
Last Summer, I picked up a Henry .22. Always wanted one, and the forces of the universe came together and I got one. Funny thing, I had an issue with the new rifle, and went to the website to see what I might do to correct the issue myself. There on the site was Anthony's Message. I emailed him... on a Sunday Morning. I didn't want to drive the 90 minutes back to Cabala's to return the rifle, and I was the department's Glock armorer for ten years... I figured that I'd hear back from Henry in a week or two. I got a reply THAT afternoon, from Anthony, from his Hotel room, where he was chilling waiting to start his week on the Road. We chatted for a half hour, and this led to Anthony himself seeing that my issue was taken care of.
With Customer Service like that, I went right out and picked up my next Henry, the .357 Big Boy Carbine.

I was so impressed with the two rifles, that I told Anthony in an email that I would probably buy a 45-70 next, just because. I didn't need a Moose Gun...
But, unexpected things sometimes put a crick in your plans. In September of last year, I stepped out on the deck while we were cleaning the spa, not knowing the wife still had the bleach on the decking treating for mold. Bleach on moldy deck boards is slicker than duck snot. One step, and I was a goner. Left foot shot out like a rocket and I looked like that Hippo in Disney's Fantasia. Picture a BrokenolMarine in a Pink Tutu, sailing thru the air, just without the grace and agility of the Hippo...
Yup, I fell. I shattered my femur.
Over my career, I have had 21 surgeries, including the repair on that break, but I never felt pain like this one. After my medflight, I spent a month in the hospital and the next five in therapy working on walking again. I haven't been back on the range since the fall, but things are looking up.
Once I am up and about, I just might be ready to add another Henry to the safe. If I do, it might just be that Big One, the 45-70, just to hear the big Boom, and wait for the neighbor to call to see what I'm shooting.
