Another one on the table

[JEBar]

delighted to see you back on the open forum .... congrats on your course work .... very sorry to hear about your Dad ....

[CT_Shooter]

Sorry to read about your Dad's passing, Roddy. I'm glad you finally celebrated his life and that he witnessed your outstanding progress in college. I'm sure you made him proud.

I lost my wife to lung cancer three years ago. She was my best friend and lover for more than fifty years. The hole she left in my heart is huge; but, I am a lucky man to have spent my life with her. For most of her life, she earned a better than average salary and encouraged me to begin my college career at the age of forty-two.

I quit my job and attended school full time, first at a community college, then at a state university where (after graduation) I was hired and worked for fourteen years before retiring. Because I loved academics so much, she agreed early on that I should continue studying for a full six years until I had earned a Master's degree.

In my opinion, attending college as an older, non-traditional student is a much different and more meaningful experience than it it is for those who attend as teenagers. I highly recommend it as a retirement activity.

Congratulations to you. Keep up the good work.

[markiver54]

Sooo sorry to hear of your loss Roddy!!
Memories never die.
Good to hear from you!

[roddy]

Thanks for the comments, guys. I really appreciate it.
CT_Shooter: Yours hit me especially hard. I admire your attitude...Ang and I have been together (save a short time-out) since we were 16. She's the best friend I've ever had, and I can't imagine life without her...I'd probably "crash-and-burn".
I agree 100% on attending school as an adult. Life experience allowed me to relate to things in ways I never could as a kid.

[BigAl52]

Sorry for your loss Roddy. Losing family has been tough for me. I still miss my mother alot and shes been gone since 1994. She was only 68 and thats where Im at now. My father wasnt much of a father. He spent to much time in the martini world to have time for my sister and myself. Ive always enjoyed your post.

[roddy]

Thanks Al. I'm having a bit of a rough time with this one too...

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. I had a pretty rocky start as well. At the end of the day, I always had a belly full of food, and a roof over my head. I am thankful for that.

[Ernie]

Sorry for the loss of your Father. I called mine every day and visited often as we had so many interests in common. He was a great sounding board and always had an interesting perspective on my questions and problems. I hope you can find peace and fill the hole he has left.

[roddy]

Thanks again everyone.
I'm going to try to get this thread back on track. I've been (slowly) working away on projects, but haven't been taking pics along the way as I usually do. I've been back to work full time since September, and working from dawn to dusk, so getting decent outdoor pics has been a challenge. I did manage to snap a few last weekend, of a couple I've been working on...

I've wanted to try the .17 HM2 round for some time, but all that is available right now is either a low end Savage MK II (~ $300), or a high end Anschutz (~ $4000). I wanted something in between. I decided to 'make' my own using a CZ 455 or 457, and an aftermarket barrel. I kept my eyes on the local 'Gun Post' ads, and eventually a CZ 457 Varmint MTR popped up for a reasonable price, so I picked it up and fitted a Lothar Walther .17 HM2 barrel.

Varmint MTR .17 HM2.jpg

To those who know CZ rimfires, remember the red or green stained beechwood stocks CZ offered on the 455 'American' line a few years ago? Although I'm not big on colored wood, beech is pretty tough, and could make for a decent 'all-weather' rifle when combined with a stainless action/barrel. I often wondered what that combination (never offered by CZ) would look like, so when one of those 'red' stocks came up for sale locally, I had to bring it home and fit all the bits from my 455 .17 HMR Stainless.
I like it...

455 stainless .17 HMR.jpg

[Hatchdog]

That red stock with the stainless looks great. Now I’m a malcontent, never owned a CZ so if a colored stock comes up for sale on our local trader page I’ll have to give it some thought. Beautiful rifle.

[markiver54]

Very nice roddy!