His "Show of Shows" on NBC T.V. wrote the book on variety comedy in 1951. When our family got our first t.v., he was a mainstay of comedy. He overcame a horrendous alcoholism problem, and lived a long life. This guy was funny and smart.

A fellow had a rack of used shirts, jackets, & vests, nicely cleaned and in good shape. I saw an excellent Woolrich jacket for $35; I bought a well-made wool long sleeve "flannel" in a very large size for $16. The brand tag was gone -- but the Amalgamated Clothing Workers Union label was still under the pocket flap.

He was doing a brisk business in a town which has numerous used clothing outlets, which he evidently culls for the best clothing, and fixes articles up for re-sale at reasonable prices. It's been a chilly winter, and he had the large-size quality stuff!

do the rifles have? The women shoot five-shot groups from prone with a bi-pod, and standing off-hand, ejecting empties with a mere flick of the bolt handle, straight-pull.

One of the Russian skiers fell from her skis, and broke off the (apparently) wooden stock. Is there a rule against folding or at least synthetic stocks? Seems like a helluva way to lose a competition. The American is doing well.

For shooters, the last shot is most often missed, if any shots are missed at all.

I post this here as my questions are somewhat technical, and there is a larger pool of expertise.

Cabela's has this Mosin Nagant from "Russian Surplus" for sale in the Austin area. It goes for $149.99, and is described as in "excellent condition," although that may be ad. hype and not NRA rated. It is accompanied by Herter's ammo for $10.99/box.

Is this a good deer rifle? Are there periods when the rifle's quality dropped off? What are the prospects for continued ammo availability? Is it a decent target rifle? Is the posted price reasonable? What should I watch out for? Does Cabela's stand by the rifle?

Thanks for your input.

E38

in upper Uvalde County, just below Camp Wood, Texas. Beautiful country, where all cell phone service blacks out, and sunsets light up the mesquite like a movie set. Went on 4 separate hunts the second week end of January during Texas's extended antlerless season. This allows for 2 additional weeks beyond General Gun season, and encourages thinning of the herd.

I got in my favorite area, sat against a mesquite, and didn't move from that position for nearly 3 hours. Saw jack rabbits and 'dillos cavorting nearby (they didn't seem to notice me) and kind of tranced out. Then she was there. A yearling and a young buck accompanied her (perhaps the buck was still checking her out as the rut is skewed later in South Texas). But my focus was on the doe. I froze her with a short quiet "b-a-a-a," which immulates a lost fawn. Made the shot, and recovered her 80 yds away. Field dressed her by LED, then fetched my hunting buddy to get the pickup.

Have chili ready for Stupor Bowl, and more ground steak on order from the butcher. A very productive, enjoyable and busy season for which I am grateful to my friends and hosts!