It’s all fun and games until your magazine runs dry.
Thanks to Caldwell’s new AR-15 Mag Charger, you can get back to the fun faster than ever, as in a full 30-round magazine in just seconds. Simply drop a 50-round box of .223, 5.56 or .204 ammo into the Mag Charger, snap a magazine into the slot and push, push, push the plunger.
Each stroke dumps five rounds into you magazine. It’s as simple as that.
The Mag Charger is compatible with all AR platform magazines in both mil spec and molded plastic and works on magazines of all sizes, including drum-type magazines. You don’t even have to touch a single round. No more shredded finger tips from sharp magazine edges. The Mag Charger is made of tough polycarbonate plastic. Check it out!
Recommended AR-15 Resources
Thinking about buying an AR-15 or decking yours out with all the bells and whistles? Then you need the Gun Digest Book of the AR-15 Series Set! Author and gunsmith Patrick Sweeney gives you an in depth look at the modern sporting rifle, helping you get a grasp on all of the AR's iterations, accessories and advancements. Make sure you get everything you want out of your AR-15 with this series. For more resources on guns, shooting and gun collecting check out GunDigestStore.com.
Blade-Tech wasted no time in introducing a selection of quality holsters for the new Glock 42.
The new concealed carry holsters for the Glock 42 are typical of Blade-Tech's line, meaning they are highly concealable and quite versatile. In fact, the holsters are ambidextrous, so you can position them at different spots on the belt for secure carry depending upon wardrobe.
Blade-Tech’s new Ambi-Eclipse holster will also come standard with the option to convert from an OWB (Outside the Waistband) to a deep concealment IWB (Inside the Waistband) with a simple turn of a couple screws.
Fans of Blade-Tech holsters have found them to be light and comfortable—while remaining tough and durable. These custom molded holsters should provide good retention on new Glock, while providing extremely fast presentation.
Benelli EthosThe first thing anyone does when they inspect a Benelli inertia driven shotgun is marvel at the smoothness of its action. The bolt glides in the receiver, almost like it was made of ice.
Benelli’s next generation of its inertia-driven line of guns is a fitting testament to what the company produces. The Ethos 12 gauge is as spectacular on the outside as it is on the inside. Stocked with AA-Grade European walnut – ergonomically cut – the the option of an anodized or nickel-plated receiver and strikingly blued barrel, the gun has the makings of a work of art.
Benelli aimed for such as masterpiece, but did not turn its back on engineering for pure aesthetics. The Ethos is the next generation of the renown Italian manufacturer's product. The highlight of the refined inertia drive is its easy locking system. A detent mechanism has been added to the bolt, ensuring its rotating head locks even when the bolt is eased forward without force.
A few other refinements in the Ethos include a new two-part carrier latch, beveled loading port and redesigned carrier to ensure faster and easier feeding. And a larger bolt release and easy access cartridge drop lever for speedy operation, even when wearing gloves.
Few semiautomatic shotguns look or operate in the same class as Benelli. With the introduction of the Ethos, the company can expect to maintain that distinction in the near future.
Similar to most Benelli products, the Ethos has a hefty price tag — starting price is $1,999. But as many smooth-bore fans know, Benelli is a brand that is typically worth the money.
OpenfireHD digital target-shooting systemTired of punching holes in paper? One innovative new product promises to bring your trip to the shooting range to a new level.
OpenfireHD System opens up the possibility of shooting zombies, dueling friends in speed-shooting competitions and thumbing rounds off a moving targets. The sky is virtually the limit with the digital target system with ranges able to program in their own targets, as well.
The system offer shooter reactive targets that respond when shot. So exploding targets actually explode when hit and deer tumble over when nailed with a kill shot.
OpenfireHD System does not rely on lasers or radio transmitters, just good old ammunition. In turn, the system helps shooters hone real-world skills, all while spicing up their trip to the range.
Let Gun Digest be your guide to the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show 2014 with this gun blogosphere roundup of the top 10 coolest new AR-15s and accessories from the show.
1. The New FN-15 Available to the Public
For a good number of years readers have been asking why FN won’t sell their AR platform to the public. Well, the wait is over: FN is now selling the FN-15 to the public. The MSRP is $1100 with a street price a bit lower as always. Models available will be the carbine with 16 inch barrel as well as the full size rifle with a 20 inch barrel. FN is well known for making high quality barrels and the FN-15 lives up to that standard. If I understand correctly the FN-15 barrel uses the same materials as the M-249 barrel. They expect a very long life from these barrels. Read more at The Firearms Blog
2. Magpul MIAD GEN 1.1 Grip
Magpul just announced their new MIAD (MIssion ADaptable) GEN 1.1 Grip. Available for both 5.56×45 (Type 1 kit) and 7.62×51 (Type 2 kit) rifles, it features both front ahd back interchangeable straps and is compatible with all Magpul storage grip cores. It’s made in the USA and retails for $35.95, it’s expected to be available right after SHOT Show 2014. Read more at The Firearms Blog
3. SIG 556xi Modular Rifle
Introduced at SHOT Show 2014, the SIG556xi can be changed to any of three calibers, 5.56x45mm NATO, 300 Blackout, and 7.62x39mm NATO. Users can also quickly change out the non-serialized lower receiver, allowing the use of either AR-style STANAG or rock-and-lock AK-style mags. Gun Digest has the story here (plus video)
4. Desert Tech Micro Dynamic Rifle (MDR)
Desert Tech has begun releasing pictures and some specifications of their new bullpup rifle they will be unveiling fully at SHOT Show. Some of the more interesting features are the ambidextrous nature of the rifle which sports a forward ejection mechanism for the spent brass. Another is that it's convertible between FIVE different calibers. Now that's pretty ‘dynamic.' Get more developments at Romeo Tango Bravo Blog.
5. NEW!! DRD Tactical G762 Rifle
7.62 NATO Caliber, Quick Take Down, Compact Carry Rifle DRD Tactical announces new for 2014 Model G762 Rifle, a quick takedown, semi-automatic rifle chambered in 7.62 NATO, which can be assembled from its hard-case orback-pack without any tools, in less than a minute. AR15News.com has more info…
6. Caldwell Mag Charger for AR Magazines
AR shooters from all around the country will stand in line to get this gadget. Sore thumbs are now history. If you're sick of handloading your AR-15 mags Caldwell has a nifty little device you're going to want. Watch the video demo at Down Range TV
7. Daniel Defense MK 12
The MK 12 produces down to 0.5′ groups with match grade bullets and is one of the hot new products introduced for 2014. Michael Bane takes a look from the floor of SHOT Show 2014. Watch the video
8. LWRC Razorback
The LWRC Razorback features all high end components and is chambered exclusively in 6.8 SPC — and designed around the cartridge. The gun was introduced just prior to the 2014 SHOT Show. There isn't much information available on it, but we were able to find some specs, images and video. Jump to the Gun Digest Sneak Peek
9.MPA300 Guardian .300 Win. Mag. AR-15
The MPA300 Guardian is my pick for best rifle at Media Day (the range day that proceeds SHOT Show). The elegant looking is approximately the same size and weight of the Army’s .308 Win. M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System but being chambered in .300 Win. Magnum it has up to twice the range and packs a much greater punch. This long-range shooter was The Firearm Blog's favorite gun from Media Day at the Range.
10. New from Armalite: AR-31 Rifle
It looks like everything is still all smiles and rainbows at Armalite after being rolled in with McMillan and Surgeon to form one massive rifle manufacturing company. This year’s new offering is the AR-31, a scaled down version of their AR-50 rifle that uses the same detachable magazines that work in their semi-auto AR-10 rifles. It feels great and works great, except for the trigger. It still feels square and slightly sharp, just like on the AR-30 rifle introduced last year, and the AR-50 before that. Learn more at the Truth About Guns Blog.
– You own an AR-15 and want to learn how to fix or upgrade it yourself – You're a professional gunsmith or are studying to become one – You want to maintain your AR-15 for years of rugged, dependable use
The LWRC Razorback features all high end components and is chambered exclusively in 6.8 SPC – and designed around the cartridge. The gun was introduced just prior to the 2014 SHOT Show. There isn't much information available on it, but here are some specs and images.
1. Proprietary upper and lower receiver optimized for the 6.8 SPC cartridge 2. Polymer high reliability 30-rd magazine with Hi-visibility follower 3. Enlarged ejection port allows unhindered ejection of the 6.8 casings 4. Skirmish Back-Up Iron Sights 5. Cold hammer forged barrel. 1:10 twist rate will stabilize a wide range of bullet weights and types. 6. 12” User Configurable Rail 7. LWRCI Compact stock w/ integral sling attachment point. 8. Short-stroke piston operation offers unparalleled reliability. 9. LWRCI Enhanced Fire Control Group: Our investment castings are x-rayed for inclusions prior to machining and nickel boron coated for a smooth crisp trigger pull with positive reset. 10. LWRCI Flash Hider 11. LWRCI Ambidextrous charging handle 12. Razorback Hog Image engraved on magwell 13. Model Designation – SIX8-RAZORBACK engraved on upper
Like its predecessor, Leupold’s DeltaPoint 2 is outfitted with motion-sensor technology, activating the optic’s red dot upon the gun’s movement. But the next generation optic has a few new twists. The DeltaPoint 2 allows more user control with manual brightness adjustments for the dot. And the optic includes a master on/off switch, allowing users to elongate battery life by completely powering down the unit when not in use. Luepold also promises a crisper sight picture, with a new lens coating eliminating virtually all dot bloom. The optic is available in 3.5-MOA or 7.5-MOA dot options.
Redfield Accelerator Reflex
Since Leupold acquired Redfield, the brand has been rising fast. This year is no different, with Redfield expanding its catalog to include red-dot optics. The Accelerator Reflex offers four illumination settings to adjust to any lightning environment. The optic also has a automatic shutdown feature, helping to elongate its battery life. The 6-MOA dot allows for a fast sight picture and the unit’s aluminum housing makes it a lightweight addition to a firearm. The Accelerator is compatible with Picatinny or Weaver-style rails.
Burris AR-1X Prism Sight
The AR-1X Prism Sight has been around for awhile, but the popular optic enters 2014 with a new look. Burris has outfitted the sight with a new reticle design, making it a more versatile option in low-power optics. The Ballistic CQ illuminated reticle – available in red, green and black – provides trajectory compensation out to 600 yards. But with 1X magnification, the sight allows for fast target acquisition and the ability to shoot with both eyes open. Burris promises the AR-1X is as rugged as the rest of its lineup, both water and fog proof.
Based on SIG's SG 550, the SIG556xi utilizes a rotating bolt and adjustable gas piston operating system, plus gives you the choice of caliber, barrel length, handguard/stock configurations and lower receivers. Yep, this puppy's adaptable.
A removable barrel gives you the option to select the necessary length for your application.
Its interchangeable bolts can be swapped to any of three calibers — 5.56x45mm NATO, 300 Blackout, and 7.62x39mm. You can also quickly change out the non-serialized lower receiver, allowing the use of either AR-style STANAG or rock-and-lock AK-style mags. Only the SIG556xi upper receiver is serialized.
Polymer handguards accept all Magpul light and rail kits, while the aluminum and carbon fiber handguards accept 2”, 4”, and 6” M1913 rails. Barrels are available in 10”, 14.5”, and 16”.
SIG556xi Russian.
The ambidextrous, SIG556xi features an ambi safety selector, magazine release and user swappable charging handle (right- or left-handed). Optional receiver end plates allow for the use of either AR receiver extension tubes and buttstocks or M1913 compatible stocks.
Thanks to a redesigned trigger package, the military and law enforcement versions of the SIG556xi are capable of full-auto fire in every caliber, including 7.62x39mm. The Russian lower has been thoroughly function tested with many available AK magazines, including US P.A.L.M.
Features
– 3-position adjustable gas piston operating system with rotating bolt – Swiss-style folding stock with removable cheek riser – Ambidextrous controls – Locking flip-up front and rear sights – Polymer handguard (compatible with Magpul® MOE® accessories) – Caliber convertible: 5.56 NATO / 7.62 x 39mm / 300 Blk
President Obama continues to be the best gun salesman in U.S. history, with new statistics released by the FBI showing gun sales shattering previous records.
If gun control advocates were wondering how willing Americans would be to give up their guns, they got their answer in new background check data released by the FBI recently.
It appears the more aggresively gun control is pushed the more guns people buy. That, of course, is no news to gun owners who felt the sting as the supply chain of AR-15s, handguns and ammunition ran dry last year.
But just how many guns were sold? How about 1.5 million more than the previous year:
The FBI has released new statistics on NICS background checks showing 2013 gun sales hit a new record. The total number of background checks conducted for gun sales last year add up to 21,093,273, beating the previous 2012 record of 19,592,303 by 1,500,970. Texas conducted the most background checks with 1,633,278. Kentucky came is second with 1,578,331 background checks conducted.
States that implemented more gun control measures in 2013 saw a spike in gun sales, especially in relation to population. Gun sales in Maryland doubled, going from 136,604 in 2012 to 231,361 in 2013. In 2012, Colorado conducted 414,838 checks, in 2013, there were 514,658. In Connecticut, 237,496 checks were conducted in 2012 and in 2013, 294,338 went through the system. Background checks in New York, home of the S.A.F.E. Act, also went up in 2013. Source: Townhall.com
Obama has recently released a new volley of executive orders aimed at controlling gun ownership. Yet it remains to be seen how serious these new gun control threats will be taken by American gun owners. When the gun sales for 2014 are tallied at the end of the year, we'll likely have our answer.
Ever wonder what Americans like to shoot? LuckyGunner.com gives us an idea about what our friends and neighbors are pulling the trigger on at the range and in the field.
The internet ammunition retailer crunched its numbers from 2013, figuring out where their money comes from. And for most firearms enthusiasts the results should come as no surprise — 9mm Luger and .223 Remington. The rounds accounted for nearly 31 percent of the company's revenues from the past year with the 9mm taking the crown as the overall most popular round (it has been the most used in America for awhile, according to Cartridges of the World), producing nearly a quarter of the retailer's revenue.
What was surprising was the .22 long falling into fifth place. Given how ubiquitous it is, the .22 long seemed to be a natural top-three, even with it being a relatively thrifty round to shoot. Since this list is revenue based, perhaps the round's place is a testament to exactly how light it is on the pocketbook.
While LuckGunner.com's look at ammo sales does not hold many surprises, its report on state-by-state visits does. Few will gasp over Texas topping the list, but some eyebrows might be raised over the No. 2 — California. Despite the state's spat of anti-gun legislation, the Golden State continues to thumb off rounds like few others.
The entire report is worth a read, especially for those involved with firearms and ammunition retailing. To be sure, it is not a definitive look at the market, but it gives a fairly authoritative glimpse at what and where American's are shooting.
For the firearms world, Tuesday through Friday is almost like Christmas 2.0. The SHOT Show is the first glimpse most get at what will hit the shelves at their local gun and outdoor stores in the coming months. The trade show, put on by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, is the largest firearms industry event of the the year. But exactly how big is it? The NSSF gives an idea about what will go down in Las Vegas' Sands Expo Center over the next few days in the infographic below. One quick gander at the numbers the SHOT Show generates and one word comes to mind — Wow!
No surprise that the Modern Sporting Rifle or MSR (which includes AR and AK rifle models) is currently the most popular rifle platform.
They have been among the best long gun sellers on store shelves in recent years and are now seen everywhere, from the competitive target range to the big game woods.
But did you know…
66 percent of MSR owners own two or more MSRs.
26 percent of MSR owners purchased their first rifle in 2012 or 2013.
Over 33 percent of those who own four or more MSRs purchased their first MSR prior to 1994.
Nine out of 10 MSR owners owned a handgun prior to their MSR.
35 percent of MSR owners are current or former military/law enforcement.
55 percent of MSR owners paid under $1,000 for their MSR.
36 percent of all MSR owners purchased their most recent MSR at an independent retail store or a gun show.
The average MSR owner is 35+ years old, married and has at least some college education.
For more than a year people have been snapping up ARs and semi-automatic rifles of every shape and size. Now the market focus has shifted for one online retailer. This winter, higher-end tactical accessories have been selling fast at Internet parts supplier Midwest Gun Works (MGW).
Top items are tactical upgrades to stock firearms, like the lightweight X-Ring replacement barrels for the popular Ruger 10/22, priced at $250 apiece. MGW owner Rich McGehee says the Ruger 10/22 & AR-22 LT Compensator ($35) is another very popular upgrade.
People who bought up AR’s last year are now looking for top-quality optics and Trijicon ACOG’s and MMR reflective sights are among MGW’s best-selling optics. Orders are very strong for tactical slings; MGW continually reorders Magpul add-ons and magazines.
You've got your CCW handgun, but before you start packing here are five things about concealed carry holsters you need to be aware of before you go armed.
1) Concealed Carry Holsters: Plan on Them Not Feeling Right…Yet
D.M. Bullard’s exotic holster is a beauty, but also note the reinforced belt loops and double stitching. It is made to last and withstand the many repetitions needed to achieve real speed and smoothness in practice.
Some effort is required to find the right concealed carry holster, but no matter what the choice, there is always an acclimation period.
Some handguns are more ergonomic than others, but few are completely devoid of sharp edges.
2) Don’t Spend All Your Money but Don’t Buy Junk
A quality concealed carry holster goes a long way toward making carrying a defensive handgun bearable. There are many choices, and some are readily available. Blackhawk, DeSantis, and Galco are among the best-known and most reliable mass-produced holsters.
There are fine concealed carry holsters that are custom made and that might be said to be examples of the maker’s art. These are not inexpensive and often take weeks, if not months, to obtain.
Still, while the concepts of inexpensive and high quality don’t always go together, there are good holsters offering a balance of value and cost.
3) Kydex is as Good as Leather
Leather is attractive, but these days, Kydex, a thermoplastic resin, is a more popular concealed carry holster material. (Do not confuse Kydex with ordinary cheap plastic, which isn’t durable enough for the rigors of concealed carry.)
There are tradeoffs inherent in Kydex, but there are also advantages. One of the biggest pluses is that the material is maintenance-free and impervious to solvents or moisture.
A tradeoff, if it can be called one, is that a leather holster maintains security on the long bearing surfaces of the pistol, while the Kydex holster keeps its grip primarily on the muzzle and trigger guard area. Of the downsides? Some say Kydex will wear the finish off a pistol quickly, but so does properly fitted leather.
4) Pick a Manageable, Accurate Caliber
The Ted Blocker crossdraw has earned the “classic” title, because it continues to work well with modern handguns. With practice, it is versatile and fast into action.
My choice in defensive handguns is based on many years of practical experience. Having been in the wrong place at the wrong time more than once, and having written quite a few reports concerning shootings and other mayhem, I am aware of the relative wound potential of different handguns.
I prefer the .45 ACP and the .357 Magnum. The .38 Special and 9mm+P are also realistic minimum calibers. I’ll always lean towards one that is manageable and accurate.
5) Examine Your Wardrobe
Concealing a serious defensive handgun under lightweight garments can be problematic. If the handgun is short and compact, an outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster under a sport shirt will work fine, but, for most of us, the inside-the-waistband holster (IWB) is superior.
Your covering garment is important. I have adopted a Kakadu sport shirt for much of my concealment needs. This shirt is made of Gravel canvas and has a leather collar. I admit it is stylish, but it also conceals a holster well without printing the outline of it for the world to see.
Is high-velocity ammunition for your handgun worth the extra cost? – John Q., Living Ready reader
High-Velocity Ammunition Answer
Good question, John. My opinion is, for the average shooter, probably not.
Handgun ammo comes in many different loadings within caliber. High-velocity ammunition varieties (often referred to as “+P”) come with higher combustion pressures and more sophisticated bullet designs.
Advanced projectiles upset more (increase their frontal area) to create a larger wound channel, and higher pressures produce more energy transfer into the human body. The desired result is faster incapacitation, and if you know you can handle it, this is a good thing. For experienced shooters the extra cost is well worth it.
What’s the Problem with High-Velocity Ammunition?
The problem is higher pressures bring more recoil and muzzle flash. In some loadings, this means a lot more recoil and flash. This is especially significant when the gun must be fired at night.
High-velocity handgun rounds can create a muzzle flash or “bloom” (especially in today’s shorty handguns) so distracting that it can take you out of the fight tactically by destroying your night vision.
With a lot of practice, you can learn to tolerate the recoil and using a tactical light properly can reduce the flash effects. In my experience, most civilians and many cops don’t practice enough to overcome either side effect of the high velocity loadings. The increase in stopping power may then be offset by poor shot placement. And if you have not fired your “duty round” in the dark, you really have no idea what you are carrying.
Standard Velocity Ammunition May Offer Better Results
I teach my rookies that the most significant factor in surviving a gunfight is the ability to put an aimed round of adequate ballistics in the center mass of the adversary before they get one into you. That doesn’t mean that you rush the shot. It means that you quickly decide you need to shoot and smoothly present the gun, acquire the front sight and press the trigger.
Plus P ammunition has no positive bearing on that dynamic, and in fact, may retard it. If you fear the recoil or flash of the weapon, you will likely not be smooth and decisive when it counts. A solid torso hit with a standard velocity hollow point is better than a miss with your super-zipper-zombie-zapper any day.
Ammo choices have also been complicated by the shortages caused by the recent panic buying situation. Most folks don’t store a lot of ammo and you may find that your usual loading has vanished from the shelves. If that happens, I recommend a lower velocity loading than a higher one as an alternative unless you can get quickly to the range and try out the new stuff.
I don’t want anybody to feel under-gunned with standard velocity loads. Shot placement trumps bullet energy, and there is no such thing as a guaranteed fight stopper pistol bullet. (Remember, a handgun is what you take if you don’t think you are going to get into a gunfight.)
So in a gun store with staff you trust, ask them to recommend a standard velocity, hollow point load and practice with it. If you practice regularly with the ammunition you use for personal defense you should be just fine. When in doubt, go with standard velocity.
(Note: If you are really interested in how bullets do their job and what actual autopsy data suggests are the best loads for your gun, get the definitive work in the field, Handgun Stopping Power, by Marshall and Sanow. It is very readable and I recommend it highly.)
And remember, please, every person has unique needs and capacities and every armed encounter is different. When developing your defensive tactics always get a second opinion.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
