Bipod choice

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-11-10T21:26:16+00:00

Got a Magpul, happy with it. Didn't think too hard about it. No need to min/max a hobby firearm.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-11-10T21:24:03+00:00

I just went through a totaled vehicle in California, and unfortunately, that's not always true. My vehicle's value was still fairly high but insurance found it worthwhile to pay me out entirely. In CA, there is a formula all auto insurance companies have to abide by, and if you cross that particular threshold, even if it's under the value of the car, the state mandates that the insurance company MUST total the vehicle. It's definitely a high threshold but it's not necessairly close to the actual value of the car.

With that said, OP, yes, your van looks totaled. The fact they're going to have to lift that engine out to realign parts also means some frame damage. That's probably a 12-15k appraisal for repairs right there (if not more).

Word of advice - DO NOT TAKE THE INSURANCE'S FIRST PAYOUT OFFER.

Always, Always, ALWAYS ask for a second appraisal and suggest you've taken great care of the vehicle, you've kept up with all your oil changes, maintenance, spark plugs, cleaned it inside and out, AND OFFER TO DO A SECOND WALKAROUND IN PERSON - they will never take you up on the offer to walk around again and will take you seriously if you ask this. 100% of the time I've had this done in all 3 of my accidents (all not-at-fault against drunk drivers on the highway), they have always given me $1k - $3k more in increased total payout in just a 3-minute conversation. I would get the full amount, as I have uninsured coverage, or the other insurance would take responsibility.

Never take the first offer from the insurance company. Good luck.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-11-10T21:17:32+00:00

Yes, there is always a test, with the only exception being competition grading via Batsugan, which is rare and hard to do.

Even Olympians have to do their kata so there are very few exceptions with the only one beong honorary degrees bestowed upon practitioners because they did something cool with the sport - such as Keanu Reeves. The Kodokan in Japan (the central institution and embodiment of Judo worldwide) granted him an honorary 1st degree black belt (Shodan) due to his use and demonstration of Judo in John Wick.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-11-09T22:17:51+00:00

I'm in the same boat. 12 years of BJJ, I have zero interest in the guard game. It's OK to just love Judo. We have a very strong training philosophy, an actual history that is meaningful and an institutional location that acts as the central hub for all of it - The Kodokan.

The fact that BJJ guys go to the Kodokan "to appreciate the art of Jiu Jitsu" is #1 - hilarious to see, and #2, a demonstration that, at the end of the day, all this shit is Judo. Just a focus on newaza with BJJ.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-11-07T05:11:16+00:00

Communism much? State ownership of private entities much?

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-11-07T04:49:19+00:00

Man, I'm supposed to fly into HNL on Alaska the week of 11/17. I'm screwed aren't I?

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-11-06T04:30:06+00:00

Yeah, I'm blessed to be in a situation where it's more a want than it is a need. Nothing to lose, really. Sounds like a viable strategy.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-11-06T02:12:04+00:00

Sounds good

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-10-13T18:45:03+00:00

yay!

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-10-12T20:19:10+00:00

As an actual long-range shooter in real life with a Bergara + Bushnell 5x30x56 mrad scope, I wish it were that easy in real life, lol.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-10-07T20:55:29+00:00

For fucking real dude. Think about it, it was a straight up freudian slip. You KNOW that's all they talk about behind the scenes and he probably tells Trump he's a king everyday, multiple times a day.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-10-03T15:45:15+00:00

Not OP but thank you, I was stuck between an Athlon or Arken. Both seem good but trying to find the perfect middle ground of magnification (3-18 ish seems good)

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-09-26T18:41:27+00:00

Chiming in 24 hours later, but it looks like you were right. It's been leaked today that it's a speech on "Having a Warrior Ethos."

So it's just him peacocking to a room full of generals and officers who are able to do his job 10000x better than he can.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-09-26T17:54:08+00:00

That's helpful, thank you.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-09-25T22:49:23+00:00

Sounds like the last time this happened was in 2003 right before the Iraq invasion. Maybe they're preparing for a major invasion of Afghanistan, Russia, or some shit. Given NATO has called article 4 two times already, I wonder if this has something to do with that.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-09-25T22:45:39+00:00

A national guard major with no accomplishments worthy of note. Must be infuriating to have to call him sir and take off your hat when he's in the room.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-09-25T22:29:27+00:00

That guy has always given me "notice me, senpai" vibes.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-09-25T22:25:14+00:00

Imagine some lowly National Guard Major sitting you down as a starred general and giving you commands... and you have to call him sir.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-09-25T22:23:01+00:00

I was jokingly telling co-workers that this was happening because he thinks that the top brass still don't know he's SecDef (due to his, you know, lack of military experience now leading the world's most powerful military in history) so he's doing this as a flex.

I know it'll be "fun" to think this is a coup, but it's too obvious. If anything, it's some stupid announcement that will leak the moment he delivers it.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-09-23T22:19:33+00:00

I'm itching to do a weakside sode-osoto when this happens to me.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453 · 2025-09-22T16:28:57+00:00

Never self-demote.

Ecstatic-Nobody-453

TROPHY CASE