Hello, all. This is my first post on what looks to be a well organized, informative, and friendly site. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what happened to Bob Milek. I'd heard he passed away a few years back. He was one of my favorites, and the one who got me started in handgun varminting. I miss his articles greatly. Thanks, Andy

Unfortunately he did pass away a few years back. I too enjoyed reading him for years. He is missed..................DJ

More than a few years, he died in 1993.

He was one of my favorites as well.

Welcome to the campfire Farmall

Mike

Met him my first time guiding at a camp on the Upper Stoney River. He came in and started helping me flesh a bear hide and talking just as pleasant as could be. Did not realize he was not a guide until a couple days later, as he passed on sleeping in the dude lodge to bunk with the guides.

As down to Earth as they come.
art

My good friend Bob died of cancer several years ago (before I knew that he was sick!). I miss him terribly as a friend and hunting partner. He was what all the old clich�s say � the real McCoy, all wool and a yard wide, the genuine article, down-to-earth, plain as an old shoe, and so on. He flat knew his stuff. The "Herrett" cartridges were his, but he shunned credit for 'em. He was a good hunter, in part because he was a guide and outfitter for years. More than once, I've seen him out-shoot riflemen, with a handgun.

Though he was short of stature, he had none of the hypersensivity about height ("the Napoleon complex") that makes so many short guys obnoxious. And a good thing that was, because it enabled him to be a very close friend of my other lamented old friend, six-foot-six Bill Jordan. Those two had an on-going private, joshing "feud" that was worlds more fun to watch than the goings-on between Bill and Skeeter. Bob absorbed dozens or hundreds of barbs about his "stunted growth" with an unfailing sense of humor and even genuine enjoyment.

I'd better stop right here � else I'd go on and on with favorite memories of Bob Milek.

.

Mr. Howell,

Having someone that knew, personally, someone that many of the rest of us knew through his writing "go on and on" about favorite memories puts the rest of us closer to someone that we wished we could have met. You, and the rest of the gunwriters here and elsewhere, are our links to folks like Mr. Milek, Mr. Jordan, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. Bear, Mr. Keith, and many, many more. Some of us grew up reading the stories and articles written by these fine folks, and to have someone talk to us about what they were actually like kinda puts us 'round a campfire with them, at least in spirit.

Thanks for sharing whatever you can,

The last time I saw Bob, he was in an exhibitor's display area at a SHOT Show, looking at a long, wide padded case for carrying several long guns. The case was about four feet long and about eighteen inches wide (zipped shut). What it looked like was too obvious to ignore.

"What's that?" I asked Bob, "a Bob Milek sleeping bag?"

Bob doubled over laughing. Then the Editor of one of the big magazines walked by.

"Did you hear what Ken just asked me?" Bob called-out to him, and repeated my question.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

One morning (at a SHOT Show again), Bob had just lowered his glass-lined paper sack from his mouth just as a good ol' redneck boy across the aisle remarked about the scope that he was looking through �

"That's a good clear scope, all right, but I don't like that rectal at all."

Bob had to take another swallow � the first one had just suddenly become an alcoholic mist in the aisle.

.

I did like reading B. Milek. There were some articals that I didn't agree with him on but that is normal for me. My favorite writer ever_Ross Seyfried, wrote a good number of articals that I didn't agree with so you can see I can be contrary at times.

I miss the old style and the old school and I miss it alot. I think Gun Mags are just different and it makes me sad. I think it is like a monthly Infomercial that hits the stands and mail boxes.

Still some good writers out there and thank God.

CM

I was told he only had one eye and that is why he always wore glasses.
-Doc-

On a mixed-bag hunt in Nebraska, Bob (who'd never hunted squirrels before) shot a squirrel that was inside the hollow stub of a cottonwood limb, looking out at us. Bob expected the squirrel to kick forward in a death spasm and thus kick itself out of the limb stub. But the squirrel just scrunched-up into a ball and died � still inside the limb stub, which was too high to reach with anything that we could find to reach with.

The crotch of that old cottonwood � the first thing to offer any help to a climber � was too high for anything that we could find to stand on. I laced my fingers together to give Bob a step up.

Not high enough.

"Stand on my shoulders," I said. Bob stood on my shoulders.

Not high enough.

"Stand on my head."

"Wearing these waffle-stompers? No way!"

"Go ahead. Just don't dance around up there." So he stood on my ol' bald head.

Just barely high enough for Bob to jump up and get a-hold of a grip that let him haul himself up to the crotch. From there, he was able to climb up to the limb stub and get his squirrel.

He said afterward that the experience proved to him that some editors could be useful, after all, and for years (for the rest of his life, I suspect), he jumped gleefully at every opportunity to tell of how he'd been able to get his dead squirrel out of that tree.

Our hunting partner Hal Swiggett photographed the editor being useful, but he never sent me the print that he promised me. I don't remember where our other partner (Bill Jordan) was off to, at the time. He would've been a taller pedestal than I was.

.

Ken, Thank you for sharing your insight and memories of another fine writer. I also enjoyed reading his articles.

Dr.Ken Howell,
You are a treasure to this forum!
Thank you for your wonderful stories.

The first time when I met Bob, it was at a meeting in the early 1980s here in the Old World, according to his name badge I addressed him as "Mr. Milek" - pronounced "Mylek" which is wrong.
In his high cowboy heels an with high selfconfidence he interupted my speech and told me, his family is of Polish origin and his name is to be pronounced "Me:lek".
Bob was a nice and very capable guy, sharing his knowledge with the interested.
RD

To All,

As others have written, particularly Ken, Bobby was the real deal. He was a great guy to hunt with and a great guy to party with. He also had a heart as big as his home state of Wyoming.

When he became ill with cancer, Bob Petersen made arrangements for him to be seen at a specialty clinic in LA. During that time, the publisher of G&A, Ken Elliott, was also very ill with heart problems requiring surgery. Bob was considerably more concerned with Ken's condition than he was his own. That's the kind of guy he was.

During his time with Petersen Publishing, he was probably the busiest writer on the staff - even busier than Craig at the time. He is sorely missed.

Tom

The thing I always remember about Mr. Milek is a special edition book or magazine he did for Guns and Ammo. Something like "Hunting Handguns" or something.

Every article started with him telling about using the revolver in question on game, in the field, and ended with how to disassemble and repair the gun.

Interesting and useful information, instead of a rehashed advertisement.

I need to dig through my boars nest of old mags and books and find that book now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Joe.

Reading Mr. Howell's anecdotes makes me wish that gun writers would all write about their adventures together, and particularly about those who are already gone. A publisher who would make all this available in volumes might do quite well. I Remember Skeeter could serve as a template, more or less.

I've lost count of the articles about handloading for the .300 Wondermag, and quite frankly it bores the daylight out of me. Stories about the men and by the men who write the stories might hold my interest!


-RR-

He wrote the best article for reloading for hunting I've ever read. I wish I could have met him. What's his son up to these days? He used to include pictures of him and also mentioned him in his writings.

Bob Junior is writing now. I've met him a few times but haven't read any of his work or hunted with him. He seems all right to me. As Bob Sr's son, he has a lot going for him and a lot to live up to. I expect him to do well and of course wish him well.

.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Here's one that I haven't written about, one that hasn't been written anywhere, as far as I know.

On his work bench, Missoula rifle-maker Iver Henriksen had a nice ash tray made from a hoof from one of our friend Elmer Keith's bull buffalo. I don't recall ever seeing any ashes or stubs in it, but more than once, Iver told me about the day when that hoof began its trip to the taxidermist.

Time was when any citizen with the fee and the way to haul the meat away (alive or butchered) could buy a buffalo from the thinning operation at the National Bison Range up at Moiese. Iver, among other things, was a skilled butcher. He and Elmer had a deal � Elmer bought buffalo and killed 'em; Iver dressed and butchered 'em; and they split the meat.

They hauled the bull in this yarn out to the range at the old cavalry post, Fort Missoula, and turned it loose. Elmer shot it � once, of course � and down it went. Iver went to it, knives ready, but Elmer hung back.

"He ain't dead yet," Elmer warned. "His eyes ain't dull."

"Oh, yeah, he's dead!" Iver said. He sat astraddle the bull's hindquarters, grabbed its tail, and wrenched or kinked it.

Elmer was right.

The bull came up, sending Iver somersaulting, spun around, and charged Iver.

Elmer dropped the bull � bang, flop, skid � with another shot. I've forgotten which rifle he used, but I'm sure that he's mentioned it in one or more of his books.

It's easy to imagine Iver's continuous satisfaction in seeing that hoof on his bench, inches beyond the vise where he worked for so many years. It's easy to remember the satisfaction so clear in his voice each time he told me about the incident.

.

Mr. Howell
Thanks so much for the memories. I to read Bob Milek also as much as my Bible. I grew up reading all of the old school writers. Some are still around. To name a few are , Jon Sundra, J.B Wood, John Lachuk, Hal Swiggett, Finn Aagaard, John Wooters, H. Lea Lawence, Jack Lott, Bob Hagel,Craig Boddington, Clair Rees, Jack O Conner, and my all time favorite Elmer Keith.

Ken, does Bill Milek write at all these days ? I haven�t read any new gun magazines in years. I guess I stopped reading them about the time when all of my favorites stopped writing or passed away.

30-30 Man

Opps, You answered the question about Bill Milek. I didn't read all the posts.

30-30 Man

I never knew or heard of Bill Milek. Who he be?

.

He is truly missed!

Huntr

Of those whom you've listed, I know, knew, or have met � among many others � Jon Sundra, J B Wood, John Lachuk, Hal Swiggett, Finn Aagaard, John Wootters, Bob Hagel, Craig Boddington, Clair Rees, and my long-time friend and neighbor Elmer Keith. I do not know Lea Lawence or Jack Lott and never met O'Connor in person (only by letter and 'phone). I admire to the nth degree most of those whom I've known. (Never mind who're the exceptions in the above list!)

The full list of my favorites (not to mention mere acquaintances and those whom I'd avoid today) would be much longer than the above list � Bill Jordan, Ken Waters, John Amber, and Bob Brister, for starters. It may be worth my while to make a full list for my own amusement.

My private list of "wet dogs at the ladies' lawn party" would be very satisfyingly short. Most good gun writers are good guys.

.

Ken,
I got both of the 10 inch Contender bull barrels in the Herrett calibers about 30 years ago. I do not remember the year now they had only been out a few months and they both came with loading data that included Bob's address and phone number. I was having a problems with the .30 Herrett and picked up the phone and gave Bob a call. As I recall it rang a couple of times and he answered and we spent 30 minutes discussing the fine points of accuracy with the .30 and .357 Herretts cartridges. I spent that evening loading the and following his directions. He was dead on, the five or six inch groups went to 1 to 2 inches. A few days later he gave me a call to see how the groups were going. That was really nice, I was nothing but a kid in college at that time and he knew that, but he still called to check on me. I have taken quite a few deer and hogs with the Herrett calibers now, but every time I take one of them out I remember that Bob Milek cared enough to help me.
Take care!
Marcus

'Tis just as I thought �

I made two lists last night, (a) the gun writers past and present whom I could think of, whom I've known and would welcome into my camp anywhere, any time, and the "wet dogs," whom I've known and would just as soon would go somewhere else. Both tallies are interesting � 57 good guys and 13 "wet dogs."

Toldya � most good gun writers are good guys.

.

Ken,
I don't know on which of your lists he falls, but some years back J B Wood and I were neighbors and my limited experience's with him were all positive. Over the years since, I've phoned him a few times with questions about a firearm and he has always been very friendly and extremely helpful.

I don't know J B well, but he's on my big list.

.

how he pronounced his name. Was it Mile-ek or Mill-ek.
He replied that it was pronounced Mill-ek. Later on, as I was leaving, I ran into him again and stopped him and asked, "Are you SURE you're pronouncing your name correctly?" He stared for a minute and then broke out into a grin. I got to see him once more before he died. It was common knowledge that he was in poor health the last time I saw him. I mentioned to him that I had put him on my prayer list and he thanked me and I left.

Sounds like one heckuva guy. I always enjoyed his articles, and had wondered what happened to Mr. Milek. Thanks for the excellent stories about him guys.

Had the sense years ago, that Milek really was the sorta guy he came off as in his magazine columns. Really enjoyed these stories.

I would've still liked him even if he hadn't praised the 25-06 from time to time.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Hi Ken
I just saw a picture of Bill Milek in on old issue of Guns&Ammo. It may be a miss print of the picture taken. Below the picture is says " Bob Milek's son Bill Milek with a fine Buck" There is also a picture of his daughter. I well get the back issue out of my stack and let you know the date on the front cover. I will never throw these back issues away. I still use then!

30-30 Man

Hello Again Ken
I found the Magazines. It was a special edition called �All Around Rifles� put out by Guns & Ammo. The only date I can find is on the first page where it says copyright 1981 in small print at the bottom. The Article written by Bob is called � Old Reliable The 30-06.� This issue has a picture of his daughter. Her name was not mentioned. Thought I would throw this one in as you might know her name.

The second source of information on Bob Milek�s son is from a special issue of Guns & Ammo titled �A Complete Guide to Deer Hunting. The front cover reads Guns & Ammo Action Series 6 dated 1983. The article it titled � Pick The Right Rig For Mulies.� Although the name of the author is not listed where the article appears on page 60, it is listed in the front of the table of contents as being written by Bob Milek. I believe it was written by him as there is pictures of him throughout the article. On that page 60 there is a picture of a young man in a cowboy hat and a nice buck. There is where it says �The author�s son Bill uses a Model model 700 BDL Remington in 7mm Express/280 Rem�. Well, there is where I got it from. It could just be a misprint as I saw a few over the years at G&A.
I wish the family well.

30-30 Man

Thanks for all the really great stories guys! It's good to know that Bob was really as good a man as I always figured he was. Those like him are a damn rare commodity these days.

Dave--

I have been out doing serious rifle tests for a few days (prairie dog shooting) so got in late here. I knew Bob Milek just enough to also vouch that he was a fine guy, with no airs about him, even though he was extremely competent at everything he did!

I know Bob Jr. much better, in fact have shot with him a number of times. He is a VERY fine rifle shot and a great guy to be around. I just wish he wrote more stuff, because in every other respect he seems to be a lot like his dad (including in height, but since he and I are about the same we get along fine, even tell short jhokes to each other).

MD

Thanks MD. I wish Bob Jr well and I also wish he'd write more. His dad was one of the all time best writers and will always be.

The very first gun magazine I ever bought had a couple of articles from Bob Milek and he instantly became my favorite. His advice was good advice always touting the "sensible" cartridges over the fad cartridges. Although he was no magnum basher, he did have a preference for the old standby's like the .257 Roberts, 7x57, .270, .30-06 etc. Call me dated, but I still think his "sensible" cartridges are the best choices today.

RiverRider,

I also enjoy reading about the hunters and the hunt. Sure include information on the rifle and equipment used but focus on the adventure. I would love to hear stories about the writers adventures past and present.


kandpand

It's simple. When equipment makers pay for the trip, most write about the equipment. If the outfitter donates the hunt, most right about all the big trophies they bagged or saw. No one donates adventure (it's where you find it), so few write about it. But adventure is still the foundation of most of our outdoor dreams.

To put it more succinctly, they used to publish articles so you would see the ads. Now the articles are the ads. This a criticism of publishers and their corporate bosses (Pr------ in particular) , not the writers.

After reading this thread recently, I looked back through a small stack of G&A issues from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Like all of you, I remember enjoying Mr. Milek's writing during my "formative years" as a shooter, but the thing that struck me most tonight was the photographs of him-in more than half of the photos, he was smiling big and looked like he was really enjoying himself with whatever he was shooting.

I have a picture of Bob Milek over my workbench in the shop.
Nuf said...

Don

You're not short, you're "efficient".

When Bob passed on I pretty much quit buying the rags at that point!!

Milek was my first "favorite" gun writer, because he seemed down to earth and a "doer!"

What do I mean by that?



His articles were obviously from his own experiences and not influenced by any ammo companies that might have tried to leave him a pallet of ammo "to try."

I have missed Bob Milek and his writings A LOT!


Mr Howell: You and Mr. Milek were lucky to have known one another, and have been friends. Thanks for your anecdotes and personal experiences/insights. Sorry your friend is gone ..... in this world anyway .....

Bob Milek was one of my favorite "gun scribes". I also miss his work A LOT. Therein lies a story: Back in 2003 I did my first Wyoming pronghorn hunt. Had a doe and a buck tag. The doe was easy. The buck we really had to work for but he was worth it, (he's now on the wall). The day we got the buck my guide had to hike back several miles to get his truck. I stayed on a small ridgeline with a good view of my buck and and an awful lot of open country. It was warm that October day. As I was basking in the sun and enjoying the scenery I began to feel like I wasn't alone. Not a frightening feeling but a calm and peaceful type of feeling. I actually felt like there was a prescence of someone or something but it felt good. Then all of a sudden the thought of Bob Milek pops into my head. Then I realized that here I am sitting on a small ridgeline in Wyoming with a .25-06 next to me and a nice pronghorn that I had got from a measured 325 yds. I'm not making this up. I'm not into spirit stuff or anything but it's almost enough to make a guy believe in ghosts. I guess that after reading all Bob's stuff for years what else could I have thought of right there & then. I was in southwestern Wyoming at the time although if I recall correctly Bob was from up around Thermopolis WY. Anyway, I took a digital picture of Bob from an old "guns & ammo" magazine and it's now on my computer screen saver. Wish he were still with us. I'd have considered it a high honor to have met the man in person.

Was just thinking about Mr. Milek, yesterday (01MAY2010), and decided to look him up on yahoo [really looking for a compilation (best of?) of his writings] when this thread popped up on the search. I read with great interest all of the testaments of his character and humor which, again, reminded me of the person that I imagined he would be if I met him; sure wish I could have.

Mule Deer, I'm very sure Bob Jr would be the best candidate for a tributary collection of his late father's work, and I'm also very sure Bob Jr would be kept quite busy (if he were to produce such a work) with fulfilling just the orders from Campfire Members, alone! My all-time favorite would have to be his piece on elk hunting in the 1990 (91?) G&A Annual. I really thought that I still had that annual, but I searched EVERYWHERE and it is simply gone.

I would surmise that the very best compliments we can bestow on his dad, is that after so many years, he is still not only remembered... but revered, cherished, and missed. So if you would, just plant a little seed in his ear, or better yet, show him this thread and let him come to his own conclusions. He would be greatly welcomed here at the 'fire.

Only reason I have a .35 Whelen is because of Milek's writings.

Dan

Yea, he got me into bedding my own rifles and introduced me to the 7mmBR. The intro to the BR really got into the bank account.Rick.

I could pretty much say the same thing. It was an article by Bob Milek that made me want a 35 Whelen in a bad way. This would've been in Peterson's Hunting about 1990 when I was 14. I still have that magazine and when I was 24 I finally got my Whelen. In the article Milek was reviewing a 700 Classic and elk hunting with it. Mine ended up being 700 BDL and it might just be the best rifle I've ever bought.

Milek seemed very much like he was for real. That inspired confidence in what he said. I remember one article he wrote about a moose hunt with a .444 Marlin. While he did get his moose, at a range of about 200 yards, he felt that he had pushed the limits of that cartridge and bullet combination and based on that experience would recommend keeping the distances shorter with a .444. I have to appreciate honest analysis based on first hand experience.

JB,
Surely this has been considered before now. What's the backstory?

I'd certainly like to peruse such a work. That would sure bring back some memories....

BEEG problem �

Bob wrote under exclusive contract to Guns & Ammo, so everything that he wrote was "work done for hire" � i e, with everything automatically the exclusive property of Guns & Ammo, with no residual rights left to Bob.

Bob and I were discussing his writing for Handloader and Rifle when Pete came-up with that exclusive contract, else Bob would've been on my staff at Wolfe Publishing.

Add to that the subsequent change of ownership of Guns & Ammo, and the BEEG problem becomes an impossibility.

Too bad!

Thanks for bringing this to the top Ken.

Very good stories, and good to see your short list is much smaller than good guys. I suspect most of the "bad apples" are because of an attitude, as most gun people are friendly to other gun people.


Thanks again for your whit, knowledge and for sharing it with us. A big handshake from afar,


Allen

Ken Howell:

Thanks for your reminisces about bob Milek. I always enjoyed his writings and learned from them. I'm also glad to see that you are up and kicking.

Ken, would you post a list of your bad guys? I am curious.

Would one of them have the initials Charles Askins? I can't stand to read anything written by him.

Well, that is not entirely true. I did read some of his stuff, which is why I formed the opinion of him that I did.

No.

Well stated.....


Allen

Thats just one of the things that makes you one of my favorites.

I'm SO happy to see you back!

Mr. Howell! (I just realized that I sounded like Gilligan, just now!) Glad to hear from you! Welcome back to the 'fire!

Thanks for bringing me back to terra firma, I hadn't thought of the copyright violations. It really stinks, though. I still think that G&A could see the potential profit margin of a coalition with Bob Jr. His dad impacted several generations of hunters! Not unlike Ruark, Hemmingway, Keith, O'Connor, et al. We all still enjoy their written works and are continually inspired by them. So what about OUR masters of the written word? I just couldn't imagine a better candidate for posthumous honor than Bob Milek.

A colaboration would be a great idea.

I liked reading articles Bob Milek wrote.........made me feel good about shooting a 35whelen, I will never shoot more game animals than with the 35.

I doubt that a complete archive of Bob's articles still exists anywhere.

I met Bob Milek strolling around the shot show a few years before his death. I had to ask him about the Remington .280 mountain rifle he was shooting and writing about in "Petersons Hunting" and the velocitys he was getting which was 2975 FPS and I can't remember the bullet. I asked him why the "Accuracy" was never printed on his load and his reply was accuracy was a personnal issue to the editors and they preferred the velocity data.

He was a small man with a slender build about 5'6" as I recall.

Doc

I enjoyed Mr. Milek being a voice of reason in the Magnum era.


ddj

Great thread Farmall. The specialty pistol writings (mostly) of Bob Milek's in Petersen's Hunting actually had a pretty strong influence on a lifelong friendship between myself and another buddy. I met this friend of mine while hitchhiking many years ago in No. CO, and saw a Thompson Center brochure on his seat. I was also into the specialty pistols some at the time, and we struck up a friendship based on varmint shooting and deer/antelope hunting with SP's. This was back in the mid-to late '80s', and we couldn't wait for the next issue of PH to come out so we could read whatever the next Milek project was at the time--the most fascinating gun stuff out in those days...we thought. I often wonder what he would think of some of the MONTROUS SP's that are now being chambered in the XP-100 (huge 338's, etc.).

Couple years ago Rich Mertz, designer of the MOA handgun started putting on a long-range handgun shoot-- www.moaguns.com that we are helping with. Rich talks fondly about Bob, as he is also one that would be on Ken's "long list". I can only wish now that I would have had a chance to meet him.

I actually got ahold of his wife several years ago in an attempt to try to get an old video of his back in production, "Hunting Antelope and Deer With a Handgun," i think it was entitled, but didn't come to fruition, unfortunately.

Oh, but I how wish I could visit and loosen your tongue long enough to get some good stories about those on the "S" list. that would be worth a round for the house.

"Oh, but I how wish I could visit and loosen your tongue long enough to get some good stories about those on the "S" list. that would be worth a round for the house."

That was sort of what I was thinking when I posted the question.

One of the most enjoyable days that I've ever spent was in late 82 or early 83. I was on a Sierra bullets sponsored Prairie Dog shoot in Goodland, KS. I got to spend the day in the backseat of an International Harvester Scout with Bob Milek. Our host, C.W. Wade was driving/guiding and Bill Jordan was in the front, passenger seat. In those days, we never got out of the vehicles--the windows all had padding around them and C.W. would simply steer the vehicle to position us for shots. Bill Jordan was about as diametrically opposite of Bob as anyone could be. He was tall, talkative and very funny. He and Bob would tease each other endlessly. While Jordan had a beautiful Wichita Arms in triple deuce, Bob was shooting a Contender with a .223 barrel. When shot out of the rear-passenger window, the muzzle of Bob's Contender was perfectly positioned to be deafening for Jordan--it was almost right in his ear--as a WWII Marine, Jordan was mostly deaf, but the blast from that short barrel would also rock the Scout a little and made for some really humorous comments from Jordan. At the time I was writing for Guns/American Handgunner and alittle for Peterson Specialty Books and was primarily an IPSC shooter. Later that day we went to a shooting range and I got a picture of Bob shooting an IPSC, compensated race-gun--very un-like his persona! Wish I could find that pic.

He put the "gentle" in gentleman and I think of him fondly every time I go thru Thermopolis.

Bill Jordan and I were also talking about his writing for Handloader and Rifle when Pete ruined everything with those accursed exclusive contracts.

Bill had no hobby interest in handguns. He loved to hunt with rifles and shotguns, but Guns & Ammo wouldn't let him write about anything other than handguns and Skeeter. I once remarked that any thought of a handgun probably brought back memories that he'd rather forget, while thoughts of rifles, shotguns, or hunting brought back fond memories. Bill shot a quick look at me, obviously startled that I'd have that insight, and said "That's true!" Then he looked far out into deep space and murmured "That's very true!"

Just think of all the wonderful hunting yarns that Guns & Ammo wouldn't let Bill write! At least we had those wonderful Bob Milek yarns and Bill's Skeeter stories.

My friend Skeeter was also a wealth of missed opportunities. He and I had a bunch of hunts lined-up, all of which he missed.

My last contact with Skeeter is still a sad memory. He kept saying that he owed me something but couldn't remember what or why. He didn't owe me anything, but he took my reassurances of that fact as simple graciousness and went away still thinking that he owed me something. To this day, I have no idea what he was thinking about.

Ken ,when the you mentioned two lists,I knew we would never see the short one, you always come across as too much of a gentlemen,however that leaves the long list.

Bart Skelton did a drive by the Campfire a couple of years ago. Hope we didn't scare him off. Do you have any contact with Bart?

The flip side of the short list �

I've often been appalled by readers' condemnation of some of the finest fellows on the long list. Bob Milek, Ed Matunas, and of course Elmer Keith spring to mind as prominent examples of outstanding gentlemen who've been repeatedly denounced by readers who obviously didn't know 'em.

And FWIW, all the guys on my short list have their loyal fans among readers who obviously don't know 'em.

IIRC, Bart's in the Border Patrol � if so, he's busier 'n a one-legged man at a snake-stompin'.

Jordan had a slight speech impediment which caused him to soften his "r's" - he sounded slightly like Elmer Fudd. Ken, not to disagree with you, but Jordan would have said, "That's vewy twue!" He had an obtuse sense of humor and was a born-again-ragin-cajun from Louisianna (I'm assuming that everyone knows that the term "coon-a$$" is NOT a racial pejorative but a name that cajuns use to refer to themselves). When he found out that our host/guide was a third generation Texan he said, "you know the diffewence between a coon-a$$ and a horses-a$$?" C.W. said, "no." Jordan replied, "the Sabine wiver!" Milek came unglued at that one! The whole day went down hill from there (or uphill depending upon your viewpoint). Fond memories.

I believe it was Bob Milek who wrote an article on the 1911 and the 45acp a dozen years or so ago. I no longer have my copy. It might have appeared in Guns and Ammo, or perhaps whatever magazine that Jan Libourel used to edit? I just recall it being a really enjoyable article to read. He talked about the steps he went through to get the slightly customized stainless gun assembled, with this part from soandso, and that component from soandso, and the fact that he was pleased with it, because it acquitted itself well at the range with no muss and no fuss -- it put those big fat bullets right where he wanted them. And that was good enough for him. And it was good enough for me... I bought a stainless 1911 not long thereafter, with thoughts of lightly customizing it, and never got around to it. He passed away not long thereafter I believe, and I miss reading any more of his articles.

Great stories. Up until about 2001, I had an incredible 20-25 year stash of G&A and a few other mags, but "the Woman" made me divest myself of all that stuff, when I sold my place and we moved to her house. All I got to keep were the Handloader and Rifle mags.

Most of my Bob, Finn, Bill and Elmer articles are long gone.

Musta been blinded by love or lust? Probably just sheer stupidity.

One of my earliest recollections of Bob Milek, was an article about speed goats and the 25-06. Was on the verge of getting a 25-06 anyway, but that made the chore even more urgent. No 'lopes here in PA, but I've enjoyed every whitetail taken with that cartridge in the past 25+ years. I also miss Milek's contributions and have for many years.

Ken: sure good to have you back!

gmoats, that was hysterical! I love hearing stories like that about people that I wish I could've hunted with. Thanks to all for sharing their stories, and by all means, please continue!

Being new to this site I don't want to take up too much space until I have a better feel for the board but will tell one more story--this one about Jordan not Milek.

In late 83 or early 84 the NRA started a "Practical Shooting Committee." The members were Bill Jordan, Ray Chapman, John Bianchi, Jeff Cooper and a few less notables such as myself. Jordan and Cooper were polar opposites in terms of personalities---Jordan a wit, Cooper an intellectual---they were at odds on almost everything that the board discussed. Both were WWII Marines and basically deaf as posts. Jordan said something like, "we have to make sure that dis here spowt is faiw fow wheelgunners and not just fow fowty-five shooters." At that, Cooper would lean forward and say, "what did he say?" We'd repeat Bill's comments to Jeff and he'd say something like, "no, no, no 'practical' shooting is about setting up a realistic scenario and letting the shooter solve it with whatever tool works best." At that point Jordan would lean forward and say, "what did he say?" I wish that they had video taped those meetings--between the partisan shooting disciplines and constant repeating-at-louder-decibles, the meetings were funny, albeit frustrating, wastes of time. They did make fond memories however.

Great thread. Glad it came to the top again. I all ready had a soft spot for the .250-3000, as that is what Dad used,, but Bob wrote an article for a Peterson's annual back around 1990 on the 25s. The part that stands out most was his introduction to the .257 Roberts when he was a kid, hunting with an old rancher. Guess I'll have to dig that out and re-read the whole thing. He was one of the greats.

Great stories. Keep them coming.

If it weren't for me reading his articles I doubt I would have ever tried handgun hunting, especially bolt action handguns.

Bob Milek is why I have a 25/06 and the reason I like it best for my deer hunting, have used other cartridges, but the 25 is my favourite.

Same here, only for the 22 BR. If it wasn't for him, I would probably never have had a 22 BR built. I still use his recommended loads for my 22 BR.

He's the reason I own both a Whelen and a .25-06 (with maybe a little bit of help from Wooters on the latter). When I was a little kid he was the first gunwriter I knew by name.

I too was sorry to hear of Bob Mileks passing, as well as a host of others I had read and followed since the very late 50's/early 60's.

Milek was indeed a realistic and sincere hunter and was a wealth of information, definitely NOT one of the writers who did more hunting over a typewriter keyboard than in the field to sort of quote another well know gunwriter now passed on also. I am thinking of Mr Howells 'short list' and chuckling to myself.

Milek was definitely one to go out of his way to show his disdain for the .300 Winchester Magnum, as much or more so than O'Connor would praise the 270 Win. It, at times, really took away from both of their excellent writings, and frankly, both cartridges, and both writers are excellent in my opinion.

This is a good thread, it brought back a lot of names of writers I read with envy as a young boy growing into adulthood.

I am surprised that I have not seen John Jobson or Larry Koller mentioned, and I read the whole thread. I guess I liked those 2 because they did some of their hunting in New York state, namely Ulster/Sullivan Counties(Larry Koller), and I distinctly remember an article by Jobson in Sports Afield many years ago about spending time in New York state deer hunting with his new bride. I hunted that area as a kid and it was nice to read of gunwriters hunting the same areas as I did I guess.

Ken Howell;
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the true stories from the long list are the best.

Better than any tall tales from the short list.

I said one time that John Buhmiller shot about 60 some elephant..

A gravely voice in the room says"83 elephant, over 150 of the Big Five, I have a copy of the list he sent me a. while back."

I had been reading about Buhmiller for years, everything I could find. And here was a cohort in crime who had coesponded with him for years.


I shut my mouth and was treated to some great stories about John for the rest of the evening.

The last time I saw friend John Buhmiller, I was in his shop sizing cases for the handloads that he was going to take on his first trip to Africa. After that, we "met" only through a voluminous exchange of letters. Much later, I bought his 4x5 Speed Graphic � one of my favorite cameras.

John and Elmer had long-running argument over doubles for dangerous game. John began to see Elmer's point when a wounded rhino (I think it was) chased him around a tree while he funbled to clear a jam in his bolt gun. I bet cuss words are still hanging from the branches of that tree!

Re my short list � one benefit � I've learned, painfully, the fallacy of assuming that artistic skill is a sign or parallel of integrity. John was the gen-you-wine article.

Thanks for reply Mr. Ken, if I may be so familiar.........
I was taught the finer parts of tool and die, from shadow grinding, to heat treat and flowing metal from a bunch of old farts. That did it. Really did it.

They didn't read about it and regurgitate it. They couldn't read about it. They were doing it for the first time. Like John opening up the 378 to 458. Gen-You-Wine. (If I may steel a little.)

I am an old fart metal worker now and a few of the young guys in our shop are shooters. They know the difference between "file to fit, charge extra for sand blasting in 5 minutes to cover my tool marks" gunsmiths and the " check in all axis with an indicator, redo it and be truthful if I make a mistake" gunsmiths.

I keep copys of articles about and by John Buhmiller, Bob Bell and the like for them to read. Folks they hadn't heard of or didn't know they had read. They want to know where to get more, hungry they are, for the real deal.

Old farts smile in all trades when the rookies "get it" for the first time.

Then there is no stopping them. They get hungry for information and are more demanding of their own work on their own guns.

My $.02

I really liked Bob's articles, partly because they were written by a guy who hunted in the same part of the world as me, who learned about hunting in the field and not by reading articles.

I especially remember one article about the .25-06, where he took one elk hunting because it was the only one of his big game rifles that happened to be sighted-in when he decided to go hunting. This is familiar to me, as gun writers end up testing so many scopes that often it's hard to find a rifle that's sighted-in with the right load. (The .25-06 in the story worked, of course, taking some sort of elk--as I remember a cow or young bull--with a broadside lung shot, I believe with a 120-grain Speer Hot Core.)

But I must also confess that the one thing that bothered me aout Bob's writing was his dialogue. Sometimes he'd even start a story with something like this, "Gosh, Bill!" I exclaimed. "That 120-grain pill, started at 3100 fps with 56 grains of 6344, sure put that buck on the ground with some authority!"

People don't talk like that, but then again there wasn't a lot of talking in Milek articles anyway.

I met Bob a couple times in various places and he was indeed a nice guy. But I have gotten to know Bob Jr. much better over the years, and have done some shooting with him, both at targets and hair. He's also a really nice guy, and a darn good shot, too.

I actually remember that article - it must have been written 25-30 years ago. My memory had it as a 120gr hollow point of some sort taking a cow broadside and spraying blood out the opposite end. In short order she was down. Five other people might remember it five different ways. Either way, we remember that we enjoyed that plus countless other articles written by Mr. Milek. He's the reason I still long for a 35 Whelen, and also find the 257 Roberts very interesting, although I've never owned either. Us leftys never get a break, and Ruger never quite got the configurations quite to my liking in those calibers in a #1. A 1-A in a 24" barrel in the Whelen and RSI in the Roberts would suit me fine.

There are a lot of good writers out there, but my top three still include Milek and Aagard. JB rounds it out.

Right!

Even when you create a "quoted" remark or repeat a real one as best you can, you should make it as much like real talk as you can.

I can't recall reading anything that Bob wrote (I did � just don't remember), but the Bob Milek whom I knew was twenty feet tall and solid to the core.

Mr.Milek is the reason I hunt with an XP-100.I read his Handgun Hunting special for Guns&Ammo (circa 1981 or thereabouts) so many times when I was a kid,that I dang near wore the covers off it.

Brian.

At a Remington dinner, I asked a Remington exec when we could expect to see a right-hand XP-100. The question startled him.

"That's what we make now!"

"No, it's a left-hander." I mimicked shooting one with my left hand and working the bolt with my right hand. He looked even more startled � his eyes shot open wider, and he almost jumped.

"By God, you're right!"

I keep hearing references about Bob Milek doing an article on the .35 Whelen. I'm alays looking for more articles that cover my favorite round. If anyone still has a copy of the article, I would appreciate them scanning and mailing me a copy. I really would like to see his take on the cartridge.
Thanks
Paul B.

You're 100% right Mr.Howell-they are a left handed gun.If you're shooting it off hand,you have to change hands to reload it.Still probably the best mass produced specialty pistol ever made.

Brian.

I always wanted one for the action alone. Wouldn't that make into a super-sweet little walking varmint rifle? But they've always been too pricy for me.

I enjoyed reading Milek, and it was his influence that gave me confidence in the 25-06 for mule deer.

Ken - does not the Remington Model Seven use a similar size action?

That interesting, the first time I saw a mule deer was in Wyoming about 15 years ago and the very first thing that came to mind was the perfect .25/06 country I was seeing.

JW

gmoats - check your pm's

Uhmmm. Very interesting. I predominantly remember the hat, always the jeans, the Herret cartridges, the 25-06, and of course the ever present glasses, zeiss I believe.

Milek Sr. was one of my fav writers as well, and a big influence on my interest in handguns long ago. I kept most mags I had from his era, but unfortunately a few were lost, my fav was one re: Handgun Hunting, discussed many types of handguns and game hunted with them........even oddballs i.e. High Power 9mm, loads used, and game on the menu i.e. rabbits, cast loads etc.

It would be welcome to see more of his son's writing, as I recall a few articles long ago immediately after the passing of Bob Sr.

Re: 7BR, his writing there as well as 22 BR and others influenced my thinking and what I later experimented and hunted with, as most of his writing.

His article on building a 1909 Arg. Mauser into a fine '06, emulating it seems a Ruger 77 when you looked at the stock, topped w/a simple M8 6x, showed just how practical his logic was in his taste for practical firearms.

I still have plenty of Bob Milek's articles in my collection of old gun magazines. I read them often, his writings never go out of date.

Quality never does becopme dated. JB is another example of a writer whose words will live for a long time.

I often wonder what the fate of the XP-100 would've been if it weren't for Bob Milek.

I think we can guess the answer. There would have been no fate.

Some interesting and well-made points.

I was also fond of Bob Milek's articles and stories, and have missed him often. But I esp liked that the man was a doer - besides being down to earth!! Those of you who knew Bob Sr. or know Bob Jr., thanks for sharing your posts and stories.

I have always loved handguns, and when I started reading Bob's articles on specialty handguns in the early 80's, I knew that was the type of handgun I wanted to use.
Now I use them for almost everything I do: hunting, competing, and varminting.
I miss his writings, and I wish I had been able to meet him.
He is definitely the inspiration behind me using specialty handguns.

Some how I never have gotten used to the XP100 bolt action "pistol". To me it is an odd looking short barrel rifle. A revolver or pistol to me is a Ruger, Smith and Wesson etc.

Dew, I feel the same way.

Call them what you want, but they will shoot as good as and better than most rifles at short or long-ranges.
I like the challenge and the uniqueness of the specialty handguns.

I make no apologies. I'm just a rifle guy.

I guess I am surprised that you assume I would even expect one-No apology needed.
Rifles just got boring for me-to easy to hit with.

Great thread! I enjoyed reading Bob Milek's work growing up. He helped spark my interest in revolvers as a teenager. Part of my interest in Colt Diamondbacks is due to Mr. Milek.

nothing to add other than my name to the list as a fan of Milek's articles.


and as another appreciative of this thread, I've really enjoyed it.

Bob Milek sure got me started as a reloader, varmint hunter, and rifle looney.

I used one of his loads in my 222 Rem. It was a hunting load.

I also have kept a magazine with an article about adjusting triggers. It showed me which screw to adjust for what. Just good common sense writing!

May he be looking over our shoulders and enjoying the appreciation we still have for him.

[quote=Partsman]Bob Milek is why I have a 25/06 and the reason I like it best for my deer hunting, have used other cartridges, but the 25 is my favourite. [/quote
]After the years that this thread has run, I just found it and can not go to sleep until I too praise Bob and the 25-06. It was the first center fire rifle I ever bought and it will be one of , if not, the last to leave here. Thanks to all who have told stories of all the "old guys" for us '' young and old guys " to remember them by.

+1.

I remember the over-sized sunglasses & that big smile. One of my all time favorite writers.

41

[quote=Dan_Chamberlain]Only reason I have a .35 Whelen is because of Milek's writings.

Dan [/quote


I'm sure Bob sold a lot of 35 Whelens as I got on board as well.
Of all the rifles I have and have owned the 35 has accounted for more game than others combined. It is as he described it. I liked his articles and the practical sense he lent to any story.

Bob Milek was one of my favourite writers. Gone way to soon!

I remember an article he wrote on the 338 Win and elk. Of course being a loony and mesmerized by elk at that time, I started down that road--that was some time in the '80s. Then in the early 90's R Seyfried did an article on the 340 (I believe he had come upon a Champlin rifle so chambered). My 338 then became a 340.

And so it goes. But B Milek seemed like very good guy.

I too, am a fan of Bob Milek. He sold adventure and dreams. I remember the article where he took a Rem 600 and made it into a custom complete with Mannlicher stock. It was my dream rifle. I kept the article for over a decade and moved many times in the interval. Never got the dream 600 but got a Ruger 77 International RSI tang safety in .308, as close as I could get with my finances. Seem to be real down to earth, honest, upfront guy. I miss him and some of the others mentioned.

I was and still am a fan of Mr Milek!!

Likewise here. I followed his writings as a young and impressionable fella. He was responsible for the 2x Leupold scope I mounted on my Single Six that turned it into a rabbit killing machine as well as a bit of romance with TC Contenders.

I will have to disagree with Ken though on Mr. Milek's stature; in my mind, he was 8 feet tall!

Bob

Another +1. And I'm another that, when I think of Mr. Milek, it's the sunglasses and the smile that come to mind first.

He's also the reason that I own a .25-06 and a .280. And he helped convince me that I didn't need some sort of magnum cartridge to be consistently successful with deer, antelope and elk, even at extended ranges, even though the hunting club I was a member of was eaten up with the "magnumitis" craze at the time.

He also inspired a varmint hunting friend and I to try our hands at groundhog hunting with handguns. I remember one (or some) of his articles with pictures of groundhogs or rock chucks (or maybe marmots) laid out with the handgun(s) that he had taken them with. My friend bought an XP100 and I couldn't find one at the time, but I found a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Mag Silhouette model with 10.5" barrel and, again following his advice, I mounted a 2x Leupold on it. We were death on 'hogs with those rigs - mine loaded hot with 225 and 240 gr bullets - out to some surprising ranges. In fact, I won quite a bit of beer money with my rig at the local shooting club in contests against guys shooting their deer rifles.

I really miss him. He was a great, down-to-earth influence on me, just as I was finally getting to where I could afford to buy a gun or two occasionally.