Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Sam Fadala

I've got a copy and like it more today than I did previously.

In 2006, I sent Sam a Christmas Card just to say "thanks" for his numerous contributions to traditional black powder shooting. He responded with a very nice letter and photos. I have never had the pleasure of meeting him, but have profited from his literary contributions for several years. Mr.Fadala is a class act in my book and I wish him well.

One of my favorite authors, his 22 book is one of the best.

I believe he's been doing more traditional archery writing as of late.

I have his "Book of The Twenty-Two", "Blackpowder Handbook", "Blackpowder Loading Manual" and "Black Powder Hobby Gunsmithing".

Updates on all the last three would be terrific and could fill several chapters. Since their publications, new developements in the field of primitive firearms have been many.

Was delighted to see my friend Sam several times at the SHOT Show � but never long enough for any extended conversation.

� He's busy, of course.

� Has dual citizenship now � USA and South Africa.

� US home is in Wyoming.

I let him know that his Campfire fans have been asking about him, interested in what he's been doing.

Glad to hear Mr. Fadala is doing well.

Thanks Ken, great to know he is active, and sound as if enjoying life, !!!

excellent.

I had the very distinct pleasure of meeting Sam at one of our local gun shows. We had a very pleasant discussion about guns and hunting, and I even bought some of the stuff he was selling off his table, four boxes of Speer Nitrex ammo in .308 Win. He is definitely a gentleman of the first water.
Paul B.

Any news about Sam F?

Always enjoyed his articles.

I've got his M94 book, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I haven't been brave enough to use some of his loads though! Interesting writing style, and an experimenter.

I assume you are referring to the Swede? IIRC, in the book, "ALL About Mausers" or something like that, they talk about the M94, 96, etc. running proof loads of around 67,000 if not mistaken, not sure if that is CUP or PSI. JB might chime in if he's reading.

I can attest to reforming some 25-06 Hornady and some 270 Hornady.......capacity varied greatly between the two Suffice to say my O.D. on the neck was discovered to be .310, specs call for .297 from memory...as MAX. In essense my loads were 'crimped' not allowing the bullet to easily leave the case, not to mention using brass from another round, with different head size, etc. I almost welded my action shut, cracked the threads on the bullet as the cock on close striker blew back hard when the gas blew the primer and I believe all around the case head. I would fathom that round was 70-80k or more..........I was VERY lucky. ONLY used proper Swede brass after that.......that gun got a new bolt and headspace.

That said, I ran 4831 with 120 and 140 corelokts back then. Had 2 sporterized M96s, one I left alone, later got a 700 Classic.

The great thing about the Swede, yes the steel is somewhat soft, but not brittle like say some Enfields which would rupture with high pressure.

So I think the Swedes probably take more pressure than some might think, NOT suggesting over loads, but I think some underestimate their ability to digest decent loads. IIRC, those actions do lack the 98 third 'safety lug' - so they dont' have that backup...in case.

I think he was referring to Fadala's book on the 94 Winchester.

You are correct, the book on the 94 Winchester wtitten by Sam Fadala.

Sorry to dredge up an old post but…Sam was my dad’s hunting partner when they were young. Most of my dad’s stories started out, “me and Sammy were…”. I’ve seen my grandfather mentioned in some of Sam’s articles; Cliff Black. I’m just wondering if he is still around. I have a picture of Sam’s buck from the early 60’s I think. It’s a little forked horn mulie. Anyways, if anyone knows anything I’d appreciate it. Thanks.

Went down the Google trail. Best I can figure he is still with us, at 84 years of age.

Which is what I came up with as well--but haven't seen or heard from Sam for years.

His black powder handbook has been invaluable to me. I haven't read his other books, but have enjoyed some of his articles and I think he's authored some addendums in loading manuals too.

I've got his book 'The Book Of The Twenty Twos'. Well written and a good retrospective, as well.

Blackco,

The last address I have for Sam was Hanna, Wyoming.