Death of a dream. It was a dream of mine to own and shoot

[Deaf Smith]

a reak SSK T/C barrel in 375 JDJ. Then a couple of years ago I finually found a used one I could affard and it was a great deal 14" SSK 375 JDJ complete with muzzle break and T'SoB scope base on the gun. I loaned it out soon after I purchaced it to a friend. I had also obtained loading dies in 375JDJ. My friend has had the barrel ever since. Not for any nefarious purpose but becouse he wanted to use it for a trip to africia and becouse I spent the last year in a combonation of hospitals rehabs and now home in a wheel chair. I have been out of work for over a year. and for a while there (the last few months until the first of this year) I was in dire straits having to sell guns holsters airguns anything I felt I could let go or was offered purchace for. My friend had always express an intrest in obtaining my barrel should I deside to sell it. Well this year I had no choice. I offered it to him and of course he bougfht it. at least it has a good home.
But I no longer own my dream barrel. Oh well dreams change and we muct change with them. I am sure its new owner will use it much more than I ever would as I had no real use for it. I just wanted it for my contender collection. Perhaps after I get my life straightened out I can look for another SSK barrel in a caliber I can use more often. Maybe a 9 mm.  I guess its time to move on to different dreams. Lately they have revolved around airguns - airpistols in particular. I have not fired a real firearm in over a year nor been to a range but I shoot every day here in my home. the wonder and usefull ness of airguns has allowed me to do this and thus keep my sanity.  Well thats it for now. I will come back to the forum again when I can actually shoot again. Adios

[Mayor of Hobbs Knob]

Some dreams die to make room for new and better dreams.  In the last few years I have had open heart surgery and bladder cancer.  Many changes have occured in my life, but most have been for the better.  I now appreciate fully many of the little things I used to ignore or never see at all.  I firmly believe you can get up in the morning and say "I choose to make this a good day." A tremendous amount of how you feel is in your mind, not your body.  Be positive and fully enjoy the things you are capable of doing.  Tomorrow, perhaps, you can do more, but a least you've enjoyed today.  Don't wait to get back to this forum. It is full of great people who care about how you're doing.  That includes "The Mayor of Hobbs Knob".

[Hopalong7]

Jim, I too have discovered the usefulness of air guns lately.  Only because of an  extra heavy work schedule.  What little time I have free is spent around the house and all I can shoot there is air rifle.  Being a total newbie there I have benefitted greatly from yours and others experiences over on the air forum.  Thankyou !!  Here's hoping and praying you're able to get back to those Contenders real soon. Only have a rifle(RWS 52)...I'll slip "over there" and talk to you about those air pistols real soon.
GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt  :grin:

[tripper]

Like yourself and others here I have had a set backs to but every day that I wake up is a good day, if my feet and legs move with out to much effort it is even a better day. thank god for the air guns, just think how well you will shoot when you do put that tc in your hand again.
  Besides we wouldn't want starting to do anything crazy like cutting out paper dolls and dresses.
  hang in there bud life is what we make it.

[Rupe/PA]

Jim  -  It's funny how life deals cards.  I have been an avid shooter all my life.  I especially enjoyed my Contenders.  I was immersed in competitive trap and skeet, played tennis and golf with my wife, retired 8 years ago and built a log cabin on 50 acres.  Five years ago I developed an eye condition which has taken away my central vision.  Trap and skeet, tennis and golf are now things of the past.  I also have great difficulty using exyended eye relief scopes for my Contenders and iron sights are not possible.  It's been said many times that we must play the cards that we are dealt.  Most times I wish I could have a discard and redeal, but then again the next hand might be worse.  We all must live within our limits and do the best we can.  Enjoy life and good luck with your next 375.