by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Daisy Model 99 Target Special.
This report covers:
- The test
- What is accuracy in a BB gun?
- Air Venturi Steel BBs
- Hornady Black Diamond BBs
- Dust Devils
- Daisy BBs
- Daisy Avanti Precision Ground Shot
- Discussion
- 499
- Summary
Today is accuracy day for the Daisy 99 Target Special BB gun. Up to this point I have told you the history of the gun and we have looked at its velocity. Daisy purposely made this BB gun as a target gun. That means target sights and a sling. It also means a good trigger. But what about the barrel? Unless they did something with that you aren’t going to see any more accuracy from this gun than you would from a Red Ryder. I owned a 99 many years ago but it’s been so long that I can’t remember what it was like. I’m learning about this gun right alongside you.
The test
I shot the test from 5 meters, the official national BB gun championship distance. I rested the gun on a UTG Monopod that you have seen in most of my other BB gun tests. Think of it as a sandbag rest. It’s almost as stable.
I shot 5-shot groups because these are BBs that tear imperfect holes. That should be good enough to show the accuracy potential. The 99 came with a front post sight and I haven’t changed it, so the tip of the post rests at 6 o’clock on the bull at 5 meters.
What is accuracy in a BB gun?
We must remember that this is a BB gun — not a pellet rifle. It’s never going to be capable of the kind of accuracy we talk about with pellet rifles. As I show the groups I will try to remain focused on that fact.
Air Venturi Steel BBs
First to be tested were Air Venturi Steel BBs. I used the copper-plated ones that are no longer carried, but I linked to the BBs you can buy. The gun was empty so I loaded just 5 BBs through the loading port and started shooting. The first shot hit the target about 2 inches low and slightly to the left of center. Since all the BBs landed in the white and were clearly visible, I decided to leave the sights adjusted where they were. Five Air Venturi Steel BBs went into a group measuring 0.864-inches between centers. Honestly, that is smaller than I expected. I can see that Daisy did put some accuracy into this BB gun. Sure you will get a Red Rider that is this accurate from time to time, but most of them won’t come close.
Five Air Venturi Steel BBs went into 0.864-inches at 5 meters.
Hornady Black Diamond BBs
The second BB I tried was the Hornady Black Diamond. These are often quite accurate in BB guns. And the 99 was no exception. Five went into 0.783-inches at 5 meters. This gun is accurate!
Five Hornady Black Diamonds went into 0.783-inches at 5 meters.
Dust Devils
Next I tried the Air Venturi Dust Devil BB. This is the one many folks want to know about, and it didn’t disappoint. Five made a group at 5 meters that measures 0.758-inches between centers. I will tell you right now that was the smallest group of the test for the 99. That does not mean that Dust Devils are any more accurate than the other BBs we have seen. All it means is they are right there with the others when it comes to accuracy. It is incredibly hard to measure BB holes with a caliper, and I could easily be off by a lot.
Air Venturi Dust Devils grouped 5 in 0.758-inches at 5 meters — the smallest group made by the model 99.
Daisy BBs
Next to be tested were Daisy Premium Grade BBs. When the Daisy 99 was new, Daisy BBs were the best BBs you could buy. They are still considered a premium BB, though many other brands have caught up. At 5 meters the 99 put 5 Daisy BBs into a group measuring 1.227-inches between centers. It is the largest group of the test and is significantly larger than the groups made by the other BBs.
Five Daisy BBs made this 1.227-inch group at 5 meters.
Daisy Avanti Precision Ground Shot
The last BB I tried in the 99 was the Daisy Avanti Precision Ground Shot. These are the BBs made specifically for the Daisy Avanti Champion 499 BB gun that we know as the world’s most accurate BB gun. If I hadn’t tested them in this report, several readers would have let me know it!
Precision Ground Shot grouped 5 BBs in 1.057-inches at 5 meters, so there is no magic with them in this 99. They made the second-largest group of the five BBs tested.
The Daisy 99 put 5 Avanti Precision Ground Shot into a 1.057-inch group at 5 meters.
Discussion
I am impressed by the accuracy of this old BB gun. It lives up to all the hype. Back in 1959 this BB gun would be seen as the marvel of the age. The 499 wasn’t a gleam in an engineer’s eye at that time. But time does pass and the 499 did come into being. So, how much more accurate is it than this 99? One good way to find out.
499
My 499 was almost zeroed, so I shot a few shots and adjusted the peep sight to get it in the center of the bull and then shot 5 for record. At 5 meters from the same rested position as was used for the model 99, 5 Precision Ground Shot made a group measuring 0.146-inches between centers. Now — THAT is an accuracy difference you can see! And that is why the 499 is called the world’s most accurate BB gun. But it probably would never have come into existence if the Daisy Model 99 Target Special had not paved the way.
Five Precision Ground Shot from the Daisy 499 went into 0.146-inches at 5 meters.
Summary
We have spent some pleasant time with an oldie but goodie. Daisy’s Model 99 Target Special is a BB gun worthy of consideration. I was pleased to be able to shoot the scarce first-year version that has gravity feed, and I must say the gun functioned perfectly throughout. Not a miss-feed or double feed in the entire test.
Talking about accuracy from any BB gun other than a 499 seems like a waste of time. It’s the best and everybody knows it. Talking about accuracy from a BB gun seems like a waste, too. The range is just 16 feet! How could it not be accurate? Until you try shooting these guns, you will never know.
B.B.,
The group made by the 499 compared to the 99 would really make anybody scream in triumph of finding an accurate gun. Maybe that is why the coaches were selecting barrels from Daisy. Given the references to the BB competitions the 99 was developed for it then Daisy made the 499? Were there other manufacturers involved in the BB competitions?
Siraniko
Siraniko,
As far as I know, no other company ever tried to enter the BB gun championship with their own gun. Today the 499 is written intro the rules, if I’m not mistaken.
B.B.
B.B.,
Even though the 499 is much better accuracy wise I still like the Model 99’s aesthetics and plinking ability.
You ask earlier if I was pleased with my .177 caliber Seneca Dragonfly Multi-Pump rifle, well I am now.
GF1 mentioned that maybe I have not found the correct pellet. I went through quite a few in the beginning of my testing and the Crosman Premier Lights were the best. I have worked on the barrel quite a bit and have shot enough pellets that it should be fairly well broken in, so I tried some more pellets. I was looking for a good non-lead pellet for plinking around the garden, not sure it would matter but l like to play it safe on the food supply.
I shot at 20 yards with five pumps using four different wadcutter and four different domed pellets. Two of each group, domed and wadcutters were lead, and two were nonlead. I also shot a control group with Crosman Premier Lights (bottom right bull). The control group was typical of what I have been getting.
My Dragonfly shot better with the nonlead pellets in both groups. The H&N Baracuda Green pellets were a standout from the rest. Well the Sig Sauer Match Ballistic Alloy pellets were almost as good but they are high dollar for plinking. I then shot a final 10 shot group with the Baracuda Green pellets 6.48 gr (top right bull). I was really tired by the time I shot the final group so I hope I can do a little better when fresh.
Another interesting note was the lead JSB Exact Diabolo 8.44 gr and the Air Arms Falcon 7.33 gr Domed pellets shot high onto the next bull above the one I was aiming at on the target.
So I am very pleased with my Dragonfly now. I think it is my only gun that does better with nonlead pellets than lead pellets.
Don
Don,
Good for you! You hung in and found what works. That’s what has to happen.
B.B.
Don
Glad you gave some more pellets a try.
That’s the thing with these pellet guns. The most accurate pellet just might be around the corner if you know what I mean.
And did you do anymore with the peep sight on your 100. It was a 100 wasn’t it?
GF1,
I am suprised with the H&N Baracudas lead free, I have not had good luck with them in another gun, and they were not good in this gun in the beginning.
I have been limited on my shooting for the last month or more, too many chores. I almost chose the Crosman 100 with the peep yeasterday, but I already know it shoots better than I can and I wanted to finish up the testing on the Dragonfly. Now I want to shoot the Dragonfly at 5 yard increments. I will use chairgun first to figure out a first and second zero distance. I was hitting clay pigeons hanging on a line up to 60 yards with Crosman Premier Lights. I hope the H&N Baracuda lead free hold up out to 40 yards that is my range in the back yard. I also need to test with different number of pumps first, probably at 25 yards, to see how the lead free pellets perform before I start doping the gun. So lots more pumping for me.
As I said earlier I have been holding the gun at the scope over the front ring when pumping. That is the only practicle way to pump the gun with a scope. It has an aluminum breech, I think its aluminum, non magnetic anyway that is very solid, at least so far. Oh and I still have the barrel band on the gun. It cannot be moved forward because of the pump linkage.
So I have a lot more shooting for my Dragonfly.
Don
Don
Yep the multi-pumps seem to be a little more work than other guns when figuring out what pumps and pellets and distances. Just so many more variables with them.
But once you get them figured out and shoot them good. It makes people open their eye’s when they see the results.
I still think of Ron Robinson and his multi-pump shooting feild target. And using different pumps for different distances instead of hold overs or unders.
Now that’s a person that knows his air gun.
It gets people’s attention when you can shoot a hard to shoot gun good. And there’s a reason why it happens.
They shoot and document results. Over and over and over again with multiple pellets and pumps and so on. It’s the only way that I have seen work. As I say. Learn what the gun does and then learn how to shoot it.
And I know I’m preaching to the quiere again. But it is what it is.
And Don not directing it towards you. Just say’n what I have seen. And glad your doing good with the dragon fly.
Yep
B.B.,
Great test. I am surprised that the 99 did so well. My new 75th Red Ryder sprays bb’s in comparison.
I have said it before, but if I was to teach a youth to shoot for the first time, the 499 would be my pick. Or, let them shoot a Red Ryder first and then shoot the 499. If accuracy can inspire a kid, the 499 is a sure fire bet.
Good Day to you and to all,…. Chris
BB,
I am glad you enjoyed shooting the 99. I know the 499 is so much more accurate, but I would still rather have my 99. To be able to just load her up and just shoot away is great. Odds are I will get tired of shooting before I run out of ammo and compared to most other bb guns the accuracy is incredible.
RR,
Excellent sales pitch! (Maybe I need one.now.)
Michael
Michael,
Just make sure it is the first variant, otherwise you will be using the 50 shot spring tube. Of course, you can get several spring tubes and change them out like magazines.
RidgeRunner,
Thanks for the tip. That would not have occurred to me.
Michael
Michael,
That works with the 25 also.
P.S.
For those of you out there in TV land who would like to have one of these, I would strongly suggest that you worry BB silly until he sells you his. Don’t bother me, it won’t get that cold.
You do have another choice, start hanging out at airgun shows. They turn up from time to time. I remember seeing one at the Roanoke show that was new, unfired in the box. The guy wanted $175. I have seen used ones for $35. Peruse the classifieds on the internet also. That is where I picked up mine.
B.B.,
Your blogging about training with true-to-the firearm replicas with blowback to lower costs got me wondering.
Only a relative handful of powder-burning pistols have an airgun equivalent. I have to expect that at some point consumers will shop for handguns that also come in a realistic airgun version. I could see it coming down to, “Well, I’ve narrowed it down to these two pistols. But this brand/model has a blowback airgun replica I can also purchase and train with in my basement.”
Which pistol will that consumer purchase? It seems to me that increasingly, having a quality airgun replica of a model will be a distinct marketing advantage for an arms maker.
Michael
Michael, Michael, Michael,
You are making me want to revisit the “Teach me to shoot” report. I have something important to say about a defense firearm whose BB gun won’t be available for several more months.
B.B.
B.B.,
i sometimes do that sort of thing, don’t I? ;^)
In the meantime, I think I cooked up a scenario. Someone wishes to purchase a handgun for home protection. He or she has narrowed it down to the Walther PPQ and the S&W M&P. There is a non-blowback, pellet-shooting air version of the Walther PPQ but not a blowback one. Indeed, the entire action of the non-blowback Walther is different from the firearm it LOOKS LIKE.
A blow-back air gun version of the M&P 40 is available that strips exactly like the firearm, has 100% fully functional safeties, mag drop button, slide release, etc. The trigger on the firearm has an interesting hinged design. On the air pistol, yes, right there!
All of us can guess which firearm this consumer will purchase, the S&W M&P. The cost of the additional purchase of the air pistol version will be offset the very first time the owner trains with it instead of going to the range that particular day.
Michael
Mr. Gaylord:
Today’s post reminds me of a time several years ago when I was asked to help RSO a cub scout shoot. I recall that there was a Daisy 499B in the range rack. I’ve never seen it again. Is there a Daisy 499B? And are there any differencee between the Daisy 499 and a Daisy 499B (if it exists)?
Or is my memory addled by the summer heat and just wrong on what I think I saw years ago?
Respectfully,
William Schooley
Rifle Coach
Crew 357
Chelsea, MI
William,
The B is the current model of the 499. My rifle is a B. I’m not sure what the distinction is between a 499 and a 499B. The Blue Book doesn’t address it.
B.B.
Mr. Gaylord:
Thanks for the response.
WS
Mr. Schooley,
I do not know if this sheds any light on the difference between models, but prior to the “Avanti 499 Champion” there was a “Daisy Model 499”. I have an “Avanti 499B Champion,” which has the fully adjustable aperture sight as below. I have seen older 499 specimens (no idea if “Avanti 499B Champion” or “Daisy Model 499”) with a far more simple aperture in the rear which has less, perhaps no, adjustability.
Michael
Michael,
My 499B came with the simpler peep. I bought the upgraded one and told Daisy I thought that was what most people would want. A few years ago (way after I told them) they started offering the gun with the upgraded peep. I don’t see the simpler one anymore. The upgraded one is Chinese and cheap enough.
B.B.
BB,
That 499 group is amazing. I need to try one of those! Looks like one of those guns that would make me grin.
David Enoch
David,
B.B. is at least 20 times a better shot than I, but at 15 feet with my 499, I get groups like that probably 3 out of 5 times.
Michael
Michael,
You are aware that I shot from a monopod rest?
B.B.
B.B.,
I very rarely shoot an air rifle off-hand, so I assumed I was comparing apples with apples. You are probably “only” five times the shooter I am if I am bench rested and you are off-hand! ;^)
And yup, I use my UTG monopod all the time, seated, using the technique you came up with.
Michael
Michael,
Well, I’m just good, aren’t I? 😉
B.B.
B.B.,
Either that, or I’m terrible. ;^)
Michael
B.B.,
I am a relatively new airgunner hailing from rural Virginia, signing in to this blog to post a comment for the very first time! I’m 15, and have been reading your blog since I got into airguns in February. Believe me when I say that I have enjoyed it immensely! I always look forward to each new post, as well as the time I spend reading through the archives each day. I own a Crosman Vigilante revolver that I modified with the 6″ barrel off of my dad’s old 357 (an older version of the same gun), and a 1077 that I bought on your recommendation. It does not disappoint! Both my dad and I have been able to print great groups at 25′. Thanks for making this a great place to come for somebody who wants to learn about airguns, firearms, straight razors, old cars, and what have you! Now, onto the real reason for this unreasonably long-winded comment:
I love mechanical things, and have done full tear-downs and rebuilds of my dad’s Crosman 357 and my Vigilante, with the result of much nicer triggers in both guns. I also completely disassembled and performed a quasi-lube tune on an old Daisy 188 that we had around the house, and improved the behavior of that gun significantly. Beyond that, I also have some experience with basic firearms maintenance. I’ve been looking to expand my involvement in this hobby, and I thought that a good way to do that would be to buy an airgun in rough shape off of the internet for cheap. I would tear it down, clean it, reseal it (if needed), replace the necessary parts, lubricate it, put it back together, and shoot it! Whether I kept it or sold it after that would depend on how it turned out. I have no spring compressor or chronograph, but I do have access to most of the other necessary tools, lubricants, etc. The best candidate for this would be something that I could get from one of the auction sites online, be able to really improve with my basic skills and resources and have the option to sell for a small profit at a later date. My budget would have to be $50 dollars at the most. I know that those are demanding criteria, but what airguns spring to mind for you? I would really appreciate your advice! Sorry for the long post, and thanks again for all that you’ve already taught me!
Spencer
Spencer,
Welcome to the blog. I am glad you are having a good time reading it.
On the guns to rebuild, look at the older Dianas with the lower model numbers. Models 23 and 25 might be good. Also, look at the Slavia rifles, as they sometimes are great bargains. I think spring guns are the best place to start because the parts seldom wear out and those that do like the piston and breech seals can be fabricated.
B.B.
Spencer,
Welcome too! It is nice to see some “young blood” joining in. You will find all you need here and the people are great and always willing to help you way over and above normal. Kind of like having a whole bunch of Grandpa’s that know a whole lot about shooting. 🙂 Looking forwards to hearing more from you in the future.
Chris
Spencer,
By the way,… VERY well written post! 😉
Spencer,
Welcome to the blog Spencer. Very nice well written comment that you posted. I’m sure you will find the folks here to be very friendly and helpful. It’s like when I first began again to enter into the serious airguning world, I didn’t know, what I didn’t know…and that was a lot 🙂 I’ve learned an awful lot over that past five years following this blog and all the great people that comment and answer questions.
Geo
Spencer
Glad you finally decided to make a comment.
And they way it sounds from reading your post. That you will be teaching us a thing or two here shortly. 🙂
Will be waiting to hear what gun you come up with and how it goes rebuilding it.
Thank you all for the kind comments! Sorry that I’m late in responding, I was busy doing work around the house for all of yesterday evening. Have to pay for that new rifle somehow! 😉
B.B.,
For some reason I had not thought of those particular rifles, but I did some looking and found 3 suitable Slavia 618s, a Diana Model 25, and a Hy Score 806 (which is a rebranded Diana, correct?). The combination of wood, steel and the possibility of leather seals makes sense to me in terms of repair, and they seem to be remarkably affordable and available. Same with spare parts. It may be a while before I can move on a purchase, but in the meantime, I’ll do all the reading, learning and shooting that I can. When the time comes, I might want to try my hand at a guest blog chronicling my spring gun adventures… If you’ll have me, of course! 🙂 Thanks for your advice!
Chris,
I got that feeling about the folks that hang out around here! Will be keeping you posted. Thanks for the compliment as well! 🙂
Geo,
Thanks! I feel like I know a lot of you pretty well already, just from reading your comments on past posts and such. Feeling very welcome and glad to be here.
GF1,
I am too! When I get into something, I tend to do it all the way, so I’m learning quickly! I’ll keep you up to date on the developments in my plan.
Thank you all again for your kind words and the encouragement. I’ve bounced around between various hobbies for the past few years, but I think I’ve found where I belong. I will keep updating you all as things progress… I hope to carve out a place here as a regular. Sorry for another long post, I’m just really glad to be here. 🙂
Spencer
Spencer,
You are well on your way, young man! I don’t know the particulars by I vote for the Diana 25, if it’s in budget.
B.B.
B.B.,
The 25 is on the high side, but doable, I think. It seems to be in good shape; the seller says that it shoots well, though the finish on the stock was removed (sanded) by a previous owner and one of the trigger guard screws is missing. The screw is not a big deal at all, and linseed oil is (from what I’ve seen) a good finish for stocks. Also, it was apparently made in “Gt. Britain”… I though Diana was a German company, not British? Did they farm out production, or did they build a new factory? The seller dates it to the 50’s or 60’s. The Slavias are shaping up to be more affordable, but I don’t know about quality for those. The Hy-Score is interesting as well. So many choices! 🙂
Spencer
Spencer,
After World War II the British took the Diana factory as war reparations from Germany. Milbro in Scotland made that gun. Early-on they just copied the German plans, but later in the 1960s they made models of their own. I think the 25 will be a lot like a German one, since the number stayed the same.
B.B.
B.B.,
Interesting info. Seems that the Allies did a lot of that kind of thing in the post-war years. And I do like the idea of a Scottish-made rifle… Especially if the quality is up to par. It appears that Milbro is still in business making airguns and slingshots. The Slavias are intriguing and seem well built, though, if I remember correctly, Czechoslovakia was behind the Iron Curtain at that time. Hy-Scores are either rebranded or license built Dianas, from what I can tell.
Spencer
Spencer,
Yes, the former Soviet Union did a lot of that. They packed up entire factories in Germany and took them home.
The Slavias are also well-made air rifle, as you have said. I find them a little more complex to work on, but perhaps that’s what you want. They have anti-beartrap safety devices that complicate their triggers.
B.B.
B.B.,
I do indeed love a challenge! Being able to take things apart and then put them back together and getting a working item is one of the things that I can actually do pretty well. The Slavias are also a good deal pricewise, so maybe that’s the way to go. I’m keeping an eye on two 618s, both in the $40-50 range, with 0 bids, nobody watching them, and auctions ending by Saturday. Might be able to snatch one of them before they’re gone! Crossing my fingers…
Spencer
Spencer,
As you are working you way through air gunning, do not forget about the pneumatics. That could be a PCP or a multi-pump. Even a inexpensive Crosman 880 multi pump from Walmart will give you a good idea of how they shoot.
Simply put, they are easier to shoot/hold. Why? The springers have a strong spring and a heavy piston slamming forwards that can affect the pellet as it leaves the barrel. With a pneumatic, you have a gentle push of stored air. Easier to hold, easier to control, easier to shoot well.
As you will discover, there are strong opinions in both camps.
I like to tear into stuff too. Fix, make better. All I am saying is,… do not discount your consideration of pneumatics as you progress in your learnings.
Chris
Chris,
I have indeed considered pneumatics, especially multi-pumps. “Classic” PCPs are hard to come by, and the price for a decent new one plus the necessary accessories is out of my budget. MSPs are more available and affordable overall.
Another benefit is, like you said, the lack of any special technique, though I think I could learn the artillery hold. Variable power is another attractive aspect. I don’t like the idea of having to pump multiple times, and it seems to me that pneumatics might have more issues with seals. I also don’t know how they compare with springers in terms of rebuildability. Most of the vintage multi-pumps that I’ve been able to find that interest me are the Sheridans (Blue Streaks and such…). My biggest issue is my relative lack of hands-on experience with “enthusiast” airguns. I guess that’s what you all are here for though. 🙂
I will certainly keep my mind open.
Spencer
Spencer,
A money saving tip for targets is to make your own. There is many ways. Myself, I use stickers that can be bought at Walmart in the office supply section. 3 types. 1/4″ dot, 3/4″dot and ring binder reinforcement stickers. 4 colors in all 3 choices in 1 pack. Neon or florescent, depending on how you define the colors..
You can stick them to notebook paper, but I prefer a quality graph paper. You can ring the stickers with a fine tip marker for more visibility. Dot the middle,.. etc.. Bolt washers work good as a circle jig.
Another good tip if you start to measure your groups is to use duct tape on the (back) of your target paper. The plain paper will tear and shred. The duct tape holds the paper together and makes cleaner holes that are easier to measure.
Box cardboard is good as a backer to the paper. That also will reduce tearing by a lot.
Hope some of that helps you to save some more coin so you can save more towards your first quality airgun. 🙂
Chris
That’s a dramatic demonstration. I tend to think that bb guns are best used for action and snap shooting which has its own standards of accuracy, but precision is at cross-purposes with the design. Accuracy is on the brain as I have finally got back to shooting after almost three months since breaking my arm. Nothing has changed, and I haven’t lost anything! This was a welcome relief since I understand that Delta Force has a bigger small arms budget than the entire Marine Corps, and this is because their brain surgeon level degrades quickly without practice. This is just further proof that I am nothing like Delta Force.
My limited weight bearing means that I’m restricted to just my IZH 61, so my favorite rifle comes through again. I also found the name of Lyudmilla Pavlichenko’s starter rifle with which she learned to shoot, the TOZ-8, which was a bolt-action rimfire. If there is a firearms counterpart to the ideal youth airgun, this is it. It certainly produced an incredible shooter in her.
I had a short camping trip in Yellowstone National Park which I visited for the first time. I’m not much of a camper. A few nights in a tent with the rain and the temperature in the 30s did not sit well. I suppose a true camper will discover themselves in this situation like my brother who said he loved it, but that wasn’t me. But I discovered several interesting things. This was my chance to try out my various historical military outfits to see how they blended in with the scenery, and they did pretty well. But I have to admit, looking around at the hunting camouflage worn by other visitors, that the hunting camouflage is at least as effective; that impression is confirmed upon looking at pictures. This leads me to wonder at the difference between hunting and military camouflage. I suspect it is that hunting camouflage is more dedicated to one environment which the hunter can pick. So, it will work better in its chosen place but is not as versatile as military camouflage which needs to work in different environments. The leading hunting patterns appear to be Realtree and Mossy Oak Obsession. Anyone have experience of these? But I have to admit that no outfit I saw could beat one worn by this woman. It was like full length long underwear in blue. The material was printed all over with small figures of mooses in white, and the trapdoor in back said, “Don’t moose with me.”
Also, I had a chance to investigate the properties of various mosquito repellents. Experience showed that a product called Thermocell works great. This is a hand held device a little bigger than a smart phone into which you insert blue strips of paper. Under the power of a gas cartridge, the strip gradually turns white while releasing some kind of gas that really repels mosquitoes. Amazing stuff.
Matt61
Matt61,
You made me laugh out loud when I read your comment about the outfit worn by the women and the trapdoor.
I visited Yellowstone back in 1973. It’a an amazing place to visit. Now that the media has disclosed that it’s sitting atop a huge lava flow, my wife is not interested in another visit. I would like to visit again though.
Matt61,
Glad to hear your arm is healing. It has been a while, must have been a bad break.
I am not the camper I once was. I used to do up to two week wilderness canoe trips every year and mostly live off the land. I am getting too old to enjoy roughing it like I did once.
It’s good you are shooting again.
Don
Yeah, we did the camping thing too when we were younger. We started with tent camping and then moved up to a foldout tent trailer camper. I was still working then and it was difficult to find camp sites in the state parks because all the people not working would get there during the week and squat. The private camp grounds were not good because of drinking and swearing at late hours. We had little kids then and that was not good for them to see and hear that crap. Now that we are older, we have decided that we like camping at Holiday Inns best. Thinking back, I guess I don’t understand why we thought that leaving the comforts of home and going into the woods to rough it was a good idea. Live and learn as they say…
Matt61,
Glad to read that you are shooting again!
Did you enter through West Yellowstone? In the Winter West Yellowstone has a really nice Biathlon Range and a number of training races as well as competitions starting with Thanksgiving. Camping is fun in the Winter, No Bugs, Bears and very few people; plus the hot pools are a blast to relax in after a day of skiing. Although they have lots of snowmachines they are fairly restricted in trails they use, plus they get really respectful when they see the rifle, Lol!
shootski
Matt61,
Missed ya’. Good to hear you are back on the mend and staying active.
Chris
Matt61
When we was kids we use to make what we called club houses in the woods. Basically grab what ever old lumber we could find and start nailing it together. Kind of like a tree house on the ground. We use to stay out overnight in it all the time. And we even got pretty good at making a good roof that didn’t leak. And come to think about it. We spent many nights just sleeping on the ground by the lake in leaves we piled up to make a bed. I use to love doing that as a kid.
But glad your back to shooting and your arm is doing better.
B.B.,
Do you have any experience shooting one of these 99s full-auto?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg2C42olAiA
Michael