The Internet has been so good to me

[Ray B]

For years I had just a small circle of friends and sources of items (toys). Two in that circle were CP Donnelly (Siskiyou Gun Works) and Bill Steigers (Bitterroot Bonded Core Bullets). With friends such as these i had a source of rifles of highest quality and bullets to shoot through them. Winchester reintroduced the M70 SuperGrade CRF in 338 WM, so I bought it; but shortly after a neighbor of my parents passed away and his widow had his 1960 M70 Alaskan 338 for sale so I bought it. So I had CP rebarrel the SG to 375 RUM which at the time was surging in popularity and benefiting from favorable press. the Remington stopped chambering rifles for it and only occasionally made ammo. So I went on a search for ammo and determined that the 375 RUM was based on the 404 J. 375R wasn't available but 404 J was. So I bought several boxes of 404 J brass. Only to discover that while the 375 was developed from the 404, there were significant changes, primarily in the rebated rim. In the process of learning this I broke the extractor on the SG. Fortunately Brownells (via Internet) had a replacement (actually better than factory). I found AH when I was looking for 404J load data and also, there was a custom built M70 404J being offered for sale. I contacted the seller and the deal was completed very quickly. So my problem of getting all the 404J brass to form into 375R brass had been solved, it would remain 404J and now I had a 404J rifle in which to shoot the 404 brass. Also on the Internet I found a store in Ohio as I recall that wanted to closeout his stock of 375 RUM ammo- and just like that, my 375R ammo shortage problem was solved. More recently I met a knife maker on AH from New Zealand. New Zealand is very special to me. About fifteen years ago I was involved in a building projects over a couple years and then again about five years ago in the Kingdom of Tonga. I'd spend a few months in construction then rather than return directly to the US my wife and I would spend a few weeks in a motorhome seeing all that we could of New Zealand, in particular the South Island. Anyway after an evening of e-mails back and for with Mr von Gruff, I have a knife on order which I am certain will exceed all of my expectations.
Neither the 404J rifle and ammo nor the soon to be received skinner knife nor the very gentlemanly men that I vicariously met over the Internet would have happened without the Internet and the AH site. Nothing will replace the memories that I have of my chats with CP and Bill or their products that I cherish, but to Larry and Garry, I say I'm glad to know you and proud to have met you- even if it is only electronically.

 

[CAustin]

Glad that you found AH during your internet searches Ray.

 

[Shootist43]

Totally agree. AH is certainly the epicenter for a lot of virtual friendships.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Ray B, I have enjoyed reading your input on AH. Keep it up!
Have a grand year and take that 404 J on a great Africa hunt!

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Can you imagine what it was like for African outfitters and PHs, before the internet, trying to communicate with prospective clients? Write a letter and put an "Airmail Stamp" on it. Wait a month to maybe get a letter back. The internet has certainly open the door for many people to many things.

 

[BC.Pat]

I must admit that AH is about the best thing on the internet IMHO, lots of sincere, forth right hunters here, respectfully sharing their knowledge for no personal gain.
Pretty rare these days in my experience.

Cheers to All,
Pat

 

[nztimb]

I can only second Ray's comments on the pleasure of meeting like minded men on the A H forum as it has been a very real pleasure to discuss projects with you. It is one thing to share information through the forum but personal contact and ongoing conversations bring another dimension to what the forum so generously offers.
I am gratefull to have met many of you and for the friendships that have developed through the forum introductions.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Totally agree. AH is certainly the epicenter for a lot of virtual friendships.

@Shootist43
Art it is also good exchanging phone numbers and being able to actually talk to people as well. It make the AH experience all the better.
@RandyF introduced me to the wonders of WhatsApp. A wonderful invention that allows you to talk face to face for free. That way you actually get to see the person you are talking to and makes the conversation even better. You can have your favorite tipple while talking, the only thing missing is the campfire and smell of the wood smoke and bush. It's great talking to you mate
Bob

 

[CBH Australia]

It’s great and I have met people here and spoken with them. I have travelled to Africa, brought a Von Gruff knife, made friends met in person with one member and have had offers of help in various ways. One member even posted some sample .280ai cases to me for my perusal. They arrived and I am at work. I will be fondling them tonight when I get home.
Bruce was going to show me a 7mmSTW case, next time.
Bob wants to meet so he can preach the good word of the mighty Whelen and do his part in keeping the legacy alive.
I have discussed many cartidges and options here , a member put me onto a friend who sold me his .375H&H.
I have had conversations from people in various countries on various subjects.
It’s cost a lot of money actually, Yeah you lot have been good to me. All that encouragement, Hunt here, buy this, no this is better, you need a x,y or z. I’m building a .280ai and scheming another scope,

Oops off topic , the Internet has been good to me.