Winchester Arms Collectors Association (WACA)

Above, the 2025 WACA show in Cody, Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are Winchester arms enthusiasts, the Winchester Arms Collectors Association (WACA) just may be for you.

Last summer, a friend and I attended the WACA Show in Cody, Wyoming. It had to be one of the biggest gun show I've ever attended (the Great Western Gun Show, which occupied several buildings at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in the 1980s, had to have been the largest).

I was considering attending this year's show, but after having a new roof installed on the house, funds for such a trip to Cody was not in the cards for me. 

This year's Cody show will take place July 10 - 12. Their Midwestern Show in Wellington, Ohio takes place on September 26 - 27. 

What is the Winchester Arms Collectors Association? 

From the official website: 

The Winchester Arms Collectors Association (WACA) is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation with a worldwide membership of over 3,000 individuals. WACA was organized in July 1977, incorporated February 21, 1978, in the State of Montana and has been NRA affiliated (#G8143) since 1978.

Our members are devoted to the preservation, understanding and collecting of Winchester firearms and related products as well as the role these products had in forging America’s heritage.

The Winchester Collector, a quarterly publication, is dedicated to the collecting of Winchester Firearms and related Memorabilia. It includes Winchester related articles, highlights from our shows and events, as well as calendar updates and classified ads. We encourage our members to contribute to our publications, as we showcase our members’ favorite Winchesters.

We currently produce the WACA Show in Cody, WY, and as an association attend shows in Wellington, OH, and Las Vegas, NV.  Members receive free admission to the Cody Show during public show hours.  Cody Show awards include specially sculpted bronze plaques, winners’ names added to the highly-coveted George Madis Best Educational and Glenn Hockett Best of Show trophies, and cash awards.  We encourage our members to participate in all Winchester shows.

Above, yours truly at the 2025 WACA show in Cody. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

The WACA annual membership is $55. 

Their Antique Arms Show in Las Vegas is a lot more closer to home for me. That show will take place January 22-23, 2027.

For more information, go to:  https://winchestercollector.org/

Spot Prices Decline, Create Buying Opportunities

The spot price of silver has gone down a bit in recent days.

It has gone much lower than the record highs of the beginning of the year. The spot price has slid to around $67/toz. If one bought over the higher spot price at the beginning of the year, just hang on to your silver. 

However, since the spot price is much lower now, it could be a great opportunity to buy more.

According to Numismatic News:

The spot price of gold and silver has not made many headlines recently, but they have been slowly declining from their record values several months earlier. If you are interested in coins composed of either of these metals as a long-term investment or for a coin collection you are unlikely to resell. This price decline is of little consequence to you. It may even be a buying opportunity. 

To read more, go here. 

RV Rule: (Almost) Never Knock On An RV Neighbor’s Door

Above, at Campland on the Bay in San Diego, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In the RVing world, there are rules, written and unwritten. 

The following is an unwritten rule that does make sense. It is knocking on an RV door. Admittedly, it is jarring to have someone knock on my motorhome's door. But this has been extremely rare. 

RV Travel spells out the reasons for this and states a few exceptions. 

They begin with:

Have you heard about this unwritten RV rule? It doesn’t come up very often. However, you should know and follow this unwritten rule: (Almost) never knock on an RV door.

Folks new to RVing may not realize that knocking on another person’s RV door is almost always considered taboo. Let’s take a closer look at this unwritten rule and the reasoning behind it. 

To read more, go here. 

Winchester Firearms: History, Innovation, and Legacy

Above, Winchester rifles at the 2025 Winchester Arns Collectors
Association show in Cody, Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are into history and firearms, the following should be of great interest.

It is a slideshow by MSN on the history, innovation and legacy of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. 

It starts out with:

From Oliver Winchester’s 19th-century entry into the firearms industry to modern production, Winchester’s history is marked by groundbreaking designs and enduring cultural impact. The gallery traces key rifle and shotgun models, influential designers like Benjamin Tyler Henry and John Browning, and the development of iconic cartridges such as the .44-40 WCF, .30-30, .270, and .308 Winchester. It also explores the brand’s role in the American frontier, its survival through corporate changes, and its lasting place in hunting traditions and firearm heritage.

To read more, go here. 

Anthony Head, R.I.P.

Above, Anthony Head. Photo by Raven Underwood.

Although several actors who appears on Buffy the Vampire Slayer have passed away, three principal stars of the show have passed during the past 16 months.

Anthony Head, who played Watcher Rupert Giles, passed away from pneumonia on June 1. He was 72. He was a little bit younger than me as he was born on February 20, 1954. 

The other two who have passed are:

Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris) - Died at age 54 in his sleep from natural causes.

Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn Summers) - Died at age 39 due to complications from diabetes mellitus.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer was my favorite television show during its run. 

Poll: Have You Ever Encountered A Bear While Hiking Or Camping?

Above, a black bear at Yellowstone Bear World wildlife park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Have you ever encountered a bear while hiking or in a campground? 

I have never encountered any bears in a campground or while hiking, but I have seen a mother bear and cubs near the Sequoia National Park my daughter and were staying at from a distance. We have also seen bears while in a tour bus in Yellowstone National Park.

That is the topic of a new poll by RV Travel. 

They start it off with:

It seems like bear encounters have been making the news more frequently lately. Just this week, a hiker in Glacier National Park suffered a broken arm after a surprise encounter with a grizzly bear on a popular trail. Earlier this season, several campgrounds and trails across North America reported temporary closures or warnings due to increased bear activity.

Of course, that’s not necessarily because bears are becoming more aggressive. Summer is when both people and bears are spending more time outdoors. More RVers are heading into national parks, national forests, and remote camping areas, and that means more opportunities for humans and bears to cross paths.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here. 

National Moonshine Day!

Guess what? 

Today is National Moonshine Day! 

According to the Google A.I. Overview:

National Moonshine Day in 2026 falls on June 5. The holiday is celebrated annually on the first Friday in June.

 Celebrate accordingly!

The Steal In Commiefornia Is On!

 

Deb Haaland's Buffoonery

Here's a great example of Democrat gubernatorial nominee of New Mexico Deb Haaland stupidity.

This is from a senate hearing exchange between her an Sen. Josh Hawley when she was Biden's secretary of the Interior.

 

Winchester Model 94 30-30 (pre '64) Field Test

Winchester Model 94 30-30 (pre '64) Field Test video by Sub Zero Survival.

Summary:

Field test of the pre 1964 Winchester Model 94 in 30-30 with Hornady FTX Flex Tip hand loads.

The Hornady LEVERevolution Flex Tip .30-30 rounds worked fine in my Winchester 94. 

 

America's Gun Industry Was Sold Out From Under You

America's Gun Industry Was Sold Out From Under You video by Arms Archives.

Summary:

The names on the barrel never changed. The factories behind them did.

For over a century, Winchester, Remington, and Colt were built by generations of skilled American workers in towns where gunmaking was a way of life. Then, quietly, the factories closed, ownership changed hands, and some of America's most iconic firearms brands became something very different.

This is the untold story of the men, the factories, and the decisions that transformed three legendary gunmakers forever.

15 Best Gun Safes For 2026

Above, inside the gun safe a friend won in a Friends of NRA raffle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few years ago, a friend won a big (and I do mean big) gun safe at a Friends of NRA event raffle. It required the service of a forklift to get it into his garage. 

With some municipalities (run by liberals, of course) passing laws for gun owners with children to have child-proof storage for their guns, this is something they should read over. 

Besides keeping one's guns away from the kiddies, there's also fire and theft to consider when choosing a gun safe. 

Pew Pew Tactical posted their list of 15 best gun safes for 2026. 

They begin it with:

Need to keep your guns out of the hands of unauthorized family members and burglars?

Then you need a gun safe.

There are A LOT of them out there, and they can range anywhere from $50 to over $10,000. You can find everything from old-school mechanical safes to fancy biometric and WiFi-enabled versions.

We'll cover the different types and provide you with a few options for an affordable, best bang-for-the-buck, or high-end choice.

We have broken this list down into three different sections: Best overall gun safes, best handgun safes, and best long gun safes.

So keep on reading as we go over other important things like how much you should spend and what to look for when considering a safe.

To read more, go here. 

Recreational Drive

Above, today at the corral and Six Mile Canyon entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today has been a relaxing one.

I took a little recreational drive in the Jeep around our subdivision and over to the corral at the entrance into Six Mile Canyon.

It was cloudy out and the forecast has possible thundershowers today. 

I cut my drive short as it was beginning to sprinkle. We can sure use it! Monsoon season begins there later this month. It is hoped that we get a good amount of rain here.  

2026 Gallup Rodeos

Above, bull riding during the 2025 Gallup Lions Club Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's the rodeos that will take place at Red Rock Park near Gallup, New Mexico this year:

76th Annual Gallup Lions Club Rodeo & BBQ

Dates: June 18–20, 2026 

Highlights: Youth rodeo (June 18), Open show rodeos (June 19–20), and a downtown BBQ celebration

11th Annual Best of the Best Timed Event Rodeo

Dates: June 23–27, 2026 

Highlights: High-stakes team roping, $3,000 added per event, and exclusive prizes for winners

WildThing Championship Bullriding

Dates: Typically hosted in July (Mid-summer)

Highlights: One of the premier bull-riding events in the Southwest, featuring elite riders and the Wooly Riders youth division

Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

Dates: August 1–9, 2026

Highlights: Daily rodeo events begin August 6 

10 Winchester Rifles Smart Owners Should Never Sell

10 Winchester Rifles Smart Owners Should Never Sell — Pure Gold In 2026! video by The Gun Warehouse.

Summary:

Some Winchester rifles are more than firearms they are hidden investments that continue to climb in value year after year. From legendary lever actions like the Model 1873 and Model 1894 to highly sought after Pre 64 Model 70s, collectors are paying record prices for the right examples in 2026. 

You’ll discover why certain serial numbers, chamberings, factory markings, and configurations can mean the difference between an ordinary rifle and a five or even six-figure collectible. We also cover the legendary One of One Thousand rifles, pre-war Winchesters, Theodore Roosevelt’s famous Model 1895, and the rifles that continue to dominate auctions across America. 

The Election (So Far)

While the final results from yesterday's primaries are still to be finalized, it appears that the general election campaigns in New Mexico and California are shaping up as follows:

In New Mexico, former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won her primary for governor on the Democrat side and former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull appears to have won on the Republican side. It will be an interesting campaign between dimwit Haaland and successful ex-mayor Hull.

In California, the race for governor is "too close to call" as of two hours ago from The Guardian. With many ballots still left to be counted, three candidates emerged at the top: the Republican Steve Hilton and the Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer. 

In the Los Angeles race for mayor, it looks like Mayor Karen Bass has been forced into a runoff election against former reality TV star Spencer Pratt. This is another race to watch. 

To me, there are no surprises here. The election results (so far) are what I expected .

I Voted!

 

Yesterday was primary election day in New Mexico. I headed down to the Whispering Cedars Fire Station to cast my vote. I was voter number 22 according to the polling place.

It makes it easier for me to vote as New Mexico's primary election day is the same as my former state of Commiefornia, the first Tuesday of June. 

Above, the Jeep at the fire station after I arrived to vote. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Clint Eastwood Retires At 96

Above, my The Enforcer lobby card and autograph of Clint Eastwood. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was bound to happen. 

Kyle Eastwood has announced that his father, Clint Eastwood, is now retired from acting and directing. This is actually better for him to kick back and just relax and enjoy life instead of being carried off on a stretcher from a movie set.

Yahoo! Entertainment reported:

One of Hollywood's greatest careers is officially over. 

Clint Eastwood, who just turned 96 on Sunday, May 31, has retired after more than seven decades in film. 

According to a newly surfaced interview with France Info, his son Kyle Eastwood, confirmed that his father has stepped away from filmmaking.

“I have many fond memories of working with him. Now he’s retired, he’s 95 years old. But I was very lucky to be able to work with him on quite a few films,” Kyle said in November 2025. “It was a great experience for me.”

To read more, go here. 

15 Things Winchester Got Right

Above, my pre-64 Winchesters: Winchester 62A, Winchester 94
and Winchester Model 12 shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Winchester has been around for over 100 years. 

Although it has undergone changes and ownership, the Winchester brand, be it firearms or ammo, is a brand that still resonates among gun owners. 

MSN posted a slideshow article on the "15 things Winchester got right that kept the brand alive for generations."

They start it with:

Winchester got one of the most important things right from the start: repeating fire mattered. In an era when many firearms were still single-shot or slow to reload, Winchester leaned into lever-action repeating rifles. That gave shooters more rounds on tap and changed what a rifle could do in the hands of hunters, settlers, lawmen, and soldiers.

That early move shaped the whole brand. Winchester did not become famous because it made another ordinary rifle. It became famous because it helped make the repeating rifle part of American firearm culture. Once people connected the Winchester name with fast follow-up shots and practical firepower, the brand had a powerful identity to build from.

To read more, go here. 

Jeep T-Shirt

 Hmm. Maybe I should get one of these shirts!

Above, yours truly at McGaffey Lake in 2024. 

Karen Bass As Supergirl

 

Shibuya Introduces Littering Fine

Above, Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is one of the most cleanest countries in the world.

It is rare to see litter on the ground even in the most populous cities in the world such as Tokyo. Apparently, with huge numbers of foreign visitors, a litter problem is developing in the Shibuya Ward.

They are now instituting a litter fine in Shibuya.

According to the BBC:

Litterbugs in the Japanese tourist hub of Shibuya will now face an on-the-spot fine of 2,000 Japanese yen ($13; £9), as new penalties take effect amid the country's tourism boom.

The fine collection system kicked in on Monday in Shibuya Ward, a commercial and entertainment centre that is home to the famed Shibuya Crossing.

In certain districts, authorities are also handing out fines for food and beverage shop operators who do not install waste bins.

To read more, go here. 

Gallup Lions Club Rodeo June 18 - 20

Above, a past Gallup Lions Club Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This month marks the beginning of rodeo season in the Gallup, New Mexico area.

The first rodeo of the season is the Gallup Lions Club Rodeo that will be held this year at Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena.

The rodeo dates are June 18 through June 20.

It is a great rodeo and I haven't missed it since I moved to New Mexico.

For more information, go here. 

20 of the Most-Trusted Hunting Rifles in America

Above, types of hunting rifles. Sportsmans Warehouse photo.

Since I am not a hunter and I don't play one on TV, I'll leave it to the "experts" to determine the best and most-trusted hunting rifles in America. 

AOL posted an article on what are the 20 most-trusted hunting rifles in America. 

They start it with:

When it comes to hunting, trust in your rifle matters just as much as skill in the field. These are the rifles American hunters rely on when the shot counts, from proven classics like the Remington Model 700 to modern platforms built for precision and durability. What sets them apart is not just performance on paper, but years of real-world use in tough conditions. These are the rifles that have earned their reputation the hard way.

To determine the most trusted hunting rifles in America, History Computer reviewed various historical and military sources. We included supplemental information for each rifle regarding the type, common calibers, primary game use, accuracy reputation, price tier, and ultimately why hunters trust it.

To read more, go here. 

10 Firearms Where Wear Boosts Collector Value

Above, the gun department at Cabela's in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some collectors of firearms prefer pristine or nearly pristine guns. Others prefer some wear on them as it boosts collector value. Since I am in neither camp, I'll just leave it up the the reader.

MSN posted a slideshow article on 10 firearms where wear boosts collector valute. 

They begin it with:

Many collectible firearms gain value when they retain original finishes and show signs of honest use rather than restoration. From classic revolvers and lever-action rifles to iconic military sidearms, subtle patina and light wear often signal authenticity and preserve historical character. Scarcity, craftsmanship, and unaltered condition combine to make these well-worn examples highly sought after by collectors.

To read more, go here. 

Video: Tips For Cross-Country Road Trips

Above, the motorhome at Graceland RV Park & Campground in Memphis. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

Since I bought my RV, I have made three cross-country road trips in it. I consider a cross-country trip to be one that includes multiple states. It doesn't have to be coast-to-coast, in my opinion. 

The first was from L.A. to Metropolis, Illinois with side trips to Memphis, Tennessee and Springfield, Illinois. The second was the Great American Eclipse trip to Idaho to see a total eclipse. Then, last year, a friend and I traveled to Cody, Wyoming and, from there, to the Black Hills of South Dakota with stops in-between.  

RV Travel posted an article with video on five beginner tips for planning a cross-country road trip.

It begins with:

Have you ever wanted to do a cross-country road trip in your RV but don’t know how to start planning? The team from the Long Long Honeymoon is here to help.

In the video below, they share five tips for beginners planning a cross-country trip. For the record, the tips will work even if you are planning a cross-country trip in a car, as opposed to an RV.

To see the video and read more, go here. 

Rate Your Health Considering Your Age

Above, Fort Massac State Park near Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As the following RV Travel article states, aging is a funny thing.

Funny, in the sense that is varies among individuals. One may be in excellent health, while another person of the same age may be a wreck. Or, one may be somewhere in-between.

RV Travel has posted a poll on how one rates their health considering their age. 

It begins with:

Aging is a funny thing. One day you’re bouncing back from anything, and the next day you make a strange noise just standing up from your camp chair. But here’s the thing: Age and health don’t always go hand in hand the way people assume they do.

Some RVers in their 70s are hiking trails, climbing into truck campers, and exploring the country like they’re decades younger. Others feel every mile in their joints by the end of a travel day. And, honestly, most of us probably fall somewhere in between.

Health can mean a lot of different things, too. Maybe you deal with aches and pains, but still feel strong overall. Maybe you take medications or have limitations, but consider yourself healthy for your age. Or maybe you feel better now than you did 10 years ago because you finally have less stress and more time to enjoy life.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here. 

Hawaiian Airlines Cuts Free Meals In Economy

Above, a Hawaiian Airlines jet at Maui in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I remember the days when some domestic flights served meals that were a part of the price of a ticket. I only flew to Hawaii and back once and meals were included. This was ten years ago.

Then, gradually, airlines cut domestic meals down to flights over five hours in length. Then they served meals, but charged for them and one must order a meal before the plane even taxies down the runway.

Now, it has been announced that Hawaiian Airlines is cutting free meals from domestic flights from the mainland to Hawaii, except for flights originating from New York's JFK airport. The announcement is being spun like lipstick on a pig.

One Mile At A Time reported:

Historically, Hawaiian Airlines has offered free meals on flights between Hawaii and the United States mainland. That’s an amenity that’s quite rare nowadays, especially outside of the “long haul” Hawaii flights from the East Coast, Midwest, etc., so it was a real point of differentiation.

Well, major changes are coming to Hawaiian’s inflight service, and the airline is certainly burying the lede. The announcement about the change notes how the airline is “elevating onboard service with pre-order dining by celebrated Hawai‘i chefs.” But really that’s just a positive spin on announcing that free meals are being cut in economy.

The changes will be implemented as of July 1, 2026, and entail “a new onboard service program that delivers greater choice, improved quality and a deeper connection to the flavors of Hawai‘i.” The new menu is being developed in partnership with Maui-based, James Beard Award finalist Chef Sheldon Simeon.

To read more, go here.