I can't speak highly enough for the AK--there are so many myths and half-truths going around, probably due to quality variance and use and abuse. I've had 2 Saiga SGL10s modded by Chris Butler, and both consistently held 1.25" at 50yd with a Micro Aimpoint mounted on an Ultimak rail. In practice, for me the AK is a very efficient and confidence inspiring weapon for which adaptation comes quickly. Those with a tri folder, and a fixed plastic non-NATO stock.


OTOH with two months time off, I find myself having to initially search for a proper cheek weld. The AKs iron sights and the Micro Aimpoint/Ultimak set up, requires a tighter cheek weld compared to the AR. The AK with a forward mounted Aimpoint/Ultimak is definitely front heavy compared to an AR, but you get used to it. Same with the Ultimak--the forward mount becomes sweet with practice, and it opens up peripheral vision.


If it wasn't for my time and history with the AR, I would have adopted the AK. I have huge love for the AKs caliber, handling, and recoil impulse. No problem with fast doubles.

oops

In the AR I use Brown Bear steel case, and its not much dirtier than XM193. Rifle gets cleaned about every 1k. Wolf is softer ammo than standard service cartridges, more the reason to stick with BB. I ship in 5 cases+ of Brown Bear when I need it, which saves $40. per case over the best local prices of Wolf.

Hey octomon,
Do you know many other hunters? I get the feeling that there aren't very many Hawaii hunters on the net.

I have a few friends and you're right, most seem to not hang on the internet. OTOH from what I've been told, the State hunters ed. classes have been filled every month for quite a while, so there are no shortage of local hunters.

I'd like to hear Howard Stern's take on this issue.

Nice blade octomon.

How do you like the quality of cold steel? From what I've heard, they are pretty good and they are a decent price.

Till buying a few blades a couple of months ago, I haven't paid too much attention to knives for at least 6 years, and longer than that with Cold Steel. Was pretty surprised recently at the hate for Cold Steel present in a number of  U.S. based forums--I guess they've pissed a bunch of people off for some reason. The CS bowie seen above is made out of carbon steel, and still hasn't been used. For a heavy duty thrusting blade, I might have wished it was a hair narrower (3/16"), and maybe with a little more taper in terms of thickness, but I can't really say that would make a noticeable difference. That CS bowie has a lot of that "survival tool" aspect in its shape.

I did have a carbon steel CS tanto, and the steel and its hardening seemed adequate, although it wasn't taxed heavily either. When it comes to serious fixed blades however, I prefer front heavy, of which tantos definitely are not. Still looking for 3 to 4 more new blades.