When it comes to long-range shooting the wind really blows. Perhaps no one environmental variable wreaks more havoc in delivering a round on target. However, with a little knowhow and some patience even the stiffest gusts can be tamed.
Aaron Davidson gives a pretty solid rundown on the basics of how to avoid getting blown away on a long-distance shot in the above video.
The main thrust of the video, by the founder of Wyoming-based custom gun maker Gunwerks, is reading the mirage. There is perhaps no more readily available gauge of the wind's speed and direction down range than the visible heat effect.
Davidson, however, also goes over other indicators that can be used to double-check or in place of a mirage — from vegetation to insect hatches. He also touches upon how bullet design affects wind drift, albeit briefly.
The only thing to add to this nifty little primer on a vital marksmanship skill is it should be sharpened on a regular basis.
The nice thing is, becoming wind literate is something that can be done away from the shooting range. A good optic — binoculars or spotting scope — some wide-open spaces, and a little free time is all that is required to be competent at reading the wind.
At a recent auction, Kramer Auction Service featured a large number of commemorative rifles and handguns. Auctioneer Curt Kramer notes that buyers are either “into” commemorative firearms or they are not.
“We typically don’t see a lot of crossover on these types of firearms from other kinds of collectors,” Kramer adds. “What makes some commemoratives more desirable than others, however, is the same as other firearms: rarity and condition.”
To bring top dollar, commemoratives typically need to be in “New in Box” condition, he explains, with all original paperwork and accessories. Larger issue runs of specific commemorative rifles and handguns tend to sell for less than short runs.
“However, you have some commemoratives like the Winchester John Wayne and Crazy Horse issues, which always seem to be strong sellers despite the issue size,” Kramer notes.
At the recent auction, Kramer sold a Winchester John Wayne Commemorative Rifle for $1,485 and a Winchester Crazy Horse Rifle for $990—both above their original sale prices.
All in all, Winchester commemorative rifles hold their value very well. At auction, Kramer also moved: a Winchester 94 Wild Bill Hickok Rifle for $1,015; a Winchester Model 94 Wrangler II Carbine at $960; and a Winchester 1995 Florida Sesqui-centennial for $865.
Commemorative sets do well for Kramer, too, like the Colt Bicentennial Three Gun Revolver Set, with original cabinet, that netted an impressive $4,370, and a matching set of Colt Nevada 1873 Peacemaker and Frontier Scout Revolvers for $1,820.
“Other sets which may have smaller production numbers but a very high issue price seem to be recently doing better,” he notes. “Many of these high dollar sets slipped in price for a few years after they were issued, and remained somewhat soft, but are coming back strong.”
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the Spring 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
The Glock 43 has only been around for a short time, but it’s already generating plenty of buzz.
Part of this can be attributed to the Austrian company that makes the polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol. Glock is not short on fans. But the gun itself has plenty to turn shooters’ heads — particularly those who carry concealed.
The single-stack 9mm checks off a lot of boxes for those searching for a slighter piece for regular carry that is still a comfortable shooter. Or those are at least that is the impression YouTuber Mr.GunsAndGear gives in his first time putting the pistol through its paces.
While his initial takes on the G43 are interesting, it’s the end of the video (and his T-shirt) that will catch most shooters’ attention. He lines the new 9mm up against a couple of other popular single-stacks —the Glock 42 and Smith & Wesson Shield — to give a bit of perspective of the pistol’s dimensions.
When it comes to ultrasonic case cleaners, Lyman has typically gone very big or gone very small. In turn, those who fall into the “moderate” reloader category have been left out in the cold.
In all likelihood, this group — those who thumb off a hundred or so rifle or a couple hundred pistol rounds monthly — probably make up the lion’s share of reloaders. But it seems the Connecticut company has finally realized it was just off the mark when it came to this shooting demographic.
Or at least it appears that way with the introduction of the Turbo Sonic 1200. The ultrasonic case cleaner is the Mama-Bear model in the Lyman family, just right for those with middling reloading projects.
The cleaner is outfitted with a 6.5×5.4×2.6-inch tank, designed to handle 350 9mm cases, 150 .223 Remington cases or 75 .30-06 cases. And it appears to be compact enough to solve another reloading problem — limited bench space.
Ultrasonic case cleaners have become a popular option in recent years. First off, the technology has become more affordable. Secondly, and more importantly, they do a dandy job in knocking off the carbon, grime and oil common on spent brass.
As those who have been reloading for a while know, case cleaning is definitely more than an exercise in aesthetics, though that is a fringe benefit. Instead, polishing up brass helps maintain consistency in case volume, making for more accurate loads. At the same time, it also adds a layer of safety, helping reloaders more easily identify damaged cases.
Like its other ultrasonic case cleaners, Lyman’s new Turbo Sonic 1200 appears to have a number of handy features. The unit is outfitted with a see-through cover, four timer settings, sealed control panel and removable basket that drains the cleaning fluid.
Lyman has made models compatible with American 115-volt outlets and European 230-volt outlets. The domestic version has an MSRP of $119.95, while the European variation is $125.
Remington in diving into the micro pistol market with the release of the RM380.
There’s no arguing that if you’re out to buy a .380 ACP, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Everybody and their cousin seems to be turning out a pistol that grazes on the John M. Browning designed cartridge, for obvious reasons.
Presently, concealed carry is one of the big drivers in firearm sales and the .380 is a popular choice for this task. And the market appear set to get a bit more crowded when it comes to handguns that feed off the diminutive self-defense round.
Remington has officially jumped the micro-pistol game with the unveiling the RM380 earlier this month. And while there are plenty of .380s out there, the New York/North Carolina manufacturer looks to have given shooters some reasons to look in its direction.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Big Green's new handgun is it has broken from the polymer-pistol pack with the company opting for a metal frame. Remington has built the RM380's backbone with lightweight, yet durable 7075 aluminum — an alloy used in some pretty unforgiving environments.
The aluminum is utilized extensively in the aircraft and aerospace industries, typically for structural parts. But the wear-resistant alloy can also be found in many AR-style rifle's receivers. While durable, the material does little to weight the gun down with Remington listing the RM380 at 12.2 ounces unloaded.
The other intriguing feature is the pistol is double-action only, hammer-fired. This is quite a break from present trends, but swimming against the striker-fired tide could swing both ways with shooters.
On the one hand, the system gives shooters an extra piece of mind given the 6+1-capacity .380 has second-strike capabilities. That is, if a primer does not go off on the first trigger pull a shooter can have another whack at it without having to rack the slide.
On the other hand, at a stout 10 pounds, the trigger’s pull weight might be a hair more than many are comfortable with in a self-defense gun. This hefty weight, however, has a function in the RM380’s system, acting as the pistol’s safety.
The pistol has slight dimensions, measuring in at 5.3-inches long, 3.8-inches tall, .94-inches in width, with a 2.9-inch stainless-steel barrel. The gun’s last measurement is actually a tick longer than many in the class, which could help the round achieve better ballistics.
The design also has the potential to win some fans given it's a locked-breach. Many of the RM380’s contemporaries are simple blow-back operated, which is know to produce an uncomfortable amount of recoil.
The locked-breach design not only mitigates that factor quite a bit, but also the typically stiff springs also associated with blow-back pistols. In turn, the new .380 should have a much easier slide to rack, which is never a bad thing on a self-defense weapon — particularly one on the small side.
Remington has included an extended beavertail on the gun, an addition that should help shooters get a solid grip on the pistol, in addition to helping them avoid a bite from the slide. The RM380 also features an ambidextrous magazine release, making it a fit for righties and lefties.
A few of the gun’s other features include: replaceable grip panels, checkered front strap, aggressive cocking serrations, fully functional slide stop with last-round hold open, and fixed sights.
The RM380 ships with two magazines, one with a flush floor plate, the other with a grip extender. The MSRP of the new pistol is $417.
When it comes to churning out a high volume of ammunition, reloaders might consider moving up to one of the excellent progressive presses on the market.
There comes a time for many reloaders when the volume of their ammunition needs outgrows the function of their single-stage press. That's when it becomes time to start looking at progressive presses for handloading.
For those shooters who dispense a high volume of ammunition from their pistols, progressive presses can be a worthwhile investment.
When properly adjusted, and running right, the progressive can produce several hundred rounds per hour. There are many different types to choose from, but the basic premise is the same.The idea of the progressive is to perform multiple operations with each stroke of the press.
Most are auto-indexing, meaning that the shell plate will automatically rotate to the next station when the handle is pulled and pushed. De-priming, resizing, priming, flaring, installation of powder, bullet seating and crimping are all handled by different stations within the press. A store of powder is held in the powder thrower, which can be calibrated to drop a specific amount of powder, and is often activated by the case's mouth.
Some progressive presses use a metal tube to store the new primers, others feed them through means of a plastic strip. Either method must be watched carefully, as the detonation of a primer could start a chain reaction of primer explosions. Being in close proximity to an appreciable amount of powder, this scenario could end in tragedy.
I like the progressives with at least five stations, and preferably seven. This allows for a separate crimp die to be used, especially in the case of cartridges like the .45ACP, .40S&W and 9mm Luger, that require a squared case mouth for headspacing.
Powder throwers are simple devices, but can be finicky creatures. They must be calibrated precisely, and that may take some trial and error, but it's an important process. An overcharge of .2 grains can result in some very dangerous pressures. Equally, an undercharge can produce a lodged bullet or, at best, a squib load that rolls out of the barrel at a highly reduced velocity. I check the charge thrown often on a balance-beam scale to verify its weight and keep things safe.
One technique that will help keep things consistent is practicing your press stroke. The idea is to make sure to use the same amount of pressure each time you pull the lever, even if that seems to cut down on the volume of ammunition made per hour. Uniformity is the key here, and as things are sort of automated the press stroke can be a huge variable.
Automatic indexing is one of the handiest features of progressive presses. In short, this function advances the shells forward to the next station with every lever pull — a real time saver.
Mind you, once all stations are filled that one stroke of the ram will be responsible for seating a new primer, as well as seating a new bullet to the proper depth. That same stroke must be raised all the way up to properly and uniformly dispense the powder. The same can be said for seating depth.
As things progress (pun fully intended), it is not uncommon for the seating die to come out of adjustment. So, keep a close eye on the finished product, and measure often to assure yourself that the seating depth hasn’t changed.
I also like to segregate my brass into lots, defined by headstamp, so the crimp doesn’t get wacky if the brass gets slightly thicker or thinner.
Progressive presses can certainly be an asset to the high volume shooter, but they require a bit of babysitting. So keep your rig well adjusted and you’ll be cranking out good stuff for years to come.
If escape is not an option, fall back on your concealed carry sidearm and training.
Recent terror attacks in France, Canada and Australia underscore our reasons to be more vigilant, more aware and as prepared as possible should mayhem break out. For many Americans, a key component of that vigilance translates into practicing concealed carry (CC).
At a cafe in Sydney, Australia, a gunman recently held 17 customers and staff hostage for more than 16 hours. Two people were killed during the incident after police stormed the business in an effort to rescue the hostages. The horrific rampage at Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris, France, this January by two men armed with AK rifles resulted in the slaughter of 12 people and the wounding of 20 others—all for publishing satirical cartoons of Allah.
In Ottawa, Canada, Parliament’s sergeant-at-arms retrieved a pistol from a locked box and killed a threat in the form of a lone gunman.
For a CC holder caught up in an active shooter situation, training experts like Adam Painchaud, senior director at SIG Academy, suggest you look for a way to escape, rather than engage, in order to live to see another day.
“If you are with family and friends, mission number one is to get them and yourself to safety,” Painchaud says. Breaking contact and getting to safety may not be an option, however. “Only if you are boxed in,” Painchaud says, “then you need to deal with it accordingly.” A CC holder with a Ruger LCP or J-frame going up against a shooter or shooters with a rifle or shotgun can get themselves in grave danger quickly. In an active shooter situation more than likely you have little time to take cover, let alone time to gear up.
“More than likely the tool you will have on you,” explained Painchaud, “will be a personal protection gun designed for close encounters.” A compact or subcompact with limited ammunition capacity is perfect for self-defense, but is not a match for an assailant or assailants with long arms. Even law enforcement (LE) must often operate in defense mode, responding to situations as they arise.
Get Out Of The Situation
The author believes citizens, quite simply, lack the training to effectively handle active shooter situations like police. David Bahde Photo
Like Painchaud, all of the trainers interviewed for this story recommend the first course of action be to get out of the situation. There are factors against a CC holder fighting back. Two key issues stand out: lack of training and inadequate tools.
“The important thing is to get training so you are prepared,” says Ken Campbell, a retired 35-year deputy sheriff, Special Response Team Commander and two-term county sheriff, as well as a 20-plus-year Gunsite Instructor. “Thinking ‘this won’t happen to me’ is tantamount to putting your head in the proverbial sand.”
You have a spare tire, a flashlight in the house in case the power goes, so prepare for a lethal encounter because bad things can and will happen to you. “Plan for a lethal event,” added Campbell. “How you respond depends on how you train.”
The second thing all trainers agree on is for a CC holder to know their state’s gun laws on self-defense and to have an attorney lined up. Having an attorney is like having insurance. Just like homeowner’s insurance is used in case of flood, fire or wind damage, an attorney will guide and represent you as any situation is legally sorted out.
Law enforcement is trained to deal with high stress situations—the noise, screams, blood and confusion. Regular Joe Citizen with a concealed carry permit, who has perhaps taken a concealed carry course and maybe a beginner pistol shooting course, does not have the level of training to thwart a situation where there is an active shooter.
In an active shooter situation, nothing is black and white. Good guys can easily look like bad guys and vice-versa. A situation could evolve in, say, a shopping mall, where you are boxed in with no avenue to escape. How do you know if that person with a gun is an off duty police officer caught up in the situation just like you? If you engage a threat in a crowded area, how do you ensure a missed shot does not hit an innocent bystander?
Shooting In Progress
When first responders arrive, they may have little-to-no information about the situation. All they know is there is a shooting in progress.
“If you have the ability to talk to 911 or if someone in your group can be on the phone with 911, relay all the information you can to the authorities,” explains Painchaud. The more information law enforcement has, the better they can handle the situation. Tell them details: “I am a white, bald guy wearing a blue hoodie and sneakers near the pretzel stand.” SIG Academy actually offers a training course called Active Shooter Response that teaches tactics for a first responder or a CC holder caught in the crossfire.
“No one ever knows what the police know or don’t know when they arrive,” says Sara Ahrens, former patrol sergeant, SWAT team supervisor and firearms instructor. When LE does arrive, their mindset is hard to predict. “Did the police happen upon the situation, did the concealed carry holder request somebody call the police or did a passerby call it in?” she asks. Ahrens’ best advice to a CC holder is to remain cognizant of their surroundings. “Tunnel vision and auditory exclusion easily happen in high-stress situations. Watch for the police to arrive and immediately identify yourself as a concealed carry holder,” she advises. LE will then tell you what to do and how to do it.
Massad Ayoob states it plainly: “Obey the commands of the officer. Expect to be disarmed. The cop doesn’t know who’s who.” Ayoob is director of the Massad Ayoob Group, a former LE officer, firearms expert and has written numerous books on armed encounters, including his recently released, Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right to Self Defense, published by Gun Digest books. Shootrite Firearms Academy Director Tiger McKee recommends, if possible, to have your weapon holstered when LE arrives.
“If that’s not a good option, then you need to comply with their demands immediately. No trying to explain. When law enforcement says to drop the weapon, you drop it. No setting it down gently. Keep your mouth shut, do what they tell you,” McKee advises.
In many instances, the only thing LE knows upon arrival is that there are shots fired, adds McKee, and will tend to treat everyone as a threat until things are sorted out.
Firearms training should be part of every gun owner’s plan to protect themselves and their families. Any reputable gun training course should not only teach safe firearms handling and shooting techniques, but also what you as an armed citizen can expect after an incident where you are forced to unholster your firearm. When the dust has settled, and law enforcement officials have sorted out the situation, then it comes to answering questions.
“That’s a whole ’nother subject,” quipped Mckee. This is the point when your lawyer can be most helpful. When the situation ends, and it will, the nightmare may continue. Retain a good lawyer.
Terrorism in the United States
The fact is: terrorists have already attacked the United States. The aftermath of 9/11 spawned a new type of terrorist, the homegrown kind. These groups of individuals or loners who might or might not commit Jihad in the strictest sense, are people looking for a cause. It’s not surprising that concealed carry permit applications and firearms purchases are at historic levels. Even the District of Columbia is issuing concealed carry permits. Eased restrictions on gun laws are now the norm, and though this rally to arms is a right, it comes with responsibility.
Our nation’s law enforcement officers are selfless and courageous, but there is that time—seconds, minutes, hours—before they are able to respond to a situation. Caught up in that moment between a terrorist or criminal starting their rampage and when the cavalry arrives, you the CC holder have the opportunity to turn the tables and help yourself and others by moving into action and, in essence, self-rescue. But with self-rescue comes risks and responsibilities. Be prepared.
This article appeared in the March 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine. Click here to download the issue.
Among the topics discussed, this guide will help you understand any legal and ethical issues concerning the use of lethal force by private citizens. You’ll also learn about the social and psychological issues surrounding the use of lethal force for self-defense or in defense of others. In addition to exploring these issues, Ayoob also discusses the steps a responsible armed citizen can and should take in order to properly prepare for or help mitigate a lethal force situation. Learn more
Journalists, policemen, and emergency services in the street of the shooting, a few hours after the January 2015 attack. Photo by Thierry Caro
There is a lot to be concerned about when it comes to terrorism and the manner in which many recent terror acts have been carried out around the globe. Concealed carry is a practical solution.
Two misguided brothers stormed the publishing offices of magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris early this year, killing 11 people and injuring 11. Weeks earlier, a gunman took hostages in an Australian café. The standoff ended when police stormed the building, killing the assailant. Two hostages also died.
In Denmark, a gunman shot and killed two people at a forum before shooting several more outside a nearby synagogue. Even our neighbors to the north in Canada witnessed a soldier killed by a crazed gunman who then stormed their nation’s Parliament building before being shot.
Could such an attack happen in America? Even notoriously anti-gun politician Sen. Dianne Feinstein thinks so.
“I think there are sleeper cells not only in France but certainly in other countries and, yes, in our own,” CNN and The Washington Times reported. “This calls for vigilance.” A January poll also showed that “65 percent of Americans believe it is at least somewhat likely that an attack” in the United States will occur.
So what can we do as citizens to be vigilant and ensure our families and ourselves are safe? Both Robert Sadowski’s “Survive a Terror Attack” and Dick Jones’ “Essential Training for Concealed Carry” offer great insights to help you be prepared for just such an event.
Most experienced trainers wisely warn against ever engaging an armed attacker during an active shooting if escape is an option. As private citizens, most of us lack the training, skills and resources to come out on top in such a situation.
But if you find yourself with no chance for escape, that gun you carry could mean the difference between survival and becoming a statistic. I personally don’t want to be a statistic.
This article appeared in the March 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine. Click here to download the issue.
Though there is a focus on armed defense, fundamentals of security, evasion, barricading, and non-lethal defensive actions are also covered. Pincus stresses the importance of being safe and secure inside your own home, regardless of whether or not you choose to utilize a firearm for protection. Because this book is concept and principle based, the information provided can be practically applied to any home, apartment, or workplace, and any family size or budget. Get it here
The Baby Desert Eagle III offers shooters a more streamlined option.
The new Magnum Research Baby Desert Eagle III gives shooters a slimmed down option in the popular line. The double-action pistol is available in 9mm, .40 Smith & Wesson and .45 ACP.
Streamlined is most definitely a relative term when Magnum Research uses it.
The Minnesota-based subsidiary of Kahr Arms is known for some of the biggest and baddest handguns around. But the company has taken its best crack at slimming down one of its most popular pistols to it a bit more manageable.
The New Baby Eagle III is still a handful compared to nearly every other semiautomatic on the market. However, when measured against its Desert Eagle brethren, the pistol has definitely found some weight savings.
In particular, Magnum Research has slimmed the slide and frame of the pistol considerably. This economy of material shaves nearly an ounce off the handgun, compared to the Baby Desert Eagle II.
Even with the new handgun putting the line on a diet plan, the pistol is still hefty. The example the company gave in its announcement was a full-sized, steel-framed 9mm, which it listed at 38 ounces.
This variation also has some sizable dimensions, measuring in at 8 inches in overall length, with a 4.43-inch barrel and a 1.31-inch slide width.
That example, however, is on the extreme end of things when it comes to the Baby Desert Eagle III. There are lighter-weight options in the line with the company offering polymer-framed and semi-compact models.
Magnum Research’s new Baby is available in three of the most popular pistol calibers — 9mm, .40 Smith & Wesson and .45 ACP. Given the pistol’s size, it should be dynamite at deadening recoil, in turn it should make any chambering a real smooth shooter.
Like earlier iterations of the pistol — all patterned after the CZ 75 — the latest Baby Eagle features a double-action/single-action trigger. In short, this means on the first trigger pull the gun operates as a double-action pistol. After this, the hammer is cocked and the gun works as a single-action.
Those who know Baby Desert Eagles won’t be surprised the double-action pull is substantial. Similar to the rest of the family, it requires 12 pounds of pressure to fire. But, as a single-action the trigger-pull weight is a much more manageable 4 pounds.
Similar to earlier versions, the Baby Desert Eagle III has some ambidextrous controls. In particular, the pistol’s decocking lever is situated on either side of the slide. The magazine release, however, is only found on the left side of the firearm.
The Baby Eagle III should win the hearts of those who find accessories a must. The gun features a rail under the barrel, making the addition of a flashlight or a laser sight a snap.
The gun is set to start shipping in June and has a MSRP ranging from $646-$691, depending on model.
The U.S. Marine Corps newest enlistee, the Glock 19.
This news is a bit long in the tooth, but nonetheless intriguing — the U.S. Marine Corps is adopting the Glock 19.
The branch announced the authorization of the polymer-framed pistol's use in a Feb. 2 Marine Administrative Message. But not every Devil Dog will get a shot at holstering the striker-fire 9x19mm sidearm. Presently, the Glock 19 has only been sanctioned for use by Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.
MARSOC, officially activated in 2006, is based out of Camp Lajeune, N.C., and is split into three subordinate commands: “Raider” Regiment, Support Group and Intelligence Battalion. The Glock 19 represents the third pistol MARSOC has used in its short history.
At times, the special operations group has utilize the Beretta M9A1, a variation on the standard-issue U.S. Military sidearm. More recently, MARSOC has employed a variation of the venerable M1911. Around two years ago, the Corps placed a $22.5-millon order with Colt for its M45A1 Close Quarter Battle Pistol.
According to Military.com, the most recent addition to the special operators' roster of sidearms came at the direct request of the troops themselves:
As nice as the new .45s are, many MARSOC troops prefer to carry Glock 19s instead, sources said.
The 1911 was a ground-breaking design that served the U.S. military before World War I until the mid-1980s. The design is still popular, but it's also heavy, prone to malfunction and limited to seven or eight-round magazines, pistols experts have said.
The G19's easy of use and maintenance, capacity (15-rounds standard magazine) and reliability were given later in the article as some of the reasons why the pistol has curried favor with MARSOC.
The G19 is utilized by a number of militaries around the world and has seen action in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The pistol, however, is perhaps better known in the United States for its work in law enforcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Your City Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service have all at one time or another carried the Glock 19.
The Glock 19 working its way into the Marine Corps isn’t the only sidearm shakeup in the U.S. Military. Presently, all branches are looking for a replacement for the Beretta M9, which took over duty from the M1911 in 1985.
There might not be a cooler or more practical way to get on target than Peak Studios' Ballistic.
There are all types of ballistic calculators on the market today, however, none may be more complete, detailed and practical than Peak Studios' Ballistic.
When it comes to shooting, next to ammo, there is one thing you can’t have too much of — data.
Velocity, trajectory, wind drift, spin drift, target speed, what have you, it all matters. Each is a tiny, yet imperative piece of the ever-changing puzzle that needs to be solved to put a round where you want it to hit.
As anyone who has organized these bits of information into a solid firing solution will tell you, it truly is fantastically and frustratingly wonderful.
Of course, in this era of digital wizardry, getting straight dope in a timely manner has become much simpler and accessible to everyday shooters. It's hard to argue, ballistics calculators in all their forms have changed long-distance shooting for the better.
Peak Studios' Ballistic gives shooters comprehensive table and graphical data, in addition to other displays.
And when it comes to these incredible programs there are few — if any — that hold a candle to Peak Studios' Ballistic. The iPhone/iPad application might be the most complete tool developed for precision shooting to date. (In fact, the app has proven so outstanding Gun Digest has become a sponsor.)
As would be expected, the heart of the application is a powerful and detailed ballistics calculator. And while the initial table data provides a wealth of information in and of itself, it really is just the starting point of the program.
Ballistic branches out into some pretty impressive territory for an app that only takes up 15 MB in its iPhone version. There are options for 3-dimensional modeling of a shot, the ability to compare multiple shots on one graph and even a rangefinder utility.
This doesn't even touch upon the app's library of more than 5,000 projectiles, factory loads, military loads, and performance data points from leading manufacturers, military testing, and performance testing.
Even with all of these bells and whistles, however, it’s the program's practicality that is its true selling point. And where Ballistic truly shines in this department is its ease of use in the field.
The vital numbers of a load — muzzle velocity, bullet ballistic coefficient, etc. — can be programmed beforehand. Then in the field, the environmental variables can be accounted for in a wink of an eye, namely because a number of them can be set to automatically complete (they can also be manually inputted). How the program does this is pretty nifty.
Peak Studios' Ballistic gives you the ability to chart, save and study your shoots.
Using the iPhone/iPad’s location services, the program accesses data from the nearest weather station to your location. This fills in the elevation, barometric pressure, temperature, humidity and even wind velocity, which of course will have to be fine tuned to your exact spot.
The only thing the shooter is left to add into the equation is where the wind is coming in on his position. Even here the app has made it a snap, giving shooters an intuitive input system.
A tap on the wind direction controls brings up a circle with a dial. Placing the top of e-device facing the 12 o’clock of the shot all that needs to be done is move the dial to where the wind is coming in on the position to account for its vector.
There are more detailed models available in the program that take into account multiple crosswinds at various distances. But like so many other elements of Ballistic, an entire article could be dedicated to it alone.
There isn’t the space to do that here and now. But suffice to say, if a shooter is in the market for something to get them on target — again and again — anywhere they find themselves, then Peak Studios' Ballistic is a must for their kit.
Don’t believe the gloom and doom about the slowing AR market. Now has never been a better time to be shopping for your first … or 12th modern sporting rifle.
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2015 looks to be a good year for ARs, and it’s off to a good start. This year’s SHOT Show saw some companies offering new features, some companies just changing the dressing, one company offering no dressing and some companies offering hybrids of caliber platforms and even rifle platforms. With firearms as super-popular as the AR—much like the 1911—companies don’t feel like they can contently sit with last year’s model. There’s a feeling that they must produce a new model or configuration every year. With 1911s this often means that a “new model” is just different checkering on the grip. This is sometimes true with the AR, but not the ones that made this list.
This article appeared in Modern Shooter Spring 2015.
The Japanese concept of Wa is best understood in one word — harmony.
In its most traditional sense, it is the principal of order applied at the social and familial levels. Beretta, however, has employed the principal of Wa in a slightly different way.
Using the concept as its guiding light, the world’s oldest firearms manufacturer set out to find congruence between Eastern and Western craftsmanship, art and functionality, convention and modernity. The results, well, simply breathtaking.
The Izumi Project took five years to complete, in doing so created a truly one-of-a-kind SO6 EELL Shotgun and Samurai Tanto dagger.
The artist at the center of the project is perhaps the most consequential Japanese sword engraver alive today — Izumi Koshiro. The master engraver integrated a fair amount of his traditional background — not just in technique, but also theme — in ornamenting the amazing Beretta over/under.
The firearm is adorned with a dragon motif, a mythological creature revered in Eastern cultures as a symbol of strength and good fortune. The dragons on the shotgun, according to Beretta's website, are meant to provide power and protection to its owner and his family.
Whether good fortune will shine down upon the eventual owner of the ornate SO6 EELL is yet to be determined. But, they will most likely count themselves among the lucky when reflecting upon the three hand engraved and gold inlaid dragons on the firearm's receiver.
On the right side is a sea dragon surrounded by waves, the left is a celestial dragon in the clouds, and on the bottom is another sea dragon emerging from the water into the sky. The dragons are each chasing a dragon ball, the symbolic “sacred pearl” of wisdom. On the gun it is depicted as a gold sphere.
As can be easily seen, the engraving is a break from that traditionally found on shotguns. And the accompanying dagger is equally exquisite and unique. Also following the dragon motif, the edge weapon is the creation of five Japanese sword masters.
The SO6 EELL itself is one of Beretta’s premier shotguns. The side-lock has a low-profile receiver and vault-like cross-bolt locking system. The line of shotguns uses top walnut briarwood, hand selected for color tone and sturdiness. The shotgun's wood to metal joints are hand cut to give them a seamless and superb fit.
The Izumi Project’s Tanto Dagger is as unique as the rest of the collection, crafted by five master Japanese sword makers.
The Izumi Project's SO6 EELL comes not only with the custom dagger, but also a wooden box. The box features a dragon on it lid and was designed and crafted by David Linley of London. It also has a secret drawer that stows a cleaning kit.
Of course, if this beautiful gun has stolen your heart, you better start putting away your nickels and dimes. While there was no price listed on the Beretta site for the Izumi Project, it is has been reported that its price is well over $100,000.
Guess that comes with the one-of-a-kind territory.
Gunpowder structure plays an important role in precision reloading, especially when it comes to compressed loads.
Stick, ball, flake — propellant comes in all shapes and sizes. Master ballistician Phil Massaro helps you figure out exactly which gunpowder structure best suits your next reloading project.
Gunpowder. We all use it, we all read about it, but it may warrant some discussion to better understand it. Especially when it comes to gunpowder structure.
Modern gunpowder has gone through some major revisions, with burn rates becoming slower and slower to feed the huge-cased magnums. In addition to this, gunpowder structure has been revised to operate better in powder dispensers and throwers that have become so common.
Short-Cut Gunpowders
The first one that pops into my mind is Hodgdon’s H4831SC, the SC standing for Short Cut.
For me, the original H4831 has been a rock to lean upon, achieving fantastic velocity and accuracy in cartridges from the .270 Winchester up to and including the behemoth .378 Weatherby. However, the long, extruded grain structure didn’t flow well through a powder measure, and was easily crushed when loads became compressed.
The new SC powder does flow better in the dispensers and meters, and I like the way it fills the voids in the case better. And that makes a huge difference that we’ll get to momentarily. First, lets take a look at all the different gunpowder structures.
Structure Of The Grain
Stick powders look like small strands of spaghetti, cut into specific lengths. The powder is extruded to a certain diameter, and then coated in a retardant that slows the burning to an exact rate. Ball powders are tiny flattened spheres (with the exception of a few, like H380) that compress very well, leaving very few voids in a case filled to its capacity. Flake powders are flat and circular and, being purposed for pistol cartridges and shot shells, are rarely compressed. In turn, their grain structure doesn’t usually pose a problem.
Shaping Up Loads
When the loads we’ve chosen for our rifle cartridges approach or exceed 100-percent case capacity the grain structure can be broken, giving slightly unpredictable results. This is an especially important consideration when we are loading for extreme accuracy.
With many rifle cases, I’ve achieved the best accuracy when a case is filled near to capacity. And with some of my own rifles I have compressed loads that work very well, especially with some of the longer-for-caliber monometal bullets or hollow-point boat tails with long ogives. Let’s look at some examples.
The .308 Winchester, a very efficient case, causes some problems when loaded with longer 180-grain bullets. Powders that work so well with shorter bullets — such as IMR4064 and Varget — are highly compressed when using bullets like the 180-grain Hornady GMX or Swift Scirocco II.
Ball gunpowder is just the ticket for those who load long bullets or compressed loads.
Instead of loading stick powders, I’ve used Hodgdon’s H380 with good effect. The spherical design of H380 stacks up easier than do even the short-cut stick powders, and upon compression it is more difficult to break the grain structure.
The same can be said for the .300 Winchester Magnum, whose overall length presents challenges. The cartridge — what I like to call the .300 Winifred, an homage to the Elephant Guard from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book — requires longer bullets be seated deep into the case to function properly in the magazine of most rifles. This means losing case capacity when firing the long, lean bullets that produce such wonderful accuracy.
Most of my loads for the Winifred are centered around stick powders such as IMR4350, Reloder-19 and Reloder-22. In the event that I want to use a 180-grain Berger VLD I often look to powders like H414, a ball powder that has a grain structure similar to H380, but with a much slower burn rate that is better suited to the magnum case.
When your loads are approaching maximum, take another look at the reloading manual for the bullet you’ve chosen, and try to pick a powder that will best suit your needs without breaking the grain structure. I bet you’ll see an improvement in performance.
Call this a moment of Zen for gun folks. Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical gets behind the business end of a M60 general purpose machine gun and starts throwing around lead and M13 links. And while that in and of itself is pretty cool, there is an even more impressive aspect to the video. Vickers' camera crew does a dynamite job catching this belt-fed beast in slow-motion. Really, the snail's pace footage of the firearm is pretty incredible. First off, it gives an interesting perspective of how the gas-operated M60 goes about its business — at least superficially. But there is another less tangible aspect at play in the video. It accentuates the power of the firearm as it chews through 7.62x51mm NATO ammo, at the same time making this devastating weapon seem somewhat serene. It's a real heavy-metal yin-yang.
M60 Specs Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO Weight: 23 pounds Barrel Length: 22 inches Operation: Gas; Open Bolt Cooled: Air Fire Rate: Sustained — 100 rpm; Rapid — 200 rpm; Cyclic — 550 rpm Maximum Effective Range: Area Target — 875 yards; Point Target — 656 yards; Moving Target — 219 yards. Service: 1957-present
A retired detective reflects on what it really takes to shoot a .38 snubnose revolver.
A speedloader, shown here with a Colt Cobra, requires practice to use skillfully. It also adds bulk and may be difficult to conceal.
Unfortunately, an inexperienced shooter often buys a snubnose as a first handgun, a decision that is usually a mistake. For several reasons these guns are best utilized by experienced handgunners. The small size, low weight and very short sight radius serve to amplify a shooter’s lack of skill. This often leads to an unfair evaluation of the snubnose as being inaccurate. A larger, heavier revolver is more forgiving in terms of an inconsistent grip, less-than-perfect trigger control, recoil and recovery from the same. Also, the greater distance between front and rear sights allows for slight errors in sighting that affect a bullet’s point of impact far less than with a 2-inch barrel.
A ruler and a postage scale indicate there is not a great deal of difference between the Colt Detective Special and the Smith & Wesson Chiefs Special. However, the fingers, hands and extended arms of many shooters indicate otherwise. Colt stocks (call them “grips” if you wish) are somewhat larger than the more compact and more easily concealed round-butted J-frame stocks. Many find the Colt’s to be more comfortable for shooting. For years, S&W marketed an optional square grip frame on the Chiefs Special for this reason. Some aftermarket stocks were made large; a Chief so equipped was easier to shoot but more difficult to conceal.
Snubnose revolvers have considerably more recoil than their larger and heavier counterparts. However, it is tolerable, particularly in the all-steel guns, and with standard pressure ammunition rather than +P cartridges. The lightweight models are, of course, less comfortable to shoot. Double-action trigger pulls are fairly heavy, but can be well managed with practice. Some shooters make the mistake of trying to fire too many rounds during one trip to the range. Any shooting after fatigue sets in is a waste of time and ammunition, and snubnose .38s provide a shooting workout; they are not plinking guns. One box of ammunition expended per session is plenty.
Regarding ammunition, the choice for use in a snubnose .38 is a bit more critical than it would be for a larger revolver. Sights are reportedly regulated for heavier bullets at standard velocity. I’ve found this to be roughly true, mostly at distances of 15 to 25 yards. Many snubnose guns shoot the popular lighter bullets (110-125 grains) low, often six to eight inches low at 15 to 25 yards. For defensive use that may be tolerably close, but ultimately that’s a decision for the shooter. At very close ranges, however, it’s of little consequence.
While their usefulness is debatable, some shooters prefer grip adapters as depicted here on a Smith & Wesson Model 60. Since the installation is on the inside of the frame, added bulk is minimal.
The argument with respect to the use or non-use of +P ammunition in snubnose .38s will likely go on forever. Most self-anointed Internet “authorities” should be considered unreliable sources. The best suggestion for one advocating the use of +P in a particular revolver is to simply contact the gun manufacturer to find out if the product is rated for such ammo. Velocity suffers in short-barrel firearms and sometimes the difference between standard-pressure loads and +P is not as great as some would like to believe. Also, whether +P or not, many hollowpoint bullets cannot be depended upon to reliably expand at modest velocities.
While not often mentioned, it would be a wise move to select at least three or four commercial loadings for evaluation. Shoot at 15 and 25 yards and stick with whatever provides the best combination of accuracy, closeness of point of bullet impact vs. point of aim and acceptable recoil. A secondary consideration should be +P or standard. It’s better to hit with standard-pressure ammunition than to miss with +P.
Other important factors sometimes ignored are muzzle flash and fast recovery from recoil. Snubnose guns can produce considerable muzzle flash, which can often go unnoticed except in very low light situations. The flash, coupled with recoil can hinder recovery for subsequent shots. Some ammunition makers advertise products that produce less recoil and lower muzzle flash. These would certainly merit consideration when making selections.
As for shooting practice with a snubnose revolver, some advocate practicing at very close distances simply because, “It’s a snubnose and you can’t hit anything with one anyway.” There is little or no benefit in practicing at three, seven or 10 yards. Granted, most defensive shooting incidents occur at very close range, but shooting targets at such distances does little to improve one’s shooting skills. It does, however, serve to hide a shooter’s shortcomings. At 15 and 25 yards one’s deficiencies become blatantly evident. Learning to shoot and practicing at the longer ranges eliminates the need for practice at shorter distances, other than to check point of impact vs. point of aim.
The snubnose revolver’s small size and short sight radius do not lend themselves to target-grade accuracy, but with practice reasonable groups are attainable, and are accurate enough for the gun’s intended purpose.
Laser grips, night sights, fast reload devices and other gadgetry can be found useful to varying degrees, but like the snubnose .38s, such accessories are not for beginners. A wise decision would be to expend available funds on ammunition and range practice to the point that shooting basics become ingrained. If a burning desire for aftermarket gizmos goes unquenched after shooting skills are mastered, only then should optional equipment be considered. This approach works out much better than the other way around. Regardless of the ads and sales gimmicks that serve to sell merchandise, none of the products being hawked will transform an inexperienced handgunner into a proficient one.
Depending on one’s needs a holster may or may not be a necessary acquisition. However, a holster may be required for a concealed carry qualification course. A big advantage of a snubnose .38 is the fact that it can easily be carried concealed on a person without the use of a holster and instead in a coat pocket, waistband, etc. Of course, some may not “carry” a gun at all, instead preferring to have one within reach.
I was a vice detective for many years. Such an assignment was (and probably remains) 100 percent undercover work. A handgun not only had to be small, but well concealed to the point that the carrier could pass a cursory (fortunately sloppy!) pat-down search by some street hustler. Holsters are of little use for such duty. I tried an ankle holster briefly but found it worthless due to pain from prolonged wear.
Most of the time I carried a 2-inch Smith & Wesson Chiefs Special as it came from the box. A brief trial with aftermarket rubber grips may have made the gun a bit easier to qualify with, but added to overall bulk. With no regret, I replaced them with the original tiny S&W wood stocks.
What about grip adapters? While these items have enjoyed a renewed popularity in recent times, I question whether it’s from actual usefulness or simply a fad. They do add an appealing look to many revolvers and there are claims that they provide a better grip. That may be true for some shooters. My experience with grip adapters has been on J-frame S&W revolvers only and my conclusion is one of indifference. However, since they are on the inner frame area (rather than the outer), they add almost nothing to the overall bulk of a revolver.
Never did I feel undergunned or find a snubnose Chief lacking in any way. Most of the detectives I worked with were similarly armed, though a few carried Colt snubnose guns. I’m unaware of any shooting incidents involving vice detectives where bad guys got up and ran off after being struck by anemic bullets fired from short-barrel .38 Special revolvers.
Speedloading devices have been around for years. Some like them; others can’t see a need. Depending on several factors, they are often too bulky for adequate concealment. In my experience, the time and effort required for familiarization and practice with such implements is about the same as that necessary to master fast manual loading.
This is the current production Smith & Wesson Model 638 Bodyguard Airweight Stainless, rated for +P ammunition.
Glow-in-the-dark “night sights” and laser grips may have a place in the specialized niche of snubnose .38s if used by experienced handgunners. Mistakenly, like the unskilled rifleman who thinks a light trigger pull and a high magnification scope will offset his shortcomings, revolver sighting contraptions are not learning tools. It’s also important for a shooter to remember that reliance on any device requiring battery power to function can easily become a liability at the worst possible moment. Again, money for such items, especially for the beginner, is far better spent on ammunition and learning to shoot well.
While I am a snubnose .38 enthusiast and have had long experience with them, I sincerely hope that no one has been led to believe that the small-frame Colt and Smith & Wesson revolvers are the best choice for any situation requiring a handgun. Far from it. These guns are specialized tools and are perfectly adequate for their designed purpose. Despite technological advances over many years, the usefulness of the small-frame snubnose .38 is no less now than it was generations ago.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
