Ruger Forum

kz1000 · August 2nd, 2012, 05:07 AM

I will give you the Readers Digest version.
Once upon a time there was a young 20 year old man that voluteered to join the Army. It was 1973 and we all thought the war would be over almost anytime (it was over in April 1975).
Well I ...er this guy thought he was real smart and got it in writting that he would be going to Colorado for 16 months.
The Army version was, sure but you have to go get your Unit first and they are in Viet Nam.
But Sir I have this paper here.
You are goiing TDY young private.
Anyway, here is the point. With all the trainning and things I learned, I brought along a Ruger Blackhawk in 357. The M16 was jamming a lot because of not seating the bullet right. This was either bad design or dirty ammo, dirty gun, it didn't matter. I was feeling safe with a Ruger 357. Yes I used it. No I won't give you the details.
My point is this. Felt better with 6 rounds that I knew would go bang, than I did with a 20 round clip on rock and roll.
Truck driver with the 4th Division, Central Highlands
I came home to dirt bags at the airport.
Never wanted to climb a building and shoot people.
Married to the same woman for 35 years now.
No arrest.
And still lovin a Ruger Blackhawk in 357.

Jtiv19 · August 2nd, 2012, 05:12 AM

Thank you for your service.

Rivers2k · August 2nd, 2012, 05:12 AM

At a loss for words except Thank You for your service, and gotta love those .357s

bhefley59 · August 2nd, 2012, 05:29 AM

Do you still have that Blackhawk ? If you still do good for you and shoot it with pride.
Thank you for sharing part of you life and for your service so we can be free ...

I've had two .357 Blackhawks over the years great guns !

Marine Division Two · August 2nd, 2012, 05:41 AM

68-72,enough said !

terry_p · August 2nd, 2012, 05:42 AM

Do you still have the same Blackhawk?? Interesting choice of the SA over the DA like a Security Six.

It is shameful how our troops were treated when they came back from that war by a group who's political belief overshadowed their love of country to the point they were willing to run away from it rather than serve.

Thank you for your service.

RockDoctor · August 2nd, 2012, 06:22 AM

Kz, thanks for your service.

Every time my bride and I went to DFW Airport to welcome troops from Iraq and the 'Stan there were always Vietnam Veterans there to help greet. They were determined to provide a better welcome home than you guys had. One Gunny wore his dress blues and still in good shape.

Love the Blackhawk story.

wylebilly · August 2nd, 2012, 09:03 AM

I was a 21 year old in Vietnam in 1968. Sometimes it seems 100 years ago and at time it was like yesterday. I had a 1911 Colt I won in a poker game there, thank God I never had to use it. I gave it to my room mate before I left, Thanks for your service, and Welcome home.

Hornet17 · August 2nd, 2012, 09:06 AM

Welcome home brother -- thanks for the story.

I'm still a fan of Ruger .357's -- can't get excited about the black guns!

Hornet 17
Cu Chi/Chu Lai
70/71

Frank V · August 2nd, 2012, 10:36 AM

KZ1000

Thanks for your service.!

We are all glad you made it back.
Who says a SA isn't good for defense????
I'm like you, I like the reliability of a good SA. I share your like for the Ruger SA!
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Frank

fungun · August 2nd, 2012, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kz1000

...I was feeling safe with a Ruger 357. Yes I used it. No I won't give you the details.
.
.
I came home to dirt bags at the airport.

I'd have been tempted to use it in the airport... just sayin'.

Glad you made it back and TY for your service. Also curious if you still own the trusty sidearm.

DLBConductor · August 2nd, 2012, 10:45 AM

Thank you for your service. I am saddened that our Vietnam Vets were treated so despicably upon their return stateside. I am glad that you did not let this keep you from living a happy, productive life. I had the privilege of performing for our troops in the Far East in a USO group in 1964 and saw the great sacrifices of our young soldiers first-hand.

We all owe a debt of gratitude for those in the military who so ably and willingly keep our country safe from harm. They are all heroes in my eyes.

kz1000 · August 2nd, 2012, 04:29 PM

I sold the Blackhawk in Fort Carson Colorado when I got out. Not one of the brightest things I have done.

Sightngrl · August 2nd, 2012, 06:00 PM

I read your post earlier & wanted to reply but had to wait awhile.
Thank you so much for your service.
One of the most intensely felt experiences of my life, was when I visited the Moving Wall. (private reasons)
I was amazed by the amount of personal effects that were left by visitors for all to witness. The people that left the treasured possessions, must have lived with alot of suppressed feelings for years? I don't want to presume their reasons.
But thank you so much.