The K-Var Armory

Review: Ruger SR1911 Commander

For many years, the Colt 1911 Government Model was the only service-grade, big bore self-loader. The 1911 is durable, reliable, hard hitting, and accurate enough for combat use. The only legitimate complaint concerning the 1911 was that it was large and heavy. This didn’t matter as much for military use, but the piece was also adopted by some peace officers—mostly federal agents—and experienced shooters for concealed carry. [Read more…] about Review: Ruger SR1911 Commander

Review: Bond Arms Bullpup9 Pistol

Over the years, I have had the great privilege of getting to know Gordon Bond, Garrett, Danielle, and many other team members at Bond Arms. Last July, I also had the opportunity to tour Bond’s manufacturing facility in Texas. For over 20 years, Bond Arms has been making precision derringer-style (two-shot, over/under barrel) pistols in over 20 different (interchangeable) calibers. However, for the past 8 months I’ve used and attempted to abuse Bond’s first semi-auto CCW handgun, the Bond Arms Bullpup9 in preparation for this review. [Read more…] about Review: Bond Arms Bullpup9 Pistol

Feedback: Top Reader Comments of the Week — August 4, 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 — August 4, 2018

‘Gun Control a Third Rail of Democratic Campaigns’

A report in Roll Call suggests Democratic candidates this year “should embrace a bolder approach to restrictions on guns, even in general elections” based on a recent poll, and notes that “Gun control has been a third rail of Democratic campaigns.” [Read more…] about ‘Gun Control a Third Rail of Democratic Campaigns’

Crimson Trace: Laser Beams in a Gunfight

In this video, presented by Crimson Trace, Jim Staley and Brian from TacGas discuss and demonstrate one of the most prevalent myths when it comes to laser sights and why it’s important to utilize proper laser discipline. That lesson is supported by footage from a combat course that was held in an underground cave with zero natural light to show the use and effectiveness of combat lights and lasers. [Read more…] about Crimson Trace: Laser Beams in a Gunfight

Armed Good Guys: AR-15 and CCW for Self-Defense

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: AR-15 and CCW for Self-Defense

The Importance of One-Hand Shooting Training

It is interesting how handgun training has so many variables. As an example, most modern shooters regard two-hand fire as the default skill, so they practice two-hand fire less. In the past it was one-hand fire, and two-hand fire was used only at extreme range. There is no question that two-hand fire is the most accurate, but one-hand fire is the faster. The balance of speed and accuracy must be maintained. One-hand shooting will be used at short range and when speed is needed but accuracy cannot be sacrificed. Two-hand fire is used at the range at which you need more accuracy. [Read more…] about The Importance of One-Hand Shooting Training

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

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

.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