SHOT Show 2018 Preparation

Well, it's THAT time of year again! SHOT Show 2018 in Las Vegas is next week and are ALMOST ready to head out this Saturday. Just like last year we will be driving and pulling our travel trailer with us! The trip last year was really enjoyable and we saved a ton of money by staying in our RV at the Oasis RV Resort in Vegas. The only problem with this year's trip is we have been faced with a few unexpected obstacles that have really hampered our ability to plan and prepare for this years trip!

We have actually gotten a lot done that we have been wanting to do to prepare for the trip after some of the lessons that we have learned after last years trip and after a solid year of a lot of camping trips. In planning a trip of this magnitude [pulling a travel trailer from Austin, TX to Las Vegas, NV and back] we not only have to prepare our truck, which is a 2014 Ford F150 Super Crew twin turbo V6, we also have to prepare our RV, which is a 2011 27' Palomino Puma travel trailer. If you follow us on Instagram then you are familiar with them both since we post a lot about our camping trips....a lot!!! So, with all of the regular planning and preparation comes some unexpected obstacles. 2 weeks ago we had problems with the truck's steering which turned out to be a problem with our control arms and also an alignment was needed. 2 days in the shop later and it was done! The only problem with this was it delayed us from getting airbags for our rear suspension installed. The place that we had the airbags installed were gracious enough to squeeze us in and they got it done in a day. The airbags are a great help since our truck is lifted and the rear end squats a lot with the weight of the trailer put on it. We have also been needing to adjust our weight distribution hitch which would also help with the sagging.

Now I am generally very eager to break out the hand tools and tackle a job like this but that brings me to the next obstacle that caused our plans to stall. At Christmas, my Mom came down with a strain of the Asian flu and was hospitalized because of it. Unfortunately, I came down with it the day after New Year's day. It came out of nowhere and it hit me hard. I felt like I was on the brink of death for several days and ran a fever almost the entire time. As you know with the flu, you will start feeling better and then BAM...it knocks you back down. This past weekend I finally built up the courage to make the necessary adjustments to our hitch, and then I paid the price later once the exhaustion set in. Every year we pray we do not get sick right before SHOT Show and every year we have been fortunate enough not to get sick. Christy started coming down with something but she recovered quickly. This flu has totally wiped me out and I have been not been very helpful when it comes to getting ready. Thank God I am married to Super Woman and she has kicked it into overdrive after coming out of the busiest season at her job.

Other than needing an oil change, the truck is done and now we move onto the travel trailer. We have been having problems with the electric brakes on the RV and it turned out that the brakes were okay but the wheel bearings were shot and needed to be replaced. That was a major expense that was unexpected but it had to be done. Next, we had to replace the tires because they are original to the trailer and were really starting to look worn. At least Discount Tire Company worked us out a deal on a new set of tires which helped our budget! Even the spare tires on the back are new, but I can only hope that we do not have the opportunity to use them!

One thing that actually was pretty effortless for us was ordering extra shooting jerseys to wear at SHOT. G2 Gemini Jerseys really came through with us and sped up our order so we could get the jerseys in time. We joined the Team Tuff shooting team [sponsored by our friends at Tuff Products] this past year and we are excited to be representing them and our other sponsors at SHOT Show! We can't wait to meet our other teammates as well.

Finally, the biggest and worst thing that we are dealing with right now and that could cancel our trip altogether is our sick dog, Heather. We found her as a stray in 2005 and she has been a huge part of our family ever since. She is a small cocker spaniel with a big heart! She is the Momma dog and she has taken care of us, protected us and loved us every day since we found her. She became sick about the same time that I did [ironically] and has been feeling really bad and we are having a hard time getting her to eat. Three trips to the vet, bloodwork, an ultrasound, and a ton of medication later they still aren't sure what to do to make her feel better. We are taking this really hard especially since we lost our boxer, Cooper, around this same time two years ago. We are praying that she can pull out of this and soon since we are supposed to leave this weekend. She is our baby and we do not like seeing her like this. She is the most important thing to us right now and whether or not we actually get to go to Vegas this year is totally dependent on how she is doing by this weekend. Any prayers that y'all can send would be greatly appreciated.

And did I mention that we STILL have our Christmas decorations up? Maybe we need to hire an

assistant!

TUFF Products Display Covert Rifle Case

We don't generally do reviews of bags or cases  [even though we have tons of them and Christy calls me a "Bag Whore"] but this case has proven very useful to us ever since we got it so I figured I would share it with you all. This case is the Display Covert Rifle Case from our friends at Tuff Products. 

The case is designed to look like something that you would carry a professional display in like people carry around and set up at trade shows. The shape of the case does not give away the fact that it can carry two unassembled full size AR15 rifles [Fig.1] along with a couple of pistols and several magazines. Everything you would need for discreet carry without drawing attention to yourself. You can even get the case with either a velcro panel for applying your own patches or with a printed logo that would deceive most nosy people! [Fig.2] Right above the velcro panel/printed logo there is also a business card holder that adds to the covertness of this case [plus it is useful].

The bag is pretty spacious [28"x14"x4 3/4"] and can accomodate longer length uppers [unlike some covert carry bags] and is tall enough to fit uppers with scopes mounted. Our uppers have 17.7" barrels [not including muzzle brake] and Vortex Strike Eagle scopes on a Vortex scope mount and they both fit perfectly in the bag. To keep the components from sliding around the bag comes with 5 velcro straps that can be moved around to hold everything right where you want it. [Fig.3] To further customize the bag to fit your needs the bag includes 4 hinged barriers that can be positioned anywhere by placing them velcro side down onto the velcro panel built into the bag. One of my pet peeves is when bags come with weak zippers that do not move smoothly and I am happy to report that this case does not suffer from that problem.

To provide extra storage for smaller items such as pistols, mags, etc. the lid of the case has a zippered and padded dual compartment that comes complete with two removable sleeves to store pistols in. [Fig.4] These sleeves are a nice touch as they keep other items from rubbing or bumping against the pistols. I know most people call their handguns "tools" and they don't care if they get scratched up but we prefer to keep our looking as good as possible for as long as possible. If they get scratched up I want it to be from actual usage versus careless storage!

Overall, this case fits our needs perfectly and it should prove to be a useful case for you as well. It retails for $149.00 on Tuff Products website at www.tuffproducts.com. If you include our coupon code ROSS10 at checkout you will receive an extra 10% off your order. Tuff Products offers an amazing product line so be sure to check out their entire website for those must have items.

Real Avid Bore Boss

I may be a little late to the game on this product but I thought I would share it anyways. I just picked up a couple of pull through bore cleaning devices from Real Avid called the "Bore Boss". I stumbled across these the other night at a local sporting goods store for $9.99 each. For their quality that was a real bargain. Of course you can find them through most online outlets including Amazon. I am always looking for products that make cleaning our guns easier especially when we have matches on two consecutive days [such as 3 gun matches] and I am cleaning our guns on the dinette table of our travel trailer.

I have always used bore snakes for this purpose but as most of you know they can get dirty really fast because of the amount of material that they possess. Don't get me wrong, I still like to use bore snakes but I was searching for something different which I found in the Bore Boss. I picked one up in .223 and one in 12ga. Once I get one in 9mm the collection will be complete [for now].

The Bore Boss comes in multiple calibers ranging from .22 to up to 12 gauge which means they have an option for everyone. Heck, at $9.99 each it is affordable enough to pick up multiple calibers.

The feature that makes the Bore Boss so unique is that the container that it is stored in also becomes the pull through handle. When the Bore Boss is wrapped inside of it's storage container/handle it is compact enough to fit in most tool boxes and field kits. Once you are ready to use it you simply flip the rubber sides of the carry handle out of the way and then you just unwind the Bore Boss and it is ready to use. Flip the rubber sides back down and now the container becomes the handle that you attach the end of the Bore Boss to.

Using the Bore Boss is pretty self explanatory but there are printed instructions along with pictures on the back for those of you that like to read versus fumbling your way through using something for the first time like I do! Hahaha First, you feed the weighted cable through the bore and then out the end of the barrel. Second, you just hook the weighted end onto the container/handle and then just pull it through. Really no different than your average bore snake but much easier to pull through. The bore brush is made of brass and the "snake" is attached to the end of it almost like a tail. This makes it easier to clean the bore brush without having to worry about the material like on a bore snake.

This might not be the best thing since sliced bread for some people but it is another useful tool in the never ending quest of keeping guns clean, especially when you are cleaning for two [competitive shooters] like I have to do! Think Christy will get the hint? [wink, wink] ;-)

Team TUFF Shooting Team

We are proud to announce that we have joined the TUFF Products Team TUFF Shooting Team. We would like to thank TUFF Products and our other sponsors Gun Connection, Vortex Optics, Comp-Tac Victory Gear, Pro-Shot Products, Speedloaderz, Dawson Precision, American Arsenal, and Off Hand Gear for their support.

We have been friends with the owners of TUFF Products, Nanci and Nat, for a few years now. They make great products that are made to last. We have been using their competition belts for quite a while and have abused the heck out of them and they are still going strong.

The team is made up of a great group of shooters and we can't wait to shoot with them. Thanks again TUFF Products!

Nexbelt Review

Do you have a difficult time deciding what belt to wear when you are getting dressed for work, a day at the range, or a night on the town? If you are like us you might have days where you need one belt that can do it all! Finding a belt that is not only stylish, but that can also adequately support the weight of a firearm isn't easy. Well, we may be able to help you out. We were fortunate to come across a booth with a unique product at SHOT Show 2016. The company is called Nexbelt. They gained popularity on the PGA Tour as they are the preferred belt for many professional golfers. They have expanded their line which gives more options for every day wear and have now reached into the tactical market.

They carry a very large selection of buckles and straps (belts) so you can customize your own look. Nexbelt has a men's and women's line, but many of the products can be considered unisex. The buckles and straps are offered in various widths, styles, and colors. Nexbelt offers several lines such as golf, dress, motorsports, tactical, and a USA line to name a few. They even have a Folds of Honor line which donates 20% of the sale price to Folds of Honor charity.

Nexbelt offers a few additional unique qualities that really brings them to another level. All of their straps can be cut to fit. The lengths average from 25" to 50". They have lines for each one inch increment and the sizes are marked on the inside of the straps. That makes it very easy to cut to your perfect size. I have lost quite a bit of weight this year and one of my favorite things is getting into smaller clothes. Even with my weight loss, I can continue to wear my Nexbelt straps because all I have had to do is cut off the excess length.

When cutting your strap you can easily use the numbers as a guide, but I do suggest to try them on first so you know how much to remove. It is suggested on their website to add three inches to your current pants size. Once you cut the material off, there is no going back. Believe me, I definitely will not let myself gain any weight back so I can continue to wear them.

Instead of holes, every Nextbelt has a ratcheting system which allows for customized on the fly adjustments. I think this is one of their best features. I have so many standard belts that I can't always wear because the fit depends on the clothing I have on at the time. The problem is that one hole makes the belt too small and the next one makes it too big. With the Nexbelt ratcheting system I never have that problem. They can be adjusted in 1/4 inch increments so they always fit just right.

After meeting the owners of Nexbelt at SHOT Show we were sent samples to test and evaluate. We were so impressed with their products that we purchased additional belts. We have been putting them to the test for almost a year. Our buckles and straps are all interchangeable except I doubt Gene will want to wear my rhinestone buckle. I have to admit that one is my favorite. This girl really loves her bling. The best part is I can wear the same black tactical strap with my chrome buckle to work and with my rhinestone buckle when we go out. Changing out the buckle definitely gives me a new look.

Gene and I both have buckles and straps from the Tactical series. I have some from the Dress series too. The Tactical series are offered in both leather and nylon belts. Their tactical nylon belts are much sturdier than most other nylon belts on the market. We can definitely tell the difference between the Nexbelt standard leather strap and tactical leather strap. The sturdiness of the tactical straps definitely make it easier to carry a loaded firearm.

Gene has been wearing his Tactical nylon belt during IDPA shooting competitions which requires a belt that can be worn through his belt loops. The belt is sturdy enough to hold all of his gear which includes his holster, firearm, magazine holder, and two extra loaded magazines.

Gene and I have been wearing our Nexbelts faithfully and both of us have only positive things to say about them. Don't be fooled by similar "As Seen on TV" belts as they are not Nexbelt and are not of the same quality. If you are interested in checking out the Nexbelt website to peruse the products, be sure to use the link along the right side of our blog. You won't be disappointed.

-Christine Ross

Rogue American

You may not be familiar with their story but you are more than likely familiar with their line of apparel. The company we are referring to is Rogue American Apparel based here in Austin, TX. First, we will familiarize you with their story and then we will fill you in on their retail store. Rogue American Apparel is a Veteran owned and operated company founded by a Marine in 2011. The founder's goal was to create an apparel line that embodies the warrior's spirit and their way of life. Their apparel, and the logos that they proudly display are geared towards veterans, soldiers, people in high risk jobs, adventure athletes, and people who take a stand for something they believe in. Their apparel may be considered on the fringe by some but then again these are not the type of people they are trying to cater to! One of my favorite slogans on their clothing is "Stand For Something"! Such a powerful message considering the times we live in.

A couple of weeks back we saw a post on Instagram that they have officially opened their first retail store here in our backyard of Austin, TX. As excited as we were we could not make it out due to celebrating Gene's birthday and competing in a two gun match. We did pass the word onto our local friends and a few of them got to check out the store before we did. Admittedly we were a little jealous. We were chomping at the bit to pay Rogue American a visit this past weekend, so we made sure to clear our schedule.

We knew this was the right store for us because as soon as we walked in we were greeted with a Hillary for Prison sign. The store is packed with apparel for both men and women. This includes hats, shirts, shorts, exercise apparel and accessories, wall art, and even Invader Coffee. Everything they sell has a unique look and feel. They are definitely not your typical apparel company and this is evident as soon as you walk into the store. From the thrash metal playing overhead to the Americana decorating almost every inch of the store [a lot of which has been donated by their loyal customers] you know you are a long way from your typical retail store.

We really didn't give ourselves enough time to take in the store itself and thoroughly shop through their selection. And of course their staff is so friendly it was inevitable that we would strike up conversations that slowed down my browsing which pleased Gene because it also slowed down my spending! Next time we are going to give ourselves time to at least have a cup of that delicious smelling coffee that they had at the counter. Another aspect to the store that is different but totally cool is they have an in-house tattoo artist ready for you to add some more ink to your collection.

I was totally psyched to do some shopping when we got there. I am assuming the staff member who was helping me had eaten her Wheaties because I had her running back and forth checking on sizes and she still wasn't exhausted. Maybe she was just hyped up on coffee! Overall she was just really cool! Once I was finally done I let Gene try a few things on. That was nice of me, huh? He was striking up a conversation with the tattoo artist about possibly getting some new ink that he has been wanting so I see us making that trip up there in the near future. At least I can shop and drink coffee while he gets the work done!

Remember, when you buy apparel from Rogue American you are not only supporting a veteran owned company, you are also supporting Americans because their clothes are made right here in the USA. We wish them all the best and will definitely become regulars at their store so I hope they are prepared for us! They are celebrating their 5 year anniversary this year and we know they will be around for many more years to come!

Veteran's Memorial Park

Memorial Day, 2016

This is a video that we shot at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Cedar Park, TX on Memorial Day. Given the design of the park we thought it would be fitting to film it from the air to show the overall design. The monument was designed by artist Gregory Beck of Fort Worth, TX and opened in 2011. The path leading up to the center of the monument is lined with engraved paver stones with the names and dates of service of brave men and women who have served both past and present. There are also two paver stones that honor the victims of 9-11 and the firefighters and police officers that gave their lives that day.

Along the pathway their stands a box that you can deposit retired American flags in. The flags are then properly disposed of in a fire pit a few yards away. At the center of the spiral pathway is a 22ft marble statue that has laser engraved panels with very realistic pictures representing each branch of the U.S. Military. The statue of the soldier that stands watch over the park was modeled after a local soldier, Matthew Morris, who was killed in 2008 by a bomb in Iraq. We can only imagine how his family feels when they visit the park and see their loved one forever standing guard over the memorial.

We have been to the park several times over the years but we had never seen the park from the air. As soon as I piloted the drone over the memorial itself we were in awe of the overall design. You cannot fully appreciate the spiral design unless you see it from above so we decided to share what we saw so others can appreciate it also. Even though it is a little long, we hope you enjoy this video.

All gave some...some gave all...