The Real Reason the Boy Scouts Disappeared

The real reason the Boy Scouts disappeared video by Ken LaCorte. 

Summary:

"Not long ago, the Boy Scouts were a major part of American life. Now they're gone. How does that happen?"  –Ken 

 

Ted Nugent Has A Message To Oregon About Hunting

Just when one thinks that the idiots who populate the state of Oregon couldn't do anything more stupid, they meet and exceed that as a challenge.

 

The latest is a petition of a "Peace Act" what would criminalize hunting and fishing.

Laura Ingraham interviews rocker Ted Nugent on this in the video below:

Discontinued Rifles That Jumped In Value While Nobody Watched

Above, purchasing my 1962 Winchester 94 in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my 1962 Winchester 94 in April 2019, I got it on sale for $495. I had been looking for one and it was in great shape. This was before prices of these pre-64 rifles jumped in price when the pandemic hit.

This past week, I saw one of the same year that was bought at a gun show recently for $800. I was lucky to get mine with I did.

Depending on condition, these go anywhere from $600 to $1,500, give or take.

MSN posted (from The Avid Outdoorsman) a slideshow on discontinued rifles that jumped in value while nobody watched. The reason the Winchester 94 is included are the pre-64 versions before the manufacturing of them changed. 

They begin it with:

Some rifles get expensive in obvious ways. Everyone knows the famous collectibles, the military classics, and the rifles that had big reputations from the start. The more interesting ones are the rifles that climbed while most people were not paying attention. They sat in closets, pawn shops, deer camps, and used racks until one day the price tags stopped looking familiar.

That usually happens for a reason. Production ends, quality changes, nostalgia kicks in, or shooters realize a certain rifle filled a role nothing else quite replaced. These discontinued rifles were easy to overlook when they were still affordable. Now clean examples make a lot of people wish they had bought sooner.

To see more, go here. 

Disneyland Monorail Opened 67 Years Ago Today

Above, the Nixon family and Walt Disney on opening day of the monorail.

67 years ago, the Disneyland Monorail system was opened to the public. It was opened four years after the park itself opened in former orange groves in Anaheim, California. These were the days when one didn't need a third home mortgage to afford to take the family to Disneyland.

The grand opening took place on June 14, 1959. It was dedicated by Vice President Richard Nixon and family. They were the first to ride it on opening day.

According to Wikipedia:

The Disneyland Monorail (originally named the Disneyland Alweg Monorail System) is an attraction and transportation line at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, United States. It was the first daily operating monorail in the country.

Walt Disney originally envisioned the monorail as a practical form of public transport for the future. However, the technology never became widespread in the United States beyond a select few novelty installations. The monorail came about during a time when America's—and particularly Los Angeles'—obsession with the automobile was increasing, and monorails in the United States were mostly only located in Disney's theme parks.

To read more, go here.

World Record Winchester 1894!

 WORLD RECORD Winchester 1894! video by Rock Island Auction Company.

Summary:

It is now the highest amount achieved for one of America's most popular and produced rifles! 

This John Ulrich masterpiece Model 1894 includes the Master Engraver's No. 2 factory pattern engraving and gold inlay, along with a bevy of deluxe special order features.

 Auction took place in December 2025.

63 Years of "Donovan's Reef"

I am surprised that I missed this one. But it's better late than ever!

Yesterday marked 63 years that the John Wayne, Jack Warden, Lee Marvin, Cesar Romero and Elizabeth Allen feature, Donovan's Reef was released. It was the last feature Wayne was directed by John Ford. 

I remember seeing it at the old Balboa Theater in the Vermont Ave./Manchester Blvd. section of Los Angeles with my parents and a couple of friends. It was paired with King Kong vs. Godzilla. 

Donovan's Reef was the first movie shown of the double-feature. We mainly went there to see the Godzilla movie, but we enjoyed the light comedy set in the South Seas. 

Here is the official trailer: 

10 Pre 1964 Winchesters That Will Be Worth A FORTUNE NEVER SELL These!

10 Pre 1964 Winchesters That Will Be Worth A FORTUNE NEVER SELL These! video by Arms Insider.

Summary:

This video examines the significant changes in Winchester rifle production, specifically contrasting the craftsmanship of pre-1964 models with later versions. We look at how the manufacturing process evolved, impacting the quality of these iconic firearms. Learn about the shift from meticulous hand-fitting to more cost-effective production methods for many lever action rifle guns.

 I have two of these.

Ruger P95 - 9mm Polymer Battle Tank

Ruger P95 - 9mm Polymer Battle Tank video by Buffalo's Outdoors.

NOTE: My main defense handgun is my Ruger P95 9mm (pictured above). I bought it in 2011. I had a prior Ruger P89 pistol, but due to tight money at the time, I sold it. The P95 was discontinued in 2013.

When working armed security patrol, we were relegated to using revolvers. I still have mine.

I keep the P95 handy in my nightstand. I have never had any problems with it. It is a good semi-auto handgun at a reasonable price (at the time).

Summary:

This P95 is a very soft and straight shooting 9mm pistol. This one is more specifically a KP95PR model. Meaning it has the stainless steel slide and a Picatinny rail.

Most Men Pick the Wrong Survival Gun

 Most Men Pick the Wrong Survival Gun — Here's Why a .22 Took #1 video by The Armory.

Summary:

Most people focus on firepower when choosing the best SHTF survival guns. The reality is that reliability, logistics, sustainment, and versatility often matter far more.

In this video, we're ranking seven of the most respected survival firearms ever made—from the Ruger 10/22 and Henry AR-7 to the AR-15, Mossberg 500, Remington 870, Winchester Model 94, Ruger Gunsite Scout, and Savage Model 42. We'll examine wilderness survival capability, emergency preparedness value, ammo availability, portability, durability, and long-term practicality in a real grid-down scenario.

Whether you're interested in prepper guns, bug out equipment, off-grid preparedness, or simply enjoy learning about proven firearms, this ranking offers a realistic perspective on what actually works.

Comment below: Which firearm would you trust most?

Subscribe to THE ARMORY for more firearm reviews, preparedness content, and gear breakdowns.

What you'll learn:

Which survival firearm earned the #1 spot

The biggest mistake people make when choosing prepper guns

Why logistics may matter more than raw firepower

6 Notable Buttes of the American West

Above, the West and East Mittens of Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One great thing about traveling in an RV, car or truck, one can see up close rock formations around the U.S.

MSN posted a slide show of different buttes one can see. Most of them are in Monument Valley Tribal Park that straddles the Utah and Arizona border.

They begin it with:

Prominent buttes across the American West include formations in Monument Valley, the Badlands, and other desert landscapes. These steep-sided, flat-topped landmarks have been shaped by erosion over millions of years and are often celebrated for their cultural importance, particularly within the Navajo Nation. Many are recognized symbols of the region, featured in films, photographs, and scenic viewpoints.

To see the slide show, go here. 

Pre 64 Winchester 94 - Does It Really Matter

Pre 64 Winchester - Does It Really Matter video by Target Suite.

Summary:

Does pre 64 really matter when it comes to Winchester Model 94's? 

We'll compare a 1971 vintage Model 94 with a 1955 vintage ( Pre-64) Model 94 part by part and offer up an opinion.

Big Texan Roadshow In Gallup

Above, the giant steer in front of the McKinley County Courthouse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, I headed into Gallup to check out the Big Texan Roadshow that is in celebration of the centennial of Route 66.

The event was held in the McKinley County Courthouse Square. There were about 100 people there. By the time I left, there were at least 300. 

The Big Texan out of Amarillo, Texas is celebrating Route 66's centennial in different cities along the "Mother Road". They will be in Albuquerque tomorrow. 

I don't know how many people signed up for the free 72 oz. steak challenge. It was getting too crowded and I was getting a bit hungry. So I left and went to Jerry's Cafe for dinner. I decided to try our their tostada and beef enchilada plate. Not bad! I will have my usual there tomorrow. 

Above, my dinner at Jerry's Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Big Texan had the mayor of Gallup there to welcome the attendees and they had a booth of Big Texan souvenirs for sale. Local Native American artisans also had booths of jewelry and other goods for sale.

It was a great turnout, considering what a small town of Gallup is. 

Some photos:

Graceland Unveils ‘All-American’ 4th of July Event

Above, Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one doesn't currently have any plans to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, a trek to Graceland just may be what the doctor ordered.

Graceland announced an "All-American Weekend" to celebrate on July 4 weekend.

According to Parade:

In honor of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, Graceland is hosting an “All-American Weekend” from July 3 to July 5, where fans will be able to see Elvis’ iconic Memphis estate like never before as it getes lit up in red, white and blue.

According to the official Graceland website, this year’s fourth of July celebration will include  include two “electrifying” concerts, including a performance from The Dreamboats, who are slated to “bring their electrifying, high-energy celebration of 1950s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll to the Graceland Soundstage for a night that will have you on your feet from the first note.”

To read more, go here. 

10 Rifles You Should Never Sell (Collector Rifles Worth Thousands)

10 Rifles You Should Never Sell (Collector Rifles Worth Thousands) video by Firearmology.

Summary:

Welcome back to Firearmology! Following up on our popular pistols video, today we're diving into "guns you should never sell," specifically focusing on rifles. We explore ten rifles that are becoming increasingly hard to find, highlighting their status as "rare firearms" in a changing "gun market." These "vintage firearms" represent some of the "best rifle" options, and their "military firearms history" makes them truly special.

Whether you're a seasoned collector, military surplus enthusiast, hunter, or firearm investor, this list highlights some of the most iconic rifles ever made and explains why they deserve a permanent place in your safe.

Which rifle would you never sell? Let us know in the comments.

10 Hunting Rifles That Will Be Worth A Fortune

10 Hunting Rifles That Will Be Worth A Fortune Never Sell These video by Arms Insider.

Summary:

The era of craftsman-built American hunting rifles is rapidly fading, but the good news is that vintage models from the 1950s-1990s are now appreciating faster than ever before. This video offers a insightful gun review, showcasing why these particular guns are becoming sought-after and expensive guns. If you're into hunting short videos and appreciate quality firearms, you'll want to check out these best bolt action rifles.

Guns That Became Worth More When Their Production Stopped

Above, a vintage Savage Model 99 advertisement.

Guns have come and gone over the years. Production stopped completely after a number of years or manufacturers replaced them with newer and, supposedly, better models.

The Avid Outdoorsman takes a look at 15 guns that became worth more after people stopped making them.

They begin with:

A gun doesn’t always get its full respect while it’s still in production. When buyers can order one, find one used, or assume another batch will show up, it’s easy to treat it like just another option. Then production stops, the racks dry up, and the same gun suddenly looks a whole lot smarter.

That’s when people realize availability was part of what made it seem ordinary. Once a firearm is no longer being made, clean examples start standing out. The good ones become harder to replace, and prices often start telling the story. These guns became worth more after people stopped making them.

To read more, go here. 

The Last G-FAN Arrives

Above, G-FAN #150.

Earlier today, J. D. Lees and I had a small exchange over one of our favorite non-kaiju topics, Ronald Reagan. I sent him the blog post of the photo of Reagan hosting Death Valley Days. This was before he ran for California governor.

A little while ago, I made my eight-mile trek to the post office at Continental Divide to pick up my mail. Included in my mailbox was the last issue of G-FAN (number 150), the Godzilla/kaiju fan magazine J. D. published since the 1990s. Funny how things work out. Here we were discussing another favorite topic and, lo and behold, the last G-FAN arrives.

While it is sad that an end of an era is here, at least now that J. D. has retired from teaching and now G-FAN, he can enjoy more of life's pleasures. He (and wife Ruth) have an open invitation to come down to visit New Mexico and the Four Corners region. I think they would enjoy seeing Durango, Colorado and Monument Valley (which, by the way, made it into 2004's Godzilla Final Wars) and sample New Mexico cuisine.

G-FAN #150 is a thick issue with 130 pages (or, if one is counting the inside front and back covers, 132 pages) and is loaded with lots of good stuff for leisurely summertime reading. My last G-FAN write-up is on page 59. J. D. included a photo of Kenji Sahara and me from 2009. It has been a while since I've seen that picture and noticed that I was heavier back then. I'm now in the 150s. 

Anyway, as others have posted online (mainly at Facebook), while it is sad to see the end of G-FAN, but at least we can dig the issues out on occasion for re-reading pleasure. 

National Review Photos of NRA Annual Meetings In Houston

Above, the Springfield Armory exhibit booth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in April, Mitch Geriminsky and I headed to Houston, Texas for the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The exhibit hall held about 14 acres of dealers (800 of them). Although I had a great time, my legs were starting to give up the ghost when I walked the last aisle of exhibitors. 

I just spotted a page of 25 photos from the show posted by National Review. They are worth taking a look-see if one in considering attending a future show.

To view the photos, go here.

Nobody Talks About These Pump Shotguns Anymore

Nobody Talks About These Pump Shotguns Anymore video by TacCore.

Summary:

When people talk about pump-action shotguns, the same names always dominate the conversation: the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500.

But what about the shotguns that never got the recognition they deserved?

In this video, we're looking at seven of the most underrated pump-action shotguns ever produced. From the bottom-ejecting Ithaca Model 37 and historic Winchester 1897 to overlooked gems like the Smith & Wesson 3000 and Remington Model 31, these firearms offered innovative designs, proven reliability, and unique features that many shooters have forgotten.

Some became collector favorites. Others quietly disappeared despite excellent performance.

If you enjoy classic firearms, vintage shotguns, and hidden pieces of gun history, this list is for you.

Which underrated shotgun would you add to your collection?

Best Regional Fast Food Chains By State

Above, a Blake's Lotaburger in Gallup, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fast food chains are not created equal. Some are better than others and some are more RV-friendly than others (parking-wise).  

RV Travel posted an article on the best regional fast food chains in every state. For New Mexico, Blake's Lotaburger is their pick. 

The article begins with:

Sometimes, when you’re on the road and in a hurry, fast food is the only option. But did you know that regional fast food chains often offer better options than the big national chains?

In the video down below by Mashed [5.46M subscribers, 2.16B views], you can see their picks of each state’s best regional fast food chain.

To read more, go here. 

Ronnie Hosting "Death Valley Days"

Yesterday, I was channel surfing my television.

I came across a classic television channel on Roku. I clicked on it and an episode of Death Valley Days appeared. It was hosted by Ronald Reagan.

This was just before he ran for California governor in 1966 and, eventually, won against incumbent Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Sr.

I took a photo of the television screen of Reagan. 

I don't remember watching Death Valley Days during Reagan's hosting stint. I do remember watching when the show was hosted by "The Old Ranger" Stanley Andrews.

Here it is below: 

10 Rifles Worth a Fortune — You Might Own One and Not Know It

10 Rifles Worth a Fortune — You Might Own One and Not Know It video by At The Range.

Summary:

He sold grandpa's rifle for a few hundred dollars. It was worth thousands. The only difference was a stamp on the barrel he never checked.

It's never the model it's the marker. The JM stamp. The pre-war serial. The matching numbers. The CMP papers. The original stock nobody sanded. We climb from the rifles probably in your safe tonight all the way to a Winchester that sold for over a million dollars.

Most of you own one of these. The question is whether you know which one and which one to never sell.

What's the one that got away? Tell me below.

You Might Own a $10,000 Rifle and Not Know It

You Might Own a $10,000 Rifle and Not Know It — 10 Most Valuable Guns of 2026 video video by Weapon World.

Note: Some weapons shown do not match the audio. 

Summary:

Stop what you are doing and check your gun safe. Right now — in closets, attics, and storage boxes across America — people are sitting on $10,000, $50,000, and even $250,000 rifles without ANY idea. The collector firearms market is booming in 2026. Auction records are being broken every single month at Rock Island Auction, GunBroker, and James D. Julia. And the rifles most people think are just old family heirlooms? They could be worth a FORTUNE.

We ranked the 10 most valuable guns of 2026 — the exact rifles you need to check for RIGHT NOW. Every value is backed by real 2026 auction data. Watch before you sell ANYTHING.

 

From the Vault: Winchester 1894

From the Vault: Winchester 1894 video by Brownells Inc.

Summary:

The Winchester Model 1894 lever action rifle is one of the most popular sporting firearms of all time. Designed by John Browning and originally chambered for black powder cartridges, the 1894 soon became the rifle Winchester chose for the debut of their first smokeless powder cartridge, the .30-30. Much loved by hunters, the compact 1894 carries and shoulders naturally, shoots well, and has good mag capacity. More deer have probably been taken with an 1894 than any other rifle. Steve Ostrem talks about the Winchester 1894's history and shares the story of his own, personal '94.

Learn more: http://www.brownellsvideos.com 

 

The Dirty Secret of .22 Rifle Prices in 2026!

The Dirty Secret of .22 Rifle Prices in 2026! video by Guns and Gear.

Summary:

The .22 LR market is lying to you about price vs performance. Here are the top 10 best .22 LR rifles in 2026, ranked strictly by value and accuracy.

In this comprehensive review, we analyze the ten most popular rimfire rifles on the market to determine which models deliver genuine performance per dollar. We strip away the marketing hype to compare action types, barrel configurations, trigger weights, and out-of-the-box accuracy. From the heavy cold-hammer-forged barrels of precision bolt-actions to the lightweight polymer chassis of modern semi-automatics, we break down the engineering that actually matters. Whether it's the modularity of the 10/22 platform, the sniper-DNA of the Tikka T1x, or the user-adjustable AccuTrigger on the Savage Mark II, this data-driven ranking exposes which features justify their price tag and which are just expensive window dressing.

Finding the right .22 LR shouldn't require a guessing game. This guide helps you match the perfect rifle to your specific needs, whether you are hunting small game, training for centerfire precision matches, or just plinking at the range. By understanding the real-world capabilities of lever-action, semi-auto, and bolt-action platforms, you can make an informed decision based on reliability, ergonomics, and budget, ensuring your next rifle delivers consistent groups without breaking the bank.

 

What's 'Basura'?

Above, Karen Bass. Official portrait.

Every so often L.A. Mayor Karen Bass gets referred to as Basura. A number of man-on-the-street interviews of Hispanics in Los Angeles have been calling her this.

In case anyone is wondering what Basura means, it is a Spanish word.

Here's its meaning from SpanishDictionary.com:

feminine noun

1. (waste)

a. trash

(United States)

Se me olvidó sacar la basura antes de irme a trabajar.I forgot to take out the trash before going to work.

b. garbage

(United States)

La calle está llena de basura por la huelga de los basureros.The street is full of garbage because of the garbagemen strike.

c. rubbish

(United Kingdom)

Aquí dentro huele a basura.It smells of rubbish in here.

d. litter

La playa estaba llena de basura.The beach was full of litter.

So, now you know! 

16 Classic Cartridges That Still Perform Today

Cartridges may come and go, but there are some whose staying power lasts generations.

That is the topic of a slideshow article at MSN. It it titled, "16 Classic Cartridges That Still Perform Today."

They begin it with:

A range of rifle, handgun, and shotgun cartridges from the past continue to prove their worth in hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense. These include enduring favorites like the .30-06 Springfield, .357 Magnum, and 16 gauge shotgun, each valued for their balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil. The gallery also explores how collector interest and historical significance maintain the appeal and value of vintage ammunition.

To read more, go here. 

Winchester 94 vs. Marlin 336 Chambered In 30-30

Winchester 94 vs. Marlin 336 chambered in 30-30 video by Terry Benton.

Summary:

Thus is a video showing a side by side comparison of the Winchester model 94 vs. Marlin model 336 both chambered in 30-30. The rifles used in this video are as follows.

Winchester model 94 manufactured in 1979

Marlin model 336 manufactured in 1978