gun sane

I've sweatted through the GOP primary this far thinking that Romney's gotta be stopped. Now I see it's most important that Prez Zero be stopped. If Romney makes it to the oval office, folks like us better be doing two things: (1) holding his feet to the fire and (2) bust our butts building a national Conservative Party to put our own candidate up in four years. I'm getting more than a little weary of these two-party beauty contests. Perhaps a third choice will create a checks and balance system, like the government is supposed to be.

I went to the auction in Lenoir City last month. They had a 12% buyer's premium but reduced it to 10% if you paid cash. I was the final bidder on a Ruger New Model Blackhawk which had only about 65% of the blueing left but looked to be in sound condition. I still had to pay 9% sales tax, a $10 background check and a $10 transfer fee, but still got a good deal--about $200 less than normal used value. After I got it home and cleaned up, I was happy with the deal. Then I noticed something peculiar. Even though it was a New Model Blackhawk, there was no lawyer talk on the barrel--you know, the warning to read the manual before you do what the gun's made for. I researched the serial number on the Ruger website and the revolver was off the chart. It had a number lower than the oldest New Model range. I soon learned that my revolver was a transitional piece that Ruger produced. They took an Old Model barrel and stuck it on a New Model cylinder frame. This would appeal to collectors, but whatever premium they would pay might be erased by its worn condition. Whatever...it was a nice find and a good shooter. So, it's buyer beware at those auctions--know before you go.

Just in case you want a sneak peek at what you're getting into....http://www.auctionzip.com/cgi-bin/auctionview.cgi?lid=1377394&kwd=&zip=37802&category=1

We've worn out the pithy lines, such as, "When seconds count, the police are minutes away", or "I carry a pistol because a cop's too heavy." But I carry for two reasons: (1) Because I can; and (2) because both my father and father-in-law fought a hard war in the 40s and lost a lot of friends. If my wife and I ever came to harm because we were too stupid to defend ourselves with the rights we have, I could never forgive myself for dishonoring their sacrifices. My user name is simply my opinion that arming yourself in these perilous times is the most rational thing you can do.

How long before the copyright runs out on "Ol' Betsy"?

My Marlin Camp 9 rifle is a joy to shoot but messy to clean because of its blowback design. For the most part, it strips like a Ruger 10/22, but there are a couple of things that you have to get just right. If you get one, make sure the buffer and recoil springs have been upgraded, as that massive breech bolt throws a lot of weight backward.

I wonder if it may have something to do with the huge influx of new residents from "gun free" states.

It's true that this exec order goes back for several administrations. Yet this is the first time in history that we have a renegade president with the arrogance and recklessness to pull its trigger.

The LEO's statement that there were so many complaints does give one pause...is Blount County on the way to getting wussified?

We bought a 55 gal. drum from Volunteer a couple of weeks ago for around $38. It's a good buy.

At OhShoot's request....hope I don't take up too much space or put anybody in an unflattering pose.

Sure thing, gjohnsoniv! I got a few and the pm's on the way. I also want to thank dubaholic2 and the rest of the gang for making this a real hoot!

One gentleman had a nice, used Marlin .357 lever gun, asking $850 but willing to budge $25. Trouble is, you can get a sparkling new Henry Big Boy for that.

Ready, willing and able for the 17th.

Good things are worth waiting for....the 17th's good with me.

I'm still standing.....I'll try to be there around 10 a.m.

I'm around any weekend...keep me in mind.