful shock, while the low-amperage makes it unlikely that the victim will be seriously injured or killed by the shock.

The Circuit Board

The most important part of a stun gun is the circuit board. Heavy-duty electronic components designed to carry a lot of voltage without burning out are soldered into a circuit board. The circuit board is soldered to a battery pack, which provides power to the weapon, usually from AA, 9-volt or other commonly available batteries. The stun gun circuit contains an oscillator, a step-up transformer and a capacitor. The oscillator takes energy from the battery and creates a moving electric current, which constantly switches directions. This is called alternating current, or AC. This current then flows into the step-up transformer, which increases its voltage and decreases its amperage. A transformer contains two coils of wire--a primary, which is attached to the power supply and a secondary, which is attached to the rest of the circuit. When current flows through the primary coil, it creates a magnetic field, which produces a current in the secondary coil. If the secondary coil has more turns of wire, it outputs higher voltage and is called a step-up transformer. The step-up transformer in a stun gun charges a capacitor--a small device for storing electric current. There is also a trigger, which switches the whole device on and off.

Safely Mounting the Electronics

High-voltage electricity can easily jump across small open spaces, creating short circuits. To prevent this, the stun gun circuitry is carefully mounted and isolated inside a solid case. Some parts, such as the transformer may be encased in resin to insulate them from other areas of the circuit. The rest is held in the middle of the chassis by screws that keep it out of contact.

Shocking Business

The business end of a stun gun usually has two or four metal spike contacts. On four-contact models, when the trigger is held down and the stun gun is not in contact with someone's body, the capacitor discharges between the middle contacts, making a flash of light and a zapping sound to discourage the target from attacking. When the stun gun is in contact with the victim, the outer contacts discharge the capacitor, sending an electric shock through his body.

Tags: step-up transformer, electric current, circuit board, contact with, secondary coil, stun circuit

Make Reactive Paper Targets

Make Reactive Paper Targets

A reactive target is a nonliving shooting target that does something when it's accurately engaged by the shooter. Among other reactions, that "something" can be falling, spinning, hopping or even exploding. If you shot cans with your father's .22-caliber when you were young, you were shooting reactive targets, because you were rewarded with a reaction when you shot well. Commercial reactive targets are usually steel, but shooting steel has its own hazards, among them fragmentation and ricochet. Reactive paper targets are easy to make and hazard-free.

Instructions

1. If precision shooting is on your agenda, then you can make a very simple reactive paper target by using any cardboard silhouette target in any stationary stand. Purchase some yellow paint-gun balls. Yellow shows up well from a distance when it explodes. Using rubber cement, glue the paint-gun balls to the front of the cardboard target where you want each bulls-eye. Let them dry. Mount and shoot. An accurate hit on one of the paintballs will reward you with a yellow explosion.

2. For simulated combat shooting with less accuracy, for example, rapid fire or practical pistol shooting, build a cardboard "balloon-drop" target. Lay your 2-foot and 3-foot pieces of two-by-four end to end, flush. Screw in the door hinge so the two pieces will fold together when hinged. Nail the 4-foot length of two-by-four to the open end of the 2-foot piece, like a T. The long board will join the short board with the short board flat and the long board on its edge. You should now have a giant T on the ground, the T-cross on its edge, centered atop the T-stem. The "stem" is lying flat, with the hinge on top.

3. Cut a 3-inch hole in the cardboard silhouette, center of mass. Mount the cardboard silhouette on the 3-foot two-by-four arm of the target stand on the side of the two-by-four that folds inward. Staple the silhouette so the bottom edge is one foot from the end of the board. When the stand is on the ground now, you will be able to lift the target up into a vertical position. Screw a 2-inch wood screw into the upward facing surface of the 4-foot board, top dead-center. Leave an inch of the screw exposed.

4. Blow up a balloon to approximately 8 inches in diameter. Tie it off. Tie a 4-foot length of string to the balloon. Place the balloon behind the target silhouette and feed the string through the 3-inch hole. Tie the other end of the string to the screw, holding the target vertical. Keep enough tension on the string to ensure it will hold the target upright. Place a sandbag against the hinge, on the inside of the stand, to prevent the target from falling forward.

5. Place a filled sandbag on each wing of the T-cross board. This stabilizes your target stand against wind. When you hit your target center of mass, the bullet breaks the balloon, and the target falls backward.

Tags: cardboard silhouette, 3-inch hole, 4-foot length, center mass, long board, Make Reactive, Make Reactive Paper

Time Shares To Rent Near Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a popular tourist attraction.

Yellowstone National Park is a treasured American landmark, having been established nearly 140 years ago. The park stretches across parts of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. It is known for its wildlife and famed Old Faithful Geyser. For those wishing to enjoy an extended visit, there are numerous timeshare opportunities.

WorldMark West Yellowstone

Old Faithful Geyser is close by for visitors of West Yellowstone.

WorldMark West Yellowstone is located in West Yellowstone, Montana, and offers seasonal timeshare opportunities, with costs ranging from $1,150-$1,750, per week. Prices will vary. The facilities and services include exercise equipment, full kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, a fireplace, washer and dryer, game room, swimming pool and a grocery store close by. The resort offers nearby access to a number of activities, including fishing, boating, whitewater rafting, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and golf. The resort is also within close proximity to Old Faithful, as well as various hot springs. WorldMark West is only one block from the west entrance of Yellowstone.

West Yellowstone (WorldMark)

110 Gray Wolf Ave.

West Yellowstone, MT 59758

redweek.com

Island Park Village Resort

Idaho's Island Park Village offers regular timeshare options.

Island Park Village is located in Idaho's Island Park, and offers a number of timeshare options. The area is less than 25 miles from Yellowstone's west entrance, and offers its condos year-round. The resort features a racquetball court, sauna, tennis and golf, as well as therapy pools. A fitness center, pro shop, cycling, playground, skiing and trout fishing are all within 30 minutes of the resort. Condo amenities include a full kitchen, satellite television and fireplace. There is also a laundry and game room on-site. The timeshare costs will vary, as they are individually priced. They generally range from $500 to $1,250 per week. Renters may also opt to own the timeshare.

Island Park Village Resort

4153 N. Big Springs Loop Rd.

Island Park, ID 83429

208-558-7502

bidshares.com

Big Sky Resort

Horseback riding is an option for visitors of Big Sky.

Big Sky Resort in Big Sky, Montana, is near Yellowstone's West Entrance, and is known for its outdoor activities. In the summer, camping, biking and horseback riding are featured, along with water activities, such as boating, gondola rides, and fly fishing. The site also includes golf, paintball, zip line, tennis and rock climbing. The resort has studios, and one or two bedrooms. Amenities include full kitchen, laundry, grocery store, babysitting referral options, a playground and exercise equipment. There is also a restaurant and cocktail lounge/bar. The timeshares vary in price, as they are individually listed. A week's rental can range from $245 to $1,500 or more, and can be rented year-round. For those visiting in the winter, skiing and snowboarding are popular pastimes, as the resort receives more than 400 inches of snowfall on a yearly basis. The resort is less than 20 miles from Yellowstone Park.

Big Sky Resort

1 Lone Mountain Trail

Big Sky, MT 59716

406-995-5000

bigskyresort.com

Tags: Island Park, West Yellowstone, Island Park Village, Park Village, full kitchen

Places To Fill Paintball Co2 Tanks

CO2 tanks are to the sport of paintball as pages are to a book. You cannot have one without the other. But the refilling of CO2 tanks is a dilemma for many paintball enthusiasts, since many do not know where to go to refill their tanks. Here you'll find some resources and locations where you can get your tanks refilled.

What Is CO2?

CO2 is the chemical symbol for carbon dioxide. This gas is greatly compressed in a CO2 tank, and when a paintball player presses the trigger, a small amount of highly compressed CO2 forces out a paintball at extremely high speeds. Eventually you'll need to refill the tank with CO2.

Paintball Supply Stores

Paintball supply stores are a Mecca for paintball enthusiasts. Not only do they sell guns, body armor and other supplies but they also refill CO2 tanks. Find a local paintball supply store via the Internet or your phonebook.

Gun or Firearm Shops

Many gun and firearm stores will fill up CO2 tanks. For many people, one of these stores may be more convenient than a paintball supply store.

Bass Pro Shops

The Bass Pro Shop is a megastore for outdoor activities, including paintball. The stops also sell and refill CO2 tanks.

Fire Extinguisher and Fire Stations

Places that sell or repair fire extinguishers have the tools necessary for refilling a CO2 tank. You can also check with your local fire station; however, it may not have the right connections. (Connectors are available at Bass Pro Shops and paintball supply stores.)

Tags: paintball supply, Bass Shops, paintball enthusiasts, paintball supply store, refill tanks

Woodsball Techniques

Woods camouflage is an asset in woodsball.

Paintball is a tactical sport whereby teams or individuals use paintball guns--gas-powered guns that shoot plastic balls filled with paint--at opposing players. When this simulated combat game is played in the woods it is called "woodsball," "Bushball," or woods paintball. Being in the woods allows players to use the environment and their imaginations when competing.

Basic Attire

Wide-open fields cluttered with air-filled obstacles are commonplace in tournament paintball games, and the need for concealment and stealth is not a great necessity. You often see flashy uniforms in these types of games. Woodsball, in direct contrast, requires you to think carefully about how you dress for the games. The key is stealth; you need to blend in to your environment. Woods camouflage is a basic starting point. Keep in mind, however, that different woods environments offer varying forms of foliage. A ghillie suit is preferable. A ghillie suit is made from mesh or other fabric and is covered in loose, hanging camouflage that looks similar to dreadlocks. The loose fibers and mesh material allow you to stuff the suit further with leaves and other natural elements, creating camouflage to match the surrounding area. This will help you hide during play so you can sneak up on opponents for easy shots. Commercial ghillie suit are available; see the link in the resources.

Move Slowly and Have Patience

Woodsball is not speedball, whereby you run at the other team, guns blazing, and try to tag as many players before you get hit. In woodsball, you and your team must move stealthily through the forest and try to obtain a superior fighting position against the other team. While moving, avoid giving away your position by stepping slowly and deliberately, avoiding snapping sticks or rustling leaves. Keep an eye out for your opponents, however. If spotted, seek cover quickly behind trees in shallow gullies and prepare to fight back.

Woodsball Tactics

Woodsball accommodates many different paintball tactics. According to playmore-paintball.com, a common tactic involves flanking your opponents. In a flanking strategy, the team breaks up into three or more groups. One group stays back to defend the team base, where, in some games, teams can win by capturing a flag in the base. A second group attempts to sneak into position on the opponents' right or left side while a third group either distracts the team by moving up the middle or starts firing first from the opposite side. Another strategy involves using "lone wolves" who go out on their own and try to wreak as much damage as possible while the other players wait in ambush at certain points or try to move in as close as possible for clear shots. Choose a strategy that fits the unique mold of your team and one in which you can exploit the weaknesses of your opponents.

Tags: ghillie suit, your opponents, other team, Woods camouflage, your team

How Do You Open Chat In "Manga Fighter"

Play paintball in a virtual universe with Magna Fighter for PC.

Magna Fighter a massively-multiplayer online paintball shooting game designed for an audience of kids. The game takes places in a cartoon universe that is stylized to mimic Japanese magna books. In Magna Fighter, players from all across the globe team up with one another to compete against teams of other players. Individual players control a single character, on which they equip weapons and armor to increase stats. The key to winning paintball matches in Magna Fighter is teamwork. By talking with teammates through the game's built-in chat system, players coordinate their actions.

Instructions

1. Open and sign into your Magna Fighter character account.

2. Join the battle queue with a team of players.

3. Press your keyboard's left shift and enter keys simultaneously to open a team chat window. This will only work once a team battle has begun. Up until entering a battle, one cannot open the chat window to speak with other players.

Tags: Magna Fighter, chat window, other players

Make A Cheap Blowgun

Blowguns have been used for centuries and are still serious weapons in some primitive cultures. You can make a cheap blowgun by gathering a few simple materials, most of which you probably have at hand.

Instructions

1. Find a rigid, hollow tube that is from 4 feet to 7 feet long and about a half inch in diameter. Copper tubing or galvanized conduit are good, cheap choices, as is bamboo.

2. File any burrs out of the cut ends of the tubing.

3. Cut the end out of a plastic film canister carefully, using a sharp knife to make a mouthpiece for your gun.

4. Wrap duct tape or electrical tape around one end of the gun barrel tube to a thickness that is a little more than the circumference of the film canister.

5. Push the film canister onto the taped end of the tube until it seals tightly and still protrudes from the end of the tube. Wrap duct or electrical tape around the outside of the film canister, securing and sealing it to the end of the tube.

6. Decorate your blowgun by wrapping it with colored yarns, tapes or coloring designs on it with permanent marker. Hang feathers from leather thongs for cheap decoration.

7. Make a carrier for your blowgun from leather or cloth.

Tags: film canister, electrical tape, electrical tape around, from leather, tape around

Operate A High Pressure Spyder Electra

Head and eye protection is essential when playing paintball.

Paintball guns or "markers" have evolved significantly since the first hand-held paint marker was released in 1970. Markers like the Spyder Electra offer sleek, lightweight design coupled with precision manufacturing and computerized parts for more accurate firing. The Electra can only help give you a competitive edge if you are familiar with its various parts and correct operation. From setup and loading, to aiming and firing, you can learn operate a Spyder Electra.

Instructions

1. Screw the threaded end of the Spyder Electra paintball marker's barrell into the body of the marker.

2. Slip the included cloth barrel blocking device over the end of the barrel and pull the rubber band securely back over the rear of the marker.

3. Remove the three M4x8 screws from the marker's grip with the wrench included in the marker's spare parts kit.

4. Remove the battery cover from the grip.

5. Install a 9V battery in the grip by pressing the "+" and "-" terminals of the battery into the corresponding terminals in the grip's battery attachment.

6. Place the battery cover back on the grip and screw the three screws in place with the included wrench.

7. Power on the marker by pressing the button on the rear of the grip marked with an icon shaped like an eye. The marker will power on with the Anti Chop Eye feature and the safety automatically engaged.

8. Press the eye button again to turn off the Anti Chop Eye feature.

9. Press the lower button marked "M" to change the mode to one of the four following modes: safety, semi-automatic, Ramp P -- 13 balls per second, Ramp M -- 12 balls per second.

10. Screw a CO2 compressed air tank into the nozzle at the base of the marker's grip.

11. Turn the adapter knob in front of the nozzle to "ON" to pressurize the marker.

12. Attach a hopper full of paintballs to the paintball recepticle at the top of the marker and secure the hopper in place with the included wrench.

13. Put on eye protection.

14. Remove the barrel blocking device by slipping the rubber band from the back of the marker and sliding the cloth portion off the end of the barrel.

15. Fire the marker at a target in an open area, ensuring there will be no damage to surrounding objects, people or animals in the area.

Tags: Spyder Electra, Anti Chop, Anti Chop feature, balls second, barrel blocking, barrel blocking device

How Do You Calculate Recoil Velocity

Lighter guns have a higher recoil velocity.

When you fire a gun, the recoil velocity refers to how quickly the weapon kicks back at you. The gun recoils because of the conservation of momentum. Since the gun and the bullet both start at rest, the force that pushes the bullet out of the gun also pushes it back in the opposite direction. In order to calculate the recoil velocity, you need to know the speed at which the bullet is shot and the weight of the gun and bullet.

Instructions

1. Determine the weight of the gun and the weight of the bullet using a scale. For example, a gun may weight nine pounds and the bullet may weigh 0.1 pounds.

2. Check the gun specifications to determine the initial velocity of the bullet. For example, the gun may shoot the bullet at a speed of 1,000 feet per second.

3. Multiply the weight of the bullet by the initial velocity to find the momentum of the bullet. In this example, you would multiply 0.1 pounds by 1,000 feet per second to get 100 pound feet per second.

4. Divide the result from step 3 by the weight of the gun to calculate the recoil velocity of the gun. Finishing this example, you would divide 100 pound feet per second by 9 pounds to find the recoil velocity is about 11.1 feet per second.

Tags: feet second, recoil velocity, weight bullet, example would, initial velocity, pound feet, pound feet second

How Do Walkie Talkies Work

How Do Walkie Talkies Work?

How They Work

Walkie-talkies, in their most basic form, transmit on a frequency from an antenna. Walkie-talkies work on a half duplex channel. This means that only one person at a time can talk, but everyone on the same frequency channel can listen. On every walkie-talkie is a push-to-talk button that starts the transmission. While you have the switch on, only you can talk and everyone else can listen. Generally, walkie-talkies come as a small handset that you can walk and talk with--hence, the name.

Different Uses

Although the walkie-talkie did start for military purposes, it has branched out into many different areas of life. A lot of people started to use it on construction work sites. Now days, work sites still use a walkie-talkie, but it's with cellphones. Big rig truckers use a version of the walkie-talkie called a CB radio to talk to other truckers on the road. Police enforcement and boaters use a similar system. A very popular use for a personal walkie-talkie is at a ski resort so that families can keep in touch when they are on different areas of the mountain. They can also be used in recreational games such as woods paintball or airsoft games.

Tags: different areas, talk everyone, Talkies Work, Walkie Talkies, Walkie Talkies Work

Buy A Revolver

You may want to buy a revolver for many reasons, from protection to target shooting. Revolvers are a good choice for people at all experience levels because they're easy to use and maintain, yet reliable and require less training than other gun models.

Instructions

1. Examine your reasons for buying a revolver. If you want a revolver for self-defense, you need to look at different characteristics of the gun than if you're interested in target shooting. In general, no matter what the purpose, most people should stick to revolvers with a barrel no longer than 2 1/2 inches, unless a person has a large frame, where a 3 inch barrel may be appropriate.

2. Decide on a single or double action revolver. A single action revolver requires you to manually pull the hammer back and then squeeze the trigger--two single acts. Double action revolvers require only that you pull back the trigger. Double action is more suitable for self defense because you can fire your revolver quickly, and in most self-defense situations, your attacker would be in close range. A single action revolver gives your shots more accuracy, and would be better for target shooting.

3. Pick a caliber size. The .38 Special caliber is mid-sized and easy for most people to shoot while still having enough force to be effective. Stay away from a smaller caliber size as your revolver may not have enough power. The .357 magnum caliber is similar to the .38 Special, but it's a more powerful version.

4. Consider buying a used revolver. Learn operate the models you're shopping for so that you can easily inspect the revolver while in the gun shop.

5. Inspect the gun for defects. Look over the frame, barrel and hammer for rust or pitting and to see if the blue is worn through in patches. You can use these faults to negotiate the price. Check the edge of the slots in the cylinder--they should be straight and sharp. Any curvature indicates a serious problem. Look at the yoke of the gun to make sure it isn't bent.

6. Scan the revolver for any lettering. Letters and numbers should appear clear and defined. If a gun is polished and has a nice finish, but the lettering is blurry, this is a sign of refinishing.

7. Fill out the form 4473 so your gun seller can perform an NCIC federal background check. You must fill out this form to have the gun transferred through a FFL (federal firearms license) dealer.

8. Wait for one of three responses: proceed, denied or delayed. If you end up having to wait you should take this time to decide where you're going to keep your revolver in your home. Keep it high on a shelf or lock it in a safe if you have young children.

9. Buy appropriate ammunition. Use cheaper bullets for target shooting, but for self-defense, invest the extra money to get jacketed hollow point bullets. These bullets have a cavity at the tip and expand once they hit a living target. They have the benefit of creating more damage and being less likely to pass through the target or attacker. Some good brands to look for are Winchester Silvertip and Remington Gold Saber.

Tags: target shooting, action revolver, your revolver, caliber size, Double action, most people, single action

Summer Cooking Camps For Kids

Adults can teach kids new skills at a culinary summer camp.

As your child gets older, he could show interest in a certain subject that may end up turning into a future career. If she loves cooking, consider sending her to a cooking camp for kids during the summer. He can make friends with children with similar interests while learning culinary tricks of the trade. Whether you're looking for a day camp or a culinary camp with an overnight stay, there is something for every child. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Vermont Camp

Children can learn about various cooking techniques from chef Kelly Q. Dietrich at the Kids Culinary Summer Camp of Vermont. There are one- or two-week sessions for kids to learn subjects such as ethnic cooking, seafood, breads and pastries, and country cooking. Stationed on Vermont farmland, campers sleep in dormitories during their stay. Kids can also pick fresh fruits and vegetables at the camp's berry and herb garden or the shitake mushroom-growing facility.

Kids Culinary Summer Camp of Vermont

P. O. Box 154

Highgate Center, VT 05459

802-868-3030

KidsSummerCampForCooking.com

Celebrity Kitchens

Youths can learn not only classic cooking techniques at Celebrity Kitchens Kids Camp, but also safely handle food and display proper table etiquette. Celebrity Kitchens offers a weeklong day camp with sessions such as "Creative Cooking and Early Cooking Skills," "Baking Bonanza" and "International Flavors and Cultures."

Celebrity Kitchens Kids Camp

1601 Concord Pike, Suite 33

Independence Mall Shopping Center

Wilmington, DE 19803

302-427-2665

CelebrityKitchensINC.com

Pali Adventures

At Pali Adventures Culinary Institute, children ages 9 to 16 can choose a one- or two-week overnight stay; during each day, they will learn cook a new themed food. On some days, for example, instructors will teach Mexican cuisine while during others they will teach make a full Thanksgiving dinner. Campers will gain a traditional summer camp experience while learning cooking techniques.

Pali Adventures Culinary Institute

30778 Highway 18

Running Springs, CA 92382

909-867-5743

PaliAdventures.com/adventures/creative/culinary-institute

Tags: Celebrity Kitchens, cooking techniques, Pali Adventures, Adventures Culinary, Adventures Culinary Institute, Camp Vermont, camp with

The Best Places For Birthday Parties For Ages 12 & Up

Get your teen's input to make her party especially enjoyable.

Part of what makes a birthday party enjoyable is the location. Some of the best places to have a teenager's birthday celebration are locations that provide organized activity, like sports games or laser tag, as well as time for socializing with friends. Thinking about your child's interests -- and getting their input -- can help you organize a birthday event that your teen and your teen's guests are sure to enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?

Amusement Park

If your son and his friends love riding roller coasters, a birthday party at the nearest amusement park is a great idea. Plan the event as far in advance as possible, so that the parents of your son's guests can plan accordingly and be aware of ticket prices. In most cases, group rates for party attendees are available. Plan to leave your home early in the morning, so that your son and his guests can enjoy a full day of amusement park activities -- you can have all the party attendees meet at your house, and ask a parent to carpool with you. Prepare snacks or a snack lunch for the party, and bring a cake along so you can formally wish your son happy birthday midway through his amusement park fun. This idea is likely best suited for 12-year-olds and young teens (13 or 14).

Teen Club

If your town or a neighboring city has a teen club, arrange to have your daughter's birthday party there. There are some clubs that are just for teen party-goers over the age of 16 or 18 -- reserve a date for your daughter's birthday celebration, and inquire about catering to see if the club will provide the party food. Arrange to have the birthday girl and her friends in the VIP section, and order nonalcoholic beverages for them to enjoy in between dancing. Ask the DJ to play songs from your daughter's favorite bands. If the party is coed, invite the girls back to your house after the nightclub to engage in more activities that your daughter would enjoy, like a movie or home spa night.

Sporting Event

A game that features your son's favorite athletes is a great way to wish him happy birthday. If he wants a small party this year, invite his friends to a local basketball or hockey game. Depending on the age of the children, you can ask one or two of the parents to accompany you to the game. Be sure to take lots of pictures, and get the best seats possible, so your son and his friends can see the athletes they admire play up close. You can buy his favorite concessions at the game, or take everyone out for dinner afterward.

Paintball or Laser Tag

If your teen daughter wants to have a coed party and loves the outdoors, an outdoor laser tag paintball birthday party is an event all her guests will enjoy. Many paintball locations will offer special deals that will make the birthday party more affordable, like discounted meals for the birthday girl and her guests, or an hour or two of play at a cheaper rate than normal. Arrange to bring a birthday cake in your daughter's favorite flavor to the outdoor laser tag, and bring a digital camera along so you can take pictures of the guest of honor and her friends for her scrapbook. Paintball locations often offer T-shirts as well, so it's a good idea to purchase a shirt that all your daughter's guests can sign at the party.

Tags: your daughter, birthday party, that your, your teen, amusement park, birthday celebration

Keep Safety Glasses From Fogging Up

Foggy safety glasses can make work difficult and dangerous.

Foggy safety glasses are not only annoying, they can be dangerous as well. When your lenses fog up in the middle of a project, you might be tempted to take them off or adjust them in a way that ends up keeping them from doing their job. To keep your glasses from fogging up, you can try a number of different options that range from spitting on the lenses to purchasing anti-fogging solution to buying anti-fogging safety glasses. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Purchase specially made anti-fog safety glasses. DeWalt and many other companies make safety glasses that are specifically created so that they don't fog up. Most are fairly inexpensive. Check at your local hardware store or online to purchase a pair.

2. Wash the inside of the safety glasses with dishwashing detergent or shampoo. The brand does not make any difference. Buff the detergent or shampoo off of the lenses with a soft cloth.

3. Apply uncolored beeswax to the inside of the lenses. Buff well until the lenses are clear. This application will last about two weeks. Repeat the process as needed.

4. Spit on the inside of the lenses. Some people say that this is the easiest method to keep safety glasses from fogging up, while others prefer more hygienic solutions.

5. Apply a defogging solution such as Defog It or Rainex. Dive shops also sell solutions you can use to prevent fogging.

6. Clean your safety glasses with regular -- non-gel -- toothpaste. Remove the toothpaste carefully with a soft cloth; you don't want to get it in your eyes when you wear the glasses.

Tags: safety glasses, detergent shampoo, Foggy safety, Foggy safety glasses, from fogging

Store Guns In Pvc Pipes

PVC pipe locks out air and moisture.

Proper care and storage of a gun will extend its use and thereby make it safer for firing. Survivalist enthusiasts may wish to store their weapons for long periods of time, either underground or in other places that would otherwise subject a weapon to corrosive air and moisture. A homemade PVC pipe container will keep out air and water and keep your gun protected for future use.

Rust Prevention

Unload your gun to prevent any accidental discharge. Clean your weapon thoroughly by wiping away any grime or dirt with an oil cloth, then wipe all the metal parts with a silicone rag. Spray all the metal parts of your gun with rust prevention oil containing Teflon. This oil will protect the metal from deterioration and the Teflon will put a protective coating on the metal surface. If you plan to store your weapon for long periods underground, disassemble the gun and apply the rust prevention oil to all of the parts.

Moisture Control

The air inside the PVC pipe will contain moisture that can corrode your weapon. Pick up some desiccant packets and polyethylene bags at any sporting goods or hunting store. The bag will keep out moisture and the desiccant will absorb existing moisture. After cleaning your weapon, place it inside the polyethylene bag along with several desiccant packets. If you have access to a vacuum sealer, use it to suck all the excess air from the polyethylene bag and shrink wrap it around the weapon. Alternatively, put the rifle and desiccant packets inside a polyester-acrylic blend gun sock.

Construction

You can construct a homemade PVC pipe gun storage container in a few steps. Go to any hardware store and pick up some 6-inch diameter PVC pipe, PVC pipe caps and PVC solvent. You'll need a few tools, including a saw, tape measure and medium-grade sandpaper, all of which you can also acquire at a hardware store. Measure the length of your gun with the tape measure and then mark a piece of PVC pipe at a length about four inches longer than that of your weapon. Cut the 6-inch diameter PVC pipe with a saw at the point where you marked it. Sand down the cut edges to remove any plastic burrs and to leave a smooth surface for the PVC pipe caps. Apply PVC pipe sealant to one of the PVC pipe caps. Insert the pipe cap in one end of the cut PVC pipe and hold it in place until the sealant bonds the cap to the pipe. Wrap this end in Teflon tape.

Storage

Seal the PVC pipe container with the other PVC pipe cap after placing the weapon inside. If you plan to store the weapon for short periods of time, attach the PVC pipe cap to the remaining open end and seal it with Teflon tape. If you plan to store the weapon for longer periods of time, apply PVC sealant to the pipe cap and hold it in place until the sealant bonds the cap to the pipe. Wrap both ends in plastic tape for short-term storage; wrap the entire pipe in Teflon tape for longer periods of storage or if you plan to store the weapon underground.

Lay the PVC pipe container horizontally in the area where you wish to store it. Storing a gun vertically can cause the gun oil to run, reducing its ability to protect the metal parts and potentially damaging the weapon's stock.

Tags: your weapon, plan store, desiccant packets, metal parts, periods time

Mount A Scope On A Remington Sps

The Remington 700 SPS rifle is a bolt-action hunting rifle featuring a strong synthetic stock. The advantage of having a rifle with a synthetic stock is that it is resistant to even the harshest weather conditions. The rifle is drilled and tapped for quick installation of scope bases. A duel-dovetail scope-mount system is recommended for securing a scope to your Remington 700 SPS rifle

Instructions

1. Inspect your rifle by opening the action and making sure it is unloaded.

2. Unscrew the four plug-screws located on top of the rifle using a slotted screwdriver. The screws are located in front of and behind the ejection port.

3. Place the scope-mounts on the rifle. Align the holes in the mounts with the rifle's screw holes. Secure the mounts to the rifle with the supplied screws.

4. Place the bases of the scope-rings into the holes located on top of the mounts; the rings should sit parallel to the rifle barrel.

5. Rotate the rings 90 degrees into their final position. The rings will lock into place.

6. Remove the top halves of the scope-rings with the supplied Allen wrench. Place your scope in position and put the tops back on. Do not completely tighten the rings.

7. Position the scope as desired and finish tightening the rings.

Tags: Remington rifle, rifle with, synthetic stock, with supplied

Indoor Activities For Kids Near Syracuse New York

Indoor Activities for Kids Near Syracuse, New York

Syracuse, New York, is located in the middle of the state and features a diverse array of attractions, from one of the first public golf courses in the United States at Burnet Park to Onondaga Lake Park Salt Museum. Facilities for outdoor recreation are extensive, but a number of indoor activities near Syracuse can keep kids entertained when they can't play outside.

Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology

The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology in Syracuse is a hands-on museum with dozens of state-of-the-art exhibits that allow children and adults alike to learn while having fun. From walking through a giant replica of the human heart to climbing into the cockpit of an F-16 and flying it with the flight simulator, the museum has activities for all age groups. The museum also has an IMAX Omnitheater and planetarium. Special events and classes are hosted throughout the year.

Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology

500 S. Franklin St.

Syracuse, NY 13202

315-425-9068

most.org

Kidzclub Indoor Play and Party Place

Kidzclub Indoor Play and Party Place is in Phoenix, New York, which is about 24 minutes north of Syracuse. The facility is a 6,000-square-foot indoor playground for children 8 years old and younger. Kidzclub hosts birthdays, which include exclusive use of the facility and party room, balloons, food and a party coordinator. The indoor playground has tumble mats, slides, balls and toys--and the environment is free of hard surfaces, jagged corners and dangerous objects. The Kidzclub Cafe serves up hot dogs, pizza, pretzels and nachos. Kidzclub Indoor Play and Party Place is open Wednesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The facility is closed when private birthday parties are scheduled.

Kidzclub Indoor Play and Party Place

219 County Route 57

Phoenix, NY 13135

315-695-2211

kidzclubfun.com

The Fun Junction

The Fun Junction, located in DeWitt about 10 minutes from Syracuse, is a multifaceted play land for kids and teenagers. The facility has a state-of-the-art arcade with interactive video games in many different genres, miniature bowling with lighter balls and pull-out bumpers tailored for children, an on-site pizza restaurant, and laser tag. Laser tag games take place in a dark, multilevel arena lit by strobe lights and laser beams and clouded with fog. On Fridays and Saturdays, guests can pay a flat fee and have access to every part of the Fun Junction all night.

The Fun Junction

3649 Erie Blvd.

Dewitt, NY 13214

315-446-1600

thefunjunction.com

Tags: Indoor Play, Indoor Play Party, Kidzclub Indoor, Kidzclub Indoor Play, Party Place, Play Party, Play Party Place

Remove Mr2 Spyder Headlights

How do I Remove MR2 Spyder Headlights?

Central Motors, a division of Toyota, produced the MR2 Spyder from 1984 to 2003. The headlights on your Toyota MR2 Spyder are important to your safety. A burned-out headlight not only decreases your own ability to see at night---it also decreases other drivers' ability to see you at night. A burned-out headlight could also cost you in the form of an expensive traffic ticket.

Instructions

1. Open the hood of your MR2 Spyder, and put your key in the "Off" position.

2. Find the back of the burned-out headlight assembly, and unplug the electric connector. Depress the plastic tabs on the sides of the connector with your fingers to loosen it; if you cannot do so with your fingers, press the tabs with a screwdriver.

3. Remove the rubber cover from the bulb socket, and release the retaining spring by pushing it inward.

4. Pull the bulb directly out, and put in the new bulb.

5. Replace the rubber cover, then click the retaining spring back into place.

6. Reconnect the electrical connector to the back of the headlight assembly.

Tags: burned-out headlight, headlight assembly, Remove Spyder, Remove Spyder Headlights, retaining spring

Different Levels Of Protection In Bulletproof Vests

Bulletproof vests, also known as bullet-resistant vests or ballistic vests, are worn to protect police officers, soldiers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and rescue teams from bullets, shrapnel and knife attacks. They are made by DuPont of tightly woven or laminated fibers known as Kevlar 29 and are rated by the National Institute of Justice. Choosing the proper protection is done by assessing the threats most likely to be faced.

How Bulletproof Vests are Rated

The more layers of ballistic fiber used, the more protection a bulletproof vest is able to provide. Vest levels correspond to the thickness of the vest. They are determined by testing the vest's ability to stop penetration and minimize the blunt trauma that a body suffers from a bullet's impact. Standard test rounds are used to test vests, although tested vests are able to stop many other comparable rounds and lesser threats.

Level I

Level I vests are tested for .38 Special ammunition at 850 feet per second and .22 ammunition at 1,050 feet per second. They offer the most basic protection and are made of one of the first ballistic fibers used. Level I vests only stop fragmentation and low-velocity pistol ammunition. They are not recommended for pistol ballistic protection but can be used for riot gear or for playing paintball.

Level II-A

Level II-A vests are usually 4 millimeters thick and are tested for lower-velocity 9 mm full metal jacket ammunition at 1,090 feet per second and .357 Magnum jacketed soft point ammunition at 1,250 feet per second. They offer greater protection and are the minimum recommended vests used for most threats encountered on the street. Because this is a thin vest, the wearer would sustain more blunt trauma injury than with a Level II or III-A vest, but it is easily concealed and comfortable to wear.

Level II

Level II vests are usually 5 millimeters thick and are tested for 9 mm full metal jacket ammunition at 1,175 feet per second and .357 jacketed soft point ammunition at 1,395 feet per second. They offer blunt trauma protection while still being comfortable to wear and easy to conceal. Level II vests are often recommended when the wearer needs to conceal the vest, when vests are worn for long periods or when there is a lot of movement. They are often worn by police officers. Level II vests are also able to handle the blunt trauma of higher-velocity rounds.

Level III-A

Level III-A vests are between 8 to 10 millimeters thick and are tested for 9 mm full metal jacket ammunition at 1,400 feet per second (the velocity of a submachine gun) and .44 Magnum Lead Semi-Wadcutter ammunition at 1,400 feet per second. They provide the highest blunt-trauma-protection rating available for concealable ballistic vests. Level III-A vests are able to protect the wearer against most handguns and all weapons tested on lower-level vests. These vests are slightly thicker, stiffer, heavier and more expensive. They are best used in high-risk situations to cover more of the uncommon or unusual threats, such as explosions and grenade attacks.

Tags: ammunition feet, ammunition feet second, feet second, Level vests, blunt trauma, feet second They, Level III-A

Set Your Tippmann Custom Pro To Automatic

The TIppmann Custom Pro is one of the best and most upgradable paintball guns on the market. You can upgrade it in a variety of ways, from the trigger system to the barrel and beyond. Here are instructions for installing the TIppmann Custom Pro E-Trigger system, and also set the system to full automatic.

Instructions

1. Empty all the paintballs from the gun. Remove the hopper, remove the air supply and fire the gun until it is depressurized. Turn the safety on.

2. Set the E-Trigger's polarity to the gun you have. Using an Allen wrench, press and hold the power button for six seconds. The LED light should flash orange and then either green or red (if green press again). Red is set for Custom Pro-E.

3. Turn on the equalizer by pressing the power button for one-half second. The LED will flash orange and then flash red. To turn off, hold the power button until the LED turns solid red then release.

4. Enter the trigger program mode to set the trigger to full automatic (three shot automatic, meaning you must pull the trigger three times, then hold it to make the gun full automatic). To do so, first make sure the trigger is off, then set the trigger safety to fire position. Then pull and hold the trigger while you push the power button for one second. The LED will light up solid red to indicate that you are in the trigger program mode.

5. Advance to the firing mode menu item. Pull the trigger once to advance one menu item. When the LED alternates flashing green and orange it is set to the firing mode menu item.

6. Press and hold the trigger until the LED light goes out to change the firing mode. Then wait two seconds and the LED will flash green. Repeat the process to change the firing mode. Three green flashes means three shot full automatic.

Tags: firing mode, full automatic, power button, menu item, change firing, change firing mode

Lego Mindstorm Build A Tank

LEGO Mindstorm: Build a Tank

With Lego Mindstorms, you can create an infinite number of projects, including robots, pets, games and vehicles. An easy starter project for a novice Mindstorms user is a tank. You can make a simple tank using two servo motors and tank treads built around the NXT brick which doubles as the body of the vehicle. Once you become comfortable with how this simple project works, you can add additional parts to it and create larger and better tanks that can handle bigger jobs.

Instructions

1. Slide an axle through the orange x-shaped slot in the servo motor. Attach a wheel bushing to one end of the axle. Slide another axle into a slot at the other end of the motor and fit a bushing on end of it; on the same side as the other bushing. Fit a tank tread over the two bushings to create tank wheels. Do the same to a second servo motor, but mirrored so the tank wheel will be on the opposite side.

2. Attach the two servo motors to the NXT brick, securing them using axles and beams with the black connector pieces. Connect two small connector cables from the two servo motors into slots "B" and "C" on the NXT brick.

3. Add additional Lego pieces to make the tank larger. Make sure you do not add too much weight or the tank will not move. Also, make sure you do not build too much on top of the NXT brick's screen so you can access it to runt the program after you download it.

4. Open the Lego Mindstorms software on your computer and create a new project.

5. Add a "Loop" control to the front of the chain. Place it in the box that says "Start" and it will automatically connect.

6. Add a "Move" control as the first element in the loop. Change the "Duration" property to five seconds. Connect another "Move" control to the end of the first one. Move the slider on the "Steering" property all the way to the left and then change the "Duration" property to 180 degrees. When your program runs, your tank will continuously drive forward for five seconds and then turn around and repeat this as if it were on a patrol.

7. Connect the NXT brick to the computer using the Mindstorms USB cord. Click "Download" on the screen to transfer your program to your robot. Disconnect the tank from the USB cord.

8. Put the tank on the ground and press the "Power" button. Press the "Play" button to start the program.

Tags: servo motors, Build Tank, control first, Duration property, five seconds, Lego Mindstorms, Mindstorm Build

Mount A Scope On A Red Ryder

Red Ryder BB guns are one of the top-selling BB guns on the market. A scope upgrade can help set your Red Ryder apart when target practicing or small-game hunting. The Red Ryder is not specifically designed for mounting a scope as there is no mounting rail on the barrel. This does not mean that it cannot be done. The difference between mounting a scope on a Red Ryder and other air rifles outfitted with proper mount rails or slots is that the scope will have to be glued to the barrel.

Purchase a Scope and Mount

Purchase a scope and scope mount for your Red Ryder. Most large department stores with sporting goods departments carry the Red Ryder. Find a scope mount that matches the barrel. Scope mounts generally come in different sizes so that they are adaptable for a variety of scopes.

Take Safety Precautions

Check your Red Ryder BB gun loading chamber to make sure it is unloaded. Inspect your gun thoroughly and dry shoot it at a safe target before doing any maintenance or repair to ensure it is free of BB's. Place your Red Ryder so that it is pointing in a safe direction. Never mount your scope on your Red Ryder when it is pointing at anyone. Secure your Red Ryder in a vise for installing your scope.

Prepare Your Gun

Clean the barrel of the gun where you will mount the scope. Soap and water are all you really need to use for this. Dry the barrel with a clean towel. Determine exactly where you want the scope to be positioned. You should not have to bend your neck or extend your shoulders to look into your scope. You want to mount your scope in a position where it feels natural to look through. Mark the position of your scope mounts on the barrel of the gun, using a pencil.

Mount Your Scope

Apply glue to the bottom part of the scope mount and press onto the barrel. Use a clamp or rubber bands to hold the mounts in place while the glue sets. Place scope in the mount, position the scope to where you want it and screw on the top part of the mounts.

Tags: your Ryder, mount your, scope mount, your scope, mount your scope

Homemade Paint Gun

Paintball trips are fun, but equipment can be expensive.

Playing paintball can be an exciting hobby. Armed with special guns that shoot pellets laden with nontoxic dye, participants try to splatter their opponents while avoiding being hit themselves. Paintball guns tend to be expensive, but you can make your own.

Considerations

Selecting the right barrel for your paint gun is perhaps the most important step. Match the diameter of the barrel to the paintballs you want to use. It is not a good idea for your barrel to be longer than 16 inches.

Parts

Rather than attempting to make your own paintball gun parts, you are probably better off buying them. Paintball gun kits are available, and parts can be bought separately. In this way you can create your own custom gun.

Modifications

Your homemade paintball gun can include all sorts of modifications. One popular modification is the addition of a rail system. A rail system allows you to add sights or laser targeting to your gun.

History

Paintball guns were invented in 1974 to help the forestry industry mark trees. In 1981, these guns were first used to play the modern game of paintball.

Tags: guns were, make your, Paintball guns, rail system

Start A Paintball Store

Paintball stores provide specialized equipment to paintball enthusiasts.

Paintball hobbyists require a source for supplies and equipment. Although department stores and sporting goods stores offer some paintball equipment, the selection is often limited. Take advantage of this by starting a specialized store for paintball enthusiasts, keeping in mind that a niche store may not do well in all areas, so research any market that you are considering to determine if there is enough of a paintball community to support a store. Areas that have a paintball field or arena nearby are a good option.

Instructions

1. Research the paintball market carefully to determine an ideal area to locate your business. Research the existing competition within this area. If there are department stores that offer paintball equipment, consider how you will be able to compete. Providing quality and selection for serious paintball enthusiasts is one strategy.

2. Write a detailed business plan based on your research. Starting a paintball store may seem like a fun business venture but you will need to approach it as you would any other business. Write a statement of purpose. An example might be, to offer top quality products and services to paintball enthusiasts. Other parts of the business plan include a description of the business, analysis of the market and competition, and financial projections. Consider the cost of leasing or purchasing a storefront, equipment such as paintball guns, masks and paint balls into your financial projections.

3. Complete and file all of the business and tax forms necessary to establish your business as a legal entity. This will mean business and tax registration, and any local licenses or permits necessary to operate your store. A paintball business is really no different than any other retail enterprise. You will need to set up an accounting system and keep detailed records of your business credits and debits.

4. Discuss insurance options with a local insurance agent. Since you are starting a paintball store, you will want property and liability insurance, and because you will be selling an item that could injure people if not used properly, you should explain the nature of your business to the agent to ensure you will be adequately covered. You want to avoid a situation where someone gets injured using one of your guns because they failed to wear the proper safety equipment and wants to hold you responsible.

5. Build up your initial inventory of paintball equipment for your store. You should have a wide variety of affordable, mid-level and high end guns to offer. In addition to guns, you should provide gun cleaning and maintenance supplies. Propellant tanks, ball hoppers and other gun accessories are also necessary for a well equipped paintball store. Stock different kinds of paint balls because players often have a preference. Another important selection of equipment are masks, gloves and other protective gear. Mask cleaners should also be offered because visibility is important, and masks can be difficult to maintain. An optional product offering is apparel. You may want to consider waiting to offer a line of apparel until you have established a steady business to keep start-up costs down.

6. Search for a location for your paintball store. Base your search on your market research and budget from your financial projections. A good option is close to a paintball field or arena. Another option may be near an outdoor gear supply company or sporting goods store. Lease or purchase a building once you have located one to suit your needs.

7. Set up an interactive website with the help of a web designer. Include a forum and blog. Encourage interaction on your site. Improve business based on the feedback you receive on the forums. Post blog articles frequently to promote your business while providing useful information such as product reviews, announcements, gun cleaning and maintenance tips, gaming strategy and other tips or advice.

8. Advertise your business in local newspapers and paintball magazines. Announce your business by sending out a press release to local newspapers. Offer specials to get the first round of foot traffic through your doors. Over time you will develop a loyal customer base.

Tags: your business, paintball enthusiasts, paintball store, financial projections, paintball equipment, business plan, cleaning maintenance

Make Your Paintball Gun Automatic

Paintballers

Paintball guns come in all varieties and can cost as little as $30 to well over $1,000. Sometimes, however, players need additional firepower on the playing field. With an automatic paintball marker players can lay down more cover fire to help their time advance on their opponents. Making a paintball gun automatic can, depending on the model, be a very simple and fruitful process.

Instructions

1. Determine if your paintball gun capable of automatic fire. Not all types of paintball guns can be made to fire in fully automatic. Ensure that you know the exact model and brand of your paintball gun. In general, most higher end guns will be simpler to convert to fully automatic while less expensive guns will be more difficult or require you to purchase more equipment.

2. Determine whether your paintball gun has different firing modes. Many of the more expensive electric guns can change to a fully automatic firing mode by simply opening the grips and changing the settings. Many of the mid-range and upper-range paintball guns have LED lights to allow the user to switch to a different firing mode. Some of the most expensive guns even have LCD screens. If this is the case then checking the manual that came with the gun will show you change modes.

3. Don't be afraid to buy some extra equipment for your paintball gun. Many Tippmann guns such as the Tippmann 98 Custom, A5, and X7 can acquire automatic firing abilities by purchasing a response trigger kit or E-grip. Both the E-grip and the response trigger kit can be bought online or at a local paintball store. Installation can be very simple and some paintball stores may even install for free if you buy from them.

Tags: fully automatic, your paintball, automatic firing, different firing, expensive guns, firing mode

Test Paintball Tanks

A paintball tank that has reached its expiration date can pose a hazard if used in a paintball gun. You can have a paintball tank that has reached its expiration date tested to ensure whether it can still be used or must be discarded. You will not be able to do this yourself, but will have to go to a professional licensed source that hydro-tests the paintball tank. The licensed personnel will be able to determine whether the paintball tank is safe to pressurize and use with equipment that is not available to the general public.

Instructions

1. Make a note of the number listed on the side of the paintball tank underneath the "REE (rejection elastic expansion) text.

2. Watch as the licensed personnel places the paintball tank into a tank holder with the cylinder pipe facing up. The licensed personnel will press a switch to engage the gripping strap to hold the paintball tank in place

3. Observe the licensed personnel unscrew the cylinder pipe from the paintball tank and inspects it visually for damage. The paintball tank is then released from the tank holder and inspected for visual damage.

4. The bottom of an adapter plate is screwed onto the top of the paintball tank.

5. The top of the adapter plate is now screwed into one of the nozzles on the bottom of the lid of the tank testing chamber. The lid is lowered into the tank testing chamber, which is filled with water. The clamps of the lid are now fastened onto the tank testing chamber to secure the two together.

6. The locking lever of the scale tube used specifically for paintball tanks that is on the side of the tank testing chamber is now released so the scale reads zero. Five minutes are given to ensure the scale reads zero.

7. The tank testing chamber is now pressurized by turning a knob on the control panel for the tank testing chamber.

8. Wait for the pressure scale to reach the limits of pressurization. Note the number on the scale tube.

9. Compare the number on the scale tube with that of the number listed on the side of the paintball tank underneath the "REE (rejection elastic expansion) text. If the number on the scale tube is slightly less or even with the "REE" number, the paintball tank’s ability to expand with pressurized gas in it is not impaired.

10. Inspect the number of the scale tube for a minute to ensure there is no change in the pressure. Release the lever after a minute has passed to release the pressure. Inspect the number of the scale tube to see if the paintball tank returns to zero.

11. Discard the paintball tank after removing it from the tank testing chamber if the scale did not return to zero and there is no "REE" number on the paintball tank.

12. Screw the cylinder pipe back onto the paintball tank, pressurize it and continue to use it otherwise.

Tags: paintball tank, tank testing, tank testing chamber, testing chamber, scale tube, number scale, number scale tube

Use An Air Nail Gun

A framing nailer saves time, as well as wear and tear on the carpenter.

An air nail gun, otherwise known as a pneumatic nailer, drives nails using compressed air with the pull of a trigger. There are many styles of pneumatic nailers: framing nailers, trim nailers, brad nailers, wide-crown staplers and more.

Instructions

1. Connect the air hose to the compressor and turn on the compressor. Set the output pressure of the compressor to 80 to 100 PSI.

2. Open the nail gun magazine and fill the magazine with a new rack of nails. Close the magazine.

3. Place three drops of oil into the nail gun's air coupler. Attach the air hose to the nail gun's coupler.

4. Position the wood to be nailed in place. Press the nose of the nail gun against the wood, pointing the direction of the nose in the direction that the nail should be inserted. Squeeze the trigger to fire a nail into the wood.

5. If the nail is being fired too deeply--with the head of the nail not flush with the face of the board--or not deeply enough, adjust the dial on the nose of the gun and fire another nail.

Tags: nail coupler

Cocking Methods For Crossbows

Crossbow cocking methods have evolved over the years.

Crossbows have been used for hunting and warfare since the Middle Ages. Similar to an archery bow in some ways, a crossbow uses a drawn string to propel a short, sharp dart, or bolt, toward a target. Unlike bows that are drawn and released almost immediately, a crossbow can be cocked and kept in shooting position until ready to fire. There are several methods of cocking a crossbow, each with different advantages and drawbacks.

Manual Cocking

The simplest and fastest way of cocking a crossbow, Hunter's Friend (huntersfriend.com) suggests, is also the method that requires the most brute strength. To manually cock a crossbow the shooter places his foot in a stirrup to hold the crossbow, then grabs the string with his hands and pulls it into the cocked position. One must be able to dead lift about 150 lbs. straight off the ground, Hunter's Friend says, to be able to manually cock most crossbows. Unless the string is drawn back and locked into place precisely at its midpoint, this method can produce shots that veer off target.

Rope Cocking

Because manually cocking a crossbow requires such force, many products have been developed to make the process easier. Rope cocking devices, according to "Cossbow Hunting" by William Hovey Smith, give a shooter a 50 percent mechanical advantage; that is, a shooter must be able to pull about 75 lbs. rather than the estimated 150 for manual cocking. The advantage is generated through the use of pulleys. Rope runs through the pulley system and clips attach to the crossbow string. When the cocking device is in place, the shooter grasps the handles at rope's end and pulls the string until it locks in position. The pulley mechanism may be nothing more than a groove or hole in the stock through which the cocking cord is threaded.

This method can take longer than manual cocking and requires a lengthier, but less heavy, pull. Using this method can help ensure that the bow string is properly aligned -- as opposed to manual cocking -- allowing the bolt to fly straighter when fired. Marking the bow string's center point gives a visual mark to use when gauging if the string is in proper position.

Crank Cocking

Crank cocking devices for crossbows, according to Hunter's Friend, may be sold as crossbow accessories or manufactured as part of the weapon. Essentially a small hand winch, crank cocking devices usually require only a small amount of force (about 10 lbs. or so) to crank. Crank cocking devices are more expensive than other tools (most cost more than $100) and require a bit more time to complete the cocking action.

Auto-Cocking Crossbows

New auto-cocking crossbows are now on the market, according to the Charlestown Gazette (wvgazette.com), which utilize carbon dioxide canisters to automatically cock the crossbow's string. The technology is similar to that used in auto-cocking paintball guns and allows cocking of the crossbow with a simple touch of a button. Regulations regarding the legality of hunting with crossbows vary by state; check with your local officials for specific laws regarding auto-cocking crossbows.

Tags: cocking crossbow, cocking devices, Hunter Friend, manual cocking, auto-cocking crossbows