The '40s and '50s were unique for hunters and shooters because there had been no civilian guns manufactured from 1941 to late in 1945. In addition, hordes of returning servicemen wanted to get back to hunting, and the result was a demand for new guns that has not been seen before or since. It's hard to imagine now how important these ads were. There was no Internet, no Outdoor Channel, and damned few stores. If you wanted to ogle a new gun, this was the only way to do it. I hope you enjoy them. God knows I did more than half a century ago. --David E. Petzal Issue date: November 1946
