Hunting, fishing and shooting have been much of my life. Weekends with my grandfather, Raymond Conley Sweet, going to the range, reloading, gun shops and fishing bring back many fond memories. I was a junior member of the of the Maywood Rod and Gun Club and the NRA. I learned at a very young age to appreciate, and take care of, firearms and to handle them safely.  My grandfather taught me to reload, took me on my first hunting trip and every summer it was two weeks in Big Bear Lake, CA fishing. After I got married my wife and I continued spending many vacations with my grandfather traveling around the States and enjoying the out of doors. I started writing Primer Blasts for several newspapers back in the 70?s when I was very active with the Montebello Peace Officers Sportsmen’s Club. A lot of years have come and gone and I know find myself with 3 beautiful grandchildren that I am being able to pass this heritage on to.

My grandsons are both shooters and are members of the NRA. My grand daughter is beginning to show an interest. My wife of 55 years, Georgette Hudson, was a Los Angeles County Reserve Deputy Sheriff and retired from the Monterey Park Police Department after 22 years. “Gigi” is my shooting partner and best friend. We enjoy regular trips to the range, gun shops and then having a bite on the way home, a great way to spend the way with someone you love!

My cousin Paul Ostoich was the subject of one of my first columns. Today Paul is heavily involved in the shooting world and an expert on military small arms. He was a Reserve Police Officer with the Montebello Police Department and served with honors as a Sergeant in the California National Guard. Paul is one of my main sources of information when it comes to the world of gun research and this column will draw, over the months to come, from his extensive knowledge.

Shooting has been a big part of my family. Being from the south, owning and shooting a gun, is a very natural thing. Southerners are America’s real Patriots and staunch supporters of the 2n amendment and make up the majority of our armed forces. My cousin, Wiley Clapp, is a contributing editor to the American Rifleman, Guns and Ammo and Field and Stream to name a few magazines he writes for. He is also a decorated Marine and retired deputy sheriff.

I had the honor of being one of Col. Jeff Cooper’s students at the training classes he taught at Big Bear Lake along with one of my closest friends Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff David Schneider. Dave is gone now but I will never forget the many weekends with Col. Cooper at his home and in the Fawnskin area where he did his training.

This Blog will touch on many aspects of our rich heritage… Reloading, new and old guns, shooting accessories, life at the range, hunting and gun smithing tips.

I hope you like it. Your opinions are always welcome at “Primer Blasts”. Write me at www.bigreb.com