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When it comes to personal-defense handguns, those chambered for rimfire cartridges have found a place.
No, no, these light recoiling firearms aren’t meant to be primary arms. Heck, they aren’t even backup guns, by any stretch of the imagination. Instead, models chambered for the venerable and ubiquitous .22 LR are training tools — dang good ones at that.
In short, handgun fundamentals can be drilled on the cheap with the generally economical round. And this is a feature many gun companies have caught onto, offering .22 variations of their most popular centerfire pistols.
Count SIG Sauer among them, with the international gun company expanding its pistol selection with a rimfire option. But it being SIG, there is a definite twist to what they are offering in this new handgun.
Modularity has been the catchword as of late for the American-German-Swiss manufacture. And the P250-22 continues in this vein.
Like the rest of the P250 line, the new .22 model has a serialized fire control group, that is easily removed and placed in a different frame. This ingenious piece of engineering — unveiled by SIG in 2014 — creates a staggering amount of versatility in the line of hammer-fired pistols. The P250 can go from a full-sized pistol to a compact or sub-compact in a matter of seconds. And it can jump between calibers — 9mm, .40 S&W, .357SIG and now .22 — in the blink of an eye.
The latest addition to the P250 lineup is intriguing on a number of levels.
First off, there is the training aspect. A shooter gets all the benefits of learning the ins and outs of their defensive pistol, while saving money by running .22 ammo through it. But, as the company itself points out, the new rimfire variant of its flexible pistol design is also ideal for new shooters.
“This allows newer shooters to work up to the more powerful cartridges, (and it) is a great tool for introducing youth to the shooting sports,” John Brasseur, SIG’s director of product development said.
One more point, one not to be discounted, is the P250-22 looks to make a heck of a plinker to boot. At 21.2 ounces in its compact configuration, the pistol has heft to drill bull’s eyes all day when chewing through .22 cartridges.
Caliber: .22LR
Action Type: DAO
Trigger Pull Weight: 6.5 pounds
Overall Length: 7.2 inches
Overall Height: 5.3 inches
Overall Width: 1.4 inches
Barrel Length: 3.9 inches
Sight Radius: 5.8 inches
Weight w/Mag: 21.2 ounces
Capacity: 10+1
Sights: Adjustable or contrast sights
Grips: Modular black polymer
Frame Finish: Interchangeable grip shell with stainless steel serialized frame insert
Slide Finish: Black hard coat
Features: Centerfire modularity, replaceable grip modules
MSRP: $434.00
Raye Gunter—Emerald Valley Armory, Cresswell, Ore.
When it comes to customer demand, one Beaver State retailer continues to enjoy robust sales of defensive handguns.
“We are selling lots of concealed carry-oriented handguns like the new Glock 43 in 9mm, the Springfield XDS in both 9mm and .45 ACP, and the S&W Shield in 9mm,” said Raye Gunter, owner of Emerald Valley Armory. “The pocket .380s have cooled a bit as of late.”
Supplies of ammunition are good, though Gunter says .22 rimfire is still a hard find. Best sellers in rifle ammo include PMC and Federal in 5.56mm, and Tula for its 7.62x39mm offerings.
“The 300 Blackout round continues to gain in popularity,” Gunter notes. Top sellers in this caliber are from Remington, Hornady and Armscor.
“In optics,” he adds, “we are moving a lot of optics in the $200 to $350 price range. These include the Redfield CounterStrike, the Burris AR-332, as well as offerings from Lucid, Konus and Bushnell.”
A Class III dealer, Emerald Valley has experienced a tremendous increase in the number of suppressors sold. Top suppressors here: the SilencerCo Warlock II, the Pilot and Element II by Advanced Armament Corporation and the GemTechG5.
Editor’s Note: This brief originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
The revolver offers many advantages, but also many challenges. A while back we posted a video of Massad Ayoob addressing one of the tricky aspects of the wheelgun — the reload. This time around, a couple other Gun Digest authors tackle another key facet to getting the most out of this style of handgun — the trigger pull. Yup, the handgun’s heavy double-action can throw some for a loop. But as Grant Cunningham and Rob Pincus demonstrate in the above video, it’s really just a matter of understanding and getting a feel of the mechanism.
One of the more interesting aspects touched upon in the clip is the use of dryfire. Both firearms instructors hint they don’t believe in overdoing this type of practice. Instead, they find it a useful exercise to jog muscle memory just before live fire practice. Mr. Revolver (Cunningham) also touches on another important point of the trigger pull on a double-action, well worth paying attention to. That is, the movement of the finger. As those who have spent most of their days on the business end of something such as a striker-fired pistol soon find out, its is much more pronounced on a revolver.
Age-old debates surrounding firearms, such as the one between AR-15 and AK-47, will probably never go away, but a new gun aims to present a peaceful resolution to those timeless disputes. Bridging the gap between caliber wars and platform loyalties, the CMMG Mk47 Mutant offers a unique hybrid design that links the genius of Eugene Stoner and Mikhail Kalashnikov into a single firearm.
Originally offered in a full-length rifle variation with a 16-inch barrel, the 7.62x39mm Mutant landed in late 2014 equipped with the gas operation and ergonomics of an AR-15, combined with the ammo compatibility of an AK-47. With the naked eye, everything about the gun screams AR-15 until the caliber and magazine come into focus.
Riding on the success of its full-size, extra terrestrial Mutant mother ship, CMMG is now offering a pistol variant of the Mk47 with a 10-inch barrel.
Why a pistol, you might ask? Pistols need not be registered with the BATFE as short-barreled rifles, therefore eliminating a $200 tax stamp and a multi-month waiting period. They are also legal to own and hunt with in a large number of states. In many states, having a concealed carry license allows the carrying of loaded Mk47 pistols in a vehicle, making this an ideal truck gun. Given those reasons, there’s no question why the 10-inch Mutant pistol might actually be more appealing to own than the full-size model. But the Mutant pistol’s curb appeal isn’t limited to how it slashes through red tape, but rather how it offers the best of both worlds in a single package.
AK-47 fans may wonder, “Why not just buy an AK-47 pistol?” First, the Mutant’s familiar ergonomic controls derived from the AR-15 are a huge appeal for many shooters. Second, it features a number of standardized AR parts, such as the fire control group, that are often easier to find at local stores than AK parts. Third, thanks to its direct-impingement gas system, suppressing the Mutant is also far easier than trying to stick a can on an AK. Fourth, the Mk47 has ample rail space to accommodate your choice of sights, scopes, lasers or other attachments. It’s also made in the USA.
AR-15 fans may wonder, “Why not just buy an AR-15 pistol?” Mainly, bulk ammo availability of the 7.62x39mm cartridge often far exceeds that of .223 Rem/5.56 NATO. The .30-caliber cartridge is known to hit harder and make a larger hole than a .223, which is why many states approve the Russian cartridge for hunting. The Mutant can also throw some impressive fireballs, giving it points for the pure “cool factor.”
Of course, combining pieces of two iconic firearms into a single, effective system means nothing if the gun doesn’t perform reliably.
During testing, the Mutant pistol ate up hundreds of rounds without a mechanical hiccup. CMMG designed the Mutant’s guts to stand up against heavy usage. Its bolt carrier group is derived from the AR-15 platform, incorporating a bolt face with oversized locking lugs that look like they came off a battle tank. The result is a sturdy reciprocating mass more than capable of reliably cycling the 7.62x39mm cartridge.
With extra reciprocating mass typically comes greater recoil, but CMMG tamed the Mutant pistol with a carbine-length gas system to bleed the gas through a longer tube and reduce recoil. Combine this with an aggressive muzzle brake that throws flames like an angry dragon, and the Mutant’s recoil can be described as a gentle thump. Those who have ever fired a supersonic .300 Blackout through an AR-15 platform will know what to expect from the 7.62x39mm Mutant.
One area where the Mutant comes up short for AR-15 aficionados is surely in the absence of a bolt release lever or forward assist. The Mutant also does not lock the bolt to the rear on an empty magazine. Each of those characteristics are part of the Mutant’s AK-47 influence, hence the hybrid design. Additionally, the included Magpul 25-round AK PMAGs feed very reliably, but their polymer feed lips quickly show signs of wear and tear that you wouldn’t experience with metallic magazines.
Some people may question the accuracy of a 10-inch barrel, but testing showed that the Mutant delivers very acceptable group sizes. Using a non-magnified EOTech XPS 2-1, the author was able to achieve a 1.72-inch group at 100 yards. Extending the range out to 600 yards was also not an issue, though greater magnification with a 3x magnifier would significantly improve its maximum effective range. For a gun that’s geared toward defensive situations and shooting range pleasure, the Mutant leaves little to be desired in terms of accuracy.
Shooting the Mutant at nighttime revealed that aliens really do come out after dark. Fireballs from the Mk47 reached several feet on each side of the muzzle, momentarily illuminating the desert in all directions like an alien aircraft. Flame throwing was to be expected with a rifle cartridge firing through a 10-inch barrel, as un-burnt powder ignited outside the barrel.
CMMG one-upped itself with the pistol variation of the Mk47 Mutant. In fact, the pistol version is likely a more practical choice than the rifle. Its shorter barrel makes it very maneuverable in tight places, such as a vehicle, without sacrificing enough ballistic performance to make a difference for most users.
Those intending to use the Mutant pistol as a home defense gun in low-light situations should consider trading the muzzle brake for a flash hider or suppressor to avoid excessive muzzle flash, which temporarily reduces your night vision.
For a gun that accepts some of the most readily available and affordable rifle ammunition, the CMMG Mk47 Mutant offers an appealing hybrid design that’s inviting to both the AR and the AK crowd. There’s no doubt it’ll turn heads on the range and become a favorite piece in any collection that offers equal parts functionality and pure cool factor.
CMMG Mk47
Manufacturer CMMG
Model Mk47 “Mutant” Pistol
Caliber 7.62x39mm
Operation Direct Gas-Impingement Semi-Auto
Weight 6lbs. (unloaded)
Overall Length 26.5 in.
Barrel 10 in., 1:10 twist
Muzzle 5/8”-24 SV muzzle brake
Receivers Billet 7075 T6 Aluminum
Trigger 7.5-pound single stage (measured
with Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge)
Handguard 9” free float, KeyMod
MSRP $1,499
Website CMMGInc.com
The G34 was introduced in 1998, as a long-slide variant to the G17, and a replacement for the G17L. It was designed specifically to fit in the IPSC box that made the G17L obsolete.
Glock made sure to make the G34 as long as possible so as to maximize sight radius, yet still fit in the box. It was introduced as a third generation Glock, but is now also offered in Gen4 and Gen5. The barrel length is listed as 5.31 inches, which is .83 inches longer than the G17. The slide length comes out to just over eight inches, which gives it a sight radius of 7.55 inches.
Not to point out the obvious, but the G17 was designed to fire a 9mm projectile, which it does quite well. If Glock were to change the weight of the G17 slide, it would change the dynamics of slide operation and wouldn’t function properly. The Glock 34 is a long slide sitting atop a G17 frame, and thus the question becomes; how does one make a long slide weigh the same as the standard length slide? Glock went with the simple solution of machining out an opening on top of the slide (it resembles the sun roof of an automobile). I like how it looks, some people don’t, but either way it’s a simple solution that works.
I purchased my Glock 34 as part of the GSSF purchase program, so mine is a blue box model (if you don’t know what that means, please refer to the GSSF Chapter). Mine came with the extended slide catch lever and a 5.5-pound trigger (standard trigger comes with the 3.5-pound connector, designated with a minus symbol) that averaged about 4.9 pounds on my Lyman digital trigger scale.
The 3.5 connector-equipped Glock is actually a very nice trigger, one preferred by a lot of competitive shooters. My Glock 34 did not come with the adjustable sights, like other G34s, but instead came with the non-adjustable polymer sights.
The Glock 34 is a competition animal, but as you would guess, it’s not a very good concealed carry gun. I’ve carried mine in open carry situations and it’s fine, but for concealed carry it doesn’t work as well. Carried inside the waistband, the long slide is going to pry against the upper part of your leg, dig into the bone, and generally not be very comfortable, especially when sitting. I found it to be the opposite of comfortable. Carried outside the waistband, it’s going to be too long and will stick out from under the bottom of the shirt.
There is a place for it in the tactical world, whether in military special operating forces, or special police units. Some of these units have no issues with carrying a pistol the size of a 1911, and if you factor in the 1911 grip safety, the Glock 34 is just a bit shorter than the 1911, except it has a longer sight radius. Of course, if a unit wants a .45, the best choice is the G41, but for something in a 9mm, the Glock 34 would make an outstanding choice.
When it comes to 9mm, compared to other popular duty 9mm handguns, the Glock G34 is shorter than most, despite the long slide, especially when you start to factor in the added length of the beavertails that most hammer-fired guns have. Factoring that, the Beretta M9 is about a half-inch longer, however, the sight radius of the G34 is over one inch longer. Another favorite 9mm, the CZ-75b, is also longer.
The Glock 34 uses standard G17 magazines and extended 9mm magazines, but just like the G17 it cannot use G19 compact or G26 sub-compact magazines
Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from Glock Reference Guide.
This is a common question in the defensive shooting world. Many people have tried to answer it but, unfortunately, a dispassionate, fact-based answer is difficult to come by. This is because most people answer the question not from the kind of research done by leaders in the field like Claude Werner and Tom Givens, but from biases based on their own shooting activities or careers.
Some people come with an equipment bias: they do certain things because they like the equipment, then search for ways in which to use that equipment and do drills which validate their equipment selections. Certain types of gear will dictate that you do things a certain way, or that you use them instead of something more suitable. An equipment bias limits what you’ll do (or can do or can train) to things that fit what you have, rather than making what you have fit the task at hand.
Take, for instance, a flashlight mounted on a handgun. There are certainly uses for such devices, but they’re pretty specific and are never a substitute for other forms of illumination. Too many folks, however, will practice their “low light” drills with these exclusively, to the detriment of actually being able to use better-suited and more common illumination tools — things like handheld flashlights (or even room light switches!). This particular gear bias results in low-light drills being designed that don’t accurately reflect the conditions under which supplementary lighting might really be needed.
The “bump in the night” that results in your muzzle sweeping your teenage child coming home past his bedtime might be the unfortunate result of such an equipment bias.
Equipment isn’t the only bias people have, of course. Some come to the discussion with a source bias: because a drill or technique comes from an authoritative or charismatic figure, people often feel compelled to practice and promote it even though it may not fit the context under which it will be used. The implicit correctness which we perceive because of the source’s pedigree is a form of the logical fallacy “appeal to authority,” where the merits of the proposal aren’t discussed because of the unimpeachable nature of the source. Many of the military-inspired training routines that have nothing to do with private sector defensive shooting come from source bias.
There is also a scoring bias: we practice to improve ourselves by some objective measure, even if that measure has no real bearing on our ability to defend ourselves. This is heavily prevalent in the shooting world, owing to the number of competition shooters who have moved into the training realm over the years. (This is not to discount the value of competition as a test bed for new techniques and equipment, you understand, only to put their interest in objective scoring into perspective.)
In Part II, the author outlines the specific things needed during practice for a successful execution of a defensive gun use.
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Regrets, unfortunately, are part of life, and just like grey hair, the longer we live the more we have. We linger too long over an opportunity or situation until it slips away, never to return. No matter the level of our success in life, we all have a few regrets about something. As a firearms enthusiast and gun collector, many of my most painful regrets are about those guns I didn’t, for one reason or another, purchase. Perhaps it’s nostalgia, but those guns are the ones I dream about more than the ones I have, and for many, I still wish I owned them today.
The Auto-5
Like so many hunters I’ve spent much of my life searching for the perfect waterfowl gun that would transform my mediocre wingshooting into something worthy of Bogardus or Kimble. The Browning Auto 5 was once dubbed the Aristocrat of Shotguns and is arguably the finest duck gun ever manufactured. I almost owned one once—almost.
I called the fellow who advertised it in the local paper one spring evening. We dickered and dodged on the phone for over an hour until I agreed to come see the gun. It turned out to be a 1950s full-choke Standard Model. What can I say about the Auto-5 that hasn’t been said a million times?
I wanted the gun badly except for one nagging point: The 2¾-inch chamber seemed old fashioned, and at the time, the mantra of more pellets equaled more ducks ruled. A silly point I realize in hindsight, but it made me drive off that night without the Auto-5 in hand. The old fellow called me a week later to let me know the gun was gone, and I told him thanks for letting me know. I have regretted not buying that Auto-5 many, many times since that call.
The Deer Rifle
One frosty December morning, a neighbor flagged me down as I was driving a snowy county road. As we talked, he mentioned he was thinking of selling his deer rifle. Since I was “keen on guns,” as he put it, he asked if I knew of anyone looking for a Winchester? He’d bought the Model 94 carbine new, right after returning from Korea, and had carried it ever since. He hauled the rifle out from behind the truck seat and the plain Jane .30 WCF had plenty of honest wear on it silvery frame. We talked about the rifle and he told me about cold November hunts with long dead companions. As we talked he handled the Winchester, and I remember thinking I sure wouldn’t want to be a buck in his sights. But in those days all my heroes carried scoped bolt actions in .270, and I just couldn’t see myself with some old relic. I told him I’d ask around. It was decades later that I realized he wanted me to buy it. That well used .30 WCF is long gone now and so is the hunter, but I should have been wiser. I should have bought the gift he offered of gun and memories.
A “Modern” Sporting Rifle
Today, every firearms company builds a version of the “black rifle,” but once there was only one choice for the average shooting enthusiast: the Colt AR-15. Period. When an AR-15 appeared in the local gun shop in the early ’70s it certainly sparked some attention, for about 10 minutes. The Colt was handled plenty but always returned to the rack. No one seemed interested, and the gun dealer marked it down in desperation to get it off the rack. I asked to handle it several times and marveled at the natural pointing qualities, light weight and quick sighting.
It came with a five-round magazine, and the dealer told me a scope was available. I began to seriously consider it after talking to a fellow who’d carried one in Southeast Asia a few years earlier. But after I showed my Dad, I decided to listen to my elder and the AR-15 slipped away to a far-sighted hunter in the next county. Nowadays choices abound since sportsman finally learned the platform is excellent for hunting or shooting. It sure would have been nice to have that original Colt rifle, but like so many other guns, it is only a memory and a regrettable one at that.
The Model 1907
One of my greatest regrets is a Winchester Model 1907 Self Loading in .351 I didn’t buy. The gentleman who owned it used it to fill his deer tag and had the whitetail racks to prove it. He’d installed a set of peep sights, and when shouldered, the gun pointed naturally where I looked. He was desperate to sell it and let me put a couple rounds down the pipe as incentive.
Over the years some nasty things have been written about the .351 Winchester by folks who never fired one. But in the hands of that hunter, the .351 was no slouch in the deer woods. The owner told me his price and even offered a couple boxes of shells, which by the 1970s were increasingly difficult to find. I wish I could remember the reason why that very unique deer gun is not in my possession now, but I don’t. Things never worked out, and all I have are old catalog pages to linger over.
The Smooth Double
For most hunters who follow a pointer through the uplands, the classic gun to carry is a side-by-side double. Autumn walks among the fiery leaves just seem better with a smooth double as a companion. Much of my early upland shooting was with heavy pump-action duck guns pressed into well, double duty. But they were no double gun! So when an Ithaca Model 100 in 12 bore appeared in a rack of used guns, I was sure I had found the perfect grouse gun. The gun dealer was asking a not unreasonable price, and I planned and schemed to own that gun. I could just see myself swinging the Ithaca into action as a partridge broke cover. I’d fold the big grouse, and my faithful dog would gently deposit it at my feet. The trouble was I had mortgage, a new bride and very little discretionary cash. I like to close my eyes sometimes and imagine that gun belongs to me, and I don’t have to regret not buying it.
The Model 100
I came close to owning a real swamp gun once. Winchester built the Model 100 for only a few years, mostly in.308 caliber. The one I found for sale in a crossroads general store was the less common carbine version. It was a short-barreled, slick-handling rifle perfect for the shadowy swamps where the big mossy horns lurked. But the Model 100 was stamped .284 Winchester.
None of my mentors had ever heard of the .284, and they all advised me to steer clear of it. In fact, I couldn’t even find shells for it except by special order. Well, I pondered a long time over that swamp gun. Months passed and every time I drove by I’d stop to check on the rifle. The ammo catalogs spoke well of the .284 cartridge, and the Model 100 was well liked. It came with a three-round magazine, and the store owner even said he’d order in plenty of ammo. After many long hours of considering it, I finally passed up on one fine deer rifle. And to this day I regret it mightily.
This article originally appeared in the March 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Guns, ammo, safety equipment — you’re ready for a day at the range. Well, you’re almost ready. There is one important piece of equipment missing from this equation — something to get all that gear from point A to point B.
Yup, a good old range bag is an essential for every shooter. But finding the right fit on one can be a challenge.
Small ones can quickly become overstuffed sausages, even with a moderate amount of gear. Large ones are unwieldy and, in many cases, are overkill for most shooters’ needs.
Leapers, however, recently introduced a handgun storage/transportation solution that appears to strike a happy medium between size and capacity.
The Michigan manufacturer’s UTG Competition Shooter’s Double Pistol Case has room enough for all your range essentials. At the same tick, it appears to be just the right size to conveniently move your guns around hassle free.
To the latter point, the case measures in at 12×9.5×3.5 inches, making less of an imposition than even a computer bag. But don’t let the exterior dimensions fool you because the case has ample room for everything you need to plink away.
The range bag’s dominating feature is its pistol storage area, which encompasses one full panel. It can safely secure two handguns of nearly any size and shape thanks to an ingenious system. The case utilizes universal holsters that attach to the panel with hook-and-loop (similar to Velcro) surfaces.
The opposing panel of the case is outfitted with five elastic magazine loops.
The flexible retention devices are designed to hold any caliber’s magazine — whether it’s a single-stack .22 or double-stack 10mm.
In between the two panels is a zipper leaf that is meant to hold ammunition. But it also includes pockets to hold other range essentials, such as earplugs or tools. The leaf is padded, as are the panels, to ensure a pistol or magazine doesn’t get any nicks during travel.
Leapers has also included an external pocket for extra storage on the nylon case. And it has included both handles and a detachable shoulder strap, allowing for easy transport.
Presently, the American-made UTG Competition Shooter’s Double Pistol Case’s MSRP is $24.97.
The 1911 pistol offers a vast canvas to engravers, and over the years, the legendary handgun has been etched with every conceivable design and flourish.
For many, the gun’s aesthetics are as big a selling point as its pedigree and performance. Historically, there has been just one big problem with procuring a 1911 decked out with a head-turning design — price.
For the most part, even plain-Jane models of the handgun tend to reside on the more expensive end of handguns. The ornate 1911s, well they can get downright perverse when it comes to the price tag. However, one renowned firearms manufacturer seems to be making style and performance a bit more affordable.
Smith & Wesson recently introduced an engraved SW1911 to its semi-automatic pistol lineup. And while the scrollwork on either side of the pistol is a real attention-grabber, it’s the handgun’s damage (or relative lack thereof) to shooters’ pocketbooks that is the real eye-catcher. At $1,060, the new pistol is just a bit more than Smith & Wesson’s base-model 1911, not to mention much less expensive than almost any other engraved pistol of this type.
Smith & Wesson turned to technology to turn out an affordable engraved version of John M. Browning’s brainchild. While the original design came from the Massachusetts company’s master engravers, it is applied to the pistols via an engraving machine.
Much of the artistry is on the stainless-steel 1911’s slide, but there are some embellishments on the frame too, mainly around the trigger. The scrollwork is set off by the attractive glass bead finish, as well as the engraved rose-wood colored grips. The grips also add continuity between the metal and non-metal parts of the .45 ACP, featuring a similar scallop pattern that composes the fore and aft cocking serrations.
Completing the package, the engraved SW1911 comes in a wooden presentation case, allowing shooters a way to safely stow and showoff their pistol.
As would be expected with a steel-framed pistol, the SW1911 is hefty, weighing in at 39.8 ounces. It measures in at 8.7-inches in length, has an 8+1 capacity and is outfitted with white-dot front and rear sights.
At the heart of concealed carry is problem solving. And among the chief problems that require a solution is how you carry.
Typically, this facet of the discipline ends up in a familiar way, filling a junk drawer or extra closet shelf with holsters, belts and other rigs that didn’t cut muster. Truthfully, this trial and error is the normal initiation every concealed carry practitioner goes through, until they figure out what works best.
There is, however, another, trickier aspect to carry, one that often gets glossed over — effectively keeping your sidearm secure, but within reach, in a vehicle. Really, this is a topic far too little ink is spilled on, given the ubiquity of both firearms and cars and trucks in America. Yet, when the two tools meet, there are some distinct challenges.
Typical belt carry in a vehicle can be problematic, given the cramped quarters and many obstacles that inhibit a clean draw. And consoles and glove compartments, for all intents and purposes, take a handgun out of the equation, making it inaccessible in the split second in which a defensive situation can occur.
Yet, those who shoot to carry competently and confidently in their hatchback, pickup or what have you need not be plagued by this catch 22. Not with the vehicle carry solution Gum Creek offers.
The Georgia-based company has come up with what can only be described as an elegant answer to carrying while on the road with its Vehicle Mount. It’s an affordable, intuitive and, most importantly, effective way to keep a sidearm safe, yet ready.
The Right System
The Gum Creek Vehicle Mount is simplicity itself. The American-made accessory is a heavy-duty adjustable nylon strap, fitted with rubber-coated steel hooks at either end.
These hooks are designed to grab hold of the top and bottom of the steering column of nearly any car or truck, then provide a base to hold a holster and in turn a handgun. But the unit not only retains a revolver or pistol, it also puts it into an optimum position for fast and safe retrieval.
In fact, I was shocked, not to mention elated, with how the vehicle mount performed upon installing it in my truck. Once fitted on my half-ton’s steering column, all unholstering my Smith & Wesson snubby required was a slight forward lean and a direct pull toward my chest. From there the revolver was ready for action, no fuss, no muss.
One of the more surprising aspects of this initial run through with the mount was how the steering wheel proved not to be an obstacle. In fact, it was more of a helpful guide, leading my hand directly to the butt of the revolver. I don’t know if Gum Creek foresaw this attribute of its mount, but it certainly is helpful. Particularly with the thought of fine motor skills melting away in the inevitable wave of adrenaline certain in the chaos of a defensive situation.
Drawing from the mount was, honestly, refreshing. A far cry from the clumsy and maddening exercise of drawing while attempting to avoid the seat, seat belt and every other dang thing that always seems to get in the way.
Ready for Any Gun and Most Vehicles
Gum Creek has engineered its Vehicle Mount to adjust to nearly any car, truck or van in which it might reside. The strap has plenty of play in its adjustment, allowing it – I’d wager – to attach to most steering columns out there. And it is designed to function with nearly any holster, within reason, as well as ambidextrously.
There are some limitations to the mount. Most hybrids and rigs with two belt loops aren’t really compatible, but most single loop holsters are right on target. Gum Creek sells universal holsters that are meant to work in conjunction with its mount.
The company also offers a concealed holster that completely encapsulates a handgun. This is an important upgrade for many, since there are a number of states where a handgun must be completely concealed to be legally carried in a vehicle.
The mount is also simple to install. It took a little less than 5 minutes to affix the unit to my truck’s steering column. And once on, it was rock solid – even with a steel-framed revolver on it.
Conclusion
Vehicle carry is a topic that should be discussed more, given how likely it is a CCW permit holder will have to confront the challenge of carrying in a car or truck. It is also an important subject given, for many, traveling in a vehicle raises their risk profile more than nearly any other activity.
Thankfully, Gum Creek has provided a solution to these problems. The company’s Vehicle Mount should be as important in everyday carry as spare ammunition or the right holster.
Plain and simple, with Gum Creek around, consider vehicle carry a problem solved.
While the .300 AAC Blackout has continued to grow in popularity among shooters, the new LAR-300 X-1 rifle from Rock River Arms takes the cartridge to a whole new level of performance. As an amalgamation of former models and concepts, including the Fred Eichler Series LAR-15, the X-1 brings together the best features from Rock River’s past and yet is a beast of its own kind. The X-1 has existed in 5.56 NATO for a few years now, but the jump into the .300 BLK chambering figures to be another huge leap forward for the X Series of rifles.
What makes the LAR-300 X-1 stand out is the 18-inch fluted and bead blasted, stainless steel, cryo treated barrel and the Rock River Operator A2 buttstock and TRO-XL handguard, which come in either tan or black finishes. The tan-finished rifle comes standard with a fixed buttstock and is ideally suited for hunting, while the black rifle comes with the adjustable CAR buttstock, though both rifles can be purchased with either option.
Not only does it look slick, the fluted, stainless steel barrel is durable and highly accurate, producing groups in our 100-yard testing that are very respectable for the cartridge—Nosler’s Match Grade 125-grain load produced a best group of .81 inches, while Hornady’s 110-grain V-MAX constricted to .59 inches. The LAR-300 X-1 comes with either the Hunter muzzle break (tan model) or the Beast (black), both of which feature a 5/8-24 threading.
Rock River’s two-stage trigger, which is among the best as far as AR-type triggers go, also improves accuracy. The break is crisp and the reset audible. The trigger guard is extended to make room for gloved hands and winter shooting conditions—a particularly nice touch for those predator hunters among us.
The TRO-XL handguard is ergonomically designed to fit the contour of your hand or shooting sticks and features a single, full-length Picatinny rail at the 12 o’clock position. Cutouts in the handguard help reduce weight without giving you the jagged feel of a quadrail. The rail continues along the upper receiver, making plenty of room for a massive—and massively impressive—optic like Steiner’s M5Xi in 5-25x56mm, which is mostly overkill for the .300 BLK but provides maximum accuracy nonetheless.
For the review, the M5Xi was secured with Burris’ P.E.P.R. mount, which attaches or detaches easily and quickly. With German glass, reticle illumination and true 25x magnification, the M5Xi is as durable and optically crisp as they come. Most of the shooting done for review was conducted with an EOTech HHS II with G33.STS magnifier, which is an ideal pair for close quarters work, be it coyote, hog, steel targets or paper silhouettes.
The LAR-300 X-1 comes with forged upper and lower receivers and an “X Series” emblem on the ejection side of the lower receiver. The upper receiver comes with a forward assist and Rock River Star safety, as well as a Hogue rubberized pistol grip. The rifle is relatively heavy for an AR-15-type platform, weighing in at 8 pounds, but the additional weight also helps stabilize the shot—ideal for predator hunting and overall accuracy.
The LAR-300 is chambered in .300 BLK, which was developed originally by J.D. Jones as the .300 Whisper and standardized by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) in 2009. The cartridge has the capacity to produce smaller bullets at supersonic velocities or heavier bullets at subsonic velocities. Subsonic velocities usually hover near 1,000 fps, while supersonic loads usually come out at about 2,100 to 2,300 fps and produce generally better accuracy out to 100 yards.
The great upside of the .300 BLK, however, is the ability to suppress the rifle and send out lethal .30-caliber bullets at close distances, either for military-type applications or close-range hunting—hogs, deer and so on. Folks often complain about the lack of performance at ranges greater than 100 yards, but the reality is that the .300 BLK is purpose-built for close quarters work. In that capacity, it does very well.
Paired with a suppressor like SilencerCo’s new titanium Omega, the .300 BLK is devastating on close-range critters, whether you’re trying to eradicate hogs, take out a pesky coyote or cull deer in South Texas. Short, light and quiet, SilencerCo’s Omega is designed with a Specwar ASR muzzle brake and anchor brake to help reduce recoil. Not only is the Omega great for the .300 BLK, making in- or -over-the-ear hearing protection unnecessary, it fits any caliber from 5.7mm to .300 Win. Mag.
On a recent cull deer hunt in South Texas at Mellon Creek Outfitters near Refugio, Texas, the combo of Omega and .300 BLK were extremely efficient at close-range culling. Rather than scattering after a shot, most of the deer and hogs stay put, allowing for additional follow up shots. Firing shots from a truck—without additional hearing protection—was routine and pain free. Similarly, the LAR-300 X-1 would do well pulling double duty as a home defense gun; paired with a can, it’s extremely easy on the ears in confined quarters that would otherwise leave the ears ringing for days.
In the accuracy department, the X-1 performed well, especially for caliber. The .300 BLK isn’t typically the most accurate cartridge at 100 yards, but both Nosler and Hornady loads (both supersonic) produced best groups well under an inch. Subsonic loads are less accurate at 100 yards, but still under 2 inches and more than suitable for hunting or self defense purposes—especially considering the cartridge was designed more for the 0-50 yard range, or closer.
While in the past there haven’t been great options for the .300 BLK, there are now more quality loads than ever. Nosler’s Match Grade loads, as well as Hornady’s 110-grain V-MAX, were among those that performed best in our testing. Beyond that, Noveske, SilencerCo and SIG—to name a few—all produce quality loadings for the cartridge.
The .300 BLK is as popular as ever, and the LAR-300 X-1 is as fine a rifle as you’ll find in that chambering. Rock River’s AR builds are superb, and they come in at a price that’s quite reasonable (starting at $1,585). The rifle comes fully loaded with a Rock River two-stage trigger that’s at the top of its game. Suppressor-ready with a great barrel, the LAR-300 X-1 is tough to beat. It’s not a 200-yard, big game gun, but then it was never designed to be. Within the limits of its intended purpose, the X-1 chambered in .300 BLK is extremely proficient.
ROCK RIVER LAR-300 X-1
Manufacturer Rock River Arms
Type Direct-impingement, semi-automatic
Caliber .300 BLK
Barrel 18-inch fluted, bead blasted,
stainless steel, cryo treated
Handguard RRA TRO-XL extended length, free float
Stock RRA Operator A2 fixed
or RRA Operator CAR adjustable
Grip Hogue rubberized grip
Trigger RRA two-stage
Overall Length 38.5” (A2 stock)/36.5 (CAR stock)
Weight 7.9 pounds
MSRP $1,585
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Gun Digest Shooter’s Guide to Reloading
By Philip P. Massaro
Enjoy the improved accuracy of hand-tuned ammunition, and gather the necessary information needed to get started with the reloading process. The necessary components, tools, techniques, and solutions to common problems associated with reloading are discussed, as well as recommendations for the gear you’ll need. If you’re just getting started reloading ammunition, let this book boost your understanding of different bullet types, powder types, ballistics and more before jumping into the reloading process. Get it here
The Glock 26 and Glock 27 were introduced at the same time in July, 1995. They were the first of the subcompact Glocks, often affectionately called “Baby Glocks.” The Glock 26 is chambered in 9×19 and the G27 is chambered in .40 S&W. It was only natural to go with these two calibers for the first of the subcompacts, for two reasons. First, these are the two most popular calibers in total Glock sales. Second, these are the two most popular issue calibers for police departments.
As with all standard-frame Glocks, the beauty is in the universal controls. It doesn’t matter if you’re handling the long slide G34, the G17 or G19, the G26 or G27, the .45 GAP pistols, .357 pistols, or any other standard-frame pistols, the controls are in the same location. The only Glocks that are different are the large-frame Glocks (like the G20), and the slimline Glocks (like the G42). Even those have the controls located in the same relative place on the frame, the only difference being that the differing thicknesses of the respective frame changes how your thumb interacts with those controls.
The Glock 26 is my current everyday carry (EDC) pistol. Wisconsin is pretty new to concealed carry, and being a writer I’ve had the luxury of testing out many different concealed carry pistols. I started with wanting the smallest pistol I could find, which ended up being a little .380. Then I wanted something with more horsepower, which landed me a compact .45. Except that it wasn’t that compact, and I tired of trying to prevent it from printing. That’s about the time all the micro-nines hit the market, and I’ve tried most of them.
My initial carry 9mm was a nice little pistol, and reliable. But some of the parts on it seemed to wear out fast. The second one I tried is one of the fanciest on the market, but is the least reliable pistol I’ve ever owned. One failure per magazine is terrible, and this wasn’t just mine, but a widespread problem. I tried a couple of other micro-nines, and found one that is really great, except I don’t care for the trigger.
About that time rumors were swirling about the new Glock G42 coming out, which everyone thought would be a single-stack 9mm. If it was, it would be exactly what I was looking for. If you know one Glock, you pretty much know them all, and I like what I know about Glock pistols. But when it was released, it wasn’t a 9mm. So I turned to the Glock 26, and I love it. I can’t picture carrying anything else for my EDC. It’s not quite as thin as I would like, but in exchange, it holds ten rounds in a standard mag, with the ability to use full-size G17 magazines (and will also work with G19 magazines). So I carry the 10-round magazine loaded, with a 17-round magazine on my belt.
The Glock 26 is 6.41 inches in length, and 4.17 inches in height. That puts it at 0.9 inches shorter than the G19, and about 1.5 inches shorter than the G17. In height it’s about 0.8 inches shorter than the G19 and almost 1.3 inches shorter than the G17. At 21.17 ounces, it’s approximately two ounces lighter than the G19, and almost 3.5 ounces lighter than the G17. Given the difference in size, that’s not a lot of weight difference.
For the most part, though, there’s not going to be a lot of weight difference, and there shouldn’t be. There are three parts to the Glock that are reduced to make for the compact and sub-compact models: the frame (the bottom of the mag well and the front of the dust cover), the slide, and the barrel. The only part that can be shortened with impunity is the frame, but that’s only half an inch of polymer shell in two different places. The weight difference between the three frames is 3/8 of an ounce each.
The thing is, the 9mm cartridge creates basically the same recoil when fired, whether it’s from a G26, G19 or G17, which means you still need the same force to counter the force of recoil. The barrel and the frame comprise one of the two ways to counter the force of recoil, the other being the slide spring. You can’t have a significant reduction of weight in the slide and barrel, because you still need that counterweight.
Each model has a specific slide weight that it needs to cycle properly, and to achieve that, a portion of the slide wall is reduced so that it is thinner. The G17 reduces the slide wall about three-fourths of an inch from the front of the ejection port. The G19 doesn’t reduce it until after an inch and a half. The Glock G26 doesn’t reduce it until as far forward as possible, which actually ends up being at the same place as the G19. To make up for the extra mass it needs, it uses the slide spring.
Unlike the compact and standard-frame Glock models, the G26 and other sub-compact models do not have an accessory rail on the dustcover. This means that you won’t be able to mount a flashlight on it, and if you’re looking to add a laser it will have to be mounted in a different manor, such as on the grip or the slide spring. The front of the slide is also beveled, which I think makes it look nice, and not so boxy. The lack of a rail (and thus accessories) and the beveled slide front make for a really smooth, easy slide into a carry holster.
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel Length: 3.43 inch
Weight Unloaded: 25.75 ounces
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 6.50 inch
Slide Length: 6.26 inch
Overall Width: 1.26 inch
Slide Width: 1.0 inch
Height Including Magazine: 4.17 inch
Sight Radius: 5.39 inch (polymer); 5.35 inch (steel); 5.31 (GNS)
Trigger Distance: 2.83 inch (Gen 3); 2.76 (Gen 4 & Gen 5)
For more information on the Glock G26, please visit www.glock.com.
Editor’s Note: This excerpt is from Glock Reference Guide.
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