Born and raised Texan. Dog dad to two Gremlins and a not-so-Golden Doodle. Pro free speech (even that which I do not agree), 2A, and freedom
Texas
Joined April 2012
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In honor of our recent NFA infringement roll back...
Figured it was time for a shirt for it!
Just posted on 2A BlackMarket
Hoodies coming later this week
Time to take a break from our regularly scheduled programming to have a bit of a discussion.
While this is going to be somewhat centric about men, it does apply to women, too. The difference is societal pressure and such, but the core message still rings true.
No matter how dark things may be, no matter how hard life is.... there are people around you that care about you.
This matters, and it matters for a lot of reasons.
For one, you likely do not have to shoulder whatever burden you carry alone.
Sometimes it's hard to see that, but even in the most unlikely of places, you will find people that care about and your well being. No matter how alone I may feel, no matter how hard it is to take the next step forward, the truth is that we all have been blessed with those that care about us.
Do not take them for granted.
That means treasure them, even when they may anger or disappoint you. It also means don't forsake their ability to help you through whatever dark times you may experience.
Remember, it isn't weak to seek help. It's not an issue of how strong vs weak... The strongest among us need help from time to time.
It's an issue of wise vs pride/foolishness.
A wise man understands his strengths along with his flaws and weaknesses. He accepts the help of others when it is necessary... especially as many may have already tread a similar path.
While there may be something to be said for overcoming adversity on your own, it is rarely necessary... even if we may think that it is.
As a man, I have been blessed and burdened by all of this. Our culture has developed this ideal image of a man, stoic in face of adversity... Hard lined, emotionless, and cold towards the world.
And when I lose someone close to me, I'm supposed to be unflinching? Uncaring? When something hurts me, I'm supposed to just ignore it?
Poppycock.
I challenge that notion.
It is not "manly" to suppress your emotions. In fact, I'd posit that it is very unmanly to give in to that societal pressure to begin with.
I think a lot of this seemed to really kick in around the 40s-50s. Men coming home from a war to see their triumphs glorified while hiding away the ugly side of they had to do. That carried on and became the status quo.
Well, the status is not quo.
And I do not behoove those who wrestled with that. They experienced things that I will likely never have to.
And to the "Greatest Generation," I thank you for that. But the fact of the matter still remains that it did change much of how we view men.
Things that are difficult to talk about are ignored.
If you feel that way about your life, I challenge you to show real strength. Instead of ignoring the hard discussion, shed light on it.
Reach out to those close to you and be available for them if they need you as well.
That is real strength.
And if anyone out there needs and ear, a voice of reason, or even a critical word... if you think you are completely alone, I'll try to be there.
Just reach out.
Exactly this. Our founders were known for b openly weeping.
Strength isn't being stone faced, it's admitting that you have weaknesses and getting help with them
From the highest highs to the lowest lows...
Just got a phone call...
Customer number that I had memorized. One of my favorites since we opened... Honestly more friend than customer at this point.
Picked up the phone, "Hey *Name*! What's up?"
"This isn't... *Name*... It's...."
Its his brother.
My heart sank.
He self deleted over the weekend, and they need me to help sell his collection.
I knew he was having emotionally hard times, but the last few that I had seen him, things were looking up.
I'm sick to my stomach now and I broke down in store. I can't imagine what his brother and mother are feeling right now
Guys, if you're having tough times, there are many around here that will help.
I am very good at answering dms, even in the middle of the night.
The easy way out... Is selfish. Think about everyone else that it will affect.
Talk about a birthday gift...
Father and son came in to get the Son's 18th birthday and graduation gift.
Wanted a hunting AR so we built him a 6.5 Grendel
The young man was stoked when he picked it up, and for Texas, he's good for anything native out to about 400 yards
Not bad guy about $1800 (including optic)
Gunstore Musings:
One of the funniest things I ever hear of out customers is "I'm going to call the ATF on you"
Keep in mind, I'm a customer service first guy, so we rarely get to that point with a customer. In fact, in over a decade, I can probably count on one hand how many times I've heard it...
In fact, it's only been once for a "customer service" issue and that's because he was upset that a cerakoter that we used had to redo a full custom job because the kote didn't cure correctly. Added an extra week to a job that was estimated at 2-3 weeks.
When we called and told him that, he flew off the handle, drove up here and demanded his gun back right then.
Sorry hoss, but your gun is in pieces on the other side of town right now.
"I'm going to call the ATF on you!!!!!"
For what?
Which that is the kicker. The ATF really doesn't care about "customer service" issues. As far as they are concerned that is a civil matter and out of their wheel house.
Even better is the rest of the threats to call the ATF. Every one of them was a customer that got denied for a gun in one way or another. Either they flat out got denied on the background check or they did an obvious straw purchase.
Either way, I love those threats.
"Oh you want to call the ATF? Sure, here's their number. And here's the contact of who you need to talk to."
The blank stare I get back is great in and of itself... but then I get to play my Ace in the Hole.
"Just remember to go ahead and self report the felony of how you lied on the 4473 while you are at it. They don't do civil issues, but they love to handle criminal cases."
Never once heard from the local field office about one of these... but did get to add a couple guns to inventory after being abandoned because of it.
Including a really cool revolver that is sitting in my personal collection now... but that's another story for another time.
The US has always had different groups... we've always been a destination for vastly different cultures.
However, they came here and assimilated. They wanted the American dream and became Americans to fulfill that dream.
Diversity as an idea isn't good or evil at it's core, but our country has become divided and tribal. In that division, we have allowed bad actors to corrupt several of the most important facets of the American ideal.... the family structure, our schools, and even our faith.
This is also why you can't fix our problems through "European ideas".... because Europe has been incredibly homogenous. In fact, look at the "diverse" countries now... England, France, Spain.... all having MAJOR problems due to the influx of those who haven't assimilated.
Understanding and respecting your heritage is a good thing, but if you want to be American, you have to be American first.
I'm not a European American or an American Indian (feather)... I'm just an American. And I'm more proud of the legacy that the founders provided for us than I am of my own direct ancestors.
That's the key to a homogenous and productive society. It's not a lack of genetics... it's a focused and aligned philosophy of what it means to be American.
This. When it comes to defense, there is no room for "may"
Every bit of risk reduction for me and my family is of utmost importance.
If a 3x likelihood of killing a badguy means it makes my home 1% safer, then I i will defer to the option that protects my family even slightly more 100% of the time
As a Texan, one of the flexes I cringe at the most is "Nth generation Texan"
Your family history is great for you, but your current actions and beliefs mean far more than how many of your ancestors lived here.
Were the Tejanos that died at the Alamo more Texan than Crockett and the volunteers?
No.
Being Texan is about actions, not your heritage.
Lol upset the tiktokers with this one...
Claiming to be something doesn't mean you are.
He teaches heretical theories.
He is on record as being against Texans
But they'll never understand that
Hey Tala-freak-o:
I voted. Not for you.
Paxton isn’t perfect, but he doesn’t want to ban AR-15s.
You do. You said an “assault weapons” ban is “absolutely” still on the table.
He doesn’t think God is non-binary.
You said that on the House floor.
He doesn’t treat white skin like a contagious virus. You specifically said that.
Paxton has flaws.
You’re a polished progressive false preacher trying to remake Texas in California’s image.
Big difference.
This is by far one of the absolute dangerous things you can do
You are warning the intruder you are armed
If they are armed, they are now aware.
The only thing an intruder should hear is the gun going off.
And that's after the bullet already hit them
This quoted post is unavailable.
How do you ensure that Texas ends up overtaking California in economic output and investment?
Pass one of the dumbest taxes ever... A 5% wealth tax on the biggest drivers of the California economy
Do it, California.
I dare you.
Actually, I double dog dare you!
One of my favorite songs lately has been Saltwater Gospel by Eli Young band....
Just love the vibe and upbeat feelings from it.
Tonight... I stumbled onto the version with Jimmy Buffett...
It hit a bit this Pirate who is caught between 40 and 50 a bit harder than I expected...
Brought a smile to my face while causing me to get a bit misty.
It's a good Sunday
Uh... Grok Bot connecting to my X money account???
I don't know if I like this....
Yeah definitely disconnecting this
When you are a gun dealer....
And a customer gives you a pane of bullet proof glass...
There is only one option