Tired of loading up plain old magazines on your tactical plinker? Lakeside Guns has the answer for you — a belt fed .22 LR. Yup, the subsidiary of Arkansas’ Lakeside Machine has a nifty conversion for AR-15 style rifles, called the Razorback. Quite simply, this modified upper receiver allows shooters to chew through rimfire ammo via a belt. Perhaps best of all, it requires no modification to the lower receiver to slap one on. The aspect of the Razorback that caught my eye was the ejection of the spent cartridge through the mag well, which is pretty nifty. Overall, the Razorback appears to be mainly a novelty. But what the heck, it would be the talk of any gun range it showed up at.
A Big Market for Used Law Enforcement Firearms
Mark Kitterman—Summit Gun Broker, Grain Valley, Mo.
Summit Gun Broker specializes in buying up used law enforcement firearms and reselling them to individuals and gun shops.
The current top seller here, says owner Mark Kitterman, is the .40-caliber Glock 22, a Gen III, semi-automatic handgun. A recent sale on the Summit website had the Glock 22’s going for $309.
“I think a lot of agencies are looking at 9mm’s once again, and when they make the shift, we see a lot of these .40-cal Glock 22’s getting sold,” says Kitterman. “Actually, there’s so many used agency Glocks and similar polymer pistols out there, prices have gone down. I’ve seen Glocks drop about $50 over the last year.”
These Glocks tend to be in very good condition, he adds, as most agencies with a good inventory of the pistols have an employee who is also a certified Glock armorer. “They fix anything that goes wrong as it happens, and they are pretty good about doing regular maintenance on the pistols.”
The other used agency handguns Kitterman is seeing in good numbers are the SIG P226 and P229’s.
Recently, Summit bought up 1,000 shotguns—all Remingtons—from a very large agency making the switch from scatterguns to duty rifles. They sold out surprisingly fast, Kitterman notes, with the Wingmasters going for $165 each, the Police Magnums at $300.
Gun Digest Reloading Video Series Episode 8: Troubleshooting
Learn how to troubleshoot the reloading process, getting stuck cases out of dies and tips for spotting case head separation and other signs your brass is getting long in the tooth, with Gun Digest's resident handloading expert Philip Massaro. Also covered are collet bullet pullers and inertia hammers for getting bullets out of cases during those times when you seat too deeply or forget to charge the case with powder.
Learn The Basics Of Reloading Ammo:
- Basics of Reloading
- Handloading Tools
- Case Resizing
- Primer Particulars
- Powders
- Bullets
- Specialty Cases
- Primers and Case Charging
- Cartridge Assembly
- Safety
Gun Digest Reloading Video Series Brought to You By:
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Rest Assured: You Need Shooting Sticks!
With tons of great options on the market, there’s a steady rest for every hunter’s needs. These shooting sticks are sure to improve your field shooting skills.
It was a hunting experience more than 25 years ago that made me realize I needed a tall shooting rest or shooting sticks. I stalked a mule deer buck over some very rugged terrain and was carefully scanning the mountainside below when I discovered the buck was watching me from above. Standing, I tried to take aim but couldn’t steady the rifle. I tried kneeling but had no luck, and when I went prone I couldn’t see over the brush and grass. Fortunately for me, the buck stood and watched until I could get my breathing under enough control to take the shot. Before the next trip, I fabricated a shooting rest for myself to deal with similar conditions since there was nothing commercially available at the time.
Most shooting rest designs (bipods) on the market are focused on the military or police markets and are designed for low-to-the-ground shooting positions. Hunters typically shoot from higher positions, however, and need a taller rest. For review, I collected rests ranging from the extremely lightweight to those built for heavy duty use. Each design has advantages and disadvantages; selection of the right rest depends on the application and personal preferences. Some manufacturers offer add-ons that increase versatility. I have my own favorites driven by my needs, but they may not meet yours. As you do your research, you might find you need more than one—I certainly do.
Bipod Shooting Sticks | Shooting Bipod
The Bipod Shooting Sticks bipod is made of fiberglass rods with steel connectors that use shock-cords to hold them together. A rubber tubing loop serves to mount the bipod to the rifle, thus keeping it in the same location shot after shot. The bipod comes with a neoprene “sock” that serves as both a storage case and holster. When mounted on a waist belt, the holster supports the ends of the bipod for both off-hand and sitting positions, creating a surprisingly steady rest. The legs can also be spread on the ground in the same manner as a conventional bipod with a range of heights from 10.5 to 33.5 inches. ($39.95; bipodshootingsticks.com)
Bog Pod | CLD-3s
The Bog Pod Camo Legged Devil (CLD-3s) tripod weighs approximately 32 ounces. It is primarily composed of aluminum with three, three-section, high-strength, lightweight aluminum legs. Leg adjustments are secured with rapid-adjust lever locks, while the middle leg sections of each leg feature inch markings that help to quickly adjust each to the same height. The CLD-3s has a range of adjustment from 5.5 inches up to 42.5 inches. A carry bag with an Allen wrench for adjusting leg tension is included with the rest. ($159.99, boggear.com)
Bog Pod | HD-3
The HD-3 weighs approximately 56 ounces. Like the CLD-3s, it is primarily made of aluminum with three beefed-up, lightweight aluminum legs. The legs have 5mm larger tubes than standard Bog Pod shooting platforms. Having a range of adjustment from 20-65 inches as measured at the bottom of the “U” form rest, the HD-3 can be used for sitting, kneeling or standing shooting positions. Bog Pod also offers a selection of accessory mounts that will accommodate binoculars, spotting scope, cameras, etc. A carry bag with an Allen wrench for making leg tension adjustments is included with the HD-3. ($179.99, boggear.com)
Cabela’s | 3-in-1 Shooting Rest
Cabela’s 3-in-1 shooting rest can be used as a monopod, a bipod or a tripod. It is made of aluminum and polymer and features a “U” shaped rest. The rest is rubber coated and has rubber “blades” similar to a windshield wiper that help to steady the firearm. The lowest position possible is when used as a bipod, which puts the bottom of the rest at 25.5 inches. At full leg extension the rest is 58 inches in height as either a bipod or a tripod. When used as a monopod, the range of adjustment is from 28.5-63 inches. The rest weights 35.2 ounces ($74.99; cabelas.com)
Cabela’s | Shooting Bi-Pod
Cabela’s Bi-Pod Shooting Sticks can be used as not only a bipod but as a monopod as well. The sticks are made of aluminum and polymer with a matte black finish and have a rubber padded “U”-shaped firearm support. What is unique to Cabela’s Bi-Pod is the addition of an adjustable strap connecting one leg to the other. The connecting strap prevents the legs from sliding apart when the bipod is used on hard surfaces where the feet cannot get a grip. The Bi-Pod has a range of adjustment from 20-61 inches and weighs 17.5 ounces. ($38.99, cabelas.com)
Kramer Designs Corporation | SnipePod V2
Kramer’s SnipePod V2 is meant for extreme hunting situations where gear weight is of the utmost concern. The V2 is a highly advanced version of the original model with a range of adjustment from 7.5-27 inches and weighs an incredibly light 5 ounces. Each leg is mounted in a ball joint and allows almost unlimited three-axis movement. A small aluminum mount is attached to the firearm utilizing a standard QD sling swivel stud. The bipod is quickly attached and removed without the use of tools. Kramer offers an accessory third leg that turns the bipod into a tripod for use with a spotting scope. ($125.00; kramerdesignscorp.com)
Primos | Jim Shockey Edition Trigger Stick Tripod
Primos’ Jim Shockey Edition Trigger Stick tripod is easily adjusted with one hand by pulling the trigger. The grip is held at the desired height while gravity causes the legs to extend to the ground. The tripod weighs 46 ounces and can be used as both a gun rest and an optical gear mount. The rest has a range of height from 28-62 inches as measured from the bottom of the “V” rest. As an optics support, the “V” rest can be removed to expose threaded fixtures for mounting optical gear such as cameras, spotting scopes, binoculars and laser range finders. ($195.95; primos.com)
Primos | Steady Stix Magnum
The Steady Stix Magnum has a rubber padded “V” form rest and is designed for quick setup and use. Although the Magnum has increased the tube diameters of the Magnum to .515-inch versus .340-inch for my old Steady Stix, it is still a very light rest (8 ounces). The leg sections are connected with a pressure-fit ferrule and extreme-duty shock cords. Packed, the overall length is 15 inches, and when the three-section legs are fully extended the rest is 45 inches long. It features usable shooting heights ranging from 26-34 inches. ($44.95; primos.com)
Primos | Pole Cat Monopod
The Pole Cat Monopod from Primos is made of three sections of seamless tempered aluminum and utilizes patented Posi-Lock adjustments. Weighing 10.9 ounces, the monopod is easy to transport and can be adjusted from 25-62 inches. Not only is the monopod a shooting rest, it can also double as a hiking aid. Primos has fitted the monopod with a very usable hand strap in the style of a ski pole strap that helps reduce hand fatigue on long treks. For non-hunting use, the shooting rest can be easily removed and replaced with a nicely finished wooden knob available as an accessory. ($44.95; primos.com)
Do You Really Need Premium Ammo?
Once upon a time, hunters did just fine with standard bullets. Find out how bullet designs have changed over the years and whether you need premium ammo for your next hunt.
There was a time—a very long time in fact—when the making of a hunting bullet was a fairly simple operation. Disks or planchets were punched from copper alloy sheet or strip stock then drawn in dies in successive steps to form a deep cup. Then a slug of lead wire is placed in the cup, swaged to tightly fill the cavity, then forced into forming and sizing dies, leaving some of the lead core exposed at the very tip to initiate expansion. This process, referred to as cup-and-draw, was (and still is) the most common method of bullet production. Heated debates about bullet design and construction are a relatively recent thing because back then a bullet was a bullet, and there wasn’t a lot to argue about other than, say, round nose versus spitzer.
Today, however, there are several different methods being used to make bullets, to say nothing of the dozens of different bullet types, construction and composition. Any departure from the cup and draw process just described usually results in bullets that are more expensive, whether as reloading components, and as used in factory ammunition.
Some of the pioneers in the design and manufacture of what we have come to refer to as “premium” bullets were John Nosler, who began production of his Partition in 1948, and Lee Reed, founder of the Swift Bullet Co. and designer of the A-Frame, to name just two. Both bullets are actually quite similar in that they are what are known as H-mantle bullets consisting of a jacket that has two separate lead cavities separated by a partition—like the letter H. Both are designed with nose sections that reliably expand at a wide range of impact velocities, but the mushrooming stops at the partition, so that the bullet retains a high percentage of its original weight, which of course provides deep penetration. Jack Carter’s Trophy Bonded bullets have a solid base with just the nose section filled with lead that’s bonded to the jacket.
Initially, these and similar premium bullets were available only as components, so only reloaders could take advantage of them. However, the real impetus for technologically advanced bullets and ammunition was the introduction in 1977 of Federal Cartridge’s Premium ammo. It was a real gamble by Federal to think that hunters would be willing to pay as much as 50 percent more for ammunition manufactured to tighter tolerances, more stringent accuracy requirements and higher quality control standards.
But the biggest difference was that the company’s Premium line was initially loaded with Nosler and Sierra bullets, which up to that time were only available as reloading components. Currently, Federal Premium uses bullets from just about every established bullet maker. Essentially, it’s a tacit admission by a major ammunition manufacturer that a company other than itself could possibly make a better (or different) bullet than they themselves did.
That was almost 40 years ago, and yes, America’s hunters and shooters have since proven that they are indeed willing to pay extra for ammo that offers better accuracy, ballistics, terminal performance or combinations thereof. Today, every major ammo company—Remington, Winchester, Federal, Norma, Black Hills—all offer loaded ammunition featuring Barnes, Hornady, Sierra, Swift, Nosler, Woodleigh and Speer bullets. In addition, Hornady, Nosler and Barnes—once companies that made only bullets—now manufacture their own SuperFormance, Trophy Grade and VOR-TX ammo, respectively, loaded with their own bullets.
There’s such an emphasis on premium ammo these days, that to hear some pundits tell it, if you’re not hunting with top shelf ammo or handloading some premium bullet, you might as well stay home. This kind of makes you wonder how the plain old cup and draw jacketed lead bullet accounted for so much game for so long! I know I’ve certainly taken my share of critters using them.
So just how important is it to hunt with a premium bullet? Well, like any honest answer, it depends…on the game, the terrain and the tactics. Does the eastern Whitetail hunter who typically takes his deer at distances under 100 yards, need anything more exotic than, say, a Remington Core Lokt or a Winchester Power Point, both of which are excellent bullets? The answer is no, of course not. Even if we extend the range to 150 yards, you simply do not need benchrest accuracy, a super flat trajectory, high weight retention or deep penetration. In fact, the latter two are of arguable value. Personally, for deer hunting I prefer to use a bullet that’s designed to expand quickly and expend most or all of its energy inside the animal, i.e., no exit hole.
Now I know there’s a very credible school of thought that believes there should always be an exit hole, which guarantees a second and much better blood trail in case of a wounded animal. But I have to say I’ve experienced and witnessed more lightning-like kills on deer (and deer-size animals), with bullets like the Nosler Ballistic Tip (the one that started it all), Hornady SST, Winchester Ballistic Silvertip and similar poly-tipped bullets. Though only marginally more expensive than promotional and standard-line ammo, these bullets provide string-flat trajectories as well as quick and reliable expansion at a wide range of impact velocities.
The tipped bullet concept is nothing new. Remington’s Bronze Point and Winchester’s Silvertip go back decades before Nosler’s Ballistic Tip. The idea was the same: A nose tip or meplat of a hardened material protected the tips from deformation in the magazine, and also acted like a wedge to initiate expansion. The only thing different today is that bullet tips are of polycarbonate, which is lighter, and moves the bullet’s center of mass more towards the base, which helps accuracy.
The tipped bullet has since metastasized to where it is now seen in virtually every bullet type—bonded core, dual core, varmint, match and monolithic. If the Nosler folks were instrumental in popularizing the polycarbonate-tipped bullet, Barnes is responsible for the monolithic solid copper bullet. Their TSX and TSX-Tipped bullets have since been copied by every one of their major competitors. Terminal performance-wise, this type bullet provides reliable, double diameter expansion, deep penetration and virtual 100-percent weight retention. They also provide superior ballistics in that they all have very high ballistic coefficients, which means they are about as flat shooting as you’ll find in a game bullet. And they’re accurate.
Bottom line: Do you need premium-bullet handloads or premium ammo using premium bullets for anything but extreme range shooting and dangerous game? Not really. But for what little extra cost is involved on a per shot basis, why not tip the scale as much as possible in our favor? There is simply no downside to a better mousetrap.
How The Savage A17 Revolutionized The .17 HMR Rifle
In this Savage A17 review, Jon R. Sundra explains how the first delayed blowback semi-auto action chambered in .17 HMR rimfire operates and performs at the bench.
Why The Savage A17 Is A Different Kind Of Rimfire:
- First successful .17 HMR semi-auto rifle
- Delayed blowback action makes it possible for the AR17 to relyable cycle
- Feeds from a 10-round rotary magazine
- Extremely accurate shot to shot
- Suitable as a target rifle or a hunter
When the .17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM) rimfire cartridge debuted two years ago, it did so not in a Winchester, but in the Savage B-Mag, a rifle designed from scratch around this hottest of rimfires. This year Savage pulled a similar move by working with CCI to come up with the first affordable semi-auto rifle chambered for the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR).
Savage and CCI, as you may know, are among the dozens of firearms-related companies now under the Vista Outdoor family. For this cooperative project, the CCI people developed a special load, A17 Varmint Tip, which boasts a 2,650 fps muzzle velocity for its 17-grain polymer tipped bullet—that’s 100 fps faster than all other similar loads offered by Hornady, Winchester, Remington, PMC and even CCI.
The .17 HMR was introduced back in 2002, so why did it take 13 years for someone to come up with a self-loader for this highly popular cartridge? Good question. The answer lies in the fact that no existing semi-auto rimfire rifle of sporting configuration could handle it. Even though the cartridge had a maximum average breech pressure (MABP) only 2,000 psi more than the .22 LR and .22 Magnum (WMR), and the fact that a few existing semi-autos were successfully adapted to the latter, the .17 HMR posed special challenges.
All existing semi-auto rimfire rifles employ straight blowback actions, which are not capable of handling high-intensity centerfire pistol and rifle calibers. With a blowback there is no locking mechanism per se, and only the spring(s) that power the bolt keep the action closed. Upon ignition, the equal and opposite reaction of launching a bullet forward has the cartridge case pushing backwards.
The mass of the bolt itself and its spring provide enough resistance to keep the action closed the few microseconds it takes for the bullet to exit the muzzle and the pressure to drop.
With the .17 HMR, however, things become more complicated because we’re talking about a bullet weight range of 15.5 to 20 grains—that’s half the weight (and half the resistance) of the 40-grain payload of the .22 LR or .22 Magnum. As a result, the higher pressures, higher bullet velocity and greater bolt thrust were different enough that existing actions were not safely adaptable. To do it right required a new action, and apparently no major American arms manufacturer thought the demand for a semi-auto .17 HMR was enough to warrant the investment…at least not for 13 years, anyway.
Enter the A17, which is based on a delayed blowback action. There are many ways to keep the action closed a few microseconds longer, but all delayed blowbacks employ the same principle: The bolt performs some other operation before it can overcome the inertia of the bolt and spring and begins its rearward movement.
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With the A17 there’s a collapsible lug housed in the top surface of the bolt that engages a slot in the ceiling of the receiver. The rear surfaces of the lug and the recess it bears against are angled to form a cam surface, which acts like an ordinary door latch. The rearward force exerted on the bolt forces the lug to collapse, allowing the bolt to open and move to the rear. It’s really quite a complicated mix of mass, resistance and timing—enough that it took the folks at Savage 2½ years of R&D to get it right.
The A17 sent to us for review weighed 5.4 pounds and measured 42 inches in length. It feeds from a 10-round rotary magazine that fits flush with the belly of the stock. The free-floated, 22-inch barrel is button-rifled with a 1:9-inch twist and tapers to .610 at the muzzle, making it fairly stout for a .17 caliber. The safety is of the cross bolt type, housed in the forward portion of the trigger guard bow and therefore similar to those found on most pump and semi-auto shotguns. The injection-molded polymer stock is of the straight comb classic style with just a slight ¼-inch drop from the point of the comb to the rubber butt-padded heel. Pre-installed Weaver-type scope ring bases are standard, as is Savage’s AccuTrigger, which is user-adjustable down to 2.5 lbs.
Another member of the Vista Outdoor Group is Weaver, so it was not coincidental that along with the A17 we received a KASPA (an Indian word meaning “clear vision”) 3-9x40mm rimfire scope and Weaver rings. This particular scope comes with three elevation dials calibrated to the 40-grain trajectories of the .22 LR and .22 Mag., and for the 17-grain polycarbonate-tipped bullets of the .17 HMR. Zeroed-in dead on at 100 yards, the 17-grain bullets will impact about 2 inches low at 150, and 6½ inches low at 200, which is really about the practical limit of this little cartridge. Of course with the HMR turret installed, you simply dial those respective distances and hold dead on. With the slightly flatter trajectory of the A17 Varmint Tip load, we found those respective points of impact to be about ½ inch higher at 150 and 1 inch higher at 200—not enough to worry about for general pest-shooting purposes. It should be noted that all existing .17 HMR loads, which range from 15.5 to 20 grains, are safe to fire in this gun.
All told we put nearly 200 rounds through the test gun, which, if not a pre-production example, was of the first production run. As such, we had three failures to feed. Two magazines were provided, and if there is a trick to charging them, I failed to discover it. I consider myself rather dexterous, but I found stuffing 10 rounds into these magazines rather challenging.
Also, on several occasions, firing the first shot had the magazine drop out of the rifle. This is in spite of the fact that, after the first such occurrence, I really slapped it home and got an audible click doing so. Again, this was early production for both rifle and ammo, so I fully expect such teething glitches to be addressed. Accuracy was more than acceptable, though the two standard loads proved slightly more accurate than the A17 ammo. The best group (.75 inches) came with Hornady’s 17-grain V-Max load.
Savage A17
Type: Delayed blowback,
semi-automatic
Caliber: .17 HMR
Barrel: 22 in., 1:9-in. twist,
button-rifled
Overall Length: 42 in.
Weight: 5.4 lbs.
Stock: Injection-molded polymer,
black matte finish
Sights: Drilled and tapped for optics
Trigger: Savage AccuTrigger,
adjustable to 2.5 lbs.
Capacity: 10 rounds
MSRP: $465
Manufacturer: SavageArms.com
This gun review appeared in the October 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Related Video:
Small Caliber, Big Questions: Dive Into .17 HMR
- Breaking Down .17 HMR vs .22 Mag Accuracy for Target Shooting
- .17 HMR vs .17 WSM Accuracy – Which is More Precise?
- A Guide to Choosing the Best .17 HMR Ammo
- Top Picks for the Most Accurate .17 HMR Rifle
- A Look at the Best .17 HMR Pistols Available Today
GAP Grind 2015: GA Precision Long-Range Shooting Event
The GAP Grind 2015, a long-range tactical shooting event, took shooters' skill and equipment to a whole new level.
This year's GAP Grind match took place 16-18 October at the K&M Shooting Complex in Finger, Tennessee.
The match drew shooters from across the nation with law enforcement, military and civilian backgrounds. Held in association with the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and GA Precision, the fast-paced shooting format featured a Pro/Am arrangement pairing professional and amateur competitors.
GAP Grind: Fast Action, Long-Range
The GAP Grind presents a notoriously challenging opportunity to engage targets—paper, steel, moving and reactive—at distances of up to 1,200 yards, with minimal down-time between stages.
The 2015 course was comprised of 20+ stages, in which competitors each fired 200+ shots at long-distance targets, which varied in size and difficulty based on distance and time allotted. Most stages included “stressors” such as time limits or required movements.
Cory West, of Texas, took top honors at the event with a score of 165.00.
Just watch the GAP Grind 2015 video above and try to imagine the level of performance needed to bring long-distance computations together with equipment and an ever-changing target environment to make hits at these ranges.
Some truly top-notch long-range rifles, optics and gear are on display here, but it goes to show how intimate knowledge of equipment and long hours of practice under field conditions pay off when the chips are down.
Recommended:
Gun Digest Book of Long-Range Shooting, 2nd Edition
Get the most recent advances in guns and gear to extend your range for hunting, informal target shooting, and formal competition. Discover new tools for long-range shooters both in the field and on the firing range, with coverage of new developments from advances in military applied combat theory. Learn more
Gun Digest Reloading Video Series Episode 7: Specialty Cases
Need more brass for reloading? Don't overlook specialty cases and surplus brass! In this episode, Philip Massaro explains the differences in sporting brass vs. military surplus brass; plus an explanation of neck sizing for improved accuracy in bolt-action rifles.
Learn The Basics Of Reloading Ammo:
- Basics of Reloading
- Handloading Tools
- Case Resizing
- Primer Particulars
- Powders
- Bullets
- Troubleshooting
- Primers and Case Charging
- Cartridge Assembly
- Safety
Gun Digest Reloading Video Series Brought to You By:
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Video: Interacting With Police While Carrying in a Vehicle
When it comes to concealed carry, vehicles can provide a challenge.
Of course there are the physical demands of carrying in a car or truck. The second nature of a clean draw stroke is quickly complicated, with the shooter having to dodge a seat belt, console and steering wheel. But there is another, less-thought-of aspect that is important to consider when armed in a vehicle – interaction with law enforcement.
Even the most conscientious drivers can miss the occasional turn signal. In turn, no matter how pristine your driving record is, if you carry, it is a solid idea to be prepared to interact with a police officer, sheriff or state patrol.
Adam Painchaud, instructor at New Hampshire's SIG-Sauer Academy, gives a rundown of how to handle being pulled over while carrying concealed in the above video by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Much of his advice boils down to being courteous, forthright and smart. But he also touches on some important nuances in being pulled over while carrying, particularly those little things a driver might believe are helpful, but could set the situation on edge. Painchaud has a good perspective on these, given his law-enforcement background.
His most important advice, however, is perhaps his most obvious and simple – study and understand the laws of your state as they pertain to carrying in a vehicle. After all, even if you are a fantastic driver with a clean driving record, you never know when you might need to draw upon this knowledge.
Weatherby Introduces the Vanguard Modular Chassis Rifle
When it comes to rifle design, Weatherby has stuck to the tried and true.
From the Monte Carlo stocks to the blocky butt ends of the bolt, the California manufacturer's firearms boast classic lines and features. But recently, the winds of change swept over one of the company's lines, blowing it squarely into the contemporary.
Weatherby is diving into the tactical world head first with the introduction last month of the Vanguard Modular Chassis Rifle. And it doesn't take much perusing to discover that the new bolt-action is a marked break from past iterations of the rifle.
In particular, the new Vanguard variation is outfitted with MDT's versatile and lightweight LSS Chassis, a platform that has plenty of potential to enhance the rifle. Not only does the 6061 aluminum chassis provide a ridge platform for the barrel and action, it also has a number of adjustable features that can be used to tailor the rifle to the shooter.
Along these lines, the chassis' Luth-AR Modular Buttstock might be the most weighty feature, since it allows both the length of pull and comb height to be fine tuned. The latter feature is particularly important, giving shooters the ability to ensure a tight cheekweld, thus consistent eye-to-optic alignment.
The Vanguard Modular Chassis Rifle has a number of other features that should help shooters get on target as well, including a Hogue Overmolded pistol grip and two-stage adjustable match trigger.
The new rifle – initially being offered in .223 Rem and .308 Win – also offers versatility, along with its accuracy. The forend of the Vanguard has hole spacing for Magpul MOE L5 (11 slot) and L3 (7 slot) accessory rails. In addition to this, it also boasts a stud where a bipod and/or a sling can quickly be attached.
The Vanguard Modular Chassis Rifle has an overall length of 41 ¼-42 ¼ inches in length and tips the scales at 8 ¾ pounds. The rifle accepts MDT-compatible magazines and is sold with a 10-round magazine.
Presently, Weatherby has a $1,449 MSRP on the Vanguard Modular Chassis Rifle. While the gun's price tag is a bit hefty, it is reasonable in the world of precision rifles.
Maryland Hunting Regulations Keep Shotguns Popular at Auction
Robert Kyle—Chesapeake Market Place and Auction House, St. Leonard, Md.
Located 50 miles from Washington, D.C., in Southern Maryland, Chesapeake firearms auctions are heavily influenced by the local hunting scene. As Robert Kyle, house firearms specialist, explains, “Because the region prohibits the use of rifles for deer hunting, sportsmen must use shotguns with slugs or black powder arms for deer. Shotguns are strong in this region because they can be used for both deer and waterfowl. Goose and duck hunting is a long-time Chesapeake Bay tradition and a good side-by-side or over-and-under always attracts bidders.”
At recent auctions for example, Chesapeake sold a J.P. Saur drilling, 16-gauge made in 1901, for $1,210, a Browning Citori Lightning 12-gauge, for $1,265 and a Ruger Red Label 20-gauge O/U at $880.
New and used handguns have remained steady and strong sellers due to their home protection use. However, strict gun control laws enacted here in October 2013 made buying them more expensive. New state handgun laws now require first-time handgun buyers to get finger printed, take a handgun qualification class and pay a registration fee. These charges can add $250 to a new handgunner’s first purchase.
Still, the auction house recently sold a Ruger Blackhawk New Model .357 for $440 and an AMT Automag II .22 stainless steel at $632, as well as a slew of handguns that went for under $200.
Prices for antique guns can meet blue book value, depending on the piece and who's bidding. “In general, though, our clientele prefers guns that shoot and they can use. So reproduction antique guns that function always attract attention.”
Recent examples: Navy Arms M-1851 dragoon, $155; Colt Walker reproduction, $192.50; Cimarron M-1873 Winchester, 38-40, $550; Navy Arms Charleville musket, $440; CVA M-1860 Colt in box, $130; and Lyman M-1851 Navy, $121.
Editor's Note: This brief originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to Shotgun Games
You’ll appreciate this clay shooting guide if:
- You’re looking to become a better shotgunner and clay shooter
- You want to learn more about clay target games
- You’d like to know which shotguns are best for clay target games
Kimber 1911 Review: Diamond Ultra II and Stainless II Classic Engraved Edition
Part of Kimber’s 2015 Summer Collection, the Diamond Ultra II and Stainless II Classic Engraved Edition are sleek, sophisticated and shoot with nail-driving accuracy.
When the editor asked me to do this review, I had no idea which Kimber pistols I’d be shooting. When The Gun Shop, my FFL, called me to come and pick up the guns, Gary said, “I have a couple of barbeque guns for you.” Until recently, I had no idea of the concept of the barbeque gun. According to the Urban Dictionary, a barbeque gun is: “An old term from the Southwest that refers to a gun that is not worn daily. These were functional guns (heavily modified for better accuracy/reliability/etc.) that might have some custom engraving, polishing, or custom grips. They were normally worn in tooled leather holsters as opposed to daily wear holsters—which were plain.” The human equivalent is a James Bond version of a handgun, capable of generating serious mayhem, but fitting into the most sophisticated setting with ease and grace.
The current most popular basis for the barbeque gun is the ubiquitous 1911. In earlier days, Colt Pythons and Smith and Wesson Combat Magnums were popular for this kind of adornment, but now the 1911 rules. This is only logical since the 1911 in .45 ACP is both powerful and reliable, and the techniques for making it extremely accurate while maintaining reliability have been around for years. Due to its storied history, the 1911 has a certain level of grace, and the classic design offers ample opportunity for adornment.
For Kimber America, it was a logical jump to begin making visually enhanced 1911s because they’re the largest manufacturer of 1911s in the world, and they have a loyal following of discriminating owners. Kimber also has a reputation for reliable and accurate guns.
Whether there was an intentional decision at Kimber or the company just decided to dress things up a bit isn’t known, but it’s a perfect fit. The whole idea of the barbeque gun is that it not only be visually enhanced; it must also be a seriously accurate gun, capable of performance well beyond a standard off-the-shelf handgun. Traditionally, this class of gun has been a custom gun built by a well-known 1911 tuner, but a few manufacturers are breaking into the category.
When I opened the cases and saw the Diamond Ultra II and Stainless II Classic Engraved Edition, I instantly understood the concept of the barbeque gun. Both guns have been introduced this summer and are part of Kimber’s 2015 Summer Collection. The Diamond Ultra II is a concealed carry, 3-inch barreled, officer’s grip gun. As is normal for 3-inch 1911s, it uses the bushing-less barrel system and a full-length guide rod. The frame is aluminum for reduced weight and has a satin silver finish. There are ball-milled grooves in the front strap and straight mainspring housing.
The slide, grip safety, hammer, magazine release, ambidextrous thumb safety and slide release are high-polish stainless steel. The polish is so high my original thought was it was chrome. There’s border engraving on the slide with scroll corners, similar to the engraving on older classic American shotguns. The grip panels are ball-milled aluminum with flush-fit hollow head screws. Sights are Tactical Wedge night sights. The solid match-grade trigger comes from the factory at 4.9 pounds on my test gun, about right for a defensive handgun. It broke crisp and clean and has adjustable backlash.
Shooting the Diamond Ultra reminds you that 25-ounce 1911s with high-potency defensive loads generate recoil. The recoil isn’t as uncomfortable as a lightweight .357 revolver, but it does deflect the gun upwards regardless of how tightly you hold it. I shot it with Lake City Match hardball, Black Hills 230-grain FMJ as well as Remington Golden Saber 185-grain hollow points. As an additional function test, I used some low-powered reloads with Blue Boy coated 200-grain bullets. Operation was flawless and accuracy was good. I would have preferred grips with a more aggressive texture; the ball-milled aluminum grips were just not rough enough for me to keep the gun as anchored in my hands as I would have liked.
The sights were spot on as shipped, and it was easy to keep rapid shots in the A zone of a USPSA target at 10 yards. Repeat shots were a bit slower, but running the 8-inch plates within the standard time was certainly doable from the low-ready firing position. My only other complaint was that the polishing that provided the super-high-sheen finish must have rounded the slide serrations a bit, and 3-inch 1911s are already noticeably stiff when racking the slide. The Diamond Ultra isn’t a ladies gun, unless the lady has a very strong grip.
The Stainless II Classic Engraved Edition is a full-sized 1911 with a satin silver slide and frame. The slide has both front and rear serrations, and the flat sides and the top are scroll engraved in an open vine scroll pattern. The frame is engraved forward of the slide release, around the magazine release, on the flat mainspring housing and on the right side opposite the safety. The engraving is much more attractive than the roll-stamped engraving I’ve seen on a lot of shotguns. I know it isn’t hand engraved; the engraving cost would surpass the price of the gun, but it’s very close in appearance and sparkles in the light, contrasting the flat finish of the frame and slide. It’s very attractive.
There’s a beavertail grip safety but no enhanced bottom bump for thin hands. Sights are fixed, low profile with no dots. The skeletonized trigger on my test gun broke crisp and clean at 4.0 pounds and is backlash adjustable. The gun also features two-toned smooth walnut grips with Ivory Micarta checkered inlays, which represent one of of the most striking features on the Stainless II.
Shooting the Stainless II Classic is like spending time with an old friend. The trigger is good; the sights are easy to see and are the traditional plain black sights I prefer. The checkering on the Ivory Micarta inserts provides a good purchase, and the 38-ounce weight tames things down to normal levels. Accuracy was spot on with my first shot at 10 yards, taking out the A in the A zone of the target. Recovery is fast with the added weight going a long way to reconcile the recoil issue, and the longer and more textured grip provides a solid purchase. This isn’t a target or race gun, but it’s way beyond the average for 1911s and as tough and reliable as a King Ranch diesel pickup truck to boot.
While I’ll admit I’ve never attended a Southwest barbeque that involved barbeque guns, I suspect such a soiree might also include a little friendly shooting competition. My favorite version of this is nail driving, and the Stainless II Classic could certainly perform the task. My adopted son, Chris Cerino, drove nails with a Colt Police Positive in the first Top Shot series, and he inspired me to get into nail driving and fly shooting.
When a fly lights on a target in my classes, I stop the proceedings to demonstrate deliberate shooting accuracy by shooting the fly. I can get the fly almost all the time at 5 yards, and have a good average at 10. I can easily imagine a nail driving competition at a good-old-boy western barbeque, and the Stainless II Classic would be a great gun for the task.
The .45 ACP round is the perfect caliber for nail driving because it drastically improves your chances over a smaller footprint 9mm or the .38 Chris used. My 10-yard group confirms this with nine shots in a ragged hole and probably five or more that would have pounded a twenty-penny nail through the board.
Bench rest testing of the two guns revealed the accuracy of the Stainless II Classic exceeded the accuracy of the Diamond Ultra, as would be expected. Off the bench at 25 yards, the Classic managed a couple of five-shot groups under 2 inches, doing best with Black Hills full metal jacket 230s. The best single group was with Remington Golden Saber at just less than 1.5 inches center to center.
Bench testing the Diamond Ultra was a bit tougher because of its small size and considerable recoil. I really felt I didn’t do it justice, but it still performed with more than adequate accuracy for a defense gun. My very best group was a bit less than 3 inches, but this is excellent accuracy for a small, concealed carry .45.
I admit, I’ve never owned a barbeque gun, and I don’t frequent many high-class events. If I did, I certainly wouldn’t feel out of place with either of the two Kimbers tested. I like the Stainless II Classic best, and it would certainly be my choice if there were a nail-driving competition as part of the festivities.
Kimber Diamond Ultra II
Caliber .45 ACP
Type Semi-auto
Barrel 3-in., stainless steel
Overall Length 6.8 in.
Slide Stainless steel, cut scroll engraving and border
Frame Aluminum, Officer
Weight 25 oz. (unloaded)
Trigger High-polished, match-grade 4.0 to 5.0 lbs.
Sights Tactical Wedge night sights, fixed
Finish Satin silver (frame); high-polished (slide)
Magazine Capacity 7
MSRP $1,652
Manufacturer KimberAmerica.com
Kimber Stainless II (Classic Engraved Edition)
Caliber .45 ACP
Type Semi-auto
Barrel 5-in., steel match grade
Overall Length 8.7 in.
Slide Stainless steel, full-coverage vine and leaf engraving
Frame Stainless Steel, full-coverage vine and leaf engraving
Weight 38 oz. (unloaded)
Trigger Premium aluminum, match grade 4.0 to 5.0 lbs.
Sights Fixed, low profile
Finish Satin silver
Magazine Capacity 7
MSRP $1,905
Manufacturer KimberAmerica.com
This article appeared in the November 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine. Click here to download the full issue.
Core Strength: Smith & Wesson M&P Pro C.O.R.E. Review
Last year, Smith & Wesson added an integral mounting system for optical reflex sights and designated the guns as C.O.R.E models, the acronym indicating Competition Optics Ready Equipment. Dick Jones reviews the Smith & Wesson M&P Pro C.O.R.E..
The C.O.R.E. comes with five bases and screws for mounting six different optical reflex sights. There are mounting bases for the JPoint, Doctor, C-More, STS, InSight MRDS and the Leupold Delta Point, the sight I chose for the test. The three-dot iron sights supplied on the C.O.R.E. are extra high and allow co-witnessing with the reflex sight. Of course, there’s also a lower rail for mounting a laser or light or a combination thereof.
What makes this work so well is that the top of the slide is milled down, allowing the sight to sit lower over the bore. This makes the gun more compact and reduces the offset of the sighting plane. The closer the sight is to the target, the less difference there is in zero at different distances.
Obviously, it also greatly simplifies the process of mounting a reflex sight because the mounting location is already prepared to that specific sight. All that’s required is to remove the plate that comes on the gun, choose the appropriate mounting adapter and screws and mount the sight. The iron sights can be removed then or left in place as a co-witness system in the event the reflex sight fails or the batteries are used up.
As delivered, there’s a cover plate over the mounting area, and it’s hardly noticeable. What are noticeable are the high co-witness sights. They are almost twice as high as normal sights, and I found them to work really well when using the gun as it comes in the box. They are slide windage adjustable at the rear, but there’s no provision for elevation corrections.
This is a gun primarily designed for optics, so adjustment is of little importance when the C.O.R.E. is used as designed. I did notice an issue with the Leupold Delta Point I chose in that the Delta Point or the rear sight had to be removed before unlocking and locking the elevation and windage adjustments.
Shooting the C.O.R.E. without an optic installed isn’t a lot different from the standard M&P. There are three different grip inserts to get a better fit; I have always liked the way the M&P feels in my hand and only swapped out to test the Radetec Round Count system, but more about that later.
For some reason, the M&P series of pistols seem to shoot flatter than most of the polymer-framed striker-fired guns I’ve tested, and I’ve tested about all of them at this point. The bore axis is low, but I think it’s more about shape than geometry. The slide provides an excellent gripping surface at the rear with parallel vertical sides and a scalloped pattern that’s easy to grip without being abrasive.
I’ve heard some complaints about the hinged trigger system on the M&P guns, but it doesn’t bother me at all. I shot one of the .22 rimfire versions quite a bit before I put much time on a centerfire gun and I’ve never noticed a problem.
The trigger on my test gun broke right at 6 pounds after a reasonable first stage and with a normal amount of backlash for a striker-fired gun. The trigger was good for a service gun, but most serious competitors replace the stock system. Controls are well placed; the slide release is ambidextrous, and the magazine release is reversible. Fieldstripping is easy and self-explanatory if you have experience with striker-fired pistols.
Accuracy was good. I used Winchester 115-grain full metal jacket and Black Hills 124-grain +P hollow points. Both shot groups better than my capabilities at around 2 inches at 25 yards off a bench rest. I experienced zero malfunctions with either brand or with my 124-grain coated Blue Boy Bullet reloads. The Delta Point system I chose worked very well for precision shooting because the pyramid reticle allowed a precise hold.
Smith & Wesson C.O.R.E
Caliber 9mm Luger
Capacity 17 + 1
Magazines Two black nitride with witness holes
Barrel 5 inch
Sights Dovetailed 3-dot system,
raised for co-witness functionality
Frame Polymer
Slide Stainless Steel
Length 8.5 inches
Height 5.625 inches
Weight 26 ounces
Options N/A
MSRP $769.00
Website smith-wesson.com
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Winchester’s Bad Boy Smoothbore — Model 97 Riot Gun
Whether brandished by Lee Marvin in The Professionals or wielded by William Holden in The Wild Bunch, the Winchester Model 97 Riot Gun is the bad boy of smoothbores.
Paradoxically, it was also a favorite of early 20th century law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Rangers, the Los Angeles Police Department, Alcatraz prison guards, and the Union Pacific Railroad, to name just a few of the authenticated guns I have examined over the years. In fact, a rather pristine Model 97 Riot Gun that I have in my collection was purchased by the Pasadena Police Department in 1924, during the heyday of the “Roarin’ ’20s.” It is nothing short of fascinating that, with all these historical links, one wouldn’t want to own one.
Because of its rugged yet fast-shooting action, the Model 97 Riot Gun is a favorite among Cowboy Action Shooters, and yet, due to those very attributes—its short, easy-to-swing 20-inch barrel, an Improved Cylinder open choke that makes it hard to miss in tight quarters, and an exposed hammer for easy cocking in times of stress—it's perfect for home-defense, as well. Still, it is hardly surprising that, in its standard 30-inch barreled configuration, the 12-gauge version of John Browning’s pump design was one of the most popular sporting shotguns in America around the turn of the last century. In more modern times, I remember rabbit hunting with a friend of a friend, many years ago, who was using his granddad’s old Model 97 riot gun as a brush clearing device with the first couple of shots, thereby exposing any cottontail stupid enough to still remain in the vicinity.
The Model 1897 was a much-needed evolution of Browning’s Model 1893, a weaker gun that was designed for blackpowder and, consequently, was plagued by fouling problems and a resultant poor reputation. It was one of Browning’s least successful inventions, bad enough to the point that, after approximately 31,000 guns had been sold, Winchester offered dealers a trade of any unsold Model 93 for a brand new Model 97. Fortunately, by the time Browning’s improved 1897 slide-action came on the scene, not only was it mechanically more proficient, but, by then, smokeless powder was in vogue and the new firearm’s metallurgy was ready for it.
With its solid-topped receiver and side ejection, the Model 1897 was a marked improvement over the Model 1893. In fact, the Model 97 stayed in the line until 1957, with 1,024,700 guns made. Initially chambered for the new 2¾-inch smokeless 12-gauge shells, the Winchester 97, like its 1893 predecessor, featured a tubular magazine that held five rounds. A forward movement of the automatic slide lock—usually recoil was enough—freed the pump handle for fast cycling of the action. First offered as a solid-frame model with a 30-inch barrel, a number of variations were eventually cataloged, including Field, Trap, and Pigeon Grades. However, the most dramatic of the Model 97’s configurations was the Riot Gun, which featured a 20-inch Cylinder-choked barrel. By 1898, a takedown version was also being produced. A note of warning: Riot Guns are so popular that many standard-length barrels have been cut down over the years, so, if buying the gun as an original or for investment, be sure the choke is marked CYL (Cylinder), the only authentic choke on a Riot Gun.
Another fascinating variation of the Model 97 Riot Gun is the Model 97 Trench Gun, which was given a military countenance via a distinctive, ventilated “heat shield.” Normally in a hunting situation, a sporting arm such as the standard Model 97 isn’t fired enough to become too hot to hold—in a wartime firefight, that 20-inch tube can become sizzling. To prevent scorched hands, a perforated steel heat shield was affixed to the barrel, along with a bayonet lug. This lug was meant for the standard military M-1917 bayonet, but the bayonet’s 16½-inch blade interfered with the otherwise excellent balance of the Trench Gun and was cumbersome in close quarters, especially during the trench warfare of WWI. The bayonet looked menacing when affixed to the Trench Gun, but it hampered movement and, obviously, was only useful in last-ditch operations. The sling swivels that were often fitted onto the Trench Gun, on the other hand, were much more practical. Early WWI guns were unmarked, but a “U.S.” and Army ordnance “flaming bomb” stamped on the receiver completed the identity for WWII guns that were called back into service.
Military loads often consisted of 00 buckshot, and an extra round in the chamber gave the Trench Gun a formidable capacity of six fast shots (in fact, sporting versions of the Model 97 were often advertised has having “six shots” even though their magazines only held five shells). Plus, the lack of a detent or trigger disconnect on the Model 97 meant a soldier could keep the trigger of his Trench Gun depressed and fire as fast as he could work the slide. The Trench Gun became so effective that it was soon nicknamed the “Trench Sweeper,” and soldiers who had been skilled trap and skeet shooters in civilian life often used their Model 97s to blast enemy hand grenades in mid-air before they landed. So devastating were these smoothbores that Germany tried unsuccessfully to get them outlawed from The Great War, declaring that “Every prisoner found to have in his possession such guns or ammunition belonging thereto forfeits his life.” Naturally, our troops continued to use their Trench Guns to blast their way to victory. And even though Trench Gun production was halted in 1945, this sawed-off shotgun continued to see action throughout Vietnam and the Gulf War.
Of course, the standard Model 97, including Riot Guns, remained in production for slightly more than a decade after that. When encountered today, most Trench Guns are quite worn, showing hard battlefield use, while the Riot Guns used by various police departments are usually in better shape, having spent much of their time in station gun racks and patrol cars. Whichever way, whether in civilian, law enforcement, or military dress, the Winchester Model 97 Trench and Riot Guns played important roles in keeping America not only safe, but free, which more than qualifies them to be included on my bucket list.
This article is an excerpt from 50 Famous Firearms You've Got to Own.
Learn More About Legendary Winchester
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2015 Holiday Gift Guide
Our editorial staff has put together an excellent gift guide to help shooters get everything they want and need this holiday season.
Making a list and checking it twice? Don’t fret. If coming up with a gift list is as traumatic as a trip to the dentist, you’re in luck. The Gun Digest staff has done the homework for you. We dug through our catalog to find the perfect gift for you or your favorite shooting buddies.
1. Gun Digest 2016 Perfect Pair
This excellent bundle combines the Gun Digest 2016 annual book with the 2016 Daily Calendar, resulting in something any gun owner can read and enjoy all year long. The new edition of the Gun Digest 2016 contains feature articles written by some of today's most prolific gun writers, test-fire gun reviews, secrets to successfully collecting guns and a showcase of the newest products from top firearms manufactures. The Gun Digest Great Guns 2016 Daily Calendar features a stunning photograph of a different firearm every day of the year along with its name and a few facts about it. Best of all, you save 51 percent off the retail price ($50.98) when you buy the pair for one low special price. ($24.99)
2. Reloading Ultimate Collection
Interest in reloading ammunition continues to rise, and the perfect gift for new, aspiring or even experienced reloaders is the Reloading Ultimate Collection. In The ABCs of Reloading, readers can discover the steps and techniques for safely creating handloads, find out which equipment they’ll need to complete the reloading process, explore Gun Digest articles on reloading, and much more. The Handbook of Reloading Basics provides step-by-step, best reloading practices for both metallic cartridges and shotshells and establishes the basics for ensuring safety while reloading. The collection ($128.94 at regular retail) includes four paperback books and two downloads in all. ($59.99)
3. Gun Digest-Mr. Beams Gun Safe Lights (Set of 2)
There are two ways to light up the interior of a gun safe: Wrap your guns with Christmas lights and run an unsightly extension cord … or with a pair of these custom Gun Digest branded Mr. Beams lights. These are motion-activated, super easy to install, light up the interior of a gun safe and shut off automatically. There isn’t a gun owner out there who won’t find a use for these handy lights. Normally $24.99, these are available at 20 percent off from the Gun Digest Store. And as another bonus, they fit snugly into any stocking! ($19.99)
4. 2016 Standard Catalog of Firearms: The Collector's Price & Reference Guide
Gun enthusiasts are always in the process of buying or selling guns. Or daydreaming about what they’ll buy next. The 2016 Standard Catalog of Firearms is an excellent resource for both these things, containing values and conditions, with more than 7,500 photos, of over 110,00 models of firearms. Every edition is updated with the newest entries from today’s manufacturers, plus the latest values from a wide range of experts, editors and auction houses for virtually every gun made or sold in America since the early 1800s. It’s simply the must-have guide to commercial firearms, past and present and is available at 32 percent off its retail price ($43.99) at the Gun Digest Store. ($29.99)
5. CTK Precision P3 Ultimate Target Stand
What shooter doesn’t need more target stands? The P3 Ultimate from CTK Precision is one of the most versatile and stable platforms available, making this a can’t-miss gift idea.
Its versatile design allows shooters to attach a target of almost any size with the included target clips. Set up the target stand virtually anywhere. The width is easily adjustable; the angled legs allow for a stable four-point stance on uneven terrain, and the entire stand assembles and disassembles in mere seconds! ($60)
6. Gun Digest-EZ2C High-Visibility Paper Targets
The Gun Digest staff designed these targets in conjunction with EZ2C for the ultimate range solution. No more squinting or running back and forth to see your shots, wasting precious time.
The fluorescent red against ample white space depicts shots clearly, making rifle sight-in or handgun practice a breeze. Available in pads of 25 targets, they’re a good, practical gift for any shooter. ($7.29)
7. Platinum Recreational Instant Fit ITC Hearing Protection
This tiny electronic hearing aid protects against gunshots, yet doesn't cancel out surrounding noises. The net effect: You actually shoot better because your natural sense of balance isn’t thrown off by that “muffled” feeling you get with a bulky headset clamped onto your head. The SoundGear Platinum Recreational Instant Fit ITC makes shooters more effective in the hunting field and protects them from damaging noise. Give the gift of hearing and better shooting this holiday. Regularly $399, these are available for 25 percent off from the Gun Digest Store—an excellent deal. ($299.99)
8. Handgun Training – Practice Drills for Defensive Shooting
Getting the most out of one’s time at the range is what you’ll get with Grant Cunningham’s new book, Handgun Training – Practice Drills for Defensive Shooting. Sure, it’d be nice to have Grant show on Christmas morning and spend the day with you and your family at the range, but this book might just be the next best thing. For concealed carry practitioners and anyone concerned with home defense, this book will hone you in on what you should practice and why. This is a great, and important, gift, and it’s available at 30 percent off its standard retail price of $19.99. ($13.99)
9. Kestrel 4500 Shooter's Weather Meter with Horus Ballistics
The Kestrel 4500 Weather Meter needs no introduction, as any long-range rifle shooter would do back-flips to unwrap one of these slick outfits on the big morning. This all-in-one device allows the user to not only measure a variety of factors, but also customize several targets for location, distance, direction, declination, speed and winds. Plus, it permits the shooter to create, store and choose from multiple weapon/round profiles, providing a truly customizable shooting experience. An excellent stocking stuffer, it’s the gift that keeps on giving—shot after distant shot. Normally $619 at retail pricing, it is available at 5 percent off from the Gun Digest Store. ($589)
10. Knife Laws of the U.S.: Loopholes, Pitfalls & Secrets
Hot off the presses is this fascinating look at laws governing knives. Nationally known knife rights attorney Evan F. Nappen explains, in easy-to-understand terms, everything you need to know about the knife laws where you live. He covers what knives are legal to own and carry in each state, and what knives aren't. Plus, learn all about switchblades, ballistic, gravity and other knife types; what to do if you're arrested, and what not to do; your rights as a knife owner; and tips to avoid legal problems. If someone you know carries concealed for self-defense, get them this book. Regularly $24.99, it’s available now for $7 off its typical price. ($17.99)
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Best Concealed Carry Guns In 2025 [Field Tested]
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.
