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
Military Arms Channel: Arex Alpha Review
Arex of Slovenia made a big splash with its Arex Rex Zero 1S 9mm pistol a couple years ago. Tim from the Military Arms Channel beat one up pretty good, and it did incredibly well. Fast forward and Arex has a competition model, called the Arex Rex Alpha 9mm pistol. The Alpha is designed to go toe to toe with guns such as the CZ Shadow and STI Edge. This is a video worth watching if you’re in the market for a high end match/target pistol. If you are not, you will be after handling the Alpha. [Read more…] about Military Arms Channel: Arex Alpha Review
Premium Series Review: Kahr K9 Elite
Kahr was one of the first major producers of handguns in the U.S. to focus on the CCW market. For over 20 years, Kahr has quietly manufactured some of the finest handguns on the market. In addition to this, many would be surprised to learn that Kahr’s parent company (Kahr Firearms Group) is the owner of: Kahr Arms, Auto-Ordnance, and Magnum Research. Three iconic American firearms companies. From that comes one of its flagship performers, the Kahr K9 Elite. [Read more…] about Premium Series Review: Kahr K9 Elite
Lee Loader: Survival Reloading Made Easy
For those getting started with reloading, a “round” of ammunition is composed of the case, often referred to as “brass,” which is usually made of reloadable brass, an appropriately-sized and powered replaceable centerfire primer, powder, and bullet. The whole process of a detonating round is simple; the hammer in the gun hits the firing pin, which hits the primer that detonates a small explosion to ignite the powder. In turn, the burning of the powder builds pressure inside the round in the chamber and pushes the bullet down the barrel. The chore is made simple with the Lee Loader. [Read more…] about Lee Loader: Survival Reloading Made Easy
Thermal: FLIR Breach Field Test
As I snapped another picture, my model casually mentioned that our photo backdrop was the scene of a double homicide a couple years ago. Nearby, a few kids from the block—some of whom appeared to be in their mid-40’s and malevolent—were interested in what we were doing. Focused on the camera, I didn’t mind the sweat caused by my bulletproof vest, and was thankful for the two other police officers watching our back. It’s a tough street in a tough city. We were standing in the North Harbor neighborhood of East Chicago, Indiana to test the FLIR Breach. [Read more…] about Thermal: FLIR Breach Field Test
Video: PR-01 Precision Picatinny Quad Rail Handguard System Installation
The PR-01 Precision Picatinny Quad Rail Handguard System provides a superior platform for a wide range of attachments, including optics, flash lights, lasers, forward grips, and other accessory options. This amazing Quad-Rail system was designed to exceed the stringent military requirements. [Read more…] about Video: PR-01 Precision Picatinny Quad Rail Handguard System Installation
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