First, an admission and a disclaimer: I admit to shooting Damascus antique shotguns. I do so at my own risk and don’t promote the practice. There have been endless debates about this, and I don’t want to pursue it much further here. Let’s get past it in this way – I shoot high-quality Damascus or “twist-steel” guns only with loads consisting of black powder or black powder substitutes. Also, the shotguns I shoot are free of active rust or pitting, have tight actions and show no signs of abuse. They are best quality guns made by known makers. With that said, if you don’t want to shoot Damascus barrels, it’s not a problem. There are a number of good hammer and hammerless double guns to shoot whose barrels are made of “fluid” or solid steel. If you like the idea of shooting a vintage shotgun instead of a modern piece or replica, there are lots of good, steel barrel doubles on the market that will not break the bank. Prewar, field grade Ithacas, Fox Sterlingworths and L. C. Smiths come to mind as well as quality doubles by other makers. At a higher price tag, the classic Winchester Model 1887 lever guns almost all have steel barrels. Winchester did offer twist and Damascus barrels for this model, usually only in the higher grades, but they are rarely encountered today. Replicas of this model are also available.
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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.
