Widder, SASS #59054

Years back, Slick came up from Louisiana to E.TN to hang around my little gunshot and brought 3 Marlins with him. Over the next 3 days, we turned those 3 Marlins into Widdermatics and Slick went back home and started modifying Marlins, with my blessings to call them Widdermatics. He did a great job and modified probably a few hundred. Remington took over Marlin and quality made it hard to work on some of them, whether they be modified or not. Parts were getting nearly impossible to get, atleast in a timely manner. All of this made it very difficult to work on Marlin 1894's. Like myself, most of the Marlin 1894's that Slick and I worked on were modified into the 'Widdermatic' mod, mainly due to the way the carrier was modified. Another bit of history: I did not originally start calling my mod the 'Widdermatic'. I had created the modification and didn't tell anyone for about 6 months what I had done because I was testing it in all the local matches. But, because it was performing so well, the guys using those fast 66's and 73's starting calling it the 'Widdermatic' because it seemed to never jam or have any feeding issues. Therefore, the name 'Widdermatic' became its name and stuck. Shortly after, I converted the .45 Colt caliber Marlin into running the Cowboy 45 Special (C45S) without having the need for a short stroke modification. Then, I shortly modified that .45 Marlin to feed the C45S and the .45 Colt cartridge interchangeably without having any feeding or jam issues because I incorporated a 'timing curve' into the carrier ramp. Worked perfectly. I even did a good YouTube video of running one. So, there you have it..... from the horses (jackass) mouth. Y'all have a good day. ..........Widder

I probably derserved being offended and I probably don't deserve an apology. (I'm a charter member of the Rodney Dangerfield club). ..........Widder

When Badlands Bud and I were setting the GF speed records that were going under 2.0 seconds, NEITHER of us were using pistols with a short stroke mod. And we both were using Ruger Vaqueros, .38 special. Could our speeds have been faster with short stroke pistols..... probably. Could we hit a multiple of targets going that fast in a typical Cowboy scenario ........ probably not. I know I couldn't. AND..... I dont know if the other super fast shooters are using SS pistols or not. Short strokes, in my opinion, are NOT the automatic answer to winning the Caddy. PRACTICE is the secret..... correct practice. And not all of us are cut out to be champs, regardless of our practice. As mentioned above, try some SS pistols and see if you like them. But be sure to also try and feel some pistols set up by Jimmy Spur or Longhunter or other reputable Cowboy smiths that are not short stroked. This will give you a good idea as to how YOU will enjoy those pistols. Good luck. ..........Widder

I was rootin for Bama, but they lost. They had their chances to increase their score and/or keep the ball longer towards the end of the game but their performance was a little lacking on certain plays and therefore........... they came up short. Just like when the QB fumbled during a run. Michigan had their misques also. Being an E.TN native (born and raised), I'm a Vol fan basically. But if I were a high school star, knowing my families financial situation, and a nice NIL package was staring me in the face, I would have to consider going with the $$$. I wouldn't sell my loyalty to my country or friends, but choosing between one college over another when SERIOUS money is involved can sure enhance an athlete's life..... and in some situation, enhance the life of his Mom and Dad. Now, for the record, I haven't been offered any NIL money to keep shooting at my local Cowboy clubs. Matter of fact, they charge me to shoot with them. Where's MY money? ..........Widder

Besides those reasons given above, the amount of cleaning solvents and/or oils in your gun can enhance the flame effect. ..........Widder

Cale, and a hand full of other NASCAR heroes brought many of us together around the radio and TV back in their 'hay day'. On Fridays, during my high school days, NASCAR was the major topic of conversation on Fridays and Mondays (after the Sunday race). Thanks for the memories, Cale. RIP. You were loved and admired by many. ..........Widder P.S. - I was there, sitting in turn 4 at Daytona, when Petty won his 200th. And guess who was neck and neck with Petty coming around turn 4 and entering the tri-oval...................... Cale. And if I remember correctly, that was next to the last lap...which finished under a caution flag.

For me, shorter travel distance equates to less time in functioning the firearm. BUT..... to me, it wasn't the amount of time I would save in cocking the pistol for each round, but rather the usage of the short stroke mod kept me from pulling off target sometimes during the firing sequences BECAUSE I wasn't having to cock the pistols to the factory full cocking position. So, it was a simple decision for me. It allowed me to do quicker follow up shots with less misses. So..... the biggest gain for me was 'less misses'. ..........Widder

Oh my. Those are nice........ Very Nice! I like the top one. ..........Widder

That Ole CoonAss knows every secret I got......... Yep, Chicken Feet help add some speed. Thats why TN Williams is a World Champ Duelist. Of course, his carrying a 'pecker bone' in his pocket helps him a lot. ..........Widder

Howdy Warden. Thats a good video, especially if a person is a Munden fan. But I find myself having an issue in the first part of the video at around the 7:30 minute mark. In this segment, he shoots his 1911 like an auto. The secret (its really not a secret cause many of us can do it) to this is that he's holding the pistol with his right hand and his left hand index finger is inside the trigger guard 'slapping' back and forth to achieve that 'auto' firing sequence. He's not "pulling the trigger real fast", as he states. He's 'slapping' the trigger. ..........Widder

Back in the old west, when Miss Kitty served up a 'COLD' beer to Matthew and Festus, just how cold would that beer be? And what might have been the method to make it cold? ..........Widder

Just my opinion: The length of any barrel (round or octagon) will feel different to you depending on whether you are a Trad shooter, Duelist or GF. My particular set is approx 3" octagons, measuring from forcing cone to muzzle. They are short. And I love em. They work great for me as a GF. BUT, I've seen other GFer's run mighty fast and accurate with 5" barrels and longer. You would do well to handle as many as possible to help you know what is going to feel 'right for you'. Good luck. ..........Widder

I've seen those priced between $800 and $1200, depending upon various condition, mods, etc..... Does it have a 1 piece firing pin, stainless follower, etc...... Does it have any after market spring replacements. Has a reputable smith tuned it and is it still in good 'time'. And, sometimes the condition of the wood means more to some buyers than others. The 'JM' brand is also a plus. Good luck. ..........Widder

Not an 1894. I've checked out the 1895 but that's all. Hope you have a Happy New Year.

If you use a 1-piece firing pin, you won't need that spring. AND..... don't forget to change out the Plunger spring on the lever. Those boogers can me mighty stiff. I like ALL the Marlin parts that Longhunter sells. Good stuff, good business to deal with, and they work great in the 1894 Marlin. Best regards ..........Widder

I handled a 4" Python YEARS BACK, before they stopped production a couple decades ago (don't know the exact year). A Secret Service agent friend of mine owned it. Indeed, it was nice. But, I am unaware of the new production Pythons being anything other than shiny stainless. We don't hear much from Six Gun Shorty on the Wire much, but if he sees this Thread, I'm sure he would be able to share 'facts' about it. I always enjoyed his 'Colt' knowledge. ..........Widder

This isn't intended to disparage any charities, etc..... BUT, it seems every charity that is advertised on TV has their requested gift limited to ONLY $19 a month (or 63-cents a day). Everything from dogs and cats living out in the cold, to disabled Veterans, ST. Judes and the Shriners Childrens Hospital only need $19 a month. And that big, tall country music singer seems to be caught up into advertising for all of them. Is there some sort of law that restricts these places or limits their advertisements to the $19 a month? Just curious. ..........Widder

When you buy (or send your own Henry to Slater), his modifications are the Widder Soft Stroke. We've been friends a long time and when I retired, I helped him learn the mods on the Henry .22 and he does a fantastic job on them. Slater's business number is: 865 / 591-5129 He is also a member of the SASS Merchants as a gun dealer. ..........Widder

I ain't much familiar with the Rossi, but I can vouch for the Henry. Its nice from the box....... BUT, it can be modified to be as slick, fast and reliable as any .22 you've ever fired. PLUS, it can be short stroked to eliminate about 1.25" from the lever travel arch. I vote: HENRY ..........Widder

As a Southern Baptist all my 72 years of life, I have seen hypocrisy and 'judgemental' attitudes in many ways. I once worked a few years with a Jehovah Witness and we both freely and comfortably talked about our beliefs and thoughts on various Biblical teachings. He was a good feller and good friend. As to my personal thoughts on Christmas, I celebrate it as the birth of Christ (although he probably wasn't born on Dec 25th), AND..... with that birth, I'll just add that I believe Christmas means we never have to ask God how much he loves us. Thank goodness he overlooks my faults and shortcomings. Merry Christmas, Peace and Goodwill to everyone. ..........Widder

I tend to favor Miracle on 34th Street..... both versions. And... White Christmas. And of course.... Christmas Vacation (with the Griswold family) Of lately, I've enjoyed 'ELF'. Makes me laugh. ..........Widder

Wow. I like that one. ..........Widder

Well, ya just gotta ask yeowndangself........ 'What would Ben Cartwright do'. ..........Widder

I kinda like... "Walkin in a Widder Wonderland". I have a couple favorites: Natl Lampoon Christmas Vacation ELF Its a Wonderful Life A Christmas Story ..........Widder

Older and not wiser ME plans to be there. Will there be a 'rocking chair' stage? ..........Widder