HausOfArms Blog Home

"ONE GOOD SHOT"

As I write this newsletter, I have just finished previewing the 28 minute promotional video, done by our hosts at Coppermoon Hunting Safari and Benchmark Visual. In this video they captured perfectly the essence of our trip to South Africa--a remarkable story! 5 1/2 months ago Ruth and I were approached by a friend of ours, Ryan Kadavy of Top Shelf Adventures, saying he had recommended us to be part of a video promotion for a new outfitter and new ranch in South Africa called COPPERMOON. They needed a couple to help create a promotional video for them, physically fit, both shooters and hunters, in the shooting/hunting industry, connected on all forms of social media and in our age group, 60 plus! Say what?! Who gets an opportunity like this? How fast can I say WE ARE IN!

In typical fashion we pulled out all the stops to gather valuable knowledge from our customers and friends in the industry that had already done this trip--guys like Alex Holman, Gary Reeder, JD Jones, Mike Cyrus, William Smith, Mark Hampton, Ken Kelly and others. With Ruth all over the travel details as well as what was required to travel with firearms and ammunition internationally, my focus became the actual firearms, calibers and platforms to be used. It is important to note that our earliest decisions were based on the anticipated delivery of the new SSK-50 frames that had just been introduced. With delivery scheduled for late December, there was just enough time to get the pistols and rifles built in time for permits, have SSK build the barrels, then get the loads worked up, sighted in and prepped for the trip. We also discovered that our government really doesn't like for us to travel abroad with OUR OWN suppressors. We are an FFL and SOT, but that didn't matter. That solution came from our PH, Denver Gowar. Although SA gun laws are more complex, we were surprised to find suppressors aren't regulated there. They can be bought over the counter with no delay. I got the specs to Denver and problem solved, realizing, of course, that I'd be leaving them there when we were done. This is when "THE PLAN" began to break down. Difficulties between S&W, Thompson Investment Castings and Lehigh Defense/SSK delayed delivery of MY frames till April. Don't our friends in NH and MA, that we spend so much time promoting, realize how important this is, not only to us, but to the entire SINGLE SHOT COMMUNITY? Our friends at Lehigh Defense(LD) and SSK firearms certainly did, with Brian(SSK) already making 4 Contender barrels for us, LD jumping through hoops with bullets, brass, dies, and load data. They were instrumental in the success of this trip! I spent 30 plus years being the guy that created "THE PLAN" to execute large electrical installations and I had a saying, always have a plan but your ultimate success is most often determined by adjustments to that plan. With no SSK-50 frames to be had, I started collecting an assortment of G1 Contender and G2 Contender frames that we as a family had collected (remember the barrels are in process), deciding on the Leupold optics and gear, clothing, boots, and everything else needed. The following is a list of firearms and loads we chose:

375JDJ Contender rifle, 20" threaded SS SSK barrel w/TSOB base, 3-9x40 Leupold Freedom scope, RH TH Revolution laminate, 250gr Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracture bullets

375JDJ Contender pistol, 14" SS Full Vent Rib SSK barrel, Leupold 2.5-8X32 VX-3i scope, Crusher Loop laminate, 185gr Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracture bullets

309JDJ Contender rifle, 20" SS SSK barrel with TSOB base, Leupold 3-9x40 Freedom scope, RH TH revolution Laminate, 152gr Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullets

6.5JDJ Contender rifle, 20" SS SSK barrel with TSOB base, Leupold 3-9x40 Freedom scope, Upgraded M4 telescopic RIP dipped stockset, 110 gr Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullets

LARRY, yes, we name our guns. This 6.5JDK Contender pistol with an SSK Blue 12" barrel autographed "Larry Kelly" made by JD Jones for his friend, an old Nikon pistol scope that didn't survive the trip, all set up as a tribute to Ken Kelly's Dad by Eric. 110gr Lehigh Defense bullets with the loads worked up for me by JD Jones personally. Thanks, JD

And THE MUTT

The only Encore in the group, named THE MUTT because Eric says it's the ugliest gun he has ever assembled, 2 tone RIP Cerakoted Weathershield frame, 1 lb 15ounce trigger job by Eric, 24" blue MGM barrel chambered in 6.5 x 284 Norma by Mike Bellm and threaded, Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x50 CDS scope, Birch RH TH Revolution laminate, Marty's handloads developed over 3 years with Dennis using the Hornady 143gr ELDX bullet perfectly tuned to the Leupold CDS dial scope. Ugly yes, BUT this dog can hunt.

While all this was coming together we had multiple opportunities to communicate with our Professional Hunter (PH), Denver Gowar. An absolutely engaging 22 year old young man, heavy accent, and as we found out, a brilliant hunter and now friend. As he was trying to get to know us, our abilities, our physical fitness, and our firearms he had some questions that bring us back to the title of this story, ONE GOOD SHOT.

Why single shots? Most everybody uses bolt guns. Why handguns? Nobody uses them. What are all those JDJ rounds for? What distances are they good for? Bullets? What are those Lehigh Defense bullets anyway? What is a BOG POD Death Grip? Everybody uses some form of sticks. These African plains animals are tough, most often requiring quick follow up shots, Initially, THE MUTT wasn't on our list as we were told shot distances of 200-250 yds max. Denver asked if I had a long range rifle perhaps we could have some fun with it so I'm thinking Baboons? Jackals? Bush Pigs at night? Ok I'll bring it. So an accidental adjustment to the plan changed history for us. I also started explaining the history of the single shot firearms we represent with ONE GOOD SHOT being the motto. If I've done my job up front, and deliver the goods at the right time and place, then we only need "ONE GOOD SHOT".

THE SHOOTING SYSTEM USED

1) Marty, Ruth and Eric all capable shooters.

2) Bog Pod Death Grip, essentially a very sturdy adjustable height tripod with a vise mounted on top. Denver now says it’s the most reliable, sturdy shooting platform he has ever seen.

3) Leupold CDS Dial VX-3i 6.5-20x50 scope 30mm tube combined with Marty’s developed handloads using Hornady 143gr ELDX bullets, perfectly tuned to the dial thus taking elevation completely out of any shooting solution by simply turning the dial to the desired elevation.

4) ANY of our single shot rifles and pistols that have been assembled precisely, and accurized to the max.

At this point I will forego the detail of each successful animal taken but will refer you at the end of the article of where to go to read each in detail. The following is a summary of the animals harvested, distances and firearms used:

Red Hartebeast - 380 yds-Marty - THE MUTT OGS

Impala - 300 yds-Marty - THE MUTT OGS

Black Wildebeest - 326 yds-Marty - THE MUTT OGS

Blesbuck -165 yds-Ruth - THE MUTT OGS

Warthog - 40 yds-Marty - 375JDJ Pistol OGS

Duiker - 273 yds-Marty - THE MUTT OGS

ELAND - 350 yds-Marty - THE MUTT OGS

Springbuck - 240 yds-Eric - THE MUTT OGS

KUDU - 597 yds-Eric - THE MUTT OGS

Gemsbuck - 260 yds-Ruth - THE MUTT OGS

Springbuck - 425 yds-Marty - THE MUTT OGS

Black Wildebeest - 400/440 yds-Eric - THE MUTT

Warthog - 250/250 yds-Eric - 375JDJ Rifle

Bushbuck - 236 yds-Eric - 375JDJ Rifle

KUDU - 221 yds-Marty - 375JDJ Pistol -300 yds-375JDJ Rifle-Marty - 25 yds-375JDJ Pistol-Eric

Steenbuck -155 yds-Ruth - 375JDJ Rifle

Ruth and I were there the full 10 days and Eric the last 6 days of the hunt. As you can imagine, we got after it!

Ruth's Gemsbuck

Eric's Bushbuck

Marty's Kudu

You may also notice that it took 3 shots to finish off my pistol KUDU, here is an excerpt from Eric's Final Day Blog Post as he reflects on that KUDU :

"That said, I realize this wasn't just his bull. I insisted he take the first shot. Actually demanded it because I knew he had it in him, and I was honored to take the final shot. But this wasn't just his bull or my bull or our bull. This incredible Kudu is the product of all pistol hunters before us, the entire community we hunt with and for and support, and all who helped push us into this first of a lifetime hunt. We are blessed, and we know it."

To read the whole story as a daily journal, click here for the HausofArms Blog and enjoy. There are about 17 posts so be sure to start with the prequel, "Everything Before the Hunt."

As soon as the promotional video is posted to YouTube, we will send out a newsletter blast with the link. You won't be disappointed. You can follow Coppermoon's Facebook page here and their Instagram page here.

Wow, also looks like THE MUTT has attained legendary status in South Africa. This cannot be debated. Our hosts see hunters from all over the world and "they all say they can shoot," but and I quote, "We have never seen a family, a system and a gun that DID NOT miss a single shot attempted at a trophy animal!" So what I am about to say will make no sense to some and be applauded by others, WE LEFT THE SYSTEM THERE. The Bog Pod, THE MUTT, the ammo, the Leupold scope, the suppressors, all stayed in SA and are in process of being transferred to our PH Denver Gowar. This means we can simply show up for our scheduled hunt, use THE SYSTEM with no hassle of traveling with firearms and ammo. BUT this also means any of YOU can do the same. Just tell Denver you are friends of HausofArms when you book your hunt. Can't be any easier than that.

As long as this writeup is there really are no words to describe this experience for my family. We have been truly blessed. The only question now is when do we go back?

CHANGES AT THOMPSON CENTER

While we were in South Africa early March I think, I got word that Danielle Sanville, T/C Brand Manager, and potentially some additional staff had been let go, and as of this writing, have not been replaced (4/20/20). What does this mean for the future of the T/C brand? Who knows. We also know that as of last November the S&W CEO had been removed by the board and then it was announced that S&W was to be split away from AOB, American Outdoor Brands. The obvious question I asked at that time was what happens to T/C? The only answer I could get was that T/C stays with S&W. The end of their fiscal year is 4/30/20 so soon there will be a much clearer picture. It is a messy divorce because S&W makes the frames and barrels while Battenfeld (BTI) distributes all the parts and pieces, with the T/C Brand being a major piece of the pie for them. So I guess we will see what happens. Personally, I will say that for us it can only get better.

UPDATE ON THE SSK-50 FRAMES

I've already explained in detail what not having these frames has meant to me personally, so for a minute, indulge me to get philosophical with you. When you are in the middle of a battle there are probably two things you can be sure of:

1) You aren't sure exactly when it will be over

2) You know that whatever it takes you will prevail!

December came and went and so did April, and the battle has raged on but at last it seems the new boundaries have been defined successfully. Lehigh Defense/SSK is a friend and an ally! Wow, that was deep! 

1) A new casting foundry has been employed

2) Inspection samples are due to LD by end April

3) If that step is successful, production begins with 400 units (first order) then headed to LD

4) Once those are received at LD, they will need to machine, heat treat, assemble and engrave

5) Mid-summer?

6) Be patient, as I said a minute ago, we will prevail. The resolve of LD/SSK will win the day.

SSK/HUNTER BARRELS

A follow up phase to the SSK-50 Frame project not only has begun but is well under way. These barrels, made with Green Mountain blanks, will most likely be on the shelves here at HausofArms by the time you receive this magazine. Initially there will be 3 bore sizes, .308" fast twist 1:7, .429" 1:16 twist and .458" 1:18 twist. Barrels for Encore, Contender, pistol and rifle, all stainless. BULL, FULL and Heavy contours. As appropriate in the following chamberings:

309JDJ

308Win

30-30AI

300WH/BLK

30-30Win

44mag

445SM

444M

44SPL

458WinMag

450Marlin

458Lott

45-70Govt

More bore sizes will follow. Note that Brian and I have been creative in these offerings as well as creating forend solutions in advance and also changing the mounting methods to create stronger attachment for those forends. Prices will be excellent! Another example of the commitment to our community by LD/SSK.

WILDCAT BRASS, DIES, BULLETS AND AMMO

Even one more project that was announced alongside the SSK-50 Frames and Barrels was support for the wildcat calibers. Many mainstays caliber wise for the Contender platform have faded in recent years due to the lack of support for the components necessary for them to prosper. So in conjunction with the SSK Hunter line of barrels, you will soon be able to purchase ALL the components for the 309JDJ caliber on HausofArms.com. Our plan is to add these components as we add that particular caliber to the barrel line up, AND if all goes well, an incentive based program that gives larger discounts based on the number of components you select with your barrel order. Let's let the fun begin.

Be safe, stay healthy and shoot straight. 

Marty

ENCORE FRAMES

In comparison to a true humanitarian crisis, the “Great Frame Shortage of 2019” may not be that big of a deal, but in our world it feels like a HUGE DEAL.  We are working with T/C to get Encore frames back into production ASAP.  We are still taking Encore frame orders, but please know that we do not have a confirmed ship date from T/C yet.  We do have G2 frames in stock and ready to ship!  

BARREL SALE!

We have been able to continue to offer 2018 pricing on factory barrels for the last several months because we were able to lock in our 2018 prices for the first several orders of 2019.  

March Newsletter From HausOfArms

50th Anniversary G2 Contenders

We are steadily receiving shipments of the 50th Anniversary G2 Contenders, and we have already shipped two dozen to happy customers.  We expect to receive our next shipment in April.

350 Legend Barrels From Match Grade Machine

We are expecting our first shipment of 350 Legend Barrels for all platforms by the end of March.  We still have a few pre-sale barrels left, but we don’t expect them to last.  If you are considering a 350 Legend barrel, we would suggest ordering asap.

350 Legend Scopes And Ammo

Leupold plans to release 350 Legend Scopes by early summer.  These will be CDS scopes specifically designed for the 350 Legend.  We plan to stock a few of these scopes. (We also plan to stock them for the 450 Bushmaster).  

We hope to stock Winchester’s 350 Legend Ammo as soon as it’s available.  

HausOfArms Soft Pistol Cases

We have a few of our HausOfArms pistol cases left, and we plan to order more.  These cases come in 24 and 27 inch options, and they will fit a scoped pistol in all platforms.

16.5” Threaded 6.5 Creedmoor Dimension Barrels By Bellm

As always, we strive to offer new custom items on a regular basis.  We sent a few of our 6.5 Creedmoor Dimension barrels to Mike Bellm to have them cut down and threaded.  Mike cut them down to 16.5” and added a 5/8-24 thread with a cap. These barrels are a perfect fit for a small blind!  

T/C Shooters Challenge

Our friend, John Tasker, runs the T/C Shooters Facebook group.  He has started a monthly shooting challenge, and there will be prizes for the winners!  Check it out!

A Note From Marty

Many of you are already aware of the blatant attack on our 1A and 2A rights by Facebook.  They have recently shut down multiple T/C enthusiast groups with zero recourse. While we plan to continue to use the HausOfArms Facebook page for as long as possible, we are also encouraging our followers to join us on MeWe.  MeWe is a 2A friendly site, and we are asking everyone to join in case our Facebook page is shut down.  

February Newsletter From HausOfArms

Introducing The 350 Legend By Match Grade Machine

At SHOT Show, Winchester introduced their newest ammo: 350 Legend.  There has been a lot of buzz and excitement about the possibilities that the 350 Legend can offer.  Dylan from Match Grade Machine came home from SHOT Show and got to work designing a 350 Legend barrel for both the Encore and Contender.  We are offering them as a pre-sale item right now, and we should have them by the end of March. We are offering them for the Encore and Contender in both blued and stainless.  They will be 20” long, threaded with a cap, and 1:16 twist.

The 350 Legend WILL NEVER Replace the 357 Rem Max

As many of you know, the HausOfArms Crew LOVES the 357 Rem Max.  We all own one, and we all love them for different reasons: lack of recoil, versatility, accuracy...we could go on all day about the 357 Rem Max.  Here’s the deal, the 357 Rem Max isn’t an accessible barrel for everyone because not everyone reloads and not everyone can afford to buy reloads, but the 357 Rem Max has a loyal following and will ALWAYS have a loyal following.   This is where the 350 Legend comes in. It has many of the same qualities as the 357 Rem Max, AND the price point and accessibility of the ammunition makes it accessible to ALL.

What Match Grade Machine Says About The 350 Legend

The 350 Legend is perfect for the states that are restricted to 1.8" straight wall case for hunting.  Winchester had youth, women, and those of us that are recoil sensitive in mind during development. This case is designed to compete with cartridges like the 450 Bushmaster and the 460 S&W, but without the recoil. New case features include an overall length of 1.71", a slightly rebated rim that is the same diameter as the 223 Remington, multiple SKU’s of factory loaded ammunition, plus the benefit of reloadability with a plentiful supply of 35 caliber bullets. This blazing round will have great muzzle velocity combined with proper hunting bullets that will allow you to reach out to 300 yards and beyond with confidence. There’s no doubt that the 350 Legend will be a great addition to your Encore or Contender barrel collection.  See it in action: https://winchester.com/350-Legend#video

Ballistics From Winchester

MeWe: A Gun Friendly Social Media Platform

While we intend to continue to utilize the HausOfArms Facebook Page, we are well aware that many similar pages and groups are being deleted without reason or recourse.  You may have noticed that the All T/C Contenders All The Time and the T/C Addiction groups have been deleted. Facebook permanently deleted these groups because they made someone feel “unsafe”.  We are choosing to be proactive, and we are asking our followers to join us on MeWe. You can find our page here: https://mewe.com/p/hausofarms. While you are at it, please be sure to join Justin VanDee’s new group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/395097161056641/.

50th Anniversary G2 Contenders

As of right now, we haven’t received anymore of the 50th Anniversary Contenders, but we expect to start receiving regular weekly shipments of them!  The first one that we received went to a legend in the T/C community. Bob Bryarly has been a champion and advocate for Thompson Center for decades, and we were honored to be able to fulfill his order.

A Note From Marty

Our first shipment of 2019 T/C Catalogs arrived this week! We will be adding one to every HausOfArms order that goes out the door while supplies last.  We can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks about them.

Shoot Straight and Be Safe,

Marty and The HausOfArms Crew