S&W 44 Mag Model 69 Combat Magnum
The other night, I got to wondering how long the shop area light had been in service. A thought which, apparently, triggered some level of subconscious psychokinesis and caused the bulb to burn out. “Blink” and the world was in total darkness. Total darkness, in this circumstance, means living and […] [Read More]
Ruger's M77 Hawkeye Standard Rifle in 7mm Mag Part 2
Fall is here in New England. Soon the air above will be filled with tourists from other states and other lands, trying to take pictures of the changing foliage from low flying aircraft. Then they will land, buy up the world supply of maple syrup, return home and spread their […] [Read More]
Ruger's M77 Hawkeye Standard Rifle in 7mm Mag Part 1
For a company that seems able to introduce a new product every few months, rifle and/or handgun, it makes me very happy to see the Ruger M77 Hawkeye continuing to chug away in production. Why? I think the firearm consumer market, at least the portion that is directed at the […] [Read More]
Four for the Forty-Four Ruger Seventy Seven Forty Four Part II
After defining the Ruger Model 77/44 in part one, it seemed a demonstration was in order, a demonstration with ammunition suitable for hunting medium to larger game. Four component bullets were selected, all within a weight range of 240 grains to 300 grains, three are lead core jacketed and one […] [Read More]
Ruger's SR1911 10mm Power House Part 2
The first 10mm prototype cartridges were fashioned from .30 Remington brass by turning down the cases, cutting a 45° extractor groove and trimming the case to length. Bullets were .41 caliber Sierra 210 grain jacketed flat points, swaged down to .40 caliber. The work was performed and/or managed by John […] [Read More]
Four for the Forty-Four Ruger Seventy Seven Forty Four Part I
The 44 Mag is an excellent hunting revolver cartridge, but an even better hunting cartridge for rifles. A revolver has a comparatively short barrel that diminish ballistic potential. A cylinder gap can spit hot gas onto hastily placed hands and muzzle bark is loud enough to bring on a case […] [Read More]
Winchester's XPR Hunter Compact
The first centerfire rifle I purchased for my eldest son weighed 8 1/2 lbs and had a 13 1/2″ pull. A little tough for an eight year old to haul around the woods, but he did. That was in the old days when I told my kids to tough it […] [Read More]
Ruger's American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Revisited Part I
Ruger introduced the Ranch version of its American Rifle in September of 2014. The Ranch gave Ruger customers a truncated rifle with an overall length of just 36″ that weighs just 5.5 pounds. By comparison, a typical lever action carbine is 2″ longer and weighs a pound more. Initially chambered […] [Read More]
Winchester's XPR Hunter - Mossy Oak Break-Up Country
Steady downpour today, the “Rainy Night In Georgia”, Conway Twitty and Sam Moore collaboration kind of day. I was alternating between working in the office and managing baby backs in the smoker without the assistance of my youngest granddaughter who, unfortunately, headed back to Texas with her family last night. […] [Read More]
Ruger’s AR-556 Multi Purpose Rifle Part II
On the 223 Remington’s suitability for deer hunting… Davy Crockett is reported to have killed one hundred and five Tennessee black bear over a period of seven months. At the time, Crockett’s firearm was not Ol’ Betsy, but rather a .48 Caliber flintlock. With a forty six inch barrel, shooting […] [Read More]