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

CMP 30 06Ammo 1
CMP 30 06Ammo 1

Creedmoor Sports, CMP Partner on New .30-06 Match Ammo for the M1 Garand

Raise scores, support youth marksmanship with CMP’s new match ammo for the M1 Garand

Derrick Mein Finishes Runner-Up at 2025 NSCA Nationals

Team Federal’s Derrick Mein ends the 2025 NSCA Nationals as runner-up

Results: 2025 NRA F-Class Fullbore Long-Range National Championships

Top shooters shattered national records at the 2025 NRA F-Class Long-Range Championships in Delaware, a showcase of precision and emerging young talent in near-perfect weather conditions

From Creedmoor to Sea Girt: How the NRA Shaped American Late-1800s Marksmanship

Explore the early years of the NRA, from its founding in New York to national competitions, shaping marksmanship standards and American shooting culture

Mason Lane Storms to Limited Division Crown at 2025 USPSA Race Gun Nationals

Mason Lane claimed the Limited division title at the 2025 USPSA Race Gun Nationals, finishing with 2213.8829 points

Caile Bradham Wins HOA Title at 2025 World Skeet Championship

Twin titles for Team Blaser’s Caile Bradham at 2025 World Skeet Championship in Texas

Interests



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