New guy from Round Rock Texas

[happystory]

Hello fellow gun folk. I am 69 years old and retired from the Austin Texas Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety. I was not a commissioned Police Officer, but rather served in the Crime Lab in both organizations. I was a Ballistics Expert/Forensic Scientist/Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) for 44 years. My work was mostly in the laboratory where I dealt with guns (mostly hand guns) and bloody bullets. I developed a deep love for anything "firearm" and spend my free time split between guns and fishing. I took a part time job as a "Greeter" at our new Bass Pro Shops to help fund my hobbies.
I am an Eagle Scout and a 32nd degree Mason. I am a S&W police armorer for revolvers and pistols, and a Glock, H&K, Colt, and Ruger Police armorer. I did not perform gunsmith functions but used the armorer schools to help testify in court. I testified about the safeties, functions, and operability of submitted firearms as I testified as to whether or not a submitted bullet/s or cartridge cases were fired from/in a particular firearm.

[Sir Henry]

Welcome to the forum. I bet you will be able to add a lot of knowledge about ballistics.

[happystory]

Thanks Sir Henry! I have been "lurking" on the rimfire central forum and appreciate all information I receive. I have recently become acquainted with Henry rifles and am now the proud owner of a Frontier model (long barrel). In my job I did not shoot for accuracy so this whole world is a new and exciting one for me.

[Deadwood Dutch]

Welcome from Pennsylvania, glad you are here!

[happystory]

Thanks Deadwood Dutch. I have "found" small bore sillouette shooting and am working toward that discipline. I bought a Frontier model in .22 lr and added a Williams peep sight. When installing a Lyman front sight I took too much metal off of the dovetail on the sight and am now waiting for delivery of the new front site! I wonder if I am the only one to have done this "boo boo"?

[RanchRoper]

Welcome!

[RoadBlocker]

I made those opposite mistake with a Marbles peep sight that replaces the buckhorn. It looked to be a tap into the dovetail fit. After pounding & bending my brass punch, I noticed a little bulging around the dovetail. So I figured that was enough damage. It looked centered on the barrel, so we some target shooting on a rest to see if would group. It was pretty consistent with buckhorn sights, but now with the peep it is spot on. And that's with a 14 year old shooter with Dad standing over him, encouraging to squeeze the trigger, not jerk. But when all you want to do is ping a golf ball down range and keep it moving, slowly squeezing for accuracy is not foremost on your mind.

[RetiredSeabee]

Welcome aboard, Thank you for your service to country and your community.

[CT_Shooter]

Welcome, happystory. You chose a cool forum name and have had what sounds like a very interesting work life. I look forward to your posts.

[happystory]

Thanks Retired Seabee and CT Shooter! Thanks to all of our participant's "service to country" Retired Seabee. CT I have lived a very interesting life altogether and shooting has been a large part of it for many years.
As I greet people at Bass Pro Shops I thank them for their military service. A lot of guys wear ball caps or shirts that acknowledge their military service and I make it a point to thank them.

[daytime dave]

Welcome

I have to agree with the others. You will certainly be an asset here.

Thanks for your service to the community and the country.

I'm glad you joined.

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

Welcome from Virginia.

[PT7]

Missed your first post, so time for my belated Welcome to you, happystory!

I liked reading about your very interesting career and how it encircled firearms. I hope one or two of your stories some day might include experiences from your Navy service on those subs.

Enjoy your visits.

[imeccentric]

If you ever need a shooting buddy, I'm just up the road in Salado:) I'm an old timer too, although my wife says I still act like a 16 year old at times.