28 Jun 09 Summer Projects: The Mossberg 45A

It’s been a long time coming that I finally get my hands on my family’s .22 LR Mossberg model 45A. This rifle dates back to pre WWII era and was my great grandmother’s first, then my grandfathers then my dad’s. My dad only shot this rifle a couple of times, but he must’ve cleaned it pretty good the last time (20 years ago) because it’s still in good working condition and to my surprize the bore looks brand new!!!

Anyways, after 20 or so years you can imagine the dust and surface rust build up. I wish I had taken pictures of it before I cleaned it. I tried to look down the bore of the rifle and saw nothing. I could only imagine what was blocking it. It took me a good 3 hours with some steel wool and Hoppe’s No. 9 solvent to clean the outside of the barrel and the receiver. The action was working great after some solvent, a toothbrush and some lube. So, when all was said and done, it only took me about 4 hours to totally clean and lube this rifle. Did I already mention how shocked I was when I saw the bore was next to brand new?

So, i head to the range this weekend and I was thinking I would have feed problems and/or ejection problems, but that wasn’t the case. I loaded 3 rounds in the tube (tube magazine holds 15 LR cartridges) , pulled the bolt back and forward and loaded a round in the breech. No problems so far. Now that I’m ready to shoot I think about the “What If” scenarios like the firing pin being shot back at my face as I fired the round. Or the entire barrel splitting open and shrapnel flying everywhere. But, then I come to my senses and aim… fire. A little crack and absolutely no recoil (there was some, but nothing compared to my other rifles). This rifle was a blast to shoot. I’m just glad I was able to clean it up and away we went. No problems at all with it. I am taking this rifle every time I go shooting along with my other guns.

Thanks Dad.

25 May 09 Update: Hockey

Just an update on what’s going on in my life right now:
One word: HOCKEY!!!!

I’ve been playing more Hockey and recently I’ve been on a couple drop-in / practice games on ice with a friend of mine. I’ve really been turned on by playing ice Hockey and more roller. I think I’m starting to get addicted. I’m really excited about next session. I may have an opportunity to play twice a week if my schedule allows.

To anyone out there interested in Hockey (roller or ice) you should definitely give it a shot. It is a really addictive sport. I used to play street with my friend Justin then, as I started college he moved on to roller then eventually ice. I’ve just recently been playing more with him on actual league games. It’s been great. I’m looking forward to playing more and more and more and more and more.

21 Apr 09 Fetch with Eva

I guess cats play fetch…or at least mine does. I didn’t know cats could play fetch with their staff (me). This is truly a pleasure to be able to bond with your owner (pet) like this. The best part is: I didn’t need to get out of bed. She would bring her plastic ball (with a bell inside) and drop it next to my hand. I would throw it out of the bedroom or toward the corner of the room. For about 20 throws she retrieved the toy and each time I loved her for it. This must be rare in cats. I only wish I had my camera for this.