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

Nra Logo On Blue 1
Nra Logo On Blue 1

NRA, Iowa DNR Partner to Offer NRA Online Hunter Education Course

The NRA Online Hunter Education course is available in Iowa thanks to a collaboration with the state’s DNR, expanding certified online options while maintaining state oversight of hunter education.

Milan Cortina 2026: Campbell Wright Takes 12th in Men’s Biathlon Sprint, Eyes Pursuit Podium on Sunday

Campbell Wright finished 12th in the men’s 10 km sprint biathlon race at Milan Cortina 2026, positioning himself for a pursuit bid on Sunday.

Milan Cortina 2026: Freed Leads Team USA Women Through Biathlon’s Toughest Test in Olympic Debut

Margie Freed leads Team USA women in her Olympic debut at Milan Cortina 2026, finishing 21st in the 15 km individual biathlon while teammate Deedra Irwin placed 34th.

American Rimfire Association Opens Benchrest Competition by Lowering the Cost to Participate

The American Rimfire Association expands rimfire benchrest competition through affordable factory-class rules, youth-friendly policies and inclusive match formats that welcome all shooters.

A Decade on the Firing Line: The National Matches 1920–1929

From Camp Perry’s wind flags to Sea Girt’s surf, the 1920s remade the National Matches into America’s proving ground for pistol, smallbore and high power competition.

Registration Open for 2026 Winchester & White Flyer Top Shot Youth Championship at NILO

Winchester and White Flyer bring the Top Shot Youth Championship back to NILO for a third year with big prizes and family-friendly competition.

Interests



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