With the explosion of polymer pistols and a general movement to a more synthetic life, I’ve still found many old-school sixgunner/revolver guys — like me — keep getting our hearts tugged back toward wood and steel. I understand the fact polymer is nice, light and gets the job done; but as often as I try, they just don’t tug at my emotions.

Anything that can be generally described as a “Nine millimeter bullet launching platform” is a bit like SPAM — you can eat it and it will keep you going, but it ain’t exactly tasty (although I’m sure some of you will tell me I’m wrong on the SPAM thing). Having said that, if I had to start wearing a police uniform again (shudder the thought) the first thing I’d stick into my holster would be a wunder-polymer-bullet-launching-platform — and feel well-armed.

But there’s ever so much more to life, and John Linebaugh, of Linebaugh Custom Sixguns, is well aware of it. John started an annual “Big Bore Sixgun Seminar” about seven years ago and when he phoned me the other day, he explained why.

“We see lots of coverage of shooting courses, IDPA, SASS and other events and different styles of shooting. And, like Elmer Keith said, ‘I’m for any sport that burns powder … I just look down a different set of barrels than most folks’. But there are legions of big bore sixgun fans out there, and I see many good shooters being left behind, ignored by newer, trendier sports. So, I felt compelled to tell you about our little get-togethers, which have grown in popularity. Our Big Bore Clinic teaches what we call ‘Old School Gunology’ — the simplicity of using and enjoying your firearms to their full potential in a low-key, easy-going manner.”

John said they teach in seminar fashion, but during the three days of the shoot, everyone who attends is involved in testing their own equipment and ammo. John admitted they mostly shoot old style sixguns, often under very unique conditions like penetration tests (including bone and wet paper) and long-range shooting. After the three days, shooters come away with a wealth of information, as John says, “Under the tutelage of Old Professor Experience.”

It’s decidedly not all serious though. There’s a charging bear target, four shots in 30 seconds at the silhouette of a mule deer at 600 yards (like Elmer did), shooting out to 1,000 yards with a big bore handgun, tech sessions, reloading problems, pressure data, gun repair, ballistics, revolver strength, accuracy potential and more. As John said, “Everyone who attends has a piece of the puzzle, but many pieces are still missing, and the search goes on.”

If you want to see or test the potential of an everyday working sixgun or rifle — and yourself — spend some time with like-minded shooters from the “Old School” by attending a Big Bore Sixgun Seminar. John said the next one is in Cody, Wyoming, June 12-14, 2008, and some are scheduled for other areas. Check out John’s Web site for more info or give him a call. (307) 645-3332, www.customsixguns.com