- 100_5302.JPG (1.02 MiB) Viewed 13926 times
- 100_5303.JPG (1.11 MiB) Viewed 13926 times
- 100_5304.JPG (1.02 MiB) Viewed 13926 times
- 100_5307.JPG (528.51 KiB) Viewed 13926 times
- 100_5308.JPG (762.41 KiB) Viewed 13926 times
- 100_5310.JPG (759.51 KiB) Viewed 13926 times
- 100_5311.JPG (665.34 KiB) Viewed 13926 times
Well I've been busy for quite a few weeks,,,, so many jobs that need doing including jobs that other people want done.
But in between and whenever I could sneak some time, I built this contraption that I have now named "The Taj Mahal"
When I was asked to attend a property to shoot feral dogs and pigs, I started spending nights out there with the thermal scope.
There were a lot of pigs, and lots of feral dogs heard.
I saw several of them, (dogs) but for one reason or another was never able to take the shot.
The biggest problem I found was that I was using a very heavy rifle, and trying to scan the area every 5 or 10 minutes through the thermal scope was killing my shoulders.
Adding to my frustrations, when I did get a dog lit up, more often than not it was at a really awkward angle, and not able to have a steady aim, so shots were passed up in the hope that next time would be different.
Hence,,,,,,,,,,,, a solution started to appear in my head.
After thinking a lot, and many many sketches,,,,,,,, I started building.
The end result is a rotating platform that slides into the back of my ute,,,, complete with seats, bench rests, rifle holders, and (yet to be finished) storage cavities for ammo, gloves, tucker etc.
To make the bench rest,,,, I utilized a plastic pallet, and the fork slot/s will make great glove compartments.
Very strong and very light,, and I simply lay a thin fabric cushion on top.
The most important thing is that it is all driven in either direction electrically,, so while having a perfect rest (which is height adjustable) I can scan left or right without even having to physically lift the rifle.
I have twin rifle holders, and use two different rifles, that are each set up with night vision gear,,, and it is quick and easy to make a choice of which one is best suited for whatever the target may be.
I have power outlets that can plug straight in to the thermal scopes or battery packs to keep everything fully charged.
I have ready to install tomorrow,,,, a shielded 12 volt red light to help me find stuff if and when needed.
The seats are fully adjustable,,,, and bench height has 15" of adjustment up or down which is more than adequate for whatever terrain I park in.
When going solitary, I can unbolt the other seat, and mount a mini kitchen in its place, so I don't even have to get down for a meal.
The paint job was done using specially mixed WW 2 Willeys Jeep flat green, that was mixed for me by a local firearms and paint dealer.
When parked, I just throw a camo net over the ute cabin, so it all blends in well with the surroundings.
The property owner tells me the dogs have gone a bit quiet at the moment,,, so I guess I'll fill in my time by just shooting pigs, foxes and feral cats.
I do not fear death itself... Only its inopportune timing!
I've come to realize that,,,,, the two most loving, loyal, and trustworthy females in my entire life were both canines.