Unfortunately, I have to admit to being amongst that crowd, at least part of the time. In about 50 percent of my personal gunsmithing projects, I’m divided between those improvements that actually do show some benefit, and those that are, well, are a bit lacking. I did, however, recently find something that showed a large improvement in accuracy and is also relatively simple to do.
I have more Ruger single-action revolvers than my wife thinks I need, but they are rather dear to my heart. Several of them shoot extraordinarily well, considering they are production guns. My basis for accuracy in a handgun is found from shooting six-shot groups at 25 yards from a rest. Personally, I find anything that won’t make a two-inch group under those conditions rather uninteresting. Good accuracy is around an inch and anything under an inch is great.
I have always liked the idea of the original Ruger Blackhawk .357s that we know of today as the “three-screw” models. From 1955 until 1972, the .357 models had a medium frame and the .44 models had a large frame. In 1973, the line was upgraded to include a transfer bar safety system that allows shooters to carry them with a full cylinder. With this improvement, the new models no longer had the visible three screws, and the medium frame was discontinued. Until recently, all models made in 1973 (and after) were built on the larger .44 frame. In .44, they are nearly perfect, but in .357 they just always seemed too large, heavy, and a bit clumsy to me.
This story is from the Fall 2020 edition of The Black Powder Cartridge News.
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This story is from the Fall 2020 edition of The Black Powder Cartridge News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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ON HUNTING AND SNIPING
Long-range target shooting here in the U.S. has become increasingly popular, at least since the first International Match with the Irish team in 1874.
Death in the Desert
This Colt .45 “Peacemaker” was found out in the desert in historically one of the most dangerous places on Earth.
A COVID-19 Project
As far as the COVID-19 pandemic is concerned, I can’t find much good to say about it. One thing I can say, though; I had a lot of idle time on my hands. After perusing YouTube videos during this time of lockdown, I came across a company that makes rifle kits – Kibler’s Long Rifles.
Smithmoor .22 Offhand Target Championship NSmithmoor Rangen Carpenter, Wyoming – February 20-21, 2021
The Smithmoor .22 Offhand Target Championship held February 20-21, was a great success! It was a two-day match with 50 record shots per day on the 100-yard German Ring Target from SPG Sales (blackpowderspg.com). Wyoming Schuetzen Union rules were used.
A .40 Caliber Long-Range Rifle
During a recent stay in New Zealand, we found ourselves in Rotorua, which is the stomping grounds of expert Kiwi rifleman, Laurie Kerr. Laurie has been a friend since we first met at Raton, New Mexico, a number of years ago and we have managed to stay in relatively good communication ever since.
BE MORE THAN A Wannabe PART II
Since my first article was published in Issue No. 113 of The Black Powder Cartridge News, I have received several emails and groups from readers.
The Hide Hunting Exploits of HARRY “SAM” YOUNG
It’s difficult now to remember exactly where I first read or heard about Hard Knocks by Harry “Sam” Young. The book is an extremely entertaining read and in the Publisher’s Note, it specifically states, “The great lesson of this book is that “truth is stranger than fiction.”
Match Results
World’s Largest Black Powder Target Rifle Match Phoenix, Arizona – March 1-10, 2021 BEN AVERY SHOOTING FACILITY
The Wyoming Schuetzen Union's “Center Shot”
John Bodine, “Old Reliable”
Who Was Albert F. Mitchell?
When somebody hears the words “Sharps rifle,” the first things that probably come to mind are the great buffalo hunts, the “Wild and Wooly West” and tales of long-range shots, Indian attacks, and hunters freezing in blizzards.
