DoubleStar’s newest line of 1911s sounds wicked smart. But a shooter doesn’t need to be a genius to see what the Kentucky gun maker is aiming at with its PhD 1911.
In short, the pistol is tailored for concealed carry holsters and nightstands as a full-sized defensive option. In turn, DoubleStar’s PhD isn’t a doctor of philosophy, but meant for “Personal Home Defense”.
The company’s new defensive .45 ACP has a solid roster of features.
The 33-ounce gun has aggressive rear cocking serrations, making the slide easier to manipulate. It is outfitted with Express sights from XS, featuring a tritium front sight; this should aid in quick target acquisition, especially in low-light situations.
A nice touch that should aid in acquiring and keeping a solid sight picture is DoubleStar flat-topping the pistol and serrating the top strap. This little finishing touch goes a long way in reducing glare.
The PhD 1911 also features a number of ergonomic considerations that should make the pistol more manageable and comfortable to shoot. It has a rounded grip, giving shooters a more solid purchase on the gun. It is outfitted with a Wilson Combat high-ride beavertail grip safety, meaning the handgun’s bore axis should be more in line with a shooter’s arm — thus helping mitigate its recoil.
Surprisingly, one feature absent from the first in the new line is any sort of accessories rail. This has become a pretty standard feature in most firearms designed for defensive purposes.
Presently, the MSRP on the DoubleStar PhD 1911 is $1,364.06.
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Tactical Walls has expanded its home firearms storage product line to include RFID locking models, making access quicker and easier than ever.
The new RFID models permit even greater security as well as quicker and easier accessibility in home defense scenarios.
Well known for its “hidden in plain sight” philosophy of home firearms storage, Tactical Walls has become a serious innovator in the category of secure storage with products that look like normal pieces of home decor but actually securely house firearms and accessories. Now, the company has added RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) locking models to its lineup.
The RFID models will afford users even greater security as well as quicker and easier accessibility, a crucial element in any good home defense strategy. The RFID locking mechanism will be available as an optional alternative to Tactical Walls' existing magnetic locking system on the following models:
1450M Bundle – MSRP's range $630-760
1420M Bundle – MSRP's range $500-660
825 Pistol Length Shelf (PLS) – MSRP's range $435-495
812 Pistol Length Shelf (PLS) – MSRP's range $219-349
A simple swipe of the preset RFID card opens the unit for easy access. A “Tattle Tale” feature alerts the user when the device is left open.Tactical Walls products really are “hidden in plain sight,” disguised as everyday home decor products like mirrors, shelves and much more.
Each unit will include two standard key cards and one programming card for matching the key to the proper unit; however, more RFID cards can also be ordered. One key card can be programmed to access multiple units for firearms staged throughout the home, and multiple cards can also be programmed to open a single device to provide access for additional family members. Once programmed, swiping the RFID card in front of the locking mechanism is all that's needed to access firearms.
RFID models also come standard with a programmable “Tattle Tale” function that—when turned on—begins beeping if the device has been left open for a certain period of time. This feature, which can be disabled if preferred, alerts users and helps prevent unwanted access to firearms. In the event that the RFID locking mechanism's battery does run out, the unit defaults to being unlocked but closed.
Tim Matter, founder of Tactical Walls, said, “The addition of the RFID locks to our line-up is a key step in the direction this company is going. We aim to be the leader in home firearms storage by offering a wide variety of options for firearms owners to safely store their guns out of sight. The new RFID models, combined with a growing selection of finish and trim options, give our customers a greater level of customization to how they want their Tactical Walls concealment system to look and function.”
Pricing on the new RFID models ranges from $219 to $760 depending on model and choice of trim and finish options.
Manufacturers have produced a number of optics over the course of the past year. Here’s a look at our picks for the best optics of 2015.
What’s the difference between a good scope and a great one? That’s a question you don’t want to ask when the buck of a lifetime is staring at you from across the canyon. Quality glass—spotting scopes, binoculars, riflescopes and rangefinders—can mean the difference between a successful hunt or a bust, a win or loss at the range.
The good news? We made your job a little easier by taking a close look at the countless optics available today and whittling the choices to the best of the best. Yeah, they will probably set you back a pretty penny, but you know what they say: You get what you pay for. Besides, what quality piece of equipment isn’t expensive these days?
Trijicon AccuPower
Trijicon’s newest offering is a deviation from their battery-free, tritium-lighted reticle, but it’s a winner by its own right. The AccuPower’s illuminated reticle is powered by a lithium battery, which lasts at least 31 hours at the highest setting and includes 11 settings with an “off” feature between each setting. Lining up the bull’s eye in the lowest light is as easy as looking through the scope. The full multi-layer coated glass allows crisp edge-to-edge views and super-high light transmission. The second focal plane reticle gives long-range shooters a clear view of the smallest targets. Each scope is available in at least three reticle choices, and you can choose from 1-4×24, 2.5-10×56, 3-9×40 and 4-16×50. ($699; Trijicon.com)
Swarovski X5
Swarovksi’s X5 long-range scope is the first true long-range scope from the Austrian company. It’s available in three versions: 3.5-18×50, 5-25×56 and 5-25×56, which offers 1/8 or 1/4 MOA impact point adjustment. All three are built with Swarovski’s high standards and highest quality materials. Like other Swarovski products, the X5 isn’t cheap, but it will be the last long-range scope you’ll ever buy. The wide field of view allows for rapid target acquisition, the fully multi-coated lenses offer maximum light transmission and clarity, and the high-contrast reticle gives you the ability to see the smallest details. All three models include a sub-zero feature that allows you to go below the sight-in distance for close targets, and all three offer three different reticles. The 5-25 has a max elevation MOA of 82 and a max windage MOA of 50. ($3,499; SwarovskiOptik.com)
Steiner M5Xi 3-15×50 Military Optic
You don’t have to join the military to get the best equipment in the world. You’ll have to pay for it yourself, of course, but when your pride, your elk tag or your standing in the shooting competition is on the line, who wouldn’t want a scope used by our military’s top shooters? Steiner’s German-made M5Xi is perfect for competition shooters as well as hunters who stretch out their shots. An 11-stage illuminated G2B Mil-Dot or MSR reticle allows for precision shots in any light condition, and the patented DuoScale elevation knob lets you make fast adjustments in the field. The 34mm tube is waterproof and shockproof. The elevation range is 26 mils at 100 meters and the windage range is 6 mils at 100 meters. ($3,329.99; Steiner-Optics.com)
Nikon ProStaff 7i
Some of the best optics don’t require you to choose between new equipment and your kid’s college tuition. Nikon’s new Prostaff 7i rangefinder isn’t just perfect for budget-minded mothers and fathers, it’s faster, lighter, more accurate and just plain better than many of the other rangefinders available today. It takes just a half-second to accurately measure out to 1,300 yards. It’s small enough to carry anywhere and for any type of hunting. It weighs just 6.2 ounces, and the viewer has 6x magnification. Measured increments are .1 yards out to 1,000 yards and 1 yard from 1,000 to 1,300 yards. It’s waterproof and includes a target priority switch, allowing you to measure overlapping subjects, and it comes with a horizontal and actual distance display mode. ($299.95; NikonSportOptics.com)
G7 BR2 Rangefinder
The G7 BR2 is packed with features that help all shooters and hunters make better shots, but hands down, it’s the best tool for long-range enthusiasts. It’s programmable for up to five cartridge combinations, and inputs include ballistic coefficient, sight height, muzzle velocity, altitude and temperature. Onboard sensors measure the incline angle, barometric pressure and altitude. Shoot-to range works with BDC and holdover reticles. With a functional range of 1,500 yards, a 7x magnification and a weight of just 14.3 ounces, you’ll carry this tool when you need to make every shot count. ($1,599; GSeven.com)
Nightforce TS80
Nightforce’s newest spotting scope, the TS-80 Hi-Def 20-60x, is a follow-up to its award-winning TS-82, the company’s first spotting scope model. The TS-80 is a winner, too. It’s not just fast and easy to use; it comes with all the features you need in a spotting scope. It’s built with fully multi-coated lenses and an internal prism design for maximum light transmission. It offers a bright, clear view at all distances. A large, knurled focus ring allows for fast target focus, and a magnesium alloy body gives you peace of mind every time you take the TS-80 out of its case. It weighs 68 ounces. ($1,595; Nightforceoptics.com)
Swarovski ATX
Is it any wonder the name Swarovski shows up on “Best Of” lists everywhere? Pick up any of the company’s products, put your eyes to it and you’ll see why. Swarovski’s newest spotting scope, the ATX, is another first-class product. Built with the highest quality glass, the best materials and industry-leading standards, the ATX is right at home in the most rugged backcountry or on a perfectly manicured rifle range. The objective lens is available in either a straight or angled eyepiece to suit your style of glassing, and one-hand operation allows for easy and comfortable use. Available in 25-60×65, 30-70×95 and 25-60×85 and weighing just 55.9 ounces, you’ll see your target clearer and at longer distances than ever before. ($3,775; SwarovskiOptik.com)
Aimpoint Micro T-2
“Micro” is certainly an appropriate name for Aimpoint’s new Micro T-2 sight. Weighing just 3.7 ounces (including the mount) and measuring just 2.7 inches long, it’s the ideal 1x, 2-MOA red dot sight for shooters of all stripes. It works on handguns, shotguns and rifles and even as a piggyback sight. An integral Picatinny-style base attaches to any rail. The T-2 has four night vision-compatible settings and eight daylight settings. If that’s not enough, the battery lasts up to 50,000 hours. The lenses allow maximum light transmission for fast and crystal-clear target acquisition. ($736; Aimpoint.com)
Zeiss Victory SF
Zeiss’ new Victory SF binoculars may cost more than your first car, but you’ll never have to buy another pair of binoculars again. Built with a seven-lens element eyepiece and a field flattener for sharp, bright images, the Victory SF binoculars are available in 8×42 and 10×42. They have some of the widest fields of view in the industry. Zeiss built them with a faster focusing wheel and a new design that fits in your hands better, feels better and reduces fatigue better than any pair of binoculars you’ve held before. They weigh just 27.5 ounces and are backed with a limited no-fault lifetime warranty. ($2,888.87; Zeiss.com)
Maven B1 8×42
You may have never heard of Maven, but don’t let that fool you. The small Wyoming-based company only makes three binocular models, which means they can focus on quality and customer service. Their B1 weighs less than 30 ounces and is available in 8×42 and 10×42 models. The view is bright, crisp and crystal-clear from edge-to-edge. The glass allows nearly 92-percent light transmission. If quality craftsmanship isn’t enough, Maven allows you to build a custom pair with your favorite color combinations. Wrap it in your choice of two solid or five camo patterns and customize everything from the focus knob to the lens rings in eight color choices. What better way to personalize the binoculars you’ll carry around your neck every time you shoot or hunt? ($900; MavenBuilt.com)
Vortex Razor HD
Vortex may not carry the name recognition of the better-known European companies, but their products are everything you could want in optics. The Razor HD binoculars are not only packed with features, they are light, sturdy and just plain easy to carry and use. Fully multi-coated glass allows maximum light transmission, and HD lens elements offer a clear, true sight picture. These roof prism binoculars weigh just 24.8 ounces and are available in 8×42, 10×42, 10×50 and 12×50. They are waterproof and fog proof and are coated with a durable rubber armor to protect them from all the abuse you can dish out. ($1,499; VortexOptics.com)
Swarovski 8×42 EL Range
Tired of carrying a rangefinder and binoculars? Not only did Swarovski solve that dilemma, they solved it with the best available technology in a single product. Their new EL Range range-finding binoculars offer immediate ranging from 33 to 1,500 yards and include a scan mode to measure moving targets. The angle-adjustment display helps take the guesswork out of distances at various angles. Just point, click and shoot. They also include an auto-brightness option. Available in 8×42 and 10×42, the EL Range binoculars have a 411-foot field of view at 1,000 yards and offer 91 percent light transmission, thanks to Swarovski’s highest quality glass. They weigh just 31.6 ounces. ($3,577; SwarovskiOptik.com)
In 1955, Colt’s Firearms introduced what many believe to be the most elegant .357 Magnum revolver ever created—the Python. This example is an Ultimate Python in stainless steel and has the best features found with any Python.
Forty years ago, one handgun caliber dominated all others, regardless the intended application. It didn’t matter whether it was used by law enforcement, for self-defense, the relatively new sport of handgun hunting for whitetail deer, or for just plain fun and plinking—the most popular handgun at the time was a revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum.
The adoption by the United States military of the 9mm Beretta, in 1985, changed things dramatically for both revolver shooters and devotees of the beloved 1911 .45, as both law enforcement agencies and civilian consumers stampeded to a variety of semi-auto pistols in 9x19mm caliber. These guns held far more rounds in reserve than did the six-shot .357 Magnum or the 7+1 1911 .45, but, for a major part of the 20th century, the .357 Magnum held sway. Many experts feel that, even today, if the firearms world had not witnessed the tidal surge move to semi-autos during the 1980s, the .357 Magnum would still be the most popular handgun caliber out there.
Origins
The .357 Magnum cartridge was introduced, in 1935, by Smith & Wesson, but Winchester Ammunition worked directly with S&W to bring it to market. Major Douglas B. Wesson and Phil Sharp were responsible for much of the final developmental work, although it is noted in several historical records that both authorities consulted with Elmer Keith because of his experience in developing heavy bullet loads with higher than normal muzzle velocities for the .38-44 cartridge. The .38-44 had been an attempt to develop a more powerful cartridge than the standard police .38 Special. Smith & Wesson, prior to the introduction of the .357 Magnum, even made a heavy-frame revolver that was nominally a .38 Special revolver, but it was referred to as the “.38-44.”
At the time of its introduction, the .357 Magnum was, in fact, the most powerful handgun round in production. The original load chronographed 1,510 fps with a 158-grain bullet out of an 8¾-inch barrel. It certainly wasn’t the first attempt to create a powerful handgun cartridge. Other startups had come before it. The most notable was that by an Englishman, H. W. Gabbet-Fairfax, who’d developed, around 1900, a self-loading pistol employing a cartridge called the 9mm Mars. It had a reported muzzle velocity of 1,607 fps with a bullet weight of 156 grains. But the British military rejected it after trials, and neither the gun nor that cartridge ever achieved commercial success.
Smith & Wesson chambered its heaviest revolver frame (later known as the N-frame) for it. The revolver was a special order item introduced during the height of the Great Depression. Each revolver was registered with the factory and came with a certificate designating this registration. The Smith & Wesson “Registered Magnum” and its cartridge soon acquired a mystique that created a following among legendary lawmen (J. Edgar Hoover received Registration No. 1), military generals (one of General George S. Patton, Jr.’s famous ivory revolvers was Registered Magnum No. 506), and high-profile Hollywood movie actors (a Registered Magnum supposedly belonging to Clark Gable sold at a high-end gun auction in 2012).
Originally, Smith & Wesson felt the round should be fired through the 8¾-inch barrel, but because the early .357 Magnum Registered revolvers were all custom orders, they had been made with a wide variety of individual characteristics. These revolvers have been found with 23 different barrel lengths, as well as a number of non-cataloged sight and grip combinations.
.357 Advantages
On the left, a .357 Magnum handload employing the Keith 168-grain cast SWC. On the right, the round many believe is its equal, the factory .357 SIG round with a 125-grain bullet. The author feels the .357 SIG round is a good one with lightweight bullets, but lacks the case capacity to work well with heavier bullets.
The designation “.357” refers to the bore diameter, which is also the bore diameter of the less powerful and older .38 Special cartridge. The .38 Special was introduced in 1902, also by Smith & Wesson, to provide a .38-caliber handgun cartridge that was more powerful and effective than any of the previously seen .38-caliber rounds such as the .38 S&W, the .38 Short Colt, and the .38 Long Colt. The latter had served briefly as the standard service handgun round of the military services and was blamed, in large part, for its many failures to stop antagonists during the Spanish-American War and the insurrection in the Philippines.
The .38 Special was initially loaded with a 158-grain round-nose lead bullet and it had a muzzle velocity of 855 fps out of a standard service-length revolver barrel. While proving extremely popular with American law enforcement, the .38 Special also experienced criticisms for failures to stop armed bad guys, particularly during the more violent episodes of the 1930s. These criticisms are what lead to, first, the development of .38-44 rounds (.38-caliber loads meant for use in a .44-sized revolver frame), and then, ultimately, to the .357 Magnum.
Still, by the late 1940s and early 1950s, the .38 Special was the dominant handgun service round in American law enforcement. This popularity was due to its inherent accuracy and relatively easy recoil ,and, with its straight-walled case, it was an easy round for the recreational shooter to reload.
When the designers created the .357 Magnum, they took the existing .38 Special case and simply lengthened it by 1/10-inch, mostly to prevent chambering of this new, more powerful, far higher chamber pressured round from being loaded in the older, weaker guns of .38 Special design. The bullet diameter, naturally, is the same for both the .38 Special and the .357 Magnum. For training or practice purposes, this meant the .38 Special round could be safely loaded and fired in any cylinder chambered for the .357 Magnum; that was and is probably the greatest asset of any .357 Magnum handgun, its versatility across both rounds.
This article is from the book, Best of Gun Digest: Handguns & Handgun Shooting.
For many, the epicenter of precision ammunition is right around New York’s Finger Lakes. The pastoral setting of dairy farms and woodlands plays home to Redding Reloading, which for around 75 years has become one of the most trusted names in reloading.
The company has become renown for manufacturing instruments that have helped shooters downright murder the bull’s eye. And Redding isn’t sitting on its laurels in its pursuit to help produce precision ammo. The firm has introduced a passel of new tools in 2016 that should, by all rights, have the X ring shaking in its boots.
Four New Master Hunter Series Die Set An outgrowth of Redding’s National Match Series, the Master Hunter Series brings competitive shooting precision to the game field. And the relatively new line of dies has continued to grow with the company offering sets for four new rounds this year — 6.5mm/.284 Winchester, .280 Ackley Improved, 30 Nosler and .338 Winchester Magnum. The new additions to the two-die sets (full-length sizing die and seating die) open up a number of options for hunters pursuing medium to large game. And they offer unparalleled control over the reloading process. To that end, the seating die goes a long way in assuring a precisely loaded round as it is topped with a micrometer allowing for bullet seating in .001” increments. The MSRP on Master Hunter Die Sets is $211.25.
Multiple Die Sets for 30 Nosler The Master Hunter Series Dies isn’t the only Redding line to add the new Nolster proprietary round to its rosters. The company has introduced 30 new die sets for the freshly released 30 Nosler, encompassing all levels of reloading needs. These sets include: Standard Full-Length, Standard Neck-Sizing, Deluxe, Type-S, Type-S Match and Competition, in addition to Master Hunter. A sidenote: With the addition of the 30 Nosler to its catalog, Redding now offers dies for all of Nosler’s proprietary cartridges. The MSRP on the die sets run from $104.50 to $378.95.
Premium Die Set in 26 Nosler and .280 Ackley Improved Redding’s Premium Die Sets comes with all the bells and whistles that help ensure the production of uniform and precise ammo. Among the features is a carbide size button in the full-length sizing die and a micrometer on the seating die. The micrometer allows for bullet seating in .001” increments. Only a select few cartridges make the cut for the company’s Premium line, but it’s grown a tad bigger this year with the addition of the 26 Nosler and .280 Ackley Improved. The Premium series is available in two (full-length sizing die and seating die) and three (full-length sizing die, neck-sizing die and seating die) sets. The MSRP for the two-die set is $147.60, and on the three-die set it is $190.70.
6mm Creedmoor Die Set The 6mm Creedmoor has been gaining more and more industry acceptance; factory brass and rifles are now available for the round. Redding is the latest to help tame this wildcat, introducing complete die sets for the long-range wonder. The company is offering both its Standard two die (full-length sizing die and seating die) and Deluxe three die sets (full-length sizing die, neck-sizing die and seating die) for the round. While the company has moved to standardize the 6mm Creedmoor in its offerings, Redding is still in the custom-die business. The manufacturer will produce dies for virtually any caliber, if provided a chamber reamer drawing or 5 fired cases from the firearm in question. The Standard Die Set for the 6mm Creedmoor has an MSRP of $153.70 and the Deluxe $242.85.
T-7 Turret Head Stacker Calibrating dies can be one of the most time-consuming, not to mention nerve-racking facets to reloading. Redding, for all intents and purposes, has all but dashed this exercise in patience with its new T-7 Turret Head Stacker. The system allows handloaders to store turret heads (up to three) from the company’s T-7 press, with fully adjusted die in place. In turn, set up for a reloading session is as easy as securing a new head onto the press. As an added benefit for such a tool-heavy pursuit as reloading, the stacker also aids in taming potential clutter on the reloading bench. The storage system’s present MSRP is $63.00.
6.5 Creedmoor Instant Indicator Comparator Tool The 6.5 Creedmoor has proven its chops as an accurate and potent long-range round. And fans of the cartridge can expect to turn out even more uniform and exact ammo with Redding now offering its Instant Indicator Comparator Tool for the round. The handy instrument provides fast and precise data on shoulder position, headspace and bullet seating depth. Accurate to one one-thousandth of an inch, the comparator helps reloaders sort their cases and bullets for uniformity, as well as gives them the information they need to dial in their seating die exactly. Perhaps best of all, Redding has untethered handloaders from their press to get this data, now including its Range Adaptor with the comparator. The complete Instant Indicator Comparator Tool presently has an MSRP of $202.75. The Range Adapter can be purchased separately for $14.50.
The publisher of the “World’s Greatest Gun Book” is proud to announce the return of the “World’s Greatest Reloading Book.” Handloader’s Digest is back and in its 19th edition is better than ever with more enlightening features, industry resources and eye-catching photos. Whether it’s information on this year’s new ammunition reloading equipment or an in-depth article on obscure wildcat cartridges, you’re certain to find what you’re looking for in this authoritative annual. Get Your Copy Now
STI’s genesis was in competition shooting. The Texas gun maker hasn’t strayed far from these roots, but it has occasionally branched out some over the years.
STI's catalog is still brimming with a dizzying array of souped-up competition 1911s, ready to put rounds on targets and shave seconds off the clock. But, the company has also focused its manufacturing prowess on producing variations of the classic pistol design tailor-made for service and concealed carry holsters.
Each of STI’s focuses — competition and self-defense — is well represented in the company’s new offerings for 2016. And as always, no matter their intended purpose, the company’s new 1911s are some pretty dazzling examples of the timeless handgun.
HEX Tactical Pistols STI touts its new line as being a jack-of-all-trades, perfect for home defense, competition and plinking. But the HEX Tactical line definitely has a tactical flare; one need not look further than the slide to see why. The HEX line features aggressive slide sculpting, with hexagonal cocking serrations both fore and aft. The feature is meant to offer a more positive grip, making the slide easier to manipulate, even with gloves. STI has further enhanced the effectiveness of the serrations by beveling the top of the slide, thus allowing a firmer grip. The pistol also features VZ grips and a Picatinny rail beneath the barrel, for the quick addition of an accessory. The new line is available in STI’s traditional single stack 1911 model and its double stack 2011 model. In both cases, 4- and 5-inch barrel models are available. All models feature rear ledge sights, fiber optic front, black Cerakote finish and a 4- to 5-pound trigger pull. The HEX line is available in 9mm and .45ACP. The MSRP on the HEX 2011 models is $2,599, and the 1911 is $2,099.
Guardian 2011 Pistol Some shy away from traditional 1911s as a concealed-carry option due to capacity constraints. STI should dash those concerns with the expansion of its popular, compact Guardian line. The gun maker has introduced a 2011 model of the pistol, giving shooters a double-stack choice of the 3.9-inch barreled handgun. The new 9mm doubles the original Guardian’s capacity with the 2011 able to hold 15+1 rounds. STI has kept the pistol a manageable carry option, lightening the gun’s weight (25 ounces unloaded) through the use of an aluminum frame. The Guardian 2011 features a two-dot rear sight and fiber-optic front, which should provide a clear sight picture that can be quickly acquired. STI has equipped it with its shorter VIP grip, which should make the Guardian more concealable, even under light cover. It also has a striking appearance. The gun is two-tone, with a stainless-steel slide and a black Cerakote frame and grips. Presently, the MSRP on the Guardian is $1,899.
Two New DVC Competition Models Just like a Formula 1 race car, one glimpse at the STI’s DVC pistols and it’s pretty obvious what they were designed for: winning. The company has expanded its hot-rod line with two new purpose-build models: the DVC classic and DVC 3-Gun. As its name implies, the Classic is more of a traditional 1911, tailored for single-stack division competition. The pistol should be a manageable shooter, boasting a 5.4-inch barrel. The Classic also features fully adjustable rear sights and a fiber-optic front. It is available in 9mm, .40S&W and .45ACP and has a MSRP of $2,799. Similar to the other new DVC model, the 3-Gun doesn't hide its intentions. The pistol has been outfitted with a 5.4-inch barrel, which should make it more controllable. But STI has attempted to mitigate the 3-Gun’s overall heft by building it on an aluminum frame and by porting the slide. The pistol features a tactical magwell, flared at the mouth to facilitate faster reloads. The pistol has a hand-stippled grip by Extreme Shooters of Arizona, which wraps around the entirety of the grip. And it has a fully adjustable rear sight and fiber optic front. The new 9mm has a MSRP of $2,999.
Mexico’s largest ammunition manufacturer, Aguila Ammunition, offers a wide selection of loads and some of the most innovative products available today.
Just south of the urban center of Mexico City, Mexico, lays Cuernavaca, the capital of the state of Morales. Prior to the arrival of Europeans in Central America, Aztec rulers made their home in Cuernavaca during the warm summer months, and the region is home to some of the most valuable and important artifacts of Aztec history in all of Mexico. Today, the city, with its towering cathedral, aquifers, abundant gardens and tropical climate is still a favorite vacation spot for residents of Mexico City seeking to escape the cramped metropolis.
Aguila’s FMJ .223 loads are inexpensive, and accuracy is good. This group was fired from 100 yards using a Rock River Arms IRS Carbine and Trijicon MRO red dot optic.
Cuernavaca is also home to Mexico’s largest ammunition company, Aguila. And, as the brand has expanded into the U.S. market and started appearing more and more frequently on store shelves, there are a growing number of American shooters who are becoming fans of the brand. There is a general belief, though, that Aguila is a new company, and that’s not true. In fact, Aguila began producing ammunition in the 1960s in Cuernavaca, taking over operations at what had once been the Remington facility in town. When Remington pulled up stakes and moved out of Cuernavaca they left behind the goods needed to produce ammo, and that’s where Aquila stepped in. Today the brand has upgraded their facilities to utilize modern equipment and currently employs 1,200 people in the Cuernavaca facility.
One of the items that remained after Remington’s departure was a shot tower, and under Aguila’s supervision, production of shot resumed in Cuernavaca. Shot towers function by heating lead into a molten state and dropping the liquid lead through a copper sieve high in the tower. Surface tension causes the lead to form into a sphere, and the lead falls into a water bath at the bottom of the tower and cools. Sieves with holes of varying diameters produce different sized shot, and after the shot is cooled, it is checked for dimension and roundness. If a pellet is out-of-round or incorrectly sized, the lead can be re-melted and reformed. There are few operational shot towers in existence in the world, and the Aguila tower is the only one in Mexico.
With a shot tower in place it’s little surprise that Aguila makes so much shotshell ammunition, and in fact, the company produces the bulk of the sporting, upland and big game shotgun ammunition in Mexico. But a growing number of American shooters, impressed with the price and quality of Aguila’s new competition and upland loads, have become converts to the brand. Aguila offers field loads in .410, 20, 16 and 12 gauge, and they also offer buckshot loads. For 16-gauge lovers, and there are a lot of them out there, Aguila has offered a means by which shooters could obtain hunting ammunition at a reasonable cost. The company also offers 12-gauge competition loads for trap, skeet and sporting clays as well.
Left: Aguila offers a wide selection of competition and field loads, and the brand offers one of the widest selections of 16-gauge ammo. Right: The high velocity short .22 from Aguila is another great option for hunting vermin or small game. It produces far less noise than a standard .22.
Rimfire and Centerfire Offerings It’s quite possible that your first experience with Aguila ammunition came during the recent drought of rimfire ammunition. When .22 cartridges became hard to find, shooters started looking for new options, and Aguila was perfectly poised to give shooters what they needed. In fact, Aguila is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of rimfire ammo and a good portion of that rimfire fodder makes its way into the United States. Cheap, affordable and surprisingly accurate rimfire ammo made Aguila a lot of friends north of the Rio Grande, and it seems those shooters have repaid the company by remaining loyal customers after the worst of the rimfire shortage had passed.
The aforementioned upgrades to the Cuernavaca facility have helped improve Aguila’s reputation among serious competition shooters, too. Modern Aguila rimfire ammo is clean burning and extremely uniform, and in accuracy tests with both handguns and rifles, I found that the company’s Match ammunition lived up to its billing, producing tight groups and very consistent velocities. But one of the hallmarks of the brand is its variety; Aguila offers inexpensive target loads, high-velocity .22 shorts and nickel-plated .22 loads for the smoothest operation and .22 hollow point loads perfect for pest control.
Aguila compliments its rimfire loads with an ever-expanding line of centerfire pistol and rifle cartridges. On the rifle side, the list is still fairly short—there’s a .30 carbine load and .223 and 7.62×51 offerings. The handgun lineup is much larger, though, with 27 different loads in everything from .25 Auto up to .45 Colt. There’s defensive ammunition, but there’s also a lineup of affordable target ammunition. And since most shooters fire several times as many target rounds as defensive loads each year, it’s nice to have another company offering affordable factory options.
A box of 20 Minishells doesn’t look like your average box of 12 gauge shells, but they are handy and convenient and fit easily in a pack.
Aguila Exclusive Products There are a lot of ammunition manufacturers, but Aguila offers two products that set them apart from all of the competition. A few years ago, the company decided to do something radical to traditional shotgun shell design. Instead of playing with shot size, wad design, coatings and so forth, Aguila took the bold step of giving its shotgun shell a frontal lobotomy, whacking a full inch off the standard 2¾-inch shell. The result was a one-of-a-kind product known as the Minishell.
As you might imagine, shooters and gun writers took note. The Minishell was viewed alternatively as a gimmick or the most innovative product to hit the shotshell market in decades. But the Minishell did prove to have its place, and it has become Aguila’s flagship product. But is it functional?
Certainly. One of the primary drawbacks of shotguns is that recoil can be difficult to manage, especially for new shooters. The Minishell changed all of that thanks to its 1¾-inch length, 1¾-dram equivalent powder load and 5/8 ounce shot charge. These loads function in double guns just fine and produce far less recoil and muzzle blast than even the lightest 12-gauge target loads. The advantage? You can have low-recoil practice that is perfect for new and experienced shooters without having to switch to a smaller gauge gun. Additionally, the Minishell buckshot and slug loads offer defensive rounds that produce far less recoil and muzzle blast than typical 12-gauge loads.
Left to right: Aguila's Minishell stoked with lead shot, the Colibri powderless .22 cartridge, and the Minishell slug.
Another of Aguila’s most innovative products is the Colibri, the world’s only powderless .22 load. The Colibri looks much like a standard .22 LR round, but it has a smaller, lead 20-grain bullet. Inside, the Colibri lacks gunpowder, which means that the bullet is propelled strictly by the primer itself. It was primarily designed to operate in .22 revolvers, and the primary function is pest control. The Colibri produces very little noise, no recoil and packs enough power to kill rats and other vermin at close range. It’s also a quiet, recoiless training round for those who are new to shooting.
Once a relatively unknown brand to American shooters, Aguila is gaining a strong presence in the U.S. thanks to its low-cost, reliable ammunition and innovative products like the Colibri and Minishell. As ammunition costs rise and availability becomes limited, Aguila will serve a more important role for domestic shooters. Whether you’re looking for low-cost practice ammo, defensive loads or pest control rounds, Aguila has something for you.
The new FoxPro Inferno lives up to the company's reputation as one of the best predator call makers around.
When it comes to predator calls, FoxPro is without a doubt a leader in the industry. It makes some pretty high-dollar electronic calls, too, but as the company’s latest introduction, the FoxPro Inferno, shows, it also makes a value-packed call for the budget-conscious hunter.
The Inferno sells for $199, is compact and lightweight, and ideal for walking into a set and maintaining your stealth. It’s also incredibly loud, featuring 20 volume settings and 75 preloaded sounds (it can hold up to 200), including a substantial menu of rabbit calls. The wireless remote and speaker run off AA batteries, and the speaker also has an additional jack or another auxiliary speaker.
Field Tested
I put the Inferno to the test during a recent trip to Eastern Colorado for a February coyote hunt. It’s an ideal place to test the range of the Inferno, as winds regularly reach 15-20 mph and the wide open spaces have a way of drowning out sound. On the second set of the day we found a long section of rolling hills surrounded by CRP to setup on, and I placed the call about 15 yards in front and to the right of my seated position. I cranked the jack in distress sound, and after about three minutes of continuous play I saw the first set of ears pop up over the horizon at 300 yards.
Locked onto the call and charging hard, that ‘yote was soon followed by a second. I pushed the safety forward on my Remington 700, did a little Kentucky windage adjustment, and squeezed off a round. Chambered in .243, that 75-grain Hornady V-MAX bullet tore two gaping holes in the dog, which was anchored in place. Unsure whether the action was yet over, I let the call play on. About two or three minutes later, another set of ears reappeared. Game on.
Later in the hunt we setup on a several-mile-long valley with side draws feeding it, playing coyote howls instead of relying on the distress variants. Even when winds reached 10-15 mph the call was effective, bringing in song dogs from 600 yards and beyond. Wary and probably educated about calls, most of the dogs would hold up at about 250-300 yards—one more reason to make use of the long-range capability and wind-bucking prowess of a cartridge like the .243.
In terms of battery life, we used the Inferno for three days with standard AA batteries and it didn't fade out on us—in fact it never made it below a half charge. Conveniently, the remote has a battery indicator to let you know when it's time to replace the old batteries. The call holds four batteries and the remote three, for a total of seven. I typically throw in lithium batteries for extra life, but even the standard alkaline batteries were more than sufficient.
The remote works exceptionally well and features large buttons that are easy to depress even with gloved hands. We tried it out to about 25-30 yards and had no issues; response time was nearly immediate. The Inferno comes with an auxiliary jack for additional speakers, mute button and 20 volume settings. When you play the jack-in-distress calls, for example, the call automatically alternates between louder and quieter calling, so you really just push play and let it roll. If you do want to adjust sound or volume while the sequence is playing, you can do so with the push of a button.
For an unbeatable price with premium sound quality, the American-made Inferno is a must-have for both the entry-level or hardcore predator hunter. It’s small enough to stash in your truck, yet powerful enough to reach out across open spaces to bring the dogs in.
Iowa has become the 42nd state to legalize suppressors. Civilians in the Hawkeye State are now free to own and use suppressors on their firearms.
Iowa shooters have received some good news, as a bill that legalizes civilian ownership and use of suppressors has been signed into law by Governor Terry Branstad. With this action, Iowa becomes the 42nd state to legalize suppressors. Branstad signed the bill at the new Brownells retail store in Grinnell, Iowa.
CEO Pete Brownell told KCCI reporters he was glad to support the bill.
“It’s going to help save the hearing of Iowans that are involved in firearms and shooting, and it’s going to create jobs in our state,” said Brownell.
Introduced by Rep. Matt Windschitl and Rep. Terry Baxter, the bill—House File 2279—passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 2, 2016, by a margin of 11-2. The bill moved through the House and the Senate easily, with margins of 78-21 and 46-4, respectively, and then proceeded on to Governor Branstad.
Iowa's legalization of suppressors marks a great success after three years of efforts by the American Suppressor Association, the National Rifle Association and the Iowa Firearms Coalition to educate lawmakers on the benefits and realities of suppressors. The victory in Iowa also brings hope to the eight other states in which it is still illegal for civilians to own suppressors. In accordance with its “No State Left Behind” campaign, the American Suppressor Association will begin focusing more of its efforts on some of those states where suppressors are still illegal, such as California, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York, among others.
However, Iowa's decision to legalize suppressor use is a definite victory for the American Suppressor Association, and, more importantly, for gun owners in the Hawkeye State.
“SilencerCo has been a strong supporter of the American Suppressor Association since its inception. We're proud of the hard work they have put behind HF 2279 along with the help of the NRA and the Iowa Firearms Coalition. Because of the determination and educational push by these groups, Iowans can now enjoy the same rights as are held by law-abiding citizens in 41 other states,” said Joshua Waldron, CEO of SilencerCo.
The American Suppressor Association is also working toward the removal of suppressors from the list of NFA items with the introduction of the Hearing Protection Act, which would remove the requirement of a $200 tax stamp and the excessive wait times due to overly complicated processing requirements such as fingerprint cards, passport photos and Chief Law Enforcement Officer signatures. To find out more about the Hearing Protection Act, visit SilencerCo's Hearing Protection Act page. To support the Hearing Protection Act, go to the American Suppressor Association website.
Patrick Sweeney pulls back the veil on these intriguing apparatuses in the Gun Digest Book of Suppressors. The well-respected gun writer and master gunsmith covers every base concerning suppressors in this practical reference, explaining how they function, their history and their uses. He also gives a number makes and models the once over, giving shooters an idea of the available options and market prices. He also touches upon the modifications your firearms require to get hushed up by a suppressor. Get Your Copy Now
Gun Digest Editor-in-Chief Eric Conn rediscovers the practicality and fun of using airguns to bag small game with Gamo's Whisper Fusion Mach 1.
Like many, my first introduction to the world of hunting and shooting came by way of an air rifle my parents gave me when I was young. The break-barrel air rifle was rarely lethal, however, and I can remember all the squirrels that ran off with nothing more than a sting to the rump. All I could do was daydream about the day when a 10/22 would replace that beer can plinkster and I’d have my hands on a real small game hunting rifle.
Until recently, I’d retained my bias against air guns, especially as legitimate game takers. That all changed with a trip to Alabama for the Squirrel Master Classic, an air gun event hosted by Gamo, the Spanish-based air rifle giant. The event pairs gun writers and TV celebrities from the hunting industry with a guide, a dog handler and a 4-H youth for a one-day competition to see who can bag the most squirrels. Among this year’s competitors were Michael Waddell and the Bone Collector crew, as well as my team, led by Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo of Archer’s Choice acclaim.
Mach 1 Components
Our air rifle of choice was the Gamo Whisper Fusion Mach 1 chambered for .22 pellets traveling somewhere near 1,020 fps. The Mach 1 has Dual Integrated Sound Suppression Technology, which greatly reduces the noise pollution from the gas-piston driven system. The air rifle utilizes a break-action barrel and a 3-9×40 scope and a two-stage adjustable trigger. While the rifle also comes in .177-caliber pellets, the .22-caliber option is by far and away more accurate and lethal for hunting purposes. The Mach 1 retails for south of $300 and offers Gamo’s quietest performing air rifle, especially when using heavier, subsonic .22 pellets, which are optimal for hunting.
The Whisper Fusion Mach 1, as stated, comes with an optional 3-9×40 optic or fiber optic iron sights. While my optic sighted in easily and held zero, a few shooters had issues with the scope holding zero in the field. There are several options for the shooter who desires an optic—either use the one provided and lean on the five year warranty in the event of failure, or buy a separate optic of your own choosing. For the majority of shooters the optic worked well, and most distances were 50 yards and closer.
Pellet Selection
Gamo offers a wide variety of pellets, and while many will do the trick for hunting purposes, the heavier .22 pellets are better. Not only does the pellet stabilize better than lighter options, thus providing superior accuracy, it also carries more energy, therefore delivering optimal lethality for game. The larger pellets travel more slowly but carry more energy and are quieter, most of them hovering at or under 1,000 fps. For the hunt we used Gamo’s Hunter pellet (.22), which has a velocity of nearly 700 fps at the muzzle and 10.54 ft.-lbs. of energy at 30 yards.
Just how lethal was the Mach 1 on squirrels? As we found out, extremely lethal. Within the first 20 minutes of hitting the thick timber, our dog had treed a pair of squirrels, signaling a volley of pellets from the group of us. Two, sometimes three shots would do the trick, and the first shot generally ended the pursuit. We’d follow our squirrel dog, Gunner, through the deep woods, who would then post up on a tree and start going nuts, hound-dog-style, until the group of seven or eight of us would surround the tree and unleash a round of .22 pellets. Eyes gazing skyward, we’d strain as we tried to find that flash of tail or scamper of feet to betray our quarry’s position. Or, after a few successful shots, we’d watch as the squirrel dropped to the ground and our dog brought him to Victor, the dog handler.
For Young and Old
In part hosted by Jackie Bushman of Buckmasters fame, the Squirrel Master Classic is geared toward integrating the 4-H youth, who get to walk through the woods alongside TV celebrities like Michael Waddell and Brian “Pigman” Quaca, and introducing them to hunting at its best. For many of them it’s their first hunt, and for all of the youth, the excitement was written on the smiles on all their faces.
The beauty of a fully capable air rifle like the Mach 1, however, is that it’s also able to imprint a smile on adult faces, too. Aside from the wood carved squirrel trophies that went to the winning team, the greatest prize was walking the woods with a highly skilled dog, a group of hunting companions and an air rifle that was pleasurable to shoot and extremely lethal on squirrels.
The Final Weigh-In
After the final weigh-in, Team Bone Collector came home with the grand prize for the second year in a row, while our team finished an honorable third. We’d bagged something like 15 squirrels in a day’s time, while Waddell and crew raked in more than 20 critters to capture the grand prize. While the prized wooden squirrel will have to wait another year for the rest of us, we all had a good time nonetheless. The Gamo air rifles did the job effectively, restoring to me a newfound confidence in the platform for things like pest control and small game hunting of several kinds. Yes, I’d be more than happy to pass on this air gun tradition to my sons, but I’m keeping one in the gun cabinet for my own sake, too.
GAMO WHISPER FUSION MACH 1 Type: air rifle, break barrel Optic: Fiber optic front and rear sights, 3-9×40 scope Caliber: .22 Noise Reduction: Dual Integrated Sound Suppression Technology Rating (fps): 1,020 Stock: All weather, black Trigger: Two-stage adjustable MSRP: $300 Manufacturer: Gamo
Of all the names in the world of firearms, Winchester Repeating Arms is among the most recognizable and beloved. There’s little wonder why.
The legendary rifles and shotguns that have poured out of the company in its more than 150 years of existence helped tame the wild west, win America’s wars and put meat on the table. This pedigree — not to mention top-notch designs — has made Winchesters among the most collectable firearms around.
With the release of the Standard Catalog of Winchester Firearms 3rd Edition, Gun Digest went to the source to dig a little deeper into the company and its wares. We sat down with Winchester Repeating Arms Product Manager Glenn Hatt for a quick Q & A about the past, present and future of this renowned company and its guns.
Gun Digest: We’ll pitch you a softball to start off: What’s it like to work for one of the world’s most historic gun brands? Were you a Winchester enthusiast before working for them?
Hatt: I’ve been with Winchester for 18 years, and it is easy to say it has been a very humbling and cool experience, something I’m very proud. Winchester has been around for more than 150 years, so it’s something special when you say you work for company that historic. People know its name and have a very positive feeling towards it. And of course I was a Winchester fan before coming here. I had an old (Model) 94 and Model 70 before coming on board.
Gun Digest: Given the release of the new edition of the Standard Catalog of Winchester Firearms, we’re particularly interested in the collecting end of things concerning Winchester. With that said, there are so many variables regarding old Winchesters that dramatically affect their value. Where does one begin to decipher these idiosyncrasies?
Hatt: Gun Digest does a good job and would be a good starting point.
Gun Digest: We’ll take that. Anywhere else?
Hatt: Really, it’s difficult to say, but it is one of the questions I get asked the most. Everybody wants to know what their Dad’s or Granddad’s old Winchester is worth. But there are so many variables to each gun it’s difficult to say which would be the most important. A firearm’s wood, steel and history all play a role in its value. In addition to this, the company has also produced numerous commemorative firearms, which also influences value.
I suppose if there is an area of interest to a collector — hunting, military, film — that would be a good starting point. From there, the best advice I could give is to research the Winchesters you are interested in, learn about them and their history. Then go online; see what they’re selling for at retailers and at auctions. If you can’t find your exact model, look for something close and work from there. This will give a collector an idea about what Winchesters are going for in the present market.
The great thing about the company is if there is an era in history a collector is interested in, there is most likely a Winchester that fits into it. Speaking of recent military history alone, Winchester produced both the M1 Garand and M14. Also, Winchester's guns have been in a lot of movies, which can drive interest. Some people just have to have one of the models of Winchester that John Wayne shot or was featured in Open Range.
Again, the variables are so broad, it’s difficult to nail it down to one thing.
Gun Digest: Those are a lot of factors. How about this, what has maintained Winchester’s desirability over all these years?
Hatt: I believe it comes down to — when people think of Winchester, they think of a generational firearm. They’re firearms people expect to hand down to their children and grandchildren. This comes down to the legendary performance and quality of Winchester. We’ve had bad times, such as the post-64 era. But overall, the company has offered incredible quality, materials and craftsmanship in their firearms. And people know the company has been around for 150 years and that we’ll likely be around for another 150.
Gun Digest: Getting a bit more specific, we’ve noticed ‘94s and similar models going for up to twice their estimated value at auction. What's going on here?
Hatt: Concerning the late models, Winchester is making the 94 better than anything before. Since 2006, when we moved the 94’s manufacturing operation from South Carolina to Japan, we’ve improved a number of aspects of the rifle. They’re fully machined, with precise headspacing, tighter tolerance and greater accuracy. It’s a better rifle than ever, in function, material and manufacturing process.
Gun Digest: There’s been a bit of an opposite trend with pre-64 Model 70s, the market seems to have cooled as of late. Same question, what’s happening?
Hatt: Part of it was we resumed manufacturing the Model 70, with the controlled feed and other features that were popular on the pre-64 models. We didn’t make the rifle from 2005-08, as part of the union deal when we moved out of South Carolina. When we stopped making the rifle, the prices spiked. Everyone wanted to get one before they were gone. Even though for some, the new Model 70s may not be as cool as the old ones (pre-64), they’re as good as the old ones. It is a design that has lasted 80 years.
Gun Digest: Is Winchester ever going to reintroduce a Model 70 Target?
Hatt: I’d love to; there are a lot of 70 variants that we’d love to add and need to bring back. Don’t say never, but there is no plans to bring back the 70 Target in the immediate future.
Gun Digest: One of the big stories recently in the firearms world is the Model 1873 discovered sitting under a tree in the Great Basin National Monument. Has it kindled more interest in Winchester’s firearms?
Hatt: It absolutely has. The 73 has always been popular with cowboy shooters. But the one found at the Great Basin added some mystery to the rifle. Who knows how long it was there and how it got there in the first place? I’ve been honored enough to see it up close at both the Cody Firearms Museum and also at the SHOT Show. We had it in our booth. It’s a very cool rifle.
Gun Digest: How about we wrap things up with another give-me question. We have to imagine you have a couple Winchesters in your gun case. What’s your personal favorite?
Hatt: The sad part, this is tough to answer. If I’m elk hunting, I have my Model 70 Extreme (Weather). I have a heavy-barreled varminter if I’m going out for prairie dogs. An SX3 for ducks. And I have a new Model 86, in .45-70 Govt. It’s a 12-pound rifle and makes me feel like a little kid when I take it out shooting. But honestly, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Each has its place.
Despite the rising prices of Winchesters, collectors can still add these gems to their collection. It's just a matter of knowing where to look for bargains that are nearly sure to gain value.
I was very young when I first started collecting, or at least being interested in Winchesters. My father gave me my first Winchester for my sixth birthday. It was a model 62, with a small bullet forend. Today, it is my most prized possession. It is still in like-new condition, and every time I pick it up, I cannot help but have a tear come to my eye.
When I arrived in Denver, Colorado, just out of college, I loved Winchesters, and I knew a lot about them, and I wanted to buy them, but I could not afford to buy the really good ones. However, I decided not to let that get me down. Because I was quite young at the time, and I loved to hunt, I would go into the mountains on the weekends and use my model 62 .22-caliber rifle. This gave me an idea: I decided to buy the inexpensive .22-caliber Winchesters, e.g., everything from the early ones, circa 1900, to the ones being produced in the '50s early '60s. I had great fun.
I would like to mention to any new collectors, or all collectors for that matter who have become disheartened because of the price of the really good and valuable Winchesters that they consider buying those same .22-caliber rifles that I started buying several decades ago. I noticed at a recent gun show that many of them can be purchased, in excellent overall condition for under $500 each. Some of the really rare ones were priced under $1000! That is amazing! There are lots of them around, and they are something that you could use and enjoy on a continual basis. Example: A friend of mine recently told me of a gentleman that had a model 55, .22 single shot rifle, with the box, in minty overall condition. I was unbelievably excited, not only because I did not have one, but because they are extremely rare. When I saw the gun, I was absolutely thrilled. It was everything I wanted in that particular model! I paid $175 for it.
The same gentleman also had a like-new model 77 .22 long rifle semi-automatic Winchester. Although I have one, I bought it, not because I needed it, but because of its condition. Opportunities like this still exist in the real world, and I would like to encourage all my readers to go out of their way to find such treasures.
On another note: There are also some other Winchesters that I would like to encourage everyone to look at from a collector’s point of view, for example Winchester model 101 shotguns. They are incredibly beautiful, well made and exciting, as are Winchester lever action .22s such as the 9422s, and their family of 9410s. Winchester model 101 shotguns are among the very best over and unders ever made for the working person. I have a 28 gauge and a 410, and they are among my most favorite shotguns to shoot. Additionally, even though I have been around Winchesters all of my life, I have started to collect the 9422s and the 9410s. They are absolutely beautiful, there are lots of them around, and I can tell everyone reading this that it is my opinion that they are an excellent investment. They are being accumulated, and they will only increase in value.
As far as the 101 Winchesters are concerned, I believe the same thing about them, especially the small gauges. I would not be surprised to see them double in value over the next several years. I bought mine when they were $400-$600 each. I wish I had bought a truckload.
Because the last edition of this book was written almost 9 years ago, I am going to include some of the new rifles that Fabrique Nationale started making after Winchester shut down its operation in New Haven Connecticut.
FN, Fabrique Nationale, is known for making some extremely beautiful and nice firearms. In late 2007, FN started making guns for Winchester. I have seen some of these guns, and some of them are absolutely beautiful. If you are looking for something more contemporary and useful, these might be the right thing for you to start collecting. Because they are so well made, and their value really has not jumped, I think they are excellent investments, and their value/price will only continue to rise over the next few years. Take a look at them, and I think you will agree with me that the workmanship demonstrated in these weapons is beautiful and extraordinary. All these weapons are still available at reasonable prices, and I would encourage everyone reading this to do themselves a favor and look at these guns.
The following is not a recommendation, but only is a statement about myself. My reader should understand that when it comes to firearms that I am an expert, and what I say in this (article) is only my personal opinion, and are not my recommendations for any other party. One of the things that is most striking, when I look at price guides, and in particular the second edition of this (Standard Catalog of Winchesters), and prices as they are today, I can tell you that the differences are absolutely astounding. Prices, and oftentimes values of these Winchesters that we love are continuing to go up, up, and even up some more.
I challenge all of my readers to look at what I have observed, and verify, for themselves, what has happened to the prices being asked for Winchesters. It is absolutely amazing! One of the ways I look at it is I ask myself what my money will bring in the bank—today under 3 percent a year—and I look at what the prices on Winchesters have done over the last few years, and I know, for myself personally, where my money is best invested.
This post is excerpted from the Standard Catalog of Winchester Firearms 3rd Edition.
Elegant yet functional, the new Colt Wiley Clapp Stainless Commander is everything you need and nothing you don’t.
An old school gun writer sometimes considered alongside such greats as Elmer Keith, Skeeter Skelton, Bill Jordan and others, Wiley Clapp has had a long and illustrious career in the gun industry. In addition to his many published works, Clapp served as a Marine during the Vietnam War and followed up his military service with around two decades of law enforcement experience as a deputy sheriff in Southern California.
This time and experience with firearms and their applications have left him with a lot of practical expertise and opinions regarding what works and what doesn’t. This is something Colt has capitalized on in recent years.
Taking advice from Clapp regarding specifications and design, Colt has produced an entire series of TALO dealer-exclusive 1911s bearing the prominent gun writer’s name. So far, this series has comprised of the Wiley Clapp CCO, the Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander and the Wiley Clapp Government Model.
Now, for 2016, Colt is adding another pistol to the Wiley Clapp line, this one an all-stainless steel version of the Commander pistol. Designed with specifications input from Clapp, the new Wiley Clapp Stainless Commander is an elegant, custom-quality 1911 purpose-built for carry and defensive use.
Featuring a stainless frame and slide and a set of classy, tapered wood grips with fingerprint checkering, the Wiley Clapp Stainless Commander is a striking firearm. The tapered grips combine with the fingerprint checkering for an excellent feel in the hand, with the checkering offering enough grip without becoming abrasive and without the potential for snagging on clothing on the draw.
In addition to the fingerprint checkering, the Stainless Commander also comes with famed metal smith Pete Single’s checkering on the front and back strap. The checkering is 25 lines per inch (lpi) and is quite comfortable on the hands while allowing for plenty of grip. This checkering is complemented with a slightly undercut trigger guard and an upswept Beavertail grip safety, both of which permit a solid grip for stable and accurate shooting.
One of the more interesting design choices on the Wiley Clapp Stainless Commander is its use of a Novak Brass Bead front sight. Many of today’s pistols feature Tritium or a fiber optic front sight, but the brass bead pairs really well with the firearm’s Novak Low Mount Carry rear sights that feature a wider than normal rear notch. Target acquisition with the Stainless Commander’s sights is quick and efficient, with the brass bead serving as an easy-to-see reference.
A practical aspect of the Stainless Commander’s design owing to Clapp’s extensive shooting experience and background, the gun utilizes minimalist controls to keep the firearm as unobtrusive and carry-friendly as possible. In the words of Wiley himself at a recent Colt media event, there is “nothing you don’t need for defensive purposes” on the Stainless Commander.
The pistol features a lower profile thumb safety that takes up less space and offers a reduced chance of snagging when drawing from concealment. Instead of a larger flat switch for the thumb, the safety on the Wiley Clapp Stainless Commander is more akin to a slight knob that the thumb can flick off or on to activate or deactivate.
In keeping with the minimal approach to this pistol, at the rear of the gun there are practical, easy-to-grasp cocking serrations that allow for fast and smooth manipulation, even in stressful scenarios. Similarly, the slide stop lever and magazine are both lightly textured and easy to find when needed.
The new Wiley Clapp Stainless Commander will be available in 2016 as a TALO-exclusive product. It will be available for $1,259.
This handgun review appeared in the Winter 2016 issue of Modern Shooter magazine.
Fitting an aftermarket barrel to the Ruger 10/22 is simpler than it is with many firearms, but it does require some knowhow.
With the receivers of Ruger 10/22 rifles being made of cast aluminum, there can be a considerable amount of variation in dimensions between individuals. As a result, the receiver of one of our rifles will accept barrels that will not even begin to enter the receiver of another.
Some aftermarket barrels are produced with tenons (or shanks) having a diameter that tends toward the maximum allowed, but some receivers may have openings with minimum dimensions. It is also possible that either the barrel extension or the hole in the receiver (or both) may not be perfectly round. As a result, it is not uncommon to find that a particular barrel does not slide easily into the receiver. We have found that this is by no means uncommon; however, it does not indicate a defect in the barrel.
In fact, some manufacturers deliberately make barrel tenons with maximum dimensions so they will need to be polished and individually fitted to receivers. However, do NOT attempt to pull an oversize barrel into the receiver by means of excessive tightening the locking bolts! If you do so, there is a very real probability that the screws will damage the threads in the receiver or strip them altogether. The locking screws provide a secure hold of the barrel to the receiver when they are fully engaged, but they should not be used as the means to pull a tight barrel into the receiver when they are only partially engaged. Pulling an oversized barrel shank into a receiver having a minimum opening could crack the receiver. A damaged receiver could also result from using blows on the barrel to force it into the receiver.
If the barrel extension will not enter the receiver without undue force, you may have to polish it with emery cloth or sandpaper. If you do, make sure to polish it uniformly around the barrel extension to keep it round. Be careful not to remove more metal around the extractor cut at the breech because there is less bearing surface there as the emery cloth is pressed against the barrel. Aftermarket barrels from some sources are accompanied by instructions on how to polish the barrel tenon. As you polish the barrel tenon, try frequently to fit it into the receiver.
Although the cut for the locking block is across the bottom of the barrel, try inserting the barrel with the cut on top then rotating it in the receiver. In this way, you can determine whether the barrel is equally tight all the way around or whether it is tight only in one orientation. If either the hole in the receiver or the barrel extension is not perfectly round, this will be revealed as you try to rotate the barrel while it is inserted into the receiver.
Some polishing of the barrel tenon may be required to make the barrel fit in the receiver.
After you have nearly completed the polishing of the tenon of a blue barrel (you will know this by how tightly the barrel fits), you will need to blue the area that has been polished. Remove any oil from the surface by rubbing it with a small amount of alcohol or other solvent. Apply the bluing solution with a small piece of cloth while observing the cautions and directions given on the container. Achieving uniform bluing will require several applications of the solution. However, after the polished surface area is lightly blued by only one or two applications, insert it in the receiver and rotate it. When you remove it, you will be able to see clearly where contact is excessive because the freshly applied blue will be rubbed off from those areas. You now know where to administer that final bit of polishing to achieve a perfect fit of the barrel to the receiver. When this is complete, finish the bluing process and rinse off any remaining solution and salts. Apply a light coat of oil or other protecting solvent and attach the barrel to the receiver.
Hopefully, the process described above does not sound complicated, because it isn’t. In fact, it may not be necessary at all. Of the many barrels that we have attached to our 10/22 receivers, only three or four have required any fitting. We have also noted that some barrels will slide easily into one receiver but not into a different one. The method of attaching the barrel to the receiver of a Ruger 10/22 allows the fit of the barrel in the receiver to be somewhat sloppy and the rifle to still function perfectly and give good accuracy. The beveled wedge and barrel recess still make for rigid attachment.
Hiram Percy Maxim is credited with the invention of the first firearms suppressor. Interestingly and logically enough, he also designed and manufactured automobile mufflers.
Suppressors have been around for about a century now. Discover how the firearms accessory came about and its early days and uses.
When did silencers come about? Before we can answer that, there’s a couple of things we have to make clear; one, it wasn’t possible to have silencers until the invention of smokeless powder.
Oh, you say “of course” but think about it; the percentage of black powder that is actually combusted is small, compared to that of smokeless. Lots of smoke, lots of powder residue, and lots of cleaning afterwards. But then there is also the matter of noise. Having fired black powder firearms (I was heavily into black powder when I was starting the journey that lead to here) I can attest to the noise being distinctly different, lower-pitched and perhaps at a lower decibel level as well. That is one thing I intend to look into when I have the time and fully wring decibel levels out with the sound meter.
The second thing is the apparent temporal dysfunction of many anti-gunners. From listening to them, you’d think that “assault weapons” came about in the 1980s, that mass shootings didn’t happen until Reagan was elected to the Presidency, and that silencers were unknown before spy movies became popular.
The invention of silencers occurred in the first decade of the 20th century, patented by a fellow named Maxim. No, not the machine-gun Maxim, but his son. Hiram Percy Maxim was not one to go slowly. Even at a time when precocious young men could attend college at an early age, he not only attended MIT early, but graduated early. He patented his first firearms silencer in 1909. We have to be specific, because the Maxim Silent Firearms Company later changed its name and pretty much only made mufflers for internal combustion engines.
Which, when I found out about it, allowed me to connect a few dots. OK, let’s look at the first decade of the 20th century, firearms-wise and other inventions as well. With Roosevelt in office, we’ve now had about a generation of shooters who are familiar with smokeless powder. And it is noisier than black powder. While no one has thought to actually invent hearing protection (at least, not that I’ve been able to find) they had to have noticed that these new cartridges, and smokeless powder, made your ears ring more than grand-dad’s old black powder rifle.
But what was really making everyone cranky were these newfangled horseless carriages. Not to pick on them, but we’ve all been standing on the corner when a Harley goes by, right? Noisy? You betcha. OK, imagine an early automobile, granted not with the horsepower of a Harley, but completely un-muffled. Even your lawnmower has a muffler. Early automobiles got a reputation for scaring horses, disturbing the peace, making a racket, and generally being unpleasant. And deservedly so. Early autos weren’t all that powerful; it took time to get even the most powerful engines up out of the teens as far as horsepower was concerned. But un-muffled, your average city street corner in 1905-1910 sounded like the parking lot of a Harley dealership. As a comparison, a Harley motor can develop on the order of 65-70 horsepower.
Cadillac won the Dewar Trophy in 1914, with a racing car whose engine developed a thundering 40 to 50 horsepower (records vary). Your average automobile in 1914 probably had half that at its disposal. But by 1914, there would have been thousands on city streets. Noisy? Like you can’t imagine, in this era of hybrids and electric cars.
Maxim designed mufflers to tame engine noise. And, since each cylinder combustion was a separate noise event, doing the same to firearms was easy. After all, even an early engine ran at a higher rpm than one of his father’s machine guns, right? If he could tame the noise of a 1,000 rpm engine (when you add in the firing of all the cylinders, and not consider just the rotation of the crankshaft) then a single gunshot was a piece of cake.
I’ve seen early magazine ads for silencers, showing properly dressed gentlemen plinking in their parlors, not even waking up the sleeping dog. If you wanted to buy a silencer back then, you simply sent a check or other funds to the Maxim Company and they mailed you a silencer. (You could probably have simply enclosed cash, since the basic ones were maybe twenty dollars.) Well, they mailed you one if you lived in a rational place. New York City had passed the Sullivan Act in 1911, controlling the purchase of firearms. Meant to keep those unruly southern-European immigrants from getting their hands on guns, I’d be surprised if it didn’t address silencers sooner or later, probably sooner.
If you ordered a Maxim silencer, it would come by way of the U.S. Postal Service. Well, back before the Depression, anyway.
I can’t say I’ve had a chance to look at a large number of Maxim suppressors, but I’m not sure anyone alive can say that, with the possible exception of Kevin Brittingham. They were not exactly common when they were new, and time has taken its toll. That, and stupid legislation. But the ones I have seen had some characteristics that jumped out at me. For one, they are all small. I mean, a Maxim silencer meant for use on an ’03 Springfield, in .30-06, is not much bigger than what we now make for a .22LR. He clearly didn’t believe in making them any larger than he had to, or else the end-users were so happy to have something this glorious, it didn’t occur to them to ask, “Can you make it quieter still?”
Second, I have only ever seen a direct-thread mount on a Maxim silencer. I wouldn’t be surprised to find he had done some work to make a quick-connect system of some kind, but the only ones I’ve ever seen were direct-thread. This is solid, simple, easy to understand, and something any competent gunsmith of the time could have managed. Well, a competent gunsmith with a lathe big enough to hold the rifle barrel, perhaps. Now, don’t quote me on that, because as much as I’ve seen, I haven’t seen a lot of Maxim suppressors. Heck, I’m not sure anyone alive has seen a lot of them, they are rare.
Last, his designs were all offset. That is, the bullet path was not down the center of the tube, but traveled along a path above the centerline of the tube. This meant the silencer would not obscure the sights. Interesting, and a reminder that back then, iron sights were the only sights.
Editor's Note: This article is excerpted from Gun Digest Book of Suppressors.
The new ProSounds M-Series Electronic Muffs offer shooters hearing protection coupled with enhanced hearing while blocking out damaging noises.
The ProSounds/SportEAR M-4 Electronic Muffs are an excellent, mid-price option for shooters. Shown here with a Jacob Grey Custom Justice 1911 and Aguila Ammo.
Hearing protection is, and should be, as essential to most shooters as the ammunition that feeds their firearms. Various studies have shown repeatedly that exposure to incredibly loud sounds, such as those produced at the muzzle of most firearms, can cause immense damage to one’s hearing, and that this damage, no matter how slight it may seem at the time, can be permanent.
For this reason, wearing appropriate hearing protection is an important part of most trips to the range, and there are tons of hearing protection products available to the shooter. While any form of hearing protection is almost certainly better than none, not every product is created equal, nor do each have the same benefits or advantages.
In the shooting industry, hearing protection products range from simple and affordable foam earplugs and modest passive earmuffs on up to highly expensive, customized electronic plugs and muffs. However, as with many things in life, some of the most attractive options exist somewhere in the middle.
Mid-Priced Muffs
The ProSounds M-Series Electronic Muffs feature an easily accessible wheel for adjusting volume for each ear.
One such hearing protection option is ProSounds’ new M-Series Electronic Muffs. Announced earlier this month, the M-Series consists of the M-2 and M-4 electronic muffs (ProSounds also offers the M-P passive muff in the line). Both electronic options provide a lot of excellent features at a price that’s well within the reach of many shooters.
While the M-Series Electronic Muffs are priced higher than most standard plugs and passive muffs, they are less expensive than many other electronic earmuffs on the market and are substantially less expensive than most custom-fit electronic earplugs, which can often climb above $1,000.
Both the M-2 and M-4 Electronic Muffs offer 25 decibels (dB) of noise reduction, but they also feature Electronic Shutdown technology, which will automatically block any sound louder than 85 dB, as well as directional microphones that provide enhanced hearing for any sounds below the 85 dB threshold. Because of this, shooters are able to hear the noises they want to (conversations, commands, etc.) while being protected from the noises they don’t want to hear (muzzle blasts). The muffs, which operate on four AAA batteries, also incorporate a volume wheel for easy adjustment and feature an auxiliary port for plugging in any phone, tablet or listening device.
With MSRPs on the M-2 and M-4 muffs listed at $89 and $139, respectively, shooters can get a lot of bang for their buck with the M-Series. In addition, ProSounds—which, like SportEAR, falls under the AXIL brand—is currently holding a campaign on Indiegogo for the launch of the M-Series muffs, with both models being available at discounts (more info on the campaign below).
Range-Ready
The muffs operate on four AAA batteries, and the battery compartment is easy to access.
The pair of muffs provided for review was the M-4 Electronic Muffs, which features four directional microphones as opposed to the M-2’s two microphones. This set wore the SportEAR branding but was identical in all other respects to the ProSounds model. I loaded batteries into the earmuffs’ battery compartment and hit the range to give them a spin.
I was immediately impressed with the M-4’s ability to enhance hearing up to six times that of normal hearing while simultaneously blocking out the harmful muzzle blasts popping off all across the range. I was easily able to engage in normal conversation without raising my voice or asking others to do the same while shots were being fired all around.
Adjusting the volume of incoming sounds was remarkably simple with the accessible dual adjustable volume control wheels located on both muffs. What I appreciated most was just how easy the wheels were to find and adjust with the hands. With some other electronic earmuffs, I’ve occasionally found myself fumbling for the dial—not so with the M-4 muffs.
The M-Series Electronic Muffs utilize a compact fold design that makes transportation and storage a breeze.
During the course of testing the ProSounds electronic muffs, I felt confident that my ears were being adequately protected, even when firing loud, screaming rounds such as the .300 Win. Mag. Any time a potentially damaging sound occurred, the muffs simply blocked that sound, and then once the sound subsided, returned to enhanced hearing.
The M-Series muffs also felt comfortable on my head, which is an important consideration for any set of earmuffs. The M-4 Electronic Muffs, featuring a relatively thin and lightweight overall profile, never once interfered with my shooting, and when it was time to pack up, the muffs collapsed neatly for compact storage.
Any shooter looking for a set of electronic earmuffs priced somewhere in the middle should strongly consider the M-Series. The 25 dB of noise reduction and Electronic Shutdown technology offers adequate hearing protection, while the four directional microphones (two on the M-2 muffs) provide clear, enhanced hearing for those sounds which are safe to the shooter.
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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.
