Hornady just announced some mid-year new products, including loads for .223 WSSM, .243 WSSM and .400 Legend.
Hornady seems to be constantly expanding its catalog with new products, and the company just added a few more interesting items in this mid-2025 announcement. Namely, three new loads that will catch the eyes of those who hunt or compete with the calibers in question.
.223 WSSM.
Firstly, a new 55-grain V-MAX Superformance Varmint load for .223 Winchester Super Short Magnum, aka 223 WSSM. Designed to deliver excellent accuracy and explosive performance, Hornady says that the 223 WSSM Superformance Varmint “delivers muzzle velocity increases of 100 to 200 feet per second from EVERY gun.” That will give you more range, a flatter trajectory, reduced wind drift and excellent terminal performance when you’re on the hunt for varmints. You can even use it in semi-autos. All those claims also apply to the new 75-grain V-MAX Superformance Varmint load for .243 Winchester Super Short Magnum, aka 243 WSSM.
.400 Legend.
For taking game that’s a bit bigger than varmints, Hornady also introduced a new 210-grain InterLock American Whitetail load for .400 Legend. This was designed to be versatile, capable of delivering hard-hitting performance at extended ranges for the caliber and compatible with both bolt-action and AR-style rifles.
Outside of new ammunition, Hornady also announced a reloading tool called the One Shot Spray Bar. Offered in small rifle/ARC and large rifle/magnum sizes, the bars hold 25 cases at a time so you can lubricate them evenly and quickly.
For those looking to cut down the weight of their hunting loadout, Bergara has just released its lightest B-14 yet—the Squared Cima CF.
Some hunters carry their gear for far greater distances than others, but nobody likes lugging a heavy rifle around. In response, companies have been competing to make the lightest hunting rifles possible. The most recent release to follow this trend is from Bergara in the form of the B-14 Squared Cima CF.
The CF in its name stands for Carbon Fiber, the major method used to bring down the rifle’s weight to a scant 5.8 pounds for the lightest model. The RTM sporter stock is 100% carbon fiber, and its manufacturing method results in a very rigid stock despite weighing only 18 ounces. To ensure that the rifle is as accurate as it is tough, an SMC carbon mini-chassis is closely fitted to give the action a solid bedding as well. This helps keep the whole package rigid without adding too much weight. The final piece is the CURE carbon barrel that features a No. 6 taper and an Omni muzzle brake (muzzle is threaded 5/8×24).
The B-14 Squared Cima CF is available in .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .22-250 Remington, 6.5 PRC, .300 Winchester Magnum, 7 PRC and 300 PRC. Depending on the caliber, the capacity ranges between two and four rounds, the barrel length ranges between 20 and 22 inches and the weight between 5.8 and 6.2 pounds. Other features include an adjustable Bergara Performance Trigger and an M5 bottom metal hinged floorplate that’s easily convertible to be AICS-compatible. MSRP is $1,850.
Smith & Wesson has just made the Bodyguard 2.0 even more controllable with the addition of a Carry Comp variant.
About a year ago, Smith & Wesson unveiled the Bodyguard 2.0, a majorly redesigned and improved version of the company’s original .380 ACP concealed carry pistol. Now, the 2.0 model is getting an overhaul itself with the release of the Performance Center Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp.
The most substantial new feature of the Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp is its integrated Power-Port compensator. Located at 12 o’clock at the end of the 3.1-inch barrel, the Power-Port diverts gas upward to reduce felt recoil. Paired with low-recoil self-defense ammo, this will likely be a very shootable carry pistol. Other upgrades found on the Performance Center Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp include more aggressive slide serrations, blacked-out square notch Ameriglo Protector rear sights and Ameriglo Protector LumiGreen front night sights. The rest of the pistol’s features are the same as on the standard version.
The Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp ships with one 10-round and one 12-round magazine and is available either with or without a thumb safety. A 10-round compliant version is available as well. All three new variants of the Performance Center Bodyguard 2.0 have an MSRP of $549 and are available now.
If you’re a Glock shooter, Real Avid’s new Master Maintenance Collection for Glock offers the tools you need to clean, maintain and modify your guns.
Glocks may be extremely reliable pistols, but they still need to be cleaned and maintained like any other. Given the massive availability of aftermarket parts and accessories, they’re extremely customizable pistols as well. Whether you’re looking to modify your Glocks or just keep them clean, the new Real Avid Master Maintenance Collection for Glock should have everything you need in a single package.
Here's everything that’s included in the Master Maintenance Collection:
Sight Pusher for Glock, 4-in-1 Tool for Glock, Smart Mag Tool for Glock, Smart Mat for Glock Pistols, Gun Boss Pro Handgun Cleaning Kit, Gun Boss Pro Precision Cleaning Tools, Master Bench Block Pro-Kit, Magnetic Bore Light, Accu-Grip Steel Picks, Gun Tool Edge – Pistol, Tri-Max CLP (12-ounce aerosol), Tri-Max CLP Gun Wipes (60-count canister) and Gun-Max Gun Oil (1-ounce bottle).
With those tools on hand, you’ll be able to adjust and replace sights, disassemble magazines for cleaning or modification, take Glocks apart beyond basic field stripping, clean any model between .22 and .45 caliber and much more. The included oil-resistant mat with a magnetic organization tray should only make those jobs easier.
If you’re serious about Glocks, this comprehensive toolbox will cover all your bases. The Real Avid Master Maintenance Collection for Glock has an MSRP of $484 and is available now.
CZ has just announced the CZ P-10 C PORTED, a 9mm carry pistol that features an integrated compensator for fast and accurate shooting.
Fans of the CZ P-10 C should be excited, as the company has just announced the new PORTED variant of the 9mm carry pistol that features an integral compensator. Combined with a cold hammer forged barrel that’s 10 percent heavier than what comes on standard models, it should result in a pistol that’s easy to shoot both quickly and accurately.
Other features of the new model include improved, extended cocking serrations, an optics-ready slide and luminescent iron sights. The rest of the PORTED model is the same as a standard version, including its short, crisp trigger, its interchangeable backstraps and its 15+1-round magazine capacity.
The CZ development team said this about the new pistol:
Fast and accurate shooting, an excellent trigger, and maximum shooting comfort – these are no longer benefits reserved only for sport pistols. The CZ P-10 C PORTED proves that even a compact everyday carry pistol can deliver top-level shooting performance.
The CZ P-10 C PORTED is available now. No official MSRP has been provided, but they are currently being listed online for about $550.
We discuss why ignoring the militia clause endangers the right to keep and bear arms.
When Americans debate the Second Amendment, most of the focus tends to center around the individual right to keep and bear arms. This emphasis, especially in post-Heller and McDonald jurisprudence, is both understandable and historically justified. However, a recurring error—committed even by Second Amendment advocates—is to treat the “militia clause” as a relic or a throwaway preamble. This oversight is more than a mere historical misstep; it’s a strategic blunder that endangers the very right these advocates claim to protect.
As the Tenth Amendment Center has long emphasized, constitutional language should be taken seriously in its entirety. The Second Amendment begins not with “the right of the people …” but with “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State.” This prefatory clause does more than frame the historical context—it outlines purpose, meaning and limits on government power. Ignoring it concedes too much ground to those who seek to reinterpret the Amendment through a modern, statist lens.
The Militia As The Armed Citizenry
Historian and constitutional scholar Stephen Halbrook makes it clear: In the founding era, the term “militia” did not refer to a standing military force or what we now call the National Guard. It referred to the general body of armed citizens—able-bodied males typically aged 16 to 45—who were expected not only to defend their own communities but also to be the first line of resistance against tyranny. This understanding wasn’t unique to America; it was rooted in English common law and the political philosophy of thinkers like John Locke and William Blackstone.
As Halbrook observes, the militia was not a privileged class of government-trained personnel. It was the citizenry itself, armed and responsible for its own liberty. To that end, citizens were expected to bring their own arms. In this sense, the right to bear arms was not merely an individual liberty—it was a civic duty.
Why The Militia Clause Still Matters
The tendency to ignore the militia clause arises largely from the (justifiable) desire to assert the Second Amendment as an individual right. But by doing so, modern advocates often detach that right from its original civic and political function: to deter tyranny and resist centralized military force.
The Founders feared a professional standing army far more than they feared individual violence. They understood that an armed populace, organized as a decentralized militia, was the surest safeguard against domestic oppression. When the militia clause is read out of the Amendment, this structural check on tyranny is lost. As a result, the right to bear arms is interpreted narrowly as a private right rather than a public, constitutional responsibility. This limited view makes the right more vulnerable to incremental erosion through regulation, licensing and judicial reinterpretation.
Historical Evidence: The Militia And Self-Defense
Halbrook’s historical work underscores the absurdity of the claim that the Second Amendment protects only militia service or that it is moot because formal militias no longer exist. In both English and early American law, the right to bear arms was consistently treated as a natural right, especially for self-defense. Even the infamous 1328 Statute of Northampton—which prohibited armed display in a threatening manner—was interpreted as banning only arms borne “malo animo” (with evil intent). As Halbrook explains, “the peaceable bearing of arms was not a crime at the Founding or in the early Republic.”
Moreover, court decisions from the early 19th century reaffirmed that open carry was a constitutional right, while concealed carry could be regulated. The difference hinged not on whether individuals had a right to bear arms, but how they exercised that right.
The Dangers Of Dismissing The Militia
Modern disarmament efforts often hinge on the claim that the Second Amendment is outdated—that it only applies to now-defunct militias, or to the regulation of state-run National Guards. By discarding the militia clause, gun rights advocates play directly into this narrative. If the militia no longer exists, and the right to keep and bear arms was tied to militia service, then it stands to reason—so the argument goes—that the Second Amendment is a historical artifact with no modern relevance.
However, if the militia is understood as the armed citizenry, as it was in the Founders’ time, then the right to bear arms remains as vital today as ever. In an age of mass surveillance, unchecked executive power and militarized law enforcement, the need for decentralized, citizen-based security is not an anachronism—it’s a necessity.
Strategic Consequences For Advocacy
To preserve the Second Amendment, advocates must resist the temptation to sanitize it into a purely individualist doctrine. It is, in fact, both a right and a responsibility. It empowers individuals not merely for private purposes, but to fulfill a public role in the preservation of liberty. This dual nature is not a weakness—it is the source of the Amendment’s enduring strength.
By reclaiming the militia clause, Second Amendment defenders bolster the historical and constitutional legitimacy of the right. They root it not in hobbyist gun culture or political identity, which has its place, but in civic republicanism and the broader structure of federalism and limited government.
Conclusion: A Fuller Reading, A Stronger Right
The Second Amendment is not ambiguous. It recognizes “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms,” and it explains why—because “a well regulated Militia” is “necessary to the security of a free State.” This is not incidental. It is a declaration of political philosophy—a philosophy that views the armed citizen as the guardian of liberty, not the ward of the state.
To ignore the militia clause is to amputate a fundamental rationale that justifies the right. Worse, it surrenders rhetorical and legal territory to those who would regulate the Second Amendment out of existence. If we want to preserve the right to bear arms, we must also preserve the principle of the armed citizen—the true militia—without which freedom cannot stand.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the July 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
The .45 Colt Cartridge has been going strong for more than 150 years, and it still has a variety of uses today.
While picking my first handgun, I didn’t opt for a compact carry gun or one of the ever-popular .22 LR options—both target rimfire revolvers and autoloaders are a ton of fun—but instead wanted a long-barreled, rock-solid, single-action gun that I could use to hunt both deer and bear here in my native New York. I chose a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt in a stainless finish, with a 7½-inch pipe.
Among the more popular revolver cartridges, the .45 Colt offers quite the flexible package, giving the shooter what might seem like three different cartridges rolled into one. Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873, it served as our official military sidearm until 1892 (though remained in use until 1896) and would go on to inspire one of the most popular handgun cartridges ever.
153 Years Strong
Looking at the design, it’s simple yet effective. The .45 Colt is a rimmed case—though that rim is not as large as most rimmed designs—with a straight-walled body. The case measures 1.285 inches long, with a maximum cartridge overall length of 1.600 inches. Considering the fact that the cartridge is over 150 years old, it works just as well as it did during the 1870s, with modern metallurgy allowing the performance level to far exceed the original design specs.
Another .45 Colt cartridge, happily nestled in the chamber of the author’s Ruger Blackhawk. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
The “Long Colt” nomenclature has never been an official part of the cartridge’s name; it was just a means to differentiate the longer Colt case from the shorter .45 Schofield, commonly chambered in the Smith & Wesson revolver of the era. Just as the .38 Special cartridge can be fired in a .357 Magnum chamber, the .45 Schofield ammunition can be safely fired in a .45 Colt handgun.
The original iteration of the .45 Colt saw a 255-grain lead bullet of 0.452-inch diameter seated more than 40 grains of black powder, fired at a muzzle velocity of 1,050 fps. The recoil was deemed too severe for the average soldier and was subsequently reduced to 855 fps. That classic combination would be the rough model for John Browning’s .45 ACP design, which remains one of the best-selling handgun cartridges to this day. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the classic load, as it’s mild enough for accurate shooting, yet potent enough to handle defensive situations as well as some hunting, at sensible ranges.
This load, or those which are similar in basis, remain available to this day. Federal offers a 225-grain lead semi-wadcutter hollow-point at 830 fps, Hornady loads a 255-grain round-nose lead bullet, which they advertise a muzzle velocity of 725 fps from a 4½-inch barrel, but will get closer to 800 fps from a longer barrel, and Remington’s Performance WheelGun line sees a 255-grain lead semi-wadcutter at 830 fps, and a 250-grain lead round nose at 750 fps. Buffalo Bore ammo offers the 255-grain soft-cast lead bullet at 1,000 fps, mimicking that original .45 Colt load, while Choice Ammunition loads their Hi-Tek coated 255-grain lead bullet at 830 fps.
Federal’s “blue box” line includes an affordable 225-grain lead semi-wadcutter that’s equally at home at the range as it is in the deer woods. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
If you prefer the jacketed bullets—whether for their additional structural integrity or for the ease of cleaning your barrel—there are many ammunition choices loaded at the original velocity. Federal’s American Eagle line gives an affordable option, seeing a 225-grain jacketed hollow-point at 860 fps, and Winchester has a 250-grain semi-jacketed bullet in their Big Bore ammo line, at 845 fps.
If you choose to, or are legally required to, use a lead-free bullet, there are options available, such as the Barnes Pioneer line that sees a 200-grain XPB copper hollow-point load at 850 fps. Buffalo Bore loads the 225-grain Barnes XPB to 1,000 fps in their Standard Pressure line. All of these loads should be safe in any era of .45 Colt handgun, but beware that there are many hotter loads on the market—with most being labeled either +P or specified for use in particularly strong modern firearms—which change the capabilities of the .45 Colt.
New Life With New Ammo
But, before we look at the fastest, hottest loads for the venerable cartridge, there are loads that are perfect for both plinking as well as training with your new handgun. Choice Ammunition loads their Hi-Tek 180-grain coated lead bullet to a mere 460 fps, offering an option with minimal recoil and report, perfect for training purposes. Despite the lightweight bullet and significantly reduced muzzle velocity, I found the bullet would actually penetrate a piece of 2×6 yet is easy enough on the hands and wrist so that even young shooters can accurately place their shots. Choice’s light load makes for a great afternoon of plinking and can just as easily be used to dispatch varmints and other garden pests.
The .45 Colt can be wonderfully accurate, engendering all sorts of confidence in the shooter. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
And, if a single projectile doesn’t seem like the proper choice for small critters at close range, CCI loads a trio of shotshells for the .45 Colt, including the original Pest Control load using 150 grains of No. 8 shot at 1,000 fps, the Big 4 load using 140 grains of No. 4 shot at 800 fps, and the latest, the HEVI-Bismuth that uses 130 grains of No. 8 Bismuth shot at 1,050 fps for a nontoxic option. DoubleTap offers their DT SnakeShot, using a charge of No. 9 shot over a 70-grain hardcast projectile, for a “best-of-both-worlds” approach. DoubleTap’s load makes an excellent choice for camping and hiking, for all sorts of threats, from two-legged, to four-legged to no-legged.
Looking at those loads that exceed the original performance levels, you will find a wide selection of projectiles and velocities. While the .45 Colt didn’t have the same rifle/handgun combination that Winchester’s .44-40 WCF did, there have been many lever guns made recently for the bigger Colt cartridge. Hornady extended their LeveRevolution series—the one that uses the FTX spitzer with the pliable polymer tip to allow improved Ballistic Coefficient in tubular magazine guns—to include a 225-grain offering in .45 Colt at 960 fps in a handgun, and you’ll get considerably more in a carbine or rifle.
From “bunny fart” plinking loads to true dangerous game ammunition, there’s a .45 Colt load to meet your needs. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
Federal has also seen the wisdom of a .45 Colt rifle, by including the cartridge in their HammerDown ammunition line, with a 250-grain bonded core bullet developing over 1,000 fps in a 20-inch barrel. At reasonable distances—say woods hunting for whitetails, bears over bait or close-in hogs—the .45 Colt could be a whole lotta fun, with minimal recoil.
Stepping up to the heaviest end of the spectrum and looking at the loads that require a gun of tougher build than the standard Single Action Army and its clones, you’ll see loads that come much closer to the Colt-inspired .454 Casull. Buffalo Bore has some very interesting loads for the .45 Colt, in the +P guise, including the 225-grain Barnes XPB loaded to scream at 1,500 fps and the 300-grain monometal wide, flat nose at 1,300 fps or so, generating 1,100 ft-lb of energy. The velocity attained by this latter load, and the construction of this bullet result in very deep penetration, and for the handgun hunter serious about using a .45 Colt on thick-skinned game like any of our wild bovine or big hogs, this is a load to look long and hard at.
Like to hunt dangerous game with a handgun? Buffalo Bore has you covered. This .45 Colt load with the 300-grain monometal projectile will penetrate thick hide and bone.
The Buffalo Bore .45 Colt +P Deer Grenade load is built around a 260-grain medium cast lead hollow-point gas check bullet, at a muzzle velocity of just above 1,500 fps. Offering a quick energy transfer, this load is hard enough to give good penetration, yet soft enough to give rapid expansion. The gas check will significantly reduce fouling, with recovered projectiles often doubling in caliber.
Doing double duty as a defensive/hunting load, Choice Ammunition’s Bear Defense load is one bad hombre—it uses a 325-grain hard cast, flat-nosed, gas check bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1,350 fps, generating over 1,300 ft-lb of energy. For a sub-magnum cartridge, that’s a pretty impressive set of figures. My Blackhawk will put three of these in a 2-inch group at 40 yards, which is about as far as I feel comfortable shooting an iron-sighted handgun. I’ve shot a bunch of this ammo through my Blackhawk, where the recoil is eye-opening but manageable, and in the Freedom Arms Packer snubnose, it’s just plain snotty, but it surely gets the job done.
Choice Ammunition’s Bear Defense Load is a formidable product. In a snub-nosed gun like this Freedom Arms Packer, it can rattle your fillings. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
Lastly, though the .45 Colt might not be the first choice as a defensive handgun cartridge, it will certainly save your bacon. Think of it this way: Few people would have an issue with the defensive capabilities of the .45 ACP, which is the ballistic twin of the .45 Colt, so except for the rate of fire and magazine capacity, they’re pretty similar. Federal loads their 210-grain Hydra-Shok Deep, Hornady offers the 185-grain FX in the Critical Defense line and Underwood Ammo loads that nasty 135-grain Lehigh Defense Xtreme Defender monometal at 1,410 fps. If the gun fits you, and you are comfortable and confident using it, I have no issues with the .45 Colt as a choice of defensive cartridge. From the standard jacketed hollow-point bullets to the bonded core stuff, there are many different choices in .45 Colt that make a sensible defensive choice.
Rolling Your Own
For handloaders, the world opens wide, as the .45 Colt has all sorts of component bullets to choose from. From the homemade cast bullets, to the surplus FMJs to the cup-and-core jacketed stuff, up through the bonded core and monometal premium choices, .45 caliber is among the most popular of handgun diameters, and there should be no lack of available components.
Handloading the .45 Colt isn’t a difficult prospect, but you’ll want to be sure and use a good roll crimp on the case mouth, so your projectiles don’t pull outward during recoil. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
Swift makes a revolver variant of their excellent A-Frame bullet, Hornady offers the XTP and XTP Magnum bullets, Sierra has some great choices, and that Barnes XPB is a nasty chunk of copper. Grab a good set of dies—I prefer Redding or RCBS—keep your brass trimmed as uniformly as possible to allow for a consistent roll crimp and you’ll find all sorts of reliable data for the old warhorse.
Dick Casull’s brainchild—the .454 Casull—is an elongated version of the .45 Colt, with a thicker case, higher pressure limit and a small pistol primer instead of a large one. Just as the .45 Colt can safely shoot the .45 Schofield ammo, the .454 Casull is capable of shooting all three. Why not just shoot a Casull? Well, the revolvers chambered for the Casull are, generally, a bit heavier and bulkier than those chambered for the .45 Colt.
Yet another handloaded 255-grain lead bullet destined for greatness. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
If you intend to regularly pursue large and dangerous game with a handgun, the Casull might make more sense, as it can run at a higher pressure, and will give you more velocity. But for the day-to-day ease of use and comfort of carry, it will be really hard to beat a good old revolver chambered in .45 Colt. It can roar like a lion, being “enough gun,” yet can be as meek as lamb with the cowboy action loads. It can offer years of fun with affordable cast bullets yet be relied upon to cleanly take large game species.
Sometimes a designer gets things right the first time; I believe the .45 Colt undoubtedly falls into this category.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the July 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Critters, varmints and other beasts can ruin a nice night in the woods, so next time you're packing up the tent, don't forget to grab a campfire handgun.
The night was bitterly cold and pitch black except for the faint silvery starlight that helped guide my horse and me down the steep mountainside. We made our way toward the distant glow of what I knew to be our base camp on this, my third unfruitful day of a Rocky Mountain elk hunt. Upon nearing the welcome glow and warmth of the campfire, I reined up, drew my still unfired .54-caliber Hawken from its saddle scabbard and dismounted just as the camp cook came running out of the tent screaming, “That gosh-darned, son-of-gun field mouse has been in the flour sack ag’in and they ain’t gonna be no biscuits if this keeps up!”
Of course, he didn’t say, “Gosh-darned, son-of-a-gun.” He used words that were more of a colloquial nature. But the message was clear enough when I entered the tent and saw several small holes gnawed in the flour sack. And as if to torment poor “Cookie” further, the tiny field mouse poked its head out from around the flour sack at that very moment and stared at us.
“Let me handle this,” I whispered as I silently sat down on a bench, quietly cocked the hammer of the Hawken, and set the rear trigger. Then, slowly raising the rifle to my shoulder and lining up the rear buckhorn sight with the front blade until it was perfectly positioned on the field mouse, I touched off the shot. The voluminous roar of the Hawken was accompanied by a thick, white tent-filled cloud of FFG smoke that momentarily obscured everything from sight. But as the haze slowly drifted out the open tent flap into the night, we could barely make out what little remained of our furry antagonist.
I admit this was a case of being overgunned for the occasion, but at the time, the Hawken was all I had. Much later, I found myself lamenting that I hadn’t brought my Smith & Wesson K-22 along on this hunt, as it clearly would have gotten the job done just as efficiently and much less dramatically. Since then, I have always packed a pistol along on any outdoor outing where it’s legal to do so.
Not Hunting Handguns
I’m not talking about hunting handguns here. In fact, it is just the opposite, as many of those big-bore bruisers are often too bulky for a hip holster and, outfitted with a scope or other sighting reticle as many of them are today, too awkward to toss in a backpack or tuck away in your bedroll. Rather, I’m referring to “campfire handguns,” one essential tool many outdoorsmen and women never think about or take with them when hiking or hunting or just to accompany them on a picnic in the woods. And as such, they don’t realize their omission until they need it. Or wish they had it. Or until it’s too late.
Kimber only made its excellent 1911-styled .22 Rimfire Super from 2004 to 2015 but currently produces the .22 Rimfire Compact and .22 Rimfire Target Conversion Kits for many of its .45 ACP pistols, turning them into economical guns for informal campfire plinking.
More specifically, these are those handy sidearms—single-actions, double-actions, or semi-automatics—that many of us pack on our hips when we’re back at camp and not otherwise lugging around a heavier and more cumbersome rifle or shotgun. Campfire handguns don’t take up much room in a backpack yet are a source of comfort when outdoors, especially when unwanted critters—whether on four legs, two, or slither—invade our space. Yes, campfire handguns can be a definite source of self-protection and leisure-time enjoyment, such as après-hunt plinking. And while grabbing a .30-‘06 to eradicate a food-nibbling squirrel (or using a big-bored muzzleloader as I did) may be the ultimate form of overkill, drawing a .22 and dispatching the little thief is not only more effective but, in many ways, can be a form of therapy, especially when we haven’t pulled the trigger on anything else thus far on a hunting trip. This, again, brings to mind that particular elk hunt.
The campfire handgun concept actually started around the first part of the 20th century, with the growing practice of having a relatively easy-to-carry pistol, usually of a small caliber, to toss into your “kit,” or portable stash of supplies that you carried for the day, which was often a saddle bag, fishing creel, tackle box, or even a lunch bucket.
Although the term soon morphed into widespread usage, it got official recognition in 1936 when Smith & Wesson introduced the 22/32 Kit Gun, a .22 rimfire double-action revolver built on a slightly larger .32-caliber frame. Eventually discontinued due to lagging sales coupled with World War II, this style of handgun (medium frame, small caliber) was reintroduced in 1953 in an improved model as S&W’s “22/32 Kit Gun, Model of 1953.” Thus, the kit gun nomenclature was officially re-established for a new generation of shooters. Today, Smith & Wesson still makes a dramatically updated version of this trend-setting pistol as its eight-shot Model 317 Kit Gun. Of course, nowadays, numerous other handguns qualify for the title of kit gun. However, that term has matured to include some larger-framed and bigger-caliber versions to become campfire handguns.
But from the 1920s through the ’50s, some .22 rimfire pistols seemed tailor-made for outdoor outings. Back then, various models of the Colt Woodsman and Hi-Standard semi-autos were some of the most popular guns with which to punch holes in tin cans, not to mention rabbits, squirrels and prairie dogs. After all, if you didn’t hit your target with the first shot, you would have a magazine full of repeat shots to continue trying your rapid-fire luck with low-cost .22 rimfire cartridges.
The Colt Woodsman was one of the most popular .22 rimfire campfire handguns during the 1960s and ’70s.
But beginning in 1949, these guns gradually gave way to ones like the more affordable Ruger Standard—the gun that launched Sturm, Ruger & Co. into the stratosphere of success. At the time, a High Standard G-B Hammerless was selling for $50, and Colt’s fixed-sight Sport Model Woodsman went for approximately $69, but the original version of Ruger’s first .22 semi-auto listed for only $37.50. Today, that gun is still in the line, although it has undergone several changes. As of this writing, it currently exists as the 75th Anniversary Mark IV and various Tactical and Competition models exist. But countless numbers of the original versions of Colt, Hi-Standard, and Ruger .22 semi-automatics are still found as regular staples in backpacks and camping gear throughout the country. However, some of these earlier guns have also attained collectible status.
This Ruger Super Single Six Convertible, with its adjustable sights and extra .22 Mag cylinder, is an ideal campfire handgun.
The aforementioned S&W K-22 revolver is also in the category of campfire handguns turned collectible, as is the early Ruger Flatgate Single Six, which first appeared in 1953 and was initially priced at $57.50. Many modern-day shooters don’t even know of its existence, as it only lasted for four years, after which it began being made with a more traditionally styled rounded loading gate. To its credit, the Ruger Single Six is still in the line and, for me, is one of the best campfire guns you can take along on a fishing or hunting trip (especially the Super Single Six Convertible, which has an extra cylinder chambered in .22 Magnum). And let us not forget the Colt Frontier Scout, a scaled-down .22 rimfire version of the famed Single Action Army, produced from 1958 until 1986; it was a go-to thumb-buster for many who couldn’t opt for the pricier SAA. Those vintage guns still serve that purpose today, although I have seen more than one three-digit offer being made to a fellow hunter who just happened to bring his Scout along as a campfire handgun.
The Lipsey’s Ruger Shopkeeper is a limited edition of the Bearcat. It features a bird’s-head grip and a shorter 3-inch barrel, making it an ideal close-range campfire handgun.
In 1973, Ruger revamped its line to include the New Model Single Six, which features a transfer bar that enables the gun to be carried with six rounds instead of five. Now, there is even a New Model Single Seven and a New Model Single Nine, giving you even more thumb-cocking fun without reloading after the sixth shot. But for me, one of the most fun campfire guns is the Ruger Bearcat, a compact, fixed sight .22 sixgun that—especially in its stainless steel configuration—can be tossed in a tackle box or slid into a coat pocket with nary a care. And Ruger’s new .22 Wrangler, which combines zinc and aluminum to keep costs and weight to a minimum, is one of the newest and most economical campfire revolvers yet.
.22 Or Something Bigger?
Of course, .22 rimfire handguns are the most cost-effective ways to plink away at tin cans and sticks and, yes, even pieces of leftover fruit (hollowpoints and oranges at 20 paces, anyone?), but bigger-bored handguns, such as a .44 Special, .45 Colt, or even a .44 Magnum can be much more effective on larger furbearers and other unwanted visitors who may have more than a few nibbles of crackers on their mind.
For example, as the only non-Texan member of a ragtag deer hunting group known as the Rio Concho Association, I used to pack a .44 Special Smith & Wesson Second Model Hand Ejector on our annual deer hunts in Texas. Inasmuch as we were hunting on a ranch owned by one of the Association’s members and since deer season overlapped with turkey season and javelinas were rampant, there was no telling what one might encounter as we traipsed through the scrub brush. On subsequent hunts, I often took one of my S&W Model 29s, usually loaded with .44 Specials but sometimes stoked with full-powered .44 Magnums, depending upon what I was hunting and where. In truth, I am rather partial to bigger-bored campfire handguns—or at least I was until the current availability and ammo cost have made me think twice about each campside shot I take.
Hacker is a big fan of packing his 4-inch-barrel S&W Model 29 in camp when you don’t know who or what might show up.
In my opinion, double-action revolvers require a bit more care than single-actions as campfire guns, as cylinder latches can be accidentally opened on some DA guns as they are shoved into pouches and backpacks. So, I advise keeping these wheelguns in a holster, whether on your belt or stored in your pack, and a pistol case is ideal for transporting handguns safely to your campsite. Galco and 1791 both make revolver and semi-automatic leather holsters with quick on-again-off-again steel belt clips for those times when you want to shuck your handgun quickly and easily and, just as quickly, reattach it to your belt. For those occasions, I’ve recently been using 1791’s new IWB Fair Chase Deer Hide Holster for my Smith & Wesson Model 36 with its rarely encountered 3-inch barrel.
This 1791 Fair Chase Whitetail deer hide holster features a strong steel clip and form-hugging open-top design, enabling Hacker to securely clip his S&W 3-inch Model 36 onto his belt while in camp. The Ivorite stocks are by Eagle Grips.
Since semi-autos are sometimes more complicated to operate than revolvers, they require more diligence in their campsite use. For example, by simply swinging out the cylinder on a double-action revolver, one can quickly confirm whether or not the gun is loaded. However, an “empty” semi-automatic pistol might still have a round in the chamber even though the magazine has been removed. Leisure shooting is no time to let your guard down or ignore the basic rules of gun safety.
What About When You're Away From Camp?
This might be a good place to caution picnickers and hunters who will be away from their campsites for any length of time to keep their handguns out of sight and secure them from unwanted access, as visitors to your camp may not be just “visiting,” but are more intent on looting. It’s a sad commentary, but some people steal things when you’re not around. That means either taking the gun with you, locking it in the glove compartment of your car or truck, or, better yet, securing it in an attached gun safe that is permanently installed in your vehicle. But sometimes, this isn’t always feasible in a wilderness camp where the terrain isn’t conducive to four-wheel drive, or vehicles aren’t allowed. In that case, the only other option is to clandestinely hide the handgun while away from your campsite. However, speaking from personal experience, there is such a thing as hiding it too well.
Once, on a deer hunt with one of my buddies in the rugged mountains on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas, we had to hike in for two hours to get to where the “big bucks” were. That meant packing in with all our gear, including my pre-64 Winchester Model 70. But I also took a 3-inch-barreled Third Model Colt Single Action Army Sheriff’s Model for my campfire handgun, rationalizing that the shorter barrel would cut down weight. The fact is, I just wanted to have that gun along on this hunting trip.
When it came time to start hunting at the break of dawn, I began worrying about leaving that highly desirable Sheriff’s Model in camp, even though we were in an extremely remote area. In fact, during our hunt, we discovered an old cowboy’s grave from 1910 that had never been touched. Nonetheless, I hid the sixgun so well that I couldn’t remember where I had hidden it when we returned to camp after a grueling day climbing over rocks and battling through blowdowns! I spent the better part of the night looking for that sixshooter and finally had to wait until daylight to continue my search when I found it securely ensconced in the crotch of an old, weathered tree. It cost me half a day’s hunting, but I didn’t lose my campfire handgun.
By far, the safest handgun to have in camp is a single-action revolver, as, assuming the hammer is resting over an empty chamber (on non-transfer bar models), there is no way the gun can be fired unless the hammer is manually pulled back and the trigger depressed. Naturally, one of my favorite single-action revolvers is the Colt Peacemaker, which, if you think about it, started as the first popular campfire handgun over a century ago. However, as the value and scarcity of these SAAs have grown over the years (have you priced a Third Generation Colt SAA lately?) I find myself opting for alternatives. One of the best is the extremely well-made Standard Manufacturing Single Action, an identically proportioned mirror image of the SAA. Yes, they cost about as much as a factory-new Colt SAA, but they are much more readily available and boast all-steel parts. It is a solid, quality gun in every respect, and my engraved .45 version, with its 4¾-inch barrel, is destined to continue with me on many of my campfire handgun adventures, maintaining a tradition I started over 40 years ago.
The single-action Ruger Blackhawk is a highly versatile campfire handgun. It’s available in .357 Magnum (shown), .41 Remington Magnum, .45 Colt and .30 Carbine.
In fact, the first campfire handgun I ever took with my hunting rifle was a first-generation Colt Single Action Army, which proved its value right out of the starting gate on a big game hunt in the Cedar Flats area of Arizona. Late one night, induced by nature’s call, I was compelled to leave the sanctity of my warm sleeping bag. Not wishing to take my Winchester 71 on what would invariably be a two-handed endeavor, I grabbed the .45 Colt instead and ventured into the blackness outside my tent. The unmistakable “whirr” of a buzz-worm (“rattlesnake” to you flatlanders) prompted me to freeze in my tracks instinctively. My flashlight immediately confirmed my fears, for the culprit was starting to coil and getting ready to strike. Barely able to use the Peacemaker’s rudimentary sights, I fired three quick shots as fast as my thumb could work the hammer. Honesty compels me to admit that only one of those shots hit its mark, but it made me a believer in the value of always taking a campfire handgun along on hunting and camping trips.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the July 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.
Military Armament Corp (MAC) just unveiled the MAC IX—a sleek, no-nonsense 9mm PCC designed in Knoxville, Tennessee. This direct blowback semi-auto runs an AR-style pistol grip, full-length Picatinny rail, M-Lok forearm and accepts MP5 mags. It’s compact (15.97 inches over-all), lightweight (5 pounds) and tough, with a 7075-T6 aluminum build and black anodized finish. Features include ambi charging handle, adjustable sights, tri-lug + ½-28 threading and AR-style takedown pins. Bonus: It ships with two metal mags, a hard case and cleaning gear. It’s a modern, modular pistol-caliber carbine that’s ready to run right out of the box. MSRP: $833
Apex Predator TSS
Apex Ammunition is now shipping its hard-hitting Predator line, loaded with ultra-dense Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). Handloaded with care and trusted by top predator hunters, these shells are built to drop tough game like coyotes and hogs with authority. Available in 12-gauge (3 and 3½ inches) and 20-gauge (2¾ inches) with shot sizes 2, 4 and BB, they deliver tight patterns and serious downrange punch. MSRP: Starting at $50, box of 5
MDT Send It Gen2
Meet the Send It Gen2 Electronic Level—an ultra-compact, high-tech upgrade to precision rifle leveling. Nearly 50 percent smaller than the original, the Gen2 delivers fast, LED-based feedback so you can stay locked on target without glancing away or second-guessing your cant. Designed for competitive and precision shooters, it mounts directly to your optic and lights up when you’re level—no bubbles, no guesswork. With a 200-hour battery life, customizable LED modes and flexible mounting options, the Send It Gen2 is built to perform in any condition. If you’re serious about precision, this little device could be a game-changer. MSRP: $230
Rossi R95 TBP Series
Rossi USA just expanded its popular R95 lineup with the new R95 TBP (Triple Black Pistol)—a compact, hard-hitting lever-action pistol built for those who demand portability without sacrificing power. Carrying over the rugged features of the full-sized Triple Black rifle, the TBP version adds enhanced maneuverability for use in the field, truck or tight quarters. Available in potent calibers like .454 Casull, .45-70 Govt., .44 Mag. and .357 Mag., the R95 TBP includes a paracord-wrapped lever, threaded barrel, black Cerakote finish and a Picatinny rail with peep sight. It’s a versatile, tactical-ready platform that delivers serious performance in a compact, eye-catching package. MSRP: Starting at $1,274
Dead Air/Ruger RXD22Ti
Dead Air Silencers and Ruger Firearms have teamed up to launch the all-new RXD Series of suppressors. Leading the charge is the RXD22Ti, a compact, lightweight suppressor built for rimfire and small-caliber centerfire platforms like .22 LR, 5.7x28mm and .17 HMR. Made using additive manufacturing and featuring Dead Air’s Triskelion mono-core, the RXD22Ti offers elite suppression with minimal backpressure and ejection port noise. It’s also user-friendly, with tool-free disassembly and the new XRF muzzle brake for multi-platform compatibility and easy cleaning. With no barrel length limits and full-auto ratings in .22 LR, the RXD22Ti sets a new standard. MSRP: $499
Primary Arms PLxC with ACSS NOVA 5.56/.308 Fiber Wire Reticle
Primary Arms’ made its classic PLxC 1-8x24mm SFP Compact Rifle Scope a little better, now offering it with its illuminated ACSS NOVA 5.56/.308 Fiber Wire Reticle. Available in black or FDE, it’s compact, tough and packed with smart features like built-in BDC holds, auto-ranging and red-dot bright illumination. The reticle’s fiber wire system is paired with Japanese ED glass for stunning clarity and precision, while AutoLive tech helps stretch battery life. At just 9.2 inches long and 16.8 ounces, it’s tailor-made for fast, accurate shooting. This scope is ready to ride on your favorite carbine. MSRP: $1,500
Reptilia Puller AR15 Charging Handle
The Puller has about everything you want in a charging handle—built tough, low-profile and made to perform under pressure. Originally developed for a military end user, the Puller is now available exclusively at Reptilia Corp. Machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum and finished with MIL-STD Type III anodizing, it’s rugged, reliable and built to last. Its ambidextrous design works smoothly from either side, even with gloves on, and it’s shaped to reduce snag points without sacrificing control. Simple, durable, and made in the USA, the Puller is a no-nonsense upgrade for anyone running an AR. MSRP: $100
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the July 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
We take a quick look at the oddly proportioned .243 Winchester Super Short Magnum cartridge, aka .243 WSSM.
Announced in 2002, the .243 WSSM was intended to deliver a new level of long-range performance and accuracy to the .243 chamberings. Cartridge overall length is 2.36 inches, a half-inch shorter than the 2.8-inch length of other short-action cartridges. The .243 WSSM appears in super-short rifle actions, which should improve receiver stiffness and accuracy. The Browning Super Short Magnum A-Bolt, which weighs 6 pounds and uses a shorter action for the 2.36-inch length cartridge, and Winchester's Super Short Magnum Model 70 are currently the only factory-new products available in this round.
The .243 WSSM case does not employ a belt; it headspaces on the case shoulder. For efficient and consistent powder burning, it retains the short-fat cartridge case geometry of the Winchester Short Magnum line. Cartridges were initially available in three bullet types: 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip, 95-grain Ballistic Silvertip and 100-grain Power Point, but only the two heavy weights have survived. The .243 WSSM shares the same basic cartridge case with the .223 WSSM, also announced in 2002. Like its small-diameter brother, it is suitable for long-range varmint shooting and for light, thin-skinned game—a good combination cartridge with light recoil.
The .243 WSSM is a fine cartridge, but it appears that all of the Winchester Super Short Magnum cartridges have peaked in terms of interest and availability.
Screwing parts on guns requires finesse and attention to detail, and that means you need to understand torque.
Assembling guns and optics is one of those things that seems to generate a lot of controversy. There are some right ways and some wrong ways to do things—and this, of course, has led to people performing some rituals bordering on voodoo. Everyone seems to have their own way of doing things.
Assembling bolt guns, AR rifles and optics isn’t magic—though there are some considerations that you’ll want to make as you go about the process. The main factor to consider is proper torque on your parts and screws, something that has eluded many people over the years.
These are some tools that count as dangerous for many guns during assembly. You can generate a lot more force than you may imagine with simple had tools.
The Mystics
Gun culture has bred some very interesting subcultures over the years, and many of these subcultures have become much more intense than just circles of hobbyists. You end up seeing this much more commonly in the old-world way of doing things, where we were working with a limited amount of knowledge and a limited number of available guns. This isn’t to say that the old timers had it wrong; they just didn’t have standardized parts and a massive aftermarket that peer-reviews itself against consumer demand to deliver more and more cutting-edge products.
Yet, the lingering effects of these old days remains.
If you wanted a custom hunting rifle, the fashion of the day was to modify military rifles, mainly Mauser, Enfield and Springfield variants. These guns were cheap, ammo was plentiful, and above all they were reliable. The military features were honestly never a problem for accuracy. I personally own and fire many guns over a century old and in full military stocks and had shot in the CMP National Matches at Camp Perry for over 20 years. The limiting factors are scope mounting and iron sights, not necessarily the potential mechanical accuracy of the rifle.
Nevertheless, the gunsmithing boom of the post-World War II era saw most of what we today call “Fudd Lore” propagate.
Our modern day has seen the end of many so-called necessary processes for both guns and optics: bedding actions and lapping scope rings are functionally unnecessary. Because most of our barrels for pistols, bolt guns and AR platforms come pre-headspaced and ready to use out of the box, we have the luxury of needing a few tools to accomplish our own “custom” builds to suit our needs right on a bench top.
However, there are still tools that the tasks at-hand today demand, namely applying consistency in force and torque for assembly. In this modular era, you still need to have skill to pull off some of these things, and doing it wrong can cause a fair bit of damage to your gear.
Don’t Get Screwed (Literally)
Most rifles today are assembled with several threaded parts that require a knowledge of torque to install correctly. The AR rifle, for instance, has screws all over it, from grip screws to the buffer tube, muzzle and upper receiver. Because the AR is largely aluminum or some blend of metal incorporating it, we need to be really careful to not cause damage to it, as this is not exactly hard metal and is quite easily damaged. Yes, it is fully possible to assemble an AR too loosely, but you’ll notice the wiggle right away.
The only part that I’ve seen come loose more than a handful of times is the buffer tube castle nut. The part that I’ve seen installed far too tight is the barrel nut. People get really upset with this part and sometimes try to force it to index. Don’t do this. There are companies that make shims, and it is very possible to shear the front off of your upper.
Tightening castle nuts can be done with small tools as well as big ones … although it is far easier to damage parts with more leverage.
In my many years of building AR platform rifles, this is an area in which I have made mistakes. Making the barrel nut tighter doesn’t mean you’re going to make your upper more secure; in fact, you’re putting a lot of stress on a relatively thin piece of metal by cranking too aggressively. The AR barrel is already headspaced to the barrel extension, not the upper receiver. The barrel nut simply holds it in place.
Likewise, the other parts on the AR don’t need to be adjusted with a cheater bar: You don’t need to get most of the threaded parts over hand-tight. For instance, there is no reason to apply 100 ft-lb to the grip screw. When I build an AR, I never apply more than 65 ft-lb to anything. You can break or damage parts very easily, and to make it worse, the harder you go the more deformed the threads can get, making a rebuild or parts swap difficult.
Handguns also benefit from specialized tools, and nowadays as we mount optics to slides, the need to limit torque and keep fine screws from damage is only increasing.
Many people don’t realize you can very easily apply, potentially, hundreds of pounds of force on a screw with just your hands. Crushing things together deforms them, and this will come into play far more as you keep reading.
People who are unfamiliar with guns think they are indestructible, but in reality many guns and optical assemblies are quite delicate. You can damage a $2,000 rifle by over tightening the action screws. If they are specced out for 65 pounds, don’t make it 200 just to make it stronger—that doesn’t work that way.
This Vortex 1-6 with a piggybacked Vortex red dot in an ADM mount has several types of screws and levers, all of which need to be adjusted to different specs. Be careful to use the correct torque specs for each type.
In this article, we see an MDT chassis, and it comes with explicit instructions to tighten action screws to 65 pounds. When you tighten to this amount, you can make note that you can obviously go a little more, but don’t. These are hardened steel screws going into a hardened steel action, sandwiching an aluminum chassis. You can, in fact, create crushing damage to all parts involved by going too hard. If things are too loose, you’ll induce damage by simply beating the parts to death under recoil. Scopes are a big one here; a loose scope is typically going to be a broken scope. Withstanding recoil is what they are designed for and should have no movement front-to-back.
Bolt It On
Bolt-action customization is a growing trend for home builders. Where this used to be the territory of the AR, many bench tops are now equipped with barrel vices for installing barrels onto receivers. Several companies offer pre-fit barrels that work with their own receivers and some aftermarket as well. The three main brands I use are Faxon, Aero and Zermatt.
It’s much easier to get involved in the bolt gun trend than ever before. The main accessory you’ll need is a barrel vice, which will bolt to your bench and then clamp around the barrel. I use an off-the-shelf model from Brownells with wooden inserts.
The next things you’ll need are action-specific wrenches. Usually, the company that makes the action has their own wrenches. For instance, I have one each for Faxon and Aero that insert into the receiver, allowing the use of a ratchet to turn the action at its lugs. Do not ever attempt to put a screwdriver or file to pry into the ejection port and tighten it down—this is dangerous. You’d be surprised at how easy it is to bend or break a receiver.
Special products often have special tools. For instance, the Vortex Impact 4000 rangefinder has a special nut key to tighten it on.
Most barrels aren’t held on with a million pounds of force either, usually just around 65 to 70 pounds. This might seem light, but we’re dispelling the old knowledge at the same time as we’re making progress. The old-world guns were sometimes cryogenically bonded with their barrels, meaning the barrels were installed on the receivers after being essentially shrunken in a deep freeze and then timed to the action. As it heated up, it swelled into the receiver … thus bonding them. Getting these barrels off an action was usually destructive to the barrel and not great for the actions either.
About half of my actions have integral optic rails machined directly in. Others like legacy Rem 700 and even new Zermatt actions have a separate scope rail. This isn’t a big deal, but it does also come with some interesting problems. These screws are often very delicate and easily damaged. The very small size and fine thread makes for a bad day if you strip them out. Being careful and closely following recommended torque settings is critical here. This is the one area on a bolt gun that I do use strong Loctite, but that is a personal choice, and I tend to leave my optic bases in place once they are installed. I treat this as a permanent situation. You will absolutely want to use a torque limiter even if you are working with Loctite.
Fix It Sticks torque limiters come in various poundage, and you’ll want to make sure you have the right one for your task.
Scope Mounting Problems
Scope mounting should be done from the ground up. There are schools of thought that say otherwise, but I treat it as radiating from the receiver. Once your base is installed, you need to install the rings to the base—but only loosely. I typically set my scopes where I want on the rail and move the rings to where they look and function best. The ring nuts should be on the same side. Then, I put the ring caps on and again only loosely tighten them to where I can still move the scope to level it. Next, I push each ring forward in its rail slot and tighten them down to recommend poundage. After, I level and finalize placement of the scope and again follow recommended poundage to slowly tighten each screw down. I only do one ring at a time to prevent excess movement. Do not try to “crush” the rings down.
Mounting thermal or night vision, in this case an Armasight Jockey, onto rails and in front of day optics requires high repeatability in mounts and screw tension to achieve the best results. The rifle is a 6mm ARC from PWS and has a slew of advanced features and optics from Vortex.
If you’re using a mount, the same thought processes apply, but you’ll want to install and tighten it to the receiver first, be it with QD levers like on my ADM mounts here or classic nuts like on the Badger Ordnance. I again repeat my ring cap steps after leveling it out. To make things faster for myself, I use an old forend on a tripod to create a perfectly flat, uniform plane for all my QD and one-piece mounts. This has bubble levels all over it and allows me to quickly get a reticle leveled without having to try to put levels on my guns. This is a uniforming method that works really well. All you need is a tripod, little ARCA plate and an AR forend with some rail-mounted bubble levels.
Play It Safe
The main takeaway you should get from this rambling prose is to take it easy with your gear and follow recommendations. Under-tight screws create unsafe situations, loss of accuracy and damage to parts. Over-tight parts are prone to breakage, inconsistent accuracy and damage during both assembly and disassembly.
The middle road here of getting it right is still an art. Sure, some barreled actions may shoot better at a higher level of torque, but don’t assume that you need to go from 65 pounds to 130 just to make it “better.”
When it comes to torque, more is rarely better. Follow the recommended specs on your parts and enjoy the pleasures of building.
This Geissele handguard has recommended torque specs engraved.
An Aside On Loctite
I get asked a lot about Loctite. A number of thread lockers are out there, but Loctite is the most well-known brand, and I think the best. That said, if you want to seriously damage your guns, start a Loctite crusade. Not every part needs thread locker, and in many cases, people seriously overestimate how few times a properly fitted screw will start to loosen.
Pictured here is a highly destructive item that can cause serious damage to your property. The other is Hornady 6 GT match
I use Loctite Blue on many parts that are not under heat stress, such as action screws on bolt guns and on occasion a minor dab on ring cap screws, but this is rare. Loctite Red is one that I use only on suppressor mounts and receiver screws for scope mounts I absolutely don’t want moving or being removed. I use Loctite Red on my suppressor mounts because I don’t want to have my mounts come off with my cans, simple as that.
I never use Loctite of any kind on suppressors or anywhere on an AR except installing a muzzle device that will be interacting with a suppressor. Never use it on a bolt-action barrel or on an AR barrel nut. You need heat to get the threadlocker to soften, and the metals used in these places shouldn’t get exposed to a torch.
Play it safe and, if you have a doubt about threadlocker, don’t use it.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the July 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
I hit the range to test out the entry-level yet feature-heavy Christensen Arms Evoke Hunter.
In 1979, I purchased my first centerfire rifle. (My dad actually bought the rifle because I was not old enough, but I paid for it with money I earned from a paper route.) It was a brand-new Remington Model 700 ADL, and it cost $223. Based on inflation, today that rifle would cost about $981. That rifle shot well but it was plain-Jane with a walnut stock and blued steel. It did not have any of the modern and cool features hunters want today, like a synthetic stock and Cerakote finish resistant to the elements. It did not have a detachable magazine, a scope rail, a threaded muzzle or brake, or a bipod attachment point. The new Evoke rifle from Christensen Arms has all those things and a retail price of $898.99.
Modern manufacturing techniques have reduced the cost of making firearms, and the demands of hunters have increased the standard features we now expect to see on a new rifle. Christensen Arms has been listening to what hunters want in terms of both features and price, and their new Evoke rifle is a manifestation of that. I recently tested one of the Evoke rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, and Christensen Arms is clearly onto something.
Christensen Arms announced the Evoke rifle in 2024, but samples did not make it out of the factory until early 2025. While visiting Christensen Arms last year, I saw a prototype of the Evoke, but between then and now the design changed just a bit. Christensen Arms pioneered the carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel, and then they perfected it. As an entry-level rifle, the Evoke comes with a 416R stainless steel barrel, but this barrel is button rifled and hand-lapped at the factory. The barrel also has the muzzle threaded at a 5/8×24 pitch and the rifle comes standard with a removable, stainless steel, premium RFR muzzle brake.
In addition to coming out of the box with a threaded muzzle, the Evoke also comes with a removable, stainless steel, premium RFR muzzle brake.
Barrel lengths range from 16.25 to 22 inches depending on the cartridge. The 7mm Backcountry is available with either a 16.25- or 20-inch barrel, and the 6.5 PRC, .270 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm PRC, .30-06, .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 PRC and .375 H&H all come with a 22-inch barrel. Evoke rifles in .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester and .450 Bushmaster have a 20-inch barrel, and the .350 Legend is the only Evoke with an 18-inch barrel. Regardless of the chambering, all barrels are fully free-floated.
The bolt on the Christensen Arms Evoke has a plunger-style ejector and an extractor that’s kind of a cross between an M16 and Sako-type extractor.
Christensen Arms attaches the barrel to a newly crafted action that they designed in-house at Christensen Arms. It has a bolt with a radially fluted body, two lugs, a 90-degree throw, and a M16/ Sako-style extractor and a plunger ejector like on that first Remington 700 I bought more than 40 years ago. Regardless of the cartridge the Evoke is chambered for, the action is the same size. It does not come in short, long and magnum lengths. This adds weight for short-action cartridges, but it does reduce manufacturing costs. The bolt handle has an octagonally shaped knob that’s a tad bit—but not too much—oversized. It seems just about perfect for fast and positive bolt operation.
The radial fluted bolt on the Christensen Arms Evoke rifle has a bolt handle perfectly sized for positive and fast operation.
The rifle feeds from a detachable polymer magazine made by MDT, and it has a three-round capacity, regardless of the cartridge. You release the magazine by pushing a lever in the trigger guard. Also, inside the trigger guard, you’ll find an adjustable TriggerTech trigger. The trigger on the test rifle broke crisp and clean at about 3 pounds, and I left it throughout all testing.
The polymer stock on the Evoke rifle features a near vertical grip, finished with a very attractive and useful texturing.
The Evoke’s barreled action is housed inside a synthetic polymer stock. There are actually four versions of the Evoke, and the different stocks are what set them apart. On the standard Evoke, the stock is a flat OD green color. The Mossy Oak version of the Evoke, which has a retail price of $948.99, has a stock with the Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish. Next is the Hunter version of the Evoke. Christensen Arms finishes the Hunter’s stock with one of their own camo patterns, and it retails for $998.99. The final version of the Evoke is the Precision model. It retails for $1,048.99; it’s the most expensive of the four, but it has Christensen Arms’ hex camo pattern, and it also comes with an adjustable carbon-fiber cheek riser.
For those who like to shoot from a bipod or tripod, they will really appreciate the integral section of rail on the tip of the Evoke’s forend.
All versions of the Evoke include a short, three-slot, Picatinny rail section at the tip of the forend, and this rail section has an integral sling mount attachment point. All Evoke rifles also have what Christensen Arms calls a hybrid grip angle that’s nearly perpendicular to the barrel. A very neat and attractive feature of the Evoke’s stock is the texturing on the grip panels at the grip and along the forend. Not only does this texturing look good, but it also provides a very sure gripping surface when the rifle is wet. I know this as fact because during the first range session with the rifle, a downpour nearly drowned me and the rifle. Finally, and important is the fact the Evoke rifle—regardless of the version—comes with a three-shot, sub-MOA guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty.
Range Time
Before I get into the shooting, I want to address the only issue I experienced with the rifle. Sometimes I struggled to remove the three-round MDT magazine. I could clearly see when I depressed the release that the latch freed the magazine, but sometimes the magazine was just damned stubborn and did not want to come out. At other times it was easy to remove.
Some magazine removal issues occurred with the test rifle, but only when the magazine was forcefully inserted into the magazine well.
Upon further investigation I discovered that I only had the magazine removal issues when I aggressively inserted it. Then, the front of the magazine went just a tad too far in. However, regardless of how I inserted the magazine, it always fed cartridges without failure. If I gently inserted the magazine, it was easy to remove, but not a drop free. I’m not a fan of a drop-free magazine on a hunting rifle, because I’ve seen that lead to trouble too many times. Is this an issue endemic to all Evokes? I don’t know, but it’s something you can check when handling an Evoke before you buy it.
At nearly 7½ pounds, the Evoke is on the heavy side, but I thought the rifle balanced well with a bit of muzzle heaviness for offhand shooting. The 20-inch barrel on the 6.5 Creedmoor version is suppressor friendly, and, as you would expect, a suppressor made the Evoke even more muzzle heavy. Is a muzzle-heavy rifle a bad thing? Yes and no. Muzzle heaviness can help you when shooting off-hand and seems to help stabilize a rifle a bit when shooting from a rest. The only time it becomes a hindrance is when you’re trying to handle the rifle swiftly or when trying to track a moving animal for a shot. If you have no plans to shoot at moving critters, and if you always at least intend to shoot from a rest, it will not negatively impact your shooting at all.
The new Evoke rifle from Christensen Arms comes with a lot of features modern hunters demand.
Speaking of shooting from a rest, the short section of Picatinny rail that’s integral to the Evoke’s forend was perfect for bipod or tripod attachment. I attached a Spartan Precision Pic rail adapter and did a lot of shooting from their Ascent tripod and their Javelin bipod. If you like to shoot with either a tripod or bipod, you will really, really, appreciate this rail section because it greatly simplifies the process. That short section of Picatinny rail remained solidly attached to the Evoke’s stock throughout all the shooting.
I tested three loads in the Evoke for precision while shooting from a sandbag rest at 100 yards, by firing three, five-shot groups with each load. Two of the loads tested averaged just a bit more than an inch, but the rifle really liked Hornady’s 143-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter load. Every group fired with that load was less than an inch and the average for three, five-shot groups was a very respectable 0.61 inch.
Shooting Results
LOAD
VEL
SD
ENG
PRECISION
Remington 129-grain Core-Lokt Tipped
2,992
27
2,564
1.13
Nosler 140-grain Whitetail Country
2,723
14
2,305
1.21
Hornady 143-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter
2,736
6
2,377
0.61
AVERAGE
0.98
Notes: Muzzle velocity (VEL), standard deviation (SD) and energy (ENG) were established by firing 10 shots over a chronograph. Reported (PRECISION) reflects the average of three, five-shot groups with each load from a sandbag rest at 100 yards.
The Last Word
Like with all rifle manufacturers that offer an affordable, entry-level rifle, I’m sure Christensen Arms hopes that those who purchase an Evoke may someday upgrade to another, higher-end, Christensen Arms rifle like the Ridgeline FFT, which costs about twice as much as the Evoke. That might very well happen, especially since the Ridgeline FFT rifle is noticeably lighter. However, a lot of hunters might very well be content with their Evoke and never purchase another rifle. I think this is a practical possibility, especially if the magazine issue I experienced was just a fluke with the test rifle and not representative of the entire line.
Any way you look at it, the Christensen Arms Evoke is a great representative of how hunting rifle manufacturing has evolved. Christensen Arms has loaded this rifle with many of the features the modern hunter expects, it shoots well, and Christensen is offering it at a fair and reasonable price.
Pros
Shoots well
Lots of practical features
Reasonable price
Cons
On the heavier side
Test rifle had minor magazine issue
CA Evoke Hunter 6.5 CM Deals
Guns.com
$896
EuroOptic
$900
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the August 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Ruger has just released two new versions of the LCP MAX that feature a manual safety.
A lot of people only feel comfortable carrying a loaded handgun if it has a manual safety. For those individuals, the Ruger LCP MAX is now an option as the company has just released two new models that feature a manual safety.
Model 13749 features a manual thumb safety on its left side, and model 13754 features the same, as well as a magazine disconnect safety and a loaded chamber indicator on top. Whichever version you choose to go with, both are only available with a matte stainless slide. Their other features are the same as standard Ruger LCP MAX models—a 10+1-round capacity of .380 ACP, 2.8-inch barrels, an adjustable u-notch rear sight and a tritium front sight. In other words, besides the new safety features, they’re identical to the original model.
Also like the originals, both new manual safety LCP MAX models ship with one 10-round mag, a pocket holster and a magazine loader, and have an MSRP of $379.
While they don't get much attention these days, there are a few different .32-caliber cartridges out there that remain far from useless.
A hundred years before anyone thought about a .32 H&R Magnum, Winchester introduced the .32-20 WCF cartridge for their Model 73 lever-action rifle. The year was 1882, the same year Robert Ford shot Jesse James. The .32-20 soon became very popular in a variety of revolvers, especially Colt’s Peacemaker. Elmer Keith even developed an early relationship with the .32-20, shooting cottontails with his granddad and later carrying a 7½ inch Colt in .32-20 while working with a survey crew.
Other 0.32-caliber handgun cartridges, like the .32 Smith & Wesson, .32 Smith & Wesson Long and .32 Colt New Police, were popular with private detectives, cops and target shooters. In 1896, S&W attempted to improve the .32 S&W by lengthening the case by 0.31 inch. The .32 S&W Long was just as anemic as its parent cartridge, but when Teddy Roosevelt was police commissioner of New Your City, he chose Colt’s .32 New Police Revolver as the department’s issue sidearm. Colt’s cartridge was identical to the S&W Long.
Six years later, a 0.32-caliber handgun would make Roosevelt president when McKinley died from complications of his gunshot wound. And, 4 days prior to the assignation, Roosevelt spoke the now famous words, “Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far.” Though it’s doubtful he was talking about a .32.
The bullet from this new .32 H&R Magnum load will not upset/expand on impact, but it will penetrate deeply. It’s intended for targets.
Surprisingly, in 1984, Harrington & Richards teamed with Federal and introduced the .32 H&R Magnum for their five-shot model 504, 532 and 586 revolvers. Charter Arms offered the new .32 in their six-shot, Police Undercover Revolver, and, in 1985, Ruger began chambering it in their SP101 and Single Six revolvers. As expected, 0.32-caliber fans were excited by the new cartridge, and as factory loaded, the .32 H&R essentially duplicated the performance of the .32-20.
However, the story line in gun magazines at the time was that the .32 H&R Magnum would outperform standard .38 Special loads. Maybe that’s true on paper, but actual terminal performance testing showed otherwise. Ultimately, in 2007, when Federal introduced the .327 Federal Magnum, all but .32 H&R Magnum devotees forgot about the first 0.32-caliber cartridge with “magnum” in the name.
Though intended for deer hunting with a lever gun, the .327 HammerDown Federal load can work well for self-defense.
Far from Useless
That does not mean the .32 H&R Magnum is worthless or not good. In fact, with the most modern ammunition, like the brand-new Hydra-Shok Deep load from Federal, it’s a capable self-defense cartridge. I recently tested this just-introduced load in blocks of Clear Ballistics from a 4-inch barreled revolver, and it consistently delivered 12 inches of penetration with an upset diameter of nearly a half inch. That’s better than most .380 Auto loads. The Hydra-Shok Deep .32 H&R Magnum load comes 20 rounds to the box, and with a suggested retail price of $38.99, it will cost you about 2 bucks a pop.
The new Hydra-Shok Deep load from Federal for the .32 H&R Mangum will deliver a foot of penetration and upset with a wide frontal diameter.
Federal introduced another new .32 H&R Magnum load with the 85-grain HST load, but Federal loads this one with an 85-grain JSP bullet. It will generate velocities that are nearly identical to the Hydra-Shok Deep load, but the 85-grain JSP bullet will not deform/expand. It is a great practice load, and if you prefer deep penetration to bullet upset, it will easily drive to depths beyond 16 inches. The 85-grain JSP load will cost you about a dollar a shot; a box has a suggested retail price of $47.99.
When it comes to personal protection with a revolver, the .32 H&R Magnum is not in the same league as the .327 Federal Magnum. The best .32 H&R Magnum loads generate less than half the kinetic energy of good .327 Federal Magnum loads. In fact, some of the best .327 Federal Magnum loads generate more kinetic energy than some well-respected 9mm Luger, .40 S&W and .45 Auto loads. Federal has recently introduced two new .327 Federal Magnum loads, and I tested those right alongside the new .32 H&R Magnum loads.
One of the best self-defense loads for the .327 Federal Magnum is the new 104-grain HST load. It has more than 500 ft-lb of muzzle energy.
The first new .327 load is the 104-grain HST. HST ammunition is some of the best self-defense ammo you can find, and the new .327 load did not disappoint. It penetrated to an ideal depth of 14.5 inches, retained 90 percent of its weight, and the bullets had an average recovered diameter of more than a half inch. Based on terminal performance testing, that is stellar performance, regardless of the cartridge. With a retail price of $41.99 for 20 rounds, Federal is proud of this load—and they should be. It’s one of the best I’ve seen for this cartridge.
In all, I tested four new loads for the .32 H&R Magnum and .327 Federal Magnum, and the last load tested was the one that really got my attention. It is the .327, 127-grain HammerDown load. Federal designed HammerDown ammunition specifically for use in lever action rifles. Federal tempered the bullets to work at longer-than-revolver barrel velocities, and chamfered the forward edge of the case rim for smoother feeding in lever guns. However, you can still shoot this stuff in a revolver, and out of a 4-inch barrel it passed through the 16-inch block of Clear Ballistics. I was only able to recover the bullets because a panel of soft body armor stopped them. That’s fantastic terminal performance for a .32.
I’m confident that, though the new Hydra-Shok Deep load for the .32 H&R Magnum is a practical choice for self-defense, it is not a “big stick.” But I’d bet you that if Roosevelt got to see what the new .327 Federal Magnum loads can do—especially the HammerDown load—he might think it would qualify. Remember, he armed New York cops with the anemic .32 Colt.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the August 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
For those who rely on a .44 Magnum for personal protection, Federal has just added a .44 Magnum HST load to its catalog.
Federal Ammunition has just added a .44 Magnum load to its Personal Defense HST line. Described as a “light magnum” load, it features a cartridge-specific 230-grain hollow-point bullet that was designed to provide excellent expansion and weight retention without overpenetration or excessive recoil. The ammo has an advertised muzzle velocity of 1,085 fps, nickel-plated cases and high-performance sealed primers.
Chris Laack, Product Manager for Federal Handgun Ammunition, said this about the new self-defense revolver load:
This new HST loading addresses customer requests for a Personal Defense® option in 44 Mag, offering more power than a 44 Special load but better control and less overpenetration than a full-magnum hunting load … Its cartridge-specific bullet design best utilizes the magnum power available for defense and has more energy than 10mm Auto and 357 Mag yet with a larger 44 Mag projectile. It is incredible … When matched with the HST bullet design, the 44 Magnum provides the energy to achieve both effective penetration depth and significant hollow-point expansion … This HST does exactly what a great hollow-point bullet should. It provides significant expansion and retained weight while achieving optimized penetration depths in tissue with reduced risk for over-penetration.
Federal .44 Magnum HST is shipping to retailers now and has an MSRP of $55.99 per 20-round box.
Still carry the classy way? Here I go over how to properly take care of your leather holsters.
In the 21st century, a polymer pistol in a plastic holster is the norm. They have excellent retention and have gotten quite comfortable. New manufacturing methods and materials are cheap and accessible. Still, the allure of leather remains, perhaps because humans have been using animal skins longer than we’ve been using language. Heck, our earliest evidence of leather comes from processing tools that date back over 100,000 years.
There has actually been a bit of a resurgence in leather holsters in recent years because of the vast increase in available pistol make and models, natural materials lending themselves better to universal fits. Leather can also be extremely comfortable compared to plastic. But the upsides are also the downsides.
Like us, leather has a lifespan. A high-quality, cared-for leather holster gains a personality all its own — a companion to the pistol that rides inside. Leather comes from something that was once alive, and in a way, continues to live on through its bearer. The skin can stretch alongside your own. The colors shift with exposure to sun, warm skin, and hot barrels. Gun oil and sweat work into the pores, building a bridge between pistol and person — which also means you need to inspect it, care for it, and show a degree of consideration you otherwise wouldn’t with a plastic fantastic.
No one needs a leather holster in the 21st century, just like how they don’t need a mechanical watch, vintage Jeep, or custom pistol. Leather is luxury.
What used to be normal — items made from natural materials handcrafted by humans — now represents extravagance in a world that produces piles of plastic. Yes, this article is a bit romantic. No, I’m not saying throw out your PHLster. But there could be a place for some leather in your life, and if you’re looking for a gift for someone who’s hard to buy for, some of the exotic options outlined here might help.
Exotic Leather Holsters
The majority of leather items produced in the United States, holsters or otherwise, come from cows. This isn’t surprising, as cowhide is a byproduct of the beef and dairy industry, and America is the largest producer in the world. Of course, bulls aren’t your only option. Some manufacturers, like Versacarry, use water buffalo even for their mass-produced models. But if you want something truly custom, you may as well go entirely exotic.
Exotics like the stingray and alligator shown here really draw the eye.
Nestled in the western Carolina mountains is Mayhem Leather Company. This family business specializes in handcrafting custom holsters and other leather items, with a rare eye toward artistry. Mayhem Leather Company not only has some standard holster offerings, wallets, and cowboy rigs, but also 1911 grips formed from the likes of ring lizards, peanut spinal stingray, and gators.
In terms of exotic leathers, they offer a variety of options ranging from hippo, hornback alligator, ostrich, python, pirarucu, shark, stingray, and more. No, you won’t find holsters like these at a regular store, just like how you won’t find bespoke pistols at any old gun shop. And it’s guaranteed that no one is going to have a holster that’ll look exactly like the one you have — even if they buy the same make, model, and material.
Hybrid Holsters
We can’t talk about leather holsters without mentioning hybrids. These designs look for the best of both worlds, the comfort of leather with the retention and rigidity of plastic. Several approaches have been taken with assorted levels of success.
The first generation of the hybrid holster, of which there are still some versions, were plastic shells bolted onto leather backers. There can be issues with backers stretching but the shells staying, affecting retention ability, depending on the quality of construction and type of leather used. Another type is a sort of leather cover for Kydex, like a taco wrap. Most recently, it’s been leather holsters with synthetic internal structures for positive retention, and these have been the most promising in terms of looking and feeling like a traditional leather holster.
This DeSantis looks like traditional leather, but there’s a synthetic retention yolk inside that clicks onto the trigger guard.
Fitting Leather Holsters
Your pistol needs to fit snugly inside your holster yet still be ready to pull. This is the ever-present problem with concealed carry, and why that “Kydex click” brings so many so much confidence.
While an inside-the-waistband design can usually have a little more wiggle room because the pistol is pressed between your body and pants by your belt, overall you’re going to want a pistol that fits a little more tightly than you think — that leather is going to stretch with time and use. If it’s too tight, don’t use any saddle soap or other softeners and don’t get it wet. Instead, put your pistol inside a plastic bag, insert it into the holster, and leave it overnight. This will increase the dimensions ever so slightly so it’s just right.
A tight holster can be remedied with a plastic bag, stretching it just a scooch.
Galco Gun Leather sells a product called Draw-EZ to shorten break-in periods, but the very best thing you can do in order to smooth out a leather holster is honest time and repetition.
Care And Inspection
Keep your holster clean. After a long day on the range or running around, a quick wipe down with a clean towel is usually all it needs, but sometimes a little more care is required. The best practice is to only use items recommended by your given maker, lest you weaken the leather by making it too soft. Some light buffing with shoe polish should be A-OK and keep everything looking great. If your holster gets wet, wipe it with a towel, resist the urge to apply heat, and let it dry at room temperature overnight.
Heat and direct sunlight will dry, warp, and crack your leather. Keep your holsters away from windows, sunrooms, and dashboards.
Make damned sure the trigger is properly covered and the leather isn’t soft around the trigger — if the leather is soft enough that the trigger can be pressed through the material, it’s time to retire that holster. Check any retention devices like snaps or attachments like clips for rust.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the August 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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.
