Does anybody care why I don't post much anymore?

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Wed May 02, 2012 9:41 pm

Well, since I do have a few friends here that might be interested I'll tell you why.

In the past two or three years I've been shooting maybe a half dozen times total. The last time was April of last year when I shot the Marlin MR-7 it's one and only time.
It's no fun shooting in IL, and it's very expensive. I just can't afford $10.00 per hour for range time + the gas to shoot.
My health has deteriorated since I crashed my bicycle last year and I've been unable to get treatment, or a Dr who even cares to work out a diagnosis. And I can't afford the specialists that would. Exacerbating this is a neck injury that was badly aggravated by that crash that's leaving my right side numb when I stand more than 10 minutes. I've also lost much of the dexterity in my right hand.

With the economy the way it is our finances have deteriorated drastically. So I have put all shooting purchases on a hiatus.

What it comes down to is I have nothing new to discuss and most of what I know is so old and out of date it's rarely of use to anyone.

So, I read and occasionally post.

I'm not gone, just standing back out of the way watching the rest of you play.

Joe

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Wed May 02, 2012 9:56 pm

Sorry to hear of your challenges Joe. Keep on keepin on Brother, and prayers headed your way.

Malamute · Post by **Malamute** » Wed May 02, 2012 9:57 pm

Sorry to hear you've had a rough time lately Joe. Hope you can get your health squared away.

I've been wondering what became of you, hadn't seen you post much lately. I often just stop in for a few minutes and look around, I never log on unless I'm going to post, and often dont hang around long afterwards, just have other things I look at and other things I need to do.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed May 02, 2012 10:01 pm

Hang in there, Joe.....

Rube Burrows · Post by **Rube Burrows** » Wed May 02, 2012 10:07 pm

Glad to hear you are okay....even if some things are not all that great. Good luck with your health issues.

DixieBoy · Post by **DixieBoy** » Wed May 02, 2012 10:18 pm

Hang in there Joe. I've had my share (maybe more) of troubles over the past year or so, but they haven't killed me off yet !

Sometimes it helps to just get up and do something different, anything really, just to get yourself in motion. Don't let the blues set up house inside yourself. This is easier said than done, but it is absolutely worth it. Again, hang in there. - DixieBoy

Canuck Bob · Post by **Canuck Bob** » Wed May 02, 2012 10:25 pm

Joe, I always enjoyed your posts. My battle with cancer sure went better with the support here. Keep us informed and please join in whenever the urge strikes.

There were some very dark days but things do change.

yooper2 · Post by **yooper2** » Wed May 02, 2012 10:35 pm

I haven't been around here very long but your posts are always to the point and informative. I hope things shape up for you in the very near future and you can get back to having some fun!

Eric

pwl44m · Post by **pwl44m** » Wed May 02, 2012 10:42 pm

I do. Joe !, Please know that You are missed. I remember Your Bicycle Fiasco, sorry to hear it has caused complications. You are in My prayers and I hope that You can get the needed help.
I see You post now and again and it is a relief to know You are still Lurking.
Best to Ya -- Perry

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Wed May 02, 2012 10:44 pm

Your posts are very informative when you do post Joe, so hang in there and chime when you wish to because it's always appreciated by some (most I'd say) of us.

Best,
Oly

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Wed May 02, 2012 10:57 pm

Joe I don't see how your knowledge is outdated, it's as current as most of the guns that get talked about. Heck just write up a post about something you know once in awhile, always someone new here or maybe some of us need a refresher. The less you post the more us young guys will clutter up the forum with tupperware and mattel gun posts.

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Wed May 02, 2012 11:15 pm

Hey Joe!
Sorry to hear about your health issues....but hang in there...prayers sent
DixieBoy is right....ya gotta keep occupied....and moving
In the beginning of last year, I blew out my should, bad..real bad..
rotator cuff....or something like that, and
right after we were laid off.....on Christmas Eve

Boy I was eF'n P.Oed....
Anyway, I could not shoot...could not raise my left arm enough
to tuck my shirt in.....So I went to rehab....
then insurance ran out after eight, 1/2 hour or so visits....
So I decided to do the rehab myself......
Since I had some time off, because there was very little work..
I joined the YMCA, and I worked out every day....for an hour or two...

depending on how many good looking women were working out LOL

and within 4 months I was back to normal and stronger...
I dont know how bad your situation is....but ya have to do something...
Did the same thing with my left leg after a water skiing accident....and surgery...

And....
I have always enjoy your post....you have a wealth of knowledge
and your opinions are always welcome.......always....
God Bless

Mac in Mo · Post by **Mac in Mo** » Wed May 02, 2012 11:57 pm

Joe,

I care and was wondering what was going on. I'm sorry to hear of your health issues. I remember your bicycling venture and had no idea you were injured that bad. I hope you can get things worked out. I am in about the same boat as you as far as cutting back to next to nothing on shooting, due to financial struggles. Logging in here and reading the varied input from this very intelligent and knowledgeable group has helped me through some dark times.
I hope to see your input more often, if you wish.

Kevin

1894c · Post by **1894c** » Thu May 03, 2012 12:01 am

J Miller -- I like your posts, and your knowledge of things is not old or worthless either...leverguns by their simple existence is old tech, and people who have a good working knowledge of levegun info is priceless in my book. I learn allot, especially when the info offered takes me back to the original intent of the levergun designers or inventors of the 1890's or 1900's (where else but from gentlemen like you would I have ever heard of the .40/82) ... prayers sent...much blessings... :)

claybob86 · Post by **claybob86** » Thu May 03, 2012 12:03 am

Joe, sorry to hear about your health issues and hope and pray you overcome them. Keep posting! Good info never gets old!

iceman · Post by **iceman** » Thu May 03, 2012 12:03 am

I'm sorry if I make a few people mad, but I just watched my mother die. She lived to be 91 and in the 58 years that I have known her she NEVER once saw the glass as half empty but rather half full. You have to take what life deals you and react accordingly. That is what she did and probably alot of other member parent's did.
It will all be fine in the end, if it isn't fine, the end is not here yet.

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Thu May 03, 2012 1:40 am

Joe,
If I had to count my guns, I would be hard pressed to do it.
I, as you: have not shot in more time than I am willing to admit.
It is shameful......... I understand, ( and I have FAR less excuse to offer for these sorry state of affairs ) than you do!
Sometimes in the course of human affairs we are led in different directions.
" If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he marches to the beat of a different drum.
Let each man step to the beat he hears, no matter how measured or far away"
mescalero
su amigo

gamekeeper · Post by **gamekeeper** » Thu May 03, 2012 1:42 am

Hey Joe, sorry things in IL. are still not great and I hope you do get back to AZ someday.
I have noticed your absence but just thought you were having more fun with the ladies on the sewing forum..

Like others have said your posts are always informative and very helpful.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Thu May 03, 2012 6:25 am

sore shoulder wrote:Joe I don't see how your knowledge is outdated, it's as current as most of the guns that get talked about. Heck just write up a post about something you know once in awhile, always someone new here or maybe some of us need a refresher. The less you post the more us young guys will clutter up the forum with tupperware and mattel gun posts.

+1 on all that...!

Pitchy · Post by **Pitchy** » Thu May 03, 2012 7:22 am

Always look forward to seeing you here Joe and hope things improve.

dennie · Post by **dennie** » Thu May 03, 2012 7:37 am

Joe, I miss your posts. You have helped many here and you helped me when I had a problem with a Ruger New Vaquero. Sorry to hear of your circumstances. Keep your mind and body as active as possible, and keep your eyes on our Lord!
Prayers for you and yours.
dennie

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Thu May 03, 2012 8:12 am

Thanks guys. I do appreciate your comments.

I have been keeping occupied as much as I can, I'm not just sitting on my hands weeping in my beer. Um well, cos I don't drink beer any more, it don't taste right back here in IL.

I have been spending some time on a couple sewing forums and some of those gals are funny as can be. Many of them are also involved in shooting as well, so we get along pretty good.
Also I can buy an genuine 100+ year old antique sewing machine and refurbish it to functional condition a lot cheaper than a Winchester or a Marlin. Sadly to say. And there's no govt obstructions to my having fun with them either.
They are a way to exercise my mechanical brain cells and do something that can benefit us down the road.
I've had a little side business of making custom bags for a couple years now, but my wife has been doing all the actual sewing. With all the tinkering I've been doing on the sewing machines I can actually sew a bit myself now. But, don't tell anybody, don't wanna spoil my reputation.

But what I really crave is a solid week out in the western desert camped out shooting. Just to shoot till I cannot shoot another round. No range, no parks, no campgrounds, just a place way out in the middle of nowhere. Pitch my tent, set up my tables and EZ Up and just do it.

I ain't given up. Just have to back off and see what transpires for now.

Joe

gundownunder · Post by **gundownunder** » Thu May 03, 2012 9:06 am

I read the title and thought a straight out "NO" would suffice

Seriously
Stick around Joe.
Even if you can't shoot at the moment, you can still talk guns with your friends.
And, don't ever underestimate old advice, it's usually built on years of experience that young up and coming shooters don't have. Just look at how often the same OLD questions keep coming up every time a new member joins the forum.

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Thu May 03, 2012 9:12 am

A week on the fine recovery side of the trammel would do wonders for you.

gak · Post by **gak** » Thu May 03, 2012 9:15 am

Joe, +1 to all that's been so eloquently said by some mighty fine folk here. I for one have sure enjoyed your company over the web and the few times on the airwaves we've connected. I'm sorry for the struggles--I knoiw that's awfully frustrating. but things will get better...I know they will. Am glad to see you're stirring. Keep on truckin' friend.

SteveR · Post by **SteveR** » Thu May 03, 2012 9:40 am

Joe,

I hope you start feeling better, I can relate to how you feel, the damp cold doesn't help. When you get back to Arizona you will feel much better.

Steve

Booger Bill · Post by **Booger Bill** » Thu May 03, 2012 10:34 am

Joe, the rules keep changing the older we get. Like you, most of my guns and gun knowledge came from about 1965 to 1985. Its odd as I was almost liveing at work in those days with next to no time off and working a average of 65 hours a week. Now that I am retired with nothing but time on my hands I shoot less than I did when I had far less time to do it!
We get old, have less income and more aches and pains. Yesterday I went out for about the first time this year on a serious range session. Nothing went right. I have a old ransom pistol rest I hadnt used in 35 years. Got it refurbished and wanted to set it up. I had a ton of stuff with me and had to end up carrying it back and forth etc. I got so winded I thought I was buying it! As usual when you do stuff like that theres always tools or something you forgot to bring.
As far as hunting go`s, when young I was brought up hunting and liked it. Now my wife wont eat bambi and on top of that I softened up! I have far more respect for wildlife than I had when young. I figure if I can pop a can at two hundred yards I dont need to "prove" anything by slaughtering a animal for the little meat involved.
I wouldnt shoot if it cost me $10s a hour either, joe.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Thu May 03, 2012 10:51 am

I don't post here to expound on my (nearly as infrequent as Joe's) range time, I post here because it keeps me moderately sane.

Right now I'm back on my "make a .410 do .357 Rifle grade work" kick, but that's more fiddling with powder, hulls, fillers & cast bullets than range time.

And when someone deigns to interview me for a job - and then hires me - I won't have time to do that...

But I will be able to afford ammo again.

Try to stay sane Joe... posting helps.

DixieBoy · Post by **DixieBoy** » Thu May 03, 2012 10:53 am

Joe,
I can absolutely relate to what you said about wanting to spend at least a week out in the middle of nowhere Arizona desert and shoot. Funny, how great minds think (dream) alike, eh ?

I lived out there for one year, as a kid. Turned 10 years old (I'm 58 now) and went to second grade there. Arizona was cool enough that it took some of the sting out of leaving my childhood pals back east. Dad LOVED Arizona, and we explored the heck out of the place. There were few, if any, weekends of just lounging around. We visited abandoned gold mines, Anasazi ruins, Tombstone, but most of all ... the desert, and shooting out there.

I learned to shoot out there with Dad doing the teaching. There was a place called Elephant Butte that was a favorite of his, and we'd take the rifles and shotguns out of the trunk and set up tin cans and have at it. Dad was a crack shot with both rifle and shotgun. Still remember him vaporizing a small rattlesnake that got too close to us boys. Just a few months before Dad died in October of 2011 I found an old black and white photograph of Elephant Butte and brought it to him. He lit up right away. The good memories were still there.

Like you, I want to get out to Arizona again. Have a long time dream of taking a sweetheart out there, camping out, and shooting, hiking around, just drinking it all in. I'm committed to making that dream come true. Maybe staying out there, to boot. A guy could do a lot worse.

Hang in there compadre. And keep helping the newbies and youngsters with the .45 Colt stuff. You, and several of the other gurus here have helped me to enjoy the single action sixguns even more, having your input to help along the way. That's a legacy right there my friend. It ain't time to hang up your spurs just yet. - DixieBoy

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Thu May 03, 2012 11:26 am

Dixie boy,
Are you sure about that?
There is a dam and a lake in New Mexico named Elephant Butte,
I have never heard of one in Az.

hfcable · Post by **hfcable** » Thu May 03, 2012 11:56 am

Joe, you are missed. hate to hear about your medical problems.....danggit......if you lived up here, i gaurantee we could get a handle on those problems!

Dave B · Post by **Dave B** » Thu May 03, 2012 1:24 pm

Hey Joe,
I am sad to hear of your health issues and pray for your well being. I've always enjoyed your posts and look forward to reading what you have to say when I see one of your posts or replies, no matter what the topic is.
I hope you do make it make to AZ again, the desert here really is a great place to be for those who enjoy it.

Dave B

hightime · Post by **hightime** » Thu May 03, 2012 1:37 pm

I didn't realize your problems. Funny how a tip from you can be so helpful in your condition.
Please remember that and that many guns we talk about are outdated and the info. from inside that brain of yours is still totally relavent.

Owen

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Thu May 03, 2012 2:02 pm

Joe, offering you my prayers. hope you find the opportunity and the coin to get out and shoot. sure you would feel better. praying for your health issues. blessings

ollogger · Post by **ollogger** » Thu May 03, 2012 2:06 pm

Joe you can post your knowledge, (out dated or not ) all ya want
on here cuz a numb skull like me takes alot of reading in order
for it to soak in, or maybe i just forget

ollogger

Post by **Hobie** » Thu May 03, 2012 2:06 pm

I figured you were moving back to Arizona...

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Thu May 03, 2012 3:43 pm

Joe, I'm sorry to hear how things have been going. Hope they turn around soon.

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Thu May 03, 2012 5:05 pm

J Miller wrote: Also I can buy an genuine 100+ year old antique sewing machine and refurbish it to functional condition a lot cheaper than a Winchester or a Marlin.

Joe

Hey Joe We've got a few older sewing machines, one that's foot operated, and they all work and have been used by my wife and daughter. We picked them up at estate auctions over the years. They are nice little pieces of furniture that have a function.

gundownunder · Post by **gundownunder** » Thu May 03, 2012 8:46 pm

Mate, I hate to say it but listening to full grown men discussing sewing is just........just...........just........Never mind, anything I say would be politically incorrect

If it costs $10 an hour to shoot at a public range then would joining a club be a more affordable option.
We have public ranges here in Oz and they cost a lot more than 10 bucks but at the lever action club we pay $125 per year in membership and range maintenance fees plus $4.00 - $6.00 to compete in grade competitions which are shot fortnightly.
A full weekend of shooting and camping on the range overnight would set me back no more than $19.00 and that is for between 80 - 160 rounds of CLAS on Saturday and 50 rounds lever action target shooting and 50 rounds revolver shooting on Sunday. Chuck a BBQ pack and a six pack of beer in the Esky and you have all the ingredients for a great weekend.
During the week you have free access to the range for practice etc, because each member can get a gate key if they want one.

Bruce Scott · Post by **Bruce Scott** » Thu May 03, 2012 8:54 pm

Joe,
Sorry to hear about your health issues. Hope things pick up for you AND please keep contributing to the discussions here.

GonnePhishin · Post by **GonnePhishin** » Thu May 03, 2012 9:07 pm

While not solicited, prayers are offered up for you my friend.

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Thu May 03, 2012 10:27 pm

Hang in there Joe. We are all praying and hoping the best for you and the Mrs.

DixieBoy · Post by **DixieBoy** » Thu May 03, 2012 10:49 pm

Mescalero - I'm sure the Elephant Butte we shot at when I was a kid is in Arizona. We lived in Scottsdale back then (tail end of '62 through most of '63) and Elephant Butte wasn't very far out of town. I'm sure you know this, but Scottsdale was a suburb of Phoenix.

I'm sure I wouldn't recognize anything "in town" as it's grown incredibly from all I've read. I still remember seeing fast-draw contests in the parking lot of Goldwater's Dept. Store. As a 9 year old when we moved out there, who'd never seen anything but New England, Arizona was incredible. I still remember the first time I saw an adult man in the grocery store with his single action sixgun in a western style holster. My Dad smiled, my Mom rolled her eyes. I LOVED IT !

Joe, you may have provided another service here with this thread of yours. You've got me wondering what the heck I'm doing still hanging out in Florida. We ought to get a wagon train organized and head on out west while we still can ... DixieBoy

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Thu May 03, 2012 11:33 pm

You guys should think about a field trip out here, another forum member from New York is also making noise about coming out, even mentioned picking up Joe on the way.

Dawg · Post by **Dawg** » Fri May 04, 2012 12:33 am

Joe, being from Illinois, and having just turned 60 last Friday, I can empathize on what you are saying. I am about 40 miles west of Chicago, and the only ranges around here charge $20 per hour, and $20 per hour and a half. There is a shooting club about 30 miles west from here that is outdoors, but it is only available to the public on the weekends for 4 hours each day on Saturday and Sunday.

I work just about every weekend, so I dont get to shoot there too often. I lament about wanting to live in AZ. My Dad used to own an apartment complex behind a Gun store in Scottsdale. He sold that off in the 80's and invested the capital in farmland in Iowa. He has just about 800 acres total, but it is all leased out to farmers.

When I was younger, I would throw my guns in the back of my pickup, and drive 8 hours north to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and purchase a small game license, and camp in the national forest, and just shoot and plink away to my hearts content. Maybe we could get together and drive up there sometime and have at it.

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Fri May 04, 2012 12:59 am

Joe is going to be 60 on Aug. 13 this year; sounds like a plan.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Fri May 04, 2012 1:37 am

My good friend, I hope you know we've missed you. And know that you and Elaine are in my prayers. And your knowledfe will not be out-dated till the last rusty levergun falls off i's spot on the wall. And even then someone might do a search and find out about thru one of your posts!

For as long as someone is asking questions, the answer will be ttimely.

hightime · Post by **hightime** » Fri May 04, 2012 8:36 am

Joe, like I said, you have give me some good ideas. Thanks.
As far as being too poor to shoot, sad. In my neck of the woods , I'm too poor to eat out, but shooting , not so much.
The population isn't here, too cold? I don't think that's it. Poor farm land seems to be the big reason. Most land is vacant and old framland has gone back to woods. Some land was left alone, except for logging the big white pine, back in the day. Too much water, many swamps and over ten thousand lakes , also stem development. Good for fishing, canoeing, but little else.
Anyway, I can shoot right here at the house and If I can afford the $30 for gas , I can go to my remote 120 ac., that was passed down to me, on the edge of a 60 sq. mile swamp and I don't think anyone even hears me shoot. I can't afford to shoot jacketed lead, but that's ok, I get by just fine.

Owen

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Fri May 04, 2012 12:44 pm

Owen,

I'd love to find a similar type place out west. I'm much more comfortable in the desert than the way to green and wet of the mid west and south.

Joe

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Fri May 04, 2012 1:07 pm

My place, N.M.

You need to see it.