Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper Firearms Safety

Gun safety tips are always worth repeating. 

Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper was a pioneer of modern pistol techniques and founder of Gunsite Academy in Arizona. I have several of his firearms training videos. 

Above, Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper.

From the Gunsite website:

Gunsite was founded in 1976 by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, author, columnist, professor, WW II and Korean War combat veteran.

Col. Cooper intended Gunsite to be the vehicle for spreading the Modern Technique of the Pistol, which he created during his years in Big Bear Lake, CA. Cooper built the facility which was known then as the American Pistol Institute (API),  just west of Paulden and north of Prescott AZ. Cooper began teaching pistol, shotgun and rifle classes to both law enforcement and military personnel, as well as civilians, and did on-site training for individuals and groups from around the world. He was known for his advocacy of large caliber handguns, especially the Colt 1911 and the .45 ACP cartridge. Jeff passed away September 25, 2006 at the age of 86. His wife, Janelle passed away July 28th, 2019.

Cooper was the first one to define and stress the Four Basic Rules of Firearms Safety

1. All guns are always loaded. Even if they are not, treat them as if they are.

2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. (For those who insist that this particular gun is unloaded, see Rule 1.)

3. Keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target. This is the Golden Rule.

4. Identify your target, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything that you have not positively identified.

To read more, go here.

8 Year Old Shoots Her First Ruger 10/22 Long Range Rifle

8 Year old shoots her first Ruger 10/22 Long Range Rifle video by Allie Arms. [Good to take young daughters out to shoot.]

Summary:

After four years of participating in events at our local Fish and Game Club, and with the permission of our neighbors, Allie finally got the chance to shoot her very first Ruger 10/22 long-range rifle. Her excitement, enthusiasm, and joy are truly inspiring to watch!

 

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 this week and wrapping up July, we have The Human Beinz with their hit "Nobody But Me" from 1968. They started in 1964 and are still active.

From Wikipedia:

The Human Beinz (/ˈbiːɪnz/ BEE-inz) is an American rock band from Youngstown, Ohio. Originally known as the Premiers, the band initially featured John Richard "Dick" Belley (vocals, guitar), Joe "Ting" Markulin (vocals, guitar), Mel Pachuta (vocals, bass), and Gary Coates (drums), later replaced by Mike Tatman.

Their only hit record in the US, "Nobody But Me", peaked in 1968 at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Here's we have them performing in a vintage video and another of Pan's People dancing to the song.

  

 

When Someone Asks Deb Haaland A Difficult Question.

 When someone asks Deb Haaland a difficult question. 

Thanks to Jennifer Andrie for the above!

The Real Reason Women Don't Own Guns

The Real Reason Women Don't Own Guns video by 2aTacticalDad.

Summary:

Women own guns at about half the rate men do — but the reason isn't what most people assume. When you control for one variable, whether someone shot growing up, the gender gap nearly closes. This one's for the dads, husbands, and range guys who want to actually do something about it: a practical guide to introducing new shooters to firearms without being condescending about it, and why taking your daughters shooting is the highest-leverage thing any of us can do.

We get into who's actually reachable, the most common ways experienced owners ruin a first range trip, a step-by-step playbook for a good first outing, and the case for early exposure with your kids.

The Gun Women REALLY Want Isn't What You Think!

The Gun Women REALLY Want Isn't What You Think! video by GFG. 

Summary:

Women are redefining what confidence and personal responsibility look like. In this video, we follow women as they explore different firearm options and talk through what matters most to them—from comfort and fit to lifestyle needs, safety awareness, and personal preferences.

This isn’t about hype or one-size-fits-all choices. It’s about informed decision-making, asking the right questions, and understanding that every woman’s priorities are different. Whether you’re curious about gear, interested in learning how women approach these decisions, or want to hear real conversations around safety, training, and responsibility, this video brings an honest and empowering perspective.

Education. Confidence. Choice.

Because the best decision is an informed one.

Deer In Yard

A few minutes ago, Sierra caught my attention as she was looking out of one of my bedroom windows. 

I took a look and a female deer was munching on some plants. 

I managed these to shots:

 

Monsoon Storm Tears Apart Iconic Route 66 Sign

Monsoon storm tears apart iconic Route 66 sign near Winslow video by Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5).

Summary:

A monsoon storm tore down the iconic “Here It Is” sign at the Jack Rabbit Trading Post on Route 66 earlier this week, splitting the nearly 80-year-old sign in half and knocking out chunks of original wood dating to the 1940s. The Jack Rabbit Trading Post, located between Winslow and Joseph City, has been a stop on Route 66 since 1949. Reporter Mason Carroll has the story.

Not A Screw Hole

You learn something new everyday!

I posted at a Winchester 94 Facebook page asking about what screw goes into the hole above the loading gate (see photo) on my rifle.

It turns out, it is NOT a screw hole.

This was a reply I received: 

That is not a screw hole. It is to insert a punch after the screw is removed on the opposite side of the receiver. That allows the lever to be removed so you can take out the bolt.

This explains why I see so many pre-64 Winchester 94 carbines with a hole in the receiver. I was wondering if that was an inherent problem with them. 

Nice to know this was not a problem.

Camper Left Food and Trash Outside, A Black Bear Paid The Price

Above, a black bear at Yellowstone Bear World in Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just as stupid people shouldn't be allowed to vote, stupid people shouldn't be allowed to camp either. 

Neither of which will ever happen, but one has to wonder how some campers in Montana left food and garbage outside that attracted a black bear. Sadly, the bear had to euthanized. Incredibly, there was a bear-resistant storage box at the campsite for them to use.

Above, a bear-resistant storage container at a campsite in Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel posted an article on the aforementioned incident and why it is important to properly store food and garbage.

They begin it with:

Wildlife officials in Montana euthanized a black bear after it repeatedly raided campgrounds near Red Lodge. One of its last stops was an unattended campsite where food, cooking grease, dog food and garbage had reportedly been left outside, even though a bear-resistant storage box was available.

The incident is a sobering reminder that leaving food and trash unsecured in bear country isn’t simply untidy. It can teach bears that campgrounds are easy places to find meals, increasing the risk to everyone camping nearby.

To read the full article, go here. 

10 Guns Americans NEED TO OWN If War Started Today!!!

10 Guns Americans NEED TO OWN If War Started Today!!! video by Clynt.

Summary:

10 Guns Americans NEED TO OWN in case War Broke Out Today With EVERY REASON why they are ALL MUST HAVES!!! AR-15, Glock 19, Ruger 10/22 & More. Make sure you have what you need before the day you need it.

Welcome to the channel built for serious gun owners, collectors, and preppers who want more than range day content. Every video breaks down collectible firearms, vintage guns, and rare revolvers, rifles, and shotguns with real auction data, real market values, and the technical engineering details most gun owners never learn. From the Colt Python and Smith & Wesson Model 29 to the pre-64 Winchester Model 70, the M1 Garand, the Winchester Model 1886, and the legendary Parker Brothers shotguns, we dig into matching serial numbers, milled receivers, controlled-round feed actions, hand-fitted cylinders, proof marks, and the manufacturing history that separates a $300 gun from a five-figure collector piece.

This channel covers gun collecting, firearms investing, and survival preparedness in equal measure, featuring countdown-style breakdowns of the AK-47, the AR-15, the Glock 17 and Glock 19, the Ruger 10/22 Takedown, Ruger GP100, Henry AR-7, SKS Type 56, the Mossberg 500, the Benelli M4, the Springfield M1A, Winchester Model 21, Remington 870 Wingmaster, Browning Auto-5, Parker Brothers shotguns, Remington Model 1100, Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight, Winchester Model 12 and classic lever actions like the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1894. We pull real numbers from Rock Island Auction Company and other major auction houses to show you exactly what pre-ban rifles, pre-lock revolvers, and original Belgian-made shotguns are bringing today, and why originality, factory letters, and untouched finishes are the biggest drivers of value in the collector firearms market.

Whether you are building a war-ready load-out, preserving a family heirloom, or just trying to figure out what is sitting in your gun safe, this channel gives you the history, the technical detail, and the dollar figures to make informed decisions. New videos drop regularly covering collectible firearms, classic revolvers, vintage shotguns, military surplus rifles, and the preparedness gear every American household should have. 

The Classic .30-30: History, Handloads and Hunting

Above, modern .30-30 cartridges available today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Introduced in 1895, the Winchester .30-30 cartridge is still popular today.

It was the first smokeless power cartridge that arrived when the Winchester 1894 rifle was introduced.  

Sporting Shooter has posted an article on the .30-30's history along with handloading and hunting. 

They begin with:

The .30-30 Winchester is more than 130 years old, the first American smokeless-powder sporting cartridge and one of the oldest cartridges still in common use.

Even more surprisingly, the .30-30 still hovers near the top of the list of most popular hunting cartridges, particularly after it was given a new lease on life this century with new bullets and new powders.

It was introduced in 1895 as one of the chamberings available for the Model 1894 lever-action rifle. The original load featured a 160gn flat-nosed bullet and 30 grains of the new- fangled smokeless powder. Hence, the name .30-30, for .30 calibre bullet and 30 grains of smokeless powder, a designation which adhered to the older way of naming a calibre based on black powder.

To read more, go here. 

10 Lever-Action Rifles That Won’t Be This Cheap Again!

Prices Are Crashing: 10 Lever-Action Rifles That Won’t Be This Cheap Again! video by Gun News.

Summary:

Lever-action rifle prices are falling in 2026, and this could be one of the best opportunities in years to buy before the market turns around. In this video, we rank 10 lever-action rifles that are currently available at surprisingly affordable prices, explaining why each model offers outstanding value and why these deals may not last much longer.**

From budget-friendly .22 LR rifles like the Rossi Rio Bravo and Henry H001 to legendary hunting rifles such as the Winchester Model 94, Marlin 336 Classic, Marlin 1894, and the powerful Marlin 1895 SBL in .45-70 Government, we break down the strengths, features, and real-world value of every rifle on the list. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned hunter, or a lever-action enthusiast looking for the next great deal, this countdown highlights the rifles that deserve your attention before prices begin rising again.

Jack Rabbit Trading Post Sign Back Up

Some good news! 

The fallen (blown down) Jack Rabbit Trading Post sign is back up! A crane was used to hoist it up onto its supports. This greatly sped up the repair process. It would have taken Tony Jacquez weeks to get the work done if he had to do it on his own. 

Although the sign is back up, it still needs repairing. I would hazard a guess that it will be completed shortly. 

Here's a photo from the Jack Rabbit Trading Post Facebook page:

 Many thanks to all who came out to do today's work!

Monument Valley Tours Run Half-Empty

Above, the tour bus stopped at The Thumb during a
 sunrise tour I took in 2022. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent years, I have taken two guided tours of Monument Valley. Both were by open air bus originating from Goulding's Lodge. I also took a tour by horseback.

The Navajo Nation, in which Monument Valley is their tribal park, offers Jeep tours. It used to be necessary to make advance reservations as the tours were popular.

According to an article in Travelers Today, those tours have been running half-empty. The Goulding's Lodge tour I went on in 2022 was also half empty.

The article begins with: 

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is in the middle of its peak summer season, and something unusual is happening in the valley: the guided jeep tours that once required advance reservations are running at dramatically reduced capacity. The global drop in international travel to the United States has hit Navajo-owned tour operators at Monument Valley harder than almost anywhere else in the Southwest — and for a traveler arriving this summer, that creates a rare window of access, even as the park's fees are higher than ever and the Navajo Nation holds a presidential primary today that will shape its tourism policies through 2027.

Above, yours truly at a viewpoint during a sunrise tour in 2022.
The East Mitten and Merrick Butte are in the background.

To read more, go here. 

Do You Have One Mug You Favor Over All Others?

Above, my custom coffee mug I use at home. 

Are humans creatures of habit? 

This comes to mind after reading and participating in a new poll at RV Travel on coffee mugs. They ask if you have one mug you favor over others. 

At home, I usually use a custom-made mug featuring my book, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan or one from Folgers Coffee. Both fit my hand perfectly and are of the right size.

Above, with one of the John Wayne coffee mugs in my RV.

While in my motorhome, I use two (not at the same time) mugs I bought from the John Wayne Stock & Supply. 

RV Travel begins their poll with:

If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, chances are you own more than one mug. Maybe you have an entire cabinet full of them—souvenirs from road trips, funny gifts from friends, campground treasures, or that one oversized mug that somehow holds juuuuust the right amount of coffee.

So, even with all those choices, do you always reach for the same one? You know the mug. It’s the one that just feels right in your hand. Maybe it’s chipped, maybe the handle fits your fingers perfectly, or maybe the coffee simply tastes better out of it. (Science has yet to confirm this, but plenty of us believe it.)

And, in most households, certain mugs seem to develop “ownership” without anyone officially claiming them. Everyone knows whose mug is whose. Use the wrong one, and you’ll probably hear about it. It’s funny how attached we can become to something as simple as a coffee mug, right?

So what about you? Are you loyal to one favorite mug, or do you happily grab whatever’s clean?

Vote in the poll below, and then tell us the story behind your favorite mug in the comments. We have a feeling there are some great ones out there.

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

Break In The Monsoon Rains

Above, the yard yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like we're getting a break today with the monsoon-generated thunderstorms.

According to the National Weather Service, today will be sunny in Jamestown, New Mexico. I am sure Gallup will definitely be grateful for the break since the town got flooded twice this week.

My yard looked a bit swampy during yesterday's rain (photo above).

The forecast:

 Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Sunny, with a high near 88. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Saturday

Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Increasing clouds, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Sunday

Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Monday

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.

Monday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Tuesday

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Tuesday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Wednesday

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.

20 Lever Guns Proving The Old-Timers Knew Exactly What They Were Doing

Above, the Winchester 94 made number one on the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sometimes products manufactured during bygone years cannot be improved on because they were made right the first time. 

Such is the case of some firearms. Some were so good they proved that the "oldtimers" got it right.

The Avid Outdoorsman posted an article on 20 lever-action guns that proved that those oldtimers knew what they were doing.

They begin with:

Every few years somebody rediscovers the lever gun and acts like they unearthed a lost technology. Meanwhile, the guys who grew up with them just shrug. A good lever action is still one of the handiest tools you can carry in the woods, in a truck, or around a farm—especially when you want something slim, quick, and reliable without a bunch of drama.

Old-school doesn’t automatically mean better, but the lever gun era produced some designs that were flat-out right. They balance well, they feed well, and they solve real problems: fast follow-up shots on moving game, easy carry in thick brush, and a rifle that doesn’t snag on every cedar limb. Here are 20 models that prove the earlier generations weren’t guessing.

To read more, go here. 

10 Firearms Brands That Lost Their Way

Above, the Remington 870 Express shotgun.Few American firearms companies
fell harder than Remington according to the article Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

Gun manufacturers are not immune to making bad decisions, be subjected to changing economic conditions or even taken over by bean counters.

Over the years, some manufacturers have produced once proud and quality products only to have them be victimized by cost-cutting and poor quality control. 

The Avid Outdoorsman took a look at ten firearms brands that have lost their way.

They begin with:

A respected firearms name can survive a surprising number of bad decisions. Shooters often remain loyal because they remember what the brand once produced, even when its current catalog barely resembles the one that built its reputation.

Some companies were weakened by bankruptcy or ownership changes. Others abandoned popular models, allowed quality control to slip, or chased crowded sections of the market while ignoring the firearms customers actually wanted. A few have started correcting course, but each of these brands went through a period when shooters had good reason to wonder what happened.

To read more, go here. 

Mossberg 500E .410 Shotgun

Above, the Mossberg 500E .410 shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I was going through my gun cabinet and pulled out my Mossberg 500E .410 shotgun that I inherited from my dad. 

I didn't know I had it at first until I was going through some gun cases in the garage and found the gun inside one. 

I later bought some .410 shells to try it out. It shot real good with hardly any recoil. 

Here's a video of a Mossberg 500 being shot by Buffalo's Outdoors:

8 Best Ruger 10/22 Models [Plinking, Hunting, Competition]

Above, the Ruger 10/22 I bought around 1983. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are different rifle models and makes that are offered. 

The Ruger 10/22 .22 rifle is one great example. Over the years, the rifle has been offered in different styles. Mine is the original carbine that I bought around 1983 for under $90. 

Pew Pew Tactical took a look at the 8 best Ruger 10/22 models for plinking, hunting and competition.

They start with:

The Ruger 10/22 is an iconic rifle and one of the most popular starter platforms for beginner shooters. It’s high-quality but affordable, and the .22 Long Rifle chambering makes it easy (and cheap) for everyone to shoot. 

The 10/22 also enjoys endless aftermarket support, so it’s easy to customize this little rifle to fit your needs and wants. 

We'll talk about that, too! After we break down the best Ruger 10/22 models, let's explore the history of this venerable rifle to see how it went from the new kid on the block to a revered and beloved rifle platform. 

To read more, go here. 

Your GPS Could Be Leading You Into Trouble

Above, on the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I am on an RV road trip, I take routes that are easily mapped.

I keep a RV road atlas in my motorhome and check routes with it before even leaving the driveway. After doing that, I use the free Google Maps app on my phone. I have never encountered any problems of any major consequence. One gitch was that a friend and I were using Google Maps to go to a restaurant but the directions were goofed up and we ended up circling around a Houston airport parking lot. We never found the restaurant.

There are some people who have encountered major glitch errors with the GPS system they're using. 

That is the topic of an article in RV Travel. 

They begin with:

Most RVers trust their RV GPS navigation. They also have at least one story about it being spectacularly wrong. Maybe it routed you toward a low bridge, down a dead-end road or to the back gate of a campground instead of the office. Chances are you caught the mistake before it became an expensive lesson. Not everyone does.

A recent highway closure involving a commercial truck that apparently followed GPS directions onto an unsuitable route is another reminder that navigation apps are remarkably helpful—but they aren’t perfect. While truck drivers have wrestled with bad GPS routing for years, RVers face many of the same challenges.

To read more, go here. 

Floods Hit Gallup

Yesterday's monsoon storm caused massive flooding in Gallup. The area hasn't seen such a storm in years.

We got about a half inch of rain in a short period according to a friend with a rain gauge. Luckily, we're on a hill and no flooding occurred. 

Here's a couple of videos on yesterday's flood.

 From KRQE News:

Here's a dash cam of flooding near the El Rancho Hotel (on the right) by Flowers BG:

"Godzilla vs. Kong" Actress Kaylee Hottle Killed In Car Accident

Sad and shocking news in the world of Godzilla hit this morning.

Actress Kaylee Hottle was killed this morning due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Maryland.

According to TMZ:

Kaylee Hottle was riding in a 1995 Honda Accord when the driver veered off a Maryland road and slammed into a roadside ditch early Tuesday ... with excessive speed believed to be a factor ... TMZ has learned.

Authorities in Maryland say Kaylee -- the "Godzilla vs. Kong" actress -- was rushed to a trauma center, where she was later pronounced dead.

She was 18.

She played the deaf Skull Island native girl Jia who communicated with Kong by sign language in "Godzilla vs. Kong" and its follow-up. 

Condolences go out to her family and friends.

To read more, go here.

Storm Destroys Jack Rabbit Trading Post Sign

Above, the sign a few years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A very heavy monsoon storm hit the St. Joseph, Arizona area last night. St. Joseph is the home of the Jack Rabbit Trading Post.

The intense storm destroyed the trading post's famous "Here It Is" sign that sat across Route 66 from the trading post.

Here's the sign after it was hit by the storm:

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise money to replace the sign. To go there and make a donation, go here. I already made a donation.

Vice President J. D. Vance: Baby Makes Four

For the first time in 150 years, a sitting Vice President has become a father. 

20 Guns That Were Called Obsolete and Kept Outlasting Their Replacements

Above, my Winchester 94 and Ruger 10/22. Both made the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some guns were made and perform so well that they never became obsolete. Ones that were discontinued even outlasted their replacements.

Such is the topic of an article in The Avid Outdoorsman. They list 20 guns that were called obsolete and  kept outlasting theri replacements.

They begin with:

Every few years the gun world decides something is “done.” Too heavy. Too slow. Too old-school. Then hunting season rolls around, the weather turns nasty, and the so-called outdated gun is the one that still gets grabbed on the way out the door.

I’m not saying new designs are bad. A lot of them are genuinely better. But “better on paper” doesn’t always beat “works every time, even when you’re cold, tired, and wearing gloves.” Here are 20 firearms that have been dismissed more than once, and somehow keep hanging around long after the shiny replacement gets traded off.

To read more, go here. 

Guns That Got More Respect With Time

Above, the Ruger P95 is described as, "the trigger is nothing fancy, and
 the styling is pure utility, but the gun works." Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

Some guns got passed over or just overlooked. But over the years, those same guns gained more respect with the passage of time.

That is the topic of a slideshow article in MSN (courtesy of The Avid Outdoorsman).  

I have two guns that made the list and they're both Rugers: the Ruger 10/22 rifle and the Ruger P95 pistol. Both have been reliable over the years. I've never had problems with either one.

The slideshow begins with:

Some guns earn respect right away. Others have to sit through years of jokes, low prices, bad timing, or plain old indifference before people finally understand what they were looking at. That kind of respect usually means more because it was not handed out by ads or internet noise.

The guns on this list did not all start out as legends. Some were considered ordinary. Some were too cheap to impress anybody. Some were misunderstood because they looked different, felt different, or arrived before the market knew what to do with them. Over time, real use has a way of cleaning up the conversation.

To see more, go here.