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Boeing-Made Intelsat 33E Satellite Explodes in Geostationary Orbit – Dozens of Pieces of Debris Are Now a Hazard for Satellites and Spacecrafts!


The year continues to prove horrendous for giant aerospace company Boeing.
After countless problems with airplanes and a high-profile Starliner fiasco that left two astronauts stranded in the International Space Station, one of their satellites has exploded.
The U.S. Space Force is at this point tracking debris in space after the Intelsat satellite – manufactured by Boeing – exploded a few days ago.
CBS News reported:
“The Intelsat 33e satellite, which was launched in 2016 and provides communications across Europe, Asia and Africa, experienced “an anomaly” on Saturday, Intelsat said in a news release. Attempts were made to work with Boeing and repair the satellite, but on Monday, the U.S. Space Force confirmed that the satellite had exploded.”
The satellite’s explosion left customers without power or communications services.
“Since the breakup, the U.S. Space Force is now tracking ‘around 20 associated pieces’ of the satellite in space. The agency said that there are ‘no immediate threats’ and routine assessments to ensure safety are ongoing.
Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, said it had recorded ‘more than 80 fragments’ of the destroyed satellite. Analysis of the pieces’ trajectory determined that the destruction of the satellite was ‘instantaneous and high-energy’, Roscosmos said.”

This couldn’t come at a worse moment, as the company under a big microscope for its seemingly faulty manufacturing processes.
Boeing planes made headlines all year – for the wrong reasons. They had whistleblower complaints, federal investigations and a major space fiasco.
The company has had a third-quarter loss of more than $6 billion. 10% of the company’s workforce is to be cut.
Tens of thousands of manufacturing employees are currently on strike.
Fortune reported:
“Intelsat, the owner of the satellite, is reporting “the total loss” of the device in an update on its Website. The company is working with Boeing and government agencies to determine the cause of the mishap. The company initially reported the satellite service outage on Oct. 19, which impacted communications services for customers in Europe, Africa and parts of the Asia-Pacific region.”
The U.S. Space Force says it is tracking 20 pieces of debris, but others – besides the Russian space agency – report a greater number.
“Other observers, though, have seen higher amounts of debris. ExoAnalytic Solutions told SpaceNews it was tracking 57 pieces of debris and was warning operators of spacecraft that could be at risk of collision.
[…] This isn’t the first Boeing satellite that has been declared a total loss at Intelsat. In 2019, the company lost a unit after three years due to what was either a meteoroid or a wiring flaw.”

How to think about categories of "accurate" rifles?

<newbie, apologies in advance for any stupidity>

Wondering how folks think about what I am beginning to see as four "categories" of elr bolt action rifles. For context, I am looking to get into long range shooting after a bit of a drift off into mostly pistol related sports and activities. I am trying to judge the value tradeoff and decide what to buy. Would appreciate thoughts on how to think about this if accuracy vs. price is my only focus. I am willing to spend $3-5k or so if I am really getting better accuracy than say an RPR, don't care (much) about weight, appearance, custom colors, etc. Expecting to shoot in the 1,000 yard range mostly.

1) Your basic bolt action like the Rem 700 and clones. Sub $1,000 off the shelf. Sub 2 MOA maybe out of the box? I have one of these already.

2) Factory rifles designed for elr shooting, but "low end." RPR. Christensen MPR. etc. Right around the $2,000 mark +- $500. Sub 1 MOA out of the box?

3) Factory rifles, but high end. Christensen TFM. Tikka. AI. Barrett, etc. Typically >$5,000. Maybe sub 1/2 MOA? The TFM is "guaranteed" < 1/2 MOA.

4) Hand made custom rifles from one of say a dozen top class high end builders. Probably would buy one used here, looks like $3,500 - $10,000 is the range.

Precision Rifle Gear Tripod. The best.

My searching skills just lack in every way. I know the answer is out there. I’m very unfamiliar with tripods, heads and ways to connect to rifle. Assuming I’ll need gun stock work done as well?

I dont shoot or have chassis guns. All my rifles have your typical McMillan hunting style stocks.
I’m looking for the absolute best tripods and heads. Two actually.

One where weight doesn’t matter. Needs to be as stable and solid as there is along with the head.

One where weight does matter. I realize this is where stability is affected.

Also have no idea what’s needed to attach to my stocks. Like mentioned earlier. I’ll probably need stock work?

Price doesn’t matter.

Thanks.

Jaw surgery

Did any of you get a jaw correction surgery for a class two overbite?

After 1.5 years of bouncing back and forth between orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons … I am not sure what to do.

I’m 29 years old and never got braces or any treatment that would’ve prevented this whole situation while growing up. They’re saying that I could develop sleep apnea and other issues. The whole thing will cost up to $20k to $30k it seems. Not sure how much insurance will cover.

I’m nervous af and looking for some input on this. Thanks in advance.

Seekins SP10 or Wilson Combat super sniper?

Ok guys I am a Bolt gun guy. I am looking to buy one or the other seekins SP10 6.5CM or Wilson Combat super sniper. I will be running this primarily for Predator at Night with my Pulsar thermal on top. I have researched high and low and really need honest opinions seeing as I know very little about gas guns. I know I want a quality rifle but tell me why one over the other?

Crooked Cops, Crooked Rangers and Crooked Attorneys

Here's a big shout out to our brethren in Texas. More specifically Nacogdoches, Texas.

Don't watch the video if you don't like getting pissed off. I had some dealings in Nacogdoches a long time ago. More specifically, with John Fleming, the County Attorney.

You will note his appearance in the video several times. He's as sleazy as they come. It's nice to see him in some hot water for a change. It will be even nicer to see him behind bars.

BTW, I like Texas and spent many years in that great state. However, Nacogdoches is a place I stay clear of.

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Would you reject this action?

I ordered a custom action, and I'm just curious on your guys thoughts. The base of the bolt right in front of the handle is missing nitriding, and there is a scratch on the bottom of the action right where the mag would seat showing bare metal.

This is a new action, from a vendor. I don't want to put anyone on blast.

Not gonna affect function, however $1500 for just the action I suppose I had higher expectations on fit and finish.

Rimfire Vudoo Three 60

I have a used Vudoo Gen 360 with a 20” MTU Barrlein barrel threaded sitting in an ACC Gen 1 with some home made weights that balance nicely.
$2700 for everything shipped to ffl. Can split.

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To cut or not to cut...new Tikka T3X Lite

Hi all,

It's been a minute since I've been on this site and after years of the tactical game, I've started down the rabbit hole of scout rifles and "general purpose" rifles. My scout game is covered with both a Steyr Scout and a Ruger GSR and I recently purchased a Tikka T3x Arctic which is a lovely beast. However, I found myself with a left over West German Schmidt & Bender fixed 4x scope that is amazingly bright and sharp and thus the hunt began for a host rifle for this scope.

Last week I picked up a .308 Tikka T3x Lite. 22.4" Stainless, 1:11 twist, synthetic stock, etc. My initial thought is to have it cut back to either 18.5" or 20". I envision this rifle to be a handy "ranch" rifle so to speak. I plan to drop it into a used CTR stock I just bought off eBay so that I have 10 rd. mag compatibility with my Arctic. With a fixed 4x I don't imagine shots over 300-400m. I found a reputable gunsmith in the area who will cut my barrel back, thread and even mount his proprietary muzzle brake (Scott @ Live Oak Accuracy outside of Dallas). However, because the barrel diameter being pretty thin to begin with, he'd have to thread to 1/2x28 instead of the more common 5/8x24 for .308.

So now I'm waffling on which direction to go. Should I simply have it cut? If so...to what length? I'm leaning towards 20" to keep it the same as the Arctic, but 18.5" is kind of the old school "carbine" length.

Do I have it threaded...and then have to live with a very specific muzzle brake (albeit a very effective and well made one)? If this option, I'm thinking 18.5" which would put the finished length at 19.75" or thereabouts. Scott did offer to make a thread adaptor which would allow me to use other muzzle devices, but I'm hesitant to use a can with a thread adaptor. But it does provide options for other muzzle devices, flash hiders, etc.

Then there's the piece about gambling with accuracy. The Tikka is guaranteed MOA...do I risk negatively impacting accuracy by cutting? I have faith in Scott's work and reputation but I tend to follow the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach to life.

So, I'm torn...which direction would you go if faced with this dilemma?
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Anyone seen this barrel?

I recently picked up at an auction a bolt gun. Literally one photo but decided I’d throw a risk out and put a bid in…I won. So it came and I’m trying to figure out just what the hell I have now. Looks to be a Surgeon action, McMillan stock and carbon wrapped barrel. There are no other markings on the barrel besides 22-250 REM on one side and Valhalla on the other. It has the appearance of a proof barrel and measures 24”. I’m trying to figure out without disassembling the rifle what the barrel manufacturer is. I can’t seem to find a Valhalla barrel anywhere and Proof won’t respond to my questions. Any idea?

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Rings on brass face??

I just built a new zermatt arms origin action. With a 26" 6.5cm proof research stainless steel 1/8 twist pre fit barrel. Head space is good. But when I shot hornady 140gr eld match ammo today the brass had these rings on them and I'm not sure with this means.?? Does anyone have an idea what this means? I also measured the fired brass and it was 1.534" to the datum line. And that I have some new alpha brass that measures the same so it the headspacing short? Or is that about normal what most ppl see?

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Optics REDUCED - LNIB - Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR3 3.5-21x50 G4P reticle

I have a like new bushnell elite tactical dmr3 3.5x21-50mm with G4P reticle for sale. This scope was bought new, mounted on a rifle, and then removed when I sold the rifle. The scope has never seen a round fired, been zero’d, or messed with in anyway. The turrets have never even been spun. Comes in original box, paperwork.

Price is $1200 shipped usps priority. Payment by PP, Venmo, zelle. I have 20 yrs of positive feedback on arfcom under “azcactusbrew.” We can also FaceTime, etc to guarantee the transaction. I’m easy to work with, so reach out. If you want more pics, I can email or text as many as you would like.

Thanks

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375 Cheytac rifles today? Or something else.

I am wondering about the new Sako TRG 62 and similar rifles in 375 Cheytac versus something potentially in the 338 class like the 338 Norma or that new Swiss round. I run a 300WM now so, my next option is something larger for >1,000 yards that won't kick like a mule every time I shoot it. I will likely also get a suppressor for it. The M200 Interdiction rifle never did much for me nor did a 50BMG rifle which can be had much cheaper.

Is 375 Cheytac viable in today's market? Specifically, is it an obsolete caliber that will be hard to support? Or, I am better off with a hot rod 338 option? I expect to handload my rounds so, factory ammo is only viable to harvest brass assuming it is cost-effective to do so. 338's are probably a lot easier to source or fireform from something more common in the commercial market so, that is a thought for something else in terms of caliber. In any case, I would like to stay supersonic to at least 1600 yards with an appropriate load.

For the base rifle, I'd like to stay in the $12K range. Optics and other stuff would be additional once the base rifle is chosen.

So, is the 375 Cheytac really viable today? Or should I be looking at 338 options based on Lapua or similar brass "base" cartridges? I don't want to end up with something obsolete like some of my African Safari rifles. I also don't want to have >$20 per round in what I am shooting. $10 to $15 would be much better.

TIA,
Sid

SOLD WTS: Aero Solus 308 barreled action

Selling to fund a holiday emergency. A coworker's wife attempted to take her own life. Luckily she failed, but she has a traumatic brain injury and will be paralyzed for life. Funds will go to assist him with gas driving to the hospital, vehicle maintenance, and to buy their two girls some Christmas gifts.

Excellent condition barreled action. Ready for the range or competition.

BA
- Aero Solus SA/RH action
- Aero 20" MTU barrel chambered in .308
- APA LB brake .30 5/8-24 (200rds)
- Triggertech Primary curved
- Aero barrel wrench, barrel nut, nut wrench, thread protector

Asking $1099 package price
* if parting out, I want to keep the action and barrel together.

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