Pardon the pun, but we’ve “started off with a bang.” My web-based mail order business was launched on Saturday morning, selling carefully selected pre-1899 guns. It is called Elk Creek Company. The ElkCreekCompany.net web site is up and running, and the attached credit card processing system is taking orders. Consult your state and local laws before ordering, but in most cases these Federally-exempt antiques can be mailed right to your door with no paperwork! We started with more than 74 antique guns listed, but at least eight have already sold or are now on hold for individual customers. (A few folks prefer to pay with precious metals or with U.S. Postal Service Money Orders. The “ON HOLD” notations indicate the time lag for mailing those payments.
Some of these guns have been in my personal collection for more than 20 years. Nearly all of them are chambered in cartridges that are still factory made. At the rate that sales began, it looks like I may have to run the business alternating “one month on, and two months off”, just to keep up a good inventory.
If you have any pre-1899 cartridge guns that you like to have me sell for you on consignment, then let me know!
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And speaking of spin-off businesses, my #1 Son wrote to tell me about a new listing at his SurvivalRealty.com web site: An ocean front solar powered lodge on an island in Alaska.
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It appears that DJT’s impeachment trial will soon come to an end with a not guilty verdict. But rumor has it that the Democrats are already planning a second impeachment. This time, Rep. Schiff claims that a Whistleblower found a very damaging piece of evidence in a wastebasket in Trump’s White House bedroom.
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Because I’m still sick abed with the flu, I won’t be posting my usual Economics & Investing column. But I am posting the Writing Contest judging results and a product review from the tireless Pat Cascio.
Yep, some one grabbed the Swiss 7.5×55, no surprise as that appeared to be exceptional, yet as a pragmatist, I still like this one best because of the lower price, modern stock, and scope mounts. No comment about barrel condition, but some one probably did not go to all that trouble if it wasn’t a decent shooter. The fuzzy photo doesn’t do it justice. I have the Spanish produced 7×57 in the same stock, and configuration as the Swedish Mauser M94, but it has a saddle ring. The M94 is very handy.
https://elkcreekcompany.net/product/chilean-contract-1895-loewe-sporter-7×57/
For myself, option number 2 would be this scoped M94.
https://elkcreekcompany.net/product/scarce-carl-gustav-arsenal-1898-dated-mo/
Because the of the short 17.7 inch barrels, the factory 140 grain ammunition is going to be slower, 2,300 to 2,400 fps. PMC tends to load them hot, so try them out if you prefer 140 grain FMJ. If I was hand loading for it, to get the most out of the scope, I would try a maximum load of 47 grains of IMR 4831 and 120-125 grain bullets for a flatter trajectory. I would estimate the speed to be around a respectable and flatter 2,700 fps. The 6.5 Creedmoor will run the same bullets, depending on the type of powder out of a 24 inch barrel, a 6 inch longer barrel than the M94, between 2,650 and 2900 fps. Essentially, with this rifle and hand loads, you would have 6.5 Creedmoor capability. Factory loaded 120 grain bullets will likely be a bit slower, 2,500 to 2,600 fps. IHMO, the 120 grain bullet is actually better on deer than the 140 grain bullet. The high sectional density and slower speeds tends to cause the heavier 6.5 bullets to pass through without enough deformation. The suggested load would ballistically out perform the 168 grain .308 Winchester. Try the inexpensive Privi Partisian 120 match load first, and at the least, you’ll get good reloadable brass, and some trigger time. I would look for a 120 grain SP.
Gun Control: Washington State Under Attack
https://youtu.be/pVsqsOMrVOw
RE: Second DJT circus maximus-
‘Oh-look, we found some uncounted ballots over here!’ (wasn’t that just So convenient?!)
Try such on the Dnc and you end up like Seth Rich, etc.!
I know that not everyone likes him but I just read that Rush Limbaugh has advanced Lung Cancer
He announced it at the end of his show today
So sad.
Congrats on your new site Mr. Rawles. Hope it brings you much success. We have been trying to get an e-commerce site for our gun business for over a year now – no luck as of yet. Oh the stories I could tell.
Note to all. If you are looking for a way to supplement your income, consider being a pro 2A e-commerce web designer. I suspect you would have all the business you wanted.