Reviews Archives - Page 11 of 18

Savage Arms: What’s Old is New Again

Since its introduction in 1958, the Savage Model 110 has served hunters and shooters well as an economical, hard-hitting, accurate rifle. Now it’s even better with the new Model 110 Big Game and Specialty series. These revamped rifles have received a fresh look and a full complement of new and improved features. Customized performance is the hallmark of the redesign, and these new rifles solve the three main issues shooters usually pay a gunsmith to address: fit, trigger pull, and bedding. [Read more…] about Savage Arms: What’s Old is New Again

Gun Test: Sarsilmaz SAR 9

I was fortunate to get my hands on one of the first 50 SAR 9 pistols imported from Turkey by SAR USA—the American division of Turkish gun and aerospace manufacturer Sarsilmaz. Though not a familiar name on this side of the globe, Sarsilmaz has been manufacturing guns since 1880, when it opened as a small producer of shotguns. Today, in its fifth generation of family ownership, the factory has massive CNC machining capabilities and other modern equipment. It is also the only privately-owned gun factory in the country, and the only company supplying pistols for Turkish law enforcement and military use. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Sarsilmaz SAR 9

Review: Blackhawk Omnivore Holster

Not having the right holster is a problem often encountered by shooting enthusiasts and instructors. As an instructor, I often have students show up for defensive pistol classes wearing belt holsters that work fine as storage devices or for daily carry, but are insufficient and unsafe for serious training. Many gun owners have a pistol or two that they’d like to use more, but don’t feel like spending the energy and money it takes to find the perfect holster, such as the Blackhawk Omnivore, for each gun. If you feel like one or more of these scenarios apply to you, you are reading the right article. [Read more…] about Review: Blackhawk Omnivore Holster

Skill Set: Flying With Firearms

During firearm training classes, the question of flying with firearms comes up a lot. People have a fear of flying with firearms, but it’s just a lack of knowledge about the process. As long as you know how to proceed it’s not a big deal. [Read more…] about Skill Set: Flying With Firearms

The .243 Winchester Addiction

You would think, being an avid hunter and given the number kids as I’ve introduced to hunting and shooting, I would have discovered the .243 Winchester a lot sooner than I did. My path was rather long and circuitous. I was close a couple of times, but never realized what I was missing until a change in the hunting regulations forced me to shoot the .243. [Read more…] about The .243 Winchester Addiction

Arsenal SBR’s and One Model that is but is NOT…

If you shoot AK’s you know Arsenal by name and reputation and you know the quality of their products the second you pick one up. Arsenal Bulgaria celebrated 140 years of business and Arsenal Inc. celebrated 20 years of importing and manufacturing Arsenal products in the US. With so much history and a product that has overwhelmingly earned the respect of the AK community, it should be no surprise that as I started looking for a new short barrel AK rifle my first stop was Arsenal. As I checked out their SBR selection, there is no question I was impressed with their lineup. Three of the SBR models quickly became my focus: the SLR-104UR SBR, SLR-107UR SBR and SAM7SFK SBR. [Read more…] about Arsenal SBR’s and One Model that is but is NOT…

Hits Count — Stabilize Your Rifle

When it comes to rifle shooting, fast hits are what counts in hunting and personal defense scenarios. When sighting in the rifle from the benchrest, we have all of the time in the world. Recently, I sighted my personal M1A1 with Leatherwood scope in from the rest and enjoyed 1 MOA groups with Federal MSR Fusion ammunition. However, I cannot expect a fraction of this accuracy when firing off hand at the 100-yard line, because you do not have the same opportunity to stabilize your rifle—or do you? [Read more…] about Hits Count — Stabilize Your Rifle

Review: SIG P320 M17 Civilian Model

I have carried and used SIG pistols for many years. I have been issued the SIG P226 and also carried the SIG P220. I have the greatest respect for SIG pistols and particularly appreciate their reliability. When the brass supplied officers with the SIG, we knew that they had not gone for the low bid. By the same token the low bid won over many agencies. SIG needed a polymer-framed striker-fired pistol to compete on an economic and practical basis. The SIG P320 was ergonomic, reliable, and easily used well. SIG finally had a striker fired competitor to the Glock and similar handguns. [Read more…] about Review: SIG P320 M17 Civilian Model

I Fell for the 10mm — You Will too!

I was at an event in Montana earlier this fall where several gun and ammunition manufacturers were showing off their new products and allowing writers to test them. I found myself hanging out at the Vista Outdoor booth, pining over the 10mm, long enough that I was surprised the guys there didn’t tell me to leave. Vista Outdoor may not be a name you are familiar with, but if you are a shooter/outdoorsman, you probably have used some of their products. [Read more…] about I Fell for the 10mm — You Will too!

Mossberg ATR: .270 Winchester — The Rifleman’s Cartridge

I am finally getting around to projects I have been anticipating for several years. One of these is putting together a credible all-around hunting rifle. The goal is something with more stretch than the .308 Winchester and perhaps a bit of finesse. Among the rifles I have chosen is the Mossberg All Terrain Rifle in .270 Winchester. I have enjoyed such good luck, for so long, with the ATR rifle in .308 Winchester, I did not wish to rock the boat and stayed with a proven product. [Read more…] about Mossberg ATR: .270 Winchester — The Rifleman’s Cartridge

Tricking Out Your AR-15

While it is unlikely that your AR-15 will ever see combat, that does not mean it shouldn’t be considered something worthy of betting your life on. Firearm prices are currently down, so now is the time to buy the AR you have had your eye on, or stock up with a few bargain deals and build them with your favorite accessories. Here are a few ideas to start your upgrade list. [Read more…] about Tricking Out Your AR-15

Gun Test: Baby Desert Eagle .45 ACP

When the great handguns of modern times are discussed, the go-to list of reliable handguns that I completely trust is short. The Colt 1911, FN High Power, Czech CZ 75 and the Glock are among these. There are many copies and clones of these handguns. Some are ironmongery but others are excellent firearms. Among the close copies of the CZ 75 that has earned a good reputation worldwide is the Israeli Jericho pistol, otherwise known as the Baby Desert Eagle. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Baby Desert Eagle .45 ACP

Everyone Needs a Mossberg Shotgun

The world of the shotgun changed when the BATFE confirmed the 590 Shockwave does not fall under NFA restrictions and requires no tax stamp. The Shockwave comes equipped with a 14-inch heavy-walled barrel that has a 5+1 capacity. New options include a 20 gauge version with a flat dark earth Cerakote finish and a 12 gauge JIC (Just In Case) model that comes with a water-resistant storage carry tube. [Read more…] about Everyone Needs a Mossberg Shotgun

Gun Test: Savage Model 12 – A True Tack Driver

Savage Arms offers a number of affordable rifles beginning with the Savage Axis and the impressive Axis II. The Savage Model 12 is a formidable rifle that may be called a rifle for shooters rather than hunters. The machining and heat-treating of the receiver are a step above that of other Savage bolt-action rifles. The bolt is more massive and features opposed locking lugs. Bolt lift is 90 degrees. A feature I particularly like is the oversize bolt handle. The rifle’s bolt and receiver are impressive for those with an eye to quality. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Savage Model 12 – A True Tack Driver

Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 10mm

Ruger’s SR1911 line continues to expand with the introduction of the Ruger SR1911 10mm. This handgun differs considerably from previous pistols and may arguably be one of the best 10mm 1911 handguns ever built. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 10mm

Mechanix Wear Gloves — Hand Protection

When hunting, hiking, working, weeding, turning bolts, wild mushroom hunting, moving bags of mulch, pushing through brush, or handling previously live game, a pair of gloves is a handy thing to keep your hands clean, warm, and injury-free. As inexpensive, simple, and handy as gloves are, we often forget about them as essential outdoor gear. [Read more…] about Mechanix Wear Gloves — Hand Protection

Glock G17 and G19 Gen4 MOS are Game Changers

There are times when you don’t notice a shift in the paradigm, but with the Glock G17 and G19 Gen4 MOS (Modular Optic System) pistols, the move is obvious and clear. Conceal carry pistols equipped with optics are the next stage in the evolution of defensive pistols. Glock has taken its most popular models, the full-size G17 Gen4 and compact G19 Gen4, and created MOS variants. [Read more…] about Glock G17 and G19 Gen4 MOS are Game Changers

Springfield XDE — Catering to the Rest

With most new concealed carry handguns focused on polymer-frame striker-fired handguns, it is good to see that Springfield Armory has catered to the rest of us with a modern, polymer-frame double-action first-shot handgun with a decocker. [Read more…] about Springfield XDE — Catering to the Rest

Let’s Go Plinking! — A Boy and His .22 Rifle

While not as long in the tooth as some, I have fond memories from childhood, plinking my way through the hills and forests. Pinecones were trophy bucks, man-eating tigers, and unsuspecting enemy soldiers. The end of a branch or piece of hanging fruit were no safer, most were members of a hostile Indian tribe unlucky enough to have crossed paths the Duke and me. [Read more…] about Let’s Go Plinking! — A Boy and His .22 Rifle

Review: Mossberg JIC II 12 Gauge Shotgun, Just in Case

When you think of the ultimate survival gun, you should think of the versatility, durability, and power of a proven 12-gauge shotgun. The reason for this versatility and diversity is the variety of 12-gauge shotshells available that range from wild to mild. Available shotshells run the gamut from sabot slugs capable of downing any North American game accurately, fletched long-range defensive rounds, door breaching rounds, signal flares, heavy goose or turkey loads, light recoiling clays loads, to the standard variety of buckshot, BB, pellets, and many more. [Read more…] about Review: Mossberg JIC II 12 Gauge Shotgun, Just in Case