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Gun Digest Editors

Gun Deals: Pre-Black Friday, Black Friday And Cyber Monday (2023)

From all across the web, we've searched high and low for some of the best deals we can find! From tactical gear to firearms, from ammo to footwear, we've dug down deep to deliver some delicious discounts!

Take a scroll and see the best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Gun Deals!

Check back often because we're updating this article LIVE throughout the week!

PSA AR-15 in 5.56 NATO with a 16″ barrel and Magpul MBUS sights, just $480!

Keep it simple, keep yourself safe. PSA middy rifle kit that just needs a lower and comes in black, FDE, or OD green.

PSA 16″ Midlength 5.56 NATO 1:7 Nitride MOE Black Rifle Kit Black — $359

PSA 16″ Midlength 5.56 NATO 1:7 Nitride MOE Black Rifle Kit OD Green — $359

PSA 16″ Midlength 5.56 NATO 1:7 Nitride MOE Black Rifle Kit FDE — $359

Blem 16″ mid-length gas system 5.56 NATO upper for just $220! No BCG or CH.

A blem for a killer deal! PSA Freedom AR-15 rifle kit. Just add a stripped lower and build it out! $320

No BCG or charging handle with this upper, but it does come with Magpul MBUS sights! 16″ M4 1:7 twist 5.56 NATO just $280

Something for the battle rifle boys, PSA gen 3 PA10 18″ .308 WIN upper WITH BCG and CH for only $480

Save more money and get a stainless steel barrel with this blem PA10 18″ .308 Win upper! Comes with a BCG and a charging handle for only $470

Another blem, 5.56 NATO, 16″ barrel, PSA PA-15 for $480. Throw a red dot on this and it is ready for anything!

Now that pistols are back on the menu, take a look at this PSA AR-15 Pistol Kit with a 10.5″ barrel, 12″ handguard, and SBA3 EPT brace for just $500

OTHER DEALS

PSA 7″ Nitride 1:7 Pistol Length 5.56 NATO Marauder AR-15 Upper Assembly, Black – No BCG/CH

PSA 16″ Mid-Length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride 13.5″ Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT Rifle w/MBUS Sight Set

PSA 11.5″ 5.56 10.5″ STS Railed Upper w/BCG&CH

BLEM PSA PA-15 5.56 AR-15 Rifle 16″ Nitride M4 CRBN 13.5″ M-LOK

PSA PA-15 11.5” Carbine-Length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Phosphate BTR Classic Pistol w/Carry Handle

BLEM PSA AR15 Complete MOE EPT Stealth Lower, Black

PSA 10.5″ 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nit 12″ Slant M-lok MOE EPT SBA3 PK

Palmetto State Armory Magpul MOE Lower Build Kit, Black

PSA MFT Minimalist Lower Build Kit, Black

PSA 16″ Mid-length 5.56 NATO 1:7 Nitride 13.5″ Lightweight M-Lok Upper With Nickel Boron BCG & CH

Upgrade your workbench with this Real Avid gun vice and AR-15 armorer’s kit combo

Give your rifle some extra range and versatility with this Sig Sauer Tango 6x24mm LPVO scope

In need of a competent, no-frills red dot sight, the Vortex SPARC II is available for nearly half off

Mira Safety EvakPak Survival Kit

Can you put a price on peace of mind? Be ready for the worst with Mira Safety’s EvakPak Survival Kit. It includes a gas mask, filters, a pouch and potassium iodine tablets for only $324.99!

Walker's Razor Slim Earmuffs

Magpul Patrol Glove 2.0 Lightweight Tactical Leather Gloves

Magpul DAKA GRID Gun Case Organizer Foam Insert for Pelican Vault Multi-Purpose Hard Case

Magpul Case

Tyrant CNC

10% off the best sellers plus free shipping and free stickers. Random orders will also win a free knife, free tactical pen, and more!

Podavach Speed Loaders

One of the most simple and easy-to-use AR/AK speed loaders on the market. We’ve loaded thousands of rounds with ours and love it. Up to 45% off for Black Friday!

Spartan Armor Systems

Up to 25% off sitewide! This means plates, carriers, backpacks, and loads more. Armor up!

Olight

Maybe not the right lighting solution for everyone, but at the Black Friday 50% off prices Olight has going right now, it’s hard to say no. Take a look!

Primary Arms

Save sitewide with Pre-Black Friday codes and then shop the mega sales for Black Friday! Primary Arms optics, mounts, Holosun, Streamlight, TriggerTech, and a ton more are on sale.

Wheeler Tools

You’ll need some tools to finish all the Black Friday builds you just bought! Up to 50% off on Wheeler tools like their F.A.T. wrench, Gunsmithing screwdriver set, roll pin punch set, and so m

Ammo Brief: 9mm Ultra

A quick look at 9mm Ultra, also known as 9mm Police.

The 9mm Ultra cartridge was designed for the Walther PP Super semi-auto pistol introduced in 1972. This seven-shot autoloader was designed particularly for the West German police. It was not available to the civilian market until 1975, and then only in small numbers. Quite a few guns in this chambering have shown up in the United States, as the West German police discontinued it.

In recent years, the Sig Sauer P230 and the Benelli B76 auto pistols have also been chambered for the 9mm Ultra. The cartridge was actually developed in 1936 for the German Air Force but was never officially adopted.

Cartridges-of-the-World-16th-edition-550×725 (2)
This is an excerpt from Cartridge's Of The World, available now at GunDigestStore.com.

The 9mm Ultra is 1 millimeter longer than the .380 Auto and 1 millimeter shorter than the 9mm Luger, with the same general case dimensions. In terms of inches, the .380 case length is 0.680 inch, the 9mm Ultra is 0.720 inch, and the 9mm Luger is 0.760 inch.

Original loading of the 9mm Ultra (by Hirtenberger of Austria) used a 100-grain full-jacketed bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1,060 fps. GECO (Dynamit-Nobel) loads a 94-grain full-jacketed bullet at an initial velocity of 1,054 fps. Both bullets are of truncated cone shape. Ammunition is hard to find in the United States, and American companies do not load it. The case has a slightly rebated rim, 0.02-inch smaller than the base.

9mm-Ultra-table

General Comments

European police have traditionally carried small .32 Automatic and .380 Automatic pistols. However, with the increase in crime and attacks by terrorist groups, they found themselves outgunned by those on the other side of the law. There was some reluctance to adopt the full-powered 9mm military auto-pistol, which is heavier and bulkier than the more convenient .32 and .380 autos. The 9mm Ultra was an effort to provide greater stopping power, while retaining the small, handy pistols police were used to carrying. Even so, German police now carry 9mm Luger-chambered handguns.

The 9mm Ultra is as good as and probably more effective than the .380 Automatic. Handloaded with 9mm jacketed hollow-point bullets, it would certainly be satisfactory for small-game hunting. Hirtenberger, Fiocchi and Dynamit Nobel still offer this cartridge. It’s sometimes called the 9mm Police.

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt of Gun Digest's Cartridge's Of The World.


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Ammo Brief: 7mm Winchester Short Magnum

A quick look at 7mm Winchester Short Magnum, the modern, short-action equivalent of the 7mm Rem. Mag.

Introduced in 2001 and intended for ranks of riflemen preferring 7mm cartridges, the 7mm Winchester Short Magnum WSM is crafted from the instantly popular .300 WSM case, necked down to accept .284-inch-diameter bullets. Also, the 7mm WSM shoulder was lengthened by .038 inch to prevent any possibility of chambering in a .270 WSM rifle.

7mm-Winchester-Short-Magnum

The 7mm Winchester Short Magnum is the modern short-action equivalent of the 7mm Remington Magnum, a cartridge that showed untold numbers of hunters just how effective a flat-shooting, highly efficient .284 cartridge could be for North American and large African plains game. SSK Industries also re-barrels the AR-10 self-loading rifle for 7mm WSM.

Cartridges-of-the-World-16th-edition-550×725 (2)
This is an excerpt from Cartridge's Of The World, available now at GunDigestStore.com.

At one point, Winchester and Browning offered several chamberings of their rifles in this round, including the M70 Extreme Weather, Featherweight, and Coyote bolt actions. Browning offered the round in several X-Bolt rifles and also the BAR Safari Rifle and BLR Lightweight 81 Takedown. Mossberg also chambered the round in its 4×4 rifle.

7mm-WSM-table-1

General Comments

For efficient and consistent powder burning, the 7mm Winchester Short Magnum continues the short-fat cartridge case geometry Winchester first popularized in the .300 WSM, a benchrest-proven concept for nearly three decades. Omitting a belt on the case, the 7mm WSM headspaces on the shoulder, which should provide for tighter headspacing tolerances and bettered accuracy potential.

7mm-WSM-table-2

Shooters are cautioned never to fire the slightly shorter, physically similar 7mm Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum in .270 WSM- or 7mm WSM-chambered rifles, as the .270 bore is smaller and the headspace would be excessive, leading to possible injury or firearms damage. The WSM line still enjoys moderate appeal, especially the .270 and .300 offerings.  

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt of Gun Digest's Cartridge's Of The World.


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New Guns And Gear November 2023

Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.

The New Guns And Gear:

Nightstick TWM-852XL

nightstick
Nightstick angles its gear toward law enforcement, which generally means its lights are well designed and rugged. This certainly is the case with the TWM-852XL. Kicking out 850 lumens for just shy of two hours, the fairly compact unit more than has the chops to enhance any carbine or SBR’s low-light utility. But it’s the long-gun controls that tend to win kudos. A rear-mounted single, dual-action momentary and constant-on thumb button provides shooters immediate and tactile activa-tion. Furthermore, at only 4.5 ounces, the aircraft-grade aluminum touch is tough—rated as IP-X7 waterproof. Compatible with Picatinny rail systems, the TWM-852XL is ready to rock with most mounting systems out of the box.
MSRP: $100


Viridian RFX45 Closed Emitter Green Dot

viridian
Closed emitter pistol optics and green-dot sights seem to only be getting more popular, which makes Viridian’s new release perfectly timed. The RFX45’s robustness is reinforced by a machined 6061 aluminum housing, fully multi-coated lenses and an IPX6 environmental rating. Other notable features include its instant-on activation, auto shut-off and advertised 50,000-hour battery life (powered by one CR2032). The RFX45 also has a generous 24mm lens, a 5-MOA green-dot reticle and 10 manually adjustable illumination settings (eight visible, two for night vision). The ACRO isn’t the only mounting pattern available for the RFX45: Viridian also sells adapters for Glock MOS, RMR and Docter mounts, as well as Picatinny rails.
MSRP: $459


N8 Tactical Magna-Clip

N8 tac
N8 Tactical mostly makes holsters, but the company sells spare magazine carriers as well. Until now, those have been traditional designs, but the company has cooked up something different with its Magna-Clip. The mag carrier uses three very powerful neodymium-grade mag-nets to retain pistol magazines. This makes it compatible with virtually any all-metal or metal-lined handgun magazine, including Glock mags. The body of the carrier itself features a spring-steel pocket clip, which not only holds the magazine in place but also helps to conceal it by looking like an ordinary pocketknife clip.
MSRP: $30


Vortex Defender CCW Red-Dot

vortex ccw
Tailored for compact carry guns, Vortex’s new micro red-dot sight offers top performance at a relatively friendly price. Chief among these is the Defender CCW’s ample sight window, offering exceptional peripheral vision and spatial awareness. At the same tick, the sight only measures 1.6 inches long, has a weight of just 0.95 ounce and offers a slim profile for a snag-free draw. Additionally, it mounts via the com-mon Shield RMS footprint. Available with a 3- or 6-MOA dot, the Defender has a motion-activated reticle and auto-shutoff to save battery life when not in use (14-hour timer). The Defender CCW also has a manually adjustable brightness setting, and the battery can be replaced without removing the optic from the weapon (takes one CR1632).
MSRP: $350


Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal Riflescope

wraith thermal
The optics in Sightmark’s Wraith riflescope line were already capable of seeing in the dark thanks to their built-in CMOS sensors and IR illuminators, but the new Wraith Mini Thermal takes things to a new level. The model features a 384×288 resolution thermal sensor and five thermal color-palette display modes. The unit has a 1,400-yard max detection range, a 2x optical magnification range with 1-8x digital zoom and an OLED display with a 1024×768 resolution so images remain crisp even at higher zoom levels. Users can use a micro-SD card to record their shots, store five firearm profiles on the unit and choose between a wide variety of reticle and color options. However, the scope eats batteries (two CR123A) with a 3.5- to 4.5-hour battery life.
MSRP: $2,100


Ruger ReadyDot Micro Reflex Sight

ruger red dot
Ruger has put an interesting twist in creating a wallet-friendly red-dot option. The ReadyDot pitches the batteries into the ashcan and opts for fiber optics. Because of this, the optic automatically adjusts the dot’s brightness to the ambient light level. Given this, its large 15-MOA dot is very visible and easy to use in most conditions, excluding pitch dark. What’s more, it’s also non-adjustable and has no controls for changing windage or elevation. Why? Ruger claims that with compatible pistols the ReadyDot will be zeroed out of the box. The ReadyDot might not be the first option for your CCW pistol, but for range toys and fun shooters, it offers up plenty for little money.
MSRP: $100


SureFire X400 Ultra

surefire
Engineered to fit virtually any rail-equipped pistol, the X400 offers an illumination and aiming solution for nearly anyone who totes a pistol. On top of this, it really kicks out the light. With a recoil-proof LED and TIR lens, the X400 focuses 1,000 lumens of light into a smooth, far-reaching hybrid beam with a large central spot and plenty of spill light. This is an extremely effective combination for close- to medium-range engagements. Available in traditional red (635 nanometers) or high-vis green (515 nanometers), its 5-milliwatt laser is highly visible to the human eye to help the user get on target quickly and accurately. With a Mil-spec hard-anodized aluminum body, it can handle hard knocks and stay in the fight.
MSRP: Starting at $679

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2023 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.


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New Guns And Gear October 2023

Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.

The New Guns And Gear:

Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 Dissipator Rifle

anderson
Harking back to the early service life of the AR-15, Anderson Manufacturing released its take on what was considered the first carbine version of the rifle. The AM-15 Dissipator replicates the original Vietnam-era Colt 605 Dissipator, or “Dissy,” giving shooters a compact retro option to add to their collection. The original was produced to meet the need for a more compact platform for the close quarters of jungle warfare and was simply produced by lopping off 5 inches of barrel. To avoid NFA regulations, Anderson doesn’t go quite to those extremes, shrinking down the rifle to 16 inches. Keeping true to the original, the AM-15 also boasts a rifle-length gas system, which should make it quite a smooth shooter. Though the design is updated in some respects, the most obvious is the flat-top receiver.
MSRP: $600


Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol

beretta
Honestly, Beretta sits at the cusp of making most pocketbooks pucker in pain. That’s not quite so with the release of its newest tactically minded smoothbore, which has a price nearly as sweet as its performance. Sure, the A300 Ultima Patrol doesn’t boast the bells and whistles of some of Beretta’s tonier options, but it’s likely most shooters will be satisfied by what the Italian gunmaker has brought to the table. The gas system makes the 3-inch chambered 12-gauge very manageable shot to shot, and its self-cleaning pistol adds a measure of resilience. Not to mention, it’s not a picky eater—pitching everything from slugs to birdshot without batting an eye. Its 7+1 capacity (2¾-inch shells) onboards plenty of firepower, and color options of black, gray and tiger-stripe camo give it a wicked look.
MSRP: $1,100


Mission First Tactical Extreme Duty Mag

mission first
Like a team, a rifle is only as strong as its weakest link. Mission First makes certain your magazine isn’t what lets you down. Built with long glass fiber, the EXD Magazine uses a 50-percent stronger and three times more impact-resistant design compared to traditional glass-filled nylon. Additionally, Mission First has crafted the mags for easier carry and manipulation. The flared floorplate’s slim bottom design allows for excellent draw protection and ease of handling, while still allowing for fit in double and triple magazine pouches. The raised front and rear ribbed finger impressions make the mags easy to handing, even with gloves on. Plus, tool-free disassembly makes cleaning and maintenance easy.
MSRP: $25


Brownells BRN-9 Upper

brownells
Looking to go pistol-caliber carbine with your AR? Meet the blowback-operated BRN-9 9mm upper receiver, complete with a 5.5-inch barrel. Making things easy, the Brownells upper drops in seamlessly into any standard AR-15 pattern lower as well as Brownells’ BRN-180 lower receiver. No buffer assembly is required; in turn, folding stocks are a natural for the upper. Finally, the BRN-9 also fits 9mm specific lowers with any type of 9mm magwell—so, it can feed from Colt, Glock, Sig, CZ Scorpion or HK MP5 magazines. As a nice touch, the upper also sports a non-reciprocating charging handle that can be set up on either side of the receiver.
MSRP: $550


Vudoo Priest Double Stack 1911

vudoo
As handgun fans most likely have caught wind, 2011-style pistols have been all the rage as of late. Vudoo Gun Works is among the most recent in this game with a gun that runs as fast as it looks: the 9mm Priest. The double-stack 1911-style pistol follows up on Vudoo’s successful Möbius single-stack 1911 and builds off many of the gun’s strong points. The steel-framed gun boasts an excellent trigger and gives shooters the ability to onboard 17, 19 or 23 rounds, thanks to its compatibility with STI/SVI-pattern magazines Additionally, the Priest is outfitted with a flared magwell, accessories rail, snappy trigger and optics cut on the rail (Trijicon RMR footprint).
MSRP: $3,100


Rock River Arms BT3 Predator HP 65C

RRA
Gas-gun class of precision competition or just something to take game at a country mile, Rock River Arms has both types of shooters in its sights with one of its new-est releases. The BT3 Predator HP 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle is engineered with the goal of unrivaled out-of-the-box accuracy, extended effective range and outstanding reliability. At the heart of the rifle, billet aluminum upper and lower receivers provide enhanced strength and rigidity, ensuring consistent shot-to-shot performance. Mated to a match-grade 24-inch stainless-steel barrel, it’s long enough to milk the utmost ballistic potential from the long-range cartridge. Rock River finishes the BT3 Predator off with an adjustable two-stage match trigger, six-position Operator CAR stock and M-Lok compatible handguard.
MSRP: $2,100


Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite Optic-Ready

Ruger
As generations have learned, there’s nothing quite as sweet as a Ruger Mark IV—at least when talking .22 LR pistols. How about an optics ready variant of the famed rimfire with co-witnessed sights. This is what Ruger delivered with the introduction of Mark IV 22/45 Lite Optic-Ready. The new pistol features a standard Shield RMS footprint in place of a Picatinny rail, making the addition of a wide swath of available red-dots a snap. And if that poops out, the fiber-optic front and fully adjustable rear sights are ready to jump into action. True to the model, the 4.4-inch barrel iteration marries a lightweight, precision-molded, polymer grip frame with a ported, anodized aluminum receiver … and a threaded barrel.
MSRP: $1,100

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the October 2023 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.


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ASA To Host Silent Night Fundraiser In Support Of Suppressor Rights

If you want to support the expansion of suppressor rights, the ASA Silent Night Fundraiser event could use your support.

Many Americans believe that suppressors shouldn’t be as hard to buy or own as they are, and so does the American Suppressor Association Foundation. If you want to help in the ASA’s fight to make suppressors legal in all 50 states, the upcoming Silent Night Fundraiser has a ticket with your name on it. That is, if you can make it to Austin, Texas on November 30th and can afford the price of admission.

Yes, tickets are expensive, but the proceeds will go to a good cause. If just supporting the expansion of suppressor rights isn’t enough incentive for you, buying a ticket will also entitle you to dinner, drinks and an item off of the giveaway list if you purchase a high enough tier of ticket. Giveaway items include things like premium guns and suppressors, so we’re not just talking about stickers and shirts.

Here’s what the ASA has to say about the Silent Night Fundraiser:

The American Suppressor Association Foundation (ASA-F) is thrilled to announce the inaugural Silent Night Banquet. Taking place at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas on Thursday, November 30th, the Silent Night Banquet will include an open bar, a delicious dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, a raffle, and a keynote address from Captain Chad Fleming from Team Never Quit. In addition, every table package sold will come with the buyer's choice of amazing products, including the best suppressors, rifles, pistols, shotguns, and optics.  

As the 501c3 wing of the American Suppressor Association, the ASA Foundation is leading the charge through active litigation to make suppressors legal in all 50 states. ASA-F has already filed Anderson v. Raoul in partnership with Silencer Shop, challenging the constitutionality of the suppressor ban in Illinois. The Silent Night Banquet will help ASA-F raise essential funds to continue the litigation in Illinois and file lawsuits in other states like California and New Jersey. If successful, suppressors will become legal in all 50 states for the first time in over 100 years 

“Help us reach our goal of raising $250,000 for the ASA Foundation by buying a ticket or a table today,” said Knox Williams, Executive Director of ASA. “Not only will your purchase help fund our pro-suppressor lawsuits and educational initiatives, at the Banquet you’ll have access to an open bar, a delicious dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, and a raffle filled with products and experiences you simply can’t buy.”

For more information on the event and the different levels of tickets available for purchase, please visit ASAbanquet.com.


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New Guns And Gear September 2023

Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.

The New Guns And Gear:

Nosler SR-30K

Nosler K
Two inches shorter and 2 ounces lighter than Nosler’s SR-30AlTi, the new SR-30K was specifically designed with backcountry hunters in mind. Thanks to its titanium and aluminum construction, the suppressor weighs just over 7 ounces and measures just under 6 inches in length. This makes it ideal when being hauled over long distances or through rough country. It also features a special baffle stack designed to maximize sound suppression performance despite its reduced size. If you’ve wanted to hush up your hunting rifle but are worried about added bulk, the Nosler K-Can is worth your consideration.
MSRP: $729


Ruger/Marlin Model 1894 Classic

september gg feature
Ruger has continued its reintroduction of classic Marlin lever-action rifles. The latest to hit the scene is the Model 1894 chambered for .44 Remington Magnum. Implied in this chambering, the rifle will also take .44 Special—if you happen to stalk less substantial game or crave some reduced-recoil range time. The rifle’s tubular magazine fits 10 rounds of .44 Mag. and 11 rounds of .44 Special. The receiver, lever, trigger guard plate and barrel are all made of alloy steel with a satin blue finish. Other features include a soft rubber recoil pad, American black walnut furniture and adjustable semi-buckhorn sights.
MSRP: $1,239


Weatherby Model 307 Centerfire Rifle Action

WBY action
It’s been a spell since Weatherby has tinkered with a new action, but the measured development is worth it, given the new Model 307 appears to have a lot to offer. The company’s goal behind the 307 was compatibility with as many stocks, triggers, rails, mounts and bottom metals as possible … and that’s no easy task. The action features a 2-lug bolt with a 90-degree throw, and it can be disassembled without tools. The standalone builder’s action is available in three lengths (long-action magnum, long-action standard and short-action standard). Weatherby also offers two complete rifles with the action—the 307 Range XP and the 307 Alpine MDT.
MSRP: $750 (standalone builder’s action)


Timney Impact 700 Trigger

Timney trigger
Remington 700 fans, rejoice! Timney’s newest trigger has you covered. Called the Impact 700, this drop-in option was designed as an inexpensive upgrade that doesn’t sacrifice quality. The result is what Timney describes as an entry-level trigger, but one that is still assembled, tested and calibrated by hand. The Impact 700 isn’t adjustable, but it does feature a crisp and clean break between 3 and 4 pounds.
MSRP: $125


TriStar Arms Matrix Inertia-Driven Shotguns

TriStar shotgun
When it comes to imported Turkish shotguns, TriStar Arms guns are considered some of the best. Recently added to the company’s catalog is an inertia-driven scat-ter gun line called the Matrix. The series was designed for hard and dirty use, as well as reliability with a wide variety of ammunition. Offered in 12-gauge and a 20-gauge, the Matrix is available with a matte black finish and synthetic furniture, a matte black finish and walnut furniture, or Realtree Max-7 camo finish and synthetic furniture. Regardless of the model selected, all feature 5+1 capacities and compatibility with Beretta Mobil chokes.
MSRP: $595 to $685


Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16x35mm Thermal Riflescope

Sightmark scope
Who says hunting requires sunshine and clear weather? Not Sightmark, who has released a right-sized thermal optic called the Wraith Mini. Previously available as a night-vision option, and thanks to the addition of a 384×288 microbolometer sensor, the Wraith Mini features thermal capabilities out to 1,400 yards. Additionally, a 2x optical magnification range with 1-8x digital zoom and an OLED display with a 1024×768 resolution helps draw a clear bead on your target.
MSRP: $2,099


Federal Ammunition HammerDown .444 Marlin

federal 444
In what should grab brush gunners’ attention, Federal has expanded its HammerDown ammo line to include .444 Marlin. Featuring a 270-grain bonded soft-point bullet with a muzzle velocity of 2,225 fps, the classic cartridge is going to prove to be hard hitting. The flat-nosed bullet offers extremely consistent expansion, thanks to the larger cross-section at the nose. To boot, it plays nice with the tubular magazines common to lever-actions. Thanks to the ammo’s nickel-plated and chamfered cases, it should also be a smooth feeder.
MSRP: $64.99, box of 20

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the September 2023 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.


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Ammo Brief: 9mm Steyr

A quick look at 9mm Steyr, the standard cartridge for the Austrian Steyr Model 1912 military pistol.

9mm Steyr is the standard Austrian military pistol cartridge for the Steyr Model 1912 auto pistol. Its case is approximately 23 millimeters long, as compared to the 9mm Luger, which is 19 millimeters. Apparently, the only other countries besides Austria to use this as a military round were Romania and Chile, which adopted both the Steyr pistol and cartridge in 1912.

9mm-steyr-feature

This cartridge is very similar to the 9mm Bergmann-Bayard, and these two are often confused. However, 9mm Steyr ammunition is usually found with a nickel-jacketed bullet. The 9mm Bayard case is slightly longer. Quantities of 9mm Steyr pistols have appeared on the United States surplus military market and, for a while, ammunition was readily available.

Cartridges-of-the-World-16th-edition-550×725 (2)
This is an excerpt from Cartridge's Of The World, available now at GunDigestStore.com.

General Comments

The 9mm Steyr is quite similar to the 9mm Bayard. The Astra Model 400 will sometimes handle both, but other pistols will not. The 9mm Steyr is a good field cartridge, similar to the .38 Colt Automatic in performance.

9mm-Steyr-data

Bullet diameter is the same as the 9mm Luger, and one can use Luger bullets for reloading. Any standard load for the 9mm Luger or .38 Automatic will work in the Steyr pistol. Fiocchi of Italy still loads this round.

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt of Gun Digest's Cartridge's Of The World.


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Ammo Brief: .270 Weatherby Magnum

Flat trajectory, excellent long-range accuracy and mitigated felt recoil define the .270 Weatherby Magnum.

Most shooting enthusiasts think that the .270 Weatherby was developed to satisfy a demand for this caliber after the popularity of the .300 Weatherby Magnum had been established. As a matter of fact, the .270 was the first of the line developed by Roy Weatherby on the necked-down .300 H&H case.

270-Weatherby-Magnum

This was in 1943, after experiments with an improved .220 Swift that Weatherby called the .220 Rocket. It was largely actual hunting experience with the .270 WM that started Weatherby on the high-velocity trail. This culminated in his starting a commercial gun business in September of 1945.

General Comments

Cartridges-of-the-World-16th-edition-550×725 (2)
This is an excerpt from Cartridge's Of The World, available now at GunDigestStore.com.

The popularity of the .270 Winchester made it almost mandatory for Roy Weatherby to include this cartridge in his line of commercial magnum rifles. The .270 Weatherby Magnum has been used extensively, and successfully, on all species of North American big game. It has also achieved notable success on African plains game.

Those who’ve used it claim the .270 Weatherby provides flat trajectory, excellent long-range stopping power on all thin-skinned game and noticeably less recoil than the famous .300 Weatherby Magnum. As an added attraction, the .270 Weatherby Magnum isn’t impractical for varmint shooting. The 100-grain bullet is excellent for this purpose, thus making the .270 Weatherby Magnum a versatile all-around cartridge. However, it’s important to allow plenty of barrel-cooling time with this and all other high-intensity cartridges.

270-Weatherby-Magnum-table

The .270 Weatherby Magnum is easy and economical to reload, and empty cases are available for it. Like the other large-capacity magnum cases, it doesn’t lend itself to reduced loads and is at its best with full or nearly full charges. It’s a fine choice for the hunter who wants to include varmint hunting potential in a big game rifle. It has been one of the most popular cartridges that Weatherby offers.

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt of Gun Digest's Cartridge's Of The World.


Raise Your Ammo IQ:

Ammo Brief: .30 Carbine

Don’t kid yourself about the power of .30 Carbine, because it’s just not there.

In 1940, the U.S. Ordnance Department concluded that a light carbine might have certain advantages over the .45-caliber semi-auto pistol in many combat situations. Various designs were submitted by a number of private manufacturers, and, in the end, Winchester’s offering was selected.

The semi-auto .30 M-1 Carbine was officially adopted in 1941. Its cartridge, a modification of the .32 Winchester self-loading round of 1906, was hardly a revolutionary design, but it served the purpose. About the same time, the Germans developed their assault rifle and the 7.92mm Kurz (short) cartridge. The M-1 Carbine isn’t an assault rifle, and the military insists it was designed to fulfill a different purpose. A few sporting rifles and handguns have chambered the .30 Carbine.

30-carbine

General Comments

In mid 1963, the government released .30 M-1 Carbines for sale to civilians through the National Rifle Association at the very moderate price of about $20. Thousands of these rifles, as a result, have been used for sporting purposes. Federal, Winchester and Remington load soft-point sporting ammunition.

Cartridges-of-the-World-16th-edition-550×725 (2)
This is an excerpt from Cartridge's Of The World, available now at GunDigestStore.com.

The .30 Carbine cartridge is in the same class as the .32-20 WCF, but slightly more powerful. It’s wholly a small game and varmint round, despite contrary claims by those who love the short, light and handy M-1 Carbine. The modest accuracy of the carbine, combined with the ballistics of this cartridge, limit the effective sporting range to about 150 yards. The original author of Gun Digest’s Cartridges of the World used an M-1 Carbine to hunt small game and deer as early as 1943, before most people could get their hands on one of these guns, so he had a pretty good idea of the capability of the cartridge.

Remember that the .32 Winchester self-loading round became obsolete in 1920, because it was ineffective and more or less useless for sporting purposes. The .30 Carbine was derived from that round and shares the same shortcomings. However, it can shoot relatively cheaper military ammunition, and this allows use of the gun in many situations not economically feasible with the .32 SL.

However, don’t kid yourself about the so-called “terrific power” of the .30 Carbine cartridge, because it’s just not there. Despite this, it can be a very useful cartridge within its limitations, and its use and popularity have increased considerably over the years.

30-carbine-table

One final note: Had the military adopted a normal, modern rifle pressure standard, instead of the inexplicably modest 40,000 psi specified, we might have a somewhat different opinion of this cartridge. Loading to normal .30-06 pressures provides about 400 fps more velocity, which seems significant.

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt of Gun Digest's Cartridge's Of The World.


Raise Your Ammo IQ:

New Guns And Gear August 2023

Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.

The New Guns And Gear:

Bond Arms Cyclops .45-70 Gov’t

bond arm
Well-known for its derringer-style handguns, it should come as no surprise the Texas concern has a new pocket pistol on the market. What should raise an eyebrow is what it comes chambered in: .45-70 Government. Yes, the hallowed buffalo-hunting cartridge is now available in a 28-ounce hammer-fired pistol Bond Arms has dubbed the Cyclops. The monocular moniker is due to the pistol only having room enough for one of the relatively elephantine straight-walled cartridges—compared to the two-round variations most think of with Bond derringers. The pistol is plenty demure, measuring in at a tick under 7 inches, with a 4.25-inch barrel. Bond has slapped on B6 resin grips and outfitted the pistol with a 7-pound trigger. If your arthritis isn’t already flaring with that description, never fear! Bond plans on releasing .44 Magnum, .454 Casull and .50 AE models in the near future.
MSRP: $699


Ruger Super Wrangler

ruger
When it comes to sheer shooting pleasure, few things surpass a Single-Action Army revolver. Especially, Ruger’s selection of rimfire variations. Opening the door to more shooters enjoying the classic SAA, the mammoth firearms manufacturer has expanded its affordable Wrangler line with a versatile addition: the Super Wran-gler. Modeled after the company’s Single Six, the aluminum-framed wheelgun is capable of shooting both .22 LR and .22 Winchester Magnum at the flick of the cylin-der, yet it comes at a fraction of the price of the original it’s modeled after. For good measure, and to make certain it lives up to its “Super” modifier, Ruger has also included adjustable rear target sights and a 5.5-inch barrel. Quite a package for the price.
MSRP: $329


SAR .357 Magnum SR Revolver

Sar feature
Perhaps best known for economical and pretty dang nice striker- and hammer-fired pistols, SAR USA has gone out of its wheelhouse this year. Yup, that means the Turkish concern has expanded to wheelguns with the introduction of its .357 Magnum SR revolver line. There’s a lot to like in what SAR brings to the table with DA/SA guns—including a competitive price. The gun is available with a 4- or 6-inch barrel, dashing black finish, steel alloy frame and comfortable ergonomics in its synthetic finger groove grips. The gun is on the hefty side at 47 ounces with the 6-inch barrel, and 41 ounces in the 4-inch version. This walks the line for most as a concealed carry piece, but the heft makes shooting the snappy magnum very manageable.
MSRP: $549 4-inch barrel, $649 6-inch barrel


CRKT Michael Walker Momentum

crkt
A classy gun calls for a classy knife to partner with in its EDC duties. CRKT’s new Michael Walker line has this in spades. Christened the Momentum, the liner lock is based on Walker’s favorite custom creations and crafted to the highest standards. First off, they’re manufactured in Italy by renowned knifemaker LionSteel. Next, they’re the perfect blend of artistry and function—made with materials that not only look good, but perform. There are two versions available, one boasting Böhler M390 blade steel and teal titanium handled with a turquoise dragon scale pattern. The other sports a Rose Damasteel blade complemented by its more subdued dark gray titanium handle and white dragon scale inlay.
MSRP: Bohler Blade $275, Damasteel Blade $500


Diamondback Birdshead Sidekick

diamondback
Perhaps one of Diamondback’s more unique projects in recent years has been expanding into rimfire revolvers. Introduced in 2022, the Sidekick gave shooters an affordable .22 LR/.22 Magnum option in DA/SA wheelguns. The gunmaker struck a chord, because this year it expanded its Sidekick offering to include a petite bird-shead variation. The rounded grip offers more control shot-to-shot, as well as proving very comfortable in most shooters’ hands. Furthermore, Diamondback has shortened the barrel from the original iteration to 3 inches. For some, this might make the revolver an option for concealed carry. If not, it’ll still prove a load of fun at the range.
MSRP: $327


Safariland SafariVault Duty Holster

safariland
Safariland has been the go-to manufacturer of duty holsters for years, and the company’s new SafariVault line is poised to bring the concept to the next level. With a re-engineered holster body, the line is arguably the strongest option on the market today—tested to withstand 300 pounds of pressure and rated from -50F to 150F. Furthermore, available up to Level IV retention, the hangers are all but imperious to a gun grab, featuring the company’s SLS (Self Locking System) and ALS (Automatic Locking System). Best of all, the holster is compatible with weapon lights, muzzle devices (thanks to its open-muzzle design) and red-dot sights (both open- and closed-emitter designs). If that’s not enough, the holsters also have a magnetic slide guide to aid with holstering, an auto-tension device to remove rattle and a more easily accessible ALS release mechanism.
MSRP: Starting at $190


Crossbreed LDS 2.0 Ohai Modular Holster

crossbreed
On-body carry isn’t an option for everyone and might not be the best way for certain individuals. With this in mind, Crossbreed advances the ability to carry in a back-pack, purse or other tote with the introduction of its LDS 2.0 Ohai Modular Holster. The next generation of the original Ohai, the hanger features the tried-and-true Crossbreed leather and Kydex construction. However, the system includes a hook-and-loop backing, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into several off-the-body techniques. This doesn’t simply include luggage outfitted with backers, but options that affix under the desk, in a vehicle or in other handy places. Being modular, it is interchangeable between makes and models and compatible with a number of lights and laser sights.
MSRP: $64.95

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the August 2023 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.


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Amazon Prime Day Gun Gear Deals (2023)

Catch the gun gear deals going off during Amazon Prime Days, stock up and save some cash.

Amazon isn’t the top destination for most shooters’ gun-buying needs. True enough, you can pick up air guns there, including the dead-serious pre-charged pneumatics. But that’s about the extent of the mega-retailer’s arsenal. No shotguns, no rifles, no handguns, no ammo.

That said, Amazon does tend to offer a pretty decent array of firearms accessories and gunsmithing tools, not to mention other odds and ends shooters find handy. Riflescopes, torque drivers, ear pro, among other offerings are fair game and generally come in at a passably fair price. This is particularly true if you are a Prime member and get to take advantage of that sweet, sweet free shipping. And there’s no better time to put that membership to use and load up on firearms gear at Amazon than Prime Days.

We came up with some of our top picks of Amazon gun gear for the sale, which if you’re impatient, you can just jump forward to. But if you’re unfamiliar with the retailer’s annual summer sale, we’ll give you a quick primer below.

What The Hell Are Prime Days?

Basically, the stretch—running July 11-12 this year—serves up some of the best deals Amazon puts forth in the calendar year. Of course, there is a catch—you must be a Prime member. Like it or not, that’s many of us if not most of us anymore. But if you aren’t, don’t let this dissuade you from checking out the gear below or the sale itself—there is a work arounds if you find something you can’t live without. Namely, Amazon offers a free 30-day Prime trial—which you can cancel anytime. No fuss, no muss.

Amazon Prime Day Gun Gear Picks

ATN Thor LT Thermal Rifle Scope 160 3-6x

Prime Days ATN

Thermal rifle scopes have been pretty hot lately, but not everyone can afford to buy one at their typical prices. If you feel that you’ve been missing out and want to dip your toe into the thermal optic world too, this heavily discounted ATN Thor LT may be the most affordable way for you to accomplish that. Will it be the best thermal scope you can get? Probably not, but if all you want to do try some night hunting, the 3-6x magnification and 475-yard maximum detection range should get the job done. The scope mounts via traditional 30mm scope rings, has a rechargeable battery with an advertised 10-hour runtime and it features both black hot and white hot color palettes.

Check Out The Deal On The ATN Thermal Rifle Scope


ucho 34dB Slim Noise Shooting Ear Protection

Prime Days ucho

Are these Chinese knockoffs of Howard Leight Impact Sport earmuffs? Undoubtedly. Are they worse? Almost certainly. But when the originals have an MSRP of $95, it’s understandable why not every shooter has a pair. If you’ve been looking for the most affordable set of electronic shooting hearing protection that you can buy, this is it. They have an advertised Noise Reduction Rating of 34dB, which is great assuming it’s an accurate measurement, but above all it’s hard to argue with the price if you’ve just been wanting to give electronic hearing protection a try.

Check Out The Deal On ucho ear pro


Vikeri Mini Trail Camera

Prime Days Vikeri

There are lots of great uses for trail cameras, and it can be a good idea to have one lying around even if you’re not an avid hunter. This Vikeri Mini is on a pretty decent discount and seems to have all the features one would want in a trail camera. The camera is motion activated and only has a 0.2 second delay once triggered. It monitors in a 120-degree wide angle and can detect motion from up to 65 feet away. It’s also capable of capturing either 20MP HD pictures or 1080P videos. Whether you’re trying to find game or you just want to keep an extra set of eyes on your property, this is a good tool to have.

Check Out The Deal On The Vikeri Mini Trail Camera


Pohaku 13 in 1 Pocket Multitool

Prime Days Pohaku copy

A multitool is always useful to have around, but the best ones are quite expensive. If you’ve wanted one that you could beat up, throw around and lose without worrying about it, this deal is worth a look. Besides having a typical pocket knife blade, the Pohaku also features needle nose pliers, standard pliers, wire cutters, a can opener, two files, three screwdrivers, a rope cutter, a saw and a serrated knife. Not bad for $14, and it even comes with a storage pouch and can be operated by just one hand.

Check Out The Deal On The Pohaku Multitool


Barska 18-36x50mm Spotting Scope

Prime Days Barska

If you do any kind of target shooting at ranges beyond what the naked eye can see, you’re going to be walking downrange to check your hits more often than necessary. The remedy is a spotting scope, and if you don’t already have one, this deal is a good time to change that. For a reasonable price, this Barska offers just about everything you’d want in a basic spotting scope. It has a generous objective lens of 50mm, a magnification range of 18-36x and is completely waterproof and fog proof. It also comes with an extendable sunshade, a tabletop tripod, a lens cover and a carrying case.

Check Out The Deal On The Barska Spotting Scope


Walker's Shooting Training Protection 29 Db Omni-Directional Microphone Rope Hearing Enhancer Earbuds

Prime Days Walker

Combine the best of both worlds and grab some in-ear hearing protection that is also electronic! Never miss range commands or your range buddy’s excuses for missing. Walker’s in-ear electronic ear pro features a 29Db rating, 3 pairs of foam tips for the perfect fit, and omni-directional mics to pick up all the sounds around you. Micro USB charging with a 10-hour battery life. Big sale right now on the Walker’s makes them a great buy.

Check Out The Deal On Walker Ear Pro


Blackhawk Omnivore Holster

Prime Days Blackhawk

Maybe not the perfect holster for everyone, but the Blackhawk Omnivore makes having multiple pistols a lot easier. Designed to fit almost any pistol, the Omnivore comes in three styles – built for pistols with 1913 Picatinny rails, pistols with SureFire X300 lights, and pistols with Stream Light TLR 1 & 2 lights. Built to use the railing or lights for the locking retention, the Omnivore can eat almost anything and keep it secure. Dedicated holsters are generally a little better, but this is a great “do all” that wildly reduces the number of holsters you need to have on hand to shoot your armory.

Check Out The Deal On The Blackhawk Omnivore Holster


Mantis X3 Shooting Performance System

Prime Days Mantis

Training is not optional, but it can be expensive and hard to find time for. Dry fire is a great way of improving and maintaining skills without having to go to the range or spend ammo on money. But there is a way to make dry fire even more useful, that is the Mantis X3. Combined with the Mantis app, this system senses and tracks everything your firearm does during dry fire and live fire. This gives you a complete record of your grip, handling, aim, recoil, follow-through, and a ton more. Works with iOS and Andriod, the Mantis X3 is a huge step forward for anyone looking to improve their skills.

Check Out The Deal On The Mantis X3 Shooting Performance System


Wheeler Manual Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench

Prime Days Wheeler Driver

Just about every screw on every firearm has a torque rating. You might not always know what that rating is, but at some point, someone gave it one. This is especially true for mounting optics on rifles and pistols. Those little screws are sensitive, and the difference between goodly tight and stripped is smaller than you might think! One of the first fundamental tools a gun owner should have after a cleaning kit is a decent torque wrench measured in inch-pounds. Wheeler’s F.A.T. Wrench is a great buy. You get the wrench, some common bits, and a nice little plastic case that will keep your new tool safe at the range or in the shop.

Check Out The Deal On The Wheeler Torque Wrench


Wheeler Engineering Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set

Prime Days Wheeler Screwdriver

Most of us already have at least some tools, but those aren’t always the same as gunsmithing tools. First off, tools built for guns are hollow-ground for a better fit in the parts. Not as big of a deal with most modern guns, but a huge deal for anything made 30ish or more years ago. Secondly, there are a lot of common firearms that take special tools. Not all of them, but a good number. Ever try working on a revolver without the right tools? It’s not fun! Wheeler’s set of 89 bits is a great place to start that should cover most bases, even some of the less common but still widely made firearms like S&W and Ruger revolvers.

Check Out The Deal On The Wheeler Set

New Guns And Gear July 2023

Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.

The New Guns And Gear:

Marlin Model 336

Ruger Marlin 336
Marlin (now under the Ruger banner) has slowly been releasing its legendary lever guns. Its latest reintroduction should turn deer hunters’ heads. Welcome back, Model 336: It’s been too long. Anyone familiar with the classic .30-30 Winchester will be happy to know the new model is dang near identical to the old. The rifle features a steel alloy receiver, a 20.25-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and a six-round magazine tube. All metal parts are richly blued, and the forend and stock are made of checkered American black walnut. And just like the original Marlin model, the new Ruger-made version features a gold trigger as well.
MSRP: $1,239


Ruger Super Wrangler

Ruger Wrangler
Nothing offers as much throwback fun as Ruger’s SAA rimfire revolvers. With the introduction of the Super Wrangler, more shooters should have the opportunity to enjoy what these guns bring to the table. The “Super” in the affordable aluminum-framed revolver line refers to the gun’s ability to switch between .22 LR and .22 Winchester Magnum. If this sounds familiar, it’s because that’s the same system that’s made the Ruger Single-Six an enduring legend. As with the older revolver, the Super Wrangler comes with two steel cylinders for each chambering. At present, Ruger is offering the gun with a 5.5-inch barrel, target sights, checkered black plastic grips and the option of three Cerakote finishes—black, silver and bronze.
MSRP: $329


Samson M-Lok K-Rail for AK-47 Platform

Samson AK rail
Affection for retro guns doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance. This is why Samson Manufacturing’s recently released M-Lok version of its popular K-Rail handguard line is such a welcome addition. Collaborating with AK specialist Ken Allen, Samson’s handguard hits all the key necessities you need for your AK rail while keeping weight to a minimum and adding simple accessory attachment points. Two versions are currently offered for stamped receivers: one with a sling loop cut and a non-sling loop version with integrated steel QD Sling Points. Best of all, it won’t run more than your old Russian warhorse itself.
MSRP: $224.95


Remington 360 Buckhammer

360 Buckhammer
Yes, the 360 Buckhammer is a brand-new cartridge, with all the ballistic advantages you’d expect from a modern design. Yet, it’s definitely a throwback in one respect—it’s a straight-wall cartridge. Given some states don’t allow the use of bottleneck cartridges for deer hunting, this new option is a boon. Essentially, it offers performance very similar to the .30-30, with a very flat trajectory out to 200 yards—far better than the pistol-caliber options most hunters have been relegated. At present, Remington offers 180- and 200-grain options, both loaded with the company’s renowned controlled-expansion Core-Lokt bullet.
MSRP: $37, box of 20


Galco’s UnderWraps Elite Belly Band

Galco Bellyband
Galco has an update of the traditional belly band, allowing for more flexibility in how you carry. First off, it can be worn like a traditional belly band (low on the waistline, partially under the belt line or just above it), or it can be worn around the torso’s mid-section (the solar plexus area). Furthermore, the UnderWraps Elite includes a single holster component that can be placed in an infinite number of locations along the belly band. The holster itself uses an adjustable internal welt to securely and safely accommodate hundreds of different handguns, is ambidextrous and is cant adjustable. Plus, there’s ample storage for the rest of your gear—no matter how you wear the band.
MSRP: $104


Taylor’s & Company 1875 Outlaw 9mm Revolver

Taylor
This revolver sports lights-out-retro good looks, which offers a great bit of modernization. Not that the 9mm is a spring chicken, but in a reproduction 1875 Remington, it’s a whole new beast. The new 1875 Outlaw 9mm Revolver is offered in two barrel lengths: 7.5 and 5.5 inches. The revolver has a smooth walnut finish standard-size grip that offers an extremely comfortable feel in the hand. It utilizes a side-loading gate and an ejector rod housed within the loading lever assembly for easy loading, unloading and reloading. And it has an all-blued finish, forged steel frame with a rear frame notch and fixed front blade sight.
MSRP: $670


Henry Big Boy Revolvers

Henry Big Boy revolvers
These revolvers are more of a leap forward for Henry Repeating Arms but still have the retro allure for which the company is known. The Big Boy Revolvers are the first-ever wheelguns produced by the iconic gunmaker, and as their name suggests, are modeled after the company’s pistol-caliber lever-gun line. Both revolvers are chambered .357 Magnum/.38 Special and are virtually the same, save the choice between a bird’s-head grip and flared—both American walnut. Both medium-framed DA/SA models feature a blued and polished steel frame, polished brass trigger guard and backstrap, six-round cylinder, 4-inch barrel and fixed rear notch and interchangeable front blade sights.
MSRP: $928

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the July 2023 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.


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New Guns And Gear June 2023

Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.

The New Guns And Gear:

Smith & Wesson M&P FPC

SW FPC
Like lemmings to a cliff face, gunmakers are scrambling to pistol-caliber carbines. The latest to make the plunge is Smith & Wesson, and the results aren’t half-shabby. The 9mm M&P FPC is a grip-loaded affair with trappings of the company’s heralded striker-fired pistol line … and some features certain to endear it to shooters who appreciate convenience. Chief among these is the gun’s horizontal folding mechanism, cutting its overall length from about 30 inches down to about 16 inches. Because optics are mounted to a Picatinny rail on top of the M-Lok handguard, optics retain their zero after folding. Additionally, the charging handle doubles as a locking latch for lightning-fast intuitive deployment. Threaded muzzle, interchangeable backstraps and a load of M-Lok slots round out what looks to be a pretty wicked little system.
MSRP: $660


Maxim Defense PRS Suppressors

maxim
Hunting, competition or just plain enjoying your shooting time more, few accessories do more to enhance a rifle than a suppressor. Maxim Defense improves all three pursuits with the introduction of its lightweight and effective PRS Suppressor for 6.5 and .308 calibers. A sealed monolithic MonoKore is composed of titanium and aluminum, making the 7.9-inch can a second thought on most firearms. Additionally, Maxim designed the device to minimize the increase in cyclic rate and gas blowback of a suppressed firearm. Furthermore, a hard-coat anodized finish protects your investment, while its direct thread mount makes attachment universal and a breeze.
MSRP: $695


Bear Creek Arsenal BC-10mm

bear creek
What this world needs are more 10mm PCCs. Lo and behold, Bear Creek Arsenal answers our prayers. The BC-10mm is chambered for the “perfect 10,” and with a number of features that are just plain cool. Topping the blowback carbine’s list is a side charging handle that makes manipulation fast and natural. Additionally, BCA runs an 8-ounce buffer weight in the platform, which makes the snappy 10mm downright polite in the recoil department. Best of all, the BC-10mm is compatible with Glock magazines, which opens the door to standard capacity (in terms of long-guns) magazines. Outfitted with ample M-Lok real estate on the handguard and built around billet receivers, the carbine hits the sweet spot for 10mm fans.
MSRP: $820


Volquartsen VT2

volquartsen
When it comes to precision rimfires, Volquartsen always has something interesting cooking. Dubbed the VT2, the rimfire boasts an ingenious takedown mechanism—a simple button/lever system that requires nary a tool. Even better, the system adds flexibility to the gun, giving users the potential to swap barrels, thus calibers, at least with the .17 HMR and .22 WMR. The AR-pattern rimfire is also chambered in .22 LR, but its svelte receiver size precludes it from the swapping fun. At present, Volquartsen offers two chamberings: .17 HMR and .22 WMR. Other highlights of the rifle include a 16.5-inch carbon-fiber barrel, compensator, TG2000 trigger and plenty of M-Lok mounting space.
MSRP: Starting at $2,261


Magpul Daka Grid Organizer for Pelican Vault V730 and V800

magpul
Every gun worth its weight in ammo is worth a quality case, and every case should have a top-notch organization system. Magpul jettisons the frustrating foam accompanying most hard cases with its truly ingenious Daka Grid Organizer. A fully customizable drop-in solution, the system secures your shooting gear and—better yet—reconfigures to the gun and gear you’re toting. The secret is the use of expanded polypropylene panels and blocks that nest together to create retention systems tailored to your particular firearm. They then can be quickly removed and reinstalled for your next loadout. Additionally, the lightweight Grid system doesn’t absorb contaminants, creating the ideal environment for your guns. Presently, the system is available for V730 and V800 Pelican cases.
MSRP: $140 and up


Rock River Arms Operator DMR Series Rifles

RRA DMR
Rock River Arms has turned its studied eye to precision shooters with the introduction of the Operator DMR series. Short for Designated Marksman Rifle, the DMR line includes six variants, with two chambered for .223 Remington/5.56 NATO and four for .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO. Of the 7.62 models, Rock River offers two 16-inch barrel options and two 20-inch barrel options—one of which is an enhanced model. Translate that to the rifle coming with a SilencerCo Chimera 300 suppressor, an extra RRA 3-slot rail assembly and an ARCA Swiss rail adapter. For the 5.56 guns, there’s no enhanced option, simply the choice between 16- and 20-inch barrels. Across the board, the company outfits the guns nicely with chrome-lined barrels, low-profile gas blocks, two-stage Ultra Match RRA triggers and Magpul flip-up Pro Series MBUS iron sights.
MSRP: $1,745 and up


Brownells BRN-180SH Upper

brownells
It’s about damn time the AR-180 has come back into the fold, and Brownells is the main group to thank for the carbine’s rebirth. The Iowa concern continues to evolve its version of the Eugene Stoner-designed gem with the introduction of a suppressor-optimized, .300 Blackout upper. Dubbed the BRN_180SH, the upper defining feature is a three-setting gas block, with presets for unsuppressed, suppressed and off. The latter essentially turns the gun into a straight pull, making it whisper quiet when you’re running a can. Playing off the Blackout’s short-barreled creds, the component comes with a 10½-inch fire tube with a threaded barrel. Furthermore, it boasts an adjustable charging handle and mounts simply on the Brownells BRN-180 lower receiver.
MSRP: $1,000

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.


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New Guns And Gear May 2023

Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.

The New Guns And Gear:

Rossi RM 66

Rossi
It’s been a hot minute since the Brazilian gunmaker announced a new revolver import, but this has changed in a big way for 2023. The company has three new .357 Magnum DA/SA revolvers hitting the market, with the RM66 more than living up to the definition of a big gun. The 6-inch barreled, medium-framed wheelie has a competition spin to it, featuring not only a fully adjustable rear sight along with a ramp front, but a solid set of grips to boot. Rubber and well-contoured, the handle provides a solid purchase to the gun as well as eats up recoil along the way. Tipping the scales at 34 ounces, the six-shot revolver has an ample trigger shoe and looks as fast as it runs with a stainless-steel finish.
MSRP: MSRP: $620


Henry Homesteader

Henry Homesteader
Generally speaking, the 9mm isn’t classified as a “big gun”—unless you’re talking about a pistol caliber carbine chambered for the cartridge. Henry Repeating Arms has jumped into this niche with a classic-looking offering called the Homesteader. Sporting a blued steel barrel, an anodized aluminum receiver and an American walnut stock and handguard, the iron has a unique look for this class of gun. Yet, it set up like any other modern PCC, with the semi-auto coming both optics- and suppressor-ready. The receiver is drilled and tapped to accept a Weaver 63B base, and the muzzle is threaded 1/2×28. There are three variants of the Henry Homesteader, the base model that uses proprietary Henry magazines, and two models additionally ship with a magwell adapter enabling the use of other magazines, either Glock or Sig Sauer/Smith & Wesson M&P.
MSRP: $928 and up


Two Vets Tripods ‘The Kit’

tripod
Big gun or otherwise, it’s a solid plan to have something to steady your shot. Two Vets Tripods delivers this in its The Kit, a compact option that doesn’t skimp on performance. A hybrid offering, the lightweight tripod is ideal both for competition, hunting and casual shooting. Sturdy carbon-fiber legs and a compact center section cut the unit down to a very manageable 3.4 pounds. And, its 22-inch collapsible height makes it conveniently sized for nearly any backpack system. Two Vets makes several head options available—Arca, clamp—but The Kit offers plenty of versatility with any screw-on style unit.
MSRP: Starting at $605


Federal Premium Buckshot No. 1 Buck

federal buck
The virtues of No. 1 buckshot—be it for home defense or hunting—are numerous. Heck, the improved pellet payload is worth the price of admission. This is why it’s heartening to see Federal Premium turn its studied eye to this sometimes-neglected shot size with a premium offering. Each 2¾-inch shell comes loaded with 16 copper-plated pellets and plenty of buffering medium, both designed to maintain the pellets’ uniformity and resist deforming, thus producing tighter patterns. The 12-gauge options also move, with an advertised 1,325-fps muzzle velocity.
MSRP: $16, box of 5


Primary Arms MD-25 RDS 2nd Generation

primary arms
The company has introduced the second generation of one of its most popular sights, with the revamped SLx MD-25 RDS. Where the unit makes its bones is energy-saving technology, primarily in its AutoLive illumination system. AutoLive reduces the emitter’s output when the optic is still for an extended period: Any slight movement will return the optic to its set output, ensuring it’s at full brightness when you need it. Featuring a wider 25mm aperture, the sight gives users a greater field of view down range and comes with the choice of 2 MOA stand-alone dot or an enhanced ACSS CQB variant.
MSRP: Starting at $150


Burris SpeedBead Vent Rib Mount

Burris rib mount
While more shotguns feature optics cuts on the receiver, there are still plenty that don’t play nice with optics. This is a dilemma for those who wish to get the most out of their smooth-bore’s accuracy, but don’t want to alter their firearm. As its name suggests, the SpeedBead Vent Rib Mount attaches to a shotgun’s rib tool-free, allowing for a solid platform to mount a red-dot. A unique design, the mount self-centers and comes with assorted rib adapters to fit multiple widths. Furthermore, it’s constructed of aluminum with a black anodized finish that lasts and won’t harm your gun. The mount is compatible with Burris FastFire series red-dots, or any red-dot that uses a Docter mounting pattern.
MSRP: $60


Galco Big Iron Belt Holster

galco
Big iron requires a big holster, and Galco more than has you covered with its Big Iron holster. Featuring premium steer-hide construction, the smooth leather lining is gentle on your handgun and enhances the feel of the draw. Further, the snapping flap protects and secures your revolver when on the move, yet easily releases using the glove-friendly polymer tab. Also, packaged with a polymer belt slot that’s adjustable for belt width, the holster is compatible with nearly any system.
MSRP: $220

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.


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New Guns And Gear April 2023

Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.

The New Guns And Gear:

Remington Golden Saber 10mm

10mm-Golden-Saber-Defense
Overpowering nearly any other commercially popular pistol cartridge, the 10mm gives those who can wield it effectively a definitive edge. Unveiling a 180-grain Golden Saber option in the hard-hitting pistol cartridge, the self-defense “Perfect 10” just got a little more perfect. Loaded with Remington’s famous bonded-core bullet, the ammunition offers a hollow-point option that not only expands like the dickens but also retains a majority of its weight at the target. This means larger and deeper wound cavities that increase the odds of neutralizing a threat. Additionally, the loads are fairly balanced for maximum terminal effect and shooter controllability, with a muzzle velocity of 1,150 fps.
MSRP: $48, box of 20


Meopta MeoSight IV

Meopta Meosight
Improving accuracy, target acquisition and follow-up shot speed, the simple aiming solution of a red-dot performs wonders. Meopta offers a solid option with its smallest and lightest micro red-dot—the MeoSight IV. Weighing only 1.2 ounces, the MeoSight IV has a length of 1.89 inches and a width of 1.41 inches, the 3-MOA red dot proves anything but cumbersome on a pistol. Its 30,000 hours of run life on a single battery and automatic illumination setting mean it’s always ready regardless the conditions.
MSRP: $299


Holosun DRS

Holosun DRS
While not on the market yet, Holosun is giving shooters an entirely new way of looking at red-dots. The Digital Reflex Sight (DRS) is a hybrid sighting system, marring the fast acquisition aiming system with thermal and night vision options. It’s a pretty intriguing system, with the company’s popular AEMS closed emitter forming the base and a fairly intuitive system to transition between normal red-dot and thermal/NV. The DRS-TH (thermal model) and DRS-NV (night vision) could prove game changers and definitely have the potential to enhance home defense, among other things.
MSRP: Expected to start at $1,000


940 Pro Tactical/Holosun Micro Dot Combo

940 Pro Tactical
The 940 has already made a name for itself as a nearly flawless running semi-auto, and the Pro Tactical puts the shotgun’s firepower and ease of use into a perfect package to guard hearth and home. Now, Mossberg has sweetened the deal, offering the scattergun factory outfitted with a Holosun Micro Red Dot. It’s a definite upgrade for the 940 that takes advantage of its milled optic-ready receiver. Tailored for CQC, the Pro Tactical is a terse 37 inches in length, boasts a 7+1 capacity, has an adjustable length-of-pull and chambers up to 3-inch 12-gauge shells.
MSRP: $1,333


FN Rush 9Ti

FN Rush 9Ti feature
In the close confines of the home, a suppressor can prove an excellent defensive upgrade—mitigating recoil and avoiding shell shock from a pistol’s report. FN America now offers civilian shooters this advantage. The company’s first commercial suppressor (it’s made them for militaries only in the past), the Rush 9Ti is designed to enhance nearly any 9mm pistol with a relatively svelte and light suppressor. Mountable on any 1/2×28 threaded muzzle, the titanium can with an aluminum and stainless-steel baffle stack comes in at just under 11 ounces. Furthermore, its 1.3-inch diameter offers a fairly clear line of sight on most pistols, while its 7.3-inch length keeps it relatively wieldy.
MSRP: $850


Oracle Arms 2311

Oracle Arms
If the 1911 and Sig P320 had a love child, it’d likely look like the Oracle Arms 2311. New to the scene, Oracle Arms’ enhanced-capacity pistol brings together the best of what each of the classics has to offer. Available in five models, perhaps the biggest selling point is its P320 magazine capacity, giving the metal-framed gun plenty of firepower on board—15+1 in its Compact model, 21+1 in its Combat Elite and Competition models. The 9mm line also has a snappy single-action trigger, enhanced 1911 ergonomics, simple linkless barrel and bushing-free design, and a hammer (because everyone loves hammers!).
MSRP: Starting at $1,700


Sig Rose

Sig Rose
The new Sig Rose serves up an attractive and enhanced option meant to get first-time women shooters up to speed … fast. The pistol is a P365 with a touch of rose-gold accents, an understated rose motif on the grip and available in both 9mm and .380 ACP. However, there’s more to it than just a heater. The Rose is sold as a complete package, which comes with two magazines, a TSA-approved Vaultek Lifepod pistol safe, five polymer dummy rounds for dry-fire practice, a mag loader and access to the QuickStart guide and online training series. Overall, it’s a fairly solid system for those just getting into the shooting game.
MSRP: $800

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the April 2023 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.


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