Took a quick trip back home last week to see some friends…
As we get older, our perspectives DO change. I was talking with a friend (multi-time world champion SASS shooter), who has undergone what I can only call a ‘reset’ of his priorities…
Bill had some physical problems the last three years, one fairly significant one…
We were chatting about shooting and being on the ‘circuit’ if you will, and he surprised me by saying he’s only finished two competitions this year.
When he saw my expression he continued, “It’s not about winning anymore. It’s about friendships I’ve developed over the last twenty years. There are matches that I won’t even attend in Central and West Texas because they’ve gotten so competitive that they aren’t fun anymore.”
He also told me he was leading a match last month in either TN or KY, and when he realized that, he shot the rifle, the pistols, then loaded the shotgun, cocked the hammer, laid it down and stepped back. That is an automatic disqualification. When asked why, he told the RO he didn’t care about winning…
He’s spending a lot of time giving seminars on shooting, and said he just wants to have fun anymore. He’s putting those friendships over the competition…
That’s a pretty novel concept in this day and age…
But I do have to give him kudos for the wildest wrap I’ve seen on a vehicle lately… 🙂
There’s advertising and then there is ADVERTISING!!!
His business is called Cowboy Guns, and he does pretty well with it… And he just ‘might’ know where you can get some tuned cowboy action guns. 🙂
Beautiful artwork on the truck.
I wonder what a Frank Frazetta themed wrap would look like on my Forester. (and of course the explaining to my wife)
I don’t think telling her that the car wrap fairies did it in the middle of the night is going to be believed.
I understand how he feels. We run our steel matches as a friendly beginner match. The object is to let everyone have a good, safe time. The folks with the NASCAR shirts can go play somewhere else.
Aw. Bless Bill for his viewpoint and perspective. It is getting that way in every sport, I am afraid. Sadly. Love that wild truck and super great marketing. You won’t miss it. You will also think about after you see it. See, it worked!
John- It is, and no, I don’t think you’d be believed…LOL
Gerry- Thanks for that! 🙂
Fargo- Yep, confronting your own mortality tends to do that… And it IS memorable…
I totally understand “burnout”. It happened to me on the Rimfire Benchrest circuit!!
Very cool truck!! And good for him that he realizes that it’s the people in your life that are important not the stuff in your life.
Suz
Yup…when it’s nor fun anymore, you stop doing it.
I’ve walked away from a couple of clubs over the years for the same reason….
He has his priorities straight for himself, and that’s a good thing.
Have reached the age where it needs to be friends, and fun, myself.
When the camo tactiwantabecool guys show up, I’m outta there.
Great skin on the truck!
My dad had that perspective shift after a quintuple bypass. Good for your friend Bill.
As for the truck… WANT!
Woody- I can believe it, that is one cutthroat group!
Suz- Yep! 🙂
drjim- Agreed!
Brig- Oh yeah!
JMI- LOL, lots of folks want that truck! Me included! 🙂
I want that truck!
If only to drive around Reston and Montgomery Co., MD. Just to watch the heads explode.
Searched for “Cowboy Guns” and got WAY too many returns. Would you please forward contact info via e-mail?
Thanks.
That truck wrap s great. The thinking that went into creating it is greater.
Stretch- Will do. 🙂
WSF- That it is, on BOTH counts!!!
Hey Old NFO;
Some things are more important, trophies look cool but friends stay by you through the good times and the bad times. What will enable us to survive is our “tribe” not trophies.
Nice! As someone else pointed out today the sport can be as catty as any other one. The friendships forged over the years are more important to me as opossed as to how well I put a hole somewhere.
+1 Fargo
Second for contact info please.
Thanks.