From the Bench: Learning from history's most successful home food production movement By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company As someone who values self-reliance and traditional skills, I've been fascinated by the story of WWII Victory Gardens – perhaps the greatest example of American self-sufficiency in our nation's history. While studying this remarkable movement, I've discovered lessons that apply far beyond gardening, touching on the same principles of independence and p

From the Bench: Exploring the foundation of metalworking through steel selection By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company As I have slowly experimented and expanded my work beyond traditional gunsmithing into blacksmithing and bladesmithing, I've discovered that understanding steel types is absolutely fundamental to creating quality metalwork. While I'm still learning about the intricacies of different alloys and their applications, I want to share what I've discovered about t

From the Bench: Learning the art of shotgun shooting By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company Originally published June 17, 2019 | Updated July 2, 2025 After years of working on shotguns and talking with countless hunters and clay shooters, I've learned that shotgun shooting is both simpler and more complex than most people realize. While the basic concept is straightforward – point and shoot – the nuances of proper technique, gun fit, and target engagement continue to teach m

From the Bench: Reflections on community, wisdom, and the path of the ever-learning student By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company After nearly a decade working within the firearms community, I've observed patterns, learned hard lessons, and developed what I hope are some useful principles for navigating this complex world we inhabit. Writing from the perspective of someone who follows the Nordic/Germanic Heathen path, I've found that many of these insights ring true regardl

From the Bench: A gunsmith's perspective on the eternal cleaning question By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company We've all heard both sides of this passionate debate: firearms must be either spotless after every shot, or cleaning is an overrated waste of time and energy. After nearly a decade as a gunsmith, I've witnessed the full spectrum of cleaning philosophies – and I'll admit, I've been guilty of both extremes with my own firearms. As the old saying goes, "the shoemaker

From the Bench: A gunsmith's perspective on carry rights and responsibilities By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company Originally published June 14, 2019 | Updated July 1, 2025 As someone who works with firearms daily and holds an FFL, I find myself in an interesting position when discussing Constitutional Carry. I'm still learning about the various perspectives on this topic, and I'll admit my views have evolved over the years. What I can share are some observations from behi

From the Bench: A gunsmith's perspective on protecting what matters most By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company Originally published June 17, 2019 | Updated July 1, 2025 As a believer in self-reliance, I see firearms as just one component of a comprehensive home defense strategy. After years of discussing with customers their security needs and discussing real-world scenarios with trained instructors and consultants, I've learned that effective home defense requires multiple

From the Bench: A gunsmith's guide to transforming steel through controlled thermal processes By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company As someone who works with steel daily in the gunsmithing world, I'm constantly amazed by how heat treating can completely transform a piece of metal. While I'm always learning new aspects of this complex science, I want to share what I've discovered about this fundamental process that makes the difference between a functional firearm component

From the Bench: Reflections on a profession that continues to teach me something new every day By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company July 1, 2025 As I sit here in my shop after another day of working on everything from Civil War reproductions to modern sporting rifles, I'm reminded that gunsmithing is one of those crafts where you never stop learning. Every firearm that comes through our door teaches me something new, and the more I discover about this profession, the more

From the Bench: A student's perspective on market forces shaping our industry By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company Originally published June 13, 2019 | Updated July 1, 2025 As someone still learning the intricacies of this fascinating industry, I've observed that the firearms market operates unlike any other sector I've encountered. It's simultaneously the most stable and volatile market you'll ever witness – a paradox that continues to teach me something new every day. Th

From the Bench: Why proper stock fitting is the key to shotgun performance By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company July 2025 As I work on various firearms here at Blue Coat Arms Company, one thing consistently strikes me about the American shooting culture: we've gotten comfortable with "good enough" when it comes to gun fit. While our European counterparts treat stock fitting as an essential craft, most Americans grab whatever feels decent off the rack and call it a day. But

From the Bench: Essential knowledge for every firearm owner By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company Originally published June 12, 2019 | Updated July 1, 2025 Every time a customer walks into my shop and starts mixing up clips with magazines or asking about "that thingy that makes it shoot," I'm reminded why firearm terminology matters. Whether you're discussing a repair with your gunsmith, talking to other enthusiasts, or simply want to understand what you own, proper termino

When chivalry becomes a roadblock to empowerment By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company As a gunsmith, a husband, and father of daughters, I've witnessed something troubling in our hunting and shooting community. Too often, well-meaning men inadvertently handicap women by trying to "help" them into the sport. Today, I want to share some thoughts from a different perspective – one that champions true empowerment over protective chivalry. The Chivalry Trap Picture this scenari

From the Bench: Why "duty grade" means more than just meeting government specifications By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company Not all AR-15s are created equal – and that's exactly as it should be. If you're new to the AR-15 platform or even if you're experienced, you've probably wondered about the dramatic price differences. Why does one barrel cost three times more than another that looks identical? Why does one bolt carrier group command $300 while another sells for $80?

From the Bench: Your comprehensive guide to predator hunting in the Prairie State By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company Originally Published June 14, 2019 | Updated July 1, 2025 Illinois offers some of the best coyote hunting opportunities in the Midwest, and with updated regulations for the 2024-2025 season, there's never been a better time to get into predator hunting. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this comprehensive guide covers everything you ne

From the Bench: The surprising story of Confederate "cotton-clads" and naval ingenuity By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company Published July 1, 2025 When most people think of Civil War naval warfare, they picture the famous ironclad duel between the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia. But there's a lesser-known story of Confederate naval innovation that's equally fascinating – and it involves something you'd never expect to stop cannonballs: cotton. The Birth of the Cotton-Clad Wh

By: Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company When a collector walks into our shop with what they believe is a Civil War-era rifle or a Revolutionary War musket, the first question isn't about restoration—it's about authenticity. After years of working on everything from muskets to modern firearms, and countless hours fabricating custom parts for antique restorations, I've learned that distinguishing genuine historical firearm mechanisms from reproductions is both an art and a sci

From the Bench: When feelings matter more than facts, children pay the price By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company Originally published June 24, 2019 | Updated July 1, 2025 Every time there's a school shooting, the same predictable cycle begins. Politicians rush to microphones, activists demand action, and somehow the conversation always ends up focused on restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners rather than actually protecting our kids. Let me be blunt: we're faili

From the Bench: Why facts matter more than feelings in the firearms debate By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company Originally published June 24, 2019 | Updated July 1, 2025 When I started Blue Coat Arms Company, I thought I'd be fixing guns and sharing my passion for craftsmanship. I never expected that defending the Second Amendment would become part of my daily routine. But here we are, and if we're going to have this conversation, we need to have it honestly. The Foundatio

Originally Written: June 23, 2019 | Revised and Updated: July 1, 2025 By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company The Accountability Problem Every time a mass shooting occurs, politicians waste no time placing blame at the feet of law-abiding citizens instead of the criminals who committed the crimes. This knee-jerk reaction has led to a relentless push for gun control laws that restrict the constitutional rights of citizens to purchase firearms for self-defense. Mark Robinson fr