Rev Willy Dunkum, SASS # 61027

I started many years ago with a Marlin Cowboy 44 mag and a pair of Vaquero 44 mag exclusively all loaded with full bore BP. I added a couple more Vaquero Bisley 44 mag pistols. When my Marlin started giving me fits (soon to be remedied) I bought Sgt Eli's 'old' 73 in 44 special and started shooting 44 specials through everything. Rev

To be more clear on this JM Marlin Cowboy 44 mag, I purchased this new many years ago long before there were any Remington made Marlins. I shot thousands of rounds with it, mostly full bore BP and encountered the Marlin jam as I knew eventually I would. I bought a replacement carrier thru Marlin and ran it successfully for years again. I kept the old one just in case i got around to trying to JB Weld it up myself. Then when the jam happened again, Remington had come along but I "just kinew" my new replacement was an old stock Marlin. I began to have issues but did not put two and two together till lI took it to EOT (as a back up). Thats when I was told the new carrier was a Remlin carrier. The smith worked a long time to find a way to make it work, but will only feed 44 mag, not specials as it seems to bump the nose of the bullet up off the top of the receiver before it enters the chamber. The 44 mags will work but not fast, the 44 special becomes a too short situation. I still have the old original carrier, but tried unsuccessfully to JB Weld a feeler guage to it. Perhaps it is not finished properly yet but at least I have something hopefully to work with.. Widder, if you think it can be brought back and care to look at it, I'd appreciate a look see. Rev

Unfortunately I don't remember but he was one of two who were at EOT when it was held at Paradise Pass in Indiana a few years back. Rev

Back atcha pard!

We're in the central target area of Illinois so have it all set for whatever comes our way. Farm has generator as well so self sufficient. Rev

The one I have is also a spanish 10 ga magnum with 3 1/2" shells and 20" barrels. its a hoot to shoot with a full square BP load. Rev

Condolences just doesnt seem to cover the loss sometimes. The understanding of friends who have suffered the same loss helps. I've been there more than I care to count, Currently our 11 year old Yorkie Standard just had his 3rd major surgery and its tough on him, The day will come I know, and my wife said she can't go through it again. Somehow...we need a furball buddy. I can identify with the left over toys and leash...

The Sears and Roebuck Christmas catalog was fought overby us five kids. my brothers and I got our BB guns. He got a the lever action 92 style for Christmas, my great grandmother gave me a Daisy plastic levered tube fed Boy Scout BB rifle. We were given strict instructions about no shooting off the power or telephone lines, no insulators, no signs and no roofs. My great grandmother was a crack shot, I listened to her. Thanks for the memories, Our own kids have their Red Ryders and was taught by a "girl", my wife.

Ive got an American Derringer in 44 mag, SS engraved grips and metal, a real purdy hunk of steel. As for shooting, too much of a handful for the 44 mag so started with a mid range load of 44 special. The 44 Russian is much more fun to shoot. BP was a hoot. Its definitely a two handed situation to shoot as the action is very heavy.

Any derringer? Well one handed with two shots from my American Derringer in 44 magnum may dissuade me from participating.... Rev

My wife's parents come from eastern hills of Ky in early 1900's. She says they said this and more like it. Ever seen a goat butt? Does resemble a diamond.... Rev.

Im sure getting tempted..... Rev

I agree it is getting to appear as a sale gimmick for warm fuzzies but I really blew up when a father came to claim a veteran discount (Lowes and free meal) because his son served and felt he then deserved it. Guess what? They gave it to him.... Sorry but that borders on stolen valor to me. l no longer participate. This year I paid full price for my meal elsewhere.

I've been shooting gunfighter for years, both eyes open, same as others mentioned, left eye/left gun, right eye/right gun and I'm also right handed left eye dominant. When I grab the rifle, I close my left eye. Always have, just habit. But my eyes are getting older and fuzzy but thats a different matter. Rev

prayers sent up for your brothers care and recovery.