Tag: Firearms

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Bevan books Faith Life nature photography ramblings writing

Batman has Published Books

Batman says:

I was encouraged by Peach many years ago to put some of my thoughts on Firearms Instruction into a book form. If you know me you would realize how funny the thought of me writing a book on anything actually was. But being a good husband I started to write things down (yes, I actually know how to write, do they still even teach that in school?) and eventually had enough material for a book. This lead to finding out how to actually get the book out there for people to see. Amazon publishing’s program was the answer for me, straightforward and easy to figure out the basics. Funny, now I’m up to 3 books, and even though the masses are not rushing to buy them, I get a bit of satisfaction knowing I did that, and it’s all because I hate to disappoint my beautiful Peach. You get bored, check them out if nothing else they have cool covers.

Natural Shooting, Ramblings of a Country Boy, and Morning’s Glory are all on Amazon, and coming soon the full version of “The Bevan”.

Morning’s Glory

Ramblings of a Country Boy
Natural Shooting

“See Peach, I did it”

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beauty children dads Faith family focus Ford F150 grace grandchildren Gratitude Mustard on my Collar New Year podcasts retirement sugar boogars thankful

Odds and Ends…and New Beginnings!

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23

Peach says:

How is everybody doing? We hope this new year finds you still hopeful and looking at things through the lens of God’s Grace and POWER. It’s what makes everything look BETTER, and brighter!

I see Batman spilled the beans on our latest endeavor! Because we really needed a new project!! 😂😂 But, seriously, I am so peaceful and hopeful, and sure that God is with us in this, that it gives me courage! We shall see! Like he and I often say, if even ONE person is helped, saved, encouraged or anyway uplifted, it is ALL worth it!

I try these later years in life to always be mindful when in contact with people to remember that it all MATTERS. Don’t categorize our interactions as important and non important, because sometimes what a soul needs comes suddenly AFTER a myriad of little things finally tips the basket. It’s how it was for me, and I think for many.

We’ve been each busy with jobs. Then there’s our side gig as you see up there 👆🏻

Then we have what I like to call the ‘Sugar Boogars‘!! We have two sons and our oldest and his wife have 5 kids!! Yep! They do know what causes that!! They just LOVE having a big family! And I love being a Mema!

The girls turned 4 this week and we celebrated last Saturday. The pictures above 1) that popped up in my IG memories. 2, 3) them sporting birthday presents!

Tomorrow we get a visit from our youngest son and his fiancé! They are happily expecting their first child! Our sixth grandchild!! We are over the moon excited!! Can’t wait for tomorrow!

And our oldest has a birthday on Valentine’s Day! He’s working this weekend, so we are celebrating that next Saturday!

Looks like February is the month for family and parties! Don’t worry! We are all very low key and careful and it’s only immediate family! 👌🏻🙏🏻

The podcast could not happen without Batman. There have been all sorts of technical issues and he has muscled his way through each and every one of them. I am so grateful for him, y’all have no idea.

We’ve only got the intro one up yet. But, much more in the works. Prayers appreciated. In the natural, I mean like the world does NOT appear to need another podcast. But, I believe in the supernatural! I believe in a God who decides what He thinks is necessary and works out the details for each soul as they need it. That doesn’t make our podcast special, it makes us available for Him to work through! That’s all I’m looking for! Right place, right time, right message, right soul(s) at any given time!

This happened on Christmas Eve!! It was such a happy, unexpected (but secretly hoped for) blessing! It’s part of our retirement plans. He’s researched for over two years the kind of camper we want to pull and the type of truck which would best suit it. Everything just came together for the best package deal (year end stuff and a heap of Grace) and now we are ready to narrow down our search for a camper!

We went to our first RV show yesterday! It was very cool and we are getting a lot closer to what we want!

There will be more RV shows this year!

I am hoping to be much more regular on here. It makes me happy and I think it’s important to work our gifts, however humble they are, and trust God to do good work IN us and THROUGH us. I often find myself thinking the life of Christians, is very much like a bee or butterfly, cross pollinating and bringing much needed joy wherever they go!

This made us giggle at lunch today, after the Range! We often like to grab a quick meal after (or between) class(es) at our favorite nearby chain restaurant. Just silliness, I tell ya!

Lastly, here’s one more of Sugar Boogars!! Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you will say Hi! And drop a note and we will come see you!

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Cooking health hunting Law Enforcement Life photography Uncategorized writing

Things to Do

Batman Says:

So, here we are again headed towards a new year and all that it holds in promise. If all goes well (welp, cross that off, when has all gone well ever?) this time next year I will have less than a month left to work at a job that has encompassed 27 years of my life. Peach and I will be moving on to different things and honestly I’m ok with that. I have enjoyed this career and will think fondly about it after i’m gone, but only for a few weeks, then it goes in the “bucket” and off we go to do stuff.

I have been pondering ideas around in my mind as what to do with the time I will have. First time must be spent repairing and replacing all the little things around the place that I have let slip with the “I’ll do it later” tag on it. That honestly is not a lot of things but it is a few and should keep me busy for a couple weeks, then what? Peach has informed me numerous times that she will not be giving up her job so I will have to find interesting things to do to occupy my alone time, I will probably do a bit more fishing, I used to enjoy that and my kids called me the fish whisperer as a joke. Run the trap lines with a bit more interest, something I kinda got out of the habit of doing that I really enjoy the challenge of. Exploring new spots in which to hunt is also an option, can’t ever have too many spots to sit and surprise a wary buck. I won’t be going off taking photographs by my lonesome, as that is something Peach and I do together. I may write more, get in the habit of posting small little blurbs as to what my daily plan is and what I did the day prior, basically a record for my family to see and laugh at when I’m no longer here (you’re not that lucky Peach, it’s gonna be a long time still). Peach got me started with this blogging stuff and I don’t always hold up my end and write posts like I should. But, I won’t have the “work” excuse anymore. I have made myself a promise that I would try and write a book of stories, as mentioned in a previous post “writing interesting things” (it was I think) and putting it out there to see if there are any “old country boys and girls” like me out there that might find it humorous to buy a copy and laugh at my “out of the wrong time period” sense of humor and right and wrong. We are gonna give it a couple months to see how things settle down in the Country before we start travelling around, not in the mood for people to freak out if I’m not wearing a mask on the side of the road changing a flat tire for some lady who is helpless roadside (yes it could be a guy too, don’t get all indignant, told you I was from the wrong time period). Once we start traveling, I hope to post interesting tidbits along the way that others who are traveling around may find useful, even if it is a “do not do this or that” mistake we made that saves someone an issue. I know Peach will be posting all kinds of good things as we travel I am even gonna get her a new faster computer to use to do so (no excuses now, Peach). Been rummaging around through stuff on the internet (what a fresh h*** of grossness and stupidity you can find if you’re not careful what you search for) reading about people making money doing blog posts, that is novel. Not sure I got what it takes to do that but if someone wants me to write a blog post for their business or about a product that I am familiar with, and they want a down to earth honest opinion on, and they are going to pay me for it, then I’m your huckleberry (y’all point them my direction will ya?).

Some of you all will remember Peach and I teach firearms usage and gun safety, we have done this for a while now and its a satisfying pastime, plus brings in a little extra income. We plan to do this even after retirement as we have found that it is something people want and need. As an NRA instructor I have 3 certifications: Certified Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection in the Home, and Basic Pistol, all of these are important to some folks, and its something we are happy to provide. The cool thing about being an NRA instructor is no matter where in the United States we are, we can sit down and give a class to anyone that wants it, provided we have the necessary safety precautions in place, and in some instances a range to shoot. Another side project I recently took an interest in to perhaps provide a bit of extra income if we need, but more to keep me active and out of the refrigerator (have I mentioned Peach is an EXCELLENT cook?) is becoming a “Home Inspector”, there seems to be a place for me as one, and it is something I could do when I wanted and not do when I was busy with other important matters (like fishing, hunting, napping is very important to me, also), it would require I attended classes either in person or online, and pass several tests (if you knew me you would know how much I dislike tests of any kind), but I think I could manage to do well enough to get licensed in the State to do it. I think I would be good at it as I have knowledge already from life experience and I have a willingness and want to help people. The biggest issue facing Peach and I as with most retirees is health insurance, but with Peach’s smarts and us listening to each others ideas, I believe we have a plan that will let us do what we want when we want without to much hassle.

It would appear from all the ideas about extra income that we are going to be working just as much as we do now, but that’s not the case, all these ideas are what float around in the mind of Batman when he has to much time on his hands. Y’all keep checkin back in, if for no other reason, you can see what scatterbrained ideas I come up with next.

“Now I get to enjoy some of your awesome chili huh, Peach?”

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coffee Faith family Fear focus Life life styles Time management

Range Day

Batman Says:

Today, today was a good day, with many things accomplished, some partially, others put off till another day. Today started with a perfect breakfast of Bacon and eggs cooked to perfection by Peach. I used the French press to make a batch of Black Rifle “Coffee or Die” coffee (yes, that’s a thing here). Showers, load the truck (watch Peach go back inside because she forgot her phone), head to the range for a class with one of our long time clients and she is bringing her daughter for the first time.

Great range session, I think some new skills were learned and I believe all had a good time. Peach and I try and be attentive to clients needs and wants at the range and tailor training specific for them, this one is a photographer, often off on her own. She is a super shot (trust me on this, she’s really good) so we worked on scenarios where she was photographing and had to drop the camera, draw and shoot, all which after a few slow repetitions, she did with moderate speed, and excellent skill. Her daughter who also is a great shot and safe gun handler, shoots a rifle with skill that would make some tough guys stand up and take notice (I did, as this was the first time meeting her), both mom and daughter made the morning very fun.

Backtracking a bit, I have been teaching people to shoot for a long (very very in case you must know) time, I am a NRA pistol instructor, a Police firearms instructor, a Class K (can give armed security guard firearms classes) instructor, and give Concealed Carry classes ( CCW classes to Law Enforcement and Military families are always free thru Peach and my Company). All this is done as a side to mine and Peach’s full time jobs, we do it because we feel people need good, safe and friendly training and the two of us together, do our best to give it.

So back to today..

Peach took the time today to do a little shooting with her Glock, and I did my best to help her do it right. She is already a good shot, and more important, she is SAFE WITH FIREARMS any time she handles them. Peach has a “block” issue, I’ve come to recognize this when she shoots. She is such a perfectionist that when a bullet does not go EXACTLY where she thought she was aiming at the point of trigger break, she gets frustrated and unconsciously blocks out any instruction.

At this point I’m going to point out an old saying I heard someplace “a husband should not try to teach his wife to shoot”, why? Because it can, and often does, lead to hurt feelings or worse. My personal belief is that if your relationship is a strong one, and you (that means you husbands, or boyfriends) can show superhuman patience and kindness, all the while smiling and being gracious, then by all means then teach them to shoot (yep, your prolly right, hire someone else). Ok back to the “block”….

Patience and repetitive skill sets will get you past the “block”, as stated earlier, Peach is a good shot and has the right mindset for self defense and for sport shooting. She wants to improve and wants to shoot more than we do. So today started what I hope to be a recurring theme of getting us out there shooting more together.

Today’s only issue with shooting for Peach was rounds impacting lower than she thought she was aiming. I could see the muzzle dipping at the point of trigger break (some would call this recoil anticipation but that was not why she was doing it). Peach’s issue wasn’t recoil anticipation it was lack of trigger time with this new gun, which has a firmer trigger pull. I had her dry fire (first time without her knowledge) and she immediately saw the muzzle dip. We worked a few times with dry fire and letting her use a bit more finger (leverage works no matter how small the lever) and after less than 5 minutes, the dip was gone. Live fire and she was back on the money, now after each reload she was still sending a few rounds low, but she recognized it and concentrated on the trigger break and front site and it all came together. She wanted to stop after one particular round of shooting, but me being somewhat obtuse ( think I used it right this time Peach) I had her shoot one more magazine, and I just stayed back and out of the way. Six rounds in the 2″ circle was the result, Peach was happy and I was happy for her (always try to end any skill contest on a good note).

None of this will mean much to a lot of people, it will offend some, and some will get it. Today was a “good day” for Peach and I and I hope it was a “good day” for you all as well.

I’m going to end this post with a hopeful request..

Say a prayer for their safety and give thanks for their sacrifices, and if you see a Soldier or a Police Officer tell them you appreciate all they do.

“No peach you cannot shoot an apple off my head no matter how good a shot you are”

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bible Faith family Fear focus health Life

God’s Armor over Me?

Batman says:

Had an experience that just shows the Man upstairs (God you dorks, not your upstairs neighbor) has ways to protect us every day even though we have no idea he is doing so.

Here’s how the picture attached came about, Peach and I have a son (we have two sons to be precise, but since the other wasn’t involved, I only mentioned the one {if I didn’t clarify all God’s available armor couldn’t protect me from Peach reminding me we have two} as the conversation with him led to this.

I like to hunt, some find this horrible and that’s ok, most people have several opinions that don’t match mine. My son (the one I was originally talking about) and I were discussing the possibility of getting together and going hunting next December someplace we had never been. Research led us to decide a muzzle loader hunt would probably suit us best. Now those who are not gun knowledgeable are going “a what Hunt?” and that’s an appropriate question if you’re not gun savvy. So here is the easy version, a muzzle loading gun (black powder gun, smoke pole, musket, and a host of others) is loaded from the muzzle end (the end the bullet comes out) you put an appropriate amount of black powder (or in my case a pellet of synthetic gunpowder) in the muzzle, a projectile (sometimes wrapped in a patch sometimes in a plastic sleeve called a sabot) and push them down the barrel as far as they will go with a rod. The gun is then fitted with a percussion cap or a “shotgun” primer, cocked and fired (this is overly simplified but should give you an idea).

To unload my style muzzle loader, you can shoot it (which means cleaning it after) or you can take off the primer cap or shotgun primer, remove the breech plug, take the same rod u pushed the round and pellets in with and push them farther in till they fall out the open breech, thereby rendering the gun safe. If I plan to hunt later that day or the next morning I will sometimes just remover the primer cap, put the gun in the case until the next day, and so on and so on.

Anyways, this hunting decision being made convinced me to pull out the old “smoke pole” and give it the once over just because. Now I am pretty gun safe but even I do screw up from time to time and freely admit this fact. I haven’t hunted with the old muzzle loader in two years, and it’s been in a hard case in the safe nice and comfy. Once I get the gun out and dusted off I pull the breech plug out and look in the barrel (black powder and pyrodex synthetic pellets are highly corrosive) to see if there were signs of rust or corrosion. Imagine my surprise, I could not see a thing, it was pitch black. Point barrel at bright light coming in window, still black…hmmmm. Whip out ye old push rod and insert into muzzle and out pops two pellets and a bullet and sabot, Ha! just forgot to unload it I suppose, stupid but does happen, like I said I do make mistakes like all humans, and God keeps pushing us back on track. Now with that done I pull the rod out and look down the barrel, still black and I’m totally confused, I put the rod in, and push out two more pellets and another bullet in a sabot.

You could have pushed me over with a feather (not an easy feat I’m not a little guy) from the stunned sensation I had. Some how I had loaded one complete load on top of another during the last time I used it to hunt. Had no idea, but God did, his intervention then by not letting me see any animal worth shooting, and then in not letting me shoot it to unload it at the end of the season, and finally in making me want to give it a look when I did, all equaled to me not blowing the gun up in my face (Peach wouldn’t be happy with me coming home with a barrel stuck in my face).

You can say what you want, luck, fate, whatever, but to me it was only the hand of God and his Armor of protection that helped me avert a bad day.

…no worries Peach…

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Uncategorized

Gun Control

Batman Says:

Enacting ANOTHER gun law will not phase any one who wants to commit a violent crime with a gun. The proof is right there in plain view, look at Chicago, the toughest laws pertaining to guns most anywhere, highest murder rate in the US.

Want to stop school crime, raise your children like your grandparents raised theirs, be strict and firm, give praise when good deeds are done, punishment when rules are broken. Yes spank your children if they are bad, it doesn’t ‘scar them for life’ as some would have you believe.

If your child is rude, and unmanageable, it is YOUR fault, not society’s, take ownership and raise your children to respect life, respect God, and stop expecting someone else to do it for you.

Buy them books instead of PlayStations, bikes instead of cars, and let them earn the money for anything else they want.

Stop blaming GUNS for the wrongs in this country, start blaming the parents who allowed their children to be spoiled brats that think society owes them something. All these so called mental health issues did not affect our forefathers and we should stop allowing ‘Doctors’ to diagnose our children as having mental health issues.

Yes, there are some people with legitimate mental health issues, but for Pete’s sake, if we listen to the ‘professionals’ every child out there has a mental health issue.

Allow teachers that want to carry Firearms at school to get good training and carry them, secure our schools from the outside in, SPEND THE MONEY NOW TO DO THIS instead of wasting it on pet projects. Hire trained people to guard our schools, you’re creating jobs AND keeping the kids safer.

No folks GUNS aren’t the problem any more than cars that are used to purposely run over people are, new Laws aren’t the answer… the answer lies at home where we either raise our children right, or we try and let society raise them so we can always blame someone/something else when they turn out disrespectful and hurtful.

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Firearms Basics

Batman says:

As a Firearms instructor, and the owner of Safe Reliable Training a firearms training school, I hear and see “Tactical Training” until I’m up to my neck in it.

Police Officers (and I do train Police Officers to) need a level of tactical training I agree, civilians not so much, but neither can or should be taught anything tactical until they have Mastered the basics.

Shooting stance, grip, sight picture & alignment, and trigger control. It is our duty to teach these basics, pound them in our students heads, work on them until their proverbial fingers bleed, until they have ‘mastered’ the basics.

Folks, if we jump straight to tactical without getting the basics down, in the heat of battle the deficiencies will show, and if that happens your student or partner or friend, will lose.

So when you look at your Training, and assess your students, just ask “have they got the basics down”

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Protect Yours

Get your license, permit, whatever it takes to Carry a Firearm to protect yourself and your loved ones in this crazy mixed up world we live in. Go to a reputable class that covers ALL the statutes pertaining to CCW, you will learn so much more that the cost of admission covers, take friends and or family, but get it done. The worse time to need a gun is when you don’t have it.