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
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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
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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
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Arsenal Introduces New Limited Edition Krink!
Introducing the All New Limited Edition Arsenal SAM7SFK with Gambit!
Arsenal, the exclusive US manufacturer of the finest AK style rifles, proudly announces the release of their new and limited edition SAM7SFK-80.
The SAM7SFK-80 rifle is a semi-auto version of the Bulgarian model AR-M4SF with the NEW Arsenal Gambit attached which extends the barrel and enhances the firearm. You are going to love the authenticity of this firearm – from the right side folding tubular buttstock to the vertical front sight/gas block combination, you have the ability to purchase a unique Bulgarian beauty. With only limited quantities, this is a collector’s dream! [Read more…] about Arsenal Introduces New Limited Edition Krink!
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Adding a Precision Stock to Your AR-15
Precision stocks allow you to shoot better—by that I mean not only more accurately but also more comfortably and at longer ranges. Being comfortable means less effort to send one on target at long range. Two precision stocks, the Magpul PRS Gen3 and the American Built Arms USS, are good examples of precision stocks purpose-built to hang off your AR’s receiver extension or buffer tube. [Read more…] about Adding a Precision Stock to Your AR-15
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Choosing an Optic for Your Rifle
There are many opinions as to what is a good or even the best survival rifle. What stands out is that, in one form or another, everyone is going to have a rifle. However, the conversation goes quiet at that point and fails to cover or consider a rifle scope. There seems to be little to no conversation as to what might be considered a good optic for the rifle you choose. Certainly, there should be more than a passing interest concerning this topic as one may have to depend on it. [Read more…] about Choosing an Optic for Your Rifle
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Adjustable Gas Block — Tune Your AR-15
This last weekend, I provided a buddy a side-by-side comparison of his standard AR and one of my AR-15s with an adjustable gas block. His actual quote was, “Holy crap! When can you do that to mine?” Your first experience with an adjustable gas block will be an enlightening one. [Read more…] about Adjustable Gas Block — Tune Your AR-15
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Gun Test: Rock Island 1911 .38 Super
The .38 Super was introduced in the 1911 handgun in 1929 to arm peace officers with a hard-hitting handgun that offered good penetration against the new breed of mechanized thug. The .38 Super saw extensive use in the hands of the FBI and figured into the demise of dangerous fugitives such as Baby Face Nelson. The .38 Super is dimensionally identical to the .38 ACP of 1900. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Rock Island 1911 .38 Super
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Swab-Its Review
I first saw the Swab-its at the 2015 Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show and simply didn’t get the concept of them—hmm… disposable foam bore cleaners. Yeah, the concept was cool. However, I wondered why anyone would buy such an expensive single-use product. Like many times in life, I was wrong. I learned my lesson, even though it took me a full year. My mistake was thinking, “Swab-its are a one trick pony.” In actuality, Swab-its are a well made, non-damaging, bore cleaner that can be cleaned and continually reused many, many times. [Read more…] about Swab-Its Review
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Handgun Training — How I Choose the Gun
Handgun training, more so than most pursuits, is charged with individuality. Special teams and rifle companies move as a unit and exercise strict discipline. They have a plan of action. The handgun is a weapon of opportunity carried to meet the unexpected difficulty. The action is not planned, and the response is reactive. For many problems, a trained individual will respond with simple reflex. Reflex is sufficient for some problems, but simple movements set the stage for more elaborate responses. Training and movement should be simple and as straightforward as possible. [Read more…] about Handgun Training — How I Choose the Gun
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The Gallery Gun Reimagined: Henry Pump Octagon
The pump action is as American as a gun design gets. While most prolific in just about every modern shotgun, pump-action rifles were, and are still, out there. One of the most prolific was the old Winchester Model 1890 that came in a number of .22 caliber rimfire chamberings. Once synonymous with shooting galleries and small game getting for decades, the pump .22 has fallen by the wayside. However, the Henry Pump Octagon rifle is looking to change that. [Read more…] about The Gallery Gun Reimagined: Henry Pump Octagon
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How to Choose a Handgun
Everyday, we are bombarded with the freshest information. We hope the information is legitimate, and we weigh our alternatives. Choosing an option involves a mix of assessments and choices colored by innate biases and too often, flawed assumptions. [Read more…] about How to Choose a Handgun
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The Firearms Guide — The Smart Source
The Firearms Guide Flash Drive & Online Combo is modern, digital, searchable gun publication that combines a reference guide on antique and modern guns with printable gun schematics and blueprints library and with gun value guide. All that content is conveniently placed online, but also on a fast 16GB flash drive as offline backup for Windows PC or Mac. [Read more…] about The Firearms Guide — The Smart Source
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SHTF Guns — Have You Thought Through Your Choices?
The SHTF gun means many things to many people. Having actually taken incoming fire and proven I cannot stop a bullet, I have a different idea than the casually interested. Planning for an apocalyptic nightmare seems a popular pastime—especially for cinematic writers. Just the same there are times when the need may be real. [Read more…] about SHTF Guns — Have You Thought Through Your Choices?
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SIG Romeo 7 Red Dot — Sighting in the Red Dot
With an optic budget topping out at $400 for a red dot sight, the SIG Romeo 7 not only fills the need, it surpasses optics costing hundreds more. The Romeo 7’s 30mm red dot is optimal for most, and the controls are easy to use. Just a few of the benefits include easy sight in, simple to mount, included low-mount option, and, best of all, SIG quality. [Read more…] about SIG Romeo 7 Red Dot — Sighting in the Red Dot
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Review: Stoeger Coach Gun — Side-by-Side Home Defense
Unlike some of the other old guys, I do not have a double barrel shotgun tradition. I grew up using my grandfather’s Winchester Model 12 pump action or Remington 11-87 automatic. My first shotgun was a Mossberg 500. It was only later in life that I picked up a double barrel here and there. While I enjoyed firing them, I have clung to my pump-action shotguns. Recently, I tested a well made, reliable, and fast-handling double-barrel shotgun that just may be among the best firearms I have yet tested for personal defense. I purchased the Stoeger Coach Gun on a lark and found a credible shotgun. It is simple to operate and offers high hit potential. [Read more…] about Review: Stoeger Coach Gun — Side-by-Side Home Defense
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Three Top 10mm Pistols — Pick Your Poison
The 10mm Auto cartridge is being rediscovered. There is new ammunition being manufactured in velocities the 10mm was intended for, such as the newer SIG Elite Performance ammo, and firearm manufacturers such as Glock, Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), and SIG offer platforms well suited to this powerhouse cartridge. Which would you choose? [Read more…] about Three Top 10mm Pistols — Pick Your Poison
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Arex Rex Delta — Sneak Peek!
Arex entered the firearms market a few of years ago with a single model in hand. Sometimes, when your product is good enough, one is all you need. Arex quickly followed its initial success with compact and suppressor-ready tactical versions. Next came a target model, but in today’s market, your line is incomplete without a lightweight polymer model for concealed carry or duty use. Introducing the Arex Rex Delta. [Read more…] about Arex Rex Delta — Sneak Peek!
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Gun Test: Glock Model 35
I have previously stated that the long slide Glock Model 35 is a good special team pistol for use by agencies issuing Glock pistols. However, the long slide Glock is also a great home defense and competition pistol. For those who can conceal the piece beneath covering garments, the Glock long slide is a viable defensive handgun. In the proper caliber, the pistol is also useful for hunting thin-skinned game. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Glock Model 35
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Magazine Loaders — Spend Your Time Shooting!
Loading AR magazines is a chore but it is one of the most important tasks when using an AR—busting thumbs is just part of the job. Range time is precious, and I don’t want to waste time loading 30-rounders when I can be training, so I have a plan that involves magazine loaders to take the work out of recharging magazines. [Read more…] about Magazine Loaders — Spend Your Time Shooting!
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