Recently, I witnessed something that seems all too common. I was at a large chain sporting goods store and a man in his 30's was informing his much younger counterpart that the Beretta .22LR pistol was merely a "toy" and that if one were shot with such a 22, he would just be P.O.'d. But, worse yet, the counterman agreed with him. Needless to say, I couldn't tend to my own business and politely informed all of them that they were wrong on all accounts. Like many here, I just have much more life's experiences than they could pool together. In reflection, perhaps they and others weren't as lucky as I.
None too long ago, our great country was suffering from a disease - economic tinkering, resulting in the Great Depression. And, we have come full circle. While tools are important, the greatest one is your mind.
Like many of you, I was blessed with wonderful great grandparents and grandparents who ably weathered hard times and I was fortunate to listen and learn from their experiences. All offered instruction on the Depression and the absolute need for self reliance. Each managed with 22 single shot rifles and large gardens.
Decades later, both considered themselves armed to the teeth with "expensive" hardware, still relying on their "Depression Era" value of a dollar mindset. When I was very young, my maternal grandfather had added an old, single barrel 12 gauge, still have his single shot .22 rifle (no scope), and an early H&R 922 revolver in .22LR. My paternal grandfather had a Ithaca 37 pump 12 gauge and a later variation of the H&R 922 as well.
Each very ably provided food for their families and neither ever felt undergunned for defense with the H&R's.
My maternal grandfather stood down two men who had broken into his truck. Once they saw the gun, they decided that whatever instructions he gave them were as good at the Gospel. When my paternal grandfather passed away, my grandmother continued with the same logic. She felt that "them hollerpoints will blow your head off" and she shared the same quote with a young man that thought he might steal from her late one night. He backed out of the window far quicker than when he entered.
During his most prolific hunting years, my Dad's sole handgun was a Ruger Standard (6-inch skinny barrel). Modesty and not wanting to tarnish the family name, I am constrained to tell you all that he killed in the 50 plus years he shot that pistol. I still have that gun and it remains as accurate and reliable as the day he bought it.
All this to say, "It is incumbent to all of us that we encourage and educate."
Swamper
None too long ago, our great country was suffering from a disease - economic tinkering, resulting in the Great Depression. And, we have come full circle. While tools are important, the greatest one is your mind.
Like many of you, I was blessed with wonderful great grandparents and grandparents who ably weathered hard times and I was fortunate to listen and learn from their experiences. All offered instruction on the Depression and the absolute need for self reliance. Each managed with 22 single shot rifles and large gardens.
Decades later, both considered themselves armed to the teeth with "expensive" hardware, still relying on their "Depression Era" value of a dollar mindset. When I was very young, my maternal grandfather had added an old, single barrel 12 gauge, still have his single shot .22 rifle (no scope), and an early H&R 922 revolver in .22LR. My paternal grandfather had a Ithaca 37 pump 12 gauge and a later variation of the H&R 922 as well.
Each very ably provided food for their families and neither ever felt undergunned for defense with the H&R's.
My maternal grandfather stood down two men who had broken into his truck. Once they saw the gun, they decided that whatever instructions he gave them were as good at the Gospel. When my paternal grandfather passed away, my grandmother continued with the same logic. She felt that "them hollerpoints will blow your head off" and she shared the same quote with a young man that thought he might steal from her late one night. He backed out of the window far quicker than when he entered.
During his most prolific hunting years, my Dad's sole handgun was a Ruger Standard (6-inch skinny barrel). Modesty and not wanting to tarnish the family name, I am constrained to tell you all that he killed in the 50 plus years he shot that pistol. I still have that gun and it remains as accurate and reliable as the day he bought it.
All this to say, "It is incumbent to all of us that we encourage and educate."
Swamper
I want my hand held rail gun or Dis-integrator Pistol. :wink: Where's Buck Rogers when you need him?
