Today is my 72nd birthday.  Been a fun ride.  So far, my eighth decade has been good to me, not counting the pandemic and culture war taking to the streets and all.  (Murder hornets don’t seem to be here yet, but they say the cicadas are due…a plague of locusts on top of everything else.  How many Horsemen of the Apocalypse do we have on the racetrack now? I’m losing count.)

I feel 27 on the better days, but that could just mean I’m old and dyslexic. (And repetitive, ‘cause I seem to remember saying something similar on my last birthday…old people do that, you know.)

Backwoods Home founder Dave Duffy has asked some of his writers for short biographies. Mine is up currently.

97 COMMENTS

  2. Great read. Thanks for all the knowledge you have imparted over the years! Hope to train with you again before you decide to retire.

  3. Happy Birthday Mas!! You should celebrate by teaching a MAG class out in East Idaho. We’ll even take you up to Yellowstone Park.

  4. Happy Birthday, MAS! Seems we have today in common (7/20/59). I’m a few years behind you–not many, though. I don’t believe I’ve spoken up before, though I’ve followed your blog since discovering it during the Zimmerman trial. Fascinating and enlightening stuff, as I recall. Not a big gun guy (though a no-quarter-given 2A guy), but thoroughly enjoy the wisdom and the view from behind the badge…and the occasional reminder the overwhelming majority of LE officers are good people, trying to do a tough–and occasionally impossible–job. Thanks. And again… HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 🙂
    Best,
    –Brian

  6. Happy Birthday! There are 3 birthday ages…chronological, physical, and mental…two of them are subject to change at a moments notice! ?

  8. Revel in joyous merrymaking on this commemoration of the passage of another twelve periods between successive new moons since your parturition. Enjoy setting a sugary pastry on fire while being serenaded with the species growth incantation. I am hopeful that you receive many sacrifices wrapped in shiny paper.

  15. Happy Birthday Mas! Mine’s tomorrow and I’ll be reaching my three score and ten. I didn’t think it would happen this fast.

  17. Happy birthday Mas and with the grace of god many many more to come. When the pandemic and riots fail they’ll send the hornets. All with be blissful on November 5 after trump is reelected. The hornets, Covid-19 will be gone and the riots will intensify, sad as it sounds

  22. Happy Birthday and here’s wishing you many more!

    I am following on your heels. You have about 12 years on me.

    I would like to say that I “feel 27 on the better days” but I can’t remember that far back. I’ve been meaning to go out and buy some Ginkgo Biloba or Prevagen but I keep forgetting! 🙂

    What’s your secret to feeling “27”, Mas? Burning some powder every day?

  23. Happy birthday, Mas! I’ve been reading you religiously since the 70s…. Always enjoy and appreciate your wisdom and articles…

    Best wishes for a great next year! Cinch up your saddle. It’s going to be a wild ride.

  26. Happy Birthday. Mas. I’m about a year behind you. I remember your magazine articles from back in the 80’s (the good old days).

  27. Happy Birthday, MAS. Your BD and our anniversary are on the same day! It’s our 41st… Hopefully you’re doing something enjoyable. We also share the same age except mine comes in January so I’m a bit older.
    Remember, age is just a state of mind. You can be as young as you think you are, just be careful how you show it.

  28. Happy birthday, Mas. Thanks for the valuable information over the years. You really influenced my training.

  29. You young whippersnapper, I was a Gandy dancer on the Western Pacific Railroad the year you were born.
    You got a lot to learn about being old.
    Keep breathing ant it will happen.

  30. Happy Birthday Mas!
    We are so glad you are doing the stuff you do. You remind me so very much of my previous boss. He looked and talked similarly to you, and he was originally from Maine. He was my favorite. So, we can make this a good analogy. Here is to many more good years.

  34. Happy Birthday young fella…..I just passed my 90th last Feb…..I shoot at the range here in Tampa 3 or 4 days a week…..about 400 or 500 rounds a day…dont seem to get any better, but I try like Hell. A few years ago I tried to get you to come down here to Tampa and give me a private lesson……could’nt convince you to do it, however…….if you ever want to shoot with an older guy, well, come on down!!!!! I’m a buyer for lunch, or dinner, best restaurant, for you and your wife…..Tampa is beautiful, this time of year………..

  37. Happy birthday, Mas! You are six years older than I, and full of a wisdom I will never attain. Just started following you last year. I aspire to learn how to shoot well enough to defend my home and family. Your articles never disappoint. Keep writing, please!

  40. Happy Birthday my dear friend. It has been my absolute pleasure knowing you for the past 35 plus years and I look forward to celebrating when you reach 100 years old.
    Loved reading your bio. Brought back a lot of good memories.
    Enjoy your day. I wish you joy and happiness.

  41. Mas. Your screener has no ability to detect humor. “Laughter is the best medicine.” A chuckle helps also.
    I read everything you send me.
    You are not too old to cut the mustard.
    Hope this passes muster

  42. Happy Birthday, Mas. You’re not 72yo, you’re 72 years STRONG.

    Here’s to many more! And not just because I still have a class with you on the To Do List… 🙂

  43. Happy birthday, ya old fart!
    Just remember: The more ornery you are, the longer they keep you out of Heaven!!
    Stay grouchy! 😉

  48. Happy birthday, Mas, and sincere thanks for all you’ve taught us through your writing. After reading Gravest Extreme in mid 80’s, first Gun was a P7M8. Finally became NRA instructors and teach NC concealed carry. Your positive attitude never wavers!

  49. Haooy Birthday Sir! And thanks SO MUCH for your help all these years, writing reviews and helpful handgun instructions that even I can understand! AND for getting behind one of the best AR’s ever set up (your namesake from Sabre Defense… sorry to see them go.). I have a tribute build (core Sabre Defense) less some of the expen$ive pieces. Love that carbine!
    Anyway, enjoy a special day, live long and prosper!

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