Mikhail Kalashnikov Dead: Inventor of AK-47 Dies at 94

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Makes two of us.

Three.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

You are feeding the trolls again Gary.....

True, but I like for them to demonstrate how incapable they are of discussing the topic.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

True, but I like for them to demonstrate how incapable they are of discussing the topic.

Much as I was waiting for your usual earth shatteringly incisive analysis I thought the thread was about an old guy who died. What sort of discussion do you think there to have?

[Teddy B 17,252]

True, but I like for them to demonstrate how incapable they are of discussing the topic.

As an unbiased observer my tally is Trolls-6 Gary-0.

[Boiler 45,467]

My school had WWI-era .303 Lee Enfields, WWII-era .303 BREN guns (magazine-fed machine guns) and two fully-operational 25-pounder field artillery pieces.

Talk about inappropriate for 14 year-olds

I only remember one 25 pounder, we did have a glider and .22s for the firing range.

[Karee 4,190]

In my observations it depends on the individual. I have seen many alleged former military who behaved as though everyone owed them something for their service, which is evidence their time in uniform was completely lost, as was the opportunity for them to learn anything. There is nothing more unbecoming than a serviceman with a sense of entitlement.

What our school system is missing is the opportunity to explain to kids - and to many parents as well - the meaning of the pledge and its significance. Reciting it just because someone else told you to is akin to the indoctrination seen in totalitarian regimes, which is all the more blatant with the adulteration of 1954. Luckily I was raised by enlightened parents who saw the importance of teaching us the value of the original pledge, and open the dialogue at school. Nowadays you are hard pressed to find parents who take the time to attend school functions, let alone participate or initiate a debate or dialogue about what our children are being taught.

Holy $hit! I agree with you on something. I may have to re-think my position.

Edited December 26, 2013 by Karee

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

True, but I like for them to demonstrate how incapable they are of discussing the topic.

Your capability of discussing Mikhail Kalashnikov (or rather lack thereof) became apparent when you attributed words he spoke to Alfred Nobel.

Edited December 26, 2013 by Mr. Big Dog

[Karee 4,190]

I'm also one who stands at attention when the National Anthem is played, no hat on my head, hand over my heart if appropriate. And it bugs me to see those who don't. It only takes a minute or so of my time, and I DO respect the tradition of paying honor to our great nation, regardless of the messes that we see around us every day. It is still a great place to live...

[JohnR! 5,495]

Holy $hit! I agree with you on something. I may have to re-think my position.

LOL. I think we all agree on the majority of issues. We only take the time to discuss those in which we disagree. Such is life...

[Pooky 3,781]

I only remember one 25 pounder, we did have a glider and .22s for the firing range.

I think my school phased out the .303s when the youngest rifle had more years on it than the oldest teacher.

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

LOL. I think we all agree on the majority of issues. We only take the time to discuss those in which we disagree. Such is life...

I imagine that out from behind the wall of anonymity that is the Internet... many of us would agree on most issues in person. At least that's how I like to think of others, until they prove differently.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I imagine that out from behind the wall of anonymity that is the Internet... many of us would agree on most issues in person. At least that's how I like to think of others, until they prove differently.

We're all Libertarians at heart

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I think my school phased out the .303s when the youngest rifle had more years on it than the oldest teacher.

More's the pity.

One of my favorite rifles is a Lee-Enfield Sporter, Made that way...not a modifed military rifle,.303 caliber.

In WW1 they said the Germans had the best hunting rifle, the Americans the best target rifle and the British the best battle rifle.

The only flaw in the Enfield is the fact it is difficult to mount a scope on and never took hold as a sporting rifle in the USA where it seemed mandatory after 1920 to have a glass sight. They are very popular in Canada and there is no telling how many moose and bear have been killed by the .303. The basic action served from 1879 to 1954. Longer than that in Colonial and reserve service. Pretty impressive.

[Boiler 45,467]

I think my school phased out the .303s when the youngest rifle had more years on it than the oldest teacher.

The probably was not the case when I was there.

Just remember the bruise you got from them.

[Sousuke 1,214]

More's the pity.

One of my favorite rifles is a Lee-Enfield Sporter, Made that way...not a modifed military rifle,.303 caliber.

In WW1 they said the Germans had the best hunting rifle, the Americans the best target rifle and the British the best battle rifle.

The only flaw in the Enfield is the fact it is difficult to mount a scope on and never took hold as a sporting rifle in the USA where it seemed mandatory after 1920 to have a glass sight. They are very popular in Canada and there is no telling how many moose and bear have been killed by the .303. The basic action served from 1879 to 1954. Longer than that in Colonial and reserve service. Pretty impressive.

I have one. Made in 1916 - I always wonder if some poor soul carried it in the Somme and didn't make it because it was reserviced in 1917.

Edited December 26, 2013 by Brown Dwarf