The Firing Pen

17/07/2024

Very true…

17/07/2024

This says it…

16/07/2024

My latest article is out on the Athlon Outdoors website. In it, I cover my test and evaluation of the Vulcan 9 from Lionheart Industries.

Here is the link: https://athlonoutdoors.com/article/lionheart-industries-vulcan-9/

For Informational purposes only - nothing for sale.

Enjoy!

- Bill

They say nothing is new under the sun, but some things do get a fresh new twist. Such is the case with the Lionheart Industries Vulcan 9.

12/07/2024

Rick Bachman has been operating Old West Reproductions out of Florence, Montana since 1978. As a writer for Guns of the Old West, I became acquainted with his work and used one of his rigs in a article that I did a while back. He sent me another holster that I wasn't able to fit in to any project I was working on, and I recently rediscovered it in my cluttered office.

The holster you see here is called a "Slim Jim" or "California" style. It's a bare-bones, no excess leather shuck, unlike the Mexico Loop and other Old West holsters that had huge exposed skirts, and leather loops around the holster tunnel. It most likely got the moniker "California" as it was used by 49ers to pack their C**t 1851 Navy revolvers as they prospected for gold.

As the company name implies, this holster is a reproduction of one made by John Moore in Independence, Missouri. It dates from the 1855-1865 period. Made of premium saddle leather, the stitching is close set, with no nylon thread used. The leather is darkened to a russet color using a formula created by Old West saddle makers and the edges are hand-burnished. The beautiful hand-carving is a labor of love. Truly a working piece of art.

Nothing is for sale here.

For more information go to www.oldwestreproductions.com



- Bill

11/07/2024

Nothing for sale, for informational purposes only!

Congrats to Cimarron Fi****ms! I’ve done many GUNS OF THE OLD WEST articles with them over the years.

Cimarron Fi****ms Celebrates 40 Years as the Outstanding Leader in Old West Authentic Firearm Replicas

With an emphasis on historic accuracy from internal parts, to finishes and markings, Cimarron Fi****ms has led the American West replica market for over a generation.

Fredericksburg, Texas (July 2024) – Cimarron Fi****ms, the premier name in authentic Old West firearm replicas, proudly celebrates forty years of trail-blazing innovation without compromise. Founded by Mike and Mary Lou Harvey in 1984, the company has become a cornerstone of the fi****ms community, known for its meticulous attention to historical detail, high-quality craftsmanship, and multiple innovative patents and fi****ms. Recognized as the leader of historically accurate firearm replicas by collectors, competition shooters, Old West enthusiasts, and the replica manufacturing competition, Cimarron Fi****ms is just warming up.

Mike Harvey's passion for the Old American West ignited his journey into the world of fi****ms. Captivated by the guns carried by settlers, soldiers, Texas Rangers, bank and train robbers, the Pony Express, Conestoga waggoners, overland coach drivers, and even a few saloon keepers, Harvey began collecting, trading, and selling genuine antique fi****ms. His dedication extended beyond the commercial aspects as he initiated Old West shooting events that the entire family could enjoy.

In 1979, the Harvey’s’ opened a retail store in Houston, Texas, to support Mike’s growing collection and a burgeoning customer base. Recognizing the demand for modern-made replicas of historic fi****ms, Harvey partnered with renowned Italian gunmakers such as Uberti and Pietta. Together, they produced authentically crafted Old West fi****ms, meticulously replicating even the obsolete stamping fonts of the era.

What consistently sets Cimarron Fi****ms apart from the competition is its unparalleled attention to detail. Adhering to their motto, "The Highest Quality," each firearm is designed from originals in Mike Harvey's extensive historic collection. Every gun must pass rigorous fit, form, and function tests before being offered to the public. This dedication ensures that Cimarron's fi****ms are not only display case and heirloom-worthy but also built to perform on the range, in competition, and out hunting.

“The test of any company in its ability to last forty years and still go strong is a mix of making a superior product above the competition and being an innovator. That’s what Cimarron has been doing since it first opened its doors in 1984,” Bryce Wayt, VP of Media and Operations, explained. “If it wasn’t for Mike helping the Italian gunmakers understand what the real historic fi****ms looked, felt, and shot like, the American public wouldn’t have the authentic replicas we do today. The original Italian-made replicas were only slightly similar to real Old West fi****ms; they were much larger, heavier, and without any accuracy in finishes, markings, and working parts. Cimarron changed all that, and that is why in almost all the Western movies being made today, they carry Cimarron fi****ms.”

Cimarron Fi****ms has had great success with creating Hollywood versions such as “The Man with No Name”, the “Preacher,” and the “Tuco,” named for Eli Wallach character’s firearm comprised of multiple gun parts put together from the famous spaghetti western “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”.

Without Harvey being such a stickler when it comes to historically accurate fi****ms, many of the innovations currently found in Cimarron guns and the competitions would not exist. Harvey designed and incorporated the Cowboy Comp® Action into several SA model revolvers. The action is finely tuned by Cimarron’s skilled gunsmiths in the US and incorporates the Cimarron (made in the USA) competition hammer and trigger/bolt springs that are lighter, smoother, and offer a crisp, no-creep trigger pull, along with improved internal parts to increase reliability. Harvey also developed the 1st generation C**t hammer with no unsightly internal safety; grip frames that accept C**t screws, beveled cylinder face just like the 1st generation, improved springs; 3 ½ inch barrels with ejectors; original finishes; and most importantly in regards to authenticity, his fierce tenacity on original fonts, proof marks, 19th-century style wording, and caliber markings. Over the years, Harvey has introduced over 33 different handguns, including revolvers, conversions, open-top, Hollywood versions, and 1911’s.

Cimarron’s thirteen-plus rifle introductions heralded the most famous of rifles from the classic Henry lever-action; the 1873 Long and Short rifles, Saddle Shortys, and 16-inch Trappers, Sharps, Carbines, Single-shots, and several Cimarron Signature Rifles. Cimarron rifle innovations included the .45 C**t, 38-40, and 32-20 calibers, the Cimarron Butt Tamer™, original finishes, and accurate markings to match the originals on the Henry and others.

As Cimarron Fi****ms celebrates its 40th anniversary, it continues to honor the legacy of the Old West with every meticulously crafted firearm. The company looks forward to many more years of bringing history to life for enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

For more information on Cimarron Fi****ms and accessories, visit www.cimarron-fi****ms.com.

Keep up with the history and happenings at Cimarron on YouTube.

Thanks to Laura Burgess Marketing!

10/07/2024

These flint lock rifles in caliber from .32 to .45/50 originated in Pennsylvania and migrated to Kentucky, with less ornate versions made in Tennessee. Their rifled barrels, taking a patched lead ball, made them more accurate than the smoothbore muskets carried by the typical foot soldier of the era.

Going all the way back to 1776 today. The American Long Rifle, also known as the “Kentucky Rifle,”. This muzzle loading long rifle played the role of a crude sniper rifle during the American Revolution. The Long Rifle was accurate out to 200 yards, twice the typical range of standard muskets!

08/07/2024

Now this isn't a joke or anything similar. This is what is going on in our country. I find that topics like this don't get a lot of comments. That's too bad. People need to stay connected to what is happening...

Dr. Rand Paul Leads Letter Requesting Hearing on Threat of Terrorist Exploiting Southern Border

Recently, as Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), I, along with fellow HSGAC members Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Rick Scott (R-FL), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Roger Marshall (R-KS), sent a letter to committee Chairman Gary Peters requesting a hearing to examine the threat of individuals exploiting the Southern border for potential terrorist activities.

The letter outlines how the Biden administration has allowed millions to cross the border, including an increased number of individuals with potential criminal and terrorist intent, such as the recent arrests of eight foreign nationals with suspected ties to ISIS. Since 2021, an alarming 360 individuals on the terrorist watchlist attempting to cross the Southwest border illegally have been apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Due to these numbers, Attorney General Merrick Garland and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray expressed concern over the threat posed by the increased number of known or suspected terrorists attempting to exploit the Biden administration’s vulnerable border policies.

As a result, we have requested a hearing with top officials from the relevant federal agencies to discuss strategies on how to handle the significant increase in terrorists entering the country due to the Biden administration’s failed policies.

06/07/2024

Here’s a photo I used in a cowboy action shooting gun test a while back. Black Aces Tactical is the name of the company.

- Bill

The Black Aces Tactical side by side 12-Gauge shotgun.

06/07/2024

I saw this short article in G*T Daily. Blacks Hills sent me some of this ammo in the new C**t Viper .357 Magnum sixgun that I’m on this list to get. Here’s some information on this interesting cartridge…

The Ammo: Black Hills Ammunition .357 Magnum 127 Grain HoneyBadger

The .357 HoneyBadger is designed for performance in either a revolver or a carbine. Performance specifications are 1365 fps from a 6” revolver and an impressive 1900 fps from an 18” carbine barrel!

This round provides consistent performance from either a revolver or a carbine. At carbine velocities, the round penetrates to 24 inches and retains 100% of its weight while generating a 6” diameter wound cavity. (Revolver performance is 18” of pe*******on, 4.5” diameter cavity, and 100% weight retention.)

- Bill

03/07/2024

USBP Academy Session #148, 1982…

28/06/2024

Hopefully you’ve seen My article on these rifles? If not, scroll down, it’s there…

The Henry Border Patrol Tribute Rifles Celebrate 100 Years of Service in .357 Magnum/.38 Special.

27/06/2024

It’s coming to this…

26/06/2024

The custom photo/picture that Jordan made and gave to me for my birthday a few days ago, is now the centerpiece on my office wall. Thanks again Kiddo!

26/06/2024

Bill Tilghman was a Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Oklahoma/Indian Territory. He, along with Deputy Marshals Chris Madsen and Heck Thomas were know as “The Three Guardsmen.”

This reproduction by Pietta of C**t’s Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Co.s production of a beautifully engraved Single Action Army with a 4-3/4 inch barrel, which was presented to William Tilghman. It was inscribed on the backstrap, “For William Tilghman Dec. 15. 93.” It remained one of his favorites and saw very little use.

25/06/2024

I did a shooting test on one of these a while back, and they shoot s good as they look!

The EMF 1858 Buffalo Bill Commemorative, a Pietta-made Re*****on Model 1858 replica to commemorate Buffalo Bill.

24/06/2024

Yessir!

20/06/2024

Today is the day. I’m officially a Septuagenerian! Now, if I could just find my cane!

18/06/2024

This just arrived! The new Kimber KDS9c Rail in 9mm. I’ll be writing it up for Athlon Outdoors and Lipsey’s Bulletin. Stay tuned!

FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY - NOT FOR SALE!

- Bill

18/06/2024

Yessir…

17/06/2024

My article on the U.S. Border Patrol 100th Anniversary Commemorative rifles made by Henry Repeating Arms is out online. You can read it by using this link: https://www.athlonoutdoors.com/article/henry-border-patrol-tribute-rifles/

You can also see it at:
[email protected]" rel="ugc" target="_blank">[email protected]

Enjoy!

For Informational Purposes only - nothing is for sale.

17/06/2024

One of my articles on the Diamondback Fi****ms SDR revolver is now out online in Lipsey's Bulletin. Here is the link: https://www.lipseysbulletin.com/fi****ms/the-diamondback-sdr/

Enjoy!

For informational purposes only - nothing is for sale!

15/06/2024

More ammo luv arrived today on the big brown truck! I’ll have plenty of 9mm and .357 catridges to use in my upcoming articles on the Kimber KDSC9 Rail pistol and C**t Viper revolver.

Thanks Industry partners!

14/06/2024

I hit the jackpot today! The express consignment guy just dropped off all this test ammo. This is from Black Hills, DoubleTap, and Wilson Combat. More from other manufacturers is on the way. The generosity of these Industry Folks is heart warming!

14/06/2024

C**t revolvers in .36 caliber where the first real “belt pistols” in an effective caliber. The huge Walker and Dragoon .44 wheelguns were “horse pistols” and generally not carried in a belt holster.

The .36 caliber pistol considered to be one of the most popular among early gunfighters.

14/06/2024

Those are ivory grips, old “Blood ‘n Guts” wouldn’t have Pearl!

The Cimarron Patton Laser-Engraved Frontier chambered in .45 C**t.

11/06/2024

Geez, that looks like me shooting that Henry .22 lever-gun!

The Henry American Eagle, an American Eagle version of the popular Golden Boy lever-action .22.

11/06/2024

A very patriotic C**t 1960 Army…

Did you know one of reasons the now Tiffany & Co. rose to popularity was during the civil war when they began producing exquisitely engraved militaria. This is a look at one of the Rare Tiffany C**t Revolvers.

09/06/2024

Disturbing graph…

09/06/2024

Rule #1 Have a Gun!

08/06/2024

That’s yours truly wearing that rig!

Modeled after Jake’s two-gun holster and belt rig seen in Silverado, this ornate yet handsome outfit is the creation of Chisholm’s Trail Old West Leather. Available in the buscadero section of their Hollywood Holsters Collection.