The 70s and 80s: Firearms of the Anti-Hero and Action Stars Guns really took center stage in 1970s-80s action movies. Often, they were upgraded from the more realistic models mentioned in books to bigger, flashier, more powerful models. For example, in Death Wish (1974), a .32S&W kit gun became a large frame .44 Magnum. The…
50s & 60s: Firearms During a Cinematic Era This month I want to dive into the important role that firearms played in the cinematic era of the 1950s and 60s. The birth of gritty westerns, countless war movies, and TV shows filled the living rooms of America. TV shows like the Lone Ranger, Rawhide, and…
Famous Gunslingers and Their Weapons in the Wild West We all have fond memories of playing Cowboys and Indians as children, but when it comes to the real-life thing, it was quite different than the lighthearted childhood game we reminisce on. The Wild West during the 19th century involved large open deserts and prairies, which…
The Evolution of Firearms in the Wild West This month I want to talk about America’s trek west and how it jumpstarted the evolution of firearms as we know them today. Early Expansion West When our early ancestors and settlers made it to the new world, they brought with them flintlock rifles and pistols. The…
Famous Female Gunslingers of the Old West Ask anyone to name a famous female gunslinger from America’s Old West, and you’re very likely to hear ‘Annie Oakley’ before you even take your next breath. Her notoriety is well deserved, and her achievements are more than well-documented. As a star attraction in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West…
Financial Planning for Veterans: Navigating Benefits, Savings, and Investments United States culture, in the mainstream, regards veterans favorably. The choice to serve in the military is respected, and that turns into a pretty decent support network compared to other parts of the world. For all the complaints about Veterans Administration and other support institutions, the…
Service Dogs for Veterans If you’ve never spent time with a service dog, it may sound like an exaggeration when people tell you that these animals have superpowers. But rest assured that service dogs have superpowers in spades! Professional service dogs can detect when their owners are anxious or suffering from a physical ailment and…
Non-Profits Helping Veterans This month I want to talk about an important customer base of the gun industry, and that is the veteran community. Our proud military population are some of the most experienced with guns and will be one of the largest communities to utilize your services. Let’s talk about how we can give…
Finding Resources for Employment after Deployment Our American heroes and our soldiers keep American borders safe and keep our interests afloat overseas. Both men and women put their lives in danger every day for America. But after deployment, it can be challenging to transition to the next stage of life and employment. If gunsmithing is…
Building a Workbench On-The-Go A proper workbench is solid enough to support a vise. Sometimes, however, work calls to field locations, like ranges. With no guarantee of finding a suitable surface, a portable workbench may be required. What goes into such a thing? The Essentials By definition, a portable bench must be man-portable, or at…