Ruger is now offering its LCR in the light, yet potent .327 Federal Magnum.
The .327 Federal Magnum has found new life in the past year.
Ruger has invested in the light, yet snappy round, releasing two revolvers chambered for the cartridge. And while the Single Seven and SP101 were both intriguing offerings, each one’s release was met with a similar refrain: “Nice, but when are they going to make one for concealed carry.”
Well, for these particular shooters, the wait is over.
The New Hampshire/Arizona manufacture has added yet another .327 Magnum to its lineup, in model literally tailored for clandestine carry—the LCR. And there appears to be plenty to like about Ruger marrying its polymer- and stainless steel-framed pistol to the cartridge it helped develop.
One of the features that is almost certain to turn heads, particularly with LCR fence sitters, is the revolver’s capacity. The .327 holds six rounds, more than any other in the line, save the .22 models. For the most part, a larger capacity in a smaller firearm was one of the main aims behind the development of the magnum cartridge.
The .327 Magnum has plenty of selling points in and of itself. Among these is it’s potent, yet manageable to shoot. The round achieves velocities similar to a .357 Magnum; it actually outperforms the larger cartridge in snubbed-nosed revolvers, such as the LCR. Of course, there’s a rub to the small magnum’s performance: It’s with a smaller projectile.
Presently, the majority of .327 Federal Magnum ammunition is topped with 85- to 130-grain bullets. And while availability is typically not a problem, there isn’t a ton of different rounds to choose from. However, shooters need not fear about fodder for a LCR in this caliber. It’s fully capable of shooting .327 H&R Magnum, .32 S&W Short and .32 S&W Long rounds as well.
Like the rest of the LCRs, the new .327 has the dimensions to make it a slick deep-cover or backup gun. The double-action-only revolver is only 1.3 inches wide and tips the scales at 17 ounces, making it more than convenient for pocket carry. It has a 1.875-inch barrel and comes outfitted with a Hogue Tamer Monogrip, a feature that should make recoil even more manageable. It also has a pinned, replaceable ramp front sight and integral U-notch rear.
Presently, Ruger’s MSRP on the new .327 Federal Magnum LCR is $619.
The Trijicon MRO offers a flexible, accurate and petite aiming solution.
When it comes to aiming solutions, Trijicon has always been at the cutting edge. And the Michigan company shows no signs of slowing up its innovations anytime soon.
Recently, the manufacturer expanded its catalog with an optic meant to add little to a firearm’s overall bulk, while offering lightning-fast target acquisition. But its petite design isn’t the only advantage Trijicon is offering with its Miniature Rifle Optic. The red-dot sight has also been refined to offer a clearer sight picture, thus creating a more accurate optic.
The MRO is engineered to eliminate the tube-effect with a shortened body and larger objective lens. Overall, the optic measures in at 2.6 inches and has a 25mm objective lens. These features also add some flexibility to the unit, given it can be mounted anywhere on a firearm without causing tunnel vision.
While the Trijicon MRO is an ideal option for close quarters shooting, the 1X optic also has potential to help shooters reach out. In part, this is facilitated through the sight’s 2 MOA red dot. The dot is large enough to draw a clear bead, but not so huge as to blot out a distant target. It also has eight brightness settings, helping it adapt to nearly any lighting conditions.
At around 2 inches in length and weighing around 4 ounces, the Trijicon MRO adds little bulk to a firearm.
The 4.1-ounce unit is also designed to be fine tuned with one click equaling ½ MOA at 100 yards. The optic has a total of 70 MOA total travel, both in windage and drop, allowing it to be zeroed in almost any configuration.
The MRO looks to be ready to tackle long stints in the field with the optic sipping energy. Trijicon lists five years of continuous use on a single 2032 battery.
The unit is also rated to handle the most extreme conditions. It can operate in temperatures from -60F to +160F. It is waterproof to 100 feet, and its 7075-T6 aluminum body is also chemical- and corrosion-resistant. And it is able to endure the roughest treatment without losing its zero or sustaining damage.
Presently, the Trijicon MRO has an MSRP of $579 without a mount and $629 with one.
EZ2C targets combine lots of white space and a clean design for an easy-to-see paper shooting target that makes range sessions more productive.
This grid-style target is ideal for rifle sight-in and group shooting.
Years ago, when I was trying to scratch a living as a freelance gun writer, I learned the value of a good target. With gun test assignments in hand I needed something which would allow me to do a high volume of shooting—that is, were affordable—and also clearly showed groups.
Of course, there were the fancy paint-splatterin’ types with black pasted over a mysterious fluorescent goo; these were slicker than snot but cut into the frozen burrito fund a freelancer lived on.
Necessity being the mother of invention, some diligent research turned up the EZ2C concern, which was online order only. They made paper targets that were highly visible, came in high quantity pads and featured a price tag that didn’t cut deeply into the wallet.
Reactive targets, steel plates, poppers, fresh fruit and water jugs are jolly good fun, but the best paper shooting targets are ones that allow you to see where your rounds are landing.
That’s why Gun Digest has partnered with EZ2C targets. Like the name suggests, they’re easy as pie to see and handy as the dickens for long-range rifle work.
The center of these targets is all white, surrounded by a bright red that tends to draw your eye to the middle and gives you white space around which you can more precisely reference your crosshairs if shooting with a scope. Despite having excellent vision, I found my groups actually improved just from using these targets.
The author liked this clean style for close-range handgunning. Click here to order.
Even at really long range, my 600 meter tests proved how nice it was having an all-white background upon which to center the crosshairs for shooting center mass groups.
Open sight shooting with rifle, slug gun or muzzleloader is also better, for referencing the sights is so much easier when contrasted against the light background.
We’ve come up with five styles of target that will cover nearly all your shooting needs. To zero your rifle or shoot groups I like either of the diamond-shaped designs featuring grid backgrounds, which are a slick reference for scope adjustments.
For handgunning, the clean background targets with round circles give you an uncluttered view; I like stapling these onto IDPA-style cardboard targets and then pouring on the lead. The style with two vertical circles can be used for switching between center mass and high shots and fits well with many handgun drills.
If you’re unsure of what style you need, get one of each of the five. Most likely, you’ll end up using all of them. Give them a try—you’ll see why.
These high-visibility fluorescent red and white paper targets from EZ2C are preferred by the Gun Digest editors because they allow us to see exactly where our rounds are landing. You’ll love them, too. Load up here
If you’re planning a trip and want to carry a gun, here’s what you need to know about packing state to state.
Planning a trip? Taking a gun? Before you head off down the road, make sure your itinerary doesn’t include a trip to jail. Your license to carry may be good in a lot of places, while in other places it doesn’t mean diddly. So make sure you learn as much as you can before traveling with firearms.
The past few years have seen an expansion of what is commonly known as state reciprocity for concealed pistol licenses or carry permits. But that doesn’t mean this is a universal phenomenon, and keep in mind that if you are planning to carry in another state, you will be carrying under that state’s laws. What may be legal in your home state might not be legal where you visit.
Before heading down the road, brush up on the laws in the state where you are heading and any states in between through which you may be traveling.
Places to Avoid
Let’s get this out of the way up front: There are some places travelers may wish to avoid. According to the popular Handgunlaw.us website, states that do not honor anyone’s carry license or permit include California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, plus the territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Marianas Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many activists who focus on “universal recognition/reciprocity” figure it this way: If these states or territories don’t recognize your right to self-defense within their borders, they don’t deserve a penny of your money.
As of this writing, there had been a reciprocity/recognition bill passed in Oregon, but the governor had not yet signed the measure. Things may change in the Beaver State, so keep an eye on that one.
There are several other states that honor out-of-state licenses and permits, provided they are held by residents of those states. That is, people who have obtained the widely touted Utah or Florida permits get no recognition if they are not residents of either Florida or Utah.
A growing number of states—Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont—honor all licenses, but again, the non-resident carries in those states under the laws of those states.
And then there is Vermont, where there has never been a license to carry other than your driver’s license. The downside to being from Vermont is that your state driver’s license will allow you to carry in only three other states: Alaska, Arizona, and Oklahoma. Since the state does not issue licenses or permits, there’s no Vermont document any other state can really honor.
Thirty states have non-resident permits or licenses; that is, a non-resident of a state may obtain a carry license for that state—this is what has made the Utah and Florida licenses so popular—that they are recognized by other states. For example, non-Washington residents can get an Evergreen State concealed pistol license that is valid in 25 states at this writing. A Virginia non-resident license is valid in 28 states, while the Utah permit is recognized in 31 states. Oregon only issues non-resident permits to residents of states that border Oregon: Washington, Idaho, California, and Nevada, but the permit is valid in 20 states.
Requirements for obtaining a non-resident permit vary depending upon the state to which one applies. Florida, for example, will issue permits by mail to people who meet the requirements. On the other hand, one must apply in person in Pennsylvania. Other states require applicants to either be employed in the state or own property.
There are two resources the frequent traveler should consult. One is a little booklet called the “Traveler’s Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States,” which is updated annually, and the other is the aforementioned Handgunlaw.us. The latter is updated frequently as things may change, sometimes at a moment’s notice—and they do that occasionally—and it is important that the armed vacationer/traveler brush up before heading down the highway or out to the airport. The “Traveler’s Guide” features one-page summaries of the laws and is a popular publication among people who may summer in one state and winter in another.
Frankly, the Handgunlaw.us website is quite possibly the best resource there is for the armed traveler. Books can only be updated every so often, while an online site is far more up to date. There is one page on this site that has a concealed carry reciprocity guide, which is also available from the Second Amendment Foundation (Saf.org).
A less reliable resource is an Internet gun forum, and there are scores of these on which people can uncover all levels of knowledge, from accurate to pure supposition. Don’t risk a vacation or business trip by relying on advice from somebody who might call himself the “gun dude” on a chat forum.
There is something else I discovered when researching this article. Handgunlaw.us isn’t afraid of ruffling feathers. Each state has it’s own page on the website, and the one for Delaware had a notation that was rather blunt: “Over the years the Delaware Attorney General has listed states on their website that they actually didn’t honor or stating there was a reciprocity agreement when one didn’t exist. Use caution when reading anything on the DE Attorney General’s website as it has listed inaccurate information over the years when it comes to who they honor and who honors them.” Take that critique to heart and be forewarned.
Common Sense when Traveling with Firearms
When the author is in unfriendly environs, he locks his unloaded pistol in a console vault. Notice there is no loaded magazine in there with the gun.
Common sense should always prevail, but it is amazing—if not embarrassing—that some people just don’t get it. Sometimes I wonder if they’re willfully ignorant. With somewhere in the neighborhood of 11-12 million legally licensed citizens across the U.S., it is incumbent upon these people to know the laws about concealed carry where they are going to be spending time. Ignorance is no excuse, and there have been cases—most notoriously in New York and New Jersey—in which law-abiding citizens who didn’t pay attention wound up in serious legal trouble.
How many times a year do we read about somebody who gets stopped at the security checkpoint at an airport with a gun in their carry-on luggage? This is unforgivably stupid because there has been so much publicity about it over the years. Nobody can claim ignorance of this prohibition, and even if someone is not criminally charged, chances are good they’re never going to see their firearm again. Before you head to the airport, check the contents of your carry-on bag. No knives, no guns, no ammunition, no problems.
If you do travel by air with firearms, as I have done many times, follow the rules: Guns must be unloaded and locked in hard-sided cases. Handgun cases will be inside of your luggage, and your suitcase should also be locked. Notify the ticket agent when you check in at the airport, get your luggage checked through by a TSA agent, and go about your business. Not so difficult.
Years ago, I bought a handy little Doskocil lockable handgun case that has traveled thousands of miles with me all over the place. It takes two small padlocks and easily fits inside my checked luggage.
If you drive and your route takes you through some states where your license or permit isn’t welcome, before crossing that state line make sure your handgun is unloaded and locked away. That’s another place where the locked gun case comes in handy.
A few years ago, I installed a locking safe in the console of my truck. I have the combination and don’t share it. When the pistol is inside, it’s not immediately available to anybody. These things are handy and can prevent theft when you might have to leave a pistol in your rig. Never lock up a loaded gun. While traveling, make sure the ammunition is separated from the firearm.
I have carried concealed in several states, including Michigan, Florida, Montana, Idaho, Virginia, Arizona, and Alaska. Those experiences taught me one thing over all others: Carry discreetly. That is, concealed means concealed. Nobody in your presence should know you are armed. Translate that to mean your out-of-state carry piece should be a handgun that will not be noticeable under a cover garment. People who are compelled to carry their hardware in such a manner that they let everybody within eyesight know they are packing just might have a maturity or ego problem. The last thing an armed citizen should want is to be the center of attention. You’re carrying for personal protection, not an ego stroke. This is particularly true if you are in a different state.
Interacting with Police
There are a handful of states in which the attitude of some armed citizens can land them in very hot water. This has to do with a legal requirement that you immediately notify a law enforcement officer if you are armed.
I did a quick perusal of the states at Handgunlaw.us and found at least six with this provision: Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas. If you are carrying in any of these states and have any interaction with police or sheriff’s deputies, such as a traffic stop, you need to tell them right up front you’re licensed to carry and are armed. Now, if you drive within the speed limit, don’t engage in any really foolish highway maneuvers and behave yourself in public, you’ll lower the odds of having that kind of interaction. Stay off your cell phone and don’t text while driving down the road, and don’t litter.
If you do interact with police, don’t become the jerk in the latest YouTube video telling an officer about your constitutional rights. The odds of having a rotten experience in a different state increase exponentially with every rise in the decibel level.
Another thing to watch for in a state you may be visiting are signs telling you that no firearms are allowed on the premises. In most states, this is a given in such places as federal government buildings, including ranger stations and visitor centers, any courthouse or school building, police stations, jails, hospitals, mental institutions, sports stadiums and private business establishments that are well-posted, including hotels. In some states, such signs have the force of law, while in others they do not.
When traveling with firearms it is also incumbent to check out state laws about carrying in certain establishments, especially restaurants where alcohol is served. Each state’s laws about this are slightly different, and you definitely need to be on top of this one because road trips almost always involve at least one or two stops to eat. One rule to always follow: Don’t drink alcohol if you are armed. This is not debatable, especially if you are in another state where the law just might be different than back home.
Glock G17: Most full-size handguns make good nightstand guns. It’s hard to go wrong with any hand-filling, reliable pistol that accepts a weapon light.
The author explains his thought process in choosing the best nightstand guns for home defense. In Part 1, he reaches for semi-auto pistols.
Glock G19 and G17
The Glock 19.
Many are the handgun models that have stood night guard beside my bed, but the one currently drafted into service is a Gen 4 Glock G17.
Why that one? Because it’s easy for me to shoot rapidly and accurately, because it holds 17 rounds in its magazine, and because my Surefire X300 light fits it beautifully. Among other reasons.
My preference is the 9mm G17, with a 17-round capacity, closely followed by the G19, with a 15-round capacity and a slightly shorter frame. I don’t get warm fuzzies over the .40 S&W cartridge; personally, I consider it less than a .45 in power and less than a 9mm in capacity—thus, a hybrid that attempts to fill the function of both yet fails to match either. However, it is a good cartridge, and for admirers of the .40 S&W, the G22 is really hard to beat.
I don’t recommend messing around much modifying a Glock. The reason they have such a stellar reputation for reliability is that the factory design and parts work, and work every time. The only two mods that I occasionally suggest are to fit a Ghost aftermarket trigger with a lighter pull and an overtravel stop and to replace the plastic factory sights with metal ones, preferably night sights with tritium inserts.
Finally, Glocks are a very good value when you go to exchange your hard-earned dollars for a personal protection tool. Standard models, new, bring around $550 to $580; guns in good used condition can be had for around $400.
Smith & Wesson M&P
Smith & Wesson M&P9
The full-size M&P (Military & Police) semi-auto is arguably the most ergonomic polymer-framed pistol ever designed.
That’s a pretty lofty statement, but it’s well founded. M&Ps are extraordinarily comfortable in the hand, and they come with three different-size grip inserts to finesse the grip size until it is just perfect for the owner’s hand. The grip angle is the result of intensive research on the natural angle of the human fist in relation to the arm, resulting in a pistol that points itself as naturally as granny’s naughty-finger when you’re caught with your hand in the cookie jar. The grip itself is very high in relation to the axis of the bore, minimizing muzzle jump and enabling the shooter to control recoil well.
In addition to being engineered for absolute reliability under the most adverse conditions imaginable, Smith & Wesson’s M&P semi-autos have two unusual features. First, the fire controls are ambidextrous (dual slide-catches, magazine release button is reversable), making this one of the best possible choices for left-hand shooters. That feature can save a right-hand shooter’s bacon, too, should their shooting hand be injured, or occupied fending off an attacker. The second feature is the fact that M&P semi-autos can be purchased with or without a thumb safety, which—if present—is located in a classic 1911-esque position.
Many versions exist in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, offering various sights, barrel lengths, colors and so on, and all of them have a light rail on the dust cover in front of the trigger guard. Speaking specifically of the full-size models, you can’t go wrong with any of the variations. Prices are comparable to Glocks; new M&Ps can be had for $560 to $700, depending on bells and whistles, and good used versions can be purchased for around $400.
Springfield XDm
Springfield XDm.
A refinement of the very popular XD pistol, the “M” version is sleeker and perhaps a bit lighter, depending on variation. I like how it looks better, too. Made in Croatia, these semi-autos have gained a huge following courtesy of good prices and solid performance. Personally, as with most polymer, double-stack pistol designs, I much prefer the full-size models to the compact and subcompact models.
All XDs have trigger-shoe-type safeties, which prevent the pistol from firing unless the trigger is pressed rearward. Additionally—and my favorite feature of the XD series—they have a 1911-type grip safety. In essence, the gun can’t fire until it is firmly grasped by the shooter’s hand. Theoretically, this means that the shooter has control of the firearm before it can fire.
The only technical nitpick I can make is that the axis of the bore is—as polymer pistols go—somewhat high above the grip, making for a design with more muzzle jump than others. While I like the 9mm (with it’s outstanding 19-plus-1 capacity) and .40 S&W versions, I particularly like the .45 ACP version with it’s 13-plus-1 capacity. It’s one of the better-feeling high-capacity .45s I’ve fired. Price runs around $550, depending on accessories.
Ruger SR9 & SR40
Ruger SR9.
Retailing at $529, with a street price of under $500, the Ruger SR9 is probably the least-expensive polymer-frame pistol that—in my opinion—really makes the “depend your life on it” grade. Technically, it’s a striker-fired pistol engineered for reliability and good recoil control. The axis of the bore is low against the hand, helping maximize muzzle control during rapid fire.
Containing 17-plus-1 cartridges, it offers ergonomic concessions such as a reversible backstrap and ambidextrous safety and magazine release. Endurance tests by abusive gunwriters have proved it robust and capable. While it’s available in .40 S&W and .45 ACP, my preference is 9mm.
SIG Sauer P226 & P229
SIG P226.
This handgun takes us from the realm of polymer frame pistols to that of metal frames. In my opinion, no polymer-framed handgun ever has or ever will balance as well as a good metal-framed model, and SIG’s P226 is one of the most ergonomic of them all. Its sibling model, the P229, has a slightly shorter barrel, but it is an excellent pistol too.
Of double/single action design, these SIG pistols employ a decocker for safe carry. Translation: When a cartridge is chambered by working the slide, the external hammer is left cocked; pulling down on a lever on the left of the slide, about where a typical manual thumb safety would be located, drops the hammer without firing the cartridge. If the pistol should be needed in a hurry, a long, heavy double-action (both cocks and then fires—thus “double” action) trigger pull will cock the hammer and fire the pistol. Every shot thereafter will be single-action, since the slide leaves the hammer cocked after kicking out the spent cartridge case and chambering a fresh round. If the shooter ceases shooting before the magazine is empty, pulling on the decocker will lower the hammer to the safe position again.
I can’t stress enough what a quality pistol SIG builds, as long as you stay with the metal-framed versions. I’m not partial to the company’s polymer-frame guns. This isn’t to say that they’re bad, it’s just that the metal-frame guns are so good.
Capacity is 15-plus-1 rounds for the P226, 13-plus-1 for the P229, and price starts just under $1,000. That said, street price is usually considerably lower. Optional night sights are available, and highly recommended.
SIG Sauer P220
SIG P220.
Imagine a big brother to the SIG P226 with a single-stack magazine in .45 ACP, and you’ve got the P220. Of very ergonomic, shootable design, and carrying 8-plus-1 cartridges, the P220 is in my opinion second only to the classic 1911 in .45-caliber pistol design; indeed, it offers a couple of features that many shooters prefer, such as the decocker, easier disassembly, and so on. It’s a full-size fighting pistol. In other words, unless you’ve the stature of an NFL player, don’t bother attempting to stash it away out of sight on your person. Price starts around $993 and runs up from there depending on options.
Model 1911 (various makes)
Without a doubt the most popular, legendary semi-auto of all time, the 1911 is also the longest-lived.
Why is it so well loved? In short, it’s incredibly ergonomic, is easy to manipulate while under stress, and is very robust and reliable. 1911 handguns made in recent decades tend to be very accurate, too.
Remington 1911 R1
Many sizes of the 1911 exist, from little 3-inch-barreled compact models up to 6-inch long-slide versions, in calibers from .22 Long Rifle to .45 ACP and even bigger. For personal protection purposes, my recommendation is to stick with a full-size, steel-frame model in .45 ACP. It’s what Browning designed, and it’s the most balanced of the lot in mechanical function.
Alloy-frame models are popular among folks intending to carry a 1911 concealed, and they make a good option, as do “Commander” versions, with a 4-inch barrel. My favorite 1911 carry gun is just that, an alloy-framed Commander with a rounded butt, in .45 ACP. However, for a proper nightstand or full-on disaster-handling gun, the full-size, steel-framed versions tame recoil better and offer the utmost in reliability.
Most experts agree that not only is the .45 ACP the most reliable cartridge in the 1911, it makes the most sense. If you’re set on shooting a 9mm or .40 S&W, get something with a double-stack magazine. (There are adaptations of the 1911 that accept double-stack magazines—some of them very good—but at its best, the 1911 is a single-stack design.)
One perceived drawback for a dedicated nightstand gun is the lack of a light-mounting rail on most 1911s. If it concerns you, get one with a rail—they are available from most major manufacturers. Otherwise, just learn to pair it with a good hand-held tactical flashlight, which is what I do.
Part 2 covers top revolver choices for the nightstand.
Shawn Schweigert — H&H Shooting Sports, Oklahoma City, Okla., (HHShootingSports.com)
H&H Shooting Sports was among the very first retailer to receive the new Ruger Precision Rifle — Ruger’s entry into the long-range and tactical market — and featured the rifle at a July in-store sales and promotional event.
H&H promptly sold out of the eight .308-caliber models it had on hand.
“This rifle, in my opinion, is going to take the market by storm this year,” predicted Shawn Schweigert, H&H’s long guns manager. “It looks to be a hit with the tactical crowd and the hunters we service. That’s a very strong combination.”
Chambered in .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and .243 Win., the Ruger Precision Rifle looks like a cross between a bolt-gun and an AR platform. For $1,049, shooters get a rifle rated as sub-MOA right out of the box, with an adjustable trigger, Ruger’s MSR stock, a 20 MOA Picatinny rail, plus a threaded, suppressor-ready barrel.
Schweigert notes that he’s sold about half the other caliber Precision Rifles he had and already has a long list for future deliveries of the .308’s.
“About half the guys who bought the .308 were looking for a longer range rifle for hunting, one that could take down a big hog,” he said. “Hogs are becoming a real problem in this state, especially in Western Oklahoma.”
Predator hunters have been buying the new Howa Varminter, with thumbhole stock, and the Browning X-Bolt.
AR-type rifles are still selling, but at very reduced levels from a couple years ago. Not only has the AR market become saturated, but Schweigert also believes many shooters are going back to more traditional bolt-actions.
Editor’s Note: This brief originally appeared in the Fall 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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The august 1911 design has been with us for more than 100 years. But in recent times, the legendary semi-automatic pistol has undergone all sorts of tweaks.
Perhaps the most pervasive modification of John M. Browning’s brainchild is caliber. In a bid to cash in on the popularity and near ubiquity of the 9mm, many manufacturers have begun to offer the pistol bored for the round.
SIG Sauer is among the companies that have veered the 1911 away from its traditional .45 ACP chambering. And while it has models available in 9mm, .40 S&W and even .38 Super, a different round appears to be gaining some traction in its catalog.
SIG is now offering a second model of the 1911 chambered in .357 SIG. Joining the Fastback Nightmare, which also utilizes the .357 SIG cartridge, is the company’s new 1911 Tactical Operator.
The 1911 TACOPS has been a popular choice among law enforcement agencies, such as the Texas Department of Public Safety. And it’s outfitted with a number of features most shooters have come to expect on a defensive sidearm.
Along these lines, the most notable might be the integral rail that allows for the quick and easy addition of an accessory. Also, the TACOPS has updated the 1911 design by including an ambidextrous safety and magazine release.
The single-action-only pistol boasts a 5-inch barrel and measures in at 1.5 inches in width. At 41.6 ounces, the steel-framed pistol might be a bit heftier than some would care to carry on a regular basis, but it is far from being out of bounds for this sort of duty.
The 1911 TACOPS in .357 SIG has the same capacity as it does in .45 ACP: 8+1. And it has the same features as the original model including: Ergo XT grips, skeletonized hammer and trigger, night sights, black Nitron finish and checkered front strap. A threaded-barreled option, ready for a suppressor, is also available.
A 1911 in .357 SIG also has some intriguing potential. First off, the round is designed to mimic the ballistics of what many consider the best personal defense round — the .357 Magnum. And secondly, the smooth feeding bottleneck design of the cartridge has the prospect of making the 1911 less finicky in the ammunition it eats.
Presently, SIG Sauer lists the new 1911 TACOPS MSRP at $1,213.
Hunting season is getting into full swing, but before you head out into the field, there are number of things to prep. Perhaps key among them is making sure your favorite shotgun or rifle is clean and in working order. A close second, however, is making certain your scope is sighted in.
For some this is an infuriating process of chasing rounds around a target until they hit where the crosshairs are laid. But there is a much simpler system that saves time, ammunition and frayed nerves. In fact, all it requires is a bit of knowhow and two rounds.
The guys at GY6vids give a pretty good demonstration of this two-bullet sighting method in the above video. And even if you have your own way of getting on target, give this system a try — you’ll be wowed with how well it works.
Of course, you have to bring a few things to the table to get this scope sighting system to work correctly, such as breath control and trigger discipline. But the time and ammo you save sighting in can be invested into more fruitful endeavors — such as getting off the benchrest to practice in field conditions. Incidentally, we have a great video posted talking about just that topic.
Looking for a place to go shoot? The NSSF has an online and mobile resource to help you track down a local shooting range.
The NSSF’s Where to Shoot resource allows shooters to find nearby ranges by state or zip code. Photo by Drew Warden
As many shooters know, an important aspect of gun ownership is regularly getting out and spending time shooting. The most effective method of growing shooting sports is to get new and young shooters involved. The best—and perhaps the only—way of accomplishing this is to get them out at the range.
A range session is an enjoyable and necessary experience for any shooter regardless of skill level. Range trips help educate and familiarize new shooters with firearm safety and shooting basics, and they serve as valuable training time for more seasoned shooters.
Unfortunately, while trips to the shooting range are the primary building blocks for any shooter’s development, finding and accessing ranges isn’t always easy. Shooters living in rural areas may have the benefit of shooting on their own private land or that of a friend. Many new shooters, especially those in urban areas, simply don’t have that luxury.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, has helped shooters solve this problem by creating a comprehensive, searchable directory (WhereToShoot.org) that lists places to shoot. Available as an online guide or downloadable as an app for Apple and Android smartphones, the directory is expansive and offers shooters many great resources.
Where to Shoot
Designed to be quick and simple to use, the NSSF’s “Where to Shoot” directory provides a few different options for finding the right place to shoot. The user can view listings by state or search the directory by inputting a zip code and a distance parameter ranging from 5 miles up to 120 miles. These are the only two ways to find shooting areas on the mobile app; however, the online directory can filter results even further based on several other factors.
One of these filtering options is “shooting activities,” which allows the user to select ranges based on the type of activities they offer. These include shotgun events such as trap and skeet, centerfire or rimfire rifle shooting, and handgun shooting, among others. Whether the ranges have dedicated archery or airgun areas can similarly be used to limit results.
Choices can also be filtered by what kind of competitions and organized events the range hosts, or even by what type of services are available (retail store, food service, camper/RV sites, etc.). Likewise, those looking for hunting opportunities can find them by choosing among several different types of game animals they’d like to pursue.
This level of detail allows shooters to find the location that fits their exact needs and desires, and which will hopefully translate into continued or even expanded participation in the shooting sports.
One-Stop Shop
Users can also locate ranges based on what shooting activities they offer. Photo by Drew Warden
A guide to finding ranges is an excellent tool for shooters, but the NSSF doesn’t stop there. In addition to helping users locate shooting areas, the online directory offers an assortment of useful tips and tools, especially for novice shooters.
Under a separate tab on the Where to Shoot homepage titled “Resources,” the NSSF provides links to several educational guides and a host of informative sources. There are links to the NSSF’s YouTube channel, where users can find instructional videos on shooting tips and tactics, and to the NSSF blog, where shooters can view the latest industry news and trends.
Particularly helpful to first-time gun owners and shooters, the resources tab also contains links to the rules of firearm safety and other firearm safety literature. Printable paper targets ranging from deer and turkey to standard bullseyes are available as well, giving shooters a leg up as they make their way to the range.
The site’s resources section includes an extensive catalog of youth and college shooting sports programs and a page that details the various competitive shooting sports. It also features a list of other organizations for shooters and provides information on NSSF First Shots seminars, introductory courses where shooters learn the basics of safe firearm handling and use, receive guidance on local requirements for purchasing and owning firearms and hear about different shooting sports opportunities. Last but not least, the site allows shooters to search for firearm retailers by state.
A Go-To Resource
With an extensive directory of shooting ranges and clubs that is regularly updated and available online or on most smartphones, NSSF’s Where to Shoot is a valuable tool for both novice and veteran shooters. The user-friendly design allows shooters to quickly and easily find nearby ranges, leaving them with more time to actually shoot and acquire proficiency with a chosen firearm.
The Where to Shoot website is a wellspring of useful information, especially for new or youth shooters just beginning their shooting careers. Whether the shooter is looking to simply improve marksmanship abilities or get started in competitive shooting, the NSSF’s online guide has abundant information to help. With its Where to Shoot website and mobile app, the NSSF has created a powerful, easy-to-use resource located literally at a shooter’s fingertips or in the palm of their hands.
New for 2015 is the long-range Swarovski X5 scope, which comes in both an illuminated and non-illuminated version, as well as 1/4 and 1/8 MOA models.
The X5 is built upon Swarovski’s new spring retention system, with twin turrets for elevation and windage, as well as a SubZero function that allows shooters to engage targets closer than the zeroed-in range (10 MOA down from zero). The spring retention system exerts equal pressure on both turrets regardless of position, which provides maximal accuracy shot after shot.
I had the opportunity to field test the new X5 3.5-18×50 ¼ MOA in South Dakota this summer along with H-S Precision rifles. Paired with a custom rifle from H-S chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor—and more than a little help from my spotter, Josh—I was able to knock down a prairie dog at 803 yards. I barely missed an opportunity at just past 1,100 yards before the rain set in, but the X5 impressed nonetheless.
Used in conjunction with Swarovski’s ballistic app and STR 80 spotting scope with MOA reticle, it was incredibly easy to get the X5 dialed in, even out to extreme ranges. Whether you’re engaging targets at 120 or 1,100 yards, the X5 adjusts quickly and retains phenomenal accuracy. The X5 should be available this fall.
This brief appeared in the Fall 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
At the heart of CTK Precision was a guy looking for better shooting equipment. Curt Knitt didn’t find what he was searching for on the market when it came to a gun vice, so he fabricated one in his shop. Once his buddies started fighting over who got to use it next, he knew he was onto something.
From there Knitt expanded his horizons.
He applied his top-notch design and manufacturing skills to create a slew of rock-solid shooting accessories, built to last a lifetime. Here’s a look at a few fruits of his dissatisfaction that have become gun owners’ gain.
P3 Ultimate Shooting Rest The P3 rest attempts to take all the variables out of getting a rifle or pistol on target. To that end, its most important asset is its three-point leveling system. Knobs on the upper half of the unit modify the position of the rubber feet. Thumb locks then ensure the rest always keeps an even keel, even if bumped. This is not the only facet of the unit that is adaptable. The rear rest can also be adjusted to the length of the firearm, be it a long gun or handgun. Both the rear and front rests are covered in a durable marine carpet that protects the unit and the firearms used on it. The metal parts of the rest are also built to last with an E-coat finish, both inside and out. Available for $125.
P3 Ultimate Target Stand One of the troubles with target stands, they’re always right in the line of fire. That’s not exactly conducive with the longevity of a product. CTK, however, has solved much of this problem by making a majority of the P3 Ultimate Target Stand replaceable. The main parts of the stand that are likely to catch a stray bullet use furring strips, inexpensive pieces of lumber available at most hardware stores. Once one has been ventilated beyond use it is simply replaced with another piece of the cheap wood. The other handy aspect to this design, the stand itself is extremely convenient to breakdown and store. Comprises of rugged 14-gauge tubing and 3/8-inch rod — both E-coat finished — the stand can be compressed to fit into a backpack. The stand is also compatible with any kind of shooting you plan on doing, since it can be configured to hold almost every conceivable size and type of target. Available for $60.
Universal Brass Catcher If you shoot a lot, there is a pretty good chance you also reload a lot. Which means shooting can be a real pain or at least that part where you collect all your spent brass. CTK has made this task a little less tasking with its Universal Brass Catcher. The unit is designed to snag your spent casing as fast as your gun spits them out. The unit is designed to work whether shooting from a bench, prone or offhand. And it does not affect your firearm, thus doesn’t not impede its function. The netting is made out of high-quality nylon that resists melting when in contact with hot brass. The base, like all of CTK’s products, is constructed of high-strength steel and finished with an E-coat. This is the ideal product to keep every shooting session tidy and organized. Available for $60.
Compact Shooting Rest Sometimes space is limited, even on the shooting bench. For these situations, CTK Precision’s Compact Shooting Rest is the answer. Like its bigger brother, it provides a rock-solid rest to zero in a rifle or a pistol, but takes up just a fraction of the space. The unit measures in at 13-inches in length and weighs at just under 6 pounds, making it a handy piece of equipment to carry nearly anywhere. It also almost has the same adjustability as CTK’s other rests. An adjustment knob on the rear of the unit levels out the rest. And the front and rear rests can be modified for height and firearm size. Like all of the company’s products, it is constructed of high-strength steel and finished with an E-coat. Available for $105.
SIG Sauer’s P229 has planted some impressive milestones in its time. In addition to being widely utilized by federal, state and municipal law enforcement agencies, it is also the handgun that has significance in the history of the company itself.
In particular, the P229 was the first pistol SIG manufactured in America, when the company opened its plant in New Hampshire. Until then, the German/Swiss gun maker imported all its firearm to the American market.
Now, for a limited time, Lew Horton Distributing is offering a version of the double/single-action pistol as unique as its background. The Massachusetts wholesaler is selling its final order of Special Edition SIG P229 Blue Piranha.
The Horton exclusive features a striking slide, finished in a bright blue PVD finish. And while this process gives the P229 a glossy and classic look, the finish does more than just add glitz. PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is able to deliver a harder and more corrosion-resistant coating than most other processes used today.
In addition to the eye-catching finish, the Blue Piranha version of the SIG P229 also features G-10 Piranha Grips. From there, the pistol shares features common to this model of SIG. These include: front and rear cocking serrations, 3.9-inch barrel, SIGLITE night sights and an accessory rail.
The Horton exclusive is available only in 9mm, though SIG does offer the P229 in two other calibers — .40S&W and .357SIG. Production of the Blue Piranha was limited to 500 units. The pistols ship with two 15-round magazines and have an MSRP of $1,299.
Federal Premium has expanded its muzzleloader ammunition selection with a lead bullet, outfitted with its B.O.R. Lock System.
It may sound counterintuitive, but one of the oldest styles of firearms has enjoyed some impressive technological leaps in modern times.
Yup, today’s muzzleloaders are nothing like what our fringe-jacketed forefathers used to put meat on the table. No siree. From precision cut rifling to high-performance propellants, modern day variants of these firearms are light years away from their original iterations.
The great leap forward in muzzleloader technology has even extended to bullets. And one ammunition company has been busy in recent years turning out innovative projectiles meant to get the most out of these firearms.
A year ago, Federal Premium introduced its B.O.R. Lock MZ System with its Trophy Copper Muzzleloader Bullets. Now the subsidiary of Utah-based Vista Outdoors is offering a more traditional projectile outfitted with its proprietary system. Federal has released a lead muzzleloader bullet, which has the potential to really help in-line muzzleloaders reach out. In particular, the .50-caliber bullet has the weight — 350 grains — and ballistic coefficient — .209 — to more than go the distance. The projectile also looks to provide devastating terminal ballistics with impressive expansion aided by its polymer tip.
The bullet is equipped with Federal’s B.O.R. Lock MZ System, an innovation that helps the projectile reach its full potential. The system is a polymer cup with a fiberglass base that sits about halfway down the base of the bullet upon loading. After firing, the cup moves forward on the bullet on to obturating ramps, which expands it, creating the gas seal and bearing surface of the projectile.
Federal boasts the system creates a true 200-yard muzzleloader due to its superior internal ballistics. As an added bonus, the company points out the fiberglass base cleans the bore upon loading.
While Federal did not place a MSRP on the new lead muzzleloader bullets, a number of online retailers are presently selling 15 packs in the $20 range.
The author tackles 5th Amendment Rights wallet cards and several other factors to consider when giving a brief statement after a defensive shooting.
In my previous blog post, I wrote about why I recommend giving responding police officers a very brief statement after a self-defense shooting. This runs counter to common advice from attorneys, and in this series, we are discussing why the affirmative defense of self-defense makes it advisable to communicate a limited number of details to law enforcement after a self-defense incident.
In addition to telling responding police officers that you were attacked, it makes sense to point out any witnesses who saw the incident, or know of any evidence that is likely to be missed by the officers during their investigation. Witness statements are a double-edged sword, so we’ll look at the pros and cons of witness statements in Part 3 [Coming soon – Editors]. First, though, there is one more thing you need to mention briefly to responding police.
Ask for Medical Help
Were you injured during the assault against you? If it was a physical altercation, as is true of most disparity of force situations, there will likely be evidence of that attack on your body. If you are aware of any pain as a result of the attack, ask for medical aid. It is likely that when attacked, you experienced an Adrenalin dump. One of the effects of Adrenalin is that it masks pain. You may have been injured, but don’t really feel it. Those injuries, even if you don’t feel any pain, are evidence of an attack. A bruise on the noggin may in fact be a concussion. You need to get checked out at the hospital, so ask the responding officers to call an ambulance.
Why tell police if you are hurt during the assault? Were you struck first? Is there a bruise on your neck where the assailant tried to strangle you? If you clam up, how do the police know about this exculpatory evidence? Having your lawyer tell the police three days after the event, “By the way, my client was assaulted,” isn’t going to do much good. It is best to turn the police detectives into your detectives, by letting them know of any injuries or other attacks to your person.
It is pretty tough for a prosecutor bent on putting you in prison to cross-examine medical records. You see, in the hierarchy of professionals, doctors trump lawyers, and so a doctor’s word is going to be believed before the ranting of a prosecutor who wants to see you convicted. If you just tell the cops you want your lawyer and fail to ask for medical aid, that evidence is lost.
You may be a rough, tough guy, “awe shucks, it’s just a flesh wound,” and it very well may be, but your injuries are also evidence of the attack. Are your clothes dirty, wet or muddy? It’s evidence that you were on the ground. Make sure the cops see, understand and document that fact. You see, no one knows what little piece of evidence will be the one that tips the scales of justice in your favor, so you cannot leave anything out. Guilty people don’t help the cops. Innocent people do.
“I Will Not Answer” Cards
A lot of organizations and many criminal defense attorneys give their clients a wallet card that is supposed to alleviate the problem of confessing to the elements of a crime, while preserving your rights against self-incrimination. These cards usually are printed with words to the effect of: “Officer, if I am handing you this card, I was just attacked and had to use justifiable force to defend myself. I am invoking my rights against self-incrimination, and wish to make no statements until my lawyer is present.”
Ahem…you have just handed the officer a damning piece of evidence that can be used against you in court. This card can be used to transform an intentional albeit self-defense shooting into a premeditated shooting. It can be used to turn a life sentence into the death penalty. Do you honestly think a jury would view this printed statement the same way they do the car insurance card in your wallet?
Even a rookie prosecutor trying his first case would likely be able to turn this against you, to say nothing of the picture an experienced prosecutor could paint around that detail. If you insist on presenting such a card to the responding officers, let’s profoundly hope the assailant lives, because the element of pre-meditation is not usually a factor in assault cases.
The argument for having this card in your wallet goes something like this: “Well, I am likely to be so upset and confused that I won’t be able to speak clearly, and might make a statement that could be used against me.” While that might be true, at least a misstatement due to stress could be explained in court by a competent expert. I don’t know of any competent legal expert who can explain why having this card in your wallet is a good idea.
To further address that concern, however, we should ponder what details you fear you may misstate. The fact that you were attacked? The fact that you felt your life was in danger? The fact that witnesses saw what happened? The fact that, having stated these few points, you now want your attorney, before giving a formal statement?
So what should you say? Some have recommended a one-size-fits all statement of, “Officer I was in fear for my life, so I shot. I want my lawyer present before I answer any further questions.” But as you know, one size does not fit all, and neither does one uniform statement to the police—or no statement at all—work effectively in all cases. Let me explain.
First, after an incident occurs, you have no idea when your attorney will arrive. Unless you happen to have an attorney who is a family member living nearby, or you somehow know the whereabouts of your attorney at all times and you know that he or she can show up at a moment’s notice, you may wait many hours, or even a day before your attorney is at your side. So, off you go to the jail in the back of the police car, to await the arrival of your attorney.
This time gap creates a huge problem when you have invoked your Miranda rights and told police you would not talk to them without an attorney present. Why? Because, as we discussed in my previous blog post, absent justification, shooting someone fulfills the elements of the crime of assault or murder, depending on what happened. With the elements of the crime satisfied, you will be arrested, and once arrested, you will be booked into jail. The eventual charges depend on whether the person lives or dies. Of course, the titles of the crimes vary from state to state, so for the purposes of this discussion, let’s limit the possibilities to aggravated assault or murder. For this example, let’s imagine you were out in public when you were forced to use deadly force in self-defense.
Now, put yourself in the role of the responding officers who received the “shots fired-man down” call. Arriving on the scene, the police know a crime has just been committed, because it is illegal to shoot someone without justification. They know it is their duty to arrest people committing crimes, and in fact, they get lots of “atta-boys” when they make good arrests, so they are likely going to arrest someone if they can. They have two potential candidates for arrest in this scenario: either the shooter (you), or the guy on the ground, who might have been committing a crime against you.
Once police make that arrest, they shift all their attention to proving that their arrest was a valid arrest. This means investigating the assault or murder of which you now stand accused, and not the underlying crime about which they have little or no knowledge. If this occurs, you are in for a long trip through the legal system.
“But wait!” you cry. “I’m innocent!” Yeah, I know you are innocent, you know you are innocent, and even God knows you are innocent, but at that critical juncture, no one has told the cops that you are innocent, and they had no information to make them believe you’re not just another guilty suspect. Why? Because, you—perhaps the only truly credible witness who is still alive—handed them a card indicating that you would not talk to them.
The one person who knew that a crime was being committed against you refused to talk to the cops! By immediately invoking your Miranda rights, you have just earned a trip to jail, and prosecution for assault or murder.
In Part 3, the author tackles the matter of witnesses—both pro and con. Click here for Part 1.
Because of its classic styling, the No. 1 is a favorite platform for customizing. The gun work on this model was done by gunmaker James Anderson with engraving by Roger Kehr.
The Ruger No. 1 is a versatile and handy rifle chambered in just about anything you need to take game on this—or any other—continent.
Features shown here include the thumb safety, and the quarter rib with integral scope bases and a folding rear sight.
At the 1966 NRA convention in Chicago, a select group of gun writers were shown four prototypes of a new Ruger rifle. It was a classic-style single-shot based on John Farquharson’s falling-block design that was patented in Scotland in 1872. In an article that appeared in the 1967 edition of Gun Digest, the late Roger Barlow eloquently described the appeal of the single shot rifle.
“The man with a single shot rifle, stalking his game skillfully, thoughtfully calculating his range, not just shooting at his quarry but selecting the most effective shot to place that bullet, then carefully aiming and making that one shot count — that man surely is more of a hunter than is the fellow having half a dozen shots available in his repeater.”
The new Ruger rifle was indeed designed to appeal to the traditional sportsman who appreciated and understood the challenge as well as the advantages and disadvantages of one shot. This was another design created by two of Ruger’s top engineers, Harry Sefried and Larry Larson.
The standard medium-weight sporter Ruger No. 1.
Originally the rifle was going to be named the Victorian, due to its 19th century styling, but not long after it went into production, the name was changed. From the beginning, the actions were stamped “No. 1” and that became the official name. (Editor’s note: This Ruger model should always be referred to in print as “No. 1” and not “Number One,” or “Number 1.”)
The design is not a copy of the Farquharson but is a modern take on the action. The falling-block is operated with a lever located just behind the trigger guard. This action is much shorter in length—about 4.5 inches—than those of the various repeating rifle designs, which provides one of the No. 1’s major advantages. It can have a longer barrel than a repeating rifle with the same overall length, and therefore achieve a higher velocity.
The earliest production rifles were referred to as the S22L, S26M and S24H. These were basically barrel-length and weight designations. The variations were later named Light Sporter, Medium Sporter, Tropical Rifle, 1B Standard and others.
Ruger No. 1 International.
The No. 1 has been chambered for a long list of calibers over its almost 50-year history and in several different variations. When the rifle was introduced, the original calibers were the .222 Remington, .22-250, .243 Winchester, 6mm Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-06 and .458 Winchester Magnum. All were offered with either a 22- or 26-inch barrel, except the .458 Win. Mag., which had a 24-inch heavy barrel. The very first No. 1, by the way, was chambered in .308 Winchester and is in the private collection of the Ruger family.
Other variations like the International were later added along with many more calibers. The No. 1 has been offered in virtually every popular American caliber, ranging from the .204 Ruger to the .480 Ruger, and also including several European rounds. Some of the rarest chamberings will require a premium over the values of the standard calibers.
The earliest No. 1 models were marked with serial numbers with no prefix and these models will also bring a premium. This serial number range goes from 1 to approximately 8437 for rifles produced through the end of 1969. Beginning in 1970, a prefix was added starting with 130-00000.
A major change has taken place in the available calibers for the No. 1. Beginning in 2013, Ruger is chambering the No. 1 in a limited range of calibers. The company announced in its 2014 catalog and on its website that each variation will now be chambered in only one caliber each year, and that caliber will be changed every year.
The Light Sporter for 2014 is being offered only in .280 Remington, the Varminter in .220 Swift, the International in .257 Roberts, the Medium Sporter in 9.3×62, and the Tropical in .450/400 Nitro Express 3-inch. No one knows what this limiting of caliber choices will do to the values of Ruger No. 1s in the future. If you have your heart set on a new No. 1 in one of these particular calibers, don’t wait too long.
President John F. Kennedy’s National Match M1 Garand realized a final price of $149,500.
Historic pieces, including Kennedy’s M1 Garand and a Heinrich Himmler presentation Walther PP highlighted Rock Island Auction Company’s September 2015 gun auction.
An exceptionally rare and historic Heinrich Himmler presentation Walther PP handgun, with deep factory engraving and gold wash was auctioned.
The September Premiere Auction at Rock Island Auction Company featured a dizzying array of over 2,800 collector firearms. Gun enthusiasts flew in from across the country and drove for hours to attend the event. High condition guns were abundant in nearly every conceivable collectable genre, as were historic pieces, significant prototypes, early variations and high art masterpieces. Five world-class collections paved the way to over $13.6 million dollars in sales for the three day event.
President John F. Kennedy’s National Match M1 Garand trounced its high estimate by riding a wave of international publicity to a final price of $149,500. This is a world record price for an M1 Garand that broke the previous record that RIAC had set less than 5 months earlier for the shop model M1 Garand bearing serial number “7.”
An exceptionally rare and historic Heinrich Himmler presentation Walther PP handgun, with deep factory engraving and gold wash was auctioned. The gun had been captured in Germany by a U.S. serviceman, whose family had owned it ever since. Since they had held on to it since its discovery in Germany, this gun had never been seen before by collectors and was as “fresh” as it gets, though a near identical, consecutively serial numbered version does reside in the West Point Academy Museum. The final price on that Walther: $287,500.
Bids for firearms left their highest estimates in the dust. For example, an antique Winchester Deluxe 1873 with a high estimate of $3,500 launched into a final bid of $10,350.
A historic Cole Agee engraved and gold plated Colt Single Action Army documented as being Roy Rogers’—“King of the Cowboys”—holster gun more than doubled its high estimate by selling for $57,500.
High end shotguns also saw a lot of activity. Browning Citori shotguns were consistently selling high, but a true overachiever was the engraved A.H. Fox XE Grade double barrel 20-gauge shotgun. With its mutton case, this classic fowling piece shot down its high estimate of $4,500, bringing in $17,250.
A Revolutionary War era Brown Bess flintlock musket turned heads. With its virtual library of accompanying research as well as an authentic period diary, this piece had every right to be behind museum glass, but instead it found a new owner who paid $126,500 for the privilege of its company, well exceeding the $85,000 high estimate.
A unique harmonica rifle made by J. M. Browning, father of the prolific John Moses Browning, was offered to the public and inspired a spirited bidding battle. The bids marched upwards past its $100,000 high estimate, before finally selling for $138,000.
Krieghoff-manufactured German FG-42 paratrooper rifle that went for $322,000.
The highest achieved price of the auction took place when a Krieghoff-manufactured German FG-42 paratrooper rifle proved that last year’s high sale price of an FG-42 for $299,000 was no random spike. This fully automatic beauty surpassed that number and settled in at a comfortable $322,000.
A rare and documented Mauser Prototype Luger pistol easily passed its estimate of $5,000 – $10,000 and achieved $23,000 by a savvy collector. Another prototype, a scarce Japanese Hamada Type 2 pistol prototype, serial number 33, which featured an impressive host of blueprints and design documents from the collection of the inventor, Bunji Hamada was auctioned. A Japanese military enthusiast who recognized the significance of the lot willingly surpassed the $16,000 high estimate and won this incredible assortment for $31,625. German military pieces, such as a cased Model 1893 Borchardt, was won for $37,375, despite having a high estimate of $25,000. And a DWM Model 1934 Turkish Contract Luger nearly doubled its $25,000 high estimate by earning a final price of $48,875.
Old favorites showcased their staying power and some renewed interest showed up in some unexpected places.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 of the best concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
