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December 13th, 2015
I am very sad to announce that a good friend (and a brilliant shooter) Jerry Tierney, has passed away at age 77. I have worked on this site for 11 years, and Jerry was one of the most helpful and talented men I’ve met along the way. Though he won many championships, Jerry was a modest man who always was there to help other shooters. I will really miss him. AccurateShooter.com owes a debt of gratitude to Jerry. With his technical expertise, he helped me greatly with my understanding of rifle accuracy. Jerry was small in stature, but big in talent. Rest in Peace Jerry. We’ll miss your smarts, your good humor, and your love for the sport. — Paul McM, Editor in Chief.
Jerry Tierney shot competitively for nearly 50 years and won multiple championships in various rifle disciplines. Fellow shooter Donovan Moran noted: “Jerry was the leading member of the NBRSA ‘Long Range Hall of Fame’ — well deserved! He was a very friendly man, a mentor to the sport, and one of the best Long Range competition shooters there’s ever been.”
With great natural talent and the mind of a scientist, Jerry could win events in ways not thought possible. He is certainly the only man I know who won a Benchrest Championship shooting a prone-type tube gun. He pioneered the .284 Win as an F-Open weapon. A self-declared “iron-sight prone guy”, he competed for many seasons in the full-bore and Palma disciplines, but in the last decade he turned his attention to 600-yard and 1000-yard benchrest and F-Class. He won multiple NBRSA Nationals, due in no small part to superb wind-doping skills and mastery of the “mental game”.
A former computer engineer with IBM, Jerry was an extremely bright guy who took a systematic approach to the sport. He made decisions based on hard data. He did things many shooters once considered radical (such as cleaning his barrels infrequently), but he always had the data to back up his methods. He was a forward thinker who wasn’t afraid to depart from conventional wisdom if he found a better way to do things. For me, Jerry Tierney was an important mentor — he showed me how the “state of the art” could be pushed to higher levels with careful experimentation and a willingness to try new things.
We did a lengthy interview with Jerry way back in 2005, when Jerry won the NBRSA 1000-yard Nationals. That performance helped proved the worth of the .284 Win in 1K competition, a cartridge that now is a leading choice for F-Open. Read this interview carefully — even ten years later, Jerry offers many nuggets of advice that can help with your reloading and shooting:
READ Interview with Jerry Tierney with Discussion of Wind Reading and .284 Winchester.
 Danny Biggs Remembers Jerry Tierney
Past National F-Class Champion Danny Biggs wrote: “Our long-time shooting friend, Jerry Tierney, left the range last night. Jerry was 77 years old, and was overtaken by bad health over the past year…cancer and other ailments. An accomplished Palma Rifle shooter, his home range was the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center, near Sacramento, CA, and, just 16 miles from his front door, outside Plymouth, CA.
Jerry was a frequent contributor to [Rifle Blogs] in past years. In particular, about 7 years ago, he published considerable results of his testing of the Winchester .284 cartridge. This testing convinced several of us to transition from the venerable 6.5-284 to the straight .284 for both long range ‘sling’ and F-Class Open. Jerry’s testing was primarily in the realm of F-Open; wherein, he fell ‘in cahoots’ with a young F-Open shooter, Charles Ballard, who set an F-Class Open National record that stood for many years. (By the way, Incahoots is the name of Jerry’s favorite restaurant in Plymouth, CA, near his home; where I’ve enjoyed many an evening meal with him.)
Many others have contributed to the legacy of the Winchester .284… but, if you happen to be shooting a .284 in F-Open today, you might just give a thought to Jerry at your next trigger-pull. More than likely, you are shooting some of his data.” — Danny Biggs
Forum Member Killshot added:
“I only new Jerry for a few years, as I began shooting F-Class in 2010 — but he always answered my questions, helped me with my first Wildcat chambering and I never, ever, saw or heard of him ‘Big Timing’ anyone. I’ll miss his gap-toothed grin, like he knew something you didn’t. (and probably did!)
We’re better off for knowing him and worse off for not having him around any longer. So, appreciate your friendships and shoot small… Jerry would.”
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December 12th, 2015
There’s a chap in Poland named Łukasz Pietruszka, who is a bonafide “Wizard of Wood”. Lukasz handcrafts unique custom stocks, selling them through his LP Gunstocks company. Many of his most eye-catching stocks are for airguns (particularly Field Target rifles), but he also produces fine stocks for rimfire and centerfire hunting rifles. Lukasz is a master carver who includes exquisite details on many of his stocks. Some of these designs, crafted from exotic hardwoods, raise stock-crafting to an art form.
Check out the figure on this Turkish Walnut stock by Łukasz Pietruszka.
You can see a variety of Lukasz’s stocks in a video sampler. If you’re a fan of fine wood, you’ll love this video. So pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy this 16-minute video interlude.
 Watch Video in High Definition
NOTE: We recommend you view this video in high definition, in wide screen format. To do this, start the video, then click on the gear-shaped icon at the lower right-hand corner of the video frame (it’s located just to the right of the clock icon). If you have a fast internet connection, select 720P or 1080P from the pop-up menu. (1080P is the highest resolution.) Now select theater mode or full-screen mode using the small icons on the lower right of the frame.
Radical ‘Shockwave’ from LP Gunstocks
Here is a truly amazing bit of craftmanship. The images below show a one-of-a-kind Shockwave stock created by Łukasz for a Steyr Field Target air rifle. Over the top? Perhaps… but you have to admire the imaginative design and exquisite worksmanship.
Video find by Boyd Allen. We welcome reader submissions.
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December 12th, 2015
Here’s an interesting $75 product that can help you “tune” the cycling force of your AR-platform rifle. Wilson Combat offers an Adjustable Lo-Profile AR Gas Block for direct gas impingement AR-type rifles. Wilson Combat’s adjustable gas block replaces a standard AR gas block and allows you to tune your AR’s gas system for smoother cycling and enhanced reliability. Wilson Combat explains: “Adjusting your rifle’s gas port will lower or increase your bolt’s cyclic rate. This tailors your rifle’s performance to your unique needs.” When varmint hunting with an AR, we like a less-energetic ejection so the brass lands close to the gun (and doesn’t tag fellow shooters).
A simple adjustment of the hex screw at the front of the block modulates the gas volume allowing you to tune your rifle’s function to your favorite loads. This is very handy when shooting non-standard AR calibers, unusual hand-loads, or suppressed rifles. Adjustable Gas Block systems are sold as complete kits starting at $74.95. Wilson Combat offers two diameters (.750″, .937″) and three lengths (Carbine Length, Mid-Length, & Rifle Length), so you can select the right dimensions for your rifle configuration and barrel diameter. The blocks are Chromoly steel with a Melonited finish.
Package Includes:
- Adjustable Gas Block (Melonite Finish)
- Adjustment Set Screw (Installed)
- Straight Gas Tube (Installed, Gas Tube Pin Installed)
- 12″-Long Allen Wrench to Adjust Inside Handguard
- $74.95 MSRP
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December 12th, 2015
 A while back, we featured a portable reloading bench built on a Black & Decker Workmate. That proved a VERY popular do-it-yourself project so we’re showing it again, in case you missed it the first time.
Texan Robert Lewis made himself a great portable reloading bench from plywood mounted to a Black & Decker Workmate. The bench, roughly 22″ x 19″ on top, folds up to fit easily in your car’s trunk or behind the seats in a pick-up truck cab. Four recessed bolts hold the wood top section to the collapsible B&D Workmate.The sides and back of the unit are attached to the base with small nails. There is a small shelf (also nailed in place) which can be used to clamp a powder measure or hold a scale. Shown in the photo is a Harrell’s Benchrest measure and Harrell’s single-stage “C” press.
Click for Detail of Top.
The whole unit can be built for about $65.00 with pine, or $80.00 with oak (as shown). Robert explained: “The Workmate was $40. If someone bought a 2’x4′ sheet of 3/4″ oak plywood, I think it is around $30. Using pine plywood would be about half that. Fasteners were $3. Spar Urethane would be $5.”
Robert told us: “I used a couple ideas I found on the web. The Larry Willis website gave me the idea to use the Black and Decker Workmate as a base. I found the Workmate on sale for $40 and the top is made from oak plywood I had in my shop. I sealed the wood with three coats of Spar Urethane. The whole thing folds into a nice package for transportation to and from the range.”
Editor’s NOTE: In the time that’s transpired since we first ran this story, the price of a Black & Decker workmate has gone up. However you can still pick a WM225 Workmate for under $65.00. Target is currently selling WM225 Workmates for $64.99.
Click HERE for FREE WORKBENCH PLANS.
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December 11th, 2015
 This X-ray photograph reveals a variety of suppressor baffle configurations:
Report by NSSF
Apparently, today’s shooters like the sounds of silence. Americans are buying and licensing more suppressors and other NFA (National Firearms Act) items than ever before. The number of NFA applications filed with the NFA Branch at ATF continues to rise. With a greatly increased staff of 25 Legal Instrument Examiners, the backlog of NFA forms has been whittled down from more than 80,000 to about 36,000. Much of the intense increase in interest in NFA items is focused on silencers. According to ATF’s 2011 Commerce in Firearms Report, as of December 2010 there were 284,087 lawfully registered silencers in the United States. As of March 2014, there were 571,750. That’s means the number of registered suppressor more than doubled in three and a quarter years. And 2015 will probably be a record year for suppressor sales.
A Brief History of Suppressors (aka “Silencers”)
Hiram Percy Maxim, the son of Hiram Stevens Maxim (inventor of the Maxim machine gun) created the first firearm sound suppressors. An early advertisement for his Maxim Silencer Company explained that the hot propellant gases from discharging the firearm “are made to whirl around inside the Silencer,” and cannot leave the silencer until they have slowed down enough to not produce a loud noise. Initially, silencers were inexpensive and easy to obtain. Before the adoption of the National Firearms Act in 1934, Mr. Maxim sold a variety of silencer designs priced from $5.00 to $9.50. These were shipped in the U.S. Mail, without restrictions. Things are much different today — to own a suppressor, one must obtain federal approval and pay a special tax.
Silencers consist of a few basic parts. The CTD Shooter’s Log explains: “The envelope is the cylindrical metal tube in which the other components are stuffed. Inside the envelope are the expansion chamber and baffles. The expansion chamber is a relatively big empty space surrounding the muzzle, and the baffles are like coffee cups stacked on top of each other with a hole drilled through the middle of them for the bullet to pass through. This is where most of the ‘magic’ happens within the silencer.”
To learn more about suppressors, read Silencer Terms and Tech in the CTD Shooter’s Log.
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December 10th, 2015
Ruger has been on a roll lately. The Ruger Precision Rifle has been a big hit, selling out at dealers across the country. Now Ruger has unveiled its new “tactical blacK” take-down version of the 10/22 with a suppressor-ready threaded bull barrel and modular stock. Ruger has offered 10/22 take-downs before but those previous models all had relatively skinny barrels. This version is more macho, and we expect it will be very popular. It’s just the thing for tactical rimfire games. The ability of the threaded barrel to take a suppressor will be attractive to potential buyers. A suppressed .22 LR is a very, very quiet tool.
This new Ruger 10/22 Takedown with Target Barrel features a hammer-forged .920″-diameter, 16.10″-long, fluted “target” barrel. The muzzle is threaded ½”-28 and fitted with a thread cap. Those threads ain’t just for a muzzle brake — Ruger knows buyers will be attaching suppressors. This new target barrel takedown model also incorporates the Ruger Modular Stock System which offers interchangeable low and high comb modules.
The Ruger 10/22 Takedown with Target Barrel is lightweight and compact. Weight (before optics) is just 5.5 pounds. Total length, assembled, is 34.6 inches, but each sub-assembly is under 20.25 inches. The two sections (barrel assembly and action/buttstock assembly) fit in a convenient black nylon carrying case, which provides ample storage with extra pockets and mag pouches. As it employs Ruger’s standard 10/22 action and standard 10-round rotary magazine, this gun should be very reliable. We’re anxious to test one of these bull barrel Rugers to assess its accuracy. It certainly makes for a compact and portable package. Is a take-down 10/22 (with suppressor of course) the ultimate “truck gun”?
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December 9th, 2015
Well the lady did it… Taya Kyle (Chris Kyle’s widow), triumphed over Bruce Piatt, reigning NRA World Shooting Champion (see below). Using Tracking Point “Intelligent” firearms, Taya won the much-publicized American Sniper Shootout, hitting every one of the 29 targets (Piatt hit only 58% of his targets). In the process, Taya earned $500,000 for the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. Here’s a Fox News Video covering the event, which was held Saturday, December 5, 2015 in Mason, Texas.
This unique competition pitted a novice shooter armed with Tracking Point’s rifle systems against a World Champion-level shooter in a head-to-head competition. There were 29 targets total, with a variety of shooting scenarios and distances.
Taya Kyle Earned $500,000 for the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation.
To the surprise of many in attendance, Taya Kyle, the widow of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, soundly beat the reigning WSC champion. She hit every one of her targets, while Bruce missed more than 40%. Taya used Tracking Point’s precision-guided M600 and M800 firearms, while Bruce competed with M4A1, M110, and M2010 basic military rifles. Bruce certainly was motivated. Had he won the Shootout, he would have received a $1,000,000 prize. But, in the end, it wasn’t even close. Taya hit all the targets, while Bruce hit less than two-thirds.
The competition involved an unusual course of fire. Outdoor Hub’s Daniel Xu reports: “The American Sniper Shootout was unlike most other competitions. The environment was built to imitate the layout of Sadr City [Iraq], where Chris Kyle made his famous 2,100-yard shot on an enemy insurgent. The competition itself reflected war-like conditions instead of traditional shooting competitions and both shooters were tasked with making difficult shots. The most difficult part of the shootout was when Kyle and her opponent had to make blind shots from cover, simulating a scenario in which soldiers had to shoot while under enemy fire.”
While the Tracking Point “precision guidance” system helped Taya aim and break the shot precisely, the Tracking Point system does not call the wind. The “operator” must still make a wind call, input wind speed and direction, and then the Tracking Point system, using internal ballistics tables, will adjust the aiming point accordingly in the scope’s viewfinder/reticle. Apparently the system works well enough to enable Taya to prevail over a very experienced shooter.
 Bruce Piatt, 2015 WSC Champion
Bruce Piatt won the 2015 NRA World Shooting Championship (WSC). The WSC is a multi-discipline event involving pistols, rifles, and shotguns with targets out to 1K and beyond. Bruce competed against many top shooters including previous WSC winner SFC Daniel Horner of the USAMU.
Over his shooting career, Piatt has also won World and National titles in USPSA/IPSC, Steel Challenge, Bianchi Cup, Sportsman’s Team Challenge, Masters Pistol Championship, and the SOF Tactical 3-Gun disciplines.
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December 8th, 2015
Ed Shilen at a rimfire benchrest match. Photo courtesy Frederick Jamison.
Ed Shilen, founder of Shilen Rifles Inc. and legendary barrel-maker, has passed away. This is sad news — we are all diminished. Ed was a great innovator who was always willing to help other shooters. Ed’s good friend Butch Lambert reported the news: “Mikel Shilen called a little while ago and told me that Ed has passed away. No services will be held. Ed was a great friend and very helpful to me. He was one of the true icons of our sport. Keep the family in your prayers.”
 A member of the Benchrest Hall of Fame, Ed Shilen set many records during his long shooting career. Thomas “Speedy” Gonzalez, wrote: “Ed was always in your corner always wanting to see you succeed. He was one of our sport’s great gentlemen, innovators, and promoters of accuracy to the end. Thank you Ed for building me the barrels that allowed me to complete a dream and life’s work. Your family and friends are in my prayers. God bless them all!”
Speedy, who earned all but one of his Hall of Fame points with Shilen barrels, added: “Ed was one of my mentors. I have owned almost every type of Shilen action Ed ever made — from the early Ross Sherman/Shilens, to the SS&D (Shooters Service and Dewey), to the 2″ round unlimited actions of which only 10 were made, to the round big bolt Shilens and DGA & DGA-S.” Here is one of Speedy’s older Shilen actions, beautifully engraved.
Posting on Facebook, B. Moreno wrote: “Very sad indeed…I dare say that not only did [Ed Shilen] make great barrels, actions and triggers, but his business model allowed custom performance at a reasonable price. I believe more bullet holes are touching across America due to his name than any other single family. R.I.P. Ed, you will be missed.”
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December 8th, 2015
Here’s good news for short-range benchrest shooters. The two most popular powders for the 6PPC, Vihtavuori N133 and Accurate LT-32, are now in-stock at Powder Valley Inc. (PVI). In fact, Powder Valley even has the hard-to-find 8-lb jugs of N133 and LT-32.
For you 30BR score shooters, PVI has both Hodgdon H4198 and Accurate LT-30 in stock, the two most popular powders for the 30BR. A slightly faster-burning version of LT-32, LT-30 is a very promising powder for the 30 BR, while H4198 has traditionally been the “go-to” choice for the 100/200-yard score shooting game. PVI has 1-lb and 8-lb containers of both these ultra-accurate powders in stock now. Visit PowderValleyinc.com, and click on the “Powders” link in the Menu.
| 6PPC Powders |
30 BR Powders |
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– PVI has 1-pound LT-32 for $27.10
— PVI has 8-pound LT-32 for $204.30
— PVI has 1-pound N133 for $31.25
— PVI has 8-pound N133 for $202.00 |
– PVI has 1-lb LT-30 for $27.10
— PVI has 8-pound LT-32 for $204.30
— PVI has 1-pound H4198 for $23.25
— PVI has 8-pound H4198 for $165.00 |
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December 7th, 2015
At the request of our readers, we have launched a “Deals of the Week” feature. Every Monday morning we offer our Bargain Selections. Here are some of the best deals on hardware, reloading components, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Optics Planet — Multiple Coupons Plus $15 Off $150+ Order
Right now Optics Planet is running numerous holiday specials, including 35 Seasonal Promotions, 21 Coupon Offers, 27 Mail-In Rebates, and 13 Instant Rebates. Plus you can get $15 off orders of $150.00 or more with Code A1DA0E7. Visit Optics Planet’s DEALS Page for all the offers.
2. CDNN Sports — Maple-Stocked Browning X-Bolt Medallions
CDNN Sports has some of the nicest modern Browning rifles we’ve seen. These X-Bolt Medallion Rifles feature figured Maple stocks with engraved receivers. The barrels, Octagon for the Limited models, are deep polished blue. The actions are glass-bedded and fit a detachable rotary magazine. The .30-06 Maple X-Bolt Medallion is marked down from $1069.99 to $899.99. The X-Bolt Limited Editions, available in a wide variety of chamberings, are on sale for $1199.99. These are very nice rifles that any shooter would be proud to own.
3. Amazon — Complete RCBS Rock Chucker Master Reloading Kit
This RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit contains everything one could need to produce accurate handloads. The Rock Chucker press will last a lifetime and the powder measure is durable and reliable — we know, we’ve used them for years. The RCBS hand-priming tool does the job effectively, and the balance scale can be quite accurate with some tweaking. Overall, at $299.99, this is a great value considering all that you get. RCBS also offers a rebate on this Kit.
4. Midsouth — 500 Rounds of Norma .22 LR for $49.99
If you need good, reliable ammo for plinking or rimfire cross-training, look no further. At ten cents per round, this Norma-brand Tac 22 ammo is very affordable. We’ve used this ammo for tactical rimfire matches and it has proven more than adequate. This is a limited time offer at Midsouth Shooters Supply, so don’t delay.
5. Sportsman’s Guide — Get 20% OFF First Order
Now through the end of Decenmber, Sportsman’s Guide is offering new customers 20% off their first order with a cap of $30.00. Use Coupon Code TAKEOFF20% at Checkout. This will knock 20% off a maximum of $150.00 in merchandise value so the total savings will not exceed $30.00. Still, that’s an attractive offer (as long as you understand the limitations). NOTE: This discount can not be used for firearms or Buyer’s Club Membership fees, and this offer may be only claimed once per customer.
6. Amazon — Lyman Case Prep Xpress $94.99
The Lyman Case Prep Xpress lets you chamfer inside and out, brush your necks, clean/uniform primer pockets, and ream military crimps. This unit sells elsewhere for $120.00 or more. Here is a review from a Verified Purchaser: “The unit is quiet, sturdy, and the attachments do what they are supposed to do. It already has made a difference in my reloading speed, and most importantly, my comfort. I highly recommend this unit.” (Strafer, 4/7/14)
7. Palmetto State Armory — AR-15 Days of Christmas Deals
Looking to assemble an AR platform rifle for gun games, varmint hunting, or other purposes? With its AR-15 Days of Christmas promotion, Palmetto State Armory is continuing some of its best Black Friday deals throughout December. Save on complete Lowers, complete Uppers, and other components. The PSA complete lower with Magpul stock shown above is a very good deal.
8. Widener’s — 1000 Rounds of 9mm HP Ammo for $219.00
If you are looking for first-quality, original production 9mm Luger ammo loaded with hollowpoints (as opposed to FMJ bullets), this deal is hard to beat. The ammo features a quality 115gr JHP (lead core) bullet and the same powder used by the Israeli military. With mil-spec velocity, this IMI 9mm JHP Ammo is hard-hitting, yet extremely accurate. Widener’s tells us that “This ammo has not been offered in the USA for several years”. If you need a stock of 9mm defense ammo, here you go.
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December 7th, 2015
If you can’t buy it, then build it. Forum member Patrick Lundy was so impressed with a fellow shooter’s barrel-block rifle, that he build a similar match gun himself, complete with barrel block and aluminum chassis. We like this kind of ingenuity. Patrick was inspired by a metal stock belonging to Peter Gagne. But he added his own custom touches, including an innovative “A-Arm”-design bipod for shooting in F-TR class. The gun has been very successful in competition with Heavy Varmint contour barrels, but now Patrick is thinking of changing the barrel block to hold a 1.250″-diameter tube. Here is the story of Patrick’s home-built barrel block match rifle.
Building a Barrel Block Aluminum Gunstock by Patrick Lundy
I must credit Peter Gagne, a fellow shooter I met at Forbes Pistol and Rifle Club ( Albany, NY) seven years ago. Peter built an all-aluminum, barrel-block gun that I thought was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I have fond admiration for Peter, who used to accompany Bob Bock to compete in the long range matches at Forbes Range. I believe Peter was a retired electrical engineer with a brilliance for innovation and design. I have not seen Peter Gagne for a couple years now. Bob Bock told me this summer that Peter has been very ill I’m sorry to say.
I fell in love with the look and function of Peter’s stock. I think he and I are cut from the same cloth when it comes to using our own ingenuity rather than buying it already built. From that point on Peter and I had become friends, only seeing each other at the matches we shot at Forbes.
At that point I was shooting F-Class with a 6mmBR Savage LRPV in 6br with a bipod. In the spring of 2009, I drew up a detailed dimensional sketch (based on a photo of Peter’s stock) and proceeded to build a stock of similar design (albeit with a completely different rear section). I spent every waking hour of the next two weeks building my stock. I have made a living for 48 years as welder and metal fabricator. I’m 67 years young now and still making a lot of what I need for my shooting habit. Though this stock was my first prototype it performed better than expected.
Crafting the Stock Was Just the Beginning…
This new stock was a milestone in my shooting career — it was my very first attempt to build a stock. I wasn’t much of a wood worker but I did have a talent for building with metal. The stock was fabricated from 6061 T6 aluminum. With this gun I was able to shoot from a rest or a bipod.
The bipod was a very rigid A-frame design with welded aluminum tubing. I added slippery feet under the pod skis to facilitate smoother recoil. I realized that a wide-stance bipod had to recoil the same on both sides or the group would string horizontally.
Stock Project Was Just the Beginning…
After building that stock I felt more confident in modifying every stock I’ve owned after that. I started chambering my own barrels and building anything I needed to experiment… and to help in shooting accuracy. I even built my own milling machine to make things easier to do.
The stock I built was a stepping stone to try new things not normally attempted by the average guy. For the first several years I used the AccurateShooter Forum for untold access to knowledge. I have now realized that if you really need to know the answer to a question, sometimes it’s better to figure it out yourself. I want to thank my two sons for getting me into long range shooting, and also thank shooting friends like Peter for inspiring me to try out-of-the-box experiments like this stock. This hard work and determined attitude all started with that stock and has paid off with dividends of many matches won and 10 NRA records for my wall.
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December 6th, 2015
What a tale this rusty Colt could tell — this M1911 pistol is more than a vintage military side-arm. It is a symbol of courage, determination, and triumph over adversity. This pistol was carried on a 2,060-mile open-boat ocean crossing from the Philippines to Australia. In May of 1942, the skipper and 17 crewmen of the Minesweeper U.S.S. Quail courageously decided to sail from Manilla to Darwin, Australia rather than surrender to the Japanese. Lt. J.H. Morrill and his crew made that long ocean journey in a 36-foot launch, braving enemy air and sea forces and dangerous ocean conditions.
This pistol is part of the NRA Museum Collection in Fairfax, Virginia. Every day the NRA Museum shares one of their great pieces on its Facebook page. This historic Colt M1911 was featured earlier this week. We believe the remarkable story of this pistol deserved to be told here…
Colt M1911 Pistol — Escape from Corregidor
The minesweeper U.S.S. Quail was the last operational American naval vessel in the Philippines when Japan began its occupation of the country in May 1942. After his vessel was disabled at the strategically-important island of Corregidor near the entrance to Manilla Bay, Lt. Commander J. H. Morrill scuttled the ship and gave his crew a choice: either surrender to the Japanese or attempt to escape, by sea, to Allied territory thousands of miles away. Rather than surrender, 17 crew members elected to join Morrill on a dangerous passage in a 36-foot open launch/lifeboat. Gear was scavenged including this M1911 recovered from a dead serviceman. With few charts or navigational aids, Morrill and his men successfully completed an epic 58-day 2,060-mile journey to Australia and safety.
The Japanese bomb Corregidor in 1942:
Corregidor Island today, with War Memorial:
Credit NRA Museum, Corregidor.org, and U.S. Government photo from Wikipedia.
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