NEWS & REVIEWS
ALL THE NEWS THAT FIT TO PRINT AND MORE!
SCROLL DOWN FOR
- THE 2nd AMENDMENT
- REVIEWS
- NEWS OF THE WEIRD!
- ODDITIES (A SLIDESHOW)
- PRESS RELEASES, NEWS & NEW PRODUCTS
- AND, LASTLY, WHATEVER "MORE" IS!
NEW BOOKS FROM M.L. MCPHERSON
LEVERGUNS, PRIMERS, NOVELS & MORE!
At the helm of GUNS Magazine, I called on ML (Mic) McPherson for articles involving advanced techniques in gunmaking, ballistics and handloading. I read his book on accurizing leverguns and used his techniques with success on a couple of my own projects (Note to self: Post those pictures). A Short Primer on Primers will open your eyes to one of the least understood components of that most important part of the cartridge’s ignition cycle. Included are his first novel and a non-fiction account of his search for the Lost Dutchman Mine. I read Zigzag Canyon more than a decade ago. It was a good read then, but has been revised with new chapters. All these books are available at Amazon (click here to be whisked to Mic's Amazon page) along with the extensive catalog of Mic’s other offerings.—Jeff John
Let’s let Mic introduce these new books:
McPherson on Leverguns
McPherson on Leverguns, 8½x11, 365 pages, just a few things about the truth of lever-action accuracy and the custom rifles I have built to prove that, along with a few other articles of general interest to shooters.
Zigzag Canyon
Zigzag Canyon. Honored by the Zane Gray Society as its Book of the Year.
Written by Ron Feldman and Mic, the novel takes us back 150 years to Gold Gulch in Arizona Apache territory and famous lost Adams Diggin’s in Zigzag Canyon. Rich with the history of early Mountain Men, explorers and the natives defending their territory from unwanted intrusion in the quest for what Apache’s called “Squaws metal.”
A Short Primer on the Primer
A Short Primer on the Primer, 8½x11, 92 pages. OK, so it’s not so short after all but it does cover every aspect of the sporting arms primer.
A Collection of Shooting, Handloading, and Related Articles
A Collection of Shooting, Handloading, and Related Articles, 8½x11, 353 pages, 26 articles, an essay or two, and other things of interest to the serious shooter.
THE LOST DUTCHMAN MINE
Memoirs of Superstition Mountain Prospecting: Our Search for the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, 1968-1983, 8½x11, 153 pages, a book recounting our sometimes harrowing adventures in a dangerous place and time.
Stalking the Wild Jerky by Eileen Clark
Review Posted 11/20/2019
When you combine love of the outdoors, hunting and food with home ovens or food dehydrators (so reasonably priced today), you have a recipe for great tasting snacks (and fuel if you’re off on another trek to fill a tag). Stalking the Wild Jerky: More than 100 Easy-To-Follow Recipes by Eileen Clarke has 168 pages featuring sliced and ground recipes using antelope, deer, elk, bear, boar, moose, goose, duck and upland birds are clearly presented and simple to follow. The results are spectacular, as I can attest.
If you’re a novice hunter, buy this book now. If you’re an experienced cook and hunter, buy this book for the great recipes and new ways of preparation. The introductory chapters show why some techniques are better than others. The food safety sections blows some clean air into a subject mostly well overdone in other books and online tutorials, which often act as if all food is infested with wild rampaging bacteria and germs only safely handled in clean rooms with sterilized instruments and all participants dressed in full hazmat suits. Clarke covers field dressing, cooling, transportation and aging prior to preparation.
No Smoke, Just Fire
I’ve long used a home smoker to make jerky, but you don’t need one following the directions in Clarke’s book. The kitchen oven works just fine. My oven won’t go lower than 170° (and some not even that low), but she points out you just reduce the cooking time in modern ovens. The point is to get the internal temp of the meat high enough (160°-165°) to kill any bacteria lurking on the meat. She points out it is also best to do so before using a dehydrator if the unit doesn’t raise the temp that high. Dehydrators are good for other things, but you don’t need one to start making pretty tasty snacks if you’ve got meat in the freezer.
The book’s recipes feature marinades and dry rubs, how to choose between them, times needed and other pertinent facts clearly presented and easy to follow. There are no mysteries. The combination of spices is intriguing, and even after you’ve eaten this year’s venison, the spice combinations are good enough to help with store-bought food, too.
One thing I never would have thought about is adding French’s Crispy Fried Onion. After several decades of Thanksgiving dinner with them atop green onion and mushroom soup mix I never thought to have a kind word for them again. Clarke calls for them in a ground meat jerky recipe and they are redeemed in my eyes. Not only do they add a neat texture and taste, they go well with other types of jerky, like the Bologna Spiced one. Once you’ve tried a few recipes, you get whole new flavor combinations by mixing several prepared jerkies together. Doing so adds a whole new dimension to hunting/hiking/outdoor food!
Stalking the Wild Jerky: More than 100 Easy-To-Follow Recipes, ©2019 by Eileen Clarke, is spiral-pound so it can lay flat while your working and printed in the USA. Just in time for Christmas at $19.99 from Deep Creek Press, P.O. Box 579. Townsend, MT 59644, (406) 521-0273, https://www.riflesandrecipes.com. —Jeff John
Stalking the Wild Jerky is available from Deep Creek Press for $19.99.
NEW RELEASES!
RELOADING TOOLS of the BLACK POWDER ERA Vols. 1 & 2 by Tom Rowe & Ed Curtis
RELOADING TOOLS of the BLACK POWDER ERA Vols. 1 & 2 by Tom Rowe & Ed Curtis
RELOADING TOOLS of the BLACK POWDER ERA Vols. 1 & 2 by Tom Rowe & Ed Curtis
Posted: 10/30/2019
Handloading tools have evolved tremendously since the advent of the metallic cartridge, and if you ever wondered how the buffalo hunters or how the famed target shooters of the era loaded their cartridges, these books are for you. Exquisitely photographed and with as much detail as possible (much of the technique is lost as tools evolved and companies folded) to illustrate the measures, tong tools, priming methods and things
FROM TOM ROWE BOOKS!
RELOADING TOOLS of the BLACK POWDER ERA Vols. 1 & 2 by Tom Rowe & Ed Curtis
RELOADING TOOLS of the BLACK POWDER ERA Vols. 1 & 2 by Tom Rowe & Ed Curtis
you may never have thought about. Old technology is a fun study. Tom Rowe books are always entertaining, the books themselves are sturdy, well crafted and printed on high quality paper. They'll last a long time.
Christmas is coming and books always make great gifts. Tom Rowe books are always a perfect choice for the hard-to-buy-for gun crank!
Price: $79 each available from Rowe Publications, P.O. Box 207, Sugar Grove, VA 24375, (276) 783-8037, email: Rowebooks1@gmail.com.
Great New Books!
SMITH & WESSON ENGRAVING by Michael J. Kennelly
Our friends at Mowbray publishing have released a book on a subject long overdue in Smith & Wesson Engraving by Michael J. Kennelly. An in-depth study of S&W engraving, engravers, styles and custom shop pistols from the company’s pre-Civil War beginnings to today with full color and excellent photography, knowledgeable text by Kennelly all of which are delivered with superb printing and binding. If you’re looking for a special gift for a gun lover in your life or need a present for yourself, Smith & Wesson Engraving will fill the long absent hole in anyone’s firearms library.
Check out Mowbray’s other offerings covering a wide variety of modern and historical firearms and edged weapons!
IN THE LAND OF THE BEAR by Denny Geurink
Attending the Safari Club International show here in Reno, I attended a press conference for the book In the Land of the Bear by Denny Geurink. In it, Denny recounts the adventure of pioneering the opening up of the former Soviet Union to hunting after the fall of the iron curtain. With all such activities proscribed for several generations, the brown bear population of Siberia was as wild, unafraid of man, and the top predators of the area. The animals were huge in size, dangerous—and plentiful.
Not only was the animal population wild and unpredictable, the country itself was emerging from the totalitarian thumb of communism, where not only firearms and hunting were reserved for only senior military and party officials, but tourism and simple things like small town restaurants were unknown, so the country was as wild and unpredictable as the wilderness. The mind-numbing red tape and danger of just bringing a firearm into a country unused to such freedoms, and formerly the definition of “police state” had perils, as many hunters learned to their chagrin and regret.
The book isn’t just about getting into Russia to hunt bears, though, as all of the game hadn’t been hunted for 80 some years and the populations of all were plentiful and wild from birds to moose. (I emphasize wild, because man didn’t go into these areas for anything including things we take for granted like camping as an outdoor adventure.)
The book is an easy read, personal and friendly, as you might imagine, since author Denny has been writing about the outdoors for nigh onto 40 years including a stint at Field & Stream.
Learn More
Smith & Wesson Engraving, A Celebration of Artistry in Arms from the Company’s Founding until the Present Day, by Michael J. Kennelly, ©2018, Hardcover with dustjacket, Size: 9″ x 12″, 404 pages, 1,413 color photos, Price: $79.95 From: Mowbray Publishing, 54 East School Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895, (800) 999-4697, www.gunandswordcollector.com
In the Land of the Bear, ©2014 by Denny Geurink, paperback, 6x9 inches, 286 pages, $21.95, Target Communications Outdoor Books, (262) 402-7668, www.targetcommbooks.com and www.Amazon.com
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: A POACHER'S GUN
RECOVERED IN MOZAMBIQUE
RECOVERED IN MOZAMBIQUE
RECOVERED IN MOZAMBIQUE
Posted 2/7/2020
I discovered this gun at the recent Safari Club Int. show in Reno. This gun was confiscated in Mozambique by Gajogo Safarilands from locals. The barrel is a Toyota truck axle, the lock is hand made, as is the nipple. The stock, while crude, vaguely resembles a true muzzleloading stock and even has vestigial panels on the left side.
HANDMADE LOCK
RECOVERED IN MOZAMBIQUE
RECOVERED IN MOZAMBIQUE
The lock is artfully nailed in place as well as having crude screws from the other side. On this one, the sear mechanism failed, and couldn’t be repaired, so a wire was added to create a slip hammer type of ignition.
SHH! NO RATTLES
RECOVERED IN MOZAMBIQUE
HANDSOME RECOIL PAD
Note the stock even has vestigial panels on the left side. Lock screws were called "side nails" in the 18th century, a term apt for this gun. To keep them from rattling, some green cloth acts as a washer. The nipple is atop the barrel, and the barrel ends in a crude front sight, which is completely blocked by the ignition system.
HANDSOME RECOIL PAD
HANDSOME RECOIL PAD
HANDSOME RECOIL PAD
The butt is rubber cut from an undetermined source, but probably the sole of a shoe. It is backed with cloth similar to the type used for the lock bolts, and stapled and nailed onto the wood.
IGNITION
HANDSOME RECOIL PAD
IGNITION
The powder is homemade and resembles a “greyish cottage cheese.” There is a notch on the stock (the white lines visible in photo 1) to show how much to put into the barrel. Then a plant wad of some sort is rammed over the powder to the second notch on the barrel. The projectile is a roughly 1-inch piece of rebar. The cap is a home cooked explosive and placed into the nipple.
They also had (but did not bring) pieces of rebar recovered from poached game, so these guns work. This one was loaded when found, and placed in a vice and fired to clear it. Visit Gajogo Safarilands and Safari Club Int.
NEWS!
Savage Rifles Offer Power & Precision in 6.5 PRC
Posted 10/23/19
Fans of the short-action powerhouse 6.5 PRC have new options from Savage Arms. The high ballistic coefficient of the bullet combined with the power of the cartridge makes this an ideal pairing and these rifles deliver the 6.5 PRC’s magnum potential with Savage’s legendary accuracy.
The 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) is essentially a supercharged 6.5 Creedmoor. The round has tremendous velocity, even at long ranges. While this increases accuracy at greater distances, the 6.5 PRC is much more than a target round. The increase in velocity converts to great force on impact. This combination of accuracy and power has made the 6.5 PRC a favorite of long-range hunters.
“Some hunters are hesitant about to pull the trigger on animals at longer ranges,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing at Savage Arms. “Some rounds simply lose their ability to transfer sufficient energy as they slow down. Not the 6.5 PRC. Savage’s new 6.5 PRC rifles are capable of match-grade accuracy and lethal terminal ballistic performance.”
Savage is pleased to offer multiple configurations in 6.5 PRC. The 110 Tactical rifles offer increased capacity from their box magazines. The 110 High Country features TrueTimber Strata camouflage, making it a favorite for hunters. The featherweight 110 Apex is easy to carry as it is to get on target.
Part No. / Description / MSRP
22312 / Model 10 GRS 6.5 PRC 24-inch barrel / $1,449
57419 / 110 High Country 6.5 PRC 24-inch barrel / $1,129
57490 / 110 Tactical 6.5 PRC 24-inch barrel / $799
57492 / 110 Tactical Desert 6.5 PRC 24-inch barrel / $799
57595 / 110 Apex Hunter 6.5 PRC 24-inch barrel / $699
57596 / 110 Apex Storm 6.5 PRC 24-inch barrel / $749
57597 / 110 Engage Hunter 6.5 PRC 24-inch barrel / $639
Learn more at www.savagearms.com.
NEWS
HODGDON RECALLS IMR 4007SSC
Posted 10/22/2019
PRODUCT SAFETY WARNING AND RECALL NOTICE FOR IMR®4007SSC POWDER
IMR Legendary Powders is officially announcing a product safety warning and recall notice for IMR 4007SSC smokeless powder. All lots of powder are included in the recall. IMR has received reports that this particular powder, sold in 1 pound and 8 pound containers, could become unstable due to possible rapid deterioration. Use of this product may result in combustion, fire damage and/or possible serious injury.
What to do:
1. If you are in possession of IMR 4007SSC, STOP USING THE
PRODUCT IMMEDIATELY! Fill the powder container with water, which will render the product inert and safe for disposal.
2. Mail, email or fax a copy of the powder label with the lot number to the contact information below, and include your name, address, phone and email.
3. You may select a replacement IMR smokeless powder product of your choice, which will be shipped to you at no charge.
4. If you have loaded the powder subject to this recall into ammunition, we recommend that you pull the bullets, remove the powder and wet the powder with water for safe disposal.
IMR deeply regrets any inconvenience this may cause, but we believe in safety first.
Contact information: Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc., 6430 Vista Drive, Shawnee, KS 66218, email help@imrpowder.com, imprpowder.com, call 1-800-622-4366 or 913-362-9455 and fax 913-362-1307.
www.imrpowder.com
NEW POWDER FROM WINCHESTER!
October 22, 2019
Hodgdon® Announces Release of Winchester® StaBALLTM 6.5
Winchester Smokeless Propellants, a brand licensed by the Hodgdon Powder Company, is pleased to announce the release of Winchester StaBALL 6.5, the world’s first temperature-insensitive BALL® Powder, stable in extreme-hot or -cold conditions.
“Precision rifle shooters are a demanding lot,” says Ron Reiber, Hodgdon chief ballistician. “We identified a market need for a high-performing powder that metered precisely to be loaded on a progressive press, featured temperature insensitivity and a copper fouling elimination agent. Our testing revealed handloaders can load this powder much faster than traditional extruded powders on a single-stage press, which will result in less time loading and more time shooting. This powder is a game changer.”
Typical of a ball powder, precise metering contributes to improved velocity and pressure standard deviations, ingredients that are paramount to match grade accuracy. StaBALL 6.5 is ideally suited to 6 Creedmoor, 6GT, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7MM-08, 270 Winchester and many more – all loads which can now be found on the Hodgdon Reloading Center. As a ball powder, StaBALL 6.5 provides optimal loading density in cartridges appropriate for the burn speed.
This “environmentally green” propellant has copper fouling reducer additives, meaning longer durations of competition and field shooting without having to clean the bore. Velocity levels obtainable, depending on the cartridge, are 30-200 fps greater than other propellants in its class due to the density advantages of loading a ball powder.
This new Winchester powder is available to ship immediately and will be found at retailers selling reloading products. The powder is available in 1-pound and 8-pound canisters.
Learn more about the product on the Winchester website at www.wwpowder.comor search for Winchester StaBALL 6.5 load data on the Reloading Data Center at www.HodgdonReloading.com.
SIG SAUER Introduces Elite Hunter Tipped Ammunition
Posted 10/22/2019
SIG SAUER introduces Elite Hunter Tipped ammunition – the newest line in the rapidly growing SIG SAUER ammunition offerings. Elite Hunter Tipped ammunition gives the serious sportsman unmatched long-range accuracy, combined with devastating on-target performance in the field.
Designed for massive expansion and deep penetration, Elite Hunter Tipped premium cartridges feature a yellow-tipped, lead-alloy bullet with an enhanced boattail design for superior flight characteristics over a wide range of velocities.
The exclusive design of the concentric, blackened jacket ensures reliable, controlled expansion of the bullet with maximum weight retention. The translucent yellow tip increases the ballistic coefficient while improving terminal performance and aiding in consistent, reliable chambering.
Elite Hunter Tipped ammunition is available in the following loads:
90 grain 243 Win
Muzzle Velocity = 3115 fps; Muzzle Energy = 1939 ft-lbs; G1 BC = 0.490
100 grain 6mm Creedmoor
Muzzle Velocity = 2970 fps; Muzzle Energy = 1958 ft-lbs; G1 BC = 0.515
130 grain 6.5 Creedmoor
Muzzle Velocity = 2850 fps; Muzzle Energy = 2344 ft-lbs; G1 BC = 0.510
130 grain 260 Rem
Muzzle Velocity = 2820 fps; Muzzle Energy = 2995 ft-lbs; G1 BC = 0.510
140 grain 270 Win
Muzzle Velocity = 2950 fps; Muzzle Energy = 2705 ft-lbs; G1 BC = 0.508
165 grain 308 Win
Muzzle Velocity = 2840 fps; Muzzle Energy = 2956 ft-lbs; G1 BC = 0.530
165 grain 30-06 Springfield
Muzzle Velocity = 2950 fps; Muzzle Energy = 3188 ft-lbs; G1 BC = 0.530
180 grain 300 Win Mag
Muzzle Velocity = 2960 fps; Muzzle Energy = 3502 ft-lbs; G1 BC = 0.515
All Elite Hunter Tipped ammunition features nickel-plated cases that aid in extraction while providing significant anti-corrosion qualities. The custom formulated and precision loaded powders deliver consistent velocities regardless of atmospheric conditions and industry-leading primers are matched to proprietary powder blends to ensure dependable ignition.
The SIG SAUER Elite Hunter Tipped ammunition is now available for purchase at the sigsauer.com/store and retailers everywhere.
SIG SAUER Ammunition is manufactured by SIG SAUER at its state-of-the-art ammunition manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Arkansas, to the same exacting standards as the company’s premium pistols and rifles. For more information, visit sigsauer.com/ammunition.
