February 06, 2012
By Joseph von Benedikt
Though we can't validate the following Clint Eastwood story, we hope every word of it is true.
During the Rodney King riots, a Hollywood gun shop (no longer in existence) received a knock on its back door early one morning. I was told the following tale by the gun-counter clerk that opened the door — thinking it was another employee. To the clerk's shock Clint Eastwood stood there, alone. The shop wasn't open, but who leaves Eastwood standing in the morning dawn on the back door-stoop?
The clerk invited Eastwood in. By store policy ammunition was not sold by the case. Eastwood asked for two cases of 12-gauge buckshot. My acquaintance rung up two cases of buckshot. Curious, he mustered the courage to inquire, "May I ask what you're planning to shoot with this?"
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In classic style, Eastwood replied, "Just want it on hand in case I have to clear off my lawn."
To you fans of Eastwood's outstanding film Gran Torino , the words will have a ring of authenticity. Again, we can't verify whether this story is truth or fiction, but if anyone can, we'd be very grateful.
For those holed up in a snow cave somewhere who missed the Super Bowl, here's a look at the half-time commercial that has everybody buzzing about Clint Eastwood.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PE5V4Uzobc&feature=player_embedded
Joseph von Benedikt
Raised in a tiny Rocky Mountain town 100 miles from a stoplight or supermarket, Joseph von Benedikt began shooting competitively at age 14, gunsmithing at age 21, and guiding big game hunters professionally at age 23. While studying creative writing at the university he began publishing articles about firearms and hunting in nationally distributed magazines, as well as works of short fiction about ranch life. An editorial job offer presented an open door into the industry, along with an eye-opening two years stationed in the Petersen Publishing building in Los Angeles.
A position serving as Editor in Chief of Shooting Times magazine took von Benedikt and his young family to Illinois for four years. Homesick for the great Rocky Mountains, von Benedikt swapped his editorial seat for a position as a full-time writer and moved home to the West, where he's been writing full-time ever since, along with hosting the Backcountry Hunting Podcast.
Favorite pursuits include high-country elk and mule deer hunting, safaris in Africa, deep wilderness hunts in Alaska, and wandering old-growth forest in Europe for stag, roebuck, and wild boar.
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