13 Winchester Myths

"13 Myths About The Wild West's Most Famous Rifle You Still Believe" by Gunsmoke & Gold.

Summary: 

Think the Wild West’s most legendary firearm — the Winchester rifle — is exactly what Hollywood told you? Think again.

In this cinematic deep dive, we uncover the 13 biggest myths about the Winchester, the lever-action rifle once hailed as “The Gun That Won the West.” From the legend of the 15-shot Winchester 1873, to the belief that every cowboy, outlaw, and lawman carried one, to the claim it singlehandedly tamed the frontier, we’re busting the myths that refuse to die.

This isn’t Hollywood.

This is the real story of the Wild West’s most famous rifle — how the Winchester 1873 and its successors were built, who truly used them on the American frontier, and why the name “Winchester” became bigger than history itself.

The Winchester wasn’t just a gun. It was a symbol — a frontier rifle built on myths, marketing, and movie magic. And in this video, we break down all 13 of those Winchester myths to uncover the truth behind the legend that shaped the West.

12 Cruise Myths That People Still Believe

Above, yours truly enjoying a cigar and cocktail during a cruise to the Bahamas.

There are some myths pertaining to cruises that seem to persist. Many people still believe them.

While taking a cruise isn't my preferred means of travel (RV road trips are), I have enjoyed the three cruises I've taken. A friend is such a cruise fanatic, he is about to go on one solo. The destination(s) have to be of strong interest to me to make me want to go. I've always wanted to go the the Bahamas, so I went on one there last summer.

MSN has listed 12 myths that people still believe in a slideshow.

They begin with:

Unlike other travel methods that are focused on getting to your destination quickly, cruising can seem like an expensive waste of time. The key is to view the cruise ship as a destination in and of itself that offers luxurious rooms, incredible restaurants, exotic scenery, and endless activities. This perspective can turn skeptics into enthusiastic cruisers. Let’s debunk 12 common cruise myths to ensure you wisely consider all of your vacation options.

 To read more, go here.

RV Boondocking Myths

Above, boondock camping at Ashurst Lake dispersed campground in Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one is out camping in their RV in areas such as BLM land or dispersed campgrounds, this is generally called boondocking or dry camping. There are no hook-ups such as electric, water or sewer available.

I boondock with the fraternal organization E Clampus Vitus every year. My motorhome is self-contained with its own battery power and water tank.

There are some myths concerning boondocking and RV Travel has posted an article discussing them.

They begin with:

There are many boondocking myths held by both new and seasoned RVers. Most so firmly believe them that they fear even trying boondocking for one night. Sadly, this keeps many limited to camping in overcrowded campgrounds, never to experience the freedom boondocking offers.

I quite often hear statements like, “I would boondock, but…

• I like to shower every day.”
• I don’t like the desert.”
• My RV isn’t suited to drive miles down a rough dirt road.”

While their statements are true, they have little to do with boondocking. They are boondocking myths.

In fact, those new to RVing may not even know what the term “boondocking” really means.

While there are many interpretations of what boondocking is, most dyed-in-the-wool boondockers (myself included) consider boondocking as camping outside of a developed campground on public land. Public land agencies refer to it as “dispersed camping.”

To read more, go here. 

Indigenous People Were Never “Afraid” Of Yellowstone

Above, indigenous people lived in Yellowstone and used its resources for thousands of years. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many moons ago, the myth got started that indigenous people were "afraid" of the area that is now known as Yellowstone National Park.

There is evidence that indigenous people actually lived within the area.

National Parks Traveler has posted an article showing how this myth is totally untrue.

They begin with:

A long-told myth about Yellowstone is that indigenous people were “afraid” of the area owing to the geysers and thermal activity. But archaeological evidence and oral histories and even an early map throw cold water on this story.

The Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804–1806 never entered the Yellowstone area, although they were tantalizingly close—on the return journey from the Pacific Ocean, a group led by Captain William Clark passed through present-day Livingston and journeyed down the Yellowstone River from that point. Nevertheless, in Clark’s journal of the expedition, in a section labeled “Notes of Information I believe Correct,” the following passage appears regarding the Yellowstone River:

"At the head of this river the nativs give an account that there is frequently herd a loud noise, like Thunder, which makes the earth Tremble, they State that they seldom go there because their children Cannot sleep—and Conceive it possessed of spirits, who were averse that men Should be near them."

This statement is one of the first mentions of the Yellowstone area by Euro-Americans, and also the first suggestion that indigenous people were somehow afraid of the region. Curiously, the passage was not written at the time of the exploration, but some years later, and it is unclear where Clark obtained this information.

Regardless of from where and when the information arrived with Clark, it’s wrong. Indigenous people have never been afraid of Yellowstone, and in fact lived in the area and used its resources for thousands of years. The evidence for this long association with the Yellowstone region comes from written, oral, and archeological records.

To read more, go here.