Here's something interesting.
A man brought in a custom Winchester 1894 made in 1896 to the Antiques Roadshow on PBS appraisal.
It has a plaque indicating Buffalo Bill's Wild West show on the stock. It may (or may not) be authentic.
Here's the video on the rifle:
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| Above, a morning "cup of Joe" at a clampout. |
Coffee.
Whether I am at home or on the road somewhere, I have to have my morning "Cup of Joe" to get my day started. This includes traveling by RV.
I have two means of making coffee in the RV. When the motorhome is plugged into electricity at an RV park, I use my 5-cup coffee-maker. If I am dry camping, I use my percolator on the stove.
RV Travel has posted an article by Chuck Woodbury with his confession as being a coffee addict.
It begins with:
I have one significant addiction. It’s coffee. So far, in all the scientific articles I have ever read, nobody has said, flat out, that drinking a lot of coffee is bad. Or nobody has convinced me of it. So why stop, is what I say.
I am so ridiculously addicted to it that I can now drink two or three cups and still fall quickly asleep. Go figure.
But the point of this article: I like my coffee with milk. I like cream, but my cardiologist doesn’t agree. I do not like my coffee black. Tried it: Nope, no can do.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, rock formations in Arches National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
According to Travel + Leisure:
Senior Passes are honored at sites managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service.
I bought mine when I turned 62 in 2016 for the then-fee of $10.00. Senior Passes now cost $80.00, which is still a bargain considering they are good for a lifetime and if used.
The Senior Pass is only good for entering the parks. They are not good for camping.
Travel + Leisure posted their "ultimate" guide to the Senior National Park Pass.
They begin it with:
With jaw-dropping natural beauty, national parks are the crowning jewel of the United States' landscape—and an important part of American history and culture. President Ulysses S. Grant founded the country's first national park, Yellowstone, in 1872, while President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service (NPS) into existence in 1916.
Now, more than 100 years on, people flock from across the U.S. and the globe to see the natural wonders within the most popular of the 433 parks. NPS has created a variety of passes, both annual and lifetime, to encourage Americans to visit national parks, monuments, and federal recreational lands. But it's the national park pass for seniors that allows unhindered access. Here are some key details on the Senior Pass.
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| Above, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
I last used my Senior Pass at Arches National Park in Utah and Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana last summer.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, an aerial view of the property. |
Due to homeowners insurance issues, I have to re-roof the house. I had to change insurers due to area wildfire hazards and the inspector for the new insurance company came out to inspect the property.
In preparation, I did a lot of yard work to clear brush. Apparently, they didn't complain about the trees on the property as only a couple are near the house and the land was clear of brush hazards.
But, they did find that the roof was in need of replacing and they sent me a cancellation notice. I called my agent and he said that the cancellation would be rescinded if the roof was taken care of. I have until March 21 to do so.
So, I had to get a home improvement loan at my bank to get the roof replaced. It was a cinch getting the loan as I had a good credit score.
The roofers will be starting tomorrow morning.
The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.
To begin the week, we have T'Pau with a single from 1987, "Heart and Soul" from their debut album Bridge of Spies. I remember this song hitting the airwaves while I was in Pueblo, Colorado while working as part of an insurance claim catastrophe team for ten days.
From Wikipedia:
T'Pau are an English pop group formed in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, led by singer Carol Decker. They had a string of Top 40 hits in the UK during the late 1980s and early 1990s, most notably "China in Your Hand", "Heart and Soul" and "Valentine", and several hits in the rest of Europe, before disbanding in 1992. Decker still performs under the name T'Pau at solo shows and 1980s nostalgia concerts, and in 2013 she reunited with original band member and co-songwriter Ronnie Rogers for a 25th-anniversary UK tour.
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| Above, Wiinchester .30-30 cartridges. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
As I am not a hunter, I would not be the one to ask what rifle calibers deliver the best results.
However, Bushcraft Base Camp has posted their list of rifle calibers they feel do deliver the best results and why.
They begin with:
For generations, hunters have relied on certain rifle calibers that consistently deliver dependable results in the field. While new cartridges appear regularly, a handful of proven calibers continue to stand out because of their balance of power, accuracy, and versatility. These cartridges earned their reputations through decades of real-world hunting across forests, mountains, plains, and open farmland. Experienced hunters understand that choosing the right caliber is not just about raw power but also about manageable recoil, reliable performance, and effective terminal ballistics on game animals. A well-chosen cartridge allows a hunter to make clean, ethical shots while maintaining confidence in the rifle’s capabilities.
To read more, go here.
How to Refinish a Wood Rifle Stock (Step-by-Step Restoration) video by Ron Spomer Outdoors.
Summary:
Over time, even the best hunting rifles show wear—especially in the stock. Scratches, faded finish, and hard use can leave a once-beautiful piece of walnut looking tired.
In this video, Ron Spomer walks through the process of refinishing a traditional wood rifle stock, step by step. This restoration focuses on simple techniques that can bring new life back to a well-used hunting rifle.
We cover:
Removing the old finish
Sanding and preparing the wood
Applying a new finish
Tips for achieving a durable, classic look
A good rifle can last generations, and sometimes a little careful restoration is all it takes to bring it back.
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| Above, 1964 Kennedy Half dollars. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
With silver rising in the spot price market, collectors and investors have to be mindful of what the Internal Revenue Service wants during tax reporting time.
Economic Times posted an article how to reduce one's tax burden on precious metals.
They posted:
IRS tax rules for silver and gold:
Silver’s surge past $90 an ounce has grabbed attention as gold climbed toward $5,300 in 2025 and 2026. Demand tied to the green economy, including heavy silver use in high-efficiency solar panels and the fact that EVs require roughly twice as much silver as gas-powered cars, has helped drive the rally, as per a report.
How the IRS Taxes Silver and Other Precious Metals: The 28% Collectible Tax Rule Explained
But taxes can take a large share of those profits. The IRS treats physical precious metals differently from stocks, and profits may be taxed at rates of up to 28% or more.
Silver is a capital asset, meaning any profit from selling it must be reported on Schedule D of your federal tax return, as per the Yahoo Finance report.
Many investors assume holding silver for more than a year qualifies for the same long-term capital gains rates as stocks. However, the IRS classifies physical metals such as silver bars, rounds, and coins as collectibles.
If silver is held for one year or less, profits are taxed as ordinary income, which can be as high as 37% depending on your tax bracket.
If it’s held longer than a year, the gain is still taxed at your ordinary income rate but capped at 28%.
The article then goes on to tell how the tax burden can be reduced.
To read the full article, go here.
Winchester Model 94 Range 2 video by Hickok45.
Summary:
A return engagement with my Winchester 94 .30-30, which is a Pre 64 model.
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| Above, the Winchester 94 made the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Today's guns aren't all that exciting to me. My preference are those guns of yesteryear that are now considered classics.
A lot of them did not attract much attention over the years but collectors are now seeking many of them out.
Bushcraft Base Craft posted a list of 13 guns that were overlooked for years but are now suddenly hard to find.
They begin with:
Some firearms spend years sitting quietly on store shelves without attracting much attention. They may be overshadowed by trendier designs, newer technology, or simply stronger marketing from competing brands. Over time, however, shooters rediscover certain models for their reliability, practicality, or historical value. When that rediscovery happens, demand can rise quickly. Suddenly, the same gun that was once easy to find becomes difficult to track down. Collectors, enthusiasts, and practical shooters begin searching for them again. The following firearms are examples of models that were once overlooked but are now attracting renewed attention in the market.
To see what they are, go here.
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| Above, Frankenstein's monster (Glenn Strange) and Dr. Niemann (Boris Karloff) in quicksand in House of Frankenstein (1944). Universal Pictures. |
When I was a kid, it seemed like a lot of movies of that era had a fixation on quicksand. One in particular was not really quicksand, but rather a way to trap humans into an alien spaceship. That movie was Invaders From Mars (1953). It was creepy.
The National Park Service has issued a warning about quicksand at a popular recreational area.
RV Travel posted the following:
The National Park Service is warning travelers heading to public lands in the Southwest about a potential hazard they may not expect: quicksand. Officials at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which spans the Utah–Arizona border, say quicksand has recently been found near shorelines and in drainage areas throughout the park. Be careful!
It's that time of year again!
Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. local time.
So spring forward one hour!
The Levergun Bum Field Review: Winchester Model 9422M "WinTuff" video by The Levergun Bum.
I have been on the lookout for a Winchester Model 9422, which is the .22 cal. version of the Winchester 94. I have contacted a gun shop in Albuquerque and asked them to notify me if they should have one available. I have a Winchester 94 in .30-30 that is pre-64. I would like one in a lower cost caliber.
Summary:
The Levergun Bum presents a field review of a Winchester 9422M chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR).
Manufactured from 1972 through 2005, the Winchester 9422 series epitomized Winchester's determination to return to producing quality firearms following the company's decision in the early 1960s to reduce product quality in favor of cost savings. Now, nearly twenty years after Winchester's plant closure in 2006, Winchester 9422s are as popular as ever, demanding nearly triple or quadruple their original MSRP. The 9422M reviewed in this video features "WinTuff" wood furniture, a black chrome bluing, a Tasco 4 x 32 telescopic sight, and is in mint condition.
A little surprise awaited me this morning.
A few minutes ago, I was putting some clothes in the dryer when I looked out the window and noticed about 1/4 inch layer of snow on the garage roof.
I wasn't expecting snow today, so it is a surprise. But I am not complaining, we can use it.
I took this shot:
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| Above, burros strolling on Route 66 in Oatman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Since 2026 is the centennial year of Historic Route 66, celebrations will be held along its route. This provide a great opportunity for travelers, especially RVers, to explore "The Mother Road".
RV Lifestyle posted an article that this is the "ultimate time" for an RV adventure on Route 66.
It begins with:
In 2026, America’s most legendary highway turns 100 years old, and Route 66 is preparing for a celebration unlike anything travelers have seen before. Stretching more than 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, this historic roadway, known as America’s Mother Road, has captured the spirit of freedom, exploration, and adventure for generations.
For RV travelers especially, the Route 66 Centennial is more than a milestone. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the road at its most vibrant, restored, and alive.
To read more, go here.
It has been said that "politics makes strange bedfellows" over the years.
But a Supreme Court case involving a pot-user's Second Amendment rights is now before the court. It appears that the justices might side with marijuana users. Conservatives and liberals seem united in defending a weed-smoker's Second Amendment rights.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported:
A Texas man’s case illustrates the potential for common ground between right-leaning critics of gun control and left-leaning critics of the war on drugs.
Under federal law, millions of Americans are committing felonies right now because they own guns and use marijuana, even if they live in states that have legalized the drug. There is nothing unconstitutional about that baffling situation, a Trump administration lawyer assured the Supreme Court on Monday, because cannabis consumers are analogous to “habitual drunkards,” who historically could be confined to workhouses or mental institutions.
Most of the justices, including both Republican and Democratic appointees, seemed skeptical of that claim. Their agreement reflected the trans-partisan alliances inspired by this case, which illustrates the potential for common ground between right-leaning critics of gun control and left-leaning critics of the war on drugs.
The case, which sits at the intersection of those two policies, involves Ali Hemani, a Texas man who was charged with illegal gun possession in 2023 after an FBI search of his home discovered a Glock 19 pistol, about 2 ounces of marijuana, and less than a gram of cocaine. Hemani admitted that the gun was his, and that he smoked marijuana a few times a week, which would have been enough to convict him.
To read the full article, go here.
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| Above, the Mossberg 500E shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
A few years ago, I discovered a Mossberg 500E .410 Pump Shotgun that was in a gun case my dad left. I didn't know I had it until I unzipped the case.
I took it out to the shooting range not too long after and I worked great.
It appears that people in my age group (I'm at the "youthful" age of 72) are moving towards .410 shotguns for turkey hunting.
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette posted an article on this.
It begins with:
Willie Johnston of Hamburg is a traditionalist hunter, but he embraces the .410-bore shotgun for turkey hunting.
Johnston, 72, represents an evolution in the turkey hunting retail market. An older demographic of hunters is gravitating to smaller, lighter guns with less recoil.
Johnston said he is impressed with the tight patterns his Stevens 301 prints at conventional turkey hunting distances. The red dot sight that came with the package assures him that his shot will be true.
"Wherever you put that dot is where it's going to hit," Johnston said. "You don't have to worry about pulling off or your sights not being aligned just right. Just put that dot on his head and shoot."
Nathan Dunn, owner of Dunn's Sporting Goods in Pevely, Mo., acknowledged the trend in the Midwest.
"The last few years we've sold a lot more sub-gauge guns, a lot of 20-gauges and a lot of .410," Dunn said. "A lot of hunters are getting older. They're tired of packing around that big 12-gauge."
To read the full article, go here.
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| Above, Winchester rifle and shotgun cleaning kits. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
I have about five Hoppe's gun cleaning kits that I have bought over the years. Some are for pistols, rifles and shotguns.
I've noticed that the newer kits I have purchased have more cheaply made rod end accessories. They have broken while inside gun barrels. Usually, I can get them out of the barrels with a wire clothes hangar (apologies to Joan Crawford). I had one break inside a Winchester Model 62A .22 rifle the other day. I couldn't get it out with a hangar. So, reluctantly, I shot it out. Luckily, the rod end accessory wasn't wedged in.
I have some Winchester cleaning kits and those are far better made. I bought them in Lake Havasu a couple of years ago as they were on sale. I finished the cleaning job with the Winchester rifle cleaning kit.
In the future, I'll stick with the Winchester kits and just use the Hoppe's gun oil and cleaning solvent.
SILVER STACKERS SWARM BULLION DEALER AS WAR ERUPTS! by Yankee Stacking.
Summary:
In this video my bullion dealer is swamped by both buyers and sellers of silver and gold as war erupts! The lines grow quickly and the parking lot fills as silver buyers come from all across the state to see my bullion dealer! A big drop in the spot price of silver and gold draws people in when the coin shop first opens and Tim can't leave until after 5:30 in the evening! Is the war with Iran going to suppress the price of silver and gold or are we about to see a massive spike in the spot price of precious metals. Silver usually goes down with the stock market on geo-political events, but this drop in spot price was a buying opportunity for these stackers. Watch and see customers buy bullion from Tim Marschner of the Coin and Stamp Shop in what could be the beginning of a major war-driven volatility! I also ask customers if President Trump's actions in Iran are "America First"! These are unprecedented times requiring us to stack precious metals. Protect yourself from out-of-control governments, evil central banks, and the failing US dollar's grip as the world's reserve currency. Make sure you build a stack of silver rounds, silver bars, silver coins, and gold coins as essential barter and wealth preservation!
Top 10 Lever Action Rifles of 2026 – Classic Meets Modern Power video by Gear Insider.
Summary:
Looking for the the best Lever Action Rifles of 2026? Look no further!
Check out our top 10 Lever Action Rifles 2026:
➤ 10. Henry All-Weather Lever Action .45-70
➤ 9. Henry Big Boy
➤ 8. Browning BLR Lever Action Rifle
➤ 7. HENRY X MODEL .38 SPECIAL
➤ 6. Marlin Dark Model 336
➤ 5. Henry Side Gate Lever Action Rifle
➤ 4. Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Short Rifle
➤ 3. Winchester 1873 Sporter Octagon
➤ 2. Winchester Model 94
➤ 1. Uberti 1866 YELLOWBOY
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Lever action rifles, a classic in firearm design, embody a rich heritage and a unique operating mechanism. Levering a round into the chamber with each cycle, they offer quick follow-up shots and a distinctive nostalgic charm. Renowned for their reliability and ease of use, lever action rifles have found favor in both historical and contemporary contexts. Whether for hunting or sport shooting, they remain a beloved choice, blending traditional aesthetics with functional effectiveness.
While there have been many firearms produced over the decades, only a few are distinctive due to their designs and firepower.
Bushcraft Base Camp posted their list of 11 classic firearms that still to this day hold their power.
They begin with:
These 11 classic firearms still hold their power because their original designs prioritize absolute reliability and functional excellence over fleeting modern trends. While technology changes with every passing year, these legendary tools continue to provide exceptional performance for both collectors and active marksmen throughout the entire country today. Many enthusiasts find that the balance and the history of these specific models offer a unique satisfaction that newer polymer alternatives often lack during regular practice. Understanding why these iconic weapons remain relevant helps a person appreciate the timeless engineering and the cultural impact of traditional and very durable craftsmanship.
To see their list of firearms, go here.
Yesterday, I went to the Red Rock 10 Theaters in Gallup to see the new Baz Luhrmann EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert movie. It is a documentary/concert film. Afterwards, I went to Jerry's Café for dinner before heading home.
The movie focused Presley's early residency at the International Hotel in Las Vegas (circa 1969) and some arena concerts circa 1971-1972.
Reviews of the movie have been raving and, quite frankly, it didn't disappoint. The only narration was by Presley himself and not any talking heads of commentators.
Much of the footage I had never seen before. The sharpness and color were great, as if the footage was shot only recently. What really impressed me was the sound. The theater had a great surround system and make one almost feel as if they were in the showroom.
I was thinking during the movie that it was too bad my mother wasn't alive to enjoy it. She was the big Elvis fan in the family.
I have to give this movie a strong A+ grade.
15 Classic Hunting Rifles That Are DISAPPEARING – Keep These at All Costs! video by The Gun Warehouse.
Summary:
Some hunting rifles don’t disappear because they failed they disappear because the industry moved on. In this video, we break down 15 classic hunting rifles that are quietly vanishing from the market, starting with the legendary Winchester Model 70, the early production Remington Model 700, and the discontinued Browning A-Bolt.
Collectors and serious hunters know the truth supply is now permanently fixed. Clean, early-production examples are moving into private collections and rarely returning to the open market. Whether it’s Pre-64 controlled round feed actions, early-era machining quality, or discontinued bolt designs, these rifles represent a generation of manufacturing that is slowly fading away.
About a week ago, I filled my car's gas tank and the price was $2.279 per gallon in Gallup, New Mexico (photo above).
Since then, the price of unleaded regular in the area fluctuated anywhere between $2.59 to $2.79 per gallon. Still, that is a lot better than paying Commiefornia's ridiculous prices.
According to an article in RV Travel, this is the time where gasoline prices start their seasonal climb.
They begin with:
Gas prices have started their annual spring climb—and, yes, we’re right on schedule.
According to AAA, the national average price for regular gasoline has edged higher as refineries begin switching to summer-blend fuel and spring travel demand builds. It happens most years. It rarely feels good when it does.
The increase so far looks modest. But it signals a shift RVers know well: Once March arrives, pump prices tend to drift north.
To read more, go here.
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| Above, Sierra on her first RV trip to Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
My cat Sierra was eight months old when I first took her on a RV camping trip to Yosemite National Park.
She handled the trip just fine and now that she's over 10 years old, with plenty of RV travels under her belt (or, rather, collar) she does just fine.
RV Travel has posted an article with a video with seven trips for camping with a cat. Some I agree with some I don't, based on my experience.
The article begins with:
In the video below, we join Ashley, aka The Tennessee Wanderer, for some handy tips about camping with a cat. Ashley and her cat, Rupert, (and a dog too) travel in a tiny restored fiberglass U-Haul trailer. If she can make camping with a cat work in that tiny space, I think anyone can.
In the video, she shares some things that worked for her and some that didn’t.
To read more and see the video, go here.
Don't Buy A Lever Action Rifle Until You See These 9 Options video by Gun Hunter.
Summary:
Forget the cowboy cosplay and old-school nostalgia—we are ranking the Top 9 BEST Lever Action Rifles in 2026! (The #1 Spot Will Make You Mad) based on cold, hard capability and modern performance. From tactical Henry lever action setups and modern lever action rifles built for suppressors to classic rifles like the Marlin Model 336 and the legendary Savage Model 99, this list cuts through the marketing fluff to find what actually works for survival, home defense, and the field.
Whether hunting heavy brush or seeking a tactical lever action, we break down which new lever action rifles are revolutionizing the platform. We compare the best lever action rifles calibers, from the Chiappa 1892 to the Henry Big Boy X, to see which top lever guns earn their spot and which are just expensive wall art.
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| Above, Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Living 40 miles from the Arizona border allows me to frequently visit the "Grand Canyon State" for recreation.
There's plenty of things to see and do in Arizona and The Traveler has posted "11 Best Things To Do In Arizona". So far, I have done about half of them.
They begin with:
Arizona is a state of big skies and even bigger landscapes, where red rock deserts, cool pine forests, tribal lands and dynamic cities all sit under the same desert sun. From standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon to wading into turquoise waterfalls, slot canyons and cactus forests, the challenge is not finding things to do but deciding what to fit into one trip. These 11 experiences span the best of Arizona, with suggestions on when to go, how to visit responsibly and how to stay safe in a place where heat and distance can be just as dramatic as the views.
To see what they are, go here.
For those who are Godzilla fans as well as also being IMAX fans, a big treat is coming this fall.
Godzilla Minus Zero will be seeing a worldwide IMAX release.
According to JoBlo:
One of the biggest surprises in recent years was the impact Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One made worldwide. I think it was tempting for non-Godzilla devotees to write it off as just another Godzilla movie (although the faithful would wonder what exactly is wrong with that), but it ended up being perhaps the greatest installment of the franchise to date. It earned critical raves (with even Steven Spielberg hailing it), and the box office was outstanding, grossing a huge $57 million in North America. It also won a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, beating out movies with budgets that eclipsed it by hundreds of millions. As such, the sequel, Godzilla Minus Zero, is a major event.
Befitting how anticipated the movie is, word leaked today that Toho and their North American subsidiary, GKIDS, are giving the film a global IMAX release. Godzilla Minus One came out on IMAX screens in Japan and eventually played a limited run in North America in that format, but it looks like it will be getting a more robust IMAX release right off the bat. It hits North American theaters on November 6th, which is only three days after its Japanese release.
To read more, go here.
