Author: Steven Tracy

Steven Tracy is a retired police officer after 30 years of service and has been a firearms enthusiast since birth. He was a certified firearms instructor for his department for 28 years. His father and grandfather were shooters and collectors before him, so it’s pretty much in his DNA. Steve’s firearms interests lean toward blued steel and walnut, while nickel-plating, ivory handles, and tasteful engraving make him even happier. From old guns (he has fired the 300+ year-old Blunderbuss that hangs above his fireplace) to the latest wondergun – handguns, rifles, and shotguns – he likes them all. Retired to a log cabin in the Volunteer state of Tennessee (“Patron state of shooting stuff,” as the character Bob Lee Swagger stated, in the movie, Shooter), he keeps busy shooting cottonmouths, armadillos, and beavers that invade his property.

Living with Snakes (But not the Venomous Ones)

The first night my wife and I stayed at our log cabin it was raining.  We had closed on our retirement home in West Tennessee and were excited for our inaugural stay after our purchase.  Just as I was about to drift off into a peaceful sleep, I realized I’d left something outside.

[Editor’s Note: This story contains images of snakes and stories of snake encounters. If snakes make you sssssskittish, we’d suggest skipping this story! The rest of you will enjoy this excellent tale from Steve, and its important lessons.]

Continue reading “Living with Snakes (But not the Venomous Ones)”

Colt 1917 .45 ACP Revolver – Fitz’ed!

Back in March of 2018, I wrote about my custom Fitz’ed Colt Official Police .38 Special here in these pages.  Fellow RevolverGuys can tell from my story that I have more than just a passing interest in revolvers that have received the Fitz treatment. Continue reading “Colt 1917 .45 ACP Revolver – Fitz’ed!”

Jeff Quinn Memorial Ruger GP100 .44 Special

Jeff Quinn was unmistakable with his long, braided, gray beard. I’d seen his videos on YouTube, so when he and his brother Boge exited their vehicle, I walked up to Jeff with my hand extended and he shook it readily as I introduced myself. This was several years ago at the SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range and I said, “I’ve got a question for you.” Continue reading “Jeff Quinn Memorial Ruger GP100 .44 Special”

Weird Revolvers & Revolver Cartridges

I’m thinking about weirdos right now.  Not the people panicking during these unprecedented world times, but rather weirdo revolvers.  This doesn’t mean that I think weirdos are bad or good, inferior or well-made, it just means that they’re out of the norm as self-defense handguns.  They’re just weird. Continue reading “Weird Revolvers & Revolver Cartridges”

Shootists 35th Anniversary Bisley Single Seven

Custom guns are truly special. When a true gunsmith enhances a factory firearm, the results deliver a better shooting – and oftentimes a more visually appealing – gun. Embellishments can be both handsome and functional. A masterpiece becomes an heirloom when we are lucky enough to acquire a custom firearm. Continue reading “Shootists 35th Anniversary Bisley Single Seven”

Custom Single-Six: Tyler Gun Works’ RSSE

I first encountered Tyler Gun Works a few years ago while searching for a Christmas gift for a close friend, one of the proverbial guys who is very difficult to buy for. Jeff Quinn of Gunblast.com wrote about a high quality tomahawk that piqued my interest. Its blade was case hardened and its handle was made of hickory. I went to the manufacturer’s website and found several models to choose from and they were all made of stainless steel. Continue reading “Custom Single-Six: Tyler Gun Works’ RSSE”

S&W Model 29 Classic DX: It’s all in the “DX”

Back in 1985 Classic Coke was a confusing fiasco when it replaced New Coke, which had replaced Coca-Cola.  The term “Classic” is supposed to refer to something that is timeless, with an air of tradition, perhaps even a masterpiece.  Smith & Wesson’s Classic revolvers are even more bewildering since S&W has used the term at least three times.  Continue reading “S&W Model 29 Classic DX: It’s all in the “DX””

The High Standard Sentinel R-103

As RevolverGuys, we often focus on the good stuff. S&W. Colt. Ruger. We may frown upon other “lesser” makes of wheelguns (and I won’t mention them by name). But there is a make and model of revolver that is often overlooked because it wasn’t made by the big three. Continue reading “The High Standard Sentinel R-103”