The really nifty Model BB76 Pioneer Air Gun was produced by Ultra-Hi Products Co., Inc, of Hawthorne, N.J. - back in 1976 to celebrate the the Bicenteniel of America. It was actually made in Japan, under contract.

A beautiful gun to look at, but upon closer examination, you see a lot of plastic used. The locks, trigger guard, false patch box, butt plate and false end cap of the non-existant ram rod are all made of brass colored and solid black plastic.

The unique feature of the functional hammer/lock assembly is that of a "safety" for the gun. One must actually cock the hammer before the gun will fire, which, other than for reality appearance, is its only purpose. How-some-ever, I have heard reports that it is not alway reliable - and sometimes fails in its purpose!

The inner barrel, or "shottube" as it is commonly termed, is of the same design as that of the force feed tube of a number of Daisy b.b rifles, only it is longer, and holds more b.b's! (50 of 'em)

The walnut stained wood stock is in two pieces, with the joint neatly concealed by a metal band clip. And the gun is cocked by an under the barrel cocking lever, long enough to make for fairly easy cocking.

As said before, it is a beautiful gun to see - I liken it to the Kentucky Squirrel Rifle, not being overly bright about all the various makes and models of muzzle loaders, although I have admired them most of my gun awareness life I haven't really studies them. I've also heard this one called the "Tennessee Poor Boy Rifle" of the mid 1800's. Call them what you will, the Pioneer BB76 are very unusual in the airgun field, and, to me, most desireable.

I own two of them at the present time - one complete and working, the other broken and badly in need of repair (which is why I got it so cheap), at least compared to the working one. Working on the broken one, however, has inspired me to build a similar gun, that will shoot harder and straighter. I admit I was rather disappointed in the accuracy level of this particular b.b gun. I had hoped, with the longer barrel, (the overall gun length is 44 inches) I'd have a light weight (4 lbs) super b.b gun that I could knock a squirrel's eye out at 90 feet - as the old song goes- but, alas, no way Jose!!! I'd be lucky to even hit the squirrel with a body shot at that distance! (Probably couldn't even see his eye, anyway!)

So, with the above inspiration, I am working (in my mind, mostly, so far) on a single shot, true muzzle loader, air gun, with all metal features on a beautiful wood stock - probably maple - in .22, or perhaps .25 caliber. However, from info I have been able to gather so far, I may even have to go on up to a .32 cal. in order to have the barrel rifled. Lots of considerations and calculations involved in making a gun from "scratch". At any rate, I want one that is actually capable of knockin a squirrel's eye out at 90 feet. Now whether I do ever take it hunting, or not, is optional.

Whether you are an actual gun collector, shooter, or just enjoy something that is different - the Pioneer BB76 is sure to catch your eye as an interesting bit of history and ingenuity.

Hugh N. Bodey

Manufactured by Henry Repeating Arms Company of Brooklyn, New York.

Now, this is the rifle that will bring out the WEST in you ! It sure does me !

The gorgeous rimfire is the image of the famous Winchester model of 1866, carried by early frontiersmen, cowpunchers on the big drives, the wily Apache & Commanche warriors and used for years by the hard riding & shootin" Texas Rangers ! From the crescent butt plate on the beautiful wallnut stock to the polished "brass" colored alloy reciever to the muzzle of the deep blued octagon barrel this is pure "old West" !

The Buckhorn rear sight really helps fast alinement with that front post sight....just like the old Winchesters ! The action is S M O O T H as silk right out of the box. These Henry Repeating Arms come in several calibers. There is the "Big Boy" in several centerfire big bore calibers. All will bring out the WEST in you !

In the late 1890’s Colt’s Patented Firearms Company introduced an odd-looking variation of its legendary “Peacemaker” Single Action Army revolver known as the “Bisley” Model. Designed specifically for target shooting, it featured an elongated grip frame, a hammer with a lowered cocking spur and a wide trigger with a pronounced curve.

I had seen pictures of the Bisley, but had never actually handled one until my brother, JD, acquired one in a trade with our good friend, Bobby Shannon.

My first impressions were mixed. Mechanically, the Bisley was identical to the standard model, but its “feel” was completely different. It was simultaneously familiar and strange.

I pointed it at a nearby fence post and touched the trigger.

The old sixshooter roared and big hunk of mesquite bark flew.

There was an impressive hole where I had aimed.

For the next several years JD, Bobby and I traded that old Bisley back and forth between ourselves. It was chambered for the .38-40 Winchester cartridges which were difficult to find and expensive in those days. Consequently, the trusty Colt got handled and holstered more than it actually got fired.

I owned it at least twice, maybe three times. JD had it a couple of times. Bobby had it, traded it and then traded back so many times we lost count.

You can be sure a little “boot” was involved each time the pistol changed hands. Sometimes it was a few dollars. Sometimes it was a pocketknife or a holster or maybe a hat. The profit or loss of each transaction was of small moment compared to the value of the time we spent in the “swappin’” process.

Regrettably, in a weak moment, I finally sold the well-worn pistol to a stranger and it left our friendly circle forever.

That was a long time ago but I still think of it now and then and wonder if that Bisley could still be making the rounds somewhere out there.