Designed using the experiences of U.S. Special Forces veterans, BlackPoint Tactical holsters are made for comfortably concealing pistols in any environment.
BlackPoint Tactical is an established name in the holster world, and the company’s products have been praised for being very comfortable, concealable and compatible with several carrying styles. The company has 13 basic holster designs that are custom-made and molded to accommodate the most popular CCW pistol models. The company says they got started after analyzing several existing holsters and finding them all lacking in one way or another. Many new holster companies claim something similar, but few have the combined Special Forces experiences of BlackPoint Tactical employees.
As a testament to their quality, the company’s holsters are already in use by numerous law enforcement agencies around the country, and BlackPoint Tactical has established a partnership with SIG. With their holsters even seeing contemporary use by some U.S. Special Operations units, BlackPoint is clearly doing something right, but what exactly sets their holsters apart?
BlackPoint FO3 Light Mounted IWB holster.
BlackPoint Tactical Quality
Some other holster companies’ products prioritize versatility or modularity in an attempt to sell you one holster that does everything. The reality is that these usually fall short, proving true the principle that a jack of all trades will be a master of none. BlackPoint Tactical holsters take a different approach, however. Custom-made for each individual order, each BlackPoint holster was designed to do one thing and do it well. After selecting the options that best suit your specific gun and carry style, the holster you receive should be a guaranteed match right out of the box.
Using mostly Kydex, but some leather too, BlackPoint Tactical holsters are precision molded to fit your firearm, including any modifications such as mounted weapon lights. Most holster models include metal belt clips that feature cloth-grabbing tips too, and all screws come preinstalled with thread locker.
BlackPoint Leather WING OWB holster.
BlackPoint Holster Options
Besides BlackPoint’s wide selection of gun models to choose from, the custom nature of their holsters also allows for plenty of options for modifications as well. Most holsters can be ordered to fit guns with mounted lights, suppressor-height sights, red dot optics and threaded barrels. Besides that, one can also select the draw hand, belt loop style and even the color of the Kydex or leather.
BlackPoint has holster models intended for IWB, OWB and even chest carry available. Some models can also be ordered with a spare magazine pouch attached.
BlackPoint DualPoint Light Mounted AIWB holster.
Designed by guys who have really had to conceal pistols for a living, sometimes in non-permissive environments, it’s clear that BlackPoint Tactical has their CCW priorities straight. The company claims that their central operating principle is “If we build our products to hold up in the harsh combat environments of Mosul, they will work great on Main St.”, and so far, that seems to have proven true. Regardless of how you like to carry or how you have your gun set up, BlackPoint Tactical likely has something that will do you right.
Is there any reason to use a .410 shotgun for home defense? Or does this bore lack any martial merit?
A popular load for hunting turkeys and training young ones, .410 bore’s usefulness beyond those tasks is frequently questioned. They may be fun to shoot, but is there any merit to using a .410 shotgun for home defense? Or do all the advantages it can provide get outpaced by its drawbacks? Let’s look at the data and see just how capable these little shells truly are.
Hornady Critical Defense 410 Triple Defense.
Potential Advantages
We should start by establishing why anyone would want to use a .410 shotgun for home defense in the first place, as there is some logic behind it. The only true advantage of .410 in a defensive application is its lack of recoil, which lends itself to faster follow-up shots. Shotguns chambered in .410 also can generally be made lighter and handier than larger gauge guns, and in magazine-fed designs, they can also have higher capacities. Finally, especially considering that most defensive shotgun encounters occur indoors and likely in the dark, .410 shells produce less flash and report, at least when fired from traditional-length barrels.
That leads us to another potential advantage of .410 bore, or at least a perceived advantage. Revolvers like the Taurus Judge and S&W Governor have grown to be decently popular choices since they first hit the market, but why is that? Revolvers like these can chamber both .410 bore shotshells as well as .45 Long Colt cartridges, giving them a greater diversity of ammunition than most other handguns.
The Taurus Judge, a handgun capable of firing both .45 Colt ammo and .410-bore shotshells.
Unfortunately, however, this has led to the rise of some new iconic “Fudd lore”, such as the concept of loading progressively lethal ammo types into their cylinder. Starting with something like .410 birdshot, then buckshot before finally working up to .45 LC. This is terrible advice because regardless of what kind of ammunition you have loaded, a court will view you firing a gun at someone as an attempt to take their life. If you have chosen to pull the trigger, you better be fully committed to the idea of using lethal force, and in that case, you want to fire the most effective projectile possible. Permanently disfiguring a mugger’s face with birdshot may not be viewed as humanely as you imagined by a jury, even if you did spare the individual’s life. Following this line of thinking, it stands to reason that a firearm carried defensively should also be as effective as possible. When it comes to pistols like the Taurus Judge, they may have their uses on the farm for pest control or as toys, but for defensive use, there are both better handguns and .410 shotguns out there.
A .410 bore Saiga AK shotgun, one of the more “tactical” .410 options available. Photo: Rock Island Auction Company.
.410 For Defense
When it comes to using .410 defensively, birdshot can go right out the door. It simply lacks the penetrative power to be worth considering. .410 slugs also have little defensive practicality. They certainly are capable of penetrating deep enough to stop a man, as plenty of people have used them to drop deer, but at the end of the day, .410 slugs offer no distinct advantages either. As far as firing single projectiles with low recoil goes, the same thing can be achieved with a more effective weapon like a Pistol Caliber Carbine. This means that the only defensive .410 loads worth looking at fall under the umbrella of buckshot.
There have been some big advancements made when it comes to defensive .410 loads, and while some are adequate, they still fall short when compared to other options. Winchester PDX1 Defender is generally considered to be one of the best defensive .410 loads out there, and it delivers three “defense disc” projectiles and twelve BBs at an advertised velocity of 750 FPS. Compared to an average example of 12-gauge 000 buckshot with an advertised velocity of 1,325 FPS, the difference in power becomes quite apparent. While .410 loads like the Winchester PDX1 absolutely penetrate deeply enough in gel tests to be lethal, keep in mind that they still only have about half the mass and velocity of 12-gauge 000 buck.
Winchester PDX1 410 Defender.
In short, yes there are decently effective .410 defense loads out there, but they never really get better than just “decent.”
.410’s Disadvantages
The most obvious shortcoming of .410 is its power. Assuming that much of the appeal of using a .410 shotgun for home defense is their low recoil in a two-handed firearm, a PCC can accomplish much of the same with a much higher magazine capacity to boot. At close range, .410 may have the potential to create more devastating wounds than most pistol calibers, but modern hollow points are known to have very consistent expansion and remain effective for much farther than .410.
Since this discussion pertains to defending the home, however, range is not nearly as important of a factor as spread. Unfortunately for .410, this is another area where it lags behind. The very narrow bore of .410 shotguns results in them having a very tight pattern at home defense distances, meaning that even when firing buckshot, you might as well be aiming a single projectile. Without the advantage of increased hit probability, that’s just one more reason why .410 is not ideal for defense.
Why Not To Use A .410 Shotgun For Home Defense
Ultimately, if it’s truly all you have access to, using a .410 shotgun for home defense can get the job done just fine with the right ammo, but the same could be said about .22 LR as well. Guns chambered in .22 can have higher capacities and lower recoil too, but very few people would recommend them for defensive work. In the end, besides in possibly a few niche scenarios, there is no good reason to handicap oneself by choosing a .410 shotgun. While shotgun pistols like the Taurus Judge offer good flexibility with the ammunition they can fire, when it comes to defense against humans a .45 LC cartridge will almost always prove more effective than a .410 shell. Also despite being smaller, .410 doesn’t even offer a price advantage over its more abundant bigger brothers.
It seems to me that unless you are dead set on using a shotgun for home defense and also lack the physical abilities to handle at least a 20-gauge, there is no good reason to handicap yourself by using a .410 shotgun for home defense. It’s true that .410s can be lighter and handier, have less felt-recoil and faster potential follow-up shots than bigger shotguns can, but few things hit with 12-gauge need a second shot anyway.
From left to right: .45 ACP, .410, 20-gauge, 12-gauge. Photo: Wikipedia.
.410 bore is not without its uses, and like virtually every firearm cartridge in existence, a well-placed shot of it will stop the largest of men, but unless you are a very small, weak or arthritic person, you’ll almost certainly be better off with a 20 or 12-gauge. Even if you are lacking in physicality, these days an AR-15 or PCC will likely suit your defensive needs better than a .410. New 12-gauge offerings like the Mossberg 590S can reliably feed mini shells too, offering many of the same potential advantages of .410 but with greater versatility of ammo selection. So, when it comes to home defense, it’s probably best to save .410 for the turkeys.
Getting a good handle on your handgun is at the foundation of solid marksmanship. VZ Grips in sures this happens no matter your make and model.
A holster manufacturer recently sent me several holsters to try and asked that I offer feedback. The holsters were well made but were equipped with a flange that extended from the rear of the holster up behind where the slide portion of the handgun stuck out of the holster. This is not a bad thing; it can make wearing a holster more comfortable, because it can prevent the handgun from digging into your torso when you bend or flex. It also serves as a mechanism for helping to keep your shirt clear of the holster during the draw or when holstering.
The problem with the holsters I was evaluating was that this flange was too wide. In other words, it was significantly wider than the handgun’s slide. Because of this, when attempting to obtain a shooting grip with the handgun in the holster, the flange dug into the web of the hand between the thumb and index finger. This meant that a good shooting grip couldn’t be established until the handgun was at least partially removed from the holster.
VZ Grips offers a wide range of grips for most defensive handguns that allow grip replacement. They’re made of G-10, which is a phenomenal grip material.
That’s not a good thing. Establishing a shooting grip while the handgun is still in the holster means that when you withdraw it, you don’t have to adjust your grip before shooting it, and you have the most and best control over the handgun that’s obtainable with one hand. For new shooters who might not immediately grasp—pardon the pun—the importance of this, let me explain.
Establishing a correct shooting grip—pre-draw—reduces the engagement time, because additional time doesn’t have to be taken to get a good grip, during or after presentation. It also allows the shooter to have the best opportunity to retain the handgun should a gun grab be attempted, and it reduces the possibility of dropping the handgun while trying to adjust the grip.
Regardless of the type of holster you might be considering, make sure it’s a holster that’ll allow you to comfortably and quickly establish a shooting grip while the gun is fully inserted in the holster. In the case of the holsters provided for review, I reached out to the manufacturer and explained the design flaw. They made the adjustment and turned a decent holster into a very good one.
VZ Grip Design
I think the design of a handgun’s grip is often overlooked. A grip that fits you is one you’ll hold on to better and one that’ll help you shoot more comfortably and with more precision. I’m not a Glock guy. When I say that, many assume I don’t like them because they’re plastic or because of some other racist reason. The truth is: Glocks don’t fit my hand well or comfortably. Thirteen years of carrying them on duty was enough for me to know that as fact not speculation. One of the first considerations I make when contemplating any handgun is if it fits me and if it’s comfortable to hold on to and shoot.
This requirement is one of the reasons I’m becoming more and more fond of the Sig Sauer P320, but only when fitted with the Wilson Combat grip module. It’s also the reason most of my serious handguns have undergone a grip replacement. It’s not so much that I wanted to customize them or make them look cool; it’s because I wanted them to fit me better.
A perfect example is one of my custom Hi Power pistols. I’ve tried numerous grips on that handgun, looking for something that fit my hand and provided a comfortable and secure grip. Bill Wilson suggested I try a set of VZ Grips Pro Slims grips. I reached out to John VanZyck of VZ, told him what I was looking for, and he sent me a set. Yes, they do look very nice on my pistol, but more importantly, they’re extremely comfortable and seem to substantially improve the security of my grip on the gun.
Regardless of the handgun or holster you use, it’s critical you establish a shooting grip immediately when you place your hand on the gun in the holster.
VanZyck also sent a set of his Operator II grips for a Smith & Wesson J-frame. These little revolvers are notorious for having grips that fail to fill the hand, are hard to hold on to and uncomfortable. The Operator II grips truly transformed this little revolver into one that’s comfortable and easy to grip. And, just as importantly, they’re shaped to allow for ease of loading with a speedloader or stripper clip.
Most VZ Grips are made from G-10, a high-pressure laminate created by stacking multiple layers of glass cloth, which are soaked in an epoxy resin and tempered with heat and pressure. This provides amazing strength and a lifetime of maintenance-free service. They won’t rust or oxidize or become soft or brittle. They can be finished with various textures and, damn, if these grips don’t look good.
Yes, you need a holster that’ll allow you to establish a correct shooting grip before the handgun is removed. But you also need grips that’ll allow you to do the same, while ensuring that the gun comfortably and securely remains where it’s supposed to be. VZ makes grips for most of the popular semi-autos and revolvers commonly carried for self-defense—even AR-15s. They retail for around $75. VZ also has some pretty neat accessories.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the April 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
With reloading supplies still difficult to come upon are efficient cartridges the smart choice right now?
Have you ever let the efficiency of a cartridge dictate your firearm purchase? Does cartridge efficiency weigh on your mind? With the scarcity of reloading components, those cartridges that give the most “bang for the buck,” quite literally, have a bit more appeal.
I’ve recently had conversations with fellow reloaders who are reaching for their .308 Winchester instead of their .300 Winchester Magnum due to the fact that the former burns so much less powder than the latter.
Sweating The Small Stuff
Each cartridge will require a primer, so there’s no savings there, but powder consumption can make a considerable difference, especially when you compare those larger-cased magnum cartridges to the standard designs.
The .223 Remington isn’t as speedy as the larger .22-250 Remington, but it still offers a very usable trajectory and runs on much less powder. Photo: Massaro Media Group
Looking into the example above, and using the 165- to 168-grain bullets so popular for hunting and target work, Nosler’s excellent load data shows the .308 Winchester will require a powder charge somewhere between 37 and 38 grains on the low end, to as much as 52 grains with slower powders and a severely compressed load.
The speedier .300 Winchester will need somewhere between 58 grains on the low end and can handle up to 80 grains of certain powders at the top end. There are 7,000 grains in a pound of powder, so the .308 Winchester will give between 189 and 134 shots to the pound, and the .300 Winchester Magnum will give between 120 and 87 shots to the pound. For a target shooter trying to maximize their powder supply, this may make a significant difference.
It’s no great secret that the .308 Winchester has long been considered one of our most efficient cartridges, giving a lot of field performance from a small case with a relatively light powder charge … and it can even burn that charge in a short barrel.
Now, the .300 Winchester Magnum will better the .308’s velocity by 400 fps in some instances, but that doesn’t mean that the .308 isn’t useful. In fact, the .308’s velocity—somewhere in the 2,750- to 2,850-fps range with the 165-grain bullet—makes a perfectly sound hunting choice. Furthermore, at the most common hunting distances, this velocity poses no handicap at all. If the better powder efficiency means more time at the range or helps to extend your powder supply, the more efficient cartridge may be the better choice.
Defining What An Efficient Cartridge Is
An efficient cartridge is one that gives a proper balance of usable striking power, flat trajectory and minimal powder charge. For example, the .416 Rigby uses somewhere between 90 and 100 grains of powder to drive a 400-grain bullet to the desired muzzle velocity of 2,400 fps, where the smaller-cased .416 Remington Magnum can achieve the same results with 70 to 80 grains of powder.
Yes, the .416 Remington needs to run at a higher pressure to get the same speeds, but that has been proven to be a non-issue; I’ve used that cartridge with full-house loads in 100-plus degree temperatures with no pressure problems. That powder efficiency and the ability to fit more of the slimmer cases in a rifle’s magazine are the features that attracted me to the Remington over the Rigby.
The .30-06 Springfield, while a fine choice of cartridge, isn’t as efficient as its younger brother, the .308 Winchester. Photo: Massaro Media Group
The .22-250 Remington is my absolute favorite varmint/predator cartridge, but I can’t defend it as an efficient cartridge, especially when comparing it to the .223 Remington. Much like the comparison of the .308 Winchester and .300 Winchester Magnum, the .22-250 will better the velocity of the .223 by a considerable amount—nearly 500 fps with a 55-grain bullet—but the .223 has a very usable velocity and trajectory.
Looking at Hodgdon’s CFE223, one of the powders common to both cartridges and one which gives excellent velocity in both, the .223 will top out at 28 grains and the .22-250 will top out at 39 grains. While gaining 500 fps for an 11-grain increase in powder can seem like a good trade-off considering the fact that you get 70 more shots to the pound when shooting a .223, still holding a cartridge generating over 3,000 fps with that 55-grain bullet may have you rethinking the decision.
The 7mm Remington Magnum is a very popular hunting choice. Still, I’ve long felt that the cartridge is inefficient in a couple of ways from a handloader’s point of view. Firstly, it is, was and always will be overbore, meaning the case capacity compared to the bore diameter is such that we may have reached the point of diminishing returns.
Comparing case families, I’ve always noted that the .300 Winchester Magnum has historically shown a much greater advantage over the .30-06 Springfield than the 7mm Remington Magnum over the .280 Remington. Depending on the load data you look at, you’ll see the .280 delivering velocities within 100 fps of the larger 7mm Mag., and quite often in a shorter barrel length. You’ll see a 10-grain difference between the two cartridges, so the .280 Remington makes all kinds of sense, from an efficiency standpoint.
Stretching Your Powder
For those who are unable to switch cartridges or simply have no desire to do so, there are some steps you can take to maximize accessible powder supplies.
Generally speaking, with regard to rifle cases, the faster-burning powder choices within a given list of applicable powders for certain cartridges will require the least amount of powder. As an extreme example, my .470 Nitro Express traditionally runs on powders that require a charge weight of between 103 and 118 grains of powder to arrive at the magic 2,150-fps muzzle velocity. I found good data with Reloder 15 powder—with a much faster burn rate than the rest of the lot—which uses a range of charge weights between 87 and 90 grains. However, it needs a foam wad to compact the load for uniform velocities.
I like IMR4350 in the .30-06 Springfield, but IMR4064 will go further in that case. In the .270 Winchester, Reloder 22 is a fantastic choice, but like the .30-06, IMR4064 or IMR4166 might get better mileage.
Photo: Massaro Media Group
For the pistol crowd, Hodgdon’s TiteGroup is a powder specifically engineered to have low charge weights while delivering respectable velocities. The .38 Special will push a 158-grain cast lead bullet to 930 fps with just 3.8 grains, and the .45 Colt will send the 250-grain slugs to just over 900 fps in my beloved Ruger BlackHawk.
I’m optimistic that the supply drought will start to ease up in the coming months, but the lesson has been learned. We, as reloaders, need to maximize the efficiency of our supplies, and sometimes that requires rethinking the approach we take to reloading.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the August 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
CrossBreed has just announced the release of the Rogue Holster, the company’s first all-Kydex model, and it’s adjustable, versatile and compatible with several CrossBreed accessories.
CrossBreed Holsters got its start, and at least part of its name, from combining leather and Kydex into the same holster system. This was innovative when the company set up shop in 2005, and many still champion its SuperTuck holster, but today in 2021 the CCW holster industry is dominated by Kydex designs. While CrossBreed still primarily makes holsters that use both materials, the release of the new Rogue Holster System is a first for the company. Made using all Kydex components, the Rogue Holster System offers versatility with your weapon system, carry style and even carry position, ensuring compatibility with your CCW needs.
The two-piece Kydex gun pocket on the Rogue Holster System is precision-molded, providing a tight, secure fit for whatever your carry piece happens to be. The Rogue Holster is currently only available for certain popular models of Glock, Sig, Smith, Springfield and Taurus, but it does come standard with the ability to accept suppressor-height sights and pistol red dots. The holster’s ride height, cant angle and retention level are all adjustable as well to help provide the perfect draw from concealment.
Like other CrossBreed Holsters, the Rogue Holster is compatible with the company’s wide selection of belt clip styles. It comes with standard-style IWB belt clips, but other clips available for purchase enable several different carrying styles. The Rogue Holster also comes with CrossBreed’s “concealment claw” that helps to keep your gun close to your body.
The Rogue Holster is available either as a holster alone or as a “system” which includes an attached spare mag pouch. The standalone model has an MSRP of $79.95 while the Rogue Holster System has an MSRP of $99.95. Right-handed models are currently available and shipping now with left-hand models promised sometime in the future. Without the inclusion of leather, the Rogue Holster may not seem as “fancy” as CrossBreed’s previous offerings, but it seems to be a solid, functional and versatile option for the modern concealed carrier.
Springfield Armory’s Ronin EMP 1911s combine two popular pistol families into one, bringing two new light yet rugged guns that are ideal for concealed carry.
When it comes to Springfield Armory 1911s, EMP stands for “Enhanced Micro Pistol”, not “Electromagnetic pulse.” This is because Springfield EMP 1911s were designed from scratch to be chambered for 9mm, allowing their frame, grip radius and barrel to all be reduced in size. Due to their more concealable nature, EMPs have been a popular carry choice since they became available, but now Springfield is giving the family a makeover with the release of the new Ronin EMP line.
Springfield’s existing Ronin 1911s have also proven to be popular, boasting subtle, modern upgrades to otherwise traditional guns. While Ronins have previously been available in 9mm, their full-sized frames made them a less popular choice than the .45 ACP or 10mm variants. Now, the unveiling of the Ronin EMP family is likely to change that. Available in two compact sizes of the already shrunk-down EMP frame, the Ronin EMP pistols bring the upgrades of the Ronin line to the small, 9mm frames of the EMP series. Available with either a 3-inch barrel and 9-round magazine or with a 4-inch barrel and 10-round mag, the new Ronin EMP pistols look like a good new carry option for those who prefer the 1911 platform.
Like all Springfield 1911s, the Ronin EMP guns feature a forged steel slide and barrel and a forged alloy frame. The “Ronin Treatment” features on the new pistols include a two-tone finish, wood grips, fiber-optic front sights, Tactical Rack rear sights and an extended beavertail with a memory bump. These all help to make the Ronin EMP 1911s modern, functional and lightweight while remaining traditional, stylish and rugged. Both models have an MSRP of $849 and are shipping now.
Arrowhead Tactical Apparel makes carry-friendly athletic clothing. We strapped on our heaviest guns and put their Carrier Sweatpants and shorts to the test.
We all know that the first rule of a gunfight is to bring a gun. But when it comes down to it people often leave their protection at home. Sometimes this is for valid, legal reasons such as traveling by plane. Often it’s done merely out of convenience. Lounging at home on the weekend but need to run to the store for a minute? Who wants to put on jeans, a belt and their holster for a five-minute errand? Heading to the gym or for a run around the neighborhood? Well, the clothing required for that obviously inhibits one’s ability to stay armed. For those who only own normal athletic-style clothing, examples like these may sound all too familiar, but companies like Arrowhead Tactical Apparel are here to change that.
The company’s line of athletic shorts and pants feature an innovative internal belt system, allowing comfort while staying armed. A novel concept like this needs to be put to the test, so we had Arrowhead send over a pair of their Carrier Sweatpants and shorts and started wearing them to the gym, on the trail and at home all while packing the heaviest heat possible.
Initial Observations
Upon receiving the carrier sweatpants and shorts, the first thing I noticed was the quality of the material used. While the internal belt system is at the heart of the Arrowhead Tactical Apparel concept, the company didn’t cut corners anywhere else. Both the Carrier Sweatpants and Carrier Shorts are made from the same cotton/polyester blend that feels heavy, yet breathable. The clothes feel comfortable when worn and show no signs of early wear or fraying. I also appreciated that the subdued company logo and the general design of the clothing, looking much more like generic athleticwear rather than tactical gear.
As for their fit, I’m about 5’11 and 160 pounds and the medium sizes of both the Carrier Shorts and Carrier Sweatpants fit me perfectly.
The clothing arrives without the belt installed, so some assembly is required before one can use it for concealed carry. The process is self-explanatory, and I managed to intuitively set up my Carrier Shorts with some trial and error. For my Carrier Sweatpants, however, I followed the video guide that Arrowhead posted on its website, and using the company's method made it go much smoother. It’s not rocket science, but I recommend following the guide for anyone who ends up getting a pair.
The Concept
Both the Carrier Sweatpants and shorts are essentially normal pieces of athletic gear with one new feature—internal belt loops. Designed is used in conjunction with a retention belt included with the clothing, but is capable of accepting similarly styled belts as well. The belt is threaded through the loops inside of the waistband to provide increased support and somewhere to attach a holster. The included belt is 1.5-inches thick and uses a magnetic buckle to attach. The belt works best with holsters that have a 1.5-inch belt clip, but it also worked fine with one of my 1.75-inch clip holsters.
Once the belt is installed and the pants or shorts are put on, they feel just like wearing normal athletic clothes and a belt at the same time. Wearing a belt is never as comfortable as not wearing one, but the setup is comparably much more comfortable than wearing most pants that can accept a belt. Arrowhead recommends removing the belt system before washing any of the clothing, but between washings one can leave the belt installed, making them easy to take on and off.
In Practice
In my mind, for the Arrowhead Tactical Apparel concept to be worth it, their products must accomplish two things—comfort while lounging and secure retention during activity. As a remote worker, I tested the former requirement simply by wearing the Carrier Sweatpants most days since I received them. I found that for prolonged periods they are in fact more comfortable than carrying in traditional pants. I wore them primarily while appendix carrying a Makarov in a Vedder LightTuck, and I found that even after several hours of sitting at a desk the gun was hardly noticeable.
Following Arrowhead’s instructions, I made sure not to adjust the internal belt too tightly, leaving enough room to insert a holster without much of a squeeze. The elastic nature of the waistband then works in conjunction with the retention belt, cinching it close enough to your body to keep your pistol secured but not as tight as the average pair of blue jeans with a leather belt. By the end of the day, it still felt good to shed the extra weight, but the desire to do so wasn’t as pressing as after carrying in jeans for several hours.
To test the other half of this equation I primarily wore the Carrier Shorts, again mostly with the same Makarov setup, but I also wore them to the gym with a 3.5-inch 1911 and a Jericho 941 for the sake of variety. I wore them while lifting, running and even while sparring a punching bag without any issue. Obviously, when used with the heavier and longer guns, the setup was less comfortable, but the shorts had no issues supporting their weight or properly concealing them.
I was initially a bit skeptical of the magnetic belt buckle, I had never used one like that before. In the end, I found it to be secure as well as quick to use. While running and boxing, I never had the buckle become unclasped, but it did come undone once when getting out of a car and once after using an ab/crunch machine. Thankfully neither of these incidents resulted in any embarrassment or danger, as the belt proved to be rigid enough to support the gun without the buckle secured. Once the buckle came unclasped, the side of the belt with the holster drooped downward but remained securely inside the pants, only requiring a brief re-buckling to remedy it. This didn’t seem to be an issue to me, but it may cause some to prefer using a belt with a different style of buckle, even if it is slower than the magnet. The buckle itself was initially tricky for me to secure without any fuss, but after some practice, it became quite natural.
Final Thoughts
The smallest and lightest gun I was able to test these products with was a Makarov, but the system didn’t have any issues with full-sized steel pistols either. This means that the micro-compact polymer guns that most people carry these days should feel even more secure while engaging in strenuous activity. Furthermore, the fact that the belt system is inside the pants seems to help with concealment. When wearing just the Carrier Sweatpants and a T-shirt, I felt that the extra material on top of the belt helped to prevent printing more than the same setup would with blue jeans. Other companies are currently selling different solutions to the issue of concealed carrying in athletic clothes, but ones typically only compatible with certain types of holsters. Arrowhead Tactical products seem to offer more versatility than these since they can likely be used with every holster and pistol you already own.
Ultimately, I found that both the Carrier Sweatpants and Carrier Shorts performed as advertised, providing a comfortable, concealable solution to both staying armed while at home and the gym. They proved more comfortable than a traditional jeans and belt setup while lounging around the house or running errands, and also proved secure enough to do a serious activity while wearing. The Carrier Sweatpants have an MSRP of $84.99 and the Carrier Shorts are listed for $64.99, but Arrowhead also sells joggers which use the same belt system. A bit pricey for athleticwear, but considering that each pair also includes the necessary belt it seems to be worth it. Each item is available in multiple colors and sizes and the shorts have an option of inseam length as well.
Arrowhead Tactical Apparel’s CCW clothing seems to be an excellent option for anyone looking to stay armed more often and remain comfortable while doing so.
These 10×42 Rangefinding Binoculars from X-Vision Optics offer extreme range-finding accuracy in a package that’s tough enough to take anywhere.
When it comes to long-range rifle hunting, both a good pair of binoculars and a rangefinder are considered necessary tools of the trade, so why not combine the two? Rangefinding binoculars are an excellent way to conserve space, especially when heading deep into rough country. While not all rangefinder binoculars are made equal, X-Vision’s 10×42 model not only has extremely accurate rangefinding capabilities but is built tough enough to survive abuse in the harshest of environments.
Featuring 10x magnification and range finding capabilities accurate out to 2,200 yards, the X-Vision rangefinding binoculars have four different modes that keep them functioning properly regardless of your location or activity. With the data presented through a red OLED display, the X-Vision binoculars can be set to either standard, rain, golf or hunt mode, controlled using only two, simple to use buttons.
The standard setting simply displays the distance and angle, but it is meant for use in good weather conditions. The rain mode allows the rangefinder function to work properly beyond 30 yards even when impaired by rain or fog. The golf and hunt modes know how to intuitively select the target you are trying to range, either picking the closer target for finding golf flags or ignoring bushes and trees to dial in on an animal. The X-Vision binoculars can also measure the angle up to 90-degrees in either direction with accuracy within half of a degree.
Nitrogen-purged and featuring an anti-scratch coating on the multilayer lenses, the X-Vision Rangefinder Binoculars are ready to be taken on the toughest of hunts. For extra protection, however, they also include a carrying case and lens covers. The package also includes a neck strap, lens cloth and the appropriate CR2-3v battery. The 10×42 Rangefinding Binoculars have an MSRP of $1,299.99, but it can be a worthy investment for serious rifle hunters looking to take game at extreme ranges in harsh environments.
CZ has recently announced the new CZ 600 bolt action rifle series, the five new models will replace their now discontinued CZ 527 and 557 series.
CZ may be best known for their handguns in the U.S., but for years their bolt action rifles have been extremely popular with hunters as well. Offered in a wide variety of centerfire cartridges, these previous-generation models like the CZ 527 and CZ 557 have been discontinued in favor of the new CZ 600 series. Featuring several upgrades and improvements throughout, the CZ 600 series is available in five distinct configurations and ten different chamberings (depending on the model).
The CZ 600 Trail (top) and Lux (bottom).
What’s New?
CZ claims that nearly every aspect of their bolt action rifles has been improved in the CZ 600 series. The redesigned action now features a 60-degree bolt throw with controlled-round-feed capabilities, resulting in not only faster potential cycling but also greater reliability. The extra clearance provided by the 60-degree throw accommodates larger scopes now as well, and all CZ 600 series rifles have an enlarged bolt knob to provide better control.
The safety of the CZ 600 series has also been improved, as it can now be unloaded while the safety is still engaged. By pressing the new bolt release button, the bolt can be manipulated even while the safety is engaged and the trigger is locked, providing greater ease of mind while unloading a hot gun. The safety is now silent to use as well, eliminating the worry of scaring off game right before a critical moment.
Among rifles with the same action size, replacing the barrel, magazine and bolt face will also allow for easy caliber conversions. These kits will be sold separately but should enable shooters to have greater versatility with the same rifle.
Some models of the CZ 600 also have easily adjustable triggers and the ability to reload the magazine through the top of the action.
New CZ 600 Models
The five new CZ 600 series models can be seen below, and their appearance and names make their intended roles quite obvious. CZ describes the Alpha as their do-it-all model, and it’s the only one in the CZ 600 series that is available in all chambering options, including .223 Rem., 7.62×39, .224 Valkyrie, .308 Win., 6 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 30-06 Sprg., .300 Win. Mag. and 8×57 IS. All other models in the 600 series are offered in only a selection of these calibers, with the trail model having the fewest options.
The Alpha, Lux, Ergo and Range models all prioritize accuracy and are guaranteed to produce sub-MOA 3-shot groups at 100 meters. The Range model is the most accurate of the bunch, guaranteeing a sub-0.75-inch MOA 5-shot group at the same distance (measured using match-grade ammo, of course).
Whatever you need a centerfire bolt action rifle for, the CZ 600 series likely has you covered. Between the available models and chambering options, there’s something there for everybody. Whether you’re a hunter who appreciates precision and the traditional look of wood or a backpacker looking for a modern, compact trail rifle, there’s a 600 series gun worth looking at. MSRPs for the CZ 600 series are not yet available as the rifles will not hit store shelves until early 2022.
For more on the CZ 600 series, please visit cz-usa.com.
Firearms are one key to home defense, but there's more to effectively protecting your castle than just a reliable heater.
The idea is to keep bad guys out of your home and that doesn’t start with a sign on the door that says, “This home protected by Smith & Wesson,” and end with a .44 Magnum under your pillow. Too often, when home defense is considered, guns are the first priority. Having a firearm for home defense is a great idea, and while it should be an integral part of the plan, it’s your last resort option. Home defense is a comprehensive strategy that should be well layered and ultimately prevent you from going to your gun.
Understandably, there are so many different types of dwellings, in so many different types of locations, that all of the factors related to home defense cannot be addressed here. However, we can establish some general concepts and discuss some useful tools that can contribute to—for lack of a better word—prepping your home. And the best place to start … is outside. Since moats and breastworks aren’t an option, we have to look elsewhere for barriers.
Securing The Outdoors
Lighting A home with a dark exterior is inviting to criminals because it gives them concealment. If you’re looking for an apartment, choose one that’s well-lit outside and at all access points. For your home, build in the lighting by using dusk to dawn or motion-sensing lights, not just at the front door but all-around your house.
This is a nice home, but the exterior lighting is insufficient. It could benefit from more lights and a camera monitoring system.
Fences Fences provide protection, too. Unscalable barriers are best but look ominous and prevent vision beyond their perimeter. A waist-high chain-link or decorative fence provides a barrier a bad guy must negotiate and can also contain a dog. Believe it or not, any dog is better than no dog: They’re all reliable alert mechanisms.
Doors It should go without saying that solid doors with good locks and windows that must be broken to be breached are your next barriers. Alarm systems and constant camera monitoring are good ideas too. If you don’t have an outside dog, consider an inside dog. You don’t need a Rottweiler or Belgium Malinois that’ll turn an invader into a midnight snack; you just need something that’ll bark.
These are all pretty standard and common-sense considerations for protecting your home, but this is a gun pub and you’re probably not reading it to figure out the best alarm system or door locks to install.
Weapon-mounted lights are smart accessories for home-defense firearms.
Firearms When it comes to firearms that can effectively be used for home defense, the list is endless, so here are some guidelines to consider:
A home-defense gun should be relatively compact, so you can move through your home with it.
It should be loaded with lethal ammunition but not ammunition that’ll excessively penetrate interior or exterior walls.
A home-defense firearm should be manageable by all able-bodied residents of the home.
A weapon light is a good accessory for a home-defense firearm because it frees up your support hand to deal with doors, family members and to call 911.
A home-defense firearm should be capable of being stored in a secure but easy-to-access location.
Given these guidelines, select the firearm(s) you feel best fit these and any additional requirements you might have. But there are more tools to consider.
Gun safes can be heavy and expensive. For those needing security and easy access for only home-defense firearms, the Hornady RAPiD Safe is an affordable and easy-to-access option.
Weapon Storage
If you’re a gun guy, you probably have a big gun safe to keep all your firearms in. It’s also unlikely your safe is located close to your bed where you might need it for late-night access. There are many compact handgun vaults with varying levels of access, but an unusual one I’m particularly fond of is the LockDown In Plain Sight shelf. It has magnetic opening system and can hide a handgun from children in your home, while still permitting fast access.
Of course, your home-defense firearm might not be a handgun. If you rely on a long gun, such as an AR-15 or shotgun, you’re going to need a larger storage solution. Hornady offers a full line of storage vaults that aren’t designed for a firearm collection; they’re designed for the gun or guns you might need to access in a hurry. The Hornady RAPiD Safe Ready Vault can be installed in your closest, will house several home-defense firearms, and it can be accessed by RF tough-free identification.
Home Denfense Lighting
Vampires and werewolves come at night. It’s not a coincidence that these mythical creatures prowl and attack in the darkness; it’s a continuation of the standard operating procedure bad guys have been using forever. The lack of light provides security and anonymity for nefarious acts. You short circuit that element of their attack with light. Ideally, your home should have a comprehensive exterior lighting system, and you should keep a high-intensity, lithium-powered, LED flashlight in every bedroom, if not in every room of your home.
Another light I’ve found I really appreciate has nothing to do with bad guys. It’s the Automatic Cordless 25 LED Vault Light from LockDown. This nifty little light can be installed in your gun vault, gun safe or closet and responds with a glowing low-intensity light when it senses movement. Reaching into a dark gun safe at night could be problematic, but with this light, you’ll get enough illumination to help you quickly and easily secure the defensive tools you need. It’s also just a great light to put inside any gun safe.
Less Than Lethal Home Defense Options
We could put together an encyclopedia of threatening situations that a homeowner might have to deal with and not all of them will justify lethal force. Without justification of lethal force, you’re left to deal with problems with harsh language or hand to hand. Neither are optimal. There are also a number of less-than-lethal options, but the best ones allow you to remain at distance from the problem. A baseball bat or a nine iron might deter a threat, but you have to get close to use them, and if either is taken from you, you’ve essentially armed your assailant.
You may have to deal with situations that don’t justify lethal force. In those occasions, having a less-than-lethal alternative like the Pepperball LifeLite is a good idea.
PepperBall has several less-than-lethal tools that are capable of launching PAVA pepper balls as far as 60 feet. Now, I’m not suggesting you fight off an armed attacker with a less-than-lethal device, but situations can arise in your home, on your porch or around your yard that won’t justify deadly force, but at the same time they’ll need to be dealt with in a serious manner. The PepperBall LifeLite has an integral light and laser that’ll let you illuminate a potential threat and aim effectively.
First Aid
Even if you’re successful in stopping an attacker, you or another family member could still be seriously injured. The EMS community is highly trained and save thousands of lives every year. However, with a serious injury, seconds matter and the ambulance might arrive just seconds too late. This means you need to be prepared to deal with life-threatening injuries.
Every home should have a first aid kit, but more importantly for home defense is a trauma kit with the necessary implements to effectively stop blood loss.
If you’re going to only have one item for safety at home, it should be a well-stocked first aid and trauma kit. We’re not talking about Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment; what you need is a bleeding control kit that contains tourniquets. Sure, those other first aid items are important to have, but you’ve got to stop the bleeding! DTL Gear has a full selection of first aid and bleeding control kits to choose from as well as AEDs.
Body Armor
This might seem a bit tactardish or excessive, but if you’re seriously concerned about a home invasion, then you should also be seriously concerned about bullets directed your way. Body armor is much less expensive than it used to be. For just a couple hundred bucks, you can buy a quick to put on, threat level IIIA, soft body armor vest capable of stopping rounds fired from a .44 Magnum. You can keep one under your bed for fast access. Hell, you could keep one under every bed in your home.
Though some might consider it extreme, not everyone’s situation is the same, and body armor like this BulletSafe vest might be something you want to add to your home-defense toolkit.
BulletSafe offers a full line of soft body armor and ballistic plates, with vest prices starting at less than $300. They even offer tactical shields. I’ve tested BulletSafe vests in the past and found that they do indeed stop the bullets they’re advertised to stop. Depending on where you live and the level of crime surrounding you, soft body armor may not be a ridiculous idea.
Your Home Defense Toolbox
When implementing a home-defense plan, it’s best to look at your home as a tactical toolbox, and then fill it with the tools that’ll keep the bad guys out and stop them if they get in. Those tools shouldn’t just be firearms. Relying on only a firearm limits your ability to respond in a manner that’ll always be viewed as justified.
You should approach home defense comprehensively by establishing a perimeter, securing that perimeter, installing early warning devices and then preparing for different types of assaults. Select the tools that’ll help you do all of those things. And remember, it may not be you who is there to deal with the problem. Layer the defense and provide implements to your family that delivers peace of mind and calculated and effective response to a threat, whatever it may be whether it’s a rabid animal or a murderous fiend.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the April 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
One of the most iconic CZ-75 copies out there, the Jericho 941 bridges the gap between old-school style and modern-day function.
There have been countless CZ-75 copies made over the years, but few have become as iconic as the Jericho 941. Finished in Israel using parts from the Italian Tanfoglio factory, this pistol quickly outgrew its intended role as a sidearm for Israeli government forces and became one of the most widespread wonder nine variants on the planet, even inspiring a plethora of clones itself. Its interesting history spans the tail end of the Cold War, touches the caliber-conversion craze of the '90s and was finally immortalized in an iconic piece of media. Some variants are still in production today, making the Jericho 941 an option still worth considering for those who, like me, refuse to abandon DA/SA handguns.
Development And History
A copy of the Czech CZ-75, the Jericho 941 is mechanically identical. Magazines are interchangeable between the two in their original 9mm configurations as well as a few other small internal components. Named after the ancient city in the West Bank, the Jericho 941 was developed by Israeli Military Industries in 1990 to satisfy the requirement for a new Israeli sidearm for government forces. Israel is known for having used a hodgepodge of different small arms since their formation, evidenced by the wide variety of Israeli surplus handguns that have been sold on the U.S. market. All those Hi Powers, CZs and Sigs you’ve seen for sale were likely surplus, a response to the proliferation of new Jericho pistols through their Israeli military.
Jericho's Italian Roots
Despite having “Made In Israel” emblazoned on their frames, Jericho 941 parts are actually manufactured in Italy at the Tanfoglio factory where TZ-75 clones of the CZ-75 had already been made for several years. The original Czech pistol was already well-proven and well-liked, and many Israelis were familiar with the design having used other variants in the past. The exact details are foggy, but apparently, the Israeli government required their new sidearm to have some amount of Israeli origin as well. IMI satisfied this by assembling and finishing the guns in Israel, only using Tanfoglio to supply the prefabricated components. The contract went off without a hitch and the Jericho 941 entered service with Israeli military, police and other government forces in 1990.
A silver Jericho 941 F in service with the Israeli Border Police. Photo: Wikipedia.
941 Design Points
While the Jericho 941 is mechanically identical to the CZ-75, some minor differences do affect handling. The most apparent change was the pistol’s outward appearance, abandoning the CZ’s sleek, Hi Power-inspired profile for one that was more aesthetically similar to the IMI Desert Eagle. This change not only affected the gun’s looks but the addition of a significant amount of material resulted in a gun that was over a half-pound heavier as well. While this may not be appreciated by those who have to carry one all day, it made the gun much better at absorbing recoil. This may not be a big deal when shooting 9mm, but there were other calibers available that likely made this change necessary. The Jericho 941 also features polygonal rifling rather than the traditional style found on CZs.
Besides that, at their core, the Jericho 941 and CZ-75 are both DA/SA wonder nines that utilize a Browning tilting-barrel, linkless cam short-recoil action, derived from the Hi Power. They both also use the unique “internal rail” system that has the pistol’s slide riding inside of the frame rather than outside of it. While this change has the advantage of reducing bore offset to reduce recoil and improve accuracy, it also reduces the amount of space one can grab on the slide. Some find the slide too small to comfortably grab while others find the tradeoff worth it. Really, it's an issue of personal preference.
Jericho 941 Variants
Like the original CZ, the Jericho 941 has had several different variants manufactured over the years with changes to the caliber, size, style of safety and frame material. The Jericho has also undergone several name changes since it was first imported in 1990, including the Uzi Eagle and the Baby Desert Eagle.
The original iteration of the Jericho 941 was an all-steel service pistol with a 4.4-inch barrel and a slide-mounted safety/decocker. This version came to be known as the Jericho 941 R, but shortly afterward the 941 F was introduced, the only difference being the omission of the decocker feature and moving the safety to the frame. Since then, versions have been made in both semi-compact and compact configurations with both a steel and a polymer frame, with chambering options ranging from 9mm to .40 S&W to .45 ACP. Later generations also saw the edition of Picatinny rails. Both steel-framed and polymer-framed versions of the most modern variants are still made by and imported from IWI (formerly IMI).
A modern, polymer-framed Jericho 941.
There was one more chambering available as well, but it was only offered with some original Jericho 941 R models in the 1990s, and many shooters today have never heard of it. Called .41 Action Express, or .41 AE, this round was similar in concept to .40 S&W but ultimately lost the battle of using upsized cartridges in 9mm-sized guns. It used a rebated, 9mm-sized rim that allowed for converting a 9mm handgun to .41 AE with only a swap of the barrel, magazine and guide rod/recoil spring. Jerichos were originally available as kits that came with the standard 9mm variant pistol as well as all the necessary accessories to convert it to .41 AE. Today, these kits can fetch a pretty penny on the used market, mostly attracting buyers who appreciate them for their interesting history, but another kind of collector exists as well.
.41 Action Express (left) Vs. 9x19mm (right). Photo: Wikipedia.
Jericho 941's Cultural Legacy
Much to the chagrin of those who appreciate old-school Jerichos for their history or functionality, recent years have seen an uncommon explosion of another kind of collector—the anime fan. Specifically, fans of the 1998 classic known as Cowboy Bebop. Following a crew of bounty hunters across the solar system in a neo-noir, jazz-filled, dystopian future, this show became a cult classic that is still appreciated as a timeless piece of media by many who don’t even normally watch Japanese cartoons. Heavily influenced by both Western themes and John Woo movies, the show is filled with shootouts featuring iconic firearms that are animated in excruciating detail. The show’s main character, Spike Spiegal, prominently carries and uses an original model Jericho 941 R in all 26 episodes.
Spike's Jericho 941 R from Cowboy Bebop. Notice the K.B.I. import mark. Photo: IMFDB
The show’s animators displayed a level of care and attention to detail that is rarely seen anywhere else, even going so far as to include historically accurate import marks on the side of the Jericho’s frame. Because of this, fans of the show have been buying up every 941 R they could find for several years now, leading to an inflation of their price on the used market. If you happen across an old Jericho 941 with the slide-mounted safety, no rail and a K.B.I. import mark, know that some Bebop fan out there will likely pay big bucks for it purely because it’s accurate to the model used in the show.
Disassembled “Baby Desert Eagle” 941 R with a magazine signed by Cowboy Bebop's creator.
For those who’d like their own Jericho 941 but have no interest in Cowboy Bebop, worry not, because there are plenty of models with no connection to famous media that are still priced fairly and are just as functional (arguably more so).
If you’ve only just heard about Cowboy Bebop due to its recent Netflix adaption, don’t let their embarrassingly bad retelling have any sway over the reputation of the original. Anime isn’t for everybody, but if there’s one out there that can be appreciated by gun guys, it’s Cowboy Bebop. Regardless of what you think of its unlikely source of fame, Jerichos are still some of the sweetest, softest-shooting wonder nines around, and they continue to be an excellent choice for those looking for a DA/SA 9mm handgun. But because original full-size steel models weigh in at over two pounds, one thing’s for certain if you buy one: YOU'RE GONNA CARRY THAT WEIGHT.
To see the current Jericho 941 models offered by IWI, please visit iwi.us.
7.62×39, 7.62 Soviet, M43, this cartridge goes by many names, but regardless of what you call it it’s worth knowing about this prolific intermediate caliber round still used the world over.
7.62×39 may be the best example of the intermediate cartridge done right. The German 8mm Kurz that inspired it was close, and newer lightweight projectile cartridges like 5.56 have their advantages too, but when it comes to being a true “intermediate” round, 7.62×39 takes the cake.
Primarily known as the cartridge used by the ubiquitous AKM, 7.62×39 has led an interesting existence since its inception in 1943. Much like the rifle that uses it, this round has been so mass-produced that it will almost certainly outlast humanity’s reign over this planet. When the last war has been fought, there will still be unopened cans of 7.62×39 collecting dust on warehouse shelves across the world.
Because of its relative abundance, the use of this cartridge by fighters across the third world is a no-brainer, but what does it have to offer the modern American gun owner? Whether your interest in firearms has led you to become a hunter, a prepper or just a recreational shooter, there are still reasons to own and shoot 7.62×39.
The first iteration of what we would consider a modern intermediate cartridge was created by the Germans during WWII. Their experiences in the war so far had revealed that the range and accuracy capabilities of full-power rifle cartridges like 8mm Mauser were not being exploited in most combat settings. Engagements were happening at closer distances than the designers of old-school service rifles had anticipated, and the large and powerful ammunition they shot was typically more of a hindrance than an advantage. Understanding the benefits of more controllable automatic fire and a greater total ammunition loadout, the Germans cut down their standard infantry cartridge to create 8mm Kurz (short) for the StG 44.
The new cartridge and weapon combo turned the heads of small arms aficionados and military brass alike across the globe, and most countries began experimenting with similar concepts as well. The Soviet Union was no exception, and their efforts yielded what can easily be regarded as the most successful intermediate cartridge ever created: 7.62×39.
This cartridge was part of a greater modernization and standardization attempt by the USSR, intending to replace their existing stockpile of Mosin Nagants, SVT-40s, PPS-43s and DPMs with a fresh family of weapons that all used the new 7.62×39 cartridge. Those weapons were a semi-automatic carbine that became the SKS, a light machinegun that became the RPD, a bolt-action reserve rifle that was abandoned and a “submachine gun” that became the AK.
There was plenty of testing, experimenting and changing that took place between 1943 and 1947 when 7.62×39 was finalized, but the resultant cartridge accomplished exactly what the Soviets had intended.
7.62×39 Performance And Usefulness
The original and most prototypical loading for 7.62×39 is known as M43, a steel-cased round with a 123-grain boat-tail FMJ bullet that has a steel core and a copper-plated jacket. When fired out of a standard 16-inch AK, this round has an average muzzle velocity of about 2,350 feet per second, delivering about 1,500 foot-pounds of energy. Another advantage of this round is its performance out of shorter barreled carbines. Lighter “intermediate” rounds like 5.56 and 5.45 lose a lot of velocity (and therefore effectiveness) when fired out of short barrels, but 7.62×39 loses a minimal amount of velocity in comparison. This makes 7.62 Soviet an excellent candidate for SBR builds or pistols.
7.62×39 cartridges have a very aggressive taper to them, which is what gives AK magazines their iconic “banana” curve. This taper has also helped contribute to the AK’s reputation for reliability, however, as it lends itself extremely well to feeding and extracting. While all AK-platform guns are very reliable, none are as reliable as the 7.62×39 variants.
Chinese 7.62x39mm on a stripper clip next to a Russian AKM “waffle” mag.
As a military round, 7.62×39 has received some criticisms as well. It typically doesn’t fragment upon impacting a soft target, instead either passing straight through or tumbling once inside. While this is not as devastating of an effect as a 5.56 round that’s traveling fast enough to fragment, 7.62 instead offers better barrier penetration and more stability in flight. A tradeoff that still apparently has value on the 21st century battlefield, as even some Spetsnaz in Syria and other modern warfighters have been seen opting for 7.62 AKs to fill certain roles. Besides having better barrier penetration, this round suppresses better as well. While 7.62 may not be able to produce the same extreme cavitation that 5.56 can, history has proved that it’s still plenty effective at doing its job.
Just like AKMs, 7.62×39 ammunition has been produced by nearly countless countries over the years, resulting in a lot of variation. Most military ammo is steel-cased and has some amount of steel in the core as well, while commercial ammo (both domestic and imported) typically has a lead core. Commercial ammo can be either brass or steel-cased depending on where it’s from, and it’s available with a wider variety of projectiles. Soft-point rounds are popular for hunting deer-sized game, and ballistic-tipped hollow points are made by some companies for defense too.
Commercial Russian soft point 7.62x39mm.
A lot of the surplus military ammo that used to be available used corrosive primers, which if shot could corrode the barrel if left uncleaned. These days corrosive ammo on the U.S. commercial market is quite rare, but it’s something to keep in mind when shooting surplus, especially Yugoslavian.
Besides being extremely abundant around the globe, 7.62×39 is still appreciated by its users for its performance as well. It’s considered to be a good, reliable, jack-of-all-trades round that provides good enough accuracy and stopping power to be effective in most combat situations. It’s no sniper’s round, often described as being only “minute-of-man” capable, but in most environments that’s all you really need.
Half of this round’s appeal in the U.S. for a very long time was its price, especially when compared to .223, but unfortunately, that is no longer the case. As of writing this, the two calibers are virtually the same price per round, but fans of 7.62 still have hope that actions by some companies like PSA in the future will help to restore the natural order.
Despite now being almost 80 years old, 7.62×39 is still going strong. Enough has already been produced that it could probably fuel the next century of human conflict alone, yet more gets made every day. It has no chance of falling out of style with either military or civilian users and will continue to see heavy use around the world for the foreseeable future. It has several merits that go beyond its abundance, however, and it still serves well as a do-it-all cartridge in a variety of roles and weapon systems. Whether you’re a hunter, a prepper or just enjoy plinking cartridges with an interesting history, don’t forget about 7.62×39.
Springfield Armory’s new Garrison 1911 is a subtly upgraded classic full-size .45 that’s competitively priced and available in two finishes.
The 1911 will never go out of style, but these days the market is saturated with custom-shop quality models that have a price tag to match. Other popular models are more modestly priced but often lack the quality to make for a reliable defensive piece. Aiming for the Goldilocks zone between these two categories, the new Springfield Garrison 1911 is here to fill the void. Featuring superior build quality and a few subtle, functional upgrades, the Garrison 1911 retains its classic styling while keeping a reasonable MSRP.
Steve Kramer, VP of Marketing at Springfield, had this to say on the Garrison 1911:
The Garrison is designed to appeal to those who respect tradition and demand the quality for which Springfield Armory 1911 pistols are known…With a forged steel foundation for strength and heirloom-quality construction, this is a pistol that offers a modern take on a proven classic.
The Garrison 1911 should have superb durability and accuracy thanks to its use of a forged steel frame, slide and barrel. Made using a combination of Springfield’s historical manufacturing knowledge and modern machining techniques, these appear to be some of the best quality 1911s available in their price range.
Springfield managed to squeeze some practical upgrades into the Garrison 1911 as well without compromising its timeless aesthetics. The Garrison is available with either a blued or stainless-steel finish and both models come with Thinline checkered wood grips. Other upgrades include a skeletonized hammer, low profile 3-dot combat sights and an extended beavertail grip safety with a memory bump for ensuring a repeatable grip on every draw.
MSRPs for these new .45s are $800 for the blued model and $849 for the stainless one. Each Garrison 1911 includes one 7-round magazine and they’re available now.
Smith & Wesson has just unexpectedly released a 10mm M&P 2.0, helping to keep the cartridge relevant and providing a new powerful carry option for those that seek it.
Made famous by the FBI's adoption of the caliber following the Miami-Dade shootout in 1986, 10mm Auto has been contentious since the beginning. Many deemed it too powerful for the average shooter to realistically control, but others were impressed by its ballistic performance and were quick to adopt it as their primary handgun caliber. 10mm may have never fully caught on, but it never really died out either. Helping to keep it from falling by the wayside, Smith & Wesson have just released a 10mm M&P 2.0. As one of the most popular pistol platforms in the country, the M&P is already very familiar to many concealed carriers and law enforcement alike, so the addition of a 10mm chambering to the lineup will be very welcome to those seeking a bit more stopping power from their sidearm.
The 10mm M&P 2.0 is available in a few different configurations. It can come either with or without a manual safety and with either a 4-inch or 4.6-inch-long barrel, making a total of 4 models to choose from. All 10mm M&P models are also optics-ready and come standard with suppressor height sights. The trigger has also been redesigned into a flat-face style with the intention of providing a more consistent pull for more accurate shooting. Like all M&P pistols, the ergonomic grip inserts are interchangeable as well.
With a magazine capacity of 15 rounds, the 10mm M&P can pack quite a bit of firepower in a pretty compact package. Between the choices in barrel length and the ability to mount a red dot sight straight from the factory, the 10mm M&P could make for both a fine CCW piece or duty gun. MSRP starts at $654 and it’s available now.
For more about Smith & Wesson's new 10mm M&P 2.0, please visit smith-wesson.com.
Editor's Note: When originally published this article contained a mistake regarding when 10mm Auto was introduced. Thank you to the reader who helped remind the author that the cartridge was developed before being made famous by the FBI's adoption of it in 1989. The incorrect information has been removed.
Find out what new long-range shooting equipment former Marine sniper Frank Galli thinks is worth investing your hard-earned money.
What's The New Long-Range Shooting Equipment:
X7 Riton Optics Conqueror
Arken Optics 4-16x50mm FFP
Hoplite Arms Rifles
Genesis Ballistics Calculator
Vectronix Terrapin X Rangefinder
Really Right Stuff Ascend Tripod
In a normal year, our look at the future begins with SHOT Show. Typically held in January, we get to see what companies are preparing to release that year. Secret projects are revealed, and there’s always some interesting surprises when a company succeeds in preventing leaks.
SHOT Show 2021 was canceled. To make matters worse, many of the products from 2020 never made it to the market. We were teased last SHOT Show, then the lockdowns happened and everything evaporated. In fact, I ordered several new products last year, and they were never delivered. The supply chain is the biggest issue: You cannot build a new product if you can’t get the materials or the government has ordered your business closed until further notice.
With the model for new product releases changing, we’re seeing more incremental upgrades, at least at the moment. The shutdowns have allowed some companies to move forward in design and testing, and other companies are just trying to deliver. With the current political climate, demand has also increased, creating a double-sided problem.
It’s not all bad; demand is up, supply is down—but innovation moves forward. Let’s look at what we did see in 2021.
OEM Scopes
I’m starting with optics because this sector has had the most movement. An OEM scope is one build for a specific company. It’s not designed from a scope manufacturer, instead, a specification on features is chosen from a list, and the builder then brands that optic to the company.
When testing the new group of OEM scopes, we track test them using a 30LBS fixture for stability and accuracy. The Arken scope scored 100 percent despite its low cost and proves a great value in the usually expensive realm of long-range shooting equipment.
It’s a great way to get into the industry, and often these scopes are less expensive than the original that inspired them. When a large manufacturer requisitions a design by an overseas builder, those designs can then be resold to others.
The most popular in this category is probably Athlon, who makes a solid product with a proven track record. Their entry into the industry has prompted several others to follow, and those companies are releasing new products and design adjustment upgrades to their existing lines.
X7 Riton Optics Conqueror The X7 Riton Optics Conqueror is a 3-24x56mm Front Focal Plane scope, retailing for $2,250. There are several new models in the Riton lineup, the X7 being the top-of-the-line models. This scope features improved internals, 120-MOA adjustment and holdover-style reticle. With a 34mm main tube with illumination and choices in both MRAD and MOA, it checks all the boxes.
It’s a solid entry into the market—the right size, weight and specifications to satisfy most precision rifle shooters. There are plenty of magnification options to choose from, including 4-32x and 3-18x versions.
Get On Target With Frank Galli:
Mils vs. MOA: Which Is The Best Long-Range Language?
Arken Optics Another company to look at in this market is Arken Optics. They’re different from most brands as they’re using lower-cost Chinese-built scopes. The difference is the reliability they’ve specified for their products. If you think of it as an à la carte menu, you can easily put your money in glass, internals or other features. Focusing on the internals is where Arken invested, and it shows.
I have the Arken Optics 4-16x50mm Front Focal Plane scope. This scope retails for the low cost of $399, and it’s a very good entry-level scope. I’d highly recommend it for those with budgets that fall into this bucket.
Arken Optics fills a very specific need, since not everyone has to spend $2,000 on a scope. In the past, the choices for sub $500 scopes were terrible. The reliability at this price range suffered. Putting the Arken to the test using our Sniper’s Hide Scope tool, we found it to track with 100 percent reliability. With the pandemic limiting supply, it afforded the company to change the reticle. They took end-user feedback and modified the reticle to something more popular, so moving forward you’ll have access to that upgrade.
There are several other scopes in this category. You have companies like Tract, Maven and Athlon (as noted earlier) all offering very good optics at a variety of price points. My advice for you is to look at the specs in the following ways:
Budget: Determine your budget.
Reticle: The reticle is a main area of focus; we interact with the reticle, so make sure it speaks to you.
MRAD or MOA: Most modern optics offer both. Be sure to check point two as MOA reticle choices are often limited versus their mil-based counterparts.
Features: The features are often very similar, as many OEM scopes are based off a specific model to begin with; look at the tube size, turret design and ocular adjustments.
Glass: Glass is the last thing I consider; current specifications have improved over the years. HD glass is quite common.
Long-Range Rifles
Rifles are a tough call for 2021. Gun sales surged in 2020; the previous record was 2016. More than 15 million background checks were completed in that year; 2020 exceeded 17 million background checks.
On-target long-range shooting equipment: Hoplite Arms has designed several new rifle systems from the ground up. The action, chassis and design are all tested prior to release.
Supply is difficult, so companies are focusing on that with research and development taking a backseat. It seems that the only long-range rifles being released are ones that were in the pipeline prior to 2020.
Hoplite Arms I spoke to Hoplite Arms about their new rifle systems to be released in 2021 that were poised for SHOT Show: “Initially, Hoplite Arms will offer complete weapon systems and will not be offering actions alone,” said a member of the Hoplite R&D team. “By offering a complete weapon system from the onset, we can ensure that our design is not left vulnerable to issues that have plagued certain sectors of our industry. Hoplite Arms criteria and performance targets for these new projects (Kopis, Aspis and Phalanx weapon systems) has been aimed at not only adding value and increasing reliability, but also to enlarge and exceed the current performance envelope. We are achieving unheard of action strength via the alloy choices of critical components, such as the bolt and the breech cylinder. Both of those alloys are Aermet 100, which has great strength—without brittleness.”
Ballistic Calculators
Genesis Ballistics
Hoplite Arms is also releasing a new version of Patagonia Ballistics ColdBore 2.0 via smartphones. Patagonia Ballistics is one of the oldest ballistic solvers on the market. In fact, they were right there with CheyTac’s ABC system and Gerald Perry’s ExBal. The issue with it was that it used a Windows mobile-based system. Many of us consider ColdBore the best ballistic software on the market, if we only didn’t have to deal with Windows. We use it with Trimble units, but they’re big and heavy devices. Porting the software for iPhones and Androids is a welcome upgrade.
Enter Genesis Ballistics, a full-featured ballistic app that’ll run on your smartphone. Genesis builds off the Patagonia software; it has tools and features not found in other solvers, like the Scope Tracking Utility.
Rangefinders
We see a lot of companies offering small incremental updates to products, especially around ballistic software. One area where a company can grab attention is connectivity … linking one product to another.
Vectronix Terrapin X Rangefinder Vectronix is very good at this, especially with the Terrapin X rangefinder, a consumer-based unit that doesn’t include propriety software, but rather focuses on feeding the different programs data. Recently, they added connectivity to a host of new products, including the Garmin Applied Ballistic smartwatch.
Setting the watch to your Applied Ballistic profile, you can easily range a target, flip your wrist and the solution is presented to you. Connectivity across multiple devices means you’re future-proof versus investing in proprietary solutions. The Garmin Tactix Delta with Applied Ballistics is a fully featured ballistic solver; it’s not a lite version as found in devices of the past. I’m huge fan of the Garmin smartwatches. The Tactix Delta is very similar to the Fenix 6; it includes the solar glass for charging and with that option, the watch will stay charged for more than 25 days.
Tripods And Bipods
Really Right Stuff Ascend Really Right Stuff has several new products dropping this year. Sticking with what works—tripods—they’re releasing a small, compact hunting tripod called the Ascend. It’s the pinnacle of a modern shooting tripod in a lightweight and compact design.
The Really Right Stuff Ascend Tripod with Cinch is and essential piece of long-range shooting equipment and the perfect hunting tripod.
Along with the Ascend, Really Right Stuff has two options for mounting binoculars to include laser rangefinder ones that have those odd-shaped housings. The Cinch Elite is the aluminum version, and the LR is the polymer model. The polymer model has been priced for the everyman. Many people lament the cost of Really Right Stuff products, but we pay them because they work. Really Right Stuff has a host of new products and accessories designed to bridge the interface between shooter and tripod.
Long-Range Shooting Equipment Doldrums
The pandemic really threw a curve in our supply chain. Combine this with an election that’ll hold big consequences for the gun industry, and it’s just a recipe for disaster in terms of new product releases.
However, it’s not all bad news: The change in strategy we’re seeing, with companies not focusing on a specific release point but instead bringing the products to market when complete, is going to work out well in the long run. Staggering releases may mean more opportunity.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Questions arise after leaked documents show ATF collected records on over 54 million gun owners in the last year alone.
Here are two facts that seem to be mutually exclusive, but apparently are not: It is illegal for the U.S. government to create a national database of gun owners, and the ATF has a building in West Virginia so bloated with American gun owners’ records that a floor collapsed several years ago.
The ATF maintains that a database is easily searchable, however, and because their dragon’s hoard of unconstitutionally collected data is too thick to even wade through, it does not technically constitute one. If the ATF considers this data to be useless, however, it raises the question as to why they would waste the manpower collecting it.
It’s no secret that many government employees receive large salaries for doing very little work, but it seems that those at the ATF are no slackers. They were hard at work during the 2021 fiscal year snatching up every gun-related record they could get their hands on, and a leaked internal document obtained by the Gun Owners of America and the Washington Free Beacon has just revealed exactly how busy they were.
Leaked internal ATF document obtained by GOA, click HERE to read full original.
Over 54 million records, mostly paper but some electronic, were obtained and stored this past year by the ATF. The ATF’s spokesperson said, of course, that these records do not indicate the existence of or creation of a registry, but this is the same organization that claimed the Branch Davidians opened fire first, so you be the judge.
As evidenced by both Joe Biden’s presidential campaign and his time so far in office, gun rights are on the chopping block for this administration. Between unconstitutional rule change proposals, the nomination of a radical gun-grabber to head the ATF and the import ban on Russian ammo, the agenda has become quite clear. Considering these facts, it is not unreasonable for any American gun owner to be suspicious about such a massive record-collecting operation as this. Those who are aware of how infrequently gun records lead to arrests of violent criminals should be doubly suspicious, as it implies that the ATF had other reasons for putting in such an effort. Reasons that should have every American concerned about future federal actions regarding firearms.
The current administration has already proposed banning pistol-stabilizing braces, a common-use item that helps many physically disabled Americans defend themselves and participate in shooting sports. Now they’ve gone on to propose that gun stores would no longer be allowed to destroy their records after 20 years (the current rule) and would have to maintain them permanently until they’ve relinquished their FFL licensure. The 54 million records that were obtained this year were received from FFLs who had gone out of business, and if this new rule change were to be implemented, future years may see even more than 54 million records being collected.
We can’t be sure of how the ATF plans on using this information or why they are so keen on acquiring even more of it, but the agency’s history shows that it likely isn’t for anything good.
To read the original article containing the leaked document, please visit freebeacon.com.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 of the best concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
