An introduction - The Firearms Forum

sabashimon · 10-31-2007, 03:47 PM

I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself.
My name's Shimon, and I've been reading everybody here on the Forum for a while now, really enjoying the back and forth here, all the while learning and vicariously picking all your brains for your knowledge and experience.
I had hesitated joining in because I wasn't sure how a veteran from another country might be received.
I was born in Israel, but grew up in the States. After high school I went back, worked and raised a family, and of course served in the IDF.
I had the good fortune(?) of finishing basic training and tank school just in time for the war in '73. I could write a book on those experiences, but it sounds as though many of you have been "there".
The Lebanon had the good fortune of my company for much of the 80's, as did she for most of my compatriots, and then again this last go-around when I went back to see if they could still use an old fart in decent shape.
The weapon of the day for me was the Glillon, or a shorter muzzled version of the galil. I think maybe it's call a SAR here. A damn fine weapon.
Since coming back to the States 6yrs ago(family issues), I, along with my 32yr old son who lives here have gotten more and more involved with handguns, taking a wide variety of classes from well respected instructors, and soaking up as much as we can.
Anyway, hope that wasn't too much info.
I'm looking forward to being here.

PS: In case anybody was wondering, the shield under my name represents the 7th Armoured Brigade

358 winchester · 10-31-2007, 03:55 PM

Welcome a vet is a vet is a vet we all took orders and did our job that war yours and mine is behind us. I can't speak for everyone but from me you are welcome brother.
Ron

DWARREN123 · 10-31-2007, 05:04 PM

Retired VET also. Did a lot of time with the 101st ABN DIV at Ft. Campbell Kentucky.
No matter what country you served welcome.

pickenup · 10-31-2007, 05:19 PM

Welcome to The Firearms Forum.

rosierita · 10-31-2007, 05:38 PM

welcome aboard!!

17thfabn · 10-31-2007, 05:59 PM

Welcome Sabishimon. Come on down and check out the military history forum.

polishshooter · 10-31-2007, 06:23 PM

Welcome Shimon.

Any Vet is appreciated, and one from one of our closest allies even more.

Interestingly, in the 80s, I worked for in Retail Loss Prevention for a company who dealt with Sensormatic for EAS and some CCTV, and our National Accounts Rep with them was an Israeli with dual citizenship, who was a Major, who if I remember right commanded a battalion of Super Shermans...maybe M60s, I forget...and on one of your "incursions" through Lebanon into Syria, the one I think ended up close to Damascus before world "Diplomatic Intervention" stopped it short, was actually called up on short notice right before a meeting we had scheduled, and he was flown overnight via the Concorde to France, and then flown to Israel, where he met up with his unit already on the move...

He was a great and interesting guy, when I sat next to him I noticed he took all of his business notes in Hebrew, and I always wondered what he was REALLY writing about us and our "complaints,"

Once at a meeting when he was scheduled to lead off on day two, he showed up the day before right when that day's meeting was winding down, and told us all that "Breakfast was on him" the next day, and to meet at the conference room....he personally made us all Lox and bagels...said it was all he could afford since we beat him up on price so much...

Some guys didn't care for it, but I actually thought it tasted pretty good....

I also remember sitting in a bar with him once in the late 80s, and getting into a HEATED discussion with him about the relative merits of the M1 Abrams versus the then new Merkava...he was ADAMANT that the speed and the mobility of the Abrams was nice but irrelevant, "In Desert Warfare, long range first round hits are everything, even if you are stopped to deliver it, speed is relative, only accuracy counts." (Typical British influenced Armor officer talking, right?

)

I ALWAYS wanted to track him down after the Gulf War in 1991 to see if he changed his mind on anything he said about the Abrams....

Again, Welcome, and we look forward to picking your brains.

Be sure to stop into the History Forum and share your experiences with us as well...

Pistolenschutze · 10-31-2007, 06:28 PM

Welcome to TFF, Saba! You are an Israeli vet? That is wonderful news! We would love to have you join in our discussions and give us your input. As Ron said, a vet is a vet, is a vet and you'll find a lot of those on these forums, ranging from WWII, to Korea, to Vietnam (which includes me), to the recent Iraqi conflicts. Word has it that 358 winchester is actually a veteran of the Spanish American War, but I think that may be just a rumor.

I'm a college instructor in history and philosophy and did part of my graduate work in the relationship between Judaism and early Christianity. I shall very much enjoy getting into some conversations with you! As for the firearms, you will find just about all kinds discussed around here.

Once again, welcome to our little corner of the funny farm. Shalom!

sabashimon · 10-31-2007, 06:54 PM

Thanks to all for the warm welcome. I look forward to learning from each other.
And to Polishshooter......I started out in the 70's in our Israeli re-modifed Centurions, and by the early 80's had moved over to the Merkava. I served with the first two versions, and they're on the fourth version now. All I can say is, never having been in an Abrams (though I've talked to a number of American GI's who served in them), I can't imagine a better battle tank then the Merkava for a number of reasons, not the least of which is crew safety.
Regards, and thanks again
Shimon

358 winchester · 10-31-2007, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Word has it that 358 winchester is actually a veteran of the Spanish American War

that is not true there wasn't any America durning my war the earth was still flat

Pat Hurley · 10-31-2007, 07:26 PM

Warm welcomes from Southwest Florida. Glad you're here and hope you'll post often.

I work for Isreali's which, I suppose, qualifies me for hazard pay.

So, We'll have much to discuss.

Shalom.

durk · 10-31-2007, 08:39 PM

Welcome Saba!

glocknut · 10-31-2007, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

Word has it that 358 winchester is actually a veteran of the Spanish American War, but I think that may be just a rumor.

I thought only Marlin was old enough to have seen that war...?

mike
gn

glocknut · 10-31-2007, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabashimon

I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself.
My name's Shimon, and I've been reading everybody here on the Forum for a while now......

Oh...so you allready know i'm the forum Idiot ?!!!

Welcome to TFF sabashimon!!!!!!!!

WHAT I WANNA KNOW IS..... are Israeli women as hot as i've heard they are??

mike
gn

polishshooter · 10-31-2007, 09:46 PM

SabaShimon, in regards to your affection for the Merkava, spoken like a true Homey, I would have expected nothing else!

Just don't go dissin' on the Abrams, we got a few US tankers on board as well, that feel the same way about THEIR ride...

And while the Merkava is a another of the world's greatest tanks of all time, don't challenge them to a RACE either, OR hitting those targets while at speed...

I've always thought the Merkava was an interesting design though, carrying your infantry support in your hip pocket and all...

But as a World War II nut, I am partial to learning all I can about the US M4 Series....when was the last time the IDF used their "Super Shermans" in combat?

SouthernMoss · 10-31-2007, 10:46 PM

Welcome to TFF! We're honored to have you here!

Pistolenschutze · 10-31-2007, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glocknut

I thought only Marlin was old enough to have seen that war...?

Nope, Mike, you're thinking of the Civil War . . . or was it the War of 1812? I forget.

Bruce FLinch · 10-31-2007, 10:58 PM

Welcome Sir! Look forward to swapping stories & knowledge!

catfish83861 · 10-31-2007, 11:15 PM

Welcome Sabishimon, From North Idaho. As the others have already stated, a vet is a vet. Just watch out for some of these groundpounders on here.

They are mostly kind of slow except when getting over on an old sailor like myself. Then they seem to catch on to dang fast

. Again Welcome, your among fellow vets and some non vets but over all a great bunch, yea even Al. catfish

noslolo · 11-01-2007, 12:51 AM

Welcome aboard, I look forward to reading some of your IDF posts. Oh I almost forgot.. Thank you for your service.

inplanotx · 11-01-2007, 07:49 AM

Glad to have you on board Shimon. Any Vet is welcome here. You are among good company. Be careful of Polish though, he dreams only of Sherman's!

AL MOUNT · 11-01-2007, 08:21 AM

Welcome to the forum soldier.

Your presence opens up a vast array of new knowledge for us here.

Watch out fer them U. S. Navy guys.....

That one called Catfish kills Cougars with his bare hands .....

Rumor is, he eats the meat raw....

Lilly · 11-01-2007, 09:29 AM

Welcome Shimon, I'm not a vet , but a newbie myself

I can tell you....People are very nice here, they are also silly, quite funny, and full of interesting info!
Lilly

LurpyGeek · 11-01-2007, 09:34 AM

Glad to have you. Hope you feel welcome here.

berto64 · 11-01-2007, 02:51 PM

Allow me to add my welcome to you Shimon.

We are glad you found us and decided to join up.
I too am anxious to hear of your exploits.

10-31-2007, 03:47 PM	#1
sabashimon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: PNW/Israel Posts: 672	An introduction I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself. My name's Shimon, and I've been reading everybody here on the Forum for a while now, really enjoying the back and forth here, all the while learning and vicariously picking all your brains for your knowledge and experience. I had hesitated joining in because I wasn't sure how a veteran from another country might be received. I was born in Israel, but grew up in the States. After high school I went back, worked and raised a family, and of course served in the IDF. I had the good fortune(?) of finishing basic training and tank school just in time for the war in '73. I could write a book on those experiences, but it sounds as though many of you have been "there". The Lebanon had the good fortune of my company for much of the 80's, as did she for most of my compatriots, and then again this last go-around when I went back to see if they could still use an old fart in decent shape. The weapon of the day for me was the Glillon, or a shorter muzzled version of the galil. I think maybe it's call a SAR here. A damn fine weapon. Since coming back to the States 6yrs ago(family issues), I, along with my 32yr old son who lives here have gotten more and more involved with handguns, taking a wide variety of classes from well respected instructors, and soaking up as much as we can. Anyway, hope that wasn't too much info. I'm looking forward to being here. PS: In case anybody was wondering, the shield under my name represents the 7th Armoured Brigade __________________ "We sleep safely in ours beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm." George Orwell "If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace." Thomas Paine --> Last edited by sabashimon; 10-31-2007 at 03:49 PM..

10-31-2007, 03:55 PM	#2
358 winchester TFF Admin Staff Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pensacola Fl. area Posts: 7,335	Re: An introduction Welcome a vet is a vet is a vet we all took orders and did our job that war yours and mine is behind us. I can't speak for everyone but from me you are welcome brother. Ron __________________ Administrator & Owner RangeDay.com Proud, White, Heterosexual, Gun Owning, Southern American, Christian. Any question about where I stand?

10-31-2007, 05:04 PM	#3
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 764	Re: An introduction Retired VET also. Did a lot of time with the 101st ABN DIV at Ft. Campbell Kentucky. No matter what country you served welcome. __________________ Have a nice day!

10-31-2007, 05:19 PM	#4
pickenup Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 6,841	Re: An introduction Welcome to The Firearms Forum. __________________ The gene pool needs chlorine

10-31-2007, 05:38 PM	#5
rosierita Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 5,218	Re: An introduction welcome aboard!! __________________

10-31-2007, 05:59 PM	#6
17thfabn Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: North bank of the mighty Ohio River Posts: 847	Re: An introduction Welcome Sabishimon. Come on down and check out the military history forum. __________________ "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world!" Albert Einstein "The opportunist thinks of me and today. The statesman thinks of us and tomorrow." Dwight D. Eisenhower, U.S. President & Five Star General. Rock and Roll forever, rap, hip hop and disco never!

10-31-2007, 06:23 PM	#7
polishshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 7,879	Re: An introduction Welcome Shimon. Any Vet is appreciated, and one from one of our closest allies even more. Interestingly, in the 80s, I worked for in Retail Loss Prevention for a company who dealt with Sensormatic for EAS and some CCTV, and our National Accounts Rep with them was an Israeli with dual citizenship, who was a Major, who if I remember right commanded a battalion of Super Shermans...maybe M60s, I forget...and on one of your "incursions" through Lebanon into Syria, the one I think ended up close to Damascus before world "Diplomatic Intervention" stopped it short, was actually called up on short notice right before a meeting we had scheduled, and he was flown overnight via the Concorde to France, and then flown to Israel, where he met up with his unit already on the move... He was a great and interesting guy, when I sat next to him I noticed he took all of his business notes in Hebrew, and I always wondered what he was REALLY writing about us and our "complaints," Once at a meeting when he was scheduled to lead off on day two, he showed up the day before right when that day's meeting was winding down, and told us all that "Breakfast was on him" the next day, and to meet at the conference room....he personally made us all Lox and bagels...said it was all he could afford since we beat him up on price so much... Some guys didn't care for it, but I actually thought it tasted pretty good.... I also remember sitting in a bar with him once in the late 80s, and getting into a HEATED discussion with him about the relative merits of the M1 Abrams versus the then new Merkava...he was ADAMANT that the speed and the mobility of the Abrams was nice but irrelevant, "In Desert Warfare, long range first round hits are everything, even if you are stopped to deliver it, speed is relative, only accuracy counts." (Typical British influenced Armor officer talking, right?) I ALWAYS wanted to track him down after the Gulf War in 1991 to see if he changed his mind on anything he said about the Abrams.... Again, Welcome, and we look forward to picking your brains. Be sure to stop into the History Forum and share your experiences with us as well... __________________ The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living.

10-31-2007, 06:28 PM	#8
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: An introduction Welcome to TFF, Saba! You are an Israeli vet? That is wonderful news! We would love to have you join in our discussions and give us your input. As Ron said, a vet is a vet, is a vet and you'll find a lot of those on these forums, ranging from WWII, to Korea, to Vietnam (which includes me), to the recent Iraqi conflicts. Word has it that 358 winchester is actually a veteran of the Spanish American War, but I think that may be just a rumor. I'm a college instructor in history and philosophy and did part of my graduate work in the relationship between Judaism and early Christianity. I shall very much enjoy getting into some conversations with you! As for the firearms, you will find just about all kinds discussed around here. Once again, welcome to our little corner of the funny farm. Shalom! __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

10-31-2007, 06:54 PM	#9
sabashimon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: PNW/Israel Posts: 672	Re: An introduction Thanks to all for the warm welcome. I look forward to learning from each other. And to Polishshooter......I started out in the 70's in our Israeli re-modifed Centurions, and by the early 80's had moved over to the Merkava. I served with the first two versions, and they're on the fourth version now. All I can say is, never having been in an Abrams (though I've talked to a number of American GI's who served in them), I can't imagine a better battle tank then the Merkava for a number of reasons, not the least of which is crew safety. Regards, and thanks again Shimon __________________ "We sleep safely in ours beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm." George Orwell "If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace." Thomas Paine

10-31-2007, 07:26 PM	#11
Pat Hurley Former Guest Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Naples, Florida Posts: 987	Re: An introduction Warm welcomes from Southwest Florida. Glad you're here and hope you'll post often. I work for Isreali's which, I suppose, qualifies me for hazard pay. So, We'll have much to discuss. Shalom.

10-31-2007, 08:39 PM	#12
durk Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,026	Re: An introduction Welcome Saba! __________________ Durk

10-31-2007, 09:46 PM	#15
polishshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 7,879	Re: An introduction SabaShimon, in regards to your affection for the Merkava, spoken like a true Homey, I would have expected nothing else! Just don't go dissin' on the Abrams, we got a few US tankers on board as well, that feel the same way about THEIR ride... And while the Merkava is a another of the world's greatest tanks of all time, don't challenge them to a RACE either, OR hitting those targets while at speed... I've always thought the Merkava was an interesting design though, carrying your infantry support in your hip pocket and all... But as a World War II nut, I am partial to learning all I can about the US M4 Series....when was the last time the IDF used their "Super Shermans" in combat? __________________ The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living.

10-31-2007, 10:46 PM	#16
SouthernMoss Admin Tech Staff Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SW MS Contributor Posts: 10,651	Re: An introduction Welcome to TFF! We're honored to have you here! __________________ My Second protects your First "I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand." - Susan B Anthony

10-31-2007, 10:58 PM	#18
Bruce FLinch Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bay Point, Kali..aka Gun Point Posts: 5,016	Re: An introduction Welcome Sir! Look forward to swapping stories & knowledge! __________________ A bad day @ the Range, is better than a good day @ work.

10-31-2007, 11:15 PM	#19
catfish83861 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: North Idaho Posts: 2,019	Re: An introduction Welcome Sabishimon, From North Idaho. As the others have already stated, a vet is a vet. Just watch out for some of these groundpounders on here. They are mostly kind of slow except when getting over on an old sailor like myself. Then they seem to catch on to dang fast . Again Welcome, your among fellow vets and some non vets but over all a great bunch, yea even Al. catfish

11-01-2007, 12:51 AM	#20
noslolo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Johnstown PA Posts: 1,559	Re: An introduction Welcome aboard, I look forward to reading some of your IDF posts. Oh I almost forgot.. Thank you for your service. __________________ I'm a heck of a "obesito illegitimo"

11-01-2007, 07:49 AM	#21
inplanotx Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 8,897	Re: An introduction Glad to have you on board Shimon. Any Vet is welcome here. You are among good company. Be careful of Polish though, he dreams only of Sherman's! __________________

11-01-2007, 08:21 AM	#22
AL MOUNT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cleaning my Thompson in The Foothills of the Ozark Mountains Posts: 3,130	Re: An introduction Welcome to the forum soldier. Your presence opens up a vast array of new knowledge for us here. Watch out fer them U. S. Navy guys..... That one called Catfish kills Cougars with his bare hands ..... Rumor is, he eats the meat raw.... __________________ 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment 101st Airborne Division Vietnam 67-68

11-01-2007, 09:29 AM	#23
Lilly V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Central Lower , Michigan Posts: 279	Re: An introduction Welcome Shimon, I'm not a vet , but a newbie myself I can tell you....People are very nice here, they are also silly, quite funny, and full of interesting info! Lilly

11-01-2007, 09:34 AM	#24
LurpyGeek Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: UT Posts: 1,436	Re: An introduction Glad to have you. Hope you feel welcome here. __________________ Knowing is half the battle... Of course, the other half is violence.

11-01-2007, 02:51 PM	#25
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,394	Re: An introduction Allow me to add my welcome to you Shimon. We are glad you found us and decided to join up. I too am anxious to hear of your exploits. __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.