Refinish .22 Mag

[naalover]

   

   This Beretta means a lot to me... My Grandfather carried it on his person while flying his Spitfire over the skies of Gibraltar,  Sicily and North Africa as commander of the 308th fighter squadron from 1942-43.  

   

   He told me a story once about how he lost oil pressure behind enemy lines in Italy and had to put his airplane down in a field next to a German camp.  

   

   His flight shot the whole place up so he could make an escape into the outlying forest. He told me how a German troupe marched right below his position in a tree looking for him. The firearm he carried is the one in the photo above.  

   

   Two weeks and 70 pounds later, my Grandpa came upon an English jeep with two drivers and two steering wheels--one for each direction. They took him back to their forward camp and he began to recover. He became so bored that he actually took a rifle and went on patrol with the Brits.  

   

   Notice the XX after the date on the gun in the photo above. That's to mark the year after the Fascist regime was created in 1922. The gun was issued to the Italian army, and was later captured by the Allies. I don't know how my Grandpa came to acquire the gun, but I do know that it won't be leaving my family any time soon.

   

   My Grandfather shot down seven enemy aircraft, and had 17 probable kills during his time in Europe. He was nearly killed on more than one occasion, and that little Beretta is a constant reminder of the sacrifices he made in order for me to be writing this tonight.

[bud]

Great story! Sacrifices that our forefathers made for our country should never be forgotten. Sacrifices that our servicemen and women are given now will long be remembered. All gave some and some gave all! God Bless those that gave.

[silvershooter]

Good story. That's the kind of history that should be preserved and passed down to the next generation. It amazes me that many of those brave servicemen performed their duty honorably while still in their teens (17,18,19). Better men than me I say.  

   In my experience Italian made firearms are beautiful and hold their value. Two buddies and myself were shooting at a private range once. We must have been switching between 20 different revolvers and pistols(we each brought some). Towards the end we shot a Beretta 9mm and it was the most accurate I had been all day. I just can't afford one(model 92) right now.

[grayelky]

If you were to ever get rid of the pistol, and have no family members who want it, I would love to have it along with a notarized copy of the history.

   

   Thank you for providing us the picture and the history behind it.

[lewiss]

A truely great story, and a great keepsake! I once worked a "hobby job" (weekends) at a watch shop and the owner's dad had started the business. He was retired but came in to work on older "problem" watches, especially vintage electrics. He was shot down over Germany and ended up in a Luftstalag. We talked to hours about his story (much to the displeasure of his son who, I am sure, had heard it millions of times before and preferred I was working rather than chatting on his nickel). I have such great respect for those who gave s much for us, and to be able to hear their stories is such a treasure.

[naalover]

My wife recently obtained her concealed carry permit, and I asked her to relay her experience with guns. I think it's a wonderful testimonial to obtain training so that fear may be overcome.

   

   

   Girls Need Guns

   

      Owning and operating a gun was never something of interest to me. My parents did not own guns and, to be honest, they were an enigma. I was a latch key kid who grew up in the heart of Los Angeles, California. I walked home from school alone at the age of eight, baby-sat my siblings at nine, and as I got older, walked around the streets of Los Angeles alone at night. Personal safety was not a phrase in my vocabulary and was certainly not a subject that was discussed in my household. Not until I graduated college did I begin to understand the danger I was exposed to as I walked to my car in dark parking lots, or back to my dorm across campus in the back alley way. Even then, I didn't understand the importance of putting my safety in my own hands. Though I became more aware of my surroundings and the imminent dangers, I still lived my life unprotected.

      

   I purchased a gun about a year ago to have in the house when my husband traveled. He took me to his family ranch to shoot it. Honestly, it terrified me. Instead of making me feel more secure, I felt scared. We kept the bullets separate from the gun in fear one of our kids might find it. Looking back we should have sold it – it was useless to us in that state. I'm sure all bad guys will take a time out while you load your weapon to stop them. I was naïve.

      

   A few months ago, my husband asked me to take a concealed carry class with him. At the time I said yes with the thought that it would be fun and something we could do together. I thought if anything, it would help me overcome my fear of handling guns. The class changed my life. For the first time, I really understood the threat of violence with the understanding that it was my right to protect myself against it. I was not going to be a victim and at the end of the day, my fear of handling guns was gone. I learned about the laws of concealed carry; I learned how to handle and load a gun and I learned the best position for me to shoot if ever under threat in a dangerous situation. When I left the class, there was no doubt I would carry. Knowing what I know now, I can't understand why anyone would not want to control her own safety. I now have my permit and carry a loaded gun with me all the time; a fear I never thought I would overcome.

   

   I am empowered. I am free.

   

   --Jan P.

[tranquilo]

Congratulations, Jan - good job!  I hope you will influence some of your lady friends to also learn how to protect themselves.

[tencubed]

Fifty odd years ago if my sister had not been carrying a derringer she and her friend would have been two more girls that were raped and killed by a pair of brothers.  She put an end to their rampage that had gone on for several months.

   

   I agree wholeheartedly, girls need guns and the training of how, when and why to use them.

   

   Good on you Jan, spread the word.

   

   Mike

[zippovarga]

Jan,

     

        You and Reggie are both inspirations to the beliefs that protection is a necessary element of existence today.  

         

        I, my self, have been around firearms since birth, as have both of my Daughters. My youngest Daughter is Eleven and is a better shot with a pistol than my self. My Eldest Daughter is 15 and has been hunting for three years with Turkeys and Deer (All processed by her and used for meals.)

         

        I feel my Daughters are fortunate to have been raised in an environment that promotes self preservation. They can hunt for them selves and protect them selves without a second thought.  

   

        Now that you and Reggie are comfortable with your firearms, you should consider introducing your children to firearms safety. My local indoor range has classes twice a month for youths and competitions twice a week. It is a great "controlled" environment for the whole family to enjoy the sport of target shooting and it gives the whole family unit a way to hone their skills with their firearms.  

   

        I congratulate you on overcoming your fears. Being able to protect your self and your Family with confidence has got to feel great.Thanks so much for sharing your story. I enjoy Reggie's Blog Spots as he discovers more about this addiction to NAA Minis. You didn't mention what your personal carry firearm is. Care to share with us??  

   

   Kind Regards,

   

   Sean

[naalover]

Sean,

   

   I've been reading aloud all of the comments people have been making to my wife, and she is surprised by the positive feedback. I told her there aren't too many women in the world who choose to carry, so it's unusual. I also enjoyed her story. I asked her to write something, and I really like what she had to say.

   

   As for her carry piece, the day after we took the concealed carry class, she wanted to go get her gun.

   

   Our instructor taught us how the gun should align properly when gripped, and the one that fit her best was the Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm Compact. It's a beautifully made little gun, and she shoots it like a champ.

   

   I put up a silhouette target and load her magazines with a mix of live and dummy rounds. This way, she learns to clear the gun on a misfire as naturally as shooting. I took some video of her doing this the other day, and she amazed me. I did trick her with two dummy rounds in a row, and that got her attention, but she really can handle the gun.

[coinchop]

Jan>

   I am impressed, way to go!

   People need to know, we, both men  

   and women are responsable for our own

   safty.

   My wife doesn't carry but when I am gone  

   out of town there's a gun in bed with her.

   Its a double action Smith which keeps  

   it simple. She has also been known to

   carry a mini into rest stops at times.

   That Smith is always ready to go,ALWAYS!!!

[bud]

My wife has her life time permit, but she is afraid of guns, and WILL NOT carry! Ive tried to teach her about firearms, but she refuses to learn. The only reason why she has a carry permit is because I have a gun in the car, and if she is driving and gets stopped for some reason, she would be in trouble without the permit.

   If they ever have a safety class here again, I think I could talk her into taking the class.

   Her Father was a State Cop, so she is use to guns being in the house, but she is still afraid of them.

[Uncle_Lee]

My wife also has a life time permit and has carried a little Rossi 38spl for years. She no longer has the strength to pull the trigger in double action but she is quick enough on getting it out and shooting it in single action. Her eyes are still good and she can still shoot straight.  

   

   Hey Bud, ask your wife what she would fear more, a gun in her hand or a knife in the hands of an intruder.

[bud]

Ive ask and told her all different kinds of situations, and the answer is always the same.

   Although, when I ask her if she would use a gun to defend one or our grand kids, she doesn't have an answer.

   She says she would rather die than take another life. But, I'm sure if our grandchild was in danger, she would quickly remember what Ive tried to teach her.

[silvershooter]

I enjoyed your story Mrs.NAALOVER. It reminds me about the apprehension my wife feels about CCW, even though she grew up shooting. I think her fear is more about the law and when to shoot. She now carries a BW in her purse most of the time. It's not my first choice for her to carry, but it gives us Both some peace of mind. I wish most every woman in the US had a BW in their purse. Besides a hobby and collecting, I look at guns as a tool like a folding plier set; and I like being prepared.  

   Bud, I can't and won't fault anyone for choosing to not carry or shoot. It's a personal issue that for some could have long-lasting emotional consequences. I'm sure your lady would go down fighting and give her life to protect your grandchild. Besides, a lot of personal safety starts and ends with watching your surroundings and not making yourself an easy target. Still, it's better to have a 38 or 22M nearby.

[babu]

This is my first post.  I just want to echo the congratulations to Jan for making such a wise decision and facing her fears.

   My wife had some hesitations to firearms when we got married; however, she faced her fears and received her ccw 5 years ago.  She has carried everyday since that time.  Last month she got her first NAA Guardian, she no longer carries my XD40.  And she says I will have to get my own Guardian if I want to carry one.

[reprosser]

I convinced my wife to take a CWP class with me about 6 months ago. She had never fired a gun before then, but agreed to attend.

   It was tough for her to overcome her fear of guns, and almost faltered after the first shot on the range - but she held back her tears, and toughed it out. After the class, she wanted to get a gun to carry on our property (50+ acres) and now is comfortable with her .32 revolver.

   She is not ready to carry concealed off our property, but one step at a time...

[coinchop]

Everybody has to start somewhere.

[coopercdrkey]

     

   I know that a large number of Board Members are military veterans.  Me, too.  With the large number of vets returning from service in Iraq, I would like to make a special call out to the VA Medical System, and especially to the Malcom Randall North Florida, South Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, FL.  I hope that every returning vet who is in need of medical help finds a facility and a staff as wonderful as I have found.

   

   And, as always, Thank You for your service.

   

[silvershooter]

Veterans deserve the very best medical care possible, no matter the cost. Glad you're finding what you need in Gainesville CD.

[red14]

Welcome to the forum CD, and thank you for your service.

[silvershooter]

I found this to be an interesting and informative video. There's a lot going on right now and many signs point to another economic slump possibly as early as October. He also talks about freedom and American History.

   http://video.foxnews.com/v/4312463/beck-the-hindenburg-omen">http://video.foxnews.com/v/4312463/beck-the-hindenburg-omen

[sirbarkalot]

I have been a big fan of Glenn Beck since I heard him for the first time on WFLA 970 AM talk radio as I was on the way to a Remington school in Bartow Florida and the department said it was too close to stay overnight and had us drive over every day from Pinellas County.  Bill Clinton had just been elected and he was talking about Hillary.  Every time he said her name, he got terrible stomach cramps and had to throw up into a waste basket.  I thought this was bizarre on the radio in the morning,,,,,,,, As I continued to listen to this,,,, and he kept blaming his nausea on the flu,,,,,,,, but thowing up every time he said "Hillary", it finally dawned on me that this new guy was doing a comedy routine............

   

   He has been moving steadily upward since that start in Tampa on morning drive talk radio.

   

   He has come a long way,,,,,, and made a lot of enemies...............  

   

   Barky

[naalover]

WOW!

   

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM4IgahKHNY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM4IgahKHNY

[zippovarga]

Sweet!

[bama22]

how long between oil changes ?  

   

   I guess the first thing we saw was the starter.

[vegasgeorge]

Somehow the fact it's a sewage pump took the romance out of it for me.  Ugh!!!

[coopercdrkey]

***Pic did not load-  will try again***

[coopercdrkey]

[bama22]

I have a gun like that, wish I had the guitar.

   

   My ax has 88 keys.

   

   Let's see the rest of it.

[bud]

Mine only has 3!

[bama22]

3 ?   wuzzat ?

[bud]

3 trumpets and 2 flugelhorns. Each one has 3 values on the instruments. Trumpets are--Getzen Eterna,

   Olds super, and Bach. Flugelhorns are Kanstul, and one made in Paris France.

[bud]

Oh,  I also have an 88 keyer in the house, but I don't play it. My wife and son takes care of it. It is a Kawai, and it about 5 or 6 years old.

[coopercdrkey]

That is the headstock of a Martin D28, the "first real Martin" as we owner/players somewhat snobbishly dismiss the lesser models.  It is my favorite of about 6 or 7 guitars that I own.  (6 or 7 depending on whether or not I get back a couple that I've loaned out.)

   

   Actually, this summer I have been re-habbing a left thumb surgery, (torn ligament), and the action of the Martin is a little rugged.  My "re-hab guitar" is an Ibanez G100 classical with nylon strings.  Much easier on the hand.