RATIONALIZING ANOTHER RIFLE
Toward the end of 2015, I applied for my FAL, With the ambition of getting back into the bush and hunting. I had a bow and stuff, but had injured both shoulders and, after having both rotator cuffs repaired, I no longer had the strength to draw a bow. I was surprised by how easy the process of obtaining my FAL was, especially with the help of the AO. I had been "window shopping" for a rifle online and at a couple of gunshops. I had pretty much decided on a T/C Venture in 7mm Rem mag because the ballistics of the caliber looked good and there was very little negative comment on the T/C Venture. In fact, the reviews and comments were almost universally positive.
Then I started reading about Browning's x-bolt and fell in lust with it. Shopping list in hand I called into Serious Shooters, in Penrose. "Yes," said Ben. "We can help you". I hadn't yet received my FAL, but Ben ordered-in an x-bolt Stainless Stalker when I told him I'd spoken with the AO, who had told me he didn't think there'd be any problem with my application. I had passed the MSC safety exam, and the vetter had been around to check my safe and security. The process was dragging slowly along. By now it was February, 2016, so I had a bit of a bleat on the Police website, and was contacted by Roly Williams, Arms Office Manager. He told me my Licence had been approved and should be in my letterbox within days. Goody. I phoned Ben, who then called the AO and got my FAL number. I went to the shop, paid for the rifle, some ammo, reloading gear, cleaning gear and a hard case. I took it home, gave it a cuddle then, using my new Wheeler Engineering Scope mounting Kit, I mounted the Vortex Diamondback HP 3-12x42 scope. It felt so good to be a "fit and proper" gun owner. It only took 3.5 months for the plod to process my application and get my Licence to me. God it felt like such a long time.I sort of understand it because it was around the time HDPA was fraudulently obtaining a .22 from Gunshitty. Thanks Heather, you thing. Anyway, did the sighting-in thing and even got to take it for a couple of walks in the bush, wihout seeing anything to shoot. Ah well, maybe next time. I remain ever hopeful. Time went by and I was (am) very happy with my choice. Then last weekend I was looking at the Serious Shooters website and spotted the T/C Venture in 7mm Rem mag they had in stock. I phoned Ben and "Yes. We can help you." So last Tuesday, I shot into Penrose and picked up my other brand new rifle. Ben fitted a Nikko Stirling Diamond illuminated 3-12x42 scope for me, faster than I can type about it. When Jacquie saw it she asked why i'd bought another rifle. "Because I want it, and I'm expressing my feminine side" She says "You haven't got a feminine side, but if you did, how would buying another gun be expressing it?" "I went shopping and bought something I really didn't need but really did want." Well, it made some sort of sense at the time It also got a bit of a smile, so I knew it would all be okay. She's very understanding when I put things into a context she can identify with.I still haven't put a single round through it, but that'll happen soon.
Ben and his boss, Richard have been hugely helpful and have given me some exxcllent deals. That's why most of my "disposable" income ends up in their till! I highly recommend them to anyone shopping for anything hunting/shooting related. If they haven't got it in stock, they'll go out of their way to get it for you and give you a good deal while they're at it. Their attitude is a breath of fresh air after some I encountered when shopping around in the early days.
How is this new rifle? Well I took it apart and cleaned the shipping grease off/out of it and I 'm a bit impressed with the look&feel. When I first handled it, it felt a bit muzzle-heavy, but seems much better balanced with the scope on it. I disassembled the bolt and cleaned all the grease out of it and was impressed by the quality of the finish. No gross machining marks . The barrelled-action is evenly blued and polished. The bolt cycles very smoothly, the nickel/teflon coating works well. The box magazine seems a bit flimsy and underdone, but it feeds well enough. Extraction and ejection are emphatic, even with loaded rounds. The bolt is as smooth and slick as snot on a doorknob. Overall this rifle seems real value for money and I'm happy with my buy.
