Recent content by WDF

22 snubby accuracy Closest to a 22 snubby I had was a Colt Cobra 22 with 3" barrel. I was able to hit a clay pigeon (just sitting on the ground of course, not in the air) just about all the time. Not sure of the distance, no longer have the record, but remember it as 50 feet. Of course I was...

Had the "same gun" made in early 60's. Always used "standard" ammo, accurate but does kick a little. Had read somewhere (supposed to be accurate) years ago that all S&W 38's made after 1957 was "OK" for +P. Of course not "rated" since +P came out much later. So, I called S&W. They advised...

model 17 is the best. Have had 3 over last 63 years. Still have last one. First one in 1957. Bought it from a gunsmith that converted it to center fire K-hornet. Bought it for groundhogs. shot as small as 3 inch group at 100 yard. I think the gun would have done better but even 17 year old...

great 38 loads Have reloaded 38 with Bullseye since 1960. Measured well from my old Redding measure. 2.7 grains with 158 LSWC is great. Just as well with 148 DEWC. Actually went down to 0.8 grains for a "rat load" (shot a lot of rats with this). Do NOT recommend this light, it can stick a...

ultra light 38 loads Right about now I would use just about anything I could find!Back in 60's I was shooting rats in town dump. The 22's just punched right through a big dump rat. Did not stop them. So started loading "light" for my 4 inch Colt 357, using 38 cases. Found that 0.8 grains of...

I have a "like new" model 51 WRM, bought it new around 1970. .22 LR revolvers are a little underpowered for woodchucks, in my opinion (After considerable use for them). Found the model 51 (with 3-1/2 in barrel) just the ticket. Light enough to carry around all day but "drops them" almost as...

target masterpiece Someone mentioned that the 38 and 22 weigh the same. My understanding is that some (normal) 38 had the same width barrel rib as the 22 which would make it lighter (bigger holes, less weight). Mine (1949) has a little wider rib to compensate so they were actually same...

H&R 999 Father gave me a 999 in 1957. Fantastic gun. Friend and I probably ran about 50,000 rounds through it (ammo was probably $2.00 a brick). Never misfired, excellent trigger, accurate. Was getting a little "loose" and should have sent it in for refurbishing instead of selling. Picked...

Experience is how we all learn. The more experience we have the more we can enjoy guns. Glad she was willing to learn and you took the time to "teach", good for you both. We need more people enjoying guns instead of afraid of them. Store might have trained her better but can't cover...

Some years ago it was easy to find a "fun" .22 LR revolver. Many companies made 20-25 ounce revolvers with a 6 inch barrel and adjustable sights. One of the best was S&W "1953 model 22/32 target". 25 ounces, 6 inch, good adjustable sights and, I believe a wide "target" hammer spur option...

Bought a new Colt 357 in 1960. Started loading 38 spl for it (cost) right away (started reloading in 1952 for other calibers). Found 5.0 gr Unique is a great load with 158 gr lead bullet. This was because 1951 American rifleman reloading book suggested 5.2 grains (Now considered a little hot)...

Seems to me we are getting sidetracked with details instead of the big picture. Tests have shown that bullet placement is far more important than bullet/velocity. Two shots to thorax or head (and often one) is pretty much a stopper for any 38 load, and most other calibers. Seems like most...

Have been reloading 38 special and 357 since 1960. Does not make me an expert but I still have 10 fingers. I don't reload by batch, only by headstamp. Have heard even that is not important unless lots of money on the results. Have never kept track of reload times. Some might be 40 years...

I just shot up a box of 160 grain loads, loaded some time ago, with 8.1 grains of H240. Worked great in my 1949 (pre +P rated) K model 38 Masterpiece. Down to about a half can left and plan to use it up with similar load. Hodgdon's manual (no date on it but from about 60's if you consider 13...

Wife, husband, strong or not. The most important feature and one that requires some thought. Can I REALLY shoot someone, am I willing to kill someone (if you shoot someone, you really have to be willing to kill them). Will I be "rattled" enough to handle slides, safeties etc. when I'm facing...