The Second Amendment is Not Up For Debate

The Democrat Party is hell-bent on trying to strip away our Second Amendment rights state-by-state.

The Republican Party is trying to protect those rights. 

Congressman Jason Smith has an opinion piece posted in the Wayne County Journal Banner on this subject.

He begins it with:

The Second Amendment is not a suggestion. It is a constitutional right enshrined into law by our Founding Fathers, but Democrats across the nation have made it their mission to strip that right away.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger just signed legislation making it illegal to sell, purchase, or manufacture certain types of firearms in her state — without question infringing on citizens’ constitutional rights. If Democrats had their way, Missouri and the rest of the country would follow suit. This is not just a Virginia problem. This is the Democrat agenda: strip law-abiding Americans of their right to defend themselves, one state at a time.

To read the full article, go here. Pass it on, too! 

Worst Guns for Beginners (And Some Good Ones)

Above, Clint Eastwood with his .44 Magnum Smith & Wesson Model 29 in Dirty Harry. Warner Bros. photo.

Anything in life always has a beginning. This is also true for guns. 

Anyone thinking about taking up target shooting or hunting as a beginner should read a post by Pew Pew Tactical on the worst guns for beginners (and some good ones).  

They start it with:

So, you decided to buy your first gun. Congrats and welcome!

We're lucky to live in a time when there are more genuinely good, affordable firearms available than we know what to do with.

But there are some you should avoid.

Some are objectively lousy; some just aren't suitable for new shooters. Don't worry, though; we've got your back. I'll point out the worst guns for beginners and then recommend a few that are great guns for new shooters.

Let the learning begin!

To read more, go here.

Too Windy

Above, the Ruger 10/22 and scope. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was a planned shoot at the shooting area to zero (adjust) the mounted scope on my Ruger 10/22. But, it is very windy out (which woke me up) right now. It looks like I'll have to wait a few days.

According to the National Weather Service forecast for Jamestown, New Mexico:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 64. Windy, with a west wind 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Winchester Model 94

Winchester Model 94 video by Jack of All Trades.

Summary:

Today we discuss the legendary Winchester Model 94 lever action rifle.

 

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, Los Angeles is the focus of a hit from 2009, "We Run L.A." by Ya Boy featuring Doc Hollywood.

From Wikipedia:

William Joseph Crawford (born January 28, 1984), known by his stage name Ya Boy (also known as Rich Rocka), is an American rapper from Fillmore District, California. He is best known for his 2011 single "Lock Down" (with DJ Drama featuring Akon). The year prior, he signed with the latter's record label, Konvict Muzik, having first signed with San Quinn's Done Deal Entertainment to release his debut studio album, Rookie of the Year (2005). The following year, he signed with the Game's Black Wall Street Records, and later Mack 10's Hoo-Bangin' Records in 2009, although he released no albums with both labels.

From A.I.

"We Run L.A." is a 2009 West Coast hip-hop track by rapper Ya Boy (now known as Rich Rocka) featuring the pop/rock duo Doc Hollywood. The song gained wide popularity for its high-energy lifestyle lyrics and became highly recognizable for sampling the iconic chorus of Randy Newman's "I Love L.A.".

We have two versions of "We Run L.A." The first is the single version most familiar for its airplay and the second is one with some different lyrics.

Travel + Leisure: Complete Guide To The Big Island of Hawaii

Above, lava inside a Kilauea volcano crater. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ten years ago this month, I took a vacation trip to Hawaii. It was a package trip by the Automobile Club of Southern California. It was a great deal that included air travel and hotels.

The trip comprised a few days in Waikiki and a few days on the Big Island of Hawaii. While on the Big Island, we took a helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls and the coast near Hilo. 

Travel + Leisure posted a "complete guide" to Hawaii's Big Island.

It begins with:

It’s no secret that the Island of Hawaii is a tropical paradise filled with beautiful beaches, thoughtfully designed resorts, important cultural landmarks, impressive national parks, and some of the most delicious food in the Pacific. That's why Hawaii, commonly known as the Big Island, has long remained one of the top vacation destinations in the world.

Whether it’s a trip to one of the island’s main events—the Kona Brewers Festival in March, the Big Island Chocolate Festival in April, or the Ironman World Championship in October—or you're looking to relax in a location packed with views of swaying palm trees, cerulean seas, and volcanic outcrops, the Big Island is a destination that cannot be missed.

To read more, go here. 

Wind Red Flag Warning

A wind red flag warning has been issued in areas of New Mexico starting at 10:00 AM, including the Gallup/Jamestown area, by the National Weather Service:

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Albuquerque NM

215 AM MDT Sun May 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM MDT TODAY

DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PARTS OF WESTERN,

MUCH OF CENTRAL, AND ALL EASTERN NEW MEXICO...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH

MONDAY EVENING DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR

SOUTHWESTERN, MUCH OF CENTRAL, AND ALL OF EASTERN NEW MEXICO...

.Extremely poor humidity recovery observed this morning with many

areas only reaching 15 to 25 percent come dawn. More widespread and

stronger southwesterly winds alongside another round of 6 to 18

hours of single-digit humidity will yield critical to extremely

critical fire weather conditions for most of west-central, central,

and all of eastern New Mexico Sunday. Another round of critical fire

weather conditions is expected across southwest, central and eastern

New Mexico Monday with even stronger wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph

across eastern New Mexico. Around 6 to 10 hours of single digit

humidity values are expected across east central and southeast New

Mexico on Monday.

NMZ105-172200-

/O.CON.KABQ.FW.W.0037.260517T1600Z-260518T0300Z/

West Central Mountains-

215 AM MDT Sun May 17 2026

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 9

PM MDT THIS EVENING...

* AFFECTED AREA...West Central Mountains (Zone 105).

* TIMING...From 10 AM this morning to 9 PM MDT this evening.

* 20 FOOT WINDS...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40

  mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 6 to 12 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor

  burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the field

of this Red Flag Warning.

 

12 MILLION PAGE VIEWS!

It was not long ago that this blog hit 11 million page views. In fact, it was only a month ago!

Well, it has now reached over 12 million page views. I have accordingly updated the header to reflect this milestone!

Rifles That Fail When Conditions Get Rough

Above, the Ruger American Predator. Photo by Sturm, Ruger & Co.

There are those who hunt for sport or even necessity. They will go out hunting with their rifle in all kinds of weather conditions.

But there are some rifles that have a tendency to fail when conditions get rough. That is the topic of an article in The Avid Outdoorsman with a list of rifles that do fail in rough conditions.

They begin it with:

Bad weather has a way of exposing rifles fast. A gun that looks great from a bench can start feeling a lot less impressive once it gets dragged through rain, dust, cold mornings, truck beds, muddy rests, wet packs, and rushed field positions.

Some rifles are not total junk. A few shoot fine when they are clean, dry, and handled carefully. The trouble starts when the conditions get rough and little problems show up all at once: sticky magazines, wandering zeroes, weak extraction, rough bolts, swelling stocks, gritty triggers, and actions that don’t like dirt nearly as much as the ads suggest.

To read more, go here. 

The Guns That Made America’s Most Notorious Outlaws So Dangerous

Above, the Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For some reason, Americans have been fascinated by outlaws such as Billy the Kid, Bonnie & Clyde, John Dillinger, Jesse James and others. There's even a Billy the Kid museum in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. I visited it two years ago.

There is also a fascination over the weapons they used, be it a rifle, shotgun or pistol. 

AOL posted an article on guns that made notorious outlaws so dangerous. 

It begins with:

America’s outlaw era has always carried a strange mix of history, violence, folklore, and fascination. While the crimes themselves were brutal and often devastating, figures like Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Bonnie Parker, Clyde Barrow, John Dillinger, and Machine Gun Kelly became closely linked to the weapons they carried. Their guns were not just tools used during robberies, shootouts, and escapes. They became part of the larger mythology that turned criminals into notorious names in American history.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the most infamous outlaws in U.S. history and the firearms most associated with them. From revolvers and lever-action rifles of the Old West to the Tommy guns and automatic weapons of the Prohibition era, these firearms help explain how each outlaw operated, why they became so feared, and how changing weapons technology shaped crime and law enforcement across different eras.

To read more, go here. 

Adventurous Monument Valley Tours Expands Access

Above, the Mittens and Merrick Butte during a sunrise tour of Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I moved to New Mexico eight years ago, one of my favorite trips within the Four Corners region of the U.S. is to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

It is less than a half day's drive from home and the tribal park area has campgrounds available (Goulding's Lodge Campground and Monument Valley KOA Kampground). 

The tribal park also has guided tours available and Adventurous Monument Valley Tours has expanded Navajo-guided backcountry and air experiences.

According to Journals & Courier:

OLJATO-MONUMENT VALLEY, UT, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Adventurous Monument Valley Tours, part of The Adventurous Group, is expanding its Navajo-led tour experiences, offering travelers enhanced access to Monument Valley’s iconic red rock landscapes through guided backcountry and aerial tours. The expansion strengthens the company’s mission to provide immersive, culturally respectful, and unforgettable experiences across one of the most recognized landscapes in the American Southwest.

Located within the Navajo Nation along the Utah–Arizona border, Monument Valley is both a world-renowned travel destination and a protected tribal park with deep cultural, historical, and environmental significance. While millions of visitors are drawn to its towering sandstone buttes and expansive desert views, access to much of the region is restricted without a certified Navajo guide.

Adventurous Monument Valley Tours addresses this limitation by providing structured, guided backcountry experiences that allow visitors to explore beyond the standard scenic Monument Valley drive. Through its offerings, guests gain access to areas of the valley that would otherwise remain inaccessible, along with expert interpretation that brings meaning and context to the landscape.

Above, the Three Sisters rock formation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.  

Senior Citizens Can Get a Discounted National Park Pass

Above, one of the gateways into Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ten years ago, I turned 62 which qualified me to get a national park lifetime senior pass. At the time, the pass was only $10. It is currently $80, but it is still a bargain if the holder makes use of it. The standard entrance fees for U.S. National Parks range from $15 to $35 per private vehicle.

Conde Nast Traveler has posted an article on the lifetime senior pass and what benefits it gives to the holder. 

They begin it with:

From the jagged red sandstone of the Grand Canyon to the moss-cloaked forests of the Pacific Northwest, the allure of America’s iconic landscapes defies generational divides. Whether you’re a lifelong lover of public lands or a national park newbie, US citizens and residents aged 62 years or older can nab a discounted lifetime pass to travel to over 1,000 federal recreation sites.

Yes, the pass famously covers entrance fees to all 63 national parks, but its true value is in its other great perks and discounts. The pass allows for free entry into all national forests, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service sites, Bureau of Land Management areas, national monuments, and offers discounts on popular campgrounds and more. In short, it’s a one-way ticket to adventure, at a bargain price. Here’s what to know, whether you’re applying for yourself or a loved one.

 

Above, the South Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Rafting The Snake River

Above, yours truly rafting the Snake River in 2019. Photo by Floatographs.

If Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are in your summer vacation itinerary this year, you may want to make a visit to nearby Jackson Hole, Wyoming to take a rafting trip on the Snake River.

I did this in 2019 and had a great time. I went with Dave Hansen Whitewater. We were staying at the then-Snake River KOA and were picked up by the rafting company from the campground. Amazingly, I did this a year after I had a heart attack. 

Above, a gift shop in Jackson, Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was about a three hour rafting trip and about eight miles in length on the Snake River. 

The staff were friendly and professional and took care of their guests very well. 

Besides taking a rafting trip, wandering around the town of Jackson is also a great activity with plenty of shops to explore. 

Top 10 Things To Know About Yellowstone This Summer

Above, lounging Yellowstone bison in a meadow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there were one place that beckons return visits, it is Yellowstone National Park.

I have been there three times, most recently in 2019. I wasn't planning on going there but we ended up going in after touring nearby Grand Teton National Park.

We didn't stay long as it was in the middle of the vacation season. We just went to the Old Faithful Geyser area and later, headed back out as it was very overrun with people. The best Yellowstone vacation we've taken was in 2015 in mid-June before the summer vacation season kicked into gear and schools haven't closed for the summer. The crowds weren't too bad and we took a couple of tours with a tour company.

Abovc, one of many geysers in Yellowstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is planning to visit Yellowstone, it is best to plan ahead. RV Travel posted an article on ten things to know about visiting Yellowstone this summer.

They begin it with:

This summer, visitors to Yellowstone National Park are being urged to plan ahead—both to stay safe and to help protect one of America’s most iconic wild landscapes. Across 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone offers unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal wonders that include half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic landmarks like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

By following these top 10 things to know before you go, you can make the most of your visit while helping ensure Yellowstone remains healthy, wild, and awe-inspiring for generations to come.

 

Above, Lower Yellowstone Fall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Nithya Raman Proposes Backyard BBQ Ban

The Looney Left Report

Here's one for the books.

LA mayoral hopeful Nithya Raman, who is currently a member of the Los Angeles City Council, wants to ban backyard barbecues during red flag warning days.

The New York Post reported:

Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Nithya Raman wanted to ban backyard barbecues for residents during certain high fire danger days across the city.

Raman introduced a motion Wednesday directing city officials to examine emergency restrictions on grilling during Red Flag Warning days, when high winds and dry conditions significantly increase wildfire danger across Los Angeles.

The proposal specifically asks officials to consider possible limits on backyard barbecues, fire pits and other open flames in residential neighborhoods during those high-risk weather events

Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents much of the San Fernando Valley, stepped in and successfully blocked the proposal by introducing a separate motion that stripped Raman’s barbecue ban.

To read more, go here. 

Scope Adjustments Made Simple

Above, yours truly with the Ruger 10/22 yesterday. Photo by Larry Lucier.

Yesterday, I had some difficulty with my Ruger 10/22 rifle. I have a Bushnell scope on it, but it wasn't hitting where the cross hairs were aimed at. 

Obviously, I have to adjust, or zero, the scope.

I found a website explaining how to do scope adjustments. It is from NRA Women.

It starts with:

Though most of us utilize a riflescope on our hunting or long-range precision rifles, few of us (myself included) truly grasp the real complexity of our optics. We know to turn this dial to do one thing and turn the other dial to do another thing, and that’s about it.

Truth is, that’s really enough for most of us. Studying optics gets you deep into the weeds very quickly, and most of us don’t need to know exactly how the image we’re seeing through our scope is produced. But knowing just a little bit about what’s going on inside that scope will help you better understand why and how your dials work the way they do.

First, a quick primer on what those dials (called turrets) do.

Above, the scope with the turret caps on. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the scope's elevation turret with the cap off. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the windage turret with the cap off. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This post is for my future reference and for those who have to adjust their scopes. 

To read more, go here. 

Chilling 'Alien' Message To Humanity Revealed

Above, The Day The Earth Stood Still display at the Roswell International UFO Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

More stuff from the release of UFO files has been gleaned through.

Several news outlets have posted about "chilling" warnings allegedly from extra-terrestrials. Shades of The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)!

MSN posted:

The FBI files revealed alleged messages from ‘outer space people’ containing chilling warnings for humanity.

The documents were part of the Trump administration’s latest UFO disclosure release on Friday, which included never-before-seen memos, witness reports, photographs and videos tied to mysterious aerial phenomena.

One FBI memo, dated January 12, 1955, detailed claims from members of the Detroit Flying Saucer Club, one of the earliest UFO organizations in the US.

According to the document, club member Randall Cox told agents the group had received multiple messages from extraterrestrials warning humanity about its place in the universe.

The memo states the beings said all planets except Earth had already conquered outer space. 

To read more, go here. 

Today's Shoot

Above, yours truly with the Ruger 10/22. Photo by Larry Lucier.

It was a nice day for plinking at the shooting area. The only issue was that it was a little windy. 

Joining Larry Lucier and I was Victor Gomez. 

Above, Victor Gomez and his revolver. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

All three of us just shot .22 caliber ammunition. It is a lot cheaper these days.

We all had a good time. I have to get my Bushnell scope on my 10/22 adjusted (or zeroed). I would aim perfectly at the target but kept missing. The targets were probably too much further away as well. I did much better with the .30-30 Winchester during the last shoot. I basically couldn't shoot the broadside of a barn today.

Above, Larry Lucier shooting his Henry .22. lever-action. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We tried to go to Denny's for coffee afterwards, but they were closed with yellow fire warning tape draped across the main entrance. It has been closed off at least since Tuesday.  

Arizona Was Home To These Iconic Western Movies

Above, Monument Valley's West and East Mittens. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Living just 40 miles from the New Mexico/Arizona border on Interstate 40 has some great advantages. I can visit places in nearby states where classic westerns were filmed.

The region is best known as Four Corners, wherein four states (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah) meet up.

Over the years, the Four Corners has been home to many movie locations and sets. Monument Valley and Old Tucson come immediately to mind. I have been to both. Monument Valley straddles the Arizona/Utah border.

Above, a familiar hotel and saloon set at Old Tucson Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

AZCentral posted a list of movie sets used in westerns.

They begin with:

From shootouts and saloons to barren desert landscapes and iconic red rocks, Arizona has been home to some of the most memorable scenes in Western films.

Many Old West movies, from "Stagecoach" and "Tombstone" to "The Outlaw," were filmed at locations you can still visit today. Stars from John Wayne and Kurt Russel to Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra have also graced the Grand Canyon State filming locations.

While some of the sets have been adapted for tourists, other stops remain exactly the same.

So are you in the mood for a walk down memory lane? Here are Western film sets you can visit in Arizona.

To read more, go here. 

Shooting Day

Above, the .22s I will be shooting with today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's the day that we'll be heading to the Cibola National Forest shooting area to do some target shooting. 

This time, I am limiting my guns to two .22 caliber rifles: the Winchester 62A (inherited from my maternal grandfather) made in 1947 and the Ruger 10/22 (made in 1983).

I was holding off packing for the shoot until this morning as it looked like it might rain in the area. That would render the roads to the shooting area as too muddy. But, no rain came (even though we had a 60% chance forecast) yesterday. So, we're good to go.

A Little Godzilla History In Memory Lane

The above photo taken at the Rainforest Cafe in the Chicago area after G-FEST XII (2005) shows a group of us including (from left) yours truly, Stan Hyde, Yoshikazu Ishii, Ruth Lees, J. D. Lees, Yoshimitsu Banno and Robert Scott Field. 

The photo popped up in the Memories gizmo of Facebook yesterday. It prompted a comment by Field on the significance of it.

He wrote:

Great picture. In 2000 Banno asked me to help him connect to Hollywood for a 4D version of Hedorah. No one was interested in Hedorah but in 2005 we talked again for a couple of hours about getting the rights to Godzilla and before and after this picture of the dinner at the Rain Forest in Chicago was taken. I'm guessing that no one knew (including us lol) that this is where the turning point of the Legendary G-franchise actually began… And now history!!! It’s a beautiful thing!!!

Above, director Yoshimitsu Banno addresses the 2004 G-TOUR group in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The very first time we met Yoshimitsu Banno was at the T.G.I. Fridays dinner (above photo) in Roppongi, Tokyo of the first G-TOUR in 2004. He spoke to the group and dropped strong hints about his plans for a Hedorah movie in 3D.

He was later invited to G-FEST XII in 2005. Sadly, he passed away at age 86 in 2017.

The Last & Worst Winchester

The Last & Worst Winchester video by InRangeTV.

Summary:

The 1895 Winchester was the last lever action gun designed by John Moses Browning.   It is very popular in pop culture, mostly due to its appearance and presence in video games.   In this video I will discuss why it is absolutely the worst Winchester lever action model and why all of the compromises made to allow this gun to chamber modern military cartridges ruined the qualities that make lever actions great.

This is an original Winchester manufactured in the 1920's.   It is not a current manufacture Miroku.

The Most Common Class C RV Problems

Above, at the Moab (Utah) KOA Kampground last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The motor home I have is classified as a Class C. It is a 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R. To date, it has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

The only problem I have had with it was only recently when the flush valve to the toilet started acting up necessitating the need to replace the toilet. All things considered, I'm very pleased with it. Still, not bad for an eleven-year-old vehicle.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on the most common Class C RV problems owners run into. So far, none of the problems listed I have encountered.

They begin it with:

Class C RVs are easy to fall for. They feel more approachable than a large Class A, roomier than a camper van, and familiar enough from the driver’s seat that many new motorhome owners feel comfortable right away.

That first impression is part of the appeal, but it does not tell the whole story. Once you start loading the storage bays, driving in wind, using the cabover space, and keeping up with service, the tradeoffs become easier to see.

A Class C can still be a great RV. The key is knowing where this style of motorhome tends to ask for the most patience.

To read more, go here. 

Millions of Americans Turning To RV Travel This Summer

Above, the RV at Arches National Park last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Millions of Americans are turning to RV travel this summer. Well, you can include me in this. I plan on taking some RV trips this summer, but to places more closer to home this year.

Last summer, a friend and I took a long trip up through Utah to Wyoming. From Wyoming, we went to Montana to see the Little Bighorn Battlefield. From there, we went back into Wyoming to visit Devils Tower National Monument and, from there, to South Dakota to the Black Hills. After that, we headed home through Colorado. It was a long bunch of drives, but we and the RV weathered it just fine. 

MSN posted an article on the millions of Americans planning to do some RV travel.

They begin it with:

As Americans plan their summer vacations, new research from the RV Industry Association’s Travel Survey reveals that RV travel is resonating with travelers looking for flexibility, affordability and outdoor experiences. So much so, that 37 million Americans plan to go RVing this summer.

With ongoing economic pressures, crowded airports, flight disruptions, rising travel costs and broader travel unpredictability, it appears travelers are looking to RV road trips to ease these day-to-day stressors.  

RVing fits the bill for travelers increasingly prioritizing time on the road, trips closer to home and vacations that allow greater control over spending and schedules. The survey showed that 58 percent of leisure travelers report that taking an RV trip is a more affordable way to travel and that Memorial Day and Fourth of July bookings have increased compared to summer 2025.

 To read more, go here.

Are Your Firearms Registered?

Are Your Firearms Registered? video by Hickok45.

Summary: 

Hickok45 discusses the registering of firearms and transporting them across state lines. He says much of it is bunk.

Target Shooting Tomorrow

Above, the Winchester 62A .22 I inherited from my grandfather. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that spring is in full swing, we decided to to some target shooting tomorrow at our shooting area. 

According to the National Weather Service, tomorrow will be sunny with a high of 76°, which is good plinking weather.

Here's the forecast for this week: 

Wednesday

A slight chance of thunderstorms after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday Night

A slight chance of sprinkles before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 76. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 78.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 79.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

For this session, I think that I will stick with .22 LR caliber rifles. It will either be with the Winchester 62A or the Ruger 10/22 (or both). With prices for larger calibers high right now, shooting with the .22 caliber rifles is more economical. 

Hopefully, we won't have any mishaps like the last time.

Silver Jumps To 2-Month Highs

Above, a 2023 American Silver Eagle proof coin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are times when I am glad that I invested in silver when I did. This is one of those times.

Silver has risen to the highest prices since February. 

According to MSN:

Spot silver surged above $85 an ounce for the first time in nearly two months as technical buying and momentum-driven trades fueled a powerful rally that has lifted the metal’s prices roughly 15% this month.

At the time of writing, spot silver (XAG/USD) was up nearly 6% to $85 an ounce, while silver futures for July 2026 deliveries also climbed nearly 6% to $85.6 per ounce. Last week, Spot Silver posted its strongest weekly performance since late February.

To read more, go here.

Guns That Are Worth More To Owners Than the Market Understands

Above, my Winchester 94 and Winchester 62A. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some guns are worth more to their owners than what its market value may be.

That's the crux of an article posted by The Avid Outdoorsman. Some guns are worth more to their owners, whether it may be sentimental value or other reasons, than what the market understands.

When I bought my Winchester 94 in 2019, I was looking for one that is pre-1964 and in good shape. I found one and it is my favorite gun. I would not ever sell it. The Winchester 94 is included in The Avid Outdoorsman's list. On paper (and online), the Winchester 94 doubled in price from what I paid for mine. 

The begin it with:

Some guns never look impressive on a value chart. They are not rare enough for collectors, not flashy enough for trend chasers, and not expensive enough for people to treat them like safe queens. If you sell one, the market may shrug and offer you less than you think it deserves.

That is exactly why some guns are better kept than sold. Their value is not always in resale price. It is in how well they fit your hands, how many seasons they have seen, how easily they still do the job, or how many memories are tied to them. These are the firearms that are worth more to owners than the market usually understands.

To read more, go here. 

Pro Gun Control Extremist Interrupts A Hickok45 Video

Pro Gun Control Extremist Interrupts A Hickok45 Video During Filming video by Hickok45 Clips.

Summary:

Yes, this channel is created and managed by Hickok45 and John, mainly John. The video clips on this channel are segments of videos taken from videos originally posted on the Hickok45 YouTube channel. John always includes a link to the original video from which the clip is taken.

Hickok45 videos are filmed on my own private shooting range and property by trained professionals for educational and entertainment purposes only, with emphasis on firearms safety and responsible gun ownership. We are NOT in the business of selling firearms or performing modifications on them.  Do not attempt to copy at home anything you see in our videos. Firearms can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

 

Hickok45 was at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston last month. I didn't see him, though.

Go Topless New Mexico 2026

Go Topless New Mexico 2026 video by 4 Corners 4x4 Week.

This looks like a lot of fun. In order for me to do this with my Jeep, I would need a trailer to haul it up to Farmington, which is 100 miles north.

Summary:

We are less than 1 week away from the Go Topless Event. What to expect when you come to Farmington for the 2026 Go Topless Day New Mexico Event.

 

9 Best Lever Action Rifles for 2026

9 Best Lever Action Rifles for 2026 — From Classic to Tactical Beast! video by The Armory.

Summary: 

Lever action rifles in 2026 aren’t “retro” anymore. They’re evolving fast — with suppressor-ready barrels, AR magazine compatibility, optics rails, and modern tactical upgrades that most shooters never saw coming.

In this video, we rank the 9 best lever action rifles for 2026, from classic .30-30 workhorses to next-gen detachable-mag lever guns that are changing the entire category. Some of these rifles are legendary. Others? Most gun owners still underestimate them.

From Henry, Marlin, Rossi, Smith & Wesson, FightLite, and Winchester, we break down reliability, handling, recoil, modularity, suppressor compatibility, and real-world practicality for hunters, range shooters, and tactical rifle fans alike.

 

Sydney Sweeney Goes Godzilla

Behind the scenes of the Cassie Godzilla scene. #Euphoria pic.twitter.com/b30VRaku5k

— Euphoria News (@season3euphoria) May 11, 2026

Sydney Sweeney goes Godzilla in a video at Euphoria. 

Yahoo! Entertainment posted some behind-the-scenes videos of the making of it.

According to Yahoo! Entertainment:

Sydney Sweeney sent Euphoria fans into collective disbelief after one larger-than-life Season 3 scene took over social media timelines. Within hours, viewers on X were repeating the same phrase as the moment became the internet’s latest obsession.

Euphoria fans are saying this about Sydney Sweeney’s Godzilla scene

Several viewers on X described the storyline as a “humiliation ritual” after Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie filmed explicit OnlyFans-style content and appeared in a giant monster-inspired fantasy scene.

One user wrote, “I’m convinced this season of Euphoria is a Sydney Sweeney humiliation ritual,” while another posted, “This production is crazy, can’t lie.”

To read more and see videos, go here. 

Trump Releases Government UFO Files

With the release of some UFO files at the order of President Trump, I can't help but think that Russell Azbill, a friend in Jamestown, New Mexico who passed away last October, would be in his element.

He and I used to talk about UFOs and other things (such as Bigfoot) quite often. 

From Reuters:

May 8 (Reuters) - At the order of U.S. ​President Donald Trump, the Defense Department on Friday released dozens of previously classified files on alleged UFO sightings to provide what ‌it called "unprecedented transparency" to the American people, though analysts said many of the documents had already been made public.

The disclosure, opens new tab of documents, photos and videos of "unidentified anomalous phenomena" will be followed by future releases as more materials are declassified, the Defense Department said in a statement.

Upon the release of the initial batch, President Trump said that people can decide for themselves. 

To read more, go here.

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.

It is hard to believe that 1996 was thirty years ago, but that's where we get this week's entry of Classic Rock Music Monday. Today, we spotlight OMC with their hit "How Bizarre" from that year.

From Wikipedia:

OMC, or Otara Millionaires Club, were a New Zealand music group, then duo, with vocalist Pauly Fuemana later becoming the sole member. OMC was best known for the 1996 hit "How Bizarre", named one of the greatest New Zealander songs of all time by the Australasian Performing Right Association. The full name of the band is a tongue-in-cheek reference to Ōtara's status as one of the poorest suburbs of Auckland.

Cruise Passengers Outraged Over Bahamas Booze Ban

Above, yours truly enjoying an adult beverage aboard the Norwegian Sky on a cruise to the Bahamas..

Cruise passengers who relish their alcoholic "adult beverages" are up in arms over a ban to be imposed on election day of the Bahamas. But, they can still booze up aboard their cruise ships.

The New York Post reported:

A temporary alcohol ban will roll out at a Caribbean destination next week — leaving cruise passengers high and dry on shore.

The Bahamas will suspend alcohol sales as the country holds elections on Tuesday, May 12.

A government notice obtained by Fox News Digital says the ban will take place that day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Parliamentary Commissioner is suspending sales of “intoxicating liquor” while polls remain open during that time.

“Any person selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor during such hours shall be deemed to be so doing while not holding a license under the provisions of the Business License Act,” the notice warns.

The restriction covers all Bahamian islands, including private islands operated by cruise companies.

Cruise giant Royal Caribbean confirmed to People magazine that the ban applies to its private island, CocoCay.

To read more, go here. 

Plinking Weather This Week?

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

It looks like this coming week will be a nice warm one.

With comfortable temperatures in the 70s, it looks like good plinking weather at the Jamestown/Cibola National Forest shooting area. The only issue may be wind, but it doesn't look like the winds will be much.

According to the National Weather Service, the weather in Jamestown looks like this:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 76. Light west wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 44. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Clear, with a low around 46. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 77.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 77.