I AM A CHRISTIAN: This, more than anything else, influences the beliefs I embrace, the opinions I express, the choices I make, & the life I lead. To be more specific, I am a Primitive Baptist - also called Hard Shell Baptists, thus my screen name. I AM A HUSBAND/FATHER: Right up there with my duty to my God (and a part of it, IMHO), I regard my obligations to my wife and children as my most important job on this earth. I live to protect and cherish them. I AM AN AMERICAN & A REPUBLICAN: American by birth - GOP by choice! I'm not one of those who view the GOP as the lesser of evils or believe that all the parties are the same. I'm a lifelong Republican & am very active in local and state politics. I AM AN NRA LIFE MEMBER: I donate regularly & help with fundraising events. They also aren't perfect, but they've done far more to defend our rights than any other group. I AM SOUTHERN: This is more than where I was born - it is also an important statement about HOW I grew up & the culture that has influenced me. I live in Slapout, a small, rural Alabama community. Simple things like home & family are very important to me. In fact, I fit many of the pre-conceived notions you might have about "good ol' boys," but... I AM EDUCATED - I have 2 master's degrees and will soon be resuming work on my PhD; my wife is an attorney - we both value education & intellect. I AM A GUN OWNER - That's why I'm here. The other topics are fun, but I came here to talk guns. I've been an avid shooter & collector all of my life. I have an extensive gun collection by anyone's standards and, since coming here, have further expanded the "black rifle" portion of my collection. I've learned many new things here &, occasionally, I even get to share my own knowledge & experience. This IS my Internet "home"...

(FTR, I moderate the Religion, PCC, Kel-Tec, & Bullpup forums.)