Cop's and Robber's - Animoto

I thought we were done with Cop's and Robber's but my lovely wife has been experimenting with a program called Animoto. Too technical for this country boy but her results look pretty good. Let us know what you think.

http://animoto.com/play/YlQY8bEQcwME0eLaLuAqHg

The Ambush

The finale of Cops and Robbers left those in attendance astounded and delighted. All agreed we provide the best mayhem at our events.

Rather than re-envent the wheel the following link will take you to my wifes description of 'The Jet's last Act'.

The Burnett HomePlace: Farewell Festiva!

The People Make The Difference

For years Helene and I have been doing firearm programs for writers at hotels and conference centers. I put on a pretty good show, but when we move to the range and start handing folks loaded firearms the situation changes. It you have more than two or three students you better have good people helping you make it happen.






Our son Matt and his son 'Spud' moved heaven and earth to get the range ready. He was also one of the range masters that worked with new shooters. He has a gift for this as anyone will discover watching him teaching his own children.





Hangman has been my best friend for over 20 years. He is a storehouse of knowledge and has always given me free run of his firearms collection. These programs wouldn't be near as good without him.




The real glue that holds it all together is my loving bride Helene. Once the event started she handled registration and handed out ammunition. It was the easiest day she had in months.


Not pictured is our ace photographer Amy Sharp. This is because she is usually behind the camers. We use photographs from other people but for quality and volume Amy can't be beat. I would love to make her our offical photographer.




The folks who attended are also part of what makes this fun. Our friend Jean Marie was there along with her Dad. George spent many years as a competative shooter and is quite knowledgeable about firearms and shooting. Having him there felt a bit like defending a thesis, but being a gentelman, if he disaggreeded with anything I said he gave me a pass.






One of the new faces was a man I nicknamed 'The Rifleman' seen here with my 30-30. I believe he had met one of these before!


To paraprase the late great Gorden R. Dixon "Firearms come to Mark's hands like friendly dogs." For someone who hasn't shot much he doesn't miss much either. Here he is making friends with my Mk. VI Webley. If I ever run short on instructors he and I may need to talk.





After hearing how much fun Mark had at THE GREAT PUMPKIN SHOOT his wife Mary Fran wasn't about to be left home again! Here she is learning about the .45 Colt trapper from Matt.

For months we had been hinting at a suprise finally. Once everyone had checked out on the various firearms they were ready.

Tomorrow

The Ambush!

A Good Time Had By All

Last Saturday (May 8, 2010) we had our second live fire writers programs at HomePlace. COPS AND ROBBERS was not as well attended as the first but I think that had more to do with putting in the day before Mother's Day than lack of interest. Note to self, next time really LOOK at the calandar!

Our focus this time around was the firearms used by the Cops and the Robbers of the 1920's and 1930's.

As the folks on both sides tended to use the same weapons this simplified matters. In addition to the popular movie guns we also talked about older firearms still in use by average citizens at the time.

I always like to point out Military surplus firearms available in the time period at bargain prices. These are often over looked.

It was prudent for gangs to get out of town fast. Between vet bring-backs and surplus firearms at the hardware store a slow gang could expect to find themselves under fire from just about any rifle or handgun used in The Great War -on either side!

We also attempted to do some 'Movie and TV damage control' by showing what a blank will do to the coke can shown here with the Copperhead that showed up the night before. Several folks remarked on seeing the snake they wish they had worn better shoes!

Part two tomorrow

Thanks to Amy Sharp for all but the last photo

Last photo by Jean-Marie Linhart

The First Copperhead of the Year

13 hours from COPS AND ROBBERS I was driving out to the shooting range with three extra tables when I saw it. A Copperhead, a big one, headed across the road. It didn't make it. Since I was returning from off property I wasn't armed, but HomePlace has no shortage of long sticks.

Had the snake been back in the woods I would have left it alone, but location and timing was bad.

Location - It was traveling from the area where we have our out buildings to the area where the our old sawmill is located. In addition to myself, my wife, the grandkids, Boat and Peppie the outside cats and Bear the dog run that part of the property on a regular basis. Boat is a new mother! This beastie was 19 inches long. Too dangerous to leave in a well travled area.

Timing - We have a bunch of city folk coming here tomorrow, kids as well. Too many to keep an eye on all the time.

As for the jar, I don't usually do that, but I am often asked about snakes in the area. This time around I can show them what's out there. Perhaps they will take me seriously when I say "Watch where you step."

Cops and Robbers

Many thanks to Steve at The Firearms Blog for reminding me of the modified Colts like the one above

Some of you may remember me talking about The Great Pumpkin Shoot we held last October. The purpose was to introduce folks from the local writers groups to old west firearms.

My programs have always been a bit more involved than most Writers Conference Offerings. Rather than a slide show Helene and I take the firearms to the conference so the folks can see, and (gasp) even touch the weapons we are talking about.

The Great Pumpkin Shoot went beyond merely examing old west firearms. The folks in attendence actually had the opportunity to fire the weapons under supervision. The climax was a pitched battle with about sixth rampaging pumpkins.

The vicious orbs didn't stand a chance and a good time was had by all. The question since has been "How do you follow an act like that?"

Next weekend HomePlace will be hosting Cops and Robbers. This time around we will be covering the firearms employed by both Law Enforcement and Criminals in the 1920's and 1930's. One sad note is that the gentleman who had the class III Thompson and BAR can not make it. I have, however, located someone local with these wonderful beasties to come next time around.

So once again we are making last minute adjustments to the range and prepairing for guest. Ammunation has been rounded up and the firearms menu has filled out nicely. A special surprise finale has been planned.

Watch for photos and a detailed description of the fun after next weekend --- when we haved finished cleaning guns and putting props away until next time.



To read about The Great Pumpkin Shoot follow this link. http://homeplace-artsstuff.blogspot.com/2009/10/day-started-for-us-at-homeplace-at-0600.html#comments