“Tag: John M. Taylor”

What is the usage life of shotshells, and what is the best way to dispose of old ammunition?

I’ve heard that traditional shot pellets are made by dropping molten lead through a sieve in something called a shot tower. Today we seem to have such a variety of shot to choose from, all of which look very different from one another. What are the methods of manufacture for some of today’s non-toxic shot?

From the archives of American Rifleman, NRA member writes: I am confused about the proper handling of hammerless shotguns. Everyone has heard the advice “never dry-fire a gun, the firing pmay break.” If the gun has an exposed hammer, it can be eased down, but how should I handle a hammerless single- or double-barreled gun. Should I leave a spent shell or snap-cap in the chamber?

Most of us take the inside of our shotgun barrels for granted. That may be because shotgun barrels today are better than they have ever been. Here’s why.

An American Rifleman reader wrote into the magazine, asking for more information on this nearly unmarked side-by-side shotgun. Here's what we learned.

Until the 1970s most shotguns bought in the United States employed full chokes.

I have two great old shotguns that I would like to keep shooting and continue to hunt duck and dove with.

A reader inquires about a William Parkhurst shotgun that belonged to his father.

A reader wants to settle a debate among friends regarding the .410 bore.