lavistabill

I was in law enforcement for 38 years and worked as a street cop, deputy sheriff, state parole and probation officer, Border Patrol Agent and Customs Officer.

While in Customs, I was a collateral-duty firearms instructor. From 1976-1982 I was a commissioned officer in the Army National Guard and for two years was on the combat pistol team. As a deputy, I shot PPC on the sheriff’s pistol team. Later, I got into IPSC and shot in competitions with Customs. Today, I only compete in Cowboy Action Shooting.

In 1983, my first gun article was published. After a slow start, I became a regular contributor to Harris Publications COMBAT HANDGUNS magazine and their other gun magazines. I’ve continued as a gun scribe to this day and write for Harris’ successor Athlon Outdoors. I also have written articles for two NRA publications, Gun Digest magazine, GUNS magazine, Lipsey’s Bulletin, Taurus Bullfighter Journal, Midsouth Shot Report, POLICE, and POLICE MARKSMAN. In Social Media I have a Facebook page THE FIRING PEN and post material to Instagram and Linked-In.

I’m also a proud Free Mason, grandfather, husband, and Shootist.