Grocery getter

[BilletHead]

        Or call it a critter getter,

    Well we know there are some air gun boys on here now. Well the BilletHead ended up with one by good fortune.  I am not much of a target shooter but have been practicing for securing meat. How did I get this new Man toy? I have an uncle (John). He had bought this Benjamin Discovery a year ago from this past Spring. Up grading from cocking air rifles. He is in his mid to late seventies and not the man he used to be. Even cocking could be a chore for him. The PCP was the next step. So before his annual Spring trip he gave me a call. Hey Marty you want my Discovery? Well depends, first of all how much and why are you getting rid of it? His response, I am giving it to you and I have purchased the Benjamin Marauder. As a matter of a fact he had bought one of those in .22 and.25 caliber plus the marauder .22 pistol 😀.  So there was only one stipulation. I needed to get an air tank for charging it.  So he shows up this Spring all his stuff in tow. I look it over and we shoot all of his toys. I see this right off this could be fun. I go to looking at prices for tanks and about have a heart attack. Time to start to save I thought. John is staying with Mom and I get a call one Evening. Hey Marty I got another deal for you. How would you like one of my small tanks? I will make you a deal, I don't need two of them. So how does 250 bucks sound? I look up the price of this carbon fiber tank. 380 bucks. Plus another long filler hose that is over three foot long, a two footer retails for 70 bucks. All of this for 250. It is full of air too . This tank holds 90 cubic inches and 4500 psi. So yes I did not pass this up and my air rifle journey began, did I mention this rifle has a scope? .

So I get it home and proceed to shoot the snot out of it. Zero it at 30 yards and do not notice any drop until after forty yards. At fifty I hold over about an inch to inch and a half. Now to making meat,

   I get quite a few charges from this small portable tank but have emptied it twice. Found a scuba shop in Springfield that would charge it back to the 4500 PSI for six bucks. Did that the first time and the second time I went down there he was not around. Found another scuba shop that filled it for same price but they would only fill it to 3000 PSI. Now I have another dilemma. I don't go to the city very often so while we were down there I called a third shop for questions. How much is a scuba tank and can I get a used one? Lady said as fast as we get the used ones in the door they go right out. There is a waiting list. So how much for a new one? I about fainted. We got ready to leave town and I guess my sad face triggered a response from the Mrs. She says you know you want it, Lets go get it over with.  No I will wait until later. No we will get it now. Whatever you say dear. You do know babe I will need an adaptor to go on the tank valve and it will need to be ordered. Whatever she said. So I get me a scuba tank, lady at the store says you know you need an adaptor for filling? Yes I do and will have to order one. Then she says I have one. Whaaaaat? Yes just got it in. I needed one to charge small tanks from my scuba tanks. Some guy bought the one I had so I had to order another. I said what's that going to cost me? She gives me the price and it is cheaper than what I could order it for. Guess what it went home to BilletHeadVille too. She put a sticker on it says for paintball only, why? Well she cannot fill for diving unless you are certified but can fill for other uses, Go figure. It is 80 cubic foot and can only be charged to 3000 PSI. So how much to fill this beast? Same six bucks . I am thinking I am set for life,

    So is there an end to this story? NO as I got a call from John about a month ago. Hey Marty I got another deal for you. What the heck? More on this another day. In the mean time I did more grocery shopping today,

  A young one and I needed lunch anyway. A dusting in seasoned flour and a quick fry in canola oil I had infused with Thai peppers,  Next .

    How I became an air gunner story over for now,

    BilletHead

[Johnsfolly]

Got a 410 and now a pelletgun from family. I have to get relatives like those. Got any to spare buddy?!? I didn't get out for any squeals this year. Love those tender little guys. Congrats! Sure that the fall rabbits should be scared as well!

[BilletHead]

27 minutes ago, Johnsfolly said:

Got a 410 and now a pelletgun from family. I have to get relatives like those. Got any to spare buddy?!? I didn't get out for any squeals this year. Love those tender little guys. Congrats! Sure that the fall rabbits should be scared as well!

             Too many predators around BilletHeadVille. Got three bunnies around the house now. An owl every evening behind the house looking . In the front another small raptor working the area during the daylight house. They will not last at his rate for winter groceries ,

   BilletHead

[jdmidwest]

When are we having hoot owls and redtails for dinner?

You need to come down to Bollinger County for one of those recipes.

[BilletHead]

5 minutes ago, jdmidwest said:

When are we having hoot owls and redtails for dinner?

You need to come down to Bollinger County for one of those recipes.

        JD,

  My grandmother said they ate many hawks during hard times. Said the breast was white meat. Is Grandma right JD? Come on buddy I want to know :),

BilletHead

[fishinwrench]

I'd declare war on Hawks around here if I could get away with it.   I bet there are no less than 15 patrolling this square 1/4 mile.  Squirrels and Rabbits don't have a chance.

[jdmidwest]

I have always been told they taste like chicken. 

Turkey is the only game bird I enjoy.  I cook waterfowl from time to time, but give it to someone who enjoys it more than me at any chance.  I don't bother with any other flying things.

[Johnsfolly]

1 hour ago, BilletHead said:

             Too many predators around BilletHeadVille. Got three bunnies around the house now. 

Have three at least three and maybe a fourth at Folly farm😁. Packed the bow for the move. Most likely safe from two legged predators.

[JestersHK]

Great... Now I got to haul around a dang scuba tank on my back if I ever get to go hunting with ya! 

Pack mules have load ratings too ya know.

 

[BilletHead]

         No, no, no,

  You will only need to tote the little tank. I will even supply the backpack DJ. Another question for you. Are you trained to fetch or do I need the shock collar so I can zap you once and awhile for force fetching? I may have to defer to Quillback for guidance on this issue:) . Are you a good swimmer? Teal season starts in less than two months. It won't be too bad then because the water is still warm. This will allow you to work into winter waterfowl slowly:)  Come to think of it  we may a shock collar anyway you look at it to calm you down at Jig Fest,

   BilletHead