The ad shown was circulated in 1940, in the American Rifleman magazine, the official publication of the National Rifle Association. It was in response to Great Britain’s citizens gearing up to defend themselves against a perceived Nazi invasion. The British government, in its infinite wisdom, had seriously limited the private ownership of firearms. However, when invasion was imminent, the Brits went begging for firearms of any sort to help defend the country. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? ...Read More >

This issue’s cover is compliments of William Curry and it shows a nice, old Colt 1896 “New Model” in .38 Long Colt, a pistol cartridge with a definitely “checkered” reputation. William provided some great information on the evolution of the .38 Long Colt from black powder days to smokeless loadings and its use, both by civilians and the military. ...Read More >

Reloading dies come from the factory with a case neck expander. The diameter of these expanders can vary, especially with calibers such as .40-65 WCF, .38-50 Remington Hepburn, or .45 Colt. Normally, I use aftermarket expanders since the standard ones supplied are not always appropriate for the bullet diameter. These are either too large or more frequently, too small. Completing some limited neck tension testing in the distant past, I always felt that the expander should be the same diameter as the bullet. ...Read More >

Colt firearms developed the .36 caliber percussion revolver as a lighter intermediate revolver between the much larger .44 Dragoons and the much smaller .31 Pocket models. Colt introduced the .36 Navy, or Belt model, in 1850, which became known as the Model of 1851. This revolver set the standard for a revolver of medium size, reasonable power and modest recoil that could be carried comfortably in or on the belt of one’s person, rather than in saddle holsters or a pocket. ...Read More >