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

Akron Nov12 2026 Lede1
Akron Nov12 2026 Lede1

Collegiate Rifle: Akron Turns Up the Heat in Fairbanks

Akron sets two school records in Alaska as the red-hot Zips climb to No. 9.

Peterson Crushes DMR Field, Wins 2026 Gas Gun Show Series Finale

Scott Peterson won the overall and DMR titles at the Gas Gun Show Series Finale in Oklahoma while Kalani Laker took Recce.

Collegiate Rifle: VMI Shatters Six Program Records in Win Over John Jay

VMI broke six program records against John Jay, led by a 4623-233X mixed aggregate and Darian Tweedell’s school-record 593-41X in air rifle.

Geoff Bushelle Wins Third Illinois F-Class State Championship

Geoff Bushelle fired a score of 1000-79X to win F-Open and Mike Catena topped F-T/R at the 2026 Illinois F-Class State Championship.

New: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC Comp 9 mm

Springfield Armory’s new Echelon 4.0FC Comp 9 mm handgun combines a full-size grip, compact slide and integral compensator.

Familiar Faces, Fresh Records: 2001 National Matches

The 2001 National Matches saw Brian Zins continue his pistol dominance, David Tubb win a record ninth high power title and Gallagher earn a third long-range crown.



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