Massad,

I always try to give credit when it is due, so I want to extend my thanks to you.

As a teenager and young adult the only handgun I shot was my beloved .22 Colt Woodsman, and there is no telling how many thousands of rounds I put through it.  Patting myself on the back, I was pretty darn good.  Later in life, however, I felt the need to graduate to larger calibers.  After a brief flirtation with a .357 revolver I transitioned to .45 1911s, and found that my accuracy had gone to hell.  All my rounds were hitting low to the left.  I figured out that I was pulling the trigger down to the left, and also pushing down with my hand in anticipation of the recoil, which of course greatly exceeds that of the .22 that I was used to.  I concentrated with everything I had and finally developed a decent trigger pull, but could not overcome the pre-recoil push.  A couple of days ago I was browsing the internet and came across your article you wrote in February 2004 for “Backwoods Home,” or something like that.  It was titled “How to Shoot a Handgun Accurately.”  After I read it a few times I decided I needed to concentrate on were hard grip, concentrate on the front sight, and continue to pull the trigger straight back.

Yes, I experienced the epiphany.  At 7 yards most of my rounds hit the center of my target (about the size of a coffee cup) and the others are grouped closely around it.  Not really world class yet, but I have only been to the range once to practice my new methodology, so at 72 years of age I don’t think I am doing so bad.  I intend to get back to the range more often (it’s a lot more fun when I’m hitting where I’m supposed to) and improve as much more as I can.  I’m not sure what hard grip and watching the front sight have to do with not anticipating the recoil, but it sure works. (Until it gets automatic, before each round I chant to myself “Grip, front sight, straight back.”)

I read all your stuff in American Handgunner.  Keep up the good work, and thanks again.

Jim Dorroh

And thank you for saying so, Jim.

I’m taking the liberty of passing your comments on to my bosses at Backwoods Home, who brought you the info.

Best for the holidays,

Mas

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After listening to Clint Smith my son got me a youth model stock for my Remington 870 last Christmas. It’s my primary night time self defense/critter weapon. It’s much handier than the regular stock and I notice absolutely no difference when firing. After having it on the 870 for ten months I can’t imagine punishing someone with the longer stock.

My son’s girlfriend has an 870 youth model in 20 gauge and loves it.

Those that share our households are going to be the only ones we can count on in a pinch. Can their be anything more important than making them comfortable with the firearms they will be using?

Thanks to Mr Ayoob for a great article.

Frank Nelson

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Just a quick note to say thanks for the good article. It’s good information that applies to not only several women in my family, but to me as well.

I’m 5’7″, 132lbs, and it can be tough to find quality equipment or information. I shoot a Model 7 Youth in 7mm08, an 870 Youth in 20ga, and prefer a small frame 9mm (Federal 115gr JHP).

Steen Rose

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I really enjoyed this article, short and good. I never really knew how to shoot and it helped a lot.

Aubrey E. Ritchie
Texas

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Part of his blog states incorrectly ” You cannot, of course, use deadly force merely because the intruder is in your house.” This is a blanket statement. Not only here in Texas, but in many other states that have the “Castle Doctrine”, we may shoot to kill without checking for a weapon.

Secondly, the “intruder” doesn’t even have to be in the residence! Just wanted to add my two cents.

Cordially,

Alan

Alan,

Having been involved in multiple homicide trials in Texas, I can tell you that courtroom ordeals are not precluded by the the law to the extent that some seem to believe.

Best,

Mas

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A few years back, I bought a 20 gauge pump action shotgun for home protection. I am a female, now 66 years old. I have not gone out to practice with it and I know I should and after reading this article, it has inspired me to.

Oh how I wish my brothers were still alive (4) as we all grew up with guns in the South and they were gun nuts, some more so than others. One of my brothers would go out almost every weekend and target practice.

I am new to the forum but I will be reading this section on guns frequently as I am very interested. I bought a 38 Taurus but it was stolen by a family member, ’nuff said. Recently, I looked at the Taurus called “the Judge” (?). I have been reading message boards about it and have not been sold on it  yet.

Thank you for good articles and advice.

Elizabeth Angus

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I’m a bit more traditional then Mas. [Big boomer guns by Massad Ayoob; Sept/Oct, 2010]

My beside the bed rifle is a Rossi model 92 in 45 Colt, loaded with ten 300 grain cast slugs. I think of it as 45-70 lite.

The handgun for flash lighting around the house is a S&W mod 25 45 Colt filled with Speer Gold Dots. Yes, I realize that I’m not real imaginative sticking with a 45 Colt for after hours socializing.

Cordially,

Jim McCool

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Dave,

Been with you guys off and on for years now. Just a quick note of thanks to Massad Ayoob for his current issue article on the Appleseed Project. It was very well written and reading of his experience at the AS in Hernanndo County, FL, was very interesting. I love to read his articles and appreciate all you guys for such a fantastic SERVICE you have been doing over the past couple decades now at BWH.

Take care and keep up the good work. I’m sure that Massad Ayoob’s article will generate more people to go to an Appleseed, as I did, and for many of them to also take up the Heritage and seek to become more like the people who gave us this great Nation which we are seeing be dismantled day by day now. Your editorials always inspire me along the political lines as well and we are both on the same song sheet.

William Stover

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Just wanted to say thank for the story by Mas Ayoob on his journey to an Appleseed event.

I have attended a few so I know what he was experiencing. I think the whole idea is one we all should share, not just the shooting but the history that the instructors teach. Yes I have shot a rilfeman score and am proud to do so. It took a couple trips to the line but well worth it.

Appleseeds are a great way to make new friends and learn a little more of that day in 1775 when our country was born.

Thanks for all the great work. Keep it up.

M. Besneatte

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Thank goodness there are still a few men that realize women with guns is not a “male” thing.

Being the oldest of four children, my father elected to teach me to hunt and use guns in a responsible manner. I am a petite woman that has lived in Alaska for six years, brought down moose, caribou, elk, deer and even bear that was maruading my homestead.

I carry a .270 Manlicher with custom stock using 110 to 150 gr. ammon (depending on intended targets) and a .38 police special. I can put three rounds the size of a 50 cent piece at 100 yards off hand with the .270.

Would I hesitate to use a gun to protect myself or someone else if necessary? No qualms here! And freshly killed game on the table beats beef, pork or chicken any day.

Thanks,

Linda Alexander
Gold Beach, Oregon

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Great article by Massad Ayoob.

I’m a great believer in the “less is more” philosophy of shooting.  My favorite rifle, for example, is a Marlin 1894 in .357 magnum.  What a fun and incredibly useful gun it is!  It’s so much better in just about every way than a .357 revolver.  Much quieter, lighter recoil (the mass of the rifle is over twice that of the revolver, and you can hold it to your shoulder), more power (about 400-500 fps over the 6″ barreled revolver–hitting a deer at 100 yards with the rifle is like holding the muzzle of the revolver to the deer’s side and pulling the trigger–think it’ll do the job??), more accurate, and much easier to hit with.

In the same way, the 20-gauge is plenty of gun for most situations, and a lot nicer to carry, swing and shoot.

Great article.

David Smith

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I just finished reading your article on the merits of .20 gauge shotguns [and about] the kickback, flinching etc. issue. The logic of your piece makes sense to me but I’ve seen several devices being sold such as sof tec from Benelli, soft cell from Remington and some spring type devices that are supposed to drastically reduce the recoil of a .12 gauge shotgun.

Do they really work? If so it would seem that you could have the best of both worlds i.e. less recoil and more “force” from a .12 gauge. As an aging dude with a bad shoulder I’d like to find something that doesn’t cause me too much pain to shoot.

Lornie B.

Hi, Lornie,

There are all manner of recoil reducers, and some of them work pretty well. On the one hand, they do indeed give you 12 gauge power in a more controllable package. On the other hand, if you put them on the 20 gauge, it will kick still less.

Mas

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I just finished reading Mr. Ayoob’s article on the Marlin 336 lever action .30 .30. I found it very informative and well written.

I was looking for info on a rifle I inherited from my father. It is a Marlin 336, but the letters after 336 are R.C. Is this another variation of the models he spoke of or just a mistake in the stamp?

I was looking for information on how to break it down for cleaning and lubricating and Mr. Ayoob’s description makes it sound easy.

Thanks

Gallegodarktiger

Congratulations on a classic rifle.

Mas

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Hello.

I read Massad’s article, “Consider the 20-gage Shotgun“, in the current edition of your magazine. It was an excellent piece. It was so good that I ordered a Remington Model 1187. I pick it up today.

However, I have a question for Massad.

He didn’t address the issue of scopes in his article. I didn’t order a smooth bore barrel as I plan to use this gun exclusively for deer hunting. Could I have his thoughts on the subject? Is there a real difference between shotgun scopes and rifle scopes?

Indiana doesn’t allow the use of high powered rifles for hunting because of population density. So if I’m going to use a scope should my zero point be at say 50 yds instead of 100 yds?

Also, I read an article in the latest NRA Rifleman magazine by John Barsness about the truths and myths around breaking in and cleaning a shotgun barrel. Wondered if Massad has read this article and if so what is his opinion on it.

I couldn’t find a contact e-mail address on your website for Mr. Ayoob so I’m sending this to you in the hopes you will forward my questions to him.

Thanks,

Stephen Neff

Walkerton, IN

Mas

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Gentlemen:

I will soon be traveling through bear country and may be exposed to all but the biggest ones found in Alaska.  I won’t be hunting them at that time but I wish to know if a 12 Guage shotgun loaded with slugs will be enough to keep safe in that neck of the woods.

Your consideration is appreciated.  My other options, at the moment are a .270 or 30-06 sporting rifles.

Sincerely,
Chris Newport

A short, handy, rapid-firing 12 gauge shotgun with slugs sounds good to me. I’m partial to the deep-penetrating Brenneke slug load.

Best,

Mas

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Hello.

I’m a Vietnam combat vet and experienced shooter with a note about your article, “Economical Battery of Guns…” Outstanding and informative.

My suggestion is that your staff consider adding Sabot Flechette rounds to a recommended supply of ammo for your 12-gauge shotguns.

After using the Flechette rounds in the army, they’re far superior to buckshot and extraordinarily accurate and effective up to 125 yards. I have a cache for my Winchester Defender.

Legal for citizens to own, although expensive — but, what’s your life worth?

Tony Swindell
Howe, TX

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Just read your article on ammo.

When you come across a round that shouldn’t be shot, how do you safely dispose of the bad round?

Thanks from a new gun owner,

Steve Martin
Indianapolis

If you have a bullet puller, you can safely disassemble defective cartridges, thus salvaging the components.

Mas Ayoob

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Massad Ayoob, in one of his blogs, said that he carries a Glock 27 most of the time. This is my choice also. I respect his knowledge on handguns and I would like to know what his choice for ammo is.

I am NOT a computer guru and I realize this may not be something you want to answer. If not would you care to point me in the correct direction?

Thanks alot

Craig Medford

Glasgow, Kentucky

I like a medium weight high velocity in the G27, usually use Winchester 155 grain Silvertip these days. Have it in the gun while I’m in Washington state right now, oddly enough.

Mas

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Enjoyed the article.  The importance of user preference and environment are crucial where I live.

Part of my gun battery includes a ruger 10/22.  My problem exist when the outdoor temperature reaches -20 F or colder i.e. weapon jams.  Here in the Alaskan interior -20 F or colder is a very common  winter temperture range.

Another situation is user preferance.  Due to my work, I am gone from home several days at a time.  My wife dosen’t like pump shotguns, but due to our remote location, she has encountered a varity of situations where a single shot shotgun is inadaquate.  She currently uses a Stoeger 12 gauge over and under.

I don’t have much use for a handgun, although I do own a few.  For defense I use a Remington 870 defence version.  By alternating slug rounds with double ought buck shot I feel very safe during bear encounters.

For hunting, I use a Remington model 700 chambered in 30 06.  It’s the old reliable.

Well, this is just one family’s battery.

Stay warm, Gar

Gar Blackledge

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