Recent content by smiffundvessen

Wipe with sightly oily gun rag. Go to range and get dirty again. Repeat often.

It won't hurt to contact Ruger before doing any home gunsmithing. In my experience, they stand behind their products, regardless of what's in print. I don't think a hammer spur snip would be a deal breaker. They may return your revolver to original condition, though. For your interest and...

I like Ahrends grips, especially for the price. They have round butt styles that might appeal to you like the retro banana grip. I know what you mean about the Hogues. Pachmayer's feel better, at least you can put your fingers where you please, and quite functional. They aren't as sticky...

Since you did not specifically mention (purposeful) big game hunting, I'd avoid magnums and stick with the standard thumpers: .44 special or .45 colt and similar cartridges. I'd find the gun I liked first. If the gun was of a suitable cartridge, that's the one. Heck, a 4" L frame .357 will...

The Keith designs are specific, but much copied (for good reason). For a great read on the subject: The .44 Special is renowned for being the source of Elmer Keith's inspiration, for giving rise to the .44 Magnum Many of us use machine cast .430" 240 gr SWCs successfully. I am fond of...

Please do not be paranoid about black bears. They wander through here constantly, so we give them no reason to hang around. Bird feeders are out of the question, and so is coco shell mulch. They are stomachs that walk. Unhappily, some idiots feed them. If you have time to carefully line up a...

I've used .22 Ruger Single Sixes, Taurus small frame revolvers, and one Smith K22. I've tried a .22 mag Taurus with a 3" barrel. The best small bore I've had was a Single Six .32 H&R which was exceedingly fun and accurate with a 94 gr cast bullet over Unique. Alas, only a .22 is allowed for...

I'm sure I am an oddball here, but in the 40+ years I have been shooting handguns, I have never owned anything but revolvers. Sure, I've shot semis and have looked intently at the newer breed of 9mms. But, I always hand them back and stick with what I've had success with for decades. From...

Short of an extended backpacking or mountaineering trip where every 1/2 ounce counts (yes, I trim the handle of my toothbrush), the 3" 60-15 goes with me everywhere. Twenty-four ounces rides on the belt fine. If I wish to carry in town (rare, I don't like town much), it tucks nicely in the IWB...

Steel Model 60s are lovely. The 3" 60-15 is my favorite and most useful DA revolver. I do, however, mostly keep loads in the .38 sp+P neighborhood for a more pleasant experience. I don't care much for very lightweight handguns, regardless of how popular they are.

Like many, I use Unique for .38 Special, .38 +P, and reasonable loads in the .357. If I need more snort in the magnum, I go with 2400. Actually, I could get by with just Unique only in all my revolvers. Unique is bulky enough that double loads are obvious, a plus. It meters horribly, however...

I have used 240 gr cast bullets from these folks for years for mild to warm loads: BulletsDirect.com Think 2400. It's classic for stout cast bullet loads. But, if you have to use 296, I can't help. I've never used the stuff.

I like that bayonet on a pistola. I bet it's a hoot to holster in a pocket or IWB.

I don't think I'd use magnum primers in the Hornet. All I have ever used were standard small rifle CCIs or Winchester Small Rifle with 2400, IMR 4227, and Li'l Gun. I (being the cautious type) would travel or wait for WSR primers to show up. BTW, I always had great luck with the bullet you're...

I am simple in my needs and use mostly Unique and 2400 these days. Back when I shot .44 magnums almost exclusively, I was fond of IMR 4227. If I had to use just one powder, it would be Unique. However, Unique meters terribly through my powder measures, so I'd choose something else if I used a...