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

Longshot Midwayusafoundation 1
Longshot Midwayusafoundation 1

Longshot Cameras Teams With MidwayUSA Foundation to Support the Next Generation of Competition Shooters

Longshot Cameras has signed on as a sponsor of the MidwayUSA Foundation, the country’s largest private funder of youth shooting sports.

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge Goes Nationwide in New Michael Bane ‘Triggered’ Episode

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge takes center stage in new episode of Michael Bane’s ‘Triggered.’

How To Make the U.S. National Rifle Team Roster

USNRT Head Coach Brandon Green breaks down what the team does, who can try out and how to help in a new video.

PROOF Research Unveils PXT Rifle Barrel Technology

PROOF Research debuts PXT exponential twist barrel technology, claiming 30 to 100 percent longer barrel life and 20 to 50 percent better accuracy.

Beretta 92X Performance Dark Series for USPSA Competition

Beretta’s 92X Performance Dark Series adds an optics-ready slide, Graphite Grey Tinitec finish and refined match details to the steel-frame platform.

ATA Western Satellite Grand Returns to Utah in June

The 38th Annual Western Satellite Grand American runs June 2-7, 2026, at the Vernal Rod and Gun Club in Vernal, Utah.

Interests



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