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. 

The Winchester 1894 Still Wins Against Newer Lever Actions

Above, yours truly in Barking Spider Acre with the Winchester 94.

Before I bought my Winchester 94 back in 2019, I looked at other lever-action rifles. 

While some rifles looked nice, I wasn't impressed with their workmanship and functionality. I was still a lot more interested in the Winchesters and was on the lookout for a pre-1964. 

I found one in an Albuquerque gun shop while just there browsing for something to do. I bought it as it was in very good shape, made in 1962, a .30-30 and the price was right (under $500).

These days, more people are discovering the fun the Winchester 94 and other lever guns provide. But, according to a post at MSN, there are five reasons the Winchester 94 wins against newer lever-actions.

They begin with:

Plenty of newer lever actions offer sharper machining, accessory rails, and updated finishes, but the Winchester 1894 still holds a special edge. Its appeal is not just nostalgia. From handling to heritage, this classic rifle keeps proving that old ideas can remain remarkably hard to beat.

To read more, go here. 

15 Things Ruger Did That Changed The Gun World

Above, the Ruger P95 9 mm semi-auto pistol. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have two firearms made by Sturm, Ruger and Company.

They are the iconic Ruger 10/22 .22 rifle and the Ruger P95 9 mm pistol. Both have been very reliable over the years. I have never had any problem with either of them. 

It has been my experience that Ruger firearms are of high quality and at affordable prices. 

Ruger has been an innovator since the company's beginning and MSN (via The Avid Outdoorsman) posted a slideshow of 15 things that Ruger did that changed the gun world.

They begin with:

Ruger is not the kind of company that changed the gun world by building only one legendary firearm and riding that name forever. It changed the market by doing something more practical: making useful guns regular shooters could actually afford, then repeating that formula across rimfire pistols, rimfire rifles, revolvers, semi-auto rifles, bolt guns, and eventually Marlin lever actions.

That is the real Ruger story. The company started in 1949 with a .22 pistol, then kept finding ways to build firearms that were rugged, approachable, and smartly manufactured. Ruger’s own product history shows the 10/22 beginning production in 1964, and the company’s 2020 acquisition of Marlin pulled one of America’s most beloved lever-gun names into Ruger’s modern manufacturing world.

To read more, go here

15 Guns That Owners Wish They Had Bought Two Of

Above, a Winchester Model 12 shotgun made in 1919. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have a friend who has a history of buying two (or more) of everything such as tools. I don't thing this quirk extends into firearms, but I really wouldn't be surprised if it did.

Speaking of buying two of everything, MSN (via The Avid Outdoorsman) posted a slideshow article on 15 guns that owners wish they had bought two of. I have some of the guns that made the list.

They begin it with:

Every shooter has at least one gun they should have doubled up on when the price was right. Maybe it was sitting cheap in the used case. Maybe it was still in production. Maybe magazines were everywhere, parts were easy, and nobody thought the market would care later.

Then the price climbed, the model disappeared, the quality changed, or the gun simply became harder to find. That’s when “I should’ve bought one” turns into “I should’ve bought two.” These are the guns that made owners learn that lesson the annoying way.

 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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

15 Surprising Facts About the Winchester 94

Above, the 1962 Winchester 94 I bought in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Regular readers of this blog know that the 1962 Winchester 94 that I bought in 2019 is my favorite rifle. It is just plain fun to shoot. 

At the time, I was on the lookout for a pre-64 Winchester 94. I happened to get lucky while browsing an Albuquerque gun store and saw it on a rack. As I was about to leave for Florida to go on a cruise the next day, I put it on layaway and picked it up when I returned. It is a good thing I bought it when I did, demand for them has risen since then as has the price.

MSN has posted a slideshow of 15 surprising facts about the Winchester 94 by The Avid Outdoorsman.

They start it with:

The Winchester 94 is one of those rifles that almost feels bigger than the gun itself. Even people who are not deep into lever guns usually know the shape, the name, or the basic idea. It has been tied to deer camps, saddle scabbards, truck racks, family gun cabinets, and the whole image of the American woods rifle for generations. Winchester says the Model 1894 became the best-selling centerfire rifle in U.S. history, which is a pretty wild title for any firearm to hold.

What makes the rifle especially interesting is that a lot of shooters know the legend without really knowing the details. The Winchester 94 was not just another lever gun with a good reputation. It was a John Browning design, it was built for the new smokeless-powder era, and it went on to become one of the most successful sporting rifles ever made. More than 7.5 million have been produced, according to RifleShooter, which helps explain why this gun seems to show up everywhere from hunting stories to family hand-me-downs.

To see the slideshow, go here. 

Old Calibers and Older Firearms That Keep Making “Better” Ideas Look Temporary

There are those who think that newer calibers and firearms are better than the old reliables.

In some cases, that may be true. But there are those who find that old calibers and firearms make "newer and better" ideas look temporary.

That is the crux of a slideshow article at MSN.

They begin with:

Gun culture gets caught up in replacement talk way too easily. Every few years, some new cartridge, platform, or factory spin gets pitched like it finally solved what older guns somehow could not. Sometimes there is real improvement there. A lot of the time, though, the old stuff keeps doing the actual work while the newer idea spends half its energy trying to explain itself. That is usually a sign the older gun or caliber never had as much wrong with it as people wanted to believe.

That is why some combinations never really fade, no matter how many “smarter” options show up. They still hit hard, still carry well, still shoot straight enough, and still make practical sense once you step outside internet arguments and into deer woods, range bays, back roads, and hunting camps. These old calibers and older firearms keep hanging around because they earned it, and because a lot of “better” ideas still feel suspiciously temporary beside them.

To see more, go here. 

Some Americans Find Hawaii Vacations Less Appealing

Above, the Sheraton Waikiki is where I stayed in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have only been to Hawaii once in my life. I mainly stayed in Waikiki on Oahu and Kona, on the Big Island.

That was ten years ago this coming May. It appears that I visited Hawaii just in the nick of time before prices skyrocketed.

Nowadays, some American travelers find Hawaii less appealing as a vacation destination.

MSN posted a slideshow article on why this is so.

They begin it with:

Hawaii is becoming one of the most expensive vacation destinations in the U.S., and travelers are noticing. Hotel rates, flights, and daily expenses have all climbed sharply over the past few years.

What once felt like a special but manageable trip now requires a much larger budget. Many repeat visitors say the overall experience no longer matches the price they are paying.

The islands are still beautiful, but the total cost of getting there and staying comfortably has reached a point where people are reconsidering. This growing gap between expectation and reality is changing how travelers view Hawaii as a destination.

To read more, go here. 

Gun Brands That Built Their Reputation The Hard Way

Above, my Ruger P-95 and magazine. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are many gun brands out there in the hinterlands. Some have poor reputations while others are with great reputations.

Some gun brands that are considered with great reputations appear to have gained them "the hard way" according to a MSN article. They list gun brands that did get their reputations the hard way over the years..

They wrote:

Some gun brands get hot because of marketing, timing, or one product that catches the right wave at the right moment. Others earn their standing in a slower, harder way. They build it through years of rifles and pistols that actually work, through law enforcement contracts, military use, hunting camps, competition circuits, and the kind of customer loyalty that only forms when a company keeps turning out firearms people trust. That kind of reputation usually takes a long time to build and a lot of chances to lose.

What makes these brands different is that their name means something because shooters attached it to real experience. Not every model was perfect, and not every era was equally strong, but these companies earned their place by surviving hard use and hard judgment. They were tested by people who depended on the guns, not only admired them at a counter. That is why their reputation stuck. It was built by performance first and image second.

To read more, go here.