Ammo Buying Time

Now that we're close to the Winter Solstice, our plinking is done for the year (unless we get a unseasonable heat wave).

This is the season for restocking my ammo box. I have plenty of pistol ammo (.38 Special, .357 Magnum and 9 MM). But I do need to replenish my .30-30 Winchester rifle ammo. I also have plenty .22 Caliber and 12 gauge and 410 shot gauge ammo.

On .30-30 Winchester ammunition, I try to find deals where the price per round is under $1.00. I found some at Outdoor Limited going for 95 cents per round. My only quibble with them is their high shipping cost ($20.00).

Like other things these days, ammunition is not immune to inflationary pressures. So taking time to search for ammunition deals pays off in the end. 

The Top 8 Best Affordable Lever Action Rifles!

 The Top 8 Best Affordable Lever Action Rifles! video by Gun Junkies.

Summary: 

When it comes to rifles, there is something special about lever action rifles. But with increasing prices every year, many shooters are left behind, simply not buying it. Wondering if there are still great lever-action rifles that won’t empty your wallet? Which models give you solid performance without the hefty price tag? Stay with us until the end of this video as we explore the top 8 best affordable lever action rifles you can own without spending big.

Background Checks for Online Gun Purchases Explained

Above, picking up my Winchester Model 12 shotgun at Loeffler's Guns Etc. 

Thinking about buying a gun online but never done so before?

Well, you're in luck! Guns.com can sell you a gun online, but there are still procedures to endure (they vary by state, by the way).

I bought my Winchester Model 12 shotgun through Guns.com last year. I had them send it to my favored FFL dealer in Grants, New Mexico, Loeffler's Guns Etc. After it arrived, I went there, went through the background check and walked out with my shotgun.

Guns.com has a page explaining the process.

They begin it with:

Buying a gun online is not only easy and convenient, but it's also safe and legal in all 50 states. While the process is a little different than walking into your local gun store, you’ll still have to pass a background check for your new purchase. If it’s your first time buying a gun online, you may be wondering what to expect and how mandatory gun background checks work when you buy online. 

Buying a firearm from Guns.com is actually better than walking into your local gun store and browsing the current stock. We’re not limited by storefront size, so it’s more efficient to browse our virtually unlimited inventory from the comfort of your own home (or office – don’t worry, we won’t tell the boss). The background check process is the same once you purchase a firearm or win one in an auction. Here’s how to complete it, step by step. 

To read more, go here. 

Wonderful Museums: Gun Museum Cody

Above, one of the displays at the Cody Firearms Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming received a good write-up at Wonderful Museums.

If gives a detailed description on what visitors would see at the museum. I went there last July and toured it twice. 

The article begins with:

The first time I really got a deep, almost visceral understanding of the sheer historical weight and engineering genius behind firearms wasn’t from a dusty old book or a grainy documentary. No, it was when I finally made the pilgrimage to the famed gun museum Cody, officially known as the Cody Firearms Museum, nestled within the magnificent Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. For years, I’d heard whispers, seen glimpses in magazines, and always felt this nagging curiosity about what truly made this place the “Smithsonian of firearms.” My perception, like many folks’, was probably a mix of intrigue and perhaps a touch of apprehension, fueled by a general lack of understanding about the historical context of these instruments. I wanted to move beyond the headlines and the polarized debates, to actually see and feel the history, the artistry, and the profound impact firearms have had on human endeavor. And let me tell you, what I found there didn’t just meet my expectations; it shattered them, offering an unparalleled journey into the very soul of America’s industrial and cultural story.

The Cody Firearms Museum is, without a doubt, the world’s most comprehensive collection of American firearms, presenting an exhaustive chronological and technological journey through the evolution of personal weaponry. It stands as an indispensable resource for historians, enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the intricate relationship between firearms, innovation, and the shaping of nations, particularly the United States. Its significance extends far beyond mere display; it serves as a critical repository for understanding industrial design, military strategy, and the everyday lives of people from the colonial era to the modern age, all within the robust framework of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

Above, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

You Shouldn’t Mount a Scope on These Rifles

Above, the Winchester 94 is included in the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The question on whether or not to mount a scope on any given rifle is up to the owner and what his/her needs are. 

Some rifles may have scope mounting rails on them, but it doesn't really mean one should do so.

MSN posted a slideshow article on what rifles shouldn't have a scope mounted. Their source was The Avid Outdoorsman.

They begin their slideshow article with:

Just because a rifle has rails doesn’t mean it’s begging for glass. Some platforms work better with irons, and others flat-out lose their handling or purpose once you bolt on a scope. Whether it’s weight, looks, or just how the gun was built to be used, not every rifle needs to be dialed in at 300 yards. Here’s a list of rifles that are usually better left as-is—no optics needed.

To read more, go here. 

Trump’s Second Term Delivers For Gun Owners

The Trump Administration is a 180° change from His Fraudulency Joe Biden's Administration, especially when it comes to the Second Amendment.

President Trump has undone much of what Biden did to attack our Second Amendment rights.

America's 1st Freedom (NRA) lays it all out in a new article.

It begins with:

Promises made, promises kept. It’s the phrase President Donald Trump’s White House uses to emphasize this administration’s commitment to delivering on the agenda the American people endorsed at the ballot box. And unlike the case with so many cheap-talking politicians, the Trump administration has plenty of accomplishments to point to. This is especially true when it comes to President Trump’s promise to protect Americans’ Second Amendment rights.

Speaking at the 2024 NRA Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas, President Trump told NRA members, “Let there be no doubt, the survival of our Second Amendment is very much on the ballot.” The president went on to explain, “In my second term, we will roll back every Biden attack on the Second Amendment.” President Trump’s Make America Great Again platform made clear that his party would “Defend our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and our fundamental freedoms, including … the right to keep and bear arms.”

Upon taking office on January 20, President Trump got to work on keeping his word.

To read more, go here. 

The MOST Popular .410 Shotguns In America!

The MOST Popular .410 Shotguns In America!, video by Gun Junkies.

Summary:

The .410 bore might be the smallest shotgun gauge, but don't let that fool you—these compact powerhouses pack serious performance for everything from turkey hunting to home defense. Today we're counting down America's ten most popular .410 shotguns, covering everything from budget-friendly break-actions to premium over-unders. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting out, there's something here for everyone.

Pre 64 Winchester - Does It Really Matter

Pre 64 Winchester - Does It Really Matter, video by Target Suite.

Summary: 

Does pre 64 really matter when it comes to Winchester Model 94's? 

We'll compare a 1971 vintage Model 94 with a 1955 vintage ( Pre-64) Model 94 part by part and offer up an opinion.

Why Is the 30-30 Still With Us? (Video)

Why Is the 30-30 Still With Us? video by Ron Spomer Outdoors from 2021.

Summary:

In this video, I do an in-depth review of the Lever Action 30-30 Winchester. Don't laugh this dog hunts!

Pre 64 and Post 64 Model 94 1894 Winchesters

Pre 64 and Post 64 Model 94 1894 Winchesters video by Gun&ShotTV. 

Summary: 

Here is a brief rundown of the differences between pre and post 64 model 94 Winchesters.  While the guns did get cheapened up in 1964 by the 70's Winchester had fixed many of the issues leading to a decent value if you find one used.

Not all post 64 Winchesters are terrible. After the switch to shitty stamped parts for the lifter and loading gate the backlash was pretty bad. Winchester then switched back to better quality parts than what many people assume all post 64 Winchesters have. I've got a model 94 my dad bought new at Kmart that was MFD in 1976 that is actually a very nice rifle. The only real drawback is the receivers post 64 were made of sintered metal until 1977 so they don't take a blue very well and look a bit off. The tang on my 94 had the bluing wear off and has a bit of pitting. From 1977-1982 they went back to forged receivers with decent parts and the traditional action with top eject. So I would say level of quality  

    Pre 64  

    77-82 Forged receiver, decent parts, Top eject  

    82-92 Side eject but no lawyer safety  

    ?-77 decent parts but sintered receiver  

    64-?? Shitty stamped parts, crappy roll pins, Sintered receivers  

But even the shittiest win 94 can have the parts replaced and should shoot fine if you want one and it's under $250 it's still a deal.

Top 25 Gun Magazines In 2025

At present, I subscribe to two firearms magazines: American Rifleman (comes with my NRA membership) and Guns & Ammo.

If I should happen to see a gun magazine I don't subscribe to that has interesting articles shown on its over, I may buy it. But that hasn't happened since I moved to New Mexico. Magazine racks are somewhat scarce around here except at Safeway and Albertson's supermarkets.

FeedSpot has posted a list of the top 25 gun magazines for 2025. 

They begin with:

The best Gun magazines from thousands of magazines on the web ranked by relevancy, authority, social media followers & freshness.

Here are 25 Best Gun Magazines you should follow in 2025.

To see what they are, go here. 

Hunting: Easy Carriers and Straight Shooters

Above, the venerable Winchester 94 made the MSN list.

It's hunting season in some parts of the United States.

Those who partake in the sport, or those who want to, should have a firearm suited for it. MSN has posted a list of rifles that carry easy and shoot straight in the woods.

 It begins with:

Hunting the woods is its own world. You’re not glassing big country or worrying about dialing turrets—you’re slipping through timber, easing along benches, and making quick shots in tight windows. A good woods rifle needs to balance accuracy with mobility, and not every bolt gun or lever-action pulls that off. The best ones feel like they disappear on your shoulder until the second you need them, then come up naturally and point exactly where your eyes already are.

These rifles earn their keep by handling well in brush, balancing naturally, and keeping their zero even after long days of climbing, bumping, and weaving through cover. If you spend most of your season in timber or thick country, these are the models worth carrying.

To read more, go here.  

The 10 Most Reliable Lever Action Rifles For Hunting and Range!

The 10 Most Reliable Lever Action Rifles For Hunting and Range! by Scoper 360°.

Summary: 

Modern performance, classic soul — these10 lever-action rifles prove the old action still wins in the field. From compact .45-70 power to detachable-mag precision, this video breaks down reliability, accuracy, and real hunting capability.

In this video we test and explain the most reliable lever-action rifles for hunting and range work. If you assume lever guns can’t match modern rifles for accuracy or cartridge versatility, watch closely — three of these models deliver sub-MOA potential with the right ammo, and several use magazine designs that safely accept pointed bullets.

Curious Relics #122: Winchester Model 1894 – Part IV

Above, the Winchester 94. Photo by author.

"Curious Relics #122: Winchester Model 1894 – Part IV" is the latest installment of a series of articles in AllOutdoor.

In this installment, the author takes a look at shooting his grandfather's Winchester 94. 

It begins with:

Range Time: Winchester Model 1894

I have shot my grandfather’s Winchester 94 in 32-40 on three separate occasions. The first time was years back with my grandfather himself using factory 32-40 ammunition. My experience at the time was surprise at how a gun that was so legendary in my family kicked very little. It felt like shooting a pistol cartridge in a lever action. Pretty wimpy, honestly. We shot at a bowling ball, and it barely did anything to it.

Recently, I shot it again, two separate times with both factory reloaded 32-40 brass that I reloaded myself, as well as reformed 30-30 brass that I had formed into 32-40. I have an article on TFB chronicling how to do that reformation process. I do not recommend that anybody do it, but that is what I did. For me, it is a sustainable thing, so my cousin can use it and keep the rifle alive.

To read the full article, go here. 

When Your Favorite Gun Shoots Better In Your Imagination

Above, yours truly with my Winchester 94 November 3. Photo by Larry Lucier.

Here's an interesting post from MSN.

It is on favorite guns that shoot better in your imagination. It is a slideshow article with many guns spotlighted.

It starts off with:

Every shooter’s got one—that rifle or pistol you swear by, even though deep down you know it’s never lived up to the stories you tell about it. You convince yourself it shoots better than it does, or that it “used to” before some imaginary variable went wrong. But the truth always shows up at the range, in the form of fliers, misfires, or groups that look like buckshot patterns. Sometimes nostalgia clouds judgment, and sometimes ego refuses to admit a gun’s flaws. These are the ones you keep defending long after they’ve proven they don’t deserve it—the guns that feel right in your hands but fall apart on the paper.

To see more, go here. 

Winchester Model 12 Shotgun

Last year, I bought a Winchester Model 12 shotgun in 12 gauge. It was made in 1919. 

I tried it out a couple of times at our shooting area and it worked just fine. Next month, I will be heading to my friend's in Lake Havasu for the Christmas holiday. While there, if past times are an indication, we'll be heading out to the skeet range for some skeet shooting. I am anxious to try out the Model 12 on the skeet range. It should be interesting to see how a 106-year-old shotgun does.

Above, the Winchester Model 12 shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The longer barrel of the Model 12 should work out better than the Remington 870 Express. I bought the shotgun through Guns.com.

It is interesting to note that Americans used the Model 12 in the Pacific War against the Japanese. It was highly effective in jungle conditions and the Japanese forces were fearful of them.

7 MILLION SOLD: INSIDE THE RISE OF THE WINCHESTER ’94

7,000,000 SOLD: INSIDE THE RISE OF THE WINCHESTER ’94 by Legacy of Gunpowder

Summary:

Discover the incredible story behind the Winchester Model 1894 — one of the most iconic rifles in American history. From its creation by John Browning to its role in shaping the frontier, this lever-action rifle became a symbol of the Old West and a favorite among hunters and collectors. Learn why the Winchester 1894 remains a legend over 100 years later.

When Good Guns Go Bad: Handling Malfunctions Safely

When the Good Guns Go Bad: Handling Malfunctions Safely in Cowboy Action Shooting: Dead Gun Rule, video by Dry Socket’s Cowboy Action Theater .

Summary:

What happens when your firearm malfunctions in the middle of a Cowboy Action Shooting stage? In this detailed instructional episode of Dry Sockets Cowboy Action Theater, we take a close look at what to do when your gun goes dead — how to declare it, how to handle it, and how to keep your stage (and posse) running safely and smoothly.

We’ll walk through:

 • How to recognize when a firearm is officially “dead” under SASS rules

 • Properly declaring and staging a dead gun without sweeping anyone or breaking the 170

 • How the Timer Operator and Spotters respond when a shooter calls a malfunction

 • What NOT to do (to avoid those dreaded stage or match DQs)

 • Tips for staying calm, communicating clearly, and getting safely back into the stage flow

5 Ammo Types You Should Stockpile Before Global Chaos Hits

 5 Ammo Types You Should Stockpile Before Global Chaos Hits by Gear Zone.

 Summary:

There’s powerful—and then there’s this. In this video, we dive into the most dangerous revolver round ever widely available in America. Banned in several states, this beast delivers extreme penetration, bone-breaking force, and terminal damage few other handgun cartridges can match. It's a favorite among big-game hunters and feared by regulators alike. Find out why this round has earned a fearsome reputation, what makes it so lethal, and whether it deserves its place in your loadout.

Gun Industry Holding The Line As Raw Material Prices Skyrocket

Firearms and ammunition have risen in price along with other things. That's no surprise.

However, firearm and ammo manufacturers have been striving to hold the line as the raw materials needed have gotten more expensive.

That is the subject of an article in the NRA's American Rifleman web page.  

They begin with:

The raw material required to manufacture ammunition and firearms has gotten more expensive each year. That isn’t breaking news, but the gun industry’s ability to fight the headwind—avoiding or delaying passing production cost increases along to enthusiasts—says a lot about its increased efficiency and dedication to customers.   

Brass, for example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) index—which was assigned a figure of 100 to its price in 1986 to serve as a baseline for comparison in subsequent years—increased from 553 in July 2022 to 676 in August 2025. Admittedly both numbers are down from the painful 786 it reached during the pandemic. To put that figure into perspective, the material now costs 6.76 times more than it did in 1986.

To read more, go here.