“If you want a true custom gun you can afford without selling a kidney or foregoing little Timmy’s braces, give the Ruger Wrangler a look,” suggests GUNS Editor Brent T. Wheat in the Nov. cover feature. “Likewise, if you are venturing into the world of gunsmithing yourself, the Wrangler provides a forgiving platform to make those painful beginner mistakes — or maybe turn out a masterpiece.”

Wheat introduces “Pinky Tuscadero” and “Black Bart.” Once both revolvers were disassembled, everything was polished, cleaned and sanded, various parts were thinned and lightened and then sent out for their Cerakote treatments. Black Bart also got a dovetail sight milled into the barrel, the barrel was fluted and flats were added to the forward portion of the cylinder. Each proved to be exceptionally accurate and performed flawlessly on the range.

The Henry Improved, later known as the Model 1866 — and popularly known as the Yellow Boy, was the first lever action made by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Alan Garbers explores the history of the iconic rifle, its contributions to the American West and battles waged across the globe.

Up for grabs in the GUNS Nov. firearms package giveaway is a Howa Superlite short barrel rifle. Offered in .243 Win., .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm-08 Rem, the Superlite has a 16.25" threaded barrel, Picatinny rail, two-stage match trigger, ACCUBLOCK Superior Lug Bed, LIMBSAVER buttpad and more. The winner will also receive a Streamlight Wedge XT and Force-48 trail camera from SPYPOINT. Valued at $1,263.99, readers are encouraged to enter the free drawing at GUNSMagazine.com/giveaways.

Elsewhere in the issue, Gunsite CEO Ken Campbell warns against being “that guy” in a training class in the Make Ready column. In the spirit of learning, at least be willing to try the instructor’s suggestions. Tom Keer insists “It’s Not Your Gun!” Instead, it’s five common mistakes most bird hunters make. He outlines them in the Shotguns installment. Pistol-caliber carbines get a lot of attention these days, but as John Taffin reminds in Campfire Tales, carbines chambers in pistol-length cartridges go back well over 160 years.

Exclusive online articles can be found at GUNSMagazine.com as well as a collection of GUNS Magazine Podcast episodes like, “One Of The Coolest Rifles EVER Found!” Purchase the Nov. issue or order a subscription at fmgpubs.com. Digital versions are also available.