.22 Long Rifle or 458 Win Mag? THE DEBATE IS FINALLY OVER! by J. Scott Drake

Ahh yes, the old Ford/Chevy debate. In our modern daily lives, the click-bait comparison debate is as ubiquitous as the headline itself. It's a siren song that lures us in with promises of settling that age-old question: "Which is better: this or that?" Whether it's "This Actresses Dress!" or "The Secret to Cooking Perfect Eggs Every Time!," "9mm vs 40: We finally settled this!" (engage massive eye roll) we can't resist the temptation to click, even if we know deep down that we're being played, which you absolutely are. But what is it about these debates that have us hooked? And why do companies continue to use them to their advantage? The answer lies in the psychology behind our decision-making process. We humans are hardwired to make...  Read More

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ONLINE MARKETPLACE SCAMS

by J. Scott Drake In the digital age, online marketplaces have become a ubiquitous part of our lives. We use them to buy everything from groceries to furniture and yes, firearms, and the ease with which we can send and receive payments has only made these platforms more appealing. However, with the rise of online transactions comes an unfortunate increase in scams involving payment methods like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App to name a few. Typically, the fine print with these payment methods says something along the lines of, and I'm very loosely paraphrasing here (always read the privacy and usage information from the app), that if you send money to someone, it's on you and there is nothing they can do to help you if something goes sideway...  Read More

You are your most important piece of equipment by J. Scott Drake

Let me lead off by saying that I, myself, am no picture of perfect health at this point. Things hurt, I don't eat as well as I should, and my work keeps me more sedentary than I care to admit. That being said, there is no reason why I can't do better regarding improved health. Most of us, as we age, have slacked or will eventually slack in the strenuous activity realm. While we may never again be what we were, we should do our best with what we still have.  In the rugged terrain of the great outdoors, where wind howls and sun blazes, there is a unique breed of modern individuals who pursue timeless traditions. For them, the thrill of the chase, the adrenaline rush of the stalk, and simply connecting with nature while also overcoming the...  Read More

Is hunting a dying sport for the average person? ~ by J. Scott Drake

Once upon a time, hunting was a pastime that was deeply ingrained in the fabric of American culture. Men would gather in the early morning, their breath frosting the air as they huddled around campfires over a pot of coffee, discussing hunts of days past and future. The sound of gunfire would echo through the woods, signaling the successful harvest of game. It was a time when families could come together to share in the bounty of the land, hone skills as hunters, enjoy the great outdoors, and pass knowledge to the next generations. Nowadays, that idyllic picture has become harder to find. The cost of hunting has risen sharply, making it increasingly difficult for the average person to partake in this time-honored tradition. The primar...  Read More

Give the Single Action Army a shot, literally. ~ By J. Scott Drake

In the pages of firearms history, few handguns have captured the imagination of the American public quite like the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army Revolver. Known affectionately as the "Peacemaker" or simply "Single Action Army," this legendary six-shooter has a rich and storied past that spans over a century and a half. From its inception in the late 1800s to its enduring popularity today, the Colt Single Action Army has been an icon of the American West, a symbol of frontier justice, and a trusted companion for lawmen and outlaws alike. The story of the Colt Single Action Army begins with its inventor, Samuel Colt. A talented mechanic and entrepreneur, Colt had already made a name for himself with the introduction of his revolving ...  Read More

Breathe, Relax, and Let Go: The Art of Fly Fishing by J.S. Drake

The sound of water lapping and flowing, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional cast of a line are the only audible noises as you stand waist-deep in a crystal-clear river. You close your eyes and take a deep breath, allowing the fresh air to fill your lungs. This is fly fishing, and it's unlike any other sport you've ever experienced. There's something incredibly relaxing about this ancient practice that has captivated anglers for centuries. Fly fishing is an art form, a meditation, and a connection to nature all rolled into one. And admittedly it is something that I don't do often enough living in the desert southwest. The process of tying a fly, choosing the perfect rod, and selecting the ideal spot to cast your line requires patien...  Read More

Why you should own a GMT watch, by J.S. Drake

The GMT watch, or Greenwich Mean Time watch, is a timepiece that has become an essential accessory for many individuals around the world. Its functionality and design have stood the test of time, making it a versatile and stylish addition to any wardrobe. This is an extremely oversimplified peek, I could write a book on this subject. But for now, let's take a quick look into the history of the GMT watch, its features, and why everyone should consider owning one. A brief and simplified history Now referred to as UTC (universal time coordinated) or Zulu time, prior to the 1970s the standard time used to coordinate things that were happening across multiple time zones was referred to as Greenwich Mean Time.  The GMT watch retains its name...  Read More

Love your 6.5 Creedmoor, but keep your 30-06

Over the last decade or so, a common discussion with friends and customers has been "Which cartridge is better" (pick any two cartridges), and my answer to that is almost always, "It depends". Today I'll talk about the 30-06 and 6.5 Creedmoor because in the grand scheme of rifle cartridges, the 30-06 Springfield and the 6.5 Creedmoor stand as two towering pillars of firepower that come up more often than not. Both have seen service in numerous uses, from World War I with the 30-06 to present-day hunting expeditions, and their legacies continue to shape the world of long-range shooting. But which one truly reigns supreme? That is an argument that has plagued everyone from professional marksmen to armchair experts for years, and today, we ...  Read More