Gun cleaning 101

I used to think that I did a fairly thorough job of cleaning my hunting rifles, you know after each trip to the range and then again before putting them away for the winter.

Then when Hoppes(R) came out with their Bore Snakes, I thought this is cool, I can clean three rifles in less time than it used to take me to clean just one.

Now on average I shoot about 20-25 rounds of centerfire deer caliber ammunition, 100-200 rounds of pistol ammunition and maybe another 100 rounds of rimfire each and every time I go out shooting.

Granted this isn't a lot of shooting, but over the course of a season it adds up. And after each trip to the range I faithfully clean my weapons.

Well, this year I invested in a Otis® Deluxe Millitary Elite® Cleaning System, and I have been amazed at how thorough a cleaning the Otis products provide. The tools that come with Otis system are top notch, the ability to scrub the throat and chamber as well as the bore is excellent.

The patches do require that you read the instructions and/or watch the videos that come with each kit. And it is important that you properly place the patch on the cleaning tip, in order to create the correctly sized cleaning surface for the caliber of firearm you're cleaning. Each patch provides up to six cleaning surfaces, and they do work!

Be sure and get yourself extra Otis® 100 Count All-Caliber Patches. You can also use square patches with the Otis system, you just have to follow the instructions on how to correct size them and use them. Plus you'll only get about two uses out of square cleaning patches, but it is an option that does work.

If you're looking for an excellent gun cleaning system, that is quick and fairly simple to use and that is in use by U.S. Armed Forces Worldwide check out the Otis family of gun products!

Millitary Elite® Cleaning System">

Otis® Deluxe Millitary Elite® Cleaning System Developed with the Armorer in mind.

Otis® 100 Count All-Caliber Patches Wipe your weapon! Treat your firearm with a good cleaning using these Otis® cotton all-caliber patches!

Hawken Rifle

I got started in shooting muzzleloaders and then hunting with them, after a shoulder/biceps injury several years ago left me unable to shoot my Bows.

Talk about a lot of fun! Blackpowder is a bang!

I was originally interested in a Hawken style rifle so I would have a firearm that was completely legal during Oregon’s primitive seasons. Being a dedicate Elk hunter, it had to be a .50 caliber, just like Jeremiah Johnson!

I ended up trading a very fine Recurve Bow and tackle for a Hawken rifle, an inline muzzleloader and accessories.

I’ve hunted extensively with the inline during Oregon’s modern rifle hunts. And greatly enjoyed the one shot challenges.

I’ve done alot of shooting with Hawken, out to 100 yards. And this is one fine shooting rifle!

My initial trips to the range had me shooting the owners manual recommended starting loads. I found these loads of 60 grains of Pyrodex and conical bullets very mild to shoot!

Finding the rifle both accurate and pleasant to shoot – I settled on a load of 85 grains of Pyrodex behind a TC Maxi-ball. Easy to load, accurate and not bad on my sore shoulder.

I have yet to draw a muzzleloader controlled hunt tag and haven’t hunted with the Hawken yet!

This season I found a can of Triple-seven at my favorite sports shop and plan on trying this cleaner burning blackpowder substitute.

I can’t wait to take this fine Hawken Rifle to the range!

Traditions? Hawken Woodsman .50 Caliber Percussion Muzzleloader

Technorati Tags: hawken rifle,muzzloading,blackpowder hunting,elk hunting in oregon

Timney trigger works great!

I was able to install the new trigger for my Savage 110 rifle, without a lot of fuss.

It installed easily, and was very easy for me to properly adjust by following the step-by-step instructions.

I have to admit that after my first outing at the range the other day, I believe the rifle is shooting better than ever!

Now if only I can hold steady enough to shoot the groups that I know this rifle is capable of!

This first groups was the initial 25 yard check shots.

This second group was from 125 yards, before I discovered that I was shooting a rifle with a broken stock! Now I’ll be replacing the stock and trying again to get sighted in for this fall!

Luckily my favorite retailer has Bell and Carlson Carbelite? Aramid/Fiberglass Rifle Stocks to fit most hunting rifles!

Technorati Tags: timney trigger,savage firearms,big game hunting oregon,home gun smithing projects,sighting in a hunting rifle

Father's Day, a sportsman's holiday!

Father's Day is Sunday June 21st, in case you hadn't noticed yet.

Father's Day is a bitter sweet day for me, you see two years ago my own Father died of a heart attack on Father's Day!

He was preparing for a much anticipated three generation Colorado Elk hunt, that we had been putting off for almost five years. He was planning the trip for a Father, Son and Grandson outing. He routinely walked long distances, and swam daily. And in fact had taken up bike riding after having not done so for many years.

Unfortunately, he over exerted himself in early summer heat, and ignored warning signs that ultimately lead to his untimely death.

I owe my own loving of hunting, enjoying god's creation on the most intimate level, to my Father. It has been his one and only gift of a life time!

Father's Day is special for my son also, he was there with me, when we learned of Dad's death.

If your looking for gifts for dad this Father's Day, be sure and check out Bass Pro Shops, they have the gear for every Sportsman on your list!

Federal Firearms License

I've thought about obtaining my FFL for years, but never really got around to it.

Now that I've done several of my own basic gunsmith projects - installing scopes, bore sighting scopes, glass bedding rifle stocks, installing after market triggers, installing composite stocks, reloading ammunition, patterning shotguns, and of course through gun cleaning for all of my friends and family it may be time to apply for my Federal Firearms License!

Trigger arrived, installation was simple!

My Timney trigger arrived. And as advertised installation was so simple, even I could do it!

The actual install only took me about 15 minutes. I took my time, carefully following the instructions on properly adjusting the trigger, and to my delight it functions beautifully! Best of all no gunsmithing required!

I can't wait to get out to the range and sight-in and fine tune my load, scope combo!

I'll let you know how this goes too!

Custom rifles and parts upgrades

I've been interested in purchasing a custom rifle for several years now, but still haven't made the leap, due to economic limiting factors! (AKA, funds lacking).

So, I decided to shop around and find that upgrade for my current hunting rifle that would 1) improve the rifles accuracy, 2) be cost effective, 3) and is something a DIY gunsmith could install without a lot of fuss.

Well over at GunBroker.com, I came across Timney triggers and after some reading, and checking into the product I decided that this would be the upgrade for my off-rack .270 rifle for this year.

I just received the trigger, and have been studying the install instructions. I'll get the rifle out of the safe tomorrow and see if it will be as simple of an install as the directions describe.

I'll keep you posted.