Chicken George*

When it does that, is the hammer slipping into half cock?

You're right! I saw some nice stippling that Slater hade done on a couple of Widder's 97 forearms.

Having a lot of grip does make a big difference and I really wanted more on our '97s. I talked to Tazz (Klassic Laser Works) at a match where they were vending. He said that he didn't have the attachment with him that rotates the forearm while it cuts. It sounded like he doesn't take it to matches because it is a lot of work to set up. He said I could send it with him but it would take a quite a while. He said he could have it for me at the next match, which would be more than 4 months later. I got the impression that it was more work than it was worth for him unless he waited until he had enough to do several at a time. This was understandable but we didn't want to be without them for that long. Later, I was talking with Coyote Cap. He had the grippiest forearm I had ever seen (although it was very worn), along with a fancy custom stock that his father had made him on his IAC '97 with serial number CB00001. His forearm was laser cut by his son, Mogollon Drifter. It had deep diamond checkering and the diameter of the forearm had been reduced as much as possible so he could hold it better while holding shells in the same hand. He said he would actually grab 6 shells at a time. He gave me his son's number and told me that he was sure if we ordered the minimum amount (I can't remember if it was 6 or 10) that he would make them for me even though he hadn't done it for a while and it wasn't set up. I liked his forearm so much I would figure out some way to make that work. I called, texted and left many messages but he never answered or got back to me. I decided to try cutting a bunch of grooves in our forearms using a table saw. I bought a couple spares just in case I messed them up too bad. The only ones I could find anywhere are made by Boyds for about $75 each. Cutting them worked fine. It's a good thing because I later found that the Boyds forearms were too short to allow the gun to fully cycle. We used the original cut ones for a while. They were pretty ugly and the wood kept chipping out. I kept looking for other options. We wanted better and weren't happy with what was available. I started talking to some knowledgeable people in different manufacturing fields. We worked together, trying different materials and processes, to make forearms, grips and stocks. We also experimented with different designs and every type of texturing/checkering we could come up with. It needed to grip, but not hurt, and not lose it's effectiveness over time. With most materials, including wood, the edges wear down or chip off over time. We spent many years testing things. Eventually, we had stuff that we really liked. Many shooters have asked where they can buy these things. We've helped a few friends get them. After a while, we decided that we might as well make these available to the public. Forearms are now available here.

Thanks! It's an IAC CB (Coyote Cap) 97, setup and hard chromed by Outlaw Gambler. The stock and slide are from CompetitionStocks.com, which help a lot with balance and grip.

Here is a new video of Skrap P practicing before going to Tennessee to shoot against Widder. This is 4 in 2.29 and is live fire, even though it doesn't sound like it.

I asked them and got this.... "We tend to only send those parts out for gunsmiths but I'm currently working on opening it up with engineering and customer service"

Yes, that is my understanding.

What model gun did you try to get parts for? I'd like to ask them about that.

The 2 rifles pictured together with the ranch hand are 92s. They used to be Rossi and now moved to the Heritage line. They have many models and calibers, including 357 mag, 44 mag, 45 colt and 454 casual. The other rifle is a Rossi 95. This has been in 30-30 and recently by request, they came out with that tactical version you may have seen with the rail and threaded barrel. It also comes in 45-70 but soon it will come in 357 mag, 44 mag (what they had there), 444 Marlin and 45 colt.

They said the Raging Bull is discontinued. The Raging Hunter replaced it and about 80% of the parts are the same. Those parts are available but if you need one of the parts that aren't the same, you are going to be waiting a very long time (forever). But you can always send it in and they will warranty it. Their repair center should have parts. As far as parts for the guns they showed, they said that it shouldn't be a problem getting anything for the long guns. He is in the process of getting everything for that revolver and expects that all those parts will be available in about 3 months. I'm just telling you what they said. I hope it's true. They were nice guys, knew their stuff, they love shooting and I enjoyed talking with them. I got their number in a case anyone else has any questions.

The Deputy revolver is a 4 click.

I told them both of those things.

The one they had was a 20 gauge. It was pretty light and kicked pretty good. They said it is available 12, 20, and 410. Right now they have 18" but said they would have a 28" soon. Not sure. It was a double trigger and they claim it has a simpler system and should be more reliable than what other companies have. Whatever that means. I'd like to pull the stock off and look inside. I took it apart this far...

The Deputy has a transfer bar. I didn't keep track of the clicks but I'll ask when I see them later today. It shot fine. Quite a long stroke and heavy. I'd like to try it with lightened springs.

So what they told me is, 8 years ago they changed the Rossi. They made improvements including no more pot metal. Now recently they moved it to their Heritage line. Because they import them they have to have the safety. But several companies sell a safety delete that works for either the 92 or 95. They also said that the parts should interchange with the Marlins. A while back, Shotgun Boogie was really pushing Rossis. He said it would keep up with anyone shooting above 15 second stages. He has lightened spring kits for them. I handled one of his and it incredibly smooth.