There’s this question I’ve pondered as a gun lovin’ Mavin
What does it mean to be a Red blooded Raven?
Being a Raven means more than just one thing.
It’s not about ONE person, place, firearm, or the memories that they bring.
Is it knowing great names like Moats, Heim, Gannoway, and Deiter?
Hewins, Hufstedler, Morningstar, or MAYBE even Freyder?
Having known and associated with these great folks is part of it, for sure.
But there’s something else to it, something even more!
Does it mean I shoot a full sized 1911?
Because that’s what they shoot up yonder in heaven?
That’s part of it! Ya, that’s part of it for sure!
But there’s something else to it, something even more!
Does it mean I know about the color code and how it can save my life?
Does it mean that my EDC includes a pistol, a flashlight and most certainly a knife?
Does it mean I’m prepared for a crazy gunfight?
That I know if it happens, I must think “front sight”?
Ya, that’s part of it, part of it for sure!
But there’s something else to it, something even more!
Does it mean I’m a disciple of the great Guru we miss?
the man who taught me to shoot like this? (weaver)
Ya, that’s part of it, part of it for sure!
But there’s something else to it, something even more!
Does it mean my life has been greatly blessed?
That I’ve actually spent time with Lindy, Parry, Christy and the Countess?
Ya, that’s part of it, part of it for sure!
But there’s something else to it, something more!
Does it mean those 4 rules of gun safety are engraved on my heart?
That when it comes to teaching gun safety I’ve truly done my part?
Ya, that’s part of it, part of it for sure!
But there’s something else to it, something even more!
Does it mean I’ve experienced tricyclophobia that chilled me to the bone!
that messed up my shoot’n so’s my chances for an e-ticket were entirely blown!?
Ya, that’s part of it, part of it for sure!
But there’s something else to it, something even more!
Does it mean I own a scout rifle or two… or four.
That I can’t wait till pay day so I can buy even more!?
Does it mean I love my country and revere the founders for the price they paid?
That I respect those who’ve served in the military and all the sacrifices they’ve made?
Absolutely! that’s part of it for sure!
But there’s something else to it, something else more!
Does it mean I know a hoplophobe when I see one all in a fright?
that I can gently take their hand and show them the light?
Ya, that’s part of it, part of it for sure!
But there’s something else to it, something even more!
Does it mean that my ammo supply is more than I can use?
or no doubt, if discovered, will put me on the 6 o’clock news!
Does it mean I like Orange better than that hideous grey?
That I yearn for that time when Jeff Cooper showed us the way?
Does it mean that I’ve shot the Funhouse, Vlei, Donga, & Rifle 10
That I’ve shot the rifle bounce and can’t wait to do it again!?
Does it mean I know OF Big Bear and where this all started?
That I know about, Carl, Weaver, Reed, Chapman and others who have parted?
Does it mean that I travel to Whittington each year
To spend time with other Ravens, ravens I revere?
Does it mean that I’ve admired and hefted the colonels “baby”?
Or maybe his sweetheart” and by that I don’t mean lady.
Well, there’s one thing for certain and it’s plain to see.
That being a raven means a lot of things to me.
There’s a thousand things to it or maybe even more!
That’s the bottom line. The bottom line for sure!
And creating a complete list is an impossible endeavor
Because, simply put, the list would go on forever!

-Jared Larsen, Raven