Sunday Jeep Driving

Above, on a side road next to Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I went over to the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup for breakfast as usual. For those who have inquiring minds, it was their Monument Valley Enchiladas.

Above, at Barking Spider Acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After some grocery shopping, I headed home. I decided to take a Jeep drive. Except for the wind, it is a nice day to do some driving.

Above, at the shooting range. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I drove around the subdivision for a bit. As someone decided to do some shooting at the shooting range at 7:00 this morning, I headed over there to look around. I saw nothing unusual. 

Later, after a break, I drove down to the Flying J. The price for unleaded regular there is $3.859. 

Above, a different view at the shooting range. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Afterwards, I drove on a side road (parallel to Interstate 40) until the dead end. 

All in all, it was a pleasant drive today. 

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With "The Quiet Man"

Above, the buggy from The Quiet Man at the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

St. Patrick's Day is two days away (Tuesday) and many celebrate the holiday by popping in the John Wayne/Maureen O'Hara/John Ford classic The Quiet Man (1952).

The Quiet Man is one of Hollywood's most beloved movies. 

Here's a St. Patrick's Day clip:

@john.wayne.fans Happy #StPatricksDay! 🍀 The Quiet Man was said to be John Ford's love letter to Ireland & is one of the few Hollywood films where the native Irish language is spoken. 🍀 What's your favorite scene from The Quiet Man? #JohnWayne #MaureenOHara #JohnWayne #TheQuietMan ♬ original sound - John Wayne Fans

10 Best-of-the-Best .22 Rifles — I Bet You Own One

10 Best-of-the-Best .22 Rifles — I Bet You Own One video by GunForge.

Summary:

What makes a rimfire truly unforgettable? In this video, we break down the Top 10 Legendary .22 LR Rifles that have earned their place in American history through unmatched reliability, brilliant engineering, and generation-spanning value.

Who is this for? If you are a senior looking for a low-recoil classic, a beginner stepping into the world of firearms, or simply someone who appreciates wood and steel, this guide to the Top 10 Legendary .22 LR Rifles offers insights you can trust. We are looking past the hype to examine the soul of these firearms and their real-world utility in your home or out in the woods.

Is RV Travel Really Cheaper?

Is RV travel really cheaper? 

The recreational industry says yes. Experienced RVers say "it depends."

This is the topic of an article in RV Travel.

It begins with:

Is RV travel cheaper than other types of vacations? The RV industry says yes. According to the RV Industry Association (pdf), a family of four can vacation by RV for 27% to 60% less than trips that rely on hotels, flights, and restaurant meals.

The claim appears frequently in industry reports and promotional materials and is often cited as one of the major advantages of RV travel.

But ask experienced RVers about that claim, and you’re likely to hear a familiar answer.

It depends.

To read more, go here. 

Trump Administration In Talks With Cuba

Above, yours truly at the Plaza de la Revolución in Havana in 2019. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Back in April 2019, a friend proposed going on a cruise to Havana, Cuba. I thought it would be an interesting to place to see and so I agreed to go. Besides, the price was quite reasonable with Royal Caribbean.

About a couple of months later, President Trump halted cruises to Cuba. 

When Trump (supposedly) lost to Joe Biden in the 2020 election, it was rumored that the Biden Administration would resume cruises to Cuba. They never did.

Right now, talks are taking place between the Cuban government and Trump officials. 

According to USA Today:

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on March 13 confirmed his government is holding talks with the Trump administration, in the latest sign that the communist-run nation is open to signing a possible historic economic deal with the United States.

Díaz-Canel made the announcement in a video broadcast on national television and he also spoke in a subsequent press conference, where he addressed Cuba's energy needs amid a U.S. oil blockade, saying no fuel has entered Cuba in three months. He said the talks with the U.S. have reached initial phases only.

"These conversations have been aimed at seeking solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences that exist between our two nations," Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on March 13 confirmed his government is holding talks with the Trump administration, in the latest sign that the communist-run nation is open to signing a possible historic economic deal with the United States.

"These conversations have been aimed at seeking solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences that exist between our two nations," Diaz-Canel said.

If these talks bear fruit, there may be a possibility that an agreement would allow Americans to take cruises again to Cuba. 

To read more, go here. 

Key West Is A Literary Pilgrimage For Fans of Hemingway

Above, one of the many cats at Hemingway House. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2019, a friend and I took a cruise to Havana, Cuba. Along the way, the ship stopped for a day in Key West, Florida.

While there, I got off the shuttle bus to visit the Hemingway Home & Museum. I then took a self-guided tour of the former estate of Ernest Hemingway. There were many cats roaming around. They were descendants of a cat Hemingway had. 

Above, Ernest Hemingway's office. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A piece of trivia: The Hemingway Home was featured in the 1989 Timothy Dalton James Bond movie, Licence To Kill.

AOL posted an article on why Key West is a literary pilgrimage for fans of Hemingway.

They begin it with:

Hemingway's influence in Key West is so strong that it would be difficult to avoid hearing about the writer while visiting the island. The house he lived in with his second wife, Pauline, is now the Hemingway Home and Museum. Hemingway fans travel from all over the world to visit the beautifully preserved property and get a glimpse into the novelist's private life. Besides bedrooms and family rooms, you can go into the writer’s studio, where he worked on masterpieces like "To Have and Have Not" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls." While the house is great, the best part about the museum is seeing the true owners of the property roam around their kingdom: the six-toed cats that are direct descendants of Hemingway's beloved Snowball.

To read more, go here. 

Buc-ee's Gets "F" Rating From Better Business Bureau

Last summer, while driving home from South Dakota, we saw many signs along Interstate 25 in Colorado advertising Buc-ee's travel center. The location advertised was in Berthoud, Colorado. We didn't stop.

I have never stopped at one. But according to the following, maybe I dodged a bullet in not doing so.

RV Travel reported:

Buc-ee’s has long been a cult favorite for some road trippers and RVers. Buc-ee’s offers travelers enormous stores, miles of snacks, barbecue, and famously clean restrooms.

Lately, though, the glow has dimmed. Recently, the chain was given an “F” grade by the Better Business Bureau. That’s quite a fall from the company’s ranking just last year.

To read more, go here. 

 

Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th will hit on the 2026 calendar three times this year.

First, it was last month. Then, this month (i.e., today). The last will come in November.

Enjoy your day!

Gun Control’s Endgame: No Guns for Anyone

Gun control advocates don't want guns in the hands of citizens. 

Incredibly, they don't want guns in the hands of police either. 

Real Clear Politics posted an article on the endgame of gun control proponents which is to disarm everyone. 

They begin it with:

Gun control advocates do not just oppose civilian gun ownership; they also argue that guns in the hands of police make people less safe.

In January, a Border Patrol agent in Portland shot and wounded two Venezuelan nationals who belonged to the violent Tren de Aragua gang after they allegedly tried to run agents over with their vehicle. In response, Kris Brown, president of Brady United, tweeted the following:

“We don’t know the details behind the shootings of 2 people by a Border Patrol agent in Portland. But I know one thing for certain: whether in the hands of federal officers or everyday Americans, guns do not make us safer. Yet Trump is reshaping our country based on this lie.”

What were the Border Patrol agents supposed to do when an illegal alien with a criminal record tries to run over an agent? How are unarmed agents supposed to apprehend and detain violent gang members?

To read the full article, go here. 

10 Lever Action Rifles That NEVER Let You Down!

10 Lever Action Rifles That NEVER Let You Down! video by Gun Man.

Summary:

Lever-action rifles have survived more than a century of technological change for one reason: reliability when it matters. In this video we break down ten lever-action rifles that built reputations through real field use rather than marketing claims. From compact truck carbines like the Rossi R92 and modern hybrids such as the Henry Big Boy X, to classic hunting standards like the Marlin 336 and the legendary Winchester 1894, each rifle on this list earned trust through durability, practical design, and consistent performance.

We also examine innovative platforms including the Savage Model 99, Browning BLR, and Henry Long Ranger that pushed the lever system beyond traditional limits. Whether designed for dense timber, open-country hunting, or defensive use in harsh conditions, these rifles demonstrate why the lever action remains one of the most dependable repeating rifle platforms ever built.

 

XNGH Tom Bent, R.I.P.

Way back in 1984, I started going to events (clamp-outs, etc.) with the Platrix Chapter No. 2 of E Clampus Vitus for Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

There, I met a number of Clampers, including Tom Bent, one of the Greybeards (and, later, Humbug) of the chapter.

Above, the Godzilla plaque dedication. Tom Bent is at front
in the tan slacks holding a paper. Photo by Jean Carbajal.

The Grim Reaper has struck the chapter again as Tom Bent has passed away. This comes on the heels of the passing of XNGH Abe Hoffman in January. 

Bent was one the chapter could always count on for getting things done for clamp-outs and other events such as the Doo Dah Parade in Pasadena. He will be sadly missed. 

My condolences to his family and friends. 

Southern Living: Best Cruise Lines 2026

Above, Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas at Havana Port in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like anything else, some cruise lines are better than others. 

Since 2001, I have cruised aboard three cruise line ships. The first cruise being with Celebrity to Alaska. The second was to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba with Royal Caribbean. The third cruise was with Norwegian to the Bahamas. 

Southern Living has posted their list off the "best" cruise lines for 2026 as chosen by their readers. 

They begin with:

With 370 ships sailing the world’s oceans, rivers, and waterways, it can be overwhelming to find the one that’s right for you and your family or group of friends. From luxury and adults-only to those filled with onboard adventures and kids’ clubs, there’s a cruise and a cruise line for everyone. 

To help narrow it down, we’ve compiled a list of the best cruise lines chosen by Southern Living readers to inspire you to find the right fit for your next trip. In addition to far-flung global destinations, many of these cruise lines offer enticing itineraries departing from ports close to home in Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and Texas, too.

To read more, go here.

Mount Rushmore Fireworks Tickets Come With A Catch

Above, Mount Rushmore last July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After a five-year absence, fireworks are returning this coming July for the 250th anniversary of the American independence. 

The fireworks show will take place on July 3. Attending the show comes with a catch, according to an article in RV Travel.

They begin with:

Fireworks will once again light the sky above Mount Rushmore National Memorial in 2026. It’s part of a national celebration marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. But RV travelers hoping to see the show should plan early—and expect tight access.

The National Park Service announced that a large Independence Day celebration and fireworks display will take place on July 3, 2026, at the iconic Black Hills landmark.

Visitors must obtain tickets through a public lottery. 

To read more, go here. 

Gun Brands That Built Their Reputation The Hard Way

Above, my Ruger P-95 and magazine. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are many gun brands out there in the hinterlands. Some have poor reputations while others are with great reputations.

Some gun brands that are considered with great reputations appear to have gained them "the hard way" according to a MSN article. They list gun brands that did get their reputations the hard way over the years..

They wrote:

Some gun brands get hot because of marketing, timing, or one product that catches the right wave at the right moment. Others earn their standing in a slower, harder way. They build it through years of rifles and pistols that actually work, through law enforcement contracts, military use, hunting camps, competition circuits, and the kind of customer loyalty that only forms when a company keeps turning out firearms people trust. That kind of reputation usually takes a long time to build and a lot of chances to lose.

What makes these brands different is that their name means something because shooters attached it to real experience. Not every model was perfect, and not every era was equally strong, but these companies earned their place by surviving hard use and hard judgment. They were tested by people who depended on the guns, not only admired them at a counter. That is why their reputation stuck. It was built by performance first and image second.

To read more, go here. 

Why Some Collector Firearms Look Better With Honest Wear

Above, yours truly with the Winchester 94. Photo by Larry Lucier.

When I bought my Winchester 94 in 2019, it was in good shape with some wear here and there. The bluing, for the most part was nice with just one long scratch. It was made in 1962.

It appears that collector firearms that show some "honest wear" are possibly more valuable than those supposedly in mint condition.

That's the crux of an article in The Avid Outdoorsman. 

They begin it with:

Not every collectible firearm needs to look untouched to feel valuable. In fact, some of the most appealing collector guns are the ones that show they actually lived a life. Holster wear, thinning blue, softened edges, a darkened walnut stock, and small marks from real use can make certain guns feel more authentic, not less. There is a big difference between abuse and honest wear. Abuse feels careless. Honest wear feels earned.

That is especially true with firearms tied to military service, law enforcement use, hunting camps, ranch work, or the kinds of ownership stories collectors still care about most. A gun that looks too perfect can sometimes feel distant, almost frozen. A gun with the right wear often feels more believable and more connected to the role that made it collectible in the first place. These are the firearms that often wear age well, because age looks right on them.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel Poll: Do You Like Pickles?

Above, inside the Best Maid pickle store in Fort Worth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only time I usually eat pickles is when sliced ones are in a cheeseburger or as relish on a hot dog. 

RV Travel has posted a poll: Do You Like Pickles?

I know of some who are pickle fanatics. While in Fort Worth, Texas a few years ago, we stopped in the Best Maid Pickle Emporium store so that a friend can get his wife a supply of them.

The poll starts with:

Pickles, you either love them or you hate them! Or, maybe not! Maybe you like them, but you don’t LOVE them, and maybe you think they’re just okay.

For many RVers, pickles are the perfect snack to keep in the fridge for a road trip. They’re portable, easy to pack, and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways—whether on a sandwich, alongside a hot dog, or just on their own. Plus, they last a long time, making them an ideal pantry staple when you’re on the move.

Above, Best Maid pickles in Fort Worth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

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

Why The Winchester Model 1894 Refuses to Die!

Episode 5: WWII-Era .30-30 | Why The Winchester Model 1894 Refuses to Die! video by Bald Guys With Guns.

Summary:

The Winchester Model 1894 in .30-30 is one of the most legendary rifles ever made — and in this episode, we break down why.

Our rifles date back to the World War II era, and we take a deep dive into what makes them special, both historically and on the range. We go over the videos we’ve made with these rifles, including competitions, review footage, and some unforgettable (and hilarious) moments — including the case for why this might actually be Santa’s go-to rifle.

We also talk about:

Why the .30-30 is still relevant for hunting today

What makes lever-action rifles so fun to shoot

How these classic rifles perform in modern shooting scenarios

Whether you're a fan of classic firearms, lever guns, or just enjoy watching us run these rifles through different challenges, this episode has something for you.

New Roof

Above, the new roof. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The roofers arrived around 9:00 this morning and immediately got to work. They brought their equipment in through the back gate. It was a good thing I cut down the overgrown brush in the backyard weeks ago.

Above, unloading their trailer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Within an hour or so, they had the old shingles off and installed the cap layer. Within a few hours later, they got the new shingles mostly installed. It started sprinkling in the afternoon, so it was good they got the new roof on.

Above, a closer view of the new roof. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They will likely finish up tomorrow. 

Fireworks Returning To Mount Rushmore

Above, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For some odd reason, fireworks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial wasn't allowed during the Biden years.

However, now that Donald Trump is back in the White House, fireworks will be allowed at the Memorial this year as the nation celebrates 250 years.

The National Park Service posted:

WASHINGTON – The National Park Service today announced fireworks will again illuminate the sky above Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3, 2026, to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. Public tickets for the event will be available through a lottery on Recreation.gov from April 8–12.  

After a five-year absence, the return of fireworks to this iconic national memorial reflects President Donald J. Trump’s vision of a “grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of American Independence.” 

“In partnership with the State of South Dakota, we are excited to reinstate a spectacular fireworks show as the highlight of Mount Rushmore’s Independence Day commemoration,” said Dr. Jenifer Chatfield, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. “We invite the public to enjoy the show and reflect on our nation’s remarkable journey and the great patriotic leaders who established, preserved and expanded our country’s destiny.”   

To read more, go here. 

MSN: Gold and Silver Investing Guide

Above, the entrance to the National Money Show in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few years ago, the National Money Show was held in Phoenix, Arizona. This was great for two reasons: first, it was not too far from home and, second, there is no sales tax on gold and silver in Arizona.

Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the sales tax in New Mexico. The state charges sales tax on gold and silver coin purchases.

MSN posted an investing guide that discusses what states that don't have a sales tax on coin purchases.

They begin it with:

Gold and silver investment strategy: As gold and silver prices climb, more investors are stepping into the physical precious metals market, as people are looking for stability during uncertain times. With gold trading above $5,100 per ounce and silver above $82 per ounce as of Tuesday, for many buyers, the surprise isn’t the spot price, it’s the sales tax.

A the old saying goes: Buyer beware!

To read more, go here. 

Antiques Roadshow: Appraisal On Winchester 94

Here's something interesting.

A man brought in a custom Winchester 1894 made in 1896 to the Antiques Roadshow on PBS for 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:

 

Confessions of A Coffee Addict

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. 

T + L: Ultimate Guide To Senior National Park Pass

Above, rock formations in Arches National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Baby boomers are now in retirement age. The recognized generation of baby boomers are those born from 1946 to 1964. This means US citizens or residents 62 years or older are eligible for a Senior Pass to U.S. National Parks.

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.

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.

House To Get A New Roof

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. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

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.

 

10 Hunter-Trusted Rifle Calibers That Deliver Results

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

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.

Legal Ways To Reduce Taxes On Precious Metals

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.