Living up to its name, the Hatsan PileDriver is gassed up to deliver a deadly blow.
How The PileDriver PCP Is Ready For The Hunt:
Kicks a .45 slug at 700-plus fps and a .50-caliber at 800-plus fps.
Bullpup configuration keeps the 33-inch barrel rifle manageable in the field.
Gas-piston system makes it easier and smoother to cock.
480cc carbon fiber bottle fills to 4350 PSI and will provide up to 6 high-powered shots.
Move over Red Rider, there’s a new sheriff in town—the pre-charged pneumatic (PCP). Revolutionizing the entire air gun industry, the newish technology has taken the gaseous guns from backyard toys to deadly serious shooters. That especially goes for the big-bore brutes, which at the appropriate range are fully capable of taking down tough medium-sized game. Check out Brad Fenson's bear hunt with Umarex Hammer .50-caliber PCP if you have doubts.
Hatsan has jumped into this deadly-serious corner of the market recently, releasing a potent PCP that has the potential to turn air-gun enthusiasts heads. The aptly named PileDriver comes in both .45- and .50-caliber, in either case is able to open a can of air-powered whoop-ass. Whether it lives up to its “powerful production PCP” is a matter of debate, nevertheless kicking a .45 slug at 700-plus fps and a .50-caliber at 800-plus fps at the muzzle is nothing to turn your nose up at.
The PileDriver is an odd duck in looks, partly due to its bullpup configuration. There’s a method in the Turkish concerns madness, given the rifle utilizes a 33-inch barrel, long by any standards. Opting bullpup allows the gunmaker to keep the PileDriver a manageable 4 pounds–much saner in the field.
As is the case with any gun that pushes the limits, there’s a hefty price tag on the PileDriver. Hatsan has a $1,199.99 MSRP on the firebreather. But for dedicated air-gun hunters that should prove no barrier.
More From Hatsan:
Bentonville, AR – Hatsan proudly announces the introduction of its first .50 caliber air rifle, and the market's most powerful production PCP rifle. The PileDriver is designed exclusively for high-powered hunting applications. Capable of producing over 800 ft-lbs. of energy in .50 cal, it is also available in a 700+ FPE-generating .45 caliber model. Although this rifle utilizes a 33-inch barrel, its bullpup design keeps the maximum length under 4 ft. The side lever cocking mechanism is easy to reach and operate. A 480cc carbon fiber bottle fills to 4350 PSI and will provide up to 6 high-powered shots on a single fill. The PileDriver's unique, patented hammer design eliminates traditional steel coil springs in favor of a smoother, easier-to-cock, gas piston mechanism. This top-loading single-shot rifle also features an extra-large loading port that will accommodate ammo up to 34mm in length.
The all-weather synthetic bullpup stock features an ergonomic pistol grip with textured grip surfaces for enhanced feel and control. The soft rubber buttpad is both elevation and angle adjustable to ensure controlled recoil and a comfortable fit. An elevation adjustable cheek rest ensures proper sight alignment with any optic. The rifle's 14-inch-long scope rail is cut to accept both Picatinny and 11mm Dovetail mounts, offering plenty of real estate for a wide variety of optics. Three Picatinny accessory rails are attached around the air bottle for added customization. The high-strength steel barrel is precision rifled for long-range accuracy, and the absence of a shroud allows for the use of sabot rounds, further expanding one's ammunition options.
PileDriver Features: ·Genuine bullpup design, manual loading high-powered PCP air rifle ·Available in .45 and .50 caliber ·Long cocking lever for easy cocking action ·Precision rifled steel barrel for long-range accuracy ·480cc carbon fiber air bottle with 300 BAR (4350 PSI) fill pressure provides up to 6 high-powered shots ·Ergonomic synthetic thumbhole bullpup stock ·Locking elevation adjustable cheek rest ·Elevation and fit angle adjustable soft cushioned butt pad ·Combo Picatinny and 11mm Dovetail optics rail ·3 Picatinny accessory rails mounted on air bottle ·Includes quick-fill nozzle ·MSRP: $1,199.99
PileDriver Specifications: ·.45 Caliber ·Max Energy: 700+ Ft-lb ·Number of Shots: 4-6 ·.50 Caliber ·Max Energy: 800+ Ft-lb ·Number of Shots: 3-5 ·Air Cylinder Volume: 480cc ·Fill Pressure: 300 BAR (4350 PSI) ·Tactical synthetic pistol grip stock with adjustable cheek rest and butt pad ·Overall Length: 46.5″ ·Barrel Length: 33″ ·Weight: 10.4 lbs
For more information on the Hatsan PileDriver, please visit hatsanusa.com.
The new Swarovski NL Pure binoculars take ergonomics to the next level. How did they do that?
Nearly 11 years in development, powerhouse optics maker Swarovski releases its NL Pure binocular range with unique ergonomics, wider field of view, and tack-sharp image definition.
Most optics makers release new product lines each year to keep sales moving and the brand fresh in consumers’ minds. But when you are Swarovski Optik, you can afford to take your time and refine perfection. And that’s what it appears Swarovski has done with the release of the new NL Pure binocular range.
Swaro’s EL binos have set the industry standard since 1999 in terms of light transmission, edge-to-edge clarity, and image sharpness. However, the company has been in RE&D since 2009 working on its next evolution. Released this week, it’s known as NL Pure.
The new binos sport an interesting slimmed-down barrel which gives the user a slimmer hold. According to Dean Capuano, Director of Marketing and Communications for Swarovski, research and development involved physiotherapists, engineers, and end-users to design a product that would reduce muscle strain on the neck, shoulders, hands, and elbows. It was about improving the experience, he said.
A quick snap-in forehead rest is available for the NL Pure binos to provide extra steadiness. That rest is fully adjustable to fit anyone, handy as a tripod on the powerful 12x42s.
The binos — which are slated to hit store shelves by Sept. 1, 2020 — come in three variants of 8×42, 10×42 and 12×42. All are the same size. A forehead rest adapter can be affixed to the body to provide stabilization, particularly handy for the 12x42s.
Capuano told media at a recent event that the NL Pure line clocks in with a similar weight to its longstanding EL product line but feels lighter in the hand thanks to its slimmed-down barrel at the best balance point. The design also places the focus wheel in a better position for less strain.
“It’s all about the experience,” Capuano said.
The Swarovski NL Pure line retains the proven excellent Austrian quality glass for which it is known, including its proprietary Swarovision coating for best-in-class edge-to-edge clarity, image definition, and maximum color fidelity.
Look at That FOV!
One of the biggest steps forward in the new glass is its larger field of field (FOV) — a full 477 ft. @ 1,000 yards in the 8x binos. And the 12x42s have a wider FOV than the current EL 10x42s, Capuano explained.
Mechanical Upgrades
Swarovski started at square one with the NL Pure line. It is not EL 2.0, but rather a fresh take. That includes a completely redesigned mechanical system with precision threads to reduce friction while focusing.
The new mechanical system works with the internal prisms and downsized barrels to maintain Swaro’s legendary image quality but creates a more comfortable and immersive glassing experience for the user.
Swarovski NL Pure binoculars come with a side bag for a comfortable carry and all the usual high-quality bonus stuff such as barrel covers, strap, and lens cloth. NL Pure will have an MSRP of USD 3,299.00.
There’s no excuse not to keep your firearms running right, thanks to the innovated and portable Real Avid GUN TOOL AMP.
How The GUN TOOL AMP Keeps Your Guns Running On The Go:
Easy to carry, about the size of an everyday clip knife.
Three models with specialized tools for AR-15s, Pistols and 1911s.
Rugged frame able to stand up to abuse.
Have the tools to properly take care of your guns? No. Why not?
No arguments, gun maintenance gear is a multitude less sexy than a bucket of ammo, trigger upgrade or new scope. Yet, having the right tools to keep your rifle or pistol running like a top cuts down on headaches and, more importantly, keeps you shooting.
At the cutting edge of gun maintenance equipment, Real Avid has cooked up some very innovative instruments to keep firearms running right. The company’s newest addition could prove one of its handiest. Specialized kits for particular types of firearms, the Real Avid GUN TOOL AMP is designed for troubleshooting on the go. Folding up to the size of an everyday clip knife, the multi-tool is little trouble to have on hand and comes with about everything you need to keep a gun running.
Real Avid pulls this off by avoiding general purpose. Instead, there are three models (Pistol, 1911, AR-15) with specialized tools for their particular firearm. No need to have a bushing wrench if you shoot nothing but polymer-framed striker-fired pistols or a carbon scraper if 1911s are your thing. Smart and handy, to say the least.
On top of that, affordable. Presently, all three models of the Real Avid GUN TOOL AMP have an MSRP of $69.99. Pretty cheap for peace of mind.
More From Real Avid:
Real Avid, the leader in DIY for Guns, expands its impressive line of firearm multi-tools with the new GUN TOOL AMP — a compact kit loaded in three platform-specific versions: AR15, Pistol, and 1911.
The new Gun Tool AMP brings a new level of innovation to the gun maintenance and Gun DIY segment. Unlike any other multi-tools on the market, the Gun Tool AMP boasts a signature dual-function carry holster that not only holds a bit set and a folding frame multi-tool, it also transforms into a sturdy, magnetic bit driver. The innovative holster replaces the need for a sheath and adds an entirely new level of capability without adding unnecessary bulk.
The tool frame is designed and built for hard use and each version is loaded with liner-locking tools specific to the three-gun platforms they serve. Thanks to some out-of-the-holster thinking, AMP redefines what a carry tool for gun owners can be.
Howard Tripp, Chief Innovation Officer, said, “We invented the category of gun multi-tools and the new Gun Tool AMP is an exciting next step in the evolution of our line. It is without a doubt the most innovative gun multi-tool we’ve ever designed. It’s technical, very stylized, rugged, and designed to carry wherever your gun goes. It’s a serious tool to solve or ideally prevent ‘Oh no!’ moments. We talk a lot about how we can help gun owners keep their guns ready and able. That’s the whole mission for Gun Tool AMP.”
“Like all gun tools from Real Avid,” said Real Avid President Dave Steiner, “Gun Tool AMP is specialized. There are three versions of Gun Tool AMP – 1911, Pistol, and AR15. We understand these platforms really well and know that millions of gun owners rely on these guns for protection and sport. Our retail partners really benefit from our originality and focus. They know that their customers are in their stores looking for products specialized to their guns and the way that they shoot.”
Gun Tool AMP – AR15: Keep your AR-15 running in the field or at the range with features like specialized carbon scrapers for every bolt carrier group surface, a full array of common AR-15-specific bits and implements, and a fold-out locking bit driver to make on-the-fly adjustments and fixes a snap. KEEP IT READY!
· Next-Gen AR15 Multi-Tool System · Innovative. Gun-specific. Packed with function · Cleans carbon from all critical surfaces to keep bolts cycling smoothly · Transformative design combines multi-tool, bit driver, and holster · Integrated locking, fold-out magnetic bit driver · Patent-pending quick-deploy holster carries the multi-tool, houses the bits, and features a fold-out locking driver
Gun Tool AMP – Pistol: Gun Tool AMP-Pistol is like a support vehicle for your EDC and range handguns. It is loaded with pistol maintenance tools plus some extras you’ll appreciate when the time is right. Easily store and deploy from the belt, MOLLE strap, or range bag, the Gun Tool AMP-Pistol keeps the tools you need conveniently close at hand.
· Next-Gen Pistol Multi-Tool System · Innovative. Gun-specific. Packed with function · Transformative design combines multi-tool, bit driver, and holster · Integrated locking, fold-out magnetic bit driver · Patent-pending quick-deploy holster carries the multi-tool, houses the bits, and features a fold-out locking driver
Gun Tool AMP – 1911: Specialized for the 1911 platform, Gun Tool AMP-1911 packs in-the-field capability into an efficient and intelligent frame system. The tool includes both Government and Officer barrel bushing wrenches, a full array of 1911-related bits and implements, plus a fold-out driver. Punches, picks, scrapers, wrenches, and innovative hex key storage come in a compact kit that can go anywhere you do.
· Next-Gen 1911 Multi-Tool System · Innovative. Gun-specific. Packed with function · Transformative design combines multi-tool, bit driver, and holster · Integrated locking, fold-out magnetic bit driver · Patent-pending quick-deploy holster carries the multi-tool, houses the bits, and features a fold-out locking driver
For more information on the Real Avid GUN TOOL AMP, please visit realavid.com.
Figure long-range accuracy is monetarily out of reach? Then you need to take a gander at the affordable precision available in the Howa TSP X Chassis Rifle.
Mates Howa’s barreled action to Southern Cross’ TSP X chassis.
Heavy target barrel offers greater heat dispersion and superior barrel harmonics.
Rigid aluminum frame eliminates flex for repeatable and accurate results.
Crisp two-stage trigger enhances systems accuracy potential.
By now, anyone with an inkling for affordable long-range accuracy has heard about Howa. Perhaps one of the best values in precision firearms today, the Japanese manufacturer has a catalog brimming with rifles capable of connecting at a country mile. At the same tick, their chassis offerings are among the most economical on the market. No surprises, this has made the brand wildly popular.
Recently Howa’s line-up has expanded, but not with a new gem to roll exclusively off its own assembly line. While the TSPX Chassis Rifle series boast Howa’s barreled actions, the rest of the rifle was designed, built and tested in Australia. Downunder might have some of the most draconian gun laws on the books, but its shooting community still thrives and is particularly keen on precision bolt-action rifles. It shows with the TSP X Chassis line.
At the heart of the build is a Southern Cross Small Arms (SCSA) TSP X Chassis. The lightweight rig is gaining popularity stateside through several parts retailers, and provides an excellent base for the rifle system. A lightweight—around 4 pounds—general-purpose chassis, the TSP X has it where it counts—rigidity. This is thanks to modular systems all-aluminum construction from fore-end to buttstock, eliminating much of the flex common to wood and plastic stocks. Plus, it has several accuracy-enhancing features, including a folding stock, M-Lok slots at 3-, 6- and 9-o’clock, ambidextrous magazine release and four QD sling cup positions. Additionally, the stock is completely adjustable for length of pull and comb rise. Now, these are adjustable by plain old screws and spacers, so you can’t dial it in on the go. Nevertheless, you can dial it in.
To this is mated Howa’s 1500 barreled action with a #6 contour heavy target barrel. The 24-inch firetube adds to the overall rigidity of the system, while offering superior heat dispersion and barrel harmonics. Initially, Howa is offering four calibers: .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC—all favorites of long-range shooters. Helping the TSP X Chassis Rifle live up to its potential, Howa has included its two-stage match trigger, a respectable unit with a consistent and crisp break.
The Howa TSP X Chassis Rifle is ACIS magazine compatible, meaning aftermarket options abound and the gunmaker also offers it in a package with a Nikko Stirling Diamond LR 4-16×44 30mm scope. At its base price, the rifle has a $1,189 MSRP through Howa’s importer, Legacy Sports International.
For more information on the Howa TSP X Chassis Rifle, please visit legacysports.com.
The Benelli Lupo marks the gunmaker's first foray into bolt-action rifles and offers shooters much more than an accurate shooter.
What Goes Into Benelli's First Bolt-Action:
Rifle can be tailorable to indivdiual shooters for LOP, cast and drop.
Fitted with a 22-inch cryogenically treated barrel.
Bolt features three lugs for tight and strong lockup.
Chassis-style reciever made of aluminum creates an overall rigid platform.
User-adjustable trigger with a break range from 4.4 to 2.2 pounds.
A custom-fit is better.
Serious shooters have been custom fitting their shotguns for centuries, but unless one is willing to pony up large amounts of cash for a custom gun, riflemen standing from 5 feet, 6 inches to 6 feet, 5 inches tall are all likely to be shooting the same standard-sized rifle. However, Benelli’s new bolt-action rifle provides another, more affordable customized option: the Lupo.
At first glance, the Benelli Lupo looks different than most synthetic bolt-actions, with sleek lines that reflect its Italian heritage. Closer inspection reveals a nuanced, ergonomic firearm that provides superior functionality right out of the box, including a guaranteed sub-MOA three-shot group and up to 36 major fitting variations that, for most people, will effectively provide a custom-fitted rifle.
Available as of August 2019, the Lupo is chambered in 30.06, with both .270 Win. and .300 Win. Mag. calibers hitting store shelves the following month or so. In addition, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win. and .243 Win. are slated for retail stores sometime in 2021.
The sculpted Lupo bolt is fluted, lightweight and silky smooth when working the 60-degree throw, but it anchors solidly with three large locking lugs. The bolt shroud can be disassembled by hand—without the need for tools—for easy cleaning and inspection in the field.
The 22-inch, cryogenically treated barrel is part of a heat-treated, solid steel barrel extension assembly that connects at three points to a rigid aluminum lower receiver via a recoil lug and two screws. This rigidity is the heart of the Lupo’s sub-MOA out-of-the-box accuracy, which I verified on test shoots in both Italy and Nebraska. Another design enhancement in the barrel assembly includes a 5/8-inch threaded and capped muzzle to add noise suppression or muzzle brake.
The Lupo’s action has a sleek, fluted profile. The bolt shroud can be disassembled by hand without tools; a quick push and turn, and it’s done. Another nice feature is that the action’s spring is physically attached to the firing pin assembly, so there are no flying springs and frantic flashlight searches when disassembling the bolt.
More than just a sleek and attractive profile, the Lupo’s action is strong. The bolt locks with three-bolt head lugs that easily maintained integrity when pressure tested. Enhancing the fluidity of the action is an improved bullet feed system with a ramp that works precisely with the synthetic double-stack magazine for silky chambering of each round, with ample headspace and no bullet tip damage.
The Lupo’s synthetic double-stack magazine has a five-shot capacity. Its wide mouth is positioned to allow top-loading of the magazine—a feature that can come in handy for fast in-field follow-up shots.
And, speaking of magazines: A feature I absolutely love about the Lupo is the ability to refill the five-shot double-stack mag from the top without having to stop and remove it. While this might not be of significance to bench and long-range shooters, the ability to smoothly top off in the field is a tremendous benefit with a quick follow-up shot afield.
Inside the Lupo: Trigger
The innovative guts of the Lupo comprise the foundation upon which an incredible degree of accuracy is achieved. Nevertheless, external components contribute as well. The first that caught my eye was the trigger assembly.
The Lupo’s trigger-and-guard assembly sits at a decidedly upward angle to the slim grip, putting the sweet spot of the trigger in direct line with the meat of the trigger finger. The resulting hand positioning creates natural finger placement and a perfectly horizontal pull for most.
The hand/trigger relationship can be further enhanced and customized with the use of Benelli spacers to adjust both drop and trigger reach. The trigger finger spacers extend the hand horizontally, moving the grip farther behind the trigger assembly to accommodate larger hands and longer fingers. Not surprisingly, an ambidextrous safety falls ergonomically under the thumb for an easy pivot between “safe” and “fire.”
The Lupo was designed so that the gun’s length-of-pull and comb height can be easily and quickly adjusted.
The trigger assembly is the most prominent aspect of the Lupo chassis system. It can be conveniently adjusted without disassembly, offering a range of 4.4 to 2.2 pounds of pressure.
Optics
While the Lupo comes without sights, there’s a variety of optics mounting options available. The rigid optics rail system attaches directly to the barrel extension and comes with six drilled and tapped holes to accommodate a variety of sighting solutions. The system accommodates Benelli’s own two screw proprietary bases, Picatinny rails, as well as other manufacturers’ two-hole bases compatible with the Remington 700. A note of caution here: Remington 700-style one-piece bases will not fit the Lupo. It requires two of the same rear two-hole bases.
Innovations
Many of Benelli’s innovations in the shotgun category extend to the Lupo; one example is contact points. Benelli’s AirTouch technology is a dimple pattern that’s molded into the fully rounded grip and forend, providing an excellent tactile surface in both wet and dry conditions.
In addition to the mechanics of the inertia drive system, Benelli has learned a thing or two about comfortable shooting. Benelli’s third-generation Progressive Comfort system is optimized for rifle shooters, incorporating a new system of interlocking polymer “fingers” inside the rear of the stock. These flexible buffers have varying degrees of elasticity, absorbing recoil at different intensity levels, depending on the energy of the load.
Six drilled and tapped holes allow a wide variety of solutions for mounting an optic to the Lupo.
Borrowing the technology from Benelli’s Super Black Eagle III, the Lupo’s Combtech cheek pad distributes recoil pressure more broadly across the shooter’s face; this means reduced felt recoil. Lupo’s Combtech interchangeable cheek pads include a standard pad, with optional raised and high levels available. Additional customization comes with the three lengths of recoil pads and length of pull spacers, which offer six different length of pull distances—from the standard 13.8-inch LOP to a 15.2-inch LOP. In addition, Benelli delves deeply into the fitted shot gunner’s domain, offering, in addition to the standard straight stock, proprietary cast shims for cast-on or cast-off of +/-4.5mm.
Without going into a primer on gun fitting, “cast” is the relationship of the side-to-side angle of the stock to the barrel. Most right-handed shooters are cast-off, while most lefties are cast-on. When doing dry-fire exercises, if the sight doesn’t line up on the horizontal plane between the eye and the target, the rifle’s cast might need adjustment, which is easily achieved with the included cast shims. This is a rare feature.
There are drop and cast shims; the option of three comb heights; six length of pull variations. These features conspire mathematically to provide 12 standard configurations and 36 total variations with optional cheek pieces to create a custom fit for the majority rifle shooters.
Accuracy
To say that the Lupo is accurate is akin to saying Beyoncé can sing. In fact, Benelli guarantees a sub-MOA three-shot group with quality ammo. With a Hornady 180-grain GMX Outfitter load, I shot a 100-yard group that measured 0.85 inch and was proud of it … until another shooter at the line gave me a lesson in accuracy when he painted an incredible 0.3-inch group the first time he touched the rifle.
Even so, the best shooter in the world can only be as accurate as the rifle allows. Sub-MOA out-of-the-box accuracy: confirmed.
Expectations Exceeded
Naturally, all this precision and customizability come at a price. The MSRP for the Lupo is $1,699, with an expected street price of about $1,500.
A custom rifle puts the shooter’s hand in perfect position in relation to the trigger. The Lupo comes with shims that, when placed between the receiver and stock, move the shooting hand back, down—or both—providing custom hand placement for most shooters.
Clearly, the Lupo meets or exceeds expectations, but does a saturated market need yet another rifle, especially one with such a high price point in relation to many other models? For me, the answer is, Yes!
The Lupo creates its own niche by bridging the gap between one-size-fits-all consumer rifles and customized products marketed exclusively to more-affluent buyers.
While the modular chassis, ergonomic design and near-custom fitting options are compelling, I believe what puts the Lupo over the top is its incredible accuracy. With guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy, the ability to achieve an almost custom fit for a price one-third or less than that of a custom rifle—and manufactured with Benelli quality—I’m confident the Lupo will quickly find its audience … which, I suppose, includes me.
Benelli Lupo Specs Barrel Length: 22 in. Barrel Type: Crio-treated blue steel Rate of Twist: 1:11 Overall Length: 42.5 in. Weight: 7 lb. Upper Receiver: Heat-treated steel Lower Receiver: Aluminum Magazine: 5-shot, double-stack, detachable synthetic mag box Scope Mount Type: Benelli proprietary; Picatinny rail; Remington Grand Slam (6 holes) Stock Material: Synthetic Progressive Comfort Trigger Load: 2.2–4.4 pounds Sling Attachment: Integrated attachment points Bipod Attachment: Tapped hole in forend Buttplate/Pad: Interchangeable ComforTech pad Length of Pull: 13.8 in. (standard) to 15.2 in. Safety: Ambidextrous Embellishments/Extras: Progressive Comfort recoil system: shims for cast and drop; trigger reach spacers; interchangeable cheek pad; tapped hole for bipod MSRP: $1,699
For more information on the Benelli Lupo, please visit benelliusa.com.
Keeping a handgun secure, yet at the ready — it seems like a paradox. But over the years, the apparently incompatible concepts have all but become bosom buddies. Thank the handgun safe for this match made in home-security heaven.
The relatively simple storage systems have been refined to the point they offer nearly-holster quick access to a pistol or revolver, while at the same time keeping them secure from potential thieves or little hands. Nowadays, the market is flooded with these rapid-access beauties, which can make finding your best option a bit of a haul. But we’ve streamlined the process, gathering together was we think are among the best when it comes to handgun storage, security and access. So, without further ado, here are four of the top options when it comes to quick-access handgun safes.
Fort Knox Pistol Box
In general, rapid access does not equate to true security. The Fort Knox Pistol Box is the notable exception. With a 10-gauge steel body and 3/16-inch plate steel door, quite simply the handgun safe is built like a brick privy and impervious to all but the most serious attacks. At the same tick, the Pistol Box still qualifies as rapid access, given the Simplex Mechanical Lock is one of the quickest and most reliable keying mechanism on the market today. It’s as fast if not faster than any electronic lock. Furthermore, once unlocked, gas struts fling the top open so you aren’t left fumbling for your gun. The 10 1/4″ X 3 5/8″ X 8 1/4″ safe has room enough for one full-sized pistol or two compacts, it's foam and carpet lined to protect your firearms' finish, comes outfitted with four pre-drilled bolt-down holes and has an attractive antique silver powder-coat finish. The Pistol Box is a perfect addition as a bedstand gun safe, attached to the floor of a car or anywhere where you might need a handgun in the blink of an eye, and secured the rest of the time. MSRP: $252 www.ftknox.com
Hornady Security RAPiD
When something goes bump in the night the last thing you want to do is fumble with a handgun safe lock — mechanical, electric or otherwise. Through RFID technology, Hornady has eliminated the need to with its extremely convenient RAPiD line of gun safes. The touch-free entry system unlocks the 16-gauge steel box at the swipe of a wristband, key fob or decal. The decal is especially clever, giving you the ability to make an everyday carry item your key — be it a smartphone, money clip or anything else. Engineered to operate in blackout conditions, RAPiD safes feature AC and battery power, and for the sake of redundancy, Hornady has also outfitted the small safes with keypad and lock-and-key entry. RAPiD safes secure via a 1,500-pound rated security cable, have a foam-lined interior and come in three sizes to hold different sizes of handgun or multiple firearms. MSRP: Start at $169 www.hornady.com
GunVault SpeedVault
How quickly you get into a handgun safe is only part of the equation. Equally important is how accessible the contents are once it’s unlocked. One of the most unique rapid-access systems on the market, SpeedVault presents a handgun ready to draw once the unit opens. This is facilitated by the 18-gauge steel safe’s drop-down drawer design that opens with the handgun in a holster-like position. Plush foam keeps the firearm in place and ready for action, while protecting the finish, and an internal lighting system helps you get your bearings. Ideal for stowing a handgun in less-conventional places than the nightstand, SpeedVault’s vertical design makes it ideal hidden under a desk, behind a large piece of furniture or in a cabinet. A four-button keypad gives quick access, but you never have to worry about getting locked out if the 9-volt battery runs low with SpeedVault’s redundant barrel lock. Though, GunVault makes it a snap to keep on top of battery changes, with an audible and LED light low-power alert system. MSRP: $279 www.gunvault.com
Limited capacity, it’s the catch with a majority of handgun safes. Even so-called large ones, there’s space for two guns and maybe (big maybe) a spare magazine. This is simply not an issue with the Handgun Hanger. Stealth Tactical’s gun safe has room enough for five handguns and amazingly they’re not all stacked on top of each other. Through a revolutionary hanger system, three guns are at the ready with the butts presented when the door drops. An additional two stow on the bottom of the 9″x 9″x 12″ safe as backups. More than simply a quick way to get to a gun, the Handgun Hanger is a legitimate storage system for shooters with limited space. For fast access, the pistol safe’s four-button keypad stores your choice of six combinations and has the options of visual and audio feedback when the code is entered. Spring loaded, the 3/8-inch thick steel door flips open when unlocked and an internal light lets you see what you’re reaching for. The Handgun hanger comes pre-drilled for bolt down and with a security cable if drilling into furniture or your floor isn’t an option. MSRP: $299 www.stealthtac.com
Was your top choice on the list? Did we miss a gem? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Barrel length does affect accuracy, muzzle velocity and delivered energy when testing various classes of rimfire ammo. But other variables tend to play a major role as well.
What Does Barrel Length Affect:
Concerning accuracy, all lengths proved accurate to a certain exent when match with the right ammo.
Generally, auto-loaders posted lower average velocities and 16.5 barreled rifles the highest veloicites.
In context of hunting, espeically at longer shots, heavier bullets should be utilized to ensure enough energy on target.
It could be argued that the 125-plus-year-old .22 Long Rifle is America’s most beloved cartridge. It is, after all, most shooters’ first powder-driven rifle. And nearly any household with even a modicum of firearm interest harbors one, if not several. Further evidence is revealed by the fact that Americans annually burn through upward of three billion .22 LR rounds. Whether poking holes in paper, plinking cans, collecting small-game table fare or eliminating pests, most reach for a .22 LR.
Western burrowing-rodent shooting has spawned an intense interest in .22 LR performance; ground squirrel arenas, in particular, are witnessing ammo consumption measured in bulk packs. Ground squirrels are tenacious critters, and although they’re universally reviled by landowners due to property destruction, they nonetheless deserve a quick death. And honestly, it’s much more satisfying to assemble visible body counts than have burrowing rodents reach their expiration date underground. Velocity, bullet design and associated energy delivery become pivotal in choosing ground squirrel loads.
Determining Load Classes
Not all .22 LR ammo is the same; even labels like “subsonic,” “standard,” “high” and “hyper-velocity” are somewhat arbitrary.
Forced to affix real numbers to these load classes, I’d call 1,050 fps or fewer “subsonic,” 1,150 to 1,250 fps “standard,” 1,250 to 1,375 fps “high” and 1,400-plus fps “hyper.” These numbers also roughly correlate to what the market offers.
When punching paper or plinking cans, velocity (and bullet design) means very little, and milder, budget-priced, bulk-pack fodder is perfectly acceptable. But when directing bullets at flesh and blood—whether it’s pasture-wrecking ground squirrels, woodchucks, jack rabbits, or tree squirrels and cottontails bagged for dinner, these factors obviously hold more gravity.
.22 LR Questions
I’m often asked for .22 LR buying advice, as in, “What shells shoot best?”
That’s a loaded (pun intended) question, because every .22 LR shows decidedly individual tastes. Whether shooting a $1,600 Anschutz Luxus 1761 bolt or $170 Marlin Model 60 auto-loader, what shoots exceptionally from one might prove anathema in the other. Accuracy is dependent on a particular rifle’s “tastes.” Finding accurate ammo involves first choosing several brands/labels that offer the performance parameters desired and then auditioning each.
Test ammo consisted of 15 different loads, including (left to right and top to bottom): ELEY High Velocity Hollow, Federal Ammunition Auto Match, Remington Golden Bullet HP, Winchester DynaPoint, ELEY Subsonic Hollow; Browning BPR, Winchester Super-X HP, CCI Mini-Mag; Aguila Supermaximum, Winchester Varmint HE, CCI Stinger, CCI Velocitor; Blazer, Federal Premium Hunter Match and American Eagle.
However, do certain .22 LR brands or bullets provide inherent accuracy from a wide variety of rifles?
My greatest curiosity was how .22 LR barrel lengths directly influence velocity. Recently, chatting with a gun-counter expert and noting the 28-inch barrel worn by a particular .22 LR rifle, I predicted the extra-long tube would erode velocity. My theory followed that the weak starting velocity and energy friction actually slow .22 LR bullets in barrels measuring more than a certain length (although I couldn’t guess where that threshold lay).
The expert scoffed, insisting that .22s were no different than centerfire rifles, generating greater velocity in proportion to barrel length via increased pressures. Which of us was right?
Finally, one aspect of real-world .22 LR function regularly overlooked is delivered energy on live game. The .22 LR offers pretty puny numbers from the muzzle; they quickly deteriorate as yardage is added due to poor ballistic coefficients. So, just because you can hit, say, a rabbit at 150 yards, it doesn’t mean that enough energy is transferred to assure a quick recovery of said rabbit. So, what is the maximum effective range of common .22 LR ammo?
The Test
To put these questions to rest, I requested a CZ-USA Model 455 Varmint bolt-action rifle engineered to allow quick, simple barrel swaps. Three barrel lengths were included in my order: 16.5, 20.5 and 24 inches. Out of further curiosity, I requested Savage’s A22 auto-loading rifle (20.5-inch barrel) to determine if auto-cycling perceivably influences .22 LR velocities.
To provide as comprehensive a test as possible without turning it into my life’s work, I selected 15 .22 LR loads reflecting common velocity classes, bullet styles and price points. Standard-velocity ammo included American Eagle, Federal Premium, Blazer, Winchester and Remington. High-velocity ammo came in the form of CCI, Browning and Eley. Extra-hot ammunition from Aguila and CCI were used to demonstrate hyper-velocity performance, and an Eley subsonic load was tossed into the mix for good measure. Bullet styles included small-game hollow-points, Aguila’s light, flat-point pill and generic round-nosed bullets—in deference to budget-conscious shooters.
Hitting the Range
Testing spanned a week’s time (1,600 rounds fired) atop an MTM CaseGard K-Zone rifle rest in cool, early-spring temperatures and highly variable winds (5 to 12 mph). Five five-shot groups were carefully assembled at 50 yards with each load/rifle/barrel, with no time provided between shots for cooling (the barrel was allowed to cool every 25 shots while making the 100-yard round trip to change targets). A Hoppe’s Bore Snake was deployed every 50 shots.
Accuracy Answers
Shooting started with the CZ 20.5-inch barrel that came on the rifle. Standouts included Federal’s hollow-point Hunter Match and round-nosed Auto Match, although the 20.5-inch barrel proved compatible with a wide variety of ammo. It provided acceptable results with affordable hollow-point Remington Golden Bullet, ultra-fast Aguila Supermaximum, hollow-point CCI Stinger and Velocitor, and Winchester’s Varmint HE. American Eagle hollow-points proved the exception—stringing vertically; and surprisingly, the mid-length tube produced lackluster results with both Eley loads. All Winchester loads clustered well.
Savage Arm’s A22 auto-loading .22 LR proved nimble and 100 percent reliable, feeding without fail on a wide variety of ammo. It assembled a couple of its best groups with Blazer and Eley Subsonic Hollow loads.
In the same barrel length, Savage’s A22 performed well with the same American Eagle ammo the CZ didn’t like—while shooting dismally with Remington’s Golden Bullet and Aguila’s Supermaximum that the CZ did like. Unlike the CZ, the A22 assembled tight groups with Eley wares; and, like the CZ, it got along well with all Winchester loads.
Fitting the CZ with the 16.5-inch barrel resulted in different preferences, although with generally acceptable results from most loads. Bragging-sized groups emerged from Browning’s BPR, Blazer and Eley Subsonic Hollow ammo. Acceptable groups resulted from all Winchester loads, CCI Velocitor, Federal Auto Match and Remington Golden Bullet.
From the aspect of accuracy alone, the CZ’s 24-inch barrel proved the winner. Tight groups resulted from Federal Hunter Match, American Eagle, Browning BPR, Aguila Supermaximum and Eley High-Velocity Hollow. CCI Mini-Mag, Stinger and Velocitor, Eley Subsonic Hollow, Winchester Varmint HE and DynaPoint produced only “acceptable” groups. And then, there were some truly awesome groups from Federal Auto Match, American Eagle, Winchester Super-X and, again, Blazer, which produced an honest one-hole group.
What’s most important here is how each rifle/barrel showed marked preferences for particular ammo. Although some loads did well all around, top-five accuracy averages with all rifles/barrels included Blazer (.58 inch), Winchester Super-X HP (.78 inch), Eley Subsonic Hollow (.81 inch), Eley High-Velocity Hollow (.83 inch) and CCI Stinger (.86 inch).
Velocity and Barrel Length
Average velocities were established by setting two chronographs end to end and six shots from each ammo type fired from each rifle/barrel. A bore snake was run through each barrel between ammo strings.
Here’s where things really turned interesting: I’d somehow expected a convenient linear velocity progression in direct relation to barrel length and ammo classes that would allow quoting easy rules of thumb. That proved to be a naïve assumption.
Nevertheless, I did come away with generalities: Generally, the auto-loader posted lower average velocities than the bolt. Generally, the highest average velocities were delivered by the 16.5-inch, barrel-fed ammo with velocities of fewer than 1,300 fps, with the 20.5-inch barrel averaging faster with ammo owning velocities of more than 1,300 fps. Nearly all ammo—CCI’s Velocitor was the single exception—was slower from the 24-inch tube. However, exceptions were seen in all areas.
Federal Hunter and Auto Match were the only two loads that retained essentially the same velocities between the 20.5-inch-tubed auto-loader and bolt-action. Winchester DynaPoint lost 12 fps between the 20.5-inch auto-loader and the 20.5-inch bolt. With the remaining loads, velocity loss between auto-loader and bolt ranged from minus 36 to 46 fps (Eley High Velocity Hollow and CCI Velocitor, respectively) to minus 100 to 115 fps (Remington Golden Bullet and CCI Stinger, respectively). This could be attributed to auto cycling, chamber dimensions or bore/rifling dynamics—dealer’s choice.
Velocity differences between CZ’s 16.5- and 24-inch tubes were more definitive … but again, they were exceptions. The Browning BPR posted nearly identical numbers, while the CCI Velocitor actually gained 10 fps with the longer tube.
The lowest losses between shortest and longest tubes occurred with Winchester HE (minus 3 fps), Eley High Velocity Hollow and Winchester Super-X HP (minus 7 fps) and American Eagle (minus 10 fps). These numbers could be considered well within standard deviations so as to prove essentially equal. The greatest velocity losses occurred with Federal Hunter Match (minus 55 fps), Eley Subsonic Hollow (minus 48 fps) and Winchester DynaPoint (minus 39 fps), indicating that generally, slower ammo experiences more velocity loss in longer barrels than faster loads (however, the two fastest loads lost 29 fps [CCI Stinger] and 36 fps [Aguila Supermaximum] in the longest barrel).
Winchester’s Super-X Hyper-Velocity Hollow Point .22 LR loads proved not only super-fast, but deadly accurate as well. They produced this near-one-hole group with CZ-USA’s 455 Varmint with 24-inch barrel—and also producing tight average groups with all rifles tested.
Out of curiosity, I also fired the slowest and fastest loads (Eley Subsonic Hollow and Winchester Super-X HP) through a Huntertown Arms Guardian 22 suppressor to determine if velocity was affected. There was zero deviation in average velocity by either of the ammo brands.
.22 LR Thump
Being a rabid small-varmint shooter, I’ll offer some educated guesses based on field experience as related to kinetic energy (KE) minimums required to anchor small game and burrowing rodents (remembering that shot placement is just as important on small critters as on big ones). I recommend 65 ft-lb KE minimum for tree and ground squirrels and cottontails, and a minimum 75 ft-lb for prairie dogs and jackrabbits.
Regarding squirrels and cottontails, Aguila’s Supermaximum, with its light, 30-grain pill, and Eley High-Velocity Hollow and Winchester DynaPoint hollow-points, with their slow starting velocities, are out at 150 yards (a darned long LR shot!). Eley Subsonic Hollow is out at 100 yards.
When targeting prairie dogs and jackrabbits, Remington’s Golden Bullet HP is pushing the very limits at 150 yards. Aguila’s Supermaximum and ELEY High Velocity Hollow are out at 100 yards; and Winchester’s DynaPoint just hangs in there at that distance. Eley Subsonic Hollow is barely adequate at 50 yards. Browning’s BPR, CCI Velocitor and Winchester Super-X HP were the hardest-hitting rounds at all ranges, particularly for extended yardages.
What Was Learned?
I’d hoped to offer some concrete wisdom after crunching the numbers. I only came away with general insights. Taken as a whole, I was correct with my “shorter-tube-boosts-velocity” theory. That said, you can’t kill what you can’t hit, so accuracy must remain the first priority.
Accuracy in your particular rifle comes down to test-firing as wide a variety of ammo as possible to find one your rifle prefers. On that note, as a small-varmint shooter, I was delighted to discover that hyper-velocity ammo isn’t as inherently inaccurate as I once believed.
Finally, varmint and small-game hunters must heed energy numbers in relation to range to assure quick, humane anchoring of burrowing rodents and sure recovery of edible small game.
Tuned like the fine instrument it is, the gassed up WCP320c takes the Sig striker fire and makes it an out and out fighting 9mm.
How Wilson Combat Improves The P320:
Full-sized Wilson Combat grips, featuring aggressive texturing, high-grip enhancements and oversized magwell mouth.
Sig's compact slides machined to removed snag points and cut with Wilson Combat's X-TAC diamond pattern cocking serrations.
Standard, Sig's flat-faced XFULL trigger, which increases finger leverage.
A custom-tuned trigger with parts from Grayguns.
Sig Sauer is no slouch at turning out an optimized pistol with all the bells and whistles. Take a gander at its Legion line, some of the company’s all-time favorites upgraded and tuned to near perfection with the looks to match. So, it’s safe to say the gunmaker knows what it’s doing when it comes to turning out a smoking heater.That said, Sig isn’t afraid to team up with some of the best to bring out even more in their guns.
Enter Wilson Combat.
Earlier this year, the firearms giant and iconic custom-gun concern partnered to produce a gassed up iteration of Sig’s popular modular striker-fired—the P320. What was dubbed the WCP320, Wilson Combat put the finishing touches on the pistol to make it an out-and-out fighting 9mm—and an eye-catcher to boot. Now the tandem is up to it again, recently releasing the second model of the pistol, this one optimized for on-person carry.
The WCP320 Carry (WCP320c) offers the same custom features of the original full-sized model, but has been trimmed down a hair to make it more manageable to conceal. In particular, the companies have trimmed the barrel length down to 3.9 inches from the full-sized pistol’s 4.7 inches, in the process lightened the gun's overall weight by 2.4 ounces. The WCP320c tips the scales at 26.8 ounces unloaded, respectable in a pistol with ample frame, grip and 17+1 capacity with a flush-fit magazine. From there, the models are fairly similar.
Both the WCP320 and WCP320c begin with Wilson Combat’s full-sized P320 grip. A unique design (compatible with any P320 pistol) the polymer component includes a number of enhancements to improve the pistol's performance. These include a high-cut, 1911-style beavertail tang to ensure a smooth draw, undercut front strap and a radiused trigger guard to facilitate the highest possible grip and enlarged magwell mouth to pick up the pace on reloads. Furthermore, the system includes grip slots for tungsten weights to perfectly tailor your pistol’s balance and soak up some recoil in the process. Naturally, the grip pattern is Wilson Combat’s Starburst, which is supported with aggressive texturing on the front and back straps. Then there are the rails, a 3-slot configuration that supports any reasonable accessory you want to slap on a pistol.
Wilson Combat does a number to the WCP320 slide, starting with unfinished Sig units. To this, the custom shop adds its X-TAC diamond pattern cocking serrations fore and aft, as well as to the top. Fast manipulation, particularly under stress, is their main job, but the work up top also cuts glare in the sight picture. In addition to machining off all the slides snag points and applying an advanced diamond-like finish, Wilson Combat also slaps on its own Battlesights, which includes a high-visibility red fiber-optic pipe in the front sight.
A slicked up trigger, yeah that’s in the WCP320c package too. Standard on the pistol is Sig’s XFULL trigger, with a flat-faced shoe that positions your finger lower, thus increases leverage. This adds up to a lighter and generally smoother pull. Though, a curved shoe is available if that’s your preference. Moving beyond this costs a bit extra. Shell out an extra $155 over the base price and Wilson Combat’s gunsmiths will action tune the trigger with custom parts from Grayguns.
All in all, it’s a neat package that goes above and beyond an off-the-shelf P320. It does run Wilson Combat prices, however. The MSRP of the WCP320c starts at $1,195 and goes up with the extras. Conceivably, you could cobble together some similar with the aid of your local gunsmith. Unlikely you’ll do it for a price south of what Wilson Combat and Sig are offering.
Devastating terminal performance and excellent ballistics, Sierra's new .22-250 Prairie enemy is ready to send small game to varmint Valhalla.
Long in the tooth, the .22-250 Remington still has the stuff to amaze. Find that farfetched? What other small-bore centerfire round is more flexible in its loadings? Or is practicable, with the right bullet, for a greater array of small and medium game? Or is as sweet a shooter? Few and is the reason why going on 100 years the one-time wildcat still captures shooters’ imaginations.
Interest piqued? Good, because Sierra has cooked up what looks to be an excellent option for your next varmint expedition in the caliber. The ammo maker's Prairie Enemy line now includes a 50-grain .22-250 Remington load, tailored to send small game to varmint Valhalla at the longest of distances. Throwing a 50-grain BlitzKing bullet out at 3,800 fps at the muzzle, the load is the third fastest of the Prairie enemy line and should produce the flat trajectories of which the caliber is renown. Additionally, with a sleek .259 ballistic coefficient (BC) the projectile should also minimize wind drift and maintain velocity better than many bullets in its class.
This performance in hunting ammo is mainly due to BlitzKing mimicking Sierra’s legendary MatchKing bullets, which have earned more than one competition title in their time. Differentiating the two projectiles is essentially their construction, with the BlitzKing designed to deliver devastating terminal performance. The polymer-tip boat-tail offers fast, nearly explosive expansion that puts down small game quickly and with authority.
In addition to the 50-grain .22-250 offering, the Prairie Enemy line also has loads for several other popular small game calibers including .204 Ruger (36 grain, 3,840 fps, BC .255), .224 Valkyrie (69 grain, 3,125 fps, BC .370), .243 Win. (70 grain, 3,450 fps, BC .299) and two .223 Rem options in 55 grain (3,215 fps, BC .271) and 69 grain. The .22-250 Prairie Enemy ammo ring up at $25.99 per box of 20.
For more information on Prairie Enemy ammo, please visit sierrabullets.com.
Fat and slow and exceedingly potent, the .45 ACP has captured the heart and mind of the American shooter for more than a century. While other cartridges have come and gone, arguably John M. Browning’s most influential contribution to the ammunition world has continued to soldier on. But why?
For more than a century the .45 ACP has been a standby, and likely will be for a century more.
Certainly, there’s the fact it works. Designed as a man-stopper, the nearly ½-inch bullets the cartridge throws have proven more than persuasive against the most determined foes. Then there’s its history. Intertwined with most of America’s 20th-Century military conflicts — including both World Wars — the .45 has more than done its part in shaping our country’s story. Finally — perhaps most importantly — there are the firearms. From the 1911 pistol to the Thompson submachine gun and the M1917, there have been some truly iconic guns chambered for the slugger. And today, there’s still ample hardware to send the .45 flying in style.
More so than at any other time in the past, the .45 pistol is flourishing. Amazing, given all the competition it presently faces from guns chambered for old standbys such as the .380 ACP and 9mm, and newer upstarts such as 10mm and .40 S&W. And that’s only in the world of semi-automatics, there’s the whole realm of revolvers to consider too. Yet, it speaks volumes of what the .45 brings to the table. Though, it doesn’t do much to winnow down what the best .45 pistol option is for you.
Before we get to that let's take a quick look at why you might want to go .45 ACP in the first place.
Exceedingly Brief History Of The .45 ACP
As most know, even those who have little experience with the .45, it was called into duty in response to the U.S. Military’s experience in the Moro Rebellion (1903-1913). The standard issue military sidearm of the time, the Colt M1892 revolver firing .38 Long Colt, had a poor showing in a fight defined by close-quarters combat. Shot multiple times by the .38, the Moros would continue to hack away at a U.S. Soldiers with a balisong, machete or whatever edge weapon was at hand. Not a good situation, but one that was reversed in part by the military reverting to the Colt Model 1873, a .45 Colt famed for its use in the Old West. One shot by the larger caliber, in many cases, was all that was required to stop Moro or any other adversary dead in their track.
Lesson learned the military went hunting for a new cartridge and pistol to shoot it from in the early 1900s to replace the lackluster M1892. As luck would have it, John Browning was tinkering around with exactly these at the time — the .45 ACP in the Colt Model 1905. Long story short, exemplary showings in extensive testing, the cartridge made its way into military service in the legendary M1911 — essentially the evolution of the early 1905. From 1911 on, the pistol and cartridge served with distinction and both continue to see action, despite neither presently being standard issue in any branch of the armed services.
.45 ACP Considerations
Outside of a catastrophic shot to the brain or central nervous system, a round physically incapacitates through blood loss. In turn, the greater the permanent wound cavity, the greater the blood loss. Furthermore, the larger the projectile — combine with appropriate penetration — the better the likelihood a blood-rich vital organ or major artery buried deep in the human body will be damaged.
In a military context, the extra bore diameter was particularly important in ensuring necessary damage was done, given the use of non-expanding ball ammunition. In the context of the .45 vs. the .38, the big-bore round produced a wound canal nearly 20-percent greater on a straight pass-through shot that didn’t yaw once entering the body. Additionally, the .45 Automatic Pistol Ball Cartridge was highly shootable. Out of a fully loaded M1911A1, it was as manageable as most standard polymer-framed 9mm so common today. This, in turn, meant it was possible to place multiple well-aimed shots where they’d do the most damage — a perfect recipe for neutralizing a threat.
In recent years, there’s been a leveling of sorts when it comes to calibers. Given the advancements in defensive ammunition, lesser calibers than the .45 ACP perform within the ballpark of the big-bore standard bearer. That is if they actually do perform. Often overlooked, not every hollow point, no matter caliber, will expand once in a target. A 1989 FBI study pegged only 60 to 70 percent did so after entering a human body. Though this rate is likely improved with modern ammunition, hollow points can and do fail for a variety of reasons — barriers, velocity and clothing, just to name a few. When they do, you’re purely relying on bullet diameter to do the required damage. In turn, as the largest commonly used self-defense round, the .45 ACP allots some peace of mind with its added girth.
Furthermore, it doesn’t exact an excessive toll for its performance. Absolutely, a .45 will generate more recoil than a 9mm when you compare like weight pistols. But, first off, it’s not an extreme amount, such as you’d find stepping up from the 9mm to most magnum revolvers. Next, it’s not always the case a .45 will produce more recoil than a lesser caliber.
A handgun’s weight is a key variable in the recoil a round will produce. The lighter the gun, the more it will buck — something that enthusiasts of the new micro nines are certain to have noticed. Load hot enough ammo in these small and lightweight guns, you have the potential of managing more recoil than you would with a full-sized 1911 shooting a mid-of-the-road round. Given this, the .45 is more than feasible for most shooters, if they are willing to choose their pistol and round carefully, plus spend the time required to master them.
The one consistent disadvantage of a .45 pistol is its economics. Simply put, it costs much more to shoot this caliber than nearly any other semi-automatic pistol. Target rounds aren’t through the roof, with the likes of American Eagle going for around .34 cents a round at Lucky Gunner. But step up to many defense ammunition options and they quickly inflate to $1 or more per-round. And always, a .45 will cost more than a 9mm to shoot.
Defining Great
A .45 pistol might sound right down your alley, in turn, you’re ready to start shopping. Given its relative popularity and the multitudes of options out there, it’s no easy task picking out the perfect make and model for your situation. There are many decent pistols in the caliber, way too many to put into one list. Therefore, there have been some parameters set for this particular list to home in on a more or less general category of .45 pistols. These factors included performance, shotability, versatility and practicality.
Overall, most of these pistols should perform, no matter if the objective is drilling bullseyes, beating the clock in competition or defending your life. They fall into the ‘Jack-of-all-trades' category. In turn, you’ll note race guns and compact models do not show up on the list. This isn’t a slide against any of those options, simply they’re not meant for this list. Furthermore, the list is split roughly at the $1,000 mark, giving you five budget models and five high-end options. Which should cover every budget outside the custom-gun class.
So, without further ado, here are 10 great .45 pistol options that hit nearly at every price point.
CZ 97B
Big brother to CZ’s famed “Wonder Nine” — the CZ 75 — the DA/SA pistol brings many of the same advantages to the larger caliber. Chief among these is the .45 pistol’s capacity. Certainly, it’s not the 15-plus rounds the 75 packs, but with a 10-round double-stack magazine it brings plenty of firepower to the table.
A hefty pistol (41.3 ounces), it’s not a prime candidate for carry, but its bulk isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Its weight soaks up recoil, making it ideal for competitors and .45 novices. Furthermore, the steel-framed pistol isn’t too much of a handful, even for those with smaller hands. It’s aluminum grips are on the slim side, making the 97B highly manageable. Best of all, it’s accurate as they come, especially in its price range. MSRP: $707
Honestly, it doesn’t matter what caliber you’re talking about, the PPQ performs. But as a .45, it has a load of advantages over its competition.
Among the most notable is its shootability, especially for a lighter .45 pistol. This is facilitated by ample grip real estate that gives you a firm handle on the gun, thus more control. Tack on the replaceable backstraps, there shouldn’t be a shooter who can’t rein this gun in. Additionally, the striker-fired is renowned for its crisp trigger and exceedingly short reset, making it an overall fast shooter.
Similar to most polymer-framed .45s, the PPQ’s ‘wow-factor’ is its capacity. Feeding off a 12-round double-stack magazine, the pistol keeps ample firepower on tap to handle nearly any situation. Though, it’s a double-edged sword, making the pistol a bit on the tall side. The PPQ .45 is a rock-solid defensive choice, but really it would excel in any role you wanted it to fill. MSRP: $699
A great trigger and easy to shoot, it’s no wonder this .45 pistol has stood out in the crowded striker-fired market. The XD(M) just plain performs.
Boasting a 4.5-inch barrel, the pistol tends to be a smooth shooter with excellent accuracy potential, due to its long sight radius. It’s not the longest out there, nevertheless it has the chops for serious target duty if that’s your thing. Furthermore, for a full-sized pistol it also has svelte overall dimensions. It comes in at 1.2 inches in width, 5.75 inches in height and a relatively dainty 31 ounces unloaded.
While no compact, this definitely qualifies as a carry option. Furthermore, the 13+1 capacity pistol more than has what it takes to guard hearth and home. MSRP: $651
Glock 21
A Spartan beauty, Glock’s full-sized .45 ACP is simply a no-nonsense performer. While not as prolific as the 9mm G17, the G21 remains a top choice among law enforcement officials who want the best of all worlds — functionality, power and capacity. Few .45 pistols — particularly at this price point — offer as complete a package.
Now in its fourth generation, the G21 is more shootable than ever, given its interchangeable backstrap system. This addresses the common complaint of the older versions of the 13+1 double-stack — the girth of the grip. Furthermore, a shorter trigger reach makes firing the pistol highly intuitive, even if your digits are on the abbreviated side. Boasting a dual recoil spring assembly, the pistol tends to be a relatively mild shooter for caliber, particularly given its lightweight — just a hair above 29 ounces. One of the best values in .45 ACP, it’s difficult to go wrong with the G21. MSRP: $647
Ruger SR1911
The .45 ACP built its reputation in the legendary 1911, but for many shooters it’s difficult to afford this potent combination. Ruger changed this considerably with the introduction of the SR1911 around seven years ago, giving shooters an affordable option in this classic that doesn’t compromise.
Where this is most notable is in the gun’s fit, not only slide to frame, but also barrel to bushing. The latter should be the case, given the unique milling process where the barrel and bushing are cut integral from the same bar stock. The small attention to detail is notable when you pull the skeletonized trigger, with the gun running tight as a drum.
The SR1911 comes with an 8-round magazine, is outfitted with drift-adjustable Novack three-dot sights, and has an oversized beavertail grip. Additionally, it does not have a firing pin safety, which should be music to 1911 purists ears. The one point that may not win favor, at least among left-handers, the thumb-safety is strictly a right-handed affair. Despite this and for its price, the SR1911 offers you everything you’d want out of this iconic gun design. MSRP: $939
For some, the types that can’t abide crunchtickers, the P220’s trigger pull is about the only thing they can complain about. Even then, most of them have to admit, when it comes to DA/SA pistols it’s pretty dang sweet. And the rest of the gun? It’s as dependable as daybreak, chewing through anything it’s fed and asking for more. What’s more, it places the rounds where they need to go.
As far as .45 pistols go, the P220 has built a reputation as one of the most accurate in the caliber, and it feels that way in the hand. A high beavertail makes up for the lack of a low bore axis and helps make the pistol intuitive to aim and fast on follow-up shots. Furthermore, its 7.7-inch overall length delivers an excellent sight radius. While the pistol’s blocky form makes it look like it weighs a metric ton, it actually comes in at a wieldy 30 ounces. The only drawback, per se, is it feeds off 8-round magazines. MSRP: $1,087
At first blush, Wilson Combat’s Classic appears nothing more than a plain Jane 1911. Get one in your hand, it proves to be anything but. Manufactured to exceedingly tight specifications, the fit and finish of the pistol are superb, as is its performance. Plain and simple, it runs like a top.
Busting the stereotype 1911s are finicky when it comes to ammo, the Classic eats anything its fed, generally with impunity — ball, self-defense ammo, etc. Certainly, if you don’t mind weight on your hip, the Classic is a carry candidate. But, given its fully-adjustable sights, 5-inch match barrel and terse trigger (breaks at 3.5 to 4.5 pounds) it can pull down any duty you might demand of it — competition, home protection, precise target shooting.
Certainly, you foot a hefty bill with the Classic, but when it goes bang everytime you pull the trigger you’ll find it’s worth every penny. MSRP: $3,030
SIG Sauer 1911 Tacops
Over the years, SIG Sauer has made a name for itself as one of the top 1911 manufacturers. Its Tacops model does a pretty solid job of validating this contention. Refining the more than 100-year-old design, SIG has produced a gun exceeding modern standards and more than living up to contemporary shooters’ expectations.
Standing for “Tactical Operations,” the Tacops model comes decked out with a number of features that enhance its functionality. These include an integral accessory rail, Magwell, low-profile night sights and ambidextrous thumb safety. Furthermore, if you shoot suppressed there is a threaded-barreled version. As expected of a stainless-steel framed 1911, the .45 pistol is a tad on the heavy side. But it more than makes up for this with its functionality and performance. MSRP: $1,291
STI Tactical
Generally thought of as a race gun company, STI has a host of more practical pistols aimed at home defense and concealed carry. Among the belles of the ball is the Tactical model, which arms you with all the advantages of a 1911 and a whole bunch more. That’s because, technically, it’s a 2011, which means the .45 pistol is a double stack variant of the classic design (something STI pioneered). The Tactical ships with two enhanced-capacity magazines, one 10 round and one 11 – solid firepower for what otherwise is a 1911.
Furthermore, the pistol has a number of other features that ensure it’s a quick and accurate shooter, including fixed tritium front sight and ledge rear, ambidextrous thumb safety, accessory rail, Magwell and a diamond-tough carbon finish. Unheralded, a truly practical attribute of STI’s Tactical is its grip, what the company calls a Tree Bark texture; it’s aggressive and locks the gun in the hand for total control. No a give-me in price, nevertheless with everything the Tactical offers it turns out to be a real value. MSRP: $1,999
Honestly, this pistol far exceeds being a simple firearm and extends into weapons system territory. FN has engineered answers to nearly any need or eventuality into the FNX 45 Tactical, making it one of the most capable handguns on the market.
Shoot suppressed? Not only does it come with a 5.3-inch threaded barrel, but also high-rise three-dot sights so you can still aim with a can mounted. Need an optic? The steel slide is cut for one and all but guarantees its resiliency against recoil and rough use. Incidentally, the sights are high enough that if your optic poops out you can still aim with them. Righty or lefty? Doesn’t matter, FN has made all the controls of the DA/SA pistol completely ambidextrous.
The bells and whistles aside, perhaps the biggest selling point of the FNX is its capacity — 15 rounds. That’s nearly unheard of, even in the sphere of double-stack .45 pistols. It’s a double-edged sword, however, making for a fairly wide grip and large overall gun with plenty of heft when fully loaded. MSRP: $1,349
The air rifle and air pistol have come a long way since the days of .177-caliber pellets and Red Ryder lever-actions. Find out what's available now.
It’s easy for rimfire and centerfire aficionados to scoff at airguns while picturing a childhood Daisy Red Ryder or a break-action rifle that lines the shelves of the local big-box stores. They’re toys—right?
Modern airguns are marvels of precision, engineering and power. Can you shoot them accurately at distances in the three-digit yardage range? Yes. Can you hunt small game with them? Again, yes. Can you hunt large game with them? Why, yes, you can. Are there airguns that cost thousands of dollars that are worth that hefty price tag? Yup.
When you boil it all down, airguns and rimfires (or centerfires) are more alike than they are different. Both use high-pressure air (or gas, if you will) to drive a projectile through a barrel with enough velocity to perforate targets, knock down steel or take game. How they differ is in the method by which they supply and deliver that air to the hind side of the projectile.
Spring- Vs Piston-Powered
These guns, such as the ubiquitous Daisy Red Ryder, convert mechanical energy to stored energy. For example, when you cock an airgun of this type, you compress either a spring or gas piston. It stays that way until you press the trigger. When you fire, the spring or piston releases, creating a column of compressed air that’s directed into the chamber to drive the pellet.
Here’s the reason that airguns of this type require special scopes: There’s a double recoil action resulting from the movement of the piston and the expulsion of the pellet and compressed air from the muzzle.
These airguns are simple and inexpensive to build. But don’t let that fool you: Companies such as Sig Sauer build premium versions of these rifle types, such as the Sig Air ASP 20. It exudes quality, precision and extreme accuracy. I’ve seen one print ½-inch groups at 50 yards.
Other airguns leverage a disposable air supply. Pistols such as those by Umarex and Sig Sauer use 12-gram CO2 containers to deliver compressed air on demand. Most pistols will give you 30 to 50 shots on a single cylinder. For increased appearance and function, many pack both CO2 cylinders and pellets (or BBs) into the magazine. Training is even more realistic, because you can drop and reload magazines at will.
Airguns have gone high tech. This Daystate Red Wolf is computer controlled. It’s not a gimmick! The computer delivers precise air volume and pressure for each shot. It’s also customizable should you want to tweak a certain pellet type and power level. Even the trigger is electronic. I’ve not yet found a centerfire trigger as nice.
Some CO2 guns, such as the Sig Sauer MPX Air and MCX Air rifles, use larger, 88- or 90-grain CO2 cylinders. Those aren’t as readily available as the small ones, but they’re easy enough to order online.
The advantages of CO2 power are that you can fire in semi-automatic mode with some guns with no cocking between shots. Many include reciprocating slides just like their noisier fire-and-brimstone counterparts. On the flip side, power is limited by the low air pressure of such cartridges.
Pre-charged Pneumatic (PCP)
The PCP airgun “universe” is where things get fancy. These rifles and pistols include an onboard air reserve cylinder that you refill. Usually made of carbon fiber for light weight and the necessary strength to accommodate 3,000 to 3,600 psi of pressure, these cylinders might live under the barrel, as would a rimfire or centerfire magazine tube, or serve double duty as the air supply and buttstock, as made popular by AirForce Airguns models.
Precision and big-bore airguns are almost always PCP designs: Shot to shot, that configuration can supply precise volumes and pressures through use of that big air reserve and sophisticated regulators. Consistent pressure delivery to the bore translates to accuracy.
Power: The Language of Airguns
Power defines the language of airgunning. In the centerfire world, velocity is usually the first specification quoted, while kinetic energy is a supporting attribute. For example, a standard .223 Remington is often described as a 3,000 fps rifle. On deeper reflection, one might note that it delivers 1,100 or so foot-pounds (ft-lb) of energy.
Even the classic break-barrel air rifle is now available in high-end configurations. This ASP 20 from Sig Sauer is made on the same production lines as the company’s centerfire products.
In the airgun world, rifle-and-pellet combinations are almost always described primarily by their output, measured in foot-pounds. Why? Velocity is interesting, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.
In terms of power, you must also consider pellet or bullet weight to understand what you’re getting. An airgun can claim impressive velocity numbers when shooting very light alloy pellets, but that might or might not complete the task at hand.
By talking in terms of ft-lb, you have an indication of the pellet weight-to-velocity relationship, because the equation is pre-defined. Foot-pounds emphasize velocity, because that number gets squared in the following muzzle energy equation, where “m” represents mass and “v” reflects velocity:
Kinetic energy = 1/2mv2
Nonetheless, this mathematical relationship tells us what we need to know. So, how does airgun power compare to centerfire power?
Let’s consider some common examples and relate results to the pervasive .22 LR cartridge. From a rifle, a 38-grain .22 LR bullet will generate 102.1 ft-lb if it leaves the muzzle at 1,100 fps. A .22-caliber airgun pellet will be significantly lighter and might move a bit slower.
For example, I measured the speed of a 21.14-grain .22 pellet fired from a Gamo Urban PCP rifle at 1,000 fps. That translates to 46.9 ft-lb. Moving up to a .25-caliber 48-grain Hunters Supply lead slug, I clocked 889 fps from an AirForce Condor SS rifle. That’s 84.2 ft-lb—not too shabby!
However, it doesn’t stop there. Modern airguns are available in .30-, .45- and even .50-caliber packages capable of taking down big game.
Big Bore Umarex grabbed the attention of the airgun world with the announcement of its .50-caliber offering—the Hammer. This beast is slated to drive a 550-grain mega-slug at 760 fps to deliver a whopping 705 ft-lb of muzzle energy. This one is most certainly not a basement or backyard plinker!
Top to bottom: Gamo Urban PCP .22; AirForce Airguns Condor SS .25; FX Wildcat MkII .25-caliber.
While the .50-caliber gets the headlines, large-caliber airguns are nothing new. Companies have been making powerful .25-, .30- and .45-caliber rifles for years. Even Lewis and Clark carried a high-powered air rifle on their famous cross-country expedition.
So, are these merely gimmicks, or can you use them for serious recreation fun or sizable game hunting?
One rough rule of thumb for big-bore airguns is to think of them as roughly equivalent to muzzle-loaders. Smokeless powder does a herculean job of converting chemical energy potential to high-pressure gas, but black powder is far more limited. It’s generally not going to produce velocities in the multiple-thousand-fps neighborhood. Black-powder rifles do their work by flinging heavy slugs at moderate velocities.
So do big-bore airguns. For example, I’ve tested a Gamo TC45 rifle with a wide variety of Hunters Supply slugs. A 138-grain, flat-point jumbo pellet moved at 882 fps—that’s 238 ft-lb. On the other end of the weight spectrum, the TC45 launched a 411-grain slug at 637 fps for 370 ft-lb. That’s not your grand-pappy’s Red Ryder, now is it?
Air Ammo Sure, airguns still shoot the BBs and pellets you see at the local big-box or sporting goods store. Most of the time, you’ll find recreational or hunting options in the small-caliber range, such as .177 and .22. For your larger-bore or specialty-use pellet supply, you must shop at a local or online specialist.
One of the interesting things about airgunning is that you don’t have the same cartridge and chamber limitations as do rimfire or centerfire firearms. Because there’s no cartridge, there’s no shaped chamber that limits the dimensions (primarily length) of airgun ammo. Assuming that your airgun doesn’t use a magazine and allows single-shot loading, you can stuff a wide variety of pellets or slugs into the chute.
Here’s an assortment of “pellets” from Hunters Supply for .25- and .45-caliber airguns. The hollow-point on the left is a 48-grain .25-caliber. The monster on the right is a 411-grain .45-caliber slug.
Those pellets with which we’re all familiar—the ones that look like Badminton shuttlecocks—are available in nearly all bore sizes. The oversized skirt at the base serves to expand and engage rifling, regardless of caliber.
However, as the power level goes up with big-bore rifles, ammo options expand. If you need deep penetration or heavy weight for big-game hunting or steel silhouette shooting, check out solid lead slugs. Companies such as Hunters Supply manufacture a variety of solid and hollow-point slug types optimized for airguns.
In the .25-caliber range, you’ll find traditional pellets that weigh 25 grains (give or take). If you choose to shoot solid slugs in that caliber, your options increase dramatically.
At the low end, you’ll find 48-grain projectiles. At the heavier end of the spectrum, you can choose 105-grain offerings. That’s getting into centerfire weight classes.
Moving up the scale, options for .45-caliber rifles include skirted pellets weighing 137 grains—all the way to solid slugs that tip the scales at a whopping 520 grains.
Air Supply While air is free, highly compressed air isn’t available on every corner. Oh—and that shop compressor or bike pump won’t cut it. You’ll need a system capable of providing at least 3,000 psi of air.
For low-volume requirements, you can purchase a high-pressure hand pump. These look like your average bicycle pumps but are built to deliver big pressure and dry air. Most have a desiccant filter to remove moisture from the air before it goes into the reservoir of your expensive air rifle.
Technically, you can fill anything you want with a hand pump, but there’s a fitness price: It takes energy to compress air to the fourth digit of the psi scale, and that energy comes from … you.
Another choice is to go with a large reservoir such as a SCUBA or carbon-fiber tank. These are large enough to provide lots of fills to your airguns. However, when a tank runs low, you must tote it to the local dive shop or paintball center for a refill. Fire departments also have the capability to fill their carbon-fiber tanks, but not all will assume the liability of filling airgun tanks.
Last—and certainly not least—is the home compressor option. Not long ago, an airgun compressor capable of delivering 4,500 psi of dry air would cost about $2,000. However, companies such as Benjamin, AirForce and Air Venturi have created smaller compressors at prices well below the $1,000 mark. Many models even run on 12-volt power. As a result, you can take them to the field and run the unit from your car or ATV.
VooDoo Innovations dives into complete rifles with the economical Witch Doctor and Dark Moon carbines.
Build your own AR or had to replace a part, most likely you’re familiar with VooDoo Innovations. A subsidiary of gunmaker Adams Arms, the brand has become best known for its aftermarket pistol barrels, pistol slides and top-shelf AR parts. Now, the company is endeavoring into new territory—guns proper.
Ominously named, the Witch Doctor and Dark Moon are priced not to scare even the thriftiest shooter away. In fact, with $750 MSRPs on both accounts, the carbines most certainly fit the definition of entry-level options accessible to the vast majority of the shooting world. At the same tick, the M4 pattern guns aren’t the stripped-down shooters many expect at this price point, offering a lot of bang for the buck.
“VooDoo Innovations grew out of a desire to improve upon existing platforms,” said VooDoo Innovations Vice President of Sales and Marketing Michael Halleron. “Having a history of manufacturing parts, we decided it is time to go back to the source and begin making firearms based on our knowledge of what it takes to deliver guns people want. This way we can ensure they run the way we expect, off the shelf, and at a price that makes sense. The Witch Doctor and The Dark Moon do just that.”
VooDoo Innovation Dark Moon
When it comes to desirable assets, VooDoo Innovations opting for free-float aluminum handguards is probably at the head of the line. Polymer drop-in types are common on budget ARs, and while more than functional don’t exactly milk the most out of the platform. On both counts, the VooDoo Innovations handguards have plenty of M-Lok real estate with slots at the 3-, 6- and 9-o’clock positions, though the models differ in how much Picatinny rail they offer up top. The Dark Moon is the full-rail model with a bit more flexibility for mounting optics, while the Witch Doctor has an ergonomic rail that facilitates a comfortable and controllable forward grip. From there, the 5.56 NATO carbines get awful similar.
The features the guns share include a 16-inch M4 barrel (1:7 twist), mil-spec trigger, M4 6-position buttstock, A2 flash hider. Additionally, the carbines are both built around forged aircraft-grade aluminum receivers and tip the scales at around 6 pounds. Pretty standard fare. Still and all, both VooDoo Innovation carbines are good-looking and if they perform most certainly present shooters with a solid value.
For more information on the VooDoo Innovation carbines, please visit voodooinnovations.com.
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Precision reloading is a process in which the results are directly proportional to the efforts you put in. If you’re careful in the preparation of your cases, taking as many precautions as possible to keep things uniform, you will—or, at least you should—see the benefits on the target.
I look at it as if it were a cooking recipe: If you start with poor ingredients, even the best technique in the kitchen won’t save your dish. Likewise, if you’re trying to cook over an open fire when the dish calls for a specific controlled temperature, odds are, it just won’t come out right.
Case Prep
As reloaders, the preparation of our cases is where we have the most control. Our projectiles can be sorted (according to weight, length of base to ogive, etc.), and our brand and type of both primer and powder can be experimented with. No; we can’t control their performance; we can only work around what they deliver. The cases, however, although they come in a particular shape, can be modified or trued to give the most uniform results.
Quite obviously, starting with the best cases you can will be the most advantageous, but no matter what you start with, steps can be taken to make it the best possible.
The author’s 6.5-284 Norma ammo is carefully assembled around the 140-grain Hornady ELD Match bullet.
If you’re using fired brass, a good visual inspection should be the first step in the process. If there are any signs of excessive stretching, any cracks in the case or even excessive corrosion, I would send that case to the Great Rifle Range in the Sky, first crushing it flat with a pair of pliers to make sure it won’t be used again.
If the brass is new—no matter the brand or reputation—I give it the same type of inspection. I’ve found cases of another caliber mixed in, cases with the flash hole drastically off-center or without a flash hole altogether, cases with rims bent beyond hope and so on.
If it’s fired brass, I use a universal decapping die to remove the spent primer and then begin the cleaning process. I use a combination of an ultrasonic cleaner to get out all the gunk and residue, along with a tumbler with some sort of media to polish the case after I’ve cleaned it.
Resizing Die
The resizing die is the next step; and if you want to get serious about things, you might want to measure the shoulder dimension of your fired cases against the SAAMI specification.
Bushing dies will help extend brass life, as well as reduce brass flexure. This can aid in uniform neck tension.
A must for precision reloading, a Redding Instant Indicator—with the SAAMI dummy for your chosen cartridge—will quickly and easily tell you where your chamber dimensions are in comparison to the specs and by adjusting the amount of shoulder bump through the use of Redding’s Competition Shellholders. You’ll then have a case with a shoulder-to-base dimension that matches your particular chamber; yet, it will have a diameter that complies with the SAAMI specification, allowing for easy feeding (unlike the hard bolt-close associated with neck-sized cases). This little trick has made some undeniable improvements in accuracy in more than a few rifles. If you find that your chamber has a variation of more than 0.002 inch from the SAAMI spec, I’d suggest looking into this technique for your precision rifle.
Bushing Die
Should you want to maximize your brass life, a bushing die can be used for resizing so that the case neck will be worked as little as possible. Measure the diameter of a few loaded cases, take an average of that dimension, and use the correlative bushing in the resizing die. Instead of shrinking the case neck and mouth to a dimension too much just to have the brass worked over the expander ball, the bushing dies only reduce the case diameter enough to give good neck tension. You’ll see longer case life and fewer cracked necks over time.
Trimming cases to length is important because it aids in uniformity of neck tension and gives a good, square case mouth. The trimming process will leave burrs on both the inside and outside of the case mouth, so they’ll need to be removed for both ease of feeding (on the outside of the case mouth), as well as for smooth bullet seating (on the inside of the case mouth).
The Redding Model 15P chamfer tool uses the flash hole to put a concentric chamfer on your cases … just one little step toward the most uniform cases you can have.
If you want to get geeky with a specialized precision reloading tool, a precision chamfer tool will put a uniform chamfer on the inside of your case mouth. Redding makes a cool one—the Model 15P, which uses the flash hole as a pilot hole, making the chamfer as square to the centerline of the case as the flash hole is centered in the primer pocket.
Out Of Your Control
Although it might seem at this point that you’ve taken nearly every step and precaution to have the most uniform cartridge cases possible, there are some problems you can’t solve.
If your primer pockets are too small, you can use a reamer to bring them to the proper dimension. However, if you’re shooting a high-pressure load, you might find that the primers seat much too easily. What has happened is that the primer pocket has stretched. I know no remedy for this situation, and the case should be destroyed.
Neck wall thickness is another dimension completely out of your control. Sorting your cases by neck uniformity is a great idea, because the most uniform case necks will give the best concentricity, which usually equals the best accuracy. Large variations in case neck thickness are irreparable, and those cases showing neck thickness variations of more than .0015 inch should be set aside and not used for precision reloading projects.
The author’s Savage Model 116, along with well-tuned handloads, gives excellent results on the range.
Grab a Redding Case Neck Gauge, and you’ll quickly and easily be able to see exactly what’s going on with your brass. Because this gauge uses a large indicator dial, an appropriately sized mandrel and a caliber-specific pilot stop, it’s a simple and effective tool. Place the resized and expanded case on the pilot stop, which will push the alignment pin through the flash hole, and the set probe of the dial to touch the center of the case neck. Set the dial to zero and rotate the case 90 degrees at a time, observing the measurements carefully and setting aside any out-of-spec cases.
Just as if you had bullets that weren’t the proper diameter, a case with a neck thickness of improper consistency will certainly not be centered in the case. Therefore, it won’t be aligned with the rifle’s bore. If you’re starting with components that are out of alignment, you can easily see how it would be nearly impossible to come out of the reloading process with precise ammunition.
Take the time and make the effort in preparing your cases, and you’ll be much happier when you walk downrange and examine your targets.
A talk on straight-wall cartridges is, for the most part, a regional discussion. Not that it hurts to have a rifle chambered for one in your arsenal if you live big county out West. It’s an interesting and unique addition and most are mighty fun to shoot. But for overall practicality, straight-wall cartridges are a topic for the good folks around the Great Lakes region.
In the past decade, state wildlife management agencies in the region have opened what were once shotgun-only deer grounds to rifles chambered for straight-wall cartridges. Ever perceptive, the market has responded by expanding this somewhat forgotten corner of the firearms world. Perhaps the most notable in recent years has been the .350 Legend. Plenty of fanfare and spilled ink has greeted the latest and greatest do-all deer medicine. But does it deserve the attention?
One sure way to cut through some of the tall grass is measure it against an established cartridge that’s already proven its worth. And when it comes to straight-wall Midwestern deer options that would be the .450 Bushmaster. A behemoth by any standard, the large-bore rifle cartridge has been the go-to for many if not most hunters around the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie up to this point.
So when it comes to the .350 Legend vs .450 Bushmaster, is there any discernable advantage of hunting one or the other?
Matching Them Up
Since the topic is hunting, we’ve selected two respected hunting rounds in common weights for calibers and with similar style bullets to side-by-side the cartridges. In the .450 Bushmaster’s corner is Hornady’s 250-grain FTX load, which has a listed muzzle velocity of 2,200 fps, is topped with a flex-tip bullet and has a ballistic coefficient (BC) of .210. For the .350 Legend, the ammo of choice is Winchester’s 150-grain Deer Season XP, with a listed muzzle velocity of 2,325 fps and a BC of .223. The data in both cases are from a 20-inch barrel, which is somewhat common in the field and is the standard test length utilized by most ammunition companies.
.350 Legend vs .450 Bushmaster Ballistics
At reasonable straight-wall cartridge hunting distances, for both velocity and trajectory, there is no real out-and-out winner between .450 Bushmaster vs .350 Legend. Both shed velocity like mad, the Legend losing 29-percent of its muzzle velocity at the 200-yard mark and the Bushmaster 31 percent—1,648 fps and 1,515 fps respectively. Still, the clip each moves at this range is more than adequate to ensure satisfactory penetration, proper bullet expansion (if you are using such a projectile) and an ethical kill.
The .350 Legend Winchester load put to the test.
As far as trajectory, both start to drop excessively at 200 yards, 7.58 inches on a scope zeroed for 100 yards in the .350’s case and 8.96 in the .450’s. Yes, the Legend does tend to shoot a fraction flatter at distance, but not substantially so. In terms of maximum point-blank range, it’s only a 16-yard difference on a 14-inch target (roughly the size of a small deer’s vital zone). Or more plainly speaking, you’d dial a scope on a Bushmaster up .2-inch more than on the Legend when sighting in at 100 yards.
There is a difference between the two, and the edge goes to the .350 Legend, but it doesn’t have such an overwhelming advantage to say it’s hands-down better.
Often overlooked, much to the detriment of the hunter, is how much “kick” they’ll endure from a particular rifle-cartridge combination. Certainly, some pride themselves in how much recoil they can endure. That’s fine and dandy. More power to them. But if you get behind the business end of a gun you dread to drop the hammer on, you’re sandbagging your potential in the field. It won’t matter a lick how far a cartridge can send a bullet and how devastating its terminal ballistics are once at its destination if you develop a flinch and send it anywhere but the vital zone.
As it concerns .350 Legend vs .450 Bushmaster, the smaller-caliber cartridge has a decided advantage.
Utilizing a lighter bullet with a smaller powder charge, it can generally be said it produces less recoil. Absolutely, it depends on what rifle you use—more exactly its weight—as to how many foot-pounds of energy will jolt into your shoulder. But the .450 Bushmaster and .350 Legend are chambered in very similar rifles, some from the same line with minuscule differences. They track closely in weight, thus when chambered Legend tend to be more pleasurable to shoot.
And truly, it is a pleasurable cartridge, very much akin to the .30-30, which by almost anyone’s standard is extremely manageable. Benefits abound with a tamer rifle. Not only does it reduce the possibility of developing a flinch, but it also improves the ability of the average hunter to deliver an accurate follow-up shot. That said, the Bushmaster—while stout—isn’t the North American version of the .500 Nitro Express. Shoot it enough and know what to expect and it shouldn’t prove prohibitive, except to the most recoil shy.
.350 Legend vs .450 Bushmaster Rifles
Again, there isn’t a bright clear advantage when it comes to rifles chambered for cartridges. Much of this is attributable to the Legend and Bushmaster competing for the same hunters. Why wouldn’t they be in similar rifles?
Ruger Ranch Rifle in .450 Bushmaster
It goes so far as, previously mentioned, manufacturers offering the same model rifle in both .450 Bushmaster and .350 Legend. For instance, Ruger chambers its American Ranch rifle for both cartridges, with few differences between the two.
If there is an apparent divide in .450 Bushmaster vs .350 Legend rifles it’s muzzle devices and barrel contour. By and large, .450 Bushmaster rifles are outfitted with medium to heavy contour barrels, a function of its large bore. Additionally, but not across the board, many are factory outfitted with muzzle brakes to help mitigate some of the angry mule in the cartridge-rifle combination.
On the other hand, the Legend is available with thinner sporter contour barrels. And, outside a flash hider on an AR, don’t usually come with a muzzle device standard.
.450 Bushmaster Vs .350 Legend Cost
Rubber meet road, because if there is anyone point in .450 Bushmaster vs .350 Legend battle where one wins out, it’s here.
For all the .450 Bushmaster’s assets, economic shooting isn’t one of them. On average, factory loaded ammo for the beast rings up north of $1 per trigger pull, which in a word is spendy. The .350 Legend is a blue-light special (if you remember that analogy) in comparison. Year-round, you can find ammo at less than 50₵ per round, which isn’t 5.56 NATO cheap, but is thrifty.
One other advantage of the .350 Legend not mentioned in the text, greater magazine capacity.
The only way to get near that with a Bushy is to load your own ammo. Now I won’t dissuade anyone from getting involved with reloading ammunition. It’s great skill and potentially one of the best hobbies you’ll ever pick up. But in all honesty, it isn’t for everyone—be it due to tight quarters or time constraints. Therefore, some might be stuck with the full Bushmaster tab.
Parting Shot
When it comes to .450 Bushmaster vs .350 Legend, is there a clear winner? If your pocketbook is tight or you don’t appreciate your shoulder getting thumped, then I suppose there is. The .350 Legend takes it easier on each by a fairly wide margin.
On the other hand, performance-wise, the dividing line is thin enough so it's difficult to tip fence-sitters one way or another. That’s alright. The hunting world is big enough for both the .450 Bushmaster and .350 Legend, and either will put meat on the table. In the end that’s what counts.
Lighting up your aiming solution with a laser sight isn't a gimmick, it's plum revolutionary.
So, here’s the problem: You’re violently accosted by a goblin with murderous intent. Maybe he has a club, a knife, a gun or tire tool. It really doesn’t matter—regardless of the goblin’s chosen weapon, his plan is to use it on you. He’s only about 30 feet away, and you have mere seconds or less to react. What are your options? The liberal left would suggest you put your hands up and beg. Those of us who understand that our safety is our own responsibility will fight back.
Now, the bad guy is even closer. You clear your cover garment and draw your handgun, and it’s time to properly execute the most difficult element of shooting to save your life: You have to shift your focus from the thing you’re most afraid of to that very small front sight on your pistol. Then, you have to place the front sight on the stopping spot, position it in the rear sight notch and press the trigger … without altering sight alignment.
Yes; it’s just as hard to do as it sounds!
Most of us struggle to complete that exercise in fewer than three seconds when we are not about to piss our pants. Logic dictates that the best solution would be to make the shot without having to shift our visual focus. Some folks call that “point shooting,” and while point shooting can work at extremely close range, it was largely abandoned—because point shooting is very accurately named. There’s a reason it’s called point shooting and not point hitting.
What if we could very swiftly and accurately use a handgun to place a shot into the stopping spot on a bad guy and never have to take our eyes or focus off that bad guy? Wouldn’t that be a magically wonderful and effective way to address the situation? Of course it would. If you believe otherwise, you’re either as high as my grocery bill (I have three kids), or you’ve forgotten where you put your tinfoil hat.
Laser Sight: Crutch Or Essential?
This is why a laser on a defensive handgun is a good idea. It allows you to maintain a target focus. In other words, you can keep your eyes on what you’re shooting at. What a novel concept! Don’t you realize this is the exact reason a scoped rifle is so much easier to shoot accurately? The riflescope puts the sight (the reticle) and the target into the same focal plane.
A critical aspect of utilizing a laser sight on a defensive handgun is that it must be zeroed correctly. The dot should appear on the target directly above the front sight at about 10 yards.
I continue to be flabbergasted by the number of shooters who claim a laser is just a crutch or gimmick.
OK; let’s think about this logically. I can point my handgun at a bad guy, and a little red or green dot will appear on his torso. I can then move the handgun so that this highly visible dot is in the exact spot I want to place the bullet. I can then pull the trigger, and … guess what? The bullet will land in the exact place the little bright dot was pointing. I don’t know about you, but this is not only logical, it’s a revolutionary way to hit things with handguns.
Why are some so critical of laser sights? Well, there are several reasons.
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For Personal Defense, You Don’t Want A Custom Glock
The first is that early handgun lasers were ridiculous contraptions that were very unreliable. That was late in the last century. Crimson Trace solved those problems more than 20 years ago.
Another reason is that some believe the laser will fail when you need it most. This is largely due to a mistrust of technology and electricity. Um, electricity is pretty damned reliable; after all, you trust it every day when you drive your car or ride in an airplane. And, if you’re worried about battery failure, check the damned thing on a daily basis. (For what it’s worth, Crimson Trace offers batteries for life when you buy one of its lasers.)
It’s the little compact handguns such as these that are popular for concealed carry. They become easier to shoot accurately with a laser sight.
Maybe the most common reason for distrust of lasers is that some people think when you go to stop that bad guy and his knife and don’t see your laser on target, you’ll melt into a pile of indecision and ultimately be carved up into little slices of gruesomeness.
Countering Laser Sight Arguments
There are three very simple and practical counters to this argument. The first is training.
No matter the handgun, rifle or shotgun you plan to defend your life with, if you’re not training with it, you’re a fool—or so bleeping lazy that self-preservation is probably not a serious concern of yours in the first place. Frequent practice with a laser-sight-equipped handgun will not only speed up your engagement times, it will also help you learn and develop the ability to point your handgun at the right spot almost instinctively.
The second solution is to zero your laser sight correctly. Although there are several schools of thought regarding how this should be done, for a defensive handgun, there is really only one correct answer: The laser should appear just above the front sight at realistic self-defense engagement distances—something between 5 and 10 yards. When this is done, you’re looking for the laser in the exact spot you should always be looking—at the front sight.
The third aspect is that when you present your pistol to the target, you always draw to the front sight. What I mean by this is that your default should be to look for the sight as your handgun is pressed toward the target. However, more than likely, you’ll see the laser on the target way before you have a chance to see the front sight. If for some reason (dead batteries, broken laser, failure to activate due a bad grip) you don’t see the laser where it’s supposed to be, guess what? The front sight will be there. A laser sight on a defensive handgun is a redundant sight system, just like the combination of a red-dot and open sights is on an AR.
Without question, you can shoot more accurately and faster with an instinctively activated laser sight. Yes, there’s a training curve, but improvement comes quickly.
There are plenty of other arguments to support the use of a laser sight on a defensive handgun—most notably, low light. In near darkness, open sights can become invisible. Other reasons are when shooting from unconventional positions, such as across your body; when you’re on the ground; or even on your hands and knees. In those positions, getting the sights in front of your eyes can be very problematic. With a laser sight, it’s unnecessary to get the handgun between your face and the threat/target.
Are you getting the picture? A laser sight on a defensive handgun is, if not a necessity, a damned fine idea.
But, as with everything in life, there’s more to the concept than might be readily apparent. The type of laser sight might be more important than simply having one. In my opinion, the only type of laser sight that should ever be installed on a defensive handgun is one that’s instinctively activated. By that, I mean the laser should come on when you establish a shooting grip on the handgun. If you have to do anything else, if you have to push some additional button or flip some kind of switch, you have the wrong laser. Sure, you could argue that these types of activations are applicable for tactical teams or military units, but we’re talking about regular folk like you and me, not highly trained assault teams.
I’ve been a proponent of instinctively activated lasers on defensive handguns for more than 20 years. I even wrote a book about it: Handgun Training for Personal Protection, How to Choose & Use the Best Sights, Lights, and Lasers (Gun Digest, 2013). And, for more than 20 years, I’ve been using and trusting instinctively activated lasers from Crimson Trace.
Are there other practical options? Probably. I periodically test new laser sight products, but I’ve yet to discover anything that’s as reliable and sensible as what Crimson Trace has to offer.
Top Crimson Trace Handgun Laser Options
Crimson Trace Laser Grips are easy to install. They simply replace the grip panels on your pistol or revolver.
Regardless of the defensive handgun you’ve chosen, there’s a high probability Crimson Trace makes either a set of laser grips or a laser guard for it. I have several handguns I trust to carry for personal protection. With just a few exceptions, they’re all equipped with either Crimson Trace Laser Grips or LaserGuard.
Crimson Trace Laser Grips The genius behind the Crimson Trace Laser Grip is that it doesn’t really seem like an addition to your handgun. You simply remove the grip panels on your handgun and install the laser grips. They have an activation button that’s either on the front strap or back strap of the grip, right where your middle finger or the palm of your hand rests when a proper shooting grip is obtained. This is where the brilliant instinctiveness of the concept is activated: You don’t have to think about it; you just grip the pistol, and the laser comes on.
For revolvers and semi-automatic handguns with grip panels, these laser grips replace the factory stocks. For the more modern polymer-framed pistols such as Glocks, Crimson Trace’s Laser Grip wraps around the grip—high, where the web between your thumb and index finger contacts the pistol. Although most laser grips, regardless of the type, increase the grip size slightly, in most cases, you’ll hardly notice it at all. One of the most appealing facets of Lasers Grips is that they don’t impact holster selection. MSRP: $220–$410.
Crimson Trace LaserGuard The LaserGuard from Crimson Trace is a bit of a different “animal.” The LaserGuard attaches to a pistol’s dust cover forward of the trigger guard and under the barrel. It’s made from a rugged polymer material and sort of sandwiches the forward frame of the pistol. Because a portion of the LaserGuard extends back under the trigger guard, it still offers that instant, instinctive activation when a shooting grip is obtained. The downside of the LaserGuard is that it will require a special holster, because it adds bulk to the pistol. However, it only adds minimal weight: a LaserGuard weighs between 3 and 4 ounces. And, there’s a big plus to the LaserGuard: In addition to the instinctively activated laser sight, it can be had with an instinctively activated white light (Surely, I don’t have to delve into the benefits of a light on a defensive pistol!). MSRP: $250–$330.
For more information on Crimson Trace laser sights, please visit crimsontrace.com.
Among the engraved Ruger Red Label models offered was this limited edition commemorating the 50th anniversary of Sturm, Ruger & Co. in 1999.
No longer in production, the Ruger Red Lable is still considered iconic. And at one time, it made the gunmaker the only outfit manufacturing pistols, rifles and shotguns.
What Made The Ruger Red Label A Unique Over/Under:
First introduced in 20 gauge, a 12 gauge added five years later.
Originally outfitted with fixed chokes, interchangeable tubes becoming an option in 1988 and then standard fare in 1990.
Gun included a single selective trigger, selective automatic ejectors and a checkered American walnut stock.
A pistol grip or English-style straight grip were both available.
A unique feature of the box-lock action was a completely smooth design with no exposed screws or pins.
Sturm, Ruger & Co. is known for creating some of the most popular firearms in American history; some can even be called icons. These would include the Ruger Standard Model .22 pistol, dozens of single- and double-action revolvers, and many rimfire and centerfire rifles, including the ubiquitous 10/22, now in its 55th year of production.
All of this was accomplished by a company that’s still a relative newcomer to an old industry. From a modest beginning in a Connecticut barn 70 years ago, Ruger became the only gun company to manufacture all categories of firearms in the USA: pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns. In 1977, Bill Ruger accomplished his feat of rounding out all the gun categories when the Red Label over/under shotgun was announced. It remained in production until 2011, and after a couple of years, it briefly returned to the catalog in 2014.
The Ruger Red Label, unlike many other over/unders or doubles, was first introduced in 20 gauge, with the 12 gauge added five years later (1982). The sleek, little 28 didn’t come along until 1995 and is rare enough to bring a premium. Fixed chokes in the common patterns of improved/modified, modified/full or skeet/skeet were standard, with interchangeable tubes becoming an option in 1988 and then standard fare in 1990.
Other features included a single selective trigger, selective automatic ejectors and a checkered American walnut stock with either a pistol grip or English-style straight grip. A unique feature of the box-lock action was a completely smooth design with no exposed screws or pins. This served as an ideal background for many engraved models, which were available at extra cost from several master engravers.
The Red Label was introduced with a suggested retail price of $480, which would equal a little more than $2,000 today. Remington’s Model 3200 was the only other quality over/under made in America at the time; it was priced in the $1,000 range.
In R.L. Wilson’s excellent book, Ruger and His Guns (Chartwell Books, 2007), William B. Ruger spoke with pride about his new over/under shotgun and the changes in manufacturing processes:
A single-barrel Ruger Red Label trap model was introduced in 2000. It featured an adjustable buttstock and cheekpiece. Only about 300 were made, making it one of the rarest Ruger firearms.
“We make the finest pair of shotgun barrels that could ever be built. We put the money into the machine instead of in hand labor. All the great, old-time gunsmiths—the men who made the beautiful things—are today building the beautiful equipment to build the beautiful things. Perhaps you could say that, except for engraving, gold inlaying and elegant finish, [by] using machines, you can easily surpass the work of the finest person in terms of truly mechanical movement, the precision of the apparatus. You have to remember—fine watches are not made with files.”
The Red Label was not without its critics. Some shooters complained about the gun’s weight and poor balance with longer barrels. However, depending on personal tastes and shooting style, many liked the design. Even so, by 2010, the price had risen to $1,900, and production had dropped to only 1,323 guns. The time had come for a change, and the original model was discontinued in 2011.
A redesign was already in the works. Ruger addressed some of the criticisms with a new version in 2013. Improvements included a change in the gun’s center of gravity, resulting in enhanced shooting performance and handling in the field. Extended forcing cones and back-bored barrels helped address the recoil issue. The new model had a suggested retail price of $1,399—about $500 less than the version it was replacing, mainly due to streamlined production costs.
In January 2015, the company announced that the Red Label was no more. Increased competition from European gunmakers had reached a point at which Ruger could not meet revenue expectations.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
