Tales of the Gun

Great stories on great guns!

 

An M1 Garand, the rifle that won World War II. It's one of our favorites!

We like to ride and we like to shoot. It's a common pairing of interests, and we're always amazed at how many riders also have a deep appreciation of firearms and the shooting sports. We know that our readers are not one-dimensional, and that's why we've included interesting Tales of the Gun on the ExhaustNotes site. This is a page that will always be under development, so please check back often!

 

1911 and Other Autos!


The 1911

 

The 1911 .45 Auto, here in Compact form, from Rock Island Armory. This is one of the hardest hitting and toughest handguns in the world to master, but I was lucky. I learned how to handle the 1911 from a US Army Markmanship Training Unit expert. The old Sergeant Major would be proud!

A Tale of Two .45s

 

Actually, it's more like four .45s, but the stars of this show are an inexpensive, sub-$500 Rock Island Armory 1911 Compact and a Performance Center Smith and Wesson Model 625 double-action revolver. Which one is the better handgun? Hey, they're both great, as you'll see in this story.

The Colin D. MacManus Award

 

Colin D. MacManus was a US Army Captain of Infantry killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.  To commemorate his life, each year a 1911 is awarded to a Rutgers ROTC cadet.  In 1973, that cadet was me.

The 2020 MacManus 1911

 

The MacManus Award in 2020 is a Springfield Mil Spec 1911 chambered in .45 ACP, a fitting award for this year's Rutgers Reserve Officers Training Corps cadet battalion commander.


A Favorite 1911

 

One of my favorites is a mid-1980s Series 80 Government Model lightly customized by good buddy TJ of TJ's Custom Gunworks.             

Gardner's Powder-Coated 185-grain SWCs

 

A quick look at how Jim Gardner's powder-coated 185-grain semi-wadcutters did in my Government Model.  They are great!

An Accurate Compact 1911 Load

 

If you think Compact 1911s aren't accurate, think again!  Here's a winning load and a handful of dynamite!

A Gripping 1911 Story

 

So what's best on a 1911?   Hogue finger groove grips, or Pachmayr grips?  Here's a quick comparison!


RIA Compact: Load vs Point of Impact

 

How do different loads print in the Rock Island Compact, and how do they compare to factory ammo?  Hey, take a look!          

Compact 1911 Spring Fatigue

 

Springs get sprung quickly on a Compact 1911.  Here's how a Wilson Combat recoil spring fixed the problem on a Rock Island Compact.                  

RIA Compact: An Update

 

An update on some of the issues and fixes on my RIA Compact 1911.  It's a great gun, but it took some doing to get it there!         

A Custom TJ Combat Commander

 

Good buddy TJ went all out on this custom Colt Combat Commander.  Another good friend saw TJ's work and took the plunge. This is one beautiful 1911!        


Another Tale of Two 45s

 

Do you give up much in accuracy shooting a Compact 1911 compared to a full-sized Government Model?  We think not, and we've got the target and load data to show it!

A Tale of Two More .45s

 

Testing a Model 625 Smith & Wesson and a Rock Island Compact 1911 with Winchester's 231 propellant and Gardner's 230-grain cast roundnose bullets.    

Five Favorite Handguns

 

Five guns that have served me well.  These are my favorites!       

AMT Hardballer Long Slide

 

One of Arnold's favorites:  The AMT Hardballer Long Slide. This is an impressive and accurate 1911.       


A Tale of Four 1911s

 

Why settle for just one caliber when you can have four?   Take a look at the story behind this Springfield 1911 modified to work with barrels and slides that allow shooting .45 ACP, .38 Super, 9mm, and .22 Long Rifle!

TJ's 1911 and Gear'd Hardware's ZX2-1116

 

This is cool...one of TJ's customized 1911s and a slick Gear'd Hardware watch go the distance.  Gear'd told us their watch was bulletproof, and we answered that challenge with a hard-hitting .45 auto!

I Never Got A Gun When Obama Was President

 

Joe Gresh gets on the 9mm bandwagon with a zillion-round Smith and Wesson M&P automatic.   Can you believe it...he won this pistol in a local raffle!

The 9mm Comparo: Cast Bullet Loads

 

A favorite cast bullet (the 124-grain Missouri roundnose) with different loads in a Springfield 1911, an S&W 659, and a SIG P226 Scorpion. The SIG dominated!


An Urban Camo SIG 239

 

Another TJ Custom...a .40 S&W SIG 239 with a full Level 1 action job and an unusual urban camouflage finish.  This is a very slick EDC weapon!     

The Model 52 Smith and Wesson

 

The ultimate target semi-auto handgun:  The Model 52 Smith and Wesson.  This handgun, designed to shoot wadcutter .38 Special ammo, is superbly accurate!     

A Custom TJ Beretta 92

 

Good buddy Bob's TJ-customized Beretta.  After reading about TJ's work here on the ExNotes blog, Bob sent two Berettas to TJ and he loves the work TJ did on his guns!             

A Tale of Two Hi Powers

 

Long time amigo Robby crafted an ExNotes guest blog on two impressive 9mm Hi Powers...one a World War II Nazi war trophy and the other crafted at the FN factory in 1952!                


TJ's Custom Gunworks

 

Craftsmanship and gunsmithing talent like no other...it's what you get when TJ's Custom Gunworks works over your handgun.  Check out the magnificent work my good buddy TJ does!

The Model 659 Smith and Wesson

 

One I always wanted...the 9mm Model 659 Smith and Wesson.  This one was a police department trade-in, carried much but shot little.  It's a shooter now, and it's a hoot!

The Mighty Model 59

 

The Model 59 9mm Smith and Wesson you see in the photo above is from the second year of production back in the early 1970s, and a half-century and tens of thousands of rounds later, it's still going strong. These are great handguns that can shoot with the best of them.

Adios, Mi Amigo!

 

After 50 years, my trusted S&W Model 59 finally called it a day.  Wow, was this ever disappointing, but I really can't complain!          


A 200th Year Mk I Ruger!

 

This 200th Year Ruger Mark I, manufactured in 1976, has been sending lead downrange for more than 40 years. It is a favorite, and it is one of the guns that put Ruger on the map. Most folks think it was based on the German Luger, but it is a design based on World War II Japan's Nambu!

Art's Browning Hi Power

 

Good buddy and world famous moto artist Arthur Benjamins tells the story of the only two reasons he visited a small town in the UK...one involved a woman; the other involved a beautiful Browning 9mm Hi Power, one of the classiest military handguns in the world!

A Tale of Two 9s

 

Two absolutely outstanding 9mm semi-auto handguns:  A SIG P226 with the Scorpion finish and a brushed stainless steel Springfield Armory 1911.  Both are extremely accurate!

Shield Savvy

 

It took some doing and a visit to TJ's Custom Gunworks to eliminate its frequent and annoying failures to eject, but I finally have my 9mm Smith and Wesson Shield working the way it should!


KABOOM!

 

When the unspeakable occurs:  A double charge blew up my 9mm Springfield Armory 1911.

Thoughts on the Double Charge

 

A discussion on the likely causes of a disastrous reloaded 9mm overcharge.

The 9mm 1911 Resurrection

 

An exploration of the repairs and custom work on my Springfield Armory 9mm 1911. 

The TJ Rock Glock!

 

An awesome custom Glock with all the bells and whistles from TJ's Custom Guns.  


The 2023 MacManus Award

 

The tradition continues with this year's 1911 award to a graduating Rutgers ROTC cadet!   

Shield Load Testing

 

So how does the Shield perform on paper?  Check out our results using the Lee Classic Turret Press.     

Home On The Range

 

Home on the range with my trusty Mosin, good buddy Duane's Mauser, and a couple of S&W Shields.   

TJ's Latest Custom Guns

 

A quick look at some of TJ's Custom Guns latest projects.  These are beautiful firearms. 


GSG's .22 1911  

 

An inexpensive GSG clone of the indomitable 1911 chambered in .22 Long Rifle.  This pistol is a lot of fun! 

Handgun Marksmanship

 

A brief tutorial on how to shoot a handgun well. Knowledge handed down from Command Sergeant Major Emory L. Hickman, a former US Army Marksmanship Training Unit pistolero!

SIG M18 vs Shield

 

A shootout between the Smith and Wesson Shield and SIG's M18, two modern 9mm combat handguns. Which would you prefer?

Benelli B76

 

Doing things differnently: Leave it to the Italians to take a fresh approach to the delayed blowback design question!

 

Revolvers!


101 Years Old and Counting!

 

Wow, talk about awesome!  How about an unfired Model 1917 Colt .45 ACP revolver with elk stag grips?  This is an amazing handgun wearing its original finish, with more to follow on how it shoots!

A Pair of Prancing Ponies

 

Two magnificent handguns from the Colt factory, and one of them is a magnificent 8-inch Python!  The Colt Python is a premier revolver, thought by many to be the finest handgun ever made!

The New Colt Python

 

A storied legend resurrected in 2020, and that's a good thing.  Will the new Python be as legendary as the original?  We're guessing the answer is yes!    

Colt's New Python on the Range

 

We put the new Colt Python to the test on a cold and windy day.  Our conclusion:  The new Python is a superbly accurate and reliable handgun!    


A TJ Python Trigger 

 

Colt's new Python is one sweet-shooting handgun, but the single-action trigger left a lot on the table. Good buddy TJ's trigger work cured that, and the Python's trigger went from 5 1/2 lbs to 2 1/4 lbs! 

A .22 LR Colt Trooper Mk III  

 

The Colt Trooper was a .357 Magnum, and Colt introduced the exact same handgun in .22 Long Rifle.  This is an astonishingly accurate revolver with a stunning brilliant finish!      

A Colt Visit 

 

This was awesome:  A visit to the Colt factory in Connecticut, including time in the renowned Colt Custom Shop!  

A 110-grain Python Load        

 

One of the most accurate .357 Magnum loads ever!  It works well in both the Colt Python and the Ruger Blackhawk!           


Applying Taguchi to Load Development

 

Taguchi design of experiments techniques optimizes designs quickly. Could it be successfully applied to load development for a Smith and Wesson .45 ACP revolver? Read on to learn about the technique and see what we found!

A Tale of Two .45s

 

Actually, it's more like four .45s, but the stars of this show are an inexpensive, sub-$500 Rock Island Armory 1911 Compact and a Performance Center Smith and Wesson Model 625 double-action revolver. Which one is the better handgun? Hey, they're both great, as you'll see in this story.

Ruger's .357 Magnum Blackhawk

 

Ruger's .357 stainless steel Blackhawk is a classic modern single action revolver.  It's accurate and damn near indestructible.  This one is a 200th year Ruger, and it is a hoot to shoot!

.357 Blackhawk Accuracy Loads

 

A review of several different .357 loads in the Ruger Blackhawk.  Looking for an accuracy load for your Ruger?   Here are the recipes for several proven target and full-bore .357 Magnum loads!


Ruger's .357 Magnum Blackhawk Revisited

 

Ruger's .357 Magnum Blackhawk is one of the best handguns in the world.  The one you see above was formerly owned by Hank Williams, Jr.

A Tale of Two Old Army Rugers

 

Good buddy Paul's two Old Army black powder revolvers.  These classy handguns, no longer in production, are only going to go up in value!      

Dirty Harry

 

Do you feel lucky?  Well, do ya?  Read all about Smith and Wesson's iconic Model 29 .44 Magnum, and the movie that made it famous!

Ruger's Super GP100

 

Ruger's new Custom Shop introduced the new Super GP100, available in either 9mm or .357 Magnum. It's not available yet, but it will be soon!


A Taylor Tuned Single Action Army

 

Ever wonder if the Italian Colt replica Single Action Army revolvers are good guns?  They sure are, as this tuned Taylor sixgun very capably demonstrates!  Brass grip frame, color case hardening, and more...this gun has it all.

Reloading .45 ACP for 1917-Style Revolvers

 

Reloading .45 ACP ammo for use in 1917-style revolvers has its own set of challenges.  This article focuses on crafting ammo that chambers and functions reliably in the Model 25, the Model 625, and 1917 revolvers.   

Another 1917 Revolver Record!

 

Good Lord!  Just how high will the prices go on a vintage US Army 1917?  The sky is the limit!

And Another 1917 S&W Record!

 

Indiana Jones' Smith and Wesson!  $5,000,000 on Gunbroker.com and shipping is free!


Ruger's .30 Carbine Blackhawk

 

Tons of muzzle blast and flash, lots of noise, little recoil, and superb accuracy define Ruger's .30 Carbine Blackhawk.  This is a fun gun!  

A Bullseye Birdseye Blackhawk

 

A limited edition .357 Magnum Ruger Blackhawk, with stunning birdseye maple grips.  This is a beautiful handgun and its value will only go up.      

A Tale of Two More .45s

 

Testing a Model 625 Smith & Wesson and a Rock Island Compact 1911 with Winchester's 231 propellant and Gardner's 230-grain cast roundnose bullets.

Colonel Colt and Captain Walker 

 

Two Uberti replica firearms...the 1873 Colt Single Action Army and the 1847 Colt Walker.  These handguns are amazing!  


A Tale of Two 44s

 

Loads for the mighty .44 Special fired in both the Ruger Super Blackhawk and a beautiful Smith and Wesson Model 24.  This is a very accurate cartridge!    

Pigs and Poison Oak

 

Too much Zane Grey, or is there a reason to chamber a handgun and a rifle for the same cartridge?  See what we found testing .44 Magnum loads in a gorgeous Turnbull revolver and a Marlin Model 1894.

First Person Shooter

 

Joe Gresh gets cranky and weighs in on his bull-barreled Ruger .22 Mark II target automatic and Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolver handguns.

Two 1858 Remington Black Powder Revolvers

 

Good buddy and guest blogger Jose provides his take on Pietta and Uberti reproduction 1858 Remington black powder percussion revolvers. 


Youberty?   You bet!

 

A Taylor Tuned SAA replica with my favorite load make for one-hole groups at 50 feet.  This is a fun gun and .45 Colt is a favorite cartridge!   

The Rodolfo Fierro Revolver

 

Ah, if only it had the provenance its engraving claims...still, it's a beautiful and exquisitely-executed 1917 Colt.   

45 Colt New Service Revolver

 

Wow, this is cool.  A vintage 1909 Colt New Service revolver chambered in the powerful .45 Colt cartridge.  This is a great guest blog written by good buddy Guy Miner.

A Model 625 Load

 

Good Lord, this is an accurate load and an accurate revolver. 6.0 grains of Unique, a 200-grain semi-wadcutter, AutoRim brass, and stellar results! Wowee!


A Competition Taurus .44 Special 

 

Something you don't get to see every day...a slick modified Taurus 5-shot revolver in .44 Special modified for police competition shooting. 

A Jovino .45 ACP Snubnose 

 

A rare and interesting (and accurate!) John Jovino Model 25 Smith and Wesson snubnose revolvers shows it's ready for the zombie apocalypse!  

TJ's Charter Arms Bulldog

 

So what does a master pistolsmith use as his own personal carry gun?  Good buddy TJ carries a highly-customized Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Special! 

New Shoes for the Model 60

 

What a difference a set of grips makes!  Check out these Altamont custom grips on an S&W Model 60.  They increased controllability dramatically!  


A Model 60 Headed to TJ

 

A used Model 60 S&W Chief's Special at the right price but with a few problems?  No problems, only opportunities!

A TJ Roscoe

 

A custom Smith and Wesson Model 60 with a TJ's Custom Guns Level 1 action job and selected polishing work.  This is the ultimate Roscoe!

A Model 60 Load Development Plan 

 

Before any load development activity, it makes sense to have a plan. This is our load development plan for the TJ Roscoe! 

Model 60 Load Testing

 

We tried several different loads and found one that's hard-hitting and shoots to point of aim in the Smith and Wesson Model 60. 


The Model 60, Betty, and Getting Hammered  

 

A fun day at the range shooting at a goofy target and evaluating the effects of incomplete primer seating!  

Gats and Hats:  The Model 60 is ready!        

 

A blog for one of our favorite Facebook groups:  Snubnose Noir!  This Model 60 is tested against Zombieland's best with two different loads.   

Whole Lotta End Shakin' Going On 

 

Too much end shake in a revolver can cause timing issues, double action reliability problems, and more.  It's easily corrected with great products from TriggerShims!             

A Model 60 Hand Job 

 

As is the case with much in life, it's all about timing. Read this interesting tale about addressing an out-of-time condition in a magnificent old Model 60!     


Two Bodacious Belly Guns 

 

For concealed carry, snubbies are good guns.  This article is about my two favorites: The .45 ACP Rock Island Armory 1911 Compact and the .38 Special Smith and Wesson Model 60.              

Fixing Double Action Misfires 

 

When a double action revolver misfires, there's a six-pack of places to look for the cause.  This article explores how we made a Model 60 super reliable for double action duty. 

The Last Betty 

 

Good buddy Paul provided a bunch of Zombie targets for an informal milsurp match.  This was an outing with the last one and the Model 60 snubbie.                

Blackhawk versus Python  

 

How does the Ruger .357 Blackhawk compare to the new Colt Python?  This article makes the comparison from several perspectives.               


New Model .357 Blackhawk 

 

A recently-acquired Ruger New Model Blackhawk, warts and all.  Get an honest assessment here.                  

Blackhawk Accuracy Testing 

 

Quality lapses notwithstanding, this recent New Model .357 Blackhawk can group superbly well.  

A Stunning Uberti 44 Special 

 

Faux ivory, color case hardening, and the .44 Special cartridge all come together in this beautiful Uberti SAA.  

The Colt Walker

 

The Colt Walker, the official handgun of Texas. This is an impressive story.  


Three Rapid Fire .38 Special Loads

 

Pushing them out as fast as possible shooting double action in a Smith and Wesson Model 60 snubbie.   

A Ruger .357 Bisley

 

One that is little tough to find these days, the Ruger .357 Bisley Blackhawk.

Lipsey's Ultimate Carry Gun

 

Custom-feature-packed J-frame Smith and Wessons may indeed be the ultimate carry gun!

 

The Rimfire Series!


A .22 LR Colt Trooper Mk III  

 

Colt built  their Trooper chambered in .22 Long Rifle.  This is an accurate revolver with a brilliant finish!      

A Tale of Two Springfields

 

The amazing M1922 Springfield, a rifle built on a full-sized 1903-style action, but chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Lots of fun here, folks!

Ruger 10/22 Mannlicher

 

An early Ruger 10/22 Mannlicher with an amazing piece of walnut. You don't see 10/22s like this very often! 

An Early Ruger Single Six

 

A Ruger Single Six from the first years of this gun's production with custom walnut grips.    


Minute of Golf Ball

 

Good buddy Jose's guest blog about his golf-ball-accurate Marlin Model 60.

A Tale of Two 22s

 

A couple of stunning rimfire rifles - a Remington Custom Shop Model 504 and a CZ Model 452.

Siluetas Metálicas

 

Metallic silhouette competion with .22 rifles at the West End Gun club.  

1st Person Shooter

 

Joe Gresh and his tyranny-defeating Ruger target-sighted .22 handgun.


A 200th Year Ruger Pistol

 

A fantastic Ruger Standard .22 Pistol with the "Made in the 200th Year of American Liberty" inscription! 

GSG's .22 1911  

 

An inexpensive GSG clone of the indomitable 1911 chambered in .22 Long Rifle.  This pistol is a lot of fun! 

Winchester Model 62

 

Winchester's classic Model 62, a pump action rimfired that's been in the family for eight decades!

French Walnut Ruger

 

A stunning and limited edition French walnut 10/22 Ruger.


A Model 69 Resurrection

 

Rob Morel resurrects a beat-to-hell Winchester Model 69 and brings back a beautiful rimfire rifle! 

Springfield's 2020

 

Springfield Armory's new 2020 high end rimfire rifle.

A Custom Shop Model 504

 

A super high end Model 504 from the renowned Remington Custom Shop!

 

Lever Guns!


Buffalo Guns

 

The mighty .45-70 Government, first conceived as an infantry cartridge nearly 150 years ago. Ruger revived interest in this powerful old buffalo round with their No. 1 and No. 3 single-shot rifles, and Marlin joined the fun with their 1895 lever gun. All three are great shooters, and this round is a real hoot to shoot!

The Marlin 336 Octagon

 

A rare Marlin 336, one of only 300 uncatalogued Octagon models produced in 1973. Marlin had a few octagonal barrel blanks left over after producing their Centennial Commemorative Model 336, so they decided to use the surplus on standard .30-30 Model 336 rifles to create an instant collectible!

A Wind River Marlin 1895

 

Wow, check this out! A modern Marlin .45-70 lever gun configured to match the one that starred in the Jeremy Renner movie, Wind River! Polished stainless steel, laminated stocks, Picatinny rail, big loop, and a long-eye-relief scope complete the package for an ultra-powerful tack driver. This rifle delivers!

The Marlin Texan Deluxe

 

Think Marlin quality isn't what it used to be?  Think again, as a review of this beautiful Model 336 Texan Deluxe shows that modern Marlins are as good as or better than the JM-proofed rifles!


A .45 70 Remlin 1895

 

A day on the range with a current production Marlin 1895! Do these rifles shoot as well as Marlins manufactured before Remington bought the legendary Marlin company? The answer is yes!

Pigs and Poison Oak

 

Too much Zane Grey, or is there a reason to chamber a handgun and a rifle for the same cartridge?  See what we found testing .44 Magnum loads in a gorgeous Turnbull revolver and a Marlin Model 1894.

The 1886 Winchester

 

It's hard to imagine a more beautiful rifle than this Chiappa 1886. Incredible walnut, stunning color case hardening, and the rifle is a shooter! The steel buttplate is punishing with all but light loads, but wow, is this thing accurate!

Turnbull Guns

 

Turnbull's color case hardening is an elegant surface treatment that reaches back more than a century.  It adds class to any firearm, as you'll see here on a Smith and Wesson 1917, a Ruger Super Blackhawk, and a .45-70 1895 Marlin.      


Marlin Cowboy Front Sight Installation

 

As delivered from Marlin, the  sights on this gorgeous 1895 Cowboy were so far off I couldn't bring my shots in.  A little math, some help from the Williams wizards, and I was on the money!    

Marlin 1895 Cowboy Revisited

 

A new front sight, a couple of tried and true .45 70 loads, and the Marlin 1895 Cowboy gets a new lease on accuracy.  This lever gun shoots one-hole groups right where the sights point!        

 

Ruger's Mini 14!


Lee's Factory Crimp Die and the Mini 14 

 

Crimping ammo loaded for the Ruger Mini 14 with Lee's factory crimp die improves accuracy, as our test series shows.        

Refinishing A Mini 14 Stock

 

A decrepit Mini 14 stock purchased for a pittance, stripped, and custom refinished to better than new condition. Today, this stock is doing its job in the great state of Texas!

Mission Accomplished

 

Good times and a funny story about hosting a group of Chinese motorcyclists for a ride across the USA.  Read about our day at the rifle range and in a Bass Pro's gun department.  Do you feel lucky?  Well, do ya?

Mini 14 Accuracy

 

Glass bedding, a Tech-Sights rear sight, a new gas port, and the right reloads will go a long way toward making a Mini 14 a more accurate rifle!


Mini 14 Marksmanship

 

Folks say the Mini 14 is inaccurate.  We think they just don't know how to shoot.  Follow this tutorial on how to get the best out of your Mini 14 Ruger, or any rifle with iron sights!

7 Mini 14 Accuracy Tips

 

Want to improve your Mini 14's accuracy?  Here's our summary of how to tighten up your Mini's groups.  Part of it is you, part of it is the rifle, and part of it is the ammo! 

Mini 14 Bench Cleanup

 

You know how it goes...a mashup of leftover components on the reloading bench.  Here's a set of accuracy results from just such a situation with the Mini 14.       

A Tale of Two Rugers

 

The Mini 14 and the GSR square off for a 100-yard open sight matchup!

 

Ruger No. 1 Rifles and Other Single Shots!


A .300 Weatherby No. 1

 

A magnificent Ruger No. 1 in the equally impressive .300 Weatherby Magnum chambering.  This rifle is hard-hitting (on both ends!) and accurate.

.35 Whelen Reduced Loads     

 

Less wailin' with the .35 Whelen! Cast bullet and pistol bullet loads in a Ruger No. 1 with awesome walnut make for a good time on the range.       

A 6.5 Creedmoor Ruger No. 1

 

Sometimes you just get lucky.  That's what happened with this Ruger No. 1 in 6.5 Creedmoor.  Superior walnut and superior accuracy...what the Ruger No. 1 is all about! 

Two Bicentennial No. 1 Rugers

 

A .30 06 and a .243 set of 200th Year No. 1 Rugers, both sporting exhibition grade walnut and the superb craftsmanship that characterize the earlier No. 1 rifles!

 


A Tale of Two No. 1s

 

The Ruger No. 1 single-shot rifle is one the classiest firearms ever. Styled after the elegant Scottish Farquharson rifles of old, these are beautiful rifles. This is a story about two, both chambered in 7mm Remington Magnum.

Loaded for Bear

 

Would you take on an Alaskan bear with a single-shot rifle? Good buddy Jason did using a .338 Win Mag Ruger No. 1, and you can read all about that adventure in his guest ExNotes blog. Well done, Jason!

A .30 40 Krag Ruger No. 3

 

This is a sweet shooting No. 3 that does extremely well with cast bullets!  It's a 200th Year No. 3 with unusually highly-figured walnut for an economy rifle.           

Bringing a 405 No. 1 Back to Life

 

Wow...the super rare and ultra-exotic .405 Winchester Ruger No. 1!  Good buddy Jose walks us through this project and his favorite loads for a classic Ruger! 

 


Elephant Guns (coming soon)

 

The mighty .458 Winchester Magnum, first fielded by Winchester in 1956, was a cartridge specifically designed to work in a bolt action rifle and take down elephants. The rifle you see above is a Ruger No. 1. There are no elephants in these parts, but if they ever show up, we'll be ready!

A Real Hot Tamale!

 

Roy Weatherby's favorite cartridge was the .257 Weatherby Magnum. With velocities approaching 4000 feet per second and a laser-like trajectory, the .257 Roy can really reach out. Sometimes, though, the bullets spin so fast they break up in flight, which is what happened in the photo above!

The 257 Weatherby

 

Finding the right load for a Ruger No. 1 chambered in .257 Weatherby Magnum was a challenge.  Conventional quarter-bore bullets were breaking up in flight, a situation aggravated by the .257's uber-high velocity and the Ruger's 28-inch barrel!


The 257 Weatherby Saga Continues

 

Dropping the velocities with conventional bullets resulted in dramatically-improved accuracy with this Ruger No. 1 chambered in .257 Weatherby Magnum.

Taking Stock of Things

 

Well, sometimes things don't work out the way one might expect.  The beautiful stock you see above on this Ruger No. 1 cracked.  It's off to Ruger for a replacement!

The .257 Weatherby Story Ends Well

 

A new stock, a good high velocity accuracy load, and things are looking good for the .257 Weatherby Ruger No. 1.  All's well that ends well!

A .22 Hornet Ruger No. 3!

 

Originally offered as a low-cost alternative to the Ruger No. 1, Ruger No. 3 rifles have become collectibles in their own right.  This one, chambered in .22 Hornet, is a hoot to shoot!


A Tale of Two Creedmoors     

 

If you're looking for criticism of the 6.5 Creedmoor, you've come to the wrong place.  This cartridge does well in a maple-stocked Browning X-Bolt and a Ruger No. 1!    

Boudeau Bullets in the 35 Whelen     

 

How do powder coated pistol bullets work in the 35 Whelen?  For short range low power loads, they answer the mail!  Check out this article on 158 grain pistol bullets in the Ruger No. 1.           

A Bias To The Right

 

A gorgeous early Ruger No. 1 in .22-250 that shot way to the right.  The fix was difficult to find and different than what you might have thought!      

An XXX Walnut No. 1

 

It doesn't get any better than this! The fanciest walnut ever on an exquisite 257 Weatherby Magnum Ruger No. 1! 


Bushnell 4x12 243 No. 1A

 

Wringing out a low bucks 4x12 Bushnell scope on a .243 Winchester Ruger No. 1!

7mm Mag Cast Bullet Shooting

 

An initial attempt at getting cast bullets to perform in a 7mm Magnum Ruger No. 1!

More 7mm Mag Cast Bullet Shooting

 

The second time around! Getting powder coated cast bullets to perform in a 7mm Magnum Ruger No. 1!


Henry: Made In America, or Not Made at All

 

Whoa, a brass-frame .45 70 Henry Single Shot! This is a relatively new offering from Henry in an all-time favorite caliber.

The Henry Is In California

 

The Henry arrived at an FFL in California just as the Covid 19 lockdown began, but the 10-day waiting period is underway!

Developing a .45 70 Henry Load: Part 1

 

Steps involved in developing a series of .45 70 loads for the new Henry, with an explanation of the three power levels in .45 70 reloading manuals.

Developing a .45 70 Henry Load: Part 2

 

The plan of attack, with detailed load information for the Henry Single Shot's accuracy development program. Propellants, bullets, primers...it's all here!


Henry's Home, and an Interview with Dan

 

A great chat with good buddy Dan, Director of Communications at Henry USA.  Get the good info on the new Single Shot!

Henry Accuracy Loads

 

So what works best in the new Henry Single Shot?  We found great loads, and this is just the start.  This is a great rifle!               

A Fancy Stevens Little Scout

 

Not content with his Stevens Little Scout, good buddy Reeve restocked this single shot rifle in Turkish walnut.  It's awesome!  

The Browning B78

 

They don't get much prettier than this: A single-shot Browning B78 in .30 06 with incredible walnut. This refugee from the 1970s shoots both jacketed and cast bullets well, but finding the right load for it was a challenge!

 

Weatherby!


A 7mm Weatherby Mk V

 

They are the finest rifles in the world, and Roy Weatherby personally helped me select this one for my father.  It's a hell of story about a hell of a rifle and two of the greatest men I've ever known.

A Remington Model 700 Classic in 7mm Weatherby Magnum

 

Here's a real score...a Remington Model 700 Classic chambered in 7mm Weatherby Magnum.  The rifle is rare, the walnut is stunning, and the accuracy is superb!  Folks, magnum rifles just don't get any better than this!

A .300 Weatherby Vanguard

 

One of the best kept secrets in the high power rifle world is the Weatherby Vanguard, and this one is chambered in one of the most powerful .30-caliber cartridges ever!  This first-generation Vanguard delivers 0.5-minute-of-angle accuracy, with recoil that grabs your attention!

A .30 06 Mk V Weatherby

 

And another lucky break...being in the right place at the right time!  This impressive .30 06 Mk V Weatherby is one of the few rifles that Weatherby offers in a non-Weatherby chambering.  A few coats of TruOil and this beautiful long gun was returned to as new condition!


A Tale of Three 300s

 

The .300 Weatherby, and three beautiful rifles chambered for the ultimate .30-caliber magnum:  Two Weatherbv rifles and a gorgeous Winchester Model 70 make for a trio of magnificent magnums!

John Wayne's Weatherby

 

Something you don't get to see every day...the Duke's personal .300 Weatherby Magnum!  We saw this priceless rifle at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

A .300 Weatherby No. 1

 

A magnificent Ruger No. 1 in the equally impressive .300 Weatherby Magnum chambering.  This rifle is hard-hitting (on both ends!) and accurate.

.300 Weatherby Vanguard Safari

 

Weatherby only made 150 of these in .300 Weatherby Magnum, and this one is a honey.  Check out this awesome Vanguard Safari!    


Vanguard Safari First Shots

 

Setting up and firing the new .300 Weatherby Magnum Vanguard Safari shows that Weatherby's accuracy claims are not idle boasts! 

Reloading and Shooting the .300 Weatherby Mk V

 

Tips and tricks for reloading the .300 Weatherby in a beautiful Mark V, including parallax adjustment, a recoil shoulder shield, and much more! 

300 Weatherby Cast Bullet Followup

 

Cast loads for the .300 Weatherby.  You might wonder why, but shooting cast bullets can be a lot of fun! 

300 Weatherby Recipes: An Update

 

Favored cast and jacketed reloads for a Weatherby Mk V chambered in 300 Weatherby Magnum.  

 

Bolt Action Sporters!


A Custom 375 Ruger!

 

Folks vary in their definition of a custom rifle, but this one answers the mail. It's the story of a Howa action, an English walnut stock, and the mighty .375 Ruger cartridge!

The Rifleman's Rifle

 

A beautiful Winchester Model 70 Supergrade in .30 06. It proved to be a perfect rifle for pig hunting in Arizona, and wow, is this rifle accurate!   The article shows the loads that work best in this quarter-inch-group tack driver.

A Savagely-Inexpensive Rifle

 

An amazing recent score...a near-new condition, 50-year-old, Savage 340D rifle in .222 Remington with a Bushnell scope for a whopping $180. The Triple Deuce is a naturally-accurate cartridge, as our testing shows.

A Safari Grade Model 700

 

A lucky score back in the late 1970s in Fort Worth, Texas. It was all about being in the right place at the right time, and this Remington Custom Shop Safari Grade Model 700 chambered in the mighty .375 H&H Magnum cartridge was mine.  Check out the wood on this rifle!


Rabbits to Rhinos

 

A fun day on the range with a .22 Hornet, a .300 Weatherby, and the mighty .416 Rigby.  From rabbits to rhinos, we've got all the bases covered!

A Model 700 Varmint Rifle

 

One hell of a deal on a .223 Remington 700 BDL with a bull barrel and a price too low to ignore...these early Model 700 rifles are sweet shooters!

The Model 43 Winchester

 

The king of the wee ones!  A classic Model 43 Winchester Deluxe, chambered in the venerable .22 Hornet.  This is a fun one to shoot and the Hornet packs a pint-sized punch!

Ruger's .308 GSR Rifle

 

Ruger's .308 Gunsite Scout Rifle is the ultimate plinker. Hard-hitting, accurate, and impervious to bulletproof glass! Colonel Cooper got it right!


A  30 06 Custom Howa

 

A Howa 30 06 barreled action, a Bishop cherry stock finished in the Mannlicher style, and a tack driver from back in the day emerges!

Ruger's 22 250 Model 77

 

A member of the royal family (as in a safe queen) that doesn't get out too often...this nearly-50-year-old Model 77 proves it stil has what it takes!

The Kimber .257 Roberts

 

Elegant triple-A French walnut, light weight, and the awesome .257 Bob cartridge.  This Kimber 84 Select is one of the most beautiful rifles we've ever seen, and wow, it's accurate!     

Eleanor

 

Reloading cast bullet ammunition for the 416 Rigby Ruger RSM with Montana Bullet Works 350-grain cast bullets.  Elegant ammo for an elegant rifle!     


A Tale of Two 300 H&H Magnums

 

One of the world's first belted magnum cartridges, the mighty .300 H&H is still a premier cartridge.  We put it through it's paces in two magnificent bolt action rifles.           

An Eleanor Update

 

Cast bullet loads for the mighty .416 Rigby tested at 100 yards shows this old elephant cartridge is superbly accurate.  Montana Bullet Works projectiles rock!        

A 458 Ruger Model 77 RSC

 

This is cool. It is a Ruger Model 77 RSC chambered in .458 Winchester Magnum that shoots 5-shot, 1-inch groups at 100 yards!           

A Tale of Two 22s

 

Two high end .22 rimfires...one from CZ and the other from the Remington Custom Shop!  Both of these are fantastic shooting rifles.           


A Model 700 European

 

Not satisfied with the finish on a Model 700 European, it was time for the TruOil treatment and a bedding job.  Wow, can this Model 700 shoot!                

A 6.5 Creedmoor Browning X-Bolt

 

This is a beauty I could not let get away.  I spied it in a Colorado gun shop, and wow, does this looker shoot!  I'm a believer in the 6.5 Creedmoor.                                        

Cheap Triple Deuce Thrills

 

The .222 Remington is an inherently accurate cartridge, as this inexpensive rifle rescued from the used gun rack confirms.                

An Unfired NIB Liberty Model 77

 

Check this out:  An unfired 200th Year Ruger Model 77, still new in the box with all its papers!               


A Browning Micro Medallion

 

A stunningly accurate and fun to shoot Browning Micro Medallion in .223 Remington.

Two 6.5 Creedmoor X-Bolt Loads

 

Shockingly accurate and stunningly beautiful. It doesn't get much better than this!

A Tale of Two Rugers

 

The Mini 14 and the GSR square off for a 100-yard open sight matchup!

 

Military and Milsurp Weapons!


A Tale of Three Garands

 

An M1 mutt Garand with a mix of parts, a tricked-out Springfield Armory M1A that can thread a needle, and a limited-edition Circassian-stocked Ruger Mini 14, all based on John C. Garand's brilliant gas-operated rotating bolt design! Read on and learn more about these three great rifles!

The Early Machine Guns and Modern Gatlings

 

This is quite a story...a Civil-War-era weapon adopted to modern fighting systems.   The Gatling Gun was invented in 1862, and today it is the "go to" solution wherever high-rate-of-fire gun systems are needed.  Modern Gatlings are on ground, sea, and air combat systems.

Motorcycles and Milsurps

 

Shooting milsurps is what we enjoyed most...military surplus rifles from the US, Russia, England, Germany, and more. That's one of our good buddies above showing us how it's done with his 8mm Mauser. A bunch of us get together for an informal bullseye match every month or so, and the winner gets to buy lunch!

A Tale of Two Springfields

 

Wow, the rifle that got the .30 06 started way back in 1906. The one you see above is a 1903A1 with a scant stock, and it looks like a brand-new rifle. Its companion for this story is the amazing M1922 Springfield, a rifle built on a full-sized 1903-style action, but chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Lots of fun here, folks!


Mosins and Enemy at the Gates

 

Vasily Zaitsev, who helped turn the tide for the Allies during the Battle of Stalingrad, made famous during the conflict and then again 60 years later in Enemy at the Gates, one of the best movies ever. It's what prompted our interest in the Mosin-Nagant 91/30 rifle, and let me tell you, these puppies are accurate!

More on the Mosin

 

We make sniper rifles for our armed forces from the ground up, holding tight tolerances throughout. The Russians took a different tack. In their production of roughly 17 million Mosin-Nagants, they test fired every single one. If they found one that was exceptionally accurate, it was designated as a sniper rifle (like the one you see above)!

More Mosin Loads

 

More load development work with the 7.62x54R Mosin-Nagant, this time with IMR 4166 and other new propellants.

CMP's Custom Shop 1903 Rebarrel

 

Here's a custom 1903A1 Springfield rebarreled by the CMP Custom Shop.  This rifle loves cast bullets!  


The A-10 Warthog

 

One hell of a story, this is!  It's the A-10's 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger Gatling, with each round having more energy than a World War II 75mm Howitzer!

A Good Crisis - The Tavor X95

 

An Israeli Modern Sporting Rifle, with a custom build and narrative by the poet of pew! pew!  A great guest blog by good buddy Jake Lawson! 

Lator, Gator! 

 

And another hell of a story, this one about finding and fixing problems in the Gator air-dispensed mine system's design.  Spoiler alert:  It was the Navy's fault!                     

How About A 30mm Big Bore?

 

30mm ammo in a shoulde-fired anti-aircraft rifle?  Hey, why not?  Charlie Wilson thought it was a good idea for the Afghan Mujahaddin, and it almost became a reality!                         


1903 Cast and Jacketed Loads

 

Using the 1903 Springfield's sights with both cast and jacketed loads.  We found jacketed and cast loads that worked perfectly with the Springfield's rear sight!       

Home On The Range

 

Home on the range with my trusty Mosin, good buddy Duane's Mauser, and a couple of S&W Shields.   

 

Air Pistols and Rifles


James Bond's Pellet Pistol

 

If you're old enough, you've seen the James Bond movie posters.   Here's the real story behind Sean Connery's Walther!

Pfffftttt!

 

A long-dormant pair of Crosman look-alike CO2 revolvers mimicking Colt and Smith's best!  Do they still work?  We'll see...

A Deusy of a Daisy

 

Like the title says, this inexpensive, 40-year-old, single-shot, pneumatic Daisy 717 is a real Deusy, and wow, is it ever accurate!  Take a look at this!

A 1911 Pellet Gun

 

A full-sized 1911 CO2 air pistol chambered for the mightly .177 pellet!  This gun likes the gas, but can it shoot?  See what we found!

 

Reloading


Reloading .45 ACP Ammo: Part I

 

We've had several requests for a reloading tutorial, and we thought we would do so by focusing on our favorite cartridge, the .45 ACP.  In this first article, we focus on equipment and components.

Reloading .45 ACP Ammo: Part II

 

Part II of the .45 ACP reloading tutorial covers use of the dies, how to install the resizing die in the reloading press, case cleaning, resizing, depriming, and trimming.

Reloading .45 ACP Ammo: Part III

 

Part III of our .45 ACP reloading tutorial takes us through case expanding, case mouth flaring, and priming.  We'll use the Lee priming tool, our favorite for the priming operation.

Reloading .45 ACP Ammo: Part IV

 

Part IV wraps up the .45 ACP reloading series.  In this final installment, we'll charge the prepped cases with propellent, adjust the seating die, and seat the bullets.


375 H&H Loads

 

After posting the blog on our Model 700 Safari Grade rifle in .375 H&H, we had several requests for our load data. These loads performed well in our rifle; you'll need to work up your own!  Always consult a current reloading manual, and start low and work up.

375 H&H Loads at 100 Yards

 

We tried the jacketed Hornady loads for the .375 H&H Remington at 100 yards, and they performed superbly.  It shot a group with open sights that would be considered outstanding using a scope!  The Remington Safari Grade Model 700 is a shooter!

Shooting Cast Bullets in the Mosin-Nagant

 

A quick look at reloading, a quick look at using cast bullets for reduced velocity in the Mosin-Nagant rifle, and a secret sauce cast bullet 7.62x54R load that delivers minute of angle accuracy!

Cast Bullets in the 1903A1 Springfield

 

Cast bullets perform well in the 1903A1 Springfield, they're inexpensive, and they're easier on the barrel and the shooter. What's not to like? Read about our favorite loads here!


Reloading 9mm Ammo

 

Reloading ammunition for a 9mm comparo to determine which loads are the most reliable and accurate in variety of handguns, with both cast and jacketed bullets!

The 9mm Comparo: Cast Bullet Loads

 

A favorite cast bullet (the 124-grain Missouri roundnose) with different loads in a Springfield 1911, an S&W 659, and a SIG P226 Scorpion. The SIG dominated!

.357 Blackhawk Accuracy Loads

 

A review of several different .357 loads in the Ruger Blackhawk.  Looking for an accuracy load for your Ruger?   Here are the recipes for several proven target and full-bore .357 Magnum loads!             

Henry Accuracy Loads

 

So what works best in the new Henry Single Shot?  We found great loads, and this is just the start.  This is a great rifle!               


Reloading .45 ACP for 1917-Style Revolvers

 

Reloading .45 ACP ammo for use in 1917-style revolvers has its own set of challenges.  This article focuses on crafting ammo that chambers and functions reliably in the Model 25, the Model 625, and 1917 revolvers.   

Shooting Cast Bullets in a 7mm Magnum Ruger No. 1     

 

Less recoil, lower cost, less barrel wear, and accurate!  Our experiences in shooting cast bullets in a 7mm Remington Magnum Ruger No. 1! 

A Tale of Two More .45s

 

Testing a Model 625 Smith & Wesson and a Rock Island Compact 1911 with Winchester's 231 propellant and Gardner's 230-grain cast roundnose bullets.    

The 9mm Comparo: Jacketed Bullet Loads

 

Finding the jacketed bullet loads that work best in a SIG Scorpion, a 659 Smith & Wesson, and a Springfield Armory Target 1911!          


.35 Whelen Reduced Loads     

 

Less wailin' with the .35 Whelen! Cast bullet and pistol bullet loads in a Ruger No. 1 with awesome walnut make for a good time on the range.       

Eleanor

 

Reloading cast bullet ammunition for the 416 Rigby Ruger RSM with Montana Bullet Works 350-grain cast bullets.  Elegant ammo for an elegant rifle!     

A Tale of Two 44s

 

Loads for the mighty .44 Special fired in both the Ruger Super Blackhawk and a beautiful Smith and Wesson Model 24.  This is a very accurate cartridge!    

Getting in Reloading

 

For those of you who want to get into reloading, here's a review of the equipment you'll need and our recommendations.       


A Model 60 Load Development Plan

 

Looking for the Model 60 .38 Special load that shoots closest to point of aim and provides the best accuracy: This is the plan to get there!

IMR 4166:  A Quick Look

 

It seems like the powder offerings are constantly changing.  One of the latest is IMR 4166.  Here's a quick look at how it performs in the .30 06!

A Kinder, Gentler Range Session

 

Shooting cast bullets in chamberings that might surprise some, this range session with a 7mm Remington Magnum Ruger No. 1, a custom-stocked 30 06 Howa 1500, and a 300 Weatherby was a hoot!

Rifle Primers in Revolver Ammo

 

With the current nonavailability of most primers, can you substitute small rifle primers in revolver ammunition?  With some limitations, the answer is yes!


300 H&H Ammo Score      

 

With 300 H&H brass impossible to find, this was a real score!

 

The Great Pandemic Primer Ripoff

 

Primer prices have tripled during the pandemic. Supplier greed is the only reason why.           

 

Three Rapid Fire .38 Special Loads

 

Pushing them out as fast as possible shooting double action in a Smith and Wesson Model 60 snubbie.

Powder Weight Weenies

 

Do you need to weigh every charge? We do not think so.


7mm Mag Cast Bullet Shooting

 

An initial attempt at getting cast bullets to perform in a 7mm Magnum Ruger No. 1!

More 7mm Mag Cast Bullet Shooting

 

The second time around! Getting powder coated cast bullets to perform in a 7mm Magnum Ruger No. 1!

Lee Precision Reloading Equipment


Lee .357 Magnum Dies
Lee .44 Magnum Dies Part 1
Lee .44 Magnum Dies Part 2
Lee .44 Magnum Dies Part 3
Classic Turret Kit Unpacking
Safety Powder Scale
Lee Modern Reloading Manual
Lee Bench Plate
Setting Up Lee's Classic Turret
Auto-Drum Powder Measure
Lee Safety Prime
Lee Ammo At Work

 

The Star Progressive Reloader


Twinkle, twinkle, little Star
A first pass at cleaning the Star
The Star Powder Dispenser
The Primer Feed Mechanism
The Hulme Case Feed Mechanism
The Star Primer Pickup Tube
The Star Reloader Final Tweaks
Star Machine Works

 

Marksmanship!


Handgun Marksmanship

 

A brief tutorial on how to shoot a handgun well. Knowledge handed down from Command Sergeant Major Emory L. Hickman, a former US Army Marksmanship Training Unit pistolero!

Mini 14 Marksmanship

 

Folks say the Mini 14 is inaccurate.  We think they just don't know how to shoot.  Follow this tutorial on how to get the best out of your Mini 14 Ruger, or any rifle with iron sights!

Mini 14 Accuracy

 

Glass bedding, a Tech-Sights rear sight, a new gas port, and the right reloads will go a long way toward making a Mini 14 a more accurate rifle!

 

Refinishing Projects


Refinishing a Savage 340: Part I

 

The Savage 340 was a hell of a deal off the used gun rack, but the stock was in rough shape.  We bought it as a refinishing project, and you can follow the steps here on ExNotes!

Refinishing a Savage 340: Part II

 

In this step, we remove all of the metal work and strip the finish.  After stripping the finish, it was time to proceed to the next step, which was surface preparation.

Refinishing a Savage 340: Part III

 

Part III consisted of steaming out the dents and progressively-finer grades of sandpaper.  We did this to ready the stock for TruOil application.

Refinishing a Savage 340: Part IV

 

The final steps consisted of multiple applications of TruOil, reinstallation of the barreled action into the stock, and reinstalling other metal bits and pieces.


Refinishing A Mini 14 Stock

 

A decrepit Mini 14 stock purchased for a pittance, stripped, and custom refinished to better than new condition. Today, this stock is doing its job in the great state of Texas!

 

Miscellaneous Stuff!


Gun Stuff is Da Bomb!

 

So are we a motorcycle blog or a gun blog? Take a look at some concepts for combining these two topics in future blogs!

¡Siluetas Metálicas!

 

Those targets look mighty tiny, don't they?  They're rimfire metallic silhouette targets at the West End Gun Club. Metallic silhouette is the king of the shooting sports!

No Refunds!

 

A startling outcome at a local range we'll never visit again. This is what happens when the rangemaster doesn't know the difference between his butt and a hot rock!

Mission Accomplished

 

Good times and a funny story about hosting a group of Chinese motorcyclists for a ride across the USA.  Read about our day at the rifle range and in a Bass Pro's gun department.  Do you feel lucky?  Well, do ya?


A Tale of Two Leupolds

 

A 3x9 and a straight 4X Leupold scope, and the best lifetime warranty on the planet.  Nobody does it better than Leupold!    

Lee Ermey's Guns Go To Auction

 

It doesn't get any better than this!  The Gunny's guns go to auction!   

My Worst Gun Ever

 

Good buddy Jose tells us about his worst gun ever:  A Cobra derringer.

 

Gun Books!


Buy The Gatling Gun

 

From the Civil War to today's modern weapon systems, Gatling Guns control the battlefield. The Gatling Gun starts with Dr. Gatling's invention of this amazing weapon in 1872, progresses through post-World War II's need for higher firing rates, and continues to today's Vulcans, MiniGuns, and A-10 cannons. It's a great story!