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Review: Galco Ankle Lite Ankle Holster

Finding the right holster can feel like a retelling of the classic story of Goldilocks’ and the Three Bears. This holster is too bulky while that holster doesn’t cover the trigger guard. For most gun owners, finding the right holster can result in a box of holsters sitting in a corner that don’t fit their needs. My Goldilocks’ gun is my Ruger LCP, and I have purchased several different types of holsters trying to find the holster. My most recent purchase, a Galco Ankle Lite holster, seems to be the current winner. It offers a high level of comfortable concealment at a reasonable price. Of the various holsters I’ve purchased for this particular gun, this is the best option for on-body carry for the Ruger LCP. [Read more…] about Review: Galco Ankle Lite Ankle Holster

Gun Test: Model 870 Express Tactical Magpul

For most of my shooting life, I have relied upon a handful of firearms including the Colt 1911, Smith and Wesson Magnum revolvers, and the Remington 870 shotgun. Occasionally, I have purchased cheaper firearms and regretted it. Recently, I came across the Model 870 Express Tactical Magpul and have never looked back. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Model 870 Express Tactical Magpul

Gun Test: Springfield Armory EMP 4

Springfield launched the Enhanced Micro Pistol (EMP) over a decade ago, so it is far from the latest “fad” handgun to have caught the market’s eye. The intent was to offer a subcompact 9mm in a 1911 configuration. It was the perfect blend of caliber and the 1911 platform in a concealable package—thanks to the 3-inch barrel. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Springfield Armory EMP 4

Tactical Red Dot Review: Aimpoint H2 and T2

The first manufacturer of red dot sights was Aimpoint. Today, Aimpoint remains at the top of the heap. Aimpoint’s red dots are proven in harsh conditions and combat the world over. They have been the mainstay for police agencies and professionals that appreciate a quality optic, and should be a top choice for you as well. [Read more…] about Tactical Red Dot Review: Aimpoint H2 and T2

Video: Install and Evaluation of the FIME Group FCG AK Trigger

No matter how great the history or performance of the firearm, there is room for improvement. I do not carry a 1913 Colt. I carry the most modern 1911. Those who favor a truly reliable and capable AK rifle, choose the Arsenal. Any rifle will do to hang on the wall, but for those who keep the rifle on hand for extensive shooting or emergency use, the Arsenal is a favorite. Now the bar has been raised with the introduction of the FCG AK Trigger. [Read more…] about Video: Install and Evaluation of the FIME Group FCG AK Trigger

Review: Kahr Arms Desert Eagle .50 AE

I think the first time I saw the Desert Eagle .50 AE, like many, was in a movie in the early 1990s. It was the favorite handgun of Arnold Schwarzenegger and many others. As of the writing of this article, the Desert Eagle has been in over 500 movies. Developed in the United States, but refined by Israeli Military Industry, it was first introduced in the 1980s. At the time, the design of the Mark I was revolutionary. [Read more…] about Review: Kahr Arms Desert Eagle .50 AE

Gun Test: Smith and Wesson Model 69 .44 Magnum

As a long time user of Smith and Wesson revolvers, I am excited to see the things the company is doing these days. One of the most interesting handguns to come along in some time is the Model 69 .44 Magnum. This is a 5-shot .44 Magnum revolver built on the L frame chassis. It features a square butt grip and four-inch barrel. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Smith and Wesson Model 69 .44 Magnum

Review: IWI Tavor X95 Bullpup

At the 2013 SHOT Show, I first met the team at IWI US (Israel Weapons Industries). Even though its parent company in Israel has been around since the 1930s, the only gun I had shot of its was the UZI and an early U.S. import of the Galil 5.56. At SHOT Show 2013, I first put my hands on its unique rifle, the Tavor. The Tavor is categorized as a bullpup rifle (the fire control group is located “way” behind the trigger). Needless to say, being a fan of the AR and AK, I was intrigued by the Tavor. I bought three of them to test and see if they could live up to the hype. [Read more…] about Review: IWI Tavor X95 Bullpup

The Three-Caliber Glock Conversion

A few years ago, it was fashionable to see stories in the gun books concerning caliber conversions from one caliber to the other. I think the king of these conversions is the 1911. I have fired the 1911 in .22, .30 Luger, 9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, 10mm, .400 Cor Bon, .41 Avenger, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum as a single shot, .45 Super, and the .460 Rowland. Some conversion options are a stunt and not worth the effort. However, if you enjoy such things, they are a pleasant diversion. [Read more…] about The Three-Caliber Glock Conversion

Baby Desert Eagle Review

The Baby Eagle was originally introduced in the 1990s and imported into the United States. I remember seeing the Baby Eagle not long after at area gun shows. At the time, it was being imported from Israel under the name UZI Eagle or Jericho. The allure of the Made in Israel branding on the frame was intriguing to me. Today, the Baby Eagle is part of Magnum Research, which is a division of Kahr Firearms Group. KFG was kind enough to send me its new Baby Desert Eagle III 9mm in the full-size polymer frame to try out. [Read more…] about Baby Desert Eagle Review

The 7mm Remington Magnum Cartridge

The 7mm Remington Magnum or .284 caliber rifle cartridge has proud origins. The 7x57mm Mauser cartridge is a mild mannered loading with modest recoil and excellent accuracy. It is quite a game taker at moderate range. A great advantage was that the 7mm cartridge, even at modest velocity, shot flat and featured excellent penetration. [Read more…] about The 7mm Remington Magnum Cartridge

Kahr: Innovative CCW Handguns

In the early 2000s, more states started allowing citizens to carry concealed handguns. At that time, most gun manufacturers were still focused on full-size handguns, which were not the most ideal for CCW. The guns that were available for CCW at that time were typically chambered in less powerful rounds, with a .380 being the beefiest round you could get. Kahr saw the need and developed a very innovative line of handguns. [Read more…] about Kahr: Innovative CCW Handguns

RMR on an AK? RS Regulate’s New AKMR

RS Regulate has been manufacturing two-piece AK optics mounting solutions for AK pattern rifles for a number of years. Its first-gen mounts combined an upper mount dovetailed into a lower mount. This was a solution that could be used to put the optic directly over-bore—something not all mounts can do when it comes to AK side rails with variable thicknesses—but offered limited adjustability front-to-back as well as limited which optics that could be used. [Read more…] about RMR on an AK? RS Regulate’s New AKMR

Gun Test: SIG P226 — The Definition of Reliability

Choosing a handgun for self-defense is a helluva decision, almost too important for an individual to make. While it is a personal decision at the end of the day, it really needs a committee to vet the decision and narrow the choices, similar to the military choosing a new service weapon. Of course, you could skip all of the hoopla and look to service weapons. The SIG P226 for instance was a favorite of the U.S. Navy SEALs for many years. [Read more…] about Gun Test: SIG P226 — The Definition of Reliability

Cocked and Locked: Reality Therapy

On my first night as a peace officer, the training officer I was assigned to asked, if I was prepared for a war. I was carrying a cocked and locked, hammer to the rear, safety on, Colt Combat Commander .45 in a Safariland holster. Two spare magazines were on the left front. I may have been a little ahead of the times. [Read more…] about Cocked and Locked: Reality Therapy

Federal Syntech: Next Generation Training Ammunition

Ammunition manufacturers have made great strides when it comes to hunting and self-defense ammunition. Training ammunition, however, has progressed little. Oh sure, your can buy steel case ammunition or remanufactured ammunition at a decent price, but I am talking about training ammunition that still maintains its price point, but offers a technological advantage. Federal recently finished a years long development of a new practice load, and the American Eagle Syntech is well worth your time and effort to obtain and use. [Read more…] about Federal Syntech: Next Generation Training Ammunition

Gun Test: Charter Arms Pitbull in .45 ACP

The newest model in the Charter Arms Pitbull series can share ammo with your .45 ACP without using moonclips! I’ve always liked large frame revolvers chambered in .45 ACP. I like the idea of being able to fire the same cartridge as my 1911 and other .45 ACP pistols, in a revolver. The problem I’ve had with these revolvers is an on-again, off-again relationship with moonclips. You need moonclips to quickly load and reload these big bore revolvers. The problem is clip bend or break.  [Read more…] about Gun Test: Charter Arms Pitbull in .45 ACP