Build A Skeet & Trap Range

Build a Skeet & Trap Range

A skeet and trap range can offer a great deal of enjoyment while building your sporting skills. While you can always drop money at an established range, if you are a shooting enthusiast, your own skeet and trap range may be a better solution. With a little planning, you can custom design a range that offers exactly the type of shotgunning challenges you desire. Some minor building may be involved if you want to make the range as close to shooting regulations as possible; however, if you do the job right, there will be practically no difference between your skeet range and the ones the pros shoot at competition.

Instructions

1. Locate a flat piece of land that offers at least 40 yards of clear space. Draw a line across this area for the full 40 yards that will serve as the front end of the skeet and trap range. Make sure shooting beyond this line is safe, as this is the direction the shotgun pellets will go when the range is being used.

2. Build one small "house" at the extreme right end of the firing line. This can be nothing more complicated than a small ply board decking about a foot off the ground. This will be the "low house" where one of the remote clay pigeon throwers is installed.

3. Construct the low house by digging four post holes 4 feet apart, creating a simple square outline. Place 4x4 beams in each of the holes and solidify their hold by pouring in quick drying cement. Once the beams are properly set, saw them off at about a foot from the ground. Nail the ply board panel on top of these beams to provide a platform for the clay pigeon thrower.

4. Build another taller house on the extreme left end of the firing line. This house should be tall enough to place a clay pigeon thrower about 8 1/2 feet from the ground. This will be the "high house" throwing position.

5. Construct the high house the same way you did the low house. The only difference, of course, is that you let the beams extend further up before placing the ply board platform on top. Also, for greater stability, you may want to add cross ties between each of the beams to form a primitive flooring system.

6. Mark the eight shooting positions with a small patch of gravel. The stations will be located beginning at the high house, then move in an outer arc so that they create the appearance of half of a clock dial. The positions should be evenly spaced to make seven spots by the time you mark the spot directly adjacent to the low house. The eight spot will be at the center line from positions one and seven on a direct line between the two houses.

7. Place each of the clay pigeon throwers so that the clay pigeons will leave the houses at an outward angle of about 10 degrees, placing the targets on the safe side of the firing line.

8. Place another small house just forward of the firing line with a clay pigeon thrower turned so that the targets will fly away from the shooters' side of the range. This will provide the means to shoot trap from the same positions as well.

Tags: clay pigeon, firing line, clay pigeon thrower, high house, pigeon thrower, skeet trap range

Homemade Red Dot Sight

A homemade version of a gun sight can be made using items that you can find around the house.

A red dot sight on your gun helps you aim your shots by allowing you to focus your eye on a highly visible mark that you can center on your target. A manufactured red dot sight can be expensive, so why not save yourself the money and make one yourself? You will only need a few very common household materials and a few minutes. You can use the sight on anything from air pistols to paint ball guns in order to improve your shooting efficiency.

Instructions

1. Cover one end of an empty toilet paper roll with cling film.

2. Wrap a rubber band around the tube to hold the cling film tight against the end of the tube.

3. Draw a tiny red dot with permanent marker in the center of the cling film that is stretched over the opening of the roll.

4. Hold the uncovered end of the roll in front of your eye and look through the plastic. You should be able to tell whether the dot is centered on the cling film. Redo the film and dot if not.

5. Cover the entire body of the tube with tape. Start at the top of the roll where the film is and work down to the opposite end.

6. Wrap a piece of black material around the tube and tape it in place.

7. Attach the sight to your gun with the seam of the material facing down. Use fabric hook-and-loop fasteners or tape.

Tags: cling film, around tube, sight your

Places To Have Fun With Toddlers In California

The beach is one place to have fun with a toddler in California.

From movie stars to historic landmarks to glamorous beaches, there are plenty of attractions for adults in California. Yet there are many fun activities for toddlers in the Golden State, too. A day spent at one of its many beaches, children's museums, amusement parks or zoos are a few ways to have fun with your little one in California.

Beaches

Spend a day on the California seashore with your toddler. Here your toddler can find many ways to have fun, whether it's playing in the sand, picking up seashells or splashing in the water washing up on shore. Many California beaches also have parks set up for youngsters, including Mother's Beach in Marina Park of Long Beach. Here children can explore a park that includes an interactive whale, which shoots water from its spout at the push of a button.

Children's Museums

Entertain your child while helping her learn new things at a California children's museum. There are a number of these museums made just for kids located throughout the state, including the La Habra Children's Museum (lahabracity.com) in La Habra. Inside youngsters can play with multiple hands-on exhibits, including a train caboose from 1942, a dress-up room and a bus room where children can pretend to be a driver. There is also a carousel that runs every half-hour and a train room with a toy locomotive that fills the entire room.

Zoos and Aquariums

According to Zoo Directory, there are more than 40 zoos and aquariums in California -- many of which are a place to have fun with toddlers. Here, youngsters can watch many kinds of wildlife of the land and sea. For example, the San Diego Zoo (sandiegozoo.org) offers exhibits including giant pandas, a koala colony and a Polar Bear Plunge exhibit. Toddlers can also have some fun at this zoo's Children's Zoo, where they can get up-close to and pet a variety of animals.

Amusement Parks

California is full of amusement parks, many of which offer more than just twisted roller coasters and thrills; they also provide activities and areas made just for toddlers. For example, Legoland (california.legoland.com) in Carlsbad offers the Duplo Village, which was created for toddlers. Youngsters can take a calm boat ride on the Fairy Tale Brook or watch an interactive show at the Playtown Theater, among many other activities.

Tags: also have, amusement parks, exhibits including, have with, made just

Speedball & Paintball Rules

Paintballs

Paintball has been gaining in popularity since it was invented. This sport involves shooting paintballs, which are small balls filled with a water based paint, at the opposing players or team. When someone gets hit, he is out of the game. This game is commonly played in backyards and at commercial paintball fields. While rules may vary from place to place, there are basics that most always be followed.

Paintball Safety

Every public paintball and speedball field has strict rules about paintball safety. A barrel plug is required when paintball guns are not in use. A barrel plug fits into the end of the barrel and prevents paintballs from being shot. When paintball players get on the paintball field, they must always put on a paintball mask. Paintball masks have face and ear protection. They also have plastic goggles that are designed to withstand the force of paintballs. A final important rule at many paintball fields is to avoid shooting other players at close distances. Shooting someone at a range of less than 10 feet can cause bruises and even bleeding.

Listen to the Referee

Many public paintball fields and speedball fields have referees that help regulate the game. Players must always listen to the referee and never shoot them. Purposely shooting the referee will commonly result in the removal of the player from the field. Referees help determine which players have been shot, ensure that proper safety regulations are followed and start and stop the game.

Paintball Equipment

Paintball fields do not allow the use of full-auto modes on paintball guns. These modes allow the gun user to shoot excess amounts of paint at the other team. Also, paintball guns must be chronographed prior to being used. A chronograph determines the speed that the paintball is shot out of the gun. Typically, paintball guns must shoot paintballs at a speed less than 300 feet per second.

Speedball

Speedball, like other types of paintball games, has specific rules. In this type of game, each team must eliminate all the players on the other team by shooting them with paintballs. Players cannot move any of the obstacles that are on the field and must stay within the bounds of the course. A paintball player can carry additional paintballs on his body but is not allowed to leave the course to restock or fix his gun. If a player runs out of paintballs or his gun jams, he is allowed to continue playing as a decoy. Players are also allowed to move to any part of the field, even the opposite side where the other team started.

Tags: paintball guns, other team, paintball fields, barrel plug, guns must, less than, less than feet

Upgrade A Well R7 Airsoft Gun

The airsoft-brand Well R7 is a replica of an M4 assault rifle, although no gunpowder is used to shoot its projectiles. The construction of the R7 allows for replacing external components without having to take the rifle apart -- saving time and avoiding the risk of damage. You can upgrade the capabilities of the R7 by replacing the sighting scope with an adjustable laser scope that will indicate the "kill" zone with a beam of laser light. The scope can be acquired from a hobby shop and does not require any tools in order to be added to the R7.

Instructions

1. Remove the magazine clip from the bottom of the R7, first having pressed down on the magazine clip release lever to the side of the clip. Pull the cocking action plate at the top of the rifle back to release any ammo that might be in the firing chamber. Remove the ammo, if there is any, from the rifle.

2. Grip the set screws on one side of the sighting scope with the jaws of pliers. Twist the set screws counterclockwise to loosen them. Unscrew the screws with your fingers. Slide the slighting scope off the front of the barrel.

3. Open the battery compartment lid on the adjustable laser scope. Insert fresh batteries so that the contacts line up with the text labeled on the inside of the compartment. Close the lid.

4. Loosen the set screws on the side of the adjustable laser scope. Slide the laser scope on the front of the rifle so that it occupies the position that the original scope did. Tighten the screws with your fingers. Further tighten the screws with the pliers.

5. Go outside. Aim the rifle at a tree or bush that is at least 10 feet or more away from you. Hold the rifle up to your eyes and look through the scope. Press the button on the scope to illuminate your "target" with the laser dot. Twist the knobs on the scope to align the cross hairs that you are looking through with the dot so that the dot is in the center ("bull's-eye") of the cross hairs. Turn the laser off. Return the magazine clip to the bottom of the R7.

Tags: laser scope, adjustable laser, adjustable laser scope, magazine clip, screws with, cross hairs

Military Rifle Part Specifications

The M-16 is a commonly used rifle in the military.

The United States military utilizes a diverse array of weaponry, but the M-16 is the most commonly used assault rifle and is recognized by soldier and civilian alike. The popularity of the M-16 is not unwarranted. It is a quality firearm that boasts intelligent design, as well as excellent engineering. While there are several different M-16s in use today, the M-16A4 is the most recent.

Barrel

The M-16A4 barrel is made of 4140 steel and is chambered to fit 5.56 mm NATO rounds although it will fire .223 mm rounds as well. Its muzzle velocity is 3,110 feet per second. The overall length of the barrel is 508 mm and comprises almost half of the total length of the gun, which is 1,000 mm overall.

Action

The M-16A4 uses a gas-operated rotating bolt action to fire. The M-16 gas block is manufactured from 6061 T6 aluminum and incorporates the 1913 picatinny rail on top. The M-16A4 fires between 700 and 950 rounds per minute. The receiver is composed of the "upper" and "lower" receiver and is made of aluminum. A "rotating bolt" action is the firing mechanism which rotates and locks into place upon contact with the breach.

Sights

The front sight is held in place by a Tri-Point clamping mechanism. The rear sight is held in place the same way and has two range settings for targets 250 and 300 m away.

Magazine

The M-16A4 is fed using a box magazine. Its standard clip size is 30 rounds, but it is compatible with 10- and 40-round box magazines. The 100- and 120-round drum magazines can be attached to the M-16A4, but these are more commonly found on the civilian market than in the armories of the United States military.

Changes From the A2

Internally, the M-16A4 is identical to the M-16A2. The primary difference between the two rifles is the removable carrying handle that comes with the A4. Otherwise, specifications such as muzzle velocity, clip size and adjustable sights are all the same.

Tags: bolt action, clip size, commonly used, held place, muzzle velocity, rotating bolt, rotating bolt action

Major Family Attractions In Savannah Ga

Savannah, Georgia is a wonderful place for the family to visit and enjoy. Filled with historic architecture, museums, parks and fantasic places, Savannah provides families with so many fantastic activities and experiences, they won't want to leave. Savannah is a thriving city of business and culture, surrounded by natural beauty of forests, open country and water.

Fun Zone

The Fun Zone Amusement and Sports Park is a great place that all the family can enjoy together, anytime of the year. Activities include paintballing, go-karting, mini golf, arcade, kiddy land and parties. Enjoy a family lunch at the Sports Park eatery before having a fun game of mini-golf. Admission is free but a day of unlimited go-kart rides and mini golf games costs $20. Kiddy land is an area provided for children who are too small to play on golf carts and instead can play on the firepoles, slides and tunnels. The fun arcade has over 80 games to play, including the Wii and XBox 360 and loads of prizes to win.

Skidaway Island

The Skidaway Island State Park is 588 acres of natural beauty and gentle wildlife. Families can spend a long weekend camping or simply spend the day enjoying the surroundings together. Take a family walk through the Maritime Forest Trail and watch out for fiddler crabs, deer and raccoons. Spend time splashing around in the park's large swimming pool, when the pool is open during the summer months, before heading to a scenic area for a family picnic. For individuals who visit the Skidaway Island State Park and who are not camping, the park hours are 7am to 10pm, everyday of the week. It's natural fun for all the family.

Dolphin Magic Tour

The Dolphin Magic Tour is a fantastic opportunity for all the family to witness several playful wild bottlenose dolphins racing beside the boat. This tour is not just about witnessing the natural beauty of the dolphins but it is also a wonderful sightseeing tour. The boat cruises past Fort Jackson, Fort Pulaski and along the Savannah's historic riverfront, with the first mate and captain narrating throughout. Each trip lasts an average of two hours and costs $27.10 for adults and $13.55 for children, with under 2-year-olds free, in 2010 prices. The Dolphin Magic's main website offers visitors the chance of special offers and provides printable coupons to use against the tour price.

Tags: Dolphin Magic, natural beauty, Skidaway Island, Dolphin Magic Tour, Island State, Island State Park, Magic Tour

Throw A 13th Birthday Party

Throw a 13th Birthday Party

Reaching the age of 13 is an important milestone because it signals the beginning of the teenage years. Marking this event with a birthday party can provide the backdrop for a memorable moment for the new teenager. Throwing a 13th birthday party can seem overwhelming if you're not prepared to face the variety of party planning decisions. Ensure that the 13th birthday party you throw is remembered for all the right reasons. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Keep the scale of the party in mind. Remember that the party is for a 13-year-old and not a 16-year-old. Although the party should be special, it shouldn't be so awesome that other special parties can't compete with it. Leave something for the teen to look forward to without compromising current party plans. For example, scale back intentions to invite celebrity guest performers or to travel to distant destinations.

2. Set ground rules prior to the party. This is true for both same-sex and mixed birthday parties. A spontaneous game of spin-the-bottle shouldn't be your only concern when throwing a 13th birthday party. Establishing a guest limit and a party end time asserts your authority and promotes compliance. A 13th birthday party should end well before midnight unless it's a sleepover. Since teenagers may attempt to impress others with inflated party details, it's important to assert your guidance before the party budget is entirely disregarded.

3. Survey the entertainment. Listen to all musical suggestions prior to the party to avoid being shocked at the lyrical content later. Consider compiling acceptable songs into an mp3 player or onto a CD prior to the party. If the party will feature live music or a disc jockey, be sure to communicate what constitutes an acceptable song selection. Examine the ratings of all video games and movies to ensure acceptable levels of violence and sexual content aren't compromised.

4. Limit your party time interactions. Although you may be an extremely "cool" party host, this isn't the time to show off your dance moves or singing ability. Monitor the party from a distance to give the party guests a chance to enjoy themselves. Since teenagers are notoriously sensitive about their social status, the party atmosphere can suffer from an overbearing albeit well intentioned host. Occupy your time in another room and intervene if rules are being broken or if the party isn't "flowing."

5. Extend the boundaries outside the house. A multi-location birthday party can give guests the freedom teenagers crave. This is also a way to instill responsibility and assess public behaviors. A planned visit to an arcade or a paintball course can be an interesting way for guys to unwind, while a pampered outing at a day spa or nail salon can be a way for girls to connect. Ensure that a responsible chaperon is present to prevent unruly celebration.

Tags: 13th birthday, birthday party, birthday party, prior party, 13th birthday party

Resorts In Pennsylvania For Kids

All roads lead to fun in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is a big state and big family fun can be found here. A variety of family resorts offer an abundance of options, such as indoor water parks, skiing, rock climbing and more. If you've never thought of Pennsylvania as a great vacation place, you may want to check out these resorts.

Poconos Great Wolf Resort

Great Wolf Lodge in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania has unique suites that can accommodate up to 8 guests. Several options are available depending upon your family size and the amenities you choose. The suites start with the budget-friendly Queen Sofa Suite, which can house 4 people comfortably. Suites range in price and space up to the Grizzly Bear Suite, which offers occupancy for 8, including 2 private bedrooms. All Suites are non-smoking. Amenities available include park passes, ironing equipment, coffee makers, hair dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, and wet bars. Some Suites have fireplaces, others have bunk beds for the kids along with video games. The big draw here is the indoor waterpark, which features splash pools, raft rides and all the adventure you would expect from a full-fledged waterpark. They also have a full arcade and spa services, as well as several dining options.

Great Wolf Lodge

Pocono Mountains, PA

1 Great Wolf Drive

Scotrun PA 18355

800-768-9653

http://www.greatwolf.com/poconos/waterpark

Hershey Resorts

Hershey Resorts include The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Highmeadow campground. Guests at any of these resorts will receive perks that include discounted tickets to Hersheypark, complimentary shuttle service and special kids activities, including family bingo, crafts, movies and miniature golf. Parents can enjoy the Chocolate Spa at both The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge. The Hotel Hershey offers year-round ice-skating while Hershey Lodge has a miniature golf course. All properties have pools on premises, with the Hotel and Lodge featuring indoor and outdoor pools. The Highmeadow campground has seasonal outdoor pools.

Tho Hotel Hershey

100 Hotel Road

Hershey PA 17033

714-533-2171

Hershey Lodge

325 University Dr.

Hershey PA 17033

717-533-3311

Hershey Highmeadows Campground

1200 Matlack Road

Hummelstown PA 17036

717-534-8999

http://www.hersheypa.com/plan_a_trip/where_to_stay.php

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

This AAA Five-Diamond resort is located in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. Accommodations range from basic rooms to luxury homes that include 2 master suites and 5 guest bedrooms. Various amenities are provided, depending upon the room option you choose. Up to 2 pets can stay with families for a fee. Winter activities include snowboarding, skiing, tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing & dog sledding. The Adventure center offers disc golf, mountain biking, paintball, climbing wall, zip line, tennis and golf. The resort is also home to a Wildlife Academy where you can visit sloths, lions, zebras and more via a safari tour or on a walking trail ride. Pony rides, swimming pools, fly fishing and a shooting academy are also available on site. A full-service spa and several dining options are offered as well.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

1001 Lafayette Dr.

Farmington PA 15437

724-329-8555

www.nemacolin.com

Tags: Great Wolf, Hershey Lodge, Hotel Hershey, depending upon, dining options, Great Wolf Lodge, Hershey 17033

Faribault Minnesota Public Campgrounds

Faribault, MN offers memorable camping experiences

Faribault offers a mix of activities for campers. Visitors can take a hike at Riverbend Nature Center, ski or ride a horse down the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail and paddle or fish on the many area lakes. There are three golf courses, a BMX track and a paintball facility in town. Faribault also hosts the Faribault Area Airfest and Balloon Rally and the Tree Frog Music Festival. Nerstrand State Park and Sakatah Lake State Park are a short drive away.

Roberds Lake Resort and Campground

Roberds Lake Resort and Campground guests can do all of the usual lake and campground activities, but the facility offers several features targeted to anglers. Fishing boat and pontoon rentals are available and a fish-cleaning house is on-site. The campground owners also provide lake maps and fishing tips.

Guests can find firewood, groceries, a breakfast and lunch counter, snacks and souvenirs at the lodge. The campground has 49 RV sites with electric, water, sewer and cable TV hookups. Eleven sites offer just electric and water hookups. Eleven furnished cabins area available for rent. There are no designated tent sites. Daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal rates are available. Pets are allowed in the camping area only.

Roberds Lake Resort and Campground

18197 Roberds Lake Blvd.

Faribault, MN 55021

(800) 879-5091

roberdslakeresort.com

Camp Faribo Campground and Seasonal RV Park

Camp Faribo Campground and Seasonal RV Park has daily activities and special theme nights, including movie night and sundaes on Sundays. Visitors can enjoy an outdoor pool, game room, and basketball and volleyball courts. Visitors can also rent bikes or kayaks for use on the 10 lakes within a 15-minute drive. The campground has 71 campsites for either tents or RVs. Most sites have electric, water and sewer. Guests will find hot showers, restrooms, a laundromat and an RV dump station. Other on-site services include groceries, snacks, firewood, propane and RV supplies.

Camp Faribo Campground and Seasonal RV Park

21851 Bagley Ave.

Faribault, MN 55021

(507) 332-8453

campfaribo.com

Winjum's Shady Acres Resort and Campground

Winjum's Shady Acres Resort and Campground caters to those who don't always want to rough it. A bar/restaurant with a full menu is on-site for when visitors have had too many campfire hot dogs. The campground is located on Roberds Lake, and pontoon and fishing boats are available for rent. The resort has eight docks for boats and fishing. RV sites include electric, water and sewer. Tent camping is permitted adjacent to the RV sites. There are no separate facilities. Furnished cabins are also available. Toilet and shower facilities are available. Pets are allowed for an extra fee. The campground also offers firewood, propane, gas, beer, ice and other supplies.

Winjum's Shady Acres Resort and Campground

17759 W. 177th St.

Faribault, MN 55021

(866) 334-6661

winjumsshadyacres.com

Tags: Resort Campground, Roberds Lake, electric water, Acres Resort, Acres Resort Campground

Punctuation Games On Parentheses For Kids

Students practice punctuation by playing online interactive parentheses games.

Parentheses are often confusing for children, for their purpose is to enclose supplementary material, such as explanations, afterthoughts or clauses, independent of the sentence. Understanding how parentheses usages work within the framework of sentence structure and among other forms of punctuation is often positively and easily expressed to children through activities and games.

"Gizmo Parentheses Quest"

"Gizmo Parentheses Quest," found at YoYo Games online, is an entertaining and educational free parentheses game for kids. Use the arrow keys to move the Gizmo character within the field. The object of the game is to practice placing parentheses in correct areas. Follow the prompts as the game progresses, carefully placing parentheses where they belong. Two full parentheses placed correctly are required before a player may advance to the next level.

Parentheses Hangman

Enjoy playing Hangman with a twist. Draw a hangman on a board. Prepare a hangman sentence that only you see including two children's name from the class to make it more personal, such as, "Did Kelly enjoy the cupcakes (the ones Steven brought last Friday)?" Insert one name inside of the parentheses and one outside of them to enhance the entertainment. Write the sentence on the board beneath the hangman, leaving out the student's name inside of the parentheses, as well as the entire section within the parentheses. An example from the earlier complete sentence would read: "Did ____ enjoy the cupcakes (____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ )?" Instead of choosing letters in Parentheses Hangman, students will choose words. Write words in a word bank on the right side of the board for children to choose the words from. Choosing the student's name inside of the parentheses will be a clue. Write more words than needed to make the game challenging. Use some spelling words in the word bank to overlap spelling review with the game.

Punctuation Paintball

Separate the class into two teams. Pass out preprinted sentences missing some punctuation and parentheses. Call one student from each team to the front of the classroom to write their sentences out correctly on the board. Score will be kept on one large poster board, divided in half with one team depicted on each side. Each team is represented by a color. You hold two bingo daubers, one of each of those colors, in your hand at the beginning of the game. The bingo daubers represent paintball paint, used to keep score within the game on the poster board. If a team member writes out a sentence with all punctuation correct, he gets to grab the bingo dauber and splat it on the other team's side of the poster, thus "hitting" them with the paintball in the color of the team that won the point. The team with the least paint on its side of the poster wins.

Parentheses Puzzle Partners

Instruct students to write a sentence in large letters on paper, including an afterthought between parentheses in preparation for this entertaining mix and match game. Ask students to then cut their sentences apart, cutting the parentheses area out of the sentence. When the game begins, students will leave all sentence portions on their desks except for the area inside of parentheses, for other students to match their parentheses sections with. When students are ready, set a timer (you choose how long). When the game begins, students carry their parentheses sections only and race through the classroom in a quest to find a sentence to find a partner sentence with their parentheses. Sentences don't have to make perfect sense. Silly sentences make the game more fun. When the timer goes off, students stop where they stand and read the sentences in their hands.

Tags: ____ ____, ____ ____ ____, inside parentheses, name inside, name inside parentheses, their parentheses

Make Wooden Gun Racks

Making wooden gun racks is relatively easy.

Wooden gun racks allow a gun enthusiast to display his favorite rifle or shotgun collection and can add a rustic touch to a room's d cor. You can easily make a wooden gun rack customized to your taste by choosing from a variety of woods and designing it to fit the room's theme.

Instructions

1. Develop a plan for a gun rack. Consider how many guns the rack should hold and the type of pattern you prefer for the rifle slots. The layout can be designed in many ways. However, the right side slots should be 1-inch higher than the left side in order for the rifle barrels to rest level.

2. Cut out the side panels according to the design chosen using a band saw, coping saw or rotary saw. Sand the rack to ensure a smooth surface.

3. Attach the side panels to the three 1-inch by 2-inch by 22 ½-inch braces using wood screws on each end. The braces should be at the top, center and bottom of the side panels to provide appropriate support. Attach the 1/8-inch by 2-foot by 4-foot backboard and nail it into place with brads.

4. Finish the rack by painting or staining to your preference. The rack is ready to hang by fastening to the wall using a couple of the braces.

Tags: side panels

Birthday Places For Kids In Aurora Illinois

Birthdays are a time to celebrate.

Aurora, Illinois, has several great locations to choose from for your next birthday celebration. A great choice of activities and themes, from educational to roller skating is available for children of all ages. With so many choices, parents can find something that will be a hit with the kids and fit their budget. Does this Spark an idea?

Hands-On Activities

Blackberry Farm (blackberryfarm.com) is a living-history museum that offers old-fashioned celebrations. Situated on 54 acres, the farm has five museums, hands-on exhibits, a carousel and hayrides. Party choices include a tea party, train ride or pony ride.

SciTech (scitech.mus.il.us.com) is another hands-on option, with over 200 exhibits, and activities. Parties are 1 1/2 hours long and include pizza, cake and beverage, a hands-on demonstration and a gift certificate to the gift shop for the birthday child.

At Build a Bear Workshop (buildabear.com), children can choose from 30 animals to stuff and make their own. Online printable invitations and thank-you notes are available, but you provide cake and beverages. Opening of gifts is not allowed in the store.

A Place for Younger Children

Airtastic Play Land (airtastic.com) hosts parties that last two hours. The indoor facility houses 10 pieces of inflatable play equipment for bouncing and jumping fun. You can choose from a snack or pizza party.

My Gym (my-gym.com/aurora) makes the entire facility available and includes cake, puppets, games, songs and rides. Staff members assist with all aspects of the party from invitations to cleanup.

Party Places With Sporting Activities

If you celebrate at the Sports Zone (sportszonepark.com), you can enjoy go-karts, mini golf, a driving range, indoor baseball and soccer, and batting cages.

Parkside Lanes (parksidelanes.com) lets you choose from two types of bowling parties. Both offer 1 1/2 hours of bowling and either a pizza or hot-dog-and-chips meal. Cake and ice cream are not included. The birthday child is given a keepsake bowling pin that can be signed by guests.

At Aurora Roller Skate Center (skateaurora.com) you can choose from three parties serving pizza, hot dogs and chips or a soda and ice cream. Cake is not included. The party room is available for 40 minutes with three hours of skating included.

Swimming Parties

If a pool party sounds fun, Phillips Park Aquatic Center or Splash Country may be the place for your next party. Phillips Park (no website;828 Montgomery Rd., Aurora; 630- 851-8686) offers a picnic and volleyball area, a zero-depth pool ( a pool that you walk into and the water gradually gets deeper), slides and fountains. Splash Country (no website;195 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora; 630-906-7981) also offers a zero-depth pool and features the second-largest man-made "lazy river" in the state for floating inner tubes, tube water slides and bubbling rapids. An option for the younger group is a separate enclosed area for swimming and playing.

Paintball and Laser Tag

At Chasers (chaserstag.com) you will have two pizza-party packages to choose from. Chasers offers laser tag, paintball and arcade games.

Laser Tag and pizza are also available at Luigi's Pizza and Fun Center (luigispizzaandfuncenter.com), where you can choose from 10 party packages.

There are over 60 acres of play area for laser tag or paintball at Fox River Games (foxpaintball.com), where you can book a private outing for ages 10 and over.

Tags: choose from, Aurora Illinois, birthday child, laser paintball, Phillips Park, Splash Country, your next

Make A Nerf Gun Shoot Faster

Nerf-brand guns shoot foam darts when the trigger is pressed. You can make a Nerf-brand gun shoot faster by removing the restrictor rods inside of the barrel chambers holding the darts. The procedure is straightforward and similar to all Nerf-brand guns, with minor exceptions. It can be done in a few minutes once the Nerf-brand gun has been partially disassembled. You will need a few tools commonly found around the house but no special skills or expertise in "gunsmithing."

Instructions

1. Place the Nerf-brand gun on a table with the barrel facing to the right. Remove the screws from the top left edge, the middle top edge and the front top edge with the Phillips screwdriver

2. Remove the screws from the bottom middle and front edge below the barrel assembly with the Phillips screwdriver.

3. Remove the screws from around the trigger guard and the gun handle with the Phillips screwdriver. Remove the screw from the top of the Nerf-brand gun just in front of the hammer with the Phillips screwdriver.

4. Carefully pull off the cover plate of the Nerf-brand gun with your fingers. Place the cover plate aside.

5. Slide the orange tab lying against the left side of the barrel toward the left with your finger. Pull the barrel out of the barrel assembly before releasing the orange tab.

6. Push in on the black spindle in one end of the barrel. Grab the spring rod that is now exiting the other end of the barrel with the claw of the claw hammer. Twist the claw to pull the clip off the end of the spring rod.

7. Grab hold of the spring rod. Pull the spring rod out of the barrel with your fingers.

8. Remove the three screws from the back end of the barrel where the black spindle is with the Phillips screwdriver. Remove the screw plate. Turn the barrel upside down. Let the restrictor rod assembly slide out from inside of the barrel.

9. Remove an air restrictor rod from the restrictor rod assembly with your fingers. Pull the spring off the restrictor rod. Pull the black plug off the restrictor rod.

10. Cut the rod of the air restrictor rod off at the base with the wire cutters. Place the base back into the restrictor rod assembly in the position that it was originally occupying.

11. Repeat this procedure with all of the air restrictor rods. Dispose of the cut rods, the plugs and the springs in the trash.

12. Place the barrel back over the restrictor rod assembly. Place the screw plate back onto the barrel. Reattach the screws.

13. Push the spring rod back into the barrel until it clicks into position. Place the clip back onto the end of the spring rod. Gently tap the clip down with the claw hammer.

14. Slide the orange tab on the Nerf-brand gun towards the left with your finger. Place the barrel back into the barrel assembly. Release the orange tab.

15. Place the cover plate back onto the Nerf-brand gun. Reattach the screws.

Tags: Phillips screwdriver, with Phillips, with Phillips screwdriver, with your, Phillips screwdriver Remove

Recommended Paintball Attire

Loose-fitting camouflage is recommended for paintball.

A game of paintball can take its toll on the body, with bruises and welts being common battle scars. Proper gear and attire are necessary to either eliminate or minimize painful wounds, and can also serve as an integral part of the strategy for outfoxing your opponent.

Cover Your Skin

Long sleeves should be worn whether paintballing indoors or out, even in the heat of the summer. The force of the paintball when expelled from the gun is so great that it can break the skin if you get hit, which is why you don't want to wear shorts when playing this game; keep your hands covered as well. The only part of your body that can remain exposed is your fingers, as the grip of your skin gives the best trigger pull. Fingerless gloves are often recommended.

Layer Up

The heavier your clothing, the less chance of bruising if a paintball hits you. Several layers are recommended more than wearing just one layer of thick clothes because you can remove a layer if the bulkiness becomes cumbersome, and if you find you are wearing too much. Any layers you choose to wear need to be loose fitting for both comfort and ease of movement.

Footwear

If you are playing outdoors, a pair of sturdy hiking-type boots is recommended. They need to have excellent traction, in case you are caught in mud or climbing hills. If you are indoors, hiking boots are not necessary, but you need to wear something with ankle support. Some people choose to wear football cleats, but you can also purchase cleats specially made for this sport in some paintball stores. Remember to wear thick socks under whatever shoes or boots you choose.

Head Gear

A baseball-type mask is recommended to protect your face from the impact of the paintball. A backward baseball cap can be worn to keep the mask in place and protect the back of your neck. Knit caps can also be worn, as well as masks with two panes of fog-free acrylic glass or heavy-duty plastic for protection.

Camouflage

If you are playing outdoors in the woods, you want to blend in to your surroundings to hide from your enemy like a hunter or soldier would, so camouflage prints are often worn. You can also purchase vests to protect your chest with camouflage prints. If you do not have camouflage and do not want to buy any, wear dark colors like brown, black or forest green.

Tags: also purchase, camouflage prints, choose wear, playing outdoors, protect your, want wear

Make Acrylic Paint Splatter Easily

Splattering paint is messy; use a drop cloth.

To make acrylic paint splatter, some thinning is necessary. The tools used for splatter techniques vary from artist to artist; the brush used and the thickness of the paint will influence the kind of splatter created. One way to splatter dots is to load a stiff brush with thinned paint, then flick the brush tips with the thumb, using the spring in the brush hairs to propel the paint. You can achieve a more cohesive weblike splatter by mixing the paint with acrylic media that add a stringy consistency and then throwing the paint with a brush.

Instructions

1. Enjoying the process gives better results.

Practice splattering paint of different consistencies with various application processes, such as snapping the paint off the brush or swinging a stick dipped in paint. Then, using the method that gives your desired results, practice painting the splatter to develop a feel for the rhythm of the technique.

2. Splatter the paint in multiple layers to create depth.

Mix the paint. For tight budgets, latex house paint has a unique stringy splatter consistency and can be thinned to splatter in interesting ways. To mix a good-consistency spotty splatter paint, use a good-quality paper plate and mix the color using the best-quality acrylic you can afford. Mix in a few drops of water at a time to thin the paint to the consistency of skim milk. Adding a few drops of matte medium will make the paint more cohesive. Load a 1-inch, short-haired, stiff-bristle brush with the thinned paint and flick the bristles with your thumb, aiming the paint splatter toward the canvas. Adjust the paint consistency as necessary. Another method involves a sweeping motion, allowing the paint to drip off the brush as you swing your arm.

3. Mix the paint for a weblike splatter. Using the stretching method above, mix the acrylic color, then add acrylic matte medium and mix to the consistency of heavy cream. The application method for this effect ranges from dripping to throwing the paint.

Tags: brush with, brush with thinned, matte medium, more cohesive, paint consistency, paint with, thinned paint

Make Deer Hoof Gun Racks

Hunters usually discard deer hooves after a kill, but in fact they can be recycled to make attractive gun racks. Using the hooves to make a gun rack is also a way to commemorate a person's first harvest or a special hunt. And deer hoof gun racks make nice gifts for beginning hunters.

Instructions

1. Cut the front legs of the deer off at the knee joint using a hacksaw. Insert the tip of a sharp knife between the hide and bone at the cut portion of the leg. Cut the hide all the way down the backside of the leg to the hoof. Do not stop when you reach the dew claws of the deer; continue to cut all the way to the hoof.

2. Cut below the last knuckle at the hoof to sever the hoof using the hacksaw or wire cutters.

3. Peel the skin off the bone all the way down to the hoof using the knife and pulling with your hands. When you reach the dew claws, use the knife to cut the dew claws away from the leg of the deer.

4. Pull the skin back away from the hoof so as not to cut it accidentally, and cut into each hoof, freeing tendons.

5. Cover an area generously with newspaper and lay both legs with hides out flat on top of the newspaper. Cover the hides generously with non-iodized salt, paying particular attention to crevices where cuts were made around the dew claws.

6. Roll up the salted hide and then fold it up in the newspaper. Allow the hide to "cure" for 48 to 72 hours. This will draw any remaining blood and moisture from the hide.

7. Open the newspaper and unroll the hide. Cover the hides generously with non-iodized salt, paying particular attention to crevices where cuts were made around the dew claws.

8. Wash the hoof, hide and hair using regular dish liquid and water to remove the salt. Be gentle when washing the hair.

9. Put on rubber gloves and use a 3-gallon bucket to mix 1 lb. of alum with 1 gallon of warm water. Add 1 cup of non-iodized salt to the brine solution and stir until the alum and salt have completely dissolved.

10. Place hooves into the brine solution. Using a wooden spoon, stir the hooves every 15 minutes for one to two hours or until the hide no longer floats. Allow the hide and hooves to soak for at least seven days and no more than 10.

11. Remove the hooves and rinse thoroughly while wearing gloves. Thread a needle using dental floss and tie a knot at the end of the floss. Make sure you allow enough floss to complete the sewing process.

12. Fill the areas in the hoof and dew claws using taxidermy clay. Wrap the hide around the foot form and begin sewing at the hoof by inserting the needle on the underside of the hide each time, working up to the end. Position the hide on the form where the seam will be in the back.

13. Using the end of the needle, pull out any hair that gets trapped by the thread; be sure to pull the thread tight after each stitch. Tie it off once you reach the end of the form and allow it to dry completely. Remove any excess hide at the end of the form with a sharp knife or scissors.

14. Decide where you want to mount the feet onto the mounting board and drill holes in the mounting board the same diameter as the ones on the form. Insert the bolts through the holes and arrange the hooves so that the tips are upright. Tighten the nuts to the bolts to secure the hooves onto the mounting board.

15. Apply one coat of clear varnish to the hooves for gloss and shine. When completely dry, apply a second coat.

Tags: generously with, mounting board, non-iodized salt, Allow hide, around claws

Extreme Gifts For Men

Extreme gifts for men are not always in boxes.

Sometimes it can be difficult to think of the perfect gift for a man. Whether it's your husband, boyfriend, brother or son, men can often be more difficult to buy for than women. If you are totally stumped as to what to buy, think about what experience he would like to have. Does this Spark an idea?

Spa Gift Certificate

Although most men tend to think of a "spa day" as something for women, many spas also cater to men. A gift certificate to the spa can be a great way to introduce him to the wonders of a relaxing massage, facial or manicure. This is an extreme gift for men because it will bring him a new experience.

Gym Membership

A membership to the gym is another one of those gifts that keeps on giving, long after his birthday is over. If you know he's wanted to get back into an exercise routine or if he talks about getting into shape, the gift of a gym membership might be just the incentive he's been looking for.

Vehicle Toys

Car accessories can be an extreme gift for men.

If you know he's been wishing for a certain vehicle accessory, whether it be custom wheels, a GPS navigation system or a satellite radio, then surprise him with what he really wants. Not only will he really love the gift, but he'll be impressed that you were paying attention when he was talking about what he wanted.

Sports Day

Choose his favorite sport, and buy some tickets.

A ticket to the big football game or to see his favorite baseball team is also a great gift. This can be an especially good present if you are also a fan of the same team. Buy a ticket for yourself as well as one for him. That way, he won't have to sit alone at the game, and you'll get to enjoy the day together. In fact, he might even think that the best part of the present was getting to spend the day with you.

Adventure Gift

Give him the gift of an adventure.

If you know he loves paintball, white water rafting or a particular kind of sport, give him a gift certificate so that he can enjoy what he loves most. Or, if he is the adventurous type, give him a gift certificate for something exciting that he has never tried before, such as skydiving, kite surfing or bungee jumping. It might just be the most exciting present he's ever received.

Tags: about what, extreme gift, gift certificate, give gift certificate, might just

Summer Camps In Round Rock Texas

Horseback riding is just one of the activities offered in Round Rock summer camps.

For summer fun, Round Rock, TX, just fifteen miles north of Austin, offers a variety of camps. Set in the scenic Texas hill country, Round Rock lends itself to outdoor activities. Options for fun indoor activities are plentiful as well since the city has some creative companies offering camps for many different interests.

Camp Doublecreek

Take a dive during summer camp fun at Camp Doublecreek.

Camp Doublecreek is a day camp offering a variety of traditional and nontraditional camp activities for children ages 4 to 14. Camp counselors are available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and camps are open for spring break and summer.

Included activities are swimming, sports, miniature golf, caring for baby animals, vegetable gardens, arts and crafts, archery, tumbling and playground fun. Optional courses also available for enrollment--some for no additional fee--include: paintball, ropes challenge, swimming lessons, horseback riding lessons and a gun safety program.

Camp Doublecreek does weekly themes in which the children can dress up and do arts and crafts. Some themes include: pirates, western wear and knights and princesses.

Camp Doublecreek

PO Box 5261

Round Rock, TX 78683

512-255-3661

campdoublecreek.com

All That Cheer

Cheer, dance, tumble and more with All That Cheer

All That Cheer is a cheerleading gym that transforms itself in the summer into a camp as well. While the main focus of their camp is cheerleading, dance and tumble, they also offer field trips for some age groups. Three different camps are available: Tiny Tot, Summer Time Fun and Mini Summer Time Fun.

Tiny Tot Camp, for 3 to 7 year olds, offers cheer, dance and tumble training. There are no field trips for this camp. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. Children must be fully potty trained before partaking in camp.

Summer Time Fun, ages 5 and up, offers cheer, tumbling, dance, jump and games. Crafts and field trips are also worked in throughout the week. Field trips include trips for pizza and movies, swimming and pampered days at the Central TX Beauty College. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. Mon through Fri.

Mini Summer Time Fun camp is the same as the Summer Time Fun camp except enrollment is Monday, Wednesday and Friday only.

All That Cheer

1050 Meadows Drive

Suite 409

Round Rock, TX 78681

512-246-2288

allthatcheer.com

Theatrikids Summer Camp

With Theatrikids "Next Stop Hollywood" camp your child will receive head shots to take with them.

Theatrikids Summer Camp was founded in 2008 by Erin Byrne, a children's theater teacher. Byrne believes that working through theater can help build self esteem. Theatrikids was chosen by Nickelodeon's Parentsconnect.com as a 2009 Parent's Pick Award for "Best Summer Camps." Offered weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for ages 4 to 16 in Austin, Cedar Park and Round Rock, Theatrikids is open summer and fall.

There are three choices of camps. First is the musical theater camp, Broadway in Austin, in which the campers take part in musicals such as Grease and Hairspray. The second camp offered is the Rock Camp, where campers make their own musical versions of such songs as the Beatles classics. The other camp, Next Stop Hollywood, includes the screen acting and head shots.

Theatrikids Summer Camp

3 Indian Meadows Drive

Round Rock, TX 78665

512-250-0601

theatrikids.com

Tags: Round Rock, Camp Doublecreek, Summer Time, That Cheer, dance tumble

Tsa Approved Gun Cases

Find the appropriate gun case when traveling by air.

If you are traveling by air and need to carry a rifle or handgun with you, it's important to know which gun cases are TSA approved. You don't want to arrive at the airport and find out that your gun cannot be carried in the case you brought. For hunters, it's also important to use the appropriate case, so that your gun will arrive safely.

Hard Pistol Cases

There are many hard pistol cases available for storing and transporting your weapon. You will only be able to store one gun per travel case and must keep any ammunition separate. Ensure that hard pistol cases are unlocked when you go through airport security. A hard case is TSA approved and will allow you to check a weapon without damaging it. Some cases also have extra storage for carrying accessories.

SKB Multi-Gun Cases

SKB is a well-known gun case manufacturer that makes a case molded of ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene, the same material that the military uses in its gun cases carried into combat. These are TSA approved and have a foam interior that will keep your gun safe, preventing it from bumping against the case walls. It locks, but must remain unlocked when you walk into the airport.

DLX Single Rifle Case

This case is designed to keep a gun's scope safe, so you don't have to separate the rifle and scope for travel. This case has a hard outside and protective interlocking foam. It also come with locks, so you can lock it once TSA has already checked it.

Tags: appropriate case, hard pistol, hard pistol cases, pistol cases, that your, This case, unlocked when

Fill Scuba Tanks

Fill Scuba Tanks

Scuba tanks (cylinders) are bottles of compressed air that enable divers to take stored air underwater, but to breathe it under pressure. The filling procedure is pretty straightforward, but despite its simplicity it remains hazardous to work with highly compressed gas, and so should never be taken for granted. Also, it has become popular to use enriched air mixes like nitrox for deeper dives, and these use a somewhat different filling procedure.

Instructions

Compressed Air

1. Check the cylinder for safety before starting the process. Start with the hydrostatic testing date on the side of the cylinder, as a not-up-to-date cylinder might not be damaged or degraded. Then open the bleed valve and empty the cylinder down to 10 pounds per square inch (psi) or less, and shake the cylinder while listening for any water or debris that might be inside. If there is, do not fill the cylinder. Finally, look at the nozzle for rust or damage, and make sure the o-ring is intact. If nozzle problems cannot be fixed, do not fill the cylinder.

2. Check the rated pressure of the cylinder. That is usually engraved on the side of the container.

3. Set the air compressor controls to automatically shut down when the pressure from Step 2 has been reached.

4. Place the cylinder into the water tank. This is a cooling tank, because as the cylinder fills with compressed gas and comes under greater pressure, it will heat up. When it cools, the gas in the cylinder will contract, reducing the pressure. To get a full cylinder, it is best to keep it from getting too hot and thus reaching maximum pressure prematurely.

5. Close the bleed valve on the cylinder, then attach the valve yoke to the cylinder nozzle and clamp it into place by tightening the knob. The yoke will vaguely resemble that of a scuba regulator.

6. Open both the bleed valve and the valve on the compressor's yoke. Start the compressor and let the cylinder fill.

7. Close the yoke valve and the cylinder's bleed valve when the cylinder is full, then disconnect the yoke.

Nitrox

8. Perform the aforementioned safety checks on the cylinder and put the cylinder in the water cooling tank.

9. Close the bleed valve and attach the yoke valve from a bottle of compressed, pure oxygen. Open the valves and partially fill the cylinder to the right proportion for the desired nitrox mix. Mix 1 is for depths of up to 110 feet, and uses 32 percent oxygen. Mix 2 is for up to 95 feet, and uses 36 percent oxygen. Ordinary air already has 21 percent, so you want to fill the tank to either 11 or 15 percent, depending on the mixture chosen. Use the gauge to monitor progress.

10. Close the valves, disconnect the cylinder, and then connect it to the air compressor. Fill the cylinder the rest of the way with ordinary air.

Tags: bleed valve, Close bleed, Close bleed valve, cooling tank, cylinder then, feet uses, feet uses percent

Secret Agent Camps For Kids

Secret agent camps help children learn about a certain kind of survival.

Acrobatics. Stealth. Spy gadgets. These are not things usually associated with summer camps. However, there are a handful of summer and day camps for children interested in the action and science behind being a secret agent or spy. More than teaching children keep busy and stake out bad guys, secret agent and spy camps help teach children about teamwork, leadership, self-discipline and problem-solving.

Before Enrolling

While secret agent summer camps may sound like a great time to you, make sure that your child is interested in the kind of hands on, high activity adventures they provide; a less-than-enthusiastic camper can dampen the experience for all the children participating. Ensure that your child meets any minimum age and size requirements and that the camp schedule is one that works for your family. For camps that require extended overnight stays away from home, make sure that your child is prepared and eager for the experience of being away from loved ones.

Secret Agent Camp

Run by Pali Overnight Adventures in Running Springs, California, Secret Agent Camp offers both one week and two week long courses, and is geared towards children nine to 16 years old. The one week program trains children in martial arts technique, stealth and undercover tactics. Games and activities include paintball, climbing, acrobatics, decoding, field communication and themed missions to test the kids' training. The two week program covers these things in greater detail and offers more opportunities for children to test their newly learned skills during the program.

KidSpy Summer Day Camp

Located in Washington DC, the KidSpy Summer Day Camp is run by the International Spy Museum. It has two sessions in the summer, each session lasting five days -- Monday to Friday -- from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The KidSpy program is for children aged 10 to 13 years old and challenges them to learn about street smarts, real spy techniques, decoding, disguise, escape and evasion tactics and spy science in programs taught by real spies.

Spy Camp

Spy Camp is part of the larger summer camp of Camp Lohikan, located in Lake Como, Pennsylvania. Spy Camp is a two week program and does not have minimum age limits for entry, however children below the fifth grade will not be allowed to participate in the camp's paintball elements. Spy Camp tackles the outdoor physical activities of spying such as safe evasive driving -- using ATVs -- high and low rope courses, and even jet ski training. The more intellectual activities tackled include surveillance, decoding and interrogation. The program has a final rescue mission where children apply all of their learned skills.

Tags: summer camps, that your, that your child, week program, your child, Agent Camp, agent camps

Relieving Pressure In A Co2 Cartridge

After a flight session, you need to relieve the pressure of your CO2 cartridge.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) cartridges are used in many sports and hobbies. Cyclists use them to inflate tires, gun hobbyists use them for airguns, paintball players use them for their guns, and model-airplane builders use them to power their planes. Although smaller cartridges are typically a one-time use item and all air is expelled at once, larger cartridges must be emptied at the end of a day's use. Relieving the pressure from the cartridge isn't difficult, but is an important safety step before storing the cartridge.

Instructions

1. Attach the fitting or nozzle onto the end of the cartridge. Small cartridges generally screw into the nozzle. Turn the cartridge until you can't turn it any further. Cartridges with fittings fit over the top of the cartridge and are held in place with a pin you screw onto the cartridge.

2. Turn the valve of the fitting clockwise to open the valve on larger cartridges. Leave the valve open until the sound of gas stops and the tank is empty. If your fitting has a pressure gauge, relieve the gas until the gauge reaches zero.

3. Press the lever on a nozzle-type fitting if it has one. Hold the lever until the cartridge is empty and you no longer hear gas coming out of the nozzle.

4. Empty cycling cartridges by fitting the nozzle onto the valve stem of a flat tire. Some nozzles will expel all the cartridge's gas at once. Other nozzles have a stop mechanism that must remain open to expel the gas.

Tags: fitting nozzle, fitting nozzle onto, larger cartridges, nozzle onto, onto cartridge

Professional Airsoft Rules

It is important to know the rules of a tournament before play begins

Airsoft is a growing mock-combat sport in which players use gas- electric- or spring-powered replicas of real military weapons to shoot BB-size plastic pellets at opponents. Some basic rules serve as guidelines, but rules vary considerably, depending on the type of tournament and the region. It is best to check on the rules with a tournament or group before playing. This is important for your own safety and the safety of all other players involved.

The Safe Zone

The safe zone is a designated area where players cannot shoot or be shot at. "Killed" players generally go to the safe zone after they are hit. Spectators also watch from this area. Any player who shoots into the safe zone or at someone who is in the safe zone is disqualified from play.

Eye Protection

Eye protection always is required. Most professional tournaments require a full face mask. Players who constantly violate this rule should be removed from your group, because ignoring the rule can result in injury and is a liability issue. If your goggles or mask need to be cleaned during play, lie on the ground with your face as close to the ground as possible, and clean them quickly.

Getting "Killed"

Generally if you are hit on any part of your body, you are considered "killed" for the remainder of the game. Airsoft is played on an honor system, since there is no paint splatter or residue from the hit. It is considered poor etiquette and a disqualifying offense not to admit a hit. A player should loudly call out "hit," then he should raise his weapon over his head and walk to the safe zone.

There are variations on this rule. Some tournaments allow more than one "life"; some allow players to be considered "wounded" if they are shot in a non-vital area such as an arm or leg. If a player is "wounded," he may continue play, but with limitations. These special rules will be outlined before play begins.

Minimum Engagement Distance

If a person is within 10 feet of another player, she must call out "surrender" before shooting, and that player must answer immediately. If a player shoots from close range without shouting "surrender," she is disqualified, and the hit does not count. If she calls out but the other player refuses to surrender, both players then have the opportunity to fire. Since sniper weapons are much more powerful and shoot farther, snipers should carry a sidearm for distances closer than 40 feet.

Types of Games

Numerous scenarios are played out in Airsoft games. One of the most common games is Capture the Flag. The players divide into two groups, each with a base and a flag. Each team tries to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to their base; the team to do so wins. Another common game is Last Player Standing. This is a game were it is every man for himself; the last player ‘alive’ wins. Officials oversee games to ensure players observe the rules.

Tags: safe zone, before play, before play begins, play begins, player must, player shoots

Boys' 16th Birthday Themes

The 16th birthday is a milestone in a teenager's life. It is the beginning of real independence -- the age at which most people can get a driver's license and a job to earn an independent income. This is something to celebrate. Girls typically have a Sweet 16 party. For a young man, however, a "Super 16" party is in order, with a significant theme corresponding to his specific interests. Does this Spark an idea?

Cars

Many boys become enamored with cars when they are in their teens, so celebrate that interest, and his ability to drive, with a car-themed 16th birthday party. The party can be held at home or at a local restaurant decorated with sports cars and model cars. If he has already gotten a driver's license, rent a car that he can drive with friends and a parent or other family member over 21 years of age.

Movies

Invite his closest friends over for a movie-themed 16th birthday party. Rent a few of their favorite movies and let them stay up all night watching the flicks. Provide snacks, popcorn and sodas. Give out movie passes as the invitation that guests must turn in upon arrival at the party. Decorate the house with movie posters. If you don't want to turn your house into a movie theater, give the kids some money to hit up the local theater and watch a few movies there.

Super 16

Celebrate your son's 16th birthday with a "Super 16" party. Throw a house party, celebrate at a local teen dance club or host a backyard swim party for him and all his friends. A Super 16 party is more informal than a girl's Sweet 16 party. Invite a local DJ to provide entertainment for your house or swim party. Consider having the event catered to keep the work minimal for mom. Encourage his new level of independence by letting older siblings or young adult relatives, like a cousin, chaperone the party -- keep parental involvement to a minimum.

Outdoors

Give your 16-year-old a guy's weekend with an outdoor-themed party and weekend excursion. Take him camping or on a paintball adventure. Let him invite several friends to go camping either in the back yard or at a local campsite. Boys generally love competition. Plan a birthday party at a local paintball facility. Many paintball locations offer private party packages.

Tags: 16th birthday, birthday party, Super party, 16th birthday party, drive with, driver license

Put A Metal Bb Gun Rifle Together

BB rifles come in designs featuring both plastic and metal frames. A metal frame BB gun rifle is more durable and will last longer than one that is made from plastic, although there will be more fasteners and fittings to hold the parts to the metal frame. Putting together a metal frame BB rifle together, such as the 196 Airsoft-brand sniper rifle, is no more involved than that of a plastic frame rifle. You will need a few tools and some attention to detail, but the procedure is straightforward and can be accomplished well within a half hour.

Instructions

1. Put a soft cloth on a work surface. Stand the metal frame of the 196 Airsoft-brand sniper rifle on the soft cloth with one hand so that the slotted top is facing upward. Hold the metal barrel with the locking tabs facing down in the other hand.

2. Place the metal barrel over the slotted top of the metal frame. Insert the locking tabs on the bottom of the metal barrel into the locking holes inside of the slotted top of the metal frame. Push the metal barrel into the slotted top so that it is well seated.

3. Place the rail assembly over the slotted top of the metal frame. Push down on the rail assembly so that it clicks into position.

4. Place the metal frame horizontally on the soft cloth with the barrel facing to the right.

5. Insert the screws into the holes by the magazine well and by the trigger. Fasten the screws with the Torx screwdriver.

6. Screw the front end of the sniper scope onto the rear end.

7. Stand the metal frame of the 196 Airsoft-brand sniper rifle on the soft cloth with one hand so that the slotted top is facing upward. Hold the sniper scope in the other hand with the two rods on the side facing away from you.

8. Place the two rods of the sniper scope through the two holes in the side of the rail assembly. Push the sniper scope against the rail assembly to seat the two together.

9. Place a rubber gasket onto each of the two rods where they exit the holes on the other side of the rail assembly. Insert the locking screw into each of the rubber gaskets. Tighten the screws with the Torx screwdriver.

Tags: metal frame, rail assembly, metal barrel, sniper scope, soft cloth

Milltown New Jersey Area Attractions

George Street Playhouse hosts main stage and touring performances.

Milltown, New Jersey is part of Middlesex County and is located approximately 18 miles from Staten Island, New York. It is also a short distance from well-known educational institutions such as Rutgers University and Princeton University. Although it is a small town with only 6,965 residents in 2008, the surrounding cities like New Brunswick and East Brunswick offer activities and attractions to accommodate tourists and locals. These things to do involve arts and entertainment, history and dining.

George Street Playhouse

Located in New Brunswick, George Street Playhouse is a nationally recognized theater with a history of award-winning productions. Examples of productions include Broadway and non-Broadway performances such as "Proof," which was awarded the Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize, and "The Toxic Avenger," which earned the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best New Musical. In addition to main stage performances, George Street Playhouse is also a touring theater, visiting more than 250 schools in the tri-state area. The theater maintains an audience of about 60,000 students and 140,000 total every year.

George Street Playhouse

9 Livingston Avenue

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

732-246-7717

georgestreetplayhouse.org

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park is located in Matawan, New Jersey, and consists of two ecosystems. Part of the park consists of saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp and open fields. The rest of the park contains a northeastern hardwood forest. Cheesequake State Park includes a variety of things to do, including camping, hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing and hunting. There are five trails, 52 tent and trailer campsites and the six-acre Hook Creek Lake, which accommodates swimmers, kayaking, fishing and canoeing. Picnicking areas include playground equipment, shelters, play fields and up to 150 people.

Cheesequake State Park

300 Gordon Road

Matawan, New Jersey 07747

732-566-2161

www.stateparks.com/cheesequake.html

J.J Bitting Brewing Company

J.J Bitting Brewing Company was the first brewery in Woodbridge Township to reopen its doors after the repeal of prohibition in 1933. The three-story building has since been renovated and is recognized as the second best brewpub in America, according to BeerAdvocate.com. It is a restaurant and brewery with a rustic and family-friendly environment with handcrafted beer and is noted as having some of the best hot wings in the state by Besthotwings.com. This local attraction also features special events such as poker tournaments, karaoke and live music performances.

J.J. Bitting Brewing Co.

33 Main St.

Woodbridge, NJ 07095

732-634-2929

njbrewpubs.com

Tags: George Street, George Street Playhouse, Street Playhouse, Cheesequake State, Cheesequake State Park, State Park, Bitting Brewing

Problems With Bb Guns

BB guns are prone to jamming when pellets get stuck in the barrel.

BB guns -- also known as airsoft or pellet guns -- are most commonly used for recreational target shooting and hunting small game. Unlike standard firearms, the guns fire BB pellets at short ranges. Although this ammunition is far less harmful than bullets -- and these guns are justifiably perceived as safe -- they still present some obvious safety issues.

Personal Safety

The most obvious problem with BB guns is personal safety. BB guns are designed to look and fire in manner similar to real pistols. One of the many differences between the two gun types is that BB guns shoot pellets and plastic projectiles instead of bullets. The ammunition sometimes does damage. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 20,000 patients were treated in hospital emergency rooms for non-powder gun injuries in 2005. Eye injuries are one of the most common hazards when dealing with BB guns.

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BB guns aren't classified as firearms in the United States. In most states you must be 18 or older to purchase one, but anyone of any age can legally use a BB gun; no permit or license is required.

Young children sometimes receive these guns -- and become familiar with their function -- at an early age. This is sometimes be beneficial, and sometimes hazardous. BB and airsoft guns are designed to look like real guns, and might be used in a robbery. Police might mistake a BB gun for a more powerful -- and deadly -- firearm.

Gun Jamming

A common problem associated with BB guns is jamming. This typically occurs when a BB pellet becomes lodged in the gun barrel, preventing it from firing. Another cause of gun jamming is much more easy to diagnose. If the gun won't fire, check to make sure the safety is turned off.

Other Malfunctions

If the gun fails to fire -- and there are no signs of a BB jam -- a number of issues could be the cause. Common malfunctions involve the battery and fuse. Most BB and airsoft guns come equipped with a rechargeable, nickel-metal hydride battery. The batteries must be unplugged from the gun when it is not in use, and charged appropriately. If a fuse on the gun blows, it might be the result of short circuiting.

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Ideas For Scenario Games

Wear masks when playing paintball to avoid injury.

Scenario games are generally used in games of paintball or live-action role-playing games. Setting up a scene or theme of a game adds to the game's intensity, especially if players are wearing costumes appropriate to the type of game they are playing. Ideas for scenario games include fighting through a zombie world or rescuing a captured princess.

Zombie Land

A paintball field can be turned into post-apocalyptic zombie world with some players acting as zombies and the rest trying to avoid them. Zombie players can be dressed in fake blood, fake skin pieces and ripped clothing if desired to make the game seem all the more real and frightening. Non-zombie players must try to shoot the zombies to "kill" them (get them out). Players that are "bit," (shot or touched by zombies) are also out of the game. The team with the most players still standing by the end of game time wins.

Castle Conquest

This scenario works for paintball, capture the flag, and live-action role-playing games. Depending on resources, small castle-like forts may be erected (with permission) on a designated playing field or one of the player's property if he or she owns a few acres. Flags can be placed inside the "castles" for the opposite team to try to recover and therefore take over the castle. Players can use paintball guns or fake swords in this game and players that are hit with such weapons are out of the game.

War Games

Choose from any of the great wars throughout history for paintball or live-action role-playing games. Players may dress up in costumes reflective of the chosen war period, such as the 100 Years War, Revolutionary War, Civil War and World War I and II, though costumes are not necessarily to play the game as long as each player knows what side he is playing for. Using paint the color of a war's uniforms is also an option, such as gray and blue for a Civil War scenario game.

Save the Princess

Go the "damsel in distress route" by playing scenario games that involve saving a princess, though teams consisting largely of female players can opt for a "save the prince" scenario. Those portraying princesses can mimic princess costumes from film, books and video games, such as Princess Peach from Super Mario Bros., Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. Other players can dress up as princes and soldiers or even other video game characters, such as Mario, Luigi and Toad from the aforementioned video game. The object of such games is to rescue the princess from a designated area without feeling the sting of the paintball.

Tags: live-action role-playing, live-action role-playing games, role-playing games, paintball live-action, paintball live-action role-playing

Get Cheap Paintballs

Paintballs don't cost much, but the costs can rack up when you need to buy a lot of them.

Paintball is an exciting hobby enjoyed by many-but like many hobbies, it involves recurring expenses. The most prominent of these costs is that of the paintballs themselves. An afternoon fight in the woods can use up hundreds of balls, which means you'll often need to restock. Unless you can find balls at reduced prices, your hobby could end up costing you a significant amount of money. Fortunately, paintballs can be obtained for cheap from many different sources.

Instructions

1. Search on eBay.com for paintballs. Ebay is an excellent place to get almost anything for less than you'd pay in a physical store, and paintballs are no exception. Because items are user-sold, usually for short periods of time, prices will vary from week to week.

2. Look at the paintballs available from online retailers, such as ANSGear.com, ChoicePaintballGuns.com, Paintball-Discounters.com or ZephyrPaintball.com. Many specialty paintball sites, these included, have a sale or discounted section, which will often contain ammunition at slashed prices. Look at several sites and compare the prices, figuring in the cost of shipping.

3. Try your local paintball store, or even a large department store such as Walmart or Fleet Farm. Look at the prices and compare them to those you found online. Even though the base price might be higher at local stores, shipping costs might make online paintball resources more expensive.

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Create A Molle Vest Setup

Modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) gear can be customized to provide the user with the most-efficient setup. A MOLLE vest has several horizontal nylon loops, each approximately 1 inch long, that are used to attach magazine and grenade pouches, canteen pouches and first aid kits. MOLLE vests are adjustable in height and width. Soldiers and Marines use MOLLE gear on the battlefield and it's also common among paintballers and Airsoft players.

Instructions

1. Gather your pouches and the equipment you would like to attach to your MOLLE vest.

2. Place your MOLLE vest on a flat surface with the zippered side facing up.

3. Place your magazine pouches on the front of the MOLLE vest. If you are left-handed, place the magazine pouches on the right side; if you are right handed, put the pouches on the left. Magazine pouch placement should be done with ease-of-use in mind. Do not affix them to the MOLLE vest until you are sure there is enough room for the right number of magazine pouches. Military regulations mandate that service members use six magazine pouches, which usually requires two double-pouches on one side of the MOLLE vest and one on the other.

4. Affix two grenade pouches to the MOLLE vest shoulder strap on your non-dominant side. Using your non-dominant side to carry grenades makes it easier to access them with your dominant hand if it becomes necessary.

5. Attach a canteen pouch to each side of the waistband.

6. Place a first aid kit behind the canteen pouch on your non-dominant side.

7. Affix additional equipment, such as seat belt cutters, laser pointers and flares, in the most convenient locations. Additional equipment can often be worn at the service member's discretion.

Tags: magazine pouches, MOLLE vest, MOLLE vest, non-dominant side, your non-dominant, your non-dominant side, canteen pouch

Differences Between Sft & Nxt Shockers

SFT and NXT Shockers paintball markers advanced electropneumatic technology.

The Shocker SFT and NXT are electropneumatic paintball markers manufactured by Small Parts Inc. These markers use high-pressure air (HPA) or CO2 gas to propel the paintballs, and pneumatic solenoids to operate the movement of the bolt and hammer. The evolution of electropneumatic markers such as the Shocker series enabled significantly faster feeding of paintballs and shorter firing cycles than previous pump models. Introduced in 2003, the SFT features a feeding rate of more than 20 balls per second. It fires balls with an HPA or CO2 pressure of 160 to 200 p.s.i. A stock Shocker SFT can be fired in four modes: semi-automatic, rebound, three-round burst and full automatic. The Shocker NXT was introduced in 2006 as an upgrade to the SFT. Though the two models share the same basic specifications, operations and internal components, a variety of enhancements were added to the NXT.

Ball Detents

Detents hold the paintball in position in the chamber before firing to keep the paintball from rolling forward into the barrel. The detents in the Shocker SFT are removable and ball-bearing operated. They are located on each side of the body under protruding, round housings. In the Shocker NXT, the detents are integrated into the shape of the gun and are operated by a spring-loaded plunger.

Anti-Chop Eyes

Anti-chop eyes prevent the paintball marker from firing until the ball is fully seated in the chamber. This prevents the chopping or splintering of a partially chambered paintball. In the Shocker SFT, the anti-chop eye is a reflective type that uses the reflection of an infrared beam off the paintball to determine if the paintball is fully seated. In the NXT, the anti-chop function is performed by a pair of beam-break eyes that signal proper seating when the infrared beam passing between the two sensors is broken.

Vertical Regulator

The vertical regulator controls the amount of compressed air or CO2 entering the marker from the supply tank. It also controls the velocity of the fired paintballs by adjusting the burst of pressure delivered to the chamber per shot, then quickly recharges for the next shot. The amount of pressure drop per shot and speed of recharge determine the efficiency of the vertical regulator. In the Shocker SFT, the vertical regulator drops 60 p.s.i. per shot and recharges for the next shot in 30 milliseconds. The regulator in the Shocker NXT drops 35 p.s.i. per shot and recharges for the next shot in 20 milliseconds.

Trigger

The Shocker SFT has a standard pivot trigger that requires disassembly to adjust trigger pull and tension. The Shocker NXT has a roller bearing trigger and external adjustments for trigger pull and tension.

Barrel

The Shocker SFT is threaded to accept Shocker barrels only. The Shocker NXT barrel features a universal thread to accommodate other Small Parts-model barrels, such as the Impulse, Ion and Nerve.

Tags: next shot, recharges next, recharges next shot, vertical regulator, drops shot