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

Rem Wethepeop BP 1
Rem Wethepeop BP 1

Remington Don’t Tread on Me, Come and Take It Bulk Buckets Now Shipping

Remington’s Don't Tread on Me and Come and Take It bulk ammo buckets are shipping nationwide, expanding the company’s patriotic America 250 lineup.

First Look: SIG Sauer’s New Hexium Suppressor Line

SIG Sauer’s new Hexium suppressor line brings 3D-printed, low-back-pressure rifle cans to 5.56 mm NATO, 7.62 mm NATO and .300 BLK platforms.

41st Northeastern Satellite Grand American Opens 2027 ATA Target Year

The 41st Northeastern Grand American, first Satellite Grand of the 2027 ATA target year, runs Sept. 8-13 at the NYSATA Homegrounds in Cicero, N.Y.

Back On The Range: Lessons From A Life-Saving Detour

USPSA Board Chairman Dan Click reflects on the health scare that sidelined him in 2025 and the lessons about improvement, community and joy he brought back.

James Fox Wins Ninth Straight Oregon State High Power Championship

Team Berger’s James Fox captured the 2026 NRA Oregon State High Power Championship at Douglas Ridge Rifle Club, his ninth consecutive Oregon state title.

A Tribute To David Tubb

James A. Schmidt II of Arizona Ammunition remembers his longtime friend David Tubb, the champion rifleman and innovator who died July 2.

Interests



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