Search found 155 matches

by Bearskinner
Wed May 21, 2025 8:13 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: If you were going to live in Alaska for a year or two...
Replies: 24
Views: 1257

Re: If you were going to live in Alaska for a year or two...

I had a place on the Kenai for over 30 years. I always carried my FA83, 454 ( as a life long handgun hunter) but for home protection I always had a loaded 375 Ruger alaskan at the front door. Never used it, but it was there, mainly for moose. Had a run in with a brown bear chasing two moose calf’s r...
by Bearskinner
Mon Apr 14, 2025 9:04 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Happy Birthday Jim Taylor
Replies: 21
Views: 5886

Re: Happy Birthday Jim Taylor

Your birthday is easy to remember Jim, it’s the same as my wife’s. Happy Burthday
by Bearskinner
Mon Apr 07, 2025 8:46 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Paco sent this to me years ago
Replies: 6
Views: 1186

Re: Paco sent this to me years ago

I got one with two pins, one created a cup point, the other pin created the “Nasty Nose” HP. As I recall one end sized bullets to .223 flip it over to size OD to .224. Fantastic little tool, I have boxes of ready sized HP and cup point cartridges in both configurations. The nasty nose is Extremely e...
by Bearskinner
Sun Mar 16, 2025 7:05 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Skinner Sights for Marlin Mountie
Replies: 4
Views: 1648

Re: Skinner Sights for Marlin Mountie

That Skinner rear peep with a gold, white or fiber dot front is just about perfect on a lot of platforms. I used the rear with a white fit on a shortened (16.5”) Ruger no1 in 50-110. Very handy and quick sight acquisition
by Bearskinner
Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:25 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Jumping crimp
Replies: 7
Views: 2684

Re: Jumping crimp

While hunting with my FA83 .454, I will always empty the cylinder of the extra rounds, and reload 5 fresh, to fully inspect the unfired rounds. Last thing you need is having a bullet jump it’s crimp, in the middle of a sporty situation!
by Bearskinner
Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:46 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: A COMMON-SENSE LOOK AT HANDGUN HUNTING
Replies: 7
Views: 3287

Re: A COMMON-SENSE LOOK AT HANDGUN HUNTING

There’s something almost magical with a big revolver bullet running around 1350 FPS, they just seem to kill better that what the written word suggests they should. I’ve taken literally about everything on Earth with large revolvers. A little more speed gives you a little more range. If you have ever...
by Bearskinner
Thu Jan 23, 2025 11:33 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: How's the Weather in Your Neck of the Woods?
Replies: 66
Views: 75910

Re: How's the Weather in Your Neck of the Woods?

Beautiful Sunny days here in N Idaho, very little snow on the ground. Teens to 30’s daily. Very mild winter so far. Guess we sent the cold and snow south
by Bearskinner
Mon Jan 20, 2025 12:11 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: .50 Alaskan barrel twist rate and diameter at chamber/muzzle?
Replies: 7
Views: 1386

Re: .50 Alaskan barrel twist rate and diameter at chamber/muzzle?

Those 4 in that pic are all 50 Alaskans, including the 12” pistol ( with a huge brake as well) the Winchester and No 1 will take 50-110’s, but realistically a 500 Linebaugh Maximum ( they cycle well in the lever guns) will go thru a Big moose, Bison, or do a Quigley on hogs. I like pistol recoil z l...
by Bearskinner
Sun Jan 19, 2025 12:02 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: .50 Alaskan barrel twist rate and diameter at chamber/muzzle?
Replies: 7
Views: 1386

Re: .50 Alaskan barrel twist rate and diameter at chamber/muzzle?

The 1895 Marlin is a Wild West Guns Conversion, and is about identical in thickness to the M71, although the marlin is a 20” barrel. Recoil gets a little sporty with bullets over 500 grains, but as it’s such a large diameter straight wall case, it’s easy to keep the pressures down. The heavy barrele...
by Bearskinner
Sun Jan 19, 2025 11:06 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: .50 Alaskan barrel twist rate and diameter at chamber/muzzle?
Replies: 7
Views: 1386

Re: .50 Alaskan barrel twist rate and diameter at chamber/muzzle?

I had a Browning- Winchester Model 71 converted ( rebore of factory barrel) to 50 Alaskan, and cut short and handy to 16.75”. The barrel is fairly thin at the business end. Also had a Ruger no 1 bored out and trimmed as well it has much more meat than needed, but the extra weight is welcome for rec...
by Bearskinner
Fri Nov 08, 2024 11:26 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 44 Magnum Rifle for Elk?
Replies: 31
Views: 5403

Re: 44 Magnum Rifle for Elk?

I used my .41 Magnum to take an elk. It worked just fine. The .44 rifle has more than the .41 sixgun. But like anything, bullet placement is key. DSC06668.JPG I used my 41 (revolver) for Elk this last year as well, no problems at all. The added velocity of a rifle will let the bullet carry better a...
by Bearskinner
Wed Oct 30, 2024 7:54 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Casting This Afternoon
Replies: 7
Views: 1310

Re: Casting This Afternoon

I think casting on a rainy or blustery day, is one of the most relaxing, and satisfying things to do.
by Bearskinner
Mon Oct 21, 2024 8:52 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Too much bark?
Replies: 8
Views: 1820

Re: Too much bark?

I really like the look and feel of the bark on light kicking guns, I don’t like “texture” on heavy kickers from .454 on up.
That is a pleasant look.
by Bearskinner
Wed Oct 09, 2024 9:50 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Happy Birthday Bearskinner.
Replies: 2
Views: 1075

Re: Happy Birthday Bearskinner.

Thank you, it’s hard to believe I’ve been retired 15 years now! Glad to still be alive and kickin’
by Bearskinner
Thu Sep 19, 2024 8:04 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: alliant 2400?
Replies: 22
Views: 5699

Re: alliant 2400?

I use 2400 in most of my Hunting Revolver cartridges, and down loaded ammo for pleasant days plinking. I did pick up a Good supply of HS-6 that I will start using for lighter hitting play loads, and save my 2400 for hunting loads.
by Bearskinner
Mon Sep 09, 2024 8:12 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Barrel mounted peep
Replies: 10
Views: 2851

Re: Barrel mounted peep

I used rear peeps on revolvers for years, but I find a white outline round or square works best for me on a revolver. I just picked up a Skinner rear rail peep for a Ruger No1 project in 50-110. I’m working on the install, but liking it. I can see thru it well, and you can remove the aperture for a ...
by Bearskinner
Sun Aug 25, 2024 9:15 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Someone wanted a follow up on my .480 double rifle
Replies: 20
Views: 5000

Re: Someone wanted a follow up on my .480 double rifle

That would be fun to play with, there’s just something Classic about a double rifle.
by Bearskinner
Tue Aug 20, 2024 11:07 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Man, some days are like that
Replies: 15
Views: 4486

Re: Man, some days are like that

I have a set of RCBS .410/40-65 dies that work perfectly making 40-65 from all the odd 45-70’s I had. I picked up a beautiful Browning 1885 BPCR, half octagon, half round barrel. With the weight, even the heavy 420 grain bullets are light on your shoulder. IMG_9035.jpeg IMG_9034.jpeg IMG_9033.jpeg
by Bearskinner
Thu Aug 01, 2024 8:53 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: The 454 Casull best information ever posted about it
Replies: 53
Views: 25334

Re: The 454 Casull best information ever posted about it

I read about the new powerful .454 Casull cartridge in the early 80’s, and picked up one of the first two FA83’s to hit my home state in 1983. It has been my “Go to” Hunting revolver ever since. With a stern dose of 2400 and a 300 grain bullet, the FA, my preferred platform is so incredibly accurate...
by Bearskinner
Thu Apr 18, 2024 8:41 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Custom holster maker
Replies: 7
Views: 1623

Re: Custom holster maker

I use a guy here in N Idaho, web sight is : “ Lever gun leather works” he has made me not only odd leather for lever guns, but I’ve had him make me all styles of Sixgun holsters and styles, even the custom African scoped long barreled revolver bandoleer I had envisioned. His name is Chance, but he g...
by Bearskinner
Fri Mar 22, 2024 10:47 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: one shot with a 44 or 45 lever, whats you load
Replies: 30
Views: 7155

Re: one shot with a 44 or 45 lever, whats you load

Bears are not harder to kill than large bison, or range bulls, but they have ATTITUDE. They kill for a Living, and get good at it. I do not like shooting bears when there looking at you…..sometimes you have NO choice, they usually go where there looking. If there already coming, and looking right at...
by Bearskinner
Thu Mar 21, 2024 10:16 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: one shot with a 44 or 45 lever, whats you load
Replies: 30
Views: 7155

Re: one shot with a 44 or 45 lever, whats you load

For many years I carried a 454 with 300 grain Sierra Soft Points. They are extremely hard SP bullets, and the most accurate 45 caliber bullet. In a 45, 21.0 grains of 2400, with the Sierra 8830. That and a stouter version in 454 has taken over 200 head of game for me. That’s at revolver velocity, ad...
by Bearskinner
Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:01 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: The Term "pistol" ....
Replies: 19
Views: 3329

Re: The Term "pistol" ....

I generally classify my handguns as either:
Revolvers, single shots, and pistols. There’s exceptions to everything, but that just about covers it all
by Bearskinner
Sun Mar 03, 2024 10:16 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Nickel brass
Replies: 15
Views: 4520

Re: Nickel brass

While on the subject of Nickel brass, has any company ever made 50 Alaskan in Nickel?
by Bearskinner
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:54 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Drones as a carcass-finding aid ...
Replies: 7
Views: 2115

Re: Drones as a carcass-finding aid ...

In Africa last year, my 2 PH’s used a drone to view my Cape Buffalo after being shot. He stumbled off dragging a front leg, into some of the heaviest brush around. They deployed the drone after a very long wait, as we couldn’t see in to the brush, but by viewing aerial footage, we could see he was d...
by Bearskinner
Sun Feb 25, 2024 9:55 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 1876 for Brown Bear
Replies: 22
Views: 4940

Re: 1876 for Brown Bear

After shooting my family (original 1876, built in 1876) centennial 45/75 in Raton last year, with Trailboss loads, I felt it was pretty anemic. I’m working on a SR4759 load for it. I’m powder coating and gas checking some 350 grain .459’s. I’ll bring it up slowly, as the Rifle is perfect, and after ...
by Bearskinner
Fri Jan 26, 2024 11:21 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: I love old model Rugers
Replies: 64
Views: 11870

Re: I love old model Rugers

I used to have a vaquero in the PPP pile, but passed it along due to my eyes and the sights. Not it’s two Blackhawks. A 5 shot 4 3/4 an early build by John, and 5” stainless octagon with aluminum RW bearskinner Bisley grip frame, which is a dandy carry piece. Both balance wonderfully in hand. IMG_22...
by Bearskinner
Mon Jan 08, 2024 7:49 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: The Power of the .454 Casull
Replies: 17
Views: 2527

Re: The Power of the .454 Casull

My favorite hunting revolver FA83 in .454. It just kills better that it looks like it should on paper too. I’ve had the confidence to hunt everything on earth with it. So accurate it makes me look like I can shoot well.
by Bearskinner
Sun Nov 19, 2023 3:26 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Ruger-Marlin SS45-70 trapper sale Bass Pro Cabelas
Replies: 10
Views: 2141

Re: Ruger-Marlin SS45-70 trapper sale Bass Pro Cabelas

I agree with that, buy it if you can. You never know when it’s all gonna end, and if you leave too much $$$ to your kids, they will just buy stupid sh!+ with it.
by Bearskinner
Sun Nov 19, 2023 8:38 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Ruger-Marlin SS45-70 trapper sale Bass Pro Cabelas
Replies: 10
Views: 2141

Ruger-Marlin SS45-70 trapper sale Bass Pro Cabelas

I have wanted one, as I really like the trapper size lever guns, and prefer the pistol grip stock. I went to town to play with one, and the fit and finish appears really nice. Apparently Bass Pro, Cabela’s bought them all up, as they have a bunch of them in stock. Regular sale price $1,199.00, BUT M...
by Bearskinner
Sun Nov 12, 2023 9:57 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Northern Lights ? ? ?
Replies: 5
Views: 918

Re: Northern Lights ? ? ?

I had a place on the Kenai Peninsula for almost 40 years, and spent a lot of time star gazing. No pictures or video will come near the shear beauty, and overall heavenly feeling of experiencing the aurora in person. I’ve sat for hours on cold clear evenings watching heavens natural show.
by Bearskinner
Wed Nov 08, 2023 7:50 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Binoculars
Replies: 30
Views: 28351

Re: Binoculars

I will wear a small pair in a chest holder while out stalking in cover, where it’s nice to be able to look into brush and pick up all aspects of an animal. I have had a large set of Zeiss night Owl’s for 30 years. There heavy and not an easy carry, but for long distance clarity, Especially under low...
by Bearskinner
Mon Nov 06, 2023 5:01 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Let's See Your... Deer Rifles
Replies: 38
Views: 12091

Re: Let's See Your... Deer Rifles

First deer I shot, was actually with a Marlin in 30-30. I was a kid and didn’t own a handgun yet. First and only deer with a rifle, all handguns ever since. Here’s my two favorites.

IMG_4704.jpeg
IMG_4705.jpeg
by Bearskinner
Thu Nov 02, 2023 7:56 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Lever Action shotgun ?
Replies: 12
Views: 3295

Re: Lever Action shotgun ?

I might be wrong, but didn’t Henry come out with a .410 lever action for a while too?
by Bearskinner
Thu Oct 12, 2023 7:50 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Cuttin' Firewood
Replies: 11
Views: 809

Re: Cuttin' Firewood

I have found it’s easier to have a semi log truck delivery about every 3-4 years to deliver extra logs off the landing to my yard. I have a “log Yard” area and a log grapple to handle the chores. Put a saw buck in front of the Wood shed ( about 2 car garage in size) spend a day or two cutting rounds...
by Bearskinner
Fri Oct 06, 2023 8:17 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: The 500 S&W BHA Levergun
Replies: 2
Views: 500

Re: The 500 S&W BHA Levergun

Their advertising worked on me! A couple years ago I was visiting with John, and went by the new BHA facility being built in Cody. Even with equipment piled up, and machinery not up and working yet, I got an enthusiastic Byron, the sales associate setting up an office, who happily took me to a coupl...
by Bearskinner
Wed Sep 27, 2023 9:09 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Alaskan Adventure
Replies: 23
Views: 2413

Re: Alaskan Adventure

Back in the 80’s I purchased my place in Alaska, on the Kenai. It made for a great way to prepare for fly out and waterway hunts and fishing trips all over the state. Years later once I retired, I had the time and destination, so I made many trips back and forth driving the Alcan. One particular tri...
by Bearskinner
Fri Sep 15, 2023 9:33 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: My Loading Bench
Replies: 13
Views: 1296

Re: My Loading Bench

I know I can spend hours organizing the bench, and it still looks like nothing got done. A few months back, while recovering from a hernia fix, I spent days building little shelf’s in between large metal shelving, so I could attempt to lay all my tools and supplies out, easy to find and use.
by Bearskinner
Thu Sep 14, 2023 12:56 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Big Horn Armory Model 89
Replies: 13
Views: 2597

Re: Big Horn Armory Model 89

I can sure see distance easily with this 2.75 Burris scout scope on it! It doesn’t quite look right, but it should help 100 yard groupings. I’ve got a mess of H110 loads (BHA recommendation) and I made up some SR4759 loads
by Bearskinner
Thu Sep 14, 2023 12:34 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Big Horn Armory Model 89
Replies: 13
Views: 2597

Re: Big Horn Armory Model 89

As I use Single Actions for most things, I prefer shorter Lever guns as well. There’s something just very cool about antiques with long Octagon barrels and full length tubes, but these handy .500+ calibers in carbine length just make me grin.

IMG_3939.jpeg
IMG_3940.jpeg
by Bearskinner
Thu Sep 14, 2023 8:32 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Big Horn Armory Model 89
Replies: 13
Views: 2597

Re: Big Horn Armory Model 89

I’ve only fired a few rounds, no bench rest shooting, and I’m thinking of having a scout scope QD set up for precise longer shots. The peep and green fiber optic bead are phenomenal . I cast 400’s ( mainly for the 500JRH’s I hunt with) and a 460 grain LFN GC that should be dandy in a carbine length...
by Bearskinner
Fri Sep 08, 2023 7:47 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Big Horn Armory Model 89
Replies: 13
Views: 2597

Re: Big Horn Armory Model 89

I just received mine (500S&W) with a 16” barrel. Ordered it just over a year ago. It feels and balances perfectly in the hand. I have a few different load to try this weekend. Like all the big bore Leverguns and revolvers, they will have NO problem as a large game hunting primary tool. I truly l...
by Bearskinner
Wed Sep 06, 2023 7:55 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Smith & Wesson 329PD
Replies: 17
Views: 2286

Re: Smith & Wesson 329PD

The super light S&W’s are made to be carried. They shoot well, but physics takes over under recoil, and their light weight lets you feel the full potential of the cartridge you are firing. Certainly a joy to carry over the same sized stainless steel revolver. You can always shoot mostly Specials...
by Bearskinner
Tue Sep 05, 2023 7:47 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Ammunition supplies.
Replies: 10
Views: 970

Re: Ammunition supplies.

Brass, copper and lead are all valuable commodities, it would benefit everyone to keep quality supplies at hand.
by Bearskinner
Thu Aug 31, 2023 9:15 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Building a garden shed
Replies: 20
Views: 2027

Re: Building a garden shed

Another thing you may want to consider, if you have the option, do these structures come on skids? In other words, 2 or 3, 6”x6” pressure treated, full length beams. If you ever wanted to move it, you could easily “skid” it across the yard to another location. It also makes for a very strong Frame t...
by Bearskinner
Wed Aug 30, 2023 8:00 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Building a garden shed
Replies: 20
Views: 2027

Re: Building a garden shed

That would be very easy to wire the interior, insulate and add A/C, plywood, OSB or drywall. If you go that route, start with a good solid dry base to set it on.
by Bearskinner
Tue Aug 29, 2023 7:52 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Building a garden shed
Replies: 20
Views: 2027

Re: Building a garden shed

You need to see if you have building codes to contend with before anything gets started. If you build off the back or side your existing garage, you start with a solid first wall. You probably have electrical in your garage already, so it’s much simpler ( also cheaper) to extend it into the addition...
by Bearskinner
Thu Aug 24, 2023 10:15 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: What is your most useful levergun?
Replies: 77
Views: 10706

Re: What is your most useful levergun?

Absolutely. Accuracy is paramount to full power. A .480 with standard weight bullets (300-370) will cleanly take anything in the lower 48, and do great on most everything in Africa. I think the ability to shoot accurately and put your shot exactly where you want to, is much better than firing a howi...
by Bearskinner
Thu Aug 24, 2023 8:56 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: What is your most useful levergun?
Replies: 77
Views: 10706

Re: What is your most useful levergun?

The nice thing is it’s powerful enough to shoot at range, or hunt with, but not so nasty a few rounds thru a revolver, and you’re done for the day. It shoots well in short and long barrels. Nice strong, but mild load.
by Bearskinner
Fri Aug 18, 2023 10:27 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Combos?
Replies: 18
Views: 2422

Re: Combos?

For me personally I just have a love of Leverguns and Single Actions. DA’s are pretty nice as well. My Single actions are capable of taking any animal in the world, and have, literally. I pretty much just play with lever guns, so it makes sense to use something I already load for, and cast bullets f...