Hunting For the “Grail” Gun In the Modern Era

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

Since I moved to New Mexico eight years ago, I have purchased three firearms. Two were shotguns and one was a rifle.

The shotguns were a Remington 870 Express purchased at a Lake Havasu, Arizona gun store and a Winchester Model 12 purchased online through Guns.com. The rifle was a Winchester 94 (now my favorite gun) from a gun store in Albuquerque, New Mexico. If one could call the Winchester 94 my "grail" gun, that would be an accurate description. I had been on the lookout for a pre-64 rifle for a while. 

These days more people are making good use of the Internet to find that one (or more) firearm they've coveted. 

The NRA's American Rifleman online magazine posted an article on hunting for the "grail" gun in the modern era. 

They begin it with:

There’s accumulating guns—and then there’s collecting. The thing that distinguishes the latter from the former is that there’s generally a theme to a collection. It’s not that one’s better than the other, and there’s often a fair bit of overlap, but collectors generally have a running list in their head of desired acquisitions; the next “Grail gun” to add to the safe, if you will.

This used to be more difficult in the olden times. However, along came the various web forums, whether brand-centric, themed around a certain type of shooting sport or hunting or specific to a state or other geographic location. Collecting, say, Rugers or Smith & Wessons became a lot easier when you could peruse the buy/sell/trade board on a Ruger or Smith & Wesson fan site.

Then came the auction sites. If you weren’t aware, in its earliest days, eBay actually allowed the listing of firearms before getting cold feet at the regulatory and political morass and pulling out in 1999. The market vacuum was quickly filled by specialized firearm-auction sites. These days, if one has a sufficient bank balance and some leisure time to surf the internet, a lot of the drama and suspense has been taken from the previously intriguing hunt for the next piece in a collection.

While this is convenient, it somehow feels less than—well, sporting.

To read more, go here. 

Scouting America and NRA Gun Safety

Above, Boy Scouts at a shooting range. Photo from NRA Blog.

Now that the Boy Scouts of America has gone woke and became Scouting America, I was wondering if gun safety courses put on by the National Rifle Association are still being offered. 

Back when I was in the Boy Scouts in the 1960s, our troop took the NRA Gun Safety course held at the TRW Inc. (or Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Inc.) Space Park in Redondo Beach, California. I think we took the course in 1966 or 1967.

It turns out that Scouting America still partners with the NRA to offer firearms safety programs. I am pleased to see this.

From the Scouting America website:

Scouting America and the National Rifle Association (NRA) have worked together for more than 100 years to develop a strong shooting sports program. Many NRA trained men and women in Scouting America local councils are willing and available to work with units and youth. Too often, individual units want to go shooting with whatever guns they have at whatever location they think is safe. However, the Range and Target Activities program is both age-appropriate and structured with specific types of firearms and the appropriate places to shoot. Leaders and chartered organizations need to know and follow the program.

Here's a video on YouTube posted by the Boy Scouts eight years ago:

NRA Museums: Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Carbine

Above, my 1962 Winchester 94 .30-30 cal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Google is acting up. This started yesterday. I generally have it set for the last 24 hours on different subjects but it is not limiting itself to that range.

But it did come up with something of interest to me that was posted in 2010 by NRA Museums. It is on the history of the Winchester 1894 (or Winchester 94).

It is an interesting article, especially for those of us who are fans of the firearm.

It begins with:

Winchester's first smokeless powder lever-action rifle, the Model 1894 Rifle is by far the company's most successful centerfire rifle. This John Browning-designed firearm is still in production, and over five million have been manufactured. Originally priced at $17.50, Model 1894s available today sell for several hundred dollars. As with other Winchester lever-actions, the Model 1894 is available in rifle, carbine, trapper's model carbine, takedown, and extra-lightweight versions. This example was manufactured in 1925.

John Moses Browning (1855 - 1926) was a true genius of mechanical design. The son of a Mormon gunsmith, he began working full-time in that profession at age 15. His 1878 design for a single-shot metallic cartridge rifle resulted in the first of many patents that he would receive during his lifetime. In partnership with five of his brothers, Browning later opened a machine shop in Ogden, Utah, but the firm's output of three guns per day could not keep up with demand for his products. One of his rifles was purchased by a representative of Winchester Repeating Arms Company and shipped to Thomas G. Bennett, the firm's General Manager, who purchased the patent rights for $8,000 and hired the Browning brothers as Winchester "jobbers". 

To read more, go here. 

America’s Lever Revolution

Above, lever-action rifles on display at the Billy the Kid Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Did you know that there is one type of firearm that is distinctly American? 

This means that it was totally an American invention in the nineteenth century. That invention was the lever-action rifle.

The NRA's American Rifleman website an article on this yesterday. 

It begins with:

America is known across the world as a nation of gun owners, but only one firearm action has the distinction of being uniquely American: the lever-action.

This year, we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country, not only as a world bastion of freedom, but as a nation of riflemen. But unlike the flintlock, percussion rifle and many other firearm actions we inherited and then improved upon, the lever-action is a distinctly American innovation. The motivating force behind its creation was the need for more firepower, or more specifically, the need for more reliable firepower, superseding earlier multiple-barrel and swivel-breech attempts.

To read more, go here. 

250 Years of American Hunting

Above, Daniel Boone.

We are celebrating America's 250th birthday today.

One big feature of our heritage is the Second Amendment. From self defense to just plain plinking or hunting, firearms play a big role in that heritage.

American Hunter (NRA) takes a look at 250 years of American hunting and spotlights several notable American hunters in our history.

They begin with:

As we Americans celebrate the semiquincentennial—250th anniversary—of our great country, understand there are, of course, various interpretations of what made our country great. But no one can deny the role of frontiersmen in our history—and they depended on hunting for their survival. (Unfortunately, in some circles there are those who reject the very idea of America being a great country, but such perfidy is not worth our time, for life is too short to waste it on negative nincompoops.) At 250, our country has lived longer than any of us ever will, so let’s celebrate this unique moment with unabashed patriotism.

There are few recreational activities where patriotism runs deeper than in hunting. In a deep sense, we hunters are traditionalists—we go get our meat from the land, just as the frontiersmen did when the country was founded. Our equipment is more sophisticated than theirs, but fundamentally the activity is the same. When the country expanded in the founding era, it was largely thanks to frontiersmen who braved forth and charted uncharted land. Of course, there were no grocery stores in the wilderness—you ate what you brought with you, and when it ran out you hunted your dinner. You cleared the land for farming, but you still depended on meat from the land until your crops were ready.

Therefore, at this time of grateful celebration, we American hunters cannot be faulted if we also indulge in filiopietism—the enthusiastic reverence of traditions and ancestors. In fact, filiopietism should be a very appropriate part of our celebration. After all, hunting made possible the existence of the frontiersmen, and frontiersmen made possible the expansion and thus the continued existence of the country, and therefore hunting is inseparably connected to America’s greatness.

Over the last 250 years, millions of Americans maintained the tradition of hunting by actively engaging in it. We will never know all their names—but we can commemorate those whose names we do know well. Even the latter list would be inordinately long, so we are therefore compelled to pick and choose some names over others, which is a subjective exercise after all. Nevertheless, the American hunters we celebrate here are worthy of being on anyone’s list.

To read more, go here. 

National Review Photos of NRA Annual Meetings In Houston

Above, the Springfield Armory exhibit booth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in April, Mitch Geriminsky and I headed to Houston, Texas for the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The exhibit hall held about 14 acres of dealers (800 of them). Although I had a great time, my legs were starting to give up the ghost when I walked the last aisle of exhibitors. 

I just spotted a page of 25 photos from the show posted by National Review. They are worth taking a look-see if one in considering attending a future show.

To view the photos, go here.

American Rifleman: 18 New Shotguns For 2026

Above, an early Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny. Warner Bros. image.

In the market for a new shotgun?

Personally, I'm not as I already have four of varying ages. The oldest are my Manton 12 gauge made somewhere in the 1800s and my Winchester 1912 (or Model 12) that was made in 1919 along with a Mossberg 500E .410 pump and Remington 870 12 gauge Express. These are plenty for me.

American Rifleman (NRA) posted a list of 18 new shotguns for 2026. They vary in price and design. 

They begin with:

Among today's firearm platforms, the shotgun remains one of the most time-tested, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Today's new crop of shotguns runs the gamut, giving modern shotgunners new options in nearly every conceivable category. From break-action designs with a third barrel to modernized semi-automatics that provide more reliable operation than ever before, it's a good time to be a shotgun fan.

Check out 18 of the latest and greatest new shotguns on the market today.

To read more, go here. 

 

The Jewish Community Is Embracing Our 2A Freedom

The Jewish community is embracing the Second Amendment. 

I am surprised that they haven't up until now. Or, maybe they had but nobody said anything and kept things to themselves. 

In any case, recent events have spurred the Jewish community into taking up arms.

American Rifleman (NRA) posted an article on this.

They begin it with:

In this episode of the NRA’s The Armed Citizen Podcast, we interview Gayle Pearlstein, COO and co-founder of Lox & Loaded, a Jewish-owned and -operated gun club that now—after being launched only a year ago—has 50 chapters around the United States.

Pearlstein is an NRA-certified instructor who calls the NRA a “fantastic partner. We are truly blessed to have them on our side and helping us.”

She helped start Lox & Loaded after the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel made her—and so many others—realize she needs to do even more to show the Jewish community how to utilize their Second Amendment-protected rights to defend their own lives and loved ones.  

To read more and see the interview video, go here. 

NRA Sues Virginia's Assault Weapons and Magazine Bans

Above, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

When Abigail Spanberger ran for Virginia governor last year, she hid her radical left policy positions and tricked people into voting for her.

After she won, her true colors came out and she recently signed into law some anti-gun bills, some of which bans firearms that are commonly owned and used defying U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

The National Rifle Association has filed suit against the gun laws that ban so-called "assault weapons" (there's no such thing, by the way) and magazines.

American Hunter posted an article on the lawsuits.

They begin it with:

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has announced the filing of lawsuits in both Virginia state court and federal court challenging the so-called "assault weapons" ban and magazine ban signed into law by Governor Abigail Spanberger.

"As promised, we are taking Abigail Spanberger to court," said John Commerford, NRA-ILA Executive Director. "Throughout the legislative session, the NRA and our members fought Richmond's radical gun control package tooth and nail. We made it clear that this extreme anti-gun proposal, which bans the new purchase of commonly owned firearms and standard capacity magazines in the Commonwealth, is a blatant violation of Second Amendment rights and an affront to landmark Supreme Court cases. Instead of listening to these factual concerns from their constituents, progressive politicians sided with Michael Bloomberg and his gun-grabbing groups. The NRA will not sit idly by while progressive politicians strip the rights of law-abiding citizens, and our world-class legal team is locked, loaded, and ready to shoot down this outrageous gun-control law."

There is a petition campaign to recall Spanberger from office. To sign the petition, go here. (Virginia voters only.)

To read more, go here. 

NRA Convention 2026 Recap | Thumper Fab

The 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits didn't just have only guns and related accessories on display.

There were some nice off-road machines on display as well

Here, we have some off-road vehicles on display by Thumper Fab. These would be great to drive in nearby Six Mile Canyon of the Cibola National Forest of New Mexico. If I didn't have the 1952 Jeep, I would be looking into getting one of these.

Here's a video on the Thumper Fab off-road vehicles and other goodies at the convention:

Summary:

The NRA Convention 2026 in Houston, Texas was one to remember—and Thumper Fab x Houston Motorsports showed up in a big way.

In this recap video, we take you inside the show where some truly EPIC rigs turned heads and stopped the crowd. From long‑travel suspension to all‑new product releases, these builds showcased what’s possible when performance, utility, and premium fabrication come together.

 

By the way, I read that next year's NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits will be in Atlanta, Georgia.

NRA Annual Meeting 2026 : Day 1 Sights and Sounds!

NRA Annual Meeting 2026 : Day 1 Sights and Sounds! video by BigRedEDC

Summary:

A few segments of my day 1 walk around the 2026 NRA annual meeting in Houston, Texas.

Become a member of Big Red's Brigade by clicking the join button below the video or by using this link:    / @bigrededc   

 

NRA Magazines Now Quarterlies

Above, the May issue of American Rifleman I picked up at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits 

A few minutes ago, I found out that the magazines published by the National Rifle Association, American Rifleman and American Hunter, have gone from monthlies to quarterly magazines.

I called the NRA Member Services this morning and they told me of the change. I get American Rifleman with my membership. The nice lady on the phone said that May, August and November will be the months American Rifleman will be published this year.

I was wondering why I didn't get the April issue or, to date, the May issue. The aforementioned change is the reason why. She said the May issue should be arriving shortly.

However, I did get a copy of the May issue of American Rifleman at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits convention in Houston.. 

Inside The 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Above, yours truly at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

The 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits was quite a show. 

It was touted as 14 acres of exhibits. After having been there, I have to agree. I am still suffering from a cramping of my left leg muscle. I have been practically walking around like the Mummy Kharis. 

My friend Mitch Geriminsky was smart, he rented an electric scooter with a seat. The cost for it was $70.00. 

I did manage to take a few photos at the exhibit hall of the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Here's some of them:

Home Again!

After six days, I am finally back home from Houston, Texas.

That's another place that I can check off my "bucket list" of places to travel to. Along with the NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits, we managed to see the Johnson Space Center and take a drive to Galveston.

That should be it for traveling for a while. 

I scanned the photo taken at the Johnson Space Center and it is posted below:

Houston Trip Wrapping Up

Above, an Apollo Lunar Module on display at the Johnson Space Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The trip to Houston, Texas will be wrapping up tomorrow.

The first full day, Thursday, was spent at the Johnson Space Center where we toured the facilities. It was an interesting place to visit and I highly recommend it.

On Friday, the day was spent at the NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center. I managed to see all of the exhibits, but I was worn out by the end of the day, particularly my lower back and legs. 

Saturday was spent in Galveston (around 50 miles from Houston). We managed to find a great bagel shop and went to nearby Buc-ee's. 

We have an early morning flight to Albuquerque tomorrow. I just hope we don't have problems getting through the TSA check.

NRA Annual Meeting Day One 2026!

NRA Annual Meeting Day One 2026! video by Outdoor News America.

Summary:

We tour the show and show you cool new products at the NRA Annual meeting in Houston TX! Day one show coverage! Let’s Go!

 

Reuters Photos of NRA Show

Above, yours truly at the registration area. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Reuters posted 26 photos from yesterday's opening day for the NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

These photos will give the viewer a great idea on what the event has to offer. It was a well-attended event and one I would recommend putting on one's "bucket list" of things to do at least once in their lives.

To access the photos, go here.

2026 NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits

Above, attendees waiting for the exhibit hall to open. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was spent at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston for the NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits.

Mitch Geriminsky and I spent about five hours checking out the exhibit hall that is purported to be 14 acres big. It seems that way. By the time we were done, we were pretty much exhausted.

Above, Houston's mounted police outside of the convention hall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

NRA members are admitted free. All they have to do is punch in their NRA membership number in the registration computers and a badge is immediately printed up. Badge holders were provided by Midway USA.

There were raffles in the hallway that were $20/entry for assorted firearms. 

Above, Springfield Armory's booth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Inside the exhibit hall (that opened at 9:00) were display booths by gun manufacturers, knife dealers, accessories, outfitters for resorts and ranches along, campers and other outdoorsy items. There were two food courts at opposite ends of the hall.

Above, yours truly at the registration area. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

By the time I was done looking (I managed to go through all aisles), I was exhausted. This had to be the biggest gun show I've ever attended. 

Tomorrow, we'll probably go to Galveston to look around. It is about 50 miles from Houston. 

TSA and NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

The senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer are hell-bent on committing political suicide with their refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which left TSA workers without pay for over a month and snarling the nation's airports.

A friend and I are planning to go to Houston for the annual NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits next month. Hopefully, the shutdown will be over by then. 

It is stupid for the Democrats to pull this stunt, especially during an election year. Voters will remember this when they cast their ballots in November.

The NRA-ILA posted:

Time is running out, but you can still make plans and join us for an unforgettable celebration of freedom, at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, coming to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, April 16–19, 2026!

Join tens of thousands of proud NRA Members and Second Amendment supporters for this one-of-a-kind weekend featuring inspiring speakers, exciting events, and a massive showcase of the latest firearms and gear.

To read more, go here. 

Semi-Automatic Bans Are Unconstitutional

A proposed "assault weapons" ban was considered in the most recent New Mexico legislative session. Fortunately, the measure failed to pass. 

Currently, a proposed assault weapons ban is sitting on the desk of Virginia's governor. Citizens have been rallying to urge a veto of the unconstitutional bill. 

The American Rifleman online website discusses the unconstitutionality of semi-automatic assault weapons bans by leftist Democrats. 

They begin it with:

If the logical application of the rule of law means anything in this constitutional republic, bans on massively popular semi-automatic firearms will be found unconstitutional.

That might seem a bold claim to Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), who, as this is being written, seemed poised to sign a ban on yet another political definition of the term “assault weapon.”

This would make Virginia the 12th state with some such ban on some version of the definition of the politically shape-shifting term “assault weapon.”

Before stepping into the semantic and legal rhetoric of the potential Virginia ban on sales of America’s rifle—and the NRA’s coming legal response—some context is always beneficial.

To read more, go here.