Guns.com: Remembering the Ruger P95

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 is a fun semi-automatic handgun to shoot with a recoil that isn't too jarring. I never had any problems with it.

Guns.com posted an article on "remembering" the Ruger P95. It was produced from 1996 to 2013. 

The article begins with:

Like many of you, I have a special place in my heart for movie guns from my youth. One such gun is the Ruger P series. I was first introduced to the P series by its standout Hollywood roles in ’90s hits such as “Desperado,” “True Lies,” and “Grosse Pointe Blank.” It was often the hero’s gun, and I’ve wanted to try one ever since.

I’ve been asking to test a Ruger P for years, and Guns.com finally sent me a P95 so I could see if it lives up to my imagination.

Wonder Nine

Beyond the movie hype, there is a lot to this pistol. On the surface, it might not look like much, but the P95 and the entire series of Ruger P pistols helped usher in the era of Wonder Nines in the 1980s and ’90s.

The term “Wonder Nine” generally refers to high-capacity, double-stack 9mm pistols developed in that era using modern materials or production technologies. The Glock is most famous, but over 1 million Ruger P series pistol were also produced. This was because they were considered reliable and affordable. When the P85 was released in 1987, it sold for under $300. Today, used P series guns still sell for around the same price. 

 To read more and see a video, go here.

Lassen Volcanic National Park: Tribes, Trappers, Pioneers, And Eruptions

Above, a view of Lassen Peak from Devastated Area in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first national park I visited was when I was at age 14 with my parents in 1968. It was Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California. 

That got me hooked on traveling to national parks over the succeeding years. I visited Lassen again in 2017 during my Great American Eclipse trip. I camped at the Manzanita Lake Campground in my motorhome. 

Above, my campsite at Manzanita Lake Campground in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

National Parks Traveler posted an article on how Lassen became a national park due to eruptions of Lassen Peak in the early 20th Century.

They start it with:

Native American tribes, fur trappers, pioneers, and prospectors have all wandered around and within the boundaries of what is now Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. Before it was a national park, though, the landscape consisted of two separate national monuments. It took a series of Lassen Peak eruptions between 1914 – 1917 to make national park establishment a “done deal.”

 To read more, go here.

Calibers That Never Got Trendy

Some ammunition calibers are more popular (trendy) than others. There are some that never got trendy but still do serious work.

At least that's the crux of an article posted in The Avid Outdoorsman.

They start off with:

Some calibers get all the attention because they are new, fast, flat-shooting, or attached to whatever rifle or handgun everyone is talking about that year. Then there are the cartridges that never really become fashionable. They do not dominate social media arguments, they do not get constant factory rifle launches, and they rarely show up in the latest “must-have” conversations.

But serious work is not always loud. Some calibers keep showing up because hunters, shooters, farmers, guides, and practical gun owners know what they do. They put meat in the freezer, handle pests, ride in trucks, protect property, and keep working long after trendier cartridges come and go. These are the calibers that never needed to be trendy to prove they mattered.

To read more, go here. 

Yellowstone Bear Attack Near Old Faithful Geyser

Above, a mother bear and cub in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that spring has sprung, bears in our national parks are out and about. As evidence of this, two hikers were attacked on a trail near Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park.

According to an article in RV Travel:

A bear attack that injured two hikers in Yellowstone National Park this week didn’t happen deep in the backcountry. It happened near one of the most visited parts of the park—close to Old Faithful—on a trail many visitors walk every day.

What happened

According to the National Park Service, two hikers were injured May 4 on the Mystic Falls Trail, not far from Old Faithful. Rangers responded quickly, and both visitors were treated and removed from the area. Officials have not yet released details about the severity of the injuries or exactly what led to the encounter.

To read more, go here. 

Brain-Eating Amoeba Found In Some Recreational Waters

Above, Grand Teton National Park was named in a new study. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who enjoy swimming and water sports in lakes and streams, this should give them some pause.

A new federal study has found that brain-eating amoeba has been found in some recreational waters. 

RV Travel reported:

A new federal study has found traces of the rare but deadly “brain-eating amoeba” Naegleria fowleri in warm recreational waters at several Western national park sites, including Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Olympic National Park, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

Researchers analyzed 185 water samples from 40 thermally influenced national park recreation sites between 2016 and 2024 and detected the amoeba in 34% of samples. The organism thrives in warm freshwater, especially hot springs and shallow geothermal waters, and can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare brain infection with a 98% fatality rate.

To read more, go here. 

Why You Want A Lever-Action Rifle

Above, friend Nandoh Munoz shooting with his Henry lever-action rifle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Eight or nine years ago, I was on the lookout for a Winchester 94 that was in .30-30 and a pre-1964. 

In April 2019, the opportunity just fell into my lap when I was browsing in Ron Peterson Firearms in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I saw one on a rack. It looked to be in great shape. I verified that it was a pre-64 rifle online with my phone (it was made in 1962). It was priced just under $500. I decided to buy it.

As I was going to fly to Fort Lauderdale the next day for a cruise, I put it on layaway and picked it up upon my return. It is fun to shoot and is my favorite rifle. 

Silencer Central posted an article on why one would want a lever-action rifle.

It begins with:

Lever Action rifles are one of those special kinds of firearms that have timeless roots in society and modern demand. Many people started with hunting using a lever gun. Growing up in Michigan, I was the odd one out because I started hunting with a Winchester Model 70, while all my buddies were using a Marlin .30/30. Interest fell off a little with some company buyouts and closures. But now lever guns are back in their rightful place as one of the coolest firearms you can own. If you don’t own at least one, chances are good that you want one. Why do you want a lever-action rifle? Because they are cool! 

Why you want a lever-action rifle 

While we can all admit they are cool, there are some practical reasons why you want one. They are often compact, making them easy to maneuver when you’re hunting. They are reliable, too. Unlike a semi-auto rifle that can jam, it is rare for a lever-action rifle to hang up and cause an issue. 

One of the other features of the design that makes them popular is that lever-action rifles are fast. Once you get practiced using one, you can make follow-up shots in pretty rapid succession. With some of the accessory options now being offered both direct from the factories and from aftermarket specialists like MAGPUL and WOOX, you can trick one out just the same as an AR-platform rifle. And unlike ARs, there are no legality concerns with a lever action.  

Also, many lever-action rifles now come with threaded barrels, making it a piece of cake to mount a suppressor and tame the sound output.  

To read more, go here. 

New Motorhome Toilet

Above, the new RV toilet. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like anything else, repairs to a vehicle are inevitable. Only I was lucky that the inevitable took eleven years to happen.

During the Lost Dutchman clampout last month, the toilet in my motorhome wasn't acting right. Flushing water didn't come out as strong as it had. 

Then, a few days after the clampout, I stayed one night at a KOA Kampground in Albuquerque. I hooked up the motorhome to city water. I didn't notice any problem at first until I flushed the toilet. The water came out at strong as ever. Later, I went back into the bathroom and noticed that the toilet bowl was almost half full and the water did not stop filling it. I went outside and unhooked the city water. 

It was my guess that it was either the water pump or the toilet was causing the problems. 

Last week, I brought the motorhome to the RV dealer to see what the problem was. After a few days, they told me that it was the flush valve and other things that went bad. A new toilet was needed. It was ready for pick up yesterday.

Yesterday, I rode into Albuquerque with Greg and Larry Lucier as they had medical appointments in town. They dropped me off at the RV dealer and, sure enough, the motorhome was ready. I tested the toilet before leaving the premises and it worked fine. I drove back the 100 miles back to Jamestown. 

As I first mentioned when I began this blog post, it took 11 years for something in the RV to go bad. I feel lucky. I've always said that the motorhome was the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I still stick by that. 

Sadie's of New Mexico Now At The Albuquerque Sunport

During my trip to Houston, Texas last month, I took flights to and from the Albuquerque Sunport.

The airport terminal was remodeled over the past few years and appears to have been completed.

I noticed one thing new in the terminal: a Sadie's of New Mexico Mexican restaurant. Sadie's is my favorite Mexican restaurant when I am in Albuquerque. 

Should I have need for food while at the Albuquerque Sunport in the future, I'll be sure to go to Sadie's in the terminal.

For more information, go here.

20 of the Most-Trusted Hunting Rifles

Above, the venerable Winchester 94 made the list as a top deer rifle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am not a hunter, nor do I play one on TV. But I do have several friends who hunt in New Mexico.

While I am not a hunter, I do understand the need for it. Also, I am not versed on what makes a good hunting rifle. Fortunately, there are those whose expertise in hunting can recommend what constitutes the most-trusted hunting rifles.

AOL has posted a list of 20 of the most-trusted hunting rifles. 

They begin it with:

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

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

To read more, go here. 

DOJ Sues Denver Over Unconstitutional Weapons Bans

Colorado was once a red state (i.e., Republican), but Democrat liberals have moved into this state and now are inflicting their ideology on the people there.

The Second Amendment rights of Colorado's citizens are under attack. Now, the Denver city council is trying to ban so-called assault weapons and now are being sued by the Trump Department of Justice.

From Justice.gov:

Today, the Justice Department filed suit against the City of Denver, Colorado alleging that the City unconstitutionally bans certain constitutionally protected semi-automatic rifles. These laws unconstitutionally infringe on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms in common use for lawful purposes.

As the complaint explains, the City enforces an ordinance that makes it a crime to possess so-called “assault weapons.” But that the City’s ban includes AR-15-style rifles, which are the most popular rifles in America. Law-abiding Americans own tens of millions of rifles like those banned by the City.  

“The Constitution is not a suggestion and the Second Amendment is not a second-class right,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Denver's ban on commonly owned semi-automatic rifles directly violates the right to bear arms. This Department of Justice will vigorously defend the liberties of law-abiding citizens nationwide.”

To read more, go here. 

The Searchers | Texas Rangers Hold Off a Charge

After a massacre at the Aaron Edwards ranch, a group of fellow settlers deputized as Texas Rangers head out to rescue the nieces of Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) led by Captain Samuel Clayon (Ward Bond). 

In this clip, the group is surrounded by Chief Scar's (Henry Brandon) braves. 

This is my favorite John Ford (director) and John Wayne movie. I met three of the actors in this movie: Henry Brandon, Hank Worden and Patrick Wayne. 

The movie takes place three years after the Civil War. Although a classic movie, there are some anachronistic firearms in the movie. See the Internet Movie Firearms Database.

Happy Sinko De Mayo!

 

15 Little-Known Facts About the Ruger 10/22

Above, my 1983 Ruger 10/22. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the most successful guns ever made is the Ruger 10/22.

I bought one around 1984 after trying out a friend's and liked it. It is still being made, although some changes were made (some say "cheapened") with different versions.

MSN has posted a slideshow article of 15 little-known facts about the Ruger 10/22.

It begins with:

The Ruger 10/22 is one of those rifles that gets treated like it was always just “that handy little .22 everybody has.” That sells it short. The 10/22 was introduced in 1964, and over the decades it turned into one of the most successful rimfire rifles ever built. Ruger said in 2003 that more than 4 million had been produced by the rifle’s 40th anniversary, and later NRA coverage said sales had passed 6 million.

What makes the 10/22 interesting is that its success was not just about being cheap or familiar. The rifle won because several design ideas came together in a way that was unusually smart for a mass-market rimfire: the rotary magazine, the barrel attachment system, and the bolt setup all helped make it compact, reliable, and easy to build. American Rifleman flat-out says the “magic” of the 10/22 comes from three creative innovations: the barrel block, the rotary magazine, and the anti-bounce bolt.

To read more, go here. 

Firearms That Proved They Could Last

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

Some firearms come and go. The ones that stay over decades are the ones that were well designed and proven themselves reliable.  

The Avid Outdoorsman posted an article on firearms that proved they could last. I definitely two on the list and one that is a different version.

The article begins with:

Some guns earn attention because they are new, loud, expensive, or covered in features. Others earn it the slower way. They get carried, hunted with, left in trucks, passed through families, rebuilt, refinished, and kept working long after the next big thing has come and gone.

That kind of staying power is hard to fake. A firearm can look good in a catalog and still fall apart under real use. The ones below proved themselves by sticking around, showing up in the field, and giving owners fewer reasons to replace them than the market expected.

To read more, go here. 

Durango Train Summer Season Has Started

Above, with the Animas River below, the Durango train is at High Line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although we just entered into the month of May, it is summer train season for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad of southwestern Colorado.

According to the official website, the season this year runs May 2 – November 1st, 2026.

I last rode the train to Silverton in 2022. I am thinking of either doing so again or ride aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. I haven't ridden on that one yet. Both are within a day's drive from home.]

Above, Jessica and I at the Bar D Chuckwagon show in 2022.

There are other things to do in Durango, such as taking in a barbecue show at the Bar D Chuckwagon. The food is good and there is much to see and do there.

Above, the Bar D Chuckwagon dinner show. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For more information on riding the Silverton train, go here.

What Your Winchester Rifle Says About You!

What Your Winchester Rifle Says About You! video by Rifle Ready.

Summary:

The Winchester rifle you choose reveals more about your personality than you'd probably like to admit. From the Model 1866 Yellow Boy collector who owns white gloves and a magnifying glass, to the Model 1894 hunter who shows up to deer camp before dawn and shoots iron sights out of respect for the person who taught them — each Winchester tells a story about its owner. The Model 1892 crowd is living out a cowboy movie thanks to John Wayne and Hollywood, the pre-1964 Model 70 owners genuinely believe they're superior (and Carlos Hathcock's Vietnam service might prove them right), while post-64 Model 70 shooters are tired of the nostalgia and let their filled tags do the talking. The Model 1873 faithful are time travelers who'd trade Wi-Fi for a campfire, and the modern XPR buyer walked past every lever action in the store because they care about results, not romance. This video roasts every Winchester owner on the spectrum — and by the end, you're going to see yourself in one of them whether you want to or not.

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 (and being the first for May), we have the pop group Mercy with their 1969 hit, "Love (Can Make You Happy)", which peaked at number two on the Billboard chart.

From Wikipedia:

Mercy is an American pop group from Florida. The group's 1969 single "Love (Can Make You Happy)", written by Jack Sigler, Jr., soared to No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and also peaked at No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart."Love (Can Make You Happy)" was released in April and had sold over one million copies by July 15, earning a gold record from the R.I.A.A., although the group did not receive the award until October 2009.

The track was originally released on the small Tampa, Florida-based Sundi record label, at which time it was also included in the movie, Fireball Jungle. The B-side of the Sundi single was entitled "Fire Ball".

During the single's rapid rise in the charts, an album was released by a group calling themselves "The Mercy" (with a cover showing three female models, that included the Sundi recording, as well as several other songs that were not recorded by any of the original Mercy members.

The song was re-recorded on the Warner Brothers label, with the addition of new band members, and included on the Warner Brothers album, Love Can Make You Happy, which peaked at No. 38 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. Mercy had one other Billboard Hot 100 hit, the song "Forever", which reached No. 79 in June 1969.

The band is still touring with Sigler, the original lead vocalist and founder of the group. Mercy released their latest EP on iTunes in 2009.

 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Gives Spirit Airlines Update

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy gives update after Spirit Airlines ceased operations.

We can thank the Biden Administration, then-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Elizabeth "Pocahontas" Warren for this debacle by blocking of the merger of Spirit Airlines with Jet Blue Airlines.

Why Lever Action Rifles Still Win Hearts

Above, yours truly at the Winchester Arms Collectors Show
 in Cody, Wyoming last year. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Lever-action rifles have seen a surge in popularity. 

This has been more pronounced following the COVID pandemic of six years ago. Ever since I bought my Winchester 94 in 2019, I have noticed not only the surge in popularity of lever-actions, but prices for them as well. 

MSN posted an article on why lever-action rifles are still winning hearts.

They begin with:

Lever action rifles blend history, practicality, and pure shooting joy. From the iconic Winchester 1894 to modern Henrys, they remain beloved for their speed, handling, and personal connection. Whether for hunting, collecting, or range fun, their charm endures beyond pure performance specs.

The enduring magic of lever guns

Lever action rifles have been trusted companions for well over a century, offering a fast, intuitive shooting experience that connects shooters to a rich history. Whether it’s the Winchester 1873’s role in taming the West or the Marlin 336’s place in countless deer camps, these rifles carry stories in every scratch and worn grip. Modern versions keep the tradition alive while adding refinements for today’s shooters.

To read more, go here. 

Wacky, Weird UFO Sites To Visit In the U.S.

Above, yours truly at the Roswell International UFO Museum in 2018.

Before he passed away last October, Russell Azbill and I regularly discussed all kinds of topics of the paranormal. Subjects ranged from ghosts, bigfoot and Unidentified Flying Objects. He personally saw the "Phoenix Lights" back in the 1990s.

I have been interested in UFOs since about high school. Eight years ago, my former roommate Jessica and I went down to Roswell, New Mexico for the annual Roswell UFO Festival. We both had a fun time.

Above, the 2018 Roswell UFO Festival. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel, in today's newsletter, posted an article on weird, wacky UFO sites to visit. 

They begin it with:

As of November 2024, the Pentagon has analyzed 1,652 reports of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). Of those, 757 were recorded between May 2023 and June 2024, with 21 still classified as unexplained. Even if you’re not a UFO enthusiast, this is certainly intriguing. It reminds me of the fascinating places you can visit and learn more about UFOs right here in the USA.

What is a UFO?

Unidentified flying objects (UFOs) are not new. The first alleged UFO sighting in the United States dates back to the 1890s! Since that time, there have been many, many reported sightings from Washington to Maine and New Mexico to Indiana, with places in between, as well.

A Gallup poll taken in 2021 found that four out of ten Americans believe that UFOs are alien spacecraft from other planets. Recent sentiment seems to indicate that the number is rising—especially given the latest news. No matter what your position may be, there are UFO sighting locations throughout the USA. Here are just two places to consider adding to your next RV trip.

To read more, go here. 

Senior RVing: Why I Am Not Giving Up RV life At 74

Above, yours truly at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana last summer.

Now that I am 72 (hard to believe, eh?), I noticed that the ol' body is not as agile as it used to be. Mentally, I feel just as good as ever, even though some things take a bit of prodding to remember something. That's why I do this blog. I am better at it now than when I started it in 2008. It is still fun for me to do.

Aging, if we're lucky, is one of those things everyone goes through. The main thing for seniors (people over 65, in my view) is to remain active. That includes traveling, especially by RV. I still enjoy mine. Already this year I attended a clampout in Prescott, Arizona with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus vitus, and a few days after getting home, I went with a friend to Houston, Texas for the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. 

Last summer, a friend and I took a long RV vacation and roamed around Utah, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and Colorado. Before heading out, I was unsure if I could handle the long drives. As it turned out, everything went just fine. Besides being fun, it was also educational.

RV Travel posted an article in today's newsletter on senior RVing. It starts with:

At 74, John of the Gone with John channel’s biggest fear about RV life isn’t a breakdown, bad weather, or money. It’s the day he might be told he’s done, and has to give up the road for good. That thought sits behind the whole message he shares in the video at the end of this post.

Perhaps you feel the same way. I know these thoughts have crossed my mind from time to time. For John, full-time RV living for seniors isn’t only about travel. It’s about staying part of life for as long as he can.

To read more, go here. 

Route 66 and Hollywood Movies & TV Shows

Above, Route 66 in Williams, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This year is the centennial of Historic Route 66.  

Fox 8 of Cleveland has posted an article on Route 66 and Hollywood focusing on movies and TV shows that captured the mystique of the road. 

It begins with:

(NEXSTAR) — It’s one of the U.S.’ most well-known roads — if not the most known — and one of few highways to capture America’s imagination across the little and big screens.

In honor of its 100th anniversary, here are some of the films and TV shows that have taken inspiration from Route 66, or even been filmed on parts of it.

To read more, go here. 

PSA Airlines Still Exists

Above, a PSA Airlines 727-200 jet. Wikipedia Photo.

Back in the 1970s, whenever I flew around California (usually for GOP state conventions) or to Las Vegas, Nevada, I often flew with PSA Airlines or Western Airlines. My first flight was with PSA Airlines from San Jose, California to LAX in 1974. 

I was using Google to read about PSA (short for Pacific Southwest Airlines) after reading about the current troubles with Spirit Airlines and found that the airline still exists.

Above, yours truly about to board a PSA Airlines plane in 1974. Photo by Max Bettman.

According to the AI-generated overviews: 

Does PSA Airlines still exist?

Yes, PSA Airlines still exists and is a major, growing regional airline operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group. It operates under the American Eagle brand, focusing on short-haul flights with a fleet of Bombardier CRJ jets, operating over 700 daily flights to nearly 100 destinations.  

PSA Airlines originally stands for Pacific Southwest Airlines, a prominent West Coast carrier founded in 1949 and known as "The World's Friendliest Airline". Today, PSA Airlines operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, using the historic name to protect the trademark. 

 

Top 10 Most Accurate Rifles Ever Made

Top 10 Most Accurate Rifles Ever Made– #2 Definitely Will Shock You! video by Gun Junkies. 

Summary:

Accuracy separates a good rifle from a truly legendary one. In this video, we break down 10 of the most accurate rifles ever made, highlighting firearms that earned their reputation through precision, consistency, and real-world performance.

We explore the features that make these rifles stand out, including barrel quality, trigger design, action smoothness, stock stability, and long-range capability. These rifles are known for delivering tight groupings and repeatable results, whether on the range, in competition, or out in the field.

If you think you already know which rifle deserves the top spot, wait until you see the unexpected #2 choice.

 

The Best 22 LR Rifles of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Above, my Winchester 94 (top) in .30-30 and my Winchester 62A in .22 LR. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like everything else these days, the cost of ammunition has gone up over the past few years. Some calibers cost around $1.00 per round and sometimes more. 

With that being the case, target shooting with a .22 LR rifle is looking more and more economical. I happen to have two .22 LR rifles: a Winchester 62A that I inherited from my maternal grandfather and a Ruger 10/22 that I bought around 1984.  

If one doesn't have a .22 LR rifle in their arsenal, an article by Field & Stream may be a big help in selecting one. It is on the best .22 LR rifles of 2026.

They begin with:

If you are an adult who likes to shoot or hunt, it’s hard to find completeness without a 22 LR rifle or two. Considered by many to be the most useful rifle in the world, a 22 rifle is perfect for target practice, hunting, competition shooting, and teaching others to shoot. And you can do all of that with ammunition that doesn’t cost you a dollar every time you pull the trigger.

There are many 22 rifles to choose from, and with modern manufacturing techniques, they’re getting more affordable each year. Affordability can be important when it comes to buying a 22 rifle, but other things—depending on what you want to use your 22 rifle for—matter as well. Here’s a look at seven of the best 22 LR rifles for just about any application.

To read more, go here. 

Why Some Shooters Swear By These “Outdated” Guns and Calibers

Above, yours truly with a Remington 870 Express. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

There are many varieties of firearms. Like anything else manmade, there are some great ones and there are some pretty lousy ones.

The firearms industry has been bringing out new designs. Some work well while others leave much to be desired. 

However, there are some shooters who swear by some alleged "outdated" guns and calibers. This is the crux of a slideshow article posted by MSN.  

They begin it with:

Calling a gun or caliber “outdated” usually means it’s been around long enough to get ignored. It doesn’t mean it stopped working. A lot of shooters stick with older setups for the same reason they keep an old pair of boots: they know exactly how it fits, exactly how it behaves, and exactly what it will do when the moment matters.

The modern market chases lighter, faster, smaller, higher-capacity, flatter-shooting. That’s fine. But there’s a different kind of confidence that comes from cartridges with real-world track records and guns that have been carried, hunted, and shot hard for decades. When you’ve seen a load perform on game, or you’ve watched a particular action run clean through bad weather, it’s hard to unlearn that trust.

To read more, go here. 

Gun Basics: What Is A Lever Action Rifle?

Above, my 1962 Winchester 94. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the past few months, I have posted about lever-action rifles, particularly the Winchester 94 .30-30 rifle.

There are other other manufacturers of lever-action rifles and some, even today, have joined the pack with new rifles along with new innovations. 

But, what is a lever-action rifle? 

The answer may seem obvious, but fortunately, an article in Bear Creek Arsenal explains it all.

They begin with:

What is a Lever Action Rifle? History, Mechanics, and Why Shooters Still Use Them

Lever-action rifles occupy a unique position in firearms history and modern shooting sports. They're neither the newest technology nor relics of the past. Instead, they represent a mechanical philosophy that's remained relevant for nearly 200 years, evolving continuously to solve real-world challenges that shooters face. If you're curious about what makes these rifles tick, why hunters and sport shooters still choose them, or how they've managed to stay competitive despite newer designs, here's the complete picture.

To read more, go here. 

Yen Rises To ¥155 In Tokyo Trading

We're now in a new month, commonly known as May Day.

 As such, it is time to take a peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in Tokyo foreign exchange trading. This is especially of interest to those Americans planning to travel to Japan.

According to Japan Today:

The yen rose sharply on Friday, briefly reaching the mid-155 level from the lower 157 range, amid a cautious mood a day after an around 5 yen surge overnight on possible intervention.

At 4 p.m., the dollar fetched 155.91-92 yen, compared with 156.58-68 yen in New York and 160.13-15 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Japan's top currency diplomat, Atsushi Mimura, on Friday declined to comment on the foreign exchange market intervention, saying, "I have no intention to comment on such matters." On Thursday, the Japanese currency surged nearly 5 yen to the 155 zone against the dollar within hours.

To read more, go here.