Ronin

Wow didnt realise they were as versatile as that - 28 to 500 mm I expected 300mm max... Kind of makes the D2x and 80-200 f2.8 AF ED look like an expensive dinosaur

The bridge style camera's (Lumix, Minolta Dimage, Fuji Finepix, Sony DSC series) offer a good compromise bettween a full blown SLR and a compact. I do like the idea of them, but they have limitations - if something goes wrong - you lose the whole camera (1st issue I have with them) secondly, you cannot add to the system, so are stuck with one lens - this may not be a major issue if you have other cameras, but I am not sure if one will suite all purposes. I like the interchangeability and versatility of SLR bodies (be that digital or film) and think that there is a whole heap of choice out there - particually if you look at secondhand film bodies and lenses - they are cheap as chips. Some digital SLR's are quite reasonably priced - I have bought 2nd hand higher end stuff and have found (so far) no problems with my choices. However, I still find I am unable to carry all but a phone equipped with camera or small compact when stalking and I havent the time to dedicate to stalking with camera (unfortunately) I serieously need to look at getting a 2 or 1.5 x converter then I may be more inclined to go out with the big camera

It could of course be the thread in the can that's wrong if you have a mate with a 5/8 th unf threaded rifle you could see if that fits?

Gareth 5/8 th unf is .625"x18 tpi However there are different classes of fit or tightness if you will. Most people who thread for this application do so using class b which in essence is free spinning but not loose fit bettween the male and female parts. The problEm comes when manufacturers make threads to differing tolerances which I think may be the issue here unless there is a piece of swarf in the thread of either par t? If both are clean I suggest that it will be easier to alter the barrel thread than the moddy your dealer should be able to sort you out it may be the case that the thread is too tight and a thou or so needs taking off this would need doing on the lathe I would not recommend using a die as you may lose concrntricity although this is unlikey with pre cut thread ....

Ok Please post your experiences here, good or bad. Please no libelous stuff, just honest opinions and feedback to assist others when they're out shopping or trawling the "tinterweb" Starting with the UK Reloading Solutions has to be possibly THE place to source everything you need in the UK, good people, knowledgable and Afthab (the owner) is absolutely mad keen.. 5 star service Tim Hannams I use it for bulk buys, never had a bad experience, but I pre order and collect on appointment. South Yorkshire Shooting Supplies Family business run by one of the nicest guys in the industry and backed up with our very own Baldie , excellent service, freindly and have a large stocklist for those "hard to get parts" Plus and this is a BIG plus for me, they market their OWN bottom metal for Rems and are the UK importers of Surgeon Actions - need I say more. Jackson Rifles Again, a top class service - its only trade, but for those with accounts, Peter offers prompt, friendly service and carries a large stock list. If you need technical advice, Peter is a qualified engineer and has a vast amount of experience in the firearms industry, happy to say I own a rifle he built for me many years ago and its possibly one of the most accurate guns I own.

Link to DCS site, full of good information, dont forget that the seasons relate to Scotland http://www.dcs.gov.uk/BestPractice/default.aspx

Nice looking stick Ian. Think it is worth being a sticky for reference purposes alone.

Nice to see Lowlight is using a Manners T2 for his new stick, it will be interesting to see how this new one shoots. Like the side activated bolt release job......

Finman I apreciate your candidness re the learning curve and also accept that gunsmiths need to make a living - just like everyone else does. However it might be nice if people altered their pricing to suit the current exchange rates. I was quoted (not by Peter I hasten to add) a Mcmillan A5 with ajustable cheek inletted for rem 700 and mag system at £850 this was for an off the shelf stock from someone in the UK - who also charge £900 for a trued rem action . I got the same thing myself for just over half that price even after import duty and vat. Now the people who deal with Mcmillan and others on a regular basis will have their own price structures so even more of a % profit. Surely there has to be an "acceptable level of profit margin" but not at the ridiculous end of the scale ----- or am I being niave?

Finman I am sure Peter will get you the stock you want and you'll be happy with it.

Ian I looked on the "specials" section and drew up a list of what was available that suited my needs (I wanted a S/A Rem 700 inlet with BDL bottom metal) Anyway, I called and gave the stock #'s to the person on the other end - 3 mins later the stocks were paid for and on route. It pays to look at this section once in a while as there is usually something that fits the bill - even if I decide to fit a HS or Badger mag system to the stocks its a relatively easy job to open them up from the narrow BDL inlet to accomodate the wider systems. I wouldnt have ordered one otherwise - I prefer Manners, but this is for a "build and let go" project. Go with the Surgeon mate, you know it makes sense

Was going to say that myself but didnt want to upset him Ian Just had the invoice thru for an ajustable cheek HTG thats on the way - £280 inc shipping, happy days.

The thing with the marbled stocks is you will NEVER get two stocks exactly alike even if you spec the same colour mix it depends how the guys dribble the colour over the mould as to how it turns out.

Ian you spend too much time on "the hide" Vim finally we aggree on something

Oh my Surgeon XL on top of Tac Ops bag - I need to change my underwear Hope mine looks that good! Yup, there are a few rifles there I recognise, nice jumper Baldie

Deer me! (pun intended) there are a load of old cynics on here these days

Aggreed quite useful, pinned as requested.