[Danr55]

Allow me to respond in all seriousness to both Fatboy and CCX...First let me apologize for the sarcasm in my previous post. It was juvenile. CCX allow me, as Dave did, to thank you for your service. Many of us on the AZ board also served, so I understand your pride in what you've done. While I don't recall crossing with anyone from the 8th division while in country, I'm sure that was because they were in the south while I was in the Central Highlands and I Corp. So, for your service, Thanks.. as to all who served. As for the propriety of discussing weapons or firearms or any topic on this forum, I believe that is best left to the administrators to determine. I guess it's kind of like a TV show that you don't like. You just change the channel. I, personally, find any topic that is related to the freedoms we enjoy in this country appropriate in any forum. Any forum that does not believe that to be appropriate, does not need me as a member. The Second Amendment, like the entire Bill of Rights, is a jewel in the crown of American Freedom. It provides us with protection not only from persons who would do us harm, but from governments both foreign and domestic who would infringe on those rights that so many of us have offered up our lives to defend. So I offer this advice in all seriousness, if you find the discussion of firearms offensive, then I suggest you change the channel and continue to live your life as you see fit and permit us the same freedom. We offer no personal offense nor accept any personal affront.

Fatboy, If you read what I've written above, you will see what "protection" we choose to exercise in this country. We do not wish to accept the subjegation that has been levied on so many persons in so many other countries. Call it the "cowboy spirit" if you will or any other name that catagorizes or catalogues it for you. I choose to call it American Pride. We are different from the citizens of other countries and I, for one, take great joy in that difference. I have firearms to protect me from any one who would do me or my loved ones or friends harm. Be it individual, group, or government. I pray that I will never take up arms out of fear or anger again, but if needs be, then so be it. As for your choice of weapons, I had a sargent who used to tell me that if I didn't shoot 'til I saw the whites of their eyes, I waited too damned long. So I choose something other than a shotgun for personal defense. As for sporting arms, it's difficult to shoot an elk at 250 yards with a shotgun.. It's also difficult to swing a shotgun effectively in the confines of a room. So unless I'm hunting birds or shooting clays, I'll choose a different tool. Then to each his own.

I hope what I've written here explains a bit more about how I feel and what I believe. I require no one to agree with me but only ask them to allow me the same freedom of choice and belief that I permit them. No sarcasm and no affront to anyone.

Thanks for listening.