Brownells is taking on the tactical flashlight market with a new line called Versatile lights. “They provide self-defense and tactical shooters superb illumination for all firearm mounted and handheld applications,” the company says.
The Versatile BVL160 and BVL280 lights have 1″ diameter, aircraft-grade aluminum bodies, making them compatible with most firearms light mounts. Mil-Spec anodizing provides durability and corrosion resistance for long service. “Our customers provided feedback about the operational features they require in a compact flashlight, and the new Brownells 160- and 280-lumen flashlights incorporate their design suggestions,” said Company CEO, Pete Brownell.
Other design features include: • Latest generation, high-intensity-LED XR-E Cree emitters combine high output and long run times • Tailcap switches allow for simple transitions from momentary to constant operation • Crenellated bezels protect the LEDs and allow the lights to serve as compliance devices if needed • Red, green and blue filters are included for preserving night-adapted vision, accommodating night-vision devices, or for locating organic fluids • Adjustable exterior O-rings to use as finger stops when employing “syringe grip” techniques • Three flats on the body provide a sure grip in Harries or FBI illuminating techniques • Spring-steel free spinning lanyard loops and lanyards aid retention and eliminate tangles when handling the lights off the gun
The waterproof Versatile lights ship with two CR-123A batteries and are ready to go out of the box. The new Brownells Versatile Light BVL160 #080-000-966, $59.99; and the Brownells Versatile Light BVL280 #080-000-967, $89.99, are available for pre-order at Brownells.com.
“Smart design suggestions from experienced users make these lights ‘versatile' choices for civilians and law enforcement,” continued Brownell.
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Over the last decade, California law enforcement agencies have allowed their officers to purchase their own rifles for on-duty use. Many of these rifles are considered “assault weapons” under California’s draconian gun laws, and therefore cannot be purchased or owned by civilians.
Additionally, these officers have been forced to turn in their rifles once they retire.
As reported by the Associated Press, “A lobbying group in California says it will pursue legislation [in 2012] that would allow police officers to keep assault weapons after they retire … the Peace Officers Research Association of California, which represents rank-and-file personnel, is reacting to an opinion issued last year by the state attorney general's office. It states that officers must turn in their weapons when they leave law enforcement work.”
“Over 7,600 officers have bought such firearms since the California began allowing the practice 10 years ago. The association's president, Ron Cottingham says that the attorney general's opinion punishes retiring officers who bought their own weapons while they were employed.”
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa announced that U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has been scheduled to testify on February 2 about the Department of Justice’s knowledge of, and response to, gunwalking that occurred in Operation Fast and Furious.
The Attorney General will be asked to address management deficiencies within the Department that occurred both during and after the conclusion of Operation Fast and Furious. This will include the Department’s steadfast refusal to disclose information following the February 4, 2011 letter to Senator Grassley, which the Department has withdrawn because it contained false information denying allegations made by whistleblowers about Operation Fast and Furious. The committee’s investigation has found documentation that numerous members of the Justice Department knew the letter to Congress contained false information both before it was sent and later withdrawn.
“The Department of Justice’s conduct in the investigation of Operation Fast and Furious has been nothing short of shameful,” said Chairman Issa. “From its initial denials that nothing improper occurred, to efforts to silence whistleblowers who wanted to tell Congress what really happened, to its continuing refusal to discuss or share documents related to this cover-up, the Justice Department has fought tooth and nail to hide the full truth about what occurred and what senior officials knew. Attorney General Holder must explain or reverse course on decisions that appear to put the careers of political appointees ahead of the need for accountability and the Department’s integrity.”
Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa and Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley have led the investigation into Operation Fast and Furious. In December 2011, the Justice Department explicitly informed the Committee that it would not deliver subpoenaed documents relating to Operation Fast and Furious created after February 4, 2011. In interviews with committee investigators, senior Justice Department officials who had management responsibilities for Operation Fast and Furious have also refused to answer questions about decisions and conversations that occurred after February 4, 2011.
The hearing will occur in 2154 Rayburn House Office Building. The start time has yet to be determined.
For more information about the committee’s investigation into Operation Fast and Furious, visit the website at www.FastandFuriousinvestigation.com.
Open loose-leaf binder with sheet protectors on right show the illustrated record of the firearm or item, and the backside of the previous record (at left) shows receipts, bills of sale, and other documentation stored behind each firearm or item in its sheet protector.
Increasing numbers of older gun collectors are becoming aware of a huge problem their heirs will face in the future: the (usually) ever-rising value of their collectible firearms. And as we all know, there are many unscrupulous folks out there ready and willing to “assist” your family in disposing of these valuable items.
So how can you protect your loved ones from falling victim to these predators? Using the following record-keeping method, you can make sure your heirs get full value from your collection after your demise.
Collectible guns have become much more than just a relaxing hobby. They’re now considered by most collectors and their families as a valuable part of their estates. Because your collection is a major asset that you might plan to pass on, it should be fully described and recorded in a manner in which you and your family members can find it quickly. Also, In case of loss due to burglary, fire or flood, this information can help you establish ownership and value of each item in your collection.
With a reasonable amount of luck, you’ll never experience a loss of your collection through theft or mishap. However, it’s a sure bet that some day, hopefully well in the future, the gaunt hooded gentleman carrying the scythe will come a-knocking at your door. In the unhappy event of your passing, your knowledge of each piece in your collection is suddenly lost. However, the procedure I’m outlining here will help those loved ones who will inherit your collection to obtain the highest possible value when they have to liquidate your collection. Your knowledge and help today can prevent a financial disaster tomorrow.
I began documenting my collection in earnest about five years ago. After a lot of thought and experimentation I came up with a solution for my personal concerns. Yours may differ. If this method does not fit you completely, you can easily tailor it to accomplish the same results. Use what is best for you and yours.
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to keep handy the latest edition available of Standard Catalog of Firearms (www.gundigeststore.com) or other reputable firearms value guides to give you, and your heirs, an up-to-date, current evaluation of most firearms. I might also point out that the approach I describe below works not only for gun collections but for those of virtually any type: ammunition boxes, fishing lures, you name it.
Essential Data
At a minimum, your records should consist of the following data:
1) Complete, detailed descriptions of each piece, including photographic proof of ownership and relevant information. This also greatly simplifies the chore of an heir having to identify each piece. NOTE: Should your collection be placed into the hands of an auction house for disposal, it is a great help to them if you have already composed a history of each piece which explains why it may be of more than ordinary interest to their bidders. This may also help boost the price that particular piece may bring.
Most auction houses appeciate it when a seller can furnish good, clear, detailed photos of the guns being offered. When photographing your guns, make sure to take close-ups of smaller details such as scratches, dents, cracks, repairs and other small flaws which might aid in identifying a piece which may not have serial numbers stamped on it. Federal law did not mandate serial numbers until after 1968, so a lot of very valuable older pieces are NOT numbered; thus detailed photos would be even more important in identifying them in case of theft.
2) Details of WHEN obtained; FROM WHOM obtained; WHERE obtained; and at WHAT COST. I also record how much I believe the piece should sell for when it is offered for sale. What may appear as a beat-up old junker to others could be one of the most valuable pieces in your collection due to its provenance – which only you know and can furnish.
3) EVERY receipt, invoice, bill of sale, ad, owner’s manual, or any other items connected to your acquisition of EVERY piece. Photocopies of various historical magazine articles can be slipped into a sheet protector, to add credence to your claims about any particular piece. Exploded views of guns with parts lists, are some of the items you may wish to include in those pockets. I preserve as much info as possible on each piece, info which will come in handy whether your heirs decide to keep the piece or sell it.
This scan illustrates how the record keeping idea can be as easily applied to collectible ammo boxes or any other collectible items. Taking detailed photos from all angles provides more identifying data, which helps pinpoint the value of a specific item.
How To File Your Data
I use a loose-leaf, three-ring binder containing clear plastic page protectors. Each individual piece is filed in the binder in alphabetical order according to maker name or description (if no maker name is known).
I have separate binders for each category in my collection: HANDGUNS, LONG GUNS, AMMO BOXES, and ACCESSORIES.
All of this information is then copied onto an inexpensive 4GB Flash Drive that is well labeled and kept in a bank safety deposit box with other important items I wish to protect.
Depending upon how often you add to your collection, you can add the new piece to your computer files and at-home three-ring binders, then do a new, updated Flash Drive and take it to the deposit box, regain your previously recorded flash drive, and erase it for use at a later time when updating your files.
You must be sure to fully instruct your heirs as to where this valuable information is located, and especially to instruct them on how to use it.
Remember that in some states, your heirs might not have immediate access to the contents of your safety deposit box, so it behooves you to leave your hard-copy bound records where they can be found quickly.
A young Oklahoma mother shot and killed an intruder to protect her 3-month-old baby on New Year's Eve, less than a week after the baby's father died of cancer.
Sarah McKinley says that a week earlier a man named Justin Martin dropped by on the day of her husband's funeral, claiming that he was a neighbor who wanted to say hello. The 18-year-old Oklahoma City area woman did not let him into her home that day.
On New Year's Eve Martin returned with another man, Dustin Stewart, and this time was armed with a 12-inch hunting knife. The two soon began trying to break into McKinley‘s home.
As one of the men was going from door to door outside her home trying to gain entry, McKinley called 911 and grabbed her 12-gauge shotgun.
“I've got two guns in my hand — is it okay to shoot him if he comes in this door?” the young mother asked the 911 dispatcher.
“I can't tell you that you can do that but you do what you have to do to protect your baby,” the dispatcher told her. McKinley was on the phone with 911 for a total of 21 minutes.
When Martin kicked in the door and came after her with the knife, the teen mom shot and killed the 24-year-old. Police are calling the shooting justified. Read more
Wanamassa, NJ – Eagle Imports, Inc., importers of the Bersa line of firearms, has announced the availability of Bersa's first striker-fired, polymer pistol for the concealed carry market.
The Bersa BP CC 9mm is an ergonomically designed pistol. The lightweight, compact 9mm features a low profile slide design that offers an increased line-of-sight, as well as greater control during firing.
Everything featured on the new Bersa BP CC 9mm is about reliability, durability and safety.
The Bersa BP CC 9mm delivers accuracy with every pull of the short, reset DAO-action trigger and a micro-polished barrel bore with sharp, deep rifling. Accurate and reliable, the Bersa BP CC also features an ambidextrous mag release with an 8 + 1 magazine capacity. Safety features include a loaded chamber indicator, integral locking system and automatic firing pin safety. A 3-dot sight system and Picatinny rail are standard features on this cutting-edge concealed carry pistol.
Bersa BP CC 9mm Specifications:
Model: BP9CC Caliber: 9mm Action: Short reset DAO Capacity: 8+1 Barrel Length: 3.3″ Weight: 21.5 oz. Length: 6.35″ Height: 4.8″ Width: .94″ Frame Material: Hi Impact Polymer Slide Material: Stainless Steel Sights: Front-Interchangeable SIG SAUER type Rear – Interchangeable GLOCK type Finish: Matte Black or Duotone MSRP: $429.00 Matte Black $440.00 Duotone
During our most recent Holiday shopping period, American consumers set a record — for firearms purchased. This was based on FBI figures on background checks required to buy firearms.
“With a few days left in December, the FBI report[ed] the number of background checks [had] already topped the previous one-month record — set only in November — of 1,534,414 inquiries by gun dealers to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System also known as NICS,” CNN reported. “Almost half a million checks were done in just the last six days before Christmas. Two days before Christmas, NICS ran 102,222 background checks, which was the second-busiest day in history.”
No one knows for sure how many firearm purchases those NICs represented. “But most people pass the background checks. Only 1.3% of the searches result in people being denied permission to buy a weapon, said FBI spokesman Steve Fischer.”
National Rifle Association (NRA) spokesman Andrew Arulanandam told CNN that self defense appeared to be the top reason why Americans were buying more firearms than ever.
“I think there's an increased realization that when something bad occurs, it's going to be between them and the criminal,” he said.
Ryan Jerome was enjoying his first trip to New York City on business when the former Marine Corps gunner walked up to a security officer at the Empire State Building and asked where he should check his gun.
That was when Jerome’s nightmare began. The security officer called police and Jerome spent the next two days in jail.
The 28-year-old with no criminal history now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of three and a half years in prison. If convicted, his sentence could be as high as fifteen years.
Jerome has a valid concealed carry permit in Indiana and visited New York believing that it was legal to bring his firearm. He was traveling with $15,000 worth of jewelry that he planned to sell.
The online gun-law information Jerome read was inaccurate, however, and his late September arrest initiated what may become a protracted criminal saga. He hasn’t yet been indicted by a grand jury, but there may be little legal wiggle-room if he is.
“If he does get indicted, and they want to give him something less, then the legal minimum would be two years,” noted Mark Bederow, Jerome’s attorney. “They couldn’t even offer less if they wanted to.” Read More
Smith & Wesson Corporation recently received contracts from the Massachusetts State Police and the Vermont State Police for new duty firearms from the M&P Pistol Series.
The Massachusetts State Police has selected the M&P45 pistol, while the Vermont State Police adopted the M&P40 pistol. Both of the statewide law enforcement agencies have initiated the transition process and their Troopers are currently using the M&P pistol in the field.
The Massachusetts State Police ordered 2,500 M&P pistols chambered in .45ACP. During the agency's independent testing and evaluation process, the M&P45 was selected due to its ergonomic design, accuracy, reliability, and the pistol's ability to be customized to meet individual preferences. Smith & Wesson will support the firearm contract with a full range of services including armorer's training.
The Massachusetts State Police previously adopted the M&P15 tactical rifle as the State issued patrol rifle.
“Today, over 800 law enforcement agencies have adopted or approved for duty use our M&P products,” said Mario Pasantes, Smith & Wesson's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Professional Sales. “We are especially honored to serve the Massachusetts State Police, our home state force.”
Additionally, the Vermont State Police has ordered 390 M&P40 pistols. During its open evaluation process, the M&P40 pistol received high marks by the Vermont troopers for its low perceived recoil, reliability during testing, and consistent performance. The new side arms are being supported with a full range of services from Smith & Wesson, including armorer's training and advanced firearms training courses.
Smith & Wesson Corporation recently received contracts from the Massachusetts State Police and the Vermont State Police for new duty firearms from the M&P Pistol Series.
The Massachusetts State Police has selected the M&P45 pistol, while the Vermont State Police adopted the M&P40 pistol. Both of the statewide law enforcement agencies have initiated the transition process and their Troopers are currently using the M&P pistol in the field.
The Massachusetts State Police ordered 2,500 M&P pistols chambered in .45ACP. During the agency's independent testing and evaluation process, the M&P45 was selected due to its ergonomic design, accuracy, reliability, and the pistol's ability to be customized to meet individual preferences. Smith & Wesson will support the firearm contract with a full range of services including armorer's training.
The Massachusetts State Police previously adopted the M&P15 tactical rifle as the State issued patrol rifle.
“Today, over 800 law enforcement agencies have adopted or approved for duty use our M&P products,” said Mario Pasantes, Smith & Wesson's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Professional Sales. “We are especially honored to serve the Massachusetts State Police, our home state force.”
Additionally, the Vermont State Police has ordered 390 M&P40 pistols. During its open evaluation process, the M&P40 pistol received high marks by the Vermont troopers for its low perceived recoil, reliability during testing, and consistent performance. The new side arms are being supported with a full range of services from Smith & Wesson, including armorer's training and advanced firearms training courses.
The versatile Springfield XD(m) handgun provides in one package a duty pistol, a backup or concealed carry pistol and, if you so choose, a fine tool for use in IDPA or other practical shooting competitions.
“Beware of the man with only one gun. He probably knows how to use it.”
This old proverb was given new meaning with the creation of the Springfield Armory XD(M) 3.8 pistol. This versatile handgun provides in one package a duty pistol, a back-up or concealed carry pistol and, if you so choose, a fine tool for use in IDPA or other practical shooting competitions.
The internal changes that give the new XD(M) what Springfield Armory calls the M-factor are all well and good, but they are for the most part subtle changes that make the pistol feel and function better.
What is not subtle, what jumps right out and grabs you, is the grip. Well, I guess you grab the grip, but the point is, the design of the grip and the magazine make this pistol a versatile self-defense tool capable of filling a number of roles, while at the same time allowing the shooter to maintain that level of familiarity required for consistently accurate shooting.
The key element here is amazing in it simplicity. It is one of those, “Someone should have thought of this sooner,” elements that comes when designers stop and think about people’s needs. Springfield Armory built a subcompact pistol; one that is perfect for concealed carry, then added a full-sized magazine equipped with a sleeve that matches the profile of the grip frame.
With the shorter magazine in the pistol you get a solid subcompact pistol that virtually disappears under even the lightest cover garment. Carry the longer magazine as your spare and you are ready to stay in the fight until you win it. Yes, statistically speaking, the typical gunfight lasts three seconds, during which you might expend three or four rounds. But we are not worried about what is probable. We are worried about what is possible. Is it possible that you will need more ammo? Has anyone in a gunfight wished he’d had less ammo? I’ve never heard anyone say, “If only I had fewer rounds in that magazine, I could have reloaded more often during the fight.”
With the Springfield Armory XD(M) 3.8 you carry lots of ammo in a small package and lots more in your spare magazine. You can go from 11 rounds of .40 S&W in the compact version to a whopping 16 rounds in a hand-filling, comfortable grip just by changing the magazine. You get 13 rounds in the compact 9mm version and 19 rounds in the full-size standard magazine.
So, if there is one element on the Springfield Armory XD(M) 3.8 that provides you the versatility to be “…the man with one gun” my vote is for the interchangeability of the magazines. You get two different grip sizes just by changing the magazine. Top that off with interchangeable backstraps to insure the pistol will fit virtually any hand and now you are carrying what amounts to a custom gun at a production gun price.
On the range, the pistol functions flawlessly with either magazine, and accuracy at typical combat distances is not negatively affected by switching from one magazine to the other. There is a bit of a difference in your grip when shooting with the smaller magazine inserted, but it is nothing you can’t overcome with a bit of practice.
Get to a local gun shop and fill your hand with the XD(M) 3.8. See if your first impression isn’t the same as mine. This is one pistol that will serve all your needs.
Gun owners and users appeared to be more safety conscious than ever, considering that data recently released by the National Center for Health Statistics revealed that fatal accidents involving firearms dropped to a record low in 2008.
According to a press release by the National Rifle Association, “in 2008, the number and per capita rate of firearm accident deaths fell to an all-time low. There were 592 firearm accident deaths (0.19 such accidents per 100,000 population) in 2008, as compared to 613 accidents (.20 per 100,000) in 2007. In 2008, the chance of a child dying in a firearm accident was roughly one in a million.”
Firearm accidents represented just 0.5% of all accidental deaths, “well below the percentages accounted for by motor vehicle accidents, falls, fires, poisonings, and several other more common types of mishaps.”
In related news, “Firearm homicides (including self-defense, but excluding lawful shootings by police) declined in 2008. More recent data reported by the FBI, shows that criminal homicides declined in 2008, again in 2009, and again in 2010, to a 47-year low.”
Gun Digest is the source for firearms news, pricing and guns for sale. Readers benefit from in-depth editorial expert advice, show reviews and practical how-to instructions. With your Subscription, you’ll also learn about threats to your Second Amendment rights. Click here to begin your subscription to Gun Digest.
Inside this issue:
Two .50 BMGs Reviewed
The Forgotten FAL
Rifle Bedding
Stoeger S2000
Gun shows, auctions, classifieds and more!
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On November 17, 2007, an Indiana Woman protects herself during a home invasion when police could not get to her in time. After breaking through a window and entering her home, and then forcing himself into her locked bedroom, the intruder is shot but still tries to strangle the woman. At 5:43, you can faintly hear the final shot, which is suppressed due to the weapon being pressed against the attacker when fired. The woman then experiences overwhelming shock, as the struggle with the attacker is over.
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.
Brownells is taking on the tactical flashlight market with a new line called Versatile lights. “They provide self-defense and tactical shooters superb illumination for all firearm mounted and handheld applications,” the company says.
Own the Night: Selection and Use of Tactical Lights and Laser Sights
