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A buddy of mine invited me to a gathering way outside the city yesterday. It was a bunch of guys doing some shooting on a farm. They set up a t.v. in the barn, fired up a few propane heaters, and put some pots of chili on. While we were waiting for the game to start, they had the shooting outside.
While none of that is unusual, I had a few conversations and observations that were interesting.
I think it was about 10 degrees, but no wind, so it wasn't bad. Besides, everyone dressed for the weather. About 50% had camo hunting gear on of some type. Mayby 10% were wearing hunter-orange clothing articles. The rest were wearing either carharts, jeans, or a combo. I was the only one in a military surplus parka.
The great white hunters
As I looked around the barn, once everyone had gathered inside, I was amazed at what I saw: maybe 70 guys, 90%+ hunters, all dressed in their individual ways for hunting. These guys were self-controlled, calm, respectful to each other... I didn't hear a cross word or an angry word the entire day (about 6 hours).
As I observed them speaking to each other, I was and am amazed at their demeanors. Hard to put into words, but I'll just put it this way: they reminded me of what I've read about the Continental army... I'd guess most every one of these guys was deadly with a rifle, and would be willing to use one if the need arose.
If the federalies ever wake this sleeping giant, or decide to kick this sleeping bear in the nose, I think perhaps the ducks in Washington may, just may, be given a history lesson.
Oh, and to explain my title--not trying to make this a racial issue, but I was struck by the racial composition:
70 whites (approx.)
2 African Americans
1 Latino (that I could tell)
0 Asians
All males
The demeanor of the gents, to a man, gives me hope in America.
I would not want to face these men armed, especially at greater-than-pistol distances.
Big guy with the carbine
At one point before the game, I was standing outside around a fire. This big guy next to me (one of the few non-hunters) out of the blue says, "I just got a 9mm carbine." After I extolled the virtue of having a rifle and pistol of the same caliber, he says, "It's in my truck. Wanna see it?"
So he opens his truck, pulls the carbine out, and hands it to me. I tried not to let him see me drooling... not sure if I succeeded. He had another rifle case next to the carbine, as well as a bunch of other stuff that looked interesting, but we only looked at the carbine. I was rather surprised and honored that this total stranger would be so open to me about his new weapon.
Guy in front of me
Just before kickoff, once most were inside, the guy sitting in front of me strikes up a conversation with me. I know him a little from the past, but I had never discussed guns or defense with him at all. Well, he brings up the topic and says he and his wife are starting to think they need to be armed in their house. I can tell he's given it a lot of thought, and while he doesn't like the thought that it is necessary, he nontheless has concluded it IS necessary.
Welllllllllllll, that gave me an opportunity to volunteer my pistol services to him and his wife. I volunteered to share what I've learned over the last few years, either at my house or his, either with his wife present or not, all depended on him. Any time, any place, any day of the week at his choosing.
He wants me to come to his house so his wife can be in on it. She's on board with him thankfully... I made sure he had my contact info, and I can just about guarantee we'll be getting together soon. I'm already preparing what to bring. In addition to a good supply of pistols and holsters, I'll print out the 4 safety rules... May even provide them a list of websites depending on their specific interests. I will refer them to DC if they are the least bit interested.
Guy beside me
Another guy I've known a bit from the past sits down beside me. This guy truly is a "great white hunter". He's probably taken 50 deer in his life, not to mention boar and other stuff.
But he's now looking for a handgun. He's concerned, extremely concerned, about where this country is heading. He also says his wife is interested in a pistol. He mentions a specific pistol he'd heard about. Soooooo, I tell him to see me before he leaves for the day.
After the event was over, we sit in his truck, and I pull out the exact pistol he had mentioned. I unload it, check it, and hand it to him to fondle. He likes it a lot. I offer my services to assist him and his wife in the selection and use of pistols. I may be getting a call from him soon also.
My gear I took
I misunderstood the event schedule for the day. I thought there would be pistol shooting. The buddy I rode with has been shooting with me before, but he wants to shoot again. He's still trying to get the money to buy a pistol, plus dealing with his Christian wife who falsely IMO doesn't think Christians should have guns.
So I took a good selection for him to shoot. My mistake: it was only shotgun shooting. Anyway, I had several pistols on me, 1) because I don't feel comfortable leaving them in an unguarded vehicle, and 2) good thing, because his van rear door wouldn't shut. It was held closed by a bungee cord. I'm not knocking it or criticizing, just saying how it was.
I'll go ahead and mention the following although it has high potential to be misunderstood, that is, my motives for doing it and mentioning it. Some will think I'm nuts, others that I'm bragging or showing off. Neither, I hope--just stating what was. I concealed 7 guns on me:
Observations and Conclusions
There is hope in the heartland. Some hope in the cities as people I know are arming up, people who a few years ago wanted nothing to do with pistols either on them or in their homes.
These men I observed would make a formidable army given leadership and direction. I would not want to be facing their guns. Most of them are proficient at rifles. Several had deer parts in their vehicles... not sure why, maybe coming home from a hunt, or transporting antlers somewhere...
My point is, and the greatest impact the entire day had on me, is that there is a sleeping giant in this country--men who are entirely capable and willing to defend their families against all threats. (Not slighting the ladies here, just that this was a men's-only event.)
Gazing around at the men inside that barn, observing them in their many conversations, their demeanors and interactions... these men are entirely capable of whatever they set their minds to do.
If anything happens in this country to where men find it necessary to take up arms, due to enemies either foreign or domestic, my goal is to be behind their scopes rather than in front of them.
These men are capable.
It would be a grave mistake to think they are not.
While none of that is unusual, I had a few conversations and observations that were interesting.
I think it was about 10 degrees, but no wind, so it wasn't bad. Besides, everyone dressed for the weather. About 50% had camo hunting gear on of some type. Mayby 10% were wearing hunter-orange clothing articles. The rest were wearing either carharts, jeans, or a combo. I was the only one in a military surplus parka.
The great white hunters
As I looked around the barn, once everyone had gathered inside, I was amazed at what I saw: maybe 70 guys, 90%+ hunters, all dressed in their individual ways for hunting. These guys were self-controlled, calm, respectful to each other... I didn't hear a cross word or an angry word the entire day (about 6 hours).
As I observed them speaking to each other, I was and am amazed at their demeanors. Hard to put into words, but I'll just put it this way: they reminded me of what I've read about the Continental army... I'd guess most every one of these guys was deadly with a rifle, and would be willing to use one if the need arose.
If the federalies ever wake this sleeping giant, or decide to kick this sleeping bear in the nose, I think perhaps the ducks in Washington may, just may, be given a history lesson.
Oh, and to explain my title--not trying to make this a racial issue, but I was struck by the racial composition:
70 whites (approx.)
2 African Americans
1 Latino (that I could tell)
0 Asians
All males
The demeanor of the gents, to a man, gives me hope in America.
I would not want to face these men armed, especially at greater-than-pistol distances.
Big guy with the carbine
At one point before the game, I was standing outside around a fire. This big guy next to me (one of the few non-hunters) out of the blue says, "I just got a 9mm carbine." After I extolled the virtue of having a rifle and pistol of the same caliber, he says, "It's in my truck. Wanna see it?"
So he opens his truck, pulls the carbine out, and hands it to me. I tried not to let him see me drooling... not sure if I succeeded. He had another rifle case next to the carbine, as well as a bunch of other stuff that looked interesting, but we only looked at the carbine. I was rather surprised and honored that this total stranger would be so open to me about his new weapon.
Guy in front of me
Just before kickoff, once most were inside, the guy sitting in front of me strikes up a conversation with me. I know him a little from the past, but I had never discussed guns or defense with him at all. Well, he brings up the topic and says he and his wife are starting to think they need to be armed in their house. I can tell he's given it a lot of thought, and while he doesn't like the thought that it is necessary, he nontheless has concluded it IS necessary.
Welllllllllllll, that gave me an opportunity to volunteer my pistol services to him and his wife. I volunteered to share what I've learned over the last few years, either at my house or his, either with his wife present or not, all depended on him. Any time, any place, any day of the week at his choosing.
He wants me to come to his house so his wife can be in on it. She's on board with him thankfully... I made sure he had my contact info, and I can just about guarantee we'll be getting together soon. I'm already preparing what to bring. In addition to a good supply of pistols and holsters, I'll print out the 4 safety rules... May even provide them a list of websites depending on their specific interests. I will refer them to DC if they are the least bit interested.
Guy beside me
Another guy I've known a bit from the past sits down beside me. This guy truly is a "great white hunter". He's probably taken 50 deer in his life, not to mention boar and other stuff.
But he's now looking for a handgun. He's concerned, extremely concerned, about where this country is heading. He also says his wife is interested in a pistol. He mentions a specific pistol he'd heard about. Soooooo, I tell him to see me before he leaves for the day.
After the event was over, we sit in his truck, and I pull out the exact pistol he had mentioned. I unload it, check it, and hand it to him to fondle. He likes it a lot. I offer my services to assist him and his wife in the selection and use of pistols. I may be getting a call from him soon also.
My gear I took
I misunderstood the event schedule for the day. I thought there would be pistol shooting. The buddy I rode with has been shooting with me before, but he wants to shoot again. He's still trying to get the money to buy a pistol, plus dealing with his Christian wife who falsely IMO doesn't think Christians should have guns.
So I took a good selection for him to shoot. My mistake: it was only shotgun shooting. Anyway, I had several pistols on me, 1) because I don't feel comfortable leaving them in an unguarded vehicle, and 2) good thing, because his van rear door wouldn't shut. It was held closed by a bungee cord. I'm not knocking it or criticizing, just saying how it was.
I'll go ahead and mention the following although it has high potential to be misunderstood, that is, my motives for doing it and mentioning it. Some will think I'm nuts, others that I'm bragging or showing off. Neither, I hope--just stating what was. I concealed 7 guns on me:
- 4 9mm's
- 1 .380
- 1 .45
- 1 .357
Observations and Conclusions
There is hope in the heartland. Some hope in the cities as people I know are arming up, people who a few years ago wanted nothing to do with pistols either on them or in their homes.
These men I observed would make a formidable army given leadership and direction. I would not want to be facing their guns. Most of them are proficient at rifles. Several had deer parts in their vehicles... not sure why, maybe coming home from a hunt, or transporting antlers somewhere...
My point is, and the greatest impact the entire day had on me, is that there is a sleeping giant in this country--men who are entirely capable and willing to defend their families against all threats. (Not slighting the ladies here, just that this was a men's-only event.)
Gazing around at the men inside that barn, observing them in their many conversations, their demeanors and interactions... these men are entirely capable of whatever they set their minds to do.
If anything happens in this country to where men find it necessary to take up arms, due to enemies either foreign or domestic, my goal is to be behind their scopes rather than in front of them.
These men are capable.
It would be a grave mistake to think they are not.
