JULY 2021 VOL. 30 - #07

JULY 10 & 11 ELMA SEPT. 18 & 19 MONROE OCT. 16 & 17 PUYALLUP ¥ Puy. Pav. JULY 2021

Columns & News The GunNews is the official monthly publication of the Washington 4 Legislation & Politics–Joe Waldron Arms Collectors, an NRA-affiliated organization, P.O. Box 400, Sumner, 6 Straight From the Holster–J.T. Hilsendeger WA 98390. Subscription is by membership only and $15 per year 7 Short Rounds & Letters of membership dues goes for subscription to the magazine. 14 Pistols That Went to War–Tom Burke

Features Managing Editor–Philip Shave 8 The Webley Longspur–James Romnes Send editorial correspondence, Wanted Dead or 16 The Hammond Bulldog–Richard Farnsworth Alive ads, or commercial advertising inquiries to: [email protected] For Collectors 7625 78th Loop NW, Olympia, WA 98502 21 Wanted: Dead or Alive (360) 866-8478 32 Show Calendar Assistant Editor–Bill Burris Art Director/Covers–Bill Hunt Member Resources Copy Editors–Bob Brittle, Bill Burris, Cover–A rare, to- Forbes Freeburg 28 Board Minutes be-coveted Webley Longspur revolver from 1855. Image CONTACT THE BUSINESS OFFICE FOR: provided by James ¢ MISSING GunNews & DELIVERY PROBLEMS Romnes, cover by ¢ TABLE RESERVATIONS Bill Hunt. ¢ CHANGE OF ADDRESS ¢ TRAINING ¢ CLUB INFORMATION, MEMBERSHIP Club Officers President — Bill Burris (425) 255-8410 (425) 255-8410 voice Vice President — Boyd Kneeland (425) 643-9288 Office Phone Hours: 9a.m.–5p.m., M–TH Secretary — Forbes Freeburg (425) 255-8410 closed holidays Treasurer — Holly Henson (425) 255-8410 Immediate Past President — Boyd Kneeland (425) 643-9288 There is no physical office–staff may be reached by phone or email. Club Board of Directors Scott Bramhall (425)255-8410 John Hubbard (425) 255-8410 SEND OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE TO: Tani Iwashita (253)720-7720 Karen Jennings (425) 255-8410 P.O. Box 400, Sumner, WA 98390 Bill Palmer (425) 255-8410 Richard Ripley (206) 271-0670 John Rodabaugh (425)255-8410 Jim Weaver (425) 255-8410 e-mail—[email protected] Tim Wegner (253) 318-0899

Website: www.washingtonarmscollectors.org DCM club #068115

Operations NRA Show & Operations Manager–Emma Cleary (425) 255-8410 The WAC is affiliated Office Manager/Bookkeeper–Marcy Hinckley (425) 255-8410 with the National Rifle Association

Page 2 Finally–The State Begins to Open Post-Covid 19 –But What will Happen to WAC Shows?

oday, in most places we can safely go into a store without a mask–if we're vaccinated. What a pleasure to see faces again. Those who choose not to vaccinate are managing their personal Trisk as they wish and should continue to mask for their own safety. (Just an aside–it's a little discouraging to have our experts tell us now that the typical face mask, especially the stylish cloth versions so prevalent and usually worn without regular disinfecting, protect neither the wearer nor the public.) Well, our President tells us that masks are not required if we've had the vaccine, so it must be okay. As of yesterday, June 14, 60% of the Washington state population has received at least one shot and the majority of adults are fully vaccinated. (Most vaccines are 85-95% effective after one dose.) Most of those who have not received the vaccines are young or not eligible. Doctors estimate that a much larger percentage of the population than originally estimated have been exposed to the virus, been infected already and have some immunity. Combined with vaccinations we should be at herd immunity–yes, the experts argue about this as well. So, does this mean we're able to meet and have an event? Not so fast says Governor Inslee, who apparently has godlike powers and is able to rule by decree. The Gov won't tell us what to expect until perhaps June 30. Too late to commit to our July event in this publication!

The July 10-11 Show in Elma I can't promise that the Elma show at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds will become a reality. It looks promising. This is a small venue and if we were allowed to operate at 50% capacity it would be very difficult to offer a show. A reduced capacity show would have very few table holders and limited numbers of members and ticket buyers in the building. We would all be disappointed. But if the State re-opens at the end of June then we will have a full building and lines at the ticket booth. As of publication date, it looks promising.

How Will You Know? Our staff have the ability to do email blasts and they will inform us as soon as the show is confirmed. If you do not have your email in our records, call to add it–NOW. The website will be updated and have a confirmation of location and hours.

Are Tables Available? Because the venue allows about 200 tables, free member tables will not be offered. The WAC has pre-reservations from many table holders already and these will be confirmed as soon as possible. There may be reservation cancellations and more tables available once the floor map is completed. You must call to pay for tables once the event is confirmed.

Stay Informed Use the website: www.washingtonarmscollectors.org Call the office: 425-255-8410 Open your emails from the WAC

Personally, I have the July dates on my calendar and plan to see you in July. The Editor Page 3 June 10th, and is 25 pages long. It contains several photographs and charts to assist in determining if an arm brace is simply an arm brace or is subject to registration (and taxation upon transfer). Link: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-06-10/ pdf/2021-12176.pdf

I scanned the pages and I did not see if simply REMOVING the arm brace would restore simple “AR- CONGRESS pistol” status to the device. Why is this important? Suppose you own an AR pistol with arm brace made by ’m taking it easy this month. It’s going to be short manufacturer X. ATF has determined that the brace and sweet as the summer begins. There is talk used with that model firearm is an SBR. ATF can Iabout gun control, but no movement. They file examine distribution records of such firearms. Can more and more gun bills every month, but none are you expect a letter from the ATF? Or a knock at your going anywhere. The Democrats only have an eight door? At this point we don’t know. (Or can you install seat majority in the House – lose five seats and there a 16” or longer barrel, thus making it a simple AR-15 goes their majority. That discourages adventurism RIFLE?) and extremism. The Senate is even tighter, at 50-50, with Vice President Harris’ vote breaking the ties. But wait a minute, to pass a bill out of the Senate you With an estimated million or more of these firearms in need sixty votes under the filibuster rule. The circulation, this will impact an awful lot of gun owners. likelihood of the Senate Democrats picking up ten There is a 90 day public comment period attached to Republican votes on any issue are almost non-existent. the proposal. If you wish to comment on the rules, This is classic gridlock, as President Biden has comments can be submitted online at the Federal discovered to his dismay. eRulemaking Portal:www.regulations.gov, by snail mail to “Denise Brown, Mail Stop 6N-518, Office of The mid-term elections are only sixteen months away, Regulatory Affairs, Enforcement Programs and with both side optimistic that they will pick up seats. Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Historically the President’s party LOSES seats in both Explosives, 99 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC the House and Senate. Keep in mind all 435 House 20226 ATTN: ATF 2021R-08, or by fax to (202) 648- seats will be up for election, and 34 Senate seats. 9791. Since 1946, the President’s party has lost on average more than 24 House seats in mid-term elections. A number of other things are going on across the Donald Trump’s Republicans lost 41 House seats! And country. gained two in the Senate. Obviously if that were to happen in 2122, control would shift to the GOP and WHOA, RED FLAG we’d have a Republican Speaker. A one seat switch in So-called “red flag” protection orders, more properly the Senate would put Republicans in control there as known as “Extreme Risk Protection Orders,” (ERPOs) well. Typically, again, three or four Senate seats go to have been around in some places for a decade or so. the party out of power in the midterms. We can only At last count, 20 states plus the District of Columbia hope that history holds true next year! have such laws in place. As they say, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Red flag laws are OLYMPIA? intended to disarm an individual who MAY pose a Nothing going on in Olympia from a legislative threat before that threat is carried out. In effect perspective. Give them time. Democrats will still preemptive disarmament. hold the House and Senate next January and they’ll be back for more. WHO can request a red flag protective order varies widely by state. In almost all states, law enforcement ATF ARM BRACE LANGUAGE officers and family members may petition a court for The ATF has published its proposed language on arm an order. But that list expands widely in some states. braces as they relate to AR-style pistols. At issue is Among the WHO may also be household members, whether such firearms can effectively be used as “ex’s,” medical professionals, educators or even co- short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and thus subject to workers. In Washington, petitioners are limited to regulation under the National Firearms Act of 934. family, household members or law enforcement. The language was published in the Federal Register on

Page 4 The petitioner(s) must make the case before a judge But the cops kept this guns, and he’s been fighting for that the individual poses a credible threat of harm TO five years to get them back. The unanimous opinion HIMSELF/HERSELF OR OTHERS. It can be was written by Justice Clarence Thomas, likely now something you say, or other potentially threatening the conservative successor to deceased Justice behavior. The individual in question is not informed of Antonin Scalia. the order until it is granted by a judge and then served by law enforcement. The order will likely It’s nice to see the court get one right once in a while. order removal of all firearms and other dangerous weapons, for an indeterminate period of time (again, CHIPMAN APPOINTMENT this varies by state). You won’t know about it until the The appointment of retired ATF special agent and order is served – by a knock on the door, or if the former Giffords gun control group advocate and agents serving the order feel the threat is great adviser David Chipman to head the ATF is still enough, by your door being kicked in. awaiting final confirmation by the Senate. In his conformation hearing in Senate Judiciary, Chipman In effect, a red flag order suspends your 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th clearly made statements hostile to gun owners and law and 6th Amendment rights. Yes, you can appeal – abiding gun ownership, including supporting banning AFTER your guns are seized. Ask the Maryland man commonly owned classes of firearms. His testimony who answered pounding on his door at 5 a.m., gun in was evasive, contradictory and in some cases even hand, to be shot dead by police serving the order; no ignorant. Fine showing for a gun cop. His responses appeal from that. clearly disqualify him for the appointment. A Chipman-run ATF might as well be run by Sarah Of all states who have jumped on the red flag law Brady. Or Gabby Giffords. disarmament vehicle, Florida appears to lead the way. The number varies widely by county, with several CALIFORNIA JUDGE STRIKES A/W BAN hundred issued by a few counties. A Florida Court of A federal judge in San Diego has ruled the Golden Appeals recently put the brakes on enforcement of State’s so-called “assault weapon” ban, in place since such laws, citing the need to make a real case for a the late 1980s, unconstitutional and a clear violation of true threat. We’ll see. the Second Amendment. The governor threw a hissy fit when he heard of the ruling, and the state’s What I find amazing is that, as long as these laws have Attorney General has promised to appeal to the 9th been around, none appear to have been challenged all Circuit. The 9th Circuit doesn’t have a very good track the way to the Supreme Court. Given their impact on record on guns and gun rights, but you never know. so much of the Bill of Rights, you’d think they’d be on The trial judge may have made a convincing case in his a fast track to D.C. Not yet. ruling.

There are a few federal ERPO bills sitting in Congress And if the 9th Circuit reverses the trial judge, maybe right now and the Biden administration has just this is the "assault weapon" case that will make it up published guidance to the 30 states that do NOT have to the Supreme Court. Such a ruling is long past due. such laws to “assist” them in passing such laws. If any firearm is suitable for militia use (and we’re ALL members of the unorganized militia per federal SUPREME COURT SAYS NO WARRANTLESS law, 10USC Section 246 ), it is the AR-15 or variations. SEIZURES OF GUNS -GN- In a case not related to ERPOs but similar, the Supreme Court in May ruled unanimously that police did NOT have the authority to seize firearms without a warrant under the “community caretaker” exception Here you are on page 5–have you seen to the 4th Amendment. The case involved a Rhode Island man (Caniglia) whose guns were taken by police our announcement on page 3? The WAC after he was involved in an argument with his wife – situation regarding the show in Elma is five years ago. He placed a firearm on the table and said, “Then why don’t you just shoot me.” Rather than detailed. We might finally be allowed to do that, she moved out for the night and called police. Mr Caniglia was taken to a hospital by police, where a have an event. mental health evaluation cleared him and he was released. Stay up-to-date via email and website.

Page 5 Straight From The Holster

J.T. Hilsendeger

nowing our magazine proofreading day is a Another fella’s passing not easily forgotten, is my week away, I figured I’d better get old friend in Eastern Washington. This was the old something down on paper before our editor K Indian whose name I never learned until after he’d “reminds” me. passed. This old guy was 103. When we last hunted I got a call a couple days ago from one of our together with him a hard guy to keep up with. members, telling me of the passing of another long What I remember most is his sense of humor, his time WAC member. Years ago he’d been selling recall of his youth and the stories told to him, and guns and over time as the guns got heavier, he then to me, of Sasquatches then and now. (Oh yeah, started selling jewelry also. Ray was an old rodeo evidence around his home as late as the night rider, small in build but large in character, kinda before.) Anyway, in his world social correctness quiet but everybody like him. He was the kind of didn’t exist. How refreshing, having somebody tell guy I’d try and visit with for a few minutes at every it like it is. show. I don’t think I ever knew his last name. I’d I was just thinking of him, while peeling a boiled always address him with “How you doing, you old egg, and of course the shell broke in many small “f__t”, as I do with most of the older vendors. pieces. He once told me the best way to eat a boiled Strange how we see each other, vendors and egg was fried. He claimed he was in his late 70’s, members, may times each year and never see a last not wanting to get old, many years ago he began name (with these new member badges having counting only every other year. Only after his teeny-tiny lettering, it is more difficult yet). Oh, passing did I learn from his granddaughter that he just talked with his table partner and he tells me was 103. that I’m talking about Ray Sullivan. Another passing of note, our oldest member, Jim Memorial Day was a week ago and I got to Stiles, a couple years ago. I’d always make it a remembering a few of the passing of late, of old point to visit a few minutes with Jim at every show. friends, relatives and of course, WAC people. First (And he was at every show, missing maybe 4-5 in of course, a close relative who retired, had a home the 20 years I knew him). He, too, could recall his built on lots of acreage. The cancers taking his life early years of hunting both in and out of season, to in short order, 81 years old. The next coming to “feed his family.” Jim always had a joke or two and mind is a WWII vet that I got to know quite well the was never in a bad mood. His theory on our shows last 15-16 years, the kind of guy everybody liked. was that they were all good shows, some better than He was at Normandy and could recall every guy in others, just like table locations (I might argue that his unit but didn’t know what he’d done yesterday. point). He hunted the same areas I’m now hunting and Another old vendor who would have at least 3 we’d be talking about S.W. Washington or over in tables, sometimes 4 or 5, but had lots of guns. He the N.E. corner of the state. At first I doubted his had mostly lever guns on racks with his handguns recall, but he could come up with the road names or filling the tables right to the table edge. He was the forest service numbers from 40 years ago. quite sickly, frequently falling even out of his chair, Whenever I came across a new firearm, I’d take it but insistent that he could do it alone. Eventually over and show him. From his kids, I heard it “made the club would sell him tables only if he had a table his day”. Of course like most old soldiers, he had a helper. Oh yeah, he’d lose at least one gun each few guns but his kids slowly “disappeared” them for show. He too had pretty good recall but the stories fear of Loren dealing with prowlers. Eventually he would change from telling to telling. was moved to an assisted living facility but that Another close friend of 40-45 years, passed lasted one day, Loren stating it was full of old recently. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, the people. Yeah, he moved in with a daughter until his last couple of years confined to his home with a passing a year or so later, a week shy of his 96th birthday. Continued on page 29 Page 6 Short Rounds WAC Display Show–2021 Don't expect the traditional October dates for the annual WAC display show this year. The October event will our first back at the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup and space will be limited.

Instead, plan for a December display show. The dates are December 11-12. Begin to put your displays together, focus on a topic and look for entry forms in the next magazine.

Black Diamond Women-Only Pistol Classes are Full SeeBlackDiamondGunClub.org, for information on openings in future classes. Letters from our Members 2021 KIDS DAY 2021 Sponsored by: Renton Fish & Game Club and Renton Fish & Game Club Pinto’s Gun NRA Range Safety Officers Teaching New Young Kid’s Day, May 2021 Shooters To Be Safe and Shoot Straight. COST – $5ea / Members free Editor's Note: It is great to see ranges, club events WHEN – Sundays 10am -1pm and training classes back on the schedule. The May 16, June 27, July 18. Aug 22, Sept 19, Dec 12 Renton Fish & Game Kid's Day is a popular regular ( Check For Cancellations ) event that is worthy of recognition–what a great way WHERE – RFGC Rifle Range, 17205 SE 144th to introduce children to safe firearm use and show Street, Renton, WA. 98059 them how much fun it is. Here is Greg Fortin's WWW.RFGC.ORG report: 425-226-1563

After a year and a half pause…WE’RE BACK!! Renton United Cowboy Action 10 a.m., no kids, five minutes later the flood gates open. 25 kids total, 14 members and 11 non- Shooters Host Range Officer members. As usual, balloons, bottles, and clays were having a pretty short day. Classes Thanks to RSO’s John Lanier, Ron Huff, Chuck Renton United Cowboy Action Shooters will be hosting Mueller, Chris Ohnemus, Scott Johnson for safety. SASS RO1 and RO2 classes on the weekend of And thanks to Randy Hill for rifle cleaning. Diana February 27 & 28th, 2021 at the Renton Fish & Game Pinto and Karen Jennings did a stellar job at the Club. Pinto Annie will be the instructor. D&K BBQ. By Greg Fortin Please contact Cedar County Sheriff at [email protected] if you would like to attend either or both of these classes. Please indicate which class, or both, that you would like to attend. -GN-

Page 7 Hunting the Unicorn By James Romnes, WAC

A Rifle-Stocked Webley Longspur

ebley Longspur—these words warm my Above–The 48 bore (.459 calibre) Longspur; imagination. Like an embellished in this bore and size, a "horse pistol." Displayed Wmanuscript with elaborate calligraphy and with coin and watch of the era, circa 1855. fantastic, decorative beasts like unicorns, they kindle something colorfully medieval. The sun-dried facts Below–The nicely cased Webley has this label are that a Webley Longspur is merely an antique cap inside the case lid. A reproduction item that and ball revolver with an oversize hammer. Alas, adds charm to the presentation. that seems as boring as Geritol! But the story of the Longspur’s birth and a one-of-a-kind example—even if it doesn’t conjure a full rampant unicorn—will at least provide a few happy minutes of historical entertainment.

Once Upon a Smogbank The story begins over 200 years ago in England’s industrial Midlands, a smog belching, manufacturing center. By day black with coal smoke, by night bright with coal fires—think Chattanooga, Tennessee circa 1960 or industrialized Pakistan 2021.(1) Farseeing father Thomas Webley advised his four sons that he had seen the future and it was guns and not buttons, button making being his trade.(2) We know that two of his boys took his advice seriously. James Webley, born 1808, and Philip, born 1812, both entered the local gun trade. The entryway Text Continued on page 10 Page 8 Right–The Longspur standing in front of the presentation case which holds the stock and accessories. Below–Preparing to mount the stock to the revolver.

Right–The stock has been locked onto the revolver and our author has his thumb on the very accessible "Longspur."

Below–Here is a good view of the embel- lished lock plate on the butt.

Right–Another view of the Longspur, showing the bullet mold that came with the handgun.

Page 9 to the Victorian gun trade was indenture; imagine shotgun design and the Deeley and Edge latch for apprenticeship with all the glee of Roman slavery. securing shotgun fore-ends. Perhaps the experience was in some ways similar to James Webley left us little more than these the report of a 20th-century apprentice at the famous fragments, a few sealed papers in the patent office Purdy gun shop. This modern apprentice’s first day files, and the masterpiece he called the Longspur. began with a metal blob to test his filing skills. He was told, “File a 1/16 of an inch off flat.” His Shotshow 1851? excruciating file work was later dismissed with An event that would have influenced the Webleys and obscenities and thrown into the trash. Filers had to the Longspur’s development occurred in 1851. That learn not only to file but how to file ‘Purdy.’ Simply year the Great Exhibition opened in London’s Hyde achieving this standard for a single polished gun lock Park. In an immense glass showcase called the Crystal took this modern apprentice a week! (3) Palace, all the world’s best commercial products were After indenture, Philip and James had their own displayed. This included textiles, agriculture businesses and an on-again and off-again joint business implements, pottery, musical instruments, toys and venture making gun parts. Eventually, little brother even firearms. Samuel Colt’s revolvers covered a would outshine big brother partly by longevity; James whole display stand. (10) One contemporary said that: died at age 48, Philip, 76. Philip’s restless, expansile “We certainly have no desire to see a ‘Colt revolver’ energy had more time for development; he married a generally worn as the compliment of an English bullet mould maker’s daughter, took over his father- gentleman’s walking costume. As a military question, in-law’s business, won military contracts and grew it is different. We are bound to take care that our the Webley name and commercial clout. And he also soldiers are supplied with the most efficient means of left behind a gun-making dynasty with his sons destroying any enemy.” (11) Thomas and Henry. (4) Says one modern firearms historian: “On an James left us only scattered posthumous molecules England in which clumsy multi-barrelled ‘pepperbox’ in the public record. From these, we can reconstruct pistols were the only revolving firearms available, that he had standing as an ‘eminent gun the impact of Colt’s neat serviceable revolvers was manufacturer’ (5) and participated in the charitable immense. Newspapers and magazines described or work of the Birmingham ‘Guardians of the Poor. (6) illustrated them, and there were inevitably questions He also knew the miseries of business ownership. In as to why England could offer nothing similar.” (12) 1851 James was sold 19 defective gun barrels with Maybe the Webleys rode the Northwestern Rail counterfeit proof marks. James lugged into court as Way train 100 miles north to see the Great Exhibition. ‘Exhibit A’ a gun barrel that had fractured when a Surely they viewed the Colt revolvers. In these early workman in his shop had tried to file it. The charlatan years of steam train travel, five shillings could was duly convicted and penalized. (7) purchase a £200 insurance policy covering possible And as they do today, politicians also placed railway accidents on the way to the Great Exhibition. stumbling blocks in the way of Victorian gun makers. (13) Even if James didn’t attend the Great Exhibition, An 1855 gun trade meeting attended by James doubtless Colt revolvers were part of the mental responded to planned changes in ‘The Proof House ferment and effervescence that became British Patent Act’. New rules would allow a proof inspector to 743 of 1853, also known as the Webley Longspur. (14) “thrust his nose into all the shops whenever he may choose.” And the proposed act of Parliament was so Magic Numbers vaguely written that gunmaker Westley Richards During James Webley’s lifetime perhaps several commented to general laughter, “You might drive a hundred Longspurs were handcrafted. (15) Actual pack of hounds and half dozen coaches and six through production numbers of early British revolvers are it!” (8) almost as artfully obscured as the deficit spending of Interestingly enough after his death, James modern politicians. (16) Serial numbers overlapped Webley’s business interests were represented, in part, and were at times deliberately inflated to give the by a Mr. Deeley. This is very possibly John Deeley an appearance of voluminous production and well- accountant who would go on to fame as Managing established companies. Gunmakers like the Webleys Director of Westley Richards from 1872-1899. (9) Mr. suffered commercial-psychological insecurity. Unlike Deeley is perhaps best remembered today for Colt’s godlike London factory where iron and timber attaching his name to the Anson Deeley boxlock went in one door and a complete and cased revolver

Page 10 Left–As befits a 19th Century pistol in- tended for carry in a holster mounted to the pommel of a saddle rather than on one's person, this Webley is a 48 bore. We would understand this to mean that the bore is .459".

The photo at left displays the correct mold for the 48 bore round ball that is fired from this Longspur. This bullet mold is actually stamped "James Webley" and we know that it is authentic; while we can't know, we can imagine that this mold may be original to this handgun.

came out the other, small British makers outsourced from a hanging flimsy attachment to a more effective to even smaller specialists who did lock work, grips, swiveling device. And the first two models were tip- screws, etc.) (17) No wonder small makers inflated up revolvers with the Third Model having a screw their production numbers; they wanted to seem less holding barrel to frame. like inefficient pygmies and more like significant and With the different models and other variations, one even scientific players! enticing possibility has inflamed Webley collectors for a generation or more. In Dowell’s book, The Webley Just the Facts Story is a photograph of a cased Second Model So what are the facts of the Longspur? It is an open- Longspur. The pictured trade label has instructions framed, single-action percussion revolver with that for cleaning and loading the weapon as well as images exaggerated hammer spur for ease of cocking. As in of a Second Model field stripped. But also there is an Colt’s percussion revolvers, there was a rear sight image of something more exotic—a rifle-barreled and notch on the hammer and Webley advertising assured stocked Longspur. Says Dowell, and here I think I customers it was, “warranted to do execution at 300 discern the ‘burning forehead and parched tongue’ (21) yards.” (18) of the collector, “Whether James Webley ever produced There were three sizes: Holster 48 bore (.459 caliber) such a rifle is not known to me; if they were, the holstered on your saddle, AKA a horse pistol; then opportunity to examine one would be greatly belt 60 bore (.426 caliber) obviously worn on your belt; appreciated.” (22) and finally, the pocket 120 bore (.338 caliber).(19) All To the late Colonel Dowell and any other passionate except for the pocket had three groove rifling with a unicorn hunters, we offer the first published right twist. The barrel, like the Colt 1851 revolver, examination of a rifle-stocked Longspur. was octagonal and lengths ranged from 3.5-7.0 inches. Some examples have lanyard rings to secure the My First Glimpse firearms to the shooter’s person. This is usually, but “Is that a Webley Longspur? I’d love a Webley not exclusively, the mark of a military officer’s Longspur!” Those word bubbles popped at the 2018 weapon. Las Vegas Antique Arms Show. The table holder/ During its overall production run the basic platform dealer so addressed was perplexed. How to correct a was tweaked three times which resulted in what are potential buyer and still keep his interest in a Belgian called First, Second, and Third Model Longspurs. (20) percussion revolver that’s not a Webley Longspur? As The most notable patch to the Longspur system was I wandered off into the labyrinth of the Vegas gun a progressively more robust loading lever. It evolved show I heard the table holder say, “Well, I don’t think it is but...”

Page 11 That young collector who would “love a Webley is modern paper. An ultraviolet light applied to it, Longspur” was in love with the romance of the the Ely cap tin label, and the lubricating grease tin Longspur even if he had never seen or held the reality. label fluoresces white, evidence of modern bleached Like him, I’d seen the Longspur only in books or on paper. The set also includes a period-correct powder Internet gun auctions. I thought my acquaintance flask, cleaning rod, pewter ‘Dixon & Sons’ oil bottle, would stay printed or digital until I sat in a secure and a bullet mould. The last is stamped, not engraved concrete-floored ‘playroom’ 30 miles south of London. ‘James Webley’. I had been graciously invited by a Mr. H, a true But what truly sprouts the unicorn is the hardware gentleman supremely knowledgeable in British on the back of the Longspur’s grip. It is a plate secured firearms, to visit him and his gun collection if I was with two screws that has a linear ¾ inch slot. Included ever in the United Kingdom. (23) That time came with this Second Model is a 10¼ inch length straight- shortly before the pandemic and pandemonium of 2020 pull rifle stock that inserts, turns, and locks into place. when my daughter and I made a pilgrimage to London. All hardware appears original and perfectly set into What Mr. H called ‘his playroom’ was a gun room set the dark rather too shiny and perhaps refinished at a perfect temperature for English pub beer. The wood. With the addition of this stabilizing stock, the walls were shelf-upon-shelf of intoxicating antique revolver is now a rifle with a total length of 23½ firearms. I was already inebriated with the beauty of inches. Do we have here something that may have Kerrs, Tranters, Adams, and Webleys when Mr. H said, actually been able to “execute” out to 300 yards? “I do have a cased Longspur I would be willing to part Some have suggested that the Longspur model may with, the case may be a refurbished cutlery case, but have seen action in the Crimean War of 1854-1856. how do you set a price on something like this?” (25) If only this old gun could speak would it suggest What did I next see in Mr. H’s playroom that late an edit of Tennyson’s classic poem of military bravado, afternoon? ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’? The Unicorn! This unicorn is a two and a quarter pound Second Billowing black powder smoke, Model, 48 bore, horse pistol. The barrel is 6¾ inches The Webley Longspur spoke; with the usual modest front sight and Colt-style Cossack and Russian hammer notch. Overall the condition is antique Reeled at this lightning stroke, excellent with all markings crisp and clear. The loading lever is a right side mounted version secured Even if unicorns don’t magically appear at the with a fire-blued metal clip. The lever pivots forward words ‘Webley Longspur’ they certainly fit our to press down the hollow-based conical bullets that modified lines of Tennyson’s poetry better than were used. The cylinder is five shot and Birmingham "British patent 1853-743." proofed as is the barrel but not the frame as British –The End– revolvers didn’t require frame proof until 1868. (24) It is stamped serial number 411 on all major parts. This and the engraved ‘James Webley Patentee’ on its left side plate indicate an early Second Model done during James Webley’s lifetime. Also, it has the First Model’s single-piece grip instead of the usual Second Model two- piece grip secured with a screw into a diamond escutcheon. This Longspur was accompanied by a whole panoply of accouterments in a dark wood case. The case seems a later addition as Mr. H indicated. Certainly, the printed trade label saying: ‘James Webley Manufacturer of every description of guns, rifles, pistols, etc.’

Page 12 Endnotes 1 Even the 16th century had possible indirect 19 Webley Revolvers, p.28. commentary about the Midland’s air quality, “Fair is 20 Here we are following the classification system of foul, and foul is fair. Hover through the fog and filthy A.W.F. Taylerson in his paper, ‘James Webley Single air.” See Macbeth’s witches, Act I, scene 1! Action Revolvers’ published in Volume II, No. 7 of ‘The 2 Webley Revolvers by Gordon Bruce and Christian Journal of the Arms & Armour Society’ as approvingly Reinhart, Verlag Stocker-Shmid Publishing:Dietikon- cited by Dowell and Boothroyd. We are aware that Zurich, 1988, pp.11-12. Today’s clickbait world has author George Prescott in a 2014 work mentions a 4th regressed to button making, albeit digital! Model Longspur that may represent a final tinkering 3 Vintage Guns for the Modern Shot by Diggory with the system. Prescott says this is represented by Hadoke, Merlin Unwin Books: Ludlow, Shropshire, only two known revolvers. Sadly, he does not illustrate 2007, pp. 168-170. this 4th Model in his otherwise gorgeously illustrated 4 Webley Revolvers, pp. 12-14. volume. See, The English Revolver a Collectors’ Guide 5 The Birmingham Journal, August 19th, 1854. by George Prescott, Schiffer Publishing Ltd: Atglen, 6 Aris’s Birmingham Gazette, April 14, 1856. PA, 2014, pp.79-86. 7 Aris’s Birmingham Gazette, June 2, 1851. 21 See Keats, ‘Ode to a Grecian Urn’. The 8 The Birmingham Journal, March 17, 1855, p. 7. appreciation and yearning for beauty could certainly 9 Birmingham Daily Post, May 11, 1958, and Birth apply to fine Victorian guns of the Boxlock Shotgun by John Campbell, Andrew 22 The Webley Story by William Chipchase Dowell, Mowbray Incorporated Publishers: Woonsocket, RI, Commonwealth Heritage Foundation: Kirkland, WA, 2020, p.39. If James Webley hadn’t died prematurely 1987, p. 35 and Plate 13. he might have lived to regret his association with 23 Said James I: “I can make a lord . . . but only God Deeley. Campbell’s invaluable research suggests that Almighty can make a gentleman.” Deeley was a talented man but a man of ‘maneuvers.’ 24 Webley Solid Frame revolvers; RICs, MPs, and Might the Webley Longspur have become the Webley No. 5s, p.26. & Deeley Longspur? 25 The Webley Story, p.33. For the politics of the 10 The World for a Shilling; How the Great Crimean War see Nightingales; The Extraordinary Exhibition of 1851 Shaped a Nation by Michael Upbringing and Curious Life of Miss Florence Leapman, Headline Book Publishing: London, 2001, Nightingale by Gillian Gill, Ballantine Books: New pp. 174-175. York, 2004, pp. 297-312. 11 Evening Mail, May 26-May 28, 1851. 12 Revolving Arms by A.W.F. Taylerson, Walker and Company: New York, 1967, pp. 16-17. 13 The Coventry Herald Observer, May 9, 1851. 14 Interestingly enough, the Longspur’s debut date James Romnes, the author–as is always coincides with the opening of Colonel Colt’s London the case–brings to us not just a collector- factory! grade firearm but also a story about collect- 15 Total production during and after James Webley’s ing. And along the way we learn about the lifetime has been estimated by one source as 1500. Victorian era–the feel, taste and smell of 19th (Webley Revolvers, p. 28.) Agnosticism regarding Century firearm manufacturing in the in- Longspur production numbers is probably wise. dustrial center of Birmingham, as well as 16 Webley Solid Frame Revolvers; RICs, MPs, and an exploration of how Samuel Colt may have No. 5s, by Joel Black, Joseph L. Davis, Roger G. influenced the British firearm industry. Michaud, Schiffer Publishing Ltd.:Atglen, PA, 2010, p. 5. 17 The Handgun by Geoffrey Boothroyd, Bonanza Past issues of the GunNews have featured Books: New York, 1960, pp. 149-150. articles by James that combined both Brit- 18 The reproduction maker’s label in my Longspur’s ish firearms and Sherlock Holmes; we hope case has this seeming exaggeration. This author freely to see more. -GN- admits he isn’t warranted to do execution at 300 yards even with a modern scoped hunting rifle!

Page 13 The Pistols That Went To War The World of Collecting By Tom Burke

here are two very different organizations, wanted them patterned them after that familiar with very different sets of criteria, that set English model 1760 and ordered 2,000 from the Tthe pace for handgun sales in the US, and Rappahannock Forge, and 2,000 .62 caliber around the world. smooth-bores were delivered. One bunch is law enforcement: Local police, 1805 sheriff’s departments, and state patrols, as well, Harper’s Ferry, home to the newly established of course, as the FBI and all the federal law- nation’s first armory, developed a refinement of that enforcement alphabet-soup agencies. The other first pistol and the Model 1805 saw the country as is the military: The Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, well-equipped as could be for the War of 1812, and Coast Guard. which really wasn’t much of a war. We mostly lost Not only is there significant money in actual on land, and nothing changed when the Treaty was contracts with both groups, but the blessing of one signed to end hostilities. That gun served as the or another of these users is testimony to the Army’s handgun until 1855, nearly 50 years. (Note: effectiveness and quality of any particular model In 1836 the last US flintlock was phased out and or rollmark. (Just ask why the Glock folks are the new percussion cap, using fulminate of mercury willing to sell their guns at a loss to LE agencies as the primer instead of a frizzen and flint, was and you’ll find it’s because what law enforcement phased in.) buys, civilians will buy.) (Historical Note: In 1836 a New England inventor So this month, let’s take a look at what the by the name of Samuel Colt successfully developed military, primarily the US Army, has carried since a new handgun, the revolver. It changed that day in April 1775 when someone took a pot- everything small arms-ish.) shot at the men of the 4th (The King’s Own) Regiment of Foot on Lexington Green. (Who fired 1847 - 1848 first? The British say they didn’t. And history The first percussion revolver, the six-shot Colt records at a man in a scarlet coat, one very much Dragoon, was authorized for the US Regiment of like the leading rebel, Sam Adams regularly wore, Mounted Riflemen. And the Colt “Walker” was was skulking about with his firelock.) adopted—thank you Sam Colt. (Another historical So here’s a non-detailed review of the handguns note: Them folks what rode horses or mules in the used by the US Army (and most recently by the army were generally called “cavalry” and included majority of the US armed services) since the any soldier that marched or fought on horseback. founding of the republic. We’ll try a year-by-year But there were distinctions among the types of look-see: mounted warriors within that broad category; Dragoons weren’t really cavalry, they only rode 1775 (Before the US was the US) horses for mobility. For the most part they When there was no standing army, or standing dismounted and fought on foot, whereas true United States of America even, local militias, and cavalry did most of their fighting on horseback. there were scores of them, many left over from the And within the cavalry there was light cavalry French & Indian War, used whatever was handy, (think Humvees) and heavy cavalry (the “tanks” mostly British and mostly what the Redcoats called before there were tanks). And there were divisions the “Model of 1760,” a typical “flintlock” (aka a within the light and heavies: “firelock” to Rev war reenactors). •Hussars: A style of light cavalry that originated in After 1783, when it came time for the now- Eastern Europe, especially Hungary. They were victorious US Army to order handguns, they made to be as fast and mobile as possible and were

Page 14 famous at raiding and pursuing fleeing troops, as with collectors and Cowboy action shooters); and well as their ostentatious and orientalized the “New Model” #3 made from 1878 through 1912. uniforms. •Lancers: A lancer was a type of cavalryman who 1871 fought with a lance (Duh!). During WWI there was The most famous Colt, the Single Action Army some debate regarding the use of bamboo lances (okay the 1911 might be more famous) was ala the Indian-influenced British versus metal/ developed by Hartford after the Army said “No” to steel lances favored by the French. In the end, it the old open tops. The Army said, “Yes,” to the wasn’t much of a discussion, can anyone name a new gun. And to improve logistics so it wasn’t WWI engagement famous for it’s lancer-led attack? fielding two different calibers, dumped the S&W •Uhlans: Light calvary armed with lance, sabre, in favor of the Colt which served from 1873 – 1905. and pistols. Initially, the name Uhlan was given only to Lithuanian lancers. The Polish Uhlans 1904 became the model for many general-purpose The Army’s standard small arm, a Colt-made cavalry units throughout Europe as use of revolver chambered in .38 Long Colt, (they’d traditional heavy cavalry declined starting in the abandoned the .45 SAA) had performed poorly early 19th century. during the Philippine Moro insurrection of 1899 – The title was later used by lancer regiments 1902. People shot with it just wouldn’t go down in French, Russian, Prussian, Saxon, Austro- and the brass questioned the “stopping” power of Hungarian, and other armies. the loading. So two guys, Colonel John T. Thompson of the Infantry (the inventor of the 1860 Thompson submachine gun in later years) and As the War Between the States began the Union Major Louis Anatole LaGarde of the Medical was ordering 130,000 M1860 .44 Armys. They were Corps, were detailed to figure out what the problem gonna need a bunch more. The 1851 Colt and 1861 was. Here’s a write up (paraphrased) of the results: Navy were also in the inventory. But so was the They tested with live cattle shooting them in the 1858 Remington, and many preferred its solid lungs, intestines, and other parts and recording frame (it had a top strap) instead of the Colt’s open the effects. They also tested using human cadavers, frame (no top strap). hanging the bodies and measuring the sway caused The other fellas, them what didn’t wear blue when the body was shot from different distances. uniforms (and the guys who lost) were carrying After the tests, Thompson and LaGarde stated: most anything that could be snuck through the “The Board was of the opinion that a bullet, which Federal blockade or what could be made in the will have the shock effect and stopping effect at South. The LeMat gets a lot of attention today short ranges necessary for a military pistol or with its 9-shot .42 or .36 caliber cylinder and a 20 revolver, should have a caliber not less than gauge “shotgun” under the revolver’s main barrel. .45…and the only safeguard at close encounters is Only about 2,900 ever actually made it from Paris a well-directed rapid fire from nothing less than a or Liege (where they were made) to the battlefield; .45-caliber weapon. With this end in view soldiers but today you can find a Pietta-made reproduction should be drilled to fire at moving targets until for about $1,000 if you have need of an open-top they have attained proficiency as marksmen.” revolver that also shoots “grape shot.” What Rebel The Thompson–LaGarde Tests have been Civil War reenactor would want to be without one? criticized by some as being highly unscientific (and not to say over-the-top inhumane) and producing 1870 a recommendation unsupported by the test Smith and Wesson introduces the first metallic big results. Others, notably Julian Hatcher and Jeff bore cartridge in its Model 3 “American,” a top Cooper regarded the tests as well-conducted, and break .44 caliber that was hard-used in the years the recommendation as fully supported by the after the Civil War. It set the pace for much of evidence available to the board, and empirical what was to come in small-arms design and usage. evidence subsequently available (It also spawned a number of variations: The S&W concerning handgun effectiveness. (Right, Col. Jeff “Russians” (made for the, you got it, the Russians); Cooper likes the .45 ACP? Who’da thunk?) the Schofields (a .45 caliber iteration very popular Continued on page 26 Page 15 The Hammond Bulldog One Shot .44 Hideout–Circa 1864

By Dick Farnsworth (Major, Infantry, US Army Retired)

s you may wish to note from the title of this Above–The Bulldog as handed down to the article, this will be about a rather obscure author by his Great Grandfather. Both original Apistol from the nineteenth century, the “Hammond Bulldog.” Fewer than ten thousand were and newly made cartridges for the .44. produced during the three or four years it was made. It has only one “claim to fame;” it was one of several Below–Factory ammunition is shown here with guns James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok had in his and without the bullet, as other views tend to possession when he was murdered in Deadwood, South foreshorten our view of the round. Dakota Territory, in 1876. My pistol was handed down to me from my Grandfather. Since he passed away in 1931, very little is known of its history. We presume my Great Grandfather Albert was the original owner. Albert was living in Dodge County, Minnesota, a rural county in the southeastern part of the state. He was an 18- year-old farm boy in 1862 when he joined the Union Army, serving with the 10th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company B, to fight to free the slaves and restore the Union. Logistics and logic lead me to believe that the pistol was purchased sometime after the end of the Civil War, and before 1913 when Albert passed away, but precisely when is not known. He and my Grandfather relocated to Spokane, WA, sometime after 1882, probably several years after. Continued on page 18 Page 16 Right–Here is the right side view of the Hammond. The action is closed and ready for use. Cocking the hammer will expose the trigger.

Right–The Bulldog with the barrel pivoted, breech open for loading. Also see p. 16 for an open view of the single shot pistol.

Below–This muzzle view of the Hammond single shot might explain why 10,000 of these small pistols were sold, in spite of the fact that they competed with two-shot derringers. The .44 caliber bore is indeed intimidating, even if the cartridge is relatively weak.

Page 17 Large caliber rimfire ammunition was becoming less The original round could produce somewhere common, so I believe the pistol was purchased well above 100-125 ft-lbs of muzzle energy in the 4” barrel before then. of the Bulldog. Of course, that is kind of meaningless The Bulldog was manufactured in Nabauc, CT but the newer Power Factor scale used in Action by Connecticut Arms with a patent date on the barrel Shooting sports (IDPA, IPSC) is the product of of 25 October 1864, some 6 months before the end of multiplying the bullet weight times the velocity. That the Civil War. The breech block is released by the relative scale calculates minimum effectiveness—the knurled knob on top—which also serves as the rear minor/major threshold—at 120. Given that estimates sight—allowing the block to swing to the left. One of the velocity from the original ammunition are 500 photograph shows the open position. An extractor is FPS for a 200-grain bullet, that would generate a activated in about the 7 o’clock position of the chamber Power Factor of 100. James Hickok’s .36 caliber Navy opening. These were not serial numbered so there is Colts produced about the same power and he was no way to determine when this particular unit was confident in their ability to deal with bad guys. made. Serial numbers were not required on firearms (Remember, Hickok used conical bullets, not the round in the 19th Century. balls modern percussion revolvers often use.) Much of the bluing on the frame is gone, as On the other hand, this one is a whole lot of you can see from the photographs. The bore is pitted, fun to shoot, with a few caveats. First, as you can see indicating an early user failed to clean the gun from the accompanying photograph the original completely, after firing. The fulminate of mercury cartridge was loaded with an “outside lubricated” priming compound was highly destructive and this bullet. That heel fits inside the case mouth leaving sort of pitting is quite common. It does not, however, only the small “mushroom top” portion of the bullet greatly affect accuracy. The exterior also shows some to grip the rifling. Worse, the only lubrication wear and damage; I, therefore, did not feel that available to reduce lead build-up inside the bore is on shooting it would threaten some high-value relic. This that tiny “mushroom top.” Since this is outside the is a family heirloom, not a museum-quality pistol. cartridge case, it is exposed to dirt and other foreign The pistol is chambered for the 44 Short Rimfire material. Such is damaging to the bore, especially cartridge. According to Barnes* that cartridge was considering the much softer iron of the day. Consider, used in several guns at the time, even a Remington, too, that the driving band on this bullet is quite but most commonly this Bulldog. Actually, most 44 narrow, not thick enough to stabilize the bullet in the rimfire chambered guns can fire this cartridge, the barrel. The heel is designed to not touch the rifling, 44 Long and the 44 Henry being examples. Using but if tilted even slightly there is no part of the bullet the 44 Short in the Henry would be similar to using available to right it. In 1870 Smith and Wesson the 22 Short in firearms chambered for the 22 Long developed the 44 Russian, a cartridge designed with Rifle. The cartridge does not have any step down the bullet’s lubricating grooves—and barrel-diameter between the bullet outside diameter and the cartridge driving bands—inside the cartridge case. The exterior, the same as the 22 Short, Long and Long chamber part of the barrel, where the cartridge case Rifle. I’ll get into this in more detail in a moment. fits, must be of larger diameter than the barrel such Velocity is remarkably low. Barnes suggests that the inside diameter of the cartridge case is the the 44 Short can drive the nominative 208-grain bullet same as the bore. Not surprisingly, the 44 Russian to somewhere around 500 fps. That can prove was famous for its accuracy and began the trend to significant at close range because the medicine of the inside lubricating bullets. nineteenth century didn’t address infection. Wounds from the Bulldog were more than likely fatal but the Reloading for the Bulldog patient often took days or up to several weeks to die. Rimfire ammunition is remarkably common—the The much more common Remington 2-shot Derringer, world’s most loaded and fired round is the 22 Long in .41 Short rimfire though very much weaker, was Rifle. Unfortunately, rimfire caliber larger than .22 similarly lethal but the victim suffered less immediate is virtually unavailable. A few specialty runs have wound effect. No one wants to get shot, of course, but been produced in .41 Short Rimfire for the Remington some wounds—such as those from the Remington or Derringer, and a 9mm Rimfire Flobert shotshell is modern 25 ACP—often fail to impress the gunshot popular in Europe, but that’s about all. Unfired victim. Sometimes the victim becomes so irritated at rounds left over from the late nineteenth or early having been shot that he could do violence to the twentieth century can still be found. I have a dozen shooter! Not so the 44 Short Rimfire. rounds of this rare cartridge for the Bulldog. They

Page 18 will not be fired because they are primed with corrosive priming. While the destructive effects of that priming can be stopped in the iron of the pistol, the brass cartridge case is ruined by the priming compound, which would prohibit reloading. Reloading rimfire ammunition is remarkably difficult. Yes it can be done. The indentation in the rim can be pounded out, but if it is not smoothed, there won’t be many more places to strike the rim to detonate the priming compound. There are tools for this. However, remember, this is thin brass. Each time the brass is indented it is weakened and stretched. Pressures are low but eventually your brass will fail and that could damage your pistol or cause injury to yourself or bystanders. Rimfire reliability depends on having priming compound throughout the entire rim. Factories accomplish this by spinning the compound in the empty case which should spread it evenly throughout the rim. This is haphazard at best as anyone who has spent a lot of time shooting modern rimfire ammunition can attest. The “dud” is remarkably common but since rimfire ammunition is so cheap we don’t think anything of it. Unfortunately, this prohibits the use of rimfire ammunition in a defensive role, where 100% reliability is the minimum threshold. Bad guys don’t offer do-overs. During the Civil War two rimfire rifles were actually used in combat, the Henry and the Spencer. Both used rimfire ammunition and their lack of reliability was overlooked because they were so very much faster than the standard muskets of the era. When Winchester revised the Henry as the Model 1866 “Yellow Boy,” it was still chambered for the rimfire Henry cartridge, however, Winchester incorporated a second firing pin to simultaneously impact the rim to improve reliability. It worked, and the Model 1866 was popular enough to remain in the Winchester line-up until 1899. Reloading ammunition for the Hammond Bulldog is feasible, though not “rimfire” as such. Empty brass cartridge cases for large caliber rimfire are available from Dixie Gun Works. The brass has a cut-out on the rim for a 22 caliber rimfire blank Top–Factory outside-lubed 198 g., .442" bullet is cartridge to fit and overhang the rim. Accompanying on the left, while the 219 g., .438" Rapine is on the photographs show how this works. The Bulldog’s right. firing pin can detonate that blank cartridge and fire Middle–Original cartridge on left, handloaded the main charge. Be careful, however, as the arc that cartridge in the middle and an un-trimmed .44 blank the firing pin will reach the rim of the blank is on the right. Trim-to length about .95". exceedingly narrow. If the cartridge is seated only a Bottom–A great view of the .22 rimfire blank used few degrees off top dead center the firing pin may not as the "primer." The .44 blank case is made to contact the rim and the cartridge will not discharge. When it does fire it is very satisfying. I put a mark accept the .22 blank.

Page 19 on the chamber but this being black powder, the mark of any crimping is to hold the bullet against the powder is quickly obscured by fouling. charge until the cartridge is loaded into the chamber. These new Dixie Gun Works cartridge cases I found a load of, as mentioned above, 15 were designed to be useable in several 44 rimfire grains, weighed, of propellant seems to be what this calibers including the more popular 44 Henry. As combination prefers. I tried Pyrodex® “P” and such it is somewhat longer than necessary for 44 American Pioneer® Powder in 3Fg, both of which Short. I cut mine down, but exact length really doesn’t proved satisfactory. Neither provided a substantial matter a great deal so long as the cartridge will not performance increase over the other. My velocities jam the bullet into the rifling. Note that the “primer” ranged between 450 and 500 fps, and my accuracy cartridge can easily fall out until the powder is packed was “nothing to write home about.” The sights, being into the rest of the case. Use only black powder—or somewhat vague, were designed for the gun to be used one of the substitutes—to propel that bullet as you no further than “across a card table.” As mentioned can see that the lockup is very weak. While the iron in the beginning, the rear sight is a knurled knob surrounding the chamber appears quite thick, one that is used to unlock the action. It is neither should not rely on that; it does not have the strength adjustable nor reliable, nor is it easily seen. The of modern steel. Again, be certain that there is no narrow blade front sight is little more than an space between the powder charge and the bullet; afterthought, easily lost against a target. neither original black powder nor the modern replicas In conclusion, this would not be my first choice react well to such voids. I find a charge of 15 grains— to enter into bullseye accuracy competition. But it is weighed—of powder fills the case and requires a bit fun to shoot and puts me in mind of an era long past. of pressure on the bullet to seat it to normal depth. The original intent of the Hammond is to offer more Also, be sure that your charge fills to above the mouth power than would be available from any .31 or .32 of the blank priming round. caliber in other handguns of about the same size and I purchased this bullet mold from a sadly now- vintage; more than the smaller but far less powerful defunct mold maker, Rapine, their mold number 430- .41 short rimfire. The best-case scenario, of course, is 211. As you can see in the accompanying photographs, that gaping .44 caliber maw would intimidate anyone it has a hollow base. The intent is that exploding staring into it—ideally, no shots need be fired. Sadly, gunpowder will expand the base to grip the rifling. I that implies that an aggressor would be sane enough tried slugging the bore of this pistol and found that to process the danger the firearm presents. As in the not only does the rifling twist change over the length 19th Century, “mad dog” bad guys seem common. A of the barrel—called “gain” twist—but the bore is single-shot pistol cannot be considered viable for self- slightly cone-shaped, and tightens towards the muzzle. defense in modern times and even James Hickok Except for the hollow base, there would be “blow-by” considered this only a “last-ditch” defense hide-out. which could increase fouling and leave lead deposits in the bore. This bullet, however, works remarkably –The End– well. I lube it with Lee Liquid Alox. I use various loading dies to assemble *Cartridges of the World, Frank C. Barnes. 4th cartridges. Full length resizing is usually Edition, 1980. A major research source. unnecessary as pressures of 6,000 to 8,000 Copper Units of Pressure (CUP) would require many firings to swell the brass. The priming cartridge pops out easily when the brass is clean, but fouling changes that quickly. Very importantly to reloading is to remember that black powder and the substitutes will very much shorten the life of brass, so since the brass is both relatively expensive and not easily obtained, taking the time and effort to clean after every firing, and annealing your brass often, will improve its life. The cartridge mouth may need to be resized if the bullet doesn’t fit snugly, and the completed cartridge may need to have the mouth crimped slightly to remove any belling and hold the bullet in -GN- place. This is a single shot pistol so the only purpose

Page 20 FOR SALE: 22 LR Ammo, WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE Remington .22 LR Golden Bullet, brass plated hollow points, Value Pack, 525 rounds, 17 boxes up for sale—$60 each or $55/each for 10, or $50/each for all 17. (8950 rounds, one box has 550). Alan 425-941-7155. (eves best time to reach up to 10:00 PM) or email [email protected] Ts cTThisolumn is provided for non-commercial member ads at Non-commercial membernnd ads includeonly, no charge. phone 150and words max. Member FOR SALE: Emptying my safes, responsiblemember for compliance number. with Submit all Federal,written copyState byand email Local to laws. [email protected], format is as follows (adapt orto non-gun7625 78th items): Loop NW, Olympia, 30+ guns and lots of ammo. Too •FORWA 98502 SALE . or It WisANTED the Member's or TRADE: responsibility to adhere to all ns. much to print, here’s a sample. •each item & description listed as one sentence Text me for the complete list: •manufacturer, model, rifle/pistol/shotgun, etc. Colt’s Mark IV Series 70 •caliber or gauge (GA) •barrel length (" bbl), finish, accessories or features, extras Government Model in .45 ACP, •condition (G, VG, Exc, NIB, or % cond), vintage/age with after market threaded •price (OBO for best offer) •name, email and/or phone. barrel for muzzle accessories, •punctuated, no paragraph breaks, CAPITALIZATION ONLY original barrel, 2 mags—$750. WHERE NEEDED!, avoid colors or odd fonts, no underlining. Sig Sauer P229 with .40 S&W Send this information in the body of the email message (rather than and .357 SIG barrels, includes attachment) to: [email protected] or mail to: 7625 78th two 9mm threaded conversion Loop NW, Olympia, WA 98502. You must include your phone and current member number for verification. You may require WAC barrels and 2 mags each, no I.D. from the buyer but since all ads are for members this will decocker, Crimson Trace laser not be stated in the ad. Ads accepted for one month only, so resubmit grips and taller Meprolight as needed. TruDot night sights for use with muzzle accessories, Also Blackhawk Serpa CQC holster—$900. H&K USP Tactical in .45 cal. with factory threaded barrel and 2 mags—$900. FOR SALE: 1891 Mauser ammo and brass, all Intratec TEC-9 with 1 stock mag, 2 extended with en bloc 5 rnd clips, 59 original rounds and mags, screw-on shrouded barrel extension— 39 fired cases, all—$89. Tasco Pro Point 2 pistol $600. Ruger 77/44 carbine in .44 Mag, stainless scope, pdp2st, 30mm, silver, as new in box with with threaded barrel and Burris 3-9x42 scope, rings,bases,19 total parts listed—$100. Weaver upgraded trigger, 3 rotary mags— $750. See ad 7/8" rings for the Lyman Alaskan marked Weaver for ammo. FNAR Light barrel Precision semi- .875 tip-off Pat USA No 2803907—$30. Oregon State Trooper flap holster for ~4" revolver, brown + stud/swivel and steel hooks—$75. Pierce County special detective badge mounted in a new cowboy action SASS leather badge holder for the belt—$75. Shoulder holster, brown, stamped ‘Warshall’s Sporting Goods Co. Seattle, Wash 58 Chiefs 3—$60. .45 Colt reloads, not by me, 44 rounds, Remington box marked 260 gr Lead (LSWC) and 8 gr. Herc Unique—$20. Larry, 206- 285-8140.

Page 21 auto rifle in 7.62x51mm with one 10 rd, and two 20 round mags, threaded for muzzle 3LQWR¶V accessories— $1200. Kriss Super V Vector CRB/ SO in .45 ACP with factory threaded shrouded Gun Shop barrel for your muzzle accessories, folding Over 300 new and used guns in stock. adjustable stock, flip-up iron sights, integral Consignment sales, estate purchases. flashlight with grip switch, Grip Pod fore grip/ bipod, Uses Glock mags, includes 2 x 30 rd Internet or Private Transfers extended mags and 2 kits to extend more mags— Ammunition: lots of hard to get and obsolete ammo $2100. PMC Bronze .223 REM 55gr FMJ-BT, Reloading Equipment and Supplies: Many brands of about 5 rounds short of a full case of 1000rds— primers, powder, bullets, brass and $600. Armscor M193 5.56mm Ball, case of 1000 equipment. rounds, Mfg 2007, will sell case only— $500. Firearm accessories, targets, optics and Federal 7.62x51mm 150gr FMJ aka XM762D, collectibles. case of 500 rounds minus 2, will sell case only— $500. HSM .308 Win 178 gr AMAX Match 20rds/ We strive to provide a casual atmosphere with friendly, knowledgeable staff. box, I have 20 boxes, prefer to sell entire lot— $600. HSM .308 Win 175 gr HPBT, subsonic, Where Gun Enthusiasts Shop graphite coated bullets, consistently subsonic in the firearms I’ve tried it in, full case of 500 (425) 227-9280 rounds, will sell case only— $750. HSM .308 224 Wells Ave S Renton Wa 98057 Win 175 gr HPBT, subsonic, graphite coated Wednesday²Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. bullets, Not consistently subsonic, depends on Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. your firearm. Lots more of everything, text Kyle www.pintosguns.com in Cle Elum. 509-699-0841.

WANTED: German Luger magazine loading tools: DWM, Erfurt, Simson, Police, Krieghoff Crossman C0-2 22 cal pistol, model 110—$50. and early Mauser. Also Weimar era tools and Hogue grips for Security Six, Police service six— the navy marked M over an anchor and the $10. You can call me—206-962-7952. Dave. Imperial Navy Crown nested on the M. If you are not sure what you have, contact me. They can be FOR SALE: Weatherby Mark V Vanguard, Howa identified. I will buy or trade for your Luger Japanese action. Really beautiful Claro walnut magazine loading tools. I also sell them. Klaus stock with rosewood tip & cap. 7 mm magnum, Merzbach’s 33 page Luger magazine loading tool left handed. Has Redfield Tracker 3-9X scope in article is still available free of charge. As well as Weaver mounts. I also have 3 boxes of the Long Neck Luger Loading Tool article. Email Weatherby 7mm magnum ammo. Can email me and ask for it. Dave, Lindsay: Phone: 208- photos. Kept in my climate controlled safe since 365-5268 or Email: [email protected] . 1993. Never been fired and now I’m getting too old. This is a very beautiful rifle—$2000.00 to TRADE: Box of Federal or CCI large rifle WAC members only. Call Mike 253-858-4808 or primers for small or large pistol primers. Call/ Email: [email protected] text Tim @ (360) 918-1702. FOR SALE: Winchester Model 1894 30 W.C.F. FOR SALE: Bullets, brass, grips, pellet pistol for (30-30 cal.) mfgr’d 1903, crescent butt plate, 23" sale. 50 rds 35 Whelen brass, new—$30; also octagonal barrel, small wood repair at stock/ have 16 rds of once fired—$5 more. 15 rds 35 receiver joint, nice older patina—$1100. Whelen 250 grain sp (remington brand)—$30, Rare Winchester Model 1907SL (Self Loading), 5- plus 37 rds of reloads, $20 more. Vintage round magazine, 20" barrel, .351 cal., s/n 237

Page 22 South Ridge Arms & Refinishing

•Self-Defense •Criminal defense •Rights Restoration •Vacate and Expungement We offer: Gunsmithing, Gun Sales, Ammo, •Domestic Violence Order Parts and AR building supplies, Steel Targets, 80% Glock and AR lowers. and ERPO Defense Shop in-store or online for your needs. Open every day: Sunday 10-5; Monday-Saturday 10-7 Derek Smith & James White ONLY 3.6 miles from the WAC show (253) 203-1645 (office) 3502 Meridian Ave E, Edgewood, WA 98371 253-576-7096 www.smithandwhite.com www.southridgearms.com CALL US–24 / 7

mfgr’d early in 1907, beautiful condition— Wood appears to be dark, dense cocobolo, with a $2000. Colt Government Model Rail Gun, dark, goldish brown matrix with black figure. .22 cal .LR, made by Walther for Colt, new in box Low lustre oil finish; no checkering. Priced at and never fired—$500. Detonics .45 ACP Mark $1395. Call Jack, 360-485-5312. VI, Stainless Steel, first small-size 1911 style produced, mid-1980’s vintage, Pachmayr rubber FOR SALE: USFA 45 cal. Rodeo, 5.5" bbl great grips, Storm Lake barrel, fired very little and in shape—$650. Another in 38-40, 5.5" bbl in 99% like new condition— $1100. Husqvarna- less than a box of shells—$850. Jim, 206-293- Lahti M40 9mm, Swedish mfg’r in 1945/6 in 6618 or email [email protected] . excellent condition with original black leather holster containing extra magazine/cleaning rod/ FOR SALE: Fired brass: 223, 38 Sp., 9mm magazine loading tool-screwdriver (for grips)— Luger—5 cents ea; 40 S&W —7 cents ea; 45 $1600. I have a C&R for eligible ACP—8 cents ea. 308, 30-06—10 cents ea, 22- firearms. Randy, 253-858-2120 250 Imp, 243 Win, .25 auto, 30-30, 300 Sav, .32 or [email protected]. auto, 30 TC, 357 Sig, 7.62T, 7.62x54R—12 cents ea; 6.5 Swede, 30-40 Krag, 7mm Rem Mag,—15 FOR SALE: Smith and Wesson Model 34-1 .22/ cents ea. 43 Spanish—20 cents ea; 50 BMG—75 .32 Kit Gun; rare 2" barrel; blue; round butt; cents ea. Have box - will ship. 17 ounces Alcan EX+ condition. Includes original S&W Magna AL-5 shot shell & pistol powder—$30; 6 ½ grips plus vintage genuine SPEGEL (Craig ounces Hercules (Alliant) Red Dot shotgun Spegel) Boot Grips, mfg. about 1992 according to powder—$20 ea. Can’t ship. Mikee, 425-836- Craig. Grips are like new, mount very tight. 8648.

Page 23 FOR SALE: 20 inch Hobaugh rifle barrel Legal Representation chambered to 338/284 Win., threaded for model & Advice: 88 Win, and includes dies and 94 cases—$100. •Advocacy, seminars 22 inch Model 70 Feather Weight 6.5mm barrel on self-defense chambered for 6.5/270 Win. and includes Forster •Licensing & Litigation full length and neck dies plus Redding bushing •Representation in type seating die, micrometer adjustable, and administrative proceedings includes 300 weight sorted cases—$150. Mikee, •Criminal defense 425-836-8648. •Constitutional & employment issues FOR SALE: A BCM 20" 556 barrel, UTG pro 17" •NFA Gun Trusts mlok handguard with barrel nut and wrench, Delta 556 vg6 flash hider, YHM .750 gas block, barrel, handguard, flash hider, and gas block are Mark S. Knapp all new, barrel has never been fired—selling all Attorney for $250. If you would like a picture text me at (253) 202-2081 253-208-5632 or email me [email protected] at [email protected]. www.firearmslawyer.net FOR SALE: Four (Yes, 4 digit!) digit serial number M-1 Garand I received from DCM 30+ years ago, unfortunately received wo/gas trap— FOR SALE: Silver Stag knives, new in the box; $4,500 firm. Transfer done at South Sound Guns #WC3000, Whitetail Caper—$20. #DWT2.7, in Lacey. Glen at [email protected] Damascus Caper, #DWT2.8, Damascus Caper- brown, #DWT2.8 Damascus Caper-black—$35 FOR SALE: Progressive Press NIB RCBS PRO each. Like new, hard cover books by Robert 2000 reloading kit—$450. Single stage NIB Ruark: Lost Classics & The Old Man’s Boy RCBS Rock Chucker reloading kit—$375. Glen Grows Older—$20 each. Use Enough Gun, first at [email protected] printing—$75. Mikee 425-836-8648. FOR SALE: NIB Stainless/Synthetic Mini 14 FOR SALE: New brass: Rifle; 30-06, 243 Win, Ranch Rifle—$950. Transfer done at South 338 Win Mag—40 cents for standards & 50 cents Sound guns in Lacey. Glen for magnum. Factory loads: 7mm Rem Mag, 308 at [email protected] Win—$10/15 rds. Hand loads rifle: 17 Rem Fireball in new brass—18 rds—$10; 338 Win FOR SALE: NIB 6.8 SPC ammo—$20 a box/ Mag—$10/box. 44-40 Win, 51 hand loads in new trade? Glen at [email protected] brass, 15 new primed cases, 2 fired cases—$35. Winchester XX 12 gauge 2¾ inch magnum turkey loads, #5 copper plated shot, 7 rds—$20. Winchester Super X 12 gauge 2 ¾ inch magnum, 00 buck, 5 rds—$20. Winchester Super X 12 gauge 2 ¾ inch 00 buck, 9 rds—$25. Two 5 rd boxes 2 ¾ inch rifled 1 oz. slugs—$20 each. One 25 rd. box Remington Express 12 gauge 00 buck—$60. Bore snake: 458 cal—$5. Have box - will ship. Mikee, 425-836-8648.

Page 24 FOR SALE: Plastic pistol sale. All are EX-ANIB WANTED: Wanted to buy, Kimber of Oregon. condition: Shield EZ 380, Kahrs, XDs/XDMs, Premium paid for Really nice wood $$$. Cash for MP9c, MP40c, Glock 27s. Please email me with collections and estates. Call Daniel Dillman 541- your interest. All transfers done at South Sound 670-9940. Guns in Lacey. Glen at [email protected] FOR SALE: High Standard Model GD; 4 1/2" FOR SALE: Bolt Action/Lever Action (including barrel; checkered walnut stocks; entire gun near JM Marlins) hunting rifles for sale. Please email mint; one original factory mag. Very rare; mfg. me your requests. All transfers done at South between May 1949 and January 1951; only 3300 Sound Guns in Lacey. Glen made. You will not find finer fit and finish at [email protected] . anywhere. Includes vintage Lawrence holster (retention strap and strap from belt loop/flap around middle of holster)—$1495. Call Jack, 1971 is the C&R Date 360-485-5312. If you have an older firearm to sell, FOR SALE: Browning BL22 rifle, very good make the extra effort to identify the condition, mfg 1974, Japanese made–reasonably date of manufacture so that you priced at $450. It will be available at the Elma can attract C&R licensed collec- show if not sold sooner. Email Bob, [email protected]. tors. That last 50 years kind of flew by didn't it? Firearms we may have purchased "new" are now curios!

Did you know? Those with a Federal Summer months are slow gun C&R license can buy and sell firearms show times but you can still that are 50 years of age. This means that a federally licensed collector can buy and sell firearms through purchase from you many of the fire- arms listed in the GunNews classified the FREE ads here in the ads without the expense of going through a dealer in firearms. GunNews magazine. I have noticed that many of the fire- Send them in! arms for sale in these pages are over 50 years of age and thus eligible for acquisition by C&R license holders. When this is noted in an ad I receive I bold the C&R to draw attention to this. Those with a C&R license will know How to Email Your Ads that the license allows them to collect, Send me your ads during or before the first keep their own record book, and dis- week of the month and they will appear in pose of firearms, but not to function as the next issue of the GunNews. NO a dealer in firearms. The Editor CHARGE! Send to: [email protected]

Page 25 The WWThe orororld of Collecting–US Pistolstolstols Savage—after a 6,000 round shoot-out and then Continued from page 15 field trials with 200 of each gun, Colt won out. The initial order, made on March 15, 1911 (Hey, The net result, whether fairly conducted or not, let’s call it the, err, 1911?) was 30,000 pistols. was a complete reevaluation of the Army’s sidearm Which turned out to be a small down payment of procurement. New tests were ordered and a bunch the more than 6 million made for the US of pistols were pre-qualified, then after some government. For the next 75 years, the Colt 1911 winnowing out, lined up in a row and shot and would be the standard sidearm of the US military. shot and shot. Four years later, a winner was (Yes, we know, during WWI they ran short of 1911’s announced. so the Army asked both S&W and Colt to adapt their large-frame revolvers to take a .45 ACP. Both 1907 did using moon clips.) After a lot of futzing around with new ammo at the Frankfort, KY arsenal, samplings of semi-autos 1926 being tried out, and some other procedural stuff, The 1911 is overhauled with lessons learned in the new pistol selection board met on March 19, the Great War: Shorter trigger, frame cutout 1907. behind the trigger, shortened hammer spur, longer It set criteria that included: 230 grain jacketed spur on the grip safety, and a wider front sight and bullets leaving the barrel at 900 fps; not less than a new name—1911A1. Now it gets messy. six round capacity; box magazine, not less than six pound triggers, ease of carrying and 1954 accessibility; ease of disassembly; and some other The Army is unhappy with the 1911: Too heavy, stuff. Eight handguns were in the running: “poor” WWII performance, aging design, single •A Colt, designed by John Moses Browning and action only, the Walther P38 is DA, the Hi Power patented in 1895. is 9mm, and both look a lot better to the brass than •A Luger, in .45 ACP, brought from Germany by the old Colt. So the Army proposed buying George Luger himself. something in a 9mm, DA/SA, max. of 7 inches, and •A 1907 .45 Savage. 25 ounces. A bunch of manufacturers submitted •A semiauto invented by a local fella, William guns for the test. Knoble of Tacoma, WA. Then, the Army realized it had 2.5 million 1911’s •A variation of the European Bergman-Bayard in inventory! And no money to buy new guns. Duh, semiauto. you mighta-thought they mighta-thought about •A White-Merrill blowback .45 that before asking folks to develop prototypes and •A S&W revolver in 45 ACP. make test guns. But they didn’t and guns were •And the Webley-Fosbery semi-auto revolver(!) developed and submitted. And then the whole built by Webly-Scott. thing came to a crashing halt when the Army said, Immediately four were dropped: The Knoble “Nah, we ain’t do’n that. Soorrrreee, eat the cost. proved impossible for any of the experts to figure And the gun makers did. out how to disassemble or put back together and it But both S&W and Colt made out in the end, wouldn’t shoot; the Bayard wouldn’t go bang either, even without an Army order. Smith introduces which they blamed on “weak” bullets, even though their entry, the first American-made DA/SA a special souped-up batch was made just for them; handgun the model 39 (and it becomes a standard the White Merrill was a blowback and the .45 was LE sidearm for a bunch of years) and Colt too much for the design; and the S&W revolver was successfully markets the new “Commander” size simply discounted for not being a semiauto. 1911. Which left the Colt, Savage, Luger, and Fosbery. The Fosbery, even though it scored better in some 1979 - 80 categories than the others showed no advantage The Air Force, with some gentle prodding by over the semis, so it went. The Luger would only Congress, determines it has too many different really “work” with the German made ammo types of handguns in its arsenal. So a new brought over by George Luger (it was “hot stuff”) competition is scheduled. and it went south. Which left the Colt and the Page 26 H&K, Beretta, Colt, FN, Star, and a few others M11, a SIG 229 to us civilians). Delays pushed submit guns and the Air Force goes through the the solicitation deadline to February 2016. SIG whole testing mega-big-deal and Beretta wins. Sauer’s entry was declared the winner on January (There is a lot of criticism that they didn’t give the 19, 2017, with plans to begin fielding before the 1911A1 a fair shot.) But whether Beretta wins or end of that year. not, the Army rejects the results and says, “pound To be brief (for a change) two versions of the SIG sand,” to the Air Force, “We’re doing our own tests.” Sauer P320 were chosen for the full size and So they do. compact pistol versions and designated the 1983 M17 and M18. They are configurable to receive The Army’s XM9 vetting process begins in ’83 and suppressors and even though the 9mm was now they require 30 handguns and spares for each chosen, they can be adapted to fire other calibers submitted design. The magazine capacity such as .357 SIG and .40 S&W. They are requirement was changed from 10 to 13. The price “modular,” with most parts switchable (frame size, was now a fixed price requirement for a caliber/barrel & mags, and a bunch of parts). All procurement of 220,000 pieces. Only Beretta’s weapons are planned to be delivered in a period of M92FB and S&W’s 459 (a double-stack version of 10 years. the 39) are held over from the Air Force test. Plus And for those who’d like to know who competed: new guns from H&K, SIG (the 226), and others SIG, with it’s 320; S&W’s M&P 2.0, Beretta’s APX, are entered. The Army then, for reasons CZ with the P07 & 09, FN with their 509, Glock mysterious, cancels this procurement process and with M17 & 19, Kriss and their Sphinx SDP, and launches another contest, the XM9 process. Ruger with it’s American Pistol (but they later 1983 – 84 withdrew). The handguns submitted were Beretta 92SBF, Now I once considered “collecting” all of the trials the SIG Sauer P226, the Heckler & Koch P7A10, pistols from 1954 onward. It’s not an impossible the Smith & Wesson 459, the Steyr GB, the FN task and the results are not only an outstanding Double Action Hi-Power, the Colt SSP, and representation of modern pistol development, but the Walther P88. The results—the Beretta M92 nets one a very nice battery for most any type of and the SIG 226 are in a showdown. And we all pistol shooting one enjoys. know who wins: Say, “Buongiorno” to the M9, the Many of the guns are both readily available and Army’s new handgun. affordable but some aren’t, such as the Walther And yes, the debate over that choice still rages, P88, and that’s where my plans went awry and I with some saying it wasn’t the best gun, but the gave up that endeavor, instead focusing on a couple best political move; the US wanted bases in Italy of top makers, especially S&W, and my safe has a and Beretta is an Italian company and what better bunch of Smith rollmarks on the shelves. way to curry favor with the Italian government than There are many private collectors of US martial to give an Italian company THE handgun contract weapons. I know the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, of the century. And then there’s the cost. Beretta’s in Maryland, has one of the country’s best guaranteed price was $178.50 per, SIG’s was representation of US small arms; and a lot of the higher.) big ones (and I mean really BIG ones), as well. But wait, there’s more. And I’ve heard the “world’s rarest/most expensive/ etc.” pistol is one of the three original .45 ACP 1988 Lugers. Maybe. Controversy over the 1984 trials led to the XM10 Closer to home, the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, trials in 1988. Ruger submitted their new P85. WY has the Winchester collection and a bunch But the trials were boycotted by some makers and more, and after that, ya gotta go to a lot of stores resulted in the Beretta winning again. Of course, and gun shows and online web sites to even try to there’s even more. see ‘em all. If you go in that direction good luck to ya. And good shooting. Stay Safe and see you at 2015 the show. The DOD announced, in 2011, a new competition, The XM17 Modular Handgun System (MHS) -GN- competition to replace the Beretta M9 (and SIG Page 27 Board Minutes for the Washington Arms Collectors By Forbes Freeburg, Secretary

and expenses from prior months with events were Washington Arms Collectors still being absorbed. WAC net income for March, Board minutes for May 2021 2021 was approximately ($9K), which compares ———————————————————————— favorably to the financial performance for March of Pre-meeting business: 2020 at approximately ($29K). May 01 - Motion by Director Jennings to accept the The WAC currently has about 6,700 active April 2021 BoD minutes as presented members, and is also carrying $7K of debt in the Second by Director Ripley form of prepaid table rents (from members for show Votes for: Directors Bramhall, Iwashita, Jennings, tables) that were received prior to the Covid-19 Ripley, Rodabaugh, Weaver, Wegner caused event cancellations. The $7K total is down Votes against: none from the $8.5K previously being carried as a result Abstain: none of table rental refunds sent to members that did not No vote received: Directors Hubbard, Palmer wish to continue waiting for a show. Motion passed Treasurer Henson joins the meeting at 6:45 pm. ---——————————————————————— Meeting convened May 18 in the WAC Business The WAC event trailer has been in storage Office Conference room continuously for more than one year because of Meeting opened by President Burris at 6:30 pm. Covid-19 restrictions. The outside of the trailer has Present: Officers: Pres Burris, VP Kneeland (via turned green, and is in need of a pressure washing teleconference), Sec Freeburg, Treas Henson (via before it will be ready for use again. teleconference) ------Directors: Bramhall, Hubbard, Iwashita, Jennings, President Burris presents his thoughts on objectives Palmer (via teleconference), Ripley, Wegner for the remainder of 2021 and into 2022. Early Operations: Cleary, Hinckley, Shave hours for members at WAC shows is being Absent: Director Rodabaugh considered by the Board. An additional “evening Absent excused: Director Weaver shopping hours” proposal is also being considered, with 5-7:30 pm on Saturday being the targeted President Burris introduces Directors Iwashita and timeframe. Jennings to the Board. (This was the first in-person meeting for the Board in more than a year; The WAC does not have enough operating revenue Directors Iwashita and Jennings have participated to sponsor a display show in October. The Board is in online Board actions in the time since they were considering moving the annual display show from elected, but this was their first meeting with other October to December, if event revenues can be re- Board members.) established by that time. ------Financial Report: Director Hubbard joins the meeting at 7:20 pm. Bookkeeper Hinckley presents the WAC Financial ------Report: Revenue for March, 2021 is down 20% New Business: when compared to March of 2020. The variance is Editor Shave recognizes John Hilsendeger for his primarily caused by reduced membership revenue. many years of service: Member John Hilsendeger Expenses for March of 2021 were also down when has served the WAC and the GunNews magazine compared to March of 2020: General Office expenses loyally for many years as a regular contributor to are down by about 37% (March of 2020 was when the magazine, and he has done this without any WAC was first impacted by Covid-19 restrictions, compensation, always freely offering his opinions

Page 28 Straight From the Holster about our events and a wide variety of firearms; Continued from page 6 furthermore that his columns are a unique addition walker and eventually in a nursing facility. to our magazine. As editor of the GunNews Unfortunately, like most elderly folks unable to “go magazine, Mr. Shave asks the Board to consider visiting,” they get no visitors, either. Yeah, I would awarding a Life Membership to Mr. Hilsendeger in visit at least once a week as well as doing the recognition of his many years of service to WAC. transport to doctor visits. He too could recall where we’d hunted here in S.W. Washington. I eventually Motion by Director Jennings to recognize member was asked to sell his inventory of firearms and John Hilsendeger with a Life ammo, most of which I’d sold him over the years Membership for his contributions to WAC (Lots of memories), Second by Director Wegner Point of all this is that Memorial Day is just that, Votes for: Directors Bramhall, Hubbard, Iwashita, a time to recall old friends no longer with us. While Jennings, Ripley, Wegner they are still here, visit them and “make their day.” Votes against: none Okay, back to the present. Our editor had asked Abstain: none for our last magazine, .22 related stuff. I wrote Motion passes about what I started with to present, but of course I forgot some. Too late, it’s gone to press. President Burris recognizes the contributions of As a kid, one of the above mentioned guys was Editor Phil Shave: “His long history both as a past riding his bike, having snuck out his Dad’s wire Executive Director, and as the editor of GunNews, stocked .22 “pocket rifle”, a folding stock. He’d his continuing work in that regard being invaluable hidden it under a long coat and “yup”, shot himself in maintaining a tangible and appreciated in the calf. Loaded, cocked—dumb! connection between WAC and our members. He has I remember a cousin having a little Stevens “crack also been my go and get it done person for numerous shot” .22 rifle, kinda like a rolling block. They lived special tasks and research. It is for these reasons near a creek and had the family garbage pit and of that I propose his Life Membership be granted by course the rats. One Sunday we were visiting them the Board of Directors.” and the boys decided to shoot rats. Yup, the guy with the loaded rifle stumbled and took the bird Motion by Director Jennings to award a life shot load through his leather shoe top, all the lead membership to Phil Shave for his service to WAC. shot in his foot. Oh, forgot to mention, they’d been Second by Director Wegner told not to take the rifle out. Don’t know what hurt more, his foot or his bottom from the whooping Votes for: Directors Bramhall, Hubbard, Iwashita, later. Jennings, Ripley, Wegner A few shows back I came across a decent Votes against: none Remington .22, a Model 4 Rolling block take down. Abstain: none These little guns are simplicity in the extreme, as Motion passes are the larger models for centerfire ammo. Recently ------I was given another Model 4 in very good shape; Disciplinary Actions: unfortunately it’s in .32 rimfire caliber, the ammo There were no disciplinary items for Board action collectible and pricey. This will most likely be this month. rebored for a .22 liner, a very common simple job. Guys are really missing the boat, overlooking Motion by Director Ripley to adjourn theses old single shot rifles, opting for the semiauto Second by Director Jennings ammo burners. The old guns need a bit of T.L.C. Votes for: Directors Bramhall, Hubbard, Iwashita, Then to they should be used, not just hung on the Jennings, Ripley, Wegner wall or stuffed in the closet. Yeah, simple is usually Votes against: none better and a heck of a lot cheaper. Abstain: none Time to wrap this up, a 1 inch bore cannon barrel needing to be mounted on some sort of carriage. If Meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm all goes well, we may see you in Elma, in July. In ______the meantime, visit a Vet or any old guy, listen to Forbes L Freeburg, WAC Secretary -GN- their stories, “make their day.” -GN-

Page 29 Rules of the Road–For Members, Table Holders & Attendees at WAC Events 1. There will be no loaded firearms, magazines, or speedloaders likeness of American Politicians is prohibited. If any of the above in the building, either on the tables or on one’s person, with the or other material deemed offensive, the Event Manager shall ask exception of law enforcement officers with valid agency that the material be removed immediately. credentials, and officers under contract with WAC. 13. In the event of disciplinary action taken against a member or 2. There will be no bulk gunpowder or explosive bullets in the members which leads to the revocation, cancellation, or building. There will be no loose cartridges or loaded clips of any suspension of membership in the Washington Arms Collectors, description near the firearms for which they are intended. all monetary balances and credits with the Club shall be forfeited Chemicals used to make explosives and irritant sprays such as to the Washington Arms Collectors. O.C. or Mace are prohibited. 14. No person under 18 years of age will be admitted to WAC 3. All firearms will have their actions tied open. Where that is shows unless accompanied and supervised by an adult, parent or impractical due to design considerations the arm will have its action guardian or unless such person is a member of a group authorized tied to make it inoperable. All detachable magazines, including by the Board or Event Manager such as Scouts, Civil Air Patrol rimfire tubular feeding devices, will be removed from a firearm. Cadets, etc. Flintlock, wheel lock and matchlock arms need not be tied. 15. Any member who becomes disqualified from membership must Percussion or cartridge firearms for display only contained in a immediately report the disqualification and the circumstances separate secured display case may remain untied. thereof to any Director, Officer or the WAC Office and must 4. Fully automatic firearms other than those displayed by law surrender his or her badge to the WAC. enforcement or military organizations, or parts to convert 16. Any member who learns that another member has become semiautomatic arms to fully-automatic are prohibited. Dummy disqualified from membership must report the circumstances to or replica firearms must be accompanied by a sign stating that the any Director, Officer or the WAC Office. Failure to report such item in question is not a machinegun. knowledge may be cause for disciplinary action. 5. Any extended bayonets attached to firearms shall be 17. Any member who is required to conduct a NICS background scabbarded. If a bayonet on a firearm has no scabbard, it shall check on a sale of a firearm to a member at a gathering of members either be folded against the stock or removed from the firearm. and who receives a denial, must IMMEDIATELY report said denial This applies to arms being carried as well as to arms that are on and the identity of the prospective purchaser to the Event Manager tables. Exceptions for displays may be granted by the Event or his designee. Failure to report such information may be cause Manager. for disciplinary action. 6. Firearm sales to – or purchases from – persons prohibited by 18. Any member whose attempted purchase of a firearm at a law from firearms ownership/possession are totally forbidden. gathering of members is denied by NICS is immediately suspended Violation will lead to expulsion from the event, and possible and must surrender his or her badge forthwith. The suspension of further disciplinary action. Firearms transactions in the parking such member shall terminate upon reversal of the NICS denial. lot are prohibited. 19. Failure to appear before the WAC Board of Directors upon 7. Members may not loan their badges to anyone, whether a issuance of a written notification signed by the President or his member or not. Membership badges will be worn above the waist designee may be cause for disciplinary action. Members may be with the name clearly visible. The alteration of WAC membership disciplined by the BoD for misconduct or persistent trouble badges in any manner is strictly prohibited; the display at WAC making. The Event Manager, Director of Operations or a majority gatherings of altered WAC badges or of badges purporting to be of the Board present may expel a member or guest from a gathering insignia of current WAC membership other than those issued by for violating these Rules of the Road, WAC Bylaws, or other the WAC shall be cause for immediate expulsion from the published Board-approved policies and procedures. The Event gathering and may subject the bearer, if a member, to further Manager, Executive Director or a majority of the Board present discipline by the WAC Board of Directors. may, at their discretion, refuse the entry or continued presence 8. There shall be no promotion of, or soliciting for, commercial of a guest at a gathering. gun shows on WAC leased premises, including the parking lot. 20. Any person using loud or abusive or obscene language towards Any other solicitations, display or distribution of non-arms related another member, attendee or WAC employee may be removed material at WAC shows must have prior approval of the Event from any WAC activity. Any person engaging in such conduct may Manager. be removed immediately from any WAC activity and, if a member, 9. There will be no parking on the Puyallup Fairgrounds except shall be subject to a WAC disciplinary hearing. for those individuals with approved parking permits. All others 21. Additional rules and related policies apply to all members and will be towed at owner’s expense. table holders. Copies may be obtained from the Event Manager. 10. No smoking is allowed on the event premises, except in those 22. The sale or trade of items known to be stolen, counterfeit or areas outside the building specifically designated for smoking. falsely represented is prohibited. 11. Taking of photographs, video or audio taping is prohibited without permission from either the Board of Directors, Executive The Washington Arms Collectors (WAC) requires compliance Director or the Event Manager. with all applicable Federal, State and Municipal firearm laws 12. The sale of literature on the unlawful manufacture of explosive within its events. The WAC disclaims any liability for any of devices, full automatic firearms, booby-traps, and/or illegal the acts of its members, guests or visitors. It is the terrorist tactics, etc. is prohibited. All anti-Semitic, racist and responsibility of each member to maintain personal liability hate literature is prohibited. The sale of targets depicting the insurance and be familiar with all laws applicable to firearms and ammunition and to abide by them at WAC meetings. Page 30 Member Renewal Info & Forms

•Renewal dates are no longer based on the calendar year–it depends upon when you joined or renewed last. •However, many members DO expire in December. •The WAC urges you to renew today. •If you are unsure of your expiration date, please check your badge or call the office at 425-255- 8410. •The Board has increased regular annual member dues for 2021 and will consider taking action on all categories of membership in January 2021.

Page 31 Coronavirus cancellations are possible–verify all dates before traveling

•July 10-11–Elma, WA, Grays Harbor Fairgrounds, WAC •Sep 18-19–Monroe, WA, Evergreen State Fairgrounds, WAC

Membership in WAC gives you free en- trance to events, free ads in the GunNews, the monthly magazine either mailed to you or online and the ability to rent tables at WAC events.

Tables–Call the office to reserve, Saturday only, Sat/Sun or Sunday only. Puyallup–$60; Monroe–$50. Discounts for multiple tables. Members only. Membership–Keep your membership current by renewing online or calling the office–$57/yr. Spouse and Associate members at reduced rates. Committees–Check the website for committee members and to volunteer for a committee. GunNews–Missing a copy?–call the office for replacement and to verify your address. GunNews Free Ads–Email to [email protected] or mail USPS.

Office: 425-255-8410

washingtonarmscollectors.org

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