I picked up a new camera this weekend

I purchased a new Fuji Finepix S800 this weekend. Sadly I had to exchange it the next day due to a faulty flash. The camera was great otherwise, but the flash would not stay down (it should popup automatically). Once exchanged for a another S800, I was quickly checking out all the cool features. This camera is awesome. It has a ton of features and is very easy to use. I don't always rely on Auto mode for pictures, but found that the pcitures taken in that mode were excellent.

I need to practice a little more in Manual mode before I can start taking those real "artsy" shots, but I can tell already that this camera will allow me to take some superb pictures in all kinds of situations. The manual is big, but I expected it to be, as there are tons of features.

 Now I need to find a nice Finepix bag for it, or some other accessories.

Website neglect?

Poor www.newtoguns.com was sadly neglected for months. I finally decided to put up a bunch of articles wether they all had photos or not. Most articles have really nice pics, while a couple need some images. Each article is of course informative and very readable without images, but I love pictures in documents.

So I no longer will have this poor little site sitting around in maintenance mode. Go over and check it out. If you are new to the whole firearms world, or just curious about guns, it's definitely worth a look. Let me know what you think.

I'm really getting into programming with Suneido

Man, I am on fire! I have already created a simple book in Suneido with 6 or 7 tabs. Users of my very  incomplete "GunData" program can already manage a firearms, cases, bullets, scopes, powders and loads databases. They can even use simple things to make life easier, like KeyControls with nice little Access buttons to easily add and update throughout the software. I am getting pretty good at some of the simpler Field definitions, and have even used some simple Rules. My Access screens are pretty basic, so I need to experiment with different interfaces like Horz and Vert to get things looking a little nicer.

I am considering the release of some sort of Beta version soon.

Still Loving Suneido

I am really getting into this language. I know that I will start getting into trouble as I try and learn about functions, conditionals, and primary keys, etc., but I don't care. To me, just having the ability to see something aon my screen that looks like a real program is exciting.

I have caused the Wokspace to hang while trying to Access a query, but that is likely something I am doing wrong. This is a temporary setback at best.

I already have a screen that enables anyone to create an complete inventory of all theri firearms. it allows them to include all kinds of details such as manufacturer, model serial number, barrel length, barrel shot count, best load, weight, lengths, and more.

I'm finally not afraid to try programming

I have always wanted to experience programming as a hobby. I don't know how people that code all day for a living feel about programming hobbyist, but I want to be one. I have always had the urge to write software, even as far back as the early Eighties. The small amount of coding I did in high school in 1982, was an introduction to Basic. I forget 99% of all that.

Lately I was looking into some languages like Ruby , but never really committed myself to learning it. The books just sat there staring at me, while I imagined cool applications I was entirely incapable of creating. I may still learn Ruby, as it is cross-platform (I love Linux).

Then I considered Suneido.

Even after just a few days, I have to say I really like it. I think I like it because it is so quickly gratifying. Within minutes I had windows on my screen that actually looked (and even functioned) like real programs. Sunedio (http://www.suneido.com/) has a nice manual that actually coached me through the basics. In no time at all, I was creating databases, and even reporting on database contents. Pretty cool!

I know that I have a long way to go. There are a couple of hurdles I need to clear. First off, I am basically a complete newbie when it comes to coding. I don't just need to learn how to program in Suneido, I need to learn how to program in any language. What are objects, functions, definitions, inheritance, etc? I am only part way through the Suniedo manual, but I think some of these will be explained. I have also registered on the Suneido forum, so I at least have some way of getting help or answers to my questions.

Wish me luck. Who knows, maybe I'll have a great little program available here some day.

I just ordered two Choate stocks

I just ordered two Choate stocks from European Target Shooters Supplies. It's my first dealing with them, but so far I think they'll be great to work with.

This is Ultimate Sniper stock I plan to use on my for my .338 Gaillard project;


This is what the new Varmint stock looks like. I think it will be great on my .223 project.

I am also considering getting a nice fat barrel for the .223 and chambering in .223 improved. Comments??

I said I wouldn't hunt this year, but...

I told enough people that I probably wouldn't hunt this year. I am still pissed off about my supposed buddy keeping the two deer I harvested last year. I haven't really shot much all year either. I think I fired about 15 rounds of 7.62x39mm. I hope I'm not too rusty. I usually fired hundreds of rounds yearly.
Well I changed my mind. I picked up two doe tags for the Herd Reduction Area. These were so cheap. Both tags cost me a total of $10.90 (That's 11.32 USD, ha ha ha). So I hope to get some time off and bag a couple fat does. Who knows, maybe I'll go back for a big buck after I turn in the heads so the folks at Sask. Environment can test them for Chronic Wasting Disease.

So now I have to make some emergency repairs to the stock on my Norinco m-305 (M14S, M1A clone) . Last year I overtightened my Harris bipod and pulled the sling stud right through the stock. Now I am building it up and reinforcing it. Next year I will finish my customized fiberglass stock.

Good Bye to my .338 Win Mag

Ted Gaillard inspected my rifle and found that the bore was actually pretty good. I thought it might be, as the rifle looked like it had little use when I bought it used. He even showed me the bore in detail with his bore scope. Of course I found the bore scope to be very cool. I was amazed at how closely I could see every little detail in my bore. Turns out I had some copper tracing present. I found that a bit odd, as I had just cleaned the bore with a spray in foaming bore cleaner. Ted didn't seem too concerned with the tiny amount of copper he found, so I am not too worried.

So I asked Ted to take his time re-crowning the muzzle and chambering the barrel in his .338 Galliard cartridge. He was even kind enough to set me up with what I thought was far to good a deal on the .338 Gaillard two die reloading set from Redding.

So I have until next year to start gathering up piles of 8mm Remington Magnum brass, magnum rifle primers and powder. I  just hope the factory Remington stock isn't too light for this cartridge. I don't want to develop a flinch from the recoil.

Torn Between Two Worlds

I am standing firmly with one foot in the Geek world and the other in the Gun world. What a weird mix? On one side I am a computer nerd. You know the type. I love Linux. I want to teach my self the Ruby programming language. I am a network administrator wannabe. On the other side of the coin, I love guns. I love how they work. I enjoy the science behind their function. I love learning about external ballistics and ballistic coefficients. I enjoy spending hours hand loading my own ammunition to perfection.

Is this normal?

As a result of my strange interests (only strange in that they are very unrelated), I find that many people are shocked to find I am interested in one of either guns or Linux. Here's what I mean:  People I bump into at gun shops or at the range, find it odd that the big redneck facing them enjoys configuring an Apache server. Then there are the times I surprise other geeks when they find out that I actually enjoy collecting military surplus firearms.

If only I could combine Linux with guns. Any ideas?

No luck with the Super Sniper scope

As you can tell by my recent posts, I am in gun mode.

recently I was hoping to acquire teh Super Sniper scope from SWFA. Despite it's silly name, my research indicated it was a great scope. Good enough in fact to win the US Navy contract, and also find itself used amongst other US forces areas. It was a good price too, compared to the expensive Leupold, Leicas, and Nightforce offerings.

Sadly though, SWFA will not ship to other countries. I can see why their policy makes sense, but I have to admit it is disappointing.