Territorial Gunsmiths, Ltd was born in 1994. In attendance were Greg Worrell, Don Clauson, and your humble servant.  We started out building black powder long rifles and exhibiting at rendezvous and muzzle loading shoots.  Our evolution transformed us into a production machine shop manufacturing “black rifles”.  Looking back the only thing I can say about the last fifteen years is, “What a long strange trip it’s been” but the time has come to close the doors.  

Personally, after more than 60 years of “Standing up and Taking Nourishment”, and my wishing all of you “Peace, Joy, Love, and Bobbie Sherman”, it is time to start folding up my canvas to move on.  Over the next few months I will be working on selling off all of the tools and assorted “stuff” that has accumulated here over the years.  Anybody who has been listening to me these last few months knows  this can’t come as a shock.  I have been telling you that I was just too tired to keep doing this, and it's been confirmed that it is time for some “me time” before the clock runs out.

Holly, my wife of 30 plus years, has always wanted to be a Cowgirl.  35 years ago, when we were dating, the first gift I gave her was a rocking horse and promised that one day she would live somewhere with big sky where she could ride the range.  I need to fulfill that promise.   There is currently a home under construction in the Black Hills where she can roam with the deer and antelope.  We purchased land outside of Sturgis, South Dakota located near Fort Mead and the VA Hospital.   It may be a little noisy during the Bike Rally, but I feel that Holly will be safer there in the near future than in any major metropolitan area.  If you have a choice between a “biker” and a legislators take the biker, they may not dress like you but they understand freedom and have honor.  Don’t forget to press 2 for English. 

Over the years  Territorial has done some things that we can be proud of.   The thing that we were able to do that has meant the most to me was done last year.  We manufactured 232 special “2nd Amendment Edition” AR lower receivers and many of you were kind enough to purchase one.  The gross revenue from the sale was used to assist Veterans’ Organizations, Active Duty Military Personal, and Military Families.  With your help this was over $48,000.  One person sent me a check, “to be used for the charity”.  I rejected his order and sent the check back explaining that I didn’t understand what charity he was talking about.  Serving the needs of the families of the people who keep us safe is not a charity it’s an obligation.  Unfortunately with the closing of Territorial I will not be able to pull more rabbits out of the hat in the future so now it’s time for my final sales pitch. 

The group that has a special place in my heart is Toys for Military Kids.  Anyone who has gone in harms way understands why.  Heroes go willingly and will give their all to insure the safety of those of us they leave behind but there are heroes who stay behind and take care of loved ones.  The Association of the US Army, Vessey Chapter here in Minnesota has a group of these heroes under the direction of a Senior Santa Clause who runs the “Toys” program.  Les Hanson has made it his mission to make sure no little kid misses Christmas or the Holidays because a member of his family is serving our country.  I ask all of you to remember the sacrifices being made and help support this organization and its work.   

When you hear somebody wish you “Peace” “Joy”, “Love” or speak of “Bobbie Sherman” send a few bucks to:

Toys 4 Military Kids
Vessey Chapter of AUSA
C/O  MAA
PO Box 11804
St Paul, MN  55111 

 and remember the good times.

“So Long and Thanks for all the Fish”.

RC