Like many other gun shops, Mid America Arms is seeing a surge in demand for smaller, concealable handguns.
But, notes owner Mark Campbell, he’s still moving a good number of full-sized 1911 model semi-automatics.
Currently, his top selling 1911 is the Remington R1 in .45 ACP. Models range from $700 to $1,100, with most sales coming in at the $750 to $800 mark.
Customers increasingly want laser sights on their handguns, and many are opting for handgun-and-laser packages right from the manufacturer, with models from Ruger, Smith & Wesson and Kimber leading the pack.
Local snow goose hunters are purchasing decent numbers of Benelli Super Black Eagles and M2 shotguns.
Benelli’s newest shotgun, the Ethos, has yet to arrive at his shop at the time Campbell was interviewed, but he had already has a number of orders for this $1,800 scattergun, sight unseen.
“My distributor says they are shipping the Ethos out this week,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a really good seller.”
Editor's note: This brief originally appeared in the March 27, 2014 edition of Gun Digest the Magazine.
In 1911: The First 100 Years, take a journey back through a century's development and history of John M. Browning's timeless pistol design, the .45-caliber M1911. Even if you have just a passing interest in the 1911, this fully-illustrated full color hardcover book belongs in your library. But if you're a real diehard fan of the 1911, this classy, well-researched book will be the centerpiece of your references. You'll learn about everything from the origins and earliest designs of the handgun to today's hottest tactical 1911s for concealed carry and competition.
A hunter with a rifle chambered .30-06 Springfield will find the world his oyster.
There is now, and has been since the Chinese invented gunpowder, a continuing debate seeking the mythical “best all-around cartridge.” One can make a really convincing argument for the .30-06 as that cartridge.
Excluding the elephant, Cape buffalo, rhino, hippo, and I might add lion of Africa, and, perhaps another animal or two from elsewhere, an accurate rifle using proper bullets in the old Springfield will get most any job done convincingly.
Fortunately, most of us do not have to make that kind of decision as we can select a cartridge that is essentially ideal for a particular animal being hunted. How this really splendid cartridge came about is an interesting story.
In 1898, the Spanish-American war broke out. While US power prevailed handily, it was not without some eye-opening experiences.
At the time, the standard military armament was the .30 Government (.30-40 Krag) and the 6mm Lee Navy. The Krag was loaded with a 220-grain round-nosed bullet with a velocity of 2000 fps, whereas the opposition were armed with Mauser rifles chambered for the 7×57 cartridge loaded with lighter weight spitzer bullets at a much faster velocity.
Both the 7×57 cartridge and the Mauser rifles that fired it proved to be far superior to the arms and ammunition carried by our soldiers. When that fracas was over, the military planners set about designing a new rifle and a new cartridge.
Most of Europe had rearmed with spitzer bullet designs when the military introduced the new Springfield rifle and the equally new .30-03 cartridge to accompany it in 1903. Unfortunately, the .30-03 service cartridge was loaded with the same 220-grain round-nose bullet as the Krag. They did increase the velocity to about 2300 fps, but it still fell well behind the European developments in performance.
The cartridge was then redesigned with a slightly shorter neck to accommodate a spitzer flat-based bullet weighing 150 grains and developing a muzzle velocity of around 2,700 fps. The Springfield rifles brought out for the .30-03 cartridge were modified to accept the new cartridge, designated the M1906 cartridge.
Several modifications were made to the loading of the cartridge from time to time and for various reasons. In 1938, the M2 Ball cartridge, loaded with a 151 grain, flat base bullet and delivering a minimum of 2,740 fps velocity, became the standard issue ammunition for military rifles and .30 caliber machine guns until the cartridge was replaced by the 7.62×51(.308) NATO service round.
It didn't take long before the US commercial rifle and ammunition manufacturers began producing both rifles and ammo for the new military cartridge, and, as the old saying goes, “the rest is history.”
In its long history, it has been loaded in about every bullet weight available in .30 caliber. The lightest bullet weight that I've seen commercially loaded was the 110-grain bullet, and the heaviest, the 220-grain bullet. I've heard of lighter than 110-grain and heavier than 220-grain bullets loaded in custom ammo, however.
A quick look in the ammo section of the 2014 68th edition of Gun Digest reflects ammo available loaded with bullets weighing 55, 125, 150, 152, 165, 168, 170, 178, 180, and 220 grains. If that doesn't cover the waterfront, I don't know what would.
Personally, I don't subscribe to the one-gun fits all theory anyway. I suspect the .30-06 is probably as close as it gets to fitting that one gun does all requirements, but it is still a compromise on the upper and lower ends of the spectrum.
The .30-06 Springfield know today has gone through many evolutions. One of its first was a shorting of its neck from the .30-03 to better hold the flat-based spitzer bullet.
Even so, dead is dead and there are ample examples to prove it will work in the right hands and with the proper bullets. A friend of mine killed a Cape buffalo too dead to bellow using a .30-06. He had to get special permission from the game department to do so. A bum shoulder followed by less than 100% successful surgery limited the amount of recoil he could tolerate. The .30-06 was his limit.
Also, the late Jack O'Connor's lovely wife Eleanor brained an elephant too dead to wiggle with a single .30-06 round. The late Hosea Sarber, an Alaskan Game and Fish Agent and well-known guide for those huge Alaskan brown bears, used a .30-06 as his back-up rifle for his clients after the big bruins.
Still, as the late outdoor writer, guide, and who knows what else Bob Hagel wrote – or at least it is attributed to him – that one should not carry a rifle that works well when everything goes right, but, rather one that will carry the day when everything goes wrong, or words to that effect. There is merit to that argument.
I have two rifles in my safe chambered for the .30-06 cartridge. One of them is a lovely custom Model 70 stocked by Gary Goudy. I have had it to Africa twice, once in Tanzania where I took a zebra, East African impala, and a Grant's gazelle, and as my only rifle in Namibia where I took a mountain zebra, gemsbok, springbok, and a huge eland.
In Tanzania I used 165-grain Barnes TSX bullets and in Namibia, due to the eland on the menu, I used 180-grain Norma Oryx bullets. It worked just fine, and I expected no less.
An added bonus to using a .30-06 is that I have never been in a business that sold ammunition in any form, that didn't have .30-06 fodder in stock.
Law Tactical's Gen3 Folding Stock Adapter gives any AR-style rifle the ability to shrink its size.
The Law Tactical adapter Gen3 FSA gives ARs the ability to fire with the buttstock folded. This allows you to keep an AR as a truck gun or tuck it into a bug-out bag and be ready to go.
AKs, FALs and even AR-18s have an intriguing aspect – the ability to be outfitted with a folding stock.
With recoil springs completely housed in their receivers, these rifles can quickly be reduced in size. But the same does not hold true for America’s rifle – the AR.
With its recoil spring housed in a buffer tube integral with the stock, there is little wiggle room in reducing the firearm’s size. That is until Law Tactical rolled around.
The Pennsylvania-based manufacturer claims to make the only folding stock adapter on the market. And recently, Law Tactical’s latest iteration of the accessory has taken the next logical step in its design, giving ARs the same ability as many of its semi-automatic cohorts.
The Gen3 FSA allows an AR to be fired while the stock is folded. This appears to be nifty modification, but it does have its limitations. The system only allows one round to be fired and does not cycle the firearm. But if the situation calls for it, the ability to get one round off is better than getting off none.
Law Tactical incorporated this feature in direct response to consumer demand, according to an article at the Military Time’s Gear Scout. But even with the ability to fire a rifle with the stock folded, the company still advises against it.
The new attribute of the Gen3 FSA is a function of its new, beefier construction. Where the Gen2 adapter had an aluminum body with a steel blocking finger, the Gen3 is completely made of CNC milled 4140 steel.
Now completely constructed of steel, the Law Tactical's Gen3 Folding Stock Adapter allows AR-style rifles to be fired with the stock folded.
The utilization of new material has not changed the dimensions the accessory, it still only adds 1 3/8” to a rifle. But the steel does heap some extra heft with the Gen3 FSA weighing in at around 11 ounces.
Even with the added weight, going to all steel looks to has another benefit – a lower-profile hinge. In previous models, the hinge was a complaint about the system. It was taller, thus it interfered with the operation of the charging handle.
The Gen3 FSA should also win fans with the simplicity of its instillation. With the addition of O rings, the bolt extension can be added to the bolt carrier tool free. The adapter comes with a flange instillation tool and it has a set screw to keep it from backing out.
Shrinking an AR’s size, however, comes with a price tag. The list price of the Gen3 Folding Stock Adapter on Law Tactical’s site is $229. But for those who cannot live without it, it certainly is within reason.
A quick note: The Gear Scout article is worth a look for author Rob Curtis’ discussion about potentially adding the adapter to an AR pistol at the end. Interesting stuff.
These tiny devices just might be the hearing protection you've been after.
It literally takes a split second to permanently damage hearing, a fact most shooters know well.
It is why ear protection – along with eye – is mandatory at every shooting range from Tacoma to Timbuktu. But what about those times shooters aren’t punching holes in paper or breaking clays?
It’s a fairly common practice, even for those who are religious about guarding their hearing, to leave protection at home during hunting season.
There is a fairly rational explanation as to why otherwise safety-conscious individuals throw caution to the wind. Hunters want to have all their senses at the ready. After all, they’ve been waiting all year to bag that dream buck or bring a feast full of fowl home.
But what if there was a way to safeguard hearing, while keeping the advantage in the field? That’s exactly what Starkey Hearing Technologies has accomplished with a piece of digital masterwork.
The renowned hearing aid manufacturer has used its years of expertise to produce SoundGear, hearing protection that gives shooters the best of both worlds.
The digital hearing protection compresses all sound waves more than 93dB, but allows anything lower to come through, crystal clear. What that boils down to, gunshots are dampened, a buck snapping a twig is not.
That is a magnificent middle ground between hearing protection and situational awareness.
The minute in-the-canal hearing aids have a Noise Reduction Rating of 25dB and are designed to conform to any shooters’ body. It does this through the utilization of universal double and triple flanged silicone sleeves.
These sleeves ensure a proper seal within the canal, assuring the report of a rifle or shotgun does not seep through. And they are designed to remain comfortably in place, no matter how long you stay in the field.
This final attribute of SoundGear is especially important, if not often overlooked.
If hearing protection is not comfortable, it won’t be used – that’s not good. That basically brings a hunter back to square one, hoping that the next trigger pull won't be the one that deafens him.
Sure, bagging a trophy whitetail or shooting the limit in pheasants is what hunters live for, but neither is worth a shooter’s hearing. SoundGear makes sure hunters never have to make the compromise between a grand time in the field and a lifetime of sound hearing.
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Built around the latest edition of Cartridges of the World, this collection brings together the best ammunition references we have in our store. In addition to three authoritative references, the collection also includes the informative and attractive American Standard Bullet Posters. This is a collection any shooter or ammo buff would be proud to own. Check It Out
Sure, the right rifle has a lot to do with tearing the heart out of the 10 ring, but just as important ammunition. Loading match bullets helps get the most out of your precision equipment. Photo courtesy Massaro Media Group and JNJphotographics.
For those of us who hunt paper, accuracy takes on a whole new definition. While for hunting, a rifle that produces one or even two minute of angle three-shot groups may be more than sufficient, the target shooter would be cursing loudly!
Good groups for the paper-puncher is usually measured in tenths of an inch for the 100 yard range, anything less is simply unacceptable. To get this level of accuracy, their rifles are often outfitted with high power riflescopes, bull barrels and triggers that will break if a squirrel farts.
The ammunition has as much to do with it, and most of the shooters in this group are handloaders. The bullet of choice, far and away is the match grade hollowpoint boat tail. The first of these types of bullets that comes to mind has become the benchmark of match bullets: the Sierra MatchKing.
Designed for accuracy, they use a very thin jacket to hold tight tolerances down to the 0.0003”, and weight should be consistent within 0.3 grains. They are not made with hunting in mind; stiff construction for penetration is not the concern here. Consistency is the issue, as consistent weight and concentricity are vital keys in the accuracy game.
MatchKing bullets are used by target shooters across the globe, for a reason: they work very well.
Many of the match grade bullets available today will give very satisfactory results. In addition to the Sierra MatchKings, I use Hornady Match bullets, Nosler Custom Competition and Berger VLD bullets quite often.
These bullets have a carefully calculated ogive (the curved nose section of the bullet), based upon tangent or secant curves. This design leads to a very high ballistic coefficient, necessary for long range targets.
Berger's J4 jackets have become the industrial standard of match bullets. Photo courtesy Massaro Media Group and JNJphotographics.
Sounds a bit like gibberish, unless you’re a mathematician. The simple explanation is that these bullets are designed to have the least amount air drag so as to reduce the effects of crosswind drift and keep trajectories as flat as possible.
The Berger J4 jacket, the pride of Berger line has also become an industry standard. Many custom bullet makers purchase the J4 jacket for their own custom bullet designs, as it ranks among the best jackets available to produce very precise projectiles.
All of these secant ogives, fancy boat tails, high ballistic coefficients and the like don’t amount to a hill of beans if the bullets aren’t loaded in a very meticulous manner. This is a situation where all the stops are pulled out.
You should be weighing your cases (into lots of similar weight), and trimming them to very exact dimensions. Flash holes should be centered, with all burrs removed. Powder charges definitely need to be weighed. I even weigh out the bullets, separating them into lots that weigh within 0.2 grains of each other. Although I’ve never really noticed a significant difference, maybe match grade primers would be a good idea – to appease the gods of accuracy.
Seating depth, especially with the longest of the match grade bullets, can make a huge difference in accuracy. In the past Berger Bullets has recommended that their very long VLD bullets be seated so that they touch the lands of the rifling. I don’t like this idea, as pressures can rise to a dangerous level.
In the target rifles, the Cartridge Overall Length (COL) can be longer than that specified by SAAMI, because the cartridges will be fed singly and the magazine limitations are off the table. I highly recommend that you seat your bullets at the very least 0.015” off of the lands and grooves, to allow for proper pressures.
Loading precision ammunition comes down to one thing – being meticulous. Photo courtesy Massaro Media Group and JNJphotographics.
You will need to experiment with seating depths, varying by 0.020”, until you find what your rifle likes the best. Once you find it, adhere to this dimension, checking COL with your micrometer, and test your mettle against those distant targets. I’ll warn you though, the pursuit of accuracy can be an addiction!
It has been a pleasure discussing handloading with all of you, and I’d like to thank you for all the positive feedback I’ve received from you, the readers. I hope you’ve gotten something worthwhile from this series, and I look forward to hearing about your reloading successes.
Enjoy the improved accuracy of hand-tuned ammunition, and gather the necessary information needed to get started with the reloading process. You’ll benefit from this reloading guide if:
You want to learn how to reload rifle and pistol ammo
You need to know the necessary tools required for reloading
You’d like to learn the benefits of reloading ammo
Buy a handgun and a holster, then it's off to the races. If only concealed carry were so simple.
From proper training to the right equipment, the discipline has a multitude of aspects that must be considered and carefully weighed before responsibly carrying. One facet that should be thoroughly examined is exactly what type of gun will be carried and how it will remain concealed.
The above Panteao Production video featuring personal-defense guru Massad Ayoob covers the expansive topic of handgun concealment very well, given its brevity. And what Ayoob talks about basically boils down to to one thing – potential tradeoffs.
A sub-compact pistol might disappear under nearly any wardrobe you wear, but can you shoot it well? At the range you knock the X out of targets with a full-sized service pistol, but can you practically conceal that beast everyday?
These are a few questions anyone thinking about concealed carrying should ponder. Mas gives some food for thought well worth chewing on before slapping hard-earned money down on equipment that might prove nonviable soon after it's utilized.
BlackBore recently introduced a tactical version of its cutting-edge, wad-retarding shotgun choke.
With specially designed porting, BlackBore Shotgun chokes strips the wad and develops tighter patterns.
The argument goes, in some shotgun circles, the wad interferes with tight shot patterns.
According to this theory, the wad strikes the rear of the shot column as it leaves the barrel. This, in turn, leads to a looser pattern and more fliers than many wing and clay shooters are comfortable firing off.
This was Mark Andry’s experience when the sporting-clays bug bit him a few year's back. And he didn’t waste anytime setting about finding a solution.
“Having a mechanical ‘bent', I felt that I could come up with a better (choke) design,” he said.
The result of Andry’s “better design” was BlackBore Chokes. The system aims to take the wad out of the equation by the use of a common choke feature – ports.
BlackBore Competition model.
Of course, there is a little more to the 10 to 14 ports Andry has milled on the circumference of his chokes – hence the reason they are patented. The twist the inventor/owner of BlackBore puts in the ventilation is the angle at which they are cut.
“(The angle) produces a knife-blade that grabs and strips the shotshell wad from the shot column,” Andry said. “The friction of the blades actually slices slivers from the wad as it passes through the choke.”
The results: “The pattern of the shot at the pattern board is seen as more dense and consistent,” Andry said. What the life-long shooter is getting at is his chokes put more shot on target. A result few smoothbore fans will argue with.
Andry originally designed the choke for personal use, having a buddy who owned a small CNC machining operation make them up. But another friend – the one he shoots clays with – was captivated by his innovation and urged him to sell it to the public.
Since then, the South Carolina-based entrepreneur has enjoyed growing popularity of his product. And it has not strictly been confined to America, with Andry fulfilling orders with European and South American shooters.
BlackBore chokes are manufactured from 17-4 PH stainless steel, making them corrosion resistant. The chokes are presently available only for 12-guage shotguns and are compatible with some of the most popular shotgun makes and models.
The chokes are available in different models for a number of applications. BlackBore’s options include its Competition Choke, HunterPro HV (for larger game birds), HunterPro TC (for turkey and coyote) and a new Tactical model.
The Competition models retail for $60 on the BlackBore site, while the rest run $65.
The successful Ruger Scout Rifle — originally chambered in the heavier-hitting .308 cartridge — will now be offered in 5.56 NATO, making it both a practical scout-style rifle for tactical use and a sweet varmint hunting rig.
The 5.56 NATO chambered Ruger Scout Rifle in stainless steel.
When Ruger first rolled out its Gunsite Scout Rifle, it did so with an eye toward Jeff Cooper's original vision for the concept, which meant it came in .308 only. But now Ruger is expanding options for the little scout gun, which will be chambered in 5.56 NATO as well.
It'll feature a hybrid chamber that shoots both 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem. accurately and safely, they say. The rifle, which weighs in at about 7.1 lbs., features a 16.1″, 1/2-28 threaded barrel with a 1:8 twist rate, controlled round feed and is shipped with a 10-round detachable box magazine. The rifle does not accept standard AR-15 mags.
“This is a natural extension of the Gunsite Scout Rifle line,” said Gunsite Instructor Ed Head, one of the contributors to the original Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle design. “Being chambered in a lower cost, universally available caliber, and with the Ruger reputation for reliability and accuracy, this is another serious rifle for those serious about rifles,” he added.
The barrel is cold hammer-forged alloy steel with medium contour, while the receiver sports a very practical matte black oxide finish. The 1/2-28 threaded barrel comes with a Ruger flash suppressor, which can be removed in order to attach other threaded barrel accessories.
The rifle's trigger guard and magazine well are formed of glass-reinforced nylon. The magazine release is a push-forward Mini-14 paddle-style located just ahead of the trigger guard.
For southpaws, the Ruger Scout Rifle in the left-handed version.
A Mini-14-style protected, non-glare, post front sight and receiver-mounted, adjustable, ghost ring rear sight offer out-of-the-box usability.
Like its big brother, there's a forward-mounted Picatinny rail so you can mount scout scopes from Burris or Leupold — for “both eyes open” fast target acquisition. However, if the scout gun configuration isn't your cup of tea, the rifle includes Ruger M77 integral scope mounts and comes with Ruger scope rings for conventional scope use.
The weather resistant black laminate stock, with “Gunsite Scout Rifle” engraved on the grip cap, contains sling swivel studs and a checkered grip and forearm.
A soft rubber recoil pad with three 1/2″ spacers allows the length of pull to be adjusted for different shooters or to give you the proper fit with outerwear or defensive gear of varying thickness.
The little 5.56/.223 Ruger Scout Rifle promises to be an excellent multi-use rifle that's loyal to Jeff Cooper's vision for a fighting rifle and yet ideal for predator hunters and recreational shooters alike.
Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle Model Number: 6824 Caliber: 223 Rem / 5.56 NATO Stock: Black Laminate Capacity: 10 Material: Alloy Steel Finish: Matte Black Front Sight: Post Rear Sight: Adjustable Barrel Length: 16.10″ Overall Length: 37.00″ – 38.50″ Weight: 7.10 lbs. Length of Pull: 12.75″ – 14.25″ Twist: 1:8″ RH Grooves: 6 Option: Right-Handed Thread Pattern: 1/2″-28 Suggested Retail: $1039.00
At this point and time, AR-style rifles run the entire gambit when it comes to prices. Really, there is an option for nearly every pocketbook – thick or thin. But what model offers the most bang for the buck? Well, when it comes to tactical rifles in the $1,000 range, the guys at the the Military Arms Channel have a definitive answer – the Colt 6920.
The above video makes a pretty good case for the rifle, especially for value-minded shooters. One of the strongest points is Colt's familiarity with the platform. No company has produced this style of rifle, in greater volume than Colt. As pointed out in the video, the gunmaker has been key in setting the standards for what is Mil-Spec.
While the video is a bit dated, much of what it covers still holds true. That includes the price. A non-exhaustive search on the Internet turned up multiple outlets retailing the 6920 for $1,000 or less. But, there are numerous stores that are now selling the rifle for more than that now, as well.
The entire video is worth a watch, since it gives a thorough – albeit brief – history of one of Colt's most popular AR-style rifles. This includes a little explanation of why the 6920 has two models – the LE and SP – with the exact same features.
Higgenbotham Auctioneers offers approximately 15 gun collections annually, representing more than 1,000 pieces.
A big surprise has been the selling prices for small Iver Johnson and Smith & Wesson top break revolvers in .22 and .32 calibers, manufactured in the early 20th Century.
“Fifteen years ago, those were $12 to $20 handguns at auction,” says owner Marty Higgenbotham. “At recent auctions, we’ve gotten bids of $250, $350 and even $500 for these little revolvers. It’s astounding.”
Higgenbotham believes the high prices are the result of two customer groups vying for these handguns: collectors who want a bargain-priced collectible handgun (compared to the Colts, for example); and people who use them as concealed carry guns.
He credits the “nostalgia factor” for the recent rise in prices for the early 20th Century single-shot Stevens Crackshots in .22 LR selling for $175 to $250, and the single-shot Model 67 Winchesters, also in .22 LR, with bidders offering between $125 and $250 for these 1950s-era plinkers. “People think, I had one of these as a kid, here’s one for sale, and I want it!” says Higgenbotham.
The Internet has been a huge help to business, allowing customers from all over the world to place bids during his live auctions. Currently, 65 percent of Higgenbotham guns are sold to Internet bidders.
This brief originally appeared in the February 13, 2014 edition of Gun Digest the Magazine.
The Glock 42 in .380 ACP is the firm’s first attempt at a pocket pistol, and it’s also the first American-made Glock. In a category where minimal weight has become the Holy Grail, this 13.76-ounce package could seem chunky to people who like anorexic pistols.
That might be hilarious to those who carry Model 1911s or Beretta 92s on a regular basis, but fractions of inches and single ounces count for much in the pocket pistol game.
Someone who owns a Rottweiler could care less about the difference between a six-pound toy poodle and a 4.7-pound Chihuahua, but dinky-dog specialists would call it an issue. Likewise, a few ounces on a modern .380 can be a big deal.
The G42 Review
The Glock 42 looks like the rest of the family, but it’s the baby of the bunch. Here is how it compares to the Model 22.
First impressions count for much, and the Glock 42’s grip and balance scored high in that department. Those who handled the 42 immediately remarked on how well the gun pointed and especially how well it filled the hand.
Anyone with hands in the small to medium-large range shouldn’t have any problems with getting a comfortable hold – something that can’t be said for many of the currently produced small pistols.
A 10.2-ounce Taurus 738 in an Uncle Mike’s pocket holster slips unobtrusively into my front pocket, but the bulge from a Glock 42 is less discreet. What a difference 3.56 ounces can make. There are definitely lighter options in 6+1 capacity .380 ACPs.
.The Ruger LCP tips the scales at 9.42 ounces, while the Diamondback DB380SC comes in at 8.8 ounces and the Kel-Tec P3AT is even scrawnier at 8.3 ounces. Perhaps the closest thing to a direct comparison is the 12.5-ounce aluminum-frame version of the Colt Mustang.
So why tote a Glock 42 when it means more planning (or possibly an inside-the-waistband holster) to carry than the competition? Well, guns are made for shooting and this sample came through on the range. The little Glock was cutting nice groups from its first round out of the box.
Trying different brands of ammunition is an absolute must, as the TulAmmo Brass Maxx .380 ACP that shot flawlessly and accurately in the aforementioned Taurus 738 often jammed in the 42. A switch to Prvi Partizan, CCI aluminum-cased Blazers and Winchester .380s resulted in trouble-free ejection, two-inch groups at 25 feet and punching cardboard with ease.
As one gun-savvy tester put it, “I’m not a Glock guy, but I really like the 42. It’s not something you would want to use at 40 yards, but this is a very accurate pistol. It shoots to point of aim.” A local farmer who dropped in on this test fire session was pounding out the center of the target after taking just a few rounds to sight in.
What about the ultimate test for a small pistol? The Glock 42 never stuttered on Winchester 95-grain PDX1 Defender hollowpoints. Accuracy was comparable to what was obtained with roundnose ammo.
This is the result of the first three shots out of the box with the Glock 42 using Prvi Partizan .380 ACP roundnose. The light recoil made it very easy to handle.
Why was the 42 so accurate? It’s those extra ounces and fractions of inches. The 3.25-inch barrel is longer than most other small .380s. Combine that longer radius with typical Glock sights as compared to what sits on the slides of other pocket pistols, and a person might be willing to tote a bit more weight rather than go for the ultimate in concealability.
Pocket pistols are usually carried for dealing with up close and personal encounters of the dangerous kind. When the goon is only feet or inches away, the idea of a proper two-handed stance and deliberately sighting in becomes ludicrous. In such situations, a quick one-handed draw and fire is often the only option.
Glock’s dual-action recoil springs, combined with the mild-mannered .380 ACP brings the 42’s recoil down to minimal levels. Follow-up shots definitely aren’t a problem.
Is there a more memorable way to describe the 42’s polite handling? I was also playing around with an Italian-made .38 Special single-action revolver after testing the little Glock. A box of cast reloads for Cowboy Action practice was labeled “2.0 grains Bullseye – mouse farts.” The Glock 42 kicks like a mouse fart, and the MSRP of $480 doesn’t stink.
Norma Oryx Soft Point 9.3×62 Muser cartridge cartridges. Photo: Arz.
In the late nineteenth century and well into the twentieth, the continental Europeans and the United Kingdom were busy expanding their spheres of influence around the world. No continent experienced these expansions more than Africa.
The Dutch were busy in South Africa, the Portuguese in Mozambique, the Belgians in Zaire, the English in Kenya and Rhodesia, the French in Central African Republic and the Germans in Namibia and Tanzania as primary conquests. Most had a few other involvements as well.
The English produced heavy caliber rifles as well as ammunition for them, suitable for the largest and most dangerous game the Dark Continent had to offer. Alas, while the UK products were excellent and reliable, they were quite expensive, out of the budget range for the average farmer/colonist.
The German colonists living in German SW Africa and German East Africa were very active in complaining to the home country for their need for affordable rifles and ammunition suitable for use against Africa's big and dangerous game animals.
Germany was already producing what was to become the best bolt-action rifle available with their Mauser Model 98. They just didn't have a powerful enough cartridge to fit in a standard Model 98 length, to do battle against Africa's dangerous fauna.
Early in the twentieth century, a gunsmith by the name of Otto Bock, took on the task of developing such a cartridge. In 1905, he introduced the results of his developmental efforts, the 9.3×62mm cartridge – also known as the 9.3×62 Mauser.
The cartridge featured a 9.3mm bullet diameter (.366”) loaded into a 62mm long rimless case. The cartridge was originally loaded with a 285-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 2150 fps. It fit nicely in a Mauser 98 action, and operation and feeding was excellent. Later, the cartridge was juiced up a bit, and loaded primarily with a 286-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of around 2400 fps.
The CIP established a Maximum Average Pressure of 56,500 psi. In modern strong rifles, there is no reason that it could not be safely loaded to 60,000 psi, providing around 2500 fps, if such was deemed desirable. The cartridge became exceeding popular in Europe and in Africa, and still is today.
On this side of the Atlantic though, it scarcely ruffled a feather. Until recently, the last five years or so, no American manufacturer made a rifle for it, no American ammunition company loaded ammo for it, and the major American reloading components folks offered neither bullets nor brass for the 9.3×62. If someone happened to have a rifle so chambered, he was totally dependent upon European sources for loaded ammunition and components.
Things have changed considerably in the past few years. Thanks largely to the efforts of writers like John Barsness, Chub Eastman, Phil Shoemaker, and to a much lesser extent, my modest efforts, the cartridge is gaining popularity by leaps and bounds. And, well it should. It is one hell of a cartridge.
The 9.3x62mm (left) compared to a number of popular rifle cartridges. Next in line from the left: .30-06 Springfield, 8×57 IS, 6.5×55, .308 Winchester. Photo: Kalashnikov
Even old John “Pondoro” Taylor, Anglophil that he was, even had good things to say about the 9.3×62 cartridge. He wrote in African Rifles and Cartridges, “I have never heard any complaints about the 9.3mm. Its penetration is adequate for anything. It has never had the write-up that certain other calibers received from time to time. Men just take it for granted and it goes steadily on its way like some honest old farm horse. In spite of all the more modern magnums and ‘supers,' the 9.3mm still remains the favorite medium bore of many experienced hunters.”
Today, factory loaded ammunition is available from Federal, Barnes, Hornady, Nosler, and I believe that Winchester has been loading it for some time for European consumption, but, to my knowledge, none has been sold in this country. Bullets are available from a variety of bullet makers in weights from 232 grain (Norma) to a whopping 320 grains (Woodleigh) and about every stop in-between those extremes.
I can't imagine a better cartridge for chasing elk in heavy timber, rooting a mad brown bear out of the alders, or laying on the winters meat supply by taking a moose in the willows. There is no whiz-bang about the cartridge.
As Pondoro Taylor put it, it's just a workhorse of cartridges, effective and useful on about anything.
Just over a year ago, Illinois made concealed carry legal. Since, the rush is on at RP Shooting Sports for smaller CCW-type handguns.
One of the most popular options has been one of Glock‘s newest additions to its catalog.
The store this year has enjoyed a run on the petite and potent Glock 42. The retailer literally has not been able to keep .380 Auto on its shelves, selling it for $495.
“People are standing in line for that model,” owner Ron Van Dyke said. “I can’t get enough of them in.”
Smith & Wesson Shields and Bodyguards are also moving well. Almost every new handgun owner leaves the store with a new holster, too. The popular concealed carry models have been Bianchi, SafariLand and Galco.
Tactical rifles are still selling very well, even if the level is down from last year’s “AR surge.” The Daniel Defense M4 Carbine in .223 Rem is the rifle in demand here, selling for between $1,550 and $1,700, depending on adornments.
“It’s all 16-inch barrels now,” Van Dyke notes. “I can’t sell a tactical rifle with a 20-inch barrel. Everyone wants quad rails, too.”
The top optic for these tactical rifle customers is the AimPoint T1, especially the 2 MOA dot model versus the 4 MOA version, for $700. Trijicon’s ACOG with an RMR reflex red dot sight mounted atop comes in at a strong second place.
Editor's note: This brief originally appeared in the March 27, 2014 edition of Gun Digest the Magazine
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When it comes to self defense ammunition, the author has found Hornady's XTP bullets the right medicine for aggressive mammals of every strip. Photo courtesy Massaro Media Group and JNJphotographics.
It’s a hot topic, rife with debatable points valid and invalid, legal and ethical.
Depending on the laws of your particular state, defending one’s life may pose a legal problem, but that’s not what I’m here to discuss. What I do want to discuss is the loading of ammunition that you must bet your life on.
I’d like to preface this piece with the following piece of information: I wish to live out my days having never pointed a firearm at any human being with the intent to do harm; however I firmly believe that every single one of us has the God-given right to defend ourselves when life and limb are threatened. Ok, politics over.
If you ever have to reach for a pistol or rifle that must be called upon to protect you and your family from threat, be that threat two or four legged, logic dictates that you would want that firearm loaded with best ammunition available. If you believe that factory ammunition is the way to go, so be it; but I feel better knowing that every stage of that ammunition has been hand assembled and inspected by me.
When we go hiking in the mountains of Upstate New York, the presence of bears is always a reality. Most of the time the bruins will flee upon seeing or smelling humans, but if you have the misfortune of getting in between a mother with her cubs, things can get ugly in a hurry.
Monometal bullets are a good choice for personal defense. Given their lighter weight, they can be pushed to high velocities. And they are highly frangible, protecting against pass through. Photo courtesy Massaro Media Group and JNJphotographics.
I’ve even had coyotes in my yard while out walking our tiny little Shih-Tzu. At a whopping eight pounds, it wouldn’t be hard for her to be taken. In these types of situations, I prefer a heavy for caliber hollowpoint pistol bullet. Hornady’s XTP is a tough bullet that can end an argument with irate mammals quickly.
When it comes to defending your life against human attack, there is an entire market devoted to suitable projectiles. I’m no self-defense instructor, and I’ve never served in the military, but I have a few choices that I feel safe carrying.
Cutting Edge Bullets Raptor bullets make a solid choice. They are lathe turned, highly frangible (to prevent over penetration in an urban situation) and should impart a whole bunch of impact energy should the need arise. I like the way they shoot, and being lighter, due to the all copper construction, they can be driven to a higher velocity in your chosen handgun.
The aforementioned Hornady XTP and Sierra’s hollowpoint jacketed pistol bullets are very reliable, as well. Whichever projectile you choose, be sure you spend ample time at the range to know exactly how they shoot. Practice turns into instinct in the midst of a stressful situation.
Put away the progressive press when reloading for personal defense. Take the time to load your ammunition to the tightest possible tolerances, so it's ready to go bang when it's needed most. Photo courtesy Massaro Media Group and JNJphotographics.
The loading of this ammunition is where our good techniques will come into play.
I would advise that you abandon the progressive press for this project. When I load the ammunition that I carry in my handguns for defense, I use a single stage press. Every case and projectile is rigorously inspected, the flash holes are reamed and primer pockets well cleaned to ensure ignition. Primer seating is inspected and I hand weigh each and every powder charge. I don’t want any room for error. Bullets are seated to the proper depth, and verified on a micrometer.
In a situation where your life is on the line, a misfire could equal death. Speed of production is irrelevant when it comes to ammunition that you desperately need in a pinch.
Many good volumes have been published on choosing the best projectiles for defense, and I recommend you pick up a couple and educate yourself well, then take those projectiles to the range so you can feel confident in your choice. You’ll sleep much better!
Time and ammo are precious commodities, so when you have the chance to practice shooting you want to maximize your investment.
An afternoon of shooting is fun, but you want to focus on the skills needed to defend against an attack, too. I make a list of the skills I want to practice in advance, with the number of repetitions to perform, which also ensures I don’t get sidetracked once I hit the range.
Pick three skills, like movement, malfunctions and using cover, and combine all three into one drill. Set up malfunctions by mixing some dummy ammo in with live ammo.
To begin the drill move to cover, issuing verbal commands as you draw the pistol and engage the threat, clearing malfunctions as they occur. Although you’re focusing on three primary skills, remember to apply other tactics, such as scanning the environment for other threats.
Keep in mind a high round count has nothing to do with the quality of practice; you can burn through ammo and not learn anything. Even on the range, perform several dry runs of a drill before running it live-fire to ensure when you do press the trigger, your shots are accurate.
When planning your practice sessions make it a point to work on the things that you don’t like, which is normally the stuff we don’t do very well. It may not be much fun, but we should constantly be striving to strengthen our weaknesses.
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Ruger's new Single Seven appear to be a red-hot revolver, chambered in the hard-hitting .327 Federal Magnum.
The .327 Federal Magnum definitely packs a punch and looks to be a dandy in Ruger's new Single Seven revolver.
When it comes to tough-as-nails revolvers, few modern manufacturers can hold a candle to Ruger.
The New Hampshire/Arizona manufacturer's name has become synonymous with some of the most rugged wheelguns available today. And when it comes to selling some of the most unique models of Ruger revolvers, Lipsey’s has the market cornered.
From sweet little Bird’s Head .22LRs to salty flattop .45ACPs, the Louisiana distributor get some of the most distinctive revolvers Ruger has to offer. One of the companies most recent partnerships certainly continues this trend.
Lipsey’s is now exclusively offering Ruger’s Single Seven .327 Federal Magnum. It’s a handgun that not only fits the definition of unique, but also flexible.
The .327 Federal Magnum has been around since 2008 and has developed a dedicated following in some corners of the shooting world. Part of the cartridge’s appeal is its snappiness with the ability to push a 100-grain bullet a blistering 1,500 ft/s.
But the .327FM has more going for it than just red-hot ballistics. As pointed out in Cartridges of the World, a gun chambered for the round can fire the full range of .32 cartridges, including: .32 Short, .32 Long and .32 H&R Magnum.
This is a nice perk, for those looking to save a buck through cheaper ammo when punching holes in paper.
Ruger has put together a pretty sweet package to thumb through .32 ammo – no matter what type. Based off the Single Six line, the Single Seven has many of the scintillating features of its cousins, but with room for one more round.
The revolver is constructed from rugged stainless steel, giving the single-action a modern look. Enhancing this, is the revolver's unfluted cylinder, that gives the gun overall clean lines front to back.
The revolver, however, has not cut its roots. The Single Seven’s hardwood grips give the gun a timeless appearance. The gun would look pretty ornery holstered in a Buscadero, Mexican Loop or any number of Western rigs.
Lipsey’s is offering the revolver with three different barrel lengths: 4 5/8”, 5 ½” and 7 ½”. The smallest model tips the scales at 34 ounces, the medium-size model at 36 ounces and the largest at 43 ounces.
All the models come standard with a full adjustable rear sight – for both windage and elevation – and ramp front sight. And the Single Seven is outfitted with Ruger’s patented transfer bar mechanism, which guards against accidental discharge if dropped or if the hammer is banged around.
Perhaps one of the Single Seven’s top selling points is it won’t break the bank to add it to a gun safe. Lipsey has .327 Federal Magnum listed with an MSRP of $659.
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.
