Spent a couple weeks on the road and had a couple nice sixshooter relevant moments. First, got to share a dinner with Pokono Joe in Pigeon Forge, TN and had an excellent time swapping stories, a very fine gentleman indeed.

Second, had the chance to visit the NRA firearms museum at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, MO. They have a very good little museum there, but not perfect. I was surprised to see an 1888 Commission Rifle sporter described as a Mannlicher Schoenauer, and a Mannlicher Schoenauer carbine described as a model 1903 in 7 mm.

Told the curator that Schoenauer invented the rotary magazine, so while the Commission rifle action was developed by Mannlicher, it was not a Mannlicher Shoenauer. Also indicated they need to do some research because I believe the 1903 carbine was a 6.5 mm, as the 1908 was an 8 mm, and while the carbines were made in 7 mm, it is unlikely to be a model 1903.

Finally, was surprised to see a Sharps rifle described as the gun Charleton Heston held up at the NRA convention during his famous 'cold dead hands' speech. Every clip I have ever seen of that event showed him holding a flintlock rifle. The curator explained that he made the speech a few times and used different rifles each time, even producing a photo of Mr Heston holding the Sharps aloft.

The curator was very cordial while we debated these exhibits, but I am not so sure they would welcome me back in the future. LOL

Even brought up the Mannlicher collectors association website on my smartphone so the curator could read some verification for the claims I made. I also played the NRA video on YouTube of Mr Heston's speech for him, clearly showing the flintlock. Just a trouble maker, gotta stop doing things like that some day.

sometimes......In fact, it can be a real career changer...as I'm on about my 19th one, I can say this with some certainly. ;~`) Welcome home, to the snow...saw the pics on FB, and bet y'r happy you have some snow-machinery for to make a way to walk on 'the ground'. Lovely pic of you and Pup taking that walk. she's coming along nicely, from the looks of it.

Yes, the pup is coming along, though there is still a long ways to go. I have a lot to learn about how to get the most out of her as well. It would be nearly impossible to live up here in snow country without some machinery to keep the driveway and paths clear. With an average of ~150" of snow each season, unless you have very little to keep clear, no one can last very long with just a shovel. Having the snow-cat is a bit unusual, even for here, but it is fun.

It was nice to see you all again. Glad you made it home in good order. I look forward to seeing you all again next year, if I'm still here

Hopefully you will still be there, the hunting and fishing has some real advantages in TN. Not to mention we do not get west nearly so often.