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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

A Case for the Modern Revolver

Contrary to what you may see in a lot of the popular firearms media these days, the revolver as a self-defense tool is not dead. In fact, there are quite a few options available these days for those seeking a revolver for home defense, concealed carry or recreational shooting. But why would you choose a revolver when there are so many semi-automatic pistols available these days? Well, let me explain why you should consider one. [Read more…] about A Case for the Modern Revolver

Choosing the Right Holster

When you choose a handgun and holster, you are investing in a concealed carry system. The holster is an important part of the system, at least as important as the handgun itself. I have seen too many unserviceable, sorry excuses for holsters in my classes, and the hell of it is many carry such holsters to defend their life! [Read more…] about Choosing the Right Holster

Gun Test: Zastava .22 Rifle

A good quality, .22 caliber bolt-action rifle, such as the Zastava MP22, is among the best firearms available for all shooters and those who love the outdoors. It is suitable for training, recreational shooting, small game hunting, and general outdoors duty. The .22 caliber rifle is easy to use well, and practice is cheap. There is no harsh recoil to intimidate young shooters. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Zastava .22 Rifle

Range Review: SIG P365 — The Smashing Little 9mm

I don’t mind carrying a small handgun that is efficient for its size. Some handguns are a wonder of downsizing. However, small 9mm handguns have a set of problems that isn’t easily addressed. This includes lower magazine capacity and lower hit probability. A short sight radius doesn’t make for good accuracy, but the SIG P365… [Read more…] about Range Review: SIG P365 — The Smashing Little 9mm

Mission First Tactical — New Accessories for 2018

Mission First Tactical is meeting consumer demand with a host of new products. Historically, MFT released of a small number of products each year. However, 2018 is MFT’s year to leap forward with new magazine options, holsters, muzzle brakes, and more. Let’s take a look at what MFT has brought to the market this year.
[Read more…] about Mission First Tactical — New Accessories for 2018

Range Test: SCCY CPX-2 — An Affordable 9mm

A few years ago, when SCCY introduced the CPX 9mm handgun, I found the piece to be reliable, well designed, and offered at a fair price. The early versions with a frame-mounted safety sometimes suffered from the safety moving to the on position during firing though. While SCCY has corrected the issue, and the shooters thumb contacting the safety may have caused some of it, I recommend the version without a safety. A pistol with a 10-pound double action only trigger may be carried without a manual safety. [Read more…] about Range Test: SCCY CPX-2 — An Affordable 9mm

Comrade Handgun — The Tokarev and Vepr Combination

I always prefer rifle/handgun combinations, and the obvious choice for the Vepr is the Tokarev or Makarov. The funny thing is, the more I thought about the T-33, the more it—or at least the cartridge—began to make sense. The 7.62x25mm is a heckuva flat-shooting round. The little 86-grain bullet travels at some 1,450 fps, and I find it most fun to shoot at long range. It is no problem to hit (or at least frighten terribly) clay pigeons at 50 yards and more. I was reminded of the time I was quail hunting with a shotgun and was dogged by a wily coyote just out of shotgun reach. Since then, I’ve always taken along a 40-ounce 1911 in either 10mm or .38 Super. [Read more…] about Comrade Handgun — The Tokarev and Vepr Combination

CZ 455 Varmint and Trainer .22 LR Rifles

I fired my first .22 caliber rifle at perhaps 10 years old. I have been through many rifles always upgrading the .22. The .22 offers excellent economy and is the place where we should all start. The .22 is also the place we should go when we are having marksmanship issues. Today, one of my favorite .22 LR offerings is the CZ 455 series. [Read more…] about CZ 455 Varmint and Trainer .22 LR Rifles

Review: Fiocchi 22 LR — First Class Plinking and Hunting

When I am shooting on my own time and my own dime, most of the shooting is that pastime called plinking—most often with Fiocchi 22 LR. I am fortunate to have plenty of dirt clods on a berm and I also use clay birds. I do not use the time proven tin can so much these days. I use paper because Birchwood Casey offers so many variations. [Read more…] about Review: Fiocchi 22 LR — First Class Plinking and Hunting

Does your ammunition choice matter in court?

Shopping for ammunition can often seem like a daunting task. With consumer overload from the different brands and an abundance of uses, when you’re looking at shelves of ammunition it can be difficult to figure out which type of ammo works best for your firearm and what is legal for you to have. [Read more…] about Does your ammunition choice matter in court?

Choosing Your First Concealed Carry Handgun

Choosing your first concealed carry handgun is a daunting task for most people. You may be at the mercy of the salesperson behind the counter or relying in the advice of a buddy or family member who “knows stuff about guns.” Neither choice would be good or bad, if you do your own homework and make an informed decision. The following six tips will put you on the right path. [Read more…] about Choosing Your First Concealed Carry Handgun

Need a hard hitting .223 load? Grab some Fiocchi!

When practicing with the .223 Remington/AR-15 combination, I am always on the lookout for quality practice ammunition, such as offering from Fiocchi. While I handload, I do not always have time to keep up with the demand made in testing rifles, practice, and teaching. Most of my practice loads are my own handloads put up in reclaimed brass and topped by some type of 55-grain FMJ. [Read more…] about Need a hard hitting .223 load? Grab some Fiocchi!

Take Your Vepr AK Hunting!

American and Western soldiers have been facing the wrong end of a Kalashnikov rifle for better than half-a-century. The AK-47 is effective as a battle rifle, just as the Remington 700, Winchester Model 70, and Modern Sporting Rifle are. So, if you would take the last three hunting, why not the AK? And, if the Molot Vepr catches on, the North American cervid population may reap a similar whirlwind soldiers have, as the new AK chambers multiple calibers suitable for all big-game in the lower 48. [Read more…] about Take Your Vepr AK Hunting!

Review: Fiocchi .30-06 Springfield Ammunition

If you own a rifle in .30-06 Springfield, you know how powerful, accurate, and effective this cartridge can be, but do you know how well Fiocchi .30-06 Springfield ammunition shoots? The .30-06 was developed to match the German’s 8mm Mauser. The .30-06 outstrips the .303 British and 7.7 Japanese for power. [Read more…] about Review: Fiocchi .30-06 Springfield Ammunition

Gun Test: Rex Zero 9mm Compact

Recently, I was able to obtain, test, and evaluate the Arex Rex Zero 9mm compact. The results were good, as the pistol has proven reliable with every load, more accurate than expected, and ergonomically pleasing. The pistol is in some ways based on proven operating principles and the SIG P series handguns, but in other ways offers a fresh pistol from a proven manufacturing base. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Rex Zero 9mm Compact

Review: IWI Tavor X95 — Bullpup Bliss

I know there are numerous reviews and videos regarding the IWI Tavor X95 (a favorite of mine comes from Tim at Military Arms Channel). So, this review is in no way seeking to replace any of those reviews. However, as an “average joe” shooter I want to tell you that this thing is fun, and accurate, to shoot. [Read more…] about Review: IWI Tavor X95 — Bullpup Bliss

Four Guns You Should Own

When I first started buying guns, I looked to fill categories. I needed a handgun, hunting rifle, and a shotgun. Next, I looked for a military rifle, something that was historic and battle proven. Next, I broke the handgun category to a revolver and a semi-automatic. The hunting rifle quickly expanded to rimfire, big game and varmint rifles. However you decide to select your next gun, here are four guns every shooting enthusiast should own. [Read more…] about Four Guns You Should Own