Honor Defense is a relative newcomer to the gun industry, and some may not be as familiar with the brand as other, more established names in the business. For those who don't know, Honor Defense produces a quality line of 100-percent American-made pistols, which the company has fittingly called the Honor Guard series.
These pistols, although fairly new, have made a splash in the gun world due to their quality performance and affordable pricing. Now, the manufacturer has announced it has added a “Long Slide” version to its Honor Guard lineup, which features a slightly longer 3.8-inch barrel as opposed to the usual 3.2-inch barrel and, crucially, an integrated rail for attachments like a flashlight or laser sight.
“The Long Slide version has been a request from consumers since we first launched,” said Gary Ramey, President of Honor Defense. “A key benefit with the longer barrel is the integrated rail for lights or other accessories. The firearm features the same chassis system as the Sub-Compact; this highlights the modularity of our firearms.”
As with previous Honor Guard pistols, the new Honor Defense Long Slide versions incorporate a modular stainless steel chassis system, an ambidextrous slide catch and magazine release, snag-free iron sights and a crisp, 7-pound trigger with a short reset. Similarly, the Long Slide is a striker-fired design and utilizes the same custom-textured grip, which comes with two back strap options for shooters. It is also built to handle 9mm +P loads, just like the rest in the Honor Guard line.
The new Honor Defense Long Slide version of the Honor Guard is slated to begin shipping through distributors this month. For more information, visit the Honor Defense website.
Winchester introduced the .243 Winchester in 1955 for its Model 70 bolt-action and Model 88 lever-action rifles. Savage quickly adopted it for its Model 99 lever- and Model 110 bolt-action rifles. The .243 (6mm) Winchester is simply the .308 Winchester case necked down. Original development and publicity was due largely to one gun writer, the late Warren Page, who, along with other wildcatters, worked out a similar version before Winchester. The .243 is probably chambered in more different rifles than any other cartridge, except possibly the .30-06 Springfield. All other manufacturers of rifles offer this caliber. The .243 Winchester represents a successful effort to develop a light deer rifle caliber that could hold its own with the high-velocity .22s for long-range use on small targets and still be adequate for larger animals. The .243 does this job well. It eliminates the need to own two different rifles for anything from small game and pests up to and including deer and antelope. The 80-grain bullet is intended primarily for varmint and small game and the 100-grain bullet for deer-size animals. All major domestic and overseas manufacturers of commercial ammunition offer this caliber. Its popularity as a deer caliber has prevailed over its varmint capabilities.
Editor's Note: This brief is an excerpt from Cartridges of the World 14th Edition.
DPMS GII rifles represent the perfect modern sporting rifles (MSRs) of the new millennium.
I’m shocked there hasn’t been more noise made about the DPMS GII rifles. They might be the most important step forward in personal long arms since the introduction of the Steyr Scout Rifle in 1997. I say this because the DPMS GII cuts the weight of the modern sporting rifle (MSR) chambered in .308 Winchester substantially. And, the GII offers some internal improvements over the mechanics of the AR-10.
Weight
A standard AR-10 chambered for the .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO in a carbine configuration will weigh about 9 pounds. The DPMS GII MOE and AP4 only weigh 7.25 pounds. That’s a 20 percent reduction! Now, you might not think a 9-pound rifle is all that heavy, but a rifle alone is of little value.
You’re going to need an optic and mounts. If you go with a conventional riflescope, that adds about a pound to the equation. And, lets not forget a magazine and ammunition; a loaded 20-round magazine is another 12 ounces and a serviceable sling, 6 ounces more. That works out to more than 2 pounds of attachments/accessories. Your 9-pound rifle now weighs 11 pounds plus. Spend a day afield or on the range with a 9-pounder and you’ll come to appreciate the GII more than a month’s worth of prepackaged Nutrisystem meals.
On the Inside
The weight savings comes from a reduction in size. You see, dimensionally, the only thing about the GII that’s larger than a common AR-15 is the magazine well. Standard MSR dimensions from the bore to the gas tube and from the bore to rail allow for compatibility with standard handguards intended for AR-15s chambered for the 5.56 NATO.
The external radial dimensions of the monolithic bolt carrier are for all practical purposes the same size as a bolt carrier from an AR-15. DPMS has also engineered a new extractor that utilizes an elastomer button as opposed to a spring. Through testing they found the elastomer button has a much longer life and was more reliable. Dual ejectors are another enhancement, and this reduces ejector spring fatigue and provides more reliable expulsion of empty cases.
Lots of Choices
DPMS offers seven GII variations. They’ve been smartly configured to meet most any need you could dream of for a .30-caliber, semi-automatic, personal weapon system. Although the configurations vary, they all retain the modularity and versatility of the AR platform, along with the new lightness and improved mechanics of the GII system.
DPMS GII AP4
The 16-inch barreled AP4 is one of the lightest and least expensive GIIs. It has a Glacier Guard handguard, a Magpul MOE rear sight, a fixed front sight, and a cancellation brake on the muzzle. It weighs only 7.25 pounds and has a suggested retail of $1,399.00.
DPMS GII MOE
The MOE is another lightweight GII from DPMS also weighing 7.25 pounds. The MOE is outfitted with a Magpul MOE butt stock, Magpul MOE grip, and Magpul MOE handguard. It too has the cancellation muzzle brake and retails for $1,499.00.
DPMS GII RECON
This 8.5-pound, 16-inch barreled carbine was designed with the warfighter in mind. It has a mid-length gas system, a six-position Magpul MOE stock, Magpul front and rear back-up sights, Magpul MOE grip, and a four-rail free-float tube. It comes standard with a two-stage trigger and sells for $1,659.00.
DPMS GII SASS
Built to replicate the original DPMS AR-10 SASS, the GII SASS is just as popular with law enforcement special operations units. It has an 18-inch, 416 stainless, fluted and Teflon-coated bull barrel, fitted with a mid-length gas block. It has a Magpul PRS rifle stock, Panther Tactical Grip, and it has a four-rail handguard topped off with Magpul front and rear BUIS. At 10.5 pounds, it is the heaviest GII, and at $2,279.00 it’s also the most expensive.
DPMS GII HUNTER
As you would expect, the Hunter model is intended for hunting. It has a lightweight 20-inch, 416 stainless, Teflon coated barrel with a 1:10-in.twist to handle big game bullets and keep velocities high. It has a carbon fiber, free-floating tube, a Magpul MOE stock, Hogue pistol grip, and a two-stage trigger. MSRP: $1,599.00.
DPMS GII COMPACT HUNTER
The Compact Hunter is similar to the Hunter but has a fluted, 16-inch, 416 stainless, Teflon-coated barrel with a 1:10-in. twist. The shortened barrel and complimenting free-float tube drops the weight from 7.76 pounds to an astonishingly light 6.9 pounds. This is unheard of for an AR in .308 Winchester. Suggested retail is $1,599.00, and it might be the best all-around GII offered.
DPMS GII BULL
This rifle is ideally configured for long-range shooters, whether they are after steel, critters or bad guys. It has a target-crowned, 24-inch, 416 stainless bull barrel, an aluminum free-float tube and a standard, non-adjustable, A2 Mil-Spec butt stock. It weighs in at 10 pounds and sells at a surprisingly affordable $1,299.00.
In the Field
I’ve fired about 800 rounds out of the GII platform in several variants. I’ve used it to take 15 whitetail deer, one wild boar and an elk. The deer were taken between 60 and 318 yards, the boar around 180 yards, and the elk at 340 yards. That’s 17 animals in 18 shots. All of the GIIs I’ve fired provided more precision than I was capable of realizing in field conditions, and I’ve never experienced a stoppage of any sort. I’ve shoved everything from cheap steel-cased ammo to Hornady Superformance loads through these rifles. The GII will run as smooth as grandpa’s push mower, will put bullets where you’re aiming, and yet are the MSRs of the new millennium.
For more information on the GII lineup from DPMS, visit the company's website.
Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the August 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Smith & Wesson's Schofield revolver has captured firearms enthusiasts' imaginations since its inception and has played an impressive role in American history.
The Smith & Wesson Schofield (usually pronounced SKO-field rather than SHOW-field) revolver is probably the best known by the general public of any of the Model Threes, and the one most associated with the Old West in the collective American imagination. Such is its popularity that some gun enthusiasts who are not familiar with the older S&W’s will tend to call any large frame S&W top-break a “Schofield.” It has received some exposure in movie and TV westerns, most notably and recently in Clint Eastwood's “Unforgiven,” but also in earlier efforts such as “Nevada Smith,” “Trackdown,” and “Alias Smith & Jones.”
The Schofield revolver originated with the efforts of Col. George Schofield to improve the American Model Three for military usage. The American was the first cartridge revolver adopted by the military in 1870, with a purchase of 1,000. However, in 1874 the Army purchased 8,000 Colt Single Action Army models, noting a preference for their strength and simplicity. In Army tests of this era, S&W Americans and Russians passed the firing and functioning criteria, but were criticized for their complexity and number of parts. The greater ease and speed of reloading was noted, but was not given much credence as a tactical advantage. The Russian model was criticized for the awkwardness of its grip, hammer, and trigger-guard spur.
As early as 1871, Schofield had been working on improvements to the S&W American that he felt would render it more suitable for military usage. The most obvious of these consisted of changing the latch from barrel mounted to frame mounted. The Schofield model was tested and met with military approval. They requested that it be produced for the .45 Colt cartridge. S&W demurred, noting that the rim of the .45 Colt was inadequate for positive extraction in the S&W design, and no doubt considering that the cylinder and frame of the Model 3 would have to be lengthened to accommodate the long round. Instead, S&W offered to redesign the military cartridge to a .45-caliber round that would function in both types of revolvers. This was found acceptable, and 3,000 S&W Schofield’s were initially ordered in 1875. Further minor modifications were made, and an additional 5,000 in the Second Model configuration were delivered in 1877. By the end of 1877, the Army had purchased around 8,000 S&W Schofield’s, and around 15,000 Colt SAAs. A few guns were made for the civilian market, but the vast majority of Schofields were military guns.
Military Usage
Many Schofields were issued to active units, reportedly including the 4th, 9th, and 10th Cavalry. The 4th was involved in the Geronimo campaign. The 9th and 10th comprised the famous “Buffalo Soldiers” – African American troops stationed in the American Southwest. There they fought in the Indian Wars, including campaigns against the Apaches, and served in civil disturbances such as the Lincoln County War.
Other Schofields went to state militias. New York received 2,000 in 1877; Michigan 536 in 1878 and 1879; Indiana 300 in 1878 and 1879; Territory of Washington 180 in 1882 and 1891; California at least 100 and possibly 300 in 1880; Kansas 100 in 1879; West Virginia 79 in 1878; with lesser quantities going to Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, and Tennessee. Florida, Maine, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania received fewer than seven guns each. It’s probable that some of the guns sold to state militias had been previously issued to regular army units.
A Schofield revolver believed to have been used at the Battle of the Little Big Horn is owned by the Smithsonian Institution, although it has never been clear which side its owner was fighting on. After the annihilation of Custer and his men, there was some argument in print that the outcome might have been different had the troops been armed with Winchester repeaters and the fast loading Schofields instead of single-shot Trap doors and slow-reloading Peacemakers.
Col. Charles Pate, noted authority on S&W military revolvers, writes that the big S&W was still in use by regular army units as of 1887. Several Pate articles on Schofields will be found in the 25th Anniversary reprints of the SWCA Journal. Springfield Research Service reports that some Schofields were apparently still in service with volunteer units in 1898 during the Spanish American War. However, many had been retired earlier.
The Old West
Many of the surplus Schofield revolvers were purchased by dealers such as Bannerman and Schuyler, Hartley & Graham. They were then offered for sale, often with the barrel cut to a handier 5-inch length and the gun nickel plated to withstand the rigors of Western usage. The combination of quick reload-ability and big .45-caliber power made them popular with lawmen, outlaws, and others who were serious about their sidearms.
Schofield revolvers were reportedly favorites of the James Gang, with serial numbers 3444 and 5476 attributed to Frank James and serial number 2341 to Cole Younger. Jesse James carried serial number 366, and serial number 273 is reported to have been used by a James Gang member, possibly Jesse. Famous lawman Bill Tilghman and Frank McLowery of O.K. Corral fame are among others who are reported to have carried Schofields.
Wells Fargo
It’s estimated that several hundred Schofields with the cut down 5-inch barrels were purchased by Wells Fargo to arm its messengers. The guns were marked by the company on the right side of the under barrel ejector housing by stamping over the Schofield patent. The marking reads “W.F. & COS EX” along with a re-stamping of the guns serial number. The S was dropped from the company name in 1898, and guns are found marked both ways, suggesting the period of use. It’s believed that all authentic Wells Fargo Schofields known to date have serial numbers under 6000. Schofield serial number 1 was among those used by Wells Fargo.
Variations of Wells Fargo markings believed to be authentic on these Schofield revolver examples, top to bottom. 1) Late italic, singular “CO.” company marking, with small type numerals. Wells Fargo repeated the gun’s serial number as their company number 2) Early block letter, plural “CO’S” companies marking with medium size numerals. 3) Early companies marking with largest size numerals.
Three different sizes of numerals have been reported in the Wells Fargo serial number markings. Most common is the small size, about the same size as the company name abbreviation. A medium size was reportedly marked by the Chicago office, with a large size numeral being the scarcest.
Unfortunately, whenever a relatively simple marking adds interest and value to a gun, there is a temptation to forgery. This is the case with Wells Fargo Schofields, with faked markings not uncommon. A quick tip off to some fakes is the stamping of the company name. It is believed that on all authentic WF guns a line stamp was used. W.F. & CO EX stamped in uneven individual letters should raise immediate suspicion. The numerals in the stamping, on the other hand, were individually stamped, and their spacing may be uneven.
San Francisco Police
Schofields are sometimes found with a large two- or three-digit number, usually under 300, stamped on the backstrap. These have been called “San Francisco Police” Schofields. It is believed that these guns were shipped to San Francisco at the time of the Sandlot Riots, and eventually wound up with the California militia. An article by Charles Pate in Man at Arms magazine discusses this variation.
Leica has a long history in the optics industry, particularly when it comes to laser rangefinders. The manufacturer introduced its GEOVID 7×42 BDA Laser Rangefinding binocular back in 1992. In the years since, the company has only continued to innovate in the rangefinder segment.
Now, Leica has released a new compact laser rangefinder capable of precise measurements out to 2,000 yards. The Leica Rangemaster CRF 2000-B is a powerful ranging tool, offering three different ballistic outputs in addition to line of sight measured distances. Shooters can select from the following options: Equivalent Horizontal Range (EHR) up to 1200 yards or Inches of Holdover, and MIL & MOA corrections to .1 decimal point.
The Leica Rangemaster CRF 2000-B offers incredibly fast speeds, generating information to the rangefinder's heads-up four-digit display in just 0.3 seconds. Precise readings are essentially ensured with the rangefinder's included on-board inclinometer and integral air pressure and temperature sensors.
Pairing Leica's “Optical System” with 7x magnification, the Leica Rangemaster CRF 2000-B produces bright, clear, high-contrast images with an excellent, wide field of view. Measuring only 4.5 inches in length and 2.25 inches tall and weighing just 6.5 ounces, the Rangemaster CRF 2000-B is perfect for extended storage in a pocket. And given its waterproof capabilities and ruggedly durable exterior, it's a great companion afield.
The new Leica Rangemaster CRF 2000-B has an MSRP of $799. For more information on this new rangefinder, check out the specifications below and visit the Leica website.
Specifications:
Leica Rangemaster CRF 2000-B Magnification: 7x Objective Lens: 24mm Linear Field of View: 347 feet at 1,000 yards Angular Field of View: 6.6 degrees Eye Relief: 15mm Measuring Range: 10-2,000 yards Measuring Accuracy: +/- 1 yard up to 500 yards; +/- 2 yards from 500 to 2,000 yards Display: Gen. 3 four-digit LED display w/ auto brightness adjustment Lens Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated, HDC, AquaDura Prism System: Roof prism w/ P40 Phase Correction Coating Meter/Yard Selectable: Yes, programmable Measuring Modes: Single read/scan Ballistic Solution Output: Line of sight distance to max, Holdover & EHR to 1,200 yards Angle Readings: Yes Length: 4.5 in. Height: 2.25 in. Width: 1.25 in. Weight: 6.4 oz. w/ battery Waterproof: Yes, to 3 feet Body: Magnesium, Nitrogen-purged
The Colt name is, and has always been, synonymous with quality and excellent performance. It only makes sense that Colt's competition shooters would meet the same standards.
Below we offer an inside look at Team Colt shooters Maggie Reese and Mark Redl.
Maggie Reese: Multi-time USPSA National Champion Top 5 in Women's NRA Bianchi Cup Competition Three-time IronMaiden at the MGM Ironman 3-Gun Competition Competitor on Top Shot (Season 2) Babes with Bullets Firearms Instructor
“For USPSA, I compete with a Single Stack Colt Government Model 38 Super I love shooting a Colt 1911 because it can be totally customized and modified. Many things can be done after market to make it suit the individual shooter. It has everything on it that I like. My grips, curved trigger and adjustable sights are exactly what I want. The oversize safeties are easier for me, and the narrow single stack fits my grip.”
“For 3-Gun competitions I start with Colt’s LE6920 and then accessorize specific to the division or competition I’m shooting. I’m definitely a “gear junkie”! I love having the newest and coolest stuff so I switch things around a lot.”
Mark Redl: Two-time IDPA King of New England Champion Top 5 IDPA National Championships High Senior at the 2015 Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor Nationals Over 25 State & Regional IDPA & USPSA Titles Colt Manager of Product Marketing
“It was with a heavy heart that I decided to retire the Legend,” says Mark Redl, Product Manager for Colt and Team Colt sponsored shooter. The Legend, Mark’s O8011XSE has seen him through four years of competitive matches has accrued over 175,000 rounds in its lifetime. “Because of the quality materials and level of craftsmanship that goes into every Colt pistol, the Legend never let me down,” Redl continues. “When we developed the Colt Competition Pistol, I knew I had my next Legend.”
On August 24, 2015, Colt announced the addition of Team Colt sponsored shooter Mark Redl to its marketing team as product manager. Redl brings with him a wealth of firearms knowledge gained throughout the eight years of his professional shooting career, four years of which he has been a Team Colt sponsored shooter.
“Mark Redl brings so much to the table in this role,” said Paul Spitale, Colt’s Sr. Vice President of Commercial Business. “He’s a top athlete in the field of competitive shooting, and his knowledge of our product line is staggering. His insight will help us usher in the next generation of Colt products.”
“When I heard Colt was looking to fill this role, I saw an opportunity and I took the shot,” said Redl. “The chance to work with this team and build something special with such an iconic brand, it’s a dream come true.” During Redl’s time on Team Colt, he has accrued more than 170,000 rounds through his competition gun, a Colt O8011XSE Combat Elite.
Mark Redl is a two-time IDPA King of New England champion and has earned more than twenty state and regional shooting competition victories throughout his career.
Street-proven concealed carry handguns for everyday defense. Taking on the responsibility of concealed carry, personal protection means choosing the right handgun. That can be a daunting task. You need to factor in the type of handgun, the caliber, and how you will carry the pistol on your person. Include training time, too, since you need to be proficient with your chosen handgun. Handle as many models as you can to find the one you can operate and shoot the best.
Remember the trade off is this: Smaller pistols are easier to conceal but are harder to shoot accurately and operate. You might find a slightly larger pistol easier to control and fire more efficiently but is bulkier on your hip.
The 10 concealed carry handguns listed here are on my short list of safe, concealed carry pistols. All are proven performers, and all have the ability to blend in with your everyday life so you will be ready if you should need it.
Putting yourself in the best position to take an accurate, ethical shot on game in the field is one of the most critical aspects of hunting. An unsteady position can result in complete misses or, even worse, a poorly placed shot that merely injures, as opposed to humanely killing the animal being hunted.
For many, setting up might simply entail going prone or creating a stable field shooting position while seated. But for those who might not be able to get into those positions or those who prefer a sturdier platform, a portable shooting rest might be a better option.
While many choices exist in terms of portable shooting supports, one of the best available is the Primos Trigger Sticks line of shooting sticks. Being both highly portable and sturdy, they represent an excellent shooting aid for hunters who need some added stability afield.
In the video above, Gun Digest contributor Phil Massaro explains how the Primos Trigger Sticks work and why they are such a great tool for hunters in the field, regardless of what type of game is being pursued.
Nikon's Monarch product name has been well respected in the shooting and hunting industries for some time now, and it has denoted the top of the line in Nikon's product offerings. Hunters and shooters have already discovered the quality of the company's previous Monarch riflescopes and binoculars, but now Nikon is offering fieldscopes with its flagship Monarch title just in time for the hunting season.
The new Monarch Fieldscopes line includes four different spotting scope models available with either a 60mm or 80mm objective lens and a straight or angled body. These new Monarch Fieldscopes are designed with adventurous hunters and long-range shooters in mind and offer an excellent mix of high-end optical features, durability and ergonomics.
To minimize color fringing across the visible light spectrum, engineers have incorporated an Advanced Apochromat Optical System with ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass. A multi-layer coating is also applied to all lens and prism surfaces to allow for maximum light transmission, which helps hunters identify game in similar-colored environments at longer ranges.
The new spotting scopes come equipped with Nikon's new Field Flattener System, which helps eliminate curvature of field issues where the periphery becomes out of focus when the center is in focus and vice versa. This system provides edge-to-edge sharpness at any distances and compensates for astigmatism and coma aberration.
The Nikon Monarch Fieldscopes feature Nikon's Optimized Focusing System, which enables the shooter to use two different focusing speeds to acquire targets more rapidly at all ranges. These include a fine focus adjustment for more distant targets and a coarser adjustment for closer targets. The oversized focus ring also incorporates a knurled textured for secure grip and reliable adjustment whether the user is barehanded or wearing thick gloves in cold weather.
Waterproof, O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging, the Monarch Fieldscopes utilize a very rugged design that's capable of taking abuse in the field. Additionally, these spotting scopes come with Nikon's No-Fault Repair/Replacement Policy.
The new fieldscopes are available with two additional eyepiece options if users don't like the standard eyepiece, but all feature Nikon's innovative Advanced Apochromat Optical System, Field Flattener Lens System Technologies, and a Type 1 Bayonet Mount for swift attachment/detachment. The new Monarch Fieldscopes range in price from $1,399.95 to $1,599.95, with the additional eyepieces ranging from $299.95 to $549.95.
Specifications: Nikon Monarch Fieldscope 16-48x60mm Model: Straight body Magnification: 16-48 Objective Diameter: 60mm Close Focus Distance: 10.8 ft. Length Fully Extended: 11.2 in. Height: 4.9 in. Width: 3.7 in. Weight (body only): 44.4 oz. Waterproof: Yes (up to 1m for 10 min.) Fog-proof: Yes Price: $1,399.95
Nikon Monarch Fieldscope 16-48x60mm Model: Angled body Magnification: 16-48 Objective Diameter: 60mm Close Focus Distance: 10.8 ft. Length Fully Extended: 11.2 in. Height: 4.3 in. Width: 3.9 in. Weight (body only): 44.1 oz. Waterproof: Yes (up to 1m for 10 min.) Fog-proof: Yes Price: $1,399.95
Nikon Monarch Fieldscope 20-60x82mm Model: Straight body Magnification: 20-60 Objective Diameter: 82mm Close Focus Distance: 16.4 ft. Length Fully Extended: 14.0 in. Height: 4.9 in. Width: 4.1 in. Weight (body only): 58.2 oz. Waterproof: Yes (up to 1m for 10 min.) Fog-proof: Yes Price: $1,599.95
Nikon Monarch Fieldscope 20-60x82mm Model: Angled body Magnification: 20-60 Objective Diameter: 82mm Close Focus Distance: 16.4 ft. Length Fully Extended: 14.3 in. Height: 4.4 in. Width: 4.3 in. Weight (body only): 57.8 oz. Waterproof: Yes (up to 1m for 10 min.) Fog-proof: Yes Price: $1,599.95
Get the most recent advances in guns and gear to extend your range for hunting, informal target shooting, and formal competition. Discover new tools for long-range shooters both in the field and on the firing range, with coverage of new developments from advances in military applied combat theory. Learn more
Remington’s little RM380 might be small, but it delivers plenty of performance when called upon.
I really wasn’t impressed at first. Yes, Remington staff told us their new pistol was small, a “micro,” as they called it. But when I got my first look at the new semi-automatic pistol, all I could think was: This baby boy is tiny. Palm-sized. Sure, that meant great concealability, and certainly Remington made the RM380 for the concealed carry market.
But I guess my love of the 1911 pistol has created certain biases in my thinking about handguns, like the notion that really small can’t be really effective.
And then I shot the RM380—several hundred times in fact—over the next two days at the Gunsite training facility in Paulden, Arizona, in March 2015 at Remington’s early launch of this new pistol. I pretty much drilled everything I aimed to hit. Admittedly, I was shooting at close range, 10 yards and under for most of the shots, and some within just 3 yards.
My time at Gunsite let me examine those 1911 biases of mine and then begin to move beyond them. I had to admit that, just as you don’t expect a sub-compact car to run the Indy 500, the RM380 wasn’t designed as a long-range handgun capable of taking down a water buffalo at 150 yards. It is what it is: a small and very concealable handgun quite capable of quickly putting six rounds into the center mass of a target/aggressor at 10 yards or less. Seven rounds if you put one in the chamber and then slap in a fully loaded magazine.
In fact, at Gunsite my RM380 printed silver-dollar-sized groups of four and five shots at 7 yards and kill zone hits out to 15 yards, again and again.
One potential problem I saw: The RM380 I used at Gunsite was a pre-production model, not a production model a person could actually buy. Which led me to potential problem number two: Remington’s other small handgun, the R51, a 9mm sub-compact, was also a pretty decent little shooter in the pre-production phase. But when the pistol was actually released to the public in 2014 it had many, many quality control issues—so many that Remington issued a complete recall on it.
So I was interested to see what would happen with the RM380 when it went from pre-production to an actual factory-run. I was able to answer that question in October 2015 when I received a RM380 that had come right off the production line at Remington’s new facility in Huntsville, Alabama.
After 100-plus rounds, using five different types of ammunition, I concluded that my production RM380 preformed as well as the pre-production model I’d used earlier. It’s a solid, accurate little handgun, very concealable, and one I plan on carrying at times when a bigger pistol just won’t fit my clothing or the situation.
There are a number of small semi-automatic carry pistols on the market today, and the majority of them are single action. Not the RM380. It’s a double-action. The trigger pull Remington rates at 10 pounds, which means you have to give the trigger a very purposeful squeeze for the hammer to come all the way back and then release. So you can pull the RM380 out of a pocket or holster with few worries about it accidently going off.
This also makes the trigger pull fairly long, and some of the people who test fired the RM380 with me at Gunsite definitely didn’t like that feature. They were used to single actions, which traditionally have much lighter, easier to pull triggers (3- to 4-pound pulls). But you also have to carry them locked and loaded with the safety on.
If the RM380 looks familiar to some, that’s because the design is based on another pistol, the Rohrbaugh R9, a small semi-auto once produced by Rohrbaugh Firearms of New York. Last year, Remington bought Rohrbaugh and set about revamping the little pistol.
While keeping the basic design, Remington reworked the recoil system to make it much more durable, and added a slide stop lever and fixed front and rear sights.
Weighing in just a bit more than 12 ounces, the all-metal (minus the grips) RM380 has a 2.9-inch stainless steel barrel; the entire pistol measurers just 5.27 inches long. It has a fully functional slide stop that holds open at the last round, an ambidextrous magazine release and an extended beavertail grip.
Disassembly is very easy. Turn the RM380 at a 90-degree angle on its left side and gently pull back the slide until the takedown pin is aligned with the appropriate holes in the frame. Give it a jiggle and the takedown pin will fall out and the slide will disengage from the frame.
By the way, the takedown pin will not fall out if the RM380 is fired while being held sideways, a concern some shooters voiced when the first RM380s hit the market. The slide must be held back in place for the pin to be removed.
Problems? The slide release holds back the slide fine and is recessed to avoid it snagging on clothing and gear. However, like a number of small pistols, the slide release is difficult to work when you want to actually release the slide. It’s much easier to pull back on the top of the slide to rack in a round.
The sights are small. Very small. You could argue that a .380-caliber micro need not have great sights. At micro pistol distances, you are going to be pointing and shooting, correct?
I still would like a better sight picture. Smaller caliber bullets mean bullet placement is even more important. I don’t know if Remington has plans to upgrade these sights or not, though I’d bet some manufacturer will produce an aftermarket sight or sight upgrade kit for the RM380.
Speaking of aftermarket accessories, several manufacturers are now making holsters for the RM380, both inside and outside the waistband. Crimson Trace has also made a laser sight for the pistol, the Model LG-479.
The RM380 looks to be a strong seller for Remington, especially with the $417 price tag.
Choosing the right bullet for the intended application and the given conditions is important in virtually all aspects of shooting. Whether you're competing in a long-range shooting event or hunting whitetail in timber, bullet selection matters.
This can be especially true when the wind kicks up and you need a bullet that will buck the wind and stay on target. The less wind the shooter has to compensate for, the easier it is to put shots on target reliably.
In the video above, Gun Digest contributor Phil Massaro discusses two different bullets and loads used on a recent prairie dog hunt in South Dakota: the American Eagle Varmint & Predator 50-grain jacketed hollow point (JHP) and the Federal Premium 62-grain Trophy Bonded Tip. Massaro compares their velocity figures and terminal performance, and perhaps most crucially, their trajectories in windy conditions to show just how important bullet selection can be.
Check out the video, and visit the Federal Premium website for more information on the company's extensive line of ammunition.
Traditions Firearms is a well-respected name when it comes to both modern and reproduction muzzleloader designs, and the company has recently announced the introduction of a new gun that should excite fans of historical firearms.
Dubbed the Mountain Rifle by Traditions, the gun is based on Jacob and Samuel Hawken's classic Hawken rifles. Also known as “plains rifles,” these types of rifles featured a longer barrel and were instrumental to fur trappers and explorers during much of the 19th century.
The new Traditions Mountain Rifle is chambered for .50-caliber projectiles and is available in flintlock or percussion versions. It looks very similar to “plains rifles” of that time period, even mirroring the original's rust-brown barrel finish with a more modern and corrosion-resistant Brown Cerakote finish. The rifles are equipped with a 32-inch octagonal barrel with a 1:48-inch twist, Patch Box, custom scrolled trigger guard, double set trigger, wooden ramrod, hexagonal thimbles, two tennon design and adjustable rear sight.
The Traditions Mountain Rifle is also available in a Build-It-Yourself kit, again, in either a flintlock or percussion model. This allows shooters to build the rifle as they see fit. Mountain rifles built from this kit will lack the Cerakote finish on the barrel and will have an unfinished stock, but this permits customization in the building process to fit specific tastes.
Traditions is currently shipping these products. For more information on the new Traditions Mountain Rifle, visit the Traditions website.
Mossberg has introduced two new NFA guns based on its classic 500 and 590A1 – the 590A1 and 500 Compact Cruiser AOWs.
Over the years, Mossberg's 500 and 590A1 shotguns have established a well-deserved reputation as great home defense and combat shotguns. They are ruggedly built, feel natural in the hands and, most importantly, are utterly reliable.
Now, the manufacturer has brought out two new sub-compact, NFA versions of these two classic designs. These shotguns do not have a stock and feature shortened barrels, which places them in the BATFE's (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) AOW (Any Other Weapon) category. Dubbed the 590A1 and 500 Compact Cruiser AOWs, these firearms require a $5 tax stamp for transfer, as well as all required NFA paperwork.
These two new 12-gauge Compact Cruisers are built on Mossberg's excellent 500 action and are chambered for 2-3/4 and 3-inch shells. Like previous Mossberg 500-type shotguns, the 590A1 and 500 Compact Cruiser AOWs are built for smooth, reliable operation. They incorporate non-binding twin action bars, positive steel-to-steel lock-up, an anti-jam elevator, dual extractors, lightweight aluminum receivers and Mossberg's typical ambidextrous top-mounted safety.
Both guns utilize ATI's T3 pistol grip, which features reinforced polymer and is designed to absorb recoil energy rather than transfer it all to the shooter. The grip also spots a non-slip textured finish for improved control. Each gun also has a contoured polymer fore-grip that can be folded down for additional help in terms of recoil reduction, or left folded up against the magazine tube. Both the pistol grip and fore-grip wear a non-reflective black finish.
The new 590A1 Compact Cruiser AOW utilizes a 10.25-inch heavy-walled, cylinder bore barrel with a front bead sight and has a 3+1 capacity in the magazine tube. It also features a metal trigger guard, a metal safety activation button, and a anodized aluminum receiver with a Parkerized steel finish.
The new 500 Compact Cruiser AOW, on the other hand, is equipped with an even shorter 7.5-inch cylinder bore barrel with front bead sight and has a 2+1 capacity. It too carries a durable anodized finish on the receiver, and the barrel and magazine tube have a Parkerized finish.
Pricing on the 590A1 and 500 Compact Cruiser AOWs is $980 and $910, respectively. Specifications on the 590A1 and 500 Compact Cruiser AOWs can be found below.
Specifications:
Mossberg 590A1 Compact Cruiser AOW Gauge/Chamber: 12-ga., 3-in. Capacity: 3+1 Barrel/Finish: 10.25-in., heavy-walled, Parkerized Sights: Front bead Chokes: Cylinder bore Overall Length: 19.5 in. Fore-end: Folding vertical grip w/ strap Stock: None, ATI T3 pistol grip Finish: Non-reflective black Weight: 5.3 lbs. MSRP: $980
Mossberg 500 Compact Cruiser AOW Gauge/Chamber: 12-ga., 3-in. Capacity: 2+1 Barrel/Finish: 7.5-in., Parkerized Sights: Front bead Chokes: Cylinder bore Overall Length: 17 in. Fore-end: Folding vertical grip w/ strap Stock: None, ATI T3 pistol grip Finish: Non-reflective black Weight: 4.9 lbs. MSRP: $910
TruGlo lives up to its name with the new Tru-Brite 30 Hunter.
Many years ago I began hunting with a TruGlo bow sight, which was my first introduction to the company. Like many people, I’d come to know TruGlo as a manufacturer of tremendously bright fiber optic bow sights that would perform even in the toughest light conditions, especially when a trophy animal was on the line. And, as many others have discovered, a luminescent sight, whether on a handgun or a bow sight, aids tremendously in rapid target acquisition and accuracy.
The company still makes fiber optic bow sights, of course, but it’s come a long way since its inception over two decades ago. Not only has it added quivers and releases to its archery repertoire, TruGlo has also carved out a niche in the firearms community. On the one hand, it makes amazingly bright Tritium and fiber optic night sights for handguns—not to mention other handgun accessories like laser/light combos and red dot sights—and on the other hand, the company has entered the optics market, including the newest addition, the Tru-Brite 30 Hunter.
The 1-4x24mm Tru-Brite 30 Hunter is designed with versatility in mind, so you can just as easily throw it on an AR and go lay the wood to some prairie dogs or other varmints, or employ it in the chase for turkeys, hogs or deer. The scope features a 30mm tube for increased light transmission and brightness, and is ruggedly constructed for abuse in the field. Speaking of durability, the scope is shock resistant up to 1000G, so it’s no lightweight in the field, either. The 30 Hunter is also waterproof, fogproof and nitrogen-gas-filled to help it stand up in the toughest conditions. After all, how many times do we go hunting in the ideal light and weather conditions? Almost never.
The scope also features a 3.75-inch eye relief and is crystal clear to look through, even in difficult low-light situations in which any optic is most fundamentally put to the test. The other advantage with a TruGlo optic is the company’s coating formula, which provides optimal brightness, clarity and contrast. In other words, you get the magnification without sacrificing color quality or light transmission.
The Tru-Brite 30 Hunter is a great optic at a highly affordable price.
When it’s time to make adjustments, the Tru-Brite 30 Hunter features leaf spring click adjustments for both windage and elevation. These adjustments are ½ MOA and, as we found, are easily made with consistent results. The scope comes with Weaver-style mounts, but of course you can customize your mounting system however you like. As I said earlier, the Weaver-style mounts make it optimal for an AR or any rifle featuring a Picatinny rail, so the mounting process is a snap.
In terms of the magnification and likely applications afield, the 1-4x24mm setup offers fast target acquisition with enough magnification to get the job done in moderately close shooting scenarios. This is what makes the scope great for hogs, turkeys and in many deer stands. Especially when you get into the hog hunting arena, a scope that aids in snap shooting with both eyes open is ideal because it allows you to successfully address possible moving targets.
The other advantage with the Tru-Brite 30 Hunter is that you’re getting a tremendously bright, crisp optic with an MSRP of $135, so it’s not going to cost you a mortgage payment to improve your hunting platform. It works well for 3-Gun-style range work, which then simulates and advances your skills on predators, varmints and other game animals. I found it also makes a great addition to my coyote truck gun, a Ruger American chambered in .22-250. So often shots on dogs are all about quick shooting and fast target acquisition, both of which the 30 Hunter handles well.
Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the August 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Jacob Grey Custom pairs aerospace industry CNC machining with Browning’s classic design to create a precise and unique custom 1911.
As anyone familiar with the shooting sports well knows, there is a multitude of gun makers producing custom 1911s in varied styles, price ranges and with a wide array of features. If a person is so inclined, they can type the words “custom 1911” into their preferred search engine and scroll through pages upon pages of manufacturers—both large and small—all dedicated to crafting the perfect 1911.
The sheer number of different manufacturers is itself kind of inspiring. Ever since its development in the early 20th century, the 1911 has captured and held the interest of the shooting world, occupying an especially reverential place among American shooters. That so many gun makers throughout the country, and of various sizes and means, choose to focus on this classic design is perhaps the ultimate proof of its iconic status.
But, as can be seen in the market for AR-style rifles, this abundance of manufacturers inevitably results in oversaturation. With so many different choices, buyers may have difficulty navigating the crowded market. Similarly, some manufacturers with excellent products may be lost in the sea of competitors. Custom 1911 manufacturers need to have a product that stands out among the rest, and this is especially true for the smaller-scale operations.
One such manufacturer, Jacob Grey Custom, located in West Columbia, South Carolina, is doing just that by producing quality, custom 1911s in a unique way.
The Perfect Fit
The slide-to-frame fit on the Justice is incredibly tight and smooth.
A relative newcomer to the gun making industry, Jacob Grey Custom was officially formed in 2011, with 1911 development and production first beginning in 2012. Founder Jake Brackett (the company’s name comes from his first and middle name, Jacob Grey), like his father before him, had worked in the machine shop industry for most of his life, and he had already been running an aerospace machining business for several years before the start of Jacob Grey Custom.
As Brackett tells it, his father had suggested he use the sophisticated CNC machines to try and make a precise 1911. Brackett, who was occupied with the aerospace business, put the suggestion off, but as an avid shooter it remained etched in the back of his mind. After some time, his father issued a bet, and that—not to mention a little bit of open machine time in the shop and an available engineer to help write up some programs—was all it took to get the ball rolling.
Several years and a fair amount of work later, this precise, aerospace-grade CNC machining process is at the heart of every 1911 Jacob Grey Custom produces. The advantage of using these exacting 5- and 7-axis CNC machines, Brackett says, is that they can meet stricter tolerances and get a very precise fit without the use of tools.
“In the aerospace industry, the only way to make something is to make it perfect,” Brackett said. “When I build the 1911, I don’t have to hit my guns with a hammer. You can watch videos of some of the other manufacturers, and they’ll make them where the slide and the frame don’t fit, and they will knock it on there using Ajax or some type of agent until they get what they call a “perfect fit.” You can get a perfect fit with a CNC machine because I can hold two-tenths tolerances, and two-tenths is your hair split four times.”
Because of this precision, Jacob Grey Custom is able to get exceptionally tight slide-to-frame fits on its 1911s, as well as excellent lock-up between the slide and the barrel. According to Brackett, side-to-side movement on the slide-to-frame fit is less than a thousandth of an inch, and he places lock-up on the barrel and slide somewhere between 60 to 80 thousandths of an inch.
In addition to having a precision fit, these guns are also built for longevity. This starts with using quality materials: U.S. sourced 4140 steel or 416 stainless billet, depending on the model. No forgings or cast materials are ever used, as Brackett states that, over time, the integrity of those can falter and cracks can form. After that, it comes down to how the parts are machined.
“In the machining process, we take precautions to ensure the future of the gun,” said Dusty Brackett, Jake’s brother and vice president of marketing and sales. “In all of our machining, all of our cutting is done in the same way so the stress and grain of the metal is not violated, and that carries on into the future because it helps us alleviate the possibility of stress fractures and fissures and cracks as the gun is used over time.”
Keeping in line with their aerospace machining approach, once the parts have been machined, they also fluorescent penetrant inspect (FPI) the metal for defects and use a coordinate-measuring machine (CMM) to ensure every part falls completely within their specifications.
The result of this process is a durable, incredibly tight-fitting and precise 1911, and apart from the stunning appearance of the gun itself, this is the first thing you notice when you bring a Jacob Grey Custom 1911 to hand.
The gun features a Novak adjustable rear sight.
Functional Elegance
Jacob Grey Custom produces three different full-size 1911 models: the Liberty ($3,900), the Justice ($4,900) and the Revolution ($5,900)—a 3.5-inch barrel carry version is also in the works. The Liberty and the Justice are both machined from 4140 billet steel, while the Revolution is made from 416 stainless steel and has a chrome-plated finish. The Liberty model features a Cerakote finish, while the Justice typically comes with a master blued finish. All of the finishing, aside from the in-house Cerakoting, is done by Ford’s Guns, a custom finishing shop out of Florida.
For this review, I was sent the Justice model. However, unlike previous Justice 1911s, this was the company’s first to feature a nickel-plated finish instead of the classic blued.
The nickel-plated Justice makes a great first impression, and I’ve been told there have been several orders for the nickel finish since this one was produced. The gun’s frame sports classy, double-diamond wooden checkered grips and stylish yet functional front and rear strap checkering. The checkering on the rear of the frame is slightly more aggressive for secure purchase, while checkering on the front strap and the beavertail grip safety is less intense at 30 lines per inch (LPI).
The slide incorporates minimal cocking serrations at the rear and, apart from the company’s logo, the model name and caliber marking, it has no other engravings. This is a nice change from some custom 1911s that feature extensive engraving and scrollwork and provides a clean, elegant look.
The nickel plating on the Justice really pops for an attractive finish.
The handgun features a thumb safety that is easy to locate and engage/disengage, as well as a lightly textured magazine release in the standard position just behind the trigger guard. Up top, the gun wears genuine Novak Tritium sights with an adjustable rear. Internally, the Justice 1911 utilizes a 5-inch match-grade barrel and matching bushing manufactured by Wilson Combat. This is one of the few areas, along with finishing, that Jacob Grey doesn’t produce in house. It also features a tuned, aluminum three-hole trigger, which breaks cleanly at 4.5 pounds, and a hand-polished feed ramp.
The gun ships with two magazines, one of which includes an inscription of the Second Amendment, inside of a rugged, foam-lined Pelican hard case. As a further reminder of this gun’s elegance, the Justice also comes with a display case made from gorgeous African Padauk wood.
At the range, I had the chance to put all the Justice’s ample features to the test with five loads from four different manufacturers: Hornady’s Critical Duty 220-grain FlexLock and American Gunner 185-grain XTP, SIG Sauer’s 185-grain V-Crown JHP, Aguila Ammunition’s 230-grain FMJ, and Winchester’s 230-grain FMJ. Accuracy testing took place at 15 yards from a rest using the pistol’s iron sights. Best and average groupings were taken from three, five-shot groups. Velocity measurements were taken using a Competition Electronics ProChrono chronograph from Brownells, placed approximately 10 feet from the muzzle.
The gun has a 5-inch match grade barrel and matched bushing and comes with a short guide rod.
According to its website, Jacob Grey Custom lists mechanical accuracy for its pistols with groupings of 1.5 inches at 50 yards, an impressive feat for any handgun. This is in an optimal, stable environment and with the use of a Ransom Rest, which I did not have for testing. My groupings, therefore, are not fully representative of the Justice 1911’s true capabilities but rather are more indicative of what a relatively average shooter can expect to achieve.
Of the loads tested for this review, the 185-grain Hornady American Gunner XTP produced the best result for me, with a best group of about 2.5 inches. Meanwhile, I was able to achieve the best average group with the Winchester 230-grain FMJ loads at a little more than 3 inches. A friend of mine, who’s a bit more accomplished handgun shooter, was able to get a 2-inch group with the SIG Sauer V-Crown and a 1.81-inch group with one of his handloads. Average velocities for the different loads varied from 791 feet per second (fps) with the Aguila Ammo 230-grain FMJ at the low end to 1,025 fps with the SIG 185-grain V-Crown JHP at the high end.
In addition to standard accuracy testing from a rest position, I also engaged a host of steel targets, ranging from plates at 15-20 yards to a larger gong at 50 yards. The Justice 1911 ran smoothly and was a joy to shoot, making short work of the targets.
Parting Shots
At $4,900, the Jacob Grey Custom Justice 1911 certainly isn’t for everyone. It’s a high-end 1911 built for high-end buyers. But with anywhere between 100 to 150 machining and hand assembly hours going into each gun, that price is hard earned. And those many hours of production result in a precise, sophisticated 1911 that shoots well and feels completely natural in the hand. Racking the slide is ball-bearing smooth, and there’s essentially no side-to-side movement at all—truly something that has to be experienced to be fully understood.
The folks at Jacob Grey Custom know the prices on their guns place them out of reach for many shooters, but they also know they produce a great custom gun that performs at a high level and is one that shooters can use and still pass along to their children when the time comes.
“I just want somebody who wants a damn good gun that’s been built on an aerospace machine,” Jake Brackett said. “It’s accurate, it’s not going to fail, and it’s going to last a lifetime because of the way it’s made.”
This article is an excerpt from the Summer 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
When Winchester introduced the world to its screaming-fast, rimfire .17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM) at the 2013 SHOT Show, it did so in conjunction with Savage Arms. A new cartridge needs a new gun to chamber and fire it, and so Savage launched its B-Mag rifle, a bolt-action with a rotary magazine and Savage's excellent adjustable AccuTrigger. The gun, chambered in the new .17 WSM, met with great popularity over the next few years, with varmint hunters recognizing the potential of both the speedy .17 WSM and the Savage B-Mag rifle.
Given the success of the B-Mag line, it's only natural that Savage expand it to include more models. And this is exactly what the manufacturer has done.
This year Savage has introduced a few new models designed to meet some of the specific needs of hunters and target shooters. These include a Sporter model, Beavertail Target model and version with a thumb hole stock with a heavy barrel.
Gun Digest the Magazine Editor in Chief Eric Conn recently got a firsthand look at these new rifles during a prairie dog hunt in South Dakota. In the video above, he discusses these three new Savage B-Mag models and how they performed in the field.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
Honor Defense is a relative newcomer to the gun industry, and some may not be as familiar with the brand as other, more established names in the business. For those who don't know, Honor Defense produces a quality line of 100-percent American-made pistols, which the company has fittingly called the Honor Guard series.
Winchester introduced the .243 Winchester in 1955 for its Model 70 bolt-action and Model 88 lever-action rifles. Savage quickly adopted it for its Model 99 lever- and Model 110 bolt-action rifles. The .243 (6mm) Winchester is simply the .308 Winchester case necked down. Original development and publicity was due largely to one gun writer, the late Warren Page, who, along with other wildcatters, worked out a similar version before Winchester. The .243 is probably chambered in more different rifles than any other cartridge, except possibly the .30-06 Springfield. All other manufacturers of rifles offer this caliber. The .243 Winchester represents a successful effort to develop a light deer rifle caliber that could hold its own with the high-velocity .22s for long-range use on small targets and still be adequate for larger animals. The .243 does this job well. It eliminates the need to own two different rifles for anything from small game and pests up to and including deer and antelope. The 80-grain bullet is intended primarily for varmint and small game and the 100-grain bullet for deer-size animals. All major domestic and overseas manufacturers of commercial ammunition offer this caliber. Its popularity as a deer caliber has prevailed over its varmint capabilities.
