6 Reasons Why You Should Have a Good Gunsmith

Above, Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are some things that gun owners can do with their guns. There are also some things that gun owners should not do.

One thing they should do is to have a good gunsmith. 

I made use of a gunsmith at Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants, New Mexico a few years ago. He knew what he was doing and was reasonably priced. I would use him again, if need be, as I was pleased with his work. 

That is the topic of an article in the online NRA's American Rifleman. 

It begins with:

Since the early 2000s, perhaps maybe a decade or so later than that, people have taken to building their own guns (look at bolt guns using a Savage/Remington barrel nut system or the ubiquitous AR-15 platform) or doing small tinkering jobs (like installing sights, triggers and many other aftermarket parts). While that’s been good for the industry as a whole, as it contributed to the growth of a huge aftermarket of accessories and new components over time, not every job needs to or should be a DIY job, and it pays to have a good gunsmith. Here’s why.

To read more, go here. 

4.1 Quake Hits Mount Taylor Area

Above, the blue dot marks where Jamestown is located.

Yesterday morning, while at my desk doing some blogging, I thought I felt a slight shaking sensation. That only lasted seconds before I dismissed it.

Later, I discovered that there was a 4.1 earthquake centered near Mount Taylor which is about 21 miles from Grants. 

Since Grants is about 44 miles from Jamestown, that is likely why the shaker was light. It was non-concerning since it was so light because, after all, I've experienced much worse with the Northridge Earthquake in 1994 being the most intense.

I go to Grants on occasion for doctor appointments or to Loeffler's Guns Etc.

Historically, the Grants area is known for volcanic activity, especially from Mount Taylor. There are lava formations along Interestate 40 just east of Grants.

I guess it was making this ex-Californian feel right at home.

20 Shotguns That Were Built To Last

Above, yours truly with the Winchester Model 12
shotgun at Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants, New Mexico.

Having a shotgun or two (or three) in one's arsenal is something every Second Amendment supporter should have.

I have several, two of which I bought (a Winchester Model 12 and a Remington 870 Express) and the others were inherited from my dad, including a Manton 12 gauge made in the 1800s.

The Avid Outdoorsman posted a list of 20 shotguns that were built to last and proven it for over 50 years.

They begin with:

Every fall I see the same thing at the gun counter and at the range: a guy with a brand-new shotgun in a fancy box, and another guy quietly carrying a 40-year-old blued steel and walnut “plain” gun that has killed more birds than the shiny one ever will. Trends come and go. What lasts is a shotgun that feeds, fires, ejects, and keeps doing it after it’s been rained on, bounced around in a truck, and leaned in the corner of a duck blind for decades.

This isn’t a museum list. These are working shotguns that have earned their reputations over 50 years of upland miles, waterfowl mud, and the kind of hard use that shows up in worn checkering and thin bluing. Some are expensive now, some are still affordable, and a few are just heavy and boring. Still, they keep showing up because they keep working.

To read more, go here. 

Can You Buy a Gun Online?

Can You Buy a Gun Online?

The answer is yes! I bought my Winchester Model 12 shotgun online through Guns.com. I had them ship it ot Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants, New Mexico as they are a FFL dealer that I have patronized previously. 

Impact Guns posted the nuts & bolts of buying guns online.

They begin with:

Yes — you can legally buy a gun online in the United States. Millions of firearms are purchased online every year. The process is straightforward, fully legal, and in many cases gives you access to better selection and pricing than a local gun store. Here's exactly how it works.

To read more, go here.

Background Checks for Online Gun Purchases Explained

Above, picking up my Winchester Model 12 shotgun at Loeffler's Guns Etc. 

Thinking about buying a gun online but never done so before?

Well, you're in luck! Guns.com can sell you a gun online, but there are still procedures to endure (they vary by state, by the way).

I bought my Winchester Model 12 shotgun through Guns.com last year. I had them send it to my favored FFL dealer in Grants, New Mexico, Loeffler's Guns Etc. After it arrived, I went there, went through the background check and walked out with my shotgun.

Guns.com has a page explaining the process.

They begin it with:

Buying a gun online is not only easy and convenient, but it's also safe and legal in all 50 states. While the process is a little different than walking into your local gun store, you’ll still have to pass a background check for your new purchase. If it’s your first time buying a gun online, you may be wondering what to expect and how mandatory gun background checks work when you buy online. 

Buying a firearm from Guns.com is actually better than walking into your local gun store and browsing the current stock. We’re not limited by storefront size, so it’s more efficient to browse our virtually unlimited inventory from the comfort of your own home (or office – don’t worry, we won’t tell the boss). The background check process is the same once you purchase a firearm or win one in an auction. Here’s how to complete it, step by step. 

To read more, go here. 

Appeals Court Halts New Mexico's Gun Purchase Waiting Period

Above, a card I picked up last year at Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants. 

Last year, I bought a Winchester Model 12 shotgun just before the new New Mexico law forcing a 7-day waiting period on gun purchases.

The law went into effect May 15, 2024.

Lawsuits then ensued challenging the constitutionality of the law.

Yesterday, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the plaintiffs against the law.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reported:

A federal appellate court Tuesday landed a heavy blow against a New Mexico law requiring a seven-day waiting period for firearms purchases.

The ruling, which questions the constitutionality of the waiting period, could affect similar laws in place in states across the country.

Tuesday’s ruling means New Mexico’s gun purchase waiting period — passed into law last year — will be put on hold until the legal challenge by two state residents is resolved in a lower federal court. But the ruling also provides a signal of the how the court is likely to rule on the law.

Judges from the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver reversed a lower court decision to deny a injunction against New Mexico’s Waiting Period Act, which requires a seven-day “cooling-off period” for purchases of guns throughout the state, with some exceptions for concealed carry permit-holders and law enforcement officers and sales between immediate family members.

An order issued by the appellate court Tuesday states the law is “likely an unconstitutional burden on the Second Amendment rights of its citizens.”

This is definitely great news for gun owners in New Mexico and, possibly, around the country.

To read more, go here. 

Mystery Rifle Revisit

Above, the rifle in question. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While going through some rifle cases I inherited from my dad, I came across one that had something inside.

I opened it up and found a bold-action rifle. It appeared to be Japanese as it had a symbol next to the serial that indicated the rifle came from the Nagoya Arsenal, which was in operation from 1923 to 1945. 

Above, the Nagoya Arsenal symbol. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is nothing indicating who the manufacturer was.

The bolt on the rifle looks like stainless steel and may not be original to the gun. It also does not close all the way. The rifle does not indicate what caliber it is. I suspect that it is an Arisaka rifle and that is what members of Gun Owners of New Mexico also said it is, but sporterized.

Above, the rifle's other side. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Probably my best bet in correctly identifying the rifle's manufacturing company, model number and caliber is to take it to a gun shop (maybe Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants or Ron Peterson Firearms in Albuquerque).

A Year Ago

Until Facebook told me, I didn't realize that it was a year ago yesterday that I went over to Grants to pick up my Winchester Model 12 12 gauge shotgun (made in 1919).

I ordered it through Guns.com and had them send it to Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants to pick up. I had to do this before the seven-day waiting period law went into effect the following month.

Despite its age, the shotgun still shoots fine. 

Here I am at Loeffler's last year picking it up:

 

Annual Cardiologist Check-up

Above, at the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant on Thursday.

A couple of days ago, I had my annual check-up with my cardiologist.

He was pleased that I lost weight and am keeping active (I told him about last year's travels, including jet skiing in the Bahamas) and recreational Jeep drives.

Everything came out okay for the most part, but his only concern was the rise in my blood pressure. He said most of the time higher blood pressure comes with age.

So now, in addition to the medications that I have been taking for the past seven years, I also now have to take a blood pressure medication. He wants to see me in six months to see how that's working out. I picked up the medication yesterday and will start it this morning.

It was a longer doctor visit than I expected, so I didn't head over to Loeffler's Guns Etc. I went directly to the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in Grants. 

Grants Today

Above, Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today seems like today's weather will be decent enough for my drive to Grants today. I have an appointment with my cardiologist there for my annual check-up.

The temperature will be around 54° with 15 mph winds. 

Since it will be an afternoon appointment, I will likely have dinner at a Mexican restaurant, El Cafecito, in town. 

I may also stop in at Loeffler's Guns Etc. while in town to browse around. It is one of the better gun stores in the region.

Winchester Model 12 Pump Shotgun Review

Above, the Winchester Model 12 shotgun after I first brought it home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only gun I bought this year was the Winchester Model 12 shotgun. It was manufactured in 1919, but age hasn't caused any problems with shooting it (since I had Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants, New Mexico coached me on its workings). I had to buy it in April as New Mexico started imposing a 7-day waiting period in May.

I shot it last month and it worked great. It hit what I was aiming at (an old political yard sign). Not bad for a shotgun over 100 years old.

Before buying it, I was on the lookout for a shotgun best suited for trap shooting. I bought a Remington Model 870 Express last year, but that wasn't suited for trap shooting. I couldn't hit the broadside of a barn when we went trap shooting in Lake Havasu, Arizona. I did much better with a borrowed shotgun during a previous trap shoot. Still, I like the Remington for regular target plinking.

Guns.com (where I bought the Winchester Model 12) posted a review of the Model 12 and it begins with:

The Model 12 is a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun that is iconic in that it has the classic features that make a pump gun so appealing. It may not be the first, but it certainly trained generations how to shoot airborne game among many other things. The Model 12 was also used by the U.S. military, with roots going back to before World War I.

My father grew up shooting an old Model 12, and he was barely a teenager when it was given to him by my grandfather. He used it for hunting pheasants and ducks in the marshy wetlands beyond grandpa’s pasture. As a child, I remember seeing dad tinker with it amongst his other guns.

The Model 12 uses traditional wooden furniture, with an easily identifying ribbed front grip. A shallow rib runs the length of the barrel, with a targeting bead on the muzzle end. The barrel itself is 30 inches long and has a 3-inch magnum chamber. It features a familiar safety at the front of the trigger guard and an action release just behind it. The tubular magazine holds six 2.75-inch shot shells, and it is clamped to the barrel at the front of the tube.

I looked up the serial number and, if the internet is to be believed, this gun was manufactured in 1917, making it 105 years old.

To read more, go here. 

The Winchester Model 12

Above, picking up the Winchester Model 12 at Loeffler's Guns Etc.

The Winchester Model 12 shotgun first caught my attention in the Facebook Winchester groups. I was reading raves from different members on how they loved shooting it. 

Another reason why it caught my attention was that people were saying it worked great while trap and skeet shooting. I went trap shooting last year while visiting friends in Lake Havasu, Arizona. I bought a Remington 870 Express 12-gauge while there. However, its shorter barrel didn't seem suited for trap shooting when I tried it later. I had better results with a borrowed shotgun with a much longer barrel during a previous shoot.

As the Model 12 has a 30-inch barrel, it seemed to be better suited for trap shooting than the Remington. I still like the Remington. I found a Winchester Model 12 12-gauge made in 1919 for sale at Guns.com at a reasonable price and bought it. I had it sent to Loeffler's Guns Etc. in Grants, New Mexico. I shot it a couple of weeks ago and I found it as enjoyable to shoot as did the posters at Facebook. It was quite accurate as it hit what I aimed at (an old campaign lawn sign). Not bad for an antique made 105 years ago!

Above, my little Winchester collection. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Truth About Guns website posted a review of the Winchester Model 12. 

It begins with:

Oliver Winchester’s legacy won’t ever be tied to a specific gun. The Winchester Repeating Arms Company is one of multiple legacies and successes throughout its century and a half of production. They started life as a lever-action rifle company and won the West. They transitioned to one of the premier shotgun companies at the turn of the 20th century and ended as a bolt gun company. We are going to cling to the second legacy and focus on shotguns, specifically the Model 12.

I initially thought about doing an Obscure Object of Desire article, but what’s obscure about the Model 12? TTAG tends to write and review new guns, but why not step back and appreciate a classic? Almost two million model 12s were produced, so they aren’t uncommon these days. You’ll pay a pretty penny for a Model 12 that is in good shape, but if the condition is a bit ratty, they can be had for a reasonable price. A ratty Model 12 is still better than any Freedom Group 870 you might find on the used market. 

The Model 12 – The Perfect Repeater

The first successful pump-action shotgun was the Winchester M1897. This gun is legendary, and the Model 12 often lives in its shadow. However, the Model 12 is the superior shotgun. The M1897 was great but a bit complicated and fragile, and the exposed hammer and guts out of the bottom design weren’t the best. The Model 12 took the 1897 and fixed some of its flaws. The gun became known as the “Perfect Repeater.”  

Production of the gun began in 1912. Winchester was creative and innovative with its guns, but its naming conventions were a bit boring. Production lasted until 1964, with occasional special runs of the guns.  

Winchester enclosed the hammer, beefed up the forend and built a refined gun. It’s smooth as silk and was originally built to supplement the 97. Winchester released the guns in 20 gauge at first. They didn’t want to compete with their own 1897. However, in 1913, they dedicated to releasing 12- and 16-gauge variants. A .410 variant was never produced, but the Model 42 was a scaled-down Model 12 for the .410 crowd.

 To read more, go here.

Winchester Model 12 Shotgun Worked Great

Above, cleaning the Winchester Model 12 shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I was able to fire several shot shells through the Winchester Model 12 shotgun I bought earlier this year.

The shotgun is a take-down model made in 1919, making it over 105 years old. Since it is a take-down, it has to be put together and have its components in the correct configurations.

I couldn't fire it the last time I tried (back in April), so I took it to Loeffler's Guns, Etc. in Grants to see what was causing it. They showed me how to put it together and configure it. I videoed their instructions for future reference (glad I thought of doing so).

It operated just fine. I actually enjoyed shooting it along with the other shotgun I brought along yesterday, the Remington 870 Express. 

It is probably more appropriate for trap shooting than the Remington. I will give it a try the next time I go to Lake Havasu. 

I was very pleased at its performance. No wonder it is a popular shotgun.

Guns.com Is Legit?

A little while ago, I noticed several websites and forums of people asking if Guns.com is legitimate or not.

It so happened that I bought my Winchester Model 12 shotgun through them last month. Earlier that day, I bid on one over at GunBroker.com. I was the top bidder for most of that day, but eventually others started bidding on it about a couple of hours before the bidding closed. I decided to set a limit on how much I would bid. It eventually went to someone else for $445, way more than I was willing to pay.

Right after that, I then went over to Guns.com and spotted one for $100 less than the one at GunBroker. So I bought it. The price they posted for the shotgun is what I paid. There was no bidding involved.

I had them ship it to Loeffler's Guns in Grants, New Mexico for the FFL transfer. 

This is what they describe on how they operate:

Simply enter in your credit card information and check out. We even offer financing options to help you buy now and pay later! Once you've made your purchase, Guns.com handles everything. We coordinate the transfer, paperwork and shipping to ensure your gun is safely delivered to your FFL on your behalf.

The transfer went smoothly. My only gripe was that they took longer than I expected for them to ship the shotgun to Loeffler's. It was probably due to the sale taking place during the weekend. Other than that, I have no other complaints. I found their prices to be lower than at GunBroker, where one is at the mercy of other (particularly last-minute) bidders. 

Would I use them again? Yes, if they have a handgun or rifle I am particularly interested in and if the price is right. 

So, to answer the main question: yes, they are legit!