Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Background American history is filled with many great and proud moments. Unfortunately, the decisions that led to the eradication of the American Bison herds to the brink of extinction do not count among those moments. The great herds of buffalo (American bison) numbering in the millions traversed the plains, and served as a primary food source for the Native American population. These animals were not only a source of food and also clothing, but there was a very strong spiritual connection.... Full story
If you have an owner's manual for your firearm, this is an excellent place to start. Read the manual through several times before you pick up a tool. If there is a video available watch it. Does it follow the recommended process in the owner's manual? Does the person in the video appear to be competent? Are they using proper tools that are organized? Do they caution about the spring that they are about to release being under tension, or other safety concerns? The gunsmiths address firearms disas... Full story
This is a question that seems to come up on a frequent basis, often after the individual has just put away his or her wallet or check book. It is a good question for any person who owns firearms, particularly if they have some mechanical ability, and an interest in properly maintaining their personal firearms. This does not mean that everyone should start "working" on their guns. It does, however, open up an opportunity to learn and progress. Before We Start Remember the basic safety rules. All... Full story
We finally had a brief bit of time to do some additional work on the Martini, after catching up on the urgent work for customers who were going on hunts and had not planned ahead. It was a lot of extra hours, but almost everything was completed. Back To The Martini And now, back to the Martini. A pilot hole was drilled where the forend-attaching screw would be placed. This hole is deliberately undersized to allow for some movement if it is not placed in exactly the right position from side to... Full story
Editor's Note: To review the first part of this article, visit www.westernoutdoortimes.com, October 2017, and search for "Martinis, Anyone?"by Mike Berger and Pat Knight. http://www.westernoutdoortimes.com/story/2017/10/01/shooting-sports/martinis-anyone/3389.html Now that I had a barreled action, there was the problem of making it look "right." The appearance of a custom firearm is a matter of personal taste. They can be anything from a gun that would be missed in a rack of others, to a piece o... Full story
These Martinis are neither shaken nor stirred. Instead they are made to be shot. Of course I am referring to the Martini-Henry Rifle... So where did these Martini rifles come from? In learning about firearms prior to working on them, it is important to understand what was going on in the world at the time. Early progress in firearms design was usually motivated by the world situation, or at least the situation in the country of origin. It is also true that the genealogy of the firearm is also... Full story
It was a fun road trip. Prescott is a beautiful city, and the drive up always seems to be a pleasant outing; besides, the destination is not only the city. For those of you who haunt gun shops, looking for deals, military surplus, bulk ammo etc., if you have not been to J&G Sales, let's just say that you are missing out. Through the years, I have obtained some very sweet deals on some great guns. Besides, the trip allowed us the opportunity to have a Ruben Sandwich at the Dinner Bell, a place I... Full story
'Working on guns is a very interesting skill to learn, and a very satisfying process to become involved in.' Following is their chapter of completion, the conclusion of this fascinating project. Editor's Note: We at Arizona Boating & Watersports sincerely appreciate these two gunsmiths' sharing their story of and passion for rebuilding vintage guns. (Personally, I also appreciate the guidance given by retired Chief Mike Berger to our granddaughter Kelsee Haws while she was a student at Central... Full story
As the first rifle we discussed in previous issues, this one also had a concept of purpose at its foundation. Going back into history, William Jeffery was a competitor of John Rigby Company. Rigby is the oldest firearms manufacturer in England, and had an agreement with the Mauser Company pertaining to importation of their firearms. In 1900, Rigby requested that Mauser enlarge their Mauser action for larger cartridges, and in 1911, used this action as the basis for their .416 Rigby Cartridge.... Full story
By Mike Berger with Pat Knight Editor's Note: Retired Fire Chief Mike Berger and his friend Pat Knight have been submitting articles about the progression of refurbishing vintage rifles; their mutual project I would call a passion, and we are certainly benefitting from their willingness to share the story. It continues here with reference to the gun's stock. The next main component of a rifle is the stock. Many rifles today are built with a synthetic stock material. There are people who think... Full story
By Mike Berger and Pat Knight Well, the Savage Model 1899 finally had a range day, with both good and not-so-good results. First the good news, it shot very well with both .38-55 Winchester and .375 Winchester factory ammunition. Recoil was no problem at all, and the balance of the rifle made it great handling and a bunch of fun to shoot. Accuracy was excellent with both loads. Now the bad news. I reload for almost everything I shoot. .375-diameter bullets are mostly designed for the .375... Full story
With the care of two experts, the Model 1899 is now ready for the range. By Mike Berger and Pat Knight Editor's Note: The beginning, middle, and end of this restoration saga areal included as we feel it is important to tell the whole story of the remarkable skill and commitment these two men have shown to a once-abandoned antique rifle. Part 1: 'Rescued' From The Corner It sat quietly in the corner of the shop, behind a group of other rifles. This was the corner where trade-in rifles that were... Full story
Editor's Note: Although Part 1 of this incredible restoration story appeared in the July issue, it is included here again so that the whole story of the old Winchester is not lost. Berger continues below with Part 2 and, thankfully, will follow that with a Part 3 in future. It sat quietly in the corner of the shop, behind a group of other rifles. This was the corner where trade-in rifles that were not in the best shape were placed. This particular rifle had begun its life back in 1906, at the... Full story
It sat quietly in the corner of the shop, behind a group of other rifles. This was the corner where trade-in rifles that were not in the best shape were placed. This particular rifle had begun its life back in 1906, at the Savage Arms factory. It was a Model 1899, with a 24-inch-long barrel in 30-30. This was a very popular combination for a deer rifle in its day. I don't know why it attracted attention that day, yet it came out of its corner for examination. The condition could best be... Full story
