A M ERIC AN
SHOOTING JOURNAL Volume 13 // Issue 2 // November 2023
PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andy Walgamott OFFICE MANAGER / COPY EDITOR Katie Aumann LEAD CONTRIBUTOR Frank Jardim CONTRIBUTORS Katie Aumann, Brittany Boddington, Larry Case, Scott Haugen, Phil Massaro, Mike Nesbitt, Paul Pawela, Nick Perna SALES MANAGER Paul Yarnold ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Guy Ricciardulli, Zachary Wheeler DESIGNER Lesley-Anne Slisko-Cooper PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Kelly Baker WEBMASTER / INBOUND MARKETING Jon Hines INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@americanshootingjournal.com
ON THE COVER Stevedores of Company A, 6th Special Naval Construction Battalion under arms on Vella Lavella, in the Solomon Islands, in 1943. While this Seabee unit primarily unloaded and loaded ships, members were trained and armed to be able to protect themselves from enemy attack. Franklin Gall – the subject of this issue’s cover story on the Seabees and the grandfather of author Frank Jardim – is second from the left in the middle row, wearing a Catholic crucifix around his neck. (PHOTO COURTESY JARDIM FAMILY)
Website: AmericanShootingJournal.com Facebook: Facebook.com/AmericanShootingJournal Twitter: @AmShootingJourn
MEDIA INDEX PUBLISHING GROUP 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057 (206) 382-9220 • (800) 332-1736 • Fax (206) 382-9437 media@media-inc.com • www.media-inc.com
4 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
VOLUME 13 • ISSUE 2
CONTENTS
FEATURES 32
A MUST-SEE MUSEUM The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Florida is home to the guns, equipment, history and daring deeds of yesteryear’s frogmen and today’s Sea, Air, and Land teams. Take a tour through elite American military might with our guide, Paul Pawela.
38
THE SOUND OF HEALING Army veteran Seth Cole was skeptical that getting “artsy-fartsy” would help him with his struggles, but CreatiVets unlocked a new way for him to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. Katie Aumann details the unique program using art and music to heal.
43
LAW ENFORCEMENT SPOTLIGHT: REMEMBERING A VET AND OFFICER As an artillery crew member, George Gonzalez “fought terrorists on the international front,” but it was while on duty on the home front that he would make the ultimate sacrifice. Nick Perna remembers a man cut down in the prime of his life.
44
47
53
SALUTE TO VETERANS In honor of Veterans Day, American Shooting Journal recognizes the men and women who have served our country in the Armed Forces with a look at some of our own.
COVER STORY
16 (PHOTO COURTESY JARDIM FAMILY)
A SEABEE IN THE SOLOMONS
Franklin Gall knew he didn’t want to get drafted into the Army at the outset of World War II, but still wanted to contribute to defeating the Axis Powers. Student of history Frank Jardim recounts the critical work his grandfather and the rest of the 6th Special Naval Construction Battalion performed as stevedores in Bougainville and elsewhere in the Pacific Theater to help keep the war effort humming. 64
A TRUSTED SOURCE FOR BULLETS How did Black Hills Ammunition grow from a little shooting supply company to filling 700,000-bullet orders and providing quality cartridges to top military units, law enforcement, competitive shooters and the public? BULLET BULLETIN: SPOTLIGHT ON A PAIR OF BULLET BOUTIQUES They aren’t the big boys of the bullet world – at least not yet – but California’s McGuire Ballistics and Upstate New York’s Northern Precision stand out. Phil Massaro goes coast to coast to size up these boutiques’ wares.
75
ROAD HUNTER: THE TRUTH ABOUT BEAR HUNTING WITH HOUNDS There are a lot of misconceptions around the pursuit of bears with hounds, and not just among those who want to ban the selective hunting practice. Join Scott Haugen behind an Idaho pack to find out how and why this is anything but an easy, guaranteed harvest. SHE HUNTS: LADIES SKILLS CAMP LEVELS UP No doubt about it, women love Brittany Boddington’s She Hunts Skills Camp, and when they started asking for a more advanced version, a lightbulb went off in her head. Welcome to She Hunts 2.0!
84
SCATTERGUN ALLEY: WATERFOWL 101 – IT’S TIME TO START DUCK HUNTING! Larry Case shares advice for waterfowl hunting newbies on how to get into the game, where to find ducks and geese and what you’ll need for best success.
103 BLACK POWDER: THERE’S ONLY ONE SECRET TO GOOD BLACK POWDER PISTOL SHOOTING Everybody’s looking for shortcuts to success, and Mike Nesbitt just happens to know the one for becoming a good shot with black powder pistols. Hint: The answer starts with “p” and ends with “e” but ain’t projectile.
AMERICAN SHOOTING JOURNAL is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2023 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A.
americanshootingjournal.com 7
CONTENTS ALSO INSIDE 95
GUN REVIEW: STACCATO CS 2011 After putting the Staccato CS 2011 through its paces, Nick Perna details why you’ll love this 9mm that draws on and modernizes the venerable M1911A1 platform but with a focus on everyday carry.
DEPARTMENTS 11 Gun Show Calendar 15 Competition Calendar 101 Holster Gallery
Holiday Gift Guide
110
95
(NICK PERNA)
americanshootingjournal.com 9
10 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
PRIMER
GUNSHOW C A L E N D A R
AZ Gun RAdio
November 4-5 November 18-19 December 9-10 December 16-17 December 16-17
El Paso, Texas Fresno, Calif. Midland, Texas Tucson, Ariz. Odessa, Texas
Forum Ballroom Elk Lodge VFW Post 7208 Tucson Expo The American Legion
Arizona Gun Shows
November 11-12 December 9-10 January 13-14
San Tan Valley, Ariz. Casa Grande, Ariz. San Tan Valley, Ariz.
The Big Tin Cotton Gin Pinal Fairgrounds & Event Center The Big Tin Cotton Gin
C&E Gun Shows
November 4-5 November 4-5 November 4-5 November 25-26 November 25-26 December 2-3 December 2-3
Harrisburg, Pa. Sharonville, Ohio Winston-Salem, N.C. Columbus, Ohio Concord, N.C. Columbus, Ohio Fayetteville, N.C.
PA Farm Show Complex Sharonville Convention Center Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Westland Mall Cabarrus Arena & Events Center Ohio Expo Center Crown Expo Center
Crossroads Of The West Gun Shows
November 4-5 November 4-5 November 11-12 November 11-12 November 11-12 November 18-19
Spanish Fork, Utah Tucson, Ariz. Mesa, Ariz. San Bernardino, Calif. St. George, Utah Ogden, Utah
Spanish Fork Fairgrounds Pima County Fairgrounds Centennial Hall National Orange Show Grounds Dixie Center Weber County Fairgrounds
Florida Gun Shows
November 4-5 November 25-26 December 2-3 December 9-10 December 16-17
Miami, Fla. Orlando, Fla. Tampa, Fla. Fort Myers, Fla. Palmetto, Fla.
Miami-Dade Fairgrounds Central Florida Fair Grounds Florida State Fairgrounds Lee County Civic Center Bradenton Convention Center
G&S Promotions
November 4-5 November 24-26 December 9-10 December 16-17
Dodge City, Kan. Nacogdoches, Texas Conway, Ark. Shawnee, Okla.
Western State Bank Expo Center Nacogdoches County Exposition Center Conway Expo Fairgrounds Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center
Hernando Sportsman’s Club
January 27-28
Brooksville, Fla.
Hernando Sportsman’s Club Range
azgunradio.com
arizonagunshows.com
cegunshows.com
crossroadsgunshows.com
floridagunshows.com
gunshowtrader.com
hernandosportsmansclub.com
To have your event highlighted here, send an email to kaumann@media-inc.com. americanshootingjournal.com 11
GUNSHOW
C A L E N D A R
RK Shows
November 3-5 November 4-5 November 11-12 November 11-12 November 17-19 November 18-19 November 25-26 November 25-26
Hallsville, Mo. Lebanon, Tenn. Jackson, Tenn. Perry, Ga. Washington, Mo. Gray, Tenn. Kansas City, Mo. Cadiz, Ky.
Hallsville Fairgrounds Farm Bureau Expo Center Jackson Fairgrounds Park Georgia National Fairgrounds N-Sports Rec Center Appalachian Fairgrounds KCI Expo Center Trigg County Recreation Complex
Real Texas Gun Shows
November 11-12 December 2-3 December 16-17
Belton, Texas Orange, Texas Belton, Texas
Bell County Expo Center Orange County Expo Bell County Expo Center
Tanner Gun Shows
November 17-19 November 24-26 December 15-17
Pueblo, Colo. Denver, Colo. Aurora, Colo.
Colorado State Fairgrounds Crowne Plaza Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
Wes Knodel Gun Shows
November 4-5 November 18-19 December 9-10 December 16-17
Albany, Ore. Centralia, Wash. Redmond, Ore. Centralia, Wash.
Linn County Fair and Expo Center Southwest Washington Fairgrounds Deschutes County Expo Center Southwest Washington Fairgrounds
rkshows.com
therealtexasgunshow.com
tannergunshow.com
wesknodelgunshows.com
12 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
PRIMER
COMPETITION C A L E N D A R
usashooting.org
uspsa.org
gssfonline.com
cmsaevents.com
idpa.com
November 10-12 MidwayUSA Foundation Airgun Training Camp Colorado Springs, Colo.
November 18-19 Team Shooting Stars Nov 2023 PTO Carrollton, Texas
December 8-10 2023 Winter Air Gun Championship Colorado Springs, Colo.
November 8-12 Desert Classic Area 2 Championship Mesa, Ariz.
November 16-19 IPSC Nationals New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
December 8-10 North Florida Section Championship New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
November 4-5 Glock Showdown in Savannah Fleming, Ga.
November 11-12 Palo Alto Glock Showdown Donaldsonville, La.
November 18-19 The Route 66 Glock Challenge San Bernardino, Calif.
November 4-5 Duel in the Desert Tucson, Ariz.
November 18-19 Emerald Coast Glock Classic Holt, Fla.
November 4-5 South Dakota and Nebraska Border Wars McCook, Neb.
November 10-12 Guns ‘n Grub Veteran’s Day Shoot Eugene, Ore.
November 18-19 Richardson Ride Cedar Rapids, Iowa
November 4-5 2023 Silverstate Championship Las Vegas, Nev.
November 11-12 Space Coast Challenge Palm Bay, Fla.
December 7-10 2023 Sheepdog CCP Championship Valdosta, Ga.
November 10-11 The Come and Take It Shootout Dilley, Texas
December 2-3 “Remember the Alamo” Ballistic Challenge Atascosa, Texas
November 17-18 PGC IDPA Giving Thanks to Veterans Ridgeville, S.C.
To have your event highlighted here, send an email to kaumann@media-inc.com. americanshootingjournal.com 15
16 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
A Seabee in the Solomons
What Seaman First Class Frank Gall, 6th Special Naval Construction Battalion, did to help defeat the Japanese in World War II.
S
STORY BY FRANK JARDIM • PHOTOS COURTESY OF JARDIM FAMILY
Bound for Island X in the Pacific Theater of World War II in early 1944, Company A, 6th Special Naval Construction Battalion stevedores climb from the deck of an LCM (Landing Craft, Mechanized) up the side of a Liberty ship using cargo nets as ladders, a dangerous undertaking because a slip could mean getting crushed between the vessels or smashing onto the deck below. Author Frank Jardim’s grandfather Franklin Gall is the man in the lower left corner.
ince I was a kid, American veterans have never been far from my thoughts. It just so happened that my walk to and from school passed through the veteran’s memorial park. There, the names of men from our town who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War were listed on bronze plaques attached to impressive granite monuments taller than me. In those days, the sheer abundance of living former soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen I encountered daily was a constant reminder of the magnitude of these wars. They were the adults of my time. Our neighbor was a B-17 bombardier in World War II, my gym teacher a Sherman tank driver in Korea, my summer camp counselor a US Army infantryman recently returned from Vietnam, and most significantly, my grandfather was a US Navy Seabee in the Pacific Theater. This story is about him. His name was Franklin Joseph Gall. I thought so much of him that I gave my son his full name. As a bit of background, I give my grandfather credit for instilling in me a lifelong love of history by answering my many childhood questions about his life. He was not a historian himself; in fact, he had no interest in history at all. But he had lived through some interesting times. Born in 1921, he was a kid in the Roaring ’20s, a teenager in the Great Depression of the 1930s, and from 1942 to 1945 he participated in the biggest and most destructive war in human history, one that forever changed the world. During the course of earning a BA and MA in history, I realized how nearly perfect he was as a historical witness. He never changed, exaggerated or embellished his stories. americanshootingjournal.com 17
Company A of the 6th Special NCB arrived at Bougainville via LCI (Landing Craft, Infantry), a transport that seemed uniquely unsuited to delivering troops to hostile shores. Fortunately, the Japanese did not contest their arrival.
18 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
His memory seemed uncontaminated by things beyond the scope of what he had seen and done at the time he saw and did them. He lived in the present, finding and spreading joy as he moved forward doing the things he needed to as a son, brother, serviceman, husband, father and grandfather. He had little but was extremely generous. One of the things I admired most about him was his positive outlook on life. Until the day he died, I never heard him complain or say a pessimistic word. This is all the more remarkable because he had a harder life than most.
Barakoma airstrip was built by the 58th NCB on Vella Lavella. The famous Black Sheep Squadron (VMF-214) operated out of it. This photo of Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington’s F4U-1A Corsair was taken there in late 1943.
FRANKLIN J. GALL was the first
American-born child of immigrant parents. One night, his father, a laborer, didn’t come home and was never seen or heard from again. The unexplained disappearance of a Slovak immigrant would not have mattered enough to the authorities to be investigated, but it was a harbinger of utter disaster for an immigrant mother now on her own with five children, the oldest of which was my then 16-year-old grandfather. He dropped out of high school to work and help keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Even before he had to take on the responsibilities of an adult in the worst economic downturn of modern times, there was never a period in his youth when he wasn’t poor. When I say poor, I don’t mean in the present-day sense of not having a cell phone or Netflix; he was urban poor. He lived in a onetoilet-per-floor cold-water tenement flat, was lucky to have a banana sandwich to eat for lunch, didn’t have a family pet because they couldn’t spare the food, mended holes in his clothes, walked everywhere because he couldn’t afford the street car, and snuck into the movie theater in the summertime by climbing up the fire escape and slipping into the door they propped open for some ventilation because theaters weren’t generally air-conditioned in those days. But he was even-tempered, true to his word, hardworking and tough. Not just mentally and emotionally tough, but he would beat the crap out of you with his bare hands if you did him wrong too often. He was slow to anger, and
never even spanked my brother and I when we got into mischief. All he had to do was start reaching for his belt buckle and we would dash away in fear, swearing better behavior to come. The spread of war through Europe and Asia as the 1930s ended and the new decade began led to an unexpected expansion of the American economy, and with it the chance for my grandfather – and lots of other struggling Americans living handto-mouth – to get better-paying steady work. I can imagine the relief he felt when he was hired at General Electric as a painter. Then the Japanese launched their surprise attack on the American Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and Congress declared war. That must have hit him like a combination punch. Just when he’d finally achieved a base level of financial security to lift his mother and siblings from poverty, war snatched it away. This experience wasn’t unique to him. He was mad about Pearl Harbor, but he wanted to support his mother and younger brothers and sisters more than he wanted to get even with the Japanese. He correctly assumed that, sooner or later, he would be drafted.
MY GRANDFATHER HELD his job
at General Electric as long as he could
before he enlisted. Somewhere along the line, he’d gotten some counsel from World War I Army veterans who experienced the terrible mud, body lice and exhaustion of trench warfare. They told him, “Don’t get drafted into the Army!” They said the smart play was to volunteer for the Navy. You could get killed in the Navy too, but if you did die, at least you did it in clean clothes after a comfortable night’s sleep in a bed. With no more sailing experience than one gets from the ferry ride between New Jersey and Manhattan, my grandfather presented himself at a naval enlistment center to sign up. It didn’t go as planned. The Navy men there told him he was too late. The fleet already had all the volunteers they needed. Now, my grandfather was an athletic, powerfully built man. He had recently earned a reputation around Newark as a minor league baseball pitcher of noteworthy accomplishment. I can only speculate that this factored into what happened next. The Navy recruiter didn’t send my grandfather away. Instead he suggested volunteering for the new Naval Construction Battalions then being formed to build support facilities in the active theater of operations where civilian contractors couldn’t work. The lengthy name was abbreviated as NCB. A man in an NCB americanshootingjournal.com 19
was a “CB” or “Seabee.” The Seabee motto was “We build. We fight.” These NCB units were brand new and my grandfather had never heard of them. While not as good as the fleet, it still sounded better than being an Army infantryman. Perhaps he might even learn some construction skills that could help him get a better civilian job if he lived through the war. He signed up on the spot.
As it turned out, my grandfather never learned any construction skills. He learned how to unload ships. After the Navy realized they needed to recruit professional construction men to form NCB units around to build their naval bases and airfields in the war zone, they realized they also needed to recruit professional stevedores to unload all the ammo, rations, bombs, tanks, gasoline and
Because of Japanese air and artillery attacks, Seabees on Bougainville had to live in foxholes for several months like the frontline troops. You can see that these holes used logs for overhead protective cover, with shelter halves stretched above to keep at least some of the rain out.
Bougainville’s Empress Augusta Bay presented a problem. The beach topography was such that LST (Landing Ship, Tank) ramps hung uselessly in midair. Here, a bulldozer is pushing an improvised coconut log ramp into position so it can be hoisted up to bridge the gap.
general material needed to carry the fight to the enemy some 5,400 nautical miles from the California coast. These Seabee stevedoring units were called NCB Specials and my grandfather was assigned to the 6th NCB Special. He would sometimes joke that the Navy signed him up because “they needed a strong back and weak mind.” After the outbreak of war, the terms of enlistment were changed to the duration of the war plus six months. My grandfather enlisted in 1942 and 20 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Sixth Special NCB men quickly unloaded drums of gasoline from this LST by rolling them into the water and swimming the barrels to the beach. Gas drums float on water.
served over two years overseas with Company A of the 6th Special in the gritty campaign to drive the Japanese from the Solomon Islands, and later the massive invasion of the Philippines. He didn’t see the United States again until the summer of 1945, when the 6th Special NCB and many other units were disbanded so the Navy could rebalance its forces for the expected invasion of Japan. Nothing he had learned in his previous two years at war suggested invading Japan would be anything less
than a bloodbath for all parties involved. He was greatly relieved and grateful for his life when Japan unconditionally surrendered after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Demobilized in 1945 and honorably discharged, he left the Navy with the none-too-lofty rank of Seaman First Class. He’d been lucky. He came through it all without a scratch.
OVERALL, BEING A Seabee was
vastly safer than being in the ground
combat specialties of the Army and Marine Corps, but the danger varied widely. There is always a degree of risk associated with just being in an active theater of combat. The 6th Special NCB was very lucky. Only two of the battalion’s men were killed, both from my grandfather’s company. He was there the day the enemy drew first blood during a landing on the unsecured island of Vella Lavella, where the Navy wanted an airbase built from which to attack the Japanese stronghold americanshootingjournal.com 21
Seabee stevedores unload massive 2,000-pound general purpose bombs from the lower hold of a Liberty ship three at a time using a “bomb chime.”
The same bombs being transferred to an LCM (Landing Craft, Mechanized) for transport to shore, where they will be loaded on trucks and taken to an airfield supply dump to await special air delivery to the Japanese stronghold at Rabaul.
22 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
at Rabaul. On that fateful day, two LSTs (Landing Ship, Tank) loaded with supplies and troops slid up to the beach, dropped their stern anchors, grounded with a lurch, opened their bow doors and dropped their ramps. The Seabee stevedores had the vessel assigned to them unloaded in minutes. While this was going on, a handful of their shipmates set up the company’s single 20mm anti-aircraft gun on the shore. Because a beached LST was a sitting duck, their officers had carefully studied the cargo and packed it in the vessel so it could be discharged from the hold with maximum speed and efficiency. With its cargo ashore, their LST closed up its bow and pulled away to the comparative safety of the open sea where it could at least present a moving target. My grandfather recalled how
badly organized the remaining LST’s load was, with unpacked tentage strewn around the deck. Some Seabees from his company went over to help them. A few minutes later, unidentified aircraft were spotted in the distance. Nobody fired as the planes drew closer. By the time the “red meatball” on their wings and fuselage was visible, they were already making an attack run at the beached LST. Two bombs hit the ship, one setting it on fire in the stern, and the other collapsing one end of the cargo elevator, trapping men inside the burning ship. Undeterred by the attack, some of the Seabees ran to the stricken vessel, now belching smoke, and up the ramp to look for their shipmates. It was a grisly scene inside, the smell of blood apparent despite the noxious smoke. One soldier sat calmly with his back to
the bulkhead, his leg gone below the knee. A 6th Special man, his belly cut open, held his guts in with his hands. This was my grandfather’s first time under direct enemy attack. Like most of the 6th Special men, he was taken by surprise and ran for the cover of the jungle. On the beached LST, 20 men were dead and many wounded. He recalled seeing the bloody, lifeless body of one of the LST’s gunners killed at his battle station. The war had suddenly become very personal. Later that day, the Japanese made a second air attack on the stricken ship and the tiny beachhead, but this time the Company A gun crew was ready. One Japanese bomber was shot down, credited to the Seabees’ single 20mm gun. They had taken a hit, but they proved they could hit back. If my grandfather ever knew what this loss of life accomplished, it did not leap to his memory 30 years later. On several occasions he said to me, “Frankie, war is just about killing people.” He was not a cynical man. Company A, 6th Special NCB was frequently detached from the battalion for separate missions in or close to the battlefront. They were under hostile fire more than any other company in the battalion. Here, an LCM carries them to a Liberty ship that will take them to Treasury Island, where there are ships that need unloading.
24 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Though he was uneducated, he was no fool. With that terse assessment, he boiled war down to its very essence at a basic human level, the way it is experienced by those who suffer the loss of friends and loved ones. Strategically, the ultimate goal behind invading Vella Lavella was to build an airfield from which to launch attacks against the key Japanese stronghold on the island of Rabaul far to the north. Without the airstrips and anchorage at Rabaul, the Japanese could not hold the Solomon Islands. The 58th NCB built the Barakoma Airfield on Vella Lavella. It is remembered today as the base of USMC VMF-214, the famous Black Sheep Squadron. VMF-214 was commanded by Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, one of the highest scoring American aces in the Pacific Theater.
WHILE BEING A Seabee sometimes required deployment with the attacking Marine Corps infantry companies during an invasion, NCBs
were not intended to be offensive units. At least not in the sense that they would use their small arms and training to attack and destroy Japanese ground forces in close combat. Seabees were trained and armed to be able to protect themselves from enemy attack. Their actual offensive power was in the work they contributed to keep the attack going, sometimes on a tactical level, but more often on a strategic one. For my grandfather, this became evident during the invasion of Bougainville that followed the Vella Lavella operation. Bougainville is a large island, 75 miles long and from 40 to 60 miles wide, with a mountainous interior cloaked in dense jungle that made it hard to move cross country. The Japanese had airfields and naval support facilities there, defended by upwards of 40,000 troops. That was a lot to take on, so the American plan was to invade the island where the Japanese troops weren’t, carve out a defendable perimeter large
Frank Doughney, pictured here on Bouganville, was one of the many professional civilian stevedores commissioned directly into the US Navy Civil Engineering Corps to serve as officers in the Seabee Specials. Their experience was instrumental in quickly shaping the Specials into effective longshoremen.
enough to build several air bases before the Japanese could mount a serious counterattack, and then use those bases to neutralize Rabaul. With Rabaul gone, the Japanese left in the Solomon Islands would be isolated, unsupported and eventually neutralized by starvation. The plan worked. About a month after the initial unopposed amphibious landing, Company A of the stevedoring 6th Special NCB arrived at Bougainville’s Empress Augusta Bay aboard a pair of LCI (Landing Craft, Infantry). Once the little ships beached, the men struggled to unload their gear down the narrow, awkward gangplanks that flanked the bow. Standing on the high deck of the LCI waiting to disembark, a man was fully exposed. This made the LCI less than ideal for landing troops under fire, but at least they were seaworthy. The low freeboard 26 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
and flat bow ramp of the LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel) limited them to ship-to-shore work, and even then, rough seas could swamp or broach them. The Seabees, and most everybody else, called the LCVP a Higgins boat. How many knew they were actually designed and built by Andrew Jackson Higgins, I can’t say. These humble plywood vessels were immensely important to the Allied war effort. Though Higgins boats were used in dramatic beach assaults in the Pacific and European Theaters of Operation, their greatest contribution was the comparatively mundane task of ferrying cargo from ship to shore. LCVPs, and to a lesser degree DUKWs – amphibious 2½-ton cargo trucks – were critical to the logistics stream. To put their importance into perspective, my grandfather’s
company only saw a functional dock in the combat zone once during the whole time they were overseas, and that dock was built by other Seabees! As the 6th Special men came ashore on Bougainville, they noticed long-range 155mm “Long Tom” guns surrounded by sandbag revetments nearby. The gun tubes were oriented inland, indicating enemy ground forces were a threat. In fact, by this time, the Japanese were contesting the lodgement with regular air raids, infantry attacks, and an impressive quantity of artillery laboriously hauled across the island’s rugged interior and emplaced just behind the high ridges overlooking the American beachhead. My grandfather recalled that he and his shipmates had to dig foxholes and stand guard with loaded rifles and grenades around their bivouac perimeter at night to watch for Japanese infiltrators. It was here that they got their first exposure to artillery fire, sweating it out in their holes as American and Japanese heavy guns traded shots over their heads. The Japanese shot at their supply dumps and airfields. The Americans targeted the Japanese guns. It took the Japanese a few more months to organize and launch a major counterattack. In the meantime, the Seabees lived in their holes like the frontline infantry did. When the Japanese finally made their big assault intent on destroying the American lodgement, it was a tense period for the 6th Special men. They were ordered to man their defensive positions and prepare to repel any attacks that might develop, the greatest threat being an amphibious assault of the lightly defended shoreline behind them. Fortunately for my grandfather, the 12,000 Japanese troops committed to the counterattack were focused on the inland perimeter defenses manned by the Army. It was a brutal fight on the perimeter, but the Japanese got the worst of it and their attack failed. In the final accounting, air raids were a more significant threat to the 6th Special men than enemy warships or ground attack from infantry and artillery. Enemy planes could appear
unexpectedly from any approach at any time. The signal that alerted them of an air attack was the firing of three cannon shots in rapid succession. My grandfather pointed out that the last place you’d want to be when you heard that signal was standing in the ship’s hold surrounded by bombs or gasoline. A single tracer round from a Japanese aviator’s machine guns could blow the ship, and the men on it, into oblivion.
THE 6TH SPECIAL spent a lot of
time unloading bombs and gasoline at Bougainville. I have a photograph of them lifting 2,000-pound GP (general purpose) bombs out of the cargo hold of a Liberty ship three at a time with a special fixture they dreamed up to expedite the process. My grandfather called it a “bomb chime.” It consisted of three cables with hooks on the ends. Each cable was wrapped around the center of the bomb and hooked to itself. When lifted up, it drew tight around the bomb’s body. Releasing the bombs from the chime was much faster than hooking them up.
28 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
The winchman would lower the load over the side until it was about three feet above the steel deck of a waiting LCT (Landing Craft, Tank) used to ferry heavy loads to shore. Then the winchman would just drop the bombs on the deck. On impact they would bounce slightly, causing the chime hooks to dislodge. Bouncing bombs off the deck could be a troubling sight to the uninitiated, but they were unfused and they never had one blow up. It greatly sped up the work. Those bombs were loaded onto trucks and delivered to the airfields, where they were slung under planes and dropped on the enemy at Rabaul. In about three months, American aviators operating from Bougainville flew around 9,400 missions that dropped 7,410 tons of bombs. That’s an average of 85 tons of bombs every day, each of which had to be unloaded from ships and ferried to shore. For the sake of discussion, let us say half the bombs were 500-pound GPs and the other half 1,000-pounders. With that split, at a minimum, a total of
22,230 bombs were unloaded. Those bombs rained destruction on Rabaul, rendering the base harmless and allowing it to be completely bypassed. Naturally, much more than just bombs were needed to support the American operations on Bougainville. The shoreline around Empress Augusta Bay presented a special challenge that needed creative solutions. The topography of the shoreline didn’t allow LSTs to get close enough to the beach to drop their ramps on solid ground. At low tide, pictures show their useless bow ramps hanging in midair. The Seabees cut down coconut trees and used the long logs to fabricate a massive portable ramp, which they pushed in place with a bulldozer to bridge the gap and allow vehicles to be driven ashore. In another case, a bulk cargo of critical aviation fuel packed in standard 55-gallon steel drums needed immediate unloading. If they used their improvised ramp, they could only load one truck at a time inside the confined space of the LST’s tank deck. Instead, the 6th Special men rolled all
the 500-pound drums directly into the water, emptying the ship as fast as possible. Gasoline is lighter than water, so the drums floated, allowing the men to swim them to the beach. Strips of steel Marston mat used to build airfields were laid on the sand so the heavy drums could be rolled easily without sinking in. The men rolled the drums right up into the beds of several waiting cargo trucks that carried them away. The same LST also had 155mm shells for the heavy artillery batteries holding the Japanese at bay outside the perimeter. Nobody in the 6th Special wanted to see those guns run low on ammo, but ammunition had to be kept dry. Their plan was simple and memorable. It was photographed for posterity but the risqué nature of the picture probably prevented it from ever being published. I found a copy in the NAVFAC (Naval Facilities Engineering) archives at the Seabee base in Port Hueneme, California, and recognized it immediately from my grandfather’s description. The 6th Special men, some stripped naked,
30 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
formed a human conveyor belt from the LST’s tank deck, through the surf, and over the beach to the artillery emplacements. They passed the 26-inch-long, 90-pound projectiles hand to hand.
MY GRANDFATHER HAD many
stories. Some were funny, some weird, some action-packed and terrifying – like witnessing the first Japanese kamikaze suicide attacks during the invasion of the Philippines. Some stories, like the dangers of working in a ship’s hold, were rather mundane while still being a pretty big deal. For example, today the cargo winches used for loading and unloading ships are electric and quite precise, but most cargo ships of the World War II era were equipped with steampowered winches. My grandfather said they worked pretty good as long as the ship had steam. When the steam pressure got too low, the load could suddenly drop. The 6th Special men learned to never get under the load. Old-fashioned stevedoring
was an inherently dangerous job, made more dangerous by the field conditions encountered during military operations. The truth is, a great many noncombat jobs performed by military personnel, especially in time of war, are riskier than comparable civilian professions. Consider how many military personnel are injured or killed each year in training accidents. Our military personnel selflessly assume risks great and small to execute their duties, and for that they deserve a respectful thank you. In 1954, Veterans Day was formally established by Congress to honor all Americans who served their country in the armed forces during peace and war. In our hectic modern world, it’s easy to forget the important role the men and women of our armed forces have in preserving our way of life. If you somehow let all the opportunities you had to acknowledge their efforts on your behalf slip by unrecognized, Veterans Day serves as your annual reminder to thank them for their service. ★
A MUST-SEE MUSEUM
The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Florida shares the guns, equipment, history and daring deeds of yesteryear's frogmen and today's Sea, Air, and Land teams.
F
STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL PAWELA
lorida, the southeasternmost US state, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Home to many attractions like Walt Disney World, Sea World, Busch Gardens and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. There is plenty to see and do in Florida, for sure. However, there is a gem located in the small town of Fort Pierce north of Miami that many people don’t know about, and that is the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum. The only museum dedicated solely to preserving the history of the United States Navy SEALs and their predecessors, it sits on the training grounds of the original Navy combat divers, the frogmen. The Navy SEAL Museum Memorial is comprised of the Memorial Wall, the Living Beach, the Memorial Garden and the Naval Special Warfare K9 Memorial. The museum officially opened in 1985 on Veterans Day, and the caretakers have expanded it ever since. The main objective of the museum is to educate the public by providing the opportunity to explore the history of the Navy SEALs through interactive exhibits while honoring the fallen at the Navy SEAL Memorial and caring for those warriors’ families through the Trident House Charities Program. Unless one has lived in a cave for the past 25 years, it is very hard not to know who the Navy SEALs are, as some of their real-life exploits have come alive on the big screen in blockbuster movies like Lone Survivor, American Sniper, Captain Phillips and Zero Dark Thirty, to name a few. Another of the many memorials outside the museum.
32 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
WHERE DOES ONE begin their tour of the
National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum? I
Among the memorials at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is one honoring K9s that have sacrificed their lives in the line of service.
would start by seeing the imposing statue of the SEAL Medal of Honor Memorial that is made in the likeness of Lieutenant Mike Thornton (retired). As you enter the gates, the larger-than-life statue stands to the left. Thornton rescued and saved the life of MOH recipient Lieutenant Tom Norris, his senior officer. Norris received the MOH in Vietnam when he rescued two downed aircrew members in the Quang Tri Province. Six months later, Norris was on another secret mission where he and his men were outnumbered. He was severely wounded, and Thornton fought through heavy fire to get to Norris’s position to rescue him, making it the first time in history that a MOH was awarded in combat action to one soldier for saving
The SEAL Medal of Honor Memorial is made in the likeness of Lieutenant Mike Thornton, who saved MOH recipient Lieutenant Tom Norris in combat in Vietnam, earning Thornton the honor as well. americanshootingjournal.com 33
Two NASA capsules recovered by frogmen.
Different types of transportation vessels the SEALs have used.
The Navy SEAL Memorial records the names of frogmen and SEALs who have died in combat or training since World War II.
the life of another MOH recipient. Both Thornton and Norris would become plank owners of our elite counterterrorist teams. Thornton would become a founding member of SEAL Team 6, and Norris would become a founding member of the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team. Both men, like their memorial statues, are larger than life, and I am proud and honored to have met both. (By Honor Bound, the book written by Norris and Thornton about their exploits, can be purchased inside the museum’s gift shop.)
THE DECISION WHETHER to immediately
go inside the museum or walk around outside the building to see the many sights is a dilemma indeed. In my way of thinking, it is good for the soul to go straight to the Navy SEAL Memorial to pay homage to those brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this great nation from World War II to today. The museum also honors combat
34 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
assault dogs with a Naval Special Warfare K9 Memorial. This memorial honors the dogs that have sacrificed their lives in the line of service to this great country. After touring the memorial wall and paying respects, visitors can see the different types of transportation vessels SEALs have used on different missions, including fast boats, gunboats, transport boats, as well as secret underwater craft, in which SEALs used scuba gear to get to their ultimate destination. The Navy has always been part of aiding NASA in going to space and back, and so it makes sense that Navy rescue divers – frogmen – assisted the ocean landings of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. Outside the museum are two capsules recovered by the frogmen back in the day. Also outside the museum is part of an obstacle course modeled after the one in Coronado, near San Diego, where future SEALs go through their Basic
Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, or BUD/S. It is impressive in every way. Visitors can test their skill, agility and strength the way Navy SEALs do.
INSIDE THE MUSEUM, as one walks to the immediate left, is a small movie theater that takes the viewer through the history and evolution of the Underwater Demolition Teams to today’s Navy SEALs; it is thrilling to watch every second of the film. Across from the theater is the museum’s gift shop, loaded with books written by famous SEALs, as well as hats, shirts, mugs, you name it; the museum gift shop has just about everything you can think of to buy as a souvenir. To say the exhibits are breathtaking would be an understatement. There is a model of Osama bin Laden’s three-level compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, where the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, also known as SEAL Team 6, successfully took out
Exhibits from inside the museum.
bin Laden. The display is nicely done, showing where all the SEALs were located, including one of the crashed helicopters. There is also a video that goes along with the display and talks about the raid. Around the corner is the actual lifeboat of the Maersk Alabama, on which three Somali terrorists were holding the ship’s captain Richard Phillips hostage. DEVGRU rescued the captain after three of its snipers made precision shots at the same time, ending the ordeal. Next to the lifeboat is the actual Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that was a part of the mission that rescued Jessica Buchanan, who was kidnapped near Somalia in 2012 by Somali pirates. DEVGRU eliminated nine of her kidnappers. The museum is also loaded with displays of different weapons and equipment used throughout SEAL history, and there are World War II and Cold War Galleries.
THERE IS SO much to see in the museum and on its grounds that I don’t think I have done it justice. One of the best times to go to the museum is during the Annual Muster and Music Festival, usually held around Veterans Day. During that time, the SEALs put on one hell of a good show. They have their Leap Frog parachute team jump from an
Air Force C-130 onto the grounds of the museum. SEAL teams also do a mock hostage rescue using their snipers, who have been hidden the entire time from public view, and utilizing K9s. SEAL equipment is on full display, and the SEALs themselves are up to the task of both answering questions and posing for pictures for all their admirers. Every year, the museum brings in special guest speakers to kick off the Muster, and usually there will be a lot of famous SEALs in attendance as well.
THE NAVY SEALS’ commitment to working
together for the sake of their country, sometimes at all costs, continues to inspire both military personnel and civilians alike. From peacekeeping missions to rescues to raids in the world’s most dangerous places, Navy SEALs have trained, worked and sacrificed everything for duty and honor. If you plan a visit to Florida, make sure to visit the National Navy UDTSEAL Museum at 3300 North Highway A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949. For more info, see navysealmuseum.org.
Author’s note: I would like to dedicate this article to all the families of fallen Navy SEALs, and especially to the families of Matthew Axelson, Danny Dietz Jr. and Marc Alan Lee, who are extended family of mine.
A Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that was a part of the mission that rescued Jessica Buchanan and a fellow aid organization colleague from Somali pirates.
36 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Army veteran Seth Cole was skeptical about how getting “artsy-fartsy” was going to help him with his struggles. “Little did I know, in two weeks I would eat those words and spark a love for art and music that I truly never saw in myself,” he says of CreatiVets’ programs.
38 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
THE SOUND OF HEALING CreatiVets and its programs help veterans transform their stories of trauma and struggle into an art form that can inspire and motivate continued healing.
STORY BY KATIE AUMANN • PHOTOS COURTESY OF CREATIVETS
T
here are many organizations and nonprofits nationwide that connect military veterans and their families with services such as financial assistance, physical and mental health therapy, support groups with fellow servicemembers, and even special opportunities for vets to go on that hunting trip of their dreams. There are many lifelines out there, but even so, the transition back into civilian life is not an easy one. In fact, according to the National Center for PTSD, 15 percent of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder in the past year, and 29 percent have experienced PTSD at some point in their lives.
participating veterans to express their thoughts and feelings without having to verbalize or directly confront the trauma,” explains Andrews. “Our artistic outlets focus on creating an environment in which the veteran feels safe, providing an expressive medium that does not threaten that feeling of safety and helping veterans live again in turn.”
CreatiVets, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2013 to help veterans struggling with PTSD. The organization’s goal is to empower wounded veterans to heal through art and music. “We work primarily with veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, giving them opportunities to use art, music and creative writing to heal their unseen wounds of war,” explains Ricky Andrews, CreatiVets’ community outreach and volunteer coordinator. “Our aim is to equip veterans with lifelong tools for success beyond the battlefield.” According to Andrews, creative art forms like those offered via CreatiVets
THE ORGANIZATION HAS helped many struggling veterans. One such success story is that of Seth Cole, an Army vet who went through the program in 2018. He shares his story here. “What brought me to CreatiVets was a good friend of mine. Back in 2018, they told me that they signed themself and I up for a visual arts program ... I was very skeptical. My exact words were, ‘How is being artsy-fartsy going to help me, or especially you?’ Little did I know, in two weeks I would eat those words and spark a love for art and music that I truly never saw in myself.” “As we were finishing up the USC (University of Southern California)
programs have shown tremendous effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms, reducing the severity of depression that often accompanies PTSD, and improving the quality of life for veterans and their family members. Andrews adds that over the last two decades, researchers and clinicians have found the relief and healing provided by expressive writing, music and art is possible because these forms of expression do not necessitate exposure to the facts of the trauma, and also allow the individual to avoid the stigma of receiving mental health treatment. “In modeling the CreatiVets programming, we have structured our sessions in a way that allows the
americanshootingjournal.com 39
visual arts, and many more musicand art-related streams. These were not only essential, in my opinion, but life-saving. With so many of us not able to get out because of the unknown, being able to have an escape was so beneficial.” “In about September of 2020, things were coming back online with the songwriting program in Nashville! It wasn’t what they usually do, but going back to the life lessons, they ‘endured the suck’ to bring so much positive out. In October of 2020, CreatiVets linked me up with (songwriter) Dave Turnbull and (musician) Chris Ferrara to tell my story. These two were able to magically turn those words coming out of me into an amazing song that y’all know as ‘Rise Above.’” “Overall, CreatiVets has saved my life and touched so many more in their mission to help combat veterans heal from the rigors of battle, injury, and being locked inside our minds because we don’t feel like anyone can understand.” Cole asks, “Life is full of ripples: are you going to be ripples of hope, joy and love, or are you going to be ripples of despair?”
Cole was featured in an exhibit at San Antonio International Airport entitled “From War to Words – A Visual Voices Portrait Series by Jason Myers” that combined 11 portraits of wounded veterans with graphic representations of songs each had written. “I’m hoping this portrait project captures the enormous gratitude I have for these patriots and countless others who have served our country,” said Myers.
course, I had asked for a prop to add to my exhibit so I didn’t have to look at anyone. This prop happened to be a guitar. I hadn’t picked up a guitar ever, but figured why not, haven’t ever picked up art in general ... so when in Rome. This being said, I took that prop … and taught myself ‘Landslide’ by Fleetwood Mac. That song is one that has gotten me through a lot. I admit I’m no Lindsey Buckingham or Stevie Nicks (I’ll be there someday), but it helped me to keep the anxiety down while showing the art we had 40 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
made over the time there.” “After that, I was contacted by CreatiVets again to participate in another program they were doing with the Country Music Hall of Fame. This really inspired me to keep up with learning how to keep playing more. Not only that, it helped me to understand how a song was written and start writing my own.” “Fast forward a couple years and the pandemic is here. CreatiVets streamed a ton of content that helped us to learn more about songwriting,
PTSD IS A serious disease that can lead to anxiety, sadness, anger, depression, guilt, shame, irritability, behavioral changes and thoughts of suicide. These feelings can cause a person to avoid environments that trigger trauma reminders, resulting in isolation and withdrawal from society and often leading to marital problems, difficulty in parenting, job instability, substance abuse, violence and even suicide. But through organizations like CreatiVets and the programs they offer, veterans are able to transform their stories of trauma and struggle into an art form that can inspire and motivate continued healing. ★ Editor’s note: Find CreatiVets participants’ music on all platforms, including Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, and more. For more information, visit creativets.org.
CLASSES OFFERED
NRA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR CHRISTOPHER CUNIO
+ GUN SAFETY SEMINAR NRA seminar introduces new gun owners to gun safety fundamentals
+ RUN YOUR GUN One on one firearms coaching with Christopher
+ RANGE SAFETY OFFICER NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Certification
+ NRA EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE® PROGRAM + NEW GUN OWNER The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course
+ PREPARE TO CONCEAL NRA Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Certification
+ FIREARMS IN THE HOME NRA Personal Protection In the Home Certification
+ FIREARMS OUTSIDE THE HOME NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Certification
+ LONG GUN NRA Basic Rifle for basic and skill based learning with a long gun
+ BASIC SHOTGUN Basic shotgun for basic and skill-based learning with a shotgun
SCAN FOR MORE INFO
42 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.C2FFST.COM
L.E. SPOTLIGHT
REMEMBERING A VET AND OFFICER George Gonzalez ‘fought terrorists on the international front, as well as at home.’ STORY BY NICK PERNA • PHOTO COURTESY OF US ARMY
uring the Global War on Terror, many Americans deployed overseas to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, the Philippines and dozens of other places around the world. Their goal was to fight terrorism abroad, to avenge those killed on 9/11 and to try to ensure no other terrorists committed acts of violence on American soil again. In rare circumstances, Americans have fought terrorists on the international front, as well as at home. Such was the case of Officer George Gonzalez. Gonzalez was an artillery crew member in the United States Army. He was on active duty from 2003 to 2005. He initially served in South Korea, and later deployed to Iraq with 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division from August 2004 to July 2005, during the height of the insurgency there. Gonzalez was awarded an Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Badge, an award reserved for soldiers who serve in combat overseas and are engaged in actual combat. After he completed his active duty service, he served in the Army Reserves until 2011. He was a sergeant.
D
UPON COMPLETING HIS military service, Gonzalez embarked on a law enforcement career. He began as a correctional officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons and also worked for the Transportation Security Agency.
Officer George Gonzalez served with the US Army in Korea and Iraq before being killed while on duty for the Pentagon Force Protection Agency.
His last law enforcement job was with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, the law enforcement agency tasked with providing security in and around the Pentagon. Officer Gonzalez was on duty on August 3, 2021. He was patrolling the perimeter of the Pentagon when a bus pulled up to a bus stop. Austin William Lanz, 27, exited the bus, and as he did so, immediately attacked Officer Gonzalez. Lanz stabbed him with a knife, then took Officer Gonzalez’s gun and shot himself. Other Pentagon Force Protection Agency officers also shot Lanz, killing him. Gonzalez
succumbed to his injuries. He was 37. Lanz had a history of violence. The Georgia resident had been previously arrested for aggravated battery on police and for terrorist threats. He was out on bail for those offenses, as well as other charges, when he attacked Officer Gonzalez. Some media outlets listed him as a military veteran, trying to feed the false narrative of mentally deranged veterans committing crimes. The reality is Lanz had enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2012 but separated from the service less than a month later. Officer Gonzalez was a veteran; Lanz was a terrorist and a criminal with mental health issues. So, this November and this Veterans Day, let’s remember Officer George Gonzalez, a man who dealt with terrorism at home and abroad. ★ Editor’s note: Author Nick Perna is a sergeant with the Redwood City Police Department in Northern California. He previously served as a paratrooper in the US Army and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also has a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. He is a frequent contributor to multiple print and online forums on topics related to law enforcement, firearms, tactics and veterans. americanshootingjournal.com 43
In honor of Veterans Day, American Shooting Journal is recognizing the men and women who have served our country. The photos displayed here are a small sample of those who served and have gone on to start or contribute to the successful companies that advertise in this magazine, along with many of our contributing writers.
CLAUDE BAKER
Army, 1953-1956 Air Force, 1959-1986 Chief Master Sergeant
PAUL PAWELA
MIKE NESBITT
NICK PERNA
CRAIG BODDINGTON
Contributor, American Shooting Journal Army, 1979-1999 E-7 Sergeant First Class
Contributor, American Shooting Journal Air Force, 1963-1967 Airman First Class, C-124 Aircraft Mechanic
Thank you for your service.
Investigations Commander, Redwood City Police Dept. Army, 1993-2006 Captain 44 American Shooting Journal // November 2023 (SHUTTERSTOCK)
Executive Field Editor, Outdoor Sportsman Group Marine Corps, 1974-2005 Colonel
BRUCE DERKSEN
ANDREW LINDERT
AARON BARTAL
LEROY SISCO
ALLEN DETERT
ROBERT OLSON
LUKE PALMER
WACO MERCHANT
GENE PEET Founder, Peet Shoe Dryer Inc. Army, ?-1953
TIM BROWN
SETH COLE
RICKY ANDREWS
General Manager, V-Line Industries Navy, 1964-1968
Skinner Sights Army, Served 4 years
Production Manager, Dead Foot Arms Army, 2008-2018 Staff Sergeant
Skinner Sights
Art Director, CreatiVets Army, 2002-2006 Specialist
Import/Export Transportation Manager, Ford Motor Co. Army, 2000-2006 Sergeant
Skinner Sights Army, 2015-2022 Sergeant
Outreach Coordinator, CreatiVets Army, 2005-2009 Corporal
Army, Served 42 years Lieutenant General
Skinner Sights Marine Corps, 1990-1998 Sergeant
Outreach Coordinator/ Volunteer Coordinator, CreatiVets Air Force, 2007-2015 Senior Airman americanshootingjournal.com 45
Jeff Hoffman, co-owner of Black Hills Ammunition, gives a thumbs up while hitching a ride in a Black Hawk. A busy guy, Hoffman not only operates the South Dakota-based company with his wife Kristi, but has long served as a deputy sheriff with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and a sniper with a local joint agency special response unit.
A TRUSTED SOURCE FOR BULLETS
The story of how Black Hills Ammunition grew from a shooting supply company to providing quality cartridges to elite military units, law enforcement, competitive shooters and the public.
W
STORY BY PAUL PAWELA • PHOTOS BY BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION
hen the editor of American Shooting Journal asked if I would be interested in authoring an article on Black Hills Ammunition and the people who run the business, I immediately said yes. I jumped at the chance because Jeff and Kristi Hoffman are the dynamic duo that is the driving force behind the South Dakota company and its ammo, and are world-famous in the industry for many reasons.
The reputation of their ammo is known worldwide. Black Hills Ammunition holds many longdistance world-record shots and confirmed kills by our Special Operations units against the deadliest adversaries/terrorists in the world. americanshootingjournal.com 47
Hoffman trains with the Army’s Asymmetric Warfare Group.
Recently, I was talking to a mentor whom I had served with in Special Forces years ago and who worked as an instructor in the Sniper Committee. He told me he had a confirmed kill at over 1,800 yards when he was contracting with the agency. I asked him what bullet he was using, and he said it was a .338 Lapua made by Black Hills Ammunition. So, the question that needs to be asked is how the Hoffmans made the American dream come true.
Winter sniper training in the Black Hills. Hoffman was named 2010 Sniper of the Year by the American Sniper Association and has been recognized for his contributions to the field.
48 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
THE THREE INGREDIENTS to a successful business and a successful life are the love of God, family and, of course, country. There is plenty of blood, sweat and hard work as well. Jeff and Kristi were the typical young couple when they started out in life. Both were trying to make ends meet, holding down various jobs. Jeff started out serving with the local police department, but at the time he was only making about $5 an hour with the department. Kristi reported that at one time, in their budget, they lived off $20 a week for food. To supplement their income, they would work part-time loading ammo for a reloading company that supplied ammo to local law enforcement agencies. While working for the Rapid City, South Dakota, Police Department, Jeff was involved with the department’s pistol shooting team and later worked as a sniper on a local joint agency SWAT team. Naturally, to become proficient, Jeff shot a lot in all the shooting disciplines and, of course, this takes lots of shooting with live ammo. Then, a series of coincidental events created a domino effect in Jeff and Kristi’s life; they both went into business with a friend who had created Black Hills Shooters Supply. Working as a police officer, part-time security and now with the shooting supply business, it seemed to Jeff that he could not see the light of day. But
then his partner asked Jeff if he wanted to buy into the business, and like a true best friend and a loving, supporting wife, Kristi encouraged him to do so. With a loan cosigned by his faithful father, Jeff secured the partnership. Then, as business goes – and partners come and go – Jeff and Kristi eventually became sole owners of Black Hills Ammunition. THE FIRST BIG break they received was when a large police agency asked them to fulfill an order for 700,000 9mm rounds for their department. With a lot of hard work, including massive amounts of overtime, Black Hills was able to complete the job. The company then caught the eye of Lieutenant Colonel Mike Harris and the United States Army Marksmanship Unit, or AMU, both legendary in the shooting world. The question put to Black Hills was, could they build a rifle round for that military shooting team that could shoot an 80-grain bullet and have impressive accuracy at 600 yards? Jeff knew it could be done but was concerned about overpressuring the rifle round so as to not exceed the SAAMI, or Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, max pressure specifications. Black Hills Ammunition built the round but could not meet the maximum pressure specifications. However, because Black Hills was able to save 10,000 psi while still maintaining accuracy and muzzle velocity, AMU gave them the contract anyway, which really put the company on the map. Not only would Black Hills win the Army contract, but AMU would also contract the company to manufacture their 73-grain Berger and 69-grain Sierra MatchKing loads. With AMU winning all kinds of competitions, just like the domino theory goes, the other service branches’ competition shooting teams, including the Marines, Navy and the Air Force, all would eventually come to use Black Hills ammo. IN THE LATE 1990s, many of my mentors who worked at the Special Forces Sniper School experimented
with different rounds from various manufacturers, one being Black Hills. Coincidentally, just a couple of years later, the Navy approached Black Hills to collaborate with them on developing ammunition specific for the Mk 12 Special Purpose Rifle, or SPR, weapon system. The Mk 12 was designed for long-range engagements and was expected to maintain accuracy up to 600 yards. Using the proven 77-grain open-tip match bullet (the OTM Sierra MatchKing used by AMU) paired with a 5.56 NATO case that was loaded to increased pressures, and utilizing a low-flash powder blend, Black Hills successfully created the first US 5.56 sniper cartridge. Once again, another domino effect happened after that successful collaboration. The Navy Special Warfare Command approached Black Hills to work with them on an enhanced-performance round for their special operators. There was only one caveat required by the Navy operator who oversaw the procurement. When Jeff asked what that was, the Navy operator said, “Just don’t f*** us.” Jeff took that to heart. With over three decades of experience as a police sniper, he knew what it is like to be on a call-out, sitting for hours on end in different temperatures, patiently knowing he could get the green light at any time. Snipers are an interesting and unique group of people, and they do not ever want to murder people. They want to save lives, period. Do you want to know what kind of person Jeff is? On one call-out as a
Evaluating a prototype rifle at a local law enforcement range. americanshootingjournal.com 49
Providing overwatch during an event at Mount Rushmore.
police sniper, the target was a wanted man accused of kidnapping and doing unspeakable things, including murdering a young woman. Filled with rage that he could not understand at that moment in time, Jeff prayed to God that he would be able to kill the sociopath. Stunned, he heard an audible voice rebuking him that he was not a murderer, but a justifiable killing was another circumstance. What was the cause of Jeff’s rage? He had a daughter the same age as the victim. His calmness and faith helped him prevail in that intense situation. MANY THINGS ARE true about Jeff and Kristi Hoffman. Both are genuinely red-blooded, God-fearing, loving parents with daughters and grandchildren. Both love this country. And both are fully aware that elite military units rely on their ammunition to work every time, as do police departments across the country. Lives depend on it. Jeff and Kristi and the entire Black Hills staff put the same effort in making the same quality ammunition for the civilian markets as they do for their military and law enforcement contractors. That is the kind of people Jeff and Kristi are. They have built an empire on their moral values. Every specialized marksman shooting team in the US military – as well as Special Operations units – trust Black Hills Ammunition, which should be good enough for you! ★ Editor’s note: For more info about Black Hills Ammunition, visit black-hills.com. Author Paul Pawela is a nationally recognized firearms and self-defense expert. For his realistic self-defense training, see assaultcountertactics.com. 50 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Making friends with a drug dealer’s dog after a raid.
52 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
BULLET BULLETIN
Northern Precision and McGuire Ballistics are a pair of boutique bullet makers that hail from the East and West Coasts, respectively.
SPOTLIGHT ON A PAIR OF BULLET BOUTIQUES Small manufacturers in California, New York stand out with copper-alloy projectiles, custom offerings. STORY BY PHIL MASSARO • PHOTOS BY MASSARO MEDIA GROUP
A
s a reloader, one of the most rewarding aspects I enjoy is the ability to use projectiles not loaded in factory ammunition. I have long sought out the smaller companies – ranging from commercial operations that we just might not have heard of, to the garage productions
that are nearly bespoke – in order to shed light on our options. I’ve recently found a couple of companies with very interesting products; one is in my native New York, the other all the way across the country in California. Please allow me to introduce them. MCGUIRE BALLISTICS HAILS from “the heart of lead-free California” – where the ban on lead-core ammunition took root fast – and has developed a line
of copper-alloy projectiles perfectly suited to the modern hunter and shooter. With a strong background in machining, the Paso Robles-based company offers a high-tech line of hunting and target bullets. Their Copper Rose hunting projectile is the flagship of the fleet, having a sleek profile and high ballistic coefficient. Long and lean, the Copper Rose comes in several different models, which gives the reloader some options americanshootingjournal.com 53
BULLET BULLETIN
Any of the .300 magnum cartridges would be well served by McGuire Ballistics’ Copper Rose. Author Phil Massaro had great results with the 178-grain Single Feed in the .300 Winchester Magnum.
for varying applications. The Magazine Feed variant offers a tip that is resistant to the effects of the projectile hitting the magazine wall under recoil; the bullet’s meplat is tough, but the velocity at which the bullet will expand (read: at long ranges) is higher than the other varieties. The Magazine Sensitive/
Single Feed variety offers the exact same profile, but with a much softer tip to allow for reliable expansion at lower velocities. Bottom line: if you hunt at long ranges, and will require your projectiles to open at lower impact speeds, the Single Feed is probably the best option, but if you intend to stay within common hunting ranges
– say, within 400 to 500 yards – the Magazine Feed will make complete sense. They have the same profile, and in my handloads they have the same point of impact at 100 yards. I don’t hunt at ranges beyond 500 yards at the very most, and then only under perfect conditions, so I’m good with the Magazine Feed design. For those Copper Rose bullets offer consistent expansion and deep penetration. The Single Feed variant is identical in profile, but will expand at lower velocities.
The Copper Rose is a perfect mate to higher velocity cartridges like the .300 Winchester Magnum and 7mm Remington Magnum.
54 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
BULLET BULLETIN
When comparing copper monometal bullets to lead-core counterparts of the same weight, the former will always be longer due to the difference in density. Sleek bullets like McGuire’s Copper Rose can take up additional room in the case.
wanting a more rapid expansion, McGuire Ballistics also offers the Copper Rose in a true hollowpoint design; these are offered at a more attractive price point and would make a very sensible choice for those who hunt at the more common ranges, inside of 250 or 300 yards.
The Copper Rose line has all the attributes of a high-quality monometal projectile in that you’ll see several bands cut in the shank of the bullet to reduce copper fouling, and that in comparison to a lead-core jacketed bullet, they will be longer for the comparable weights. I like the closed-
For hunting at common ranges, McGuire also offers their Copper Rose in a more traditional hollowpoint configuration. (MCGUIRE BALLISTICS)
56 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
nose profile on the Magazine Feed and Single Feed variants, as you will have a more consistent BC value during the time of flight – providing the tips aren’t marred in the magazine well – and in my testing, it isn’t very difficult to get these projectiles to give sub-¾-minute-ofangle accuracy. I had very good results with the 178-grain Single Feed in my .300 Winchester Magnum, as that rifle has always liked the longer projectiles, and printed just over ½-MOA. Meanwhile, my little Tikka T3X Lite in 7mm-08 Remington digested the 7mm 143-grain Magazine Feed nicely, putting three shots into a ¾-MOA group. I have not had the opportunity to use these on warm targets, but all of my friends and acquaintances who have, have reported high weight retention, as well as expansion of at least twice caliber. Whether or not you are forced to use lead-free projectiles, the Copper Rose bullets are a good choice for those using 6.5mm-, .277inch-, 7mm-, or .308-inch-caliber
BULLET BULLETIN cartridges. For the target crowd, McGuire offers the Steel Slayer bullet in 6mm and 6.5mm, in 102 and 135 grains, respectively. These bullets require a tighter twist rate, but that is often provided in long-range target rifles. Steel Slayers aren’t concerned with terminal performance, as they are designed for one purpose only: to hit precisely where you aim them. If you’re looking to load McGuire’s bullets, make sure you have a good VLD seating stem to seat the projectiles, so as not to damage the meplat during loading. Visit mcguireballistics.com for more. TURNING TO THE East Coast – the Empire State, to be specific – you’ll find Bill Noody’s Northern Precision Custom Bullets in Carthage, New York, not far from the shores of Lake Ontario. Northern Precision began swaging bullets in 1989, making lightfor-caliber options in the various .416-inch-caliber cartridges that were
Northern Precision’s 200-grain Sabre Star worked very well in the author’s 1911; the deep hollowpoint will give rapid expansion.
58 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Northern Precision has a great line of handgun bullets, swaged one at a time in northern New York.
experiencing a big resurgence at that time. The .416 Rigby was being loaded by Federal once again, Remington announced the release of the .416 Remington Magnum, and Weatherby would follow suit with their .416 Weatherby Magnum shortly thereafter. Offering lighter bullet weights allowed the owners of those cartridges to develop practice ammunition, or
ammunition that could be used for deer and similar-sized game. Noody’s projectile range now runs from 6.5mm all the way up to .500 caliber, including handgun calibers, in thin or heavy jacket thickness. Swaging bullets one at a time in Corbin dies, Northern Precision offers a near-bespoke experience, and I took special interest in their handgun stuff.
BULLET BULLETIN The company’s Flat Tip bullet is a perfect option for those who shoot lever guns with a tubular magazine; there is no risk of magazine detonation as there is with a spitzer bullet. Shown here is a .452-inch-diameter, 250-grain bullet.
60 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
So I procured three different types of Noody’s .45-caliber projectiles and headed for the reloading bench to make some ammo for my .45 ACP and .45 Colt. For the ACP, I had a box of Noody’s 200-grain Sabre Star hollowpoint bullets, with the truncated cone ogive. Designed with a deep hollowpoint and Northern Precision’s “sabretooth tip,” these bullets open reliably, even at lower velocities. This bullet has no crimping groove, so it is a perfect match for the .45 ACP cartridge, which headspaces off the case mouth and requires a taper crimp to keep the projectile in place. Redding’s MicroAdjustable Taper Crimp Die handles the crimping chores perfectly, allowing the user to adjust the amount of crimp, depending on case thickness. Using a suitable load of Alliant’s Bullseye powder, my Sig Sauer STX 1911 gave a muzzle velocity of 925 feet per second with no malfunctions or feeding issues at all. Accuracy was more than acceptable, with my gun putting five shots inside 1½ inches at 15 yards. I had two different Northern Precision bullets for the .45 Colt; my particular revolver is a Ruger Blackhawk with a 7½-inch barrel and adjustable sights. It is a very strong design and can withstand much higher pressures than a Colt Single Action Army or other older designs. I figured Northern Precision’s 250-grain Flat Tip – with the same truncated cone ogive as the Sabre Star – would make a good choice for a mild-velocity hunting/practice round, while their 270-grain Sabre Star would offer a bit more sectional density to offset the rapid expansion of the front end. Driven to a higher velocity, these 270s would also make a wicked defensive bullet. Both have a good cannelure, allowing for a nice roll crimp to prevent those bullets from moving outward under recoil and locking up the cylinder. Using 8.0 grains of Unique gave an even 800 fps with the 250-grain Flat Tip, and a healthy dose of Accurate
americanshootingjournal.com 61
BULLET BULLETIN 5744 took things to nearly 1,200 fps with the same bullet. Moving to the 270-grain Sabre Star, I chose Hodgdon’s H110 to push that bullet to 1,180 fps with ease, showing no signs of pressure at all, with good accuracy and totally manageable recoil. Our deer season approaches, and with a couple doe tags the Northern Precision bullets might get the nod to help fill my freezer. Visit npcustombullets.com.
The .45 Colt – if housed in a modern action – can be revved up to far surpass traditional performance. The cartridge handled the 270-grain Sabre Star very well, as there is enough sectional density to handle the velocity.
62 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
I TRULY ENJOY bringing these newer and/ or smaller bullet companies to light, so if you decide to give them a try, please drop a line to let us know how they fared for you. As we all know, the major manufacturers make great stuff, and it gets better every year, but it is always great to have options. If it weren’t for small bullet makers, we might have never heard of the Nosler Partition or the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw. I, for one, am glad we have these small shops.
S R’ R E L LE UMMB THTU
BRASS MASTER ULTRA VIBE CASE CLEANERS
Made of durable steel construction - heavyduty, sealed ball bearing motors - thermally protected - fast, quiet operation - 3/4 to 4 3/4 gallon capacity - industrial and rotary models available. Send for our free brochure! TRU-SQUARE METAL PRODUCTS, INC. P.O. Box 585, Auburn, Washington 98071 TEL (253) 833-2310 or Toll Free 1-(800) 225-1017 www.thumlerstumbler.com t-tumbler@thumlerstumbler.com
“Manufacturers of quality case cleaners, deburring and tumbling equipment since 1959” americanshootingjournal.com 63
The thrill of hound hunting has to be experienced to be appreciated and fully understood.
64 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
ROAD HUNTER
THE TRUTH ABOUT BEAR HUNTING WITH HOUNDS
There are easier ways to pursue bruins, but none that will test you like running dogs. STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN
I
t’s funny, and frustrating, the misconceptions people have – even hunters – when it comes to bear hunting with hounds,” shared Scott Denny, owner of Table Mountain Outfitters, as we drove the rugged mountains of Idaho looking for hounds that had been turned loose on a bear five hours prior. “I think the most frustrating thing is how many people believe it’s a guaranteed hunt and that it’s going to be easy. We get on bears just about every day, but what that bear does, where it goes, and whether or not we can even reach it, is a whole different story.” Denny was preaching to the choir. I’ve spent a lifetime hunting the West, and two of my most grueling experiences were bear hunts with hounds. Both hunts took place decades ago, long before GPS tracking collars were available for dogs. Had I not been young and in top
“
americanshootingjournal.com 65
ROAD HUNTER
When running hounds, the tracking never stops.
shape, I doubt I’d have killed either bear. Both were giant boars; one was in the rugged Coast Range, the other in the Cascade Mountains. I’ve been on numerous hound hunts over the years and love it. Thinking hound hunts mean 100-percent success is just one misconception when it comes to bear hunting. There are other false impressions hunters should be aware of and prepare for accordingly. I’ll never forget the time I was in college and bear hunting with a couple old houndsmen. We’d just gathered the dogs from their early morning warmup run and put four of them on the box. We hadn’t driven 2 miles when the hounds went ballistic. I looked out the passenger window and saw a nice bear shimmy up a tree, 30 yards off the road. I hopped out of the truck, ran to the tree and shot the bear. We didn’t even unleash the 66 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
dogs. I shot the bear because it was a big boar and we were doing tree damage control for a lumber company. I appreciated it because I knew hound hunts can last for days, with multiple chases taking several hours each. The next season I was with the same men, and 11 hours after striking a big boar, it finally treed. Most of that hunt was spent on foot, chasing dogs in some of the most rugged land the West has to offer; there were no roads where that bear went. “You never know when or where a bear will tree, or if it will tree,” shared Denny. “Sometimes it happens fast; sometimes it takes hours. Sometimes the hounds will cross another fresh bear track, then all of a sudden you have two races happening.” GO ON ENOUGH hound hunts and you’ll soon realize how important it is to be in shape. “We’ve had a lot of hunters
unable to reach where a bear treed or bayed,” continued Denny. “People have to realize how big and rugged these mountains are, how tough bears are, and that we have no control where they go.” I’ve seen many hunters take one look into a deep canyon or high up a rocky cliff and turn squeamish, knowing they couldn’t make it to where the hounds were. I even noticed it when hunting with Denny (tablemountainoutfitters.com), when I had to hurry to catch up to a bear on the move at 7,300 feet. Elevation is another challenge to consider, and another reason to be in shape. Whether you can or can’t make it to the dogs, the houndsmen have to go get them, with or without you. The first bear I shot out of a tree in the early 1980s, I struggled to even locate because it was so high up in a giant Douglas fir. I figured it was
ROAD HUNTER a fluke, but the next one was even tougher. It was over 250 feet up an old-growth tree and all I could see was its neck, so that’s where I shot it. The massive bear – over 400 pounds – broke every limb off the side of the tree as it crashed down. Come to think of it, rarely have I seen a fully exposed bear in a tree. They’re either up high, clinging tight to the backside of a tree, or bayed in brush on the ground. Make sure you can shoot with pinpoint accuracy. ON MY HUNT with Denny, I filled my tag on the first day. We struck a bear at 7:45 a.m. Nine dogs were cut loose. Then seven of the dogs peeled off on another bear, and soon three of those dogs went onto a third bear. It was organized chaos and I loved it. Three bears going at once. Denny smiled as he watched every dog run on his GPS. Two dogs, Tomi and Charlie, both 6-year-old Walkers, stayed with the first bear. They went straight up the steepest, most rugged part of the mountain. Denny had a hunch they were on a boar that he’d run twice that season but couldn’t catch up to. We intercepted the two split packs and got them into the box. Three hours later, Tomi and Charlie were still on the bear. It looped into a massive canyon, then headed straight up again. “There’s a big flat up there,” Denny pointed to the GPS. “That’s where it went last time. We have to hurry.”
Outfitter Scott Denny cuts a pack loose on a fresh strike high in the mountains of Idaho. “This is our favorite hunt, period,” he says. “We just guide deer, elk and antelope hunters in the fall to pay for our hound hunting obsession.”
There’s no greater sound when bear hunting with hounds than that initial strike.
68 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Denny drove like mad, then we piled out of the truck, grabbed our packs and rifle, and took off across a wet bog, knee-deep with snow in many places. “Come on, we have to catch up to them before the wind changes,” Denny encouraged as I struggled to keep up. We heard the dogs barking and they were heading right toward us. The bear was walking, as it had been for much of the last four and a half hours since the chase began at 3,200 feet in the canyon below. As we
30
TOUGH • DURABLE • LIGHT Easy Loader, Deuce & EZ-XL Models
• • • •
Easy Loader & Deuce accommodate • 2 dogs up to 65 lbs each EZ-XL accommodates 2 dogs over • 65 lbs each Made from High Density • Polyethylene with UV protection Easy Loader fits most full size pickups, SUVs & large UTVs
Deuce fits smaller pickups, SUVs & UTVs EZ-XL is for larger breed dogs & full size vehicles Vents, cold weather door covers, insulated covers & custom kennel pads available
TRIPLE
NEW! KENNELS
THE DRINKING SPOT
Outdoor Gravity-Fed Pet Watering System
Introducing the th e EASY XL. For large breed dogs. EASY-LOADER Dog Kennels
ww
w. e as
yloaderkennel
s.co
m
Bartlesville, OK • 800-853-2655
Call 800-853-2655 Check out our website for new accessories www.easyloaderkennels.com
ROAD HUNTER approached an opening in the forest, we saw the bear and Tomi and Charlie barking at its heels. The chocolatecolored boar didn’t care about the dogs. “Get ready; when the dogs clear, you have to shoot … Shoot him!” Denny quickly ordered. I did. We only had to hike 650 yards. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t breathing hard at 7,400 feet in the mountains. The 75-yard shot came offhand; it was more reaction than thinking. I was impressed with the X-Bolt 6.8 Western’s performance and how quickly I picked up the bear in the scope, a Leupold VX-3HD in 2.5-8x36. It was the perfect setup for this type of hunt where the shot could come on the ground with dogs swarming a bear or in a tree. Had that bear gone another 20 yards, we may not have gotten it
because the wind was swirling. The fact that it was a big, old boar that refused to tree, and in rugged country, also added to the reasoning behind a quick shot. And we were quiet, too. During our walk, Denny and I whispered, for a bear that hears voices will often run. “Hounds pestering a bear is one thing, but once they hear humans coming, bears will hit another level to escape and you may never see them again,” explained Denny. “When that happens and the dogs stick with the bear, it can take hours, even days to get the pack back.” You’ve got to be quiet and ready for action on hound hunts, even with bears in trees. I’ve seen more than one bear slide down a tree so quickly when humans appeared that the hunter couldn’t get a shot off … and the chase was on, once again.
IN ALL THE big game hunting I’ve been fortunate to experience around the world, hunting with hounds is one of my all-time favorites. Be it pigs in the South Pacific, cats in Africa, or bears in North America, once a strike happens, that initial sound of the hounds and the shot of adrenaline that courses through your body has to be experienced in order to be fully appreciated. One of the things I love most about hound hunts is the uncertainty. You never know how each chase will end, or if it will end. If you think it’s time to relax once the dogs are turned loose, think again. Once the chase starts, it’s time to put your game face on and anticipate how and where your shot might come. Everything should already be loaded in your pack so you can grab it and go, because what might seem like a quick,
TRACKING THE PUSH TO END BEAR, CAT HUNTING
B
ear hunting – not just hunting with hounds or over bait – continues to be one of the most targeted pursuits by anti-hunting groups. I recently spoke with Brian Lynn, vice president of communications with the Sportsmen’s Alliance, an organization that fights every day for every state in the country to retain its hunting rights, about the situation. Lynn enlightened me to facts that all hunters should be aware of. “What we’re seeing currently with bear hunting isn’t specific to hounding, but an outright attack on all bear (and predator) hunting. Last spring we had simultaneous attacks using every mechanism possible.” Here’s a recap, according to the Sportsmen’s Alliance: WASHINGTON The state had its limited, permit-only spring bear season canceled and there’s no sign of getting it back with the current makeup of Fish and Wildlife Commission members, five of whom are openly opposed to predator hunting. CALIFORNIA The Humane Society of the United States skipped the legislative attack this year after it failed miserably in 2022 with a bill that was withdrawn by its San Francisco sponsor a week after introduction when he got bombarded by hunters and media. Instead, they went straight to the Fish and Game Commission with a petition
70 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
hoping for the same result as Washington, given California’s politics. They wanted all bear hunting banned (hounding already is). It was unanimously rejected. We’re likely to see a ballot initiative in the future. ARIZONA HSUS, the Center for Biological Diversity and Mountain Lion Foundation orchestrated a comment period bombing the Game and Fish Commission during public input on the next five-year management plan. They were seeking to end all bear hunting, as well as mountain lion and bobcat hunting. They held webinars instructing people how to comment and what to say. The commission rejected the ideas and forged ahead with their management plan. The effort came on the heels of a failed ballot initiative attempt to end all “wildcat” hunting in the state a few years ago. Again, we’re likely to see another ballot initiative. COLORADO A 2022 legislative push to ban lion and bobcat hunting failed in committee after sportsmen called, emailed and rallied on the legislature steps, but a similar petition could go to a vote in 2024. “Those have been the most recent attacks,” Lynn points out. “Historically, however, you can see how they move in fits and bursts over a period of years, theming their attacks in multiple states, simultaneously.” Here’s a look back:
1992 – Colorado ballot initiative killed the spring bear season outright and banned the use of hounds and bait in the fall season. 1994 – Oregon ballot initiative banned the use of hounds for bears and lions, and the use of bait for bears. 1996 – Idaho ballot initiative proposed to ban black bear hunting with dogs and bait. The effort showed that predator advocates aren't afraid to go after a stalwart hunting state with solid bear populations to try and pass their agenda. The initiative failed. 1996 – Michigan ballot initiative proposed to ban the use of hounds and bait for bears, and limit other seasons. It failed. 1996 – Washington state initiative banned the use of hounds for bears, lions, bobcats and lynx, and bait for bears. (Ironically, you can still bait deer and elk.) 2004 – Alaska initiative proposed to ban the use of bait for bears. It failed. 2004 – Maine initiative proposed to ban bear hunting using hounds, bait and traps. It failed. 2014 – Maine, round two. Initiative to ban bear hunting using hounds, bait and traps. It failed, again. Learn more about the Sportsmen’s Alliance, what they’re doing to preserve hunting in America, and how you can help at sportsmensalliance.org.
Wild Boar
We have a
“No Game, No Pay”
Whitetail
policy. You can’t get that out West or anywhere else.
Red Stag
A Unique Big Game Hunting Ranch
N
estled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, High Adventure Ranch offers all of the excitement of western big game hunting without the costs and hassles. Be prepared for a fair chase hunt! With over 3 square miles of prime natural habitat, our ranch provides challenges to even the most seasoned hunter, but our experienced guides and “No Game, No Pay” policy practically ensure that you won’t go home empty handed. In addition, High Adventure’s hunting season is year-round, allowing ample time to fit the most demanding schedule. While our whitetail, elk, wild boar and red stag hunts top our hunter’s most popular lists, hunters from around the world have visited our ranch, hunting everything from American bison, black buck, fallow deer to Spanish goats and African game. So, whether you desire a 10-point whitetail mount for your trophy room or simply the thrill and challenge of taking down one of our many elusive big game animals, High Adventure Ranch guarantees memories of an unparalleled hunting experience that will bring you back again and again.
Red Stag We are 8,000 miles closer than New Zealand. We are in Missouri and have red stag.
Call Brad 314-578-4590
bpuff@highadventureranch.com
highadventureranch.com
ROAD HUNTER short walk can escalate to walking many miles over several hours. The chase may start in the sunshine and end in a driving rain, often finding you coming out of the woods well after dark. “A lot of folks don’t understand these dogs are doing what they love, what they were born to do,” said Denny, as he rubbed Charlie’s ears and looked at her feet before putting her in the box for the ride to camp. “This is our favorite hunt, period. We just guide deer, elk and antelope hunters in the fall to pay for our hound hunting obsession.” Houndsmen love their dogs and appreciate a good bloodline. And like bird hunters, houndsmen are simply the catalyst to get dogs out doing what they love. Hunting. Author Scott Haugen has taken many bears in Alaska, Canada and the Western US, and his favorite way to hunt them is with hounds. Here, Tomi and Charlie covered over 4,000 vertical feet before the hunt came to an end.
72 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Editor’s note: Scott Haugen is a fulltime writer. Follow his adventures on Instagram and learn more at scotthaugen.com.
she HUNTs
Jack Burch of Hill Country Shooting Sports teaches She Hunts 2.0 camper Stacey to shoot trap.
LADIES SKILLS CAMP LEVELS UP
Meeting demand for advanced hunting knowledge, She Hunts offers first expanded, in-depth course. STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRITTANY BODDINGTON
he Hunts Skills Camp began in the hope of creating a safe place for women to learn the skills they need to feel independent in the outdoors, but it has become something so much more than that. We have just wrapped our very first advanced camp that we call She Hunts 2.0. We found that ladies were returning again and again to the She Hunts 1.0 courses, even when they
S
had already learned the skills taught, because they love the network of likeminded females who they got to meet every camp. These diehard clients begged for a more advanced course that would sharpen their new skills and elaborate on some more complex issues relating to hunting. After six years of doing the 1.0 courses, they had become so dialed in for me that it was not a major mental strain to put on these camps, so I looked forward to the challenge of putting together a new curriculum.
First we polled all of our alumni and asked what they wanted to know more about and received a huge list of potential seminars. We found a nice overlap with lots of great ideas popping up again and again from ladies and took these recurring themes and began to explore the feasibility of making the concepts into teachable seminars for camp. Some of the ideas proved to be too time- or laborintensive for the short amount of time we have in the Thursday-to-Monday camps, but a lot of these ideas fell americanshootingjournal.com 75
SHE HUNTS
Amy Sterner of Simply Southern Retrievers took each camper on a bird hunt to demonstrate how her dogs point and flush a bird.
together wonderfully with incredible coaches agreeing to step in without a second thought. WE STARTED OFF elaborating on some of the concepts we taught in our 1.0 courses, like shotgun shooting. In the
1.0 courses we have a Krieghoff team member who comes out to teach our ladies the basic principles of shotgun shooting, including gun fit and proper form, as well as target acquisition and follow-through. The girls all get a chance to shoot with a coach and
Camper Chanel with the pointer that retrieved her bird after she successfully downed it during a demonstration.
76 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
practice afterward with help along the way, but we wanted to expand the ladies’ knowledge to cover hunting over dogs, upland bird hunting, and explain the different shotgun disciplines that they may find themselves playing if they go to a pheasant lodge or range to practice. This is a lot of information for one seminar, so we ended up breaking it into two fun morning seminars with amazing results. Amy Sterner with Simply Southern Retrievers came out to the ranch to do a talk about etiquette when hunting over dogs and go over some of the most likely scenarios that new bird hunters would find themselves in. She also brought with her five different breeds of dogs and then planted birds for them to demonstrate their skills. This was an incredible interactive seminar and the girls even took turns shooting the birds as the dogs flushed them. As an added bonus, Amy took the girls over to the skinning shed after the shoot and helped them process the birds and gave them some tips and tricks for cleaning and cooking their harvest. To follow up on this seminar, we added a shotgun games segment
SHE HUNTS
Tim Fallon of FTW Ranch instructs camper Danielle on long-range shooting.
where the girls learned about the differences between all the disciplines of competitive and fun shotgunning, like five-stand, trap, sporting clays and skeet. They then got to shoot several of the games with a coach to help them through and perfect their stance and shooting. This all took place at Hill Country Shooting Sports facility north of San Antonio, where CEO and owner Jack Burch lent his expertise as an international shotgun referee; he has even been invited to Paris for the next Olympics. Lucky for us, his facility is only about an hour from Recordbuck Ranch, where the rest of the camp is held, so we made the first field trip in She Hunts history and had every single lady break clays. Jack’s wife Rose was kind enough to cater lunch at the 78 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
range and made fabulous pulled pork sandwiches for everyone! Since we were already at a stellar range, I decided to add on a longrange seminar. While I prefer to keep my hunting shots under the 300-yard mark, it is important to understand the equipment and math necessary to take longer shots if there are no other options. On a lot of mountain sheep or goat hunts, it is not uncommon to take 500-yard shots, so it’s a good premise to go over. I actually shot my mid-Asian ibex at 460 yards a few years ago because that was the closest we could get to it in the steep mountain terrain of Kyrgyzstan. Tim Fallon was nice enough to take some time out of teaching at his FTW Ranch shooting schools and come put on an incredible
long-range shooting talk and get each girl shooting out to the 500-yard targets. My husband Brad Jannenga and I attended Fallon’s Sportsman’s All-Weather All-Terrain Marksmanship, or SAAM, shooting school years ago and loved it. My dad goes almost every year just for fun with friends and if you have not heard of it before, I highly recommend it for anyone going on their first safari or dangerous game hunt. They have life-size elephant targets on moving systems to make them actually charge. It is a lot of fun! BACK AT RECORDBUCK Ranch, we jumped into a seminar we call Field Craft, where we taught the ladies about water purification and how to build a solar still. We also talked about
SHE HUNTS Chef Jeff Benda taught a cooking class where the ladies got hands-on experience preparing wild game.
Campers cooked venison steak souvlaki with tzatziki sauce.
what you need to know to survive in the outdoors in case of accidental situations that could occur when hunting. We also covered orienteering with a compass. We had a sort of scavenger hunt and went on a hike that ended in an opportunity to practice stalking and a talk about how to sneak up on an animal in a hunting situation.
One of my favorite seminars started off as an idea to help ladies understand how to put in for draws and points to hunt in their home states but ended up being a lot more. What we dubbed the Tag and Draw seminar covered why the point system was created, how it works and how to get involved. The girls had more questions on this one than any
The ladies worked in pairs to create the dish with Jeff helping oversee as they went.
80 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
other seminar and it ended up being incredibly interactive, as every lady got information on their home state’s systems and likelihood of being drawn for the different species available. The public land hunting online systems can seem confusing for new hunters, but Scott Lavin of the Arizona Game and Fish Department really did a great job
SHE HUNTS
Campers pose for a group shot after building a solar still during the Field Craft seminar.
breaking down how to get involved, what draws would have the best odds and how to find all that information online. He concluded the seminar by giving the ladies a book on how to talk about hunting to nonhunters and explained that well-chosen verbiage can make all the difference in how hunting is perceived by the nonhunting public. To round out the courses, we also included a seminar on proper rifle and ammo choice to help ladies understand their caliber and bullet options for rifle hunts based on target animal size and area. This seminar was also a home run with our first camp’s ladies. A lot of them expressed concern over choosing the right gun for the job when it came to hunting a variety of species on a single hunt, and we explained the different options based on a multitude of scenarios. Brad taught this one and did a great job explaining all the different rifle makes and what seasons (rifle/bow/muzzleloader) were available to each. We also went over proper gun 82 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
handling in the field. I showed the girls a demo with snap caps on how to load and unload in a hunting scenario and talked about gun safety etiquette on and off of hunting vehicles.
actually come together was incredibly rewarding. I am considering a 3.0 next and working on what that would include. If you have any suggestions, I’m open ears!
OUR LAST BUT maybe most fun seminar of the entire camp was Wild Game Cooking. We always do a cooking demo in our 1.0 courses, but this time we decided to let the ladies get handson and prepare an entire wild game recipe in a beautiful open-air veranda by the river at Recordbuck. They had propane burners and a beautiful setup, all organized and taught by Jeff Benda of WildGameandFish.com. He did a great job teaching the ladies to make venison steak souvlaki with tzatziki sauce – and it was every bit as good as it sounds! The girls had a blast and learned a ton. We are looking forward to our next 2.0 in December with all kinds of new surprises. The process of building the new curriculum and then watching it
Editor’s note: Brittany Boddington is a former outdoor television host and journalist with 15 years’ experience hosting shows about various hunting adventures around the globe. She has hunted on six continents and collected just under 100 species. With her father Craig’s help, Brittany discovered a love for the great outdoors and has become a passionate hunter and conservationist. She has learned through experience that the best way to preserve our hunting heritage is to teach the next generation of hunters about our way of life, which is why she developed the She Hunts Skills Camp. Brittany and her husband Brad Jannenga live in Phoenix, Arizona, where they raise beef cattle with their family. Follow Brittany’s adventures on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
americanshootingjournal.com 83
WATERFOWL 101: IT’S TIME TO START DUCK HUNTING Advice for newbies from an old hand in the blind on how to get into the pursuit, where to find birds and what you’ll need to acquire for best success. STORY AND PHOTOS BY LARRY CASE
K, you have been thinking about it long enough. Waterfowl hunting, that is. You have thought about it, wondered about it, dreamed about it (as in hordes of green-headed mallards raining out of the sky at somewhere like Lake Mattamuskeet in North Carolina or the prairies of Saskatchewan), and now is the time to do something about it. If this is in fact your very first waterfowl season, there are several ways that you may start. If you want to go all out and spend the money, go to one of the several duck and goose hunting meccas around North America and hire an outfitter. A good, reliable outfitter will take care of all your needs and – weather permitting and waterfowl cooperating – can show you what may be the bird hunt of your life. A good outfitter can supply you with adequate food, lodging, transportation and experienced guides in well-situated blinds to hunt from. They cannot control the weather or what the ducks and geese are doing on the particular days you are there. The outfitter should tell you this up front, and as the time approaches for your hunt, the honest outfitter should advise you as to weather and bird conditions. Ducks and geese migrate and move around; if the flocks are just not there for the time you have reserved, you should be able to discuss this with the outfitter and talk about their cancellation policy. The great thing about going with a competent outfitter, of course, is that the guides will do all the work and get you to areas and blinds where you can have the best hunting experience. While you may get spoiled for hunting public land or places that have fewer ducks and geese, you can
O
84 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Who is ready for some green-headed, orange-footed northerns to drop in? Vence Petrenella, Dave Miller, Tim Soderquist and Tim’s retriever Ceyanne, that’s who!
SCATTERGUN ALLEY
americanshootingjournal.com 85
SCATTERGUN ALLEY
Author Larry Case and crew enjoyed a good hunt for a mixed bag of ducks at Stan Jones Mallard Lodge in northern Arkansas.
learn a lot from your experience with an outfitter. Soak it all in if you go this route; ask questions and learn by doing some hands-on tasks while you are there. Good guides will not mind one bit in answering your questions and helping you learn. The really good guides and outfitters are not in this game just for the money; they really enjoy waterfowl hunting, it is their passion, and they will not mind passing along their experience and knowledge. There are many good outfitters to choose from around the country. Do your homework and plan in advance so that you may talk to outfitters and get a feel for their situation. Ask questions and ask for references; good outfitters will not mind supplying you with several clients, as they have nothing to hide. A couple of excellent examples of waterfowl outfitters that come to mind are the Stan Jones Mallard Lodge in 86 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Arkansas (stanjonesmallardlodge.com) and Tyler Mann’s Saskatchewan Goose Company (saskgooseco.com). Both come highly recommended. NOW FOR THE other side of the coin. The way most of us get started in the wonderful world of waterfowl hunting (and indeed, the way most of us hunt all the time) is doing it yourself, or DIY. This is the way most duck hunters operate; the way they grind it out every season. Most duck and goose hunters are pretty tough, and the main reason is the weather they often have to endure. Waterfowl activity, you see, can be very influenced by the weather. “Blue bird” days, when the sun is shining and the temperatures are nice, may not be very good for duck and goose hunting. Rain, snow, cold and other weather conditions that will make you wonder
why you are not home by the fire with a good book may be just the ticket to get the birds moving past your blind. DIY duck hunting, you will learn, is mostly a matter of you doing the work that the guides and outfitters do. If you have a buddy who is a hardcore duck hunter, you are way ahead of the game; he or she can take you and show you the ropes. If not, dive into learning this game. Your success will be based on your tenacity and how hard you work. Good duck hunters are, if anything, tenacious. AS WITH MANY forms of hunting, scouting can be your best key to success. Do this far in advance, weeks or even months ahead of time, if possible. Talk to other hunters, game wardens and wildlife biologists; they can often be a great source of information for your hunt. This is
SCATTERGUN ALLEY going to take a bit of work, but the good news is that all you need is a vehicle and a good pair of binoculars. Spend a little extra on a quality decoy set; it can make the difference between a good hunt and bad hunt. Pull up a map and look around for public lands and where water is heavily concentrated. Hop in your truck and head out to those areas, making note of where the birds like to roost. Do a bit of stalking and follow the fowl to where they loaf and/or feed. You’ll find them feeding in the mornings and evenings. Once you’ve figured out the birds’ schedule and destinations, determine if they’re on public or private land. If it’s private, don’t be afraid to knock on doors and get permission to hunt the owner’s property. The worst they can say is no. If you’re allowed on their land, always leave it better than you found it. You can also stay in good graces with the property owner by bringing them a bird or two from your harvest. In a nutshell, learn the birds’ behavioral patterns and follow them. You may find yourself in a few different kinds of locations while hunting for waterfowl. Most will start out with public walk-in areas surrounded by fields, so there is no need for a boat, but a decoy sled can make hauling your gear easier. All you’ll need to do is walk it in, bring your decoys and sit in the marsh. Kayaks are one of the
A good hide is fundamental for success. Jett the Lab sniffs Case’s drake mallard.
88 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Getting to the hunting spot is a snap if you have access to an airboat, like Kevin Glass, Case and Miller had on this outing.
best vehicles to hunt birds with, as they are stealthy, easier to transport than a boat and make it a snap to distribute your decoys on the water. Need to travel a long distance? Bring more people? Carry more stuff? Get away from other hunters on public land? A real duck boat may be the answer, but be ready to spend some money. WADERS, CAMO, BLINDS and other things will help keep you warmer and dry-ish. As noted earlier, the best duck hunts usually occur in the worst weather, so dress accordingly. If you are already a hunter, you may have most of the cold-weather gear you need. Truth be told, ducks and geese don’t know that the camo you are wearing was made for deer hunting instead of waterfowl. Don’t go crazy buying duck-related clothing at first. If it keeps you warm and dry, wear it. But you are going to need a solid pair of waders (go with chest waders). Most of them are going to leak eventually, so start out with a more affordable pair and invest in more expensive waders as your experience level increases. If your duck or goose hunt takes place in a field, skip the
waders and opt for a good pair of boots instead. Kuiu has some highend options for camo, and there are also great choices from Drake, Waterfowl and Sitka. If you’re going cheap-cheap, there’s nothing wrong with some good ol’ fashioned Cabela’sbrand gear. For your base layers, opt for pieces that offer moisture-wicking capabilities and extreme warmth. Layout blinds already conceal you, so you can be less choosy on what you’re wearing. Take into consideration your environment; is it a dead-grass field, flooded timber, leafy woods or snow-covered terrain? Select your camo accordingly. AS FOR COVER, layout blinds are great for big open areas where it’s a struggle to find somewhere to hide. It won’t cast much of a shadow and it’s lower to the ground, resulting in a more natural look. Layout blinds take longer to set up, but they have their place in a couple different scenarios. Alps Outdoorz has an excellent offering for this, the Legend Layout Blind. A-frame blinds look natural and are able to blend in against cattails or a tree row. Unable to lay down? Opt
SCATTERGUN ALLEY Remington 870 Fieldmaster. (REMARMS)
Benelli Super Black Eagle. (BENELLI)
MORE INFO ON LARRY’S PRODUCT RECS
T
he author name-checked several waterfowl hunting products in his article. Here he provided a bit more info on some.
Alps Outdoorz Legend Layout Blind. (ALPS OUTDOORZ)
Alps Outdoorz Legend Layout Blind Designed for hunters braving the harshest elements, the Legend Layout Blind gives hunters an enclosed floor blind with this innovative zero-gravity chair design – keeping you off the ground while maintaining a low profile. The Legend Layout Blind provides an enclosed waterproof tarpaulin floor, which protects you and your gear when weather conditions are challenging but the hunting is prime. A mesh face screen offers concealment without obstructing your view of the sky. The rear zippered door gives easy access to the pit storage area. No assembly is required and the backpack carry straps make hands-free transporting easier and faster than ever before. The blind also includes stubble straps for better concealment and a padded headrest for maximum comfort. The 90 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
cockpit has an opening dimension of 24 inches by 56 inches and features zippered flag ports on each side. The Legend Layout Blind provides the comfort, concealment, protection and mobility you need to make a successful waterfowl hunt. Info: alpsoutdoorz.com.
RemArms Remington 870 Fieldmaster If you have been wondering if Remington firearms are still being produced, the answer is yes. After a slow start, RemArms started to produce firearms and the first thing to hit the shelves is the tried and true 870 model shotgun. Introduced in 1950, the 870 has been a workhorse for hunters, used for everything from ducks and pheasants to squirrels and rabbits. The new 870 from RemArms is named the Fieldmaster and for those 870 fans curious as to how it stacks up to older models, I would say the Fieldmaster is between the old Express Model and the iconic 870 Wingmaster. This shotgun certainly looks good; the stock and forearm are dark walnut and the fit and finish of the wood to the metal receiver are excellent, and the old-style fleur-de-lis checkering is a nice touch. (When have you seen nice walnut on a shotgun priced at $600 or less?) RemArms definitely improved the finish on this shotgun from that of the old Express model. If you want a new 870, I would not be afraid to buy the new RemArms 870. Info: remarms.com. Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 No other shotgun has captured the hearts and minds of waterfowl hunters like the Benelli Super Black Eagle. From
the days when it was touted by Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame, who declared, “A shotgun only has to do three things: go boom, boom, boom,” the SBE 3 has certainly done that in all sorts of horrendous conditions that only a duck hunter could love. The Benelli USA series has been a favorite among semiauto shotgunners since its inception over 30 years ago; there is a cadre of duck and goose hunters who simply will not hunt with anything else. For these hunters, the SBE 3, now in its third generation, is the epitome of the waterfowl shotgun. This year, multiple models are available in Realtree’s all-new Max-7 camo pattern, allowing the shotgun to blend seamlessly into any waterfowl environment. Models include 12-, 20- and 28-gauge chambering. Info: benelliusa.com. Federal Premium Hevi-Bismuth The Hevi-Bismuth line hits both upland birds and waterfowl with the power of 9.6 g/cc density pellets. Sourced from Federal’s partners at Hevi-Shot, the
Federal Premium HeviBismuth. (FEDERAL)
★★★★★ a
★★★★★
• Exceptional duck hunting in the epicenter of the Mississippi Flyway. • Over 60 places to hunt on 11,000 acres! • Rated a Top 5 Waterfowl Lodge • World-class lodge with top notch accommodations. • Fabulous dining experiences prepared by award-winning chef. • Amenities include: skeet range, game room, covered outdoor pavilions with firepits, waterfalls, streams and gardens.
a
info@stanjonesmallardlodge.com
(870) 886-3000 stanjonesmallardlodge.com
americanshootingjournal.com 91
SCATTERGUN ALLEY industry leader in pellet technology, Hevi-Bismuth shot is 22 percent denser than steel, delivering more lethal energy downrange. Launched by the Flitecontrol Flex wad, bismuth pellets pattern consistently, and their metallic properties make them safe in both modern and classic shotguns. Info: federalpremium.com. Fiocchi Golden Waterfowl Bismuth This nontoxic option for waterfowlers provides high velocity, great energy transfer, dense patterns and extended ranges. The precision-loaded, sealed hull contains high-density 9.75 g/cc bismuth, ensuring consistency. Info: fiocchiusa.com. Trulock Waterfowl Two-Pack Trulock Waterfowl Chokes are made from high-strength, heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel and are suitable for all nontoxic shot. They are precisionmachined from solid stainless bar stock with a black oxide finish for reduced glare. Trulock’s two-pack set includes choke constrictions for mid- and longrange for use with all nontoxic shot. Trulock’s Super Waterfowl chokes fit the bill for pass shooting at 40-plus yards with steel, tungsten and bismuth, with patterns at 80-plus percent at 40 yards. Trulock chokes have a lifetime warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. Info: trulockchokes.com.
Trulock chokes. (TRULOCK CHOKES)
92 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Fiocchi Golden Waterfowl Bismuth. (FIOCCHI)
for an A-frame. It can make for a more enjoyable experience and there are places to store space heaters. MOST NEW HUNTERS want to know about guns and ammo before all that other stuff, so here goes. If you have a serviceable shotgun that you have taken, say, pheasant hunting, it should be fine to bring to the duck marsh. If you want to buy a shotgun for waterfowl hunting, bless you. Remember Case’s shotgun theorem: “You can never have too many shotguns.” You could never go wrong with investing in a Remington 870. Generations of duck hunters have carried this shotgun since 1950. The new 870, the Fieldmaster, is nice and will serve duck hunters well. Other waterfowlers would not think of going afield without the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3; it has a very loyal following. The Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl and the Stoeger M3500 Waterfowl are also high on the list, and for less money. You decide. For ammo, nontoxic shot is required by law. There are many, many options for this and steel shot has always been the standard, but recently bismuth has come to the forefront. Bismuth shot is not only nontoxic, but it has better terminal performance than steel, which can sometimes be dismal. Fiocchi offers a very good option in its Golden Waterfowl Bismuth line. Federal has an extensive range of waterfowl loads, including the Hevi-Bismuth line.
If you want to do an aftermarket change on your choke tubes, check out Trulock Waterfowl Chokes, which come in a convenient two-pack to change for different conditions. Editor’s note: Larry Case has been a devoted outdoorsman since he was a child. He will admit to an addiction to turkey hunting (spring and fall), but refuses any treatment. He enjoys the company of gobblers and cur dogs that are loud and people who speak the truth softly. Case served 36 years as a game warden in West Virginia and retired with the rank of district captain. You can check out his podcast and other stories at gunsandcornbred.com.
Among many good duck and goose guns is the Stoeger M3500 Waterfowl shotgun.
gun review
The Staccato CS 9mm is a modernization of the classic M1911A1 design with a focus on everyday carry for law enforcement officers.
GUN REVIEW: STACCATO CS 2011
Drawing on and updating the venerable M1911A1 platform, this 9mm is on the pricier side compared to some everyday carry handguns, but ‘will be far more satisfying than cheap steak.’ STORY AND PHOTOS BY NICK PERNA
s a carnivore, I like a good steak. A few years back, the local market really kicked up their “meat game.” They expanded their butcher shop and started stocking it with higher quality meats. The stuff you find displayed behind the butcher’s counter (as
A
opposed to the more pedestrian stuff in the refrigerated section located adjacent to it) now has high-quality beef. They carry legitimate prime steaks and, on occasion, Wagyu beef. When they began carrying the good stuff, I bought some prime New York strip steaks that go for $26 a pound (don’t
ask what the Wagyu goes for). I took it home, grilled it up, and served it to the family. They loved it. In fact, they loved it so much that they wouldn’t settle for anything less. So now, for steak night in my house, it’s prime beef or nothing at all. IN THE WORLD of guns, as with beef, americanshootingjournal.com 95
gun review
96 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
“In the world of guns, as with beef, sometimes you need to spend a little more to get what you want,” writes author Nick Perna. “Staccato firearms are the prime beef of handguns.”
sometimes you need to spend a little more to get what you want. Staccato firearms are the prime beef of handguns. The Texas-based company has modernized the classic M1911A1 with its “2011” series of handguns. The M1911A1 is an excellent firearm in and of itself, but with a design that is over a century old (112 years old, to be exact) it could stand some modernizing. That being said, it is the perfect baseline weapon system to build from. For the M1911A1 aficionados, be advised that the 2011s are 9mm handguns. I am and always will be a fan of the .45 caliber, but with all things being equal, the modern 9mm cartridge is as good as the .45 for eliminating threats. I know this is a hotly debated topic, but it is what it is. More emphasis is now placed on good shot placement than bullet size in terms of taking down threats, which is another good reason to buy a Staccato. The Staccato 2011 is American through and through. The company uses American steel in its guns, 25 percent of employees are veterans of the United States military, and it is based out of Texas, arguably among the most American states in the union. The hallmark of Staccato is precision manufacturing. These guns are hand-built by experienced gunsmiths who take their time to build a quality platform. Case in point, it takes between 12 and 16 hours of machine time for slides alone. No automated assembly lines here. The Staccato name is rebranded from the company’s previous name, STI. STI was known for building quality competition handguns. Staccato is the natural evolution from that, a gun with all of the qualities of a competition handgun but with a design focus on everyday carry for law enforcement or tactical use. In fact, 350 police agencies are now carrying Staccato handguns, including the US Marshals Special Operations Group and LAPD SWAT. The company offers a 15-percent discount for active law enforcement and a 10-percent americanshootingjournal.com 97
gun review discount for military veterans and other first responders. I RECENTLY HAD a chance to run a Staccato CS 2011 through its paces. It’s the company’s compact handgun. It has a 3.5-inch barrel, 7-inch slide and weighs in at 22 ounces. This makes it a little heavier than some polymer slide guns but that’s the tradeoff for better accuracy and durability. The slide optic is ready to mount an RMR but also comes with an excellent fiber optic sight. The CS comes with a 16-round magazine, which gives the user 17 rounds on hand with one in the chamber. There are a couple of things that make this gun more accurate than others. First is the patented LRS recoil system. This reduces recoil, which, paired with the 9mm round, makes for more accurate followup shots. Probably the most unique feature of the Staccato is the trigger. The flat trigger has about a 4-pound trigger pull, which is typical of most handguns, but what sets it apart from other handguns is how it operates. There is basically no noticeable creep in the trigger. It
With a 3.5-inch barrel, 7-inch slide and weighing in at all of 22 ounces, the CS is a compact piece that makes a good concealed carry handgun.
is a single-action, straight-pull-back trigger that is a pleasure to shoot. There’s no length of pull; basically you
Putting the CS through its paces. Precisionbuilt and highly accurate, the Staccato is worth every penny of its roughly $2,500 MSRP or $3,379 with the company’s package bundle.
98 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
engage the trigger and it shoots. This helps eliminate marksmanship issues related to long or heavy trigger pulls. It is hard to describe it with words, so I highly recommend you just try one for yourself. Here’s the part we’ve all been waiting for – the cost. MSRP for a Staccato CS is around $2,500. If you opt for the company’s bundle package, which includes the gun, a Holosun optic, three 16-round magazines and a holster, it will cost you $3,379. (The magazines aren’t cheap either at $69 apiece.) True, you could buy four Glock 47s for the price of one CS. But if you want prime beef, you have to pay the price. And think about what you are paying for. The Staccato is no safe queen. This is a gun designed to be carried and, if the need arises, to put multiple accurate rounds on target. And you only need to buy one. So save your pennies, clock a little overtime at work and get a Staccato. It will be far more satisfying than cheap steak.
Custom Boat Trailers
Reliable Quality Service & Craftsmanship For Over 50 Years!
• NMMA Certified • All Steel Weld Frame, Fenders & Bunks • 2 YEAR WARRANTY
343 Thain Rd., Lewiston, Idaho www.gateway-materials.com 208-743-0720
100 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
CONCEALED CARRY
GALLERY MERNICKLE HOLSTERS
If your cowboy gun is what you shoot the most, why not make it your daily carry? Mernickle Holsters’ PS06SA is made of the highest grade Hermann Oak leather. This holster can be carried in the strong-side position or a crossdraw. Holsters are hand-molded to your model of gun to ensure a perfect fit every time.
www.mernickleholsters.com
KINETIC CONCEALMENT
A Tennessee-based holster manufacturer makes outside-the-waistband holsters for both the Hi-Point YC9 Yeet Cannon and the Hi-Point JXP 10mm. They also make holsters for over 300 other firearms. Kinetic Concealment believes that all gun owners should have access to quality carry holsters. The OWB holsters are $49.95 and are available on their website.
www.kineticconcealment.com
TAP RACK HOLSTERS
Tap Rack Holsters IWB offers function and form with safety and comfort as two principles in their line of handmade holsters. They mold to your specifications for a correct fit. No buckets here. Holsters feature adjustable retention, a 550 corded loop for securing to a belt or belt loop, semiclosed bottom that can be left open for threaded barrels on request, different body shield heights in low, medium and high upon request, and nonbinding smooth edges with no sharp points in their designs for comfort. Different colors and patterns available upon request.
TRIPLE K MANUFACTURING Crossdraw Holster is designed for gun owners who prefer a dedicated crossdraw-style carry. The opentop design allows for easy draw and features an adjustable tension screw that ensures proper gun retention. Made in the USA with premium vegetabletanned leather and heavy nylon stitching. MSRP: $53.
www.triplek.com
www.taprackholsters.com
americanshootingjournal.com 101
102 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
BLACK POWDER
A short .50-caliber percussion pistol with a 6-inch barrel that author Mike Nesbitt made.
THERE’S ONLY ONE SECRET TO GOOD BLACK POWDER PISTOL SHOOTING Hint: The answer starts with 'p' and ends with 'e' but ain't projectile. STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT
I
f there is any real secret to good pistol or revolver shooting, it would have to be consistency. That’s really a broad-based subject and even though we can and should look at that as a single item, it can have many different sides
to it. We need to be consistent in our aiming, our sight picture, our holds and our loads. With pistols, even a small variance can make a big difference. Technicalities, however, are probably the things that are considered the very most when we talk about pistols. So we’ll enjoy some of that conversation here. We could quickly say that if you want to do some good
pistol shooting, get a good pistol. BARREL LENGTH AND sight radius will always play a good part in pistol shooting, but maybe not a very big one. These two characteristics of handguns actually do more to please the eye or the demands of the shooter than make any big difference in scores on the targets. Most shooters who use longamericanshootingjournal.com 103
BLACK POWDER barreled pistols do so because they like long-barreled pistols. Of course, sight radius – the distance between the sights – will go hand in hand with barrel length. I like short-barreled pistols and I made a pair of .50-caliber belt pistols with just 6-inch barrels. To make them, I bought a Green Mountain 12-inch pistol barrel and then cut it in half with breech plugs added to both halves. (I have also ordered a 30-inch pistol barrel from Oregon Barrel Company that I cut into five shorter barrels, although I have yet to make pistols around them.) Those are handy little guns and to give them as long a sight radius as possible, the rear sights were dovetailed to the tangs of the breech plugs. That gives each of these small pistols a sight radius of almost 5½ inches from the face of the rear sight to the back of the front sight. One time on a trail walk I compared the sight
of hits on the trail. We must include some luck on our parts too. The barrel itself can be important, of course, properly bored and rifled with a rate of twist related to the velocity range of the pistol’s ball. For our muzzleloading gun, we must also include a properly sized and patched round ball, and mix that with the proper granulation and charge of powder so the ball is propelled in the velocity range needed to be stabilized by the rate of twist. In order to more or less wrap up this conversation about pistol barrels, let’s just say that a good pistol needs
to have a good barrel. The barrel length, rate of twist and whether it is rifled or smoothbore will all simply become part of that pistol’s character.
The Colt Single Action in .44-40 is a real blast with black powder.
radius of my short-barreled pistol to that of a shooting partner’s long-barreled target pistol. The rear sight on his gun was mounted in a dovetail on the barrel but well forward of the lock. It turned out that our two guns, despite obvious differences in barrel lengths, had almost exactly the same sight radius. At that doin’s, my partner and I basically tied in the pistol event, but those technicalities probably had little to do with the outcome or our number 104 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Nesbitt’s .54-caliber flintlock made by John Bergmann.
Those characteristics will need to be blended with a proper-sized ball or bullet, patches made to order for a round-ball gun, and powder charges that will complete this picture for good performance. Add to that a good set of sights with the sight radius of your choice and you will have some of the primary ingredients for good black powder pistol shooting. NOW LET’S CONTINUE with our talk about technicalities for just a bit more because that nicely fitted and
sighted barrel certainly will need the help of good ignition and a comfortable trigger pull before it is ready for the range or trail. When we talk about flintlock pistols, a good lock, which is necessary to provide good ignition, becomes a foremost requirement. When I’m shooting my own flintlock pistols, I might not check the flint’s position or edge for every shot, but those things are always on my mind. What I mean is that when the flint’s
americanshootingjournal.com 105
BLACK POWDER edge starts to get dull, you will notice a slightly slower ignition. That can also happen should the jaws of the cock get just a bit loose or simply not hold the flint as tightly as it should. Perhaps the flint leather simply gets compressed a bit more; anything that will tighten the grip of the flint, which is necessary for proper and consistent sparks. If I notice a slightly slower ignition for a shot, all of those things are quickly checked before the pistol is loaded again. To me, the most comfortable trigger pulls are those with set triggers, adjusted to release with just a light trigger pull. That is another technicality, but it is an obvious fact that shooting any pistol that has a poor trigger pull is very difficult. We might say the better the trigger pull, the better the shooting. All of those little features that go into the making of a good pistol must then be mated with a proper load. The proper load is found by shooting, whether that’s a simple trial-and-error type of thing or, more likely, based on some good recommendations from other shooters who have good luck with a similar barrel and caliber. Speaking for myself again, I seem to prefer pistols that perform well with what we’d consider to be lighter powder charges; they simply go off with less blast and recoil. If they hit well with those lighter powder charges, that is all very good. BUT MANY PISTOLS will not perform or shoot accurately with light powder charges; often, these are pistols made with sawed-off pieces of rifle barrels. My old .40-caliber percussion pistol, made by my father in 1976, uses a chunk of rifle barrel with a 1-in-66inch twist. That’s certainly considered a long twist for a pistol. That gun shoots very well when loaded with 25 grains of FFFg under the patched .390-inch or .395-inch ball. We might not consider 25 grains as a heavy load, but in that rather short-barreled .40 pistol, it barks very well. Another example is the .54-caliber 106 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Things get smoky in a black powder revolver match.
flintlock pistol that Bob DeLisle built for himself. That gun has an 8- or 9-inch barrel and it simply would not perform for Bob with powder charges less than 40 grains of FFg. Bob is one of the better pistol shots in our area and you can often tell when he is shooting because of the rifle-like boom from his gun. These examples only serve to show that each pistol will have its favorite load for best performance. Finding that load, thankfully, is simply part of the fun of shooting black powder pistols. And there is the human element involved too, because one pistol might shoot very well with one load for one shooter but another shooter might favor a slightly different load even if using the very same gun. Another main ingredient to good pistol shooting is the stance or the hold. For a proper one-hand hold, the shooter should stand sideways to the target so the arm holding the pistol is basically in a line with the shoulders. That allows the shoulder muscles the greatest advantage in supporting the arm that holds the pistol and it
offers the best contributing factors for a steady one-hand hold. While several of our shoots and matches have requirements for one-handed shooting, that is not the best stance for making good hits with a pistol. One well known two-hand hold that should be mentioned is called the Hickok stance. This was made famous by Wild Bill Hickok and he did use it very well on at least one occasion to his own benefit. To use this stance, the shooter addresses the target much like a rifle shooter would – basically, sideways. Then the arm with the pistol is turned across the shooter’s chest with the other hand bracing the elbow of the shooting arm. Speaking for a right-handed shooter, the right arm is held across the chest with the elbow supported by the left hand. At the same time, the left arm and elbow are held snugly against the chest in the same way that rifle shooters would refer to as a body rest. This allows the upper part of the right arm to be rested against the shooter’s cheek, much like a rifle stock. The steadiness of the Hickok stance can’t be ignored.
THE PREMIER SPORTING GOODS STORE ON PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND FOR ALL YOUR FISHING, HUNTING, AND CAMPING NEEDS! KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF WILL LET YOU KNOW WHERE, WHEN AND HOW!
BLACK POWDER AFTER CONSIDERING ALL of those helpful ingredients and technicalities, there is still only one secret to good pistol shooting: practice. With whatever pistol you choose and whichever load you want to fire, a one- or two-hand hold requires lots and lots of practice. And that practice does not really need to be strictly with one gun, one load, at one distance. Although that is the best type of practice, its limitations are obvious. After all, what if you picked another gun with a different load for use at another distance? Yes, you’d be starting over again. That gives all the more reason for getting more practice. There is an old saying that goes, “Beware of the man who shoots just one gun” and that can be said double for pistol shooters. At the same time, I enjoy too many pistols to restrict myself to just one of them, so I do try to get in some practice with at least a couple of them. But the shooter with just one pistol will understand that gun more than any of us will if we spread our attention over several pistols. Every pistol has a character and the better we know that gun, the better our shooting will be. At the risk of sounding like an echo, you get to know that gun’s character with practice. When I was a young man, a time that spanned from my preteen years all the way through to my late 50s, I did a lot of pistol shooting. Shooting pistols,
The .44 Russian with a winning target, shot offhand at 10 yards.
almost any kind including Colt Single Actions and Navy Models, was just part of my way of life. That gave me a rather good background for shooting with muzzleloading pistols because any practice you can get while shooting pistols is good practice. The only secret to good pistol
Nesbitt touches off an 1860 Colt copy in .44 caliber.
108 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
shooting is practice, good practice, frequent practice, and more practice. Practice by yourself, practice with a partner, practice while using just one pistol, practice using more than one pistol, practice while shooting the same load, practice while changing or varying that load. The only thing you need to do over and over is practice. There are some added benefits that come along with that practice. If you shoot more than one pistol, you’ll soon identify the pistol you like the best because you’ll do your best shooting with it. Along those same lines, you’ll find the load you like best in that gun, the load that gives you the best performance and accuracy. And you really cannot recognize any of those things without getting some practice first. You might think you’re hearing echoes again, but for good pistol shooting, nothing can be substituted for practice. ★
Holiday Gift Guide
TactaLoad
tactaload.com TactaLoad is a new company providing quality aftermarket accessories. The FLASH-5 is a unique shotgun stock incorporating an internal magazine that offers the shooter instant access to five additional rounds of ammunition. The FLASH-5 protects your spare ammunition and feeds them out the bottom of the stock fast!
WMD Guns
wmdguns. com Give the gift of long life! The proprietary NiB-X nickelboron-coating process from WMD Guns extends firearm life by permanently defending against wear, abrasion, rust and corrosion. So this year, give NiB-X-coated parts – they just might be the longest-lasting gifts you ever give! (And check out WMD’s Beast NiB-X AR rifles/pistols.)
Bullard Leather
bullardleather.com The Bodyguard Holster is perfect and comfortable for easy concealment with an untucked shirt. Handmade in Texas from premium Hermann Oak Leather, this pancake holster is made standard with a sweat shield and fully covers to the end of the barrel with an open muzzle. Double stitched to provide stability, the holster’s 25-degree forward cant fits snug up against the body, providing effortless reholstering. Holsters are molded and boned specifically to the gun for that “snap” fit. Made to be worn in the 4 to 5 o’clock position just above your back pocket, the belt-carry design facilitates retention from your belt, without requiring an additional tension mechanism. The above holster is in brown shark with thumb break snap. 110 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Gentry Custom LLC
gentrycustom.com New quiet muzzle brakes with suppressor-length threads. Available in ½x28 or 5/8 x24 threads, straight or custom contours. Call Gentry Custom today at 406-388-4867 or visit their web store at the above address.
Dead Foot Arms
deadfootarms.com The SCW 2.5 kit is by far the most compact PDW-style stock or brace that the industry has ever seen. While compact, it is very versatile with a collapsed length of 2.5 inches, button-free deployment, and six length-of-pull settings.
Black Hills Ammunition
black-hills.com The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) from Black Hills Ammunition pushes modern 6.5 high-BC projectiles another 250 feet per second faster than the 6.5 Creedmoor and with comparable accuracy. Ballistics with these calibers were similar, but the 6.5 PRC has advantages over all of them. For Black Hills’ first loading, they chose to load this cartridge with the Hornady 143-grain ELD-X.
V-Line Industries
vlineind.com V-Line’s next-gen Tactical Weapons Locker XD now includes enhancements the tactical crowd requested over the last year. New features include a MOLLE panel board on the lid and heavy-duty lock cover for the Simplex mechanical lock. Designed for law enforcement, security agencies, public safety and firearm enthusiasts concerned about securing their firearms, the Tactical Weapons Locker XD is constructed of a rigid 14-gauge steel lid and a 16-gauge steel body. The Locker has two key locks on the corners and a dependable Simplex mechanical lock for quick access. A foam pad on the bottom of the case protects your firearms/gear along with quick-release nylon straps. The Tactical Weapons Locker XD fits between the wheel wells on most SUVs, pickup trucks and trunks of vehicles with adequate space to accommodate it. Optional long gun mounting brackets designed specifically for the V-Line-designed MOLLE panel can be purchased on V-Line’s website.
Knives of Alaska
knivesofalaska.com The slim drop-point Alpha Wolf coupled with the Cub is specially designed for hunters who need excellent field-dressing capabilities with almost no weight. This set is super light (9.9 ounces) and perfect for hunters who hunt the mountaintops, where every ounce matters.
Holiday Gift Guide
AlumaGrips
alumagrips.com The Desert Eagle grips from AlumaGrips have undergone a redesign with improvements that are second to none. First, almost 1/8 inch was removed from the thickness of each grip, then the radius on the back edge of the grip was enlarged to reduce the overall circumference. Finally, AlumaGrips eliminated the need for two screws, as well as the plastic insert that traditionally is needed for mounting the grips. Excellence in design and function, that is the goal of AlumaGrips. americanshootingjournal.com 111
Holiday Gift Guide
Zermatt Arms, Inc.
zermattarms.com Manufacturer of custom firearm components with a focus on precision long-range shooting.
Hi-Point Firearms
hi-pointfirearms.com The YC9 is the next generation of Hi-Point Firearms C9. It is loaded with features such as Glock-compatible front sights, front and rear cocking serrations, opticready, 1913 rail, grip safety, new grip design, and the YC9 comes with a 10-round magazine standard.
Collar Clinic
collarclinic.com Track and train your pack with the Garmin Alpha TT25 dog collar. This universally sized collar fits large and small breeds and is slim and durable. Using a compatible handheld (sold separately), track and send training commands up to 9 miles with up to 68 hours of battery life.
Diversified Innovative Products
diproductsinc.com The folks at DIP Inc. are not content with the cheap plastic parts that many firearms companies produce to cut production costs for rimfire firearms. DIP makes drop-in metal replacement parts and accessories that are both high quality and affordable. All products are made in the USA. DIP manufactures parts for the following brands: CZ, Marlin, Savage, Ruger, Remington, Tikka, Steyr, S&W, Howa, Marlin, Sako, Anschutz, Henry and others.
Vault Pro USA
vaultprousa.com The Handgun Pro II standard features include: • American-made handgun safe – factory direct. • Superior-strength handgun safe. • 10-, 7- or 3-gauge steel body models. • S&G D-Drive digital lock. • Auto easy-open system with gas shock. • Military-grade PE foam insert. • Holds two handguns plus magazines and ammunition. • Bolt-down capability. 112 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
Exquisiteknives.com
exquisiteknives.com Exquisiteknives.com has been offering some of the finest custom knives for over 20 years, including this knife by Lloyd Hale. Dave Ellis, American bladesmith mastersmith (retired), has been a knife collector for most of his life. His worldwide clientele includes many celebrities as well as everyday knife users. Being a collector, dealer and maker, Mr. Ellis has a well-rounded education and many of the top makers are close friends.
Redding Reloading Equipment
redding-reloading.com Redding engineers have developed a unique concentricity gauge, which uses the science of ergonomic design to improve overall precision and ease of use. The single-point contact-bearing surfaces are placed at an angle and made of hardened stainless steel, creating an ergonomic positioning of the case and improving the ease of motion turning the case by making the action far more natural. The new Slant Bed Concentricity Gauge features a large and easy-to-read dial indicator that quickly mounts in a factory-aligned base dead-on the centerline of the case.
Michlitch Co.
spokanespice.com Shopping for a unique, useful gift has never been easier. The Michlitch Co. has five options of spice gift boxes to choose from. Each box contains a locally produced sauce and three bottles of their own blends. Prices range from $25 to $30.
High Adventure Ranch
highadventureranch.com Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, High Adventure Ranch offers all of the excitement of Western big game hunting. Be prepared for a fair chase hunt! With over 3 square miles of prime natural habitat, the ranch provides challenges to even the most seasoned hunter, but their experienced guides and “No Game, No Pay” policy practically ensure that you won’t go home empty-handed. While the whitetail, elk, wild boar and red stag hunts are most popular, hunters from around the world have visited the ranch, hunting everything from American bison, black buck and fallow deer to Spanish goats and African game. High Adventure Ranch guarantees memories of an unparalleled hunting experience that will bring you back again and again.
October Country Muzzleloading
octobercountry.com Back in 1977 when the company was in its infancy, October Country Muzzleloading was a hunting bag. One product. Today, the northern Idaho-based outfit offers a complete and thorough line of muzzleloaders and muzzleloading accessories, including ramrods, Pushing Daisies patches, Blue Thunder solvent, Bumblin’ Bear Grease, quality leather shooting bags, powder horns and hand-forged shooting tools. All exceptional quality goods for the hunter, shooter, collector and history reenactor enthusiast. October Country products are made in the USA, and are designed and manufactured for muzzleloading, cowboy action and black powder cartridge shooters. americanshootingjournal.com 113
Holiday Gift Guide
Luth-AR
luth-ar.com The AR Armorer Wrench from Luth-AR is a versatile and indispensable companion for every firearm enthusiast. Made from 8620 steel with a nitride finish, at 11.75 inches it combines durability with functionality to deliver unparalleled performance. Weighing 1.29 pounds, this wrench effortlessly handles a range of tasks, including barrel nut installation and removal, castle nut tightening, flash hider installation, and more.
Camo Face Paint, Inc.
Evolution Gun Works
egwguns.com Enhance your Henry Homesteader with the durable, versatile Picatinny rail from Evolution Gun Works. Ideal for mounting any optics or attachments and it’s a one-piece aluminum build. It preserves iron sight use, is easy to install, and includes necessary hardware. Customize your carbine experience; order today from EGW’s website.
Davis Tent
davistent.com The sleeping bag cover from Davis Tent is a great way to protect your sleeping bag and add a little warmth. You can even sleep under the stars on a starry night! Roll your sleeping bag, pillow and sleeping pad up and it’s a perfect bedroll to keep all your sleeping gear organized. 114 American Shooting Journal // November 2023
camofacepaint.com The new three-color Combat compact features olive green, brown and black. Highest quality ingredients, four-year shelf life, odorless, 20plus applications, washes off with soap and water, hypoallergenic and no animal products. Check out the above website for more camo compacts and tubes. Booth #20401 at SHOT Show.
Rick Young Outdoors
rickyoungoutdoors.com RYO has been turning heads for several years with cool ideas that accomplish more while packing less. • New for 2024 is the short 15-inch Prone Stix, weighing less than 3 ounces and a priceless tool for that belly-crawl shot. • The larger Steady Stix creates a binocular rest, which steadies your glasses while standing or sitting. • Rotate the heads to open your shooting lane for a balanced rifle, shotgun, pistol or even a crossbow in the sitting position. • The internal shock cord is very robust for long-term use. • All the rubber is made from UV-resistant materials. • The aluminum tubes are the best aircraft material available (7075) with heavy wall construction. • The Stix triples down as a walking support staff and comfortably fits in the palm of your hand. • The sheath is short and light with the added clip that stays on your belt, utilizing the patented “Ripoff Clip” design. • The Steady Stix weighs in at 8 ounces and is made in the USA. For more, see the website or youtube.com/watch?v=MXKxUduAW5g.w.
Holiday Gift Guide
True Blue Gun Lubricant
truebluegunlube.com Gun oil: True Blue’s proven technology provides long-term smooth performance. Does not create carbon like other brands. It loves the heat and cold with a -35-degree pour point. Gun grease: Silky smooth and stays viscous in use and storage. Eliminates carbon bonding in choke tubes. Keeps buffer springs silky smooth and has a -30-degree pour point. Gun cleaner: Safe on all parts of a firearm. Does not smell. Effectively breaks down carbon. The Urban Dictionary definition of “True Blue” is: “The real thing, no b.s.!” Tested, proven, trusted. To purchase, visit shop.mylifeatspeed.com. For free shipping, use discount code betrueblue2023.
Triple K Mfg. Co.
triplek.com A traditional across-the-body bandolier-style rig with modern upgrades to accommodate both scoped and unscoped large-frame handguns. This versatile holster is fully adjustable for torso size and includes a removable #607 cartridge holder available in multiple calibers. Havana brown; plain finish. MSRP: $219.
The Buffalo Wool Co.
thebuffalowoolco.com The owners of Buffalo Wool Co. have been raising American bison for almost 40 years. They’ve spent the last 15 years developing a supply chain in the USA that brings together bison ranchers, small independent mills and local manufacturers. They believe that by working together, they can preserve America’s national mammal: the American plains bison.
Custom Boat Trailers Reliable Quality Service & Craftsmanship For Over 50 Years!
• NMMA Certified • All Steel Weld Frame, Fenders & Bunks • 2 YEAR WARRANTY
343 Thain Rd., Lewiston, Idaho • www.gateway-materials.com • 208-743-0720 116 American Shooting Journal // November 2023