Gary Hughes

Mountain Warlord, Husband to the Red Queen, Homesteader, Rancher, Firearms Manufacturer, chasing the riddle of steel MOD Outfitters

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

The 25 grn FFg load over Chronograph.
260 grn Accurate molds bullet with black powder lube groove. Lube star at muzzle. Recovered bullets from base of target. Thats pure lead, not a harder alloy. Black powder and pure lead does magical shit.

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

Now more than ever.
Troubles 2026
On the site

https://t.co/EcIyObWV27

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

-Mormons in 1857

“In case the U.S. Government should send out an overpowering force we intend to desolate the Territory and conceal our families, stock, and all of our effects in the fastnesses of the mountains, where they will be safe, while the men waylay our enemies, attack them from ambush, stampede their animals, take the supply trains, cut off detachments and parties sent to Kanyons for wood, or on other service, to lay waste every thing that will burn—houses, fences, trees, fields, grass, that they cannot find a particle of anything that will be of use to them, not even sticks to make a fire to cook their suppers, to waste away our enemies and lose none. This will be our mode of warfare.” 

- Mormons in 2026

“Don’t Call us “Mormons”, the name of the church is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints”

*DOD doesn’t lump LDS in with other varieties of Christianity*

OMG we’re Christians!!!! CHRIST IS IN THE NAME OF THE CHURCH.

The line of demarcation for many who do not liken Mormons to christianity, is the Mormon belief that God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are three separate entities, not one as in most Christian religions.
Also, the idea that the christianity fell into apostasy after the death of the original apostles, and that it was restored to the earth in its true form through the visitation and revelation of the Book of Mormon through God’s chosen prophet, Joseph Smith and that there has been a chain of modern day living prophets at the head of the church since.
Mormon scripture, is the Bible (KJV) but in addition they have the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine and covenants, which they hold on equal footing with the bible.

So, Mormons / LDS do believe many of the same things that traditional Christians in the US and abroad believe. They also believe additional things that many in traditional Christianity consider blaspheming. They aren’t little differences. It used to be the defining things if Mormonism / LDS were what made them different, particularly the ability to receive modern day revelation from God through the living prophet.

Over the years, even since my last direct dealings with the church in the early 1990’s there has been a converted effort to soften the differences and highlight the mutual beliefs with common Christianity (which Mormons believe is in a state of apostasy from the true church of God, and Common Christians, who believe Mormons are Blasphemers who follow a false prophet).

When I was growing up however, if someone used the term “Prophet” it was usually in reference to Joseph Smith. And the term “President” was used mostly for the following heads of the church, although the current president of the church is believed to be a living prophet of God, able to receive direct revelation.

I don’t think the first 2 generations of pioneer family Mormons would give one rats ass if the rest of Christianity believed they were “Christian” or not, Since they were ready to literally fight a Guerrilla war to preserve their people, Prophet, doctrine and faith…. Which is basically the differences with apostate Christianity religions. In frontier UT Mormon settlements, non Mormons were referred to as “Gentiles”.

Nope. They wouldn’t care if you said they weren’t Christians. They’d happily tell you how they were different. Today, the church and its members seem more concerned with downplaying the differences, and highlighting the common ground. So this really chaps (some) of their asses.

Personally, I think if someone would have asked Brigham Young what he thought of the US Military saying the Mormon / LDS church is distinct from the rest of Christianity, he would agree.
And he would not give one single fuck what the Gentiles thought of it either.

Painting is of the US Army detail sent to negotiate with Brigham Young in 1857, as they see Mormon defensive fighting positions and gun emplacements in Echo Canyon en route to SLC.

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

Added 2 new bullets to the website available to order:
Our ranch .358 158 RNFP (Lee mold) which works great in all of our revolvers AND importantly, feeds through our 1873 lever guns… not everything does.
We also offer it in Lyman No2 alloy which is generally considered premium lead for hunting

And a .45-70 / .458 socom bullet. 405 grn (usually drops more like 420) also available in Lyman No2

We are never going to be the cheapest cast bullet you can buy. What we do different than most is options.

You get a choice of alloy. We can do pure lead for black powder use, range lead for harder lead and economy or Lyman No2 for serious use and hunting.

You get a choice of powder coat or conventional lube. In powder coat I can do Red Queen Red or Clear Matte. For conventional lube we offer Carnauba Blue and SPG for Black powder use

Typically when you buy cast lead bullets, you don’t get options like that. I can also custom size them down, or leave them unsized if you need them tight.

I do it because I like to do it, but I won’t do it for free and I don’t do it in bulk. These are done by hand, not with a machine.

If you’re into that, take a look:

https://t.co/Kff1qkcpR1

https://t.co/eB4dyU9qTu

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

I’ll never understand why people buy SA guns with fixed sights, and don’t take the time to file them in. So many people just try and live with them shooting inches away from POA. Especially on percussion guns, which tend to shoot really high. SAA clones tend to shoot low. On open top percussion guns, you file the hammer notch to get it dialed in. On SAA clones, pinch frames etc, you file the front.
This gun was shooting 6” low at 10 yards. Tell me how that is useful in the slightest? Guns need to shoot where they look. I generally over the course of days make small file adjustments until I’m happy with it.
This one is getting close. You can see how much I had to take off that front. It used to be rounded.

There is always a small file in the Kubota, for those minute adjustments.

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

When I decide I like an Italian SA well enough, that stupid red comes off the grip

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

New 2 minute video on loading percussion revolvers with our wads.
No life story. No nonsense

https://t.co/XQ7UHz6yAB

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

@Blackfingers63 Such great guns. Highly underrated

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

I have two classic inbound ready for a new home.
If you’ve ever wanted to try it, percussion revolvers are economical and gun to shoot. If you’re bored with dumping mags and the cost of it, of nothing nee under the sun, just the same shit in a different finish, if you’re wanting to add a historical, but new to you dimension to your shooting, give this a try.

1851 Navy .36 Caliber 7.5” - The OG gunfighters handgun. The first really practical belt carry pistol with enough power and reliability to do the job. It is without a doubt, my favorite handgun to shoot for pure shooting joy. Sam Colt’s masterpiece. Survived well into the cartridge era due to safely being able to hold 6 rounds due to a safety stop on the cylinder, as opposed to the usual 5 in a SAA and other cartridge guns. You cant reload fast enough to make up for being dead. Nothing points and shoots like a Navy Colt. Absolutely natural and balanced. Super low recoil, sips powder and lead. Just an absolute dream to own and shoot. The human body has not evolved past being susceptible to it, even to this day. Think big, well balanced .38 spl and you’ll be in the neighborhood.

1860Army .44 Caliber 8” - Born for want of a bigger gun and more power. It still balances well and does offer both those things. Many people like the slightly larger than Navy / SAA grip frame. Also very mellow to shoot, even with the extra power. Civil War surplus made this gun an unsung workhorse of westward migration. John Wesley Hardin, Porter Rockwell and countless others swore by the 1860 .44 and used them to deadly effect.

Think about it….
Much of what you hear about the post civil war period and westward migration took place prior to the mass introduction and adoption of cartridge guns. These revolvers did the work while other guns get the credit from hollywood. Lots of shit happened in the old west before 1873….
These guns were there.
Affordable to buy, economical to shoot. The fundamentals are all the same. If you are so inclined, these guns also offer a level of user supportability in terms of components to shoot them, that modern guns simply cannot touch. It is entirely possible, affordable and easy enough for the average handloader to make your own bullets, powder and percussion caps. How can they stop you then?
A Navy Colt with a conical bullet, black powder made from fertilizer and toilet paper, and primers made of Red bull cans will seem pretty fucking awesome when the average normie cant get small pistol primers or whatever latte mocha Vihtavuori powder doesn’t make his STI dirty.
Get into it with me.
Inventory is on the way, and they are posted to the site.

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

Rain / snow and cooler temps rolled in last night. Spent some time after work getting ready for that with lambs and potential lambing by most of the flock. Put up some heat lamps, ran some power cords, genset, fuel all staged and ready.
We have three penned ewe and lamb pairs. Some I’ve already let out, but Sandy being head Ewe / Mom doesn’t like those babies being cold, so they are back penned in shelter. Lamb / Ewe checks at 1:00 AM, 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM on camera. By 5:30 it was time to physically go out and wipe off a camera lens and might as well feed / chore while I was up.
No new signs of imminent labor. Babies all warm, dry and nursing. Ewes eating as much as they can.

I once saw a fairly literate and smart guy say that mankind had spent millennia trying to escape the monotonous tyranny of the agrarian life. Well, some probably see it that way I’m sure. The doordashians probably. People who really value their distractions and selfishly guard their leisure time.
But I don’t. This is freedom.

I am not enslaved by these animals, I am entrusted with them. The work as I’ve seen it put, is “the work of God’s own hand”. It’s not like you see it on instagram or tiktok. If theres a warm hearth waiting, it’s because you spent the fall busting your ass. Mornings aren’t leisurely or un rushed communing with nature. They’re spent trying to understand her and convince her you are worthy to be here another day.

It’s a whole lot more wet clothes, early morning headlamps, sore muscles, sweat in the cold, muddy boots and floors, than it is idyllic and peaceful.
I’d give anything in this world that I now possess to spend one more summer 3:00 AM morning, flood irrigating an alfalfa field by Rayo vac, belt battery pack powered headlamp with my Grandfather. I’d take that over any earthly pleasure or convenience this modern world can provide.

It isn’t easy, but I’m not soft physically. Or mentally.
And I aim to keep it that way.
Someday they might find me cold and frozen on the ground by a feeding pen. This Gen - X “Boomer” won’t be upset that is how he went.
Not in the slightest.

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

This is one of the most memorable days here at the ranch. Sandy decided to get us a new metal detector for our good weather walks in the evenings. As usual, she did some research and picked a good one. It’s a Minelab 440, at around 250 bucks it’s still entry level, but it’s GOOD entry level. Not the usual big box bullshit.
We took a little walk on the Pony Express / Mormon Pioneer, California Gold rush trail. Covered some new ground, but also some ground we had previously gone over with our cheap “Bounty Hunter” metal detectors we got when we first bought this place. We own about 1200 yards of history.
Tonight, I got to hold some of it in my hand.
Some of you will recognize what I’m holding in the pictures. Some won’t.
That is a .44 Henry Rimfire cartridge case. I found on the trail after work this evening. About 160 years ago back in time and 6 inches under the dirt.
A cartridge fired by the first mass produced, commercially successful and fielded in combat, individual repeating firearm. If you know firearms, you know about the 1860 Henry repeater, and it’s place in firearms, and United States history.
The civil war, Greasy Grass / Little Bighorn, and countless other engagements across the frontier, both large and small. Lawman, native american and outlaw, civilian scout, frontiersmen, settlers…
It was the AR-15 of the frontier. It’s tubular magazine held an astounding for the time, 15 / 16 rounds.
It was also chambered in a few handguns and the 1866 Winchester, another gun that did quite a bit of work on the frontier… on all sides.
Note the distinctive dual firing pin strikes on the rim of the case. Henry or 1866 rifle.
We found two of them… one with a crushed case mouth, one completely crushed… about 50 yards apart from one another.
And, about another 50 yards away, another case that perplexed me. No primer pocket like a rimfire, but with a centerfire hit. Looked about .45-70 dimensions, but I’d never seen one like this.
Turns out, after a clean up, it’s a US Government .45-70 utilizing the short lived “Benet” priming system, with an internally crimped primer anvil… sort of a hybrid between modern centerfires and rimfire.
These were only made 1874-1875z it’s a very rare case to come across… in a very special place.
Something happened here a long time ago.
A lot of things happened here, during a pivotal time in American history.
We’ll keep looking down at this ground so many walked and traveled over, that we are privileged to own and take care of. We respect it, and its history.
We love it. We bleed in it. Like so many before.
And we’ll keep listening to the wind, to hear what the past has to tell us.
These will be on display at the Rams Head Saloon here at Red Queen Ranch, if you want to come by and hold history in your hand.

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

@WiseguyThreeOne Pure lead and bump it with some black to overcome the years on those old bores. I’m sure I’ll end up with a mold. Those guns are too cool not to shoot

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

These are .58 caliber 495 grain flat point pure lead Minié balls. 60 of them. Thats 4 lbs of lead. War winner there next to them for scale.
They are a little tricky to pour, but they load easy, shoot great and hit meat like they were purpose built to fuck shit up…. Because they were.
I ordered this mold for me, to use with my .58 great plains hawken. I added them to the website as a bullet for sale in case a fellow sophisticate wanted a straight meat hammer without the hassle.
Got the first order for them out today. That is a masculine chunk of lead. Handsome and deadly. Not effeminate like those dainty .264’s 😂. My testosterone is getting tested tomorrow, and I’m sure it’s a few points higher having just laid eyes on these.

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

Added some stickers to our “MOD Branded Craziness” section

https://t.co/Jg0JXvF7Fy

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

@WiseguyThreeOne Not currently, but we’re always expanding mold selection.

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

If you shoot percussion revolvers, In addition to pure lead conical bullets, and round balls in both .36 and .44, we now also make 100% wool felt revolver wads made from our flock here at Red Queen Ranch. They are available lubed and unlubed. The lubed version uses 50% Lamb tallow from our ranch, and 50% beeswax (also from the ranch, depending on how the bee’s did that year).
Live on the site, available here:

https://t.co/yFGuzqLp7b

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

My Gen X ass, watching Millenials and Gen Z worry about Iran affecting oil prices.

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

@IronGlasscock Did some pure lead and some 50/50 pure and hard antimony shot

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

Cleaned / fluxed about 40 lbs of scrap lead yesterday. Ready for production pots, soon to be bullets.

[Gary Hughes @Gmfh_mod]

Depending on where he was struck (I font pretend to know) he could very well have suffered serious injuries. I also don’t pretend to know what kind of armor this agent was wearing. I don’t know if it was rifle plates, what type if they were, certified, uncertified, ICW, stand alone, threat level? Soft armor with plates?
Without knowing those kinds of things, you couldn’t know either, and given the lack of correct terminology with regards to the armor (things like “back plate”) you obviously don’t know either. I’ve been involved in the persona protective equipment and object protection industry my entire adult life and I cant definitively say, he couldn’t have suffered injuries such as are being claimed. So I guarantee a layperson, such as yourself couldn’t either.