Monday the 20th. I will have been a member here for seven years. I’ve learned a great deal about firearms in general with a special interest in Smith and Wesson products. I’ve had the chance to communicate with some very wise and interesting folks. Yet, most importantly, I’ve made some Good friends here.
Last year I was lucky enough to visit Mule Packer, and his lovely wife Judy, Where I got a firsthand lesson about the day-to-day running of what Chip refers to as his “hobby farm.” Let me tell you, as hard as they work at that place it’s no hobby to me, and I rode a mule for the first time. All in all, I had a great time. Leg three of the same trip I met Biginge where we enjoyed a Texas steak dinner, capped off with a behind the scenes tour of Collectors Firearms in Houston Texas.

Earlier this week I was able travel to the Myrtle Beach area to visit Battery Oaks, Lees Landing Billy and his charming wife Ronnie-Sue’s home. Which include a private range that would put most commercial ranges to shame. There are numerous shooting options, from a C.Q.B house out to a 300-yard rifle range. Instead of a guy stuff room Billy has his own private “guy stuff” building, which is filled with mementos of his love of his home state. As well as enough assorted firearms to stock a quality gun shop. Everything from antiques, to modern firearms, and an impressive assortment Colt SSA revolvers many of which had been custom engraved. If this was not enough there was enough custom real ivory stocks to put a PETA member in to cardiac arrest.

The next day Billy introduced me to his friend Mike the owner of B&M Rifles, who make top of the line custom Big Bore firearms. By Big Bore I mean .400 -500 caliber dangerous game rifles. B&M also develops and manufactures ammo for their rifles. Mike was/is one of the nicest and unassuming gentleman I’ve met in years. Mike could be the poster child for the old saw, “the only difference between a man and boy is the price of his toys” Mike’s guy stuff room had to many, to count, mounted trophies from his 30+ African safaris, a full-sized piano, pool table, and bar area. None of this crowds the room. Mike was kind enough to offer us expresso which was fixed and delivered by Mike’s personal butler.

Sometimes a little rain must fall on an adventure. Billy and I had planned on Thursday as a range day, but do to cold weather, high winds, along with the fact I contacted a sever but shorty lived case of food poisoning we were unable to shoot and I headed for home a day early.

If anyone of you are ever given the chance to visit either Mule Packer, Lees Landing Billy, or Biginge, plan on meeting some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Have a good and a safe weekend all,

Fred

P.s thanks to all of you for good enough people that I wanted to share part of my life with.

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Always Stay Strong!

A beautiful testament for some salt-of-the-earth forum members.

I bet they'd say the same about the old bear.

Well if you ever get down to the Houston area again please give me a call. I haven't gotten to meet any of this great cyber family and I'd sure love to make some big changes in that!

I haven't been a member here quite as long as you but I've had the same experiences with learning and making great friends. Logging in in here is the only thing I insist on doing every day. everything else can just wait until I get around to it.

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Real men love cats!

Fred, I am so glad that you had such a memorable visit. As far as you making friends, I'm not surprised as I know you could get along with a parking meter.

I'm on deck. God willing, Ruthie and I will see you and Watchdog in June.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

Great story, Fred. Good to hear that you are doing well, and enjoying life!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Fred, thanks for the nice words. The pleasure was all ours. I think if somebody has something bad to say about old bear, you better give those folks a wide berth. You said you were disappointed not to see a whole elephant in the game room, I promise you Mike has one, it's just disassembled. Waiting for your return my friend.

Fred, believe me it was our pleasure. Ms. Judy and I still talk about the wonderful time we had when you visited.

I'm going to have to agree with Rusty. If someone can't get along with you, they can't get along with anybody.

There will always be a mule saddled and ready for you any time you come out again.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

Billy, I'll be the first to admit I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I don't believe elephants come in kit form... We got lots of summer time to check on that, OK?

Chip, both of us have a milestone B-day coming up about a week apart in 2018. I think it would be a nice idea to enjoy it together..

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Always Stay Strong!