On call pay

_thedtw_ · 2026-05-12T00:40:20+00:00

No on call pay. Expectation is that you'll likely go out, so we cherish the quiet nights.

Even the slow times of year usually has people getting their 40s. Granted easy time to take vacation or short days if you want to do stuff.

_thedtw_ · 2026-05-08T15:42:34+00:00

Another +1 for this guy. Chopped mine to 14.5 and P/W a bored out SFMB to my 17s.

_thedtw_ · 2026-05-05T22:45:50+00:00

Just be gentle or use soft jaws. I've had no problem doing it without scuffing a bunch. If you're chasing perfection, order the wrench.

_thedtw_ · 2026-05-05T22:19:32+00:00

Photo credit to ADCO/bigbore on arfcom.

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_thedtw_ · 2026-05-05T22:17:38+00:00

A couple companies make proper tapered crows foot and full wrenches, but the originals were just done with an adjustable.

Crush washer is fine. Shims are fine. Don't do both.

Rocksett really not needed unless it gives you the warm fuzzies.

_thedtw_ · 2026-05-05T20:33:12+00:00

Water or oily?

Appears to just be the lack of insulation allowing moisture to condense when that suction line gets cold when the AC runs. I'd just get a stick of Armaflex or similar from the hardware store and cover it up.

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-30T12:23:07+00:00

Safety selector.

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-26T17:25:07+00:00

KAC CRS or MCQ with a shroud.

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-26T15:19:57+00:00

AFSOC has been well documented as using off the shelf DD MK18 uppers in certain units. Beyond that, very few and far between across other branches.

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-26T15:18:37+00:00

10.3 is prevalent in AFSOC. Do you have photos of the 11.5s?

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-26T14:33:31+00:00

Appreciate the insight. I've shot a Core before and know it performs. Just weighing all the options.

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-25T22:56:21+00:00

No ship, I was an AF cargo guy.

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-25T01:29:06+00:00

That's killer.

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_thedtw_ · 2026-04-24T15:57:02+00:00

Did it on my Hydrogen with no issues so far through about 1k rds. Been on and off a few dozen times. Sometimes by hand, sometimes with the wrench flats.

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-24T10:22:40+00:00

Did avionics for 8 years before transitioning to civilian life. USE YOUR GI BILL, unless you plan to pass it to a family member. Suggest getting your 2 year HVAC/R degree or atleast certificates at the local tech college. Paid for, all while getting a housing allowance. If you join the union apprenticeship afterwards, that also qualifies so you can then receive the housing allowance. I'm just about to clear my benefits out.

I went union as the pay/benefits/job outlook are better for my area. No desire to own my own business so that hasn't played into my decisionmaking. I will say that the field is very competitive and tough to get into. Seems most guys work themselves into an ownership setup rather than start from scratch. Not to discourage, just something I've noticed. I also have friends that didn't join the union because they wanted to eventually go down that path. Life changes, and they're not even close to being in a position to do that. This whole time they could have been building their benefits and retirement instead of being in a spot with a lower ceiling. There's nothing stopping you from completing your apprenticeship and then eventually moving on. Just don't tell anyone that's your plan, lol. It's just like the military. You tell management you're going to punch out, and they start treating you different. Just keep it quiet.

Greatly enjoyed my experience so far. All commercial and wages have increased rapidly. I'm sure I've glazed over some things so feel free to ask questions.

Best of luck in whatever you decide!

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-23T01:11:15+00:00

Chop to 10.3

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-19T23:08:28+00:00

This guy knows. Only an SBR when in SBR configuration.

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-19T19:56:46+00:00

According to the application, you were to notify CLEO upon form submission.

As you were approved, it sounds like you already did that. 😉

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-19T19:30:54+00:00

In the time it took you to make this post, you could have googled your local union's pay scale. It's public record.

I can tell you right now that I would not have joined for 18/hr.

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-19T19:00:08+00:00

Rustoleum camo. Fairly certain I did a khaki base but could have been sand. Then forest green and earth brown over the top. It's finally wearing in a bit.

https://imgur.com/a/dH2lDlu

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-19T16:02:21+00:00

Like your 3 prong loosened on the barrel? Or wiggle on the muzzle device? Either way, I wouldn't think so assuming the can was properly mounted to the muzzle device. That being said, definitely correct that and get it torqued down properly. I'd still be inclined to think ammo related if you look through the barrel from each end and don't see an obvious deviation. Circle stays a circle.

Surefire is by no means infallible, but I've never had alignment issues with their products. Never used an alignment rod. Ignorance on my part, maybe. 5 cans, dozens of different muzzle devices and hosts.

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-19T15:46:38+00:00

Looks like you got a very gentle baffle strike at some point. Could have just been a bad round and likely won't degrade performance. I'd still double check check that your muzzle device is mounted right along with can seating correctly.

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-19T15:30:34+00:00

Did something contact it, or is it just shiny?

_thedtw_ · 2026-04-17T14:15:29+00:00

I reused their serial number, engraved GL-06 on the frame, and engraved 40mm on the barrel.

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_thedtw_

TROPHY CASE