Paintball Games For Kids In Arizona

Arizona hosts more than a dozen paintball venues.

Arizona is home to more than a dozen paintball fields and arenas with obstacles that include surplus helicopters and tanks. Most host leagues and tournaments. Kids are welcome to participate in paintball games as long as parents or guardians sign a waiver on their behalf releasing the company from liability.

Disruptive Paintball

Disruptive Paintball, located in Tucson, offers four paintball scenarios on 18 acres of land including the only regulation airfields in the city. The company is open during the winter on Saturday and Sunday, and during the summer on Wednesdays in addition to the weekend. Disruptive Paintball hosts private parties any time. Paint guns are available for rent and paint is for sale at a discount for players. The store, open to the general public, sells accessories such as helmets and goggles as well as paint and services Eclipse products.

Fighter Town Paintball Park

Located at Speedworld Raceway Park in Surprise, Fighter Town Paintball Park offers four fields including a woodsball section and one dedicated to speedball style fighting. Another is used for all terrain vehicle (ATV) dogfighting where teams do battle while riding ATVs outfitted with paintball machine guns. Open on weekends, the company offers a rental deal that covers equipment and protective gear and the on-site store sells paintballs. Group field rentals must have a minimum of eight players.

Fort Adobe Paintball Complex

Fort Adobe Paintball Complex, located in Glendale, has over 150 acres of paintball playing area including two Astroturf fields dedicated to airball tournaments and 40 acres reserved for airsoft players. Open Friday through Sunday during the summer season and Saturday and Sunday during the winter, Fort Adobe hosts monthly tournaments and league play. Corporate parties feature team building activities and Fort Adobe offers catering for private parties. The pro shop carries a complete line of equipment, accessories and protective gear.

Real Tactical Training Simulation (RTTS)

RTTS, an indoor paintball facility located in Prescott, is open on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The 12,000-square-foot, air conditioned arena features Astroturf, military props, piped-in background noise and special effects. Sessions last an entire day, and pricing includes equipment for players who don't own their own. Players with their own equipment pay discounted rates. To simulate real tactical training, the company rents replica AK-47s, M4A1s, and a variety of pistols. RTTS hosts teams and tournaments.

Tags: Fort Adobe, Disruptive Paintball, Saturday Sunday, Sunday during, Adobe Paintball

Places To Go With The Family When You'Re Bored In Baltimore

Baltimore has many family-friendly and historic places to see.

Located an hour north of Washington, D.C., Baltimore is known for a variety of historical landmarks and events, but also offers a variety of new and modern family-friendly events and activities. For families looking to introduce their children to a dose of culture, or for those just looking to get their family out of the house, Baltimore offers a variety of different places to see.

Museums

Baltimore has as many as two dozen family-friendly and informative museums. Readers of Lonely Planet voted the American Visionary Art Museum the top sight in the city. In addition to art museums, there is also a railroad museum, a Babe Ruth Museum, and historical museums, such as the Civil War museum. Some of the museums, like the Baltimore Maritime Museum's lighthouse, offer free admission, while most offer reduced admission for children, making museum visits an economical option for a family-friendly boredom buster.

Live Performance

There are a variety of live theatre options for families to enjoy in Baltimore. Creative Alliance offers live performances and music in addition to free art galleries and film previews. Other theaters include Center Stage, which showcases classics such as Shakespeare, the Lyric Opera House for live opera, or Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, where the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs. For families with older children, there are great live music venues offering everything from local and lesser-known musical acts to big-name bands and musicians.

Historic Sites

There are a variety of landmarks and historic sites in Baltimore that can be educational and informative for residents and for families who are visiting the city. The grave of Edgar Allen Poe, the famous poet and author, is one of the more notable landmarks in the city. During the Halloween season, there are tours held at the memorial, and every January 19 there is a party located there to celebrate the author. For history buffs, or those seeking to learn more about the history of the area, Fort McHenry is a treasure trove of information about the War of 1812 and the Civil War.

Activities

For families with older children there are several ghost tours that run throughout the city, specifically around the city's maritime area and Fell's Point. When the weather is nicer in Baltimore, families can get outdoors and try a variety of recreational activities, including sailing or bike riding around town. For families visiting or new to the city, tours by land and water are available, at a reduced rate for children 12 and under, from the Baltimore Ducks.

Tags: with older children, Baltimore many, children there, families visiting, families visiting city, families with, families with older

Make Homemade Paintball Bunkers

Paintball is a fun and easy sport to play. Whether you are in an organized league with a team, or you play recreationally with friends, here is a list of more than 25 ways to make homemade paintball bunkers. All you need is a little bit of determination, imagination and a desire to have fun. With these qualities your homemade paintball bunker could easily become a homemade paintball fort.

Instructions

Make Homemade Paintball Bunkers

1. Put on pair of gloves.

2. Use your shovel to dig a hole in the ground that you can use to hide in. Before you start to dig, make sure that you have permission to dig into the land. Place the dirt that you have dug up in front of and on the sides of your hole so it creates a dirt mound. This mound will serve as a wall of protection from opponent fire. Also this will create the illusion that the hole you have dug is deeper than it actually is.

3. Get out your local phone book and call around to places that may have additional items that can help turn your homemade bunker into a full-size fort. A junkyard or specialty shop are great places to start. Call and ask an associate if they have any leftovers or waste, unusable or unsellable products that they were just going to throw out. If they have an item available, ask if you can have it for free, in return for taking it off their hands. This will save them time, space and money. Some items that you could use as homemade bunkers are tires, plastic or wooden shipping pallets, 55-gallon drums, bushes, wood, sheet metal (or tin), trees, bales of hay, wire spools, picnic tables, refrigerator boxes, milk crates, truck caps, calf huts, ice fishing shanty, plywood, Plexiglas, old refrigerators, old junk cars, old junk campers, old doors, old garage doors and old cabinets.

4. Use your found supplies and your imagination to turn your original homemade paintball bunker into a homemade paintball fort. Have fun and be safe.

Tags: homemade paintball, that have, bunker into, homemade paintball bunker, homemade paintball fort

Buy Firearms In California

California has an active and well established tradition of gun ownership, hunting and sport shooting. Despite this, or maybe because of it, the State of California takes gun laws seriously and requires that you go through a thorough process in order to buy a firearm. Follow these steps to buy a gun in California.

Instructions

1. Fill out and submit a Personal Firearms Eligibility Check from California's Department of Justice. Make sure you include accurate information, since the eligibility check is a legal document, and that you enclose a copy of your California ID (either state ID or driver's license) and the fee required to do the firearm eligibility check.

2. Take a Handgun Safety Certificate program or find out if you qualify for the HSC exemption once you find out that you are eligible to buy a gun in California. Then, identify a licensed dealer, whether it is a gun store, a gun show exhibitor or private operator. Bring your valid California ID to the dealer along with proof of your HSC.

3. Purchase the gun from the licensed dealer and wait the mandatory 10 days so the dealer can clear the sale with the state.

4. Take possession of your gun no later than 30 days after you submit the request to the dealer to buy the gun. If you wait more than 30 days the dealer must cancel the sale and you have to start the process over from the beginning.

Tags: days dealer, dealer wait, eligibility check, licensed dealer, than days

Illinois Regulations On Airsoft Guns

Air soft guns are legal in Illinois but their use is regulated.

Airsoft guns can be used in a variety of scenarios. Some use them in games similar to paint ball. Others just collect them because of their resemblance to real-world weaponry. Air soft guns are also used as costume accessories. In Illinois, the use of air soft guns is regulated by 720 Illinois Compiled Statute 535 or the Air Rifle Act. Individual cities may have additional laws preventing the use of airsoft guns.

Defining the weapon

According to the Illinois Air Rifle Act, an air rifle is "any air gun, air pistol, spring gun, spring pistol, B-B gun, paint ball gun, pellet gun or any implement that is not a firearm which impels a breakable paint ball containing washable marking colors or, a pellet constructed of hard plastic, steel, lead, or other hard materials...expected to cause bodily harm."

Age Regulations

The Air Rifle Act makes it illegal to sell, give or rent an air rifle to anyone under the age of 13. The only exception is if a parent or guardian is the one giving the minor the air rifle. It is illegal for anyone under 13 to carry a loaded air rifle on public property, including streets, roads or highways. A minor under 13 may possess an air rifle if it is kept within his home, used for a group or club for educational purposes, or if it is used on private grounds in a manner that does not endanger anyone.

Additional City Regulations

According to the Legal Community Against Violence, Deerfield, Illinois, does not permit possession of air guns. Elk Grove bans the sale of "handgun styled" B-B or pellet guns. Elk Grove, as well as Lombard, Niles, and Streamwood require anyone to be 18 years old to purchase or possess an air gun. River Forest requires persons be 21 or older. In Chicago, individuals 18 and older purchasing air rifles must obtain a "permit to purchase" from the Superintendent of Police. Stores selling air rifles may not "display air rifles or air guns in show cases, show windows, or on counters, and may not display any signs suggesting they are for sale."

Federal Regulations

According to § 5001 Penalties for entering into commerce of imitation firearms, it is illegal to make, sell, or transport any toy resembling a real firearm unless it contains a specific marking. This marking, according to the law, is a blaze orange coloring on the barrel of the toy. Removal of this coloring is illegal under federal law. The blaze orange helps law enforcement and other individuals identify the product as a toy, removal can be dangerous as the gun could be mistaken for a real weapon.

Tags: paint ball, soft guns, anyone under, blaze orange, guns Grove

Choose A Scope For A Sniper Rifle

Choosing a scope for a rifle is a very important decision that snipers will have to make when putting together a system that best fits them and their primary mission. Missions within the military and law enforcement community differ greatly with regard to the types of equipment used and duties performed. These different types of missions are why choosing the right scope for the sniper is so important.

Instructions

1. Choose the right rifle. If you do not have the right rifle for the work to be performed, then the sniper scope you choose might not be the right one for the task to which you are assigned. Range, terrain, and weather conditions will affect your decision. The .50 caliber and .40 heavy caliber rifles are preferred by the military, although the .40 caliber is used extensively within the law enforcement community too.

2. Understand exactly what it is that your chain of command expects of you. This will help you decide what type of optical device will be best for you to complete your mission successfully. The traditional role of a sniper within the military community is to demoralize and distract the enemy with precision weaponry and calculated action designed to break down the chain of command rendering combat units in the field ineffective. Intelligence gathering is another role of the sniper in the military that field commanders rely upon heavily. Within the law enforcement community intelligence gathering is the primary role with a sniper strike as the last option.

3. Know the area, expected population, weather, and the time of day you will most likely be performing your assignment in. Operating at night will require technology that will aid you in overcoming this obstacle, such as night vision or infrared capability. Bad weather will complicate your task, so you will need to make sure your scope is protected against bad weather.

4. Use the knowledge you have gained about the assignment and other information relative to your assignment. This will help you to make the best decision when choosing a sniper scope. Keep size, weight, and functionality in mind when you make your choice because you don’t need to carry something that you can’t use.

Tags: enforcement community, chain command, right rifle, role sniper, sniper scope, This will

Put Together A Piranha R6 Paintball Gun

Head to a paintball course and have some fun.

Paintball is a sport that simulates combat with less lethal consequences. Paintball guns fire hard and round paint pellets that explode on contact, leaving the target with a paint splotch and a bruise. Paintball courses typically pit one team against another with the goal of capturing the other team's flag. The Piranha R6 is a paintball weapon that fires the aforementioned paintballs. Assemble the R6 according to the directions to ensure safe firing and accurate shots.

Instructions

1. Push the safety switch by the trigger guard to On. Screw the barrel into the firearm stock at the barrel threads. Turn the barrel clockwise until resistance is felt.

2. Push the CO2 chamber back to the trigger guard. Insert a CO2 cartridge so the tip is facing the back of the weapon. Push the chamber closed and let the CO2 cartridge break open and charge the weapon.

3. Screw the field stripping pin closed. This is the metal dial on the left side of the firearm, above the trigger. Load 8 paintballs into the magazine.

4. Push the magazine up and into the bottom of the handle. Listen for a click indicating the magazine is locked and in the weapon.

5. Clip the 10-degree bottom line adapter to the bottom of the magazine and run the hose up to the hose valve in front of the trigger guard. Twist the hose onto the valve turning the coupling clockwise until tension is felt.

Tags: trigger guard, clockwise until, Push chamber

Choose Paintball Equipment

Paintball is an equipment-oriented sport. Players must have at least a paintball gun, mask, air tank, and hopper to play. Gear such as ball-carrying packs and tubes and barrel cleaners is also desireable. Some of these items can be found at major sporting goods retailers, but everything can be purchased from dedicated paintball shops or online stores. A local paintball shop will be the most useful in helping you select the right gear, but the cost may be higher than shopping online or in a big sporting goods store. However, the paintball store experience may save you time and trouble in the end.

Instructions

Choosing the Right Paintball Gear

1. Buy your protective goggles/facemask. Having a proper-fitting set of goggles is very important. Take the time to try on different goggles or read user reviews online. When you find a set that fits comfortably, keep it. The cost may be more than you originally planned--but in the long run, it's worth it.

2. Pick out a paintball gun. First-time paintballers typically should buy an entry-level semiautomatic model. These are simple to operate and maintain and are more than adequate for playing paintball at a beginner's level. One recommended brand is Tippmann, which markets durable and reliable paintguns that are also easily upgradeable.

3. Pick a gas system. The use of compressed air (HPA or "nitrogen") tanks is recommended. Compressed air is easy to fill and see how much is used and it works with all paintguns. Players on a budget can start with a 3000psi "preset" aluminum compressed air system that simply screws into the paintgun's air system adaptor (ASA).

4. Select a motorized hopper (the pod that holds the paintballs for the paintgun). Most paintball guns either come with no hopper or a basic plastic one. A motorized hopper uses a mechanism to agitate and/or force paintballs into the paintgun. While this is not a critical purchase, it can certainly improve a gun's performance, especially with faster-firing or low-recoil paintguns.

5. Buy paintball-carrying gear. Typically, paintballs are carried in plastic tubes called "pods" that about 3 inches in diameter and 10-to-14 inches long with flip-top lids. Pods are carried in packs, which come in a wide variety of types. New players should consider a two-pod or three-pod belt pack with 140-round pods. A full hopper and two pods typically hold 450-500 paintballs, which can get most players through two to three games.

6. Round out your shopping with small items such as a barrel squeegie (usually either a stick or a cable with neoprene or rubber disks or a fluffy wrap that you run through the barrel to clean it of broken paintballs) or protective gear such as gloves and knee pads.

Tags: into paintgun, more than, motorized hopper, sporting goods

Choose A Paintball Gun

Purchasing your very own paintball weapon is a big step; make an informed decision.

Instructions

1. Determine your budget, keeping in mind you may also need to buy other gear. Paintball guns, or "markers," can range from $150 to more than $800. Also realize that some paintguns, such as semi-auto and auto-cockers, shoot more balls and use more CO2 than others. This, too, can affect the cost of your game.

2. Play with as many borrowed and rented guns as you can.

3. Ask paintball enthusiasts at paintball fields and facilities what they like and dislike about their guns.

4. Checkout reviews of paintball guns on pbreview.com. Pbreview.com is a site for paintball enthusiasts with reviews of paintball guns written by real paintballers. Ask questions about specific guns or anything else related to paintball in the pbreview.com forums.

5. Decide whether you want constant air from a CO2 tank, or a quick-changer for CO2 cartridges. Constant air lasts longer, but you need a place to fill it up. Cartridges run out every 20-30 shots, but you can stock up on them.

6. Decide the size and type of paintball loader you want. A bigger loader holds more balls, but is heavier. The real question is: how much paint do you plan on firing at your opponents? Some players like to shoot single, accurate shots, while others keep their opponents pinned down with a constant barrage.

7. Decide the length of barrel you want for your gun. A longer barrel is generally more accurate, but it is also heavier and more awkward. A rifled barrel costs more, but also tends to be more accurate.

8. Visit your local paintball store and price the guns you like. You can also order through the mail and over the Internet, but don't order anything you haven't actually seen or held. Sometimes advertising can be misleading.

9. Purchase your paintgun and familiarize yourself with it. You should know take it completely apart and put it back together before you begin playing.

Tags: more accurate, more balls, more than, paintball enthusiasts, paintball guns

Sell Military Surplus & Open Your Own Store

Stock your store with military clothing, gear and more

If you are a survival or military enthusiast looking to turn your hobby into a career and know your stuff, you may consider starting a military surplus store to service current and ex-servicemen and women, law enforcement officials, hunters, backpackers, survival and outdoor enthusiasts, and federal and state agencies. Generally, you will need to outfit your customers with tactical gear and clothing, weapons, ammunition and military memorabilia. Supplement your income by providing weapons or survival training.

Instructions

1. Determine if offering gun or survival classes is a worthwhile endeavor. If your town lacks a suitable indoor or outdoor range, but has plenty of gun enthusiasts, consider building one. If so, start with your local town hall. Present your idea to local residents to garner feedback. Contact your zoning authority to confirm the viability of opening an indoor or outdoor gun range. Learn what steps you need to take to secure a permit.

2. Secure a high-visibility, easily accessible location suitable for the services you will offer. For example, if you will offer self-defense or gun classes, you will need a suitable facility to hold classes. In addition to the storefront, look for a storage room to contain any excess inventory. If possible, place the business near a military installation, which will likely be a large portion of your customer base.

3. Become or hire an National Rifle Association-certified instructor, if you will offer classes. Ensure your instructors are insured. Offer basic and advanced weapons training, conceal-and-carry training, survival training and self-defense classes. Consider targeting certain demographics, such as self defense for women or gun safety for youths. Have your facilities and curriculum inspected, as necessary, by your state's department of safety.

Additionally, if you'll sell firearms, apply for your Class III license. Visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Online to download the applicable firearms form and packet information.

4. Visit government auction websites, such as govsales.gov and govliquidation.com, to buy wholesale military equipment and surplus gear, as well as find auctions in your region. Though these companies typically offer shipping, it may be cheaper to pick up the equipment and supplies yourself, if you own a truck and trailer and live close enough.

5. Supplement your inventory by buying wholesale survivor gear and equipment from online wholesale suppliers.

Tags: will offer, indoor outdoor, indoor outdoor range, outdoor range, self-defense classes

Things For Kids To Do In Fond Du Lac Wisconsin

Fond du Lac is located in southeastern Wisconsin.

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin is located in at the southern tip of Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac County. Residents and visitors to the city enjoy rich cultural heritage and recreational activities, especially for children. Fond du Lac kids have immediate access to a children's museum, a YMCA , a state-of-the-art sports complex and fine arts gallery.

Children's Museum of Fond du Lac

Kids ten and under will find a variety of experiential exhibits to entertain them at the Children's Museum of Fond du Lac (cmfdl.org). Toddlers can crawl through a network of tunnels at the Great Toddler Reef, and older children can take orders and make pizza at Pizzeria Frazioni, or produce Broadway musicals at the Big Apple Theater. The museum, located at 51 Sheboygan St., is a great place to spend the afternoon, have a kid's birthday party or visit with a group.

Fond du Lac YMCA

Kids in Fond du Lac can take advantage of inexpensive recreational activities available at the Fond du Lac YMCA (fdlymca.org). Located at 90 W. Second St., the center hosts First Friday Family Nights the first Friday of every month and is dedicated to providing a safe environment for children of all ages to engage in supervised activities. The facility houses indoor basketball and racquetball courts, dance studios, a gymnastics center, and a large lap pool. Sports and dance instruction are available for all age levels.

Do-It-All Sports Arena

Do-It-All Sports Arena has multiple indoor playing fields.

Athletically-inclined kids, or youngsters with a lot of energy to burn, will enjoy spending a day at the Do-It-All Sports Arena (doitallsports.com). Children can play a number of traditional sports, including basketball, football, roller hockey, soccer and volleyball on one of the facility's many indoor playing surfaces, as well as try a number of unconventional activities like Hi Ball, Jam Ball and Wally Ball. The sports complex, located on northbound US Highway 151, also features a rock climbing cave, paintball course, driving range and boxing ring.

Windhover Center for the Arts

Older kids with an appreciation for the arts will find a visit to the Windhover Center (windhovercenter.org) on Sheboygan Street to be a stimulating experience. The free art gallery houses an ever changing array of visual art exhibits, such as paintings, photography and sculptures. The center hosts live classical, jazz and contemporary music performances and screens both current and classic films. Windhover Center also hosts workshops, like the Open Arts Studio for Teens, where teenagers can nurture their artistic talents, and receive creative instruction and feedback from local artists.

Tags: Do-It-All Sports, Do-It-All Sports Arena, Sports Arena, Windhover Center, center hosts

Splatter Paint Methods

Painters of fine art use splatter techniques at times.

Splatter painting can be used in a variety of applications. Ink, paint or dye can be used to create pieces ranging from greeting cards to home art projects to museum quality fine art. You can splatter paint practically anything if you have the protected space to do the work. Some artists take their used drop cloths and cut the splattered segments into art pieces. Other artists use the paper placed underneath their art as a background surface for future artwork.

Easiest Splatter Technique

Drape your working surface with a drop cloth or with a protective covering. Place your art piece on the protected surface. Then dip your paint brush into paint. Sling the paint onto the surface. Take care not to sling the paint onto an unprotected surface, such as ceiling or walls. Thinner paint will make more translucent splatter while full strength paint will make thick splatter and may even add texture to your piece. This technique will create medium sized splatters. Continue, changing color or thickness as needed, until you have the design you want.

Artist Studio Method

If you have a large protected area such as a studio, you may wish to try the balloon technique. Small balloons, typically used as water balloons, are filled with various colors of paint, ink or dye. The balloons are then thrown onto the canvas, paper, fabric or other material. The material may be lying on the floor, or for a splatter-and-run technique the material may be tilted at an angle or set upright on an easel. The colors will bleed and run together as the various balloons pop and explode onto the surface. This is a part of the beauty of this splatter technique. This technique creates large blob-type splatters and smaller splashes as the balloons pop.

Screen and Toothbrush Method

A piece of window screen or wire mesh from a hardware store can be combined with a toothbrush for a very fine splatter method. Cut the screen material small enough to hold in one hand, or staple it onto a sturdy frame. You can buy pieces of framing typically used for canvas at most art supply stores. Hold the screen above the art project. Dip the toothbrush into thinned paint, ink, or dye and brush it across the screen. A fine screen and a light dip into the media will make tiny splatters. A coarser screen will make larger splatters. More paint, ink or dye on the brush will also make larger splatters. The splatters can be made more transparent by thinning the media. Use caution in cutting and holding metal screening material. Sturdy leather or kevlar gloves may be advisable to protect hands from the sharp edges.

Additional Methods

You can create your own additional splatter paint methods by experimenting until you find the effect you are looking for. Scrape your thumbnail across a loaded toothbrush. Try slinging paint from a larger paintbrush. Dip pencils or dowel rods of various sizes into the media and let them drip onto the design surface. The drips will create their own splatter patterns and may also drizzle down into interesting shape and color combinations. Try using a straw to blow some of the drips into different directions. The only rule to remember in splatter painting is that there are no rules. The artist creates until the art is satisfactory to her.

Tags: will make, fine splatter, paint brush, into media, larger splatters

Counterstrike Source Tips And Tricks

Play Counter-Strike: Source on your PC.

Counter-Strike: Source, a first-person shooter on the PC, features a team of rebels taking down a team of terrorists. The game consists of many levels, each won by either completing the level objective or defeating every single opponent. Like most first-person shooters, the game requires accuracy and speed.

Accuracy

Change the crosshair ratio by typing in "cl_crosshairsale" then type a number. The larger the number, the smaller the crosshair. Smaller crosshairs lead to more accurate shooting because they give you a better idea of your aim. A good crosshair number is 3500.

Improve your accuracy by crouching. When you crouch, your crosshair size decreases further. Crouching also makes your character harder to hit. Use easy-to-control weapons, like a pistol. If you decide to user a larger, harder-to-control weapon like an AK-47, shoot only two or three bullets at a time.

Armor

Always buy armor, if possible. If you can afford only armor and not a weapon, follow teammates until they drop a weapon, and then use their dropped weapons. Helmets offer strong protection and are considered by some to be the best armor. Purchase as much armor as possible.

Killing Enemies

Avoid spraying, or shooting bullet-after-bullet without stopping, unless your enemy is right in front of you. Spraying often leads to recoil, forcing your weapon to shoot above the area you are aiming at. Typically, the easiest way to kill enemies is by shooting them from medium range. At medium range, you need to shoot most enemies two or three times to kill them.

Pistols

Pistols are the most accurate weapon. Except for the Desert Eagle pistol, they are less powerful than other weapons. Pistols have seven to 20 rounds in each clip and contain anywhere from 40 to 150 total rounds. Most pistols take down an enemy after around three head shots or eight chest shots.

Strafing

Strafing, or running back and forth while shooting, makes it harder for enemies to hit you. However, it also decreases your accuracy when shooting enemies. To improve your accuracy, fire whenever you change directions.

Tags: your accuracy, armor possible, Counter-Strike Source, medium range

Build A Halo Costume Easy

Halo is a popular game that allows you to face off against your friends to see who has the best shot. Known for their armor and weapons, Halo characters work well as ideas for any costume party. You can create the costume from items found around your house, or buy some inexpensive items from the store to complete your look. Get several of your friends to join you and stage a mock Halo battle in your front yard.

Instructions

1. Choose whether you want your costume to be red or green. Your face mask and armor will all be this color. Purchase a paintball helmet with a visor and spray paint it the appropriate color if you cannot find a red or green helmet. Alternatively, you can make your costume all black.

2. Put on a tight pair of black pants and a black, long sleeve shirt. Wear black shoes if possible. Your shoes can also be red or green to match your armor.

3. Put on elbow and knee pads in your chosen armor color. If you own paintball armor, you can wear this instead of the knee and elbow pads. It will look more realistic, but the paintball armor is more expensive to buy if you don't already own a set.

4. Use either a protective set of paintball gloves or simply a pair of thick gloves in your chosen color. For more flexibility, consider a pair of fingerless cloth gloves.

5. Carry a fake black gun as your weapon. If you do not have a plastic gun, buy a cheap toy gun and spray paint it black. You can also carry your gun in one hand and a plastic grenade in another. These can be purchased at a toy store, or you can simply use a green foam or rubber ball and insert a piece of silver wire into it. Bend the wire in a circle and insert the other end into the ball to form the grenade pin.

Tags: paintball armor, spray paint, your chosen, your costume, your friends

Check The Dates On Your Co2 Tanks

Pin valve CO2 tanks are widely used to power paintball guns. These tanks are rated by the volume of liquid CO2 the tank contains. The smallest paintball CO2 tank is 30 grams and the largest is 20 ounces. Refillable CO2 tanks are made of aluminum. Any tank with a capacity of more than 9 ounces of CO2, or any tank over 2 inches in diameter, must be hydrotested every 5 years to ensure its integrity. It is illegal to use or refill a CO2 tank that is past its hydrotesting date. A permanent code stamped or etched into each CO2 tank, normally arranged in three rows, contains information to determine when you must perform. It is important to determine the country of manufacture and use when applying this data. CO2 tanks marketed in both the U.S. and Canada may include code information for both countries.

Instructions

Reading CO2 Cylinder Codes

1. Read the first row of information on the crown of the CO2 tank. The designation "TC" indicates that the cylinder has been approved by Transport Canada for use in Canada. The specification "ALM" is the Canadian mark indicating the tank is made of aluminum. This is followed by a three digit number, such as 124, to denote the maximum working pressure of the tank in bars, the Canadian unit for measuring pressure. The last figure on the first row begins with the letter "T" and is the tare weight, the empty weight of the tank expressed in kilograms. An example of a tare designation is "T11.3KG."

2. Read the second row of information on the crown of the CO2 tank.The designation "DOT" indicates that the cylinder has been approved by the U.S. Department Of Transport for use in the United States. The specification "3AL" is the U.S. mark indicating that the tank is made of aluminum. A four digit number represents the maximum working pressure of the tank expressed in p.s.i. A manufacturer's serial number for the tank follows the working pressure. The last figure on the first row begins with the letter "M" and is followed by a four-digit number. This is the Department Of Transportation serial number identifying the manufacturer of the tank.

3. Read the third row of information on the crown of the CO2 cylinder. The date of manufacture, commonly known as the "Born On" date, is expressed numerically in a mm/yy format. The tank must be hydrotested every five years after this date. The next number indicates the tank's total capacity of liquid CO2. The last figure on the third row beginnig with "TW" is the tare weight of the tank expressed in pounds.

4. Look for retest labels or stamps. When an aluminum tank is hydrotested every five years, a retest label or stamp goes on the tank, separate from the information stamped on the crown. This indicates the month and year of the most recent retest numerically expressed in a mm/yy format. Also displayed is an RIN (Requalifyer Identification Number) to identify the hydrotest facility.

Tags: hydrotested every, information crown, last figure, made aluminum, tank expressed, working pressure, aluminum tank

Remove A Co2 Tank From A Paintball Gun

Don't lose precious time on the field with broken o-rings. Learn the right way to remove a CO2 tank from a paintball gun.

While it's easy to remove a CO2 tank from a paintball gun, it can be a little bit of a challenge to remove the tank without damaging the delicate O-rings that help seal the tank. Blown O-rings can put you out of play for several more minutes than you intended and cost you money to replace that could be better spent on paintballs and gun upgrades. It's worth taking the time to learn the few simple tricks to removing a CO2 tank that will save you a lot of extra work and money.

Instructions

1. Turn the paintball gun so that the top of the CO2 tank is facing up. In other words, the barrel of the gun and the top of the tank, where it connects to the gun, should be facing skyward.

2. Wait for just a moment before proceeding to allow any liquid CO2 to settle into the bottom of the tank so that it won't come in contact with the O-rings.

3. Grasp the connection just above the CO2 tank firmly with your left hand. Be sure and hold the connection still so that it doesn't twist or turn as you remove the tank.

4. Turn the the tank about 1/2 turn to the left using your right hand.

5. Wait a moment for pressure to be released from the tank and the connection.

6. Remove the tank completely by turning it to the left until it is completely unscrewed. Be sure and keep it facing straight up while you finish unscrewing it.

Tags: from paintball, remove tank, tank from, tank from paintball, tank that

Shooting Stars Graduation Party Theme Ideas

Shooting stars can make a great theme for graduation parties.

A shooting star theme for a graduation party can be a great way to congratulate your child on his hard work over the past few years, while reminding him (and all of your guests) that great things are still in store. Though it is possible to throw a shooting-star-themed party just by using star shapes for decorations and invitations, a few creative twists can help make this a graduation party no one will forget. Does this Spark an idea?

Decorations

Stars, of course, should be the main decoration theme. However, that doesn't mean they have to be predictable or boring. You can find star-shaped confetti at most party stores or online to decorate tables. Christmas lights in the shape of stars are available; if you can't find them or if they are out of your price range, twinkling regular Christmas lights can also give the impression of stars. Glow-in-the-dark star stickers, also available at party stores or arts and crafts suppliers, are a nice touch for once the sun goes down.

Food

Getting a cookie cutter in the shape of a star can be a great way of turning regular party food into food fit for your shooting star graduation party. Cookie cutters also work on regular food like sandwiches. Of course, you can make cookies in this shape as well. A good bakery should be able to craft a star-shaped cake as well to complete the evening. Novelty shops may even carry star-shaped ice molds, helping you to freeze water into star shapes to give your drinks an extra touch of class.

Activities

Several activities can help make your graduation party lively. Invest in several pairs of inexpensive binoculars and provide simple constellation maps, which are easy to find online. This way, once the sun goes down, your guests can entertain themselves by identifying the constellations. Another activity is to find trivia about the early careers of stars (whether they are sports stars or show business stars); write down fun facts about who used to work at McDonald's or who used to train as a classical ballerina and have guests guess which "shooting star" started out where.

Tags: graduation party, shooting star, Christmas lights, goes down, help make, once goes

Disassemble The Hpa Regulator In A Crossfire

The HPA regulator is located directly in front of the CO2 tank.

The HPA regulator is the part of a paintball gun which releases a precisely measured burst of propellant when you pull the trigger. In the Crossfire paintball gun, it is located between the CO2 tank and the firing chamber of the gun. The HPA regulator can be removed from the tank and disassembled using a few common tools.

Instructions

1. Purge the tank of all pressure by pressing the flat end of a nail into the pin of the outlet valve until gas stops escaping.

2. Heat the collar which connects the HPA regulator to the tank using a heat gun or hairdryer. This will melt the thread-locking compound which holds the regulator and tank together. Wrap a piece of rubber around the valve and twist it off using vice grips.

3. Boil a small pot of water. As soon as it starts to boil, remove it from heat. Hold the HPA regulator in the hot water for two to three minutes.

4. Wrap a piece of rubber around the hex assembly at one end of the regulator and clap it firmly in a bench vice. Wrap a second piece of rubber around the top half of the regulator. Twist the two halves apart using vice grips.

5. Pull the two halves apart carefully, and empty the components out onto a clear work space.

Tags: piece rubber, piece rubber around, rubber around, halves apart, regulator tank

Install The Blackheart Board In A Smart Parts Ion Paintball Gun

Upgrading the board in your Smart Parts Ion is a lot like putting a new motor in your car. The Blackheart board is the Smart Parts branded upgrade board. It provides more modes, a faster rate of fire and a chirping system to help you program and turn on and off the gun.

Instructions

1. Take off all air sources, paintballs, hopper and barrel.

2. Open the grip and disconnect the battery.

3. Unscrew three screws. The two silver screws that connect the grip frame to the body and the third is a black screw looking down from the top of the gun. It can be seen where the barrel was threaded into the gun.

4. Carefully separate the body from the grip frame. As you begin to separate the two you will notice a blue hose with a fitting, called a banjo fitting, connecting the body to the grip frame.

5. Disconnect this banjo fitting with an allen wrench. The body will now be totally free from the grip frame. Set the grip frame aside.

6. Detach the other two banjo fittings from the body and then carefully unplug the wire connecting the board to the vision eye board.

7. Slide the body kit off of the metal body of the gun. When you do the eye board will pop out. Replace it with the new one that comes with your Blackheart board.

8. Remove the banjo fittings from all three hoses on your current board and place them on the same hoses on the new board. Be sure to also reconnect the eye wire.

9. Feed the battery wire through the grip frame then slide the board about halfway in. Now reattach the banjo fitting and close the marker.

10. Screw the three screws back in that secure the grip to the body of the gun.

11. Put your battery back in the gun, close the grip frame and enjoy the new firepower.

Tags: grip frame, banjo fitting, Smart Parts, banjo fittings, banjo fittings from

Open A Black Max Pmi Paintball Gun

PMI's Black Maxx is a low-priced paintball pistol sold from 2000 to 2005. The Black Maxx became popular as an affordable entry-level marker; it brought many beginners into the sport. It is made almost entirely of lightweight polymer plastics with a black, nonglare finish. The barrel length is 9 inches and the marker uses standard 20-oz. CO2, nitrogen or compressed-air tanks as propellant. The manufacturer recommends regular cleaning of the Black Maxx and provides a takedown procedure to disassemble the marker.

Instructions

1. Remove the propellant tank and remove all paintballs from the marker. Insert the barrel plug in the barrel and keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

2. Rotate the elliptical switch on the rear of the grip frame 180 degrees to unlock the grip frame.

3. Separate the grip frame from the rear of the marker body and pivot the grip frame downward on its hinge to open up the marker.

4. Pull the cocking knob all the way back and slide the bolt/hammer assembly out the rear of the gun.

5. Unscrew the barrel in a counterclockwise direction and remove it from the marker.

Tags: grip frame, Black Maxx, from marker

Ideas For A Birthday In Dallas Texas

Dallas has many options when it comes to planning a birthday party.

Birthdays are always special occasions and those living in the Dallas, Texas area have many options when planning a birthday party. When planning a Dallas party, think about what the guest of honor enjoys and tailor the day around that. No matter what the birthday person likes, you can plan a fun party in Dallas. Does this Spark an idea?

Sporting Events

Dallas is one of the few cities that has four major professional sports teams, each of which provides special birthday packages for the sports fan in your life. The Texas Rangers (texas.rangers.mlb.com), Dallas Stars (stars.nhl.com), Dallas Cowboys (dallascowboys.com) and Dallas Mavericks (nba.com/mavericks) all have different packages that allow birthday groups to buy tickets together, along with food and drink vouchers. Some venues even put the name of the birthday boy or girl on the big screen. These sporting event parties are great for both kids and adults alike.

Beer Tasting

If the guest of honor loves barley and hops, consider planning a party around tasting many fine beers. The Flying Saucer in nearby Fort Worth (beerknurd.com) has hundreds of beers available and can hold parties for large or small groups. The Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. (rahrbrewing.com), also in Fort Worth, offers brewery tours every Wednesday and Saturday for anyone who wants to see how beer is made. This option can be especially popular for 21st birthday parties.

Indoor Amusements

Take your birthday group to an indoor amusement center. Dave and Busters (daveandbusters.com), an arcade and restaurant, offers activities and games for adults and kids with two locations in Dallas -- on Composite Drive and Walnut Hill Drive. You can organize a party, or just show up with a group, whichever is easier. Main Event Entertainment (maineventusa.com), which has four locations in the Dallas area, offers bowling, billiards and arcade games for kids or adults.

Outdoor Amusements

If the weather is nice, consider taking your party outside. Six Flags Over Texas (sixflags.com/overTexas), located in nearby Arlington, has roller coasters, midway games and even a water park. The amusement park offers group discounts if your party has more than 10 guests. For paintball enthusiasts, Xdrenaline Zone (xdrenalinzone.com) has two parks available for your party. Join an open game or play amongst yourselves for a fun day.

Tags: your party, birthday party, Dallas Texas, Fort Worth, guest honor

Uses For Safety Goggles

Safety goggles can be used to protect the eyes in many different conditions.

More than 2,000 eye injuries occur per day, according to Federal Occupational Health. The best way to prevent injury to the eye is to wear proper eye protection. Safety goggles, also referred to as safety glasses, can effectively protect eyes in many hazardous conditions. Safety goggles are available in prescription lenses or in fit-over styles to comfortably and conveniently be worn over prescription glasses (See Reference 3). Outside of work environments, safety goggles have many uses that protect eye health in sports activities and hobbies.

Construction

Safety goggles are very important for providing the ultimate protection to the eyes of anyone working in the construction industry. Construction staff work in high risk environments and frequently come into contact with fragments that can be dangerous to the eyes, including flying debris, and particles of dust, wood and metal. Safety goggles are able to prevent these fragments from coming into contact with the eyes and reduce the chances of construction workers experiencing eye-related injuries.

Sports, Hobbies and Water Activities

Safety goggles are worn for protection in many general sports and activities where eyes can be exposed to dangerous surroundings. Safety goggles are often used to prevent discomfort and injury to eyes in sports and activities including motorcycle riding, skiing, hunting, cycling and paintball gun games.

Waterproof safety goggles are used frequently by swimmers. When swimming or taking part in water activities in swimming pools that contain large amounts of chlorine, safety goggles can prevent painful eye irritation, which is sometimes referred to as chlorine sting.

Laboratory Professionals

Laboratory workers frequently deal with hazardous chemicals that are high in alkaline and acidity; these chemicals can be very harmful to the eyes if accidentally spilled or if a chemical experiment becomes more explosive than originally expected, according to Safety Glasses. Because of the high chances of lab workers accidentally coming into contact with harsh chemicals, and the effects these chemicals have on eyes, safety goggles are used by lab workers on a regular basis.

Medical

Safety goggles are an important item in safety equipment for workers in the medical industry. Medical professionals are often exposed to bodily fluids, x-ray radiation, and contamination, which can all be dangerous when in direct contact with eyes. Medical workers must also work with lasers when performing different medical duties, like eye surgery, cancer treatment and ulcer removal, according to Laser Engraver and Laser Printer. Although lasers are frequently used in sciences, laser exposure to the eyes can be very dangerous and proper laser safety goggles are worn by medical workers to shield the eyes.

Tags: contact with, goggles used, into contact, into contact with, sports activities, coming into, coming into contact

Adjust A Barrel Laser Sight & Scope

Adjusting your scope to be zeroed in for your rifle can be accomplished quickly, safely and inexpensively by using a barrel-mounted laser boresighter. This variety of laser boresighter is placed into the end of your rifle from where it projects a laser beam to the rifle's point of impact -- the point where the bullet will hit the target. The advantage of using the barrel-mounted laser boresighter is that it can accommodate multiple calibers from .22 all the way up to .50. Before using your laser boresighter, make sure that your rifle is unloaded.

Instructions

1. Screw the appropriate caliber adapter onto the end of the boresighter stem with your small screwdriver.

2. Place the stem of the laser boresighter down the end of the barrel.

3. Prepare a target at a distance of approximately 100 yards.

4. Turn on your laser using the switch on the side of the device.

5. Aim your rifle at the target and notice where the laser is striking your target.

6. Adjust your scope's crosshairs so that they intersect on the spot where the beam is hitting the target. The crosshair adjustment dials are located on the top and the right-hand side of your scope. When the crosshairs are aligned with the laser beam, your scope is zeroed in.

7. Turn off your laser boresighter and remove.

Tags: laser boresighter, your rifle, your scope, your laser, barrel-mounted laser, barrel-mounted laser boresighter

Spyder Imagine Paintball Gun Information

Spyder Imagine Paintball Gun Information

The Spyder Imagine is an older select-fire paintball marker made by Kingman. It is a mid- to entry-level marker that has features found on more expensive markers.

Select Fire

The Imagine has three firing modes: single-shot, three-shot burst and full automatic. Many organized paintball fields will allow you to use only the single-shot mode.

Styling

The marker retains the styling of previous Spyder offerings while adding a double trigger and a low-pressure chamber in the fore-grip. The chamber allows for the expansion of C02, enhancing C02 efficiency.

History

Released in 2004, the Imagine has been replaced by Kingman with newer models like the Electra and Pilot.

Benefits

While it is an older model, as of late 2009 the Imagine can be purchased online for half of the price of new markers. If you purchase it with an accessory pack, the total price is still lower than a ew marker.

Warning

The Spyder Imagine can be extremely dangerous if used without the proper eye and face protection. Make sure it is calibrated to fire at the velocity recommended by the manufacturer.

Tags: Spyder Imagine, Imagine Paintball, Imagine Paintball Information, Paintball Information, Spyder Imagine Paintball

Use Mods With A Mini Cooper

A Mini Cooper can be personalized in a wide variety of ways.

Mini Coopers are all about personalization. Modifications, or mods as they are more commonly called, are plentiful for the Mini Cooper. A Mod can make your car faster, like a new exhaust pipe or air intake, give it more cargo room, like a roof box or tow hitch, make it more stylish, like some new wheels or tinted windows, or just about anything else you can think of. T

Instructions

1. Give yourself some direction by thinking about exactly what you want to do with your Mini. Mods can get expensive, so prioritizing is key. Consider whether you want to make the Mini faster in a straight line, faster around the corners, give it more carrying capacity or make the stereo louder. T

2. If you want the car to be faster in a straight line then look for engine modifications such as supercharger, exhaust, intake, ECU and other engine upgrades. Talk to your dealer about the John Cooper Works packages for your Mini. They provide dealer-installed and factory-supported speed for your Mini. Prices as of December 2010 can range from $25 for a new air filter to more than $700 for a new exhaust system, so there is something for any budget.

3. Replace suspension, wheels and tires if you're looking for better handling and more speed in the corners. Different wheels with wider tires and a better-balanced suspension will help. A popular mod is to replace the stock run-flat tires with more flexible regular tires, although in the Cooper S and Cooper JCW there is no spare tire for emergencies. JCW also offers a suspension upgrade that can be dealer installed and is factory supported. A full suspension set-up can run to several thousand dollars.

4. Create extra carrying capacity by adding a roof rack to your Mini or a Mini Do More hitch with a cargo box. The roof rack runs about $150 to $200, and the attachments are about the same price. The MINIFini system for mounting attachments on the bumper can run over $300 for the base system and $300 or more for the attachments. However, with both methods you gain a lot of extra storage space.

5. Upgrade the interior with speaker boxes, a new stereo and speaker systems. As with our other mods, you can spend an unlimited amount on upgrading the interior and stereo, although some Ipod integration hardware starts at as little as $15. For more extensive interior modifications, plan on spending upward of $300 for various stereo upgrades and speaker systems.

Tags: your Mini, Mini Cooper, carrying capacity, faster straight, faster straight line, give more

Buy Firearms And Guns Online At A Cheap Price

Finding a gun or firearm to buy these days is hard enough, let alone buying a cheap gun. Buying a firearm online may be more convenient and opens up a larger selection to choose from. There are laws and rules to follow when buying a firearm but you can still purchase a firearm online. Follow these steps to buy a firearm online.

Instructions

1. First find a site in which you want to buy the firearm from. It should be a reputable firearm dealer with a good Better Business Bureau reputation. Browse the site and find a firearm that you wish to purchase. Check the value of the gun before you buy it. This will keep you from spending too much on a gun, or maybe even help you score a great deal on a gun. There are several gun appraisal sites online.

2. Once you decide on the gun you need to check the rules and laws that the site is enforcing. Some sites will require you to go to a FFL dealer and fax them the information regarding the firearm. Then the site will send the firearm to the FFL dealer where you can pick it up.

3. When you apply to purchase a gun you will need to fill out a criminal background check. Depending on the dealer, this can be instantaneous or it may take 24 hours to receive a response.

4. Another alternative to purchasing a firearm online is to check the local online classifieds. You can purchase a firearm from a private third party without going through any paperwork. If the firearm is registered to the person selling it, they are responsible for the firearm until the name is transferred to the new gun owner.

Tags: firearm online, firearm dealer, firearm from, purchase firearm

Calculate Turret Traverse Speed

Turret traverse measures how fast the turret travels in a circle.

Whether you're trying to create an accurate tank simulation game or just playing trivia at a bar, it can be handy to know the traverse speed of a turret. Turret traverse measures how fast the turret travels in a circle. Calculating turret traverse speed is relatively straightforward, although keep in mind that if a tank's turret rotation depends on power takeoff (PTO) from the main engine --- for instance, as some older German tank models do --- traverse speed will vary with engine RPM.

Instructions

1. Start the tank's engine and allow it to warm up. Use this time to power on any needed hydraulic systems in the turret.

2. Look through the turret's sight and pick a distant, immovable object like a tree, house, road sign, or landmark feature. Center the tank's sight on this object.

3. Depress the turret's rotational controls fully to turn the turret at maximum speed. At the exact same time as you do this, start the stopwatch. Rotate the turret swiftly, and do not vary the elevation.

4. Watch for the reference object to reenter the turret's sight. When it is once again centered, stop the turret's rotation and the stopwatch at the exact same time.

5. Divide 360 by the number of seconds it took for the turret to complete a full rotation. This will give you the turret's traverse speed in degrees per second. Using the approximation of 6400 mils in a circular rotation, multiplying the number you obtained by 17.78 will give you the turret traverse in mils per second.

Tags: traverse speed, exact same, exact same time, fast turret, fast turret travels, give turret, give turret traverse

Play Laser Challenge Virtual Paintball

Full set of Laser Challenge Virtual Paintball out of the box.

When playing paintball there is always a risk of getting hurt, inadvertently eating paint or making a mess. Laser Challenge Virtual Paintball provides all of the fun of playing with live paintball rounds, with none of the mess or pain.

Instructions

Play Laser Challenge Virtual Paintball

1. Remove the Laser Challenge Virtual Paintball set from its box and insert the batteries that came with it. There should be two guns and two sets of blast plates.

2. Adjust the straps on the back of the blast plate and fit the plate around the person who will be wearing it. Activate the blast plate by pressing the on-button located on the front.

3. Fire at the opponents blast plate using the laser paintball gun. If the opponent has been struck, one of five areas on the blast plate will emit a lit-up splatter on it.

4. Reload the gun after it has used up its round by pressing the reload button located on the side of the gun near the trigger.

5. To restart a round, press the restart button located next to the on button on the blast plate. Blast plates will automatically become deactivated after each round.

Tags: blast plate, Challenge Virtual, Challenge Virtual Paintball, Laser Challenge, Laser Challenge Virtual, Virtual Paintball

Change The Velocity On A Tippmann A5

Paintball has developed into a wildly popular team sport. However, one important factor in enjoying paintball is easy to overlook--paintball velocity. Velocity is important to both you and your opponents. If your velocity is too low, the result will be shorter and inaccurate shots; if it is too high, you have the potential of hurting someone and being removed from your game or facility. Accurate velocity is important, and these steps will show you adjust the velocity on one of the most popular paintball guns, the Tippmann A-5.

Instructions

1. Before adjusting velocity, make sure to put on goggles or a paintball mask. Then fire your A-5 while using your chronograph and note the fps (feet per second) speed. 300 fps is the international safety limit.

2. Locate the velocity-adjustment screw on the right side of the gun and the adjustment tool that Tippmann provides. If you do not have the tool, a small Allen wrench will also work.

3. To increase the velocity of your gun, turn the screw counterclockwise. Make small adjustments, checking the velocity with the chronograph between turns.

4. To decrease the velocity, turn the screw clockwise. Again, only make small adjustments at a time.

5. Once you reach your desired velocity, fire your A-5 a few times to ensure constant velocity.

Tags: fire your, small adjustments, turn screw

Cheap Vacation Spots In Illinois

Chicago, Illinois.

Illinois is home to one of the United State's most lively city, Chicago. Chicago has amazing architecture ranging from art deco to very modern skyscrapers, the Sears Tower being the tallest building in North America. It also hosts the world's largest public library with two million books in its collection.

Additionally, Illinois enjoys lush forests, rivers and lakes, making it an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. It is not hard to find inexpensive ways to have a fun-filled vacation in Illinois, considering the amount of natural beauty and diversity of landscapes available.

Twin Rivers Campground Retreat Center

Twin Rivers Campground and Retreat is an amazing option for an affordable way to spend a vacation in Illinois. Located along the shore of the Kankakee River along Saint Anne, the campground has pavilion areas, 100 tent sites, 48 RV sites and private cabins. The grounds have river access for canoeing and other water sports, as wells a horseback riding trails, picnic areas, a rock climbing wall and endless activities including paintball and fishing.

Additionally, all guests at Twin Rivers Campground and Retreat are VIP guests at the nearby Elks Golf Club.

The campground has fun for the whole family at $17 a night per tent site as of 2010.

Twin Rivers Campground Retreat Center

4112 South Youth Camp Road

St. Anne, IL 60964

815-937-1181

twinriverscamp.com

Tunnel Hill Trail

The Tunnel Hill Trail allows you to bike through the Shawnee National Forest in what was once a railroad rout. The trail's northern end begins in Harrisbur and ends in Karnak in the south. The trail is a total of 45 miles, located in Johnson County, considered the bicycle capital of Illinois.

Tunnel Hill Trail can be done in one day but it is also a good idea to enjoy the scenery and break it up into segments. The route is rich in wildlife with a great diversity of habitats.

There is no cost to bike Tunnel Hill Trail and there are several campgrounds located within 10 miles of the trail.

Tunnel Hill Trail

Highway 146 East

P.O. Box 671

Vienna, IL 62995

618-658-2168

dnr.state.il.us

Free Walking Tours in Chicago

The Chicago Office of Tourism's Office of Cultural Affairs hosts a program called Chicago Greeter, which offers free and diverse walking tours of the city. The tours are led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers that have a passion and love for Chicago. Tours are capped at six people and they last from two to four hours total.

Chicago Greeter is open to suggestions of places you hold and special interest for and you are able to choose from more than 40 interest areas, such as architecture and public art and 25 unique neighborhoods.

Chicago Cultural Center

77 E. Randolph Street

Chicago, IL 60601

877.244.2246

chicagogreeter.com

Tags: Hill Trail, Tunnel Hill, Tunnel Hill Trail, Campground Retreat, Rivers Campground, Rivers Campground Retreat

Change The Pressure In A Pure Energy Tank

Pure Energy is a manufacturer of paintball supplies, including regulators and tanks. The pressure in a Pure Energy tank determines the amount of shots per tank fill and the rate of fire of paintballs. Changing the pressure and performance of a tank involves upgrading parts of the gun or upgrading the tank itself.

Instructions

1. Add a Pure Energy regulator to the paintball gun. The regulator connects to the frame and valve via a drop forward, which is a mount for the air tank. The regulator regulates operating pressure in the tank and prevents liquid CO2 from entering the innards of a gun.

2. Add a Ram Air chamber to the paintball gun. The air chamber, which connects to the barrel, forces CO2 out of the low pressure chamber and back into the valve. The air chamber allows the paintball gun to operate effectively on low tank pressure and decreases the chance of paintball breakage.

3. Upgrade to an Ultra Air Pure Energy tank, which fills to 4500 PSI and comes with a convertible regulator and low pressure conversion kit. The carbon fiber tank offers consistent flow in pressure and approximately 500 shots per fill.

Tags: Pure Energy, Pure Energy tank

Winterize Water Tanks

Winterizing water tanks and lines on a recreational vehicle is required to prevent water from freezing inside the units and causing costly damage to the RV. There are two common methods to winterize tanks: using compressed air to blow water out of the lines or adding antifreeze to the tanks and lines. Compressed air removes all water from the lines to minimize the risk of frozen and burst lines. Pouring antifreeze into the tanks is less time consuming and costs less because you don't need any special equipment.

Instructions

Compressed Air

1. Drain the RV's freshwater and wastewater tanks. Drain water left in the water heater by setting the valve to the bypass position and letting the water run out. The valve is located near the incoming water heater lines.

2. Open all faucets that are closed in the RV. This includes the shower head and toilet flusher.

3. Turn the RV water pump on for 30 seconds. This cleans out the water lines.

4. Attach an air hose to the city water fill connector on the RV. Set the air pressure to 30 pounds or less and blow out the lines until no water comes out of the inside fixtures or lines. Adapters that connect the air hose to the water fill container are available at RV supply stores. Screw the adapter to the fresh water inlet on the RV and use the air hose to blow out the lines.

5. Close all water lines and pour antifreeze into the drains, traps, toilet and tanks to prevent the lines and fixtures from freezing. You need about two gallons of antifreeze. Store the camper for winter.

Antifreeze

6. Drain all RV tanks, including the freshwater and wastewater. Set the water heater valve to the bypass position and drain the water heater. The valve is located near the incoming water heater lines.

7. Close all water lines and pour antifreeze into the fresh water tank, filling it above the minimum level for operating.

8. Turn the pump switch on and run the cold water through all fixtures until antifreeze appears. Repeat with the hot water fixtures. Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears and then pour one gallon of antifreeze into the toilet.

9. Pour one gallon of antifreeze down each RV drain to winterize the gray water/wastewater tank. This includes the shower and sink drains. You will need four to six gallons of antifreeze.

Tags: water heater, antifreeze into, water lines, antifreeze appears, blow lines

Sight In A Rifle With A Laser Pointer

A laser bore pointer improves the accuracy of the sights.

Laser sighting has made it much easier to zero in a rifle and hit your target. Laser pointers that slip into the open muzzle, or bore, of a rifle are made in virtually all cartridge sizes. Designed to provide "one-shot" testing, the laser shows exactly where the bullet should hit based on your aim through the sights. Quick and convenient, the laser pointer is small enough to fit into your front shirt pocket.

Instructions

1. Pick the distance at which you want to zero in the rifle and set up a target.

2. Secure the laser point in the bore of the unloaded rifle.

3. Place your rifle on the rifle rest and adjust until the laser dot is directly on target.

4. Look through the iron sights or scope to see how far they are off target. Adjust them according to the manufacturer's instructions to bring them directly onto the target.

5. Double-check the laser sight to make sure it's still on target. Make the necessary adjustments, then double-check the sights to ensure they are still on target.

6. Keep adjusting until both the laser dot and the sights are directly on target.

7. Remove the laser sight and load the rifle with your cartridge.

8. Test fire while sighting with the rifle directly on target.

9. Match the sighting with the hole in the target. It should be very close to the aim point.

Tags: directly target, laser sight, sighting with, still target, zero rifle

Legal Shot Gun Barrel Lengths In Missouri

It is unlawful to cut a shotgun's barrel to a length shorter than 18 inches.

Shotguns come in a variety of lengths and gauges. Sawed-off shotguns are illegal to possess unless you have a Federal Firearms License, or FFL, as they are regulated by the National Firearms Act. Short barrel shotguns, like short barrel rifles, machine guns, silencers and explosives, are weapons regulated by the NFA. Any shotgun with a barrel shorter than 18 inches is a NFA weapon. Some states ban short barrel shotguns entirely, but in Missouri you can own one if you follow federal requirements.

Obtaining a SBS

Missouri also allows FFL holders to possess automatic weapons.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulates the sale and possession of Class 3 weapons. The BAFTE permits the possession of a SBS if it has been registered through the National Firearms Act and if the owner has a Federal Firearms License. Under no circumstances can an individual manufacture an NFA weapon without approval from the ATF.

Federal Firearms License

Missouri does not permit residents to possess silencers or destructive devices.

To obtain an FFL from the ATF, mail ATF Form 7 and the application fee. You must own and operate a firearms business in order to receive a FFL, but if you operate an LLC out of your home the FFL can be registered there. The ATF will run a background check, and you'll meet with an ATF representative personally, and his recommendation will determine whether you receive the license.

Class 3 License

You don't need a Class 3 license to own a NFA firearm. As of April 2011, you must pay a $200 registration fee, sign transfer papers when you buy a SBS and get a signature from the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in your district. With ATF approval, a NFA firearm can be transferred from the original owner to a new owner, if they both live in the same state.

Considerations and Risks

The application process can last up to 60 days. The benefits may outweigh the legwork; depending on the classification, an FFL holder can conduct interstate firearms commerce and have the weapons shipped directly to his business, whether at a shop or a business run out of the home. Short barrel shotguns are handier than full-length shotguns, but the shot has a wider dispersal pattern than a longer barrel.

Tags: barrel shotguns, Federal Firearms, Federal Firearms License, Firearms License, National Firearms

Diy Video Goggles

DIY Video Goggles

Personal video goggles are fast becoming the new wave in portable entertainment, and as such cost a fantastic sum of money. What if you can't afford a pair?

With a little know-how and technical expertise, you can build your own pair of portable video goggles. In practically no time you'll be watching videos on the optical equivalent of a huge TV screen anywhere you'd like.

What You'll Need

Building a pair of video goggles is a complex and time-consuming project that should only be attempted by those with at least a hobbyist's knowledge of electronics.

You'll need a soldering iron, solder, two miniature video screens, the complimentary video cables and a pair of goggles capable of being modified without losing their integrity. The screen-mounting method you choose might or might not require further materials.

Mounting the Screens

First, decide how you're going to mount your video screens onto the goggles.

If you're going to use an adhesive agent, be sure it won't dissolve your goggle's material or your video screens.

If you're going to attach the screens with a rigid material, such as screws or bolts, be careful not to damage the delicate workings of the screens.

Making Your Screens Video-Ready

After picking a mounting method but before actually attempting it, be sure that your video screens will be in position to be easily attached to the video cables. The best way to do this would be to find screens with RCA jacks built-in, or with slots for you to solder your own RCA jacks into.

Make sure your solder is firm and will hold up against regular usage. Since you most likely don't have the access to plastic-injection molding machines required to form a plastic casing for your device, your solder will have to be rugged enough by itself.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to power the goggles while the solder is still hot or fluid in any way. Doing so can cause catastrophic damage to your device and ruin your goggles beyond repair.

Testing the Goggles

Once your goggles are completed, you get to do what you've wanted to since you started this project; try them on!

With heavy video devices weighing down the front of the goggles, you might need to reinforce the strap holding the goggles to your head, or weight the back of the goggles to counterbalance them.

Plug the goggles into a standard RCA-compatible video device, such as a portable DVD player. Take note of any video problems such as lines or distortion. If you notice any, check all the connections on your device, as these problems can be caused by loose solder.

Tags: video screens, your video screens, video goggles, your device, your video

Legal Atv Trails In New Jersey

It's difficult to find a place to ATV in New Jersey.

One of the major problems ATV enthusiasts in New Jersey face is the lack of legal ATV trails. Unlike most other states, there are no state-run and up-kept ATV trails, which means the choices for riders to ride legally are to go to neighboring Pennsylvania or to go to a private track in state. There are major arguments between New Jersey's state government and the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council regarding this issue, and a lack of state forests makes the matter even more difficult since multi-use trails in New Jersey are not allowed.

Ready to Ride, Off Road PALS

Ready to Ride, Off Road PALS is a park that is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and has 30 acres that have three different ATV tracks/trails all based on skill level. There is a 1/2 mile novice loop, a 3-mile amateur loop and a 2-mile expert loop to cater to the needs of riders on every level. This township is located close to Atlantic City, and there is plenty of off-roading gear available for rent here. Either an annual membership or a day pass are required, and you also need proof of training for ATV safety classes.

Ready to Ride, Off Road PALS

2594 Tilton Rd

Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

609-645-8413

ehtpal.com

Thunder Moto

Thunder Moto is a Wildwood, New Jersey, track used for major events, but is opened to ATV events twice a year. Stipulations for this track state that participants need to be AMA members and sign up in advance, but those who do get to participate in the races and tracks that are set up for those events. There is a riding fee of $40 per rider, but for those expert ATV and motocross riders looking for some challenge in New Jersey, the two Thunder Moto events are about as good as the state offers.

Thunder Moto

New Jersey Thunder Motorsports Inc.

PO Box 1256

Wildwood, NJ 08260

609-523-8051

thundermoto.com

Old Bridge Township Raceway Park

The Old Bridge Township Raceway Park is a privately owned ATV and motocross track that is changed every few weeks to keep the challenge fresh. The track itself is 1.5 miles long and maintained on a daily basis. Most of the terrain is amateur level, but there are some sections that are novice just as there are some quasi-expert runs of track, as well. Proof of AARA health insurance is mandatory to use this track, although if you don't have any you can simply buy it there. As of 2010 the cost is $65 a year.

Old Bridge Township Raceway Park

230 Pension Rd

Englishtown, NJ 07726

732-446-7800

etownraceway.com

Tags: Thunder Moto, Bridge Township, Bridge Township Raceway, Raceway Park, Ready Ride, Ready Ride Road

Make Homemade Paintball Guns

Paintball guns are designed to fire a paintball or capsule with sufficient force to break it against an object or person. You can make a homemade paintball gun that will fire a single shot similar to that of firing off a single-shot shotgun. Adult supervision in the making and firing of the homemade paintball gun is necessary if you are underage, since an explosive force is generated in order to fire the paintball or capsule.

Instructions

1. Stand the paper towel roll on a table. Cover the hole at the top of the paper towel roll with strips of duct tape.

2. Wind strips of duct tape around the length of the paper towel roll to provide for a better grip.

3. Poke a hole through the duct tape in the top of the paper towel roll with the scissors. Insert the tip of the barbecue lighter into the hole. Wrap duct tape around the sides of the barbecue lighter to secure it to the end of the paper towel roll.

4. Take the homemade paintball gun outside, and hold it by the back end in one hand. Tilt up the open end of the homemade paintball gun.

5. Spray hair spray into the open end of the homemade paintball gun for five seconds. Drop a paintball or a paintball capsule into the open end.

6. Aim the homemade paintball gun at a tree or rock. Depress the trigger of the barbecue lighter to fire the paintball or the the paintball capsule at the tree or rock.

Tags: paper towel, paper towel roll, towel roll, duct tape, homemade paintball

Charge An Air Tank

Cylindrical metal tanks used to contain compressed air come in various sizes and handling capacities. Compressed air is used in pneumatic-air tools and mechanical devices. It is used to fill other components, such as a bicycle or vehicle tires. Properly charge your air tank to prevent personal injuries and possible component failure.

Instructions

1. Transport the air tank to an automotive service station that offers an air compressor. Acquire a portable air compressor if you cannot readily transport the air tank.

2. Read the specifications, warning and filling labels affixed to the air tank. Note the maximum air pressure (PSI) specified on the air tank.

3. Examine the fittings installed on the air tank. Certain portable air tanks feature a fitting similar to a vehicle or bicycle tire. Larger, industrial-grade air tanks often feature a larger air hose connection used for charging purposes.

4. Check the amount of air pressure in the tank prior to charging. Certain air tanks feature an air pressure gauge installed on the top or side. Use a tire gauge to measure the air pressure present in tanks that do not feature an air pressure gauge.

5. Engage the air compressor. Attach the air hose to the appropriate fitting on the tank, as instructed by the instruction label. Certain air tanks feature a protective cap that must be unscrewed from the fitting prior to filling.

6. Hold the air supply hose firmly to the air-tank fitting; watch the air-pressure gauge. For tanks that do not feature an installed gauge, frequently check the air pressure in the tank with a tire gauge.

7. Detach the air hose when the air tank reaches the recommended pressure reading. Do not overcharge the air tank. If the temperature in your area rapidly changes, consider filling the air tank below the maximum recommended pressure.

8. Check the shut-off valve -- and set the lever or knob to the "OFF" position -- when transporting or storing the tank.

Tags: tanks feature, Certain tanks, Certain tanks feature, feature pressure, feature pressure gauge

Paintball Shooting Games

Paintball developed in the early '80s as a game revolving around the use of paint marking guns used to mark trees and cattle. From there, a sport evolved that involves millions of people worldwide. There are several formats of games played with paintball guns, from wildly popular to obscure. You can find people playing these games on paintball fields around the country year round.

Capture the Flag

Capture the flag is one of the most popular game formats for paintball. It involves placing flags at opposite sides of the field, with the objective being that you take the flag from your team's side of the field to your side. When you do so, you either win the game or score a point, as occasionally games are played where you must capture the flag a certain number of times before winning. When a player is tagged, they usually must return to a neutral location and sit out the rest of the game or come back into the game after a predetermined time out.

Center Flag

This game is very similar to capture the flag, except only one flag is used, and it is placed in the center of the field. The first team to capture it and return it to their side wins or scores a point. Often this style of game is played in a full elimination format in which a tagged player is removed from the game for the duration, so winning the match could also be accomplished by simply eliminating the opposing team without worrying about the flag.

Alamo

This game revolves around a small number of players starting in a highly fortified position, usually with superior firepower and trying to hold out for a predetermined period of time against a much larger force that doesn't have the benefit of fortification. This game is definitely played in a total elimination format, completely removing tagged players from the game. If the smaller force remains in control of their fort at the end of the time limit, they win the game.

Tags: This game, capture flag, elimination format, from game, games played