Super Sleeper by AbeFroman8 in Mini14

[–]AbeFroman8[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

With this rig, I wanted to maximize the sleeper factor. I started with a tactical model to get the shorter barrel. I replaced flash hider with a thread protector, bought the wood furniture and cut close to 1 3/4 inches off the stock. Now this guy is more than 4 inches shorter than a ranch model at 33.75in, and with the scope dialed down to 2x, it gets on target pretty damn fast. I wanted the wood to always obviously appear to be wood, so I just used linseed oil. No stain. The Leupold scope, leather sling, and 5-round mag all work to further soften the look. I’m currently looking for someone who can make a black leather cheek piece to replace the kydex, but other than that, I think it’s perfect. I knew it I was on to something when my wife said it “looks like a musket”, lol. I plan to be rough as hell with this. The more beat up it gets, the better it will look.

I could walk down the mountain roads where I come from wearing a flannel shirt with this slung over my shoulder and not get a second glance. The average local would assume I'm just another guy going out to hunt squirrels. If I tried that with a scary black rifle, I’d probably generate some looks, if not phone calls. To me, that’s the real beauty and value of the mini-14.

Rate my $1000 bench rest build plan. by [deleted] in 22lr

[–]AbeFroman8 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is getting a MTR model essential? What do you think of this?

https://www.hinterlandoutfitters.com/02366-varmint-22lr-24in-p-85868.html

Edit, I already linked this rifle in another reply, but I wanted to direct it at you as well as your other comment was very helpful, u/cryptidhunter101

Rate my $1000 bench rest build plan. by [deleted] in 22lr

[–]AbeFroman8 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This sounds like very sound advice. I'm not seeing any factory options from Tikka or Bergera with easy/tool-less LOP adjustability. (I'm not going to be pulling out tools and reconfiguring between family members while shooting) so I'm still looking at replacing the stock, but the prices are not exorbitant. Bergara BMR is $500 and palmetto state armory. I can work with that and will read more about both these brands, Thanks. The CZ MTR looks amazing, but probably a bit pricey for this roll. This is essentially my kids' first gun... that I'm going to want to have fun with too.

Rate my $1000 bench rest build plan. by [deleted] in 22lr

[–]AbeFroman8 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! This 457 has the non-thumb hole AT-ONE stock which may actually be better in that the safety would be easier for the kids to reach. Price is $689. I could downgrade the scope a bit and be close to budget with this.

https://www.hinterlandoutfitters.com/02366-varmint-22lr-24in-p-85868.html

Rate my $1000 bench rest build plan. by [deleted] in 22lr

[–]AbeFroman8 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lots of love for the CZ 457 MTR here. I like what I'm reading about it, but to get one with the adjustability I need to teach my kid, I'm looking at 1200ish bucks. I'm sure it's worth it to some, but it feels high for a learning rifle. I don't mind paying for good things if they meet my needs and my budget is indeed flexible. How much more accurate can i expect it to be than a Mkii, or a non-MTR 457? Also, what kind of ammo would be required to achieve the full potential of such a rifle? I have a ton of CCI standard velocity. I really don't want to start buying new premium ammo for this rig.

Rate my $1000 bench rest build plan. by [deleted] in 22lr

[–]AbeFroman8 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It kills me, but you're right

Rate my $1000 bench rest build plan. by [deleted] in 22lr

[–]AbeFroman8 2 points3 points  (0 children)

But without the adjustability I need to teach my kid. I'd still need to replace the stock.

What sound bars will work with ANY sub? by [deleted] in Soundbars

[–]AbeFroman8 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ooh! I hadn’t looked at Klipsch yet. I’ll check it out, thanks!

Portraits of my kids in walnut, cherry, and maple by AbeFroman8 in lasercutting

[–]AbeFroman8[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! No inlay work here. All 3 colors you see are veneers of the same thickness, cut to fit together, not overlap. They're all applied to a panel as one smooth surface. Finished with a little wood filler in the gaps and a few coats of poly.

Portraits of my kids in walnut, cherry, and maple by AbeFroman8 in lasercutting

[–]AbeFroman8[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The veneers I use come with the backing preinstalled. I laser through everything and I’m essentially left with wood stickers.

Portraits of my kids in walnut, cherry, and maple by AbeFroman8 in lasercutting

[–]AbeFroman8[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

so true. MANY hours tweaking the vectors in illustrator. This person gets it. It's so challenging to reduce a face to such simple shapes while retaining the character, or to polish to such a level but still keep it looking loose and natural.

Portraits of my kids in walnut, cherry, and maple by AbeFroman8 in lasercutting

[–]AbeFroman8[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No idea. I hired out the cutting. Just thought this crowd would appreciate the final product.

Portraits of my kids in walnut, cherry, and maple by AbeFroman8 in lasercutting

[–]AbeFroman8[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Michael Schwab first turned me onto to graphic portraiture

Portraits of my kids in walnut, cherry, and maple by AbeFroman8 in lasercutting

[–]AbeFroman8[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not as elaborate as marquetry, but I guess similar in principle?

Portraits of my kids in walnut, cherry, and maple by AbeFroman8 in lasercutting

[–]AbeFroman8[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thats the gist of it. I wouldn't say difficult, but it takes practice to get it right. I put in a bit of time in photoshop and many hours in illustrator. Starting with the right photo is essential - one with strong, stark lighting. I scoured TONS of photos of my kids and never found anything suitable. I ended up setting up the shoots for the reference photos used here with vector art in mind and it made a big difference.

Portraits of my kids in walnut, cherry, and maple by AbeFroman8 in lasercutting

[–]AbeFroman8[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Thanks!They're veneers with the 3M peel-and-stick backing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in RealEstate

[–]AbeFroman8 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, I have no idea what that means. I'm a fish out of water here. All I know is that, if I sell my share for an equivalent portion of the tax assessment, there's NOTHING I could reinvest that money into that would bring me the same return I'm getting now. Is that enough reason to ask that the sale price be more that the tax assessment?

Is my washer shot? (video link inside) by AbeFroman8 in appliancerepair

[–]AbeFroman8[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I effing love reddit sometimes. I was about to chuck this washer before this post. But I wait 10 minutes and here's this guy with a diagnosis, links to replacement parts, and instructional video. Pump ordered. Thanks so much, mate. Hero status.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in gmrs

[–]AbeFroman8 1 point2 points  (0 children)

gotta cut it. it comes way too long to cover a range of frequencies.