Heatwave Starting Today

Above, the Jeep at the shooting range last Sunday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We in the Gallup/Jamestown, New Mexico area will be seeing a heat wave this week (at least through Monday). 

We might take advantage of the warm weather and may do some target shooting. Hopefully, this time without any mishaps like the last time. 

It will be good driving weather with the Jeep as well. Too bad Six Mile Canyon won't be open to vehicles yet. 

According to the National Weather Service, the weather for Jamestown/Gallup will be as follows:

 Today

Sunny, with a high near 70. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 10 to 15 mph in the morning.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Northwest wind 15 to 20 mph becoming light after midnight.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 77. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with a low around 41. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 81. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Clear, with a low around 43.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 82.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 46.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 81.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 45.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 78.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 74.

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.

 

Shooting Day (With A Couple of Mishaps)

Above, before his mishap, Larry shooting his pistol. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday's session of target shooting at the shooting area of the Cibola National Forest was an enjoyable time for Larry Lucier and myself. 

It was reasonably warm outside with very little wind. 

I started out shooting my Winchester 62A .22 pump action rifle and Larry started out with his .22 Henry lever-action rifle. Neither of us could hit the broadside of a barn when we had the targets set at 50 yards, so we moved them in to 25 yards. We did much better then.

After that, I switched to shooting eight one-gallon jugs of water with my Winchester 94 .30-30. It was fun watching them explode. Larry switched to a .22 cal. pistol.

That's when we started having a couple of mishaps.

Above, yours truly holding the Winchester 94 and the shredded shooting bag. Photo by Larry Lucier.

It started with me shooting the Winchester 94 from my table with my shooting bags. Somehow, the barrel of the rifle slipped off right when I was firing and it blasted the larger of the two bags to pieces. I thought for sure that I would thereafter be the butt of jokes over this. But, something a bit worse happened.

Above, Larry showing his wounded index finger. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Larry was shooting his .22 pistol and somehow his left index finger went over the gun's muzzle and the round grazed his finger. It was a small cut with powder burns around it. It was a good thing that it was a .22 and not a larger caliber. 

We continued shooting for a little while more and then packed up and later met up with "Uncle Bob" at Jerry Cafe for dinner. Naturally, we had a good conversation about our shooting mishaps. 

As it is said, sh*t happens!

Plinkin' Day

Above, the rifles I am bringing today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today is plinkin' day!

In a few hours, we'll be heading to the shooting area of the Cibola National Forest to do some target shooting. I am just going to bring the Winchester 94 (.30-30 cal.) and the Winchester 62A (.22 cal.) today. 

Above, water jugs to use as targets. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have several boxes of empty one-gallon water jugs to use as targets. I'll probably bring about half of them. I'll fill them with water before heading to the shooting area.

The temperature should be in the upper 60s. 

Plinkin' This Friday

Above, yours truly at the shooting area two years ago. Photo by Larry Lucier.

Since it will be around 67° outside this coming Friday, we decided to head to the shooting area in Cibola National Forest near our Jamestown community for some target shooting.

Friends here have expressed a desire to do some plinking and this will be a great opportunity before we head into spring next month. 

I have accumulated about 18 empty one-gallon water jugs that I will fill up with water and use as targets.

 

Plinking Weather This Week

Above, yours truly with the Winchester 94 at the shooting area of
 the Cibola National Forest last November. Photo by Larry Lucier.

It looks like we're done with snowy weather for a while. 

This week looks to be sunny and warmer. The Wednesday and Friday high temperature will reach 65°, according to the National Weather Service.

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 64.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 65.

I am considering doing some target shooting on either Wednesday or Friday. I have accumulated around 20 one-gallon plastic jugs for shooting. As they're taking up some room (I have them in boxes), going out plinking is in order. 

I'll see if the rest of the gang is interested in joining in on the fun. 

Cartridges Families Keep using Because They Still Work

Some cartridges (bullets) come and some may go.

There are some that no longer are available as there are some guns that have been discontinued. There are some whose staying power transcends decades of use and are still popular today.

MSN posted a slideshow on cartridges families keep using because they work.  

They begin with:

In a world where everything is in metamorphosis by giving new cartridges a name, those very cartridges that tend to endure do it the old-fashioned way: they continue to solve problems. They appear in battered ammunition cans, in boxes with labels half torn off, and in rifles, which still reek of grease and autumn.

Hardware is not the only thing that is inherited. It is a combination of options that have been tested out in practice: low recoil to learn with, power to common game, easy guns that never go dead, and calibers that will be available long after the initial owner has given up climbing ridgelines.

To see what they are, go here. 

4 Excellent .22 Rimfire Rifles For $200 or Less!

4 Excellent .22 Rimfire Rifles For $200 or Less! video by mixup98.

Summary:

Ruger, Savage, Rossi and Derya (Rock Island) all make excellent .22 rimfire rifles that are inexpensive yet reliable and accurate. The Ruger is one of the most accurate .22 rifles that I have ever owned, shooting 3/4" groups at 50 yards with CCI MiniMag 40 grain round nose ammo.

mixup98 reviews four .22 rifles costing under $200, including a Ruger 10/22. Each rifle's features, performance with different ammo types.

 

30-30 Winchester Has Been Around Since 1894 — Why Shooters Still Use It

Above, two .30-30 Winchester cartridges in use today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The .30-30 Winchester cartridge (also known as .30 WCF) has been around for over 100 years and it is still a popular cartidge.

MSN has posted an article on the .30-30 Winchester cartridge.

It begins with:

In 1894, a groundbreaking piece of history emerged – the 30-30 Winchester cartridge. It debuted alongside Winchester’s Model 1894 lever-action rifle, forming a perfect tandem that revolutionized the firearms industry.

This duo didn’t just mark the introduction of a new cartridge but also the first commercially available smokeless powder round, a significant leap forward from the black powder ammunition of the day.

What’s in a Name? The Origins of “30-30”

The name “30-30” might sound cryptic at first, but its origins are straightforward. It refers to the .30-caliber bullet propelled by 30 grains of smokeless powder.

Interestingly, the naming convention borrowed from older black powder cartridges like the .32-20 or .44-40, which indicated caliber and grains of black powder.

Winchester’s decision to carry this naming tradition forward while embracing modern smokeless powder was a clever nod to its heritage.

To read more, go here. 

Liberals Taking More Interest In Gun Training

"Politics makes strange bedfellows," it has been said over the years.

Right now, another example of strange bedfellows is that liberals are now taking firearms training in higher numbers, according to gun trainers.

Recent ICE incidents have dawned on liberals that the Second Amendment civil right belongs to them too. 

NBC News reported:

The federal government’s recent messaging around gun holders has created a deluge of unlikely Second Amendment advocates — including those previously opposed to or disinterested in gun ownership.

Gun groups across the country are seeing skyrocketing requests for firearm training from women, people of color and liberals, according to national gun coalitions and local trainers who spoke with NBC News in recent weeks.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has shot 13 people during immigration enforcement operations since September. But January’s high-profile killings of Minneapolis residents Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both U.S. citizens, have stoked renewed fears nationwide about federal violations of constitutional rights.

 To read more, go here.

Winchester Model 1894 30-30 (Best Review)

Winchester Model 1894 30-30 (Best Review) video by Bald Guys With Guns.

Summary:

Reviewing the Winchester Model 1894. The two rifles in this video were both built during WWII. Enjoy our thoughts and testing of these rifles.

Winchester Model 94 (1894) Lever Action 30-30. 

Winchester 30 WCF

10 Reliable Lever Action Rifles That NEVER Jam

10 Reliable Lever Action Rifles That NEVER Jam video by GunForge.

Summary:

Are you looking for a rifle that feeds, fires, and ejects every single time? In this episode of Gunforge, we are cutting through the Hollywood myths to bring you the definitive list of the 10 most reliable lever action rifles on the market today.

From the rimfire precision of the Henry Golden Boy to the T-Rex stopping power of the Marlin 1895, we cover the best options for hunting, range days, and self-defense. Whether you are a collector seeking history or a hunter needing a brush gun that hits like a freight train, finding a reliable lever action rifle is crucial. We break down the action strength, reliability, pros and cons, and current pricing for each model.

We also compare legendary actions like the Winchester 1873 toggle link against modern engineering marvels like the Browning BLR. If you want a firearm that stands the test of time and abuse, this list is for you. Join us as we rank the machines that won the West and continue to dominate the woods.

 

New Winchester American Lever Range Ammo

Winchester has introduced a new line of ammunition for lever-action rifles and carbines.

It is called American Lever Range.

Hook & Barrel reported:

The Winchester legacy continues with American Lever Range ammunition designed and optimized for use in lever action rifles and carbines.

The all-new American Lever Range line of ammunition ensures the guns that won the West continue to win on the range. Each entire cartridge is optimized for smooth running in lever guns with bullet profiles that ensure fast cycling and reliable feeding from a tube magazine.

Plus, American Lever Range ammo uses clean-burning propellants to increase barrel life and cut down on action fouling.

To read more, go here.

Where Can I Shoot My Gun?

Above, yours truly at a Lake Havasu shooting range. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Shooting firearms is a fun sport. There are many avenues where one can do so.

One can ask: Where can I shoot my gun?

Fortunately, Ammunition Depot has listed where one can do so. They include the advantages and drawbacks of each. 

They begin with:

Whether you're new to shooting or you've lived your entire life around firearms, at some point, you've probably asked a question common to everyone with ammo to fire: Where can I shoot my gun?

It doesn't matter if you're practicing for accuracy, training for self-defense, getting more accustomed to how your gun shoots, or preparing for competitions, you'll need somewhere to shoot.

But where should that be done?

Where can you safely practice while staying within the bounds of law and reason?

Thankfully, a few options are available to you.

Read on to find out where you can safely shoot your gun.

To read more, go here. 

Why Lever-action Rifles Are Surging Again

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

Lever-action rifles aren't just relics of a bygone era anymore. In fact, they are making a resurgence in popularity. This resurgence seemed to roar into high gear after I bought a used pre-64 Winchester 94 in 2019.

Gun manufacturers are pumping out past favorites and new models. 

MSN posted an article on this resurgence.

They begin with:

If you walk a decent gun shop or hit SHOT coverage lately, it’s obvious lever guns aren’t some nostalgia side note anymore. Ruger brought Marlin back with real production behind it, Henry keeps adding SKUs, and now you’ve got Smith & Wesson and others rolling out brand-new models instead of treating levers like a relic line. Industry writeups talk openly about a lever-gun resurgence, with 2025 SHOT Show coverage pointing to strong demand and more manufacturers jumping in because inventory actually moves. At the same time, used prices on older Marlins and Winchesters climbed, which you only see when regular shooters actually want a platform, not when it’s just gun-counter décor.

To read more, go here. 

The 30-30 Derringer (A Hunting Rifle In Your Pocket)

The 30-30 Derringer (A Hunting Rifle In Your Pocket !!!) video by Kentucky Ballistics.

Summary:

In today’s video we have some fun with a 30-30 derringer! I hope you enjoy the video and thanks for watching!

This video is giving me some target ideas.

 

Plinkin' In Arizona

This morning, Mitch and I (along with a local friend of Mitch's named Pat) did some plinking in a Bureau of Land Management canyon north of Lake Havasu. We went following a stop at The Bagel Bin in Lake Havasu for a bagel breakfast.

I brought along my Winchester 94 and Winchester Model 12 shotgun. The Winchester 94 worked fine, but after getting off one shot with the shotgun, the pump wouldn't work right and wouldn't shoot. I am guessing that since it is a takedown shotgun, it may have gotten out of its configuration. In any case, I will check with the gunsmith in Grants after I get home to see what's going on. It worked fine the last time I used it.

Still it was fun to do some plinking at a new place (to me, that is). 

Some photos:

Above, yours truly with the Winchester 94. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Above, Mitch with one of his shotguns. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Pat with Mitch's shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, our mode of transportation, Mitch's Kawasaki side-by-side. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

5 Forgotten Rifles That Are BETTER Than Anything You Can Buy Today!

5 Forgotten Rifles That Are BETTER Than Anything You Can Buy Today! video by Gun-Man Ballistic.

Summary:

Discover 5 forgotten rifles that outperform almost any modern firearm available today. We take a deep dive into the masterful craftsmanship, unmatched reliability, and precision engineering of these vintage legends. While modern manufacturing prioritizes speed, these classic gems were built to last a lifetime. Find out why "newer" isn't always "better" and which historical powerhouses you should be looking for.

Christmas In Arizona

Above, last year at the skeet range. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Next week, I plan on spending Christmas with Mitch and Holly Geriminsky in Lake Havasu, Arizona.

I had a nice chat with Mitch yesterday and expressed my desire to do some skeet shooting with the Winchester Model 12 shotgun. I want to see how it performs. I also am bringing along the Winchester 94 for some plinking at the shooting range there. 

Funny thing, the first time I did skeet shooting was three years ago with a borrowed shotgun. I did better than I expected. The following year, I tried out the Remington 870 Express that I bought there. Frankly, I couldn't hit the broadside of a barn with it. I think it was due to the short barrel. Since the Winchester Model 12 has a much longer barrel, I hope to do much better. 

The drive (around 420 miles) will seem like a short drive after driving about 2,000 miles last week from Des Moines, Iowa to Orange County, California. 

Hunting: Easy Carriers and Straight Shooters

Above, the venerable Winchester 94 made the MSN list.

It's hunting season in some parts of the United States.

Those who partake in the sport, or those who want to, should have a firearm suited for it. MSN has posted a list of rifles that carry easy and shoot straight in the woods.

 It begins with:

Hunting the woods is its own world. You’re not glassing big country or worrying about dialing turrets—you’re slipping through timber, easing along benches, and making quick shots in tight windows. A good woods rifle needs to balance accuracy with mobility, and not every bolt gun or lever-action pulls that off. The best ones feel like they disappear on your shoulder until the second you need them, then come up naturally and point exactly where your eyes already are.

These rifles earn their keep by handling well in brush, balancing naturally, and keeping their zero even after long days of climbing, bumping, and weaving through cover. If you spend most of your season in timber or thick country, these are the models worth carrying.

To read more, go here.