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.
Watch Jerry Miculek make five shots in 0.8 Seconds with the Desert Eagle .50, a new World Record. Recorded in super high speed you can actually see the bullets screaming out of this awesome handgun!
When it comes to generating chatter in the gun community, few things can get jaws jacking like Glock. The Austrian-based manufacturer has a large fan base, always champing at the bit over what the company plans to introduce next. And perhaps as of late, no two handguns have produced more chatter than the new Glock 41 and 42.
Glock 41
Glock 41 The Glock 41 is the company’s answer to those who have wanted its take on a longslide .45 ACP. As Massad Ayoob points out in the video below, the Glock 41 is an amalgamation of features of the company’s other pistols. It has the similar frame to the Gen 4 Glock 21, with the slimmer slide of the practical/tactical Glock 34 and 35.
Glock 42 Glock fans have been after the company to produce a pocket-sized pistol for years. What the manufacturer has come up with, however, has already stirred the pot. Many expected the Glock 42 to be a single stack 9mm, instead the company chambered the pistol in .380 ACP.
According to Massad Ayoob in the video below, the reason why Glock went with .380 for the 42 was shootablity. The .380 gives the shooter more control and offers less recoil than a 9mm of the same size. As Ayoob points out, these are assets for someone with small or arthritic hands.
The Glock 42 is the smallest pistol the company has ever produced. Despite its petite size compared to its cousins, it is rather bulky in relation to other .380 ACPs. The Ruger LCP and Kahr P380, to name two, are much more diminutive in comparison. There is speculation the .380 will be a stepping stone in offering the Glock 42 in 9mm. But at this point that is little more than conjecture.
On a side note, this is not the first .380 Glock has produced. The Glock 25 and 28 are both chambered .380, but have only been available to law enforcement agencies.
What happens when the temperature dives to a frigid -27°F with windchills exceeding -55°F and you blast 1-gallon jugs of boiling water with a rifle? Answer: a massive cloud of water vapor which instantly freezes, turning into a cloud of snow.
The SR40 has an accessory rail for the attachment of things such as lights, lasers or even this pistol bayonet from LaserLyte.
The Ruger SR40 is a striker-fired handgun that offers a host of unique features, exceptional reliability, great ergonomics, and excellent accuracy. It is also modestly priced, with an MSRP of only $525.
The SR40 is a comfortably sized pistol that comes with two 15-round magazines and a handy loading tool.
Recently, the SR40 and SR40c were introduced in the super-popular .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge. This makes a lot of sense, since many justifiably think any defensive caliber ought to begin with a “4.”
Both frame sizes have their place, depending on the intended use. The compact models shave about .64-inch off the barrel and 3.1 ounces off the weight of the standard models. This is not to say the standard models are big. They’re not, but they are a bit larger than the compacts. All four versions have a coordinated set of synergetic features that produce a comfortable, efficient, and reliable shooting system.
The Ruger SR40 is striker-fired and offers a host of unique features, exceptional reliability, great ergonomics, and excellent accuracy. (I might mention that it is also modestly priced, with an MSRP of only $525.)
It features a glass-filled nylon grip frame. The pistol fits my hand like a glove, and—praise be—its angle is exactly the same as a 1911, important to those of us trained on the old .45. When I raise the SR40 to shooting position, the sights are pointed right at the target.
The trigger has a trigger safety lever that prevents firing unless the trigger is completely pulled. An ambidextrous manual safety is also provided at the rear of the slide, which not only prevents firing, but also locks the slide.
Its use is not required because, like most other DAO pistols, the gun is completely safe until the shooter picks it up and pulls the trigger. A flat loaded-chamber indicator, another safety feature, is on the top of the slide at the rear of the ejection port and sticks up when a round is loaded in the chamber.
The trigger pull on my test-fire sample was seven pounds, one ounce. It was a bit gritty at first, but, after a few break-in rounds, it smoothed right up. To me, it felt like a highly tuned revolver—just as a DAO pistol is supposed to—first shot to last. Additionally, the SR40 uses a unique link-less system to lock and unlock the barrel that differs from those pistols in the Ruger P-series. Movement of the slide fore and aft is slick and quick.
Combined with a grip frame that is extremely strong, lightweight, and very pleasing to the hand, felt recoil seems moderated. I also liked that the molded-in checkering on the grips, backstrap, and front of the grip, which provide a good handhold without sandpapering off your skin when firing.
While it was hard to pick a best load for the SR40, Hornady’s 155-grain XTP turned in the best combination of accuracy and muzzle energy.Highly visible three-dot sights adorn the SR40 slide. The front sight is dovetailed and is, thus, easily replaceable, if desired.
The trim little pistol weighs a mere 27.2 ounces with an empty magazine. Loaded with 15 rounds, it tips the scales at 36.4 ounces. The 4.1-inch barrel has six grooves with a 1:16 right-hand twist. Slides are made of either alloy or stainless steel, depending on finish. My test gun had the stainless slide, and I can report that it had a lustrous and uniformly brushed finish that is very attractive. A black nitride version is also available.
Another nice feature is the reversible backstrap. The pistol comes with the arched side out, but, if you prefer a flat backstrap (as you’d find with the original M-1911), just push out a little pin, turn the backstrap over, and reinstall. It takes all of about 30 seconds, if you go really slow.
The magazine release is ambidextrous. Thankfully, when it is pressed from either side, the magazine is instantly launched out of the grip like it’s jet propelled. Insertion of a magazine is slick and effortless.
The gun, by the way, is shipped in a hard plastic case with two 15-round magazines. The SR40 has a magazine disconnect system that prevents firing if the magazine is removed. The gun will “snap” with the magazine removed, but it won’t fire with a live round in the chamber.
The rear sight is held in a dovetail and is drift-adjustable for windage, click-adjustable for elevation. It provides a clean sight picture for fast, accurate shooting.
Also, the trigger pull is not the same with the magazine removed as when firing a loaded gun. Importantly, the owner’s manual specifically cautions that dry-firing a SR series pistol without a magazine “may result in damage or unnecessary wear to the magazine disconnect mechanism and/or striker,” and may get you exiled to the Gulag. In other words, don’t do it. The SR40 can be dry-fired without damage to the pistol, when an empty magazine is in place.
An accessory rail is provided at the bottom front of the grip frame, to which the user can hang all manner of accoutrements like a laser sight, high-intensity light, or a pistol bayonet. Up top, it seems to be an article of faith that all defensive pistols have fixed sights, never mind that they don’t always hit where they look and you can’t change them, but guess what? The SR40 has excellent three-dot sights with a fully adjustable rear.
There’s a click-adjustment screw for elevation and a set screw that must be loosened to drift the sight for windage. The rear sight adjustment worked like a charm, and it stayed put. Another revelation is that the width of the rear-sight notch is actually wide enough to see light on either side of the front sight. Both sights are dovetailed in place, so fussbudgets can install after-market replacements, if desired.
Hornady’s 155-grain TAP/FPD turned in this excellent group.
Field striping the pistol for cleaning is a breeze. First, make sure the pistol is unloaded, then lock the slide back and remove the magazine. Push the ejector down and forward—you can’t fieldstrip the pistol unless you do—then remove the takedown pin assembly and, while holding the slide, release the slide stop and ease the slide off the grip frame.
Field striping the SR40 is a snap. With the recoil spring and its guide removed, the barrel slips right out for easy cleaning.
Remove the guide-rod assembly and its spring, then remove the barrel. Reassembly is in reverse order. After the takedown pin is replaced and the slide is still locked back, the ejector then must be pushed up to its original position. This can be done either with your finger or simply by inserting the magazine back in place.
On the test range, the SR40 was accurate and reliable. I tested 13 factory loads and 20 handloads (see the results in the table). Mercifully, there was none of the “first shot out of the group” nonsense so common to many semi-autos. Reliability is absolutely paramount in any defensive pistol, and there was not one failure to feed, fire, or eject with any of hundreds of rounds I tested. Also, it was a lot of fun to shoot. Like Goldilocks said, “It’s not too small or too big, it’s just right.”
Overall accuracy of the SR40 was excellent. With either factory ammo or selected handloads, groups averaged from two to three inches for five shots at 20 yards from a rest; 10 loads handily beat two inches. This is outstanding accuracy for any defensive pistol.
Several loads with new “wonder” bullets offer an optimum combination of penetration and expansion, even through clothing or other barriers—essential for self-defense or law enforcement work—and muzzle energies exceeded 400 ft-bs.
The two mid-weight Hornady 155-grain loads were powerhouses, with the Custom XTP load registering a sizzling 1,152 fps and 457 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, and the TAP/FPD version close behind at 1,098 fps and 415 ft-lbs. The various 180-grain loads clocked about 900 to 980 fps, and the SR40 favored the Hornady 180-grain Custom XTPs and Winchester’s economical USA JHPs.
A bonus with all these rounds was the SR40’s excellent adjustable rear sight, which made switching loads easy. It was tough picking a “best” load, but I finally settled on the Hornady Custom XTP load, because of its excellent accuracy and a crunching 457 ft-lbs of muzzle energy.
I liked the performance of this pistol so much, I broke Gun Writer Rule No. 2*—“Never Buy Test Guns”—and sent Ruger a check. The SR40 is now my regular carry gun around the farm.
Its user-friendly ergonomics, quality construction, excellent accuracy, total reliability, and modest price make it worth a look for anyone considering a self-defense handgun—or just a neat auto pistol for lots of shooting fun.
Ruger SR40 Specifications Type: Striker-fired, semi-automatic, DAO pistol Caliber/Gauge: .40 Smith & Wesson Capacity: 15+1, two 15-round flush-fit magazines provided; 10-round versions available Barrel length: 4.14 inches, 1:16 right-hand twist six grooves Weight: 27.2 ounces (with empty magazine) Overall length: 7.55 inches Overall width: 1.27 inches Sights: Fully adjustable three-dot sights Finish: Brushed stainless steel (tested) or black nitride alloy steel slide; glass-filled nylon frame Stocks: Nylon, integral with grip frame MSRP: $529 Contact: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (www.ruger.com)
This article is an excerpt from the Gun Digest 2014 annual book.
Detroit's police chief recently made waves when he advocated people arm themselves for self-defense. In this video, economist John R. Lott, author of More Guns, Less Crime, explains why concealed carry is the most sensible position. Source: CNN Blogs
“The collectible firearms market is just wild right now,” says Ron Dickson, manager of National Gun Day gun shows. “For firearms in really good condition, the prices are going through the roof.”
A standard Henry rifle, for example, starts at $20,000 but $35,000 and up is more likely at his shows, attended by many sellers and collectors of antique firearms.
As prices have gone higher for pre-1900 firearms, Dickson says younger, less-affluent collectors are buying up military firearms from World War I and World War II. Lugers and 1911 .45’s from World War II are in big demand, with high quality M1 Garands and M1 carbines still available for under $1,000.
Magpul stock, grip and Pmag.Magpul Industries is bidding adieu to Colorado.
One of the nation’s largest magazine manufacturers announced Jan. 2, it is pulling up stakes from Erie after nearly 15 years in the Northern Colorado town. The company will move its corporate office to Texas and its manufacturing operations to Wyoming.
A rash of gun-control laws passed in Colorado in 2013 was the catalyst for the iconic gun accessories company’s move. One piece of legislation in particular struck at the heart of Magpul’s operations.
Among the new laws enacted included a prohibition on the sale of gun magazines that hold more than 15 rounds. The majority of Magpul’s magazines have capacities of 20 rounds or greater.
The law had language allowing the manufacture of magazines with capacities greater than 15 rounds in Colorado. But Magpul’s heads found little solace in fabricating a product in a state it was deemed illegal to sell.
“Moving operations to states that support our culture of individual liberties and personal responsibility is important,” Magpul CEO Richard Fitzpatrick said in a statement. “This relocation will also improve business operations and logistics as we utilize the strengths of Texas and Wyoming in our expansion.”
Magpul plans on transitioning 92 percent of its workforce outside of Colorado within the next 12-16 months. And it is not the only company set to move from the state due to the gun-control legislation.
Fort Collins’ HiViz Shooting Systems – sights and recoil pads manufacturer – and Littleton-based Ammo Kan have announced they will move to Laramie, Wyo., in 2014.
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.
