Posted: 5/18/2008 7:36:41 PM EDT
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As some of you know, I haven't been around here for a while thanks to a horrible motorcycle accident (posted in GD). It was truly an ordeal in the hospital, made that much more difficult by the fact I couldn't get on and see what's going on over here. One of the things I noticed most however was being away from the children... I didn't have a pulse in my leg when they rolled me into the ER. They shot me up with something but they had to stretch the leg, tearing pulverized bone to get a pulse there, which thank God, they succeeded in doing. The real moment of truth was when clothing was about to be cut. Taking a startled breath, I declared, "I need a cop to secure my piece". He came in and took my beloved CQB Compact resting snug within the new Versa Max II, and I felt naked before the denim was cut. Doc on the right gasped "Oh my God, he has it cocked!" Doc on the left bellowed, "That's condition ONE, just like JMB intended it to be. I had a best friend for that night. His small talk about shooting and CCW did more to set me at ease than the crap they injected me with while the leg was straightened. While I was in the hospital I missed so many things, but one of the biggest was the feel of a 1911 in my hands. When my arms started to dwindle from the atrophy I began to wonder if I would still be able to rack the compact without difficulty. I thought about my commanders, My 5" relics, and my heart was heavy to be without them. One thing I thanked God for was that my tragedy was bike related, not ND/SHTF related. I could live with the hard question of whether or not to ride again, but whether or not to carry/own these weapons? That would have killed me. So I get home at last. Time to inspect my CCW that my neighbor retrieved from the police. My girl offered to smuggle it into the hospital, but I figured it was best to play by the rules... (plus that quick seperation would have depressed me all over again). She's not bad. A few hairlines on the slide flat, but a nasty nick in the speed chute. My girl's all business though and I don't mind a little character. the VM II on the other hand had a nasty scar on the front which really agitated me, seeing I waited half a year for it and possesed it for maybe a month. But there they were.... I bade my friend to grab rug after rug from the safe, and place them on the table next to my sillicone rag and oil. there they were at last. My fingers never missed a beat as offering after offering came to my table. These small machines sang sweetly in lubricated precision like mechanical birds. The music of steel rang in my heart, washing the uneasiness and tribulation with the simple joy that only a child knows. At last I was home. This is part of the magic of the 1911. I truly appreciate fine firearms of all kinds, and missed my others, but I longed, I pined for my 1911s. There is something different about these tools, something profoundly special... something that only a 1911 guy could understand. There never has been a weapon like the 1911, and while there may be a better performer in the future, there will never be another weapon like it. It's the extension of my hand... my rugged, elegant companion... It's my choice for self defense and I suspect will serve me faithfully in that capacity, always. So tonight, before you go to bed, grab your favorite one(s) and clear the action. Ease the slide down and feel it in your hand. Engage a safe target and feel that crisp, unique single-action glass rod break under your steady squeeze. Take a moment to drink in the lines, then think about our fathers, our grandfathers (and even our sons now) wielding them on behalf of our nation. Just find a moment to bond with and feel the gratitude for such a fine machine that you have selected. Be glad you are together on this night and think of when you will work out with her at the range. Bearing arms in this country is a right. Having a fine 1911 in your hand is an honored privilege. So join me tonight and enjoy. 
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I don't troll GD so this is the first I've heard of your accident. As a fellow rider I feel you pain, and wish you a speedy recovery. As a fellow 1911 nut, all I can say is . I've never read anything about the 1911 as good as what you just wrote. I have to admit that sometimes when I'm feeling down, I put on 'Full Metal Jacket' and clean my M-1A. It always makes me feel better. Get well soon.
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Man I knew GD was missing something! I haven't been on much the last week or two, care to post a link for us here? I too have been "away" from my JMBs for a bit of time focusing on wheel guns. I'm back, and looking for a commander or compact. Best wishes to you and I hope all turns out as best as it possibly can. |