The National Match 1911. The finest 1911 ever produced? Here are 10 photos from Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns of the World to help you decide.
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Holder to Testify Feb. 2 on DOJ’s Response to Fast and Furious
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refusal to disclose information following the February 4, 2011 letter to Senator Grassley, which the Department has withdrawn because it contained false information denying allegations made by whistleblowers about Operation Fast and Furious.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of the Justice Department knew the letter to Congress contained false information both before it was sent and later withdrawn.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.
Source: David Codrea, Gun Rights Examiner
Recommended Tactical Rifle Resources
Gun Digest Book of The Tactical Rifle
Gun Digest Buyer's Guide to Tactical Rifles
Own the Night: Selection and Use of Tactical Lights and Laser Sights
Protecting Your Gun Collection
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.
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.
This article is an excerpt from Gun Digest 2012.
Woman Blasts Home Invader with Shotgun
Click the image above or this link to view video
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
Source: yahoonews.com
Tactical Shotgun Resources
The Gun Digest Book of the Tactical Shotgun
SpecOps Adjustable Shotgun Stock Rem – NO Forend
SpecOps Adjustable Shotgun Stock w/forend – Black
Blackhawk! Shotshell Sling
BERSA BP Concealed Carry Announced
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
Recommended for Concealed Carry
New! Gun Digest Buyer's Guide to Concealed Carry Pistols
The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry
The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery
Effective Handgun Defense, A Comprehensive Guide to Concealed Carry
Find more resources at gundigeststore.com/tactical
Christmas Shoppers Bought Lots of Guns
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.
Source: CNN 12/28/11
Recommended Resources for Gun Collectors:
2012 Standard Catalog of Firearms, 22nd Edition
Marine Faces 15-Year Prison Sentence for Unintentional Gun Law Violation
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
Source: The Daily Caller
Resources for Military Gun Collectors
The Standard Catalog of Military Firearms
The Greatest Guns of Gun Digest
Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values
Two More Law Enforcement Agencies Select Smith & Wesson’s M&P Handgun
By Brian McCombie
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.
Source: PRNewswire 12/12/11:
Recommended for Concealed Carry:
New! Concealed Carry Bundle – Save 50%!
The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry
The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery
Effective Handgun Defense, A Comprehensive Guide to Concealed Carry
Find more resources at gundigeststore.com/tactical
Two More Law Enforcement Agencies Select Smith & Wesson’s M&P Handgun
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.
Source: PRNewswire 12/12/11:
Recommended for Concealed Carry:
New! Concealed Carry Bundle – Save 50%!
The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry
The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery
Effective Handgun Defense, A Comprehensive Guide to Concealed Carry
Find more resources at gundigeststore.com/tactical
Gun Review: Springfield XD(m)
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.
Accidental Deaths by Firearms Dropped to All-Time Low in 2008
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.”
Source: NRA 12/22/11:
Recommended books and DVDs for gun owners:
Gun Digest 2012, The World's Greatest Gun Book, 66th Edition – New!
Gun Digest 2011, The World's Greatest Gun Book, 65th Edition
Gun Digest 1944-2009 3-DVD Set
2011 Standard Catalog of Firearms
Shop more at gundigeststore.com
Gun Digest the Magazine, January 16, 2012
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!
Not a subscriber? Make sure you don’t miss another issue! Subscribe now
Chilling 911 Call: Woman Shoots Intruder Breaking into Bedroom
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.
WARNING: VERY DISTURBING AUDIO
Recommended Concealed Carry Resources:
The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry
The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery
Find more resources at gundigeststore.com/tactical
Gun Review: Classic Remington Model 1100
This classic field gun still serves many. But these days specific models can be difficult to find. The iconic Remington Model 1100 is still one of the best.
CHRISTMAS, 1979, and my Old Man was at it again with his traditional – “Well, Jake,” he’d say with as mischievous a smile as my Old Man ever mustered. “You’d better look under the couch. There just might be something there for you.”
Or maybe it was another of his favorites, the box of ammunition with the handwritten note inside; the note, like his one-liner, directing me to peer into the darkness that was the underside of the davenport. Either way, the Old Man got his point across – there was something under the sofa, and I best be looking for it.
I was 15 that Christmas, and a veteran, or so I thought, of some seven hunting seasons. I had graduated from school to school in terms of field firearms, many of which you folks have read about here – a single-shot H&R .410, a Stevens M107B 20-gauge, and a Winchester M24 16-gauge double, to name but a handful of my diplomas.
But this year – 1979 – Boy Howdy, I’d hit the big time, for there was something underneath the sofa. A long green cardboard box bearing the white script REMINGTON across the top. Inside, the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen, including any icky ‘ole girl I’d encountered throughout the whole of my middle school career.
Laying there, encased in flaking white styrofoam, was THE shotgun – Big Green’s Model 1100 semi-automatic. Mine was identical to the Old Man’s never-without field piece, only instead of his 12-bore, mine was of a gauge to which I’d grown most accustomed – the 16. Here was my version of Ralphie “A Christmas Story” Parker’s Red Ryder BB gun, minus, of course, the compass in the stock. From his perch in his faux leather reclining chair, the Old Man watched, just a hint of a grin on his lips. Christmas, that year, was a success on several different fronts.
That was – Holy Cats! – 32 years ago, and since being first assembled later that same Christmas morning, the M1100 16-gauge has accounted for multitudinous species of North American game and fowl, including several whitetails.
It’s interesting to note that upon my receipt of the shotgun in ‘79, dedicated slug barrels, smoothbore or otherwise, weren’t available. Fortunately, my Uncle Jim owned a sporting goods store, and was able, I know not how, to obtain a shortened, no-rib tube for the 16 to which he had brazed a set of adjustable iron sights.
At least half a dozen Ohio whitetails fell to that combo over the years, including my first buck. Prairie chickens, sharp tails, ruffed grouse, doves, pigeons, snipe, rails, woodcock, teal, Canada geese; the only fowl not on the list for the M1100 is a wild turkey. But, should you be interested, I’ll keep you posted on that matter following this Spring season here in Iowa.
Technically Speaking
The first thing my Old Man did upon getting my new prize down into his corner of the basement was to, step by step, demonstrate the disassembly/assembly process. Having owned an M1100 since 1970, Pop was quite familiar with the mechanical workings of the autoloader. Today, in fact, he has enough spare parts – highly organized, mind you – to build a complete new shotgun, if, that is, he’d so wish.
Secondly, the Old Man’s rule on shotgun maintenance was, and still is, quite simple – if you take a gun into the field, it gets wiped down afterwards; if you shoot that gun, it gets broken down, cleaned, and reassembled. But I digress.
Though there have been some slight internal modifications to the M1100 over the past three decades, the gas-operated semi-automatic appears, both inside and out, much as it did back in The Day.
Outwardly, the M1100 – we’ll use my 16-gauge here as an exhibition item – falls, at least to me, somewhere between Moderately Ornate and Plain Jane. The American walnut stock and fore-end are finished in a high-gloss epoxy coating, with both the pistol grip and the underside of the fore-end being handsomely, albeit simply, checkered.
Present is the hard black plastic grip cap inlaid with Remington’s traditional, though now sadly absent, elongated white diamond. Both the receiver and barrel are blued; the left and right sides of the receiver sport tasteful engraved scrollwork, as does the chrome bolt.
The barrel, in this case a 28-inch tube, is topped with a wide ¼-inch pillared rib, and culminates in a fixed modified choke. Newer guns, not surprisingly, feature Big Green’s interchangeable Rem-Choke system. A single 3mm silver bead sits atop the muzzle. The M1100’s cross-bolt safety sits where it should – behind the trigger guard. The bolt/carrier release button is located underneath the receiver as an integral part of the carrier/elevator.
To disassemble the Old School M1100 is to understand its inner workings. Inside the fore-end and riding the magazine tube, two gas pistons – or, technically, a gas piston and a gas piston seal – assist in the gas-metering process.
Usable pressure enters the mechanism via two ports located underneath the barrel in the upper portion of the gas cylinder; the gas cylinder slides over the magazine tube as the firearm is reassembled. Upon firing, gas pressure forces the action bar assembly — it too riding the magazine tube — and bolt rearward. A metal link or rod connecting the bolt and bolt plate slides back, compressing the recoil spring in the stock.
The kinetic energy created assists in returning the bolt, bolt plate, and action bar assembly forward and into a firing position. In the midst of this instantaneous process, a fresh shotshell is released from the magazine, and elevated into an active loading position via a carrier.
My Personal Report Card
I’ll admit it; I’m biased and not entirely unsentimental when it comes to Remington’s Old School M1100, especially should that piece, like mine, come in a 16-gauge format. I mean really, what’s not to like about a gun that looks good, cleans up easily, and works each and every time you pull the trigger?
True, I’ve heard that the newer generation autoloaders from Big Green have had their issues; we won’t even broach the subject of the ill-fated Model Cti105. Still, I believe it says something about a firearm, and here I’m speaking specifically of my M1100, when I say that after 32 years and tens of thousands of rounds, this particular autoloader still sports her original rubber O-Ring – as fragile a part as was ever put on this field piece.
Honestly, I can’t recall one mechanical misfortune where this shotgun is concerned, and I believe if you ask him, my Pop would say the same about his M1100. Perhaps it’s true; they – whoever they are – just don’t make ‘em like they used to.
Now for the bad news. If you’ve read this and are thinking – “Boy, howdy! I’d love to get my hands on one of those Old School M1100’s in a 16-gauge!” – well, you probably have your work cut out for you.
There are guns out there. However, many you find on the Internet are Remington’s reintroduction of the M1100 16-gauge, this one built on a 12-gauge frame, and thus not a “true” 16 to my way of thinking. That said, I did run across one of these 12/16-gauge pieces, new in the box, with a 26-inch barrel and three choke tubes at gunsamerica.com for $650. Other new/old examples averaged from $200 to $400.
This article appeared in the May 9, 2011 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
December Gun Auction Sets World Records and Realizes $10M
Fresh off the heals of the television debut of Discovery Channel’s Ready Aim Sold, Rock Island Auction Company’s December Premiere Firearms Auction realized a stunning $10 Million dollars in sales. The seven digit figure is more impressive considering the pre-auction estimate was $8.2 Million! The success of the December sale puts Rock Island Auction at 31 million dollars in sales for 2011 and almost tied the previous record which they also hold from 2010 which stands at 32 million. Over the course of three days hundreds of bidders from coast to coast made their way to Rock Island, IL to preview and bid. Phone bidders called in from across the globe, and over 13,000 bids were placed before the first drop of the hammer.
Colts took four of the top five lots of the auction commanding nearly one million dollars. The top lots include: The finest ‘B’ Company marked U.S. Walker Model 1847 Colt Revolver known ($345,000). The most anticipated firearm of the sale was the Gold Inlaid Factory Presentation, to standing President Theodore Roosevelt's Colt 1902 ideal stocked semi-automatic pistol ($207,000), factory engraved documented Colt 1871-72 Open Top Revolver from the 1876 Centennial celebration in New York City ($184,000), and an Ainsworth Inspected, Company K, 4th Cavalry Marked, Colt Single Action Cavalry Revolver ($115,000).
Winchester Firearms were also in high demand. A John Ulrich engraved gold plated Winchester Model 1873 short rifle brought an impressive $74,750. Another John Ulrich signed masterpiece from the Winchester display at the Paris Exposition of 1889, a gold and nickel plated, factory engraved Winchester Model 1873 Carbine sold for $57,500. Lever action rifles and pistols which predate Winchester also had a strong showing. Of the 10 Henry Rifles in the sale, a martially inspected first contract rifle took top honors at $46,000. And a Large Frame Smith & Wesson Lever Action Magazine pistol realized $48,000!
The December auction marked the final chance to own a piece from renowned Putnam Green Collection of rare, high condition, and historical U.S. and German Military items. An extraordinarily rare Walther, prototype “Armee-Pistole” with original walnut shoulder stock/holster sold for $74,750. A 1902 DWM Luger Carbine Rig with matching shoulder stock, ammunition, and “VL&A” Chicago marked leather case went well above its pre-auction estimate selling for $51,750.
U.S. Military arms continue to surge in value. The finest conditioned U.S. Model 1903 Springfield 1913 Warner & Swasey sniper rifle saw some of the most heated bidding of the entire auction and set a new World Record at $46,000. A martially inspected Colt Super 38 pistol reached a record price of $31,625. Civil War arms from both the North and South made up a large section of the sale. A rare Greene breech loading carbine realized $25,875 and an original advertising flyer for a Henry Rifle brought $6,325 well over the pre-auction estimate of $800-1,000.
Other notable sales from the auction include a London agency pair of Theur derringers with ivory grips for $69,000, a Colt 1921/28 Thompson submachine gun for $48,875, and a historic Sharps John Brown model 1853 carbine for $34,500.
For more information on selling at auction or consigning with Rock Island Auction Company call 800-238-8022 or visit rockislandauction.com.
Recommended Resources for Gun Collectors:
2012 Standard Catalog of Firearms, 22nd Edition
FW Media/Gun Digest Acquires KnifeForums.com
F+W Media, Inc. — publisher of Gun Digest, Tactical Gear and BLADE — announced the acquisition of Knifeforums.com, a premier online community for knife, firearms, and outdoors enthusiasts.
The acquisition complements the Company’s current Firearms, Knives, and Outdoors Communities, adding actively engaged enthusiasts who connect through Knifeforums.com highly trafficked web forums to its industry leading brands, including Blade magazine, it’s e-commerce store and annual trade show.
With this acquisition, F+W Media announces Jim Nowka, founder of Knifeforums.com, will join the company as associate publisher focused on developing content, engaging conversation, and building audience in the area of survival and disaster preparedness. Online forums, education, e-books and print books, as well as co-located seminars at the Blade Show, the world’s largest knife and cutlery show, are in development now led by Nowka together with the F+W Media team.
“Knifeforums.com has been a leading online resource for everyone who makes and appreciates great knives for nearly 15 years. It’s exciting to invite our Blade Magazine customers to their communities, and vice versa,” said David Blansfield, President, F+W Media. “And having Jim Nowka on the F+W team is a “win-win” for everyone, for us and our customers. We’re excited to be working together to offer up new and improved products and services to people who are keenly interested in not just knives and firearms but disaster readiness as well.”
“Partnering Knifeforums with Blade magazine will benefit both parties,” said Nowka. “Knifeforums will now have access to the editorial resources of the Blade and Gun Digest brands, while the editors can engage directly with our forums’ communities. This coming-together will help us provide the information resources current and future customers need. Expanding our interests further into survival and disaster preparedness will be a big-plus too.” Nowka is formerly an advisor to the Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command (CFSOCC-A) and is recognized as an expert in scenario planning and disaster readiness.
The Firearms, Knives, and Outdoors Communities at F+W includes: Blade magazine; the Blade Show & International Cutlery Fair, held every June in Atlanta, GA; Gun Digest magazine; Tactical Gear Magazine; Gun Digest Books; and ecommerce stores GunDigestStore.com and ShopBlade.com. Knifeforums.com brings a broad range of topics to the community – outdoor cooking, kitchen cutlery, survival and disaster preparedness. For more than 35 years, Deer & Deer Hunting Magazine has provided serious whitetail hunters with practical and comprehensive information about deer and deer behavior to make them better hunters. The popularity of the magazine led to the launch of two television programs – Deer & Deer Hunting TV (now in its 7th season on Versus) and the newest release Land of Whitetail (appearing on The Pursuit Network).
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