Because I was very curious about this, I did some intensive research (which means I Googled it). With all of this wonderful weather we seem to be having (it is snowing like the Dickens as I write this to you), I was interested to know if we might be in the middle of an ice age.
Turns out that we are!
Just so you know, scientists who keep track of such things say we are still in the Pleistocene Ice Age. No need to worry, though, as the same scientists say this ice age has only been going on for more than 2 1/2 million years, give or take. So I figure this will end any time now, and then we will thaw out at least by the middle of April.
(READ MORE: Woodland creatures have ways of surviving harsh winters)
As usual, you may be thinking, “Larry, what has this got to do with a column that is supposed to be focused on hunting and fishing and guns and the outdoors?” Well, I am glad you asked.
You see, I would like for it to warm up enough to get rid of most of this confounded ice and snow (as most of you would). And then I would like to take one of my .22 rifles and Abby the cur dog for a little hike in the woods to tree a few squirrels. While we are out there, we can look for some turkey sign, think about the upcoming spring hunting season, and maybe even find antler shed. I mean, that is not asking too much, is it?
Oh well, it is supposed to warm up a little soon — maybe it already has started to do that in your neck of the woods — so we shall see.
(READ MORE: A tale of two hunters, two dogs and too much camp food)
Now to the business at hand. After last week’s edition of “Guns & Cornbread,” some of you reminded me that I was a little stingy on naming some things to tell you about from my trip to Las Vegas and the SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) Show. Well, I must confess I was, and I will try to make it up by going over some of the guns and gun-related products I saw while a SHOT Show.
First up are my thoughts on an offering from Glenfield Firearms.
Many of you will remember the old Glenfield, and no doubt some of you have a .22 rifle or .30/30 lever gun from them stashed in a closet somewhere. From the middle of the 1960s to the early 1980s, Marlin (Sturm, Ruger & Co.) made thousands of .22 rimfires, .30/30 lever actions and other guns with the Glenfield name. These guns were moderately priced and were often sold in chain stores such as Montgomery Ward and JCPenney. Glenfield’s products were made (and still are) by Marlin, which assured a level of quality even at the moderate prices.
Middle-class America loved these guns and bought them with a passion. The Model 60 .22 rifle was one of the best-selling rifles of its time. (I would like to see all the squirrels piled up that have been taken with a Model 60.)
Well, now Marlin is bringing out the Glenfield line again and is starting with the Model A bolt-action rifle. Those of you who are familiar with Marlin rifles will note a definite resemblance to the Ruger American rifle which has been a bestseller for Ruger for more than a decade. The Ruger American is now manufactured in a Generation II series, and some may say the new Model A Glenfield rifle is very similar to where the old models of the Ruger American rifle left off.
This, I am saying, is good, as what the new Glenfield line of rifles appears to be is very close to the old model Ruger Americans, just not quite as “fancy.” With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $529, you probably better check it out.
“Guns & Cornbread” is written by Larry Case, who lives in Fayette County, W.Va. You can write to him at larryocase3@gmail.com.