TACfoley visits Portland

Dwight Gruber · 04-17-2005, 02:08 PM

Yesterday afternoon several of us Luger Forum members had the pleasure of meeting and shooting with Terry Foley here in Portland. He is in town from Great Britain for a few weeks with a friend, sightseeing and taking the opportunity to do some handgun shooting which is forbidden in his home territory.

Present were myself, Steve Richards, Bob Maddix (Maddog350GT), Terry's friend Larry Jackson, and of course Terry himself. Oh, and also Ig

We met at The English Pit shooting range, a Clark County (Washington) park about half-an-hour's drive from Portland, an old former gravel pit. It is a rather rustic outdoor range, with separate pistol, smallbore rifle, and two longer large-bore ranges. The weather was rainy, cloudy, and cold, typical for the Pacific Northwest and England this time of year, so I'm sure that Terry felt right at home (except for the guns, of course!).

For our shooting enjoyment there was a selection of guns: a 1940 42 (Terry's adopted Luger), 1936 S/42, 1916 LP-08 with stock rig, 1917 LP-08 with stock, Simson rework, .30 Mauser Parabellum, .30 Orimar stainless, 1900 American Eagle with Ideal stock rig, Colt 1911 .45, and a couple of .22 Rugers. There may have been a couple other guns which I didn't catch.

Meeting Terry was an honor and a delight. He is a very interesting person, a great storyteller, we spent as much time shooting the bull as we did shooting the guns. And he was like a kid in a candy store, with the opportunity to actually shoot these pistols--a salutary reminder of the vigilance necessary to maintain our own 2nd Amendment rights.

Terry graciously left us all with patches from his Gun Club in England.

As you can tell, it was a wonderful afternoon, not soon to be forgotten.

--Dwight

Edward Tinker · 04-17-2005, 02:12 PM

Great! Must have been a nice visit, always good to meet another forum member, even better to go shooting with them

Ed

policeluger · 04-17-2005, 02:27 PM

Great...but you did not treat him to some full auto fun?.....hope he gets down this way!

Ron Smith · 04-17-2005, 02:58 PM

I was really hoping he would have been at the Reno show. I was looking forward to meeting him.
Ron

MrLWJ · 04-18-2005, 01:32 AM

Dear Mr Blair - Just to let you know that a couple of days ago I was given the opportunity by a bunch of FREE MEN to spit right in the eye of you and your panty-waist crew of namby-pamby gun thieves, woofters and snake-oil salesmen. I stood in the rain under the leaden skies of a FREE COUNTRY and shot the almighty bejasus out of a bunch of paper with honest to gosh HANDGUNs, and nossir, not only did I NOT go to jail immediately afterwards, and the heavens NOT open in horror, but I was positively ordered to do do it all over again as soon as ever my magazine was empty. This happened, I have to relate, a fair number of times before I was happy that I had forgotten nothing about shooting just about any kind of a handgun, in spite of your strenuous efforts to the contrary.
The boys with whom I passed this most pleasant, if damp, afternoon, were among the world's finest gentlemen, and I am both proud and humble to call them friends. They took me [figuratively] to their hearts on sight - we are, after all, the same species, in spite of all your efforts to instil a loathing in the bosom of your countrymen for those who take up arms for fun as I once did.
Great quantities of ammunition were expended, great yarns were swapped, but the overwhelming point of my message to them was a dire warning - a point they readily took - that what has happened to me and all my fellows in UK just might happen here in the USA where I am presently writing this note on Larry's computer [hence the temporary absence of the Ig, for which I apologise].
You see, Mr Blair, they could not understand how a man who can send his fellow countrymen to war, using firearms of all kinds, can so easily forbid his fellow citizens from owning them legally, after all, your own Home Office admitted that less than 1/10th of 1 per cent of crimes were ever caused by legally owned weapons, and for some classes of weapons, including handguns, the figure was so passingly small as to be unmeasurable.

Still and all, Mr Blair, there ya go, as we say over here. Because, as the man said - I have supped at a sweeter spring, and breathed a freer air, than ever I did before. I have spent my time with better men than you, who admit that they not only cannot understand you and your policies, but have no wish to even try.

One day soon I will do it all again, the very day after I leave you behind forever. And good riddance to you and yours.

And the greatest thanks to Dwight, Steve and Bob. Gunsmoke was never so sweet as yesterday.

tac, presently in Portland OR

Edward Tinker · 04-18-2005, 06:11 AM

tac, that is great, you are welcome to pop some caps in the great state of Colorado, at any time. I believe that there are 2-3 more collectors here within 10 miles of me that would open their collections to you to to pick and choose for an afternoon of fun.

ed

the gunman · 04-18-2005, 08:39 AM

Tac if you ever get up the new england way (vermont) I would love you as a guest. Have just about all you could ever dream of to shoot and plenty of ammo. Feel WELCOME ANYTIME .
Richie

Frank · 04-18-2005, 01:25 PM

TAC, the same goes for me if you ever get to Phoenix, AZ. We have a great range and I have AMMO, as well as Lugers (Inglis, P.38s, PP, etc.)!!!

MrLWJ · 04-19-2005, 06:38 PM

Now MY .02,
Since Tac was usin my PC he unloaded under my name, and I could not be happier. I agree with him 100%.
We all had a fine time, much expending of ammo and many fine small holes were made in paper. Other than a somewhat grumpy range officer, and way too much liquid northwest sunshine, it was a fine day all in all.
It was great to meet some folks in the flesh, as it were, hope we can do it again.
Now I need to get around to writing a thank you letter to the fine Mr. Shattuck for his kind help in getting me my first Luger, and a very fine Luger it is.
The Addiction has begun, now what will be my second Luger........
Larry

Scott H. · 04-19-2005, 10:50 PM

I wish I could have been there, but I had to work as we have a number of people out on disability. I'm glad that everyone had a great time at the shooting range. I so wanted to meet Tac and some of the other local Luger folks. Did anyone offer to let the range officer fire a Luger? Had he fired one possibly he might not be as grumpy!

Best to all, Scott

fg42 · 04-20-2005, 12:40 PM

Hi TAC If you list were and when you will be I am sure others of us would be more than happy to take you shooting. I have 200 for you to try if you come to Iowa. Bob Benson

G.W. Gill · 04-21-2005, 02:40 AM

Mr. Tacfoly, I do hope you enjoy the Great Northwest. So much to see. The history of the region is voluminous. Enjoy your vacation!

MrLWJ · 04-21-2005, 01:39 PM

Got word from Tac last night, he is relaxing in the GWN even now.
Getting his strength back after being dragged all over 2.1 states.
Poor IG is totally knackered, seems he has been snoring for a day and a half now.
Larry

MrLWJ · 04-28-2005, 10:49 PM

Tac update, just heard from him and he is having great fun.
He will be back in the yUK on saturday morning, well rested and a happy chappy.
Next trip we will try and organize better for his visit.
Larry

MrLWJ · 04-30-2005, 12:43 PM

Tac,
Seems the only mistake the homeowner made was to not be positive the dirtbag landed on his head. Sadly in the heat of the moment, one does not always think of the details.
As i sit here now I can just imagine the sound his tiny head would make as it split wide. Sigh.

Tih, is good to have you back in touch.

You and Ig, and of course SHE, are greatly missed here in Orygun.
The welcome mat is always out for you, and a candle always burns in the night so you can find your way home.

L

Ron Smith · 04-30-2005, 11:47 PM

As they say. It's not the fall, It's the sudden stop. Great story Tac, thanks for the chuckle.

Not to one up you, but another great story. My wife's parents used to breed and show Great Danes. After retiring they kept the last litter of pups.

There had been a rash of burglaries around the small town they live in. This guy was a coward, because he specialized in only homes where elderly people lived. And would break in while they were home and terrorize them.

One night my father-in-law heard Nyobi, the last living member of the litter, and the largest. Growling and snarling, and heard someone yell. He went out to investigate. All he found was a bloody shoe lying on the ground inside the gate of Nyobi's run. This dumb bastard had climbed the rought-iron gate into the dog run thinking he was climbing into the back yard.

He was apprehended at a local emergency room that a.m. with a severed
achilles tendon and half of his calf muscle torn loose. He will be crippled for the rest of his life. Poetic justice will out.

Ron

Steve Richards · 05-03-2005, 03:23 AM

I am glad that Terry is home safe and sound. It was great to meet him and I hope that he enjoyed my artillery. If he does move to this part of the world he has a group of people that would be honored to get to know him much better than a visit of a couple of hours allowed.

Ron,
your story reminded me of one from when I was small. My parents had a freind who had a Doberman with a very odd sense of duty. Virtually anyone could come onto their property and the dog would just follow them around getting scratched. But the dog would not allow non-family members to carry anything off of the property. One time they came home and the dog would not come in from the back yard. You probably can guess the ending. The dog was sitting next to the fence with a whole pile of belongings from the house and a large piece of cloth from some trousers.

04-17-2005, 02:08 PM	#1
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,902 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,318 Times in 431 Posts	TACfoley visits Portland Yesterday afternoon several of us Luger Forum members had the pleasure of meeting and shooting with Terry Foley here in Portland. He is in town from Great Britain for a few weeks with a friend, sightseeing and taking the opportunity to do some handgun shooting which is forbidden in his home territory. Present were myself, Steve Richards, Bob Maddix (Maddog350GT), Terry's friend Larry Jackson, and of course Terry himself. Oh, and also Ig We met at The English Pit shooting range, a Clark County (Washington) park about half-an-hour's drive from Portland, an old former gravel pit. It is a rather rustic outdoor range, with separate pistol, smallbore rifle, and two longer large-bore ranges. The weather was rainy, cloudy, and cold, typical for the Pacific Northwest and England this time of year, so I'm sure that Terry felt right at home (except for the guns, of course!). For our shooting enjoyment there was a selection of guns: a 1940 42 (Terry's adopted Luger), 1936 S/42, 1916 LP-08 with stock rig, 1917 LP-08 with stock, Simson rework, .30 Mauser Parabellum, .30 Orimar stainless, 1900 American Eagle with Ideal stock rig, Colt 1911 .45, and a couple of .22 Rugers. There may have been a couple other guns which I didn't catch. Meeting Terry was an honor and a delight. He is a very interesting person, a great storyteller, we spent as much time shooting the bull as we did shooting the guns. And he was like a kid in a candy store, with the opportunity to actually shoot these pistols--a salutary reminder of the vigilance necessary to maintain our own 2nd Amendment rights. Terry graciously left us all with patches from his Gun Club in England. As you can tell, it was a wonderful afternoon, not soon to be forgotten. --Dwight

04-17-2005, 02:12 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,034 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	Great! Must have been a nice visit, always good to meet another forum member, even better to go shooting with them Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

04-17-2005, 02:58 PM	#4
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	I was really hoping he would have been at the Reno show. I was looking forward to meeting him. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

04-18-2005, 01:32 AM	#5
MrLWJ User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland OR USA Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dear Mr Blair - Just to let you know that a couple of days ago I was given the opportunity by a bunch of FREE MEN to spit right in the eye of you and your panty-waist crew of namby-pamby gun thieves, woofters and snake-oil salesmen. I stood in the rain under the leaden skies of a FREE COUNTRY and shot the almighty bejasus out of a bunch of paper with honest to gosh HANDGUNs, and nossir, not only did I NOT go to jail immediately afterwards, and the heavens NOT open in horror, but I was positively ordered to do do it all over again as soon as ever my magazine was empty. This happened, I have to relate, a fair number of times before I was happy that I had forgotten nothing about shooting just about any kind of a handgun, in spite of your strenuous efforts to the contrary. The boys with whom I passed this most pleasant, if damp, afternoon, were among the world's finest gentlemen, and I am both proud and humble to call them friends. They took me [figuratively] to their hearts on sight - we are, after all, the same species, in spite of all your efforts to instil a loathing in the bosom of your countrymen for those who take up arms for fun as I once did. Great quantities of ammunition were expended, great yarns were swapped, but the overwhelming point of my message to them was a dire warning - a point they readily took - that what has happened to me and all my fellows in UK just might happen here in the USA where I am presently writing this note on Larry's computer [hence the temporary absence of the Ig, for which I apologise]. You see, Mr Blair, they could not understand how a man who can send his fellow countrymen to war, using firearms of all kinds, can so easily forbid his fellow citizens from owning them legally, after all, your own Home Office admitted that less than 1/10th of 1 per cent of crimes were ever caused by legally owned weapons, and for some classes of weapons, including handguns, the figure was so passingly small as to be unmeasurable. Still and all, Mr Blair, there ya go, as we say over here. Because, as the man said - I have supped at a sweeter spring, and breathed a freer air, than ever I did before. I have spent my time with better men than you, who admit that they not only cannot understand you and your policies, but have no wish to even try. One day soon I will do it all again, the very day after I leave you behind forever. And good riddance to you and yours. And the greatest thanks to Dwight, Steve and Bob. Gunsmoke was never so sweet as yesterday. tac, presently in Portland OR __________________ "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." - General George S. Patton, Jr

04-19-2005, 06:38 PM	#9
MrLWJ User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland OR USA Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Now MY .02, Since Tac was usin my PC he unloaded under my name, and I could not be happier. I agree with him 100%. We all had a fine time, much expending of ammo and many fine small holes were made in paper. Other than a somewhat grumpy range officer, and way too much liquid northwest sunshine, it was a fine day all in all. It was great to meet some folks in the flesh, as it were, hope we can do it again. Now I need to get around to writing a thank you letter to the fine Mr. Shattuck for his kind help in getting me my first Luger, and a very fine Luger it is. The Addiction has begun, now what will be my second Luger........ Larry __________________ "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." - General George S. Patton, Jr

04-17-2005, 02:27 PM	#3
policeluger RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ca. Posts: 2,141 Thanks: 8 Thanked 89 Times in 54 Posts	Great...but you did not treat him to some full auto fun?.....hope he gets down this way!

04-18-2005, 06:11 AM	#6
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,034 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	tac, that is great, you are welcome to pop some caps in the great state of Colorado, at any time. I believe that there are 2-3 more collectors here within 10 miles of me that would open their collections to you to to pick and choose for an afternoon of fun. ed

04-18-2005, 08:39 AM	#7
the gunman User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Leland NC 28451 Posts: 1,017 Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts	Tac if you ever get up the new england way (vermont) I would love you as a guest. Have just about all you could ever dream of to shoot and plenty of ammo. Feel WELCOME ANYTIME . Richie

04-18-2005, 01:25 PM	#8
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 163 Times in 87 Posts	TAC, the same goes for me if you ever get to Phoenix, AZ. We have a great range and I have AMMO, as well as Lugers (Inglis, P.38s, PP, etc.)!!!

04-19-2005, 10:50 PM	#10
Scott H. User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: The Great Northwest Posts: 66 Thanks: 10 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I wish I could have been there, but I had to work as we have a number of people out on disability. I'm glad that everyone had a great time at the shooting range. I so wanted to meet Tac and some of the other local Luger folks. Did anyone offer to let the range officer fire a Luger? Had he fired one possibly he might not be as grumpy! Best to all, Scott

04-20-2005, 12:40 PM	#11
fg42 User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 90 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hi TAC If you list were and when you will be I am sure others of us would be more than happy to take you shooting. I have 200 for you to try if you come to Iowa. Bob Benson

04-21-2005, 02:40 AM	#12
G.W. Gill User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeastern USA Posts: 369 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Mr. Tacfoly, I do hope you enjoy the Great Northwest. So much to see. The history of the region is voluminous. Enjoy your vacation!

04-21-2005, 01:39 PM	#13
MrLWJ User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland OR USA Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Got word from Tac last night, he is relaxing in the GWN even now. Getting his strength back after being dragged all over 2.1 states. Poor IG is totally knackered, seems he has been snoring for a day and a half now. Larry __________________ "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." - General George S. Patton, Jr

04-28-2005, 10:49 PM	#14
MrLWJ User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland OR USA Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Tac update, just heard from him and he is having great fun. He will be back in the yUK on saturday morning, well rested and a happy chappy. Next trip we will try and organize better for his visit. Larry __________________ "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." - General George S. Patton, Jr

04-30-2005, 12:43 PM	#15
MrLWJ User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland OR USA Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Tac, Seems the only mistake the homeowner made was to not be positive the dirtbag landed on his head. Sadly in the heat of the moment, one does not always think of the details. As i sit here now I can just imagine the sound his tiny head would make as it split wide. Sigh. Tih, is good to have you back in touch. You and Ig, and of course SHE, are greatly missed here in Orygun. The welcome mat is always out for you, and a candle always burns in the night so you can find your way home. L __________________ "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." - General George S. Patton, Jr

04-30-2005, 11:47 PM	#16
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	As they say. It's not the fall, It's the sudden stop. Great story Tac, thanks for the chuckle. Not to one up you, but another great story. My wife's parents used to breed and show Great Danes. After retiring they kept the last litter of pups. There had been a rash of burglaries around the small town they live in. This guy was a coward, because he specialized in only homes where elderly people lived. And would break in while they were home and terrorize them. One night my father-in-law heard Nyobi, the last living member of the litter, and the largest. Growling and snarling, and heard someone yell. He went out to investigate. All he found was a bloody shoe lying on the ground inside the gate of Nyobi's run. This dumb bastard had climbed the rought-iron gate into the dog run thinking he was climbing into the back yard. He was apprehended at a local emergency room that a.m. with a severed achilles tendon and half of his calf muscle torn loose. He will be crippled for the rest of his life. Poetic justice will out. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

05-03-2005, 03:23 AM	#17
Steve Richards User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Beaverton, Oregon Posts: 487 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I am glad that Terry is home safe and sound. It was great to meet him and I hope that he enjoyed my artillery. If he does move to this part of the world he has a group of people that would be honored to get to know him much better than a visit of a couple of hours allowed. Ron, your story reminded me of one from when I was small. My parents had a freind who had a Doberman with a very odd sense of duty. Virtually anyone could come onto their property and the dog would just follow them around getting scratched. But the dog would not allow non-family members to carry anything off of the property. One time they came home and the dog would not come in from the back yard. You probably can guess the ending. The dog was sitting next to the fence with a whole pile of belongings from the house and a large piece of cloth from some trousers.