The Plot To Steal Lincoln's Remains

Above, Abraham Lincoln's tomb in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Did you know that the mortal remains of President Abraham Lincoln are sealed in a steel cage covered in concrete ten feet down?

Yes, this is true. There was a plot to steal Lincoln's coffin and hold it for ransom. The plot was foiled and Robert Lincoln, the eldest son of the president, ordered that the coffin be reburied ten feet down inside a steel cage and covered in concrete.

Above, Abraham Lincoln was re-buried ten feet below and a
 few feet behind the sarcophagus. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

The Lincoln Tomb in Springfield, Illinois at Oak Ridge Cemetery is free to the public to visit. I went there in 2016 when I went to Metropolis, Illinois to attend Noel Neill's memorial service. 

The National Park Service posted the story of the foiled plot and it begins with:

In the fall of 1876, just 11 years after his assassination, there was a plot to steal President Lincoln’s remains from Oak Ridge Cemetery and hold them ransom in the Indiana Dunes.

That October, a prominent engraver for Chicago counterfeiters named Benjamin Boyd was jailed at the nearby Joliet penitentiary. An Irish-American crime boss by the name of Jame "Big Jim" Kinealy relied on Boyd for his business and devised a plan for his release. Kinealy's scheme called for Lincoln’s body to be stolen from his tomb in Springfield, Illinois. The thieves would then take the President's remains over 200 miles to Indiana’s sand dune country. There, Lincoln’s remains would be hidden while the shifting sands would cover the grave-robbers' tracks. After the remains were hidden away, Boyd, the imprisoned engraver, would ransom them for his release, full pardon, and $200,000 (over $5.5 million today).

Above, yours truly at Lincoln's tomb in 2016.

American Heritage posted a detailed account of the attempted theft of Lincoln's coffin. To read it, go here.

To read the NPS story of the plot, go here.

Toru Ohira, the Japanese Voice of George Reeves and Darth Vader

Today would have been the 97th birthday of voice actor Toru Ohira. 

From Dennis Hayes: 

On this date September 29, 1929 Tōru Ōhira (大平 透) was born in Tokyo, Japan.

Ōhira was a Japanese narrator and voice actor (seiyu) from the Tokyo Metropolitan area. He is a representative of Ōhira Production.

One of his most known roles is the dub voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars on the home video releases. He is also known for his many narration roles, most notably in the Super Sentai series.

He was a very influential figure in the dubbing industry during the Sousei period.

After graduating from Tokyo Metropolitan University Jōnan Senior High School (in which he was also the supervisor of the school's volleyball team), he went on to graduate from the Meiji University Department of Political Science and Economics. In 1954, he joined the Nippon Broadcasting System, in which he became an announcer and producer. In 1955, with the opening of the Tokyo Broadcasting System, he enlisted in its theatrical company. He left the company in 1958 to become a voice artist.

His breakthrough performance was the dubbing voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars series. He reprised this role for Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and a crossover appearance in Soulcalibur IV- notable because the game was originally in Japanese, meaning that Ōhira was Vader's "original" voice in the game, unlike with the films. In addition, he is usually cast in either astringent villain roles or gag characters.

The first dubbed television show in Japan was "Adventures of Superman", which began broadcasting in 1956 with Tōru Ōhira voicing George Reeves (Clark Kent/Superman). Television had made a strong impression on the Japanese from Emperor Hirohito down. About 99 percent of Japanese TV shows were American, including the Emperor's favorite, "Superman." Emperor Hirohito even sent George Reeves a fan letter.

Ōhira was also the voice of Marlon Brando (Jor-El) in "Superman: The Movie" (1978) when it was released in Japan.

He would have been 97 years old today.

Happy Birthday Tōru !

Top 7 Hunting Rifles Veteran Hunters Keep

Top 7 Hunting Rifles Veteran Hunters Keep in Their Collections — 2026 video from Scoper 360°.

Summary:

Which heritage hunting rifles belong in your collection first, and which ones can wait? We're ranking seven classic American rifles—not by collector value or auction price, but by what a working hunter actually needs to own first. Starting with practical ownership sequence: the Winchester Model 70 pre-1964, Remington Model 700, Marlin 336 lever-action, Browning Superposed shotgun, Savage 99, Ruger No. 1, and best hunting rifles for priority.

This ranking reflects real hunting priorities. We break down the claw extractor reliability of controlled-round-feed systems, compare modern rifle design versus heritage craftsmanship, and explore which rifles demand mastery before others. Whether you're building a serious rifle collection, hunting in brushy terrain, or pursuing long-range precision, we reveal which platform teaches you what excellence means—and which models work as backup tools instead of foundations.

Hard To Find Firearms In Famous Configuration

Above, my 1962 Winchester 94 .30-30 cal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With new gun prices rising into the stratosphere, many people are resorting to buying "tried and true" used guns. Many of these people are serious collector who want that iconic gun in configuration that made those guns famous in the first place.

The Avid Outdoorsman listed 20 of these guns that are getting harder to find on the used gun market. I have two that made the list.

They begin with:

Anybody can find “a” version of a popular gun. What’s getting tougher is finding the version everybody actually remembers—the one with the right barrel length, the right sights, the right stock, the right finish, and the right little details that made it iconic in the first place. Walk into a shop today and you’ll see plenty of close-enough models, “tribute” runs, and updated variants with rails, optics cuts, and modern coatings.

That’s not automatically bad. But if you grew up with certain rifles and handguns in your head—what they looked like in a deer camp rack, behind a truck seat, or on a hip in an old holster—then you already know the sting of trying to replace one and realizing the famous configuration is the one that’s thinned out.

To read more, go here. 

Newsom Signs 10 Anti-Gun Laws

California Gov. Gavin Newsom never met a gun control bill he didn't like. This is especially true in this legislative session.

Newsom received and signed 10 gun control laws that the Democrat supermajority in the state legislature sent him. I am sure glad I moved out of Commiefornia eight and a half years ago!

According to Guns.com:

As he meanders towards higher office in government, California's Gavin Newsom signed every piece of gun-control legislation on his desk last week and took a victory lap.

Newsom, the former mayor of San Francisco and one of the most high-profile Democrats to watch in the 2028 presidential election cycle, signed no less than 10 pieces of legislation on Saturday. 

To read more and see what each bill signed into law is going to do, go here. 

FIREARMS THAT WERE DESIGNED MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS AGO

Above, the Ruger 10/22 is one listed. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are plenty of new guns that are being introduced to the buying public constantly. 

To some, guns designed over 50 years ago are preferred over the latest craze in firearms. The Avid Outdoorsman lists 20 of them.

They begin with:

Every year the gun world rolls out another “new and improved” something. New coatings, new cuts, new optics plates, new marketing words. Then you go back to the safe and grab an old standby that’s been doing the job since before you were born, and it just works. No drama. No learning curve. No weird proprietary parts you can’t find.

When I say “never been improved on,” I’m not saying nobody ever made a nicer version with better sights or a better trigger. I’m saying the original idea was so right that the “improvements” mostly turn into preferences. These are the guns that still show up in deer camps, behind truck seats, in duty holsters, and on range benches for one simple reason: they keep earning their keep.

To read more, go here. 

Skip These 5 Guns — Stockpile These 5 Survival Guns Instead

Skip These 5 Guns — Stockpile These 5 Survival Guns Instead video from All About Survival.

Summary:

When preparing for a total supply chain collapse, choosing the best survival guns will literally mean the difference between life and death. Many modern firearms aggressively marketed as prepper essentials are actually dangerous gimmicks with fatal points of failure that will lock up when you need them most. We expose five catastrophic platforms you must avoid at all costs, and reveal the absolute gold-standard, battle-tested firearms you should stockpile instead. Do not let your safety rely on an expensive paperweight when the grid goes down.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always follow fundamental firearm safety rules and adhere to all local, state, and federal laws regarding the purchase, ownership, and handling of firearms.

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 start off the week and finish the month of September, we have David Peel and the Lower East Side with their song, "I Like Marijuana" from their 1968 album, Have A Marijuana. I remember hearing this album back around 1969-70 on a friend's 8-Track tape while we cruised in Hollywood or Topanga Canyon.

From Wikipedia:

Formed to support David Peel in 1967, the Lower East Side Band originally consisted of Harold C. Black and Billy Joe White. They soon became popular enough in New York City's then thriving downtown counterculture that they were signed to Elektra Records in 1968. With the addition of Larry Adam and George Cori to the line-up, the band recorded with David Peel on the Have a Marijuana album conceptualized by Danny Fields as a collection of drinking songs for pot smokers.

How To Accurately Measure A Gun Barrel's Length

Above, the Winchester Model 12 shotgun barrels came in 26
to 30 inches with some at 32 inches. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's something that I haven't given any thought to. I generally relied on the gun's specs in the advertisement or the gun's owner's manual.

That is: How to accurately measure a gun barrel's length?  

The NRA's American Rifleman website answers that question for measuring.

This is the recommended method (except revolvers), here's what they said:

Rather than debating your math and measurements, I think that I can clarify your questions by referring to the recommended methods used by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Institute (SAAMI) and the ATF. Both use a standard method for measuring barrels in firearms with chambers manufactured as an integral part of the barrel. The procedure is easy to follow.

When performing this procedure, safety is of the highest concern. Remove any and all ammunition from the work area to mitigate the possibility of a mistake. Once the gun is verified clear and empty, close the action as though it were ready to be fired.

Insert a wooden dowel, cleaning rod or other suitable object into the muzzle end of the barrel until it comes to a rest against the breech face where the firing pin protrudes through when firing. Once the dowel is resting firmly against the breech face, mark it at the muzzle with a magic marker or similar marking medium. Next withdraw the dowel and measure the distance between the mark on the dowel and the end that was resting against the breech face.

That measurement is considered the industry standard for pistols, rifles, shotguns or any other type of firearm having a chamber integral with the barrel (Revolvers are treated differently because they have multiple chambers not integral with the barrel).

To read more (especially for revolvers), go here.

California Forcing 16-Year-Olds To Use Booster Seats

The Looney Left Report

The Democrat supermajority in Commiefornia has done some crazy things but this is one of the most craziest things ever. This sounds like something out of the Babylon Bee, but it isn't.

They passed a law that forces 16-year-olds to ride in booster seats in vehicles. 

According to a post by Christina Aguayo News in Facebook:

California is about to make 16-year-olds ride in booster seats under a bill passed by the democrat supermajority.

It is set to take effect January 1, 2027. 

The measure,.that Newsom signed into law (AB 435) says that  children, ages 8 to 16, have to pass a 'Five step test" that includes:

1) The child has to sit all the way back,

2)  Knees bent over the seat edge, 

3)   Shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and shoulder - not the neck.

4)  Lap belt low on the thighs, and 

5)  Hold that pose the whole trip. 

Miss one step and the law says they still need a booster. 

First-offense tickets start at a $100 base fine and routinely land closer to $500 with assessments, plus a DMV point.​

Why does the supermajoriy Democrat state that preaches freedom and democracy.... have the most laws and restrictions? 

LEVER-ACTION RIFLES THAT HAVE BEEN IN FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS

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

A lot of families have handed down things to younger generations, this includes firearms.

My grandfather and father handed down to me rifles, shotguns and pistols. However, no lever-action rifles were included in the bunch. I bought my lever-action pre-64 (made in 1962) Winchester 94 seven years ago. I haven't decided on who will get my gun collection when I head to the great beyond. 

The Avid Outdoorsman posted an article on 20 lever-actions that have been in families for generations and are never going anywhere.

They begin it with:

Every family has that one rifle that never gets traded. It might have a thin spot in the blueing where a saddle scabbard rubbed it for 20 seasons. It might wear an old leather sling that smells like gun oil and wet wool. You can buy newer, lighter, more accurate rifles all day long, but these lever guns stick around because they work, they carry right, and they’re tied to memories you can’t replace. Firearms& Weapons

None of these are “perfect.” Some have quirky safeties, some kick harder than they should, and some aren’t getting cheaper. But if you’ve ever watched an uncle quietly slide one out of a soft case like it’s a family photo album, you already get it. Here are 20 lever-action rifles I keep seeing in racks, cabins, and pickup gun racks that aren’t going anywhere.

To read the full article, go here. 

Yesterday At Grandpa's Grill

Yesterday, we had our usual Saturday coffee/breakfast at Grandpa's Grill in Gallup, New Mexico.

The day started out beautiful. It was clear with a few clouds.

The Lucier brothers couldn't attend as both Greg and Larry came down with head colds. But Bob Weekes, Victor Gomez and Roger Slape and I attended. 

Here's our group yesterday:

Above, left to right, yours truly, Bob Weekes, Victor Gomez and Roger Slape.

Google A.I. Picked Up Deb Haaland Label

A couple of days ago, I came up with the nickname, "Princess Running Chicken", for New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland. This was due to her refusal to debate her Republican opponent, former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull. 

This is a pattern that started during the primary campaign. Either she is scared to debate (she's not the brightest bulb on the marquee and is inarticulate), feels entitled to the office or is taking part in a Democrat strategy of candidates refusing debates (New Mexico U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan is also refusing to debate his GOP opponent) or all combined. 

Yesterday, for the fun of it, I Googled Princess Running Chicken and found that Google's A.I. Overview feature picked it up.

Here it is:

Others have come up with nicknames. One of them is "Ducking Deb". 

It seems that her refusal to debate is backfiring on Haaland. People have posted that they have changed their vote to Hull due to her refusal, citing, "No debate, no vote!" 

This campaign is getting more interesting by the day.

The Idaho State Gun

Above, the Winchester 94 is one of the guns on the Idaho ballot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This has to be one of the most crucial midterm elections in our nation's history. The voters will decide on the various candidates and state measures.

But, the election is shaping up to be a fun one, particularly in the state of Idaho. Voters there will vote on an advisory measure on what should be named as the official state gun.

The Gem State Chronicle wrote:

Idahoans will have a lot of choices on our ballots this year, from federal, statewide, and legislative candidates to county and local races, as well as questions involving abortion, drug policy, and whether English should be our official state language. But there is one question that is less consequential and more fun: choosing Idaho’s official state gun.

Placed on the ballot by House Bill 932, which passed both chambers of the Legislature unanimously earlier this year, the question also has an obvious political benefit for Republicans in a midterm election that could see depressed turnout. On the one hand, it can be seen as a cynical political play; on the other, it’s harmless fun, so why not?

Your six options are:

• Winchester Model 1894 rifle, chambered in .30-30 Winchester
• Winchester Model 1873 rifle, chambered in .44-40 Winchester
• Colt Single Action Army revolver, chambered in .45 Colt
• M1 Garand rifle, chambered in .30-06 Springfield
• Colt M1911 pistol, chambered in .45 ACP
• Remington Model 700 rifle, chambered in .30-06 Springfield

To read more, go here.

Winchester Model 12: Why People Still Love This Shotgun

Winchester Model 12: Why People Still Love This Shotgun video from Range logic.

Summary:

The Winchester Model 12 earned its place in history as a wartime trench gun. Today, we’re taking a closer look at this classic shotgun and putting its famous slam-fire capability on display at the range.

Would you add a Model 12 to your collection?

What Locals Actually Carry For Bears, Hogs and Mountain Lions

Alaska vs Montana vs Texas: What Locals Actually Carry for Bears, Hogs and Mountain Lions video from Ivan's Journal.

Summary:

The biggest bear gun I ever owned spent most of a season in a truck console. Big stainless revolver, long barrel, kicked like a mule. And for weeks at a time it sat three hundred yards from where I was standing, because it was heavy, it was awkward, and it didn't fit the way I moved through the brush.

That's the part nobody puts in the forum arguments. People online will fight for hours over grains and foot-pounds. The folks who live with bears, hogs and big cats every day choose by weight, by holster, by what their hands are doing when trouble shows up, and by what the paperwork looks like afterward.

I used to be a pure big-bore man. More gun, more safety. Then I kept seeing guides, fishermen and ranchers carry things that didn't match what I'd been told was the minimum. So I went looking for evidence instead of opinions, and the evidence didn't line up neatly with either side.

In 2012 Tom Smith's team published a study of 269 firearm and bear incidents in Alaska going back to 1883. Handguns stopped the bear 84 percent of the time. Rifles and shotguns, 76 percent. No significant difference. And the best predictor of a good outcome wasn't the gun at all. It was the situation.

What we go through:

Why a rifle on your shoulder isn't in your hands on a salmon stream

What the Smith study got right, and where the critics have a fair point

The pump 12 gauge with slugs and the 45-70 guide gun in camp

How the Glock 20 in 10mm went from a punchline to a belt you see all over Alaska

Dean Weingarten's 170 handgun cases and why the 44 Magnum still has a record

Alaska's DLP rule: report in 15 days, skin the bear, surrender the hide, claws and skull

Montana grizzlies, federal protection, and the Brian Charette case

The bear spray number both camps misquote, 92 percent against three out of nine

Texas feral hogs, 2.6 million of them, and why it's pest control and not hunting

AR rifles, thermal optics and traps as one control system

The first mountain lion rules in Texas history in 2024, and how rare lion attacks really are

Why the threat decides the gun, not the state's reputation

What I'd carry into big bear country now

Said plainly on safety: practice your draw with an unloaded gun and follow the manual. Use factory ammunition the maker rates for your pistol. Wear eye and ear protection at the range and train with the exact load you carry. Carry laws change and every place has restricted areas, so check the current rules where you're going. Don't take a YouTube video, this one included, as legal advice. 

A gun isn't a force field. The one who walks out of the woods is usually the one who had something in his hand quickly. I wouldn't pick the gun that won the most arguments. I'd pick the one I'd still be wearing on the tenth day of the trip, tired and not expecting anything.

I've been writing lessons like this down for years, the stuff you never hear across a gun counter. They're in my book at ivansjournal.com

Gasoline National Average $4.48/Gallon

Above, Strait of Hormuz. Wikipedia satellite image.

In today's edition of the Saturday Newsletter from RV Travel, this was posted concerning the current gasoline prices:

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline continues to climb, up nearly 5 cents on Thursday from the previous week. At $4.48 per gallon, it’s the highest the national average has ever been this time of year. Lingering volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and the high cost of crude oil are driving up prices.

In Gallup last evening, I paid $4.31 for gasoline. That was the lowest price I found while I was in town. The other stations had the same price as the RV Travel blurb.  

20 Guns You Should Never Sell!

20 Guns You Should Never Sell! video from Gun Junkies. 

Summary:

Some firearms are more than just tools—they can become pieces of history, collector favorites, family heirlooms, or models that become increasingly difficult to replace. In this video, we're looking at 20 guns you should think twice about ever selling, based on factors like historical significance, build quality, scarcity, collector interest, reputation, and long-term appeal.

The used firearm market in 2026 continues to show strong interest in proven and established designs. Recent marketplace rankings have featured classics such as the Colt Python, Winchester Model 94, Remington 700, Ruger No. 1, Ruger 10/22, and Remington 870 Wingmaster, demonstrating that older and long-established platforms can retain substantial interest decades after their introduction.

From classic American designs to discontinued models and highly recognizable collector pieces, these are firearms with stories that can extend far beyond their original purpose.

Watch until the end to see which 20 firearms made the list—and why some guns can be surprisingly difficult to replace once they're gone.

 

"Godzilla Minus Zero" Night At Dodger Stadium

 

Looked like a fun night. But I remember Godzilla being a little bit taller.

Deb Haaland: Princess Running Chicken

We have a new nickname for Democrat Deb Haaland: Princess Running Chicken.

It is because she is afraid to engage GOP candidate Gregg Hull or feels entitled. 

Deb Haaland: NO To Any Debates

Democrat Deb "Running Chicken" Haaland feels she's so entitled to become the next New Mexico governor she doesn't feel the need to earning it in a debate. 

KOB 4 posted this on Facebook last evening:

Deb Haaland’s campaign said she will not take part in KOB 4’s Oct. 8 governor’s debate or any other debates in the race.

They then posted a link to their full article on Haaland's refusal to debate GOP candidate Gregg Hull.

The article begins with:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Deb Haaland’s campaign said she will not take part in KOB 4’s Oct. 8 governor’s debate or any other debates in the race.

Hours after KOB 4 updated viewers on the planned debate, Haaland’s campaign sent an email saying Gregg Hull was not serious about an “anytime, anywhere” debate.

“We will no longer be able to hold these dates and would like to move past this sideshow,” Haaland’s campaign manager said in an email.

The campaign manager said Haaland will continue traveling the state to meet voters instead.

Hull responded by saying he adjusted his schedule for the KOB 4 debate and that Haaland should do the same.

“She (Haaland) rejected all of your debate proposals leading up to this circus of her campaign’s own making because she is afraid to face the cameras and defend her record,” Hull said.

KOB 4 has worked since June 3 to set an hourlong live debate between Hull and Haaland after the June 2 primary election.

To read the full article, go here. 

Can A .357 Magnum Really Stop A Bear?

Can a .357 Magnum Really Stop a Bear? Alaska's Shocking Truth video from GUNS360.

Summary:

Can a .357 Magnum really stop a bear—or does carrying one into grizzly country provide more confidence than protection?

In this video, we take a closer look at the .357 Magnum as a wilderness sidearm and separate raw muzzle-energy numbers from the factors that matter in a real emergency.

We cover the history of the .357 Magnum, recoil and controllability, heavy versus lightweight revolvers, ammunition availability, cold-weather considerations, portability, practice costs, and the differences between popular platforms such as the Ruger GP100 and Smith & Wesson Model 686.

We also examine why cartridge power alone doesn't determine the outcome of a dangerous wildlife encounter. Firearm accessibility, shooter proficiency, ammunition characteristics, reliability, and the ability to make accurate shots under extreme stress can all matter.

Finally, we put the .357 Magnum into context alongside larger options such as the .44 Magnum and 10mm to explain why the "bigger is automatically better" argument can oversimplify a complicated decision.

Bear encounters are unpredictable, and no handgun guarantees safety. Follow local wildlife-agency guidance and prioritize bear avoidance and appropriate non-firearm deterrents where recommended.

Would you carry a .357 Magnum in bear country, or would you choose something else?

I found this video of interest as we have bears in the area up in the Cibola National Forest. One bear was trying to cross Interstate 40 recently but was killed by a vehicle near our community. I have one .357 Magnum revolver.  

RV Winterizing Checklist

Now that we are in autumn, it is time to begin planning and preparing the annual chore of winterizing the RV.

Cold temperatures here in New Mexico occasionally drop down into the 30s even in October. I have plenty of water system anti-freeze already on hand that I bought on sale last year.

This is the topic of an article in RV Life.

They begin it with:

Putting your RV away for winter takes a little preparation, but a clear plan makes the job more manageable. Start before freezing weather arrives, with attention to the plumbing, batteries, interior, and exterior.

Michael Ellingson, a Master Certified RV Technician with Blue Compass RV/Coach Net, recommends beginning with the water system and considering the climate where you’ll store your RV. His advice helps you work through the process, including easily missed fixtures and storage tasks.

The steps below focus on an RV that will sit unused over winter. Keep your RV and appliance manuals handy, since the right procedure depends on your particular setup.

To read more, go here. 

CAN THE .30-30 REALLY HANDLE A BEAR?

CAN THE .30-30 REALLY HANDLE A BEAR? THE TRUTH HUNTERS SHOULD KNOW video from Hunt Lab.

Summary:

How capable is the legendary.30-30 Winchester.when the hunt takes place in bear country? In this video, we take a closer look at **5 classic hunting calibers that have long been associated with North American big-game hunting.

From the proven 30-30 Winchester to the .35 Remington.32 Winchester Special**, **.356 Winchester**, and **.358 Winchester**, we explore their history, practical hunting roles, strengths, limitations, and why these cartridges continue to interest hunters decades after their introduction.

Great Cartridges ~ The 30-30 Winchester?

Great Cartridges ~ The 30-30 Winchester? video from GunBlue 490.

Summary:

If you are looking for a great deer hunting cartridge, see if the 30-30 Winchester may or may not be right for you!

How Women Hunters Are Reviving a Fading Tradition

The sport of hunting has been fading. It has been a mainly male sport. But over the years, fewer people are taking it up.

However, there is one segment of society that is causing a resurgence of hunting: women.

The Audubon Society posted an article on how women hunters are reviving a fading tradition.

They begin with:

This isn’t your typical girls’ weekend.  Not that you can tell from the accommodations—a charming farmhouse in Montana’s picturesque Bitterroot Valley—or the wine bottles on the kitchen counter this Friday evening in December. In the living room, delectable hors d’oeuvres hint at the gathering’s theme: savory duck rillettes and a charcuterie board with an array of wild game sausages. Then there’s the entertainment. “Duck Jeopardy” is teed up on a TV in the corner, intended to help us recognize birds in the field.

Ten women have traveled from across the state to learn the ins and outs of duck hunting from a handful of female mentors. A few know one another well. The rest are complete strangers. Most of us have never hunted ducks. Some, like Sophie Albert, have never even fired a gun. She’s from Germany, she says, where the sport is largely limited to private land. The food bank in Whitefish where she works processes a lot of deer donated by hunters, and she’s pretty sure she wants to try harvesting animals to feed her own family. Waterfowl, Albert says, seem like a good gateway.

To read more, go here.

DOJ DECLARES AGE 18-20 HANDGUN SALES BAN UNCONSTITUTIONAL

It has been federal law that 18-year-olds were not allowed to purchase firearms. It has been law that they have to reach age 21 to do so. 

This is starting to change. The Supreme Court is expected to finally determine whether laws banning adults under 21 from buying firearms is unconstitutional.

The U.S. Department of Justice issued a memorandum opinion on this matter.

The NRA-ILA reported:

On September 17, the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued a memorandum opinion to answer the question “whether restricting young adults from buying firearms comports with the Second Amendment as the Supreme Court has authoritatively construed it.” OLC, focusing specifically on provisions of federal law that criminalize the sale of handguns to adults aged 18 to 20 by federally licensed dealers (FFLs), said “no.” This interpretation marks a sea change in the government’s approach to an issue that has been the subject of decades of litigation, including by NRA, up to the present day. How it plays out practically, however, remains to be seen.

To read more, go here. 

Don't SELL These 10 Winchester Rifles Bought Before 1988

Don't SELL These 10 Winchester Rifles You Bought Before 1988 — They're Worth A Fortune video from The Armory Vault.

Summary:

Think twice before selling that old Winchester rifle sitting in the back of your closet or gun safe! While millions of pre-1988 Winchesters were passed down through generations as everyday hunting tools, certain forgotten factory configurations, transitional tooling quirks, and low-production chamberings are quietly worth a fortune today. From elusive post-WWII Model 94 "Flat Band" carbines and factory-choked Model 61 Routledge smoothbores to pre-64 Model 70s chambered in ultra-rare calibers like .300 Savage and .35 Remington that command upwards of $15,000 at auction, plain-looking field wear often hides high-dollar collector pieces. In this video, we break down the top 10 most underestimated pre-1988 Winchester rifles, reveal the exact roll stamps and mechanical tells to inspect at home, and expose the preservation mistakes that can destroy thousands of dollars in value in seconds.

Before you take a vintage firearm to a local pawn shop or gun counter, learn how to properly verify serial numbers, check internal bolt dimensions, and authenticate factory originality before making an irreversible mistake. Do you currently own any of the rifles featured in this countdown, or have you ever let one go only to realize its true value years later? Drop your rifle's model, caliber, or your best sale story in the comments below! If you found this appraisal breakdown helpful, make sure to like the video, share it with a fellow collector or hunter, and subscribe to the channel for more in-depth firearms history, valuation guides, and collector warnings.