Idaho Advisory On "Official State Gun" Makes Ballot

Above, one of the guns on the list is the Winchester 94 .30-30. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is officially on the November ballot in Idaho.

It is an advisory measure asking Idaho voters on what gun should be named the "Official State Gun."

According to Ballotpedia:

The Idaho State Legislature approved House Bill 932, placing an advisory question on the November 2026 ballot to determine the official state gun.

The ballot question will be as follows: 

“Which of the following guns should be designated as the state gun of Idaho? Please choose only one answer.

(a) Winchester Model 1894 (.30-30);

(b) Winchester Model 1873 "Gun that Won the West" (.44-40);

(c) 1873 Colt Single Action Army Revolver "Peacemaker" (.45 Colt);

(d) M1 Garand rifle (.30-06);

(e) Colt M1911 .45 automatic Colt pistol (.45 ACP); or

(f) Remington Model 700 bolt-action rifle (.30-06).”

The list of gun choices could increase before the 2026 election. House Bill 932 (HB 932) grants the Idaho Legislative Council, which is tasked with providing the Secretary of State with the official ballot language before election preparations, the ability to add options to the list of potential state guns. 

It will be interesting to see which gun is the most favored. A friend joked that if California were to designate an official state gun, it would be a water pistol.

To read more, go here. 

Pre 64 vs. Post 64 Winchester Model 94 Rifle

Pre 64 vs. Post 64 Winchester model 94 rifle video by Terry Benton.

Summary:

this video shows the difference in a post 1964 and a pre 1964 Winchester Model 1894 rifles. the firearms used as examples in this video are as follows 

Winchester model 94 in 30WCF mfg. in 1949

Winchester model 94 in 30-30 mfg. in 1979

 

Pre 64 Winchester Model 94 In 30-30

Pre 64 Winchester model 94 in 30-30 video by Terry Benton.

Summary:

This video talks about the Winchester model 1894 that was manufactured before 1964. the firearm used as examples in this video is a Winchester model 94 chambered in 30 WCF manufactured in 1949.

 

Winchester 1890 Gallery Gun

Above, a Winchester 1890 rifle. NRA photo.

An argument has broken out in one of the Winchester Pre-64 Facebook pages.

A fellow posted photos of his Winchester 1890 and referred to it as a "gallery gun" in his posting. One person replied asking what makes it a gallery gun. 

The thread then took a nasty turn with several members cussing at each other. 

Out of curiosity, I looked up gallery guns and the Winchester 1890 was mentioned several times in the results.

Here's one from The Firearm Blog:

While gallery guns can trace their origins as far back as the American Civil War, the practice of “gallery shooting” has more or less survived to this day. Shooting Galleries were more or less the same thing as the gun ranges we use today for practice. While one could only guess what some of these much older shooting galleries operated like, we do actually know what kind of firearms were most often used.

Some of the most common gallery guns included the Winchester Model 1890. This slide-action (pump-action) 22 caliber rifle was a popular choice for competitors and shooting gallery patrons that could also serve as a pest control rifle as it could accept everything from .22 Shorts (used for gallery shooting) all the way up to .22 Long Rifle. Another popular American example was the Remington Rider single-shot pistol, which was a dedicated offering for those who enjoyed the sport of gallery shooting – with some people going as far as to have a dedicated shooting parlor in their house.

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

I have a Winchester Model 62A .22 rifle and it also has been called a gallery gun over the years. Some shooting galleries did use these rifles. I inherited it from my maternal grandfather. It was made in 1947. 

It is a pump-action rifle.

Comparing the Model 94 Winchester and 336 Marlin

Comparing the Model 94 Winchester and 336 Marlin video by GunBlue490.

Summary:

While both are flat sided, lever action, tubular fed woods carbines, each have distinct features that have fulfilled the different needs of shooters for 130 years.  See what these distinct differences are and how one of these historic guns may appeal to you!

7 Lever Action Rifles Built For When Nothing Else Works

7 Lever Action Rifles Built For When Nothing Else Works video by GunForge.

Summary:

Looking for the best lever action rifles for survival when reliability matters more than modern complexity?

In this video, we break down 7 lever-action rifles that continue to stand out for their simplicity, durability, and real-world practicality—especially when maintenance, parts, and conditions are less than ideal.

This guide is for anyone researching the best lever action rifles for survival, whether you're comparing proven designs, versatile calibers, or rifles that are easier to maintain over time.

In this countdown, you’ll discover:

A lightweight .22 option ideal for training, small game, and carrying large amounts of ammo

Pistol-caliber lever guns that offer flexibility with commonly available ammunition

Classic .30-30 rifles known for balance, availability, and long-term reliability

Modern lever actions with improved ergonomics and optics-ready features

A powerful big-bore platform often discussed for demanding outdoor conditions

If you're comparing the best lever action rifles for survival, this list focuses on practical considerations—mechanical simplicity, field reliability, and realistic pros and cons—rather than trends or hype.

Featuring: Henry Classic, Rossi R92, Smith & Wesson Model 1854, Winchester Model 94, Marlin 336, Henry Big Boy X, and Marlin 1895 SBL.

Official State Guns

Idaho has introduced a bill in their legislature calling for a vote in November on designating a "state gun."

One of the firearms listed in the proposal is the venerable Winchester 1894 .30-30. 

This got me checking to see if other states have adopted official state guns. As things turn out, 10 have.

According to NRA Family:

Did you know that seven U.S. states have officially designated state rifles, and that three more have officially designated handguns? Read on for 10 states that showcase their Second Amendment pride!

The Idaho Statesman wrote:

For example, Alaska’s state gun is the pre-1964 Winchester Model 70, adopted in 2014; Arizona’s is the Colt Single Action Army revolver; Texas’ is the Colt Walker revolver; and Utah’s is the M1911 pistol.

To read more, go here. 

Fudd Friday: Why You Should Buy A .30-30

The .30-30 Winchester cartridge has been around for over 100 years.

Introduced in 1895, it has filled freezers full of venison since that time. It has also been updated many times since then. Today's .30-30 is not your great-great-granddad's cartridge.

Zac K wrote in TheFirearmsBlog why you should buy a .30-30.

The article begins with:

When I recently wrote an article about the demise of three classic hunting cartridges (the .257 Roberts, the .22 Hornet and the .300 Savage), one commenter said:

“Let’s finally put an end to an over-rated cartridge that has effectively been surpassed by a virtual plethora of better cartridges. Some lever-action rifle makers still chamber this old dog for some puzzling reason when there are so many new & better cartridges that make lever-guns incredibly better. Let’s blow taps on this ancient obsolete cartridge, and throw a last handful of dirt on the grave of the 30-30. RIP.”

I couldn’t disagree more. The .30-30 is better than ever, and I intend to buy another rifle, or rifles, to shoot it. Here’s why, and here’s why you should do the same.

To read more, go here. 

10 Legendary Rifles That You Should Never Sell (Collectors Know Why)

10 Legendary Rifles That You Should Never Sell (Collectors Know Why) video by Arms Advisor.

Summary:

At gun shows right now, collectors are quietly buying the same 10 rifles while everyone else walks past them. Prices are about to explode, and smart money is moving before it's too late. Hit subscribe because what I'm revealing could save you thousands. Let's count down these legendary rifles, starting with number 10.

Ron Spomer Outdoors: The Cartridge That Made History!

The Cartridge That Made History! video by Ron Spomer Outdoors.

Summary:

Few cartridges have shaped American hunting like the .30-30 Winchester. Introduced in the late 1800s, it quickly became one of the most popular deer hunting cartridges ever created.

In this episode of Cartridge of the Week, Ron Spomer explores the history, design, and real-world performance of the .30-30 Win and why it has remained a favorite for generations of hunters.

We cover:

How the .30-30 changed sporting rifles

Its role in the rise of lever-action hunting rifles

Ballistics and practical hunting performance

Why it still works so well today

Some cartridges fade away. Others become legends.

 

10 Modern Lever Guns Staging An Unexpected Comeback

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

When I bought my Winchester 94 in .30-30 caliber manufactured in 1962, I wandered in an Albuquerque gun store to browse around (and for something to do). I had wanted a Winchester 94 for some time.

I found it on a rack and checked it out, confirming that it was a pre-1964. The price was under $500. I put it on layaway as I was leaving for a cruise the next day. I picked it up when I returned. It is my favorite rifle.

Today, used Winchester 94s that are pre-64 command prices of $800 and up. I was lucky to buy mine when I did.

Little did I know that there is a resurgence in popularity for lever-action rifles. 

Bushcraft Base Camp posted an article on the 10 modern lever-guns that are staging a comeback. They are updated versions of classic designs.

They begin it with:

Lever-action rifles were once considered old-fashioned, but in recent years they have returned to popularity with modern improvements. Shooters now want firearms that combine classic design with updated materials, better sights, and stronger calibers. Manufacturers responded by releasing new lever-action rifles that are lighter, more accurate, and easier to mount optics on than older models. These rifles are now used not only for hunting but also for range shooting, home defense, and even tactical setups. Many modern versions include threaded barrels, synthetic stocks, and rails for accessories, showing how the design has evolved. The following lever-action guns are getting attention again because they prove the old system still works very well in today’s shooting world.

To read more, go here. 

History of the 30-30, It Isn't Going Anywhere

History of the 30-30, It Isn't Going Anywhere, We're Just Looking At Where It Came From video by The House of Browning.

Summary:

We're taking a look at how the last days of the black powder era gave rise to the American .30 caliber and led to one of the most popular hunting cartridges in North America.

The Most Reliable Firearms Every Serious Collection Should Include

Above, my 1980s vintage Ruger 10/22. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who wonder what guns (pistols, rifles, shotguns) should be included in every serious collection, Newsbreak posted a list answering that question.

They begin with:

Spend enough time around guns and you start noticing something. Some firearms run well when they’re clean, perfectly lubricated, and fed the right ammunition. Others keep working when conditions are far less forgiving. Those are the guns that quietly earn their place in serious collections.

Reliability isn’t about marketing claims or range-day impressions. It’s about guns that continue to function after thousands of rounds, rough weather, and years of use. Many of them gained their reputations through military service, hard hunting seasons, or decades riding in truck racks and saddle scabbards. They aren’t flawless, but they’ve proven themselves the hard way.

If you’re building a serious collection, these are the kinds of firearms worth owning. They’re dependable, well-designed, and capable of doing their job when it matters.

Of the guns listed, I have two of them: the Winchester 94 and the Ruger 10/22. They definitely fall within the criteria as stated above.

To read more, go here.

Why Some Collector Firearms Look Better With Honest Wear

Above, yours truly with the Winchester 94. Photo by Larry Lucier.

When I bought my Winchester 94 in 2019, it was in good shape with some wear here and there. The bluing, for the most part was nice with just one long scratch. It was made in 1962.

It appears that collector firearms that show some "honest wear" are possibly more valuable than those supposedly in mint condition.

That's the crux of an article in The Avid Outdoorsman. 

They begin it with:

Not every collectible firearm needs to look untouched to feel valuable. In fact, some of the most appealing collector guns are the ones that show they actually lived a life. Holster wear, thinning blue, softened edges, a darkened walnut stock, and small marks from real use can make certain guns feel more authentic, not less. There is a big difference between abuse and honest wear. Abuse feels careless. Honest wear feels earned.

That is especially true with firearms tied to military service, law enforcement use, hunting camps, ranch work, or the kinds of ownership stories collectors still care about most. A gun that looks too perfect can sometimes feel distant, almost frozen. A gun with the right wear often feels more believable and more connected to the role that made it collectible in the first place. These are the firearms that often wear age well, because age looks right on them.

To read more, go here. 

Why The Winchester Model 1894 Refuses to Die!

Episode 5: WWII-Era .30-30 | Why The Winchester Model 1894 Refuses to Die! video by Bald Guys With Guns.

Summary:

The Winchester Model 1894 in .30-30 is one of the most legendary rifles ever made — and in this episode, we break down why.

Our rifles date back to the World War II era, and we take a deep dive into what makes them special, both historically and on the range. We go over the videos we’ve made with these rifles, including competitions, review footage, and some unforgettable (and hilarious) moments — including the case for why this might actually be Santa’s go-to rifle.

We also talk about:

Why the .30-30 is still relevant for hunting today

What makes lever-action rifles so fun to shoot

How these classic rifles perform in modern shooting scenarios

Whether you're a fan of classic firearms, lever guns, or just enjoy watching us run these rifles through different challenges, this episode has something for you.

Antiques Roadshow: Appraisal On Winchester 94

Here's something interesting.

A man brought in a custom Winchester 1894 made in 1896 to the Antiques Roadshow on PBS for appraisal. 

It has a plaque indicating Buffalo Bill's Wild West show on the stock. It may (or may not) be authentic. 

Here's the video on the rifle:

 

Winchester Model 94 Range 2 By Hickok45

Winchester Model 94 Range 2 video by Hickok45.

Summary: 

A return engagement with my  Winchester 94 .30-30, which is a Pre 64 model.

 

13 Guns Overlooked For Years And Are Suddenly Hard To Find

Above, the Winchester 94 made the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's guns aren't all that exciting to me. My preference are those guns of yesteryear that are now considered classics. 

A lot of them did not attract much attention over the years but collectors are now seeking many of them out. 

Bushcraft Base Craft posted a list of 13 guns that were overlooked for years but are now suddenly hard to find.  

They begin with:

Some firearms spend years sitting quietly on store shelves without attracting much attention. They may be overshadowed by trendier designs, newer technology, or simply stronger marketing from competing brands. Over time, however, shooters rediscover certain models for their reliability, practicality, or historical value. When that rediscovery happens, demand can rise quickly. Suddenly, the same gun that was once easy to find becomes difficult to track down. Collectors, enthusiasts, and practical shooters begin searching for them again. The following firearms are examples of models that were once overlooked but are now attracting renewed attention in the market.

To see what they are, go here. 

The Levergun Bum Field Review: Winchester Model 9422M

The Levergun Bum Field Review: Winchester Model 9422M "WinTuff" video by The Levergun Bum.

I have been on the lookout for a Winchester Model 9422, which is the .22 cal. version of the Winchester 94. I have contacted a gun shop in Albuquerque and asked them to notify me if they should have one available. I have a Winchester 94 in .30-30 that is pre-64. I would like one in a lower cost caliber.

Summary:

The Levergun Bum presents a field review of a Winchester 9422M chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR). 

Manufactured from 1972 through 2005, the Winchester 9422 series epitomized Winchester's determination to return to producing quality firearms following the company's decision in the early 1960s to reduce product quality in favor of cost savings. Now, nearly twenty years after Winchester's plant closure in 2006, Winchester 9422s are as popular as ever, demanding nearly triple or quadruple their original MSRP.  The 9422M reviewed  in this video features "WinTuff" wood furniture, a black chrome bluing, a Tasco 4 x 32 telescopic sight, and is in mint condition. 

 

Guns Cleaned

Above, the Winchester 94 after I finished cleaning it. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I finally got around to cleaning the two rifles I shot with last Friday.

The first to be cleaned was the Winchester 94 .30-30. That went without a hitch.

Then, I cleaned the Winchester 62A .22 cal. That didn't go so smoothly. The rod end came off in the barrel and I tried getting it out with a wire hangar. That didn't work, so I loaded a couple of rounds and the first shot blew the obstruction out. I did this in the front yard. The sound wasn't much as it was a .22. A neighbor was taking a walk on the road in front during this and just grinned and waved. I waved back.

The rifles have been put back in the cabinet all ready for the next shooting session.