***Jumping the gun a bit here but I’ll continue tracking submissions and update the standings accordingly through midnight CT tonight***

I also built out a website for the challenge with submission information, updated deadlines (now Sundays at 7 p.m. CT), and some basic features. I plan to keep building it out if people find it useful.

If you notice any errors or have ideas for improvements, please let me know at LedgerAndLead@gmail.com

And without further ado....this week's Top 5:

1. u/MeisterMacher - 248 - CZ 457 At-One

2. u/Kazz330 - 237 - Bergara B-14R

3. u/Goblin_Smacker - 228 - Tikka T1x MTR

4. u/SilentR99 - 217 - CZ 457 Pro-Varmit

5. u/Adddicus - 183 - Tikka T1x MTR

Honorable mention to u/WI762 for taking a risk with an antique gun with cagey sights.

Thanks again to everyone who participated and can't wait for Week 1!

Hand up, I am one with my shame. Thought everyone was being pretentious about glass but you really do get what you pay for. Returning a red dot I thought I was getting a deal on for an established brand. Anyone else newer to guns, please learn from my mistake and don’t waste your time.

I love the design of this but it just won’t hold zero even within a session. Withholding the name of the company but I’m rooting for them to get better.

Hand up, I am one with my shame. Thought everyone was being pretentious about glass but you really do get what you pay for. Returning a red dot I thought I was getting a deal on for an established brand. Anyone else newer to guns, please learn from my mistake and don’t waste your time.

I love the design of this but it just won’t hold zero even within a session. Withholding the name of the company but I’m rooting for them to get better.

Edit: Monstrum Ares

I hear a lot about this place but it’s about 90 minutes each way for me. Anyone have any positive or negative thoughts?

To all the junior folks, do what’s best for you and don’t worry about the firm. The firm will lie and minimize its cash outflow to you. Don’t feel bad about leaving or asking for things.

I’m not saying do anything illegal or unethical but stop working a nerve that you aren’t being “fair”to the firm.

Took my A300 out today and it was nice. Except the ejector didn’t work on 15 shots. Added a bit more CLP and used higher velocity shells and still nothing. Asked some guys with decades of experience and they said the ejector is broken or wrong. Surprised this made it through beretta’s QC. Anyone ever have an issue with the ejector straight up not working?

Admittedly, I’m a big dumb dipshit but today was my first day doubling up on ear pro at an indoor range and it was a noticeable difference. Highly recommend if anyone’s on the fence. I know this isn’t a novel thought!

Trying to determine the minimum amount of ammo I want to keep on hand.

Current guns:

• 22lr rifle (bolt action rifle)
• 22lr handgun (plinker handgun)
• 9mm handgun (compact, CCW)
• 12 gauge shotgun (semi-auto)

I'll probably add a Ruger 10/22 at some point because they look like a blast and seem to be the one gun every prepper/survivalist/rando agrees belongs in a collection.

My goal isn't primarily "the world is ending tomorrow" levels of stockpiling (although who the heck knows). I'd just like to reach a comfortable minimum inventory level and then replenish using first-in first-out as I shoot through it. I usually shoot each gun at least once a week.

Cost isn't really the limiting factor at these quantities; however, storage space is somewhat limited by space and I keep all ammo in a safe. Thinking I should invest in an actual ammo can but haven't pulled the trigger yet. This is also one reason I'm leaning heavily toward .22 LR.

Current target minimums:

• 22lr: 10,000 rounds
• 9mm: 2,500 rounds
• 12 gauge: 1,000 rounds

For those of you who actually keep an ammo inventory, what do you consider your minimum on-hand quantities? Anything you'd increase, decrease, or do differently?

Roast away if this is a dumb question but I often see people mentioning they purchased guns or parts at pawn shops. Any tips and tricks to this or would you not recommend until I know guns better?

Is the A300 Ultima the end all be all for someone looking to get into trap, skeet, clays? I can swing the lowest price model without punching myself in the face over the price but recognize it’s still a decent sized purchase and can’t really try out shotguns at a range like handguns. Thus, I avail myself to you for the future of my shoulder and the instrument I blame literally every time I miss.

Live in the Chicagoland area, which for those who aren’t as familiar, has many people who think only criminals or police/military would ever be interested in guns. I’ve gotten into shooting this year and we were spending time with one of my wife’s friends and it came up to which she immediately responded, “you know if you have a gun in your house, my kids can’t visit.” My wife immediately jumped in and started talking because I don’t love other peoples kids, especially in my house. Before I get crucified here, you should love and cherish your children more than anything, but they aren’t the center of my universe. And I feel the same way about my boys with regard to other people also, or at least I try to lol. I want the best for their kids but we haven’t had their kids visit without breaking something relatively expensive in our house so…I wasn’t too upset. Anyway, I now own 3 guns with plans for 2 more this year: so how you say, win-win.

Really just thought it was funny that was her go to thought and response and wanted to share and see whether anyone else had any interesting first conversations with loved ones regarding guns.

EDIT: all guns have trigger locks and are in an actual gun safe in my personal closet. On the closet door, I installed a door handle with a lock and changed to anti-tamper hinges and added 3inch screws to all plates on the door frame and door.

Edit 2: very few people know I have guns. These are our good friends that my wife inadvertently mentioned it to because I was gone for a 2 day CCL training mandatory in Illinois. Also, forgot to mention that ammo is in a separate actual gun safe separate from my guns.

Edit 3: the trolls/NPCs have arrived; appreciate everyone who is engaging in good faith here.

***I understand this is one instance and could happen with any company at any point***

Found some ammo online that I’ve been looking for and purchased it. It was shipped with FedEx. FedEx changed the shipping from the estimate by 2 days and no one would be home to sign for it. Had the shipment redirected to a FedEx storefront to pickup (didn’t realize this wasn’t possible and the online prompt allowed me to do it). The first 3 days, FedEx says it can’t deliver the package. The next 2 it says the wrong address is on the package. I’ve called everyday and gotten someone slightly above useless but yesterday the person told me FedEx accidentally crushed my package, reboxed it, and accidentally wrote the wrong address on it which is causing all the issues. Two accidents in one package is very curious but ok.

Totally possible but just seems odd. Not sure if anyone else has had issues with ammo and FedEx in the western suburbs but not really sure how to resolve as they won’t let me pick up at the facility either (which I can understand why).

Mods, I think this is ok and not in violation of #3 but please remove if not ok.

I'm a big dumb dipshit so we can get that out of the way to begin with 😄. Was all geeked up because I was ready to buy a Tippmann M4-22 and get into some local competitions...only to realize no one will transfer them in IL. Which led to to a frantic Google search and severe disappointment.

Which leads to my question, if I want this type of rifle experience in 22lr, is my best option to get a 10/22 + ATI AR-22 Gen 2 or Archangel 556 AR-15 Conversion and begin the road of customization realizing it will never scratch the itch bc at the end of the day its still a 10/22? Or are there any avenues I have not thought of?

(1) I love that I get to support a Fort Wayne business! (Carroll high school grad!)

(2) Looking at the M4-22 and wondering if anyone has string preference on model? I’m leaning LTE using the savings to immediately grab a red dot but open to irons for a bit if the pro or elite would be worth it. Probably will try steel series and local competitions eventually but also just fun at the range for awhile (25 yard to 200 yard available).