Oleg Volk
Moderator Emeritus
Feel free to re-post the question (minus the THR reference) on your own blog or web site. A little self-reflection can be very useful.
THR is...
- Thread starter Oleg Volk
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TallPine
Member
Community: I keep the neighbors used to having gunfire in the neighborhood as often as possible (I live on 40 acres and have a little range out behind the house). 
THR: Believe it or not, I refrain from posting a smart aleck comment once in a while ...
THR: Believe it or not, I refrain from posting a smart aleck comment once in a while ...
VMI 1991
Member
I put on the uniform every day.
I spend what seems like a tremendous amount of time at sea.
I do my best to be a good husband and father.
I spend what seems like a tremendous amount of time at sea.
I do my best to be a good husband and father.
Ryder
Member
I just gotta be me and I don't come with a checklist
At the indoor rent-a-range last week... Took my Canadian friend who was visiting. She loves shooting pistols. After she shot up all my ammo I planned to try out the C-mag I bought for my Bushy. I've had that magazine topped off in the safe since the AWB died and still didn't know if it functioned.
We had the place to ourselves until about the time she got done shooting when a couple young brothers joined us busting caps with their Nines at life-sized depictions of a large redneck. They were having some difficulty but the range manager handled it. I broke out the AR, inserted the C-mag, set it on the bench, and waited until they were pasting holes and loading mags. Touched off the first round. BOOM - Hey, those guys really can jump!
Lots of exclamations and animations from over that way. I paused to ask them if I was bothering them, did they mind? They insisted I continue, everything was fine (their eyes said 
)
Well alrighty then Lined up and Boom - Boom - Boom. Pause for analysis. Still feeding like a champ. Nobody is crowding the line. Good to go. B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-BOOM. C-mag rocks!!! I had lots more shots but somewhere toward the middle of the magazine the gas cloud began to overpower the capacity of the ventilation system (and me) so I set the gun down to cool and find some air to breath.
The boyz were pacing around behind me somewhat agitated. Lots of questions. Neither had apparently shot a rifle before so I offered each of them an opportunity to touch off a few well aimed rounds and they accepted. I gave each of them short personal instruction on where to place their hands and how the safety/sights function. Couldn't tell where they hit as my target was well used but they did display impressive confidence, form, and maturity.
I left the room hearing how disillusioned they were by the power of their pistols and how they now know what they're getting for next Christmas. Judging by the bling-car in the parking lot I don't them.
It felt good to introduce them to a different aspect of shooting. If I wasn't having so much fun I might have even remembered to tell them about this web site. Probably should use a checklist, eh?
At the indoor rent-a-range last week... Took my Canadian friend who was visiting. She loves shooting pistols. After she shot up all my ammo I planned to try out the C-mag I bought for my Bushy. I've had that magazine topped off in the safe since the AWB died and still didn't know if it functioned.
We had the place to ourselves until about the time she got done shooting when a couple young brothers joined us busting caps with their Nines at life-sized depictions of a large redneck. They were having some difficulty but the range manager handled it. I broke out the AR, inserted the C-mag, set it on the bench, and waited until they were pasting holes and loading mags. Touched off the first round. BOOM - Hey, those guys really can jump!
Lots of exclamations and animations from over that way. I paused to ask them if I was bothering them, did they mind? They insisted I continue, everything was fine (their eyes said )Well alrighty then
Lined up and Boom - Boom - Boom. Pause for analysis. Still feeding like a champ. Nobody is crowding the line. Good to go. B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-BOOM. C-mag rocks!!! I had lots more shots but somewhere toward the middle of the magazine the gas cloud began to overpower the capacity of the ventilation system (and me) so I set the gun down to cool and find some air to breath. The boyz were pacing around behind me somewhat agitated. Lots of questions.
Neither had apparently shot a rifle before so I offered each of them an opportunity to touch off a few well aimed rounds and they accepted. I gave each of them short personal instruction on where to place their hands and how the safety/sights function. Couldn't tell where they hit as my target was well used but they did display impressive confidence, form, and maturity. I left the room hearing how disillusioned they were by the power of their pistols and how they now know what they're getting for next Christmas. Judging by the bling-car in the parking lot I don't them.
It felt good to introduce them to a different aspect of shooting. If I wasn't having so much fun I might have even remembered to tell them about this web site. Probably should use a checklist, eh?
Stiletto Null
Member
The shift in attitudes over on Internet Infidels (particularly of the user MonCapitan___) has been interesting. When I first started getting into the armament debates, there was a lot of (pretty shrill) anti- sentiment.
These days, there are still plenty of people afoot who "don't like" guns, but the overall tone when it comes to RKBA issues has become a lot more temperate. I like to think I actually got a couple of people interested in gun ownership.
It helps that every now and then people come in with stories of how some crazy s*** went down and they thought they were going to die or get hurt, stuff like that.
I dunno, the blissininny factor has dropped off dramatically over the past year.
Gun Control, a thread which started up on April 20th (heh) a year ago. I often refer to this thread as "the thread which shall not be named".
An Argument Against Gun Control, a more recent thread started up July 22nd this year.
And yes, this is a shameless plug to get more people to join up at II.
These days, there are still plenty of people afoot who "don't like" guns, but the overall tone when it comes to RKBA issues has become a lot more temperate. I like to think I actually got a couple of people interested in gun ownership.
It helps that every now and then people come in with stories of how some crazy s*** went down and they thought they were going to die or get hurt, stuff like that.
I dunno, the blissininny factor has dropped off dramatically over the past year.
Gun Control, a thread which started up on April 20th (heh) a year ago. I often refer to this thread as "the thread which shall not be named".
An Argument Against Gun Control, a more recent thread started up July 22nd this year.
And yes, this is a shameless plug to get more people to join up at II.
Stiletto Null
Member
Oh right.
What have I done to contribute to the THR community...
Posted a bunch of math, numbers, and product recommendations (aka "unpaid advertisements") for people who were asking about stuff.
What have I done to contribute to the THR community...
Posted a bunch of math, numbers, and product recommendations (aka "unpaid advertisements") for people who were asking about stuff.
Stickjockey
Member
sm said:
Was one of those people, albeit not of a topic specifically mentioned:
Yup; did that too. Also talked with Kath and others about equipment needs for ladies who CCW.
Had a pleasant discussion with a guy behind the Sportsman's Warehouse gun counter, complimenting him for advising a lady patron to go rent several guns at a local range and get a feel for what fits her.
NailGun
Member
Thank You Oleg. I do keep trying, one person at a time. I am sure the Good Lord put this person on the earth for the sole reason of teaching me patience and humility. I may indeed have a positive affect on him yet. Perseverance! (Oh, and GREAT forum. I have enjoyed reading the posts here for years.) Thanks again, NailGun
Big Mike
Member
Me? Lots of talking to people about gun ownership and the responsibilities therein. I also refer people to THR as often as the topic comes up. Share what you know, learn what you don't...that type of thing!
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
I share that concern larry but we all have to somehow do what we can to encourage free thinking and hope it rubs off.
I try to give back now and again thru my NRA teaching involvment as well as grabbing any chance to educate fence sitters and even rabid anti's.!
Plus - a community spirit for the dissemination and sharing of knowledge on RKBA matters.
AStone
Member
As for what I've done on THR to be more supportive of personal liberty, I'll let others be the judge. I hope it's positive. That is my intention. My published record can speak for itself.Oleg said:
As for doing that in my "own environment", I'll offer up the following excerpt from a letter that I sent to a close friend who is the epitome of an "anti".
When he found out last summer that I am a gun owner, and that I have been since I was 9, he was deeply shocked...and - me thinks - awed.
He doesn't come around much now, yet still remains in contact.
I recently sent him the following after I told him about an online gun forum (THR) to which I belong. I was trying to convey to him the intellectual, responsible, freedom-loving nature of THR.
I received a one "word" response from him: "Hmmm".
_____
For the record, I'm not trying to sell you or convert you on this issue. I know - or at least strongly suspect - that's not going to happen. I suspect this is one of those life issues that you and I will have to respectfully agree to disagree on. I'm OK with that.
No, instead, I'm only trying to offer you some insight into a really ... interesting subset of modern culture that you otherwise probably wouldn't experience, and to try to dispel the perception (discussed regularly on the forum) that gun owners are ubiquitously a bunch of loony, right-wing nuts out to destroy civility and peace.
That forum is bending over backwards to promote responsibility, intelligence, and education on a very wide range of issues around firearms and non-firearm weapons (knives, swords, pepper spray, etc).
I've been quite impressed by the degree of attention given to gun safety, restraint in use (against humans, last resort only to avoid being killed), the importance of trying to defuse situations to avoid escalation, etc.
The moderators remind us often of the incredible importance of safety, the four rules of gun safety: 1) every gun is always {assumed} loaded even if it's not; 2) never point a gun at anything that you wouldn't want to destroy; 3) keep your finger off the trigger at all times until the moment that you are going to fire; 4) make sure you know what's behind the target.
The owner and moderators are explicitly clear that any members advocating irresponsible use of guns - including vindictive reprisals, criminal use, etc, will be banned. It's happened more than once. (There are thousands of international members.)
Since virtually everyone on the forum is a gun owner (some own many), there is an almost uncanny felt sense of "let's all keep our heads screwed on here; no need to upset anyone." Nobody is tiptoeing, but there's a decided emphasis on mutual respect (even though there are some very serious and testy debates at times, there is a decided lack of ad hominem.) -)
All in all, it's one of the most ... interesting and ... enlightening (broadly speaking, eye opening, some positive, some positively sobering) experiences I've had on the Internet.
grampster
Member
I talk about THR all the time, APS and TFL too.
Got NRA stickers on all my rolling stock.
I wear my multi-pistola pic t-shirt with Celebrate Diversity in large yellow letters.
Wear my Molone Labe hat, too. Both are conversations starters.
The best reaction to my hat was a lady MD swmbo and I met in our yearly pilgrimage to Key West. She's Greek and could actually read it. Found out she is a staunch 2A supporter and likes firearms. Got another T-shirt with a gilly suited sniper and spotter with a .50. Words say "672 Grains of Diplomacy". That one gets some winks and grins, too.
Brought my kids up right. One loves firearms and shoots and hunts. Handing that down to grandkids. Set them straight when they come from government school with some baloney.
Got NRA stickers on all my rolling stock.
I wear my multi-pistola pic t-shirt with Celebrate Diversity in large yellow letters.
Wear my Molone Labe hat, too. Both are conversations starters.
The best reaction to my hat was a lady MD swmbo and I met in our yearly pilgrimage to Key West. She's Greek and could actually read it. Found out she is a staunch 2A supporter and likes firearms. Got another T-shirt with a gilly suited sniper and spotter with a .50. Words say "672 Grains of Diplomacy". That one gets some winks and grins, too.
Brought my kids up right. One loves firearms and shoots and hunts. Handing that down to grandkids. Set them straight when they come from government school with some baloney.
A military veteran friend of mine who has not handled a firearm since discharge about 40 years ago, asked me a few questions about what handguns I had and I gave him this site as my favorite forum. He has visited, but I don't think he has joined yet.
I also took him shooting a couple of times.
I also took him shooting a couple of times.
Anytime the "Mainstream Mass Media" gets any firearm/RKBA item wrong, I call them on the issue. Have pointed local TV "News Departments" to both here and The Firing Line.
Not sure if any of it is getting through, but I don't let local media get a pass on anything important to us.
Not sure if any of it is getting through, but I don't let local media get a pass on anything important to us.
sm
member
Stickjockey wrote:
Yes! I am very grateful as well.
I hope like heck Brady , DU and Tyranny is reading this, and chokes! I have to share somethings.
Folks are doing a LOT off forum!
Staff and Moderators are doing a LOT more than giving time and money to run this site, many are doing so much more - folks would not believe it all.
Members too! Oh yes, I know this all too well and I only know a smidgen of what-all goes on.
Regular Members, from new, to old, from a few post counts to many are doing a lot behind the monitor, not posting publicly.
Regular Members Staff gathering information, doing research, spending their own money, and writing articles for something for THR.
Regular Members / Staff teaching, instructing, invloved in RKBA from email and letters to one fellows fight for voting rights - getting thim ossed in jail and beating a BIG System.
Blogs, oh we have some folks with blogs that would blow your mind, then add websites they do, others keep these running, all sorts of IT being used, and not just on THR, instead taking Rich's challenge to those of us at that time to raise the bar higher than TFL did.
THR came about, and theses challenges continue not only on TFL now re-opened, also here on THR, other sister sites, blogs, websites, works being written , works published, also in other areas of personal lives.
Personally, I again received something in the mail, a book I am getting to read on loan, a special book to me, sent by a good friend I met thru THR.
I have hugged, cried, laughed myself silly with folks I met here. I have met only a few, but I can walk Larry's legs off at a Tulsa gun show. His family is living the Misson Statement of THR , like so many here.
Preacherman, Chris and his wonderful wife, Smoke_Risen and his wife, Larry and Sandy and all kinfolks...granted Sadie steals the show. ["kink you" ] his mom says I am great guy [don't argue with Larry's mom ], and then too many to mention I have not met in person, from here in the states to...well, if the bridge to New Zealand ever gets finished, I may not to ride in the wife's Ferrari, but this member's wife says the Dog house will accomodate me just fine. I get a extra blanket too if need.
One does not have, much less receive things such as this from other forums.
THR, TFL and sisters sites "have it" , Brady, DU and other Tyranny sites , I hope you choke on that fact.
Yes! I am very grateful as well.
I hope like heck Brady , DU and Tyranny is reading this, and chokes! I have to share somethings.
Folks are doing a LOT off forum!
Staff and Moderators are doing a LOT more than giving time and money to run this site, many are doing so much more - folks would not believe it all.
Members too! Oh yes, I know this all too well and I only know a smidgen of what-all goes on.
Regular Members, from new, to old, from a few post counts to many are doing a lot behind the monitor, not posting publicly.
Regular Members Staff gathering information, doing research, spending their own money, and writing articles for something for THR.
Regular Members / Staff teaching, instructing, invloved in RKBA from email and letters to one fellows fight for voting rights - getting thim ossed in jail and beating a BIG System.
Blogs, oh we have some folks with blogs that would blow your mind, then add websites they do, others keep these running, all sorts of IT being used, and not just on THR, instead taking Rich's challenge to those of us at that time to raise the bar higher than TFL did.
THR came about, and theses challenges continue not only on TFL now re-opened, also here on THR, other sister sites, blogs, websites, works being written , works published, also in other areas of personal lives.
Personally, I again received something in the mail, a book I am getting to read on loan, a special book to me, sent by a good friend I met thru THR.
I have hugged, cried, laughed myself silly with folks I met here. I have met only a few, but I can walk Larry's legs off at a Tulsa gun show. His family is living the Misson Statement of THR , like so many here.
Preacherman, Chris and his wonderful wife, Smoke_Risen and his wife, Larry and Sandy and all kinfolks...granted Sadie steals the show. ["kink you"
] his mom says I am great guy [don't argue with Larry's mom ], and then too many to mention I have not met in person, from here in the states to...well, if the bridge to New Zealand ever gets finished, I may not to ride in the wife's Ferrari, but this member's wife says the Dog house will accomodate me just fine. I get a extra blanket too if need. One does not have, much less receive things such as this from other forums.
THR, TFL and sisters sites "have it" , Brady, DU and other Tyranny sites , I hope you choke on that fact.
El Tejon
Member
I'm all about the concepts of personal liberty. I'm just back from the county jug where I got two people their liberty back (well, got their bonds lowered).
I've furthered the cause of personal liberty this month by getting a Murder dismissed, winning a motion to suppress on a dope misdemeanor and a motion to dismiss on a resisting LE and got a real sweet deal on a Conspiracy to Manufacture Meth.
The rest???? . . . well, let's not talk about it now. Sometimes I further liberty but people do not want it.
I'm just back from the county jug where I got two people their liberty back (well, got their bonds lowered).I've furthered the cause of personal liberty this month by getting a Murder dismissed, winning a motion to suppress on a dope misdemeanor and a motion to dismiss on a resisting LE and got a real sweet deal on a Conspiracy to Manufacture Meth.
The rest???? . . . well, let's not talk about it now. Sometimes I further liberty but people do not want it.
md7
Member
don't know if anything i have done has made a difference, but i guess every little bit helps. for one thing, i joined this forum. i have been a reader of this forum for some time, and have found it to be the most friendly, and in my opinion, most knowlegable group of users that i have came across. i think it is a good thing for a group of people that are like minded about the second ammendment and experienced firearm owners to come onto a forum like this, and provide their knowlege to each other and anyone that will ask. other than joining this forum, i talked my brother into going with me to get CCW's, and a couple of weeks ago, took a friend to shoot skeet. i taught him how to use a shotgun, shoot skeet, and low and behold he is now a brand new gun owner. also, my brother is about to purchase his first pistol. i don't take the credit for it though. anybody that would give shooting half a chance would enjoy it.
Keith Wheeler
Member
This month:
1) Went through a concealed carry class with my wife, and got her set up for private lessons because she wants to be a better shot.
2) Started collecting parts to build an FAL as a present for a friend who otherwise wouldn't be able to have one. (time/money issue)
3) Continued to support the right of all (regardless of race, creed, nationality, religion, orientation, personal taste in music/clothes/whatever) to individual freedom of action, defence, and thought.
4) Does this really count? I bought pizza for a bunch of guys and gals in the IDF.
1) Went through a concealed carry class with my wife, and got her set up for private lessons because she wants to be a better shot.
2) Started collecting parts to build an FAL as a present for a friend who otherwise wouldn't be able to have one. (time/money issue)
3) Continued to support the right of all (regardless of race, creed, nationality, religion, orientation, personal taste in music/clothes/whatever) to individual freedom of action, defence, and thought.
4) Does this really count? I bought pizza for a bunch of guys and gals in the IDF.
CAPTAIN MIKE
Member
Little Things Add Up
* I shake the hand of every veteran I meet, in uniform or not, and I thank them for their service in the defense of our Nation;
* I take every opportunity to tell a police officer and firefighter with a wave and a comment "thanks for being out here today. We appreciate it."
* I teach Cub Scouts firearm safety with bb-guns, help Boy Scouts earn their riflle and shotgun merit badgel; and volunteer with a co-ed Venture Scout unit in teaching them archery, rifle and handgun skills and safety;
* I encourage people to consider several options for family safety -- having a plan in the event of a terrorist incident in our city, exercising personal awareness and gaining skills with martial arts and defensive firearms;
* I also encourage people to vote, go camping, go fishing, show respect for our flags, and spend more time actually playing with their kids.
* I shake the hand of every veteran I meet, in uniform or not, and I thank them for their service in the defense of our Nation;
* I take every opportunity to tell a police officer and firefighter with a wave and a comment "thanks for being out here today. We appreciate it."
* I teach Cub Scouts firearm safety with bb-guns, help Boy Scouts earn their riflle and shotgun merit badgel; and volunteer with a co-ed Venture Scout unit in teaching them archery, rifle and handgun skills and safety;
* I encourage people to consider several options for family safety -- having a plan in the event of a terrorist incident in our city, exercising personal awareness and gaining skills with martial arts and defensive firearms;
* I also encourage people to vote, go camping, go fishing, show respect for our flags, and spend more time actually playing with their kids.
Amish_Bill
Member
Nothing for THR yet this week, but I'm helping a non-owner get his first HD battery (G19 & 870). Once they get equiped I'll probably be taking them to the range for an intro course too. Later on, I'll be giving another guy and his wife basic firearms training.
S_O_Laban
Member
I'm sorta suprised to find myself replying to this thread.
I don't feel like I do all that much. As I go over the lists others here have posted I certainly wish I had more in the way of material goods to donate/use for the cause.
But after reflecting on it I realized that I had/am doing one of the most vital things any of us can do. Pass on your love of freedom and the Second Ammendment to the next generation.
My 3 kids may never share my passion for gun ownership in the same way I do. But they all know and understand about the Second Amendment and the Bill of Rights and how important gun ownership is to preserving freedom for the American way.
I also vote, NRA member for the last 6 years, member of 2 local gunrights Orgs. and try to live a life where I can be convicted of being an upstanding, moral and honest patriot of this great Country.
I don't feel like I do all that much. As I go over the lists others here have posted I certainly wish I had more in the way of material goods to donate/use for the cause.
But after reflecting on it I realized that I had/am doing one of the most vital things any of us can do. Pass on your love of freedom and the Second Ammendment to the next generation.
My 3 kids may never share my passion for gun ownership in the same way I do. But they all know and understand about the Second Amendment and the Bill of Rights and how important gun ownership is to preserving freedom for the American way.
I also vote, NRA member for the last 6 years, member of 2 local gunrights Orgs. and try to live a life where I can be convicted of being an upstanding, moral and honest patriot of this great Country.
Rich K
Member
I try to get as many people to the range and get them to start shooting as I can. This includes both male and female. I share pro liberty and pro freedom books from my library whenever asked, and only tell people that borrow to feel free to pass the books on to someone else who is interested.
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