First time in a few months I had the opportunity to do some running around for 'gun stuff'. Went looking for .410 slugs as well as a leather sling and a swivel for a Ruger M77 International.
Walked through the local Sportsmans Warehouse looking for items noted above. While the shelves were pretty much full with 12 and 20 no .410 were to be had. Zip/Zilch/Nada. Surprisingly, they had a decent selection of 28 gauge. In fact, considering the shelf space dedicated to it and selection...28 gauge seems to be surging in popularity from what I remember in years past. I asked an older guy behind the counter if they had .410 ammo and he stated "We would if they would ever send us some". He then followed up and said he can't really remember the last time they got some in.
Powder selection was better than what I saw last time I was in there and they did have primers on hand although it looked like they were selling them by the sleeve. Everything was back behind the counter out of reach. Didn't ask about prices. No Unique/2400 or 296 or AA#9. AA#5 was there.
Walking around the store it was very noticeable that the open floor space had increased. The isles are MUCH wider and there were several spots in the store where the floor was bare. I'm guessing maybe 70% of the floor space was being utilized. Couple of early 20 something employees passed me in the isles while I was looking for slings without saying anything. Had that dead, hollowed out expression on their face of someone working retail getting very close to the end of their shift.
Walked to the truck in a light drizzling rain and was off to Cabelas:
Been a while since I'd been here. Surprisingly parking lot was somewhat full for it being a Thursday afternoon. No .410 ammo to be had here as well. Powder selection was out in the end caps of the isles for the unwashed masses to touch and fondle and seemed a little larger than what SW had on hand. I found a sling, which is also in Ruger's catalog. Only had one on hand so snapped it up. Like the fact its sourced from/made in Canada. Grabbed a set of swivels (only needed one as the Mannlicher stock already has the front there) but they don't sell them solo.
Walked around a little. I never noticed just how LARGE their dog section is. I felt like I was a Pet Smart. Literally 4 full isles of every dog treat, training aide and toy was there. Saw racks of high-priced designer camo aimed at women. Puffy jackets and vests etc. Funny how camo has become a fashion statement. I never really got into it. Like Larry Benoit, plaid was good enough for me to get the job done.
I remember when this store first opened some years back. It was a big deal and I made the trip to it for their used gun room. Walked in there today and its a former skeleton of itself. Most of the racks and shelf space under the glass was bare and what they did have on hand wasn't anything I was interested in. They were clearing out 5-7 new CZ 20 SxS 20 gauges made by Huglu for $579.00 each. Guns felt light and with the English stock came to the shoulder quick. Opening the action was beyond stiff. Wood looked good.
In the middle of the room they had this Rossi 92. Took a pic for you guys (and gals) because Rossi levers have been getting a lot of traction on THR.
Another gun in here that drew my attention was this S&W .22 Mag (used) for $549.00. I felt that to be steep for being used. Check out the barrel to slide gap at the muzzle and then follow it back. Lower looks bowed to me.
Bought the sling and swivels and once again headed across the parking lot through a steady drizzle to the truck and slowly drove on home.
Arrived at Casa de Frulk and had a Midway USA box sitting on the kitchen counter with this in it. Plan to shoot some of this ammo tomorrow and will get around to mounting the red dot base on the Keltec PMR30 maybe this weekend. As for the Mossberg 500 mag followers...I forgot I had to remove the mag tubes when I ordered them and what a real PAIN that can be. I believe I was thinking of the Rem 870 which is much easier. I'll get around to changing the followers when I get out in the reloading room and clear off the work bench.
Put the sling on the .223 M77/International. I bought this gun back in 20 or 21 and put the scope on 4 months or so ago. At the time I bore sighted it as well as lightly lapping the rings. Mainly because I had the stuff to do it with and the time (not because the .223 is known for being hard on scopes due to its impressive recoil).
Looking forward to shooting it tomorrow for the first time. Might set up the chrony to see what it shows compared to the box FPS.
very dated gun digests as well.
