Picture this: America’s shotgun scene is a wild mix of tradition, bravado, and a little too much lead flying too far. Most hunters out there—maybe even you—are slinging 12-gauge magnums with full chokes, dreaming of that perfect 50-yard pintail kill or a pheasant snatched from the sky just as it...

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In many ways, John sees rifles and cars as two sides of the same coin. Both are churned out by mass production, priced within reach for most folks, and sometimes turn sour—misfiring or breaking down just days after he takes them home. When his brand-new electric...

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Picture yourself stepping into a gun shop. The clerk slides a gleaming new shotgun across the counter—a pristine piece of craftsmanship. You lift it, nestle it into your shoulder, and swing the barrel toward an imaginary pheasant streaking across the sky. No...

Enthusiasts and newcomers alike often seek answers about the best handguns for specific purposes and the reasons behind certain preferences. These inquiries reveal not just curiosity about tools but a broader interest in why handguns occupy a unique niche in society. To seasoned pistol owners, the...

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In the dynamic world of upland and waterfowl hunting in 2025, it's not uncommon to miss what seems like a straightforward shot at a pheasant, quail, or duck, whether you're traversing the rolling hills or staking out a marshy shoreline. More often than not, these misses...

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They say the 300-meter free rifle reigns as the queen of rifle competitions. If that’s true, then the big-bore over the course rifle is undoubtedly the king. Few argue against its status as the ultimate test of shooting prowess, demanding a rare blend of precision,...

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This firearm, identified as a French and Indian War/American Revolutionary War-era wall gun or swivel gun (circa 1740-1760). Wall guns were large-bore firearms designed for use in fortifications, ships, or defensive positions during the 17th and 18th centuries....

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Recent analysis of shotgun patterning and game bird data suggests that long-range shotgun performance is less effective than is sometimes assumed, despite advancements (e.g., plastic shells, gas-tight wads). The focus is on achieving a 95% sure-kill...

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No single rifle reigns supreme across the West’s vast hunting grounds—open plains, jagged peaks, and game spanning fleet antelope to towering grizzlies defy the notion of a one-size-fits-all “Western rifle.” The perfect gun is a fable; each landscape and quarry...

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In our previous article, we explored the history of the Terni Arsenal, unaware of its connection to Saint Valentine. The legend of Saint Valentine is steeped in rich history and captivating events. You can read the original article here:

Given that today is...

This explanation covers the basic physics and pressure dynamics involved in the operation of a percussion lock mechanism with a #11 percussion cap. Remember, the exact pressures and forces can vary based on specific firearm designs, cap compositions, and hammer configurations.

Mechanical Advantage...

This shotgun 101 overview is largely based on concepts included in an old pamphlet a friend gave me call Basic Shotgun Instructions published by the NRA in 1962. I recommend tracking one down or joining the NRA for more info.

---- Shotguns 101 ------

Though the shotgun isn't often celebrated in...

I found this small pamphlet online and was curious to see if it offered any valuable insights or suggestions.

The following posts contain an updated summary of this old pamphlet, enhanced with images and further details.

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We recommend visiting the Thompson Center website...

This is a topic thread to document interesting nomenclature related to firearms and other weaponry.