My very surprising day.

[Hardtarget]

I will soon turn 65. I started working at my currant job just before I turned 21. Today the boss and my co-workers threw a surprise luncheon for me. Had a good meal and a good time as some former fellow employees were there. Also, the first owner of the business (and his wife) were present. Then in walked my wife and sons. This was planned secretly...and caught me totally "flat footed".

I thought everything was all done and was ready to go back to work when the boss called our attention and brought out a nice, blue, plastic...gun box!!

She gave me a brand new, never fired, Colt Govt. .45!

I was (and still am) blown away! I've never owned a 'colt .45. Heck, I have only shot one...twenty years ago.

I'm still in shock. I got home and cleaned it, lubed it, wiped it down , (petted it a little) and rounded up some ammo. Range trip set for Thurs. 3/12/15!

My cheeks hurt because I can't stop grinning!

I'll come back after shooting. We'll see if I can hit the paper with it!

Mark

ps: I'm through typing but I'm still grinning!

 

[cluttonfred]

Congrats, sounds like you've earned it.

 

[BinRat]

WOW!! That is some kind of recognition from your peers and superiors, past and present.

You had to be moved beyond belief. Just wondering....did you try to hide it when you teared up?

Congratulations. Sounds well earned.

 

[imashooter]

Congratulations on a fine pistol and obviously great co-workers and employer. I'm sure it was well deserved. I retired from federal service in 06 and I too was presented a nice surprise; a new Ruger Super Blackhawk. They violated more regs and laws than who knows what. That's my boys! We need a pic or 2 of course.

 

[rogerjames]

That's awesome man. You're story made me grin and I'm still grinnin. You must be a stand up guy that works for a stand up company.

Now how bout some pics!!!

 

[Pelo801]

Congrats man. But it didn't happen without pics. We gotta see the pics.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Wow, forget the gold watch, a 1911 sounds so much better.

Congratulations!

Deaf

 

[TomJ]

Congratulations. It sounds like you hit the trifecta, with a great wife, sons and company to work for. Enjoy your well earned 1911.

 

[usp9]

My cheeks hurt because I can't stop grinning!

That says it all. Enjoy... you've earned it.

 

[WC145]

It's good to be loved. Congrats!

 

[jhb]

That's really great. Shows hard work and loyalty does pay off. Enjoy 'er and congrats.

 

[bannockburn]

Hardtarget

Great company, Great people, Great gift, and Great gun. And Great story.

 

[Voodoochile]

Wow man, sweet gift.
congrats for the gift & Amen for your long dedicated service to the company.

 

[j1]

Good for you. I never shot one but always wanted to. Enjoy.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Nice man! Congrats!

 

[SleazyRider]

I had a pretty similar experience when I retired, blue box and everything, 'cept I got ... a plaque!

I happy for you, man, and I'll bet you richly deserve it.

 

[ADKWOODSMAN]

Some people. Gotta love um!

Welcome to the 1911 side.

Congrats.

 

[Capt. Ct.]

Congratulations! I like hearing nice stories once in a while. I am curious as to what kind of job you had. As others have said, some pictures would be nice.

When my wrist went bad I was forced to retire from the post office with 30 years and nine months service. I got uh hmm, nothing. Not even the 30 year pin they owed me.

 

[beamon]

Great achievement and great story, Hardtarget. Only in sections of the country where "people cling to their guns and Bible" could that happen and Thank God there are still areas where this is true! Enjoy!

 

[SwampWolf]

My cheeks hurt because I can't stop grinning!

I imagine they might have been a little damp too. Conratulations on receiving a fine pistol. Sounds like you were pretty deserving of it.

 

[DFM914]

Congrats! Sounds like you work with some great people.

 

[Hardtarget]

Many thanks to all for the kind words! The crew did a GREAT job of hiding this from me until the very last minute! We had a good laugh today over the entire event.

I got home and did a field strip and cleaned it. Its been twenty plus years since I tried this so I read the instructions and "got 'er dun"

Made it to the range this evening. 45 shots at 45 feet with the 45. That sounded about right. All went boom. feed-fire-eject. Police the brass, start over.

The only thing that needs work is me! I tend to push the trigger a bit so this south paw groups to the right some. Remember my age...65=poor vision. I need to find the solution to this so I can see the sights. A group that is basketball size from just 45' is just sad. Like I really needed a reason for more range trips!

Wifey took some pictures. I'll give it a try tomorrow.

New guns are so much fun!

Mark

 

[gamestalker]

How cool!

That's what I call being appreciated, you must be the cream of the crop, as far as an employee is concerned, so I'm sure you deserved it.

Congratulations!!

GS

 

[Pyzon]

As happy as I am that your were blessed with this well deserved attention, it saddens me when I think about just how rare an occurrence this already is, and how rare it will become down the road.

It ain't like it used to be here in America, and at 63, I am afraid of the future.

Congrats, friend, and basketball sized groups at 15 yards is nothing to be ashamed of. I bet you improve on it though.

 

[Lycidas Janwor]

Congratulations on your new pistol! As others have mentioned, it sounds like you've earned much respect and love from those around you over the years. That speaks alot about your character. Again, congratulations, and best wishes to you and your family, friends and co-workers!