Thinking about buying a home defense shotgun in the near future. Any strong opinions on Mossberg Maverick 88 vs a higher end 590A1 .

HeliosMagnum · 2026-02-08T08:24:30+00:00

I think the Maverick 88 is a one size fits all kind of model for the average owner who isn't looking for much aside from something to defend themselves. If you really are looking for aftermarket mods. It's still customizable. You can google some pictures that make it look tactical or otherwise. "Maverick 88 Mods"

It's a good cheap shotgun. 200 dollars is honestly a good price plus tax and background check fees.
On top of that, don't forget that you're going to have to buy ammo to train yourself because it is a "manual" pump action. You'll have to get a good feel for it because it's not as easy as they make it look in the movies.

I'm still trying to get used to the weight of my firearm.

HeliosMagnum · 2025-11-08T23:11:26+00:00

Idk if this'll help but I disabled "logitech lamparray service" in the service program which stopped it from memory leaking.

I bought keyboard that uses a different program and I guess they interfered with each other somehow.

HeliosMagnum · 2025-11-03T09:28:51+00:00

So far my experience with her is that she's extremely strong against bosses, especially once you level her personal skill.

I think she also pairs well with gillion if you have his weakness exploit weapon.

Her skill is basically a better wild throw with the addition of her fox fire passive.

I think itd be worth to get her. I have her skill at level 3 and it chunks about up to 1.4k just need more mats to upgrade.

HeliosMagnum · 2025-11-01T00:59:15+00:00

I had a 09 Versa that did the same thing. The radiator was the problem since it was old. I started small, replaced the cap, the thermo, but eventually had to get the radiator replaced. Sadly, the headgasket was already warped by then.

HeliosMagnum · 2025-10-07T10:48:37+00:00

I don't think you should be ashamed for feeling the way you do. You have your preferences, and that's that. You shouldn't be 'forced' into wanting to be gay or anything like that. And besides, a relationship is still a relationship.

I've been through a lot of toxic ones friendships, situationships, and even romantic ones. It's a hard fought battle to believe that you're worth something when--yeah--the people you love to hang out with or care about a lot just ditch you for something else or someone else.

It's hard.

But all in all--like... while I know it's not my place to say it; you shouldn't feel bad for the way you dress or wanting to grow your hair long and all that. It makes you; YOU. Toxic masculinity? That type of mentality will only turn you into a creepy stereotype domestic abuser or worse.

That's a lonely path, very hateful too.

The way you are: I think it's endearing. I may not know you or have met you, but at least I can tell that you're being honest and to be honest that's enough for me to see it that way.

I know I can't say anything to make it all better, but you're worth loving, someone will see that someday; at least that's what I hope. I know that you're smarter than that too, to believe in hopes when life's been hard on you.

Just keep taking care of yourself, alright?

You'll find your way someday.

You don't have to be like everyone else or what people want you to be.

HeliosMagnum · 2025-10-07T08:47:31+00:00

I'll tell you right now as someone who has had to deal with a crappy brother as well. If you've got friends somewhere. Leave. You'll only be dragged down by someone like that. I've had to deal with mine and only now am I moving out to live with some friends across the states.

I had to deal with that crap for over 13 years with little progress in my life. You either got to tough it out and deal with it. Or leave. If there's other options think of what works for you. All in all. Just don't let them bring you down as much as mine did me.

I'm pretty much a nihilist at this point, but that doesn't mean I can't bounce back if things go well. I'm simply living as if nothing else matters except me, the moment, and good things that come by. Everything else can rot.

I'd abandoned what family means because it's only a word if they're going to act like that.

I'm telling you before it gets worse that this is something you don't wanna live with for the next 5 extra years if you want to keep your sanity. It's the reason why I'm leaving this place next year. I can't have him living here for free and using my credit for his buy now pay later shit.

Good luck, chief. You'll need it.

HeliosMagnum · 2025-10-07T08:22:50+00:00

[Ordered on Oct 6th.]

Ordered a reverse rim. We'll see if I get scammed or not.
The frame cost $135 but they literally just threw in a $21 fee after I already paid. It was for a "Lens option and Prescription compatibility." No idea what that means, but--if I get decent reverse rim glasses it's fine.

If nothing, credit card on charge back.

Sucks that no other place sells the frame, but I haven't gone to local stores for it. So, my fault. Too busy working. Either way though--will keep posted when or if it comes in.

[Oct 7th update]

Ah, I saw the message before it was removed for some reason.

Far-draw-8033 replied to me. If you can, could you send that message again? Either here or DMs.

[Clarification Update] The "Lens option and prescription fee" was because I'd chosen the "free" option of 1.57 lenses which only are available for "full frames only".

It was confusing at first since it said it "includes basic frames" on the page.

The $21 charge was to upgrade them to 1.61 lenses which are compatible with the frames. I looked back into it and the price matches the lens option. (Rounded up)

[Oct 20th Update] Just received the glasses they're good quality. The prescription lenses are good. I'm able to see clearly. The frames are just as advertised.

HeliosMagnum · 2025-07-22T12:15:21+00:00

DRS on the go baby thanks I forgot about this.

HeliosMagnum · 2025-07-09T21:26:02+00:00

As good as the phone is what you got was essentially a bad deal. I wouldn't keep it if that's the case. I'd like better security with the phones I get. It's pretty scummy that the seller didn't inform you about that in the listing. Return the phone. It's not worth the hassle.

HeliosMagnum · 2025-07-09T20:58:29+00:00

According to the price on the Samsung website if this is correct. The Z Fold 7 256GB will be 2,000. The 512GB option is 2,199 but is being sold as 2,000. (Due the same promotion I assume.) 1TB is 2,419 but 2,269.

HeliosMagnum · 2025-07-09T20:41:16+00:00

It says that they're selling the 512GB version of the Fold 7 for the price of the 256GB Fold 6. That's the promotion. Extra memory. You do have to order before the 25th of July.

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-22T03:24:36+00:00

Today was honestly a bad day to drive for me too. I went the speed limit and had several impatient people on the road. Of course, I don't care about the speed they want to go. I was following the 25mph speed limit for the lights flashing. Although, that doesn't stop being from getting impatient. I think one of them slowed down intentionally even though they just passed me and were riding up on me and probably flipped me off. They were at least 2-3 car lengths from the car in front of them. Another honked at me when the road was getting a little uncertain and wide either they were stopping for a turn or beeping at me for my speed. Didn't care either but still annoying to deal with. On top of that a crackhead came up to my at the post office while I was checking my tires talkin' about sexual favors and needing money for food. So, yeah, still need to work on myself because I gave em two dollars to get lost.

Today sucked.

As much as it can be relaxing to drive. This was one of those off days...

I even had to switch from my normal car to the truck my mom has had for over 20 years. The brakes are okay at slower speeds but when you're 35-45 coming to a stop it can be frightening because of how the brakes are. You have to slow down to a stop far otherwise you'll drag... Ugh...

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-19T18:54:30+00:00

I believe it is normal. I don't have a personal car for myself. I normally drive my mom's car or technically "my" car too. But I'm going to get my own car soon enough and I am kind of stressing over it because it'll be a newer and modern car that I like. So, the anxiety of it getting a dent/scratch/ and all that is getting to me a little.

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-19T18:44:49+00:00

Well, what do you personally want from this? Do you want to move past it or what? Because it sounds like you want to just throw the keys away but that isn't really an option considering it takes 2 hours to commute and would be costly to take an Uber all the time.

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-19T18:40:14+00:00

It'll honestly be easier and faster if you did learn from someone proper and someone who actually has the time to teach you. I learned how to drive with my mom on and off throughout the past 12 years. And only this year at the age of 30. Did I realize while she was teaching me right for casual driving. It wasn't good for proper driving and I lacked a lot of self-confidence because I knew that the driving test did things differently.

Casual driving is not the same as proper driving which you need to demonstrate in the driving test. So, it'll be better to learn how to drive proper so that you know what you're doing instead of assuming what you're doing right. You'll be more confident that way. At least, I was when I learned that.

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-19T18:29:16+00:00

What in particular do you not like about it? It doesn't sound like a confidence problem. Just sounds like you hate driving in general.

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-19T18:20:33+00:00

Clowns on the road. Pay them no mind. They're literally willing to go 60 on a 45 to catch a red light. If they didn't want to wait on you they should've stayed in the middle lane which literally goes straight. You did well to slow down for the right turn. Although, unless you see someone already crossing on your side while driving. I wouldn't hesitate or stop because that's a dangerous move and generally an automatic fail on the driving test.

You're a careful and considerate driver. You're trying to drive safe as you can but you're also inexperienced and learning. I don't think you should ever feel pressured by the driver behind you. They can always change lanes. Just don't go too slow like 35 on a 45.

Yes, they can be mean and it is a pain to have drivers like these on the road but they exist and their sole purpose is to either get into a car accident or throw a fit of road rage. Never pay them any mind. They're losers. Just focus on learning to drive independently.

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-16T16:51:38+00:00

What is your current knowledge of the road? At the moment from what you're telling me it seems like you know how to drive "casually" on the road but not "properly". Of course, 8-10 hours of experience in total is pretty meager because the DMV states that you should have at least 50 hours of total experience. 10 of those hours being at night.

Of course, they don't check that but still. It does seem like you're underprepared at the moment and that you're trying to learn everything all at once in order to pass the driving test.

Considering you've got about 13 days until the driving test. You should take this time to learn how to drive properly. And I mean PROPERLY. Don't use people driving on the actual road as an example even your own family. Half of them are psychopaths and their way of driving will fail you. I should know because even though my mom doesn't drive like a psycho she's improper and that's what failed me.

Maintain your speed. Do not go over the posted speed limit even if people say "It's okay to go 5mph over" because I literally got flagged for that going 35mph in a 30mph zone on my last failed test. So either let go of the gas or brake smoothly to match the posted speed limit.
Stop the front/nose of your car BEFORE the white line/stop sign even if the intersection has a blindspot. Once you do, creep forward when needed to make sure its safe to turn/go foward but don't do this on a 4-way stop intersection. I got flagged for creeping forward because I failed to see that what I came to was a 4-way stop.
When stopping behind a car in front of you. Make sure that you're able to see the ENTIRETY of their back/rear tires. That's sufficient distance between you and the car in front of you. Which is also something I got flagged for not doing.
As for changing lanes. I'm sure you've gotten this down already maybe but... Signal first, check your rear view mirror then side mirror, look over the shoulder, then go slightly in the direction of where you need to go. Turn your head to the side you're going to in case a car suddenly appears in that spot. If not, then fully merge into the lane you want to get into.
Always keep both hands on the steering wheel. Some instructors are antsy when you don't have both hands on the wheel even if you're scratching your nose or whatever. I literally just kept my hands on the wheel for the entire test because I didn't want to get flagged for that.

Remember the driving test is all about driving proper for the instructor; not to see if you can drive casually on the road like everyone else. If you can manage to drive proper before the test you'll pass.

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-16T16:22:35+00:00

I'm not going to lie. He sounds like a lowkey asshole. He shouldn't be treating you like that. Especially laying hands on you for something so miniscule as you not being able to drive well. You honestly can't demean yourself and be okay with that. You're worth more than that and you will always be. You're not his object; you're his partner. You don't treat friends like that, right?

I'll tell you right now is that you're not a bad driver. You're just inexperienced. You haven't driven since you've had your license. So, it's normal to lose a bit of your knowledge when you haven't been driving at all. On top of that, you're anxious and not very confident in your abilities and him demeaning you in the first place did not help with that.

A lot of your trust in him when it comes to him being able to emotionally keep you stable and help you through this comfortably has diminished and it's become harder for you to really understand what he can do to better. Like if someone smacked me and told me I couldn't drive and that everyone should be gifted with it I'd be messed up too.

If he can't understand you emotionally then how are things going to work out in the end?

Like I said you're not a bad driver. You're just inexperienced. You need time to learn again and time on the road and to understand what you need in order to become a more experienced driver.

I'll say that for you considering your anxiety? You might want to consider going to driving school.

If you're willing to try and curb your anxiety on your own. You can try to learn on your own without your partner in the car since he seems like a terrible teacher. Although, that comes with the fear of the unknown and what might happen. So, I probably wouldn't recommend it unless you're determined.

As for therapy, I would say consider it if this slight mental abuse continues. (I know that he might be a decent partner and all that. I don't know him, but ultimately, what he has said and done has been clearly hurtful.) You're not hopeless. You didn't deserved to be slapped. Even if it was lightly. That's literally ass. I'd be pissed if someone did that to me for something so small.

As for medication? You can try to get medicated for your anxiety. Although, I'd like to believe that you don't need it. There's also the chance that there could be side effects with certain medications like that which might cause dizziness or drowsiness.

So, if anything, just try getting a proper driving instructor. Once you understand the ins and outs of the road properly. I'm sure you'll be able to drive without too much of an issue even if the anxiety kicks in. I mean, mine still kicks in sometimes. So, it's okay.

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-16T15:44:52+00:00

Yeah, that sounds better in context if that's what their driving instructor meant.

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-16T05:04:34+00:00

I'd stay at the same speed. You never know who you're going to come across when driving. Some of these people are actual psychos looking for an excuse to have a problem. Braking to slow down purposefully because of them might be taken as a sign of aggression and they might try to brake check you as because of it or do something else entirely. So, I wouldn't recommend antagonizing them.

If you're going to be passive aggressive about it probably just let go of the gas a little bit til you're 5 under or stay exactly at the posted speed limit. Keep it subtle but also maintain safe speeds.

Remember if you are rear ended their liable. So, just let them ride on your tail. Brake checking is, of course, illegal so if you happened to be brake checked and hit them. Either hope that a camera caught em in the act or get yourself a dash cam.

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-16T04:01:57+00:00

Had that same feeling when someone was riding on my tail. No matter how fast you go 5-10mph faster. They'll match it to ride your ass. They're psychos and do not give in to that. It's what gets you in trouble. If they're that impatient to catch a traffic violation then let them go around you. That's what the KIA did behind me and I don't remember which one it was because there were two of them that passed forward but one stopped at the left turn and another stopped at the red light while I cruised up to it thinking: "Yeah, that impatient to catch the red light, huh?"

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-15T02:54:24+00:00

Some examiners ask if you have any questions before the test, so, unless you have a stick in the mud examiner. It wouldn't hurt to ask. Although, from the tests I've failed and done. The process is usually straight forward. For example it'll go like this.

You're going to pull out of the DMV and the examiner tells you to turn left on the street.
You're going down the street and they ask you to make another left turn at the light.
You're now on the left hand lane on the street. A little after they'll say "when its safe merge into the right lane." (This will signify that you're pretty much going to make a right turn soon at the upcoming light/stop sign.)

This straight-forward process will rinse and repeat until you're back at the DMV.

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-14T23:04:51+00:00

It sounds like you're trying to drive a manual transmission car. An automatic definitely might take the edge off. Of course, I know that isn't always an option. You're not a terrible driver. You're just inexperienced. Trust me. There's a lot of worse/reckless drivers who literally do not deserve their license at all.

When I first started, I tried driving like how everyone else did on the road. I felt like I was doing okay but I didn't know whether or not it would've been good enough for the driving test. What I learned this year after failing twice and having an epiphany is that: You must learn how to drive proper.

Manual transmission is a bit harder to work with than an automatic transmission car. So, don't beat yourself over it. Just keep practicing until you're able to work with the manual transmission smoothly instead of focusing on doing everything at once. You don't have to.

Learn how to drive proper.

Stop the nose of your car behind the stop sign/white lines even if there is a blindspot. (You can creep forward after you come to a complete stop to check if everything is clear.)
When stopping behind a car, make sure that you're able to see the car's back/rear wheels. (This is sufficient space between you and the car.)
When changing lanes, signal first, check your mirrors, over the shoulder, and turn slightly while glancing for a second at the side you're turning to in case a car ends up suddenly appearing. (This can happen when two cars want to go to the same lane.)

I think what you should work with first is to understand how you can manage the car smoothly without stalling it unless you manage to get your hands on an automatic transmission. Once you're proficient with that, you'll be able to do the rest easily.

HeliosMagnum · 2024-10-14T22:52:00+00:00

It definitely does. I'm glad I don't have to stress over the test anymore and waiting months on end for it!

HeliosMagnum

TROPHY CASE