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Gun Training Should Involve a Dose of Nasty Weather

By
Dave Morelli
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3
gun training
Gun training should embrace bad weather days as an opportunity to become a more competent shooter.

It’s too windy, or it’s cold or raining too hard to go out and practice. The truth of the matter is, whether hunting or competing, long-distance shooters can’t always depend on blue bird skies. To win in nasty conditions, your gun training can't be called for bad weather.

Practice for Wind

Wind is an easy problem to practice where I live in Idaho. It’s windy most every day.

Sometimes it is so windy it would be a waste of ammo to go out and shoot, but most of the time it is really good for practice. We all know the formulas or put the data in our PDA’s, but how often do we shoot on windy days? Getting everything zeroed must be done in perfect conditions, but after that crummy days are what we are going to have to deal with whether it is hunting, competition or a life saving mission.

Wind not only affects the flight of the bullet but can be a problem beating against the vehicle the rifle is resting on or on the firearm itself. While I’m not sure there is much that can be done to overcome this, shooting in these types of conditions will give the shooter some experience in compensating for it. With a rifle, if the wind is banging against my rest and causing grief, I might go to prone to finish the shot.

Ultimately, the only way to figure out how to shoot in bad weather is to shoot in bad weather.

Beat the Rain, Snow

Rain and snow are other problematic conditions that can cause variances in the flight of your precision bullet. We know that rain and snow are going to make contact with the projectile but will it affect its flight path?

When the rain is blowing sideways with the wind it could cause a change in your usual windage D.O.P.E. (Data on Previous Engagements) a bit at longer ranges. Shooting in rain will fine-tune this adjustment. At the very least, the humidity will be higher.

Rain and snow beating against the shooter is also distracting and a little practice in this environment will help the shooter know what clothing will help minimize this, as well as how to deal with it mentally. Warm clothes, boots and waterproof gear can be tested for utility before the competition during a practice session. Operating a precision rifle with gloves should definitely be done before needed.

Temperature Changes

One of the things that will affect performance immensely is temperature. I’m not talking 20 degrees at ranges less than 400 yards, although they will affect bullet flight a bit. I’m talking about extreme temperature changes that will affect impact greatly and that create performance effects on the shooter.

I was shooting a .300 Win. Mag. that was easily capable of 1/3 MOA at 300 yards. I zeroed the rifle at that range in 70-degree weather and went shooting with it in -2-degree weather one afternoon. The rifle still printed its 1/3 MOA group; only it was about 16 inches low. At 300 yards that could be a definite miss on an elk.

gun training
Understand what heat, cold, rain and other weather does to the flight of a bullet helps shooters adjust to stay on target.

Even with the new temperature-resistant powders being developed, the air density is different when the mercury ranges so far. In fact, the affect on the bullet is immense. When shooting at different temperatures, make sure the ammo is out in the cold—or the heat—like it will be in the competition or other shooting scenario.

Conclusion

Ultimately, practicing in crummy weather comes easy for me because the high valley where I live regularly dishes out some of the worst weather in the country each winter. But Idaho doesn’t own crummy weather and no matter where you live or shoot, foul weather days will find you. Don’t use them as an excuse to sit inside and take it easy. Instead, get outside on a few of those crummy days and when the mission, competition or hunt day comes you will have the right gear and D.O.P.E. to make the shot.

Editor's note, this article originally appeared in the Feb. 11, 2013 edition of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Sniper Shooting Basics

Sniper Shooting Basics

Sniper Shooting Basics is your chance to understand the equipment and techniques used to make the long shot come in. This digital download draws upon the expertise of some of the world’s best hunters and tactical shooters to bring you a practical guide to long-range shooting.

This long-range shooting guide is perfect for you if:

  • You want to understand the fundamentals to making long-range shots
  • You want to study the specialized rifles used by snipers
  • You want to generally improve your overall shooting

Own a Revolver that Appeared in Gun Digest the Magazine

By
Elwood Shelton
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0

S&W PC M629 V-Comp RevolverRandy Farris had plenty good to say about the latest Smith & Wesson revolver he put under the microscope.

The gun blogger ran a Performance Center Model 629 V-Comp through the rigmarole in a review for Gun Digest the Magazine. And when everything was said and done, he only really had only one complaint. Turns out, from Farris’ experience, the .44 Magnum is much happier chewing through heavier loads.

Now the writer has spent enough time with the slick-looking wheelgun and he is aiming to unload it. Farris has a link up at his website – AverageJoesHandgunReviews.blogspot.com – where the semi-famous firearm may be purchased.

While the gun should be enough to motivate buyers, Farris is sweetening the pot. He’s throwing in an autographed copy of the Gun Digest in which the gun and his review appeared. Check it out and see if you like the top end Smith & Wesson as much as Farris.

S&W PC 629 V-Comp .44 Magnum
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Action: Double/Single
Barrel: 4-inches, with removable compensator
Front Sight: Dovetail adjustable with blaze orange insert
Rear Sight: Adjustable black rear sight
Construction: Stainless Steel
Weight: 3.11 lbs.
Grips: Wood

Learn handgun training fundamentals, in "Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to Handguns"

Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to Handguns

 

Hybrid Holsters for Concealed Carry

By
Massad Ayoob
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0

When it comes to holster material, combining leather with polymer gives the armed citizen the best of both worlds. No wonder hybrid holsters for concealed carry are so popular.

GDConcealedCarry
Anybody interested in CCW needs this book! Great advice on the best concealed carry gear, clothing, and how to understand related handgun laws & regulations.

Hybrid holsters have become hugely popular in the last few years. One such is Mark Craighead’s Crossbreed brand, so popular the brand has become almost a generic term for this sort of rig. As the name implies, the hybrids comprise a mating of leather with Kydex or polymer. The portion that encompasses the gun on the outside is made of the hard synthetic, while the leather is used to form a broad backing between wearer and holster, separating and protecting one from the other. I use that phrase advisedly: the “shield” protects the gun from the user’s sweat, since these are often carried under a shirt directly against bare skin, and at the same time protects the skin from being abraded by sharp edges on the firearm.

Several companies make hybrids that are also “tuckable,” meaning they can be effectively concealed beneath a tucked-in shirt. Comp-Tac produces a popular model in this vein, the Minotaur MTAC.
The backing material varies. Crossbreed offers both horsehide and cowhide, explaining, “Horsehide is a denser and lighter-grained flesh than cowhide. This results in it being more moisture resistant.

Customers in very humid climates or who tend to sweat heavily find this to be a useful option, as horsehide tolerates dampness better. Horsehide is only available in natural finish, as its moisture resistance can also cause it to not take dye well. Additionally, the natural finish is very attractive on Horsehide.”

It is possible to eliminate leather entirely from the picture. N82 – phonetically, Nate Squared, since the company was founded by two guys named Nate who consider their partnership more than the sum of their parts – makes a very comfortable hybrid holster whose backing is a cushioned synthetic.

The concept of leather or other material between the gun and the wearer is not new. It goes back at least to the Shadow Concealment holster of years ago, now produced as the LAW Concealment holster. The good news and the bad news existed then, and remain for this type of holster.

The good news is that the shield does indeed protect the wearer from the sharp-edged gun, and the gun from the sweaty wearer. The bad news is that the side of the pistol’s grip area is pressed tight against the leather shield, and the fingers have to dig between the two to gain a drawing grasp. This very definitely slows down the draw.

Honest holster-makers recognize this, and give their customers some options. At Crossbreed, the option is the Combat Grip. The company explains, “The Combat Grip is where we trim away some of the leather from the holster backer. This allows a firmer grasp on the gun during the draw stroke.

This modification does sacrifice a little bit of comfort but does increase the draw speed. This is an extra cost option because this cut is made to follow the contour of the slide/grip of the individual firearm and varies from one gun to another. Approximately 20% of our customers like this option, the others either have no preference or feel it sacrifices too much comfort.”

The author liked the Black Mamba from Concealment Solutions. This custom model works well with light-equipped handguns.
The author liked the Black Mamba from Concealment Solutions. This custom model works well with light-equipped handguns. Photo courtesy Concealment Solutions.

Raven Concealment is another brand of hybrid, and perhaps best known for combining the concept with not only bare pistols, but those with lights attached. The brand has earned a strong following.

Jason Christensen at Concealment Solutions also makes a hybrid with the option of a light on the gun, the Mamba holster. I find its synthetic backing slows me down less than leather, and for that reason it’s my current choice for concealed carry of a full-size Glock with SureFire light attached.

One thing to consider with the backing design on these hybrid holsters is body shape. If there’s a spare tire around your middle, the good news will be that the hybrid’s backing will be particularly comfortable. The bad news is that the pressure of the flesh will tend, over time, to roll the material over the back of the slide. On the models where the entire grip-frame is shielded by the backer, it may eventually start rolling over the backstrap of the grip frame itself. This won’t just slow the draw, it can stall it or cause a “fatal fumble” when you need the pistol most. A minimal backing will be more important for those with this type of body shape.

This article is an excerpt from The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry, 2nd Edition.

Must-Read Articles on Concealed Carry Holsters

HatsanUSA Expands Line of PCP Air Pistols

By
Elwood Shelton
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0

HatsanUSA's new air pistol, the AT-P2

Hatsan has made a name for itself as an accurate option in air guns. And the Turkish company's new air pistol should help shooters stay on target with the addition of a removable, adjustable stock.

Typically, when shooters think about high-powered air guns one thing comes to mind – rifles. But Hatsan USA has worked to change that perception with their line of pre-charged pneumatic pistols.

The Turkish manufacturer’s PCP handguns are nearly as potent as the company’s line of powerful air rifles. And HatsanUSA recently has given shooters another option with the expansion of its pistol line.

The company is now shipping its AT-P2 air pistol, a more versatile model of HatsanUSA’s AT-P1. The main modification on the new air pistol is the inclusion of an extendable stock, giving shooters the ability to place more precise shots off the pistol platform.

The telescopic stock can be adjusted to fit nearly any shooter and comes outfitted with an adjustable cheek rest. From there, the air pistol retains all the features that made its predecessor popular.

The AT-P2's PCP power system ensures consistent accuracy, utilizing a 50cc air cylinder with 200-bar fill (3000 PSI). The pressure allows the air pistol to shoot pellets at velocities as high as 870 fps, making it ideal for plinking or the taking of small varmints.

Like all of HatsanUSA’s guns the AT-P2 comes outfitted with a Quattro Trigger. The proprietary two-stage match trigger offers three-point adjustment to control the trigger load, the position of the first and second stages and the length of travel – all while maintaining full sear engagement.

The air pistol has a precision rifled barrel made from German steel and is available in three calibers: .177, .22 and .25. The .177 and .22 models come with 10-round magazines, while the .25 has a nine-round magazine. The AT-P2 is fitted with a dovetail grooved receiver for both 11mm and 22mm scope mounts and micro-adjustable rear and front sights, both with TRUGLO fiber optics.

It also features an anti-double pellet feed system that prevents more than one pellet from loading into the barrel and Hatsan's patented anti-knock system to prevent gas wastage in case the airgun is knocked or bounced.

The MSRP of the AT-P2 is $720.00. It includes one additional magazine, detachable air cylinder with a built-in pressure gauge, quick-fill nozzle and air cylinder discharge cap.

Massad Ayoob: A Look at the SIG P320

By
Massad Ayoob
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5

SIG P320.

For years now, traditional double action police service pistols such as the SIG P-series have been pushed out of the spotlight by polymer-frame, striker fired pistols, a revolution begun by Glock in the 1980s. SIG had entered the polymer pistol market twice, both times with polymer frame guns that were hammer-fired with double action triggers.

The SIG P320 full-sized Nitron.
The SIG P320 full-sized Nitron.

The SIG Pro, introduced some twenty years ago, is still in the line as the Model 2022, currently produced in 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG. A perfectly good pistol, it is seen largely as a budget-priced version of the P-series guns, and is not on the radar screen of buyers – individual or institutional – who are locked into Glock or Glock’s arch competitor in that market, the Smith & Wesson Military & Police pistol.

SIG’s next foray into the polymer pistol market was the P250. Its selling point of interchangeable frame sizes, calibers, etc. was not what the law enforcement market was looking for. While it had an excellent double action only trigger, it was markedly different from the short-throw triggers cops were being trained on with Glocks and M&Ps at their departments, and police interest was scant.
SIG finally decided to meet the striker-fired polymer pistols on their own ground.
P320 development

Superstar engineer Ethan Lessard led the project of what would become the P320 pistol. The early versions were done on the P250 format, with the first two prototypes being a “straight drop in” for the P250 production line. A button takedown was designed: Lessard told me, “SIG protocol is for the user to HAVE to remove the magazine and HAVE to lock the slide to the rear to begin disassembly.”

Sig P320 Carry Nitron.
SIG P320 Carry Nitron.

Stagnant for a time, the striker-fired pistol project resumed in 2011. One prototype was, said Lessard, “Way, way outside the norm for striker-fired guns because it cocked on opening like a hammer-fired pistol. Most striker-fired pistols cock on closing.” Eventually, Lessard and SIG chose to make their new pistol cock on closing, too.

The result is a good-feeling pistol with its own distinctive look, lively in the hand, with the relatively low bore axis which the striker-fired concept promotes. This results in less muzzle rise and therefore less time between accurate shots.

As was necessary for the market SIG wants to penetrate with it, the P320 has a consistent trigger pull for every shot. Lessard tells me that trigger pulls will be able to be adjusted for weight by replacing parts, giving end-users and departments the option of trigger pulls in the 5.5-pound to 7.5 pound range. Price should be competitive with the Glock and the M&P.

I handled the early model in June of 2013, but did not have the opportunity to test-fire it. Introduction of the P320 took place at the SHOT Show in January of 2014. This pistol will definitely be an important chapter in the history of SIG-Sauer.

SIG Talk: Explore Reviews, Tips, and Insights

Incredible Long-Range Shooting Benchmarks Set at Whittington U

By
Elwood Shelton
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0

Long-Range Shooting Benchmarks Set at Whittington U.Milking all of the ballistic potential out of a rifle has a certain attraction, for obvious reasons.

Connecting with targets exceeding the 1,000-yard range is both an analytic and physical challenge. The mental side demands the ability to quantify environmental factors then apply them to dial in the shot. Physically, breath and body control are paramount in the bullet reaching its target.

Those assets and abilities must have been on full display in April at Whittington U’s School of Extreme Long Range. In the school’s inaugural Masters Course a handful of shooters pulled off what can only be described as incredible shots.

Braving wind and snow during the three days of instruction at the Whittington Center outside Raton, N.M., five students established breathtaking benchmarks for the course using a variety of precision rifles:

  • Billy Carter: .375 Cheytac. Carter achieved back-to-back confirmed impacts on a 1 MOA Target (36 inch by 36 inches) at 2.07 Miles in a 9 round shooting iteration!
  • George Costello: .338 SnipeTac. Costello achieved one confirmed impact a 2.07 miles.
  • James Elmore: .375 Cheytac. Elmore achieved two confirmed impacts at 2.07 miles in two separate Measured Courses of Fire.
  • Gerald Guzman: .416 Barrett. Guzman achieved two confirmed impacts at 2.07 miles in two separate 5 round Measured Courses of Fire on a 4 MOA Target (12 feet by 10 feet).
  • Bruce Mansur: .375 Cheytac. Mansur achieved one confirmed impact at 2.07 miles in a six round shooting iteration.

Shooters utilized a non-typical range to accomplish their breathtaking marksmanship – the Whittington Center's Backcountry Training Area. The range is situated in the hill and canyon country surrounding the center and boasts three ranges: 2,000-yard known distance range, 2,800-yard high angle and unknown distance range and a 3,650-yard unknown distance range.

The Master Course is a continuation of Whittington’s School of Extreme Long Range, which previously had three courses. The original course included introductory instruction on long-range shooting, shooting from different positions, high-angle shooting, shooting at unknown distances and other long-range shooting concepts.

Long-Range-Shooting

Gun Digest Book of Long-Range Shooting, 2nd Edition

 

Market Trends: No Middle Ground for Hunting Rifles

By
Brian McCombie
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0

Savage Arms Axis Stainless XP hunting rifleEdward Wilks — The Tradesman, Rifle, Colo.

Price points on hunting rifles run the gambit, from dirt cheap to top dollar.

Customers of one gun retailer in the heart of Colorado's big-game country have wanted one or the other over the past few months.

The Tradesman does a huge business in centerfire hunting rifles, but has seen little demand for mid-priced firearms.

There have really only been three firearms that customers have been snapping up, owner Edward Wilks said: Quality used rifles, entry-level center fires and top-end rifles by custom manufacturers.

The used rifles and the entry-level models ring up in the $320 to $350 range. The new rifles – such as Savage AXIS, Remington 770 and Mossberg 4X4 – in many cases come outfitted with a scope at that price point.

The “hot rod” rifles, built by custom shops such as Burlington, Wyoming's Gunwerks are a whole different animal. The specially tuned firearms ring up in the $4,000 to $6,000 range.

Outside of the top and bottom ends, Wilks is having to beat the bush to find any buyers.

“I’m not moving anything in the middle price ranges,” Wilks said. “It’s really weird.”

Meanwhile, shotgun sales have dropped off the map.

Wilks was selling decent numbers of tactical Mossberg 590’s and Remington 870’s earlier in the year, plus some upland game models.

Now?

“I can’t give one away!” he said.

Editor's note, this brief originally appeared in the Dec. 30, 2013 edition of Gun Digest the Magazine.

matering-long-range-shooting

Mastering the Art of Long Range Shooting

You’ll love this long range shooting guide if:

  • You are at any skill level and want to learn more about improving your accuracy
  • You’re interested in the science behind shooting long distance
  • You want to meet and beat standards for competitive shooting, hunting, and battle

The Reloading Scale and Ammo Accuracy

By
Philip Massaro
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1
RCBS 505 Reloading Scale
Photo courtesy Massaro Media Group and JNJphotographics

The reloading scale is one of the most used tools on the bench and one of the most important in producing accuracy. Master reloader Philip Massaro goes over what you need to know about reloading scales in all their iterations.

As reloaders, we usually strive to make the most accurate ammunition we can. Part of that equation is being able to accurately measure powder, bullets and cases. That's where the reloading scale comes in.

A reloading scale is an integral part of our gear, and one that you’ll use almost every time you sit down at the bench. Powder charges, most certainly, must be weighed. Even the best powder dispensers need to have their volumes of powder checked on a scale. Accuracy hounds will weigh their brass cases, and I even weigh my projectiles when I want the tightest groups possible.

Now, there are two types of scales available to the reloader: the traditional balance beam scale, and the digital scale. The balance beam scale use gravity, a wonderful feature of this world that never wears out and requires no electricity to function. Many reloading companies make good scales, and I’d recommend you purchase at least one balance beam scale, of the highest quality you can afford. I like two models in particular: the RCBS 505 and the Redding No.2.

The RCBS 505 is an accurate balance beam, made with an alloy frame and an aluminum pan. The scale can measure up to 511 grains, and the beam can be adjusted to 1/10th of a grain. The wheel adjustment allows the user to accurately set the scale to zero, and the graduations on the beam are clearly marked in a black on white contrasting color scheme. This is good for aging eyes like mine own!

The 505 also features magnetic dampening, to better settle the measurements. Main measurements are in ten grain increments; while two fine adjustments allow the user to adjust for both one grain and 1/10th grain increments. I’ve owned two RCBS 505s that have served me well for decades.

The Redding No. 2 is built like a tank. A steel frame, milled and hardened steel knife edges and bearing surfaces are some of the deluxe features that Redding provides. The No. 2 also has a cool feature on the zero-pointer end of the scale that indicates how much over or under the measurement is, and it is graduated in 1/10th grain increments. This is a very useful feature when weighing bullets or cases for ultimate accuracy. I’m a big fan of this particular scale.

RCBS Chargemaster powder measure an reloading scale
Photo courtesy Massaro Media Group and JNJphotographics

The digital age has wormed its way into the reloading world also. Digital scales have come a long way since their introduction, and my initial experiences with them weren’t good. A digital scale from Cabela’s came as a gift, and I had one heck of a time getting it to calibrate properly and maintain its zero. It would fluctuate wildly, and became a source of frustration.

See, the thing with digital scales is that they use load cells and strain gauges to measure weight. They are especially influenced by moving air currents. But, as I’ve said, they have come an awful long way. I frequently use the RCBS Chargemaster 1500 for my work, although I still check every ten loads with my balance beam scale. The LED displays on the digital scales are easier to read than a balance beam, especially for the novice. Digital scales are also capable of weighing heavier charges than a balance beam scale.

No matter your choice (and I’d be willing to bet you’ll invariably end up owning both!), I’d recommend picking up a quality set of scale weights to accurately calibrate your scale.

Stag Arms Introduces 300 Blackout Uppers

By
Elwood Shelton
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1

Stag 300 Blackout uppers

It seems everyday the 300 ACC Blackout moves more and more into the shooting world's mainstream.

In recent years, the relatively new round has enjoyed an explosion of fans enthralled with larger-caliber AR option. Gun and ammunition manufacturers have responded, minting new lines to keep up with demand.

One of the most recent has been Stag Arms. The Connecticut-based manufacturer recently announced it has expanded its line of uppers to include the 300 BLK, which has the potential to be a popular move for the company.

Not only is Stag jumping on the  round's bandwagon, but is doing so at a reasonable price. The new uppers can be purchased in 300 BLK for an additional $50, and are available in three different models – 1, 2, 2T and 3 series. The MSRP for the uppers will run around $595 to $835.

Outside of caliber, the uppers have the same specs as the other Stag models chambered .223/5.56x45mm NATO.

Like its smaller-caliber cousins, the 300 BLK uppers boast 4140 steel barrels that come chrome lined to ensure durability. The barrels are cut to a 1:7 twist rate, allowing them to work with bullet weights common to the caliber. And the direct impingement systems are outfitted with robust magnesium phosphate coated bolt carriers.

The uppers come decked out with an assortment hardware that can easily be upgraded. The 300 BLK models come standard with A2-style flash hiders that can be swapped out for one Stag’s compensators. The uppers also have thermoplastic mil-spec handguards, the system can be changed for a Diamondhead Drop In Versabase or Samson Free Float Rail.

Where Stag goes a little above and beyond is offering the option of some popular accessories. The company gives the option of adding a Steamlight flashlight to an upper and two different optics – EOTech or Trijicon.

While the standard options and extras have the potential to turn a few heads, it's the caliber that should steal the spotlight. There have been a number of new calibers to come out for the AR platform over the past few years, but the 300 BLK has proven the most popular.

Much of the Blackout's fan base has been won by offering a .30 caliber option for the AR, without sacrificing magazine capacity. But the 300 has a couple other facets that has endeared it to its growing public.

One of the most favored aspects of the Blackout is the versatility of its ammunition. The caliber's supersonic rounds are designed to closely match 7.62x39mm ammunition, giving it plenty of stopping-power punch. But it is also eminently suppressible when shooting subsonic rounds, making it a top option with special operations.

There a plenty of reasons why the 300 Blackout has won the hearts of shooters. And with Stag offering an affordable option to own the caliber, the Blackout should only continue to grow in popularity.

ar-ultimate

Ultimate AR-15 Collection

 

Gun Values Research Enters the ­21st Century

By
Corey Graff
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0

FInd Guns Gun Value App.

Instantly research Standard Catalog of Firearms pricing data on your mobile device or desktop computer.

Gone are the days of relying on someone at a gun show or gun store to divulge the true value of a firearm, thanks to the new Find Guns application from Gun Digest. It’s available to anyone with a mobile device or computer.

While some gifted people are like walking encyclopedias of gun knowledge, we lesser mortals need some help. The Find Guns app empowers the rest of us to buy and sell guns with confidence — like being escorted by your very own gun-collecting expert.

A $3.99 monthly subscription gives you complete access to more than 110,000 gun value listings from the massive Standard Catalog of Firearms. For the best value, an annual subscription for $19.99 is available.

If that’s not your cup of tea, Find Guns can be used for free as a gun show finder. This allows you to search events by location, date and mileage.

“In the past, there hasn’t been an efficient way to keep pricing information handy at gun shows,” said Jim Schlender, publisher of Gun Digest. “Find Guns is the next generation of gun price guides. It offers our trusted gun pricing information through something most people carry around already — a smartphone.”

Knowledge is Power

Find Guns delivers the most critical thing you need to buy and sell guns — information. You can browse guns by manufacturer and make, view photos and descriptions, get gun values of firearms in six condition grades (from New-in-Box to Poor) and save guns you’re watching in your Favorites folder for future reference.

Not knowing the value of a gun by condition can impact its price by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That’s why the Find Guns app can pay for itself with the first gun you buy. You’ll know what that firearm is actually worth, giving you the upper hand in negotiations.

“[Find Guns is] worth it for the gun show listings alone – and now they added prices from the Standard Catalog of Firearms,” wrote Greg K., a recent online reviewer. “Prices are good, cheaper than the book, which now I won't have to carry.”

Find Guns is available for the iPhone and iPad at the iTunes Store; for Android devices at the Android Market at Google Play; and on desktop computers by logging in at app.gundigest.com (works best in Chrome or Safari browsers)

Find-Guns-FeaturedHow to Use Find Guns

Step 1: Get Find Guns
• Download the free Find Guns app in the iTunes store
• Download the free Find Guns app in the Android or Google Play store
• Go directly to app.gundigest.com on a computer or mobile device

Step 2: Choose a Subscription
• $3.99 for monthly subscription
• $19.99 for annual subscription

Step 3: Research Gun Values
Don’t Forget: Gun Show Finder is Free
• Even if you don’t want to pay for gun values research, it’s still worth it to download the free apps or go to app.gundigest.com. The gun show finder is free to use and regularly updated.

Secure Your Firearms with these Gun Safes

By
Gun Digest Editors
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0

You've spent a lot of money to build your gun collection, now you've got to keep your investment in tip-top shape. Keep your firearms safe and sound with these top gun safe options, offering security worthy of any bank.

Cannon Scout 33

Cannon Scout 33 Gun Safe

Protect firearms, as well as personal items such as electronics, in this 12-gauge steel constructed safe with a 4-inch steel composite door. The safe is rated at 1200 degrees for 30 minutes and comes predrilled for bolting to the floor for added security. Access the upholstered interior through the commercial grade Type 1 electronic lock. When storing laptops or tablets, keep them charged with the Scout’s internal power supply system that boasts two 110 power outlets, a USB port and an RJ45 Ethernet connection. The Scout 33’s internal measurements are 57 1/4″ x 38 1/2″ x 18 3/4″ for 32.7 cubic feet of storage. (MSRP $1,399; www.cannonsafe.com)

 

Fort Knox Titan

Fort Knox Titan Gun Safe

Fort Knox combined their most popular options into one safe to create their top-of-the-line Titan Series. The safe is rated for 1,680 degrees for 90 minutes and boasts a 1 ¾-inch reinforced fire door, 3/16-inch thick steel construction with an internal 10-gauge steel reinforced liner and up to 20 1 ½-inch diameter active door locking bolts. Fort Knox calls it a “vault within a vault.” It’s accessed using an S&G Group II manipulation resistant lock, spy proof and key lock dial. Carpet lines the sides and interior door and the inside includes a door organizer and dehumidifier. Available in four models ranging from 25 cubic feet to 57 cubic feet of storage and with a variety of options including 19 exterior colors and three interior ones. ($4,500-$7,500; www.ftknox.com)

 

 

Browning Pro Series Silver

Browning Pro Series Silver Gun Safe

The entry level safe in Browning’s Pro Series, the Silver doesn’t scrimp on mind-easing security features. The safe is made from an 11-gauge steel body and is secured with a 1 5/16-inch Duo-Formed door with a full inner-plate for added strength and 1 ¼-inch door bolts. The safe is rated to withstand heat up to 1,200 degrees for 75 minutes. New for 2013, the Pro Series line safes boast the versatile, yet durable, Axis Adjustable Shelving, which allows owners to maximize the internal space of their safe to meet their specific storage needs. Additional interior features include the DPX Barrel Rack with Scope Saver, DPX Handgun Pouches, an elevated floor for easier removal of long guns and more. Available in six configurations for storing between as many as 29 and 43 long guns. ($2,249-$3,599; www.browning.com)

Gunsmithing the AR-15 Vol. II

Gunsmithing the AR-15 Volume 2

Gunsmithing – The AR-15 Volume 2 by Patrick Sweeney takes everything that made the first edition fantastic, and adds even more details and information. You’ll not only learn about the operation of the AR-style rifle, but you’ll also find out how to perform simple maintenance and repair in order to extend the life of your firearm, and save on trip to the gunsmith. You’ll enjoy this AR-15 guide if:

  • You read and enjoyed Gunsmithing – The AR-15
  • You’re an AR-15 owner and want current information on your firearm
  • You’re interested in the accessories available for the AR-15

Study Suggests Red-Dot Optics Improve Pistol Accuracy

By
Elwood Shelton
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3

Trijicon RMR OpticsHours spend honing a sight picture. Countless dry fires developing the proper trigger pull. Weekends planted at the shooting range making it all come together.

There are few things shooters obsess over more than accuracy. Unfortunately, there are few shortcuts in developing tack-driving precision when behind the trigger. Or is there?

A recent study by James E. Ryan and Robin Adler suggests there might be one accessory that will tighten up a handgun shooter’s groups in a hurry – a red dot sight. The criminology professors at Vermont's Norwich University came to this conclusion after running a comparative study between the optic and iron sights.

Ryan and Adler had 27 students shoot a four-stage pistol course (go to the study via SoliderSystems.net for a more detailed explanation of each stage) using a Glock 19 9mm on IDPA cardboard targets. The academics divided the targets into three zones: Zone 1 center mass, Zone 2 an octagon just outside center mass and Zone 3 the periphery of the target.

IDPA target and zones used in optics studyWhen everything was said and done, the students shooting with a red dot optic –  a Trijicon Ruggedized Miniature Reflex sight – proved much more accurate.

While there was little overall difference in the two groups connecting with the target, those outfitted with the red dot had a higher percentage of shots drill Zone 1. From Ryan and Adler's numbers, red dot shooters connect on center mass 58 percent of the time over the course, compared to 42 percent for iron sights.

Shooters connecting with the eight-inch center circle more often with a red dot won't come as a surprise in certain corners of the shooting world. Gabe Suarez, tactical instructor for Gunsite Academy, for instance, has become an advocate of the optic. And anybody that follows 3-Gun knows the accessory has been commonplace in the competitive circuits for some times now.

The reasons why red dots outperform their traditional counterparts are no mystery. As Ryan and Adler detail, the optics promote a slew of habits that make shots more efficient and accurate:

[A]n illuminated red dot might make shooting with both eyes open easier. This kind of aiming aids situational awareness and reduces ‘tunnel vision.’ Furthermore, a red dot can eliminate ‘eye sprint,’ the constant focusing and refocusing on the front sight, rear sight and target to get a properly aligned sight picture. A red dot allows the shooter to simply place the red dot on the target.

What Does it Take to Win the Junior Olympic Women’s Air Rifle Competition?

By
Gun Digest Editors
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0

by Jeanie Sobieck, special to Gun Digest

Abby-Votava
Abby Votava takes aim. (USA Shooting photo usashooting.org)

Abby Votava, 17, earned Gold at the Junior Olympic Women’s Air Rifle Competition. The event took place at her home range, Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, CO, April 2014. The accomplishment earned her a place on the National Junior Development Team, international competition opportunities, and potential college scholarships.

The Path

Votava started recreational shooting at a young age and when a friend invited her to try air rifle at 12, she was hooked on a sport most people don't know exists. This was Abby’s fifth national competition.

Gear

Votava shoots a Walther LG-300 PCP, built in Germany. She wears a Monard, custom made in Sweden, canvas-leather jacket and pants with stabilizing flat bottom boots. This outfit gives support to her body and rifle.

Practice

The Olympic Training Center, minutes from home was helpful but not essential. Practice occurs twice a week. “Every day I'm not at the range I work on strength and conditioning at a gym or park. A strong body allows more endurance while competing. I also do holding exercises to strengthen my hold without supportive gear.”

Qualifier

You have to do well in a qualifier match to be eligible for National Junior Olympics. Votava placed first in the Colorado State Junior Olympics match in January.  “To do well, takes practice,” says Votava. “You have to focus with a lot of people around. Small club matches helped me prepare.”

Competition

The 2014 National Junior Olympic competition consisted of men and women rifle and pistol events. Votava competed in the Women's 10 meter air rifle with 108 women.

Benefits

“Shooting air rifle has really helped me see potential. Just having a great amount of determination can simply get you far.”

What’s next?

“Shooting is something I want to compete in during college, and for a long time after that,” says Votava. First and second place winners join the National Junior Development Team. Votava will compete in May and June in Fort Benning, Georgia. These are qualifying matches for the Junior Olympic and Open World Cup to be held in Spain in September.

Advice

Abby says, “Even the slightest motivation to shoot competitively will turn into the biggest addiction. If you want to shoot, don't wait to get started! If there isn't a shooting club near you, consider talking to friends and see what you can get started!”

Market Trends: Smaller Revolvers for Women Thinking Self Defense

By
Brian McCombie
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0

Smith & Wesson Model 642 Defensive RevolverDeb Cheek — Plainfield Shooting Supplies, Plainfield, Ind.

Women seeking self-defense handguns are a growing segment of the customer base at Plainfield Shooting Sports, in turn some more of the retailer's diminutive handguns have been popular.

Many ladies have tended to buy small J-frames revolvers, like the Smith & Wesson 642 at $389. There have been some functional reason behind women favoring wheelguns.

While semi-automatics get some interest, revolvers are easier for women to operate, Deb Cheek, co-owner of Plainfield Shooting Supplies said. Plus, a hammerless 642 slides in and out of a purse easily.

“You put a laser on one of these small revolvers, and the ladies snap them right up,” Cheek said. “They love that red dot.”

The tactical surge may have died down elsewhere, but it’s still going strong here, especially for AR-style rifles and shotguns with rails and extended magazines.

Part of the demand has been generated by 3 Gun shooters searching for a competitive edge. Hunters have also made up a significant segment of the market, as they continue to make the switch from bolt-guns to the handy AR’s.

Editor's note, this brief originally appeared in the December 30, 2013 Gun Digest the Magazine.

12 Essentials of Concealed Carry

12 Essentials of Concealed Carry

Are you considering getting your concealed carry permit? Then you need this download. Author, gunsmith and firearms instructor Grant Cunningham takes you through the basics of CCW in the 12 Essentials of Concealed Carry. Cunningham cuts through the fog of concealed carry, giving you the fundamentals of what it takes to carry effectively and responsibly.

Primers, First Stage of Ignition

By
Philip Massaro
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0

Primers-in-the-Primer-TrayNo matter what, primers are the one piece of reloading gear that we reloader cannot create. In a pinch, we can cast our bullets from lead and wheel weights, reuse our brass cases numerous times, and those well versed in basic chemistry can even make crude black powder. But the primers leave us at a loss.

Now, I’m not trying to sound like a doomsday prepper, but I am trying to illustrate the importance of the those tiny little metal cups filled with the almost magical compound that makes things go bang.

Primers come in two sizes: large and small. Each of these sizes comes in two different designations, Large Rifle and Large Pistol, Small Rifle and Small Pistol. Large rifle and Large Pistol primers are 0.210” in diameter, while Small Rifle and Small Pistol primers are 0.175” in diameter, so you can visually see the difference between the sizes.

What you can’t see is the difference between rifle and pistol primers; and that difference is the hardness of the primer cup. Rifle primers have a much thicker cup than do pistol primers, to compensate for the huge difference in pressures between the two.

Each of the four types also come in a “magnum” variety, designed to give a hotter spark which will ignite the larger volumes of powder associated with magnum cases. It is important to read your reloading manual very carefully, as some standard cases will use a magnum primer when heavier loads are used.

“Benchrest” primers are marketed as being much more uniform in their construction. If you find a difference when using them, so be it, but I’ve produced some very accurate ammunition with standard grade primers, and in the tens of thousands of rounds I’ve loaded, I can count the times a primer has failed on one hand.

Once your loads are developed, be careful switching brands of primers. There is a performance difference, albeit slight, between the brands, and this can have an effect on pressure levels and accuracy. Where one powder/bullet combination proved safe with primer X, it may generate dangerous pressures with primer Y.

Assortment-of-Primers

If you do need to switch primers (and this is mostly due to unavailability of your chosen brand), you should start load development again with a lesser powder charge, and build up to the previous load, watching for high pressure signs (cratered primers, difficult extraction, etc.) and verifying that the change hasn’t degraded your accuracy.

And one other note: be very careful to keep your primers in their original packaging and containers. Once they’ve been jumbled up, in is not only impossible to visually identify whether or not they are pistol, rifle, benchrest, magnum, or what have you.

I also make good use of a primer tray when installing primers in my resized cases. The little grooves keep the primers where I put them whilst I’m priming cases, and prevents them from rolling off the bench and onto the floor, where they inevitably roll into every dark corner and crack and crevice they can find their way into!

More From Philip Massaro:

Handloader's DigestHandloader's Digest 19th Edition
By Philip Massaro
The publisher of the “World’s Greatest Gun Book” is proud to announce the return of “World’s Greatest Reloading Book.” Whether it’s information on this year’s new ammunition reloading equipment or an in-depth article on obscure wildcat cartridges, you’re certain to find what you’re looking for in this authoritative annual. Get it here

The Sporting AR: Ideal for Hunting?

By
Doug Howlett
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4
From the Mauser to the AR-15, hunters are following the historical trend of applying military rifles to sporting purposes. Patrick Hayes Photo
From the Mauser to the AR-15, hunters are following the historical trend of applying military rifles to sporting purposes. Patrick Hayes Photo

Today’s battle-tested tactical rifle is more than ready for the woods.

Many of the increasing features that make the AR-platform ideal for combat are also lending themselves to sporting purposes as well. For instance, the Colt LE6920MPFDE, which boasts flat dark earth colored furniture, blends great with the woods and most outdoor environments. Chambered in 5.56 and topped with a variable magnification optic, it’s a great varmint gun and with the right loads, will do serious damage or hogs as well.
Many of the increasing features that make the AR-platform ideal for combat are also lending themselves to sporting purposes as well. For instance, the Colt LE6920MPFDE, which boasts flat dark earth colored furniture, blends great with the woods and most outdoor environments. Chambered in 5.56 and topped with a variable magnification optic, it’s a great varmint gun and with the right loads, will do serious damage or hogs as well.

Predator Performance

With their ability to deliver tack driving performance, cycle rapid follow-up shots, cool quickly and shoot heavier bullets in a .223-sized caliber thanks to the higher barrel twist rates most ARs have over more traditional arms of the same caliber, it is no surprise that ARs first found a home in the hunting world among predator and varmint hunters.

The fact that much of that type of shooting and hunting revolves so keenly around ballistic performance and fine tuning of a particular firearm to work in concert with optics, rests and the shooter’s own abilities also played a significant role in the varminters' embracing of tactical rifles.

Whether a shooter is perched in the bed of a pick-up truck and settled on a bench overlooking a troublesome prairie dog town or hidden among the brush, working coyotes to the gun, the end game for the predator shooter is to be able to fire a lot of shots. Predators and varmints are not bound within bag limits like much larger and even some smaller game. That means a guy also has to be able to afford to shoot.

Before ARs became all the rage and demand soared for the guns, .223 ammo was relatively inexpensive when compared to some of the more specialized cartridges. This also enhanced the rifle’s popularity.

However, when AR demand soared, ammo costs for the rifle rose with it as the rounds became scarce. Don’t forget that our military was also embroiled in battles on two fronts at this same time, requiring a significant demand for much of the same materials and production facilities that produced ammunition for civilians.

Fortunately, for today’s tactical hunter, ammo makers have been able to ramp up production so that .223 ammunition is once again easily obtainable and available at a reasonable cost.

Built for Bigger Game

With the light recoil, simple operation and reputation of reliability, the AR plstform appeals to shooters of all kinds, and the customizations are almost limitless. Patrick Hayes Photo
With the light recoil, simple operation and reputation of reliability, the AR plstform appeals to shooters of all kinds, and the customizations are almost limitless. Patrick Hayes Photo

Few hunters are so specialized that they don’t hunt other types of game. While the growth in predator hunting and interest in tactical rifles seemed to have moved in lock step with one another, arguably making predator hunting the fastest growing type of hunting today, its number of adherents is still far dwarfed by those who pursue the king of all game animals—the white-tailed deer.

Of course, check any shooting website message board and you will find those sportsmen who advocate the .223 as a dependable caliber for deer-sized game, but most hunters feel the cartridge leaves too little room for error. It’s not a great caliber for breaking through heavy shoulders or other bones. Even a lung shot can fail to deliver the penetration and transfer of hydrostatic shock essential to depressurizing a deer’s circulatory system and spreading rapidly terminal damage. The .223 caliber is even illegal for deer hunting in many areas.

But that isn’t hindering big game hunters from going tactical. For the deer hunter, there is, and always has been, the heavier AR-10, Eugene Stoner’s original AR creation that shoots the 7.62 mm or .308.

The .308 has long been one of the more popular cartridges among deer hunters and one of the most effective. It’s a proven performer and readily available in nearly any gun shop. Ammo choices are abundant with bullet offerings ranging from 125 to 180 grains. The .308 also delivers excellent down-range performance, shooting flat out to 300-plus yards—and even farther for those capable enough.

While it didn’t pull much of the early attention of the .223-chambered rifles, the AR rifle capable of pulling big game duty has always been available. In addition to the .308, there are ARs available in .243, .260 Rem., .338 and more recently 6.8 SPC II and 300 AAC Blackout. There are even calibers as heavy as .450 and .458 capable of bringing down all manner of truly large game.

Indeed, following the insane rush to purchase AR rifles of the past four to five years, the market has regained some sanity. In fact, while overall demand for AR rifles continues to drive the long gun market, there is a current trend of interest in larger caliber AR rifles by sportsmen particularly interested in taking these tools hunting for deer and other large critters. It is a trend that is unlikely to slow any time soon.

This article is an excerpt from Modern Shooter Spring 2014 presented by Gun Digest.

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