This reminds me of something way off topic.

During my last week of service I attended a separations class. The class was being given by a civilian, and it was on finding work out in the "real world." He talked about writing a resume, dressing for an interview (this was the first time I had ever heard of worsted wool, and for some reason that stuck with me), and selling yourself. He asked the question "does anyone here not want to make $60k/yr?" and I raised my hand. I said I wanted to make $100k/yr. I was so naive. I made $23k my first year out, then a couple years later I went on salary and made $28k/yr, but worked way more hours so it ended up being a pay cut.

I have a good job now, but when I look back on that I am so embarassed by that "$100k" comment. I am laughing about it right now.

You're absolutely right, Mike. You're way ahead of me when I was your age.

Yep $16 an hour plus tuition assistance plus full vision great dental and health care for $20 a month are pretty rare for a 21 year old guy. Next year I get two weeks paid vacation. If I stay at the company 7 years I can make $33 and hour. Get time and a half over time and double time on Sundays. Oh and $100 boot allowance

I'm very blessed. Hopefully it set me up for the life I want to live.
Get my own tools start my own shop and live debt free!!!

28 years old and making $33/hr? You can't beat that with a stick!

Stay there GD that's the job of a lifetime, good for you.

Debt freedom is a noble goal that will bring all sorts of other freedoms.

Mike, If you start your own shop, you will work MUCH harder, MUCH longer and for MUCH less pay than you are making now. Of course there are exceptions.

My delema is that it a production type of machining and all you do is adjust tooling and load and unload fixtures. It not fun or enjoyable work. It's only so challanging. It's not exactly the high quality type if work. And all the union guys are a bunch if miserable people that make each others lives miserable to. While it's and amazing job for money and benefits someday I may be forced to choose between that and working someplace doing something I enjoy. So it's a strange situation for me.

I wasn't trying to discourage you Mike, but do your research, and only set up shop that has a good enough demand for machine work.

Yep. I know it will be lots of work. It's a odd decision.... Happiness vs money...

I have been seeing those prices lately and it's made it hard not to contemplate my options to get there. I tried to convince myself the SCAR17 was "too much" and out of reach but I think it's the rifle for me.

I guess I'll take the 107 and M1A to the gun show this weekend.