Lavista Bill Bell

2 weeks ago | athlonoutdoors.com | Lavista Bill Bell

Frankly, I was shocked in the fall of 2023 when Henry Repeating Arms (HRA) introduced the Big Boy revolver. Named after the Big Boy lever action rifle line, it had many of the same attributes: a polished blue finish, shiny brass, and walnut stocks. Recently, Henry used the Big Boy as the base platform for a new rimfire option—the Golden Boy revolver. As a double-action sixgun in .357 Magnum, the Big Boy had a retro Colt look, with some S&W and Charter Arms features thrown in.

1 month ago | huntingwire.com | Lavista Bill Bell

By William BellCowboy Action Shooting (CAS) originated in Southern California and its competitions, rules and regulations were formalized in 1987, when the Single Action Shooting Society was founded. SASS is the governing body for CAS, ensuring the safety and consistency of the sport, while preserving Old West history. In a nutshell, members dress in Old West attire, use an alias, and shoot guns that were common during the period of 1860-1899, with exceptions noted in the SASS Shooters Handbook.

2 months ago | athlonoutdoors.com | Lavista Bill Bell

At the 2024 SHOT Show it was a banner year for lever action rifles. As it stands right now, this year is also going to be another lever-gun bonanza. A couple of these rifles were out last year, but did not make it to production stage. So, they are “new” again this year. Of course, I will only be covering those firearms and related gear that are legal for Western Action Shooting. For SHOT 2025 there are some 2,800 exhibitors and more than 830,000 net square feet of exhibit space.

Jan 7, 2025 | athlonoutdoors.com | Lavista Bill Bell

During the mid to late 19th Century, many men and women went about armed, but not necessarily with a “big iron” on their hip. In most areas east of the Mississippi, police forces were small or non-existent. As we say today, you had to be your own “first responder.” Out West, things were much the same, if not worse. Your town might have a marshal, the county sheriff and his deputy, and in some states like Texas, a Ranger force, but lawmen were few and far between.

Nov 1, 2024 | athlonoutdoors.com | Lavista Bill Bell

One of the most popular single-action sixguns for Western Action Shooting is the Ruger New Vaquero. It very closely mimics the looks, size and configuration of the Colt Single Action Army. But it employs a transfer bar safety, helping prevent accidental discharges. Also, the cylinder rotates for loading or ejecting spent cases upon opening the loading gate. The Vaquero also costs a fraction of what you’d have to pay for a Colt SAA.