Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Being a “gun writer”?

Calhoun, I'm interested in 99s. I just may order a copy.

A paperback from the website is $21 plus shipping, that hopefully is low enough to not be a problem for anybody. Might want to take a look at the calendar while you're on the web site, it has some very cool pictures of special order engraving, checkering and carving for 1899's. The pocket sized book didn't allow very large pictures, so got permission to use those photos in a calendar for folks who wanted to see lots of detail.

David Royal will have a larger book on engraved and one of a kind 1895's/1899's/99's coming out probably next year. So keep an eye out for his as well.

[quote=Calhoun]



So, you are Rory Calhoun. aha.

I liked him too.

“River of No Return” and many other roles.

Was told my mom thought he was a good looking guy, so I got the name. Been called Calhoun since I was a tyke.

Allllright. LIKE


Jerry

Will do. My Dad and Uncle Bill both had 99s....in .300, of course.

I'd have guessed that. I got started deer hunting with a loaned 99C in 284. Wish I had that rifle.

Yes R C was good looking



60 years ago.



Jerry

Rocky,

Thanks for your nice words! Yeah, writing is work--but if you like to write it beats some other jobs.... :-)

You're absolutely right about freelancers having a better chance of selling articles if the subject is somewhat off-beat. Magazines have staff writers to review the latest guns, ammo, scopes, etc.

One of the changes that actually helped gun writers was the switch to digital photography, which happened about the same time pay rates from magazines started dropping. Digital made it far easier and cheaper to put together a photo "package," rather than take slides and get them developed. Taking slides, as you well know, required taking more than one of the same photo, in order to make sure at least one was useable.

Then you either had to mail off the film, or take it to a local shop, for developing. Eileen and I preferred to use a local (and very good) shop to mailing--but as is common in Montana that required a 140-mile round trip. Our switch to digital cameras was paid for the first year just in film development costs, and also saved a LOT of time, since we could immediately see the results. That definitely helped balance the drop in magazine pay rates.

John

Allen,

That's an interesting question--partly because a little over a year ago Gray's Sporting Journal asked me to write for them again, and offered enough money to make it possible. I sold my second article to them in 1976, the first full year they published, and did a lot more for them over the next 20+ years (also spending a couple years as their editor), then just got too busy with other markets.

So far have done four stories for them, but right now my "jury" is still out on Gray's future, for a couple of reasons. Will know more in the next few weeks.

John

Calhoun/Rory,

I just ordered a copy, since I'm something of a 99 nut. Used to be a lot nuttier, but the idea of having a quick, compact reference to take to gun shows is a great one!

Am also sending you a PM, with some ideas about the present status of self-publishing gun books, which may or may not help.

Good hunting,
John

I have your link and book picture on my site. It is with the rest of my books. Just scroll down when you go to the page.

Let us know before I get all my friends their Christmas gift subscriptions!

Thank you very much! It's in my mind that I bought a 99G from you a decade or so ago in the classifieds.. I also believe I bought one of your Murray's books.



Awesome! Appreciate it very much. I'm going to have to pick up that Campfryer book.. don't know how I've missed that.

Gun....there ya go. I now are one😁🙄

By your post count you have less experience than I.



Jerry

Okay....just ordered a copy of the book and the calendar. Now I'll be able to talk in a little more detail about my .303 and .22 HP.

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it, as a 99 nut the calendar blows me away. Let me know what you think.

MD:

I've completely enjoyed both GSJ and your contributions to it through the years, and I'm glad that you're back adding to the mix with thier particular brand of sporting literature.

I would argue that most gunwriters write about what they DID. Ie., hunting, shooting a firearm for review etc etc.