Someoldguy, believe me, I have thought about the exact same issues you have described, but convenience does not equal simplicity of life. I would much rather spend more hours working my own land because it would be on MY terms. I am done with government and corporate interests telling me how they know what is better for me than I do. I'd much rather drink from a deep well than from the municipal supply, designed to save my teeth at the expense of my health. I have the tools, experience, skills, and intelligence to live off-the-grid tomorrow, but my desired path isn't for everyone. If you want to live in a low-crime city with a great education system, secure economy (even in a recession), clean streets, affluent neighbors, fantastic return on real estate investment, and a supporting community; I have a solid house for sale. Just don't be surprised if your property taxes double the following year because some fancy architect designed a new Taj Mahal high school that all of your new affluent neighbors voted for. In 8 years, I have accumulated over $100k in equity on a zero-down USDA loan, and I would trade it all for a chunk of land where I can't see a single neighbor. I wish you the best. Sorry for venting again. Maybe I should start a blog.
Jim, I've heard about Tikka performance and will take another look. My .223 does not seem to like Federal gold medal match ammo, but the only thing I can find locally is 69gr (a bit much for a 1/10" twist). The rifle definitely likes Nosler, but their Varmageddon shot better than their match ammo.
