I continue to feel horrible guilt because I bought my son his first toy pistol. It is such a relief to know I was groomed. Thanks, Bob. Another good one, of course.
Even I and every girl on my block had a cap gun. The message to settle disputes with fire-power wasn’t lost on us. Unfortunately there was NO guidance about gun safety as they were seen as harmless playthings which led to some disastrous events, when kids got their hands on the real thing.
You're right, Bob, about a whole generation having been "gun-groomed", and yes, you see the results right here in your own column. All gun-talk. Or as one of your heroes would say, All talk and no gun. Am I the only pacifist Mennonite in your readership? Mind you, as a young immigrant kid I did lust after a Dale Evans outfit. Not the gun so much, but the buckskin frill, the boots, the bandana--so chic.
Brings back so many memories, Bob. I will admit to having owned a toy-replica "Rifleman" Winchester that actually ejected toy bullets and featured that odd, circular lever. Oh man.
It’s one of my favorite episodes :) And speaking of restraint, that was Hobie to a “T”. Another fun fact: Culp wrote one of the most cerebral episodes of … “The Rifleman.”
You missed Paladin, whose .45 Colt had been customized to his specifications, including rifling, I believe. That and his actual rifle bore the crest of a chess piece, the knight — “the most powerful attack piece on the board” he once explained while trying very hard not to kill some idiots. He was also a dead shot with his backup piece — a standard derringer hidden in his gunbelt.
Oh, and Josh Randall had a sawed off rifle so he could use high-powered rounds because they well you know.
I loved these shows and still do. Even Clint in his movies was always a reluctant killer — “A man’s gotta know his limitations” he once said when he had to kill a few idiots.
What I recall was the restraint, not the bravado.
But yes, the era did over index for casual violence, normalization of the Confederacy and disdain for Native Americans, and I think all three messages did make it harder for our generation to see things in a different light.
Good eye on the Steve McQueen ammo belt,. Of course, I had to "do my own research".
I'd have definitely been Pahoo bait, 'cause I would have been laughing pretty hard at Yancy's derringer.
Oh, there are so many replies to that…
Will keep my mind on good thoughts.
Cross my palm with a cross of palm and peace and love for everyone.
“Is that a buntline in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?” Mae(be) West
I continue to feel horrible guilt because I bought my son his first toy pistol. It is such a relief to know I was groomed. Thanks, Bob. Another good one, of course.
Even I and every girl on my block had a cap gun. The message to settle disputes with fire-power wasn’t lost on us. Unfortunately there was NO guidance about gun safety as they were seen as harmless playthings which led to some disastrous events, when kids got their hands on the real thing.
You're right, Bob, about a whole generation having been "gun-groomed", and yes, you see the results right here in your own column. All gun-talk. Or as one of your heroes would say, All talk and no gun. Am I the only pacifist Mennonite in your readership? Mind you, as a young immigrant kid I did lust after a Dale Evans outfit. Not the gun so much, but the buckskin frill, the boots, the bandana--so chic.
I know, I know. It’s Sunday and I’m misbehaving once again.
Brings back so many memories, Bob. I will admit to having owned a toy-replica "Rifleman" Winchester that actually ejected toy bullets and featured that odd, circular lever. Oh man.
John Slaughter was a Texas Ranger. There’s a street named after him in Austin.
It’s one of my favorite episodes :) And speaking of restraint, that was Hobie to a “T”. Another fun fact: Culp wrote one of the most cerebral episodes of … “The Rifleman.”
You missed Paladin, whose .45 Colt had been customized to his specifications, including rifling, I believe. That and his actual rifle bore the crest of a chess piece, the knight — “the most powerful attack piece on the board” he once explained while trying very hard not to kill some idiots. He was also a dead shot with his backup piece — a standard derringer hidden in his gunbelt.
Oh, and Josh Randall had a sawed off rifle so he could use high-powered rounds because they well you know.
I loved these shows and still do. Even Clint in his movies was always a reluctant killer — “A man’s gotta know his limitations” he once said when he had to kill a few idiots.
What I recall was the restraint, not the bravado.
But yes, the era did over index for casual violence, normalization of the Confederacy and disdain for Native Americans, and I think all three messages did make it harder for our generation to see things in a different light.
Things have sure changed…