Tactical firearm accessories have been popular for a while, and slings are no exception. Slings, of course, are far from new. Military long arms have featured sling systems for centuries, and many of today’s sporting slings still follow the earliest designs that employed two connection points and a basic strap. by Steve Markwith, author of Centerfire Rifles: A Buyer’s and Shooter’s Guide Not to be confused with some loop designs intended to increase stability during rifle competitions, traditional slings just relieve the carry burden of a firearm by draping it…
Author: Steve Markwith
Hunting Gray Squirrels for Experience (and Dinner)
God rest her soul, my mother was clearly unhappy. Flapping in the backyard breeze, a bright crimson line striped her freshly laundered bed sheet from the clothesline. The oak tree above, and squirrel in a heap underneath, linked the suspect to the crime. Too bad I hadn’t been able to sanitize the scene before Mom appeared but, if nothing else, the 35-yard shot from my next door neighbor’s upstairs window was a doozie. by Steve Markwith, author of Air Rifles: A Buyer’s and Shooter’s Guide Kids, Air Rifles, and Squirrels…
Crossbow Overview for Quieter Deer Hunting
It was the last day of archery season and hunting opportunities had been scarce, so I was itching to put a doe or small buck in the freezer. Around an hour before sunset, I tucked into the weedy edge of a narrow field and parked my butt on a milk crate. Across the field at 42 yards, a lone fruit-laden apple tree served as an irresistible magnet for deer. Although I was equipped with a crossbow, the range still seemed like a stretch, so earlier that afternoon, I’d simulated the…
Modern Airguns: Calibers, Power, and Types
I was wrapping up a morning of pigeon control and headed to the truck when a straggler swooped in and perched on a cow barn roof, 40 yards away. Snap… Whap! The .22-caliber pellet struck with a decisive blow. Amidst a shower of feathers, the pigeon slid down the corrugated-steel roof and plopped within inches of a disinterested cow. Others located mere feet from the gun continued to munch on hay. The farmer was happy, his milk supply was uninterrupted, and his dairy was a couple dozen pigeons lighter. Although…
Suppressor Alternatives – No Noise or $200 Stamp
Looking for an alternative to the suppressor? Trying to shoot quietly but don’t want to spend $200 and deal with the hassle of a federal stamp? This post is for you. by Steve Markwith, contributing writer and author of Survival Guns At the time of this writing, COVID-19 is running rampant. Beyond meager supplies of hand sanitizer and toilet paper, perhaps the cupboard is looking alarmingly bare. The neighbor’s cat could be safe for the time being, but those annoying backyard squirrels might have more appeal with each passing day.…
Four Inexpensive Guns Preppers Can Use
My recent Starting a Survival Gun Collection piece established some guidelines for the selection of emergency-based firearms. The subsequent practical long guns and practical handguns posts were biased heavily toward proven reliability and ready availability of parts. But what if money is very tight? What are inexpensive guns preppers can use? Often it’s something that might already be in the family, or that can be bought for cheap. by Steve Markwith, contributing writer and firearms instructor Given the present state of affairs (written during the coronavirus pandemic), the choices in…
Four Practical Handgun Choices
At the time of this writing, during the COVID-19 pandemic, gun shop traffic has evolved to stampede-level. Handguns are flying off the shelves whether practical choices or not. What are the practical handgun choices? Beyond that suitability concern, reliability should be a big priority. Simplified maintenance and availability of parts count heavily when normal supply channels turn to trickles. At that point, well-established designs become a blessing. They endure through proven track records (which also improve logistics). by Steve Markwith, author of Handguns: A Buyer’s and Shooter’s Guide Right off…
Top Five Practical Long Guns for Preppers
COVID-19 2020: America is in a tailspin. Beyond demands for toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and masks, the pandemic is pushing gun sales. The latter is a whole new world for some. Others will be shopping for a practical firearm that fills a niche. Safe bet security will be a main drive for all. For some, interests could extend to subsistence capabilities. Suddenly, self-reliance matters in the world of practical long guns for preppers. by Steve Markwith If you haven’t already, see my Starting a Survival Gun Collection for information regarding…
