Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters John Barsness' writing -

And there you have it.

Sometimes there's things that I'll learn from an article or some kind of technique or data point and I'm thankful for that. Other than that I'm not an fan and I'll leave it there.

I look for his stuff and it is often the reason I buy the magazine ir read the post. He reaches me.

I believe he is the best outdoor writer of my lifetime; but I am only 85.

When it comes to writing on guns JB is the best I believe. About the only other outdoor write I liked as much was the late Dwight Schuh at Bowhunter Magazine. Two different types of writing, but I read every word each of them write that I could/can get my hands on.

John is easily my favorite writer on guns or hunting. I'm an engineer, and back when I was in college I was drawn in by his articles on rifles and handloading. I liked that his scientific/technical approach was always tempered with a sense of practicality based on his extensive experience. I learned a lot reading his writing in those days that really gave me a head start when I jumped in the rifle/handloading game myself.

While I was always drawn to the more technical, comparison type articles, Rifles & Woodsmoke was always a favorite read for me. I've not subscribed to his Rifle Loony News, but I will be investigating that soon.

Gosh, those articles and even the advertisements really take me back... Loved the pieces done by JB.

Thanks for posting this!

John filled the void left by the greats like Keith, O'Connor, Skelton and so many others of that generation. I have been a fan since the early 90s, even bought a rifle from him once but alas let it go in some deal long since forgotten.

John writes too? I’m glad he answers his phone, so I don’t have to read...

I met John at the Sheep Show in Reno many years ago. I bought his book on optics from him while there and he was good enough to autograph it. Some years later and for a brief time we had a, shall we say challenging exchange on the Campfire.That passed quickly I gained a greater respect for him not only as a knowledgeable writer but as a decent guy as well. Although we met that one time I consider him a friend: I call him every so often, he is most gracious!

Desertranger,

Thanks very much!

The challenging exchange was my fault. One of my many faults is working too hard, which sometimes results in too-quick responses here. Have sort of semi-retired this year, which is helping....

John is a WAY better writer than Jack was....

m d much of what you write is not my thing but you are a great writer . enjoy your time off you earned it

I have long thought that JB is likely to be remembered as the shooting sports writer of his era, just as JOC was during his era.

When I was a kid growing up in northern New England there were 2 writers who were generally regarded as the best at what they did, JOC and Warren Page. JOC was more hunting oriented and WP was more technically oriented. I can't think of JOC doing much, if any, gunsmithing while at the same time I can't imagine WP doing nearly as much actual hunting as JOC.

OTOH, JB seems to be a jack of many trades and a master of many of them.