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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CRKT’s Best Value — The Amicus
The CRKT Amicus is the best deal in the entire CRKT lineup and probably one of the best heavy-duty folding knives under $60 ($40 at K-Var) anywhere. This is a brute of a knife. The Amicus is also comfortable, and features an exceptionally well-designed blade. [Read more…] about CRKT’s Best Value — The Amicus
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Colt 1911 — The Name Says it All
The Colt 1911 Government Model handgun was the result of more than a decade of painstaking development. The .45 Automatic Colt Pistol cartridge was developed in a shorter period with input from many of the great minds of the day including General John T Thompson. John Moses Browning introduced his first self-loading service pistol in 1900. The Colt .38 ACP automatic had interesting features but needed further development. The 1905 .45 automatic likewise needed more refinement. Thus, it was a combination of events led to the adoption of the Colt 1911 Government Model in 1911. [Read more…] about Colt 1911 — The Name Says it All
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Laser Sights — Green or Red?
It seems like only yesterday, I did not trust lasers. Mainly, I did not wish to own anything that might run out of battery life during a critical incident. Times have changed and products have improved. The new Crimson Trace LiNQ, as an example, is as rugged and reliable as any device may be. But this article is not about which model laser to choose. Instead, it details the differences you should consider when deciding between a red or green laser. [Read more…] about Laser Sights — Green or Red?
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Caring For Leather Holsters
More than 20 years ago, my first book was published. Thirteen books later, Holsters for Concealed Carry and Combat is dated. Some of the makers mentioned in the book are retired or deceased, including the late great Lou Alessi. However, there are interesting new makers with real talent. Regardless the maker, leather holsters need care. [Read more…] about Caring For Leather Holsters
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Video: Beretta Px4 Storm Box to Match Review!
Due to a technical glitch, this Out of the Box and to the Match Gun Review is actually a re-shoot. After I shot the Beretta Px4 Storm in a match, I found that the memory card in my video camera was bad, so I decided to shoot a new video. Like other Box to Match reviews, the Beretta hasn’t undergone any aftermarket tweaks or adjustments, just a standard clean and oil. [Read more…] about Video: Beretta Px4 Storm Box to Match Review!
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Review: IWI Galil ACE Pistol and Rifle
At the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade show (SHOT) 2013, I first met the team at IWI (Israel Weapons Industries) U.S. At that time, IWI’s headquarters in Pennsylvania was relatively new and it was still trying to sort out supply chain issues with demand for their product being at an all-time high. IWI’s parent company in Israel has been around since the 1930s, but the only gun I had shot of IWI’s before 2013 was the UZI (and an early U.S. import of the Galil 5.56). [Read more…] about Review: IWI Galil ACE Pistol and Rifle
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The Science Behind Hearing Protection
It’s right there in the rules posted at any shooting range: All shooters and spectators must wear hearing and eye protection. Most shooters are equipped for compliance, quickly donning whatever earmuffs are inside their range bag. Those who come unprepared can always obtain a set of in-ear foam plugs from the range officer. This is the extent to which most shooters think about hearing protection. They think, I have it and I’m wearing it, so my hearing is protected. But that isn’t always true. [Read more…] about The Science Behind Hearing Protection
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Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 9mm
Ruger is an old line maker that has offered quality products at a fair price for more than 68 years. They were late getting into the 1911 market, but introduced a 1911 handgun that has earned an excellent reputation for reliability, accuracy and value. When the Commander version was introduced, I obtained one of the first short slide 1911 Rugers and found it good. The SR1911 9mm is an aluminum frame 1911 in the Commander configuration they may be even better. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 9mm
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Review: Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan
Typically, I review more tactical rifles and CCW pistols/revolvers, but for some strange reason I was surfing the web for guns to review and I ran across Ruger’s Super Redhawk Alaskan in .454 Casull (*also shoots .45 Long Colt from the same gun). “Why not, sounds like fun!” I thought. I guess it is the CCW of the Alaskan Bush. Plus, I just finished reviewing the .50AE and was starting to get feeling back in my hands, so bring it on Ruger! [Read more…] about Review: Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan
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Dissident Arms And The VEPR 12 – Unleash The Beast
I have heard it said, the Molot Vepr 12 is a beast that is ready for almost any task. Unfortunately, with the sanctions implemented last year, this beast seems to have been cut down in its prime. With collectors calling for the last few units left in the country, the price of the Vepr—and all Molot’s for that matter—seems to continue to rise. This is unfortunate as the Vepr 12 has seemed to surge in popularity among many shooters and particularly amongst competitive shooters. [Read more…] about Dissident Arms And The VEPR 12 – Unleash The Beast
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Scratch That AR Itch — Build Your Own!
One of the coolest things about the Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR), built on the well-known AR-15 platform originally designed by Eugene Stoner, is the fact that the system is largely modular and can be assembled and modified by anyone possessing some basic tools and a bit of mechanical aptitude. Happily, for firearms enthusiasts, “easy to assemble” also translates to “easily customizable.” The concept has been so successful that the AR-15 and its countless variants have earned the names, The Swiss army knife of guns, frankengun, LEGOS for adults, and others. [Read more…] about Scratch That AR Itch — Build Your Own!
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Will Armenian AKs soon be coming to America?
The press secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Armenia has announced a contract between Kalashnikov Concern and Royalsys Engineering Ltd. This is big news and means AK-12 and AK-15 rifles will soon be produced in Armenia. [Read more…] about Will Armenian AKs soon be coming to America?
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Review: Balios Lite Gen 2 AR Pistol
The Balios Lite Gen 2 AR Pistol is exceptional for tactical performance. The lightweight, maneuverable platform is perfect for short- and mid-range shooting. Hitting targets on the move with accuracy and limited recoil gives you a major tactical advantage in the field. [Read more…] about Review: Balios Lite Gen 2 AR Pistol
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Affordable Concealed Carry: SCCY
In mid-2012, I first read about a new gun manufacturer, SCCY, that was making an affordable CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) in Florida. Needless to say, I was curious and wanted to test it. Over the years, I’ve always tried to review a variety of guns, at a variety of prices. I understand that anyone would love a $1,000+ gun, but for some that is a currently unattainable dream. Every socioeconomic class in the U.S. has the right to self-defense as well as the ability to defend those they love.
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Crimson Trace LiNQ: Your AR’s Best Friend
A few weeks ago, as I worked up my personal go-anywhere-do-anything rifle, I elected to mount the new Crimson Trace LiNQ system from Crimson Trace. The LiNQ is a true wireless activated combat light and laser system. The system isn’t overly complicated—even less so if you do not use all of the features but concentrate on the modes that suit your needs. [Read more…] about Crimson Trace LiNQ: Your AR’s Best Friend
Aluminum-Frame Pistols Make Sense
After deploying a steel-frame handgun for many years, I have come to appreciate lightweight (LW) frame handguns. Aluminum frame revolvers and self-loaders have become trusted companions. I am not one to save a few ounces at the cost of my life, but I do not wish to carry more weight than necessary. [Read more…] about Aluminum-Frame Pistols Make Sense