Making Ghillie Suits

A Marine wearing a ghillie suit

Be it for hunting, paintball, Airsoft or just for fun, ghillie suits can make the wearer nearly invisible to the naked eye. Buying a suit is often expensive and can lead to disappointment, but making them is cheap, easy project. It also means you can customize your ghillie suit to suit the terrain.

Materials

Making a ghillie suit requires a shirt and pants---usually military battle dress uniform (BDUs), which you can buy on the Internet or in military surplus stores---that fit you comfortably and give you some room to move around in. You will attach the netting to the suit, and then tie dyed strips of fabric onto the netting. The easiest way to obtain a net is to purchase a replacement volleyball net, which are available at sporting goods stores or big-box stores. You can buy the strips of cloth---burlap works well---at a fabric store and the dye can be picked up at supermarkets or big-box stores. Also purchase a tub for dying, some plastic clothes hangers, multipurpose adhesive (Shoe Goo works well), a sturdy sewing needle and unwaxed, unscented dental floss.

Assembling the Suit and Netting

Sew netting to the front, back and arms of the shirt or BDU top and to the front and back of the pants. Sew each knot of the netting in place by running the sewing needle with dental floss as thread through it. This is a time-consuming process, but will ensure the durability of the suit. Once you have sewn the netting on, slather multipurpose adhesive, such as Shoe Goo, around each knot to glue it into place and secure the netting. According to GhilleSuits.com, recent experiments of skipping the sewing and just using Shoe Goo have proven to keep the netting in place on the BDUs it was tested on. Sew a flap of netting---three squares deep by four wide is the minimum size---to the back of the shirt's neck. This will act as the hood of the ghillie suit.

Dye the Strips

Depending on the color you want your camouflage to be, dye 18-inch strips of fabric or burlap. Use mostly base coat colors, which can be olive, khaki or almond, depending on the camo style. To dye them quickly and effectively, fill a tub with the dye solution. GhillieSuit.com recommends draping the strips of cloth over plastic hangers and then dipping them into the dye before hanging them to dry. Dye several different colors, such as green, black, brown and tan, or whatever you want your color scheme to be.

Tie the Strips to the Netting

Start with your base color strips and tie two to each of the squares of the netting that is sewn to the shirt, hood and pants. Alternate colors, with the darkest color going next up to the lightest color, until the pattern is complete and the suit is covered with the strips. Lift up the suit occasionally and shake it out, making sure your coverage is thick in all areas. Add strips where the camouflage looks thin.

Tags: ghillie suit, big-box stores, dental floss, each knot, front back

Buy Fresh Beermaking Kits

Home brewing has become one of the fastest-growing activities in the United States since the mid-1980s. This is in large part due to an increase in brewing-products retail stores and websites that allow beer-making fans to shop and purchase online. For beginners, beer kits are an easy choice, because everything is already measured and included, and they come with instructions. However, if there is one thing that can bring down a batch of beer made from a kit, it is when the ingredients are past their prime. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

In Store

1. Visit any local store that carries beer-making ingredients or kits. Normally, kits for beginners are all-liquid products with added grain and yeast extracts. These are fine to use, because they are derived from the real products; they just don't leave much of a window for experimentation. When first starting off in the world of brewing, it is best to get a kit that has all the necessary equipment to make your first batch, such as a fermenting bucket, fermenting lock, bottling bucket, bottling spigot, tube for siphoning, bottle filler, bottle brush and bottle capper. You will also need a boiling pot, but you can use a large stockpot from your kitchen.

2. When picking out beginner kits, ask a store owner or employee if he recommends any additions to the kit. Occasionally, a fermenting bucket or jug from a kit may be too small, which can inhibit the yeast growth. A 6-gallon fermenting bucket is typically fine for 5-gallon batches. If you have never brewed before, it's easiest to go with a complete kit, but as you gain experience you can replace pieces with bigger and better equipment.

3. Look at the rows of canned extract. Extract is the liquid form of hops and barley grain. Using the actual ingredients, rather than the extract, not only requires more equipment, but also leaves less room for error. It is best to experiment with the liquid extract form first, before making the switch to grains. Beginner kits provide everything you need to make a good, solid beer your very first time.

4. Check for dust on the cans, a sign they've been on the shelf for a while and something you want to avoid, and look for expiration dates. If the date is anywhere from a few days to a few weeks away, stay clear. Unless you plan on making a batch that very day, the product will most likely expire before you can use it. Even if starting the beer right away, it's best to find cans of extract that still have at least a few months of shelf life left. You can purchase several and store them at home for future batches.

5. If you can't find an expiration date, ask a store clerk when the beer kits were purchased. She should be able to tell you, even if it requires looking it up. Take a few minutes to check, because you don't want to wait several weeks for your beer to finish fermenting, only to discover you used past-prime extract. If the kits were recently shelved, you can feel confident about purchasing your fresh beer-making kit.

Tags: fermenting bucket, beer kits, kits were

About Compressed Air Paintball Tanks

About Compressed Air Paintball Tanks

Compressed-air paintball tanks are an essential piece of equipment. The paintball gun requires an air tank to propel the paintball. The amount of air the tank can hold determines how many shots can be fired before the tank needs to be refilled. Some paintball guns will only work with the high-grade nitro tanks, which contain compressed nitrogen.

Identification

There are two kinds of tanks for paintball guns. The carbon dioxide tank is available at most sporting good stores. They are relatively inexpensive. Beginner and midgrade paintball guns use the CO2 tank. It does not require a complicated regulator and it is easy to use and refill. In good weather this type of tank is fairly consistent in performance.

Compressed-air tanks for paintball guns are much more consistent than the CO2 tanks, especially in bad weather when the CO2 tanks can vary in the speed in which it fires. The compressed-air tanks are sometimes called HPA, for "high pressure air," or nitro because it is filled with nitrogen. Some midgrade and all high-end paintball guns require the use of compressed-air tanks. It can cost twice as much as the CO2 and requires special equipment to fill and test the tank. Every three to five years tanks will need to be checked and recertified. Special regulators attached to the compressed-air tank ensure the reliable performance that make the compressed air the choice of serious paintball enthusiasts.

Considerations

Paintball fields and shops usually carry the equipment to properly fill a compressed-air tank, and sometimes they even do it for free. On the paintball field the refill stations are called whips. Scuba shops will often fill a paintball compressed-air tank as it is similar enough to scuba tanks to use the same refill equipment. Be aware that filling tanks too quickly can cause excess heat that will damage the pressure vessel. You also must use the whip designated for the pressure setting of your tank.

Warning

Compressed-air tanks for paintball guns are extremely fragile. They should be protected with a padded barrel cover at all times. Metal tanks are more forgiving to small scratches and dents than the carbon fiber tanks, which can become unsafe with all but the most superficial of scratches. Damage to the threads can cause the bonnet to not sit properly and cause pressure loss and air leaks. Never use a tank with the fibers showing or unraveling. Immediately take them out of service and have them inspected by a DOT-approved inspection facility.

Prevention/Solution

Federal law requires that carbon fiber compressed-air tanks manufactured or tested after July 1, 2001 get checked every three to five years (depending on model) by someone with a valid U.S. DOT retest identification number (RIN). The maximum life for a carbon fiber-wrapped tank is 15 years. To pass the test, tanks must be able to hold a good seal at almost twice the recommended service pressure and must hold for a minimum of 60 seconds.

Types

Tanks are available at different pressure ratings in pounds per square inch: 3,000, 4,500, or 5,000. The more pressure in the tank, the more shots you can take before refilling.

Steel tanks are the least expensive and the heaviest to carry. They are durable and resistant to damage. Steel cylinders have an unlimited lifespan.

Aluminum is slightly more expensive than steel and also has an unlimited lifespan. They damage more easily than steel but are lighter to carry.

Fiber wrapped is the most costly type of compressed-air paintball tank. It has a maximum lifespan of 15 years. it is extremely lightweight, which makes them easier to carry, but very easy to damage. It is the favorite tank for the players who want the ability to draw their guns quickly.

Features

Regulators are adjustable from 1 to 850 psi. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, making them easier to customize. The features that can be selected on an HPA paintball tank include the thread protectors, N2 nipples and covers, drop forwards and O-rings.

Tags: paintball guns, compressed-air tank, compressed-air tanks, tanks paintball, tanks paintball guns, About Compressed, About Compressed Paintball

Gokart Racetrack Ideas

Create movable designs in the center of the track for variety.

Riding go-karts is a fun activity that can be enjoyed alone, with friends or simultaneously by the entire family. Build a track in your own backyard and involve kids and teens in the construction process to help them practice math and logical thinking skills. Individuals interested in starting a new go-kart track business benefit from thinking abstractly when designing tracks. Offering the public a track with various turn-offs and side pathways ensures riders will not get bored and will consistently return for business.

Curvy Driving Ahead

Whether you're building a track in your own backyard for family entertainment or you've decided to open a new business, a curvy track offers endless hours of circling fun. This type of track allows drivers to practice driving, steering, braking and speed acceleration skills, as kids need to become proficient at making challenging turns. If in a rural area, large block hay bales work well to establish the perimeter of the course.

Bridge to Adventure

Turn a worn out race track design into a new adventure to conquer by building a bridge and adding it to your existing configuration. The key to making this idea work is to take precise measurements when initially measuring the space for which you intend to place the bridge. One suitable idea regarding placement is to connect both sides of the race track with a single arched bridge. You can opt to construct a flat, straightaway bridge instead, but pay close attention to the height of the side construction walls. They should be at least 10 feet tall to accommodate drivers passing underneath.

Obstacle Course Excitement

Add a good dose of spicy excitement to your go-kart track with side roadway turn-off points and extraneous obstacles. Make sure you firmly secure items to the ground to avoid unnecessary risks or personal bodily injury. Inflatable toys, tubes and slides work well as an option; if kids crash into them, the impact is safely reduced. Turn to businesses and supply companies that sell and specialize in inflatable pieces for paintball and outdoor entertainment companies when searching for safe obstacles. The flexible orange safety cones often used to line or mark sports fields are suitable for creating smaller spots to avoid. Arrange these cones in various shapes around the center or to the side of the track for additional challenge.

Punctuation Configuration

The ampersand symbol and all of its elaborate curves offers a challenge for kids, teens and adults looking to ride on the wild side. Draw out this configuration on a large sheet of plywood or paper prior to starting set up of the actual track. If you have spare wood beams or blocks lying around the garage these pieces are a suitable way to line your track. Make sure to use pieces that are big enough for a driver to see from at least a 10 foot distance to avoid safety issues.

Tags: track with, go-kart track, kids teens, Make sure, race track, track your, track your backyard

Gun Cleaning & Maintenance

Clean your gun to ensure it operates correctly.

Like any tool, your rifle or handgun needs to be maintained and cleaned regularly. Its various components are primarily made of metal which oxidizes and can rust over time. If there is too much corrosion your gun will jam, becoming inoperative at the least or backfiring and throwing off shrapnel at worst.

Cleaning Kits

To make the process easier, many gun owners use a gun cleaning kit rather than collecting their own maintenance materials. These kits come with various components to provide the cleaning, wiping, boring and oiling necessary to maintain a gun. The kits are sized for the type of gun or rifle to be cleaned, so it's best to check this before buying. Some of the materials, such as the cloths and cleaning rods, will need to be replaced over time.

Make Your Own Materials

Many gun owners opt to be frugal and produce their own cleaning materials. You can cut up T-shirts and underwear to make cotton cloth patches. The material should be 100 percent cotton. Some creative characters make cleaning rods to clear residue out of the gun barrel out of PVC pipe rather than buying aluminum rods from a gun store. The main point is that the cleaning products are effective.

Clean Your Gun Outdoors

Like any process requiring the use of solvents or chemicals, you should clean your gun outdoors. Many of the chemicals used are flammable and also poisonous, particularly if the fumes buildup indoors in a closed garage or room. Gun owners should also refrain from smoking while cleaning guns. The cigarette can spark a fume fire and the ashes from a burning cigarette can get into the gun.

Dunking Solvent Approach

For the lazy types, dunking the gun assembly into a bucket of solvents is probably the easiest cleaning approach. This method requires the use of a special solvent chemical easily purchased from a gun store. After scrubbing the more obvious carbon residues, disassemble the hand gun or rifle and place the parts in the bucket. You should remove the wood handles and grips before dunking, however, since the solvent will eat up the wood quickly. Using a stir stick or something similar you should then agitate the chemical in the bucket, moving the parts around in the solution. After about five minutes of soaking, remove the parts and let them dry off. While this approach is nowhere close to a proper cleaning job, it is similar to cleaning engine parts and basically effective at removing carbon deposits for cleaning.

Avoid Excess Oil

Very little oil needs to be used to properly clean a gun. It acts as a magnet for dust and grime to stick to the oil. Eventually such dirt buildup contributes to mechanism problems as well. Overspill will also begin to damage the wood handle on a gun, causing the wood to swell and warp. Therefore, using as little oil as possible tends to be the best approach.

Tags: cleaning rods, from store, over time, rather than, various components

Enter A Paintball Team Tournament

Get your team organized and together to play where the real competition is.

Instructions

1. Form a paintball team (see "Start a Paintball Team").

2. Check the tournament listings on Internet sites (Warpig.com is a good one), and in the back of magazines ("Action Pursuit Games Magazine" lists these almost every issue).

3. Call tournament organizers of all the potential tournaments you could enter and ask questions: Where is the tournament? How much to enter? How many players per team? Are balls and air provided? When is the tournament?

4. Meet with your team and decide which tournaments you will enter. Do this far in advance of the tournament so everyone can keep their schedule clear.

5. Practice in the style of the tournament; if possible, play on the field the tournament is to be held on to familiarize yourself with the layout. Develop your strategy.

6. Buy your supplies early. Inform your sponsors that you will be representing them in the tournament.

7. Arrive at the tournament early. If you must travel far, get there the night before and camp or stay in a hotel. Get a good night's rest. Save the partying for after the tournament.

8. Show up early and figure out how the tournament works and when your games are.

9. Scout the other teams between your games.

10. Check and clean all of your equipment before each game.

Tags: Paintball Team, your games, your team

Guns That Shoot Plastic Bb'S

Airsoft guns shoot plastic BBs.

Guns that shoot plastic BBs are known as Airsoft guns. People use Airsoft guns for combat play in much the same way as paintball. However, paintball guns must accommodate large, bulky ammunition and therefore do not typically look realistic. On the other hand, plastic BBs are small enough to fit into a smaller-sized magazine and allow for more realistic weapons. In fact, Airsoft guns typically are modeled after actual firearms. There are several types of Airsoft weapons on the market that vary according to power and complexity.

Spring Action

These are the simplest, least-expensive Airsoft guns. They are single-action guns, meaning you have to cock them each time you shoot them. Cocking them compresses a heavy spring, and pulling the trigger releases it, shooting the plastic BB. Typically, these come with a clip, holding about 10 to 20 BBs, that slides into the gun. Spring-action guns are usually pistols, but they may include some shotgun models. These are often considered the beginner models, but some advanced players use them as sidearms.

Gas Powered

These guns use compressed gas to fire plastic BBs. Types of gases range from CO2 cartridges to "green gas" canisters. Green gas is presently the most common and is comprised of a mixture of propane and silicone lubricant. Green gas guns have nozzles made to accept bursts of gas from a bottle. CO2 guns have a space for the insertion of a cartridge in the bottom of the gun. Gas guns are typically semi-automatic or fully automatic, as they have the capability to fire until the gas runs out. Like spring-action guns, these are typically pistol models, but there are a few gas-powered rifles.

Electric

Electric guns use batteries to power an electric motor that propels BBs from the gun. These normally have large magazines that hold about 100 BBs at a time. These typically have both semi-automatic and fully automatic capabilities. Electric Airsoft guns are what most of the advanced players use in combat games. These are powerful, capable of shooting more than 200 feet per second. Typical electric Airsoft styles include M-16 and Uzi-style assault guns.

Sniper Rifles

Although sniper guns use bolt-action spring power for shooting, they are not generally classified with spring-action guns. These are among the most expensive and sophisticated Airsoft weapons. Many of them are capable of shooting well over 400 feet per second and some reach speeds of over 500 feet per second. These are designed for accuracy, much like the sniper rifles they are patterned after. Some of the most expensive sniper rifles come with a full metal body.

Tags: Airsoft guns, feet second, advanced players, Airsoft weapons, capable shooting, come with

Fun Things For Teenagers Near Mckinney Texas

Teen girls can sign up for a softball team through the McKinney Parks system.

CNN Money listed McKinney, Texas, in the top five best places to live in America in its August 2010 issue. This community of more than 100,000 offers small town appeal within the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, while keeping a healthy respect for its historic roots. The family-friendly town has a robust parks system that provides many classes and activities for kids of all ages, including teens. Downtown Main Street is an eclectic cluster of stores and eateries, and it features a magic shop where teens can take classes on be a top-notch entertainer.

Parks and Camps

Teens can sign up for one of the many athletic programs presented by the McKinney Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) department. Classes offered include soccer, tennis, aquatics and dance, as well as badminton and tae kwon do. North Park on 1701 North McDonald features its own pool with a diving area to keep teens cool over the summer. In addition to these athletic programs and opportunities, the McKinney PROS (mckinneytexas.org.) offers Teen Super Camps. These camps allow teens to experience more extreme activities such as rope courses, laser tag and paintball, and even a visit to Six Flags Over Texas in nearby Arlington.

Teen Golf

McKinney provides several options for teens who love golf. Oak Hollow Golf Course (oakhollowgolf.com) offers junior golf instruction and an easy to moderate course. For girls and boys of ages 6 to 15, Hank Haney Golf Ranch (hankhaney.com) has a Youth Golf Day Camp. Teens can participate in the annual KidSwing golf tournament (kidswing.org), the brainchild of a former patient of the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, for which tournament funds are raised. The Towne Lake Disc Golf Course (no website; 1401 Wilson Creek Parkway; McKinney) features an 18-hole disc golf course.

Educational Activities

In the 1960s, McKinney resident and octogenarian Miss Bessie Heard had a vision for the future. She believed that generations to come would benefit from a museum with a focus on education, conservation and preservation, and opened Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary (heardmuseum.org) in 1967. In addition to exhibits and wildlife, the Heard offers eco-adventures for canoe, zip lines and rope courses. Teenagers can either visit or participate directly as volunteers.

Arts and Entertainment

Main Street McKinney (mckinneytexas.org) is located in the historic square in downtown McKinney and is home to eclectic shops and organized cultural events. The Garret Art Gallery (garretartgallery.com) is one of several participants in the Second Saturday Artwalk, a monthly event that is open to the public and features art, food and live entertainment. The Main Street Magic and Fun Company (mainstreetmagicandfun.com) provides a large selection of magic supplies with demonstrations of the tricks they sell. Staff members teach the purchaser perform any trick purchased before he even leaves the shop. Classes and parties for groups are also available from the shop.

Tags: Main Street, athletic programs, Golf Course, McKinney Parks, rope courses

Make Basketball Jerseys

Make your own basketball jersey.

There are several ways that you can make basketball jerseys for yourself or others.

The method you will use to make the basketball jerseys would depend on various factors including The style jersey you want, the professionalism you are looking for in the design, the number of basketball jerseys you are looking to make, the amount of time you have to make the basketball jerseys and your level of creativity and expertise. You can choose to make the entire jersey yourself, hire someone to do it for you or settle for something in between.

Instructions

1. Choose the design of your basketball jersey. Before making your jersey, decide on the jersey background color, jersey fabric, what you want on the jersey (team name, player name or number), special designs or decorations, trim on arms or neck, text and numbering font, bordering around the text and the type of neckline.

2. Sew the basketball jersey yourself. If you are experienced in sewing (or you know someone who is) you can sew a homemade basketball jersey yourself. You can find free jersey patterns online, buy it online or shop for one at a local sewing outlet.

Before deciding to sew your own basketball jersey, consider how experienced you are in sewing. If you are not, then beware that the jersey you sew may take a very long time and it may not turn out the way you planned. Consider how many people you are sewing for. Sewing an entire team's worth of jerseys is more time-consuming than sewing just one. Consider the expense of sewing yourself. Remember you have to pay for the material and possibly also the pattern. So sewing yourself can be as costly as having it done elsewhere

3. Use a blank jersey as your base. Instead of sewing the basketball jersey yourself, you can buy a blank jersey and just all lettering and decorations yourself.

4. Add lettering and designs to jerseys by yourself. Whether you sew the jersey yourself or you buy a blank basketball jersey, to finish making your homemade basketball jersey you will need to add lettering and designs.

You can buy ready-made iron-on letters and designs that are durable enough for jerseys and follow the instructions to iron them onto your jersey.

Another option is to design your own iron-on transfers on your computer and print them out using special iron-on printable transfer sheets. Then, simply iron them onto your jersey.

For a handmade look, buy fabric pens, paint and glitter to write the lettering and designs by hand.

5. Order custom jerseys online. You can find many sites where you can choose your jersey specifications (style, fabric, colors, trims and design). Simply select the sizes you want and the company will create the design for you. In actuality, these stores offer semi-custom basketball jerseys and not fully customized jerseys. Although there are many options available, these are still limited to standard options. If you want a very unique design, layout, fabric or color, then these services will not be your best choice.

6. Hire someone to make the basketball jersey for you. Usually, hiring a professional to custom make clothing can be expensive and not worth your money. However, there are times when a professional would be your best option. Choose a professional to make the jerseys for you if you have a unique design, fabric, style, lettering font or color scheme, you want a professional-looking design that is made to order, or you are ordering jerseys for a sports team with many players. If you are ordering for a team, you may get a quantity discount.

7. Create one jersey before creating jerseys for an entire team. No matter what method you use to create your jersey, you should first order or make one jersey as a prototype before making jerseys for an entire team. Once the prototype jersey is completed, show it to team members and get input. You might have to make changes or adjustments. After the prototype is approved, make all the additional jerseys you need.

Tags: basketball jersey, jersey yourself, your jersey, basketball jerseys, basketball jersey yourself, entire team

Put Together A 177 Caliber Pellet Gun

A 177 caliber pellet pistol is designed for target practice and will allow the owner to develop a more accurate "shooting eye" than when firing most other handguns. Proper maintenance of a pellet pistol is necessary for the life of the pellet pistol. It must regularly be disassembled for cleaning and lubricating. Putting the pellet gun together is just a matter of reversing the assembly process after the cleaning has been finished. A properly maintained pellet pistol will work efficiently for many years.

Instructions

1. Place a soft cloth on a table. Place the frame of the pellet gun on the soft cloth with the hammer section facing to the left.

2. Put the trigger clip into the bottom front edge of the trigger where it meets the pellet gun's frame.

3. Place the trigger guard plate onto the trigger assembly to the left of the pellet gun's handle. Attach the screws around the trigger guard with the Phillips screwdriver.

4. Place the sliding plate assembly on the soft cloth with the grooved side facing up and the barrel hole facing to the left. Insert the barrel into the hole in the left side of the sliding plate assembly. Push the barrel fully into the hole in the left side of the sliding plate assembly with your fingers.

5. Insert the piston spring into one end of the groove. Push the end of the piston spring over the nub inside of the groove at the end.

6. Compress the other end of the piston spring with your fingers. Place the end of the piston spring into the groove. Push the end of the piston spring over the nub inside of the groove at the end.

7. Turn the sliding plate over. Cock the hammer of the pellet gun. Slide the sliding plate onto the top of the pellet gun from the front. Stop sliding the sliding plate when it clicks into position. Release the hammer.

8. Attach the screw to the top of the pellet gun just in front of the hammer using the Phillips screwdriver.

9. Attach the screws to the top, middle and back top edges of the pellet gun with the Phillips screwdriver. Turn the pellet gun over. Attach the screws in a similar manner to the other side. Turn the pellet gun back over.

10. Put the gun stocks onto both sides of the gun handle. Attach the screws to the gun stocks with the Phillips screwdriver.

11. Insert the magazine into the butt of the gun's handle. Wipe the pellet gun off with a lint-free cloth.

Tags: sliding plate, piston spring, Attach screws, pellet pistol, Phillips screwdriver, plate assembly, sliding plate assembly

Make Paintball Shells

Paintball shells

Paintball is an extremely popular sport in the United States, particularly among teens. Many participants would like to make their own paintballs, instead of constantly buying them from sporting goods or outdoor adventure stores. Unfortunately, manufacturing paintballs requires several pieces of sophisticated equipment that most teens likely don't have lying around at home. Also, the process itself is fairly difficult. Be sure to follow proper safety procedures to avoid health hazards.

Instructions

1. Put on your safety goggles and gloves, then pour water, sweetener, preservative, gelatin, and your food ingredient combination (the most common combination is sorbitol, wax and polyethylene glycol) into a heated mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture has completely melted.

2. Pour the melted liquid into the gel tote. Lower the large blender into the tote, add the food dye, and blend.

3. Pour the gel from the gel tote into the encapsulation machine. The machine will spread the gel out on to the cooled drum and will automatically mold it into the hollow shell shape of the paintball. Once the shell is made, the machine will automatically insert the paint filling inside.

4. Put the newly created paintballs into the tumble dryer, and leave them there for 2 to 3 hours. Take the paintballs out of the dryer, and allow them to harden on a rack. This should take about 7 to 10 hours.

Tags: into tote, machine will, will automatically

Definition Of Anodizing

Anodizing can put vivid colors onto aluminum items.

Anodizing can turn an ordinary piece of aluminum into something extraordinary. This technical process allows for aluminum to be colored with fabric dye. Almost all aluminum items can be anodized, as long as they can fit into a container containing the necessary solutions. Anodized finishes are also long-lasting and durable.

What is Anodizing?

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that puts an oxide film over certain metals, almost always aluminum. The metals that can be anodized are aluminum, niobium, titanium, tungsten, zirconium and tantalum. This film that is placed on metals can be colored in a solid color or a splash design.

Anodizing Applications

Many people will anodize aluminum artwork, automotive parts, paintball guns, model cars and more. The piece of aluminum that is to be anodized must be clean and small enough to fit in a sturdy metal container. When aluminum is not clean, the finish will have blemishes and discoloration.

Materials for Anodizing

The anodizing process requires the use of sulfuric acid, water and fabric dye. Sulfuric acid can be purchased at many home improvement stores, while fabric dye is available at many hobby and craft stores. Anodizing also requires a battery charger, tinfoil, aluminum wiring, a rubber bucket and a metal container that can be heated on the stove.

The Process

Aluminum first gets a thorough cleaning to remove all contaminants. It then takes a bath in a solution of sulfuric acid and water. This aluminum part will be connected to the positive terminal of a battery charger, while the negative lead is placed on the inside of the bottom of the bucket. After this step, the part is cleaned with cold water and placed into another bath that contains water and fabric dye. The part is allowed to soak in the coloring and is then placed in a pot of boiling water to seal the new finish onto the piece of aluminum.

A Potentially Dangerous Process

Since anodizing involves acid and electrical current, it can be a dangerous process if not done properly. It is always best to use protective equipment such as rubber gloves and goggles when handling the acid. It is also imperative to have a fire extinguisher around at all times to prevent fires.

Tags: piece aluminum, acid water, aluminum items, battery charger, metal container, sulfuric acid

Make A Case For A Tippmann A5

Your hard case does not necessarily need to be square.

Making a hard case lined with foam will protect your Tippmann A-5 paintball gun from damage. With the cost of an A-5 running upward of $140, you may want to protect your investment from impacts. Putting your A-5 in a gear bag along with your bottles and other accessories causes the items to bang together as you walk around. A hard case with foam inserts can take the abuse of being thrown around while protecting your A-5 from impact damage.

Instructions

1. Cut the polyethylene foam with the knife to fit inside the case bottom. Cut the egg crate foam to fit inside the case top and place it inside the top of the case.

2. Lay the Tippmann A-5 on the polyethylene foam, secure it with one hand and trace around it with the marker. Trace only on the outside of the trigger guard unless you intend to leave the tank adapter in place. In that case, trace around it instead of the trigger guard.

3. Remove the Tippmann and cut out the trace using the utility knife. Put the Tippmann inside of the cutout to test the fit. If it is overly tight, check to see where the paintball gun is getting stuck and shave away the foam from that area.

4. Place the foam sheet inside of the case and the Tippmann inside of the cutout. Close the case and shake it to make sure the paintball gun does not move around inside. Open the case to see whether the gun has shifted. If it is not secure, pack the case with more foam.

Tags: inside case, hard case, case Tippmann, case with, inside case Tippmann

Get An Athletic Sponsorship

Athletic sponsors contribute money or products to support an athlete or team. Sponsors may provide an athlete with cash, equipment, food, housing or training that may be necessary for the athlete to excel in his sport. Sponsorships allow athletes to earn money or free products and services. They also gain attention from the sponsor's customers, as well as others involved in the sport. Sponsorships are also beneficial to the sponsors because the athlete or team draws added attention to their product or brand.

Instructions

1. Work hard to be the best at your sport. Not everyone is good enough to earn an athletic sponsorship. You need to stand out among the crowd. You should also take every opportunity to promote yourself or your team to get your name(s) out in the sport you play. This includes making a video to show what you can do, attending events involving your sport and networking with coaches, players and spectators.

2. Do your research. You will want to go to the library or search online for companies you might want to sponsored you. You will also want to contact them directly to find out what type of guidelines and time frames they have for sponsorships. Read publications relating to your sport and also speak with other athletes you know who are already sponsored. Many companies also have sponsorship applications on their websites so you can apply online.

3. Write a sponsorship letter. This is essentially a resume for athletes. You should give a bit of background information on yourself or your team. You will want to briefly explain what your goals are and what you have to offer the company in terms of your proven athletic ability. You should state how much money or resources you are seeking and what it will be used for. Explain why you chose that company in particular for a potential sponsorship and explain why it would be mutually beneficial.

4. Make the proposal. You will want to find out who the sponsorship coordinator is at the company. This will be the key contact person for sponsorships. A face-to-face meeting is ideal, if you can get one. Submit your letter and application and make sure to follow up in a timely manner. If you are not chosen for a sponsorship, do not give up. Keep in mind that hard work, determination and loyalty to a company can pay off in the long run.

Tags: will want, your sport, yourself your team, athlete team, sport Sponsorships

Resorts In The Pocono Mountains

The Poconos offer many challenging golf courses.

A trip to the Pocono Mountains is an ideal way to get away from it all. The Poconos have been attracting visitors for years with activities that span the four seasons. Activities include skiing, championship-level golf courses and canoeing and kayaking. With all of these activities, it's no surprise there are a number of resorts that serve the Poconos.

The Skytop Lodge

The Skytop Lodge brings an old-world charm to the Poconos with an exterior that recalls an English country manor. At this resort, guests can stay in the stone lodge, move outside to a selection of cottages or rest at the Inn, which is located on the golf course. Speaking of the golf course, the Skytop has a number of outdoor activities besides its 18-hole golf course. Guests can try dog-sledding, tobogganing, rock-climbing, paintball and canoeing.

The Skytop Lodge

1 Skytop Lodge

Skytop, PA 18357

570-595-7401

800-345-7759

skytop.com

Split Rock Resort

Split Rock Resort serves as a fine family-friendly destination. The resort features on-site attractions such as an indoor water park and a movie theater that shows the latest Hollywood hits. Split Rock Resort also offers a range of rooms to suit guests' tastes; whether it's one in the historic lodge, or a more modern one in the Galleria or in the Willowbrook Inn on the golf course. The Split Rock features a 27-hole golf course; along with 11 tennis courts, an eight-lane bowling alley, archery, basketball and volleyball.

Split Rock Resort

100 Moseywood Road

Lake Harmony, PA 18624

570-722-9111

800-255-7625

splitrockresort.com

The Inn at Pocono Manor

The Inn at Pocono Manor has been serving guests for more than a century, as its circa 1902 lodge is on the National Historic Record. The rooms at this 250-room lodge keep the historic feel while bringing in modern amenities such as cable TV and high-speed Internet access. If you wish to enjoy the outdoors, this resort has two 18-hole golf courses, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing and shooting clays. If you wish to relax, the Pocono Manor's Laurel Spa offers all sorts of treatments.

The Inn at Pocono Manor

Route 314

Pocono Manor, PA 18349

570-839-7111

800-233-8150

poconomanor.com

Tags: golf course, Pocono Manor, Split Rock, Rock Resort, Skytop Lodge

New Mexico Elk Hunting Outfitters

New Mexico is a popular elk hunting destination.

Every fall during the elk season, hunters from around the world travel to New Mexico for their chance at harvesting a trophy elk. Elk hunters have the choice of completing a do-it-yourself hunt on public ground or booking through an outfitter. Hiring an outfitter has many advantages to the elk hunter.

Significance

Most outfitters and guides know their hunting land and how the elk travel through the habitat. They are aware of bedding and feeding areas and any travel corridors. Without scouting the area before the season, you may be forced to learn these patterns during the hunt. Once you harvest an elk, you must pack out the antlers and meat, which could potentially require multiple trips to the truck. Over rough terrain, this can be a daunting task. However, an outfitter will provide assistance to packing out the meat and antlers and may supply pack mules or horses.

Tags

New Mexico doesn't offer preference points for unsuccessful applicants and each application process is a random computerized draw. If you book through an outfitter, your odds for drawing an elk tag are increased. The New Mexico Game and Fish Department (NMGF) reserves 12 percent of the tags for nonresidents who booked with an outfitter. During the application process, you must provide the outfitters identification number. Only 10 percent of the tags are reserved for nonresidents who aren't hiring an outfitter.

Regulations

To be a licensed outfitter in New Mexico, the outfitter must fill out an application and pay the NMGF every year. The outfitter qualifications include passing an exam with a 70 percent or better, no felony convictions, commercial liability insurance and a valid hunter education card. During the hunt, the outfitter is not required to accompany you.

Considerations

Before booking with an outfitter, there are several factors to consider. Research the different hunt areas and the draw odds for each season. Obtain a list of references from potential outfitters and contact at least one successful and unsuccessful hunter. Consider the time of the hunt and the relationship with the rut--elk mating season. Also consider the extra amenities such as a ranch house, meals, pack-in wall tents and the duration of the hunt.

Prices

Many hunters will consider a guided New Mexico elk hunt as a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience. Most of these hunts will cost several thousand dollars, not including travel expenses and the tag fee. Cabela's Outdoor Adventures--a popular elk hunting booking agent--has New Mexico elk hunts ranging from $3,950 to $10,000, as of 2010.

Tags: application process, percent tags, popular hunting, through outfitter, with outfitter

Legal Use Of Stun Guns

Stun guns are not legal in all 50 states.

Every state has its own regulations when it comes to selling, buying or using a stun gun. While some have legalized the use of stun guns with restrictions, other states have banned them altogether. Penalties for illegally owning or operating a stun gun typically include fines and/or imprisonment. Police have the legal right to use stun guns, as do airline crew members for commercial flights.

State Laws

It is illegal to own a stun gun in New York.

While stun guns are legal in some states, other states ban them. For example, stun guns are illegal to own, sell or use in Hawaii, Massachusetts and New York. Police can confiscate and dispose of any illegally possessed stun gun. It is also illegal to ship stun guns to states that do not allow them.You cannot legally buy a stun gun online if you live in a state where they are banned.

Restrictions

You can own and carry a stun gun in Connecticut with a proper permit.

Some states allow legal sale of stun guns to citizens, however restrictions apply. For example, it is legal to own a stun gun in Connecticut if it is kept within your home or business. You may carry a stun gun in Connecticut only if you have a permit to do so. Illinois also allows citizens with a permit to purchase stun guns, but they must agree to a background check and wait 24 hours before obtaining the gun.

Penalties

Illegally owning a stun gun could land you in jail.

If you are caught with a stun gun in a city or state that has banned them, penalties range. For example, anyone caught with a stun gun in New Jersey is guilty of a fourth-degree crime, subject to imprisonment of up to 18 months and a fine of up to $7,500. In Rhode Island, violators face a maximum one year in jail and $500 fine. In Philadelphia, the maximum fine is $300 and imprisonment of up to 90 days.

Police

Police have the right to use stun guns.

Some states and counties allow police to carry and use stun guns as a nonlethal option when dealing with criminals. California and New York, among other places, allow cops to carry and use stun guns. Stun guns may be used on suspects who pose a threat to police officials, evade arrest or create a situation in which it is necessary. Police who use stun guns in circumstances that don't warrant them may face charges.

Airplanes

It is illegal to take a stun gun onto a commercial flight.

While some states allow you to own stun guns, it is illegal to carry a stun gun onto an airplane. However, according to the Transportation Security Administration, it is legal to check a stun gun before boarding, as long as you're not flying to a destination where stun guns are illegal. In 2003, President George W. Bush made it legal for crew members on commercial flights to carry and use stun guns in case of emergency.

Tags: stun guns, carry stun, stun guns, carry stun guns, guns illegal, stun Connecticut, stun guns illegal

Price Guns To Sell

Setting the price for a gun you want to sell isn't difficult, but you will need to do some homework. A gun that may not seem special to you could be worth a great deal to a collector, and you don't want to price it for significantly less than it is worth. So whether you are selling a weapon to get cash or to buy a new one, you will need to do some research on your old gun and have it appraised.

Instructions

1. Gather all of the historical information about the gun and the time period it is from. Was it used in combat? If so, what war? Was it used by someone famous? The older the gun, the more money it could be worth. You can look up information about particular makes and models of guns online and in firearms books and magazines. A museum may be able to provide information about an antique weapon.

2. Check the gun's overall condition. Look for rust spots in the metal and scratches in the handle. Look carefully in the barrel for damage, too. Much of the damage done to a gun comes from over-cleaning. A gun should be cleaned only once after each shooting session.

3. Write down all of the information you have gathered from the first two steps. You will need to take it with you when you visit a professional appraiser to assess the gun's value.

4. Take pictures of the gun from every angle. The appraiser will need the photos to help authenticate the make and model and determine what it is worth.

5. Visit a gun appraiser and bring all of the information above. Check online or in the phone book for a gun shop in your area that can do the appraisal.

6. Sell your gun for the appraised value, plus the amount you paid the appraiser, which is usually about $20 for the first appraisal.

Tags: will need, information about, could worth, need some, will need some

Convert Settings On An Airsoft Gun

Airsoft is a team-based sport that is similar to paintball and other military-style simulations. The game requires the use of replica firearms that fire 6-mm plastic pellets, many of which are very close to their real-world counterparts. Just like the real world, many players want to tinker with their weapons, customizing them for ease of use or another specific purpose. Learn turn a weapon from full automatic fire to single shot only, and convert a rifle to a CQB weapon by putting on an aftermarket stock.

Instructions

Converting the Fire Selection

1. Remove the fire selector switch using a small screwdriver. There are a small series of indentations in the body of the gun. These are the fire selector rates. There is a nub in the selector switch that locks into the indentation, allowing the weapon to fire at the selected rate.

2. Locate the automatic setting. On most weapons, this is closest to the stock and usually resides at about the 2 o'clock position on the circle of indentations.

3. Spread your putty over the indentation, being sure to fill it in completely. Wait for it to cure and completely harden before proceeding to Step 4.

4. Sand the putty down until it is seamless and completely level with the body of the gun. This will prevent the fire selector switch from locking into the automatic setting, effectively converting the weapon to semi-automatic only.

5. Reinstall the fire selector switch.

Converting the Stock

6. Remove the locking pin in the back of the stock.

7. Slide the stock gently off the main body of the gun.

8. Slide the new stock onto the body, being careful not to scratch the paint.

9. Line up the holes on the stock to the holes on the gun.

10. Insert the locking pin.

Tags: fire selector, selector switch, fire selector switch, automatic setting, Slide stock

The Dangers Of Lysol Disinfectant Spray

The manufacturers of Lysol disinfectant spray claim that it kills a large number of germs in the air. All you need to do is spray the product around the house. You may not realize that the product is potentially dangerous to your home and your family. It's best to always use caution when using any type of chemicals around your home, including those found in Lysol products. Does this Spark an idea?

Flammable

Lysol is potentially flammable and should always be stored at temperatures of no more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. If you accidentally poke a hole in the can, it increases the chances of the product catching fire. The manufacturer also recommends not using Lysol disinfectant spray around open flames, sparks or heat. This means you shouldn't use the product around heaters, stove burners or fireplaces. Smoking while using the product or in the vicinity of the Lysol also poses a potential risk.

Inhalation Dangers

Accidentally inhaling the product for an extended period may result in health problems. You may feel drowsy or tired and experience a cough. The product may also cause a severe headache. These problems are a result of the ethanol in Lysol. The carbon dioxide in the Lysol may also cause problems when inhaled, such as an increased breathing rate or difficulties concentrating. In severe cases, inhaling the carbon dioxide in the Lysol may even cause suffocation and death.

Skin Dangers

Exposure to Lysol disinfectant spray also presents problems associated with your skin. Skin irritation may occur when you accidentally touch the Lysol or if you're exposed to the product for an extended period. If a problem develops, you'll notice redness, such as a rash and possible itching. This is caused by the ethanol in the Lysol. Immediately wash the skin with soap and water and pat dry. If the problem persists or worsens, contact a medical professional.

Keep Yourself Safe

Lysol causes skin and eye irritation. If you accidentally get the spray on your hands, you should wash your hands right away with warm water and soap. Never chew gum, smoke, eat or drink while you have the product on your hands. You should call Poison Control right away if anyone ingests the Lysol or accidentally sprays it in his eyes. Flush the eyes by rinsing the eye out with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Only use the product with adequate ventilation in your home.

Tags: Lysol disinfectant, Lysol disinfectant spray, your hands, your home, also cause

Oklahoma Hunter Safety

Deer hunting is popular in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma requires all hunters, with certain exceptions, to take an approved hunter education course to purchase a hunting license in the state. Oklahoma's Department of Wildlife Conservation is responsible for conducting hunter safety courses. Oklahoma also accepts certificates of completion of hunter education course from all other states.

History

According to the Oklahoma State Game Warden's Association, the wildlife population in the state was decimated by unregulated and market hunting during the 1800s. The first game warden was hired by the state in 1909, marking the beginning of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). The ODWC administers hunter safety education courses in the state and credits these courses with reducing hunting-related accidents and fatalities by more than 70 percent since 1980.

Types

The ODWC offers two types of hunter education courses. The regular course involves eight hours of classroom instruction followed by a test. A home study course is also available. The home study course typically requires between eight and 12 hours to complete the accompanying workbook. Hunters may complete the home study course online via the Internet. Once the home study portion has been completed, the hunter must still attend a four-hour class and take the test.

Children

Oklahoma regulations require all persons under the age of 36 years, with certain exemptions, to complete an approved hunter education course prior to purchasing a hunting license. Hunter education courses are available to all hunters of any age. The ODWC recommends that children under the age of 12 be accompanied by an adult. Parents are not allowed to assist their children with the test portion of the class.

Apprentice

Hunters may purchase an apprentice hunter's license without completing a hunter education course. An apprentice hunter's license allows the bearer to hunt big game as long as an appropriately licensed accompanying hunter remains close enough to take control of the firearm if necessary. An apprentice hunter's license allows the bearer to hunt small game as long as an appropriately licensed accompanying hunter remains within sight and close enough to communicate by voice.

Exemptions

Oklahoma regulations exempt certain classes of people from the requirement to pass a hunter education course to purchase a hunting license. These classes of people include people over the age of 36 years, active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces, members of the National Guard and prior service members of the U.S. armed forces who have been honorably discharged.

Tags: hunter education, education course, hunter education course, home study, apprentice hunter, apprentice hunter license, education courses

Paint A Tippmann A5

The Tippmann A-5 is a semi-automatic paintball gun. As with any other bare metallic surface, your A-5 won't hold a painted finish because it is nonporous. Professionals sand nonporous surfaces to enhance their adhesive capabilities. While effective on nonporous vinyl, fiberglass and plastic, this preparation technique won't have any effect on a paintball rifle, because the metal is too durable. To generate an enduring finish on your A-5, condition it with an acidic spray primer that will etch the metal and promote paint adhesion.

Instructions

1. Wash the Tippmann A-5 with a cloth dampened with soapy water. Use your thumb and/or index finger to maneuver the rag within awkward areas. Rinse the paintball gun with a fresh damp rag and dry the metal with a towel.

2. Attach painter's tape to the selector switch, scope ocular and objective lenses and any other portions of the Tippmann A-5 that you'd like to remain unpainted. Place the paintball gun on a canvas drop cloth.

3. Coat the Tippmann A-5 with an acidic etching spray primer. To prevent the primer from clogging sensitive components, apply in brief, intermittent fogging bursts rather than soaking streams. Maintain eight inches between the paintball gun and spray tip during the entire application process. Let the A-5 dry for three hours.

4. Coat the Tippmann A-5 with a spray oil enamel. Apply in brief, intermittent fogging bursts rather than soaking streams. Maintain eight inches between the paintball gun and spray tip during the entire application process. Let the A-5 dry for three hours.

Tags: Tippmann with, application process, application process three, between paintball, between paintball spray

Color Your Paintball Gun

You should have the paintball gun you always wanted. If you are unhappy with your new gun's color you can paint it to your liking. Many paintballers paint a camouflage design onto their guns to help them when fighting, but you can paint your gun however you'd like to. All you need is some spray paint and you're on your way.

Instructions

Paint your Paintball Gun

1. Go to your local hardware store and buy the spray paint of your liking. If you want to paint your gun with a camouflage design, you're going to have to buy two or three different colors. Shades of green and brown will work best for camouflage purposes.

2. Take your scope off of your paintball gun and make sure to mask off the lens with masking tape.

3. Take your paintball gun outside and place it on top of a milk crate. If you don't have a milk crate, an old box will work fine. Place your gun on top of the box and begin spraying. Let one side fully dry before you turn it over and paint the other side.

4. Let your gun and your scope dry fully before you put them back together and start using your gun.

Tags: paint your, camouflage design, fully before, milk crate, paint your

How Much Air Is Required To Use A Paintball Gun

You've gotten your paintball gun, mask, paintballs and accessories. Now you just need the air to power it up. You want to make sure that you have a reliable, ample supply of air and aren't sure exactly what you need. Here's a closer look at paintball air tank options and sizes.

Identification

Paintball air is distributed in cartridges and tanks in a wide size range. Air is available in small 12-gram CO2 cartridges or large 20-ounce tanks. It's really a matter of the type of game that you're playing and how much air is required to keep game play flowing smoothly while allowing comfort and mobility in your equipment. Larger tanks will provide more shots with less refilling, but will also be clunkier and heavier.

Types

While air tank size is an important consideration, first you need to decide the type of air that you'll be using. Paintball gun air tanks can be carbon dioxide or nitrogen/compressed air. Carbon dioxide is the most common, inexpensive type of air and it's easiest to refill. Most general sports shops will be able to refill the tank. However, carbon dioxide tanks often experience freeze-up and firing problems and aren't as reliable as other air tanks, particularly in cold weather. Your shots may experience significant velocity and accuracy reduction. Nitrogen/compressed air is more reliable and provides more accurate, dependable shots regardless of weather. However, these air tanks are more expensive and can be more difficult to fill and maintain. Some higher-end guns may require compressed air and some games may be set up for compressed-air refills only.

Size

You'll notice that air tank sizing varies by air type. CO2 tanks come in basic sizes ranging from the 12-gram cartridge to large 20-ounce tanks. Other common sizes include 9 and 12 ounces. Nitrogen tanks, on the other hand, are usually denoted in a two-number size such as 48/3000. The latter refers pressure in psi or pressure per square inch. Larger pressures are indicative of more shots. The smaller number is the volume in cubic inches. Roughly, a 3000-psi tank can deliver 10 shots per cubic inch, so the tank size above would get about 480 shots before needing refill (48 x 10). A 4500-psi tank can get about 15 shots per cubic inch. In this way, you can get a clear idea of how many shots you'll get on the field.

Determination

Once you've decided on the type of air, you can decide how much air you intend to use. In choosing air, be mindful of a few important considerations. Think about the type of game that you'll be playing and if there are regulations involving air. Stock games, for instance, allow only 12-gram CO2 cartridges to be used. Also consider the design of your gun and how you plan to carry your tank. Individual paintball guns have different air tank placement and may be uncomfortable with a bulky tank. Tanks may be attached vertically, off the back of the barrel or off the bottom of the handle. When possible, attach the tank to your gun and get a feel for the comfort level to determine the size that you prefer.

Considerations

Tanks can also be carried on your person and connected to the gun with a hose. If you'd like to use a large, bulky tank, this may be a good option.

Tags: 12-gram cartridges, 20-ounce tanks, about shots, bulky tank, carbon dioxide

Laws On Airsoft Bb Guns

Airsoft weapons are classified as recreational toys and not firearms, so few regulations are placed on the weapons. The regulations that do exist are important for the safety of the Airsoft user and everyone within shooting distance of the weapons. Care should always be taken when handling the Airsoft gun, and all laws and regulations should be followed.

Licensing and Age Requirements

In the United States, the minimum age requirement for purchasing an Airsoft weapon is 18. However, there are no restrictions on the age required to use an Airsoft gun. A license is not required to carry an Airsoft weapon in the United States.

Firepower

Though the United States government does not require that owners of Airsoft guns have a license, there are regulations set by the government on a gun's firepower. These requirements vary slightly from state to state. In general, if the Airsoft weapon is used indoors, it is limited to firepower of between 300 and 350 feet per second (fps); for outdoor use, the limit is 350 to 450 fps. This regulation is in place to prevent a fatal injury or accident.

Appearance

To distinguish Airsoft guns from real firearms, the U.S. requires all Airsoft guns to have a 6mm orange tip on their barrels. Since some of the Airsoft weapons look very realistic, it is easy to understand the necessity of such a precaution. It is against the law to remove the tip once purchased. In addition to weapons with the orange tip, some manufacturers make clear Airsoft weapons. The Airsoft weapons are still designed or modeled after real firearms, but their clear plastic casing makes it easy to distinguish them from actual firearms.

Airsoft in Public

There are restrictions about where Airsoft weapons can be used or displayed. Since Airsoft guns are replicas of real firearms, you may not take one out in public unless it is in a glass case. Public schools do not allow Airsoft guns on school grounds. Some areas in the United States banned the use of Airsoft products entirely, these places include: New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C., and some parts of Michigan. California has a law in place making it illegal to display a firearm replica in public. Such displays lead to panic and fear. For this reason, If a person commits a crime using an Airsoft weapon, he can be prosecuted and punished as if he had used a real firearm.

Tags: Airsoft weapons, Airsoft weapon, United States, Airsoft guns, real firearms

Types Of Paintball Hoppers

The paintball has to get into the gun or it's over.

If you enjoy sneaking around a playing field littered with obstacles and structures, looking for someone to shoot and enjoy the thrill of nailing an opponent with a shot that just might sting a little, paintball is for you. However, get a good gun with a hopper that won't jam, or you won't enjoy it at all. Paintball guns shoot half-inch-round balls filled with colored dye using compressed air. They come in both pistol and rifle configurations. The balls are fed into the gun from a hopper located either above or below the gun. Your ability to survive depends on your choice of hopper. It takes a few seconds to clear a jam, and that might be all the advantage your opponent needs to send you to the sidelines. According to the website Paintball Hoppers, there are three types of hoppers: gravity-fed, agitated and force-fed.

Cheap, Simple and Flawed

The most basic hopper is a simple gravity-fed hopper mounted on top of the paintball gun. Unfortunately, the paintballs can interfere with each other as they drop down into the gun, forcing the gunner to clear the jam. This is usually done by shaking the hopper. The hopper is made of plastic and may break as the plastic fatigues.

Moving the Little Balls with Paddles

Agitated hoppers tackle the jamming problem with small battery-operated paddles which move the paintballs around as they approach the opening. The paddles are powered by a small battery and work only when needed. Agitated hoppers still use gravity to move the paintballs into the gun.

Pushing the Balls by Force

Force-fed hoppers are expensive and use a variety of mechanical methods such as rotating cones or spring-driven tubes to push the paintballs into the gun. Since these hoppers don't use gravity to move the paintballs, they can be mounted under the paintball gun. A bottom-mounted hopper gives a significant tactical advantage. When a player stealthily raises his gun over a wall, he doesn't want the hopper, which can add a foot to the height of the gun, to appear before he gets the shot off.

Tags: move paintballs, Agitated hoppers, gravity move, gravity move paintballs, Paintball Hoppers

Laws For Purchase Of Air Pistols In New York State

Air pistols are non-lethal guns used primarily for sport.

According to the Brady Campaign to Stop Gun Violence, New York State has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the United States. In certain municipalities in New York State, these laws extend themselves to the purchase and possession of air pistols, which are not firearms, but non-lethal guns where a projectile is propelled by compressed air.

NY State General Air Pistol Laws

Unless a particular municipality specifically requires the owner to procure a firearm license for any type of firearm, the purchase and use of an air pistol does require the user to have a firearm license in New York State. The only statewide restrictions regarding air pistols are that the user may not be under the age of 16 and may not possess the air pistol on any school grounds, including universities.

Municipality Specific Laws

In the 5 boroughs of New York City and the City of Yonkers, the possession of an air pistol is illegal, unless the user obtains a firearm license from the local police department.

In the upstate cities of Buffalo and Rochester, a license for an air pistol is not needed. However, air pistols are required to be stored as if they were lethal firearms. Additionally, anyone carrying an air pistol automatically consents to impairment testing, should they encounter police.

Laws Regarding Air Pistol Dealers

There are no statewide laws regarding dealers of air pistols. However, in the five boroughs of New York City and the City of Yonkers, dealers are required to be licensed by the city police department and must follow regulations similar to those for lethal firearm dealers.

Tags: York State, firearm license, boroughs York, boroughs York City, City City, City City Yonkers

Celebrate Bunker Hill Day

Bunker Hill Day, on June 17, is a legal holiday in Boston and surrounding Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Elsewhere you'll have to use your own time to celebrate the battle that launched America's war for independence. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Visit the Bunker Hill Monument and the adjacent museum, which tells the story of the battle and the subsequent war. While you're in Boston, walk the 2 1/2-mile Freedom Trail, which winds through some of the major shrines of the nation's infancy.

2. Attend one of the stirringly realistic battle re-enactments staged in Boston and environs. And imagine what it must have been like to be a farmer, tradesman, housewife or schoolchild with fighting raging round you, day in and day out.

3. Read a detailed account of the battle, the events that led up to it, and the conflict that followed in Richard M. Ketchum's "Decisive Day: The Battle for Bunker Hill."

4. Honor the spirit of the colonists by helping to preserve a building, a battlefield or an art treasure from the Revolutionary era. Volunteer to help at special events, take on a full-time project, or simply send a donation to help with upkeep and expenses.

5. Contact the National Trust for Historic Preservation for ideas on ways you can help if you live far from the scene of the action.

Tags: Bunker Hill

Start An Outdoor Laser Tag Business

Outdoor laser tag is a fun, family-friendly, recreational activity that combines the best elements of indoor laser tag and paintball, making it an excellent alternative for those who enjoy the thrill of paintball, without the bruises. Using a laser tag system, outdoor laser tag can be played on any type of terrain, under almost any weather condition, making it a much cheaper investment than an indoor option. Additionally, you can easily set up a mobile system and take it to your clients for an additional fee.

Instructions

1. Contact your local county clerk or licensing department to learn the rules governing outdoor laser tag in your county. Learn of zoning requirements, perimeter markings and safety measures that you will need to implement on your property.

2. Secure a suitable, well-drained location for your laser tag field. While a complicated terrain with plenty of natural barriers such as trees or hills is ideal, it may not be feasible, particularly if such land is located outside of city limits. Another option is to implement your own barriers, such as inflatable barriers, tires, wagon wheels, faux rocks, plywood, bales of hay and large wire spindles. Keep in mind that since laser tag does not involve the projectiles involved in paintball, you can use just about any material to create a barrier.

3. Implement a theme, particularly if using man-made barriers. Spray paint your plywood to create structures similar to those found in video games such as Call of Duty or Halo.

4. Construct a pro shop in which to sell camouflage gear and face paint, little bags in which customers can store wallets, novelty items, bottled water and snacks. Install lockers that customers can rent. Construct a designated staging area, whether indoors or out, where teams can organize and plot strategy. Games can exceed four hours; consider constructing a cafe or grill.

5. Purchase a laser tag system designed for outdoor use, such as those manufactured by Battlefield Live or Steradian Technologies. Considerations for your equipment include the length of time that a gun will remain charged, compatibility with other systems, whether there is an anti-cheat switch, the range of the gun, configuration options and individual scoring. Start with about 20 guns. Once your business expands, you can invest in more. If you intend to offer mobile services, invest in a commercial truck and trailer.

6. Purchase liability insurance in the amounts required by your state. Create a liability waiver for participants or parents of participants to sign prior to engaging in activities. If necessary, consult with an attorney to help you draw up a waiver.

7. Hire employees to operate your shop and grill and then open your doors for business.

Tags: barriers such, implement your, laser system, that will

Adjust A Spray Paint Gun

Making adjustments to your spray paint gun is necessary when you want a smooth, even coat. You can make these adjustments easily by spending a few minutes testing different settings. Once you've learned spray the perfect amount of paint, you will be able to paint multiple surfaces using a variety of paint types.

Instructions

Adjust a Spray Paint Gun

1. Choose the rate of air pressure you want to use. The fluid adjustment knob should be turned in so little paint will escape. Use a thick piece of paper or wood plank to test the thickness of the paint. Test paint thickness outside to avoid getting paint on hard to clean surfaces. When you pull the trigger, only air should escape.

2. Turn the fluid adjustment knob once and pull the trigger again. Continue to adjust the fluid adjustment knob until you reach the paint consistency you want for your project. Make sure the spray paint gun is 6 to 8 inches away from the paper or wood plank. Use the spray paint gun as you would when painting to ensure the consistency is correct.

3. Find a surface that's at least 12 inches in length that can be painted. Test the spray paint gun to make sure the consistency is what you want. Make any final adjustments by turning the fluid adjustment knob.

4. Begin to paint. Depending on the type of paint you're using you may need to make adjustments to your spray paint gun while painting.

5. Allow paint to dry. Always clean your spray paint gun before storing it to ensure that it will work properly the next time you use it.

Tags: adjustment knob, fluid adjustment, fluid adjustment knob, your spray paint, spray paint

Hook Up Coil To Paintball Gun

Paintball is a strategic and action-filled game of cat and mouse. Paintball markers and equipment have meshed into the world of technology and evolved into customizable, personalized battle machines with almost endless options. From custom paint jobs to part upgrades, anything imaginable is now possible. One part upgrade that avid players tend to use is the coil extension for their CO2 tank. This allows players to carry their tank wherever they desire versus having to attach it to the back end of the gun.

Instructions

1. Remove the threaded bottom end of the vertical grip. The air hose that runs from the vertical grip to the rear of the paintball gun can be removed if the user so chooses. It is not a necessary step and the coil hose can still be installed into the gun with the vertical grip hose in place.

2. Wrap the male threaded end of the coil hose with Teflon tape and insert it into the female end of the vertical grip hose. Tighten the fitting on the hose with the appropriate wrench. Paintball guns use different size bolts and fasteners depending on the manufacturer.

3. Attach the CO2 tank to the female end of the coil hose. Be sure to wrap with Teflon tape the threads of the CO2 bottle. The tape will help to seal the threaded areas and prevent air leaks while the tank is under pressure.

4. Insert your CO2 tank wherever you please. The coil hose will allow the air supply to be secured in a jacket or pocket rather than on the back of the gun. This will make the gun easier to use and lighter to carry.

Tags: coil hose, vertical grip, grip hose, vertical grip hose, hose with

Build A Custom Wood & Leather Case For Guns

When a gentleman purchased a high-end handgun in the 1800s, it came in a handsome leather case for keeping. Usually the depression into which the gun fit was chiseled out of wood. But the guns lasted better than the cases; likely, if you've purchased an antique Navy Colt, the original case did not come with it. Or if you purchase a modern handgun, it has no case to begin with. With a few inexpensive materials found at any craft store, you can make a handsome presentation case for your gun.

Instructions

1. Decide how you wish to present your gun; will the case hold the gun by itself, or a few bullets as an accent? Or perhaps a name plate?

2. Purchase a hinged wooden box and foam pieces that suit your gun. Craft stores typically have numerous unfinished-wood boxes for staining and painting. Select a plain, square box and foam pieces large enough to fill the bottom of the box. The green oasis foam (sometimes called "funeral foam") will take an impression very well; Styrofoam is stiffer and harder to work with but more durable.

3. Cut the foam so that a perfect square or rectangle fits snugly inside the box.

4. Arrange the gun and any other pieces you want to present on the foam. Press the gun into the foam, about halfway, to create an impression of the gun. Press it only half way, so that half of the gun's profile sits above the foam.

If using Styrofoam, use a chisel to hollow out the impression (if you find that necessary).

5. Remove the foam from the box. Spray it on its topside and on its sides with spray-mount adhesive.

6. Lay the red flannel on top of the foam. Red flannel is the classic material for presentation; it is soft on the gun and makes a handsome presentation against gunmetal gray. "Finesse" the flannel with your finger tips, until it fills the impression for the gun and covers the flat top of the foam with minimal wrinkles. Smooth the material onto the sides. Trim excess flannel from the corners and bottom of the foam. You should now have a neat square into which your gun fits perfectly.

7. Lay the bottom of your box down on the rough, unfinished side of your leather piece. Smooth the leather onto the sides. Cut the leather with your shears, so that it covers the outside of the box exactly; it does not need to wrap into the inside of the box. Repeat for the lid of the box.

8. Spray the bottom of the box with spray mount. Wrap and press the leather onto the box to cover it exactly. Repeat for the top.

9. Hammer the brads onto either side of the box corners, about 1/4 to 3/8 inch from the corners, spaced about 1/4 inch. Alternatively, hammer brass corners onto your case with the brads.

10. Touch up the raw edges of the leather (on the corners) with a matching shoe polish. Touch up the exposed edges of the wood with the same shoe polish, or a closely matching wood stain.

11. Spray the inside bottom of your case with spray mount. Push your foam/flannel piece into the box. Your presentation case is ready.

Tags: about inch, bottom your, case with, foam flannel, foam pieces, from corners, handsome presentation

Cod 4 Cheats For Wii

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Reflex" is the Nintendo Wii's version of the newest game in the COD series. This game was a much anticipated released in November of 2009. Call of Duty is a first-person shooter known for bringing new ideas to the genre. The available cheats for this game will give you a leg up over the computer controlled competition and also add visual effects during gameplay.

Unlockable Cheats

Items called Intel pieces are spread out within "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Reflex." Finding them will give you the ability to give yourself an advantage during the single player campaign mode. In order for these codes to work, you must defeat the campaign mode once, and then enable cheats through the options menu. Also, if your character dies at any point while playing you must reactivate any codes that you have turned on. The following cheats can be found by finding the corresponding Intel piece.

CoD Noir Intel piece 02

Finding this Intel piece will change the color scheme of the game to that of the film noir movie genre.

Photo-Negative Intel piece 04

This cheat will change the color scheme of gameplay to that of a negative development of a photograph.

Super Contrast Intel piece 06

Activating this cheat will cause the game to have brighter onscreen colors.

Paintball Intel piece 08

The paintball affect will give your bullets the image of paintball shells hitting the opponents. You can tell exactly where your bullets land with each shot.

Cluster Bombs Intel piece 10

Cluster bombs are very effective for taking out numbers of enemies at once. You can use these to clear out small areas or enemies who are grouped together behind cover.

Slow-Mo Ability Intel piece 20

This cheat makes all your opponents move at a slower speed. You will easily be able to pick them off and dodge their attacks.

Infinite Ammo Intel piece 30

When using this cheat, you will be able to shoot to your heart's content. You will never run out of ammunition for any type of weapon that you are carrying.

Golden Guns Unlockables

As you play through "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Reflex," you will be able to complete certain challenges. Finishing these challenges will unlock golden skins for various weapons throughout the game. Now these weapons do not have any added boosts or power, but are still nice looking to use while playing.

Golden AK-47 Complete all assault rifle challenges

Golden Dragunov Complete all sniper challenges

Golden Mini-Uzi Complete all SMG challenges

Golden M1014 Complete all shotgun challenges

Golden M60E4 Complete all LMG challenges

Golden Desert Eagle Reach commander level 55

Tags: Intel piece, challenges Golden, Call Duty, Call Duty Modern, cheat will, Duty Modern, Duty Modern Warfare

Assemble A Paintball Gun

Paintball is an "extreme sport" comparable to the game of tag. To play, participants attempt to shoot each other with small, colored-filled gel pellets fired from a paintball gun, or marker. It is a fast-paced game requiring agility, stamina and a good aim. Most new paintball guns come unassembled and require attaching the barrel, hopper and CO2 tank to the gun body prior to use. While assembly is not difficult, it must be done right so the gun functions properly.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Read the safety section in your owner manual carefully for any safety instructions that may be specific to your gun and make sure that the gun is in safety mode. Locate the trigger safety button directly above the trigger. Most safety buttons work by pushing them in but yours may be different.

2. Attach the barrel to the gun body, which includes the handle, trigger and a one-piece top unit. All pieces attach by screwing them into place. The barrel screws into the front of the marker body and extends out over it. Your barrel may come all in one piece or it may come in three separate pieces.

For a one-piece barrel, screw the barrel directly into the front of the marker body. For a three-piece barrel, screw the barrel tip into the barrel and then screw the barrel directly into the front of the marker body. Insert the barrel plug into the mouth of the barrel.

3. Attach the hopper (loader) to the top of the barrel. Some gun manufacturers call this piece the paintball reservoir. The hopper, or reservoir, slides into a feed tube on top of the barrel and screws into place. Loosen the screws around the mouth of the feed tube with a hexagon screwdriver. Push the hopper into the feed tube and rotate to tighten. Replace the screws and tighten.

4. Attach the CO2 tank to the underside of the barrel. The CO2 tank sends pressure to the gun and allows for the high velocity movement of the paintball. Slide the rubber O-ring up to the first indent at the end of the CO2 tank. Make sure that it fits in tightly as the O-ring is what prevents leakage of CO2 into the gun.Twist the CO2 tank into place on the bottom of the gun handle.

Tags: feed tube, front marker, front marker body, into front, into front marker, into place