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<Book 75>

816. Jan. 12, 1957. I saw Buffalo Bill in 1916.
    Sells-Floto & Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show came to Montague, California in the spring of 1916. On that day, I rode to Montague horseback to see the show and "Buffalo Bill" in person. I had, however, seen the same show and Wm. F. Cody, better known probably as "Buffalo Bill," two years before, in 1914, also at Montague.

817. Jan. 15, 1957. The Win. S.S. Shotgun.
    Once upon a time, the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. made a 20-gauge shotgun on their famous single-shot rifle action. Having the old, reliable Sharp's breech block system. It weighed about 5½ pounds, had a 26-inch nickel steel barrel, full choke, solid frame, although it could also be had in takedown, matted rib or matting on barrel, cylinder modified and full choke boring. My Winchester catalog for 1916 gives the price of this lever action shotgun, standard solid frame shotgun at $16.00. This shotgun should have been popular, for the action was one of the very best ever built anywhere. People didn't seem to take to this kind of shotgun, so it had a short life. These are today very rare and unknown by most people outside of gun collectors.

818. Jan. 16, 1957. The Winchester Model 97 Shotgun.
    The Winchester Model 1897 shotgun came about in 1897 as an improvement over an earlier model. My Winchester catalog for 1916 shows the Model 1897 in many different styles and grades, solid frame, and takedown in either 12 or 16 gauges. This Model 97, as it was called in late years, has stood the test down through the years and is still being made. My Winchester catalog for 1956 shows the Model 97 shotgun made only in 12-gauge takedown, 30-inch barrel for the full choke, and 28-inch for the modified choke, and the guard and riot shotgun in takedown 12-gauge with 20-inch cylinder bore barrel.

819. Jan. 16, 1957. The Win. Mod. 12 Shotgun.
    The Winchester Model 12 shotgun was a great success from the start when it came out in 1912. It was made in many different styles and grades in 12, 16, and 20 gauges, and around the late 1930s, the 28-gauge was added, and later, a larger and heavier Model 12 was added. They called this one Model 12 magnum duck gun. It's chambered for the 3-inch magnum 12-gauge shells. The Model 12 is still made in a lot of different styles and gauges; however, the 28-gauge is listed only in the skeet gun in my Winchester catalog for 1956.

820. Jan. 17, 1957. The Win. Mod. 25 Shotgun.
    The Winchester Model 25 shotgun came out a few years ago in 12-gauge only and solid frame. My Stoeger catalog, 46th edition for 1955, lists it full choke, modified, and improved cylinder boring, all with 28-inch barrels. The guard and riot Model 25 has the 20-inch cylinder bore barrel. All are priced at $80.25. These are slide action hammerless with a four-shot tubular magazine under the barrel. My Winchester catalog for 1956 don't list the Model 25, so I presume it has been dropped from production.

821. Jan. 17, 1957. The Win. Mod. 1901 Shotgun.
    The Winchester Model 1901 shotgun is an odd-looking lever action hammerless repeater, in 10-gauge; however, I believe there were a few made in 12-gauge when they first came out in 1901, which has an improvement over an earlier model. My Winchester catalog for 1916 lists the standard model with 32-inch full choke, rolled steel barrel, pistol grip stock of plain walnut, not checkered, six shots weight about 8¾ pounds. Other styles, chokes, and barrel lengths, as well as their extras could be furnished. The price of the standard Model 1901 was $30.00 in the year of 1916.

822. Jan. 17, 1957. The Win. Mod. 1911 Shotgun.
    In 1911, the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. gave out with their Model 1911 self-loading shotgun. This was a full shot takedown, semi-automatic, and made in different grades and boring in 12-gauge only. The standard model had a 26-inch nickel steel barrel, plain pistol grip stock, weighing 7¾ pounds. The Model 1911 has been obsolete for many years. In the late 1930s, they put out another self-loading shotgun, but it had a short life. About a year ago, they put out still another one.

823. Jan. 17, 1957. The Win. Mod. 42 Shotgun.
    I believe the Winchester Model 42 shotgun came out in the late 1930s. It's nothing more than their Model 12 trimmed down and designed to handle the little slim 410-caliber, 2½ or 3-inch shot shells. It can be had in several different styles with a choice of three kinds of borings, full, modified, and improved cylinder. The standard model has a 26-inch plain barrel and weighs about six pounds with American walnut pistol grip stock and slide handle. The tubular magazine holds five 3-inch shells, and one more for the 2½-inch length.

824. Jan. 19, 1957. Jenny Creek Canyon.
    Jenny Creek runs pretty wild sometimes in the winter when it rains a lot, but in the summer, it's a quiet stream, and it used to be a fine place to catch a few mountain trout. The first time I went fishing in Jenny Creek Canyon was when I was a little boy with my father. We caught all the fish we wanted in a little while.

825. Jan. 22, 1957. Stev. Double Barrel Shotguns.
    The J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. was established in 1864. Their firearms sold well, and the firm expanded and bought other arms makers out. They made firearms from the little single-shot pistols and rifles to the big double-barrel shotguns. To describe all of the double-barrel shotguns they made would be book length. When I was a boy, the Stevens catalogs boasted of being the largest shotgun  makers in the world. I can remember very well the Stevens double-barrel shotguns with the outside hammers. Some of the shot shells made today are longer than those made years ago and should not be fired in guns with chambers too short, and the Super Speed shells are too powerful for those old guns. In 1920, the Savage Arms Corp. bought out the J. Stephen Arms & Tool Co.. My Stoeger catalog for 1955 shows only one Stevens double-barrel shotgun, the Model 311 priced at $59.95 and made in 12, 16, and 20 gauges, and 410-caliber shot shells.

<Book 76>

826. Jan. 23, 1957. Stev. Single Barrel Shotguns.
    As far back as I can remember, the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. was making single-barrel shotguns of the breakdown type. There were several different styles and sizes listed in their catalogs. When I first got interested in firearms around 1910, those one-shot single-barrel shotguns were in good demand then; on farms and ranches nearly everyone around owned one or more. They were good, reliable shotguns. In 1920, the Savage Arms Corp. bought the J. Stephen Arms & Tool Co. out, but the name, Stevens, is still used by Savage. There are several firearms made by Savage, which bears the name Stevens. Among them is the only single-shot breakdown shotgun at present to have the Stevens name. This is the Model 94, with outside hammer, automatic ejector, in 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauges, and 410-caliber. My 1955 Stoeger catalog gives the price at $23.50.

827. Jan. 26, 1957. H. & R. Single-Barrel Shotguns.
    When I was a boy, the Harrington & Richardson Arms Co. was cataloging a half dozen or more different models of single-barrel top breakdown shotguns. I remember the "heavy breech" for heavy loads and long range, and they had a little light frame model for the then new 410-caliber shot shells, and too, they had a folding shotgun. They also made a single-barrel shotgun pistol in 410-caliber, and 28-gauge shot shells. They called it the "handy gun." But this was outlawed by foolish firearms laws in the 1930s. H. & R. still makes single-barrel breakdown shotguns in their Model 48 they call "H. & R. Topper," and the same one in chrome finish they call "H. & R. Topper Deluxe," and its model is 488. Both models are made in 12, 16, and 20 gauges and 410-caliber. The Model 48 is priced in Stoeger's catalog for 19F55 at $24.95, and the Model 488 at $27.95.

828. Jan. 26, 1957. I.J. Single-Barrel Shotguns.
    When I was a little sprout at home, the Ivor Johnson Arms & Cycle Works were making single-barrel breakdown single-shotguns. There were quite a few of them used in those days. They made one they called Ivor Johnson Champion, and I believe it was the champion of its kind, for they really was a good shotgun, and they would stand up under the most severe usage and still be dependable. They were well made and from good material. They are still making the Champion, and its price is $23.50 in my Stoeger catalog for 1955. Made in 12, 16, 20, and 28-gauge, and 410-caliber, with different barrel lengths, all full choke.

829. Jan. 26, 1957. The Ithaca "Burglar Gun."
    The Ithaca, "Auto & Burglar Gun," so called "sawed-off shotgun," was a high-grade double-barrel, 20-gauge shotgun with 10-inch cylinder bore barrels and pistol grips. Otherwise, the 4¼-pound shotgun was the same as the regular shotgun. This was about the best pistol weapon that I know of for home protection or for banks, paymasters, watchmen, and others. It would use any size shot or single ball loads. The load using fifteen buck shots probably was the best. If all good citizens, both men and women, had one of those shotgun pistols handy at all times, those crooks wouldn't be so darned bold. Those guns, however, have been illegal since the early 1930s, I'm sorry to say. Honest people can't have them, but the crooks have some kind of a gun anyway, and they call this a free country just the same.

830. Jan. 26, 1957. The H. & R. "Handy Gun."
    I remember when quite a few honest people had the H. & R. "Handy Gun" in their homes or automobiles, They were pretty good medicine for crooks, and good for a lot of other uses. It's been unlawful to make them since the early 1930s. It seems that some of our lawmakers want to disarm the good people and put them at the mercy of the armed bandits. This shotgun pistol could be had in either 410-caliber or 28-gauge, both for shot shells or round balls. These guns were, of course, made before the rifled slugs came out, but they would take them. The single-barrel was 12¼ inches long, and I believe also in the 8-inch length. They were built on the H. & R. shotgun frame made by Harrington & Richardson. The price in 1926 was $12.00.

<Book 77>

831. Jan. 29, 1957. The Stev. Model 35 "Off-Hand" Shotgun.
    The Stevens Model 35 "Off-Hand" shotgun was a shotgun pistol, made in 12¼ and 8-inch barrels, using the 410-caliber, 2½-inch shotgun shells. The price was $11.15 in 1926. This handgun was made during the 1920s on the same model frame as the 22-caliber "Off-Hand" pistol. They were, of course, single-shots, of the breakdown type. By the way, they were made before the superspeed shot shells came out, and long before the 3-inch shells. They were a rather light weapon, and to use any of the hot stuff in them would be dangerous.

832. Jan. 30, 1957. The Marbles "Game Getter" Gun.
    The first Marbles "Game Getter" gun I saw was the one Glenn Pettay was carrying on his trap line in about 1910. I believe they were at that time pretty new on the market. They were an over and under double-barrel affair. The lower barrel was for 44 Game Getter shot or round ball loads. The upper barrel was for 22 long rifle rimfire. They could be had with 12, 15, or 18-inch barrels. The folding skeleton stock was attached to the pistol grips. They were a high-grade gun. The weight was about two pounds, or a little more. In later years they underwent minor changes.

833. Jan. 30, 1957. The Hi-Stand. Model SB Pistol.
    The High Standard Model SB pistol was the Model B designed to use 22 long rifle Super Speed shot shells. This was something new in automatic pistols. This should have been a good one for snakes. It was made only for a short time before World's War Two.

834. Feb. 19, 1957. Bailey Hill.
    In early days, the old stage road between Hornbrook and Hilt went up a long hill. The hill has been called Bailey Hill as far back as I can remember. It was named after a man by the name of Bailey. The old highway followed along pretty close to the old stage road, up Bailey Hill.

835. Feb. 20, 1957. The Colt Patterson Six-Gun.
    Most of the Colt "Patterson" six-guns were five shot revolvers and made in calibers 28, 31, 34, 40, and probably others, and I believe with three sizes of frames. They didn't have any trigger guard, the trigger being concealed within the frame and springs out in place when the hammer is cocked. In 1839, the bullet rammer was patented and attached to the revolver and is called by collectors the 1839 model. "Pattersons" were designed to use round balls, the rifling being almost straight. Some "Pattersons" had eleven grooves. There were a few special guns made that differed from the regular. All regular guns made at the Patterson factory were blued finished. Some had round corner butts, and some square. They had round cylinder stops. They were all, of course, cap and ball. Some were belt size, and some pocket size, with several barrel lengths. The Colt "Pattersons" were made at Patterson, New Jersey, by Patent Arms  Manufacturing Co. They were called "Pattersons" because of the place they were made. They were the first revolvers made by Samuel Colt, and had a rather short life from 1836 to 1841. In or about 1841, Colt failed, and he didn't go to making guns again till about 1847. Today, the Colt "Pattersons" are very rare and much wanted by Colt collectors who have lots of money, for the old "Pattersons" are usually priced up in the hundreds of dollars.

836. Feb. 20, 1957. The 31 Colt "Pocket" Mod. 48 Six-Gun.
    The 31 Colt "Pocket" Model, 1848 cap and ball six-gun, is also known to collectors as the "Baby Dragoon." The barrel lengths were 3, 4, 5, and 6 inches and weighed 23, 24, 26, and 27 ounces, depending on barrel length. The cylinder stop notches were round. Chambered for five shots. They had the square back trigger and guard, and were made without bullet rammer; however, some had the rammer added to them after they were made. These little six-guns are getting pretty scarce, for they are old and had a short life, being made from 1848 to 1849. "Wells Fargo" express messengers carried the Model 1848 six-gun with the short barrel, and these are sometimes called the "Wells Fargo Model" by collectors.

837. Feb. 23, 1957. The Colt "Pocket" Model 48 Six-Gun.
    The 31 Colt "Pocket" Model 1849 six-gun was an improvement over the Model 1848. Some with round barrels and fluted cylinders, and pins in cylinders for the hammer to rest on. They had a five shot cylinder with square stop notches. They were without and with bullet rammer. The ones without rammers are called by collectors the Wells Fargo model, because that's the kind they used. They were made in 4, 5, and 6-inch barrels, and weighed 24 ounces with the 4-inch barrel. These little weapons were made from 1849 to 1872, and was cap and ball.

838. Feb. 23, 1957. The 31 Colt "Pocket" Mod. 50 Six-Gun.
    The 31 Colt "Pocket" Model 50 six-gun was the same, as far as I know, as the Model 1849, except that they had a six-shot cylinder, and, of course, was also cap and ball. The six-gun was made from 1850 to 1872, when Colt was changing to the metallic cartridge weapons.

<Book 78>

839. Feb. 24, 1957. The Colt "Navy" Mod. 51 Six-Gun.
    The Colt "Navy" Model 1851 six-gun was made in 36-caliber and a few in 34-caliber. Some were cut for shoulder stocks. Some had fluted cylinders. Barrel length was 7½ inches and was octagonal; however, some had shorter barrels, and a few had round barrels, and some with shiny swivels. They had the six-shot cylinders and bullet rammers. This one was heavy, weighing forty-two ounces.

840. Feb. 24, 1957. The Colt "Pocket" Model 53 Six-Gun.
    I believe the first of the Colt "Pocket" Model 53 six-guns and 36-caliber came out in 1853. They were made on the same size frame as the 31-caliber pocket model, by cutting away some of the frame so that the 36-caliber cylinder could be used. A few were made in 34-caliber. The barrel lengths were 4½, 5½, and 6½ inches. With 4½-inch barrel the weight was 25 ounces. They had a five-shot cylinder; however, in early days, people called a revolver a six-gun, whether they were a 5 or 6-shot revolver or not.

841. Feb. 28, 1957. The Colt "Walker" Mod. 47 Six-Gun.
    This big, heavy cap and ball six-gun is called "Walker," because they were first produced  for Captain Sam Walker, of the Texas Rangers. The big weapon had an overall length of 15½ inches with a 9-inch barrel, which was round and octagonal at the breech. Some had engraving on the cylinder, and some didn't. The cylinder stop notches were round. The hinged lever rammer was held in place by a spring cramp. With a square-back trigger guard, the frame was oval where the grips join. The rear sight was a notch in the hammer. The standard load was 50 grains of black powder and a conical bullet of 220 grains, made by a load that would be superior to some of the heavy gun cartridges of today. The weight of the "Walker" was 73 ounces. They were made in 1847, and now very rare and the price very high.

842. Mar. 12, 1957. The Colt "Dragoon" Mod. 48 Six-Gun.
    This big, heavy cap and ball six-gun is called by collectors the No. 2 Dragoon Model 1848. It's an improvement over the Colt "Walker," also known as Dragoon No. 1 Model 1847. The No. 2 Dragoon had 7½ or 8-inch barrel, had a square-back trigger guard, and I believe most of them, or all of them, had square cylinder stop notches. The bullet rammer was fastened to the forward part of the barrel with a catch. The frame is the same size and length as the Colt "Walker," but the cylinder is ¼ inch shorter and was 40 grains of black powder. The weight is about 66 ounces. Made in 1848 and 1849, and very rare today.

843. Mar. 13, 1957. The Colt "Dragoon" Mod. 49 Six-Gun.
    The Colt "Dragoon" Model 1849 cap & ball six-gun was an improvement over the Model 1848, and is usually called the No. 3 Dragoon. The barrel lengths were 7½ and 8 inches. The only difference I can see is that the Model 1849 had a rounded-back trigger guard, though I believe a few of the Model 1848s also had rounded-back trigger guards. The Model 1849 with the 7½-inch barrel had a leaf rear sight on the breech end of the barrel and were cut for shoulder stocks, or at least some were. They were 44 caliber and rifled with the gain twist using 40 grains of black powder. The weight was about 66 ounces. Made from 1849 to 1860. I believe the ones cut for shoulder stocks were put in production in about 1858. The big six-guns are getting scarce, and the price is getting high.

844. Mar. 15, 1957. The Colt "Navy" Mod. 61 Six-Gun.
    This was a heavy cap & ball six-gun and 36-caliber with 7½-inch barrel and weighed 42 ounces. Had a six-shot cylinder. This was made from 1861 to 1872 when Colt began to change from cap & ball to the metallic cartridge handguns. Many of these heavy 36-caliber handguns were converted by Colt to use metallic cartridges, namely, the 38 long, Colt center fire, and the 38 long rimfire cartridges. Many were converted by gunsmiths. 20 grains of black powder is a full load for the big, heavy 36-caliber cap & ball six-gun.

845. Mar. 15, 1957. The Colt "Police" Model 62 Six-Gun.
    This Model 1862 was a light pocket size 36-caliber cap & ball six-gun with a five-shot cylinder with barrel lengths, 4½, 5½, and 6 inches long, and weighed 24½ ounces with the short barrel. This was made from 1862 to 1872. 15 grains of black powder is used for this one.

846. Mar. 15, 1957. The Colt "Army" Mod. 60 Six-Gun.
    This was a 43-ounce six-gun with 7½ or 8-inch barrel lengths. This one is lighter than the "Dragoons" and was about 25 grains of black powder. Many of these were converted to the 44 Colt center fire, and a few to the 44 Henry rimfire cartridges. These cap & ball six-guns were made from 1860 to 1872.

847. Mar. 15, 1957. The Colt "Root" Mod. 55 Six-Gun.
    This little pocket cap & ball handgun is called by collectors the "Root side hammer," because a man by the name of Root invented it. The hammer was located on the side. This was the first solid frame handgun by Colt. They had a sheath trigger guard. Made in two calibers, 265 and 31, and two barrel lengths, 3½ and 4½, and the weight was 16 ounces for the short barrel. The barrels were round, half octagonal, or full octagonal with bullet rammer. They were made from about 1857 to 1872.

848. Apr. 12, 1957. The Colt Mod. 1872 Six-Gun.
    The Colt Model 1872 was the first or one of the first handguns by Colt to use metallic cartridges. My guess is that they were made while Colt was tooling up for production of the single action Army, and after they had converted their stock of cap and ball six-guns to use metallic cartridges. This Model 1872 was made only about two years or less, in 1872, and probably in 1873. They used the 44 Henry rimfire cartridges, side rod ejector, 7½-inch barrel, although some may have had 5½ and 4½-inch barrels, as well as the 7½-inch. They were pretty much the same as the 44 Army cap & ball. They had a brass trigger guard and backstrap, or at least some did, if not all. The rear sight of being part of the barrel at the breech end. They had an open top frame like the Colt cap & ball six-guns.

<Book 79>

849. May 25, 1957. The Colt S.A. "Frontier" Six-Gun.
    This famed Colt single action, "Frontier" six-shooter first came out in 1873 for the 45 long Colt cartridge and was called "Army" later. Other calibers were added and became known as "Frontier," also "Peacemaker." It was down through the years made in more than a dozen calibers, with three barrel lengths; however, at one time a few were made with extra short barrels, and without the ejector rod. A few were made as target models also. The price in 1915 for this famed six-shooter was about fifteen dollars. They are still made in two calibers and two barrel links for the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dollars.

850. June 30, 1957. The Colt "Old Line" Revolver.
    The Colt "Old Line" revolver was a little one, only weighed eight ounces, and chambered for the 22 long rimfire cartridges, which in early days was a pretty weak number. This little revolver looked a lot like the Colt cap and ball revolver with its open top. In fact, it was the first or one of the first revolvers made by Colt to use metallic cartridges. It first came out in 1870 with an injector rod, but after a couple of years or so they were made with the ejector rod and continued to be made up to 1885. They had the bird's-head grips and straight round cylinder and round barrels, about three inches long. This was, of course, a single-action revolver with a seven-shot cylinder.

851. July 9, 1957. The Colt "House" Revolver.
    The Colt "House" revolver was a solid frame with bird's-head grips and sheath trigger guard, chambered for 41 rimfire cartridges. Most of these had cylinders with four chambers and shaped like a cloverleaf on the outside. These four-shot revolvers are called "Cloverleaf" by collectors. Some, however, were made with the regular round five-shot cylinders. The early ones had straight up hammers, while the later ones had the regular hammers. Some were made with rod ejectors, while others had none. They had both round and octagonal barrels. They were made from 1871 to 1875. They had embedded-head cylinders, much like some of the modern revolvers. Barrels were from 1½ to 3½ inches long and weighed from 14 to 15 ounces.

852. July 9, 1957. The Colt "New Line House" revolver.
    The Colt "New Line House" revolver had a solid frame and square grips without ejector rod, 2½-inch barrel. Made in calibers, 38 long Colt center fire, 38 long rimfire, 41 long Colt center fire, and 41 long rimfire. They had a loading gate on the right side. In 1884 they sold for $10.00. The grips were either wood or hard rubber and a few had the police and thug picture. On the hard rubber grips. The frame was the same as the "New Line Pocket" and the "New Line Police." The cylinder notches were either on the outside or in the rear of the cylinder. The "New Line House" revolvers are quite rare these days. They were made from 1874 to 1890.

853. July 27, 1957. The Colt New Line "Pocket" Revolver.
    This was about the same as the "New Line House" revolver, except the grips on the "New Line Pocket" were the bird's-head style instead of the square style. Was solid frame, with sheath trigger guard, round half fluted cylinder. Most of them had wooden grips, 1½ to 3½-inch barrels. Made from 1873 to 1890. Made in center fire calibers for 32 long Colt, 38 long Colt, 41 long Colt, and in rimfire calibers for 22 long, 30 long, 32 long, 38 long, and 41 long. Seven shots for 22 long caliber, and five shots for all the other calibers. Made without loading lever or loading gate. The 22 long caliber was priced at $5.00 in 1884. The 30 long $7.00 and the 41 long rimfire for $8.00.

854. Aug. 1, 1957. The Colt "New Line Police" Revolver.
    The Colt "New Line Police" revolver was about the same as the "New Line House" in the "New Line Pocket," the barrel being longer, and it had a side rod ejector. The grips were square and hard rubber, and at the bottom was carved a picture of a policeman overcoming a thug, and it is often called "Police & Thug Revolver" by collectors.

855. Aug. 28, 1957. The Colt "Deringer" No. 1 pistol.
    The Colt "Deringer" No. 1 pistol was an odd-looking single-shot pistol, chambered for the 41 short rimfire cartridge. The barrel was 2½ inches long. This all-metal pistol was a small one, about 9 ounces and 4¼ inches overall length. This little weapon was made from 1870 to 1890.

856. Aug. 28, 1957. The Colt "Deringer" No. 2 Pistol.
    The Colt "Deringer" No. 2 pistol was chambered for the 41 short rimfire cartridge. The grips on this single-shot pistol was wood bird's-head shape. The barrel was 2½ inches long. This was a small light pistol, about 9 ounces and 5¼ inches overall length. This was a good-looking little pistol and was made from 1870 to 1890.

857. Aug. 28, 1957. The Colt "Deringer" No. 3 Pistol.
    This little seven-ounce pistol was chambered for the 41 short rimfire cartridge and looked very much like the Colt No. 2 "Deringer". This one was 4½ inches overall length, with a barrel length of 2½ inches. This was a nice-looking little single-shot pistol, and was made from 1875 to 1912.

858. Nov. 29, 1857. The Colt "Lightning" Revolver.
    The Colt "Lightning" revolver came out during the last half of the 1870s. This was the first double-action revolver by Colt. They were very fine revolvers except that they had a poor cylinder stop arrangement. The average weight was about 25 ounces. Made in either 38 long Colt, or 41 long Colt calibers, and of course the shorts for both calibers could be used if less power was desired. The 2½ and 3½-in. barrel revolvers didn't have any ejector rod, whereas the 4½ and 6-inch barrel revolvers did. They had the bird's-head grips, of checkered hard rubber, although a few had the rosewood grips. They were rather a long life weapon, the manufacturing of which stopped in 1912.

859. Dec. 27, 1957. The Colt D.A. Frontier.
    This big double-action revolver was a good one except that it had a very poor cylinder lock arrangement. Was almost like the "Lightning" made except larger and had a ring on the bird's-head grip frame butt. It first came out in the late 1870s and was the first, or one of the first double-action revolvers made by Colt. This was made in several calibers, 32 W.C.F., 38 W.C.F., 44 W.C.F., 41 long Colt, 45 long Colt and probably others. The barrel lengths were 4¾, 5½ and 7½ inches with ejector rod and a few were made with 3½ or 4-inch barrels without the ejector rod. The weight was about 39 ounces with the long barrel. They sold for $20.00 in 1884. Production was stopped in about 1905. During the year of 1902 a few were made with a large trigger guard for use in a cold climate where gloves were worn, and the large trigger guard permitted firing with gloved hands. The were called the "Alaskan" model. They were also used in the Philippines and are often called the "Philippine" model also. I believe these with the large trigger guards were made in 45 long Colt caliber only and was used by the U.S. Army.

860. Feb. 15, 1958. The Colt "Frontier Bisley" Six-Gun.
    The Colt "Fronter Bisley" single-action six-shooter is one of the best six-shooters that Colt made. Came out in the 1890s and taken out of production in 1912. Could be had in several calibers and three barrel lengths. A few target models were made, and they are called by collectors the "Flat-Top Bisley." A few were made with a short barrel without ejector rod. The most popular calibers were 32-20 Win., 38-40 Win., 44-40 Win., and 45 long Colt, although other calibers were made even for 22 rimfire.

861. Apr. 10, 1958. The Truth About Reelfoot.
    The story about the famed grizzly bear Reelfoot was told to me many times by one of the bear's slayers, my uncle Wm. A. Wright, also my father, Thos. J. Wright, who hunted unsuccessfully for the bear, as did other early settlers.
    The following is a statement of facts concerning this grizzly monarch and the events relative to his career of violence among the herds of cattle in the Siskiyou Mountains and vicinity for more than twenty years. The many unsuccessful attempts to capture him and his death at last by the rifles of Wm. A. Wright and Purl Bean. Many stories have been told and printed about this bear, which in most cases is incomplete, or of dubious validity, wild guesses, and speculation.
    He was tough, and he lived to be old. His teeth were short and worn from many years of hard usage. He was one of the largest bears of his kind killed anywhere. Many incidents were related of the wanton killing of cattle in the vicinity of Pilot Rock and Jenny Creek; cattlemen were awed by the giant size and his cunning. The stories and killing of other grizzlies have about all been forgotten, but the tale of Reelfoot is still told.
    The end of Reelfoot was the dawn of a new era for the cattlemen, an era free from the torment of cattle losses. He was hated, feared and hunted, but always respected; after sixty-eight years, his stuffed hide is still hunted.
    I have heard it said that all things must someday come to an end. How true this was of the grizzly race after the coming of the white man, with his onslaught of expanding programs for the fortune and fame, his onward push of the cattle industry into the remote areas spelled the end of all the grizzlies.
    Many years have passed since grizzly bears roamed the forest of Southern Oregon and Northern California, particularly in the Siskiyou Mountains, but the memory of Reelfoot still lingers. Tales of his great size, immense strength, his ability to outwit the human schemes to kill him coupled with his uncanny instincts are told wherever old timers meet.
    During the late 1880s it was believed that Reelfoot was the last remaining grizzly in and around the Siskiyous; however, in the spring of 1890 a large grizzly was killed in the vicinity of Secret Mountain by R. M. Frain, W. L. Frain, and Frank Ream. This bear had killed a number of cattle in the mountains surrounding Butte Valley; a $500 reward was offered by the cattlemen for his scalp. To my knowledge, the last known grizzly to roam the Siskiyous was killed in 1902 by Gordon Jacobs of Hornbrook, California along the California-Oregon border west of Hilt. However, grizzly tracks were reported later.
    During the early years of cattle producing in Siskiyou and Jackson counties, cattle killed by grizzlies were considerable. As the cattlemen increased their herds the kills became larger. Cattlemen and hunters killed grizzlies wherever they found them; hence, the grizzly population was reduced. But still the number of cattle killed was at an alarming figure and it became evident as time went on that two large grizzlies were doing most of the killing.
    Robert Bruce Grieve, an experienced hunter and trapper, and also a cattle producer with his brothers, set a trap in the vicinity of Skookum Gulch and in time caught a large female grizzly, said to be one of the largest yet killed in the Siskiyous, but this killing didn't stop the cattle killing and [it] was evident that one more overgrown grizzly was doing the killing. For some time the cattlemen tried to kill him with guns, traps and poison. He was of gigantic size and his tracks could, by the large size, be distinguished from other grizzlies, and the way he killed full-grown cattle was beyond imagination of men.
    It was again that Robert Bruce Grieve set a trap for the bear in the Skookum Gulch area, and after repeated efforts, succeeded in getting him in the trap, but he escaped, leaving three of his toenails in the trap. This made his left front footprint appear like it turned in a little, hence the name "Reelfoot." From that time on, any cattle killed by this bear were easily recognized. It was found that he roamed a great expanse of territory, his Reelfoot tracks telling of his visit in many places. He would disappear from the Pilot Rock and Jenny Creek areas for several months at a time. Old timers claimed that he went as far as Silver Lake, Oregon and southward to Humboldt County in California. He seemed to kill, eat and move on, although his main travels were along the California-Oregon border, between the Klamath River on the east and Pilot Rock on the west. His enormous strength and weight enabled him to kill a full-grown beef with as much ease as an ordinary bear would kill a calf. He would rush upon a beef, usually from a point of vantage on an elevation above his prey, and bear it to the ground, would close his powerful jaws over the animal's back, just behind the shoulders, and crush the bones of shoulder and back. Cattle killed in this manner had about the carcasses the tracks of Reelfoot.
    In the spring of 1882, J. D. Williams of Ashland, Oregon, was herding his flock of sheep in the vicinity of Bald Mountain; he witnessed one of Reelfoot's battles. His sheep were grazing on a hillside; below him in a glade a bunch of cattle under the leadership of a big bull, and belonging to David M. Horn, were quietly feeding. The instant the bear appeared, Williams took to a tree and viewed the struggle from that vantage point at a distance of about fifty yards. The unsuspecting cattle did not see the bear until he rushed in and killed a calf standing beside its mother. The cow attempted to defend her calf, but a stroke from the bear's paw left the cow dead. The bull charged down upon the bear; Reelfoot was knocked off his feet by the impact. He arose with a growl and charged the bull several times until he succeeded in bringing him to his death. The bear made a meal of the calf, then wallowed in a mud hole and left. Williams identified the bear by the tracks after the fight was over.
    Wm. A. Wright tried repeatedly to trap him but always failed. He then tried out a plan of setting his 50-70 Sharps carbine to kill him. The intelligence and cunning of the bear was soon evident. Wright arranged his loaded carbine, tied to a tree along Slide Creek in such a way that he thought it impossible for the bear to get at the bait without standing where he would receive the bullet from the carbine. The bear [instead] approached the bait from the lower side, reached around the tree and started to pull the bait away when the carbine was discharged but the bullet missed! Again and again Wright tried every plan known to effect his capture, but always failed, so for a time gave it up.
    Sometime during the cattle-killing career of Reelfoot, "Sal" Shattock of Henley, California witnessed the killing of a two-year-old steer by Reelfoot.
    For several years, the herds of cattle were being depleted by this grizzly's vicious acts. The cattlemen banded together and offered a sizable reward for his capture. Among those having the largest herds and suffering the heaviest losses were Major Barron of Ashland, Oregon [and] David M. Horn of Hornbrook, California. These cattlemen, along with others, combined and offered a reward of $2700.00 to any person or persons who could prove the killing of Reelfoot. This stimulated the hunters of this region to extraordinary efforts, and many a hard day's tramp and many lonely nights by campfires resulted only in confirming the hunters in the belief that Reelfoot could not be caught.
    Hunters and cattlemen, single and in groups, hunted for him again and again, but to no avail! His tracks were often seen and he was known to be in the vicinity but he kept out of sight of the hunters.
    Reelfoot possessed a remarkable cunning in eluding all his pursuers, avoiding the dangers of the many traps set for him. He would seldom return to a kill after he had eaten a meal. It took a beef for every meal. For many years he baffled the efforts of the best hunters to kill or trap him.
    George Cook, a noted hunter and guide in this region, put in quite a lot of time seeking Reelfoot and got a shot at the noted bear and lodged a 38-55 rifle bullet in his shoulder, where it was found flattened against the shoulder blade after the bear was killed, many years later.
    During the spring following the hard winter of 1889 and 1890, hundreds of cattle had just been loosed on the range land to graze the southward slopes of hillsides between Hornbrook and Pilot Rock. Reelfoot frequently roamed the Pilot Rock areas during the early spring, and it was believed that he was denned up during the winters in that part of the country.
    On April 4th 1890, Wm. A. Wright saddled his horse at his home ranch on Camp Creek and rode to Hornbrook. On his return he met Pedro Smith, who lived on his homestead in the head of Dry Creek, on his way to Klamathon. He reported to Wright the killing of a cow by Reelfoot along Dry Creek, belonging to David M. Horn. Smith also reported the incident around Klamathon. Wright continued on his way, stopping at the home ranch of the Bean family on Pine Creek. He invited Purl Bean to go with him the following day to hunt for the cattle-killing bear. Bean, an experienced hunter himself, was delighted to try his luck. The next morning on arriving at the Bean ranch, Wright found three other hunters who were on their way to hunt for Reelfoot also. On that day, April 5th 1890, the five hunters started after this famous bear, fully determined to kill him if possible. They decided to separate, three going in a different direction than the other two. The country was rough, with its deep rocky canyons, mostly covered with thick brush and deep snow on the north hillsides, consequently one that was very difficult for man or beast to travel over.
    Wm. A. Wright and Purl Bean, who were together, found fresh tracks of the bear and thought it best to report the finding to the rest of the party. After a brief rest the five men returned to the spot of fresh tracks, following them for several miles, [and] soon sighted the bear in the distance. One of the party, being the owner of some dogs and brought along for the purpose, unleashed them on the bear's trail and against the expressed wishes of the remainder of the party; consequently both bear and dogs kept out of sight of the hunters, so the chase ended unsuccessfully again. Weary and disheartened after hunting for four days, the men were ready to return to their homes. Owing to the results of this hunt, Wright and Bean decided to try again by themselves the very next day.
    Both of these men were good hunters and mountaineers and knew the area they were to cover. Wright was 41 years of age, seasoned with many years' experience on the frontier and having three previous escapes from grizzlies. His physical ruggedness and determined courage fitted him well for the hardships and dangers often met with the Western frontier. While Bean was a youth of 17 years but much older in experience, had grown up in the mountains. He was of the real frontier type, a good hunter and a crack shot, endowed with great courage.
    So at the dawn of a new day, April 10th 1890, Wright and Bean with two dogs started on a bear hunt that resulted in the death of the much-feared grizzly Reelfoot, and was to grace the pages of history and the talk of the country far and near for years to come.
    After traveling several miles, they came suddenly upon the object of their hunt, about three miles south of Pilot Rock, near Wildcat Gulch in Siskiyou County, California, and near the Oregon border.
    The bear, when first sighted, had just gotten up from his bed made on a flattened wood rat's nest. It was believed that he had gotten the scent of the hunters and his cunning instinct started him to move along his way. The hunters were standing on a hillside about one hundred feet from the little gulch, looking up at the bear on the opposite hillside some three hundred feet from the gulch. They both fired at once from a distance of about one hundred and twenty-five yards, as the bear left his bed; both bullets took effect. As soon as shot, he showed fight and made for the hunters, tearing up with his teeth grubs and brush in his anger and fighting the two dogs as he came. Blended with the rifle fire was the barking of the dogs, the roaring growls of an enraged grizzly bear. The hunters stood their ground, to kill or be killed, taking good aim and firing as fast as possible and with good effect. By this time the bear had fought his way down to the bottom of the gulch where the dogs bayed him for a short time, thus giving the hunters time to reload their repeating rifles.
    Although the bear showed some sign of weakening, the dogs were tired also. The men agreed that Wright would shoot for his head and Bean for the heart. Wright told Bean to run when he had emptied his rifle, that he would fight it out to a finish, and there was no need for both to get killed, but the youthful Bean replied that he would stay till the end. With their rifles fully loaded again, they started firing; still the weakened bear fought his way up the side of the gulch, trying to get at his assailants. When within forty feet of the men, the great bear unexpectedly toppled over dead; thus ended the career of this much-feared grizzly.
    It was never known how many cattle this old and vicious grizzly killed during the twenty-odd years he was known to be a killer, but the figures were probably in the hundreds.
    With horses and sled, the two hunters hauled the bear down from the mountains to the Bean ranch home and prepared the hide for mounting. After the hide was mounted it was placed on a wagon drawn by two mules and displayed for ten cents per person in towns and villages throughout Western Oregon and Northern California.
    Wright, a family man with a ranch and cattle, was anxious to sell the bear and return to his home. This was accomplished in, I believe, 1892 for the sum of $500.00. The bear was then displayed in many cities and towns throughout the United States and finally seemed to have disappeared. In the late 1930s, an effort was made to locate the mounted bear by Gordon Jacobs and others, to have it returned and placed in the Siskiyou County Museum in Yreka, California. Several clues were run down and checked but to no avail. Servicemen returning from World's War Two from overseas reported that they believed the bear was in a museum in London, England, so the hunt began again; all museums in England, France, and Germany were contacted without success. At this writing, the whereabouts of the memorable old bear, Reelfoot, is a mystery.
    In 1912 I acquired the number six Newhouse trap which Wright tried to catch the bear in and failed, and in 1922 the number 6 Newhouse trap from which Reelfoot escaped became mine; this trap was stolen from my ranch in 1950. In 1924 I became the owner of the 50-70 Sharps carbine used by Wright as a set gun but this was destroyed in a fire the same year. The three toenails were, for many years, on display at the home ranch of the Grieve brothers, where one of them was stolen. The remaining two toenails, which are four and a half inches long, are owned by George A. Grieve and on display in the Siskiyou County Museum in Yreka, California. Mrs. Mackey, sister of Purl Bean, still has the bullets taken from Reelfoot after he was killed. It is not known what became of Bean's 44-40 Winchester Model 1873 rifle used in slaying the bear. In 1922 I inherited the 56-46 Spencer rifle that Wright used, which has a heavy barrel made by G. A. Nordheim, an early day gunsmith in Yreka, California. I also have some pictures of the mounted Reelfoot.
    In conclusion, I hope this article has given some of the real facts and will clear up many of the misleading statements that have been made and printed about Reelfoot.

<Insert 80-81>

<Book 82>

862. Aug. 21, 1958. The Colt "New Navy" Revolver.
    The Colt "New Navy" revolver came out in 1889 and was adopted by the U.S. Navy in the same year in 38 long Colt caliber. When it first came out, it didn't have any cylinder stop notches, the cylinder being held in place by the hand and the cylinder latch. In 1892 this was changed, and from then on, the cylinder stop notches were on the cylinders, two for each chamber. In 1904 the 38-caliber revolver was chambered for the new 38 Smith & Wesson Special Smokeless Powder Cartridge with throated chambers and reduced caliber barrel to fit the smaller bullet of the new type load. From 190, it was furnished for the 32 W.C.F. cartridge, now known as 32-20. It was made also from 1889 for the 41 long Colt cartridge. The "New Navy" was made till 1908 when it was improved and called "Army Special." In 1890 the "New Navy" sold for $15.00. It came in either nickel or blue finish with 3, 4½, or 6-inch barrel lengths, and weighed 32 ounces with the long barrel. When I was young, there were a lot of those "New Navy" revolvers in use in 41 long Colt caliber, and 38 long Colt caliber, and the later ones in 38 Smith & Wesson special caliber. The early revolvers, before 1904, chambered for the 38 long Colt cartridges, would chamber and fire the 38 Smith & Wesson special cartridges, which has a little more power, therefore should not be fired in the early revolvers. They will even chamber the 357 magnum cartridges, but don't ever fire the powerful 357 magnum in those old revolvers, or someone may be digging a hole for you. In those days the 22 long rifle rimfire cartridges were pretty weak, and those who carried a revolver wanted it for business to be used as a tool. They didn't carry them for a toy to play with. A few of those old timers that I knew back their words up with those Colt "New Navys." I saw a lot of the 41 long Colt calibers, "New Navys" in use, and about as many in 38 long Colt caliber, and the later 38 Smith & Wesson special caliber, but I don't remember anyone using one chambered for the 32-20 caliber.

863. Aug. 22, 1958. The Colt "New Army" Revolver.
    The Colt "New Army" revolver was the same as the "New Navy" revolver, except it had smooth wood grips, with a lanyard ring on the butt. The several I have seen had 6-inch barrels and was chambered for the 38 long Colt cartridges.

864. Aug. 22, 1958. The Colt "Marine Corps" Revolver.
    This one was the same as the late issue of the Colt "New Navy" revolver, except all had 6-inch barrels only and had rounded checkered wood grips. Was made, from 1904 to 1908 in 38 Smith & Wesson special caliber only, and was adopted by the Marine Corps.

865. Oct. 20, 1958. The Colt "New Pocket" Revolver.
    The Colt "New Pocket" revolver was a small frame model brought out in 1895. It weighs 16 ounces with 3½-inch barrel. This revolver could be had with 2½, 3½, and 6-inch barrel lengths. chambered for the 32 long Colt cartridge; however, I believe some were made for the 32 Colt "New Police" cartridge in around 1905. It was in 1905 when the positive lock feature was invented and applied to the "New Pocket" and its name changed to "Pocket Positive." The name "New Pocket" was from 1895 to 1905.

<Book 1>

June 1, 1959
    During the Mexican War, the only revolvers issued to United States troops was the Colt "Walker," Model 1847. The Colt "Dragoon" revolvers were an improvement over the "Walker" revolvers and were made up till 1860. Most of the handguns used in the Mexican War were the smooth-bore, flintlock, and percussion single-shot muzzle-loading pistols, and even as late as the Civil War, some of these were used due to the scarcity of firearms.

June 4, 1959.
    Today is my birthday. I am 62 years old, and I feel my age. 62 years ago I was born in the old pioneer town of Henley, in Calif., in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Willis A. Moore. During the years that followed I saw some pretty hard times. I know what it is to be cold and hungry, and do without things I need. Surviving poverty and hardships is not very easy to bear. Now at my age I can't take the hardships as I used to, so how am I going to make a living and pay taxes I do not know.

June 25, 1959.
    Late yesterday evening, 20-year-old Charles Starkweather was put to death in the electric chair in Lincoln, Nebraska. Several months ago, Starkweather with his 15-year-old girlfriend went on a killing rampage across two states, killing eleven people. The girl, I believe, got ten years in prison while her boyfriend, Starkweather, got death. They say that the teachings of Christ says, "Thou shall not kill." I presume that means that it is against the "Ten Commandments" to kill. I also presume that it matters not who kills, be it the state of Nebraska, or the one Starkweather. Taking a life, be it legal or otherwise, in my opinion, does not serve any purpose at all, unless it be in self-defense. I hold that both Starkweather and the state of Nebraska was guilty of murder in cold blood.

Oct. 19, 1959.
    Caryl Chessman, convicted kidnap-rapist who has been in the death house for eleven years, is doomed to die in California's gas chamber on Oct.r 23, 1959. Gov. Edmund G. Brown today refused to grant clemency. Chessman's lawyer, however, has appealed to the United States Supreme Court for a stay. Gov. Brown, they say, is opposed to capital punishment, and yet he refuses to save a man's life, due, I suppose, to the fact that the laws does not permit him to grant clemency, whereas Chessman had been previously convicted of a major crime. It seems to me that capital punishment is more or less a way to get revenge by most people, and does not serve any useful purpose at all and should be abolished. Punishing people with death does not have any place in our modern society.

Nov. 19, 1959.
    James A. Garfield, twentieth President of the United States from Mar. 4, 1881 to Sept. 19, 1881, was born on Nov. 19, 1831, at Orange, Ohio, and died on Sept. 19, 1881 at Elberon, New Jersey, where he had been sent to recover from wounds of an assassin who shot him in the railroad station at Washington on July 2, 1881, at the age of 49 years. Buried in Lake View Cemetery at Cleveland, Ohio. Vice President Chester A. Arthur became President.

Dec. 1, 1959.
    Edward Maynard was a dentist. He developed and improved many dental instruments and made many important contributions to dentistry. Despite his contributions to dental science, Maynard has been remembered for his inventions in firearms. In 1845 he patented the tape primer, which was adopted for official United States firearms in 1855. In 1851 he invented an improvement in breech-loading rifles, which resulted in the Maynard rifles and carbines. He also patented a number of other improvements in firearms. He was born in Madison, New York, on Apr. 26, 1813. He died in Washington, D.C., on May 4, 1891.

Dec. 7, 1959.
    Remember Pearl Harbor? Eighteen years ago today in 1941. This was a sad and gloomy day, and for several years afterwards. A few hours after the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan, the United States entered World's War Two, the largest and most costly war of all times. While President Franklin D. Roosevelt was telling the people that it wouldn't happen again. I can remember very well back in 1917 when the United States entered World's War One, and President Woodrow Wilson telling the people that it was a war to end all wars. Well you see since President Wilson's time in the White House, we have had World's War Two and the Korean Conflict, and there are still rumors of war.

Dec. 17, 1959.
    It was during the winter of 1934 and 1935 when I had a trap line along the Klamath River. During this time, Chas. Liskey had just acquired a roan and white two-year-old stallion from near Chico, Calif. It was said that he was nearly a thoroughbred. In any event, he was a nice-looking colt. "Chico," as he was called, was in the Liskey family all the rest of his life. He died about six months ago after he had gotten his hind leg broken while he was in care of John Liskey. He then was in the care of a vet, where he recovered, or nearly did, when he got the leg broken over again. The vet then claimed that there was no more chance to mend the leg again. Chico was then put to death at the age of about 26 years. He had been used as a riding and breeding stallion since he was about three years old.

Jan. 7, 1960.
    Hopkins & Allen of Norwich, Conn., makers of shotguns, rifles, and revolvers, was organized in 1868 and was managed and controlled by three Hopkins brothers, Chas. W, Harry H., and Samuel. They made firearms under their own patents, and for the firm of Merwin & Hulbert. Their first revolver was probably a percussion type. During World's War One they made Belgian Mauser rifles. After the war, the firm went out of business.

Jan. 8, 1960.
    Henry Deringer, Jr., a Philadelphia, Pa. gunsmith, became world famous due to the little pistols he made known as the Deringer. He created the first model in 1825. These were muzzle-loading percussion cap pistols ranging from around 30 to 50 caliber, though I believe most were 41 caliber. The little Deringers were widely copied by other makers, but usually the name was Deringer. Some were Beringer and Herringer. The Deringer became so popular that any small pistol was called a Deringer. These Deringers run up in the cartridge types, like the Remington, Colt, and many others. And Deringers are still being made.

Jan. 10, 1960.
    The famed old Colt single-action six-shooter, known as "Army," "Peacemaker," and "Frontier," sold for $16.00 when it first came out in 1873. This famed six-shooter had been made in several calibers, and has killed many a man, and probably will kill some more. It used to be carried by soldier boys, and was the pride of cowboys, peace officers, and outlaws. It's still being made in two or more calibers and two or more barrel lengths. The only changes made since 1873 that I know of is the cylinder pin lock, the grips, and probably better or stronger steel in the cylinder and barrel, into different rifling for some smokeless powder. The present price is $125.00. I gave the T. Jones Co. of Hornbrook, Calif., $15.50 for mine, brand new in a factory box and grease. It was a pretty thing with its blue and case hardening colors. For twenty years, the old Colt was hung on my belt, so naturally, the finish is worn away, but it's still a pretty darn good tool to have handy.

Jan. 14, 1960.
    It was on Oct. 19, 1959, when I gave my old branding iron to Goldie Miller, who is a branding iron collector. I believe it was in 1919, when I gave "Jap" Crenshaw $3.00 to make the brand in his blacksmith shop at the old town of Klamathon. Crenshaw was a blacksmith at Klamathon for many years, and a good one, too. My old bridle bit was made in his shop by his son, George, I believe, in the late 1920s. I gave the bit to my friend, "Tex" Ewell, who is a bridle bit collector who lives at Klamathon.

Feb. 7, 1960.
    In 1890, Winchester Repeating Arms Company purchased a patent from the Browning Bros. of Ogden, Utah, covering a slide-action shotgun with visible hammer and side ejection. In June 1893, this shotgun was placed on the market as the Winchester Repeating Shotgun, Model 1893. The Model 1893 did not prove entirely satisfactory for the use with the smokeless powder shells then coming into popular use, thus its manufacture was discontinued in 1897. In Nov. 1897, Winchester offered an improved version of this shotgun designed Model 1897. This offering was in 12 gauge, solid frame only. The takedown model in 12 gauge was added in Oct. 1898, followed by the 16 gauge takedown in 1900. Various other grades and types were eventually introduced, including the Riot 12 gauge, with 20-inch cylinder bore barrel. Until 1914, Damascus barrels were optionally available at extra cost for the Model 1897. Serial numbers were a continuation of the Model 1893 series, with the first Model 1897 gun bearing the number 34151. Manufacturer of the Model 1897 was discontinued on Jan. 1, 1957. Serial number of the last model 1897 shotgun was 1024700, and it was shipped from the factory on Sept. 27, 1957.

Feb. 12, 1960.
    Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States, was born on Feb. 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. Of English stock, he was self-educated and became President. This great man's climb upward to the highest office should be a lesson to some of those screwballs who think that a fellow can't be taught anything unless he goes to school in a million-dollar schoolhouse. Lincoln was married to Mary Todd in 1842. They had four sons. Lincoln died on April 15, 1865, the victim of an assassin's bullet. He was 56 years of age. He was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.

Feb. 19, 1960.
    California's governor, Edwin G. Brown, made headlines when last night, just after midnight, he granted a sixty days stay of execution for Caryl Chessman less than ten hours before he was to die in San Quentin gas chamber. The gov., who was opposed to capital punishment, has, or will, asked the special session of the legislature to abolish capital punishment. The gov. made his decision, they say, mostly because of a telegram from the United States State Dept. that if Chessman was put to death, it might endanger the safety of President Eisenhower on his South American tour in a few days, for some of those countries don't have capital punishment and don't believe in it. Gov. Brown, a Dem., is now being criticized for his action by both Democrats and Republicans. It is very doubtful, it seems to me, at this time that the lawmakers will abolish capital punishment, but the people of Calif., as well as most of the lawmakers, are too bloodthirsty. People are killers, and believe in revenge rather than a cure. But at the same time, they will go to church, and many belong to churches and say they believe in the Ten Commandments, which one says, "Thou shalt not kill." Killing to me is killing, whoever does it, state or otherwise. To me, there is no such a thing as legal killing except in self-defense. I think capital punishment is wrong and should be abolished, not only in Calif., but all over the world. It don't serve any purpose at all, unless it's revenge. Chessman was convicted for kidnapping, attempted rape, and armed robbery, and has always said he was innocent. This case is known worldwide. Letters and telegrams have been pouring in from most parts of the world, asking that Chessman's life be spared. I think that Gov. Brown acted in good faith and did the right thing.

Feb. 21, 1960.
    Vice President Richard M. Nixon, who has been in his home state, Calif., for the past few days, campaigning for the Rep. Presidential nomination, said Calif. should keep capital punishment. I was shocked to think that a man of his position and caliber standing up for such cruel and unjust punishment for his fellow man. He should know that the Tenth Commandment says, "Thou shalt not kill." He should know also that it is wrong to kill. If he don't, he should not hold a public office. We have too many of that kind already in office.

Feb. 22, 1960.
    George Washington, the first President of the United States, from April 30, 1789, to March 4, 1797, was born on Feb.y 22, 1732 in Virginia. Married in 1759. They didn't have any children. He died on Dec. 14, 1799 at Mt. Vernon, Va., at 67 years of age. Buried at Mt. Vernon. Philadelphia was the capital during most of Washington's two terms.

Feb. 28, 1960.
    The Deringer pistols got their name from Henry Deringer, a gunsmith who set himself up in business in Philadelphia in 1806. In 1825 he designed and manufactured a short percussion pocket pistol of good quality and workmanship. Other arms makers adopted the name Deringer for their little pistols. The name Deringer still lives to this day for little single and double pocket pistols of modern makes.

Feb. 29, 1960.
    Arthur W. Savage submitted his first rifle to a board of officers empowered to select a magazine arm for the United States military service. The rifle was eliminated from consideration during the course of trials. Savage offered an improved version of his rifle on the commercial market in 1895. This was made by the Marlin Firearms Co., chambered for the then new caliber 303 Savage smokeless powder cartridge. The Savage Arms Co. was incorporated in 1897, and in Jan. of 1899 offered the Savage repeating rifle Model 1899 in caliber 303 Savage only, an improvement over the Model 1895. The calibers 32-40, Ballard & Marlin, 38-55, Ballard & Marlin, 25-35 W.C.F. and 30-30 W.C.F. followed, and in 1912 was chambered for the then new caliber 22 Savage high power, and in 1913 the caliber 250-3000 Savage cartridge. The Savage Model 1899 has been made in many different grades and styles, and is now called Model 99. It is currently offered in calibers 243 Win., 250-3000 Savage, 300 Savage, 308 Win., and 358 Win., in solid frame style only.

Mar. 6, 1960.
    Black gunpowder is the oldest explosive. It is made from a mixture of about 75% saltpeter, 15% charcoal and 10% sulfur. There are four sizes of granulations for different sizes of cartridges.

Mar. 7, 1960.
    James Wolfe Ripley championed the rifled musket. He was born in Windham County, Conn., on Dec. 10, 1794. Died in Hartford, Conn., on March 15, 1870.

Mar. 21, 1960.
    Flobert rifles got its name from the French gun designer Flobert. In 1835, he conceived the idea of inserting a lead bullet directly in the percussion cap of that day and flanging the rim of it for easy extractions. No powder was used. By the 1845-47 period, he had perfected the idea and was making rifles and pistols for the new cartridge. It was practically the same as the later caliber 22 C.B. bulleted breech cap, and the caliber C.B. conical bullet cap. Smith & Wesson got the credit for inventing the caliber 22 short cartridge, but to do so, they merely took Flobert's bulleted cap, lengthened it a little, and put in a small powder charge. French production was small, but the Belgians copied the Flobert and exported vast quantities to the United States, even as late as 1910. Some of the later ones were supplied in such calibers as 22 long rim fire, 32 short rim fire, as well as the 22 B.B. cap rim fire.




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