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Our family gun shop is located in a small town about 50 miles from Las Vegas. Within that small town there are around five actual brick and mortar gun shops - four of them are decently located in high traffic areas on main roads... And then there is ours; well off the beaten path built on the back portion of my Mom's residence property. No one finds us "by accident". Had a 94 year old gentleman come to our shop yesterday to consign some firearms with us. No big deal - we get a fair number of consignments. But this gentleman was consigning his life long collection with us - including a fairly large collection of new in box unfired Colts. He had never been to our shop before - didn't live in Pahrump. We asked him, "Why us? Why not a shop in Las Vegas or one of the other shops he had to pass to come to us?" He responded that he was 94 years old and wanted to ensure he was treated fairly and if he happened to pass before his collection was liquidated - he wanted to know his wife would not be cheated. He had asked around and apparently our name kept coming up as a good choice. So a man we had never met - traveled an hour to a little shop in nowhere Nevada to entrust us with well over $20,000 of firearms in the first batch - simply because of we are known for doing people right. It is nice to have a good reputation.

A very good mate made me a custom holster, took out Wild Bunch yesterday (I think I was lucky that none of the young guns turned up for the match )

During the shooting of "To Have and Have Not" in 1944, a tragedy struck the set that most never even heard about. One of the lighting crew members received a phone call during a break that shattered his world. His wife had been killed in a car crash back home. The man collapsed onto the floor of the Warner Bros. lot, cradled by colleagues who tried to comfort him in silence. In the midst of the chaos of filming and production schedules, very few paused to think about what would happen to his two young children now suddenly without a mother. Humphrey Bogart, the film's lead actor, quietly stepped away from the set later that day. Without drawing any attention, he called his personal assistant and gave instructions. The funeral arrangements were to be handled discreetly and covered in full, including casket, transportation, burial, and service. He told his assistant to never mention his name to the family. A few hours later, he spoke privately to a friend in casting, asking for help arranging temporary child care for the grieving crewman’s kids until more permanent arrangements could be found. What stood out was not that he helped, but how he did it. No producer, no fellow actor, not even the director Howard Hawks ever learned about it at the time. Bogart returned to set the next morning as though nothing had happened, performing his scenes opposite Lauren Bacall with his usual calm precision. He never asked if anyone noticed, and no one realized what he had done. Over the next several years, long after the shoot had wrapped and the crew had scattered across different studios, something extraordinary happened behind closed doors. Every month, a check arrived at the lighting technician’s home, enough to cover food, clothing, schoolbooks, and later, college application fees. The envelopes had no return address, and the bank routing was impossible to trace back to any personal account. Only after the technician passed away in the early 1970s did his children, now adults, open a locked box in his study and find a letter with Humphrey Bogart’s name signed at the bottom. In it, he had written, “What you gave to the film helped me shine on screen. What I can give your family will never repay that, but I hope it eases your days a little.” This was not a one-time act. According to a former Warner Bros. accountant who spoke anonymously decades later, Bogart often gave private financial support to the families of set builders, assistants, and drivers who faced hardships. He preferred working-class people who never made the front page but made the movies possible. Lauren Bacall once hinted at this side of him in a rare quote: “People saw Bogie as tough, maybe a little cold. But he carried burdens no one saw, gave love where no one looked. He’d take care of a man’s family, pay the doctor bills for a sick mother, and never ask for thanks. He did it because he believed that was what decent people did, even if the world didn’t care.” During the filming of "The Big Sleep" in 1946, a grip whose wife had tuberculosis received a quiet visit from a nurse who offered home care, completely paid for. She never said who sent her. The crew guessed, but no one said anything aloud. It was understood that Bogart was doing something again, and speaking it aloud felt like disrespecting the silence he chose. Humphrey Bogart’s image was built on hard edges, dry wit, and trench coat cool. But the real man, the one who watched over the quietest workers on set, carried a heart so heavy with loyalty that it spoke most loudly when it said nothing at all. He never wanted his name attached to those acts. But the families remember. And the lives that moved forward because of those silent kindnesses carry his signature far more meaningfully than any role ever could. In a world built on credits and headlines, his finest roles unfolded in shadows where no applause could reach.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4582615/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK2A10cRTUP/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== One of the comments:

By the time I got my stuff together, Sportsmans Warehouse was out of stock. They had the 30" version, but I couldn't see cutting off the barrel and losing the perfectly good choke tubes. Didn't want to do online order and pay shipping and pay an FFL transfer fee, so I waited patiently. Then, the most unlikely store in my area, Modern Warriors, (which deals in high end AR's and 1911's and such) had one, and only one, in stock. I went there and found it was still in the box, they never put it on display. now it's mine.

Other fans as well as the players should not have to listen to such extreme rudeness. Lifetime bans should be imposed not only on this jerk but on those who use continuously use foul language and/or drink themselves into a stupor. I would like to take kids and grandkids to a ball park without having them listen to such trash. Want to curse and get drunk? Do it at home while watching a game on TV. Manners are important when in public.

I think lines are part of the fun of the game and this is supposed to be fun. That being said, whatever the shooter does to indicate ready is fine with me. Whenever someone asks what the line is, I always respond, "Seamus is my hero". I've had quite a few say it.

My second oldest granddaughter (18) graduated Saturday from the Montana Youth Challenge Academy in Dillon - think voluntary military school, light. She's a different person than she was 22 weeks ago, with a new sense of direction, self-worth, confidence, and self-respect. She's lived in numerous hovels on the Flathead Indian reservation growing up, comes from a broken home, was very withdrawn, a lot of emotional abuse from her parents, and she's still got some work ahead of her to finish high school or equivalency, but I think she's gonna be OK. Brigadier General Trenton Gibson, the Adjutant General of the National Guard, addressed the graduates, as did the past adjutant, Major General John Hronek, four Montana state legislative Representatives, proxy speeches from Senators Daines and Sheehy, and a few other dignitaries. https://www.mycacademy.org/ Salute to Cadet Reum from a proud grandpa.

In 1974 I was driving passed an old two-story house and noticed a white-haired elderly lady sitting on the porch waving at the passing cars. Something impressed me that I needed to go back and visit that lady. I learned that she was now living alone since her brother had died in a brush fire, that she was legally blind and waved only due to hearing the passing cars. Her yard was horribly overgrown, but for the next three years I took my mower and kept her homeplace clean every week up until her death. I dearly loved Miss Baker and miss her like family...

Bogus Deal is a pard to ride the river with. I was in need of an item and offered to purchase one via a WTB post in the classifieds. He stepped up and offered to send one to me to use, FREE OF CHARGE! all I had to do was return when I was through with it. Like I told him, it's stuff like this that makes America great! If any you parts know him personally, give him a big pat on the back for me.

Today was day one of my first shoot after 3 years of watching our son shoot. Thought I was prepared. Read first stage over and over again told myself I had the sequence down. Got online first shot with rifle……. yup you guessed it wrong target. Started day with a “P” and several misses. Looked back after finishing stage and saw the ear to ear grin on my son’s face. Wish I had started shooting with him sooner. Had a blast and cannot wait to go back tomorrow and finish last 4 stages.

COFFEE Now, some folks are fond of iced coffee But I gotta say me, not so much I like mine fresh from a pot on the stove All steaming and hot to the touch I’ll drink it when frost’s on the pumpkin And when fresh flowers wilt in the heat Sometimes with both cream and some sugar But sometimes just coal black and neat You miight say, “That makes no sense at all, Bob” “You’re liable to faint dead away” But when temps are in straight triple digits My insides are stable all day

The Magnificent 7 competition was concluded in Tennessee over the weekend. This is a competition that encompasses seven state matches in the Southeast region. You must shoot at least 3 matches. For the Young Gun category it was Jace the Ace taking home another first place buckle. Congratulations to my "not-so-little-anymore" friend! And special mention to Jace's Chief Logistics Officer, Right Again Dad, who placed 4th in the Wrangler category at the Tennessee State Match! Not easy trying to keep everything running smoothly for everyone else AND try to shoot a good match for yourself. WTG Dad!

I was looking for a place to put this!

Picked up this little beauty at my LGS

From FB When Ken Curtis joined *Gunsmoke* in 1964 as Festus Haggen, he stepped into the shoes of a beloved legacy. The show had already been on air for nearly a decade, and Curtis knew he had big boots to fill, replacing Dennis Weaver’s Chester. Rather than imitate what came before, Curtis chose to shape Festus as a wholly original character—gruff, funny, and wise in a dusty, no-frills way. That risk paid off. Audiences connected instantly with Festus’s charm, and he quickly became one of the most iconic sidekicks in television Western history. Curtis’s unique background as a singer with the Sons of the Pioneers helped shape Festus’s voice—both literal and figurative. He brought a lyrical rhythm to the role, often saying Festus was “a poet in overalls.” Off-camera, Curtis poured himself into every detail of the character: misshaping his hat, scuffing his boots, and even rolling in the dirt before filming to capture the look of someone truly weathered by the West. His commitment went far beyond costume—he lived Festus from the inside out. His friendships behind the scenes added depth to his performance. While his relationship with James Arness (Marshal Matt Dillon) was respectful but distant due to Arness’s reserved nature, Curtis formed a close bond with Milburn Stone, who played Doc Adams. Their chemistry translated seamlessly on screen and off. Curtis would later recall moments of sneaking away to local diners in costume with Stone—just two old friends in the garb of Dodge City legends, grabbing a bite of pie between takes. Perhaps most touching was how deeply Curtis understood Festus’s impact. After receiving a heartfelt letter from a fan battling depression, he realized his work went beyond entertainment. It was about connection, comfort, and presence. Over the course of more than 300 episodes, Festus became more than a character—he became a companion to millions. For Curtis, that was the greatest reward of all. **#KenCurtis #FestusHaggen #Gunsmoke #WesternTV #ClassicTelevision #BehindTheScenes #TVHistory #SonsOfThePioneers #JamesArness #DocAdams #MilburnStone #WesternLegends #IconicCharacters #VintageTV**

I ain't sayin' where, but....

I know (present and past) Cowboy shooters who took the Evil Roy class and most of them never reached close to being a top shooter........ BECAUSE they never practiced the techniques that Evil Roy tried to convey to them. Sure, they remembered what he told them. They remembered watching him give demonstrations and some personal 'hands on training'. But without hours and hours of correct practice, they never achieved their goals. I do think it is wise to seek out and try to get some personal help from a top shooter(s). But in all that, there will be techniques that you can adapt to quickly and some you can't. Evil Roy is considered a very good shotgun shooter. His technique works for him..... but not for me. Deuce Stevens is a first rate shotgun shooter and his 'over the top' works for him..... but not for me. Sante Fe River Stan is a first rate shotgun shooter and his '3 in one hand & 1 in the other' works for him..... but not for me. And MY technique works well for me but not for many others. Don't be discouraged during your learning and practice sessions. New skills take time and effort. For some.....more effort is required than for others. Especially for us older folks. Most clubs have some good, seasoned shooters that can help critique your style, shooting techniques, and equipment. As mentioned above, film yeowndangself and you will probably learn a lot. Best regards.....and good luck. ..........Widder

My daddy was Neanderthal my momma was Cro-Magnon Each one thought the other made a fine companion They were both a different species Which I learned from observation Mom tended the ‘lectric fire And Pop brought home the bacon Mom taught dad just how to chill And how not to grunt and such Dad taught her to laugh and joke From both I learned so much The science guys say this all happened Several eons ago When interbreeding started Twixt the Nean tribe and Cro So my genes have both a bit of grunt And laughter has a lure As far as interbreeding goes I’m quite a fan for sure

All my life until about 10 years ago, my doctor was an MD. Whenever a blood test came back with something too low or too high, a prescription was promptly issued, and I marched down to the pharmacy for another bottle of pills. Switched to D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic medicine) Blood test numbers were questioned: ie, have you changed any eating habits, exercise habits, etc. Why are you on three different blood pressure medicines? Has your blood lead level been tested (after lifestyle was discussed)? The D.O. just seemed much more thorough in asking about why something was happening instead of automatically slapping a bottle of pills in my hand. Just sharing in case some pards are getting tired of the bottle of pills merry go round. And yes, I am feeling and doing much better.

This box turtle has been under foot around our buildings for at least 20 years. He(or she) is unique with a hole in its shell in lower left. It would come out in our sawmill and munch up night crawlers that would come out of the rich soil of the floor. Somehow it has survived thousands of trucks and other traffic on our farm. Although I've not tried to handle it, it is comfortable with me being close. It doesn't pull in or try to run away.

YES.

He just needs his dog, Spot!

Back in the early ‘70s, we moved to a new area. I had already graduated high school and was working full time, but my little brother who was eleven years my junior had to start fourth grade at an entirely new school! The first week of school, an older kid pushed him around and took his lunch money while they were on the bus. After a week of this, little brother came to me for advice. I told him that he should take his baseball glove and bat with him to school and if this kid tried it again, to cap his knee! Two days later, the bus driver was parked in our driveway with the bus and little bro! He told me that he’d have to kick him off the bus and that we’d have to find another way to get him to school. I told the driver that this kid had been bullying little brother and probably other kids too. He said that it didn’t matter, the bully was suffering from a busted knee and he had no choice. I told him that I would report HIM for failing to care properly for his passengers and that our folks would sue the school, the county, the school board, and that we’d file criminal complaints against him and the other kid! Little brother rode the bus. The other kid never bothered another kid again! The lesson ended there!!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFqYQWyOG2d/?igsh=MThpbml5bHVvbHUxOA==

I’ll second the nomination of Cleve!! He has all of the usual qualities expected of a Classic Cowboy in SPADES!! He is also an actual national treasure! He wouldn’t make it a big deal, but I will! He and two other shooters with whom he is often found are also military veterans, instructors for our military, and actual documented heroes about whom books and movies have been written and filmed!! He helps to run the SASS club at Boaz, KY, assisting in running the matches there. He’s also there any time someone needs first aid during an event and knows his way around in that area. He’s also got a great beard!!

That's one heckuva catch!

I agree with Tombstone and Seamus! If I’m running the timer, some sort of verbal acknowledgement of ready is needed so that spotters are aware that the shooter is about to begin. Like my grandma used to tell me when I nodded or shook my head, “I can’t hear your head rattling, even if it IS full of rocks!” I LIKE a starting line or some semblance of one! I will be the first to say that I will sing ‘em, shout ‘em, miss quote ‘em, or substitute a line of my own, particularly if it’ll help to keep the atmosphere a little lighter!!

My wife is out of state visiting a friend. Saturday all by my lonesome with only the dogs staring at me. So I dug around in the supply closet to see what I have and found the makings for various reloads, all non cas. So, I jumped in. Managed to get 270 rounds of 38 special. 50 rounds of serious 44mag (265gr jacketed soft point) and 242 rounds of “fun” 44mag (240gr mostly plated berrys bullets but also the left overs from a few other boxes of cast bullets). Not bad for an afternoons work (no progressive presses for these calibers, this was all done “old school”). That is a whole lot of free ammo, this was all built from various dribs and drabs I bought so long ago I had forgot about them. I also found 800 or 900 bullets for 45LC I had forgot I had too. Will need to get some brass clean for those too. I really need to dig around in that closet more often.

Picked these up for 2k all 3. Pretty stoked!

Let’s talk about a little Southern word that packs a whole lot of mystery: “directly.” Now, if you’re not from around here, you might think “I’ll be over there directly” means immediately, like someone is dropping everything and heading your way at lightning speed. Oh bless your heart. You sweet, literal thing. But in the South? “Directly” is not about time. It’s about intention. It’s a soft promise. A gentle nod. A “soon-ish, maybe after I finish what I’m doing, but don’t rush me” kind of word. My Grandpa used to say it all the time. “Grandpa, when you coming in for supper?” “I’ll be in directly.” That might mean five minutes… it might mean when the sun goes down and the garden’s watered, the dogs are fed, and he’s had time to sit on the porch while watching the squirrels fuss at each other. And yet we never doubted him. We knew he’d be there. Just not right now. See, “directly” in the South is a lesson in patience. It’s a little time cushion wrapped in charm. It tells you someone is coming, but on their own time, and you best not rush em. It’s polite procrastination with a drawl. So no, maybe not everybody says it, but down here, it stuck. It became part of the rhythm of life. Like sweet tea and slow sunsets. Like sitting a spell or fixing to do something. When my Grandpa said “I’ll be over there directly,” it didn’t matter how long it took, he always showed up. And that’s the thing: It’s not about the clock. It’s about the follow through. And that’s the kind of Southern I hope to always be. The kind that may not rush, but always shows up. #SouthernSayings #DirectlyMeansEventually https://www.facebook.com/share/1Aapgfsv9q/?mibextid=wwXIfr

And to add more proudness this was the first shoot where we shot the ammo we reloading. Everything went bang the way it was supposed to. Win win today.

Somebody get ahold of Rye Miles and tell him that Alpo has hacked his account!

I've never understood the, "Well, no matter what led to it, your child shouldn't have hit back. We have a 0 tolerance policy. The incident should have been reported to the nearest adult." We had a situation sort of like that with my stepdaughter. I went in to talk to a VP about it, told him something like "One of your teachers/yard duty ladies was right there watching it. Shuft like this has been happening a couple of times a week since the start of the year. My kid's reported it We've made calls to admin about it. We've written letters about it. And you sit on your lazy burro and do NOTHING. Next time it happens she's going to take out his knee, then kick him in the crotch, the belly, and the face. And you're going to ignore it like you have the attacks on her. If you try to punish her for defending herself when you refuse to do it, I'm going to the Sheriff, CPS and anyone else an attorney recommends, with charges of abuse, child endangerment, creating a hostile environment for children. You will be named, along with the principle, and the superintendent." Never another incident.

Its not often I get to shoot with a good GF in person (with the exceptions of those local) and observe their GF abilities first hand. At the TN State, I was privileged to shoot with a couple Texas gunfighters. One was already JEDI.....Crooked Bullet. The other is now JEDI GF #376: Hopalong ACE, also from Texas. And previously under the radar and now a new JEDI is SPYKE..... from Genova, ITALY. Congratulations to both......and may the force ride with you. ..........Widder

F3516CA1-0B2D-4C1F-8621-A356CAF38694.mov This was at the Fire & Brimstone Black Powder Championship at Paradise Pass in 2023. The ONLY cartridges that have sparklers are my pistol cartridges. You can see the rifle (125gr bullet with 10gr by WEIGHT APP 3F) makes some fire as does my shotgun (42gr by WEIGHT & 1+ ounce of shot). The 3rd annual match is being held August 22-23. I highly recommend it. Loads of fun, night shoot, great food, fellowship, range. @Dallas McBoomboom will attest to the fun! Hugs! Scarlett