Alright gents. Here's the deal. I've been looking at all the stuff I've accumulated over the years and all the stuff i keep buying/selling/bartering and realize I'm pretty blessed! so, I've been thinking that it's time to share what i have with someone who DESERVES it. We've done this in the past and it's normally at Christmas. well I believe that a kid should be able to use the gun a bit before hunting so....

I'm offering up a Browning BLR 308 WIN that has NEVER been fired (least i can't remember shooting it?). Does have some safe dings from the gremlins in the vault but is in more than decent condition.

What i ask of you all is to identify a deserving child who would like to go hunting but who's family doesn't have the means to buy a rifle and tags for them. i will supply the rifle, FREE of charge to them. The only thing i ask in return is pictures posted here on the fire of said child going hunting with the rifle! with their parents permission of coarse.

The economy sucks and so does the job market. I know that one of you out there knows of a kid with the desire but not the financial ability. So, i would like the fire to give away my rifle! You all pick and then tell me who and where to send this to!!!

Maybe some of y'all will join in on it and provide some other stuff that a needing kid could use?

here's the rifle...



remember, the fire decides who gets this, not me!

Very nicely done!

Dober

I have a Simmons 8-point 3-9x40 scope, used but works that I will add

Hey Paul my kids deserve better than that Browning, I think a nice Pink AR would do the trick, LOL. You are going to make people on here think you are a nice guy or something...

My 3 kids will each take one of the 47 ARs you're building.

Thanks.

Screw both of you! LOL

I've been on here long enough for that not to happen! grins

Cool deal Paul. I've got some brass I'd pitch in...

Wow,

Very generous of ya. Awesome.

Not really. but thanks!

I will ship to any of the 50 states! figured someone might be on the fence with location.

To make it completely free. I will throw a check for the FFL transfer in the box with the rifle!

I know you have way to many of those 223AI 's I have seen you write about, send me one of those to my deserving ass. Grins

What an amazingly generous offer!

The great people here astound me at times!

I know of nobody who fits the bill for this rifle but I'm sure there is someone out there who does.

You have a heart of gold Sir.

You've shot them all and got you one of your own... nice try though... grins

I picked the Lever because it was LH friendly.

na, i'm hard headed, stubborn and ill mannered... but thanks!

What a great gesture you have a heart of gold Sir!

Maybe I should sign in under a different name. You want to throw on your iPhone too?

I wouldn't do that to anyone! screw apple!!! company store crap!!! anyway, works fine plugged in... will use it for an ipod...

i'd know it was you....

i know someone out there knows a family from church or someplace that's "just getting by" who's got a child old enough to go but just can't pull it off. it's not charity it's just what it is... a gift...

oh, Rick, If this is in the wrong place please just move it and let me know where.

thanks!

Thank you sir! well done!!

Folks, looks like we have a scope to go with it!

Brass too! thanks Tanner!

hate to do it but i have to put up one stipulation. The rifle is the KIDS. it CANNOT be sold by the parents. it's to get a kid in the woods who wouldn't have the chance otherwise.

sorry but that had to be said. for my sake. i want a kid to keep this as a family heirloom or use it to upgrade to something else like a real gun nut!

Very nice

Well done on your part, Paul. Maybe the new owner can shoot the Easter bunny in the next few weeks!

wouldn't bother me! a rabbit laying colored eggs is kid of creepy.... grins

I am throwing in a black sling and a never been used 10to inch Buck knife with sheath.

Sweet! thanks Jon! we can just put it in the box when i ship the rifle!

That rifle would NEVER need to be upgraded. I had the exact same rifle/caliber at one time. Every bullet that ever came out of it, killed a deer.

Paul, what a wonderful gesture on your part. I thank you.

if this goes well, i might have a varmint gun i can part with... lets get this one done first!

Maybe Rick can make this a sticky until we get it done?

I'll ask...

Rick, Thanks again! you rock!

Hey Paul great job !
I have a pair of scope bases for BLR I can pitch in.

heck ya! we've almost got the whole package! thanks!!!

just need a kid now......

I'll nominate my Pastor's daughter, 13, who wants a 308 because her big bro once killed an elk with a borrowed 308. She has taken one deer with her dad's 243. Wants a 308.

She doesn't seem like a kid in need, more like a kid that wants.

I want alot of stuff because Paul has it, but I am far from needy. Grins

I really would like this to go to someone who is in need of a rifle to be able to go hunting. I know you guys know of what i speak... the family that comes in late to church to sit in the back and leave early cause they don't have the fancy clothes or money to put in the offering plate... lets do a good deed and get this in the hands of someone who really is in need...

Good Karma for you.... Hope it finds it's way into the hands of a kid who will appreciate it for many years to come and pass it on down to their children.

That is awesome Paul! I will throw in some .308 bullets to go along with the brass someone offered up.

And a lee single stage...brass and bullets mean more with a press...grin

I have a Lee Perfect Powder Measure and a Lee Safety Scale I'll donate to the cause.

Tell me where to send them.

I know they aren't top flight gear but both served me very well for many years and the PPM in particular works pretty darn well.

I'll also donate Accurate Powder reloading manual #1 if that is wanted.

Paul,

I'll donate a couple of boxes of factory loads to the cause.... God knows I've more than I'll ever used... Feel free to remind me if I lose track of this thread... Also have a scope mount I can contribute...

GH

That is awesome of you guys.

The fire helped me get a rifle a in 2010. My family does not hunt, though my dad supports me in my endeavor's.

I have a unknown brand soft camo case that say's Made in USA (So you know it is good ) that is 48 x 8. I bought it to carry my 22lr but I bought a shorter more suitable one.

Let me know if you want to add it to the package.

You Sir. You are the reason why the United States is the greatest nation in the world.

Awesome idea Paul! Whoever gets this will need to spend some time at the range before taking it in the woods to get it sighted in. I'm in Afghanistan, so mail is a bit too slow, but if someone can give me a Paypal address and is willing to handle a funds transfer I'll be happy to cover some range fees, and some factory ammo in case the recipient doesn't hand-load yet.

Good on ye, Paul!

I might have Leupold low mounts- can't remember if I sold them with the BLR I had. I'll check tomorrow.

This is just awesome... I know some deserving kids... at the same time, guys in this forum have already donated a 22 LR and a 22 LR 10/22 action for some of these kids we know locally...

all via the Scout Troop...

at the same time, I don't want to see a stray family member sneak in and steal it, to go down and hawk for a few bucks to spend on meth..

the forum has already been generous to a couple of good kids... so I am glad to see this tradition passing on...

Paul, you deserve the thank you and salute of the day...

I haven't read all six pages, the first was enough. I have a set of Lachmiller Engineering small base dies that if needed/wanted I will throw in. A little old but work like a charm still and some brass laying around. PM me when the time comes. Ed.

I've got a couple boxes of 150 grain TSX's to add to the pot.

I don't know what kind of base you would put on that rifle, but if it would work with Burris Signature Z medium rings, I have a set to donate to allow that scope to be mounted.

PM me where if they are appropriate.

Seafire,
If you know of a kid please let the forum know! I know that there are members on here that work with youth and know of a deserving kid/family. I know there are members on here who have kids that are deserving. who, for one reason or another, just can't make it happen too. Don't be ashamed to nominate your kid/grand kid/niece/nephew.

You folks are the reason i put this up on the forum! i couldn't afford to donate all the stuff needed to get a child in the woods but as a whole we can make a positive change in a kids life! It's the people on here who make the difference!

Thank you all for your generosity!

Folks, This right here is what it's all about!!!

Alright gents,

Looks like we have, Rifle, Sling, Scope, Bases, Rings, Press, Brass, Dies, bullets, Powder Measure, scale, manual, Case, ammo, hunting knife and money for range fees all offered up.

I don't do the Pay-Pal thing so maybe whoever has the kid identified for us will be willing to take pay-pal gifts for them to pay range fees?

I was only hoping to get y'all to help me with a kid to send this rifle to. This place is amazing in the generosity of it's members! Thank you all!

Let's get this in the hands of someone who will appreciate it for a lifetime!

If no-one else sends in a nomination, there might be a kid in my church back home who could use it. I'll ask my wife if the family is still struggling. I was thinking of my brother-in-law, but his boys are all too young for anything but a .22 right now.

Sounds good! let us know. would love to get this in the mail to someone...

I just asked my wife to find out today in church - I'll let you know.

Great offers. I used one just like that to take many of my earliest deer with.

In Texas there is a youth hunters program for underprivileged kids usually without parents to let them have the chance to go hunting. They are always short on rifles, ammo and mentors. Might not be what you had in mind but a good program and it would benefit several kids instead of just one.

If your interested contact me and I can track down the sponsors as I haven't been involved with the program for awhile.

Boy this is good stuff.......

If someone wants to I'll go in on half a set of binos. Somethin like a pair of the lil yosemities or such?

Count me in for some hearing protection for the range and some blaze orange for the field. Mike

I think binos are real good idea for a young hunter.

Too many youngsters use their riflescopes to spot and verify game.

Can't get Leupold products from Cameraland NY but they have many other choices and if you decide to go with CLNY I'll donate a $50 gift card to CLNY on top of the other stuff I offered.

This place is awesome because of things like this. The BLR in 308 is one of my personal favorite platforms. This is going to be a great gift for a kid. If we get him/her binocs from Doug count me in for $25 and may I reccomend the Minox 10x42 blaze cammo version that Doug has for $150. I am using that model right now and love it!

We're halfway to the $150 needed for those Minox binos which I believe would be a good choice as well.

This place rocks!!!!!

Ya that sounds great to deal with Doug. Just get what he/she needs and let me know what I owe. Or I can get but I'm not as familiar with the model y'all speak of. Sounds great though.

This is very inspiring.

Very nice gesture, we need more guys like you!

any luck?

Great thing to do, we all need to be supportive of our hunting traditions. Last time we did this I provided the scope. Don't have much in the way of 308 stuff, but do have many reloading books. Might not be the most current ones but have Nosler, Speer Hornady etc. Count me in for some more reloading books when this works out. PM an Adress I 'll get them in the mail.

like i said earlier. i'm nothing special. just trying to help someone.

there's going to be one lucky kid out there! thanks guys!

lets hope there's someone to give all of this to! i know someone knows a kid that would appreciate all this!

Thank you!

Paul,

Wonderful, wonderful gesture.
Good on you.

[quote=FZY]Count me in for some hearing protection for the range and some blaze orange for the field. Mike [/quote

Thanks you sir!!

Thank you all for everything you've offered and i am humbled by the generosity of the people here!

Let's hope someone identifies a child for this all to go to!

Depending on the size of the person I should have some hunting gear that while not new would have many years of use left in it. Jackets, boots etc. Mine are grown now, and still have stuff from the earley years. Between us all bet we can get a full gear setup arranged. Let me know what sizes are needed.
Ron

Thank you sir!

Here is the model of binoculars I was refering to. For campfire members they are $149.99, cheaper than the price advertised on the link.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62038

those are very nice bino's! been thinking of buying a pair myself!

thanks again guys!

Sorry, just woke up. I'm in Afghanistan, half a day ahead of the states. My wife asked the mother of the boy I was thinking about and his grandfather already filled the need. He's got a 7mm-08 and some other gear now. I might be taking him along with my son and I for spring black bear when I go home in leave in May. I'm sure just the right kid will be getting this BLR though!

Matt thanks! thanks for your service too! where are you stationed? Rich or eilson?

[s][/s]waynewright. less you're airforce?

btw, My spelling sucks!

Ft. Rich - by the way this is the fourth such project I've seen on this forum. Unbelievable place! One of those projects is a 35 Whelen being built for me - I come here to get an education on the caliber on the advice of a friend and wind up with a custom built rifle! I'll be looking for further projects like this, and might even head one up myself someday.

i'm on the hunt for a suitable box tomorrow. I'll grab some bubble wrap too! I'm almost as excited as if i were getting something new!


Thanks to all of you that are helping and those that want too but just can't! Every other time something like this has gone on i've been too broke to help. this time it's my turn to give a little and i'm very excited to do it!

Someone find us a kid! please!!!

i was stationed in Kenai, Tok, and Ketchikan. I love it up there. my boys want us to move back. time will tell, hoping for a promotion soon!

the 35 is a bad SOB! love the two i have. hit me with an addy if you need bullets...

I hope you can make it back! Maybe we'll get to go knock down a moose or caribou sometime. I'm pretty well stocked up for now on bullets. I ordered a box each of 225 and 250 gr. Nosler partitions, and one of the forum members is sending a box of 225 gr. TTSXs.

i've had my best luck with 225 sierra's. hit me up if you get low... i'm a bullet whore... grins

I'm hoping to as well! spent ten years up there and want to spend some more time! sheeps is on the menu next time though...

Paul, PM me when you need some of that brass.

Tanner, will do! thanks again! it's great seeing kids helping kids! you are going to make one hell of a Man!!!

I was stationed in Adak,, been to Ft. Greely/Deta Junction and TOK. Yep I would love to be back in AK. Sounds like you were Coast Guard. I was Navy now DOD.

Will do, I haven't got any sheep yet myself, but I will eventually. Now to keep this on topic - Come on folks, somebody has to know a youngster who wants to hunt in a family that can't afford a rifle!

Yup... puddle pirate... ha ha ha. Some of the prettiest country was up in Tok!! the winters sucked though.

Thanks for your service!

Well, I'm off to work for the day. Got some trucks to get ready for convoy.... Maybe there will be a kid selected by the time I'm done for the day. I think I'm almost as excited as you Paul!

i've a secret place to go but won't tell you till i can make it up there. kick myself for not hunting goats in SE when i was there!


come on folks! i don't care if it's YOUR kid that deserves it! maybe its a kid who does something to promote the sport? give us some ideas and the forum will decide!

thanks again for all the stuff y'all have offered up! really is an amazing place!!!

I put in their FM radio service at both Ft. Greely and Tok, Loran Station at Tok. From what I have heard they are now closed. Greely is still open. Had Moose burgers and Yak when I was at Tok..

Hey I turn 18 on Friday man c'mon

yup. Tok is closed thanks to the current administration. too bad as it really was a sweet job!

ok, you're almost a man... lol

Paul, if you have a UPS Store near you, they sell boxes that are perfect for shipping a rifle. They call them a "golf club" box. Measures 6x6x48" and costs about $4.00. They also sell bulk packing peanuts. Bubble wrap the rifle and fill the rest of the container with packing peanuts and it's dang near bullet-proof. They also don't scream "gun".

Great thing you're doing and some kid is going to be thrilled!

thanks for the heads up! will go to the UPS store tomorrow. I'm in, shall we say, a democratic rich environment. i'll have to pack it here as they'd freak out and i'd probably get my azz beat if i didn't...

Shoot me a PM when you get a kid so I can ship off the case.

Some kid is going to remember this forever, I know I do and will with my Ruger.

Just came across this thread. A wonderful gesture, and a pleasure to see so many step up to the plate wanting to be a part.

I'll donate a $100 Cabelas gift card.

This is one of the many reasons I like this forum. Honest stand up folks. Some bitc++ng but for the most part real people. Happy that folks put up with me. LOL.. A kid in need yea I remeber that. Happy to be on board.

Thanks for all the generous offers guys!

Now would someone please find us a kid to give all these goodies too? someone knows a kid who would appreciate this and deserves the gifts...

Paul,

I sent you a PM with a candidate for your thoughts before I saw it was up to the Fire. Not a for sure and I have a call out to the mother but I will detail it here for all

My old work partner is a 34 y/o single mom of 3 boys, 10,12,15 iirc. She got laid off 1+ years ago and things are very tight for her and the boys.

I got them all out deer hunting 2 years ago and them boys are hooked. One boy has a .308 vanguard, one 30-30 m94 lever. The oldest uses a loaner from me or my dad.

I'm sure he would cherish it and care for it well and knowing this family I know it will be lovingly used and appreciated.

You have my vote!

MA's young man has my vote as well!

Let's get this thing done!

Got my vote also..

Sweet. I'll run by UPS tonight and get a box. I'll mount up the scope when it gets here. Thanks again everyone.!

This is a wonderful gesture guys and if it comes to the young man I nominated I will proctor its use and care. I assure it will go to a good home and given the care it needs.

I will dig through my ammo as I'm pretty sure I have some .308 stuff and no guns.

I will have the gun shipped to me and will keep it in my safe until I can find a gun locker for him to keep it secure.

ETA: I've talked to his mother and she's on board. Told her it was not a for sure but that I wanted to nominate him. She's is absolutely beside herself and was in tears that you guys would even consider her son for such a great gift.

Paul,

If you don't have a backpack yet, I've a Cabelas Scout Pack in great shape that could go to the cause.

Chris

Sounds like the plan is rolling along. Let me know who and where to send my $25 for the binoculars. Sounds like we are all good on MallardAddict's canidate. Can't wait to see the pictures!

Looks like he's the best candidate. I'm headed out to get a box. Once the scope, base and rings arrive I'll put it together and ship it up.

Cool beans, I think I may have some pics on my desk top of the boys and their past hunts, and can assure plenty of future pics.

Also when we get this done I will take pics of me handing over the rifle and have him email me a thanks to all of you guys which I will post up.

Very cool! just got the box and bubble wrap so all i'm waiting on now are the few bits folks are sending here to put on the rifle. The box will have some other stuff in it as well, Jon is giving me the stuff he promised tonight so i'll get that wrapped up and in the box as well.

That's simply awesome.

Paul,
YOU DA MAN!!!

Jon gave me the sling and knife tonight. Thanks Jon!

I'm just happy that it'll go to a good home!

Maybe MallardAddict will be willing to facilitate the transfer of the other goodies to the kid as well? if y'all don't mind him acting as middle man?

Paul,

Do you want this too?

Chris

I'm sure it'd be put to good use! would love to have it go to him!

Thanks!

I can absolutely be the middle man and anyone who wants to send anything along to this young man please feel free to pm me for my address.

FYI he has no clue this is in the works and will be beyond happy. I'm going to try to find a gun locker for him and I think I have a 250 rds battle pack of .308 ball somewhere that he will get.

I'm always happy to help someone in need but this one is personal to me and I cannot thank you gents enough.

Each and every one of you is a clear cut example of what a real man should be and great ambassadors/ role models to folks both young and old.

Perfect! makes it easier on shipping for me.

Thanks to everyone who's offered to help!

Just saw this thread.

Very nice of you Paul, like to commend you and the others who are helping out.

I'm sure this well go to a good use. Bring smiles to young peoples face.

God Bless.

P/M me your info so that I can send off my package. Mike

Please PM me your mailing address.

MallardAddict

Also send me a PM where to ship the soft case off to, I can get it out Thursday or Friday.

PM's sent with address to all that inquired.

I'm so in debt to all of you. You guys have no idea what this will mean to this young man who has had to go without a lot of things for sake of his younger brothers.

It's hearing that that makes this even better! Glad it's going to a good kid. Can youpm me you're address? For the guys who've asked me. Thanks.

Please PM me your info too so I know where to send the manual, scale and powder measure.

A question though, is it decided that the young man will get a set of binos from Cameraland NY? If that decision is in the affirmative then I'll send the $50 CLNY gift card as well.

Please let me know.

Mallard,

Please send me a PM with the mailing information, and I'll get a Cabelas gift card in route.

If we have some one identified, PM with an address and I will get the reloading books on the way. If you have size particulars will try and send some more.

Looks like this is underway and a recipient has been selected! This place amazes me, I go on a little 15 hour convoy, then get a few hours sleep and already there are five more pages here. MalardAddict - PM inbound!

I think I'm caught up with pm'ing everyone that requested my address.

If you need the rings, I need an address as well.

I think Paul was going to mount the scope on the rifle so you probably need his address. If I'm incorrect let me know and I will send ya mine

PM sent.

Sorry, have been trying to do allot of this on my phone but it's not working very well... big hands and a little phone..

thanks again to everyone who's helped out.

Paul

my


My question as well so I can know where and when to send my $25 to.

Let me know how short we are on the bino's and I'll pick up the rest. Doug and I live close to each other and we have fished together, if you want me to pick them up or just have him ship it from the store let me know.

Found a brand new leatherman I'm going to put in the box as well.

I think I read that Doug was offering the Minox BV 10x42 Orange Camo binos to 24HCF members for $150 (please let me know if this is incorrect Doug!).

If that's the case I believe that we have $75 dollars contributed so far.

I think this would be an excellent choice.

Where do I send the gift card?

this place is great! thanks guys!

I've got a Browning flashlight that has been hardly ever been used. It has the one main LED with two red and two blue LED's also. It honestly looks brand new.

Pm me an address on where to send it.

Just saw this thread and am very impressed (but not really surprized) with the generosity.

Paul, I hate to see you ship that rifle in a cardboard box and I'm sure Bricktop is going to crap when he finds out, so if you'll pm me your address I'll sent you an SKB single rifle hard case for the kid. It's used, but it works well and is better than cardboard.

Just saw this thread,..very neat. Can't wait to see the pics.!

Pm sent to Gristle.

Thanks Bulletbutt for the hard case I'm sure it can be put to use as well. I dont remeber where your at but of Paul thinks the rifle is packed secure I can possibly meet up with you for the case. I'm in the Tacoma area

Ya looks like Wildone is going to do the legwork for the binos. Wildone please PM me your address so I can send my $25 towards the binoculars. VERY good glass by the way for those looking for a pair of general 10x42s. Optically they are as good or slightly BETTER than my VX-II scopes.

Whatever Paul wants to do is fine. I'm down around Longview and will be going up to Seattle on Easter so I could bring it to you then, if that would work for you.

But if Paul wants to ship the rifle in this hard case, I'll ship it to him. I've used it to ship back and forth to/from Redneck in Wisconsin, so I know it works...

I will defer to Paul's call on the case. Either way is fine by me

I could use the case to ship our you case just deliver it to Matt? I'm good either way. Very cool idea! PM me if you would like to ship. Doing this on my phone and

It's really Pissing me off a little.

Guys if it is OK with you on the Bino's I would rather we just send the money direct to Doug, there is no practical reason to send it to me . This way you can use a credit card as well. I am going to call him on Friday and ask to set up a ticket called Campfire Kid or something like that . I will report back after I speak to him.
So far I have
444Matt for $25
NSAQAM with a $50 gift cert

and Kaleb I was unsure did you want in on this as well it sounded like it in one post? If so, let me know for how much so I know what to give Doug when I speak to him. Thank you

Also Could I get the address of our Kids agent for the packing slip please.

Wild one pm sent and thanks for making a difference for this kid.

Guys I have a call out to Doug at the moment, he is not in today . So it is not set up yet but just give him some time to get back to me and then we can send our stuff in .

Mallard I have your address and as so as I have more details I'll give you a heads up.

I have the powder measure, scale and book boxed up and will drop them in the mail tomorrow.
I could not find the top cover for the PPM but will send it later if I do. It will work just fine without it of course.
Still awaiting word that Doug is prepared to receive the gift card but it'll be on the way when the word comes.

This is going to be one very happy child and it seems that he has a fine mentor to help him out as he learns the ropes of reloading.

What other items does the young man need to complete his reloading setup?
I thought of a powder funnel and a priming tool but I only have one of each or I'd send these as well.

Fellas I just got off the phone with Doug. He's got the plan down. Give them a call on Monday and take care of biz. Doug also wanted to kick in on the binos for 25 bucks and is also going to put something else in the box he said.

Maybe some boxing gloves to keep his trwo younger brothers at bay...

I'll get the gift card in the mail to Doug tomorrow with a note saying it is for the young man on 24HCF.

Thanks wildone and thanks Doug!

Paul I'll be home Sunday let me know where to send the brass!

Happy birthday Tanner! now your old enough to vote!!!!

It's all good...I included a Larry Page drop point hunter and a Black Jack bone handled hunting knife for the brothers.

Thanks Paul!


I'll be doing my part in trying to get the dork outta the Oral Office

Very awesome man! following your cue, i'm tossing in three leathermans one for each!

a package came today that had both rings and bases!

thanks marc!

Looks like this is coming along great!

This is coming along absolutely wonderfully.

It's amazing the generosity in folks to help out a kid they will probably never meet. When all the chit on the news is dark and dreary its acts like these by grown men that restores my faith in humanity.

MA can you please post your mailing address again?

I know you did before but keeping it on the current page would be helpful I believe.

Thanks.

I'm sorry MA, I just realized that you didn't post you address but rather PM'd it to me.

I got it and am on my way to the PO right now.

I also called Doug with the gift card number so that is taken care of as well.

Doug did ask me to have someone call him with the pertinent information such as a mailing addy and CO whom.

Nsaqam,

No worries on the PM sir, I'm not a huge fan of publicly posting my address but for anyone here please feel free to share it with one another in case I miss it.

I will call Doug asap

MurphysLaw,

Pack arrived today an if it's been used you couldn't tell it by me outside of the missing hang tags.

This thing is sweet, hopefully I will be able to get a picture of it and all of the other Campfire gear laying next to a dead deer this October.

I hope so too! Even if he doesn't get a deer though, he will never forget his time in the woods. I don't think you will either!

I got everything in the mail today.

The measure and scale went Priority and the reloading manual went Media Mail so they will arrive separately.

Doug has my gift card number too so I'm done on my end.

Let me know when you get it please.

Will do. I called Doug And got all the shipping crap lined out.

Looking forward to the picture of him with all of this stuff. He should be set for life.

Glad to hear the package arrived. Yeah, I've been using Badlands and Kifaru, so it makes me even more happy for its intended use. Don't forget the knives inside.

Chris

Chris,

The knives weren't forgotten sir, my damn I phone opted to delete that part.

They are both gorgeous knives and I'm sure the 2 younger boys will be ecstatic. Both are truly do it all blades and I cannot thank you enough for your generous gift.

awesome! glad everything is starting to come together. once i get the scope i'll mount it up and box the rifle up and get it shipped out.

scope mailed Friday, let me know if you don't have it Monday.

will do! thanks again!

Lots of packages should be arriving my AO in the next few days per my pms received. Sounds like Doug will be shipping the binos Monday as well.

To add a little heartfelt news to this, Our young hunter called me today asking if I knew of any fixer up deer rifles he could buy for around $200. Seems he has been squirreling away some money for a while with a deer rifle in mind.

It was all I could do to maintain my composure and tell him that I couldnt think of anything worth buying and to keep saving.

Damn dust allergies hit me hard about then

I must have the same allergies. May want to employ a bit of subterfuge, and let the boy know that you are looking around and to hold onto his money for a week or so.

that's even cooler that he's in the market and is trying to do it himself!

That is indeed very cool.

He sounds like a very responsible and deserving young lad!

I'm honored to be a part of this thing.

Oh he got told in no uncertain terms that i would start looking around and that if he kept his grades up, keep his positive outlook up and kept saving his money I was sure I would find something before deer season that he could afford or i would cover the rest for him.

Truth be told, knowing what I've learned about/from him in the last week I would gladly cover any shortages in his rifle fund. Luckily there is a virtual chit ton of guys here at the campfire that have HUGE hearts and im sure he will be greatful.

Pretty positive there will be more then one person having a "dust allergy attack" when I hand all of your gifts to these boys. Lots of hearts will be overflowing soon all because a few sportsmen cared about kids and those less fortunate.

The way that someone throws up a gift and guys pile on adding stuff to help one another is what it's all about and makes me damn proud of the 'Fire. I will probably never meet most of you but your all godsends in my eyes and are making a difference in a young mans life that words will never do justice.

i've said it before and i'll say it again. i'm a heathen, ill tempered, foul mouthed and opinionated. so, i'm just a normal dude. just happened to be rifle rich at the moment... i've been the kid who wanted to go but dad just couldn't afford the BOX of ammo it'd have taken to go and now i don't ever have to worry about that. just figured i'd help someone who's experiencing the same thing. Or worse...

thanks again to everyone for helping with this! and i'm pretty excited to see how this all pans out! almost like Christmas...

Paul I'm also all those things you mention of yourself but that doesn't mean your not making a huge difference for a child whose parents couldn't.


Im pretty lousy at words but what I was getting at is that not a one of us involved in this likely thought about the cost involved or hesitated to jump in and offer goods to my friends son.

We just do what we do because we have been blessed to have these opportunities and because we can. That means something to me and mine.

I've been called a hard nosed SOB many times, Retired Navy. No apologies, but I have been told I am a good friend. To help a young one I am on board. Remember my younger years, Dad was not a hunter but helped when he could. A Nosler number 6 and a Speer number 10 along with Zutz Handloading for Hunters will go out on Monday. Good referances for reloading. MallardAddict, reloading could benifit from experiance if you have the time. If anything else is needed ask, will see what is here.

squid.... Grins...

i'm just a humble puddle pirate...

I can feel the same. it's hard putting into words the way i feel about everything. I'm not much on words... I break things.... My boys have been taken care of and i figured that some other KIDs might could use the help!!!!


I Just want to say that IF this is something that the guys at the fire would like to CONTINUE, i'd be happy to offer up another rifle, though it'd be a varmint caliber...

it is what it is! kids are what it's all about!

Truer words couldn't be spoken Paul.

I will be proctoring any and all reloading and plan to spend lots of times with the boys playing with loads.

My dad always' told me a man keeps his word... IF THIS IS SOMETHING THAT THE FIRE WOLD like to keep going....

I've a savage 204 Ruger i'd be willing to send out if needed...



just saying...

I have a couple as well. My son is a Southpaw.. Shoots my right handed rifles well, but after getting him is own "Lefty" he is much happier. Model 70 243 push feed, and a couple of others depending on the situation. IE my first deer rifle. K98 Bishop stock with a peepsite. Feed myself and wife for more than a few years in Northern Minnesota. Not an open coutry rifle but in the woods..

i still own my first rifle. ruger 77 30-06 that i've used for more than most hunting....

Thought many times of making a "custom" but doubt it would be that much better the the original. 8X57mm actually works pretty good. If I get the chanch again I will bring that back out. With crappy Federal 170g I can still put 5 in 2 1/2" at 100 yards plenty good for deer in the woods.

Paul, I for one believe that you have done more than enough already for a great cause.

Smithrjd, I feel it's time for others who've not contributed to this and the other "gun for a kid" threads to step up.

Now if both of you incredibly generous folks insist on even more generosity I'm sure I could find more stuff to contribute as well.

Just saying that there are plenty of members here with the means and the collection to do something like this who have played no part as of yet.

Understand that, it does come very close to home for me. Lets see where it goes. I'm sure that there are many more Campfire folks who will and have stepped up. I'll be around if needed. It is our future, I'm in a not very friendly hunting state right now and I do not like the direction things are headed.

Sounds cool... i'm sure i can use it for something.

Thanks again for everyone making this as big as it has gotten!

I was going to put this up on the Classifieds later this week as my two boys hardly use it (they prefer the S&W M&P 15-22), but think it would brighten up the day of a young boy or girl that otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to own one. Kids absolutely love these "tactikool" AR type .22LR's. Loads of fun.

Need to find another deserving boy or girl as I'm donating a gently used SigSauer 522 .22LR

Has a forearm grip, and flip-up BUIS from my S&W M&P 15-22
I'll include a nylon tactical sling.

Very very awesome!

I'll take it!

Very nice of you, hope you find a suitable owner.

Absolutely freaking awesome.

The generosity here astounds me!

My boys are drooling over that rifle FOst but there are kids out there who need the help far more than mine.

Awesome!!!

FOS.. both you and Paul W...

its an honor to be on the same forum as a generous pair of gentlemen such as yourself...

i'm going to be out of town for the next couple days. going to try to check on my phone but that thing irritates me. Will let everyone know when the scope arrives and i get it mounted up and then boxed. Probably wont be able to ship till saturday.

Travel safe Paul. Lots of Time left

Lots of packages arrived today. Got the soft case, buck knife and flashlight, powder measure and scale.

The generosity still floors me, I'm like a kid at Xmas with excitement

Brass sent off to Matt!

Glad you got it MA.

Like I said when I offered it, it isn't top flight equipment but both the scale and the measure served me faithfully for many years.

Wonderful how this is all coming together for this young man.

Just squared up with Doug, Niel said he will process it all together. Covered over here.

Well done guys. What goes around comes around. I haven't read all 20+ pages.....is there some way I can get in on the fun?

JG, it seems the generosity keeps flowing from the great people here at the 'Fire as FOsteology has offered up a new gun to be given away to another deserving young person.
That new person has yet to be identified so if you know of a deserving youngster I'm sure a nomination of said person would be considered.
Seems the first soon to be recipient of Paul's BLR is pretty much set up for a very nice day with a ton of stuff coming his way. If you really wish to contribute something to the first young man maybe a PM to MallardAddict or Paul W would yield some ideas.

Amazing the generosity here!

I want to help any way I can, on both projects preferably. This is my idea of fun. So, Fosteology, tell me what I can do to contribute, and PM incoming to PW and MA. Thanks nsaqam.

It's been fun for me as well.

I'm floored with the generosity of the guys here to make a difference. When we identify the individual for Fosteology's rifle I will be digging through my gun room for stuff to throw in

As will I!

I will also.

I have made some discreet inquiries, and may have a name or two to add to the nominee selection later in the week.

Paul, what an amazing and generous thing you are spearheading! I signed up on the Fire a few weeks ago and have just been lurking, but this really caught my attention! God bless you for it.

I was just thinking, and I realized I do know someone who I think fits the bill, if there are still guys looking for a worthy youngster to help get into the woods--Paul said he thought I out to float the idea here. He's actually my nephew James: he'll be 12 y/o for this year's deer hunting season. He's one of 7 kids (that's right!). They're good church-going people--the mom (my sis) is a full time mom, and the dad had a pretty good job but had to leave--he was traveling *all* the time and his boss wasn't reimbursing him for his travel, and even increasingly delayed his paychecks (think like 3-4 behind!). So James' dad left that job (I'm not sure he ever got what he was owed) and took a job up in New York (they were in Virginia). Right now they're looking for a place to live, and are living at my parents' place in upstate NY. In any case, I know that James would be thrilled to go hunting-I'm actually planning a trip for the fall with my brothers, but we each only have one hunting rifle, and obviously one won't be in the works for James' family anytime soon. He's a great kid, and I'd love to figure out a way to get him deer hunting with us--if anyone has ideas/suggestions/questions, just respond here or PM me...

i'm up for helping out...

I'm game +P

Guys I've been sick, and had a sick household, I've been away for a few days. Wildone I will PM you to see the final details on getting my money for the binos to you or Doug. Not sure of the final details.

Thanks,

Matt

Man, sickness sucks. I know I was very ill several weeks back, to the tune of losing 50-60 pounds in a month sick. I couldn't get shipments out and felt terrible about it. My mom also got diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time so I understand how such a thing can mess up your best intentions.
I hope you and your family are on the mend!

The people here are great and they'll understand completely.

I'm sure I can find something for young James but is there a deer hunting rifle out there for him?
I know Paul mentioned a .204 and FOst has offered up that very tacticool .22 but neither are deer rifles.
Maybe someone has a 94, 336, or a Savage they'd like to sell cheap?
I regret that I do not.

Sounds like a worthy young man to me though.

Wow, you guys are great! I should have mentioned that my bros and I would love to get him something ourselves, but just couldn't swing it--one is the sole breadwinner of a family w/ 3 kids, one is a broke student, and I am a (equally broke!) seminarian. For our trip we're just planning to go somewhere a few hours away for a couple of days and stay at a friend's place. Nothing fancy, but it does require a rifle! Don't worry if it doesn't work out, though--I'm just grateful to you all for even considering it...

When is this hunting trip taking place? I might be able to help, depending...

The trip is happening over Thanksgiving weekend--so Nov. 22-25, 2012. BTW, I like your signature--I had very much the same realization when I was in Iraq back in '05.

Okay, that's doable. Check your PMs!

PM checked. AlaskanMatt, you are a *very* generous and fine Christian man! Consider James accounted for, all the way from Afghanistan.

Well, quite a few generous folks on this forum are building a custom 35 Whelen for me, so I am more than happy to pass it on to a youngster who needs a rifle!

Well, it's nice to see generosity catching! Again, thank you!

It is catching and very rewarding.

Makes a guy feel good to help out.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive"

I find it is often also more FUN to give than to receive. ;-)

Well nobody gives more, in reality and potentially, than do those fine young men and women who sign on the dotted line to serve this great Nation in our military.

May we always have folks willing to do so.

Thank you Matt!

It is my distinct honor to serve, and I am grateful for your gratitude!

All veterans and active military have my undying gratitude, always have and always will.

I was honored to serve as well, USN 1983-1987.

I served during peacetime but of course I could not have possibly known that would be the case when I signed up.

That is why ALL veterans have my respect.

I also love your sig line and will add that for me nobody appreciates their great good fortune at being born an American than someone who has seen how most of the rest of the world lives.

It had and continues to have a profound effect on my appreciation for this great Nation.

Very nice thread guys. Show me again that the "fire" is filled with first class people.


ddj

well gents, got the scope in and the rifle scoped up and the box filled with goodies.





not going to be able to make it to the UPS place till saturday due to work issues. but i think the wait is worth it. i coated it with a rust preventive cause lord knows they will soak the box in water just to upset me!

Excellent news Paul.

This is going to be one surprised and happy kid! I'm freaking excited for him and am really looking forward to seeing some pics.

Keep us updated MA.

Btw, who's picking up the FFL transfer fees? Maybe the FFL will waive those if he's given the story.

if not i will. i forgot to put the check in the box.. crap!!!! hope matt will tell me how much to send him to cover it. i promise i'm good for it.

Paul, you've done more than enough in my estimation.
Let someone else help out with the transfer fees.

Question though. Did you put a copy of your DL into the box so the FFL has a name to put in his Bound Book? Most FFL's really want that info.

If you did not just put it in an envelope taped securely to the outside with a note on it saying ATTENTION or some such thing.

Outstanding! He's going to be a very happy young man!

I will cover the FFL

MA

Did you receive the soft case? Just making sure it found it's way to you.

Yes the soft case came in as did the hard case, a bonus backpack for one of the younger boys, brass, hearing protection, orange best, reloading manual and more. The pile is getting large in my den

Glad to hear they will be set for years to come.

I'm hoping that when we see pictures of this kid he isn't all pierced up like he fell into a tackle box!

Just kidding! I'm sure he's a fine young lad.

This is nice gesture from many of you. When you start the next one I have a young man to be considered.
He is 16 and comes from a family of 5. His father is retired Army on 100% disablility due to being in the Fulda Gap when Chernobyl blew up (they gave them dose meters for 3 days, maxed out every day, then no more were issued).
He (the Dad) has Diabetes, numerous bone problems and is currently hospitalized (Not at a VA facility thank God!) for treatment of bone infections. You can't live too well on a Staff Sgts. disability pay in NY state !
The Mom has a crappy job with NY state and who knows how long that will last.
The Dad has friends who could take the young man hunting if he had a rifle.
Please keep him in mind for the future. Thank You all

Well Larry you should get the ball rolling to start something for that young man. I am sure there are members in N.Y. that would help coordinate things.

We cannot, we must not, let Larry pollute this wonderful thread!
Utterly ignore him here. Do not respond to him in any way or he will pollute it and this thread is far too good for that to be allowed to happen.

What a bunch of POS. 100% VA disability is at least 4K per month plus more for dependents. SS disability will provide more, about $1500 per month. Fula Gap was in Germany Before Germany was unified and 1200 or more from Chernoble, I was in West Germany at the time and there was no radiation injuries. Moms job will pay at least $25k. They ain't doin too bad at $50-60k and prolly don't pay much taxes either.

Sounds like a scam to me.

You sir, are a scumbag for trying to slander a soldier who incurred serious heath issues defending your right to be an azz !

I'm sure you know more about the family's income and problems than they do.

There is no Fula gap, so much for your knowledge of Germany. It's FULDA !

As for "no radioactivity from Chernobyl" you might wish, (or not) to be enlightened. Note that the German government has paid out over 238 Million Euros for Chernobyl related damages. That was as of 2009, BTW, when the exchange rate was about $1.7 dollars/ one Euro.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,709345,00.html

The real reason all this shouting is going on, is that I have made an offer of $1000 yankee dollars from the $10,000 Bricktop will lose to me in June. I had no plans to even mention it on this thread at this time. Once again NSAQAM has betrayed a confidence. As he has "outed" the wager, any of you adults who wish the full details may PM me.

NSAQAM knows that come June, Bricktop will welch on the wager and he, along with several others, who have egged Bricktop on will all look like fools.

NSAQAM will be busy mobilizing his troll brigade to do everything he can to keep this nice young man from receiving a rifle.

Lies, smears, insults and obscenity are their normal M.O.

So now "you know the rest of the story".

I have a grand on the table courtesy of Bricktop.

Stay tuned to see who is "polluting" the thread.

Outrageous!
Larry Root stooping to a new low.

Sound good, put me in touch with them. I would have PMed you but I guess you're too scared to get PMs from a 70 year old man in Florida.

Paul, did you get a DL or other ID on the box for the FFL?

Ed,

Please don't respond!

First I seen of this thread, good on you guys for what you are doing here.

We need to get some nominations for that sweet 22 offered up by FOst.

We also need to find a deer rifle for the young man who wishes to hunt over the Thanksgiving Holiday.
I regret that I don't have a suitable rifle for the young man.
I will certainly kick in some money if we have to buy one.

The young man I was referring to who needs a deer rifle is the lad nominated by dclayton.
Sounds like a worthy recipient to me, he has my vote if we can find a suitable rifle.

nsaqam, I'm really grateful for (and moved by) your generosity towards a boy you've never met. AlaskanMatt has stepped up in a big way to help too-maybe you could talk to him to see what you could help with. God bless you!

This latest round of generosity was begun by the amazing offer of a sweet rifle by Paul Walukewicz and he deserves all the credit for getting this ball rolling.
I'm just doing my very small part because it makes me feel good to do so. I feel I get as much out of this as does the recipient as I'm sure all the other fine folks who've stepped up do as well.

Now we need to find that young man a rifle.
I'm sure someone out there has a old 336 or a 94 or a 110 they'd be happy to sell for a good price for this young man.
I'm certainly in for money towards it and I'm sure I could dig up some other stuff to throw in as well.

Dclayton, let us know what needed and lets see what we can do, sounds like Matt is securing a rifle. I'm in just need to know what kind of rifle or what the need is

Wow, I had no idea that Matt was getting a rifle for this young man.
I cannot wait to see the details.
I'll start looking around for stuff to send him, I have a few things in mind.
The generosity keeps on rolling at the Campfire!

Awesome, just awesome!

dclayton, pm me your address and i'll send this along...

Yeah, it's an amazing thing! His dad was at work when I called, but you should have heard his mom when I told her--it took some convincing to convey that that kind of generosity was for real! When it did get through, she just said, "He's going to be beside himself!"

Whoa, I just saw the update! It just continues--thank you, toad! James is going to have a full kit, it seems. And that is just about the prettiest knife I've ever seen--I hope I don't have too hard a time convincing him to get it dirty on the inside of a deer! lol

Dclayton, does the kid reload? Is he willing to learn to reload? Does he have a mentor to supervise his reloading?
If yes then I'll have a few things to add.
If not then I'll have to look around some more.

Toad that is truly a beautiful knife and an incredibly generous donation!

With Root poking his diseased head into this thread, has anyone given any thought and consideration to the potential dark side our generosity could illicit?

Unfortunately, there are folks among us that would eagerly take advantage of our generosity. Any thought on establishing a stringent (within reason) vetting process to try and assure the donations actually go where and to whom intended?

Food for thought....

Everyone obviously is free to decide for themselves, however, my personal position is to shun any and everything associated with Larry Root. Sadly, the family and youth in question may be of need. However, to my mind, anyone and any situation associated with Larry is tainted based by ample evidence of his past history, postings, and behavior on this and several other Forums.

I have no trouble helping a true child in need, but not one of Larry's kin. I'm not wired that way as I would t own and hunt several custom rifles as I currently do while my kin doesn't even have a decent rifle. Something would be for sale....


I'm In for kit for the kid we find for Fosteology's .22 and for kid and for Dclaytons and every other true need child we get involved with but not for one where the need isn't real.

Yeah the rifle Paul donated is going to my friends child but up until then he hunted either my .300wsm Montana or me semi custom .257 Roy. He used one and me the other a that's all I own is a few good rofles

Dclaytons. How about a list of what te young man can use and we can all pick something we have to spare... Just a thought

Unfortunately FOst, until the recent entry of Larry into this thread (I am so very sorry I egged him on to contribute to this thread but I thought he might contribute rather than nominate someone!) I hadn't even given dishonesty a moments thought!

How would you propose we vet the recipients? I tend to believe dclayton's story about his young man but that is only based on a feeling and nothing more.
I'm at a loss.

MA is a seven year member here and I believe his story without the slightest reservation but dclayton is very new here without an established track record on which to base a judgement.
Like I said, I tend to believe him based on gut instinct alone but is that enough?

Larry's entry has opened a can of worms which could throw a wet blanket over this entire endeavor. Such a shame and to my everlasting regret.

Same here on Roto Rooter Root. On this new rifle deal for clayton's (or whoever else we deem worthy) kid.....I have an older Simmons Whitetail scope I'm not using that is quite serviceable. If you guys think it'll work I'll throw it n the deal. If not I'll take no offense and find some other way to contribute.

JG, I think that Simmons would be perfectly fine and most generous of you to offer it.

Consider it done then. Is clayton's kid the kid or are we still making sure? Someone just tell me who/where to send it.

I think now that Larry has sown the seeds of distrust here we will have to somehow vet dclayton and the young man.
I wish it weren't so.
As for me I believe the man.

No prob. I'll ante it up for the next project regardless of who it is.

i have no doubt in my mind that clayton's nephew is for real! one must take chances in life and if you get screwed over doing good well, at least you were trying to do good and that, in and of itself, is the most important thing!

i started this thread to put a rifle that i've never shot into the hands of a kid who might not have the opportunity without it and that was all. i'm not surprised by the generosity of the folks here and i do applaud you all for your gifts to all the youth who could use it. I know that WE as a group should be able to tell if someone is real or not and AS a group decide weather or not to proceed. i for one would hedge my bets on the side of generosity vice being conned. We all know Root is a tool and not to be trusted but the guys that know of kids on here are generally well known and have been here a while to develop a report with and a knowledge of weather or not they are dip chits like Root!

TOAD,

if you have any other ingrams, i'm a deserving kid!!!! grins

That is one hell of a knife and i hope the kid truly appreciates it for what it really is!

I guess I'm with you on this Paul, I trust this dclayton guy.

I also agree on your stance on taking risks.

Now we need a few questions answered about what this kid can use. Once we get those the contributions will roll in.

he'll probably beat the snot out of it, just like i would have when i was a kid, but that's as good of a life for a working knife as any

they ain't built to be stuck in a drawer! I beat mine to chit every season and i've yet to be disappointed!

i might have some bases to offer up depending on action? i could dig through my stuff and find something else once we find out what's needed?

I have Leupold bases for M7 and 700 SA and LA. I'd be thrilled to contribute them if it turns out to be a remmie.

Yep, we need some questions answered for sure.

I have an RCBS powder measure, possibly some components, and some other things I'm sure I can find.

This is the last of my spare powder measures though!

these are the reasons i do what i do!!!

bottom two are video links...

The red dot is skookum on a .22 for kids...

Very very cool Paul!

I have three of my own, 8,10, and 13. The oldest my only daughter.

they dig it very much... took it off my shotgun and put it on there after they got it for christmas! they like spraying and praying... grins

thanks, they are 7 and 13..

I agree that Root chit in the punch bowl as per his usual. I also buy into DClaytons story and have no reservations going that route and mailing goods once we find out the needs.

Once we know the rifle we can sort out goodies. Seems JG has a great scope offered

Since others are offering gear for dclayton's nephew as well, I'll let you all in on the plans so far. And FWIW, I've talked to him quite a bit via PMs. I wouldn't question his validity for a second. He's going to spend some time with James to determine what caliber, action type etc. he would prefer. I had at first suggested that I could send him a gift cert. for a sporting goods store near him, but he suggested we might put it to the members on the fire, in case someone here has a rifle that might match what James would like. I'll be ready to make the purchase around the beginning of Sept. If any fire members have a rifle they might be willing to sell for this, please let me know.

Just keep in mind I'll be waiting to hear from dclayton on which caliber and action type. My budget will be around $500 to $600 for this. Let's get another young man out in the woods!

Wow, I�ve been gone for a bit, and a lots been going on. Thanks for all the posts, I�m much obliged for all you guys are doing. I�ll try and answer the various questions that have come up here.

Regarding the important question of bona fides. It�s true that I am new to the Fire, and I�m grateful for the warm welcome I�ve received, even setting aside your generosity to James. I also recognize that it�s only prudent for you all to be cautious and make sure that your generosity isn�t going to line my pockets (or gun safe). I am a little hesitant to put up too much personal data about James� family in such a public forum (I imagine everyone understands, but especially the parents among you). What I thought might make sense is for those who have said they are giving something or are thinking about doing so to PM me�I�ve already been in touch with AlaskanMatt some�and I can tell more about who I am as well as plenty of details about James and his family, and maybe some pics, and answer any questions. Or alternately I can just explain everything to AlaskanMatt, who already knows some more about James & co (and who is making the largest gift), and refer you to him. I hope that seems reasonable to you all, but please let me know if there is something else that you think would be appropriate. If the people who are giving are satisfied that I�m legit (or more to the point, that James is!), maybe they can post something on the thread to that effect.

nsaqam-James� family doesn�t do any reloading, unfortunately.

JGRaider-The Simmons scope you mention is of course a wonderful addition. I will PM you some more details and answer any questions you have.

I will talk to James & his parents and try and come up with a list of the things that would be useful for him.

Again, thanks for everything!

I for one need no further proof of your or James' legitimacy.
If Matt vouches for you that is good enough for me. Not to mention the good vibes I got from you personally.
Seems as though I'll have plenty of time to find something to contribute.

Keep us informed.

Have we gotten any nominations for that sweet SigSauer 522 of FOst's yet?

After corresponding with clayton via PM's, I'm more than comfy with him and his nominee, for what that's worth. My Simmons is heading for clayton's casa!

Awaiting gear list of need then I'm gonna burrow through my spare parts bins, find some unused gear or get to shopping for Claytons nephew.

I know a guy who has another hard case he would donate to the boy. Not an SKB, but a good one nevertheless.

The guy is me, of course. I'd be glad to help again.

Nothing bad about spraying and praying done safely. I know when I was a kid the bullseye shooting would get pretty mundane. Then the old man brought out the old watermelon, cabbage and old egg targets. That's a little more entertaining and keeps you interested as a kid. Zombie targets would have been fun too. You gotta keep them interested so you don't loose them to Nintendo.

Thanks JG and nsaqam. And thanks for the offer, Bullet. MallardAddict, the list idea is a good one. Just off the top of my head, here goes:

James' first deer hunting trip equipment list:

Rifle-accounted for by AlaskanMatt(model & caliber TBD)
Scope- accounted for by JG Raider (Simmons Whitetail)
Bases-offers on the table, but TBD, based on rifle
Rings-
Scope lens caps/scope cover-
Sling-
Rifle case- Bulletbutt? (Maybe PM me if you are still up for it)
A box or two of ammo (TBD, based on above)
Hunting knife-accounted for by Toad (Ingram)
Blaze orange hunting hat and/or vest-
Grunt tube/rattling antlers? (if you�re a proponent of one, here�s a chance to make a convert, lol!)
Binoculars-

Anything else I�m forgetting? Odds and/or ends that you have that you think might help?

How about a good day pack, for snacks, water, knife, gloves - the necessities most of us forget on a stalk until we cross the magical threshold from "rookie" to "hunter". ;-)

Excellent point, Matt--don't know how I left that one off. Hey wait a minute--are you saying it has something to do with that distinction you just made! lol So here's the revised list:

James' first deer hunting trip equipment list:

Rifle-accounted for by AlaskanMatt(model & caliber TBD)
Scope- accounted for by JG Raider (Simmons Whitetail)
Bases-offers on the table, but TBD, based on rifle
Rings-
Scope lens caps/scope cover-
Sling-
Rifle case- Bulletbutt? (Maybe PM me if you are still up for it)
A box or two of ammo (TBD, based on above)
Hunting knife-accounted for by Toad (Ingram)
Blaze orange hunting hat and/or vest-
Gloves-
Grunt tube/rattling antlers? (if you�re a proponent of one, here�s a chance to make a convert, lol!)
Binoculars-
Day pack-

Again, anything else I�m forgetting? Odds and/or ends that you have that you think might help?

I have a pair of fleece gloves and a New Remington brand Worstolon button up shirt sz LG, color is Red that I would like to help out with!

Ackley, that would be great. He's big for his age so I think a LG would do him fine, especially if he's layered up. I'll PM you.

A little late for that...

Rifle shipped. Will be there next Monday.

Actually, I was referring to my own past mistakes. I shot a black bear last year and had to hike back to my fourwheeler to retreive my knives and game bags.

Did my brass ever make it?

Yes tanner I got the brass, it's noted above sir.

Looks like this is coming together nicely.

Thanks everyone!

Congrats on the successful completion of such a good project!

Awesome!

Yep.

I'll send a cheap but serviceable spotting scope and a pretty good tripod for it if dclayton thinks that will be of use.
I'll look around for some more items and see if they can be used too.

AlaskanMatt, you have a p.m.

nsaqam, that would be a great addition. Thanks! I think you have the address, but if not (or if you have other questions), just let me know...

I do indeed have the address.

It isn't a great spotter by any means but it works pretty well and the tripod is pretty decent.

I'll ship it soon Sir!

dclayton, the Ingram is enroute via USPS.

I'd like to mention this about last week when Jimmyd223 and I went to meet MallardAddict at Cabela's to give Matt the hard case I was donating to the kid.
The day before we went I had explained to Jimmy about the donated rifle and accessories from the 'fire and when I picked up Jimmy he had a brand new backpack for the kid. He doesn't get on the 'fire much because of his eyes, but his heart is still good as ever...

Great to hear BB and good on you Jimmy!

Thanks nsaqam and toad. And bulletbutt, that's great of Jimmy, (since he's not on the fire much) please tell him thanks from this end the next time you see him!

Cool stuff guys!

Actually, I was referring to my own past mistakes. wink I shot a black bear last year and had to hike back to my fourwheeler to retreive my knives and game bags. crazy

D'oh! AlaskanMatt, I hope the 4x4 wasn't too far at least--slap forehead! I might wish I wasn't capable of it, but I totally could have done that too. I guess it was out of one of those types of moments that the checklist was born...

It was only about 1/4 mile away, but the lesson was learned. It was a tasty bear too!

Been away for a few days from the thread. Mallardaddict reloading manuals are in the mail. Have a couple of things if they are needed. Burris Landmark spotter 10-24, and a Sightron 3.5X10. If we have others in need of these let me know.

I just talked to Jimmyd223 and read the thank you's to him and he said that was great. He misses this place and 99.% of the people.

Sounds good guys I will watch the mail. Spent some time today setting up backpacks for all 3 boys with the funds a few guys sent me.

All 3 kids should get a reasonably set up hunting pack and new binos each courtesy of the Fires generosity.

Awesome! I'm glad the other boys are being included too, so thy won't feel left out!

That's awesome, MallardAddict!

Here's an update re James' first deer hunting trip equipment list. As of now I believe that rifle (type TBD), scope (2.5-6x36 Simmons), hard case, knife (Ingram), gloves & shirt, spotting scope, day pack & binos are all accounted for (!!!). The bases/rings & ammo have to wait until the rifle is determined. That means that the only things from the original list left are:

-Scope lens caps/scope cover? (for a (2.5-6x36 Simmons)
-Sling
-Blaze orange hunting hat and/or vest- (the orange is req'd here)

Again, anything else I�m forgetting? Odds and/or ends that you have that you think might help? This is an awesome project!

I just started reading this thread, the campfire is truly an amazing place!

If you guys happen to decide on a 280 rem I'll throw in RCBS dies, a box of new rem brass(I'll have to decap them to ship them) and a box of 120 gr v-max.

Unfortunately 458, the intended recipient, James, does not reload.

This severely limited my potential offerings as well.

Great offer for sure though!

As I mentioned before, nsaqam & 458, James doesn't reload. This is not a principled refusal (clearly!), but simply a lack of equipment. Reloading equipment can be expensive, and so I thought it was probably better to stick with basics and not to go there, but in theory if someone had spare/old things to get him started from scratch, I could certainly teach him and supervise him when I'm around, so could his dad (and at least one of his other uncles def. could as well). Knowing the generosity of the members of the 'fire I'm hesitant to even go here, but since it's now come up a couple of times I just mention it. If you have questions, feel free to PM me as well...

My guess is, like the recipient of Paul's rifle did, we could gather up enough stuff for reloading here that James could easily get started with this rewarding hobby.
You have my powder measure and 458's dies and brass offered up already. I also have a Lee press which needs a new part which I'd offer up. I'd even fix it prior to sending it.
He'd need a scale, some case prep tools, a funnel, a hand primer and a few other things but they're cheap and will probably get donated by the kind members here.
If he decides on the .280 Rem, which would be an excellent choice, I also have some 7mm bullets to donate.
Although I appreciate your reluctance to even hint at requesting further generosity at least think about it. It makes people happy to give like this. It's rewarding to us as well.

I will say that it's likely no money will be saved by reloading over shooting factory ammo but the reloader shoots a lot more for the same price which is always a good thing.
It's also a lot of fun.

Except for trimming brass, that sucks!

Just got off the phone with Lee and they're sending me the parts I need to fix the press I offered.
Half price too! Under $13 shipped.

If James does want to get into reloading he'll have a serviceable press. If not I'll have a back up.

Let us know dclayton.

I'll throw in a 6" dial caliper to help get him started, it's a cheapy chinese one but is just accurate as my mitutoyo's. I just need to remember where I put it. I think I've got a spare lee case trimmer head, and would pick a lee 280 rem mandrel to complete the setup. I probably have a few other things lying around I could include.

This keeps getting better and better!

It's a lot of fun too.

Wow, that's fantastic! Super generous of you, and as you say (nsaqam), he'll definitely have fun with the reloading. So James now has a press, caliper, powder measure, and case trimmer head.

And if he goes with a 280 rem he also has dies, mandrel and some brass, right? Good on you, nsaqam & 458 Lott!

It will probably be a while before any of the cartridge specific things can be settled (end of summer or September), but the rest of the stuff can be packed up together.

Dclayton has empowered me to coordinate the shipping of any donated reloading supplies for young James.
If you have something you might like to donate to help this young man on his entrance to the fun of reloading post them up here and then PM me for the young man's shipping address.

Already donated are a Lee Challenger press (the one I started reloading on), an RCBS Uniflow powder measure, a 6" caliper and a Lee case trimming cutter.
As was said by dclayton the cartridge/caliber specific items will have to wait until James decides on chambering and rifle.
I see a need for a scale, funnel, case mouth deburring tool,primer pocket cleaner, case lube, and whatever else you think he needs.

Thanks to all who've already donated and TIA to those who will.

I'm still good for the 6" calipers and lee trimming tool for whatever caliber you choose, and I'll thow in a case mouth deburring tool.

It's my pleasure to donate the dies, brass and bullets. I'd been planning on building a 280 rem for my son, but ended up picking up a rem 700 sps youth 223 from the campfire. If I keep the dies, brass and bullets on hand, as well as the couple of 7mm barrel blanks I picked up, I just might be tempted to build another rifle. If I give it away, I make a kid happy, and keep myself out of the doghouse with the wife, win win!

I've got a spare Lee scale that can be sent.

Will send a scale, primer pocket brush (LR) and a new RCBS case lube pad. Could also send a reloading manual, if needed. It will not be the most current but should still apply.

He'll surely need a manual.

I'll send a couple of those as well.

Thanks man. My karma is maxed our. I got my boys in the divorcee so i'm more than ahead in the karma game!


I'm super excited for the rifle to show up! Monday can't come soon enough!

I'm giddy as a kid on Xmas to deliver the goods to the boys and can't wait to see the look on ther faces when they get to feel the goodness and love that can be created by good folks getting behind the generous offers of one another.

It's amazing what we as a group can accomplish in someone's lives with what we consider "extras" of small value to us.

As it sits each boy will get a backpack, binos, knife (2 knives for Coy), leather men. Me and my girlfriend yesterday picked up flashlights ( for the younger 2), small first aid kit, space blanket, survival whistle/compass/signal mirror/fire starter deal and some other nick knacks to fill each pack.

Coy will also be getting the rifle and scope with ammo and accesories, and the hardcase. Its been decided that all of the boys will share the big Buck knife for camp and butcher work, the reloading and cleaning gear and the ear protection.

The soft case will go to the middle boy whose case is falling apart quickly.

There is likely too much gear to get it all in one pic with the boys but rest assured all your donations are going to a good cause and will be put to use.

Do to work schedules I may not be able to makr the drop off until 04/13 as they now live about 1 1/2 hrs from me but there will be a long post with pics forthcoming.

That's awesome, Mallard--I'm sure they'll be as excited as on Christmas, too! And those sound like great packs they'll be set up with. I know I'll feel the same way when everything is ready to be given to James. I'll be really psyched to see the pictures when you put them up.

As will I!!!

X3!!!

x4

That's absolutely fantastic. Matt, I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job of making the gift-giving something that the boys (and you) will never forget. A big thumbs-up to you and Paul.

I'm just the guy who is lucky enough to have the privilege to deliver these great gifts to the boys.

My involvement to the boys would have continued this year as it had for the last 3, just now the boys have good solid gear to call their own thanks to you guys.

Damn...my allergies just started acting up again...

Mine too

This is something these young boys will never forget.......

That's for sure. I can remember very clearly the Christmas that my dad handed me my first deer rifle. It was a Model 94 with a little red ribbon tied around the barrel. The whole family had allergies right then. Fifty-five years ago.

This is a big deal, and it's not even Christmas! He's going to be floored.

good things happen to good people!

The parts for my Lee press came in yesterday and the thing is way better than new now with steel replacing the pot metal parts which broke.

I'd like to get a list of all the reloading equipment/supplies donated to Dclaytons nephew James so far.
From me are,
The Lee Challenger press, an RCBS Uniflow powder measure and an old beat up manual.

From Smithrjd are a Lee scale, case lube pad, manual, and primer pocket brush.

From 458 Lott, a caliper, Lee trimmer system, and a case mouth deburring tool.

If I missed anything please post it up.

If others would like to donate stuff to young James please post it up as well.

This is coming together very nicely due the generosity of the fine folks at the Campfire.

Somebody must have a nomination for FOsteology's cool .22 if he's still willing to offer it up.

This is about the coolest .22 I've seen. Some kid would be THRILLED to have it. Heck my kids would be thrilled with it but this is intended for children more in need than my own.

I'm surprised no one has found a kid who would love to have that?

re fostelogies takticool gun...

I just jumped into this thread, didnt read it all. AWESOME concept guys. Your generosity is refreshing.

Is there an age limit on this? I have a former student/Eagle scout and overall great kid I am thinking of, senior in HS, and is a staunch principled conservative minded young man in an area where being one is not always easy.

He is headed to college next year (finds out this week if/which etc)

Anyway, is this outside the parameters of the thread?

I'd cover transfer fees and will supply bino, knife, etc for the pack.

So am I!

Ditto! My son has an airsoft gun that looks just like that.

For real! It's funny, I was just thinking this morning that there has to be someone who would get a real kick out of a fun .22 like that.

thinking out loud here folks...

I think this would be a 24 hour campfire mega cool thing to do..

our Veteran Number One, Matt whom we are doing the 35 Whelen rifle build for... has a son he sent me a picture of.. and I think he posted on line here...think the young man is about 12..

since we are doing a rifle build for Dad being a vet.. I nominate that we consider his 12 year old son as recipient for FOsterologies available 22...

a deserving Father/Son deal would be a cool 24 hour campfire thing to do...

wadda ya think?

I think it sounds like an *awesome* idea!

Many years ago (more than I'd like to count!) I was an Army brat, and eventually joined the Army and served several years myself. I know all to well the sacrifice a soldier AND his/her family endures for our country's safety and freedom...

Nominating Matt's 12yo son for the tacticool .22lr sits extremely well with me.

Well, FOsteology, you're the man who's making the decision--sounds like a done deal!

Sounds as though Matt's young lad gets a very nice .22 to call his own.
Very cool that Matt himself is buying James his rifle too!

The press, the other reloading stuff, the spotter and the tripod will be on their way to James soon.

Sounds great to me

What an awesome way to show support for our guys in uniform, Seafire and FOsteology--good on you. And thanks for the update, nsaqam...(James is going to be really excited, and I'm looking forward to helping him learn how to reload!)

Paul's rifle arrive my FFL today, this thing is immaculate to put it mildly. I will try to get the sling swivels on it Wednesday then will take a picture of the goodie pile that has formed in my den.

glad it made it safe! did you get all the goodies i put in the box with it?

Yes the goodie bag made it safe as well ad has been divided up for the boys

sweet! can't wait for the pictures that are going to be generated from this!

This is just awesome. Looking forward to the pictures as well.

While my son would be beyond ecstatic to have that Sig 522, and I thank you to all who suggested it, I think we missed a prior nomination. I'd hate to take it from another deserving youth.

Up to FOst but I'd vote for a younger kid myself.

No offense intended to Crockettnj or his nomination.

Not to slight to Crockettnj's nomination by any means, however, I think the SigSauer .22lr bequeathed to a younger lad is in order.

Matt, please send me a PM as I'll need your FFL holder to either send me a copy of his/her FFL license OR the first three and last five digits of their FFL in order to verify via ATF's online eZcheck system.

Tell your young son congratulations, and the campfire look forward to seeing him put the tactikool rifle to fun (and responsible!) use.

Well then, I can tell ya - Timothy is going to be one EXTREMELY happy young man! He has a Henry mini-bolt single shot .22. I bought it for him when he showed me at age 7 with his BB gun that he could follow my firearms safety instructions. He's not going to know what to do with himself when he discovers he doesn't have to re-load after every shot!

All of Timothy's friends are going to be in awe of him with that cool rifle!

What a freaking wonderful place this really is!

I agree! I've been a part of quite a few forums, and this one just breaks the mould. Here's the picture I shared with Seafire. This is Timothy a few years ago at age 9 on a hunting trip I took him on the last time I was here in Afghanistan, while on R&R leave. He's 12 now.

No finer owner for that tacticool .22 in my opinion.

Lord knows that young man has likely sacrificed a lot having his poppa gone doing work to ensure we all get to live the lives we choose.

Gives Matt and his boy something to do together.

Too damn cool in my book

well guys, I am glad my suggestion has some favor here...

I know we have a lot of good candidates available out there..

I'd like to make a suggestion, if anyone else has a 'cool' 22 that may be sitting in a closet or gun cabinet and not getting enough use...

maybe consider it going to the young man Mr Crockett was suggesting...his description almost sounds like my son... Eagle Scout, High School Senior... very high GPA ( Valedictorian Potential..) college bound... Medical Field...

wish I had one that cool laying around...so anyone else out there might have one they can spare?

I don't know Timothy, but if he's anything like his old man he's a very worthy recipient of FOsteology's generosity!

any luck getting a picture of the pile of gear?

Sounds like you will be going through a bunch of .22 fodder. Send me a mailing address, and I'll get a brick of .22rf to you.

Chris

Here is a quick pic of the loot pile guys. Please excuse me using my entryway as my den is a mess due to us not having finished moving in yet. These kids are so well set up due to the generosity of all of you.

In the picture under the ear muffs and behind the loading manuals there is a larger cardboard box, it doesnt show in the picture but that is a full NIB Lee Challenger kit sent to me direct from Cableas by TBaker.

More pics to follow upon delivery to the boys.

WOW!

That's better than Christmas and a Birthday all rolled into one!

Glad the other boys are getting some stuff too.

Three cheers for the Campfire!

Mallard,

I'm assuming that Cabela's gift card found it's way to you?

Fosteology,

Sorry for my lapse in following up with you. Yes i got the gift card a few days after it was sent. Your gift card was used as part of a cabekas purchase to get the younger boys binos and a backpack for the middle boy.

Very good stuff! Thank you to everyone who helped out! This is way better than I had hoped.

It all started with you Paul!

Said it before and will do so again, it's amazing what can happen when a group of people with their hearts in the right place get behind another's generosity.

Not just this thread but Winnie1300's, AlaskaMatts, AlaskaMatts son, all prime examples of paying it forward to better another.

It's too bad the mainstream media wont ever report on sportsmen doing things like this for one another rather just bad chit that happens. Not that any of us did it for recognition.

Pics of the handoff, smiling boys and probably a few tears from their mother will be posted

It's Happy Campfire Day!!!

Chris,

I appreciate that, but since I live in Alaska it won't be possible. I already checked into getting ammo shipped up, and the hazmat fees are cost prohibitive unless one is ordering enough ammo to stock a shooter's supply shop.

Folks, I haven't been on for the last day because all of our communication was shut down. Those of you who have been deployed recently, or have loved ones who were know why. My brigade lost a soldier yesterday due to an IED, along with a military working dog. They "blackout" communication to keep the deceased's family from finding out through the gossip chain. I don't know his name - he's in a different battalion. But for those of you who pray, please send one up for his family.

I will add your list soldier to my prayers this evening as its the least I can do.

Prayers sent.

Thanks gentlemen. I didn't mean to hijack the thread. Just thought I'd pass along the sad news.

MallardAddict - I can't wait to see the pics of the boys when they receive the rifle and gear!

Praying for that soldier & his family (and will continue to do so. You stay safe!

Mallard, that's a great pile of gear, and thank you Paul for getting it all started.

That made my day. Christmas in April! Way to go guys!

Matt,
Any luck getting the stuff into the kids hands?

Paul,

Me and there mither havent been able to line up a day until this week and Coy is gone for a leadership trip for school. Schedules should line up for me to deliver next Sunday so expect pictures and a full report by Monday afternoon.

Sorry for the delay guys work has been hectic

Can't wait. I'm looking forward to hearing about it!

SigSauer 522 .22lr is in route to Alaska! Timothy should have it in hand sometime next week.

Where's the happy dance emoticon at? I want to be the one to surprise him with it, so it won't be next week, but I'll be home on leave in not much longer than that. I take him with me all the time to the little gun shop it's being sent too, so he won't suspect a thing until I put it in his hands. I'll be ready with my camera, and I'll post the pic here for ya'll!

I can't thank you enough FOsteology, and also MurphysLaw for the ammo fund! I'll have Timothy write up a thank you and post it here as well. He's gonna be one happy kid!

It just occurred to me that I haven't told ya'll much about Timothy yet. One of my favorite ways to pass the time is bragging on my kids, and this seems like the perfect excuse, so pour your favorite beverage, grab your reading glasses and whatever you do, don't try to hold your breath while you read this.

Timothy is the oldest of five, and my only boy. He's a very gentlemanly brother to his four sisters, and an excellent protector. I recall a story my wife told me when I was in basic training back in '05. Timothy was just 6 at the time, and my wife had taken him and his two (at the time) sisters to a McDonald's for lunch. Timothy and Sarah, who was four, had been playing in the playground, and Timothy had returned to the table for another chicken nugget when Sarah started crying from up inside the playground. My wife said Timothy stopped mid - bite and without hesitating, sprinted up into the playground, where he found some impatient boys trying to push Sarah down the slide so they could have a turn. Timothy's shrill voice was heard throughout the restaurant: "WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY SISTER?!?!" I had a smile on my face the rest of the day, even while doing pushups in the mud.

All of our kids are home-schooled, and Timothy consistently scores above average in every subject. His reading comprehension is probably higher than most high-school grads. He is kind - hearted, always putting his sisters first, and he often spends his meager allowance on gifts for others. He has a brilliant mechanical mind, often building things with his legos far more complex than the pictures on the box they came in.

I figured with all those girls in the house, I might need a little help at times when the boys inevitably come a-callin, so I put him in karate lessons a few years ago. He now holds a first degree black belt, and is currently working toward his second degree.

He loves shooting, and he's a natural marksman. He's accounted for an impressive amount of small game, and of all the times he's shot at an animal, he has yet to miss. His favorite gun is his Mossberg Youth model 505 pump-action .410. Something tells me that one is about to come in second though.

Most importantly of all, Timothy loves God, and lives his young life by His example. I'm pretty proud of my boy - I bet you couldn't tell.

Wonderful story Matt and thanks for telling it!

Thanks Matt, for telling us all about Timothy--he definitely sounds like a fine young man, and you have good reason to be proud! As you remarked before, there are a lot of similarities with my nephew James, too--oldest boy in a big family with a lot of girls, home-schooled, really bright, Godly, etc. (Can you tell I'm proud of my nephew, too )

Great story Matt, all the more reason he deserves that rifle. Said it before and will say it again. That boy has likely gone through hell sharing his Pappa and having him gone fighting for our freedom yet still puts his head down and plugs away at what must be done with little complaint.

You have every damn right to be proud of that boy and anyone who isn't/ wouldnt be is messed up in the head.

Glad to see he is getting some campfire love along with his Pappa. Youve done well on many counts sir.

Speaking of which it looks like that 6 position stock will accommodate a single point sling. Thing is I have a nice damn near new Tactical Tailor single point that needs a home. Be damn glad to send it to your boy via a box with your name on it so as to not spoil the surprise.

Pm me an address and i can ship tomorrow

Thanks fellas, MA - Very nice, thank you! That will make it much easier for Timothy to carry the SIG while he and I are out snowshoeing my favorite rabbit trail next winter. I can almost taste my wife's rabbit chili already!

Sling will go out Priority mail in the AM. Looking at the pic Fosteology posted I'm lot sure it will attach as is normal on the M4 stock but I'm sure you and him can find a way to mount it up. It's a great sling I have 3 on rifles, i just swapped my fourth carbine to a Viking Tactics 2 point.

Need to dig around as I may have a cheapie red dot around too but not sure

Slings in the mail. USPS says it should arrive your AO Monday 04/16

Thank you!! My wife will set it aside to be given to Timothy when I get home and pick up his rifle.

Matt,

children are a product of the environment that they grow up in...despite the pride you may feel in your son, take a few moments and think of the pride your son feels in his dad.....

just as deserving as his dad feels in his son...

just thought you should think about both halves of the equation...

+1. Kids are definitely a product of their environment and Timothy definitely has a great father in his life providing solid examples of what it take to be a man.

I appreciate the vote of confidence guys! Honestly though, my wife deserves more of the credit at this point than I do. She's been there day after day, being mother, and trying to figure out how to also be father to the kids, while I've been gone roughly four of the last seven years, factoring in three deployments and multiple training blocks away from home. I've heard it said the toughest job in the army is being an army wife. I'd have to agree.

yeah growing up as a military dependent, I can attest to that...

ain't easy on the kids either...

I can attest to that one also...

+1

God bless you for your service to our country, Matt! And God bless your wife for her service to our country as well! Thank you.

Thanks guys, fortunately my family won't have to endure any more separations after this one. I have decided to get out of the active component of the army, and my contract ends in March of next year. I have a friend who retired from an active guard unit on the same post I am assigned to in Alaska, and he feels I have a good chance of getting in there. It is a non-deployable unit, so I would be able to stay home. It's time my children had their father back. If I can't get into that unit, I will use my GI bill and pursue a carreer in aviation.

Mallard

Just logged on to this thread, PM me address and I'll donate 100$ forward purchase of the gun safe.

60n148,

I appreciate the offer sir but the rifle I am delivering is a done deal and will be done tomorrow.

The newest gun deal is a Sig 552 for AlaskaMatt's son am there is another rifle going to another young man a few pages back.

Sure your donation will be best going to one of them sir.

I'm sure one of the young men can use it, the kids from my rifle deal are well taken care of.

Thanks for the vote of confidence in being willing to share your plans for yourself and your family with us on the 'fire. I'm sure your unit will feel the loss of a fine NCO, but your family has to come first, and you've already been very generous! I hope you'll be able to get into that non-deployable unit, but the GI Bill (which I'm using as we speak) is a wonderful benefit and you should definitely take advantage of it no matter what you decide to do!

As promised here is the story and pictures of the Campfire gang making 3 boys very very happy:

I was able to deliver the rifle and gear to the boys yesterday. It was a windy day with temps in the mid 60's but it was sunny out so i decided to meet them up on a ridge by their home that has an impromptu range. This impromptu range is about 5 miles from one of the elk winter feeding areas so I had there mom load them up under the false pretense of going to see if any elk were still lingering around. They had zero idea that I was waiting between them and the feeding station.

Snapped a quick picture of the pile before the boys got there for the hand off and before I hid the rifle:



I first told the boys I had some friends who wanted them to have some things. I gave the boys their new backpacks and let them play with their gear.



Then I hauled out the box with all the reloading and cleaning gear and explained it was all to be shared. At this point the boys had 100 questions about why so many people could be so generous towards them, all I could do was smile and say good things happen to good kids.

Things couldn't have went better for after about another 5 minutes Coy asked me if I had a lead on a new deer gun he could buy. I told him I had a damn good idea and pulled the skb hard case out of my back seat. I handed it to him and told him to let me know what he thought of this one.




He said it was beautiful but that he probably couldn't afford it. I told him the price was set in stone and I couldn't get it for him any cheaper then free. He was beside himself and I think I saw tears well up in his eyes. I had to reaffirm to him several times that it was indeed being given to him by one hell of a generous man.





It was a very touching moment but I'm not much for waiting so i broke it up by asking him why he wasnt shooting it yet. He was in love +P from the first popped primer.



[img]http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z254/MallardAddict/photo-12.jpg[/img]

All of the boys were beyond speechless that what started as one mans donating a rifle to one of them grew into something so large and so great. It made my day to see the huge smiles on their faces. To say I felt a lot of happiness and pride would not being this whole deal justice in the least.

Their notes of thanks are in their own words and listed below all I did was add their ages:

To Matt�s friends who had given the Downs boys gifts,������������������� April 16, 2012

Thank you for the gifts that I have received. I loved the binoculars that I had received. The backpack was great. The Leatherman�s tool was awesome. I am pretty sure that the first-aid kit, emergency whistle, and the emergency blanket will be useful, though I hope that I don�t have to use them. The skinning knife and flashlight will really come in handy. The sling will put to good use. And I can�t thank the person who had given me the .308 lever action enough. I promise to keep all of these items in their top condition. There is not much else I can say, so I hope you all can understand how thankful I really am. I truly can�t put it into words. The best that I can do is thank you all very, very much.
�
Sincerely,
Coy Downs (oldest 15 y/o)

Dear Matt�s friends,

Thank you very much for the supplies. I hope to use most of the things
(not the first aid kit). I will use the items with care. Once again
thank you.




Sincerely

Seth (middle boy 12y/o)

DEAR MATT��S FRIENDS,
�
I AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE ASWOME GIFTS.THEY ARE REALY COOL. THE LEATHERMENSTOOL IS EVEN BETER THAN MY LAST ONE. THE KNIFE WAS REALY NEAT.THANK YOU FOR THE AWSOME GIFTS.
�
�
����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� SINCERELY, WYATT (youngest 9y/o)


**** my apologies for the flipped pics, photobucket won't let me rotate them via I phone****

Awesome story, thanks for posting that! I can't wait to see the pics. Now to take care of these allergies that have unexpectedly sprang up.....

No chit Matt, I kept blaming the wind and dust yesterday. I don't think my words or pictures can do the moment justice and am kicking my own ass that I didn't lug the video camera and shoot video for you all.

Must be going around...

Great work Gents!

Chris

Glad to see this got in the hands of some good kids who seem to truly appreciate it. Good job on this one gentlemen!!! Thanks to you all for helping me make this happen!

It is wonderful when things come togather for a good reason.
Again thanks to all. It is a great tradition.

That's fantastic, Mallard! And the pics really help to bring it home--Paul, what a great thing you and all the guys have done for those boys! Just awesome!

Okay gents, now that everything has wrapped up so great for Coy, Seth, and Wyatt via Mallard (kudos again to Paul and all who gave!), I just thought I'd give an update on things as regards James (aka, Case #2).

I have some vacation starting on June 11th and I�ll be spending much of it with James. We�ll be going out to the range to see what he feels comfortable shooting--other than playing around with a .22, we�ll try a .308 (including with some 125 gr bullets or reduced loads just to approximate a 7mm-08), a .270 Win, and a .30-06. Then I�ll take him to a couple of stores to see what make/model he seems to like (within reason! ) FYI, I�m not making it clear that he�s getting a rifle or other hunting equipment. I�ll just present it as �uncle � nephew� time�I know I won�t have to tell him he�s actually going to be receiving a rifle for him to want to go to gun stores and go shooting with me, that�s for sure!

Also, here is the status of the equipment for James: A couple people have asked about giving something, and so I figure it will help to recap so that if someone still wants to provide something they know what would help. FYI, I have put "RECEIVED" for those things that I have already gotten from the donor.

HUNTING GEAR:

Rifle-Accounted for by AlaskanMatt (model & caliber TBD in June)
Scope- accounted for by JG Raider (Simmons Whitetail 2.5-6x36, 1� tube)
Bases-offer on the table, but TBD, based on rifle
Rings- (probably makes sense to be provided with the bases)
Scope cover-
Sling-
Rifle case- Accounted for by Bulletbutt -RECEIVED
A box or two of ammo (TBD, based on above)
Hunting knife(Ingram)-accounted for by Toad-RECEIVED
Blaze orange hunting hat and/or vest-
Gloves & shirt- Accounted for by AckleyFan �RECEIVED
Spotting scope & tripod-Accounted for by Nsaqam
Binoculars-
Day pack (w/ emergency equipment, etc.)-Accounted for by gophergunner

RELOADING EQUIPMENT:

Dies/brass/etc TBD based on what the rifle is chambered in (If .280 Rem, 458 Lott has it)
Lee Challenger press-Accounted for by Nsaqam
RCBS Uniflow powder measure-Nsaqam
6" caliper-458 Lott
Case trimming tool-458 Lott
Case mouth deburring tool-458 Lott
Lee Scale- Accounted for by Smithrjd -RECEIVED
Pocket primer brush-Smithrjd -RECEIVED
RCBS case lube pad- Smithrjd -RECEIVED
Funnel-
Other items?

NOTE: Nsaqam is coordinating the reloading donations

Again, anything else I�m forgetting? Other things that you have that you think might help? Also, please correct me if there�s anything left out or misstated, especially regarding the reloading equipment�my sister Jessica is the one who told me about (or rather described) the things that had arrived, and she is pretty clueless about these things

Anyway, also feel free to PM me if you have ideas/questions/comments...

That's neat,..thanks for doing this and thanks to all of those who donated.

Just to let you all know that I received the day pack from gophergunner loaded with a lot of great stuff--here is the list:

-Guide series camo backback
-Complete hydration bladder system for the pack
-Blaze orange knit stocking cap
-A nice two-knife Winchester set including a lock blade and a swiss army style knife.
-Small flashlight with batteries.
-Waterproof matches
-Waterproof match case
-Lensatic compass
-Emergency blanket
-Blaze orange vest
-Roll of trail marker tape.
-Pair of amber colored shooter's glasses.
-Length of nylon rope to use as a drag rope or ???
-About 15 ft. of para cord.
-Shoulder length gutting gloves.
-Set of disposable chemical hand warmers.
-One sight-in target with 1" grids.

EDIT-I can't edit the old post, so here is the list for James as it now stands:


HUNTING GEAR:

Rifle-Accounted for by AlaskanMatt (model & caliber TBD in June)
Scope- accounted for by JG Raider (Simmons Whitetail 2.5-6x36, 1� tube)
Bases-offer on the table, but TBD, based on rifle
Rings- (probably makes sense to be provided with the bases)
Scope cover-
Sling-
Rifle case- Accounted for by Bulletbutt -RECEIVED
A box or two of ammo (TBD, based on above)
Hunting knife(Ingram)-accounted for by Toad-RECEIVED
Blaze orange hunting hat and/or vest-accounted for by gophergunner-RECEIVED
Gloves & shirt- Accounted for by AckleyFan �RECEIVED
Spotting scope & tripod-Accounted for by Nsaqam
Binoculars-
Day pack (w/ emergency equipment, etc.)-Accounted for by gophergunner-RECEIVED

RELOADING EQUIPMENT:

Dies/brass/etc TBD based on what the rifle is chambered in (If .280 Rem, 458 Lott has it)
Lee Challenger press-Accounted for by Nsaqam
RCBS Uniflow powder measure-Nsaqam
6" caliper-Accounted for by 458 Lott
Case trimming tool-Accounted for by 458 Lott
Case mouth deburring tool-Accounted for by 458 Lott
Lee Scale- Accounted for by Smithrjd -RECEIVED
Pocket primer brush-Smithrjd -RECEIVED
RCBS case lube pad- Smithrjd -RECEIVED
Funnel-
Other items?

NOTE: Nsaqam is coordinating the reloading donations.

If you have other suggestions, just let me know...

Awesome! He's going to be very well outfitted, I can't wait to get the rifle and see all the pics.

Up for the Hunting Rifles Forum is Project 24/7. This rifle has been through a few variations inspired by 24hourcampfire and today FOsteology and I decided to make it available to a deserving youth. I'd like this to be called Project 24/7 until a recipient is identified.

It's a 1979 Remington 700 BDL Custom Deluxe 7mm Remington Express with 22" barrel. Seems a good cartridge for a growing shooter as it can be loaded down or punched 280AI. It's wearing a 1993 700 BDL SS takeoff stock that is stiffer than an SPS, its functionally bedded and free-floated. The rifle's color scheme is not complete, it was inspired by one of FOs' rifles he had posted awhile back. Basically going for a black barreled action with brown stock with silver bolt handle and trigger. I painted the stock with some texture and then Krylon Fusion and clear coats. I'll cover the bolt shroud and triggerguard/floorplate flat black to match the barrel to complete the look and just leave the receiver polished blue unless there is a consensus that something else is needed, like professional coating ! The rifle has put out several sub .6" 3-shot groups when I was using Federal brass and usually hangs 3/4-1" with 139gr Hornady BTSP loads. Comes with 50 2x fired Nosler cases. Rifle is good to go as is, the trigger is light and crisp, however, it has some creep that I can't adjust out.

Anyways, there it is. Ready to ship Priority mail when the time is appropriate.

Absolutely fantastic. You're going to make some lucky kid extremely happy!

Wow, I had no idea the depth of generosity in this thread,or that it was even going on......

You people are making me proud....

Good shoW Gentlemen!!...

That's awesome and generous, Oregontripper--good on you! The generosity keeps rolling here at the 'fire. Some kid is going to have real cause to thank you pretty soon!

I would like to contribute to Oregontripper's effort. PM sent to him.

Look here, this was all your idea and you know it!


This evolved today from FOsteology's generosity and I just happened to fall in line with it.

It's meant to continue the trend for a 'next' and yet to be identified recipient. Thanks for the kind words - now let's gett'r done.

Indeed! My son is the lucky recipient of FOsteology's generosity, and I should have pics and a thank - you penned by Timothy up in less than two weeks. I should be getting home roughly sometime next weekend for two weeks leave, and Monday the 7th is the day I'll be surprising Timothy with the Sig 522. I got the word from my buddy that it's arrived and waiting in his shop.

well done!!

Another outstanding example of Campfire generosity!

Excellent work OT and FO.

I've been away training for a new job so I haven't been able to participate in it, but I've been following it as close as I can. I don't know where we are at but I want to play along helping a kid out. Well I'm home for the weekend and looking through my safe I have a rifle I can donate as well. I have a barreled action M670 Winchester in .270 Win and a Bishop stock that will fit it.





I'll be honest the rifle has a couple of problems that maybe someone here on the fire can help fix, first off it is missing the trigger guard (it didn't survive the shipping when I bought this rifle). Plus if it is going to a kid it could use a decent recoil pad instead of a plastic butt plate. I'd hate for a youngster to develop a flinch from their first hunting rifle.

I have as well a Lee "C" press that I would donate with this rifle. I'm sure I can throw in a box of 130 grain bullets and 1X brass to get the young man/woman going with some reloading supplies. I've asked for help from Campfire members and they have came through for me in the past and now I can pay it back.

So let me know if this item works for you guys.

It's fun isn't it? Youz guys have done good!

OT: if you need anything done to that stock make sure to let me know. Cut to length, pad, webbing, matte, texturing, etc. I'll take care of it for our next youngster........

It'll jump to the front of the line.

TF1:

Send me the stock, I'll take care of the guard and the pad. PM sent.

This if more fun than a barrel of monkeys! I'm sure there will be a few more pages to read through by the time I get home for leave, given close to week of travel time. Keep it going Gents!

How's about the nomination from Crockettnj? High school senior, etc.?

Excellent idea! I felt bad when my son took the Sig 522 from him, but this one makes more sense for a bigger kid anyway. A 270 is an excellent all-around cartridge for any North American game, and a high school senior could likely handle the recoil just fine, especially if he's fired rifles before and knows what to expect. I'll second (Or third) that nomination!

Wow, a 270 and a 280 err 7Express!

gophergunner has generously offered up another daypack to go with the 7Express.

What a thread,and what generosity.

Tough keeping a dry eye here reading this thread, I gotta admit.

I appreciate your keeping Andrew in mind. I do think, perhaps, that it'd be wise for me to ask his parents first and also to make sure he has a F.I.D. card or else transfer will be a bit.. difficult! NJ isn't all that friendly in this regard.

Lets bump Andrew down the list again and help out another youngster until I can be sure. (but that 270 sure would be awesome!)

No need to bump him down the line the rifle is Andrew's when he is ready. Karnis is going to work over the stock and update it a little. So do what you need to and we will do the same on ours. Please find out if Andrew wants to attempt reloading or not?

Folks - I hope ya'll will understand... I have been trying to sort this out, ever since FOsteology offered to sponser a rifle, from me for the giveaway... Wanting to make it a rifle that is most suited for a youth. We went from a Rem 721 30-06 with 14" LOP that is a good rifle, but maybe not best suited for youths, with its LOP and extractor rarity caveat... So - then came along my 7Express. Well - 280 ammo is not so easy to come by most places and brings a premium price. I was raised on shortaction light recoiling rifles myself... So - I propose the following ---->>>>>


Up for the Hunting Rifles Forum deserving youth project is a Remington 788 in 243 Win. This is now a three-way donation from FOsteology, mistem and myself. Unless there is outrage from ya'll well make this available. Have had an offer of a daypack from gophergunner and stockwork (buttpad hint) from Karnis.

Hope everyone understands the reasoning and agrees with the logic. Now we need a candidate...

Nice rig.

Let me know when the pad needs to be installed via PM and I'll relay the addy. Will prolly need the LOP as well.

When this all gets worked out I might just have a Sightron SII 3.5 X 10X 42 that could use a good home. Let me know.
Ron

I have read thru this post (it took a while, as I had to wipe my eyes several times). This has to be the best bunch of people anybody could ask for. Amazing generosity.

I will add a boy for consideration. Trenton is an average student, and overall an average kid (I think he is 12, if I remember correctly). He has a bigger sister into pep squads and female type activities. He is into whatever sport is going on at the time. Last season, a friend of his mother took him deer hunting and it changed his life. He didn't get a deer, although I believe he shot a hog late in the season. All he wants to talk about now is hunting and shooting. He practices with his pellet rifle, and his mom was able to buy him a Mossberg 500 for Christmas this past year.

His mom is a single working mom, like so many these days. She did manage to get a deer this past year. Unfortunately, it was with her car. About a month after getting it repaired, a woman talking on her cell phone hit Amanda and totaled her car. Not long after that, she had to get her gall bladder removed, then got a staph infection. It hasn't been a great year for her.

Not sure what else I might relay at this time. Just another young man who looks to have fallen in love with the great sport of hunting.

I just realized guys that I was remiss when I posted pictures and thank you letters from the hand off of the rifle and gear to the boys. I apparently forgot to attach the thank you letter from their mom so I will do so now.


To all that were involved in the overwhelmingly generous gifts to my sons, THANK YOU! It's always a tough spot when you want to be able to do things for your children and you're not able to. Such as provide them with life skills (hunting) that will benefit with them forever and the means to carry them out.�
I would never have asked for anyone to do this for my boys, I'm just not that type of person. However, when Matt explained the situation to me and he had thought of Coy (my oldest son), I was very honored that he felt my son was deserving.�
You have /will receive a thank you letter from Coy himself, but I thought I might just share a little more of the young man behind the scenes. Coy is a very considerate young man, always willing to help out others and also puts others before him self. He has a plan of what he wants to do in life, which includes serving the USA in the Marines (not 100% confirmed) �when he graduates from high school. And, although he does complain occasionally, he puts his family first and really does try to be a positive role model.�
This past year has been especially tough. I was unable to do anything for him for his birthday, and only 4 days later we had to put our dog, his best friend of 14 years, down. This won't bring our beloved family member back, but it will leave a very positive memory of this year etched in his mind, and the minds of my other two sons, forever!�
Thank you to everyone who participated in creating these everlasting memories! Thank you for the showing that even when the world seems to be getting worse there are upstanding citizens from near and far that do make it a better place to live. I will never be able to thank you for all of your generosity you have shown towards my family, but I will do my best to make sure they grow up to be upstanding citizens like all of you have proven to be.�
Sincerely,�

Tamara

That's a great thank-you note. Thanks for posting it, Mallard!

joe6555,

Sure sounds like Trenton is a young man that would make good use of a 243... Any thoughts from around the campfire?

I think Trenton sounds like a great canidate for that .243.

788's are tack drivers. Mine was my first deet gun but now does long range coyote gun duty. It is currently out on semi permanent loan to my brothers girlfriend.

Assuming other guys get on board with this plan I'm in.

If enough guys think it might be ok, I will talk to Amanda and be sure it is ok with her. I think another young man may be getting a dose of happy this year. I do not, however want to bump crockettnj's nominee. There are lot's of deserving youngsters, and I wish I was in position to help all of them. Since crockettnj posted first, I think he should be at the head of the line. That is only fair.

Joe6555,

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that crockettnj's nominee (Andrew) wouldn't be bumped by your nominee (Trenton) at all, since there are two different rifles that have been offered:

.243 Remington 788 (from oregontripper, FOsteology, and mistem)
.270 Winchester 670 (from taylorce1)

Taylorce1 has already said that Andrew has dibs on the .270, subject to confirmation by crockettnj (since Andrew may not be able to accept.) In both cases the additional goodies to complete the package would have to be coordinated, though, as well as the order in which they were given out. Not to presume anything, but do either of the two nominees have a particular urgency that would bump them up in terms of time priority? If it's just deer season, then there is some time to get everything ready. Perhaps the first one that can definitively accept the generous offer should just be kitted out first with whatever other goodies 'fire members come up with?

I know that crockettnj was saying he had to confirm that his nominee could accept. joe6555, are you sure that your nominee is good-to-go?

Assuming that is the case, maybe it makes sense to get in touch with oregontripper, since he is the rifle donor, and see if he's okay with everything. (He sure sounds to me like a kid who'd be thrilled to get his first rifle, and would make good use of it!)

Dclayton, your take on it seems spot on.

joe6555, Like to hear from others, but to me, Trenton is an ideal candidate for the 243. Let's give it a little time and see how it unfolds...

Update --->

Gophergunner has put together a pack for the 788 243 project...

Nice cammo daypack,
lensatic compass,
Winchester 2 kife set with lockblade and a swiss army style,
blaze orange ball cap,
stainless steel vacuum bottle,
waterproof matches and a waterproof match holder,
poncho,
small flashlight with batteries,
disposable hand warmers,
simple knife sharpener,
some paracord,
and an emergency blanket.

That's great GG!

MA,

I must have somehow missed the pictures, were they in this thread? I've been traveling for the last week so I must have missed it. I'm in Germany now, en route back to AK for leave.

EDIT: I just read back through and found 'em. Awesome pics!

Has my vote for sure...all of these kids are as deserving of our support as are our veterans...

the way I look at it at my age, we can't take it with us... so passing it on to someone young and deserving... we couldn't do any better than that!!

Hey Alaska Matt....

here's to a safe journey home...

and don't worry about your son getting that Sig 22 LR...

there are plenty of rifles around, plenty of generous guys on the Campfire and plenty of deserving kids...

and no kid is more important than the other... they are all important...your boy has made his sacrifices, as have your family... with Dad serving his nation half way around the world..

Joe,

This sounds like a very deserving individual. Please advocate for him here so we can get this process rolling.

I'd be comfortable with Joe's nominee-what say the others here?

Guys-if we get to the point we have a gun lined up for any of these kids, and need stuff like scopes, rings, and bases, I usually have a hand full of stuff sitting around. Most the bases and rings I have now are Weaver style, but I do have a little bit of Leupold stuff I can go through also. Some are new, some are used, and it's a mixed bag, but I might have what we end up needing. Most of this is stuff I've picked up on the Pay It Forward site here. What better use for this stuff than to give back to one of our own? I also have a couple entry level 3x-9x scopes if we don't come up with better glass. Just let me know.

Thanks gophergunner. It sort of appears either the summer doldrums have hit, or everybody is about tapped out on things they can give. There has been a lot given away for sure. I have a few bases and rings, but unfortunately not a lot else. I have been pretty much out of work for a while and ended up having to sell several things I would like to still have. If the guys decide Trenton is a good candidate, I can tell you that I have talked to his mom and she is both appreciative and amazed. Looks like both her young ones have birthdays this summer. Her daughter says she needs/wants a laptop. Trenton told her that he needs a rifle so he doesn't have to borrow one to hunt this year. Sounds like he has plans to get out there this fall. Amanda said that any hunting equipment would be a true blessing.

I have contacted a local knife maker who said that the next knife that had a blemish making it unsellable he would consider donating.

I haven't talked to Chris, the guy who will be mentoring Trenton, but I reload and would be happy to keep him in ammunition if components are available. I don't have anything in .24 caliber unfortunately,, but would be happy to teach the young man the basics of putting a load together.

The concept of what you guys are doing is just plain fantastic. There aren't many places, especially with the economy like it is, that would come together and provide a person with the equipment to go out with everything needed to enjoy an activity like hunting. And you have done it several times!


While I am a member of several forums, this is by far the best and has the best overall group of fellow members. Just wish I was able to contribute something, but hope that maybe the future will allow me to join in the fun of doing so.

PM sent to Joe.

It's time for another thank you in this GREAT thread! I took Timothy to pick up the Sig 522 from FOsteology on Saturday. He was completely surprised, and not sure how to handle the sudden good fortune! I explained to him that there are some truly good people out there who are very supportive of soldiers, and their families. I told him that some of those people had chosen to do something nice for him, in appreciation for his sacrifice - that of going without his dad for long periods of time due to deployments.

It was right about then that Timothy and I both had a sudden attack of allergies, causing our eyes to water up. Funny how that happens occasionally.

So I thank you - from the bottom of my heart: FOsteology for the rifle, MallardAddict for the sling and MurphysLaw for the ammo. The sling is on, and Timothy loves the fact that he can carry his 522 like I carry my M4. I let him choose his own ammo, only advising him to buy different brands and types at first so he can find out what works best in his rifle. He chose a brick of Winchester white box, some Remington bulk HPs, and 100 rounds of CCI stingers. (I had a little influence on those as well - always been my favorite hunting round in .22 LR.)

Timothy is a very happy young man, and we're leaving tomorrow on a family camping trip. We're taking his new rifle, and he'll get to shoot it on the trip. I'll make sure to get plenty of pics to share. Here's a scanned copy of a thank - you note penned by Timothy, and a pic of him with the rifle in the gun shop:

Matt,

It was an honor and my pleasure to be a small part of this thing...

I can't see the pics on my work computer, but will check them out when I get home...

...that said, I don't need pics to know that our children's smiles are priceless.

Chris

Timothy and Matt,

My pleasure. I'm positive you'll put it to good use and have a great deal of fun shooting it.

AlaskaMatt,

My pleasure, I'm just glad Timothy can use the sling.

As soon as we get our next canidate confirmed and we know what the needs are I will dig in the spare bins again or get to shopping.

Wow, just found this thread.

I cannot believe the generosity of some of the members here.
Kudos to all of you guys. My hat is off to you and I'd be happy to buy a beer for any of you.

Let me go see what I can dig out.

I saw the first 3-4 pages when this first started. Had no idea how far it actually went and the number of people it has touched, not to mention the number involved. I suspect several people have been tapped out with their generocity and I understand that. I'm not real good about continuing to check in on posts like this but when it get's time to get another going I would appreciate if someone would pm me as I'd like to help out. I'm thinking I could find something for a deserving young guy. Good on you all.

I'm sure there will be somewhere to help out as soon as things get going again. Karnis is doing some stock work for the rifle I'm donating and as soon as it gets back to me then there will be some needs that have to be met. I'll let you know something as soon as we get closer to sending the rifle off.

Cariboujack,

You'll have to back track a few pages to pick up the details but it's getting close for the Rem 788 243 hunting rifle package...

Karnis has the stock set up with a youth LOP and added a rubber buttpad - thanks! Seems a perfectly workable set up and gophergunner has a day pack full of goods ready to go with it! I'll post up some pics when the rifle is back together and ready to go. Thanks again to FOsteology and mistem for their help making this rifle available!

I'm pretty sure we have a candidate for this, just need to sort out the remaining details.... There always room to help and I have ideas - PMs welcome. If folks will keep a look out for this thread, maybe we can have this gear to a new home real soon. OT

I've got a new Leatherman I can throw in. somebody pm me where to send it, if it's time for that part.

Pretty amazing group of guys! This thread has been going for three months, and there are still guys willing to give to help youngsters. Good on all of you.

Thanks Karnis! The 788 243 Win is now wearing a cushy pad and LOP is right at 13". Should be pretty steady in hand, with the 4-12 Bushy it weighs in at 8.5lbs. Sorry for the harsh light on the pics but pretty excited to have it together and ready to move it on! Again, a big thanks to FOsteology and mistem...

Now, I am new to all this and open to input, either here or by PM from the forum. Member joe6555 has referred a young man, Trenton, and we have just a few more details to work out. I'll flat out ask if anyone wants to pitch in for transfer costs and how about some ammo? That, along with the daypack and goods from gophergunner, the rifle and scope package will be pretty cool. Joe might have a sling and maybe Cariboujack would throw in that Leatherman.... Any more ideas folks? OT

Wow! That caame out nice. Should be a great set up for a young hunter. I have a custom carry strap in the works from a local guy. I will try to get a website or some way to let you see his products. Also, Vortex has donated a pair of binoculars. That company is amazing. I will certainly be buying more of their products in the future.

As far as anything else, I hate to ask as you guys have given so much already. A case would be nice, as would some hearing protection. Any dies,brass and other loading stuff would be great. I don't mind loading for him, but never have had any .243 stuff. Can't really think of anything else.

My first hunting set up was a sporterized Enfield with a Weaver K-4 scope, a pair of "Compac" brand binoculars from Gibson's Discount, and a Scrade knife my mother got for two books of green stamps. I think this young man will be set up a little better, just hope he enjoys his as much as I did/do mine.

Nice! I can't wait to see the magic Karnis works on the stock for my rifle.

Joe PM me your address and I will get a case ordered up and shipped to you tomorrow.

Matt

Joe,

You have a PM, case is enroute.

Thanks MallardAddict. Looks like the rifle case is covered. This is really turning out great. This forum is awesome!

Paul started the good will and we have all just kept it alive. It's still amazes me how much our "spare parts", "junk box" or unused gear can be combined to make something so large for a kid.

Of course the guys posting guns are the biggest part but I've yet to see this forum not step up to get kids hunting or offer parts to get guns fixed and running for other members.

The smiles on the little ones faces in the pics that get posted from these gifts are what life and humanity is all about and makes it all worthwhile.

I'm but a small part of this but proud as hell of what we are doing.

I have to put in a plug for Vortex Optics. They donated a pair of 8x32 Diamondback binoculars. Super nice folks over there. I certainly like the Vortex scopes I have, and will likely give them a hard look when I am in the market for optics.

Mallard, you certainly have every right to be proud along with everyone else who has taken part in this wonderful endeavor.

I happen to be in the market for a pair of binos too - I gave away my last pair. Sounds like I'll have to pick up some Vortex binos!

We're not done yet either folks - dclayton's nephew still has his day coming, and he's probably spending time with his uncle this month trying out various rifles to determine which one fits him best!

Matt,

You are right. There are still at least a couple of youngsters still set to receive rifles. I hope this thread can get reenergized. There are so many generous folks on the forum. Seems like maybe the summer doldrums have set in. I just feel so favored to be a part of this.

Vortex is definitely worth looking into. I think they have changed a lot of models, and don't really know what is available anymore. They do put out some nice products, and there customer support is first rate. I have dealt with their parent company-Eagle Optics since the late 80's.

Great to hear from you, Matt, and glad you're keeping safe over in AG! Sorry I've been silent for a while. I've spent the last few days with James & his family, and a couple of hunting rifles. He's a pretty hefty kid for 11 years old--stocky almost 120 lbs. Still, the heavier rifles are a little hard on him in off-hand position, ditto the full sized stocks. Of course, with growing kids it's always tricky, since I think his doctor said he could easily grow 3 inches in the next year!

In any case, on Friday I'm going to take him to a couple of hunting stores to shoulder a few more rifles (everything is pretty far from where they're living, so we have to plan it). We've been researching the ones that make the most sense.

Right now he's really gung-ho about the Marlin XS-7--he's a naturally thrifty kid (big families will do that to you! ). After me telling him about it being an excellent rifle at a very fair price, and his reading a bit about it, he was like "it's the perfect rifle--lightweight, great accuracy & trigger, and its cheaper than the others!" But we'll see when we get to the store. Right now I think he might go with a 7mm-08 as being lighter kicking and still enough gun for anything on the east coast, but he may ultimately prefer the .308 since his granddad has one (these things matter to boys!).

I've also been explaining the reloading process to him and showing him everything, and in the next few days I'll also start reloading with him. We'll use equipment here at his house (he still doesn't know where it came from, or that it is his--it will be a surprise when he gets everything together!) and components I brought just so that he can see the process. Thanks to all for their generous gifts, and I'll keep you posted on the all-important rifle question!

Dclayton,

I think I sent James a RCBS powder measure. I found the large drum and stem here and will be mailing that to him as well.

The X Series Marlins are a very good value. If you can find a Tikka T3 for him to try he may like that as well. The Stevens 200 and the Savage 11's, 12's, and 16's are good too and these all have a lot of aftermarket support if he should turn into a rifle looney like so many of us here.

dclayton,

I would be proud as punch if he decided on a Marlin - in case you haven't figured it out yet, I have a bit of a soft spot for those! (The .35 Whelen built for me by the Fire was built on a Marlin X7 platform.)

Just to offer another option though, My son Timothy is just the opposite - a fairly small 12 year old. He's about 80 lbs. I had asked my friend who I get all my guns from to order him a Marlin X7Y (youth model - shorter stock) in 7MM-08. They were back-ordered though, so my friend took a chance and ordered a Mossberg Bantam youth in 7MM-08 instead. It has a 20" barrel, is quite accurate and Timothy absolutely loves it. It's his new favorite rifle. It came as a scoped combo, and has a spacer that can be put in the stock later to increase LOP as he grows. The scope is a 3-9X40 - a Bushnell I believe. My budget is significantly higher than the price of either the Marlin or the Mossberg, so we could consider a better optic, maybe a bipod - whatever you think James would like.

Nsaqam, you definitely sent him the powder measure, and the large drum and stem would be welcome additions--thanks! And thanks both of you for the other recommendations--we'll be checking them out today. I don't know if they'll have one, but another possibility that seems viable is the Savage Hog Hunter. It comes in .308, has the accutrigger, and a 20" barrel (which is perhaps a bit more manageable without increasing muzzle flash too much). It has a blind magazine but that doesn't seem to bother him...in any case, more news as it develops...
-D

Folks,

This took a little more to put together than I'd anticipated but the Remington 788 243 is all wrapped up and headed for the Post Office today!

Trinton's (with an i) mother has approved and is very excited. It will be a complete surprise for him and looking forward to hearing about his hunts this fall!

The whole package will consist of the scoped rifle, a daypack with a bunch of stuff, a rifle sling, a rifle case, a pair of BINS etc. A real good start. Joe located an FFL to do the transfer for $15 and we're still short some ammo or reloading dies and components. What else would a guy need?

If anyone wants to jump in here with any more ideas or assistance feel free to contact Joe6555 or myself. It's been great to be a part of this and will be good to see this extra rifle in the hands of a deserving young man. A big thanks to the other folks that have pitched in on this! OT

Just wanted to give you all un update about James (Boy #2).

I spent the last couple of weeks with James, and in addition to some backpacking and camping, we did some shooting and visited a couple of gun stores. I was surprised by how little the recoil on the 308 Win and 270 Win we were shooting bothered him, so that opened up more options than I had expected. When we went to the stores, it turned out that the rifles he liked best were the Tikka T3 and the T/C Venture.

Of the two, though, he *really* liked the Tikka best--it just shouldered well, and he loved the slick bolt. I noticed when we were at Gander Mtn. that there was a used (but great condition) Tikka T3 Hunter in 270 Win for sale for $450 (he liked the wood stock better than synthetic). I spoke with AlaskanMatt, and it turned out he was able to get the rifle a bit early, and so he went ahead and got him that rifle--I picked it up from the store on the sly. Other than taking advantage of a really good deal, the logic was that by getting it a little early he'd have more time to practice with the rifle and would be better prepared for the November hunting trip. Keep in mind that he didn't even know that he was going to be getting a rifle, but just thought we were window shopping, so to speak...

There were some other people who--when I told them about it--were so moved by the generosity of the members of the 'fire that they also asked to chip in somehow, and one of them got the rings for the scope. As soon as the rings arrived I mounted the scope & bore sighted it. We went to go shooting at the range on Saturday, and then I told James that I had been talking with his granddad, who thought that James probably shouldn't shoot his rifle so much anymore...(his face fell)...because now he had his very own rifle! (his face registered shock and incomprehension!)

Then I explained that this was not a gift from me or anyone in his family, but from a very generous soldier serving right now in Afghanistan! And more than that, there was a whole crowd of generous people who had pooled together to equip him for a deer hunt over Thanksgiving--the scope on the rifle, hard case, beautiful hunting knife, the reloading press and other reloading equipment (which I had shown him how to use and which he had assumed was mine), some additional reloading supplies & ammo his granddad & I included, a filled up hunting pack, the hunting shirt, and on & on. He was really speechless!

Here are a few pics of James with the rifle, and with me and his granddad. I look forward to completing this story (and showing more pictures) when he goes on his first deer hunting trip!







I took him out shooting it, and he put the first 3 rounds right around an inch with factory loaded Federal Fusion 130 gr--I hope that doesn't weaken his desire to handload!

Honestly guys, I'm more grateful to you all than I can really express for your generosity, and also for the opportunity you have given me to present this fine young man with such a great gift! I wish you could have gotten to see the expression on his face...

FYI, his thank-you note will be posted here very shortly!

This is the note from James ("Sargent" is you, AlaskanMatt! ):

Dear Sargent and others,

Thank you so much for the rifle. I tested it out with my uncle and
it was great!
The action is smooth, the stock is comfortable, and it just feels good overall.
I am also so thankful for the scope, rifle case, backpack, knife,
hunting clothes, reloading equipment, and every
else thing that was given to me. I can't wait to use them all!

Sincerely,
James

I forgot to mention what a fine outdoorsman James struck me as when we did our backpacking (though I am biased )--even though there were numerous little setbacks, each time he said--"actually, I think it's better that XXX happened" (rain, etc.). Always upbeat, which goes a long way to loving the outdoors with all its unpredictability! He also got to eat his first MRE, which he was really excited about! They're not so nice to eat 24/7, but just one is pretty exciting In any case, he's totally ready to be out in the woods...

Very Nice D and the smile on James' face says it all.

That rifle should serve him very well for a very long time and if he doesn't hit what he's shooting at it won't be because of the rifle.
I'm sure he'll do just fine.

Everyone who helped out here deserves to feel great about what they've done.

D, I still have a package to send you containing the lens cap for the spotting scope, the cap for the RCBS measure, and the large rotor and stem for the same measure.

Another wonderful gift guys and another round of applause.

Great, thanks nsaqam--those will all come in handy!

I just got back from a convoy to find this fantastic news, what a way to lift my tired soul on our nation's Independence Day! I feel honored to have been a part of the gifts for James. He is a very deserving youth, and I know he will put his new hunting kit to excellent use!

dclayton - thanks for tipping us off about James!

Just a quick update on the .243 for Trinton. I have received the rifle from Oregontripper, a case from Mallardaddict, binoculars from Vortex, three boxes of once fired brass from Oregonmuley, and a sling from ernies (local). Still have a few items coming, but anybody who has something extra they might want to add would be welcome. There is a slight glitch that will hold giving the rifle to Trinton up a couple of weeks. I am looking forward to being able to give him this package as I know he will be thrilled.

I saw your thread and have been thinking on something like this myself. I guy at my club has an autistic kid with Chrohns disease. He gets dehydrated and has to be hospitalized once in a while. They just removed some of his bowels and he's home from the hospital. I've had stomach problems since I was a kid and feel for him. I wanted to do a dinner at my club for him. We're booked with 2 functions and a Vietnam memorial benefit this Summer and nobody wants to do it. I'm bummed. The kid is home recovering and one of his particular little quirks is that he is good with numbers, geometry, and the like. He's also a "stat monkey" and can tell you pretty much any athlete's particulars. I thought of getting him a lap top or an I pad and a subscription to that train your brain website you see on tv (neuroplasticity stuff). I can't even follow it on tv, but I bet it'd keep him busy. He doesn't hunt or fish. His outdoor experience is pretty much riding his bike, but he's going to be in bed for a while, I believe.

I could go out and buy it for the kid, but I don't know if his Father would let him take it. My family would be a bit miffed to see a week's pay go away. I have been wondering if any electronics stores would give me a considerable discount because of the situation. It would make things easier to explain. I'd like to do something for the kid. I really would, but not get my family on my back or offend his with a big gift. I've been mulling this over for a while. I'm not great at it and most of the time, when I try to do something for someone, it flies back in my face somehow.

............for you !

Man, I haven't been on here in forever! Glad to see the ball rolling with so many others!

Good on you guys! well done!

I'll do the transfer for free in the St. Louis, MO area if this keeps up. Sharpshutr

After a number of delays, I finally got the .243 rifle delivered to Trinton. He is one happy young man! I will get some pictures up in the next few days.

I want to thank everybody who donated to this thread. I am an old guy set in his ways, who is very particular about who I hunt with, but I would be proud to share a campfire with any of you generous gents.

Thanks,
Joe

Awesome news, thanks for the update Joe! I look forward to the pics.

I think Trinton's smile shows his thanks to all the great folks involved which are listed in previous posts. Also like to thank Malm for coming through for us...

One thing for sure - Joe really came through and pulled this together for Trinton. What a great guy! Thanks Joe and everyone else and good luck to Trinton come deer season!

Wow, that's an awesome sight to see! Congratulations (and thanks) are due to all those who contributed, and God bless you for your generosity!

Hopefully in November we can get some pictues from a successful hunt. I don't know that he could be happier, but shooting a deer would definitely be icing on the cake.

Thanks to Paul W. for starting this forum. I just hope it can continue, as it is a great idea and it definitely makes some kids' day.

i just want to thank everyone for continuing on with what i considered was a simple gesture of good will to a kid... Good on y'all!

if he needs a knife i have a bunch of extras...

mjbgalt, if that was meant for Trinton, one of the great guys here on the fire already donated one. I believe there is still a gun in the process of being readied for another youngster though.

Can we get an update and which kids still have needs? With hunting seasons looming or already started there may be needs and likely some of us have bought some new gear and may have spares that an find new homes.

What a beautiful thing. Took me a couple hours to read through all the posts. Not ashamed to say I got choked up looking at the pics of Trinton. I remember how badly I wanted to hunt from the time I could walk. My father was busting his ass day and night just to keep food coming, and we couldn't afford extras like tags and guns.
I will never forget the day my grandfather showed up in his Datsun pickup with a Winchester 88 .308, and a Browning A5 Sweet 16 on my 9th birthday. Shot my first muley at ten. He wasn't a trophy, but he was the best, biggest deer I've ever harvested. Decent 2x3. I was thrilled when I learned I could call it a 5 point when talking to someone from the south or midwest.

I want to contribute to the next go-round, so whoever starts it, msg me and tell me what you need. God bless you all.

Well I have a bunch of stuff I would like to donate to someone who can use it. I'd like to do it in one batch if possible to save a little on the shipping. If anyone needs it or can dole it out, let me know and I'll get it out.

Here is the list:
1 older Blacks creek Canadian pack (as new)
1 pair of scent blocker insulated Mountain Ascent boots men's 9 1/2 (as new - worn 7 days..lol)
1 pair of Redhead medium weight poly pro long under wear size medium (top & bottom)

1 Mad dog "gortex" rain jacket ( max 1 camo) XXL - but it does't run true to size - more like a large.

1 Tru Spec digital woodland BDU top size L - regular (65% poly - 35% cotton)

1 Tru spec digital woodland BDU bottom size medium regular - same blend

3 pair redhead wool blend socks

1 blaze orange fleece vest

1 blaze orange knit cap

1 merino wool sweater

1 pair leather "sheepskin" lined gloves

1 pair wool/thinsulate insulated gloves

1 nylon web belt

Any takers just post it up - I'll get it out.

SC

Wow. Im so glad to have stumbled upon this thread, this act of kindness will make some family and kid very happy along with myself and many other forum members just from seeing this. Thank you!

That's awesome and very thoughtfull. I wish someone would have done something like that when I was young. I hunted with a old High Standard pump shotgun and slugs until I was 19. The deer were very safe.

I will definately give this some thought. I'm sure I can easily think of someone to nominate.

Well I know I have not been on the campfire for long but I have a neighbor up here in Alaska who has 3 boys and they all love to hunt anything they can but only have 2 rifles between the 3 of them. I am going behind his back on this because I gave him my old savage 110 in 30-06 last year because he wanted to go out with his boys and only had 2 guns at that time. Anyhow he is a metal fabricator and his wife isn't around anymore. All I know is divorced and he has a 14year old and a 9 year old and a 7 year old. What a handful. Well I know the older 2 boys shoot the 30-06s fine and his little boy likes my 243. I am looking to see if someone has a rifle his little boy can shoot and I'm gonna give it to him at Christmas. I would like to help him out as he's a good guy and helped me work on my truck more than once. He has always offered me a drink anytime I'm outside and he comes out and his kids are pretty good kids. If anyone has a line on a cheap rifle that works well I would be glad to pay shipping and FFL fees. I'm not concerned with the guns looks at all or what type as long as his youngest can shoot it. They hunt moose and caribou but the little guy won't be alone so about any 243 size rifle will work. Thanks

Is there any kid in need of 22-250 brass bullets powde dies I might have some spare cases n clothing laying around like camp coats in size medium pm if I can help?

I've read some awesome threads on this site over the years but this one is simply the best ever.

Looks like you created a monster Paul and you should be proud!!

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread for a very long time.

Here's one that went very well.

http://24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/6892986/1

i'm glad to see this thread still kicking along! it's great to see that we can all offer something. thanks for keeping it going guys!

You might want to check with social services in your area. There are homeless families everehere. Also, check a local childrens hospital. You might make a wish come true for a kid that doesn't have a lot more time to do the things he/she wants to do.
You are a good man for thinking of this venture. A lot of good Karma will come your way.

hi a friend of mine told me about you giving away a gun for a kid so i signed up to reply that i have 4 girls and a son of which 3 of them are old enough for me to now take hunting with me.They have been squirel hunting and deer hunting with me and would love to have a gun of their own or to share. They love sitting in the woods with me waiting to see what comes down the the trail.If they are chosen that would awsome and they would love it. If we are picked my email is [email protected]. thank you for considering or reading my post if anything

Joe:



This is so late, and I apologize but THANK YOU SO MUCH for all that you did and gave to Trinton! He has become quiet the hunter; he loves it! No deer yet, he did go hunting two weekends ago and Tanner got one but not Trinton. Chris plans to take Trinton again after Christmas. He loves his gun and all the accessories. He wrote you a thank you card, I scanned it but will mail it to you also!



Again, thank you so much; what you and your friends did for Trinton is awesome! We are very grateful and appreciate you all for selecting him as the young man to receive such an awesome gift!!!!



Hope your deer hunting season goes well and will send pictures of Trinton and his first deer hopefully soon!



Amanda Jordan

Received this today. Nice to know that they finally acknowledged the special thing you guys did for Trinton. If I get the card he wrote, I will post it also.

thanks again to everybody on the "fire".

Thank you or not, Trinton is welcome. Gifts are given without expectation of any kind of reward. If not, it would not be a gift. Thank you for the update!

I agree 110% with AlaskaMatt.

Paul didn't start this to be a hero or receive any special recognition and I don't know that myself or anyone else that got involved did either.

We all know in our warts that these are good kids and that what was done was the right thing in the name of "passing on" our sport.

Thank you's are always great but not requisite for me.

I just read this entire post and my eyes filled with tears. What you guys did was awesome. I also cried thinking about my son and my fear that he might not ever hunt. I grew up hunting, fishing and playing ball. I always dreamed of having a son and sharing everything with him, from his first deer to his first homerun. I was a little older when we had Coleman in 2005. I was 35 at the time and the day we were told he was a boy was bitter sweet. I was so excited and then a few minutes later, we were told there was a problem with his heart. My wife was 5 months pregnant at the time and we were referred to a fetal specialist. He confirmed a problem and sent us to a pediatric cardiologist. It took her only a few minutes to diagnose him in utero with HLHS, hypoplastic left heart syndrome. One side of his heart was underdeveloped and not compatible with life without several surgeries, all high risk. We delivered here in MS and he was sent to CHOP in Philly, PA on a medical jet when he was 3 days old. He had his 1st surgery when he was only 5 days old. His heart was about the size of a walnut. He had the 2nd surgery back at CHOP when he was 5 months old and a 3rd when he was 30 months old. He also had five heart cath angioplasties done during this time period. During the 4th one, there were complications and he suffered a stroke. It was later determined that he had a clotting disorder that we never knew about. He has since almost fully recovered with only a slight hiccup in his step when he runs. We felt blessed that he was doing so good, considering what he had endured in only the first 3 years of his life. He was behind in everything, including crawling, sitting up and walking. All his doctors said this was to be expected and he would catch up. Our biggest fear was his lack of any type of talking or verbal communication. No way lightning can strike twice, but he was diagnosed with Autism when he was three. He is now 7 and still totally nonverbal. One year ago this month, he was diagnosed with Celiac and had to start a gluten free diet. Being nonverbal and only eating very few foods, it was hard on him. He loved pizza and most types of bread, but we had to take it away from him. It's been rough, but he's a trooper. Luckily, Dominoes came out with a gluten free pizza a few months ago. I have to buy one or two almost daily. He has been through more in 7 years than most people deal with in a lifetime. Like I said earlier, I used to live to hunt and fish. I had to sell my boat when he was born and I haven't been fishing since. That was also my last year to afford the luxury of a hunting lease. I still go turkey hunting, my real passion, on some private and public land close to the house. My wife had a major back surgery done in September, a spinal fusion to correct severe Scoliosi, so I haven't been able to deer hunt any this year. She is having a difficult time and has trouble taking care of him when he is not in school, so I had to give up one of my passions of life for now. I wanted to share my story for one reason, spend every second you can with your child in the woods and on the water. Make it a point to never miss his/her ball game or even awards day at school. Never take life for granted and count your blessings. GOD bless.

Jody Love, proud father of Wallace Coleman Love

Jody - I just spent the last 7 years in active duty, defending our country from terrorists. I deployed three times - once to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan, yet I feel like I have done nothing compared to the sacrifice and love you have shown to Wallace. I will be praying for you and your family. God knows what you are going through. He will carry you through!

I don't think that this is a wise idea. There is too much anonymity and opportunities to take advantage of your generous offer the way you are going about this.

I would sell your rifle and donate the money to a charity such as the Boy Scouts if I were you.

I disagree, we all need to have a little more faith in people and be a little less cynical. I still have my .270 Win waiting for a deserving home, the stockwork being done to it is still in progress that is why I haven't posted any new updates on it. However as soon as I get the stock married up to the barreled action again I'll be putting it up here for the next young man/lady to use, that is if the original recipient isn't still needing the rifle.

I disagree with Conrad as well and fully agree with Taylor's sentiments on this fine thing being done.

Conrad, you are free to express your opinions, but I respectfully ask you to take your opinion elsewhere. Read this thread from the beginning. If your heart is still hard, then you are not welcome here. This thread is about helping those in need. It is the greatest attribute of humanity. You suggest not trusting those who seek help. That is an animal trait, not a human one.

Maybe you have been betrayed, more than once I suspect, given your tone in this post. Because of that, I hope and pray you will find peace. But please don't muddy this thread with dis-trust and negativity. What we are doing here is something good. God Bless.

Taylorce1,

My nephew was one of the recipients of others' generosity earlier on this thread. I suppose that there is always the possibility of someone taking advantage of kindness, but I don't think that we should live our lives presuming as though it will happen. I can't tell you how moved my nephew James was when he realized that a group of total strangers had pooled together to provide him with everything he needed to get out in the woods on his 12th birthday. And as much as James, his parents were awestruck by what a remarkable act of generosity it was. These things really make a difference, and people (not only kids, but their parents too!) need to see 'the milk of human kindness' now and then. And goodness is contagious.

Finally, the various generous acts of some of the 'fire members have also been the beginning of friendships that I hope I have made through this thread...

Just my $.02.

PS-Jody, thank you for posting about your family and your son. I am very grateful to you for your example of good fatherhood. Our country and the world need more men like you--God bless you!

Dclayton,

I think you meant to direct your post to ConradCa and not Taylorce1 but i agree with what you said.

Taylor has been an active donor in this deal and is currently working up a stock for a .270 that's going to go to a youngin via this thread.

Most everyone who mentored the delivery of a rifle to a youngster that they nominated is a well represented and active member on here and I believe everyone thus far has posted pics of the delivery and thank you letters.

This is a great chance for those of us that can afford to give to those who can't to keep kids hunting.

I for one will stay involved and try to be a part of every giveaway I can.

MallardAddict,

You're absolutely right--I was originally going to encourage Taylor to go ahead and give that .270 Win w/o reservation, but somehow got sidetracked as I rambled! It was meant more as a "hear hear" to echo Taylor's comments than anything else...

I've got a set of Bushnell Binocs that are surplus...

10 x 50s....

free to a good home to any campfire connected youth...

PM me if interested...

Look I just think that this donation would be great if he actually knew the kid who would receive it or some he trusted did.

I suppose that's understandable, and I appreciate your thoughts. However: I have made donations without considering who the recipient might be, and found those particular donations to be the most rewarding of all, even considering the lack of any thought of gratitude. Just give something to someone who needs it, and you'll understand. I am actually the recipient of a very fine rifle, gifted by the generous folks on this forum. If you're interested in the story, click my username.

Another generous forum member gave a rifle to my son, and others added additional gear.

I have had the honor to participate in similar gifting projects, and that is probably the greatest reason that this particular forum gives me more pride as a member than any other forum I've ever been a part of.

The folks here won't steer you wrong.

Some of the commnents remind me of something I once said to my mother regarding her church.
The church was small, the the building and land belonged to the father of the preacher, and they were active in looking to buy more land with the church money.
My Mom believed strongly in giving her 10%, and I suggested that the church might be taking advantage of her.
Her words, which I will always remember were,
"I give my money to God, and whatever he lets them do with it is his business"

I have always contributed when I can. Perhaps there are those who would take advantage, but have not really seen it happen yet. To me it's a karma thing, what comes around goes around. My folks did not hunt, if it were not for others I would never had and enjoyed hunting. It is what the good book say one should do, what ever book it is that you read.

listen gents, i couldn't care who got the rifle. i'm glad that it seems to be a good kid and that the one who suggested the child was honest. if it would have been shady i wouldn't have done it. I did this for ME! no one else. i was selfish and self centered but this was about me feeling good. I'm just happy that three boys got something good out of it and it seems that a few more have got some really cool stuff too! if we stop caring for our future we're dead as a group. one rifle will never hurt me and i can afford to do whatever the hell i want with anything i have. it's not about monetary value! it's about this culture that we as a group love!!!

Anybody that hasn't already done so and can donate monetarily to a campfire member's 3-yr old daughter that's been diagnosed with leukemia please read this:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...67695/all/Calling_all_Campfire_members_t

Or if you have something to sell to donate proceeds, please feel free.

Wow, that's pretty awesome! I don't know you, but... Well done Paul!

I'm not a guy who spends a lot of time on the computer. In fact, I replied after only reading the first post. But this caught my attention. I just spent the last 2 hours reading this entire thread... and I'm pretty impressed. This is a group of fine sportsman here. I was fortunate to grow up with a Dad who took me hunting. My best friend didn't have a dad who cared for the outdoors, so my dad sort of adopted him every fall during hunting season. If it weren't for my old man, my best friend would never have had the opportunity to hunt. Now he lives for it. You guys just did for a couple kids you don't even know what my old man did for my best friend when I was a kid. Now I have a son of my own and another on the way. I can't wait for the day when I have the opportunity to share what I love with my own sons, and maybe I'll get lucky and have the chance to take one of their friends hunting who's dad doesn't hunt. That's really what the sport is all about! Too bad more people aren't aware of the goodness among American Sportsmen.

The generosity of the memebers here is overwhelming.
I'm a new member and just happened to pick this thread to be the first read.
There are lots on young boys and girls who need help to carry on or heritage.
I have helped several youngsters to learn about hunting and fishing.
I know of a young family who lost thier father to cancer and I have helped them to enjoy the out of doors. The youngest boy who is 13 now has taken and passed his hunter saftey course and I hope to get him out this fall and teach him how to hunt. His mother is putting two of his sisters threw collage and is pressed for free time. The father who was a US Postal worker did set up a trust for the children so the esentials are taken care of and they aren't lacking or struggling to get by. But money for a rifle or shot gun isn't in the budget. I plan on letting him use one of my rifles this fall and a shot gun that was my son's. I'm hoping my rifles aren't to long for him but if they are I'll try to teach him to adjust.
Thanks for listening.

Peterbilt, you are right-the generosity of the guys on this forum is amazing. I was one of the ones who nominated a youngster, and he received more than enough equiptment to get him hunting. While Trinton didn't get a shot this year, he is still smiling from the things he received from people who don't even know him. Sort of what it is all about.

There is another thread right now about a young girl who has some serious medical problems. It appears that the folks are stepping up to help her and her family. I just wish that I was in a position to do something. I have seen what kindness can do for folks, and certainly hope to be able to help out others in the future.

Good luck with the young man you are mentoring. I know that he will thank you forever, as likely will his mom. Time spent hunting/fishing is some of the best quality time a person can spend. My dad and I hunted up until last year. At 88, his eyes are failing and he is giving it up. I don't know where I will find a new partner,, and it isn't the same trying to go by yourself. Enjoy the time with him as I know he will enjoy the time with you.

ain't been on here in forever. glad to see this is still going!

Glad to see you are too. Where you been? (Just kidding.)

Man, I've been working, taking care of two boys and now remarried with a step son. Life has been pretty good to me lately!

Remarried? Good for you. That seems fast but I reckon it wasn't. Time flies. Good to have the boys to keep you busy. The more the merrier.

Congrats on the new bride and new child to spoil the [bleep] out of Paul.

Thanks guys. Yeah, it was quick but I figured what the hell.. Ain't had anyone remember all the dumb stuff I've done so I got a new wife for that..haha

I have a son that is deserving and I can't necessarily help him out at this time. My son's rifle got stolen about a month ago and I am not in a position to get him a new one at this time. Kid loves the woods, and now there is a chance that he will not be able to hunt this season, which breaks my heart for him. He just sold his bike to make some money to buy a rifle. I joined this site to try and find him a reasonably priced rifle. If anyone can help a kid out it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

you big bastage, had this hidden down here in hunting rifles, while I waste my time on the campfire thread talking bout politics and other stupid stuff!


I've a good mind to whup your fatazz for you when you come back to Alaska, but if it's all the same to you, I believe I'll just buy you a beverage or three of your choice.


big Paulie, you da man, no matter your "faults" as you describe them.

had to dry me some eyes reading MA's description of the gifting process.


Far too often I'm discouraged and disappointed by the condition of humanity.


but not today, thank you gents for this heartwarming thread.

finding good kids, donating good stuff, am thinking that may be the best stuff.

Kudos to all you sorry sobs.

I'll be keeping my eye on you fellers, you'll have to work harder from now on if you're gonna keep me away from the party.

Very niece of you ,God bless you and have a great day !!!

i have a bushnell scope for a kid if you have need for one

thanks guys. but if it weren't for like minded people, i'd never had the chance to gift the first rifle.. i'm hoping to see some more stuff gifted to deserving kids in the future.. i'll help as much as i can and whenever i can.

Joe sent me a picture of Trinton with a Texas deer bagged last week. He used the Rem 243 we sent him last year. Word is he's hunting at every chance.

that's what it's all about!

Paul,

I just got an email from Trinton's mom. He has shot four more deer. Seems like you guys have created a new hunter. Makes me proud just to see a young person take to the outdoors like that. Wish there was some way to get more of them away from video games and cell phones and out in nature. You and the other members here have really done something special.

Unbelievable how generous if you guys makes me proud to be a member here. Remember what goes around comes around you men will be rewarded somehow thanks