The market for ammunition has been continuing to grow over the course of the past several years, with many relatively new manufacturers jumping in the mix. One of the newest is Team Never Quit, which has partnered with Snake River Shooting Products to develop a diverse line of quality ammunition for training, personal defense and hunting.
One of the prominent faces of Team Never Quit Ammo and former Navy SEAL and author of New York Times bestseller “Lone Survivor,” Marcus Luttrell was able to offer some information on the company’s progression and its goals for Team Never Quit Ammo.
Check out the video above to learn more about the products and the story behind Team Never Quit Ammo.
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Understanding Ballistics Tailor your ammunition choice to the task at hand and ensure you’re choosing the right bullet every time with Understanding Ballisticsby Philip P. Massaro. Narrow down the vast array of ammunition options with detailed information and expert reviews of available bullets, and come to a better understanding of bullet technology and performance. Plus, learn about the physics of the bullet and its effects once it hits the intended target. Get Your Copy Now
Three categories combine to describe what I call the cartridge’s power potential. Therefore, understanding which loads in a particular cartridge produce the maximum velocity, maximum energy and maximum power is the key to understanding Power Potential.
Understanding power potential is the fundamental first step to understanding and simplifying the world of cartridges. The next step is to understand how power potential is affected, as well as limited, when that same case (or parent case) is manipulated to propel projectiles that are either smaller in caliber and inherently lighter, or larger in caliber and inherently heavier.
A parent case is exactly what it sounds like; it is the original & unique case from which new cartridges are built. For example the .30-06 Springfield is one of the earliest mass-produced big game cartridges. The .30-06 Springfield is also the parent case for many popular hunting cartridges. A small sampling of these include the: .25-06 Remington, .270 Winchester, .280 Remington, .338-06, and .35 Whelen.
A given cartridge has a perceived range of capabilities (or perceived power potential). New cartridges can be built from the existing cartridge to accomplish a new set of capabilities. This is done by simply changing one or more of the case’s three main physical characteristics. These are: 1-the neck diameter, 2-the case length, and 3-the shoulder height & angle. A fourth could be body taper, but that is much less common than the first three.
Neck Diameter: Reducing the neck diameter allows the cartridge to fire a smaller caliber bullet. Enlarging the neck diameter allows it to fire a larger caliber bullet. Manipulating the neck diameter tends to either increase bullet velocity or increase overall power potential (*not both*).
Case Length: Lengthening a parent case increases its powder capacity and increases its overall power potential. Shortening a case provides a smaller powder charge. This reduces recoil and overall power potential. But this can also increase powder efficiency. Manipulating the length of the parent case usually occurs in the draw process (when mechanically forming the case from a piece of brass). New improved powders occasionally allow a new cartridge to use a smaller case capacity and maintain a similar power potential as an older established cartridge that has a noticeably larger case capacity.
Shoulder: Manipulating the shoulder height and its angle can change how the burning powder builds pressure in the cartridge. This manipulates how the bullet is propelled out the barrel. “Improved” shoulders can increase velocity, powder charge and overall power potential.
The power potential of a parent case is governed by the fact that it has a fixed maximum powder load. As discussed above, power potential can be utilized to maximize velocity by propelling a lighter projectile. Or this power potential can be utilized to maximize energy & momentum by propelling a heavier and/or larger caliber bullet.
The American Standard Bullet Poster is full color and makes a big statement with its 36-inch wide by 24-inch tall footprint. Cartridges are life size. The poster includes all American Standardized Cartridges (Rifle, Handgun, and Shotgun), military surplus and a few bonus cartridges, too. There’s no better way to present 165 unique rifle cartridges, 55 handgun cartridges, and 9 different shotgun gauges on your wall than with this bold poster. Get Yours Now
Pointer’s new break-action shotgun is tailor-made to provided youths with a safe and effective smoothbore. It’s lightweight and easy to learn.
The venerable single-shot, break-action shotgun has been the right of passage for many a young shooter and sportsman. As far as “first guns” go, the safe and steady scattergun is perhaps only overshadowed by the many variations of .22 rifles.
There are good reasons why break-actions are a popular choice for youths to hone their marksmanship and gun safety skills. The design of most is inherently safe, shotguns are versatile, and overall the firearms are manageable.
Legacy Sports International added this age-old style of shotgun to its catalog recently, introducing the Youth Pointer Break Action. And at first blush, the shotgun appears to have the right combination of features to make it a dandy firearm for new shooters.
Perhaps the most important asset of the new Pointer Break Action is its slew of safety features. The shotgun — available in 12-gauge, 20-gauge and .410 — is outfitted with a manual push-button safety, located above the trigger guard. It also has two passive safeties: a hammer safety and transfer-bar safety. Both aid in avoiding a negligent discharge if the firearm is dropped.
The break-action design itself also helps in ensuring the firearm is safely handled. In particular, the gun’s hammer must be manually actuated before it can be fired, and it can be carried with the action open. The latter feature is a real safety boost for those heading into the field for the first time, allowing them to securely carry the shotgun over rough terrain without worry. At around 5 pounds, the Pointer Break-Action shouldn’t prove to be a burden when carried by young shooters. But, the heft of the firearm should be enough to mitigate its recoil. This is a plus, given many new to firearms can be head shy about a gun’s kick. The smoothbore has a 26-inch barrel and has a 3-inch chamber on the 12- and 20-gauge model, and a 2.5-inch chamber on the .410.
It comes outfitted with a durable black-synthetic stock and has a 13-inch length of pull, which should provide a comfortable fit for a vast majority of youths. The gun also has a brass bead front sight and a fixed modified choke.
The final feature of the Pointer Break-Action shotgun that should appeal to many is its affordability. With an MSRP of $188, the shotgun should be accessible to nearly anyone searching for a firearm to teach the next generation of shooters.
The new Black Tiger Stripe finish is now available on Magnum Research Desert Eagles chambered in .50 AE and .44 Magnum.
Magnum Research has introduced black tiger stripe finish models of its classic Desert Eagle pistol. The new finish complements the company’s other finish options, which includes blued, stainless, gold and chrome.
Customized finishes have become an increasingly common trend among gun owners, whether it be on modular ARs or tactical handguns. Many manufacturers have recognized this trend and are offering specialized finishes on their firearms straight from the factory.
One gun manufacturer catering to shooters preferring a more personal finish on their firearms is Magnum Research, maker of the well-known Desert Eagle pistol. The company has offered buyers a number of custom colors and finishes, including both Zebra stripe and Gold Tiger Stripe, on its Desert Eagles. New for 2016, Magnum Research is making the Desert Eagle available with a Black Tiger Stripe finish as well.
The new Black Tiger Stripe Desert Eagles will be available in both .50 Action Express (AE) and .44 Magnum chamberings. Like other Desert Eagles, these are gas-operated pistols with a capacity of 7 rounds in the .50 AE chambering and 8 rounds in the .44 Magnum configuration. Both handguns are 10.75 inches in length and feature a 6-inch barrel, and both incorporate an ergonomically designed grip specifically formed for two-handed shooting and a Weaver-style accessory rail for optics. The .50 AE version weighs approximately 4 pounds, 5.8 ounces, while the .44 Magnum model weighs around 4 pounds, 6.6 ounces.
“While there are many people that appreciate an unadorned pistol, there are still those that feel they need something more – something that complements their personality,” stated Frank Harris, VP of Sales of Marketing. “To address those fans who want something ‘flashier,’ we have introduced our handguns in multiple colors, polished gold or chrome and even animal prints. The Black Tiger Stripe Desert Eagle was first exhibited at the 2016 SHOT Show and already we anticipate it will be one of our more popular models.”
Currently, MSRP on the new Black Tiger Stripe Desert Eagles is listed at $1,922 for the .50 AE and $1,895 for the .44 Magnum. For more info on the new Desert Eagles or other Magnum Research products, visit the company’s website.
One of the world’s most famous and recognized shooters joins the Pro Staff Team at Aguila Ammunition.
In the past few months, Aguila Ammunition, the Latin American ammo manufacturer known the world over for its .22-caliber ammunition, has been adding talent to its Pro Staff Team, with recent additions such as professional clay shooters Gary Fitzjarrell and David Miller. Now, the company has announced the addition of yet another Pro Staff Team member: Jerry Miculek.
Commonly known as the “Greatest Shooter of All Time,” Miculek is a 20-time world record holder and one of the most prolific and revered figures in the shooting industry. He is especially well-known for his abilities with a revolver and has earned an impressive number of titles over his shooting career, including USPSA National Revolver Champion, IDPA National Revolver Champion, IDPA World Revolver Champion, and Steel Challenge Revolver Champion. Without question, Miculek is one of the fastest and most versatile revolver shooters in the world.
Upon officially joining the Aguila Ammunition Pro Staff Team, Miculek will be representing Aguila’s rimfire product line.
“Creating a pro-staff is one of our goals for this year, and we’re ecstatic that we’ve already built an all-star shooting team,” states Kristi Drawe, Director of Marketing for Aguila. “Jerry is one of the most versatile, respected, well-known competition shooters in our industry. He is an inspiration and a role model for so many aspiring shooters and we are thrilled to have him representing the rimfire line of the Aguila brand.”
Miculek says, “Aguila rimfire ammunition offers the shooter 100% ignition, amazingly consistent accuracy, all with a clean burning propellant. With 27 different rimfire loads to choose from, there is no reason not to use Aguila. They really have a specialty round for everyone. It’s simply the best ammo and I’m happy to represent a company with such high performing products. Get some!”
For more information on the products Aguila Ammunition offers, visit the company’s website at AguilaAmmo.com.
Also Check Out:
Understanding Ballistics Tailor your ammunition choice to the task at hand and ensure you’re choosing the right bullet every time with Understanding Ballisticsby Philip P. Massaro. Narrow down the vast array of ammunition options with detailed information and expert reviews of available bullets, and come to a better understanding of bullet technology and performance. Plus, learn about the physics of the bullet and its effects once it hits the intended target. Get Your Copy Now
The FN 15 Competition Rifle is tailor-made for the competitive shooter. Find out more about this great rifle in Gun Digest’s exclusive first look video.
The popularity of 3-Gun competitions has only continued to grow in recent years, and plenty of manufacturers have begun to research, develop and release products specifically tailored for this type of competitive shooting. FN is one such company, and for 2016 the manufacturer is now offering a competition-inspired version of its classic FN 15 rifle.
The new FN 15 Competition is stacked with features that 3-Gun shooters have come to expect in their rifles. The gun has a hard-anodized blue receiver with both the upper and lower manufactured from 7075T651 billet aluminum, and an 18-inch chrome-lined, cold hammer forged barrel is free-floated inside a lightweight, 15-inch handguard with M-LOK attachment points, capitalizing on many competitive shooters’ preference for an extended grip placement.
For improved ergonomics, the rifle sports Magpul’s MOE-SL buttstock and MOE Grip and comes equipped with an ambidextrous bolt release. Performance-wise, the FN 15 Competition utilizes a Nickel-Boron coated bolt carrier assembly, a Surefire ProComp 556 Muzzle Brake, a low-profile steel gas block and a quality Timney trigger.
Pricing on the new FN 15 Competition rifle is currently listed at $2,249.
In the video above, FN 15 Product Manager JP Reconnu, provides Gun Digest with a firsthand look at the new FN 15 Competition. Watch the video to learn more about this exciting new rifle.
Designed with turkey hunting in mind, the new Stevens Model 320 12-gauge Turkey Shotgun is a great choice for hunters.
Gobblers beware. Stevens has added a new 12-gauge Turkey shotgun to its classic Model 320 line just in time for the season.
The Stevens Model 320 pump-action shotgun has always been known as a solid performer, and its palatable price has made it very affordable to a wide variety of shooters. Now, coinciding with the start of many states’ spring turkey seasons, Stevens is releasing a new model specifically tailored for getting gobblers.
With shipments of the new model to dealers currently underway, the new Stevens Model 320 12-gauge Turkey Pump-Action Shotgun should be an excellent option for hunters.
The new turkey-specific model includes all the same great features that have made other Model 320 shotguns so popular, such as dual slide bars, a rotary bolt, a rugged synthetic stock and a five-round capacity. In addition to these standard features, the new gun also incorporates elements designed to give the turkey hunter an added edge, including Mossy Oak Obsession Camouflage; an extended full choke on a 22-inch, vent-rib barrel; a long, green fiber optic front sight; and a drilled and tapped receiver for mounting optics.
MSRP on the new Stevens Model 320 12-gauge Turkey Shotgun is currently listed at $280. For more information and technical specifications, visit SavageArms.com.
Introduced in 1935 by Smith & Wesson for its heavy-frame revolver, the .357 Magnum is a hard-hitting round.
The .357 Magnum chambering was introduced in 1935 by Smith & Wesson for its heavy-frame revolver. Ammunition was developed by Winchester, in cooperation with Smith & Wesson. Major Douglas B. Wesson (of S&W) and Philip B. Sharpe are credited with much of the final development work. The .357 Magnum is based on the .38 Special case lengthened about 1/10-inch, so it will not chamber in standard .38 Special revolvers. This was the most powerful handgun cartridge in the world until the .44 Magnum was introduced in 1955. Colt, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and many others manufacture revolvers for this cartridge. This is probably the most popular high-velocity handgun cartridge in the United States for police, hunting, and target work. The .357 Magnum provides nearly double the velocity and more than three times the energy of standard .38 Special loads. It is noted for its flat trajectory, deep penetration, and great knockdown power. It is considered the best all-around handgun-hunting cartridge for small and medium game and, under proper conditions, for deer at short range. Nearly every major commercial ammunition manufacturer offers .357 Magnum ammunition.
There has been plenty of green in Fairfield, Maine this spring, but not just from the new foliage. Instead, the town has enjoyed the green of cold, hard cash from a recent sale by one of its auction houses. James D. Julia reported grossing approximately $15 million during its March 14-15 firearms auction. And it wasn’t just the company’s ample inventory that raked in the impressive hull. The auction house offered up some highly sought-after firearms with more than 300 lots realizing $10,000 or more and 20 lots bringing in $100,000 or more. But there was plenty to get firearms collectors to break out their wallets at the gun auction, including an impressive selection of Colts and Winchesters from some renowned collections. Here is a brief look at some of the more desirable sales made at the two-day sale, including the final bid for each shotgun, rifle and pistol.
Turnbull Manufacturing is releasing four exquisite Winchester 1886 rifles with incredible engraving.
What happened when one of America’s greatest gun designers teamed up with one of the country’s most historic manufacturers? The answer is simple — legends were born.
It’s hard to deny the late 19th Century partnership between John M. Browning and Winchester Repeating Arms was a golden age. The designer’s genius and the company’s manufacturing prowess delivered what are still considered some of the world’s most desirable firearms. And even the designs themselves have withstood the test of time with contemporary gun makers still dipping Browning’s well.
The New York-based custom gun maker has produced some striking specimens from the Browning-Winchester partnership over the years. But recently, the company’s master craftsmen might have outdone themselves.
Turnbull is releasing a set of four rifles based off the Winchester Model 1886 this year. And while each comes with a hefty price tag ($9,450 to $12,975), it doesn’t take much investigation to see why they demand such a premium. These rifles are truly functional works of art.
“These guns represent what happens when our engravers and designers are allowed to operate as artists on a steel canvas,” said Doug Turnbull, CEO of Turnbull Manufacturing. “Just like other artists, we will be hard pressed to let these leave, but proud to put them in the hands of their new owners. It is our hope that these become the guns that are passed down through generations in families.”
All four of the rifles — Turnbull #6, #9, #10 and Engaved 1886 —feature American black walnut stocks, 26-inch full octagon barrels and shotgun butt pads. And they each feature unique scroll patterns and game scenes from the Winchester Highly Finished Arms Catalog.
Turnbull #6 1886.
The #6 (.45-70 Govt.) has a standing buck on the left and bull moose on the right. The #9 (.45-70 Govt.) features a standing buck on the right and a running buck on the left. The #10 (.475 Turnbull) has a single scene on its left, a centerpiece of a bull elk bugling. And the Engraved 1886 (.475 Turnbull) features ornate scrollwork over the majority of the receiver. The company gives the option of charcoal blue or Turnbull’s signature case color as a finish to the receiver.
There is also a bit of a difference in stocks between the rifles. The #6 and #9 both have straight stock, while the #10 and Engraved 1886 each have pistol grips.
Certainly, there are only a select few who will take a crack at these Turnbull 1886 rifles. But from all appearances, whoever ends up with them will have some truly heirloom-quality firearms.
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.
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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.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 of the best concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
