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Welcome to CANCON A Fully Suppressed RECOIL Range Day!
Save the date and make your plans to come down on Veterans Day weekend, Nov. 11-13 to the 17 South Rod and Gun Club in Savannah, Georgia.
Hundreds of the newest and best suppressors, firearms, and optics will be on the firing line for you to get hands-on trigger time.
All ammo will be provided, just bring your trigger finger!
Veterans get in FREE Friday, so come spend your Veterans Day weekend with us at CANCON!
SATURDAY NIGHT VIPs will have the opportunity to shoot suppressed with night vision goggles, clip-on night vision optics, IR lasers, tracers, and more.
CANCON will even have activities for kids, making this a completely family-friendly event.
Expect to see hundreds of firearms and suppressors, every one of them available to shoot. Don’t forget your eyes and ears for safety!
Not every day you get to shoot cool stuff like this!
Great food will be available on-site for when you need to recharge between shooting bays.
More information and ticket pre-sales coming soon!
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Designed Machined and assembled in Leupold Optic's Oregon factory, the Mark 5HD scope keeps the company roots firmly planted in its home.
Crafted to redefine accuracy, precision, and optical performance for long-range shooters, Leupold’s award-winning Mark 5HD is a testament to domestic manufacturing. It’s proudly designed, machined, and assembled in the company’s Beaverton, Oregon factory, where Leupold employs over 650 hardworking Americans.
In designing the Mark 5HD line, Leupold’s product specialists asked elite shooters what they needed to put accurate fire downrange faster, and used that input to design a riflescope that provides all the tools necessary — in both quality and features — without the unnecessary extras that add weight and cost for consumers. Combining relentless optical performance, rugged reliability, and user-friendly features in a package that could only be produced by leveraging the 70-plus years of optics manufacturing Leupold possesses, the Mark 5HD has wowed end-users throughout the industry.
Be sure to enter our American Made giveaway, with great gear from great American companies. Click the tab at the bottom right of page to enter.
Pick up a Mark 5HD and you’ll feel the difference; it’s up to 20 ounces lighter than other scopes in its class. Get behind one and you’ll see the difference, from its superior edge-to-edge clarity to its extreme low-light performance. With three revolutions of elevation adjustment, the Mark 5HD was built to max out the performance of the latest long-range rifles and ammo.
The heart of the Mark 5HD is in its ZeroLock adjustments, which provide precise, repeatable tracking with a dead-on return to zero. The M5C3 elevation dial delivers over 30-mils of adjustment in three turns. Visual and tactile revolution indicators are in place to ensure you don’t get lost in the travel, and the auto-lock at zero eliminates the risk of accidentally moving the dial. The windage adjustment is capped and the zero indicator mark has been relocated on the riflescope’s main tube so you can see it without moving your head off the stock of the rifle.
In short, it’s the most dominant long-range, precision riflescope on the market. Best yet, it’s backed by Leupold’s legendary lifetime guarantee, which guarantees performance where other companies warranty failure.
For more information on Leupold Optics, please visit leupold.com.
Top-tier, battle-proven products, Radian Weapons turns out rifles and accessories in which you can trust your life.
At Radian Weapons, we think American gun companies should make or source their parts from right here in the USA. That’s why 100-percent of the firearms products we sell are manufactured in America, by Americans.
We machine the majority of our rifle and accessory components in Redmond, Oregon, using state of the art CNC equipment. At Radian, we’ve prioritized vertical integration of our manufacturing processes over product development to ensure that whenever we deliver goods to the consumer, it’s of the highest quality and reliability standards.
Be sure to enter our American Made giveaway, with great gear from great American companies. Click the tab at the bottom right of page to enter.
The temptation in most industries is to rush new products to market. At Radian, we actively choose not to release “me too” products or rely on sourcing major components for new products from third party vendors. This helps protect our brand integrity, and hopefully gives consumers peace of mind when they purchase Radian products.
Our flagship products are the Model 1 rifle and related receiver sets, Talon ambidextrous safeties, and Raptor charging handles. Featured here:
MODEL 1 – 17.5-INCH 223 WYLDE
Clandestine Desert™ Cerakote Finish (Cerakoted by our finishing business, High Desert Coatings—www.highdesertcoatings.com)
RAPTOR CHARGING HANDLE FOR A15/M4
The original all-billet design with Cerakoted FDE handles.
TALON 45/90 AMBIDEXTROUS SAFETY
The screwless safety design ensures your levers won’t come loose and gives you two throw degree options to choose from. Finished with FDE Cerakote.
Buy with confidence, as all Radian products are backed with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
For more information on Radian Weapons, please visit radianweapons.com.
Best known for body armor, Blue Force Gear also offers the everyday carry essential Micro Trauma Kit.
The Micro Trauma Kit NOW!, or Micro TKN, is our smallest version of the Trauma Kit NOW! yet. It was designed to hold essential lifesaving gear with minimal size in mind. The Micro TKNTM is designed to be worn horizontally with minimal bulk—perfect for everyday carry, for law enforcement professionals, prepared citizens, or in low-profile mission sets. The inner carrier can be deployed with one hand or one finger from either the left or right side by pulling the BLIP featured pull tabs. The Micro TKN consists of two main components – the outer MOLLE or Belt mounted pouch utilizing the Ten-Speed® technology, and a removable insert that keeps medical supplies organized.
Be sure to enter our American Made giveaway, with great gear from great American companies. Click the tab at the bottom right of page to enter.
Supplies
Hemostatic dressing for wound packing/clotting (1 included)
4” Emergency Trauma Dressing (1 included)
9” Medical Grade Easy Tape (6 included)
Tourni-Kwik Compression Tourniquet (1 included)
Heavy Duty Medical Gloves (1 pair of Large sized gloves)
For more information on Blue Force Gear, please visit blueforcegear.com.
Unrelenting in design and execution, the new Berger Bullets Long Range Hybrid Target bullets are engineered for hair-splitting accuracy.
Berger’s new Long Range Hybrid Target bullets™ (LRHT) are 100% Made in the USA and feature a high Ballistic Coefficient (BC), jump-tolerant ogive profile that is Doppler verified with less than 1-percent BC variation.
Long-range target shooters and extreme accuracy enthusiasts endlessly seek a competitive advantage, using sophisticated ballistic solvers, custom drag models, complex optics, and twist-rate calculators, among others. All of these tools are rendered meaningless if the projectile exiting their favorite target, hunting, or Mil/LE tactical rifle is inconsistent and unpredictable. Using advanced proprietary manufacturing processes, Berger’s innovative Meplat Reduction Technology™ (MRT) applies controlled pressure along the nose of each LRHT bullet, producing a homogeneous and repeatable profile for the industry’s most consistent BCs. While a high BC is desirable, shot-to-shot BC consistency is most critical when engaging targets at 1,000 yards and beyond. When you absolutely need to maximize hit probability, never settle for a bullet other than Berger.
Be sure to enter our American Made giveaway, with great gear from great American companies. Click the tab at the bottom right of page to enter.
The story behind the construction of Berger Bullets is simple. We start with virgin copper and lead wire products with the tightest specifications. Then, we manufacture our own signature J4 Berger bullet jackets to unmatched tolerances of less than 0.0003 inches of total indicated runout. What does this mean? A better bullet begins with a concentric jacket! Lastly, we merge the materials into finished projectiles — all within the confines of our Mesa, Arizona manufacturing facility.
Berger Bullets are highly sought after by the leading shooters in the world’s most demanding competitive shooting disciplines, such as PRS, F-Class, Fullbore, long range, and ELR to name a few. New Long Range Hybrid Target bullets are available in .22 caliber, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, and .30 caliber offerings.
New for NRA Show is our line of LRHT Ammunition offerings in 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 300 Norma Magnum.
For more information on Berger Bullets, please visit bergerbullets.com.
Improving the safety, performance and comfort of soldiers and safety professionals, Oakley Standard Issue has become a trusted first line of defense.
For over 20 years, Oakley Standard Issue has manufactured all ballistic products at their factory in Foothill Ranch, California. Products are designed, materials are sourced, and products are tested right here in America.
The Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame Alpha is our latest flagship product. Alpha is an eco-system; the product contains a frame, goggle, and helo-gasket with a lens interchangeable between all three. No matter the mission, the user can configure the product to his or her needs. Range work, close quarters battle, mobility, and even freefall are many of the environments applicable. Oakley Prizm Technology within the lens brings high contrast and definition. Specifically, Prizm Shooting was developed with the Army Marksmanship Unit and gives greater clarity to targets in different light conditions.
Designed with extensive input from our military and first responder community, Alpha is now authorized for wear on the Special Operations Eyewear Program (SOEP). SOEP, regarded as the highest standard for protective eyewear, certifies that all components are made in the USA and offer the highest level of protection. Available in multiple lens and frame color configurations.
Oakley Standard Issue was formally established in 2000. Committed to serving our military and first responders, Oakley SI offers exclusive pricing for products for active-duty military, government, first responders, and veterans.
A passionate gun parts and accessories company, Overwatch Precision has the kit to make you pistol run like a top.
The OP TAC Trigger System is a patent-pending seven-piece upgrade for your Smith & Wesson MP 2.0 that reduces total travel and pre-travel by 50 percent. Engineered by us from the ground up, this kit provides the unmatched performance you have come to expect from all OP products.
Through state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, our trigger bar is held to industry-leading tolerances using a progressive die manufacturing process, a metal forming technique used in aerospace manufacturing that guarantees the most consistent performance and highest quality parts. This process, coupled with a space-age NP3 coating, provides the end user with the highest quality trigger bar ever offered.
TAC Trigger
Our proven TAC trigger is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with features immediately identifiable as Overwatch Precision’s intellectual property. The overall design has been the go-to for Glock pistols since we released it in 2016, and its overall shape and function have been refined to excel in this new platform. With pre-travel reduction and a flat face, this self-correcting contact point aids in a linear rearward pull and increases accuracy. The indexing lip helps the shooter consistently place their finger on the trigger in the exact same spot every time, helping muscle memory and overall consistency.
The Sear
At the heart of this system is our NP3 coated sear. With a proprietary sear angle and large radius, this sear allows for a light and consistent break that can be tuned to the shooter’s preference with the two trigger return springs provided.
The Plunger
This product has a proprietary radius that replaces the OEM chamfer and creates a measurable “hump” in the trigger pull. This Swiss CNC’d part, coupled with NP3, creates a smooth pull to the wall. The plunger spring provides constancy and safe operation of this part, as intended by S&W.
The Trigger Springs
We offer two different trigger return springs with this kit. Standing by our ethos of serious-use defensive weapon components, we include a 4.5-pound return spring for duty or carry use for a dependable, predictable break. With the growth of USPSA popularity and participation in and amongst firearm enthusiasts, we also offer a 3.2-pound spring. Please note, this spring is not suitable for carry.
North Carolina based G-Code produces solutions for ever gun and tactical carry situation under the sun.
At G-Code, we don’t have a flagship product; what we have is a flagship philosophy and an unyielding commitment to excellence in everything we do. We don’t see ourselves as a company of products — we’re far more than that. G-Code is a solutions company.
Our purpose has always been to solve problems for our customers. We do this with design and innovation, and although our efforts manifest in products, we never sit back and feel like “we have arrived.”
Be sure to enter our American Made giveaway, with great gear from great American companies. Click the tab at the bottom right of page to enter.
Likewise, execution in our workmanship is paramount in its importance to us and to our customers. Our fit, finish, and function must always be unquestionably second to none.
To this end, G-Code products have always been, and will always be, 100-percent American made using only U.S.-sourced raw materials and components. At G-Code, we count it our privilege to provide tactical carry solutions to the men and women who serve in our military, law enforcement, and the civilian concealed carry communities.
This is why when you buy G-Code, you buy American, you buy quality … because we simply will not sell anything else!
The bipod has long been a tool used by shooters to obtain a more steady firing position in the field or on the range. However, in its many years of use, the fundamental design and function of a lot of traditional “stiff” bipods have not changed all that much.
Swagger Bipods, a Nebraska-based manufacturer, has developed a couple of bipods that offer the shooter a ton of flexibility and functionality, all while remaining incredibly lightweight. Using what the company calls Crazy Legs Technology, these bipods afford the shooter a wide array of shooting positions. The flexible, hyper-extending Crazy Legs are shock-corded and are easily adjustable with a simple twist motion.
Gun Digest Editor in Chief Eric Conn had the opportunity to experiment with a Swagger bipod this winter while sighting in for an upcoming predator hunt and came away very impressed with the bipod's flexibility and ease of use.
For more information on these great shooting aids, check out the video above, or visit the Swagger Bipods website.
We check out the new 7-shot .357 Magnum Taurus 66 Combat revolver.
Concealed carry revolvers don’t have to be tiny snub-nose .38 Specials. Case in point, Taurus’ newly announced Taurus 66 Combat, a medium-framed .357 Magnum with a 7-shot cylinder.
The Taurus 66 Combat features a 3-inch barrel, the ideal length to balance ballistic performance with concealability, and it’s built to handle .357 Magnum +P loads. As for sights, the wheelgun sports a high-visibility fiber optic front sight and a squared off rear sight channel for a crisp, fast sight picture. It’s optics-ready too, as the addition of a T.O.R.O. optics plate will allow you to mount any red dot with a Shield RMSc footprint. The optics plate is sold separately, however.
The revolver has a bobbed hammer for a snag-free draw, but that also means that it’s double-action-only. However, Taurus says the trigger is “combat tuned” and should provide a very smooth pull. Other features include a full-length ejector rod for fast reloads, a matte stainless finish and Hogue rubber grips.
The 66 Combat has an MSRP of $973 and it’s available now.
I take Vortex's new Ranger 3000 10×42 Laser Range Finding Binoculars out to see how they perform in the field.
Vortex has had LRF binos in the past, but those lines have been retired in favor of a total redesign. For a basic entry-level set of LRF binos, the Ranger 3000 is an impressive offering. The glass is clear, the reticle is easy to use, and the features cover what you need most without getting too into the weeds. Best of all, the price is reasonable.
Deep focal depth keeps near and far objects in focus
Not heavy
Vortex’s legendary customer support
CONS:
Display feels dated
Display brightness could use one more level
In The Field
Overall, the Ranger 3000 is an impressive set of LRF binos that delivers a lot for the money. For the average hunter or the beginner long range enthusiast, these are a solid offering to consider.
Glass quality is outstanding for the price. The right barrel has a very slight blue tint, but that is undoubtedly to enhance the display’s contrast and make it easier to read. While the tint is noticeable if you’re looking for it, it’s one of the lightest tints I’ve seen in an optic.
Image quality is impacted by taking a picture, and it is brighter and clearer in person. Range is also easy to read in person, but the refresh rate makes taking a picture almost impossible
Chromatic aberration is almost non-existent, even at a distance and even on targets that normally exhibit it, such as brightly lit trees. Part of that is helped by the incredible depth of focus in the Ranger 3000. Focused at 55 yards, the image is crystal clear to past 500 yards. This makes glassing and searching a lot easier on the eyes and requires a lot less fussing with the focus knob.
Construction and durability seem on point for Vortex with a grippy, rubbery feel that doesn’t get slick when wet and solid protection around the eye pieces. Dropped once in the name of science (totally not because I tripped), the Ranger 3000 doesn’t even have a scuff mark.
Left barrel. Close palm trees in the bottom 3rd are ~80 yards, mid-field tree in the center is 215 yards, tree behind and to the left is almost 400.
It also comes with fairly standard accessories like a neck strap, cleaning cloth, and manual. One plus is the Vortex GlassPack Pro binocular harness. Included straps make it easy to set up as a chest rig or attach to another harness of your choice.
Critically important for LRF binos, and something not everyone gets right, is the alignment of the laser with the reticle in the binos. For my unit, the laser is slightly 6 o’clock from the dead center of the circle reticle and well within the circle itself. Getting precision ranges to past 600 yards was pretty easy with my arms supported. Locked into a tripod, the Ranger 3000 is entirely capable of get max range distance.
Just One Downside
While the display in the Ranger 3000 is OLED and easy to read, it uses segmented letters/numbers like a 1990’s alarm clock. For reading ranges, it’s not the worst, and it gets the job done. But navigating the menu and changing settings can be a little weird if you don’t know what you’re looking at. While there are context clues related to the exact setting you’re trying to change, the name of the setting in the menu might leave you a little confused.
Translation: “Normal Target”
Not entirely unreasonable, it would have been nice to see this updated in some way. Ultimately, not a huge deal since the settings are mostly something you’ll set once and leave. But if the time comes that you do need to change them, it might be wise to do so before you’re in the field and can’t remember what “nrñL t9t” means.
Loose Rounds
The Ranger 3000 isn’t the end-all, be-all of LRF binos. But they are a solid offering at a good price point, assuming you find them well below MSRP (and you will). While the Ranger 3000 lacks any kind of ballistic calculator or ability to interface with an app or a stand-alone unit like a Kestrel, it still does what you really need most — accurately tells you the range of something far away.
For beginner long range shooters or hunters of any strip, the Ranger 3000 is a great option.
A discussion on firearm laws, handgun rosters and three new California-compliant Shadow Systems pistols.
Before we even start talking about the new California-compliant Shadow Systems pistols, let’s take a step back. Why should anyone even care what’s going on in California or other ban states? Aren’t they lost causes? Shouldn’t California just drop into the Pacific Ocean and drift away toward the horizon, where it belongs?
Free-state Americans frequently admonish their brethren behind the iron curtain to simply flee to greener pastures—or to flout their draconian state laws. In fact, so many Californians have moved to other states that local newspapers dubbed it the “California Exodus.” Every year since 2010, more people have left the state than have come in from other states, citing the high cost of living, crime, politics, and taxes, among other things. Note that this is a measure of net migration from state to state; California’s overall population continues to grow due to birthrates and immigration.
That said, millions of people have many generations of families, jobs, businesses and other critical reasons to stay where they are. And if your family relies upon you to provide for them, you can’t just ignore laws and risk prosecution.
Not to mention that extremely populous states like New York and California—while considered hot beds of really bad ideas these days—are huge economic engines and integral to the nation, however aggravating they can be. California and New York represent approximately 12 and 6 percent of the total population of the United States, respectively. Together, just those two states comprise nearly 60 million people, or 17 percent of the whole country, according to census estimates for 2024. Even if the Second Amendment is a second-class citizen in those states, think of the sheer numbers of gun owners in an absolute sense.
Indeed, according to analyses of NICS data, Texas, Florida and California each accounted for over 1 million firearms sales in 2023, in total almost a fourth of overall sales nationwide and outpacing all of the other states. When it comes to total firearms by state, Statista estimates that California has the fourth highest number of weapons. Any way that you slice it, California is a significant player in the firearms space, and a key component in the ongoing fight to preserve the Second Amendment. Fortunately, patriots in these states and 2A advocacy groups are strong and persistent, and we should all support their efforts. And don’t forget that the landmark Supreme Court Bruen decision came out of New York, too.
One of the methods that states like California, Maryland and Massachusetts (plus the District of Columbia) uses to control its residents, discourage gun ownership, stifle innovation and increase costs of ownership is to limit handgun sales to only those models that are on an official roster. These states claim that this requirement filters out so-called “unsafe” handguns from being sold, by imposing design and testing requirements on new guns submitted by manufacturers for approval. The absurdity of this claim and the true motive of preventing gun sales is laid bare when you discover that merely changing the color of an already-approved pistol would render it “unsafe” until the manufacturer shoulders the substantial expense of submitting samples, paying for testing and covering various upfront and ongoing fees. In fact, California had managed to bring things to a standstill for a decade by the inane and wholly impractical requirement to microstamp unique codes on spent brass, but this was eventually stymied by litigation—only to have state legislators pass yet more laws that loom forth for the future.
In the meantime, requirements for new handgun models to have loaded chamber indicators and magazine disconnect mechanisms remain. These aren’t insurmountable challenges, so manufacturers have been steadily adding pistols to the roster, and long-suffering residents have more selections than ever to finally partake in years of advancement in handgun design. We should all celebrate millions of Californians gaining access to the latest guns, expanding support for the Second Amendment, and adding yet more people to the ranks of gun owners.
Ban The Blockade
The Glock template of perfection doesn’t include loaded chamber indicators and magazine disconnects. LCIs aren’t a big deal, but magazine disconnects are a legitimate safety hazard on a Glock-pattern pistol. Consider the procedure for disassembling a Glock. Since you must press the trigger to field strip a Glock, one of the most crucial steps for safety is to unload the gun and remove the ammunition source. But a magazine disconnect requires you to reintroduce a magazine to drop the striker. Yeah, that seems like a good idea.
We’ve reviewed a few of Shadow Systems’ pistols over the years, including the MR920, CR920, CR920X & CR920XP, XR920 & MR920L and the DR920P & DR920L. We’ve been quite impressed and were intrigued to see how they managed to make their guns California-compliant.
The loaded chamber indicator is very straightforward. There’s a cutout on the top of the barrel where a spring-loaded lever gets pushed upward when a round is present in the chamber. Many other pistols have a similar design, and the only real downside—besides aesthetics—is that the glass on your optic will get fouled. We wish more companies would incorporate an LCI on the side to avoid this issue. For example, Staccato’s new HD P4 for California has one nestled above the extractor.
Meanwhile, the magazine disconnect that Shadow Systems devised is very clever. It’s essentially a double-dingus—the ever-present safety dingus on the trigger shoe can’t move backward or allow the trigger to move unless a magazine is seated in the gun. A spring-loaded lever gets pushed up by the magazine to clear the safety dingus. Since this design piggybacks on the existing trigger safety, the trigger feels exactly the same and is unaffected by the magazine disconnect—unlike, quite famously, the Browning Hi-Power. Moreover, the mechanism is entirely within the trigger shoe, so it’s easily removed by simply replacing the trigger/trigger bar. Or you can drift a pin and excise the mechanism.
Simply push out the pin for the magazine disconnect to remove it.
Making Guns Normal Again
Shadow Systems might be cautious about describing how to remove these components, but we have no such inhibitions.
First, the usual disclaimer—modify your firearms at your own peril. Begin by field stripping your pistol. Remove the magazine from your weapon and ensure it’s unloaded, visually and physically inspecting the chamber. Remove all ammunition from the area and grab an empty magazine. Double check the chamber, insert the empty magazine and pull the trigger. Remove the magazine, then retract the slide ever so slightly while pulling down on the take down lever. Let the slide go forward and pull it off the frame. Remove the recoil spring assembly and barrel.
The LCI is easy to remove. Remove the optic cover plate or your red dot, and take a close look at the LCI. Wiggling the lever will free it from the slide. Then, fish out the small spring. Fouling on the optic is bad enough with the LCI; we don’t even want to shoot the gun without one. So, yank it if you like, but we’ll leave ours in place.
Well-designed universal optic cut is excellent. Note the DR920P slide even has some lightening cuts hidden under the optic.
Dealing with the magazine disconnect takes a little more effort. First, you need to remove the trigger assembly. Grab your frame, and with a 3/23-inch punch, drive out the locking block pin (the one on top). Then, push out the trigger pin; press on it from the left side while jiggling the slide stop lever to get all the holes aligned.
Push out three pins to remove the trigger assembly from the frame; pry out the locking block and trigger housing.
Due to the spring tension, try pushing the lever forward and up a bit. Once the trigger pin is out, the slide stop lever will come out too. Remove the locking block; it’s a bit tight so you can pry it out.
Push out the plastic trigger housing pin. Now you can pull the whole trigger assembly out of the frame—pull on or pry up on the ejector.
At this point, you can either modify the existing trigger shoe or simply replace part or all of the trigger assembly.
Then, you can either remove the magazine disconnect or replace it entirely. Shown next to the OE unit are the Johnny Glocks Umbra and Timney Alpha.
The cheapest option is the former, and by cheapest, we mean free. Examine the silver lever and the silver pin on which it pivots. From the right side, find the pin and rotate the trigger bar upward so you can reach the back of the pin. Use a small punch and thread it past the trigger bar. Push out the pin, then remove the lever and its spring. You’re done.
Reinstall everything in reverse order, except install the trigger pin last. Squeeze the slide stop lever and its spring underneath the locking block pin, then insert the trigger pin from the right side while jiggling the slide stop to get the holes to line up again. We modified the XR920 shown here in this manner; it’s easy and you can’t tell it ever had a magazine disconnect.
If you want to leave the original part unmolested, the second option is to replace either the trigger shoe/trigger bar or the entire trigger assembly. Shadow Systems sells replacement trigger shoe/trigger bars for around $20. Extract the original by pulling it forward and twisting the cruciform out of the housing. Unhook the trigger spring from the trigger bar; pay close attention to the spring’s orientation so you can reinstall it the same way with the new part.
The compensator on the DR920P doesn’t require a threaded barrel, so it’s legal in states that ban them.
Even better, upgrade your trigger. Note that Shadow Systems has a proprietary round firing pin, and owners have reported occasional compatibility issues with aftermarket Glock triggers. We were talking to Johnny Glocks about it and ended up inspiring them to just go ahead and develop a trigger kit specifically for these guns, based on OEM parts they sourced from Shadow Systems. So, to all you Shadow Systems owners out there, you’re welcome!
The new Johnny Glocks Umbra trigger kit is a complete replacement and will be in their Combat style, with no separate Competition kit. The flat-faced Vex Duex trigger shoe is new, featuring a longer safety dingus with improved fulcrum point and a reduced power spring. There’s also a reduced power firing pin safety spring and three firing pin springs (4, 4.5 and 5 pounds) to dial in your desired feel. All the components are OEM from Shadow Systems and worked over by Johnny to deliver the trigger pull you’ve grown to expect from him. The modified firing pin is an optional upgrade. We installed the complete kit in the MR920, swapping out the firing pin spring to achieve a 4-pound trigger pull. It’s super clean and smooth, with a crisp break, no overtravel and a short reset.
Another alternative is Timney’s Alpha Competition Series trigger, which fundamentally changes the gun’s operation from a partially cocked to a fully cocked striker—like a single-action pistol. Timney’s system nests a sear assembly in the rear trigger housing to hold the striker fully to the rear, releasing it consistently with a very light pull weight, if so desired. Meanwhile, you can retain your full-power firing pin spring for reliable ignition. The trigger was very light and consistent, with some overtravel; we set it up at 3 pounds in the DR920P for range and match use. However, we only installed the base package, so the stock firing pin safety and spring robbed some smoothness from the experience. We’ll need to rectify that later.
California Dreaming
Shadow System’s new CA models include the MR920 (G19), XR920 (G19X) and DR920P (G17 with a compensator). All three come in the Elite configuration with extensive machining on the slide and fluted barrels in either black or bronze. The MR920 and XR920 are also available in flat dark earth.
The new pistols come with black or bronze barrels. The XR920 and MR920 are also available in flat dark earth.
While the MR920P we reviewed before required no break-in period at all, these guns went through several boxes of ammo before shaking off occasional feeding issues. Off the bench, they turned in solid accuracy with Federal Syntech Action Pistol 150-grain, delivering the best 20-yard groups at 1.25 inches, though other loads spread out a fair amount. Muzzle velocities out of the shorter guns were about 3 to 4 percent lower than the DR920P.
We ran the pistols with stock triggers before modifying them, and as you’d expect, you can’t feel the magazine disconnect—unless of course you try to shoot one without a magazine. However, quite noticeable was the crud that begins to collect on optics due to the LCI.
Otherwise, the three guns behaved just like normal Shadow Systems pistols—great ergonomics from the frames, with the sticky texturing, double-undercut trigger guard, thumbpads, extended controls, modest magazine well and interchangeable backstraps (small, medium and large are included to fit your preference). The slide work is great for all styles of slide manipulation, and the optic mounting system is top-tier. Shadow Systems shortened the extractor plunger to make room for long, hefty optic mounting screws. The universal footprint can directly mount RMR, DPP and RMSc footprints very low in the slide, with spacers to fill in the extra space. The guns also come with metal iron sights with serrated plain black rears and tritium fronts with a fluorescent ring.
Note that the DR920P has an island-style front sight that’s affixed to the compensator so it doesn’t reciprocate with the slide, making it easier to track your sights through recoil. Not that it recoils much, as the compensator makes it shoot very flat. All three pistols handled USPSA-style stages with aplomb.
In California, only gen 3 Glocks are on the approved roster. Not surprisingly, the new Shadow Systems are flying off the shelves of the local gun stores. Yes, they’re more expensive, but they come from the factory with custom Glock features, and building your own tricked-out Glock would be quite pricey. So check them out … if you can find one.
How the rising 6mm bore challenges the established order.
The 6mm bore has been around for quite some time, and it has almost always been met with a degree of criticism against more powerful—or common—bore diameters such as the .30, 7mm and even 6.5 as of recent. The bore has been used steadily during the past century in both military rifles and hunting guns, the most common and well-known 6mm being the .243 Win.
Many hunters who use this cartridge don’t immediately associate it with the 6mm class, mostly because of the American language barrier. The parlance has started to change in the past several years with a few chamberings making serious waves in both the competitive arena and for combat use. While there are still limitations to these rounds against the established pantheon of American classics, two of these are well on their way and gaining a serious following.
Enter 6mm ARC and 6GT, two of the cleverest 6mm rounds yet designed.
The Author’s Box Dilemma
When it comes to most types of guns, we are limited to a certain “box” in terms of broad-scale market feasibility. I’ve talked about this concept often on these pages, so I’ll sum this up as the set of dimensions that allow us to have an aftermarket: the Remington 700 footprint and trigger setup in bolt actions, mil-spec AR dimensions, common muzzle threads, the entire concept of SAAMI spec, and so on.
As an industry, we build new from what already exists. We can’t reasonably expect an entirely proprietary system to be immediately successful without at least one standard component or chambering. A brand-new rifle can be entirely different from all others, but it had better take common mags in a common caliber or it risks failure commercially.
The AR and 700-style magazine wells are a small set of dimensions that has served as a graveyard of cartridge designs over the past several decades, with the majority dying off as a result of botched introductions and poor exceptionality—they didn’t do anything better than the next and were eventually dropped.
Lots of innovation takes place in this relatively small space. The 6 ARC is in an ASC magazine that is designed specifically to feed it. The 5.56 (top) is in an old Magpul 20-round PMAG. The ARC family requires a different internal structure to feed well, whereas the 5.56 feeding reliably has been old news for ages now.
Magazines have also been a weak point, and cartridges that have a hard time feeding in common mags, or mags that simply cost too much to stock up on, also struggle. Because many of these designs were made first and no reliable mags existed in any quantity, they found themselves wanting against established patterns.
For example, 5.56 NATO mags were mastered long ago, as were a variety of 7.62 NATO and Eastern Bloc mags in their own 7.62 and 5.45 cartridges. 6mm rounds have been used in our common mags for years, but never with any high degree of success. Again, the .243 Win. was undoubtedly the only common 6mm cartridge in regular use at the time 6 ARC and 6GT started to gain traction.
Looking at the AR magwell, all future designs are up against the 5.56/.223 Rem. The 5.56 packs a lot of power into a very small space and is lethally effective at ranges many shooters consider it to be outclassed at. At National Match courses, we’re shooting 4X optics at 600 yards in 5.56 NATO. I typically use Black Hills MK262 77-grain OTM, one of the best rounds made for the chambering, and easily one of the most lethal 5.56 loads at any distance that a .22 bore bullet can be made to fly. All things considered, from a weight-to-lethality and accuracy standpoint, the MK262 is hard to beat in most arenas.
Knowing that there is a limited space on common dimensions with which to work, cartridge designers are challenged to try and knock off an existing round … or make one that plays well with others in one way or another. This was a great challenge that the 6 ARC and 6GT have both addressed very well without stepping on toes, so to speak.
6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge
The long and short of the history of the 6mm ARC involves Hornady, the Department of Defense and the base AR/M4 platform. Hornady began designing their ARC line earlier than you may think, and, in fact, the now-released .338 ARC was the first of them, but it was initially held back. Physically, the 6 ARC is a remarkable little round that can deliver 100-grain-class bullets, usually 103 up to 108 grains, at listed velocities up to 2,800 fps, but most people are firing this in much shorter barrels, closer to 2,600 fps or less. I don’t lose much speed in 14.5- and 18-inch barrels, the latter being somewhat ideal.
Over the years, I’ve shot this cartridge in barrels as short as 12 inches out to 800 yards—and it’s hardly remarkable, just easy to do, at speeds of about 2,450 fps. The 6mm ARC fires long, slender, low-drag bullets that do their job extremely well. I’ve shot 6 ARC past 1,000 yards and, while it doesn’t ring steel as hard as .300 Win. or .338 Lapua, it can do this from a very compact, lightweight semi-auto.
Against 5.56, it offers seriously increased ballistics at distance and is better for hunting medium-sized game. Think of it akin to a .243 Win. in a small-frame AR with less recoil. It suffers regarding magazine capacity and size against 5.56; you will have less rounds for the same mag footprint. While not a shoulder destroyer, it has more recoil than 5.56, even when suppressed—which shouldn’t be a surprise.
That said, the 6 ARC wasn’t designed to compete with 5.56 NATO: Side by side, I’ll always prefer the 5.56 for carbines—but for a long-range AR, the 6 ARC is better. If you’re debating getting something outside the AR platform for long-distance shooting, or for hunting animals up to big whitetails, check into the 6 ARC.
Taming The tiger
To address the elephant in the room, or “tiger” rather, the 6GT was born of a need to compete. And since its SAAMI acceptance, it has continued to gain popularity. But this esteem has largely been relegated to the long-range competition world.
There are already a bunch of articles written on the development of this round, its history in PRS, and its merits for striking plates. But what has seldom been written about is the 6GT as a practical round in a shorter barrel with a suppressor … for the field.
I first shot this round when it was effectively a wildcat and was impressed with the 1,000-yard performance and utter lack of recoil, and the 6GT offers a wide range of benefits over other small-bore precision rounds. It’s somewhat in a league of its own, so it doesn’t directly compete with rounds like .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor, but it does exist within their box with a bit of crossover.
Left to right: the .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and 6GT.
For the reloader, it’s very forgiving and quite mild. Many guys I know are getting long brass life and have improved barrel life over rounds like 6 BR and 6 Creedmoor, as well as an accuracy advantage over .243 and other 6mm rounds due to its design around VLD bullets. It’s a reloader’s dream, and it does really well with some common powers like Varget, which I use in just about everything I load for—from 6.5×55 to .308 Win. Velocity out of the longer comp barrels is usually around 2,900 fps.
For a field crossover gun, there are notable examples of its untapped potential. For one, it marries well with thermal optics. Shooting a suppressed 6GT with thermal is a dream; it shoots flat, hits hard at medium range and is easy to get along with at longer ranges where higher recoil can induce flinching or discomfort.
The round also suppresses extremely well, making it just that more comfortable to use. I opted to use a much shorter barrel than the common 26- or 28-inch competition barrels. The barrel I had specially made for this experiment was a Solus prefit from Straight Jacket Armory, 18 inches long in Heavy Palma contour. This, in a new KRG Whiskey chassis, is field ready and compact … yet it delivers superior accuracy with low recoil and excellent ergonomics. With Hornady factory 109-grain loads, I’m getting a modest 2,675 fps with very low recoil using this shorter barrel. The 6GT fits in well alongside your .308, 6.5 and 5.56 NATO—while doing things its own way.
The Inevitable 6mm
The modern 6mm rounds we’re talking about here have somewhat of an uphill battle with average shooters who can’t see how they integrate into what is already established, yet we see a somewhat global trend to this general diameter. Even Russia is developing a 6mm round to potentially replace both 5.45 and 7.62×39, but that remains to be seen. When 6ARC was introduced, I gave it a good, “We’ll see,” and then I started shooting it and loved it for what it did. My friends also shot it, and the first thing they said was something to the effect of, “It will kill the 5.56.”
No, it won’t.
Interesting intermediate rounds that the 6 ARC has an association with, both familial and competitive, left to right: the 5.45×39, 5.56 NATO, .224 Valkyrie, 6 ARC, .300 Blackout and .338 ARC.
Likewise, when I started shooting 6GT, I was not convinced that this little plate-ringer was worth it for anything else other than a sport I was exiting. This was largely because the rifles I was using were total boat anchors, and I didn’t see the field utility, especially suppressed. Again, the guys saying it will kill 6.5 CM are just flat out wrong, except in their specific target shooting discipline where there is a never-ending gear race. Yet, as time goes on, the merits of 6mm are becoming more evident.
Cartridge wars, as we call them, are utterly subjective barstool arguments we enjoy having for fun, and nobody gets convinced until they go shooting. You can read these pages all you want, but until you get to the range … you’re just guessing. Rifles are asked to do a vastly different job than handguns or shotguns, and driving innovation in them is based on driving innovation in cartridges, not just platforms, and we see this as a very competitive arena with a number of factors determining what leads to success.
That success simply isn’t based on ballistics alone. Countless examples of internet videos, and plenty of articles, many of which I’ve penned myself on these pages, talk about the superiority or inferiority of given rounds and why some exist in the first place. The modern 6 ARC and 6GT represent some of the best thinking to come to rifle cartridges in a long time, but the downside is that neither will likely see the praise they deserve for this because they are still relatively niche as compared to .308 Win., 6.5 CM or 5.56 NATO, and the representative sample of shooters using them is but a minor fraction of our hundreds of millions of gun owners.
The author’s day/night 6GT hunting rig. This rifle has an Aero Solus action, Timney trigger, SJA 18-inch barrel, Rearden brake, Q suppressor, fabric accessories by Short Action Precision, Wiebad cheek rest, Scope Chaps and Armageddon Gear. The action is in a KRG Whiskey folding chassis with integrated ARCA rail. The day scope is a Vortex 6-36X Razor in ADM QD mount. Thermal by Armasight.
In our fixed space of innovation, we’ve seen some pretty interesting designs that have varied from 5.56 with the intent to defeat it. The 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel were imagined to be the rounds vying to replace the 5.56 in military usage during the War on Terror years. Reading the old articles on these pages, as well as the classic press by the on-the-ground personalities in legacy Shotgun News and others in the gritty pages of Soldier of Fortune, you’d think the 5.56 NATO would be in the dustbin of history by now. Well, that never happened, and the 5.56 managed to curb-stomp everything in terms of popularity.
A good deal of innovation went into the thinking behind both 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel. The exact histories of these rounds are too long to recount here but, suffice to say, both were generally looked at as “better” than 5.56 for fighting use against vehicles, long-range accuracy and more. What they both failed to do was deliver anything worthwhile against advanced 5.56 rounds, considering that was what was in development and the weight savings and true energy gains were simply not enough to ever justify a switch in any direction.
Making the 5.56 rifle platform better was simply easier and more productive, yielding famous iterations like the MK12 SPR and favorites like the M4 variant Block 1.5 and 2 carbines, arguably some of the most popular out there for military cloners today.
The main technical issues came from the on-paper ballistics of these cartridges against what they could deliver in real-world terms. While there were—and are—some good merits, the main problem with the 6.5 Grendel was that it really needed to play with the 120-grain-class .264 bullets to make it worthwhile, and it was ominously compared to .308 Win. at the time, which it certainly cannot match. The 6.5 Grendel is not able to match the 6.5 Creedmoor, which itself is not truly that distinct from .308 Win. in most rifle platforms at normal ranges inside a half-mile. There is a separation at a point, but in general out of a peer-quality rifle, you won’t see a huge difference until your own skill maxes out.
Far too often we see the “numbers people” making a case for one round or another when shooting paper or plates, but I also look at their performance for hunting big game animals. If we’re talking plates, then, sure, whatever rings them best. For bone and flesh on medium to large game, well, that approach is different, and if I had an unlimited budget I’d probably be firing just .338 Lapua or .338 Norma Magnum. If the 6.5 Grendel and 6.8 SPC were really that great, they’d still be relevant, but that’s just not the case—they never left the “niche” classification.
The 6.5 Grendel provided the initial groundwork that would eventually spawn the 6 ARC, likewise the same with the .308 and 6GT. The sports that bred the 6GT were started by guys shooting .308, which at the time was the predominant long range-round aside from .300 Win. Mag. The honing of both rounds for the AR and the 700 short action eventually culminated with the modern “ultimate” long-range rounds being 6mm. It could be said that the 6GT is a downgrade in terms of power over heavier bullets, especially when compared to 6.5 Creedmoor. It is likely true that the 6.5 CM and .308 Win. are better as hunting rounds, but the 6GT is absolutely notable for just how easy it is to shoot.
The 6.5 Creedmoor, here in a custom build, is often compared to the 6GT. The rifle here is based on a Zermatt Origin action with a 20-inch Proof barrel and SilencerCo Scythe Ti can. Stock is the Night Stalker by Manners. Optic by Vortex. Other accessories by Wiebad, SAP, Hawkins, Two Vets Tripods, Armageddon Gear and more.
If There Was Only One
If there had to be just one between the 6mm ARC and 6GT for general use, I’d have to give it to 6 ARC on the merit that it’s accomplishing a good amount of what the 6GT does … but in a small, light semi-auto platform. While my own 6GT build here is fairly light and short, I’m not getting close to the desired 2,900 fps from a short barrel, but it’s one-hole accurate at 100 meters. The 6 ARC in 18-inch length for the AR platform is getting most of that speed with most of the bullet weight and is fast for field use. If you’re a reloader or competitor, the 6GT is probably the better choice with lots of excellent options for brass and bullets.
This is an exciting time to be in the 6mm game, and I’m sure there will be much more coming as more people jump on the bandwagon.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the October 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
A quick look at the new Cipher series of IWB concealed carry holsters from Henry Holsters.
It can be hard to find the perfect holster for your carry setup. If you carry inside the waistband, it can be even harder, but when it comes to concealment, it usually proves true that the slimmer the holster, the better. That’s why Henry Holsters recently launched the Cipher series of streamlined, ultra-slim IWB/AIWB holsters that are designed to maximize comfort and concealment.
The key to the Cipher holsters’ slim design is its construction from .093-inch-thick Boltaron, a rugged yet lightweight PVC/acrylic alloy. It ships with Discreet Carry Concepts (DCC) Mod4 Universal belt clips, but it’s compatible with the PHLster Enigma system as well. As for other notable features, Cipher holsters are ambidextrous, have an open muzzle and have clearance for optics and suppressor height sights.
Andrew Henry, Owner of Henry Holsters, said this about the new Cipher series:
At Henry Holsters, we are always striving to refine and advance our designs based on feedback from our customers and industry professionals … The Cipher product line represents our dedication to excellence—offering a holster that is both highly functional and exceptionally comfortable for everyday carry.
Henry Holsters’ Cipher series is available now for several popular handgun makes and models, and the MSRP starts at $108.
Springfield Armory has just announced a new line of upgraded and enhanced SAINT Victor AR rifles and pistols.
Constantly looking to improve its product line, Springfield Armory has just announced that its popular SAINT Victor line of AR rifles and pistols is receiving a redesign. Boasting improvements and enhancements throughout, the new guns will be available in both 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm in a variety of barrel lengths in rifle and pistol formats.
Each of the new SAINT Victor guns boasts a forged 7075-T6 Type III hardcoat anodized aluminum receiver that features the Accu-Tite tension system, designed to enhance accuracy by creating a more snug fit between the receivers. The receivers also have low-profile, minimalist markings, a small but much appreciated choice compared to the billboards that adorn the sides of some other lowers.
As for their barrels, regardless of caliber or length, all redesigned SAINT Victors feature a 4150 CMV barrel with a continuous tapered profile that’s designed to be rigid and disperse heat well. They also feature taper-pinned/low-profile gas blocks, crowned muzzles and a rugged nitride finish. The enhanced bolt carrier group is M16-pattern, crafted from 9310 carpenter steel, HP/MPI tested and also has a nitride finish. The BCGs also feature hard-chromed firing pins and properly staked gas keys to ensure reliability.
Other notable features of the redesigned SAINT Victor guns include four-prong flash hiders, Radian Raptor-LT ambidextrous charging handles, free-floated M-LOK aluminum handguards with QD sling cups, B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD stocks, Type 23 P-Grip pistol grips and polymer trigger guards, 45-degree ambidextrous safety levers, low-profile aluminum flip-up sights and nickel boron-coated triggers (pistol models come with an SB Tactical SBA3 brace instead of a stock).
Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory, said this about the redesigned ARs:
Since its launch in 2019, the SAINT Victor line has proven itself as a market leader by providing premium features and impressive performance … With these enhancements and updates, the new SAINT Victors — in 5.56mm or 7.62mm — stand ready to deliver professional-grade capabilities.
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.
Magpul just made life easier for M-Lok users with the new MOE QD Bipod. It’s got the same rugged reliability and clean design of their original bipod but now attach-es directly to M-Lok slots—no adapter needed. Built from high-strength polymer with stainless steel hardware, it offers smooth pan and tilt, rapid leg deployment and quick one-handed adjustments. Best part? It’s lightweight, stable and priced right for everyday use. Whether you’re ringing steel or stretching your rifle’s legs in the field, this bipod is ready to work. MSRP: $80
Henry HUSH Rifles
Henry’s new HUSH Series isn’t just suppressor-ready—it’s suppressor-optimized. Built by the company’s Special Products Division (SPD), this is a clean-sheet design engineered specifically for running quiet. Each rifle features a carbon-fiber tension-wrapped match-grade barrel from BSF, a skeletonized aluminum M-Lok forearm by TAPCO, and a forged-carbon Pic rail for optics. The matte-finished laminate stock keeps it rugged but lightweight and a threaded muzzle comes standard. Available in five calibers from .45 Colt to .45-70 Gov’t, the HUSH balances like a classic lever gun—even with a can on board. MSRP: $1,999
HEVI-Hitter Waterfowl Loads
HEVI-Shot’s new HEVI-Hitter line blends 20 percent tungsten over 80 percent steel to deliver a one-two punch that ducks and geese won’t walk away from. The denser tungsten layer adds serious impact—reportedly 54 percent more kinetic energy than steel alone—while the steel keeps patterns wide and affordable. Available in 12-, 16-, 20- and 28-gauge options, HEVI-Hitter offers 11 loads tuned for everything from close shots to long-range boomers. MSRP: Starting at $49 per box of 20
Escort WS Youth
Escort’s WS Youth is built from the ground up for young or small-statured shooters—but without feeling like a cut-down compromise. This 20-gauge pump-action sports classic Turkish walnut furniture, a soft recoil pad and a 13¾-inch length of pull that leaves room to grow. The aircraft-grade alloy receiver keeps weight down, while the 22-inch chrome-plated barrel is threaded for Escort’s multi-choke system, making it just as suited to bird hunting as it is to casual clays. With a fiber-optic front sight, sling studs and a manual cross-bolt safety, the WS Youth delivers tradition, fit and function in one package. MSRP: $300
Mendoza RM-22 Rifles
Mendoza Firearms, a century-old Mexican gunmaker, is now bringing its RM-22 semi-auto rimfire carbine stateside. Based on the classic Hammerli SA22, the RM-22 runs a reliable blowback action and feeds from a 17-round tubular mag. It’s offered in three trims—the RM-22 1000, 3000, and 6000—each sharing the same core action but differing in stock style and optics readiness. Think German beechwood or camo synthetic stocks, with options like thumbholes and Picatinny rails on the higher-end models. Lightweight, affordable and made for plinking or small-game duty, the RM-22 is an old-school .22 with fresh availability. MSRP: Starting at $225
Leupold Spotting Scopes
Leupold is doubling down on glass this season with two fresh entries: the SX-2 Alpine HD and the SX-4 Pro Guide HD. Both are purpose-built for hunters and long-range shooters who demand sharp optics without babysitting their gear. The Alpine HD comes in 60mm or 80mm objective versions, offering excellent clarity and rugged, lightweight construction at an approachable price. Step up to the SX-4 Pro Guide HD and you get enhanced resolution, edge-to-edge sharpness and a diamond-coat lens treatment designed for hard-core use in tough light. Either way, you’re getting top-tier Leupold performance. MSRP: SX-2 Alpine HD starting at $399, SX-4 Pro Guide starting at $799
X Vision Optics Shadow 100 Digital Night Vision Viewer
Don’t let the size fool you—X Vision’s new Shadow 100 Mini packs serious punch in a pocket-sized night vision viewer. With an extended 435-yard nighttime range, 8X digital zoom, and a crisp IPS display, this upgraded model delivers clear visuals in low light without the bulk. It’s photo and video capable, stores up to 32 GB internally, and offers seven IR brightness levels to adapt to changing conditions. At just over 7 ounces, it’s an easy grab for hunters, campers or anyone who wants to see in the dark without weighing down their pack. MSRP: $149
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the September 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
If you’re in the market for a 9mm snub-nose revolver, take a look at this Davidson’s Exclusive Smith & Wesson Model 940.
Revolvers chambered in 9mm aren’t the most common, but given the wide array of excellent, common 9mm defensive ammo available today, it’s easy to see why some would choose to carry one. As a bonus, moon clips are a pretty slick and speedy way to reload a wheelgun. For those who may want a 9mm snubby for EDC, there’s the new Davidson’s Exclusive Smith & Wesson Model 940 to consider.
Designed with concealed carry in mind, the new Model 940 features a 5-round cylinder, a 2.17-inch fluted barrel, low-profile sights with a large Tritium XS front night sight and an internal, snag-free hammer. That last detail means that it’s double-action-only, however. To top the stainless steel revolver off is a VZ Diamond grip in handsome Black Cherry.
The Davidson’s Exclusive Smith & Wesson Model 940 ships with three full moon clips and has an MSRP of $999.
If you carry a gun for self-defense, mastering the draw stroke could save your life.
The great thing about improving your skill at presenting your handgun from the holster is that it’s a skill you can measurably improve without firing a single shot. Of all the defensive handgun skills you can use dry-fire to develop and practice, presentation is the one where dry-fire can provide the most improvement.
You can break the process of handgun presentation down into four steps. They include clearing for the draw, establishing a shooting grip, clearing the holster and sight acquisition. Let’s dissect each of these so you fully understand the draw stroke process.
Step 1: Clearing/Prepping for the Draw
Before you can draw your handgun, you need to be able to get to your handgun. This is of particular importance if you’re carrying concealed. The method will vary a bit depending on where you’re carrying your handgun, but the process is essentially the same. First, obtain a balanced stance, which is a stance that’s slightly weight forward where you can remain composed while shooting.
When drawing from concealment with an unopened cover garment, use your support hand to pull the garment well above your handgun so you have unobstructed access. Leave your support hand here until you’re ready to add it to your grip.
When drawing from concealment, you must use either your support or shooting hand to uncover the handgun. If you’re drawing from your waistband and wearing a cover garment with an open front—like a vest or jacket—use your shooting hand to sweep the garment past your holster.
Before you can draw a handgun from concealment, you must first clear the concealment garment. With an open-front garment, sweep the garment away with your shooting hand.
If your cover garment is a T-shirt or sweater without an open front, use your support hand to grab the bottom of the garment near the holster location and pull it up past the holster. This process would also apply to ankle carry; the difference is your support hand is pulling up your pant leg. Regardless of the situation, exaggerate the clearance of the garment to ensure you can have full and unrestricted access to your holstered handgun.
Step 2: Establishing a Shooting Grip
Once you pull your handgun from the holster, establishing a proper shooting grip becomes problematic. So, it’s very important to establish a shooting grip on your handgun while it’s still in the holster. You might be able to deliver a single shot with a poor grip, but you will not be able to shoot accurately and repetitively with speed if you have an improper grip.
Once you’ve cleared the way to the handgun, you need to establish a shooting grip. When drawing from concealment with an unopened cover garment, use your support hand to pull the garment well above your handgun so you have unobstructed access. Leave your support hand here until you’re ready to add it to your grip.
Though a proper and comfortable grip will vary slightly from shooter to shooter and from gun to gun, you want your hand to be as high as comfortably possible on the handgun’s grip, and you want the handgun—muzzle—to be in line with the forearm of your shooting hand. However, before you attempt to establish your shooting grip, you must release any retention straps or devices integral to the holster.
Regardless of the type of holster you’re using, it’s paramount to establish a good shooting grip while your handgun is still in the holster.
As you’re establishing your grip with your shooting hand, you should also be positioning your support hand so you can easily establish a two-hand grip without pointing your handgun at your support hand when you draw. You can do this by either placing your support hand at the center of your chest, or, if you just used your support hand to clear your cover garment, hold onto the garment and leave your hand in that location until it’s time to obtain a two-hand grip.
As soon as you point your handgun at the target/threat, you can then add your support hand to the grip.
Another consideration is if you need to use your support hand to fend off an attacker who is very close as you’re attempting to draw. If this is the case, try to keep your support hand at least chest high so you don’t inadvertently shoot your support hand if you must fire from the retention position, but more on that shortly.
Step 3: Clearing the Holster
When you draw a handgun from the holster, you need to bring the handgun straight up—or straight out—of the holster. If the holster has no cant, the gun should come straight up. If the holster has some cant, pull the gun out at an angle equal to the holster’s cant. Regardless, the goal is to get the handgun far enough out of the holster so you can get the muzzle oriented toward the threat without holster interference.
As you begin to establish a shooting grip and pull your handgun from the holster, position your support hand mid body where you can easily transition it to a two-handed grip. With a shooting grip established, pull the handgun up and out of the holster, far enough the muzzle clears the holster.
Sometimes it’s easier to learn to clear the holster in a two-step process. The first being to pull the handgun completely out of the holster and, the second step, to rotate the handgun toward the threat.
When you have the muzzle clear of the holster, rotate the handgun so it’s oriented toward the threat.
Step 4: Sight Acquisition
Now you’re ready to complete the final step of the draw stroke. Generally, this is the point where you press the handgun out toward the target, often adding your support hand to the grip and finally, establishing a sight picture. At least that’s the way most of us would prefer to complete a draw stroke.
Shooting with two hands is always more accurate than shooting with one hand, and shooting with a sight picture is always better than shooting without. The problem is, if the threat is extremely close—within reach—you might not want to extend your handgun toward them, and too, you might not have the time to do that, either.
At this point of the draw stroke, you must make some decisions. The first will be where you want to shoot from. If you have time and distance allows, you should move the handgun upward toward your line of sight, while at the same time adding your support hand to the grip. Once you have established a proper two-hand grip, press the handgun out toward the target while at the same time attempting to bring the handgun’s sights into your line of sight.
With a good two-hand grip on your handgun, press it toward the target/threat while raising it so the sights are between your eyes and the target/threat.
Don’t make the mistake of lowering your head to pick up the sights. Keep your head erect and move the handgun between your eyes and the target.
If, however, you feel pushing the handgun closer to the threat is not a good idea, you might want to shoot from a retention position. In the standard retention position, you will have a two-hand grip on the handgun, but you will hold it just below or near your chest/nipple on your strong hand side. It can be helpful to cant the pistol slightly away from your body so your body or clothing does not interfere with the cycling of the slide. You cannot acquire a sight picture in this position, but you can—with practice—point the handgun toward the target to make an accurate shot.
If you want or need to point-shoot from the retention position and you’re shooting a semi-automatic, it can help to slightly cant the pistol to keep clothing from interfering with slide operation.
If the threat is right on top of you, you might want to use your support hand to fight off your attacker or to fend off blows to your head from your attacker as you draw. In this case, you will point your handgun toward the target from the one-hand retention position. This is the same position of the draw stroke where you orientated or rotated the handgun just above the holster.
You may also need to fend off a close attacker with your support hand when you draw. When doing this, keep your hand high and away from your line of fire.
Regardless of the retention position you’re shooting from, sighted fire essentially becomes point shooting.
Decision Time
During each step of the draw stroke, you must be continually aware of the threat level you’re dealing with. In a life-and-death self-defense situation, the threat level can change at any moment. Between the time you decide to draw and when you obtain sight acquisition, your attacker might have disengaged or retreated. If that occurs, you will need to decide what to do next. The proper path forward might be to issue verbal warnings while holding your antagonist at gunpoint.
But there are other decisions you must make during the draw stroke, too. If your handgun has a manual safety, when should you disengage it, and at what point during the draw stroke do you place your finger on the trigger?
Regarding a manual safety, disengage it after your handgun has cleared the holster, while you’re rotating it toward the threat/target. As for placing your finger on the trigger, one of the four firearms safety rules is to keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. This is a sound rule you should always follow, but what some shooters do not understand is what exactly “sights are on the target” means.
For example, if you’re shooting from the retention position, you cannot see your sights—you’re point shooting—and you cannot point shoot unless your finger is on the trigger. Similarly, in a self-defense situation, you might need to shoot before you get the handgun fully extended and between your eyes and the target/threat where you can see the sights. Place your finger on the trigger when you’re positive you’re pointing your handgun toward the target/threat.
Getting It Right
As important as handgun presentation can be in a self-defense situation, it’s something you should practice as often as possible. As stated, you can work to perfect your presentation with dry practice. By starting out slow and working to become progressively faster, just a few minutes of dry practice presentation each day can substantially improve your skill level.
Break the process down into the four steps, working on each individually until you can combine the process into a single fluid motion. By using the par time setting on a shot timer, it can help you evaluate your efficiency.
And do not forget to incorporate the retention positions. Some of the laser dry-fire training devices can be extremely helpful with presentation practice, and they can also make the training more enjoyable.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the October 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Want to improve your shooting skills at home? AceXR VR handgun training is making that a reality.
If becoming an excellent shooter is the destination, then dry fire is the road to get there. Ask anyone from USPSA Grand Masters to tier 1 operators to premier firearm instructors, and it’s universally agreed that dry fire is critical to growing as a shooter.
And while a Ben Stoeger book of dry-fire drills and some paper targets will take you far, what if we could improve the experience with the help of technology?
Virtual reality hasn’t taken over the world like it promised it would 10 years ago, but using it to enhance and maximize the potential of dry fire is a revolutionary feat that AceXR is leading.
Basics
The short and sweet of it is that AceXR is a VR app and a realistic handset that puts you on a virtual range. It’s as close as you can get to being on the shooting range without actually putting on your pants, getting in the truck and going to one.
On the ‘Range’
Ace has a pretty impressive set of drills and stages set up—and is adding more every couple of weeks. There are classics like Bill Drills, 22422 and Two One Two One, and a few dozen new drills made by Ace or submitted from groups and trainers from across the nation. One of my favorite drills is Briefcase, based on the Tom Cruise movie Collateral (2004). If you haven’t seen the movie, do yourself a favor and watch it tonight. It might not be a very practical drill, but it’s fun.
While more is better, there is enough content in the “game” to keep you drilling and finding new things to push and do better. Custom stages designed by Ace or USPSA make up the bulk of the options, plus the complete set of Steel Challenge stages.
The AceXR system offers a variety of modes and levels to train various skills and appeal to a wide range of shooting preferences.
On top of that, there is the constant allure of just doing better, going faster and getting a higher score. It’s a player cycle that has been in place since Pong because it works. While the video game elements help with the dopamine rush and keep you coming back for more, Ace is a training program—not a game. Mostly.
There are a few video game elements in Ace that aren’t perfect, but they don’t present a real obstacle either. While the game starts with one free in-game pistol and free in-game optic unlock, unlocking more costs an in-game currency (Brass) that can only be earned by completing drills, daily drills and weekly series drills.
Because you don’t really need to unlock more guns since it’s just cosmetic—and Ace provides enough Brass to keep you swimming in it after a session or two—it doesn’t really impact anything.
For targets, Ace has almost everything. Paper targets in just about all the flavors, plus a standard array of steel targets, and steel that you don’t always see at most ranges, like Texas Stars and Polish Plate Racks. Those last two are pretty awesome in VR because they reset with a push of a button and you can do rep after rep on them to discover the best ways of beating them.
There is a learning curve when first experiencing virtual reality, especially in training scenarios. But once you get used to the platform, the benefits are limitless and the customization options are many.
I’ve gotten to shoot a fair number of real Texas Stars and Polish Plate Racks, and the realism is pretty spot on. Not perfect, but really close.
Multiplayer
Something you might enjoy is the ability to join another player’s game or have them join yours. It’s a VR range day. Personally, this mode isn’t for me. There is a solid community of players on Discord who meet up regularly, and Ace hosts regular meetups as well if you’re looking for friends to play with.
The technical difficulties grow when trying to use the multiplayer, but that’s the nature of the beast right now.
Bigger Is Better
Most of my time with the Ace app has been using a fairly stationary method of dry fire since this allows me to do it in about a 5×5-foot square space in my living room. For my setup, nothing needed to move, and it’s easy to just throw on and get some reps in.
But if you have access to a larger space, like an empty garage or even a backyard, AceXR also offers complete stages—including many stages that were part of USPSA Nationals.
These are simply incredible. Full movement of a real stage, but zero reset and no brass to pick up. Just be really careful to make sure your space is clear, safe and your Meta Quest boundaries are set up correctly.
Running complete USPSA stages in the backyard is insanely fun.
Tangible Improvements
For pistol shooting, there are two major areas that have always been difficult for me, and they both involve speed. My draw is slow, and my shooting is slower overall. Extremely accurate, but slower than it should be. For a little over a year, speeding up has been my main goal, and while progress has been made, it has been incremental.
In-person classes with Baer Solutions and BRVO Tactical have helped push my rifle speed up dramatically, but my pistol still lags behind.
In June 2024, my draw from buzzer to first shot at 7 yards was about 1.8 seconds. A year of normal dry fire and focusing on my draw at least once a week, plus a 35-day stretch dedicated to draw practice, got me down to 1.5 seconds. Not horrible, but not elite either.
Two weeks of AceXR and my draw-to-first-shot time was down to 1.1 seconds most of the time. And this wasn’t dedicated practice; it just happened. Hitting the real range and doing some live-fire drills, the times remained the same: 1.1-ish when pushing it and 1.2 reliably. Tenths of a second might not sound like a lot, but if you know, you know how much of a real improvement this actually is.
Transitions have improved dramatically, also as evidenced by cutting seconds off my times in the Ace drills and hitting the range to see if it translated to live fire. There is no doubt that time spent with the Ace system has helped improve my shooting, and that it helped more than normal dry fire alone.
Cost and Value
I’ll give you the number and then break it down; you’re looking at $650 to $700 (as of August 2025) to your door for a headset, handset and membership. Google for a coupon code and finding 10 percent off isn’t hard, or 20 percent off if you’re military or first responder.
The largest potential cost is a VR headset, but the rest of the gear isn’t cheap either. For the headset, you have three options: Meta Quest 2, 3S and 3. The Meta Quest 2 isn’t in production, but you can find used ones for about $200 or less. Not recommended, but doable.
Currently supported by Meta are the Quest 3 and 3S. A Quest 3 runs $500 but has much better resolution and more storage. If you want to use this for actual gaming on top of Ace, it might be worth it.
Otherwise, the Quest 3S is the trimmed-down version at $300. Offering less storage and less resolution, the 3S is the budget headset—but it works. Mine came via a Verizon promotion, and it seems these promotions are floating around for a number of things like cable, cell phones, internet, etc.
The Ace handset is $200 to start with. “To start with” because it’s likely that you’ll end up spending more if you really want to 1:1 the handset to your main pistol. There is a robust 3D printing community within the Ace community, and a number of aftermarket handsets and mods that you can get from unofficial sources or print yourself. But the tech that makes it all work is the Ace FCU, and those only come in official Ace handsets, and that will run you $200.
And then there is the monthly or yearly Ace membership: $19 per month or $168 a year. A lot of people don’t want one more subscription in their lives, but the Ace team is constantly updating the app and adding content. In my book, this is well worth it.
If you get a yearlong membership, handset, and Meta Quest 3S bundle deal from AceXR, you’re out the door for $650 plus shipping/tax. That isn’t cheap, especially when normal dry fire is free—right?
Think of it this way: Don’t look at Ace as dry fire, look at it as a training cost. Given the choice of two in-person training classes this year or one class and an Ace setup, the Ace system is a better value. Going forward, the yearly membership isn’t that bad if you look at it like a private range membership.
While it doesn’t lower the cost, reframing how you think about it helps make it make more sense.
If you put the time and effort into practicing with the Ace system, the gains speak for themselves.
Holster Up
Again, it depends on how much you want to make your Ace handset match your real pistol—but there are potential added costs. First is a holster. The Ace handset might fit a race holster, but most other holsters won’t fit without some modifications. Ace sells holsters designed for the handsets, as does a few other brands like Double Alpha, Black Rhino and FPS Holsters. All of these run $70 to $80.
My holster was actually just an old Dara holster that isn’t used anymore and modified using a Dremel.
IT Support
The Ace app is surprisingly stable and smooth but isn’t free from all bugs—though that has more to do with Meta than they are with Ace itself.
As a lifelong gamer and computer guy, it doesn’t frustrate me when computers don’t work, and I solve my own problems 99 percent of the time. So far, nothing has come up that couldn’t be fixed with just turning either the Ace app or the Meta headset off and back on, but it comes up regularly.
Setting up the Meta headset and making an account, etc. was the most annoying part of the experience, simply because it’s Meta. Getting Meta to play nicely with my WiFi was also a surprisingly strange problem that took an hour of resetting and downloading patches.
Every five or six times Ace launches, it needs to be closed and reopened because it stalls on boot, or the floor doesn’t load at the right height or the Drills are “temporarily unavailable” for no reason.
This is honestly not really much of a problem; it’s 10 seconds wasted for every six or seven hours of use. But if you’re the kind of person who expects everything to work perfectly every time you touch it, you might need to adjust your expectations.
Once the app is launched and you’re actively using it, it’s almost always problem-free. In almost 30 hours of use, it has only crashed twice, where the app just closed for no reason. I’ve played a lot of AAA games with worse performance, so that ain’t bad.
Loose Rounds
I’m a big believer in the AceXR system now and highly recommend it if you’re able to take advantage of it and you want to improve as a shooter.
It’s not a cheap investment, but it’s definitely worth it in my book. Dry fire might be “free”, but training isn’t. AceXR is training.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the October 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
CZ has just announced the CZ 600+ rifle series, featuring several enhancements over the original 600 line.
It’s been a few years since the original CZ 600 bolt-action rifle series launched, and while the guns have garnered an excellent reputation in the meantime, CZ is giving the line a facelift anyway. Called the CZ 600+ series, the new rifles feature some distinct upgrades over their predecessors.
CZ 600+ Range.
Tom Taylor, CZ-USA’s Chief Marketing Officer, said this about the new bolt-action rifle series:
The CZ 600+ represents the future of hunting and precision rifles … Our relentless commitment to innovation and excellence has resulted in a rifle series capable of exceeding the expectations of the most demanding shooters.
The biggest new features of the CZ 600+ series include the Silent, Ergonomic, and Ambidextrous (S.E.A.) safety, a quick 4-position adjustable trigger and an interchangeable barrel system that allows you to adapt one rifle to multiple calibers. Speaking of barrels, the rifles are accurate as well. The ALPHA, AMERICAN and LUX models deliver guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards (three-shot groups), and the RANGE model has a guaranteed sub-0.75 MOA accuracy (five-shot groups) when using match-grade factory ammo. Other notable features include the controlled feeding system and lifetime warranties for the cold hammer-forged barrels.
CZ 600+ Trail.
The five new models are:
AMERICAN: Timeless American styling combined with modern enhancements
ALPHA: Rugged polymer stock designed for reliable performance in all conditions.
LUX: Classic European walnut stock with fiber optic adjustable iron sights.
RANGE: Optimized for precision shooting with adjustable stock features.
TRAIL: Compact, versatile model featuring a retractable stock and compatibility with AR and CZ BREN 2 magazines.
MSRPs for the CZ 600+ rifle series ranges between $800 and $1,600, depending on the model.
If there’s one thing the gun debate desperately needs, it’s clarity. Not more shouting, not more spin—just facts. That’s why I invited Guy Smith, founder of Gun Facts and author of Guns and Control: A Nonpartisan Guide to Understanding Mass Public Shootings, Gun Accidents, Crime, Public Carry, Suicides, Defensive Use, and More onto Forge of Freedom for a recent conversation (Episode 181). What followed was an eye-opening, no-nonsense discussion about firearms, public safety and how distorted data continues to shape bad policy.
Smith isn’t your typical gun rights advocate. He describes himself as “an old-school Bay Area liberal,” not exactly the stereotype conjured up by the media when they talk about Second Amendment defenders. That’s precisely what makes his work so valuable. Smith approaches the issue with the dispassionate lens of a data analyst and researcher. He’s spent years dissecting gun control claims, citing original sources and building a robust, nonpartisan database that challenges the conventional wisdom on firearms.
During our conversation, Smith made one thing clear: Most of what people believe about guns—especially those shaping public policy—is not just wrong, but provably wrong.
Debunking the ‘Gun Show Loophole’ and Other Myths
One of the most persistent claims in the gun control narrative is the so-called “gun show loophole.” The popular belief is that anyone can walk into a gun show and walk out with an AR-15—no background check, no paperwork, no questions asked. It’s a claim repeated in newsrooms, congressional hearings and activist campaigns.
But, as Smith explained, this is pure fiction. “There is no gun show loophole,” he said. “That phrase was invented by gun control organizations because it sounded ominous. But there’s nothing special about a gun show. The same laws apply there as anywhere else.”
In truth, licensed dealers are still required to run background checks, even at gun shows. Private sales are a different matter—but those are equally legal if done outside a show. What’s really being debated isn’t a “loophole” but whether the government should regulate all private transactions.
Suicide and Gun Death Statistics: The Hidden Truth
Smith also shed light on how statistics are often manipulated to create a false sense of crisis. Take the much-cited figure that “40,000 people die from gun violence each year.” It’s a shocking number—until you realize what it includes.
“The majority of those deaths are suicides,” Smith said. “In fact, roughly two-thirds of gun deaths are suicides, and those are very different from homicides in terms of causation and prevention.”
That distinction matters. Suicide is a public health issue, not a criminal one. Policies aimed at restricting lawful gun ownership in the name of reducing suicide often miss the mark and ignore broader mental health solutions.
Smith pointed to international data showing that countries with strict gun laws, like Japan, still have high suicide rates. “People bent on suicide find a method,” he said. “Reducing gun availability doesn’t necessarily change that outcome. It just changes the means.”
Mass Shootings: Rarity vs. Reality
Few events capture national attention like mass shootings, and understandably so. They are horrifying, tragic and senseless. But they are also statistically rare, and that’s something the media often fails to communicate.
Smith highlighted research showing that mass shootings account for less than 1 percent of all gun deaths. “They’re what I call ‘statistical noise,’” he explained. “They’re emotionally powerful, but from a policy standpoint, you don’t write national laws based on extremely rare events.”
That’s not to say mass shootings don’t matter. But it does mean we should be cautious about building sweeping gun control laws on the back of emotional trauma rather than empirical data.
The Data Is Out There—But You Have to Dig
One of the most important takeaways from my conversation with Smith is this: The information is available, but you won’t find it in most media outlets or political speeches. Smith’s website, GunFacts.info, compiles peer-reviewed research, government reports and historical data to provide a comprehensive view of gun issues—without the spin.
What makes his work stand out is the commitment to transparency. His claims are footnoted. His charts are well-sourced, and his conclusions invite scrutiny.
That’s refreshing in a world where narratives often trump nuance. Whether you’re a gun owner, policymaker or concerned citizen, Smith’s message is the same: Do your homework.
Why the Truth Matters
In today’s polarized climate, facts are more than an intellectual exercise—they’re a moral obligation. Policies built on lies or half-truths don’t just fail to solve problems, they create new ones. When people believe guns are the primary driver of crime, they push laws that restrict liberty without improving safety. When they ignore mental health in favor of targeting inanimate objects, they miss the root causes of violence.
This is why I believe conversations like the one I had with Smith are so important but, unfortunately, so rare. We need more voices willing to cut through the noise, challenge the orthodoxy and follow the evidence wherever it leads.
For gun owners, that means arming ourselves not just with firearms, but with knowledge. We must be able to defend our rights not only with passion, but with facts. Because, ultimately, the battle for the Second Amendment isn’t just fought in the courts or legislatures—it’s fought in the minds of our neighbors, our communities and our country.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the October 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Harrington & Richardson has just announced a small, limited edition run of H&R M14 rifles.
Now under the Palmetto State Armory umbrella, the revived Harrington & Richardson brand specializes in making very cool retro guns, mostly AR-15s like the XM177E2. Now, the company is releasing a small, limited run of H&R M14 rifles.
The new M14s are being assembled with mostly original (though re-inspected and refinished) USGI parts. The new parts used include the 8620 billet machined receiver, the chrome-lined barrel, the upper handguard and the walnut stock that bears H&R’s logo on the bottom of the grip.
While it’s too bad that these aren’t entirely made in-house by Harrington & Richardson, these are still very cool rifles. For those with more patience, H&R has confirmed that they also have a long-term plan in the works to begin fully producing M14s themselves. That’s no easy task, however, so don’t expect to see them any time soon.
The H&R M14 hasn't had a price announced yet, but they drop August 29th at 4:30 EST if you're interested.
A quick look at the .307 Winchester, a cartridge that’s been quietly eating the .30-30’s lunch.
The development of the rimmed .307 Winchester began in 1980, with the first public announcement in December 1982. However, the cartridge—and the Model 94 XTR Angle Eject carbine chambered for it—were not available until early 1983. The Marlin Model 336ER in .307 chambering introduced at the same time is no longer offered.
The Angle Eject feature is a design modification of the beefed-up Model 94 XTR that ejects spent cartridge cases to the side, rather than straight up, the same as earlier Model 94 actions. This was accomplished by changing the position of the extractor and ejector, and by lowering the receiver's right sidewall.
The .307-caliber designation is to avoid confusing this cartridge with the other .30 calibers. It actually uses standard 0.308-inch bullets. The .307 Winchester is essentially a rimmed .308 Winchester, although there is a difference in the overall cartridge length. Original factory loadings had 150- and 180-grain bullets.
General Comments
The popular Model 1894 Winchester lever action has always suffered from two major deficiencies: The design didn't allow center mounting of a scope sight, and the tubular magazine required the use of flat-point bullets to prevent one cartridge from setting off others in the magazine under recoil. These factors combined to relegate the Model 1894 to largely short-range use. The new XTR Angle Eject redesign eliminates the scope-mounting problem and modernizes an old but popular action.
The .307 Winchester can enhance the range and power of lever-action rifles so chambered. It is, based on factory ballistics, faster than the .30-30 by 375 fps in muzzle velocity. Although the .307 Winchester has the same general configuration as the rimless .308 Winchester, there are slight differences that prevent it from achieving full .308 power. For one, the bullet is seated slightly deeper, to maintain an overall length compatible with the length of the Model 1894 action; for any given barrel length and the same bullet weight, the .308 will deliver about 60 to 110 fps more muzzle velocity. Also, with its pointed bullet, the .308 will lose velocity at a slower rate than the flat-point .307.
The .307 has slightly less velocity at 200 yards than the .30-30 has at 100 yards. If the .30-30 is an adequate 100-yard-plus deer cartridge, then the .307 is certainly a 200-yard deer cartridge. It’s not likely to replace the .30-30 as America’s favorite deer cartridge, but it is a more versatile cartridge and certainly takes the Model 94 carbine out of the woods, bush and short-range class. Although it has been reported that the .307 Winchester has thicker case walls and, therefore, reduced internal volume, measurements do not verify this.
.307 Winchester Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
A quick look at Springfield Armory’s new integrally-compensated Echelon 4.0C Comp 9mm.
When we reviewed the original full-size Springfield Armory Echelon, we suggested that it may be the best new duty pistol on the market. Since then, the company has released other variants in more CCW-friendly sizes, the newest of which is the integrally-compensated Echelon 4.0C Comp.
The main appeal of the new 4.0C Comp model is its discreet, single-port integral compensator that should reduce muzzle rise and make for a much more shootable pistol. Springfield also smartly placed the front sight behind the comp so your sight picture remains uninterrupted while firing. Speaking of sights, the new Echelon features U-Dot sights (U-notch rear sight and tritium/luminescent front dot sight) and an optics-ready slide that uses the Variable Interface System. This system can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of popular footprints, and the optics attach directly to the slide so no plates are involved.
Another notable feature is the Echelon’s self-contained, serialized stainless steel chassis that allows for quickly changing out grip modules. The 4.0C Comp ships with the small grip and three backstraps, but medium and large grip modules are available as well.
Steve Kramer, Springfield Armory’s Vice President of Marketing, said this about the new pistol:
The Echelon 4.0C took everything that made the original Echelon so popular and sized it down to offer users an exceptional and concealable duty-grade EDC pistol … With its integral compensator, the new Echelon 4.0C Comp takes the performance of this concealable pistol to the next level.
Each Echelon 4.0C Comp ships with a soft handgun case, one flush-fit 15-round magazine and one extended 18-round mag. Reduced-capacity models are available as well and all variants share an MSRP of $750.
I hit the range with a Watchtower Apache to get a new look at the double-stack 9mm 1911.
If you have been looking for a double-stack 1911 pistol (commonly known as a “2011”), you’ve never had it so good. There was a time when they were “competition guns,” and they were heavily used, requiring them to be routinely overhauled and re-fitted by pistolsmiths. But that use taught the ’smiths and makers many lessons, and we have all benefited from the experience.
Now they are everywhere … and a really good one to lay hands on is the Watchtower Apache.
The Apache is a full-sized pistol, but for that size you get a lot—a lot of ammo and a lot of quality.
The overall dimensions of the Apache (named after Operation Apache Snow, aka Hamburger Hill) are the same as a 5-inch government model. Well, a fat one, since there’s a double-stack STI/SVI pattern magazine in there. The magazines the Apache arrives with are a flush-fit 17-round magazine and an extended one holding 20 rounds. They are made by Check-Mate, a company with decades of experience at crafting magazines. In the earliest days, we’d have to fit and tune the magazines ourselves, a process involving rubber mallets and a certain nonchalance about over-tuning. Now, they work 100 percent right out of the box. Again, lessons learned from the forge of competition.
The frame/grip has different-angled non-slip patches to resist recoil movement.
The frame is an assembly, a pre-hardened 4140 machined to be the rails and the holder for the fire control parts. That is married to a composite grip (carbon-fiber reinforced with Kevlar) bolted on as the part that holds the magazine … and the part that you hold on to as well. The grip has a multi-angled set of non-slip traction panels on it, arranged so they work against the movement of recoil. At the bottom is a magwell funnel big enough to be useful but small enough to be concealable if you use the right holster and dress for the occasion.
The frame is lifted on the frontstrap, and the beavertail is high, so your hand gets high on the frame. The thumb safety is an ambidextrous, two-paddle affair. They are plenty big, and if you were going to use the Apache as an EDC pistol, you might want to either replace them with some smaller unit or have your pistolsmith shave them down. The trigger is medium length and flat. The steel portion of the frame has an accessory rail that extends all the way to the muzzle for extra weight and complete choice of light or laser mounting.
The Apache has a grip safety and an ambi thumb safety standard.
The slide is aggressively slotted for cocking serrations, and it’s also machined to accept an optic. The one tested came with a Trijicon SRO already installed. The front sight is a fiber optic, and the rear is a notch. The irons are just barely visible in the bottom of the optic viewscreen. The metal components are treated to a PVD coating, making them harder than an auditor’s heart, but easy to clean.
An added detail is the recoil spring guide rod. Most feature a cross-drilled hole, and you need a high-tech bent paperclip to disassemble. The Apache has a tool-less guide rod. With the slide locked back, pinch the rod to angle the capture shoulder out and ease it forward. It’s now locked, and you can disassemble the Apache—a neat detail and easy to use once you get the feel for it.
Here is the Apache disassembled for cleaning, with its two magazines.
The Apache is the same length as a 5-inch government model, but with a difference. The 416 stainless barrel is just over 4½ inches long and has a Clark/Para dimension integral ramp at the chamber. Forward of the muzzle, Watchtower installs a single-port compensator. Comps are the hot new carry item, but they have been in competition use since the mid 1980s.
The Apache is comped, and the comp is attached to the barrel. Note the aggressive cocking serrations on the slide.
One detail to be aware of is how a comp works. Basically, it’s rocket science. You’re taking some of the gases exiting the muzzle and, by changing their direction, using that energy to change the feel of recoil. The more gases, and the higher pressure they are at, the more energy. The best angles and sizes have been worked out since the mid 1980s, so what you have to know is this: lighter bullets. Lighter bullets, generating any given power factor, require more powder and generate higher pressures than heavy bullets do. That’s why the IPSC world switched from .45 ACP to .38 Super back in the 1980s. So, if you want to get the most benefit from a comp, you run the hottest 115- or 124-grain loads you can lay hands on (or reload, within limits, of course).
But Can She Run?
As a semi-custom pistol (custom features but built as a regular-production inventory item), you’d expect a pistol like the Apache to be accurate and reliable. And you’d be correct in that assumption. I tried the Apache with a variety of ammunition, both competition and daily carry, and it produced groups that were most gratifying. Reliability was 100 percent to the point of being boring in its routine nature. Load magazine, hose down plate rack, reload, repeat.
If you want to have a superb carry pistol, the Apache is just that. It’s a bit heavy and big for everyday carry, but the right holster will deal with that.
As the Apache was the perfect description of the best tool for a particular event at The Pin Shoot, I then tested it with some top-end heavy bullet 9mm loads, found what it liked best and took it north to Central Lake to slay pins. I did my best in the Space Gun event. The load it favored was Michigan Ammo 147-grain JRN, and when I did my part, it shoved off the table with enthusiasm.
Alas, I was not as up to the task as the Apache was, and I finished just out of the standings for the prize table. What are the equipment rules there, you ask? For Space Gun, comps and optics are allowed, and there’s no weight limit. That means the 40-plus ounces of the Apache are there to dampen the recoil of 9mm+P equivalent loads.
If comps work best with light bullets, why did I opt for 147-grain bullets for pins? Because 115s and 124s max out in pressure before getting to the upper level of what is needed for pin-whacking efficiency. Next year I’m going to up those even more, putting 147s downrange at just over 1,000 fps. The Apache is more than up to that task.
Chronograph & Accuracy Data
Ammo
Bullet Weight
Velocity
ES
SD
Accuracy Average (in.)
Accuracy Best (in.)
Black Hills Honey Badger
100
1,273
52
23.4
1.4
1.3
Sig FMJ
115
1,254
12
5.3
1.5
1.4
Super Vel +P JHP
115
1,308
37
14.2
1.3
1.1
Fiocchi FMJ
115
1,085
72
31.9
1.6
1.4
CorBon JHP
124
1,060
58
22.8
1.5
1.3
Michigan Ammo FMJ
147
935
53
24.9
1.4
1.2
Accuracy results were to be averages of three, five-shot groups at 25 yards off a Champion shooting rest. Velocities are averages of 10 shots measured on a Labradar chronograph set to read 15 feet from the muzzle.
Quality and performance like this does not come cheap. The base Apache is $4,299, and adding an optic puts the price higher. You don’t have to get the Trijicon SRO; you can order the standard Apache and then mount the red-dot optic that makes your heart go pitter-pat. Add some magazines and you are ready for competition, daily carry or both.
Note to self: Order up more of this ammo.
Side Note: What Is This Financial Thing?
You might have read about Watchtower being in some kind of financial trouble lately. So, here’s the inside scoop.
The original company was F-1 Firearms. Current owner and CEO Jason Colosky put together a group to buy F-1 and renamed it Watchtower after Operation Watchtower, the battle for Guadalcanal. As a second-generation Recon Marine, Colosky is well-read on military history (and other history as well) and names his product lines after military operations where he can.
The Apache comes with two magazines, a 17- and a 20-round capacity. This is the 17.
OK, now the financial stuff. Your doom-and-gloom shooting buddy at the gun club might not know the difference between Chapter 11 and Chapter 7. Chapter 7 is the “We’re all gonna die” bankruptcy where the people who are owed money get to divvy up the company because there’s no future for it. Chapter 11 is more like “The economy just threw us a curve, and we need to catch our breath.” Rather than standing by while those owed sort out who gets what, the company gets time to square things away, arrange cash flow and streamline operations. This is all in a plan worked out by the company, its creditors and the court.
In a “7,” if anyone at the company so much as sells a company-owned paperclip before the creditors show up they can go to jail. In an “11” the idea is to encourage moving inventory. The company isn’t going under, they just need elbow room to straighten out some problems.
So, Watchtower and Colosky have been working hard to satisfy everyone. The factory in Spring, Texas, is working near or at capacity, and orders are being filled as quickly as products can be shipped. Everyone is getting paid (employees, creditors, the bank, suppliers, the IRS), and once the contractual agreement has been met (that’s what Chapter 11 is, by the way, a contract), Watchtower will have put the problems behind them.
In the meantime, first-class firearms like the Apache will keep heading out the door to eager customers.
Once it is over we can look forward to more excellent product offerings.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the October 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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