Book Review: Care, Cleaning and Sportsmanship by James R. Owens

by
posted on September 18, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
care-cleaning-and-sportsmanship-cover1.jpg

One of 11 books written by former Marine Corps Marksmanship Team member, coach and instructor, Master Sergeant Jim Owens shares his experience on care, cleaning and sportsmanship, learned since winning his first rifle trophy in 1963.

An experienced teacher, Owens’ writing style builds on what the reader already knows. It’s an effective approach that allows the reader to apply the lesson later on, perhaps in a different context.

The table of contents for this 197-page book lists various care and cleaning topics, including the use of molybdenum-coated bullets (chapter 4) and tips from seven national champions. Owens’ thorough coverage addresses the early developments of moly lubricants, beginning with the patent held by Dave Brown for his first product—Ms. Moly, and Dow Corning’s Illustrated Mechanism of Molybdenum Disulfide Lubrication booklet. He goes on to list several sources of moly barrel-conditioning products and the use of MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) to remove moly.

Chapter 7—Sportsmanship, completes the book’s title and includes the quote, “All cheating is breaking the rules, but not all breaking the rules is cheating,” wherein Owens takes the reader on a tour of various moral dilemmas encountered during shooting matches.

USMC Master Sergeants are traditionally referred to by the nickname “Top,” hence Owens’ website of www.jarheadtop.com. You can also contact him at (334) 347-0020. The book or CD sells for $12.95, and chapters 4 and 7 are available from his website for free.

Latest

Gemtech 57 1
Gemtech 57 1

SHOT Show 2026: Gemtech Nebula 5.7 Suppressor

Gemtech’s Nebula 5.7 pairs a 3D-printed titanium core with stainless steel durability, targeting lightweight suppression for 5.7x28 mm and rimfire platforms.

SHOT Show 2026: Walker’s SHOTSYNC Wearable Shot Timer

Walker’s SHOTSYNC is a wearable shot timer that pairs with a phone to capture split times using sound and recoil data.

New: Stoeger M3000 Sporting Shotgun

Stoeger’s M3000 Sporting blends traditional materials with a clean-running inertia system, favoring balance and shootability over cosmetic features.

Winchester Unveils New AA Super Spreader Target Load

Winchester’s newest AA Super Spreader shotshell widens patterns dramatically at close range, using a redesigned wad and without changing familiar recoil or speed.

SHOT Show 2026: Caldwell Claymore Connect

A lightweight, app-controlled clay-target launcher replaces wires and car batteries with Bluetooth control and a lithium-ion battery.

SHOT Show 2026: Smith & Wesson Adds To Spec Series Lineup With New Revolver, Compact Pistol

Smith & Wesson adds two firearms to its Spec Series: a performance-tuned revolver and a compact metal-framed 9 mm handgun.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.