Home Blog Page 151

What You Need To Consider When Handloading Defensive Ammunition

By
Philip Massaro
-
0

From safety to legalities, is it smart to handload defensive ammunition?

What Are Some Of The Legal Considerations Concerning Handloaded Defensive Ammunition:

  • The legal fear of handloaded defensive ammunition is that prosecutors will claim it shows premeditation.
  • Self-defense experts, such as Massad Ayoob, go so far as saying never use handloads for your defensive gun.
  • The argument can be made possession of a firearm for defensive purposes is as damning as reloading defensive ammunition.
  • Given these points, you must put deep thought into whether you feel it’s worth the legal risk to load your own defensive ammunition.

I am not an attorney, nor do I pretend to be. I’m just like the rest of the folks who carry a firearm for personal defense; I want to live out my days in peace and harmony. In a perfect world, none of us would need to carry a firearm for personal protection. In a perfect world, there would be no threat to life or limb, and we could all just smile and wave and trust to the Almighty that all will be okay. However, the stark reality of it all is that we live in a less-than-perfect world.

This Smith & Wesson Model 36 in .38 Special is well-served with 158-grain Hornady XTP handloads.
This Smith & Wesson Model 36 in .38 Special is well-served with 158-grain Hornady XTP handloads.

The Declaration of Independence, so thoughtfully written and carefully planned out, brilliantly summed up some of the basic human liberties: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Mr. Jefferson and company hit the nail on the head with that little gem. To me, the most integral and important part of that particular phrase is the word “Life.” No one has the right to take your life, when you are not acting in a manner that threatens the life of another. We all have a God-given right to survive, and this includes using any means necessary to preserve your life, including taking the life of another who intends to end yours.

In this “modern” age, where we have become much more civilized (tongue planted firmly in cheek), there are areas with laws that treat the individual who is required to use deadly force, to preserve their God-given right to live, as the offender and guilty party. There is a movement to rely solely on law enforcement to take the necessary actions.

What in the world does this have to do with reloading? Please, bear with me …

This S&W .44 Magnum shows the best accuracy with handloaded ammunition. It only makes sense to shoot what works best.
This S&W .44 Magnum shows the best accuracy with handloaded ammunition. It only makes sense to shoot what works best.

Some courts of law, and wonderful humans known as “lawyers,” have taken things so far as to attempt to prosecute someone who has been forced to use deadly force with a firearm, for the additional crime of using reloaded ammunition. The premise is that by reloading the ammo before the incident happened, there was a premeditation, and that principle leads to a different crime altogether.

My colleague and fellow gun writer, Massad Ayoob, who has a law enforcement background and much more experience in a court of law with respect to these matters than I do, has gone on the record as stating that using reloaded ammunition in a self defense situation is a definite no-no. I’m not going to pretend that I know better than Mr. Ayoob, but I can attest to having a bit of common sense. I live in the State of New York, one of the toughest states with respect to defense laws as well as firearms legislation (read S.A.F.E. Act). I am well aware, that in most circumstances, that using a firearm to defend myself will more than likely result in Grand Jury indictment, and that I will need to prove myself innocent, rather than prove my attacker guilty. May that situation never occur.

Load Up On Reloading Info:

However, let us refer back to the document that summed up our “unalienable rights” and remember that irrespective of methodology or means, the act of taking another’s life to defend one’s own should be paramount, and not the tool used to do so. The possession of a firearm for defensive purposes is theoretically just as damning as the creation of ammunition for that same purpose. Whether or not the ammunition runs at a different velocity, or contains a projectile that does more or less damage than another, the central point remains: The threat to your unalienable right to life must be neutralized, by any means necessary.

A good roll crimp keeps the projectiles where you put them, as well as keeping velocities uniform.
A good roll crimp keeps the projectiles where you put them, as well as keeping velocities uniform.

If that threat to your life doesn’t exist, you have no right to take the other, but if it does exist, using a bat, axe, motor vehicle or handgun — that fires handloaded ammunition — shouldn’t truly matter in the blind eyes of justice. Recognizing the existence of that threat, or lack thereof, is the responsibility of the firearm owner, and it’s not one to be taken lightly.

Reloading To Save Your Bacon

I learned a long while ago that when diligent attention is paid to the assembly of your ammunition, you can create a product that is the best available. I’ve been on a good number of dangerous game hunts, and for all of them I’ve used handloaded ammunition. Not unlike a personal defense handgun, dangerous game ammunition absolutely must go bang, or you truly put life and limb at risk. I have — knock on wood — never had a single issue with any handloaded cartridge on any of my hunting trips.

The same approach must be taken for the ammunition in your defensive handgun. Just as you wouldn’t choose the cheapest handgun to carry, bargain ammunition is not a wise decision, and even among the factory choices I’d hope you’d obtain the best you could afford. With regard to the components of your handload, use the best stuff you can get.

Bullets such as the Federal Hydra-Shok have shown to be excellent in factory loads, but what do you do if your gun doesn’t like them? Handloading is a perfectly viable means of using those premium bullets.
Bullets such as the Federal Hydra-Shok have shown to be excellent in factory loads, but what do you do if your gun doesn’t like them? Handloading is a perfectly viable means of using those premium bullets.

You don’t need hundreds of rounds, but just enough to keep you and your loved ones safe. In the opinion of this author, the loading of defensive ammunition is not the place for the progressive press; this will require a more personal level of attention. I want to vigorously inspect all my brass, making sure that flash holes are uniform, primer pockets are of a proper dimension, rims are straight and nothing is out of the ordinary. I then full-length size all the brass, and trim them (even the new stuff) to the proper, uniform length.

I also hand-prime the cases, making sure that all the primers are seated to a consistent depth. I like the best primers I can get for my defensive ammo, usually the Federal Gold Medal Match stuff. For a priming tool, the Lyman E-ZEE Prime offers an excellent feel; I like it for all cartridges, from the lightest .38 Special loads up to the gigantic .505 Gibbs. I then begin the load development process.

Personally, I like bullets that are heavy for caliber and will expand reliably. To my mind, a defensive load is designed for close quarters, as the goal is to neutralize the threat and get you and your loved ones to safety, and I feel that the heavy bullets end the problem best. I want velocities as close to the design speed as possible — especially with an auto-loading pistol — and I’ll use a chronograph to test my velocities against a few of the factory loads with the same weight of bullet. We all have our pet bullets, and I like a bunch, including the Speer Gold Dot, Federal Hydra-Shok, and Hornady XTP.

Handloading your defensive ammunition allows for a rigorous inspection of all your components. While rare, things can go wrong, like this 9mm case with no flash hole.
Handloading your defensive ammunition allows for a rigorous inspection of all your components. While rare, things can go wrong, like this 9mm case with no flash hole.

During the load development process, I want to look for several different aspects of the ammunition. First, the bullets need to hit where they are aimed. Even the best component bullets won’t be worth anything if they don’t hit where they’re intended. If your handgun doesn’t have adjustable sights, you may have to make some adjustments to the load, trying different bullet conformations and/or powder charges until you get things where you want them.

Secondly, I need to know that the ammunition will feed flawlessly. I’ve seen some bizarre feeding issues, some nearly inexplicable, but I do know that clearing a cartridge that didn’t feed properly in the midst of a life or death situation is not a good thing at all. If you’re handgun doesn’t feed a particular bullet profile, either get it properly sorted by a competent gunsmith or give it ammunition that you know will work. Changing bullet profiles can sometimes have a profound effect on a handgun’s performance. Again, the gun absolutely has to go bang, and not just once.

Thirdly, make sure that the level of recoil is acceptable to you. We all want to think we’re invincible, handling a hand cannon as if it were a squirt gun, but that’s not always the case. Admitting that a firearm recoils too much to be handled effectively is not an easy thing for anyone — especially for a man — but I’ve found some rifle/cartridge combinations that were simply too much for me to shoot properly, and the same goes for a handgun.

The author feels that a single-stage press is the smart way to go for defensive ammunition, but a turret press like the Redding T7 will make life a bit easier.
The author feels that a single-stage press is the smart way to go for defensive ammunition, but a turret press like the Redding T7 will make life a bit easier.

Lightweight guns and high-velocity ammunition can easily generate recoil levels that are above what some shooters can handle. If and when that point is reached, either the gun has to go or the ammunition needs to be modified. When you handload your own ammunition, the load can be safely reduced to give the level of recoil that the shooter can properly handle. A lower velocity bullet in the right place is worth five high-velocity bullets in the wrong place.

If the handgun is a revolver, I want a good roll crimp to keep all the bullets where I seat them, and to ensure that they won’t pull out under recoil. If they do move, you run the risk of the projectiles protruding out past the edge of the cylinder and locking up the entire operation. A good strong roll crimp will prevent this, or if you’ve chosen a bullet with no cannelure, a solid taper crimp will suffice.

For the auto-loaders, which more often than not rely on the case mouth for headspacing, you’ll want to use the taper crimp to prevent your bullets from moving. The violent cycling action — the journey out of the magazine, along the feed ramp and into the chamber — can push bullets deeper into the case; a good taper crimp will prevent that from happening.
I like to make some surplus ammo from time to time, to train with and make sure I’m familiar with the feel of gun with this particular load.

Is It Worth The Effort?

There are going to be those of you who may feel that the exercise of handloading defensive ammunition simply isn’t worth the hassle, and you might be right. There are many good choices among the factory ammunition, featuring the finest projectiles made today, and you could simply leave it at that.

Handloading Defensive Ammunition 6

But, just as I want a handgun that has all the features I want, I like my ammunition the same way. After all, if the situation arises where I need to use a gun to save my life, I want all the odds in my favor, and I feel that my own ammunition is the best I can get. Because I’m using canister-grade powder, the load will be the same, year after year.

If you’re in the least bit hesitant about making your own stuff, don’t do it. However, if you are as confident in your skills as a handloader as you are in your ability to handle a handgun, I see no issue with the handloads. The legal ramifications can be dealt with once you are safe and sound, and if you are a handgun owner, I’m sure you’ve given some though to the issues involved with using deadly force. I hope you never need to use that force, but if you do, I also hope you have the best tools available.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the 2019 Concealed Carry issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Going Hands-On With Your Long-Range Shooting Development

By
Frank Galli
-
0

The Sniper’s Hide Cup firing line is often full of both experienced shooters and first-timers. There’s likely a competition within a 2-hour drive of your home.

Grounding your fundamentals and improving your long-range shooting skills isn’t an armchair game. Hands-on instruction and competition puts an edge on your marksmanship.

How To Improve As A Long-Range Shooter:

  • Step out of your comfort zone and take a class from a well-established instructor
  • Reinforce this instruction in some kind of competition
  • Shoot the early competitions with a minimum of gear
  • Pay attention to the more experienced shooters’ techniques and movements
  • Talk to the other shooters to find out how they practice and improve

SHOT Show has come and gone, and unveiled a bunch of new gear for long-range shooting: new scopes, new electronics, new rifles, and new chassis designs. We have seen this scene before — the chase for the latest and greatest in hopes that it makes a difference in results. But, is it the results that matter, or is it more about the journey?

One of the objectives in my precision rifle classes is to guide the shooter on their precision rifle journey. After all, this is an evolving journey because the sport is continually changing. New equipment changes the game monthly. Different teaching techniques and adaptation to the changing demographic landscape has forced us to move in a variety of directions. For this reason and others, I want to take a step back here at the beginning of 2019 and focus on you — the shooter.

Self Assessment

The long-range shooting world is full of good and bad shooters. Guys who have learned to adapt their bad habits along with the right equipment and have found some limited success. In talking with other instructors, we see a lot of people looking to shortcut the system by learning the tips and tricks before the trade. Rather than purchasing success, I’d argue that it’s better to evolve and become a more well-rounded marksman.

Focus on you as a shooter, not your gear. Train with purpose, because your only limitation is your imagination
Focus on you as a shooter, not your gear. Train with purpose, because your only limitation is your imagination

Training for long-range shooting comes in many forms. There is education you get from a book. There is hands-on instruction, and there is also experience by way of competition. Anyone of these alone is better than nothing, but combining them is divine. A lot of shooters learn by mimicking what they see in images. While the context may be lost, the position looks well enough, so they run with it. Shooting is broken up into disciplines, and those disciplines can each have their context for success. We cross-pollinate a lot, however, and understanding the “why” is important.

More Long-Range Shooting Info:

The “why” is vital in the age of the internet. Videos can be edited for success and images can be staged — it all needs a critical eye to weed out the good from the bad. During the breaks in my class, I play a video that has me shooting my precision rifle. The technique has to be impeccable and the hits on target are impressive, but it’s a bit of a lie: It’s actually two videos stitched together, and I explain this in class.

Although cool gear is exciting, such as this Accuracy International AT Competition Rifle, it cannot overcome poor fundamentals.
Although cool gear is exciting, such as this Accuracy International AT Competition Rifle, it cannot overcome poor fundamentals.

The point here is that you can make anything look impressive if you have some editing skills. While the video seems seamless, it’s actually of two different ranges shot years apart. The color is corrected to match, and the cuts are done in a way that the casual observer has a hard time noticing missing clues. It’s easy to get fooled online. Seeing something done is one thing, but if you know why something is being done a certain way, nobody will get anything over on you.

So, step out of your comfort zone and take a class from a well-established facility or instructor — YouTube doesn’t count. Go hands-on and then, when you are finished, reinforce what you learned in competition. Local or national, it makes no difference, but get out and shoot against others where the rules are written by someone else. When we run our own shooting line, we never set ourselves up to fail — this fact limits our ability to learn on our own.

Finding A Start

Get up from the line and practice your technique first. Shooting prone is great fun, but getting out of your comfort zone — try participating in a competition — is when true growth happens.
Get up from the line and practice your technique first. Shooting prone is great fun, but getting out of your comfort zone — try participating in a competition — is when true growth happens.

Competition is a different animal from training. Training should be designed to establish your technique, and a competitive match will demonstrate to you how to apply those skills. The beauty of the competition circuit is that it will be different enough from most training that you will instantly see the need to attend more than one competition to nail down its unique set of skills. In a match, it’s all about getting into and out of position efficiently while maintaining your focus to get your hits on target. It’s more about your movement, which will then shine a light on the level of your training.

There is a ton of equipment to assist you in a match. Everything from the caliber you choose, to the stock on your rifle — to the bags you carry — will matter. Stay tight and stripped down in the beginning, and don’t default to these tools. Instead, focus on you and the techniques you employ. Your first three matches should involve employing the bare minimum equipment necessary. It might not be pretty, but get over it … and you’ll thank me later.

Focusing on the fundamentals goes well with a hands-on class. Learning from YouTube will often lead you astray.
Focusing on the fundamentals goes well with a hands-on class. Learning from YouTube will often lead you astray.

Local, 1-day matches are the breeding grounds for success. You can likely find one within a 2-hour drive and each comes with no strings attached. Find one and hit it with eyes wide open. Get involved and be curious when attending, paying attention to the techniques and movements more so than the gear employed.

In addition, step back and see how the successful shooters negotiate the obstacles vs. what scope is on their rifle. Too many people focus on the equipment and not the training that goes into success. Ask these guys what drills they shoot at home, not where they bought that tripod. Those will things will be evident by the 3rd match. After that third match you can spend all the money necessary.

There are plenty “tools of the trade,” and everyone has their own perspective on what’s best. Focus on the fundamentals first and the gear you need will become bore obvious to you.ray.
There are plenty “tools of the trade,” and everyone has their own perspective on what’s best. Focus on the fundamentals first and the gear you need will become bore obvious to you.ray.

Part of my personal focus is on the gear I employ only because I need to speak on it professionally. If I did not have to chase this aspect of the sport, I would be more worried about my training — because that’s most important. Even still, I focus a lot of my attention to my practice, and still it is not nearly enough. My other responsibilities reduce my time, so I know it cuts into yours. Have a plan, stick to that plan and put effort into you first — the equipment can come after. The more you experience, the easier your buying decisions become.

This article originally appeared in the December 2018 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Colt 1903: Is The U.S. Armament Re-Release Fit For Concealed Carry?

By
Joe Arterburn
-
0

While in a marginal concealed carry caliber, U.S. Armament nonetheless has created a Colt 1903 fit for everyday carry.

How the 1903 Pocket Hammerless Is Fit For Concealed Carry:

  • Increased the hammer hook depth and sear surface to create a sharper angle
  • Patterned to match original’s size, weight and snag-free design
  • Holds 8+1 rounds of .32 ACP
  • Gun proves very accuracy at close range, even in rapid fire

Let’s start with this premise: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is a viable concealed carry handgun. Yes, even though there are more powerful personal-defense calibers available. And, yes, even though there are lighter, more compact, higher-capacity concealed-carry handguns available. And, even though there are more contemporary handguns than John Browning’s 115-year-old design.

Concealed carry was clearly Browning’s intent for the Model 1903, with its sleek, rounded design, not to mention “pocket” in its name — which is but one of the many names by which it’s known. It’s referred to by many names, including Model M, Pocket Hammerless and General Officer’s Pistol.

The Model 1903 wasn’t Browning’s first semi-automatic pocket pistol. His first was the Model 1900, produced by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium, which was based on an 1897 Browning patent and was the first chambered for the .32 ACP (7.65mm) round, designed by Browning for the gun.

Browning’s design underwent tweaking and became Colt’s first successful semi-auto handgun, the Colt 1900 in .38 ACP (another Browning-designed caliber) and the .38 ACP 1902 Sporting Automatic Pistol, then a reworked military version of the 1902, then an exposed-hammer 1903, also in .38 and presented as a pocket pistol, though it was boxy, somewhat heavy and not particularly easily concealed.

U.S Armament’s Colt 1903 with personal-defense ammunition. On the left is Hornady’s Custom 60-grain XTP rounds and on the right are Speer Gold Dot 60-grain hollow-points. With the right ammunition, a 115-year-old gun can be a viable carry gun.
U.S Armament’s Colt 1903 with personal-defense ammunition. On the left is Hornady’s Custom 60-grain XTP rounds and on the right are Speer Gold Dot 60-grain hollow-points. With the right ammunition, a 115-year-old gun can be a viable carry gun.

The 1903 Hammerless, chambered for the Browning-designed .32 ACP, corrected much of that, with a more compact and sleek design with rounded edges, 8+1 capacity and weighing 10 ounces less than the Hammer version. By the way, the Hammerless wasn’t hammerless; the hammer was just concealed under the closed, rounded slide.

The 1903 was an immediate success. The caliber was considered adequate and was highly regarded in its day, though it has slid in favor behind today’s more potent offerings. The simple design, easy disassembly and reliability added to its appeal as an easy-to-carry hideaway pistol. Civilians snapped them up, as did some law-enforcement agencies. And so did the criminal element. Al Capone was said to have toted a 1903. John Dillinger reportedly was carrying one when he was gunned down in Chicago by FBI agents and Bonnie reportedly broke Clyde out of jail by taping a 1903 to her thigh and, according to reports, two were found in their bullet-riddled car when Frank Hamer and the boys caught up with them.

The 1903 also saw service in the military as early as World War I, purchased for British forces, and during World War II the U.S. military purchased numerous 1903s, some for the Office of Strategic Services, the precursor of the CIA, and by 1944, the 1903 (and its descendent, the .38 ACP Model 1908, which is outwardly identical, except for caliber) were widely issued to officers, including Eisenhower, Patton and MacArthur, along the way picking up the moniker of “General Officer’s Pistol.”

Dad’s Model 1903

The author’s father’s Model 1903 compared with U.S. Armament’s reintroduction. Originals were disassembled and measured piece by piece to endure the reproduction models remained true to the original in design and specification.
The author’s father’s Model 1903 compared with U.S. Armament’s reintroduction. Originals were disassembled and measured piece by piece to endure the reproduction models remained true to the original in design and specification.

And that brings us to my father’s 1903. My father was a World War II Army Air Corps pilot and co-piloted the Glory Bee, a B-24 Liberator bomber, over Europe. As kids, we used to go through his footlocker stored in an upstairs storage room, trying on his pilot’s cap, fingering medals, including his Purple Heart. He didn’t keep his 1903 in there.

I always assumed Dad had been issued the pistol during the war, but my brother, Roley, thinks he picked it up after returning home. I could get additional clues by contacting Colt’s archive department and learning, among other things, if it was shipped to a U.S armory, but sometimes it’s better to just leave well enough alone. From looking up the serial number, I know it was manufactured in 1915, which maybe makes it less likely to have been issued 25 or 30 years later during WWII. Maybe not. Like I said: For now I’ll just leave it alone.

Learn More About Legendary Firearms:

One downside of the 1903 from a carry-weapon standpoint is the fixed sights, front blade and drift-adjustable notched rear, which are not high visibility. The .32 ACP is light for carry duty, but I’m fine with that.

The simple notch sight of the U.S. Armament 1903, like the originals, provides a low, no-snag profile for concealed carry.
The simple notch sight of the U.S. Armament 1903, like the originals, provides a low, no-snag profile for concealed carry.

Short story long, I looked around and discovered 1903s are still rather plentiful and available so, like anyone smitten with a particular firearm, I bought one. It had some exterior pitting, but it’s otherwise solid and functional. I’ve shot the heck out of it since with no hitches.

Spot-checking a few places shows them still plentiful and available. Cabela’s Gun Library had a handful, ranging from $710 to $1,599. Gunbroker.com showed a variety of models, quality and conditions with prices such as $549 and $2,750. Similar price ranges popped up on GunsInternational.com.

But, we wondered, could a 100-year-old-plus pistol be relied on for personal protection? From these two examples, we couldn’t see any reason why not. And that led to another observation: How many things can you list that still function more than 100 years after they were designed and manufactured?

In testing on the range, U.S. Armament’s Colt 1903 produced good results, these with Winchester’s 71-grain full metal jacketed ammunition. This group was fired by the author as a close-quarters, rapid-fire group from a makeshift rest.
In testing on the range, U.S. Armament’s Colt 1903 produced good results, these with Winchester’s 71-grain full metal jacketed ammunition. This group was fired by the author as a close-quarters, rapid-fire group from a makeshift rest.

Taking it a step further, of those 100-year-old-plus designs still functioning, how many are Browning’s? I don’t know either, but I do know Browning’s list would be long and impressive, including the Winchester 1885, Winchester 1894, Browning A-5, Browning Hi-Power Winchester 1897, 1903 and 1908 Hammerless and, of course, the 1911.

But, if you don’t want to trust your personal protection to a century-old handgun, how about a brand new pistol of the same proven design?

What’s Old Is New

The Model 1903 got a new lease on life in 2015 when U.S. Armament came out with their Colt-licensed 1903 Hammerless General Officer’s Pocket Pistol. The project was the brainchild of company owner Curtis Wolf.

Colt 1903 7

Wolf purchased about 125 surplus 1903s, which were dismantled and measured by hand and a coordinate-measuring machine. So true to the originals, most of the new parts will transition directly into originals.

The only changes were to incorporate improved manufacturing techniques and improve safety beyond the originals’ turn-of-the-century standards, said Brent Turchi, a former Colt employee who Wolf brought in to oversee the 1903 project. One safety improvement was to the sear and hammer hook, which on the originals appeared hand-polished or stoned to a small, essentially rounded surface so they had light trigger pulls, Turchi said.

And that gave them the idea of drop-testing the originals. “Every one of them fired,” Turchi said. “If we dropped the gun, it was going off.” (As a concern for carrying an original today, I’m already looking into U.S. Armament replacement parts.) So, U.S. Armament increased the hammer hook depth and sear surface to create a sharper angle, and the new models passed drop-fire tests.

Colt 1903 6

Colt 1903s are generally categorized into four types (some say five) based on production dates. U.S. Armament’s most closely approximates the Type III model, except it has no magazine disconnect safety, which was omitted from the final design. Turchi said other improvements came from changes to the production process, including improvements to the heat-treating process. There were also other changes, changes only Colt purists are likely to notice, Turchi said. The new version “feels a little more like an original — but with the safety of modern touches we have added.”

Production numbers of the originals vary a bit, depending on the source, but I defer to firearms expert Jerry Lee who reported in Gun Digest’s Standard Catalog of Firearms that more than 572,000 Model 1903s were produced between 1903 and 1945 (and another 134,500 of the 380 ACP Model 1908s). Lee also notes that Colt 1903 values today range from $1,200 new in box; $1,000 for excellent condition; $600 for very good; $450 for good; $300 for fair and $200 for poor.

The .32-caliber version was a lot more prolific than the .380, Turchi added, probably mostly because it had a 5-year head start on the larger-caliber twin and the U.S. government choice of them for officers.

Colt 1903 9

But it wasn’t designed as a military sidearm. “Browning designed the 1903 to be a small, flat, packable firearm that did lend itself to nice side-holster carry, which is what most officers in the military do,” Turchi said. “But I don’t think the initial design intent was that 32 ACP was a military caliber. I think it was more that he was looking for size and functionality.”

And that, he said, led to its popularity with such a diverse population. It was a sign of the times that Capone, Dillinger and the like carried them,” Turchi added. “The 1903 was popular at the time, but I also think because th ese guys at the time, for the lack of a term, were a ‘classier’ class of criminals. The gangsters wore suits and jackets, so it was easy to conceal a 1903 in a holster or pocket.”

“It’s an amazing thing to be able to design something with functionality and fit — and a use that can continue to be viable 100 years after its inception,” he said. “To me, that says the guy who designed it must have been some kind of genius.”

And, U.S. Armament has more good news for those interested in carrying a classic: Their next project, expected to be available in late spring or early summer of 2019, is a reintroduction of the 1908, the .380 version of the Colt Pocket Hammerless. Ready your holsters.

For more information on the U.S. Armament Colt 1903, please visit www.usarmcorp.com.

Don’t Conceal Your Curiosity: Dive Into CCW Insights

CCI Adds VNT .17 Mach 2 And .22 WMR Varmint Rounds

By
Elwood Shelton
-
0

VNT

Designed for explosive performance, CCI’s VNT .17 Mach 2 and .22 WMR are designed to put varmints in check.

How VNT .17 Mach 2 and .22 WMR Excell Against Varmints:

  • Muzzle velocities in excess of 2,000 fps
  • Extreme terminal performance of Speer VNT bullets
  • Nickel-plated cases to resist corrosion

The thaw of summer is finally here and the suns out. No better time to put varmints in check. And CCI has you covered with two new hot rounds certain to get rock chucks and prairie dogs hopping.

Billed as explosive rounds by the ammo maker, VNT .17 Mach 2 and .22 WMR certainly appear to have what it takes to put varmints in check. Both rounds leave the muzzle in excess of 2,000 fps and are topped with the thin jacketed Speer VNT bullet, which features a polymer tip. This final feature flattens the trajectory of the bullet, as well as initiates expansion once it reaches the target. Also, nickel-plated cases, so the ammo is a bit more corrosion resistant.

Fire Away With More Rimfire Content:

The CCI VNT .17 Mach 2 (17 grain) and .22 WMR (30 grain) are available in boxes of 50, with the MSRP on the .17 running $10.95 and the .22 15.95.

More from CCI:

LEWISTON, Idaho – – CCI Ammunition introduces new VNT loads in 17 Mach 2 and 22 WMR, offering precision performance for varmint hunters and target shooters. Shipments are being delivered to dealers.

In 2018, CCI extended the range and devastation of magnum rimfire with the VNT bullet design. Now, it’s offering VNT loads in 17 Mach 2 and 22 WMR. The new loads feature a Speer bullet with an extremely thin jacket and polymer tip that team up to offer flat trajectories, superb long-range accuracy and explosive terminal performance on impact.

Features & Benefits
•New 17 Mach 2 and 22 WMR loads
•Speer VNT bullet design
•Very thin jacket combined with precision-built polymer tip
•Devastating terminal effect on varmints
•Flat shooting and highly accurate to maximize effective range
•Consistent CCI priming
•Nickel-plated cases

Part No. / Description / MSRP
948CC / 17 Mach 2 17 grain, 2010 fps, 50-count / $10.95
969CC / 22 WMR 30 grain, 2200 fps, 50-count / $15.95

For more information on CCI Ammunition, go to www.cci-ammunition.com.

How To Buy A Suppressor

By
Dick Jones
-
0

In the market to buy a suppressor? We give you the NFA history, purchase considerations and top new models to help you hush up your gun.

What Are The 3 Best Suppressors For 2019:

In 1934, the National Firearms Act became law. The National Firearms Act (NFA) requires the registration, with the federal government, of fully-automatic firearms (termed “machineguns”), rifles and shotguns that have an overall length under 26 inches, rifles with a barrel under 16 inches, shotguns with a barrel under 18 inches, and firearm sound suppressors (termed “silencers”). Although modern terminology often refers to silencers as suppressors, silencers don’t actually silence a firearm — they only reduce the noise level, but for clarity in this article, I’ll be using the term “silencer.”

Buying A Suppressor 10

Prior to 1934, silencers, machine guns and short-barreled rifles and shotguns weren’t regulated. The idea of requiring a $200 tax stamp was to seriously curtail private ownership of the affected items. In 1934, $200 was a princely sum, equating to $3,774 in 2018 dollars. The cost of the tax stamp has never changed, making it a reasonable addition to the cost of a firearm or silencer.

Because of this and because of the concept of using a trust for NFA items, silencers are one of the fastest growing segments of the firearms market. Silencers have real advantages to shooters who shoot in more populated areas, and many states have adopted laws that allow them for hunting. Silencers potentially make training new shooters easier because the loud report of a firearm contributes to the involuntary reaction we often refer to as “flinch.”

If you’ve never shot silenced firearms, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much fun it is to shoot without the need for hearing protection. The report of sub-sonic ammunition is often so quiet that you can hear the action of the firearm, and centerfire rifles like the .223 Rem. and .308 Win. are no louder than an unsilenced .22 rimfire.

Silencers on centerfire pistols are big enough to preclude holster use, but they’re very pleasant to shoot. Notice the higher sights required because of the diameter of the silencer.
Silencers on centerfire pistols are big enough to preclude holster use, but they’re very pleasant to shoot. Notice the higher sights required because of the diameter of the silencer.

There are two systems of silencer operation: dry and wet. Wet systems are quieter and allow the use of a smaller and lighter body, but they are effective for a limited number of shots before replenishing.

We’re Making Noise About Suppressors:

Unfortunately, there’s no silencer that will do everything well. Theoretically, you could make a silencer that would effectively work on almost any gun you own, but it would be too bulky and heavy for some applications and impede the operation of some firearms. Because silencers can’t be easily transferred from one individual to another like regular firearms products, it’s a good idea to think through what your needs are and make a wise and informed choice. Serviceability, bulk, weight and level of noise reduction should all be considered to make sure you choose wisely.

Rimfire Suppressors

While no silencers are truly silent, generally speaking, the rimfire silencers come closest to being “Hollywood quiet.” With sub-sonic ammunition, you can often hear the sound of the hammer falling in guns that aren’t semi-automatic.

With a 9mm silencer for pistol and carbine, a .30 caliber silencer for hunting and a .22 rimfire silencer for pistols and rifles, a shooter would be reasonably covered for most noise suppression applications.
With a 9mm silencer for pistol and carbine, a .30 caliber silencer for hunting and a .22 rimfire silencer for pistols and rifles, a shooter would be reasonably covered for most noise suppression applications.

For rimfire silencers, you should consider serviceability. Rimfire ammunition is inherently dirty, and the silencer must be periodically cleaned. Silencers work like the muffler on your lawn mower: There are chambers and baffles that redirect high-speed gasses and reduce them to sub-sonic speeds while enclosed in the housing. Those surfaces pick up carbon and lead from inherently dirty rimfire ammunition. Without regular cleaning, the silencer will eventually be rendered useless. All rimfire silencers are designed to be disassembled and cleaned. Some have individual baffles and some use a mono-core design with fewer parts.

Weight and bulk are another consideration, because most silencers are mounted on the end of the barrel and affect the balance and feel of the firearm, especially in pistols. Providing the same level of sound reducing engineering, the volume of the silencer body contributes to sound reduction, so the smaller silencers are generally not as quiet.

Pistol Suppressors

For centerfire pistol silencers, cleaning is also required — though not as often as with rimfires — provided jacketed bullets are used. Again, weight and volume affect the way the gun handles, and centerfire pistol silencers must be larger and heavier than rimfire silencers because they handle a much larger volume of gas. Because of cylinder-to-barrel gap, silencers don’t really work with revolvers and the added weight of the silencer on the barrel of recoil-operated pistols will cause operational problems unless steps are taken.

While a silencer suppresses the sound of the shot, the snap of the bullet is still as loud as a high-velocity .22. Notice the back pressure pushing gas out of the ejection port.
While a silencer suppresses the sound of the shot, the snap of the bullet is still as loud as a high-velocity .22. Notice the back pressure pushing gas out of the ejection port.

Because most centerfire pistols use the tilt barrel method of operation, the barrel has to move back in the slide and unlock for semi-auto operation. The added weight of the silencer restricts the movement of the barrel due to added weight, and the barrel can’t move properly to unlock, preventing semi-auto operation.

The solution to this problem is to prevent the silencer’s weight from impeding the slide by letting it float forward during recoil and snap back into position once the recoil cycle is complete. Different companies achieve this differently, but the effect is the same: When the gun fires, the silencer compresses a spring and slides forward during recoil, returning to its original position at the end of the cycle. Because of the weight bearing down on a barrel in a slide, there’s likely to be a change in point of impact.

Rifle Suppressors

Generally, centerfire rifle silencers also have to deal with much higher pressures than rimfire or pistol-caliber silencers, and they must be constructed to handle that pressure. As a result, they’re normally heavier and constructed of materials that handle the pressure. The good news is that silencers used for high-speed rifle calibers generating at higher pressures tend to clean themselves. In most situations, direct-impingement gas-operated guns with silencers are likely to require more cleaning because of the back pressure generated by redirecting the gas inside the canister.

Buying A Suppressor 11

Another factor that also applies to pistol and rimfire silencers is the sonic impulse generated by the projectile in supersonic ammunition. As a result, there will be an easily discernable “crack” generated by the bullet, no matter how effective the silencer. This is the reason the .300 Blackout has become a popular caliber for AR 15 platform rifles. Sub-sonic loadings in .300 Blackout are commercially available that will take down medium-sized game like hogs and deer with a much less audible report, making them popular for controlling hog and deer predation.

Top Suppressors For 2019

Bowers Bitty

Buying A Suppressor 9

One of the smallest rimfire silencers is the Bowers Bitty. At just 2.6 ounces with a diameter of 1 inch and a length of less than 3 inches, the Bitty is the smallest and lightest magnum-rated rimfire silencer. It may not be as quiet as larger silencers, but it’s still “hearing safe.” The Bitty uses three baffles in a titanium tube with aluminum caps on both ends for easy cleaning. It has a black Cerakote finish and is rapid fire capable. MSRP: $325

SilencerCo Hybrid

Buying A Suppressor 3

An interesting approach to silencers is SilencerCo’s Hybrid. Designed to handle a broad range of calibers from 9mm to .45/70 Govt., it has a titanium housing and heat-treated stainless-steel baffles. The finish is grey Cerakote and it weighs 13.8 ounces with the direct thread mount. It’s a bit less than 8 inches long and just over 1.5 inches in diameter. It provides hearing safe (below 140 Db) suppression in every caliber from 9mm to .458 SOCOM.

Modular in nature, it’s available with different direct and quick-release mounts, as well as piston housings and front caps for pistol use. Obviously, anything that’s made to work over a broad range of applications may not be the optimum choice for a specific application, but since there’s such a significant advantage to versatility in silencers, the Hybrid is a remarkable solution. MSRP: $799

Gemtech Aurora 2

Buying A Suppressor 8

While it’s easy to see hunting and recreational applications for silencers, silencers can have a viable advantage in personal defense. Anyone who’s ever fired a gun in an enclosed space — like a vehicle or building — knows that the sound is much worse than in an open environment. In fact, firing a centerfire handgun in an enclosed space precludes reasonable hearing for a substantial amount of time and is likely to do permanent damage.

The Gemtech Aurora 2 is designed for just such situations. It’s a wet system micro 9mm silencer that weighs just 3.2 ounces with a length of just 3.3 inches. Originally designed for downed military pilots, it uses eight replaceable “wipes” inside the tube located by aluminum spacers. No booster device is needed for semi-auto use because it’s so light. The “wipes” will only suppress sound efficiently for about 20 shots before they need to be replaced, but the advantage of being able to hear during a defensive situation is potentially lifesaving.

Because lead, frangible or jacketed bullets could possibly begin expansion when they contact the wipes, it’s designated for use with FMJ ammunition only and is also rated for rapid fire. MSRP: $399

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2019 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Making AR-15 Fundamentals Second Nature

By
Tiger McKee
-
0

Application of AR-15 fundamentals must occur subconsciously, freeing up the mind to make bigger decisions.

What Are The AR-15 Fundamentals You Need To Focus On:

  • Safety
  • Accuracy
  • Manipulation
  • Working The Charging Handle
  • Operating The Bolt Catch
  • Learning Your New Equipment

Safety

Ask someone what the “fundamentals” of firearms are and you’ll get a variety of answers, and usually multiple responses from one person. There’s obviously safety to consider. Your primary focus whenever handling firearms, regardless of the reason, is safety. This, as you know, is the foundation of all other fundamentals.

“Marksmanship excellence is achieved through thousands of rounds on the range, backed up with exponentially more dry practice.”
“Marksmanship excellence is achieved through thousands of rounds on the range, backed up with exponentially more dry practice.”

Accuracy

Then there’s the fundamentals of marksmanship, though this is a skill set no one ever masters. I can tell you that — backed by more than 25 years of teaching and decades of personal experience — the one problem we all have, at least occasionally, is shooting too fast.

“But,” you say, “In the match/field/fight I need to shoot fast.” The purpose of shooting is to hit the target; accuracy is first and foremost. The speed you shoot is dictated by distance and size of the target. Bad shots or misses most often indicate that you fired too fast. The fundamentals (aim, hold, press and follow-through) apply for each and every shot, thus ensuring hits.

Whenever possible, you should practice in adverse weather conditions. Manipulations are a fundamental skill, but things might change when you’re wearing gloves or layers of bulky gear.
Whenever possible, you should practice in adverse weather conditions. Manipulations are a fundamental skill, but things might change when you’re wearing gloves or layers of bulky gear.

Marksmanship excellence is achieved through thousands of rounds on the range, backed up with exponentially more dry practice. You fire one accurate shot, taking all the time needed to ensure each shot is done “right.” After one hit, you stop, reset everything physically and mentally, and start over. One shot at a time — a slow, methodical process.

Get On Target With More AR-15 Knowledge

Once you can hit any target — within reason, of course — you begin to think about making two hits. Regardless of the number of shots, it’s about repeatedly applying the four fundamentals. The fundamentals, after all, ensure good hits, almost effortlessly, during the match/hunt/fight.

Manipulation

The ability to properly manipulate the AR is another fundamental skill — and it takes more resolution than any skill. The only way to learn this is through repetition, but it’s necessary because the AR is more complicated than some firearms, especially pistols. ARs have many advantages over a handgun: accuracy, magazine capacity, extended range and terminal ballistics — and limited penetration. To become proficient in manipulating the AR (which means safely and efficiently) requires resolution, because the definition of “repetition” is boring.

Accuracy depends on stability. You create stability by bracing against solid objects and by lowering your center of gravity. Learning the fundamentals on traditional firing positions will help you create a more stable modified position.
Accuracy depends on stability. You create stability by bracing against solid objects and by lowering your center of gravity. Learning the fundamentals on traditional firing positions will help you create a more stable modified position.

Learning how to load, unload or confirm the status of the AR — what I call administrative manipulations — and clear stoppages or malfunctions — functional manipulations — starts with learning how to properly cycle the charging handle.

Working The Charging Handle

Working the charging handle is a fundamental all by itself. It’s a three-step sequence, and it starts by positioning the thumb on the back of the handle in the center. Properly positioning the thumb here provides a good purchase, and it helps ensure you don’t twist or torque the handle as it’s racked rearward. Next, use your first finger to unlatch the handle. Failure to do so will either cause your hand to jerk off the handle without cycling it, or I’ve seen really strong guys rip the latch off the handle.

Some applications require a lot of kit, which increases the work on fundamentals. You spend an enormous amount of time to become fluid and efficient with your gear. At the same time, don’t carry gear you really don’t need. As always, think about your application.
Some applications require a lot of kit, which increases the work on fundamentals. You spend an enormous amount of time to become fluid and efficient with your gear. At the same time, don’t carry gear you really don’t need. As always, think about your application.

Pull the handle straight back, with your thumb following the centerline of the stock rearward. The physical action to cycle should occur in your elbow — not the shoulder — making sure you don’t twist the handle. “Twisting” creates friction, wear or bending the handle out of shape, locking up your AR’s action. Finally, once the handle reaches full extension to the rear, you release it, making sure your hand doesn’t impede the bolt’s forward motion.

Operating The Bolt Catch

Reloading is another functional manipulation. During reloads, when the bolt is locked to the rear, use the bolt catch as a release to chamber a round instead of manually cycling the charging handle. This is how the AR is designed to function.

Using the bolt catch to chamber a round is much more ergonomic than cycling the handle, and the more you mess with that handle the more likely is it that you’re going to mess it up, like letting your hand ride the handle forward, retarding the action and creating a stoppage. The fundamentals of manipulating the AR are about details, and the small ones make a big difference.

Learning Your New Equipment

Maybe your AR goal for 2019 is a new piece of equipment. You’ve had your eye on a new optic, a different caliber, or a brand new rifle, carbine or pistol. Now it’s time to buy, and again, the fundamentals are important.

The first thing you need to do with a new piece of gear is read the instruction manual. Learning how it operates saves time, money and mental frustration. Keep in mind that a piece of equipment cannot overcome bad fundamentals.
The first thing you need to do with a new piece of gear is read the instruction manual. Learning how it operates saves time, money and mental frustration. Keep in mind that a piece of equipment cannot overcome bad fundamentals.

The first thing to do with new gear is read the instructions. I know — I can hear you groaning — but this is fundamentally important. Familiarization is fundamental; not knowing how something works severely limits your ability to use it well. I’ve seen people send a lot of expensive match-grade ammo downrange before discovering something was off. If for no other reason, read the manual to get the most out of your new purchase. And remember: If your marksmanship fundamentals aren’t up to speed, you won’t be pleased with your skills or your new investment.

Parting Shot

Working with the AR — for plinking, protection, shooting for competition or putting game on the table — is always about the fundamentals. In a defensive encounter, fundamentals are literally life and death. The fundamentals like safety, manipulations, accuracy — which includes different firing positions, shooting from cover and engaging a moving target — and the ability to use your gear efficiently must be over-learned.

Application of these skills must occur at a subconscious level. This frees up the conscious mind, which can only think about one thing at a time, to focus on the bigger decisions. Ultimately, what you’re striving for is efficiency; this will make you quick and provide the results you need.

Make a resolution now to get these fundamentals squared away. It’ll be too late to learn when you really need them.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2019 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Video: What Are Your Suppressor Options?

By
Gun Digest Editors
-
0

Find out what makes and models of suppressors are out there and what will best serve your needs.

The advantage of a suppressor, at least its main one, is fairly self-evident. Damping the report of a rifle or a pistol makes shooting – particularly in the confines of an indoor range – much more pleasant. However, the muzzle device’s magic doesn’t end at simply trimming decibels. A quality can enhances the accuracy of your firearm, especially shot to shot, by reducing its recoil.

So, more enjoyable and more on target – plenty of reasons to get sold on suppressors.
If you are, the next obvious question is, “Which is right for me?” While not as difficult as solving a differential equation, picking a can that will do you the most good is somewhat complex. If for any reason the number of makes and models available. Combine that with what your overall objectives are, how much you want to spend and the types of guns you want to suppress, well your decision-making process quickly become intricate.

We’re Making Noise About Suppressors:

  • The Suppressor: How Is It Made, It Works And How To Buy One
  • Best AR-15 Suppressor Options For A Quiet Advantage
  • Handgun Gear: Best 9mm Suppressor Choices
  • Best .22 Suppressor Choices To Mute Your Plinker
  • Choosing A Flash Suppressor, Muzzle Brake And Compensator

      • Mike Tupy of The Modern Sportsman goes over some to the top suppressors available today in the above video. Along with this, he touches on some of the finer points you’ll need to consider, such as how the device is made and functions with particular firearms. Certainly, there’s more to picking the right suppressor, but you Tupy gives you an idea about what you’re looking for before you go out shopping.

8 Best Handguns New For 2019

By
Patrick Sweeney
-
1

Champing at the bit for a top new heater? These are the 8 new handguns you should be craving to add to your gun safe.

What Are The Best Handguns For 2019:

I won’t lie to you: Sometimes, being a gun writer is work — real work. Even torture. I mean, someone has to look at what’s coming that’s new, and they have to decide what’s tops on the list of must-haves. Hey, I’m willing to make that sacrifice so you won’t have to. You’re welcome.

Here, in no particular order, are the best pistols you should hunt down, check out and consider adding to your inventory for 2019.

Smith & Wesson 642

S&W M642 Best Handgun

Despite having been around for more than a century-and-a-half, S&W does not fail to deliver. The latest for EDC is their 642. You know, the compact .38 Special five-shot revolver with an enclosed hammer. That means you don’t have to worry about lint, dust or whatever miscellaneous debris about your person that can fall into the hammer slot. There isn’t one.

The short barrel, which is a fraction under 2 inches in length, is plenty long enough to be accurate and deliver the velocity you want from .38 Special ammo. Although, I have to warn you, while the 642 is rated for +P ammo, shooting .38 Special +P loads through a revolver that weighs an ounce less than a pound is not going to be easy.

With all of this comfortable-to-pack defensive sidearm goodness on your belt, S&W had taken another step to improve it: They have installed a CTC laser, the integral-to-the-grip version, and the grips are done in robin’s egg blue. So, this gun is lightweight, utterly reliable, stylish, easy to carry and chambered in .38 Special. What’s not to like?

Nighthawk Firehawk

Nighthawk Firehawk Best Handgun

My checkbook should be afraid: Nighthawk decided to go and make a compensated pistol, and in their usual obsessive method they spent an inordinate amount of time and computer cycles in designing, testing and tuning a comp. Instead of simply putting a comp on the end of an extended barrel, they shortened the slide, blended the comp to match and made the entire pistol no larger than a standard government model. The magazine well receives a funnel, the grips are aggressively textured G10 and the result is an accurate, soft-shooting-but-hard-hitting pistol.

Being a Nighthawk build, the details are all exacting. The slide and comp have a French border, the frontstrap is lifted and checkered, the fit of slide to frame to barrel is done by master pistolsmiths, and the end result is not just beauty — but performance.

The rear of the slide is serrated, the front sight has a gold bead and you can have your Firehawk in 9mm or .45 ACP. There’s no 10mm upgrade right now, but as with all things, that might change … not that you should refrain from acquiring a Firehawk while waiting on the future chance of a 10mm pistol.

Expensive? Perhaps, depending on how you measure such things. But when you consider that it’s going to last long enough to leave to your grandkids in your will, that’s not so expensive.

Ruger Koenig Custom Shop 1911

Ruger SR1911 Best Handgun

Ruger, having made the transition from “ugly blocky 9mm pistols” to the 21st century of AR-15s and 1911s, has taken it a step further. Teaming up with Doug Koenig, they now offer Custom Shop 1911s. The start is a 9mm full-sized 1911, the easiest centerfire pistol in the world with which to learn to shoot — and one of the most fun. Combine a clean trigger with sharp accuracy and lower-than-modest-recoil, and then top it off with cheap 9mm ammo costs, and you have a fun gun par excellence.

The details, such as the Hogue G10 grips, the checkered frontstrap and fiber-optic front sight, just make the Koenig Custom Shop Ruger 1911 one of the top pistols to be tempted by in 2019. And if a 9mm isn’t on your must-have list, then it can’t be too long before Ruger offers it in .45 ACP. I’ll go ahead and say it, if no-one else will: Everything should be available in .45 ACP. And if you want it for daily carry, or to use in competitions, it won’t let you down there, either.

On Target Handgun Articles:

Sig Sauer P229 Legion SAO

Sig P229 Legion SAO Best Handgun

OK: If you could improve the Sig 229, what would you do? When Sig asked themselves that question, the obvious answer came up: Add it to the Legion lineup. So, they did. They took the rock-solid P229 and added the Legion gray PVD coating, and they fitted it with G10 grips featuring the Legion logo. They put on tritium night sights, and not just any, but their Electro-Optics XRay3 hi-viz sights, and they packed it with three magazines. It got the X-Five frontstrap undercut, frontstrap checkering and the slide received front cocking serrations. Then Sig installed a solid steel recoil spring guide rod, for extra mass low and forward to reduce felt recoil. For EDC, they installed a low-profile slide stop and thumb safety.

Having done all that, what else could they do for 2019 to further improve the P229? Simple: They made it a single-action-only pistol. The trigger mechanism is now not a double-action to single-action design, but single-action only — for a cleaner, crisper trigger pull. Sure, you give up the DA second-strike capability, but we all know that if a primer fails to go off you don’t give it a second chance — you ditch it and get to the next one. For an EDC 9mm with high capacity (15 rounds in the standard mags), the Sig P229 Legion SAO is a steal.

Kimber EVO SP

Kimber EVO SP_CDP Best Handgun

If a full-sized pistol is not what you’re looking for, then the ultra-compact Kimber EVO might be just the thing. New for 2019, the EVO is now a striker-fired pistol, the EVO SP, so the rear of the slide is enclosed. This helps keep lint, dust and the basic everyday carry crud that accumulates on our gear, out of your pistol.

Kimber made the magazine release one that can be swapped for right- or left-handed shooters. They also performed some trickery on the grips: I had to actually read about the EVO SP (oh, the horror) to realize one detail that was different about the pistol — there are no screws or other external hardware holding the grips on. The rear sight has a ledge machined in it, so if you need (and it would be a pretty drastic need) to work the action one-handed, you can. With three finish ensembles and the Kimber Custom Shop to call on, you can pretty much have your EVO SP any way you want it, provided you want it in 9mm Parabellum.

Canik TP9 Elite Combat

Canik TP9ec Best Handgun

The Turks make solid guns. The Canik is the exemplar of the modern service pistol: a striker-fired, polymer-framed hi-capacity 9mm that you can have in black or FDE. However, for the latest model, Century Arms — the importer of Canik — went to Salient Arms for upgrades.

On the barrel, they extended it and threaded it for mounting a suppressor. The slide gets a fiber-optic front sight in your choice of two colors. The slide also gets machined for a red-dot sight, and the TP9 Elite Combat comes with that machined area sporting a filler plate, just in case you don’t want a red-dot sight. Yet. The frame, with its replaceable backstrap to accommodate your hands, gets a magwell funnel for speed reloads, and the trigger is replaced with a flat-faced one while the striker system has been tuned for a cleaner trigger press. All of this for a pistol whose price won’t break the bank, and in 9mm, which also means feeding it won’t break the bank.

Wilson Combat Supergrade Commander Special

Wilson Combat Supergrade Commander Best Handgun

The Wilson Combat Supergrade line continues to expand. The latest is the Supergrade Commander Special. The crew starts with Wilson’s own forged frame and slide, machined in-house and fitted by pistolsmiths with years of experience. (It takes 5 years just to learn how to do all the tasks they do to a 1911.) Then, it gets a Wilson match commander-length barrel and extra touches for those of you planning on everyday carry … such as a low-profile USGI-derived thumb safety and an abbreviated grip safety that still protects your hand from the rowel hammer but minimizes printing when carried.

They then combine old with new, including USGI cocking serrations with ball-end cuts on the slide. The white/gold bead front sight is on a blued slide. You can have your hand-polished Supergrade Commander Special in all-blue, or blue slide over stainless frame. Carry in style, carry in comfort, carry something comforting, carry the Supergrade Commander Special.

Big Horn Armory AR500

Big Horn Armory AR500 Best Handgun

If there’s one advertising/marketing tag line I hate, it’s “taken to the next level.” But there are times when it is actually true. Big Horn Armory has done just that, by taking their .500 Auto Max rifle and crafting an AR pistol out of it. Big Horn takes a new AR-10-based receiver set, with the magazine well broached for an AR-15 sized magazine, and puts an Alien Gear Tailhook arm brace on the back end and a 10-inch barrel on the other end.

The .500 Auto Max is a .500 S&W case with the rim turned off, and you can have ammo loaded with bullets from 350 to 440 grains. Or, you can load your own, as it uses standard .500 S&W Magnum loading data. The result is a compact, relatively lightweight (you don’t want a brute like this to be too light, now do you?) pistol that would be perfect as a close-range hog hammer, a camp bear gun or just the range gun to impress your friends. Ammo is available from several sources, and new brass can be had from Starline. As a final note, should you desire, the barrel is threaded, and putting a suppressor on it is thus possible.

There you have it: a few reasons the job of being a gun writer can be so much work. This is my list, and it should be your list, too. No, don’t thank me: I’m happy to be of service.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2019 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Concealed Carry: How Much Gun And Gear Do You Need?

By
Patrick Sweeney
-
2

The trend in concealed carry is to go light on gun and gear. But when you consider life-or-death circumstances that might not be the best choice.

Considerations In Carrying More Gun And Gear:

  • A larger caliber (9mm minimum) is mandatory.
  • Veer away from off-body, pocket and ankle carry and get a hip holster.
  • Plan on having 16 to 30 rounds (including what’s loaded in your pistol) at the ready.
  • A knife is a wise addition to your EDC kit.
  • Carry your cell phone and the business card of your attorney.
  • It’s advisable to have a tourniquet or pressure bandage at the ready.

We’ve all done it: We’ve slipped down to the store, packing just a J-frame, and sometimes we don’t even have a reload onboard. Tsk-tsk. Or, the emergency tool option is a light, compact .380 pistol, because “you’ve got to have a gun” but don’t want the hassle of a “real” gun.

Revolvers are viable carry options, but not when they are five-shots-only and you don’t have a reload.
Revolvers are viable carry options, but not when they are five-shots-only and you don’t have a reload.

One of my friends in the gun writing biz, James Tarr, can always be found packing a hi-cap 9mm and a spare magazine or two. A long-time friend of mine, a retired chief of police, packs not only a full-sized all-steel 1911 — with spare magazines — but he carries a backup gun, a reload for that one as well, and a tourniquet.

Every time I think, “Maybe I’ll go light today,” I think about them, and I wonder what comments they would make were they to catch me with just a snubby in my holster? The teasing and jokes would not be pretty, and the ordeal would last a long time.

Playing The Odds

The usual response to suggesting that you actually carry a big gun and a reload is to bring up that dreaded subject of school — statistics.

“The average gunfight lasts X seconds, with Y shots being fired, at Z distances.” Usually 2-3 shots are fired, inside of 7 (or 5) yards, and lasting a handful of seconds. You’ve heard all the averages.

A nice touch for a backup is identical capacity. Instead of a five-shot backup, using a Colt Agent gives you six in the spare. Counting can be difficult under stress, so it’s best to keep it simple.
A nice touch for a backup is identical capacity. Instead of a five-shot backup, using a Colt Agent gives you six in the spare. Counting can be difficult under stress, so it’s best to keep it simple.

It has been a while since I delved deeply into the law enforcement statistics of shootings, but I do remember one detail when I was regularly reading the NYPD SOP-9 reports (back when you could actually obtain copies). The “average” was obtained by toting up every single incident where an officer was involved, and when firearms were discharged. So, the AD/ND, at home or at the precinct house, the animal dispatch incident, the suicide — those all got lumped in with the “real” gun battles. And, the usual result of a shootout in the city was that it ended with an empty revolver, which meant five or six shots fired by the officer, maybe one or two, or all five or six for the perp as well. It takes a lot of “empty revolver” shootouts to out-weigh the accidental discharges and the rest.

Those all pull down the average. And that was back when revolvers were the norm, before hi-cap 9mm pistols were ubiquitous.

Get More Self-Defense Information:

But here’s the kicker, the stat most people don’t think about: If you’re going to go by statistics, then you won’t be packing a firearm at all. The statistical likelihood that you will need a firearm is so low that, were you looking at the odds, you wouldn’t be packing. No, really. The number of firearms-needed incidents in the United States is a tiny fraction of the daily events of the population as a whole. If you are playing the odds, you won‘t pack a gun, and you don’t buy lottery tickets.

You are, however, packing a gun. You have made the decision to carry a firearm, to be part of the EDC crew, if you will, so you must look at it differently.

Assessing Requirements

There are two ways to assess the requirements and preparations needed for an emergency (if ever there was something that qualifies as an emergency, it’s when you need a firearm).

Yes, we’ve all done it: Leaving the house with a snubby, or a pocket pistol, and some of us have compounded that by not having a reload with us.
Yes, we’ve all done it: Leaving the house with a snubby, or a pocket pistol, and some of us have compounded that by not having a reload with us.

They are: the likelihood of occurrence, and the cost of unpreparedness.

The likelihood of occurrence is what insurance companies do. They crunch the numbers and they figure how many times a certain insurable event will happen within their underwriting area. They then add to the replacement cost of the event, item — whatever — a nice profit margin, and hand you the policy. Sign it or not, those things will happen. They might happen to you, they might happen to someone else, and they might not happen at all during the time you are in the insurance companies’ Area of Operation. If it happens to you, and you’ve paid for the policy, you win the bet. They lose. If you have paid, and nothing happens, they win. If you don’t pay, they lose, and if whatever happens does happen to you, you lose, too.

The odds of your needing a firearm are so slight that the “policy” of carrying one is an instance of paying a premium and never collecting on the insurance policy. I will, however, point out that not needing to use your EDC handgun is, unlike the insurance policy example, a win.

The cost of unpreparedness perspective is best illustrated, of all the examples to be found, with Strategic Air Command. Nuclear war? Especially today, highly unlikely. However, if you need the nukes, and you don’t have an up-and-running program to use them effectively and quickly, then you lose. You lose big. We all lose big. So, despite the very small probability of needing them, we have them, and a way to use them, because not having them means incurring a huge cost if you need them.

If you want to carry a gun with longer barrel, then carry a gun with a longer barrel. The author carries this gun regularly; the trick is finding a comfortable holster, which is easily done.
If you want to carry a gun with longer barrel, then carry a gun with a longer barrel. The author carries this gun regularly; the trick is finding a comfortable holster, which is easily done.

You deciding to EDC is, not to make too much of it, more of a SAC decision than a local insurance agent decision. If you need it and you don’t have it, then you lose. So, since you have decided to carry, you should do it properly.

Going All In

First, a real pistol is mandatory, in a big caliber (9mm Parabellum, minimum) and carried in an actual holster. No “pocket carry” and no gimmicks. This can be leather or kydex (or whatever the latest miracle of modern chemistry material might be), but it has to be a holster — one that covers the trigger guard. A security device or not is your personal preference.

As much as I don’t like giving Glock any credit, the baseline against which you will measure everything else is a G19. This gives you fifteen rounds of 9mm in the gun. If you happen to prefer a single-stack, like a 1911, then you go with a commander, lightweight or not. There, you get eight or 10 shots in the gun.

Where on your person do you carry it? That is between you and your back. Between you and your tailor. Between you and the temperature and humidity outside. Personal preference and all-day comfort rule here. And I mean it: on your person. Packing an EDC firearm in a case, purse, external garment or the like is not prudent. And it’s only called for it you are going to be carrying some place where you simply can’t have it on your person. Need I point out you shouldn’t spend any more time there than absolutely necessary?

Modern defensive ammo is so good that you can obsess over the last percentage of performance — don’t. Test known-good ammo, and then use what’s most accurate in your EDC handgun. If your gun has definite preferences, do what the gun tells you. Lucky for me, this P35 shoots all four of these loads brilliantly.
Modern defensive ammo is so good that you can obsess over the last percentage of performance — don’t. Test known-good ammo, and then use what’s most accurate in your EDC handgun. If your gun has definite preferences, do what the gun tells you. Lucky for me, this P35 shoots all four of these loads brilliantly.

On some other place on your person, you carry spare ammo.

How much? If you’re packing a hi-capacity pistol, then a single spare should serve you just fine. You carry a spare magazine as much for the possibility that the one in the pistol stops working, as for needing extra ammo. Early Glock magazines had a penchant for launching baseplates, followed by spring, follower and ammo, when they got hooked on something. That’s not so much a problem now, but if it happens, having a spare would be good. If you are carrying a single-stack pistol, then two spares are called for. That gives you 16 to 20 more rounds, and two chances of replacing a bad magazine.

Oh, and revolver shooters? You should expect to have a pair of speedloaders on your belt. That gives you 12 more rounds (I really, really want to discourage you from packing a five-shot J-frame as your “main” gun), and Galco makes a super-click speedloader holder for that. It positions the speedloader over your belt, so three rounds are outside of it and three others are inside of it. It takes up less room than the spare magazine your pistol-packing brethren are using.

This is really not too much. You may (read: probably will) have to change your idea of what is “properly dressed” to accommodate the gear, but that isn’t too difficult. Not dressing like a slob will get the job done. However, the preparation for the job isn’t done.

Concealing More Than A Gun

You would be well-advised to be carrying a knife. Now, this will depend on local laws, but a locking folder — or better yet, a spring-assist folder — would be a good thing to have. My friend the police chief carries two, one on each side, and for a simple reason: If someone decides to “catch up on old times” vis-à-vis their arrest a decade ago, my friend can use either hand to access either knife and get himself separated from the bad guy.

You will, of course, have your cell phone to call for help, and the business card of your attorney — you know, not the one who handles the family deeds and wills, but the Criminal Defense attorney, the one who handles use-of-force problems.

If there’s a shooting, there’s a good chance of someone needing attention. That someone might be you. Yes, I know people who pack a tourniquet as part of their EDC ensemble.
If there’s a shooting, there’s a good chance of someone needing attention. That someone might be you. Yes, I know people who pack a tourniquet as part of their EDC ensemble.

And there’s one more item: a tourniquet or pressure bandage. Wait, what? Again, if you’re in for a penny, you’re in for a pound. If you expect that you will be using the handgun that you are packing, there will be leakage — and it might be you.

Parting Thoughts

There was an incident a couple years back where a police officer who was carrying off-duty had an AD. The shot severed her femoral artery in two places. A fellow officer in the room used the tourniquet he was wearing to stop blood loss, and they took her to the hospital. Had the tourniquet been in the next room, she probably would not have made it. When there is shooting, even if you are the winner, you might have gotten shot. Having something to use to stanch the blood loss is prudent.

You may have heard the motto: Two is one, one is none. The idea is that if you have but one of an object, and it breaks or fails, you have nothing. Now, you can take this a bit too far. An acquaintance of mine never leaves the house without his minimum load out: two full-sized 1911s in .45 ACP. Plus two spare magazines for those pistols. And two J-frame revolvers, with a reload. And two locking tactical folders. Plus two flashlights. This, in addition to wallet, keys, phone, and whatever else.

For those who must use .357 Magnum ammo, an all-steel snubby is just the ticket. Colt has re-introduced the Agent, and a six-shot stainless steel revolver will see you through a lot of EDC.
For those who must use .357 Magnum ammo, an all-steel snubby is just the ticket. Colt has re-introduced the Agent, and a six-shot stainless steel revolver will see you through a lot of EDC.

I sometimes josh him about avoiding soft soil, lest he sink out of sight. He works in a very dangerous city, carries a badge, and he takes being safe seriously.

He’s in for a penny, all right. Are you?

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the Concealed Carry 2019 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Video: Challenging Your Handgun Skills With The Shadowland Drill

By
Gun Digest Editors
-
0

Richard Mann’s Shadowland Drill sharpens important handgun skills in a single course of fire.

If you played football at some time in your life, you most likely remember the Oklahoma Drill. Ball runner and tackler lie on their backs, 15-yards apart or so. On the whistle, they pop up and go at each other in a semi-open field situation. It’s a classic. Yet, does it really mimic what happens in a game?

Not really. But that doesn’t mean the time-tested – and absolutely fun – bit of gridiron training wasn’t without merit. It built situational awareness, the ability to make split decisions and forged physical and mental toughness. The same might be said of Richard Mann’s “Shadowland Drill”.

Tune Into More Gun Digest TV:

Certainly, the former law-enforcement officer and self-defense instructor’s personal-defense drill far from mimics most lethal force events. Yet, for one drill there a number of important skills you can sharpen by running the Shadowland Drill. Among these include accuracy, target transition and tactical reloading. Additionally, given the time element, the drill also puts the pressure on your performance. Needless to say, that’s generally not the case if you’re simply popping off from the firing line at your local range.

Yes, the Shadowland Drill is to self-defense what the Oklahoma Drill is to football. But in the end, both improve necessary skills for each discipline.

For more information on Walther, please visit www.waltherarms.com.

For more information Panteao Productions, please visit www.panteao.com.

Springfield Armory Takes XD-M OSP 10mm

By
Elwood Shelton
-
0

XD-M 10mm 4

Moving its XD-M OSP to 10mm, Springfield Armory gives shooters an affordable, optics-ready option in the powerful caliber.

What the XD-M 10mm offers:

  • Comes with three base plates making it compatible with seven reflex sights.
  • Suppressor-ready threaded barrel.
  • Suppressor-height iron sights, that should work as a backup aiming system if an optic breaks down.

Given the waves it made Springfield Armory made with its plain-Jane 10mm, it’s surprising this is just coming out. That and the XD-M OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) has a couple of years vintage now. Yet, it might have been worth the wait for those dying for an affordable “Perfect 10” with an integral optics mounting system.

In all, the XD-M OSP 10mm comes with three base plates, making it compatible with Vortex Venom, Burris FastFire 2, Burris FastFire 3, Leupold DeltaPoint, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, JPoint Sights, and Trijicon RMR sights. Furthermore, it boasts a threaded barrel and co-witness suppressor-height iron sights, so you can see over your can. They should also work in a pinch, if your reflex sight’s battery dies.

Get An Edge On The 10MM:

However, the eye-catcher for those who have a yen for an optics-ready 10mm, is the price. With an MSRP of $695 the XD-M 10mm comes in at the low end of the price range compared to similarly decked out pistols. Not bad, since this make-caliber combination has proven itself fairly popular already.

More from Springfield Armory:

GENESEO, ILL. –Springfield Armory is proud to announce the XD-M Optical Sight Pistol (OSP) in 10mm.

Power is a matter of perspective and the all new XD-M OSP in 10mm delivers both in our most potent and versatile platform. Optics ready out of the box, the XD-M OSP in 10mm ships with three adapter plates to accept today’s most popular red dot optics.

This optics-ready pistol features a threaded barrel and factory milled slide, allowing the operator to choose the optic and suppressor or muzzle device that fits their needs.

XD-M 10mm 1

The 5.3” hammer-forged, Melonite® treated, threaded barrel comes with a thread protector, and the suppressor-height sights co-witness with your choice of optic, allowing the iron sights to be used through the optic if necessary. The short-reset trigger has a minimal trigger break for quickly putting accurate rounds on-target.

For those who love the power of the 10mm round, the XD-M is an ideal platform to manage recoil and provide a soft-shooting experience. The full-size grip frame with Mega-Lock grip texturing provides a secure fit in your hand, and the three interchangeable backstraps allow the shooter to customize the grip to their preferred fit and feel.

The versatile XD-M 10mm has been meticulously engineered to be as robust and reliable a defensive handgun as possible, proven through a grueling 10k round torture test without a single failure.

Three mounting plates are included to fit the Vortex® Venom, Burris FastFire™ 2, Burris FastFire™ 3, Leupold DeltaPoint®, Leupold DeltaPoint® Pro, JPoint® Sights, and Trijicon® RMR®.

XD-M OSP 10mm Specs
Magazines (2): 15-Round Magazines
Barrel: 5.3″ Threaded (.5×28); Hammer Forged, Melonite
Sights: Co-Witnessed Suppressor Height
Frame: Black Polymer
Slide: Forged Steel, Melonite
Recoil System: One Piece Full Length Guide Rod
Length: 8.74 inches
Height: 5.5 inches (without sights)
Width: 1.25 inches
Weight: 28.5 ounces
MSRP: $695

For more information on the XD-M OSP, please visit www.springfield-armory.com.

7 Reasons Why Glock Continues To Rock

By
Elwood Shelton
-
0

Whether law enforcement, military or personal defense, Glock pistols are everywhere in the modern gun world. But why exactly do the pistols continue to dominate the market?

What Are The Assets That Drive Glock Pistols’ Popularity:

  • Simple, intuitive controls that streamlined the manipulation of the pistols.
  • A polymer frame, the pistols are consistently lightweight compared to its competitors.
  • Efficiently manufactured, the company has always offered an economically priced product.
  • With few parts, the pistols are easy to maintain and troubleshoot.
  • Rugged as they come, most last a lifetime, perhaps beyond.
  • Ample aftermarket upgrades, you can tailor the pistols to your exact needs and tastes.
  • More than proven in professional use by the world’s militaries and law-enforcement agencies.

Unless you’ve only recently given up a near half-century of monastic life, you’ve heard of Glock. It’s impossible not to have, even if you aren’t a gun guy or gal. The polymer, striker-fired pistols are abundant as the air we breathe and cut a swath wide as the Amazon River at flood stage. The pistol is here, there, everywhere. But why?

A G17 first generation. Incidentally, the two clips on the web belt…those are made by Glock, too.

Absolute classic pistol designs abound in the modern world. And at reasonable prices, if you’re willing to do a bit of hunting. It’s as feasible to get your hands on a quality 1911 or a Sig Sauer P226, even a vintage Browning Hi-Power that ticks like a clock as it is one of the many models of Austrian perfection.

Learn More: Glock Reviews You Need To Read

Yet, Glock dominants like no other, filling the holsters of military, law enforcement and armed citizens worldwide. Love ‘em or hate ‘em it’s quite a feat. Yet there are some pretty basic qualities Gaston Glock engineered into his pistols that make them as popular as free $100 bills.

Let’s take a look at what makes the Glock – no matter the model – among the most used pistols of the here and now.

Intuitive Controls

Glocks are as plain as a drive through Kansas. This is a good thing. When you’re talking about a firearm intended for defensive use you want a streamlined system.

Glock’s new G42 in .380 ACP is a winner for concealed carry.

In fact, there are only three external controls you have to master – magazine release, slide stop and slide lock. The external safety is a second thought, given it’s incorporated into the trigger and deactivated when you place your finger on the bang switch.

The factory trigger also plays a role in making the pistols user-friendly. While commonplace now, a 5-pound pull weight was a marked break from the 10- to 12-pound pulls the double-action revolver, which dominated the early 1980s. Suddenly, folks that were fair to middling shooters started knocking the bullseye out on a consistent basis.

Lightweight

Glock pistols are also light. Certainly, a boon for professionals who could trim their overall daily burden substantially carrying the polymer pistol.

Nightstand-Guns-1

For instance, the 6-round .357 Magnum Smith & Wesson Model 13 was utilized by the FBI weighed in at around 31 ounces unloaded. Compare that to the 17-round 9mm G17, which comes in at right around 22 ounces unloaded. That’s substantially less heft, with a load more firepower. An aspect not lost on armed citizens when concealed carry picked up steam.

Economically Priced

Gaston Glock wasn’t originally a firearms manufacturer. He actually made knives and entrenching tools. Though this lack of experience might have helped ensure the company kept its overhead low.

S9137-10mm-Auto-

Given Glock had the design of the G17 before he has the facilities to build it, the company tailored its manufacturing to the gun. In turn, they put together what became highly efficient and profitable process.

Given almost all gunmaker’s pistols are identical in function and design, the company continues to offer guns that are competitive with or well below its competition. Unless you’re paycheck only allows you to shop the budget pistol bin, most likely you can afford a Glock … maybe more than one.

Simple As Checkers

The pistols are frighteningly simple. Robb Manning lists out 35 in his book the Glock Reference Guide. Ballpark, the pistols have nearly half the parts of many other designs.

A field-stripped third generation G17. The Flat Dark Earth frame is a special run that is made periodically.

To a certain extent, this makes the design more robust. Fewer parts mean fewer parts to break. Furthermore, it doesn’t take a mechanical genius in the line of John Browning to understand a Glock. More than likely, most shooters can troubleshoot general issues with the pistols given their simplicity.

Rugged

As mentioned previously, the pistols are simple, thus resilient systems. Beyond that, they have become known for their durability. It might sound counterintuitive, given the company proudly boasts their guns are made up of less than 86% steel. The company is notoriously secretive about the polymer formula used to create the frame, but the results speak for themselves.

G43X G48

Besides meeting the standards of numerous militaries around the world, there are some who have pushed their Glock to absurd lengths. One gun writer claims to have run more than 365,000 rounds through his Gen 2 G17 and it’s still kicking. Still, less hyperbolic assertions of 50,000-plus rounds – fairly commonplace – are impressive.

Tons Of Aftermarket Upgrades

Out of the box, a Glock is pretty darn good. But you can make it a whole bunch better if you so desire. The aftermarket is swimming in upgrades.

Custom-Glock-2

Factory slide stop too small? Throw on an extender. Want a more responsive trigger? Install a 3.5-pound trigger connector. Need to make your pistol low-light operational? Get a set of tritium night sights.

The sky – and your wallet – are pretty much the limit when it comes to making your slice of Austrian perfection a bit more perfect.

Proven In Professional Use

Not really a design point, but worth noting.

Recoil from the Glock 40 MOS is no walk in the park but is easily controllable thanks to the ergonomics of the Gen 4 Glock’s slimmer pistol grip and long, 6-inch slide.

Since the G17 was adopted by the Austrian Military in 1982, only strains of the flu have spread across the globe faster. More than 50 countries’ armed forces, security agencies and police forces have adopted some model of Glock as their sidearm. And, it remains among the most used gun in American law enforcement today.

Certainly, there is an economic factor, in the company produces affordable pistols. But there’s more to it than simple dollars and cents. Glocks perform and, for the most part, good shooters perform well behind the business end of one.

Glock Articles You Need To Read

Now that we’ve gone over why Glock pistols, in general, are so popular, it’s time to look at individual models. Here are some looks at and reviews of the ubiquitous and hard-charging pistols. Consider it your one-stop clearinghouse for everything Glock.

Glock 19

Nearly the perfect compromise between full-sized and sub-compact, the G19 continues to be a top choice in double-stack 9mm pistols.

Glock 43

When it comes to lightweight carry pistols, the G43 is nearly the best there is — find out why.

Glock 17

An absolute icon, the G17 made the modern handgun world what it is today. Learn how it changed the face of handguns.

Glock 26

Searching for the ideal double-stack carry pistol? Look no further than the time-tested Glock 26.

Glock 42

Kicking off the single-stack striker-fired craze, the .380 ACP G42 is a true game-changer.

Glock 34

Born to run, the G34 long-slide took competitive striker-fired pistols to an entirely new level.

Glock 22

Using the G17 as a model, the gunmaker tried to catch lightning in a bottle again with the G22 — this time in 40 S&W.

Glock 40

Now available with a system to add a reflex sight, this 10mm has only gotten more on target with time.

Glock 20

The G20 has proved itself a capable self-defense gun. But know what? The 10mm is more than enough on the hunt as well.

Glock 30

There might not be a more comfortable way to carry 11 rounds of .45 ACP than the double-stack G30.

Glock 41

Shooting like the proverbial house on fire, the full-sized G41 milks everything out of the .45 ACP and more.

Glock 43X

Built with the gunmaker’s simple dependability, the Glock 43X offers shooters a slim and effective concealed carry choices in 9mm.

Glock 48

Thin and well proportions, this Slimline option is a true performer.

Stoeger STR-9: Performance On The Cheap

By
Elwood Shelton
-
0

The Stoeger STR-9 keeps pace with the best of the striker-fired market for a price that you can’t beat.

How The Stoeger STR-9 Stacks Up Against Other Striker-Fired Pistols:

  • Smiliar in size, weight and internal function to the Glock 17.
  • Agressive cocking serrations makes the slide simple to manipulate.
  • Decent, yet slightly heavy 7-pound trigger.
  • Replacable backstraps have large and ample checkering, which keeps the gun in the palm.
  • Boasts 15+1 capacity and the base package come with one magazine.
  • Proved extremely accurate and fired a variety of different ammo without a single malfunction.
  • Starting at $329, it is among the most economical full-sized striker-fired pistols available.

The fact a new striker-fired, polymer-framed pistol hit the market isn’t a surprise. Who’s churning out the latest addition to the ever-growing corner of the handgun world is.

Stoeger STPerforming up to par with the best striker-fired pistols, but at a fraction of their cost, the Stoeger STR-9 is ready to make noise.R-9 1
Performing up to par with the best striker-fired pistols, but at a fraction of their cost, the Stoeger STR-9 is ready to make noise.

Stoeger. Yes, the company with those easy-on-the pocketbook shotguns has turned its attention yet again to pistols. And there was no lack of clucking at the last SHOT Show over the surprise move by the Turkish concern.

More than anything, this was simply due to the STR-9 coming so abruptly out of left field. Who would have expected a company that’s earned its daily bread arming waterfowlers and wingshooters to go 9mm, striker-fired and polymer-framed? On the other hand, at this point, if Daisy added a Glock clone next to its Red Ryder, would any jaws drop?

So, given the utter profusion of polymer guns, has Stoeger made a wise move with the STR-9? Or is it simply another face in a vast crowd? Given a few assets – including an incredible price – the smoothbore specialist might have a pistol that can shoot with the best of them.

An Echo Of Echoes

If the emanate catcher and baseball manager Yogi Berra were a gun guy, he might quip the STR-9 is “déjà vu all over again.” Certainly, most modern pistols for nearly 40 years are, almost all echoes of a certain Austrian gunmaker’s creations. But the STR-9 seems an echo of echoes. While most closely resembling a Glock 17 in profile, it appears an amalgam of other popular striker-fired pistols. Aside from the G17, the one that came to mind for me was Beretta’s striker-fired APX.

Breaking down similar to the Glock 17, the STR-9 has a very familiar feel. The internals too don’t throw any curveballs to those familiar with the Austrian pistol.
Breaking down similar to the Glock 17, the STR-9 has a very familiar feel. The internals too don’t throw any curveballs to those familiar with the Austrian pistol.

While not a dead ringer by any stretch of the imagination –the STR-9 is not modular – it’s similar enough to have a family resemblance. Makes sense, since both companies are under the Beretta Holdings umbrella.

This is particularly notable in the guns’ cocking serrations. Though the geometry and placement are different, their aggressiveness and amplitude are comparable. Along with that, the STR-9 boasts a similar grip rake, texturing and ergonomics to the Italian pistol.

When it comes to the pistol’s handle, finger grooves, stippling and checkering on the backstrap all seem to mimic the APX. Though, there are a couple departures. Whereas the APX uses checkering in the finger grooves, Stoeger opted for the same pebble texturing found on the STR-9’s palm swell.

Load Up On More Handgun Reviews:

Furthermore, the 12-lines per inch checkering on the STR-9’s backstrap is more pronounced than the Beretta’s. As told in the Stoeger booth, the aggressiveness is intentional, keeping the pistol firmly in the hand when fired. Though, with a firm grip, the toothy backstrap teeters on almost too assertive (more on that later).

The STR-9’s backstrap has aggressive texturing, which can bite. However, it allots ultimate control over the pistol.
The STR-9’s backstrap has aggressive texturing, which can bite. However, it allots ultimate control over the pistol.

Of course, an interchangeable back-strap system is also part of the mix. But you can hardly say that mimics anything, except the whole of polymer-framed pistoldom nowadays.

On the other side of the coin, the STR-9 pistol is more Glock-like in its takedown system and internals. Very familiar for anyone who’s handled a Glock, you pull the STR-9’s trigger after pulling down on the slide-lock crossbar to remove the slide. Then, if you know your way around the Austrian pistol, it’s safe to say you’ll know your way around the Turkish one. Though different specs, their guts are spitting images.

The STR-9 stands on its own legs in some minute details. It has a shorter barrel and slide, and is a smidgen thinner than the APX and wider than the G17 – by tenths of an inch that is. And then there’s capacity. Whereas the other aforementioned pistols come with 17-round magazines, the STR-9 is a 15-round affair at present time.

STR-9 Affordability

Aside from its familiar form, the STR-9 got the rabble exceptionally roused with a different spec: price tag. Coming in a bit higher than first rumored, the pistol’s $329 MSRP is exceptional, even for a style of handgun already considered affordable. That probably translates to right around $300 on a store’s shelf.

The STR-9 won’t cost you an arm and a leg, however, the entry-level package isn’t filled with the amenities many have come to expect.
The STR-9 won’t cost you an arm and a leg, however, the entry-level package isn’t filled with the amenities many have come to expect.

Some of the economics obviously stem from its place of origin. Turkish guns are renowned for running less than their competition. There’s also the factor of what you get when you buy into an STR-9. The rub is how the starting price nets you, by today’s standards, a stripped-down package.

Forget the hard case, extra magazine and holster that many consider standard fare. Instead, the pistol comes neatly packaged in a corrugated cardboard box with one magazine, one-backstrap (medium), a reloader, Allen wrench, lock and instruction manual. Spartan, to say the least, but if you’re in the market for a concealed carry piece, it’s all you should require.

Stoeger offers two other packages: one complete with three magazines and three backstraps (small, medium and large) for $389 and a further upgraded model with all that and Tritium night sights that runs $449.

The On-Target STR-9

For testing, Stoeger graced me with the base package, which, if anything, was only disappointing for the fact reloading its one magazine took time away from shooting the STR-9. All in all, the pistol performed magnificently, especially considering its price.

Steel three-dot sights are dovetailed into the slide. The rear sight has a flat front, so you can rack the slide with it, if need be.
Steel three-dot sights are dovetailed into the slide. The rear sight has a flat front, so you can rack the slide with it, if need be.

In the accuracy department, the Stoeger pistol vastly exceeds what the company is asking for it. Shooting off sandbags at 15 yards, the STR-9 produced groups around 1 ½ and just over 2 inches. It seemed to like Sig Sauer 124-grain V-Crown JHP the best as it produced the tightest group of the day.

It was equally on target shooting freestyle from 7 and 10 yards, consistently punching a ragged hole center mass. Any fliers I encountered fall squarely on my shoulders, not the STR-9.

AmmunitionAdvertised VelocityBest Group InchesAverage Group Inches
SIG Sauer 124 Grain V-Crown JHP1,1651.541.91
Speer Gold Dot 124-grain +P1,2201.691.98
Aguila 117-grain JHP1,1501.831.95
Federal Premium 150-grain HST JHP9002.012.27

Admirably, the STR-9 didn’t have a hiccup in my time with it. It chewed through Sig Sauer V-Crown, Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot and Aguila JHP like it had been starved for a week. This was no torture test, mind you, but its omnivorous appetite for disparate defensive ammo straight out of the box – with little more than a routine cleaning – was heartening.

Turkish Delight

One asset that makes the pistol eminently shootable is its trigger. No featherweight to start, right around 7 pounds, it broke in over the course of a couple hundred rounds. Yet, top to bottom, it was extremely crisp with zero play on its x-axis. The reset, too, is worth note. Not race-gun pithy, it was more than adequate for most practical shooting.

Plenty of extractor on the STR-9, which helps it chew through anything it’s fed.
Plenty of extractor on the STR-9, which helps it chew through anything it’s fed.

Where the pistol really comes into its own is manipulation. One would hope this would be a quality, given the cocking serrations. However, it’s not simply the slide that deserves kudos, but also Stoeger’s attention to some other important features. The extra real estate on the slide release doesn’t leave you fumbling. Nor does the magazine release (reversible for lefties), which is tactilely easy to find, given its texturing and size.

To be fair, not everything was roses and bulleyes with the STR-9. The backstrap checkering, as mentioned before, has teeth. I felt it bite by the time I cracked into the Speer +P. Shooter judgment deserves some blame, as I held off on the hot stuff until near the end of the session.

The gun fit my hand well with the included medium backstrap. Still, I would have liked to have tried the smaller option for the sake of comfort. However, although the pistol nibbled at my palm, it stayed in place as promised.

Parting Shot

The STR-9 is hardly Stoeger’s first foray into handguns. The company boasted such models as the DA/SA Cougar 8000 (based on the Beretta pistol of the same name) and the rather slick American Eagle Luger. But after what feels like a lifetime since the release of the Cougar – the newer of the two pistols – handguns seemed an afterthought at Stoeger.

A nice sized magazine release and slide-lock lever make the STR-9 intuitive to manipulate. The trigger as well is solid, breaking around 7 pounds and very crisply.
A nice sized magazine release and slide-lock lever make the STR-9 intuitive to manipulate. The trigger as well is solid, breaking around 7 pounds and very crisply.

That’s no longer the case. The STR-9 has all the makings of a performer, one at par with the mainstays of the striker-fired market. Moreover, given the price, there’s little doubt in my mind Stoeger has hit the mark with the pistol and found a place in the crowd. The STR-9 seems ideal as both a full-sized carry gun and a little something to knock-around range pistol. Either case, it’s fit for any budget.

Overall, the only disappointment I can really register is Stoeger waiting so long to get back into the pistol game.

Stoeger STR-9 Specs:

Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Weight Unloaded: 24 ounces
Barrel Length: 4.17 inches
Overall Length: 7.44 inches
Sights: Three-dot, drift adjustable
Action: Striker Fired
Includes: 1 magazine, medium backstrap
MSRP: $329

4 New Remington Shotguns Worth Drawing A Bead On

By
Jay Pinsky
-
0

Recent turbulent waters of bankruptcy haven’t sunk Big Green, as is evidenced by these four new Remington shotguns.

What Are The New Remington Shotguns for 2019:

Remington has gone through ups and downs as of late. The renowned New York gunmaker declared bankruptcy in 2018 along with its sister brands, including DPMS, Marlin, Bushmaster and Dakota Arms. But it has come roaring back this year with a full slate of top rifles, handguns and shotguns. Jay Pinsky was lucky enough to get a peek at what the company cooked up, spending 3 days with the Remington staff at one of their ammunition facilities in Lonoke, Ark. And what the next generation of Remington guns was nothing short of spectacular. So, without further ado, here are four brand new for 2019 Remington shotguns.

Remington V3 Compact

V3 Compact Remington Shotgun

Remington’s popular V3 line of shotguns now comes in a compact version. The V3 Compact is engineered to balance the shotgun’s action and recoil cycle toward the middle of the gun, which translates into a soft-shooting and easy-to-manage multi-shot-capable platform — and that is exactly what any semi-automatic shotgun should strive to be. It comes in a matte black finish, a 1-inch length-of-pull shorter-than-standard stock with LOP adjustment shims included, a compact 21.5-inch Rem choke barrel, ivory front bead and a steel mid bead, Supercell+ recoil pad, and cast and drop adjustment shims. Available in 12 Gauge. MSRP: $915

Remington V3 Tac-13

Tac 13 Remington Shotgun

The V3 line of shotguns goes tactical with the V3 Tac-13, which features a 13-inch cylinder-bore barrel with a bead front sight, Shockwave Raptor pistol grip and synthetic forend with a retention strap, an extended magazine capacity of 5+1, is non-NFA and can manage heavy and light loads down to 1-ounce target loads. MSRP: $915

On The Mark With More Shotgun Info:

Remington V3 Turkey Pro

V3 Turkey Pro Remington Shotgun

The V3 lineup gets a dedicated turkey gun for 2019 with the V3 Turkey Pro. The 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun features useful turkey hunting tweaks, such as an oversized bolt handle, oversized safety, oversized bolt release, smoother opening loading port, full camouflage in Realtree Edge and comes with a Picatinny rail and TruGlo optic bore-sighted to 40 yards for easy patterning. MSRP: $1,195

Remington V3 Waterfowl Pro

Waterfowl Pro V3 Remington Shotgun

Duck and goose hunters have their own dedicated V3 shotgun from Remington now, thanks to the V3 Waterfowl Pro. The 12-gauge comes in two waterfowl-specific camouflage patters: Realtree MAX5 and Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades. The shotgun features an oversized bolt handle, safety and bolt release; an improved opened loading port; Cerakoted receiver and barrel; Hi-Viz fiber-optic front sight and steel mid-bead; three extended black chokes; and a sling. MSRP: $1,195

This article originally appeared in the January 2019 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

McMillan A-10 Stock Tailored To Smaller-Framed Shooters

By
Elwood Shelton
-
0

Mcmillion-A-10-stock

Thinned down and shortened in the right spots, the McMillan A-10 Stock gives small-framed shooters a tactical option.

McMillan A-10 Stock Specs:

  • Overall length of stock: 31 inches
  • Depth of action area: 1.9 inch (will vary depending on action model)
  • Max diameter action: 1.5 inch
  • Max diameter barrel: 1.450 inch str
  • Forearm width: 1.9 inch
  • Grip width: 1.8 inch
  • Buttstock width: 1.560 inch
  • Max L.O.P. with 1″ recoil pad: 13.5 inches (spacers can be added to lengthen LOP)
  • Drop at comb: adjustable cheek piece

With more women and youths trying their hands at long-range shooting, this makes sense.

Winnowed down in the right spots, the McMillan A-10 Stock should prove easier to handle smaller-framed shooters. In particular, it has a thinner forearm and a vertical grip positioned further forward to facilitate a more natural grip and finger placement. Most importantly, you can dial the length of pull all the way down to 12 inches.

More Rifle Articles:

At the same tick, McMillan didn’t skimp on the A-10’s tactical features, including a butt hook, shelf for consistent hand placement, adjustable cheek riser. The company offers three options to purchase the stock, a no-inlet version for $338, a basic inlet version (action and barrel canal outline) for $390 and a full inlet version (action, floorplate and barrel canal) for $548.

More from McMillan:

Phoenix, AZ – McMillan® Fiberglass Stocks – From top-level competition and long-range military applications to big-game hunting and recreational shooting, McMillan stocks are widely known for their accuracy-enhancing features and durable construction. McMillan’s all-new A-10 rifle stock, a PRS-style tactical stock designed for shooters of a smaller stature is now available to ship.

The A-10 incorporates many features of McMillan’s popular tactical stocks but in a compact format to facilitate the ergonomic needs of smaller-frame shooters. It combines a thinner forearm reminiscent of the A3-5, a butt hook similar to the A-5, and the sleek lines of the A-6 into a well-balanced tactical package. The vertical grip is positioned further forward than other A-series stocks, which allows for a more relaxed 90-degree trigger finger placement due to the shorter trigger reach—perfect for shooters with smaller hands. The grip also features a small shelf that serves as a hand stop to assist in consistent hand placement and reduce fatigue. To further accommodate smaller-frame shooters, the adjustable buttstock can deliver a length-of-pull as short as 12 inches. An adjustable cheek riser ensures optimal head alignment.

“We consulted many of the top shooters in the country throughout the R&D process of the A-10,” said Britainy McMillan, McMillan VP of Operations, “including Regina Milkovich, one of the top competitors in Precision Rifle Series competition. We wanted to know what the pros would like to see in a precision stock, and the result is the A-10. We feel this is the optimal rifle platform not only for women and other small-stature shooters, but especially for the youth shooter. The overall design, coupled with full adjustability in length-of-pull and cheek piece height, provides a stock that younger shooters can ‘grow with and not grow out of.’ We also went with the A-10 designation because this is a totally new stock in the McMillan lineup.”

McMillan offers fiberglass stocks across the tactical, hunting, benchrest, competition, and ultralight categories, with many customization options to fit the individual shooter, including adjustable butt plates, cheek pieces, colors, and finishes. Factory- inletted stocks are offered for most popular rifle configurations by an extensive list of leading firearm manufacturers or choose between flat top or basic inletting for gunsmith-level custom builds.

In addition to the all-new A-10 stock, other highlighted McMillan stocks are featured on the website, including the Adjustable A6, Adjustable A-5 Thumbhole, Sentry, A5-22, and the MC3—the industry’s first molded polymer stock inletted for a drop-in fit for the popular Remington 700 short- and long-action rifles.

For more information on the McMillan A-10 Stock, please visit www.mcmillanusa.com.

Video: Choosing The Right Concealed Carry Pistol

By
Gun Digest Editors
-
0

Take these three basic elements into consideration and you’ll go a long way in figuring out the best concealed carry pistol for you.

Going armed shouldn’t be a snap decision. Certainly, you may have a brush with violence that pushes you that direction or simply wake up one day and decide you need to take your own wellbeing into your hands. But even then, there are many considerations you must take into account before you strap a self-defense handgun onto your hip. You’ve got to weigh the importance of training, holster, ammunition, laws and a host of other factors to carry responsibly. You also need to figure out what gun will fit you best.

It sounds simple enough. Just read a few gun reviews and talk to the guy behind the gun counter and you’ll be all set. The reality is the process is much trickier. While a majority of today’s guns are well designed and made, there’s about an Army arsenal’s worth of makes and models. Not every one of them will fit your skill level, risk profile, style of carry, among other things.

Tune Into More Gun Digest TV:

Most likely, you won’t get it right on the first try. Picking the perfect concealed carry revolver or pistol requires trial and error. But a better understanding of the factors that go into a defensive handgun can make the process quicker and more effective. In the above video, Richard Mann boils picking the right gun down to three essential elements:

  • Size
  • Weight
  • Capacity

Take these into account and apply them against the other variables in going armed and you’re certain to find the right concealed carry pistol.

For more information on Walther, please visit www.waltherarms.com.

For more information Panteao Productions, please visit www.panteao.com.

1...150151152...439Page 151 of 439

MUST READ ARTICLES

Get The

Magazine

Get 12 Issues a year of the country's best firearms writing.

Subscribe Now

Get The

Newsletter

Get the latest news and reviews from Gundigest.com.

Sign Up

Get The

Book

Get the 79th edition of the World's Greatest Gun Book.

Buy Now

Information

Subscriptions

Resources

Business