July 2018 - The K-Var Armory

Review: Ruger American .450 Bushmaster — The Deer Slayer’s Rifle

Many of us can trace back at least one of our first shooting experiences to a Ruger firearm. Typically, it’s a Ruger 10/22 (.22 Long Rifle). This was the case for me back in the 1980s. I’ve always respected Ruger as a quality/affordable manufacturer. However, I really hadn’t shot anything new from Ruger until two years ago when I bought my wife a Ruger LCP (.380) as her CCW gun. This all began when I was introduced to the marketing team at Ruger. I was particularly interested in its Ruger American .450 Bushmaster. Not only is this caliber gaining popularity in Michigan and Ohio for deer hunters, but it’s quickly becoming popular with guides and hunters across the U.S. [Read more…] about Review: Ruger American .450 Bushmaster — The Deer Slayer’s Rifle

Review: Regent R100 an Affordable GI 1911

Despite the popularity of the modern, custom-grade, factory 1911 handgun with good sights, a crisp trigger, and good features, the GI-type .45 remains popular. GI-type 1911 handguns are simple handguns with small sights modest sight controls and fitting that is looser than most modern 1911 handguns. After all, the original design is famous for working reliably even when invaded by mud and sand, The Regent R100 is no exception. [Read more…] about Review: Regent R100 an Affordable GI 1911

Feedback: Top Reader Comments of the Week — July 28, 2018

Even regular readers of K-Var‘s The Muzzle Flash can’t read or respond to all of the reader comments, so we have started a new weekly feature recapping a sampling of the most active, interesting, or on occasion, randomly selected comments from the previous weeks. This will allow you to stay up to date on all of the latest action in the outdoor community. Feel free to respectfully respond to fellow readers comments to continue the debate and reinforce similar beliefs.
[Read more…] about Feedback: Top Reader Comments of the Week — July 28, 2018

AK47 Parts and Accessories at Blowout Prices!

When people talk about The End Of The World As We Know It (TEOTWAWKI) and SHTF (‘Sugar’ Hit The Fan) scenarios, it’s commonplace to consider what firearms you’ll need. The debate is eternal over which gun or guns would be most useful, but the ultra-reliable AK47 is at or near the top of any credible, well-reasoned list. While an AK is a good start, it is only a start. [Read more…] about AK47 Parts and Accessories at Blowout Prices!

Always Bring Protection

Armed Good Guys: Turning the Tide Against the Criminals

News stories of civilian self-defense seldom receive adequate media coverage. After all, armed good guys stopping violent felons does not make headlines like the lives of innocents being taken. Bias and agendas play their part, but the media does not cover an event that did not happen, such as a case where a good guy stopped a violent event before it it resulted in the loss of innocent life. However, these are exactly the type of stories we need to highlight to educate non gun owners before they head to the voting booth. [Read more…] about Armed Good Guys: Turning the Tide Against the Criminals

.300 Savage Cartridge and Savage 99 Rifle — The Forgotten .30

Among my favorite cartridges is a hard hitting, accurate, and soft-kicking number known as the .300 Savage. The .300 Savage has been chambered in the Savage 99 lever action rifle most famously, but also a number of bolt action rifles. Among these is an early Savage rifle that is the model for the modern Kimber bolt action. [Read more…] about .300 Savage Cartridge and Savage 99 Rifle — The Forgotten .30

Mass Shootings: Firearms Rights vs. Mental Illness

At the root, you will find mental illness. Look back to any of the mass-shooting tragedies and, at the heart of the matter, you will find mental illness. That is why, if there is a single gun control-related issue that has a majority of support, it would be a measure related to restricting access to, and ownership of, firearms from certain mentally ill individuals. In fact, according to the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Chicago: “More than 8 in 10 Americans favor a federal law preventing mentally ill people from purchasing guns,” the AP reported March 23. [Read more…] about Mass Shootings: Firearms Rights vs. Mental Illness

Liberal Leaning Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Affirms Constitutional Carry Right

In a 2-1 bombshell opinion issued Tuesday, a panel of the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that, “for better or for worse, the Second Amendment does protect a right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense” and that the open carrying of firearms for that purpose “falls within the core of the Second Amendment.” That is a big win for proponents of Constitutional Carry. [Read more…] about Liberal Leaning Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Affirms Constitutional Carry Right

How to Get Started in Ammunition Reloading

I seem to be one of the few gunwriters who extensively relies on handload to test a firearm. I have always done so, and will continue to do so. Handloads offer real economy, custom grade performance, and excellent accuracy potential. Getting started in handloading isn’t difficult. The NRA offers handloading classes. Be sure to check the website for a class near you. An experienced friend is the best bet for easy pointers and learning the mechanics of reloading. There are also good books, including the ABCs of Handloading. Obtaining several handloading manuals is a must. Likewise, there are few tools you’ll need to get started. [Read more…] about How to Get Started in Ammunition Reloading

Review: Windham Weaponry SRC-308

I was excited to test the new Windham Weaponry WW-308 (MSRP $1,708, but K-Var’s price is under $1,250). I have shot 223/5.56 AR-15s ever since I was 13 years old, but had never really had a chance to try out the AR-15s big brother (often referred to as the AR-10). The real treat was trying this rifle platform out with Windham Weaponry, a company rich in AR-15 history. [Read more…] about Review: Windham Weaponry SRC-308

Feedback: Top Reader Comments of the Week — July 21, 2018

Illinois Governor Signs New 72-Hour Wait Period Legislation

The debate over waiting periods, and whether they are effective, might take on a new dimension in Illinois, after Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner recently signed a bill establishing a 72-hour wait for the purchase of all firearms, according to the State Journal-Register. [Read more…] about Illinois Governor Signs New 72-Hour Wait Period Legislation

Armed Good Guys: Stand Your Ground?

Law Enforcement and Open Carry — A Good Interaction

After an injury a couple of years ago, and a serious case of pneumonia, I have changed exercise from running to brisk walking. Recently, I spent a couple of months in Middleton, Wisconsin. Most of my walking in the area started about 0500, but on Monday, July 9, I had stayed up late, coming back from a play at American Player’s Theater in Spring Green, Wisconsin. I slept in. I didn’t get out to exercise until after 0800. It was a mistake. Instead of a few cars along the route I was walking, it was a minor rush hour north of Lake Mendota. As usual, I was open carry. [Read more…] about Law Enforcement and Open Carry — A Good Interaction

Gun Test: Ruger LCR .357 Magnum

Revolvers are often times not at the top of someone’s list for a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon). In the early 2000s, CCW gun manufacturers started making .380s, then 9mms, and later, .40 and .45s. The revolver, the sidearm for police for over a century, got no love. That is until the Ruger LCR (Lightweight Compact Revolver) was released in 2009. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Ruger LCR .357 Magnum

Review: Extrema Ratio Nightmare Karambit Folder

What is not to love about the Uber Tech Extrema Ratio knives? The designs are both impressively simple and elegant, complete with the top tier of cobalt steel that delivers an aggressive, extremely long-lasting edge. Initially, the feel is somewhat out of the ordinary. However, once you put one in your hand, the odd design makes sense. The new Extrema Ratio Scout carries through an Italian design legacy which combines style and function in well executed simple elegance. The Extrema Ratio Nightmare Karambit folder is a perfect example of how Extrema can take an idea to a different level. [Read more…] about Review: Extrema Ratio Nightmare Karambit Folder

The Skill of Rifle Marksmanship

The primary goal of marksmanship is being able to hit what we are aiming at. Your purpose may be simple target shooting, hunting, or personal defense. Whatever the goal, a great deal of practice is needed. For most of American history, rifle marksmanship has been an essential skill, and it remains so today. [Read more…] about The Skill of Rifle Marksmanship