My Favorite Marlin

M&P 45C and the XGRIP

2012-01-27T18:18:00.000-08:00

The XGRIP arrived today.

XGRIP with 10 round magazine

XGRIP with 14 round Magazine

45C with XGRIP and Full Size comparison

I've been purchasing magazines and the XGRIP from http://gregcotellc.com/cart/index.php GREAT SERVICE and Pricing!

M&P 45 Magazines

2012-01-03T07:36:00.000-08:00

M&P 45 Magazines are available with 8 (compact), 10 & 14 round capacities.

I purchased two more - a 10 and a 14 - from http://gregcotellc.com/cart/ which I've found to have great selection, very competitive pricing and OUTSTANDING rapid service.

The 14 round magazine has a permanently attached grip extension that my wife and I both found to be very comfortable when shooting with two hands and seems to further mitigate recoil due to increased leverage. This is something I will be testing further.

So far the function seems to be fine though I need to test more to be confident in that. The 14th round is a bearcat to load. I'm certain some will require a loading device. Inserting a fully loaded magazine into the pistol with the slide in battery (as with a tactical reload) it requires a firm tap to fully seat the magazine. There does seem to be an increased drag when working the action with a full mag on the first round and the next 13 feed more easily. It will take some testing to convince me this is 100% reliable - though so far, so good.

14 round mag - Empty

14 round mag - loaded

Fully loaded Mag weight - 15.1 ounces

Empty Mag weight - 4.7 ounces

10 round Mag weight - empty, 3 ounces

Fully loaded 10 round mag weight - 10.5 ounces

The 10 & 14 round magazine will fit and function in the 45 Compact. 14 round magazine shown.

The 14 round magazine seems to be a very nice option for a home defense situation. It would probably serve well as a secondary magazine when in the field or for competitions when capacity isn't limited.

4.2" SP101 in .357

2011-12-28T12:22:00.000-08:00

The problem with Ruger is they keep making guns I want. When they recently offered the SP101 in a 4.2" version I got a call from my gun monger that he had one with my name on it...

The 2.25" SP101 is a frequent CCW for me, especially when something small will do. It is a fantastic gun and even with the fixed sights hitting a sheet of paper at 50 yards is easy and most of them will be inside the 4" bullseye. So, when I got the call that he had one available, I had no willpower at all to resist.

The 4.2" SP101 did appeal to me as a top candidate for the "Perfect Packing Pistol" (3P) and felt it was my duty to test that. As we all know it isn't about finding the 3P, it's all about the quest.

One of the things that strikes me right off about the new Ruger is what a great package it is. The 357 and the SP101 are a fine match. There are a number of 357 revolvers out there that are big guns. I owned a 357 Blackhawk for a while and it always seemed incongruent to me. I want a big cartridge in a big gun - the 45 Colt in a Blackhawk is delightful to handle, shoot and carry. The 32 H&R magnum in a Ruger Single Six is another perfect match of cartridge and revolver and the new SP101 has that same magic.

Another early impression I had was how much better this revolver looks in person than it does in the pictures. It's a hansom piece. The wood grip panels are very attractive.

The new SP101 feels light in my hand and is just big enough that touching off a 357 round still sounds like fun. The adjustable sights are very good and I even like the green dot shrouded on the front sight post, the squared edges still very visible and easy to align for those of us accustomed to that sight picture on our Blackhawks and Single Sixes. One click to the right and mine was shooting POA = POI with 38 spl loads and just a bit high for 357.

A cylinder's worth, offhand, single action.

At the range I was even more impressed with the 4.2" SP101. The sights are a big improvement over the fixed sighted versions. The extra barrel length added about 70 fps to the 38 special loads (158 grain cast WFN over enough Bullseye to get 765 fps) but only about 30 fps with the 357 loads (158 gr, pushed to 1125 fps with Bullseye). Both loads shot very well.

With the longer barrel I will try some powders with slower burn rates and see how they perform. Lil'gun will generally produced some impressive velocity and good accuracy when I've tried it.

I see this revolver as a near ideal for an evening stroll along the lake shore or for a scouting trip, checking the game cameras, walking the fence lines and any other outdoor venture where an easy carrying and capable revolver could come in handy. Toss a box of 38 special rounds in your pack and take advantage of unplanned plinking opportunities or making some camp meat if legal to do so in your area. An extra speed strip or two of 357 will handle the vast majority of heavy lifting that one might need to address.

The beauty of this revolver is that it's small and lightweight enough to come along, yet big enough to get the job done.

M&P 45 & 45C comparison

2011-12-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

I happened onto another S&W M&P45 recently and since I had the money, I bought it...

The 45C has been such a good performer that I've managed to overcome my bias against soulless polymer pistols - or at least the Smith & Wesson M&P series. I love the look and feel of a 1911 and still own a few of em (and I have the Ruger SR1911 on order since last Spring...) but one cannot deny the practicality, capacity, lightweight, reliability and accuracy of the many polymer offerings available to us today.

My first impressions of the full size M&P 45 were how light it feels in the hand for its size - which ir roughly equal to a typical 5" 1911. I was also favorably impressed by the comfort of the grip - the extra .415" over the 45C makes a difference. It also has that narrow feel of the 1911 even though it is a double stack magazine. It does point nicely though I like the grip angle better on the 1911.

The weight difference between the 45 and the 45C is slight, less than two ounces. It is more noticeable when compared to a 1911, even with a fully loaded (10) magazine it still feels lighter than a loaded (7) 1911.

Unloaded weight

Unloaded Weight of 45C

Field stripping is very easy with these pistols and does NOT require tools to do so.

Over the chronograph the full sized M&P 45 does produce a little more velocity for the loads I've tested - generally between 25 and 50 fps greater.

Both pistols shoot point of aim = point of impact straight out of the box with 230 grain ammo at 7-10 yards. Some old (1964) match 230 grain FMJ ammo I have averaged 885 fps and was the most accurate of the ammo I've tested so far. Like the 45C the 45 seems to digest and fire everything I feed it, from cast SWC and WFN to JHP and FMJ.

The 10 round Magazine in the 45C. I believe XGrips will be offering an extension for this pistol/mag combination.

The 45 will fit and can be drawn from the holster I carry the 45C in. The muzzle protrudes slightly but it does not snag.

I don't plan to carry this pistol concealed very often so I'll be on the hunt for a field holster. Paired up with my Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle the M&P 45 would be nice to have along during the Zombie Apocalypse for close range work when speed and capacity are needed. In reality though it's nice to have a number of choices in a spice of life sort of way.

30 Caliber Versatility and the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle

2011-12-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

Among the virtues of manually run rifles - Pumps, Bolts and Levers - is their ability to function normally with a wide variety of ammunition. Light and heavy, super and subsonic, jacketed and cast, economical and premium, reloads and store bought... and in the case of non-tubular magazine fed guns, pointy, flat point and round nose bullets too.

The 308 Winchester in an easily customizable platform such as the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle is a fine match of rifle and cartridge and I believe lives up to Ruger's claim of "The one rifle to have if you could have only one."

Equipped with the Ruger Gunsite Scout a hunter could take to the field with loads suitible for both big and small game.

A subsonic lightweight cast bullet or .314" buckshot will cleanly harvest game such as Grouse without destroying the delicious meat. The load I like best for this purpose is the Lyman 311008 over a small amount of Winchester 231. It is accurate, inexpensive and quiet to shoot.

Another subsonic load that has proven to be very accurate in my Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle is the Lyman 311284 (~210 grains). Pushed to almost 1,000 fps it is very accurate and hard hitting making it useful for steel targets and control of larger vermin species. The bullet also performs very well at supersonic velocities and my favorite load for this is using Unique to propel it to 1350 fps.

Lyman 311284

The Lyman 311334 (~190 grains) has proven itself in several of my 30 caliber bolt action rifles. It also shines in the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle when pushed to 1900 fps with SR4759. This makes an ideal load for inexpensive practice where high repetitions are required. Rather than spending $0.50/shot for cheap jacketed ammunition you can shoot these for less than half that and reduce barrel wear. Though the velocity is 300-600 fps lower than your typical 308 jacketed bullet ammunition it will perform at long range, perhaps even better.


Cast Bullets I've successful run through the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle

For a fun and very inexpensive gallery load a #0 (~.314") buckshot over Bullseye is surprisingly accurate (less than 2" at 50 yards) out to 50 yards and will shoot Point of Aim out to 25 yards. A fine remedy for garden vermin too.

For hunting loads I've had excellent results with 165 grain JSP bullets over the max (Hodgdon) published data for IMR 3031. In the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle it is both accurate (1 MOA or better) and achieves the highest velocity, 2573 fps in my Rifle. Varget and IMR 4064 have both produced excellent groups in my GSR too but fell short of the velocity produced with the IMR 3031. With all the rifle powders I've tested I've found that the best performance in the GSR is at or near the max published data (ALWAYS double check data and work up incrementally!!), it seems happiest when velocities reach 2500 fps or better with 165 grain jacketed bullets and around 2700 fps with 150 grain jacketed bullets.

I will be testing IMR 4895 and Winchester 748 under a variety of Jacketed bullets as I've seen a number or impressive results from other GSR owners. The Hornady 150gr SST has produced some notable results at 500 yards and has me especially intrigued.

After 11 months of ownership of a Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle I like it even better than I expected. It has impressed me in the field and at the range. With the introduction of the Polymer magazines it has improved field-ability of the rifle even more making it easier to carry and operate as well as superior weather resistance.

What the rifle lacks in aesthetics it more than makes up for in functionality. I believe Ruger really thought this one through and made the comprises that made the most sense. The only improvement I'm really considering is a rear sight that can be adjusted without tools and possibly a finer more visible front sight.

If I really only could have one rifle, the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle would serve me well.

Magpul Art of the Precision Rifle

2011-12-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

Looks like Magpul has released another good one!

Late Edit: Just got this yesterday. Watched the first two disks, EXCELLENT. LOTS of information and some impressive shooting. As always, very well done. The filming is stellar. I'll give a more complete review once I've managed to watch all ten hours of it...

Ruger New Vaquero vs. Steel Plate

2011-12-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

Delivering a 270 grain cast bullet chugging along down range at 900 fps then meeting a hanging steel plate is a pleasure my Ruger New Vaquero provides with regularity. 140 year old technology and genius refined by modern materials and genius will probably propel the popularity this handgun enjoys well into the future.

Long Range Handgun Shooting

2011-12-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

My last trip out to the U-Pick Sagebrush Ranch the 32 H&R Magnum Single Six went along. Naturally the array of target opportunities attracts a lot of lead. The 32 Single Six made easy work of the steel plates out to 150 yards but the target that got most of my attention was the 400 yard Dinger...

Once again the Ruger 32 H&R Mag in the Single Six surprised me. With a reasonable amount of hold over - aiming at a bush ~ 10' or so above the target I could ring the dinger at least once per cylinder's worth. Too much fun to worry or care about wasting ammo...

Comparatively, my 45 Colt requires a near mortar shot holdover to get that far and the success rate is much lower.

RGSR Magazine video

2011-12-14T06:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a video I made about the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle Magazines.

Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle Polymer Mags

2011-12-06T20:19:00.001-08:00

I scored some Ruger Polymer Mags for my Gunsite Scout Rifle recently. I like them a LOT better than my steel mags.

The five round polymer magazine is the same size as the steel counterpart. The 10 round polymer magazine is about an inch shorter than the 10 (eleven actually) round magazine that ships with the rifle.

The new polymer magazines can be topped off while inserted in the rifle.

Shown with Dust Cover installed.

Much lighter, very tough.

32 Caliber ponderings

2011-11-18T12:14:00.001-08:00

As if I needed more proof that I should "never say never" in the last year no less than three 32 caliber firearms followed me home. It's just one of those things I didn't think I needed, now I wonder how I lived without them.

www.purdygear.com

The first was the Marlin Cowboy Carbine. It was originally in a friend's collection and I wanted it from the first time I saw it. The cosmic mysteries being what they are made it available through unforeseen circumstances and now it resides in my safe.

The next came about as a result of handling an older Marlin 1894 in 32-20 and again was struck by instantaneous smittendom. I had to have one of those and I knew that one wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. I came across just what I was looking for on GunBroker and after some research and a number of phone calls to the seller, placed my bid and won it.

1905 vintage Marlin model 1894

Upon its arrival I was disappointed with the condition of the bore. To say the seller's description was optimistic would be an understatement. Knowing that ugly bores sometimes still shoot well I gave it a go. I tried a variety of weights and sizes of bullets on up to .316" and many would keyhole. A .314" 115 grain Lyman 311008 shot the best but even that was marginal ~4" at 50 yards. It did reach and ring the 400 yard dinger on the first try though...

I REALLY like the aesthetics and feel of this rifle so I have sent it off to be re-lined. I hate waiting for it, but hopefully next spring (or sooner) it'll come back and shoot well.

Not long after acquiring the 1905 vintage Marlin another of more recent manufacture, the uncommon 1894 CB in 32 H&R Magnum, came onto my radar. The price seemed very reasonable to me but I didn't have the cash handy. I tried a trade but before we could agree on a deal another feller closed the deal ahead of me.

While I researched the 32 H&R Magnum I came across numerous glowing reports of the Ruger Single Six chambered in that caliber. The Single Six 22lr is one of my longest owned and most used firearms, so I was intrigued by the prospect of another in 32 H&R Mag and set out to find one. It didn't take too long, I knew I wanted a 5.5" barrel length with the help from a friend located one and purchased it.

I'll detail in another post my experiences with the new Single Six which once again makes me wonder how I ever lived without it.

Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle

2011-11-17T15:10:00.001-08:00

On December 30th of last year I drafted a post - but didn't publish until today - about the Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle. Shortly there after I put one on order at my local gun monger's and it didn't take long before I had it in my hands.

This was my first Ruger bolt gun. I've owned a few of their autoloading rimfire rifles and pistols, and I their revolvers are among my favorite guns (more on that later). Anyway my first impressions were mostly favorable. I like the "scout rifle" concept. I've always liked peep sights on a bolt gun, probably because I grew up shooting a Remington 511P - a magazine fed, peep sighted, 22lr with perhaps the worst trigger of any firearm I've ever owned. My next rifle was a 1903 A3 and was my only centerfire rifle that received any attention for about 20 or so years of my life. I still use it regularly in CMP type matches and it always delivers.

Back to the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle (GSR). It is diminutive. It feels lighter than the scale reads. The 10 round magazine that comes with the rifle is too big. The sights are better than I expected. The front sight is a bit thick but it works well. The bolt is not as smooth as my Remingtons, CZ or 1903 A3 but has smoothed out with many manipulations.

At the range the as shipped sight setting shot point of aim with most ammo I tested at 50 yards. My early trips to the range I fed it a variety of ammuniton. Everything from cast bullets (115-170grs and more recently 210 grain bullets) as well as Jacketed SP & RN (150 - 175 grain FMJ & JSP, FB and BT). The preferences appear to lean toward the 165 grain jacketed bullet over IMR 4064 or Varget pushed over 2500 fps.

Cast bullets are proving to be accurate as well at both sub and supersonic speeds. A load that seems to be very accurate with 115 - 210 grain cast bullets is a splash of W231 under any cast bullet. The velocities range from a mere 550 fps up to 800 but inside of 25 yards it shoots POA and the POI is right where the front post was when the trigger broke. The report is greatly reduced and the recoil is none existent.

For higher cast bullet velocities Unique seems to produce the best results. It gets real good over 1350 fps. 2400 seems to work well at velocities in the 1800+ range.

I did not hunt with this rifle this year but I did carry it in the field. It carries well and was deadly on cones, knots, paper targets and soda cans. A real pleasure to shoot.

I removed the provided spacers (three) and the rifle now in its shortest configuration. The recoil pad is sticky which is good for running the bolt from the shoulder but a bit catchy on clothing when bring it to the shoulder.

Through their website Ruger offered 5 round magazines and I acquired two shortly after the rifle arrived. More recently Ruger has poly mags in 10 (shorter than the original offering), 5 and 3 (flush mount) varieties. I will be buying at least two more 5 round poly mags as well as a 3 and probably two more 10's for the bug out bag.

I've tested dozens of loads and have still just scratched the surface. The bullets that show the most promise are the Hornady 165gr JSP interlock at full power loads and cast bullets at subsonic levels. My current favorite cast bullet is the Lyman 311041 (170gr) which is most commonly used in the 30-30. It feeds well when the OAL is 2.520" and shoots accurately at velocities as low as 559 fps on up to 1800 fps.

Long Absence

2011-11-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

It has been too long since my last post. Lots to update. I'll post as quickly as I can. I've been having some computer problems and a lost a bunch of pictures. I'm not technically savvy enough remedy every issue I need to but at least I can re-access and update this blog.

32-20 at 500 yards

2011-07-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

Who'd a known the 32-20 would reach way out there this well?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUGeOJ8evpY

38-55 vs Milk Jugs

2011-05-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

On my last visit to the Captain's U-Pick Sagebrush Ranch the opportunity to shoot some zombie milk jugs with my Marlin 336 Cowboy in 38-55 presented itself. I could not resist.

Video of the event can be seen here;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-kTlnhsa2Q

The results surprised me. I was expecting around 8 jugs worth of penetration. Instead the 250 grain Lee 379-250 RF passed through nearly NINE feet of water before coming to rest in the bottom of the Eighteenth jug!

The bullet was fairly soft cast, roughly a 20/1 alloy, the load chronographs a very consistent at 1506 fps (average), propelled with the excellent SR 4759 powder at well below (3+ grains below) the RCBS cast bullet manuals starting load. The meplat on the bullet expanded to .285" from .250"

Pretty impressive for a cartridge that was introduced in 1876.

Desantis Holster for Smith & Wesson M&P45C

2011-05-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

I bought a DeSantis holster a few weeks ago for the M&P 45C and have been testing it as my EDC holster.

I've worn it both strong-side and cross-draw and found it to be very comfortable. The fit and retention is excellent. I find drawing from the strong-side very easy and from the cross-draw position only slightly more difficult, this issue could probably be resolved with more practice. Concealment is very good for an outside-the-waistband holster too with an untucked shirt. Another feature I like is that it is made in the USA and at $50 is quite a bargain in my opinion. The quality is very good and break-in didn't take long.

Review: S&W - M&P45C

2011-04-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to beat a polymer framed pistol for Every Day Carry (EDC), they are light, durable, have greater capacity and are reliable. I've owned two Glocks (17 & 22) and could never warm up to them. I didn't shoot them well either so I parted with them without regret, it did however leave a limit in my EDC choices.

After years of pondering and handling the many offerings available I came across an intriguing pistol from Smith and Wesson. The first one I saw was a 9mm but I soon discovered it was also available in 40 and 45 calibers. After a number of discussions with M&P owners I finally decided try another polymer gun.

M&P45C

My first impressions were that it is better looking than the Glock. It fits my hand better and the sights align more naturally. The ergonomics were good as far as magazine release, safety and trigger placement right out of the box. I did try the provided larger and smaller back straps but found the mediums to be most comfortable.

One of the virtues that drew me to the M&P line of pistols is their reputation for reliability. I tested that right away feeding it a variety of ammo including those with bullet shapes not typically friendly to auto-loading pistols. The M&P45C digested them happily, including lead semi-wad cutters, wide flat nose and round balls which is not an option in Glock pistols. It also shoot those loads accurately.

7 yards, 5 shots

225 grain WFN cast bullets pushed to 900 fps

Even 140 grain cast lead balls fed and shot accurately in the M&P45C

The M&P45C shoots the traditional 230gr FMJ very well too. Even old GI ball ammo more than 40 years old ran though it without a hitch.

There are a number of very good powders for 45ACP. Of the few I've tried so far in this gun I'm liking Alliant Bullseye the best. It gets me the velocity I want with good accuracy and less muzzle flash.

I've also tested this pistol at ranges out to 50 yards. I was very pleased to put a magazine worth onto a sheet of paper with most inside the 6" bull. The sights are a bit course for fine work but are highly visible and easy to pick up quickly which is important on a pistol of this type.

The DA trigger took some getting used to and it does seem to improve with use. There isn't an obvious 'reset' but I didn't find that to be an issue when shooting quickly.

This pistol is also a comfortable carry and shooting weight. Not so heavy it pulls your trousers down and not so light that shooting it is punishing. In fact I would say the recoil is comparable to guns weighing nearly a pound more. I'm not recoil sensitive so your experience may vary but recoil did not affect the speed at which I could take aimed shots. I found myself burning though a lot more ammunition than I typically do with my revolvers and the down side of that was policing up all the brass it spewed around me.

Loading 8 in the magazines is a bit difficult but not as difficult as topping off a Glock mag as I remember it. The M&P comes with two magazines, one flush with the bottom of the pistol and another (pictured above) with a pinky extension. I prefer the longer magazine and seem to shoot it a little better than the flush mag. The magazines are a bit chubby for pocket carry so a magazine carrier on the belt is something I would recommend.

The M&P45C is a good size for a carry 45 caliber carry pistol that one intends to practice frequently with. Too big for concealed pants pocket carry though it is quite comfortable in a large coat pocket. I haven't found many holsters designed specifically for it but there are a number of holsters that will work. A good holster is very important when carrying concealed and in the coming months I will be testing a few to see which I like best.

Overall I am very pleased with this pistol. It lacks the soul (and weight) of a 1911 or a Colt Single Action Army but it is highly practical. It is less finicky than most 1911's I've owned and shot too. When it comes down to it reliability is extremely important in a self defense pistol. It will take me many more repetitions before I am confident in my proficiency with this pistol. Once I accomplish that I'm certain it will provide me with a very formidable EDC option.

Marlin 1897 Cowboy

2011-04-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Since acquiring the Marlin 1897 Cowboy I have put more than 2,000 rounds through it, competed in a half dozen matches, enjoyed many trips to the range and spent several days afield with it. My appreciation for it has only grown more favorable.

The Cowboy weighs in a six pounds three ounces which is 13 ounces more than the 39 Century Ltd, yet due to its splendid balance the extra weight and length goes unnoticed. I recently carried it afield for four days without a sling and never once felt encumbered, even when going cross country through thick woods. Scouting was the primary purpose of my venture, taking the rifle along was simply a bonus that allowed me to hone marksmanship skills by testing the rifle on targets over unspecified ranges and from unrested field positions. Not only did these exercise opportunities build my confidence with this rifle I have a LOT of fun.

With the snow in retreat Spring is making its way up the mountain. I came across a number of Ruffed Grouse drumming logs. I hope that bodes well for next September when the season opens up.

Long Range Rimfire match with the 1897 Cowboy

2011-03-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

Last week I shot the Long Range match with my iron sighted 1897 Cowboy. It was a LOT of fun.

Most of the shooters arrived with scoped bolt rifles - Anschutz, CZ, Remington and Ruger - plus one 22lr AR and one with and Old Stevens single shot. I was the only iron sighted "competitor."

I really like the match format. It uses the same 1/2 size silhouettes at twice the distance of the Cowboy smallbore levergun match. Shooters get 10 minutes to sight-in on the swinger target and shoot their 10 shots for score. Plenty of time though I found that shooting a lot of sighters is fatiguing on the eyes and concentration wains toward the end of the scoring string. PACE is key. Except for the 50 meter chickens, which must be shot Offhand, shooters may shoot from any position and use a front rest or bipod. I choose to use the excellent Okanogan Shooting Sticks from the sitting position.

I started on the 100 meter boars. I had enough elevation in my rear elevator (with three notches to spare) for a right on the belly hold. I managed four of the first five and then faltered hitting only one out of the next five. I had plenty of time left and should have paused to rest my eyes.

The 150 meter Turkeys required a bead covering the target even with the top of the head from the top notch on the elevator which made judging windage challenging. I paced better but only managed a single bird. bummer. lots of near misses though...

The 200 meter Rams required some (~4') hold over. There was just enough breeze to require an off center hold and from the top notch. I was able to topple 3 of them.

Shooting the Chickens Offhand evened the playing field between the iron sights and the Scope classes. I tied for top score on the Chickens but felt disappointed as they were still a few standing when I was done. Turned one sideways...

Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle

2010-12-30T14:28:00.001-08:00

This morning while browsing my favorite blogs and websites I came across this.

It is Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle and I want one!

I've been intrigued by this type of rifle for quite some time. At one time or another I've been tempted by others - CZ 527 Carbine, Enfield "jungle carbine" (don't care for the calibers offered), FR8 (a bit clunky looking) and Ruger's Frontier (no iron sights). Now Ruger has produced what looks like my next rifle purchase.

Things I like about it:
-Size and weight
-Caliber
-Iron Sights
-Magazine Fed
-Adjustable platform, (size, sight systems, potential accessories)

It would be PERFECT if:
-a flush or nearly so magazine is offered, even if it only holds 3 rounds. (Ruger now offers a three round polymer Magazine for this rifle!!)
~~- the butt pad isn't too soft or grippy that it catches your shirt as you bring it to your shoulder.~~
[Late Edit after 11 months of owning the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle] The sticky recoil pad is actually a good thing. Not only does it reduce recoil it keeps the butt on your shoulder when you're running the bolt.

Surprisingly I've read some of negative responses to this rifle. Most want a larger capacity magazine which makes NO sense to me on a bolt rifle. About the only scenario I can imagine that a hi-cap mag would have an advantage is vs a wave of zombies. Others ask why a bolt gun? To them my response is 1- reliability, 2-durability 3-accuracy and 4-versatility.

In a situation that I only have one gun and I NEED it to work regardless of weather, lubrication or ammo type, a bolt gun is a good choice. Bolt guns are rugged with few breakable parts. Base on my own experience and observations a bolt action rifle is typically more accurate than other action types and easier to do so. As a handloader I can produce a wide variety of ammo for a bolt gun and the operation of the rifle remains same. Everything from subsonic Grouse loads to full power Elk busting loads with lots of variety in between.

The two most amazing shots I've ever seen

2010-12-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

400 yards with a mirror

114 year old Marlin 1893 in 32-40

and

1,000 yards OFFHAND!

Marlin 336 Cowboy in 38-55. Montana Vintage Arms mid range post tang sight.

I have a (GOOD) problem

2010-11-22T12:33:00.000-08:00

It seems there isn't a Marlin 39 or 1897 that I don't want to buy... My budget keeps it in check for the most part but last week three of them came home with me... A GOOD problem.

First I came into a 39 Century Ltd via a trade, and then I came into another in a trade with a friend - add those with the other one I got earlier this year and it made a nice set. Circumstances, which will be more clear later in this post, didn't allow me to play that hand long but I had NO problem finding a home for the extra... Leaving me with a pair of 39 Century Ltds which feels mighty good.

My first Century Ltd is probably the most accurate of the seven 39's I've owned. I shot my best silhouette score with that rifle and it does impressive little groups on paper too when my eyes are fresh and there is good light. I've packed it around my property on a good many walks and enjoyed plinking and Grouse hunting with it. Very light and portable carbine sized rifle.

I de-badged the stock. It is a preference thing. I like the look of uncluttered wood.

The other Century Ltd is looking like it's a shooter too. It arrived in better shape than my first one and it appears to have a lot less mileage on it. The trigger is a little heavier and that did affect some of my early target efforts but once I adjusted I started shooting it very well.

Before the dust could settle on the Century Ltd's my local fun pusher said he had a client selling off some of his Marlin collection... Life is GOOD! I inquired about what was available and there were a number of gems he was willing to part with.

Sadly my wallet wasn't any fatter since the last time I opened it so I had to borrow some money from the boss -My lovely and understanding Wife is more proof to what a Lucky Man I am!

I came home with a 1897 Cowboy (vintage 1999)

I have been wanting one of these for a while. Marlin didn't make enough of them (1999-2001) and their owners tend to hang onto them. I was VERY pleased with price I got and even more pleased with the way it shoots

Federal (bulk) Champion

The first targets I shot once I had it sighted in. Not bad for the cheap stuff.

It didn't take me long to get it sighted in - the Marlin octagonal barrels have been consistently excellent for me, front and rear sights centered and it just becomes a matter of elevation. The Marbles rear sight has an inner reversible sight black that is also elevation adjustable. I try to set it so on the lowest notch it shoots point of aim at 25 yards. That usually gives me more than enough notches to reach out to 200 yards with a right on hold.

Early preliminary testing indicates that on the second notch I should have a 50 yard zero and the third notch up should be right on at 100 yards with two notches to spare. Using the 100 yard zero there is about a 36" drop out to 200 so it will be interesting to see if the top two notches will get me all the way there.

I am REALLY liking the longer barreled Marlins. They seem to just hang on the targets. All I have to do is put the front sight where it goes and start squeezing. The Marlin 1897 CB sure makes that easy to call my shots. I was able to shoot a couple of offhand targets that I would have been proud of off the bench.

A friend of mine used his tang sight equipped 39A shoot a 3 shot 3" group at 300 yards off the sticks a couple of weeks ago. Not something he could do every time but it does show the potential of these rifles.

Octagonal Barrels on a Marlin 39 / 1897

Styling!

Like my other "rebounding hammer" Marlin, the 39 TDS I did have some issues with light strikes on the Aquila, CCI and Winchester brands of ammo resulting in failures to fire. A second hammer strike set them all off but that wasn't satisfactory to me. Removing and inspecting the bolt I noticed the firing pin retention pin was over driven. I pushed it out so it was flush with the top of the bolt and it greatly mitigated the issue, though I still had about 20% of the Aguila ammo require two strikes. Some more tweaking and I suspect that will be remedied too. The Federal ammo is 100% reliable.

I ran few varieties of ammo over the Chronograph. Surprisingly the velocity was lower than my other Marlins, including the other 24" 39A - which shoots everything faster than the others except subsonic ammunition.

With the Federal ammo the 39 Century Ltd (20" barrel) gets 50 fps more than the 1897 CB. With the Subsonic ammo the difference is about 60 fps. Out of the 24" barrel the Subsonic ammo's report is noticeably reduced.

Overall I couldn't be more pleased. I am really looking forward to the next Silhouette match and my expectations are very high for the 1897 CB.

Review: Lee 379-250 RF bullet in the Marlin 336 Cowboy

2010-10-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Here is my review of the Lee 379-250 RF bullet in my 38-55 caliber Marlin 336 Cowboy.

Lee 379-250 RF as cast with a Lyman #2 approximation alloy - Weight 252 gr. average.

The cast weights range from 254 grains for 20/1 alloy down to 245 grains using harder alloys. In my 336 Cowboy the softer alloys are showing the most promise with this bullet.

38-55 Lyman Data

10 grains of Unique will propel this bullet to just under 1300 fps in my rifle and it also appears to be the most accurate. There is enough rear sight elevator range to give me right on holds out to 200+ yards.

50 yards over Unique

5.6 grains of Unique gets 910 fps and out to 50 yards is only slightly less accurate than the 10 grain load.

My testing with 2400 was limited as the accuracy was quite poor in the loads I tried. In my rifle 16 grains would get the Lee bullet going 1511 fps avg.

16.5 grains of SR 4759 averages 1506 fps and is VERY consistent with Standard Deviations of less than 10 fps. This load is also showing some real accuracy potential. I believe this load would match the upper levels of the original black powder loadings. The load data predicts the pressure levels to be well inside the capability of the Marlin's strength and examining the fired cases appears to bear that out. Using Wind's Magi-Lube - Beeswax (5) Crisco (4) and Vaseline (1) - there is little to no sign of leading after 20 shots. I have not yet tried this load on the long range dingers but I suspect it may allow me to take at least a cover hold sight picture on the 400 yard dinger.

Recovered Lee Bullets fired into a dry sand backstop. The 20/1 alloy at 1400-1500 fps expanded the noses to more than 45 caliber (smallest) and retained a most if not all of their weight. The actual weight of the recovered bullets was greater than the cast weight as there was a good bit of sand became embedded in the bullet. Bullets were recovered 8-9" deep.

For those looking for an inexpensive general purpose bullet mold that is a proven performer in 38-55 Marlins I would recommend it the Lee. There are those that dislike the bevel base but I've experienced no issues with it.

Here is some video of it in use.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh3Ju89s65o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdxbUWH5o7A

38-55 Winchester Starline Brass - A Case Study

2010-10-30T17:27:00.000-07:00

Starline finally did a run on the 38-55 2.125" brass and 500 of them arrived on my Doorstep

I tried to bump it up to 1,000 but they didn't have the inventory...

Starline 2.125 and Winchester 38-55 brass

Right out of the box

Side by side comparison

The Lee 379-250 RF shoots very well in both W's and my 336 Cowboys. With the Winchester brass the Lee bullet must be sized to .379" in order to cycle into W's and mine will cycle them as cast. His shoots the .379" sized bullets very well and mine has a definite preference for the larger as cast variety.

Lee bullet as cast

The as cast Lee bullet in Starline Brass wide dimension is .395" Loaded with the (excellent) RCBS Cowboy dies, crimping die set ~5/8 of a turn past touching.

The Winchester brass loaded with an as cast Lee Bullet. This round will cycle easily through my CB but NOT W's. With the Starline brass and the fatter as cast bullet it will cycle easily in his rifle.

The OAL for the Lee bullet in the Starline 38-55 2.125" case is 2.530" using all of the crimp groove. It cycles flawlessly through my CB. Comparatively the OAL I've been using with the Winchester/Lee combo is 2.500"

A 2.550" OAL will cycle through the Marlin 336 Cowboy's chamber.

In tests over the chronograph there have been no appreciable differences in velocity between the Starline and Winchester Brass. Accuracy too seems to be unaffected.

Marlin 336 Cowboy in 38-55 part 1

2010-08-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

Not long ago I got my Marlin 336 Saddle Ring Texan back from Marlin after being converted to a Marlin 336 Saddle Ring Cowboy in 38-55.

A year ago I didn't even know I needed a 336 in 38-55 :p but the more I read about it, the more I needed one.

My two 336 Cowboy (conversions), Top in 38-55, the bottom is in 30-30

The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the hole at the end of the barrel

The 38-55 is actually the "Parent Case" for the 30-30 (and the 32-40), which is a 38-55 case necked down to 30 caliber. I've not tried it (yet) but it is possible to "fire form" 30-30 brass into 38-55 brass - though the length is a little short.

Due to its versatility the 30-30 has been my go to ranch rifle for a while. The 38-55 is getting a try out in that roll and seems to be up to the task as well.

A spot on a stump that needed shootin'... three times

Taking on the 300 yard Dinger

The real advantage the 38-55 has over the 30-30 is the heavier bullet. The most common weight is 250 - 255 grains and it flies a little better over long range - less effected by wind - and has a lot of smack left when it arrives.

Marlin 336 Cowboy in 38-55 part 2

2010-08-31T18:38:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine got a Marlin 336 Cowboy about the same time I did and we've been dialing in loads ever since.

200 yard target

He ended up putting a Montana Vintage Arms tang sight on his which gives it a lot more legs. Here he is ringing the 600 yard Dinger with his.

Here is some 600 yard video

The next trip over he decides 600 wasn't enough so we marched it out to 800

Here is some raw video of me making my first attempts at 800 yards, took me a few shots but eventually got on it.

Marlin 336 Cowboy in 38-55 part 3

2010-08-31T18:17:00.000-07:00

Since getting it back I've been shooting and packing it around every chance I get.

Here it is on a recent scouting trip. There is a Black Bear (he's actually cinnamon colored) on my property tearing apart pretty much every stump on the place, feeding on grubs.

Data for 38-55 Win is pretty limited but I have been trying several powders. Unique, SR 4759 and IMR 4198 have shown the most promise.

My rifle seems to prefer a cast bullet un-sized, as cast (~.380"). The .380" bullet won't even fit in my friend's Cowboy when using Winchester Brass but I have some Starline brass on Back-Order that is supposed to have thinner walls that should allow feeding of the fatter bullet in his too. Luckily a .379" bullet shoots very well in his.

In tests mine will put most of them into a <1" group at 50 yards with open sights, even with me behind the trigger.

With .379" sized bullets the group size doubles in my rifle.

I've used two different bullets so far. The Lee 379-250 RF and the Ranch Dog TLC 379 235 RF. The Lee bullet seems to like 1250-1400 fps the best and the Ranch Dog has shot well at 925 fps to over 1500 fps.

It really is a neat old (1882) cartridge. It reminds me of a skinny 45-70 and has a nice old fashion aesthetic that I'm really attracted too.

Marlin 336 Cowboy in 38-55 addendum

2010-08-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

I have presses at home and typically don't run out of ammo when I'm at the Outpost but the voracious appetite of the 38-55 Cowboy and the limited number of cases I have required me to do a little front porch reloading with the excellent Lee Hand Press.

I haven't used this press before but found it quite simple and VERY convenient given the location.

This is about all you need to keep you shooting when you're away from the reloading bench. It all fits inside a Cabelas ammo box - which is a little bigger than a 50 caliber ammo can.

Resizing and depcapping is very much the same as it is on a single stage press. The spent primers are collected in the ram and needs to periodically be emptied to prevent jamming.

I prefer to prime with a hand primer but figured I'd give the priming attachment a try. It is slower but works very well.

The shell holder is switched out and moved to the top craddled in a fitting that screws into same place the dies do. The priming ram fits right where the shell holder goes.

I practiced with the Lee Powder scoops at home and noted the charge it would throw on each scoop.

No accuracy differences were detected in the ammo loaded at home vs the ammo loaded on the front porch, either on paper or on the dingers.

Overall I would recommend the system for those interested in a very portable and inexpensive way to reload.

A few more 336 Cowboy shooting videos:

I have both the RCBS Cowboy Dies and the Lee Dies for this caliber. I would HIGHLY recommend the RCBS CB dies. I do use the Lee Factory Crimp Die for crimping though.

A few more Long Range videos

2010-08-05T19:17:00.000-07:00

400 yards, 38-55 Marlin 336 Cowboy

600 yards, 38-55 Marlin 336 Cowboy

Cowboy Silhouette Videos

2010-06-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here is some (poor quality) footage from this month's match
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQb-5Jz8WIM

Can he go 10 for 10?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQb-5Jz8WIM

Me trying to MOw down the Rams. Can Pigs fly? Watch the last pig go down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQb-5Jz8WIM

All and all good fun.

Details: The Captain is shooting his 1894 CL in 32/20. I'm shooting my 1894 Cowboy Limited in 45 Colt with a 255 grain bullet going jogging along around 1200 fps. Mild load but hits HARD. A rail hit will shake down the whole bunch.

More long range fun with my 30-30

2010-05-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last month it was 400 yards. This month we moved out to the 500 yard line. I took a few shots prior to this just to get my hold over, the load I'm using is only jogging along at 1400 fps so even with the rear sight set at its highest point I was still about two (front sight) beads (~16-20 FEET at that distance) above the target (20" wide, 32" tall - a little smaller than a 55 gallon drum). We also had a variable crosswind from the left to right which required some hold off to the left. You can the gun smoke get blown to the right right after the shot. A slow bullet traveling that distance moves feet, not inches.

Now for the disclaimer- The video quality is poor and the audio is even worse. I believe the auto-focus motor sound is what is picked up by the mic. Knowing that the effective range of and excuse is zero meters... I'll leave it at that.

Shooting a 30-30 at 500 yards

Walking up to the target dinger

The details Correction- I mistakingly say the velocity is 1200 fps. The actual muzzle velocity is 1402 fps avg over my chronograph.

The owner of this ranch wanted to show me how it's done, this is his second shot.

GREAT fun!

400 yard shot video

2010-04-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

My little camera has some video capabilities but I haven't used them very much. I did manage to capture a little bit of our shooting fiesta, including the first hit on the 400 yard dinger.

The most fun with a 336 - ever

2010-04-16T21:16:00.001-07:00

The most fun with a 336 - ever

(Posted at Marlin Owners too but since some may not get over there, I'll post here too)

Last week I got the chance to get out of town with the 336 Cowboy (conversion) in 30-30 and put it through the paces. The snow has mostly cleared out of my place and the first signs of Spring are just starting to appear. I hadn't been over in several months so what better way to see the place than to take a few 2-3 hour walks with a rifle.

I took the 336 Cowboy Conversion with me that I’ve hunted with in its original configuration (20" Texan) and was curious what my impression would be with the longer 24" barrel. There is a noticeable weight gain. Not so much that it is burdensome and still much lighter (and thinner) than a scoped bolt rifle. I didn't limit myself to the trails and headed cross country into the thickets to test the portability. I must say I was quite pleased - with the loaded magazine the balance point is about a hand width forward of the previous (short barreled) point of carry so while carried in the hand the barrel protrusion isn't much if any more than the Texan. I did not test it carried vertically on a sling which I'm sure would have been more likely to catch on branches and uneven ground higher and/or lower.

One of the loads I took along while out scouting the ranch was the Lee 115 grain "Soup Can" bullet over a little (less than 3 grains) of Bullseye. It only jogs along at 850 fps but is very accurate. Out of the long barrel it is quiet enough for me (a half deaf carpenter) to shoot without ear protection and it didn't take me long to run through all the ammo I brought with me. I did shoot it out to 110 yards (lasered) but the bullet drop past 50 yards starts getting measured in feet, not inches. It looks like a perfect Grouse load as it shoots close enough to point of aim of my hunting loads out to 50 yards that I'm confident I can make clean and ethical shots on those tasty critters without sending a cloud of feathers into the atmosphere and leaving a greasy spot where he once stood.

The timing of my trip allowed me to drop by Wind’s place and we had ourselves a shooting fiesta before (and after) the next day's Silhouette match. I started dialing in my match load on the 200 yard Ram-o-matic dinger when he rolled out the newest addition to the shooting gallery - the 400 yard triple lung which measures 32" tall by 20" wide.

For perspective, this is looking back toward the firing line on the front steps of the shop.

He then proceeded to thump that thing with an 1895 Marlin Cowboy in 45-70 and a 114 year old Marlin 1893 in 32-40. Shooting off the sticks was too easy so he took a shot at it off hand with the 32-40 and rang it - though at the time we initially saw the lead splash below it before the clang made it back to us. I have a short video of that I can't figure out how to post. I also have some video of the hits and grins we endured during our arduous shooting session.

Off the sticks I was able to ring it easily with my 336 CB using the Ranch Dog 165 grain Bullet over enough 2400 to get me 1850 fps.

We finished off the day with a celebratory feast that included all three food groups; Meat, Taters and BEER (Moose Drool).

--------------------------------------------------
The next morning we joined up with a bunch of other lever gun enthusiasts to knock down a bunch of critters at various ranges.

Wind left his tack driving 30-30 in the safe and took the old girl (32-40) to the dance. Al the match director also decided to take style points over score and showed up with his century plus old Winchester 1873 in 44-40. Imagine the history and adventures those old guns have seen. Very cool.

We started on the Chickens and little did we know that the number 4 chicken in our lane was bullet proof. We both missed him... TWICE!

#4 Super Chicken, still standing despite our best efforts.

We had a grand time toppling those critters, even though it was cold and the wind picked up as the morning went along. With one shot left in the match this was ram was all I needed to break 30.... I choked... dern it!

The 165 grain Ranch Dog bullet/2400 load is plenty to topple the heavy 200 yard rams, even with less than ideal hits. I got this guy twice in the "unit" during the match and both times he fell. The other two hits were from a side match we had after the official competition was over.

In the interest of science we decided to end the Marlin vs. Winchester debate once and for all. The contest would pit four Marlin shooters (Wind and myself included) against four Winchester shooters, the first group to mow down five 200 yard rams wins. Needless to say we Marlin owners won easily and had our rams on the ground while two of theirs were still on the rails.

After being embarrassed the Whiny, er, I mean Winchester boys demanded a rematch, this time we'd shoot rams AND turkeys. I think Wind and I were the only Marlin guys left with rifle calibers and ammo but we were pretty sure it was still fair since they had to shoot Winchesters

At the "go!" command I touched one off that sailed over my Ram and levered in another, this time I planted a solid shot right in his middle and started looking for more Rams, Wind and his 1893 already had his ram down, the extra Ram and was working on our teammates rams before I got a bead on the last one standing. On to the turkeys the with our Ram distance zeros we all sent our first shots high. We got three down when the Winchester dudes dropped their last Turkey...

Looks like this argument will have to continue until we get a rematch...

Postal Matches

2010-04-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

I enjoy postal matches, especially the creative varieties. Over at http://postalmatch.blogspot.com/ there is such a match that is a lot of fun. I shot it today with the Single Six. Word of caution... READ the rules carefully. I thought I did great until I re-read the rules to score my target... OOPS! I can be such a doofus sometimes!

Even if you don't send in your entry, it is a fun match to do.

$5.95 - $1.00 (penalty for not "signing" my target) = $4.95

Happy Birthday THR Marlin 39 Club!

2010-03-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

Three years ago Nem started the thread that formed The High Road Marlin 39 club. In three years there have been almost 2700 posts across 107 pages. It's a rifle that a lot of folks have a passion for. I've made a lot of friends there and learned a lot too.

In the spirit of the Club I shot a 3x5 card (the official target of the very first 39 club shooting match) and inspired by what Captain Hardy did with his Model 1897 tried to write 39 on the card. It is a lot more difficult than it looks. I burned up some ammo getting two that were somewhat legible - if'n you squint just right that is...

The Captain posing with some of his art and a Marlin 1897.

A Pard's Century Limited

2010-03-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

A pard of mine scored a Marlin Model 39 Century Limited. It's a beaut and is showing signs its a good shooter. Later this Spring rimfire silhouette kicks off and with any luck we'll topple a bunch of critters with em. My goal is a combined 70. He might have to go 40 for 40 to get us there but I'm optimistic it's a possibility.

Model 39 vs. Bobcat

2010-03-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

Over at the Marlin Owners Forum K, posted some pictures of a Bobcat he harvested with his Marlin Model 39.

This Kitty was paying too much attention to the squirrel he was hunting and not enough time to the hunter hunting him. 1 shot through the lungs with a CCI standard velocity LRN did the job.

I'm not sure I would have taken that shot but you sure can't argue with the result.

38-55 Winchester

2010-02-24T06:46:00.001-08:00

Last year I sent one of my Marlin 336 Texans back to Marlin for the Cowboy Conversion in 30-30. When I got it back I was VERY pleased with the results.

The before picture

The after picture, the bottom rifle compared to a "real" 30-30 Cowboy

The idea of shipping my other 30-30 Saddle Ring Texan back into Marlin to get the 38-55 Win Cowboy Conversion has been rattling around in my brain for a good while... Luckily for my wallet Marlin quit offering it for a spell.

Last week on a whim I gave Marlin a call to see if there are any plans to resume with the conversions and the friendlly voice on the other end of the line said "Yes we are in 38-55."

So after a short debate with myself and some correspondence with my 'enablers' the Texan is on its way back to Marlin...

While not the most practical or economical choice... the 38-55 Winchester is an intriguing cartridge. Introduced in 1884 in a single shot target rifle and quickly earned a reputation for accuracy including the first perfect score recorded in a 300 yard match. It didn't take long to find its way into leverguns including the Marlin 1893 and was one of the orginal chamberings for the Winchester 1894 (along with 32-40). The Savage Model 99 also was chambered for this cartridge. The 38-55 is also the 'parent cartridge' for the 30-30 and the 32 Winchester Special (and a few others). Even today the old cartridge holds its own in Schuetzenfest competitions taking more than its share of gold medals.

In the metallic cartridge black powder era it was considered an excellent Deer and Black Bear hunting cartridge launching a 255 grain 38 caliber projectile at a bit about 1300 fps. With today's powders and firearms safe loads approaching 2000 fps have been published, though most top out around 1600 fps.

Since this is a new caliber to me it will require me to buy new dies, bullet molds (Ranch Dog's excellent TLC379-235RF is on its way here now) and Brass - which ain't cheap or free like 30-30 brass (though I may be able to fire form 30-30 brass...) The 38-55 Marlins have a reputation for being a bit finicky due to tight chambers and loose bores (the opposite has been my experience, especially with the 1894 and 1895 platforms) so I'm expecting some trial and error to get it ready for the field.

Mount St. Helens

2010-02-17T14:39:00.000-08:00

Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens is the most amazing place I've ever been. Beauty, power... magic. It is one of those places that resets your perspective.
This is what the Lava Dome looked like in the mid-1990s. It has grown a LOT since. Looking down into the caldera and seeing how much the mountain blew into the sky is hard to wrap one's mind around. The mountain is still very much alive - the near constant rock slides make that very clear. Looking eastward as far as the eye can see the landscape still wears the evidence of that fateful day May 18, 1980.

Standing on the rim. Before the morning of May 18, 1980 the mountain was 1,000 feet higher than where I am standing in this picture (circa 1995)

The climb there is not very difficult. Near the top the landscape becomes very abrasive, moon-like almost. Large pieces of pumice are surprisingly light and erode beneath boot treads.

Sadly, a climber fell to his death earlier this week from very near this spot.

SP101 sends a few more down range

2010-01-30T16:17:00.001-08:00

The testing of the SP101 continues.

USE LOAD DATA AT YOUR OWN RISK! ALWAYS double check data!

38 Special - Lee 358-158-RF cast with 20/1 alloy. Bullseye 4 grains (Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook Data), CCI 500 primer, Herters Brass. Averaged 765 fps and shot POA at 5 yards. Looks like it could be the most accurate load yet.

357 Magnum - Lee 358-158-RF cast with 20/1 alloy. Bullseye 6.6 grains (Lyman #48 Data), CCI 500 primers, Winchester Brass. Averaged just under 1100 fps and showed promising accuracy.

I've also been carrying IWB. So far it is very comfortable in positions 3 & 4. Easy access and draw. Comfortable, secure and the weight is mostly unnoticed.

Ruger SP101

2010-01-28T16:41:00.000-08:00

I'm admitting it - I'm just not a autoloader guy.

There is a lot to like - capacity, weight, size, speed...

I've owned two Glocks, I could NOT warm up to them. The 17 in 9mm is fun to shoot but man that is one dinky little cartridge. Sure there is quality SD ammo out there and can be had for a premium. Not practical for practice. Cast bullets were not recommended and they are about as ugly as a gun can be, completely lacking any "soul."

I tried a Glock 22 in 40 S&W. Same thing with a little more thrill and a little bigger holes. Using a leather holster seemed about as natural as hair on a frog.

Conversely a Colt Single Action Army/variation/replica has soul on steroids. Beautiful, points like the finger of God, shoots a Big cartridge that is easy to handle and fun to reload. Reloaders are spared the indignity of policing brass spewed into hard to reach places (always under some bench at the end of my reach it seemed). Reactive targets fall with authority. "There is something about the muzzle end of a 45 that says, Go away." Even the report is muscular. Launching 250+ grains of lead in the direction of a target doesn't rely on technology to create damage...

The down side is you have about 2.5 pounds of bulky steel to lug around. The Mernickle high ride holsters are outstanding but concealment in summer months is a stretch. They are slow to reload and the capacity is limited. I don't buy the slower to shoot arguement. I believe that a skilled shooter can get six shots off as fast as fast, more accurately and with a bigger bullet than an auto loader guy. Slow hits trump fast misses in my book. One is not limited by bullet shape or velocity to function reliably. Wyatt Earp said the most deadly were those that were deliberate and delivered accurate shots.

Enter the Ruger SP101. It combines reliability, magnum ability and portability. The obvious shortcoming - capacity.

With the availability shortage of primers my testing has been limited. I did test the Lee 358-158-RF bullet cast with 20/1 alloy. I tried three powders and in the snubbie Bullseye outperformed the bunch in both 38 special and 357 Magnum loadings. Using the Lyman Max data for this bullet weight and Bullseye produced a mere 690 fps average. It shot POA at 5 yards and was also very accurate. In 357 the Bullseye did well too. Even at sub maximal charges velocities topped 1100 fps withe the 160 grain bullet and was still very pleasant to shoot. The loads printed about an inch and a half over Point of Aim so the fixed sights could be challenging at longer ranges. We shall see once I find some primers...

Equality thanks to Sam Colt

2010-01-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

"God made man(kind), Sam Colt made 'em equal."

World Champion Kenda Lenseigne beat 'em all (the guys too) in 2009 with a pair of 45 Colts.
Photos by Brian Anthony:
Read the story
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100103/NEWS01/701039925

Winter Scouting - CSI Critterville

2010-01-02T10:48:00.001-08:00

Early in December I spent a wonderful day out scouting. The few inches of snow make tracking tracking critters using the area easy. Deer, Coyote, Turkey, Snowshoe Hare, Ravens and squirrels were the most common tracks.

I wondered into an area where I noticed an increasing number of Coyote tracks. The well used paths with variety of sizes indicated multiple dogs. The evening prior I was treated to long chorus of coyote songs by two separate packs, one unusually large group above me that I would guess had more than six members. The other group further down the hill sounded like no more than four.

As I followed their trails I began to suspected a kill may be in the area. After a short track I found a large area of flattened snow- much bigger than a typical bed.

There wasn't any obvious signs of a kill there though I suspect there may have been based on the concentration of Raven tracks. Any scrap that would surly have been gleaned.
A few yards later I found my first hard evidence - a doe sized spine/rib cage. Cougar kills I've found in the past were intact while the cat was feeding, Coyotes would come along later and tear it apart and scatter the remains. It looked to me like the Coyotes had discovered a kill.About ten meters from the spine section I found what looked like the kill site. There was a lot of blood including a depression where it pooled. I assume this is where the deer first succumb to the attack and where the feeding began.

Nearby were two other disturbed areas where the deer had been consumed, probably in separate parts based on fur color differences, intestinal contents (which were flattened by what looks like being rolled on) and the few small uneaten bits I could find. From what I observed I suspect was the larger section the carcass was further torn apart and dragged into other nearby feeding sites.

Not far from the Kill site, just outside the feeding areas I saw the Deer's last tracks and the spot I'm guessing it first came under attack. I backtracked and right up until deer was attacked it had meandered though the mixed woods and openings browsing as it went. The gait appeared healthy and based on the stomach contents at the kill/feeding sites, wasn't starving. Due to the suddenness of the attack and the short distance to the kill I suspect this Deer was killed by a Cat. Dogs who tend to run down their prey over long distances.

I didn't see any obvious cat tracks. The volume of Coyote tracks - virtual highways - could have obliterated them though. I also found two of what appears to be "fur balls", like what a cat hacks up.

Also there were areas that appear to me as "waiting areas" flattened snow, no blood, fur or bones with multiple beds in view of the kill site, as if the Yotes waited until the Cat left or had the numbers and nerve to drive it off.

I spent a few hours spiraling around looking for clues. What actually happened I will probably never now but it was fun trying to figure it out...

The Last of the Mountain Men

2010-01-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

Tomahawk posted this link over on the Bushcraft site

The Last of the Mountain Men

It is a very good read about Sylvan Ambrose Hart, aka Buckskin Bill. Some of his wisdom is imparted in the article.
"For the city man, life is just a jumble, like the facts in a college freshman's notebook. But you can ask me anything about nearly anything and I can answer, because I've had time to think about it."
"The good things a person needs—stubbornness, thinking for himself—don't make him a 'useful member of society.' What makes him 'useful' is to be half-dead. On weekends they open all the cemeteries and all those dead people march out. All the same sickly shade of hide, all sunken-eyed, not really seeing anything, just walking about because it's a weekend. Like I say, dead people. Then Monday—well, they don't all go back to the cemetery, where they belong. They ought to be honor-bound to go back where they'd be happier, the poor human ciphers lead such pitiful circumscribed lives."

"I work three, four hours before it gets hot, then maybe two more after the sun goes down," says Sylvan. "Or I might just stop and watch an otter play. If you lived in a place like this and had to work hard eight hours a day, you'd be a pitiful incompetent."

"These animals are the same as most people, or better," says Sylvan undefensively. "Go down Seventh Avenue in New York and you can see people, but you can't talk to them. You'd be better off seeing animals. Except you could talk to the animals without 'bothering' them."

"Lots of people live a whole lifetime," Sylvan observed, "without having a mountain lion in their garden."

"Now, what is there about buckskin you could get better on Park Avenue or Bond Street?" Sylvan continued, rhetorically, laying out a newer jacket for inspection, bullet holes in the leather neatly mended. "Just this: a cold wind is what kills you in the mountains, but it can't cut through a big stag hide. And buckskin protects you from thorns. Know what those fringes are for? Not for decoration. They let water run off faster, and they make you a poorer target by breaking up the outline."
"Now, bedding," Bill announced. "Here's an elk hide I tanned. That's as good for sleeping as anything. It's warm, the hair is hollow so you can stand to have it against you, and it doesn't absorb moisture."

But in that remote country, as Sylvan says, "even if someone didn't like you very well he was still kind of glad to see you."
"Oh, I'm patriotic," says Buckskin. "Ever' time a bald eagle flies by, I take off my hat."

Sylvan “Buckskin Bill” Hart (1906-1980) was a “modern-day mountain man”. He arrived on the Salmon River in 1932 during the Depression and remained until his death. His story is one of survival in the harsh environment of the Salmon River canyon. He raised his own food, built his own home, and created unique items to survive in the wilderness. The museum has a large collection of Buckskin Bill’s handmade artifacts including utensils, rifles, knives, and buckskin bags. Two books, A River Went Out of Eden by Chana Cox and The Last of the Mountain Men by Harold Peterson, tell the story of this Idaho loner.

The latest addition

2009-12-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

Sometimes good things happen without a plan. I had wanted one of these for sometime but never had the jingo when one became available. Now I want another.

I'm a sucker for octagonal barrels and classic lever lines. This is a Mountie size package that weighs a half pound less. Early testing is showing very promising accuracy - this may be the most accurate 39 I've owned so far.

Chronograph data:

Fed Bulk 1264 avg / 36.30 SD (Good Accuracy)
Federal Lightning 1225 avg / 24.83 SD (close 4th Accuracy)
Federal Champion 1204 avg / 16.4 SD (Promising Accuracy, 2nd best so far)
Aguila SE Subsonic 1024 avg / 14.83 SD (report noticeably quieter).
CCI SGB LFN 1235 avg (stated velocity on box) / 18.43 SD (Best Accuracy)
CCI CB Long 686 avg / 20.19 SD (very quiet, Fair Accuracy - worst of bunch)
CCI Mini Mag 1249 avg / 12.04 SD (close 3rd Accuracy)
RWS Target Rifle 993 avg / 14.21 SD (report noticeably reduced, Promising Accuracy)
Winchester Xpert 22 1219 avg / 17.26 SD (Promising Accuracy)

All of the ammo tested would shoot enlarged hole (all shots touching) groups at 25 yards except the CCI CB Longs. Some of the groups were very impressive. Testing at longer range should sort out which of these is the favorite. So far this carbine is not showing any signs of being finnicky.

45 Colt round ball load

2009-11-27T21:23:00.000-08:00

I decided to give the .454" round ball load another go in the 1894. My previous experiment produced excellent accuracy but a fair amount of gas blowback through the bolt. This time I seated the ball a little deeper into the case - 1.445" and used a .5cc Lee Powder Scoop's worth of Bullseye powder (USE AT YOUR OWN RISK - ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK RELOADING DATA).

The Sooting on the case and the gas blowback were reduced. The accuracy was excellent with this load too. The average Velocity was 891 fps but had a very wide extreme spread of 96 fps from High 921 fps to the Low of 825 fps.

The round balls I recovered from my dry sand backstop retained their shape for the most part. The rifling engraved on what would be the equator evenly so the they are not rolling inside the barrel. I placed the sprew mark down (south pole) and the balls flew straight and impacted without rotation on the northern hemisphere.

My next trip out to the range with the 1894 I'll test these out at 50 yards and see how they do. It looks like it'll do just fine at least to 25 yards. The Load prints just a little higher than my 255 grain RNFP and my 315 grain WFN loads Silhouette zero.

These loads cycle through the action and would probably make an excellent inexpensive "Cowboy load."

2009-11-11T19:49:00.001-08:00

I jumped at the chance to shoot without pouring rain, soggy targets and howling wind... I also wanted a chance to confirm my earlier findings. Here is how it went.

Weather; overcast and calm wind.

Rifle: Marlin 336 Cowboy conversion - Caliber 30-30

Started out at the 50 yard range with a cold clean bore using the SR4756 load (~1400 fps)/ Ranch Dog TLC 311-165 RF bullet to confirm the zero I had established on the previous range trip. The first shot was about 2" high, the next shot was 1" high and the next three made a nice little <7/8" triangle right at point of aim.

I fired another five shot group with the same load and it too shot point of aim but expanded to 1-1/8". Then another that printed POA inside of 7/8". This is the load I will use for for the Levergun Silhouette matches. Using the 5th notch and holding at the top of the back of the 200 yard Rams, it should topple them if I do my part.

Next up was a middle of the road load using the same excellent Ranch Dog TLC 311-165 RF bullet - weighs in at 177 grains with this alloy, lubed and gas checked over Hercules 2400 powder (current versions of this powder are now made by Alliant). Using the same sight setting as the previous load (3rd notch up from the bottom on the elevator ramp) this load printed 5" higher at 50 yards. The first three shots formed a 2" triangle centered on the bullseye. Adjusting the rear sight to the second notch the next 5 shot group printed 2-1/2" above the point of aim into a 2" group. Not exactly the accuracy I was hoping for but well within the realm of minute of Deer vitals out well beyond what I'd take a shot on a critter. Using Veral Smith's formula this load should also penetrate more than 40" of critter minus bones. A quartering away shot through the boiler room and the offside shoulder should produce a dead Deer sized critter within rock throwing distance of the hit.

A load that continues to impress is the 170 grain Oregon Trail Laser-Cast bullet over 5 grains of Red Dot powder. This load produced the best group of the day just over 1/2". Using the zero for the SR4756 load it prints 2" higher and 1" to the right. This load averages 1047 fps.

The Lee C309-113 F "Soup Can" bullet over 2.8 grains (a .3 cc Lee powder Scoop) produced 1-1/8" accuracy at 50 yards and using the SR4756 load zero printed the slightly left (~1/2") of Point of Aim. This load looks like it will be my "Grouse load" for this rifle. At 25 yards it prints ~1" above point of aim, putting the bead at the base of the neck should produce a clean kill with no destruction of the delicious meat. When hunting with this rifle I will have at least a Grouse limit's worth in my pocket. The report is rimfire like and the recoil non existent.

Returning to the SR4756 load it appears the 100 yard Zero is right at or just above the 4th notch. I did not shoot enough groups at this range to confirm that. Using my ballistic software I can estimate that the 150 yard zero is on the 5th notch and the 200 yard zero should be just below the sixth (top) notch.

I also shot two groups worth off hand. The front bead just hangs on the target and I was able to call my shots. It will give me NO excuses in the matches for misses... Good problem.

I am very pleased with the conversion and this rifle is fast becoming a favorite. Can't wait to get it back out to the range.

Rant - News Media Ignorance and Sensationalism

2009-11-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

I'm not a political pundit type but I can get amped up enough to rant once in a while.

"News" is entertainment now. Coverage is typically biased toward the most sensational and salacious. It is also evident that there is an underlying political agenda mixed in to go along with "journalists" with little if any actual knowledge or experience about what they are reporting on.

Among my biggest peeves are phrases like "cop killer bullets." ABC recently reported that the "alledged" shooter in the Fort Hood massacre used a "cop killer gun." What kind of CRAP is that? Would fewer have been killed if he had used a 'duck killer gun?" Sensationalizing the weapon overstates its importance in the crime itself. The "cop killer gun" could have just as easily have been used to protect those that were unarmed and at the mercy of a deranged murdering freak had they been allowed to carry.

Why not focus on the perpetrator. He alone is responsible for his actions. It was his choice to murder his brothers. His thought process was poisoned. He did not make a rational choice, achieve his desired goal or further his warped agenda. It is more likely his actions are simply another wedge that will widen the gap between his ideal and the reality.

The Main Stream Media (MSM) seems to be more focused on finding ways to excuse his behavior, which appears to be exactly what caused this incident in the first place. The heartbreak of the REAL victims and their families and friends is glossed over. The MSM is bent on spinning this to suit their agenda and bolster their ratings. What seems obvious to me is not reported. Our window to the world is tinted. What we see and what we are told are mearly fragmented truths packaged to shape a distorted reality.

I wonder if the DC sniper execution coverage will mention the hundreds of heartbreaks that he caused? Most likely they will portray him as a victim and a minority of freaks will hail him as a martyr.

Sorry for the rant. This just happened to be the most convenient venue to dump the bilge I've been collecting over the last week or so.

More time with the Cowboy

2009-11-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

On my second trip to the range with the 336 CB conversion I had hoped the weather would be better but it was not... More wind and even harder rain... I posted my targets at 50 yards and went to work.

The load that is emerging as the favorite is the Ranch Dog TLC311-165 bullet over SR 4756. The picture below shows three 50 yard groups each on a different notch on the rear sight elevator (2nd, 3rd and 4th up from the bottom). The point of aim was the bottom of the wide black ring. I'm sure the rifle will do better but in the pouring rain it was tough to see the target. I suspect the horizontal stringing was caused by my sight picture and/or wind pushing me around.

Fifty Yards, iron sights, front rested, wind rain ...

The Before Picture - 1976 336 Texan

The After Picture

The Lee 113gr bullet over SR4756 or Red Dot didn't fair as well at the longer range. The conditions may have played a part in that - the target was difficult to see in the low light, at times the rain was very heavy and the wind was strong enough it pushed me around on the bench. I will retest at a later date.

Tried a couple more loads.

2.8 grains of Bullseye under the Lee c309-113F averaged 828 fps with an extreme spread of 87 fps but was quite accurate at 25 yards - didn't try father.

17.5 grains of Hercules 2400 (Lyman & RCBS data)- I have a few pounds of this left... - under the Ranch Dog TLC 311-165 RF averaged 1854 fps with an extreme spread of less than 10 fps for the (short) string. The accuracy looks promising but won't know for sure until I can shoot at longer range. There was some minor leading evident. I suspect it was inadequate lubing - a (too) thin coat of Liquid Alox...

I'm having fun with this rifle. Just wish the wind and rain would let up.

The Cowboy (conversion) goes to the range!

2009-11-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

My curiosity always seems to get the best of me and I couldn't wait to get the new Marlin 336 Cowboy Conversion out to the range. Every cast 30 caliber bullet I could find in my reloading supplies was loaded and taken to the range. Here are the results (DOUBLE CHECK ALL DATA! USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!)

The first bullets down the barrel were the Oregon Trail 170 grain laser cast .310" RNFP bullet. A load that has proven accurate in all (five) of my 336's is 5 grains of Red Dot powder did in fact prove be accurate in the 336 Cowboy Conversion too. Averaging 1047 fps it produced the best group of the day. This was also the only bullet in this session that was NOT gas checked.

The next load tested was the Lee C309-113F ("Soup Can") over 10.5 grains of IMR SR 4756. I use this charge in my 45 Colts (Ruger and Marlin) and has a dedicated powder measure with that charge. 30-30 data shows I'm well under max pressure and used it as a starting point. The load averaged 1652 fps and also hinted at promising accuracy.

The "Soup Can" bullet was also tested with 3.3 grains (.5cc Lee powder scoop) of Red Dot Powder. At 30 yards the accuracy showed promise measuring .740" under less than ideal conditions, sitting position, poor light, wind and rain. The velocity averaged 856 fps.

My expectation for the Ranch Dog TLC311-165RF was high. It too has proven to be an accurate bullet in my Marlins and it proved to be so again. The weather limited the range I could shoot but I suspect this will be the bullet of choice for Hunting and Silhouette.

My 30-30 silhouette load for my other Marlin 336 Cowboy is the 10.5 grain charge of SR 4756. The new Cowboy conversion averaged about 50 fps slower than my original Cowboy but looks like it will be equally as accurate - perhaps more so, I'll have to tell you when I go 10 for 10 on the 200 meter rams The average velocity was 1402 fps. For those who buy into formulas, using the Veral Smith wound channel estimate for this load gets almost .80" - not bad for a soft shooting load. Shot selection would be critical for adequate penetration - probably stick to archery angles. Ideal would be 1" up to 1.25" wound channel for fast anchoring of delicious deer sized wild critters.

I also use the Ranch Dog bullet over 5 grains of Red Dot for Grouse loads as it typically shoots very close to full powder Jacketed bullet hunting loads out to 50 yards or so. In this rifle it averaged 944 fps which makes for a nice soft recoiling and quiet subsonic load. At 30 yards the group, including the flier was a little over 1/2". Throwing out the flier the group printed into one enlarged hole. It should make easy work for Grouse - still have till the end of the year to try it... - and it is a fun inexpensive plinking load - the gas check and the primer account for most of the cost but I still end up in under ten cents per round, or $2 a box.

Other observations:
-My eyes appreciate that extra 4" distance on the front sight.
-That 4" is noticeable maneuvering around the house, meaning less than ideal for HD. We'll see how that translates in the field later this month.
-It does feel heavier than my 20" 336's. Nice for target shooting, might not be so welcome after walking around with it for a few hours.
-No leading was detected while cleaning the rifle afterward.
-The throat is a bit tighter than my other Marlins - except for the SDT (now owned by Pine Cone). The driving band on the Soup Can bullet does engrave on the rifling.
-Octagon barrels look cool.
-I expect this rifle will do well at long range. There is plenty of sight ramp left to reach out to 300 yards and maybe beyond. Balistic calcs indicate I should be able to hold right on out to nearly 400 yards with the top notch setting using the "soup can" load. That doesn't mean it will but generally they aren't far off.
-To get the estimated wound channel I want for deer hunting using the Ranch Dog bullet I need to find a load that will get me over 1800 fps. That will be the focus of my loading the next batch of RD bullets.
-So far I am very pleased. Marlin returned a rifle that is beautiful and more importantly accurate.

45 Colt Moose

2009-11-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

Saw this over at the Ruger Forum.
Details:
"I picked up that SS NMBH at a local gunstore, used. I sent it off to Clements Custom 'smithing and he installed one of his taller custom front sights and replaced the rear sight with a new one. I then installed a Belt Mountain base pin and a local 'smith installed a stronger, albeit, uglier set screw to keep it in place.

The load is Starline brass, WLP primers, max load of Lil'Gun pushing the Cast Performance 335 gr WFNGC to 1150 fps. The shot was taken at 15 yds. He didn't go more than 15-20 yds."

-Alan

Marlin "Cowboy Conversion"

2009-11-04T10:03:00.000-08:00

My Cowboy Conversion just arrived!

This was the rifle I had converted. A 1976 vintage 336 Texan

2009-10-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

Range Report - 336 SRC w/ Lee "Soup Can" loads

The Rifle= 60's vintage Marlin 336 Saddle Ring Texan, 20" barrel.

The ammo= Lee 113gr RNFP Gas Checked bullet cast from Wheel Weights, Winchester twice fired Brass, Winchester Large Rifle Primers. OAL 2.330"

Conditions, overcast and very windy.

Powder (Use at your own risk. ALWAYS double check loading data with reliable sources!)

1) Red Dot powder - 5 grains (.7cc Lee Scoop) This was the only load that I shot plain based (no gas check). The load averaged 1140 fps, 1116-1148 spread. It was the least accurate of the loads tested. I may try to reduce this load further and see if it improves at all before giving up on it.

2) IMR SR 4756 - 10.5 grains. This load averaged 1604 fps, with a very narrow spread between the high and low for the ten shot string, 1597-1610. It was also impressively accurate, sub 1" group at 50 yards (throw out the flier and the best group was less than 1/2"). It prints ~ 2" lower than the "PapaJohn Load" at 50 yards with the same sight setting. The third notch up from the bottom on the rear sight elevator is POA = POI with this load. Each indent above and below = ~ 2" in Elevation at 25-50 yards.

3) Hercules 2400 17.5 grains. This load looks promisingly accurate too. The spread was a little wider 2013 - 2033. This load heated up the barrel pretty quickly, this rifle tends to start vertically stringing the groups when it gets hot and it was evident in the groups.

The conditions were less than ideal. The wind was blowing hard enough that it pushed my body around. Still this bullet looks like it is as accurate as its reputation.

If I get the chance I'll test it at longer ranges. I'm not sure what I'd use the load for other than "cheap" shooting (you get 60 of these per pound of lead). It would probably make a good Coyote load but is lighter than I'd want on anything bigger. The recoil is very soft with the first two loads and even the fastest load it was hardly noticeable. I'll have to let you know if it will tip over a 200 yard steel Ram silhouette when I get the chance to try it.. There was no leading evident.

Blacktails

2009-10-25T06:26:00.001-07:00

"Those that believe Whitetails are smart have never hunted Blacktails"

Generally I would say that is true, except during the rut...

We are blessed to have Mule, Whitetail and Blacktail Deer in this state. The Mule Deer is probably the most pursued inhabiting many of the popular hunting areas. Cougar predation has reduced their numbers and Mule Deer hunting regulations are the most restrictive - most areas requiring 3 points (western count) or better. Whitetail range is expanding and generally overlaps most Mule Deer range, especially in farming and more developed areas.

The Blacktailed Deer's range is on the west side of the Cascades, some say the only true (non-hybrid) Blacktails are west of I-5. Their habits are secretive and seem less adaptable to human development than the Whitetail. They haunt the thicker rain soaked forests and appear to thrive in younger mixed stands created by burns and clearcuts.

Yesterday while herding my neighbor's escaped cows I kicked up a nice 4 x Blacktail bedded down with a doe. I've not seen him before though I suspect I've seen his dad, grandpa and great grandfather in years past. All were beautiful specimens that usually met their demise during the rut.

After the cows were back where they belonged I went home to get my camera - I didn't have permission to hunt the property... so pictures will have to do. I went back to the area I saw him and sure enough he was still focused in on the doe. I got within rock throwing distance before he noticed me and stood up. He was a very cooperative photographic subject.

The Doe was similarly unconcerned and continued to feed but didn't feel like posing for any pictures.

As the photo session progressed I spotted another set of headgear strolling through the brush.

And then another.
The 4x is easily the nicest blacktail I've seen in a few years. He's got good body size - for a Blacktail - and he has a beautiful symmetrical rack with some nice brow tines.

Bobcat

2009-10-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning I was enjoying the view out of my cabin window when this dude strolled by.

He was in no hurry so I had time to grab the camera and take a picture through the window - the flash on the glass washed out a lot of the color but I did capture his image.

I believe he is feeding on the Turkeys (Merriams) that frequent the property. I've found a lot of fly tying materials thanks to him. I suspect he may be the reason we didn't see any deer on the property this trip.

Grousing around - insanity?

2009-10-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

Grouse hunting - is there a better way to spend a beautiful Autumn morning? I don't think so.
I hate to admit it but there is a Grouse that has eluded me on a regular basis. I know where he'll be, I know where he'll go and every time he manages to escape...

In a thicket, just up from the creek is the home of a Grouse that manages to outwit me on three consecutive hunts. I know right where he'll be. I even hear him rustling in the dry leaves - yet he is invisible until I move in... then he erupts into flight and escaping before I can even bring my rifle to my shoulder.

As I've written before, Grouse are hunting's equivalent of Bluegill fishing. Generally easy to add to the game bag and mighty tasty table fare. For some reason this one has proven very slippery. Perhaps after years of culling the stupid Grouse a super Grouse has evolved... Perhaps this one takes pleasure in my frustration, knowing that I'll come back, scan the area for relentlessly, eventually conclude he's not there and then have him thunder into the sky within feet of my muzzle and zig zags through the forest to the next hide, to which I follow him and repeat the strategy only to suffer the same result...

Honestly, I enjoy every second of it, even though it means admitting that I've been outsmarted by a creature with a brain the size of a pea. Yesterday was no exception and I fell for it again, hook, line and sinker. I can imagine him blogging about the hunter he's outwitted on at least three occasions... and how he'll do it again.

I'll be back there in a week to duel with him again. If you see a picture of him in the frying pan and some flies made of his feathers you'll know I won. If not, he's won again...

Actually, anytime I'm in the woods with 'my favorite Marlin' (model 39A Mountie) is a good day - even when the Grouse elude me... When the game is scarce or elusive I can always plink, which is nearly as much fun. This Alder leaf took three shots, offhand and was the only trophy I bagged this day. Not Boone and Crocket nor worth field dressing but was part of another happy memory of another happy day in the field with my Marlin.

Insanity = Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Bob's 2009 Bear photos + Rufous' Bear story

2009-09-19T12:13:00.001-07:00

Bob's Bear as he found him.

Back at Camp

----------------------------------------------

Rufous wrote about the Bear he tagged:
Well, I think I got him. Not certain that he is the biggest bear using the area but there was lots of big piles of poop in the area I took this guy.

I called in this male bear this morning in SE WA just east of Walla Walla where I live. He came in to about 10 yards away but I was not sure he was the big boy I was after (based on all the big piles of bear poop in the area). He got nervous and ran off but I was able to stop him by calling again at about 75 yards. After looking at him some more through my binocular I decided he was big enough and shot him with my 45 Colt revolver using the Beartooth Bullets 345 grain hard cast lead bullet. I hit him behind the right shoulder and the bullet exited. He only ran about 25 yards. I found him dead. He measures 65" long and has a 45" girth. His front pad measures 5" wide and his neck has a girth of 27". His teeth are pretty badly chipped. His 4 legs weigh 81# (my pack weighed 98# including my other gear). His live weight is approximately 275#. It was a mighty hard climb up a steep slope and through a bunch of brush and nasty, thorny rose bushes but I made it. Rufous

Rufous said he pushes that bullet to about 1200 fps using H110 (which should NOT be used in Colt or replica style single actions).

He has posted more pictures and details at the Hunting Washington Forum.

BUSH LIVING by Sharron Chatterton

2009-09-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Sharron eloquently puts into words the primal connection we have for wilderness. I hope this resonates with you as it did with me. Brilliant bit of writing.

BUSH LIVING by Sharron Chatterton
[Intro by Cliff Jacobson -- included in his book "Camping's Top Secrets
-- a lexicon of camping tips only the experts know"] "Sharron Chatterton
is a retired wilderness canoe guide, college instructor, and writer who
lives a contemplative life in a lakeside cabin near Teslin, Yukon,
Canada. Here she explains how the solitude and demands of bush living
shape the personality of those who live and work in wild places."

"The wilderness promotes traits that encourage survival. Surrounded by
the unpredictable and beyond rescue, wilderness travelers safeguard
unknown outcomes against disaster. Their goal is safe arrival to their
destination, not arrival by some time or date. Some "great feats" are
simply their cautious journeys."

"Wilderness makes an individual self-reliant -- able to function alone,
to perform all tasks independently, and to know the adaptive capability
of every tool. To the bush traveler, rescue is an urban myth -- there
are no buffers against irresponsibility! Wilderness dwellers accept what
is, not what was or ought to be. They plan carefully and they don't take
chances. Actions are purposeful; tasks are always completed. To use
energy on valueless projects or to leave important work undone is
unthinkable. There is too much to do to get bored."

"Long periods spent in silence creates an ease without talk, value for
the understandings that flow without language, and a need for silence.
Silence conserves energy, frees ones attention for more important work
and, lacking confrontation, creates gentleness. Simple wisdom breeds in
silence."

"Wilderness travelers become hyperalert and observant. The land exhibits
what happened, is happening, and might happen next to the ears, eyes,
nose, and skin. These sensors function in overdrive, constantly
receiving information. "

"Some believe that wilderness living breeds antisocial behavior. In
truth, the wilderness man or woman becomes asocial -- he or she has a
lingering love of society but little need for it. The wilderness, not
the nation that manages it, evokes their allegiance. This alienation
from political boundaries and reassociation with the natural world
defines the "wilderness heart."

"Survival is the hidden foundation of bush morality. It is what allows
one to kill animals to eat, blaze trees to mark a return trail, or
sidestep a slipper orchid. An experienced bush dweller learns never to
interfere with another. To pass without offering help is a cardinal sin.
To solicit help unnecessarily is another. Survival encourages
cordiality among neighbors -- you might have to depend upon one for
help."

"There are deeper effects of wilderness than those on human personality:
There is a growing need to reduce belongings, to hunt and gather, and to
be nomadic. Nature -- not other humans -- controls the routine. There
is a growing intimacy with animals and with death. Consciousness passes
old barriers and metaphysical experiences occur. Wilderness rearranges
behavior, reconfigures mental constructs, and transforms the inner self
forever."

"Yet personality change is what we first perceive in committed wilderness
travelers. We see it in epic soloists, long-distance trekkers, and in
those who work in wild places -- guides, researchers, and itinerant
wanderers. In fact, all of us, even we who paddle a simple slough alone
or walk a dog along the bluffs -- even farmers, loggers, and deep sea
fishermen whose wilderness experiences we consistently deny -- have
personalities deeply marked by wilderness."

2009 Season underway

2009-09-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post the 2009 season is underway for Bear, Grouse, Archery Deer and Archery Elk. It is proving to be a season to remember.

My sister tagged a fork-horn Whitetail over at her property to go along with the Bear her husband harvested which by the way was delicious!

Bear Backstraps!!! A little salt and pepper and you have yourself some fine eating!

Not everyone realizes how good Bear is as table fare. For those who haven't tried Bear before you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the best beef you've ever had and a properly prepared Bear steak. The sausage is also VERY good. No need to add a bunch of pork fat either, this time of year they come with plenty of their own.

While out scouting our place I came across a lot of bear sign this time. There are at least two bears - one of which is very large based on his scat (I'll spare you the picture) , tracks and witness accounts. Their eating a lot of Kinnikinnik right now which I guess is pretty fattening. Lewis and Clark described Kinnikinnik as a insipid and I would tend to agree though the First Nation's people ate them.

Kinnikinnik
A very common plant in this area.

I spent a few hours each day scouting and hoping to get a shot at some Grouse. Anytime I was near the creek I would kick up one or two but never had a good shot. It is obvious that the gene that made them only fly a short distance to nearby cover has been culled out of them by my efforts in previous years. These guys would flush and not land until well out of sight or ear shot...

I didn't see the bachelor group of Whitetail bucks I've seen regularly earlier this year. I did see an Whitetail doe with a fawn and a spike that may have been her previous year's fawn browse through near the creek. I have not seen many Mule Deer in the area. Perhaps the Cougar cleared them out of the area last year. I found three Cougar kills on the property last year, all Mule Deer does. Two of them had fawns so I suspect they didn't make it either.

This is one of the kills I found. I had noticed the drag marks through the brush the previous month but it didn't occur to me at the time that it was a Cougar kill until I found the other kills the next month. When I went back I found another Deer, mostly complete skeleton, the coyotes had unburied it and they, the birds and the bugs had it mostly consumed by then.

The weather was quite warm, even at night the temperature stayed above 50*F. The daytime temps reached the upper 80s. Summer-like. I suspect when it begins to get colder many of the patterns I observed will hold. Still it was very enjoyable to get out and have a look around.

Bears - part 2

2009-09-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Around here the First Nations people revered the Bear for his strength and learned humility. They are prominently featured on totem poles, sculptures, jewelry, masks and in stories passed from generation to generation as part of their oral tradition.
Bears are considered masters of the forest and their connection to humans is highly respected. When a Bear was killed he was taken to the house of the Chief and treated as a guest of honor. Eagle down was sprinkled on them in a welcoming gesture, dances and prayers were offered to honor and thank the Bear's spirit.

My exposure to this culture both as a boy and now within my family has influenced my appreciation for the Bear. To see one in the woods is good medicine. Harvesting a Bear is a spiritual experience. Respectfully utilizing its gifts (hide, claws, bones) and consuming it pays homage to its spirit and enriches my own. It is a part of hunting that is difficult to explain to those who do not hunt. Hunting isn't about the kill, its about life and living it. I can think of no other venture that more clearly illustrates our connection to and appreciation of nature than hunting. The First Nations people knew it and it is integral part of their culture. Those of use lucky enough to have been exposed that perspective experience hunting in a way that seems as natural and important as breathing.

The artwork posted here was inspired by the original art of the Haida and reproduced here in honor of that nation and the Bear it represents.

Bears Down!

2009-09-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

This has been one heck of a season for Bears! Brent, Tony, Bob, CT, Pasco, Bull (Idaho), Lewy, Cory ... Am I forgetting anyone?

Bob just got his yesterday on his way out to his Deer stand. It looked like he might of had a mind to do some camp raiding - headed straight for camp - and Bob put an arrow right where it goes. Didn't go 20 feet before expiring. Big fella too. Hopefully I'll have some pictures soon.

Tony anchored his too with his 300 Win Mag. The problem was he was alone and the bear was downhill. By his account it was vertical... My guess is he's exaggerating but that country is plenty steep - especially dragging a critter with no handles on him. The story gets even better though... He was on his bike so he loads the bear head over handlebars, front feet tied together ahead of the headset and ended up using pillow cases he had to secure the rear feet behind the saddle... Then saddled up on the bear and ROAD HIM HOME!!!

Cory took his with a bow too. After 9 hours in his stand he had given up and was on his way back to the truck when he hears a grunt on the trail ahead of him. He stops, knocks an arrow and a cinnamon colored black Bear appears twenty yards in front of him and he delivers the arrow right through the boiler room.

CT shot one near a campground and when they gutted him he was full of hotdogs and Kraft singles...

Pasco was calling (rabbit call) trying to get another Bear into range when another came in behind him. Had just enough time to knock an arrow and put a good shot in him.

I've never called Bears before but I've heard or a number of guys having success with it this year. Just remember to watch your six!

Looking forward to lots of sausage this year!

Tenkara

2009-09-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Saw this at Troutrageous.

I love to fish little skinny water but rarely get the chance. I may have to try this next time out. I would also be an excellent technique for emergency fishing.

Other Hunters

2009-08-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

While out scouting I came across another hunter. He was so intent on his quarry that at first he was oblivious to me. I watched the pursuit as he chased young squirrels out of their den and down the stump. As they were about to be captured they would leap off of the trunk and down to the ground. There they were either caught and mortally wounded or retreated back into the old snag and then pursued again. This repeated until the hunter was satisfied the den was cleared of its occupants.

A short tailed Weasel in pursuit of a young Douglas Fir Squirrel.

I was not aware Weasels were such skillful climbers or that they hunted prey as large as a squirrel. I was impressed how adroitly and methodically he hunted. He was relentless and fierce even made a threatening gesture to me when I moved in to take pictures. I did not wish to interfere with his hunt, but my curiosity drew me closer.

Witnessing nature in action is fascinating. Through my human emotional filter the method seemed cruel (but effective), plus it was obvious he was unlicensed, hunting out of season and was not concerned with limits. He was hunting for his own survival and if I were to intervene could result in his death.

Nature is indifferent. Death benefits the living - whether that is a tree that becomes a snag or a juvenile squirrel becomes a meal for first the weasel and the leftovers are consumed by the bugs. The circle of life, unbroken. Those that thrive require the demise of others. Witnessing this happen reminded me that we too are part of that cycle - it was good medicine.

Taurus 1911 / Crimson Trace - Range Time

2009-08-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

I am not a big auto-loader fan nor am I a fan of Taurus firearms but the Taurus PT 1911 is a winner. To be honest, the difference between it and the Kimbers I've owned is negligible except for the price - the Taurus being hundreds of dollars less. All things being equal I'd still take the Kimber but man, this Taurus is really winning me over.

So far I have not found a round the PT 1911 won't feed. RN, FP, TC, and SWC styles seem to cycle through with ease. The accuracy is on par with the best 1911's I've ever shot. It has a very good trigger and some "extras" like beaver tail, ambidexterous safety and 8 shot magazines.

Another extra that didn't come stock on the gun but was thrown in on the deal was the Crimson Trace laser grip sights. The sights are VERY easy to use, simply grip normally and they are on. A small sensor button under the bird finger triggers the laser. Sighting in is easy - simply sight in the pistol with the stock sights, then move the dot to point of aim with the micro allen wrench provided. Both 200 and 230 grain loads print point of aim in this gun. The laser dot is easy to pick up out to 25 yards in sunlight and even beyond if your eyes are good. Out beyond 15 yards the POI begins to drift off of POA but only slightly. If you do your part the bullet will impact within an inch of the dot.

7 yard Targets
Left with CT - 8 shots
Right with Irons - 5 shots

View from the firing line

The laser won't overcome poor technique but inexperienced and infrequent shooters will have an easier time hitting the target with the laser sights.

As a 'control' I shot a five shot group with my Ruger New Vaquero. Had four of em in the enlarged hole before sending the flier outside the group. I think with practice I could improve the PT 1911 groups but at the moment I still shoot the RNV better than anything else I own.

Wanting to get a little silhouette practice I brought the Mountie. I was playing with some new ammo Federal Lightning, a high velocity 40 grain LRN bullet that was the first brick of 22lr I've seen in months... so I gave it a try. So far the Cheaper Fed Bulk ammo has proven better but I need to give it a few more trys before I'll post a verdict.

Of course since I had a 50 yard target out there I had to punch a few 45 caliber holes in it. The RNV again was able to ventilate the bullseye quite impressively with even the fliers still solidly in the vitals. I was also not able to resist busting up some clays on the berm ~ 65 yards away. Dang that is fun.

View of the 50 yard target

The new 45 Colt load = a north of the border charge of Red Dot under a 255 grain RNFP cast bullet prints a little higher than my SR 4756 load in the RNV. I'll do another batch or two before commiting to a new load but it does show a lot of promise. 255 grains at nearly 950 fps is comfortable to shoot and doesn't exibit any drop out to 50+ yards - just put the post at the bottom of the bull and squeeze. It would be mighty fun to tip over some steel critters with that gun...

August 2009 Cowboy Silhouette

2009-08-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

The Cool way to arrive. I'm sure in some parts of the country seeing bikers with rifles would generate some 911 calls... Here the good guys can still have guns too

Good turn out for the morning rimfire session.

Commence Firing!

R and W putting the hurt on steel. Notice the bullet holes in the barrel - sometimes they shoot back ;^)

Match director and Great guy A hammering the Rams. Al tied for first in both matches but was edged out in shoot-offs.

100 year old Winchesters still on the job - contending and winning matches.

Gear Review: STove +

2009-08-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

Coleman Website Photo

I've had a Coleman Peak 1 whitegas stove since ~1980 that is still going strong. I use it extensively for backpacking, melting wheel weights into ingots and occasionally boiling water for a Dungeness Crab feast. For those purposes it has served me well.

More recently we needed a multi-burner unit for our outdoor excursions and I reluctantly gave in to the convenience of the disposable propane fueled units after learning they could be refueled. We bought the Coleman PerfectFlow InstaStart stove at Cabelas for less than $50. The unit is lightweight and compact but it opens up to create a roomy cooking surface capable of bringing large pots of water to a boil quickly.

It is easy to light but isn't as instant as the name implies usually taking a few pushes of the sparking button. The Windscreens work well to protect the flame from wind and the stove itself is very stable if a flat surface is available.

The burn time of the propane canisters averaged four meals including heating the dish water - not real economical or practical for regular use but more convenient and cleaner than the liquid gas versions. I learned of a fitting that would allow refilling of the disposable containers from refillable bulk tanks. It is called the MacCoupler and it is also available for ~$20 through Cabelas.

Since we use this stove for more than 100 meals each year I purchased the MacCoupler and found it to work very well. I have found that chilling the "disposable" container in the ice chest before refilling more fully fills the container. Also inverting the bulk tank is important. After repeated refillings the MacCoupler has paid for itself and I am pleased with the purchase.

Ruger Single Six

2009-08-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ruger Single Six (Ruger Catalog Picture)

About the biggest grin you'll ever seen is the moment your son/daughter, nephew/niece (who have the maturity and experience) gets permission to go plinking on their own. Due to the deliberate nature of single action shooting and robustness of the gun a Ruger Single Six a dandy gun for such an occasion. For many of us the Single Six was our first experience with a cowboy six shooter and it didn't matter how old we were, it was fun!

Over the years I've had five of them in barrel lengths of 4-3/4" to 6-1/2". Without exception they were good shooters. For one reason or another I traded them off but always kept at least one.

Meat Makers

Besides being good for inexpensive practice they are good hunting rifle companions. When hunting with a centerfire rifle I typically take the Single Six along to take Grouse I happen upon.

Equiped with the 22 Magnum cyclinder they are capable of Coyote sized critters or bigger in a survival situation. The Federal 40 grain WMR ammo clocks just under 1400 fps over the Chronograph which is better than all but the hyper velocity 22lr ammo out of 22 rifle. A Single Six with both cyclinders and a few boxes off ammo weigh right around three pounds and make a handy addition to the BOB.

Rimfire Cowboys

With most 22 lr ammo the velocity hovers around 1100 fps which is usually between 100 and 200 fps slower than it will do in a rifle.

25 Yard Target

The New Model Fixed Sight version is a VERY nice little six shooter. The grip is smaller but not too small. It is probably the prettiest Single Six ever made.

The Single Six can usually be had for under $300 used and there are a bunch of them out there. The best deals are from guys that prefer to burn through one magazine after another and find the Single Six too slow to reload. I guess they haven't seen my nephew burn through a brick with mine...

Late ADD: Single Six Chronograph Data 4-5/8" barrel
Federal Bulk 37gr HP = 1110 fps
Aguila SE Subsonic, 40 HP = 923 fps
CCI CB Long = 573 fps
CCI Mini Mag 40 grain Solids = 1063 fps
CCI Blazer 40 grain Solids = 1012 fps

CCI Maxi Mag (22 Mag) 1280 fps average
Federal 40grain FMJ 1387 fps

Mountain Bike Scouting

2009-08-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

Before I get started on this post I want to thank everyone for the questions and correspondence. I'm amazed by the response my last few posts have generated. I would also like to encourage those interested in Mountain bikes to read The Ultimate Bug Out Vehicle posted over at the Nova Scotia Preppers Network. It is a Terrific series on bikes (and some great gardening articles as well) and their practical day to day use. My experience echoes those in the post and I predict you will find them very helpful.

Back to Scouting on a bike.

Today (and yesterday) I spent some time in the saddle exploring the areas in proximity of my residence. One of the areas I scouted was another big block of State land (this one is managed by the State Parks) that is popular with campers, hikers, geocachers, cyclists and beachcombers. It has been a while since my last visit, mainly due to the amount of pavement I have to ride to get there. I was pleased to have the trails to myself and discover a new trail had been added to the lake.

The topography is more severe but the trails are less technical - even buff by singletrack standards. Again today I came across a variety of wildlife that didn't detect me until I was very close to them. A rabbit feeding along the trail bolted at the shock of discovering there was a human a few feet away. Also I came across deer again and this time I had my camera.
Just as I was exiting the trail onto the reservoir road I saw this little doe as she stepped out onto the road just ahead of me. I stopped and she stood frozen looking back at me wondering what I was. I slowly raised my camera and took a picture, and several more that all look the same as this one as we watched each other over several minutes. Eventually her curiosity got the best of her and she moved closer until she could wind me and then hopped off into the thickets.
In a couple of hours I covered a majority of the trails and gated roads in the nearly 600 acre park, saw a number of critters, got some exercise and learned more about the area I live. They say the best view is "between the ears of your horse..." I would amend that to include another saddled mode of transportation - the Mountain Bike.

Mountain Bikes - Part 2

2009-07-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

My one second of fame in the movie "Practical Magic" as a bike riding extra.
I'm front right on the red and yellow Cannondale.

Interestingly my post on Mountain bikes has generated a number of emails. In this post I will try to address some of the questions raised and clarify my reasoning.

On suspension: I raced XC and Downhill Mountain bikes from the late eighties to until 1999. Suspension forks and later full suspension bikes were evolving at an incredible rate. They greatly improved the comfort and speed on can travel off road on a bicycle.

My reasoning for choosing to use a rigid fork is the simplicity, reliability and ease of mounting fenders and racks. They are also quieter, lighter and require no maintenance. They are superior on the paved sections of my ride. Speed is less of a virtue for my bicycle needs these days.

I am also a bit of a “retro grouch.” I appreciate the simplicity and enjoy the challenge of riding a bicycle off road where I am challenged to pick good lines and maintain momentum.

One of my favorite bikes is a SINGLE speed – fully rigid Mountain bike – I had a local frame builder install track “fork ends” (horizontal rear dropouts) so I could run different gears on my Phil Wood “flip-flop” rear wheel (one fixed, one freewheeling) without chain tensioning devices. There is great satisfaction in cleaning a difficult section of trail on a single speed mountain bike. I was a skeptic before I tried it. Now it is my preferred recreation cycling method.

For all around general purpose use, a multi-geared rigid Mountain bike is difficult to beat.

On Frames and Components: I’ve owned and raced Steel, Aluminum (Cannondale & TREK) and Carbon Fiber (early Generation TREK and GARY FISHER OCLV frames) bikes. All – just shy of three dozen in a little more than three decades - were terrific bikes. My stable (down to six bikes – 3 mountain, 1 touring, 1 road and a tandem) is now purely steel (Reynolds and True Temper Tubesets). For value and durability, steel is the deal.

My Gary Fisher ProCaliber LTD

OCLV Frame - Machine Tech and Shimano Components (circa 1994)

For Mountain Bike components I use a mix of mostly Shimano XT-Hubs, Derailleurs and shifters (old school thumb, bar-end and down tube). Cranks are LX, XT, Ultegra and Dura-Ace. For my general purpose bike I like the ancient Suntour XC “bear traps” because they work well with boots. My other bikes sport Time (MTB) and Speedplay (Road) “clipless” pedals. This is a personal preference – I like plenty of “float” and in the case of the MTB Time pedals, reliability in the mud. Even more important than the frame is a good wheelset. I build my own wheels using Mavic and Bontrager Rims because of theirreliable quality. I prefer double wall-eyeleted-welded seam rims with a machined braking surface. I have wheels that are nearly 20 years old. When they fail it is from braking surface wear. I lace my wheels three-cross for durability and typically run a 36 spoke rear on all but my racing bikes. Wheelsmith and DT spokes are the best in my opinion. I use brass nipples and coat threads with linseed oil while building. Rarely do I need to true the wheels. Brakes - I use Old School cantilevers for their ease of use with fenders and the modulation adjustability. I hear the modern disk brakes are much improved and I would probably use them if and when I ever have to rebuild a wheelset.

Carrying a Firearm: To be honest I have not found the perfect solution to that issue. With rifles it comes down to comfort vs. interference with pedalling or mobility. Using a sling or Kifaru Gun Bearer usually wins out if I am hunting. The handlebar mounted racks are a pain on narrow trails but are more comfortable. A scabbard lashed onto the bike can interfere with pedalling, mounting dismounting or field of view.

For handguns perhaps the most comfortable and easy to access is a lightweight and smaller handgun. I've tried holsters, both tanker style and belt carry. They work OK but when riding hard, prespiring and juking around obsticles I found them less than ideal. Handlebar bags work well if you find one with easy access and protection from spray thrown up by the front wheel.

Mountain Bike - A very useful tool

2009-07-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

This morning I rode my Mountain Bike on some nearby State land. It is a nice block of mostly 2nd and third growth forest, a marsh, abandon logging roads and trails (aka single track). There is some technical riding but not a lot of vertical deviation.

Soon after I arrived and within a quarter mile of my tires hitting the dirt I rode up to a Blacktail doe. I stopped and watched her for a while until she figured out what I was and hopped away. The trail I was on looped away and then switched back to the direction she retreated so I speculated I may see her again - sure enough I spotted her again looking back where I had spooked her. I rode within 25 yards of her before she spooked again. I had forgotten how stealthy a mountain bike can be.

Before I could ride another half mile I spotted another Blacktail and within a half mile of that I spooked another. When I spoke with hikers in the area I asked them if they were seeing any deer. None of them had...

In the past I have noticed I see a lot of game while riding. Usually a good thing but one time I rode right between a sow Black Bear and her cubs... Luckily I was well past her before she took notice. I've used the mountain bike to access remote hunting areas in the past. A Forest Service gate was a welcome sight, barring motorized travel but allowing access to those willing get out or off of their vehicles. Covering a lot of ground quietly makes it ideal for forest grouse that are common sights on and along forest roads. Even when spooked they rarely go far. If my tag is filled or I've given up on an area I will take a Grouse with my sidearm or a reduced load in my rifle.

It is just about time to start scouting and I can think of no better way to cover ground and see game from a highly mobile and quiet machine. With Bear season just a week away, it was a good reminder of how useful a mountain bike can be for hunting.

My general purpose bike. Because I live in the Pacific NorthWET fenders greatly inprove comfort while riding in the rain. I use the old style "thumb shifters" so I could canibalize any 26" rear wheel regardless of the rear cluster - 5 speed 7 or 8 speed, even nine speed if I could also salvage a chain and crankset) and still shift in friction mode.

This is my Touring bike. It is a converted mountain bike that I switched out the handlebars, brake levers and shifters. I have a front rack and front panniers that help me extend my range - water is usually the limiting factor - and the rugged frame and wheelset can handle the roughest dirt roads.

More Battering of the Rams - Not!

2009-07-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

This silhouette game is addictive, Geoff and Wind are my enablers on the eastern side of the state. I met a gentleman named Paul that invited me to try it on this side at the Custer range and is now my western enabler...

The range is very nice - sorry I forgot my camera . Covered line, concrete pad, benches, PA, buzzer, lights... even a kid that rides out on his quad to set the Rams and Turkeys. 16 participants for the pistol caliber and 12 for rimfire. Nice folks - most shooters are - and very welcoming. I'd encourage others in the area to give it a roll. Cost is $7 / match.

I didn't get everyone's name. I was paired up with a friend of Wind's named Dan S. - good guy and we managed to stay out of contention by battling for the "vegetarian" (least critters hit) honors. Paul, my enabler won both matches with some ancient WWI vintage rifles that were about the same age as he is... The Winning scores were in the low thirties and top threes in the high twenties. Great fun.

On the upside I managed my first ever clean sweep, tipping all ten boars in the pistol caliber and I managed to improve my Turkeys to 6 compared to the 1 I hit in Tonasket a couple of weeks ago. Stunk it up on the rams for some reason. The 45 Colt 255 grain RNFP sure makes the chickens dance.

Sorry I didn't "represent" for the Tonasket guys very well. I think we'll need to import a ringer like Wind or Geoff to give a more accurate (pun intended) representation of what the Tonasket guys can do.

They do a couple of matches a month up there including the long range rifle calibers. I'd highly recommend visiting and giving it a try to those within driving range.

Cowboy Silhouette

2009-07-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

With the temperature predicted to reach 100 degrees it was decided to eliminate one of the two silhouette matches for the day. You could choose which - rimfire or pistol caliber. I chose the rimfire with the Marlin Mountie because I shoot it the most.

I had a rough start with the chickens, only six and then started to get on track with the boars, nine before struggling with the turkeys, ONLY ONE TURKEY! Yikes! I shot six rams in a row and finished with 8. Knocking down 24 out of 40 is good for me, the winner managed 31 and a few other guys had mid to upper twenties. Al - the match director - shot 38 out of 40 in the pistol caliber class. Except for the heat, no excuses.

I did get a few pictures even though I was participating.

The Captain, friend and all around good guy partnered up with a rookie he's encouraging into the sport and still managed a competitive score.

Next time, Wear a hat - baked myself. HIT more Turkeys!! One shot at a time!

Marlin 336CB Cowboy

2009-06-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

The more time goes by, the more my eyes appreciate longer barrels. I'm holding out as long as I can before I scope my leverguns and I'm finding that means getting the front sight out a bit further than the carbine lengths. A range session with the 16" barreled 336SDT really strains my eyes. Conversely the sight picture on the 24" Cowboy is easy. Looks like before too long I'll either have to scope or sell the SDT to conform with my 'If I own it, I shoot it policy.'

Not that I'm admiting defeat but I've even sent one of the 336 Texan's in for the "Cowboy Conversion" - 24" octagon barrel and forend. I haven't heard back yet but I'm optimistic they'll be able to do the conversion - I'll write a full report when/if it happens.

A lot of us enjoy the quick handling and portability of a carbine. We spend more time carrying it than shooting so it really excells for field use. The downsides are muzzle blast, increased report, shorter iron sight radious and a small velocity penalty with some loads.

Now that I own both extremes the contrast is more evident, and the longer barrel is winning me over. Offhand the front sight just seems to hang on the target. The long sight radious doesn't require me to squint. The report, especially the subsonic loads, is greatly reduced. The chronograph has higher numbers and the gap in velocity is higher at the full power levels. Another bonus is the extra-cartridge or two that can ride onboard - "load on Sunday, shoot all week."

There is a small weight penalty and I've complained in the past about hunting thick stuff with longer barrels but my view on that is softening and I may take one of the Cowboys hunting this year.
A fun "Gallery Load" that shoots well at out to 25 yards and OK out to 50 is a '0' buckshot over 3 grains of Bullseye. It is very quiet and averages just over 1000 fps.

45 Colt load for the Ruger New Vaquero

2009-06-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

My favorite packin around gun is the Ruger New Vaquero in 45 Colt. Not only is it beautiful it is capable - from putting Grouse on the menu to the peace of mind that comes with the cartridge that made all men equal - thanks Sam Colt. I sleep well knowing that whatever pokes its nose in the tent better have an invitation.

"Nothing says go away like the muzzle end of a 45." - unknown

My keg of SR 4756 is now empty... A powder I just happened onto turned out to be a real winner in my 45 Colts. Thousands of rounds and many smiles later I'm contemplating purchasing another Keg (= over 4,000 carges / keg). It meters well in my Lee Perfect Powder Measure, it is fluffy so fills the case nicely and a double charge is easy to spot and it is one of the cleaner powders I've tried. Bullseye, W231, AA#5, SR 7625, and Unique... all worked at least OK but had at least one drawback or lacked good data in 45 Colt.

A friend recommends Hodgdon Tightgroup. It is supposed to meter well (but might not fill the case enough to make a double charge easy to spot), isn't temperature or position sensitive and it is economical (few grains / fps). The reason I haven't tried it is the most popular powders have been sold out since the Presidential elections - primers , bullets and brass too...

A powder that I still come across and have had success with is Red Dot. I still have some so I gave it a try. Under the 255 grain Lee bullet it has really excelled with single digit standard deviations, promising accuracy and clean burn. While it doesn't seem to meter well it does Scoop (Lee Powder Scoops) very consistently - I still weigh every charge. Red Dot is typically at the bottom of the price scale too... coupled with lower weight charges = inexpensive shooting.

At the range today it continued to impress. Under a 255 grain RNFP cast bullet I was able to find a load that shot Point of Aim = Point of impant while averaging 935 fps with single digit SD. This load is a bit north of the published data but there were NO signs of excessive pressure. The primers look normal and the cases fall easily from the cylinder. As a bonus the load burns cleaner than my favorite SR 4756 load. The results are good enough that I will continue testing and may consider changing my go-to 45 Colt powder to Red Dot.

On an off topic note; 22lr ammo has been non-existent for months. On occasion I come across some CCI Mini-Mags for about $8/100. YIKES!!! Using the prices I paid for components (not counting my time or the brass) I'm shooting 45 Colt for less - paying $0.25/ pound for lead = ~ $0.01 per bullet, Primers last cost me less than $30 / 1000 so <$0.03 each and a paying $20 / lb for powder costs me less than $0.02 per charge. Hard to believe that shooting 45 Colt is cheaper than 22lr... My current reality...

Marlin 1895 LTD III

2009-06-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

Marlin's most perfect 1895 - the LTD III

The day it arrived I couldn't wait to get it to the range and took what ammo I had on hand, here is the first range report.

First up was some 405 grain Laser-Cast RNFP PB over a 25 gr charge of SR4759 (always double check your data ) a WLR in a Starline case. This is a (or used to be) fairly economical load so I shoot it a lot. Within a few shots I had it sighted in and was shooting open sight POA = POI @ 50 yards. Grouped consistently ~1-1/2" front rested with open sights.

A five shot string over the chronograph averaged 1388 with a standard deviation of 11.87

Next up I shot up what I had left of some 425gr bullets I cast last summer. The RANCH DOG TLC-460-425 RF has proven to be accurate in all of my 1895's (four of em) and proved to be in this rifle too. With the same charge of SR4759 as above in Starline cases (with 12 reloads on them) it chugged along a 1374 with a standard deviation of 7.68. These bullets were Gas Checked and Lubed with Lee Liquid Alox and sized to .460"

After those were gone I pulled out five leftover from last hunting season 425gr Beartooth Bullet "Pile driver Jr" over a 37gr charge of IMR 4198. These showed promising accuracy and averaged 1573 fps with and SD=38.47. This is about the limit of recoil I'd consider shooting off the bench without padding. It wasn't punishing but it was stout.

All of three of the loads above printed very nearly the same at 50 yards with this sight setting.

Lastly I shot some plinker loads using the 405 gr LC bullet over some 8 grains of Bullseye (Data on www.gmdr.com ) with WLR primers in WW cases. These loped along at 858 fps average with a SD of 6.08. Accuracy was the worst of the bunch spreading out over 2" and printing a full 6" higher at 50 yards with the same sight setting. Very mild recoil.

I think I'm going to like this rifle. It has the aesthetic quality of the Cowboy and the handiness of the Guide Gun with an extended mag tube. I have some Hornady 350's, some Remington 405s some more cast bullets yet to try including some 300 grainers. I'll let you know how that goes too.

Special Thanks to 2ndovc for answering all my questions and convincing me I needed one of these.

Marlin 336

2009-06-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

These things keep following me home

Range report re-posts

2 December 2007 - This was my first trip out with this rifle. The 170 grain Sierra and Oregon Trail Laser-Cast bullets look promising and the commercial Federal 170 grain ammo performed well too. I was disappointed in the 150 gr Remington bulk bullets.

Details:
-1976 vintage
-20” Microgoove barrel.
-Weather: Lightly snowing, 32*, wind quartering from right front and COLD.
-25 & 50 yard targets, 3-5 shot groups
-All reloads crimped with the Lee Factory Crimp

Not meant to be a reloading guide but if you use it, double check data and use at your own risk.

Bulk Remington 150 grain Core-Lokt JRN
-IMR 4895 (70’s vintage), 30.5 gr, (IMR data) = 2032 fps, 1” 25 yard, 2.25” 50 yard groups
-IMR3031, 30gr, (IMR data) = 2180 fps, 7/8” 25 yard group, 2” 50 yard groups
-Varget, 33gr (Hodgdon data) = 2120 fps, ¾” 25 yard group. 1-1/2” 50 yard groups.

I had hoped for better since these are relatively inexpensive and have a good reputation for hunting. I have enough to keep trying but unless there is a dramatic improvement in accuracy I'm probably not going to buy these again.

Sierra 170gr JFP
-IMR 3031 29.5gr (IMR data) = 2036 fps, 3/8” 25 yard, 13/16” 50 yard group.

This one is showing some promise. I'm down to my last batch of these but the new rifle shoots them better than my other two 30-30s so far.

Federal Power Shok 170gr JRN
-Factory Ammo = 2163 fps 7/8” 50 yard group

This is that sale ammo I bought early this fall. Shoots well in all the rifles I've tested it in including some that aren't my own... In my 336CB the average velocity = advertised velocity. Good ammo and the price after rebates was better than I could have reloaded it for.

Oregon Trail

Laser-Cast 170gr LRNFP, I lubed with Lee Liquid Alox and added a Hornady gas check
-IMR 4227 17gr (Lyman Data) =1637 fps, ¾” 25 yard group, 1-5/8” 50 yard group.
-IMR SR4756, (gmdr.com data) 6gr. No chrony data. ½” 25 yard group.
-IMR SR4756, (Lyman Data) 10.4gr, no chrony data, <1”>

Saturday, August 30, 2008

336 Texan

93 grain Lyman mold cast (wheel weights) bullet, sized .311"
3.3 grains of Red Dot (=.5cc Lee powder scoop)
Remington 9.5 primer
Winchester Brass
Loaded with a $20 Lee Loader

I was given a few hundred of these bullets and I've been toying around with them in the 30-30. The last time out I tried them with 5 grains of Red Dot and averaged 1178 fps with OK accuracy. This time I dropped the load to 3.3 grains and averaged 1007 fps. The accuracy was 2-1/2" at 50 yards with iron sights and it shoots about 2" lower than 170gr Remington Corelokt factory loads. At 25 yards It managed to keep them at 1" including the flier and shot point of aim. it would make a good close range Grouse load.

The surprise of the day:
.314" average ~48 grain Buckshot pressed into the case with thumb pressure
a 22lr case full of Bullseye powder
Remington 9.5 primer
S&B case (terrible brass, I won't reuse them again)

Out of curiosity I decided to try this load at 50 yards. I was VERY pleased to see that it shot point of aim and about 2" group size. Much better than I had anticipated at this range and better than the 93 grain load. The load averaged 1059 fps. At 25 yards this shoots under 1" and just slightly below the point of aim. Very economical. The most expensive component is the primer. The report is less than a 22lr

Next I ran some 170 grain factory Remington Core-lokt's through which currently a $5 per box rebate going on... Get it on sale and you'll end up paying less than $0.50 per round for it. This batch ran through the chronograph 2253 fps average which is a 100 fps quicker than previous batches I've purchased. The accuracy was good, just slightly over 1" at 50 yards with iron sights.

This rifle loves and is sighted in for a 170 grain Laser-Cast bullet over 5 grains of Red Dot. I shot a 3/4" fifty yard group as a baseline and it averages 1024 fps.

[B]The Cowboy[/B]
The last trip out the Cowboy showed a strong preference for the Ranch Dog TLC311-165 bullet with a Hornady Gas Check ( www.ranchdogmolds.com ) over 10.5 grains of SR4756 - which happens to be the charge my 45 colt Rugers like with a 255 grain cast bullet. Today that trend was tested and proved. The load averages 1420 fps and produced sub 1" groups once the barrel was fouled. I'll probably try this load for Cowboy Silhouette matches using this rifle. Mild shooting and low report.

Also shot my "big bore lite" Marlin 1894 in 45 colt. It really seems to like the 300 grain bullets better than the 255's. I've been shooting this rifle in the Pistol Caliber Cowboy Silhouette matches with the 255's jogging out there at 1150 fps. I'm thinking the 300's might add another 4 or 5 down. The 255's SLAM the targets. A low hit on a chicken will send it spinning into the air and over the berm. The 100 yard rams crash down with authority. The 1200 fps 300+ grain cast bullets might add to the drama.

Also shot the Ruger New Vaquero and my Single Sixes. The Winchester Bulk ammo seems to shoot VERY well in these producing the best groups of the day. The Federal Auto Match ammo did well too.

Marlin 336 CB and the Ranch Dog 165 grain bullet

I've had good luck with this bullet in all of my Marlin 336's, especially the Cowboy. I tested it with a variety of powders yesterday and all produced good groups - 1" or less at 50 yards with iron sights.

An easy shooting and very accurate load uses SR 4756 (NOT 4759). It rolls them out at a little over 1400 fps and on the fifth notch up from the bottom on the rear sight it pretty much zero's the 200 meter rams. The fourth notch is on for the 150 yard Turkeys and the third notch is essentially a 100 yard zero. Aiming at the foot of the 50 meter chickens rolls them over with a center body shot.

Another stand out load yesterday was the AA5744. Those that know my history know that I am not a big fan of this powder but yesterday it did produce some excellent groups. The downside is that this load prints 6" high with the rear sight elevator at the lowest point.

The worst of the day, but still pretty good was 2400. I have a bunch of this powder and I haven't found a good use for it since I sold my 44. I was hoping it would do a little better but the other powders did better.

More Fun with the 45 Colt

2009-05-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

A while back I picked up a .454" Round Ball mold. I've been trying to create a useful load for my Ruger New Vaquero and Marlin 1894CB. Incrementally I've been working up trying to find "the load" but haven't manage it yet.

My latest attempt was with 6 grains of Red Dot under the 147 grain ball. The accuracy and the velocity deviation are improving.

The Point of Impact (POI) with the Marlin is slightly higher than with my usual 300 grain 1300 fps load. It would make a decent Grouse and garden vermin load with a little more pressure to seal the chamber to prevent the gas blowing back through the bolt and sooting the cases. To remedy that I'd probably have to ramp up the velocity quite a bit more. Right now this load is averaging 953 fps which makes for a reasonably quiet and rimfire like recoil - pushing it faster would no doubt increase the report which is contrary to my preferences for the load... I may try it anyway.

Out of the Ruger New Vaquero the Red Dot/ Round Ball load average 730 fps. The accuracy was OK, a bit over 2" at 25 yards but it printed a full 8" lower than point of aim.
The 25 yard Round Ball group is below the target on the cardboard. The group in the bullseye is a 255 grain Lee cast bullet pushed to 925 fps by SR4756 - it shoots Point of Aim.

At 25 feet the Round Ball load still printed well below the 255 grain load.

25 foot group

After my testing was done I decided to have a little fun and shoot the Ruger at 100 yards. Aiming about 12" high the "group" (loose sense of the word but still "minute of zombie.") measured just beyond the span of my hand, stringing mostly horizontally so I expect it was mostly the result of pilot error and the RNV is capable of better. The delay between the muzzle blast and the dirt splash/thud was enjoyable. Boom.... thud! Grin. I "bonged the 100 yard gong" 3 out of five times while shooting offhand (two handed).

Next time I may see if I can knock down a 200 yard ram... ;^)

Review: Camelbak packs

2009-05-20T04:48:00.000-07:00

A few Elk seasons ago I managed to get myself lost. It was the first time I had hunted the area and I spent the afternoon and evening on a long stalk. I was so focused on the Elk I did not pay enough attention to my surroundings. When the sun set and I had to abandon the hunt and head back to camp which I assumed was just over the ridge. As I crested the ridge I didn't recognize any familiar landmarks. I guessed the stalk had taken me further away from camp than I realized so I continued on my original bearing to the next ridge. After an hour of hiking and still uncertain of my location I admitted I was in fact lost which brings me to the point of this preamble - I had the gear I needed because I was wearing my pack.

My gear gave me confidence and gave me options. Light, map and compass if I wanted to try to navigate my way out and/or make a fire and build a shelter as well as the comfort of extra clothing and food. I had some control over my situation and was able to calmly make good decisions. My adventure ended well, as I was able to navigate my way back to camp and the only suffering I endure is the razzing I get annually from my hunting partners about being (really) late for dinner...

A while back I did a gear review on the CamelBak Striker pack. I've since added another two Camelbak packs to my collection - The Commander and the Ranger.

All of the packs are well made and loaded with features like organizers inside compartments, cinch strap stabilizers, lashing loops, and easily adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt. I'll give a synopsis of all three.

The Striker is a great pack when the terrain is thick and maneuverability is a priority. It also excels when worn mountain biking. It is big enough to carry essentials and small enough not to get in the way. I've hunted with this pack on several occasions and found wearing it all day with ~20 pounds of gear and water is comfortable. I would estimate around 25 pounds is about the max for comfort. At 1,180 cubic inches it is difficult to stuff that much weight in it. It comes with a 70 oz reservoir that when full does tend to round the back of the pack when it is fully loaded with gear.

The Ranger is my newest pack and so far I am very happy with it too. Its 1831 cubic inches (30 L) is plenty for a day trip and very nice in the winter for extra clothing and food. It is a more traditionally styled pack with a lot of organization features. It is probably the maximum size I would want to wear when riding a mountain bike and then I wouldn't want to load it to its weight capacity. It falls short of being an overnight pack unless you are willing to be very minimalist. The Ranger is a very nice size for long day trips with enough room for multiple meals and peripheral gear like camera equipment. Though bigger it isn't burdensome nor a lot more catchy in thick brush. After a year of use I haven't found the max all day comfort weight limit yet. The pack straps and belt are slightly more substantial than the striker and the internal soft frame improve comfort. The Ranger is also equipped with the larger 100 oz reservoir.

The Commander is the largest of the three hunting packs at 2747 cubic inches (45 L). The straps and belt are upgraded and more supportive than the previous two. It also has a couple of nice pouches - including one with cartridge loops - that are nice and handy for frequently used small items. The down side to this feature is that it interferes with holster wear. The commander is large enough for overnight trips with a moderate amount of gear. My 2 man Cabelas XPG tent and Wiggys overbag fit in the main compartment with a few smaller items stuffed in too. The tent poles need to be tied along the side the pack as they are too long to fit inside the compartment. There is additional room for food, cooking gear, activity gear (minimal: fishing, hunting) and essential items provided they are compact. I have not over-nighted with this bag but I have carried it loaded with my camping gear and some additional iron plate weight, if you can put it in this pack you can carry it comfortably provided you aren't haulng rocks. It too comes with the 100 oz reservoir.

45 Colt on Game Performance

2009-05-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

45 Colt is one of my favorite calibers to load, shoot and hunt with. It has been getting the job done for over 130 years now. With modern propellants and projectiles it looks like it has plenty of life left in it. Here are a few posts I've gleaned from the various forums I haunt.

Count Zer0 wrote in the THR 1894 club;

"1894 Big 5 "edition" in 45 Colt. it goes well with my RBH in same caliber, except its chamber is larger than the RBH, so it works the brass more than I'd like.

Undisclosed load gets a 265WFN gas-checked lead bullet to 1450fps from said weapon, which was enough to pass thru about 30" of elk only a 2 weeks ago. My first elk, so you might say I like this rifle. This is one of those 45 Colt loads one should not attempt in Colts or replicas thereof, but it's good for 2" groups on average at 100yds with said bullets ( optics used ). The jacketed fodder will do better, but lever guns are inherently innacurate right? My hunting setup uses a Skinner peep sight, I pulled the glass after load development was done.

Anyway, I can't think of a better "brush gun" right now since mine is still all aglow!

My hunting buddy has the CB in the same caliber and got his elk with his using the same load. No bullets were recovered despite one going through both upper foreleg bones and the ribs twice. Those foreleg bones are the size of a quarter folks. Less meat damage than on the third elk in our party which fell to the classic 180gr 30-06.

---
From the Cast Boolits forum:

Stubshaft wrote -"I use the 300 in my Blackhawk w/4 5/8" barrel. I drive it about 750fps and although I have never shot a deer with it, it is death and destruction on hogs. I do try to stalk to within 25yds and have not needed a followup shot to drop one. The biggest hog to date with this bullet was 195lbs dressed."

Leadman wrote: "I shot an elk with the very similar Lee 310gr. RFN, muzzle velocity just over 1,100 fps in the front shoulders. Went all the way thru both shoulders, elk ran maybe 50 yards. Hole was the same size coming out as going in and that was with AC WW. These big heavy for caliber bolits don't need a tremendous amont of velocity. "

Old Vic wrote: "A couple years back I shot a muley doe with a .45 Colt out of a Ruger 4 5/8 barrel. It was a broadside shot at about 50 yards. At the shot, the doe fliinched, then trotted off a few yards before toppling over. The hit was through both lungs, with a thumb size hole going in and coming out. The bullet was a 300 grainer with a moderate meplate. I didn't know what the velocity was at the time of the shot, but when I chrono'ed them later, they were going 730 fps."

Veral Smith has a formula that seems to work in the real world, not just on paper.

He writes: "My displacement velocity formula is: Velocity times meplat width in thousandths of an inch divided by 4. Ideal DV range for big game is 100 to 125, 130 at the very max for fastest kills. At 100, wound diameter will average about 1 inch, at 125 it will be around 1 1/4 inch. If the wound diameter is 1 1/2 inch or larger in diameter the animal will normally run like it's tail is afire for 50 to 150 yards before expiring, though the shot is centered in the vitals. Yes even with a 4 inch diameter exit wound on a deer. Many will drop instantly with large wounds, if nerve shock anchors them, but many will run violently because blood flow is slowed by too large a wound. If wound diameter is 3/4 inch, about 85 DV, kills can be instant if well placed but some run can be expected. With a 70 DV, wounds will be about 1/2 to 5/8 inch. VERY deadly if well placed in the vitals, but some run is quite certain."

In another post he writes:

"First understand that it is NOT a theory. I would have let you call it a concept 15 years ago, but it is now a fact, proven over and over by thousands, and no one who has tried it has questioned it's accuracy since I published it in 1990.

The easy calculation is meplat diameter in thousandths of an inch X Velocity divided by 4.

Ignore the range you'll expect to be shooting at. Just calculate it off muzzle velocity and it will be close out to as far as most can hit with a revolver or rifles which thrive on 'Pumpkin ball' type bullets.

Get the DV up to 80 minimum, for quick kills on deer and larger game, best with 100 to 125. Don't go over that very much or kill speed will go down.

If using a small caliber gun which doesn't have the omph to get the 80 minimum desired DV, you'll get good clean kills at DV's down to 60 if the bullets are placed into good vital areas of the chest. i.e. If they cut major blood vessels, heart, or the thicker parts of the lungs.

Expect approximate wound diameters straight through the muscle and organ parts of game as follows:

60 to 70 DV 1/2 inch diameter
75 to 90 DV 3/4 inch +
100 DV 1 inch +
125 DV 1 1/4 inch +
If wound diameter goes up to 1 3/8 inch or greater kill speed drops off rapidly, which means game runs quite a way before expiring. With a DV of 100 to 125, game up to elk moose and bison almost always fold in their tracks or take a few steps at most."

Good stuff!

Broadening Horizons

2009-05-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

I've decided to broaden the scope of this Blog. Rather than limit it to topics concerning only the Marlin Mountie I'm going to include other Marlins, calibers and whatever else strikes my fancy when I feel like writing.

Mountie Range Report

2009-05-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

I took the Mountie out to the range today to get some reps for next month's Cowboy silhouette match and test some ammo.

Best of the the four ammo's I tried today was the Federal bulk. Averaged 1234 fps, produced the smallest group and knocked 8 of 10 of the 100 yard rams. It used to be cheap - under $10 for 550 rounds at Wally World - I haven't seen it available for several months though and the last time it was just under $15 with tax. I recovered a few of these from my sand backstop, they roll back in near perfect mushrooms. I'll put my micrometer on them later. I've not recovered on of these from either vermin or Grouse but if they expand like they do in sand it is no wonder they are effective killers.

The next most accurate was the Federal Auto-match ammo. The 40 grain bullet averaged 1215 fps out of the Mountie. I didn't try this at longer ranges but I may give it a go my next trip out. Comparatively out of my 5.5" Ruger Single six it averaged 1029 fps with excellent accuracy.

The Winchester Xpert22 36 grain HP looks like a pretty wicked little bullet. It feeds a little rough in the Mountie but it fed and ejected 100% of the time. It averaged 1237 fps and produced a very good group at 25 yards but had more fliers than the previous listed ammo. Again for comparison the Ruger Single Six shot these very accurately at 1069 fps average velocity.

The load that I had high hopes for fell short in accuracy was the 40 grain RN Aguila Super Extra Standard Velocity. It averaged 1096 fps with the lowest standard deviation - under 11.

All and all a fun day at the range.

An April walk in the woods with my 39

2009-05-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

With the snow gone from my property I had the perfect excuse to bug out to my property for a few days and do a little work on my cabin. Of course the 39 joined me on a number of walks and fired a number of magazines worth at various targets - knots on logs, scrap wood, soda cans, Ponderosa Pine cones...

A fella can have a lot of fun with a few tools and some room to be free.

I gave the CCI [b]Small Game Bullet[b] a try on this trip. I like the shape of the bullet - nice flat point. It didn't seem to be as accurate as the Federal Bulk ammo this Mountie seems to favor but I was using field positions and conditions. I'll take it to the range and see what it will do from the bench and over the chronograph and report back.

Across Generations

2009-01-22T14:35:00.000-08:00

My Aunt (Grandmother's sister) had a pump action 22 that sat ready behind the kitchen door of their old farm house. The old Winchester's primary duty was pest control in her garden. There is also no doubt that a most of, if not all of the wild and domestic meat that we ate there was produced using that rifle.

For decades her children, dozens of grandchildren, multitudes of great grandchildren plus a bunch of neighborhood kids, nephews and nieces put the rifle to use... No telling how many rounds we all put through it. There was always plenty of enthusiastic volunteers to use it and shooting was always the highlight of my visits. It was the first firearm many of us fired. Nearly everyone has a story or two about some amazing feat they managed with it. Many happy memories using the rifle connect us across several generations.

It was a symbol too. Getting permision to roam the farm with the rifle meant you had demonstrated a level of maturity and could be trusted to act responsibly - an affirmation of being one of the "big kids."

Now almost a half century later I am reminded of that rifle when I walk my own property with my 22. Though mine is a levergun and Marlin, my hair is now gray and the eyes are challenged by the front sight the grin on my face feels the same. The same sense of empowerment, freedom, responsibility and of course the fun, all come flooding back.

She died in the late 1980's, the rifle remains behind the door of what is now her son's home to what has become a family tradition. More generations have added fingerprints and dents to the stock and I hope many more will too.

"Men trained in arms from their infancy, and animated by the love of liberty, will afford neither a cheap or easy conquest." -- From the Declaration of the Continental Congress, July 1775.

The Mountie vs. Bolt 22lr

2009-01-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

I am blessed to own a few excellent bolt action rimfire rifles. One of which is a CZ 452 American w/ a Leupold 3-9x32 AO scope (EXCELLENT - GREAT VALUE). Very accurate = enlarged hole at 50 yards with quality ammo. GREAT trigger, adult ergonomics, fantastic value... It is capable of breaking a clay into parts so small at 100 yards it is difficult to find the pieces. I love this rifle and will probably never willingly give it up. Good ammo = amazing performance.

Compare now with the Mountie. The CZ is more accurate. The CZ has a (MUCH) better trigger.

BOTH have the feel of adult sized and quality firearms.

Where the Marlin surpasses the CZ is in the field. It is easier to carry. It can be packed inside a backpack (taken down) and the accuracy is more than sufficiant to ethically and cleanly harvest game that can be harvested with 22lr. The Mountie also has the capability of being fired faster and has a greater capacity in the magazine. The Mountie has good iron sights and can easily be fitted with a scope or upgraded iron sights (Skinner).

Both are classic and proven designs but the Mountie is genuinely American.

Only ONE?!!

2009-01-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

The question "If you could only own one, what would it be?" comes up in various firearm forums occasionally. It is both interesting and frustrating to consider. What single firearm would you choose if you could only have one? Certainly no single firearm can do everything. Scenarios are easy to imagine in where one type or caliber would be superior as easily as scenarios where that same firearm would be less than the ideal tool for the job.

Imagine a situation where resupply is unlikely, mobility is a priority and the duration of the event is measured in years... What would you choose?

For me it comes down to ammo - without it a firearm has little value. 22lr ammo is plentiful, ubiquitous actually, inexpensive, highly portable, low maintenance, accurate and capable of performing well beyond its common uses.

There are many excellent platforms and variations to shoot it in. For a long term scenario with limited ammo accuracy would be a priority. A repeater would mitigate the lack of power. The ability to fire a variety of ammo - shorts, longs, subsonic, hi-velocity, etc...- without having to single load would enhance the versatility.

Posed with question, after some consideration, I'm choosing the Marlin 39A Mountie.

The Appleseed Project

2009-01-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

There is a project underway to preserve and promote the traditions of the American Riflemen. It is called the Appleseed Project.

http://appleseedproject.blogspot.com/

I am intrigued by the idea and believe it is an excellent way to introduce new shooters to the sport and improve the skills of those who own rifles. It appears to be catching on and I hope to attend and find out how I too can contribute to their efforts.

Cooper Quote

2009-01-04T12:54:00.001-08:00

Grouse

2008-12-29T09:28:00.000-08:00

"There are two times to hunt ruffed grouse: ordinary times, and the second week of October." -Aldo Leopold

Grouse - Tasty, abundant and fun to hunt. They are hunting's equivalent to Bluegill fishing.

2008 - a good year for the Mountie

2008-12-29T09:14:00.000-08:00

2008 saw several days afield with the 39A Mounties. Scouting, rimfire cowboy silhouette, hunting, plinking, targets ... Sometimes just going for a walk. Many happy memories were made. It was an excellent year for me.

Add some Spice / Comparison

2008-12-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

I recently acquired a Ruger 10/22 compact - Laminated stock, 16" barrel. Nice little carbine. Shoots pretty well with its preferred ammo - Federal Champion, 40 gr LRN. I'm not an auto-loading enthusiast by any stretch but I will admit that these are fun little rifles.

After a few days of getting familiar with the Ruger I decided to do a little side by side comparison with my Marlin 39A Mountie.

Ergonomics: The Ruger is youth sized so using the factory sights comfortably is a bit of a challenge. The Mountie is better proportioned to an adult. Operation of the Safety and magazine release on the Ruger is easy and intuitive. Less intuitive is the Bolt Lock, it required me to actually to read the manual to understand how to operate it.

Firing: One thing about auto-loaders is that once a shot is fired there is another ready to go right behind it. With the Levergun I can fire a shot and then manually lever one in once I am ready. I found that I needed to consciously slow myself down to get good groups with the 10-22. A little pause and a few breaths relaxes and sharpens the eyes and keeps the Heart Rate down.

Despite using the 10-22's preferred ammo I was unable to match the performance of the Marlin using the inexpensive Federal Bulk ammo. I suspect that the diminutive size, heavier trigger and familiarty played a part in that. Still, the Marlin impressed me and reinforced my appreciation for this fine firearm platform more than 110 years old.

Other notes: The Ruger weighs in at 4 lb. 9 oz. vs. the Marlin at 5 lb. 14 oz. The 20" barrelled Marlin gets over 70 fps faster out of the Federal Bulk ammo, 25+ fps more out of the Federal Champion ammo and the CCI Mini Mags.

The Yonderosa

2008-12-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

We were blessed in 2008 to find "The Yonderosa." It is a great place to walk around with a Marlin and there are many nearby recreational opportunities for outdoors minded folk. The place is truly beautiful and we feel blessed for every moment we've been able to stay there.

We've started building a little retreat there. You can follow the progress at

http://s448.photobucket.com/albums/qq202/Yonderosa_photos/?albumview=slideshow

Cowboy Silhouette

2008-12-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

There probably isn't a more enjoyable form of shooting competition than Cowboy Silhouette. Shooting leverguns, offhand at reactive targets at various ranges is great fun. It is quite challenging too. Hitting a 'Ram' that is about as big as a sheet of paper isn't easy at 100 yards - but is sure is satisfying.

I'm no expert at this game by a long stretch - I manage a little more than half per round. The physical part is easier to master than the mental. I find that pacing is key for me - pausing between shots, resting the eyes for a few seconds, taking a few breaths before raising the rifle, aiming and squeezing off another shot.

Next year I plan to equip one of the Mounties with a Skinner Peep Sight for this competition. My half century old eyes are challenged by the factory open sights. I'm hoping the Skinners will get my score up into the thirties.

Long overdue update

2008-12-26T09:57:00.000-08:00

This blog format wasn't user friendly enough for me so this blog went neglected. I'll give it another go and see what happens.

The Mounties have a good bit more mileage on them now - hunting, scouting and rimfire cowboy silhouette. I am very pleased with their performance, reliability and precision. I will elaborate as I can in this entry and in subsequent posts.

Hunting/Scouting- During the Fall 2007 Grouse and Deer seasons my most recent Mountie accompanied me on a number of excursions. Rather than using a sling I found the Kifaru "Gun Bearer" works very well with the Marlin Mountie while carrying a pack. The carbine is held securely and easily removed when the opportunity for a shot presents itself. Carried this way my hands are free to use maps, GPS, compass, binoculars, calls and steady myself when footing is trecherous or steep. The short barrel of the Mountie does not overly obstruct my field of view nor does the forward position get hung up in branches or brush.

Our game laws allow for the use of rimfires to harvest Grouse and the Mountie is more than up to the task. Base of the neck and head shots are easily accomplished at the Grouse stalking range. Even a center mass shot does less damage to the meat than shot from a shotgun blast.

Grouse hunting tactics are simple - Forested areas with openings near water often contain Grouse. Walk slowly, observe and listen for movement. More often than not I will hear them or flush them before seeing them. They don't often fly a great distance once alarmed. Pay close attention to the direction and you will likely be able to find them again. It is common for one or two to flush and more to remain nearby in cover so don't abandon the area and chase the flushed Grouse until observing the area they flushed from. Glass with your binoculars. If you are unable to locate them walk slowly though the area and then move in the direction they've retreated. You may hear or see them running along the ground or you may flush them again. They will typically hold still believing they are invisible (and they sometimes are) and not move until they feel threatened again. If in a tree they are more likely to hold. On the ground they are more likely to run if they sense you are stalking them. Stalk into easy range and shoot them at the base of the neck This preserves the delicious meat and makes a quick clean kill. The feathers make excellent fly tying materials and are quite beautiful.

Though not as sporting as a wing-shot with a shotgun it is challenging and will test your riflemanship. I would also like to note that careful consideration should be given to what is behind as the bullet will not stop even if it hits the grouse perfectly. I've passed on many more shots than I've taken on Grouse because they were 'skylined' or I didn't want to risk a richochette.

Grouse season usually opens several weeks in advance of Deer and Elk Season. Hunting Grouse affords you the opporunity to scout Deer and Elk hunting areas which is as close to multi-tasking as I am capable of.

The New One

2007-03-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

The "new" one arrived the other week. 1964 vintage. Some blems and the stock finish is sub par. The wood is in good shape and the action tight. The original sight was switched out and the new version of the Semi-Buckhorn installed. The old sight arrived with the rifle in a plastic bag. The front sight had the bead filed off leaving a crude post. The hammer spring was also shortened, lightening the trigger pull but also causing light hammer strikes and FTFs.

My first trip to the range showed promise but the sights challenged my eyes. I ordered a new front sight (along with a new hammer spring) from Brownells and that greatly improved the sight picture. The preliminary results at the range improved as well. I believe this could be a more accurate rifle than the other.

Chronograph results (56*F)
Aguila SE Subsonic averaged 989 fps (vs. 994 in the 1965 Mountie). Very good accuracy.

Federal Bulk Ammo averaged 1166 fps and also show very good accuracy potential. The suprise was that it was nearly 100 fps slower than the 1965 Mountie which spit them out at 1054 fps last year using the same ammo brand but different lot #.

To know if it is the rifle or the ammo I will have to bring both Mounties out together and shoot some strings from the same ammo Lot.

Another Mountie

2007-03-05T06:27:00.000-08:00

As if one was not enough, I have just agreed to another trade for another Mountie...

Gone is my 39A and a Mountie will be on its way this week.

Two Mounties! How great is that?

Gave up a TDS, gained a Cowboy

2007-02-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

I traded the TDS (in part) for an 1894CB "Cowboy Limited." So far I am pleased with my choice. Though the TDS was a unique and fun rimfire the Cowboy is enriching my Marlin experience.

I've had the Cowboy out to the range a few times now breaking it in, getting familiar with it and dialing in loads. Here is the report from yesterday's trip to the range.

Marlin 1894CB in 45 Colt, 20" barrel, open sights.
Range conditions, variable wind, mostly cloudy and 52*F

The 1894CB has shown some promise with 255gr SWC Laser-Cast bullets over SR 4756 so I decided explore this combination further. At 10 grains (Speer #13 Max <14,000 PSI) this load burns pretty clean, showed signs of being accurate and averaged 1084 fps in my earlier testing. Today it scooted along a little quicker, clocking 1099 fps (warmer weather?). It also produced the best accuracy. Target pick at:
http://www.grovestreet.com/jsp/onepic.jsp?id=1215523

1-1/4" center to center at 50 yards. Not bad for open sights.

On my previous trip to the range I worked up to 11 gr of SR4756 (~1200 fps) and had supurb accuracy. Today I worked up to 12 grains from there. The accuracy erroded slightly but 11.5 grains got me 1254 fps average and 12 grains got me 1300 fps. The POI for the 12 grain load was 4" lower (and slightly left) than the 10 grain load at 50 yards with the same POA.

There was no stickyness at all in either my 1894CB or Ruger BH with any of these loads.

Other notes:
The 1894CB's accuracy is best with a well fouled bore.

The SR 5756 burns quite clean. Its fluffy flakes fill the case nicely.

4-5/8" BH chrony data:
11.5 gr = 1021 fps
12 gr = 1107 fps

Let one go

2007-01-20T06:31:00.000-08:00

Having three Marlin 39's might be considered over-indulgent. I enjoy(ed) each of them but found the Moutie to be so perfect the others stayed in the safe. So, when something else came along (Marlin 1894CB) I was willing to trade one.

SPF is the 39TDS. Good accurate little carbine. The niche it filled in my collection was for an inside the pack carbine. It was a little heavy for the role, and took up a lot more space than a Single Six. If a rifle/carbine is needed there is very little penalty incurred in weight or size by utilizing the Mountie. Not really considering myself a collector, I was willing to part with it when another deal intrigued me.

Take me back... shootin

2006-09-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Recipe for an excellent day: Perfect early autumn weather and the opportunity to do some shooting.

I started out on the paper targets at ranges out to 50 yards to confirm my zero and then I started plinking, methodically disintegrating dirt clods and bits of busted clays into smaller and smaller bits. Once my lane became target depleted, I posted more paper targets and practiced shooting from the prone, sitting and standing positions.

Satisfied with the results but not ready to call it a day I took out the steel reactive targets. The challenge, hit four paddles and then the reset and repeat without missing as fast as possible. Suprisingly the Mountie kept pace with the autoloaders for aimed shots and not suprisingly outperformed the autoloaders accuracy wise. Good clean fun and it took me back a few decades. A day later and I'm still grinning. Life is good!

Beyond the Scope

2006-09-10T05:49:00.000-07:00

I have resisted scoping any of my Marlin leverguns but was always curious how much better they would shoot if scoped so yesterday I mounted a Leupold 1-4x shotgun/muzzleloader scope on my Mountie and tested three brands of ammo.

At 25 yards:
Federal 550 bulk ammo: groups all could be covered with a quarter and some with a nickle.
Aguila SE subsonic: all groups nickle and two with a dime
RWS Target: All groups nickle or smaller, one was 3 in a hole with two not quite touching.

I wasn't able to shoot at the longer ranges due to hunter sight in.

Before I left I took the scope off and put the ol' factory sights back on and shot a few groups. While the scoped groups were superior, the open sight groups were close to as good. I would say within a 1/4" and probably closer to 1/8" on most. The difference was most evident in the RWS ammo and least so with the Federal.

I also scoped my Guide Gun to experiement at longer ranges. While I didn't shoot my best ever groups with it at 100 yards it was slightly more consistent. I think with practice I could get five in <1" with a scope. I believe that in low light conditions the scope would be superior but I prefer the handiness of an unscoped rifle in the field. Luckily, my eyes are still good enough for the factory open sights and I will continue to hunt with them in this configuration as long as I am able.

A walk in the woods

2006-08-11T04:41:00.000-07:00

We are getting more and more crowded. The more of us there are, the more room we take up. Some of that room is/was in places where solitude could be found. Sadly those places are disappearing.

When the opportunity to enjoy a little elbow room away from the masses I try to take advantage of it. Exploration and discovery invigorate the spirit. Life feels less complicated and more in tune. Those are treasured moments.

To become a rifleman one needs these spaces to develop. Shooting targets at the range is enjoyable and a great place to get the repetitions required to be safe with your rifle, however, these tools were designed to be used in unconfined spaces. Learning to safely carry and operate your firearm in the arena it was meant to be employed is the next step and cannot be accurately duplicated within the pages of a book, indoors or a restricted environment.

Beneath a big sky with distant horizons or within a cathedral of ancient trees a rifleman can discover his limitations and adapt to the different textures of the environment. A rifleman defines himself by the choices he makes in the field. A rifleman is responsible for the safe and ethical use of his rifle in the field and must accept the consquences of his actions. Acknowledging this is key to preserving our shooting heritage.