Started back to work today after my vacation, don't have anything to blog about today.

Since I actually have funds to purchase the rifle I've been wanting, I've started checking out some manufacturer's websites to learn about all the various possibilities.  I might still be a few dollars short, but I'm pretty close.

It has been a whole year since I set my mind on this gun.  The year-old post that I made about it is here, in which I list the criteria for the gun I want.

I'm looking at a lever-action rifle in .357 magnum.  One of the Taurus Thunderbolts would be okay, too, but I haven't seen any of them anywhere and it looks like you almost have to get into a waiting list to get one.  I really like the 14-round capacity of the Thunderbolt.  Other candidates are Winchester (fat chance!), Marlin, Navy Arms, or Puma.  The Pumas are beginning to be pretty common at the monthly gun show.  Not used ones, either, but new ones from the gun dealers who always make the gun show circuit.  I would prefer something by Marlin or Navy Arms.  I'm still trying to learn more about the Puma brand, which I think is part of the Rossi company, but I'm not 100% certain.

I'll probably start checking out local shops after work this week, if I continue to get off work early enough.  Someone who I have actually known personally for almost my entire life recently opened a gun store, so I really need to go check it out.

UPDATE:  To respond to comments.  I don't really have a preference for pump or lever.  I've used several different pump action .22's but I've never used one of the old Western style levers--the only lever I've used is the Savage 99.  I've never used a pump in any centerfire caliber.  If I come across one of those Thunderbolts, I will have no qualms about buying it.

Also, I once had a Rossi pump .22 and it was a great gun, I never had any problems with it (it was stolen).  But that is the only Rossi I've had personal experience with.

I want to get a .357 mainly because I already have handguns in that caliber.  I don't have any .44 magnum handguns, or I would also be considering that caliber.  Also, .357/.38 ammo is cheaper than .44 magnum.

Thanks for all the comments.

Cromwell, Indiana:

A thief with a taste for pork put a damper on a fundraiser for scholarships by making off with nearly 350 pounds of porkburgers and hot dogs, police said.

Cromwell Town Marshal Rich Snyder said the 300 pounds of porkburgers and 48 pounds of hot dogs were taken either late Saturday or early Sunday from the Cromwell Community Center's walk-in freezer in the town about 35 miles northwest of Fort Wayne.

Here's a funny article titled 'Eating rocks may lead to broken teeth' about stupid warnings on consumer products.  Like this:

"Warning! This is not underwear! Do not attempt to put in pants.'' (on packaging for a wristwatch, yes, a wristwatch).