Guns

Winchester 94-AE 30/30

 My newest rifle, a Winchester 94-AE 30/30

Although it had been in almost continuous production for 112 years, on Tuesday, January 17, 2006, the American Winchester lever actions were dropped from production. The Winchester Model 1894 (also known as Winchester .30-30 rifle, Winchester 94, Win 94,, .30-30 Winchester, or simply .30-30) is one of the most famous and most popular hunting rifles. It was designed by John Browning in 1894, and was produced by Winchester Repeating Arms Company until they ceased to manufacture rifles in 2006.

But many feel the rifle has been in decline since 1964. That's when Winchester changed production so it could be manufactured cheaper. Generally "pre-64" rifles command a premium price over post-64 rifles. This particular rifle was made in 1994 so it doesn't have the provenance of the older rifles.  Still, it's a Winchester and I have to admit that I bought it because of the name. (And I still paid a premium price even though I could have bought a new Marlin cheaper and probably better).

One of the drawbacks of the earlier 1894's was that the shells ejected straight up. Not a problem in 1894 but later when people started using scopes, a top mounted scope would get in the way of the ejected shell. In the early 80's however, Winchester modified the rifle with and angular ejection design allowing for the use of scopes.

The shell on the left is a standard .30-30 cartridge with a rounded tip bullet. That allowed for the cartridges to be loaded into the gun, one behind the other without detonating the shell in front. Recently Hornady developed the bullet on the right which has a "flex tip". These cartridges are more accurate than the originals.

Do I hunt. No, but I'm ready if I ever need to.
 

Ruger Single Six Revolver

Number 26 on Field & Stream's Top 50 "Best Guns Ever Made", the Single Six is a traditional looking Western style revolver with a modernized mechanism.

The Single Six fires the rimfire .22 Long Rifle and .22 Magnum (WMR) cartridges. Cylinders were added to allow "Convertible" Single Sixes that could shoot .22 Short/Long/Long Rifle in one cylinder and .22 WMR/.22 WRF in another.

This is an original 3-screw model built before 1973 and is considered a clone of the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver. This means that they are loaded with the hammer in the half-cock notch and properly carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber.

This is an excellent "country gun".  Not too heavy, small caliber and excellent for plinking and target practice.

Smith & Wesson - Model 686

Considered either a competition or hunting gun, this 350 magnum revolver can even be fitted with a scope. Stainless steel with a 4" barrel and customized target grip. Very accurate, very loud. A heavy gun with a "full lugged" barrel and heavy "L" frame. This is a very popular Smith & Wesson revolver, very common and frequently sold as a no-nonsense (semi-autos), home defense weapon.

It has taken criticism for being way too overpowered for home defense.  When shot at night, the flash blinds you and the blast deafens you. Most people are too stunned to fire a second shot.  On the other hand, since it can fire any of the smaller 38 special loads, that shouldn't be a problem.

First introduced in 1980, it's the largest seller of any Smith & Wesson model. This particular gun was probably made around 1992. It does not have the "lock hole" that was introduced in 1996.

Smith & Wesson - Model 617

22 rimfire, full lugged 6" barrel on the "K" frame. Hogue grips. A target/completion handgun, it's also an excellent ranch gun especially when accuracy is important.  It's a little heavy, so for a gun to carry while walking on the property, I'd stick with the Single Six.

Smith & Wesson Model 36