I just noted that I have made 1957 "liked" posts since the Big Monkey took over this forum and started keeping score on that. That number also signifies the year I graduated from high school and embarked on adult life!

With nothing more than that as an impetus, I'm announcing a karma!

I will give away a free copy of my book, "101 Classic Firearms," autographed to you or to someone of your choice.

Here's the deal.

Write a note here, in 1,000 words or less, why you would like to win the book. Simple as that.

My wife and I will select the winner on July 15, and I will announce the winner here.

Here's a copy of the book review that appeared in The American Rifleman recently for reference!



Have at it, and good luck!

Best to all,

John

7/15/16: The winner is announced in comment #35 below!

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

John, I can name that tune in far fewer than a thousand words.

My son is raising his three boys, ages seventeen, fifteen and twelve, to be safe, proficient shooters of a variety of firearms. They have been trained to appreciate guns and their capabilities, to revere nature, to be responsible outdoorsmen and to respect life.

I would love to give them a copy of your splendid book to further their education so they can pass their knowledge to their own children one day.

Thanks for the most generous karma offer.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I'd like to win it because I should have bought it months ago.

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Not in jail.

John, when I was 5 years old (that would have been 1949) a family friend took his two boys to the city dump to plink some bottles and cans. He invited me to go along and to my surprise my mom ok'd the deal. We were shooting an old single shot .22. When I pulled the trigger for the fist time I knew instantly that shooting guns would be a thing I'd love all my life.

I was right too!

In the service I had the opportunity to get some small arms training from the Navy and the Marine corps both. I loved shootin' the guns!

When I got home I was in college and only working part time with a wife and baby. Wife worked but still money was tight. I had a few Saturday night specials but mostly junk.

When I remarried I was still makin' it on the junk. When The new wife became pregnant she insisted that there be no guns in the house. I tried to back her up some but it was not happening.

I...choke....sold all my guns.

When "the baby" was 15 my dear friend gave me a 1973 SS Ruger blackhawk. First year it came with the transfer bar. THAT was the kick off for my second gun career. Then I got my good job and was finally able to afford some nice stuff. But I still had half a 2 car garage full of gun magazines and books

Fast forward a few decades and I'm now old and have thinned the heard. Got rid of all but 5 calibers. No more long guns. Just a couple of six shooters a .45 1911 and a .22 1911 and a .357mag oh and my little bug the Keltec .32.

Most of the gun magazines and books are gone. I wore them out. Your fine book would compensate this old gun nut for his diminished numbers of guns and reading (with Pics) material.

I'm an old man now. I've out grown a lot of the things I have loved. But I haven't out grown my love for guns even if it's mostly reading about them and looking at pictures these days.

Thank you for this most generous and special karma and thank you for considering my entry.

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Real men love cats!

I would like to Throw my (Virtual) Hat in

WHY???

Because I think it's a "Cant do without it" Reference

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Compact 9mm Just my $0.02

John, I can’t think of a valid reason, why I should be your karma winner, except I’d really like to have a copy of your book. So please put my name in the hat.

Thanks,

Fred

Although i doubt that you would like to send a copy to Sweden i'd like to enter your very generous karma anyway.

Why you say?
Because i really like to read your posts about firearms here at the S&W Forum.
But since i have a stationary PC i can't take it with me to a comfy chair
That's why i'd like to have a book instead

Thank you for offering this Book as a Karma, even if i don't win it.

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Jamie wants big boom

Wife has been bugging me for new coffee table. Might have to do it if I get a new coffee table book . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I would like the book because I need reading material.

Put me in coach!

Very nice gesture!

Thanks.

I'm in, thanks for a great karma offer...always looking for additional
information on various firearms.

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OGCA Member.

John - I will throw my chance in the hat!

I already own your book. It's outstanding. I read every page and used it to compare to my own collection..."how many of these do I have..."
I also enjoy the Blue Press mailings with those articles as they come out.

What I would like to do, if selected, is "gift" it to a a person who is an ardent supporter of the Second Amendment, a U.S. Citizen and one who vocalizes their interest, knowledge and support of firearms, their ownership and their proper use via social media. I don't mean someone who speaks on behalf of a certain company. I mean a person who is a firearm enthusiast and gets the word out (properly and professionally). I'm friends with a few and follow many more via social media outlets like Facebook and Instagram. I think gifting your book to one, so that they may increase their knowledge even more, is a step in the right direction for them.

John:

I already bought your fine book, and even went for the autographed copy. I have enjoyed it very much, and your photography is as good as your prose!!! I think that your offer is most generous, but I will pass, as I already have one... But thanks anyway.

And guys, if you don't win one, it is worth the price to buy one!!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

guys and gals: sign up for this Karma. I got an early autographed copy when it first came out. great reading even tho it has a lot of non S&W guns in it. John, don't put my name in the hat. lee

John, I'd love to win this book. Not for myself (I have one already) but for a very good life long friend of mine. He enjoyed, very much, thumbing through mine when he last visited me. It would be a pleasure to present to him his own autographed copy. I know that he would be thrilled.
Thanks for the chance sir.

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I reckon so

I read posts where I thought, "Aw, they really should have the book." The only reason I can give for having it is that I want it. Looks like mighty interesting reading to me. Well, if I don't win one I suppose I could always buy it.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Sitting here drinking an adult beverage, trying to think of something snarky to say. Well that escaped me so I will be honest and just say that it would be an honor to have an autographed copy of your book.

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Corripe Cervisiam

I'd like to win it just so I can argue with you about the guns you left out, and point out your spelling errors and grammatical mistakes.


That probably ruined my chances of winning.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

I'd like to have this book, so put me in for the drawing... Anything that can increase my knowledge or causes me to reconsider my choices for better options is an asset.

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be safe,enjoylife,journey well

Because I know some S&W revolvers will be in it!

I'd like a copy of your book b/c I love books (hate reading on a screen), plus I like to learn new stuff and share it with others. I hope one day our kids will be mature enough and get involved in the shooting sport. And books can have a big impact on a kids life... just like they had on mine.

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Jorge

I would love to own an autographed copy of your great book. I bought a copy for my son, and when we visit, i always take it down and look through it. Thanks for offering the karma.

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I used to be disgusted..

Would like a copy.

Considering my luck with lottery; I will just buy a copy.

Bekeart

Since I know of two writers on the forum and I have an autographed copy of fone of them. Then It would seem that I would like to have one from you also. If I dont win then thats ok to. Just please give it to someone that will read and cherish the book for whats in it.

It's my birthday....
In please-

I am having ear surgery (stapedectomy) on July 25th and will have to keep a low profile just hanging out in the house for 5 days.

This book sure would help pass the time!

Thanks for the chance.

I'd like to win because it looks like a good read.
Also, I'd like to see how much our gun experiences overlap.
Got a feeling we've shot a lot of the same guns over the years.

I have been reading your articles ever since they started showing up as the "centerfold" in the Dillon publication that shows up in my mailbox on a timely basis. Carefully removing then staples to avoid damage I remove the articles and store them in a folder. They are very useful information when I consider the purchase of a particular firearm or simply want a little history on one I already have. The articles are really beginning to show some wear and tear so a compilation in the form of a book would be great. Please consider me.

I would like to read your book 101 Classic Firearms. Add me also.

Thanks

I have an extensive firearms library and have read and own many books like the one you are generously offering. The receipt of another such book will surely make my wife angry and give her blessed heart what she treasures most in this world, yet another reason to complain each day, every day, all day, to the merciful end of my days. Please, put me in!

Great Karma!

I have a autographed copy, so if I win please send it to the next guy!

Great Book!

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Still Running Against the Wind

Bump to top -

Just two more days on this Karma! Read the rules at the top, and don't neglect to enter!

Best of luck,
Joh

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Last day to get your entry in! Decision tomorrow!!

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I would like to win the book not because it is free. I would like to win the book as a reminder that we the people must be allowed the freedom to own and bear arms. That right must not be taken away. A book of firearms is a history of a nation rich in the right to bear arms.

The winner is...

SHOULDAZAGGED!

Please PM me with your mailing address and to whom you want the book autographed!

Best,
John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Congratulations to Shouldazagged! I heartily agree with Palidin's Choice. When I read the winning entry I remember thinking that if it were up to me to pick the winner that would have been my choice.

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Real men love cats!

Can't think of a more deserving ol' Fudd!
Good things to good people...

Yes, that was a great entry!! Congratulations to the winner, and to John for his cool karma!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

The book is on the way to the winner, "shouldazagged", as I write these lines.

I'd like to thank all who entered this Karma giveaway; there were some great entries and the choice was not easy.

For those who would like to order a copy directly from Dillon, you can call 1-800-223-4570 and one of the reps will fix you up with one!

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Many thanks, John. My son and his boys will be delighted with your most generous gift.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Not as happy as my wife would have been with a new coffee table . . .

Congratulations!

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Congrats...

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Jorge