By the time of Jacob Hawken's death in 1849, and subsequently when the shop finally closed its doors in 1915, the Hawken rifle had cemented its status as a legend of American gunsmithing, a symbol of a bygone era. Even today, it is prized among collectors and history enthusiasts, a tangible piece of the nation's...
Long Rifles of the Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War, fought from 1775 to 1783, was a period of unprecedented political upheaval and military innovation. Central to the conflict were the firearms wielded by both sides, most notably the long rifles. These firearms, in their various designs and calibers, played an essential role in the battles and tactics employed throughout the...
The .25-20 cartridge: A Classic in Firearms History
While the .25-20 cartridge may not be as prominent today as it once was, its historical significance and contribution to firearms development remain undeniable. It played a crucial role in the evolution of lever-action rifles and provided hunters with a reliable option for small game hunting and pest control. Its successors may have overtaken it...
The Evolution of the Pinfire System in Firearms
From their humble beginnings as primitive hand cannons, firearms have undergone countless transformations to arrive at their modern iterations. Among these developments, the Pinfire system stands out as a remarkable milestone, laying the groundwork for the firearms of today. The invention of Frenchman Casimir Lefaucheux, the Pinfire system was a significant departure from the earlier...
How do I get brass for reloading ammo? Top 6 Ideas!
To obtain brass for reloading ammunition, there are several options you can consider (if you're just getting started in reloading, start here first):Purchase new brass: You can buy new brass casings from various sources, such as local gun shops, sporting goods stores, or online retailers specializing in reloading supplies. Look for brass casings specifically designed...
Unleashing the Wild West Spirit: Cowboy Action Shooting
Yeehaw, partner! Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) is not just a sport; it's a thrilling subculture, steeped in the romance and excitement of the Old West. An exhilarating blend of athleticism, historical reenactment, and theatricality, CAS has taken the world by storm, uniting people of all ages and backgrounds in their shared love for the Wild...
The Story of the .32-20 Winchester Cartridge
The .32-20 Winchester cartridge, often simply referred to as .32-20 or the .32-20 WCF, is a bit of an enigma in the realm of small-bore ammunition. With roots stretching back to the late 19th century, it has seen service in everything from modest single-action revolvers to lever-action carbines. This vintage cartridge, despite its somewhat archaic...
Sam Colt and His Insanely Great Iconic Firearms
Colt .45 Model 1878 Sam Colt and His Iconic Firearms: A Revolution in Weaponry Sam Colt is a name synonymous with the history of firearms and their evolution. Born in 1814, Samuel Colt was an inventor and industrialist who left an indelible mark on the world with his innovations in firearms technology. His patented revolving-cylinder...
The Winchester Model 54 Rifle
The Winchester Model 54 rifle remains an iconic firearm in the history of American firearms manufacturing. With its advanced design, solid construction, and excellent performance, it captured the attention of hunters, shooters, and military personnel alike. Although production numbers were relatively low compared to some of its contemporaries, the Model 54 left a lasting legacy,...
The Sharps Rifle: Berdan's Sharpshooters in the Civil War
In the summer of 1861, a flamboyant New York inventor and marksman named Hiram Berdan placed an advertisement in newspapers across the Northern states. He was recruiting the finest rifle shots in the Union for a new kind of military unit -- one in which every soldier would be a trained marksman, equipped with the...