Hello Mr Rawles,
I wanted to drop you a line and let you know that I recently did some business with the Gun Parts Guy, whom I discovered on your site. The experience was a pleasure. I’m very new to the survival mentality, and even newer to the wonderful world of battle rifles. I read your book, loaned to me by a friend that I’ve had since high school (in the eighties, I’m 36), and it got me, well, motivated.
The friend in question, I’m happy to say, has undergone a far more important conversion experience to Christ, and recently his wife told mine that it all started from a conversation I had with him a couple of years ago. When I started looking for a handgun a few months back, he let me know he was “in the know,” and once I made my selection we went to the range together. After a few trips he loaned me your book, which he attributes to his own move toward survival preparedness.
Now the two of us are talking about securing some land in east Texas for a retreat. The bond of faith, friendship, and love of shooting make our families a good match (although I haven’t been able to talk him into homeschooling his kids yet- but I’m not giving up).
I too attend a Reformed Baptist church, and share the same theological perspective as yourself, so it’s been a refreshing trip to your site every morning.
Since I’ve strayed from the subject line of this email I’ll finish back on track. I went to a gun show a month ago and bought the only .308 I found- a Century Arms L1A1 with the thumbhole stock ($600). I wanted to replace the stock and went to a place here in Houston where I was told that it couldn’t be done. A comparison was made with an AK that apparently won’t work if the stock is removed/replaced.
I was bummed- I can’t even flip the safety with my right hand if I’m in shooting position. Then I called the GPG, and he told me it could be done, that I could do it myself (I’m a little nervous about this part, but I’ve got a friend at church that can help), and that he could get me everything I needed to get it done. He even explained the laws to me about making the conversion legal. The guys in the Houston store told me the ban was lifted and I could do whatever I want now (although they couldn’t help me). The laws are still ambiguous to me, but I want to stay legal for obvious reasons (like driving to the range).
Anyway, I know you get a lot of email, but I wanted to make contact and let you know that there is a pocket of Texas boys that really appreciate your efforts.
God Bless, – G.G.