A Ruger LCR decked out with Hogue Grips, in this case the polymer G10s.
In no small way, Ruger has helped reinvent the concealed carry revolver.
With the New Hampshire/Arizona manufacturer’s LCR offering shooters options weighing in at less than a pound, the wheelguns are more than designed to be constant companions.
There, however, can be a price to pay in wielding the light polymer-frame firearms – recoil and muzzle flip. Ruger, in part, has helped combat these challenges by the inclusion of the Hogue Tamer Monogrip.
Now, shooters can further tailor their purchase of the concealable revolvers with Hogue enlarging its grip selection for the LCR series.
The Nevada manufacturer has expanded its Tamer line with a number of new options for the handguns. And it has introduced a couple of new models custom fit for the LCRs with enclosed hammers.
The two choices that are compatible with the entire series of the Ruger revolvers are Hogue’s OverMolded Rubber Grips with finger grooves and a full-sized model without finger grooves. Each offers shooters a bit different option, depending on their needs.
The grooved model gives shooters a strong positive grip on their revolver and tactile reference points that can be key for a smooth draw. It also provides a non-slip texture, boasting a grippy over-stippled surface, common to the OverMolded line.
The grooveless option possesses similar stippling as the aforementioned model, but it has slightly different dimensions. The grip features a longer butt, which allots maximum recoil damping and accommodates shooters with larger hands.
Hogue’s full-size Tamer grips are just the ticket for those with larger hands or looking for more recoil absorption.
The models absorb much of the recoil due to their unique design. In addition to their exterior rubber, the grips also have internal rubber inserts that further reduce the guns’ kick. Also, they feature in ingenious harden polymer guide embedded on the left side for speed loaders.
Hogue has also released a special Tamer for LCR models with enclosed hammers. The company’s Bantam Boot is designed to facilitate a clean draw, particularly if the revolver is carried in a pocket.
It achieves this by the inclusion of a smooth polymer exterior that minimizes clothing snags. The grip still gives shooters a firm handle, however, with the incorporation of rubber strips on the front and back of the grips.
Hogue has also introduced a second grip option for LCRs with encased hammers, its G10 model. The hard polymer grips gives shooters a more traditional choice that draws clean, while still offering a firm handle on the revolver through aggressive stippling.
The MSRP on the OverMolded and G10 grips range from $59.95 to $79.95. Each variety of grip is available in a number of colors.
Gun Digest Publisher Jim Schlender was invited March 3 to Glock’s factory in Smyrna, Ga., for what he thought was just going to be a tour of the production floor. But when he was asked to autograph a disclosure statement, he knew this was not going to be an ordinary tramp around Glock’s digs. And it wasn’t.
Turned out Mr. Schlender was part of a very select group of gun scribes that got the first gander at one of the most anticipated pistols in a spell — the Glock 43.
Yes, the mythical single-stack 9mm was finally a reality and our Publisher got to be one of the first ones outside the gun company to pull the trigger on one. His first impressions of the petite polymer striker-fired — slim, trim and manageable to shoot:
Most noticeable when you handle and fire the new pistol is that the grip has shrunk from the G26’s 1.2 inches to an inch at its widest point, with the slide at .87-inch. In the world of compact 9s, those fractions of inches are a very big deal. Just as importantly for those on a quest for a little 9 that’s still large enough to actually shoot well but isn’t cumbersome to carry, the G43 weighs in at only a pound unloaded. Compared to the G26’s nearly 22 ounces unloaded, this is a substantial difference.
On the firing line, I found the G43 had enough weight and bulk to make stout 9mm defense ammo manageable while its trimmed-down profile was slim enough to quiet any objections by those who, for whatever reason, find a double-stack configuration to their dislike.
Glock is set to formally introduce the G43 at the April 10-12 NRA annual meetings and convention, held this year in Nashville, Tenn. Until then, here’s a bunch of photos from the head honcho’s sneak peak at the 9mm. Yeah, we know, it’s not the same as shooting it yourself.
The Faro Adapter allows the SCAR to cut a trimmer figure with the addition of an AR buttstock.
While the FN-SCAR itself is a slick and dependable rifle, for many shooters its buttstock leaves something to be desired. Despite the convenience of folding, it is bulky and the platform doesn’t offer many aftermarket upgrades.
Mesa Tactical, however, might have a solution for SCAR fans shooting for a slighter silhouette on their firearm. The California accessories manufacturer has recently introduced a system that opens the floodgates in regards to the rifle’s rear furniture.
The company is giving shooters of the short-stroke gas piston rifle more stock options through the release of its Faro Adapter. The accessory appears to be just a little piece of metal, but attached to a SCAR, it makes nearly any AR-style stock available for use.
Replacing the SCAR’s buttstock assembly, the cast aluminum adapter is designed to accept almost any rifle- or carbine-length buffer tube. From there, it is just a matter of selecting which stock is right for that particular shooter.
The Faro Adapter is simple in design, but opens a wealth of stock options on the SCAR.
The addition of the adapter does change, somewhat, the characteristics of the platform, such as the comb height in relation to the SCAR’s top Picatinny rail. But this relationship will be familiar to many shooters, as it is identical to that of a flat top AR.
The Faro Adapter is designed to quickly adopt a popular tactical system as well, with steel ambidextrous push-button style QD Sling attachment points.
The adapter is available for both the SCAR 16S and SCAR 17S and comes in a matte black or flat dark earth finish. The company also has made available telescoping stock adapters that are compatible with nearly any AR buttstock.
Perhaps the only drawback to the Faro Adapter system is it takes away the folding function of the SCAR’s proprietary buttstock. For many, however, it is a compromise they are willing to make, given the options the adapter opens.
The MSRP on the Faro Adapter is $65 for black finish and $75 for Flat Dark Earth. The MSRP for the adapter and receiver extension is $110 for black finish and $120 for Flat Dark Earth.
Despite having the potential case capacity to really throw a heavy bullet down range, those who reload for the .22-250 are typically stuck with lighter projectiles, given the slow twist rate of their rifles.
When chewing over potential bullet weights, it is key to take a firearm’s barrel twist rate into consideration. It can determine the best bullet for your intended application.
I own and love a Ruger Model 77, in .22-250 Remington.
It has a Hogue overmolded stock, a sweet Timney trigger, and a Leupold VXIII 6.5-20x40AO riflescope, and I love this rifle. But this rifle suffers from an affliction, an affliction that I despise. It cannot shoot bullets heavier than 55 grains. This makes me sad, because if any case could push the 69, 77, 80 grain and heavier .224 bullets, it would be the .22-250 and the .220 Swift.
But, alas, they can’t. Why, you ask? I’m glad you did.
The simple reason that my little beloved rifle is limited to the 55 grainers and under is the rate of twist of my barrel. The standard Ruger twist rate for the .22-250 Remington is 1:14”, so that the bullet will make one complete revolution in 14 inches of barrel length. This twist rate is too slow to stabilize bullets longer than 55 grains; those longer bullets need to spin faster in order to maintain a stable flight pattern downrange.
If the bullet loses its stability, it will start to tumble in flight, and will strike the target in some sort of sideways fashion, leaving a hole in the target much larger than caliber sized. It can resemble the side profile of the bullet; it is better known among shooters as “keyholing”, because the impression on the target looks just like the keyhole of yesteryear.
Bullet stabilization is a funky thing. As bullets get longer they need to spin faster to stay stable in flight. This is the very physical property that has broken, or at least tarnished, the reputations of several great cartridges throughout history.
The .308 Winchester comes immediately to mind. It is my father’s favorite cartridge of all time, and as an inquisitive youth, I looked up the bullet weights and couldn’t figure out why it could use all the .30 caliber bullets, with the exception of 220 grains and heavier. Pop told me it was case capacity, but I found out otherwise. The .30-’06 uses a twist rate of 1:10” and the .308 Winchester uses (or I might say, “used.” Things have changed) a 1:12″, and that slight difference precludes the .308 from stabilizing the 220-grain bullets.
The .244 Remington is another example of twist-rate-mortality. Based on the 7x57mm Mauser case, the .244 could, potentially, drive the 6mm bullets to wonderful velocities. However, the Remington developers used a 1:12” twist rate, which can stabilize 90-grain bullets at the heaviest.
As the 6mm bores were conceived as a dual-purpose deer/varmint round, shooters wanted to utilize the 100 and 105-grain bullets for deer. The .243 Winchester, based on the smaller .308 Winchester (51mm long) case, was conceived with a 1:9” twist, and could stabilize the longer, heavier bullets with no issue at all. The history is written, and the .244, even after the twist rate change and a new moniker of “6mm Remington,” lost the market share and popularity contest long ago.
It was a mystery to the author growing up why the .308 Winchester wasn’t then compatible with a 220-grain bullet. With some investigation, he discovered it was the twist rates available at that time in that cartridge that limited it.
How do we handloaders use this information for our purposes? Sometimes, when looking at a particular bullet to play with, we should know whether or not the case (and barrel) we are loading for can handle it.
Berger Bullets has a twist rate calculator on their website, and it can be very handy. Firstly, you need to know the twist rate of your barrel. Using a cleaning rod and a tight patch, you can make a mark on the top of the rod, and measure the distance along the rod once it makes one full revolution. Knowing the twist rate of the barrel, you can plug in the data and the calculator will tell you the bullet weights that you twist rate and caliber will stabilize best.
After all, there’s no point in throwing lead knuckleballs after you’ve loaded all that ammo so carefully.
This comes via a Gun Digest editor who was de-junking some draws. It’s a raffle ticket from a couple years back he bought on a grouse-hunting trip to northern Wisconsin. To some, the idea of a gun raffle — with proceeds going to the local school — held at the local tavern (after the pie auction, of course) seems a bit out of the ordinary. As for us, we believe there would be a heck of a lot fewer budgetary shortfalls if more school followed Lugerville and other small towns’ leads.
The American university has become known for encouraging an experimental attitude in its students. That’s leading to results some of those institutions may never have expected.
Collegiate competitive shooting is on the upswing, according to a recent article in the Washington Post. And swelling the ranks of these teams and clubs are, in many cases, newly minted shooters.
The above video from the Post, provides a good example in Renee Murphy. The captain of the George Mason University Trap and Skeet Club said she picked up a gun for the first time shortly before heading off to college, then pretty much joined the school’s club on a whim.
The other interesting aspect of the uptick in college-level competitive shooting is where it’s happening. The article begins by profiling competitors at MIT, then goes on to list a number of unexpected institutions:
Teams are thriving at a diverse range of schools: Yale, Harvard, the University of Maryland, George Mason University, and even smaller schools such as Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and Connors State College in Oklahoma.
“We literally have way more students interested than we can handle,” said Steve Goldstein, one of MIT’s pistol coaches.
While interest in these sports is picking up there are many hints dropped in the article that these schools have a long history behind the trigger. Take MIT’s practice facilities, for instance:
MIT’s pistol and rifle teams practice about four times a week underneath a gym. The range seems Paleolithic compared with higher-end establishments with expensive electronic target retrieval systems. Students send and retrieve their targets on a metal wire by winding a hand crank. Shooting booths are separated by window screens.
Interestingly, at least for the engineering school, its aging facilities are juxtaposed against its cutting-edged athletes:
Students use air guns and standard .22-caliber competition rifles and pistols. In a pinch, they have made tiny replacement parts for grips with a 3-D printer, giving them an advantage over less tech-savvy schools.
Of course, this being an article in a publication a bit less enthusiastic about competitive shooting than say Gun Digest, there tends to be low-key pearl clutching. In particular, the article wants to make it clear that the surge is due to gun industry money:
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), a powerful firearms lobbying group, has awarded more than $1 million in grants since 2009 to start about 80 programs. A couple who own a large firearms accessories company created the MidwayUSA Foundation, funding it with nearly $100 million to help youth and college programs, including MIT’s. The National Rifle Association organizes pistol and rifle tournaments, including the national championships next weekend in Fort Benning, Ga.
It would have been nice to have had some context to how this sports-wide boosterism compares to other such athletic support at the college level. Wonder if it’s more or less than what the athletic shoe industry money has donated to University of Oregon football via Nike founder Phil Knight. Oh well, guess we’ll never know.
Don’t let that nit picking sour you on reading the entire article, because it’s worth the time. If anything, it’s heartening to hear about a new generation of shooters discover the joy of a steady hand, sharp eye and crisp trigger break.
The .338 Lapua Mag. dates to 1983, when Research Armament Industries, in the U.S., outlined plans for a sniper cartridge driving a 250-grain .338 bullet at 3,000 fps. The sleek FMJ missile would penetrate five layers of body armor at 1,000 meters (1,094 yards).
RAI chose the Rigby case, for its modern rimless design and great capacity. But the .416 was born in a gentler time and configured for a maximum pressure of 47,137 psi.
The .338 Lapua (left) has a big advantage downrange over the .300 Winchester and .30-06.
The new .338 would exceed that limit. To guard against unacceptable case stretching and possible separation, the Rigby’s hull would get a thicker, harder web. RAI contacted BELL (Bell Extrusion Laboratories) of Bensenville, Illinois, to make the brass.
Alas, the first batch didn’t meet specs. In 1984, after building a test rifle and procuring bullets from Hornady, RAI looked to Lapua for help in pushing the project forward. Shortly thereafter, financial difficulties forced RAI out. The .338-416 project was officially cancelled.
Lapua found it worth pursuing. Partnering with Accuracy International, a young British firm, Lapua changed the dimensions and composition of the Rigby hull to brook pressures exceeding 60,000 psi.
Not only was the web thicker, brass hardness was engineered in a gradient from hard to soft, base to mouth. Lapua designed a 250-grain FMJ bullet, designating it the “LockBase B408.”
The .338 Norma (left) and parent Lapua are champs at four-digit yardages. Snipers agree!
The .338 Lapua was registered, in 1989, with the CIP (Commission Internationale Permanente pour l’Epreuve des Armes a Feu Portatives). Europe’s CIP is the equivalent of SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute), in the U.S. Both organizations provide manufacturing standards for the firearms industry.
Data for the .338 Lapua specifies a maximum pressure of 60,916 psi (piezo measure). During its development, the 300-grain Sierra MatchKing was not yet in production.
Lapua’s 250-grain LockBase VLD bullet, and the 250 Scenar, met the 3,000-fps target, generating about 4,890 ft-lbs at the muzzle. A hunting load hurling a 250-grain Nosler Partition clocked 2,940 fps. Current loads with 300-grain Sierra MatchKings exit at 2,710 fps. Lapua’s 300-grain Scenars reach 2,750 fps, carry 5,000 ft-lbs.
This is a fairly interesting twist on a ballistics experiment that has been performed many times before. Only instead of launching a bullet into a swimming pool or a tank of water the folks at NatGeo TV have opted for water balloons. Even if you have a good idea of the end results of using a .44 Magnum to pop water balloons, the video is worth a watch given some spectacular high-speed footage at the end.
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The development of the first Glock forever changed the handgun market as we know it. Here are five of the company’s most iconic models.
In the early 1980s the Glock Model 17 was introduced and it forever changed the world of service pistols. The Glock 17 wasn’t the first striker-fired pistol, but it was the first to be a commercial success.
By combining internal safety features and a long stroke, two-stage trigger pull with a center blade safety in the trigger, the Glock provided police departments with a large magazine capacity, lightweight gun with a high degree of safety and ease of operation. Currently available in 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 GAP and .45 ACP, the various Glock models have set the standard for striker-fired guns and proved the system to be both reliable and easy to use. The Glock line has proved to be one of the most successful designs of semi-auto pistols in history, and they continue to be among the most successful, recognized brands in the firearms industry.
Glock probably has the most loyal following of any handgun currently manufactured. The company considers its design as a safety action and those safety features are just what propelled the Glock to the forefront of the striker-fired revolution.
In fact, those features could be said to have almost single-handedly created the popularity of striker-fired pistols. The Glock is affordable, reliable and safe, and these are characteristics that make a good service pistol. Here are five Glock models that have changed the way we view semi-auto handguns or at the very least, have defined Glock’s sense of innovation and quality.
Glock 17
Designed to become the adopted service pistol of Austria in 1982, the Glock 17 continues to garner sales and positive comments from the shooting fraternity after 32 years of production. The Glock 17 was so named because it was the 17th set of technical drawings in the company’s quest in the Austrian Army’s procurement process. Being the original pistol in the line, there have been revisions. Currently, the latest version is the Generation 4. Other than the recoil spring and extractor designs, the changes in the Glock generations mostly are concerned with ergonomics.
At 25 ounces unloaded and with a barrel length of 4½ inches and a width of less than 11⁄8 inches, the Glock 17 is a compact service pistol. Boxy in shape, they were designed for function. Chambered in 9mm and with a standard 17-round magazine, the Glock 17 is a great balance of function, power and ergonomics. Its striker-fired design has proven to allow easy training and safe operation.
Glock 42
The Glock 42 is a bit larger than most of the current run of .380s on the market. For ultimate concealment, this might be a minor drawback, but for many who find the tiny guns a bit intimidating, it’s an answer to a prayer. With a standard Glock trigger pull, all the safety features of the Glock Safety Action and quality full-size sights, the 42 is still quite compact, light and thin. With the advent of quality .380 defensive ammunition the baby Glock might not be considered a one shot stopper, but it’s certainly no wimp. Many feel it’s just the right size for a carry pistol, not too big, not too small, just right. Maybe we should dub it the Goldilocks Glock.
The smallest true striker-fired gun, the Glock 42, is a new .380 compact, a downsized carry gun with all the features of the full-size models. It’s a slim, sub-compact pistol, a little larger than most .380s, but weighing just over 13 ounces with a 3¼-inch barrel. Like other models, it comes with two six-round magazines and has the familiar white dot front and white U outline sights.
Glock 34
While the Glock reputation was built on service pistols, it’s inevitable that competition with Glock pistols would happen. In fact, the company has its own shooters organization, the Glock Shooting Sports Foundation (GSSF). The Glock 34 is specifically designed for competition with a longer 5.3-inch barrel and a correspondingly long sight radius. Designed for USPSA, IDPA, IPSC and GSSF competition, it’s a 9mm gun that departs from the standard drift adjustable sights with click adjustable sights, allowing for a higher degree of pinpoint accuracy.
Glock 22
The Glock 22 is externally identical to the Glock 17 but chambered in .40 S&W. It’s arguably the most issued pistol in modern police history, with departments all over the United States adopting it as the standard issue sidearm. While there are those who feel the 9mm isn’t a reliable man stopper, there are few who hold that position on the .40 S&W. The .40 has similar energy to the iconic .45 ACP round, but magazine capacity is more like the 9mm Glock 17. In fact, the Glock 22 in .40 caliber only gives up two rounds over the Glock 17. The end result is an easy-to-operate and reliable, powerful high-capacity pistol that offers what many departments believe to be the best compromise of capacity and power.
Glock 20
In America, we value horsepower, and the top of the Glock line—the G20—certainly has horsepower. The 10mm round produces a massive 550 foot-pounds of power, and the magazine capacity of 15 rounds produces a handgun with a high power-to-weight ratio. With an empty weight of just over 30 ounces and a fully loaded weight of 39 ounces, the G20 provides stopping power and firepower that have the potential to handle almost any situation, including being a much more effective version of bear spray. It’s even a great option for those big game handgun hunters who prefer a modern semi-auto design pistol to a standard revolver platform.
This article appeared in the Winter 2015 issue of Modern Shooter magazine, presented by Gun Digest.
When it comes to versatility in application, the Scout rifle system is hard to beat. The concept is meant to be as at home hunting game, as it is in tactical situations. Ruger put a new twist on the rifle the past year, one originally conceived by famed firearms instructor Col. Jeff Cooper. The company released its Gunsite Scout Rifle in 5.56x45mm NATO/.223 Remington. It is certainly a different take on a rifle Ruger initially released in .308 Winchester, but according to the video above is no less a striking a firearm. Jeff Quinn of GunBlast.com found the new iteration of the rifle right on target and a dandy option, especially for someone who maybe searching for a Scout in a more affordable caliber to shoot.
Remington Defense has a number of products hitting the consumer market soon, including it’s long-distance Modular Sniper Rifle pictured above.
Remington Defense has always been a tease. Most shooters have gotten no closer than a shiny photo on a website to the majority of its innovations.
It wasn’t a matter of the division of Big Green producing products average, everyday shooters found difficult to own due to Federal regulations. Instead, the company never released its firearms to the civilian market, making their procurement rather troublesome.
Adding some of these guns to a safe, however, is about to become a lot easier – though maybe not cheap. The company recently announced it is making select items of its catalog available to the commercial market.
The New York/Alabama-based company has not specified when these firearms will find their way to shooters’ local gun stores. But it has released its initial roster of civilian-market products, which includes two carbines and two bolt-action sniper rifles.
The R4 RGP (Remington Gas Piston) Carbine and R4 Enhanced Carbine are certain to pique the interest of a number of shooters. But the MSR and M2010 might have the potential to be a bit more impactful.
Both rifle systems have been adopted by the U.S. Military and each has the design and calibers to send long-distance shooters’ hearts racing.
The MSR or Modular Precision Rifle is a multi-caliber platform introduced in 2009. Called the Mk21 Precision Sniper Rifle in military service, the rifle won out in the United Special Operation Command’s Precision Sniper Rifle program and was awarded the military’s contract in 2013.
The M2010 (in service called the XM2010) is the U.S. Army’s replacement for the venerable M24 sniper rifle, and began service in 2011. But it differs from the older platform in one major way – caliber. The newer bolt-action rifle has added reach on the 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester chambered M24, instead shooting .300 Winchester Magnum.
MSRPs on these firearms were not available at time of writing.
Remington Defense’s initial offering to the civilian market (top to bottom): R4GP Carbine, R4 Carbine, M2010, PSR/MSR.
The Christensen Arms 1911 in all-steel is an excellent pistol at a much lower price than the company’s titanium models.
Christensen Arms is known for its carbon fiber barrels, stocks and complete rifles and having recently tested the company’s rifles, I discovered they are definitely high quality, accurate, lightweight and expertly built. What many don’t know is they bring that same level of expertise to their 1911 pistols.
Touring their facility recently provided a chance to look at their 1911s built using titanium and even Damascus steel. Much of what they do revolves around using the lightest and strongest materials. Most of their pistols start with a titanium frame and stainless steel slide with Titanium or Damascus slides available.
But, both are difficult to machine, adding significantly to the cost. For most shooters, steel remains the most popular 1911 base material and Christensen Arms is now offering all stainless steel pistols.
Christensen Arms 1911 Pistols
Buyers can choose whatever sighting system they prefer on their Christensen Arms 1911. The author opted for Trijicon’s new HD sights with Novak dovetails. Author Photo
Each 1911 is made using state of the art materials and machinery by expert gunsmiths. While you can still order titanium, you can also choose a stainless steel frame. Available in Officer, Commander and Government models, there are numerous configurations. All are built completely in house with the best possible components, many of them machined right there on premises.
Standard features include front strap checkering, G-10 grips, stainless slides and tritium sights. On the series 70-style pistols, the triggers are crisp and predictable with 4.5 pounds of pressure being the standard. The aerospace-aluminum, checkered mainspring housing comes standard, and optional features include a bobtail, tactical rail, carbon fiber grips and ambidextrous safeties.
You can even order a threaded barrel if you would like. While base models can be ordered by dealers, you can also place custom orders, getting exactly what you would like. Completed pistols are Cerakoted to the customer’s specifications.
My Test Pistol
Since this was going to be one of the first all-stainless models, I decided to build one most would carry daily. Carrying a Government model is not an issue for me, as I’ve been doing it for decades, but it’s certainly not the norm. Officer’s models are popular for many, but Commanders remain the most popular 1911 for carry due to its more compact size.
Starting with a stainless steel slide and frame, the gun was fit with a Christensen Arms match-grade 4.29-inch barrel with a matching bushing. Fish scale style serrations are placed at the front and rear, providing a solid middle ground well suited for gloves or adverse conditions. At my request, Trijicon’s new HD sights with Novak dovetails were also installed.
The front has a large orange outer ring surrounding a tritium insert, providing fast sighting in daylight and allowing for low light use. Using a strong ledge, the rear sight includes tritium with no outer ring. A pronounced ledge makes field expedient reloads and malfunction clearances possible.
Christensen Arms used a single piece guide rod that was still possible to remove without tools.
The front strap is checkered 30 LPI (Lines Per Inch) with a matching aluminum mainspring housing. High cut, the frame facilitates a high grip and solid hold. An extended grip safety ensures consistent release when gripped using gloves or in less than perfect conditions. Lightly beveling the magazine well ensures solid magazine changes.
At my request, an ambidextrous safety was installed. The safety is slim, meaning no interference when carrying concealed, and the entire pistol has been smoothed without excessive “melting.” Shipped in a true hard case that is waterproof, airtight and lockable, it allows for complete protection.
Carrying the CA 1911
The author carried the Christensen Arms all-steel 1911 in the excellent Milt Sparks leather scabbard.
Carrying a full-size Colt Delta Elite before obtaining the CA 1911 made the transition seamless. Nestled in my Milt Sparks Nexus IWB holster, this all-steel pistol carries with ease and comfort. Holding the pistol tight to my body, it conceals perfectly, keeps the weight on the belt and melts into my side.
The magnetic loops on the holster are the best thing to hit an IWB model. Using IWB holsters for decades, these snaps are incredibly easy to use. No messing with one-way snaps, they practically lock into place on their own. The Christensen Arms Commander slipped in nicely and carried just as well.
Running my hands over the pistol, it is nicely rounded. Sharp edges are removed without making the pistol look like it was melted in a forge. Inserting and removing it from the holster was smooth and efficient with no excess printing.
My only concern was the rear sight. Trijicon uses a fairly pronounced ledge, a bit larger than my usual preference. It sits higher than typical carry sights and the rear slants backwards. Practicing numerous draws, it never snagged on my shirt or sweatshirt, so that proved to be a nonissue. After several days of carry, it never inadvertently printed or snagged during dry- or live-fire practice.
On the Range
The author’s Christensen Arms 1911 chewed through a variety of ammo effortlessly resulting in not a single jam. Author Photo
I practiced at the range wearing street clothes. Draws were smooth in street wear, with the Milt Sparks Nexus providing a solid platform for carry and deployment. Donning Survival Armor soft body armor, it did not interfere with the draw or presentation.
Given that the body armor is bulky, my concern that the rear sight might snag never came to fruition. Reholstering remained intuitive, with blind (not looking at the holster) insertions consistent and smooth.
Standard empty reloads for me involved the use of the slide stop/release. Depending on which expert you talk to, this is either as designed or evil. Using a 1911 since 1983, empty or slide lock reloads have always been completed using the slide release, generally with my off-hand thumb.
This pistol uses a slightly extended release, making it fast and easy. It was easy to reach with either hand, yet did not interfere with my grip. Moving to the “slingshot” method, it worked fine, but that rear sight is just a bit sharp. Long days performing these reloads using this sight may require a glove. It never cut my hands but was noticeable.
I moved to unconventional reloads and it was outstanding. Returning to battery using my belt, boot and even a wall or two, it was superb. All in all, it turned out to be an excellent sight. Since I want to bring a working gun to a fight, malfunctions should be rare, and if needed, this sight is just fine. Reliability with several types of duty ammunition was excellent. It chewed up tons of FMJ, preferring the 230-grain loads. It even fed and ran my rather anemic IPSC loads using lead 200-grain bullets.
Ejection patterns were regular and properly placed with the exception of some hotter loads. Not uncommon with standard extractors, loads moving into the 1,100 fps range and beyond can get a bit overpowered.
There was never a failure to extract or eject, but I did happen to get whacked on the top of the head on occasion. Sticking to typical loads it was excellent. Decisions to carry really hot loads might require retuning the extractor, but that is the joy of using a 1911 pistol, especially as the slide length shortens.
Accuracy was excellent as one might expect. My best group was accomplished using Federal HST Tactical measuring just a tad over an inch. Everything was less than 1.5 inches. Shooting off hand at 10 yards or so cut one even larger hole in the target. My experience was pretty much what one might expect from a custom 1911, about as good as it gets, at least as good as it gets with me behind the trigger.
Final Thoughts
The author’s best group.
There is very little to criticize here. The Christensen Arms 1911 is an excellent example of a quality 1911 pistol. A bit more attention to exact mating of the grip safety and frame would be nice in a pistol this costly, but that is being rather picky. The extractor was nicely mated to the slide, and everything else matched up nicely.
Trijicon’s HD front sight remains my favorite and the rear is growing on me; regardless, the sights were added at my request. You can certainly use whichever ones you prefer.
The Christensen Arms all-steel 1911 is an excellent pistol at a much lower cost compared to their titanium models. It’s accurate, reliable and easy to carry, and I look forward to getting quite a bit more time using it. If you are looking for a high-quality 1911, make sure you add Christensen Arms to your list.
Christensen Arms 1911 Caliber: .45 ACP Capacity: 8+1 (accepts standard 1911 .45 ACP magazines) Barrel: 4.25 in. Sights: Trijicon HD Finish: Black Cerakote Overall Length: 7.85 in. Width: 1.4 in. Weight: 34.7 oz. Grips: VZ G-10 SRP: $3,000 website: christensenarms.com
Redding is synonymous with precision reloading and has introduced a number of new precision reloading die sets that are sure to keep shooters on target.
When it comes to ammunition reloading the name Redding has resonance. For going on 75 years the New York manufacturer has produced some of the most trusted instruments for loading precision ammunition. From their iconic T-7 Turret Press to carbide dies, Redding has done its part to keep shooters on target.
And the company isn’t taking 2015 off in aiding reloaders in holding their ammunition to the tightest possible tolerances. The company has released a number of new and refined products that, by all rights, should have shooters knocking out the X ring more often.
Premium Series Reloading Die Sets
Once Redding released a bullet-seating micrometer for its standard dies, reloaders demanded it be part of a set. So was born the Premium Series Set. The two- and three-die sets include the precision adjustment device, but isn’t the only upgrade. The sizing die has also been tweaked, boasting the company’s carbide sizing button. The free-floating button self centers, allowing for more uniform neck sizing. The sets are presently available for 19 different rifle cartridges. Two-die sets include only a full-length sizing die, while the three-die sets also include a neck-sizing die. MSRP: two-die set $144, three-die set $186.
Master Hunter Series Reloading Die Set
Shooting for a deer round as accurate as one you’ll find on a competitive firing line? Then the Master Hunter Series might have place on your reloading bench. The die set is an outgrowth of Redding’s popular National Match Series, but is slightly abbreviated. The Master Hunter sets come with Redding’s standard full-length sizing die and competition seating die, but is sans the National Match Series taper crimp die. The seating die is particularly impressive, topped with a micrometer that allows for seating in .001” increments. Available in 18 rifle cartridges, including Nosler two proprietary cartridges – the 26 and 28 Nosler. MSRP: $206.
Dual Ring Carbide Sizing Reloading Sets
Redding shot for longer brass life for straight-walled cases with the introduction of its dual carbide ring system. Now it’s offering the innovative die as part of a complete set. The concept behind the dual-ring system is simple, the upper ring sizes the bullet retention portion of the case, while the lower ring puts the body of the brass in line. The sets are available for seven different pistol cartridges. Note, only the standard set comes with an expansion die. The Pro and Competition series dies are designed to work in a progressive press and do not come with an expanding die as most of these systems initiate this function at the powder-drop station. MSRP: Dual Ring Carbide Die Set $194, Dual Ring Pro-Series Die Set $213, Dual Ring Competition Pro-Series Die Set $301.
Micrometer Adjustable Crimping Dies
Seating a bullet to its proper depth isn’t the only part of the reloading process that requires minute adjustment. Adding a proper crimp at the proper spot on the bullet’s shank is also a matter of precise orientation. Redding looks to take the guess work out of this important step with this new die. As its name suggests, it is outfitted with a micrometer, adjustable in .001” increments, making what was a time-consuming and inaccurate process a snap. The die is available for seven different pistol cartridges. MSRP: $95.30.
Miscellaneous
Redding has introduced 26 and 28 Nosler dies to its lineup, prices vary depending on model of die. The company has expanded its Nation Match Die Sets to include carbide size buttons and six new cartridges: .204 Ruger, .243 Winchester, .260 Remington, 7mm-08 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 Grendel (MSRP: $269-299). The company is now offering a Drop Tube Extension (MSRP: $19.80) and non-petroleum case lube, Imperial Bio-Green (MSRP: $10.20)
Massad Ayoob confesses that the SIG P220 is his very favorite SIG pistol, and indeed, one of his all-time favorite handguns. Extraordinarily accurate, very reliable, and easy to handle and shoot, one of the P220’s cardinal attributes is the cartridge for which it is chambered: the .45 ACP.
The P220 always fit most hands well. It always had good sights compared to most of its competition. And, of course, there was the reliability factor. The gun was and is extremely reliable.
But the gun had other advantages, too. High among these was the double-action first shot mechanism. Police chiefs had been leery about carrying cocked and locked guns.
The long, heavy double-action pull required to initially unleash the firepower of the P220 was much like that of the revolvers that were so much a part of their institutional history. Cops in general and police chiefs in particular were and still are much more comfortable with a double-action like the 220.
Most 1911 pistols of the period were not “throated” by their manufacturers to feed wide-mouth hollow-point bullets, the choice of most police and gun-wise private citizens. Engineered with a nearly straight-line feed, the P220 was reliable with almost every hollow-point bullet.
There was also the accuracy factor. The SIG-Sauer pistols are famous for accuracy across the board, but the P220 may be the most accurate of them all. I have twice put five rounds from a P220 into one inch at 25 yards. Both times, the ammunition was Federal 185-grain JHP, which the manufacturer used to mark on the box as “Match Hollow Point.”
It was certainly truth in advertising. One of those guns was a well-worn P220 European, the other, a brand new P220 American. I later hit the 1-inch mark at 25 yards with a 5-inch SAO P220 and inexpensive MagTech 230 grain FMJ.
Almost every credentialed tester has noted the P220’s extraordinary accuracy. In his book The 100 Greatest Combat Pistols, defensive firearms expert Timothy J. Mullin had this to say about the P220. “All SIG pistols and products are fine weapons, but this one is particularly impressive.
My groups were so remarkable that I tested again at 25 and at 50 yards – and the results were just as superb. I placed five shots into a little more than 2 inches, and I pulled one of those shots. Four shots went into roughly 1-1/4 inches.” (1) A fan of SIG’s compact single-stack 9mm, Mullin added, “Although the P220 is not as good as a P225, I would rate it the top weapon that I tested in .45 ACP.” (Mullin’s emphasis.)
My friend Chuck Taylor is one of the leading authorities on combat handguns and the author of a great many articles and multiple books on the topic. When he wrote the fourth edition of The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery he had the following to say about the P220 .45.
“First appearing almost two decades ago as the Browning BDA, the P220 in its current American version is regarded by many as being the state-of-the-art .45 auto. Indeed, its popularity is exceeded only by that of the Colt M1911 Government Model, whose king-of-the-hill status the P220 is now seriously challenging, especially in law enforcement circles.” Chuck continued, “The P220 is a simple design, perhaps as simple as a handgun can be and still work.
Its human engineering is excellent because, like its baby 9mm brothers, the P225 and P226, its controls are placed where they can be readily operated, something exceptional for a DA auto. Furthermore, its mechanical performance leaves nothing to be desired. It is probably the best DA self-loader around…In summary, the P220 is an excellent example of how good a DA auto can be. As such, it is well worth its not-inconsequential price and clearly a handgun upon which one could with confidence bet his life.”
Many double-action semiautomatics had a DA trigger pull that was heavy, rough, or downright lousy. The SIG’s double action pull was excellent, probably “best of breed.” It was the standard by which the competition was judged.
Once the first shot had been fired, it went to single-action, where the trigger press was a clean, easy 4 to 6pounds or so. The distance the trigger had to move forward to re-set the sear was just enough to give a buffer against unintentional discharges under stress, but not so great that it appreciably slowed down the shooter’s rate of fire.
With a 4.41-inch barrel, the SIG was a little longer in that dimension than the 4.25-inch Colt Commander, but more than half an inch shorter than the 5-inch Government Model. The Commander, originally introduced in lightweight format in 1949, weighed 26.5 ounces unloaded and held the same number of .45, .38 Super, or 9mm rounds as the P220. Later offered as the steel-framed Combat Commander, the Colt put on an additional 10 ounces in that format.
The lightweight Commander was dubbed by one of its greatest advocates, Col. Jeff Cooper, as “a gun designed to be carried much and shot seldom.” Most who had fired it considered it much more unpleasant to shoot than its big brother, the full-sized, all-steel Government Model.
Thus it was that the cops and the shooting public were delighted to discover that the SIG P220, which like the lightweight Commander had an aluminum frame, wasn’t anywhere near as difficult to shoot as the alloy-framed Colt.
A major reason for the perception of the Commander’s vicious recoil was that, until the 1990s, its manufacturer furnished it with a short, stubby-tanged grip safety that bit painfully into the web of the hand whenever the gun was fired.
By contrast, the P220 was much rounder and more friendly to the hand. Nothing bit the shooter. In the P220, the low-pressure .45 cartridge simply drives the slide back with a gentle bump. Even though the slide of a 1911 pistol sits lower to the hand and should jump less since it has more leverage, anything that causes pain to the hand will magnify the shooter’s sense of recoil, and increase his likelihood of flinching and blowing each shot.
The P220 weighs a tad less than a lightweight Commander, 25.7 ounces unloaded. Yet most officers found it at least as pleasant to shoot as the full size 1911A1 in the all-steel configuration, which weighed some 39.5 ounces.
Only when a custom gunsmith (or, beginning in the 1990s, the manufacturers) put a beavertail grip safety on the lightweight 1911 did it become as comfortable to shoot as a P220, and allow the shooter to take advantage of the reduced muzzle jump potential afforded by its lower bore axis. However, none of this changes the other SIG attributes that made the P220 a favorite.
A lightweight service pistol is especially important in law enforcement. The duty belt carries a great deal of equipment. The author has seen duty belts weighing in the 15- to 20-pound range once festooned with multiple handcuffs, a full-sized baton, heavy flashlight, portable radio, and ammunition.
The pistol is a significant part of the load, and any reduction in weight is appreciated. The weight of the duty belt is one reason why back problems in general and lower back problems in particular seem to be an occupational hazard of the street cop.
The pistol in its uniform holster rides near the edge of the hip, and on some individuals with some uniform designs, can directly contact the ileac crest of the hip. The potential for fatigue and discomfort is obvious.
Reducing the weight of the duty .45 from 39.5 ounces to 25.7 (the same round-count of the same ammunition adds the same weight to either) results in a 13.8-ounce weight saving – almost a pound – at a critical point.
Now, let’s look at plainclothes wear, whether in a detective assignment or off duty. The dress type belt, even a dress gunbelt, does not support the weight of the holstered gun as efficiently as the big, 2-1/4-inch-wide Sam Browne style uniform belt. A heavy gun becomes all the more noticeable. For generations, officers carried little 2-inch .38 caliber revolvers as off-duty guns, simply for their light weight and convenience.
However, they paid the price of a caliber that offered minimum acceptable power, especially when the ammunition was fired from a short barrel. They paid the price of a reduced in-gun cartridge capacity, only five to six rounds. They paid the price of a gun that kicked hard despite that minimum acceptable power level, and a gun that was difficult to shoot fast and straight, particularly at small targets or at longer range.
Now, the P220 .45 gives the plainclothes officer a much more attractive option. While not so small overall as a snubby .38, it is very flat. It fires the much more powerful .45 ACP cartridge, but despite its greater power it kicks less and is more pleasant to shoot than most snubbies.
It is about the same weight as the six-shot Smith & Wesson Model 10 or Model 64 Military & Police revolver with a 2-inch barrel. And, of course, it is much faster to reload, and its flat magazines are much more discreet and comfortable to carry than speedloaders for a revolver when concealment is the order of the day.
With an inside-the-waistband holster and proper clothing, the P220 virtually disappears into concealment. With a well-designed scabbard riding on the outside of the belt, it is almost as easy to hide. The fact that a single pistol with which the officer is intensively trained could be used on or off duty, in uniform or in plainclothes, is another big factor in the P220’s favor when police departments look at purchasing new sidearms.
Things might be getting a bit quieter in Minnesota if one of piece of legislation makes it into law. Rep. Mark Anderson (R) introduced a bill Wednesday that would repeal the Gopher State’s long-standing suppressor ban.
Similar to most states that have repealed bans on the device in recent years, the motivation has been noise control. As pointed out by Anderson in the above video from Minnesota’s KARE 11, suppressors don’t mute firearms, but do deaden their report. This virtue has won favor of frequent shooting range patrons and some hunters, particularly those who stalk more wary game.
The bill has the potential to bring Minnesota into lockstep with the majority of the nation. Presently, according to information on SilencerCo’s website, there are 39 states that allow civilian ownership of suppressors, though it is a NFA device and requires registration with the BATF and a tax stamp.
If Anderson’s bill passes the only remaining states that will have suppressor bans on the books are: California, Iowa, Illinois, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont. The District of Columbia also has a ban on the device.
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.
