Cover story concerned long-range accuracy achievements of custom-made muzzle-loaders using cylindrical bullets. An article called “The Railroad That Went To Sea” recalled the engineering feat that ran a train line to Key West, its roadbed now used for the highway. “The War’s Bloodiest Slaughter” concerned the attack on convoy PQ-17 in the Barents Sea. Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest was profiled in “Heller On Horseback.”

Detailed look at “shy spy” Allen Dulles, CIA chief, who four years later would be appointed to the Warren Commission at the request of Bobby Kennedy; a seemingly-appropriate appointment that hardly raised an eyebrow at the time. Much on Dulles’ early years and wartime espionage adventures. Dulles gets credit for modernizing the CIA, whose Cold War operations are painted sketchy with dramatic tones. One can sense that the agency was prepared to take the outrageous risks and actions that would eventually help define the Kennedy Era. View all article pages full-size by clicking above.

Cover story concerned American attempt, using Westinghouse J-46 turbojet aircraft engine with afterburner, to challenge the over-water speed record set by England’s Bluebird II in 1959. The article “You Can Be Made to Murder” explored evil uses for hypnosis. Plans showed a tv-cart made from aluminium tubing and a foldable kitchen corner laundry. Jeep Wagoneer and the Apollo sports coupe (an Italian import like the Oswald rifle) received top ratings. The May issue promised to look at Minox and other miniature cameras.

Article on the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle that Oswald used to kill Kennedy. Some historical background, but mostly an evaluation of the weapon’s technical ability, its poor quality and fittings, and the difficulties with sighting such a weapon. Gives credit to the bullet’s “sectional density” assisting its accuracy in flight. “Mediocre marksman” Oswald’s feat did not require him to “perform spectacularly.” View all article pages full-size by clicking above.