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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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