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. 

20 Guns Considered Workhorses and Are Now Worth A Fortune

Above, the Winchester 94 (pre-64) made the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is funny how things were once considered ordinary workhorses but are now worth a fortune.

That is the case of 20 guns that weren't extraordinary but are now commanding king's ransom prices.That is the topic of a slideshow article in MSN (courtesy of The Avid Outdoorsman).

The venerable Winchester 94 (pre-64) made the list as the first gun spotlighted.

They begin it with:

Most of the “expensive” guns I see these days were never meant to be safe queens. They were meant to ride behind a truck seat, get rained on during duck season, and lean in a corner of a barn without anybody making a fuss. And that’s exactly why it stings when you look up one of those old workhorses you used to see everywhere and realize it’s now bringing collector money.

This isn’t about hyping anything or pretending every old gun is magic. Plenty of them are heavy, plain, and they kick like a mule. But there are a handful that went from everyday tool to “you should’ve kept it,” and it happened fast. Here are 20 models that fit that bill.

To read more, go here. 

20 Firearms People Sold Too Soon

Above, the Ruger 10/22 (older, basic carbine) made no. 3 on the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many people have guns (pistols, rifles, shotguns) that they acquired through inheritance, gun shows, gun stores, trades and other means.

Some people with guns will sometimes sell them for what they think is something better, only to regret it later. 

MSN posted (from The Avid Outdoorsman) a slideshow article of 20 firearms people sold too soon.

They begin it with:

Most of us have one that got away. A rifle you traded because a buddy swore something else was better. A shotgun you sold to fund a new scope. A handgun you let go because it “didn’t fit a role,” only to realize later it fit just fine. Here are 20 firearms I’ve seen folks regret moving down the road before they really understood what they had.

To read more, go here. 

20 Guns That Should Have Been Bought While Cheap

Above, my 1919 Winchester Model 12 shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that gun prices have exploded for new and old ones, there are some that should have been purchased when the prices were a lot more reasonable.

That is the topic of a slideshow article at MSN. They spotlight 20 guns that should have been bought when they were cheap. I have several on the list.

They begin it with:

Every gun guy has a “should’ve” story. The one you handled at the gun counter back when rent was cheaper and gas was still under control, and you thought, “I’ll come back for it.” Or the one you sold to fund a new deer rifle and later realized you traded away a dependable tool for a shiny idea.

This isn’t about hoarding or treating everything like a retirement plan. It’s about how certain firearms were once regular working guns, and now they’re either priced like collectibles, hard to find in decent condition, or just plain annoying to replace because magazines and parts dried up. Here are 20 that sting a little when you remember what they used to cost.

To read more, go here. 

Exploring Landmarks and Culture of the Navajo Nation

Above, Window Rock is located in northeastern Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is wondering where to go for a summer vacation, they should consider places within the Navajo Nation.

The Navajo Nation primarily is located in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah in the Four Corners region of the U.S. 

MSN posted a slideshow article on places in the Navajo Nation that beckon tourism.

They begin it with:

The Navajo Nation offers a diverse array of natural wonders, historic sites, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore Monument Valley’s sandstone formations, hike scenic trails, and join Navajo-guided tours to access restricted areas and learn traditional stories. Across the region, sacred landmarks, ancient cliff dwellings, memorials, and artisan markets highlight the deep connections between the land, history, and living traditions of the Navajo people.

To read more, go here. 

14 Best Cruise Line Private Islands Ranked

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I about to jet ski at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

It seems like yesterday that a friend and I took a cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Norwegian Sky. But it actually was two years ago.

It was with Norwegian Cruise Line and one of the stops of the cruise was their private island, Great Stirrup Cay. While there, we went on jet skis for about an hour or so. We had a good time.

Afterwards, I found a beach cocktail bar and had myself a screwdriver (vodka and orange juice). 

MSN has posted a slideshow article (from The Travel Blog) on 14 best cruise line private islands ranked.

They start it with:

Picture this: you’ve been at sea for days, and suddenly the ship drops anchor at a pristine island that exists solely for your enjoyment. No crowds from other cruise lines, no local vendors pushing trinkets, no competing for beach chairs with strangers who booked through different companies.

This is cruise line territory — a private playground carved out of paradise and designed around one simple promise: everything here is yours for the day.

To read and see more, go here. 

15 Firearms That Families Quietly Fight Over Later

Above, yours truly with the Winchester Model 12 shotgun.

I have a friend who has a sizable gun collection. His first born was a son. Later, a daughter was born.

When the sister was born, the son said, "Good! I will inherit the guns!" or something similar. 

However, the daughter, after growing up, gained a big interest in firearms. Now who-gets-what is a bit up in the air. My friend is still alive and well. 

That is the crux of a slideshow article in MSN. It is on 15 firearms that "quietly" became the ones families fight over later. I have three on the list: Winchester 94, Winchester Model 12 and Ruger 10/22. Also listed is a Remington 870, but it is a Wingmaster and I have an Express. So I am not counting it.

The slideshow begins with: 

Some guns are obviously destined to become heirlooms. The engraved shotgun. The pre-war rifle. The fancy revolver with the presentation case. Everyone knows those pieces will matter, so people treat them carefully from the beginning.

But the guns families fight over later are not always the fancy ones. Sometimes they are the rifles and shotguns that got used the most. The .22 everyone learned on. The deer rifle with the scratched stock. The revolver that sat in the same nightstand for decades. Those guns become valuable because they carry the family’s stories. By the time everyone realizes it, the safe may already have several people emotionally attached to the same firearm.

To see the slideshow, go here. 

9 Famous Filming Locations Across The United States

Above, The Thumb (or a.k.a. John Wayne's Boot) in Monument Valley. It was
prominently shown in the classic western, The Searchers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have always been fascinated by filming locations, whether they were used for movies or television shows in the U.S. or in foreign countries.

Back in 2010, I published The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan that spotlights locations used (or depicted in miniature) in Japanese monster movies. (I still have some copies available. If you want a copy, go here.)

MSN posted a slideshow article on nine famous filming locations across the United States.

They begin it with:

From iconic city landmarks to remote natural wonders, these locations have played memorable roles in television and film. Each site, from bustling restaurants and historic buildings to dramatic landscapes, has become a destination for fans eager to connect with their favorite on-screen moments. Together, they showcase the diverse settings that have shaped American pop culture on screen.

 To read more and see the slideshow, go here.

Discontinued Rifles That Jumped In Value While Nobody Watched

Above, the Winchester 94 I bought in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many moons ago, I was on the lookout for a pre-1964 Winchester 94 rifle in .30-30 caliber. I looked around for or year to two. 

Then, in April 2019, I was killing time in Albuquerque browsing around a gun store. I had a morning flight to Fort Lauderdale from Albuquerque the next day for a cruise. I spotted a Winchester 94 on a rack on sale for $495. It was made in 1962 and in great shape. I confirmed that it was a pre-1964. I put it on layaway and picked it up when I returned from Florida. It wouldn't do to try to bring it on a plane or on the cruise ship.

Nowaday, interest in lever-action rifles has skyrocketed and the gun I bought for just under $500 would likely sell for $800 and up today.

MSN (via The Avid Outdoorsman) posted a slideshow article on discontinued rifles that jumped in value while nobody watched. The Winchester 94 is one of those rifles on their list. I'm glad I bought mine when I did.

They begin it with:

Some rifles get expensive in obvious ways. Everyone knows the famous collectibles, the military classics, and the rifles that had big reputations from the start. The more interesting ones are the rifles that climbed while most people were not paying attention. They sat in closets, pawn shops, deer camps, and used racks until one day the price tags stopped looking familiar.

That usually happens for a reason. Production ends, quality changes, nostalgia kicks in, or shooters realize a certain rifle filled a role nothing else quite replaced. These discontinued rifles were easy to overlook when they were still affordable. Now clean examples make a lot of people wish they had bought sooner.

To read more, go here. 

4 Fascinating Facts About the Winchester Model 94

Above, the pre-1964 Winchester 94 I bought seven years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Looking at how prices for pre-1964 Winchester 94 rifles have skyrocketed since I bought mine in 2019, I consider myself lucky I bought it when I did.

The Winchester 94 (and lever-action rifles in general) have seen a resurgence in popularity. New ones have been introduced with modern designs. Personally, I prefer the classic ones. 

MSN posted a slideshow article with 4 fascinating facts about the Winchester 94.

They start it with:

The Winchester Model 94, designed by John Moses Browning, was the first American sporting rifle built for smokeless powder cartridges. Over its long history, it has seen millions produced, numerous chamberings, special editions, and design changes that shaped its collectability and performance. Its cultural impact, from being called 'The Gun that Won the West' to becoming a deer hunting staple, has made it an enduring icon among lever-action rifles.

To read more, go here. 

8 Reasons The Winchester 94 Stands The Test of Time

Above, some Winchester 94 rifles on display at the Cody Firearms Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Regular readers of this blog know that I am a huge fan of the Winchester 94 (or Winchester 1894) that was invented by John Moses Browning.

To date, over 7.5 million Winchester 94 rifles have been produced and it is still going strong. It is currently made in Japan by the Miroku Company and the word is that they are of high quality.

MSN posted a slideshow article of eight reasons why the Model 94 stands the test of time.

They begin it with:

The Winchester Model 94, designed by John Browning in 1894, was the first commercial American sporting rifle built for smokeless powder cartridges, featuring strong nickel-steel barrels and a robust action. Its light weight, fast handling, and balanced performance made it a favorite for hunters, while its cultural impact, high production numbers, and collectible variations cemented its legacy. From iconic .30-30 chamberings to rare pre-1933 carbines and commemorative editions, the Model 94 remains both a practical field rifle and a valued historical artifact.

To read more, go here. 

MSN: 9 Signs You Picked the Wrong Cruise Line

Above, the pool deck of a Bahamas-bound cruise ship. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is funny that many cruise lines are adding humongous cruise ships to their fleets what can carry 5,000 people or more. Some have capacities of 7,600. The reason that is funny (not in a good way) is one of the most frequent voiced complaints about cruise lines is overcrowding.

Taking a cruise is not my favorite mode of travel. I've only been on three cruises. The first was to Alaska. The second was to Cuba. The third was to the Bahamas. Each one were taken on ships that were older and had passenger capacities of under 3,000. I did not feel overcrowded in any of them.

Being stuck on a ship with hordes of people in close quarters makes those ships floating petri dishes with germs passed around by passengers. I caught a bug on two of three cruises I took. 

MSN posted a slideshow article on 9 signs you picked the wrong cruise line. 

They begin it with:

Several major cruise lines have faced passenger dissatisfaction due to overcrowding, aging ships, and inconsistent service. Common complaints include safety concerns, added fees for dining and room service, and underwhelming shore excursions. Travelers also report that certain cabin upgrades and cruise-booked activities may not provide good value for the extra cost.

To read more, go here. 

13 Unforgettable RV Road Trips Across America

Above, Lower Yellowstone Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The United States is so diverse in its geography and regions that road trips give travelers a variety of views unmatched. RVers know this fact quite well.

MSN posted a slideshow article on 13 unforgettable RV road trips across America.

They start it with:

From coastal highways and mountain byways to remote deserts and national parks, this set of destinations highlights some of the most scenic and unique RV travel routes in the United States. Stops include iconic drives like the Pacific Coast Highway and Route 66, natural wonders such as Yellowstone, Big Bend, and the Utah Mighty 5, and quirky roadside attractions from giant statues to novelty architecture. Each location offers opportunities for camping, exploration, and experiencing the diverse landscapes and cultures found along America’s roads.

To read more, go here. 

MSN: 14 Hawaii Tourist Traps To Avoid

Above, resort luaus are seen as commercialized, focusing on
spectacle rather than authentic tradition. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether one is traveling domestically or internationally, tourist trap abound everywhere one goes. 

This is also true when going to Hawaii. With Hawaiian vacation costs rising insanely, avoiding tourist traps is one way to save some money.

That is the topic of a slideshow article at MSN.

They begin it with:

Many popular Hawaiian destinations are criticized for overcrowding, commercialization, and diminished cultural authenticity. From overdeveloped beaches and staged luaus to costly attractions and safety concerns, these spots often leave visitors underwhelmed or at risk. Understanding these pitfalls can help travelers seek more genuine and sustainable experiences across the islands.

 To read more, go here.

Discontinued Rifles That Jumped In Value While Nobody Watched

Above, purchasing my 1962 Winchester 94 in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my 1962 Winchester 94 in April 2019, I got it on sale for $495. I had been looking for one and it was in great shape. This was before prices of these pre-64 rifles jumped in price when the pandemic hit.

This past week, I saw one of the same year that was bought at a gun show recently for $800. I was lucky to get mine with I did.

Depending on condition, these go anywhere from $600 to $1,500, give or take.

MSN posted (from The Avid Outdoorsman) a slideshow on discontinued rifles that jumped in value while nobody watched. The reason the Winchester 94 is included are the pre-64 versions before the manufacturing of them changed. 

They begin it with:

Some rifles get expensive in obvious ways. Everyone knows the famous collectibles, the military classics, and the rifles that had big reputations from the start. The more interesting ones are the rifles that climbed while most people were not paying attention. They sat in closets, pawn shops, deer camps, and used racks until one day the price tags stopped looking familiar.

That usually happens for a reason. Production ends, quality changes, nostalgia kicks in, or shooters realize a certain rifle filled a role nothing else quite replaced. These discontinued rifles were easy to overlook when they were still affordable. Now clean examples make a lot of people wish they had bought sooner.

To see more, go here. 

6 Notable Buttes of the American West

Above, the West and East Mittens of Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One great thing about traveling in an RV, car or truck, one can see up close rock formations around the U.S.

MSN posted a slide show of different buttes one can see. Most of them are in Monument Valley Tribal Park that straddles the Utah and Arizona border.

They begin it with:

Prominent buttes across the American West include formations in Monument Valley, the Badlands, and other desert landscapes. These steep-sided, flat-topped landmarks have been shaped by erosion over millions of years and are often celebrated for their cultural importance, particularly within the Navajo Nation. Many are recognized symbols of the region, featured in films, photographs, and scenic viewpoints.

To see the slide show, go here. 

16 Classic Cartridges That Still Perform Today

Cartridges may come and go, but there are some whose staying power lasts generations.

That is the topic of a slideshow article at MSN. It it titled, "16 Classic Cartridges That Still Perform Today."

They begin it with:

A range of rifle, handgun, and shotgun cartridges from the past continue to prove their worth in hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense. These include enduring favorites like the .30-06 Springfield, .357 Magnum, and 16 gauge shotgun, each valued for their balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil. The gallery also explores how collector interest and historical significance maintain the appeal and value of vintage ammunition.

To read more, go here. 

Winchester Firearms: History, Innovation, and Legacy

Above, Winchester rifles at the 2025 Winchester Arns Collectors
Association show in Cody, Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are into history and firearms, the following should be of great interest.

It is a slideshow by MSN on the history, innovation and legacy of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. 

It starts out with:

From Oliver Winchester’s 19th-century entry into the firearms industry to modern production, Winchester’s history is marked by groundbreaking designs and enduring cultural impact. The gallery traces key rifle and shotgun models, influential designers like Benjamin Tyler Henry and John Browning, and the development of iconic cartridges such as the .44-40 WCF, .30-30, .270, and .308 Winchester. It also explores the brand’s role in the American frontier, its survival through corporate changes, and its lasting place in hunting traditions and firearm heritage.

To read more, go here. 

15 Things Winchester Got Right

Above, my pre-64 Winchesters: Winchester 62A, Winchester 94
and Winchester Model 12 shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Winchester has been around for over 100 years. 

Although it has undergone changes and ownership, the Winchester brand, be it firearms or ammo, is a brand that still resonates among gun owners. 

MSN posted a slideshow article on the "15 things Winchester got right that kept the brand alive for generations."

They start it with:

Winchester got one of the most important things right from the start: repeating fire mattered. In an era when many firearms were still single-shot or slow to reload, Winchester leaned into lever-action repeating rifles. That gave shooters more rounds on tap and changed what a rifle could do in the hands of hunters, settlers, lawmen, and soldiers.

That early move shaped the whole brand. Winchester did not become famous because it made another ordinary rifle. It became famous because it helped make the repeating rifle part of American firearm culture. Once people connected the Winchester name with fast follow-up shots and practical firepower, the brand had a powerful identity to build from.

To read more, go here. 

10 Firearms Where Wear Boosts Collector Value

Above, the gun department at Cabela's in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some collectors of firearms prefer pristine or nearly pristine guns. Others prefer some wear on them as it boosts collector value. Since I am in neither camp, I'll just leave it up the the reader.

MSN posted a slideshow article on 10 firearms where wear boosts collector valute. 

They begin it with:

Many collectible firearms gain value when they retain original finishes and show signs of honest use rather than restoration. From classic revolvers and lever-action rifles to iconic military sidearms, subtle patina and light wear often signal authenticity and preserve historical character. Scarcity, craftsmanship, and unaltered condition combine to make these well-worn examples highly sought after by collectors.

To read more, go here.